Chapter 27

Stix and Bones

The next morning Harry received a letter from Mrs. McGonagall, responding to one he had sent earlier.

Dear Master Potter,

It was a welcome and pleasant surprise to hear from you.

In regards to your inquiry. You are correct, that as Hogwarts has held its traditions of developing wizards' intellects and it has not had a focus on the body, thus does not have an established gym or physical fitness area. However, given our ever growing muggle student population, their propensity for more physical activities, and the health benefits of such, I was inclined to investigate the feasibility. Classroom 731 has not been used for several semesters and is across the hall from the northeast shower room. It has now been assigned and is being cleared out for repurpose.

I was surprised by your most generous offer to purchase equipment for the facility. Professor Dumbledore has advised me of the developments of your godfather estate. As I am sure you are aware, change of such size rarely goes unnoticed. If you will send a listing of desired equipment I will see to its procurement and installations. Your request for anonymity is understood and shall be respected.

As we speak of physical activity and sport, I would remind you that Miss Johnson graduated last spring, leaving the vacancy of the Gryffindor Quidditch Captaincy. You and your compatriots' ban has been lifted, and I offer you that position.

The Professor has advised me of your change of address and new guardianship to the Weasley's. I too agree it ought to be a vast improvement.

Finally, the Professor has not shared anything further with me, but I am not a fool. There are very few things that I could imagine that would create such a change in such a short time and none are good. Harry, please remember my door has been and will always be open to you.

Respectfully,

Minerva Mcgonagall

That went over far better than Harry had hoped. Having truly felt the morning exercise routine including the punching bag was very therapeutic, his hope was just to find space to hang it and do so. Especially in the winter months. But having had to deal with a few negotiations now, he had learned to start high and expect to be worked down. He wasn't going to complain though.

He wrote up a reply with a shopping list and sent Hedwig off.

Saturday 17 August 1996

The Twins volunteered the use of their flat for Ginny to prepare and 'transform' into Crimson Witch. Trisha even taught Ginny how to do her own makeup. Harry had sent invitations to the entire D.A. as a combination summer reunion and attempt make the 2nd promotion as successful as the first. Angelina Johnson took advantage, if you call it that, of being Fred's girlfriend to get a sneak peak. But between the D.A. and Quidditch in general the three of them got on fine. Harry's plan was to be at Broomstix early and catch up with the D.A. prior to the promotion start, then see how it goes. He again was hoping NOT to step in Ginny spotlight, but after the last one, he acknowledged there was a significant likelihood he may be brought up stage again.

That was his original plan, but as he approached Broomstix he was caught off guard by Susan Bones approaching. Her eyes were clearly focused on him and her face looked far harder than normal. It didn't take a genius to tell something was off.

"Harry, I know this is a big day for you and Ginny, so I REALLY hate doing this, but is there any way we could talk…please?"

It was obvious something was wrong. He reacted more than he thought. "Coffee, my treat."

"Thank you."

They got their drinks and a table and Harry let her set the pace. The look in her eyes showed that she was here, but her thoughts were elsewhere… and something made her mad. "So your letter didn't actually say but, if you were doing a round up in support of Ginny…"

"About six weeks now, yea." he showed her Ginny's hair bracelet.

"Wow, congratulations, that one was a long time coming. Is this going to be a problem?"

"Well, thank you Sue. Gin will be fine. We're pretty solid. But somehow I doubt that's why you wanted to chat." He tried to give her a moment. "Hey, if it means anything, especially after this last year, we're mates. If you need privacy or something you have it."

"No… nothing like that Harry but thank you. Do you… do you remember how I once talked about how I understood what it's like to be like you."

Harry lowered his voice and softened his voice. "Yes, and knowing your history, I've taken that as respect, and as odd as it sounds, tried to respect that. Like I said, we're mates."

She nodded with her jaw set in anger. "Well, we keep seeming to mirror each other. How have you done this?" she gestured to the obviously improved Harry. "Be okay, after everyone you've …" she trailed off.

"Lost?" he finished softly. "You can say the word. I'm doing better."

She flashed a look straight at him. "I'm not." It was a jarring shift.

"I'm listening, Sue." he gave her his full attention.

"Fourth of July, night of your Battle. That wasn't the only damn fight the Death Eaters had."

Harry took a breath. "How bad?"

"They got her. They got my aunt, Last one left, and they fucking killed her." she replied with controlled anger.

Harry hung his head, "Shit…" then he took a breath. "So your summer has been hell. I will be respectful enough to NOT spit out a lot of platitudes to you. As I just said, you know I'm a friend. What do you need? How can I help?"

"Thank you for that, Harry. First, I need someone I can trust with something and, well Harry Potter, you are the patron fucking saint of trust."

Harry nodded. "Understood, still listening, Sue."

Sue started playing with a ring on her finger, nervously. "Well, like I said, she was the last." She turned the ring around to show the Bones signet ring on her finger. "I knew it was likely, but…"

"Not so soon and not like this." he nodded.

"Exactly. Now don't get me wrong I am not upset that your lot survived. I'm glad one of us had a victory."

"Sue, I get the feeling you are still circling something. You and I have had enough reality, you can shoot straight. What's going on?"

"Wow, you've come a long way this summer, Harry. Alright, well like you said. We're mates and we've got some time in. I read the Prophet, and heard the WWNN. More importantly I can read between the lines. You've got something planned. I don't claim to know what or how. But you have some angle you're working on. I want in."

"Far as I'm concerned the whole damn D.A. is in already." He scooted forward, looked around as a double checked for prying eyes. He lowered his voice. "Though even among them, I have always, mentally kept a … shortlist of those of us with more … personal scores to settle. You were already on that list, Sue."

"Thank you for that too, Harry, but I don't think you fully understand me. I'm not Sue talking to Harry to be on the team." She paused and took a seething breath.

"In the old days, when someone attacked a head of house, it was fuciking war. And rarely did those houses do it alone. Well, now the Second Wizard War has started, and… Riddle has spilt MY family blood for the last fucking time. I intend to do the same. I am Lady Susan of House Bones and I am talking to Master Harry of House Potter and I am offering you my House allegiance. Galleons, property, personnel, press, access, everything. I don't care. If you can honestly tell me you still want to kill Riddle and his Eaters, I offer you my hand."

Her logic was sound. Her motivations were the oldest and strongest. Harry didn't care about any of that. Sue had been a good friend for a while. Harry didn't know where it came from, it wasn't reasoned. It felt he was directed far more from, not emotion, but … spirit perhaps? "As Master of House Potter I swear to you I will not rest until Riddle is in the ground. I accept your hand." They clasped over the table.

Sue looked at him with fierce determination. "His name is Riddle."

"And we are not afraid." Harry nodded in respect. "Sue, this isn't the time or place, but I will go so far as to say your instincts are correct."

"I'm not looking for details right now, Harry. I'm not stupid."

"I didn't think you were. But I wonder how informed you are in a more general sense."

Sue could tell he meant something important. "What do I need to know?"

"First and foremost, cover your assets. You have the signet ring. Have you dealt with Gringotts?"

"Clarify, 'dealt'."

"Well first, I DON'T want to know your numbers. But be sure YOU know your numbers. Do NOT blindly trust Gringotts. They are a useful tool, but if you are not careful it will cut you."

Susan nodded. "Make sure you have them send YOU, ALL documents regarding ALL assets, and that you have ALL access to them. I can not stress the importance of the the word ALL in these talks."

"Alright, thank you."

"When you deal with Gringotts, if you can, I would ask for William Weasley."

"Ginny's brother? He works in the field, I thought?"

"He's still qualified for that, but since I came into the equation, they promoted him to be my personal account manager. Me and the Weasleys-"

"No secret, I get it."

"Bottom line is Bill is trustworthy and smart. I can't guarantee they will connect you two. But to help I will give you this. " as he took his quill and pocket book out. "From what I gather my name carries a bit of weight there." He said as he pressed his seal into the bottom corner.

To Manager Rockup,

Please be advised that House Potter would be most honored if your organization would grant the service of William Weasley to House Bones. Lady Bones is a close friend whom I would hate to have further misfortune happen to.

Respectfully

Harry James Potter

Master House Potter

"You've spoken to the manager?"

Harry nodded.

"Higher than I've gotten, Thank you."

"Once you have that sorted, Ask them about the Executive Access, Guards and Wards package. It will cost a bit, but it is a solid enchantment service for your home. Plus spending money with them-"

"Makes them like me more and less likely to fuck with me."

"Exactly, a two for one."

"Thank you, Harry, I'm already glad we talked."

"Any time, and I get the feeling we will be more often. Just watch your back and keep in touch, okay?" But for now let's move on with the day."

"Harry."

"Ya, Sue?"

"Watch your own arse too."

Harry could feel the need for tension relief and grinned. "That's Ginny's job."

Susan rolled her eyes. "Then you watch her arse."

Insert cocky grin. "Well that's a pleasure."

"Who the hell are you anymore?" she asked incredulously.

"Same friend you've had for a while, just improved."

They both walked back to Broomstix which already seemed busier than Spintwitches.

But before he could get there, he saw the most ridiculous site, of Professor Lupin in his brown tweed suit, in front of Sugarplums sipping on a tea, and a slice of some form of pink iced cake, and reading a copy of the Prophet.

Harry directly slid into the seat across from him, the Professor put his paper down and smiled. "Hello, Harry."

"You realize if you are so damn inconspicuous, you stick out like a sore thumb."

"Well, I guess that's always been my failing. Subtlety has never been my strong suit."

"So you admit, that you are not a regular of this fine and subtle establishment?" Harry asked, trying to fight a laugh, and failing miserably at it.

"No, Occasionally I appreciate a sweet, but generally not to this degree."

"Which begs the question, Whatcha doing Professor?"

"Watching me." a voice behind Harry answered suddenly. She snapped his head around to see Tonks rigidly standing behind him. "Wotcher Harry."

After Harry calmed, he smiled. "See, " he told the Professor, " She's subtle and quiet. She's good at her job." And with that statement, he started to put pieces together.

"Merlin, what's going on now?"

"Actually this is just precautionary". Lupin replied.

"Simple logic, Harry. Whether you intended to or not you have collected several high value individuals in the same place at the same time"

"I invited my friends over to support my girlfriend."

"Exactly." Tonks confirmed.

"Sorry, Harry, but she has a point."

"I hate you both." Harry grimaced.

"No you don't Harry. You understand more than most." Tonks replied with a pat to his shoulder. "But if you will excuse me, I have a patrol to walk. Remus." she left with an extra smile. Remus smiled and raised his glass to her.

Harry watched the pair and waited for Tonks to leave. Harry just looked at the Professor.

Lupin simply returned to his paper. "Harry, I may not be your teacher any longer but may offer you a lesson still."

"Of course, sir."

"If you have someone who makes you as happy as I've seen Ginny make you, I wouldn't waste time with an old Professor."

Harry smiled, "Yes, sir," as he headed over to Broomstix.

From a distance he could already see Crimson's by her hair. Damn she was beautiful, looked like she was catching up with Alicia Spinnet, Katie Bell, and Angelina. Not wanting to interrupt Ginny's recounting her breaking 160. He just slipped beside Ginny and at this point absentmindedly and reflexively slipped his arm around her which she warmly accepted. However this subtle act was far from unnoticed. Rather all three of the ladies turned and stared directly at Harry.

"But never mind me setting a new broom speed record," Ginny said with a smile. "Let me introduce my boyfriend."

"Sorry, babe." he greeted with a hug.

"Never apologize for coming over." with a peck. "You okay?"

"I am fine. Susan needed a word." Then he leaned in to whisper, "That's more a private talk." Ginny nodded.

Katie vocalized what they all were thinking. "So it's true?"

Harry and Ginny both nodded. "Yes, about 6 weeks now." Harry confirmed.

The girls' grins went wide.

Harry looked over to Ginny: "This is going to be the day isn't it?"

"Day?, Love this is going to be the first month back at class, if not semester."

Harry just nodded. He'd been an idiot for long enough. He had this coming.

"There is a fair bit of the D.A. here? You okay?" he asked.

"Absolutely, go mingle, It's actually nice to see you do that."

Colin came with his camera, which considering how many photos of Ginny there were already, Harry thought it was hilarious. Dean and Lavender seemed quite friendly to each other. Good on them.

Ernie pounced on Harry. "Master Potter! You have been a noisy man this summer." he greeted, shaking hands.

"Not intentionally, but I won't deny it." Harry replied.

"So is there going to be a full D.A. meeting today? Tell me you're not bringing us together just to chuck it?"

Harry grinned. "Today is a two for one, catch up with each other and support Ginny. But no man, D.A. is FAR from going away."

Ernie smiled. "You've got something in the works, don't you?"

"Time and place, Ernie, time and place…. But keep your coin handy."

"You got it."

Mclaggen gave him a raised hand from across the room that Harry returned with a nod.

The Patil Twins were seemed to be holding down a mixed bag of Ravenclaws and Gryffindor

Off to the side, he finally caught Ron and Hermione, with Luna, Neville, and Hanna. There were two adults there also. That he more deduced than remembered from their brief Kings Cross meetings, were Hermione's parents. Harry could tell already from the smiles the same conversation was happening there.

Hermione immediately reached out to pull Harry in the last few feet to pull him in. "And you remember the infamous, Harry Potter."

"Infamous? You went with infamous?" he questioned with a smile.

"Richard and Jean Granger. It's nice to meet you beyond the train stop." Mr. Granger shook his hand. "And, with respect, your name does show up in the Daily Prophet more than others."

The group all smiled. Harry did too. "You know, to Hermione's parents, I won't even pretend. Unfortunately is all I will say."

Mrs. Granger smiled. "Hermione couldn't speak higher of you."

"She's also explained that the Prophet reporting could be … slanted."

"Well" Luna began in her uniquely light way. "If you would like another news source there always is the Quibbler. "

"I don't see why not. Do you owl to London?"

Luna nodded. "Owl or a host of other magnificent creatures."

Hermione rested a hand on her shoulder. "Baby steps for them Luna, owl will be fine."

Luna smiled and agreed vehemently. "Absolutely."

Neville greeted Harry. "Good to see you. Oh and by the way, Gran sends her greetings. We both were really happy to hear you were still doing something with the D.A."

Harry nodded. "I will admit there was maybe… five whole minutes I thought about retiring it after Umbridge left. But after the Battle of the Burrow, it's here to stay for the long haul. Keep your coin handy is all I will say now. But... your gran likes me?"

"Oh mate! You have no idea. My gran LOVES you."

Harry paused and thought to himself and smiled. Far worse things than a grandmother liking him.

"Hey Harry," Hanna started, "Can I ask you something?"

"All yours, what's up?"

"Well don't get me wrong. I still want to help the D. A., I don't want to quit or anything…"

"But…?" Harry asked with a smile. "

"This last summer, hearing about you and Susan-"

"What happened to Susan?" Ron asked."

"She and I already spoke, I'll fill you in later. Hanna, please."

"I was wondering if maybe I could look at being, like team healer? My mum and I got into learning this summer.

"You're kidding me right?" Harry asked with a smile from ear to ear.

"No, I - I want to do my part but I - I just don't think I've got that edge like you and Neville have."

Neville and Harry exchanged looks, not the first time they registered their similarities. "You don't want it." they said in unison.

"Tell you what Hanna, let's ask 'Mione."

Half distracted, but hearing her name. "Ask me what?"

"Hanna wants to be the D.A. Healer."

Hermione leaped over and hugged her. "THANK YOU!"

Hanna looked around happy and shocked.

Harry explained. "I had another close call this summer. "

Hanna laughed and shook her head, "Merlin, You could have taken summer off you know!"

"I tried! Moved out to the country and everything!" he laughed. "Hanna seriously, great Idea, so much so I want to support it. Like books, supplies, whatever you need. You let me know I'll make it good."

"Oh Harry, I'm not asking-"

"I know you're not, but this is the best life insurance policy I can think of. Hell, I'd say send an owl to Madam Pomfey, see if you can apprentice with her or something."

"Oh! That is an idea, thank you."

"'Mione, you want in on the healer action?"

"No, no, no. I am grateful Mrs. Weasley taught us the basics, but I'll leave the intense stuff to those with the hearts for it."

A pair of surprised parents asked, "Hermione, you learned healing spells?"

Ron laughed through the entire exchange.

Eventually, Josh with Nimbus came up to them. "Excuse me, Master Potter, We're about to get started, and Crimson already invoked Rule 3 ahead of time."

"Wow, she's not messing around. Alright coming." And to the crowd, he said, "Go ahead, have a good laugh. I am."

Josh led him over to Crimson waiting with a smile. "Thank you."

"Will you at least take your introduction Q&A for yourself. I'm not kidding when I say I want you to have your own individual time to shine."

"I know and I will, but we also agreed we're partners…. And you are pretty damn inspiring yourself." She replied with a smile and a wink.

Again Josh took the stage first. "Ladies and gentlemen, it gives Nimbus Brooms great pleasure to see so many of you here today for the new members of the family. First we have the world fastest broom, field tested to 160 miles per hour, the Reign of Fire. And for a special kind of broom, we have a special representative, Victor of the Battle of the Burrow, Crimson Witch."

Crimson took the stage again and much of it was like Hogsmeade all over again, just with a different crowd and a lot more friendly faces. Those friendly faces brought a few more smart ass comments, but a lifetime of 6 brothers had made Crimson impervious to that. Finally, after the questions left the broom and onto the battle, Crimson again took Harry's hand in raised victory.

"Ladies and Gentleman, The Man Not Afraid, Harry Pot-"

She was cut off as the windows blew open and hexes flashed in.