After the rest of the legal stuff was out of the way, Ragnok beckoned Harry (and Remus, much to the pair's confusion) into his office.

The head goblin ushered them inside and indicated for them to sit in a armchair in front of his desk, while he rummaged around in the draw of his desk. Finally, he pulled out a large folder with a crest on seeing the crest, Remus gasped, obviously recognising it, but Harry frowned.

"Harry?" Remus asked, confused. "Don't you know what the crest is?"

As his best friend's son shook his head, the werewolf clenched his fists, an angry glint in his eyes.

Ragnok watched the exchange with a frown, followed by dawning realisation, on his face.

"Mr Potter," he said softly - or rather, as softly as a goblin could. "Have you ever been to the Potter family vault?"

Again, Harry shook his head. The goblin swelled with rage - a very scary look - before calming down. Ragnok sighed. "It seems I've got a lot of explaining to do, then.

"To put it bluntly, Mr. Potter, your magical guardian is Headmaster Dumbledore, who was supposed to inform you of the Potter family vaults at the age of 11. The Headmaster went against your parents' wills in doing this, a crime punishable here in the Wizarding World.

"Also, since you don't know about the Potter vault at the time, I find it very suspicious that a large sum of money is missing from the Potter family vault. Especially as only a Potter and their magical guardians are allowed to enter."

Harry blinked. Twice. "Can I go and see the vault, please?" Harry asked politely, not realising the werewolf about to be unleashed next to him.

Ragnok, however, saw Remus about to leave - presumably to rip the Headmaster to shreds - and stopped him. "Mr. Lupin, you are required to escort young Mr. Potter here to his vault," Ragnok said with a smirk. "Therefore, I would prefer it if you stayed here."

Remus was suitably shut up.

Two minutes later, the trio set off to the infamous cart for a dizzying ride (which, Harry noted while hanging onto the edge of the cart, was much longer than usual) to the Potter family vault.

When they finally got there, Remus was looking green and Harry was staring in awe at the magnificent sight before him.

Prancing elegantly around the Potter family crest, which looked like it was standing on the back of a bowing griffin, was three majestic lions. (One a lioness, one a cub and one a lion.) The lion had a wild mane, whereas the cub was starting to grow the same. Weirdly, the whole family seemed to be smiling, and the male lion looked like he was winking at Harry.

"Oh yeah," said a voice behind him. Remus stood next to Harry, rubbing his forehead and still looking queasy. "James told me about that. Apparently, the lions are charmed to act like each Potter, either born or married into the family, but only shows two generations. That would mean that the one with the crazy hair is James - oh, don't give me that look Prongs, you know it's the truth - the lioness is Lily and the little cub is you."

Harry smiled sadly at the wooden doors - which were holly, he assumed from the colour.

"Right, down to it then," Ragnok spoke up. "Mr. Potter, all you need to do is stroke the cub's head to enter. In order for Mr. Lupin to enter, you need to tell the griffin that he is."

Harry felt a little bit weird talking to a carving of a griffin, but did so anyway.

"Remus Lupin wishes to enter as well." The griffin nodded.

Harry then stroked the head of the cub - himself? - which giggled, before the doors simply melted away.

What Harry saw took his breath away.

Mountains and mountains of golden galleons were plied high, almost touching the tall ceiling; deadly looking goblin-made weapons and armour covered one wall; at the very back of the room (which was larger than the Great Hall at Hogwarts) was many bookcases and priceless family heirlooms.

Remus chuckled. "I forgot to mention that the Potters are rich... Very rich."

Upon exploring the large vault, Harry realised there were many more doors leading into different rooms, the most notable reading, "Black Vault" and "Overflow". But, he decided, those were for looking at another day.

Harry's favourite part of the visit by far was looking at the heirlooms. There were many jewels and (strangely) wands of his ancestors, but Harry was careful not to touch these, wary of destroying something irreplaceable. (His visit to Ollivander's at the age of 11 still was clear in his mind.)

Eventually, Harry left the Potter vault with a few slim tomes (including '1001 Household Charms Every Wizard and Witch Should Know' and an early version of 'Hogwarts; A History') and a weightless bag of galleons (courtesy of Remus).


Exhausted, Harry fell on his bed back at 4 Privet Drive after being Portkeyed back. His visit to the vault was much more tiring than he first anticipated.

Suddenly, Harry heard a tapping at his window.

"Will I ever get a break?" he muttered grouchily, but opened the window anyway.

Hedwig flew in with an excitable Pig and an intelligent-looking tawny owl. Hedwig gave Harry a reproachful look, making him assume that she heard his comment before he opened the window.

Giving the owls a treat and some water each, Harry relieved them of their burdens and sent them on their way. (Minus Hedwig, of course.)

Harry first read the note from the unknown owl, which was from Hermione.

Dear Harry,

I do hope you are okay and your aunt and uncle are treating you well.

This is going to be a fairly short letter - I need to pack my bags because I'm going to France! - but I have enclosed a brochure about dealing with grief. I don't need to imagine that Sirius' death has hit you hard. While I'm on that subject, the booklet recommends talking to someone about the problem - so please write to me about it, Harry.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Love, Hermione

Harry scowled at the letter. He didn't need to "deal with his grief" - he was coping just fine! Although, he admitted to himself, it's no fun.

Next, Harry opened the short note brought by Pig. The handwriting was not familiar to Harry, but it was distinctly feminine.

Harry,

It's me, Ginny! I imagine this is slightly awkward - I mean, we barely know each other - but just remember that I am here for you if you need me.

Anyway, now that's outta the way, I've sent a care package with Hedwig for you. It contains some of Mum's baking - she has made it her goal to "fatten you up" - some... items from Gred and Forge and some sweets from Ron. (The prat was going to write you a letter, but landed me the job instead. Not that I mind, but isn't he supposed to be your best mate?)

I think that's it, so... Bye!

From, Ginny

P.S. The twins say that some of the pranks need to be tested, and that they think your relatives will be perfect guinea pigs.

Harry grinned at the letter before setting it aside to open the "care" package.


So, sorry this chapter took so long to put up! Oh, and I'm also sorry for the format of the last chapter - but it's all fixed now!

I wasn't too happy about the way this chapter was written, especially the letters, but there we go, I guess.

Also, I'm looking for a beta. If you're interested, just PM me!

Anyway, onto my FABULOUS reviewers! Thank you all so much!

awrenraven - yeah, thanks for pointing it out! I probably wouldn't have noticed if you didn't!

Bellamort500 - and your review brightened my day! :-)

poppabear11420 - yeah. But I've found a way around it now!

geetac - thanks! :)

Also thank you to my guest reviewers!

Now, please take these wonderful people's examples and REVIEW! :-)

-Lolerator xx