Disclaimer: No matter how many times I wave my wand, I do not hold any rites to any of the Harry Potter series, but I am grateful to JK for writing them.

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Chapter 12: Recovery

Harry awoke to a dull pain, his body ached but it had felt worse. He mind was foggy and he tried to get it organised, he remember Poppy accusing him of murder, he remembered the Crucio coming at Ogden, he remembered Poppy hitting him with a black curse, he remembered the pain. There were no sounds around him so the attack must be over. He slowly opened his eyes; he was in a room similar to the hospital wing, the magic around him felt like Hogwarts. He assumed he was in a private hospital room at Hogwarts.

Turning to his side he saw Severus asleep in a chair next to his bed. He had on a black shirt and trousers. It was the first time Harry had seen the man out of robes and saw that indeed he had a lean but muscular body as he had always imagined. He was leaning to one side of the armchair with his arms folded; his head resting on the side of the chair, his hair falling around his face, his long legs stretched out in front of him...hmmm nice Harry liked what he saw. He looked so much younger asleep, less worry on his face, no creases or frowns, from this angle his nose didn't look broken and his mouth... his mouth was slightly opened, lips just barely apart, rose coloured firm but luscious lips. Harry licked his lips wanting nothing more than to capture those lips with his own to taste them... He groaned.

Severus' eyes opened and saw Harry looking at him, a strange expression on his face; it looked almost like a wanting almost lustful look but Severus must have been mistaken. He had heard him groaned; he must be in some pain. "Harry how are you feeling, are you in pain?"

Harry tried to answer but his throat was sore and found it difficult to talk.

Severus ran to a nearby table that had a pitcher of water and poured a glass. He brought over the glass of water for Harry, slowly helping him raise his head and drink some water.

Pip the hospital house elf (loyal to Hogwarts not to Poppy), saw that Harry was awake and went to call the attending Healer whose shift it was to see about Harry. The Healer instructed Pip to contact the Headmistress and Healer Marchack.

The healer came over and did an examination on Harry. With Severus' help he helped him drink another glass of water, administered a pain potion and brought a wet cloth to wipe his face. Within ten minutes Justine came in with Minerva and Filius, the latter two had on robes over sleepwear.

Justine had a chat with the healer and then did further test on Harry.

"Harry how are you feeling, are you in any pain?" Justine asked.

"No just sore" Harry answered his voice sounding rough.

Severus snorted he knew that Harry had a high threshold for pain and very rarely admitted when he was in pain.

"Poppy?"

"Dead" Minerva answered as she sat on the edge of his bed.

"Ogden?" Even with his own situation Harry's concern was more for others than himself.

"He is fine, with the exception of Poppy, no one was injured" Minerva replied.

Filius turned to Justine "How is he doing, is the recovery going well?"

"As expected his body is still very weak and his magical core is severely depleted, he will most likely have to stay in bed for at least a week and even then it might be another week before he is back to full strength."

Harry groaned he never did well when he had to stay in the hospital wing long, a day or two tops and he was always ready to leave, he did not think he would make a week.

"He will comply" Severus said sternly, almost knowing exactly what Harry was thinking.

Harry just gave a chuckle and said "Yes sir"

After a moment Harry asked "What happened to me, what was that black curse?"

Over the next few minutes the three professors and Justine filled Harry in on everything that happened, including Ginny being a parselmouth and her helping open the Chamber.

Harry raised his eyebrow and then said "It might be nice from time to time to talk with someone else in the snake language"

Severus growled "She is not coming anywhere near you, if I have anything to say about it" the others just watched him and Minerva gave a big smile.

They told him how they had all worked on the cure, about Neville's contribution and how Bill and Charlie had helped. Filius told him that Brian Watson had stayed almost the entire time and how Justine had organised healers from St. Mungo's to help.

Harry was pleased. He never liked the idea that everyone had to be so secretive and had liked that he could trust and depend on others.

Harry's was ecstatic however when they told him that when the DNA charm had finally been lifted, he had grown three inches, his hair had taken on some auburn highlights and his facial features had slightly changed. Passing him a mirror, Harry looked at himself, his face was the same yet different, someone could still make him out but there were subtle changes if you looked carefully, his cheekbones were slightly higher, his face a little rounder, his lips a little bigger and he had a dimple. Minerva told him that these features were Lily's.

Justine then indicated that she wanted Harry to get some more sleep as his body still needed a lot of rest to help in his recovery. She told them that she would remain with him for the next few hours and that he should be awake for a late breakfast. She then gave him a mild sleeping potion that would gently put him to sleep.

Minerva and Filius went back to their quarters and promised they would be back later. Harry was pleasantly surprised when Minerva came and tucked him back in before leaving. Justine went with the healer to the back of the room to make some monitoring reports.

Severus remained with Harry. He watched as Harry closed his eyes.

Severus got up and brushed back the hair that was falling on Harry's face "What am I going to do with you, you are always in trouble and you have such a saving people thing that I think you will always be in trouble"

He was surprised when Harry answered softly "That's because I know you will always be there to get me out of trouble"

Severus chuckled and bent over and kissed his forehead. Harry smiled and drifted off to sleep as Severus settled back down in the chair.

----

When Harry woke the next morning Severus was not there and part of him was disappointed, he liked the idea of waking up with Severus next to him. But his disappointment didn't last long when he saw Hermione and Neville come in.

The three sat and spoke for over an hour discussing the past few days. Harry and Neville discussed the Hogwarts ritual and Harry smiled when Neville told him what Severus had said. Hermione was able to help Harry eat some breakfast...some soft mushy stuff, pumpkin juice and loads of potions.

The highlight of the visit was when Hermione passes Harry a copy of the Prophet two days ago. The front page had the headlines "Potter Weasley Wedding Postponed" along with a picture of Harry addressing the crowd and Ginny sitting sadly next to him, the article was mainly Harry's speech; it was for the Prophet a well written article. It was the small picture and caption below the main article that had Harry laughing till his already sore side hurt. There in full colour in resplendent green robes was Severus Snape laughing with Minerva McGonagall and the caption read "Yes Folks Hell Has Indeed Frozen Over".

Justine came in and told Hermione and Neville politely to give Harry about half an hour, so he could clean up a bit. At first Harry was a bit embarrassed but Justine reminded him that as a Healer she was used to seeing naked men and that she was accustomed helping them with their needs. With Kreacher's help Justine soon had Harry feeling clean and refreshed, Harry no longer felt any embarrassment as Justine was very professional about the whole thing. Dressed in a red and gold pajamas Harry sat back on bed with several pillows behind him.

That morning Harry had a lot of visitors including Minerva and Filius, Augusta Longbottom and Brian Watson, but no Severus.

Brian told Harry that Dawlish, Blake and the other Aurors who had attacked them were suspended without pay and were pending further investigations which may lead to their dismissal from the Auror core.

Brian also told him that he was officially cleared of all charges regarding Arabella Figg and that Poppy was posthumously charged and found guilty for Arabella's murder and for attempted murder of Harry and for several fraud and medical abuse charges.

To Harry's relief Brian informed him that no charges would be laid out to Fireforge as he was protecting Harry and had saved his life, but he had still had to make a report to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures but didn't see that it would be a problem. The two rookie aurors were both given commendations and their names were submitted for promotions.

Brian then presented Harry with the Elder Wand which Harry decided he would keep, if just to keep it out of the hands of others. The two then had a long talk with Harry filling Brian in on all the activities of the past few days, he asked Kreacher to bring all the documents that Gringotts had given him. He told him all about Riddle's letter and about his inheriting all of Voldemort's worldly possessions, at which time Brian asked if most of the dark artefacts could be sent to the Department of Mysteries, Harry agreed. He told him all about Dumbledore and Poppy and what they had done - Brian was grateful as he had figured out most of it by observing what had happened but was not given details by Justine which they had argued over.

He also informed Brian of the Weasley's involvement and his decision which was supported by the Minister not to press charges and that they had resorted to old pureblood traditions of letting the family take care of the punishments. While Brian was a bit upset he deferred to Harry's decision as the victim of the crime and indicated that the old pureblood tradition was still within the mandate of the law. He told Harry he appreciated the fact that Harry had trusted in him to tell him everything and that he would respect his decision of not making the information public. He would however open a file which would detail the incidents and outcomes and then seal it for DMLE Senior Officers eyes only, this would prevent anyone in the future from accusing either Arthur or Kingsley from inappropriate conduct while in office by trying to cover up crimes (which they were now dealing with the after effects of Fudge).

After Brian left Harry felt much better, while not absolving them of their actions Harry understood Dawlish's frustration of being accused of incompetence when people were not passing on the relevant information. Brian seemed to be a good man, like Amelia Bones he was a person who went by the law and was not known for being corrupt; he had actually left the Auror core when Voldemort's men had taken charge of the Ministry. Now he was instrumental in regaining order in the Wizarding world. Harry believed he could trust him.

----

After taking a long nap, Harry again ate and Kreacher brought over some of the documents that Gringotts had sent concerning his estate. Harry told Kreacher to send word to Gringotts if the meeting previously scheduled two days ago could be moved to Hogwarts for sometime during the next few days. Harry wanted to thank Fireforge in person and wanted to start making arrangements for his estate.

Mid afternoon Bill and Charlie came to visit him. It was great seeing the two brothers and Harry thanked them for their help. Bill told Harry that it was only the brotherly thing to do.

"So what's happening with Ron and Ginny" Harry finally asked.

"Dad decided to repay all money taken" Bill said and raised his hand to stop Harry as he started protesting "It's the principle Harry we have to keep our honour" at which Harry nodded, Bill then continued "however Aunt Muriel beat him to it, she send 100,000 galleons to Potter vault the morning after the dinner. She told Dad that it came out of our inheritance. We still took Ginny and Ron to Gringotts today and emptied their vaults and sent the money back to Potter vault as interest. Dad is making Ginny and Ron pay back the family" Bill told Harry.

Charlie sitting on the edge of Harry's bed continued "We have decided that Ron will come to work in Romania with me on the dragon reserve, we can have him start at an entry level, which is basically a stable hand. There he will work long hours doing manual labour. There will be no parties, no Quidditch, no photographers, no one who will care that he has an Order of Merlin First Class; he will be Ron Weasley stable hand. On the reserve you are judged only by how hard you work. He will stay at least a year and then we will see if he has improved. Maybe working hard for an honest wage will make him appreciate other people's possessions. He will not be allowed his wand I will hold it and only give him in an emergency."

Harry nodded knowing Ron this would be a just punishment and will help him grow up a bit.

"Ginny will come and live with Fleur and me, so that Fleur could teach Ginny some of the finer graces in life to be more lady like; Aunt Muriel insisted on it" Bill told Harry who remembered Lady Walburga's insistence that Ginny learn some propriety.

"In addition, all of Ginny's robes that were bought using your money have been sent to charity and the jewellery she bought was sent to Potter vaults. I am hoping that during the coming year to get her to work in some charity."

"I am going to be opening an orphanage, using the old Riddle manor, for wizarding children who were orphaned during the war. We could find some things for Ginny to do there" Harry stated and both Bill and Charlie agreed.

"So when are you returning to Romania, Charlie?" Harry asked.

"I return next week, which will not be too soon for Ron, he has not gotten a moments rest, the twins have decided to use him as their personal test subject for their new products and this time Dad is allowing them to" Charlie said with a laugh.

Bill chuckled "Yes and by then both he and Ginny might return to sitting comfortably."

They all laughed.

Harry then told the two brothers that he had informed Watson of the events and that he has accepted the outcome and that he will create a file which will be sealed. Harry was a bit nervous but was relieved when both Bill and Charlie told him it was a smart move, now no one could think of blackmailing Arthur or Kingsley if they found out.

Charlie then said his farewells as he had some business to take care of in order to carry Ron with him.

"Bill I will like if you could help in checking some of the estates I have inherited, some of the Black houses and those belonging to the Death Eaters may have many cursed or black magic items in them" Harry asked Bill after Charlie left.

"Of course Harry it will be my pleasure I can't have one of my brothers living in a cursed house after all."

"No Bill, I want to hire you, freelance if you wish, this job will be monumental and I want to formally hire you with an appropriate salary to do the job."

"Harry you know I will do it for free, after all my mother and siblings..."

"Have paid for their crimes; I too have my honour and I will not take advantage of your guilt, I don't want you and your other brothers to feel in any way financially indebted to me. I will accept the payment made, but I now consider the matter closed. Bill you have a young family that will most likely grow, you need to earn enough money to give them a good life. I am not offering charity I am hiring you because I have heard you are one of the best in the field."

"Thank you Harry and I accept" Bill said with a smile

"Good I have sent for Fireforge and he will draw up the papers and have it sent to you" Harry said in his most business like voice.

----

After a big dinner of more mushy stuff, Harry was again tended to by Kreacher and then slept for a few more hours. He had tired easily and Justine said it was expected, he would not be able to do much for a few days.

It was sometime late at night when Harry awoke. This time he saw Severus in his armchair next to the bed, reading a book. Harry smiled "Hi".

Severus looked up from his book, "How are you feeling are you still sore?"

"No just very weak and tired."

"That's expected."

"Where were you all day, I was looking out for you."

Severus smiled "My house elf decided to stick me to my bed until she decided I had enough rest. She could be very determined when she wants to be."

Harry laughed

"I also decided to continue doing some experimentation on the solution we made, to see if it could have alternative uses" Severus said.

"And did you come up with anything" Harry said genuinely interested.

"No not yet, but there are a lot of possibilities; I actually had Hermione and Neville help with some of the documentation, they also have a lot of possibilities" Severus said with a smile.

Harry again laughed but Severus could tell he was not feeling well, he got him a glass of water but Harry drank very little.

"What is that you are reading?" Harry said eyeing the book in Severus' hand.

"It is a novel by a wizard who is actually well known in the muggle world, it's called the Hobbit"

"I actually know that one, Tolkien yes, he also did the Lord of the Rings"

Severus nodded "Would you like me to read some."

"Hmm that will be nice"

Harry lay on the bed listening to Severus reading and felt a warm comforting feeling of home.

---

The next day Harry was again visited by Hermione and Neville, who spent most of the morning with him, they told him of their working with Severus and Harry laughed when Neville said he was actually enjoying making the potions. Severus told him he would give him some time today to experiment if he wanted and Neville was actually excited.

After another mid day nap he was checked up by Justine and one of the other St. Mungo's healers. Kingsley stopped by and brought a basket of exotic fruits which Harry found he actually enjoyed. Arthur and the Weasley boys, excluding Ron and Charlie, came by and of course Fred and George brought their latest sweets for Harry to look at (but not taste until he got better – they were actually serious about that).

Harry found out that Percy was considering proposing to his girlfriend Audrey but was nervous.

"Why don't you take her on a holiday and propose there" Harry suggested.

"I do have some holiday time I could take, but I am not sure, I want to make a down payment for a house I am looking at and want to make sure I have enough" Percy said very seriously.

"Well you know Fred and myself will happily pay for a trip for you two if it will get us another sister" George said.

"Or another niece" Fred said with a wink.

Harry laughed as Arthur and Bill both tapped Fred behind the head. It was good to have people he could laugh and have normal family moments with.

"Percy you know...." Harry started.

"No Harry I am not going to accept any money from you" Percy started.

"Well okay not money, but I have an all expenses paid trip for two to Paris for a month, that I am not doing anything with..." Harry said with a big smile.

Fred, George and Bill all nodded "That's a great idea Percy"

"But..."

"Look Percy, the trip is already paid for and I can't use it I am going to be strapped in bed possibly for another week and I have a lot of things to do in the coming month. If you are not going to take it, the room, the food, the activities that I have already paid for is just going to be wasted and it will be money down the drain. Go have a good time with Audrey take some of the money you saved and buy her a nice ring, nobody turns down a proposal in Paris."

Percy looked a bit unsure and then his father said "It will be good for you two, anyway I am hoping for some more grandchildren soon and right now you are my best hope" Everyone laughed

Percy smiled "Thank you Harry I think I will take the tickets, but I don't...."

"Ahh you could name your first son after me" Harry said throwing a pillow at Percy and laughing.

Before they left Arthur told Harry that Brian Watson had visited him and they had settled everything.

Harry was pleased.

----

Harry felt very weak and tired as much as he loved all the visitors he found it quite draining. He was more tired than he was when he woke up after the attack. After he told Justine this she examined him and told him that his recovery was draining his magical core. She told him not to worry that would rest and time his core would recover and besides even drained his core was larger than anyone else she had ever met.

That next few days followed the same pattern, with Harry getting many visitors during the day in between naps and medical examinations; however it was the nights that Harry most looked forward to. Severus would come and sit next to Harry and they would talk about their day and things that happened, Harry asked him advice on his estates and what he planned on doing which Severus gave many suggestions. After a while when he became tired Severus would take out his book and read to him until he slept.

----

On the fourth day of his recovery Kreacher reminded Harry of his meeting with the goblins and asked him if he wanted it postponed as he found Harry was still not looking well. Kreacher was very worried about Harry. The house-elf looked on him almost every half an hour to make sure he was okay and wanted for nothing.

Harry shook his head "No Kreacher I want to put some things in place so Fireforge, Grobrick and Magnus could start with arrangements. They are very efficient and don't need me to supervise."

Kreacher helped Harry get clean and changed into some light robes – Magnus had sent over a whole wardrobe for Harry some with the Potter and Black crest and some plain. Harry had at first said that he would be fine with pajamas and that Fireforge and the others were friends and would not have minded. Kreacher however told him that this was not to be a social visit but a meeting and Lord Black does not have a meeting with anyone in anything but formal robes. In the end Harry let Kreacher have his way and put on blue robes with the crests on them. As he could not move from the bed (and if Harry was honest with himself he didn't want to move from the bed), the meeting will be held there in the hospital wing.

Justine had agreed to the meeting but warned Harry if he was feeling too tired she would ask the goblins to leave.

Ogden came in and announced that the goblins from Gringotts had arrived and Harry told him to direct them to the room.

To Harry's surprise it was not Fireforge who led the little group. A young fat beady eyed goblin in rich green and gold robes and a wooden cane came in followed by what looked like an attendant who was carrying his briefcase. Magnus and Grobrick came in behind him looking sorrowful.

The attendant came and bowed to Harry and introduced Malgro the new head of Gringotts special accounts and the goblin in charge of all Lord Potter Black estates. Malgro came forward and with a flourish said "Good evening Lord Potter Black as the lowly one indicated I am Malgro the new Head of Special Accounts at Gringotts and I will be in charge of your accounts. I have taken the liberty of deciding for you the best investments for your gold". He tapped the attendant with his cane and the goblin brought forward the briefcase with the papers. "All you have to do is sign these papers and we will leave you to your convalescence."

Harry looked at the goblin in shock. Taking Harry's silence as consent the goblin rested the papers on the side table next to the bed and said "Let's go."

"Hang on, what the hell is going on here. Magnus, Grobrick who the bloody blazes is this idiot and where is Fireforge?" Harry demanded.

Before either of the two goblins could answer, Malgro puffed up looking a lot like Uncle Vernon when he was angry with someone (a look Harry knew too well) "I am the Gringotts Head of Special Accounts and the fate of he who is no longer honourable is no concern of yours."

"What do you mean he who is no longer honourable what has happened to Fireforge?" Harry shouted.

"As I said that is not your concern, it is a Gringotts matter" Malgro said very pompously.

"Listen here you pompous wind bag, I am making it my concern Fireforge saved my life in more ways than one, I demand you tell me right now what has happened." Harry was getting angry and his magic was starting to show. The goblin attendant started whimpering and stepped back.

"Now see here..." Malgro started as he puffed out more.

"You know what; I don't want you to speak to me again. Magnus, Grobrick I want one of you to answer me, what has happened to Fireforge?" Harry said turning to the two goblins.

"Harry..." Grobrick started.

"How dare you address a Lord with such familiarity, I will see that you are appropriately punished" Malgro shouted and taking his cane rapped Grobrick hard across his shoulders.

Harry glowed with power and even Magnus and Grobrick looked at him with wonder and terror. Malgro's cane came flying out of his hand and exploded into pieces mid air; Malgro found himself moving against his will towards the very angry, very powerful wizard who was sitting on the bed.

Harry grabbed Malgro by the front of his robes and looked at him in the eye and said "He dares because I gave him permission and now I will not ask again you snivelling piece of slim. What happened to Fireforge?"

Malgro could barely find his voice but squeaked out "he was fired as he betrayed the Gringotts code and told you about another's transactions. He is facing charges from the goblin nation for killing a witch. He is going to be put to death."

Harry turned and looked to Magnus and Grobrick for confirmation. They nodded sadly.

"No charges were laid by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement" Harry stated looking at Magnus and Grobrick.

"It does not matter, all crimes of this nature are seen as an affront to the goblin nation, the goblin elders at the bank are laying charges against him for bringing the bank into disrepute" Magnus answered.

"I want to speak to your superiors now" Harry demanded, raising Malgro closer to him and tightening the front of his robes "not later tonight, not tomorrow, NOW" Harry released the goblin who fell to the floor.

"My Lord I am not sure if they will come, they are always very busy" Malgro started.

"I am one of the richest wizards in the world, if they don't want me to move all my gold out of Gringotts they will come" Harry shouted.

"You can't..." Malgro started.

"Just try me. Now get out of my sight I never want to see your face in front of me ever again" Harry said and with a wave of his hand Malgro vanished.

The goblin attendant squeaked in fear and ran out of the room.

"Lord Potter..." Grobrick started.

Harry took a deep breath, using all that magic had tired him out. He rested his head against his pillow and without looking up said "Grobrick you are forbidden to ever call me Lord Potter Black again it is Harry, nor you Magnus."

"Harry we are very sorry, when the goblin elders found out what happened they fired Fireforge and had him arrested. Their policy is that Wizards and Witches might retaliate against the bank if it was found out that one of their Master Goblins killed a client especially one who had just left the bank. It is not good for business" Magnus told him.

"And who is this idiot Malgro" Harry asked as Severus and Justine came running into the room; Justine waving her wand at Harry.

"He was Fireforge's assistant, he has been after the position for years, it is a position of honour in the bank" Grobrick answered.

Justine then told them they had to leave.

Harry raised his hands and said "I am expecting some elders from the bank to arrive just now I have to see them, Fireforge life is at stake."

Justine nodded and said "You must have at least an hour's rest and I will get you some pepper-up potion" she ran off to get the potion.

Magnus and Grobrick were about to take their leave when Harry called to them "I want both of you to be here when the elders come..." they both nodded and left.

Severus fixed the pillows so Harry was lying comfortably "What happened I felt your distress all the way in the dungeons?"

Harry briefly explained and Severus nodded but said sternly "You do too much, you need to rest, close your eyes and rest."

Severus stood next to Harry and reached down and gently took a strand of hair off of Harry's face. Harry leaned into Severus' hand as it brushed his hair aside. Severus used his fingers and caressed Harry's cheek. Harry opened his beautiful emerald green eyes and turned his head slightly so Severus' finger moved lightly over his lips. Harry opened his mouth... Severus closed his eyes and groaned.

Severus opened his eyes and stepped back when he heard someone clearing his throat.

Ogden came forward and bowed to Harry "Good evening Lord Gryffindor, Master Snape."

Severus raised his eyebrow but said nothing.

Harry turned his head and looked at the house-elf "Ogden what are you going on about?"

"The castle has recognised you Lord Gryffindor; she has expelled the Master Goblin at your command. You may not have the magic of the Gryffindors but she has given you back the honour, she has taken your command. If you listen you will hear her whisper to you" Ogden came up closer to the bed "Close your eyes young Lord Gryffindor and feel the magic of Hogwarts and listen to her call."

Harry closed his eyes and felt the magic. He had always felt a magic that was Hogwarts but now he felt it like a soothing wind around him, he heard a light hum like a whisper of a song, he felt safe as if he was in his mother's arms as she rocked him to sleep.

Justine came back in to see Ogden standing next to bed where Harry was surrounded by a red and gold cocoon of magic. She turned to Severus who smiled to indicate that everything was okay. Filius, Minerva, Augusta, Hermione and Neville all came into the room and watched in amazement.

There was a sudden burst of light and Harry was raised off the bed. He started screaming and Severus tried to get to him but couldn't.

Harry screamed and to all of their surprise he turned into a very large snake. Before they could register what happened, Harry transformed again but this time into a Stag and then a big black Dog and then a large Arctic Wolf and then into a Griffin.

Minerva said "he is an animagus... he is a multiple animagi" and when she saw the Griffin she gasped "a magical creature, I think the last recorded magical animagi was Godric Gryffindor and he too was a Griffin."

Harry turned back into himself and was gently laid back on the bed.

Justine and Filius both ran over and waved their wands.

Filius looked up and said "All his magical blocks have been removed."

Severus did not take his eyes off of Harry and said "Hogwarts has removed them. Ogden said the castle recognised him as Lord Gryffindor and it was she who had the cocoon around him."

Augusta came up and placed her hand on Neville's shoulder "It means someday the castle may recognise you too Neville, there is some hope."

Ogden looked over and said "The castle already recognises Lord Hufflepuff, she already speaks to him and in time his connection to the castle will grow."

Everyone looked at Neville and he nodded "I sometimes hear her whisper to me."

His grandmother gave him a hug and cried.

----

Tibbs came in with a pop "Headmistress a group of Goblin Elders and Masters are here at the gate, they say Master Harry summoned them."

Severus briefly explained what Harry told him. Minerva told Tibbs to send them to her office.

"No bring them here" a weak voice came from the bed.

Severus looked down and smiled at Harry "You know you are really going to turn me grey before my time."

Harry laughed "I think you would look quite dashing with grey hair."

Harry tried to sit up and did so with Severus' help "Tibbs bring them here, I need to deal with them right away" Tibbs popped out.

"You know I could really develop a complex, if my house-elf keeps obeying you instead of me" Minerva said with a laugh. She then left to greet the Goblins at the front door and to escort them to the Hospital Room.

"Harry I think you should rest for at least a day before you have such a meeting" Hermione said almost scolding, but Harry knew she was worried.

Justine was monitoring Harry and said "Your magical core is increasing once more, but you still have to take it easy."

Hermione brought over a glass of water and handed it to Harry who drank it, "I will be fine 'Mione. I could feel my strength returning."

Filius told Harry he should be okay and that he was now the wizard he was supposed to be. With a promise to return and check on him later the tiny Charms Master left.

Hermione also left saying she would tend to the potion that she, Neville and Severus had been working on when Severus bolted out the door.

Augusta and Neville were also about to take their leave when Harry stopped them and asked them to stay.

Kreacher came in with a huff and told all of them to leave for five minutes while he help Master Harry change into proper robes (the blue ones were now torn).

As they heard Minerva's voice coming down the hall, Kreacher allowed them back in. Harry now sitting in the arm chair next to the bed looked resplendent in robes of rich burgundy with the Potter and Black and Gryffindor crests on them. Harry's long hair was now brushed back neatly and his face glowed a little.

Harry heard Severus take in a breath.

Minerva came in with four old richly dressed goblins. Three of the goblins had thin silver bands around their heads and had black and silver canes with them. The other had a gold band and a black and gold cane. Harry deduced that the silver and gold denoted their authority. Behind them came Magnus and Grobrick, a scribe and two goblin guards.

Before they could give their greetings Harry declared in a very cold powerful voice that made even Severus shudder "You have insulted Hogwarts, her Headmistress and me by bringing guards."

The Goblin Elder with the gold band answered "You attacked one of the Master Goblins earlier and even now he is kept back from entering the gates"

"He insulted me. I was very offended by his words and actions. The Castle objected to his very presence and obeyed my command to remove him when he did not remove himself and she will not offend me by allowing him entrance. I made it quite clear he was never to be in my presence again."

The Goblin Elder nodded in acknowledgement "He will be dealt with...I will make sure he apologises."

"I want him gone" Harry's magic was pulsing and everyone in the room felt it.

The Goblin Elders looked at each other and nodded. The Goblin in gold said "As you wish" he then turned to the guards and nodded to them and they left.

The Goblin then turned back to Harry and said "Lord Potter Black, I am Ragnog Head of Gringotts, these goblins are...."

Before he could continue Harry interrupted him "Fireforge. I summoned you here to discuss the matter of the goblin Fireforge. I have been told that you had him arrested for bringing disrepute to the Bank. I am here to tell you that Fireforge not only saved my life but I consider myself indebted to him. He has not only protected me physically but my vast fortune as well. Albus Dumbledore was allowed to openly steal millions of galleons of gold from my account and I held your bank responsible. It was because of Fireforge's actions as well as those of Magnus and Grobrick that I now hold Gringotts in very high esteem. I have come to value their wisdom and judgement; for this they have earned my respect, I have given them the right to call me by my given name."

Harry heard the goblins gasp.

"It pains me that you have had him removed from my accounts and have had him arrested for saving my life. By disapproving of his actions you have shown me that you have placed very little value on my life."

Ragnog tried to speak when Harry put up his hand to silence him.

"I requested a meeting with your goblins today to discuss my future dealings with the bank. Instead of sending trusted advisors you sent a pompous jerk who had the AUDACITY to hand me a document declaring what he wanted to do with MY money and told me to just sign, as if I were some child who didn't know what I wanted. When I questioned him he treated me with disdain quite forgetting that I AM LORD POTTER BLACK" Harry was now glowing with power and his voice was growing louder. He stopped, closed his eyes and reigned in his power and he stopped glowing (which was much more frightening).

"I want all charges against Fireforge dropped immediately. If he is not freed tonight, tomorrow I withdraw every knut I have from Gringotts."

"Lord Potter-Black please be reasonable, Fireforge killed a witch other wizards and witches may not think as kindly as you if..."

Neville spoke up "If Harry goes you will lose all the Longbottom gold as well."

Ragnog turned to Neville and sneered "You do not have the authority."

"But I do, whatever my grandson says goes" Augusta said.

Neville then stood up and like Harry his power was evident "You seem to think of us as mere children Ragnog, but you are mistaken. I may not have Harry's power, but I also do not have his compassion. Harry may have some esteem for Gringotts, but I do not. Harry is an orphan but I am not. Ragnog I am giving you warning, I am making a full inquiry into why the Hufflepuff accounts were removed from my care, I know that even with the magic removed, the money in the vaults could not have been removed from the Longbottom estates without the signature of my magical guardian which I remind you is Lady Longbottom and not Albus Dumbledore. I know my grandmother did not sign the order and do not even dare to mention my parents. I believe your bank is responsible for a theft of grand magnitude and if I find any impropriety on your part I will demand retribution. Believe me if anyone has brought the goblin nation into disrepute it is Gringotts."

Ragnog stepped back in fear and quickly looked at his companions.

Harry continued very coldly "Ragnog this matter is not debatable you will free Fireforge now. You are dismissed."

The Goblin Elders looked at each other and practically fled. Magnus and Grobrick were the last to leave but not before bowing to Harry and Neville.

The room was silent for a minute before Augusta Longbottom shrieked and ran up to her grandson and embraced him "Oh Neville you were wonderful, I am so proud... and you too Harry or Lord Potter-Black if anyone ever doubted it Harry you proved them wrong. You were both magnificent"

Minerva also looked proud "My little lions have learnt how to roar."

Harry turned and looked at Severus whose eyes were glowing with pride and love.

---

Less than an hour later, Harry was resting when Severus lightly shook his shoulders "Harry, wake up you have visitors".

Harry woke up and saw that Magnus and Grobrick had returned with a ragged looking Fireforge.