Harry's Future, Part 47
Harry sat in his usual place at the faculty table overlooking the students who were enjoying the end of term feast. Although his eyes were roaming over the student body he wasn't really concentrating on what he saw. Instead, he was thinking about what a significant year it had been. A new son, a new house and a new career had all come to him during this time. There had also been some dark moments as well. Taking the life of Lucius Malfoy had been the darkest and it opened up a window for Harry through which he saw very clearly that he needed to make a change.
The thought that his power had allowed him to snuff out the life of the former, in action if not in thought, Death Eater like anyone else would a candle had chilled him to his soul. He resolved that he should not, and would not, continue in a position of civil authority. He would instead devote his life to combating the Dark Arts in the classroom, effecting change a student at a time. He didn't dwell on these thoughts for long, however. He need only think about the wife and son who awaited him in their magnificent, yet warm, new home.
He smiled at the thought of the wonderful edifice that Ginny and Abagail had created for them all. In fact, the following morning he would use the fireplace in the little house in Hogsmeade to return home. Abagail would return as usual on the Express, her trunk and art supplies in tow. In order to be connected to the Floo network, Harry had to supply the Floo Network Panel with a name or address for the small fireplace in the back courtyard to be placed on the network. A number of names had been tossed around in the weeks after the house was first occupied.
DragonHall was suggested but Harry thought that sounded too much like a Viking longhouse with images of heavy drinking and roistering, not to mention the connection to his other self. Someone suggested Haven's Rest or RestHaven since Harry found it to be such a peaceful and wonderful place. Again, Harry had an issue because he thought it sounded like a sanitarium. What they settled on was Meadow Crest. It filled several needs. First, it sounded nice. Second, it did provide some form of description, that is the meadow, although no crest was really evident. Lastly, it was sufficiently obscure so that simple guessing, like Harry's house or the Potters', wouldn't provide access.
Despite all this wool gathering Harry did manage to make a sizable dent in the offerings of the Hogwarts kitchen. It seemed that someone there was indeed looking out for Harry and taking his prodigious appetite into account. When his plate became overburdened with the debris on his meal, such as chicken or chop bones, the plate would fade away and be replaced by a clean one. He was on his third plate but he had only put a few small items of dessert on it as his appetite wound down.
He was sipping from his tea cup when he sensed more than saw Professor McGonagall rise to make her way to the podium to address the student body. The awards announcements went as expected. Ravenclaw once again won the award for scholarship. Hufflepuff won the Quidditch cup on the basis of an outstanding combined performance over the past year of a new keeper and a greatly improved seeker who appears to have benefited from the camps. As a result Ravenclaw was this year's winner of the House cup as well.
When the point totals had become evident in the last few days Bill had to ruefully admit to Harry that Gryffindor had been relying too heavily on its Quidditch play in the past and he needed to start considering rounding out the personality, so to speak, of the house, particularly where academics were concerned. Then the Headmistress said something that immediately got Harry's attention.
"Now, for the final items of business before we bring the evening to a close. It was requested that we provide a bit of time for a special presentation by a special guest. Would you all join me in welcoming that special guest, the Minister of Magic, Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt."
At the sound of the name and the ensuing applause, Harry looked around and saw his former boss walk through the small doorway that generally served as the faculty entrance to the Great Hall. As he walked towards the steps leading onto the dais he waved to the students to acknowledge their reception. As he approached the podium and the Headmistress he looked over at Harry and gave him a smile.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall. I truly appreciate your allowing me to be here and taking some time from your end of term celebration," the Minister said as he shook the offered hand of the Head and then he turned to face the students. "First, may I offer my congratulations to all of you for completing another successful year here at Hogwarts. As I hope you are aware, what you learn here is of great importance to our community, now more than it has ever been. We've made great strides in repairing the damage of those ruinous years of Tom Riddle, or Lord Voldemort if you will, but we still have a great deal of work to do to remove the underlying causes that allowed those events to occur. Thanks to the efforts of your instructors we are making progress."
The Minister paused and turned to face the assembled faculty and nodded to them. He then turned back to the students and continued.
"Two of your professors have been especially instrumental in this effort and it is to recognize them that I've come here tonight. I am speaking of course of Professor Bill Weasley and Professor Harry Potter."
At this point the Minister was compelled to stop because the applause that erupted made it impossible to be heard, even with a sonorous spell. As the students stood and applauded and yelled Bill and Harry looked at each other and shrugged. After a few moments the combined efforts of the Minister, Professor McGonagall and the assembled prefects and Head Boy and Girl brought the Hall back to order. The Minister continued saying,
"Professor Weasley was an essential member of the Order of the Phoenix, that small band of brave witches and wizards that were determined to stand against the seemingly inexorable tide of evil that was Riddle and his Deatheaters. He bears the scars of those efforts to this day. After a costly victory, Professor Weasley stepped into the void that was the Chair for Defense Against the Dark Arts and has worked wonders in providing a practical, effective training regimen in this critical area. In addition, he continues to practice what he teaches, which was most ably demonstrated not too very long ago when he played a critical role in stopping an attempt to topple the leadership of the Ministry and take us back to the old ways."
Once more the applause broke out and it took a few minutes to get things under control. The Minister went on.
"As to Professor Potter, what can I say that hasn't already been said, many, many times? From the day he arrived at Hogwarts he has traveled a road unlike any other. You know his story as well as I do, perhaps even better. If I was to try and go down the list we'd be here all night and cause a great deal of discomfort to the Professor, whose greatest attribute is his humility. He too played a pre-eminent role in stopping the coup attempt and added another accomplishment to the list I just mentioned. Therefore, in recognition of their many contributions to our community and in anticipation of many, many more, I would like to take this opportunity to present to Professor Bill Weasley and Professor Harry Potter, the Order of Merlin, First Class. Gentlemen, if you would."
The room erupted again as Bill and Harry both stood up, bemused smiles on their faces, first shaking each other's hands and then making their way to meet the Minister at the podium. He removed the awards from within his robes and handed them to first Bill and then Harry. As best he could over the noise he said,
"While not entirely inappropriate since unknown to them, the muggle world has benefited from your efforts, it's really the only thing I could find that in anyway signifies how deeply we appreciate all your efforts and sacrifices. Thank you."
They shook the Minister's hand and with waves to the students returned to their seats. The Minister watched them until they were seated and then turned back to the students and signaled for quiet. Once things settled down he said,
"Lastly, I have been asked by Professor McGonagall to make this last announcement, which as you will come to understand is a very bittersweet one for me. As you are aware, Professor Potter spent this last year here at Hogwarts on sabbatical from his post at the Ministry. For a number of reasons personal and professional, he has decided that his time at the Ministry has come to a logical end and he has tendered his resignation as Chief of Magical Law Enforcement," he said to a now stunned student population. "But the Ministry's loss is Hogwarts gain as Professor Potter has accepted the Headmistress' offer to remain as a permanent member of the faculty."
And that was all he managed to get out. The Hall erupted in pandemonium as students clapped and cheered and whistled and hollered and threw their hats in the air. The Minister just smiled and looked back at Harry and gestured for him to stand up. Harry did, with a smile and wave. Others at the table stood and offered congratulations and for a moment Harry disappeared from sight as he was engulfed in a hug from Hagrid.
The noise rolled on and on until finally several members of the faculty, at the request of the Head, fired several exploding starbursts out over the heads of the students, who reluctantly took the hint and slowly brought themselves back to some semblance of order. Professor McGonagall walked back out to the podium and thanked the Minister for his appearance and wished the students a pleasant evening and then dismissed them.
Many of the students milled about, excitedly discussing what had just occurred. Harry and Bill continued to receive congratulations from their colleagues and the Minister came up and offered his thanks once more. Then he said,
"Oh, by the way, I finally got word from Charlie that he's accepting the offer to dig into the mess at Mysteries. He starts tomorrow. I'd imagine you'll be hearing quite a bit about it."
The two just nodded and laughed a bit. The prefects began to herd the students out of the Hall with comments about the need to finish packing for the train tomorrow. As Harry looked out over the dwindling crowd he caught sight of Abagail moving against the tide towards the dais. Harry moved away from the small knot that had gathered by the Minister and walked down the steps to meet his ward.
"Congratulations, Harry," she said solemnly. "That's a real honor."
"I suppose it is, little one, but you know how I feel about those kinds of things."
"Yes I do, but I guess it helps people think that they've found a way to thank you when deep down they know they can never really do it properly, considering what you've done for all of us."
"Oh, I think I know of something someone can do for me that will be more than enough thanks," he said as he held his arms wide in invitation.
Abagail smiled and stepped forward to wrap her arms around Harry as he did likewise to her. They stood there for a few moments oblivious to the noise and looks, an island of calm enveloped in a feeling that can only be describe as family. Eventually, with mutual sighs they stepped apart and Harry looked down into those bottomless dark eyes and said,
"Get a good night's sleep and I'll see you at the platform in the morning, alright?"
"Sure thing, Harry. See you in the morning," she said with a smile and then made her way towards the rear of the Hall.
Harry watched her go and with a final round of farewells he made his way to his small room to get some sleep. The thought of the room, little more than a monk's cell from a medieval monastery, caused Harry to smile. During his first discussion with Professor McGonagall after accepting the full time position the topic of living accommodations was raised.
Up until now, the Headmistress had resisted the idea of moving into the Head's quarters above the office. She suggested that she should probably do so, freeing up the room near the transfiguration classroom that she currently occupied. Harry thanked her for the offer but he intended to commute via the Floo network and would likely only spend a couple of nights a week at the school.
The following morning, once he saw Abagail off at the train platform, he used the fireplace in the small house to travel to his home. In moments he was walking through the back door and through the mud room to the kitchen where Kreacher was busy at the stove.
"Good morning, Master Harry. Kreacher wonders if he should have gotten the door for Master Harry. Kreacher is not used to back doors."
"I think we can do without you opening the back door, Kreacher. Has the new help arrived yet?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Master Harry. Dinkle and Nibs arrived at sunrise. Mistress Ginny is showing them the house. Dinkle and Nibs are very pleased to be working here," Kreacher said with a smile.
"I recall they were very enthusiastic when I spoke to them at Hogwarts. I'm sure they will work out very well. Is there any tea left?" Harry asked.
"Certainly, Master Harry."
Harry took a cup from the cabinet and poured himself a cuppa. He rummaged in another cabinet and found what he was looking for. A small white box that held the greatest of treasures. Harry opened it and found two slightly damaged pieces of heaven. He put the two sugared buttery biscuits on a napkin and carried everything to the counter. He was half way through the second biscuit when he heard Ginny's voice coming from the hallway.
"So that's the house. I hope you'll enjoy working here. Ah, there's Harry. Good morning, sweetheart. Welcome home," she said as she hurried to his side to give him a kiss and a hug.
"Hello, love. It's good to be home. Good morning, Dinkle, Nibs. So what do you think?" Harry asked with a smile.
"It is a grand and glorious house and it will be an honor to work for the great Harry Potter," the taller house elf, Dinkle said and then caught a look from Kreacher. "Master Harry."
"That's ok, Dinkle, you'll get used to it after a while. Gin, what time am I supposed to be at the Burrow to go with Dad to get Abagail?"
"He said you should get there around three. With the unmagicked Popular it should take a bit to get to Kings Cross," she replied.
Out of nowhere came the faint sound of a baby fussing. Ginny said,
"Be right back, I think someone is waking up."
Harry smiled as he watched her hurry off. He then looked down at the two former Hogwarts house elves and said,
"Well, fellas. Welcome to our home. I'll leave you to Kreacher."
Harry took his tea and went to his library. He placed his cup down on the small table beside his favorite chair and went over to the bookcase and pulled out a large leather bound tome and took it back to his chair. He settled in with a long contented sigh and began to read.
As the clock on the mantle approached noon, supported by a growl from Harry's stomach, a small head appeared around the edge of doorframe. It was Nibs.
"Master Harry, Kreacher wishes to inform Master Harry that lunch is ready in the kitchen."
"Thank you, Nibs. I will be right there."
The head disappeared and Harry smiled as he placed the book on the side table and he made his way to the kitchen. When he arrived he found Ginny sitting at the counter with James in his carrier.
"Hello there, you two. You know, I think I'm going to enjoy this summer."
"I would certainly hope so. Two whole months to knock around your new surroundings, reading, chess and flying with Ted and Abagail, what's not to love," Ginny replied with a smile.
Harry smiled back as he dove into his lunch. As the new cook's helper, Nibs paid particular attention to what Harry was eating. The more Harry ate the wider the little elf's smile grew. When Harry was finished Nibs levitated the dishes off the counter towards the sink. As he passed Kreacher, who was cleaning the stove, he whispered but in still audible tones,
"The Master will be a joy to cook for."
Harry had to work hard to stifle his laugh as Ginny hid a smile behind her hand. After his lunch Harry took some time to hold James and walk around the lower floor of the house with him. Ginny had gone upstairs with Dinkle to make sure that Abagail's rooms were ready. Dinkle had spent some years as a housekeeper at Hogwarts, making the rounds by night, cleaning, tending fires and transporting clothes to and from the laundry.
He and Ginny discussed how things would run. Dinkle assured Ginny that he could move silently through the house doing chores at night as he always had. She decided to give it a try and see how it worked out. She never gave it a thought while up at Hogwarts but she wasn't sure she was comfortable with the idea of the elf roaming the house while everyone else was asleep.
Around quarter to three, Harry prepared to leave for the Burrow. He gave Ginny and James kisses good bye and Disapparated from the front portico to the back yard of the Burrow. Meadow Crest had been treated to a full complement of security spells and Disapparating in or out of the house wasn't possible. He went through the back door and called out,
"Hello, the house."
"Harry, dear. So wonderful to see you. How was the year end at Hogwarts?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she came to greet him.
"It was great, Mum. The Minister came up and announced my leaving the Ministry and going full time at the school," he said as he hugged her.
"And?" she prodded.
"Oh, and Bill and I each were awarded OMs, first class," he said as an add-on.
"Harry," his mum chided. "The highest award in the wizarding community and you shrug it off. We are so proud of you," she said as she squeezed him again.
"Thanks, Mum," was all he said in reply.
"Well done, you, Harry," Mr. Weasley added as he strode into the kitchen. "Bill sent us an owl last night. He didn't make much of it either but it is a great honor. Now, what say we go collect young Miss Abagail. Molly, you'll meet us at the Meadows?"
"Of course, I will. Wouldn't miss it for the world. You just be careful and no funny business, my lads," she said with a stern look.
Both returned looks that said 'who? us?' and then Mr. Weasley clapped Harry on the shoulder and they left through the back door. Mr. Weasley reached into his jacket and pulled out the hat and gloves that Bill and Charlie had given him for Christmas and put them on. The image he gave of an English country gentleman would have looked right at home behind the wheel of a Triumph or MG roadster or even a Jaguar E-type.
As it was, with the little black Popular headed down the dirt road toward Ottery St. Catchpole, he couldn't have been happier no matter what he might have been driving. As before, Harry marveled at how smoothly the little car was running. His view from the front passenger seat was still a thrill since it had been such a rarity for him. He half wondered if he should look into learning to drive himself.
The real surprise came once they merged onto the motorway heading for London. Since it was a Saturday afternoon the traffic wasn't too bad but the little car seemed to be more than holding its own with the other, more modern conveyances. Harry began to suspect all was not as it seemed. He gave his dad a sidelong glance and couldn't help but notice the barely concealed glee.
"Hmm, I must say, Dad, for such a small, older car it seems to be stepping right along. I wouldn't have thought that that little engine could keep up with all the other cars."
"It's amazing what a motor can do when it's fresh and in a good state of tune, Harry. The key to keeping muggle machinery running well is good maintenance," Mr. Weasley offered.
"I would have to agree with you there, Dad, considering the evidence. I'd imagine good quality petrol plays a big part, too," Harry added, still watching the happy driver from the corner of his eye.
"Yes, indeed, son, yes, indeed."
"I'd imagine a little assistance wouldn't hurt, either," Harry offered.
"Whatever do you mean, Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked innocently.
"Come on, Dad. I was a copper, remember? Spill it," Harry said.
"Harry, what a tone to take," Mr. Weasley said indignantly.
"Dad," Harry said, drawing out the word in his best interrogative tone.
"Oh, alright, but you must promise to keep this between us. I've been keeping your secrets, so turnabout is fair play."
"You have my word," Harry replied solemnly.
"Well, when I was working on the motor and had it all torn apart it was evident that it was pretty tired. I took the major parts to a muggle machine shop to see what could be done. Well, I got to talking to the machinist and he mentioned how horribly underpowered the Populars were when brand new, and once some wear set in they were even weaker. He said he always thought that the six cylinder motor from a Volvo, like your Uncle Vernon's, would make a nice upgrade."
"I'm no expert, Dad, in fact I know next to nothing about cars and engines and stuff but I seem to remember the bonnet of Uncle Vernon's car was a bit wider than this one?" Harry said.
"Well, remember, Harry, the Popular has separate wings for the front wheels, so the bonnet can be quite a bit narrower. But you're right. It did take some work to make it all fit," Arthur Weasley said with a smile.
"Hmm, the enlargement spell was a bit more extensive than we were led to believe then?"
"You could say that, son, you could say that."
Any further conversation was curtailed as Mr. Weasley swung out to overtake a lorry that was chugging along in front of them. It appeared that Mr. Weasley's promise not to build another flying car was only true in the sense that it didn't leave the ground. As they approached London and the traffic began to build, it was evident that something else had been done to the little car. Like it's larger, Ministry cousins the Popular displayed the uncanny knack for fitting into tight spaces no car, even as diminutive as this one, should have fit through. Mr. Weasley looked over at Harry after one such maneuver with a shy smile and said,
"It pays to have friends in the Ministry Transportation Department."
Harry could only hang his head and laugh. They pulled up to the station and left the car alongside the curb. The same magic that caused muggles to ignore its unusual traffic behavior allowed it to sit unmolested by both civilians and law enforcement. With plenty of time to spare Harry treated his dad to some fish and chips from a nearby vendor. Harry had taken to always having several fivers in his pocket when he ventured into what he thought of as muggledom. They finally found themselves standing on platform nine and three quarters along with many other parents, many of whom came up to talk with Harry and Arthur.
Apparently, news of his move to full professorship had gotten out and he received many congratulations and well wishes. A couple of his former Aurors who were there to collect children had come up and struck up conversations. Invariably they called him 'Chief'. Within the circle of British magical law enforcement, this title would follow him for the rest of his life. After a time the sound of the chuffing locomotive could be heard and everyone expectantly looked in the direction of the tracks and watched as the maroon and black engine slowed and stopped. In moments, the streams of black robed students began to pour onto the platform. Harry was the subject of many shouted greetings and waves and 'see you in fall' well wishes as the students hurried past.
Harry caught sight of Abagail as she exited the car and he was glad this time there were no crutches or canes to get in the way of a full welcome home hug. After giving Harry his, Abagail hugged Mr. Weasley next, who smiled down at her as he said,
"We have a bit of a surprise for you, young lady."
"Really?" she replied breathlessly. "What is it?"
"Oh, no. You'll just have to wait until we get outside. Let's gather up your gear and be on our way."
With trolley in hand they worked their way to the baggage car and collected Abagail's trunk and art supplies, as well as her caged owl. With a number of waves they got through the divider wall and then out through the main doors. When they turned in the direction of the Popular, Abagail's eyes went wide and she squealed,
"Oh, cool. What a great ride home this is going to be."
They wrestled her things into the magically spacious boot, then piled into the passenger compartment. Abagail kept hold of her owl in the roomy rear seat as Mr. Weasley navigated smoothly back into traffic. Abagail was having the time of her life, it seemed. Apparently she was well aware of what her partner in crime had been up to and she commented on how well the little car performed with the updated engine and asked what he had done to get such a nice, smooth ride.
Harry heard something said about dampers and springs but he wasn't too sure what that was all about. He decided it was time to borrow the book he had bought for Abagail that first weekend she had come to visit the Burrow. The ride home was swift and uneventful. Despite appearances to the contrary, Arthur Weasley was a conscientious driver, perhaps taking into account the 'valuables' onboard.
It was well after dark when they pulled through the magic screen to the drive and came to a halt in the gravel car park. They hauled out Abagail's gear, strapped everything onto the trunk and then Harry levitated it for the trip to the house. As they came out of the wood, the house in all its blazing glory came into view. Harry could hear Abagail's gasp. It was the first time she truly saw the completed building. All the light pouring from every window added to the spectacle.
"Oh, Harry. It's more beautiful than I thought it could be," she said, barely above a whisper.
"We have you to thank for that, you and Ginny. That's your vision right there."
Someone inside must have been watching or 'watching' because they were barely half way to the portico when the door swung open and several people hurried out to meet them. Ginny, carrying James, Mrs. Weasley, and Fleur came down the steps and Abagail was quickly engulfed in hugs. Bill Weasley followed at a slower pace, holding on to his daughter's hand. Victoire only had eyes for her uncle 'arry and he hurried up to meet her.
"Hello, how's my girl today?" he said as he swept her up.
"G'd, uncle 'arry," she said as she squeezed his neck.
"So, Professor Potter, now that you're all home together, what plans for the summer?" Bill asked.
"Well, Professor Weasley, I plan to do a lot of reading, helping Abagail and Ted with their flying, get ready for camp this year as I plan to be there the full two weeks. I also imagine Charlie may be asking for some of my, our, time."
Bill nodded and replied,
"He's already got me on hold in case he comes across anymore spelled doors. But since he and El are inside I'll let him do his own asking."
With the welcome hugs finished the small group headed inside led by Harry, still carrying his niece. In the living room he saw Charlie, El and Mrs. Weasley chatting. He set Victoire down and moved to say his hellos as the rest followed in behind them. In moments they were all sitting around the spacious room. Dinkle had taken charge of Abagail's trunk and was floating it up to her rooms. It wasn't long before Charlie, Abagail and Ginny were comparing notes on where each stood with their inputs to the book on magical creatures. Harry was talking to Eleanor and Bill while the elder Weasley's were talking to Fleur.
"Oui, Dad. My aunt and uncle would be more than 'appy to let you use their 'ouse again thees year. They deedn't weesh to charge you rent, but they understand 'ow you feel about eet. The amount weell be small, 'owever," Fleur said.
"I don't mind a bargain, my dear," Mrs. Weasley said, "but for nothing would make me feel like we were taking advantage. I just absolutely fell in love with the view of the sea from that balcony."
"I know, Muum. The way the sun would sparkle on the water een the early morneeng or eveneeng. I remember from when I was a leetle girl."
Meanwhile, the subject had turned to Quidditch with Bill, Harry and Eleanor.
"So, El. How's the season been going? I'm sorry to say with everything going on I haven't been paying attention," Harry said.
"It's been so-so, Harry. We're better than breaking even, but only just. We need something to give us a boost for the rest of the season. I understand we picked up a promising chaser who just graduated and I hope that helps," she said.
"I wish we had done better this year," Bill said morosely. "Harry, I realize that you aren't officially associated with Gryffindor but do you think there's anything you could do? It just hasn't been the same since your seventh year. We held up pretty well the first two years you were gone, but we pretty much graduated all the talent that you and Kreacher trained after that and it's been a tough run."
"Well, I suppose having been a Gryffindor I can throw some support their way. I wonder about something though. Kreacher, could I see you a moment please," he called out.
The little house elf hurried into the room and came to stand before Harry. He had taken to wearing tan trousers, a white shirt and tan vest since moving to the new house. He waited expectantly while Harry looked at him.
"Kreacher, I was wondering. When I was in my last year at Hogwarts, did you enjoy helping with the Quidditch team?"
"Oh, yes, Master Harry. Kreacher very much enjoyed helping to coach the team. Kreacher keeps the sweatshirt and whistle clean and ready."
"So, you'd like being able to help coach again then?" Harry asked.
"Oh, yes, Master Harry."
"What do you think, Bill? Would your team captain be interested in having some coaching assistance?" Harry asked.
"If he wants to be captain he will," Bill said seriously. "As you can imagine, Professor McGonagall wasn't any too happy with what happened this past year. She said and I quote, 'I do not intend to see a return to the days when Gryffindor couldn't win a cup'. Any help would really be appreciated, Harry."
"Well, it will depend on how well Kreacher is feeling at the start of term. Hopefully, with Dinkle and Nibs here he'll have the chance to rest up. Ok, thanks, Kreacher. We'll talk about it more over the summer," Harry said.
"Yes, Master Harry," Kreacher said, his step decidedly lighter as he left.
"Thanks, Harry. That should be a big help. We'll corral the Gryffindor flyers at the camp and do some prep work."
It was at this time that Ginny announced they were going to take Abagail up to her rooms, a journey that involved all the ladies, leaving Bill, Charlie, Harry and their dad to their own devices. The conversation quickly turned to the Charlie's new project.
"So, Charlie, you had your first look at the Mysteries Department. Anything you can tell us?" his dad asked.
"Well, to say it's a mess would be an understatement. It's not just the damage that occurred when you two rescued the Minister. It looks like much of it's been neglected for years now. Maybe it's because of the work they were doing in the Hebrides but I don't know. It looks like more had to be going on to divert all that attention away from what we thought they'd be working on," Charlie said then he looked directly to Harry. "I had your lead investigator along for the walk-through today. I know you hate it when we say these things but he really thinks the world of you. He's really torn about you resigning."
Harry just looked at his bother and didn't say anything. Bill wasn't so reluctant.
"What do you mean, Charlie?"
"He was glad that Harry was safely out of the line of fire, but he really respects him and was very grateful for the opportunity to become a true investigator. Apparently, the former Director, who was Auror chief before that, put a lot of emphasis on Aurors being tough, street fighter types. He didn't put much faith in the brainy approach to fighting the Dark Arts. Milligan was something of square peg in a round hole. He had the credentials but he also had the brains."
Harry was gazing at the floor but then looked up at Charlie and said,
"I'm surprised he actually said all that."
"Well, it did take him about five hours to say it all. It came out in bits and pieces as we were poking and prodding as he put it. He said he'd be willing to help look at anything we come up with to see if it has ties to any current investigations and he's going to assign an Anthony Goldstein to help me. Apparently he's one of your DA turned patrollers who has aspirations to become an Auror investigator."
"Yeah, Evelyn Muntab had her eye on him to move up to the Tactical Squad but he expressed a desire to go into investigations. He's out of Ravenclaw, was one of their Prefects. Smart and capable. He'll be a big help, I'm sure," Harry said.
"That's good to know," Charlie said. "I'm looking to have a couple of my friends come in and help. One is a fair hand in the field, but he's really good at digging into musty old archives and libraries and such and coming up with valuable knowledge that's been lost and forgotten. He should be handy going through the mess they made of the files. Should make for a very interesting summer, and then some."
Once again a small head made itself visible from the side of the entrance to the living room. Nibs said,
"Master Harry, food is ready for you in the kitchen."
"Thanks, Nibs, we'll be right there," Harry replied as the head bobbed then disappeared.
The four rose and followed the little elf into the kitchen where one of the counters was covered with a variety of food that was laid out on platters and in bowls. Ginny had decided a buffet would be more practical considering the informal nature of the gathering. Harry grabbed a plate and began to fill it under the watchful eye of Nibs. Apparently this was a cook who derived great joy from seeing his handiwork appreciated so.
The men had arranged themselves at the counter used for breakfast when the ladies returned. Harry looked up and saw the huge grin on Abagail's face. He smiled in return.
"So, little one, what do you think? Did it turn out how you hoped?"
"Oh, it's so much better, Harry. To stand in the middle of it all, compared to looking at a flat piece of paper, is favorite," she said, her eyes shiny as she walked up to stand at his side. "Thank you for giving me a home."
Harry looked at his ward, his daughter and said,
"Thank you for helping make it a home."