Oh, bloody hell that's bright. I thought, as my eyes fluttered open in a daze. I could tell where I was at once, the Hogwarts' Hospital Wing. Somewhere that I was all too familiar with. Huh, for once, I don't have pain while I'm in the Hospital Wing. I thought curiously. Looking around my ward, though, I noted the amount of equipment tending to me. Potion dispensers were injecting nutrition and liquids into my bloodstream using IVs, which were a new innovation for the Wizarding World, thanks to the help of one innovative muggle born. "Fucking hell." I said ticked off. "Madame Pomfrey!" I called out. The wards inside of the Hogwarts' hospital wing were surrounded by walls of curtains; so I wasn't surprised to hear footsteps approaching within a few seconds. The elderly medi-witch entered the ward with purpose.
"Mr. Potter, I presume you're feeling much better?" Madame Pomfrey said, I nodded in return. "Ms. Weasley and Ms. Granger were quite distraught – I had to escort them out of the hall myself at times. They'd want to know that you're awake. Ms. Weasley, in particular, wanted to talk to you about something." Oh God, she's going to scold me isn't she? I thought, preparing for the worst situation possible. What's the worst thing that Ginny could do? I thought to myself. There's several horrible possibilities; but personally, I don't think that Ginny would go as far as to break up with me. Especially after the confession she gave, following mine. I thought, comforting myself. The worst thing I think she'll do is give me the silent treatment for a few months. I thought additionally. That's going to hurt, but she'll come around.
"Could you send for her? I'll talk to her, preferably, as soon as possible." I requested, to which the medi-witch nodded before she walked out of the ward. While I waited, I couldn't help but think about the upcoming summer holiday. All the absolutely spectacular activities that we'd get up to. Maybe I could end up taking them out on fancy dates in both the wizarding and muggle communities nearby. That'd make for an interesting summer, wouldn't it? Swimming in the pools, and hot tubs at the Chateaux; along with swimming in the ocean and lounging on the beaches. It was all within my grasp, my first summer outside of living with the Dursleys and I better make this worth it. The first banquet I could hold, all the way to pool parties and such. All due to a single man being proven innocent; without that, I don't think I would be with Hermione or Ginny. I owe all that I have right now to the moment that Sirius was declared innocent, save my inheritance. I thought simply.
"Harry James Potter, how dare you scare Hermione and I like that?!" Ginny shouted, immediately getting my attention. She was standing at the entrance of my ward, tears at the edges of her eyes. "We've been worried sick about you for the past two days. You were bleeding so much when I saw you, I thought you were dead!"
"Ginny, please, calm down–" I said calmly, trying to de-escalate the situation.
"Don't YOU DARE tell ME to calm down?!" she shrieked. "I FUCKING LOVE YOU HARRY, AND YOU COULD'VE DIED OUT THERE! DO I MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU?" she shouted. I felt my heartbreak slightly as I saw the tears pooled in her eyes begin to trail down her pale cheeks. You mean the fucking world to me, Gin, you and Hermione both. I thought guiltily.
"Hermione and you both mean the world to me, Ginny. That's why I got into the fight, to protect you; Hermione was right next to me when the fight began and I didn't want her getting hurt so I made sure no one got to her while she went to go get McGonagall." I explained calmly.
"I DON'T CARE HARRY, WHAT YOU DID WAS RECKLESS. YOU GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH INDIVIDUALS WHO WANT TO SEE YOU DEAD WHEN YOU AREN'T READY TO FIGHT THEM!" she shouted emotionally. "WHEN I SAW YOUR UNCONSCIOUS BODY, I THOUGHT YOU HAD DIED! HOW DO YOU THINK I FELT, HUH?"
"I'm sorry Gin, I don't know what else I can say to help fix this." I said… nearly overwhelmed with pain. Seeing her cry, while trying to explain this to me, crushed my heart. I hate seeing her like this, it hurts me more when you're hurting. I just want you to be happy, Gin. You and Hermione. I thought.
"Promise me, Harry, promise me – whatever happens, you won't get into a fight you're not qualified enough for. You're going into your fourth year, going up against already graduated adult wizards. Who not only knows more than you, but has far more live action experience than you." she said, finally at a normal tone of voice. Though the tone did imply that there was no avoiding it, and if I didn't, there would be consequences.
"I promise you, Ginny, I won't get into a fight that I'm outmatched in; at least not on purpose. I can't control if Voldemort decides he wants to kill me." I said softly, promising her what I could. Ginny, at that point, broke out sobbing; but rather than coming to my side, I watched as she turned away from me and started to run from the hall. FUCKING HELL, GINNY, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT ME TO DO? Tell you that I won't fight Voldemort if he is right in front of me? That's signing up for death. I thought, I would never understand the behavior of women, would I?
The next few minutes felt like a century, drowning in self-pity. It's not my fault that I wanted to protect Hermione and the innocents of the Wizarding World? Isn't that my duty as the Boy-Who-Lived? To save the Wizarding World? I thought repeatedly. I'm such a fucking horrible person, just like my aunt and uncle always said. I thought negatively. Breaking from my daze, I heard a commotion near the entrance to the Hospital Wing. "WHERE IS MY GODSON?! I demand to know at once!" I heard Sirius Black demand, his breath heavy.
"I'm in here, Sirius!" I called out loudly, waiting for a response that never came; rather, I heard echoing footsteps racing towards my ward. Oh shit, he's pissed – probably for a similar reason. I thought.
Sirius stormed into my ward, and stood by my bedside. "Are you fucking stupid? Risking your life like that at such a young age!" he scolded. He lowered his voice, "I heard Ginny already levied quite the storm of shouting, so I kind of decided against that method of getting the point across." he said. I nodded affirmatively. "Alas, it was truly fucking irresponsible of you, what you did. You engaged individuals who would see you dead for 'killing' their leader. No offense, Harry, cause I know you're a truly powerful wizard, but they outmatch you – by a fucking mile." he paused. "I'm going to have to levy certain consequences to teach you a lesson; but we'll see what happens with Ginny and Hermione first, you best be glad Ginny was the one shouting – because otherwise I would be in her place. We'll see how to proceed based on whatever punishments they give you first. Understand?" I nodded affirmatively.
"Sirius… I had no other choice. Sure, I may have been a bit outclassed by the opposition…" I began.
Sirius scoffed. "A little outclassed is an understatement, even the weakest of the Death Eaters, if they tried, would treat any third year – including you – like a field day. I heard from Professor McGonagall about how you reacted to the barrage one of those deatheaters threw at you. In the war, that was a light barrage that you were expected to deflect and dodge around. You have a lot to learn, and that'll be the first part of your 'punishment' is that over the summer holiday – you'll begin training in all areas of magic. Do you understand me?" I nodded.
"Sirius, I was walking with Hermione in Diagon Alley when the attack began – I wanted to ensure that Hermione had someone covering her back because any one lucky shot could've ended her life. I didn't want her to die. I wanted to protect her." I explained. "I didn't have any other choice if I wanted her to be okay." Sirius scoffed. "What, was there a better way to protect her?"
"Harry, in the Wizarding World, there is something called apparition; essentially, what it is, is teleportation. It does have its limits, but in a fight, if someone knows how to effectively apparate around a battlefield; they are a deadly component of any force. That's part of how Mad-Eye Moody had captured so many death eaters during the war. Your father knew how to do the exact skill, except he didn't aim to capture the men; he killed them, like defenseless animals." Sirius explained seriously. "If you really wanted to protect her, you would've run with her, ensuring that anyone who might've apparated near her would be dealt with accordingly. You're lucky those were low-ranking and near inexperienced death eaters."
"Those were his worst?" I asked worriedly. "Sirius, I know I'm supposed to be the one that takes down Voldemort, but how am I supposed to take him down if I can barely handle the lowest section of his army."
Sirius sighed, a small smile growing on his face. "Remember, you're going to be training over the summer. However, your training won't get in a way of you being a kid – I still want you to have some fun, and by all means, have the time of your life. But there will be times dedicated to your training. I will also give you assignments that you need to complete on your own time." Well I suppose that is understandable. "I hope you realize the severity of your actions, Harry, if you die; so does the Potter name, the Ravenclaw name too. The Slytherin name will also die out eventually when Voldemort dies, if he ever does. That is why people are reacting so horrifically like this, it's because they care for you and the history that you hold on your shoulders, regardless of if you want to or not."
"Sirius, could I come home with you early to the Chateaux? I could start getting to work early, maybe you'd make me do chores around the Chateaux for part of my punishments. That'd allow Ginny to think on her own." I proposed, and to my horror, Sirius looked shocked that I would propose such a thing.
"You think that abandoning her here is going to make her forgive you? No, it's going to make her feel depressed and heartbroken and abandoned. She'd fling herself from the Astronomy tower." Sirius said honestly. "Don't do that to her, just let her have the rest of the day to herself. She'll come around, she just needs to let out some steam first. She was probably holding that in most of the two days that you've been unconscious for." Oh, bloody hell. So not only do I have to live without her for the day, but I also can't leave the school grounds without making her feel abandoned. I thought, a little bit ticked off with the nature of women.
"Bloody fucking women." I muttered sarcastically. I heard Sirius chuckle lightly, shaking his head. "What, I mean it. I can't understand why they do some of the things that they do."
"That's the whole idea of it, though. It's like a game you can play. You play the game of figuring out a girl, if you win; you get a girlfriend who's more likely to be loyal because you understand her." Sirius said excitedly. "Unfortunately, my time playing that game is over; thirteen years in Azkaban doesn't do good for anyone's love life."
"I'm concerned, Sirius, if that's truly Lord Voldemort's followers – I haven't seen them making any attacks since I've returned to the Wizarding World until now. I don't know what will happen, I don't know if it's a sign that Voldemort's coming back or growing stronger again – I'm worried, what if I'm going to lose everything I love again." I said, my concern growing second by second. "I don't want to stand idly while I watch the people and stuff I love get taken away from me."
"I understand that, Harry, and I will petition the Wizengamot upon your behalf for both recognition of your claims and for the very reason of the Battle of Diagon Alley. I'll be petitioning for the Wizengamot to raise taxes of the middle-class bourgeois and certain corporate business owners to raise additional funding for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. That way the auror force can be properly maintained, trained and reinforced." Sirius explained. "Trust me when I say that I will do everything remotely in my power to get this petition turned into law." he said.
"I trust you, Sirius, I'm just starting to get a little concerned. I don't want another event like that to happen; especially if it's with more powerful death eaters." I explained, to which Sirius nodded in affirmation. "Oh, by the way, the Daily Prophet wrote an article about the battle – and you happened to show up on the front page." I saw Sirius reach into his robe; pulling out a rolled up pamphlet I knew all too well to be the Daily Prophet. He stretched it out, and I took it into my hands before unscrolling it.
THE CHOSEN ONE, HARRY POTTER AIDS THE FIGHT AGAINST DEATH EATERS IN THE BATTLE OF DIAGON ALLEY! ENDS UP INJURED!
Harry James Potter, age 13, a third year student at Hogwarts' School for Witchcraft and Wizardry – was caught out in Diagon Alley during the mid-day surprise attack by a band of death eaters. This attack is the first death eater attack since the 1983 Battle of Trenton, which saw the first engagement between British authorities and Death Eaters on American soil. Mr. Potter was spotted on the sidelines of the fight, shooting non-lethal, and to be frank, weak spells to incapacitate the enemy forces. His valiant contribution against wizards with far more experience and knowledge than himself is no doubt reason for prestige and renown; though, we must acknowledge the recklessness of this behavior.
Engaging in a fight that could result in his death, as the sole survivor of his family line, isn't the most wise decision. We here at the Daily Prophet are interested to hear Harry's perspective on the engagement. We have heard that he managed to incapacitate three of the death eaters, inflicting unrepairable lethal wounds upon one.
"Mr. Potter, despite his age and lack of experience, seemed to have a natural talent for combat based on his performance during the 'battle' which was more of a skirmish for credit." said ex Senior Auror Mad-Eye Moody, who had participated in the engagement alongside Mr. Potter.
The Minister for Magic has announced to the general public that the recent attack is no cause for concern within the Wizarding community; known blood purists' have still been known to support Lord Voldemort's values behind the scenes, and could be behind the attack. The Ministry will be thoroughly investigating former followers of the Dark Lord, and attempt to find out any intel that can be found. "As for the matter of Mr. Potter's participation inside the engagement, I endorse his behavior. His valor could've well been the determining factor between victory or defeat." Cornelius Fudge announced. "I would like to award Professor Minerva McGonagall with the Order of Merlin, Second Class for her actions to assist in defending her charges while the attack was underway."
At that point, I understood everything that I had needed to know. Sirius had left to go petition the Wizengamot, I presume. Bloody Daily Prophet over-dramaticizing things as per usual. I thought. Though, I suppose sometimes things need to be a little over-the-top with drama to draw attention to certain imminent dangers that hide right under the surface of peoples' notices. Without this article, the attack on Diagon Alley wouldn't be remembered for generations to come, now would it? No, it very well wouldn't because the histories wouldn't have any sources to follow off of. I explained to myself in my head.
Setting the Daily Prophet down on the table next to my bed, my mind began to inevitably wander. I still can't believe that this is all real. I have someone to call family, and I have two loving girlfriends, even if one of them is upset with me. I thought to myself, feeling a smile growing on my face. I couldn't help but imagine little redhead boys with green eyes running around Marauder Castle; or brunette birds' nest hair boys running around a rebuilt Potter Manor would look like. Starting a family would be like a dream come true, and with the omens of war on the horizon – starting a family might be a very possible need soon enough. I wonder what Hermione and Ginny will have to say about that. I thought, curious as to what they might've thought about it. Perhaps they'd agree to it, but then again that is a conversation for another time and situation. I contemplated what may spark an oncoming conflict, one that I knew was coming, but nothing could come to my mind. Would it be started here at Hogwarts' using the descendants of former Death Eaters, led by Draco Malfoy? I could definitely deal with the fights against any of the junior death eaters. I thought to myself. Hell, I could one versus three Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini – the three single best in Slytherin house, known descendants of Death Eaters. I thought to myself.
Additionally, the House of Greengrass was the only house that had a fortune and estate that could rival that of the House of Potter. Relations between the two houses never were good, but they weren't enemies either. Simply had different aims, values and beliefs, instilling a different ideology in their children. I thought, continually educating myself on the politics of the Wizarding World political histories and relations. No wonder why Daphne and Astoria Greengrass seemed to be the only Slytherin's that had any respect for me. Astoria even tried to talk to me once, before Ron scared her off. I realized, remembering that time. If I remember correctly, I shouted at Ron for doing that. Called him a git for treating a girl his sisters' age the vile term he used. I thought. Daphne Greengrass was a very pretty girl, there was no denying that and she was the heir for the Greengrass line. If it's okay with Hermione and Ginny, I'm going to attempt to get to know her, and try and bring her firmly to my side of politics. The influence of the combined wealth of House Greengrass and House Potter might be unparalleled in this world. In a world of turmoil, tranquility could be brought into it through an alliance of Greengrass and Potter. How would such an alliance be formed though? How would it be solidified? Future marriage pacts? I questioned my intellect, of course, it would be unrivaled but how would it be formed and how would it last in perpetuity.
Suddenly, my train of thought was broken when I saw Hermione enter my ward through the corner of my eye. "Harry, I wanted to come talk to you about Ginny." she said nervously, almost expecting me to snap at her or lash out. Why is she nervous? I thought curiously. I nodded, and she took a seat by my bedside. I watched as she placed her hands in mine; her hands were so soft, smooth as the finest silk, and warm as the feeling of blankets right out the dryer. "Harry, she's worried for you. She's worried sick. She loves you so much that the thought of war on the horizon terrifies her. She doesn't want to live in this, quote-on-quote, 'hell hole of a world' without you. She's terrified that you're going to leave this world early, without even letting her show you what it truly means to be loved and to have a family to call your own." Hermione explained. "I know that she shows it in different ways than others, in fact, she is more like her mother in the way she expresses her emotions; but you need to understand it's because she wants to see you safe. Please forgive her for anything she's done, she'll come around soon and apologize for shouting – I guarantee you that. It'd do well for you to apologize to her for getting involved in the fighting, even if it was necessary. Maybe it'd help give her some absolution." she explained. I took in each word with a serious understanding.
"I need to help Ginny through this, she needs to understand inevitably I am going to have to fight in the war coming up." I said. "Though, I will admit I should've run back to Gringotts' with you, any one of those death eaters could've apparated to you and killed you. I made the critical mistake in letting you go alone, luckily for me, you are okay." she looked shocked once I said that. "Hermione… quick question, you know Daphne Greengrass, the Heir to the House of Greengrass?" I asked. She nodded. "Well, I was thinking about starting to talk to her – get to know her a little bit. It's said that the estate and fortune of the Greengrass family rivals that of the Potter family. The type of influence that could be created in an alliance between the two couldn't be replicated anywhere else. The only issue is I do not know how I could seal this alliance."
"Well, you could pledge that should any descendants be soulmates, that they shall be betrothed to one another. That mutual defense and political support would be provided along with economic support in case of disaster." Hermione suggested. "Though, that's just scratching the surface, we'd have to hire representatives to assist in writing a treaty of alliance." she added to her last comment. I suppose that could do, but I don't want to make that pledge without consulting Minerva, Sirius or Ginny first; after all it would be their relatives that would be affected by this as well. I thought, so I had to ensure that it was secure. Though, that's a conversation for a different time with Ginny; I've already put enough stress on her as it is. Though I will sneak in invitations to banquets, parties and such to the Greengrass family so that way I can give a small hint to the idea of friendship.
"I won't make any pledges without first discussing this with Ginny too, it could very well be her children or their children too; I want her okay in this first before making any official moves. However, that conversation can wait because I've already put enough stress on her shoulder as it is." I explained to Hermione, who nodded in agreement. "Hermione, could you ask Madame Pomfrey to ask Ron's dad to come talk to me? I wish to discuss a matter with him alone."
Hermione nodded quickly, she let go of my hands gently before walking out of my ward with purpose. Sitting in the temporary silence, I allowed myself to relax once again and withdraw into imagination and thought. What is going to be the consequences of this upcoming war? How many innocents will have to be slaughtered for the common good of defeating Voldemort or his followers? How many will have to die in combat? How many orphans will there be following the conflict? I thought about the subject. I didn't want anyone to go through the experience that I had to go through as a young boy in the foster system.
Hopefully, they'd be fortunate to be raised by someone kinder and more caring than the Dursley's. Rather than cruel and uncaring, or even worse than the Dursley's. I thought to myself, trying to control my emotions about conflict and the aftermath. On the plus side, they'd be able to grow up in a world of peace and not conflict. I thought in addition to my previous thoughts. Hopefully it wouldn't have to come to conflict or Civil War to accomplish progress within the world. The Wizarding World gave me a home when the Dursley's couldn't, I owe it a debt that I can never pay back. All I can do is try and save it from tyranny and madness under Lord Voldemort. I thought, vowing to myself to defeat Voldemort again should the opportunity present itself. I vowed that I would be ready for that opportunity. I would train endlessly to be able to accomplish that task. I don't think I'm nearly physically fit enough to be combat ready for an entire conflict or a long-lasting intense duel with Lord Voldemort. If I could barely withstand a skirmish against low-level Death Eaters, how would I fare against the leader of the Death Eaters, and one of the most powerful wizards of his time. I thought, losing a little bit of self-confidence in my ability to save the world.
No, I need to stay confident in my ability to do it; the moment I lose that confidence, the world I call my home is lost. I cannot disappoint my home, I cannot let it be lost. I cannot let someone evil light it on fire. He already made it suffer enough during his War of Terror twelve years ago. I can only wonder about the damages following the war, and how much time was spent rebuilding. How long the Ministry was weakened for and the Supreme Law of the Land was the Wizengamot controlled and legislated in its stead.
"Harry, what is it that you wished to speak with me about?" I heard the familiar, fond voice of Arthur Weasley say amiably. "I heard about your incident inside of Diagon Alley; you concerned my daughter and wife quite a bit; I must say my daughter is distraught, I've never seen her this anxious. It worries me as a father. Before you say anything, I already know. I already know that you two have something with each other."
"Well, that's not necessarily why I asked you to talk to me. I heard from Ginny about the possible business venture you wanted to take in December. Well, I felt absolutely horrible that my soulmate and my other soulmate's friend could be forced to be homeless if they don't make some extra money. I want to donate to you the entire expenditure for this venture. For absolutely nothing but your blessing for your daughters' future hand in marriage." I said, speaking the full truth to Mr. Weasley; no point in telling lies to Mr. Weasley. I thought honestly.
Mr. Weasley's facial expression was that of shock, I knew it from the way that his jaw dropped when I mentioned how I wished to cover the full investment. "I'm sorry, Harry, but I can't take it for nothing in return. That's too much for too little in return."
"How about a 1% royalty on each sale?" I proposed to Mr. Weasley, who shook his head. "5% royalty on each sale?" He shook his head once again.
"Harry – if you're serious about this, I would give you 49% of the company." Mr. Weasley proposed. I shook my head.
"Mr. Weasley, I insist – all I truly want is for your daughter to be happy and raised in a good household without economic trouble. How about 5% of the company, with 15% royalty on each sale?" I proposed to Mr. Weasley. "Oh, and my identity would be kept secret."
"Oh, fine, Harry – but understand that I will be forever grateful for this. You've given my family another start at being prominent in this world, rather than a side thought that occasionally is a pain in the arse." Mr. Weasley explained simply. I nodded, feeling a kind smile growing on my face. Reflecting the grateful smile gracing Arthur Weasley's elderly facial features. I'm glad that I can be contributing to the future of my friends' and girlfriends' family success. This is going to be a long-term success. Sure, it'll start small but what if they purchase more property across the world and add more diversity to their products. They could begin to make millions of galleons in profit per year. They could then create a general family vault; so they wouldn't ever fall into the same predicament they're in again. Of course, this would take the proper management for this to take off. I can only help so much, Arthur Weasley would have to prove himself in business management. I thought simply.
"You can take the ten thousand galleons from the dragonhide bag over in the chair over there." I said pointing over at the bag sitting on the chair in the far corner of the ward. It was specifically placed there, out of view, that way people didn't steal it. No one really cared to search the wards much. Even if it was the ward of a wealthy individual. I watched as he took the ten thousand galleons in ten different leather sacks, and he looked over at me with a very warm smile.
"Harry, you're no longer just my son's friend, but your family now. You may not have my blood, but you're my daughters' soulmate – you're my son. Thank you for everything you've done for me and my family." Mr. Weasley said thankfully. I felt something I've rarely felt before, welcomeness and love, family – a home. I nodded my head respectfully in response. Truth is, I was lost for words. I didn't know what to say. With that, Arthur Weasley walked out of my ward. Soon after, Madame Pomfrey entered the ward with a group of house-elves.
"Take his things and go and pack his stuff up for him so he can attend the Farewell Feast." Madame Pomfrey commanded. "Mr. Potter, I am pleased to say that you have healed sufficiently enough for me to release you from my care. I want you to be more careful before getting into more fights next time." she informed me. She waved her wand, and the IVs disappeared and vanished; and I slowly stood up. I felt a little dizzy, at first, but then I got accustomed to being on my feet again. Once I gained balance, I began to walk out of the Hospital Wing, planning to go to the Gryffindor Common Room.
P.S.
I decided to have a shorter chapter today, once again due to the time I am writing this chapter at – along with the amount of material I have to be able to source. As he was in the Hospital Wing, there weren't too many options for me to do. At least not right now, with his current situation. So, then again, I apologize for the small amount of reading that you get out of this chapter. Next chapter should contain the Farewell Feast and a small surprise! Though it will still be a tad bit short, I might touch 10,000 words if I manage to extend certain parts out.