A/N: Happy Holidays! I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up and ready, with Christmas and my Birthday coming up I'm going to be entirely too busy to write this week. I feel old, thankfully my Birthday being on Christmas maybe not too many people will remind me of how old I actually am LOL.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I am also not making anything from writing this. This is for fun and enjoyment only.

Chapter 9: Goblins and Discoveries


Harry and Hermione landed in a small room in a mess of arms and legs.

"I hate portkeys," Harry grumbled.

Standing quickly and brushing his-self off, he helped Hermione to her feet. Glancing around he noticed the room was completely empty and seemed to be simply a safe place to port in and out. Looking a little lost he led Hermione to the single door and opened it. It led into the lobby and as soon as he and Hermione stepped into the lobby, the door closed behind them and vanished. With a quick look around he walked over to the nearest counter and waited for the goblin to notice his presence.

A few moments passed before the goblin looked up and eyed Harry, "Yes?"

"Ermm, I'm supposed to be meeting with a Mr. Griphook," Harry said nervously.

The goblin sighed in annoyance and stepped back from the counter. Walking to a seeming bare spot on the wall the goblin waved his hand around it and a door appeared. Opening it he turned and looked back at the young couple. More annoyance lined his face as the goblin pointed at the room. Harry and Hermione quickly walked over and entered the room. As soon as they entered, the door closed behind them and vanished.

It was a simple room with a desk and a few chairs around it. Taking a seat they waited patiently until another goblin came in from another suddenly appearing door. As soon as the Goblin entered the room and saw the pair his eyes widened and he bowed low. Harry looked at Hermione who simply shrugged. Neither of them knew that much about Goblins, but one thing that they did know was they didn't often bow to anyone.

"My pardon Master Potter. I did not realize it was you I was being summoned to attend!" the goblin said quickly.

"It's alright. We didn't wait very long," Harry replied truly at a loss. The goblin straightened and eyed Harry curiously.

"My name is Griphook. I was assigned to go over your Family's affairs with you Master Potter," the goblin said as he walked over to what appeared to be a muggle filing cabinet. Waving his hand over the cabinet he opened it and took out several items. Placing the stack on the desk the goblin sat down and took first the thinner of the two books off the stack.

"First, for security measures, I'll need you to verify your identities. A drop of blood each on this sheet of parchment please," the goblin said, laying a parchment on the desk between the Potters along with a very thin and sharp looking needle. Harry reached out and pricked his finger dropping a single drop of blood onto the parchment; it glowed orange for a moment, and again as Hermione dropped her own drop of blood onto it. With a nod Griphook waved his hand over it. Instantly the names Harry James Potter and Hermione Jean Potter nee Granger appeared on the parchment. With another nod the goblin opened the book and began to talk.

"This here is the accounting of your Trust vault. Currently it is at maximum capacity of twenty-five hundred Galleons and it is set to refill in two days' time. The last, and oddly only, withdrawal was shortly before the beginning of your school year. Is this information correct as far as you know it?" the goblin asked looking up to meet Harry's eyes.

"Err yeah, I took some from it to buy my school supplies I guess," Harry answered shrugging off the goblins gaze.

The goblin nodded and set the folder aside before grabbing the other folder which was at least a hundred times as thick as the previous. Opening the folder the goblin looked over it before speaking again. "This is the accounting of the Potter Family Vault. Currently you have a total balance of twenty-four Million Galleons. Roughly fifteen Million Galleons in liquid assets such as Coins, Bonds, and Stocks. The remaining nine Million Galleons are hard assets such as Properties and Heirlooms."

Hermione turned a delicate shade of green as the Goblin read off these numbers and Harry felt a serious influx of panic slid his way over their bond.

Hermione, are you okay?

Harry… do you have any idea how much money that is?

No. Not really Love.

Harry the going exchange rate before fees is roughly ninety-three pounds per Galleon. Harry you're a BILLIONAIRE!

Harry gulped and began turning a little pale himself. The goblin waited patiently unsure of exactly how to proceed now, finally as his clients seemed to be recovering from the shock, the goblin continued. "Master Potter, am I to assume you did not realize the size of your family's estate?" mutely Harry shook his head. The goblin nodded and excused his self from the room for a moment. A few minutes later the door re-opened and 4 rather large and hairy bug-bears stepped into the room each standing in a different corner. Moments later the largest goblin Harry had ever seen walked into the office flanked by two more of these enormous creatures. Griphook stood silently nearby, but his eyes never left the floor.

"Excuse me Master Potter; I'm sorry to come unannounced. My name is Ragnok, and I'm the Goblin-in-chief of the Goblin Nation. Let's get right to it shall we? How much do you know about Gringott's?" the large goblin asked without any hint of an accent at all.

"Well honestly, I don't know anything sir," Harry answered meeting the large goblins piercing gaze.

Ragnok seemed to consider this a moment before continuing, "Normally with a wizard of your age, a solicitor is arranged to handle the account until you come of age. However the day before your parents deaths the very solicitor they had chosen was unfortunately murdered by Death Eaters. They never had time to set up a new solicitor and as such the Family account has been held in stasis, simply drawing what interest it could on its own merits. It has flourished some yes, but I'm sorry to report that some of the stocks in the account are near useless as well. Without a solicitor to manage them, some of them simply floundered. While the account has done well enough, oversights like this has literally cost your family hundreds of thousands in lost assets. If you like I can arrange a list of suitable solicitors, if you are uncomfortable making your own decisions about the current assets?"

Harry thought about this for a moment before responding, "Can't the goblins simply do it for me?"

Ragnok eyed Harry intently, after a few moments he answered, "We could… However no Wizard has ever… trusted us to handle their accounts before. Naturally we handle our own, but never before a Wizard's."

Harry thought about this for a moment before answering, "Can I trust you then Ragnok?"

Ragnok considered this deeply before answering, "If you so wish Master Potter. With any investments there are risks of course, but we Goblins do find ourselves in a unique position of being very aware of the fluctuations and trends of the markets. The normal rate for such a service with a wizarding solicitor is ten percent of the earned income; however, since you are extending a great service and trust to us, we will gladly do so for seven percent."

Harry nodded and stood extending his hand to the goblin. Ragnok looked at his hand carefully before reaching out and grasping for a firm handshake. "I think we have an agreement, and since we're to be partners, I insist on being called simply Harry," Harry said smiling at the chieftain.

Ragnok grinned a toothy grin, "I think Harry that we are both assured a bright and very wealthy future together. Now if I may I have a few other things I would like to discuss with you."

Harry nodded and returned to his seat as Ragnok made his-self comfortable in the chair behind the desk. "Now then Harry, am I to assume that you were raised in the muggle world? Little is known about your location after the downfall of Lord Voldemort."

Hermione shuddered at the goblins use of the name, but Harry simply nodded his answer to the goblin. Ragnok noticed Hermione's reaction and explained, "We, of the goblin nation, have little fear of a name my lady. Do not doubt that we fear that wizard, but to fear is his name seems to be a human problem."

Hermione nodded, but remained silent. Ragnok simply continued, "Now, Harry. I had sincerely hoped I would not have to be the one to explain such things to you, but I feel… honor-bound… to inform you of your status in the world. Are you aware of the fact that the Potter family is considered Noble in the wizarding world?"

Harry's eyes widened and Hermione gasped, clutching at Harry's hand, "Erm, no sir, I wasn't aware of that at all," Harry finally muttered.

Ragnok leaned forward templing his clawed fingers as he observed the Harry, "Nobility in the wizarding world is considerably different than the muggle world. Nobility in the wizarding world has little to do with royalty or crowns, and more to do with bloodlines and feats. Suffice to say somewhere in your family history someone did something worthy of earning your nobility. The Potter's have a long history of being defenders of the light."

Harry simply eyed the goblin in disbelief. Harry knew nothing of his family history, and silently promised to fix that as soon as he could. Ragnok allowed Harry to absorb this before he continued, "As the Scion of a Noble house you are allowed certain… privileges. You should have been made aware of this as soon as you entered the magical world. Frankly, as it has been kept hidden from you seems to be more by design than accident, I would choose my friends carefully."

Hermione's eyes instantly hardened as the understood the subtle hint in the goblin's words. Harry simply nodded before asking, "What are these privileges?"

Ragnok eyed Harry intently again. Harry was beginning to wonder if this was a conference, or more of an interview, before the goblin continued, "There are many, some more obvious than others. Most of them aren't truly available to you until you are at least fourteen years of age; primary among them, your ancestral seat on The Wizengamot."

Harry eyed the goblin carefully as the pieces began to settle into his brain. Each piece separately might not mean much, but together things seemed to paint a pretty grim picture n Harry's mind. Following the bond Harry felt similar feelings coming from Hermione. Somebody was trying to control him. By extension somebody was trying to control THEM. Hermione's frown slowly turned into a scowl as she drew her conclusions.

"Sir," she began, "whose responsibility should it have been to inform Harry of his noble status?"

The goblin grinned again flashing his jagged teeth, "It should have been the responsibility of his magical guardian, of course."

"Who exactly IS my magical guardian?" Harry asked, a bit of his underlying anger showing through.

Ragnok turned and opened the filing cabinet Griphook had used earlier. Removing another parchment from it he glanced it over before laying it between them. "Yours is a most peculiar case Harry. Your parents will was never found it seems. The same solicitor who perished the night before your parents death would likely have it arranged, but of record of a will was found in his offices. As such you were given to the only living relatives you have. As they are muggles, you fall into the same by-laws as a muggle-born. As such it is the current Headmaster's responsibility to assume your magical guardianship as soon as you were accepted at Hogwarts."

Harry blinked. It was the same conclusion he'd already reached, but somehow, hearing it was nearly too much to handle. Harry took a deep breath trying to still all of the emotions flying through him as Hermione took control of the conversation.

"Ragnok, if I may be as formal as my husband, are there any laws that say Dumbledore HAD to inform Harry of his status?" she asked.

"Unfortunately no. At least, not until he turns thirteen. The wording of the law simply says it is the magical guardian's duty to inform the child before he reaches his age of majority. Normally seventeen, but as Harry is the last living member of his family line, he is entitled to his full inheritance at fourteen. This is part of why I felt honor-bound to inform him of this. When Griphook informed me that Master Potter, Harry, was unfamiliar with his assets I naturally became curious as to what else he hadn't been told. The Potters are one of the banks biggest accounts, and they have been unyieldingly… sympathetic… to goblins in the past. I could not in good conscious ignore this," Ragnok answered frowning grimly.

"We thank you," Harry said regaining his senses, "and we have a lot to think on now. Is there anything else I should be made aware of at this moment?"

Ragnok shook his head and stood to leave, "Not at the moment Harry, but if you should have any need to speak with me simply request it. Understandably I am a busy goblin, but if I am available then I shall meet with you."

Harry nodded as the chieftain and his guards left in a reverse order to how they arrived. Griphook sat back down behind the desk visibly shaken by the transaction that had just occurred. "Master Potter…"

"Harry, just Harry," Harry interrupted.

"Harry then. I will now explain a few things more in depth to you. Normally, even a Scion of a noble house, would be unable to have access to their family vaults until they are fourteen. However due to the bonding of you and your mate, you are legally an adult in the eyes of the Goblin Nation. Goblin's hold family as very sacred you see. As you are married, you have a family you need to provide for, so that is why your account has been opened to you at such an early age. Located in this box, is the key to your family vault, as well as the secure and permanent portkeys to your family holding. These portkeys are linked to the family only, and as such only you, and your mate can use them." The goblin handed over a medium sized box which Harry opened gingerly. Inside was an old battered key, which Harry put into his pocket, and six identical rubies. Each ruby had a label underneath it which Harry guessed gave the name of the property and password to activate the portkeys. Closing the box he handed it to Hermione to hold.

"Griphook, may I ask a question?" Harry asked.

"Of course Harry, whether you realize it or not you just made me your wizarding account manager, which I should say, I am honored by. Anytime you have any need of assistance you just need to ask for me. As I am the ONLY wizarding account manager in Gringott's, I'll always be available to you. Also as this is now going to be my sole position and job I assure you I'll have plenty of time to watch the markets for profitable stocks and such," Griphook said with a slightly evil grin.

Harry returned the grin before answering, "Am I to assume that my Trust vault is filled to the twenty-five hundred Galleon maximum on a regular basis?"

"Yes, Harry, every month it is refilled. This essentially acts as a monthly allowance for all your personal needs," Griphook answered.

Harry thought for a moment. "I wish to setup and identical second trust vault. Same twenty-five hundred limit, on the same refill schedule, for my wife Hermione."

"Harry NO!" Hermione said speaking up for the first time since this whole meeting began, "I don't need or want your money!"

Harry shook his head at Hermione, "No Hermione I'm doing this. The goblins have the right of it, you're my wife now, and I need to support you. It's either this or I split the Family Vault in half and divide it between us."

Hermione huffed loudly and crossed her arms, "I guess there's no arguing with you then?"

Harry shook his head, "No, you might not look at it this way, but try to see it from my point of view. You're my wife, albeit unusual circumstances, and you're family now. We're responsible for each other now, and what's mine is yours."

Hermione tried to frown but Harry could have sworn there was a smirk hiding just in the corner of her lips.

Harry nodded at Griphook who pulled a piece of parchment from one of the drawers on the desk. After a few signatures and another drop of blood each, a key appeared on the parchment. Harry handed it to Hermione who placed it in one of her pockets.

"Is there anything else I can do for you Harry?" Griphook asked as he filed away the paperwork for the new vault.

"Is there any way we can access our money remotely?" Harry asked.

Nodding the goblin reach into yet another drawer of the desk and pulled out two identical money pouches. Harry added a drop of blood inside his and Hermione did the same inside of hers as the goblin explained them.

"These hold two hundred Galleons at any given moment. There is a fifteen minute refill initiated after any withdrawal from them. If you need to make a purchase of over two hundred Galleons then most places will accept a Bank-Draft from the name Potter."

Harry attached the pouch to his robes and started thinking about anything else he might need to do. He still needed to visit his Family Vault, but he'd try to do that this summer sometime. He was about to say his farewell's when he had another idea. "Griphook can I ask a favor?"

"You know you may Harry," Griphook said grinning once again.

"Can you make me two fully detailed bank statements? Send one to me at Hogwarts and send another to my wife's parents in London? I trust you fully to act as solicitor for my account, but I would like to go over it myself so I can understand it better." Harry said as he stood.

"Of course Harry, I have already intended to send one to you, but I shall also forward another to the Granger residence. Oh and one last suggestion? The portkey you have will work anywhere in Diagon Alley, might I suggest a quick trip to Flourish and Blott's? I'd recommend picking up a book or two about wizarding customs, goblin customs, and maybe a few about wizarding laws. Make sure at least one of them has information on emancipation laws, as that may be something you should look into. Knowledge is power after all. Don't mistake me, you acted honorably today considering, but knowing customs never hurts."

Harry nodded as he led Hermione towards the door, "Thank you Griphook, I may just do that."


Harry and Hermione walked the aisles in Hermione's favorite store in the world for a while when Harry suddenly had an idea. With a quick kiss and an "I'll be back." Harry slipped out the door and wandered up the street looking for the shops he needed. His first stop was 'Elisha's Enchanting' where he bought a pair of Bottomless Book-bags. These were enchanted with 'undetectable extention charms' along with 'featherlight charms' and various charms to prevent theft. Then he made his way to the Diagon branch of 'Madam Jenkin's Just-So Jewelry'.

He was greeted at the door by a lovely young woman named Jessyca, "Anything I can help you with dearie?"

"Maybe, it depends. Can I ask first how much you value discretion with your customers?" Harry asked innocently.

Jessyca smiled at him genuinely, adopting a more professional attitude, "I assure you sir, if you need discretion then your visit will be as if you were never here. We get all sorts through here, young lords and ladies buying trinket's for secret lovers. It's a well-known fact that discretion is the simplest and most complete service we can provide."

Satisfied with her answer Harry glanced along the row of rings in the jeweler's case. Noticing his glance she proceeded to offer her opinion, "You seem a bit young to be looking for an engagement ring dearie, so can I assume you're looking for something more like a promise ring?"

Harry nodded with a sly smile on his face, wondering what the woman would think if she'd known he was already married. "Yes exactly, I'm hoping to find a small simple band with perhaps an emerald on it. I'll need it to be un-noticeable as well to anyone but my lady and myself. I want it to be elegant yet simple, after all someday I'm hoping to propose properly, and I don't need something that'll outshine THAT ring."

Jessyca grinned and pulled out a rack of rings that Harry hadn't noticed before, odd because he'd been looking right where she'd reached for it moments ago. He looked over the rings until he found the perfect one. It was a thin platinum band with a solitaire emerald surrounded by the tiniest most fragile looking diamonds he'd ever seen. It was petite and perfect and fifty-eight Galleons later, it was his. It was when he was digging in his pouch that the expected reaction occurred.

"You're Harry Potter!" Jessyca nearly screamed, noticing the scar for the first time.

Harry sighed deeply laying the Galleons on the counter, "Yes ma'am, and that is exactly the reason I asked for some discretion…"

"Sorry…" she whispered still clearly in awe.

"I understand, but I hope 'you' understand. I'd prefer to not read about me purchasing a simple ring in the paper tomorrow, especially considering I plan on using this shop extensively in the future…" Harry trailed off letting the girl process his promise.

"Oh no sir, won't hear a peep from me. My Mum is the owner, and she'd never forgive me for losing such a promising customer. I'm sorry, truly, it's just not every day I sell a ring to Harry Potter," she answered quickly. "I meant what I said Mr. Potter, and I promise to handle this, and any future transactions, very discreetly."

With a small nod he left and headed back to Flourish and Blott's. Hermione smiled as he entered holding the book bags and with the ring secreted away in his pocket. Hermione had a small stack of books balanced on top of the portkey-box she was still carrying from Gringott's. She'd found three books on old wizarding customs. One rather thick book about wizarding laws which, had a section on emancipation. Sadly she only found one book on goblin customs, which annoyed her to no end.

"You'd think there would be more information on goblins. I mean they guard our money, why wouldn't we want to learn how to treat them respectfully…" she muttered

"I'm not sure," Harry answered. "Maybe it's another one of those things that is usually passed down from family."

Hermione frowned deeply but nodded her acceptance of his reasoning. Overall it was a good load so she paid the elderly man at the till. Harry took the portkey box and put it in his bookbag and handed Hermione her bag. She slid the books inside and went to heft it up, nearly stumbling as she did.

"Sorry," Harry explained, grinning, "It's charmed to be weightless. Should have warned you I guess."

Hermione simply chuckled at her own clumsiness as they made their way to the exit.

"Anywhere else you wanna go before we head back love?" Harry asked taking Hermione's hand as they walked outside the shop. Hermione looked up and down the Alley curiously. It had been a long day already it seemed. They'd only been gone a few hours but it was a very heavy and busy few hours. Hermione shook her head but also made no indication that she was ready to leave. They walked down the alley looking in on the various shops until Hermione spotted Madam Jenkins. Hermione grinned and fingered her Unicorn pendant lovingly, but made no attempt at entering the store.

Harry jerked his head when they got to 'Elisha's Enchanting' and led Hermione inside.

"Here's where I found the book-bags love," Harry explained pointing at the pegs along the wall, which held various forms of purses and bags and such.

"Back again?" asked the aged witch who'd sold the bags to Harry earlier as she came in from a back room.

"Yes'm, just wanted to show my girlfriend where I got them from. She was buying books earlier and I figured she'd need something to carry 'em," Harry explained.

"Aren't you considerate," the old woman said grinning, "Should keep him young miss, hard to find a considerate man Merlin knows."

Hermione smiled as Harry blushed warmly, "I'll think about it."

The old woman grinned at Hermione's teasing, "Well if you all need any help just let me know."

The young couple walked around the shop for a bit, but ultimately didn't find anything they needed at the moment. With a warm smile and a wave goodbye they made their way back out to the alley.

They walked around for about another hour, simply losing themselves in their own thoughts. Harry guessed that Hermione had been feeling a little cramped in their partitioned off corner of the hospital wing. He had to admit it did feel nice to just be walking around with no worries. Harry smiled as they finally made their way full circuit back to the doors of Gringott's.

"Ready to go love?" Harry asked.

"Not really Harry, but we'd better. I'm expecting Dumbledore to be rather nosey about all this when we get back," she answered frowning slightly.

"Why didn't you want him to come with us exactly Hermione?" Harry asked as he fished the portkey medallion from his pocket. "I mean I'm glad, especially with everything we learned, but what made you distrust him before this?"

"Well I'm not sure exactly Harry. Ever since I found out he'd been hiding things from us, I just wasn't sure we could trust him, you know? I know he thought it was for the best, but I think we're smart enough to figure things out for ourselves. Now that we know he hid more than the knowledge about our bond from us, I'm doubly glad." she said smiling warmly up at Harry.

"I wonder why he didn't tell me about any of that before. I mean I kinda understand the bond thing, he said he didn't want us to feel 'forced' to be together. But what was his reasoning for keeping me in the dark about my lordship or whatever you call it?" Harry mused aloud.

"I'm not sure Harry, but I plan on being real careful when we explain everything to him when we get back. I get the feeling we should keep it to ourselves for now…" she trailed off.

Harry nodded silently. Wrapping his arm tightly around Hermione he held the medallion out for her to touch. Firmly saying "Gringott's" they portkeyed away, leaving Diagon Alley behind.


As soon as they got back Hermione and Harry were engulfed in a massive four-way hug with Hermione's parents. Fawkes had disappeared as soon as they arrived and Harry knew Dumbledore would be joining them soon. Stashing their new book bags under their bed he turned and spoke quickly to Dan.

"Dan, we just got back from talking with the goblins. I'm not really good with banking matters so I asked them to send you a copy of my statement… I know you said we could ask you guys for anything, and I really hate to start asking favors already, but can you look over it for me? Maybe go over it with me this summer and help me understand it better?"

Dan nodded and smiled at his new son-in-law. "Of course Harry, I'd love to help you. I'm not sure how things work in the wizarding world, but I imagine that it's not much different than our own banks. Money is money after all, be it Galleons or Pounds."

Harry nodded but their conversation was cut off as Dumbledore came into the room. Eyeing the young couple as they sheepishly made their way back to their bed he smiled before beginning, "Good, you all made it back safely I see?"

Harry nodded before answering, choosing his words carefully, "Yeah, it was really boring truth be told. Basically they consider me an adult because I have a family I have to support. Normally an heir isn't given his vault until he comes of age, but because I'm married now they opened it to me. I don't really understand it at all, but they said they'd help me find a solicitor to manage it for now," Harry half-lied. They did offer that but he felt Dumbledore didn't need to know the details.

Dumbledore nodded his understanding before continuing, "I suspected as much. Don't forget if you need any help with your financial needs you can simply seek me out. It's a heavy burden for a child your age to have to deal with; I might be able to recommend a solicitor or two myself." Dumbledore smiled broadly.

"Thanks sir, but they said they'd take care of it for me," Harry replied hoping the headmaster would let it go.

"Good then, How are thing's going with the bond?" Dumbledore asked.

"Good sir," Hermione answered, "I can't really say the book has been extremely helpful though… I will say it would have been nice to know some of it in advance, but really it hasn't shed any new light on anything for us. Most of the stuff in it is stuff we could have reasoned out ourselves…"

Dumbledore frowned before replying, "I do hope you will forgive my oversight on the matter. I hope you understand my reasoning… I only want what's best for young Harry. His parents were dear friends of mine."

"I suppose…" Hermione answered simply.

"Now then, I will leave you to enjoy the rest of the evening. Remember to practice with your magic, arrangements are nearly complete in regards to your housing arrangements, and I would like to get you back in class as soon as possible," Dumbledore said before leaving the room.

Harry and Hermione shared a disappointed glance at each other. Harry realized he and Hermione were right, Dumbledore did seem awfully interested in Harry's, rather, their affairs. Frowning Harry turned and looked at Dan, who seemed to be thinking rather curiously on the matter his self. Shaking his head Harry and Hermione began retelling the story of what happened at Gringott's, only leaving out the bit about Harry being noble, to the Granger's. Abby gasped when Hermione admitted exactly how rich Harry was. Dan just grinned and nodded along asking the ocassional question.

"Well Harry I think you did just fine," Dan said as the couple finished their story. "The sooner you get rid of the dead stocks and re-invest the money from them, the better off you are. If the goblins are the center of the wizarding commerce, then I doubt you'd find a better group to handle your finances. Still I'll go over the statement and help you understand better yourself this summer. Any young man needs to understand these things for his self of course, at least enough to know if you're being ripped off or not."

Harry thanked Dan again and the conversation shifted on to dealing with their bond and the future. "So, the Headmaster seems most adamant that you return to Privet Drive this summer Harry," Abby began, "and we wanted to know your thoughts on it."

Harry shook his head as he answered, "No, absolutely not. I know that me and Hermione have to be together, and there is no way I'll let her suffer those idiots."

Hermione grinned and gave Harry a quick peck on the cheek. "Don't worry Harry, I have a feeling it won't come to that. Don't forget we're married now, we have certain rights we didn't before. I don't think Dumbledore can force you to stay there anymore."

Abby smiled at the couple before continuing, "Harry of course you are welcome to stay with us. We've had a few discussions with the headmaster now, and we've come to accept this bond fully. As long as you're both happy then we won't try to interfere in any way."

"You told me how unfairly you were treated before Harry, we'll do everything in our power to make sure you don't have to go back there again," Dan added.

"Thanks," Harry said, blushing a little.

"It's not a problem, and even though you're filthy rich we still have an agreement to settle. Don't think I'm going to let you simply buy your way outta some manual labor with me this summer," Dan said grinning.

Harry chuckled as he answered, "Wouldn't dream of it, honestly I look forward to it."

"Well guys we have to go, and don't worry about the Dursleys, we have a few things to look into ourselves. I think we might just take ourselves a little trip to Diagon Alley and do some research ourselves," Abby said with a familiar gleam in her eyes. "Where do you think our little girl got her love of research from?"

Harry grinned as Hermione blushed lightly. They all hugged and said their good-byes. House elves brought some dinner up and the two ate in silence as they relived the details of the day in their minds. They comfortably shared their thoughts on certain things using their new telepathic link, learning more and more about how the connection worked.

I wonder why the headmaster is being so secretive, Harry wondered.

I'm not sure. But the more I think on it the more it eats at me, Hermione thought back.

I just don't know, and why the Dursley's? Hagrid told me he was the one that took me to them. I know the law said I had to go to my closest relatives, but something still feels off about it.

I wonder what your parent's will said? It's well recorded that they were in hiding because they somehow knew 'he' was after them. I'd assume they had a will written out, Hermione mused.

Harry just shrugged as he took another bite of his dinner. It really had been a long day, and at the end it seemed he had more questions than answers.

I don't know…

Harry? There's something I'd like to talk about… I know it won't be easy, but it's something we have both been putting off.

Harry sighed laying back already knowing what she wanted to discuss. Hermione curled up laying her head on his chest and snuggling into him.

"The memories I saw when we were bonding… were those the worst?" Hermione finally asked.

"Yes and no, they were the first I think. Some of them were the only, like the one about my parents, I never asked about them again. But the one about Dudley hitting me while Vernon egged him on was the first time that had happened. It was all because he broke his new television. He blamed it on me, saying I tore it up while they were out. Dumb really considering I was locked in my cupboard for three days before he broke it. I'd accidentally beat his grade in math class, anytime I outdid him I'd get punished and accused of cheating. I think the bond wanted us each to understand why we are who we are."

Hermione sent him a mental hug and Harry pushed away his worries. No need to dwell on thing's he couldn't change at the moment, "Well that'll never happen with me and my family, you know that right?"

"Yeah," he softly replied a small hitch in his voice.

"Oh Harry!" Hermione said pulling him tighter against her. She knew if she looked up she'd see tears in his eyes, but she also knew he wouldn't want her to see it, so she kept her head on his chest. "I HATE them for what they did to you."

Harry took a deep breath trying to control his emotions, and exhaled a slow shaky breath. "It's okay Hermione, from the looks of things I may not have to worry about it anymore, regardless of how bad Dumbledore wants me to go there. I wonder why he talked to your parents about it? He knows me and you have to be together, there's no way I'm letting you go there."

Hermione nodded against his chest as he changed the topic, "What about your memories? They seemed happy for the most part, but were you really bullied like that?"

"Constantly," Hermione answered, "but it didn't really bother me. I guess it's just part of being me. I've always been a bookworm, ever since I can remember. It's not all learning either, although learning does give me a bit of a… I don't know… a rush I guess?"

"Whaddya mean?" Harry asked.

"Well I read some fiction too sometimes. I just enjoy reading, it's like a good story can take me away, you know? If a book is good enough you can get lost in it, like at the pool. I know they wanted me to go swim and play, but to me I WAS having fun. Sometimes I could relate to the people in the stories better than people around me…"

Harry shifted pulling Hermione up for a kiss, "I understand I think… Sometimes I would day-dream, and if I thought hard enough I could just lose myself for a while. Think about having a real family with my Mum and Dad."

Hermione nodded, "Exactly, I'm glad you understand Harry, I really do love you, you know that don't you? I don't think it's just the bond either. I feel like I was born to love you Harry. I feel like this is everything my life has been leading up to. The first time I looked in your eyes, from that first moment, I knew. Of course my logic side tried to tell me I was being crazy, that love at first sight doesn't exist, but I knew."

Harry smiled and slipped his hand into his pocket pulling out the little box. He'd planned on waiting and setting up something perfect, but somehow he knew that now was the time.

"I think I understand perfectly Hermione. I've never known love, and likely never would have if it wasn't for you. The moment I saw you, I felt it too. I didn't know what to call it, but I've never felt so… warm in all my life. It was like feeling the sunlight for the first time after sitting in the shade. I know that this bond threw a monkey wrench in the order of things but that doesn't really matter now. All that matters is I love you.

Harry slipped out of her embrace and showed her the box for the first time, "I know I promised to try to do things right, and I meant that. This ring is a symbol to always remind you that I'm going to do my best to do it right," he said opening the box and presenting it to her.

Hermione smiled with tears in her eyes.

"Oh Harry, it's beautiful…" she whispered softly, taking the box from his hands and examining it.

Harry grinned and pulled her into a hug. Giving her a slow deep kiss he slipped the ring out of the box. Grabbing her right hand Harry slid it onto her ring finger as he made his vow, "I promise you Hermione Granger that regardless of the bond, and regardless of us being technically married, I'm not going to make you lose that part of your life. Someday I'll ask your father for your hand in marriage. Someday I'll ask YOU for your hand in marriage. And if you should agree; then I'll give you the best wedding you can imagine. I Love you."

Hermione couldn't speak so chose instead to tackle Harry back down into the bed and Hug him as hard as she could.


A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and the next will be up as soon as I can get to it. At absolute latest it should be a week late tops. Happy Holidays everyone!