Chapter 9 – Invitations

Harry watched Neville sit quietly as the rest of his mates cut up with him in the corner. Normally Neville shrugged the guys off when they invited him to the Cauldron but today seemed different. Neville was quieter today than normal and his head wasn't in training.

Harry had caught up to the others quickly enough - he joined the rest of the Trainees after two weeks. It had taken only three days before Zacharias had announced that Harry was advanced enough that he could probably duel with Ron. Ewan mused to Harry when no-one else was around, "He didn't mind so much when he could knock you on your arse. Now he wants no part of you. I want you to show him the same treatment he gave you for a week." Harry knew Duncan was just trying to rile him up so he'd keep training and duelling hard. Duncan was right too. Harry didn't mind whipping up on Zacharias nearly so much as he would have someone else.

Once he joined the other Trainees he followed their schedule. They were given practical training in the morning in either potions, traps, wards or duelling and then given reading to complete in the afternoon by themselves. The most difficult physical activity was the required weight room and running regimen which was performed each morning just before lunch. The morning practical was the only activity that was supervised. Afternoons were spent reading and writing "solutions" to problems presented in the texts. "If I have to write one more solution I am going to go mad," complained Ron.

"Aye," complained Seamus. "I joined up to catch Death Eaters – not to fill parchment with explanations of how I'd disarm a Caterwauling Charm."

Now that they were at the Cauldron, Harry gestured to Neville as if asking if he was ok. Neville nodded but didn't appear too interested in selling the charade. Harry then remembered that Neville had visited his mum and dad for lunch. It had now become common knowledge that his parents were the same Longbottoms that had been cursed by Bellatrix and the other Lestranges years ago and that they resided at St. Mungo's but Harry doubted many really appreciated the heartache Neville felt with each visit. While Harry's circumstances were tragic he did not think he could visit his parents alive and watch them stare at him blankly as he relayed the news of the world for the week. Harry felt that Neville's parents actually did live a fate worse than death.

Suddenly Neville perked up. Something had caught his attention. Harry found an excuse to turn around and he realized that Neville's fancy had been caught by the waitress that had served them not ten minutes before. She had a nice face framed by golden blonde hair. She noticed the two staring at her and she smiled as she walked over.

"Harry, you haven't found the bottom of your pint already now have you?"

"No Hannah but Neville could use a pint. Put it on my tab?" Harry smiled at Neville, "What are you drinking?"

"Thanks Harry." Neville looked up at Hannah and he became nearly cheerful, "A Butterbeer for me."

"Right, one Butterbeer." She headed back to the bar. Neville's eyes followed her. Meanwhile Dean and Seamus were busy taking the piss out of Ron. "So, you getting off with Hermione? I'm still amazed you gave up Lavender for her. Lavender said she gave you every chance to get into her knickers and you wouldn't finish the job." Seamus grinned. Ron was visibly embarrassed.

"You two need to lay off Ron. I don't mind so much when you make a go of Ron but that's Hermione's honour you're talking about. Besides, if Hermione gets wind you are comparing her to Lavender then she's likely to sick Ginny after you." Harry shivered, "she has a mean streak that you want no part of."

Dean nodded agreement and when Seamus made as if to go at Ron again Dean gave Harry a careful glance and reminded Seamus, "You remember how I once got a little handsy with Ginny? Sorry Harry..." He looked as if to show Harry no offence, "she hexed me so that I pissed jelly for two days." He winced, "painful as hell. I eventually had to visit Madame Pomfrey to get it fixed."

Harry couldn't help but laugh. He knew that Ginny and Dean had snogged regularly Sixth Year and it still made him jealous. The idea that she had hexed him after a snog for going too far made him smile. "Oy!" came a squawk from Dean as Ron stood over him angrily.

"What was that for?" asked Dean rubbing his arm in obvious pain.

"That's for groping my sis." Ron still had a fierce look. "You're lucky we're mates or it'd been your face."

"I was punished already I said!" offered a worried Dean.

"Not by me!" Ron was still fuming but he sat down.

Talk was moved to safer topics. "Any you lot see the final match yesterday between France and Brazil?"

Ron made a face. "Muggle football again? Didn't Dean announce that England was eliminated by France weeks ago? Dean nearly wore our ears off going on about it."

"Aye. At least the ruddy bastards made it," Seamus was only repeating what he'd said weeks before.

Ron rolled his eyes when Dean brought up the match with France yet again, "If Beckham hadn't been red carded for kicking Simeone..."

"Aye, we know," complained Seamus. "Beckham is a bleeder. He won't amount to anything. He will be banned from England and forced to play in the States. You've gone on and on about this day after day..."

Harry was still distracted by Neville. He had received his Butterbeer minutes ago and hadn't said a word since. While the others talked on about the World Cup ,Neville watched dreamily as Hannah made rounds. It was a testament to Neville's fancy that he was totally oblivious to Harry watching him.

Eventually she returned to the table, "Anything else? Another round for you blokes?"

"Aye," cried out Seamus. "Another round. This round Guinness, mates?" Seamus had a taste for Guinness Stout and eventually any night they frequented a pub he'd have a few, "Yeah, that'll do" responded Ron and Dean. Neville and Harry were silent.

"Boys?"

"Harry responded absent-mindedly, "Another Butterbeer for each of us." He thought for a second. "Hannah, why won't you sit with us and have a pint? I'll buy."

"Sorry, it's a touch busy for me to sit. Maybe another time?" Hannah looked disappointed.

Harry glanced at Neville who hadn't said a word but seemed transfixed on Hannah. He made one last try, "Hannah, I'm having a party in a few weeks...on the 31st." He gestured toward his mate, "Neville's birthday is the day before and he'll be celebrating with me. We'd both be honoured if you'd be there."

Hannah considered Harry and then looked at Neville appraisingly. Neville had been a rather awkward boy in his early years at Hogwarts but now was rather athletic looking. He had developed a solid frame and the conditioning required of Auror's had shaped him into a man to be reckoned with. The scars he had received from the Carrows the months before gave him a rugged handsome look. "I might. Let me see if I can get my shift covered."

"Excellent, I will send an owl with the invitation. You fancy dancing?"

"Oh yes! Me and my flatmate get out when we can." Hannah looked excited now.

"You'll have a brilliant time then." He paused for effect. "You'll need to convince Neville to take you out on the floor. He's the best dancer I know. Ginny still marvels about the night he took her to the Yule Ball," Harry exaggerated. He gestured at Neville who now sank in his chair and blushed. The other guys sat in silent disbelief. Harry was never much of a talker but now he was on a roll.

Dean immediately caught on and chirped, "Oh, yeah. Ginny and I dated soon after and when it came to dancing all she would talk about was how Neville had swept her off her feet. Made me a bit jealous actually. You should check with her and then give him a twirl."

Harry could see they had become obvious. Hannah's gaze met Neville and she nearly giggled. Neville looked as if he'd rather be anywhere else.

"Well, I need to get back to my other customers," she finally answered and placed a hand on Neville's shoulder while giving him a meaningful look, "I'll bring my dancing shoes. Save me a dance?" All he could do was nod. He didn't even breath until she turned to walk away.

Once she was out of earshot Seamus nearly exploded. "Best..Wingman...Ever."

"What's a wingman?" asked Ron.

"Muggle expression," explained Dean. A wingman helps his mate with the birds. It's easier to chat them up if you have a mate willing to introduce you. A good wingman'll also brag on you so you don't have to."

"Aye," agreed Seamus. "A good wingman is worth more than all the gold in Gringotts." Seamus gestured to Neville, "Harry just got Neville an automatic in with Hannah. He found out she liked dancing and made sure she knew Neville was good at it."

Ron nodded appreciatively. Seamus kept on, "Mate, you've never had to catch a bird in a pub. It's hard to do without a little help." He made a cage with one hand. "Good wing man will coax the bird in the cage." He cupped his hands together as if the door to the cage closed and then grinned ear to ear.

"Subtle as always Seamus," smiled Dean.

Again, Harry let his attention drift. Neville was again eyeing Hannah. This time when Harry looked at him Neville noticed and smiled. He made a subtle gesture that Harry could easily tell was a "thanks."

This would be a good party.

The firm that Harry had chosen to redesign 12 Grimmauld Place had taken only three weeks but the results were impressive. Harry followed the lead architect of Specs and Stone through the front door and simply couldn't believe his eyes. Ron let out a gasp as he followed Harry in and couldn't help but exclaim, "Merlin's Beard, Harry, how much did you spend?"

"Shut up, Ron, don't be rude." They may be in love but it just wouldn't be Ron and Hermione without a bit of bickering. Hermione had returned home the night before and had been invited along with Ron to visit the house. She noticed with a smile that Moody's spells had been removed as they walked in. The annoying umbrella rack was missing as well. Instead, a small recess was placed near the door and there was a place for umbrellas, boots and other soiled goods built right in.

Ron pouted, "I was just curious." He turned back to Harry and cheered up, "Did you finally get rid of that awful portrait of Mrs. Black?" He'd noticed it was no longer hanging in the hall. In fact, all of the portraits were gone and Harry had them replaced with a few of his own framed pictures. One was of the Weasleys in front of the Burrow with Harry and Hermione. Another was a candid of the three of them at the end of first year when they had just gotten off the train (it was offered a few years ago by a Hufflepuff's mum who'd taken the picture of the the three of them on a whim). The last was a picture of the DA that had been posed for at the end of Fifth Year. Notably missing were George, Fred, and Marietta Edgecombe. Hermione had convinced Dumbledore to stand with the members at the end of the year for the photo and despite Harry's resistance to being involved it was now one of his most treasured possessions. Harry shook his head after a few moments of silence, "She's still here."

Harry stepped into the Dining Room and admired the floors. He was thrilled to see that the old wall paper had been removed throughout the bottom floor and had been replaced with light colours to make the rooms look larger. Even the table in the dining room was replaced with a spectacular piece that sat eight and made Hermione gasp at the sight of it. "Harry, how much did that table cost?" she blurted out.

"Shut up, Hermione, and don't be rude." cheeked Ron with a smile. "Oy!" He'd been rewarded with an elbow to the ribs.

Mr. Specs took his cue, "This is a special table indeed. Very rare wood and a special charm. Let me demonstrate." He walked back into the dining room and waved his wand, "Party for thirty for formal dinner." Slowly the table expanded and thirty chairs appeared around it. A full set of formal dishes and silver appeared at each setting. "The dishes are self cleaning and will move to storage with the correct charm. The instructions are in the kitchen. You will also notice the buffet on the opposite wall for less formal gatherings. The formal table and chairs are easily removed and are replaced with a few small bistro style tables and chairs or with a dance floor and space for a small band. The formal dining table will expand to up to thirty but you may seat up to forty with the smaller bistro chairs and tables."

Their guide Mr. Specs gestured Harry to follow and he did while Ron and Hermione lingered behind, "Sir, as you can see we redid the stairs as well – both up and down. The wood used for the steps and accents is consistent with flooring you see here. Let us move downstairs to the kitchen."

Harry was halfway down the stairs when he heard a cross between a scream and a yell. "Harry!" He stopped in his tracks and waited for what he knew would be a lecture comparable to any he'd received from Mrs. Weasley. "Why are these still here? They are a disgusting display of the servitude and slavery that elves have been forced to endure for centuries. I cannot believe..."

Harry was having none of this. He walked back upstairs and called, "Kreacher!" There was a near instant "pop." Hermione stopped dead-sentence.

"Yes, Master Potter," croaked the bullfrog voice. "How may Kreacher be of service?"

"Just a question, Kreacher. Kreacher, does this bother you?" He gestured to the heads.

"They are dusty sir. That bothers Kreacher very much."

"No, Kreacher." Harry tried again, "Does it bother you that these heads remain hanging here? You know I've made a lot of changes to Grimmauld. Does it bother you that the heads are still here? I could take them down."

"No sir." Tears were coming to Kreacher's eyes. "You promised to keep Kreacher's ancestors. You promised they would return them once the work was done." Kreacher looked worried, "Has Master Potter changed his mind?"

"No Kreacher. I gave you my word." He shot an embarrassed look to Hermione and shrugged. He then continued with Kreacher. "I have something special for you later."

"Kreacher will be at Hogwarts helping with the repairs as you requested." The last sentence seemed sad.

"Excellent, Kreacher. I will call you when we are ready." A crack was heard and instantly Hermione made to speak but Ron's glare shut her right up.

Harry looked at her sadly, "I know what you are thinking Hermione. I'm sorry. I couldn't do it. These heads make me shiver each time I walk by but you didn't see his face. Kreacher has never asked me for anything and he was going to hurt himself just for begging. He spent half an hour reciting the histories of each of them." Harry pointed to the one in the middle. "Kreacher said this one saved the life of Arcturus Black. The man's heart had stopped and the elf apparated him to St. Mungo's where they were barely able to save him." Harry pointed to the one on the far right, "This one was 'the most noble Kala' and Mrs. Black loved her most of all. She was Kreacher's mum and she saved Mrs. Black on her wedding day. He couldn't tell me how but he nearly beat his head against the wall trying. I told him he didn't have to explain."

Hermione tried to speak but couldn't get out the words so she just lunged at Harry and hugged him. She whispered something in his ear that made him smile. Ron nearly ruined the moment, "You made Hermione speechless Harry. A bloke would pay to see that."

Before retribution could be had a loud "Ahem" was heard from downstairs. As the three headed down the steps, Harry could have sworn he heard the designer mumble under his breath, "Why you'd get so worked up over an elf I have no idea." He was in too good a mood at the moment to let it annoy him.

The kitchen? Excellent. "As you can see the stone was kept as it gave a rustic feel. We included a breakfast bar with handy tea service and six seats to the left at your request. The major change was to 'Preparation' to your right. The service sits directly below the dining table upstairs and with the simple use of 'Dinner is Served' or 'Servicio' whatever food is placed on the table will be teleported upstairs at the centre of the table. The table here is the size of the centre of the table above so that no food is ever teleported by accident onto or into the dishes or flatware. It will expand and contract with the table above."

This was by far the most interesting room to Ron. "How does Harry know the food is ready?"

The old man grinned, "Are you sure you wish me to share this with your mates?" Harry nodded. Though the man looked disappointed, he explained, "The chandelier upstairs includes a gem that hangs from the centre. When the first or next course is ready the gem will change from green to blue."

The four headed upstairs to look at the rest of the rooms. The halls upstairs were decorated with the same general design as the entryway with subtle differences. Harry was amazed at how much more spacious the halls and rooms looked with the lighter colours. When they reached the first landing they entered the sitting room. Before their guide could speak Ron ran into the room, "This is incredible Harry! Where did you find it?" He was already picking up pieces and they stared at him as if he was being incredibly rude. One complained, "Unhand me you blathering fool! I am gallant knight Weston of the House of Black!"

Ron nearly dropped the chess piece. Mr. Specs explained, "The chess set is nearly five hundred years old. It was one of the items that Mr. Potter had us transfer from Gringotts. Wizards such as Galvin Robins and Cedric Wibbles might have played at this table. There are few like it in the world." When Harry and Ron stared at him blankly Hermione cut in, "Nearly Headless Nick may have known some of the people that played at this table." With that both boys nodded.

The far wall held two large windows that overlooked the front of the home. The bays that held the windows had been updated. A beautiful mantle framed the fireplace that captured the eye as soon as one walked into the room. All of the chairs and couches were fine leather and overstuffed. There was a small section on one side of the room that held special lighting. "As I promised, we have included a gaming centre in this part of the room. With a simple charm this couch and chair can be replaced with a billiards table, a card table or a large working table for research and projects. As you can see, we have also made the bedroom that joins this room into a guest bedroom. Please continue upstairs."

As they reached the second landing Hermione gasped. There in all its glory was a library fit for a scholar. Now instead of dusty empty shelves each of the cases had been restored. Some of the shelves were still empty but many held old leather bound tomes that just begged for Hermione to touch them. She walked around the room with her hand out touching each case. Two large desks with seating for two were at opposite sides of the room and four comfortable chairs were placed in the centre for late night reading.

The adjoining room was also a guest bedroom. The bed and the room were decorated with Gryffindor colours. Hermione noticed that a bath and toilet were tucked away next to the adjoining room to serve the first and second landing.

When they reached Harry's room on the third landing they gasped. The bed looked like it was made for a prince and the room had a simple yet elegant feel.

"Harry, I never thought you'd go for something like this." Hermione was in awe.

Ron looked as if he was torn between pout and pride. He decided ultimately on pride. "You haven't told her about this yet, have you?" Hermione was confused but Harry shook his head no. "No Ron, I want to surprise her."

Harry followed the old man to the next room while Ron stayed behind with Hermione and explained. "As soon as I saw the room I knew. Harry's been listening to Ginny all along. The room screams out Ginny even down to the colours. I know you don't notice but the accent colours are Holyhead Harpies. He plans on marrying her." Hermione didn't say a thing. She'd known since Sixth Year but it was just now sinking in for Ron that Harry had wanted to marry Ginny. Men really were thick.

The next room was smaller but had the feel of a lady. The colour of the walls was more neutral but the accents throughout the room and the décor were very feminine. "...And on the occasions she visits she will have a personal dressing vanity here. All of the furniture was hand picked based on the samples you provided. Next, is the bath and toilet and then we shall move to the final floor."

Harry and the other's followed Mr. Specs to the entrance of the bath at the end of the hall. The room looked much bigger than Hermione remembered it. "We removed the third bedroom and expanded both the bath and your room. The tub fits two comfortably and includes a few Muggle conveniences – magically improved of course. Included are 'jets' that will relax sore muscles by blowing out water and bubbles rapidly. The jets are hidden and the tub still has an old world feel to it. There is also a small shower, as you can see, that can..." Harry was getting bored. "The shower is brilliant, can we head upstairs?"

The man, slightly offended, nodded and walked past them. At the top of the stairs Harry asked his escort, "Which of the rooms were set up as I requested?"

"These two, sir."

"Come on up, you two." Harry opened the first door and gestured for them to walk in. Hermione and Ron stepped into the room and looked around. The furnishings were spectacular – the room looked as if it would sleep two very comfortably. Both Ron and Hermione loved the colours. Harry then gestured them out and he showed them the next room.

The second room was a bit larger. It too had a small bed but it was tastefully tucked in a corner. Somehow the room was also big enough to hold two small but beautiful desks and two comfortable sitting chairs. On one of the desks was what Hermione recognized immediately as a computer monitor. She wondered if the computer would work with all of the magic that surrounded the house.

Along the walls were several cases for books much like the library downstairs. Many of the shelves held leather bound volumes of different sizes, shapes and ages. In the other far corner of the room was another beautiful old world style wizard chess set on a small portable table. Before Harry could speak the guide broke in, "The books were brought in from Gringotts as you requested." He looked triumphantly at Harry but took his cue to wait silently.

"What do you two think of the rooms?" asked Harry expectantly.

"Oh, Harry, they are all beautiful. You've done a terrific job on the house. It must have cost a fortune."

"Yeah, Mate. The whole house is brilliant. Ginny's going to love your room." Ron's face twisted in an uncomfortable manner when he said this. It was getting easier but he still had a hard time with the idea of Harry and his little sister kissing and touching and groping and...

"No," croaked out the voice of the old man. Mr. Potter wants to know how the two of you feel about your rooms." Harry shot the man a withering glance.

"Yes, I had these rooms arranged for the two of you. For the remainder of the holiday I plan to stay at the Burrow. Once we start working here in town though I want to have something close by. I had rooms set up for the two of you with hopes that you'd be flat mates. I have even designed this room as a second library so that Hermione could study privately when she wished and she would have her own room."

Ron and Hermione looked at each other and then at Harry. Ron responded first. "You don't feel it'd be a bit bizarre with us just above?"

Harry cleared his throat and looked sideways at the man standing next to him. Mr. Specs took his cue, "Mr. Potter, I should confirm that the last two rooms are ready." The old man couldn't leave fast enough.

Harry looked at Ron. "You were my very first mate. Ever. Before you I had a few spiders in a cupboard under the stairs. You and Hermione have sacrificed everything for me. I just couldn't see a home without the two of you close by. I don't know if I could live in a home this size alone."

He continued. "I had Professor Flitwick place silencing charms on my room and on both of these rooms as well. I've also had Flitwick place charms on the doorknobs so that the only people that can open the doors without asking permission would be me and those that I have keyed." Harry smiled.

"Ahhh, that's why you rushed ahead of Mr. Specs," smiled Hermione.

"Yeah. I didn't want to have to explain. I let Flitwick in yesterday. Tomorrow he plans to return to make the home unplottable again. Flitwick also plans to add a few other protective devices that are keyed to me and will be keyed to Ginny and the two of you if you choose to live here."

Harry looked at them seriously, "You don't have to decide now. It's a big decision and it won't really matter until we decide what to do after the holiday. All you need to know is that there is a place for the two of you if and when you are ready." Harry opened the door and left them to find Mr. Specs.

Hermione and Ron stayed behind a second to whisper amongst themselves. They came out looking just as unresolved as when the idea was first presented. He was ok with the idea that they may take a while to decide. He had hoped they'd be more excited and would have instantly yelled out "Yes!" but he knew this was big decision.

Mr. Specs completed the tour by pointing his wand at a faint outline in the ceiling above the hall. "Alohamora." Immediately, a door to the attic became more pronounced. It opened and steps slowly stretched down until they reached the floor. They followed Mr. Specs up one by one until they reached a finished attic. "There is very little up here now, as you can see, but the attic extends from one end of the house to the other. We have built one special partition." The four of them walked the length of the attic until they reached a doorway. Mr. Specs stopped before crossing the threshold. "As you can see this creates a space for..."

"Ahhh! It's the Mudblood and the Traitors!"

Suddenly, no-one needed explanation of what was in here. Harry now only needed to explain why.