A Revelation
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1 for Disclaimer and other pertinent information
Chapter 6
Ministry of Magic – Madam Bones' office
Croaker was talking to Mad Eye in Madam Bones' office, as Harry and Tonks appeared. Mad Eye reached for his wand and saw Harry pointing one at him and another at Croaker.
"Damn it Potter don't you know you can't just apparate in here?" the old Auror stated.
"Tonks did we apparate?'
"I don't think so Harry I didn't feel like it. But you would think Mad Eye would believe his own eyes. Perhaps it's a thing that comes with getting on in age. I notice Croaker is still shocked but wisely made no silly remark." Tonks said with a giggle at the end.
"Tonks, Harry are you youngsters picking on those two old men? Do I have to put your nose in the corner to save them from embarrassment?" Amelia asked with a smile.
Harry grinned and replied, "In order asked yes and no. Tonks, I can see the headline now: Senior Auror Mad Eye Moody rescued from two youngsters by former student. But maybe, Mad Eye Moody no longer believes what his eyes see."
"All right you lot, let's go question some prisoners. We'll do Malfoy, Snape, and then Dumbledore." Madam Bones said as Croaker led them to the Department of Mysteries interrogation area.
Malfoy was brought in looking the worse for wear.
"Potter I'll kill you for this." Lucius stated fiercely.
"Shut up and sit down Malfoy," Bones said coldly.
Croaker administered a potion that didn't look like Veritaserum.
"State your full name"
"Lucius Araxes Malfoy."
"Are you a Death Eater?"
"Yes, since 1958, I was one of the first."
"Were you Imperiused and forced to join?"
"No that is not possible."
"How were you able to get off with that as a defense?"
"It cost me ₲100,000 paid directly to Fudge."
Amelia smiled, and asked, "Did you attempt to kill Harry Potter a few days ago."
"Yes, the little bastard destroyed an object belonging to the dark lord and freed my house elf."
"Who did you plant this object on?"
"The stupid blood traitor Weasley's daughter, I hoped to discredit his Muggle bill in front of the Wizengamot."
"What was this item meant to do?"
"It would free the monster in the Chamber of Secrets and cleanse the school of mudbloods, half-bloods, and hopefully blood traitors."
"Name all the Death Eaters you know of, naming those who are still active first."
Malfoy spent the next ten minutes listing names including Snape.
"What is Snape's mission?"
"To spy on the Muggle loving fool Dumbledore and weaken his Order of the Phoenix in any way he can."
"Is Barty Couch Jr. dead?"
"No he's at home Imperiused by his father."
"When do you expect the dark lord to return?"
"Within the next two or three years."
"How"
"A ritual, using the bone of his father, flesh of his servant, and blood of his enemy."
"I noticed you named Peter Pettigrew but he is dead."
"He's not he's a rat animagus, living with the Weasleys."
"Was Sirius Black a Death Eater?"
"No he refused and got what he deserved. Surprisingly Pettigrew set him up effectively."
Amelia Bones asked a few more questions verifying information Lucy had already given. The surprise was that Narcissa was not a Death Eater or supporter. She did enough to stay under the radar and stay alive but no more than that. However, Draco couldn't wait to be marked. Lucy was led back to the cell and his guard told to ask him further questions and recorded them with a legal dicta quill.
Snape was brought in next and spouted, "Potter when Dumbledore gets me out of here, you'll wish you never heard of me."
"Stuff it Snivellus and sit your ass down. You were a hell of a lot luckier than your boy Flint and his five flunkies. Unfortunately, they will live but they'll never hold a wand again. Your godson will never enjoy a woman with his bits, and he will walk with a limp the rest of his short life. Your old house is down ten students, all thanks to you. Great job there Snivelly you run your house like your classes, which means you're useless."
Snape was bound to the chair and fed the truth serum. He actually smiled thinking he was immune.
"State your full name."
"Severus Sally Snape."
"Are you a Death Eater?"
"Yes"
"Are you an active Death Eater?"
"Yes, I'm still spying on Dumbledore and trying to gather more followers for the dark lord."
"Name all Death Eaters with the active ones first."
He named almost fifty, most of which agree with what Lucy had provided.
"Name all potential Death Eaters at Hogwarts."
He named those Harry had injured, plus four sixth year Slytherins, three Hufflepuffs, two Ravenclaws, and Percy Weasley.
"What were your other missions?"
"I was to weaken the Aurors by driving potential new ones out of potions. I also drove others that may become healers out. This was the easy part, not getting caught was more difficult. Then that damn Potter came to school and I to play Dumbledore's little controlling game."
"Exactly what was Dumbledore's game?"
"He wanted Potter weak so he could send him to die by the dark lords hand, then he would step in and become the hero again. There is a prophecy that says either Potter or the Longbottom git would defeat the dark lord. The dark lord believed it to be Potter based on information I fed him that was supplied by Albus."
Harry's wand was in his hand before he knew it. Fortunately for Snape, Tonks grabbed his wrist and pulled it down before Harry could curse the Death Eater.
"Were you in love with Lily Evans?"
"Yes until she hooked up with Potter. Since I couldn't have her, I wanted her dead."
"Did James Potter save your life?"
"Yes, he saved me from the werewolf Lupin."
"So you owe the Potters a life debt."
"Yes or Harry Potter would be dead by now."
"What happens if Harry Potter calls the life debt due?"
"I lose my magic and die."
You only have days left you bastard, Harry thought.
"Was Sirius Black a Death Eater?"
"No"
"Was Peter Pettigrew a Death Eater?"
"Yes, he gave the Potter's location to the dark lord and accompanied him on that night."
"Is Pettigrew alive?"
"Yes, he's a rat animagus currently in the possession of Ronald Weasley."
"Did Dumbledore know this?"
"Yes I told him at least twice. I was concerned Potter might find Peter Pettigrew."
The questioning continued but very little new was discovered so Snape was taken back to his cell and his guard was told to question him further and given a list of questions to ask.
"If that bastard doesn't get the kiss or the veil, I'm calling in the life debt in front of the Wizengamot."
"Harry you can be there and set a seat but you are too young to vote so you'll need a proxy to vote your seats."
"How about you Madam Bones?"
"If I prosecute a case I cannot vote during it. But Madam Longbottom would be a good choice. The Longbottoms and Potters have been allied for over a century."
"Crap, I forgot that, thanks."
"Your colorful languages not withstanding you are most welcome."
"Madam Bones I've heard from someone's niece that a certain Aunt with the middle name of Susan could put a muggle sailor to shame when she is riled." Harry said cheekily.
"Boyo, I suggest you not mess with the bull lest you get horns up the wrong orifice."
"Thanks Mad Eye you're right."
"Now to the most unpleasant task, Harry do I need to ask for your wands?"
"No, Madam Bones I plan to take him down where it hurts him the most. I'll hit him in the press, and his wallet. I will leave him with the shredded reputation of a thief and child abuser among some other things. In a couple of years, I could probably take him on wand to wand but not just yet. He may be of some use against Moldyshorts."
"Moldyshorts, I like that one Harry, do you mind if I use it?"
"Not at all Mad Eye it's not mine, I heard it somewhere and thought it applied. I kind of like Snakeface but it's a bit over used. Then there's dork lord, red eyes, old baldy shorts, and a fair few others that could apply."
They agreed that Amelia would do the questioning. Dumbledore was brought in looking proud and like he was above the mere mortals in the room. He willingly opened his mouth and swallowed. Then it dawned on him this was not Veritaserum, it was something different and something he couldn't fight. He was in deep shit and knew it.
"State your full name."
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
"Did you place Harry Potter with the Dursleys knowing his parents especially said he was not to go there?"
"Yes. I did so I could use Petunia's blood to set up blood wards."
"Why else?"
"Because I knew they would abuse him and make him weak so I could control him easier."
"Why would you need to control him?"
"He must die by the hand of Voldemort so I can defeat Tom. Harry is a horcrux, probably an accident but the soul fragment is there. This is what gives him a link with Tom."
"What if I said the soul was removed by a curse breaker?"
"I suppose that is possible but not something to consider, it would ruin my other plans for the boy."
"What other plans?"
"He will marry Ginevra Weasley and when he dies the Weasleys and I will split his fortune."
"The Weasleys went along with this?"
"Molly did, I don't think Arthur or the others know."
"Did you pay Ron Weasley to spy on Harry Potter?"
"Yes ₲10 per month and the promise to get Ms. Granger as a wife or concubine. The lad will need a strong wife to support him."
"Did you steal from the Potter vaults?"
"Just the trust vault, no non-Potter can enter the other vaults."
"How much did you steal?"
"₲1000 per month plus ₲1000 for Harry's support as provided by the will I wrote and submitted to the Wizengamot so I could be appointed his magical guardian."
"Who was the support paid to?"
"The Dursleys got £500 or ₲50 per month, Molly Weasley got ₲500 per month which I believe she saved most of since it would be hard to explain to Arthur. Plus I gave each of the children free tuition."
"Did you know the Dursleys abused Harry Potter?"
"Of course, they hated magic but were not abusive so I had to fix that starting around age four. A planted suggestion was all it took they were happy to do it."
"Why besides the fact you needed him weak?"
"That was the only reason it was for the greater good."
"Whose greater good?"
"Mine of course, I would be a hero again and rule the wizard world."
"What would you say if I told you Severus Snape was Voldemort's spy and just admitted it?"
"You would be right, but he can still be redeemed."
"Are you aware that man has done as much or more harm to the wizard world than Voldemort?"
"Yes, you all need to be weak so I can take over and lead you into the light."
"Did you set the Potters up to be killed?"
"Yes, I had to see if it was Harry or Neville Longbottom that would be the one to defeat Tom."
"Did you know Sirius Black was innocent?"
"Of course, but I couldn't have him raising Harry Potter and making him strong."
"Why did you send Hagrid to take Harry to Diagon Alley?"
"To get his supplies, the stone, and keep Harry from the Goblins."
"Why keep him from the Goblins?"
"I didn't want him to know his heritage. He may be the next Charlus James Potter and could challenge me in the future."
"What would you say if I told you Harry is Lord Potter-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Slytherin?"
"I would think you daft, Potter-Gryffindor maybe, but not the other two. He would be far too powerful."
"He is a Ravenclaw on his mother's side and Slytherin by conquest. Do you know where the Slytherin ring is located?"
"I suspect it is a horcrux hidden in the Gaunt shack outside of Little Hangleton near the Riddle Manor. I believe Tom used his father's death to make the ring a horcrux, his second of seven. I believe the others are Slytherin locket owned by the Gaunt's but sold to Burke by Tom's mother. Then there is Helga Hufflepuff's cup, whereabouts unknown. The diary Harry destroyed I believe to be the first. Then there is something from Ravenclaw possibly her diadem. That may be at Hogwarts, placed when Tom applied as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I have not been able to locate it yet, but feel it is there. If he hasn't already done so, I believe Tom will create one more probably a familiar, most likely a snake. Then there is Harry, one Tom did not mean to make."
"What would you say if I told you Harry now controls the Hogwarts wards and owns the school?"
"I would say that is impossible I am the Headmaster and I control the wards."
Harry stepped in and said, "Well old man you're wrong I control the wards and you will never set a foot inside Hogwarts again. There are new wards that reject Death Eaters. Professor Sprout is the new Headmistress, and Snape is a dead man walking. Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson are expelled. Marcus Flint and his five mates are recovering in the hospital wing after challenging me to a duel to the death. They will be ejected by the wards as soon as they are able to travel. Your Muggle studies Professor is gone, Binns goes at the end of term."
"Harry you need to be more forgiving these people can be turned around." Dumbledore said but could not mask his shock at what he was told.
"They made their beds, now they have to sleep in them. I gave them a break by not executing them as I had the right to do by law. So don't get sanctimonious with me you old bastard." Harry replied, his magic flaring.
Dumbledore mumbled, "These are steps to a dark path Harry."
"No, they may have been had I killed them. People don't learn unless they pay a price for their actions. You have let bullying by Snape and his minions ruin Hogwarts. You will go down in Hogwarts history as the worst Headmaster ever, and I will take great pleasure seeing to that. Madam Bones, I have heard all I need to hear. Dumbledore, I'm coming for every Knut you owe me, plus 10 times the amount in penalty. Your vaults are mine and your property is mine. Your brother has your personal items from Hogwarts. The Hogwarts books are being audited as we speak. What happens to Professor Binns salary since he cannot collect it?"
"It goes into my Barclays account."
"I do believe Madam Bones that's another charge of grand theft."
"I agree Harry."
Harry looked at Dumbledore his disgust showing. "How can you say you're a light wizard when you care nothing about light wizards being killed while you try to redeem those who follow a dark lord is beyond me. I'm beginning to wonder if you were ever a great man or have always been out to grab power. You're pitiful and disgust me. Soon the wizard world will know what kind of man you truly are."
"Who needs to know the Hogwarts Board of Governors is an advisory board only, since the owner is alive and well. By the way, in accordance with the treaty of 986 the Ministry has absolutely no authority at Hogwarts. As the Earl of Hogwarts, dispensing justice is my responsibility. That being said, you will still be notified of any, and all actions concerning students or staff that warrant your attention. In most cases, I will take your advice, but retain the right to overrule you as the owner. For too long wizards thought attending Hogwarts is a right. It is not, it is a privilege. Hogwarts is not the only school of magic in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but it will be the best with Dumbledore gone."
"Within two years, Hogwarts will open its doors to all magical beings that speak our tongue including centaurs, Goblin, elves, werewolves, and vampires. There will be very stringent contracts on how vampires and werewolves may act. Wolfsbane will be free to weres as donated blood will be to vampires. I hope to cut Moldyshorts' alliance with these creatures by offering them an alternative. Lady Hogwarts will keep all students safe within the castle and grounds. And yes, I converse with her on an almost constant basis.
"Harry wizards will not stand for that."
"In the short run you are probably right. But what will happen when our OWL and NEWT scores starting setting the standards no other school can match? I believe most parents and guardians want the best education for their children."
"Fudge will never stand for this." A shocked Amelia stated.
"With what you have on Fudge, Amelia, I doubt he will be Minister in two weeks let alone two years. As I said, the Ministry has no say with what I do with my school. If necessary I take any problems with the Ministry straight to the Queen."
"Harry you'll destroy Hogwarts." Dumbledore said.
"Dumbledore you should know, from the ashes a beautiful Phoenix is born."
"Well since she has no power at Hogwarts I see no reason for Tonks to be there." Amelia said.
"You're right Madam Bones, Tonks I'll increase your salary by 50 percent if you come to work for me. I'll even provide quarters." Harry told the Auror that was quickly becoming a friend.
"I'll take double my current salary."
"I'll meet you half way."
"Done"
"Well Amy, I think that just backfired on you."
"Mad Eye what would you think of teaching Defense?" Harry asked the old Auror.
"Maybe next year, I got a bunch of dark bastards to go after first."
"All right, I plan to get a curse breaker to break the so called curse on the position. I'm thinking a different name and location may do it but Constant Vigilance right."
"Right."
"Madam Bones, Croaker, I would rather work with you than against you. Moldy will return it's just the when that we don't know. But unlike Albus, my first priority is Hogwarts. The United Kingdom is a hotbed for dark lords because we make it easy for them. Look at your history when all magical beings fought alongside each other and you'll see dark lords lasted less than six months, not years. The next time you go into the bank, greet teller by his position if you don't know his name, treat him as an equal, and see the kind of service you get. You three have fun with Albus spouting his greater good trash. Oh, Albus the curse breaker checked the wards at Privet drive and in a word said they were junk put up by an amateur. You should have seen the look on their faces when I told them you put the wards up."
"Madam Bones I was there and the Goblins were actually laughing so hard they ended up rolling on the floor. Ragnok just shook his head and went back looking for more Dumbledore money to refund to Harry." Tonks added enjoying the shocked look on Dumbledore's face.
The three watched as Harry took Tonks' wrist and faded away.
"Mad Eye, are you sure you don't want us to train that boy?"
"Later Croaker, but I want him first. I get the feeling we'll all learn from each other."
"Amelia you sure walked in to that with Tonks, but I never saw it coming either."
"The little shit got me on that, but I'll work with him since we need to share information. What do you two think about his ideas on Hogwarts?" Amelia asked shaking her head at being out maneuvered by a teen.
"I say it's about damn time."
"I agree with Alastor and add he's right about history. Of course the purebloods will go spare."
"At the rate we're getting names there will be damn few of them left to bitch about anything." Amelia Bones stated.
"The boy is going dark and that proves it." Dumbledore stated with vigor.
"Dumbledore you're so full of shit, and yourself, you can't see anything. If anything he is showing great restraint by not killing those who attack or challenge him." Amelia replied wanting to slap the old man's face.
"Language Amy."
"Stuff it Mad Eye."
"Yes Ma'am."
While there were no big revelations at the bank, they did find three more accounts Dumbledore had money stashed away in.
Granger Residence
Harry and Tonks appeared on the back step of the Granger house. Harry knocked and Hermione flew into his arms."
"Whoa, I like that greeting. Did you miss me?" Harry said with a smile.
"Yes you git. You got here just in time for lunch."
"Good Tonks and I have had a hell of a morning. I'll tell you over lunch."
They went in and were alone in the house. Dan and Emma were both at work. Harry and Tonks told Hermione about the entire day.
"Hermione I've been thinking." Harry said in a serious tone.
"Tonks that's a dangerous sign," Hermione replied with a large smile.
"Not this time. You know as a first generation witch that you have no rights in the United Kingdom other than at Hogwarts because of me. What would you say about my approaching your father about a betrothal contract? Now before you go ballistic, and say it's too soon please let me continue. With a contract, I can offer your family protection under the House of Potter. Because your parents are muggles I cannot offer it otherwise. In effect this makes you a pureblood with the same rights they enjoy. An affront to you, or your parents, is an affront to me and I can and will deal with it." Harry paused for effect.
"Now the rest of the story is that in effect, we would be engaged and you would wear an engagement ring. There are several ways to set up the contract so it is fair to both sides, and leaves you an out if you should want one. The basic requirement is that if you want out, all Potter property returns to me, and any bride price returns to your father. If I were to want out, the Potter property would return to me and I would refund the dowry plus interest. Is that the way you understand it Tonks?"
"Yes, of course Dad will know more. Hermione, Harry is right about the protection. You're coming of the age some pureblood bastard like Weasley could force you into a contract. We already know that Dumbledore promised you to him, so Ron has the idea in his head already. What Arthur may or may not do is up for debate. The only leverage Harry would have is the life debt Ginny owes Harry. Harry could threaten to force her into prostitution in Knockturn alley. Once negotiations start if Harry killed Ron he would face Azkaban."
"Tonks ask your father to be here tonight preferably with your mother please. Dad needs to know this now. Ron can't do anything from school can he?"
"No between his detentions, and the fact his parents can't get in, he can't do a damn thing. If any Weasley goes to the owlery they will find the owls gone and Hogwarts will notify me of what is going on."
"Harry where is my apparation point, you may be able to get through the wards but I can't."
"Actually you can because you are keyed in, but your Dad and Mum will have to land five feet in front of the tool shed then wait until a Granger releases them by saying come in. Polyjuice or disillusionment won't work through the wards. That's a one-way ticket to the channel about one quarter mile out. Then next try is the North Sea, and the third is Antarctica."
A smiling Tonks said, "This one's definitely a keeper Hermione."
"I know Tonks." Harry replied and kissed Harry on the cheek.
Tonks apparated from the kitchen and was back 20 minutes later with five different contracts that were standard in the wizard world. She explained the difference and said Ted and Andromeda would be here at 17:00. Hermione took them into the living room to see Star Wars IV, and had to explain why it was the first of six. Hermione called her parents and they arrived at 16:30. Dan and Emma were shocked when Harry showed the memory of Dumbledore's questioning and told them other things he had done.
"I can't believe someone could do that." Dan stated, angry with the old man.
"Dan, first they are at least a century behind us, and there is still feudal system somewhat in place. Second, the purebloods are the holders of power. Third, there is a legal charm I could cast on you and you would offer me Emma, it's called a compulsion charm. There is also a charm that would make you loyal to me, that one is called a loyalty charm." Harry said and Hermione passed him a coke from the fridge.
"Now comes the tricky ones. There are three that are called the unforgivable curses. One causes every nerve ending in your body to send pain to your brain. If I hold you under it long enough, it drives you mad. That was used on my godmother and her husband to the point they don't recognize their son. The Imperiuse I could use to have you murder your family. Finally, there is the Avada Kedavra, or Killing Curse, it splits your soul and magic from your body. It normally leaves no mark. Only one person is known to have survived it. The scar on my forehead was from that curse. No one knows why I survived or why it left a mark. In our world, I am known as the-boy-who-lived." Harry paused and took a deep breath.
"Now here's the real kicker, I'm an Earl in the wizard world. In fact, as I said, I have three Earldoms. Within my little kingdom, I can use all three curses with no repercussion. All I have to say is, hey I mead out justice my way you may do it your way. By rights, in effect, I'm the king there and the final justice. Hermione, I believe the Tonks' are here let's let them in please, Ted is the barrister not me."
It was Ted and Andromeda Tonks. They were introduced to the Grangers and Andromeda asked to be called Andy.
"Nym how about I call you Dora?" Harry asked politely.
"Nymphadora, Sirius will be released from St. Mungos tomorrow so you might as well get used to that again."
"This is because you stuck me with this horrible name Mum. But to answer Harry, I can live with that since the mutt is back. This naming a child after some star no one has ever heard about is the dumbest thing the Blacks ever did, except follow Moldyshorts."
"Who?"
"Voldemort, Moldyshorts very similar don't you think Mum?" Dora asked with a grin.
"Tinkle."
"Yes Lord Harry."
"Could we have butterbeers please, Mr. Granger will tell you when dinner needs to be served."
"Yes Lord Harry."
"Harry they sure are wonderful little people."
"Yes, unfortunately only a few people really treat them with respect and dignity. Hermione will be miffed at me when I say this. But I told Madam Bones, Mad Eye Moody, Croaker, and Dumbledore that I would open Hogwarts to elves and all other magical beings that speak our language in two years. I…" Harry started to say as he had an arm full of girlfriend and was flat on his back being kissed.
"Hermione, parents present, two sets," Harry sputtered turning red.
"Oh, Harry I know you're not kidding about the elves," Hermione gushed.
"Actually I told Amelia Bones, I expected to lose wizard students in the short run but didn't care. Once our students start setting test standards, the best and brightest will want to attend the best school. That will be Hogwarts if I have to replace the entire staff." Harry replied as Hermione stood letting him regain his seat.
"Dan, I'm Muggle born like Hermione, and Andy is a pureblood witch who was cast from her family for marrying me. She was under a contract to another, but because she's a pureblood, other than the contract penalty clauses there was no repercussion. On the other hand, if I was forced into a contract and broke it, I would be forced into slavery and I don't mean that literally. This Weasley boy's hands seem tied right now but that could change in a day. Harry is wrong about one thing and that's the life debt. Harry that debt covers all nine Weasleys. You're saying there was no debt, does not make it so unless you swore on your magic." Ted said hoping for the best.
"I didn't." Harry replied with a grin.
"Good man. Now the issue is if Weasley fails, some other pureblood with no debt to Harry could do the same thing. In a nutshell the best option if Harry and Hermione want it is to get them under a betrothal contract as soon as possible. Here's another consideration, once that's done, Harry can bring the entire family under the protection of all of his houses. The Longbottoms will follow suit, then Sirius Black as Lord Black. The house of Bones is allied to the house of Longbottom so they will probably join in the alliance. The other real kicker is that all three of you will have all the privileges of the Lord of the house." Ted told the shocked Grangers.
"Ted, excuse me I need to say something I just remembered. Hermione you now have a Gringotts vault. I sold the basilisk carcass for a few million Galleons. I believe I put around ₲1.5 million in your vault. Ginny got a bit less, Myrtle's family, if found, will get around ₲750,000, Colin, Justin, and Penelope each got ₲500,000 I think. I gave Filtch ₲10,000 for that blasted cat I would so like to kill. This will make you even more attractive to a pureblood once it's announced." Harry said and waited for the explosion.
"Harry James Potter why the hell would you do that? How much did you get for that thing? How bloody big was it? H…" Hermione rambled until Harry placed a finger on her lips.
"Hush dear, I did it because without you we would all be dead, I got ₲10,000,000 I think. It was a bit over 72 feet long. I kept half of it and it's done and cannot be undone, magical contract and all that," Harry said with his lopsided grin in place.
"Harry I really hate to ask, but how can you talk about £15 million like its change in your pocket." A shocked Dan asked.
"Dan I have no idea what I'm worth because it keeps rolling in. But in about forty-five minutes I amassed over fifty trunks that held that many fortunes. I own shares in Microsoft, Apple, and several communications companies. Ted can tell you that there are at least five Goblins counting around the clock, but still haven't come up with a total. The Potter vault is measured in billions, then there's the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin vaults. Those last three are newer than the Potter vault, but are still a thousand years old and have been drawing interest all that time. The truth is it really doesn't matter to me, it reached a point that I couldn't possibly spend the interest let alone any of the principal." Harry replied honestly and his stature grew with the Granger and Tonks families.
"Harry is right. I talked to his account manager not long before we came here. This month's interest exceeded ₲25 million on the Potter vault." Ted said and added, "We really need to work out this contract if we're going to do it."
"I propose a dowry of ₲25,000 and a bride price of ₲25,005. If Hermione breaks up with me, you owe me ₲5. If break up with her, you keep the ₲5 but on paper it looks like we're both worth a lot."
"It also screws over the pureblood system." Andy stated with a smile.
Dan looked at Emma who nodded, and then he said, "Accepted."
Harry and Dan shook hands then filled out their parts of the contract and signed it with a blood quill. Harry sent Dobby with a copy to Ragnok and Tinkle to the Department of Records at the Ministry. She stayed until she got a receipt saying it was recorded. Dobby met Harry in the down stairs bathroom and gave him his parent's rings. Harry thought he was being clever asking Hermione to go outside to talk about something. Five sets of eyes watched Harry kneel down and present Hermione with the ring.
Emma's eyes got huge when she saw the 4.5-carat diamond surrounded by two carats of emeralds.
"Mum this is the ring that Harry's mum wore. It was first presented to Rowena Ravenclaw by Godric Gryffindor as a plain band. The stones were added by James, Harry's Dad. Isn't it beautiful?" Hermione gushed, shocking Harry as he rarely saw that.
"Almost but not quite as beautiful as you are Hermione." Harry said with a grin.
"Oh, Harry" she said and kissed him again.
"Hermione before Harry so nicely interrupted I was going to say it's gorgeous." Emma replied and hugged her daughter while kissing her forehead.
"There is protective magic in the ring that makes legilimency ineffective on us. It also renders love potions useless. It even protects from some curses." Harry told his fiancé.
"Harry your contract does some of that also, so it sounds like you have more that the basic protection." Ted stated.
"Should someone grab you, like maybe Ron, he would find his bits in so much pain all he could do is double over. If some girl grabbed you to do you harm, her skin where she touches you would start to burn. In either event I would be notified and be apparated to you. Old Potter family stuff that you will forget if you return the ring." Harry said.
"Harry dear, I think it's time for us to go to bed together." Hermione said with a wicked smile and a wink no one else could see.
"Hermione Jane Granger you will do no such thing." Dan said and started to stand up.
"Gotcha Dad. I wish we had a picture of that." Hermione said with an evil grin.
They sat back down and relaxed.
"Possible Marauder material at work here, Hermione did I tell you Mum was a Marauder in her seventh year?"
"No"
"Yes, her Marauder name was Tiger Lily. She plotted a lot of their more successful pranks. A couple she pulled off Dad and Sirius got detention for it. I believe McGonagall threatened to neuter both of them at least once."
"Harry it's just a thought but maybe you should get on with the oath to bring the Grangers the protection of your house." Ted said turning the conversation serious again.
Deciding that was a good idea Harry and Hermione read the oaths then swore them. When Harry finished his oath, everyone felt his magic cover the Grangers. Harry then offered the Tonks' the same oath as an allied house. This time the magic covered six people. Harry's oath was for Potter-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Slytherin. Dan, Emma, and Hermione were surprised when a wallet appeared in front of them. It had a crest on it, Harry explained the sword was the Potter symbol, the griffin was for Gryffindor, the eagle for Ravenclaw, and basilisk was Slytherin. Hermione had a credit card in hers. Harry told her it could be used in both worlds. Harry pulled his wallet out, and said ₤50 and showed a ₤50 note. Then he said Galleons and the wallet held ₲5. He had Dan put ₤50 in his wallet and ask for Euros.
"Harry, that's a better rate than normal." A shocked Dan stated.
"It went from Pounds to Galleons to Euros. Since Galleons are gold, they get a better rate than paper pounds. While it's called, an ever-filling wallet, it really depends on how much is in your vault. Goblins do credit, but at steep interest rates. What the wallet does for you is you don't have to wait in the exchange line, and as a Goblin friend, you get a better rate. When you show the wallet at any shop, you'll get the same discount that the House of Potter does. I thought it funny that the day I came into all of this, I began getting a 20 percent discount on everything." Harry said shaking his head at how backwards the wizard world was.
"Dan, I suggest that you move your savings account to Gringotts. You will get a better return, and when you pay your taxes it will be at the wizard rate which is less than three percent." Ted suggested.
"Ted, I'd ask if you were kidding but I know you're not," A shocked Dan replied.
"It's quite a shock, but a fair sized raise in net income. Harry you and Dora need to take the Grangers to Madam Malkin's for new robes that show your house crests. Hermione where is your wand?" Harry said with a smile.
"In my bedroom," she replied.
"WHAT?" four voices shouted.
"Well it's not like I can use it."
"You can always use it to protect yourself and let me sort it out later." Ted said.
"Constant Vigilance, Hermione." Harry said with a grin.
"He's becoming Mad Eye Junior, but he's right Hermione. Besides as his betrothed your trace should be removed if not it will be when I get done with Mafalda Hopkirk," Ted told a shocked Hermione.
Harry raised his hand and said, "Accio Hermione's wand."
Hermione's wand flew into Harry's hand and he told them it was clear of the trace but had Ted check it anyway.
"Wandless Harry when did you learn that?" a curious Hermione asked.
"Family secret Hermione," Dora said and smiled, "You're going to get Mad Eye with that aren't you."
"Perhaps just a little bit, Hermione magic is about intent and will, no foolish wand waving needed. Funny how the git needed his wand then lost it to me. Place your wand on the table, close your eyes, then will it into your wand hand. You have to intend it to be there, there is no try there is only do or do not." Harry said in what would become his teaching mode.
"Yes Yoda. Wait that wasn't in Volume IV it was in Volume V." Hermione said.
"I got to listen to it from my cupboard."
It took several tries but Hermione finally got her wand to come to her. Tilley served dinner while Dobby stood guard. After dinner, Harry and Hermione watched Volume V of Star Wars with Dora, while the older adults talked.
"Ted I swear that boy is closer to 40 than 13."
"Dan he's seen and done things few or no wizards have ever done. You've seen the memory of the basilisk right?" Ted asked.
"Yes it was like a horror movie." Dan said with a shudder.
"Well, Dora and the rest of the Aurors would have died trying to fight that beast. When Ragnok told him what it was worth, the first thing he did was to start calculating shares with him taking nothing. It took Ragnok and me to convince him that would be an insult. He is paying to find a ghost's family so they can receive a share and find out what happened to her. All we know is her name was Myrtle Thornsby and that she was muggle born." Ted paused for a sip of Guinness.
"The Ministry keeps records on Hermione, but not on you and Emma. We're running ads in magical and muggle newspapers hoping that someone contact us. Most Pureblood wizards tend to be greedy, and would have kept all of the ₲10 million, but not Harry. The one thing I really admired him for was when it came to Ron Weasley. Harry said, 'if the spy wants money he can see Ted and sue Lockhart.' I would convince Ron it would cost him more to sue than he would receive. I feel all right about that, because it is probably true. It's not a case I would take anyway." Ted said and took another drink then smiled at Dan.
"I had nightmares thinking Hermione liked that git. When I met Harry, he wore rags but had impeccable manners and was very polite. Ron ate everything in sight and bitched constantly. He seemed to take great joy in hurting Hermione's feelings. Then when the school healer brings Hermione home, by Harry's suggestion I find out later, I put my foot in my mouth and almost lost my daughter. Now she's betrothed to that boy, I first thought of as a ragamuffin, and from what I've heard, he's probably the richest person in the world. It doesn't take a wizard to see he's powerful or that he loves my daughter. Somehow the good Lord seems to have smiled on us, and my little girl is betrothed to her first true friend." Dan said with a faraway look in his eyes.
"Dan that lad was with the Director of the DMLE, much like your MI5, and Madam Bones said since Harry declared the Ministry had no say at his school there was no need for Dora to guard him. He turned to Dora and said I'll give you a 50 percent increase over what you make now. Dora said she'd take double so Harry returned a half way offer. Dora now makes more than the Director makes and has no bullshit or politics to worry about. Lord help anyone that comes after that boys back, Dora don't look it but she is powerful, and will put someone down in less than and heartbeat." Ted said indicating how proud he was of Dora.
"Ted do you have a case against this Dumbledore fellow?" Dan asked.
"I've got his nuts in the vice and am cranking it slowly. We've recovered most of Harry's money and now are going about recovering the fines." Ted replied with a wicked smile.
"Fines?"
Ted continued with an evil grin. "Ten times the amount that he stole, that's Gringotts policy and there isn't a thing Dumbledore or the Ministry can do about it but pay it or work it off in the Goblin way. For Dumbledore they'll probably have him shoveling dragon shit until he dies. I'm not sure if Harry knows, but Ragnok is the leader of the Goblin Nation and the only account he personally manages is the Potters. Harry owns 12 percent of the bank, and no other wizard owns any part of it. I meant to compliment you on your wards earlier, it's for sure no uninvited wizard will show up at your door."
Dan said, "Yes, Harry said something about that."
Ted smiled and continued. "Dan a wizard with ill intent would be literally fried in those wards. Someone, probably Harry, is notified anytime someone crosses within fifteen feet of the outer ward. The house is fire and blast proof. Add that an uninvited house elf and a wizard wouldn't stand a chance of getting to the door not even Dumbledore could make it that far."
"I wonder who did them and when?" Dan said indicating his curiosity.
Ted replied, "It was probably Ragnok's people, last night or the night before. You'll find allies of the House of Potter are some of the safest in the world. The last warrior mage was Charlus James Potter, Harry's great-great-grandfather. He was supposedly as powerful as or more powerful than Merlin."
The movie was over and Ted and Andy said good night to the others. Harry kissed Hermione goodnight and said he and Dora would be back after his meetings with staff and students. Dan and Emma shook their heads when he and Dora simply disappeared.
"Daddy," Dan knew he was in for it when Hermione called him that, "Harry doesn't know it yet, but we're getting married on my 16th birthday."
"WHAT"
End of Chapter 6
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