FicWad

Chapter 12 – Coming Home
. . .

Tracey Davis, dressed in a comfortable muggle skirt and blouse, took a seat upon the small sofa in her outer sitting room. It was morning and while the others were certainly making their way towards the dining room she was awaiting Winky's delivery of her own meal. The young woman recalled the events of the previous evening in the kitchen with a cringe.

"I can't believe I broke down and cried," she chastised herself, "in front of Harry Potter!" The woman could feel her cheeks heat into a blush. I hadn't even intended to tell him, she recalled. It just sort of came out and once it started, I couldn't stop it. Tracey's head shook a bit at her own foolish actions. What will he think of me now? The young woman could still recall the feel his arms where they had held her as she cried.

Self-esteem had never been one of Tracey's strengths, often feeling as though she was not good enough for many things. Gregory Goyle had lifted her spirits only to crush them in the foulest of manners. The young witch had withdrawn into herself, leaving the world and others behind back then. Daphne had been the only one able to reach her and through sheer determination the blonde girl had slowly but surely drawn her best friend back to a semblance of her former self.

Though everything appeared to be well on the outside, looks could always be deceiving. The young woman still harbored a low self-esteem and had never truly recovered from that day. It was a dark shadow, a heavy black ominous cloud that always threatened rain, even on the sunniest of days. If it wasn't for Daphne's presence in her life Tracey truly didn't think she could survive. Tracey smiled at the thought of the woman who was so much more than something as simple as a mere friend to her. She was beginning to suspect that there was someone else who could come to mean as much as well, if she but let him. The question was, what would Daphne think of that?

An unexpected light knocking upon her door pulled the young woman from her thoughts. The witch wondered who it could be as Winky would simply pop into existence rather than knock at her door. Everyone should be downstairs already, she mused. Rising, Tracey crossed to the door and opened it, a startled expression appearing upon her features. "Harry?" she managed to get out upon seeing the wizard at her door.

Harry offered her a small crooked smile, feeling rather nervous right about then. It had all made sense in his head that morning as he dressed. Tracey had not been down for meals since Luna had arrived at Westfield. Daphne, though she tried to hide it, felt Tracey's absence keenly. Everyone knew why Tracey wasn't there, however Harry wanted to move past that. Now, faced with the witch, he found himself rather tongue tied. "Good, you're dressed," he opened with only to cringe at the lame greeting. "Shall we?" he asked as he turned and offered her his arm, determined to continue regardless of how terrible a job he was making of it.

"What?" Tracey asked as her gaze dropped to the proffered arm. She still hadn't cottoned on to what Harry was implying. The young woman's thoughts were all jumbled, having just been contemplating the man before her. She still felt the embarrassment from the previous evening.

"I thought I would escort you down to breakfast," Harry explained, still holding out his arm to her. "I think you've hid yourself up here long enough," he told her.

"But Winky…," she replied rather weakly, still not having taken his offered arm and proposed escort.

"Oh she won't be bringing your meals to your room any longer. I asked her not to," Harry informed the confused witch. "It's simple. Daphne misses you at meal times. Even I miss you," he told her, feeling as if it was getting warmer by the second for some unknown reason. "I've no one to glare at me," he added in a nervous tone, attempting a bit of levity."I rather miss it."

Tracey stared at the man as if he'd lost his head, till his words sunk in. Does he really miss me? she wondered to herself. "Well, we can't have that now can we," she asked in a playful tone that surprised even herself. Daphne was the one who did playful after all, not her. Tracey slipped her hand into the crook of Harry's arm and allowed the wizard to lead her from her rooms. The twain descended the staircase in silence, both sporting a pink tinge to their cheeks.

It was to mixed results that they entered the dining room. Daphne wore a surprised expression, clearly not having thought that she would see Tracey at the table. The fact that her best friend was on Harry's arm only added to her confusion. Luna had a knowing smile that radiated her approval of Harry escorting the woman to her seat at the table. Andi was already gone for the day and Teddy was well on the way to looking like a miniature Harry, abet with food smeared across his cheeks.

Tracey offered Harry a demure smile when he pulled out her chair for her, scooting it in once she had seated herself. "Thank you, Harry," the witch said shyly. Tracey watched as Harry walked over to Teddy and gave him a peek on the top of his head as Luna distracted the child with another spoonful of food. The former Slytherin turned and looked at her friend next to her only to grin. Tracey reached out and placing her fingertip under Daphne's chin and lifted."You'll catch flies that way, Daph," she said with a wide grin.

"Okay, clearly I've missed something," Daphne replied after snapping out of her shock and closing her mouth. "Care to clue me in?"

"Later," Tracey replied before she took her plate to the sideboard and served herself. The young woman was glad to be back with everyone else as she had missed their morning gatherings. The fact that Harry had gone out of her way to collect her made Tracey feel a bit special at his thoughtfulness.

Daphne turned and watched as Harry and Luna exchanged peeks on the cheeks. The wizard then came around the table and collected his plate. "You are just full of surprises," she said as Harry leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Harry's answering crooked smile had a kaleidoscope of butterflies doing the rumba in her stomach as she turned her head to peek his cheek.

"I thought it was time for her to rejoin us," Harry stated as he was kissed."Besides, I could tell you missed having her here, Daphne," he offered as a parting shot as he stood and went to go serve himself, offering Tracey a small smile as he passed her on the way back to her seat.

He did this for me? Daphne wondered as she watched him walk away. The fact was that she had missed her friend at meal times. While Harry and Luna were wonderful company, as was Andi when she was there, they were not Tracey. They were not her best friend. The fact that Harry had known that, made her feel rather special inside.

"It looks like a busy day today, ladies," Harry stated as he set his plate down and took his seat. "I need to see about hiring an instructor for the lot of you. Before that I'll need to stop by Gringotts to see about changing one of the rooms below ground into a sparring room where you can work on your practical lessons." Harry paused to take a sip of tea. "I should probably get you a key to my vault Luna."

"No!" the petite witch exclaimed loudly startling them all. The last thing she wanted was for Harry to share the wealth of his family with her. "What I mean is," she stammered out in a hasty recovery, "that I wouldn't feel right using your money, Harry. I'm sure Daddy has plenty of galleons in the Lovegood vault," she added with a waning smile.

Harry couldn't understand why she was against using his galleons but wasn't going to argue with her. Technically they are both my vaults, he thought as Xeno had named him heir of all that he owned before his passing."Do you need me to get you a key?" Harry asked.

"No, I still have mine," Luna assured him. That was a close one, she thought as she turned to feed Teddy. He's so generous. It was a fact that Luna found rather attractive about the man. She wouldn't have minded if the consequences were not so dire. No little brother or sister for you just yet, she thought as regarded the toddler next to her who was like a son to Harry.

"Very well," Harry replied before turning to address the others. "Do either of you ladies need anything while I am out?" Both Daphne and Tracey declined and so the meal progressed with light conversation and the usual banter. Harry couldn't help but notice that there wasn't a scowl directed his way the entire time. Well, that is something, he thought, rather pleased with himself.

-oOo-

The next week proved to be more than just busy for the young wizard. The Goblins were contracted once again to work on the manor house, turning one of the lower rooms into a personalized version of a sparing floor. It looked very similar to what Dumbledore's Army had used at Hogwarts fifth year, complete with moving and attacking practice dummies. The room was so heavily warded that any magic performed there was undetectable. The construction though meant no end to the questions and details that apparently only Harry could answer.

Tuesdays and Thursdays still saw the young man going on dates with various partners, much to the chagrin of the women currently living under his roof. Saturdays were for Quidditch and Harry never missed the pickup games with the guys. Finding an instructor proved a bit more difficult as Harry did not want a troupe of strangers coming in and out of his home. The man enjoyed his privacy, with few people knowing where he currently resided, and he planned to keep it that way. The hope was to find a single someone qualified to teach all the subject matter.

It was that very search that currently brought him to the offices of Wilburn, Wright and Pinkerton. Harry had hired the group to represent his legal interests. They were a young firm, comprising of two half-bloods and a muggle born wizard, which is what had attracted Harry in the first place. He may have been better off with one of the older, more seasoned firms but he liked the fact that there was an actual muggle-born who was a partner. Also, he found the 'established' firms to be a bit on the snooty side for his tastes.

Upon entering the waiting room via the floo, Harry was quickly shown to the office of Daniel Wright. Mr. Wright was a handsome young man, just shy of seeing his thirtieth summer. Daniel was well dressed in a dark suite with an impeccably trimmed mustache and goatee. "Ah, Mr. Potter," Daniel greeted Harry with, a welcoming smile on his face as he stood and walked around the desk to shake Harry's hand. "Right on time."

"Always a pleasure, Mr. Wright," Harry replied, accepting the man's hand and giving it a firm shake. It was then that Harry noticed that they were not alone. There was an older witch, not McGonagall old, but older than either of them, who had also risen to her feet upon his entrance.

"Mr. Potter, may I introduce Mary Macdonald." Daniel said with a smile as he gestured towards the witch with them. Mary was dressed in typical Wizarding fashion, a dark dress that would have fit better in an old black and white movie than in modern day London. There was nothing noteworthy about her features as they were rather plain. The hint of crow's feet and a few other emerging wrinkles suggested that the woman smiled a lot. Either that or squinted a great deal. Perhaps both?

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter," the witch opened with as she gave a polite curtsey. "You have your mother's eyes and your father roguish good looks I see," she added with a small smile at Harry's answering blush to her words.

"The pleasure is mine, Madam," Harry replied with a slight bowing of his head."I'm afraid I am at a disadvantage, were you familiar with my parents?"

Mary gave a small chuckle and answering smile. "I think all the witches at Hogwarts were familiar with James Potter," she told him candidly. "At least up until his seventh year that is. As soon as Lily gave him even a hint of a chance James wouldn't even so much as look at another girl."

"I had heard that mum was rather hard on him," Harry replied with a matching smile. The tales of his father's pursuit of his mum were rather legendary yet he never tired of hearing them.

"That she was, but also on herself. I was one of Lily's closest friends as we shared a dorm room and all. I can tell you that she fought with herself all through her time at Hogwarts. Came close to giving into James on several occasions to," Mary confided. "She didn't want James to think it would that easy to woo her though. Other witches fell all too easily for that boy's charms. Your mum was determined not to be just another notch on his broomstick!The more he pursued her the more she said no. Before long she was the only one he was chasing after, which was her plan all along," Mary added with a wide grin.

Harry was thrilled to meet someone who not only knew his parents but had gone to school with them and been a close friend of his mum's. "I would love to hear more about them," Harry nearly begged, prepared to sit down right there and spend hours listening if need be.

"I have loads of stories," Mary assured Harry. "James and that Black boy were always getting into trouble. I wonder whatever happened to him. Sirius was his name as I recall. Is he still about?" she asked, hoping that she was being casual about the inquiry. Truth was that back in her school days she rather fancied Sirius.

The smile on Harry's face dipped noticeably. "No. We lost him during this last war," he informed Mary. The all too familiar ache surfaced in Harry's chest at the thought of his godfather. Harry doubted he would ever stop missing the man who was perhaps the closest he'd ever come to knowing a father figure.

"Terrible business that war," Mary tsked, regretting bringing up the matter as she could see that it grieved him. I shouldn't be surprised, she thought. I'm certain a great many things have changed while I have been away.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Macdonald has just recently returned to England," Daniel Wright inserted rather quickly to bring the conversation back on track."She has been teaching at Salem Witches' Institute over in the States for the past several years. We thought she might be perfect for the instructor you wanted. She is fully qualified in all the areas required, I assure you."

"What brings you back to England?" Harry enquired out of curiosity. If Mr. Wright said Mary was qualified then Harry was fine with it, knowing the solicitor would have checked the woman out thoroughly prior to setting up this meeting.

"England is home, Mr. Potter. Always has been and always will be," Mary replied."My family and I left back at the first rise of the Dark Lord as I'm a half-blood witch with my mother being a muggle-born. Even in the States we hear tell of the struggle that went on here and that you saw to the final demise of that evil man. I figured it was once again safe to return home. While it is nice to be at Salem and reside with our cousins across the pond, they don't even speak the Queen's proper English," she confided. "And don't get me started on the tea," Mary hastily added with a disparaging eye-roll.

"I see," Harry replied. Never having been out of the country he could only imagine. "I am assuming Mr. Wright explained the need I have?"

"As I understand it you have three seventh year witches who need to complete their schooling and sit their N.E.W.T.'s," Mary said to answer his question, the Professor in her coming out in spades. "What Houses are they in?" she enquired, having an aversion to Slytherin House due to being assaulted by that Mulciber boy who had used Dark Magic on her during her fifth year at Hogwarts. The Pure-blood Slytherin later claimed it was just a prank and meant to be in good fun, thus by escaping punishment.

"Luna is a Ravenclaw. Her father recently passed away which is why she will not be returning to Hogwarts for the completion of her final year," Harry told her. "Mr. Lovegood made me her guardian just prior to his passing. Daphne and Tracey did not return to Hogwarts for their seventh year at all and will require additional work to catch up with Luna I suspect. All three are very intelligent witches though," he assured her. "I think you will find them to be exceptional students."

Mary gave a nod of understanding. "I expect my students to be punctual, Mr. Potter. It will be up to them to make it to classes. You may be paying for my time but I will not stand for it being wasted," she stated in a business like tone that could have just as easily come out of the mouth of Headmistress McGonagall.

"That shouldn't be a problem as they all live at in my home," Harry stated."They are very responsible women I have found. I doubt very much that you will have any problems with them."

Mary eyed the man for a long moment. The thought of three young witches living under that same roof as a young teenaged wizard did not sit well with her proper English sensibilities. "James would be ever so proud of his son," she finally said in an even tone.

Harry's smiled widened a bit at hearing her words, happy to know that his father would approve of his taking in and helping those in need. After a moment or two he couldn't help but ask, "My mum?"

"Yes, as I said, your father would be ever so proud," Mary replied after a long pause. "I am assuming there are proper facilities at the location for them to do their school work?" she asked quickly changing the subject. It wasn't her place to judge the man or tell him that Lily would be rather disappointed with her son should she learn that he was playing with the hearts of those three witches.

"I would be more than happy to show you around the place," Harry offered, not sure what to make of the woman's answer and hence decided to let it pass. Even living with four witches, women still confused him for the most part. He was hoping that Mary would accept the offered position so that he could check an item off his 'To Do'list.

"Are there accommodations nearby where I may stay for the duration of this assignment? A hotel or inn perhaps?" May asked. The older witch was currently staying at a relatives till she could find a place of her own. The house was lacking a floo connection, making it difficult to get around at times. The teaching job would put off buying a place for a while but it would also allow her to earn more galleons which would help with the final purchase of a home afterwards. The young wizard was offering three times the usual rate.

"You can stay at the manor with the girls and me," Harry offered. "My home is located in a muggle area so staying at the local inn might present a problem," he explained. "I have plenty of room as well as a sparing room and complete potions lab for you and the girls to use. If there is anything else required I can have it added as there is plenty of unused space to accommodate just about anything," Harry told her.

"Perhaps once I have seen the place," Mary replied as she extended her hand."If it is acceptable then you have yourself a teacher, Mr. Potter." I may also have to play at governess to protect these young witches, she mused silently. It's the least I can do for Lily.

"Thank you, Miss Macdonald," Harry answered, accepting the hand and shaking it."I'll sleep a bit easier knowing that the girls are in your care." Harry released her hand and looked towards Daniel Wright. "Anything on that other matter?" he enquired. Harry had provided an explanation and a copy of his oath to Xeno Lovegood to the firm so that they could look into the matter and see what would be required of him to fulfill it or hopefully get out of it completely.

"Not as yet, Mr. Potter," Daniel replied. "As soon as we know anything we'll contact you."

"Thank you Sir," Harry replied, shaking the man's hand. "Shall we?" Harry asked with a gesture towards the door for Mary to proceed him out. The witch left the office with the two men behind her. Harry took her by the elbow and the two of them disappeared into the floo network.

-oOo-

The hour was late and everyone was already abed and sleeping as Harry sat in the library reading a book. Mary had settled into the manor with little fuse though there had been a shopping trip involved to furnish her rooms. Harry was fortunate enough to have had other plans and begged off going this time. As Daphne still had her muggle galleon card which Harry had provided her, his absence was hardly noted. He later learned that there hadn't been a trip to the woman's unmentionables store.

In the two weeks since Miss Macdonald's arrival and the start of classes, Harry had noticed that the witches seemed to be in better moods. Perhaps they were bored and needed something to do, he mused absently. The school work and potion brewing certainly kept them busy for the greater part of each day. It seemed to him that the added distraction was working well for Luna as well as the young witch was slowly healing from her father's passing. Life, if anything, had become a bit more hectic for all of them.

Not all things had changed of course. They all sat down for breakfast together as well as for dinner. Andi was introduced to Mary who recalled the Black sister who was several years ahead of her at Hogwarts. Andi had no recollection of Mary which neither thought unusual as the older years pretty much ignored the younger years at school. That and given the fact that Andi was Slytherin and Mary was Gryffindor it was highly unlikely that their paths would have crossed. Mary was glad to learn that there was apparently an older witch there to watch out for the girls.

The Yule holidays were still three weeks away and Harry had been busier than ever. The young wizard, in conjunction with the help of Gringotts, was preparing a Christmas surprise he hoped would see Luna well on her way to recovering. Harry was also looking forward to having Hermione home as well. He couldn't wait to show her the library which Luna had been helping him stock with books. The other witches had learned of his desire to fill the shelves of the room and had been adding their suggestions as well. Mary had been very adamant about anumber of books that the girls would need for their lessons.

Harry's reading was interrupted by the soft pop of an elf's arrival. Looking up, Harry saw Kreacher had appeared. The elf hastily raised a finger to his lips in a hushing motion before the old elf took several hasty steps backwards and partially hid behind a book case. No sooner had the elf concealed himself than there was another sift pop and Winky appeared, hastily looking about.

"Can I help you with something, Winky?" Harry asked, seeing that she seemed to be searching for something or someone. Harry was fairly certain just who the persistent she-elf was after. It was all he could do to keep from laughing as Kreacher cowered behind the book case less he be seen.

The elf's eyes zeroed in on her master as if she hadn't even known he was there."Winky thought it best to see if Master Harry required anything further before Winky went to bed," the small elf replied still looking about.

"Thank you, Winky. I think I'm good for the rest of the evening," Harry told her, deciding not to mention the fact that it was already well past midnight."Are you searching for something?"

Winky froze for a moment before her head slowly turned and regarded Harry."Winky thought that perhaps Kreacher was here," the elf confessed, unable to lie to her master. "Winky wanted to ask Kreacher something." While unable to lie she could tailor her answers so as to give away as little as possible apparently.

"Shall I call him for you?" Harry asked. Behind Winky Harry could see Kreacher's head peeking out and the old elf's eyes grew with fear to nearly twice their size upon hearing Harry's words. It was clear to the wizard that the elf was terrified that his master would follow through on his words.

"No. Master Harry is very kind to offer. Winky will ask Kreacher tomorrow," the elf replied before popping away.

"Alright there, Kreacher?" Harry asked with a knowing grin as the old elf stepped out from his hiding place. He had, on more than one occasion, stumbled upon Winky trying rather aggressively to convince Kreacher into gifting her with a child. Harry was a bit surprised that the old elf had lasted this long.

"Kreacher is sorry for disturbing the young Master," the elf replied with a bow after stepping from his place of concealment.

"It's quite alright," Harry said, waving away his concerns. "I understand, Kreacher. Chin up old man," Harry added encouragingly just before the elf popped away to some other hiding place for the night. Glad I don't have those sort of women problems, he told himself. No, you just like women who are in love with someone else or are emotionally unreachable, as in Luna's case, the voice in his head was quick to remind him. "Power of love my arse," he mumbled under his breath as he returned to the book he had been reading.

-oOo-

"Wait. Say that once again," Harry said in amazement, certain he had heard things incorrectly. This certainly had to be one of the strangest meetings he had ever attended, which was saying something. Harry glanced at the goblin beside him but Bob appeared unbothered by anything that had been said previously."Start from the beginning please," Harry requested as he felt a headache beginning.

Helen Davis was an elegant lady. Dressed fashionably for the Wizarding world with an abundance of jewelry which sparkled just so in almost any lighting, charmed no doubt. The fur-lined cape, dark green floor length dress and matching hat were sure to be the height of fashion. None of this mattered to the wizard sitting in front of her of course but she didn't know that. Beside the Davis matriarch sat her husband who hadn't said more than two words the entire time. Next to him sat the Davis Account Manager, Crackjaw, who glared daggers at Bob only to be pointedly ignored.

"Mr. Potter," Helen Davis started with as she sat up stiffly in her chair. The witch wasn't certain what could be gained by going over the proposal once again. It's fairly straight forward, she thought to herself. "My husband and I own Divine Dresses by Davis. We offer handmade dresses to those that want their apparel to be a cut above the rest and have the galleons to afford it. Only the crème de la crème, the wealthiest of the upper class will be seen in one of my creations," she assured Harry.

Harry was not impressed. Having spent time with snooty solicitors and more than his fair share of Pure-bloods bigots, he had little patience for people who thought themselves better than others. If it weren't for the fact that these were Tracey's parents he wouldn't have agreed to this meeting in the first place. Harry had come to the conclusion that this had been a waste of time till the woman had gotten to the last part of her pitch.

"With the recent disagreement in our world, business has been rather less than desirable," the woman understated. It was hard to get good business when the head of several of the wealthiest and prominent houses in Britain had been arrested and incarcerated for backing the lunatic know as Voldemort. The fact that the woman called the war a disagreement told Harry just who's side she had been on. "We, like everyone else have felt the shadow of the Dark Lord," the woman continued with in a pitiful tone, playing it up for all she was worth.

"Due to this we have found ourselves in a difficult position," Helen stated."With the Yule fast approaching we would normally be working on our spring selection already but are rather short on finances," she stated whilst trying to look embarrassed by the admission. Harry was certain no small amount of gold had made its way into Voldemort's hands. "We need 250,000 galleons to see us through this dry spell."

"Why not just request a loan from Gringotts?" Harry asked as it seemed the obvious solution to the problem even to his business challenged mind. He was by far no expert but he thought that was exactly what banks were for.

Helen folded her hands in her lap and reminded herself that this was just a boy. A very wealthy boy as he inherited the Black family fortune, but a boy none the less. "They would want a portion of the business to secure the loan. The very thought of Goblins owning a part of such a prestigious Wizarding business is just too ghastly to contemplate, Mr. Potter!" Helen declared not caring one bit that there were two goblins seated at the table with them at the moment."They're clothes for witches after all, not goblins," she added in the same tone one would when attempting to explain something to a small child.

Harry had understood all that of course. It was right around this point that they had lost him. Harry leaned forward and rested his elbows upon the table top, entwining his fingers before his chin. "Rather than sell me a part ownership," he said slowly, he was familiar with the concept of being a silent partner thanks to Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes, "you want to sell me…," Harry trailed off, finding he was unable to say what he had thought the witch had stated the first time.

"Our daughter, Tracey," Helen provided. "Divine Dresses by Davis has been in our family since it first opened. We've clothed the most famous witches through the ages, even royalty at times. It just wouldn't do to have the business owned by anyone who isn't a Davis," Helen stated, explaining why they wouldn't sell a portion of the business to him.

Harry sat back, once again gobsmacked by the offer. "So I would marry her?" he asked in disbelief only to see the witch nod. "What does Tracey think of all this?" Harry found himself asking. He may not know Tracey as well as he knew the others women staying at Westfield but he couldn't see her agreeing to such an arrangement. Frankly, he would hate to see what would be left of the person that even proposed it to her.

"Mr. Potter, the Davises may not be a Pure-blood family but we adhere to the old ways. Tracey will do as her Head of House tells her to," Helen assured him a bit smugly. The thought that anyone would even dare defy her wishes never even entered her mind.

There was little doubt in Harry's mind just who that Head of House was and it certainly wasn't the man seated next to the witch before him. Still, he had to at least try. "Mr. Davis, you've been rather silent during this entire meeting. Are you alright with this arrangement? Certainly selling off your only daughter can't sit well with you?"

Benjamin Davis was a rather round fellow. The years had not been kind to him, nor had been living with his wife. Long before they were hand-fasted it was apparent just who was in charge. The one bright spot in his otherwise miserable life had been the birth of his daughter, Tracey. Right from the start he had spoiled her, buying her toys and anything that she asked for. He knew Helen hadn't approved but he continued anyways, his one act of defiance. That disapproval had turned to anger and then jealousy over the years.

Benjamin looked up as he was addressed. A fearful glance towards his wife saw her glaring at him for not immediately answering affirmatively as he had previously been instructed. He knew this was Helen's way of getting rid of the only thing that mattered in his life. Tired sad eyes regarded Harry for several long moments. "You would take care of her and see she is treated right? You'd make my little girl happy, wouldn't you?"

"Of course, Sir," Harry replied upon seeing the pain in the man's eyes at the thought of losing his own flesh and blood. In Harry's mind it wasn't so much a question of if he would take care of Tracey or not but rather if she would let him or just hex him into oblivion instead. Harry was fairly certain it would be the latter of the two options.

"As a father, that's all you really want for your children. That they can be happy and well cared for, Mr. Potter. If you can give her that then you'd be giving her something I never could, a loving home," Benjamin confessed, ignoring the hissing warning from his wife. "When she was little she loved to draw. She was good at it too! Had a real talent for color coordination. I think she would have made a grand designer one day," he told Harry rather wistfully.

"Yes," Helen hastily interceded before the man could say more, "this would be for Tracey of course. After that incident with the Goyle boy her prospects are rather limited, you understand."

"I was sorry to hear about that," Harry offered, not realizing that there may be others that knew as well. It only makes sense that her parents would know, he thought. The school of course had notified her parents of what had happened at the time.

"If only she hadn't turned him down!" Helen stated. "She would have been a part of a nice Pure-blood family now. Maybe not his wife, but had she born him a child, and had it been a son, they would not have been able to cast her aside then." The woman's heartless words had Harry's anger spiking whilst threatening to slip his control.

It didn't take a group of Ravenclaw's to see that Mr. Davis wanted what was best for Tracey while Mrs. Davis just wanted the girl gone from their lives. Preferably in a manner which benefited herself. Harry sat back and honestly didn't have a clue as to what he should do. If he loaned them the galleons and they couldn't pay them back he would have Tracey. If they did pay back the loan Tracey would be free but he still would have agreed to such terms as using her as collateral. No doubt she'll hate me for the rest of my life should she ever find out. There was also the fact that he didn't want Tracey, or anyone else, under those conditions.

"I think it would be best if we were to go over the number's before we make a decision," Bob said to break the lengthening silence and perhaps sensing Harry's anger. "Once I've reviewed them and had a chance to speak with Mr. Potter we'll let you know his decision." The others in the room left after offering polite parting words to Harry.

"How do I get myself into situations like this?" Harry asked rhetorically as he stood and began pacing to work off some of his anger. "How can she be so bloody heartless concerning her own daughter?" he fumed.

"There will always be those who only care about one thing, themselves," Bob offered as he looked over the paperwork for Divine Dresses. The numbers looked good. Too good. Especially for a business that had reportedly fallen on hard times due to the war. The goblin's gut was telling him that there was something else going on here.

"But it's her child!" Harry reiterated. The frustrated and angry wizard dropped into a seat as the pacing really wasn't helping any. I need to destroy a few practice dummies, he thought as he moved testing the new sparing room at home to the top of his to do list.

Further discussion was halted by a knock upon the door. Bob called out and a smaller, younger, goblin ran in and handed the Potter Account Manager a piece of parchment before hastily leaving. Bob read the parchment, a slow toothy grin spreading across his face. "This is beginning to make more sense now," he said to Harry. The wizard arched a brow in question. "Upon receiving their meeting request I had some of my people look into the business and family, just as a precaution."

"I take it they found something?" Harry enquired, sitting up straighter in his seat.

"The Davis family secured a large loan from the Gnomes of Zurich and used that gold to start their business, Divine Dresses. As the loan was against their family and not their business, it not having existed as yet at the time, it doesn't show up when checking the financial records for the dress company," Bob explained.

"They have been making annual payments to the Gnomes for many generations but whoever signed the agreement failed to read the fine print or just figured they would be long dead at the time and hence didn't care. There was a substantial increase in the interest amount over the years. The Davises have apparently only been making the minimum payments all along, till recently. They've missed three payments and so the greedy Gnomes are calling in the loan in full," recounted Bob.

"So?" Harry asked, being rather clueless to the business world and what the information Bob had just given him meant.

"Each time they missed a payment the interest rate doubled," Bob explained."The initial loan was for 500,000 galleons. Their payments over the last five hundred years hasn't really decreased that amount. With the increase in interest rates and the now delinquent status of their loan it has ballooned to this amount," Bob said, showing a rather large figure to Harry.

The young wizard let out a low whistle at the site of the large number. Harry looked thoughtful for a long moment. "So they will have to sell their business after all," he mused aloud only to see Bob shake his head.

"It won't do them any good. They used a portion of the company's equity to make the last loan payment," Bob said. "Due to this and given their limited number of clients, the business isn't worth more than 750,000 galleons."

"So what would my loan buy them?" Harry asked, more than a little confused.

"Time," Bob offered with a shrug of his shoulders.

It became rather clear to Harry that Helen Davis had no intentions of paying back the requested loan, seeing her daughter as a small price to pay for the galleons."Limited number of clients?" Harry asked, still a bit confused.

"Divine Dresses uses only the best materials, Mr. Potter," replied Bob. "Not just anyone can afford to wear Acromantula silk, Dragon scale or Basilisk skin. Even fewer are willing to part with the gold to do so."

"What do you think we should do, Bob?" asked Harry. The wizard knew that he was well out of his area of expertise. Casting spells and defeating Dark Lords he could do, weighing financial decisions was as confusing as Arithmancy to him.

"My advice would be to walk away from it and leave them to their fate," Bob stated. If there was no profit to be had then there really was only one choice as the gold loving goblin saw it.

"What fate?" Harry asked.

"The Gnomes are rather ruthless, Mr. Potter," Bob stated with what almost sounded like admiration in his voice. "They'll take the business and sell it off to get as much gold as possible for it. If they don't get enough then they will go after the family. Depending on how the loan contract was written they may claim the family itself as payment. It has been known to happen," Bob said upon seeing Harry's look of disbelief. "The Gnomes have no issue with slavery as it can be profitable and is a good way to recoup lost gold."

If that happens then Tracey is as good as gone and will be owned by the Gnomes or someone else. Harry's anger returned at the thought of the life of slavery that possibly awaited the woman currently under his care. That wasn't something Harry was going to allow to happen. Ever. Harry, being a wizard that leapt first and asked questions later, turned towards his Account Manager, "Bob, here is what I want you to do…"

-oOo-

Hermione escorted the two first year Hufflepuff boys back to their seats after having discovered them running a muck in the corridor. Hufflepuff's fifth year Prefect, a rather frazzled looking girl whose name escaped Hermione at the moment, collected them and thanked her profusely. The Head Girl continued her patrol along the Hogwarts express, glad for the distraction.

The young woman had never been as nervous as she currently was. I'm going to see Harry, she thought, a joyous smile spreading across her face at the very thought of seeing him once again. I'll be staying at Harry's house! Granted, she didn't think Grimmauld Place was all that wonderful a residence to be at, being rather dark and dreary, but it was with Harry which made all the difference in the world to her.

"Luna will be there too," she mumbled aloud as she recalled that fact. The prospect of seeing her friend again only added to her excitement. Truth be told, it had been a bit lonely without the petite Ravenclaw around to talk to and share classes with. Granted there were other girls she knew who had returned for their seventh year, such as Susan Bones, Lily Moon and Megan Jones, but she wasn't as close with them.

Passing acompartment, Hermione paused as she recognized one of the couples seated within. The Head Girl knocked on the glass of the door before sliding it open."How goes it Jessy, Bradley?" she greeted the pair who were holding hands. "All set for the holidays?"

"Oh yes!" Jessy beamed with a brilliant smile breaking out on her freckled face. She was a cute girl in that 'girl next door' sort of way, with long chestnut hair and a heart shaped face. "Bradley is coming over on Boxing Day to meet my parents for the first time. I just know Papa and my Mum are going to love him as I do!" the young fourth year Hufflepuff exclaimed as she clung to the embarrassed boy's arm.

"A bit brave there Bradley," Hermione teased. "Perhaps you should have been a Gryff instead?"

Bradley Pinkerton was a narrow boy of some height with dark wavy hair and compassionate eyes. "My dad is a solicitor so I think I'll be alright," the boy answered, trying not to show how nervous he was about meeting his girlfriend's folks. "I mean what's the worst they can do to me? A bit of yelling and tossing me out I suppose."

"That's simply rubbish," Jessy assured him, clasping their joined hands with her free one. "Mum is certain to adore you just as I do! Papa might give you a hard time, thinking it is what a father is supposed to do with a boyfriend, but mum will keep him from going too far with it. How could they not love you?" Jessy asked in a tone that clearly indicated that the thought was simply ludicrous to the besotted girl.

"Best not mention the broom cupboards then," Hermione quipped in with, trying to keep a straight face as Bradley paled. The others in the compartment were not so kind as snickers and soft tittering could be heard. A glance towards Jessy and an arched brow provided Hermione the answer to her unasked question.

"Fifty-seven," Jessy announced proudly. Having been caught in a broom cupboard by the Head Girl hadn't prevented the couple from attempting to find and christen the magical eighty cupboards at Hogwarts. Hufflepuff legend had it that if you kissed your partner in all eighty cupboard then it was true love and you would remain together forever.

Hermione had once entertained the notion of seeing if she and Harry could find all eighty cupboards but she couldn't figure a way to get Harry to go along with it at the time. I would settle for Harry and just a single cupboard right now, she mused longingly. "If you get to seventy-nine let me know," she told the couple only to be answered with quizzical looks. "I think I may know where the eightieth one is," she explained.

Jessy jumped up and hugged the Head Girl tightly. "Oh that would be ever so wonderful!" Jessy exclaimed. "Janice and Ernie have not stopped going on about how they have found seventy-nine. They insist that the rest of us are too young and so much less mature than they are because we haven't discovered as many yet!"

"It would be nice to one up them," Bradley admitted. "Half the House is brassed off with them because they won't shut up about it."

"Well, plenty of time after the hols to catch up and pass them," Hermione offered encouragingly. While she wasn't usually one to encourage underage hormonal behavior, a bit of snogging wasn't so terrible she found herself thinking. Especially if it involves a bespectacled dark-haired, green-eyed wizard that I can't stop thinking about! Hermione wished them all a good holidays and excused herself to complete her rounds.

The train ride had never seemed so long before as it did that day. Eventually, amongst the gathering twilight, the Hogwarts Expressed pulled into King's Cross station. The students, filled with the excitement of being out of school and home once again, poured forth from the carriage doors to rush to meet their waiting families. For a while, chaos and pandemonium reigned supreme upon the platform. As students collected their trunks and found their parents the crowds slowly began to thin.

Hermione started at the back of the train and worked her way forward. It was her responsibility to ensure that the train was empty. The Head Boy, Ernie Macmillan, was busy on the platform trying to herd the students and their parents either through the portal or into one of the public floo connections that were available. It was an hour before the train was cleared and the majority of people were gone from the platform.

Ernie stopped by to wish Hermione a pleasant holidays before he left with his parents. Shortly there afterwards Hermione found herself alone upon the platform. Through correspondence with Harry, they had written numerous letters back and forth over the weeks since Luna had left Hogwarts, he had requested that she remain on the platform and await him. It is just like him not wanting to cause a commotion with his presence, she realized.

Glancing about at the empty platform Hermione could feel the butterflies fluttering about in her stomach. The young witch wasn't worried that Harry had forgotten her, it was Harry after all. She knew that he would never ever forget her and that when he said he would be there, he would. I'm going to do it! I'm going to tell Harry that I am in love with him, she told herself, blushing slightly at the thought of uttering those words to her best friend.

She had of course rehearsed telling him over and over again in her head as well as writing it down on parchment. She knew exactly what she wanted to say to him. It had taken her over a dozen revisions but she had the perfect words memorized, each chosen to convey exactly what she was feeling in her heart. She hoped that he would see just how much he meant to her and that by the end of her confession he would tell her that he felt the same for her.

"Come here often?" asked a very familiar and much longed for voice behind her, breaking her from her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but I am expecting a very powerful wizard at any moment now who will whisk me away to him private home," Hermione replied without turning about as a wide smile spread across her face. "I doubt very much that he will take kindly to you chatting me up."

"He seems like a bit of an insensitive lout for keeping such a beautiful witch waiting for him," the voice replied. "Perhaps I should just steal his lady away from him to show him the error of his ways?"

Hermione could feel her cheeks flaming at being called beautiful. The playful banter was so unlike the Harry she knew yet she found herself thrilled by it. "I fear I shall have to disappoint you for I am quite taken with him," she confessed. "Your efforts to persuade me away would be in vain, good Sir."

"Who is this mysterious wizard that has so captivated your heart and foiled my plans the sweep you off your feet?" the voice enquired.

Hermione almost laughed aloud at the disappointment dripping from Harry's words."Why that would be Harry Potter of course," she replied in faux seriousness which echoed heavily with a humorous tone.

"The-Boy-Who-Lived?The Chosen One? The Vanquisher of Voldemort? Well, I guess there is no competing with such a fine example of a wizard, now is there. I shall leave, forever broken hearted by your rejection," the man stated, his tone full of dramatic despair.

Hermione could take it no longer and spun about before launching herself into Harry's waiting arms. "Harry!" she exclaimed loudly upon being picked up and twirled about by the wizard holding her. The young woman found herself laughing, happy just to be in his arms as he spun about a second time before gently setting her down. Before she knew it her lips were on Harry's and all her well-rehearsed words were for naught as her hands were lost in his hair.

For once she didn't stop to think. She didn't over analyze what was happening. Hermione languished in the feel of his arms about her, pulling her tightly against his body. Harry Potter, her best friend ever, was kissing her back just as hungrily as she was kissing him. It was as if all her dreams were come true. Hermione didn't know how long their kiss lasted as time ceased to exist. It was as if that one moment where their lips melded into one another's, stretched on spellbound into infinity.

Harry slowly broke the kiss as if awakening from his own dream. The last thing he had thought would happen when he arrived to pick up Hermione was that she would kiss him. "I think I'll pick you up from here more often if that is what I get," he whispered softly, his forehead resting against her. Hermione opened her mouth to say something but he quickly silenced her by the simple fact that she couldn't speak if his lips were over hers.

Their second kiss was slow, sensual and ever so tender. It left them both far more breathless than their first one had due to the love they both felt and put into the kiss. Harry rested his forehead against Hermione's with his eyes closed."Just let me enjoy this moment a bit longer," he whispered to the speechless witch. "I've dreamt of kissing you like that for a while now, never believing it could happen," he confessed. The admission didn't embarrass Harry as it was simply the truth and the truth was one thing Hermione and he always shared.

"Harry, I…," Hermione started with only to find that she had no clue at all what to say after that. She certainly hadn't planned on kissing Harry upon seeing him. I was just caught up in the moment, she tried to tell herself. Her racing heart told another story though as the kiss had been everything she had hoped for and so much more. Hermione gazed into Harry's eyes and felt that all too familiar swelling warmth in her chest. I'm in so much trouble, she thought, realizing just how much she truly loved this man before her.

"It's a bit overwhelming," Harry supplied for her with a small crooked knowing grin. "We can talk about it later. Once you're settled," he told her as he removed his forehead from hers and looked at Hermione, noting the flushed redness on her face. "I can't wait for you to see the place," he added as he stepped away from her before reaching down and picking up her trunk. "Shall we?" Harry asked as he offered her the crook of his free arm.

Hermione smiled demurely and slipped her hand into the crook of Harry's arm. Harry didn't appear to be upset that she had kissed him. Unless she was completely off, the young woman was certain that he had enjoyed it nearly as much as she had. He had said that he had dreamt of kissing her, had he not? Those two facts gave her high hopes for the talk she wanted to have with Harry concerning their futures. "Harry, you do recall that I have been to Grimmauld Place before, right?" she asked. The wizard just gave her a wide grin before disappiritioning them away.

Hermione gathered her senses after being sucked through a rubber tube, as that was how apparition felt. The young woman slowly looked up and noted that they were standing before the front porch steps of a large manor house. "Where are we, Harry?" she asked even as she admired the structure with its wrap around porches and wide welcoming stairway leading to the front door.

"Home," Harry answer with a chuckle. "I decided not to live at Grimmauld Place. It is a bit dark and dreary for my tastes," he told her as he led her up the stairs to the front door. "I discovered that I had inherited some land from Sirius and decided to put it to good use," said Harry as he pushed open the front door and gestured for her to enter.

Hermione stepped through the doorway and marveled at the large living space with adining area just past it. The decor was tasteful, if a bit masculine in that wood and leather were in abundance. The furniture did look comfortable though."It looks wonderful, Harry," Hermione offered as she glanced back at the man with a smile.

"I rather like it," Harry answer with a roguish grin. "I had a room prepared for you on the second floor. If you don't like it we can always change it. I want you to be comfortable as this is your home now, `Mione," he told her sincerely.

The duo were interrupted as the fireplace erupted in green flames and out stepped a witch. "What a day!" sighed Bellatrix Lestrange as she drew her wand.

In less time than it took to think it, 10 ¾ inches of Vinewood with a Dragon Heartstring core appeared. "Stupefy!" Hermione yelled. The stunner caught Andi in the chest and hurled the witch back into the flames.