Magic Knows No Boundaries Chapter 38 (Patreon)

Chapter 38:

A Crowded Sanctuary Part 1

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Poliakoff, Jacob and Remus joined Harry on his long hike to Hogsmeade that Saturday morning. Several students of the hiking club tried to join them, thinking it was a club activity, but Harry shooed them away, reminding them that tonight was a full moon.

They had a quiet stroll later that, appreciating the decorations along the way. They arrived at the Shrieking shack to find people already lined up from the front gate all the way to Hogsmeade.

“Um.” Harry said eloquently at the sight of so many ragged werewolves lined up.

The mob bore down on them immediately with an orchestra of gratuitous greetings. Harry recognized some of them as speaking German, others as French, many more as Slavic languages he couldn’t place. Clearly word of his exploits had expanded to all of Europe and beyond. By the looks of the backpacks with bedrolls and put away tents, many had camped out the night before.

“People. People!” Harry called out. “The sanctuary doesn’t start taking people in until noon. It’s only six in the morning. I can’t let you in yet. We have prep work to do.”

A lot of prep work to do. Seriously, he hadn’t received this many letters, let alone wrote this many responses. Some of the bilingual men and women present passed the word on for the non-English speaking audience while he struggled to wade his way through the crowd and to the front gate.

“Remus? Poliakoff? Can you run interference for me out here?” Harry pleaded.

“Of course Hadrian. Next time we might try to floo or apparate in.” Remus told him.

Harry agreed internally, but marched through the little wooden, warded, gate and along the path to the front door while Jacob took a position guarding said door. All of the exterior decorations for Weasley Wizard Wheezes had already been changed back to the calm blue of the Sanctuary, but when Harry entered it was to find the interior the bright, garish colors of the joke shop.

Fred was at the counter organizing and packing up all of the registers, receipts and financial documents from the month.

“Hey landlord. The others are having breakfast then we plan to pack everything up for our monthly vacation.” Fred said.

“Need any help packing?” Harry offerred.

“Nah! It really is just a matter of banishing all of our crap off of the shelves and tapping them to change them into bunk beds.” Fred said. “Oh, and turning this here dial.”

Fred turned said dial on the counter and all of the bright oranges, purples, yellows and blues returned to the calm earth tones Harry preferred for his sanctuary.

Then, the floo comes to life and the volunteers pour in.

Both Carrows were accompanied by Andromeda and Narcissa, who stood in front of them protectively just in case there were any threats to their lives.

“You are the first to arrive, don’t worry.” Said Harry. “But you may want to take a peek out of the front door.”

Narcissa and Andromeda gave him that trademarked, elegant expression of raising a single eyebrow while Amycus took him up on his offer. He walked to the front door, opened it, and whistled at the sight of the crowd of people just beyond the property border.

“Do we have enough volunteers?” He asked.

“No!” Jacob yelled from outside. “Nowhere near enough!”

Harry shrugged, but nodded in agreement.

“But we have plenty of offers from potential benefactors and volunteers who will coming around this morning, hopefully we can clear enough in time.” Harry told them.

Then, the floo came to life again, and in walked Hagrid. He was followed soon after by an minuscule and ancient man with a kindly face and beetle-like eyes. The resemblance was uncanny, and Harry could only stare.

“Professor Morrigan, allow me to introduce ye to me pa. Ian Hagrid.” Hagrid introduced.

Harry shook the centennials hand with great care, hoping he wasn’t gaping too hard at the absolute madman he knew so much about. It wasn’t every day you met a man crazy enough to use an engorging potion in order to wrestle with real giants, nor somebody who actually married one of the most dangerous members of said race. This was the guy who, once upon a time, regularly went fisticuffs with tribal leaders of wild giants for fun! Winning their respect and developing the most pedantic and thorough treatise on Giant culture in history.

Harry was terrified of him on reputation alone.

“A pleasure to meet you at last. Seems everybody I know has nothing else to talk about, save for you.” Mr Hagrid told him.

“Thank you sir. Will you be joining us today to interview for the role of volunteer?” Harry asked.

“Quite. And you can skip the background check. I already had it done.” Ian said, withdrawing a manilla envelope from a satchel hanging from his shoulder.

Harry took it and put it under his arm.

“Well, I think I’ll be having guests wait outside on the lawn while we all do our preparations in her, if that is okay with you sir.” Harry said.

“But of course.” Ian said, walking out of the front door with far more pep in his step than a man his age should have.

For a third time the floo came to life, and this time it remained live for several minutes as a long string of people came through. Fleamont was first among them, followed closely by his grandmother and parents. Then came Valentine Crabbe and Hildebrand Goyle, followed by Lucius and Garrick Ollivander with Mrs Zabini.

Then came a string of people Harry had never seen before in his entire life, save a few members of the Board of Governors like Orion Black and Augusta Longbottom. All of them were as ancient as those two or more so. He didn’t even have time to greet them or shake any of their hands before the last people to come through pushed htem aside.

Tofty’s sister hood of tea drinkers poured in and filled out the room more with their personality than they did their bodies, or the large sacks they carried. They were all here. Tofty, both Mrs Marchbanks, as in Alastors mother and wife, Mafalda Hopkirk, Felicity and Hana.

“We brought a godo work ethic and pastries!” Tofty said in a sing-song voice.

“Whole grain?” Harry asked, taking a bag and looking inside.

“But of course!” Said Hopkirk. “Dolores was kind enough to remind us.”

Umbridge bowed slightly and presented a large, lidded, pot.

“I also made a honey, olive oil dip. Help add some calories and that healthy, Mediterranean fats. For approval from your mediwitches of course.” She offered.

“I approve.” Said Andromeda from where she stood.

By now, George, Katie, Alicia, Angelina and Lee had joined them in the entrance hall and it was thus very much full. Too full. He was certain that they were exceeding the fire safety limit by now.

“Okay! Everybody who is not already an approved volunteer or benefactor, please exit through the front door and onto the lawn. I will be out to interview you all momentarily.” Harry said.

There were a few chuckles, but they all complied.

Then the floo came to life again.

“Oh come on! Who else could be approved by now?” Harry asked rhetorically.

“Um, the floo is still keyed to our shop.” Said Fred. “Will be until noon. Remember?”

Oh right! That means anybody can still come through. And so they did. Faces he didn’t recognize, and ones he did.

Mrs Marchbanks the younger, as in Alastors wife, came in flanked by Madame Hooch and..

“Mrs Shunpike?” Harry asked, confused.

“What?! I have a social life outside of work!” She told him. “Be thankful I’m spending what little free time I had today helping you out.”

He didn’t see where her job left her with any free time at all to socialize, let alone volunteer. He didn’t exactly want a head of the department of mysteries hanging around, but there was no chance of her not passing all examination. She was powerful, and useful to have around. But he repeated his instructions to go through the front door and wait.

Then came mister and Mrs Weasley. He’d honestly expected them to show up sooner.

“A pleasure to meet you Professor.” Arthur greeted with a firm handshake, which he accepted. “Here to offer any help I can.”

“It’s much appreciated. Would you and your wife please wait outside until we can interview you?” Harry asked.

They obeyed and left. The last person to arrive from this round was somebody he didn’t immediately recognize in clean witches robes, but still smelled like he remembered.

“Mrs Figg. Welcome.” Harry said to Arianna’s mother.

“Thank you. I was going to come through the front gate but I saw how many people there were and realized you may not have the space for them all. So I went home and gathered something special.” She said.

She presented a large duffel bag full of… tents?

“They’re expanded on the inside and quite luxurious. Each can house up to ten people comfortably. Several of them are brick houses on the inside, more than capable of holding a werewolf.” She explained.

Harry was distracted by Dolores shaking her head behind the cat-lady. He didn’t catch onto why the tents could possibly be a bad idea until she mouthed the words “Muggle hobo tent cities”.

Oh! She was right! Putting the werewolf guests in tents, even ones that were effectively stone mansions on the inside, would make for terrible optics. Any and all reporters seeing it would write extensively how he was providing an unsanitary and poorly kept homeless encampment. It was good to have somebody on board able to politic like that.

“Thank you, but I must refuse. It is not up to our standards to house our guests in tents, no matter how nice or sturdy they are.” Harry refused. “But if you wouldn’t mind waiting outside, I’ll be right with you.”

She left and harry breathed out a sigh of relief.

“I’m still not sure if that’s enough people, but it’s a good start.” Harry told the gathered. “The bigger problem is the space available. I wasn’t expecting this much volume.”

“Do you think we’ll have to turn some away?” Asked Lily.

“If so, we have to resort to opening up our own homes for them.” Said Sirius.

“I’m sure my cellar can house a good fifty.” Said Lucius.

“You mean our wine cellar?” Narcissa asked him. “Shall I come home to find the devastation of you hosting a werewolf frat party?”

“There are worse ways to spend a Saturday evening.” Said Lucius.

Ah! Pureblood humor. Rich, pureblood humor. Nothing quite like it.

“Needless to say, the tents really aren’t an option.” Said Fleamont. “If we are to house people it shall be in a house. Of wood, stone, brick and mortar.”

Harry nodded.

“If I had known there would be this many people I would have commissioned an extension to the sleeping quarters.” Harry lamented. “But there isn’t enough time to get hire out a company and get it done in time.”

“That’s where you would be wrong, my dear Hadrian.” Said Hildebrand. “While I did promise my workers the weekend off, I have then on standby. I’ll go get them now.”

Harry tried to sputter a response.

“But… Getting the project approved and the building licenses!” He said.

“Took care of it last night.” Said Lucius, pulling out a stack of completed forms. “Saw the campers from your front door to the east coast of China and knew it would be necessary.”

Harry glowered at the man as Grandpa Goyle vanished in a plume of green flames.

“Which leaves us time to get onto interviewing.” Said Mrs Zabini. “Will the Wheezes be applying to volunteer?”

Fred, George and company all stood at attention and marched through the front door.

“We’ll take care of everything in here, dear.” Said Alecto, sweetly.

Harry sighed and accepted that he wasn’t in charge of things anymore, and followed the board of benefactors outside.

They conjured up a long table to the side of the front door and took their seats, leaving Harry to stand. He wasn’t actually doing the interviewing or approving, but he would guide them inside and get them started. And so he stood next to Garrick at the end of the table closest to the door as Lucius, Valentine, Mrs Zabini and Fleamon called people forward.

“Alright, whoever is here to volunteer, come up to the table one at a time, unless you are here as a pair or group.” Fleamont called out.

A pair of older gentleman wearing rather dapper hats. When they removed them Harry felt his jaw drop. So did the jaws of most of the people at the table.

“Newt Scamander and Damocles Belby, reporting for duty.” Newt said, speaking for the two of them.

“You are hired.” Garrick, the only person who seemed completely nonplussed by the men’s presence, said instantly. “Professor Morrigan will lead you inside.”

Harry dazedly lead the men through the front door to find the entrance hall empty and the noises of the barracks being prepared coming from the next room over.

“Professor?” Belby caleld out questioningly. “I came all this way specifically to meet and speak with you, and yet you seem as hermetic as people say.”

“Oh! I’m sorry. I’m just a little shellshocked is all. And I don’t actually avoid people, I’ve just been very busy these last couple weeks.” Harry said, offering a handshake to both men, which they took.

“So the elder purebloods have complained.” Said Belby. “Constantly.”

“I’ve been out in the field all year, so I haven’t been a social butterfly myself.” Said Newt. “But I think you’ll find what my friend Damocles has to talk with you about far more interesting.”

Harry turned on the potions master.

“Doesn’t anybody ever come here without ulterior motives?” Harry asked rhetorically.

“You will find that people without ulterior motives are a rarity in pureblood society, young lord, and you would ell to remember that as you grow into your title.” Said Belby. “But such ulterior motives are often in your favor, not theirs. Mine is such. I have prepared a large stock of wolfsbane potion in preparation for today, more than enough for your unexpected windfall in customers.”

Harry felt himself sigh in relief. He hadn’t wanted to voice that concern aloud, not least of all because he knew everyone else was thinking it. Yeah, they definitely needed more of that tonight.

Damocles then gave Newt a look and the beast master nodded, continuing on into the next room to give them some privacy.

“Holy shit! Is that Newt Scamander?” He heard Romulus call out from the other room.

This was followed by the sound of somebody smacking him on the back of his head. Presumably Lily, by the sound of her angrily hissing “Language!”

Harry shook his head. He hadn’t realized the young Lupin had arrived.

“What’s so sensitive that you feel the need to speak in private?” Harry asked.

“An offer of a land sale.” Said Belby.

“You… Want to buy the sanctuary?” Harry asked.

It made sense that the inventor of the wolfsbane potion would be interested in purchasing a nonprofit dedicated to helping werewolves. It would free up a lot of time for Harry to pursue new adventures, not to mention give him the finances to do so.

“You misunderstand. I am here to sell you my land.” Said Belby. “One on which there is a farm. A farm dedicated to growing giant moonwart, aconite and myrrh trees.”

Harry could have smacked himself. Here he was, two months into searching for a plot of land to develop into just such a farm, when the more obvious solution of simply buy such a farm that was already developed. The time, labor and investment of growing his own crops from scratch instead of buying a business that already did so was astronomical. How many people wasted such time and money developing companies from scratch, learning all of the ins and outs and devloping a customer base from nothing, instead of just buying a business from a retiree with all of that built in already?(A:N)

Well, he wouldn’t be adding his name among their number. But, this man’s willingness to sell could only mean one thing.

“You are retiring?” Harry asked in a whisper.

“I am reaching that age, and against the advice of my peers who warn that retirement is death, I am making preparations to do so. Though I have not announced it yet.” Belby explained. “Potions masters are rare, and when one retires it turns out to be a big deal. Selling to you will act as my announcement. I would prefer to sell to somebody who would properly continue my legacy. Which you seem to be doing.”

Harry tried his best to show how touched he was as he spoke.

“It’s too soon to merely accept. But We can meet tomorrow to hammer out the details. I don’t think I’d be denied a loan, either by the goblin nation or my benefactors.” Harry told him. “In the meantime, I am going to be really busy today and tonight. If you would please join the other volunteers in the next room, I have to go help approve the next ones.”

Belby nodded and went on his way.

“At least I won’t suffer from wont of things to do in my retirement.” Belby said. “With two or three days a month taken up here.”

Harry went back outside to help with the boards approvals.

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Splitting the chapter in two because I just don't have the time this weekend. Helping people move furniture all morning, doing repairs to the water softener system, and I still have to climb onto the roof to lay pidgeon repelling mothballs(whatever those are). Among other things.

(A:N) : After Writing this sentence I decided to google and see if there are websites for buying businesses from retirees. There ARE! And they’re really affordable. I mostly worked landscaping, security and agriculture so I looked into those. Yup. People are selling their business, with all of their equipment and their regular customers/infrastructure already built in.

I presume they would also provide financial records, income and expense statements, stuff like that. Hell, I saw a preschool for sale for a similar price to the landscaping companies. Want to teach preschool? Instead of wasting four years in college(losing money from not working and on life expenses during those four years) to work at one, just save up or get a loan to buy your own preschool and you get to run it! No boss! You’re the boss and you get to choose your coworkers. There were some other blue collar companies for sale in interesting niches like water pipe cleaning that, along with the equipment and customers, included honest to god training! How is this not advertised more as an opportunity for young people? Well I’m advertising it now. Get out there, my fellow millenials and older gen Zers.