Harry Potter The Surprise

It was obvious Pomona thought that was a brilliant idea, Hermione then expanded upon it. "The staff would be able to access you from their quarters, while students would merely have to stroll through your gardens to visit the Headmistress. Designing and planting those gardens would also be a brilliant teaching exercise. I know at least one person here who already can't wait to volunteer."

As all eyes turned to Neville, he jokingly put his hand up. "Count me in, Professor - sorry, Headmistress."

When Pomona didn't object to Neville's assumption, they knew the P.I. had its Headmistress.

Announcing there would be no divination classes went down well, they also said they didn't know if magical creatures could be taught here - and this would be a matter for the Headmistress to look into. Pomona nodding sealed the deal, and Harry then cheekily pointed out it would also be her job to recruit whatever staff she wished for the institute.

Discovering there would be no organised quidditch was the only downside to the evening. Harry saying that there would easily be enough space between the 'legs' of the accommodation blocks to fit a pitch for pick-up games raised the atmosphere right back up. It was an excited Susan who realised you could sit on your room's balcony and watch the quidditch. Hermione added that, if their room was on the other side of the accommodation block, they would enjoy a sea view. The ideal solution would to be friends with the people across the corridor from you, then enjoying both options would be available.

This had everyone talking as Harry's wand added a quidditch pitch across the bottom of the accommodation blocks, he could already see which way McGonagall would be wanting her rooms to face. Adding the pitch also gave everyone some idea of the scale the Potter Institute would be, since they all knew what size a quidditch pitch was. Harry indicated there was still lots of outside space left between the blocks that could be used for anything from teaching to holding a massive barbecue for the entire school. Seeing questioning looks coming from their friends, Hermione promised to try and organise one on the beach tomorrow night.

As the ideas grew, more and more details were added to the drawing. This though was purely a sketch, and the staff would all be meeting with the architect as soon as Remus could arrange it. The excitement was so high amongst all of them, no one thought that would be quick enough.

Harry then showed their ideas went a lot deeper than a basic design of a building. Indicating the drawing, he began to make his point. "That is just a building, it's what goes on inside that really matters. We want to set up something where there are no devisions, other than the obvious ones of Hermione and I not sharing a room until we're married."

Sirius couldn't hold his laugh at hearing that, Harry though was getting serious. "We won't have houses, and won't stand for any bias over blood. That just leaves one more issue to deal with."

Knowing his could be hurtful for his friends, Harry made it about him. He cancelled the transfiguration on his clothes, and had to catch Dudley's old trousers before they hit the floor. Being careful not to look anywhere near any of the Weasleys, Harry explained how things would be at the school carrying his family's name.

"There will be no students boasting they have better robes, books or brooms here. All equipment, books and clothes will be provided. There will also be sets of identical brooms for learning to fly and any quidditch games organised. Everything will be bought locally, stopping the muggle-born being ripped off in Diagon Alley."

While her initial shock was at what this would cost, Pomona asked if Harry could explain that last bit.

"Muggles have to exchange their pounds into galleons, and the goblins charge them for the service. Sirius, how do you pay for things in Diagon Alley?"

"With my Head of House ring, you know that."

"Yes, but did you know using your ring got you at least a five percent discount? After being charged to change their money, they then have to pay full price for everything. That's hardly fair..."

Having already made her choice, Minerva then revealed one of Hogwarts darkest secrets. "It's worse than you think, muggle-born are charged more to attend Hogwarts too. If we deliberately go after them for the institute, it will leave a big hole in Hogwarts finances. Dumbledore is many things but he has no idea how to balance accounts."

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