Was it all enough? - Year 7

Harry had just Apparated back into his home, Veganos Castle. R.J., the vampire he had fallen in love with left it to him when she was killed. It was a nice, comfortable castle that Harry hadn't changed much in the two years he had lived there. R.J. had very good taste for art and furnishings. She had also left all of her assets to him and they were currently in a large vault at Gringotts. Harry had spent more time away from his new home since he first came here than he had in it. It would take a while before he felt comfortable here.

His godfather, Sirius Black, who recently had his name cleared, was waiting for him. "Welcome home Harry."

"Now that you're free and you don't need to worry about my health or anything, what are you going to do with yourself?" Harry said, happy in the fact that his godfather could now live his life freely.

"I'm going to go see old friends and places I've been away from too long. I haven't been spending much money these years, so my vault at Gringotts is looking pretty good. It will be good to know I can come back here whenever I want.

Harry had asked Sirius to live here until he decided what ever else he wanted to do. "I have a couple weeks until the playoffs, but then I have the rest of the summer with nothing to do and not much schoolwork to prepare for."

"Well, if I can work it out how would you like to come with me on a couple trips? If the people I'm going to see are close to anything interesting, you should come along. It would be good to spend time with you outside of Hogwarts."

Sirius had left the next day to visit Remus Lupin. Sirius talked about all the things he planned on doing over this trip and sounded like a teenager. Sirius had of course seen Lupin quite a lot over the last few years, but they've never been able to go out into public before. Harry laughed thinking about the two of them getting thrown out of a pub for being too loud or something. Sirius had times when he didn't act like an adult.

Harry spent the next couple days getting used to the castle again. He felt more comfortable than he had the previous summer and it was starting to sink in that this was where he would really be living.

After trying to replay his only loss of the year over and over in his head, Harry made a resolution to get into better shape. He first thought of this seeing Viktor Krum at the Quidditch match earlier. Viktor looked in amazing shape and he was the best seeker in the world. Then, seeing how fit Kristi was just made him want to look better. To himself, Harry just looked taller than two years ago, but not in good shape.

Harry decided to try running and doing more yard work to start off. Getting up early he tried to run down the lane to the Wilkins' house and back. He didn't make it all the way back before the pain in his side stopped him. Harry had hoped to at least make it much further. After resting he went out and worked in the yard, but this didn't seem like it would help much so found some old objects around and tried lifting them like he had seen on the television when he was still with the Dursley's. Before supper, he ran again, with the same bad results. He was quite tired that night and fell asleep quickly.

Anxious to get up and try running, he was stopped by extremely sore muscles as soon as he tried to get out of bed. He had trouble walking down the stairs. Dobby had asked if he was all right but Harry assured him it was just from working out. He missed his morning run and lifting session, but did make the evening run with the same poor results. The next day he made all three sessions and made it a little further running. Remembering how sore he had gotten, he only did the morning run on Friday so that he would be fresh for practice the next day.

Dobby went with him to Quidditch practice, even though it wasn't required anymore. Dobby liked getting out and helping the trainer and since he was so much help, the trainer approved as well. The coach just made them run over plays and had Harry go through some blocking moves in slow motion. Coach didn't want anyone getting hurt in practice since the playoffs were coming up.

Harry just about to go home when he heard, "Potter. So school's out. Are you and your little friend spending every waking moment together?" Kristi asked showing the same unreadable expression as always.

"What happened to schoolboy?" Harry questioned turning to greet the beautiful woman. "And I don't know when Cho and I will be able to see each other. She's starting a new job and living with her parents."

"We'll get back to schoolboy after your break. It's just you and your godfather in this castle of yours?"

"Sirius is out traveling right now. After the playoffs, I may take a couple trips with him since I've only seen the inside of Quidditch stadiums. Either that or some summer work at the Ministry."

"You should at least join me out on the town one of these nights. I'll make sure you're taken care of."

"As fun as that sounds, I imagine it would get me into real trouble. I'll have to keep wondering how much fun it would be," Harry said beforeApparating away.

After Harry had cleaned up from his run the next morning, there was a knock on the door and Mrs. Wilkins was there. "Do you still want to practice French?" Mrs. Wilkins asked.

"Of course. If this is any trouble for you, we can skip it," Harry offered, not wanting to be a burden on his neighbor.

"No trouble at all. Angie needs to practice reading and writing French as well, so you can help each other. I'll bring her up next time." They worked for a couple hours and Harry thought it was easier to learn to speak French than to write. They talked about school and things that happened around the area while Harry was gone. It was really nice having company around. Mrs. Wilkins decided to come up a couple times a week; around the time his run was done in the morning.

Harry had gotten his passes for the playoffs at the last practice and sent one off to Professor McGonagall. He saved one for Sirius and one for Cho, and that meant he had one left. This was a problem because normally he would invite both Ron and Hermione, but he only had one pass. He wrote them both explaining the situation and suggested they both pick the day they wanted to go and in case of a tie pick a number between 1 and 10 and the closest got their pick. They both picked the final day but Ron got closest so Hermione was coming to the first day of playoffs and Ron was coming to the finals. This meant that if France lost the first day, Ron wouldn't be watching his team play. But, he would still see the finals, which was still really good.

He wrote a note to send with Cho's pass,

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Cho

How have you been? You've probably been really busy and not had time to think about me, but I've been thinking about you a lot. I can't wait to see you. Have you started at the twin's shop yet? Do I have a contract with France yet?

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Before he could finish, and owl flew in with a parchment tied to its leg. He removed the parchment and found an owl treat for it.

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Harry

I've been missing you so much. You've probably had so much to do and think about with the playoffs that you haven't been missing me. I can't wait to see you. You're sending me a pass for the playoffs aren't you? We're getting close on a contract with France. I think they'll do a little better. I've been looking at the financial plan for the Weasley Wizard Wheezes and it still looks doable. I think they may need to get another investor, but we'll see.

I really want to see you soon. What do you think about the idea of meApparating over for a day? Let me know?

I love you

Cho

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Harry laughed at how the two letters started out the same. He threw the first one away and started over,

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Cho

I was in the process of writing you when your owl came. I think about you all the time and have been really missing you. I enclosed your pass for the playoffs. I think it would be great to see you. Sirius told me that you could get past the security toApparate here so that would be great. You come anytime you want, you never need to ask. I want you here all the time.

I love you

Harry

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Harry quickly took this to Hedgwig and asked her to deliver it as quick as she could since he really wanted to see Cho. Then Harry went to workout and studied for a while before his evening run. During his next French lesson he heard a familiar noise and then Mrs. Wilkins gave a sharp scream. Harry turned to see Cho standing there looking horrified. "I'm sorry Mrs. Wilkins. I didn't mean to scare you."

"T-T-that's ok. How did you do that?" Mrs. Wilkins asked.

"That's how we travel. Now that I've passed the test, I'll travel the same way. I've been hoping Cho would come to see me for a while," Harry explained.

"Well then, we'll end the lesson just a bit early today. See you next week Harry. Nice to see you again Cho," Mrs. Wilkins said showing herself out.

"Bye," Cho replied and waited until the door was shut before giving Harry a big hug and a kiss. "I've missed you so much."

"I'm so glad you came," Harry mumbled not wanting to break the kiss.

They just hugged and kissed for a couple minutes before Cho brought up the contract. "We should be done next week Harry. They want it done before the playoffs and so do I. I think they want to make an announcement or something."

"That's great Cho. Are you comfortable with what they've offered?"

"I think it's fair. God it's good to see you," she said kissing him again.

"You too Cho. Hey, you mentioned something about the twins might need another investor. Is anything wrong?"

"No, just with the building they're renting and building up inventory, it will be close until sales get rolling. They seem confident though. They are really talented with this stuff."

"Cho. Don't say anything to anyone, but I'm their investor. Actually, I just gave them the money the first time. If they need more, I'd really invest some this time."

"I wondered if you had given them the money. They keep making comments that made me think it could be you. If it looks like they need it, I'll bring up your idea."

"That gives me another idea. I don't know if you'll think this is weird or anything but there are stacks of partnerships and investment stuff in my vault at Gringotts. Would you want to go through it sometime and figure out what it is and if I should be investing in other things? I think I'm asking if in addition to my manager, you'd be my financial advisor?"

"You'd want me doing that? I don't think it's weird. R.J. wanted you to have it, I'm sure she would want you to handle it well. I'd love to Harry. Man, just out of school and I've got three great jobs. Well, two great jobs and one hope to be great one. Where's Sirius?"

"He's out traveling. I think he went to see Remus Lupin. Can you imagine those two getting into trouble now that Sirius can be seen in public?"

"So, does that mean we have the place to ourselves?" she smiled slyly.

"Why yes it does. What ever would you have in mind? Are you sure you want to since we don't have to sneak around?"

"We'll figure other ways to make it exciting," Cho said pulling him up the stairs. After they were undressed and on the bed, Cho squeezed his leg and said, "Harry. What have you been doing, you leg feels a little tighter?"

"I've been trying to get into shape by running twice a day and lifting weights a couple times a week. I think I have a long way to go. But, thank you for noticing," he said and flipped her over to start kissing down her back. They messed around and made love for a couple hours.

"You never cease to amaze me Harry," Cho said after a long moan.

"I'm glad your father let you come over today. Actually I'm kind of surprised he did."

"Really? I tell you, he really likes you. I hope to be able to come over once during the week, depending on my work and then once on the weekend. He's still going to invite you over later in the summer."

"That's great. I was worried we wouldn't be able to see each other much. You should work out teaching some class at school for one year. That way I could still see you. And think of it, I could sneak off with the teacher."

"Yeah, you could do that now. I'm sure Fleur would oblige you. She may be part Veela but she'd like to dance with you."

They stayed in bed until late afternoon and then had something to eat before Cho went back home. Harry thought it was really great seeing her. He went to practice very happy after seeing Cho the other day. It was another easy one with the coach just running the drills over and over.

"Still no chance for hitting the town?" Kristi asked getting quite close.

"I need to keep my head straight for the playoffs Kristi. You're bad tempting me like that."

"How about I pop over and cook you something. Actually, I don't really cook but I could bring something."

"I can't cook either; house-elves take care of it. The problem is; you can'tApparate near my house."

"House elves? You really have house-elves? And, I've seen you pop out of here, why couldn't I pop there?"

"The house elves are my friends and I couldn't get along without them. You can'tApparate their because of security. Can't go by floo either without authorization."

"Why would you need security?" she asked looking confused.

"Voldemort of course." This was obviously not what Kristi expected to hear. "I mean he's only tried to kill me four times since I started at Hogwarts. I imagine if it was opened up and he found out where I lived, Death Eaters would pop in there all the time." This came out as just a matter-of-fact statement that surprised Kristi.

"You're not serious? I mean he's been gone since you were a baby."

"Sorry to disappoint you but he came back to full strength a couple years ago by taking some of my blood. So, if you show me around, I've got to come to you." Kristi was looking at him strangely but he just said, "See you at the playoffs."

Sirius had gotten back the day before Cho came over. "The contract is ready Harry; I hope you think I did ok."

"If I'm still playing for France and you're satisfied, then you did ok." Cho handed him the contract and stood their worried. Sirius had come in to see what Harry thought.

"Cho is this right? This is what they're going to pay me?"

"I double checked everything; the contract is what they offered," Cho said, still sounding unsure.

"Give me a quill before they change their mind." Harry took the quill and signed the contract. "Sirius, they're going to pay me 250,000 galleons to play Quidditch! They're insane!" Sirius took the contract and read over it.

"Cho, you're amazing!" Harry said and hugged her.

"I have to agree with Harry. You did a fantastic job," Sirius added.

Cho was smiling proudly and said, "I think we could have gotten more but Harry would have needed to threaten to go to another team and he refused to do that. And, you can do endorsements for a lot more money. But, that's not all. The league wanted to do a little figure of you, like the one Ron had of Krum. I saw their model and worked with them on the action and they gave you the standard licensing fee for that. That adds up to another 10,000 for the first year."

"Now that's kind of weird, but if Krum went along with it, I will." The thought of a little model Harry made the real Harry nauseous. "Well Cho, once they transfer the money, we'll need to go down so I can transfer 65,000 into your account. You earned it. I don't think I'll do any endorsements, but if I ever do, 25% is yours."

Cho looked ecstatic, "They should transfer the money tomorrow after I get the contract to them. My father is going to freak out. He thought I wouldn't make hardly anything at the Weasleys' and then maybe 20,000 or at the most 25,000 as your manager."

"I want one of those figures Cho," said Sirius making a face at Harry. "What are you going to do with your contract money Harry? Have you given any thought to that?"

"I asked Cho to be my financial adviser and to go through all the investments R.J. left to help me figure out what to do with them. Does that seem ok?" Harry asked and Cho looked at Sirius concerned.

"I think that's a very wise decision. I wish I had someone who understood all this stuff when I was your age. Of course I didn't have as much but still."

"I'm trying to keep my parent's money, R.J.'s stuff and now the Quidditch money separate, so if you ever want anything, the Quidditch money is available." Harry offered, thinking he would gladly share any money he had with Sirius.

"Thanks Harry but I should be set. I think the Ministry is going to give me a settlement for wrongly imprisoning me for all those years. That should allow me to travel all I want."

Harry met Cho in Diagon Alley the next day and they went straight to Gringotts. Most of the wizards were staring and pointing at them. It used to be because of his scar, but now it was because of Quidditch. He still didn't like it, but at least he brought this attention on himself. "Harry, it's so weird with everybody pointing and talking about you. How can you just ignore it so well?"

"They did it for my first couple years of coming here because of my scar, so I'm used to ignoring it. I really don't like it though. I'd rather no one notice me. Does it bother you that much?"

"I'll get used to it. It'll only get worse after the playoffs. Imagine how it would be if you played for England and were doing well. I don't think I'll get used to all the girls following you around."

"You saw how the students acted when Viktor was around. He just ignored them and ended up going for the one student who didn't act like any of that mattered, Hermione. I want you Cho, and nothing anybody else says or does will change that." He kissed her and saw people taking their pictures; luckily they were almost into Gringotts. Harry went to the Head Goblin's desk.

"Excuse me sir," Harry said only being a little more comfortable talking to goblins.

The goblin looked up annoyed at first and then recognized Harry and quickly acted friendly, "Ah, Mr. Potter. What can we do for you today?"

"Two things sir. I just had some money deposited from the French National Quidditch Team."

"Of course Mr. Potter. It is already in your vault. Separated as you requested."

"Thank you. I would like to transfer some of that money to Miss Chang; she is my manager. Currently she doesn't have an account here. And then we would both like to go to my vault. She is also going to help me understand the investments."

The goblin looked at Cho who tried to not act afraid. "Of course. We could also provide any assistance on your investments you would require. Let me get the paperwork for Miss Chang." The goblin sent a helper to get the paperwork and Cho quickly filled it out and was given a key from the goblin. "Miss Chang. When you need to access your vault, please see any of the tellers along the main aisle. They can help you. Now, let me get someone to show you to your vault."

Another goblin took them on the trip to his vault. Harry had grown to really like the rides down to his vault and hoped Cho would as well. When they stopped in front of Harry's vault, Cho had a smile on her face as she exclaimed, "That was great!"

They climbed out of the little cart and the goblin told them to stand back. Cho asked, "Where's your key Harry?"

"I guess this one doesn't need a key. The vault my parents left me did."

The little goblin opened the vault in the same way as Hogwart's vault 713, where the Sorcerer's Stone was kept; Cho's eyes suddenly got really big. There were two good-sized piles of gold and then off to the right rear there was a huge mound and smaller piles of gemstones. The little goblin said, "This first stack on the left is the current deposit, separated just like you requested." It looked only slightly bigger than the stack Harry's parents had left him. Now at least he had an idea how much they had left him.

"Cho, 25% of this pile is yours and will be in your vault today. Do you want any right now?"

Cho still looked stunned but did need to take some right now. Harry went to the piles of investments while she was putting coins in her bag. Cho came over and started flipping through some of parchments with Harry. "This is a lot of stuff! I didn't think it would be so much."

"Do you not want to do it?" asked Harry, not wanting Cho to feel uncomfortable.

"No, I really want to do it. It will just take longer than I expected. Let's just take a bit of it today," Cho said and they took some of the parchments and put them in her bag. They got back into the cart for the trip back to the lobby. Cho was being quiet as they walked outside.

"What's wrong Cho?"

"It just hit me how rich R.J. was. I can't believe she left you that much money."

"Me either. I try not to even think about it. Except for paying the Wilkins and general stuff on the castle, I've been using the money my parents left me. After you figure out what all the investments are, I may not change anything and just leave it alone. Right now, I just don't know what's there."

"I'm not sure I would handle it as well. I mean all the hassles of people staring and pointing at you. Plus putting up with school and teachers. I'd probably just go live on an island somewhere."

"Maybe we'll just do that sometime Cho. I really like my life right now. The only bad thing about going back to school is not seeing you. If you were still there, I wouldn't mind it at all."

Harry went with Cho while she did some shopping and then went to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream shop. Florean was always nice to Harry and offered to give them some on the house but Harry insisted on paying. "You've always given me ice cream sir. I'm finally doing ok and insist on paying for it. I appreciate the offer." They sat inside back in the corner so they wouldn't be noticed and Harry told Cho about running away from the Dursleys' when everyone thought Sirius was after him and staying at the Leaky Cauldron. He would sit at the ice cream parlor doing homework all day.

Cho told him some stories of her first few years at school as well. When they were ready to go, Cho went directly home and Harry went back to his.

Cho and Hermione came to his house early Saturday to leave for the playoffs together with Harry and Sirius. Cho had worn some of the new clothes she bought. She always dressed well, but these were very nice and modern. Hermione noticed immediately. "Nice outfit Cho, is it new?"

"Oh yes. Harry took me to Gringotts yesterday to get a vault and paid me for negotiating his contract. I've been eyeing this outfit for a while, but wouldn't want to ask my parents to buy it."

Until it was time to go, Hermione kept quizzing Cho about N.E.W.T.s. Cho didn't seem to mind but did look a little relieved when Harry announced it was time to go to the match.

Professor McGonagall had traveled directly to the stadium. Once at the stadium, Cho kissed Harry and went to their seats while he went to the locker room.

"Ok, England again. You win today and we play again tomorrow. If you don't make any mistakes and Potter keeps his eyes open, we should take this," Coach said. France had the better record so they were announced second.

Harry tuned out the crowd and just wanted to get the match going. The whistle blew and things took off quickly. Harry quickly got into a rhythm and tried to break up scoring runs and dodge Bludgers as much as possible. France was playing really well and it was frustrating England. Harry performed three feints in a row and their seeker didn't pull out of the third and got ploughed. After the timeout, Harry kept taking off quickly and then stopping, trying to confuse their seeker. After a while, Harry saw the Snitch and took off. Their seeker hesitated, thinking Harry was faking and that was all the head start Harry needed. He reached the Snitch easily before their seeker. France won! While flying down, Harry heard the crowd yelling his name. Potter. Potter. The team celebrated quickly and went into the locker room.

The coach was happy, "Ok, the finals are tomorrow. No partying tonight. One more win is all we need." Harry showered quickly and once the team was ready, they headed out to face the reporters, with Harry going to the usual woman.

"Getting to be a regular thing Harry. Congratulations."