Chapter 5
Harry and Hermione once more fond themselves being escorted to the headmaster's office by their head of house. All three were again unaware why their presence was required.
On entering, Hermione understood at once why she was there. Her job was to prevent Harry attacking Snape.
Minerva was far from amused and made no attempt to hide her displeasure at the old man's manipulations. "Albus, just what are you playing at here?"
Dumbledore hadn't missed the young girl's hand gripping Mr Potter's wand arm firmly the second she spied Severus. That was not a good sign for what he wanted to accomplish here. "If everyone could relax for a moment I will explain. There is currently a small fortune in potions ingredients lying decomposing under this castle, letting this resource just rot away is in no one's best interests. If we can all work together on this then we can all benefit. This in no way affects anything else that has previously been discussed inside this office."
Harry was barely containing his rage though Hermione was already a few steps ahead in where this conversation was heading. "Sir, since Harry's latest trip to the infirmary, we're not sure whether he's a parselmouth anymore. Can I assume Snape's here because of his ability to teach even Draco Malfoy how to conjure a snake?"
Minerva almost broke into a smile at that, it would appear Miss Granger was through blindly respecting authority figures.
Snape was also fighting to control his temper, Albus had instructed him to say nothing unless asked a direct question. Only the thought of all that gold kept him quiet, it didn't stop him conjuring a large snake into the middle of the office though.
That the snake was staring directly at Hermione saw Harry reacting instantly, {Attack the person behind you dressed in black, I will reward you!}
The snake gave no outward sign of understanding Harry while the sound of parseltongue being spoken had the others staring in awe. The snake used this pause to, all in one fluid motion, turn and launch itself at Snape. It would surely have reached its target had not Dumbledore been lightning quick with his wand to banish the snake back from whence it came.
An even paler Snape was about to demand the expulsion of the Potter brat but Hermione interrupted as if he was of no consequence. All now noticed both her hands were around Harry's forearms as he appeared ready to emulate the snake and spring at Severus. "Now that Harry has ably demonstrated that his parselmouth abilities remain, how do we proceed?"
Albus had his best caring grandfather voice in use, "Harry, was it really necessary for that snake to attack someone?"
Hermione quickly countered, "Was it really necessary to have a poisonous snake in the middle of this office? I'm sure Harry was just telling it not to attack us."
Harry's voice was cold enough to give molten lava frostbite, "I told the snake to attack that bastard. He set a cowardly reptile on my family, turn around is fair play. Any deal you have that involves him I want no part of. The chamber of secrets is a dangerous place and I wouldn't trust him behind me." Hermione now had her two arms around Harry, hugging him from behind.
Minerva broke her silence at this point, "I think Mr Potter is being perfectly reasonable. If we wanted to use some specialist knowledge after the carcass was brought to the surface, would that be acceptable?" it was toward Harry and Hermione the question was directed.
Harry gave his unequivocal answer, "I would rather it lay down in the chamber and rotted than see this man make a Knut from it."
Seeing his dreams of gold crashing down and noticing that Minerva as well as Albus had their wands in their hands, Severus stormed out the office.
If anything, Harry's features now hardened as he faced Dumbledore. "As I killed the creature, what's to stop me bringing in my own team and claiming the carcass?"
It was now clear to Albus he had grossly underestimated the animosity between both Harry and Severus. He had thought that, since Severus was now leaving, they could work together one last time. He had so badly wanted to assist Severus that, when Fawkes refused to take them both down there, he was left with only one other option. Miss Granger's presence was the only thing that saved him and Minerva having to break up a fight. "You are of course correct Mr Potter. Since the carcass is inside Hogwarts though, I feel the school should benefit from this windfall. Don't you?"
Harry considered his options for a moment before replying, "Hermione was the one who discovered it was a basilisk, Ron was down there with me and Ginny should be compensated for her ordeal. I suggest five equal shares of twenty percent with one of them going to Hogwarts."
Albus had intended Harry would receive a finder's fee of about ten percent and be happy with that. He was now contemplating how much his mistake with Severus was going to cost the school. "Isn't that a bit stingy toward Hogwarts Harry?"
"You're actually complaining about the amount of gold I'm giving to a school where everyone thought I was evil and shunned me for months? Hogwarts supplied me with the sword, which is the only reason I'm making this offer."
The argument was settled when the sorting hat spoke from its shelf. "Hogwarts accepts your generous offer Mr Potter, since Fawkes refused to take the headmaster and his friend back down to the chamber, that really is a most generous offer."
Albus had the decency to blush at being caught.
The hat continued, "Mr Potter I have to admit I was wrong about you. I thought you needed to be in Slytherin to make you great, you're managing that just fine on your own."
Harry answered the hat while glancing at the young witch who now had her arm intertwined with his. "Thank you for that but I can assure you, I'm not on my own."
Harry then turned to his head of house, totally ignoring Dumbledore. "Professor McGonagall, what some people are failing to consider is that we are talking about a beast that could fill this office at least twice over. If the ingredients obtained are as precious as you seem to think, then Hogwarts should do quite well out of this. Thinking back to when the headmaster was sacked and the school was about to be closed, I think this is a very generous offer, no matter what others may say." Harry's tone clearly indicated one word of protest from someone with a long white beard would see the offer vanish.
Harry then delivered one final insult, "Professor McGonagall, we know you would never cheat us, the same can't be said for some of your colleges. I hope you will understand then when I say I want others outside Hogwarts to handle this for me."
Dumbledore's expression implied his beard had been inhabited by farting fairies as both students left his office, it didn't improve as Minerva rounded on him after they had gone.
Minerva was shaking her head at him, "Albus, how can you be so brilliant and yet so bloody stupid? Those two would rather see the castle needing fumigated from the stench of the rotting carcass than see that man profit from it. They were prepared to go without food rather than be in the same room as him yet you expected them to work together? I'm too angry at the moment to even discuss the fact you were contemplating stealing from that boy, were you just going to give him some token payment and expect him to be happy with that?"
Albus ignored the amazingly accurate last comment and focused on trying to answer Minerva's other comments. "Since Severus is leaving, I thought they would be ok with this. I feel really bad after being forced to dismiss him, I was hoping that the gold might help him in his search for new employment."
"And I was hoping there was some chance for you, instead you prove yet again that you're an educated idiot! Any gains you made with those students from our last meeting have just been washed away over your obsession with the welfare of Severus Snape. Don't think for one minute I've forgotten you were both trying to steal from a child, is it any wonder Fawkes refused you both. I hope you think this was worth it Albus because I sure as hell don't."
Hermione had once more stopped Harry at the bottom of the headmaster's revolving stairs, "Oh Harry, I'm so proud of you!"
"Eh thanks Hermione, I thought I was going to get shouted at for losing my temper in there."
"Harry, I wanted to attack that creep myself. I can only imagine how you were feeling. I also want to thank you for thinking of everyone else in there." She slowly came toward him and kissed Harry again, this time she did not run away at the end but took his hand. They walked together back to the common room like this, when Harry squeezed her hand, she returned the slight squeeze with a large smile on her face. No words were needed yet, they would be spending the entire summer together so there would be plenty of time for that. Hermione couldn't wait to talk with her mother.
Harry was glad of the silence as he tried to get his thoughts in order, Hermione had kissed him again and it was even better this time. Walking along the corridor holding her hand was wonderful and he had the whole summer to look forward to more of this. He now couldn't wait until it was time to take the express away from Hogwarts, he never thought he would ever think that.
Harry was well aware the Weasleys were not a wealthy family, yet they had taken him into their home and treated him far better than his own relatives did. He decided not to tell Ron and Ginny about the gold just yet, it would be a great surprise for them. He hoped Hagrid was back soon, he couldn't think of anyone else to ask how to go about getting a bloody great snake cut up and sold.
If it made them enough gold, Harry intended to arrange for his biggest friend to go and see Norbet. After Azkaban, Hagrid could probably do with a holiday.
-oOoOo-
Tom was also taking a slight holiday, he found it easier to concede control on occasion rather that endure the woman's constant whining, it also meant he didn't have to wash this disgusting body in the shower. Tom understood that as a spirit residing at the back of someone's mind, it was impossible for him to physically shudder with revulsion, didn't mean that he couldn't think it though.
He was slowly and reluctantly coming to an understanding with his host that was beneficial to both of them, this was just one of those instances. Had he retained control and forced the issue, he would have to suffer her constant complaining for the rest of the day that he hadn't fixed her hair properly. By allowing her this and breakfast, he would have control until it was time for her nightcaps. He was so thankful that the locals in the bar last night gave him a wide berth, he also noticed that his control slipped when the body ingested alcohol. This was another reason he had consented to the arrangement, fighting it wasn't worth the effort.
After breakfast he would have to make his way to Riddle manor, he also decided that whatever knife they ate breakfast with would be coming with them. Amorous inebriated locals were one thing but he had no way of knowing what or who was waiting on him at the manor. With no wand he would have to do the best he could with what he had. Considering what he had triggered the impossible shudder again, he couldn't see this body being much use to him in any kind of fight.
-oOoOo-
Riddle awoke to pain, his entire left leg felt as if it was on fire. When he attempted to rise from the awkward position he found himself lying in, Riddle struggled to achieve this simple aim. It was as if his new body was fighting against him but that should not have been possible. He received his first clue things had not went as planned when he noticed his hands, they were old and wrinkled. This body wasn't so much fighting against him as falling apart from old age.
Neither could he feel any magic in this body, his would normally fizzle around his body like a well trained beast awaiting his command. A quick search of this body found no wand as his conclusions were beginning to point in a terrifying direction, no magic in the host would mean no new body for him. He would appear to be inhabiting the old body of a squib, or worst still a muggle!
'Excuse me sir, but if you're looking for a weapon then perhaps I can help.'
Riddle would have jumped in surprise but the reactions of this old body were so slow he was back under control before it could move. 'Who the hell are you?'
'Sergeant Frank Bryce, Retired. I have a little something left over from the war in my cottage that might be able to help you. It may be old but I have looked after it and it should put a hole in anyone who gets too close. It doesn't have great range but then again, we can't see too far anyway!'
Riddle was well used to dealing with subordinates and this Bryce character had immediately fell into that role. He would be stupid to dismiss this offered assistance, with this body and no magic, he would need all the assistance he could get. Ranting and raving about the injustices heaped upon his person wouldn't do any good. He had a task that was of the utmost urgency, perhaps this Bryce could help?
'I need to travel to Riddle manor in Little Hangleton, do you know of it and how long would it take us to get there?'
'I should hope so, I've been looking after the place for most of my life. It's less than a fifteen minute walk from here. Were you related to the Riddles?'
'Not by choice, I have to go there and wait for some others to appear. What sort of condition is the place in?'
'Well it's just about habitable, providing you're not looking for too much comfort.'
'Comfort is irrelevant at this point. If your cottage is nearby, we should go their first and collect this weapon.'
'Yes sir, I'll show you the way.'
Riddle was far more concerned with this age ravaged body than having some stranger talking to him inside his head, this Bryce appeared to know how to follow orders so they should get along just fine.
Frank was not only pleased to have someone to talk with, this person appeared to have some goals in life. This was more than Frank had since he returned wounded from France, he had no problems sitting back and letting someone else take over his body. It's not as if he was doing anything with it anyway.
-oOoOo-
Harry didn't want to go anywhere near the great hall but was getting quite sick of sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The rest of the school had taken the reasonable view that they had won the argument so returned to the hall for meals, with Harry it was personal. Hermione, Ginny and Ron still backed his stand, though Ron appeared even less chuffed with the latest round of sandwiches than Harry did. Harry suddenly had an idea, something that Dobby had said to him beforehand was niggling at the back of his brain so he called for the little guy. "Dobby, you said that the elves were now only allowed to serve sandwiches in the common rooms. Does this mean if we went somewhere else, you would be able to serve us normal food?"
Dobby was jumping up and down from excitement, "Harry Potter is indeed being a great wizard. The elves are not being allowed to tell you that. Should you ask, Dobby then of course must tell you the truth. If Harry Potter and his friends would like a hot meal, Dobby knows the perfect place. It is called the come and go room."
-oOoOo-
Tom entered the room as quietly as he possibly could, he was gradually making his way through the manor. His weapon was held out in front of him though what he was going to do with that weapon was debatable. Unless his adversary had some toast that required buttering, Tom's weapon was pretty useless.
He suddenly froze as the cold, hard cylinder pressed into the back of his neck, "Drop the knife on the floor, I feel insulted that's the best you could come up with."
Tom recognised his own brand of sarcasm in that remark, he still dropped the knife though. "Hey, I was pressed for time. For some reason, I don't think that's a wand you're poking into me either. I was compelled to come here as quickly as possible, you should know that."
As the weapon was withdrawn from his neck, Tom slowly turned around to get a look at the person who had the drop on him. "Oh and here was me thinking I drew the short straw by getting the only squib in Hogwarts."
"Well there wasn't exactly a multitude of eligible wizards around here for me to choose from."
"Tell me about it, I saw the local clientele in the pub when I arrived late last night. Compared to some of them, you did quite well. Do you get the impression this bit of the plan wasn't too carefully thought out?"
Both relaxed and retired to the best room in the house in order to compare stories. Tom discovered he'd been created after his brother here, and had been awake longer as well. He tried to catch his counter part up on what he'd been missing. They were speculating on how many horcruxes they had succeeded in creating and if any one else would appear. Their thoughts then turned to when they would get here when the pair got interrupted by the loud grumbling from the muggle's stomach.
It was then Tom noticed it was now evening and they'd been chatting for hours, "We really should get something to eat but I know she's useless in the kitchen."
Riddle was conversing with the muggle whose body he was inhabiting before answering his counterpart, "The muggle says he can cook so we shouldn't starve."
"Right, well this squib demands I let her out for a while each day or she tortures me mentally. Sibyll gives a whole new meaning to having that annoying song in your head that plays over and over no matter what you do. She is also the worse singer I have ever had the misfortune to hear. I suggest you should do the same or you'll need to listen to her prattle all night. She also has a bottle of sherry in her bag so I really would make myself scarce."
Riddle was confused, "How do I do that?"
"Just let go, it's almost like falling asleep. We need these two until we get here and can join as one."
This was how Frank Bryce came to find himself spending the evening sitting across from a young lady, well young compared to him! They enjoyed a nice stew and shared her sherry while listening to tales he found unbelievable. If it wasn't for the presence he could feel at the back of his mind, Frank wouldn't have believed a word of it. Frank was beginning to think this possession might be the best thing that ever happened to him, he certainly had no other plans made for tonight. It had been many, many years since Frank spent the evening talking with any company, never mind a lady.
If giving up control of his body meant they got to do this every evening then Frank thought this was more than fair, he just hoped that whoever they were waiting on took their time getting here. Frank Bryce hadn't enjoyed a meal like this since the fifties!
-oOoOo-
Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny were all enjoying a lovely meal inside Hermione's favourite restaurant, this room was amazing. She was the only one who'd actually been in a restaurant, the Weasleys had only eaten in the Leaky Cauldron while Harry hadn't even managed that!
Ginny though sounded a note of caution, "We could use this room for so much more, I think we should definitely keep it quiet though. If this became common knowledge we'd never get in here as it would always be too busy."
Ron quickly agreed with his sister, "I don't think the twins have found this room yet. Even as a refuge from them, we should keep it a secret."
Hermione also agreed, but of course for a different reason. "We would have a place to study and get our homework done in peace."
Ron theatrically rolled his eyes at her, "Surely we can up with a better use for this room than that?"
It was Harry who avoided the impending argument, "This could be the ideal place to practice defence, charms and transfiguration. We could even use it while learning how to duel, we have to be better at duelling than that idiot Lockheart!"
The other three quickly agreed this was a great idea. With the provision of extra defence lessons throughout the summer, they should be ready to begin duelling practice by the time they returned in September.
The four were having a great evening together while the rest of the school were listening to Dumbledore drone on and on. Having to politely applauded Snape for his services to Hogwarts was not something Harry was prepared to do, in this world or the next. They were also missing Slytherin getting presented with the house cup, Harry couldn't help but think it was sometimes good to be a rebel.
-oOoOo-
Although outwardly it appeared there was nothing amiss with the old wizard, Albus Dumbledore was seething. Harry Potter and his friends had not appeared for the leaving feast. Albus had been certain that a few days of eating sandwiches would have at least forced the youngest Weasley boy back to the tables.
What was the point of him making the grand gesture of awarding them house points, and winning Gryffindor the house cup, if they couldn't be bothered making an appearance? Albus decided to forego the gesture and leave things as they were, Severus could enjoy his last meal here with the hall decorated in Slytherin colours.
He should have told the house elves to make the sandwiches with nothing but marmite fillings, the only thing that tasted worse than a vomit flavoured Bertie Bott's! That would have soon had the little buggers running back here for a decent meal.
-oOoOo-
Spending time chatting with the newly returned Hagrid saw the four Gryffindors last to board the express for home, this led to them having difficulty finding a compartment that would accommodate all of them. When they spotted one that had only a single occupant, Harry quickly led the group in there.
"Excuse me miss, do you mind if we join you?"
The little blond girl peered round from the magazine she was obviously using as a barrier to hide behind. It took the startled girl a moment to realise that someone was actually speaking kindly to her, and that someone was Harry Potter. "Of course you can, oh hi Ginny, Ronald!"
Hermione was quick to notice the girl's expression changed the instant she spotted Ron. It was also hard to miss his face changing colour to match his hair. There was a story behind this and Hermione couldn't wait to hear it.
Ginny handled the introductions, "Hi Luna, you probably recognise this is Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Guys, this is Luna Lovegood. She's our nearest neighbour and had almost as bad a first year as me. Did you get your stuff back Luna?"
The little blond couldn't look them in the eye as everyone had stopped stowing away their trunks to listen to her answer. "Yes I got it all back, they knew they would get into trouble with the school if I didn't. Ravenclaws aren't stupid."
Ron went into a rage in an instant, "Luna was getting bullied and you didn't tell me, eh us?"
Ginny glared at her brother with a look that had him squirming in discomfort, "I was being possessed by a dark lord Ron, I had other things on my mind!"
Harry intervened quickly, he'd also seen his friend blush at the glance Luna had given Ron. "Yes Ginny, and we took care of that dark lord, just as we're going to take care of this! Sorry for not giving you a choice there Luna but you're obviously friends with these two, that makes you a friend of Hermione's and mine too. Would you like to tell us about it? I promise we will do all we can to help."
Luna was fighting to stop the flow of tears that threatened to breech her defences. The boy she'd had a crush on since she was seven had just expressed concern for her. Add to that Harry Potter offering to be her friend and help, it was almost too much. Ginny hadn't been too far off the mark with her comment, Luna just spent a terrible first year at Hogwarts.
She now understood why Ginny had stopped talking to her but at the time it had been devastating. Her only friend had recently sat with Luna and explained it all. Ginny had wanted to make sure they were still friends and there was a lot of crying and hugging by the end of it.
Luna started off timidly, "I haven't settled too well into Hogwarts and most of my classes have been terrible. I have managed all the theory quite easily, which at least kept my marks up, but I'm having great difficulty concentrating on the practical. My magic sometimes just does what it wants, rather than what I want it to do. I have been laughed at and made a fool of all year. Then they began to think it was funny to take my stuff and hide it. Now they're calling me Lonny Lovegood!" that was too much for the young girl and the tears started flowing from those beautiful eyes. Ginny was beside her friend in an instant, with Hermione's reactions not far behind her in offering comfort.
Ron stood there with his fists clenched and face now red with anger, he appeared ready to go and hunt down some bullying Ravenclaws. The crying girl touched something deep in Harry's heart, he'd plenty personal experience of bullying and understood name calling could hurt as much as any blow. Every fibre of the young Gryffindor's body was calling on him to help this young girl in distress.
Harry tried to speak to Luna twice but the girl appeared to have stored this up for the entire year and was now letting go. Since she refused to lift her head, Harry knelt in front of the crying blond so she could at least see him. "Luna, we four have arranged to receive extra lessons in defence over the summer. Perhaps practicing magic with your friends would help you gain control over it. I can at least promise that, while we may laugh with you, we will never laugh at you. If you give Ron purple hair though, all bets are off! I couldn't do anything else but collapse in laughter at that sight."
Luna appeared to consider this for a moment as she got herself back under control, she glanced from Harry to Ron, "I can't blame you for that, it would be too funny not to laugh." Luna then gave a little giggle that was almost musical and probably her first since boarding the express last September.
Hermione would be pleased to add the girl to their summer group, especially after the way Ron reacted to her but she would have to be Mrs Practical as usual. "Harry, I think that's a great idea but there are some problems in the way. Luna doesn't have an underage exemption, we would need to ask professor Lupin's permission and then there's the problem with transport."
Luna appeared crestfallen until Ron reassured her, "Don't worry about it Luna, Hermione is not saying no. she's just highlighting the problems we need to overcome before it's a definite yes. Harry and me tend to dive in head first, Miss Granger here keeps us out of too much trouble."
"Yeah, when I'm not there, this pair end up taking a flying car from London to Hogwarts. What were you thinking?" the question was asked playfully since they were all going home and in exceptionally good spirits.
Harry came right back at her in the same vein, "We were thinking we had to get to Hogwarts or you wouldn't survive without us!" This had them laughing until Neville came bouncing into their compartment, he had to bounce as his legs were locked together by a hex.
Much to the boy's relief, Hermione applied the counter curse. "Thanks Hermione, can I sit in here with you guys? It's not safe out there."
There was no problem with Neville staying and the other three second years all came to the same conclusion at the same time. It was Ron who asked the question, "Neville, What are your plans for the summer?"
Neville never got time to answer as it became obvious who had hexed him, a smirking Malfoy and his cronies entered the compartment to grace them with his princely presence.
Harry decided that attack was the best form of defence so didn't give Draco time to deliver his rehearsed jibes. "Can we assume that, since you've finally crawled out from under that rock you've been hiding under, daddies' money eventually bought him out of trouble? I'll bet he's now regretting buying those expensive brooms so his waster of a son could get on the house Quidditch team, especially since his son was the worst player in all four teams! Let's hear your little tirade and then you can bugger off back under your rock. In all honesty Malfoy, neither you nor your father are worth my time or effort. Your father is a loser with a son whose greatest ambition is to be a bigger loser than dear old dad. You're pathetic Malfoy."
Malfoy had no answers to any of this and just stood there gasping like a halibut out of water. It eventually dawned on him he had to say something so fell back on his old favourite. "Wait until my father hears of this Potter!"
Harry just dismissed Draco out of hand, "Is that the best you've got Malfoy? Oh I'm so scared of someone who got his arse handed to him by a house elf! Now run along before I give the same house elf the pleasure of throwing you off this speeding train."
Draco was just about to sneer back that Potter didn't have the balls to carry it out. That was until he stared into those burning green eyes, which told an entirely different story. Apparently this was a very different Potter who wouldn't hesitate to carry out that threat and was really scaring the shit out of the blond Slytherin.
Draco tried a face-save that even Crabbe and Goyle saw right through, "Whatever Potter, I have better things to do than stand here listening to your rubbish." He then got out of there as fast as his damaged pride would allow.
Ron was looking at his best friend in awe, "Mate, that was bloody brilliant! Scary as hell but still bloody brilliant. Please never stare at me like that, Draco's going to need clean underwear before he gets off the train."
Hermione loved the way Harry cared for others. Seeing Neville embarrassed at being cursed and Luna crying because of being constantly bullied had ignited a furnace inside him. Draco picked the wrong time to try to goad Harry, getting roasted for his troubles. Harry's gaze was now full of concern as he focused on Neville and Luna.
"We will get something organised for the summer. This professor was apparently a good friend of my parents so I'll write to him and ask if you can be included. He'll know how to cover it with the ministry though, if all else fails, I can always ask Dumbledore. He's not exactly my favourite person at the moment but he'd like to be, if I ask he will probably say yes."
Harry considered the situation for a moment, "The biggest problem I see will be transport and I think we'll need to ask for help from…" He never got to finish as a certain elf popped into the compartment.
"Harry Potter is needing help? Maybe Dobby can help Harry Potter?"
"Um Dobby, unless you can transport people about the country then I don't think so."
The little elf was now bubbling over with excitement, "Harry Potter, Dobby can do that easy. Would Harry Potter like Dobby to help?"
The sense of longing that was broadcasting from the little elf could melt hearts stronger than theirs though Hermione asked the question that none of them had thought about.
"Dobby, won't this affect your job? Where are you working at the moment?"
The little guy's ears folded back in shame, "Dobby is not working Miss Grangie, Dobby is wanting to stay a free elf and be paid for his work. No one is willing to pay Dobby and other elves think Dobby is not right in head. They not want to work with Dobby."
Harry could visibly see the hurt this little guy had put himself through to bring him warnings. Dobby was still wearing some bandages from when he'd ironed his fingers in punishment. "What sort of wages are you looking for Dobby?"
The hope that sprang from the house elf couldn't have been more obvious if it was neon signposted. "Dobby wanted one galleon and one day off every month. If Harry Potter wanted Dobby, Dobby would work for less."
"No you will not work for less, that's already far too little! How about one galleon and one day off a week?"
Dobby really wanted to argue that was far too much, Dobby wasn't a lazy or greedy house elf. Dobby wanted desperately to work for Harry Potter though and would have done it for nothing so couldn't say no to this. "If Harry Potter wants Dobby, Dobby will say yes."
Harry held out his hand to the now crying Dobby, no wizard had ever offered to shake an elf's hand before. Dobby gladly shook the offered hand and willingly bound himself to this wizard for the rest of his life.
"Now Dobby, I'll be staying with Hermione at her house for the summer. Will you be able to find my friends if they call for you?"
Dobby stood proudly, "If Harry Potter's friends call for Dobby, Dobby will be able to find them. Dobby will go now, Dobby is happiest elf in whole world!" it was a far happier Dobby that left their carriage than entered it.
Harry returned his attention to Neville and Luna, "OK, I'll get the letter written to Professor Lupin and Hedwig can take it tonight. We'll let you all know what's happening and when to call for Dobby."
Luna turned to Ginny and asked a question that appeared to be seriously troubling her, "Is it always like this?"
Ginny glanced at Neville who was smiling, though nodded in agreement with what he knew Ginny's answer had to be. "Yes Luna, pretty much so."
Luna immediately switched her attention to Ron, "I wish you hadn't taken that flying car to Hogwarts. Maybe then you could have sat beside me on the train journey there."
Ron was flabbergasted until Harry quipped, "Luna is it ok if we laugh if it's just his face you turn purple?"
Luna appeared to consider this but he could see the girl's lips curling up into a smile, he couldn't hold his laughter any longer. He was soon joined by most of the compartment, Ron's attempts at how to answer the girl had them in stitches for many miles.
Hermione thought this was going to be an interesting summer, she had no idea how true those words would be.
Chapter 6
Harry and Hermione finally made it through the barrier at Kings Cross, after being ambushed by Molly Weasley the instant the group of friends stepped off the express. She had grasped Ginny to her ample bosoms before snaking her other arm out and snagging Harry, both youngsters found themselves pushed together by her less than gentle ministrations. One glance at a mortified Ginny showed she was aware what her mother was less than subtly trying to do here, while offering platitudes of thanks she was forcing both youngsters a lot closer than they were comfortable with. After releasing them, Molly grabbed Ron and was ready to repeat the previous manoeuvre with Hermione as her next target but had unknowingly met her match.
With a grace, speed and skill Harry didn't know she possessed, Hermione not only evaded the arm but managed to engineer Luna's capture in her stead. The three participants of this over the top greeting wore expressions that were as varied as they were priceless. Molly was trying to hide her anger at being thwarted but couldn't quite dispel the embarrassment at being so easily read. Ron was not only being hugged by his mother in front of his friends but had Luna being crushed into him as well, he was blushing bright enough to illuminate the entire station. Luna on the other hand wore a very big smile, this was all good in her book.
Having promised Luna and Neville they would see them over the summer regardless of whether the proposed lessons were available or not, Harry and Hermione got out of there fast.
Hermione now raced toward her parents as Harry followed on behind at a more sedate pace, giving himself a chance to study the people he was going to be spending the summer with. He had met them once before, though 'met' might be too strong a word to use. After flooing into Knockturn, being photographed with Lockheart and the fight Arthur had with Lucius, Harry could barely remember what they looked like from that very eventful day.
In Harry's opinion, Hermione's mum was beautiful, a voice at the back of Harry's mind shouted that he better snap Hermione up quickly before someone else did. Harry could easily have picked her mother out in a crowd because they were as alike as sisters. Mrs Granger was about six inches taller than her daughter, with tamed hair and smaller front teeth but still unmistakably Hermione's mum. Her dad was a different story, only the brown eyes reminded Harry of Hermione and even then the resemblance was only in their colour. Those brown eyes were currently examining Harry in a way Hermione's never would, they were making a judgement and Harry clearly wasn't passing whatever criteria he was being measured against.
Only when Hermione moved from hugging her mum to her dad did Harry spot the warmth he associated with orbs of that particular colour, the instant the man looked at his daughter Harry knew where Hermione had inherited her lovely eyes from. Her dad was about six foot in height, with dark hair that was beginning to go grey and recede at the front while the paunch at his waist increased. Harry thought Hermione had definitely got the best of the deal. He had just manfully stuck his hand out toward Mr Granger when another meaty one closed on his shoulder.
A voice Harry never wanted to hear again spoke from behind him. "Boy, we've been waiting here for bloody ages! Get your trunk and that bloody bird so we can get out of here."
Harry cringed under the firm grip and didn't need to turn around to know his uncle's face would be that particular shade of puce only this obese man seemed able to replicate. "Uncle Vernon, didn't the school contact you?"
"Is that why that ruddy owl was hanging about our property? The neighbours noticed it before we were able to drive the stupid bird away by throwing sticks at it. Dudley, you can have that air rifle you wanted, and you boy will pay for that freakishness when we get you home. Let's get out of here, this place is full of your sort!"
Harry was horrified, he could understand why he wouldn't make a good first impression on Hermione's parents, dressed as he was, but to throw in the Dursleys was just too much. Petunia was using her long neck to get her nose in the air, as usual, sniffing for any whiff of perceived scandal or newsworthy gossip. Dear cousin Dudley meanwhile was stuffing his face with a massive slice of pizza while holding something that resembled a bucket of coke in his other hand. Dudley was well beyond supersize now, he passed mega on his way to giga and appeared hell bent on being the first terasized human. Given his current rate of food consumption, he should attain that target by the time he reaches twenty one. What was the point in getting the key to the door if you were too large to fit through the thing?
Harry tried to refocus his wandering mind on the task at hand, this could get ugly but he didn't care. If all else failed, there was always the Leaky cauldron and enough gold in his vault to rent a room for the summer.
"Uncle Vernon, that owl was carrying a letter informing you I wouldn't be staying at Privet Drive this summer."
Vernon was now so angry he was spraying Harry with spittle, strained through that dead rat he had living on his top lip of course. "Are you telling me we drove all the way out here for nothing?"
Vernon's temper was only halted by the intervention of Hermione's father. "Excuse me sir, we would appear to have a slight misunderstanding here. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Daniel Granger and your nephew is apparently spending the summer with us."
It wasn't the words spoken that stopped Vernon's temper, more the universal sign of normality in his book. The printed business card that Mr Granger presented him with indicated at once to the obese bigot that this man could not be a freak.
Vernon switched modes so quickly, Harry's head was spinning. "Please to meet you Doctor Granger, I see your good lady is a dentist as well. I don't know if I would feel comfortable inflicting my nephew on good people like yourselves for the entire summer."
Harry was left wondering if that card was printed in Braille, his uncle appeared to upload all the information on the card by touch alone as he'd merely glanced at it.
Dan was being magnanimous, "Not at all, he's my daughter Hermione's best friend and we're looking forward to having him stay with us this summer. I realise this is extremely short notice and a bit of an imposition to your family so how would your family like to come to our house for dinner on Sunday? It would maybe put your mind at rest concerning your nephew's welfare while in our care."
At the mention of 'Doctor', aunt Petunia had appeared at her husband's side in a flash. She had accepted the invitation so quickly, Hermione's jaw never even had time to drop open.
As Dan provided the address and directions, Emma's polite smile was frozen in place. She couldn't really blame her husband as they hadn't told him the main reason Harry was staying with them over the summer. Had he known about the bars on the boy's window or cat-flap for feeding on his bedroom door, the Dursleys wouldn't have gotten within miles of an invitation to their house. She would now have to play hostess to these people for an evening. One glance at her daughter told Emma it could be quite a night, she was starring daggers at the Dursleys and looked ready to rip them to pieces.
-oOoOo-
Harry and Dan loaded the two trunks before Harry joined Hermione in the back seat of the range rover, neither Hermione nor her mum had uttered a word since the dinner invitation to the Dursleys had been issued.
Harry saw Dan again checking him out in the rear view mirror and decided to address at least one of the issues, "Mr Granger, would it be possible to visit Gringotts while we're in London? Hermione has promised to take me clothes shopping and I need to get some gold from my vault. There is also a bit of business I need to discuss with the goblins but that can wait if we don't have time today."
Dan's eyebrows raised at the mention of vault and agreed they could go there now. "If we end up running late, it will be take-away for dinner tonight."
Dan had heard from his wife that this boy was famous though didn't believe a word of it, he was being forced to reconsider his opinion at the moment. They had just walked into the Leaky Cauldron and Dan heard the boy's name on everyone's lips. People were now wanting to shake his hand or pat him on the back, getting into the alley caused the same reaction. Everyone appeared to know exactly who he was.
In the bank, the goblins quickly agreed to a meeting and Harry was smiling as they sat in a converted mining cart. Emma's fingers were almost meeting through Dan's arm as her grip stopped the blood flowing to his fingers, the two kids were in front and clearly enjoying the ride. When the cart stopped in front of a heavy door, he was still trying to calm his wife when he glimpsed gold through the now open door. It was one thing to say someone had heaps of money, quite another thing to see such a mountain of bullion. The boy was scooping gold coins into a bag at a rate that was mind boggling, Dan knew the exchange rate and Harry must have more than a few thousand pounds in that bag without it even being noticeably missing from the massive mountain of precious metal that remained.
The lad was famous, rich and yet had impeccable manners as well as being Hermione's best friend. It was no wonder his family was upset he wouldn't be spending the summer with them, Dan was currently having to re-evaluate his opinion of the lad.
Emma was delighted to get out of that cart after the return journey and swore she would never enter one again voluntarily, she noticed the thoughtful expression on Dan's face and hoped he didn't make a fool of himself. He hadn't exactly welcomed Harry with opened arms and she knew discovering the boy was clearly wealthy could unleash Dan's inner snob she so disliked.
They were shown into a room where she and Dan gratefully took the offered seats as the goblin sat at a desk before addressing Harry. Both kids were sitting in front of the parents and Emma could see her husband's opinion of the boy climbing by the minute. Considering her suspicions on where these two were going to end up, that was probably not a bad thing.
"How may Gringotts assist you, I understand you mentioned business?"
"I was advised that Gringotts was my best option for having a basilisk that I killed recovered, rendered into commercial components and sold."
The goblin immediately sat up straighter, "Where is this basilisk and approximately what size is it?"
"It's sitting in Slytherin's chamber of secrets and I was too busy trying to stay alive to measure it. Professor Dumbledore had a device that allowed us to see memories, if you have anything like that I could show you."
The goblin was now shaking with anticipation, the opportunity for profit being earned here was immense! "I will have to speak with my superiors, if you will excuse me for a moment." The goblin didn't wait for an answer but actually ran out the room.
Hermione was leaning into Harry and whispering so her parents wouldn't hear. "Is this a good idea Harry? My parents might flip at seeing this."
Harry's mind was made up though, "If they don't want me to stay Hermione, I'll take a room at the Leaky Cauldron for the summer."
That wasn't what Hermione meant but she had to pick him up on something, "Not the Burrow Harry?"
"I want to choose my own girlfriend in my own time, not have Mrs Weasley do it for me. I will be staying clear of there until she settles down."
Hermione couldn't resist teasing him, "Maybe if you had one, she would leave you alone."
Harry teased right back, "If I asked the girl I want to then I definitely would be spending the summer staying at the Leaky Cauldron. I don't think your dad likes me at the moment, he would like me even less then."
Hermione's eyes were wide and sparkling with excitement that Harry would say such a thing, she'd hoped for it but not expected it so soon. "Perhaps it would be a good idea to ask now, if things go the way I think they will, I might not be at Hogwarts next year. Oh and in case you're worried, the answer will most definitely be yes!"
"Unless your parents move you to an all girls school, I will be with you. I will ask, just not here and now. Soon though!"
Hermione was ecstatic with that answer, it took all her will power not to kiss him right here and now. With both her parents watching them like hawks, that would probably not be a good idea.
Emma watched the two together and could see the closeness that she had hoped for her friendless little girl, she understood Hermione was looking for more and Harry appeared quite agreeable. This was going to be an interesting summer.
The goblin returned with another two who were obviously his superiors, one was actually the director of the bank.
"Mr Potter, my name is Ragnok and I understand you have a memory you wish to share with us? We goblins do things slightly different from wizards." He had a black cube that was about four inches across and covered with golden runes. It opened at the front with two invisibly hinged doors and held a blood red crystal that almost filled the inside of the cube.
Ragnok's long fingers carefully removed the crystal and held it toward Harry, "I need you to think of the memory and then press this crystal against your forehead."
Harry did as he was requested before returning the now glowing crystal, Ragnok placed it on top of the cube before touching a few of the runes in a specific order. A scene in three dimensions and at about one tenth scale projected above the cube, it began when Harry was standing in front of the inner door and played from there.
Emma's gaze kept switching from the incredible scene she was watching to the kids in front of her, she noticed Hermione burrowing into Harry's chest but didn't think it was anything to do with his concern for the girl lying on the stone floor. There was obviously a lot she and Dan weren't being told here and their daughter was seriously worried about their reaction to this. She would have to keep an eye on Dan as well.
When that thing Emma could only think of as some dinosaur throwback came out that statue's mouth, she let out an involuntary scream. Her nerves were ripped to shreds as the beast continually tried its best to kill Harry at the urging of the older boy. Everyone was riveted to the projection although Hermione seemed to spend more time burrowing into Harry than watching as the scene built to its climax.
The imagery was stunning and incredibly realistic, making you actually feel like a participant rather than an observer. So much so that Dan was on his feet, punching the air and shouting 'YES!', when Harry stabbed the beast. The mood changed dramatically when they saw that fang protruding from the boy's arm, even though Harry was sitting in front of them so clearly had recovered, Emma was still reduced to tears.
The memory finished after Harry stabbed the diary and the little girl woke, Ragnok was now the one on his feet.
"Mr Potter, this raises so many questions but the most important one is, do you know what that book was?"
"It was a diary Riddle made into a horcrux, we know for certain he made more than one of these things but not what he did with them. Lucius Malfoy dumped this one onto Ginny Weasley, knowing full well what it had the potential to do."
Ragnok turned to the goblin who had accompanied him into the room, "Barchoke, if there are more of these things I want to know for certain that none of them are in our bank. Anyone placing a horcrux in their vault will lose every knut the have deposited with Gringotts, this clearly is a breech of their agreement with the bank. I want every vault checked, start with suspected death eaters first."
Barchoke nodded and left immediately to organise this massive task, their original goblin now looked toward Harry with something resembling awe. "Was that really the sword of Godric Gryffindor?"
Harry just nodded, he had both arms around a shaking Hermione. Behind them, Dan was in an identical situation with a tearful Emma.
Ragnok got down to business, time was money after all. "Mr Potter, exactly what is it you are requesting of us?"
"Ragnok, I would like you to take over and deal with the basilisk on every level. I realise there would be a cost for these services and I hope you can take them from the profit raised at the end. When that is done, I would like the remainder split five ways. Equal parts to myself, Hermione here, Ron and Ginny Weasley with the final part going to Hogwarts."
Ragnok nodded that was acceptable while wondering if the young wizard realised how much trust he was placing in them. "Mr Potter, that is by far the biggest basilisk I or anyone else has ever seen. Normally flooding the market would drive prices down but I think I have a way to increase profits for all of us. We have Salzar Slytherin's basilisk being slain by Godric Gryffindor's sword wielded by Harry Potter, those facts being known will probably drive the prices up."
Dan had been out of his depth since he entered the room, what he'd just witnessed was the bravest thing he'd ever seen or would see. Emma had spent days pounding on him not to make a snap judgement on the lad but to take time and they would discuss it when they were alone. They were going to be talking for hours tonight. Watching how close his daughter was to this boy finally allowed what Emma had been saying to percolate into his brain, it was time for a Granger charm offensive though he would have to be careful.
Here though was something he understood, Harry had just given Hermione twenty percent of whatever this beast was worth but no one was talking numbers. Dan liked to hear the numbers, "Excuse me Mr Ragnok, could you give us some idea of what kind of money we're talking here?"
"Mr Granger, because of their rarity, basilisk ingredients are among the most expensive items in our world. Some are actually worth a lot more than their weight in gold. If things go as I expect, I see no reason that we couldn't be talking about a million."
Dan Granger liked numbers and he really liked that one, "Are you saying my daughter is going to share a million pounds?"
"No Mr Granger, I'm saying I expect all five to receive around a million galleons each. This really is unprecedented so I could be wrong, but I don't think so. A goblin would pay thousands for a fang like the one Mr Potter here pulled out his arm, attached to a goblin blade it would be a deadly weapon of great beauty and power. That beast had many, many more waiting to be harvested. The fangs are by no means the most precious items this carcass contains, nothing will be wasted."
"Harry, that's too much…"
Hermione was stopped from saying any more as Harry interrupted her, "Hermione, without you Ginny would be dead and we would have Voldemort to deal with. Tell me again why you don't think you earned that?"
"I think there's a lot you will be telling us over the course of this holiday, I want to know everything that's going on. Hermione, we need to make a decision on your future and can't if we don't have the information. We have to know it's safe before we let you back on that train."
Hermione understood she was in trouble, this coming from her father she expected, that it was her mother laying down the law meant she might not be going back to Hogwarts. Her mum was always her biggest supporter, if she'd lost that then things were really looking bleak.
Harry attempted to change the subject, "Ragnok, would it be possible to arrange a holiday to the Romanian dragon reserve for my friend Hagrid? If this can be done could you send the arrangements to me? He bought me my first present and I think it's fitting if that present now delivers one to him, Hedwig would enjoy that."
Ragnok didn't think that would be a problem, the goblin also thought the memory recording of him speaking parseltongue would open the door. Harry then told Ragnok where the entrance was in the girl's bathroom. If this could be done without Harry having to go back down there, he would be delighted. They settled some final arrangements before shaking hands on the deal.
Dan left the office wondering how the parental positions became reversed, Emma had surprised him with her comment against Hermione. He was now looking at this boy Harry in a whole new light. His vault held millions and he just made Hermione a millionaire, his daughter obviously liked the boy and he ticked all the boxes Dan had when it came to someone for his little princess.
-oOoOo-
There wasn't much meaningful talk in the car on the way home, Dan was attempting to interest Harry in golf and had invited him to his club to play a round. Hermione was silently seething at her father's behaviour. Until they left Gringotts her dad had been looking at Harry like he was some charity case forced upon them, his entire attitude changed with his first glance inside the Potter vault. Her mother was genuinely concerned after seeing the basilisk while her dad appeared too busy counting money to care Harry almost died!
They drew up to the Granger's house and Harry had to admire it, the whole building screamed character and it was the kind of house the Dursleys would kill for. It was an impressive Victorian three-storied building with ivy growing up the walls and around the bay windows. There was even a section that looked like a turret with the whole building surrounded by an immaculate lawn and garden. There literally wasn't a leaf out of place. The many windows sparkled in the early evening sunshine as Harry noticed both Grangers staring at the house as if it was a stranger? His immediate sense of something not being right had him reaching for his wand, Hermione close behind him. "Mum, Dad, what's wrong? I can't see anything out of order. The place looks wonderful."
It was her mother who answered, "That's the problem love, I've been at your father all week to mow the lawn and it looks as if the whole place has been spruced up from top to bottom."
Harry was chuckling as he put his wand away, "Mr and Mrs Granger, I think I know what's happened here. We would really need to go inside to discuss it though."
They entered the hall, which had a floor so clean you could have eaten your dinner off it. Emma and Dan stood looking all around while waiting on an explanation, Harry called for his little friend.
Dobby appeared in a miniature school robe displaying the Potter family crest. "Harry Potter sir is home! Dobby didn't know when you would be here so kept himself busy tidying up. Dobby will now make dinner for Harry Potter and his Grangers."
With that he popped away to the absolute astonishment of both Granger parents.
Dan was muttering quietly to himself, "Famous, rich and has magical servants, our Hermione has hit the jackpot!" Unfortunately for Dan, he wasn't whispering quietly enough and both significant females in his life heard every word. Hermione ran away in tears while Emma appeared ready to explode.
"Harry, would you mind going after Hermione? I need to have a few words in private with my husband."
Harry followed in the general direction Hermione had headed and noticed an open French door leading out into the back garden. Hermione was sitting on a bench swing seat with her head in her hands crying. Harry sat beside her, putting his arm around her shoulder as she lent into him.
It took Hermione a few minutes before she felt able to talk. "I'm so sorry Harry, the whole point was to get you away from the Dursleys for the summer. Not only does my dad invite them to dinner, he seems determined to turn into your uncle. Don't think I didn't notice he was treating you like a bit of rubbish until he saw the inside of your vault. Now he's almost got me married off to you!"
"Hermione, is your dad likely to lock me in a cupboard? Make me work all summer while starving me at the same time? Will I need to smuggle Hedwig out the house for safety because he's going to buy my nutcase cousin an air-rifle? Like a lot of others, he's impressed by the money and fame. If that means he's going to do a Mrs Weasley and push me together with his amazing, incredible, beautiful daughter, then I have finally found a reason not to hate my fame. It's your mother I'm really worried about, what will she do when she finds out it's not the school that's dangerous to be around but me?"
Hermione had gotten over her tears, cuddling into Harry while he said those words made her feel too good to be crying. "We'll just have to explain that I'm not going anywhere without you, maybe you should ask me now Harry?" she emphasised her point by kissing him again, third time was definitely the charm because he was ready for her and returned the kiss.
"Not yet Hermione, I want your parents to know everything first. If I'm going to be their daughter's boyfriend then they deserve to know. They might decide to keep us apart for your safety and I couldn't really blame them."
"Well I bloody would! Dad's already in the doghouse, hopefully mum won't be joining him. I still can't believe we're sitting down to dinner with those creeps on Sunday, I don't know if I'll be able to last the evening without hexing them."
Harry actually smiled at her, "Just watch their faces as Dobby serves dinner, I'll bet money they won't eat it!"
Hermione even smiled back at him, "I suppose we really should go back in before mum and dad start wondering what we're up to out here." As she said this though, Hermione snuggled in tighter. Harry certainly wasn't in any hurry to move.
Mum and dad were currently listening at the still open French door after Emma had dragged Dan there to see what damage he had done, she now pulled him into the living room where they could talk privately.
Dan was livid, "Locked him in a cupboard and then starved the boy? Did you know about this?"
For the first time today Emma was pleased at her husband's reaction, he was actually showing genuine concern for the boy. "That's one of the reasons Hermione wanted him living here for the summer, last year they put bars on his window and passed a little food through a cat flap on his door. He seems a nice boy and even you must see our daughter really likes him. You have reached the stage where Hermione classes you the same as that man we met today, a man she despises with every fibre of her being. It's as I warned you, if you don't stop this stupidity you could end up losing your precious daughter. Her friends are now millionaires, that should be good enough even by your standards! I'm more concerned with what's going on that Harry thinks we might want to split them up. Just from today I can see that would break Hermione's heart."
Emma could also see she was finally getting through to her husband, "Am I really that bad?"
"Just be yourself, the man that both women in this house love. Lose the pompous arsehole, him neither of us can stand. Save all your boasting for that bloody golf club of yours, at least then we don't have to hear it. Why don't you take them both to a football match over the summer, anything to get you away from those bores down there. I swear you've become worse since joining that club."
How do you explain to a female about the camaraderie of an all male environment, or the one-upmanship that goes on there, or that the football season stops for the summer! "There is no football currently but the Open is at the Royal St Georges in Sandwich, perhaps they would like that?"
Emma was saved from delivering her scathing answer by the little creature called Dobby announcing that dinner was ready. The house was sparkling like a new pin and now her meals were going to be not only cooked, but served as well. Perhaps Harry could stay here all the time.
-oOoOo-
Crappy was not a happy goblin but then he sometimes thought all the happiness had been drained out of him that fateful day over twenty years ago. It was on that day the bitter little goblin made one of life's great discoveries. It wouldn't matter what he accomplished or how he lived for the rest of his life, shit yourself just once in class and that's all anybody would ever remember about you. His real name was Bloodfist but he hadn't heard another soul utter that since his mother died over a decade ago.
On the day he discovered he would never be a dragon handler, he had nervously laughed along with the others at his misfortune, the nick-names had soon started flying about and he was actually quite pleased when it settled on Crappy. Who wants to go through life answering to Shitter?
Crappy had then become his name as everything in his life quickly turned the same, even now he still got the shitiest jobs that no one else wanted.` One day he would show them all, one day they would regret what they had done to him. Every goblin would kneel before him, especially one or two of the prettiest females. Yes one day, but not today because as usual he had been given another crap job that no one else wanted.
Need a crappy job done, then send for Crappy! That's exactly what they did and why he came to be whizzing around vaults, casting scans from outside the doors. Of course, should he find anything, he was to summon some real goblins to take care of it. Some day Crappy would show them all, one day. Now whose vault was next on that list?
-oOoOo-
Hermione kept glancing at Harry while he was eating breakfast, he ate every Dobby prepared morsel with a wide grin on his face. Last night had gone better than they could have hoped for. After dinner they had told her parents everything, including that it was Harry who Voldemort was after.
Hermione had bitten her lip nervously until her mother had said that they wouldn't be making any decisions tonight, she wanted to wait a while until they could get their heads around this problem. Really Emma just wanted to see how things went with Harry and Hermione, she would be having that talk with her daughter tomorrow as she and Dan needed their own talk tonight.
A relived Hermione had taken Harry upstairs to show him where he would be sleeping, he had took her in his arms and asked Hermione if she would be his girlfriend. She said yes before kissing him goodnight and quickly getting out of there, she didn't want to give her parents any more reasons for keeping her and her new boyfriend apart. She lay in her bed smiling happily at the thought of Harry lying on the other side of the wall from her. This was going to be a wonderful summer.
Today they were going shopping with her mum to buy clothes for Harry, Hermione felt a little shiver of anticipation at the prospect of dressing her boyfriend in some more fitting clothes. As it was a very pleasant morning, the doors leading out into the garden were open and it was through those that the rather regal owl flew, heading straight for Harry. When she noticed Harry's smile become a deep frown, Hermione was moving to see what could cause this reaction. She didn't have to look far. Also with the package that was clearly from Gringotts was today's edition of the Daily Prophet, the front page was epic. It consisted almost entirely of a moving picture showing Harry Potter stabbing Slytherin's basilisk using Gryffindor's sword.
Harry's voice was devoid of emotion as he passed comment on the picture, "Well I should really have asked Ragnok how he was going to keep the price up, I guess we now know. If people will spend their gold on all that fake stuff about me that's out there, what do you think they'll pay for a small piece of this?"
Hermione didn't have time to answer, her dad had just led a very angry Albus Dumbledore into the kitchen.