Chapter 5
Vaults, Villainy, and Shopping!
Author's Note: There was something regarding the Weasleys and the tuition I should I have put in the previous chapter. Much of the money stolen from Harry – the tuition money - has already technically gone back to him. That money went to Hogwarts, which he now owns 50% of. So basically, he is getting it back, while also not punishing people who didn't know what was going on.
I know some of the readers and reviewers are not too sure about this. But this story is NOT going to bash ALL of the Weasleys, and those who will be punished will only get punished for their own actions. None of the children, nor Arthur, as of the previous chapter know what Molly did. In the next few chapters you will soon see exactly what has happened, and how foul Molly is in this story. The theme surrounding most of the Weasleys in this story, as has been said repeatedly, is 'sins of the mother'. Ron, the "bad apple" will probably see what Molly did as completely fine. Because he grew up with second-hand stuff, he now wants to have money, even if it is stolen. Because he believes that is his right, that the world owes him for living like this. The others, including Ginny – though her healing from her mother's teachings, which was the worst of all of the children, will take time - are not of the same mind. They will all be innocent.
Harry is not vindictive. He is a kind, selfless person. He wants to see the good in people, and if they are bad then they shall receive justice. This makes him a good person, which he definitely is. To have punished the innocent Weasleys would have gone against everything he believes in.
Also, before anyone else asks, here is what is going to happen with the Hogwarts Houses. Holly, Harry and Hermione will ALL be in Ravenclaw. Ron will be in Gryffindor. This may be a Ron bashing story, but I HATE Slytherin!Ron stories! That is one of the stupidest clichés I've ever read, and I will NOT use it! Ginny is likely also a Gryffindor, maybe a Ravenclaw. Let's just say she may be "compelled" to follow Harry. Haven't decided. These choices for the first four characters, however, are FINAL!
Unfortunately this chapter doesn't have everything I promised, only the shopping spree, and one villain makes an appearance. Next chapter will have Dumbledore, and the discussion you've been waiting for! Sorry! This chapter went very long!
With that said, enjoy the next chapter!
Disclaimer: Blah, Blah... quotes taken from Chapter 5... another blah... First Book... more blah... JK Rowling. It is hers, not mine! Blah!
"I never know," Harry called, over the noise of the cart, "what's the difference between a stalagmite and a stalactite?"
"Stalagmite's got an 'm' in it," Holly joked, though she wasn't sure if Harry heard her; he was whooping happily, just as loud as she was.
She always loved the one-speed journey on the tracks in the depths of Gringotts. It reminded her of roller coasters at the various fun parks she had been on in her life. The beautifully-colored rocky walls, bright flickering lanterns and various other sights and sounds – including distant roars of dragons! – were just as entertaining as the sights and sounds of roller coasters in fun parks.
Left, right, right again, left again, the turns were so random, it was difficult to know which way they were going. This, of course, was intentional. Most thieves who dared to venture into the Vaults usually never made it out. There had not been one report of theft from the Vaults that Holly could remember.
Suddenly, the cart came to a grinding stop.
"The Evans Vault, Lady Ravenclaw," Ragnok stated in a very businesslike tone, "Key please."
"Stay in the cart, Harry, and don't move a muscle," Holly said, in a very motherly tone, after handing Ragnok her key, "I will be right back then we will go to your vault."
"Alright," Harry said.
Holly carefully stepped out of the cart and onto the rocky surface of the cavernous floor. She followed Ragnok to the Vault, and watched as the Goblin ran a finger down the crack in the center of the door. A keyhole appeared soon after, and Ragnok inserted the key, turned it, then removed it, and returned the key to Holly. The large metal door opened, revealing the innards it guarded. The Evans Vault, in comparison to many of the other Vaults in Gringotts, was quite small. As Ragnok had stated, it was simply a Trust Vault, which meant it only held money. Piles of Galleons towered over the smaller pile of Sickles and Knuts.
"As I said earlier," Ragnok said, "A total of G15,000 is placed here every year from the Ravenclaw Vault. On record, the Ravenclaw Vault could fill this vault for a thousand more years, so you do not need to worry about running out of personal money. What date would you like the Vault to update and refill to G15,000?"
"First of July," Holly said.
"Very well," Ragnok said.
"Ragnok?" Holly asked, "Does Gringotts have something compared to that of a Muggle Debit Card?"
"Ah!" Ragnok said, with a grin, "I wondered if you would ask! Yes, we do! It can be used in any store in the world, including Muggle stores! Very mischievous of you, milady. I sense you wish to speak to me in private without Lord Potter overhearing and that is why you wanted to come in here on your own."
"Certainly," Holly said, "With a Debit Card, I do not need bags of money. Yes, you are correct. I hope you don't mind, but I wish to already use one of my privileges as Friend of the Nation."
"Oh?" Ragnok asked, interested.
"It just so happens that Harry, thanks to his Inheritance, owns one of the houses where a Horcrux resides," Holly said. "The House of Gaunt in Little Hangleton. Apparently, the house is guarded by many dangerous wards and curses. The Horcrux itself is quite dangerous, but as I understand, also very important as an object itself. It is a ring. I doubt Harry will ever want to go to the house, so whether it stands or is destroyed is probably no big deal."
"Say no more, Lady Ravenclaw," Ragnok said, "Give me a bit of time, and I will assemble a team of Goblins and Curse Breakers to retrieve the Horcrux, and make sure that the object itself is not damaged. When it is done, I will contact you."
"Thank you, Keeper Ragnok," Holly said, "I am finished here."
Holly left the Vault, and Ragnok proceeded to close the door. They then returned to the cart.
"Huh, I thought you'd be carrying bags of coins," Harry said, as Holly sat down next to him.
"It turns out Goblins offer a variation of the Muggle Debit Card," Holly said, "No need to carry bags of money, when you can use a card. It can be used at both wizarding and Muggle shops alike!"
"When we return to the surface, I will give you your Debit Cards," Ragnok said. "My apologies for not thinking of such sooner."
"Apology accepted, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said, "Er... then why are we going to the Vaults?"
"Well, there is likely much more than gold in your Vault, Harry!" Holly said.
"Also," Ragnok said, "If I am correct, you can retrieve the Portkey for Potter Manor there."
"Oh, right," Harry said, "Lead on!"
"You heard him!" Ragnok said, tapping the cart. "Go!"
Holly and Harry whooped with joy as the cart began its journey once again.
Harry Potter was having the most fun he had ever had in his short life. So far, it had been the best birthday he had ever had, and it was only halfway finished! To think, it was only midnight when he was laying on the dirty floor of a worn-out shack in the middle of a storm, wishing for warmth, and singing the Happy Birthday song to himself. Then, just like that... everything changed!
Sure, there was some bad with the good. To think people had been stealing from him, even when he didn't know he had that much money! Also, the Horcrux Transfer ritual was not fun at all. It was quite painful, and probably would have been more so, if the Goblin magic hadn't numbed his body. Watching two Goblins battle a possessed pig was quite entertaining. The Healers had even told him that if he was as weak-minded as that pig, he might have been possessed too. That was a scary thought.
However, there was also much good. He had a new friend in Holly, who was a fantastic person. She was nice, smart, funny, and – it embarrassed him to think of such a thing – very, very cute! However, something told him she was hiding some big secret from him. How did she know so much... about the wizarding world... about him? Were they really related?
That last thought alone scared him a little. The only relations he had ever known were mean to him. He didn't have any good memories when it came to relatives. He didn't need any more relatives! He needed friends! And Holly, above all, definitely seemed like his friend. Probably even could be his best friend. To him, that was all that mattered. He hoped whatever secret she held, that his feelings toward her wouldn't change for the negative. He would just have to wait and see!
Right now, however, he was positively whooping with joy as the cart made its way down the tracks underneath Gringotts Bank. He had never been on a roller coaster. He had never been to a fun park. Whenever his Aunt and Uncle took Dudley to a fun park, Harry would spend the day with Mrs. Figg and her numerous cats in her smelly house. But now, he was sure this was far more fun than any fun park.
Then, all too soon, the ride was over... at least for now.
"Wow!" Harry said, "That seemed a lot longer than it took to get to Holly's vault!"
"The Potter Vault is quite old, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "We are deep within the caves, very deep under London. If you were to come down here without a Goblin, you would get so lost, you would never reach the surface. You would probably be in danger of getting eaten by a Dragon!"
Harry gulped.
"Now," Ragnok grinned widely, quite amused, "Shall we meet said Dragon?"
"Erm... okay," Harry said; he was suddenly not feeling so confident about seeing Dragons.
"Do not worry," Ragnok said, as Harry followed the Goblin and Holly out of the cart, "No human has ever been eaten, burned, maimed or injured by our Dragons as long as they were escorted by a Goblin."
Harry dare not ask how many humans had been eaten, burned, maimed and injured while not being escorted by Goblins. He just didn't want to know.
"Now," Ragnok said, "We must tread cautiously. The Potter Vault, along with a few other Vaults – even some of those Vaults loaned to some of Voldemort's followers that we will be checking up on soon – is being guarded by one particular Dragon we like to call Grey Eyes. You'll see why soon. Come, come!"
Holly took Harry's hand. He was sure he was blushing, but he was suddenly braver as well. Hand-in-hand, they followed Ragnok across the cavern, which soon became wider and taller. The growling sounds of a great beast were suddenly becoming louder. Then the sounds were accompanied by ringing. Harry then realized the ringing came from the object Ragnok held, and he remembered it was called the Clankers or something like that.
They turned a corner... and were met by a very large Dragon! Harry looked on amazed at the Dragon. It was enormous! But... as he studied it more, he saw that the Dragon seemed to be injured. It had scars and bruises all along its body, head and tail. Then Harry noticed its faded pupils in its eyes.
"It is blind!" Harry exclaimed, trying to not sound too loud.
"Aye," Ragnok said, "Ol' Grey Eyes has been down here in darkness for a long time. The darkness caused the blindness, however, do not take that as being weakness! Her smell and hearing are far more powerful because of it. See how, even though we speak with whispers, she seems to stare right at us."
Harry nodded. Ragnok rang the Clankers again, and Harry frowned as the Dragon backed up, as if scared, into a corner.
"She's frightened!" Holly said, "The Clankers -"
"Aye," Ragnok said, "Trained by Goblins to back away at this very sound. It may seem cruel, but it is for your safety above all. Come, let us go to the Vault so that Ol' Grey Eyes may find peace again."
Harry couldn't keep his eyes off the dragon as he followed Ragnok and Holly past the enclosure and toward the Vaults. He felt sorry for the creature. They soon stopped in front of one particular Vault. Harry noticed, etched into the bronze metal of the door, a design, like a shield. He held up his Potter Family ring and compared it to the shield. A Griffin standing tall, its wings outstretched, stood above two swords pointed diagonally. On the Griffin's chest, there was a letter P.
"The Potter Family Vault," Ragnok said. "Lord Potter, walk up to the door, and press the Potter Family ring directly in the hole that forms around the upper portion of the large letter P."
Harry did as was instructed, then backed away as he heard a great mechanical sound. The Potter Shield split in two, dividing the two swords, as the doors melted into the walls revealing the Vault and its treasures within.
Harry's eyes widened at the sight. The Vault was cavernous – he would later compare the Great Hall at Hogwarts to his Family Vault, just by the sheer size. Piles of Galleons, Sickles and Knuts appeared like large hills, all lined up throughout the center of the Vault. On either side of the coins were all the valuables. Just standing in the entrance, Harry could see large casks overflowing with various jewels, as well as furniture, chests, and what appeared to be mannequins wearing clothing and armor. Weapons – swords, shields, bows, staffs – hung on the walls.
Harry turned back to Ragnok and Holly. They were still standing outside the Vault.
"Go on," Holly said, encouragingly, "Your first visit should be private."
"Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "To your direct left when you enter, there is a large trunk. I was made aware of this chest. It has five compartments, and could be used as your school trunk, so you do not have to buy a new one. Inside, in the very topmost compartment, there should be the Portkey to Potter Manor, as well as other various personal items your parents left for you and you alone."
Harry gulped, then nodded as he eyed the trunk.
"Erm... how am I supposed to carry it around?" Harry asked.
"Command it to shrink," Ragnok said, "When you wish it to go back to normal, tell it to grow. Shrunken, it should fit in your pocket, and will only grow in size when you command it, so it does not endanger you whilst in your pockets."
Harry nodded and walked over to the trunk. "Shrink!"
Immediately the trunk shrunk down to the size of one of the tiny toy cars he had stolen from Dudley at one point in his life. It easily fit in his pocket when he placed it there.
"Anything else I should get?" Harry asked.
"Some of this furniture might have once been at Potter Manor, Harry," Holly said, "Maybe you should plan for another visit in the near future just to be sure."
"That is a good idea, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "On your next visit, perhaps at the same time you meet Madam Bones, and Curse Breaker Weasley, I will have a large list of all the items inside this vault. That way, you know exactly what is in here."
"Alright," Harry said, "I think I am done for now. Even if there was something else in here I could use at school, I want everything else I buy to be brand new. Never had much stuff that was new to me. I am finished here for now, Ragnok."
"Excellent," Ragnok said, "Come! We will retrieve your Debit Cards, and then this lengthy but fruitful meeting is finished!"
Harry nodded and walked back out of the Vault. He took one more look at the contents, and smiled. Before today, he was lucky to own the large second-hand shirt on his back. Now, he owned all of this.
It was an overwhelming feeling, but it was also a good change. It signaled that his new life had really begun!
Ten minutes later, Harry, Holly, and Ragnok returned to the Atrium of Gringotts. Then, after a quick retrieval of Harry's and Holly's new Debit Cards, and a respectful goodbye to Ragnok, the young pair finally left the bank, after what seemed like hours.
They did not see the strange man with the purple turban enter the bank as they left it.
Thankfully, Quirinus Quirrel did not see them either. He was too busy staring at the crowd of humans and Goblins in the bank.
"Master," he whispered, in an apologetic tone, "I am sorry but I have no choice. We will have to wait until tonight. There are too many witnesses."
Fortunately for you, the cold, cruel whisper of a voice in the back of his head replied, you are correct. Be here when the doors are closed. We will retrieve it then!
"Y-yes, M-master," Quirrel whispered, fearfully.
Hmm, his Master whispered, That stutter might come in useful! Practice it!
"As you w-wish," Quirrel said.
He then turned and left the bank. He needed a place to hide and prepare for his mission.
The first thing Holly noticed as she and Harry made their way back into Diagon Alley was that the marketplace had become much more crowded.
"Oh dear," Holly said.
"What?" Harry asked, raising a curious eyebrow.
"Harry," Holly said, "I don't know if you've realized it yet, but because of that night you vanquished Voldemort – you're probably going to be looked at like some kind of hero. Not just here, but at Hogwarts."
"Oh," Harry said, with a frown, "But – I don't want that."
"I know that, Harry," Holly said, "But very few others will realize that too. To the rest of them, you are a hero. If you want, I will apply a charm to you, known as the Notice-Me-Not Charm. You could tell someone your name, and they probably will think you are just some normal boy out shopping, just like you want to be. Someone will see you, and see just a normal person."
"That's probably a good idea," Harry agreed.
Holly smiled and waved her hand over Harry. "Done! Now, only those in the know – namely me! – will know who you really are. Do you have your shopping list?"
"Right here," Harry said, pulling the envelope out of one of his pockets.
Holly rummaged through her own pockets – she really needed a purse! – and found her own envelope. She opened it and looked through it.
"Hmm," Holly said, "The bookstore, and the various clothing stores are going to take the longest. So we'll leave them until last. For now, I think our first stop should be the wand shop. It would let me cut back on wandless magic. I may be a smart eleven year old, but others might think it odd I can do wandless magic!"
"I definitely want a wand!" Harry said.
"A required tool until you learn wandless magic," Holly said, "Follow me."
They made their way through the crowds and headed for the wand shop. Holly's charms on Harry held true. Nobody looked at him more than a passing glance, and nobody noticed the remnants of his scar.
Soon, they found themselves at the wand shop. The building was narrow and shabby. Peeling gold letters over the door read Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 b.c. A single wand lay on a faded purple cushion in the dusty window.
A tinkling bell rang somewhere in the depths of the shop as they stepped inside. It was a tiny place, and had not changed since Holly had been there the last time around. There seemed to be just as many wands in the various rows as there had been then.
"Hello?" Harry asked, "Anyone here?"
Just as he said it, a man appeared in the shadows. Holly immediately recognized the man as Garrick Ollivander. Had he always looked so... creepy?
"Ah yes," Ollivander said, looking at Harry. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter."
"How did you know it was me?" Harry asked, "My friend put a charm on me."
"A Notice-Me-Not Charm, yes," Ollivander said, "However, those of us who use their eyes for more than just seeing can look past such charms. Don't worry, I will keep your secret."
"Oh," Harry said, "Thank you."
"You have your mother's eyes," Ollivander said, "It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work."
Holly frowned. She missed that wand. She hoped her new wand was just as good.
Mr. Ollivander moved closer to Harry. "Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favored it — it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."
Mr. Ollivander had come so close that he and Harry were almost nose to nose. Holly wished he would back away from Harry.
"Funny," Ollivander said, "That scar is a lot thinner than I expected."
Mr. Ollivander hovered a long, white finger toward the lightning scar on Harry's forehead. Holly hissed at the man, warning him to back away. Ollivander cleared his throat and stepped back a few feet from Harry.
"I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it," he said softly. "Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands... well, if I'd known what that wand was going out into the world to do..." He sighed deeply. "Anyway! Mr. Potter..."
"It is Lord Potter now, sir," Harry said, politely.
"Ah, apologies!" Ollivander said, "I didn't know. Then I assume you are Emancipated?"
"Both of us are, sir," Harry said, looking at Holly.
"I will remove the Trace from both your wands then," Ollivander said, "Now! Mr. Potter, which is your wand arm?"
"I am right-handed, sir," Harry said.
"Let me see!" Ollivander said.
Harry offered his arm, and Ollivander waved his own wand at a measuring tape, which floated over to Harry, and measured not only his arm, but his whole body.
"Let's see if I can find the right wand," Ollivander said.
"Mr. Ollivander?" Holly said, "We do not want to take all day doing this. Find our wands straightaway, and I will tip you generously for it."
Ollivander stared at Holly for a moment. "Of course. After Harry's measurements are finished, please measure her as well."
Holly didn't think he was talking to her. The man then turned and strode off down an aisle.
"He is... very odd," Harry said.
"Yes," Holly said, "He is. I would have hexed him if he touched you."
Harry blushed deeply red, but Holly barely noticed this, because she was muttering about "the old pervert" under her breath. Then, for good measure, she smacked the measuring tape away from her body when it tried to measure her.
The old pervert – ahem – man in question returned with two boxes in hand. He handed one to Harry, and the other to Holly. He then watched as Holly opened her box first.
"Ten inches," he said, "Dragon heartstring, made of willow. Swishy. Excellent for charms. Peculiar..."
Holly pointed her wand at him, making him cough. He cleared his throat then backed away. She knew what he was thinking; her wand was quite similar to Lily's. She would not let him voice that comparison out loud!
"It seems it works wonders, Miss...?" Ollivander said.
"Ravenclaw," Holly said, and Ollivander's creepy silver eyes widened, "Lady Ravenclaw. This wand suits me. Thank you."
"Yes – ahem – well," Ollivander stammered, "You next, Mr. Potter!"
Holly calmed her growing temper as she watched Harry take his wand from the box. He smiled and his green eyes seemed to glow, as he looked at the wand.
"Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple," Ollivander said, "A wand useful for many skills and subjects. Wonderful! But also curious -"
Before Harry could ask, Holly interrupted. "Yes, yes, I am sure you are curious! But we haven't the time for your curiosity. We'll buy the wands! And a couple of your usual holsters. Disarm-proof, summon-proof, the works."
Ollivander looked from Harry's wand to Holly, and frowned. "Very well."
He summoned two larger boxes, and gave them to Holly and Harry. Each young wand-wielder opened their boxes, and Ollivander instructed them how to put them on.
"Seventeen galleons total for wand and holster," Ollivander said, "Both wands have the Trace removed due to Emancipation. Ah, debit cards, wonderful!"
"Take twenty off it, three for your tip," Holly said.
Harry agreed with Holly. Ollivander charged the cards, and Holly and Harry left the shop.
"Never let a man like that keep talking," Holly said, "I don't know what his problem was – maybe he was hoping more customers would come in and see you. Just so they would shop there! There are other wand shops, though those are in Knockturn Alley, where you never want to go. Whatever... let's continue!"
And so they did. Over the next hour, they went from shop to shop, filling their shopping lists from the various items – potions ingredients and other needed items for Potions. Holly advised Harry not to buy telescopes there. They could buy more powerful Muggle telescopes at a later date when they went out shopping in the Muggle world, then Holly could charm them with those charms usually seen on wizarding telescopes. Holly also bought a large trunk very similar to Harry's own.
Then they went to the bookshop; here they spent nearly an hour looking through the books. Besides the books from their lists, they bought others as well. Books for household magic, ward magic, books on wizarding politics and the Wizengamot, as well as a book about Ancient Houses including the Potter Family House, which claimed to be recently updated as of that year. Holly also bought books on Occlumency and Legilimency, and the magic surrounding it to help her with her own ideas for inventions. She bought a couple of recent history books that started from 1981, so she could familiarize herself with the history between Lily's death, and Holly's "rebirth".
"Er... Holly?" Harry asked, "What in the bloody hell are those?"
"Language, young man," Holly said, sounding motherly again.
She looked toward where Harry was pointing. A row on one side of an aisle was filled with various books that started with "Harry Potter and..." followed by various titles.
Harry picked up one of the books, the first in the very large series apparently, and looked through it.
"This... this is fiction!" he said, "about me. Listen! 'Follow along as Harry Potter, a powerful toddler, battles a troublesome troll and saves the day again!' What is this? When I was a toddler, I was lucky to even walk down the hall outside the – err – my bedroom!"
"It appears someone has been using your name without permission and making up stories of you," Holly said, with a deep sigh.
This was the exact kind of fodder Molly Weasley needed to raise her daughter to think she was destined to be Mrs. Harry Potter. She could picture the young girl reading these books and dreaming about marrying this... Boy-Who-Lived? Oh, bloody hell!
"Language, young lady!" Harry joked.
Holly harrumphed. She hadn't realized she swore out loud. "Do you know how many children probably read these. How many of our fellow classmates?"
Harry gulped and gingerly placed the book back on the shelf then backed away from it.
"Exactly," Holly said, "We're going to do something about this. Just one more letter I have to write. Ugh! Come on. We have enough books for now."
"Maybe even too many," Harry said, grinning.
"Nonsense," Holly said, waving her hand dismissively, as she marched toward the counter, "You can never have too many books."
Apparently, however, the witch at the counter wasn't exactly of the same mind-set. Although she saw the quick treasure trove, it was easy to see she thought the two children went overboard. However, she said nothing, only ran her wand over the debit cards and bagged the books then shrunk the bags. Harry and Holly pocketed the bags with the rest of the others, then walked out of the shop.
"Clothes shopping next," Holly said. Harry gulped, which made Holly giggle, "Now don't be afraid. It will be fun. And this is only the first half. We will have to go out to the Muggle shops to get the rest!"
Holly rolled her eyes when Harry gulped again, and pulled him along. When they reached Madam Malkin's the shop was thankfully empty. Holly marched up to whom she recognized as Madam Malkin, looking mostly the same as she remembered, just older.
"Greetings," she said, brightly, "My friend and I were recently Emancipated and have recently had our Inheritance Tests which were quite successful. We're a proper Lord and Lady now! Please suit us up with the proper Head of House style robes – school robes, formal robes, et cetera. A generous tip is offered if you will keep our identities you may learn secret for now."
Madam Malkin blinked then smiled. "Of course! You first, young lady!"
The whole process of measuring, trying on robes, underclothing, and various other pieces of clothing for both Harry and Holly took well over half-an-hour. Madam Malkin, as promised, said nothing – though she looked quite shocked – when the Potter and Peverell shields appeared on all of Harry's robes. Holly had informed Harry in secret that the Hogwarts House Shields would not show up until they publicly claimed such titles. It wouldn't do to show such shields when they wanted it kept secret for now!
When they were finished, they tipped Madam Malkin generously for her secrecy, then stepped out of the shop. Harry now had a few pieces of public-style clothes, but the rest would come when they went Muggle shopping later.
"One last shop, Harry," Holly said, "Then how about we take a late lunch at the Leaky Cauldron and go to Potter Manor? Now, I want to get you a birthday present!"
"Oh – you don't have to!" Harry said, blushing a deep pink.
"I know I don't," Holly said, "But I will anyway. Now, every young witch and wizard needs an owl. By the end of the summer, you might have some to write home to! To the Post Office!"
Harry gave a sigh, and blushed again, as Holly took his hand and they journeyed to the post office. They split up and looked through the owls. Holly soon decided on a Black female tawny owl, while Harry chose a beautiful snowy owl, also female. Holly paid for Harry's owl, but he insisted on paying for the cage on food. Then they decided to test the limits of their owls already. They needed to send the owls with their letters of reply to confirm their attendance at Hogwarts.
"By the time you're back, we'll be at Potter Manor, girl," Harry said, "Do you think you can find it? Even I don't know where it is yet!"
The snowy owl hooted softly.
Harry smiled and attached the letter to the owl's leg. "To Hogwarts. By the time you get back, I'll have a name for you!"
Holly smiled as she watched both owls fly into the sky.
"Probably a good idea we did that," she said, "We wouldn't want to carry them around. They'd get bored."
"Yeah," Harry said, "Lunch, then home?"
Holly smiled at the word 'home'. She wondered if Harry even realized he said the word. "Sure."
Soon, they were back in the Leaky Cauldron, and sitting at the same table as they had that morning. They ordered a couple of lunch specials and butterbeer this time, which Harry thought was just as tasty! They discussed various things about the day so far, whilst choosing to leave the most important discussion for later that evening.
When they were finished with their meal, Harry opened the top of his trunk, and found what appeared to be a large brick, with the Potter Family Shield on it. They realized it was the Portkey. Harry took it out, and shrunk his trunk, then stored it back in his pocket. Then the pair each held onto one end of the brick, and with the word "Activate", they vanished. Their destination Potter Manor. Their intentions: resting after what was a busy day before having their all-important discussion.
However, many many miles away, inside a large castle which was also a school, an old man was about to find out his day – even if it was late in the afternoon – had only just begun!
I apologize for that cliffhanger! Unfortunately, due to the damnable Obligatory Shopping Spree being very lengthy, I had to postpone the rest of the stuff planned for this chapter.
So... next chapter: Dumbledore! Other various traitors and villains! Potter Manor! (In which we meet a familiar character from my Bonds of Time Saga!) And the all-important discussion! I've already written part of the discussion. I assure you, it is worth waiting for! Some of my best writing I've ever written, I am proud to toot that particular horn!
I will not apologize for my pervert comments toward Ollivander. He's creepy. Deal with it!
Also, as you may have noticed, Quirrel has Vapor-mort in the back of his head sooner than in canon. In the movie, it seems he already has him as well, because he did not shake Harry's hand, he feared to do it. So... I am using that. Besides I love that scene I wrote... better to have Mr. Vapor in the scene at the moment then later instead.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, in all its shopping spree goodness!
Also: I need help! Harry's owl is of course Hedwig. I have possible names for Holly's owl, but I would love some suggestions. Remember, she is black with golden eyes, and a female. I'm thinking Midnight, but if you have a better name, suggest it in a review. I might pick it!
Chapter 6
Traitors and Truths
Author's Note: You amazing reviewers were awesome at picking owl names. So awesome, I chose one of those names! Now, I liked Midnight, as did many of you. However, one particular reviewer, "Mad Library Scientist" had a better name! Holly's owl will be named... Gianna (or Gia as a nickname) after the patron saint of mothers – apparently the saint sacrificed herself for her child. So, that reviewer thought it was perfect, and so did I! Hedwig, of course, was named after the patron saint of orphans! How awesome is that?! Thank you, you wonderful reviewer, and the rest of you for your suggestions and continued support!
In the highlands of Scotland, a majestic castle, which was also a school, was known as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was midway through the summer, so there weren't very many human residents in the castle at the moment. Amongst the numerous ghosts, portrait inhabitants, and one very insane Poltergeist, a few witches and wizards, known as some of the staff of Hogwarts, made the castle their home year-round, for it was a better home than they had elsewhere.
One particular wizard was a Dark Lord, though there were nearly none out there who recognized him as such. To nearly all of Britain's wizarding population, and much of the wizarding population around the world, this man was their proclaimed Leader of the Light. The wizard's name was Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. He was the Headmaster of the school, Chief Warlock of the British Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and also held the prestigious award, the Order of Merlin: First Class. He would proclaim to the general public that his greatest accomplishment was the fact that his name and picture was on a Chocolate Frog Card.
This was a lie of course. He adored all of his titles, simply because of the sheer power they held. With that much power, the man did not need to become Minister of Magic. Why hold that seat, when the actual Minister was calling him three times a day asking for his advice?! Give the foolish man some good advice, much of which were laws he wanted passed, or information he needed to know, along with a bit of gold – much of which was stolen – and the man would grant it! That... that was power!
Albus Dumbledore was famous for many things. The most famous – his victory against Gellert Grindelwald. In reality, the supposedly famous duel between enemies, was actually planned entertainment – the theatrics of the duel were for show! The witnesses who had claimed to see such a powerful duel – Imperiused by Dumbledore and Grindelwald to tell the public and reporters about an exciting duel they saw – some of which was actually true – they had seen some awesome magic, but it was just a game between old friends and lovers about who could cast the best spells. The duel was planned from the beginning. Dumbledore would claim the wand for himself, "defeat" Grindelwald, and lock him in a tower of his own prison. Then... the two Dark wizards would wait for the right time to show the world the truth!
However, the plan backfired. A new Dark Lord – Voldemort, real name: Tom Marvolo Riddle – came into the picture. The damned fiend – Dumbledore was annoyed by him! How dare the bastard turn his back on him?! Dumbledore discovered the boy, brought him to Hogwarts – taught him much of what he knew – and then the man decided to become cranky and decided he wanted the power! Dumbledore couldn't have that. However, Voldemort just would not die! Dumbledore needed the man dead so that his own plan he made with Grindelwald could begin!
And then the Prophecy came into play. Here... here was the tool, the weapon, the truth Dumbledore was looking for! He could not beat Voldemort because a prophecized child was meant to kill him! However the Prophecy scared Dumbledore. The prophecy only mentioned a "Dark Lord". It never once mentioned the name Voldemort. Even the prophecy's label in the Department of Mysteries had a question mark! Dumbledore knew he had to take caution with this one. So he started making plans.
Then, in late July of 1980, two children were born, one of these children was the prophecized One. Dumbledore didn't know which. However, Dumbledore was as scared of the children's parents, as he was of the children themselves. The prophecy stated that the parents would "thrice defy" the Dark Lord. Well, Dumbledore couldn't have that. So, he set up the game pieces. The parents had to die. He convinced both sets of parents to hide in lightly-warded houses. Of course he couldn't have them live in their heavily guarded Manors! Then he convinced them to trust in two Secret Keepers who were weak-minded. The Potters' Secret-Keeper was a Death Eater. The Longbottom's was a weak Auror friend of the pair. Both Secret Keepers had to die of course afterward. With these pieces in play, then came the checkmate.
Halloween 1981. With both Secrets revealed to Voldemort, the attacks took place. James and Lily Potter lost their lives, and Frank and Alice Longbottom tortured into insanity. No longer able to defy Dark Lord Dumbledore. Unfortunately baby Neville Longbottom didn't die. That was okay. Dumbledore visited him and bound most of his magical core. Couldn't have him powerful, just in case his parents were cured and later could thrice defy Dumbledore, now can we?
Then there was Harry Potter. The prophecized child. Lily Potter's sacrifice was an unexpected twist. Her sacrifice stopped Voldemort, destroying his body, but leaving him a shade. Dumbledore was perplexed at that – the man was not dead! Then Dumbledore realized the truth, the source – baby Potter's scar. The scar was a Horcrux. Ingenious of Voldemort – how many did he make? Dumbledore didn't know, but here was the key to Voldemort's survival. He knew one day the bastard would return. The Horcrux in Harry Potter meant the child would have to ultimately die for Voldemort to die. Easy enough. Let the bastard kill the child, then Dumbledore would defeat Voldemort. The world would then rejoice in the victory, the much-needed time of peace – then Dumbledore and Grindelwald would come along and rule the wizarding world!
So begins the next chess-match. Dumbledore's first move was to bring in his pawns to take out other pawns. Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, would have raised the boy to be a powerful hero! Dumbledore couldn't have that. Black needed to go. Events came along, and Black ended up in Azkaban. Being Chief Warlock had its perks. No more godfather for Harry. Of course, then there was the Potter Wills. Hidden away from the public, Dumbledore could bring his own fake Will into play naming him magical guardian of the boy, and his official guardians would be Muggles. Not just any Muggles, but Lily Potter's sister. Petunia already despised magic, and she had taught such hatred to her husband. Perfect pawns to raise Harry. They would surely raise the boy with a firm hand. When it was time to bring the prophecized one into the wizarding world, the boy would be weak-minded, desperate for friends, a family, and mentors. Luckily, Dumbledore had hand-picked a few of those.
That brings us to today. Albus Dumbledore was currently sitting in his office, sucking on lemon drops, his hands pressed together as if in prayer, and waited. His minion – ahem – caretaker of Hogwarts had been away since early the previous day, running an errand for Dumbledore. The errand: rescue Harry from his relatives and introduce him to the wizarding world. Now, Dumbledore was waiting for Hagrid to return, proudly boasting about how much fun he had with Harry Potter. Also, there was a second errand. Just as important.
It was at that moment that several things happened at once. Rubeus Hagrid walked into the room and accidentally slammed the door behind him, causing the room to shake, the portraits of former Headmasters and Headmistresses, and the phoenix Fawkes to squawk indignantly. On a table on the right side of the office, instruments that monitored Harry Potter – his life-signs, health, the Horcrux in his head, his magical core, his location, the wards at the Dursley house, and a few others – all turned to dust. And an owl flew into the office and dropped an official-looking envelope from Gringotts onto Dumbledore's desk then left the office. Dumbledore didn't notice the latter however. He was currently racing over to the table where the former monitors were now turned to dust.
Dumbledore knew right then. Hagrid slamming the door could not destroy the monitors. Something had gone very, very wrong when it came to Harry Potter.
Dumbledore turned to Hagrid. "Where's Harry Potter, Hagrid?"
"Er... I am not sure at this particular moment, sir," Hagrid said.
"Is he not back with his relatives?" Dumbledore asked. "Hagrid, tell me everything that happened!"
"That's the trouble, Headmaster, sir," Hagrid said, "I can barely remember."
"Tell me what you remember!" Dumbledore demanded.
So Hagrid told him about the shack he had found Harry in – he was there just like Dumbledore had said. Of course he was, the tracking monitor had found him there. It was late at night, so, after a lengthy discussion in which a lot of screaming was done, and surprising discussions were also said, they went to sleep. Then they woke up and went to Diagon Alley.
"... and I remember taking Harry into Gringotts," Hagrid said, "And then... nothing. Well, I remember going to the Leaky Cauldron for a drink..."
Dumbledore cursed internally. The blasted man-child had drunk himself stupid! He remembered Harry Potter being at Gringotts and... then what?
"Fine," Dumbledore said, "I will find out myself. Did you at least get my package?"
"Er... package, sir?" Hagrid said, "I... I don't think so."
Dumbledore cursed out loud, causing Hagrid, the portraits and Fawkes to scream indignantly. His intelligence told him that whatever was trying to take the package would try to retrieve it that evening. And it was still there!
"Get out, Hagrid," Dumbledore said, "I have to fix your mess."
"Er... yes sir," Hagrid said, "Goodbye, sir."
Dumbledore waved dismissively, just hoping the man-child would leave. He then walked over to his desk, sat down and popped a lemon drop in his mouth. The calming potion in the drop worked its magic. He calmed down instantly, allowing process of thought.
He knew it was a mistake sending Hagrid on this mission. But he had no other choice! Hagrid was dumb as bricks – sure he might overreact to any mistreatment toward Harry, but he would not tell a soul if Dumbledore asked him not to! Minerva McGonagall, however. It was her who had volunteered the task to take Harry to Diagon Alley. The letter inviting Harry to Hogwarts had been sent a week ago. No reply had come. They sent more letters, still no reply. McGonagall was worried. She told Dumbledore if no letter had come by August 1st, she would check on the boy. Dumbledore couldn't have that. The first sign of the abuse – ahem – firm-handed teachings the Dursleys gave Harry, and McGonagall would have reported the Dursleys to the proper authorities. It wouldn't work of course. Dumbledore would clean everything up, Harry would find himself back at his relatives, and nobody, not even McGonagall, could do anything about it. So he sent Hagrid to retrieve the boy on his eleventh birthday. Just to prevent a Hagrid sized headache.
Just like he was having now! It had come down to two things. The first, Hagrid had escorted Harry Potter on his shopping trip, told the boy to be at King's Cross on September 1st, and brought him home. Perhaps Hagrid had simply forgotten about it, due to the drink, just as he had forgotten to retrieve the package?
The second option, however, was this: something had happened when Harry reached Gringotts. There were many possibilities, none better than the one before it. He could have met someone – whether that someone was a possible friend, or someone with bad intentions was the question – who would have taken him shopping, and forgotten about Hagrid. Hagrid could have been compelled to forget it all. If this was so, then where did Harry Potter go after he left Diagon Alley. Had he even left the marketplace yet?
Whatever happened caused all of the monitors on him to simply destroy themselves. There was one more possibility. This one was the worst. Harry could have somehow met with the Goblins – instead of just retrieving a bit of gold and leaving – and discovered everything. That was not a welcome thought. If the boy found out that he was the Head of an Ancient and Noble House, if he found his parents Wills... Any one of these could have given him his Emancipation. If any of this was discovered...
Dumbledore shuddered. No, this couldn't be true. There had to be another answer. Yes, Harry had met someone while shopping, who would then take him back to the Dursleys. That was probably it.
Dumbledore popped another lemon drop in his mouth, then saw the envelope on his desk. It was from Gringotts. Curious, he opened it, and read the letter.
Albus Dumbledore,
This is a reminder notice that today, 31 July 1991, is the last day you may hold your package, located in Vault 713 in our bank. Retrieve it by 10:00 this evening or we will claim it as is our right by the contract you signed.
May your treasures be guarded wisely.
Keeper Goldbrick
Gringotts, London
Dumbledore crumpled up the letter. He knew the contract ended tonight! That is why he had sent Hagrid! However, the letter was welcomed. There were certainly many other types of letters he could have received. If Harry Potter had discovered what he had feared, then he would have certainly received other letters instead of something like this. This was good news. It seemed Harry Potter was still oblivious. Just as he needed the boy to be.
He sighed, summoned his traveling cloak, then walked over to Fawkes.
"To the Leaky Cauldron, my friend," he said.
Hopefully I will be able to find Harry at the marketplace. If not, then I will run by Privet Drive. Easy enough.
He did not see the mischievous look in Fawkes' eyes, as the bird latched onto his shoulder and the two disappeared in a ball of flame.
Meanwhile, at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Ragnok the Sixth and his royal father were leaving the large Council room. Their discussion was just as important as the one the council had just held.
"Such treachery has been made here in our Nation," King Ragnok said, to his son, "Horcruxes, Traitorous Goblins. Whatever next?"
The son only smiled, but did not answer. He knew the question was rhetorical.
"So it seems your meeting with the newest Lord Potter was very profitable?" the King asked.
"An understatement, Father," Ragnok said, "Heirs of Hogwarts Founders, three of the five Original Vaults opened again, with a fourth possible opening soon as well. You heard more of such profit and evidence in this very meeting. A Horcrux in our very bank, and to think, the object cursed was a Hogwarts Founder's precious antique!"
"We will wreak havoc on those fiendish followers of the monster who calls himself Voldemort," the King said, with a scowl.
"Are we prepared for the possible retaliations from both the Ministry and the Dark Lord's minions?" Ragnok asked.
"We will be," the King said, "If the Dark Lord's minions decide to be violent, the Nation will not yearn for violence on the rest of the humans, only those who serve Voldemort. If the Ministry decides to be violent in actions and not just their tongues which is a probability, we will discover if they are also sympathetic to the Dark Lord. If they are not, we will then decide on a proper retaliation."
"And our new Friends of the Nation?" Ragnok asked.
"Give them whatever they want," the King said, "The boy is the prophecized One. It is he who will take down the Dark Lord. We will profit much from those two and their allies. Any enemy of theirs is an enemy of ours!"
"Agreed," Ragnok said.
"And what is this rumor I heard that Lady Ravenclaw is actually Lord Potter's mother reincarnated?" the King asked. "What is this I hear of Death giving you a message?"
"All true, Father," Ragnok said.
The King laughed! "Excellent! A story for the ages! Speaking of legends, tell me again of the Goblins versus the possessed pig!"
Just as Ragnok was about to begin, his assistant Bogrod rushed toward them.
"My King! Keeper Ragnok!" Bogrod called.
"Let him through!" the King barked to his guards.
"Keeper Ragnok," Bogrod said, "Albus Dumbledore has arrived in the Leaky Cauldron. He is on his way here."
"Lord Potter and Lady Ravenclaw?" Ragnok asked, concerned.
"They took the Portkey to Potter Manor, sir," Bogrod said, "A few minutes before Dumbledore appeared."
"Excellent," Ragnok said, "Father, we must part for now. I will tell you that story later."
"Of course," the King said, "When you discover the traitor, send them to the prison! I will have audience with them later."
"Yes, Father," Ragnok said, then bowed.
The King placed a hand on Ragnok's shoulder, then turned and walked away. Bogrod and Ragnok walked toward the Atrium.
"Place guards as decoys at some of the counters," Ragnok said, "Any goblin who has become a Keeper in the past five years is probably not the traitor, replace them for now. Do it quietly. The traitor is probably in the Atrium as we speak."
"Sir!" Bogrod said, then hurried forward.
Ragnok smiled malevolently, pointed teeth showing. Tonight, the traitor would be found. Tomorrow, Ragnok would continue the investigation against the Weasley matriarch, and the seizure of Voldemort's followers' Vaults would begin. Hopefully the Horcrux would be found soon. Ragnok also made note to start putting a team together for the Little Hangleton job. Much to do. Ragnok was looking forward to it!
Ten minutes earlier...
At Potter Manor in Northampton, Holly Evans and Harry Potter arrived via Portkey. As soon as they landed, Harry groaned painfully. Holly about called out his name when she saw what was going on with him. Eyes fluttering, blinking... his ring was talking to him.
Harry gasped. "Sorry. That was a bit strange. It was like a bunch of commands I need to do for Potter Manor just downloaded into my brain. If I do odd things over the next few hours, ignore me. It is just my ring telling me to do things. Apparently my ring wants us to free Sirius Black as soon as possible. Something about redemption and the Secret Keeper."
"Hmm," Holly said, "This manor needs a Secret Keeper. If your godfather accepts the job, he will redeem himself. The history books say he was the Secret Keeper. If he wasn't and somebody else was, then maybe becoming one now will redeem him?"
"Maybe," Harry said, shrugging. "The ring also says we need to update the wards. I need to find the Master Wardstone first thing. If I don't give you official permission, you might soon be harmed by the wards."
Holly nodded. The wards didn't see her as Lily Potter. She really was Holly Evans.
As Holly followed Harry toward Potter Manor, she realized something. There was an aspect of Harry's check-up results that she hadn't seen.
"Harry?" she called, "Did the Healers say anything about your magical core?"
"Oh, yeah," Harry said, "They said it had a block on it, common with children. They said the blocks should have been released two or three years ago if I had lived in the wizarding world. It is at something like... twenty-five percent right now, I think? Anyway they gave me three potions for it I have to take over the next three weeks. Each potion is supposed to give me an additional twenty-five percent. They said it is dangerous to get it all back at once. They also said I need to start exercising and practice magic every day each week so there are no side-effects with the potions."
"Probably good to start that in the next few days then," Holly said. "Since we're Emancipated, the Ministry won't notice if you use magic."
"Yeah," Harry said. "Speaking of things they couldn't completely heal. They said my eyesight wasn't fully healed, due to my poor glasses over the years. Figures. My glasses weren't proper. Petunia took me to a store, and told me to pick one that I liked. Anyway, they told me if I didn't want to wear glasses, that I should get magical contacts."
"Oh, yeah," Holly said, "I hear magical contacts are brilliant. They come with additional charms like... you only have to take them out once a month for a recharge, you can wear them all month without them being dirty or uncomfortable. Some charms allow you to see past Disillusionment Charms, or through solid objects like walls. Even stuff like X-ray focus."
James had wanted magical eye contacts. Lily put her foot down and refused. She liked James' glasses. Plus she didn't want him getting something like X-ray focus.
"Like... seeing through clothing?" Harry asked, waggling his eyebrows.
Holly giggled, though she did his best to scold him. "Harry James Potter!"
Harry stuck out his tongue. "No X-ray focus then. Pity."
Holly shook her head, as she grinned. He was SO like his father! She followed him to the front door of Potter Manor. Harry grabbed the doorknob and his eyes fluttered again.
"The house has officially welcomed its new owner apparently," Harry said. "Or rather... welcomed back. Welcome to Potter Manor."
Holly smiled. Harry opened the door, and led Holly into the house. The first room they came into was the large entrance room. Suddenly, they heard a POP and a house-elf appeared out of thin air. Holly smiled. This had to be Melina. She looked so like her mother.
"Harry?" Melina asked, "Is it really you?"
"Ragnok did say a house-elf was here," Holly said.
"I guess that is you, little lady," Harry said, "Yes, I am Harry Potter. Lord Potter in official situations. Head of the Noble and Ancient House of Potter."
"I am Melina, my Lord," Melina said, "When you were a baby in this house, I too was but a baby. My mother, who has passed away to the great meadow we all must go to four years ago, I became the last house-elf in this house. I've been waiting for you for many years now."
"First of all, it is Harry," Harry said, "This is Holly Evans, also known as Lady Ravenclaw. My friend."
Melina stared blankly at Holly. Holly began to wonder if the elf knew who she really was.
"Pleasure to meet you, milady," she said.
"Pleasure is mine," Holly said, with a smile.
"What is your job here, Melina?" Harry asked.
"I take care of the house and the grounds outside," Melina said, "If you are living here -"
"I am," Harry confirmed, then looked at Holly, "and possibly Holly as well."
He looked at Holly, who smiled and nodded. She sighed internally hoping it would be the same result after the discussion they were planning. But until then, she would happily stay as long as Harry wanted her there.
"Then I will go shopping at the nearby market very soon," Melina said. "I can use elf magic to glamor myself into a human to do so."
"Do you have access to the Potter Family Vault?" Harry asked.
"Yes, sir," Melina said.
"Is there any furniture or belongings in the Potter Family Vault that is meant to be here?" Harry asked.
"Only the late Lord and Lady's clothing," Melina said, "Everything else has been here for many years."
"That solves that problem," Harry said. "We just ate a late lunch, and may be hungry later tonight. For now, we are going to take a tour of the house, then settle ourselves in. How many bedrooms are in this house?"
"Twelve, sir," Melina said, "The Master bedroom where your parents slept before they moved out of the house with you. The Master bathroom is connected to it. There is the nursery where you once slept as a baby. Then there are ten other guest rooms."
"I assume my old crib and various baby belongings are still in the nursery," Harry asked.
"Yes, sir," Melina said.
"Can they be moved to another room?" Harry asked. "I'd like that room to be my bedroom if you would please set it up right. Decorate it in the manner of a young Lord just beginning their schooling."
"Yes, sir!" Melina said, happily, then looked at Holly, "And for you, miss?"
Holly frowned. She thought about returning to the Master bedroom. But she knew she would only remember Lily's many wonderful nights with James there.
"A guest room near Harry's bedroom is fine," Holly said. "Decorate it the same as Harry's, but for a young Lady. All the fixings."
"Of course, milady," Melina said. "They will be done in the next couple of hours, and then I will go shopping for food."
"Alright," Harry said, "it is very nice to meet you."
"It is nice to see you again as well, my Lord," Melina said, "Milady."
She then popped out of the room.
Harry cleared his throat. "I need to go to the Master wardstone. It is apparently in the sitting room. How about we put all our belongings there for now until Melina finishes?"
"Sure," Holly said, "Do you then want to have our discussion we've been waiting for?"
Harry shrugged. "That can wait until we are settled into the house. While we wait for the bedrooms to get ready, and we can unpack everything. After that, then we can have the discussion. For now, I need to do some Lord business, and then we can tour around the house and grounds."
"Sounds wonderful," Holly said.
Harry smiled and, with Holly in tow, they started into the rest of the house.
Thirty minutes later...
Back at Gringotts, Keeper Ragnok the Sixth was angry! He was currently standing in the Atrium. At the moment there were only Goblins in the large room. All the humans had been escorted out when it was evident there might be a possible scuffle coming. Now Ragnok was standing behind a large group of Goblin Security guards, all of whom were fully armored, and carrying swords. They were standing in a large circle, and in the middle of the circle stood three Goblins: the traitor, and his two brothers who dared to defend him.
The trap had gone very well. Albus Dumbledore had walked into Gringotts. He walked up to one of the counters, and looked quite comfortable talking to the Goblin. One of Ragnok's assistants who was gifted in the knowledge of human emotions had been with Ragnok as they watched the actions take place. Nothing Dumbledore did showed that he had any knowledge of the trap that was being laid. The Goblin he was talking to... was the traitor. The traitor then lead Dumbledore into the vaults. A couple of the stealthiest of security guards followed Dumbledore and the traitor into the vaults.
Twenty minutes later, they had returned. Dumbledore had his package in hand. Ragnok thought that Dumbledore might confront him and speak to him. Did he know that Harry had been there? Did he know of what had taken place that day? If he did, he decided against talking to Ragnok. It certainly helped that the Atrium was hauntingly empty of humans now. Dumbledore seemed to sense that something was about to happen, because he quickly walked out of the bank with the package in hand.
That was when the guards came into the room and confronted the traitor. Then the traitor's two brothers pushed their way through the security and stood with the traitor. Now, here they were.
Ragnok marched in between some of the guards and made his way to the outer portions of the circle. He stared at the traitor and snarled with open teeth. A clear message that this was a threat.
"Griphook, you traitor!" Ragnok snarled. "You were my most trusted assistant for twenty years!"
"Yes!" Griphook growled, "Twenty years! And yet, I was never once offered a Keeper's job, even for a lower-level Vault. I was your lowly assistant. And to what? A few minor Houses of humans, and one Ancient and Noble House that had all but disappeared!"
"You were stealing from Lord Potter's vault!" Ragnok said, "G15,000 a year! Albus Dumbledore had no right to that money! He was not Harry Potter's guardian! You knew that, didn't you? At the most G5000 a year should have been taken from the vault, to go to the boy's relatives, who as we discovered today, were not supposed to be his guardians either! Lord Potter was given none of that money. G50,000 stolen from him by his relatives alone. Another G100,000 stolen, half going to Dumbledore, and the other to a poor family, all because of a fake betrothal contract's bride price!"
He knew that he was revealing a lot of information to the crowd around him. But none of the crowd were humans, not even the staff at the moment. All humans were out of the bank. Ragnok had made sure that even the deplorable Rita Skeeter was not there. This information would have made her wet herself, and then it would have ended up in the filth that calls itself the Daily Prophet. None of this information could be given to humans who weren't in the know. Not yet. There were still things to do, secrets that remained until they were discovered at the right time, then followed by punishment to the right people. The only Goblins who would give up the information was these three traitors. The guards and other trusted staff were watching every other single goblin to make sure none of them would give this information out. If there were any other traitors, they would be brought to justice.
"You were running a fool's errand for ten years, Griphook!" Ragnok growled. "If you had brought this information to me ten years ago, I would have given you a Keeper's job! But no, you became greedy! And tonight, you will pay for that justice."
The traitor's two brothers snarled at the threat, then ran forward toward Ragnok. This was a mistake. Before they could even go ten feet, the Security goblins brought their blades against the brothers' heads, which were soon rolling across the floor. Griphook screamed out in emotional pain at the loss of his brothers, and fell to his knees, surrendering to the crowd around him.
"Take this filth to the dungeons!" Ragnok ordered, "My father will be the one to bring justice to this traitor."
The crowd around him muttered and murmured. Each and every one of them knew that the King did not like traitors. The King's own father was killed by a Goblin traitor over a century-and-a-half ago. King Ragnok the Fifth held no mercy for a traitor. Griphook would be dead before the humans came into the bank the following morning for their business.
Minutes later...
Albus Dumbledore was sitting at his desk once again, sucking on a lemon drop. The package he had retrieved from Gringotts currently sat in front of him.
He was currently deep in thought. He had originally gone to Gringotts to do two things: the first was, of course, to retrieve the package. That was a success. The second was to speak to someone about Harry Potter. His Goblin Spy had not seen the boy in the building at all. That information was not welcome at all. Griphook was supposed to have met with Harry and Hagrid and brought them to the vaults. Another Goblin had apparently met with Harry.
Dumbledore had intended on speaking to Ragnok, the Keeper of the Potter Vaults. Perhaps he had seen Harry? The son of the Goblin King had worked for the Potters for a long time. Ragnok would have recognized the boy. Unfortunately, this was not to be. As soon as he had returned to the Atrium from retrieving the package, he had instantly recognized trouble. There had not been a single human, beside himself, in the bank. And he did not stay for long. He left as if Fiendfyre had chased him.
The empty Atrium could only mean one thing. The Goblins were on the prowl. It was then he realized what happened. Somehow the Goblins had discovered Griphook had betrayed them. But how? This was very worrying. If they had known about his spy, did they know the connection between Griphook and him? Or Griphook and Molly Weasley? Or any combination of the three?
Dumbledore then groaned as he realized he had forgotten to do something. He had not gone to Privet Drive to check on Harry. He would have to do that tomorrow. It was likely the boy was there, locked in his cupboard, his school things locked elsewhere from him until September 1st. Yes, that was probably it. The mysterious case of the exploding instruments could also wait another day.
For now, he needed to show his face around the castle. He had a feeling the news about what happened in Gringotts would come out in the morning, and he could not have his minions - err –- fellow staff find out he was up to something. He was already going to have to deal with a few of the staff and talk to them about guarding the contents of the package.
Hmm... perhaps he should trick – err – persuade them into building some rather easy traps. Traps that someone like – oh – a curious first year could get through as a test. Yes, that would work well.
Dumbledore popped another lemon drop in his mouth, congratulating himself on coming up with a wonderful plan. Then he stored the package in a highly warded drawer in his desk, and walked out of his office. He wondered what the house-elves were serving that evening for dinner. It was time to find out.
An hour later...
Holly Evans and Harry Potter were currently roaming around the grounds. A few minutes beforehand they had made their way to the large Quidditch Pitch that had been there for many years. Holly then taught Harry all about the game of Quidditch. Harry listened intently, his eyes shining with curiosity, and his lips turned in a grin.
"Wow!" Harry said, after Holly had finished her lesson about the sport, "Quidditch sounds great! I could see myself being a Seeker or Chaser. What about you?"
"Er... I'll think about it," Holly said, "Maybe we can get a couple of good brooms in the next couple of weeks or so. We'll see. I think we're going to be too busy with everything else at the moment."
"Speaking of," Harry said, "That brings us to this discussion we've been putting off."
Holly frowned and nodded.
"I know you've been keeping stuff from me," Harry said. "Are we really related? How did you know all that about our meeting at Gringotts? It is just... I don't know..."
"You're right, Harry," Holly said, "And I will tell you everything. We are related. However, I'm not exactly your cousin. I was born an Evans. Oh, boy, how do I put this? On Halloween 1981, your mother died that evening. When she died, she ended up in Limbo. Her Limbo was a train station, it resembled the platform we will go to, in order to get on the Hogwarts Express. There she met a being known as Death. Death told her many things. Things about a possible future. About the past. About many schemes that were taking place, or would be taking place.
"Then Death gave her a choice. She could take a train and move on to what Melina called the great meadow with James. Or... she could walk through a portal and come back to life. But there would be changes in her. She could not look like herself anymore. People knew she was dead. If they saw her again, alive, questions would be raised.
"So she would come back to life as a young girl with a different name. Eleven years old. She would come back on the day of your eleventh birthday."
Holly sighed and looked at Harry. She frowned at what she saw. His mouth was wide open. His left eye was twitching. His right eye was getting ready to leak tears. His two arms were at his sides, his hands in fists.
Then he spoke.
"You're – you – you are -" he stammered.
"I used to be Lily Potter," Holly said, "Your mother, Harry."
"I – err – sorry," Harry said, "I need to – go."
"Do you want me to leave?" Holly said, her lips quivering; she was doing her best to hold back tears.
"No!" Harry said. "I need to – to think. Stay!"
Then he ran back to the house. Holly sank to her knees and out poured the tears she was trying to hold in.
Her worst fears about this discussion were wreaking havoc in her mind.
She didn't know what to do.
Later that evening...
Quirinus Quirrel was in a quandary. He was currently sitting in a room in the Leaky Cauldron. He had just come from Gringotts, intent on stealing the package from the vault, when he found it was not there. It had been recovered earlier that day. His Master was angry. Quirrel was afraid of what was going to happen to him, then a miracle happened. He discovered from eavesdropping on Goblins that there had been a traitor discovered within the Goblins that evening.
Quirrel smiled malevolently when he heard a groan across the room. That very traitor of the Goblins was currently unconscious after Quirrel had tortured him for ten minutes with the Cruciatus Curse.
It had been earlier that evening when, thanks to eavesdropping, he learned the traitor was in the dungeons. So after a quick, but stealthy adventure in the dungeons of Gringotts, he had found the traitor in a cage, awaiting punishment. So Quirrel freed the traitor, then used its Goblin magic to vanish from the vault, escaping from Gringotts!
After his torture session, he discovered from the Goblin that Dumbledore now had the package – and it was now at Hogwarts.
"You have been much help, Traitor," Quirrel said, "Unfortunately I cannot allow you to squeal about me."
"Wait!" the traitor said, "I know more -"
"I need no more information!" Quirrel growled, "You only wish to prolong your life! Imperio! Goblin, you will use your magic to return to the prison in which I found you, and then you will slit your own throat with your magic."
The Goblin's eyes went cloudy, and he vanished from the room. Quirrel sighed as he sat down on the bed. He would return to Hogwarts in the morning. He had lessons to plan, stuttering to practice, and an investigation to begin. He knew, thanks to his Master, about the curse on the Defense Post. He had until next June to find the Stone. If he didn't find it... well, he knew the Curse was the last thing he needed to worry about.
He would not fail his Master.
Ten-thirty that evening...
Holly sat at the dining room table, reading through her notes with blurry, sleepy eyes. She had just finished a small dinner, though she hadn't eaten it all. She was afraid her stomach would just bring it back up. She had felt anxious, almost to the point of depression, all evening. Harry hadn't come back to talk to her yet.
A noise made Holly look up, and she smiled when she saw her black owl fly into the room and perch itself on the chair across the table.
"You need a name, don't you?" she said; the owl hooted. "Hmm... Midnight?"
The owl rolled her eyes.
"Guess not," Holly said, "Rowena."
The owl flapped her wings in annoyance.
"Onyx" Head-shake. "Athena." Eye roll. "Circe." Ruffled feathers. "Shadow." One eyebrow raised. "Right, that is usually a boy's name. Sorry."
Holly sighed and stared at the owl. Then she smiled.
"Gianna," she said, "Gia for short. She was the patron saint of mothers. Sacrificed herself for her own child."
The owl nodded rapidly, then flew out of the room.
"Fitting name," Holly said; then she burst into tears again.
Melina popped into the room, and looked at her. "My Lady, you need to go to bed! You are about to fall over!"
"Am I... even still welcome here anymore?" Holly said, hoarsely, "Where's Harry?"
"He is asleep in his room," Melina said. "He requested dinner half-an-hour ago, then took his potions. Then I helped him rub the lather on his scars. Then he fell asleep. He told me that you were not to leave this house. That he would sleep on his thoughts, and continue your discussion tomorrow. It is time to go to bed!"
"Melina?" Holly asked, "Do you... know who I really am?"
"I know you are Holly Evans," Melina said. "I also know who you think you are. But I also see you slowly beginning to lose that thought."
"What do you mean by that?" Holly asked.
"All the answers you and Harry are both looking for will come tomorrow," Melina said, "Now, go to bed! All your belongings have been brought to your room and taken care of by me."
"Oh... thank you," Holly said, "I would have done it. But I was too..."
She couldn't finish that sentence. She stood up and walked out of the room, then made her way to her bedroom. Melina followed her all the way. Melina snapped her fingers, and Holly was now out of her clothes, and into a sleeping gown she had bought. This was a good thing, because she immediately fell onto the bed and instantly went to sleep. If it wasn't for Melina, she would have slept in her clothes above the blankets. Now she was sleeping comfortably under her blankets.
Melina shook her head as she walked out of the room, and shut the door. She wasn't exactly sure who that girl was in there. Simply because the girl didn't know exactly who she was right now. But Melina was sure the answers would come in the morning.
The rest of the discussion will be in the next chapter. The portion I had already written about the discussion... will also be in the next chapter. Worth waiting for, I assure you.
So a lot happened this chapter. How do you like my Evil Dumbledore? Never wrote him like that before! I am a bit iffy about my revelations concerning Dumbledore and Grindelwald. That could have come much later if I wanted it to. But, I decided to reveal it now. Now you see where my story is going, or at least the ultimate villains in my story. The only question is... will Dumbledore wait until Voldemort is defeated in order to begin his plan that started so long ago?
Next chapter: The rest of the discussion! Six of the seven Weasleys (not Charlie) come into the story! More Dumbledore! And possibly more!
Hope you liked it!