"Those is books saved from the manse library. Master Charlus should have upgraded the wards when nasty wizard first started to make trouble but didn't think he'd be a target cause of his age thought he not be a threat. Nasty Wizard come and kill Master Charlus and Mistress Dory. Made Master James very sad, he was away at Hogwarts at time. We elves managed to save much but not all, books and paintings, other treasures most are in Heirloom vault. Wish we able to save Master and Mistress but those that tried, died. Much sadness for elves. Used to be twice as many Potter elves My mate order me and elves left to take what we could and go so Master James has something and not loose all. Sad time for elves."
She shook herself from her reverie and quickly showed Harry the rest of the house. The other side of the ground floor held a master suite, two guest suites all with ensuite bathrooms and a powder room. Barchok indicated the needed to move on so Harry reluctantly took hold of the belt.
"This time Lord Potter try to relax and stand with soft knees let the portkey move you rather than moving yourself when you feel yourself slow take a step or two . The hook is a shock but if you don't fight it it is easier."
"Right easier." Harry muttered to himself.
"Activate two."
Harry tried to relax and did a little better. Instead of lying on the ground feeling like he'd been smashed there he was only on his hands and knees. Here he looked at the small manor in front of him and said. "We're in Staffordshire."
Barchok nodded. "This is the manse I was able to bring you through the wards because they haven't been shifted from Gringott's control since we were doing the rebuilding back to yours yet. The elves have done well the farms surrounding the manor have paid the taxes each year and provided the elves with sustenance. You own the manse and basically all property in all directions for two miles. We need to be swift as there isn't much to see."
Harry took Barchoks advice and walked quickly through the manor it was easy to see why it wasn't fit for human habitation yet. Although some plumbing and to Harry's surprise some wiring was in place only the load bearing walls were in place and there were no fixtures, no faucets, no sinks or tubs and most importantly no toilets.
He said, "I'm done."
A moment later he was in a furnished apartment looking out on a magnificent view of the Thames not far from Westminster bridge. "We're at the apartment building?"
"Yes, top floor it's actually warded from muggles they believe the building is a story shorter than it is. This apartment being reserved for Potter family use."
"Cool." Then he noticed the apartment had a bit of an appearance of an antique store, with many items he knew from his shopping trips with Petunia were antiques stacked next to and in some cases on top of each other. He quickly looked for and found the loo. After making use of it he looked around a bit more. He came to the conclusion the elves must have used the apartment for storage as they had the library in the vacation cottage. "I'm ready."
Barchok extended the belt again. This time they appeared next to a statue in what appeared to be the town square. Harry looked at the statue and realized it was supposed to be his parents. Barchok guided him over to see the ruined cottage. Part of Harry was surprised he had survived to be pulled out of the ruins of the house, but supposed that it had probably settled some in the last nine almost ten years. After looking at it wishing he could go inside and see if he could find some mementos of his parents. Harry nodded to Barchok who then lead him to a graveyard.
Harry didn't know what he expected as he stood in front of his parents headstone. Reading their names and birth and death dates, he thought he'd feel something but he felt a strange numbness instead. From his parent's letters and the photograph he knew they had loved him as a baby, but he was no longer that baby. So where did that leave him?
Harry put that worrisome question to the side for now, he didn't know enough about either of them besides the few things he had heard from people and that was sure to be biased. He felt like he should say something to make up for the lack of feelings. "Mum, Dad, I'm here for the first time, I don't know what happened the night you died but I'm pretty sure nothing went like you wanted. For one Aunt Petunia raised me, and Dad, I have never met any of your friends. But Mum for all your worries about Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon they did a decent job. I'm about to head off to Hogwarts for my first year, so I don't know how that's going to go on, but one thing is for sure. Me and the headmaster are not going to get along."
"I'll come again next year. Maybe I'll remember to bring flowers next time." Harry turned and walked back over to Barchok. "I'm done."
....
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