Sorry to post late. I have a confession to make...

Chapter 10 was the last prewritten chapter. I'm now currently writing the next one and hope to finish by next Wednesday but please be patient if I'm unable to meet that deadline. I promise not to discontinue or abandon this story. It means a lot to me and I'm very invested in it.

Thank you.

Chapter 11

The next few weeks went quickly and Harry felt sad to leave Raven's Roost. Still, there were only three days before the new school year and they needed to get to London. His solicitor had been in touch and everything was settled with Dudley.

Most of the ministry's requirements were reasonable and easily met without any inconvenience. Forms had been filled out, oaths to keep the statute of secrecy had been made, and Korlag had validated the tests which proved Dudley's blood status and relation to Harry who had quickly and quietly paid all the fees for the process.

The solicitor had found a school for squibs in London and enrolled Dudley without fuss. It was close enough for Dudley to floo to and from classes while being cared for by the Potter elves. If Dudley needed to go to Diagon Alley, a Potter elf would accompany him unless Remus was available.

A few of the requirements were confusing or just outright weird. For instance, although their circumstances were benefited by the requirement limiting Dudley's contact with the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Harry wished he knew why it was listed at all...and why in Merlin's name should it be spelled out that squibs aren't allowed to own a wand if they can't use it anyway?

To Harry's mind, that was like saying a horse isn't allowed to own a quill. What would they do with it if they had one?

Harry's thoughts were disorganized and he shook his head, consciously making the decision to focus on the future rather than trivialities in the past.

They would take the boat back to Mac's yard and then portkey to London. Harry had ordered his school supplies by owl and most of his assignments were complete. Ron would arrive at the townhouse tomorrow and hopefully they'd fall back into their rightful places. Molly and Remus would escort Harry and the Weasley kids to King's Cross on the first of September and then Remus would remain a resident with Sirius at Harry's townhouse to keep an eye on Dudley.

"Master Harry's trunk is all packed and shrunken." Winky said, handing it to him.

"That's great, Winky! Thank you." Harry smiled at her while slipping it into his pocket. "I'll call for you in London. Once you've finished helping Roody close the property for the school year, I'd like you to do me a favor and check in at Hogwarts with Dobby."

Winky nodded happily and smiled as she popped out.

He looked out the window and a feeling of contentment filled him. This could be a nice summer home. He could picture gathering with his friends and swimming in the beautiful water. He could imagine teaching his children to swim in this cove. Now he had to make it happen.

Harry took a deep breath and turned to face the future. He strode purposefully through the castle and nodded approvingly to Roody as he stopped at the door. "You've done an excellent job caring for Raven's Roost. Keep up the good work and I'll see you at Hogwarts."

"Yes Master Harry." Roody replied, bowing low.

Harry sighed and shook his head. "What did I say about bowing, Roody?"

The old elf answered without straightening up. "Not to, Master Harry, but Roody is wanting to anyway."

Sirius chuckled from behind him. "He'll likely bow until he feels you don't deserve it, kiddo."

"Alright." Harry smirked at his godfather. "I reckon I can live with that."

Roody closed the door behind them as Harry approached Sigmund.

"Ready to go, Sigmund?" Harry asked as he made contact with the silver snake.

"At your service, Speaker."

Harry grinned when the raven released Sigmund into his hand. Once Sigmund was tucked safely into Harry's rucksack, he and Sirius boarded the boat and felt it set sail toward Loch Dochfour.

Mac met them at the door as the group finished securing the vessel and Harry was glad to see him but he wanted to see if the man's curiosity outdid his discretion.

"Hello, Mac." Harry shook his hand. "How have you been?"

"Dinna be havin' me on, laddie." Mac smirked at the young lord.

"Alright. You caught me." Harry chuckled. "It's amazing but it's dangerous for anyone to know too many details about my properties so I can't say much."

"Harry, we're expected soon." Remus reminded him lightly.

Sadly, Harry knew he was right. He made to hand Mac the sack of life jackets but the older man shook his head.

"Keep 'em, lad." Mac said as he pointed to a new locker next to the door of the stone boathouse. "I've gone through my stock after giving the newest ones to ye. The others were barely in fair shape so I ordered new for the other boats."

Harry wasn't used to being given preferential treatment. He stared at the man for a moment and made a decision. "Next time I come through, I'm taking you to see it, Mac."

"Och, keep your secrets, laddie." Mac's voice cracked a bit. "I know yer story and it isn't one I'm wont to get involved in - leastways not more than I am."

Harry nodded his understanding. "Someday."

"Aye." Mac grinned at him. "Alright, then... someday."

Harry took the locker key from Mac and said to expect a visit next summer. "If anyone comes around asking questions...?"

"I don't know nothin', Lord Potter." Mac winked and walked into his shop, leaving them to their business.

Harry handed the key to Fred and turned to kneel next to his godfather who was currently in the form of a black dog. "I like him."

"I do as well, Harry." Remus smiled sadly. "I looked around when we got here and the yard has a good muggle security system in place and passive wards that I traced to a young witch living a little more than a mile away, perhaps a family member of his. There shouldn't be anything to worry about."

Harry sighed and nodded as he stood up and led the group to the field they arrived at. The shed was still there and they gathered to grab the portkey. "Big Ben."

The tug at their navel took them to an alley that reminded Harry of the Leaky Cauldron's entrance to Diagon Alley. Remus stepped out to check their surroundings and came back with a grin.

"The clock tower is just up the street. We're behind Saint Stephen's tavern!" He said. "Harry, your grandfather was friends with the owner's father. The townhouse isn't far." He led the way with Sirius following closely behind. Harry offered Luna and Ginny his arms and the twins followed him with Dudley on their heels.

A few minutes later, Harry stood at the base of a cement staircase with wrought iron railings. In the center of the white door, sitting just above the gold mail slot, was a familiar black lion head. Its mouth was open and Harry knew what to do. He pulled Sigmund from his pocket and didn't hesitate to place the snake in place. Sigmund's eyes glowed green for a moment and the lion's glowed red as its teeth moved to hold Sigmund in place.

Ziva opened the door and let them in. "Ziva is so happy to see Master Harry! Did Master enjoy his trip? Please to be telling Ziva all about it?"

Harry smiled at her as the others joined him in the entry hall. "I did enjoy it, Ziva. It's called Raven's Roost and it's a castle on an island!"

"That sounds so exciting, Master Harry!" Ziva held out a hand. "Please to be giving Ziva your things. Ziva will clean and organize while Landy and Kipsey take the guests to rooms."

Harry chuckled but gave her his trunk and rucksack. "I met the elf who lives there and cares for the place. His name is Roody and he does a great job all by himself but this month he had a bit of help because I've accepted the bond of a house elf named Winky."

"Oh, Master Harry! It's been ages since a new elf has joined our ranks!" Ziva sounded excited.

"I want to introduce her to all of my properties and see where she'll fit best." Harry told his head elf. "Winky?"

She appeared and curtsied to Harry.

"Did you go see Dobby?" Harry asked. "Is he doing alright?"

"Dobby is finding no problems with the wards, Master Harry, and he is telling me to give you message that Headmaster Dumbles sets silence spells even when nobody else is around." Winky tugged her ear. "He is feeling most discouraged."

"I'll talk to him." Harry promised her before gesturing to Ziva. "This is the head Potter elf, Ziva. She'll show you around and introduce you to the others. The five of them take care of this townhouse and a place in Wiltshire called Potter Grove."

Winky's eyes shone happily as Ziva took her by the hand and popped away leaving Harry to wonder where everyone was.

Laughing, he called out. "Ziva?"

She came back with her lower lip tucked between her teeth. "Ziva apologizes, Master Harry. Master bedroom is being on the second floor along with Miss Weasley and Miss Lovegood down the hall. Twin Weasleys be in double room on third floor. Miss Weasley chose the single bedroom on the third level for sibling who isn't here yet and Mister Dudley be in the largest bedroom on the third floor."

"What about my uncles?" Harry asked.

"They be in the largest bedroom on the fourth floor, Master Harry." She told him.

"Thank you, Ziva." Harry shook his head. "Is there anything else I should know?"

Ziva considered this. "Top floor is a sort of sunroom, garden, greenhouse."

Harry decided he wanted to see what she meant by that. "I think I've got it. You can go see to Winky now. I'll call if I need anything."

She nodded and popped away.

Left to his own devices, Harry decided to explore the upper levels of the house. The door he was standing beside was slightly ajar so he peeked in to find a lovely - if small - formal dining room. As he was about to climb the stairs, he noticed another door. He thought it might be a closet but it was actually a restroom. The staircase was steep but sturdy. He was relieved that the hallway was brightly lit and the walls were white or he might be struggling to find his way.

When Harry reached the first floor, he noticed a short hallway. He found a small empty bedroom with a small bathroom next to it and moved on to the drawing room. A sofa sat facing the fireplace with two armchairs flanking it. There was a desk off to the side and a tapestry hanging on one wall.

High in one corner, Harry could see Oscar Gryffindor's name. Godric wasn't listed but Oscar was. If he'd doubted the results of the test at Gringotts, this was clear proof that it was true. He scanned for his own name and found it at eye level with James and Lily hovering above him. He jumped a little when Sirius came up behind him and touched his shoulder but he didn't take his eyes off the tapestry.

"C'mon, pup." Sirius prodded him until he led the way into the hall. Then he turned Harry to face him. "They'd be proud of you and what you've done so far. They'll be prouder still when you get out from under Dumbledore's thumb and figure out what's going on. Now, let's go look in on your guests like a good host."

Harry nodded but remained distracted as they climbed to the next level. His room was wonderful. It had a desk across from his large bed. The two cupboards were a decent size and the nightstands each held a lamp. A small balcony was visible through a curtain on the far wall. Ziva had copied the idea he'd implemented in his room at Potter Grove - a large piece of parchment was stuck to the wall. He chuckled but appreciated it as he might need to jot ideas down during his time here.

As he and Sirius came back into the hall, Ginny was leaving the restroom. "The house is lovely, Harry!"

"Glad you're comfortable." Harry smiled. "Do you and Luna have everything you need?"

Luna poked her head out of their room. "It's wonderful, Harry. Don't worry, my room at Draco's London home is much smaller and there wouldn't be room for a friend there."

Harry bit his lip to fight the chuckle he felt bubbling up in his throat.

Ginny cleared her throat and pushed him toward the stairs. "Sirius has already gone."

Harry only nodded and moved past the girls to see his godfather standing at the top talking to Dudley.

"My room is fine, Sirius." Dudley was saying.

"What's going on?" Harry asked, glancing between them.

"I don't think he'll be comfortable. It's like a hotel room in there. He barely has enough room to move around and there's no desk for him to do his school work." Sirius explained. "I think you should rearrange things. The Master suite isn't as big as either of the fourth floor bedrooms but at least it has a desk. The rooms upstairs both have desks and there's a shared balcony."

Harry considered this and looked at the room in question. "Let's go see the fourth floor."

He passed the rest of the rooms on the third floor and hurried up the stairs. Both rooms were wonderful. "Ziva?"

"Yes, Master Harry?" Ziva asked as she appeared.

"Please move my things to the largest room on the fourth floor." Harry requested. "Also, Dudley's things should be moved to the master bedroom. He'll be much more comfortable there since he's living here long term."

Ziva was distraught. "Master Harry not like Ziva's plans?"

"Ziva, I understand that the house is laid out in a certain way and you put me in the master bedroom because I'm Lord Potter but I'd just prefer to be in the largest bedroom available." Harry explained to try and calm her down. "Dudley would be happier on the second floor with less stairs to climb."

Ziva pouted but agreed. "Where should Ziva be putting master's uncles?"

"The room next to mine is perfect for them, Ziva." Harry told her. "How is Winky settling in?"

"Winky is getting along with all of us quite well, Master Harry." Ziva replied. "She is helping with dinner."

Harry was happy everything was going well so he went to check on the twins and Ron's rooms. "Siri, I don't suppose there's a way to get a Chudley Cannons poster before Ron gets here tonight? It's his favorite team and it might make him feel more at home? You know?"

Remus joined them then. "Your grandfather liked them. There might be a vintage poster in storage."

Harry called for Ziva again and requested that she take a look for any Chudley Cannons memorabilia in storage and place it in Ron's room. Maybe that would show Ron that he still had a place as Harry's friend.

Harry showed Dudley to his new room and went back up to his feeling content. "Dobby."

"Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby said as he appeared.

"Winky gave me your message." Harry told him kindly. "I want you to know that it's not your fault that Dumbledore is getting paranoid. He'll slip up sooner or later; just keep at it."

"Dobby understands, sir."

"Master Harry?" Ziva called from the doorway. "Master's expected friend has arrived and dinner is almost ready."

"Thanks, Ziva. Before you go, I want you to meet Dobby." Harry waved her over to his side. "He's my friend... He's Winky's friend... and he's currently a free elf."

Ziva's face took on a rosy hue. "Hello, Dobby."

Dobby sheepishly giggled. "Hello."

Harry smirked and suppressed the laughter bubbling in his chest. "Where can I find Ron, Ziva?"

Ziva giggled. "Ziva brought him to his room, Master Harry."

Harry murmured a quick 'thank you' and left the room. Eager to see if Ron had settled in, Harry knocked on the door to his room. He wasn't expecting the storm cloud that greeted him.

"I'd just about decided we could go back to normal, Harry." Ron glared at him. "What the bloody hell are you thinking? I told you - you can't buy me!"

Harry blinked. He had to figure out what Ron was talking about so Harry pushed past the redhead and was stunned into silence.

On top of the bookshelf sat a full team of miniature quidditch players. A signed and framed poster from the 1933 Chudley Cannons now hung on the wall above the bed. The lamp had an orange colored shade with the team's logo. An orange logo rug sat in front of the couch and several pennants were arranged around the bright orange, framed uniform on the wall opposite the poster.

Harry lost it. He'd suppressed too much laughter today. He let himself fall onto the couch and laughed until he was breathless.

The twins poked their heads in to see what the ruckus was all about. "Harry?"

This started the young lord on a new wave of laughter but he somehow managed to get his godfather's name out and George called him.

"Harry? What's going...on...?" Sirius asked as he stepped into the brightly colored room. He looked down at his still giggling godson and nodded before trying to explain.

Remus stayed in the hall but Harry could see that his hand was strategically placed over his mouth and his golden brown eyes were incredibly amused.

"So you weren't trying to buy my friendship back...?" Ron asked.

Harry desperately tried to calm his mirth as he shook his head.

"You were trying to give me a..." He stopped to consider the situation.

Harry caught his breath and spoke honestly and from his heart. "I wanted to give you a place in my home to symbolize the place you'll always have in my life. You've been my best mate for four years. I don't think that's something to throw away without serious reasons."

Fred mimed wiping a tear away from his eye while George placed a dramatic hand over his heart and pretended to swoon. Colorful hearts appeared to fly into the room and circle Harry's and Ron's heads. A glance told him it had been Ginny's doing.

"Did you really think I'd just give you all this?" Harry asked, nudging the youngest male Weasley. "After how much grief you've caused me this last year?"

Ron's frown was a bit less certain than it had been and he glared at his siblings.

"These are my grandfather's things, Ron. I'm not about to give them away but I want them to be enjoyed and appreciated, so I want to keep them in the room I've reserved for you - my best mate and clearly the second biggest Chudley Cannons fan I know." Harry held out a hand hoping for a shake.

"Alright." Ron sighed as he took Harry's hand. "Maybe tone it down a bit?"

Harry's laugh echoed through the house. "I'll have Ziva spread the collection out. I promise."

Dinner was served and Harry held true to his word. By the time the meal ended, the framed uniform was moved to a guest room at Potter Grove along with the lamp and rug.

Harry slept peacefully that night and couldn't wait to tell his friend what he'd found at Raven's Roost.