A.N./Disclaimer: Most of the characters and the original plot belong to J.K. Rowling. I do not own them. Neither am I profiting from this nor do I plan to commercialize it. I am writing for fun.
A.N.: Thank you for all the follows, favorites and reviews.
Chapter 7
Hermione had returned from the tower a different person, and she could feel it. Harry was her first and her best friend. She had had a crush on him since his heroic actions against the troll that had saved her. She was very pleased that Harry had trusted her enough to tell her about all the things he had discovered over the last week. She was confused when Neville had asked her not to mention it in front of Albus Dumbledore and Ronald Weasley. After all, Albus Dumbledore was the greatest wizard since Merlin himself and Ron was Harry's best friend, or that's what she thought. The revelations from his memories and the other documents shook her belief in the authorities. She was devastated to learn how the Weasleys' friendships could have been set up. She wanted to stop being friends with Ron, but she could also understand why Harry and the others thought it better to keep them at arm's length without destroying the 'friendship'. She was happy though that at least some adults were going out of their ways to help them prepare. The fact that it meant more study only made her happier. She had dropped Divination and Muggle Studies from her next year's schedule. The five of them were going to take the same courses. She was going to give her best and help her friends as well. She liked being part of this group.
Neville was more determined than ever. Here was a chance to become someone his parents and grandmother would be proud of. He wasn't going to half-arse it. After having learned what he did, there was no way he was going to back down. He would help his friends in things he was good at and ask for their help when he needed. Though he might not be the child of prophecy, he was the godbrother and friend of Harry, the child of prophecy. He knew that Harry would be in the thick of war and he would be right beside Harry. He was going to train hard and push himself to the limit. Luna and Susan were equally determined. Each of them understood they had a role to play and none of them wanted to let the others down.
That night when Harry entered his dorm, he saw Ron sitting on the edge of his bed and looking at the door. Harry proceeded to his trunk to retrieve his pajamas. Ron said, "Hey mate, what is up with you? I haven't seen you much since the chamber, you know."
Harry was taken by surprise at Ron's statement. He had to make something up without giving away anything. He blurted, "Er.. this is em-embarrassing. I-I don't k-know h-how to say this."
Ron looked at him quizzically and asked, "Merlin, look at you stuttering. Did you make a secret girlfriend or something?"
"WHAT?", exclaimed Harry. "Merlin, no. That's not it."
"Yeah, that's right", chuckled Ron. "You'd tell your best mate if you had a girlfriend. So what's up with you?"
"I, uh, I..I meet with Professors McGonagall and Flitwick every evening. They tell me stories about my parents and their friends", replied Harry.
"Oh, that's where you've been", said Ron and seemed to relax. "I thought you were off on some adventure on your own. I shoulda' known you wouldn't do that your best mate. After all, that's what we do, go on adventures together."
Harry stared at Ron befuddled. The audacity of this fool, thought Harry.
"Anyway, have you decided on your electives? We will have to tell McGonagall soon or she will go mental", continued Ron.
"Oh, yes. I have already informed her my selection. Sorry about that", replied Harry.
"What? When? Why didn't you call me?", exclaimed Ron.
"I am sorry. It was this evening when we were talking about my parents", apologized Harry.
"O-Okay. At least you told me as soon as you could", replied Ron. "Did you choose what we had decided?"
"Ah, no. I chose COMC, Arithmancy and Runes", said Harry. He knew Ron was going to get mad at him. He braced himself for incoming assault.
"What? Why'd you do that?", screamed Ron. "I thought I told you we gotta take Divination. That's an easy O. We will have to study for Arithmancy and Runes. You're mental, Harry. It's okay, you can come with me tomorrow. We will go and change that."
"No Ron", retorted Harry, "I am not going to take Divination. I am not a seer, and I don't want easy Os. I want to take Arithmancy and Runes."
"But why don't you want easy O?", asked a confused Ron. Seriously, he's gone mental. I think the basilisk bit more than just his arm, thought Ron. He continued, "Think about all the free time we can spend playing chess and talking quidditch."
"Because I want to be a better student, like my parents", replied Harry that shut Ron up. "They were among the top five of their year. I want to make them proud. I can't half-arse my way through school."
Ron was dumbfounded. He thought of another approach and said, "Bloody hell, I don't see myself doing those classes. If you don't take Divination, we won't have the same classes. Best mates should stick together, y'know."
"I am sorry, Ron", replied Harry. "I don't see myself changing my courses. If you want to be in the same classes, you will need to change yours. Anyway, besides Divination, all our courses are the same. It's not like we won't see each other."
"You're mental, mate", retorted Ron and drew his curtains. Harry heaved a sigh and went into the washroom to change. He was sure that the confrontation was coming but he didn't think it'd be this soon. He returned from the washroom, got into his bed and turned it for the night.
June 20, 1993
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
10:10 A.M.
Harry and his friends were standing in front of the Great Hall along with Pomona and Filius. Minerva had informed them about the arrival of the goblins at the castle gates. She had gone to bring them in while the seven of them waited in front of the Great Hall. Dumbledore and Snape had left the castle at 9:45 A.M. to meet with the Board of Governors. Minerva had asked Professor Babbling to man the castle in her absence. After a couple of minutes, Minerva arrived with the goblins in tow. Harry bowed to Director Ragnok and said, "Good morning, Director Ragnok. May your gold overflow and your enemies crumble."
"Well met, Lord Potter", replied Ragnok XI with a humble bow, "May your vaults overflow and your blades never dull."
Harry introduced his friends to the Director. His friends followed Harry's lead and greeted the goblin in a similar fashion. When Ragnok was replying to Hermione, he said, "Miss Granger, my son", and pointed to the goblin behind him, "Senior Account Manager Ragnok, the Twelfth, will be conducting your inheritance test today. We believe you are the heiress to the Houses of Dagworth-Granger and Draven."
"Thank you, Director Ragnok and Senior Account Manager Ragnok, the Twelfth", replied Hermione. "Please call me Hermione."
After the introductions were done, Harry said, "Let us get down to the chamber, follow me." Harry led the group to the unused girls' lavatory on the second floor. As soon as they entered the lavatory, they were greeted by Myrtle. She looked at Harry and giggled. Harry said, "Hello Myrtle, we are here to remove the beast that killed you. Do you want to see it for yourself? I assure you it is dead."
"Thank you, my Lord. I would like that", replied Myrtle.
"Please call me Harry", said Harry, shaking his head. He led them to the sink with the mark of Slytherin and hissed §Open§. The sinks moved apart, and the entrance came into view. Harry was about to jump into the tunnel when he heard Lady Hogwarts say that he should ask for stairs. He hissed again §Stairs§. Harry watched in wonder as a flight of stairs appeared in the tunnel. He turned to the others and chuckled, "Well, when Ron and I went into the chamber, we slid down the tunnel. I was going to ask you people to do the same when Lady Hogwarts suggested me to ask for stairs."
"Honestly Harry", huffed Hermione, "Do you really think Slytherin slid down the tunnel?" Everybody howled with laughter at Hermione's statement.
"I mean, don't get me wrong, but he did build a secret lair", said Neville.
"It would have been amazing if sliding in was the only way", added Harry.
"That would be a brilliant entrance", bellowed Ragnok XI. The others sniggered at the byplay. They descended down the stairs. Filius, Pomona and Minerva cleared the rubbles out of the way and made a pathway for them to walk.
Harry pointed to a spot and said, "This is where the fool Lockhart tried to obliviate us. Thanks to Ron's broken wand, he got obliviated instead." The professors cursed at their former colleague's antics. Hermione, Luna and Susan looked a bit guilty. They, just like other witches, had crushed on Lockhart. Harry led them down the pathway to the entry point into the chamber proper. He hissed §Open§. The iron gate opened, and Harry led the group inside. Harry came to a halt when he realized that the others weren't following him. He turned back and saw the group standing like a statue with their eyes fixated on the beast's carcass. Harry said, "I assure you the snake is dead."
Director Ragnok was the first to speak, "Forgive me Harry, I think my evaluators might need to add a few million galleons more to the evaluation. Besides, the shredded skin that lies outside the chamber will also generate a few thousand galleons."
Harry saw Hermione run towards him and crush him in a hug. "How on earth did you kill it Harry? You could have died." Harry was trying to formulate a reply when he felt being hugged by three more people.
"Circe's tits", exclaimed Minerva, "ye 'ave a death wish, do ye?"
Filius and all the goblins bowed to Harry. Filius said, "Lord Potter, I am honored to be in your presence."
"Please professor", said Harry. "I barely survived. I just did what I had to do."
"Of all the things James pulled during his time, nothing comes close to things you've done, lad", huffed Minerva. The goblins began to render the basilisk at a brisk pace. Senior Account Manager Ragnok, the Twelfth, snapped his fingers and a table appeared. He placed a bowl and a dagger on the table.
He called Hermione forward and said, "This bowl will be used for your inheritance test. Prick your palm with the dagger and drop a few drops of blood into the bowl." Hermione picked up the dagger and did so. After a few drops, the bowl shined brighter, and the wound healed itself. After a couple of minutes, a parchment lay in place of the blood. Ragnok XII picked it up and went through it. He said, "I was right, after all." He handed over the parchment to Hermione, who read:
Name: Hermione Jean Granger
Father: Richard Alexander Granger
Mother: Elizabeth Jane Granger née Williams
Official Title(s) by birth, blood, and magic:
Ancient and Most Noble House of Dagworth-Granger (patriarchal/matriarchal, inherited from father)
Most Noble House of Draven (patriarchal/matriarchal, inherited from mother)
Hermione looked shocked. She knew it was a possibility but to have received confirmation shook her. She was elated and crying happy tears. She hugged Harry followed by all her friends. She said, "I am so happy right now. Ever since I joined the magical community, many people have been treating me like scum. There were days when I wished to have descended from a magical family."
"It is not just any family, Heiress Dagworth-Granger", began Ragnok XII, "House of Dagworth-Granger is a very prominent family. Most of the practices the potioneers follow were put in place by the descendants of House of Dagworth-Granger, Hector Dagworth-Granger being the most well-known of them. Stop by Gringotts after the end of the term to pick up your Family Grimoires."
"Thank you, Senior Account Manager Ragnok XII. Please call me Hermione", replied Hermione.
"You may call me Ragnok XII then", said the goblin. The bowl now had two rings and two sets of keys. Ragnok XII pointed towards one ring and said, "Put this ring on first. It is the heiress ring for House of Dagworth-Granger." Hermione put it on. The ring flashed, shrunk to fit her finger and vanished. "Don't worry", began the goblin, "It is still there. It will be visible when you want it to be." He pointed to the other ring and said, "This is the heiress ring for House of Draven. You may put this on." Hermione put it on and the same followed.
Handing over the keys, Ragnok XII said, "These are the keys to the Investments and the Heir/Heiress' trust vaults of both the houses. You should have received the trust vault keys as soon as you were born but we didn't know who the heir or heiress was. Since you are the last of your Houses, according to your House traditions, you would have received the keys to the Investments vault on your eleventh birthday. You would have started managing your assets and expanded your estate. On your fourteenth birthday, which isn't far, you'd be able to take control of your entire estate and the family vaults. As the only magical heir to the Houses, you can even take up your Ladyship and keep it under wraps like young Harry here. I will be your account manager. I would recommend getting a house-elf. You may want your elf trained by the elves of House of Potter. I find the elves of House of Potter are very well trained and helpful. I would also advise that you only send letters using Harry's familiars or a house-elf. Other post owls can be tracked."
"You can always use any among Rowena, Godric and Hedwig, Hermione. I am also sure that Tony wouldn't mind helping you", said Harry.
"Thank you, Ragnok XII", said Hermione. "I will do as you say."
"Okay, now with that out of the way", began Ragnok XII, "Harry has asked you four to come to Gringotts on June 28, which is the day after you arrive at London. He wants us to perform blood tests on you and provide any of the necessary treatments."
"Thank you, Ragnok XII", chorused the five.
Ragnok XII continued turning to Harry, "All the residents of Privet Drive were very pleased with your offer of 50,000 pounds and a fully furnished home each. They readily vacated the houses. Arabella Figg threw a fit but agreed when we told her that the alternative for her was goblin mines. She also gave an unbreakable vow to not speak of the incidents to Dumbledore unless he asks about it. The construction Lily's Keep started this morning. It will be ready for you to move in on June 28. During your friends' visit to Gringotts, we will add portkeys to Lily's Keep on their rings. We will also provide portkeys for the other members of your group."
"Thank you, Ragnok XII", said Harry and turned to Ragnok XI, "Ragnok, if I could borrow your team of curse-breakers, I would like to explore the chamber further. Lady Hogwarts had informed me that Salazar Slytherin had a private study down here." Ragnok XI nodded and signaled a couple of goblins who were standing behind him to follow the group.
Harry reached at the Salazar's statue and hissed §Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts Four§. The mouth opened and the group walked in. The curse-breakers found a few curses inside the statue that they removed. They found two more pieces of shredded skin. They reached at a point where there were three doors. After the curses were removed, Harry tried to open the first door but failed. He hissed §Open§ but nothing happened. Hermione used Alohomora, but the door wouldn't budge. Harry pointed his wand at the door and hissed §Alohomora§. The door opened.
He said, "It opened when I used the spell in parsel." The room was a mix between a study and a bedroom. Harry saw that most of the books there were written in parseltongue. He said to Ragnok XI, "Ragnok, all the originals of the tomes and scrolls that we find in these rooms are to be placed in the Slytherin vault. Please make three permanent translated copies and three permanent copies of them as they are. One set of copies is for the Goblin Nation. Another set of copies is to be given to Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress. She may decide what she wants to do with it. The third set has to be placed at the library in Lily's Keep. I want to have both translated and non-translated copies because I'm sure a lot of information will be about parselmagic that needs to be in parseltongue."
"Well thought, Harry", replied Ragnok XI. "It will be done."
They explored the other two rooms. The middle one was a library filled with tomes and scrolls. The final room was a potions chamber that had been cleaned out, probably by Voldemort. Gathering all the stuff from the other two rooms, they walked out of the statue. Harry said to Ragnok XI, "Ragnok XI, the amount that may be in excess of our discussed evaluation has to be split in the following manner: place 40% in the Slytherin vault and start making some gold with it. 10% each to Houses of Longbottom, Bones, Dagworth-Granger and Lovegood. Hermione may decide how she wants to split her money between her houses. 10% each to Gringotts and Hogwarts."
"Harry, I can't", said Hermione. "That's your money."
"She's right, Harry", added Neville. "We can't."
"I want to do this. You can use this gold for investment to start our own business. I already have a few ideas and I want to keep this among our houses", replied Harry. His friends were taken aback with his reply and rushed to hug him.
"Harry, you're already giving Gringotts way more than we charge," said Ragnok XI. "My integrity as a goblin won't allow me to take any further for this task. Instead, Gringotts will keep the ten percent and waive off any charges for the blood test and treatment of your friends, and the horcrux hunt."
"That is acceptable, Ragnok", said Harry.
Hermione added, "Ragnok XII, my parents had converted pounds to galleons for all my shopping and Hogwarts tuition. Can you tell me how many pounds they would have spent on an average?"
"It would be around 20,000 pounds, Hermione" replied Ragnok XII.
"Okay. What is the current conversion rate of galleons to pounds?", asked Hermione.
"A galleon is 5.23 pounds", replied the goblin.
"Thank you, Ragnok XII", said Hermione. "I am going to return the money to my parents and pay from my trust vault from next year onwards. Can you split all the money that I may receive from Harry between both my houses? I need to deposit the prize money I received yesterday as well."
"I will do so, Hermione", began Ragnok XII, "I will also get you a money bag similar to Harry's. You won't need to physically carry gold after that. You can place your hand in the bag and think of the amount and the vault you want to withdraw gold from, and you'll be able to do so. You can also use it to deposit gold."
"Thank you, Ragnok XII", replied Hermione. It took another hour for the goblins to finish rendering the carcass. They gathered everything in the center of the chamber as Ragnok XI created a portkey for his group and the materials with help of Harry and Lady Hogwarts. With a promise to meet on June 28, Ragnok XI and his group disappeared. Harry and his friends, and the professors took the stairs back to the lavatory. Hermione grabbed Harry as soon as they had stepped out of the chamber and sobbed, "I could have lost you, Harry." Harry patted her and calmed her down. The five spent the day together sitting beside the lake and talking about mundane things.
Meanwhile at Longbottom Manor
Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape arrived at Longbottom Manor at 9:55 A.M.. They were greeted by a house-elf in the entry hall who led them into the formal sitting room. Seated at a table in front of them were Augusta Longbottom, Amelia Bones and Sirius Black. Albus greeted them first. "Good morning, Lady Dowager Longbottom, Lady Regent Bones and Lord Black. It is good to see you." Severus followed Dumbledore with a similar greeting though he lacked Dumbledore's fake enthusiasm.
Augusta spoke on behalf of the Board, "Good morning, Headmaster Dumbledore and Potions Master Snape. Please take a seat, we have much to discuss." The visitors obliged. Augusta continued, "Before we get to our issues, is there anything you want us to consider?"
"Just that", Albus replied, "Potions Master Snape has my complete trust."
"Very well", Augusta said. "We will consider that if we think it is justified. The first order of business and the most important one is that we aren't pleased with your administration in the past two years, Headmaster. What in the name of Merlin were you thinking hiding the Philosopher's Stone inside the castle filled with students?" Dumbledore looked aghast at Augusta's blunt question. He had hoped the Board wouldn't get a whiff of it. Now that he thought about it, how did the Board even know about the stone. Augusta might have seen his confused expression when she added, "You forget that the Board has the right to go through the transactions between Hogwarts and Gringotts. I have information from reliable source that Rubeus Hagrid retrieved the stone from Gringotts on your orders."
Dumbledore replied, "I had concerns about the stone being stolen. That is why I hid it inside the castle. I apologize for my grave oversight. It won't be repeated."
Augusta said, "As it was a one-time thing and none of the students were in danger, we forgive you." Albus looked calm on the exterior but his insides relaxed. Augusta thought Oh, if I could rip the bastard a new one for all the things he has done. She continued, "We are not pleased with the professors you've hired in the last two years either. What have you to say for yourself?"
"I'd like to say that it is difficult to find good professors who are willing to stay inside the castle for around ten months", replied Albus.
This time it was Amelia who said, "In that case, the Board would like to weigh in its opinions on hiring and sacking of professors. We've already finalized the DADA professor for the next year, Mr. Remus Lupin. He has dual masteries in DADA and History of Magic."
Dumbledore thought about it and agreed it would be a good idea to have Remus in the castle. He could probably guilt trip Remus into keeping an eye on Harry for him. He said, "It is acceptable; however, I don't like the fact that the Board is practically forcing the decision on me."
"Headmaster Dumbledore", began Augusta, "the Hogwarts Board of Governors charter, section 2 subsection 13 clearly elucidates that the Board of Governors has the right to hire and dismiss any member of the staff including the Headmaster. It doesn't matter if you like it or not, if we feel a certain action must be taken, we very much will."
"O-Of course, Lady Dowager Longbottom. I apologize", said Dumbledore.
"I am sure it was Lord Black's idea to get the werewolf a job", sneered Snape.
"Potions Master Snape", said Sirius for the first time in a cold voice, "Might I remind you that you are sitting in front of the Board that is going to address complains against your person. Such behavior will only push us to sack you using the very same powers."
Albus and Severus paled at Sirius' statement. Sirius continued, "The number of complains we have received against you is unbelievable, Professor Snape. Baseless and unfair detentions to students of other houses, baseless and unfair point deductions from other houses, severe partiality to Slytherin and no skills as a teacher are among a few of them. I wonder why we should let you continue."
"Why, did that Potter brat already come crying to you, Black? Hm?", sneered Snape angrily. "You think you're so high and mighty..". Whatever else Snape had to say was lost as Amelia silenced him.
Amelia said, addressing Dumbledore, "Headmaster Dumbledore, might I remind you of your arrangement for Potions Master Snape with the Wizengamot?"
"No, Madam Bones", replied Dumbledore shaking his head. "I clearly remember that the moment he is no longer a member of staff at Hogwarts, he will be sent to Azkaban. I apologize on his behalf. Severus is a very accomplished Potions Master and I have complete confidence in him."
"That may be so", said Augusta, "but he is a piss poor teacher and spiteful human. The Board hereby places Potions Master Snape on probation. He may continue to be the Potions Professor and the Head of Slytherin, but all of his point deductions and detentions need to be approved by the majority of the other Heads of Houses. Furthermore, from hereon, any unfair point deduction by any professor or prefect and any unfair detention can be contested by the student to the panel consisting of Heads of Houses. You, as the Headmaster, may oversee the discussion and offer your opinion, but cannot enforce it. As mentioned in Hogwarts Charter section 4 subsection 2, the Heads of Houses have absolute power when it comes to dealing with detentions and point deductions."
Albus felt that the Board was being too hard on him and his friend, Severus, even though the Board was just enforcing the charter that the Founders had put in place. Augusta continued, "Students meeting with the Headmaster and other Heads of Houses may request the presence of their Heads of Houses as per section 4 subsection 6 of the charter. In order to let the students know of their rights, each student will receive a copy each of the Hogwarts charter and the Hogwarts Board of Governors charter when they are sent their letters for the next year. The Board will be contacting Deputy Headmistress McGonagall to inform her about it."
Albus reluctantly agreed to all the changes that were being put into place. He said, "I must reluctantly agree with your suggestions."
Sirius added, "Headmaster, there is one last order of business. In addition to being in control of the Hogwarts Support and Emergency Funds group, Deputy Headmistress McGonagall is hereby placed in control of Hogwarts finances. The vaults had been recently audited and the Board is not pleased with your handling of the finances."
Though Albus was shocked at this statement, he was also a little relieved. He said, "Though I am a bit surprised at this decision, I have to admit that managing finances is not my forte. I would however suggest that Professor Flitwick assist Professor McGonagall with it."
"That is an excellent suggestion, Headmaster", admitted Amelia. "That concludes the things we wanted to address at this meeting. The Board will convene with the entire staff in the first week of summer holidays to discuss new ideas and the budget. If there is nothing else you wish to discuss, that will be all."
"Thank you, Lady Regent Bones", replied Dumbledore. "There is nothing else we want to address at the moment." He turned to Sirius and said, "Potions Master Snape and I would like to speak with Lord Black in private." He looked at Augusta and said, "That is if Lady Dowager Longbottom may lend us some space in her humble abode."
"Very well, you may use this room", replied Augusta, "Lady Regent Bones and I will leave you to it. Good day." Augusta and Amelia got up and left the room.
Albus undid the silencing charm on Snape and turned to Sirius. He said, "Sirius, may I call you that?" Sirius gave a half-nod which Dumbledore took as acceptance and continued, "Sirius, it is good to see you. Freedom suits you well."
"Can it, Dumbledore. What do you want to talk about?", snarled Sirius.
Albus maintained his grandfather persona and replied, "Why all this enmity, Sirius? I apologize for what happened all those years ago."
"You could have prevented a lot of things, Albus. You witnessed their Wills and did nothing to protect their son or me. I cannot forgive you, not yet anyway", said Sirius.
"The headmaster doesn't need your forgiveness Black. You act all mighty because of your title but even your mother couldn't tolerate your pathetic, sorry arse", jeered Snape.
The atmospheric temperature plummeted as Sirius replied, "Tch, tch, tch, Snivellus. You act all high and mighty but in reality, you never grew up. Lady Dowager Longbottom told me how you treat Heir Longbottom and my son. It pains me to see that James saved your sorry arse back then and instead of being grateful and looking after his son, you make his life miserable. You used to say Lily was your good friend and you loved her, yet you treat Harry pathetically. What does that say about the kind of a man you are Snivellus? Hmm? Dumbledore pleaded in front of the Wizengamot for you and saved you from Azkaban even though you had been a Death Eater. The condition was that you regretted your actions, and you'd spend the rest of your life working as a professor to nurture young minds, yet you have been nothing but spiteful. I have a theory why Dumbledore saved you then. If it turns out to be true, even Merlin himself won't be able to save you." Sirius turned to Dumbledore and finished in the same tone, "Nor will he be able to save you, Dumbledore."
Sirius knew about the prophecy as James had told him. After his freedom, before Peter had been taken to Azkaban, Sirius had had a meeting with him. Sirius had asked him quite a lot of questions, one among which was if Peter had an idea why Voldemort had been after the Potters and the Longbottoms. That was when Peter, under the influence of veritaserum, had replied that a few years after the Potters' death, Peter had overheard a conversation between Albus and Snape. They were discussing about a prophecy. Albus reminded Snape that it was because of him that Voldemort went after the Potters and the Longbottoms. He reminded Snape of how Snape had begged Albus to hide the Potters and how Snape owed Albus for not having turned in Severus for telling the prophecy to Voldemort.
Before Snape could open his trap, Albus cast a silencing charm on him and said to Sirius, "I apologize Sirius for whatever I have done and whatever you think I may have done. However, I wish to talk about Harry's living arrangements over the summer. I insist that Harry return to his muggle relatives' place. He is the safest under the blood wards there."
"Headmaster Dumbledore", began Sirius in an irritated voice, "you are to address my son keeping his title and station in mind. Secondly, you have no right to tell me where my son should spend his summer. Let me be clear about one thing. Where my son spends his summer is a matter of discussion between my son and me. The next time you try to speak to my son in the absence of his Head of House or his guardian, I assure you that you will have bigger problems. You, as the Headmaster, drew your wand on my son, who is a student and an heir to multiple prominent houses, unprovoked. That in itself is a five-year sentence in Azkaban. Be grateful that neither my son nor I wish to see you suffer in Azkaban."
Albus, having realized that any further discussion on the matter will probably be unhealthy for him, replied in a calm manner, "I apologize for my oversight, Lord Black. I just want what is best for Heir Potter. Anyhow, Professor Snape and I must get going. Good day." He got off his seat and left the sitting room with Snape. They exited in haste.
As soon as they reached Hogsmeade, Albus rented a private room in Three Broomsticks. Entering the room, he cast privacy wards and undid the silencing charm on Snape. Severus shouted, "Bloody bastard. I want Black dead. He should have been kissed."
"Careful now, Severus", said Albus. "We have to be very careful from now on."
"Oh, come on, Albus", said Snape. "Surely, you'll do something and save us from this misery?"
"I'm afraid there's nothing we can do at the moment. We will have to bide our time. In the meanwhile, you need to tone down your aggressive nature towards the students of other houses. They have placed you on probation. If things don't improve, they can sack you and I won't be able to do anything", said Albus. "I did not think they will read the entire charters and enforce them."
Snape huffed, sneered and jeered as Albus seemed to formulate a plan. In one week, many of his plans had come undone. Snape took a couple of hours to calm down. It was time for lunch, so they decided to eat before heading to the castle.
Over the next week, Harry and his friends settled down in a rhythm. They still kept up appearances. Harry and Hermione still hung out with Ron after Ron had apologized for his outburst on Saturday night. They were very careful in their conversations to not mention anything about the things discussed in the tower. The five of them decided to meet for an hour in the tower every night after dinner. They would use the trunk with the dilation set at one hour on the outside to six hours on the inside. They spent this time helping Luna with second-year studies and practicing mind arts. As Harry had a few months of head start on them, he told them about the things he had found useful and answered their questions to the best of his abilities. Harry and Hermione would tell Ron that they were going to the library to study for an hour after dinner. Ron didn't find it to be suspicious as he knew Harry was taking more difficult courses and Hermione was probably just helping him.
On the night of the leaving feast, Harry had just entered the Great Hall and sat down when Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Penelope Clearwater stopped by him. Penelope took lead and said, "Mr. Potter, can we speak to you in private?" Harry nodded and rose from his seat. He followed the group into an unused classroom on the same floor. Penelope continued, "Mr. Potter, we would like to thank you for the gold. You did not have to do it."
"Please call me Harry", replied Harry, "and actually, I knew I had to do it. The gold will not give you back the days you spent in the infirmary, but it might make things a little easier. I couldn't have kept it when I knew that the basilisk had caused you pain."
"Thank you, Harry", exclaimed Colin excitedly. "I can now buy a good magical camera."
"You don't have to thank me, seriously. I just did what I thought was right", said Harry shaking his head. "I do have a request though."
"Sure, Harry. Anything", replied Justin.
"Can you guys please not tell anybody in school about it?", said Harry. "I don't want people to stare at me more than they already do." In reality, he just didn't want to explain to Ron why he didn't give him any gold even though he gave it to his father.
"Sure Harry. We won't tell a soul", said Penelope. They returned to the Great Hall and took their respective seats.
After the dinner was over, Dumbledore was about to rise and declare the house cup results when he was stopped by McGonagall. She said, "Pardon me, Albus, but the Board wanted me to inform the students about the charters. It will only be a minute." Albus nodded and Minerva rose from her seat. Casting a sonorous, she said, "Good evening, dear students. Before our headmaster awards the house cup, there is an announcement that I must make on behalf of the Board of Governors.
"For those of you who do not know what the Hogwarts Board of Governors is and how they are selected, I would like to give you a brief summary. After the school was founded, the Founders were in charge of all day-to-day operations. When it was their time to leave Hogwarts, they decided to establish a board called the Hogwarts Board of Governors. The Board of Governors consists of 10 seats. The seats are hereditary in nature. A seat each is held by the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Emrys, Black, Longbottom, Bones, Peverell and Potter, and Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. The Houses of Emrys, Slytherin and Hufflepuff do not have a descendant at the moment. With the exoneration of Lord Black, the Board now comprises of 3 members voting for 7 seats. The three members are Lord Black, who votes for Houses of Black, Peverell, Potter, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Lady Regent Bones, who votes for House of Bones, and Lady Dowager Longbottom who votes for House of Longbottom.
"The current board has decided to bring back few things from the past, that is before the war. First and foremost, every year, when you receive your letters, you'll also receive a copy each of the Hogwarts charter and the Hogwarts Board of Governors charter. Lady Dowager Longbottom, who is the chairperson of the Board, believes that every student must know his/her rights and the rules of the school. This will prevent any unfair treatment, especially of the mundane-born students who weren't taught about it. In addition to the copies of the charters, the mundane-born and mundane-raised students will also receive guides about magical society and wizarding culture." Minerva paused as there was a loud cheer and applause from the students.
She continued, "The Board has also reintroduced scholarships from Hogwarts Support and Emergency Funds group. Before the war, the Houses of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Potter and Peverell used to manage the group. Every year, the top mundane-born student and the top student with magical parents of years two through seven received scholarship for their academic performance for previous year. That means, the top mundane-born student at the end of the first year will receive scholarship for his/her second year, the top mundane-born at the end of second year will receive for the third year, and so on. They will be notified in their letter. Of course, they may choose to decline, in which case, the second rank holder will be awarded the scholarship and so on. The same is applicable to the students with magical parents.
"The Houses of Black, Bones and Longbottoms have also joined the group and increased the number of students from 1 to 2. That means, the top two mundane-born students at the end of the first year will receive scholarship for their second year. They will be notified in their letters. The same is applicable to the top two students with magical parents in each year." There was a huge round of applause at the announcement. Minerva said, "That's all I have from the Board to say. Thank you and I wish you all happy holidays. Please don't forget your homework and do read the charters." She took her seat and undid the sonorous.
Albus rose and began, "Those were wonderful bits of announcement from Professor McGonagall. I hope this will push you all to do better in your studies. Now, there is a last bit of business, the House Cup." There was a loud cheer. Albus followed, "Gryffindor wins the House Cup for two years in a row." There was a loud cheer from the Gryffindors as Albus handed the House Cup to Minerva. He raised his hand to stop the applause and said, "Well done, Gryffindor. That is all from me for the year. I wish you all a good night and happy holidays. As Professor McGonagall said, please don't forget your homework and do read the charters. Have a safe trip." He undid the sonorous and took his seat. Students slowly began to exit the hall.
Harry and Hermione were seated on a couch in the Gryffindor Common Room. Hermione asked, "Harry, have you finished packing?"
"Yes, Star helped me pack", replied Harry, "you?"
"Yes, Star helped me as well. I think she helped all the five of us. She was mumbling something about how none of us knew how to pack", replied Hermione.
"Ah, yes. The other day she redid my tie and said that my grandfather would have taught me how to tie a knot if he was still alive", said Harry. Hermione squeezed his hand. He continued, "I like the elves, you know. Sometimes they just sit with me and tell me about my parents and grandparents."
"I am happy that you have someone who tells you about your parents, Harry", said Hermione, squeezing his hand. "Did you get out trunk from there?", she hushed in a low voice.
"Yep, Tony took it to Black Manor while we were at dinner", replied Harry.
"Good", replied Hermione, "I will head up to my dorm now. Good night, Harry."
"Good night, Hermione", replied Harry. Hermione hugged Harry and took the stairs to her dorm. Harry decided to head to his dorm as well. He entered his dorm and saw Ron sitting on his bed, smiling about something. Harry said, "Mate, you look happy. Did something good happen?"
"Huh, oh yeah", replied Ron shaking his head. "Let's see. So remember how I was worried the other day when Scabbers was missing? Well, I found him." Ron showed a brown rat in his hands. After the trial, Harry and Minerva had decided to place an identical rat but with all the toes. Ron continued, "My parents sent us a letter. Turns out one of my ancestors had made an investment that returned two million galleons to my family. My father received the gold and the news last night. We decided to head to Egypt to meet my brother Bill. We will be spending a lot of time there. My parents also promised to buy us new uniforms, brooms and books. My family is finally rich. I wanted to invite you, but you'd get bored anyway. I mean we will be seeing Bill's work and renovating our home. There'll be no adventures, mate. Blimey, two million galleons. That is a lot of money for poor people like us. Of course, families like yours must be filthy rich if they can hand out scholarships and all."
Harry didn't want to put up with the conversation any longer and said, "I am happy for you Ron. My family might have been rich, but I haven't gotten any money, mate. Anyway, I am tired and I do have to get up early tomorrow. It is going to be a long ride. Good night."
"G'night, mate", replied Ron. Harry drew his curtains and fell asleep.
It was almost time for the students to head to the station. Ron had said Harry that he would meet him in the train as he was going to meet his siblings and go to the station with them. Harry readily agreed. Harry, Hermione, Neville, Susan and Luna headed to the train together. Harry said, "We will all return a changed person next year. I have a feeling this summer will be fun and fruitful at the same time. Hermione did you talk to your parents about the vacation? Luna, did you? I know Aunt Amy and Gran Augusta have already agreed to let Susan and Neville go even if they are unable to go. Of course, they'll have a portkey to our residence."
"Yes, I did", replied Hermione enthusiastically. She said, "They agreed and have taken leave from their practice from July 11 through August 8."
"My daddy said yes too", replied Luna in a dreamy voice.
"Brilliant", replied Harry.
"Oh, it's going to be so much fun", gushed Susan.
"Yeah? Don't forget, Hermione here is going to make sure we put in six hours of training every day. It may be an hour to the outside world, it would still be a lot tiring", chuckled Neville.
"Oh, I have an idea that even Hermione would agree with", said Susan.
"Really? Care to tell me, dear Susan?", smirked Hermione.
"Instead of spending six hours inside, we spend twelve hours. We train or study for six hours and the other six hours can be spent according to the individual's wishes", said Susan. "For example, you may want to read and nap, Harry may want to cook, nap and fly, Neville may just nap, and so on."
"I like your idea, Susan", chimed Luna. "Can we please follow it, Hermione? Please, please, please?"
"Oh, well. I suppose it is a good idea", giggled Hermione.
The five of them boarded train and went towards the back. They entered into one of the compartments and sat down. Harry cast a series of privacy wards to avoid being disturbed. He wanted the journey to be peaceful. Harry and his friends spent the ride reading books and playing exploding snaps. Star had popped in to bring them lunch. They settled down to nap after their lunch. Harry smiled looking at his group of friends and the prospect of having a happy summer. He could not have been more grateful to Adrian for his advice two weeks ago than he was right now. For the first time in two years, Harry was actually excited to leave Hogwarts for holidays. 'This feels good' was Harry's last thought as sleep took over.