Heh, a good chapter that covers a fair chunk of time (too long, really, for much in the way of interior monologues from any character, but the chapter moved smartly and covered a lot of ground well). I see Harry's learning one of the drawbacks of very good, very intelligent help, things can happen quite quickly and often your needs can be appreciated before, or as soon as, you know them. I could see this occassionally getting a bit vexacious.
Meanwhile, he had a lot of fun with his birthday party and it looks like he and Hermione will have some "interesting" books to study and practice from; perhaps they can eventually write their own 'sex magic' book.
I do like the way he dealt with the Prophet and I suspect Albus is rather going to be taken aback when he finds he can't go after them and the new ownership doesn't really care what he says or threatens. That all of their employees are protected, too, will undoubtedly frustrate the old meddler even more.
I reckon that Rahjit Patil was more than a bit surprised with what he encountered with Harry Potter, but I suspect it was a pleasant surprise (nice to know that some folk are even more than their legends make them out to be). So, he's apparently the "real" owner of Unversal Export? I can see where he might havea real bond with some of what Harry's trying to do, especially since Harry does have license from the Queen to terminally remove the Deez.
I admit, I rather liked the idea of such a suitable bribe for the Sorting Hat, it sounds like an ingenious approach that's even more "hidden-handed" than anything Albus appears to have considered. I disremember what story I saw it in (I think it was one of Clell's), but I think re-using the idea of the Hat singing "Hey, Teacher, Leave Those Kids Alone" would be an interesting prank to play on "Uncle Albie" ("We're so sorry, Uncle Albie").
As for that "Henry Jones", it might be Indy on his "last hurrah" or it could be Mutt in mid-career; but I could also see it as Mutt's offspring early in said offspring's career. In any case, there's clearly an expert there with Bill.
I'll admit that I sniggered over Tom's continued headache problem. I wonder if he can be addicted to a narcotic pain reliever? If he decides to go after the Grangers again, it'll be interesting to see how much he loses this time (he drew back a 'bloody stump" last time, let's see if he's willing to risk more). The same goes for another attempt to "persuade" the goblins (methinks that, in his arrogance, he doesn't have a good read on their nature and personalities and is running into "cock the gun that is not loaded" situations).
It sounds like Amelia and Augusta have the wizarding government more or less in hand and are workign to clean up those Augean Stables. I daresay finding out just what Albus had done to him had some fascinating "realignment" effects on Kingsley's attitude; Albus is slipping here. Between getting frozen out of the government and having Minerva slowly but steadily easing Hogwarts out from under is control, I suspect Albus is never going to see an "banana peels" in front of him until it's entirely too late. Speaking of his not seeing things until it's too late, I'm looking forward to seeing his reaction when Harry & his students don't show up, don't even register, for the Fall Term; losing control over that many is going to be a blow to his ego, but I wonder what the loss of that much tuition money is going to do to hogwarts budget? Methinks that's yet another way Harry can use to sideline the MOB.
All in all, a fun chapter and I'm very definitely looking forward to the next one.
Author's response
Heya, Cat.
I'm trying to keep it on four or five day bites when possible. Sometimes I'll focus on a shorter time period. and sometimes I'll skip a few weeks. the time line is so close just now, because he only has the summer to get everything ready. After Sept 1, it'll calm down...a little.
~I see Harry's learning one of the drawbacks of very good, very intelligent help, things can happen quite quickly and often your needs can be appreciated before, or as soon as, you know them. I could see this occasionally getting a bit vexatious.~
It can be, but the benefits outweigh the cost.
Since Harry never had a decent birthday, I figured he deserved one where he could do the things he loved. As for the book...Yeah, I can see them 'researching' for such a guide. Snicker!
Prophet: Yeah. I needed them, and i had to wonder what was the best way to use them while putting a burr in Dumbledore's shorts at the same time.
Rahjit: I had intended him to be a walk-on, but apparently I've developed the character enough to use him more than once. Yeah, he was surprised, but I intended it as more, his relief that his daughters would be well trained, rather than Harry's innate character. Delacour get's that.
~Universal Export. So, he's apparently the "real" owner of Universal Export?~
I can neither confirm nor deny... Snarf! Sorry. I just hadda put that in. There will be no 'bonding'...so to speak.
If I use him again, it will be as I said to Teresa, as a 'guest speaker' After all, a duelist with his astounding rate of fire would only be an asset to their training. If I use him, it won't be until after the new year.
The story was Seel'Vor's 'Harry Potter, and the Quantum Leap' which I'm waiting fr him to finish. And I can't see any reason the hat shouldn't have an ulterior side. But what do you get a hat?
I recall that fic as well, though the song I wrote is...somewhat different. "We're so sorry, Uncle Albie" just begs for proper lyrics! Snicker!
Indy would be around a hundred, Mutt would be about fourty or fifty, and any of his offsprogs, would be in their late teens or early twenties. Me, I's expect it was Indy. I figure when he dies it's gonna be in the field. That's how I'd want to go.
Tom's headaches are going to be a running joke throughout. He eliminated the connection between him and Harry at the Ministry, but there's just enough left to make his life miserable. It's also going to help keep the civilian casualties down by keeping him occupied, thereby preventing his planning too many raids.
Addiction: Teresa's review prompted the same idea. Now if I can only make it work...
Tom: Each time he sends his minions out, I'm going to make sure he looses a few, whether through Amelia, Harry, the goblins or the wards, he's gonna lose some. Maybe this will keep others from joining up?
Naaaaahhh!
For the time being, he's going to leave the goblins alone...until he's hungry enough.
Amelia had a hard row ahead, but now she's got allies who won't back down.
the pureblood domination is effectively over.
The weak link is going to be Scrimgeour. I'll deal with him last.
~Between getting frozen out of the government and having Minerva slowly but steadily easing Hogwarts out from under is control, I suspect Albus is never going to see an "banana peels" in front of him until it's entirely too late.~
Since he cannot see anyone smarter than he is, he's walking down the cobbled lane with his fingers in his ears and singing: "Tra la la la!"
He's also going to get a nasty surprise from the Queen in a couple days.
Harry&Co, not showing up: He's gonna have a heart attack.
~but I wonder what the loss of that much tuition money is going to do to Hogwarts budget? Methinks that's yet another way Harry can use to sideline the MOB.~
I'd actually written that in already. Not only is he going to be missing twenty percent of his students, he's going to have to explain why a much larger percentage of the money they expected is no longer coming in.
I do want to keep him at Hoggy's where Harry can keep an eye on him, until it's time for him to say good-bye.
MOB! I love it!
Alorkin
Sorry, Mutt would be closer to sixty with corresponding ages for any kids.