Chapter 3: Goodbyes, Offers, and Surprising Developments A Brave New World Chapter 3
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the situations I create the rest is all JKR's. A/N: I wish to say that any similarities you might find to this story and other fanfiction is not meant as me stealing ideas, merely me taking what I believe to be intelligent options on how to handle the movement from JKR's cannon to a fannon base. Oh and a special thanks to all my reviewers…you know who you are. Enjoy!
Chapter 3: Goodbyes, Offers, and Surprising Developments Part 1: Waking up is hard to do…
The sun had already risen as a soft knock was given to the door, but the inhabitants did not stir. With a quick turn of the handle Fleur Delacour-Weasley was greeted to a sight that made her heart fill with warmth she greeted happily. Harry and Hermione, still in their clothes from the day before; were spooned together on his bed. Hermione's arms were still holding his middle protectively, and Harry's hand rested on top of hers.
Crookshanks leapt from Harry's discarded robes and sauntered past Fleur. Undoubtedly making his way to the window they had charmed to open whenever he swatted at it, and to go take care of his morning proclivities.
As Fleur let her eyes drift back to the young couple occupying one of her guest beds she cleared her throat just loud enough to get their attention. Harry's wand was out in an instant and Hermione's only a second behind. Both blinked in recognition as they realized who they had just pulled their wand on, Harry's blink being slightly more owlish without his glasses.
"Sorry Fleur." They both said, with a sheepish turn of the head and tucking in of their wands.
"Non, my apologies, if I 'ad known you two were actually 'aving a…lie in…I would 'ave told Percy to just leave the paperwork 'e 'as brought." The French woman said with mirth flowing in her words. "But now that I 'ave woken you. Per'aps you would not mind coming down to the kitchen to talk wiz 'him?" Without waiting for a reply she turned and started down the stairs holding in her chuckle until reaching the bottom and turning to the kitchen.
Before rolling out of the bed Hermione felt Harry grab her hand and squeeze. They both knew what he meant and the words, "thank you" need not be verbalized.
"I'll just run to the bathroom real quick and then meet you down there." Hermione said with a slight blush. "And Harry, you should shave before we leave. It's beginning to look a little scraggly, but it's filling out much more nicely now."
"Alright." Harry watched her leave, as he rubbed his stubble, he moved to pick up his robes from the chair, but noticed the orange hair littering its dark hue. "Crookshanks."
He decided to forego his robes for the day, given their state, and stick to his cloak. As he moved down the steps he could see the last bit of Crookshanks' tail slip out the window in the den.
As Harry stepped into the kitchen he was met with the sight of Percy in a tug of war over the last of the chocolate drizzled pastries with his oldest brother.
"Bill, come on, I had to leave the house before mum was finished with breakfast!" Percy said indignantly.
"Not my problem, ickle Percykins. Who knows when Gabi will send more of these? I want this one." Bill replied before gaining the upper hand by pinching Percy's forearm, and waving his spoils around.
"'onestly you two! I 'ave no idea 'ow your muzzer 'andled a 'ouse full of you boys." Fleur said as she snatched the pastry from her gloating husband. "You two can split it." She said as she broke the treat evenly. Both men looked on with sheepish guilt.
"Well handled Fleur." Harry said as he took a seat at the table, reaching into the basket to pull out a pumpkin filled pasty. "Were you channeling Hermione just then…Honestly!" He said with a chuckle. The voice that followed, though, ended his mirth.
"I suspect that was a complement. Right Harry?" Hermione said from the last step.
The other two men had grins on the faces for the reprieve in their own chastisement, and enjoyed the look of smugness being wiped of the younger man's face.
"Of course." Harry replied with a crack to his voice.
Hermione walked over and took the pastry from his hand before continuing over to Fleur at the counter and turning to survey her handiwork. Harry's face was both shocked and thoroughly red. "Percy, I believe you have some things to discuss with us." She said turning to the man.
"Yes, I have a lot of things to discuss in a short amount of time. First..." He said turning to Harry, "Did you know Sirius Black left us, I mean the Weasley family four million galleons, and a good amount to the Wheezes as well?"
"That might have come up in our meeting at Gringotts yesterday." Harry said sending a glance a Bill, who was wearing a sly grin behind his coffee cup.
"Yes, well mum was in a tizzy over it all night. Dad almost came over here to talk to you about it, but I mentioned that you and Hermione might have needed the night to discuss the trip." He took a sip of his own coffee. "They've decided to keep it if you agree Harry, in fact mum is already trying to talk dad into retiring from the Ministry all-together once the election is over and spending more time at the Burrow."
"I agreed to it yesterday when I accepted the terms of Sirius' will. I had to agree to everything, but don't tell anyone that mate. Just tell your parents that I agree to them keeping it…I hope they keep it." Harry said finally finding another pastry for himself.
"Thanks Harry, it will go a long way to helping the family with quite a few things." Percy took a few seconds before continuing. "You wouldn't happen to know why the ministry has been given a missive saying that all debts over the damages to Gringotts have been paid in full? Or why over ten million galleons have shown up across the board for St. Mungo's, Hogwarts, and the private business quarter would you? Of course it was all given anonymously" His eyes gauging Harry's body language.
"Uh…Percy. I think it best that those funds be accepted as they were given. No name. Just a good Samaritan doing their part." Hermione said trying to draw Percy's eyes to no avail.
In the minute that followed Harry stayed unflinching.
"Yeah, that might be best Hermione." Percy said conceding the point. "I also hear that you were given an attendance with Ragnok…quite the honor Harry." His brother's snort clarified how underwhelming that statement was. "…and that today you will personally be handing over the Sword of Gryffindor to the Goblin nation."
"Your ears must burning Percy with that much being told to you." Harry said the corner of his lips moving upwards. "I made a promise to give the sword to those who made it, and I want to honor that."
"Good then." Percy said. "Now onto your trip. Hermione the Aurors from the Australian Ministry have located your parents." At her gasp he stopped to long enough for Fleur to hand the young woman a conjured tissue, just in case. "They are perfectly fine. They actually own a little café. They live in a two bedroom house not far from the magical district where you two can find more than adequate lodging if the rumors are true of the place. Your flight leaves tomorrow at eight in the morning and you should arrive in Brisbane at two in the morning local time. The Minister and Head Auror Gawain Robards will be here tomorrow at seven to personally escort you to the apparition point in Heathrow. When you land in Brisbane you will meet with a senior Auror named Paul Taggert and he, along with his team will take care of everything for you." at his pause he checked his watch. "Now I'm sorry to run, but the Minister has a meeting with the ICW liaisons in ten minutes. So here are your tickets and information. Please make sure to write mum. She will go spare if dad and I have to tell her you left without word."
"Thanks Percy, we'll send the letters tomorrow before we leave." Harry said after seeing Hermione's slightly pale expression.
As soon as Percy had stepped through the Floo, Harry made his way to Hermione. He put his hand on her shoulder, like so many times before, and gave a small stroke of his thumb. She brought her eyes to meet his and gave a small smile and nod before moving to take the seat Percy had just left.
"Well at least zee 'ard part is done 'Ermione." Fleur said sitting down next to the girl. "Per'aps you and 'Arry should take a day to get…settled before going to see zem."
"Yes, I was thinking that Fleur." Hermione said nodding. "I should prepare myself." She rose from the table before she turned to look at Harry. "I'm going to go ahead and get ready for the day. Harry we'll need to hurry to Hogwarts to talk to McGonagall, while you're taking your shower I'll Floo Professor Flitwick about the book I consulted to place the charm. I know he must have a copy." She took a breath before she grabbed the items Percy left them and continued, "We'll need to see about how to pay for the trip, and we'll need to do a bit of shopping today, preferably in muggle London. I'm going to put these in the galleon purse with your documents and we can be off as soon as you are ready. Do not forget what I told you about shaving." With that she left a highly bemused Fleur, a wide-eyed Bill, and a smiling Harry.
"She's definitely back." Harry said. "Good."
"How the hell does she talk that fast?" Bill asked still shaking his head.
"Doesn't matter Bill. It just means things will be getting done very thoroughly from now on." Harry said with a wink.
Chapter 3: Goodbyes, Offers, and Surprising Developments Part 2: Hogwarts, Gringotts Again, the a Bit of Shopping.
As eight o'clock rolled around Harry and Hermione were Flooing into McGonagall's office, Harry freshly shaven.
"Ms. Granger, it's so good to see you, and Mr. Potter I would have hoped you would learn to keep stepping through the Floo instead of stopping and waiting to arrive." She said while watching the young man right himself from the floor. "It would make your Floo trips less…horizontal." Her dancing eyes betrayed the practiced stern voice. Hermione's open smirk made Harry grumble a bit as he stood.
"Now you two have a seat while I pour us some tea." The headmistress said. As she was pouring she gave a look to the two. "Neither of you would happen to know why Hogwarts was given quite a bit of funding yesterday would you? I nearly fainted when Filius handed me the letter."
Both of the young people worked hard to contain the riotous chuckle that bubbled up at the thought of their prim and proper Transfiguration teacher fainting like a dainty, dramatic damsel.
"No, we would not Headmistress." Harry said before putting a biscuit in his mouth and avoiding any eye contact with the woman.
"Yes, well with the stipulations placed on a portion of the money I believe we should have no problem granting muggleborn students' admittance into the school; no matter their economic situation."
"That's great." Harry replied moving his eyes to the headmistress, and doing his best to ignore the grin on the portrait of Albus Dumbledore.
"Yes…now Ms. Granger I understand you are going to retrieve your parents." The woman's questioning look gave way to something Harry could only classify as mothering. "My dear, I am so sorry I have forgotten about them. You asked me before you left for the Burrow with the Weasleys…"
"Professor, no it's fine. I wasn't exactly ready to handle this when I brought it up to you so that is perfectly okay." Hermione took a deep breath before saying, "Harry and I will leave tomorrow morning, so we wanted to come and see you to talk about a few things. First off we had hoped you would allow Harry to fulfill his promise to the Goblin nation about bequeathing the Sword of Gryffindor to them."
"Of course I will. It is already on my desk ready for you." McGonagall smiled. "I do hope you know that the sword itself is…well cursed is the wrong phrase and charmed would be a misnomer." The woman shook her head, "In any case…make sure you specify that the sword may disappear from time-to-time."
"Great. Thank you Professor, and we'll be sure to explain the situation to them." Harry said letting out a breath. He had been worried about that promise. He was not sure who the sword belonged to actually, but had hoped that it was not out of his place to offer.
"Next is a question that Harry refused to tell me. Harry?" Hermione said looking more than a little miffed at her friends secret.
"I was wondering if it is possible to take a NEWT in a subject I've never taken the class or OWLS for Professor?" Harry asked
"Well it is not a normal situation Mr. Potter, but…" McGonagall gave pause to look at the young man, "as long as you would be willing to go to the ministry during winter holidays and take the OWL in the subject. You would be allowed to sit in the exam, provided you pass the OWL of course. There is always the option of simply taking the NEWT's at another time. I received mine in Herbology nearly two years after I had finished Hogwarts." She took a sip of her tea. "What subject would you be looking to take Mr. Potter, and I'm guessing that this means that you two will be returning to take your seventh year." Her eyes took on more light at the thought of these to committing, well Mr. Potter anyway, to finishing their education. Ms. Granger she knew deep down would most likely come back, but Mr. Potter she was worried about.
"As far as the subjects go I would still like some time to think it over before I say which, Professor. But as for coming back in September; it would to have a year to actually enjoy being just a student here and while being here is…difficult at times. There are few other places where I feel at home. If it weren't for Fleur and Hermione taking care of me this past month I doubt I would be willing to face this place. But I'm feeling better about being here now, and besides I can tell that Hermione has been trying to figure out a way to broach the subject of returning for at least the past week and a half." Hermione looked sharply at Harry when he said the last part. After a second she smiled and shook her head.
"I will be coming back as well Headmistress." Hermione said the smile growing bigger on her face.
"Well good. I was prepared to offer incentives for you to come back, but now I'll just tell you your new roles." McGonagall said with what looked like the beginning of a grin. "Ms. Granger I wish to award you the Head Girl position as well as unfettered access to the library, including the restricted section. You will also be given access to the staff's personal mastery rooms for advancing their own studies. Both are things not usually offered you know." As she finished giving the offer to the girl she noticed the unfocused and dilated state of the girl's eyes.
"Give her a second Professor; you mentioned library and mastery rooms, and she got a little lost I think." Harry said chuckling.
"Well Mr. Potter I am offering you the same thing as Head Boy." She said watching as the young man's mouth dropped open and gaped for a few seconds.
"But…but…I was never a prefect. There are loads of others more qualified than me." He said.
"And all of those candidates have turned it down. Ernie MacMillan, Terry Boot, Neville Longbottom. All said they would only accept if you decided not to come back this year. And I see fit to remind you; your Father was head boy, but never a prefect." McGonagall leaned in and grasped the young man's hand shocking both of the younger people. Her usual stern expression gone. "Harry. The position of Head Boy is for someone who will not only uphold the standards of the school, but act honorably towards his fellow students. Every student here trusts you, and there is nothing else that could be asked for from a Head Boy." As she moved back into her seat she looked at the both of them and continued. "You would also be given the Head's dorm which is located on the third floor. It has a common room as well as a private library and private bedrooms for the both of you."
"Harry and I will accept." Hermione said after a few moments of silence.
"Hermione…" Harry tried to interject.
"No, Harry. Headmistress McGonagall, the staff of Hogwarts, all of the other potential Head Boys, and everyone else believes you are the best person to take the position of Head Boy. So you will take it. That is final." Hermione said pointing her finger at the young man with a hard glint to her eyes.
McGonagall for her part was stuck between trying her best now to laugh at the situation, and not being struck at just how much Hermione's berating of Harry reminded her of Lily's lectures to James.
"Well now that it is settled…" The headmistress said before the young man was able to find his tongue, "your letters will be sent the same time as always; you will both be expected at Kings Cross an hour early on September 1st. I believe there was something else you wanted to talk about Mr. Potter."
Hermione sent a grin to the Professor for not allowing Harry to give a rebuttal to her acceptance of Head Boy on his behalf.
"What?...But I…" Harry started before looking at both women. He then turned his eyes to the portrait of Dumbledore and the newly placed portrait of Snape. Albus had a particularly hard time containing his chuckle, while Snape merely gave what could have been describe as a raised eyebrow of mirth. "Yeah I was going to ask if I could have a moment to speak with Dumbledore and Snape."
"Of course Mr. Potter. Ms. Granger will you be wanting to stay as well?" McGonagall asked.
"If you don't mind Professor." Hermione said.
"Well, I will leave you two to your business. Please let me know when you are finished." McGonagall said before heading to her sleeping quarters.
"Harry, Ms. Granger. I believe you wanted to speak to Severus and myself." The portrait of Dumbledore said staring at both of them, his eyes somehow still twinkling.
"Yes sir, first I wanted to say something to Snape." Harry turned to the portrait of said man. "Thank you sir, for all of it."
"You're welcome Potter. I'll take my leave now." The man said before sweeping out of his frame.
"Okay…" Harry said turning back to Dumbledore. "The second thing is we wanted to tell you that the Elder wand has been taken care of."
"What do you mean by that Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Simply that it has been taken care of sir." Hermione said with an unmistakable air of finality to her voice. "We should leave it at that."
"Very well Ms. Granger." The portrait then took a second to begin again. "Harry, might I ask what your plans for the future are…"
"No sir." Harry replied.
"Harry?" Dumbledore asked as his eyebrows rose.
Harry reached for Hermione's hand, and after getting a firm grip back from her he began to say his peace.
"Sir, with all due respect I am not ready to make nice with you. You left us blind, and with very little hope. You knew I was a Hocrux, but didn't leave any word about it. I went to die. It was…" Hermione's hand became tighter in his as he pushed through. "I've never felt so alone…and if it wouldn't have been for Hermione, I wouldn't have made it." Harry took a shaky breath and looked the portrait in the eyes. "For now I just want time without plans being made for me behind by back, I want know what my life means without some damn prophecy or manipulations by people who claim to only be worried for my safety…So sir, Hermione and I bid you a good day."
"I understand Harry. A good day to you and Ms. Granger as well." The portrait said as he turned and left his frame.
After a deep breath and a shared look they went to see McGonagall. After she handed over the sword and the book of charms they stepped back through the Floo promising they would be in touch after the trip.
The walk to Gringotts from the Leaky Cauldron was much harder with a sword tucked in Harry's hooded cloak, but due to the odd time of day they thankfully did not have to deal with much foot traffic.
As they reached the front door they were greeted by Bill and four guards who quickly ushered them to the center of the entry hall. Ragnok had, in a surprising turn, closed all but three teller stands and roped off the area where he sat. The customers that were standing in line were frozen as they watched the event. Harry approached Ragnok as he pulled the sword from his cloak. The crowd gasped. "The Sword of Gryffindor as I promised Honored Director Ragnok. I was asked to pass along a warning of the sword's habit of disappearing a reappearing." Harry said as he bowed. As the young wizard presented the hilt of the sword to the wizened Goblin every guard bent to a knee. The ruler of the Goblin Nation took hold before speaking in a gravelly voice.
"Honor to you, young wizard. We are very aware of the Sword's proclivities and honor it's decisions." Ragnok turned after saying this and led his procession to the hall past the teller stands leaving the crowd's collective mouths hanging.
"Fuck me." Bill said.
"Bill!" Hermione admonished
"No Hermione, that is the first time I…no anyone has probably heard Ragnok speak a human language…at least within the past hundred years or so." Bill defended. "Mate you have no idea how much you are bettering things for everyone."
"Well…alright then. Hermione? Don't we need to take some money out of my vault?" Harry asked nonplused over the situation. The young man thought it honestly was just another odd situation to add to his list.
"But…Harry…" Hermione started before seeing his casual posture and non-caring look in his face. "Oh fine, but you cannot complain when word of this gets out. You just offered an olive branch the size of England to…you know never mind…we'll deal with it later." She said with a huff. "Yes, we need to get money, but I will get my own money from my vault, and hey! Take back your money bag." She replied noticing that he had still yet to take it from her possession.
Harry simply looked at her before turning to Bill.
"Actually mate, can you get the Goblins to run down to my vault and grab a book and some more galleons? About two thousand more. And go ahead and add Hermione to people allowed into my vault?" Harry asked side-stepping Hermione.
"Of course mate." Bill said as he took off before Hermione's nearing anger erupted.
"Harry James Potter you will not ignore me! And you will not add me to your family's vault!" Hermione said.
"Listen Hermione you said we needed to go and get some things. Clothes for you and myself probably considering the state of what we've been wearing. And as to adding you to my vault, I need someone I can trust to be there in case something happens." He said as took hold of her shoulders in his hands. "Let me do both of these things…please. I've never been shopping for my own clothes, and I've got more than enough."
Her conscience slightly weighing on her, Hermione replied with, "Fine, but I get to pay for you school robes when the time comes, and I'm going to add you to my vault as well."
"I can agree that." Harry said back.
"Good. Now we also need to talk about exchanging the money and how we will handle it. We can't very well walk around London with pounds falling out of our pockets."
"We can ask Bill when he gets back Hermione." Harry said. Inside the young man was preening at the thought that he had actually gotten Hermione to agree so easily on the matter.
When Bill came back he informed them that though the Goblins would only deal in gold and silver, they did invest in muggle banks. In fact there was an entirely squib run branch of Barclay's in London that they hand their hands in. After he led them to the Floo behind the exchange desk he asked them to hand over the all the bags with only galleons in them for exchanging and gave Harry the book that he asked about.
When he came back it was with a single bag stuffed to the top with with pounds in neat stacks.
"Um…Bill what is the current exchange rate?" Hermione asked peering into the extended bag.
"Well before the occupation it was around five and a half pounds to every galleon, though it fell during the time. It's started rising again, but its only back to five pounds even to the galleon." Bill said with a small grin. The look of comprehension that both young people wore was almost too funny for the man.
"You mean to say that there is twenty-two thousand five hundred pounds in this bag?" Hermione whispered harshly. Harry's face went pale as he realized just how much money he would be worth if he went entirely muggle. His Uncle Vernon would have a heart attack knowing that his freak nephew was so wealthy.
"Yes, but you are heading straight to the Gringotts-run Barclay's. As soon as you go through the Floo they will take care of everything for you. They'll set up your account, give you one of those plastic cards, and send you on your way." Bill said pushing them to the Floo.
Thirty minutes later Harry and Hermione were on their way to a shopping center Hermione's mother always favored. True to Bill's word everything was taken care of for Harry: he now had an account at the bank, a debit card, an expanded wallet to hold the thousand pounds he kept on hand, and his and Hermione's cloaks shrunk and in his galleon bag.
After a spot of lunch they began shopping. As they passed from store to store Hermione was reminded of how poor a childhood she suspected Harry had. The young man had dragged her into a shoe store first thing and thrown the torn trainers he was wearing in the trash as he laced up his new pair. Pretty soon Hermione had taken over for him and had amassed a small hill of trousers, shirts, jumpers, denims, underwear (in different cuts much to Harry's discomfort), two new jackets (a peacoat and a thick zip up as it was winter in Australia after all), and a pair of swimming trunks, and two more pairs of shoes.
At Harry's insistence Hermione picked up a few things as well: a few shirts, two pairs of denims, new flats, a jumper, a new peacoat, and (with both of them beet red as she picked them out) a few pairs of underwear along with two new bathing suits, a modest one-piece and a slightly un-Hermione like two piece (though not risqué).
It took them only a few minutes to find a good set of luggage for each of them. Hermione decided that they should bring a treat for Bill and Fleur so taking their purchases and shrinking them to fit in one of the bags she grasped Harry's arm.
"We are going to my father's favorite Chinese takeout place and getting a big dinner for Bill and Fleur." She said. Harry just smiled and nodded.
It was a thirty minute wait for the large amount of food to be ready. Once they had paid Hermione pulled Harry around the corner and apparated them back to Shell Cottage.
Chapter 3: Goodbyes, Offers, and Surprising Developments Part 3: Letters and Sleep.
After convincing Bill that the food would stay, the man finally began to slow down in his eating with an abashed look.
"Fleur…I was wondering if you wouldn't mind looking after Crookshanks while we're gone. He's not too much of a hassle as you know. Just a bit of water and food." Hermione asked the older witch as she was passing a piece of her cashew chicken to said familiar.
"Of course, 'Ermione eet ees non problem. I 'ave grown fond of zee cranky leettle keetty." Fleur said giving a cutesy face to the cat. Crookshanks in turn gave the feline equivalent of a haughty sniff before strutting into "his" den.
"Thank you so much. I think Harry and I should get to bed early tonight if we're to be ready to leave early tomorrow, and we still need to write the letters to the rest of your family." Hermione said putting empty containers into the rubbish bin. "Harry, come on we'll need to have them finished and ready for Bill for the morning."
"Yes, Hermione." Harry said, his voice slipping into the drone-like tone he had developed in their third year.
"Harry, none of that. Those letters are important as is our sleep. March…now!" she said pointing to the stairs.
Harry, smartly did as he was told, leaving Bill ready to fall out of his seat with laughter and Fleur looking at Hermione's retreating back with admiration.
When they reached his room, Harry turned back to Hermione with a quirked eyebrow.
"Was that really necessary Hermione?" Harry asked.
"When you act like that, yes!" She hissed before walking into the room not noticing the relieved grin on Harry's face.
"Alright, well let's go ahead and get the one to the rest of the Weasleys written first then the one to Ron." Harry said.
Ten minutes later Hermione's very neat handwriting could be seen on both sets of parchment and Harry's rough missive could be seen on the piece addressed to Ron.
"Okay well, I'm going to get ready for bed." Hermione said as she tucked the letters into the letters with the recipient's names on them.
"Alright Hermione." Harry said with a slight grin. "Hey…um would you mind…I mean…" Harry began.
"Yes Harry, I will. Let me go and get changed." She said before walking out the room.
Harry smiled as she left. The past night was the first where he had actually slept the entire night and past dawn. The nightmares were leaving slowly, but the restlessness wasn't, for either of them. They would get a good night's sleep, and it would make their trip easier. Those were the young man's rationalizing thoughts on the situation at least.
Twenty minutes later she was lying on her side next to him.
"You always know what I'm thinking don't you Hermione?" He asked.
"You know what I'm thinking most of the time, so it's only fair." She replied through a yawn.
"No I don't, I couldn't even comprehend half of the things that run through your head." He said with a chuckle.
"You know what I mean Harry." She said back as she closed her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah I do."