Harry's Future, Part 44
It was getting close to midnight and Harry was left alone in the living room, sitting on the couch, staring into the fireplace. Once it was evident that all was well with mother, child and father, Fleur and Angelina had departed for their own homes with promises to return the next day. Mr. Weasley had retired for the night with one more handshake and congratulations for his 'son'. As he pondered the events of the day Harry was shaken from his thoughts by someone sitting down on the couch next to him. He looked over into the serene face of Mrs. Weasley. She smiled at him and said,
"I just looked in and they are both doing fine. You should think about getting some sleep yourself, my dear. You've had a long day."
"I had the easy part, Mum. I just had to wait."
"That can be just as tiring, Harry. Just ask Arthur. I suggest you plan on going back up to school. Your students need you and the next few days are going to be pretty hectic with the frequent feedings and such," Mrs. Weasley said.
"In other words, dads aren't all that necessary at this point?" Harry said with a smirk.
"Well, no, dear, that's not what I meant. It's just that there will be lots of us here to help and you have your responsibilities."
"If you think that's best, I guess you're the expert, Mum," Harry said, then a quizzical look crossed his face. "Do you know what today's date is? I can't recall."
"It's the fourth of April, Harry."
Harry just smiled and leaned over to give Molly a hug. With a pat on Harry's knee she stood up and made her way towards her own room. Harry kicked off his shoes and lay down on the couch and pulled a blanket over himself. He was soon fast asleep but he spent the night dreaming. What little he remembered in the morning when he awoke was of him flying in dragon form in wide circles around the Burrow scanning the skies and ground for any hint of trouble. It was a dream that would often reoccur in many forms for years to come.
After he had rubbed the sleep from his eyes and put on his glasses he could see that Mr. Weasley was already at the table. Hearing Harry stirring the elder Weasley looked over and said,
"Good morning, Harry. How did you sleep last night?"
"Pretty well, Dad. A bit of a dragon dream but otherwise quiet," Harry replied.
"Dragon dream?"
"Yes, sir. I think I was just flying around the area of the Burrow. Like I was on patrol. It was like the one I had before the second hybrid showed up, only it was just around here."
Mr. Weasley nodded and said,
"That's understandable I suppose. I'd have to think you have even more reason to feel protective of the place now."
Harry gave a small smile as he made his way to the table and helped himself to a cup of tea from the kettle that was there. Assuming that Mrs. Weasley was busy with something to do with Ginny and James, Harry wandered into the kitchen and rummaged around for something to eat. He was interrupted by a voice.
"And just what do you think your doing in my kitchen, young man?"
"Oh, good morning, Mum. I thought you were busy upstairs so I was just looking for something quick to eat before I left for Hogwarts," Harry replied.
"You sit yourself down at the table and I'll tend to your breakfast. Ginny and the baby have had theirs and they are resting. You can go up and see them before you leave for the day. Since its Friday I assume you'll be back for the weekend."
"Yes, ma'am. I have a full schedule today but I'll leave right after and be here in time for dinner," Harry replied. "I remember what you said about the next few days but I just don't think I should be away."
Mrs. Weasley gave him a knowing smile and did indeed tend to his breakfast. Harry left feeling full. His appetite had been rebounding since that bad day at the Ministry and with the knowledge that his wife and child were healthy and in good hands he demolished two full plates of eggs, bacon, toast and at the insistence of his 'mum', a fair amount of fruit. When he was done he went upstairs and knocked very softly on the door to his and Ginny's room.
"Come in," came the equally soft reply.
Harry slowly pushed open the door and saw Ginny sitting up in bed with little James cradled in her arms. Her face bore all the signs of new motherhood. Her smile was soft and her eyes looked a little tired but joyful nonetheless. She looked at Harry and her smile widened.
"Hello there, handsome."
"Hello, beautiful," Harry replied as he approached the bed.
He looked down at his wife and son and he couldn't help but smile. James looked to be sleeping. Then he said,
"How are my two favorite people doing?"
"We're both doing fine, Harry. I'm still feeling a bit tired but Mum is making it so much easier. It's been a long time since I've seen her so happy. Are you heading back up to school?"
"Yes, Mum suggested I should since you two will be lazing about and I'd likely just be in the way," he said with a grin.
"She said no such thing and you're so horrible to suggest it," Ginny said with a laugh. "Now give us both a kiss and be on your way. I'm sure there are lots of people up there eager to hear about your new son."
"Our new son," Harry corrected her as he leaned in to kiss her and then to press his lips lightly to James' forehead.
"I'll see you late this afternoon," he said as he straightened up.
"I believe we should still be here," Ginny replied with an impish grin.
Harry smiled and then quietly backed out of the room, not wanting to look away until it was absolutely necessary. He got to the bottom of the staircase and when he saw his 'parents' looking at him he couldn't keep from breaking into a huge smile. With a hug for both his mum and dad Harry went to the backyard and Disapparated to Hogwarts.
It was a little before nine in the morning so Harry hurried up the wet gravel path through the ever decreasing snow pack. He let himself into the castle and made his way perhaps half a dozen paces into the foyer when he was met by a diminutive, dark haired projectile who threw herself at Harry.
"Hey there, little one. What's all this about?"
"Sorry, Harry, um, sir. Or should I say 'dad'. I'm just so happy. I was watching you last night and again this morning. I was even able to 'see' the baby when you did last night. He's so adorable. I can't wait to see him for real," she enthused in her breathy voice.
"Well, I think we might be able to arrange that. At lunch I'll speak to Professor Flitwick to get permission to bring you to the Burrow for the weekend," Harry said.
"Um, won't you have to get the anteroom fireplace back onto the floo network? We haven't used it in a while."
"No problem, little one. We can use the fireplace at the house in Hogsmeade. We still have the lease and I left some floo powder there," he explained.
Abagail was all smiles and with a last hug for Harry she dashed off to get ready for her first class of the morning. Harry smiled as she hurried off and he made his way to his classroom. Harry managed to surprise himself in that he was able to concentrate on his class work despite what he had experienced the day before. There were some questions at the start of each of the two classes that morning that he was more than happy to answer. One question did throw him, however. One of the seventh year witches asked how big James was at birth, 'you know, Professor, how long and how heavy'. Harry had to honestly answer that he didn't know and hadn't thought to ask. This got him rolled eyes from more then just the questioner.
Disregarding that one bump, his morning had been rather smooth and he was in a very good mood when he took his place at the faculty table. When Bill arrived Harry was obliged to stand and get a bear hug as the students were filing in. The congratulations from the rest of the faculty were more subdued but no less sincere. When Hagrid stumped up the steps of the dais Harry could see there was a broad smile under the shaggy beard and his eyes were bright.
"Congratulations, Harry," Hagrid said.
"And congratulations to you, Hagrid," Harry responded with a smile. "You're a godfather now."
"Yeah, ain't that summat. Can't wait ta meet 'em."
"Well, we should be in the new house in a few weeks. That should be a good time for you to pay us a visit," Harry said.
"That'd be terrific, Harry. I'll do that."
As promised, Harry left the grounds right after his last class, having first collected Abagail who was waiting for him at the front door. They walked quickly to the small house that Harry and Ginny had rented and let themselves in. Harry sent Abagail off through the fireplace first, smiling slightly at the barely audible squeal as his ward disappeared in the flash of green. Harry counted to ten and then followed behind. As Harry stepped out into the living room he saw that Mrs. Weasley was in the kitchen working on dinner but had paused to wrap her cook's assistant in a hug.
"Harry, dear. Right on time. Ginny and the baby are up in your room. Go on up and say your hellos. This one can help me with dinner."
"Can't I go up and see Ginny and James?" Abagail asked from the circle of Mrs. Weasley's arms.
"In a bit, my dear. Let Harry have a few moments and then I'll take you up," Mrs. Weasley said with a kind smile.
Abagail smiled and nodded her understanding. Harry made his way quietly up the stairs and knocked softly then entered. He saw Ginny in the same position as when he left in the morning only now her eyes were closed. Her wealth of red hair was fanned out on the pillow behind her head. Harry slowly moved over to the bassinette that held James. He, too, was asleep.
"Try not to wake him, sweetheart. He was a bit fussy this afternoon," Ginny said in a low voice.
"Is he alright?" Harry asked, sounding just a bit alarmed.
"Yes, Harry, he's just being a baby. Fussy is allowed," she replied with a smirk.
Harry moved to the side of the bed and leaned over to kiss his wife. He sat down on the side of the bed and gave her a hug as best he could without disturbing her. She responded with a bit more vigor.
"It's alright to squeeze a bit, sweetie. I'm not going to fall apart."
Harry pulled her to him a bit tighter. He felt her lean into him and sigh.
"Mmm, now that's much better."
They continued to hold each other for a few moments until another knock was heard at the door. Harry smiled and said,
"That would be Abagail."
"The whole family together," Ginny said with a smile and then looking towards the door called out, "Come in."
The door swung in and a head full of dark hair poked in. Ginny crooked a finger and Abagail hurried in and climbed up on the bed to wrap her arms around Ginny and Harry. When she let go she looked over towards the bassinette and then back to Ginny with a questioning glance.
"Go ahead but be careful."
Abagail slid off the bed and tiptoed with exaggerated care to the side of the bassinette to peer down at the sleeping baby. She stood there without moving for several moments and then looked back at Harry and Ginny with tears standing in her eyes. She turned and quietly made her way back to the bed and climbed back up. Harry had loosened his hold somewhat on Ginny and Abagail burrowed her way in so that she could wrap her surrogate mother tightly in her arms with her faced buried in Ginny's shoulder. Ginny put her arms around the little witch and stroked her hair and murmured in her ear. When Abagail finally looked up her eyes were still wet but her smile was warm and genuine.
"What's all this then?" Harry asked.
"We are a real family after all, aren't we?" she asked.
"Yes, we are," he replied.
"I think I'm going to like having a little brother," she said barely above a whisper.
"And I'm sure he's going to like having you for big sister," Ginny added.
They shared a last hug and then Harry suggested he and Abagail go down for dinner. Ginny thought that was a good idea because she'd like to catch a quick nap. She assured them both she intended to be down for breakfast in the morning. This got a smile from both of them. Harry and Abagail quietly left and walked back down to the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley smiled at them and said,
"So, what would you say to some dinner?"
"I would say 'yes, thank you'," Harry replied while Abagail nodded.
Harry and Abagail made their way to the table and took their seats. Mr. Weasley was due to be a little late so it would just be the three of them. When she joined them, Molly said,
"I must say, my dears, that as much as I enjoy having the whole family about, these quiet little meals are a nice change of pace. So, Abagail, how have you been getting on?"
"Fine, Mrs. Weasley. It's been another good year at school and just regular exams to worry about. Next year should be a challenge with NEWTs," Abagail replied.
"Which ones are you going to sit for?" Harry asked.
"Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, Herbology, DADA, Charms, and Transfiguration."
"Hmm, sounds familiar," Harry said with a smile.
"You set a good example, Harry, but don't you remember? I gave you a copy of my schedule this year," Abagail said with a straight face.
Harry just shook his head and said,
"No, I guess I've been a bit distracted lately."
"Pardon me for sounding confused, but aren't you taking Harry's Applied Magic course, Abagail?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Yes, ma'am, but there's no NEWT for it," Abagail replied.
Mrs. Weasley looked at Harry with a quizzical expression. He just shrugged and said,
"For one thing it's a new course and after what Professor McGonagall has told me, it's temporary. Plus it serves more as a bridge between some of the others like DADA, charms, and so forth so it would be hard to have a separate NEWT. What I'm hoping is that it will help the students going for their NEWTs in those courses."
"I think it will, Harry. What you've been discussing and working on with us has given me a different perspective on how to combine different aspects of the other branches of magic. I know most of the other students feel the same way. But what do you mean by temporary? Aren't you going to continue with it?" Abagail asked.
"No, little one. Professor McGonagall has a plan to take what we've been doing in Applied Magic and use it to update the other courses so that it becomes something taught to all the students right from year one. After a few years, I'm going to become the full time Transfiguration teacher. It hasn't been announced so keep it under your hat, alright?"
"Of course, Harry," Abagail said breathlessly. "Wow, that's amazing. Not only will you be impacting basic magical education but you'll be following Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore as Transfiguration Professor."
Mrs. Weasley looked at Harry with a small smile and said,
"You know, my dear, your parents would have been so very proud of you. I know we, Arthur and me, certainly are."
Harry started to blush a bit but was pulled up short by what Abagail said.
"Oh, they are, Mrs. Weasley. They've told me that on more than one occasion."
It never ceased to amaze Harry how this young witch could speak so easily about something that was so fundamentally incredible. It also gave him a thrill, and a sense of contentment perhaps, to know that at least in some way that James and Lily Potter were still a part of his life. When he looked down at his ward, or perhaps daughter would be more accurate, she looked back and smiled that knowing smile he had come to recognize so well.
It was a quiet, pleasant evening with just Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Harry and Abagail sitting in the living room chatting about this and that. One topic of interest was whether or not Charlie was going to accept the Minister's now formal offer to head up the 'clean up' of the Mysteries Department. Mr. Weasley had had a long talk with his son during the week and Charlie appeared to be leaning in the direction of accepting. Near the end of the discussion Charlie had been musing about who might be appropriate to have on his team.
"His first choice on his wish list was you, Harry, but he knew there wasn't much chance there. He's also concerned that it would cut into his time and possibly keep him from being part of this year's Quidditch camp," Mr. Weasley said.
"Well, he's right that I wouldn't be available to work on his team but I could probably help out a bit. I figure I owe him that much since it was my idea in the first place," Harry replied.
The evening wound down around ten o'clock with Abagail taking her usual room and Harry taking one of the other guest rooms. He thought Ginny needed at least one more night to herself to rest. He slept well but he was sure he heard James at least once during the night. He was also sure that the dragon was on the watch, even if it was just in his dreams. When he awoke on Saturday morning it was with a full heart and empty stomach. He dressed quickly and hurried downstairs. He wasn't going to intrude on Ginny until she was ready to come down.
"Harry, dear. Sit yourself down, breakfast is almost ready," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Good morning, Master Harry," Kreacher said from near the stove.
"Morning, Mum. Hello there, Kreacher. I dunno, Mum, are you sure that you're going to want to let Kreacher go once the new house is ready?" Harry said with a smile.
"I'm certain I couldn't keep him here if a wanted to, Harry, but I must say it has been helpful to have him about when there are more than a few visitors," she responded.
"It is true that Kreacher must go to the new house when it is ready, but Kreacher could always come to help Mrs. Weasley on those occasions when there is much to be done," Kreacher offered.
"Thank you, that is very kind, Kreacher," Mrs. Weasley replied.
"You could always hire a house elf for yourself, Mum," Harry suggested.
"Oh, I don't think so, Harry. Besides, most of the time it's just Arthur and me and I wouldn't need the help."
Harry just shrugged a bit. He was just getting started on his second helping when he heard soft footsteps coming down the stairs. He looked over and saw Ginny walking down carefully with a wrapped bundle in her arms.
"Good morning, everyone. I thought it was time that we were up and about. Although James here picked the timing. As for me I would love some breakfast."
Harry got up and came forward to meet his wife and son. Ginny smiled and said,
"Harry, be a love and take James for a few minutes while I get myself situated."
"What? Me?" Harry asked, a bit panicky.
"Yes, you. You are his father after all. Hold him just like this. Support his head this way and the rest of him like that. That's it, sweetheart," she encouraged him as she transferred James over.
When Harry stood with full possession of his young son he stood so still it appeared he had been struck with an 'Immobulus' charm. Ginny looked at him and then turned to her mother with a look of near disgust.
"Can someone explain to me how a man who has faced death, combated evil demons and defeated dragons could be so terrified of so small a creature as an infant child?"
"It's because if I dropped one of those others I wouldn't have cared one bit. Since this is my one and only son I'm quite a bit more concerned," Harry ground out through clenched teeth.
"Harry, dear. Just think of him as a rather large snitch. You've never dropped one of those in your life, so perhaps that might help," Mrs. Weasley suggested with a smile.
Harry took a deep breath and tried to relax. His mum was right. He had very sure hands and was generally quite coordinated so what was he worrying about. He looked down at the small bundle in his arms and smiled a bit and gave an experimental rock. At about the same time he felt a soft, warm, gossamer like touch on the back of his neck and head. It was very much like he had felt that time in the graveyard at Godric's Hollow. He tried to let his senses open up but he couldn't feel or 'hear' anything more. He did look over at Abagail and she nodded in return. When he looked down at James he was sure the little mouth was pulled up in a small smile. It would seem that the newborn boy had just met his other grandmother.
All told it was a wonderful weekend. Harry was able to spend a good deal of time with Ginny since it appeared she was recovering quickly. A small baby carrier was used downstairs so that James could be kept close by and he got a great deal of attention during the short periods that he was awake. Abagail had taken a small sketch pad from her school bag and done several quick studies of the baby or Ginny and James together. She promised that there would be a nice painting ready for the new house.
Harry had promised Professor Flitwick that Abagail would be back at school in time for Sunday dinner so late in the afternoon he kissed Ginny and James farewell and promised to return Tuesday evening. Then he and Abagail stepped into the fireplace and were back at the small house in Hogsmeade in a flash, or two flashes to be precise.
Over the next few weeks Harry settled into a routine that had him at the Burrow over the weekend and on Tuesday nights. He swore that each time he saw his son upon arrival that James was growing visibly larger. His classes kept him busy as did his extra efforts with the students in his Applied Magic classes who were up for OWLs and NEWTs. Two interesting events took place during these weeks of April.
The first occurred indirectly as a result of Harry's improved knee and his good mood. He had taken to walking through the corridors and up and down the staircases reacquainting himself with these previously off limit sections of the school and as a way to supplement his therapy sessions with exercise that couldn't be taken outside since the melting snow had turned much of the grounds soggy, if not downright swampy. On one such occasion he happened upon two wizards that he recognized as fifth years squaring off against each other in one of the upper hallways, wands out.
"What's all this then?" he said in a loud, firm voice.
At the sound of his question the two would-be combatants froze, then looked in his direction and finally bolted, or tried to. Harry, without even drawing his new wand, shouted 'Immobulus' which froze the two in their tracks. Harry took his time walking up to and then around the frozen youngsters. Their faces were set in an expression of panic and Harry stood, arms folded, examining the two. One was a Hufflepuff, the other a Gryffindor. Harry mumbled a phrase and the spell dissipated.
As they were released from the charm the two students took stumbling steps towards Harry and came to a halt at arms length from his stern visage. Harry had once seen a deer frozen in the headlights of Uncle Vernon's Volvo and these two were doing a fine imitation.
"So, perhaps one or both of you would care to explain just what it was you were planning on doing?"
Neither spoke.
"I assume you both had something in mind, otherwise you wouldn't have been in this far corner of the castle with your wands out and pointed at each other," Harry said quietly, both eyebrows pulling down behind his glasses.
The boys looked at each other and then back at their Professor but neither would, or could, speak.
"Gentlemen, if I have to ask you again what it was you were getting ready to do, I will become annoyed, perhaps even angry. Are either of you prepared to deal with that?"
The Gryffindor fifth year swallowed once, then again and finally opened his mouth.
"It..it was nothing, sir. Just a little disagreement is all."
"Do you wish me to believe that you were prepared to break any number of school rules, to include the prohibitions against dueling and using magic on each other, over a little disagreement?"
The Gryffindor wizard-in-training gulped but the Hufflepuff's nerve broke and he blurted out,
"He won't stop talking about her."
The other young wizard glared at his antagonist but didn't say anything. Harry looked at the Hufflepuff and said,
"Her?"
"Yes, sir. He's got no business nosing around someone from another house."
Harry fixed his bright green eyes on the now talkative young man. The boy gulped and then added,
"Sir."
"So what you're telling me is that you were getting ready to duel in the corridors of the school over a girl?" Harry asked.
"Yes, sir."
"I see. And has the young lady in question expressed any preference?" he probed further.
"Sir?" asked the Hufflepuff.
"Has the girl you're fighting over ever said which one of you she likes?"
The two looked at one another and then they both got very interested in the ends of their shoes. Harry had a brief flash of inspiration and had to try very hard to keep a serious look on his face.
"Are you telling me, or not telling me as the case may be, that you've never talked to her about this, either one of you?"
Two heads moved side to side in the negative. Harry pushed it a little further.
"Have either of you talked to her at all?"
Again two head shakes. Harry added a rueful shake of his own.
"Look at me," and when they did he continued. "I want to see the both of you at the first year end of the Slytherin table tonight when dinner is done. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir," they chorused.
"I will grant you this. I will not deduct any points from either house. I'm afraid that if you had to explain why you lost that many points, and it would be substantial, you'd never live it down. Now off with the two of you and I'll see you later this evening."
With a brief hesitation the two turned on their heels and hurried off away from Harry. There was another reason why he had been lenient on the two. He remembered how he had made such a fool of himself on several occasions where girls were concerned and he understood how stupidly boys could behave under those kinds of circumstances.
So it was as the rest of the students were filing out of the Great Hall after dinner that evening the two young wizards slowly approached the end of the table where Harry now stood. On the table were two large bottles of furniture polish and two larges cloths. The two boys eyed the bottles warily.
"Very prompt. Good. Nothing fancy, gentlemen. One of you to a side. You start at this end and finish at the junior end of the Gryffindor table where I'll be seated. That includes the benches. Go to it," Harry instructed.
"Yes, sir."
Harry made his way over to the end of the Gryffindor table and sat down and began to work his way through some homework papers. After a while Bill came over and sat down.
"What's all this about, Harry?"
Harry explained what he had stumbled across and by the time he was done Bill was doing all he could to keep from laughing. The he shook his head.
"Hmm, I suppose I should have a talk with that young fellow from my house, but I can't imagine anything I could do would be more terrifying then having to stand face to face with you in one of the remotest corridors."
"What's that supposed to mean, Bill?" Harry asked.
"Harry, it's a well known fact that you are very popular with and greatly respected by the students here. But lets not forget that with all of your accomplishments, and a number of them in very spectacular and often frightening circumstances, I can't think of a single student who wouldn't be scared witless at the thought of you glaring at them with those flashing green eyes, let alone go through it for real," Bill finished.
Harry looked at his brother-in-law's scarred face and then past his shoulder to see the two boys starting work on the Hufflepuff table. He thought back on the looks of panic and fear on their faces while he was confronting them.
"I hadn't thought about that, Bill. Are they really that scared of me?" he asked anxiously.
"Not in general terms. Not like we all were of, say, Professor Snape. But I have heard students this year say they'd do anything to not get on your bad side, as if you actually had one. Don't be too concerned about it, Harry. Just keep it in mind when you find yourself having to discipline someone, that's all."
"Thanks, Bill. I'm glad you told me. I mean it," Harry replied.
Bill gave Harry a smile and then moved off. It took about an hour for the two to finish up after Bill left and find themselves standing in front of Harry once more. Harry looked up at them from the perspective of his conversation with Bill and he motioned for them to sit down. Once they were settled he gave them a small smile and said,
"If I might, I'd like to offer you both some advice. It comes from some hard won experience. When I was about your age, give or take a year, I had to struggle with the whole boy-girl thing and it turned out to be a disaster. I managed to mess up with two very nice girls and spent the next two years trying to work out how I felt about a third. Fortunately I managed, in the end, to get that one right.
"If I learned anything, however small, it was this. It all comes down to straight forward honesty. No games, no stunts. Honesty with yourself and with the person who has caught your attention. If you truly think that that attention is mutual then approach her. The idea of the two of you fighting over her without her even knowing about it is pretty silly and in a way rather disrespectful of her. After all, she does have a say in it, wouldn't you think?"
The two looked down at the table and then at each other, finally coming back to make eye contact with Harry.
"Yes, sir," they replied in unison.
"Alright then. And as to the dueling, no more. If either of you feels you need to try it again, come see me and we can face off," Harry said with a grin.
This brought their heads up with a start and Harry started to laugh. The boys did, too, although their laughter had a bit of a nervous edge to it.
"Off you go then," Harry said with a wave.
The second significant event of that period began when a small school owl fluttered into his classroom and dropped a note on his desk. It simply stated that he had a visitor awaiting him in the Head's outer office and would he be so kind as to attend him during his upcoming free period. Since it was so politely worded Harry figured it didn't have anything to do with the Ministry or his family so he relaxed and continued on with his class.
When Harry finally made his way up the spiral staircase that opened into the outer office area he saw a wizard of middle years sitting in one of the few chairs. As Harry approached him the man stood with a large smile and offered his hand to Harry.
"Dunbar Oglethorpe at your service, Professor Potter. I am the head of the Quidditch Union for the Administration and Betterment of the British League and its Endeavours, or Quabble for short."
"I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Oglethorpe. How can I help you?" Harry asked.
"Oh, I'd say you've helped us quite a bit already, Professor. In particular I'm here to talk to you about the Quidditch camp you've set up here at Hogwarts," Oglethorpe replied.
"Well, I did bring back the idea from Beauxbaton but most of the work has been done by Bill and Charlie Weasley," Harry said.
"Yes, we are aware of the brothers Weasley and their work. However, it was you that recognized the idea and its merits and argued so eloquently to the Department of Magical Games and Sport."
"Not that it did much good," Harry said with a snort.
"My dear sir. I'm afraid that nothing you or anyone else could have said would have made any impression on those hidebound fools. One of the reasons that our organization came into being was to try and influence the game outside of the Department. Now that there has been a turnover in the Department's leadership we have hopes that some headway can be made. Therefore we want to help in any way we can in the execution of your camp."
"That would be great, Mr. Oglethorpe. I would have to say that you do need to talk to Charlie and Bill. They are the ones that would know how to make use of that kind of assistance. I'm somewhat embarrassed to say it but I'm not much more than a figurehead where the camp is concerned," Harry said with one of his shrugs and smiles.
"I daresay you are understating the matter, Professor, but I will heed your advice and arrange to meet with both the Weasley brothers as soon as it is convenient for them," Oglethorpe said with a smile of his own. "I would ask that you continue to give the sport your interest and if you have any further ideas please don't hesitate to call on me."
"Thank you, Mr. Oglethorpe, I will. Now that I have a son of my own, I'm sure I'll be giving the game a lot of thought. Although it will be a few years yet before he gets his first broom."
"Yes, I saw the birth announcement in the Prophet. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Harry replied. "You know, come to think of it there is something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Certainly."
"One of the things we started here at the school was the idea of club matches. Student teams not connected with the house teams or house cup play. Another of the Weasley brothers came up with the idea based on muggle football. I wonder if there might be interest in the community for something like that. Amateurs who would just like to play the game for the fun and bragging rights," Harry said with a smile.
"I would imagine there would be, Professor. Many magical folk play impromptu games when and where they can. I would think there would be a number interested in something more formal. I can't say I know where they'd be able to play. There aren't any stadiums outside of the league and they are kept busy with matches and practices."
"Well, it so happens that I own a tract of land in a fairly secluded area of Derbyshire. It was a old farm that I inherited. It would be out of the way and if the pitches were built more for the players and less for spectators it wouldn't be hard to spell them to avoid detection by muggles," Harry mused.
"It sounds very intriguing, Professor. Let me have my discussions with the Weasleys about the camp and then I'll look into the amateur idea and get back to you."
"That would be brilliant, Mr. Oglethorpe. You can always reach me through the school."
"We will be in touch, rest assured, Professor and thank you for your time."
As Harry made his way to the Great Hall for lunch he was pleased that Ron's initial idea for the club matches at the school had a chance to spread to the community as a whole. As he sat at the faculty table doing serious damage to the offerings from the kitchen staff he took some time to think about how things were working out. What he was most eagerly awaiting now was the completion of their new home and getting settled in. Considering he was rather dubious about the whole idea of the manor like house when it was first broached, he had to admit he was rather excited about the whole idea.