Chapter 11
Reality Sets In
The fan mail continued through Sunday but tapered off. Monday was finally a return to normalcy. Something all of them appreciated.
Tuesday afternoon, Bill lifted up the lid to Harry's room. "Harry, mate, do you have a moment?
"Sure, Bill, come on down. Bill made sure to close the door behind him. Harry was at his desk and put his book to the side and looked expectantly.
"Nothing bad, just significant enough I thought you would want privacy. The Ministry's papers came in. At 1:57 PM today, all assets of House Black became yours. Welcome House Potter." He said with a hand out in respect. Harry took a breath as he returned the shake.
"Thanks Bill, for all of it. The news, the privacy, the probably hundred things you were doing behind the scenes to make it smoother. If you ever need a favor, I'm here."
Bill shook his head and smiled. "May I?" he asked, gesturing to the bed.
Harry nodded. "That is one of the very many things I like about you Harry." as he sat down. "Most people get that news and instantly think of a list of all the things they can buy or what kind of party they can have. You feel the weight of responsibility, and your reaction is to repay favors and help people. I'm not kidding when I say you are a good man."
"That, that actually means a lot to me, Bill, thank you."
"There is one matter we should take care of, not so much immediately, but soon."
"Starting already? What is it?"
"Grimmauld Place. You own it now. And the Order has been using it under Sirius' blessing previously. Though he hasn't said as much, one would assume Professor Dumbledore will ask for yours.
Harry looked off to the side and thought. "A month ago, I would have just reflexively said yes, no question. Now, I mean I don't have an objection, but I feel like I need to think about things."
"I think that is a good thing, Harry. Shows prudence."
"Bill, I think I would like to at least walk through the place first. I mean I know I've been there before but …"
"But you weren't the Master then. Harry, that is completely reasonable. If you like, I will even accompany you."
"I would actually appreciate that, Bill, thanks."
"No problem." Bill let Harry have a moment, then he felt Harry needed something. "There is one favor I will ask. I know you have the means now, but I would still appreciate it if I were still the next Weasley to marry." he said with a cheeky grin.
"Merlin! That conversation hasn't even come up yet! Bill, please don't get me wrong. I do love Gin. I would be gutted if anything happened to her. But that's not even on the horizon yet. She's got 3 years of school left."
"Thank you for that. I know I'm just her brother, but when you're the eldest you often feel like you have some sense of responsibility for your siblings. So you are planning to continue with school also?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I?"
"Harry, I'm one of the few people that, as Dad would say, knows your numbers. And those numbers are sufficient enough you wouldn't need to return to school or work a day in your life and you would still be quite spoiled. Many people dream of that."
"I hear what you are saying. I get it. I guess I would also say, most people aren't being hunted by Riddle. My two main focuses are training and figuring out a way to maybe win, and I will be honest with you Bill, trying to enjoy whatever time I do have."
Bill clasped Harry's shoulder as rose to leave. "You're a good man. I'd count you as a brother any day."
"Bill," Harry called.
Bill stopped and turned back to Harry.
"How are the guards and wards from Gringotts coming?"
"Should be coming tomorrow. And thank you again for that, Harry."
"Last I knew we took care of our family here." Harry replied as he walked over to his bed and slid back to sit up against the wall. Bill left with a wide smile and deep appreciation. Harry just sat. His mind was both racing and not thinking at all. Staring blankly at the wall, completely losing track of time.
At some point, his door opened again and his favorite voice called. Ginny was always bold enough to just come in. "Invitations are for people you don't snog." she said the first time she did that. "Supper time, ba-" registering his expression. "Hey," she finished gently.
She didn't even wait for a response, just reflexively came and sat next down to him. "Let's talk. Have we finally hit a blues day?"
Harry shrugged, "Nothing, don't worry about it. It's stupid." as he started to sit up.
"Oi," she said gently with a hand over his heart, lightly pushing him back down. "Girlfriend Access rights. That line doesn't fly anymore."
Harry looked at the lovely lady, hair ablaze, eyes with endless warmth, and wondered again both how he was so lucky and why hadn't done things sooner. Even a joke got a grin out of him. "Your confidence is amazing, never change, Gin."
"Thank you, now let's talk about you." she smiled.
"Bill stopped in. Papers came in. It's official, House Black has now become House Potter." he said flashing his signet ring. "It's … real. Before it's been a 'will be' but now it's an 'is'. It's real, and it's big, and it's heavy and… It's happening after the fan mail this weekend. Yes, we all got supporting cheers, and flirty perfume notes… or cologne in your case."
Gin shrugged, nodded but let Harry talk, happy he actually was.
"But I got letters from politicians, and business presidents, and house heads, and legitimately important people. And intellectually I get it. But, then I think… Okay, I could actually write these people back. That there are significant odds I could owl them and they would read and respond. Like, I have access. And I think further, that in those letters I could ask for things or even more directly with some of these people request things… and a lot would. And I am very… Who the fuck am I? By what right do I have this kind of access and, I feel arrogant as hell to say it, power. "
"I love you." Ginny started as she rubbed his knee. "All of those feelings make sense. Merlin knows, I would probably even feel more lost." She paused for a moment thinking of an approach. "Can I play a game for a moment?"
"Sure, Gin." he smiled.
"I want to do one of my favorite hobbies, Talk about my boyfriend." Harry rolled his eyes, but didn't interrupt. "Now he is devilishly handsome." she started with a grin. But then moved into the most sincere expression he had ever seen on Ginny. "But more than being easy on the eyes, he is without a doubt, the kindest, and most loving man I've ever met. He is also the most noble and strongest. They say chivalry is dead, but I call them liars because I get to see it in him every day. Merlin, he's not even seventeen yet and he's thrown himself into danger just to save others more times than I can count. He's gone through so much pain, yet he still has yet to let that harden him. He is the most sacrificial person I have ever met, damn near to his detriment. He is obscenely wealthy, yet he chooses to slum it wi-"
Harry jumped on that one, "Oi, this is no slum. Burrow and your family are brilliant."
She reached up and rubbed his cheek to make sure he looked her in the eyes. "I only meant the comparison, honey. That and a hundred more reasons are why you deserve to be where you are. Nonetheless, if it's not you, it will be someone else, and I absolutely guarantee, they won't be as good as you nor be half as deserving."
As Ginny always seemed to, she got Harry's spirits up as shown by the return of his cocky grin. "You know Gin, you should probably keep that boyfriend of yours around."
She smiled, "Ya, I was planning on that." She said as she leaned over and kissed him. "Now, you know I would enjoy nothing more than continuing this… but Mum is waiting for us."
"I love you."
She offered him a hand off the bed, "I know." she said. Then followed him back upstairs.
Supper was normal with everyone gathered. Fan mail had been reduced to less than a half dozen each so to continue the fun they had opted to just open around the table. Ginny's was the most surprising as she received her first from someone other than a normal person. She received a letter addressed more formally to Ginevra 'Crimson Witch' Weasley, from Nimbus Racing Brooms. "Sweet, maybe they've sent me a coupon." she said as she opened. As she read, her expression showed it was more than a coupon. She started again reading aloud:
Dear Miss Weasley,
With much enjoyment, we at Nimbus read about your heroic efforts on the evening of July 4. Such spirit of you and your family should be commended and celebrated. As we here at Nimbus are obviously quite staunch supporters of racing brooms, we would be honored if you would be available on Friday July 12 to come to our headquarters so we could hear of your tale in more detail. Additionally we would like to present a promotional opportunity to you. You and any participants of the Battle of the Burrow would be most welcome. Please send an owl with questions and hopefully acceptances you have.
With great respect,
Delvin Whitehorn
"Nimbus wants to talk to me?" she asked everyone in general. "How do they know I was on an old 1000?"
Bill clarified. "They probably don't, but as they are the largest racing broom company they are likely hoping. Regardless, with the mention of the promotional opportunity they probably want to make a photo opportunity of giving you a new broom or something. Generate some PR off the battle."
"Free broom would be nice. Daddy, can I go?" She batted her eyes and played up the request.
Arthur looked over to Molly for another conversation of just looking at each other. "Ginny, I have no issue with you going. I would prefer if you went with someone else, and sorry Harry, I mean someone of age.
Ginny had a look of disappointment on her face but dismissed it, not the first time.
"Harry, wasn't Nimbus the company you wanted to look into investing with." Bill asked?
Without missing a beat. "Absolutely, Bill. You were the one telling me to invest in what I understand. And I know brooms."
"It would make sense to meet the company, shake some hands and such before moving money."
"A very excellent idea."
Ron and Hermione were biting their tongues at the exchange.
Arthur watched both of them banter but it was clear he was fighting back a laugh. "Had enough fun yet?" He shook his head and looked over to Molly. A moment later, "Now don't for a moment think your mother and I don't see what's going on here." He paused, to at least make it seem like he was thinking. "But, you're doing it for good reasons, so I'll let this go. Bill I trust you will be reading any papers before signatures."
"Absolutely, Dad."
"Enjoy then."
Ginny looked across to her eldest brother and silently mouthed Thank you. Bill nodded and smiled to his sister, but then was rewarded by a kiss from Fleur.
Wednesday came and with it a team from Gringgotts flamed in. Bill with a team of goblins and other people came and all about the in and outside of the burrow, mages with wands cast their arcane energies of every color around. With the others and work Harry and Hermione grabbed the books and went outside in the hayloft to study but moreover watch the lightshow.
"Harry, you didn't spare any expense with this, did you?"
Shook his head. "They're worth it, all of them, you're included too"
"You are too kind." she laughed.
"Double points for Gin though."
"As it should be."
"Realistically Bill deserves the thanks, he's the one doing the work and making the connections."
"I assure you Bill will get his own thanks as well. Meanwhile you're right here."
Hermione let a few more minutes of the light show go. "Harry, I know this may be getting into areas that are more for Ginny's, so I will respect privacy if you prefer, but I just want you know that-"
"'Mione…." he interrupted out of mercy. "We're mates. What do you want to know?"
"How are you doing?" She asked sheepishly.
Harry laughed. "Merlin, you can ask that! The whole damn house full can ask."
"I'm, frankly we're, just used to you not talking much."
"That's fair. And I am decent. Burrow has been a lot better to me. Morning workouts help keep frustration down. Mr. Weasley is right, sunshine and fresh air do wonders. It's been nice to get extra time with you three. Gin is an angel. No lie, when there is a down moment, I go steal an extra hug from her. So there goes the whole Chosen One credit." he smiled.
"Hardly, if anything, these last few weeks prove your invincibility."
"Oh Merlin, no."
"Like a Phoenix, Harry Potter rises from the ashes."
"Please stop."
"Dispensing with common raval, Master Potter emerges to show the way." Hermione continued to tease. But she succeeded in getting Harry smiling.
Later that evening, even before supper Bill asked everyone into the living room. "Last touch on the security features," he explained. He held up what looked like a copy of the news article, nicely framed. But as he showed it he explained, "Emergency Portkey, if they manage to block our floo again, we have a failsafe."
"What, we don't want to stay and fight?" Ron asked. who was quickly slapped on the chest by Hermione. "Sorry."
"Thank you," Bill said. "Everyone gather round and touch it so I can limit it to just us being able to activate it."
Hermione stood back but watched out of curiosity. But a moment later Harry specified, "You too 'Mione."
"Oh, one just assumed it would be a fam-"
Ron shook his head, reached over and grabbed her hand and pulled her over till her hand was next to his in the picture. 'We're Weasleys, there's always room for one more." Just in case, he slipped his other arm around her waist. She smiled warmly.
Bill grinned. "Right," he muttered and he keyed everyone's arcane signatures to the portkey. "That's everyone locked in, now let's test it out." With a surge and a dizzying spin, all of them shifted and landed into what looked like a fine sitting room. Three red velvet couches surround the bear skin rug they had all apprated on in front of a fireplace. Soon after the fire came to life and lit candles around the room. Hardwood floors with two sets of double doors on opposite sides. And another set opposite the fireplace and on either side of it. Between the doors paintings was general art and the burning candelabras.
"Bill?"
"Part of your Executive Access package, Harry. House Potter emergency bunker. Full package guards and wards protection, just like what we are installed at home today. No one try to apparate in or out please. It will be… messy. It is designed to be portkey access only. Moderately stocked kitchen, shelf stable only. Full bathroom, six bedrooms." Bill explained as they all started to walk around and look.
"Merlin Bill! If you were going to go with something like this, I'd been happy with the base model.
"This is the base model, Harry."
"I zink I am with 'arry on dis. Dis is a bunker?
"For Gringotts Executive members, yes."
"Merlin, he whispered to himself.
"You okay babe?" Gin asked as she saw him processing and taking it all in. Intentionally she laced their fingers together. Harry nodded.
"This gives us a failsafe if Death Eaters try something again."
"So this is one of those places we hope we never need." Arthur summarized.
"Exactly, Dad."
"You call this a bloody failsafe? Ron said in shock
"Language!" both Molly and Hermione said in unison. The two women exchange looks and smiles.
"Oh great, I'm going to be corrected in stereo now."
"Maybe you'll start the listen." Hermione teased.
What caught Harry's gaze most was over the fireplace was a full sized metal display of his family crest. Ginny didn't even need to ask what was going through her boyfriend's head. She could feel the weight of responsibility he was placing on his own shoulders through his body.
Bill registered what had Harry's attention. "I admit, I had that crafted. It just felt right to me and was intended as a kindness. If it's too much, I can have it put in storage."
Ginny slipped into a full hug of Harry. "I like it… a lot. To me it stands for security, strength, courage and defense. All good things." she shared with kiss on his cheek.
Ron came up on Harry's other side. "First, it is just cool, but if we're having this symbolism talk, I would say… resilience. Here I stand and draw the line."
The entire room looked at Ron. "What, I'm allowed a deep thought occasionally. Harry's worth it."
Hermione hugged her boyfriend. "Chivalry."
Ginny whispered to Harry, "Told you."
"Honor and nobility," Fleur added.
"Okay, I will argue that." Harry countered.
"No." she shook her head strongly. "For when I zee dis I already zink of 'Arry. And my first thoughts will always be him zaving Gabrielle, when he 'ad every reason not to. 'ow he almost died for someone he did not know. When it was 'ard. When it cost 'im. All because he felt it was right."
Fleur walked up underneath the crest and looked back at Harry. Perhaps it was the candlelight, perhaps it was memories, perhaps it wasn't there. But she truly looked soft and gentle.
'Arry, if I may, don't zink you can dictate with words what zis means. I feel you define it by your actions. And your actions precede you, my friend."
Harry smiled and appreciated what she was saying. Ginny gave him an extra squeeze, willing to accept Fleur was right.
"Keep it up, Bill, good call."
"Thank you, and I think now, you can see why I'm really marrying that woman." he said far less to Harry but still to the people that needed to hear it.