The Half Blood Prince Revealed
Summary :
Harry's summer before sixth year is no different from the others. Around every corner surprises, good and bad, and adventure of all kind await. And it looks like the gods have finally granted Harry a possibility for a nicer life. What will this mean for his 6th year at Hogwarts ?
General Disclaimer :
I am just playing in the sand of JKRowling's literary produced beach and am attempting to build my own sandcastle for others to enjoy.
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23 Secret Plans
After dinner on Sunday evening the two eldest Weasley sons returned to their homes both laden down with several food packs from the elves. Shortly after, a reluctant Tonks said her goodbyes as she got ready to return home. Harry issued an open invitation for her to spend as much time as she wanted at the manor and Tonks agreed she would come back to stay for a while at some stage in August.
Monday dawned just as wet and miserable as Sunday had ended and it didn't look like it would ease up any time soon. The regular schedule of morning classes resumed, and despite it being the day before a full moon Remus was much fitter than usual and held the planned interesting DADA session. It was still pouring with rain that afternoon, so they asked Mr Black for some entertainment. He gladly gave them some more stories, a combination of serious and hilarious episodes in his life, both while alive and as an invisible onlooker. That evening they played a muggle game called "Hints" where you had to mime your way through expressions and titles of books. Since only Remus and Hermione had ever played the game, and it didn't always translate well into a magical version they had a good time, as especially the twins seemed to adept at twisting the rules in their favour.
Tuesday morning the rain had not yet let off and the garden looked almost drowned. They on the other hand were paying particular attention to Mr Black's explanation of some old and mostly forgotten magic.
During lunch Remus announced he had to go out to meet with Mad-Eye on some Order business, just like Joe had predicted he would. He also added he would most likely immediately make his way over to the house of the 4 werewolves. Remus had opted to spend his first full moon night on the LeBon potion away from both Black Manor and Grimmauld Place for his own peace of mind. The moment Remus left Harry sent out a note to the 4 werewolves and they made their way over in record time. Harry had just finished explaining the idea to the students when the 4 men arrived.
First point on the agenda was the potion itself. The 4 wholeheartedly accepted that they could not keep the LeBon potion to themselves any longer so agreed to let Harry make its existence known to the magical world.
The men had obviously taken the project to heart as they came with quite an extensive list of things that needed to be considered and done to start up The Wolf Liar, as Harry had started calling it in his mind. First off came the news that there were approximately 250 werewolves thought to reside in the UK. But with the Ministry's view on people with the condition that number could very well be much higher.
From a purely practical view on the potion two main issues came up.
Of the 30 or so potion ingredients needed to make both the potion and the cleanser only 3 posed real problems for the near future. Harry's current coca plant on the Black estate would provide enough material to make about 9000 portions, providing potion for 250 people needing the maximum dose for 6 months. But such extensive use would leave the plant most likely dead or in serious need of lots of recuperation time. Urgent purchase of more plants would therefore be needed. Fortunately they were - albeit on the illegal pricey markets - readily available in the muggle world. The second immediate ingredient problem would be the pumpkin seeds. Although one pumpkin provided enough seeds to last the four of them several months, in view of the large amounts that quite a few werewolves would need when starting the use of the new potion, they did not think they would be able to get their hands on enough seeds to last much further than a month or two at most. Winky who was working in the kitchen area came with the perfect solution.
"Master Harry, sir ? Hogwarts elves has plenty of pumpkins for juice."
Stunned silence followed Winky's suggestion until Harry laughed sheepishly.
"Thanks Winky, you are brilliant ! Of course there would be plenty of pumpkins around Hogwarts, we drink almost nothing but pumpkin juice. And Hagrid always grows these huge pumpkins for Halloween. They would have plenty of seeds in them as well. I am certain they'll be willing to give us the seeds we need."
Another ingredient was dandelion juice. The problem wasn't so much in getting the juice itself, but rather finding enough dandelions to get enough of their juice and – with a limited time frame in which to harvest them – enough helpers to pick the plants. With best results in May and August for harvesting they would need to work fast to first find enough places where dandelions grew and then to find a lot of helpers quickly to actually collect them.
"To the south of Longbottom Manor there are several acres of meadow where plenty of dandelions grow. I'll let my gran know and you could go have a look beforehand." said Neville.
"And around the Burrow there's plenty of fields too. Only there are also quite a few muggles living around the area, so that might be tricky."
"Maybe not, Ron, after all the best time of day to pick the flowers would be immediately after sunrise. I don't think that too many people are up and about at that time of day." said David.
"And we could ask Professor Dumbledore if the house elves of Hogwarts would be allowed to help us out. There are more than 100 house elves and with it being so quiet at Hogwarts over the summer they might like to be out for a change." pondered Hermione.
Ron, the twins, Ginny and Harry exchanged surprised looks. Hermione, suggesting to ask the house elves to help ! Did wonders never cease ?
"I'll write a letter to Professor Dumbledore immediately, shall I ? If the house elves are unable to help we'll need time to organise more people, so the quicker we know the better." suggested Harry.
Dear Professor Dumbledore,
Even before classes start again, we are commencing a large potion project. But we need help and we were hoping you'd be able to assist us.
There is on the one hand our need for a constant supply of pumpkin seeds. With all the pumpkin juice consumed at Hogwarts we were kind of hoping to be able to find those seeds in the school kitchen. Would we be correct in our assumption and would you agree for us to use them ?
Another ingredient we require is dandelion juice. With harvesting time just around the corner – we are told that the first half of August is the only possible time left to us this year. The alternative would be mid May next year ! – we would be in need of lots op help to allow us to harvest as many dandelions as possible from various locations around the country. We were wondering if the house elves of Hogwarts might be willing to assist us. Would you allow them out for a few mornings, if they don't mind ? And if you know of any places where we can find lots of dandelions your suggestions are most welcome. (Neville already mentioned the fields south of Longbottom Manor and Ron talked of those around the Burrow.)
We would need to find alternatives quickly if you are unable to help us, so might we ask for your answer soon ?
Thank you in advance.
With Neville ready writing his own note to his grandmother, Lily disappeared in a puff of fire to deliver the two notes.
Harry was quite surprised to find that the youngest, Luke, started talking. He was the one who never spoke, if he didn't really have to, and preferred instead to listen to all the conversations around him.
"There is another factor within the potion brewing process that has an important impact on the whole project. On the one hand the cleansing potion is best when used as fresh as possible but is considered to be of excellent quality when brewed no more than 7 days prior to consumption. However, one batch can be no larger than 50 portions and takes about 5 hours to brew.
The LeBon potion on the other hand needs to be fresh and needs to be taken within 24 hours of brewing. One batch can be no larger than 25 portions and takes a total of between 7 and 8 hours of brewing. Even the best brewers will not even attempt to work on two batches simultaneously as the brewing process is not so much difficult but very precise time wise. It keeps you occupied all the way through the process.
Joe and David said you'd mentioned a place, werewolf and squib run, where the ingredients could be grown and the potions brewed. Is that correct, Harry ?"
"Yes, I did say that. I'm not sure how to practically arrange the distribution of the potion, but already I can see that some thought would need to go to the practical side of first time administering of the cleansing and LeBon potion. If Remus' state was any indication …"
"It's good to hear you've seen those implications already Harry. But there is also the fact that, going with 250 werewolves all taking the Lebon Potion, in the long run you would need 5 potion brewers each making two batches, keeping these people occupied during one day a month only. If you assume all werewolves need the strongest dose of the LeBon potion, you will for a period of maximum 6 months have a job for those 5 brewers for up to twelve consecutive days per full moon cycle.
The implications for the facilities you are about to set up are you'd need potion labs for those brewers, but the labs themselves would only be used one day a month."
When Harry nodded his understanding, Luke continued.
"Furthermore, for growing the ingredients, since there is a good mix of both muggle and magical plants, you'd need a substantial garden and a hothouse to have enough space for all of them. Most can be harvested if and when time allows as they are used either dried or juiced. The few that need to be fresh when used pose no real problem.
The size of the garden means you need to hire at least two gardeners cum herbologists on top of the five potion brewers."
Harry and Hermione both sat nodding their understanding still thinking through all the information he'd given. Harry was about to ask what possible alternative uses those labs could have when Luke started up again.
"We started out to make plans on a tight budget but we altered them when we received the letter from Gringotts. We want to invest the money that was left to us by Professor LeBon on this project. Our idea will take a few years to fully come together but in the long run it could break even and even make a little profit too.
Our idea was to either buy or build a large property, house 5 or more potion labs and an extensive garden and greenhouse on the grounds, together with a social club/meeting rooms.
Have the potion brewers do research and brew common potions so St Mungo's and individuals can use them. Allow others to use the labs so they can stock up their personal potion stock. Especially muggle born wizards and witches or those living among muggles do not have the possibility to install a potions lab at home. Also, do not stick to growing just those ingredients required for the LeBon potion but grow as many as possible, so that you can offer those as well. It will need a little time to establish itself but it would be a fantastic project with many possibilities and advantages to more people than just the werewolves."
"Wow," said Harry, "I didn't think that far ahead, but you're correct of course. Did you draw up plans and put down all those ideas ?"
"We've noted it all down, but in order to present a proper picture it'll need some additional work." said David.
"Never mind that for now. If I can get two copies of the draft I'll forward them to Griphook and Paul Watkins, the estate solicitor, with a note explaining what we aim for. Look over the plans together with them and maybe together you can think of even more possibilities.
As for money, there's no problem for the Black estate to fund the project in total. You will contribute plenty already by allowing the use of the potion. As a matter of fact, could you note down in there that at any stage people would be allowed to do so by, say, leaving a few portions of any potion they've brewed, or providing us with seedlings from their own garden, or helping out in any way they are willing and capable to."
Harry had barely finished speaking when Lily made her appearance and the Headmaster had sent a reply along.
Dear Harry,
When I mentioned you might want to study a little during the holidays, I had no idea you would take the advice so much to heart. But I applaud your dedication and will of course help in any way possible. I look forward to hearing more about this particular project.
I took both your questions to the house elves and they will be giving their fullest cooperation on both accounts.
They start producing pumpkin juice as of August 30 and although they use the seeds themselves (for growing more pumpkins) there will be plenty left for your needs.
As to the dandelions, they make it sound like you've offered them the holiday of a lifetime so there is no need for you to worry. As soon as the dandelions are ready to be picked we'll send word. Just provide us with your instructions as to what to do with them once they're picked. And I know of many locations where dandelions are plenty so consider your potion ingredient problems solved.
On another note, how has Remus fared with the new potion ? I might stop by tomorrow afternoon to see for myself how he feels.
With regards
Professor Albus Dumbledore
When Harry finished reading the letter out loud, the 4 older men sighed their relief to find such an excellent result. They talked a little longer, mostly with the students asking questions and the four men answering, with the occasional remark of "hadn't thought of that myself" from both parties. Before long the 3 Waverley's said their goodbye's. Luke would return home to await Remus' arrival while the other two were going on a quick tour of the gardens they worked in to have an idea of what needed doing in the next few days. Elijah on the other stayed behind for a few more minutes to agree on a time and date for their first potion class. They decided on a Saturday morning session, joking that they would need the time to get used to the idea of Saturday classes. When Hermione mentioned they had not bought any potion ingredients just yet, their new teacher said he would have a look through their old stock of potion ingredients and then provide them with a list. There was no rush as he would provide them himself for the sessions during the summer.
After promising to send 2 copies of a new draft of the project plans in the next few days Elijah too made his way home. It was just gone regular tea time so they stayed seated throughout a small tea but none of them could really work up much energy. The weather did not help as it was still raining cats and dogs.
Harry in particular couldn't seem to settle down. He realised his worry for Remus was coming through. After all, Remus was now the most important person in his life and the unknown of the situation was making Harry tense. The others did their best to keep Harry entertained but shortly after dinner Harry excused himself for his lousy mood and disappeared to his room for the evening.
Even alone in his room Harry just couldn't settle and was leafing through a few of the new course books, called for the Black book to try and read some more of the Black family history but even that couldn't keep his mind occupied enough. In the end Dobby came by with a cup of hot cocoa and told Harry the drink would relax him a bit. Unbeknown to Harry, Mrs Weasley very much aware of Harry's mounting anxiety had laced the drink with a little sleeping potion.
So after changing into his night clothes, he picked up two of the thinnest books he'd picked up at Flourish and Blotts, both on Arithmancy, and settled down in his bed, expecting to spend most of the night awake.
Harry woke up at what seemed to be the middle of the night but turned out to be the very beginning of the day when the night sky slowly gave way to early morning light. Feeling extremely well rested Harry decided to take up his earlier position on the third floor waiting for Remus' return and when he caught his first glimpse of the approaching werewolf, Harry was outside in a flash.
Normally only meeting Remus well after his changes had occurred Harry was unaware of just how significant Remus' current condition was. He looked fit as a fiddle albeit a bit tired.
"Remus, how are you feeling ? Is everything alright ? How did it go ?"
Remus' smile widened even further hearing Harry's barrage of questions.
"I'm fine, Harry. It's been truly amazing already and the others say it will get even better as more of the Wolfsbane gets cleaned out of my system."
Remus went on to explain the differences he'd already felt at the change and admitted sheepishly he was in some strange way actually looking forward to the next full moon.
They'd made it to the kitchen by now and with none of the house elves around Harry got the teakettle out and started preparing breakfast for the two of them, all the while listening to Remus talk and asking a question every so often.
By the time the others came down for breakfast Remus had moved on to entertaining Harry with tales of the full moons at Hogwarts once the three marauders were able to join him.
Leaving the others at the breakfast table Harry made his way to the study to start on another private lesson with Mr Black. Remus would catch up on a little extra sleep and Mrs Weasley would be out for the day as she'd promised a wizarding neighbour to help out with something or other. But with the rain coming down in buckets again the others would have a hard time to keep themselves amused.
Halfway through the morning Blythe appeared with a little note, obviously written in haste.
Hey Harry,
Mum's just popped back and asked us for our help. So we've all gone out to the Burrow. Should be back by lunchtime.
See you then.
Ron
Harry returned to his lesson. He found it intriguing how easy the theory behind making new charms, jinxes or curses sounded. Or maybe it was the superb and one-on-one tutoring that worked so well for Harry, but he enjoyed learning it all anyway.
Shortly after noon time, Fawkes suddenly appeared with a note.
Harry,
We seem to have a little problem at Grimmauld Place. Could you come and see if you know what to do about it ?
Signed in haste
Professor Albus Dumbledore
Harry excused himself with Mr Black and hurried over to Grimmauld Place. He arrived as usual in the Tapestry Room as Harry liked to call the place. Professor Dumbledore was there waiting for him.
"Thanks Harry for coming so promptly. It's up in the Ballroom. It's nothing life threatening, so don't worry too much. But I figured it was best to have this looked at as soon as possible."
They made their way up to the first floor and Professor Dumbledore gestured Harry to go on in once they'd arrived at the Ball room and so Harry continued on into the room and was stunned.
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Author's Note :
Thanks for reading. Would love some feedback from you though. If you have any questions about the story, I've opened up a forum you can access from my profile page. Please don't be shy. I'll be checking at least once a day so you can expect an answer within 24-36 hours maximum.
And if you enjoyed this (and previous) chapter(s), you might be interested to know the story is a few chapters further along and offers a little extra info and pictures on my yahoo group (for link see profile page).
See you next week.
cheers
kadedeetje