Saturday, June 29th, 1994
Harry Potter touched down on a gravel road and kept his feet moving, in order to remain upright. Around him, Hermione, Sirius and Remus landed on their feet. Once again, Tonks landed hard on her backside with a squeak and a scowl, before pulling herself to her feet. In his cat carrier, Crookshanks was not a happy kitty. Hermione took the carrier from Sirius and comforted her cat with cooing sounds.
Harry took his first look at his surroundings, and what he found was unexpected. He expected to see a large manor-house in front of him, or at least a driveway leading toward it. What he found was a large dense forest.
"Uh, Sirius?" Harry asked, "Are you sure we're in the right location? Maybe the Portkey is faulty?"
"We're here, Harry," Sirius said. "Command your Signet Ring to lift any and all alien enchantments on the property."
Harry lifted his hand to his face and stared at the Potter Signet Ring, concentrating on it. In his mind, he could hear it whispering to him. He silently commanded it to remove any alien enchantments – those not set by members of the Potter House – from the property. Hermione and Tonks gasped a moment later, making Harry look up. The dense forest was no longer there. Instead there was an iron-wrought gate and, beyond it, a long dirt and gravel pathway with trees dotted along on either side. In the distance, Harry could just make out a building, though he could not see it clearly just yet.
"Like him or hate him," Remus said, "Albus Dumbledore is a very smart man. I don't think he could actually get inside the Manor, nor its surrounding Grounds at all. On top of the Secret Keeper Charm he set, he also placed other enchantments. That forest you saw was an illusion, meant to confuse you and anyone who didn't know there was a residence here."
"Why couldn't Dumbledore get in?" Harry asked.
"Permission Wards," Sirius said, "Like those set on the Granger house. Once we get inside, I'll show you how to modify that Ward, so you can allow anyone you want. Until then – well – let's hope that because we're with you, we have permission to enter the Grounds."
"If you don't?" Harry asked.
"We would suffer something similar to third degree sunburns, blisters and boils all over our body," Sirius said; he smiled wryly when Harry and Hermione's eyes widened. "Oh, I wouldn't worry about the two of you. As a Potter, you have lifetime access on your property, and it can't be taken away. And Hermione – both her and her parents are official members of the House of Potter. They can pass through any enchantments set by a Potter. The rest of us... well, we'll tell you if we feel anything."
"I'll – ah – take your word for it," Harry said, "I'm guessing that gate is locked?"
"Yep," Sirius said, "The fence surrounds the entire property. In order to open it, simply place your ring in the center of the letter 'P' in the crest."
"Like your Family Vault, Harry!" Hermione said.
Harry nodded. The door of the Potter Family Vault had a large version of the Potter Family Crest across it. It was easy to guess that the gate had a similar unlocking mechanism. Harry walked over to the iron-wrought gate, where the Potter Crest was etched directly in the center of it. He lifted his ring to the hole in the center of the letter 'P', and pressed into it. A mechanical sound was heard, and the gate split into two at the two swords in the crest and parted.
Harry stepped through the gateway, and turned as he watched Hermione, then Sirius, Tonks and Remus slowly make their way past the gate. Once past the gate, it closed behind them. The group stared at each other waiting for half-a-minute for anything to happen. When their skin didn't start blistering, they all chuckled nervously.
"Guess you're right, Sirius," Harry said. "Because you're with me, you have permission on the property."
"Actually I suspect it is because you trust us," Remus said. "For example, what if you were coerced onto the property, and someone had you at wand-point?"
"I like that theory better," Tonks said.
"Let's just get to the Manor," Sirius said, "Once you reset the Permission Ward, we won't have to worry about it."
Harry and the rest of the group started their way down the dirt and gravel driveway. As he walked down the path, Harry took in the scenery. The trees that dotted the path - each separated about ten feet from each other on either side of the pathway – made a sort of ceiling of leaves above them, allowing a mix of shade and sunlight coming through the leaves. Behind the trees on either side stood a large hedge-like wall that raised about ten feet, blocking the view of whatever was behind them.
"What is beyond those hedge walls?" Harry asked, curiously.
"The front of the Grounds," Sirius said, "Flower gardens. Decorative stone pathways. If I remember correctly, there is a hedge maze just to get lost in when you're bored. And that is just the front yard. There's more on either side of the Manor, and behind it as well. James and I ran around these Grounds as Padfoot and Prongs for hours at a time without getting bored."
"How many acres are there?" Harry asked, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he owned a large Manor and Grounds.
"Roughly the size of Hogwarts Grounds, minus the Forbidden Forest," Sirius said.
"And we're in Northampton?" Hermione asked, "Is this hidden from Muggles?"
"The citizens of Northampton have stories about Potter Manor," Remus said, "Most believe it doesn't exist; I'm sure the dense forest enchantment helped that rumor out over the past decade. Some know it exists but that it is haunted. Several believe a scary old witch lives here."
Harry, Hermione and Tonks laughed.
"In truth, there are Muggle-Repelling Wards set all over the property," Remus said. "A common Muggle can't get near it, which is why most believe it doesn't exist."
"Wait," Hermione said, "Are there house-elves in Potter Manor? Is that how the wards have remained for so long?"
"There were," Sirius said, nodding, "Several of them. All owned by the House of Potter. All treated very well by the Potters. All of whom loved the Potters. I'm not sure if they're still here. I'm actually working on a theory. But I can't explain it until I know whether or not there are house-elves waiting for us."
"Nothing looks overgrown or damaged by time," Tonks said, "Maybe they're still around."
"That might just be the enchantments," Sirius said, "I thought about that too."
Soon the path spilled out into a large circular driveway, and everything became bright again. In the center of the circular driveway stood a large decorative stone fountain that was empty of water at the moment. Beyond the fountain, Harry got his first good look at his new home.
Potter Manor was a two-story, white-washed, wood-and-stone manor-house; width-wise is appeared to be the size of three houses on Privet Drive put together.
"It is beautiful," Hermione gushed.
Harry smiled, agreeing with his girlfriend. It truly was a beautiful house.
"What you can't see is a large attic above the second floor, for storage," Sirius said, "as well as a basement underground that takes up the entire width of the manor, though a quarter of that is home to the house-elves. You'll have to open the front door, Harry. It is similar to the gate."
Harry nodded and led the group to the front door. On the doorknob, he found the Potter crest where a locking mechanism would usually be. He pressed his ring to the crest and they heard a short mechanical sound. Harry opened the door and they made their way inside. The first room they came into was a large entrance hall. Two staircases stood on either side of the room leading to the second floor. The walls were wood-paneled in white mahogany, and the floor was a fine brownish-red carpet.
Hermione set down Crookshanks' carrier and opened it up.
"This house is pretty big, Crookshanks," Hermione said, "Try not to get lost."
Crookshanks meowed, stepped out of his carrier, then raced up the stairs toward the second level.
"'Pretty big' might be an understatement, Hermione," Sirius said, "The first floor consists of a large sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, study and very large room known as the event room, which is basically a dining room and party room. It would fit all the guests for the planned social dinner. Near the kitchen there is a door that leads down to the basement. The second floor has eight bedrooms, two of which are Master bedrooms with en-suite full bathrooms – one for your grandparents, Harry, the other for James, then both him and Lily after they married. There are also two more bathrooms, another study which your father and grandfather both used, and – I think you'll like this, Hermione – a nice-sized library."
Hermione squeaked lightly in excitement.
"I'm going to assume none of the furniture has been moved at all," Sirius said, "It just merely needs some good Transfiguration spells and charms to update with the times."
"Ragnok mentioned a family tree tapestry and a safe," Harry said, "Do you know where they would be?"
"Your father's study," Sirius said, "If I remember correctly, it is directly across one of the Master bedrooms, where your parents slept. I think that bedroom would be perfect for you, Harry. But before you do anything, we need to go into the study."
Harry nodded and followed Sirius across the room through a hallway. Harry looked through doorways as he walked, and found the sitting room which looked very cozy. He could just make out a welcoming hearth before he passed by the room. The next room they passed was a bathroom, then Sirius turned into another room. The study resembled a small sitting room with two desks, a sofa, and two bookshelves. Sirius led Harry over to one of the bookshelves on the far side of the room.
"Pay close attention, Harry," Sirius said, "You'll be doing this in the future."
Harry watched as Sirius placed hand on an ornate book-end that seemed to be built into the top shelf of the bookshelf. He then pulled on it, and it leaned toward him. Sirius then backed away, pushing Harry back slightly, as the bookshelf slid forward then to the left along the wall, revealing a large steel door. The door had another Potter Crest on it.
"I believe you know what to do, Harry," Sirius said.
Harry walked over to the door and pressed his ring into the center of the letter 'P' on the crest. He expected to hear a mechanical sound, and so he was quite surprised when the stone door vanished in front of him.
"Go on in, Harry," Sirius said.
Harry stepped into the room, and turned around immediately when he heard Hermione squeak in fright behind him.
"Where did he go, Sirius?" Hermione asked.
"You can't see me?" Harry replied, rather confused.
"Harry?" Hermione asked, "I can hear you, I just can't see you! You walked through a wall!"
"It's alright, Hermione," Sirius said, "Harry, the room you are standing in is what is known as the Wardstone Room. Only Potters are welcome in this room. Hermione, you might on his family tree, but you are not technically a Potter. When you are Lady Potter, you'll be able to enter the room."
"What's with all the security?" Harry asked.
"It is here for a reason, Harry," Sirius said, "The Wardstone Room stands directly in the center of not only Potter Manor, but the entire Grounds on the property. The Wardstone – which is the large stone column in front of you – powers all of the Wards on the property. If the Wardstone is destroyed, if this room is destroyed, it would destroy the Wards, and maybe even bring the Manor down on top of it."
Harry grimaced at that thought. He studied the stone formation in front of him. It seemed to be sparkling and pulsing magic.
"If this controls the Wards," Harry said, "then how the bloody hell was Dumbledore able to place enchantments on the property?"
"That is what I'm trying to figure out, Harry," Sirius said, "I'll explain my theory very soon. Right now, you need to take control of the Permission Ward and modify it. Unlike the Wards on the Granger house, you can place anyone's name without using their wand. It is absolutely fool-proof. Your Signet Ring will guide you on the exact instructions."
Harry nodded and looked at his ring. He then heard the familiar whispers in his mind and the instructions became clear. He pressed the Signet Ring against the stone and inhaled and exhaled.
"I, Harry James Potter," Harry said, "Lord Potter, of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter recognize myself as the Master of this House. I invoke the Permission Ward allowing these people into this Manor and these Grounds until I say otherwise: Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Hermione Granger, Daniel Granger, Emma Granger, Nymphadora Tonks, Ted Tonks, Andromeda Tonks, Amelia Bones, Susan Bones, Daphne Greengrass, Astoria Greengrass, Castor Greengrass, Illiana Greengrass, Luna Lovegood and Xenophilius Lovegood. May these guests be struck down and expelled from these premises if they knowingly wish to do harm to the Master or other guests. The guest list is complete until the next time I say these words. So mote it be."
"Excellent, Harry," Sirius said, "You can always add more to the list when it comes time to prepare for your social party."
Harry turned around and stepped out of the Wardstone Room. Hermione gasped lightly when she saw him; to her it appeared that he had stepped through the wall. Harry looked over his shoulder and saw that the wall had returned.
"In order to return the bookshelf to its normal position, simply replace the book-end to its rightful position," Sirius said, as he demonstrated just that very thing.
The bookshelf slid right and back against the wall. Harry could not see any of the steel door behind it.
"Really, the only time you have go in there is to set the Permission Ward," Sirius said, "Every other ward can be commanded by your ring."
"Okay," Harry said, "Please explain this theory you're talking about."
"Well, if there were any house-elves here at this moment," Sirius said, "I think we would have met at least one already. They likely would have greeted us back in the entrance hall. My theory is that Dumbledore somehow convinced your parents to move the house-elves to Hogwarts until they returned to Potter Manor."
"So you're saying that some of the house-elves working at Hogwarts," Hermione said, "may belong to the House of Potter?"
"Exactly," Sirius said, "It would have worked right into Dumbledore's plan. With a lack of house-elves here, the Wards would have weakened measurably, allowing Dumbledore the ability to place enchantments including the Fidelius Charm. I imagine there were some enchantments that survived over the years, running at low power. For example, Stasis Charms. That is why we didn't walk into a house full of dust, mildew, et cetera. What say we return the Potter house-elves to their rightful home?"
"How?" Harry asked.
"First off, we can't do it in this small room," Sirius said, "Depending on how many house-elves are still around, it might get crowded. Let's go to the Event Room. Believe me, its big enough."
Sirius turned and led the group out of the study, then lead them through the corridors. Soon, he led through an archway and into a room that nearly floored Harry when he looked at it. The room seemed to make up a third of main floor of the Manor. It was enormous. On the left side of the large room stood a very long dining table with several chairs around it. On the right, stood a circular dining table that seemed to be reserved for small family meals.
"It can fit at least one-hundred souls," Sirius said, "That was roughly the number of guests here when James and Lily married. They had their wedding reception in this very room, and their wedding out back on the Grounds. The dining table there sits between thirty and forty. Harry, please attempt to summon the house-elves and we'll see if any show up. Your ring should let you know the correct words."
"House-Elves of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter," Harry said, "Your Lord summons you!"
Almost immediately, ten house-elves appeared in front of them. They looked around confused for a moment, before they saw Harry and cheered in unison.
"Uh, let's see," Harry said, "Who is the head elf of this little group?"
An elf that appeared to be a female walked a few paces forward.
"I am Melina," the elf said, "And you is surely young Master Potter."
"I am Harry," Harry said. "Please call me Harry."
"Melina speaks for every elf in this room when she says she is happy Harry is finally home!" Melina said.
"Thanks," Harry said.
"Melina," Sirius said, "You wouldn't happen to be Missy's daughter, would you?"
"Yes, sir," Melina said, then her ears drooped. "Missy is in the great meadow we all must go to in the end. Seven years now, sir."
"I am sorry," Sirius said, "I liked that elf."
"Did all of you work at Hogwarts, Melina?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Harry," Melina said. "These elves were born at Hogwarts. Their parents, like my own, were former elves who worked here."
"How did you come to work at Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
"When Master James and Lady Lily left Potter Manor," Melina said, "They asked us to work at Hogwarts until they or young Master called them home. Master James asked us to treat Headmaster Dumbledore as our temporary Master until then."
"Why did you never come see me?" Harry asked.
Melina's ears drooped again. "Headmaster forbid it until our Master summoned us."
"And if I never knew you existed?" Harry asked, "if I never summoned you?"
"I expect we would work at Hogwarts until the end of our days," Melina said.
Harry nodded. He was furious at Dumbledore, but he didn't want to show such emotions in front of the house-elves in case they reacted badly.
"Well," Harry said, "I have returned home to Potter Manor, and I will likely be living here on a permanent basis, except for when I go to Hogwarts, or on holiday. Hermione, here, is my Betrothed, and she'll be a long-term guest for now. Do you happen to know Sirius, Remus and Dora Tonks?"
"I believe so, though I was very young," Melina said. "We recognize Professor Lupin as one of the staff at Hogwarts."
"No longer, I'm afraid," Remus said, smiling.
"They'll be living here as temporary guests as well," Harry said. "As the head elf of House Potter, I assume you were in charge of these other elves?"
"Yes, sir," Melina said.
"You may hold onto that position," Harry said, "I don't really know what it is like to be in charge of house elves. But I will get to know each and every one of you in the coming days, I expect. One last thing before I leave you to your duties of Potter Manor. Melina, do you by chance know a house-elf named Dobby?"
A hint of blush appeared on Melina's cheeks. Hermione giggled lightly; apparently she had noticed it too.
"Oh, yes ,sir!" Melina said, "Dobby works in the kitchens at Hogwarts. But he not a Hogwarts elf, merely a volunteer."
"Would you be okay if I hired him onto the staff of Potter Manor?" Harry asked.
Melina nodded rather energetically. "Oh, yes, sir. We'd be very happy!"
"Thank you, Melina, everyone," Harry said, "I'll let you begin your duties."
Melina turned to the house elves, spoke in what appeared to be an elfish language, and they all vanished at once.
"Well, I do believe Melina fancies Dobby," Hermione said, chuckling.
"Would it be okay with you if I hired him?" Harry asked. "I have a running theory, ever since we came back from Greengrass Manor. I think I know how to get past any protective enchantments we run into during our assassination missions. We simply overload them with house-elf magic."
"Harry!" Hermione scolded, "That would be very dangerous for the elves."
"Nah, it wouldn't," Sirius said, "True, it may make them a bit tired, but that is all. It is a really good plan, Hermione. A lot better and safer than I could come up with."
Remus and Tonks expressed their agreement as well.
Hermione sighed. "Okay, but I'm not entirely happy with you using the elves like that."
"You wouldn't be you if you were," Harry said, with a smile. "Dobby! Can you hear me?"
A moment later, Dobby appeared a few feet in front of him. Harry grinned, blinking back tears as he looked upon the elf. It seemed likely only recently the elf had saved him, Hermione and several others, and gave his life doing so.
"Harry Potter!" Dobby exclaimed, "An honor it is!"
"Hello, Dobby," Harry said, "Welcome to Potter Manor."
Dobby gasped, as he looked around. He seemed rather excited to be there.
"How would you like to become an official elf of House Potter?" Harry asked.
Large tears leaked from Dobby's bulbous eyes. "Harry Potter wants Dobby to work for him?"
"If that is what you want," Harry said. "I know you're working at Hogwarts."
"Dobby has been volunteering at Hogwarts, this is true," Dobby said, "But Dobby would be honored to be an elf of the great House of Potter!"
"You're hired," Harry said, "Do you require pay?"
"Oh, no, sir," Dobby said, "Dobby is just pleased to work for Harry Potter!"
"Go find Melina then," Harry said, "She is the Head of the Potter elves. She tells me you know her?"
Dobby nodded, his cheeks turning slightly red. "Oh, yes, Dobby knows Melina and the Potter elves. Dobby admits that he was quite confused because he didn't know Harry Potter owned elves."
"I didn't know that either until today," Harry said. "But they will be family. Just like you."
Dobby choked back tears. "Dobby would be happy to be Harry Potter's family. If Dobby is excused, Dobby will find Head-elf Melina."
"You're excused," Harry said.
Dobby vanished from sight. Harry turned to Hermione, who smiled with misty eyes.
"It would appear Dobby fancies Melina as well," she said.
"He seems to be a big fan of yours, Harry," Tonks said, "Who is he?"
"A friend," Harry said, smiling, "A very good friend. Gave his life to save mine and Hermione's in the other timeline."
"A good friend indeed," Sirius said, "Shall we go explore the rest of the house and find our bedrooms?"
It was mutually agreed, so Harry and the others made their way out of the Event Room and back toward the entrance hall, then up to the second floor. The first room they passed was the library – Hermione lingered at the door of the room for a few moments, before Harry pulled her along. Tonks found a bedroom first and excused herself as she walked in. As the others walked down the hall, they came across a large bedroom.
"This was your grandparents' bedroom," Sirius said, "The other Master Bedroom. Yours is at the far end of the hallway. Good view of the backyard. Your father's study is across the hall from it. To the left of the study is your old nursery, Harry, and across from that is a nice bedroom that Hermione might like. I think I'll take this bedroom."
"And I'll take this one," Remus said, motioning to the room across the hall from the Master Bedroom, before walking inside.
Sirius stepped into his choice of bedroom, and Harry and Hermione headed off down the hall. The first room they came upon was Harry's old nursery. The wallpaper resembled a giant animated Quidditch match. A baby crib and various other furniture was still there.
"Oh, this is just too cute," Hermione said, grinning. "I can just picture you as a baby laying in the crib and watching the wallpaper."
Harry smiled. "I think I'll leave this room as is. At least for now. Might change it if we need another bedroom."
"Good idea," Hermione said. "Lets go to the Master Bedroom."
"Both of us?" Harry asked grinning.
Hermione rolled her eyes and playfully punched his arm. "Your bag has most of my belongings. I need to retrieve them before I take them to my new bedroom. But I do want to see yours. After all, I'm quite sure it will be my bedroom too in a few years."
Harry felt his cheeks grow warm. Hermione giggled and ducked out of the nursery. Harry sighed, realizing she was teasing him, and followed her. Soon they reached the end of the hallway. Harry looked to his left and found the office Sirius had mentioned. He decided to put off going in there for just a little while longer. Instead, he turned to his right and made his way into the bedroom. The Master Bedroom, which once belonged to his parents, was brilliant, in Harry's opinion. It was roomy, inviting and had a warm atmosphere to it. Three windows, two pointing to the north, and one pointing to the west, brought natural light in that made the room glow.
Against the western wall of the room stood an large and extremely comfortable looking brown-mahogany bed that, in Harry's opinion, could likely fit three or four people. His cheeks grew warm at the thought of how many of his Betrothed he could fit on the bed with him. On the left side of the room, there was another door. Harry and Hermione both walked over to it and found the Master bath. Along with the expected sink and toilet, was a large bathtub that resembled a hot-tub with added shower. It looked extremely inviting.
"That tub looks large enough to fit four... at least," Hermione said, grinning. "I might have to borrow it a few times."
"Or you could join me?" Harry said, in an obviously joking manner.
"Perhaps," Hermione replied.
Harry choked. Hermione giggled and snatched the Undetectable Extension bag from his belt loop, then walked back into the bedroom. As she began taking her things out of the bag, Harry walked over to the window and looked out it. What he saw made him exclaim "Holy Merlin!"
"What?" Hermione asked; then hurried over to the window, "Well that's – wow."
On the back end of the grounds behind the Manor, surrounded on three sides by a dense forest stood a half-court Quidditch Pitch complete with six rings and stadium seats on two sides. The rings went about thirty meters into the sky instead of the usual fifty in professional stadiums. Closer to the house, Harry saw a large Greenhouse that sparkled in the sunlight, as well as a couple gardens on either side of it.
Harry sighed and turned his back to it. He may have been looking around his bedroom, but in reality, he was staring off into space.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione asked, as she resumed removing her belongings from the bag.
"How could my parents leave Potter Manor for a small cottage in Godric's Hollow?" Harry asked. "This place is amazing. And the Wards protecting the Manor and Grounds? It would take at least an hour or two, if not more, for Voldemort and a crew of Death Eaters to get around them. By then, Mum and Dad could have been long gone. How the bloody hell did Dumbledore convince them to leave?"
"I don't know, Harry," Hermione said, "But it will be something he will answer to. I promise you."
"He coerced them somehow," Harry said, "He must have."
"Very likely," Hermione said, "Whatever it is, we'll discover it."
Harry nodded. Hermione smiled, collected her belongings and left the room, leaving Harry to his thoughts. He stood and began pulling his belongings out of his bag. He placed Hedwig's cage on top of a dresser near one of the windows, then opened the window. Almost immediately, he heard a noise nearby. He turned and smiled when he found Hedwig perched on the windowsill. He smiled as he watched her fly over to her cage and perch herself on top of it.
"Hello, girl," he said, as he walked over to her, "Safe flight?"
Hedwig hooted and nodded, then nuzzled into his hand. Harry placed food and water in her bowls in the cage, and Hedwig flew inside and started her feast.
He then started unpacking clothes from the bag and placing them in the dresser and walk-in closet. When he got to the bottom of his bag, he pulled out his school trunk and set it at the end of his bed.
Then he pulled out another chest, and was rather surprised as he looked at it. He had forgotten about finding the chest in Slytherin's office in the Chamber of Secrets. It seemed like years since he had found it. So much had happened since then. He pushed it under his bed for safe keeping. He recalled Ginny mentioning her brother Bill could likely open it safely without setting off any enchantments. Harry wondered if he would ever find a proper time to ask Bill about it.
By the time he finished unpacking, Harry found that Hedwig was asleep, resting from a long mid-morning flight.
"Sweet dreams, girl," Harry said.
Then he set off out of his bedroom, eager to explore his father's old office and the rest of Potter Manor.