Chapter 2
Coming of Age
July was glorious. The sun was bright and warm, the air was fresh and clear. Technically, Hermione was still staying in London, but by the hours she clocked at the Burrow, you wouldn't notice it. An early project Harry helped with was setting up an archery range in the orchard. Arthur was surprised by that, but only enough to raise an eyebrow. Considering the activities he had seen and heard his kids get into, if one of them wanted to take up a bow and arrow as a hobby, he just smiled and went back to his paper.
After lunch always began with broom flights. Hermione was able to keep up with Ron now. And on a good day they could keep up with Harry. Ginny remained untouchable on a broom
Molly grew nervous with flames spotted around the orchard. Then she came to find out… it was Ginny. Fire mage or no, Molly didn't really want the orchard burned down, and Ginny had to admit, yes, she was capable of doing it. After a tense conversation, They agreed Ginny would keep her fire magic practice over or near the pond as a 'just in case'.
This then created a dynamic of the fire mage and the ice mage practicing their skills over the Burrow pond. Usually with Hermione and Harry sitting on the side watching the show, sitting on side, sipping drinks, sometimes reading, sometimes working on tans. "Is this your plan for the entire summer, Harry?" Hermione asked as she lifted her eyes from the book of Euhemerism.
Harry opened his eyes to look over at his girlfriend in a sporty two piece by on the pier in another duel with Ron who was standing on an icy platform. The siblings were smiling as they practiced. Harry cracked open another butterbeer. "Being the 'Chosen One' is hard work Hermione. I'd say I'm due." Hermione laughed. Harry smiled as he passed a bottle to her. "So what exactly is Euhemerism? I can't say as I've heard of that class before."
Hermione scrunched her nose in… indecision. "It's definitely not a class. I would barely call this a science or area of serious study. Harry, from muggle schooling did you ever get into the ancient pantheons?"
"Like myths about Greek and Roman gods and goddesses?" Harry asked after a sip.
"Exactly. "This book at least hypotheses that, to some extent, they were real, suggesting the ancient gods were ancient mages."
"So like Aphroditie was a witch who invented love potion?" Harry ventured a guess.
Hermione nodded. "Actually yes, that's one of the examples."
Harry shrugged. "Meh…twenty galleons says Gin could take her in a fight too."
Hermione cackled out loudly.
Often though, Harry continued on with his own target practice drills, ever grateful for Arthur's lessons and studying through the collection of magic from his research the year prior from the library and collected spell books. He still regularly practiced, or at least tried to practice, wandless magic. Still no success though, to his great frustration. Lightning magic practice continued, as did several of the spells from Sirius's journal.
Hermione continued to practice legilimency with Ron. On more than one occasion, laughs would be heard from the barn that a nosey Ginny would peek into… only to find the pair sitting cross legged in front of each other and Hermione's wand charged. She was happy for them though. Hermione didn't even try to ask Harry and Ginny to assist with legilimency. Her friends had made too much progress in the last year to risk that. She did start developing more hypnotic stun spells, which she needed volunteers for. Harry and Ron shrugged and accepted and soon were knocked out regularly.
The combination of the D.M.L.E. and Aligned Houses seemed to create a level of stability. Though in mid July, Professor McGonagall did report she'd been unable to reach Charity Burbage regarding her plans for fall and the Muggle Study Professor hadn't been seen for several days. Tonks agreed to look into it but thus far, nothing.
Sunday, 27 July 1997
The Daily Prophet returned to its annoying ways. The morning headline read DUMBLEDORE – THE TRUTH AT LAST? In truth it was little more than a glorified advertisement for Rita Skeeter's upcoming book The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore. Harry didn't know how to feel about it. He had long ago grown out of holding the Old Man in the light of sainthood, but like Ginny had said, he was at least on the right side of the war. Harry was smart enough to realize his issues with the Professor were professional. So on the whole he was a decent enough man and ought to be remembered as such.
As the final week came, Molly became a woman on a mission. The lawn was not just mowed but groomed. The Burrow wasn't cleaned, it was scrubbed and sanitized. Seemingly endless silver cutlery polished, a constant creation of color-matching favors, ribbons needed to be created. Flowers picked and charmed for freshness. Eventually, each of them needed to be reminded; Bill and Fleur were worth it. Bill and Fleur were worth it.
Earlier in the summer Molly had almost timidly asked if she could take Harry up on his offer of using Grimmauld Place. Harry was happy to say yes. As they approached the Day… Molly's timidness was nowhere to be found. Molly was planning arrangements and accommodations that rivaled battle plans Tonks had made. "So, Arthur and I can be in the sitting room, Ella and Hermann can have our room. Linden and Wilfred can have Fred George's room, Remus and Tonks in Bill and Charlie's room, Bill and Charlie in Ron's Room, Hermione and Martie, in with Ginny-"
"Martie?" Hermione asked.
"A second cousin, she's like ten and likes to be my damn shadow," Ginny groused.
'Major' Molly continued undisturbed. "Ron in with Harry's Trunk room… Harry, you don't mind dear, do you?"
"Er… no… of course not." Harry replied as they worked on making more decorations. He and Ginny exchanged looks of mutual annoyance. Bill and Fleur were worth it.
Molly soldiered on stronger than Harry had seen Moody do so. "Fleur's parents can be in Grimmauld's Master. Fleur and Gabrielle in Grimmauld's first floor. Sylvie and Giselle on the second. Étienne and Giselle in on the 3rd floor Bunk. Théo can have Remus's old room. Harry, did you actually finish converting the third floor guest room into a gym?"
Shaking his head in disbelief as his friends snickered, Harry answered. "Yes ma'am. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I've really grown to appreciate a morning workout."
"Well that's all that matters then. Sylvie can have Sirius's old room and Jean-Luc can have Regulus's…. And I think that's everyone."
"And if it's not, Harry and I can just set up the camp tent!" Ron cracked, clearly joking.
"I've thought of that," Molly replied, clearly serious, "But I think with Harry's contribution we ought to be just fine. I'll keep you in mind for the offer though." Ginny and Harry both flashed Ron looks of ire, as Arthur silently chucked to himself sipping his tea as he continued polishing silver.
The afternoon of the 29th Harry sent Hedwid off to the Longbottoms. Harry had appreciated the increased time with Neville this last year and wanted to get Neville's birthday gift off before the insanity of the upcoming days distracted him further. Finding it so useful, Harry opted to steal a page from Bill and got Neville his own folding knife, with a note. 'Useful for plants… or pests.'
Wednesday, 30 July 1997
The invasion began. The Delacours arrived the following morning at eleven o'clock. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were feeling quite resentful toward Fleur's family by this time, and it was with ill grace that Ron stumped back upstairs to put on matching socks, and sent Harry to attempt to flatten his hair… again. All the while Ginny reminded, "Some of us like his hair that way."
Once they had all been deemed presentable enough, they asked to follow Arthur and Fleur out to the apparition point to await the Delacours scheduled to be arriving by portkey. As a path had been worn in the old fashioned way over the last year, to better dress it for the the occasion, Arthur had ordered white marble chip rock to make the path more an official path.
Ginny reached out to Harry's hand and quickly pulled him into the barn as they passed. "Privacy is already hard enough," she said, quickly closing the door. "Before it becomes impossible," she said and then she was kissing him as she had never kissed him before. Harry happily kissed her back. It was blissful oblivion better than firewhisky; she was the only real thing in the world, Ginny, the feel of her, one hand at her back and one in her long, sweet smelling hair. When she broke apart she rested her head on his chest. "I'm afraid I'm going to need to beg for your forgiveness."
Harry shook his head. "What could you possibly need forgiveness for?"
Ginny squeezed tightly. "I swear I have, or had plans for your birthday, including your gift. But I didn't plan on being invaded by a small army of Weasleys and Delacours. And I really need more than a stolen moment or two alone for it. Promise not to hate me if we get to it a few days late?" She looked up with eyes looking for hope.
Harry rubbed her cheek and kissed her hair. "Gin, up till last year, I didn't even really celebrate birthdays. This is not a problem. We wait for the family to blow out to the four corners of the wind again. Hell, Bill and Flour should be Honeymooning. We can hang at Grimmauld. Good enough?"
He could feel the tension leave her muscles relaxed. "That is perfect. Thank you."
They exchanged another hug before quickly catching up to the others. Hermione smiled as they did. "Have a nice snog?" she quietly asked Ginny.
"Absolutely," Ginny replied with her smile unphased. "But too brief. Bill and Fluer may be getting married, but Harry does have a birthday too." Hermione smiled and shook her head at the silliness.
Harry looked around as they walked. He had never seen the place looking so tidy. The rusty cauldrons and old Wellington boots that usually littered the steps by the back door were gone, replaced by two new Flutterby bushes standing either side of the door in large pots, though there was no breeze, the leaves waved lazily, giving an attractive rippling effect. The chickens had been shut away, the yard had been swept, and the nearby garden had been pruned, plucked, and generally spruced up, although Harry, who liked it in its overgrown state, thought that it looked rather forlorn without its usually contingent of capering gnomes.
They walked to the top of a nearby hill, where they were to arrive by portkey. With a sudden spin of wind and short whine and a flash. The previously vacant hill top was filled with french murmuring. Three of them Harry recognized more from the photograph than the last time they met. At the forefront was a beautiful blonde woman in long, leaf-green robes, who could only be Fleur's mother.
"Maman!" cried Fleur, rushing forward to embrace her. The elder witch said something in French that Harry couldn't literally understand but from tone and reactions, they were clearly catching up on missed kindnesses and affections.
Quickly Fluer went over to an extremely plump man with a little, pointed black beard who was a full head shorter than her mother even while wearing high-heeled boots. "Papa!"
Arthur stood and smiled, letting Fleur get her initial joys out before more formally greeting everyone. "Welcome to Britain, welcome to the Burrow, what we call home. I'm Arthur Weasley, Bill's father. These are some of my other blessings. Ronald and Ginny, and more recent additions to our family Harry Potter and Hermione Granger." Each of the youths nodded as they were mentioned.
Fleur's father looked good-natured and came for with a smile to Arthur and started shaking everyone's hand. "I am Monsieur Philippe Delacour. We all zank you very much for your hospitality dese next few days. Fleur obviously gets her lovely appearance from my wife, Apolline. And, of course, my leetle daughter, Gabrielle!"
Gabrielle was Fleur in miniature; eleven years old, with waist—length hair of pure, silvery blonde, she gave Arthur a dazzling smile and hugged him, then threw Harry a glowing look, batting her eyelashes. Ginny cleared her throat loudly and slipped an arm around Harry, who happily welcomed her and reflexively pressed a kiss into Ginny's hair, apparently completely unaware of Gabrielle's gaze.
Philippe continued to introduce the rest of the family; Étienne Delacour, Fleur's charming but slightly dim-witted cousin. Jean-Luc Delacour, A grumpy, elderly wizard who constantly mumbled under his breath. Sylvie Delacour, a teenage cousin with a look in her eye similar to what Harry had scene in Ginny and the twins….mischievous. Giselle Delacour, Fleur's maternal aunt, a half-Veela who still turns heads despite being in her fifties.
Théo Delacour, Harry missed the relation, was the youngest, a boy about six who appeared utterly frustrated at being dressed up. Harry remembered feeling like that when he was younger. And welcomed him with a smile.
After pleasantries, Arthur finally brought some order to the chaos. "Lads, I'll lead our guests on to the house, why don't you fetch their luggage?"
"Er… sure Dad." Ron croaked as he quickly saw about a dozen or more bags, cases, and trunks. Hermione automatically started to gather some of the bags themselves, as the guests followed Arthur already telling stories of the countryside.
"Oh Maman, I could help Harry with ze bags." Gabrielle quickly offered to Apolline, who nodded approvingly. Then she quickly ran to Harry who was picking up a trunk. "What do you want of me?" She asked bright eyed.
Harry looked at her for a moment with the most confused expression. Then retired to the problem at hand. "Everyone wait." The other three happily stopped and listened. "Before we go all muggle here. We're mages and we sure as hell aren't First Years. Smart people, is there a spell I'm not familiar with? 'Suitcases walkith' or something?"
Ginny and Ron looked at each other with the same thought. "Apple Harvest!"
Ron nodded, "I got it."
"Got what?" Harry asked.
Ginny explained. "Well obviously Ron and I have missed it the last few years because of school. But the orchard grows apples and they have to be picked and gathered somehow. So 'round September or October, the family not in school get together."
"Still though, that's a lot of weight." Ron picked up. "So we use this, 'levitans discus'. Soon a yellow circular, horizontal disk grew from a point of light from Ron's wand. It was five feet wide and an inch thick, and floated feet above the ground. "Stack the luggage here," Ron explained, "And we just walk it back."
"My wizard." Hermione smiled as she helped the rest stack.
When they reached the Burrow they could hear the family already talking, but pleasantly so. Phillippe greeted Molly with both arms open and kissed her twice on each cheek, leaving her flustered. "You 'ave been to much trouble," he said in a deep voice. "Fleur tells us you 'ave been working very 'ard."
"Oh, it's been nothing, nothing," trilled Molly. "No trouble at all."
All four of the quartet exchanged looks. Ron relieved his feelings by aiming a kick at a gnome who was peering out from behind one of the new Flutterby bushes.
"Dear lady!" Philippe continued, still holding Molly's hand between his two plump ones and beaming. "We are most honored at the approaching union of our two families! Let me present my wife, Apolline."
Apolline glided forward and stooped to kiss Molly too. "Enchant ee," Apolline said. "Your 'usband 'as been telling us such amusing stories!"
"Mum's head is just going to be spinning after this wedding." Ron snickered to the others.
"It's just the way the French are." Hermione said, leaning back and resting against Ron's chest.
Arthur gave a maniacal laugh; Molly threw him a look, upon which he became immediately silent and assumed an expression appropriate to the sickbed of a close friend.
"Dad just got busted." Ginny sang.
Harry didn't say a word but did squeeze Ginny closer as they all laughed.
"Well, come in, do!" Molly said brightly, and she ushered the Delacours into the house, with many "No, please!"s and "After you!"s and "Not at all!"s.
Harry kept a eye on the target. "Alright looks like they have moved into the sitting room. We have a clean line to the floo. Let's get this all moved to Grimmauld."
The quartet started the assembly line with Ron and Hermione flaming the bags in, then Harry and Ginny receiving them than stacking them along the wall out of the way. After a few minutes Philippe flamed over. "Zat is ze end, mon ami."
"Ah, excellent." Harry said in relief.
Philippe reached out to take Harry's hand again. "Monsieur Potter, I understand I and my family will be staying in your house zese next few days?"
Harry looked around and saw a snickering Ginny. "Well yeah, I mean I own it but I live at the Burrow. I've been having Bill and Fluer live here and remodel the place. I plan to move in after I graduate next summer."
"Ahh," Philippe nodded approvingly. "A man who zinks ahead. Good!"
Harry grinned.
"And I understand you are ze same man who rescued my leetle Gabrielle from ze lake?"
Ginny stifled a laugh as she watched Harry's eyes roll. "Yes sir."
Philippe Rested both hands on Harry's shoulders. "I am sure Fleur and Apolline 'ave zaid dis, but I 'ave not. Zank you Monsieur Potter, zank you very much." Then Philippe gave Harry no chance to argue as he took Harry into a hug.
"Happy to be of service," Harry forced out.
The Delacours, as it soon transpired, were helpful, pleasant guests. They were pleased with everything and keen to assist with the preparations for the wedding. Philippe pronounced everything from the seating plan to the bridesmaids' shows "Charmant!" Apolline was most accomplished at household spells and had the oven properly cleaned in a trice; Gabrielle followed her elder sister around, still stealing glances at Harry but in general, trying to assist in any way she could and jabbering away in rapid French.
By late afternoon the second wave came in, the Weasleys. Ella Weasley, Arthur's older cousin, a sharp-witted woman in her late sixties. Linden Weasley, a distant cousin from Scotland, red-haired and lanky. Hermann Prewett, A serious, bespectacled great-uncle.
Ginny's shadow, Martie Weasley, bounded into the burrow head to toe in Crimson Witch merchandise, from head to toe in boots, trousers, shirt, jacket. Ginny was certain the only reason she didn't have makeup on was her age. Wilfred Weasley was a balding, round-bellied wizard in his fifties. Tabitha Weasley, Arthur's no-nonsense sister-in-law who worked in the Department of Magical Transportation. She immediately reminded Harry of Percy, in the worst of ways.
The hauling of the luggage was done the same as before and then delivered to the rooms for the day. Ron and Harry set up a camp bed in Harry's trunk room. Ron bemoaned, "I can't believe I'm sleeping on a camp bed, in my own home."
Harry smiled, "Your own home? Mate how d'ya think your parents feel? They're in their own sitting room! And they're the ones that actually own the place!"
Ron stopped and thought for a moment. "I 'spose you're right. Thanks for letting me crash here. Better here than the camp tent."
As a simple matter of fact the Burrow was not built to accommodate so many people. The kitchen was so crowded that evening it was difficult to maneuver knives and forks. Harry found himself crammed beside Ginny, normally cause for joy. But by the fourth time they jarred elbows trying to cut his chicken he had enough. "Alright, that's it!" Harry said as he dropped his silverware onto his plate. He reached over and grabbed Ginny by the waist with both hands. "If we're going to be this close anyway, might as well be comfortable," he said as he lifted Ginny up and set her on his lap.
"Harry!" Ginny cried in pleasant surprise, as he very unceremoniously kicked her chair away from the table and back against the wall. He turned slightly so his right arm had ease of access to his plate. Ginny pulled hers closer.
Harry took a test drink successfully. "That will work, Everyone take an extra inch!"
The table exploded in joint laughter. Ron patted Harry's back. Ginny kissed Harry's forehead and whispered, "I love you, you genius idiot." Even Molly was chuckling, as if technically she felt she was 'supposed to' object, but it was too funny not to. Only Gabrielle seemed upset, and no longer hungry.
Dinner finished with similar cheer after chores Ron drafted harry. "Got and idea mate. Mione can I get your hand on somethin' ?"
Harry smiled, "Lead the way." The pair took a table and quickly carried it outside with each of them on a narrow edge.
"Hermione hit the table with an enlarging spell, focus on making it longer." Ron asked with a smile.
"Oh that's clever thinking Ron, I like that a lot!" she replied as she cast. The two lad pulled the table out as over twice the distance they had before. Then they repeated the process with a bench on either side.
Molly looked out happy but unsure. "Boys, I do love the idea… but… what if it rains?"
Harry was done with it. Quickly he drew his wand and cast over the table, 'Scumtum tectumque!' The faint energy of a near invisible shield shielter dome grew over the table. "I've charmed it to be open to everyone and just keep the weather out. Good enough?" Harry pleaded.
Ginny came alongside her mother. "C'mon Mum, this does work. And you know how much Harry appreciates the outside. Especially with his birthday going on with all of this wedding stuff."
That finally won Molly over, and Ginny knew it, so she gave Harry a wink.
Around ten o'clock a surprise flame came in. "Where's the birthday bloke?" Neville asked. Harry came round the corner and found he and Hannah in the kitchen.
"Neville mate!" Harry greeted with a hug. "What are you doing here?"
"We come bearing gifts!" Hannah smiled, with a bottle of high class scotch.
Neville explained, "My birthday today, your's tomorrow. Drinks at midnight?"
"My man!" Harry said.
"My hero!" Ron added.
"I'll link the Marauders!" Hermione said.
"I'll start the bonfire!" Ginny added.
With a touch of concern Molly stuttered. "I-I hadn't planned on this… I-"
"Mum," Ron reassured, "There's nothing to plan. We're just going down by the pond. Not even leaving the Burrow."
Still unconvinced, Arthur took her hand. "Molly dear, Harry turns seventeen once. They've been helping with the wedding for days, and will be for another few. If all they want is a bonfire for a few hours, I don't see the trouble." Molly nodded in acceptance.
Colin and Luna came shortly. Ernie and Susan after them. The team plus guests found themselves around the bonfire passing drinks, jokes and stories. They were cheerful enough they even tolerated Ginny's shadow, Martie and Harry's stalker, Gabrielle.
As the night drew on the youngest two finally fell to exhaustion. Hermione found she was a lightweight sleepy drunk. Hannah was a happy drunk. Harry, Ginny, Susan and Neville seemed to be able to handle their liquor. Colin agreed to be the sober date, though, no one could tell a difference with Luna if she were drunk or not. Still though some time around two the a few bottles were empty, including Hannah's gift as well as a french wine donated from Sylvie and a home brewed firewhisky from Wilfred.
Thursday, 31 July 1997
Merlin, did Ron snore. After a year in his trunk room of privacy, Harry forgot how much Ron snored. Harry sighed as that was not the Weasley he enjoyed waking up next to. But there wouldn't be any sense complaining about it to the one that he had. Ron was a good mate and had been far more relaxed about Ginny than he had hoped. No need to upset the applecart.
With mixed emotion, Harry threw a black suit on, black shirt, with a red tie. When they arrived in the kitchen they found a pile of presents waiting on the table. Bill and Philippe were finishing their breakfasts, while Molly stood chatting to them over the frying pan.
"Arthur told me to wish you a happy seventeenth, Harry," said Molly said, beaming at him. "He had to leave early for work, but he'll be back for dinner. That's our present on top."
Harry sat down, took the square parcel she had indicated, and unwrapped it. Inside was a pocketwatch similar to the one they had given Ron for his seventeenth; it was gold, with stars circling around the face instead of hands.
"It's traditional to give a wizard a watch when he comes of age." Molly said, watching him anxiously from beside the corner. "I'm afraid that one isn't new like Ron's, it was actually my brother Fabian's and he wasn't terribly careful with his possessions, it's a bit dented on the back, but—"
"Wait… w-w-who's?" Harry asked to be sure. The conversation from Arthur several weeks back rushed to the forefront of his mind.
"It's a family watch. My brother's, Fabian's. He carried it till the-," Molly repeated. The rest of her speech was lost; Harry had got up and pounced into a hug for her.
It was a longer hug than Harry was known for, except for with Ginny, he tried to put a lot of unsaid things into the hug. He tried to think of how to express his gratitude… in the end the best he could come up with was, "Thank you so very much… Mum."
Molly's smile grew far deeper and she squeezed him even tighter. "You are very welcome, Harry. Always."
The girls quickly came downstairs. Harry was admiring the watch as Ginny slipped for the next hug. "Happy birthday, babe." she said after pressing a kiss to his cheek. He welcomed her hug with both arms.
"Happy birthday, Harry." said Hermione, hurrying into the kitchen and adding her own present to the top of the pile. "It's not much, but I hope you like it."
"Miracle, you've kept me alive for years." Harry smiled. "You never need to get me anything. Thanks, though."
Bill quickly came to the table dressed for his final day at the office before his honeymoon. "Master Potter, are you ready?"
Harry took a breath. A year ago this would have been weighing on him, now though… He'd been expecting this for years at this point and especially over the last year. He nodded as he grabbed his grey pack over his shoulder. , "Yeah Bill, let's get this out of the way. Gin? Open invitation."
Ginny smirked. "No, thank you though." She sealed it with a kiss to his cheek. "Next time maybe, but first time, you should have all the time you want to check it out. 'Sides, someone is going to have to pick up your slack around here." she sighed exaggeratedly.
Bill kissed Fluer goodbye and the pair flamed to Diagon Alley. Harry smiled as they walked. "Bill, I am surprised you are working today."
"Harry, you're worth it." Bill replied with a pat to his back. "Now, I will be honest that your appointment is my only appointment. And afterwards you will forgive me if I do get back to my bride. But Fleur and I talked, your coming of age, your estate inheritance, that's worth the hour or two of my time to make sure it goes right for you."
Harry smiled. "Thanks Bill."
"Anything for a brother."
The two of them made their way to Gringotts and then to Bill's office. He unlocked his drawer and pulled out the leather binder with the Potter insignia on it. He opened it and turned it to Harry. "Like before Harry, signature, wand press, and signet ring. Sixteen years, all waiting for you to be old enough for less than sixteen seconds of work."
Harry looked down at the papers again, then looked up to his brother. "Seriously Bill, thank you. I'd never have figured this all out without you."
Bill smiled brightly. "Happy to help Harry." Then seemingly like an afterthought he told him. "Take out your coin clam before you sign."
Without a thought Harry laid it on the desk, then signed, pressed his wand and his ring to the page. From his seal press an arc of electricity flowed across the page. A moment later the jewel in the coin clam glowed bright and faded to normal. "Congratulations Harry, everything seems to be in order."
"Wow," Harry whispered.
"Would you like an escort to your vault?" Bill asked.
"Yeah," Harry nodded. "Yeah I would."
As they had before, Bill led the way to the railcar, which they rode to the Potter Vault, number 604. He remembered last year the Potter crest from the Black vault looked freshly polished. Harry didn't even bother to ask as they approached the vault door. This Potter crest did seem to have a patina of coloring showing its age. In the center of the iron door was another red ruby.
"You know, last time we were in this position, we picked up a horcrux." Harry said.
"Are you asking for it to happen again?" Bill asked.
Harry stood and look at the door. "I don't know. It would be nice to have one off the list. But then what the hell were my parents involved with if they had one."
Bill nodded. "Harry, If I may. Before you drive yourself crazy, just open the door. Take a look at what you are really dealing with."
"Well here goes nothing." Harry pressed his key into the ruby, It glowed to life and the sound of tumblers and gears sounded and echoed. Finally the door cracked, and swung open. Harry stood and waited…. and no pain.
"I think you are safe from here Harry." Bill said.
"Yeah, I'll be fine." Harry said with a smile. "I'll see you at home. I want to look around."
The vault was partly what Harry had expected. Trunks and trunks of galleons. Harry didn't care. What caught his eyes were the things that weren't gold. Nearest to the vault was a large dark oak bookcase. The door closed behind him, but Harry looked to see a similar red ruby with in this side of the door, so he felt confident he wasn't intombed. Harry looked through some of the titles. Most seemed to be journals. The most recent diary he saw was his grandfather Fleamont's.
One book that caught his eye was a ragged and dog eared copy of Muggle Studies. Out of curiosity he opened the cover to see the signature of 'James Potter.' Well it was bound to happen. He flipped through the pages lightly only to see a note fall out. He picked it up and read it, 'James, You're sweet, but this book is hopelessly wrong and out of date. If you buy me the drink, I'll give you a proper tutoring on muggles. - Lily'
As he went down the shelf, he saw a gold framed photo he recognized from his visit to Neville's. It was his grandmother Euphemia. In front of it was a silver bracelet with a pearl on it, and a small tag. Harry read it, "Detect Poison or Disease." Harry had been meaning to balance out the McGonagall bracelet on his left wrist for a while now. He put it on.
Looking around he found a half rebuilt enchanted motorcycle that had a striking resemblance to the one Hagid rode.
He found a picture with the engraved name Mary Potter. She was tall and bony, with short black hair, large eyes, a snub nose, and a prim, pursed mouth. She wore a sensible hat and held an umbrella with a talking vulture head handle and stood next to a carpet bag. Next to the photo, hanging off the shelf was the actual umbrella. Harry looked at the photo, the umbrella, and grinned, thinking back to some books he read and a movie he'd watched… "No…that's too far." He refused to believe that.
As he walked along his eyes caught the movement of chess pieces starting to hop on top of a prized wizard chess set, grown dusty with age but still awaking to life, excited to see Harry. Both the kings and queens bowed to Harry as he walked by.
Harry took some time to take stock, but more, simply accept the reality. This was his. The day had come. There was no conditional statements any longer, he was his own man. Magic have mercy.
Harry got back to the Burrow in time for dinner. Seventeen or not, he didn't want to incur Molly's wrath. Even though the weather was holding out, Harry renewed the dome over exterior table and quickly changed into more comfortable jeans and dress shirt for the night. As he emerged up the stairs from his room Gabrielle was standing with a cool glass of lemonade and smile. "I zought you may be zirsty, 'Arry."
"Er… thanks." Harry said, accepting the drink. More out of curiosity, he did check the bracelet, and it was clear. Ella was holding the sitting entertained with embarrassing childhood stories about Arthur.
Charlie's arrival came as a relief to Harry. It provided a distraction, watching Mrs. Weasley force Charlie into a chair, raise her wand threateningly, and announce that he was about to get a proper haircut. Ron and he shot looks of relief that they took care of theirs at the Alley. Though Charlie verbally protested, a small smile he released showed he was happy to be momentarily under his mother's care again.
In short order Fred and George bewitched a number of purple lanterns, all emblazoned with a large number 17, to hang in midair over the guests. Hermione made purple and gold streamers erupt from the end of her wand and drape themselves artistically over the trees and bushes. "Nice," said Ron, as with one final flourish of her wand, Hermione turned the leaves on the crabapple tree to gold. "You've really got an eye for that sort of thing."
"Thank you, Ron!" said Hermione, looking both please. Harry turned away, smiling to himself. He caught Ginny's eye and welcomed a hug while Martie was continuing to ask Ginny questions if the stories she had read in the paper about the Marauders and Ginny were true.
"Save me," Ginny whispered in Harry's arms.
"Sure, what's your preference? Hollyhead? London? Chudley?" Harry offered with a grin.
"Oh Holyhead! Don't you want to fly for the Harpies Ginny!" Martie asked.
Ginny buried her face in his chest and made fists grabbing his shirt. "So damn temping, especially since I know you know how to apparate us there." She took a deep breath. "But seventeen or no… Mum would hunt us down and kill us."
"Okay, well keep close and I'll keep you stocked up on hugs." Harry offered.
"Deal." Ginny accepted.
"Ginny!" Molly soon called, "Can you get the door please?"
Ginny sighed as Harry pressed a kiss into her hair. "Coming Mum." she said as she headed to the kitchen.
"You know 'Arry," Gabrielle offered as she hugged him. "When you need ze hug you can always find me."
It was one of the most uncomfortable moments in Harry's life. "Er… thanks Gabrielle."
But then Hermann started talking and he made it very clear he fought in the last war and that "young wizards these days don't appreciate how hard things were when he was fighting." Ron and Ginny had to physically restrain and carry Harry out of the room.
"Out of the way, out of the way!" sang Molly, coming through the gate with what appeared to be a giant, beach-ball sized Snitch floating in front of her. Seconds later Harry realized that it was his birthday cake, which Molly was suspending with her wand, rather than risk carrying it over the uneven ground. When the cake had finally landed in the middle of the table, Harry said, "That looks amazing, Mrs. Weasley."
"Oh, it's nothing, dear." she said fondly. Over her shoulder, Ron gave Harry the thumbs-up and mouthed, 'Good one'.
By seven o'clock all the guests had arrived, led into the house by Fred and George, who had waited for them at the end of the lane. Hagrid had honored the occasion by wearing his best, and horrible, hairy brown suit. Harry was happy to see a respectable regrowth of hair coming back to his head and beard.
Lupin smiled as he shook Harry's hand. "Congratulations, Master Potter." Tonks beside him, looked simply radiant with her hair was golden blonde this time. "Happy birthday, Harry," she said, hugging him tightly.
"Seventeen, eh!" said Hagrid as he accepted a bucket-sized glass of wine from Fred. "Six years ter the day we met, Harry, d'yeh remember it?"
"Vaguely," said Harry, grinning up at him with an arm around Ginny. "Didn't you smash down the front door, give Dudley a pig's tail, and tell me I was a wizard?'
"I missed this!" Ginny grinned, "Why didn't I get this story?"
"I, ah, forge' the details," Hagrid chortled. "All righ', Ron, Hermione?"
"We're fine," said Hermione. "How are you?"
"Ar, not bad. Bin busy, rebuildin'."
"How's Madam Maxime?" Ginny asked with a smirk.
"Oh, yeh saw her then…" Hagrid's cheeks returned to roesy red and his beard not quite thick enough to hide it.
"Hagrid," Hermione smiled. "No need to be shy. You two are a fine pair."
"Absolutely," Ginny agreed, "She's a lucky lady!"
"Oh …ah.. I dunno 'bout that." Hagrid seemed desperate to change the conversation. "We got some newborn unicorns. I'll show yeh when yeh get back." Hagrid rummaged in his pocket. "Here, Harry— couldn' think what ter get yeh, but then I remembered this." He pulled out a small, slightly furry drawstring pouch with a long string, evidently intended to be worn around the neck. "Mokeskin. Hide anythin' in there an' no one but the owner can get it out. They're rare, them."
"Hagrid, thanks!"
"S'nothin'," said Hagrid with a wave of a dustbin-lid-sized hand,
"An' there's Charlie! Always liked him—hey! Charlie!"
Charlie approached seeminging relieved, with Linden in tow. Linden fancied himself a dragon expert despite never actually working with dragons. Charlie politely smiled and nodded at horribly incorrect rumors and wives tales.
Charlie was shorter than Ron, but Charlie was thickset Weasley, with a number of burns and scratches up his muscly arms. with a number of burns and scratches up his muscly arms. "Hi, Hagrid, how's it going?"
"Bin meanin' ter write fer ages. How's Norbert doin?'"
"Norbert?" Charlie laughed. "The Norwegian Ridgeback? We call her Norberta now."
"Wha—Norbert's a girl?"
"Oh yeah," said Charlie.
"How can you tell?" asked Hermione
"Usual way," Charlie smiled, "And they're a lot more vicious." said Charlie.
"Where do you have her hiding these day?" Ron asked.
"Oh we've carved out a nice camp by Avrig Lake. Norberta blends in well with the other magical creatures at the preserve there. Say the word Hagrid and you're welcome to visit."
"Oh, I dunno 'bout that-"
"Hagrid," Charlie reassured, "You'd blend in fine… and be welcome."
Charlie looked over his shoulder and dropped his voice. "Wish Dad would hurry up and get here." He said as he tried to hide behind Hagrid away from Silvie. Apparently, Harry wasn't the only one with an unwanted admirer.
They all looked over at Molly. She was trying to talk to Apolline while glancing repeatedly at the gate.
"Come on, then," Ron said, the moment clearly becoming too sentimental for him. "Open 'em up." Hermione had bought him a new Sneakoscope. Ron got him a book. Harry looked at him curiously. "Trust me," Ron said.
Harry unwrapped it to find the embossed lettering. "Personal Journal of Harry James Potter."
"Every major officer keeps a journal mate, you might as well start." Ron grinned.
"Hey, Ron and I agree on something!" Ginny laughed as they raised glasses to each other.
After his visit to the vault, Harry nodded. "Yeah, yeah, maybe you all are onto something. Thanks mate."
The other packages contained an enchanted razor from Bill and Fleur. Because as Philippe explained, "Zis will give you ze smoothest shave you will eve 'ave! But you must tell it clearly what you want . . . ozzerwise you might find you youzelf as 'andsome as you should be!", Chocolates came from the Delacours, as well as another bottle of wine from Sylvie, and another bottle of Firewhiskey came from Wilfred, cologne from Giselle, and an enormous box of the latest Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes merchandise from Fred and George.
Mercifully, Arthur soon flamed in. After the needed hugs and kisses to Molly he found his way to Harry. "Happy seventeenth, Master Potter," he said with a grin.
Harry took out the pocket watch deliberately and looked at it. "It's about time sir," he grinned.
Arthur smiled brightly and nodded. "Yes… yes it is." Arthur reached into his cloak and pulled out an envelope. "Harry while I was at the office. The Minister stopped in. He wanted me to give this to you."
"From Scrimgeour?" Harry asked as he took it. The envelope had the official seal of the Minister of Magic. He opened the envelope and pulled out a letter.
A handwritten note was stuck on to a more formal letter. The note simply said. "When you're ready." Harry continued to read the letter.
DATE: 31 July 1997
TO: Department of Magical Law Enforcement
RE: Letter of Recommendation, Harry James Potter
Dear D.M.L.E. Auror's Office,
As you are aware, I know a little about how your office works. In the last several weeks I have had the pleasure of witnessing the work of Mr. Potter. Quite frankly, his grasp of tactical magic is surpassed only by his courage and strength of heart. Please accept this as my official letter of recommendation for Mr. Potter for his enlistment within the Ministry. The sooner we get this man a badge, the safer we all will be.
Respectfully.
Rufus Scrimgeour
Minister of Magic
The crowd erupted in applause. Harry tried to waive it away. But it was useless. It was his birthday and everyone was going cheer him on. Philippe finally ventured forward for the curious. "So Monsieur Potter, shall you be starting your new position this fall?"
Harry could feel the eyes all on him wanting to know. And given the letter, it was a fair one. "Oh I'm keeping the letter, but nah." He slipped an arm around Ginny and clinked a butterbeer with Ron and Hermione. "I'm not breaking up the band. Tonks has proven we work just fine being deployed from Hogwarts. I plan to give her another year of ordering me around."
"Happy to have you, Harry." Tonks smiled.
"Though with two N.E.W.T.s down, I may take a lighter class load this year!" he pointedly joked, breaking the crowd to laughter.