Chapter 11
Reality Sets In

The fanmail continued through the week but tapered off on Sunday. 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," Harry replied. Bill made sure to close the door behind him. Harry, who was at his desk, 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 deep breath as he returned the handshake.

"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," Bill said as he sat down. "Most people get that news and instantly think 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 immediately, but soon."

"Starting already? What is it?"

"Grimmauld Place. You own it now, and the Order has been using it under Sirius' blessing. 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 nodded in agreement, the weight of the role apparent.

"Harry, that is completely reasonable. If you like, I'll even accompany you."

"I would really appreciate that, Bill, thanks." "

"No problem," Bill paused, letting Harry have a moment. It was obvious Harry was feeling the moment. So when in doubt, Bill resorted to what Weasleys know best… humor. "There is one favorite I will ask," Harry looked at Bill, "I know you have the means now, but I would appreciate it if I was still the next Weasley to get married."

Harry coughed and choked on the concept. "Merlin! That conversation hasn't even come up yet! Bill, please don't get me wrong. I love Gin. I would be gutted if anything happened to her. But it's not even on the table! She's still got 3 years of school left!"

"Thank you for that." Bill smiled, pleased Harry seemed lighter now.
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. Harry shrugged, agreeing with the concept, even if now fully familiar with the experience. "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 that you wouldn't need to return to school, or work a day in your life and you would still be well off," Bill noticed Harry shift uncomfortably. "Many people dream of that."

"I hear what you're saying, and I get it. I guess, I would also say that most people aren't being hunted by Riddle. Right now my two main focuses are training and figuring out a way to win and…" Harry took a deep breath, "I'll be honest with you Bill, the other focus is trying to enjoy whatever time I do have."

Bill clasped Harry's shoulder as he rose to leave. "You're a good man, Harry. 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. Thank you again for that, Harry."

"Last I knew, we took care of our family around here," Harry replied and Bill left with a wide smile and deep appreciation. Harry moved to sit on his bed, sliding back to sit against the wall. His mind was both racing and not thinking at all. He just sat, staring blankly at the wall, losing track of time.

Some point later, his door opened again and his favorite voice called out. Ginny was always bold enough to just come in. "Invitations are for people you don't snog," she said the first time she'd done it. "Supper time, ba -" Ginny paused when she recognized his expression. She didn't wait for a response, she instinctively came and sat down next to him. "Let's talk," Ginny said gently. She brushed her hair behind her ear and took his hand. "Have we finally hit a blues day?"

Harry shrugged, "Nothing, don't worry about it. It's stupid," he shook his head as he started to sit up.

"Oi," she said gently with a hand over his heart, lightly pushing him back. "Girlfriend Access rights. That line doesn't fly anymore."

Harry looked at the lovely lady, hair ablaze, eyes with endless warmth, and wondered again how he was so lucky and why he 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 by. The 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…" Harry paused and took a deep breath, from the weight of the title falling fully on him now. "It's happening after the fan mail from this weekend. Yes, we all got supporting cheers, flirty perfume notes - or cologne notes in your case."

Ginny nodded, letting Harry talk. She was happy he actually was talking.

"But I also got letters from politicians, business presidents, house heads, and legitimately important people. And intellectually, I get it, but then I think, okay I could actually write these people back! Like, I have access, and I think that in those letters I could ask for things, or even more directly with some of these people, request things… and there are significant odds that they would read and respond. 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 your feelings make sense. Merlin knows, I would probably feel even more lost." She paused for a moment, thinking of a different approach. "Can we play a game for a moment?"

"Sure, Gin," he smiled.

"I want to do one of my favorite hobbies. Talking about my boyfriend," Harry rolled his eyes but didn't interrupt. "Now, he is devilishly handsome," she started with a grin, but then it turned into the most sincere expression he had ever seen on her. "But more than being easy on the eyes, he is without a doubt, the kindest, most loving man I've ever met. And he is also the strongest and most noble. 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 hasn't let it harden him. He is the most sacrificial person I've 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. The 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 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 or 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, "Yeah, I was planning on it," 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 opening them 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 it. 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. Here at Nimbus, we are 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 more of your tale in detail. Additionally, we would like to present a promotional opportunity to you. Any participants of the Battle of the Burrow would be most welcome. Please send an owl with any questions, and hopefully acceptances, you have.

With great respect,

Delvin Whitehorn

"Nimbus wants to talk to me?" She asked everyone, "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 also want to take 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, about it. "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 at his sister, but then was rewarded by a kiss from Fleur.

Wednesday came and with it, a team from Gringotts. Bill flamed in with a team of goblins, bankers and other people who were all about in and outside the Burrow. Mages with wands casting their arcane energies of every color all around. With the others at work, Harry and Hermione grabbed their books and went outside to the hayloft to study, but moreover to watch the light show.

"Harry, you didn't spare any expense with this, did you?"

Harry 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," Have Hermione laugh or something to break it up a bit and give some life and movement. "Meanwhile, you're right here."

Hermione let a few more minutes of the light show go on before continuing. "Harry, I know this may be getting into more of Ginny's area, so I will respect your privacy if you prefer, but I just want to you to 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 can ask."

"Frankly, I'm - we are just used to you not talking much."

"That's fair, and I am decent. THe burrow has been a lot better for me. Morning workouts help keep the 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, and 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 stated. 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, grabbed her hand, and pulled her over until 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 in 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 appeared, and another set opposite the fireplace and on either side of it. Between the doors were burning candelabras and generic art paintings.

"Bill?"

"Part of your Executive Access package, Harry. House Potter emergency bunk. Full package includes guards, and protection wards, just like what we installed at home today. No one try to apparate in or out please, it'll be… messy. It's designed to be portkey access only, until you unlock the floo Harry. There's a moderately stocked kitchen with shelf-stable food only, a full bathroom and 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."

Harry coughed in shock.

"I zink I am with 'arry on dis. Dis is a bunker?

"For Gringotts Executive members, yes."

"Merlin," Harry 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 to listen," Hermione teased.

What caught Harry's gaze most of all, was a full-szied metal display of his family's crest over the fireplace. Ginny didn't even need to ask what was going through her boyfriend's mind, she could feel the weight of responsibility placed 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 moved to hug Harry fully. "I like it… a lot. To me, it stands for security, strength, courage and defense. All good things," she shared with a kiss to his cheek.

Ron came up on Harry's other side. "First, it's 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, or it was the memories, or maybe 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, mon ami."

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 to the people who needed to hear it.