Chapter seven

Remus arrived at Hogwarts then headed straight into the castle to find Minerva and Tonks.

'Good news,' Remus said as he entered Minerva's new office.

'They got it out of Harry,' Tonks said anxiously.

'Yes, but they also found Hufflepuff's cup in the Lestrange's vault. They have confiscated the vault, until they turn up. They have three months, but the goblins will put the Lestrange's on trial for using their bank to house an extremely dark object. If they don't turn up the contents of the vault will be divided between the goblins and me. I wanted to argue, but you don't win arguments against Director Bogrod. They plan to keep the cup until they can determine if there are any descendants, if not, then it will be handed over to you Minerva.'

'So, is it intact or destroyed?'

'They were able to remove it without destroying the cup. If only Albus thought about speaking with the goblins before. The locket and the diadem could have been saved.'

'Yes, it's a shame, but they will be placed together in an enchanted glass cabinet. Now, Dora explained about Harry, I wanted to give Albus a piece of my mind, but he has no woken yet. It all makes sense now, the Dursley's and the treatment here at Hogwarts, including how he was treated by Severus.'

'Yes, if Harry felt his life was worthless then he finds out about the piece of soul inside him, he would instantly walk to his death. Albus must have known or was suspicious from the time Harry survived. But now he has a chance, just like the rest of us. I was asked by Director Bogrod if you would allow a few goblins in with Harry so they can render the basilisk?'

'As it belongs to Harry, then if he wants them to render it, they can come to Hogwarts. I always wondered why Harry never worked it out before.'

'He didn't know that since he killed it, that it belongs to him. Harry also wouldn't have known to ask the goblins. They spoke right after the ritual, then I took Harry to Potter manor. He slept for two days, it took a lot out of him, but now he said he feels energised. I just looked at him and knew it was the piece of soul that kept him from growing to his right height. Also, his magic will be more powerful, as the soul was leeching off his magical core to keep itself alive.'

'He cast a full bodied corporeal patronus as the age of thirteen, he is already powerful. When he turns seventeen in a few weeks he will have the last of his magic released. Harry might just end up more powerful than Albus.'

'And he will need it to finish off Voldemort. So, the snake is the last one which is always with him.'

'I heard from one of my contacts that's why I came to speak with Minerva until I spoke with you and Harry. He sends the snake out a lot to scout people and places. This person told me that a large snake has been seen in two places in Godric's Hollow, the cemetery and the Potter cottage.'

'He expects Harry to turn up in Godric's hollow. But why now, why would he believe Harry would go there now?'

'We think Snape might have convinced…him. Since Albus is gone, who was the one that made Harry return to the Dursley's. Now though, Harry might just decide to visit the home he shared with his family. Everyone in this school knew Harry wanted to find out more about his parent's, what better way than the family home. Harry might want to take the time to visit their graves. That is just speculation on our part but with the snake there, it does make sense.'

'It does make sense since there is no other reason to watch Godric's Hollow. Alright, I'll talk it over with Harry, work on some plan.'

'If Harry played bait, with you and me hiding under the invisibility cloaks, we could take out the snake before it even knows where there. Since….he talks to it, he probably told the snake to just concentrate on Harry and no one else.' Tonks said.

'It's risky but it could work. What bothers me is the connection Harry had with Voldemort. If the snake has a connection as well, for all we know the snake could send a vision to his master then he could turn up in Godric's Hollow.'

'Then we work on a few people, not just you two. I will be there, I'm sure Kingsley and Arthur will. I would also add Bill and Charlie. We could also use some diversions that the twins would have.'

'That could work Minerva, a few more hiding, some twins pranks should keep the snake's attention and not give it time to contact Voldemort. Alright, I'll head back to Harry's. Tonks, Harry is going to spell you into the wards. Do you want to come with me now?'

'Yes, then Minerva can finish her work.'

'If you can speak with Arthur, Minerva, I'll speak with Harry, then we can work out when to go to Godric's Hollow. Harry needs to meet up with the goblins as well, but the snake is the most important right now. I'll send Hedwig to you after I speak with Harry.'

'I'll watch for her.'

Remus and Tonks left Hogwarts, Remus took Tonks by side-along apparition. When they arrived, outside the wards, Remus sent his patronus to Harry.

It was only a few minutes later that Harry appeared as if out of nowhere, 'I added you to the ward book Tonks, sorry, I will have to say your full name to connect you to the manor wards.'

'I know, just don't use it again.'

Remus and Harry glanced at each other before the turned away to hide their amused looks. Tonks knew exactly what the two of them were doing which made her growl.

Harry touched the ward stone as he held onto Tonks, 'I, Harry James Potter, grant permission to Nymphadora Tonks to enter Potter manor,' a quick burst of light hit the ward stone then Tonks, 'Alright, let's get in.'

Remus, Tonks and Harry headed straight for the kitchen, they saw not two house elves, but four.

'Where did the other two house elves come from?'

'Dobby is a friend who I helped free from the Malfoy's. Dumbledore gave him a job at Hogwarts, I called him and asked if he wanted to work for me,' Harry smiled at Dobby, 'I asked him to bring Winky, Crouch's old elf. I offered her the same, but she hates being free, so…well, she bonded to me.'

'Some house elves just can't live without being owned. I do know that the Potters always treated house elves well and never mistreated their elves. They also would not allow them to punish themselves. Alright, Tonks found out about the snake and we're working on taking her out.'

'Great, let's have lunch. Oh, but Tonks, I wanted to ask about your parent's, are they safe?'

'Not really, mum is worried about dad, dad believes he should leave for a while. Their place does have wards but nothing like what's on these types of old manors.'

'Then see if they want to stay here for the duration. They will be safe, they just have to get passed the wards to apparate when they want to leave. Before we get onto the snake, I want you to have Grimmauld place Remus. After this is over, if it's ever over, then you can do what you want with the place,' Harry slid some parchment across to Remus, 'I never want to set foot in that place again, but right now it could make a great safe house if the enchantments are re-done. I figured you could redo the fidelius charm and you become secret keeper, which will stop Snape getting in.'

'Sirius originally wanted me to have the house, as long as you were always welcome to stay or live, if you wanted. But the house had to be left to blood. Since you are blood not just his godson then he could leave you the house. Now though, since you weren't his son and even though you are blood, you are not a direct line like Sirius was so you can give the house to anyone. Alright, I'll redo the charm then let the order know they can use it but under no circumstances is Snape allowed to have permission. Now, Hermione and Ron, if they are working on plans, they might need to sneak away. Would you mind allowing them to use the place?'

'It's your place now Remus, but even if it was mine, I would let them hide there. I care about the both of them, but I just can't trust them anymore. The thing is, if this heats up, then the rest of the Weasley's might need to stay there. I'm not sure they have anywhere else to go.'

'There is enough room for everyone. Since I'll be staying here with you it's not like there will be any shortage of rooms. You know Kreacher still belongs to you even if he's at the house.'

'I wasn't sure what to do with him, but he seemed to change when I gave him the locket. For now, maybe he could stay at headquarters, but if he begins to make trouble, then I'll send him to Hogwarts. I will just have to give him specific orders. He is old, he can't do a lot so,' Harry turned to the house elves, 'would two of you be willing to help clean up Remus' house and keep an eye on Kreacher?'

Remus, Tonks and Harry smiles as all four house elves wanted to help. So Winky and Hegly was going to Grimmauld place for a week or so, Dobby and Mipsy was staying at the manor. Remus would have the elves keep an eye on Kreacher. If he behaves then he can remain in his master's old home. Tonks reminded Remus and Harry about the closed off section of the house. If Remus opened that up there would be a lot more room if it was needed for a safe house. Once the two house elves left, they had lunch while they discussed the plan to get the snake.

'I don't mind playing bait if it means we get rid of the last one. But why have so many there with me and not just you two?'

'Your connection with Voldemort, the snake might have one. Which means she might be able to inform Voldemort that you turned up in Godric's hollow. If he arrives, Tonks and I wouldn't be able to take him and there's no use fighting him until the snake is dead. We need more wands to keep all of us protected but also give us time to kill the snake.'

'If he turns up before the snake is dead, we have to make it look like an accident. He can't know that we're destroying his horcruxes.'

'We're hoping to take it out the moment it spots you. But will you be okay standing at your parent's graves?'

'I've wanted to visit ever since I found out the truth about them. With what the Dursley's told me about them and how I was treated, I didn't want anything to do with my parent's, at first. I blamed them for my life. Then Hagrid turns up and explained everything I realised how wrong I was about my parent's. This is the first time I've been able to do what I want. It will be hard and emotional, but I want to say goodbye to them.'

Remus reached over and took Harry's hand, but so did Tonks. Both of them just held Harry, not just to help him, but they also began to feel very emotional.