Chapter 6
July 1, 1995
Harry sent Hedwig to Lord Greengrass the day prior to arrange this meeting, and the man had graciously agreed to allow one of Harry's elves to bring him to the Manor. The man's reply said he understood Harry's caution, and suggested he continue to use it. The man now sat in Harry's office, nursing a cup of tea.
"It was good to finally meet Sirius after hearing about him from James," the man said, both wizards content to enjoy their tea before getting to business. "It felt wrong when he was arrested, but I guess I'm as guilty as anyone for following the Ministry blindly at the time."
"I can't say I blame you," Harry replied easily. "From what I've heard about those days, people were still terrified. And they trusted the Ministry to protect them."
"They did. I lost my faith in the Ministry's protection much earlier, though. The way they handled the beginning of the last war was criminal. I should have looked into it further."
Harry, guessing Daniel was talking about his father's disappearance, chose his words carefully.
"I only learned today about your father. You have my condolences."
"It was a long time ago. Randolph Greengrass was an impressive man, and a good father. He raised me alone, after my mother walked out on us. What is it that people know about it?"
"Just that he disappeared. Dumbledore guessed the Death Eaters came to visit."
"Not Death Eaters," the man corrected. "The Dark Lord himself. I was on my honeymoon in Greece, and got an owl from Dad. It was clearly written quickly. It read 'Voldemort at the wards, don't come home. I love you, son.' I'll see those words everytime I close my eyes for the rest of my life."
Harry, afraid to break the silence the man had slipped into, sipped his tea quietly.
"Randolph Greengrass bowed to no man," Daniel continued after a few breaths. "And judging from the state of our Manor when I did return, he put up quite the fight. He may not have been considered 'Light' by today's standards, but he had a strict moral code. Joining a terrorist would have been anathema to him, regardless of the man's claims of ancestry."
"What did he think about muggleborns?" Harry asked awkwardly, trying to steer the man to information he needed.
"He was a traditionalist, for sure. He believed the Wizengamot should be run by the old pure-blood families, but he didn't hate anyone. He frequented a local pub with friends of his from Hogwarts and beyond, and the majority of those friends were half-bloods at the most."
"And you?"
"Times change, Harry," the man said with a sigh. "Would part of me be disappointed if my girls married a muggleborn or even a muggle? Probably. Would I voice that disappointment? Absolutely not. When you're raised in a bigoted world, and learn from bigoted teachers or family members or whomever, there will always be a part of your brain that remembers those teachings.
"But it's not the first thought that enters your mind that matters," he continued. "It's the second, and how you choose to act on it. Our world wouldn't survive without muggleborn. Most of the old families are dying out. Without an infusion of new blood into the family lines, whether it's muggleborn, or families from abroad, those old families will be all but gone in a couple generations at most. My father encouraged me to look abroad for a wife, and luckily for me, it was the best thing he could have asked of me."
"Your wife is American, is she not?"
"Emily is from Wyoming," Daniel agreed, smiling at the new subject. "Her family was one of the first wizard settlers of the state, having immigrated from Eastern Europe, and their ranch is the size of a small country."
"I hope to meet her one day," Harry said with a smile, knowing the family was extremely private.
"I wouldn't deign to speak for her, but I'm sure you will eventually," the man said easily. "Now Harry, as much as I appreciate you letting me ramble about my family, I'm here for a reason."
"Part of that reason," Harry disagreed with a smile. "Was because I wanted to get to know a man my Dad apparently called a friend. But there are some things I'd like to ask about."
Harry was considering bringing Daniel into his circle, but needed this meeting to prove him worthy. His Dad had spoken highly of the man, and Harry felt comfortable with him immediately. He didn't want to rush anything though, so he decided to continue to feel him out.
"I've done some research the last few days, and I believe I know most of the protocols and procedures of the Wizengamot. For instance, I know you nominating me made claiming my seat much easier," he said with a grateful smile.
"I did so for James," Daniel admitted. "Just before he went into hiding, he came to mine for a beer with something on his mind. I tried getting him to talk to me about it, but he wouldn't. All he asked was for me to look out for you if something happened to him and Lily. I thought it was just the stress of the time getting to him, but clearly he knew something I didn't."
He heard that story from his dad's perspective, but he decided not to fake surprise. He didn't feel right being disingenuous in this moment.
"After they were killed," Daniel continued. "I looked for you for weeks. I knew that Sirius had been your godfather, and that Remus had left the country. Try as I may, I couldn't track you down. Eventually, I turned to Dumbledore, asking for information about you. He seemed suspicious of my questions, but he told me that you were healthy and safe. He made it clear the conversation was over, so I decided not to press."
"I appreciate the effort," Harry said honestly. "Growing up wasn't too fun for me, but I've managed up to this point."
"If I heard even a rumor, I would have been there, Harry."
"That means a lot, Daniel. But Albus had his reasons for his decision at the time. He's apologized for it since."
"It was bad enough to deserve an apology?"
"It was fine," he answered quickly. "And better yet, it's over."
"Fair enough," Daniel replied, looking like he wanted to ask further questions.
"My main questions for you are," Harry said, getting back on track. "How are the elected seats acquired, and what happens if a Faithful Eight family dies out?"
"It doesn't happen often in the Faithful Eight, and hasn't in my lifetime," Daniel answered. "But I fear we're on the verge of a massive shake up. Essentially, a member of the Faithful Eight can lose their seat in two ways. If the only available family member's behavior is deemed inappropriate enough to be voted out, the seat will remain vacant until another member of the family comes of age. If the family dies out, however, it's up to the Wizengamot to vote another family into the seat.
"If what I'm hearing is correct," Daniel continued with a look. "We could have families dying out pretty soon."
Harry chose not to go down that rabbit hole just yet, and steered the conversation. "And the elected seats?"
"Those seats are up for election every twenty years. Many of our members have been trying to get that number down to 8, but the traditionalists are against it. That being said, not all members sit for the entire twenty. Some leave of their own accord, some have been convicted of crimes that ousted them, and death, of course. When that happens, that seat alone goes to the public for a vote, the nominees being decided on by the Wizengamot. The new member will only serve until the next vicennial election. Our next election isn't for another five years."
"So I should prepare for a debate on who we nominate for the Rosier seat soon?"
"And the Diggory, if my guess is correct," Daniel answered, surprising the boy.
"Amos plans to step down?"
"I believe so. His wife is also from America. Boston, if I'm remembering correctly. Her family is very influential there, and I'd guess they'll look for a fresh start."
Harry nodded, thinking deeply. He hadn't been sure if once Amos returned to the Chamber, he could have counted on Diggory's vote. Having two new members he could rely on may be a pipe dream, but it was something worth thinking about.
"I assume that's why you introduced me to Arthur Weasley when I arrived?" Daniel asked astutely.
"It was," Harry answered, not caring if the man knew. "He's a friend, and a good man."
"I've heard. The traditionalists won't like it. His family has been known to be supportive of muggleborn rights movements for generations."
"As you said," Harry said with a smirk. "Times are changing."
Daniel returned the smirk with a nod. "Fair enough. And I assume Sirius will be removing Narcissa from the Black family seat?"
"At the next meeting," Harry answered. "And honestly, I don't expect Narcissa to be upset about it."
"She won't be," the man agreed. "I went to school with her. She's a shadow of her past self."
"It can't be easy living with Lucius," Harry said with a shrug.
"You're aware that Sirius will have responsibilities towards her if he takes up the headship?"
"I am, and I believe he is, too. We'll speak about it soon. One last question about the Wizengamot, what benefit is there for the Faithful Eight other than the hereditary seat? Through research, I know at certain times in history the seats were allowed two votes to the elected members' one, but that went out of practice during the war."
"It did," Daniel agreed. "Officially, there are few differences. The title, of course, which demands a certain level of respect. And as a Lord you will be allowed to sit in on any subcommittee that may be drafting or repealing legislative measures, without having to be named to the committee. And traditionally, the Lords and Ladies aren't required to follow many of the organizational protocols."
Harry couldn't help the smirk that spread on his face. "Just which protocols would these be?"
"I'm not sure I want to tell you," Daniel said, chuckling at the look on the boy's face. "Smaller things like dress code or seating arrangement don't technically apply to us. The term 'Potter family seat' doesn't refer to the physical chair. You could sit with the reporters if you like, and nobody can complain."
"Or next to Fudge," Harry interrupted with a grin.
"That would be entertaining," the man agreed, returning the grin. "I know in days past, the Lords were allowed to bring their swords into the chamber, while the elected members couldn't. But that one was repealed shortly after the Gryffindor family's last remaining member mysteriously lost his seat."
"Sounds about right," Harry laughed, appreciating the stereotype. "Maybe I'll see if I can get that one back in action."
"It would certainly liven the place up. There may be privileges still on the books that I'm unaware of, but the last one I do know is that we don't necessarily need to follow the code of decorum. Meaning you don't need to stand or be recognized to speak, and you can interrupt or respond to any other member of the body. From your performance the last two sessions, however, I don't think you would have been following the code anyway."
"Probably not," Harry agreed. "That would be much less fun."
"Speaking of fun, Harry," Greengrass said seriously, sitting forward. "This duel you've proposed with Yaxley? It won't be. He's a dangerous man, and no slouch with his wand."
"Thank you, Daniel. But I know what I'm doing."
"How?" Daniel asked, frustration coloring his voice. "No offense, but you're still a teenager, regardless of being considered an adult. I was as impressed by your performance in the tournament as anyone, but this is different."
"I'm not taking him lightly," Harry said, knowing the man wouldn't be able to understand unless he learned of Harry's recent experience.
"I've looked into it," the man said, surprising the boy. "There are two ways out of it that I've found. The first being the forfeiture of half of your family fortune to the Yaxley family."
"Not happening."
"I figured. The second is to name a champion to fight in your stead. It would be damaging to your reputation, but it would guarantee your life, Harry."
"I won't allow anyone to sacrifice themselves for me," Harry snapped, his eyes glowing slightly.
"I understand your concern," Daniel said gently, recognizing the sore subject. "But, what I'm saying is, you find someone who outmatches the man in every way. The champion doesn't need to be announced until the time of the duel, and I know Yaxley plans to fight himself."
When Harry just stared at him, a scowl on his face, Daniel pleaded once more.
"Harry, let me fight for you. I know Yaxley. He doesn't know me. I'll beat him for you, then I'll help you rebuild your reputation. You don't need to do this."
Harry, shocked by the emotion behind the man's plea, allowed his building magic to dissipate. He hadn't expected the man to be so open, or be so invested in the outcome.
"Why would you offer that?"
"I know we've just recently met, Harry, and this may be hard to understand," Daniel began, still trying to convince the boy. "But I care about what happens to you. Your Dad was the best friend I'd ever had, despite how brief our friendship was. And you and Lily were the light of his life. I won't be able to face him when my time is up, if I allow you to do this."
The last sentence made Harry's mind up for him.
"How do you feel about Wizard Oaths?" he asked, causing Daniel's jaw to drop from the enormity of the subject change.
"What? Harry, we need to talk about this!"
"I'm trying to, Daniel," Harry said calmly, gesturing for the man to relax. "Since the moment I met you, you've been honest and supportive of me because of my Dad. I haven't returned that honesty. I had to be sure I trusted you. After this conversation, I've decided that I do, but I still have things I need to protect.
"I could have you sign a binding contract, if you'd rather," the boy continued. "Or you can walk away, and we'll be colleagues and nothing more. I won't fault you for that in the slightest."
"And what you've been keeping from me is worthy of an Oath?" Daniel asked skeptically.
"At least," Harry responded easily. "I had thought of asking for Unbreakable Vows, but Remus and Sirius talked me out of it."
"They're under Oaths already, I assume?" Daniel said, still trying to wrap his head around the idea.
"Magically binding contract, actually, there were things we needed to get exactly right in order to protect the information shared. It may seem paranoid of me to expect that from my godfather of all people, but the Potter family has learned its lesson in regards to blind trust."
"Can I see the contract they signed?"
"Unfortunately not," Harry said with a grimace. "The contract goes into detail about some of the things I need protected."
Harry decided not to mention that it also covered his future plans, not willing to bring Daniel into that just yet.
"And the contract is binding? And safe?"
"Checked over and signed by Albus Dumbledore himself," Harry said with a grin, knowing the man was on the verge of agreeing.
"You have the Chief Warlock under a binding agreement!?" Daniel said, his voice loud enough that Harry was glad he had put up a privacy ward before the meeting. If Sirius and Remus heard raised voices, they would have surely rushed in, wands at bear.
"It's pretty cool stuff to know," Harry explained with a smirk, reeling the man in.
"Now I have to agree," Daniel said with frustration. "I won't be able to sleep if I don't."
"Isn't it great?" Harry asked with a smug smile.
"You manipulative little punk," Daniel said with a smile. "How do you want to word the Oath?"
"Just that you will not knowingly divulge anything I ask you not to, or anything that may be harmful to myself, my friends, and any future family."
"Even if asked to testify against you? The way this conversation is going, that's quickly becoming a certainty."
"Even then," Harry agreed. "Luckily, the Wizengamot can't hold you in contempt for being under an Oath."
"Fine," Daniel said, standing after a long moment of reflection.
Harry, having learned the ins and outs of the Oath from Charlus, made sure he knew the proper way to express what he required. Sure of what he needed to say, he stood, and clasped the man's forearm, Daniel's hand closing around his own.
—
"This is unbelievable," Daniel said tiredly.
Harry had spent close to an hour explaining what he had gone through following the tournament, including his time on the other side, and answering the man's myriad questions. He had intentionally left out what he was planning to do in the upcoming war, but he told the man everything else.
"I, Harry James Potter, swear on my life and magic that everything I have said since we took our Oath is the absolute truth," Harry said nonchalantly, quickly summoning the tea kettle to prove his magic remained.
Daniel just glared at him in response. "That was unnecessary. I believed you."
"Then you should choose your words more carefully," he responded with a smile.
"This is why you seem so much older."
"It is, though I was always a bit too old for my age."
"Knowing you were tutored by Arcturus Black makes sense of a lot of things. And you trained to fight under him and Charlus Potter?"
"And my Dad," Harry smiled. "Two men that fought Grindelwald's army to a standstill, and the leader of the greatest pranksters to ever live."
"You know the pressure you'd be under if this comes to light, right?"
"Hence the Oath."
"Yeah yeah," Daniel said with a groan, trying to get his thoughts in order. "Harry," he continued with a grimace. "I'm not prepared to join whatever it is you have planned."
"Who says I'm planning anything?"
"You're a Potter. I know good and well you plan to fight the Dark Lord."
When Harry said nothing, Daniel stood and moved to the window above the room's desk, lost in thought.
"The Greengrass family has always been neutral in turbulent times. We stayed out of the war with Grindelwald. I stayed out of the war with the Dark Lord, even after he killed my father. Greengrass' persevere. It's what we do. My entire life I knew my role would be to keep my head down, keep everyone but family at arm's reach. Build my family fortune as I can, and provide a good life for my wife and children." The man turned and met Harry's eye.
"I'm not prepared to be the Greengrass to end that neutrality, no matter what my heart is telling me right now."
"I'm not asking you to, Daniel," Harry responded, causing the man to sigh in relief. "But just so you know, he'll be coming for you eventually. I have reason to believe he is going to have his people approach the neutral families soon. Your power, and your fortune will be very compelling to him."
"How soon?" Daniel asked worriedly, thinking of his wife and daughters alone at home.
"Not today, but soon. In the next few weeks. I wouldn't have asked you to leave your home if it was today."
"I'll bump up the wards," he said, lost in thought.
"Any chance I can convince you to attempt a Fidelius? I'd be your secret keeper if you'd like."
"I'd rather avoid that if possible," Daniel answered with a grateful look. "I have business with a lot of people that often takes place in my home. The standing wards are strong, and I can add more."
"You know better than most," Harry said gently. "It won't stop him if he tires of waiting for you."
"I know." Daniel looked exhausted to the point of collapse, and Harry had an idea.
"Dobby," he said loudly, the boisterous little elf appearing immediately. "Daniel is almost ready to return home. But before he goes, is there something we need to do to allow you to hear him if he calls for you?"
"No, Harry. Dobby be hearing him if you be wanting him to," the elf replied with a smile.
"I do," Harry said quickly, impressed again by the elves' unique magic. "And his daughters Daphne and Astoria, and his wife Emily, too, if you can manage it. If they ever call for you, drop whatever you're doing and bring all four to this room as quickly as possible."
"Dobby be listening," the elf easily agreed, before popping away until he was needed to transport the older man home.
"Your elf calls you by name?" Daniel asked in confusion.
"Of all the things you've heard tonight," Harry laughed. "That surprises you?"
Daniel returned the laugh. "I guess it shouldn't. Thank you for that, Harry. That is above and beyond anything I have a right to ask, but I'll graciously accept."
"You're welcome. Please don't hesitate if you need to call him. Anything at your house can be replaced."
"I won't," he promised, extending a hand, which Harry took. "James would be proud of you, you know."
"Thankfully, Daniel," Harry said with a smile. "I do know."
—
July 7, 1995
Harry's life settled into a bit of a routine in the days that followed his meeting with Daniel. The following day, he, Sirius, and Remus had helped Dobby and Winky finish the preparations on the basement, and Harry tied the safety wards into those of the house. Bill, who visited daily, gave the wards a once over, and deemed the room safe for use. The pool, however, had been nixed in lieu of an oversized jacuzzi, as digging into the floor would have disrupted the foundations.
To Harry, this meant he could really get started on what he intended. He mail-ordered a set of ten training dummies from a store in Knockturn Alley that specialized in combat related equipment, a professional potion-making set with a good stock of ingredients from the apothecary in Diagon, a full home-gym setup from a muggle sporting goods store, and a collection of mats and pads of varying thickness to soften blows and the floor when needed.
Bill had been kind enough to allow the muggle deliveries to arrive at his flat in London, where the elves quickly retrieved them and brought them to the Manor.
Dumbledore charmed the dummies in a way that allowed Harry to set the speed of training, and the spells the dummies would return fire with. On his test run at level one, Harry realized the old wizard certainly had faith in his ability. Over the next few days, he, along with Sirius, Remus, and Bill, spent at least two hours training. Between calisthenics, cardio, and weight training, on top of various forms of sparring with pads, the four wizards were physically exhausted at the end of every session.
The magical training was a workout in a different way. Harry had learned from Charlus how to measure the power he was casting with, and exercises to slowly increase that power as he trained and matured. It was frustrating for the boy to be significantly behind the others in this area, but he knew strength would come with time.
The group, including Albus and Arthur, who dropped in to help train when they could, had a bit of a shock when Albus taught everyone how to measure their magical reserves. Magical power controlled the strength behind spells, but the magical reserves controlled how much magic a wizard could use, regardless of strength.
"Have you never felt tired after casting magic, Harry?" The Headmaster asked, as they sat around the boy's office after the confusing training session.
"Of course I have," he responded. "Loads of times. Remus can tell you how much learning the Patronus wore me out."
"The Patronus is soul magic, though," the ex-professor mused. "Soul magic plays by a different set of rules. Besides that, and not counting exhaustion from physical exertion, can you think of another time that a spell seemed to sap your energy?"
"Er," Harry mumbled, trying to remember. "I guess not. But it's not like I was casting any real magic, except on the other side."
"Not even the burst of magic at Pettigrew?"
"I don't think so. But I guess I died too soon to feel it. The two curses hit back to back. I was exhausted when I returned to my body, but I think it was because of the Cruciatus, and trying to not get killed."
"Yet when you returned, my boy, you seemed to shake off the after effects of the Cruciatus immediately."
"I had to," Harry responded with frustration at the line of questioning. "I was running on adrenaline, or something."
"For most wizards, Harry," Sirius said softly. "That's not how it works. Your body uses its magic to fight a proper Cruciatus, and its after effects. If a person isn't strong enough, or the curse is held for too long, it can cause irreparable damage."
"Like Neville's parents," Harry realized.
"That's the standing hypothesis from St. Mungo's," Dumbledore agreed. "But so few people have experienced it to that degree, that there are still many unknowns."
"So… what? Is this 'the power he knows not'?" Harry had shared the full prophecy with the group shortly after they signed the contract.
"Perhaps," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "I assumed that it referred to your time on the other side, but now I'm not so sure."
"I'd have preferred shooting lasers from my eyes or something," the boy muttered angrily.
"Or a chameleon tongue," Sirius offered.
The gathered wizards, unsure how to respond, just stared at the man.
"Harry," Remus began after a long moment, still staring confusedly at his friend. "Why don't you go get cleaned up. Ron and Hermione are due in an hour."
—
"Harry!" was all the warning the young man received before being crashed into by one of his two best friends. Stumbling, he returned the hug.
"Hey, Hermione. Hey Ron," he added to his other friend who was approaching much more casually. "How was the trip?"
"Brilliant, mate!" Ron answered. "Popping is way better than portkey. So this is the Manor, huh?" he finished, looking around.
"Yep," Harry answered carefully, unsure how far Ron had wrapped his head around everything the last few days. "Let me show you guys around real quick, then we can head outside."
He led them through the first and second floors, Hermione falling in love with the solarium at the back of the first. Ron, however, appreciated the open living space on the second.
"Hermione," he called from the couch, his feet propped up. "How about some snacks!"
Hermione, in the kitchen, responded by throwing a plastic cup at the boy, hitting his head with a suspiciously hollow thunk. Harry, hoping to avoid Winky's ire, quickly led the laughing group outside.
Harry had fallen in love with the grounds the last few days, especially the acres of woodland surrounding the property and the large pond not far to the northeast of the house. He showed his friends around, before they sat in the grass on the bank of the pond.
"This place is incredible, Harry," Hermione said breathlessly. "How far does the forest go?"
"Not really sure, honestly," Harry said. "I ran a trail yesterday for maybe two miles straight into it, and didn't feel the wards, so some distance further than that."
"You went running?" Ron asked in confusion, the idea seeming abhorrent to the boy.
"Sure did," Harry said, smiling at the face his friend was making. "I'm going to ask the two of you two to start as well. Physical fitness is crucial in combat situations. Don't wanna get caught out because you couldn't catch your breath."
Ron, thoughtful for a moment, eventually nodded. "I'll start tomorrow. I've been thinking about everything the last few days. I know you're going to be at the front of this, but I want to be able to help."
Harry, relieved to hear his friend's new attitude, smiled brightly. "I appreciate it, Ron. I can show you what I've started doing for my workout, and you can either come join me, or recreate it at the Burrow."
"I'd like to join you, if I can," Hermione said quickly. "My parents would be all for it, but my neighborhood isn't ideal for running, and we don't have any workout equipment besides my Dad's old rowing machine."
"No problem, Hermione. I'd hoped the two of you would agree to spend a bunch of time here this summer. We have a lot to do."
Ron nodded in agreement. "Count me in, too. The twins and Ginny would want in as well, if they're allowed."
"Of course they are," Harry agreed easily. "The more the merrier."
"Will we have to use Dobby to get here every time?"
"That's tricky," Harry said awkwardly, taking a moment to organize his thoughts. "You two know more about what's been going on with me than anyone else, that hasn't given me some kind of vow of silence."
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
"Besides the elves, who are bound to me, there's a handful of people that have been helping me get things in order. I refuse to let what happened to my parents happen to me, so I've been requiring some sort of binding promise from them. A contract, an oath, or something I can control."
"You don't trust us?" Ron asked, a frown forming on his face.
"Of course I trust you," Harry quickly replied. "You wouldn't be here if I didn't, and you're my best friends. But, my parents trusted Pettigrew, and that mistake cost them their lives. I won't force you into anything, and even if we do a contract, I still might have some secrets, but I'd feel much more comfortable with the two of you having floo access, or finding out some things, if I knew that knowledge was protected."
"We've never needed anything more than our word before."
"I know that Ron, and honestly, I don't feel like we do now. But I refuse to be reckless about what's going on, in any way. If you don't want to do an oath, I'll just send Dobby for you every time. It's not a big deal, he loves to help."
"I'll sign a contract, Harry," Hermione said easily. "If minors are allowed to sign magical contracts, I guess. The idea of someone using me to get to you is scary, but we need to start getting prepared for scary things. We should add in what we know about you visiting your parents, too. Just to be safe."
"I hate it, Hermione. But thank you. And magical contracts are valid only when all parties fully understand them. Age doesn't matter to the magic."
"I'll sign too, Harry," Ron finally conceded. "It's just like what Hermione said on the train, everything is changing so quickly. It's frustrating. I'm trying to keep up, and to think everything through before I speak… but it's just a lot."
"You're telling me," Harry said with relief. "I've been overwhelmed since the Tournament. But I'm choosing to be overly cautious. Maybe fake Moody taught me something."
"Constant vigilance!" all three chorused simultaneously, before bursting into laughter.
"We'll figure it out later," Harry said, once he'd regained his composure. "The stables are empty right now, so nothing fun to do there. Though, Pocky said the Manor used to have horses, and a Thestral or two. I'll have to ask Sirius if Buckbeak wants to come here," he mused, making a mental note.
"How about we head to the quidditch pitch?" he continued. "Remus picked up some extra brooms for us when he went out for new clothes for me."
"You're on," grinned Ron, and Harry realized the boy had really put in effort to be okay with everything. That, or he really just wanted to fly.
"I brought a book," Hermione said exasperatedly. "You boys go fly, I'll be fine."
"Come with us, Hermione," Harry pleaded. "Dobby found a flying carpet in the basement. It may be more your speed."
—
Hermione did enjoy the carpet more than a broom, saying, "It's like a golf cart instead of a motorcycle". She even set the carpet to hover a few feet off the ground, and kicked back to read a book, after she got tired of cruising around the pitch. Ron and Harry, however, would never tire of flying, and took turns taking shots at each other guarding one set of the hoops. Ron was a much better Keeper than Harry, which was a good thing if he wanted to take Wood's spot on the Gryffindor team.
As they headed back to the Manor for lunch, Hermione designed a schedule for them. They would both come by, if their parents agreed, three mornings a week to train and do homework. Even though both boys groaned at the addition, they knew having Hermione's help would make this summer's monstrous workload much easier. And one day during the weekend they would both come just to hang out, unless their families had something else going on. Hermione would still rely on Dobby to transport her, which the elf was happy to hear. Apparently the elf had quite enjoyed meeting the girl's parents. Especially her father, Jonathan, a very enthusiastic man.
As they were eating lunch, sandwiches and various fruits supplied by Winky, Remus agreed to draw up a contract. It was different from the contract the older wizards had signed, as Harry didn't feel ready to include the two in his plans going forward, until they were out of school. The two signed, effectively ensuring they couldn't, willfully or otherwise, disclose anything about what they learned of Harry's experience on the other side, who he met with, or the training he was doing.
As they left, hugs all around, Harry couldn't help but think this summer was easily going to be his best one yet.
