HP Family Magics
By ChupacabraTamer
Still not mine. Thank you JK for letting us play in your sand box. These characters are just too amazing to leave them trapped in the books and movies for all time. Enjoy the ride.
See Chapter one for intro and disclaimer.
Chapter 3 – Challenges and Chinking
Dobby nodded. "I bes thinking. Is there any Potter family heirloom that help master Harry? I knows
The Potters be old and powerful."
"I'm glad you asked. He produced a small box and set it on the table. Here is the family Grimoire and some family items that only Harry would be able to use. The former junior account manager hid them from the old account manager." Griphook smiled the scary Goblin smile that said he was ready for another battle. Dobby took the box and returned the smile.
As he held the small box Dobby could feel the Potter magic imbued in the objects and because he was bonded to Harry he knew what was in the box and nodded approval.
"I bes sure master Harry gets these when he wakes." With that Dobby popped back to Privet Drive and waited next to Harry. Smiling as he transfigured the old desk chair into a rocker he rocked himself in the chair in his vigilance to protect his master. Dobby did smile to himself quietly as the fat muggle and the long neck one pounded on the door and failed to break it down. He would deal with them later.
Later that afternoon Harry woke and was well rested. No nightmares had woke him for the first time since that fateful night in the graveyard. He looked at his right hand and the ring was not there. At least he couldn't see it but he could feel the magic. Thinking he wanted to see it it became visible and the Potter family ring gleamed back at him. It felt warm like it wanted to do something but Harry wasn't sure what to do.
He noticed Dobby sleeping in the rocking chair. His little body had curled up in the adult human sized chair and there was a slight breathing sound coming from him. Harry looked the little elf over and realized he was probably a better friend then Ron would ever be. He was determined to make sure Dobby knew how much he appreciated him. As he was thinking his ring warmed a little more which reminded him of the dream he had just moments before he woke. Wanting to remember more he closed his eyes and tried to remember.
Harry Potter fell back against the bed with his legs hanging off the side. The noise caused Dobby to wake and seeing his Master Harry looking like that he jumped into action. Waving his hands he did the standard health diagnostics all elves knew. Frowning a little he realized that Master Harry had touched his family magic and was learning from his ancestors. Dobby wished Master Harry had asked him first. With the age of the Potter family he could be out learning the magics all day. Dobby would have to go to the bank and explain to the Goblin if he didn't wake in time.
Dobby levitated Harry back into the bed and covered him. He checked to be sure he was fine and sat back to wait for Master Harry. Looking around the room he was amazed at the state of the furniture and the piles of broken toys. This would not do for his Master Harry. Getting to work quietly Dobby expanded the room to be as big as his Hogwarts dorm. Dobby made the bed bigger and more comfortable than Harrys school bed. The broken toys were repaired and bookshelves were conjured and installed on one wall and the repaired toys added to it. His desk was replaced with an ornate Louis XV desk and matching chair. His trunk was emptied into a matching dresser and armoire. The clothes were cleaned as Dobby removed them from the trunk and resized to fit properly. Dobby was disgusted with the clothes but until he talked with his master he couldn't take them out back and burn them. Banishing was to good for them. The school books were added to a bookshelf that Dobby had left for only books. He added the Potter Grimoire to it. The Grimoire was charmed to only allow Master Potter to touch it. Dobby had added this to the book as the normal family protections could kill someone if they tried to read it. Dobby knew his Master Harry would not approve of that.
Dobby climbed back into one of the matching set of Louis XV side chairs with a side table and made a matching coffee table in front of them. On it Dobby made a tea set with piping hot tea and sandwiches, which he put under a stasis charm. Smiling to himself Dobby looked around and was pleased. This is where his Master Harry should be living.
Harry woke the next morning as the sun just peaked above the horizon. Dobby was still sitting in the chair but he was asleep again. Harry closed his eyes and remembered the flood of Potter family information that inundated him. He closed his eyes and reviewed what he learned. He had never heard of this happening to any of his friends. Maybe it only happens when you become the lord of the family. He would have to ask Dobby when he woke.
His stomach growled and he decided he needed to chance getting some food while the Dursleys slept.
It was then that Harry noticed his room. In awe he looked around and took in everything and then he bounced a little on the bed and smiled. Dobby really outdid himself. Then he frowned and was worried about what his uncle would do when he saw this. His ring warmed up and he looked at it. Imaged flooded his mind of how the Potter magic could be used defensively and offensively.
"Wicked." Harry said out loud. His stomach growled again and he got up and saw the food on the coffee table. Harry took a sandwich and cup of tea and sat in the other chair and ate. Looking around he decided he could get used to living like this.
Dobby woke and jumped to the floor and started to apologize. Then looking up at the confused face of his wonderful master stopped.
"I is sorry Master Harry. You be calling Dobby when needs things." The elf said looking like he had done something wrong.
"It's ok Dobby. I didn't need you yet and thank you for the food. I was famished."
"I cans get you breakie."
"This is fine. I don't want to waste good food and you made it for me. Did I really sleep most of yesterday and all last night?" Harry asked.
"Yous have bad sleep before Goblin came. Then most morning at Gringotts. Dobby thinks you pulled family magics when you woke. Did yous?"
"My ring warmed on my hand and it reminded me of my dreams about the Potter that I had just finished. I wanted to see my ring and it became visible. When I looked into the stone I got a load of stuff pushed into my head. I take it I passed out?" Harry confirmed.
"Yes. Family magics do that. You older then when heir normally get ring so you gets more. If yous had heir ring befores you would had some magics before now. No heir ring you gets it all. How yous feel?"
"Actually I feel great. Best sleep I've had since that thrice damned tournament. Oh, and thank you for all your help yesterday and this room. I could get used to this. Is there any way you can keep them out of here or keep them from seeing this?" Harry asked.
"Dobby be sure Master Harry live in room like this always. Dobby can do which ever Master Harry want. I had needs to quiet them yesterday. They be knocking many times much yellings. I wards so they sees but not enter would be most annoying to bad muggles."
Harry smiled and nodded. "I like that idea. I also received a lot of family information on how to use the Potter magics to protect myself. Do you know of a place I can test my magic? Wait. Do I need to go back to the Goblins today? I don't want to be rude or get them mad at me."
"No Master Harry. Wes go see them tomorrow. Griphook and I bes fixing most important things. Others wait." Dobby said avoiding the folder of information his Master Harry would need to look at and decide. Dobby didn't want to burden him when he felt so good now.
"Dobby knows a place. We go now?" Harry noticed Dobby was bouncing a little on his feet. Harry got dressed in some old clothes noticing they fit much better but shrugged it off. It was probably Dobby.
Harry looked at his family Grimoire on the shelf and decided it would be better to leave it here. Turning to Dobby Harry nodded and the little elf took his arm and with a snap of his fingers they were gone.
Arriving in an abandoned stone quarry Harry was pleased with Dobbys choice. The place was a huge hole in the ground with a pond or really just a big mud puddle at the bottom. There were roads up the sides which would take a while to walk if you had to walk in and out. Several places Harry could see rocks piled in a circle and ashes in the middle from fires. There were also a few trees that looked like they had been pushed or fell over the edge of the cliff above. Harry noted a lot of trash and discarded bottles of many colors laying haphazardly on the ground.
"Kind of a dumpy place but perfect for what we need. Can you check the surrounding area above to be sure no one will see. That would be bad." Harry said.
Dobby nodded and vanished. Several moments later he returned. "No muggles or Wizards within several miles of here. We are much alone."
"Excellent Dobby. How about you stand over by the water in case something goes wrong. The memories say that I'm pretty much fireproof now. If something happens and I'm unconscious please help me in any way you think is best." Dobby looked a little worried but moved where Harry said and waited. He would try and shield his Master Harry if something bad happened.
Harry left his wand in his pocket and took a deep breath. Closing his eyes he reached out with his mind as he had been instructed and felt his surroundings. He could feel the wood in the trees, he could tell how much moisture was in each piece. He tried to feel the ground but it was extremely difficult then he remembered what the memories had explained and took off his trainers and socks. He tried again and could feel the ground and under and all around the basin they were in. He felt the different kinds of materials under the surface.
There was a large clay pocket not far away. He walked a few feet and bent over. Placing his hands on the ground he reached in the ground up to his elbows like it was water. Feeling around he found the clay and wrapped his fingers around the large lump. As he tried to pull the clay out his arms got stuck. He was sure he made a laughable site with his arms stuck in the ground up to his elbows. Thinking hard he pulled on his core and family magic and his hands freed and with them the lump of clay. After his hands breached the surface with the clay the ground looked totally undistributed. "That's wicked." Harry said out loud.
He released the clay and it stayed suspended in mid air between his hands. With his hands about shoulder height he moved them and the clay started folding in on itself. Harry pulled water from the pond with a wave of his finger joining it with the clay. As the wet lump was worked the sediment that was not clay fell away. Harry continued this until he had just a big lump of what should be pure clay. Concentrating the clay started rotating and without touching it the clay took shape like it was on a potters wheel. Harry must have spun the clay too fast as he was splattered with dirty water.
His concentration faltered and the spinning lump fell to the ground. Harry wiped his face and lips clear of the muddy water, spitting a few times to clear the foul taste from his mouth. Note to self he thought 'Keep your mouth closed' with that he tried again. Concentrating on the lump of clay it rose to about waist high and slowly started spinning. This time it was slow enough that water didn't spray everywhere. Harry concentrated hard to form the clay as he had seen in his family memories.
Spinning slowly around it morphed into a vase and back to a big lump. Harry had beads of sweat on his forehead as he concentrated and the clay split into two equal pieces. They both spun around and almost formed into two vases. They were a little wobbly and kind of misshaped. Harry concentrated on one vase and the other fell to the ground. This startled him and the other followed. He tried again with just one lump of clay and a vase formed
As he set the vase down it collapsed on the ground and looked like it melted and half sunk back into the earth. Harry panted a little and went to sit on the ground. Dobby conjured a camp style chair behind him. A small table appeared beside the chair with a large glass of water and a pitcher. Harry drank the glass down and refilled it before he spoke.
"Well that didn't quite work out as I had hoped. Thank you for the chair and water Dobby."
"Yous most welcome Master Harry." Dobby said.
"Yous did good Master Harry. Family magics hard works to become yous magic." Dobby said.
"I suppose. I guess all magic takes time to learn. I'll read more in the Grimoire about this." Harry said "I would like to try one more thing."
Harry drank more water and reviewed what he wanted to try in his mind. He went over what he had seen several times working on the details and the feeling he got from the dreams. Opening his eyes he stood and moved a little ways from Dobby.
"Dobby. You may need to protect yourself from fire. I want to try something I saw in the family Magics. I should be ok but I don't want you hurt." Harry said.
Dobby looked worried but nodded to his master. Dobby did move closer to the pond so he had a large source of water to draw from should Master Harry need help.
Harry concentrated and without any movement a branch the width of a wand floated from the pile of sticks thirty feet away and moved towards him. It was wobbling a little but still floated about three feet in the air. When the stick was about six feet away it stopped and hung there waiting.
Harry concentrated on the fire spell. The stick hovered in the air as it taunted Harry with it's complete lack of interest in how hard he was working. After a full minute he noticed a small wisp of smoke near the middle of the stick. Focusing on that smoke Harry pushed all the magic he had at it and the wisp grew until a flame ignited in the middle of the stick. Ten seconds later the stick broke in half as the fire burned completely through the middle. Harry broke his concentration and the now two flaming sticks dropped to the rock covered ground below.
Harry again dropped into the chair and consumed two full glasses of water. Dobby had provided a plate of sandwiches on the table and Harry ate them all. Doing that much magic was hard work and he needed to recharge. After he had finished the food and water he closed his eyes.
"Master Harry be usings much magics. Maybe you bes enough today?" Dobby cautiously asked. The little elf watched gauging his masters reaction. Harry looked at the worried look on his elves face and nodded.
"You are probably right. It was not a disaster but I can see I need to learn more and there is something I seem to be missing. I'll have to read the Grimoire and see. Too bad I can't have Hermione read it. She would sum it up for me tomorrow and we would be off to the races." Harry sighed, missing his bushy haired friend. She had been the only one to stand by him this past year. He really wanted to do something nice for her.
Refreshed Harry nodded to Dobby. "Shall we go back now?" Harry said. Never thinking of the Dursleys house as his home. Arriving Harry grabbed some clothes and headed to the shower.
After a long shower where he found more clay had run down his chest and somehow had gotten behind his left ear. He finally felt clean. Dressed he left the bathroom only to be confronted by the largest of the Dursleys.
"Where have you been? Freak." Vernon bellowed. Harrys mood dropped as his way was blocked by the large man. "We couldn't get in your room to wake you. Petunia had to cook all day yesterday and make breakfast and lunch today. You can't do that. You owe us work boy for letting you use Dudleys second bedroom."
Harry thought for moment. Then he started pulling on his family magic as he slowly looked up at Vernon.
"I've had enough of you, Vernon. Shut that fat hole in the middle of your pudgy face." Harry replied before he could stop himself. This didn't stop his magic from building. He directed it to Vernon's right wrist. Concentrating hard on the fire magic. Vernons face morphed from red to purple and he was about to explode when white hot sparks circled his wrist. Vernon screamed, grabbing his wrist with is other hand and burned them both. The large man forgot about Harry and pushed past him to ran into the bathroom to douse his hand and wrist under the tap. Harry could hear the sizzling of fire being doused.
Harry preceded to his room and closed the door before Petunia made it up the stairs to aid her screaming husband. Harry met a smiling Dobby on the other side of the door.
"Master Harry enjoy shower?" the cheeky elf asked.
"You know they won't learn from one time. Right." Harry said.
"You needs talk to Griphook. Maybe live different soon." Dobby said.
"That's right Dobby what did you two decide? I guess I should know what's going on with my accounts." Harry asked the elf. Dobby looked pensive for a moment and shuffled from one foot to the other.
"Master Potter sirs. Please don't be mads." Dobby said a tear forming in his eye.
"Dobby. Did you do something you think I won't like?" Harry asked.
"Oh No. Master Harry Potter sirs. Dobby is being good elf. Yous be mads at people taking from yous."
Harry looked at the elf for a moment and connected the dots. "Someone is stealing from my accounts and you think I will be mad about it? You didn't do it Dobby. I won't be mad at you or Griphook."
Dobby looked somewhat relieved but only nodded.
"Dobby. Do you have something for me from Griphook? Or do I need to get it from him?" Harry asked.
"I brings folder of parchments for you. Yous needs time to decide." Dobby said as he produced a large envelope with 'Lord Potter' on the front. With shaky hands Dobby gave it to Harry. Frowning a little Harry took the envelope.
"Dobby please give something like this to me as soon as I wake up or wake me if it's very important. I take it this delay won't effect what's happening?" Harry asked.
"No. Master Harry. Dobby and Griphook fix problems. We stops them all. If you want to keeps them taking yous can tomorrow."
Harry thought for a moment. Dobby was helping him. He might be a little annoyed but he was still angry from his Uncle.
"Thank you Dobby for helping with this." Harry waved the envelope as he spoke. "I know you were trying to help. Just so you know there is never a good time for bad news. Now let's see what's been happening." Harry said as he sat down in one of the chairs and motioned for Dobby to take the other.
Harry opened the folder and found a note from Griphook.
Lord Potter,
As your account manager I feel you should review the regular withdrawals from your account. I have included only the withdrawals that are not directly used to keep your accounts in order or as maintenance for your properties. I included a list of your major assets. You have several houses some that are rented and some vacant. Some business interests and a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds. The later seems to be very well done and that may be the only thing your previous manager handled properly.
Please have your elf pop you directly to my office at 10:00 tomorrow morning.
Your Account Manager
Griphook.
"Um, Dobby this says we should have gone there this morning at 10:00? But you told me tomorrow." Harry questioned.
"Master Harrys family magics be taking you. When I sees you on bed I go to Griphook and explain. He understands and meeting tomorrow." Dobby explained.
"Thank you for taking care of that Dobby. Now let's see what's going on here." Harry said as he flipped the letter over and found the list of regular withdrawals. As he read further down he became more angry with each passing line. Dobby could see the conflict on his masters face as he watched his eyes working down the page. As Harry was reading the second page Dobby could see when Master Harry got to the entries he had worried most about. Dobby twisted his ears a little. It wasn't his fault but bad old master would hit Dobby when he was mad. Dobby doubted his Master Harry would hit him but Dobby would understand if he slipped.
Harry read the second and final page of regular transfers from his account. Griphook had done a great job of making this all simple for Harry. Harry closed his eyes and leaned back for a full minute.
A few deep breaths and he was ready to talk again.
"Dobby. I'm sure this is a stupid question but can these entries be for any other reason than these withdrawals are theft?" Harry asked.
Dobbys eyes were large now. He had a tear starting to form. "No. Master Harry. Griphook is showing Dobby notes from long whiskers. Old account manager be keeping most good records. Old bad master would never so careless."
Dobby went to put a hand on Harrys arm to comfort him. "Dobby very sorry Master Harry."
Harry looked at one of two people he trusted right now and he smiled. "You have nothing to be sorry about. You didn't do this. I don't shoot the messenger. Thank you. So all these withdrawals will be stopped as of now?"
"Wes stopped the ones that be soon. Others due first month. That why meeting tomorrow stop those. Yous be needing to sign letter to get moneys back. Goblins very angry about yous money stealing. Ragnok comes talk to me. He promises get moneys or hes said he gets pound of flesh. Hes smiled after he says so Dobby not sure if he gets you flesh or not."
Harry shuddered thinking about the beheading of the old account manager. "I do hope the people can repay the Goblins. Do I have to reclaim from all or can I choose?"
"No Master Harry. I explains about these" Dobby pointed to the lines in question "Griphook said if you don't want to get moneys then Goblins won't. Yous choice."
Harry nodded and closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the comfortable chair. Just breathing in and out like Hermione had him do when he needed to clear his mind. Well, thank Merlin Hermiones name wasn't on the list. Still there were a few people on that list that better have a good explanation.
"Is there any more bad news in here Dobby?" Harry asked. Not sure he wanted to read more bad news right now.
Dobby got a wicked grin on his face. "Not bad. I bes thinking yous will have Goblin like smile when you read next pages."
Harry flipped to the next page and it was a list of properties that Harry owned. He had several houses. They were only two that were not occupied. Harry scanned the list and stopped at a very familiar address.
"What the hell! Is this real?" Harry exclaimed. Dobby was smiling and shaking his head yes. "This is too good. Would you happen to know if I could evict the occupants or how long it would take?"
"Dobbys be asked Griphook that. He says no pays can be out tomorrow if yous wish. If they be magicals or knows magic the Goblins will do when yous say them out." Dobby looked too happy about that.
"Dobby what don't I know? You seem to happy." Harry said warily. A grinning house elf was almost as scary as a grinning Goblin.
"Dobby knows most no pays are long whiskers friends. You send thems out they not mad at you."
"Oh, between you and Griphook I'm going to be all Slytherin soon." Harry said but his grin matched Dobbys.
Harry looked around for something to write with and Dobby popped ink, quill and parchment in front of him. Harry took up the quill and started writing notes for the meeting tomorrow. He was making a plan for how to deal with the squatters in his properties. After that he made notes on the withdrawals and what he was thinking should be done.
He finally got to the last few pages and found his parents wills. He was led to believe they didn't have wills. Now that he thinks about it with the Potters being this wealthy it would be surprising if they didn't have a will.
Harry read them as he could feel his blood starting to boiling.
"Dobby. Do you know why these wills were never read?" Harry asked.
"Dobby not know. Needs ask Griphook."
Harry nodded at that and continued reading the wills. The wills answered many questions and were proof of others. Harry added that to his list of items for the meeting tomorrow. With a sigh he realized his life was going to get easier and at the same time much more difficult. Behind the wills were an envelope addressed to Harry in a hand writing he didn't recognize. Carefully opening the envelope a single sheet of parchment opened to a letter from his parents.
Dear Harry,
If you are reading this then I died sometime after we went into hiding. Dumbledore said there was a
prophecy that was either about you or Neville Longbottom. If we were discovered it was because
either Dumbledore or Peter Petigrew betrayed us. I'm having second thoughts about Albus and when
you get to school be careful what you tell him and how much you trust him.
If you need someone to trust please find either Alice Longbottom or Cyrus Greengrass. They were good friends and both owe a life debt to the Potter family. Cyrus has a daughter that was born a few months before you. I would guess that she will end up in Slytherin like her mother and father but they are good people. You can trust them to take care of you if you need help.
You and Daphne played several times and you always got along from the beginning. Cyrus asked about a betrothal contract but the Potters don't use them until we decide who we want. Then a contract is drawn up. There is a template of the standard Potter contract in the main Potter vault.
Don't grow up to fast. Play a few pranks for us. Enjoy life and fall in love.
Love,
Dad
With all the excitement Dobby forgot about the box and retrieved it from the shelf.
"Master Harry. Griphook says you might needs these. Dobby is checking magics and they safe for you." Dobby said.
Harry took the ornate jet black box. It was heavy but not heavy enough to be stone or marble. The top of the box had the same design as his family ring. The two Gryphons facing each other with their wings back and talons extended around the inlaid deep red gem stone. Surrounding the inlay was the shape of a vase. Looking closer to confirm the design was definitely a vase in the crest. On his ring it must have been too small to be added. Nodding he figured that would make sense as they were potters. Hefting the box it felt too heavy to be wood but not heavy enough to be marble.
"Dobby. Do you know what this box is made of?"
"That is most heavy wood. Ebony I is thinking." Dobby replied.
"Wood. Huh. I would have never guessed. Is it safe for me to open. I guess what I mean is it ok to open it now? I don't want to be knocked out again so soon." Harry said looking warily at the beautiful box in his hands.
"Master Harry be done sleeping after family magics"
Harry nodded. Rotating the box totally around he found no latches or any indication that it could be opened. He puzzled a few minutes then something in the back of his mind flashed the answer. He could see his grandfather opening the box. His vision went back further and he could see every Potter that opened the box in rapid succession until he finally saw a very old man with grey hair standing up all over and unkept. He was wiping down the box as he closed the lid. Putting his Potter family ring to the lid Harry watched the Gryphons from the ring flashing magic into the lid of the box. The red bits of stone on the lid were pulled together to make the Gryphons and vase symbol and with a blinding flash the bits were fused together into the dark wood lid. The man smiled and looked towards Harry.
'Only Lord Potter can open this box' Harry heard the man say to him in his mind. Nodding to himself Harry knew how to open the box. Pressing his ring to the center of the inlay the lip popped up slightly.
Lifting the lid gently Harry could see the contents. Smiling he knew just how to use these items that he had never seen outside of his family magic dreams.
His walk down family memory lane was interrupted by a loud knocking on his door. Sighing he had a good idea what was about to happen. Opening the door Harry was met with an angry Petunia and Dudley ready to finish what Vernon tried to start. They both lunged at him trying to rip him out of his room. Their hands met an invisible barrier and Harry could hear a few finger cracking and in Dudleys case probably breaking.
Both Dursleys pulled back and swore at him shaking their hand to try and quell the pain radiating through their injured hands. It was then that they saw the state of his room. In awe they both looked around him, moving from one side to the other to see as much of the room as possible.
"Ha ha. You've going to be thrown out of school now. You used magic." Dudley gloated.
"What did you do to my house, boy. I said none of that freaky stuff is allowed." Petunia screamed while looking with envy at the desk and chairs.
Harry nodded and pulled his wand. "Petrificus totalus" he enchanted and they both froze in place. He also waved his wand and held them in place. They both still wore looks of disgust and hatred on their faces as he stepped through the invisible barrier their hands met.
"You see. I'm emancipated so yes I can use magic now. Dud, emancipated means that I'm now considered an adult. I know how difficult big words are for you." Harry taunted. He wasn't above getting some revenge on these two that had cause so much trouble in his life. Feeling Dobbys hand on his leg he looked at the best friend he had ever had. Dobby shook his head no. Harry let out a sigh and nodded. Now was not the time. He needed to go all Slytherin on them and showing his cards wasn't the best way.
"Incarsurus" Harry said and ropes tied them both tightly. He then un-petrified them so they could talk.
"Any last words?" Harry asked menacingly?
Dudley showed great restraint and said nothing, although Harry could see the desire in his eyes to hurt Harry.
"What did you do to Vernon?" Petunia finally asked.
"Ancient family secret." Harry said. Petunia looked like she wanted to say something and Harry replied before she could open her mouth. "You're not family. Now, leave me alone and maybe I can work on a better living arrangement soon." Harry stepped back into his room and released them. "Go away." He said as he slammed the door in their faces. He heard a dual thud from the other side and looked at Dobby. The little elf shrugged and looked a little guilty.
"Bad peoples feel door slam."
Harry laughed and patted Dobby on the shoulder. "Nice one Dobby." At that Harrys stomach grumbled loudly.
"Master Harry need dinner. What Master Harry want?" Dobby asked.
Harry thought for a few minutes. Thinking back to a conversation he heard some of the muggle borns having about the virtues of pizza and different toppings, combined with the fact that Hogwarts didn't serve pizza made Harry want to try it. The Dursleys had pizza before but there was never any left over for Harry. Like that was a surprise to anyone that saw them.
"Dobby. I want to try pizza. Do you know where there is a good pizza place?" Harry asked.
Dobby elf popped him to a park just behind Piccola on Heath street, Hermiones favorite pizza place. Dobby had heard Hermione arguing with Shamus that this was the best pizza in all the UK. Only the best was good enough for his Master Harry. As they landed Dobby explained to Harry where the restaurant was and handed him a muggle style wallet with cash in it.
"Dobby not know muggles prices so I gets you some moneys." he explained. Harry opened the wallet and found it stuffed full of fifty pound notes.
"I'm sure this will be enough Dobby. Thank you. I'll call you from this park when I'm done." Harry said as his stomach growled again. Dobby popped away but not far and invisible. He wasn't going to allow his Master Harry to be alone.
Harry entered the small restaurant and was about to ask for a table when he heard a familiar voice coming towards him.
"Harry. What are you doing here?" Hermione said rather loudly.
"Emm. I guess the same as you. I would imagine." Harry said.
"Well duh. Come join us." She said as she almost dragged him to a booth in the back where her parents waited. They only had drinks on the table so he wasn't interrupting their meal.
"It's good to see you again Mr and Mrs. Granger. Sorry. I mean Drs Granger." Harry said reaching to shake hands with Daniel and Emma Granger.
"It's good to see you again Harry. Please call us Emma and Daniel." Emma said as they shook hands.
Hermione had slid into the booth across from her parents and motioned for Harry to join.
"I don't want to intrude." Harry started.
"Nonsense Harry. Please join us." Daniel said. As he sat next to his wife and motioned for Harry to sit next to Hermione.
"We've heard so much about you, it's nice to have an opportunity to share a meal and talk." Emma said. Harry looked at Hermione questioningly. She shrugged with her shoulders and eyes back at him.
"It would be interesting to hear what Hermione has been telling you." He said looking at Hermione squirming a little. Harry was thinking it was good that they didn't read the Daily Prophet.
"Oh, the stories she told will be interesting. I'm more interested in the love triangle from last fall." Emma said. Laughing as both Harry and Hermiones faces fell and blushed at the same time. That set off Daniel and the two older Grangers were having a great time teasing their daughter and her friend.
Daniel wave Harry off as he was preparing to explain. "Hermione explained it to us. My wife just has a wicked sense of humor and you two are a good target. Please excuse my laughing at your expense. We know how the gossip papers work. And yes, we consider the Prophet a gossip rag."
Harry relaxed and chuckled at Hermiones red face.
"You always complain I don't bring friends home. Maybe there is a reason for that." Hermione delivered dead pan as her parents couldn't hold back their laughter. Hermione joined as did Harry when he realized this was their usual banter.
"Harry. My parents wanted pepperoni on their pizza and I don't want meat. Would you share a pizza with me?" Hermione asked.
"Sure Hermione. Get whatever kind you want. I'm really hungry." Harry said. They ordered food and drinks and Harry had his first enjoyable meal outside of Hogwarts. He and Hermione had split a medium quattro formaggi, four cheese, and each got a can of Coke. Her parents got a pepperoni lovers and a Sprite.
They all ate too much but enjoyed the meal and company. Hermione must have been hungry because she didn't think about how Harry got there until after the meal.
"Harry, How did you get here? This is pretty far to go for pizza?" she asked. Her parents were looking on for this answer.
"I had a friend bring me. He couldn't stay for the meal but will take me home." Harry said trying to not mention Dobby in public.
"Harry, did one of your friends from outside help you get here. Why couldn't they join us?" Hermione asked.
"What do you mean outside friends?" Harry asked. Hermione looked uncomfortable with that question. As she was squirming Harry started getting worried.
"Hermione, what do you mean?" he asked a little more forcefully. This had her parents looking on with interest.
"Well, I overheard Ron telling Ginny that you would be safe because there would be people keeping an eye on you." Hermione said "I thought you knew." She looked into Harrys green eyes and realized that he didn't know and on top of that wasn't pleased.
"Harry. What's wrong?" Hermione asked concerned at the look in his eyes.
"That meddling old goat fu.." Harry started when Hermione cut him off.
"Harry. Language." Hermione chastised him. He looked from Hermione to her parents who seemed to be taking all this in rather calmly.
"Harry. It's ok. I've used that word before and if the word fits we are ok with it." Daniel said. Realizing there was much more to this. Hermione nodded to her parents while looking Harry in the eyes.
"My apologies. It would seem that I was raised by troglodytes. I didn't know." The last was spoken to Hermione. "I've also learned a few things in the last few days that make my watchers now seem more like jailers."
The look on Hermiones face would have been comical in any other situation. "Harry, I'm sure Dumbledore has your best interest in mind." The returning look from Harry said it all to Daniel.
"Kids. Let's drop this subject for now. Harry, if you would like to come home with us we can continue or we can leave you here. You seem to be getting on just fine so I see no reason for us to intercede. Unless you would like our help?" Daniel said as diplomatically as he could while shutting down his daughter at the same time. The look he gave her also stopped her. She knew that look and it promised this would not end well if she pushed. Hermione huffed.
"I'm sorry to put a wet rag on the evening." Harry started and turned to Hermione "You have great parents that, from what I see, love and care about you. What I've learned in the past few days has soured my trust in Dumbledore and anyone he has working with him."
"But, this is Dumbledore I'm sure there" was a far as she got before her mother stepped on the conversation.
"I'm sure Harry has his reasons and we must respect his decision. You can't know everything about someone elses life. Harry, we will not pass on that we saw you or anything you have mentioned to us this evening. If you have reason to doubt the headmaster then we will keep your secrets to ourselves." Emma said looking at Hermione daring her to say different. Hermione huffed and crossed her arms in front of herself. A gesture Harry was well familiar with. She did reluctantly nod her head yes after a few moments. This told Harry she wasn't happy but would respect his decisions.
"Thank you." he said to Hermione and turned his look to her parents in turn. "I've learned so much has been withheld from me and I'm not entirely sure how to move forward." Harry held up his hand to the group. "I have two very trusted advisors and my parents have arranged for another. I have to, no I want to believe, my parents had plans unknown to me and this other advisor will help me. I promise, if I feel I need more help I will seek you three out first. Until then I would appreciate if we don't talk about this to anyone, even me. You never know who is close by listening as I've been warned."
"Of course Harry, we won't mention it after tonight." Hermione said.
Daniel and Emma shared a silent communication that married couples do so often and Daniel nodded agreement. Handing Harry his card after writing on it. "Harry, this is our office number, a fake name, and both our cell numbers. If you leave a message with the receptionist and that name she will interrupt one of us. You can call the cell anytime and as long as I don't have my hand in someones mouth I will answer. We will help in anyway. Even if you just want to talk about an idea. You seem to have a lot thrust on your shoulders that no fifteen-year-old should but I can see you are handling it as best you can. Just know we are here and after we leave this place we will not talk about it, even amongst ourselves. If you think someone could be eavesdropping we will take that seriously. Hermione has said you are very smart and always come out on top. Using your terms I believe it's time to bring out your Slytherin side." Daniel gave him a sly smile while causing Hermione to chuckle.
"However, one last very important question?" All eyes were on Daniel "Do you like Spumoni ice cream?" This caused the table to laugh and Hermione to sigh.
"Daddy. No one like Spumoni ice cream." Hermione huffed in exasperation. This was obviously a common thread in the family.
"I don't know but I would love to try it. I do need help here and there." Harry said cheekily while looking at Hermione.
It turned out that Harry loved Spumoni ice cream much to the disgust of Hermione and her mother.
"Pumpkin. You have my blessing to marry this brilliant young man." Daniel said after the ice cream was gone.
After seeing the looks of shock on the young peoples faces Daniel realized that would never happen.
"Daddy. I told you Harry and I are just friends."
"Mr. Granger. Thank you for that wonderful offer but Hermione is more like a sister to me. Sometimes an annoying older or maybe younger one." Harry quickly held up his hand to Hermiones building rant. "However, I wouldn't trade her for the world and I hope we are friends forever."
Hermione wrapped Harry into a big hug and whispered into his ear loud enough for the table to hear "You goof. I feel the same."
They all parted not to long after that and Harry promised all three Grangers he would contact them if he needed help.