Chapter 23

Wizard Wireless Network

Thursday, 1 August 1996

Arthur seemed to be making a late start to the day as he stayed behind in the morning. When the others had left he asked Hermione, "Could you please excuse us? Molly and I would like a word with Harry for a moment."

"Oh, Certainly, I'll just be…"

"'Mione, just use my room. Grab a book and study a bit."

"Thank you, Harry." She said with a smile.

When she left he turned to Arthur and Molly. "What did I do?" he asked honestly, trying to take an inventory of his recent actions. He could think of anything. There had been a lot of Ginny time, but he hadn't crossed any lines.

Finally, in what felt like the end of an endless moment, Arthur answered. "Grown up, that's what you've done." he said with a smile. He pulled out a beige envelope and placed it on the table. "This came from you yesterday, from Professor Dumbledore. But frankly letters from him to you can go so many ways…. And well, my son was entitled to his birthday so I waited till now.

Harry smiled. "You all gave me the best birthday I have ever had, thank you." He took a breath. "I think I can handle a letter from the Professor."

Molly piped up. "Harry, there are a few details that you should be aware of. We hadn't mentioned them before, frankly because they weren't relevant. With this letter, now they are."

Arthur continued. "When you first moved in, especially considering the reasons why, Molly and I had a rather vehement conversation with the Professor."

Harry looked perplexed, "Wait, are you saying you chewed out Dumbledore over me?"

"You're damn right we did." Molly flatly said.

As the air of the conversation had changed, Arthur corrected, "Language, Molly." Then he chuckled. He turned back to Harry. "Quite simply, we didn't ask to keep you here."

"We simply told him you were. No negotiation." Molly confirmed.

Harry took a moment to reflect on that. In his most heartfelt tone, he simply said, "Thank you.

Arthur clarified. "Part of that meeting he agreed that at least as far as Hogwarts is considered, We would be given full guardian rights."

Harry was shocked. "Wow, that's brilliant that is. Um… am I supposed to call you Mum and Dad now?" he asked with clear discomfort.

"Only if you ever want to. But 'Arthur' is perfectly acceptable."

"Harry and I already talked about 'Molly'," she said with a smile.

Arthur caught that smile, "One of those conversations, eh? Good." He turned back to Harry, "Additionally we determined that, if he still considers you a child, then he needs to be consistent. If he wants to speak with you, he needs parental permission, and presence."

"I don't want you guys in trouble over me."

"Harry, this is parenting. Let us worry about it." Molly reassured.

"For what it's worth Harry, I don't think Dumbledore is a bad man. I think he made a grave mistake and when he discovered it, it did register with him. I think that shows him being short sighted, but that is far better than if he knew and did nothing. It shows his humanity."

Harry became silent and looked off to the side. "That's what we're calling it? A mistake, humanity? That really feels like a bit of an understatement."

"I don't blame you for being angry, Harry." Arthur accepted.

Harry stood.. he needed to burn excess energy. "Mr and Mrs Weasley, please believe me. I love you two. I seriously don't think I can ever repay you two. The facts are I am only now really beginning to get a glimpse of how shitty the Dursleys were. Sorry, Molly."

"Actually, Harry, I'd let that one slide. "

"Now the man who left me there wants to talk. Bitter pill to swallow."

"Agreed, Harry, but as you are becoming a man of your own house there are details to consider. Firstly, unless you've decided otherwise, you have 2 more years of school."

"I'm not dropping out, so yes that's correct."

"And unless I miss my guess, you're going to be active in the war in some way. " Arthur smiled.

Harry laughed. "In some way… that's a bloody understatement."

"I know, son, but all of these are reasons to find a way to work with the man. We are not saying you have to have blind obedience to him. You don't have to like him. But with every thing the two of you each are involved in, you need to find a way to work with him."

Harry looked out the window, looked at the letter, even looked at his signet ring. "There sure as hell isn't going to be blind obedience, but logic suggests when I'm running House business, I'm going to need to work with bastards I like less than Dumbledore. I might well get started with it now."

"Harry, for what it's worth, I think that's a well reasoned position." Molly agreed.

Harry sat down and opened the letter:

Dear Harry and Weasleys

First, Allow me to wish you a Happy 16th Birthday. I have no doubt that the Weasleys have made a fine place for you. I hope you are doing well. I was quite surprised and impressed with your efforts at the Battle of the Burrow. You should be commended.

There are matters that I prefer to speak in person to you about, especially in light of your recent inheritance. If possible I will call on you the Friday night at 7:00 at the Burrow.

-Yours most sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Harry shook his head in annoyance. "It would HAVE to be Friday, wouldn't it."

"Oh dear, " Molly said.

"You know what? No." Harry said resolutely. "Ginny has done a hell of a lot more for me this last month than that man has in the last year! Gin gets me Friday night, and you know what the whole damned weekend, just to prove a point."

Arthur fought a smile of pride. "I thought you said you would work with him Harry?"

Harry let out a sigh of frustration. "And I will, but my schedule stands. Ginny gets me. She asked first and frankly, to me at least, she outranks the great Albus Dumbledore."

Both parents smiled.

"I'll meet with him, but Ginny gets the weekend. I'll send him a … what's it called?" Harry asked thinking out loud, "a counter offer! He can have Monday night, and we'll meet at Grimmauld."

"Harry, it's all right if you want to meet here." Arthur clarified.

"And I appreciate that, but frankly, He asked to meet here, so I want to meet elsewhere. You said I didn't have to be blindly obedient, right? This is a small and likely not so subtle way to do that. Probably is he wants my blessing to keep using the place, which I don't mind. but I don't feel like being a pushover.

Arthur smiled and started to laugh, "Well said, Master Potter."

"I'll write the letter and have Hedwig deliver."

Dear Allbus,

The Weaselys have welcomed me as one of their own and I will be eternally grateful.

While I've no objection to meeting with you, I have a prior engagement from Friday evening through the weekend. Your attendance would be welcome at No, 12 Grimmauld Place, Monday 5 August at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully,

Harry James Potter,

Master of House Potter

Friday, 2 August 1996

After lunch chores, Harry grabbed Ginny, "Got a minute."

"Of course."

They went down to his room. "I got something for you," he said.

"Harry, you are the one who just had a birthday."

"Yes, but you're one having a big weekend that I want to support. So have a seat."

She sat on the bed next to Harry who gave her a long thin box. Ginny opened it to find a pair of black velvet elbow length gloves. Built into each one was a silver bracelet with emerald stone. "Oh Harry, they're beautiful! Thank you." she said as she tried them on.

"Well I remember you said at high speed it gets a little cold up there, I wanted you to be prepared next time. But there's a few more tricks. I fully admit that the Twins did most of the work. All I am is inspiration. Roll your fingers."

Ginny did, and the shiftweave of the fabric unwrapped from around the hands ending at her wrist. She rolled them again and the gloves returned. " Very nice."

"Not done yet. The left bracelet has your brothers' shield charm on it."

"Harry, I can cast a shield." she replied surly.

"I know but if something simple like this covers that spell, you can cast another with your right hand or focus more on flying."

""Okay, I will admit, that is clever thinking, Harry."

"Not done yet."

"There's more?"

"Remember three years back, Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff. The Dementor attack and I took that fall. Broke my Nimbus 2000?"

"Please don't remind me again but yes." she shuddered.

"Right bracelet, feather fall charm. If you get off the broom, you have a fail safe."

"Okay, that is a brilliant idea."

"Your brothers said the same thing, They are going to work up a batch for quidditch season this fall. Their joke shop is very quickly becoming no joke. Still not done."

"Merlin, Harry, what else have you left?"

"May I borrow your wand please, Gin?"

"Harry … asking for a girl's wand, you realize that's quite … personal, right?" she said with a coy smile.

"Perhaps, But I'm asking for MY girl's wand, because we're close and trust each other." Harry replied equally as coy, finishing with a kiss to her neck.

Ginny smiled, "Congratulations Harry Potter, you are the first man I have trusted with this." she said as she held it out with the grip on Harry.

He picked up her right hand and kissed it. "Thank you, m'lady." he continued to flirt, but then took Ginny's hand and gently rolled it over revealing a wand sheath on underside in the velvet. She smiled as with sweet care and gentleness he slid the wand into the sheath. "Now flick your hand open quickly.

Ginny did and the wand quickly shot forward to her hand. "Oh! Oh Merlin, I'm sorry but that is just sexy right there." She flicked her hand again and it sheathed itself.

"If you are going to be both flying and casting I didn't want you fumbling for where to stow your wand. Our deal was no sidelining, no benching, nowhere did we say I couldn't get you a few things here and there to keep you safe and more effective."

"Harry Potter, you are brilliant, and supportive, and damn near perfect you cocky bastard. She thanked him with a kiss. "Frankly I really like even the gloveless look and with the wand sheath... Ginny may wear these more than the Crimson."

"Either is fine. I love them both."

Once everyone was off work and freshened up, Bill, Fleur, Ginny and Harry flamed in with their overnight packs. Ron came planning to head home that night, with Hermione in support.

They went up to Madam Rosmerta. "Hello. I'm with Nimbus Racing, we have a few rooms ready for us?"

"Ah Nimbus, certainly. Names."

"Primary: Ginny Weasley, but also William Weasley and Harry Potter."

"Miss Weasley and the Weasley Warriors certainly, I'll simply need her signature.

"Certainly, " Bill fought a laugh. "Sister, you are needed here." Ginny, came signed and they all put their things away, met the the others, and headed to WWNN. Once at the station They were all escorted to a mid forties man with brown hair and leathery skin. "I'm Stanton Grail, I'll be your host tonight. Welcome to WWNN. We've enjoyed reading your story, We would love the chance to hear more."

Harry had learned and started to accept his role. "Thank you for having us Mr. Grail. Pleasure is ours."

"Now except for you, Master Potter, I believe this will be the first time any of you will have been on WWN, correct?"

The crown nodded, Harry covered "Yes, and this is my first visit to your fine studio. Usually your staff finds me in the field." he grinned.

"Well when one as news worthy of you keeps doing things of note… such things are inevitable." Gral summarized.

"I keep telling him, heavy is the head of he who wears the crown. " Bill included.

"Quite!" Mr, Grail agreed. "And you Master Potter, you have quite the unique crown."

"So I have been told." Harry replied with a look to Bill. The rest of the crowd were smiling and biting their tongues.

Mr. Grail led the back to the studio which and been set up with a semicircle of comfortable black leather chairs all formed around a table with a crystal ball.

"Right, if you all will take a seat." he looked over to his assistant. "Julian, pins for our guests today. Before we start, any one need a drink? No? Alright, my assistant Julian will be coming by and giving each of you a special crystal pin, all it does is get a nice clean copy of your voice for the wireless transmission out, nothing to fret about."

Julian attempted even to give Hermione a pin, but for the sake of honesty, (much less fright of public speaking) she quickly corrected. "Apologies, I wasn't there. Just here to support Ronald." She quickly walked off to the side and found a less prominent chair out of the way but still gave Ron a confidence wink. He nodded.

"Everyone comfortable, everyone ready?" Nods down the line. Ginny grabbed Harry's had for support."

Grail drew his wand from his blazer and waved over the crystal ball. It came alive with silver glow. In one of the smoothest voices Harry had ever heard, Grail introduced them "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back to Wizarding Wireless Network News. Today, we have a real treat. You've read the story, you've heard the name, but tonight you hear it from their own lips. The heroes of the Battle of the Burrow, the Weasley Warriors."

They introduced themselves again and gave the tale again. It was hard to believe not even a month had passed since the attack.

"Incredible, so forty Death Eaters surround your home, demand Harry, and not one of you thinks about it for a moment ?"

"No," the Weasleys said in unison.

"He saved my life a few times before this." from Ron.

"Mine too." Ginny added.

"And Dad's Last Christmas." Bill added.

"And my zister."

"Harry's family." Bill clarified. "To hell with legally, in any way that matters, he's one of us."

Harry smiled. "I'm a very lucky man."

"I should say so. Now, forty against nine, with three of you being students. None of you were afraid."

"Well of course some of us had the frights," Ron volunteered, "But that's not really the point is it. Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the will to fight on anyway."

Hermione gave a big thumbs up and nod.

"If I may Mr. Grail," Harry slipped in.

"It's your interview please do."

"You're too kind. I don't want to over sell our bravado. Ginny here was the first to verbalize the call to arms but we were all of the same thought.. And if I may be so bold, I don't even think we're that unique. In the few weeks since the battle much has been said about what we did. if you'll grant me the moment I would ask your wonderful audience at home. What if they came for one of yours? Would your reaction be any different? Maybe this is where I truly do show my … youthful optimism, but I want to believe most people would do the same."

"Well I may have to disagree with you there, Mr, Potter."

Harry was about to speak, but Ginny squeezed his hand to let him know she had this. "Mr. Grail? You'll have to forgive me, but I can't help but notice that wedding ring on your finger."

"Why yes I am." he reflexively answered.

Harry knew where this was going and he let the Witch fly.

"How long?" Ginny asked with a beaming smile.

"Twenty seven years."

"Beautiful," she replied, then like flipping a switch, Crimson's lower edgier voice came out. "What if they came for her?" Harry smiled and kissed her hand.

Grail realized he'd been caught. He did give Ginny a smile. "Clever.. But tonight isn't about what I would do, It's about what you did."

Fleur joined in. "Good luck with zat."

"With what?" Grail asked.

"Explaining zat to your wife." Flue replied with a smile. Bill kissed her hand.

Grail paused in an attempt to regain control of his own show. "You know I am starting to think the ladies here are the most dangerous ones in the group."

"Aren't they always?" Bill said with a wry grin. Knowing exactly what he was doing, the ladies shared the smile.

"You're one who invited the redheaded Weasley Warriors, Mr. Grail. I wouldn't make that invitation unless you can handle their fire."

"Now speaking of fire! You Miss Weasley, or should I call you Crimson Witch, you seem to be beginning your own Reign of Fire?"

"I wouldn't call it my own. We've been fortunate enough to encounter a fine partner in beliefs with Nimbus Brooms. They're the ones who built one of the finest brooms I've ever ridden. After we broke 160, they absolutely got my endorsement."

"So what is it like flying that fast?"

"Not easy", she said with a smile. "It was cold, loud, not so much lonely, but there was absolutely a solitude. Now I flew and orbit to stay in range of our test base, So I had to deal with a lot of force pressure, enough to get some major bruises. I really need to take that on a straight away one of these days, but I haven't needed to go that far that fast. But to this day I am still riding that same broom. Reign of Fire is truly worth the hype."

"Any tips for people trying to beat your record."

"Nerve."

"Nerve?" he asked.

"Absolutely, Anything's possible if you have enough nerve." Ginny smiled wickedly. The Weasleys were sitting back smiling. Crimson Witch was a cat catching canaries.

"Oh that broom isn't the only thing new about Nimbus. You, Crimson Witch, are the first non quidditch player the company has promoted in its history."

Ginny was radiantly smiling, "Oh I'm afraid you may have a slight misunderstanding. I absolutely play quidditch, for Team Gryffindor at Hogwarts."

"I stand corrected, I meant professionally."

"That's true… for the moment."

It was clear that Mr. Grail was having difficulty keeping up.

"Regardless, It is clear that Nimbus is trying to send a different message this year."

Ron hopped in "Well this year is different now, isn't it? It's not every year that a Wizard War breaks out. We all, Weasleys and Nimbus, would dare suggest that a different day deserves a different message. I for one would vastly prefer to see a Crimson Witch in the sky instead of a Dark Mark."

"But don't any of you fear reprisal from … You-kn-"

"His name is Riddle. " they all said in unison. Harry smiled.

"And no we are NOT afraid. And THAT's the exact point." Harry continued as he picked up the baton. "Riddle has haunted me since my birth. And yet… still I'm here. There's no question. Riddle will come again for me. We prepare, we train, we plan. But we won't give him the satisfaction of fear. And if I, the Chosen One that Riddle hasn't been able to finish off in 16 years of attempts, if I can find the courage to not be afraid. Why shouldn't anyone else?

"You truly don't think the Dark Lord is worthy of fear."

"I believe fear is a weapon, and I prefer to disarm my opponents. This is one of the few issues that I and the Ministry disagree with. I respect their efforts against the Death Eaters. In fact I support them and feel we all should do more. But all of this "to speak his name invites him" mentality is fear mongering. One can not fight what one does not speak of. Even if you choose not to say the name, that won't make him magically go away. His name is Riddle. I am not afraid, and I will not rest until he is on the ground."

"Master Potter, that could be mistaken as a declaration of war."

"Well, Mr. Grail, please educate me, what would you classify the attack at the Quidditch World Cup, or the Millennium and Brockdale Bridges, or the Battle of the Burrow. I'm a simple man, Mr. Gail. I find good people, I stick with them. I find a pretty girl, I court her. And when I see bastards, I stand up and say no. Maybe I'm alone, maybe I'm not. But if I'm going to be judged by the court of public opinion, well I'm sure as hell going to be judged for who I really am."

Harry held his calm cocky smile till they had left the building and got around the corner. Then all of them let out a collective sigh.

Ginny immediately kissed Harry. "You were bloody brilliant."

"You were pretty inspiring too, Crimson." Harry said, then looked at Ron. "And you mate, where the hell did that courage bit come from?"

"Well, been a bit inspired as of late." he replied with an arm around a beaming Hermione.

"Alringh, Dinner at the Three Broomsticks, on me. I insist." Harry invited.

They moved their celebration to dinner and all of them basked in victory.

Bill looked over to his sister. "I thought you danced with Mr. Grail quite well, and very shrewdly got the broom in there well played."

"Thank you, I'm not dumb. I know why Nimbus got the interview for us. Wanted to make sure we covered our bases. But Merlin, Harry, that was one hell of a call to war."

"Indeed, You speak like an officer." Fleur confirmed. "Ze Commander before ze battle."

"And I thought pushing off Dumbledore was a bold statement. Harry, you have come a long way. My respects."

The teens were shocked, Hermione got to the question first. "You pushed off the Professor?"

Harry, raised a hand to calm. "Bill makes it sound more dramatic than it was. I received a letter from the Professor. He wanted to meet tonight. I rescheduled him to Monday.

The weight clearly was registering with Ginny. "You said no to Professor Dumbledore, for me?"

Harry took her hand. "In a heartbeat, no question, you're more important."

The table gave the statement a moment of silence. Finally Hermione voiced her appreciation. "All of you were just utterly brilliant. Thank you for having me tonight."

"We're the Weasleys, there is always room for one more." Ginny smiled.

"Wherever I am, you are always welcome." Ron invited as he took her hand.

So with Ron being serious, Harry became the joker. "Hey for five years, I haven't been able to lose you yet, at this point I've given up."

"Oi, that's my girl!"

"Oi, that's my best friend!"

Dinner continued with similar enjoyment. Until Ron and Hermione excused themselves and flamed away. The ladies excused themselves for a moment, leaving Bill and Harry at the table.

"Thanks again for this Bill, this whole Nimbus Crimson Witch means the world to Gin."

"It's a privilege…" Bill said with a knowing smile. "One I'll happily pass on."

"We'll see in a year or so." Harry smiled.

"Or sooner." Bill turned to look at him."Harry it's been a pleasure getting to know you better this summer. We're brothers. So I will tell you two truths and a confidence."

Harry reflexively nodded in agreement. "First, I am not worried about you and my sister. If anything I am rather pleased, of the quality of suitor she's found. Second, and this likely says far more about me than anything, I also have my lady with me tonight, and I don't deny I would appreciate some private time with her. So, if we can agree that you two don't do anything too stupid, and Mum never hears about this, I'm willing for our two couples to part ways. Considering Gin has to work tomorrow. I will leave you on your honor, and we'll see you tomorrow night. Acceptable?"

"Yes, sir. Very." Harry said with a smile.

"Harry, I'm Bill, not Dad. No 'sir' needed. Just have some time, and don't be too crazy. G'night." squeezed his shoulder as rose and walked away.

A few moments later Ginny replied and hugged him as she sat down. "Where did Bill and Fleur go."

"Away," Harry smiled.

"Of course 'away', did they mention when they will be back."

"They won't be."

"Ha ha Harry."

He took her hand. "Actually Gin, yes." he decided to have fun with this and flashed his cocky grin. "Your brother has seen fit to leave us on my honor. They'll see us tomorrow."

She was starting to accept he wasn't kidding. Again, she was shocked and flattered. "H-how did you pull this off?"

He raised a hand and gently rubbed her cheek. "Wrong question. I think the only question here is, do you trust me?"

Without hesitation, "Absolutely."

"Then trust me, and let's just enjoy the time." Harry rose to settle up and as he walked over to the bar he noticed something for the first time. When Madam Rosmerta came up he settled the bill for the table but then asked. "That piano in the corner, is it charmed to self play by chance."

"Why yes, hardly anyone ever asks about it is all."

Harry smiled, and dropped an extra galleon on the counter. "I got a lady with me tonight, any chance we could get something slow?"

Madam Rosmerta smiled, "Be my pleasure."

The music started when Harry got back to Gin, who was already smiling. Rather than take a seat, he offered a hand. "May I have this dance?"

"I thought you'd never ask." she replied as she rose to his arms.

Harry happily led her to place by the fire which lit the room and started slow dancing

"You're doing it again, Harry."

"Doing what?" he asked with a grin.

"Giving me a very special perfect date."

"Can't win if you don't score, Gin."

"I thought we agreed you won. You have me, we're finally here. And I don't know if I could be happier."

"True, but I would also like to keep you, Gin."

"Merlin, Mum is right. You could out charm the devil if you wanted to."

Harry went with it. "Wait till I really start trying."

She laughed and laid her head on his shoulder.

"Did you really tell Dumbledore no, just for me?"

"Absolutely," he said without hesitation.

"He's the most powerful wizard in the world. I would have understood."

Harry gently lifted her chin to look deep in her eyes. "My girl needed me."

"I love you, Harry."

"I love you too, Gin."