[a/n]A couple reviews last time made me laugh as the 'Dursleys fell on AD' was taken literally. I'd meant it more metaphorically, but very kewl. And I'm sure, HandsOffMYWolfie, that if these Dursleys and the canon ones met they'd agree both Harrys deserved the reaming.
[a/n]Sequel to #72, This took a different route than when it started. There'll be a 3.
Harry Does Different CDXCe
The Truth is Worse II
The summer hadn't been horrible for Harry. Seems his magicphobic relatives liked his reading utterly illegible books even less. And the hissing he did while reading, almost unconsciously, had them near apoplectic. Hedwig's flights went about unimpeded. And the owl had that air of tired satisfaction that came from near constant activity. And wonder of wonders! Vernon apparently told Marge not to bother Harry, and she listened [mostly].
"Another freak language!" protested Dudley, on seeing one scroll lying about that he correctly noted was different than Parseltongue.
That gave the young wizard a pleasant memory, because they could all hear "Actually, cousin, this is the return address of my friend's brother. A highly respected archeologist. He wrote it in hieroglyphics because he's currently exploring the Giza pyramids. I can read it a little. Like me to trans- -"
"NO!" his aunt and uncle both shouted/pleaded, obviously fearing the hissing.
Harry didn't care that they saw the scroll. Ginny wrote everything from the Weasleys in Parselscript "You lot will be interested to know, I'll be gone in two days. Happy birthday to me! WooHoo!"
Abcij
"Harry dear! How wonderful to see you again. And you do look underfed." Molly fussed. Then scolded "Though I must say I do not approve what my boys and Ginny have been discussing lately. But, tell me who is this?"
Pleased at the opportunity, he answered the question "Meet Dobby. Useful little guy as long as he's not blocking Platform 9¾ access."
"Sooooooooo you were the one." She drew up and planted her fists in her hips.
The elf's ears flopped around "Sorry Missus Wheezie."
"Heart's in the right place." Harry offered an encouraging pat on the shoulder "And saved everyone a lot of time just now. Best part was annoying the Dursleys. Irreg- -"
He was cut off by the clamor coming down the stairs with assorted greetings "Harry!" "How'd you get here?" "Sneaky git, ruined our flight plan."
"George Weasley! You are grounded for even considering flying that Anglia of your father's." the matriarch snapped "Now go get your friend settled. Off wth'ya!"
Abcij
In Ron's room, it was Ginny who spoke first about the main issue on everyone's mind "Mum doesn't nearly know everything we've been writing about. Brilliant of you to suggest Parselscript. I did think one more person could help. Well two, actually. Luna Lovegood, our neighbor and my best friend, her Daddy is a newspaper publisher."
"I have enough fame already." Muttered Harry. The other Weasleys only heard a spat of hissing between him and their sister. After which, he shrugged "Yeah fine. I know. I started it and everyone should know the full story."
Ron nudged Fred "You miss when she used to blab in English?"
"Even better when she just blushed and ran from Mr. Hero." Giggled the lone twin.
She glared and hissed something Harry giggled at, then saying "We all agreed we needed an adult on our side and a way to get out the story. Mr. Lovegood is both. Plus, why shouldn't we make money on this?"
"KIDS! COME ON DOWN!" their father's voice echoed all the way up the Burrow "WE HAVE VISITORS! BUSINESS ONES APPARENTLY!" This produced even Percy who, at most, had been on the periphery of the goings-on.
And while the adults interacted, Ginny introduced "Harry, this is Luna Lovegood. Some people call her Loony, but I hex them."
"Nice to meet you." He didn't even acknowledge the second part, offering a hand.
The placid girl raised her eyebrows "So you're THE Harry Potter."
"Well, don't think I'm the only one." He quipped back with a nervous titter "At least I'm A Harry Potter."
She nodded sagely, tapped her teeth with her wand "I find that acceptable." And briefly hugged him. As she pulled away commented "Daddy, he does seem to have a minor aquavirus maggot infection. Although it appears well contained by immunity."
"Well that's good I guess." Harry glanced at the Weasleys, all of whom shrugged.
Though towering over his daughter, the man had a similar vibe about him "Something for a later time, Moonbeam. I greet you, Harry Potter. Xenophilius Lovegood. Arthur's Ginevra here has explained what happened this past year at school. And I am incensed with Dumbledore's negligence in this."
"That is not a proper way to speak of the Headmaster, Xenophilius." Mrs. Weasley tsked at him. "Particularly in the presence of children."
Harry was reflexive in his defense "Dumbledore's the best thing about Hogwarts!"
"The past year? Not to belittle your ability, or your friends', but three Second Years? Only one of which grew up in the Wizard World" he was shaking his head "There should have been either a much earlier resolution …and by the staff… or at least a temporary closing."
All the kids shrugged, except Percy who, like his Mother was scowling at their neighbor "Forgive me, sir. But it is not our place to question the authority of Hogwarts' Headmaster."
"Possibly, during our discussion, we will understand more about the situation." Xeno sidestepped the criticism with the skill of a reporter on a story "I note your Muggleborn classmate is absent. No matter, we can add her story in the next edition."
Luna interjected "Daddy is so distracted by the narrative, which is certainly important, he forgets the monetary factor here." She paused to seek approval from her Father before continuing "The Quibbler is a small publisher, barely a thousand regular subscribers. And this will be huge for us. May we propose to share fifty percent of the revenue with our storytellers? Plus first shot at the books Ginevra and Harry create?"
"Books! I'm not an author!" a shocked Harry ejaculated.
This point had already been covered with Ginny who asked rhetorically "How many people in England have access to a library full of books? Written in a language…again… how many people in England can read? And, at least now, how many know where?"
"Yes, we'll not share that for the time being." The publisher agreed "In fact, I do not need to know to tell a first part of the story. And, yes, if half of what Ginevra had to say is half-right we will rewrite British history while rewriting the Potions texts."
Though mildly annoyed with the use of her birthname, Ginny's temper snapped "No way are we putting out some of them potions!"
"Dunno Ginny. We might mention a couple, say what they can do but NOT say the exact ingredients." Harry suggested "We can show how evil Slytherin was without giving details."
The twins looked greatly amused "How very Slytherin of you, friend Potter."
Abcij
Obviously, there was much discussion …and editing… then arguing about the editing. And then a second round once Hermione arrived on the scene. But, a week after Harry's arrival at the Burrow, an issue of The Quibbler came out. It had a circulation surpassing its monthly volume.
"Of course I measure sales by the lunar cycle." Xeno tickled his daughter's chin, who purred happily "But I had to print so many, both my small printers broke down. I'm currently renting a large one from The Daily Prophet, and let me tell you they do not offer discounts to competitors."
Harry's head drooped as he muttered "Sorry, sir."
"Nothing to be sorry about, lad. Newsmen live for a story that wears out the machinery." Xeno assured him "We'll just delay part two a week. Good for sales anyway. Which are absolutely overwhelming. I've acquired a couple extra owls and also hired two paperboys. Hope your Hedwig won't mind some more travel?"
*SQWAK!* this came from the tree in the front lawn. No human could have possibly heard the question.
All the kids giggled before Harry quipped "We'll take that as a yes."
"That settled, I'll mention in passing the goblins were eager to grant me a loan for the new printer. At very favorable terms." The publisher seemed to changed subjects then "For the consideration of speaking with our particular notables concerning, as they put it, a matter of mutual profit. They should be here - -"
Thump*thump*thump*
"About now?" Hermione and Ginny quipped, all but simultaneously.
There were formalities attendant with goblins entering a wizard home, these were adhered to. Then seated at the kitchen table, the leader said "We intend no insult, merely seek confirmation. Any warrior slaying a dragon class creature is worthy of song. Such a record, if available, would be …honestly… awe-inspiring."
"I didn't do nothing special." Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat "Just wanted to protect Ginny. Scared shitless the whole time."
Mrs. Weasley instantly scolded "Language young man!"
"Our records are correct?" all four goblins looked incredulous "A podling against a such a creature?! A scrap of goblin wisdom if I may, young warrior. Bravery is not acting without fear, Bravery is acting with full knowledge of fear. Besides our desire for visual record of the event, The Goblin Collective seeks information on what has been done with the carcass. To our knowledge, the market has not been flooded with the virtually unexplored qualities of basilisk-based products."
Xenophilius cut off whatever Harry was about to say with a whispered spell "Apologies all around. Honored goblin, while you have named Mr. Potter a warrior, which status he lacks understanding of, wizard society deems him a child. Consequently adult advisers, especially those knowledgeable in relations between our races, should have input before there is any discussion of terms. May we agree, after ownership is confirmed under wizard law, your nation has the right to negotiate first?"
"I shall insist upon a contract. A galleon exchanged in front of witnesses as the paperwork is signed." The goblin was beyond insistent.
While he wasn't used to having it, Harry was well aware of the value of money. "I was thinking ten would be a fairer payment, sir."
"That's rude Harry!" this scolding came from both Mrs. Weasley and Hermione. This leading to Ron giving their female friend an angry look, while rubbing his shoulder.
However, the goblins were merely pleased "As you wish, young warrior. May you feast on your enemies' intestines."
"Err thank you, sir." That wasn't anything the boy knew how to respond to, though it was apparent to all that the meeting was concluded.
What came as a surprise to all, and although Mrs. Weasley greeted them effusively "Why Albus, Severus, a pleasure to see you both. What brings you here this fine day? Come in for a drink, won't you?"
"Of course Potter is at the center of this disturbance." The Potion Master sneered. "Like everything else ESPECIALLY the last two days!"
The Headmaster, however, chastised him minimally "Not in the presence of our co-magicals, Severus. Good afternoon Subdirector Clenchcraw. Somewhat rare to see your people in Ottery St. Catchpole."
"Gringotts would go from Tenochtitlan to Jerusalem and back for a one Galleon profit, as you know." The goblin spokesman answered. Formidable weapons that were not visible previously appeared in his escorts' hands.
Snape gave a formidable sneer that only faded with his superior's silent command. Then Dumbledore addressed the comment "Such is a well-known virtue of your people. My only concern was for the safety of the Weasleys, who are close associates. We have been attempting to enter for some hours. Might there be anything I may assist with?"
"That would be one of our negotiated privileges." Said the battle-axe wielding goblin "Security for our high officials." The Headmaster's query may as well not have been uttered. "Squire Weasley, Madam, your hospitality is appreciated. We go!"
The Potion Master stormed past everyone into the house, while announcing "The sooner we get Potter to retract his slander against the most revered Founder the better."
"Every word of it is TRUE! YOU! GREASEY! HAIRED!-! GIT!-!-!" shouted the smallest of Weasleys.
Mrs. Weasley lectured her daughter, at length, as they all re-entered the Burrow.