Harry awoke the next morning happily. His mouth didn't feel like there was sand in it. Nevertheless there was Pumpkin Juice with a cooling charm on his side table. The candle from last night had long gone out and Amy was coiled and on a piece of the floor where the sun was shining brightly through to. Amy seemed to be humming in faint hisses, to some sort of song.
"What are you humming, if that's possible?" Harry asked
"The owner had some sort of box that made very nice sounds, and it's stuck in my head," Amy answered
Hedwig was sleeping slightly but was awaken by an indignant hoot from Hercules. He wanted attention. Harry scribbled a note on a piece of parchment.
Junior,
You said you'd never had an owl before. My first gift in the wizarding world was an owl. Her name is Hedwig, and she's been my friend for as long as I can remember. The owl delivering this letter is now yours. His name is Hercules. He's much bigger than most owls, and I have no doubt you will become great friends.
Harry
Harry rolled up the parchment and tied it to Hercules legs.
"There's an orphanage just down the street, with a young boy named Harry. You are a gift for him; he is your new caretaker. Deliver this note to him. I don't expect he has much food there for you, so you're free to come here and get some."
Hercules blinked a few times, hooted and set off. Harry sat down on the bed when someone knocked on the door. It was Remus. He opened the door, and peeked his head around it.
"Harry, Amelia Bones said she can meet you today. Do you want to get this over with?"
Harry nodded, "Sure, what have I got to lose, right?"
Coming down the stairs for breakfast the first thing he did was apologize to Mrs. Weasley, who welcomed the apology with open arms. Harry had another light breakfast because they seemed to work for him. He didn't throw up yesterday's meal. Though he did eat a lot, missing dinner once again - it made some people in the house worry about his health.
***
"How are you this morning, Remus?" Harry asked
"Great!" Remus exclaimed
"How will we be going to the Ministry?" Harry asked quickly
"We'll be walking to The Leaky Cauldron and then I'll apparate you to the Atrium," Remus replied.
"And how many will be on guard today?" Harry asked quickly once again
"Six." Remus scowled, "That wasn't a very nice thing to do, catching me off guard like that."
Harry shrugged his shoulders, "It's the only way I get straight answers."
Ron and Hermione who had been told of Harry's meeting with Amelia Bones had taken to looking through many books in the study. It was Hermione of course that found the technicality.
"Harry, the spell you used isn't commonly known - therefore it isn't a registered spell and doesn't have any classification. So technically, you didn't perform any illegal spells. The worst they can charge you with is failure to tell the ministry you were experimenting with spells."
Harry smiled, "Oh this is perfect!"
***
The trip to The Leaky Cauldron was quick, and of course arriving in by floo powder to the atrium was quick (but uncomfortable). After arriving at the atrium, which was swarmed with reporters trying to ask questions, Harry was quickly pulled through by Remus who escorted Harry to an interrogation room. He laughed at the similarities from the Muggle movies he'd seen.
The room was lined with grey walls and two stainless steel chairs accompanied by a stainless steel table. He then looked at the one way mirror. Feeling cheeky he waved, when the door burst open and Rufus Scrimgeour walked into the room.
He locked the door and from the signs Harry saw made it imperturbed and silenced the room. This was clearly not a legal proceeding.
"Harry, Harry, Harry," Rufus started
Harry mockingly looked around, "I only see one Harry here, minister."
Scrimgeour scowled, "Don't get cheeky with me boy. We both know the magic you did was illegal. However, if you go public with a positive opinion for the Ministry I'll let you off the hook."
"Magic? I don't remember doing any illegal magic."
"Come now, Harry. Don't you be coy with me, Just because we don't know what spell you used doesn't mean we don't know what spells were used to make it." Scrimgeour pulled out a tan file folder and took several pieces of paper and stuck them on the wall. "So, what do we have here, hmm? A variation of the cutting hex, and repetitive charm; Yes, I think I see what this spell does."
Harry started to panic, but didn't let his face show it. He breathed deeply.
"Well, unfortunately for you, this is definitely not a legal proceeding judging on how you imperturbed the room, locked it, and silenced it. So unless you want headlines like `The-Boy-Who-Lived charges Minister of Magic for contempt' I suggest you calmly leave the room. Oh, and I'll take that file folder too.'
Scrimgeour's face paled slightly, "Afraid not, Harry." He grabbed the papers stuck on the wall, placed them back in the folder before removing the charms and unlocking the door.
There were several arguments going on outside the door.
"Minister you do not have the authority to interrogate Harry!" Amelia Bones shouted
Scrimgeour coolly apologized and left.
Amelia Bones couldn't believe what the Minister did. She would make sure something was done about it. The words were out of Harry's mouth before she closed the door of the interrogation room.
"I'm charging him for contempt. Or something similar I'm not too fond of wizarding laws," Harry said sternly
Bones merely blinked a few times and nodded her head in understanding, "On what grounds?"
"He attempted to blackmail me, said he'd keep his mouth shut about me doing illegal magic if I was his `Poster-boy'. You can take my memory now."
She bragged a vial out of her pocket and Harry mimicked the countless times he'd watched Dumbledore take his own thoughts. The added knowledge he gained in the books he'd been reading helped out a bit too.
"So," her lip curled slightly, "You were doing illegal magic, then?"
"No," Harry replied simply
"But the evidence he has-"
"Is relating to a spell that is not listed as a Dark Arts spell, it is listed under no category, therefore it does not exist. Therefore the worst you can charge me with is mucking around in spells without ministry approval. But I daresay Bellatrix Lestrange won't come to, testify on her behalf."
"You've seem to have thought this through."
"You can thank my friend, Hermione Granger for that," He stated proudly
"Well, write down the information you undertook to create the spell, so it can be properly documented."
"Oh, that's where you're mistaken. I didn't create the spell."
"Then, who did?"
"Severus Snape."
***
Harry left the ministry in glee. Now Snape had more charges on his shoulders. Oh this was absolutely perfect. Not to mention the look on the Minister's face on how he got out on a technicality, and that he was being charged. It wasn't all fun and games, however. A severe lashing out from Remus had actually scared him at one point. It was nearing the full moon and Remus' anger if not slightly out of control was completely deserved. He was using the spell made by someone who was definitely a Death Eater. It did not do well for Harry to think about such things. It was Ron, who saved him from Remus' bantering when he needed to… `Talk'.
The two spent the rest of the evening talking, he couldn't remember what. It started off with life, girls, Quidditch, life, Quidditch, but then after Firewhiskey was thrown into the mix neither of them really remembered a thing.
Ron felt it was time for celebration. It was really, not that Harry ever remembered his own birthday. The hangover he would sport the next morning would be worth it. Even if he had a hangover potion that would sort both of them out; he had to distract Harry while everyone else surprised him.
Remus had been a little reluctant at how angry he was at Harry for using a spell, but after watching several people working extremely hard he realized that Harry deserved this more than anything. He was going to be an adult and he would be able to practice magic legally. This scared him somewhat. Harry would no longer need to rely on anyone. He had lost his chance at being a fatherly figure for Harry. He regretted it deeply, but now he must help with preparations.
Everyone was watching Ginny amusedly, doing odds and ends. The fire and motherly nature she had acquired from her mother was starting to show as she was taking charge - seemingly giving advice to everyone whilst putting up some form of decoration.
***
Ron awoke before Harry did, which was a feat all on its own. The throbbing in his head felt like someone was smacking each ear repeatedly. He absentmindedly grabbed one of the two goblets of Pumpkin Juice, probably left by Dobby, and poured half of the hangover potion in the vial into the juice. He downed it all. The throbbing stopped almost immediately, and he readied Harry's drink for him when he woke. He didn't have to wait long because a very large tawny owl tapped on the window and Harry woke up groaning.
Ron gave Harry the goblet, told him to drink, and opened the window for the owl, a letter attached to his leg. Ron wondered how the owl was able to get in. This person must know where Harry was living for the owl to be able to find its way here.
Harry felt the throbbing stop abruptly. He looked at Ron questioningly then looked back at the goblet. He then slowly looked back at Ron. There was no way Ron could make a hangover potion, so he shook his head slightly. This was planned.
"Bugger," Harry thought
Harry then proceeded to look at his watch quickly and realized it was almost noon!
"Going, to explain why you had me get drunk last night?" Harry asked
"No," Ron said coolly, "There's a letter for you," Ron finished in a voice clearly stating `I know something you don't!'
Harry got up and took the letter off of Hercules legs. The letter was on lined paper, Junior obviously didn't have any parchment.
Harry,
Thanks for the owl! He's so cool! He scared away some of the boys who were picking on me - Harry scowled - anyways, I'll see you in a bit.
Junior
"He's coming here?!" Harry thought
This was a little… weird. Junior was coming and Ron had gotten him drunk, but was glad all the while from being away from Remus' bantering. Something was a little… off.
Harry absentmindedly looked at the calendar pinned up on the door. It was July 31st. The trio would be meeting with McGonagall tomorrow. He should probably bring Junior along so McGonagall could meet him.
He started to stretch and made his way to the door, while unknowing to Harry, Ron was smirking.
"He's so thick!" Ron thought to himself, "He even looked at the bloody calendar!"
Harry stumbled down the stairs, holding onto the banister. He felt something rather odd.
"What's with this, red stuff?" Harry pondered
Then some sort of odd feeling hit him; it didn't feel like the same time when Tonks was in his room. This felt different; a good different. Yes, a good different.
There were several people in the kitchen they were all curiously waiting for something. Eight people, seven wands; that's odd. He warily closed the distance from in between himself and the kitchen.
"SURPRISE!"
Harry jumped straight out of his skin despite the fact that he knew someone people were there. In fact he actually thought he could feel his subconscious leave him completely. His heart hammered - they scared him witless as he jumped several inches in the hair.
"Happy Birthday!"
After several seconds of letting that statement sink in he spoke up.
"That's… that's today?" Harry croaked
Everyone stared at him in disbelief. Ginny however though this would be the perfect opportunity to try to jump into his arms. However, she settled for a big hug and kissed his cheek.
"Uhm… thanks… Gin," he said as he blanched at the ceiling rubbing the back of his neck.
Hermione shot Ginny a glare that only Ron saw. He shrugged it off, as nothing.
The party went very well for Harry. He let all his worries go for the couple hours he had for his party. Ron had been very surprised when Junior was a natural at chess. He wasn't as strategic as Ron was, but Ron took him under his wing. Harry chuckled at how Ron had never tried to teach him any more than the rules.
Harry stumbled into the kitchen to grab a piece of cake. He was trying to think how he was going to eat icing from the cake if it kept moving. It made him angry, and it was down right… not right! It was absolutely impossible to cut a slice and limit the moving icing snitch to the square he wanted to cut. Finally he gave up. Making sure no one was looking he grabbed the icing snitch and threw it in his mouth in triumph! He smiled broadly to himself with his accomplishment. There was a faint giggle and he looked up to see Ginny trying very hard not to laugh at him. She must've been hiding!
"Oh just let it all out before you burst."
With that Ginny broke down hysterically. Steadying herself on the table she sat down on the chair as waves of giggles passed over her. Harry just sat at the table eating his cake, mumbling to himself about clearly being caught off guard and people spying.
As he finished his piece of cake, he set the dish on the counter, grabbed a birthday card he had gotten from Hermione and went to join the others.
"Harry, wait," Ginny called softly
Harry stopped and turned around.
"Yes?"
Ginny approached him warily, slightly licking her lips. She smiled bashfully.
"I don't need you to protect me, Harry."
She stood on her tip toes closing her eyes, but before she landed a kiss, Harry placed the card in between their faces. Ginny opened her eyes in shock. Harry lowered the card.
"I'm sorry, Gin. There's nothing there. And this," he gestured his hand between the two of them, "can't happen."
Ginny stepped back. The hurt in her eyes became evident almost instantly. It made him feel like a prat.
***
The rest of the party was uneventful as far as parties go. Harry opened the few presents he was given. An assortment of defense books from Remus and Hermione, a Service Master Broom Kit (complete with paint, so he could decorate his Firebolt) from The Weasleys, and chocolate from Ron, who said that he should get Harry something that wasn't from everyone else. As everyone was getting ready to clean up, Harry decided to take Junior back to the orphanage. He looked deep in thought.
"What's the matter, Junior?" Harry asked
"I don't have any money. I couldn't get a gift for you and I have no idea how I'm going to pay for Hogwarts," He said crestfallen
Harry's breath hitched. He had the same thoughts and concerns when he was younger. He didn't know if Junior's parents had left him any money.
"You don't have to worry about that Junior; I'm just glad you came. I have more than enough for the both of us."
Junior nodded, keeping his eyes on the ground.
"Tomorrow, we're going Hogwarts to talk to the Headmistress. We'll work everything out. You don't have to worry, ok?"
He nodded mutely, gave Harry a forced smile and waved goodbye.
Harry arrived back at Grimmauld Place, where only a few candles were lit and the luminescence that came from the windows was dim, if nothing at all.
"Oh sure, he shows up after we're done cleaning!" grumbled Ron
"Ron, you're a wizard for crying out loud, how long did it actually take you to clean up? Honestly!" Hermione chided.
"Hermione," Ron groaned, "You ruined it, I was trying to make him feel guilty!"
Harry snorted, "Guilty over cleaning? Not bloody likely!"
Hermione rolled her eyes, as Harry sat down at the table.
"Make sure you get lots of sleep, we're going to Hogwarts tomorrow," Harry said
"How are we going?"
Harry looked shocked; he hadn't thought about that, "I've got no clue. Dobby!"
"Dobby, can you side-along apparate?"
Dobby nodded.
"Can you apparate into Hogwarts?" Harry asked again
"No, Dobby cans only apparate himself into Hogwarts. Dobby can apparate you to Hogsmeade."
"Perfect, thank you Dobby."
***
It was an early morning for the trio, much to Ron's disappointment. Harry having planned to get up this early, had went to bed early. Hermione on the other hand was used to getting up this early and was not in the least bit phased by the time. Ron showered last as he was up a half hour after Harry and Hermione. While Ron was showering, Harry went to get Junior.
"Hello, Mr. Potter," Mrs. Rawley greeted, "Harry was up earlier than usual today. He's very excited about Hogwarts."
"I was too, I was so nervous," Harry relished in his memories, "Hang on, you're a witch?" he asked
"I'm a squib. I separated myself from the wizarding world after You-Know-Who came to power. Though because I'm a squib he'll need a proper guardian to attend Hogwarts; I'm sure you have that problem sorted out?"
Harry bristled a bit. He didn't know anything about that.
"Why does your being a squib effect anything?" He asked
"Because I'm not Harry's biological parent and because I'm a squib. If I was his biological parent it'd be a different story. Don't worry about it, I'm sure the headmaster or headmistress will have a solution."
Harry and Junior left the orphanage. To say he was excited would be an understatement. He was nearly screaming in joy when they arrived in Hogsmeade. Despite the fact that the wizarding town was still very much asleep, the beauty that is magic still impressed Junior. The trek to Hogwarts was a little longer than usual; Junior took in everything he could. The trio didn't mind, it had been too long since they'd really appreciated the area.
About fifty feet from Hogwarts gates, they slowly parted and they walked onto the grounds. The squid who had been trying to be brave had a few tentacles out of the water. After realizing some people were watching it quickly retreated in a large splash, obviously angry someone disturbed his soaking in the sun.
Professor McGonagall greeted them at the Entrance Hall.
"Hello you three, and who is this?" she asked.
"Professor, this is Harry, we call him Junior. Junior this is Headmistress McGonagall."
The stern face of McGonagall clearly intimidated Junior. The headmistress did her best to soften her gaze, but to no avail, he would be intimidated for years to come.
McGonagall escorted them, to what was now her office. She sat down in her chair, and conjured up four chintzy arm chairs similar to the ones Dumbledore used to conjure, and gestured for the four of them to have a seat.
"Let me get straight to the point," McGonagall started, "The only way the school has any chance of re-opening is if Harry attends."
Harry looked shocked, "I'm just a regular wizard, you can't poss-"
"Silence, Potter. It is, rather regretfully, due to your name. You did defeat V-Voldemort when you were younger, and this The-Chosen-One business in the Daily Prophet has all but cemented your image."
"Well, I have two conditions that I attend. I want the ability to leave the grounds at all times, unquestioned. I would also like private quarters if possible for Junior and myself. I would like Junior to stay the year here," Harry said without breaking eye contact
"That's fine, but, I have given you Head Boy, so you do have the ability to leave the grounds. As for Junior, who is his guardian?" she asked
Harry explained the situation to McGonagall, who nodded in understanding at how the orphanage and his current guardian was a squib.
McGonagall silently concluded that Junior would have to be adopted to come to Hogwarts.
"I'll get the adoption papers for you, Harry."
"What!?" He blurted out
"The only way I see Junior being allowed to stay at Hogwarts without taking classes, is to be adopted. The board will only allow it if he's been adopted. Last time I checked, by our records you have more than enough money to support the both of you. You became of age yesterday. You have all necessary requirements."
"Can Hogwarts legally take the adoption process into her own hands?" asked Hermione
"Of course, not. But Mrs. Rawley already contacted me. Just sign here, Harry."
"Hold on a second here!" Harry exclaimed, "Junior, do you even want me to become your guardian!?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Well that settles it then, sign here Harry."
Harry looked at the parchment, taking a deep breath he grabbed a quill dipped it in ink, and signed his name. He was now responsible for someone else's well being. It was definitely not what he was expecting. Ready for it or not, he was determined to make sure Junior was well taken care of.
Ron was surprised Harry signed the parchment. He was sure he would get someone in the Order to adopt Junior. Hermione meanwhile just smiled a grin as big as Junior's.
"Oh, Hermione, here is the Head Girl badge, you both will be sharing the Head's Suite. It should automatically expand its lodgings for Junior. I shall see you on September the 1st."
Hermione, Ron and Junior told them to go ahead; Harry wanted a private word with the headmistress. While waiting for them to leave, Harry took in the office. Gone were the many instruments scattered about the room. They were replaced by many things relating to transfiguration, books, posters with detailed instructions for animal transfiguration and the like. The door closed and Harry approached McGonagall once again.
"What else can I help you with, Mr. Potter?" she asked.
"Well, uhm, you see, I… I have another, familiar, she's a…" Harry paused, "A snake."
"I don't see the problem, as long as she is kept in confinement," she said, disgruntled.
"Well, there's a problem with that."
"Oh?" she asked, very curious as to why it couldn't be confined.
"Well, she'll get very big."
"How big, is very big?" she asked, her curiosity now peaked, and a flicker of concern passed through her.
Harry mumbled his answer, trying his best to make it seem slightly less than what it was.
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Speak clearly, my hearing isn't what it used to be," she said, annoyed.
Harry took a deep breath, "Thirty feet, maybe more."
McGonagall paled; that was big. She'd heard stories about snakes as familiars. They are almost if not the most loyal creatures, especially when their master was a Parseltongue. She sighed resignedly.
"How old is she?"
"Just over one month."
"Bring her to my office on the 1st; I'd like to… meet her first."
Harry smiled, said `Thank You' and left her office. Harry showed Junior around the parts of the school and the Quidditch Pitch. Dobby returned them to Grimmauld Place. Harry had Dobby clean up an extra room for Junior, while Junior and he returned to the orphanage to collect his belongings. Returning to Grimmauld Harry tried his best not to smother Junior, but he always found himself making sure he was alright. He would go to the study or the kitchen and always place a peek in every room he could to make sure he knew where he was and what he was doing. It bothered him slightly, at how much a piece of paper and a signature could do that. No matter, deep down, he loved that feeling.
***
A/N: Ok, so there's that chapter, it didn't have much to tide over the plot but we'll get into that soon enough. You guys seem to like Junior a lot, he's not going to be a big character in this story plot-wise but he will shape how Harry turns out to be. Thought I'd let you all know there will be a sequel to this story. I love fics about Post-Era Hogwarts especially when they're H/Hr, so if you know any, hook me up. And I really like it when Harry is starting a family. Anyways, enjoy!
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