*As always J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter. The characters and some locations are hers. The situations are my own.*
*A/N Welcome to my first story. I have an outline and the first few chapters written but due to my inexperience I'm not sure on the end length. Any comments/critiques good or bad will be read and can hopefully help me improve my work. I am going to try and keep this canon but the main differences being that Hermione never forgave Ron on an intimate level for leaving Harry and her. They have reconnected as friends but the intimacy is gone and cannot be rekindled. Harry and Ginny also did not get back together after the final battle. She could not compete with the devotion and loyalties the Trio felt for eachother.*
Harry slowly opened his eyes and groped for his glasses. Only after the fog of sleep left his head did he see the bedside clock's digital display. Harry needed to hurry if he was going to catch his meeting with Professor McGonagall. He couldn't recall what time he went to sleep but he could tell it was sometime after four.
"Four hours of sleep. That's a new record," Harry mumbled to the hotel room. He scanned the room looking for someone else's sign of life. He noticed only his chest in the corner and some room service trays he had used the night before. He still wasn't used to waking alone in the morning. In fact until this stint at the hotel he hadn't awoken alone since the day Hagrid bought him Hedwig as a present before his first year. While extracting himself from the clothes he fell asleep in he began to think of his different roommates over the years. There was a murmur of guilt in his stomach and something else when he remembered his last one.
Looking in the mirror Harry decided that a shower was pointless and skipping it would save him a few minutes that he needed desperately if he was going to make it to Diagon Alley. After throwing on some old clothes he went over to the bedside table to quickly scan the letter he had received from Professor McGonagall.
Dear Mr. Potter,
I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. I was hoping you would be able to accompany me to Gringotts Wizarding Bank the 15th of July around 11:00 A.M. Then we can take care of those matters we discussed the last we met. I apologize for not initiating this sooner but the need is pressing at this moment. After our business is settled at the bank I'd appreciate it if you could join me for lunch at Hogwarts to discuss a couple opportunities for you there. I eagerly await to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Headmistress Minerva McGonagall
Harry wasn't surprised by receiving the letter. After Fred's funeral the weary Professor had pulled Harry aside.
"My apologies for having to discuss this at such a difficult time for everyone," a teary eyed Professor expressed. "But I've just been notified by the goblins of Gringotts that you were named the executor of Albus's not insignificant holdings."
"I don't understand Professor? Minister Scrimgeour read Ron, Hermione and I the will last year." A perplexed Harry answered.
"Yes of course, that was for his material possessions kept outside of Gringotts. The goblins hold onto vaults longer and require their own wills." She sneered in reply. "They have informed me that I will have to accompany you as the acting headmistress. Unfortunately I am needed extensively at Hogwarts to prepare for our next term. I'll see when I can get away and I'll owl you with a time I'm available."
She saw the acceptance on Harry's face and turned to give her condolences and say her goodbyes to the mourning Weasley family.
Harry wasn't looking forward to going to Gringotts and expected a frigid welcome from the goblins from what occurred the last time he was there. He didn't need or want Dumbledore's gold and wasn't quite sure what his responsibilities as executor were. The summons to Hogwarts after Gringotts was unexpected though. He knew that the rebuilding of the school over the last few months had been going slowly due to all of the magical damage done to it at the final battle. He did not think he had anything to offer in the ways of rebuilding it and the thought of going back was a little unnerving. He realized it wasn't just Hogwarts he was hesitant to revisit. Ever since the Lupins' and Fred's funerals he hadn't set foot in the magical world. After glancing at the bedside clock one more time Harry rummaged through his chest and grabbing his wand he left.
Harry had no intentions of apparating the 6 blocks from his hotel to Diagon Alley and set foot at a brisk walk towards The Leaky Cauldron. Harry remembered seeing on the tele the previous night that this summer had been the hottest on record. "Today's no different", he grumbled to himself. The weatherman had brought up global warming but Harry thought it might have to do with the Dementors which had not been seen since the final battle. Sweating in ways he hadn't in months he arrived at his location. He wasn't sure what to expect from the wizards but he had already accepted that he would definitely not go unnoticed this morning. Any remaining hope of obscurity was blown immediately by Tom the innkeeper when Harry passed through the threshold.
"Master Potter! ," Tom yelled, "is there anything I can get you?"
Luckily for Harry the bar was mostly empty due to the hour and he swiftly waived off Tom, "No thanks," and dodged off towards the entrance to Diagon Alley. Still he could feel everyone in the bar murmur excitedly and stare holes in his back as he left. He kicked himself for not bringing his invisibility cloak.
"Harry!" exclaimed a rush of hair headed straight for him.
"Hermione, hello what are you doing here?" Harry exclaimed surprised. He felt a lump in his throat and became uncomfortable with how sweaty he was. Hermione looked radiant and unaffected by the heat.
"I'm sorry you just surprised me. How are you?"
"I'm well thank you. I was visiting George and Ron at Wheezes," she replied jerking her thumb over her shoulder and looking back. "McGonagall showed up wanting to talk to Ron about something at Hogwarts and mentioned that you would be here soon. So I kipped off and thought I'd wait for you here."
Hermione looked around at the throng of people slowing heading their way. She was noticing for the first time what a commotion she made at Harry's arrival. "O Harry, I'm sorry. I was just so excited to see you," Hermione explained as she grabbed his hand and steered him towards Gringotts. "McGonagall mentioned she would be meeting you there. I've got some things to get done there myself," Hermione finished. She said the last part almost under her breath while glancing down at her feet.
After half a year in a tent and almost all of his childhood the last seven years Harry had grown accustomed to Hermione's mannerisms. He could tell that she had noticed her look down but that she wouldn't give up any answers if he pried. He was content to just let it be and go with her towards the bank.
"You know Charlie and some of his coworkers actually located that dragon we escaped on. He's in good health and they transported him to Romania already," Hermione said.
Harry nodded his approval but wondered what the goblins thought of their missing dragon.
As Harry passed through doors of Gringotts the first thing he noticed was the immediate silence. The hubbub of Diagon Alley had faded away only to be replaced by the glares of the goblin bankers. The next thing that Harry noticed was the scaffolding towering up to the reconstructed ceiling. Looking up Harry spotted a couple of wizards up there examining the ceiling while another one raced around on a broom to various points.
"What do you think they are doing up there?" Harry asked.
"They are checking the wards on the new roof after we, well umm destroyed the last one," Hermione answered.
Harry examined the bankers again and noticed that their eyes lingered on him for a little longer than was necessary as he walked by. At the end of the building Harry could see Professor McGonagall pouring over some paperwork at a private desk. She glanced up as the two approached her and for the first time since Hermione had steered him towards the bank he felt her hand leave his. A smirk quickly left their elderly professor's face before her more familiar stern look took hold.
"Hello Mr. Potter and Ms Granger. I'm glad you could make it Harry. I trust Ms Granger has been informed on why you are here?" She said.
Hermione shuffled her feet. "Actually I just walked here with him because I had business to attend here as well. I'm headed to my vault now but I'll see you at Hogsmeade like we arranged Professor," Hermione said. "I'll see you Harry and I hope to see you soon. It's been far too long."
"I'm actually going to Hogsmeade as well. I'll see you there," Harry said.
"I should have mentioned it but yes the opportunities I was talking about in my letters pertain to both of you. Ms Granger, we will see you soon," Professor McGonagall replied. She was a little taken aback by Hermione's mention at how long it had been since she saw Harry. It seemed like everyone was affected by this war and how they handled it was different for everyone. The Weasleys were no exception; Arthur had started back at the Ministry a few weeks ago and seemed to be transitioning as well as someone could. The last Minerva saw Molly though she saw a simmering rage with no enemy to focus it on now. Their other children were taking the brunt of this anger.
The Professors musings were interrupted by a goblin approaching the three of them. The goblin gave a quizzical look at Hermione and she quietly excused herself to one of the tellers.
"Madame McGonagall, Mr. Potter, how nice to see you. My name is Shredjaw," the goblin said. Harry noticed that the goblins statement definitely did not reach his face and the chill he experienced from the other goblins in the room was not assuaged by this one. "If you will follow me," Shredjaw said as he pointed towards a private room. Once in the room the two wizards gravitated to the normal sized chairs leaving the elevated one for the goblin.
Shredjaw got right to the point. "We are here because of the Will of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, to be executed by one Harry Potter and acting Headmaster or Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is brief and should not take much time." As Shredjaw began to read from a scroll he produced at his hip Harry couldn't help but notice how rushed this meeting seemed. The legal jargon quickly lost Harry but after only a minute he realized that Professor McGonagall and himself would be setting up a charity at their choosing or creation "In the amount of 72,350 Galleons, 19 Sickles, and 8 Knuts as of business close yesterday July 10th," the goblin finished. Harry flinched at the amount and not for the first time thought to himself that Dumbledore had entrusted him with too much.
"I should like to inform you that if a suitable charity is not decided upon by the end of July the funds shall be forfeited to the bank," Shredjaw stated flatly.
Harry glanced at Professor McGonagall and could tell she was accosted by this remark. "Well I have a few ideas that I will go over with Mr. Potter and I assure you that you will receive an owl with our instructions before that deadline. Is there anything else?" she asked.
"With you? No," Shredjaw said, callously dismissing the Headmistress.
Harry didn't like his tone visibly shifted in his seat as the headmistress gracefully removed herself from the table.
"Harry I will see you on Hogsmeade shortly I hope."
Harry just nodded, not sure what the goblin wanted with him. He guessed that the goblin had orchestrated putting him on edge since he set foot through the front door. Harry felt his wand hand twitch.
"You won't be needing that wand Mr. Potter. You caused our bank and our people a lot of trouble with your actions last May. You have been pardoned by the Ministry of Magic for your actions that lead to the death of 7 goblins, and we must recognize that pardon, at this time."
Harry paused and spluttered, "Mr. Shredjaw, sir, I truly had no intention."
Shredjaw interrupted, "I didn't ask you to stay to hear your excuses. Since your coming of age your parents trust has matured and can be used at your bidding rather than for your education. Also your holdings have grown significantly with the addition of the Black Family vault. I mean to ask what you would like to do with these funds. The Potter holdings are at 46,099 Galleons 14 Sickles and the Black holdings at 52,948 Galleons even."
Harry used the only reference he had for that kingly amount of gold. Quidditch. He recalled Ron mentioning with a tone of longing that Viktor Krum was the highest paid Seeker in professional Quidditch and had signed a contract for 4,200 Galleons a year after his performance at the last World Cup.
Realizing quickly that he did not need or want all of the gold he said, "Take the Black vault and place it into a trust like mine for one Teddy Lupin to be used foreducational purposes until his coming of age."
Without a word Shredjaw drew up the paperwork and handed it to Harry to sign. Not wanting to spend another moment in the presence of the goblins he quickly signed and turned to go.
As soon as Harry escaped the chill of the bank he was once again blasted by the heat of the unseasonable hot July. A group of witches seemed to have beenwaiting on him and he immediately turned on the spot and apparated to Hogsmeade.
"I apologize again for the long walk. The rules still hold though. One cannot apparate in or out of Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said while sitting down at her desk. Harry glanced at the portraits sleeping on the wall, and was glad to see the newest portrait of Snape snoozing along with the rest of them. Looking around the room he couldn't help but notice that he alone looked affected by the walk from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts. His companions Hermione, and the headmistress looked no worse for wear. The walk had been mostly silent and somber as Hermione realized that this was Harry's first time returning to the school. Someone visiting for the first time might not have been able to distinguish the destruction from afar but to the accustomed wizard it was immediately clear the castle had been horribly maimed. The east wing and herbology greenhouses ceased to exist completely.
Professor McGonagall spoke to a painting on the wall and a tray of sandwiches appeared on her desk. She offered Harry and Hermione the tray and began speaking.
"I have called you two here today to discuss a few options. First I'd like to invite you two back to finish your final year of schooling. I can see to private tutelage by the professors for your NEWT's if standard classes seem uncomfortable. I should note that Ronald Weasley has accepted my invitation," Professor McGonagall explained.
Harry had never considered going back go Hogwarts to finish school and the fact that his best friend Ron was like a stunner to the chest.
"I won't be attending," Hermione replied flatly. "I really appreciate the offer and hope that it stands but I don't think I'm ready to return."
Harry couldn't believe his ears. Ron was headed back to school for his NEWT's and Hermione was not? What had happened in the month he had removed himself from this world.
"I won't either Professor," Harry answered not knowing where the decision had come from.
Harry looked at his former head of house to see how she would take the news. With a disappointed look on her face she continued, "Very well. With that settled, Harry I had an idea about Albus's will. I believe that a charity should be established for muggleborn witches and wizards who need help transitioning into the wizarding world when the reach the age of 11. After hearing the sum I'm confident that the class of Muggle Studies can be expanded and improved as well."
Hermione looked on not quite sure what the two were talking about.
"That is a terrific idea Professor, I'm on board with that and think Professor Dumbledore would agree," Harry said while glancing over the headmistress's shoulder, noticing a smile creep onto the sleeping portrait.
"Good, with that out of the way I'd like to offer you two a second opportunity. I'm stretched thin here at the school and I'm worried about getting things back up and running before the beginning of term. The new charity could also sponsor you with a short term position at the school. The position wouldn't actually be on school grounds and would only be until the start of term."
Harry had never actually thought of working at the school. He was hardly an academic. Intrigued the two teenagers looked on.
"I have woefully neglected this year's muggleborns and was wondering if you two could assist me in meeting with the families of these young witches andwizards. I can't think of two better ambassadors to introduce them into our world in this new age," McGonagall explained while gazing down at her two favorite students. She did feel a bit selfish wanting to keep these two around for a little longer.
Hermione beamed, "I'm honored professor! I'd love you help, though I'm not really sure what to do."
Without hesitating Harry followed suit, "Of course I'll help Hermione." Harry wondered when he was going to slow down and think about his answers. He decided he'd dwell on that later.
"Superb, I will owl you two the list of muggleborns and where you can find them. I'm actually a little sad passing the duty on. It was one of the better parts of my job and I seem to remember a particular witch that was bursting with anticipation and requested 'All the books you can send me!'"
Hermione blushed.
"Harry, we made the mistake in believing your aunt and uncle had explained your parentage and that the letter was to be expected around your 11th birthday. If you had been a muggleborn I would have showed up tried my best to make everyone understand. I trust that Hagrid did a fine job bringing everyone up to speed," the professor said with a wink.
"A couple of suggestions for your visits; I think it is prudent to not hide our recent history from this new generation and full disclosure should be practiced. Especially with the parents. It has been my experience that the parents are usually relieved when I show up to explain the 'peculiarities' their child has exhibited while grown up," Professor McGonagall said relieved. "Also it is probably best to demonstrate a few innocent spells for everyone. The households have been added to a list at the ministry and magic can be performed in front of the muggle parents without repercussions. There have been instances, very few, where the families have refused to allow their child to attend. We try and instill that the child's magic is dangerous if untamed and Hogwarts can teach this control. If you don't have any questions at this time I'm going to find where I'm needed around the castle."
Noting the dismissal Harry nodded his agreement and stood up to leave the room. Hermione joined him and as they were leaving they heard the professor clear her throat.
"I know the memories are recent. But Hogwarts will always be here for you two. You both have shed blood to defend it. The castle will not forget it," their Head of House said with teary eyes.