A/N: After much debate, and many asking for the reactions to the Phoenixes, I threw in the first section for good measure and a bit of humor. I also decided to cut the last part of my notes for this chapter and put it in the next, because, honestly, it fits better. As always, thanks for the R/Rs.
Chapter 23: Startling Revelations
Harry and Ginny followed Bill into the Hospital Wing with Fawkes and Dolfia still on their shoulders. No one noticed them at first, thanks to Bill jogging over to see Fleur, and the soft kiss they shared. It was Neville who noticed the Phoenixes first. Hermione, with her back to the door, had been asking him a question only to have Neville's eyes widen and mouth drop open. Hermione had turned, gasping loudly. That drew everyone's attention to the smiling couple.
"Puff shed," Ginny grinned as she handed Harry two Galleons. "Missed it by four seconds."
"You're forgetting something," Sirius held out his hand, looking smug.
"Yeah, yeah," Ginny grumbled tossing another Galleon to him.
"G…Gin…Ginny? What…" Molly started before fainting. Arthur catching her before she fell to the floor.
"HA!" Ginny cheered. "Pay up, Bill!"
Bill frowned handing her a small bag. "Next time," he grunted.
"You wish!" snickered Ginny. Arthur stifled a laugh as he revived Molly. He helped her over to a bed to sit on before he turned his attention back to his sons.
"Just what in the name of Merlin and Gryffindor is going on?" asked a very confused Ron.
"Well, my normally clueless brother," Fred started.
"It would seem to be bets," George continued.
"That we were left out of…"
"By our beloved bonded couple…"
"And our big brother…"
"And Harry's godfather…"
"Having something to do…"
"With the very regal…"
"And majestic birds…"
"On their shoulders!" they informed Ron in unison.
"I got that much," Ron groused. "But what are you doing with Phoenixes?"
"They chose us as familiars," Harry shrugged as Marie and Luna were crooning over Fawkes.
"Familiars?" shouted Molly. "You…they…?"
"Yes, mum," Ginny rolled her eyes. "They chose us."
"But…but…" Molly crashed onto the bed behind her again.
"We keep this up, love," Harry joked, "and we're gonna break her."
"And me," Bill grumbled again, handing Harry four Galleons. "Fleur, remind me never to bet these two again." Fleur only nodded as she giggled.
Harry and Ginny entered a silent Great Hall the next morning. They looked around to see everyone was either pale and staring at nothing or reading the paper with wide eyes and open mouths. Hermione sat in what looked like a state of shock as they sat across from her. George was reading Hermione's paper as Fred stared at the High Table. Hermione blinked suddenly.
"Why didn't you say anything?" she asked in a hollow-sounding voice.
"We were told not to," Harry answered simply as he started filling his and Ginny's plates.
"Not about the arrests…" Hermione started with a frown.
"Leave it, Herm," Ginny warned softly. Hermione looked at her taken aback. "It's done and over with. Neither Harry nor I want to discuss it. Just…don't."
"I…"
"Leave it, Hermione," Ginny glared. She softened after a second. "Please."
"Alright," agreed Hermione weakly.
"Where's Neville and Luna?" Harry asked.
"We're here," Neville patted Harry's shoulder as he sat.
"Now, then," Harry waved to get the twins and Ron's attention. "Don't make plans for the summer. You already have them."
"What are you…?" Ron started.
"Later. Not here," Ginny shook her head.
"Lavender, sorry, but Ron's not going to spend all his time with you this summer," Harry told her.
"Secrets, right?" Lavender asked. Ginny nodded. "I understand. I kind of figured after reading the paper this morning."
"You'll be getting an owl too, but…" Ginny started.
"I'm not in on the big stuff," she nodded. "I get it. I can and will help with other things."
"Thanks for understanding," Harry smiled. Lavender nodded. She was about to respond, but the doors to the Great Hall slammed open.
Sirius winked at Harry on his way to the High Table. He leaned forward speaking to McGonagall for a minute before turning to address the Great Hall.
"For those who don't know me, I am Lord Sirius Black. Auror and Board member," he began. "I am here to clarify a few things and make an announcement. Yes, the paper was correct this morning. I was indeed one of the arresting Aurors last night. Yes, Albus Dumbledore has committed those crimes listed. Yes, there were Death Eaters in the castle most of the year. And, yes, the wizard known as Voldemort has returned.
"As an Auror, I caution you to be very careful over the holidays. Make escape plans with your families, and defend yourself if necessary. The Ministry has given you permission to use Magic if needed. We will send Aurors to any house where underage Magic is used. If it is not to defend against Death Eaters, then the normal rules apply. If it is to defend yourself, you will know help will be on the way shortly.
"As a Board member, I am here to inform you: First, Professor Minerva McGonagall has been officially named Headmistress of Hogwarts. Second, expect some class changes next year. Third, yes, you will be getting a new Potions professor next year." Sirius paused, looking over at the Slytherin table. "Fourth, any child of a known or suspected Death Eater will comply with a search of their left arm and belongings at the end and beginning of term. Any Dark Marks or Dark Arts material found will be dealt with according to the law. This is a school, not a Death Eater recruitment camp. Now, everyone have a safe and happy summer!"
Sirius walked back toward the doors. The Great Hall was in total silence.
Harry and Ginny met with other Champions one last time before the other two schools departed. The Champions came to Harry and Ginny's quarters for breakfast the morning they were scheduled to leave. Cedric and Roger were the last to arrive. Dobby prepared and served the meal with great pleasure. Fleur and Marie smiled and laughed at the little elf's eagerness to please their guests. They gave him much praise in the quality of the meal and his enthusiastic service. Dobby smiled and blushed at them. Fleur embarrassed Dobby further by placing a soft kiss on his forehead as a show of gratitude after they were finished.
"Since we have a little time before you have to go," Harry began as they reclined in the sitting area, "do any of you have plans for after you leave school?"
"I am taking a job vith Gringotts een London," Fleur replied with a smile. Ginny gave her a knowing smile as Fleur blushed. Bill had already told her, he had gotten a transfer to London. He was heading back to Egypt to pack for his move back to England. Ginny also knew Bill had put in for the transfer after Fleur had told him about her job offer.
"Say 'hi' to Bill for us at the bank," chuckled Harry. Fleur blushed more as she playfully swatted Harry on the arm. The others just laughed.
"I am going to verk for zhe government of my home country of Russia," Dimitri stated. "I am also going to feel out any support I can find for you zhere."
"Thank you," Ginny nodded. "We'll be touch if we need the extra help."
"I am taking a pozizion vith zhe French Minostry in our IOMC," Marie nodded. "I vill do zhe zame in Fronze."
"Thank you, Marie," Harry smiled. "We may need all the help we can get."
"What about you guys?" Ginny asked Cedric and Roger.
"I start Auror training in six weeks," Cedric grinned. His face fell slightly. "Cho isn't too happy about that though."
"I'm headed to the Ministry," Roger stated. He paused breaking into a huge grin. "I'll be working under Cedric's dad as a special assistant thanks to being a Champion. Mr. Diggory already told me that I'll be working closely with the French and Russian offices."
"Zhat iz wonderful!" Marie smiled. Roger grinned more as Marie blushed. Harry and Ginny raised an eyebrow, looking at Fleur who giggled.
"What about you, Viktor?" Harry asked.
"I am traveling vith zhe national team," Viktor announced. "I vill alzo make az many contacts az I can. Dimitri vill hove a vay to contact me at all times."
"Thanks, all of you," Harry smiled. "We will be gathering intel and allies here in England. We have some 'special projects' to do this summer, too."
"We also have to finish school in the next three years, or sooner," Ginny added. "We'll let you know if we need your help with anything."
"Eef vous call, I shall come," Marie stated. "Ve are family and zhat ez vhat family doez!"
"Da!" Dimitri nodded. "Friends do zhe zame!" The rest nodded.
"Thanks," Harry smiled.
"Just what is this about, Sirius?" McGonagall asked as they sat in her new office. The house-elves of Hogwarts were still moving her belongings into the Head office and quarters.
"I can't tell you everything right now, Minnie," Sirius began. McGonagall frowned at his continued use of that name. "I can tell you that some of the students will be much better trained by the start of next year. I can tell you we are starting a New Order, and we want you to be a part of it."
"A 'New Order'?" frowned McGonagall. "And just who is 'we'?"
"Yes, a New Order to replace the old one run by Albus," stated Sirius. "And the 'we'…I think you know."
"Mr. and Mrs. Potter and yourself?" she asked.
"Among others," Sirius confirmed.
"Alright," McGonagall nodded. "Where and when?"
Sirius just smiled. He knew she was agreeable.
Ginny opened the door for Fred and George. They grinned at her as she motioned them into her and Harry's quarters. Ginny motioned them over to the table where Harry sat with a stack of parchment and a velvet bag. Fred and George exchanged a confused look as they sat across from Harry and Ginny.
"First," Harry began, "thank you for those swamp traps. They helped greatly."
"Secondly, we have a proposal for you," Ginny motioned to the parchment as she sat next to Harry.
"Go on," Fred nodded.
"We're listening," nodded George.
"We have here," Harry lifted the bag with a little shake, "five thousand Galleons. Our proposal is this: We invest in your joke shop, but you also develop traps and the like for the New Order."
"We fund you; we remain silent partners, but our profits are reinvested into research and development of things for the Order," Ginny went on.
"When, not if, Tom is gone for good, our profits get reinvested into other things you need," Harry concluded.
"Let me see if we understand this correctly," George looked thoughtfully at Harry and Ginny.
"You invest in our shop, but take no profits?" Fred started. Harry and Ginny nodded.
"All of your profits go back into the shop for R and D before and after Moldyshorts is gone?" George continued. Harry and Ginny nodded again. George and Fred shared a wide-eyed look.
"And this is just our first investment," Ginny pointed to the bag. "We are ready, willing, and able to provide a considerably larger sum at a later date if needed."
"And premises when you're ready after next year," added Harry.
"Where do we sign?" asked an excited Fred.
"We love you two, you know that?" George asked with a huge smile.
"Before you sign," Harry held up a hand. "There are a few more strings attached to this."
"Such as?" Fred and George chimed together.
"Order business," Harry answered simply. "Training and disclosure this summer at Dog Run or somewhere else."
"You mean you want us…" Fred started pointed to George and himself.
"In your Order…" George continued, pointing to Harry and Ginny.
"With full disclosure in all of this?" Fred finished.
"You won't be the only ones in on everything, but yes," Ginny answered. "And mum is gonna be very angry at us before this over, but we can handle her with a little something we have for her to do."
"We're in!"
"Besides…" Fred grinned.
"We want to see the fireworks…" George chuckled.
"With you and mum!"
Harry and Ginny chuckled at the twins' enthusiasm.
The sitting room at Dog Run was quite full. Sirius and Remus had to push all of the furniture to the walls so everyone could fit into the room. Most of the Weasleys, except Charlie, who couldn't get time off from the reserve, and Percy, who was at the Ministry, were there, along with Fleur, Hermione, Luna, Neville, McGonagall, Remus, Dora, and her parents. Sirius was quietly talking with Andi as they waited for Harry and Ginny to come downstairs. Bill and Fleur sat next to Hermione and George discussing relationships, the girls giggling now and then. Molly and Arthur were speaking with Ted Tonks quietly, while Remus and Dora tried to behave themselves. They still hadn't told her parents that they were officially a couple yet. Fred and Ron sat in a corner. Both looked slightly disgruntled that their girlfriends weren't there, but Ron knew Lavender could not be a part of anything that Harry and Ginny needed to keep secret. Angelina, on the other hand, had declined the invitation because she was on holiday with her parents in Italy. McGonagall sat talking with Neville and Luna about a question they had on their summer homework for Transfiguration.
Harry and Ginny finally walked into the room. Everyone fell silent as they stood in front of the fireplace. Harry looked around. He was nervous about speaking in front of all these people, despite all of them being like family to him. Ginny gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled at him. Harry took a deep breath to calm his nerves before he began.
"Thank you all for coming," Harry nodded. "This is a meeting of the core for our New Order. What we tell you here does not leave this room, and we would like each of you to take a Wizards' oath before we begin."
Everyone looked at each other, but slowly everyone drew their wands to take the oath. After everyone had taken the oath, Harry nodded at Ginny to begin.
"Everyone here knows Harry's story," Ginny started. "But there's more to it than what is publicly known. For those who don't know, Voldemort's real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. He's a half-blood."
There were several gasps at this. Molly was sputtering as if she wanted to holler out, but Arthur laid a calming hand on her arm. McGonagall paled as she remembered a young Tom Riddle at Hogwarts.
"Yes, shocking, isn't it?" Harry asked rhetorically. "We found this out Ginny's first year. And before you ask, yes, from the diary. But there is more to it. Both to the diary and the whys of Riddle always coming after me.
"Before I was born, a prophecy was made," Harry continued. "It said: The One with the Power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. Born as the seventh month dies…Born to those who have thrice defied Him…The Soulmate approaches one year later…Alone neither can defeat the Dark Lord…She will be born of seven, the first in seven, and the only one of seven, the Soulmate brings her fire and passion to the Chosen One…And the Dark Lord will mark him as His equal and superior…The Dark Lord will leave a mark on the Soulmate in the years to follow…One, in fact, One in spirit the marks will be given…For neither can live while the other survives…They must be the Ones to end His reign, any others will fail…The One with the Power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches as the seventh month dies…The Soulmate a year after…"
"Merlin!" Arthur gasped.
"That's…" Molly gulped. Ginny nodded at her. Molly was on her feet and hugging Harry and Ginny faster than Arthur could stop her. Ginny waved him off, knowing her mother would react this way.
"Mum," Ginny looked her in the eyes. "Yes, we are the ones. Remember our talk from last summer?" Molly gulped but nodded. "This is why we have been training. We don't plan on failing."
"But…" Molly started as her tears flowed down her cheeks.
"We all have a role to play in this," Harry told her. "Gin and I have to stop him. Only us. But we need help. That's why everyone is here. Riddle won't hesitate to go after anyone we care about. So, we are going to do all we can to protect everyone. Just like you have always done."
Molly stared at them. Slowly, she realized they were right. Molly took a deep breath and nodded before returning to her seat.
"Now then," Ginny continued. "I am definitely the soulmate it spoke of, but the Chosen One could have been someone else."
"It could have applied to Neville, but Tom chose me because we're both half-bloods," Harry clarified.
"M…m…me?" Neville gulped.
"I know," Harry nodded. "That's why they…"
"Went after my mum and dad," Neville looked horrified. "They were really after me."
"Afraid so, Nev," Harry nodded. "Don't feel guilty! Your mum and dad protected you, just like mine did. We may be friends, Nev, but we're also godbrothers and really, with our shared family tragedy, we're more than that."
Harry stepped over to Neville, placing his hand on Neville's shoulder. "You, above anyone else, deserve to know about all of this and be a part of it."
"I'm more than in," Neville nodded. Harry smiled, giving him a nod.
"There's more to the story," Ginny took over. "But we want a few more people in on the Inner Circle of the Order. The other part of today is planning."
"Bill, we need you to get us into a vault at Gringotts," Harry turned to him. "But we also need Neville for this."
"Why's that?" Bill asked confused.
"It's the Lestrange vault," Harry answered. "There's something in it that we need."
"May I ask what?" Bill inquired.
"You can ask," Ginny smirked, "but we won't tell you yet."
"All we'll say is: It has to do with getting rid of Riddle for good," Harry added. "We also need to visit my other vaults and I think there be a way to access Potter Manor in one of them because I can't find it anywhere."
"Get with Sirius," Ginny indicated, "he knows the specifics."
"Got it," Bill nodded. "I'll make the arrangements."
"Fred, George," Ginny turned to them. "You have an assignment."
"All prophecies are filed with the Ministry," Harry went on. "What we need you to do is make a fake and we switch it as soon as possible."
"Why is that?" McGonagall asked.
"Snape overheard part of the original Giving," Harry commented darkly.
"And he told Riddle," growled Remus with a nod.
"We're on it, dear sister," Fred and George nodded.
"Ron, start making those battle plans we talked about," Harry directed. Ron nodded. "Nev, met with Sirius and Bill to plan the trip to Gringotts. Luna, Hermione, we need you to research and schedule to learn every spell, curse, hex, and jinx you can find. Get with Remus and Dora for that."
"Those who don't have anything right now are moral support and watchers in your jobs," Ginny looked at her father. Arthur nodded. "The last thing we need is Tom getting a foothold in the Ministry."
"We have our own research that we're doing," Harry stated. "Carefully ask around to all of your friends and colleagues, and try to get more manpower because we know Riddle is going to build an army. We need to be ready."
Griphook and Bill led Sirius, Neville, Harry, and Ginny down the halls of Gringotts. The Goblin had been more than helpful to facilitate a meeting with the Director of Gringotts when he was informed of a Dark Arts object being stored in the vaults. As they entered the conference room a larger than normal Goblin stood to greet them.
"Greetings, Lords and Lady," he nodded. "I am Mordec, Director of the London Branch."
"Many tidings to you, Director," Sirius bowed slightly. "I believe you know of my godson and his wife. This Lord Neville Longbottom."
"My Lord," Mordec nodded to Neville.
"Director," Neville inclined his head slightly.
"Please," Mordec indicated the seats around the table. "Griphook was rather vague as to the reason for this meeting, Lord Black. May I inquire, what this about?"
"Director, have you ever heard of a Horcrux?" Sirius asked.
The color drained from the Director's face. Griphook sat wide-eyed, almost falling out of his chair. The Goblins looked at each other in horror. Neville hid his confusion. He knew this had to be part of the things Harry and Ginny had not told everyone about yet. Harry caught his eye, shaking his head slightly. Neville knew they would share this with him later.
"Are you telling me," Mordec breathed weakly, "that the Dark object you referenced to obtain this meeting is a Horcrux?"
"Yes, Director," confirmed Sirius.
"Which vault," Mordec gulped.
"The Lestrange Vault," Sirius answered. "My cousin Bellatrix was given it by her master to hide."
"Her…master…" Mordec paled more.
"Yes," Harry spoke for the first time. "Director, we have evidence, if you would like to see it. But let's be clear, Lord Voldemort is a fraud! His name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, he is a half-blood. Yes, he is powerful. Yes, he is alive. Yes, he has returned in a new body. But my wife and I together are more powerful than he is. I alone have bested him four times. My wife has survived a mental attack from Riddle at the age of eleven."
Mordec stared at Harry for a long minute. Harry sighed as he let some of his Magic be seen and felt by the Goblins. Ginny took Harry's hand, adding her power to his. Griphook fell out of his chair, stumbling as he stood. Mordec sat with a look of shock on his pointed face. He finally blinked, but his mouth was still agape.
"I see," Mordec stammered out finally. "You wish to remove it from the Vault?"
"Yes," Harry nodded.
"And for protocol, you have brought Lord Longbottom with you?" He received a nod from Sirius. "And you know what the object is?"
"The lost Cup of Hufflepuff," Ginny stated. Mordec looked horrified. "Tom also found, defiled, and re-hid the Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw and the Lost Locket of Slytherin."
"He…all of them?" Mordec's horrified, pale face turned slightly green. "Just how many…?"
"At least seven," Sirius answered.
Mordec let out a long string of Goblin curses. Griphook stared at Sirius looking wobbly on his feet. Mordec stood, turning his back on the table as he took several deep breaths. Griphook weakly slid back into his seat, pulling a piece of parchment out of a file with a shaking hand. Mordec returned to his seat slowly. He took the parchment before reading over it quickly.
"Your pardons," Mordec apologized. "Lord Longbottom, what is your request?"
"In accordance with Goblin and Wizarding Law, I am requesting reparations for what the Lestranges did to my parents," Neville answered.
"You wish to claim this Horcrux as reparations?" Mordec clarified.
"Yes," Neville answered.
"It will help us put a final end to Riddle," Harry added.
"Of course, of course," Mordec nodded as he stood. "As Director, I must escort you to the vault. I gladly grant your request."
"Thank you, Director," Harry bowed. "Would it be possible to visit our vaults while we are down there?"
"Of course, Lord Potter."
"Thank you, Director," Harry bowed again. As the Goblins led the way to the carts, Harry took Ginny's hand with a quick smile. He leaned close to whisper to her. "Three Galleons says Nev loses his breakfast on or after the ride."
"You're on," Ginny grinned.
"I'll see that bet," Sirius whispered.
Harry glanced at Neville as they reached the carts. Neville visibly gulped as his face paled seeing the cart in front of them. After boarding the cart, they raced through the tunnels and caverns for twenty minutes. Harry and Ginny were laughing and cheering the entire time as they enjoyed the ride, much to the amusement of the Goblins. Harry looked at Neville several times during the ride. Neville was the fetching shade of green as they sped around a sharp corner and dropped several hundred meters at top speed.
As they pulled to a stop, Neville hurried out of the cart. He leaned over the side of the tracks and proceeded to lose his breakfast quite violently. Ginny and Sirius frowned as they handed Harry his winnings. The Goblins chuckled at the exchange. Harry went over to Neville rubbing his back for a minute. Neville looked up weakly as Harry handed him a conjured glass of water. They rejoined the others to start moving to the vaults. As they neared an open courtyard-like space a pungent odor filled their noses.
"What is that smell?" Ginny swallowed her disgust.
"That would be our security ogres, Lady Potter," Mordec answered.
As they turned the corner, ten twelve feet tall ogres stood at attention as they saw Mordec. They looked like trolls with more human-like faces. Their mouths were full of squared buck teeth. Harry saw an image of the ghoul that lived in the Burrow's attic from Ginny's memories. To Harry, they look like a hybrid of a ghoul and a troll with the disposition of a rabid wolf. They were dressed in skins and pelts covered in silver plate armor. Each had a huge sword and spear that was obviously made from Goblin steel.
"Director," the ogre with what looked like a collection of various skulls made into a necklace spoke.
"Captain," Mordec nodded. "Lead the way to the Lestrange Vault."
"Yessir," the ogre slurred nervously.
"I don't come down here much anymore," Mordec answered the questioning look Sirius gave him. "Captain Sheff is our head of cavern security. But we have known each other for seventy or so of your years."
Mordec opened the vault when they reached it. Harry's scar seared with pain as he felt the Horcrux as the door opened. Mordec looked shocked at this. As Griphook went into the vault to retrieve the Cup, Sirius quietly explained to Mordec that Harry's scar was somehow linked to the Horcruxes and Voldemort. Mordec paled again at the thought of the connection but didn't comment as Ginny held Harry close. Mordec was shocked again as Harry and Ginny pulsed with Magic that was both visible and physical, as it pushed everyone around them back a few steps.
After recovering from the shock, and Sirius placing the Cup in a special rune-covered trunk, they continued on to the Potter Family Vault. Harry and Ginny entered, finding more gold than either had ever imagined. There were trophy cases that lined a third of the wall to the left of the door. Bookshelves were placed beside them to fill the rest of the fifty-foot-long wall. Harry looked through various cases of family heirlooms, while Ginny gathered books from the small library in the vault.
"We'd have a hard time getting Luna and Hermione out of here," Ginny joked.
"Without a doubt," laughed Harry. He turned back to the case he was looking through. His eyes fell on a small wooden box that was open. Inside of it was a golden key that looked like it was made centuries before. "Found it!"
"A way to Potter Manor?" Ginny asked as she looked up.
"Portkey for the Master and or Mistress of the Manor," Harry read the plaque on the small wooden box on the third shelf. Harry reached in, closing the box before putting it in his pocket. He paused as the Manor's wards and Magic linked with him. "It was unplottable. That's why we couldn't find it. It's outside of Godric's Hollow."
"The Magic either recognizes me or our bond, because I feel it, too," Ginny nodded. Ginny turned back to the trunk she was loading with books. "I think I have all the books we need from here."
"What's this?" Harry looked at something curiously. Ginny joined him at the case. "Looks like a Gryffindor crest."
Harry picked up the large pin. As with the key to Potter Manor, the Magic in the pin flowed through them.
"You really are a descendant of Godric Gryffindor, love," Ginny smiled.
"On to the Gryffindor Vault?" Harry asked. Ginny grinned before pulling him down into a quick but passionate kiss.
"Now, on to the Gryffindor Vault," Ginny replied taking his hand. Harry nodded with a goofy smile spread across his mouth.
"Not even gonna ask," groaned Neville as Harry and Ginny emerged from the vault. Sirius just chuckled, shaking his head.
The group walked deeper into the cavern, walking down four long flights of narrow stone stairs. Captain Sheff had to walk sideways down them to accommodate his large feet. They passed a snake carved on a wall at the first landing. Then an eagle on the second. A badger was etched into third. Finally, the came to a lion carved into the wall. Mordec motioned to the huge door. Harry stepped forward, placing his hand on the door where a handprint was outlined. The door glowed a bright blue for a few seconds before a loud clack was heard. The vault opened wide, but from their reactions, the other couldn't see inside. Ginny shrugged as they stepped into the huge vault.
"Hello, young master and lady," a robust voice call from the darkened center of the room.