Hello everybody. Here's a little something for your entertainment.
Disclaimer: Not Mine. I make no money what so ever off of this.
Hope you like it.
So we've seen death, now what?
The ride home wasn't the best they ever had, in fact it was really rather depressing. All through the train people were mourning the death of their beloved Headmaster. After all, he had been their protector and was indeed very well respected for his power and wisdom, yet now he was gone . The few that had remained behind, to say their final goodbyes and pay him due respect, were now on their way home, not knowing if they would ever return, if they would ever see Hogwarts, the place most of them came to call home, again.
In one of the train compartments sat four friends, four very close friends: Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. The two girls had tear stricken faces and very puffy eyes, and the two boys who on the outside looked very composed and calm, trying to comfort the girls, were in fact very shaken up on the inside.
The silence in the air was sometimes broken by sobs and sniffles, until Ron finally spoke up, words that weren't meant to come out so loud.
"So… we've seen death… now what?"
"What?" asked Harry, not really sure if Ron had said anything at all.
"Well, I was just thinking and I accidentally said it out loud … but well, I guess I was just… oh bugger"
"Oh Ron…" was all Hermione managed to say.
"Well at least we have a wedding to look forward to." Ginny mumbled.
"Yeah but first we have to find out what Dumbledore left me in that vault." Said Harry
Hermione, who was staring out the window, sighed in thought. Suppressing a great sob the young witch took a deep breath and said, "So I guess we go to war now"
"Abso-fucking-lutely" remarked Ginny vehemently.
The other three looked at her with surprised looks on their faces.
"No, Ginny, I can't allow you to come." Said Harry.
"Yeah, no bloody way. You're staying home with mum." Said Ron.
"Sod off, Ron. You're not Dad. Besides, do you really think that mum is gonna sit at home while all her kids are at war ? Think again, troll brain." Ginny spat at Ron.
"We already went through this; Voldemort will most likely use you just to get to me. He already tried to use you on your first year and that was just because you're Ron's sister. If he finds out that you are my girlfriend than he might straight out kill you." Said Harry with pleading eyes.
"Look, I can help! Anyway, if you are going to use that excuse then you should tell Ron and Hermione to stay behind as well. Voldemort already knows how much you care for them, so they are in more danger than I am. I am going. End of discussion." Stated Ginny.
No one had any argument to her point so they all remained lost in their own thoughts, all of which circled the same chain of events: Dumbledore's death, vault number seven, and, hopefully, the upcoming death of Voldemort so they could move on with their lives.
As silence filled the compartment Harry found himself slipping into a memory. One not long since passed…
After the funeral, Ginny followed by the golden trio
as they made their way up to castle. There weren't many students
left, and the ones that had stayed behind were now gathering their
belongings. The train was to leave in only two hours time, but when
they stepped through the castle doors, Professor McGonagall was
waiting for
them.
"Follow me please," She announced, as curtly as ever.
And so they followed her down the nearly deserted hallways, thinking that they were going to her office. Though, when they stopped in front of the large stone gargoyle outside the Headmasters office, that was when it hit them. Now she was Headmistress, and the office belonged to her now, for Dumbledore was no longer in the land of the living.
"Lemon Drop." Said the newly appointed Headmistress. To which, in reply, the Gargoyle stepped aside, thus bringing into view the spiral staircase. The group mounted the stairs and climbed into the sanctum. Slowly they settled in around her desk, adjusting to the new changes made by McGonagal.
"We don't have much time, your carriages will be leaving soon," Said Professor McGonagall.
"What's so important Professor?" asked Hermione, curious.
"I brought you here because of something strange. As I was settling myself in, I saw the portrait of Albus point to a table in the corner," She stated and pointed to the portrait of the ex-headmaster, that was sleeping so peacefully that it made it much harder on the young students to follow her hand motion that now pointed to a little side table. Harry immediately became interested and was now trying to figure out how had he missed that little table in all the visits he made to this same office. "Well, I thought it a bit odd because I had never noticed that little table on the corner… and grant you I've been in here countless times."
At this Harry couldn't help but interrupt, "My thoughts exactly, Professor."
"That was when Albus explained to me that he had an incantation on the table that I would only reveal itself when… he had passed.. on." said McGonagall with a great sigh. Hermione and Ginny rushed to her side at the sight of tears
"It's alright Professor, we know how you feel, it's alright to cry," Murmured Ginny soothingly, while fighting back tears herself.
"Yes, I know. Thank you girls, but I think that what I have to show Mr. Potter might hold importance at this moment. Please sit down girls, I'm fine."
They didn't really believe her, but they weren't about to argue either. Once they were back on their seats, McGonagall got up and went towards the little table. She opened the drawer and took out an ancient looking box that instantly captivated everyone's attention. With a quick stride she returned to her desk and took her seat before them, as she did so she handed Harry the box.
"What… is it professor?" asked Harry tentatively.
"Well Mr. Potter, I don't know much about it, but Albus told me that when he died I was to give you this box." She than pulled a chain from inside the box and a golden key came into view.
"What's that key for?" asked Ron.
"To a door Mr. Weasley." Answered McGonagall in a strained and irritate tone.
"Please go on Professor, Ron won't interrupt anymore.." Trailed Ginny while giving Ron a Molly Weasley look.
"Yes, please go on." Said Harry, wanting to know more.
"Thank you Mr. Potter. Albus left me this box to give to you when he died. This key is to a vault in Gringotts, supposedly containing something that he thinks could help you with the final battle." She finished, and handed Harry the key.
"Umm… Professor when you said 'when he died', do you mean to tell us that he knew he was going to die the way he did?" asked Hermione.
"I believe so, Miss Granger. Unfortunately, we don't have time for this talk now and you still have to gather all your things. I think the carriages will be leaving soon and… I have a feeling you'll be returning soon enough."
"That means Hogwarts will reopen in September?" Asked Ginny
"I'm sorry Miss Weasley, but I don't know that for sure, but really you children should be on your way now." She said regretfully.
Harry heaved a sigh, coming out of the memory. The train was nearing Kings Cross, and it was time he got his head together.
When they pulled into Kings Cross they found Mr. and Ms. Weasley waiting to greet them. Although it wasn't a pleasant greeting due to recent events.
Bill was now at St. Mungos hospital, they had no idea of the outcome but they hoped he'd recover. The wedding was to happen on the 27th of August and that was something happy to look forward to.
But for now Hermione, Harry, Ginny and Ron had a task before them. They had to get to Gringotts and find out what was on that vault that could possibly help them to kill Voldemort, and bring down his followers.
"Let's take this up to my room," Ron muttered.
"You guys go on. I just want to talk to mum, she looked too depressed," Replied Ginny, making her way to the kitchen while the others made their way up to Ron's room.
"Hey mum..." Ginny said softly upon entering the room, eyeing her distraught mother.
"Oh Ginny, how are you, dear?" Asked Molly, putting on a brave face.
"I'm fine mum."
"Where is everybody else?"
"They went up to Ron's room."
"Oh poor Harry... the poor thing must be feeling horrible. How is he?"
"He says he's fine, but we all know better."
"Oh the poor child. Hasn't he been through enough yet?" said Molly with a great sigh.
"Yeah I know mum, but I'm here for him."
"Oh Ginny…" exclaimed Ms. Weasley, hugging her daughter with teary eyes
"It's going to be okay mum, you'll see. We'll be up in Ron's room, okay?"
"Oh Ginny when did you become such a comforting young lady, just yesterday you were my little baby."
"Oh mum." said Ginny with a faint smile.
"Well move along now. I'll call you lot down when dinner's ready"
"Thanks mum," With that Ginny made her way upstairs, to join Harry, Hermione and Ron.
"Ginny, what took you so bloody long?" asked Ron.
"I'm sorry Ron, you know how mum gets when she's all worried about something."
"What's she worried about now?" asked Ron.
"Oh Ronald, you can be so hard sometimes." said Hermione giving him a murderous look.
"What?" asked Ron.
"Never mind that now, so Harry what's in the box besides the key?" asked Ginny who was now ignoring Ron's looks.
"We don't know yet, we were waiting for you." said Hermione.
"So get on with it then I'm here now."
Harry opened the box and took out the key and a folded piece of parchment. Harry examined the key for a little while then proceeded to the piece of parchment that was written in Dumbledore's unmistakable handwriting.
"Come on, Harry read it out loud." said Ron impatiently.
"Ron! Give Harry some time." scowled Hermione.
"Please don't start bickering you two." said Harry.
"Sorry mate." said Ron looking embarrassed.
Harry took in a deep breath and began…
"Dear Harry,
I'm sorry to say this but if you've came across this letter it is because I'm no longer among the living. I know you must be upset but there are matters that need your attention.Since I'm no longer with you in person I cannot be as much help on your defeat of Voldemort as I had hoped I could be, but you must keep on going Harry, the happiness and lives of millions are on your hands.
Remember what I have taught you Harry, and remember why you survived his curse.
The only way to defeat Voldemort is with strong and powerful love.
The key you found is for a vault number 7 in Gringotts.When you get there give one of the goblins the key they will know where to take you.When you get what's inside you must return to Hogwarts were you will find what you need.You can trust Minerva, Harry.She knows how to help you, she knows enough to help, for you will need all the help you can get.
I'm sorry Harry I wish circumstances were different, but the ones you love will forever live inside your heart. You were like a son that I never had so heed my advice, things aren't always what they seem and people aren't always the way the act.
Hermione and Ron are your friends and they love you, keep their love close for it shall help you.
Good bye Harry.
Albus Dumbledore"
"No pressure there." said Ron, fighting back tears, but he couldn't hide the ones he had already shed while Harry read the letter. Hermione and Ginny weren't trying to fight at all. They were crying freely, so much so that, at the sight Harry couldn't help himself. His eye filled with tears that fought to escape. Ginny broke the silent sobs.
"Now what?"
"What are you on about?" said Ron wiping his eyes.
"Well Dumbledore's dead we can't just sit back and watch more people get killed without fighting back." said Ginny.
"She's right, you know." said Hermione.
"I never said I wasn't going to do anything…" murmured Harry, "I'm going to find that bastard and end this once and for all."
"You mean 'we' are going to find him.. and kill him" said Ginny.
"There's no 'we'. I'm the one who's supposed to kill him."
"Oh for Merlin's sake Harry! How many more times are we going to have to go through this? WE… ARE… NOT… GOING… TO… LET… YOU… FIGHT… ALONE!" Hermione shouted at him slowly, so perhaps now he would get it
"Yeah, we can help," added Ginny.
"Yeah Harry, remember you need love, and don't get me wrong but, we love you, mate, and remember what the letter said. Me and Hermione can help you." said Ron.
" I can't put you guys in danger. If I loose one more loved one to that bastard I don't think I can live with myself."
" Harry you can't do this alone, I won't let you." said Ginny, Harry was about to say something when Mrs. Weasley came in.
"I'm sorry dears, I didn't mean to interrupt.. but dinner is ready and I think you need a little some nourishment."
"Thanks
mum, we'll be right down," Answered Ron.
"Well, we have to get to Gringotts," said Hermione.
"Yeah. I was thinking that I could.. I mean WE could go first thing in the morning."
"Sounds great, Harry. Now let's eat. I didn't realize I was this hungry until mum came up here... the food smells delicious." said Ron, rubbing his stomach. His simple act seemed to have lighten up the mood a little. Hermione said a soft, "Oh Ronald," which earned laughs all around.
After dinner they bid everyone "Good night" and went to bed. When they got up to Ron's room, Harry and Ron went in and just as Ron made to close the door
Hermione stuck her head in and said, "You had better not leave without us"
"We wouldn't do that Hermione," muttered Ron. "We'll come get you when we're ready."
With that the girls made their way to Ginny's room.
"So Harry, what do you think is inside that vault?" asked Ron, jumping onto his bed.
"I don't know, Ron." Said Harry putting on his pajama shirt and getting into bed .
"Maybe it's a weapon."
"If it is, it better be very powerful."
"Yeah..."
"Maybe it's a map to show me where the rest of the Horcruxes are." Said Harry looking very hopeful.
"Yeah that would be great… but I still think it's a weapon."
"I don't know Ron, but we have a long day tomorrow so we better go to sleep."
"Yeah… I guess we should… G'night, Harry."
"Night Ron."
Harry knew that sleep would not come easy, for though
his body was relaxed his mind was racing a thousand miles per hour.
It wasn't until much later that Ron's
snores put him to sleep.
Harry and Ron had no idea how wrong they were in the guesses they had
at what might be inside that vault hidden deep within Gringotts. No
idea that what was inside was about to prove them wrong about some
very important events. No idea that one of the golden trio's life
would forever change. No idea how much tomorrow held in store for
them as they all slept peacefully.
Hey, I hope you liked it. Let me know...
Luv Nina
