Chapter 10
The Will Reading
Note: The portion of this story when it comes to Holly/Lily is not completely over yet. I have a good way to make the whole thing considering them less confusing, and more believable, instead of a mid-story change that many people have suggested is happening. It has to do with Lily's portrait - as some reviewers guessed, the memory loss complication also has to do with this. Holly's sudden appearance with the gifts Death gave her totally caused a bit of a paradox that even Death didn't see coming. That is all I will say for now. Unfortunately, due to the storyline behind the portraits, it won't be answered for a while. But I assure you, there will be a good reason why things are happening this way with Holly/Lily. All I can ask is that you wait for those answers.
August 4th, 1991
As Harry walked down the cobbled walkway of Diagon Alley, still hand-in-hand with his best friend, he noticed Holly kept looking back over her shoulder every now and then. Harry looked over his shoulder and searched around for whatever might have caught Holly's eye.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, when he could see nothing suspicious.
"I don't know," Holly said, frowning, "I have this overwhelming feeling that we're being followed."
Harry frowned. "You placed the glamor and notice-me-not charm on me, didn't you?"
"Yeah," Holly said.
"Well, then nobody will recognize me," Harry said, "and to everyone, you're just a random shopper."
"Harry, the charms are not infallible," Holly said, "We learned that from Ollivander."
Harry sighed; he couldn't argue with that. "Come on. Once we get inside the bank, we'll be safe."
Holly smiled and squeezed Harry's hand. They walked, a little bit more speed in their step, past the shops and toward the majestic white building. Soon, they were inside the Atrium, and were immediately met by a Goblin.
"Lord Potter, Lady Ravenclaw," the Goblin said, softly so that only Harry and Holly heard him, "I am Bogrod, assistant to Keeper Ragnok. He is waiting for you. However, there is still some time before the Will Reading. You are the first of the expected guests. Is there anything you need? Drinks? Refreshments?"
"I am fine right now," Harry said, and Holly nodded in agreement with him.
"Very well," Bogrod said, "Follow me."
Still hand-in-hand with Holly, Harry followed Bogrod through the Atrium, and through a doorway into an adjoining corridor. The hall looked less like the Atrium and surrounding rooms, and more like the Vault tunnels. The floor was made of the same smooth stone that laid outside the Vaults. The walls were rocky with flaming torches providing the light, though the lighting was still brighter than Harry thought it would be. Bogrod stopped halfway down the corridor, turned around and motioned toward a door. A small blackboard on the door read Potter Will Reading – 9:00 AM. On the ground in the doorway, a thick golden line of light shone.
"This line is made of Goblin magic," Bogrod said, when he noticed Harry looking at it, "The only humans allowed to cross this line are those named by the Goblin who created it, in this case Keeper Ragnok. This is so the Reading will go uninterrupted. You two are welcomed, of course, and may cross into the room."
Harry took this as permission to enter, and he led Holly into the room. The room reminded Harry of the meeting room he and Holly had been in with Ragnok on his birthday, though it looked different. Like the corridor outside the room, the room's floor, walls and ceiling were smooth stone or rocky. Torches and lanterns lit up the room. Another difference was that there was no large table for the guests to sit around. Instead there were two rows of chairs sitting near a raised platform with a chair and small table. Ragnok was sitting at the table.
"Keeper Ragnok," Bogrod said, as he followed Harry and Holly into the room, "Lord Potter and Lady Ravenclaw have arrived."
"Greetings, my Friends!" Ragnok said, as he stood from his chair in respect. "Thank you for arriving early. I had planned a discussion with the two of you to prepare the events of today."
"Greetings, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said; Holly echoed him.
"Please, take a seat," Ragnok said.
Harry and Holly sat down in two chairs in the center of the front row. Bogrod walked over to Ragnok and whispered something in his ear. Ragnok frowned, then nodded and motioned for Bogrod to leave. The Goblin left the room, and Ragnok turned back to Harry and Holly.
"He is now waiting for our guests," he said. "While we wait, we will use our time wisely. Now, did you have any problems arriving here today?
Holly frowned and nodded. "As we were walking through Diagon Alley, I felt as if we were being watched, and maybe followed. I put glamors and a notice-me-not charm on Harry, so I doubt anyone recognized him. Maybe I was just being silly."
"Unfortunately, you were correct to begin with," Ragnok said, "Bogrod informed me that, according to one of our security that were keeping watch along the alley, you were indeed being followed. The man who was following you, his name is Alastor Moody." Holly gasped. Ragnok raised an eyebrow. "You've heard of him?"
"He is an Auror," Holly said. "One of their best. Highly paranoid, but it makes him more fierce. He has this magical eye, and – oh, no!"
"Yes," Ragnok said, "His magical eye could see through the charms on Harry. You are correct about that part. He is no longer an Auror, he was forced into retirement at the end of this previous year. I fear that he was here looking for Harry."
"And he found me," Harry said, "Why was he looking for me?"
"I can only guess," Ragnok said, "But I fear my guess is quite accurate. Once again, Albus Dumbledore is interfering in your life. He and Moody are old friends. Alastor Moody is highly skilled, especially as a tracker. I fear Dumbledore set him after you to find you."
Harry was about to repeat his last question, but Holly squeezed his hand.
"I think it is obvious why, Harry," she said. "Dumbledore does not know you are Emancipated. He does not know you opened your Will, and found the information in there. He probably expects you to be back at your relatives' house. Maybe he checked the house and found you weren't there. Obviously Hagrid informed him that he lost you at Gringotts on your birthday. Dumbledore has probably been searching for you since then."
"He expects me to go back to the Dursleys?" Harry asked; then he groaned. "Of course he does. He wants me alone and friendless, and hoping I seek him out as a mentor when I go to Hogwarts! He wants me to go back there – back to that!"
"I doubt that would be the reason he would voice," Holly said, "But yes, I am sure you are right."
"Well, that isn't going to happen," Harry said, "We have to stop this Moody guy!"
"Thankfully, I already have a plan for that, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "As the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Madam Amelia Bones was once his boss. She may still have some persuasion over him. You have a few topics to discuss with her. Just add this one to the agenda."
Harry nodded. "Probably the best idea we have. Thank you for the suggestion."
"You are welcome," Ragnok said. "Now, here is the expected schedule for this morning's events. Hopefully you won't be here as long as you were on your birthday. I expect the two of you have plans today. When our guests arrive, I will perform the Will Reading. There are only three names being read off today, so it shouldn't take very long. You will have plenty of time before and after to introduce yourselves to the guests. Please leave any long discussions until after the Reading, however.
"After the Will Reading, I will ask Augusta Longbottom and her grandson, Neville, to meet with their Vault Keeper, where Neville will take his Inheritance Test. If we are correct, the Heir of Hufflepuff will be revealed. During that ceremony, Neville will receive a special gift. Because you are involved with this particular portion, I do not feel any reasons not to give you this information. Neville will receive Helga Hufflepuff's ancient goblet. The goblet was found in one of our Vaults yesterday, and had the very same curse that lay in your scar, Lord Potter."
"You found another one then?" Holly asked.
"Yes," Ragnok said, with a smile, "And we will be hunting another one tomorrow."
"Excellent," Holly said.
Harry knew this was one of the secrets that Holly was keeping to herself for now. He was okay with this. He hadn't told her all of his secrets. They were both allowed to keep secrets as long as it didn't completely involve the other. He knew it had to do something with Voldemort, and that the man couldn't be defeated until these curses were destroyed, but Harry already had so much to deal with at the moment, he didn't need any more on his shoulders, as long as it was being dealt with somewhere else.
"Indeed," Ragnok said, "While Neville is taking his test, this will give you ample time to speak with Madame Bones. I know you have much to speak to her about."
"Yeah," Holly said, and Harry nodded.
"On the subject of Sirius Black," Ragnok said, "I will gladly, with your permission, reveal the information regarding Mr. Black and the godfather ritual to Amelia Bones."
"Whatever you need to do to help my godfather is alright with me," Harry said.
"Very well," Ragnok said. "When ten-o-clock approaches, we will go to a meeting room where Molly Weasley will join us. However, she will not immediately notice you. The room has a secret adjoining room, with a false wall. You will be able to stand in this room, and, through your side of the wall, watch the meeting with Molly Weasley take place. If you wish, I can call for you at an appropriate time to reveal yourself, if you have anything you need to say to her."
"You probably should plan on it," Harry said, "The meeting may bring up questions I want to ask."
"It will be done," Ragnok said. "Security Goblins will be on hand in case it gets rough."
"Do you expect it to get rough?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not in the physical sense," Ragnok said, "I fear it may get very verbal. Molly Prewett Weasley is known to be quite fierce with her tongue. It is only a precaution to have the Security there; with them in the room, we might be able to quell such reaction from her."
"Alright," Harry said, nodding.
"Now," Ragnok said, "On your birthday, you requested a list of everything in the Potter Family Vault."
He snapped his fingers, and a large box appeared. Harry recognized it as the same box he had seen during the initial meeting. Ragnok took out what resembled a journal.
"This book is unique in the sense that there are very few and that they were invented by Goblins," Ragnok said, "It is used for those customers who have large Vaults such as yours. It has two options to search for particular items in the Vault. The first is obvious, you can read through the book – a copy has been made specifically for you to take home, and only you can read it unless you give someone else permission. The second option is to give the name of a particular item. If such an item is in your Vault, it will appear in this book."
"Wow, that is quite handy," Harry said, "Thank you!"
They were interrupted by the odd sound of a Goblin clearing their throat. Harry and Holly turned and saw that Bogrod had returned.
"Introducing Xenophilius Lovegood, and his daughter, Luna," Bogrod said.
Harry and Holly both stood as two people walked into the room. The first was a gentleman in his mid-thirties or early forties. Xenophilius Lovegood had long blonde-hair, though there were touches of grey in it as well. He had a quirky expression on his face, almost as if he appeared to be permanently amused. He wore dress robes that were colored a deep golden.
The young girl beside him had a dreamy stare across her face and she seemed to be staring directly at him with a pleasant smile. She had bright-blonde hair that went down past her shoulders. She was wearing a yellow body-length dress with pink and blue flowers printed across the fabric. As she walked across the room toward Harry and Holly, he saw that she was wearing ear-rings that appeared to have some kind of small vegetable or fruit on them, possibly radishes. She also wore a necklace that had soda bottle caps lined down the front of it. When she approached Harry, she cocked her head to the side and looked at him.
"Hello Harry Potter," she said, "You don't look anything like the books describe you as. My friend will be quite disappointed."
"If you're talking about the books I think you're referring to," Harry said, "I'm afraid those are only fantasy. When I was a toddler, I definitely did not tackle a troll."
"Did you fall in love with a faerie?" Luna asked.
"Never met one," Harry said.
"Oh," Luna said, "I was kind of hoping your friend here was part-faerie."
"I don't think so," Holly said, "I'm Holly, by the way."
"I am Luna Lovegood," Luna said, she cocked her head back as her father approached, "And this is my Daddy, Xenophilius."
"Xeno for short, Mr. Potter," Xenophilius said, "Or is it Lord?"
"Just Harry," Harry said.
"Harry, then," Xenophilius said, "It is wonderful to meet a fellow Quester."
"A what?"
"We hunt for the Hallows of course," Xenophilius said, "Recognizable only to those who wear the mark, as is seen on your chest."
"This odd triangle and circle?" Harry asked, looking at the crest, "That is the crest of the House of Peverell, my ancestor."
Xenophilius looked gobsmacked. "Fantastic. A Descendant of the Three Brothers!"
"I'm sorry, sir," Harry said, "I only recently learned of my ancestry. I don't know anything about the Peverells."
"I assume you have a Library at your residence?" Xenophilius said; Harry nodded; "Search for The Tales of Beedle The Bard. A children's fairy-tale book, though it has some real stories in it. The Tale of the Three Brothers is a true story. If you do not have the book, buy it! Read the story, and learn about your ancestors! This is wonderful! It is a pleasure to meet an actual descendant of the Three! Proof that they truly existed!"
Xenophilius chuckled then walked over to a chair in the second row and sat down. Harry blinked, trying to figure out what had just happened, then looked back at Luna.
"Don't be too alarmed about Daddy," Luna said, "He has his quirks and obsessions. This is one of many, but one of his most important. Today is a good day for him. He doesn't have many these days. He has trouble adjusting to reality ever since Mum passed away."
"Oh, well, I am happy to help," Harry said. "I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I wish I could have met her."
"Oh, but you did meet her!" Luna said, "The same day we originally met. You don't remember?"
"Er... no I do not," Harry said, "When was this?"
"You were only a baby," Luna said, "I was in my mother's tummy. She introduced us."
Harry blinked. "I... I see. Well, I am happy to – err – reacquaint myself with you. I hope we can be good friends?"
Luna blinked dreamily, then smiled. "I'd like that very much, Harry Potter. And you as well, Holly."
She smiled, then walked over to her father and sat down with him. Holly turned back to Harry, after watching the odd girl.
"I have memories of her mother," Holly whispered to him, "She looks like Pandora, but she's very... odd. Pandora was... not."
"Her mother's death must have hit them both hard," Harry said, "Hopefully we can help."
Holly nodded, and was about to reply, but was interrupted once again by Bogrod clearing his throat. Harry turned back around.
"Introducing Madame Amelia Bones and her niece and ward, Susan," Ragnok said, "Introducing Lady Regent Augusta Longbottom and her grandson, Neville.
Amelia and Susan entered the room first. Amelia wore official looking robes, possibly something she usually wore during her job at the Ministry. She was a lot younger than Harry had expected the Head of a Department to be. She had dark red hair that ended at her neck, and a monocle sat over one eye. Susan was about as tall as Holly, and Harry realized she was one of their future classmates. She appeared to be quite shy – maybe because of him? He hoped she wasn't one of those girls who was going to immediately take a fancy to him because of the whole Boy-Who-Lived thing.
Following them were Augusta and Neville Longbottom. Augusta was a tall, elderly woman who appeared to be quite serious in manner and stature. She wore black formal robes, and a hat that – Harry had to double check to make sure – appeared to have a stuffed vulture on top of it. The young boy beside her looked quite the opposite of his grandmother. Neville was about the same height as Harry, and a bit pudgy around the middle. He looked timid and fearful, but Harry could tell he was trying to hide it, as if trying his best to appear brave. When Neville caught his eye, the boy's eyes widened.
Fortunately, Harry didn't react, because Amelia and Susan had approached him.
"Harry Potter," Amelia said, sizing him up, "You look so like your father. It is as if I am staring at the little boy I met on the Hogwarts Express all those years ago."
"It is nice to meet you, Madam Bones," Harry said, "I've already heard much about you. In fact, I wish to have a discussion with you after the Reading. As I mentioned in my letter, I have some very important topics I wish to discuss that we may both profit from. Your position may be of some help to me."
Amelia raised her eyebrows, looking rather curious. She then sobered up, and cleared her throat.
"Very well," she said, "This is my niece and ward, Susan. She will be your classmate come September."
Harry smiled at Susan, who blushed a deep red. "Nice to meet you, Susan."
"Hi!" Susan said, in a slightly squeaky voice, then she cleared her throat. "I mean... nice to meet you as well." She turned to Holly and frowned slightly; Harry didn't know what was going on there. "And you...?"
"Holly Evans," Holly said.
"Evans?" Amelia asked, then looked from Holly to Harry, "Any relation to...?"
"Distant, I think," Holly said, "Harry and I are of the same Minor House. I'm an orphan, however. My parents died when I was young."
"I see," Amelia said.
"Nice to meet both of you," Holly said.
Amelia smiled, and she and Susan walked over to a couple chairs and sat down. Augusta walked toward Harry, followed closely by Neville, though again he seemed timid to come near them.
"Harry Potter," Augusta said, "I will assume it is Lord Potter now?"
"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.
"Augusta Longbottom, at your service," Augusta said, "Madame Bones was quite correct. You resemble James very much so. Those eyes – shining bright, just like your mother's. My Frank's wife, Alice, was dear friends with your mother."
"I assumed so," Harry said, with a nod, "given that Mum made her my godmother."
"Tell me, Lord Potter," Augusta said, "Since your return to our community, what have you learned about your heritage and your family?"
"Not much as of yet," Harry said, "It has only been a few days. However, the portrait of my grandfather, Charlus, informed me of the Great Alliance."
Augusta raised her eyebrow, impressed and looking rather pleased. "Excellent. Yes, the Great Alliance was important to both of our families. In fact all adults present here today were quite involved with the Alliance."
"Yes, I was told," Harry said.
"We will speak more of such things at a later time," Augusta said, "May I introduce my grandson, Neville. He will be a fellow classmate of yours come September. Come, Neville, greet Lord Potter."
Augusta stepped to the side, revealing Neville. He was currently looking at the floor. He gulped and looked up at Harry.
"H-hello, Lord P-Potter," Neville said.
"It is Harry to friends and family," Harry said, "I have learned recently that you could be labeled as one of those, and hopefully both. If things were different, we may have grown up together. Our mothers were each other's godmother. So I guess that makes us brothers in a sense."
Neville's eyes widened and looked at his grandmother, who nodded.
"That's – ahem – brilliant," Neville said.
"Come Neville," August said, "The two of you can talk more later. I am sure Keeper Ragnok wishes to begin – he probably has many things he wants to be doing."
Neville nodded timidly, smiled at Harry, who returned the smile. They, along with Holly and Augusta sat down in the same row.
"I assume we can begin, Lord Potter?" Ragnok asked; he had been watching the greetings in silent observation.
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
"Very well," Ragnok said; he snapped his fingers, and two pieces of parchment Harry recognized as the Wills appeared in front of him. Ragnok looked up and raised an eyebrow. "I, Ragnok the Sixth, Keeper of the Vaults and accounts of House Potter officially open the Last Wills and Testaments of James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Evans for the Inheritance Reading. Yes, Madam Bones?"
Harry looked over his shoulder and noticed Amelia had her hand raised.
"Forgive the interruption, Keeper Ragnok," Amelia said, "But I had heard that the Potter's Wills had been opened shortly after their deaths. If so, then this Reading is long overdue."
Harry looked back at Ragnok, whose eyes were narrowed into slits.
"Shortly after the deaths of James and Lily Potter," Ragnok said, "There was rumors of their Will be read in the Ministry of Magic. This is incorrect. If the Wills had been read, they would have not been sealed these many years. If there was anything read back then concerning James and Lily Potter's wishes, they were unofficial – a false Will, you may say."
Harry looked back at Amelia, who looked quite thoughtful. Harry knew this was something she would look into.
"I know very well what was claimed to be in the false Will," Ragnok said. "It was said that Lord Potter was to be raised by the sister of his mother, one Petunia Dursley and her husband. And that his magical guardian would be one Albus Dumbledore. Both pieces of information were false."
Harry could feel the eyes of the guests around him staring at him, though he didn't look at them in return.
"According to the Wills of both James and Lily Potter," Ragnok said, "Lord Potter was never supposed to be raised by Petunia Dursley."
"But he has been there for nearly ten years, yes?" Amelia asked then looked at Harry, "Harry?"
"That is correct," Harry said.
"I will get to the bottom of this, Harry," Amelia said, "I promise you."
"I expect that is one of a number of topics you will discuss with him," Ragnok said, "Can we continue, Madam Bones?"
"Yes, my apologies, Keeper Ragnok," Amelia said.
"Since we are on the same topic," Ragnok said, "I will list the Guardians of Harry Potter in order. Take note that these Guardians are now to be considered Mentors only since Lord Potter is considered Emancipated as of his eleventh birthday. In order of James and Lily Potter's preference: Sirius Orion Black; Alice Longbottom and her husband Frank; Amelia Bones, Pandora Lovegood, and her husband Xenophilius; and Minerva McGonagall. Again, by no means was Lord Potter ever to be raised by Petunia Dursley.."
"Pardon my interruption again," Amelia said, "Sirius Black? He was the first choice for Guardian. But he -"
"Yes, Madam Bones," Ragnok said, "You may be interested in exactly what that particular section of the Will has to say. The Will expressly states: Sirius Black – Godfather by right of 'The Godfather Ritual'."
Amelia gasped sharply, and Harry was surprised to hear Augusta whisper a curse-word.
"Yes," Ragnok said, "As you probably are well aware of, the Godfather Ritual punishes betrayals toward the godchild or his parents through pain of death. Sirius Black would not even be available to be sent to Azkaban if he betrayed Lord Potter's parents. He would have been a corpse if he was the true betrayer. Again, Madam Bones, this can be discussed further with Lord Potter after the Reading."
"Oh, it definitely will," Amelia swore; her voice betrayed her, Harry could tell she was upset by this revelation, "Please continue, Keeper Ragnok."
"In the matter of Inheritance toward the guests today," Ragnok said, "James Potter's last Will and Testament states thus:
"To Amelia Susan Bones, I give three folders of confidential information I kept regarding the followers of he who calls himself Lord Voldemort -" Ragnok paused as a few of the guests gasped or whinged at the name. " – in hopes that such information will help take down the bastards who I had vowed to hunt down myself before I was forced to hide with my family. To Susan Bones, daughter of Edgar and Sara – your parents were good friends of mine and my family. I give you G25,000 in hope you will use it toward your education and your dreams, and a life you should have spent with your dear parents. I also hope you will help to continue the Great Alliance your father and grandfather were a part of, and continue their dream of changing our world for the better.
"Lily Potter's last Will and Testament states thus:
"To my dear friend Alice Longbottom, her husband Frank and son Neville, I give a copy of my Potions Journal. You were always jealous of my skill at Potions. I pass on this information in hopes that you will use it and give it to your son so that he may use it as well. The other copy will go to my own son. To Neville Longbottom, I give G15,000 to make up for the birthday presents I cannot give my godson in my absence. I hope that, whoever raises my son will do so with you close to his heart so that our young men may grow up knowing each other and becoming good friends as we were.
"To my best friend Pandora Lovegood, her husband Xenophilius and their child, who was not yet born at the time of this Will. I give G15,000 to your dear child for their education and their future, and I hope they can grow in a world far better than that which we have had to experience. I hope my son will get to know your child and became as close as we were."
"So concludes the Inheritance portion of the Reading," Ragnok finished, "Thank you for your attendance. You may pick up the physical items you have been given. To the three children, as of today, I have collaborated with the Keepers of your Family Vaults. Three separate Trust Vaults have been opened for each of you and the money received is currently in those Vaults. You may pick up keys from your Keepers. Augusta and Neville Longbottom, Keeper Breakfist is waiting for you for your expected meeting."
Augusta stood and Neville jumped from his chair as well. The young man's face was quite pale. He seemed rather shocked to be given these gifts. Harry smiled as he knew there was more to come for the young Heir Apparent of the Longbottoms. Augusta walked over to Ragnok, took the book that he handed her then walked back over to Harry.
"Lord Potter," she said, "Expect a letter from myself over the next couple of weeks. I personally invite you to Longbottom Manor for dinner one evening. We can exchange letters to decide which night is best."
"I look forward to it," Harry said, "Will your brother Algernon be in attendance?"
Augusta looked surprised. "Perhaps. I wasn't aware you knew Algie."
"I've heard of him," Harry said. "He may be important to something I am searching for. It is something involving his job."
Augusta raised her eyebrows. "I will get in touch with him and do my best to make such a meeting possible."
"Thank you, Madam Longbottom," Harry said.
Augusta nodded, then motioned to Neville and the pair left the room. Luna walked over to Harry next.
"Daddy feels as if I should thank you personally for the money your mother has given me," Luna said, "It is quite the gift. He says that with the money we can save up, he can plan many more holidays for the two of us. That is a better gift than the money I have received. Thank you, Harry Potter. And I thank your mother as well."
"You're welcome, Luna," Harry said. "I hope we can get to know each other better soon."
"Unfortunately I am not attending Hogwarts until next year," Luna said.
"That's alright," Harry said, "We still have a few weeks until Holly and I will be heading to Hogwarts. Perhaps you can visit my home."
"I look forward to it," Luna said, "I will keep watch for your owl. I spotted her when she sent your message earlier this week. She is very beautiful."
"She is," Harry agreed.
"Daddy and I must be going," Luna said, "I will see you soon, Harry Potter. And you as well, Holly. Take care of our friend, will you?"
"I can do that," Holly said. "It was a pleasure to meet you."
"I echo the sentiment," Luna said, "Farewell."
Xenophilius passed by Harry then paused and turned to him. "I feel as if you may have better luck than I as a Quester, Lord Peverell. But I believe you have earned it more than I. They are, after all, family heirlooms. Use them well. It was a pleasure to meet you, descendant."
He smiled and followed Luna out of the room. Harry stared at the spot Xenophilius had been at. He had a feeling he would never completely understand that man.
Madam Bones cleared her throat rather loudly and Harry jumped slightly in his chair, and turned to her.
"Well, then, Mr. Potter," she said, "It seems you and I have much to discuss."
Hmm... that seems like a good spot to end the chapter at, don't you think?
I had a few problems deciding exactly what to give as gifts for the inheritors. I knew I would give the children money. I didn't know what Lily might give Pandora. So I decided instead to just give Luna money. Fun fact: If Lily had been present at Luna's birth, Harry would have a godsister as well as a godbrother. Unfortunately, Lily was in hiding.
Next chapter: A very important and big discussion with Amelia Bones, Neville Longbottom gets a few shocks, and then the long-awaited meeting with Molly Weasley! Oh, and maybe something to do with Mad-Eye Moody... and maybe another cliffhanger.
Hope you liked this chapter!