Harry's Future, Part 33
Harry sat on a couch in the living room of the Burrow after having enjoyed a quiet dinner with his wife and 'parents'. They had spent the entire afternoon in discussion and Harry never realized that talking could make you so hungry. Although he did suspect that his altered metabolism may have been the true culprit. The conversation was prompted by the earlier discussion that he had had with Eleanor MacManus. That exchange, among other things, made Harry realize that he knew very little about his adoptive parents. It seemed that when he had spent any significant time with them it was a result of some injury or illness that left little inclination for reminiscing. The afternoon of discussion had begun once Mrs. Weasley had made Harry a sandwich and a cup of tea. They took up seats in the living room and Harry said,
"Ginny and I had a visit from Eleanor this morning and we talked over what happened yesterday. At this point we each understand where the other is coming from but there are still some issues to work through. I think she'll be coming to you to get your point of view of things. I don't want to prejudice anything you might discuss but a thought did occur to me. I really don't know all the much about you, Mum and Dad. I mean about before I met you all. I know you met at Hogwarts and you got married but that's about it. I thought maybe we could spend some time talking and letting me get to know the two of you better," Harry said.
This started off a fairly wide ranging discussion of the lives of Molly and Arthur growing up, both in pure blood families, but ones devoid of most of the unpleasant aspects often associated with such heritage. Arthur went into some detail about how he first became interested in all things muggle when he was outside one day and noticed his first airplane flying overhead. When he asked what it was and what magic spell kept it aloft he was astounded to learn it was a muggle construct and made no use of magic. He was bound and determined to learn how they did it and that started him on his life long love of muggle technology, or techlogony, as he often pronounced it.
For Molly it was all about the home. Cooking, sewing and gardening were her consuming passions, until she began to notice Arthur that is. She enjoyed her studies of course but it always seemed to come down to how could this spell or that skill be used around the house. Harry had to smile when he recalled his first time in the Burrow after being sprung from the Dursleys' house and how magic seemed everywhere. Self knitting sweaters, sauces that stirred themselves, and dishes washing on their own.
But his mum's face took on a whole new light when she started talking about her children. Although not his intent, Harry got a detailed run down on all his adoptive siblings. What a joy it had been to home school Bill and Percy, who soaked up everything she presented to them. Charlie was attentive but easily distracted by anything that might have been going on outside. George and Fred were aggressively uninterested in learning anything that couldn't be used to further some prank or plot they were concocting. Ron would work steadily along but didn't really shine at anything until he got a hand-me-down wizards' chess set from his granddad. He proved adept at understanding the interplay of the different pieces and being able to think ahead multiple steps to execute complex strategies. Harry could only nod in acknowledgement since he often fell victim to Ron's forward thinking.
Ginny spent some awkwardly embarrassing moments listening to her mother talk about the first Weasley daughter born in a number of generations. He learned that his wife had been a normally pleasant, sweet natured girl who, when provoked, could turn into a fierce little hellion that on more then one occasion sent this brother or that fleeing a well aimed bat bogey hex or similar curse. When she finally found she could get a broom to do what she wanted there was no holding her down and she received numerous groundings for flying too high or too far a field with the risk of exposure to a muggle. She went absolutely red to the roots of her crimson hair when her mother told Harry how on that fateful day when he met the Weasleys at King's Cross station and Ginny and her mum were left to watch the Express pull away she had looked up at her mother and said,
"That boy really was Harry Potter, Mum. I think I'm going to marry him some day."
When he heard this Harry looked over at this wife and said,
"I'm glad you were right, love."
She smiled through her embarrassment and gripped his hand in hers. They stopped the conversation for a bit to give Mrs. Weasley time to prepare dinner but that really only caused it to shift to the table in the kitchen. Harry was starting to put together a picture of this amazing couple. Seemingly ordinary at a glance, they possessed great talent, immense character and will and a seemingly limitless ability to extend the boundaries of what a family was. He began to see some wisdom in what Eleanor had tried to tell him. He also lamented the loss of what could have been had he been placed with the Weasleys instead of the Dursleys. But he also understood the necessity of Dumbledore's actions, but it saddened him still.
"What's the matter, Harry?" Ginny had asked him.
"I was just thinking how things might have been if I could have come here instead of the Dursleys. It might have made things a little strange for us, but…" he finished with a shrug.
Dinner had improved his mood and now he was sitting back on the comfortable couch with Ginny tucked up against his side looking across at Molly and Arthur. They noticed the distant, distracted look in his eyes while he was thinking on what he had discovered this day.
"Harry?" Mrs. Weasley prompted.
"Oh, sorry, Mum. I was just thinking. This has certainly been an eye opening day for me. I do need to ask you something though and it's a little difficult to say," he said, looking down at the floor.
"Go ahead, son," Mr. Weasley said encouragingly.
"Was Eleanor right? Maybe not the intent but the result? Have I been hurting you?" he said quietly.
"Oh, Harry, how could you think that?" Mrs. Weasley said.
"Mum, please, honesty now, no trying to spare my feelings," Harry said earnestly.
Molly looked at those green eyes and took a deep breath.
"In a word, Harry, yes. It hurts me when I know there are things I could do for you but you resist or refuse because you think it's a bother and you don't want to impose. I know it comes from a good heart but it bothers me still. It also hurts when I see how unhappy you get when you've been hurt or sick and we've been helping care for you and you feel that your being a burden, as you've put it. Harry, dear, I realize you don't have a good handle on how this whole family thing works. But understand this. Being a mum, someone who takes care of her family, is not something I do, it's who I am. You have certainly been a challenge at times but I've loved every minute of it and wouldn't trade it for anything. Does that help you any?" she asked.
"What about you, Dad? How much have I managed to aggravate you over the last few years?" Harry asked.
"Well, Harry, no more than any of the others have. The central theme for you has been as your mother has just said. You think the things we try and do for you are done because we have to do them, not because we wish to do them. It's true that we have much that could be considered reasons to feel obligated to you. But that's not why we do them, Harry. We do them out of love and for the joy it brings to all of us. I hope you can see that."
"I'm trying, Dad. I really am. I guess Hermione was right about me having a thick skull," he said letting out a long breath.
"That may have been a help to you, Harry, considering how much of a beating you've taken over the years," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile. "So, young fellow me lad, has this been of any help to you or have we managed to just add to your confusion?"
"It's helped. There's a lot to digest but at least it's a start," he said with one of his lopsided grins.
"I'm glad, dear. So tell us. How are things going otherwise? You have your classes and the house to deal with," his mum replied.
They spent the next several hours discussing his preparations for his sabbatical and what they had in mind about the house. Ginny was going to make inquires about a rental near Hogwarts and the house project would begin with finding an architect and builder. He was going to send an owl out in the morning to Gringotts asking for recommendations. By the time Harry and Ginny were saying their goodbyes and getting ready for the brief trip back to London, he was feeling much more relaxed. It wasn't until later when he was lying in bed did he realize how deftly his mum had redirected the conversation and lightened the mood of the evening. He shook his head and smiled into the darkness.
The following day a number of messages left and entered 12 Grimmauld Place. One that left was to Gringotts asking for recommendations for the architect and builder for the house. Another was to Professor McGonagall asking for some information for his course work. He received a message from Hagrid that indicated that his broom was in safe hands, which Harry surmised meant the Centaurs had found it. He also received a message from Fleur asking how he was doing and if he would like to have a visit from her and Victoire. Harry sent word back that he was fine and would love to see them. He also received word from Milligan that he would like to come out to make a report and Harry suggested the next morning.
Shortly after lunch Harry received an answer from Gringotts suggesting a firm that could provide both the architectural and construction services and if he was amenable they would arrange for representatives to meet him at a location of his choice. Harry wasn't keen on the idea of revealing the location of the London house to outsiders so he was going to ask his 'folks' if they could meet at the Burrow. Kreacher carried this message and the response was almost immediate and brief. It was 'well, of course'.
The visit from Milligan was the first and it was shortly after breakfast. He came with a folder that contained a number of photographs, sketches and a written report on the results of the investigation into the site in the Hebrides.
"To put it briefly, Chief, there wasn't much of anything left. When the main structure exploded it spread a lot of burning debris about but it pretty much burned down to the foundation. Anything inside was either blown to bits or consumed in the fire. That cave was pretty well burned out as well. It looked like it might have been living spaces or something but it was hard to tell. We did find one small space that the dragon missed. It was a storage area that they must have dug out of the hillside. Didn't have much in it, some barrels of chemicals, some maintenance supplies for the building, but nothing too out of the ordinary. What we don't know is if any of the information that led up to this was left. Files, plans, reports, and the like," he said.
"What about the people, the wizards?" Harry asked.
"No sign of anyone whatsoever. Either the local authorities carted away anything that was left or it just blew away. Kinda windy out there. I do have it on good authority that there are some spooks from Mysteries that have gone missing. And their boss has been doing some pretty fast talking trying to convince the Minister that he had no idea what was going on and this was all unauthorized. I'm not sure the Minister believes him," he said deadpan.
"So we still don't know if this is going to crop up again, do we?" Harry asked.
"Not for certain, but I think it will be awhile before anyone brings it up again and in the meantime we'll keep poking and prodding and see if they've kept anything down in Mysteries about it."
"Ok, Milligan, thanks, I appreciate it. Let me know if there's anything you need me to do," Harry said.
"Ok, Chief. Maybe you could arrange a visit for the little miss. We've had some questions as to whether we'd see her with you laid up," the Chief Investigator said.
"I'll work something out for shortly after she gets home from school," Harry replied with a small smile.
Milligan nodded and then showed himself out of the study. Later in that morning Fleur and little Victoire arrived and Harry was able to make his first payment on the deferred hugs deficit. Harry balanced on his one good leg while Fleur helped him stay stable so the two could exchange a more suitable hug, at least from Fleur's point of view. Ginny was holding on to Victoire, who was reaching out to try and hug Harry as well.
Once he was free to sit down on the couch with his leg propped up he took hold of the little girl and got a miniature version of a Fleur hug after which he propped her up against his braced leg and she once more began an intense examination of his right hand. He looked at the two women and could only shrug.
"I have no idea what she finds so interesting about my hand."
"Maybe she can sense what you can do with it, Harry," Ginny said.
Harry just gave her a look and started to tickle his niece, getting giggles and screeches in return.
"'ow are you feeleeng, 'arry? About Saturday eveneeng at dinner, I mean," Fleur asked.
"Ok, I guess, Fleur. Eleanor came here Sunday morning and we talked it through somewhat. She's coming from a pretty unpleasant place with regard to her childhood and she saw my behavior towards Mum and Dad as being insensitive. She feels very strongly about them and thinks I was putting my own feelings ahead of theirs. In a way she was right but she didn't understand the reasoning behind it. She's going to talk to them at some point to get their side of it," Harry said.
"Harry and I had a long talk with Mum and Dad yesterday. It was very informative for Harry and I think he has a better handle of things now. At least I hope he does," Ginny said.
Harry had stopped tickling Victoire and she had settled down to playing with the straps on his brace. The conversation turned to more pleasant topics, primarily the house.
"I 'ave seen the pictures and it will be a beautiful 'ome for you two and your fameely."
"More than just our family, I think," said Harry. "There's going to be room for a lot of folks."
"Just following doctor's orders, my love," Ginny said airily. "They said you need to be surrounded by family so that's what we're doing."
Fleur stated to laugh and then so did Ginny. Harry had the feeling that he had been thoroughly outmaneuvered. Not that he would ever admit to anyone but the idea of the large, comfortable house was beginning to grow on him, particularly when he envisioned it with a large number of people in and around the place.
So it was on that Friday that Ginny and Harry were sitting at the kitchen table with a Mr. Trevor Basswood and a Ms. Lucille Trent, representatives of Salisbury Plains Construction, Ltd.
Mrs. Weasley had provided a very proper tea and then retired to the living room so as not to be too obvious in her observation of the proceedings.
"I must say we were quite pleased when we were contacted by Gringotts to meet with you, Mr. and Mrs. Potter. It would be quite an honor to be part of this project. But first may we extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery from your injuries," Mr. Basswood said.
"Thank you, Mr. Basswood. I appreciate it. As to the house, we have acquired the land which is not too far from here. If we can come to an agreement I'm sure you'll want to see it. We've given the design of the house a lot of thought and have some ideas we'd like to show you."
At this, the two house builders regarded each other with knowing looks which conveyed the sentiment, 'here we go again, amateurs'. Ginny pulled the portfolio that Abagail had been using to carry and protect her drawings closer and removed the stack of renderings.
"These drawings represent what we thought we'd like for the house. These first few are the exterior views. We also have some ideas for the interior but I thought we'd start with these," Ginny said.
She spread the pictures out so that Basswood and Trent could see the views of the front, sides and rear as well as several three quarter views. Harry was sitting back watching the reactions from their guests and it was very satisfying personally to see the look of amazement spread across their faces. Finally Ms. Trent found her voice.
"I beg your pardon but I was under the impression that you were looking for an architect. Who did these?"
"My legal ward is a very talented artist. She and Ginny came up with these," Harry said.
"Is she working for anyone at the moment?" Mr. Basswood asked.
"She's just finishing up her fifth year at Hogwarts," Ginny offered.
"She's still in school?" he replied, amazed. "I think we'd like to talk to her at some point."
Harry just nodded and the discussion got down to details. There was very little that the builders thought needed changing, a detail here or there. Some technical details were also discussed and in the end an agreement was reached where they would take the drawings and work up plans and an estimate and return in two weeks time. This would also allow them to meet the artist. The two left with the portfolio in hand, talking to each other animatedly.
"It looks like our Abagail has some options for her future," Ginny said.
Harry smiled and then looked back over his shoulder and said,
"What do you say, Mum. Lunch at the Cauldron? My treat."
"My, Harry, what a wonderful idea, but I wouldn't want to be a bother, you know."
Harry rolled his eyes and Ginny tried hard, but ultimately in vain, to stifle a laugh. The lunch was Harry's first public appearance since he was injured and he was greeted with great enthusiasm by Hannah Longbottom.
"Harry, oh it's so good to see you out and about," she said as she tried to gingerly but enthusiastically hug him. "How are you feeling? Oh, what am I saying. I can see your leg all bound up and you're on crutches. Come and have a seat. Hello Ginny, hello Mrs. Weasley, it's good to see you both as well."
With great care Hannah guided them to a table out of the main stream of traffic through the pub and Harry got seated with an extra chair placed to prop up his leg. Hannah stood by the table and said,
"We all saw the press release, of course. Neville has his doubts that you were just a spectator, Harry, but of course we'd never say anything. He said if you intend to keep this up he and Professor Sprout are going to have to come up with something that will instantly repair your injuries. So, what can I get you three for lunch?"
They placed their orders and Hannah was off to the kitchen. Harry looked around and as his gaze crossed someone else's he would smile or give a little wave. Hannah was aware by now of Harry's prodigious appetite so she made sure that his meal was larger than usual. As Harry finished up the last bits and crumbs he looked at his wife and said,
"So, do you feel up to a turn around the Alley?"
"Do you feel up to it, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Won't know if I don't try. If it gets to be too much you can always carry me home," he said with a grin.
Ginny just shook her head and smiled back. After paying for the meal, the three left through the back of the Cauldron and entered Diagon Alley. Harry received a number of waves and well wishes but also more then a few stares. He was used to it by now so it didn't bother him and he enjoyed being out in the warm late spring air. They stopped at Flourish & Blotts to see if anything had turned up in the search for texts for his course. He was happy to hear that a supply of the book, 'Thoughts on Magic in a Mundane World' would be available in time for next terms students.
They stopped in to see George and Mrs. Weasley stood looking about the shop, clucking her tongue in a touch of dismay, thinking that the financial fortunes of one of her children and his family were based on such silliness. Then she sighed and thought it could be worse. They also visited the increasingly pregnant Angelina at the Ice Cream Haven and the penultimate mother grilled her daughter in law on her health, was she too tired, did she have enough help and what arrangements had she made since the baby was going to arrive at the height of their busiest time. Harry and Ginny smiled and made sure that they had obtained a box full of cookies before they left.
As his convalescence progressed, Harry tried to fill his time as best he could. He was wrapping up the preparation of materials for his coming year at Hogwarts as well as reading from his growing library. Over the past year or so Flourish and Blotts had taken a proactive roll and if they or their contacts found something they thought Harry would find interesting, they would send a message with a brief description of the book and its contents and the cost to acquire. More often than not, Harry would buy it, hence Ginny's concern about having enough library space.
An area that had begun to interest Harry was how spells were created or discovered and the various theories of how things actually happened when magic was used. Some of the more mystical ideas revolved around the influence of gods or spirits or the like. He noticed these tended to come from books dating back centuries. Newer ideas centered on the manipulation of energies, which sounded something like what Eleanor had been referring to with the whole 'matter equals energy' business. One author suggested that magic was a manifestation of something called a harmonic resonance between energy in a person's body and that contained in nature. The use of a wand was a way to focus the personal energy and amplify it and that the words spoken 'tuned' it to match the natural energy and hence perform the required feat. Harry got the distinct impression that there was a great deal of speculation out there but it did make him curious enough to want to try an experiment. His limited use of dragon fire had made him wonder if there was a way to tap into that as a human. The books indicated that the use of Latin or its derivatives seemed to provide the best 'tuning' harmonics.
On the desk in his study he had written out a few phrases and he decided to use his finger instead of his wand at first in the hopes of keeping any effect small and manageable. He set a muggle notebook propped up against the wall as a target. Sitting in his chair, he pointed his right hand with forefinger straight out at the note book and murmured 'Incendio Draco' and he felt a tingle run down his arm to his finger tip and brief little flame appeared, then vanished.
"Promising," he mumbled to himself.
He took aim once more and with a little louder voice and imaging a line of fire in his mind he repeated the phrase 'Incendio Draco' and a line of fire about two feet long jumped from his finger and splashed against the notebook, heavily singeing the cover. The smell of burnt paper drifted through the air. Harry decided that was enough experimenting in the house. He needed to be outdoors for anything more. He struggled to his feet and using the gnarled cane that he started using for short walks went and retrieved the notebook, blowing on it to get rid of any remaining hotspots. He went and sat back down and thought about where he might be able to experiment further. He was concerned that it might expend significant energy and he didn't think it wise to go off someplace alone. He also considered the irony of the wording of the phrase.
He got up and walked to the bottom of the staircase and called up to Ginny who was in Abagail's room getting it ready for her return next week. Her response was barely audible from two stories up but then became more clear as she called back down through the stairwells.
"Yes, Harry? Is everything alright?"
"Yes, love. I was just wondering if you wanted to take a trip out to the Burrow with me. I need to try something and I want to have some open space around me," he said.
"One moment, sweetheart," Ginny said and then Harry heard the sounds of rapid footfalls.
She appeared at top of the staircase to the main floor and Harry stepped back. She was looking at him with suspicion. With raised eyebrows she said,
"Just what are you up to this time, oh great and mighty wizard?"
"I'm not 'up' to anything. I'm just experimenting and thought inside the house wasn't the best place for it," he said, trying to look studious and innocent at the same time.
"Hmm, the fact that I can smell smoke tells me you've already tried and now you want to play in a bigger playground. Alright, we'll go. If not you'll likely try it here and burn down the whole block. Let's go," she said.
As they made their way to the front door Ginny was thinking that her plans to lead the quiet life of the wife of a studious academic might not be so quiet after all. She was wondering if she was going to have to add a deep dungeon level room to the new house for the mad wizard to conduct his experiments. Harry collected his crutches and they went outside onto the porch after informing Kreacher they were going out. When they arrived at the Burrow, Ginny hurried up to the kitchen door and opened it part way and yelled into the kitchen.
"Mum, are you home?"
"Ginny? Is everything alright, dear?" came her mother's voice from inside the house.
Ginny ducked inside while Harry looked around for a place to try his experiment. He immediately ruled out the backyard as it was too close to the house and the field across the way was green with heavy spring growth but that probably wouldn't suffice so he settled on the roadway in front of the house. It should be wide enough and the dirt and gravel should be sufficiently fireproof.
"Harry, dear, what are you about?" Mrs. Weasley's voice reached him from the back door.
"I just had an idea that I wanted to try out and I need some open space. Maybe you and Ginny should stay inside. I'll be out front and you can watch from the living room."
"I trust you know what you're doing, young fellow," she said a bit dubiously.
"Whatever gave you that idea, Mum?" he asked with a grin.
She treated Harry to one of her best 'mum' looks and went back inside. Harry swung his way along until he was standing in the middle of the road facing towards where it disappeared into the woods a fair distance away. He raised his hand and leaning on one crutch pointed down the road, envisioning the jet of flame and saying loudly, 'Incendio Draco'. A plume of yellow-orange flame jumped from his hand and travelled nearly one hundred feet down the road before winking out. He looked at the house and saw Ginny and her mother looking at him, their eyes wide and grinned back at them.
"Time for all or nothing," he said to himself and he pulled out his wand and again balanced himself on one crutch.
He gave the wand a swish and flick that would have had Professor Flitwick beaming and shouted as loud as he could, 'Incendio Draco' while envisioning a tighter flare. The results were, to say the least, impressive. The jet of plasma was a pure blinding white and stretched the entire length that the first plume of flame had traveled. When Ginny and Mrs. Weasley had rubbed their eyes to the point they could see again they spotted Harry lying on his back some feet away from where he had been standing. They ran out of the house and Ginny was the first to reach Harry's side. He was laying there laughing to himself. Ginny snorted and then knelt down to help him sit up.
"What are you laughing about? You could have hurt yourself," she said angrily.
"It's ok, Ginny. I just forgot that jet engine stuff," he said.
"What are you going on about, Harry?"
By now Mrs. Weasley had reached them and it took a moment to convince her Harry had come to no significant harm. They helped him up and retrieved his crutches for him. Ginny looked at him again and said,
"You were saying?"
"Oh, it's what muggles use to make those big airplanes fly. The engine produces a lot of hot gas that goes out one way and the engine pushes the plane the other way. I guess that's what happened here. The fire went that way," he pointed, "and I went this way, most of it sliding on my bum," he finished with a laugh.
"Hmm, well that's all very well and good, fellow me lad, but it's a good thing you weren't closer to that wood. You would have sent it all up in flames. Just what good is that going to be anyway?"
Harry shrugged and then said,
"I don't know if it will be of any good. I was just curious to see if I could do it."
Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Potter both rolled their eyes and shook their heads and proceeded to brush the worst of the dust off Harry's pants and shirt. Then they escorted him into the kitchen and sat him down at the table. Since it was close to lunchtime and Mrs. Weasley was sure he had used up quite a bit of energy with that last stunt, as she put it, she better see to feeding him up. Harry agreed readily. It wasn't long after when Mr. Weasley came through the door and said,
"Well, what a nice surprise. I thought I'd come home and surprise Molly with company for lunch and I see a little party is underway."
"I don't know that I'd call it a party, Arthur," Molly said. "Harry here wanted to conduct an experiment," and she proceeded to tell her husband what had transpired.
By the time she was done, Mr. Weasley was sitting across from Harry with eyes wide.
"I'm certainly glad you decided not to try it at home, Harry, but are you sure that's the sort of thing you should be messing about with?"
"I'm trying to be careful, Dad," Harry said seriously.
Mr. Weasley got up and went to look out the front window and he stared at the road for a moment and then went to the front door.
"I'll be back in a moment," he said as he went outside.
Mrs. Weasley stood by the edge of the kitchen and she could see her husband walk out to the road and look down along the direction towards the woods. Then he walked down the road a bit and she could see him looking down at his feet. He crouched down and looked closely at the ground. He then stood up and walked back to the house and then came in through the front door. He had an odd expression on his face as he returned to his place at the table.
"Harry, I think you should be very careful where and when you choose to use that particular spell, if that's what it is. Do you realize that there is a substantial stretch of the road out front with a section running down the middle that is essential dirty glass?"
"Um, no, sir. I didn't get a chance to look at it afterwards. Glass, you say?" Harry said carefully.
"That's right. The sand or whatever in the road was melted and now it's a dark brown glassy substance," Mr. Weasley said, looking across at Harry.
Harry blinked a couple of times and said,
"I'm glad I didn't try it in the study then."
The Saturday of the following week at the Burrow proved to be just as exciting but much more fun with a party celebrating Abagail's sixteenth birthday. In addition, although still unofficial, everyone was expecting that Abagail would receive Exceeds or Outstanding in all her OWLs. It was a full family celebration with everyone in attendance including Teddy Lupin. Harry and Ginny had collected him from his grandmother's and he was going to spend the weekend with them. It was obvious he had remembered Abagail from the wedding because wherever she was, he was close by.
There was a tense moment when Charlie and Eleanor arrived. Charlie greeted Harry with his usual vigorous handshake and smile and then stepped away. Eleanor looked at Harry and gave a bit of a smile and then stepped forward to hug him. He returned the favor as best he could and something was whispered back and forth. While it was never revealed exactly what had been said when Eleanor had spoken to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley it was intimated that while it was agreed that Eleanor's concerns about her boyfriend's parents were appreciated her conclusions about Harry's motives were way off base and that she needed a serious lesson in family history. What conclusions she came to as a result of the lesson were never discussed openly but she would always greet him warmly and never had a bad thing to say about him again. It took Fleur a while to warm back up to Eleanor again and for a time their greetings were cool but eventually they thawed.
Other arrivals to the party included members of the Office of Magical Law Enforcement to include Aurors, a few Patrollers and Tom Medford. Abagail and Tom spent some time talking together and Harry watched them from his place on a new chaise lounge. His favorite old chair had been tucked away and no one was going to trust it to support his injured body. After a while he let his gaze drift and he made eye contact with Ginny who was watching him from nearby. She obviously found something amusing. She got up and came over to crouch down beside his chair.
"What's so funny?" Harry asked.
"You are, my love," Ginny replied with a smirk.
"What do you mean?"
"If you could only see the look on your face when you were watching Tom and Abagail talking. Your eyes all squinty even with your glasses on and your lips turned down. He's a very nice, polite young man, Harry, and Abagail needs to have nice people around her these days," Ginny said.
"I know he's nice and polite. I also know he's only a year younger then I am and that's six years older then Abagail. That doesn't concern you?" Harry asked.
"Not really. Abagail is an old, old soul, Harry and so far there's nothing to suggest anything of that sort. Besides, Bill is seven years older then Fleur and I think that's been working out fairly well, don't you?" Ginny asked.
Harry looked over to where Fleur was sitting with Victoire on her lap, Bill sitting besides her. The young Ted was standing in front of them looking at the toddler with intense curiosity.
As if feeling his eyes on her, Fleur looked up and over at Harry with a smile but a question in her blue eyes. He smiled back and looked over at Ginny.
"Yes, it has, but I guess I'm being forced to deal with issues I'm not quite ready for. I guess it's making me a little edgy."
"Sweetheart, you aren't dealing with them by yourself. I'm right here with you. And take a look around," Ginny said and gestured with her hand.
Harry did and he saw something that he hadn't seen before because he was focused on just the two younger people. Mrs. Weasley was watching Abagail and Tom with eagle eyes. He also saw that a pair of Aurors that worked on Milligan's team had drifted to within hearing distance of the two young people and were paying close attention. Lastly, Milligan himself had sat down in a chair that had a clear line of sight to the two. Harry looked back at Ginny and gave her a crooked half smile.
"I guess I'm not the only one concerned then."
"I think that's a very good observation, sweetheart. I think you can relax a little bit."
When it came time for the presents, Abagail was quite overwhelmed. From Ginny and Harry she received some new robes that were quite stylish and gave her a more grownup look. Harry wondered, all things considered, if that was such a good idea. Ron and Hermione gave her a nice leather school bag. Numerous art supplies were in evidence and something that really gave Harry a start was a very nice make up set from Fleur and Bill with a promise of lessons on how to apply it from Fleur. Abagail was thrilled, the ladies quite pleased and Harry was appalled. Ginny just smiled at him and gave his arm a squeeze.
A very fine cake was provided by Mrs. Weasley, although not without some serious discussion with Angelina who had wanted to provide it. She was able to provide the ice cream that went alongside, however, and the combination was greatly appreciated by all, especially Harry. Another highlight of the afternoon was when Harry had a chance to talk to Ron. He had something to tell Harry that had him smiling from ear to ear.
"I had a trip up to Hogwarts a week or so ago, Harry."
"Were they still playing club matches?"
"No, but you're close. They had a little award ceremony to recognize the top three teams and also some individual awards like top scorer, most saves, that sort of thing. Someone must have let it out that I was the one that came up with the idea for the club matches because they asked me to give out the awards," he said.
"That's terrific, Ron. So I guess the program is a success and they'll carry on for the coming term."
"That's right. It was really cool. Afterwards a lot of 'em came up to me to say how much fun it had been and they were all really glad for the chance to play in regular competition."
"Well done you, mate. I told you it was important that you take part in the camp."
Ron just smiled and Harry clapped him on the shoulder. By sunset the party was winding down and guests were Disapparating home. Harry and Ginny, along with Teddy and Abagail were going to stay at the Burrow overnight. They all wound up in the living room and Abagail was keeping Ted busy by playing a game of gobstones. This particular set was intended for young players and instead of the nasty smelling liquid usually spit out, this set just spit water. Ted found it immensely entertaining.
Ted began to fade around nine and Mrs. Weasley took him up to his room and Abagail came up to sit on the couch with Harry and Ginny. She let out a big sigh and leaned her head against Ginny's shoulder. Harry looked around his wife and said,
"Big day, eh, little one?"
"Yes, and it was a very nice party, thank you very much," she said but her light voice sounded wistful.
"What's the matter, Abagail?" Ginny asked.
"Oh, I'm just being silly I suppose but I don't really like the idea of getting older," she said.
"Well, I don't see that you have a choice, Abagail," Ginny replied. "None of us do."
"I know, but the more I grow up, the more I catch you two up. Even though we'll always be the same number of years apart, soon I'll be an adult too and it will be harder to think of you as my parents," she said as she looked up at Ginny and then at Harry. "I do think of you that way, you know, just like you consider the Weasleys yours, Harry. I'll miss how that feels, I think."
Abagail leaned back into Ginny's shoulder with a sigh. Ginny looked back at her husband and then she put her arm around the girl's shoulder and pulled her close. Harry didn't know what to say but Ginny tried.
"I understand what you're saying, sweetheart, but whatever the years may bring I want you to know that we will always love you and consider you as a member of our family. And I wouldn't worry too much about it. If today was any indication, Harry will always behave very much like a father where you are concerned," she said and then leaned down to whisper in Abagail's ear.
When Ginny was done Abagail sat up and looked around at Harry, her eyes wide and her face red. Then she began to giggle and tried to stifle them with her hands but it was to no avail. Harry scowled at his wife who just looked back at him with a very knowing expression. Mr. Weasley, that paragon of wisdom, wisely chose not to notice the whole exchange.
The next week brought two interesting interruptions into Harry's studious routine. The first was a visit from Kingsley Shacklebolt. He arrived around mid morning and Kreacher let him in and escorted him to Harry's study. Ginny had agreed to take Abagail to the Ministry to meet with some of the friends that hadn't been able to make it to the party.
"Master Harry, the Minister of Magic has arrived," Kreacher said from the doorway.
"Thank you, Kreacher, please show him in," Harry said.
"Hello, Harry," rumbled the Minister. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm doing pretty well, sir. Leg's not much use, but at least it's not too painful. I'm getting plenty of time to do my last minute preparations for the coming term. How are things at the Ministry?"
"Not all that well, in fact. The idea that a group of rouge wizards conducting this kind of experiment right under my nose hasn't done much for my credibility. The fact that you were involved in the conclusion has helped but…" Shacklebolt shrugged. "I won't suggest we are back where we were when Voldemort fell but it's a set back. Some of the old family types are calling for changes, or changes back, I should say."
Harry nodded and then said,
"Have you been told about our tracking of Lucius Malfoy's activities? It seems that he's been spending a lot of time visiting some of those you've been mentioning."
"Grimsson has mentioned something to that effect. I believe you thought he might have had something to do with the dragon business."
"I still do. I think he's the one through which the creators of the first hybrid got access to the old farm and how the information got to the spooks for the second. Somewhere, some when, I think there is still going to be a reckoning with Mr. Malfoy," Harry said quietly.
The Minister simply nodded, then said,
"So, Harry, you're set for your sabbatical? There's quite a bit of wagering going on that you won't be coming back to us," the Minister said seriously.
"I guess that's a possibility, but I haven't made any decisions. You know I'd tell you if I did."
"Yes, I know you would. Which reminds me, I've been asked to find out when you're leaving for Hogwarts. They'd like to send you off with a little gathering. Nothing extravagant, but like I said, they think you might not be coming back and they want to do something for you."
It was an indication that Harry was taking the lessons learned recently seriously as he did not try to beg off on the farewell. He looked at the Minister's expression and said,
"I was planning on going up the week before so I could get things ready so I guess the week before that?"
"Excellent. I'll pass that on."
The Minister left shortly after and Harry wondered what was fueling the speculation of his leaving the Ministry for good. Maybe they thought he just couldn't take the beatings anymore. He wasn't so sure he could either. The next interruption came later in the week when the two representatives from the builders came back for their second meeting. As before it was held at the Burrow. This time Abagail was there.
Basswood and Trent had arrived with an easel and a large portfolio and a small leather briefcase. The easel was set up in front of the fireplace and a series of large renderings were placed on it. Harry, Ginny, Mrs. Weasley and Abagail were sitting on the couches and Mr. Basswood was making the presentation.
"Mr. and Mrs. Potter, as you will see there isn't a great deal of difference in what you showed us two weeks ago and what we are going to show you today. Essentially we've taken your ideas, made sure that they comply with current standards and practices and made a few suggested changes that might make your home more comfortable," he said and then turned his attention to Abagail. "I must say, young lady, that we were all very impressed with your artwork. I understand that you've had no formal training, is that correct?"
Abagail merely nodded. Mr. Basswood continued.
"Well, I must say that you've a great future ahead of you if you so choose. I know Ms. Trent would like to speak to you before we leave."
Abagail looked over at the witch and nodded with a shy smile.
Mr. Basswood smiled and nodded and then pulled a blank placard away to reveal the first view of the proposed house. In truth it did look very much like the renderings Abagail had done, only larger and with a bit more definition and detail. They were taken through each view and the features explained, then the floor plans where shown and here was where most of the suggestions were made. The kitchen looked larger and had more cabinets then the original.
"We've found that in many instances, homeowners tend to regret not making their kitchens larger."
Mrs. Weasley nodded sagely at this comment. It also appeared that more room had been allocated to the library. Harry looked at Ginny and said,
"Did you suggest that when I wasn't looking, Gin?"
"No, Harry, not that I'd argue with it," she replied.
"No, Mr. Potter, but we did some research and we discovered that you've been doing lectures at Hogwarts and you'll be spending this next term teaching there. It occurred to us that someone of such academic interests could do with more space in this area. All of us at the company have been through Hogwarts of course and many of us have children there now or will have in the future so we have our own interests at stake, so to speak," he said with a slightly sheepish grin.
Harry simply nodded and gestured for the man to continue. They covered all the bedrooms to include a master suite on the first floor as an option that would alter the layout of the house somewhat but Ms. Trent went on to explain.
"We mean no ill luck to you, Mr. Potter, but considering the injuries you've suffered it was thought that minimizing the need to climb stairs might be something to consider."
Harry leaned back into the couch, his left leg propped up on the cushions. He looked at Ginny and then Abagail. Ginny was the first to speak.
"It makes a certain amount of sense, Harry. We don't know how long you'll be rehabilitating your knee or how complete the healing will be. Plus as we get older it might not be a bad thing for both of us," she said with a small smile. "We probably should have thought of it ourselves, eh, Abagail?"
Abagail gave a small, sad, smile. Harry looked back at the builders.
"You've priced out both options?" he asked.
"It all comes out about the same, Mr. Potter," Mr. Basswood said.
"Alright. Why don't you give us a bit of time to consider it and then we can send you a message with our decision. I really like what you've come up with; I just want some time to consider which way to go."
"Very good, sir. We'll leave the renderings so you can use them to help you decide. We look forward to hearing from you," Mr. Basswood said. "Now, I need to get back to the office, but with your approval Ms. Trent wished to speak with Miss Westwood."
"That'll be fine," Harry said, extending his hand from the couch. "Abagail and Ms. Trent can use the table in the kitchen to talk."
Mr. Basswood left and Ms. Trent and Abagail moved to the far end of the kitchen table. Harry remained on the couch and Ginny and Mrs. Weasley moved up to take a closer look at the artwork for the house. They spoke for a few minutes and then looked back at Harry who was looking at but not really seeing the drawings. Ginny stepped closer and asked,
"What's the matter, sweetheart?"
"I was just thinking. What they said about having our room on the first floor. When the Minister was to the house the other day he mentioned that they're laying odds on my not ever coming back to the Ministry. I was wondering if others can see my future more clearly than I can. That it's that obvious but I can't, or won't, see it," he said looking at her with those deep green eyes, looking sad and a little lost.
She reached down and took his hand and gave it a squeeze. Then she said,
"It's your future, my love, and what others think is obvious, isn't. Not until you've been able to work through it and make your choice. But whatever choice you make, I'm there with you."