"Well Draco is not stupid. So I'm not surprised by this move." Malachi considered. He had already sent the information they had received from Draco on to the authorities.
"So these three they are the ringleaders of the ones who tried to kill us?"
Malachi leaned back and nodded. "Yes. They are all three pure-bloods. Minor families. All three weak politically or financially or both in the case of Dimwiddle."
"Draco said that Mandrake had lost his dad recently?"
"Yeah. He got sucked through the engine of a 747 over Heathrow." Malacahi said with a shrug.
Daniel was a bit more shocked, "Whoa. How'd that happen?"
"Some wizards like to muggle bait and don't quite understand the way aircraft work. Where do you think some of the Ufo reports come from?"
"Ahh. ok. He didn't cause the plane to crash?"
"No Apparently not. He did damage it some however it did more to him. The Ministry was able to write it off as a bird strike to the muggles."
"You know it is kinda disturbing how much of my world gets manipulated by your world." Daniel said with a sad shake of his head.
"There are those of us on this side of the fence who feel the same way. Some of my best friends have been muggles. But until elements in both our societies get an attitude change there will be a need for the separate worlds."
"Hermione says she wants to figure out a way to eventually reunify the worlds or at least strike a better balance." Harry piped up.
"Ahh admirable goals. Perhaps in the future she may be the one to do so. Who knows."
====xxxx====
That Saturday Harry and Hermione woke up slightly grumpy. The fact the Ginny spent some time primping and preparing did not help.
After breakfast Draco came over and sat with them. "So are we still on for today?"
Ginny smiled and said, "Yeah. We are."
Hermione merely smiled and Harry sighed. "Yes Draco. Although if you're just using her for some political stunt and she gets hurt you will not enjoy the results."
"Yes yes I know. Scary father speech number 3. Hurt my daughter there isn't a forest deep enough to hide in. Hurt my daughter and you better make sure your will is up to date. Something like that eh..dad." Draco said with a chuckle.
"Please don't call me that."
"What I thought it would be an upgrade from Potter, or scarhead. You know."
"Yeah. Anyhow I suppose we should start getting ready to go to Hogsmeade."
=====xxxxx=====
As they were walking down the lane. Harry was walking with Hermione as they watched Draco and Ginny walking ahead of them chatting. Crabbe and Goyle were shadowing the four of them like some sort of strange body guard. Neville and Luna shadowing them in line with another honor guard. Harry started chuckling causing Hermione to look at him strangely.
"What's so funny about any of this?"
"That the biggest thing I am worrying about is somehow winding up with Draco as a son-in-law. I mean I have Voldemort wanting to kill me, Dumbledore wants to kidnap Ginny and brain wipe her and the biggest thing I'm worrying about today is that her and Draco somehow hit it off and they eventually wind up married and with kids and stuff."
Hermione just shook her head and walked on. "You know you really need to get your priorities straight Harry. Draco is just playing a game and we need to watch him."
"I know. Okay. Just let me enjoy a brief moment of a semi-normal life." He sighed although she did smile and hold his hand as they walked.
The day went rather well. Draco and Ginny seemed to enjoy themselves together. He bought her some sweets at Honeydukes, had lunch at the Three Broomsticks and generally shopped a bit. Harry was not sure why Draco was being nice or if it was real but he was at least glad to see Ginny happy.
Hermione though was watching Draco like a hawk ready to pounce on a mouse. When he didn't do anything improper by the time they returned to the castle she seemed to be both irritated and relieved at the same time.
As they came to the grand stairwell Draco took Ginny's hand and kissing the back of it said, "Well this is where I have to return to the depths to dwell with the other troglodytes. So fair well."
Ginny giggled then ran off to chat with Luna. Hermione looked strangely at Draco then followed Ginny shaking her head.
Draco stood there staring after them with an odd smile on his face then sighed and without turning. "Yes Potter I know you want to do the what are your intentions towards my daughter speech go ahead and get it out of your system."
"Actually I wasn't thinking that. I was wondering if you maybe somehow actually developed a heart under all that posing and strutting."
Draco spun and glared at Harry for a moment then noticed that Neville was hovering just a few feet behind him. Wand held at the ready. He chuckled a bit.
"Maybe. Even I have to admit having every memory you ever had be wiped out of your skull, your family killed, having to totally rebuild all that you ever were, that's a bit much to have to endure. Even worse having Granger as a mother must be quite the experience."
Harry crossed his arms and leaned against the wall staring at Draco with a frown, "Well considering how your dad giving her the diary started all this that's saying a lot."
Draco frowned at him, "I am not my father. No matter how much he may desire it. I will chart my own course."
Harry nodded. "Ok. I can accept that. People seem to think I'm going to be my dad too. So as long as Ginny doesn't get hurt. I can live with this."
Draco looked surprised but nodded his acceptance of that before returning to the dungeons with his shadows.
====xxxx====
Harry and Neville started walking. Neville wasn;t sure where they were going but did have to ask Harry a question before he exploded.
"You're really ok with Draco basically dating Ginny?" Neville was confused by all this.
"I don't really think he's dating her. I mean we're only 13. and she's 12. I think he's trying to make up for what his dad did. Maybe. Or something. I dunno. But yeah I meant it that as long as Ginny doesn't get hurt I can live with this. Maybe not enjoy it but Dumbledore tried to control me for 12 years. The Dursleys tried to beat magic out of me. What kind of dad would I be if I turned around and did the exact same thing? I never knew my dad but what people have told me he was a good dad. I want to be a good dad."
Neville not having any answer for that just silently walked with Harry. Soon they arrived at the top of the astronomy tower where Harry leaned on the parapet staring off into the distance. Neville just stood by realizing that Harry didn't want to talk again.
Eventually Hermione and Ginny came up and found them. "Hey is everything ok?" Hermione said putting her hand on Harry's shoulder which he leaned his head against with a sigh.
"Yeah its all ok."
"Well Ginny was concerned you're upset with her. That you thought she did something wrong."
Harry turned and smiled at her holding his hand out so she could get a hug. "Hey no. I'm not upset. I was just thinking about how things used to be with the Dursleys and all."
"Oh daddy that's bad thoughts. You should think about happier things."
"Yeah I'm trying. So did you have fun today."
Ginny considered it then smiling nodded, "Yeah Draco is ok. He's kinda odd but nice."
Harry smiled, "Ok. Well if he hurts you or makes you upset tell us and don't be ashamed."
Ginny threw her hair back over her shoulder, "Ok but I'll probably have hexed him into next week before I do so."
Harry and Hermione chuckled, "Yeah that'll be acceptable."
====xxxx===
They were at the last Defense Club meeting before Christmas break and Hobart was allowing the students to free form practice the various things they had been learning. Ginny and Lavender had paired off to practice hexing and defending. Harry and Hermione were working with wooden swords and Neville was zapping targets with reductos. Draco and his compatriots were testing throwing blades and other items. All in all everyone had progressed in their chosen areas quite well. Although Malachi made sure they switched up often enough to get better at other areas as well.
Luna was a nimble ninja sweeping and moving in hand to hand like she had no bones but was made out of strong wire. Sometimes she moved like she could see where the punch was going to go before it even began. Seamus was trying to land a punch on her but just kept striking air while she kept knocking him down or blocking him.
Just before time to depart Malachi clapped his hands for attention. Everyone stopped and formed a circle with him at the center.
"Ahh good work everyone. You're doing quite well. Some of you are progressing up into auror level of skill I might say. As for the rest of you well at least you'll survive long enough to get help or get away at least, hopefully. Now get cleaned up and relax. Enjoy the holidays."
====xxxx====
This Christmas stay was a lot more enjoyable than his first or second years at the castle. As he was technically an adult he and his family could wander down to Hogsmeade with the Grangers to enjoy the caroling and festivities. They could floo over to Neville's to see him for Christmas. Complimenting him on how he looked handsome with Luna looking lovely in a silvery blue dress for the Christmas ball. Lavender, Susan and Hannah looking equally resplendent in their dresses as he took turns dancing with each as well.
The feast Christmas day was incredible as was the one they had been to at Neville's earlier. Hermione and Emma both saying that if they kept this up they would explode. Unfortunately Hermione said that in front of Luna who hid under the table taking her literally. It took a few minutes to convince her that it was just a figure of speech as Luna claimed she once had an uncle who actually did eat so much he exploded.
Draco had sent Ginny a small Pygmy Puffskein which she named Arnold. Draco had also written a letter to Harry and Hermione along with sending each of them a silver picture frame. Harry checked them for curses or charms and found nothing.
"Dad. I don't think Draco is going to sign his name to a gift and then curse it."
Harry sighed, "I suppose. Still better safe than sorry."
"You sound like Mister Moody."
Harry sighed then made like he was examining every scrap of wrapping paper for spells or things hiding under it. Ginny laughed so hard she fell off their couch.
====xxxx====
It was the day before new years and Harry was walking back to the castle after a bracing late afternoon flight. The air had been crystal clear and he could see forever it felt like. Ginny and Hermione having decided to stay indoors and read a few of the books they had received for Christmas he didn't stay out too long.
Harry had just entered the castle when he heard his name called. Spinning around he saw no one but drew his wand just in case. Warily he began to move further into the castle when he saw a person with a head of bright red Weasley hair. As there was supposedly no one in the castle that had that hair color anymore he followed them.
They led him up the stairs into the bathroom that used to be Myrtle's. Harry had still not gotten a good look at the person. He hesitated outside the door for several minutes but the person did not emerge so Harry took a deep breath and opened the door carefully. The room seemed empty and barren. The dismal cold feeling Myrtle had caused no longer present since she crossed over. Harry looked around checking under the stall doors to see that he was alone in the bathroom. Feeling awkward he began to leave but saw his reflection in the mirror over the sink that opened the Chamber. Standing behind him in the reflection was Ronald Weasley.
Harry spun while dropping into a combat crouch. There was no phantom behind him. He warily looked around. He cast a human revealing charm to make sure. Frowning he spun back to the mirror and stomped over to it. Casting several detection spells on the mirror they all came back normal. He wasn't sure what was going on but he felt very uneasy.
He stepped out and saw one of the mirrors that the Goblins had installed. He regretted there not being one in the Gryffindor common rooms or their married quarters. He called for the headmaster but she was not in her office. He asked the mirror where she was and was told that she was not in the castle. He tried professor Hobart. When the man's face appeared Harry composed himself. "Sir I saw Ron Weasley go into Myrtle's bathroom then saw his face in the mirror over the Chamber sink. I have a bad feeling so am going to go check the chamber out."
"Very well Harry I'll be right there."
"Please hurry sir."
Harry turned and went back into the bathroom. Looking in the mirror he saw Ron again. This time beckoning him.
Harry bit his lip and spoke to the sink. Opening the chamber he jumped in.
====xxxx====
The moment he hit the floor he heard voices from the chamber. He began to sneak along wishing he had his invisibility cloak.
When he reached the large circular door he saw a sight which disturbed him beyond belief. Ginny was kneeling on the floor with Hermione holding her. Both of them looked worried and scared. There was a strange shimmering globe around them. What made him angry though was that he recognized the voice that was speaking.
"Really young lady. You have to understand that we are at war. Resisting is not going to do anyone any good."
"You're not going to kill Ginny. Your not going to kill my daughter." Hermione's voice was wavering and thready but held a under currant of steel resolve. Harry didn't know what kind of spell it was that Hermione was holding up to protect them but he knew she was tiring fast.
"I don't want to kill you Miss Gra..gra... Your children would help the wizarding world immensely. Even if the one that was most appropriate for you is out of the picture I'm sure we can find you a suitable replacement."
"I don't want a replacement I want Harry."
"Yes well that will just not do. I'm sorry." He said as he raised his wand.
Harry realized he couldn't wait any longer. He stepped into the room and shouted "Expelliarmus" at Dumbledore's back. His wand flew out of his hand and to Harry. Dumbledore turned in surprise and anger.
"Harry I thought you would be flying for a lot longer."
"I wanted to get back inside and warm up with my family."
"Ahh unfortunate." He said as he drew a wand from his sleeve. "I must have the knowledge Tom left behind in her head. It is imperative. The greater good of all the wizarding world stands on the brink based on that knowledge."
"No. Professor. I won't let you. You can't be allowed to hurt her."
"Harry she has already been hurt. Ginevra Weasley no longer exists."
"Ginny Potter does though. My daughter." Harry said holding his wand at the ready. The wand he had taken from Dumbledore he had already tucked into his belt to keep from him. Trying to be ready with what Professor Hobart had taught him as well as what Moody and Muldoon had taught.
"Harry I am not going to enjoy doing this. I can't really tell you yet. But I need your help. The wizarding world needs your help."
"I want to help but sir. Not at the expense of my family. The ONLY family I have left."
"Harry some sacrifices must be made for the greater good."
"I know about the prophecy sir. I know that I'm expected to slay Voldemort."
"Yes! Yes! So you have to understand how important this information is. It could be the key to your victory. You have to see that any cost is not too expensive for the greater good of all humanity!" Dumbledore gushed enthusiastically at Harry.
"Killing Ginny is too expensive a cost."
"The entire world hangs in the balance Harry. One girl is not more important than that is she?" He tried to smile disarmingly. His eyes twinkling as he pulled the kindly grandfather face once more.
Harry got angry at that though and threw a spell at Dumbledore. A disarming spell again but it was blocked and parried back at him. Harry managed to block it but he felt his feet sinking into the stone so he had to cast a rope spell to pull himself up and out of it.
He swung off the statue on the side wall and came back at Dumbledore who was forced to dodge him. Harry and Dumbledore began to duel.
"You've learned quite a bit Harry. I must congratulate you."
"I have a reason to fight Sir. I have a family that loves me."
Dumbledore had nothing to say about this. He was still defending himself easily from Harry's spells but had not gone back on the strong offensive.
"Oh Harry. You really need to stop this. We had things going so well. Then you had to persist in this course of action. You are far too young to be acting like this."
"How am I supposed to be acting sir? Like I don't care? Like I don't love? Cold blooded and heartless?"
"You're supposed to be more obedient and humble Harry. If those blundering Dursleys had done their job you would have turned her over to us. You should have turned her over to the adults and let them deal with her. Now let me have her. I need to know whats in her head!" Dumbledore did something that split the floor apart and created tendrils of stone that Harry was unable to dodge. He was trapped hanging in mid air. His arm pointed the wrong direction. Dumbledore looked sadly at him then shook his head. He turned back to Hermione whose shield was flickering and fading.
Dumbledore turned and sighing said, "Miss g g gur." He growled frustrated then continued again in a more gentle voice, "Hermione please cooperate and drop your shield. Your energy is almost depleted. You are growing tired and I will still win. Its all for the greater good."
Hermione was gasping but still glared at the former headmaster, "No you won't take her. You won't kill her."
"The girl is already dead. And with the right spells you won't remember her. You won't even remember being married. Its unfortunate that the planned partner for you failed but we can find another. As can Harry. You two were never meant to be. I will see to that."
Harry felt his anger building. A surge of energy burst out of him causing the stone to crumble. Dumbledore spun around only to have a cutting charm that was powered by the pure rage of Harry hearing the threats to Hermione take his arm off just below the elbow. His wand dropping to the floor with a clacking clattering sound from the dead hand. The next spell Harry used shoved the headmaster against the wall so hard that there was a sick hollow thud.
He ran over to Hermione whose shield had failed. He cradled her head as she smiled at him. She had blood running from her nose "I knew you'd come for us."
Harry smiled back at her, crying tears of fear and joy as he heard voices coming. "I'll always come for you, Mione. You're the only family I have."
Daniel Granger came up and grabbed Harry as he felt the world gray and tilt. "Check her. I'm fine. Check them."
Madam Pomfrey and Emma ran up and looked at the girls after glancing at Harry. The Matron began casting spells and pulling potions out of her pack. Working hard.
Malachi came over and put his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry, Dumbledore wants to speak with you."
"Why? I don't want to speak with him." he said ignoring Malachi and watching the matron work.
"Harry. Dumbledore is dying." Malachi flatly said under his breath.
Harry looked up at Daniel who nodded and stood up with Harry. Walking with him to the former headmaster who was laying slumped against the wall. Blood was slowly pooling from his ears, his nose, his eyes. The left one was clearly unfocused and unseeing. The wound on his arm had been mostly cauterized by Harry's spell but was still seeping blood slowly. His breath was coming in shallow rattles with a pink froth bubbling on his lips.
Minerva was sitting beside him trying to staunch the bleeding and fussing over him. When she saw Harry she swallowed hard and told Dumbledore he was there.
"Dumbledore turned towards Harry with a pained smile. "Good duel Harry. You are strong. Stronger than I thought." He chuckled then coughed up bright pinkish red frothy blood. "Well you defeated me. Something in my hubris I thought would never happen. I was wrong. So wrong about so many things. I walked the road to hell Harry paving it all the way. I'm sorry."
Harry stood there staring at the headmaster blank and cold.
Dumbledore nodded, "I want all of you to witness this. That I name Harry James Potter as my rightful and total heir. All of my goods, properties and chattel I pass to him. I do this not as a way of trying to buy his forgiveness but to try and atone for wronging him. Wronging his family. I give this as my last sworn testament so mote it be." There was a brief golden glow as Minerva and Malachi both responded with So mote it be.
Albus nodded, "It is done Harry. I'm done. I crossed the final line I promised myself I wouldn't. I threatened an innocent child. Ronald was not innocent he fell to jealousy and greed far before I got to him. You, you were supposed to be my weapon. MY weapon to destroy the dark lord. But you're your own man Harry. You've managed to forge your own path through all of this. I won't ask you to forgive me. I can't." A coughing fit interrupted him, "You'll...You'll have to decide for yourself." He was having trouble drawing a breath. "And if you don't, then don't worry you will be among a long line of illustrious and powerful people." More coughing and more blood as he tried to chuckle.
The matron came over and started checking on the Headmaster. Harry wanted to ask but he beat him to it. "The girls Poppy? The girls?"
"They'll be fine. Mrs Potter is exhausted but will recover while her daughter is in shock and needs rest as well."
Dumbledore nodded his voice growing weaker to a whisper. "Minerva. You have been my friend and tried to steer me back when I strayed. I should have listened to you more often. I had the worst sort of disease a sense of hubris. A fatal case it would seem." He looked to Poppy who nodded.
"Take care of the school Minerva you are the leader they nee.." He never finished that sentence as his voice faded out in a shallow rattle. His head slumping onto his chest. Minerva quietly began to sob while Poppy reached out and closed his eyes.
Malachi and Daniel helped Harry stand up as his knees gave way. His tears flowing like rivers.
Harry sighed deeply and shook his head, "Why did he do that?"
Malachi shrugged, "I think he named you his heir as a way of apologizing. Making up for what he did like he said."
Harry hung his head shaking it like a horse trying to knock a fly loose. "I. I just don't know what to think."
"Understandable. Daniel why don't you take him to be with his family right now. He needs that more."
Harry looked at him and shrugged. As Dan guided him out of the Chamber he stopped and picked up the wand Dumbledore had used. It didn't look like anything special so he tucked it into his belt with the other one. That one at least looked neater to Harry. A long white one with several walnut to grape sized spheres on its handle.
=====xxxxx=====
Harry had managed with Dan's help to make it back up to the corridor outside the bathroom before he passed out. When he came to he heard voices talking softly nearby. He recognized one of them as Dan, the others seemed to be Malachi and Minerva. He decided to keep his eyes closed and listen to their conversation.
"So Harry gets to keep all of Dumbledore's stuff?"
"Yes it is a valid and legal method of naming someone an heir with a magical oath. The ministry has a book similar to the one for magical bonds and the one at the school for magical students. Gringott's uses their own security methods."
"Well that's something I guess. So do you know what all he's getting?"
"No not really. A house in Godric's Hollow, a vault in Gringott's, some odds and ends. I'm sure there will be some gold. Harry will have to go to Gringott's to sort it out." Minerva explained sadly.
"I'm sorry about your friend Minerva."
Sighing she said, "Thank you. I sincerely hope he did realize his error at the end there. He had been obsessed with Harry for the last decade but I never realized just how bad he had become. "
Malachi grunted sadly, "Well why don't you grab some food and some sleep. Hermione and Ginny will be asleep a while longer. They drained themselves pretty heavily it turns out. Ginny did try and help with a shield spell too."
"Yeah?"
"Oh yes. We analyzed the last spells they cast. Hermione had tweaked her shield spell of course. That girl is quite brilliant. Ginny cast a standard third year shield spell though."
Daniel groaned as he stood up but chuckled gently. "Oh yeah. She gets it honest from her mother. Sometimes I think 'm just a lucky dunce who stumbled into the gold mine. Ginny seems to be building herself up along the same lines. Not a bad deal there. Okay I'll go back and try to sleep a bit."
Minerva and Malachi both chuckled. "Happy new year."
"And you."
A few moments of silence later Minerva stood up and said, "Well I should go help make preparations for the funeral. Cornelius is torn between giving him a paupers burial and a state funeral. What's sad is I have to admit Albus did deserve both of those."
Malachi chuckled again, "Yes he did. But as you can only bury him once maybe a nice simple service and a few words on how misguided he was. How with great power can come great hubris and such. Get Cyrus Greengrass to write it. That man could charm the scales off a snake."
"Yes he could. Well Happy New Year."
Harry laid there confused and sad. He didn't know how to feel about the death of Dumbledore. Even worse inheriting his things.
"So Harry how do you feel?"
Harry sat up looking at his defense professor, "You knew I was awake?"
"The human body looks and acts different when one is asleep and one is awake. You have to train yourself a lot more to impersonate a sleeping person."
"Oh okay." he said pulling his glasses on. He looked over at the other beds with Hermione and Ginny asleep on them. "So they're alright?"
"Oh yes. Together they put up a major shield that Albus was unable to tear down. Quite the team. Quite powerful. From what we could figure out they must have held him off for at least a half an hour."
"So how did he get them down there?"
"That is something we'll have to ask them when they wake up. Given how Albus was a powerful transfigurist, managed to hide for several months as Alice Kingsleigh. Even interacted with quite a few people rather closely, even intimately from what I understand, I am going to guess shape shifting was involved."
"Great. So any ideas on why now?"
Malachi considered before answering, "Well as I told Amelia and Alastair this is only a theory but Draco Malfoy has taken a bit of a shine to her. As the castle is quite empty right now it was a good time to take the risk as he thought Draco was moving on her to get the information for the Dark Lord's forces."
Harry frowned as he considered that. However Ginny had said that Draco was acting like a perfect gentleman and she had enjoyed their time together. She had exchanged a few letters with him over the break so far and thought he was honestly being nice to her.
"I don't know if he was but I could see where the, Where Dumbledore could get that impression."
"Yes. Well regardless of why he made his move it has happened. Now we deal with it. So how are you dealing with it?"
Harry considered things for a moment. He wasn't sure how he felt. "I don't know. Numb. I guess. Confused. Sad a bit."
Malachi sighed looking at Harry kindly he slowly said, "Harry you did the right thing. The first time you kill someone though it always hurts. Even in self-defense. The fact that you can feel sad is not a bad thing. The day you stop feeling when you kill is the day you should worry."
Harry thought about that as they sat silently for a few minutes. "Do you. Do you still feel?"
Malachi seemed to be expecting that question. He closed his eyes as he spoke. "Yes. I do. Each life I have taken I still remember. But know this Harry. There is a difference between killing someone in anger, or cold blood. Killing them because they are different and killing them because they would kill you or those you care about. Those who would destroy everything you cherish. I mean that speech when you came to your first class. Problems are not always solved by stunners and disarming spells. Sometimes the only way to survive is to kill because the other person is going to do all they can to kill you."
Harry shrugged, "I guess."
Malachi sighed, "I know. No words are going to ever make you feel good about this. You'll have to figure it out for yourself. Just know that those who truly know the situation and you will never think less of you for your actions."
Harry looked across the room at Hermione and Ginny. "I hope so."
Malachi chuckled, "They will understand Harry. They will probably be some of the few who will. And a slight bit of warning. I have a feeling that Albus will not be the last one."
Harry turned back to him, "You mean the last one I kill."
"You are a target. You and your family. This will only end one of two ways Harry. You or him. His followers will most likely not go gentle either."
Sighing Harry felt like he just wanted to go for a very very long walk. Unfortunately he had responsibilities. He had a family to protect. He had friends he cared about. Friends that cared about him. He could never abandon them.
"So Harry you said you saw Ron Weasley?"
Harry brought himself back to the present from the place his thoughts were taking him. "Uh yeah. He was in the mirror and I just I dunno. I saw his ghost?"
Malachi raised his eyebrow. "There is no indication that Ron has returned as a ghost. But then again there is no indication he has not. Spirits are a funny thing. Maybe its his way of atoning for his sins. Without crossing over no one really knows how it works. And the ones that have do not speak. The dead do not speak to the living."
Harry laid back in the bed sighing, "My life is just way too complicated."
Malachi chuckled, "Well as a muggle once told me when things get too crazy all you can do is pull down your pants and slide on the ice."
Harry gave him a sidelong look at that with a frown but wasn't sure he wanted clarification. As he heard Hermione give a small groan and begin to stir he was distracted and leapt out of the bed.
Hermione's eyes opened wildly searching around then fixed on Harry's face hovering beside her. "Harry. Is Ginny ok?"
"Yeah she's in the next bed over asleep. You guys did it."
"All we did was get tricked by Dumbledore and almost killed."
Harry sat on the bed and held Hermione who was looking at Ginny and trying not to cry.
Malachi came over and pulled his chair to beside her bed. "Hermione I, we, need to know how Dumbledore convinced you to go with him into the chamber."
Hermione sobbed softly then pulled herself together, "He turned into a copy of dad. He came to our quarters and said Harry had gone into the chamber to explore and wanted our help. I trust my dad so we followed him there."
Malachi sighed, "Yes well that would explain it. I'm sorry that you are discovering with magic some degree of distrust has to be commonplace."
"So I see."
"Yes we thought that he would have had to take the appearance of someone you knew and trusted as there was no sign of the Imperious on either of you."
"Yeah there are only a small handful of people I would trust enough to blindly follow like that."
"Well perhaps you should rest..."
"I've rested long enough. I want to know what happened."
Malachi nodded then between Harry and himself they managed to explain to Hermione everything that had happened and been learned after their encounter in the Chamber. About how Harry was named his heir and had a vault to go through among other things.
How there was a media frenzy to talk to Harry and get details of what happened. How Minerva and Madam Bones had clamped down the security lid tight on the school. That a reporter named Rita Skeeter was facing a dozen years in Azkaban for attempting to sneak into the school as an unregistered animagus.
Ginny groaned out a whispered wow. Causing Hermione to swing her legs out of the bed and stumble over to her bed. "Hey sweetie how are you feeling."
Ginny rolled on her side facing Her mom and smiled, "Like I got drug behind the Express all the way to King's Cross."
Hermione chuckled while brushing Ginny's hair out of her face, "Yeah I know what you mean."
"Well at least you are both alive to feel bad enough to complain." Malachi joked.
Ginny sighed in agreement, "Yeah. I'm sorry dad."
Harry smiled, "Hey you got nothing to be sorry for. I was fooled by him too. I'm just glad we're all here."
"Yeah but how do we prevent that from happening again? Especially if there are others who can transfigure themselves or use poly-juice."
"Well aside from Luna's harmonic analyzer, or hair clippings establish a security phrase with the person. Use it if they act suspicious or out of character. Something that only you and them would know. And never reveal it to anyone." Malachi explained.
"We can do that with mom and dad, and our close friends." Hermione agreed.
Ginny sighed, "I don't like not trusting people."
"No its not very pleasant. And I hope that we can get the world back to something closer to normal for you soon enough to enjoy some childhood." Malachi sighed.
=====xxxxx=====
Hermione and Ginny had been released the next morning by madam Pomfrey. Harry had been released the night before. He spent the evening setting up a security question with each of his friends as well as Dan and Emma. He set his questions up with Hermione and Ginny the night before.
That Monday Madam Bones came to the school with Auror Moody after breakfast to retrieve Harry so that he could go through the official claiming of Dumbledore's estate. When harry had professor Malachi vouch that they were who they claimed to be before he would leave with them he thought Moody was going to dance a jig.
=====xxxxx=====
Going through the Ministry paperwork was easy. He was handed a ring of keys and told that Fawkes had vanished to parts unknown. No one had seen where the bird went. He received title on a house in Godric's Hollow and some land. For everything else he was going to have to go to Gringott's as they were holding it for the heir and the Keykeeper.
Alastair said that they had done a sweep of the house. It was empty of everything but would do nicely for raising a family he thought. It seemed like Dumbledore had not been there in a long time.
Aberforth Dumbledore, Albus' brother did not argue or contest the inheritance. He did not care as he had split with his brother many years ago and had not reconciled with him before he died.
=====xxxxx=====
Coming into Gringott's Harry felt a bit of trepidation. Approaching the head teller he was flanked by Moody and Madam Bones.
"Yes." The Goblin looked over his desk at Harry once he approached close enough.
"I have inherited the vault of Albus Dumbledore. I would like to see it please." Harry said holding up the vault key he was given at the Ministry.
"Very well." He took the key and checked it over. He nodded something and then turned, "Lithan take Mr Potter and his guards to the office of Rothak."
The other Goblin saluted and taking the key gestured for Harry to follow him. They went down a long hallway to an office. The goblin knocked and spoke in his language. A reply and they were ushered inside.
A tall as goblins went well dressed representative stood behind his desk. He was smiling at Harry and gestured towards the seat in front of the desk.
"Please have a seat Mr Potter. I am Rothak. The Potter family accounts manager."
Harry felt the world do another shift. Not as bad this time as he seemed to be getting used to it. "Potter accounts manager. I didn't know there was accounts other than my one vault."
"You never asked. One of the things about Gringott's is that we are the most secure bank in the world. The other thing is that we will not volunteer information to you. Since you had not asked we felt it was none of our concern."
"So when I inherited the Dumbledore vault that made it your concern?"
"Yes. The Dumbledore family vault is a rather old one, not quite as old as the Potter family vault but certainly old enough. No titles or other patents of nobility and such. Neither are the Potters of course. But gold can bring a nobility all on its own as we say." The goblin then laughed...
"Yes well. Uh so what do I have to do now?"
"Well we will transfer the blood wards and ownership of the vault to you. I assume you have the required paperwork from the Ministry showing you are the rightful and legal heir?"
"Uh yeah here it is." Harry said passing over the folder with the forms he had received in the ministry offices.
The goblin took the forms and looked through them. Taking a couple and passing a long crystal rod over them to copy them he eventually handed the folder back to Harry.
"Very well. Give me a moment and a drop of your blood. We can also go over your investments and wealth since you are here."
Harry gulped but gave him the drop of blood. The key that he had been given melted and then reformed into what looked like an identical one. He was handed it back along with two other keys.
"These other keys are to your family vault and your investment vault. The family vault has heirlooms, long term gold and other treasure storage among other items. The investment vault is the liquid assets used for business transactions, stocks, and other things. We have not adjusted the investments since the day your parents last went over them."
"Can I get a list of the contents of those vaults and my investments. I'll ask my wife to look over them with me."
"Of course. Standard paperwork fee of course?"
"Uh yeah if its not an arm or a leg."
Rothak laughed, "No those are the late fees in the loan department." He said pulling different forms out and sliding the crystal rod over them causing lists and tables to appear.
"These include a list of items in your new vault. Do you wish to have a name for it?"
"Uh phoenix vault?"
"Not entirely a bad name. Very well we can have Griphook take you down to look at them if you desire."
Looking at Ms Bones she nodded. "yes that would be good."
"Very well."
=====xxxxx=====
Arriving at the level of his latest vault. The one he had on a whim named Phoenix vault Harry held the key out and opened the doors. When it opened he looked in on a neatly organized well stocked vault. There were trunks along the back wall stacked 4 high. On shelves along either side were stacked books and devices. In the center stood a plinth with a crystal of some sort glowing. In a cabinet behind the plinth was what looked like a large ornate birdbath and racked vials of softly glowing crystal.
He began to walk into the vault when Moody's hand shot out and grabbed him by the shoulder.
"Careful lad. The crystal in the center has a blood ward on it keyed to you."
"Great what's it do?"
"Griphook. I ask permission to draw my wand to test the crystal and see what it does for the safety of my young charge here." Moody said turning to the goblin that was languidly leaning against the cart nearby..
When he heard the question though he stood up and watching Moody came over. He glared at the crystal in the vault for a few moments. He reached out and began plucking at various strings of magic and even went up and tapped the crystal.
"It is safe. It won't injure or kill your ward hew-man. It just triggers an illusion interface with the memories stored in the crystal matrix."
"Well you'll forgive me for not being a trusting sort when dealing with toys Albus Dumbledore left behind. Not to dishonor you but I would still be more comfortable checking for myself."
"Your reputation precedes you warrior. You are one of the few hew-mans we accept has honor. You may draw your wand to confirm my words, though you will see that they are true."
Moody bowed slightly to the goblin and careful drawing his wand approached the crystal and cast several spells over it. He grimaced and frowned but after several minutes nodded.
"It is as you say goblin. He did not place any trickery upon it." switching out of the formal tone of voice Moody glanced over at Harry and Ms Bones. "Alright lad. I don't know what game he's got going with this but it shouldn't hurt ya. Just keep yer eyes open for other tricks around here." He said eyeing the various devices around. Though he had slid his wand back into his holster. He gripped his walking stick tighter.
Harry stepped into the vault and watching the crystal very carefully came closer. A cloud of sparkles shot from the crystal until a glowing cloud of dust coalesced into the form of Albus Dumbledore.
"Ahh Harry. If you are seeing this then I am dead and somehow you have inherited my vault. Most likely through the right of conquest in a duel. And ancient and noble art that has been lost by the younger generations sadly. Depending on when you inherit this you may have already had your questions answered or you may be still brimming with them. As I am dead I will have utterly no need to misrepresent anything and will be utterly totally brutally honest with you. This crystal has a limited set of memories though and has been keyed to ONLY respond to you as has everything else in this vault. No one else. So I congratulate you on winning."
Harry looked at Madam Bones and Moody who both looked grim and irritated. "So uh what do you want me to do about this?"
"I suppose move it to the school so you can question the thing."
"So what are all those things in the cabinet?" Harry had been asking Moody who was examining them but the crystal answered.
"Those are a lifetime collection of memories about Tom Riddle, The Deathly Hallows and several other subjects. Not just from my own mind but the minds of others."
"Harry if you want to deactivate the crystal you'll probably have to step back from it." Madam Bones suggested.
Harry did so and the image faded and blinked out. "Great. Just what I need for the sitting room."
"Yes well we will need to gather as much information as possible so we should lock this back up and make arrangements for someplace easily accessible to you for this to be placed. I suppose your house else can come and go with these things?"
Harry looked at the goblin who ignored him. "So can my house elf access my vaults?"
Griphook sneered, "Yes it is one of the features of a house elve's duties."
Harry nodded to Ms Bones. "Okay I'll talk to Professor McGonnegal about setting a place up for me to do research on this at the school. That way we can keep it safe and still have appropriate people be able to access it.
"Thank you Harry."
=====xxxxx======
It took several days before they managed to get a secured lab set up for them at the school. Dobby had moved the memory vials, the crystal plinth and the pensieve to it as well as a few other items of interest Hermione had seen on the inventory list over several hours when given the clearance to do so.
The funeral for Albus Dumbledore was a quiet and rather poorly attended one. Fudge had been convinced to not make a spectacle out of it, either in celebration or condemnation of Dumbledore's life. A few international dignitaries and magical citizens had come. The Potters, Grangers, even Aberforth himself were among those who did not bother making an appearance there.
Saturday morning a week later the lab was all set up and ready to go. Moody, Ms Bones, Professor McGonnegal, Harry, Hermione, Ginny and the Grangers had gathered to ask questions. Since it would only respond for Harry he had asked everyone to write out what they wanted to ask.
Hermione pulled out a thick sheaf of papers causing Harry to stare at it. Moody started laughing.
"Well I do believe the lass is rather thorough. Maybe we ought to take our lists and compare them."
Ms Bones looked at the few pages she had come up with in comparison to Moody's somewhat thicker stack and Hermione's small book. "Yes. It might behoove us."
"I gave mommy a few ideas." Ginny chimed in.
"Well Potter did you add anything lad?" Moody asked as he was thumbing through the list Hermione wrote and nodding.
"I'm not really sure what I want to ask. He lied to me so much it seemed like while I was alive. I just want to know why he lied to me. But I don't know if I could even believe him if he was here and not just a memory."
Moody sighed. "I know how you feel. I considered Albus one of my closest friends for many years. I actually trusted him. That's not something I can say about a lot of people. To find out he was pulling a bag over us all for the last decade makes me wonder about everything I knew about him. Question what I told him, what I helped him do."
"Yes we all trusted him. He made us want to trust him." Minerva said flatly.
Emma looked thoughtful, "Well since they're going to have to take a bit to go over those things why don't you at least ask him why he lied and see what he said. He might be able to give you some kinda of idea. Maybe."
"I guess." Harry glumly said.
Moody shrugged, "Well up to you Harry but I'd take anything he says with a grain of salt."
Harry nodded then taking a deep breath stepped up to the plinth. It did the light show which coalesced into the image of Dumbledore.
"Good to see you again Harry."
Harry frowned at the image. It was so very much like the headmaster. Looking and sounding like him. He knew it was just a programmed illusion. A glamour projected by the crystal though so he did not feel very much like being polite.
"Why did you lie to me so much?"
The image blinked a few times then sighed, "I felt that you were not ready for the truth Harry. That your life would be much simpler and easier to control if you believed the lies I told you."
Harry glared at the image, "Why would you want to control my life?"
The image smiled gently, "Because for the world to live you have to die. At the right moment."
Everyone stopped what they were doing to hear that. Moody looked like he was going to dig Dumbledore up and kill him again.
"What? What do you mean die at the right moment?"
"I'm sorry my responses are limited. Please ask an appropriate question."
Harry growled. "Why do I have to die?"
"To destroy one of the soul anchors of Tom Riddle."
"Well succinct, to the point and utterly UN-enlightening. I think I preferred it when he would blather on all day. This is going to be a pain in the keister jumping through his hoops all day just to have him dribble anything out." Moody grumped.
Hermione though was frowning for a different reason. "What's a soul anchor?"
"I dunno. Professor what is a soul anchor."
"Go to the third rack, left hand side. Memory number 217. It describes soul anchors, also known as Horcrux." The image explained.
"Did you design this crystal to be difficult to get any information out of?" Harry huffed.
The image smiled at Harry, "Yes Harry. If you and the others who are no doubt in the room are going to glean my secrets then you must work for them."
Harry stepped out of the circle of activation for the plinth. Stepping over to the bench they put in there he stared at the floor. Emma gave him a hug causing him to sigh.
"I am going to die."
Hermione spun on him and letting Moody and Ms Bones grab her pages she rushed over to Harry grabbing his hands as she knelt before him, "No you're not. We will figure something out and find a way to prevent that. Assuming that's not just something Dumbledore believes to be true but isn't."
"Pumpkin has a point there Harry. You went from not trusting him to trusting his opinion awfully fast there."
"Yeah I know but he believed it."
"Yeah and I believe that my taxes are spent wisely. Just because you believe something doesn't always make it true Harry." Dan quipped.
Emma rubbed his arm, "Really. I mean Dan actually believed he looked good with bell bottoms and an afro when we met."
"Hey it was university and the 70s. Everyone that was hip and cool looked like that. I mean I bet you had a wild look in the 70s there Alastair. " Dan tried to defend himself cause Harry to chuckle as Hermione rolled her eyes.
Moody chuckled, "I was rocking the crew cut and grays of the Auror uniform in the 70s. Can't rightly recall ever being what you could call hip or cool."
"Oh that's alright neither can Dan to be really honest." Emma explained.
"Okay you guys keep this up I'm going to talk to the hologram. At least he isn't being insulting."
"No just being obtuse, obstructionist and irritating."
"Ok well there is that." Dan admitted to Moody.
Harry chuckled. His family knew ways to make him feel a lot better.
"Okay yeah. Let's not worry about fashion. Figure out the lists so we can get going."
=====xxxxx=====
The day seemed to drag on as they worked and worried the answers out of the illusionary Dumbledore. Far too often they got the phrase, "My Responses are limited please ask an appropriate question," but they eventually learned a great many things.
They learned that Riddle, aka, Voldemort had made soul-anchors called Horcrux. That Dumbledore knew he made more than one but not how many. Someone named Slughorn though might know but he had gone missing. That Harry was one according to Albus and that the only way to destroy a Horcrux was to destroy the container. That he was afraid Ginny had been turned into one as well. That was why he was so strongly trying to get her, so tightly controlling Harry's life. He did not want Riddle to find out and use him to restore their dark lord.
As for the other things he had been doing most of that got the error message but Hermione was going to be given to Ron to help improve the Weasley bloodlines with her intellect, even to the point of love potions. Ginny had been earmarked for Harry to reward Molly for being such a loyal and helpful agent. Since he was going to die he wouldn't need the Potter wealth so the Weasley's could use it to restore their grandeur. All they had to do was make sure she got pregnant by Harry before he died, and if not well Molly had several other sons that could marry Hermione and Ron would be transformed into Veronica. It was no big deal to Dumbledore as he considered it an improvement.
As for why he wanted the Weasley's to keep track of and hide Pettigrew he took that secret to the grave with him. Bill, Charlie and Arthur were the only ones who had utterly no clue. The twins kept having to be obliviated as they kept finding out somehow while Percy was able to be bought with a job in the ministry, early graduation and the lovely young lady named Penelope Clearwater as his wife and her sister Leah as his mistress.
Sirius Black he had tried to keep under control but he was too much of a loose cannon so he had to manipulate things to get him out of the way. A nice vacation stay in Azkaban should do the trick and the guilt trip he could lay on the werewolf would keep him under his thumb.
Snape had been brought under his thumb so that he could be used as both a spy and as a tool to control Harry. His obsession for Harry's mother the chain around his neck.
The biggest shock though came late in the evening after their break for dinner. It was learning why. The pride Dumbledore spoke of his long range plans to destroy the wizarding world's society and control with a weapon called Tom Riddle and then build it back up in his image. In the Dumbledore plan. So that wizard's would eventually control the muggle world and peace would be brought. His peace and his vision of a better world. He was continuing the dream he had developed with his lover Gellert Grindelwald. Of controlling the world for the greater good. The only thing they had fought over was how openly should wizards act. Dumbledore felt that manipulating behinds the scenes would be far better than to walk openly.
That is why after Dumbledore had managed to defeat Grindelwald he used his hero factor to become head of the ICW, the Chief of the Wizengamut and eventually Headmaster of Hogwarts. The three most powerful positions in all of Wizarding Britain. He could continue to work for the greater good at controlling and manipulating the destiny of the world. He had seen to it that certain bloodlines ended, while others found interesting partners and surprising bloodlines. He had an entire chart of who to breed with whom. Including several illegitimate children being born here and there. He had never sired any children of his own as he did not plan on dying. He would find the deathly hallows and become the master of death. Having seen that the Philosopher's stone made you far too dependent on its brew. That's why he manipulated things so that the Flamels would die. Because while they had isolated themselves from the world they still paid attention and he couldn't risk them actively getting involved in the world's politics again.
The only things that happened to thwart his plans were that Riddle developed his own plans to control the world. To end the muggles. He hated them. Blaming every muggle for the death of his mother and the loss of his family. Nothing Dumbledore did could get him back under his control as he was immune to mind control, he was immune to the potions that would have controlled him. Dumbledore had lost control when fortuitously the Potters had somehow managed to destroy him. At least his physical form as his soul would never move on until all of his soul anchors were destroyed. Dumbledore had hoped that Harry would see this. That the Dursley's beatings, starvation and abuse would have caused him to be obedient and compliant. That way Dumbledore could mold him into the willing martyr he needed.
Harry had heard enough and stepped back out of the circle. Sitting down hard on the floor stunned that his entire world and life was a game to a megalomaniac. Everyone was stunned into silence for long minutes. Harry being held by Ginny and Hermione.
Dan finally broke it with "Well where's James Bond when you need him."
Moody turned to him then began laughing his gruff sharp deep guffaws. Eventually Harry and Hermione and Ginny joined them.
"Oh Granger that is exactly what we are going to need. Damn. Al kept everyone snowed by that kindly old grandfather crap. Amelia we better get that Percy in a cell along with some of the others named. He's probably under an unbreakable over Pettigrew too so we'll have to watch for that. Also we'll need to see if we can find anyone in the spookhouse that isn't compromised to check Potter's head. If not we'll have to contract out to the Goblins."
Amelia was pulling her mirror out and nodding while Moody talked. Minerva sat staring straight ahead. Sickened that her friend had never given up on his wizard supremacy ideals.
Moody had come over and was looking at Harry's head curiously. "So Al thought there was part of his rogue dark lord in yer head."
Harry looked up, "And Ginny's too."
"Yeah well I've looked all around in her head. He left a few bits behind but she's all her. Now I'd like to look around in there if ye don't mind?" Moody said poking Harry in the forehead.
"I might as well. We need to know."
Moody sat in front of Harry staring into his eyes. Moments went by before Moody sighed and Harry blinked while rubbing his forehead.
Ms Bones had stopped talk and held her mirror down, "Well Moody?"
"Yep. There's a piece of the creature himself in there for sure. Only its all wrapped up in this golden web. I don't want to mess with anything, but it's going to take at least a class four breaker to get that out."
Amelia Bones sighed. The number of class four curse breakers working for the ministry could be counted on the fingers of one hand. The ones she could trust, much less moody might not even be able to be counted on the fingers of one finger. She nodded though and went back to making sure the person on the other end understood her orders were to be handled with speed and discretion or they would be lucky to be a traffic guard on the Channel Islands.
Ginny looked at Moody imploringly, "Dad's not going to have to die is he?"
Moody shook his head, "No. We'll figure something out."
Emma sighed in relief just as much as Hermione did. She didn't want her daughter to be a widow before she even graduated school.
"So is Harry in any danger?" Hermione was concerned.
"I don't think so. If it hasn't popped out and turned him into a minimort by now it probably won't anytime soon. Still the quicker we can get that thing out the better."
Dan grunted in agreement, "So its kinda like an abscess in his soul. His body has put a scab around it but if you go picking at it or something pokes it you could break it open."
"Kinda. More like Lily did something. She feels more like the one behind it. Not to put you down Harry my boy but this is an ancient blood magic it felt like. Something of the old ways. Way beyond my pay grade to mess with."
Harry nodded. "I understand. I feel ok."
"Except in first year whenever you were around Quirrel and last year around the diary." Hermione pointed out.
"Yeah well that must have been the partin Harry trying to scratch at the cage. Wanting to get out and join with the rest of him." Moody growled.
Amelia snapped the mirror shut and came over sliding it into her pocket. "Okay I made the arrangements. Horace Slughorn. Former professor here, went on the run in 1980. Was presumed dead. There is a broadcast out on him. Percy will be in a cell by the time we get back to the office. We'll see who we can find that might be a class four available."
"Yeah Rookwood but I wouldn't trust him to pop a boil much less pull this out. Then you got Longbottom's uncle Algernon. With the gentle touch of blind Elephant. Emmerson who wouldn't know a pox from a hex and Brightside. She's just been promoted to Class IV but I dunno if that's a good thing or not." Moody counted off grumpily.
Bones sighed, "Yeah I know. We'll have to get with the Goblins and see."
"I still say the best thing about the little fraggers is they stay bought when you buy them."
"I know. Don't worry Harry. We will get this dealt with."
Dan stood up looking at his watch, "Well its almost 11. This has been a long and annoying day so we should all go to bed and see what new drama comes out tomorrow."
"That sounds like a solid idea Mr Granger. I think Mister Percy can wait in the cells until morning don't you Moody?" She said with a vicious smile.
Moody nodded, "yeah. Better put him on suicide watch though."