A Year at Hogwarts

chapter 7

Three days later, Harry had his new leg brace fitted. Mrs. Malfoy had paid for a top of the line model. She later asked him to have a word with Sirius over dissolving her marriage to Lucius. Harry later wrote to him – Sirius wrote back saying he would meet with her about it.

"Mr. Potter – can you stay behind for a moment, please?" Professor Flitwick asked after one Charms lesson. After the class emptied, Harry went over to Flitwick. He liked the small Charms Professor. He hadn't said one derogatory word against him. "Mr. Potter, it is a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament that there be a Yule Ball at Christmas. The champions will have to find themselves dates for they open the ball with a dance." Flitwick said, "Sadly, the Headmaster has ruled that you must invite someone from Hogwarts, no-one from Sydney will be permitted to be on the grounds. I'm sorry, I tried." "It's not your fault, Professor, but I know someone from Hogwarts I'd invite." Harry said. "That is good, Mr. Potter," Flitwick said, "I am aware that you don't have dress robes so if there is not a Hogsmeade visit before then, I will take you there myself to get some." "Thank you sir." Harry said.

Harry went to find Daphne following the announcement. He found her coming out of a Transfiguration lesson where on the way, he overheard the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third years discussing who to take. Ginny Weasley was overheard to say she was hoping the Boy-WhoLived would ask her. Harry found Daphne and took her aside. "Daphne – would you like to go to the ball with me?" he asked.

She thought about it for a moment before answering. "Yes Harry, I'd love to." "It's a date." He said.

Hedwig flew into the Great Hall the following day and dropped a letter in front of Harry. He picked it up and before he could open it, it was snatched out of his hand. Harry turned and saw Dumbledore with it. "Give that back, Headmaster, you have no authority over my mail." Harry said. "It's in your best interests that I handle your mail from now on, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said, before attempting to open it. Then suddenly, he dropped the letter and went flying as it gave him a massive shock. Harry picked up the letter. "What happened to him?" a student on the table asked. "These letters come via the Australian Embassy, where Ambassador Ramsey puts charms on so they can only be opened by me," Harry explained, "If anyone else tried, they would get a massive shock." "Can you give me the charm, please?" a female student asked, "It'll help me protect my diary." There were all sorts of requests from students for the charm. Harry promised to see what he could do as he opened it. He read the letter and the colour drained from his face. "What's wrong, Harry?" Marianne asked. Too shocked to speak, Harry passed it over and his friend read it.

        Dear Harry, I heard about your current injuries and hope you're quickly healing. I'm afraid I'm the bearer of bad news. Jim sadly died last week – he had a heart attack and by the time he was found, it was too late to help him. This has been on the ropes for a while – as you know, his health has not been too good since Todd died earlier in the year. I know he was going to take you on as an apprentice after you finished school, but I think he might have arranged something with a friend of his. 

Marianne folded the letter up and gave it back to Harry. "I'm very sorry," she said to him, "Were the two of you close?" "He was the uncle to my Uncle Alex," he said, "A Muggle. He was an engineer who worked on Muggle cars and stuff, he was going to make me his apprentice after I finished school. He said I showed promise after I was able to take a small engine to pieces then fix it back up, and it still worked." Dumbledore listened in with interest. Harry was silent for the rest of the day.

The next day, he was called to Flitwick's office where Ambassador Ramsey and Aunt Sarah were waiting for him. "Morning, Mr. Potter," Ramsey said, "You no doubt know of the death of Jim Robinson?" He didn't know the contents of Harry's mail, only that they were free from Portkeys or curses after being checked. Harry nodded and the Ambassador continued, "His will was read yesterday. The majority of his estate was left to his children and grandchildren but there were a few bequests for other people. You were left two bequests – 25% of his shares in his engineering company and his house at 26 Ramsey Street, Erinsborough, Sydney, both to be left in trust until you turn 18. As for your apprenticeship, he has arranged for his close family friend Mr. Doug Willis to take you on. His