Souls Abound

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter nor any of the magical universe the genius of JKR created. These stories are all my own work though and I would like to thank the many readers who alerted me to the author who went all Gilderoy Lockhart on me, without casting the required net-wide obliviate! Seeing any of my ideas used in other stories is fine by me, there can't be many original takes on Harry Potter left to do. Seeing your work under another's name makes you wonder why you bother spending hour upon hour writing, it would be so much easier just to copy and paste Old Crow's stories. Then I remembered, this is supposed to be fun!

Chapter 7

Albus Dumbledore struggled desperately to control his temper, something he usually accomplished with very little effort, though these were exasperating circumstances. Harry Potter possessed the ability to light his fuse better than anyone since his brother Abe, Albus knew he couldn't go off like a firecracker here, much as he'd like to! Having Hogwarts business Albus needed kept secret splashed all over the front page of the Daily Prophet just fanned the flames of his temper. The associated articles painting him as a bumbling fool were all the more hurtful by being almost entirely factually correct.

Albus dropped his copy of the Prophet onto the table, next to the identical one Harry was currently reading. "I would like an explanation Mr Potter."

The headmaster though had made a tactical error, he had basically treated the Grangers as if they were irrelevant in their own home. Emma proceeded to ensure that was something he would never do again. She couldn't help but recognise the headmaster from Hermione's descriptions, the irate mother verbally went straight for the jugular.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, you must have read my mind because that's exactly what I want from you. Let me say here and now, your answers will determine what school my daughter attends this September."

Albus was mentally dismissing this as inconsequential until Harry seriously upped the ante. "Should Hermione leave for another school, it would be my intention to transfer there as well. Ron and Ginny Weasley would probably move too!"

This threw Albus off his game plan and Emma pressed home her temporary advantage. "I would like you to explain how someone being petrified like stone equates to 'fine but unable to write home at the moment.' There was also no mention of a deadly giant creature that was stalking the school and putting students in the infirmary. Oh I forgot, you had no idea what was causing it yet a second year student of non-magical parents could figure it out? It also took a couple of second years to save that poor girl while you sat clueless in your office. I would like, no I demand an explanation of these events."

Emma was so focused on Dumbledore, she'd missed Dan once more going to answer the front door. There were now two additional people in the kitchen, one of them was the only person Emma had ever seen wearing a monocle. This witch was currently glaring sternly at the headmaster while the other man was almost as poorly dressed as Harry. She could see her husband quietly keeping a close eye on the wizard in case he made off with the family silver.

Both clearly knew Dumbledore and the monocle wearing witch handled the introductions. "Good Morning and sorry for this intrusion. I am Madam Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This gentleman here is Professor Remus Lupin who I happened to meet on your doorstep. This situation is rather fortuitous as I had also intended to speak with the headmaster here, this should save me a trip to Scotland."

Remus was staring at Harry as if he'd seen a ghost, even without his glasses, the likeness to James was remarkable. "Harry, I got your owl but after seeing this morning's paper thought it would be better if I called in person. Sorry if I'm staring but you are the spitting image of your father at the same age..."

Harry and Hermione finished it for Remus, "...except for the eyes, you have your mother's eyes!"

Remus laughed and knew instantly he was going to like these two. "Ok, I assume from your answer you've been told that once or twice before? Doesn't make it any less true though."

The hostess in Emma soon had all her 'guests' seated around the table although no one wanted refreshments. It was straight down to business which suited everyone.

Amelia got the ball rolling. "Mr Potter, I have already been to Gringotts and seen the entire memory you provided them with. Can I ask your reason for giving the goblins that memory?"

Albus couldn't have put it better himself, this was exactly the information he wanted to hear.

Harry had done nothing wrong and there was no reason to hide anything. "I wanted the goblins' assistance in selling the basilisk I killed. They asked me for some details I didn't know so I offered them my memory of the whole thing. The goblins said they would try to get the best possible price, I've just discovered how they plan to do that. By publicising this was Slytherin's basilisk killed by me, the boy who lived!"

Amelia studied the lad, his distaste when he used his unofficial title was there for all to see. He obviously hated his fame, exactly as Susan had told her. Amelia now felt more comfortable about what she was going to say. "Mr Potter, your actions inside that chamber were without doubt the bravest deeds I have ever seen! The ministry at this moment is sinking under a deluge of owls from people who have read about your adventure underneath Hogwarts. Some ask if it's true, most are outraged that they were told nothing about it while almost all demand you be rewarded for your unbelievable daring and outstanding display of courage."

Harry was uncomfortable with the praise, "Madam Bones, I rescued our friend and that's all that counts. I have no need, nor would I accept an award from the ministry."

Amelia was perplexed by this so asked Harry to elaborate on that last comment for her.

"The minister came to Hogwarts personally to arrest my friend Hagrid, just to publically be seen to be doing something. I would guess that same minister would be heavily involved in getting Lucius Malfoy declared an innocent man. I lost Hermione for three weeks and we nearly lost Ginny forever yet Malfoy walks free, probably with a ministerial apology ringing in his ears. This is the same principle I had regarding Snape, I will have nothing to do with Minister Fudge while he supports criminals like the Malfoys."

Moony's interest was piqued by that last comment until Hermione explained what happened at Hogwarts, Remus was now staring at Dumbledore and seeing the man in a new light. You didn't have to be a genius to figure out he was being employed to teach defence in the hope of appeasing Harry, the summer lessons made more sense to the marauder now.

The summer lessons were also on Harry's mind as he thought how he could use this situation to his advantage. "Madam Bones, Professor Lupin has agreed to provide us with extra defence lessons during the summer. We wanted to add a few friends but they would get into trouble for performing underage magic, could you advise us on the best way to avoid this?"

Hermione loved when Harry let his intelligent side out to play, he could easily have used his position to make demands. Asking for help was a brilliant idea and she tried to sweeten the deal. "If Professor Lupin here agrees, we would be delighted to invite Susan along as well."

Remus quickly gave his opinion that the more students he taught over the summer would only help him judge their skill levels and adjust his lesson plans accordingly. "After all, if I base all my lessons on someone who can defeat a basilisk, I might find myself having to rewrite them by the end of the first week!"

Harry had managed to push Dumbledore's buttons once again by neatly side-stepping him to get what he wanted, this was not something Albus could allow to happen. It was supposed to be him Harry trusted and turned to for help. "I'm sorry Harry but that's not the arrangement I made with Professor Lupin. As I am paying him, I fear I cannot allow these changes. I'm sorry but my decision is final."

Remus was livid and just about to lose his much needed job when Harry interrupted. "That's fine Headmaster, I will quite happily pay for Professor Lupin's time over the summer. It will also help with my decision where I go to school next year. The last two defence professors you picked were not only terrible at their job, both tried to kill me. What is it they say, third time's the charm?"

There were four adult cries of 'what!' while Albus remained silent, that didn't mean the phrase 'oh shit!' wasn't running continually through his thoughts.

Amelia was again pure business, "Mr Potter, I need you to elaborate on that statement for me please?"

Emma gave him encouragement and Harry was glad the fury she was containing wasn't aimed in his direction, mother and daughter were more alike than they knew. "Yes Harry, I really want to hear how two teachers employed by the headmaster here tried to murder students."

Some things began to make sense for Harry, "I'm sorry Madam Bones, I assumed the headmaster would keep you informed with what was going on. I also assume that's also why he barged in here this morning in a strop."

"Was that really called for Harry?"

Emma jumped all over Dumbledore, ensuring his play to make the boy feel guilty didn't work. "Yes it was called for and also true, please continue Harry."

"Well Professor Lockhart proved to be a total fraud. Ron and I sought him out when we discovered where Ginny was, the coward tried to run away. Turns out the only spell he could do was obliviate! He would use it on the people whose stories he stole, passing their heroic deeds off as his own, despicable. He planned on leaving both Ron and I down there to die, promising to immortalise us in his latest work of fiction."

Hermione had the good grace to blush, remembering her short-lived crush on the fraud. Emma asked a perfectly normal question from a concerned parent. "Why didn't you tell another teacher Harry?"

"The three of us went to Professor McGonagall last year and she didn't believe us. I ended up facing Professor Quirrell, who just happened to have Voldemort growing out the back of his head."

It was a shocked Amelia who found her voice first, "What happened then Harry?"

It was only because the room was utterly silent that they heard his whispered answer, "I killed him."

As a conversation stopper, that one was hard to beat. Hermione was the only one who recognised the devastation in his voice, he'd spoken about this when she was petrified and she was aware how much that action still hurt her boyfriend. They hadn't mentioned this last night but parents be dammed, she positioned herself on his knee and gently kissed him. "Harry, Voldemort was trying to kill you and get the Philosopher's stone that the headmaster had hidden in the school. It would have made him not only immortal but incredibly wealthy, you saved us all again."

Just when Amelia thought this could get more confusing, that revelation blew her away. She could see Harry's somewhat fragile state and gently asked the question she needed answered. "Harry, could you tell us how you managed that?"

With Hermione's arms around him, Harry drew strength from his girlfriend and spoke about something that had prayed on his mind since it happened. "I just touched him Madam Bones, his flesh turned to ash in my hands. The headmaster told me it was because Voldemort couldn't stand love, that my mother's love protected me." Harry was now hugging Hermione even tighter. "There must be some truth in that because when Voldemort tried to possess me in the infirmary, the love of my friends and Hermione returning to my side allowed me to beat him again. Ron told me Dumbledore's only involvement was to make sure I would die if I lost the battle against Voldemort, thanks for that sir!"

As everyone contemplated what Harry meant by that, Dan spoke for the first time that morning. The authority in his voice was unmistakable, he'd reached his decision and wouldn't be swayed. "Hermione Jane Granger, you will not be returning to that nut house! I am perfectly happy to accept you are a witch but cannot believe that Hogwarts is the best place for you to learn to use your magic. Thanks to Harry's generosity, you and your friends have the means to attend any school in the world. We will be spending the summer searching for a new one. Madam Bones, I would appreciate any help you can give me on this matter. Ragnok has also promised us help if we need it and I intend to take him up on that offer. As for you headmaster, frankly I wouldn't believe you if you told me rain was wet!"

Emma looked toward her daughter, still perched on her new boyfriend's lap. "Sorry dear, in this matter I agree totally with your father. We wouldn't be able to sleep at night if we sent you back there."

Hermione could only nod in acceptance. "I can't say it's not something Harry and I haven't talked about, we've discussed it quite a bit actually."

Harry couldn't argue with the Grangers decision either, time to state his intentions. "Headmaster, I will not be returning to Hogwarts in September."

This morning had not gone well for Dumbledore since he first glanced at the Prophet but that declaration sent a chill down his spine. "That's not a decision you can make Mr Potter, your guardians would have to agree to it."

Harry almost laughed at the irony of that, "I'll have no problems then, they never wanted me to go to Hogwarts in the first place. They're coming here for dinner on Sunday night, I'll owl Professor McGonagall for the correct forms they need to sign. Failing that, I'm sure Ragnok could get them for us."

This was the second time that name had been mentioned, Dumbledore was surprised that they had heard of the goblin leader. "How do you know Ragnok?"

"Oh, it was him I gave the memory to. He said that anything we needed, he would be delighted to help. He's offered to put wards around this house so we don't get bothered by people wanting to gawk at us. I have no interest in being in the press and don't wish reporters hanging around us all summer."

Albus continued on regardless, "Never the less, I don't think it would be in your best interest to leave Hogwarts."

Emma was incensed but also determined to use her anger constructively, the long talk they had with the kids last night was still fresh in her mind. They would be having another one later about some of the little details about Harry they'd apparently glossed over. "Madam Bones, my daughter has been attacked by a troll and a basilisk while attending Hogwarts. Surely there must be some way I can press charges against the school, and particularly the headmaster, for negligence against children in their care?"

Amelia raised her eyebrows while Remus asked if he'd heard her right. "A troll and a basilisk?"

Emma nodded, "The basilisk attacked her in a corridor, I also understand there were some previous victims? The troll was let into the school by the same Professor Quirrell, it trapped her in a bathroom with only Harry and Ron's intervention saving her life."

Amelia could only shake her head, "Harry could I return sometime with a pensieve to take a look at your extraordinary experiences inside Hogwarts? I feel it's way passed time the ministry held an official investigation into just what goes on inside that castle. Albus, if Hogwarts wasn't already closed for the summer, I would have seen it closed today."

Albus was getting seriously worried about anyone seeing more memories, he tried to call her bluff. "You don't have that authority Amelia."

The head of the DMLE had no intention of backing down. "Just try me Albus, my Susan might be looking for a new school come September as well. These are children's lives we're dealing with here. If I find you have acted irresponsibly in any way, I will come after you with everything I have. Susan is the last surviving member of my family, all those Bones's didn't die standing against evil so you could play fast and loose with her life."

Emma smiled for the first time today, "Madam Bones, you are welcome in this house anytime." The smile vanished as she turned to face Dumbledore , "You sir are not, don't let the door hit you on the way out."

Dumbledore left with as much dignity as he could muster.

Amelia let him go, deciding to wait until she had seen more of Harry's memories before confronting him again. She smiled to Emma, "Mrs Granger, if that offer of a cup of tea still holds..."

The shocks weren't over for the day as tea, coffee and freshly baked scones appeared on the table. "You have a house elf?"

"Oh Dobby actually works for Harry. We only met him last night and already he seems to know what we want before we do. The little guy is just fantastic!"

Amelia looked over her teacup toward Harry, knowing there was another story here. What an extraordinary young man.

Harry answered her as best he could, "Dobby used to be owned by the Malfoys, he risked his life to warn me what Lucius was up to. I tricked Malfoy into freeing Dobby and he now works for me. Dobby is going to bring our friends here for the defence lessons."

Hermione gasped, "Oh Damn! Harry, our friends?"

It was Emma though who answered. "Hermione Jane, sitting on your boyfriend's knee and now the language? Don't think I've forgotten the kissing either, we will be having a long talk later."

Hermione was glowing from embarrassment before Harry saved her. "Mrs Granger, it's my fault. I wanted to keep that we were giving our friends a portion of the money as a surprise. They won't know what to make of all that in the paper this morning. We really need to go and see them but I might just need a bodyguard."

This drew glances from everyone before it was Hermione's turn to save Harry from embarrassment. "Mrs Weasley appears to think that Harry would make the perfect boyfriend for her daughter. That Ginny also has a massive crush on Harry doesn't help matters."

Dan was the one who was clueless now, "I thought this Ginny was your friend? Are you ok with her having a crush on your boyfriend?"

"Dad, half the witches in Hogwarts have a crush on my Harry!"

Amelia nearly choked on her tea as the truth of that statement hit home. "I certainly know one or two witches who would fall into that category." This caused some titters at the table, mainly at the obvious discomfort Harry showed at that statement.

Dan Granger wasn't laughing, he was deep in thought. Here was a lad who still sat in those ridiculous old oversized clothes yet was quite the catch for his daughter. Harry was courteous, kind, generous to a fault, courageous, rich, famous yet modest and even has girls all over the country crushing on him. The Dursleys had looked like their kind of people yet apparently treated Harry as if he was some form of pondlife.

The enigma that was Harry Potter was forcing Dan to look at things differently, even knowing the lad for less than twenty-four hours was having a profound effect on the dentist. Not only had Harry made his daughter rich, he'd saved Hermione's life as well! How could any father object to that, especially when a glance was all that was needed to see they both really cared for each other?

Dan turned his attention to the shabbily dressed man sitting at the table. This professor was going to be in and out his home all summer so he decided to get to know the man before making any judgments. Harry was having an influence on Daniel Granger just by being here.

"Professor Lupin, I understand from Harry you were a good friend of his parents? What were they like?"

Remus suddenly had everyone's attention as he thought on how to answer. "That's a very broad question that I could talk all day on and still miss things out. I went through seven years of Hogwarts with them as we were all Gryffindors, Lily and I were the prefects. I would consider both the dearest friends I ever had. Lilly was like Hermione in that her parents were non-magical, this didn't hold her back though as she was the most brilliant witch I've ever met."

Harry was sitting listing about his parents with his new girlfriend on his knee, this morning was certainly picking up. "Mum sounds more like Hermione than you know."

"Well Harry here must only take after James in appearance, Lily wouldn't give your father the time of day until he stopped being a prat and grew up. Both would have loved to see you here today, your mum would have dragged you away for a talk about having a young lady on your knee while your dad would have been giving you the thumbs-up while telling you not to be in too many broom cupboards until you made the Quidditch team."

Hermione could see the mischief in the man's eyes but was desperate to ask why, if he was such a good friend, did Harry end up abandoned at the Dursleys? She didn't want to ruin the moment though but still came right back at him, "Harry's been the Gryffindor seeker for two years now, youngest in over a century! As to broom cupboards, since he grew up in one, we will be giving those a miss."

Amelia was quickly adding to the memories she wanted from Harry, "I think we should discuss your placement with your relatives and their treatment of you when I come back for the memories Harry."

Remus was confused, "What relatives? Harry is the last Potter and Lily only had a sister… He wouldn't? Harry, tell me Dumbledore didn't give you to Petunia?"

Harry couldn't lift his head to face anyone so Hermione answered for him, "Dumbledore left him on their doorstep with a note pined to the blanket he was wrapped in."

Remus was on his feet without realising it, "But she hated magic and, because of that, Lily. She refused to have anything to do with your parents, wouldn't attend their wedding or your christening. There is no way your mum and dad would have arranged for you to be placed there."

Emma suddenly had the beginnings of an idea, "Can I take it from this you know the Dursleys Professor Lupin?"

"I've met them Mrs Granger, I wouldn't want to know them."

"How would you like to have dinner with them, here, Sunday evening?"

Remus slowly sat back down as a grin spread across his face, "I think I would like that very much Mrs Granger."

"Good, and its Emma and Dan. Would you like to join us Amelia? At the moment there is only Harry to prevent us murdering them and dumping the bodies on the local rubbish tip."

Amelia thought that would be a wonderful idea, "I'll come early and collect the memories, then I would be delighted to stay for dinner."

Remus also chipped in, "If I come early, then I could give the kids their first lesson. It shouldn't take long for Harry to give the memories and that would give you three time to view them while I keep these two busy."

Amelia came up with an idea to have any magic being performed at the Grangers ignored, she would have the building and grounds declared a magical summer school. As Susan spent most of the summer in the company of her best friend, Hannah Abbott's name was also added to the list of students with Amelia saying she would bring them with her on Sunday.

Dobby popped into the room beside Harry, "Will your friends also be staying for dinner on Sunday Harry Potter sir?"

Harry looked at the excited little guy who obviously wanted him to say yes, "Could you manage dinner for all those people Dobby?"

"Oh easily Harry Potter sir, Dobby loves to be busy."

A quick glance at Emma got a nod, she wanted to meet more of their friends and the house being full of magic users would ensure the Dursleys had a pleasant evening.

"Ok Dobby, they will be staying for dinner."

Remus had baulked at the money Harry was now paying him but Amelia said he had to be paid the correct rate otherwise she couldn't complete the paperwork for the summer school. With the arrangements now made, both apparated away.

That only left the Weasleys to face, easy!

-oOoOo-

The horcrux immediately knew something was very wrong, everything felt so alien to him.

"Don't worry, you'll soon get used to it. This is wonderful, I feel so much more powerful. I know you expected to be in control but that's never going to happen. You made a big mistake by hiding yourself in Gringotts. Goblins are too different to wizards for your soul magic to work on us. Without me willingly allowing you into my body, you would never have made it out of these caverns. I only accepted you because I wanted your knowledge and power, this was the only way to get it. I will go to this house and meet with any others but I won't be giving this power up."

The horcrux realised it was helpless, being used by this creature for its own ends. Trapped in this non-human body that was so different it couldn't even think where to begin to try to wrestle control away from this deranged goblin.

The goblin was now laughing and out of control, the horcrux began to wonder if the joining had unhinged the beast or was it really this mad to begin with. "Oh yes, you really didn't think this scheme of yours through. Not to worry, Crappy will get us out of here. No one looks twice at Crappy, we could walk right out the front door and no one would notice us."

The goblins voice was now more of a growl, "They will find Crappymort a whole different kind of animal. I won't be the one shitting myself anymore, by the time I'm finished their bowels will empty at the mere mention of my name. I have no interest in humans or wizards but intend to rule over the goblin nation with a fist of iron. With your others lording over the rest, between us we'll rule the world!"

The horcrux was forced to admit it had met its match, this Crappy creature was a bigger megalomaniac than he ever was. His only hope was that his brother horcruxes had found more suitable hosts than he had and were powerful enough to defeat this creature, allowing him to join with the original soul. If not, he was in for a quite miserable existence.

-oOoOo-

Dobby dropped Hermione and her father off just outside the Burrow wards before returning to collect Harry and Emma. This was the first moment Dan had alone with his daughter to begin repairing some of the damage he had done yesterday. He was unsure how to begin but his wife's words from yesterday stuck in his brain, be the Dan Granger we both love, he decided to follow her advice and make a start now. "Can I assume from this morning that Harry has asked you to be his girlfriend and certain people here might not take to kindly to that news?"

Hermione was too busy smiling to have time to blush at her father raising that subject, she was Harry's girlfriend and that was enough to keep her smiling all summer! "I think our friends will be fine with it, they're used to Harry and me being together all the time. It's Mrs Weasley I'm worried about. Ginny has been raised on 'boy who lived' stories since she was a little girl, she saw herself as the princess marrying her prince. Her mother is the one who read her those stories and I'm starting to wonder if she didn't believe them herself."

"You don't need to worry princess, that young man is totally besotted with you. Let your mum and me deal with the adults while you and Harry speak with your friends. After all, that's what we're here for."

Harry and Emma arrived with Dobby to find Hermione hugging her dad, Emma was pleased for both of them but ready for battle. She didn't think this visit to the Weasleys would turn into a war, more like the opening skirmish where both sides assessed the opposition's strengths and probed for weaknesses. Molly Weasley was an opinionated woman who may wish Harry had chosen her daughter but the lad didn't, he asked Hermione instead. Here was a lad who could have used his fame to play the field but, even in the short time she'd known him, Emma could tell that was something Harry would never do. Other than having the usual parent / teenager talk with Hermione, Emma had no intentions of interfering in their fledgling relationship. She would be damned though if she was going to stand back and watch someone else interfere. Emma supposed this would give her practice for Sunday night when manners dictated she would be forced to smile at Harry's aunt.

Molly came upon them first and squealed the instant she spotted Harry, the lad's feet almost left the ground as she crushed him in her arms. "Oh Harry, thank you again. I almost died when I saw the size of that thing!"

Harry was checking if his arms and legs still worked as he answered Molly. "So did I Mrs Weasley, so did I! We came to speak to Ron and Ginny, I hope you don't mind?"

"Harry, you know you're welcome here anytime."

Emma chose to ignore the thinly disguised barb aimed in their direction, she would have been drowned out anyway by the noise now issuing from inside the house. Ron, Ginny and the twins had been alerted by their mother's rather loud voice as they came clambering from different parts of the house, all also attempted to talk to Harry and Hermione at once.

Harry held his hands up for quiet. "Ron, Ginny, we need to speak to you. Sorry Fred and George but this is private."

"Hear that George, we're not wanted. Just because he can slay a basilisk…"

"A humungous basilisk…"

"Ok, a humungous basilisk he thinks…"

"With only a sword…"

"So, just because he can slay a humungous basilisk with only a sword, he thinks he can come here and tell us what to do!"

"Can't he Fred?"

This appeared to catch Fred on the hop, though with the twins you were never sure. "You're probably right George. Thanks for saving her Harry, there won't be a bludger getting within ten feet of you next year."

Harry didn't have the heart to tell them he wouldn't be in Hogwarts, far less Gryffindor next term. They didn't plan on dealing with that here and now. He and Hermione took the two Weasleys a walk in the direction of the orchard.

The two mothers were soon alone, watching their offspring preamble toward the trees as Arthur had practically kidnapped Dan to show him his muggle collections. A real live muggle to question was too good an opportunity for Arthur to miss.

That Harry was walking beside Ginny while Hermione spoke with Ron was purely coincidental, Molly though was reading a lot more into the situation. Her eyes were sparkling as she gushed, "Don't they make lovely couples?"

Emma deliberately chose to mishear the plump witch, "Yes, we really like Harry and couldn't be happier that he and Hermione are dating now. The fact that he's staying with us the entire summer will give Dan and myself a chance to get to know him better. The way Hermione always writes about him though, we feel as if we already know the lad."

Molly was devastated at that news and about to come back with a sarcastic comment when she heard Ginny shriek. Her daughter was now wrapped around a smiling Harry while Hermione was hugging a clearly stunned Ron. The four of them began making their way back, arm in arm and clearly very happy. Molly couldn't quite keep the smirk of her face, "It would appear that things have changed!"

Emma of course knew what had been said down there amongst the apples and pears but had no intention of informing Molly, this woman reminded her of those pushy mothers who force their kids into dancing, piano, or a multitude of other things their offspring clearly didn't want to do. She was living her life vicariously through her children and if Molly wasn't careful, they would all move out as soon as they were old enough to do so.

Molly was beaming at how happy her daughter looked, holding onto Harry's arm. "Have you something special you want to tell me Ginny?"

Ginny sprang into her mother's embrace, "Oh mum, it's a dream come true. Harry's just made us rich!"

Molly's jaw was now hanging open as her youngest son spoke, "It's true mum, Harry's sharing the money he's getting for selling the basilisk between us all."

Hermione now had her arm around her boyfriend and kissed him on the cheek. "Yeah, he's pretty special!"

Molly couldn't keep the venom or the jealousy out of her voice. "I understood Hermione was lying petrified in the infirmary, how does that warrant a share?"

Emma was about to rip this witch a new one when the smallest redhead beat her to it.

"Even petrified, Hermione did more to save me than Dumbledore. She's the one who worked out it was a basilisk and how it was getting about the school. She had it all written down and scrunched up in her hand. Without her, the boys would never have found me. She deserves a share more than I do."

Hermione found herself in Harry's arms as she spoke, the gir was quite proud that she kept her hurt from showing."Ron, could you get my dad. Mum and I are taking Harry shopping, we'll see you on Sunday." The words had hardly left her mouth when Dobby popped them both away.

Ron was angry with his mother but stormed off to rescue his friend's father, Dobby was back standing beside Emma in seconds. He was also staring daggers at Molly and Emma began to question if it was wise to let the little guy anywhere near the Dursleys. She so wanted to get ripped into this woman but figured her silence would hurt more, both her kids had reacted angrily to her last comment. For Molly Weasley, that would be worse than anything Emma could say or do.

Dan came walking as fast as good manners allowed, clearly desperate to get out of here, Dobby soon obliged.

They left two kids who had the smiles wiped off their face by their mother's treatment of their friend, the Weasley household was in for a shake-up when Arthur learned what had happened.

-oOoOo-

Tom and Riddle were both in control of the respective bodies and were spending their time sitting chatting, there really wasn't anything else for them to do until the original soul piece got here. Suddenly the door crashed open and the powerful goblin hit the room like a whirlwind.

Riddle found himself flat on his back and struggling to regain his feet, this old body was really difficult to control because everything was so much slower than he was used to. He glanced up at what was happening in the room and a surge of red-hot anger saw Frank retake control.

This creature had Sibyll pinned to a wall and was ogling her body like a starving man sitting down to a feast.

Crappy was elated, "Is this the best the great Lord Voldemort can manage? I think I'll have to reconsider my decision to leave the human world alone. There appears to be no opposition and the scent of their females is rather appealing. You and I are going to become close friends female so stop struggling and save yourself a lot of pain."

"Get your filthy paws off her!"

Crappy didn't even look in Frank's direction, he just laughed at the feeble old man. "The days of anyone telling me what to do are gone forever. From now on I'm the one who does the telling."

Frank's voice was very steady, "You will leave her alone or I will be forced to make you."

Crappy's expression turned vicious, "I hadn't intended to kill you but your death can serve as a warning to the female about what happens to those who disobey me. What kind of shit is that?"

The 'that' in question turned out to be a Second World War pistol that had been lovingly cared for. With a very loud bang, it spat it's projectile toward Crappy at supersonic speed. At the distance involved, even someone with Frank's poor eyesight wasn't going to miss.

The bullet hit Crappy on his large forehead, punching easily through the bone and throwing his already dying body across the room. Black gunk was mixed with the blood that oozed from the killing wound.

Due to their extremely close proximity to the event, both remaining horcruxes were thrown deep into unconsciousness as the effect of killing their brother was felt. The pulse radiated out from the manor, leaving Frank and Sibyll in total control. Sibyll looked lovingly toward Frank, sitting on the floor with the smoking gun held steadily and unwaveringly aimed at the unmoving goblin.

"Frank, you saved me!"

"I don't know what that thing was but it had no right to lay its paws on you. That's no way to treat a lady."

Sibyll helped Frank to his feet before kissing him passionately, "This lady has every intention of rewarding her knight. Come with me Sir Galahad and claim your prize!"

Sibyll led a beaming Frank in the direction of her bedroom, the old man was hoping he could remember what he was supposed to do next. Crappy lay discarded on the floor, ignored in death as he was in life.

-oOoOo-

Voldemort was elated but exhausted, he'd made it to Calais and planned a rest before attempting to possess an animal and stowaway on the ferry crossing to Dover. Being ejected from a body while crossing open water was not something he wanted to risk.

His elation vanished as quickly as his plans when the pulse hit, this meant he had only one horcrux left. He would just have to risk the crossing in the first creature that he could find, otherwise it wouldn't matter anymore as he would be to all intents and purpose dead. Someone must be systematically taking down all his carefully laid defences and destroying his soul pieces one by one. He had to conclude that if they got the rest, they must at least know what his one remaining horcrux was. If they also knew the where, it would be all over for the dark lord. Voldemort had never been so terrified in his entire life.

A/N Thanks for reading