Sir Harry J Potter GCOM

My humble apologies about posting the same episode twice; here is the one I would have posted this week [I have altered the other one]. Again – Sorry!

### VISITING ###

There were other couples holding hands at table apart from Blaise and Justin. Harry had an awful urge to hold Draco’s, but quelled it under Hermione’s all-encompassing stare and Ronald’s chatting about choosing the Quidditch team.

After breakfast they had another fly round the Quidditch pitch before going to see their housemaster for coffee and rock cakes. Draco made an elaborate apology whilst Hagrid indicated that he was pleased to see them, but a little miffed with the golden trio for not taking his ‘Magical Creatures’ course. Hermione and Lavender managed to sweet talk him before the company rowed back into the base of the tower.

After lunch, Blaise had another teach-in, getting the company into a receptive frame of mind ready for Filius’s Charms lesson which would be after dinner. Neville had the twins group for Herbology after tea, whilst the rest of them practiced their transformation exercises.

After Dinner and the Charms lesson the Knights went into a huddle with Draco and Blaise.

“We have to attend the normal Wizengamot meeting tomorrow,” Harry informed them: “Perhaps you might feel safer if you came with us. I’m sure we could accommodate you next door to the Knight’s enclosure as advisers. Some of the Ministry officials sit there as well.”

“I’ve not been to a Wizengamot meeting before; could Justin come as well, please?” Blaise looked hopeful.

“I’ve been with Father. Some of it’s quite boring. Occasionally he would get up and rave about pure-blood policies, then things livened up somewhat.” Draco smirked: “Nevertheless, I personally would feel safer with Harry around so, boring or not, I’d like to come, please.”

Harry looked at the other Knights who nodded agreement and then he suggested: “Let’s go over to Grimmauld place now. That’ll give us time to re-adjust after the Portkey experience. Then we won’t be all dithery at the meeting, having just Portkeyed in.”

Harry went to see Minerva and explained what they proposed. She had no reservations about their ideas and said she and the Chairman might follow suit. Harry also asked for a spare medallion to hang round Justin’s neck.

It took three goes to get everyone to Harry’s London home. Harry, Hermione and Draco went with the first vase-portkey with the idea of informing Kreacher of the incoming visitors.

### GRIMMAULD PLACE ###

“Hello Harry,” Kreacher greeted them: “Grouchy’s told me of the new guests. Charlie has moved into the New Bedroom which means that Neville and Ronald can share the Second Suite. I suggest that Masters Justin and Blaise share the Garden Suite which has a double bed in it, Percy and George have moved to the Second Back because it has two singles. Mistresses Minerva and Rolanda will share their usual Second Front, with Hermione above them in the Guest Front. Now, about Master Draco, there is a single free in the New Bedroom …”

“… Draco will be sharing with me in the Garden Bedroom thanks, Kreacher. I think Sirius’s old double can accommodate two; or have you altered it?”

“No Harry, but we have put a new mattress on it. There was a little nest of doxies hiding in the old one. I think they found a haven there when Molly had her first cleaning bout. I’m surprised they didn’t keep you awake.”

“I thought I heard voices a few times, but though little of it; imagining it to be people singing in the streets because I had my window open.”

“It was them, Master Sirius used to say that being up there was like being in the country – dead quiet at night.”

“Hmm … Harry?”

“Yes Draco?”

“I get the feeling that your Reeve-elf is being disrespectful.”

“Really? Um … Oh yes … Being a fellow knight, we asked him to drop the master/mistress bit as he was our equal. Auntie Molly and Uncle Arthur said the same as did the rest of the Weasleys.”

Draco puzzled for a moment whilst Ronald’s three landed in the rooftop garden: “Oh … I see … Well Kreacher, you’d better do the same for me too, Okay?”

“And for us two too,” Blaise added with Justin nodding his acquiescence.”

“I’m still getting used to this so I might just slip up occasionally. What about the Headmistress and Madam Chairman?”

Both ladies had landed and were still holding Neville’s hand; they caught the drift of the conversation. “Harry calls us by our given names in private, Kreacher, so as his fellow knight so ought you,” Minerva put in.

Rolanda added: “Hedge your bets with strangers, but any other Wizengamot member should be counted as your equal. In court we are more formal calling each other Brother or Sister and, of course, the knights will have their honorific titles used as is proper, so you’ll be Sir Kreacher, formally.”

“Thank you Rolanda.” Kreacher still looked slightly dubious.

“Which one of you’s the gardening ace?” A perspicacious Draco changed the subject to hide Kreacher’s confusion.

“Winky, Draco. The glass roof over the bed in front of the garden bedroom window can be made into a greenhouse in the winter and the warmth from the chimneys will keep the frost off. Do you like it?”

“Not as good as the Manor’s gardens in full bloom, but then, those gardens have been cursed and are no longer any kind of contender for the best in the land. Considering the limited space I think she’s done wonders. I like the outdoor chairs and table.”

“Those were Huppert’s idea.”

“I think you’ve got a good team working for you, Harry. Your treatment of your elves seems to be paying off; all ours had to be ordered around.”

“That’s because your father didn’t encourage us to think for ourselves, Draco. So we just played dumb, it avoided arguments which we would have lost anyway.” Kreacher shrugged: “The Hogwarts elves have always been expected to act on their own initiative, so the place runs like clockwork.”

“I can endorse that, Draco. I always listen to my Reeve-elf and follow his suggestions,” added Minerva: “That’s why we have such splendid food.”

“You see, Draco,” said Kreacher, glancing slyly at Hermione: “Our pride of place is reflected in our families’ well-being. If they are well regarded we are proud of our achievements and try to continually improve the standards of cleanliness and hospitality. We work much better being trusted than kicked.”

“Okay, okay, you’ve made your point, Kreacher.” Draco winked at him, fully well knowing that some of the remarks were intended for Hermione’s ears. “May we go in now; I’m getting a little chilly up here?”

Harry adopted a pose. “Fellow witches and wizards, welcome to my new home; a home where integrated beings live as one peaceable family.” Then he made a grand gesture towards the highly polished new door.

Kreacher looked at Harry and then, not to be outdone, caused a large arch to glow with the words ‘Welcome to House Potter/Black’ flashing upon it like some neon advertisement. The assembly chuckled at the two proud gestures and entered under the pulsing sign.

As they descended the stairs Draco became more and more agitated; eventually he burst forth: “Harry, this place looks marvellous, definitely up to the standard of the Manor. I remember coming here in Aunt Walburga’s time and it was fairly dismal, to say the least.”

“It’s mainly Kreacher’s and Winky’s doing, aided by ideas from Grouchy and Huppert. After the battle I offered the Weasleys a home here because the Burrow had been cursed, the Weasleys and I did the major repairs and alterations, mainly under Ron’s direction. Gone are the bathrooms, whose roofs used to leak, each bedroom now has its own en-suite in compensation. The Unspeakables are working on lifting the curses at the Weasley home and are hopeful of a breakthrough fairly soon.

Draco giggled: “Yes I remember the leaks, when I was little I thought they were shower-baths. How did you get en-sites into all the rooms?”

“Using the walk-in wardrobes and fitting showers. As everything is one above another the plumbing was fairly easy and all the main drains were already in situ.”

“Drains?” Draco screwed up his nose: “Hmm … I think you’re much more practically minded than I am, Harry. Father would just kick a few elves if something went wrong.”

“Unblocking drains was one of my most unpleasant Privet Drive’s jobs. So I paid a lot of attention to redesigning the ones here.”

Kreacher smacked his head: “Sorry Harry, I nearly forgot, Gallus flooed; he asked that you would floo him back, please.”

“Okay, Kreacher thanks, I’ll do it from the Solar. Would you show our guests to their rooms, please?”

Kreacher nodded his agreement and Harry went down to his private sitting room.

### INVESTMENTS ###

“Hello Gallus, you wanted me to floo you?”

“Yes Harry, I have an investment opportunity for you. Gringott’s and some of the leading families in Grimmauld Square are forming a consortium to buy the adjacent properties to yours. The death eaters made such an adverse impact on the Muggles that many want to sell up. On top of that; a number of hidden houses have reappeared. It seems that some intermediate houses belonged to magical families. The Clearwaters are in number eleven, with Bones and Goldsteins on the other side of you. The consortium want to buy the fill-in ones thus making a terrace of Magicals, all giving support to each other. The Muggles are all eager to get rid so we can buy at a low price and sell at a profit, once the houses are done up.”

“We have gained some expertise in doing up this house.”

“That’s one of the reasons why we want you in; another being, of course, the Potter pots of gold in your vaults.”

“Let me discuss it with Kreacher first.”

“It was his idea to begin with.”

“Oh … Fine … Count me in.”

“He suggested a meeting at number twelve tomorrow evening. If we strike now, the Muggles are still jittery about extra houses suddenly appearing. I think the Oblivators will have to be called in whatever happens.”

“Okay, you and Kreacher have it all organised, I’ll go along with it.”

Harry closed the floo and looked round. There stood his Reeve with tentative look on his face: “Is that all right, Master?”

“I’m still Harry, Kreacher; even if I’m annoyed with you, which I’m not. In fact I’m rather relieved that that money is being put to good use. If it’s anything I’ve learned from Uncle Vernon, putting your money to work for you is one of his main tenets. Just make sure we have enough to live on if it all goes pear-shaped.”

“You sound just like Master Arcturus, Harry --- Your Aunt Walburga’s Father;” Kreacher added when he saw Harry looking puzzled. “He was the one that built up the Black fortunes with Reeve Throttle, my father.”

“Did many of their speculations go wrong, Kreacher?”

“Not really, they stuck mainly to property. I remember being told of one disaster, the East and West Railway Company. It was one of George Hudson’s peculations that went under when he went bust. Arcturus and Throttle had enough in reserve to tide them over very comfortably. After that they stuck to property investment and had recouped their losses within five years.”

“My investment in the joke shop seems to have gone well.”

“Yes, very much so. But it’s peanuts compared to what we propose now. Let me show you the figures.” Kreacher summoned a large parchment and spread it out on Harry’s desk. Harry was astounded at the millions of galleons being talked about.

Whilst the two were perusing the figures there was a tentative knock on the door.

“Come in?”

“Hi, Harry, are you coming to bed? Don’t forget you have a Wizengamot meeting tomorrow.”

“I hadn’t Draco; you’re good at figures, come and look at this lot.” Harry explained some of the basics.

“Father would have revelled in this kind of transaction. Let me see now … Kreacher how was this figure arrived at …?” Draco took over the conversation asking pertinent questions and doing sums on another conjured parchment.

Harry listened intently, admiring the questions being asked, and having abstruse points being explained to him. Draco was quite obviously in his element, as was Kreacher. Harry sat back and watched as his Reeve and new found friend thrashed out the minutiae.

Harry looked at his watch; it was almost one o’clock in the morning: “Draco, didn’t you come down to remind me about going to bed?”

“Mmm … What …? Oh yes … Well … Come on then … what are you waiting for?”

Harry nearly made a rude retort, instead he grabbed Draco and they raced each other to the top of the house, holding hands. There was still undressing and showering to be done so they set about it rapidly; chatting as they moved around.

“Bloody Hell, Harry, your fortune exceeds my father’s by almost twice. Not that there’s anything left of that now.”

“It was helped by the Black and Lestrange moneys reverting to me.”

“Even so, I reckon the Potter gold was at least as much. Your investment in the Weasley shop is paying off handsomely.”

“That was conscience money from winning the Triwizard Contest.”

“You shouldn’t treat galleons like that. It was serious money.”

Harry looked at a nude and wet Draco and saw another being standing there; not snarky, not lustful, but full of zeal for pecuniary things positive. Harry recognised the zeal echoed in him about perfect defence charms. Then he had an idea:

“Draco, how about becoming my fiduciary adviser? I’m sure we could come to some arrangement about a suitable salary. No doubt Gallus and Kreacher will advise me on an appropriate level of remuneration with bonuses for good performance.”

“What …? Are you serious …? Not just having me on.”

“Not joshing – very serious. I was watching you with that portfolio, you really came alive and asked all the appropriate questions, many of which I could not have even formulated, but I can now see their relevance.”

“You really mean that, don’t you? It’d give me some security too. So that’s why you’re doing it – Gryffindor good-heartedness.”

“Well I must admit that’s part of it, but mainly I want a hard-nosed financier to look after my holdings. It’s obvious that Kreacher was still dwelling in the glory days of Arcturus and I think the economic climate has changed somewhat compared to the days of the Victorian entrepreneurs. You proved it so by those searching questions. Is it still a good investment?”

“Of course! There’ll be bits that want fine tuning, but the basic premise is sound.”

“Fine … Subject to Gallus’s approval … you’re hired. That is if you still want the job. The Consortium meets tomorrow … No … This evening after the Wizengamot session is over. I shall expect you to be there, Okay?”

“Okay. This is going to be fun. I get to practice all the things Father thrashed into me.”

“I hope not all the things?”

“No … Not those … But before that monster came back I was being taught how to run the estate and our investments. With a bit of luck we’ll make fifty per-cent.”

“No underhand dealings, now,” Harry cautioned.

“Secret, but not underhand Harry. I’ll be open with you, but the opposition needs not know until the time is ripe, does it? After all, Voldie was surprised when you came back to life, wasn’t he? I bet he’d call that underhand.”

“He did, plus a lot of other uncomplimentary epithets whilst we were duelling. I think he was trying to put me off my stroke, but he failed didn’t he?”

“Good thing too, I think I’d have killed myself rather than have him as overlord. Life at the Manor was more than horrible with him in charge …” Draco went on to describe some of the terrors he had seen and/or personally endured; eliciting much sympathy from Harry and awaking ‘Voldie memories’ that Harry had tried to forget. For both of them, revealing their horrors worked as a catharsis, calming them in preparation for repose.

They hugged each other to sleep, more for comfort than anything else. Both of them were shattered and, fortuitously, had no bad dreams all night.

### WIZENGAMOT ###

Harry was awoken by being vigorously shaken.

“Harry! Harry! Wake up.” It was Kreacher’s foghorn voice calling him: “The Wizengamot meets in half an hour.”

“What?”

“You have to be at the Ministry in thirty minutes.”

“Oh, bloody hell. Wake Draco for me, please?”

Harry rushed off to the bathroom and ducked under the shower whilst Kreacher shook an equally drowsy Draco awake. Within quarter of an hour they were dressed and munching a bacon sandwich each whilst tidying their hair and straightening out their appearances. They trotted down to the Solar and flooed to the Ministry having seven minutes to reach the Wizengamot Courtroom. With two minutes to spare Harry and Draco strolled into their places, pretending to have a deep discussion. Hermione looked daggers at them, whilst behind her Ronald and Neville were trying to suppress their giggles. Justin and Blaise were already sitting in a separate place next door so Draco went to join them.

Rolanda rapped her gavel and called the court to order.

“Point of Order, Madam Chairman.”

“Speak, Sister!”

“I spy strangers in the Knight’s enclosure,” a supposedly indignant Sister stood and pointed at the Knights.

“One of the old school,” whispered Draco over the low divider.

“Sir Harry, please explain their presence.”

“Willingly, Madam Chairman. I understand that every ex-officio Fellow can bring with them an advisor and in the case of the Minister more than one. The Knights are designated such because of our royal appointments. I do believe, however, that we have to introduce them to the Court. A task I was about to perform before my fellow sister pre-empted me.”

“Thank you, Sir Harry. Perhaps you would present your advisors.”

“Yes Madam Chairman. There are three of them, all of whom are fellow students in the eighth-year at Hogwarts. They represent, with us, a wide range of views from the traditional to the reforming. The first was entrusted to my care as Knight Grand Commander by this very court, he has expertise in things fiduciary, arithmantic, and potional, namely Advisor Draco Malfoy. The second is Advisor Blaise Zabini, whose expertise is in charms, oceanography and contra-dark-arts. The third is the son of a very well known Muggle financier and represents the more liberal views held by the supporters of Helga Hufflepuff – Justin Finch-Fletchley. I submit these names as appropriate advisors to the knightly party.”

“Does this court regard them as suitable advisors?”

“Surely a convicted criminal cannot be acceptable, Madam Chairman?”

“As far as I can see none of the three fall into that category. To whom do you refer, Sister?”

The argument went on for quarter of an hour; Harry won out in the end because it was deemed Draco was showing his contrition by appearing as part of the support team for the knightly party.

Various measures were discussed, mostly minor matters and not too demanding. Hidden in amongst the plethora of paperwork Draco spotted something and showed it to Harry, who caught Rolanda’s eye.

Harry rose: “Fellows of the Wizengamot, why do we require all the goblin wand users to register? Surely the humanoid mages do not; neither do the elves, not that they need wands. This shouts of discrimination and should be stricken from this paper.”

There were a number of angry shouts from the ‘Old Codgers’, as the knights were irreverently referring to the pure-blood reactionaries led by Mordicai Malthus. More lively debate took place, but the measure was defeated.

The next measure was about registering other races for apparition.

Brother Malthus rose and looked pointedly at Harry: “I suppose the knights will oppose this amendment also.”

“No, Brother; we do not,” replied Harry, mildly: “Everyone has to prove that they can do so effectively. I am sure that the Fellows representing St.Mungo’s will support me – after all it’s they who have to stick the splinched bits back on. I understand that each race has a different sense of the age that this test should take place and this measure recognises that. One of the first things a young elf learns is that of elfin-apparation, whereas we wizards take a much longer time to mature.”

The debates continued some measures passed with little discussion, a few were lost and many modified.