A/N: TY ProfessorChris for letting me know about the error on June 18… I fixed it
(I am sure that those of you that have already read it know that it was supposed to be 7:45 and not 7:15)
3:00PM
Percy stormed out of the Post Office complaining to himself.
"Not licensed to apparate because of a technicality. No money. No owl. Only have my wand. Can's send a message by Patronus, can't even produce a corporeal Patronus." Percy softly complained all the way back to the Three Broomsticks.
3:20PM
Percy walked into the Three Broomsticks and took a seat at the bar.
"You again."
"Could I please get another, clean, empty glass?" Asked Percy gloomily.
"Here you go." Madam Rosemerta said exasperated.
Percy filled the glass with water and slowly drank it down. After the third one Percy was struck with an idea.
"Madam Rosemerta."
"Yes?"
"Do you think I could get some food and some butterbeer and work off the debt?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't need any help."
Percy sighed, hung his head in temporary defeat. He filled his glass few more times and drained it down. He rested his head against his arms that were folded on the bar. After several minutes Madam Rosemerta jostled him.
"What?"
"Either keep refilling the glass with water and drink it down or you have to go. This is not a place to rest your head and drown in your sorrows."
Percy sighed, stood up and left the Three Broomsticks depressed.
3:45PM
Percy absentmindedly in a depressed state of mind trotted out of the Three Broomsticks quietly complaining to himself about being hungry and the rotten luck he had. The more he thought about his situation the more he blamed Harry for everything. If not for Harry telling the lie about not leaving until around ten than he, Percy, would not have missed the train.
"Well if it isn't Mr. Percy Weasley."
"Professor Snape."
"I see you missed the train after all."
"I am so glad to see you. I hate to have to do this, but could I barrow some money? I don't have any and I need to get word to my parents."
"And why would I loan you any money?"
"I'll be able to pay you back."
"How? And when? You have finished school."
"Once I get home I can get to Diagon Alley and pull what I owe you from Gringotts. As far as when, well I can send it to you at your place of residence or at Hogwarts."
"I don't think so."
"But…"
"You may have new robes, but your siblings have to deal with hand-me-downs or second hand ones. No, I will not put your parents through that."
"My mum and dad have each come into some money by means of inheritances. The money is there, I promise."
"Sorry, but no."
"Would you please at least buy me something to eat?" Whined Percy.
"Haven't you had anything to eat?"
"Breakfast, before nine this morning. I'm hungry and thirsty. I'm tired of water."
Severus sighed and shook his head.
"Fine I'll buy you something to eat and one butterbeer."
"Thank you so much. You have no idea how much I appreciate this. Since you won't loan me any money, do you think you could apparate me by side-along to Gringotts after I eat?"
"No. But I will send your parents a message."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it."
"We'll see about that."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I'm buying you food and drink and sending a message to your parents…"
"You want something in return. I'll do anything. I'll give you anything. I'll give you my first born if that is what you want."
"I do not want your first born you imbecile…"
"Name it, I'll do anything."
"Anything? Are you sure about that?"
"Yes. I'll do and give you anything. Just say the word."
"This is what I want: Leave your siblings and Mr. Potter alone. He hasn't done anything wrong. He has not been in…much…trouble at school and your parents are just fine with Harry being friends with your younger siblings."
"Anything but that. My parents are daft when it comes to Harry. If they won't watch him and my siblings than I will. I have to since I'm the only one who can see through Potter's act."
"Get a grip Mr. Weasley! It's not really your business. You are their sibling not their parent, thankfully. And you said 'anything' and 'name it'. I'm not asking for much. Take it or leave it."
"But…"
"Besides, I believe that you're supposed to start working at the Ministry of Magic. You don't want to turn that offer and position down do you? I mean after all of your hard work over seven years, you can't turn you back on your dream job."
"Well…I guess I…I can't promise anything other than do my best to stay out of my siblings affairs."
"That will have to do. Now do you want to eat or what?" Severus said, though no matter what Percy said he was going to buy him something to eat not that he would ever reveal that to Percy.
"Yes. Lead the way."
4:30PM
"Thank you so much Professor. I don't mean to be rude or anything, but when are you going to send a message to my parents?"
"I sent a message the message while you were eating."
"Oh. And thank you again."
Severus just nodded.
The Hogwarts Express3:30PM
"Percy obviously missed the train." Muttered Ron.
"You got that right little brother." Said Fred
"We just got back from the Prefects Compartment." Said George
"And?" Prompted Ginny.
"Percy. Is. Not. On. The. Train." Fred and George answered.
"Yes!" Cried Ginny and Ron.
"Yes, yes, I can see the celebration in all of this. But, where is Percy? All his stuff including Hermes are on the train." Said Hermione.
"He has money on him. He always does. He's probably fuming and waiting at Kings Cross with mum and dad." Said Ron.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that Ron. Percy doesn't have as much money on him as you think." Said Fred.
"He did go to Hogsmead a lot and every time he went with Penelope Clearwater." Said George
"So." Said Ron.
"He spent quite a bit on her." Said Fred and George.
"He doesn't have enough for the Night Bus. He thinks he does…" Fred started to say.
"But he doesn't know that the rates for the Night Bus went up." George finished.
"Well then he's at Hogwarts. I mean finding out that the last carriage left he would have stayed at the school and he'll be at home or at Kings Cross." Said Ron.
"I don't know Ron. Percy doesn't know where home is. He knows where it was." Said Ginny.
"And if he'd made contact with your parents, don't you think that we would have received a nasty howler would have shown up? Percy would so tell your parents that Harry lied." Hermione added.
"Don't even try to argue with that logic." Said Harry.
"But mum and dad would know that you only lied about the time we would leave because of Percy's shit."
"Regardless, I'll send a message to your parents.'
"Harry, we know that Hedwig is fast, but be realistic." Said Ron.
"I am being realistic. But I wasn't meaning or considering using Hedwig for this."
"Then how are you going to get a message to them?" Asked Ron.
"I'll send the message with/through my Patronus."
"No way you can do that."
"You sure about that Hermione?"
"Yeah I am."
"Well then I suggest you hold on and watch this." Harry said as he produced his Stag Patronus and created the message to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and then sent it on its way.
Everyone in the compartment was shocked and amazed.
"Harry…how?" Asked Hermione.
"Hermione, think about it. Really think about it. Do you remember everything Harry told us about what he has gone through?"
"Yeah…but it's difficult to produce a corporeal Patronus. Not that many witches and wizards can and it's much more difficult and really complicated to send a message that way. Sorry Harry, that came out wrong. I didn't mean to…"
"Relax Hermione, I'm not offended. I'm pretty sure I know what you meant. You are right though. It's not easy or simple at all. Let me just say that I have had…a few years to work on it."
All but Violet, who didn't know that Harry has gone back in time, started laughing.
A thought hit Hermione and sobered her right up.
"Harry I just had a thought. What if anyone starts asking questions as to how you are able to do what you just did, being a third year and all? I mean like if Mr. and Mrs. Weasley or anyone else that…you know…don't…"
"Oh shit! I better send a message to Sirius." Harry said just before he produced his Patronus again and sent a message to Sirius.
The witch with the trolley made a late walk through. All seven pooled together and bought a lot from the witch.
"So, when we get to Kings Cross who's going to retrieve Percy's things?" Asked Hermione.
"Well, I'm sure there will someone there that will get Percy's things off the train. I mean with the message Harry sent." Replied Ron.
"So, Granger why the…" Said Fred
"…sudden concern over Percy's things?" Finished George.
"Because I am sure that we will be at Kings Cross any minute now." Hermione replied.
7:10PM
"We will arrive at Kings Cross Station in five minutes. Everyone please get your things together. Make sure that you have everything. If you think that you have forgotten something, check with your Head of House when school resumes. For those that have finished school, you may send an inquiry to the school or have a younger relative or friend inquire when he or she returns to school. Thank you. Have a nice day and a good holiday." Said a shrill voice throughout the train.
Kings Cross Station
7:15PM
The train came to a complete stop. Throughout the train every witch and wizard did a one last check to be sure that he or she had everything and made their way out into the small walkway that went from the front of the train to the end.
As the train de-boarded they could see that all the trunks and cages, with and without animals in them, being pulled off the train and neatly stacked against a wall.
The Weasley house
3:30PM
"Charlie, Bill, your father and I are grateful for all of your help. We are so glad that both of you were able to take some time off from work."
"I wish I could stay longer but I could only take a week off. I tried to put it in for a long vacation but only got a week." Said Bill.
"It's fine Bill. I am glad that you were able to get some time off."
"You still have me to help mum. I requested for a nice vacation and it was approved. And I am glad that I did. There's still so much more to move from the Burrow. How did all this fit in that small house? You have to admit that there wasn't a lot of space. Even if everything was magically shrunk."
"Yes I know what you are saying Charlie. I do not know how I managed to have this much stuff at the Burrow."
"Mum, how are you going to keep moving stuff and unpacking with the rest of the kids home for the summer?" Asked Bill.
"Well, they won't be able to be here for a week or two."
3:40PM
Bill gathered up all his stuff, turned to leave and flinched at seeing what was a Patronus in the shape of a Stag.
"Mum, come here." Yelled Bill
Molly, Arthur and Charlie all came running.
"What the…" Said Charlie.
"Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, I know you recognize my voice. I thought that you should know that Percy missed the train. I don't…well, no one knows where he is exactly. We would have sent a message sooner but we literally just received confirmation that he indeed missed the train."
"That sounded like Harry Potter." Said Bill.
"It was Harry Potter's voice." Said Arthur.
"But how? He just finished his third year." Said Bill.
"Sirius." Was all Molly could say.
"You know what, I don't have to leave just yet. I can stay long enough to greet my siblings at Kings Cross." Bill said as he put his luggage down on the floor.
"If only we knew where Percy was at. So what do we do in the meantime?" Asked Charlie
"We wait until we know where he is." Said Molly.
4:15PM
Molly, Arthur, Bill and Charlie were in the kitchen having a snack when a doe Patronus sauntered in.
"I thought you should know that Percy is wondering around Hogsmead because he missed the train. I would appreciate it if some one could come get him, he won't leave me alone. I did buy him some food and a butterbeer at Madam Rosemerta's. I must say that I cannot believe that he is of age. Good day."
"Oh dear that was Severus." Said Molly.
"I'll go get Percy. Should I bring him here or to the Burrow?" Asked Charlie.
"Here. He'll need use of the floo network to get back and forth to work." Replied Molly.
"Why doesn't he just apparate?" Asked Bill.
"No license. A fingernail of his was noticed lingering behind. He will get to try again but has to wait six months. It's that long off because that is when they will be offering the re-test. And of course he'll have to take a few practice sessions before he tries again. Oh and Percy will have the top floor. It's all ready for him."
"Okay." Said Bill and Charlie praying that they wouldn't laugh about Percy failing his apparition test.
Hogsmead
4:45PM
Charlie arrived in Hogsmead and went searching for Percy. As he wondered around the village he spotted Severus.
"Pro…Sev…Mr. Snape!" Charlie called out.
Severus slowly turned around with an evil scowl on his face.
"Sorry sir. I didn't know what else to say to get your attention."
"Charlie Weasley, right? Though you have been out of school for some time now, you can still call me Professor Snape or Sir. And maybe the next time I see you, I might consider allowing you to call me Severus." Severus sneered.
"Yes Professor. I'm looking for Percy. I can't seem to find him anywhere. Oh, my parents send their thanks for buying Percy food and drink and sending the message."
"Let your parents know that I said no problem. And I managed to give Percy the slip in the Three Broomsticks."
"Thank you Professor. And I am sorry about how I called for you." Charlie said as he quickly removed himself from Severus's glare.
The Three Broomsticks
4:55PM
Charlie entered the Three Broomsticks, quickly scanned to see if he could spot Percy. He had no luck with that.
"If it isn't Charlie Weasley. How can I help you? What can I get for you?"
"I'm good thank you Madam Rosemerta. I am actually looking for my brother, Percy."
"Oh, he's over there at the table that is deep in a corner. He's been really obnoxious, offering to work so he could have some food and butterbeer. First he tried to buy one, but was short by a Knut. Any way, my customers weren't all that thrilled with him, so I gave him some fire-whiskey. I had to do something, he was about to cost me my customers."
"It's alright." Chuckled Charlie.
Charlie quickly made his way through to Percy.
"Percy."
"What? Charlie?"
"So, do you want to go home or stay here?'
"How did you know I was here? What's going on?" Percy asked slurring his words.
"Does all that really matter right now?"
"I tried to use the floo network at the post office but it didn't work."
"Well that would be because the Burrow has been disconnected. Bill, Sirius, Remus and I have been helping mum and dad move"
"Move?"
"Yeah, move."
"Move where?"
"Into the house that dad inherited."
"Why didn't anyone tell me? I could have flooed straight there when I missed the last carriage."
"We've been a bit busy Percy. How were we supposed to know that you'd miss the train home? And why weren't you the first one on the train as always?"
"It's all Potter's fault. He told me that they weren't leaving until ten in the morning. He lied to me on purpose so that I'd miss the train. Should our siblings, especially our little sister, be hanging out with someone like that?"
"You chose to dawdle, it's not Harry's fault."
"I was looking for our brothers and little sister. Someone without blinders on has to keep an eye on them. Especially our little sister when Harry is around."
"Oh Percy, for crying out loud, do you hear yourself? I know what had been going on. And our little sister has a name and it's Ginny. And she's not so little anymore…she walks and talks."
"Our little sister is only twelve and not allowed to date until she is fourteen. Potter is getting our little sister to go behind mum and dad's backs and break the rules they set out for her."
"You are seriously diluted."
"You'll all see one day. Potter will ruin our little sister's life."
"If you weren't drunk from the fire-whiskey, I'd kick your ass right now! Now get up so we can go. And for your information it was Harry who alerted us that you missed the train."
"No. Professor Snape sent word to mum and dad."
"Harry let us know first that you missed the train. Then we got the message from Professor Snape and he let us know exactly where you were. Now, lets go you baboon."
Charlie helped Percy out side. While holding onto Percy, Charlie found a fairly deserted area and apparated to the new house.
"Oh dear. Arthur come quick! Charlie what happened?"
"Don't worry about it. Madam Rosemerta gave him some fire-whiskey so he'd keep to himself. He's just a little drunk is all. Oh and he blames Harry."
"Blames Harry for what?" Asked Arthur.
"I missed the train because of him. He's a liar and a manipulator." Slurred Percy.
"Charlie, dear could you dump him in his room?"
"My pleasure mum."
6:00PM
"Do you hear that?" Asked Bill
"I bet it's Percy." Said Charlie
"What the bloody hell? Where am I? Hello. Is there anyone here?" Yelled Percy
"We're down here, come on down and join us you baboon." Charlie yelled back.
"Charlie." Chided Molly
"Oh, you just wait. He thinks he's the only one without blinders on. And every time he mentions Ginny, he says 'little sister'. He won't say her name. Its like he sees Ginny in diapers and crawling around." Said Charlie.
"Percy what happened?" Asked Molly
"I didn't see any of them anywhere. I had to go check their dorms. I had to be sure that my younger brothers and little sister were up and that they make it to the train. They left at nine!"
"Harry did not make you go looking around. You didn't have to do anything Percy. You chose to do what you did. This is all on you."
"What, I was supposed to presumably think that they had boarded the train, that they would have made it on their own? Was I supposed to have just left my brothers and little sister behind? No, no, no. They couldn't be left at Hogwarts with Potter."
"Your father and I would have known. Someone from Hogwarts would have notified us and we would have gone and picked them up if not made arrangements for another way to get them home. You should have just made sure that you made it to the train. The fact that you didn't, well why didn't you just stay at Hogwarts when you obviously discovered the last carriage leaving? You could have been home hours ago."
"I had to try and catch the train!"
"Dare I ask why?" Said Molly
"There was no way that I wouldn't at least try to protect my siblings, especially my little sister from Potter. I ran after the carriage all the way to Hogsmead Station. The train left before I got there…"
"When you knew that the train had left why didn't you just turn around at that point and go back to Hogwarts or just went on to Hogsmead?"
"I had to catch my breath. I did walk back to Hogwarts but they had already locked them for the summer. I rested for a little while and then made my way to Hogsmead. Not that I received much help from anyone until Professor Snape."
"Ginny does not need protecting from Harry! You made your own choices. No one made you run after the carriage or any of the other stupid things you did!"
"If Potter had not lied to me, it would not have been necessary for me to have had to do it!"
"Do you trust Ginny?" Asked Arthur.
"Of course I trust my little sister."
"Do you realize that Ginny had defend and protect herself?" Asked Charlie.
"She is only twelve. After only two years of school what could she possibly do to try and defend and or protect herself? Potter is older and stronger. He could easily over power her."
"Harry is only a year older and only a year a head of Ginny in school! There is not that much difference between them. Ginny can take care of herself. Charlie and I have taught her a few things."
"Oh come on. Boys are stronger than girls. Everyone knows that!" Spat Percy.
Molly's face became a deep red as her chest rose and fell. Everyone else could only shake their heads in disbelief. Molly took the three stride step to reach Percy in one. She smacked Percy up side the head, hard.
"Ow."
"I'd like to see you get pregnant and deliver children! Ginny is not weak! And stop calling her 'little'! Ginny is stronger than you, stronger than every single male in this family put together! Ginny has had to put up with six older brothers her whole life, especially you! You don't give Ginny any credit! And if Ginny ends up pregnant before she finishes school it will not be Harry's fault! It will be you fault! All your fault completely and entirely! You would have pushed her into doing things she normally would not have if you had just left her be! Just because I have stayed home all of your life taking care of you and your siblings and taking care of the house, doing all the cleaning, laundry and cooking….does not mean that I am weak! I chose to be a stay at home mom! Now you best leave Ginny and Harry alone!"
"Molly dear, we need to go. The train wont' be arriving for a while but we need to get there early so that we can gather their trunks while we wait for them to de-board." Arthur said softly.
"Y-yes dear. We will be back shortly." Molly said still angry.
"What? I'm going…"
"NO! YOU ARE NOT! I AM WARNING YOU FOR THE LAST TIME, YOU BETTER LEAVE GINNY AND HARRY ALONE WHETHER THEY ARE TOGETHER OR NOT!" Screamed Molly.
"Bill and Charlie are going. Why can't I? I have to get my trunk and Hermes anyway."
"There are several reasons why. As for your trunk and Hermes, well your father and I will get them. Most importantly is the fact that you have things to finalize…"
"It can wait until my little sister is safe, until I know without a doubt that she is safe."
"Your sister's name is Ginny and she is not 'little'! She is safe! And what you need to finalize cannot wait! It has to do with your job at the Ministry!"
Percy marched up to the top floor huffing and puffing angrily.
Grimmuald Place
3:45PM
"I bet Molly and Arthur's kids ate not going to be happy when they find out they won't be staying in the new house in the next few weeks." Said Remus.
"I am sure that you are right Remus. Though thankfully Percy starts working at the Ministry soon. That alone will give everyone a break from Percy. At least somewhat of a break any way."
"Still mad at Percy?"
"He hasn't apologized or at least admitted that he was dead wrong about Ruby, Violet and myself! Not to mention how he has treated Kreacher and Harry."
"True. So when does the train arrive?"
"Seven-thirty."
"Well, you have enough time to eat something before we leave. Don't forget we have to stop by and get Marie before we go to Kings Cross."
"I know. Marie doesn't live that far from Kings Cross."
"Yes, but you have to take into consideration Marie's health."
"Right again Remus."
Kings Cross station
6:55PM
Sirius, Remus and Marie made their way through the somewhat cramped platform. Sirius spotted Molly, Arthur and Mr. and Mrs. Granger not to far a way and walked straight over to them.
"Molly, Arthur…and Charlie and Bill. What a surprise. Is there something wrong?" Said Sirius.
"Oh no. No, nothing is wrong. Well not really."
"My apologies. This is Marie, she has been taking care of my daughter since she was born."
Sirius finished with all of the introductions and included a few explanations just as the train pulled up and stopped. Trunks and cages with and without animals in them were being pulled off the train and stacked neatly against a wall.
Sirius and Remus assisted the Weasley's and the Granger's with locating their children's trunks and caged animals if he or she had one. Sirius located Violet's and Harry's trunks and Hedwig in her cage. The trunks and animal cages were neatly stacked near the group of adults.
Sirius looked up and made eye contact with Harry. Sirius was a little concerned and definitely curious due to the look on Harry's face and the fact that when he and Harry made eye contact Harry had a hint of fear in his eyes. As Sirius watched the group of kids start to walk in his direction he couldn't help but notice that Harry seemed to become more nervous and or scared the closer he got to him.
"Where is Percy?" Asked Sirius without taking his eyes from Harry.
"He's at the new house. Long story. I'm sure you'll hear all about it this summer." Replied Molly.
Platform 9 ¾
7:25PM
Harry scanned the platform looking for anyone waiting for any of them. Just as he started to worry that no one was there he spotted a group of adults and made eye contact with Sirius.
"Oi." Harry said as he paled, froze in place and was afraid of what might happen next.
"Oh, sorry Harry." Said Hermione after crashing into him.
"Harry what's the hold up?" Asked Ron.
"Oh, just Sirius, Remus, I assume Marie, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Bill and Charlie. I'm so dead." Harry said shakily.
No one said anything and felt almost exactly what Harry was felling.
"Well, lets get this over with." Said Ginny.
The group of kids headed towards the group of adults. Harry started to sweat under Sirius's watchful eyes. As the group of kids reached the adults it hit Harry how to handle the situation…tell the truth.
"Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."
"Yes, Harry dear?" Said Molly
"I really hope that Percy is okay. I lied to him about what time all of us were leaving. I deliberately told Percy that we'd leave around ten even though I knew we would be leaving as early as possible. I only did that because Percy was constantly invading my space. I was at the point that if he got in my space again that I'd do something. Something I knew and know I would regret. Professor McGonagall at some point had threatened to strip Percy of his title of Head Boy. He wasn't doing his Head Boy duties. She did take the badge away but did give it back to him once he chose to do his Head Boy duties. He did back off, completely. But with school being out for the summer, I knew that Percy would be back to what he had been doing but worse. There would be nothing to keep Percy out of my hair and I wanted to enjoy the train trip home with my friends. Yes, I hoped that he would miss the train but when I lied to him, when I planned this I had no intention on it being that he would miss the train. I only meant that he would have a more difficult time trying to find us on the train. Knowing that Percy did not trust me I thought that he would have stalked the common room waiting to see if I was telling him the truth or not. If Percy isn't alright, I will feel bad. But it won't change the fact that I am glad he wasn't on the train."
"Don't worry about it Harry. Percy is alright, a little crazy, but alright." Said Bill.
"Between you and Severus we were able to get Percy and bring him home. So no harm done and Harry, thank you for your honesty." Said Molly.
"What? Percy is at the house? Can't he have the Burrow?" Asked Ron.
"Oh, Ronald don't worry about it. It's not like you'll be bumping into him over the next week or two." Said Molly
"Huh?" Asked Ron
"You, Fred, George and Ginny will be spending the first week or two at Sirius's."
"Why?" Cried Ron
"Because I said so. We're still moving stuff and unpacking."
"We can help." Ron said with a hint of desperation in his voice.
"Yeah right. It's best for you and your siblings to be out of the house."
"A week or two?"
"Yes. It's going slowly. We are limiting the amount of magic we use so we don't attract any attention to ourselves."
"So obviously Percy is staying at the house. Is he helping at all?" Asked Ron.
"No. He'll be working at the Ministry. Or at least I hope he will be." Said Molly.
"Percy, got a job at the Ministry." Said the twins shocked and horrified.
"He's just Bartemius Crouch's assistant. He'll be doing research and reports. For now anyway, but he'll move up the ranks. He has to start somewhere." Said Molly.
"That's what we're afraid of." The twins softly said.
"We'll take your trunks and some clothes over later tonight." Said Molly.
"I'll see you all sometime this summer." Hermione said as she readied herself to leave with her parents.
Bill and Charlie helped Remus take their siblings and Harry to Grimmuald Place. Bill and Charlie returned to help their parents load all the trunks into the car. Sirius escorted Marie and Violet home.
The Weasley House
8:00PM
"Finally you're back. Where's…"
"So impatient. Don't you worry about where they are." Said Molly.
"I need to know th…"
"You need to focus on your own life Percy. If you must know, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny will be staying a week or two at Sirius's."
"What? Have you lost your mind? Potter will be there."
"No, I have not lost my mind! Yes, we know that Harry will be there. Just mind your own business."
"Why can't they stay here? How can you be sure that there will be an appropriate amount of supervision?"
"As for why they can't stay here, we're still moving things from the Burrow and none of them are of age to be licensed to apparate. And I know that there will be appropriate supervision, Remus is staying over at Sirius's. Between the two of them there is plenty of supervision. They don't have to watch your siblings every single second of the day." Said Arthur.
"But…"
"No, buts about it Percy. Now, I am serious focus on your own life. Let your father and I focus on your younger siblings lives."
"So, Percy when do you start working?" Charlie asked quickly before Percy could really dig himself a grave.
"I have to go in tomorrow at 7:30am for some training thing or something plus I have to turn in some paper work." Grumbled Percy.
"A piece of advice, little brother, you should get to sleep. You'll want to show up a little early. I'd say ten minutes early should do it. You do not want to be late." Said Bill.
"I. AM. NOT. LITTLE! Any way I haven't had dinner yet."
"Are you incapable of fixing yourself something to eat?" Asked Charlie.
"I don't know where the kitchen is."
"Did you stay up on your floor all this time? Are you saying that you weren't curious at all? Did you look around the house at all?" Asked Bill
"Did you politely and kindly ask one of the house-elves to assist you?" Asked Charlie.
"Speaking of which, mum we should look into getting new house-elves. They've gone too long without a Master and don't know their place."
"Percy Ignatius Weasley, how dare you! If anyone here needs to learn his or her place…it is you!" Snapped Molly
"Oh, Percy you ordered the house-elves. You have ask them kindly and give them compliments." Said Bill.
"What?"
"Percy the house-elves here are free elves. They are bound to the house not to those who reside in the house. They will assist you if you ask nicely. They will not do it for you, especially if you're ordering them around. They might tend to you at your every whim if you are not physically able to do it yourself." Said Charlie.
"What in the name of Merlin is going on now?" Asked Arthur.
"Percy ordered the house-elves to bring him something to eat while we were gone. He say's he doesn't know where the kitchen is and didn't ask where it was. So he has hibernated in his room all this time." Explained Bill.
"Percy why didn't you just go looking around? If were to have had checked things out you would have found where everything is." Said Arthur.
"Wait a second. Percy you do to know where the kitchen is. That's where we all were before going to Kings Cross without you. After all these years of you doing things for yourself and some good luck comes our family's way and you decide to be lazy." Said Charlie.
"We've never had house-elves, let alone one before. Just because we do now does not mean that you have the right to be lazy or the right to boss them around. All you would have had to do was come back down stairs after we left and looked around. You would have found the kitchen and that there were sandwiches on the table to eat." Said Molly irritated.
Grimmuald Place
8:55PM
"Master Harry, you're back. Oh no, Kreacher not make enough food…"
"It's okay Kreacher, you didn't know that there would be extra people."
"Kreacher go make more. Kreacher try and hurry."
"No rush Kreacher. You have plenty of time. Do not put yourself out." Harry said kindly.
Kreacher nodded and left with a crack sound.
8:00PM
Harry, the twins, Ron, Ginny and Remus were sitting in the kitchen eating. Remus didn't have as much as the other's.
9:00PM
Sirius apparated into the living room to find that no one was there. He could hear chatter coming from the kitchen.
"Ah, Sirius. Come on into your kitchen."
"Sorry, I would have been back sooner but I had to arrange things with Marie. Both Violet and Marie will be staying here. They won't move in for a week a two. It depends on how long it takes Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to finish moving."
"No need to apologize Sirius. You were with your daughter and Marie." Said Harry.
"Thank you Harry. I am so glad that you are being so understanding."
"I do my best."
"So, how was term? Other than the prank on Percy."
"Well, D…oh who cares, I'm not at school. Draco had a severe burn and it wasn't caused by means of magic. Well, so Hermione was working on it with Muggle remedies. It was going slow, I took a closer look. I had my hand held out in front of him and I just really wanted the burn to heal before summer started so that he could have a chance to strengthen before going home. Well, my hand had a soft blue glow and then the burn was completely gone as though there was never a burn in the first place. And then in Dumbledore's office…I am not sure what happened exactly but Dumbledore said that what had happened was what is known as Merlin's Shield. Hermione suggested that I go through everything at the Manor and find out all that I can about my family history."
Sirius was pretty upset about hearing that Lucius Malfoy burned Draco. He was amazed about Harry healing Draco and the Merlin's Shield. All he could really say was that Hermione is wise, wise beyond her years.
"I think that you should take Hermione's suggestion and run with it." Remus managed to say through feeling what he knew Sirius was feeling.
"I will do that, the next time I am there I will. But first I want to go to Gringotts. I want to claim my inheritance. I can handle that much. The rest can wait until I am ready. But I refuse to take the chance of loosing track of the time and missing the dead line. It's mine and I should have it. No one can get as much out of it as me. I will claim my inheritance. Sirius, I insist that you go with me. I don't want to go alone…I want to be sure that no one tries to talk me out of claiming now."
"Okay. We can go tomorrow. What time do want to go?"
"I do want to claim my inheritance as soon as possible, but I would also like to have a day to just relax."
"Okay, what time on Sunday?"
"As early as possible."
"Well, Gringotts doesn't open until ten on Sunday."
"I'll be ready by nine thirty."
June 20th
9:45AM
Sirius walked into the kitchen sleepily. He nearly did not see Harry sitting at the table fidgeting.
"Good morning Sirius."
"Morning Harry."
"Not to be rude or impatient, but…"
"Just let me have some coffee and toast." Sirius said chuckling sleepily.
"Okay. I'll go wait in the living room." Harry said excitedly and bounced out of the kitchen.
Sirius nodded (to no one), as he sat down at the table with a cup of coffee and a small plate with his toast on it.
9:55AM
Sirius put his cup and plate in the sink and joined Harry in the living room to find Remus there keeping Harry company.
"Remus, you won't mind keeping an eye on everyone else while Harry and I are gone, will you?"
"Not at all Sirius. You won't be gone that long anyway."
"Thank you. We'll see you in a bit."
With it early enough on Sunday Sirius knew not many Muggles would be out and knew of an alley that was near the Leaky Cauldron and that it would be perfect to pop up in. Sirius apparated with Harry as a side-a-long, as Harry had never really seen it before.
In a blink of an eye they landed in a filthy, garbage over ran alley.
"Nice place to arrive in." Harry said sarcastically.
"It wasn't this bad the last time I was in the area." Sirius said defensively.
Harry and Sirius looked at each other and quietly laughed. After a few minutes, Sirius checked the street and was pleased to see no Muggles around. He and Harry quickly stepped out of the alley and made their way to the Leaky Cauldron.
As they walked through they gave Tom, the barman, a polite passing through hello.
Once through the entrance to Diagon Alley it was all Harry could do to not run at full speed to Gringotts.
"A little patience Harry. I know you are anxious to claim your inheritance but it's not going anywhere in the near future." Chuckled Sirius.
"I know. I just want to have it out of the way, I want to know without a doubt that I won't loose it."
"I get it Harry. I really do. I understand. I would feel the same way as you do if I were in your position."
Harry only smiled at his Godfather.
A few strides later Sirius and Harry entered Gringotts. Harry was surprised to see how empty it was at first. He then remembered that it was early Sunday morning and no one would be there to make a withdrawal to make school supply purchases.
"Hello, how can I assist you?"
"Good morning Griphook. Harry Potter would like to claim his inheritance. He doesn't have the documents with him at the moment. Is there another way to prove everything? If need be we can back with the documents."
"It is fine. No need to go get them. A simple blood test and bloodline test will work just as good if not better. If there is a house involved, one would only have to declare him or herself as the Head of the House it would result in an automatic claim of the whole inheritance. Sorry but it will be a few minutes. Gobbes who deals with the inheritance department is not yet in. He is expected soon. Feel free to have a seat and enjoy some refreshments."
"Thank you Griphook."
Sirius and Harry headed to the waiting area and bumped into Cornelius Fudge.
"Good morning Sirius, Harry."
"Good morning Minister." Replied Harry and Sirius.
"What brings the two of here on Sunday so early?"
Harry did not want the Minister of Magic to know what he was up to. He was afraid that the Minister would try and persuade him or stop him from claiming the inheritance. He had no idea as to why he answered.
"I have an inheritance from my family and I intend to claim it today. There's a dead line and…"
"You are only thirteen, I am sure that there is plenty of time to…"
"I only have until my fifteenth birthday to claim it and I …"
"Well that is plenty of time my dear boy."
"I am young and can be easily distracted at times. I don't want to forget about it and miss the dead line. I don't see why I can't claim it now. It's not like I am going to declare myself the Head of House. I only want to claim my inheritance." Harry said agitated.
"I am sure that Sirius won't let you forget about it, he'll remind you."
"Excuse me Minister, but Sirius had more important things to do than to remind of my inheritance. And why are you so dead set against me claiming my inheritance now?"
"Oh now Harry come on."
"Why are you so dead set against me claiming my inheritance?"
"It is not right for someone of you age to have such a grand manor and that much gold! Thirteen is way too young, not that fifteen is any better."
"You can't stop me from claiming what is rightfully mine!" Harry firmly spat in Fudge's face.
"Be reasonable boy!"
Harry started breathing really fast and hard and his body was starting to shake.
"Sirius please talk some sense into the boy."
"He has every right to claim his inheritance, weather it be now or when he turns fifteen or anytime in between. This is his only link to his whole family, you know the one's that are dead! There's no law saying that he has to wait until the dead line, his fifteenth birthday to claim his inheritance."
"Law can be changed and made!"
"Clearly."
"At thirteen he has no business having that house and vaults. A reminder notice will be sent out to remind him of the dead line."
"BULL SHIT!" Screamed Harry.
"Watch you mouth boy. I am the Minister…"
"I don't give a damn who you are. I won't receive a reminder notice. I never received a notice about it in the first place. I found out by other means that do not concern you! I will claim my inheritance, and I'll do it today. You are acting as though you'd like very much for me to forget all about the inheritance so that you can take it and do what every you want with it." Harry said through gritted teeth.
"How dare you!"
"It has happened in the past. And how would you know about a grand manor and vaults full of gold? Been keeping an eye on it have you? Want to better your vault?"
"What is the meaning of this?" Demanded Fudge.
Sirius looked at Harry, blinked several times, placed a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder and said, "Harry calm down, it's okay. No one can stop you from claiming your inheritance. Well not legally at least. Harry…" Sirius trailed off as he realized that the red glow around Harry was now covering him as well.
"We'll see about that." The Minister said as he pulled out his wand, pointed it at Sirius and Harry and said, "Obliviate!"
Harry and Sirius were forced backwards a step or two from the blast of the spell. Their eyes went out of focused and the red glow disappeared.
The Minister greedily smiled and quickly looked around. This made him smile even more, though practically empty no witch, wizard or goblin noticed what had happened. As Fudge looked back at Harry and Sirius their eyes were refocusing. They looked at Fudge dazed and confused.
"Oh, my apologies for keeping you both from returning home. I'll let you go now. Have a nice day and Harry do have a wonderful vacation."
Harry and Sirius only nodded before turning around and leaving.
"Where are they going? Gobbes is here now."
"Just a change of mind. Harry decided to wait a little longer after all."
"Very well then."
Grimmuald Place
11:30AM
Harry and Sirius popped up in Sirius's living room startling everyone in there. They still had the dazed and confused expressions on their faces.
"I knew it wouldn't take long. So, Harry how does it feel…hold on. Are you alright? Harry? Sirius? What's wrong? What happened?" Asked Remus concerned and alarmed.
Harry had walked off during Remus's concerned and alarmed questioning. Half way up the stairs Harry froze in place for a second and stomped the rest of the way up to the attic.
"Sirius, what happened?" Asked Remus again.
"Cornelius Fudge." Sirius said infuriated.
"What?" Asked the twins as Ginny headed up the stairs after Harry.
"The Minister feels that Harry is too young to have a grand manor and multiple vaults of gold from the inheritance from his father's side of the family. He thinks Harry should wait until he is fifteen to claim it. Fudge went as far as to say that a reminder notice will be sent out. You can imagine how that affected Harry. Let me tell you I have never seen someone so mad in my life. Harry was covered in a red glow, I had my hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down and then I noticed that the glow was also covering me. It didn't hurt at all. Before I could do anything, Fudge said 'obliviate', I don't know how or why I remember and I am sure Harry does too by now. Don't get me wrong I am glad that we remember. I don't understand how it is possible. It just doesn't make any sense."
"Could it have something to with this unknown, underlying power that he has unintentionally and unknowingly been tapping into?" Asked Ron.
"It could definitely be possible." Said Remus.
Suddenly what sounded like a bomb going off was heard coming from the attic. The whole house shook so violently that it could have been what the Muggles would consider an earthquake.
"SIRIUS!"
At hearing Ginny screaming so shrilly and the terror in her voice, everyone went running. Sirius stopped for a second, thought about it and apparated to the attic, as it would be the quickest way there. He looked at Harry laying o his back, spread eagle. There was a 3ft. scorch/burn mark radius in a starburst pattern around Harry. Sirius quickly got to Harry's side and knelt down next to him.
"Ginny what happened?" Asked Sirius barely above a whisper.
"I was nearly to the door. Harry was ranting about something, I couldn't understand what he was saying…I was too far back and the door was closed. Suddenly what sounded like an explosion or a bomb went off and the hose was shaking. I ran to the door and opened it. When I saw Harry…I…I didn't know what to do. Sirius, is h-he d-dea…is he still a-alive?"
"Yes Ginny, Harry is alive. It appears that he is just knocked out."
"W-what happened at G-gringotts"
"What is going…oh…Sirius?" Said Remus.
"Harry's alive. Don't worry about it. Remus, could you please fill Ginny in about Gringotts?" Sirius asked as he picked Harry up in his arms.
"Yes. No problem. Just focus on Harry."
Sirius apparated back down to the living room and placed Harry on the couch.
"Hey, my mum wants to know if Remus can came back over and help out with…what the bloody hell happened?" Said Charlie as he stepped out of the fireplace.
Sirius explained to Charlie about going to Gringotts so Harry could claim his inheritance, bumping into Fudge and what happened since then up to that exact moment.
"I don't know what to do. Part of me wants to take Harry to St. Mungo's. There will be a lot of questions and I don't…that shouldn't matter. It doesn't matter…"
"Sirius, calm down and relax a bit. Give it a little time and see if Harry comes to on his own." Said Charlie calmly.
"I'm only going to give it a few more minutes." Said Sirius softly as everyone else walked in.
A/N: wow another long one. Please be patient the next chapter is still being written, but I will get it loaded as soon as possible. Hope you like the chapter. R&R please…it really does help.
