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 11
Over the holidays, Harry had started to follow a morning routine. Every morning, he would wake up around 6 A.M.. This would spare him 30 minutes before all his other friends joined him to head for breakfast. These 30 minutes Harry would spend trying to center his magical core. He had read in his family grimoires that having a centered magical core is very helpful in not only performing spells that require more magical power, but also in enhancing the ability to interact with and use the wild magic around him.
This morning was no different. Harry had showered, changed into his school robes, and sat in the common room. He was finding it easier to interact with wild magic this morning. He was in a state of trance, playing with the wild magic when Hermione entered the common room. She saw Harry, sitting with his eyes closed and a lively smile gracing his lips. She sat down beside him and said, "Good morning, Harry."
Harry opened his eyes and replied, "Morning Hermione."
"How come you're up this early?", asked Hermione.
"I started waking up early during the holidays so that I had time to center my magical core", replied Harry. "The Potter and Peverell grimoires mentioned about how centering one's magical core is helpful in performing magically powerful spells and interacting with wild magic. As archmagi and warmages, the Potters and Peverells made use of wild magic to prevent draining of magical core."
"That sounds interesting", said Hermione. "How does one do it? How can I center my magical core? In fact, can I even do it or is it a family magic?"
"I am not sure if it is a family magic or if it something other people can do it; however, I can tell you how to do it", replied Harry and told her the steps.
Hermione said, "Thanks Harry, I will try from tomorrow. Why were you smiling?"
"Oh, that", replied Harry. "I found it was easier for me to interact with wild magic today. I could even sense you when you walked in." Harry paused for a moment and continued, "Now that I think about it, Dumbledore has always been able to sense people by their presence. It is possible because of the disturbance produced by the person's distinct magic in wild magic. The disturbance differs from person to person."
"This means that it is not limited to your family lines, Harry", replied an excited Hermione. "It could be possible due to his magical prowess."
"Maybe, in which case, I am quite sure you can", said Harry. "I wonder why I am finding it so easy today."
"It could be due to the magical ley lines", replied Hermione. Seeing Harry's confused look, Hermione continued, "Hogwarts is built at the conjecture of four ley lines, thus enhancing the wild magic in the area. You said that you had been practicing over the holidays. We didn't go anywhere during the holidays that had so much wild magic. All your practice has been in areas with less wild magic."
"Makes sense", replied Harry. "I will have to read up a bit more about ley lines. They sound interesting." Hermione and Harry were conversing idly when Neville joined them in the common room. The three of them headed to the Great Hall where they found Susan and Luna sitting at their respective tables. They waved to them and sat down at the Gryffindor table.
They had already begun their breakfast when McGonagall came down from the staff table to hand them their schedules. While handing them over, she said, "Since you three have signed for the same classes, your schedules are the same. All your classes will be conducted along with Slytherin. I expect you to be on your best behavior, am I clear?"
Harry had the famous crooked Potter smile when he said, "Got it, auntie Min. Prank them senseless and don't be caught." Neville and Hermione sniggered from either side of him.
Minerva replied, "Well, at least I can say I tried stopping you. I expect you to live up to Lily's name as well, Harry."
Harry replied with the same smile, "Yes, Professor McGonagall. I am going to live up to my mother's name and choose the worst of the lot to prank."
Minerva shook her head and said, "It's good to see you smiling, Potter. I will see you kids later during Transfiguration today." She left the giggling kids together. Susan and Luna, who had now received their schedules, joined them at the Gryffindor table. They sat together and compared their schedules to come up with a study schedule to be followed in the Tower of Gryffindor Chamber.
They were about to finish their breakfast when Ron joined them at the Gryffindor table and sat across from them. He was busy stuffing his face with food when Minerva came towards him and handed him his schedule. He glanced at his schedule and said while chewing, "Gweat! I 'ave a fwee pewiod be'ween 'ivination and 'wansfiguwation."
Hermione replied, "Chew your food completely and then speak, Ron."
Harry added, "We've got Arithmancy followed by Runes before Transfiguration."
Ron asked, "We? You and Hermione?"
Harry replied, "And Neville. We have got the same schedule."
Ron said, "I still don't get why you have to study so much. You're already rich. You can just chill with me, mate."
Harry replied with an irritated tone, "And I told you that I want to live up to my parents' names. They were always among the top students during their time at Hogwarts. Besides, my family is rich, and I inherited that money because my family members aren't around anymore."
Ron, still not able to grasp Harry's point, replied, "Whatever mate. I find it bloody mental that you're studying even after being rich. If I was you, I'd just chill and have fun."
Harry, having had enough of Ron's garbage, said, "I don't have the patience to explain you, Ron. Didn't you say that your family had gotten rich before the summer? Why is it that you are still at Hogwarts then? You could have just chilled at home."
Ron looked at Harry, dumb-founded, and replied, "You're bloody mental, mate. If I stayed at home, mum would have just made me work throughout the day. I wouldn't be able to chill. And who would I play chess or talk about quidditch with? I would miss out on Hogwarts' feast and going on adventures with you, mate. No thanks, I find chilling at Hogwarts a better option than home."
Before Harry could reply and things got out of hand, Hermione placed her hand on Harry's leg and said, "Harry, Neville, we must get going. It's almost time for our class. We don't want to be late on first day. Ron, you should get going too." Harry and Neville got up from their seats and started walking towards the doors of the Great Hall. Hermione hung back for a second and added, "And Ron, please be considerate of what you speak around Harry, will you? You are supposed to be his friend." She followed Potter and Longbottom to exit the Great Hall.
Ron grumbled, "Whatever." He went back to his food, eating rapidly to avoid being late.
Harry and his friends were outside the castle after lunch. The rain from the previous day had cleared. The sky was pale blue, and other than the petrichor emanating from the rapidly drying grass, there was no trace that it had rained at all. They had set off for their first ever Care of Magical Creatures class.
Harry, Hermione, and Neville were having a great start to the term. Their Arithmancy, Runes, and Transfiguration classes were as perfect as possible. They started off with simple things that they had already gone over during the summer. Ron, who was walking beside Neville, had been grumbling throughout Transfiguration. Apparently, Professor Sybill Trelawney, the Divination instructor, had predicted Ron's death in their class. Harry, Hermione, and Neville had squashed the prediction as nothing but a load of hogwash.
Harry saw Hagrid waiting for his class at the door of his hut. He stood in his moleskin overcoat, with Fang the boarhound at his heels, looking impatient to start. "C'mon, now, get a move on!", he called to his class. "Got a real treat for yeh today. Great lesson comin' up! Everyone here? Right, follow me!"
For a passing moment, Harry thought that the friendly half-giant was going to lead them into the Forbidden Forest; Harry had had enough unpleasant experiences in there to last him a lifetime. However, Hagrid strolled off around the edge of the trees and led them outside a paddock of sorts. He gathered everyone around the fence and said, "That's it – make sure you can see. Now, yeh'll want ter open yer books – "
"How are we supposed to open the monster?", asked Draco. "The book bites when I tried to open it. I had to shut it with a rope." He took out his book to show the rope. The other kids had done something similar as well.
Hagrid, who looked a bit disappointed with himself said, "Yeh've got ter stoke 'em." He took Hermione's copy and ran his giant finger down the book's spine. The book shivered and fell open in his hands, quietly.
"Oh, how silly we've all been!", Malfoy sneered. "We should have stroked them! Why didn't we guess!"
"I … I thought they were funny", Hagrid said uncertainly to Hermione.
"Oh, tremendously funny!", said Malfoy. "Really witty, giving us books that try and rip our hands off!"
"Shut up, Malfoy", said Harry quietly. Hagrid was looking downcast, and Harry wanted Hagrid's first lesson to be a success.
"Righ' then", said Hagrid, who seemed to have lost his thread, "so … so yeh've got yer books an' … an' … now yeh need the Magical Creatures. Yeah. So, I'll go an' get 'em. Hang on …" He strode away from them into the Forest and out of sight.
"God, this place is going to the dogs", said Malfoy loudly. "That oaf teaching classes, my father will have a fit when I tell him – "
"Oh? And what will he do, Heir Malfoy?", asked Harry sarcastically. "Last time I checked, Mr. Malfoy was no longer on the Hogwarts' Board of Governors. Besides, he can't throw around his ministry weight here either, which you would have known if you had read the charters we received with our letters."
"Careful, Potter", replied Pansy Parkinson, who was standing beside Malfoy. "Don't you know how to talk to your betters?"
"Betters?", scoffed Harry. "Hasn't Heir Malfoy told you about the history lessons he received from me?" Harry turned to Malfoy and continued in the same sarcastic tone, "Dear cousin, do you wish for me to go over it once again in front of your girlfriend? I think she needs a lesson in history as well."
Malfoy's face had turned red with embarrassment or anger. He replied, "No, thank you, Heir Potter." He turned to Pansy and said, "Shut up, Pansy. You're embarrassing me."
"Look", said Hermione, pointing towards the opposite side of the paddock. "Hippogriffs."
Trotting towards them were a dozen of the most bizarre creatures Harry had ever seen. They had the bodies, hind legs, and tails of horses, but the front legs, wings, and heads of what seemed to be giant eagles, with cruel, steel-colored beaks and large, brilliantly orange eyes. The talons on their front legs were half a foot long and deadly-looking. Each of the beasts had a thick leather collar around its neck, which was attached to a long chain, and the ends of all of these were held in the vast hands of Hagrid, who came jogging into the paddock behind the creatures.
"Hippogriffs!", Hagrid roared happily, waving a hand at them. "Beau'iful, aren' they?"
Harry could sort of see what Hagrid meant. Once you had got over the first shock of seeing something that was half-horse, half-bird, you started to appreciate the Hippogriffs' gleaming coats, changing smoothly from feather to hair, each of them a different color: stormy grey, bronze, a pinkish roan, gleaming chestnut and inky black.
"Now, firs' thing yeh gotta know abou' Hippogriffs is they're proud", said Hagrid. "Easily offended, Hippogriffs are. Don't never insult one, 'cause it might be the last thing yeh do. Yeh always wait fer the Hippogriff ter make the firs' move", Hagrid continued. "It's polite, see? Yeh walk towards him, and yeh bow, an' yeh wait. If he bows back, yeh're allowed ter touch him. If he doesn' bow, then get away from him sharpish, 'cause those talons hurt."
"Right – who wants ter go first?", asked Hagrid.
Harry stepped forward and said, "I'll do it." He ignored the whispers behind him and climbed over the paddock fence.
"Good man, Harry!", roared Hagrid. "Right then – let's see how yeh get on with Buckbeak."
He untied one of the chains, pulled the grey Hippogriff away from his fellows and slipped off his leather collar. The class on the other side of the paddock seemed to be holding its breath. Malfoy's eyes were narrowed maliciously. "Easy, now, Harry", said Hagrid quietly. "Yeh've got eye contact, now try not ter blink – Hippogriffs don' trust yeh if yeh blink too much …"
Harry's eyes immediately began to water, but he didn't shut them. Buckbeak had turned his great, sharp head, and was staring at Harry with one fierce orange eye.
"Tha's it", said Hagrid. "Tha's it, Harry … now, bow …"
Harry didn't feel much like exposing the back of his neck to Buckbeak, but he did as he was told. He gave a short bow and then looked up. The Hippogriff was still staring haughtily at him. It didn't move.
"Ah", said Hagrid, sounding worried. "Right – back away, now, Harry, easy does it –"
But then, to Harry's enormous surprise, the Hippogriff suddenly bent his scaly front knees, and sank into what was an unmistakable bow.
"Well done, Harry!", said Hagrid, ecstatic. "Right – yeh can touch him! Pat his beak, go on!"
Feeling that a better reward would have been to back away, Harry moved slowly towards the Hippogriff and reached out towards him. He patted the beak several times and the Hippogriff closed his eyes lazily, as though enjoying it. The class broke into applause, all except for Malfoy and his goons, who were looking deeply disappointed.
"Righ' then, Harry", said Hagrid, "I reckon he migh' let yeh ride him!"
Harry was now excited. He loved flying. He was used to flying a broomstick; he wanted to experience the feeling of flying on a hippogriff's back. Hagrid instructed him how to climb on to Buckbeak's back. He also warned him not to pluck the majestic beast's feathers. Harry put his foot on the top of Buckbeak's wing and hoisted himself onto his back. Buckbeak stood up. Hagrid slapped the Hippogriff's hindquarters to signal the beast to get on with it.
Without any warning, the hippogriff flapped open its wings. Harry quickly seized the beast around the neck before he was soaring upwards. Harry's fear slowly faded as he began to enjoy his ride. They went towards the castle and over the Great Lake. Though Harry had flown on his broomstick many a times, he was actually enjoying a lazy ride over the Great Lake on Buckbeak. It was peaceful. It was something he would love to do over and over again. They headed back to the paddock and landed with a heavy thud as the four feet hit the ground. The entire class but for Malfoy and his goons cheered Harry as he got off Buckbeak's back.
Malfoy, not to be outdone by Harry, proceeded to pat Buckbeak. He had done away with all the gestures of respect. As soon as Buckbeak had bowed to Malfoy, he began patting the beast's beak and mocked it disdainfully.
It happened in a flash of steely talons; Malfoy let out a high-pitched scream and next moment, Hagrid was wrestling Buckbeak back into his collar as he strained to get at Malfoy, who lay curled in the grass, blood blossoming over his robes.
"I'm dying!", Malfoy yelled, as the class panicked. "I'm dying, look at me! It's killed me!"
"Yer not dyin'!", said Hagrid, who had gone very white. "Someone help me – gotta get him outta here –"
Hermione ran to open the gate while Hagrid lifted Malfoy easily. As they passed, Harry saw that there was a long, shallow gash in Malfoy's arm; blood splattered the grass and Hagrid ran with him, up the slope towards the castle.
Very shaken, the Care of Magical Creatures class followed at a walk. The Slytherins were all shouting about Hagrid. "They should sack him straight away!", said Pansy Parkinson, who was in tears.
"It was Malfoy's fault!", snapped Dean Thomas. Crabbe and Goyle flexed their muscles, trying to threaten him.
Harry, who was standing behind the two large baboons, added, "Are you trying to deny that Malfoy didn't mock Buckbeak? I thought you were just stupid, turns out you are blind as well."
Pansy exclaimed, "Shut up, Potter! It wasn't Malfoy's – "
Harry cut her off, "Look, he's injured and it was his fault. If he had listened to Hagrid's instruction, he wouldn't have been injured. Now that that is done, instead of pointing fingers on someone else, why don't you do the smart thing and check on him?"
Pansy, with nothing to quarrel about, replied, "I'm going to see if he's okay." She rushed towards the castle.
"Do you think he'll be alright?", asked a nervous Hermione.
Harry replied, "He'll be fine. It is a shallow cut. Besides, Madam Pomfrey will mend his cuts in a second. I have had far worse injuries and she's always been able to fix me up in an instant."
"That being said", added Neville, "that was a bad thing to have happened in Hagrid's first class."
"Ya mate", added Ron, "he's going to milk it for all its worth."
"I just hope he doesn't mess things for Hagrid", said Hermione.
"He won't", replied Harry firmly. "More like, he can't. Any complaints regarding the incident will have to be filed along with memories. Since Malfoy was busy talking while Hagrid was instructing how to approach a hippogriff, it was his fault to begin with. He followed it up with a disdainful mockery of Buckbeak, something which Hagrid expressly forbade."
Hermione said, "I am a bit relieved then. You looked happy having flown on Buckbeak's back."
"It was amazing, Hermione", replied Harry. "It was so beautiful and peaceful. He took me towards the castle, above the Great Lake. It was such a beautiful sight."
Hermione said, "I wish I could have done that. I mean I am still scared of heights, but I would love to see the sight." She thought to herself, Maybe you could take me with you.
Harry thought to himself, I see. I have an idea for your birthday. He replied, "We can always ask Hagrid later." The group went back to the Gryffindor common room after an early end to their day's classes.
Over the next week, Harry and his friends seemed to settle down for their third year. Potions was as painful as ever. Though Snape had been effectively rendered toothless, he still tried to come up with new ways to torture the non-Slytherins. Try as he might, none of his methods bore fruit. This only enraged him further and he started lashing out at minute things from time to time.
There had been two DADA classes and from the look of it, the other students were enjoying Lupin's class as much as Harry and his friends. Right after the second class, Lavender Brown had gone on to declare among her fellow Gryffindors that Lupin was the best DADA teacher in the past three years. All their classes had been going well. Harry, Hermione, Neville, Luna, and Susan continued to meet up at the Tower of Gryffindor Chamber in the evenings to work on their homework or just to hang out and chill. Harry and Hermione maintained their story to Ron that they were going to the library to study along with Neville, Luna, and Susan. To keep up appearances, they'd sit down with Ron in the common room after dinner, discussing their homework and other mundane things.
The only thing that the group and the whole of Gryffindor were already tired of was Draco's whining. Ever since that accident, Draco had shown up with his arm tied up in a cloth sling. He tried to get out of homework with the excuse that he had had a deadly injury. However, McGonagall seemed to have none of it. Draco kept on whining that his father is looking into the matter and that Hagrid and Buckbeak would soon be punished. He would also boast of his father's friendship with the minister. Though Harry, Hermione and Neville didn't react to Draco's nonsense, the same couldn't be said of the ill-tempered redhead. Every time Draco said something about his father or his injury, Ron would get drawn into a verbal spat with him. Harry, Hermione, and Neville didn't seem interested in backing up Ron either unless and until Draco made a factually wrong and hurtful comment.
Other than this, everything seemed to be going fine. The third-years from Gryffindor and Slytherin seemed to be very excited today. They were going to have an in-class hands-on experience dealing with a boggart in their DADA class. They were all gathered in their DADA classroom five minutes prior to the start time. The class had been rearranged for this particular lecture. The desks and benches had all been moved to either sides, vacating the center of the classroom. In front, beside the chalkboard, stood a cupboard, which hadn't been there before. Lupin walked into the class and greeted them.
He said, "Before we get down to practicing the spell to deal with a boggart, can someone recall and tell us what a boggart is or what does it look like?" More than half of the class seemed to raise their hands. He asked, "Miss Patil?"
"It is a shape-shifter", said Parvati. "It can take the shape of whatever it thinks will scare us the most. While inside the cupboard, it hasn't assumed a shape as it doesn't know which of us it will face first."
"Right you are, Miss Patil", replied Lupin. "How does one deal with a boggart? We went over this last class." Several students put up their hands again. Lupin pointed to Neville and said, "Mr. Longbottom, if you may?"
"You said that it is better to have company while dealing with a boggart", replied Neville. "It gets confused what shape to assume. Boggart can be finished by laughter. We need to force it to assume a shape we find amusing. The charm for it is riddikulus."
"That is correct, Mr. Longbottom", said Remus and waved his wand at the chalkboard. Immediately the word riddikulus appeared. Remus continued, "Now then, I would like each of you to think what scares you the most and something that you would do to it to make it amusing." After a brief pause, he continued, "Please form a line behind Mr. Longbottom." After everyone had queued, he said, "On the count of three, Neville." He pointed his wand at the wardrobe and began his count, "One – two – three – now."
A jet of sparks shot from the end of Professor Lupin's wand and hit the doorknob. The wardrobe burst open. Hook-nosed and menacing, Professor Snape stepped out, his eyes flashing at Neville. Neville backed away, his wand up, mouthing wordlessly. Snape was bearing down upon him, reaching inside his robes.
"Riddikulus!", yelled Neville.
There was a noise like a whip-crack. Snape stumbled; he was wearing a long, lace-trimmed dress and a towering hat topped with a moth-eaten vulture and swinging a huge crimson handbag from his hand.
There was a roar of laughter; the Boggart paused, confused, and Professor Lupin shouted, "Miss Patil! Forward!"
Parvati walked forward, her face set. Snape rounded on her. There was another crack, and where he had stood was a blood-stained, bandaged mummy; its sightless face was turned to Parvati and it began to walk towards her, very slowly, dragging its feet, its stiff arms rising –
"Riddikulus!", cried Parvati.
A bandage unraveled at the mummy's feet; it became entangled, fell face forwards and its head rolled off.
"Mr. Finnigan!", roared Professor Lupin.
Seamus darted past Parvati.
Crack! Where the mummy had been was a woman with floor-length black hair and a skeletal, green-tinged face – a banshee. She opened her mouth wide, and an unearthly sound filled the room, a long, wailing shriek which made the hair on Harry's head stand on end –
"Riddikulus!" shouted Seamus.
The banshee made a rasping noise and clutched her throat; her voice was gone. Crack! The banshee turned into a rat, which chased its tail in a circle, then – crack! – became a rattlesnake, which slithered and writhed before – crack! – becoming a single, bloody eyeball.
"It's confused!", shouted Lupin. "We're getting there! Mr. Thomas!"
Dean hurried forward.
Crack! The eyeball became a severed hand, which flipped over, and began to creep along the floor like a crab.
"Riddikulus!", yelled Dean.
There was a snap, and the hand was trapped in a mousetrap.
"Excellent! Mr. Weasley, you're next!"
Ron leapt forward.
Crack!
Quite a few people screamed. A giant spider, six feet tall and covered in hair, was advancing on Ron, clicking its pincers menacingly. For a moment, Harry thought Ron had frozen. Then –
"Riddikulus!", bellowed Ron, and the spider's legs vanished. It rolled over and over; Lavender Brown squealed and ran out of its way and it came to a halt at Harry's feet. He raised his wand, ready, but –
Lupin put himself in between Harry and the boggart and screamed, "Here."
Crack!
The legless spider had vanished. Everyone looked around, trying to locate the vanished spider. Then they saw a silvery white orb hanging in the air in front of Lupin, who said "Riddikulus!"very lazily.
Crack!
"Forward, Miss Granger", said Lupin. "Try to finish him off!" The boggart landed on the floor as a cockroach.
Crack! Everybody including Hermione froze as instead of cockroach lay a blood-drenched Harry on the floor. Hermione, shivered and squeaked, "R-r-r-riddikulus."
Crack! Nobody had moved from their positions which meant Hermione was still in front. The boggart now changed to an alive Harry who said in his most condescending tone, "Look at you, pathetic bookworm. I am so happy now that I have other adults around –"
The real Harry was the quickest to react. He cut off the boggart's speech when he shot a powerful blasting curse at it. The boggart got slammed into the cupboard and the cupboard was blasted into the wall behind it. Hermione, who was now embarrassed and in tears, fled the classroom. Harry followed her. Neville stayed back to pick up their belongings. Ron had just started moving towards the door when Remus stopped him.
"Mr. Weasley", said Lupin, "Where are you going?"
"I am going to check on Hermione, Professor", replied Ron. "I want to see if she's okay."
"She'll be fine", said Remus. "Mr. Potter has gone to check on her. Besides, I believe only Mr. Potter can squash her fears as he features in them."
"But Professor –"
"No buts, Mr. Weasley", said Lupin again. "I know you are good friends with her; however, she needs to have a little space at the moment." He clapped his hands and brought another cupboard forward. "Since Mr. Potter has taken care of the other boggart, albeit in a bizarre and powerful way, we will continue our lesson with this one which I was fortunate enough to catch day before yesterday." The class lined up again. This time, the students who hadn't taken part in the first round stood in the front, and they continued with the lesson on boggart.
Harry followed Hermione all the way to the other side of the castle into the Tower of Gryffindor Chamber. Harry thought, Boy, she's fast. When did that happen? As soon as they stepped into the common room, Harry picked up his pace and grabbed Hermione's hand to stop her from entering one of the rooms and locking him out. He said, "Hermione. You can talk to me."
Hermione said in between her sobs, "No, Harry. It's okay, I am fine."
"No, Hermione", insisted Harry. "You're clearly not fine. I am here for you. Please tell me what it is." He led her to the couch and made her sit. He knelt in front of her and looked up at her. He said, "Take your time. Moony won't mind and Neville will get our stuff."
Hermione calmed down a bit and said, "Ever since we became friends, Harry, I have seen how you seem to get into deadly situations, every year. There was the stone incident the first year where you had to face Voldemort. You didn't wake up for two days, Harry. I was scared –"
"Hermione –"
"No, please. Let me finish", said Hermione. "I was scared that I had lost you. Two days, Harry, you didn't wake up. Then you didn't show up on the train for the second year. I thought you had dropped out. When I realized that Ron wasn't aboard either, I thought you both were expelled from Hogwarts. I didn't know then that Dobby had interfered with the barrier and didn't let you guys get on the train. Then we had the quidditch incident when Lockhart vanished your bones. You then went down the Chamber of Secrets and faced down the basilisk, Harry. You could have died. Then I came to know that you got bit and were saved by Fawkes. You see where I am going with this Harry?
"Every year, you have had to face such dangerous incidents. In fact, we became friends after the troll incident, and I've seen you tackle such incidents. Incidents which Aunt Amy said that even her aurors would find difficulty dealing with. Then there was the entire revelation of Riddle and the prophecy, and Dumbledore's involvement in it. Ever since then I have been scared that something would happen, and I'd lose you. Even in the train, when the dementor was aboard and you passed out, I was worried.
"The next bit is a bit selfish but since I am already opening up, I want to get it out of the way. In our first two years, I always felt that you needed me around. I was the responsible one of sorts, helping you academically and coming up with plans to help you get out of trouble you somehow landed up in. Now that you have all the responsible adults around us, I feel you wouldn't need me anymore. I mean, you also have your extended family. I am just a bossy, know-it-all who pesters you to complete your homework and study. Why would you want to be around someone like me?
"You see, I have never had a friend before coming to Hogwarts. Everyone in mundane primary school used to mock me and call me names for my studious and bossy nature. You are my first friend, and you are my best friend. Though it was more like I stuck with you after you saved me from the troll. You have always been good to me ever since then. I am scared that you would stop being my friend since I won't be of any use to you", finished Hermione and the dam broke.
Harry, who was not used to people displaying emotions other than anger, was like a fish out of water. He recalled the TV shows and movies they had watched and pulled Hermione into a hug. He whispered, "Hermione, you're my first true friend and my best friend. I don't keep you around just because I find you useful. Don't get me wrong, all that you do, right from coming up with schedules to assisting in homework, is a bonus; however, you were the first who saw me as just Harry. Not the Boy-Who-Lived. Not the Heir to some important houses and wealth. I won't give up my friendship just because we have some competent adults who can help us with things. They make things easier for us, including ensuring our survival and Riddle's death." He broke the hug and stared into her eyes. Emerald eyes met chocolate brown eyes. Harry smiled and said, "Besides, I seem to like this bossy, know-it-all bookworm just fine. You're my best friend, Hermione, and nothing can change that."
"You-You mean that Harry?", asked an unsure Hermione.
"Yes, I mean every word I just said", replied Harry. Hermione launched herself at Harry and crushed him in a tight hug. Harry patted her and squeaked, "C-c-can't..b-breathe..Her-Hermione."
Hermione broke the hug and replied, "Sorry, I got carried away. Nobody has ever been this sweet before."
"Oh", said Harry, "well, I never had friends before either and I just want to make sure that I don't lose the few true ones I have." He teased her, "I am the best friend in the whole world, aren't I?'
"Yes", replied Hermione. "Though you're a prat sometimes."
Harry chuckled, "Aye, can't take the Potter out of me, lass." Hermione joined Harry in laughter. Harry added, "On a serious note though, you have friends, Hermione. There's Neville, Luna, and Susan as well. Of course, we might make more while we are still at Hogwarts, who knows."
Hermione smiled and nodded. She hugged Harry again and said, "Thank you, Harry, really. I feel better now."
Harry returned the smile and said, "That's what friends do, Hermione."
Hermione, who was now all smiles, replied, "I will go wash my face and I will see you here." She got off the couch and went to freshen up.
That night, after dinner, when Harry and Hermione were sitting in the Gryffindor common room, Ron joined them. He looked at Hermione and asked, "What was that in DADA class, Hermione?"
Harry and Hermione had already been warned by Neville that Ron had tried to follow them but was stopped by Moony. They had mentally prepared themselves for Ron's questions. Hermione replied, "Well, you know how Harry gets into dangerous situations year after year. I am just scared of losing him. He is one of my best friends. Of course, I fear his death."
Ron said, "It's Harry, the Boy-Who-Lived. He vanished You-Know-Who. He will be fine."
"Still", replied Hermione, "I am scared of his death. I don't want to lose him."
"Whatever", said Ron. After a few moments of silence, he asked, "How come you aren't scared of losing me? Why only Harry? I go on those adventures too. It could be me that dies."
"Seriously Ron?", exclaimed Hermione. "I just think that Harry's death is more plausible than yours given he, somehow, is always at the center of all the weird things that happen at Hogwarts. And do you really think Harry will let you face the dangers alone? Don't you think he will save you?"
"Well,", replied Ron, "if you put it that way, of course, Harry will save me. Me being his best mate and all."
Hermione and Harry both looked at Ron agape. Hermione thought, How can he say that so confidently? No, scratch that, how can he even say that when he was just complaining of how I wasn't scared of losing him? I feel like I don't even know him.
Harry on the other hand was thinking, Yeah, right. That is never going to happen. I might save you but not at the cost of my life. Hermione on the other hand …
Hermione added, "Exactly, that's why I am not scared of your death." Hermione and Harry looked at each other and let it slide. Nothing could have been gained trying to quarrel over Ron's stupidity.
September 18, 1993
Harry had been busy the entire week planning a little surprise for Hermione's 14th birthday, which was the next day. Of course, they were going to have a surprise small celebration at the Tower of Gryffindor Chamber along with her parents and the rest of the extended family. However, there was one thing that Harry wanted to do at midnight. It was this that was taking a long time for him to prepare. Their goblin friends were also going to make a trip to Hogwarts to locate the horcrux and the rumored curse on the DADA post. Lady Hogwarts had already been informed of the visitors. It was also a good thing that Albus Dumbledore was away for the weekend for an ICW summit. It was times like these that Harry was very grateful that Dumbledore held multiple positions of power. With all the preparations ready, all Harry had to do was wait for the clock to approach midnight.
At 11:40 P.M., Hermione was woken up by Star. "Miss Hermione, Master Harry sent me for you. Please meet him in the common room."
"What is it about, Star?", asked a sleepy Hermione.
"I have no idea, Miss Hermione. Master Harry told me to inform you to meet him in the common room. He also said to wear warm, woolen clothes. Preferably, a jumper or a coat", replied Star.
"What is he planning to do this time?", asked Hermione as she left her bed and began to change out of her pajamas and into something decent. She then realized she was in her dorm and her dormmates were sleeping. "What if they wake up?"
"Do not worry, Miss Hermione. I have placed a silencing charm around us. I will place secrecy wards around your bed that I always do at night", replied Star.
"Thank you, Star. You've been a great help", said Hermione with a warm smile.
"You're welcome, Miss Hermione", replied Star with a bow. "You should get going or Master Harry will do something stupid again."
Hermione chuckled and left her dorm. She found Harry sitting on the couch in the common room. He was wearing jeans and an emerald jumper. She looked at him. His eyes were warm yet filled with mischief. He broke the silence, "Brilliant, you're here." He glanced at his watch and said, "And you're right on time."
Before Hermione could say anything, Harry called out for Tony, "Tony, now!"
Hermione was confused. She then felt her surroundings change. Instead of the warm common room, they were now in the cold open. She took her surroundings in and realized that they were at the place where Hagrid had held his first lecture on hippogriffs. She then saw the same hippogriff Harry had taken a ride on. Hermione, being the smartest witch her age, instantly realized why they were here. She turned to Harry and said, "Are you mad, Harry? You can't be serious about taking a ride on Buckbeak right now."
Harry asked in a flat tone, "Why not?"
"What do you mean why not?", exclaimed a perplexed Hermione. "There are dementors out there. We can't even do the patronus charm. Besides, you know I am scared of heights."
Harry replied, "Well, Godric and Rowena will be following us. If, at any moment, the dementors enter the castle and the lake area, our dear familiar friends will flash us into the Tower of Gryffindor. As for your fear of heights, I will fly beside you on my broomstick."
"No", said Hermione.
"Why though?", asked Harry. "Trust me, it is very beautiful, especially during the night."
"What do you mean especially during the night?", asked Hermione. "Have you been out here at night before, Harry?", enquired Hermione, staring at Harry in disbelief.
"W-well,", replied Harry, "you see, I had to make sure that it worth bringing you at night. I promise I always had Godric and Rowena with me. Trust me, you'll feel good after the flight."
Hermione was confused on how to react. On one hand, she felt special that Harry had gone out of his way to try to take her for a ride on Buckbeak. On the other hand, he had risked by getting out in the presence of dementors. But what concerned her the most was that even if she decided to fly on Buckbeak, she was too scared to do it alone, irrespective of Harry being beside her on his broom. She came to a decision, despite knowing she might regret it. She said, "On one condition."
Harry replied in an instant, "Name it."
"You'll have to fly with me", said Hermione.
Harry, confused as to why Hermione was stating the obvious, said, "I said I would. I will fly on my –"
Hermione immediately cut him off saying, "No, you idiot. You have to fly with me on Buckbeak. I am too scared to fly alone."
Harry thought about it for a few seconds and agreed to her request. Hermione added, "If we die, Harry Potter, I am going to make your afterlife a hell." Harry gulped and nodded. They bowed to Buckbeak and Harry untied him. After having pet him, they climbed on Buckbeak and set off.
They flew lazily over the Great Lake and were facing towards the castle that was shining due to the moonlight. Harry could feel that Hermione was very stiff. One glance at her and he realized that her eyes were shut. He whispered, "We are here, Hermione. Open your eyes."
Hermione slowly opened her eyes. What she saw was probably the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. The castle was shining in the well-lit night. There was a slight breeze brushing against her hair. The sight was so peaceful that she could have admired it all her life. She whispered, "It is beautiful, Harry."
Exactly at that time, Harry's watch alarm went off. He turned it off and said, "Happy birthday, Hermione."
Hermione replied, "Thank you, Harry." They flew in silence for another ten or fifteen minutes, taking in the scenic beauty around them. They soon returned to the paddock and tied Buckbeak to the pole he was tied to earlier. Harry fed the majestic beast some meat that had been brought by Tony, who then took Harry and Hermione back to the common room.
Harry hugged Hermione and said, "Happy birthday, Hermione. Don't think this was my gift. I have something else."
Hermione returned the hug and thanked him. She added, "Thank you for taking me out to fly, Harry. It was beautiful." She paused for a moment and asked, "Do you.. do you think we could .. maybe do that again? Sometime … after … after the dementors are gone maybe?"
Harry, who was now blushing a bit, replied, "S-s-sure, Hermione."
Hermione squealed in joy and hugged him again. They wished each other a good night and parted their ways.
The next morning Hermione woke up early as she was excited. Ever since she had joined Hogwarts, she had lamented the fact that she had to spend her birthdays alone. However, this year she would at least be celebrating her birthday with her friends, Minerva, and Remus. Though she would miss her parents and the rest of the family, she was happy that she wouldn't be alone on her birthday. Of course, she didn't know that Harry and her friends had planned a surprise celebration with the entire extended family. She showered, changed, and headed down to the common room.
She remembered her last night outing with Harry and a warm smile graced her lips. She had been terrified at first. In fact, she wouldn't have agreed to take a ride on Buckbeak had it not been for Harry's twinkling emerald eyes. Now that she thought about it, she found it intriguing how Harry could muster a cute, puppy face along with gorgeous, twinkling emerald eyes. Hold on, thought Hermione. Harry and cute? Gorgeous eyes? What's wrong with me? At the same time, she couldn't deny that they were at least her honest judgements. She shook her head to clear all her thoughts and closed her eyes.
Ever since their interaction on the first morning after their return to Hogwarts, Hermione and Neville had joined Harry in the common room to practice centering their magical cores every morning. Luna and Susan practiced the same in their respective common rooms. However, Hermione was early this morning. She decided to continue her practice while waiting for the boys to join her.
After thirty or so minutes, Harry and Neville joined her. Harry was the first to greet her, "Good morning, Hermione, and a very happy birthday to you."
Hermione beamed at him, "Good morning, Harry, and thank you."
Neville added with the same excitement, "Good morning, Hermione. Happy birthday."
Hermione replied, "Thank you so much, Neville, and good morning to you too."
Harry and Neville took the couch. Harry said, "First things first, we need to tell you of today's plan."
"Right", added Neville.
"We won't be joining the rest of the school for breakfast", said Harry.
"Instead, we will head to the Tower of Gryffindor", continued Neville.
"Yes, Susan and Luna will join us too", added Harry.
"So will Auntie Min and Moony", informed Neville.
"We have special breakfast planned for you", said Harry.
"Yeah, and we also have got gifts", added Neville.
"Right, and we wanted to celebrate like a family", said Harry.
"Which is clearly not possible in this nuthouse", said Neville.
"Exactly why we want to be away from these spiteful people", said Harry.
"Especially the inconsiderate redhead, human disposal system", continued Neville.
"So, you see where we are coming from"
"We just want to make your birthday a memorable one"
"A special one", finished both together.
Hermione stared at them dumbfounded. She came out of her muse and replied, "Okay, first of all, thank you for being so considerate and yes, that sounds like an amazing plan." Harry and Neville high-fived each other. Hermione continued, "Now, could one of you tell me why you were talking like the twins?"
"Oh well, you see", started Harry.
"We have been practicing", added Neville.
"I mean think about it", said Harry.
"Didn't you get annoyed just now", carried on Neville, seamlessly.
"By our ping pong way of talking", said Harry.
"Now think what will happen", added Neville.
"When people like the old goat or the greasy git", said Harry
"Want to talk to us about anything", continued Neville.
"One instance", said Harry.
"And they will be fed up", added Neville.
"That got me thinking", said Harry.
"Now that you mention it, me too Harry", said Neville.
"It would be cool if we five did it together", said Harry and Neville together. Neville added, "It will cause a mayhem."
Hermione was laughing at their antics. She steadied herself and asked, "How long have you been practicing?"
Harry replied, "Throughout the summer."
Neville added, "We do mess up at times. Today is the first time we pulled it off."
Hermione nodded and closed her eyes. Harry and Neville closed their eyes as well and joined the practice.
An hour later, when the students had started to exit the dormitory to head to the Great Hall for breakfast, Harry, Hermione, and Neville started towards the Tower. They met Luna and Susan on the way, who seemed to be waiting for them. They wished and hugged Hermione. The group of five walked together towards the Tower.
As the group entered the tower, many voices shouted together, "Surprise!"
Hermione was shocked to see every member of the extended family present in the Tower. She then saw Goblin Chief Rangok, the Eleventh, and Senior Account Manager Ragnok, the Twelfth as well. Susan elbowed her and Hermione came out of her shock. She dashed towards her parents and hugged their lives out of them.
The elder Grangers were grinning ear to ear. Richard said, "You didn't think you'd be celebrating your birthday alone, did you princess?" Everyone chuckled at that.
Ragnok XII stepped forward and said, "I apologize for my intervention; however, my father and I would like a few minutes with Lord Potter and soon to be Lady Dagworth-Granger respectively. There's a small matter that we would like to address before my father and I leave with the curse-breakers." Harry and Hermione stepped forward.
Director Ragnok added, "Lord Potter, I would like to meet you in private, if possible." Harry nodded and led Director Ragnok into one of the classrooms.
Ragnok XII snapped his fingers and produced two wooden boxes. He opened one of them and said, "This is the ring for the Lady of Ancient and Most Noble House of Dagworth-Granger. Please put it on."
Hermione did so. The ring shrunk in size and fit her finger perfectly. She felt the heiress ring disappear. Hermione replied, "The heiress ring vanished. I can feel it gone."
"Yes", replied Ragnok XII, "it would have returned to your vault." He opened the other box and said, "This is for the Most Noble House of Draven." Hermione put the ring on. Similar things happened. Ragnok continued, "Congratulations, Lady Dagworth-Granger. You are officially an emancipated minor in the eyes of the Nation. Do you intend to hold back on filing your emancipation papers at the ministry?"
Hermione thought about it and asked, "What did Harry do?"
"Lord Potter has held back from filing his emancipation papers. He said, and I quote, 'As much as I wish to stick one up old Dumbledore's ass, I think we should hold back on filing at the ministry. We will file it soon, preferably when we are desperate to keep Dumbledore busy and out of our way.'", replied Ragnok XII.
Everyone in the room seemed confused at the statement. Ted was the first to break silence as he broke into a madman like laughter. It only seemed to confuse the humans more. Andromeda finally asked, "What's wrong with you? Why are you howling like a nutter?"
"I will get to that … in a minute", said Ted, trying to steady himself. "Senior Account Manager Ragnok XII, do you know why our dear Harry came to such a conclusion?"
"Yes", replied Ragnok XII. "He explained his reason to my father and me. We all know that Albus Dumbledore had gone great lengths to keep Lord Potter ignorant of his family history and heritage. Everything turned out to be going according to Dumbledore's plans right up until Lord Black's trial. Things haven't been great for him since then; however, they aren't that bad either. Sure, he lost the 'guardianship' of the young Lord Potter and his access to the massive Potter fortune. What he didn't lose, though, was the support of the people of Magical Britain. Support that he could wield if things got out of hand. Did you not see something similar during Lord Black's trial, Mr. Tonks?"
"Yes, we did", replied Ted. "He tried to stop the wills from being read. He then tried to prevent Lord Black from gaining Harry's guardianship. The reason why things turned out to be in our favor was because Lord Black, Lady Dowager Longbottom and all the other heads of the Potter-Bones-Longbottom Alliance, soon-to-be called the Paragon Alliance, threatened to withdraw all their economic resources out of Britain. This would have brought Magical Britain to her knees. The members of Wizengamot decided to do the right thing, though it was only because we had pressured them into doing so."
"Precisely", said Ragnok XII. Everyone turned to him. "Young Lord Potter and my father know that a man of Dumbledore's stature and experience won't be a pushover. Albus Dumbledore is many things, but first and foremost, he is a politician. He might have lost the battle for Lord Potter's guardianship, but I am sure he hasn't given up on what my father calls his 'Greater Good'. When Lord Potter files for his emancipation, Dumbledore is bound to call in a lot of favors owed to him to undo the emancipation. Though Dumbledore will fail in his attempts as the succession rules of Houses of Potter and Peverell predate the Wizengamot and Ministry, he will have to be away from the school to call these favors. At the very least, he will be too occupied in his attempts to undo the emancipation that anything that needs to be done right under his nose without his interference will be possible."
"Exactly what I thought", said Ted. "That is why Harry wanted me not to press charges against Dumbledore right away. He said to me that it wasn't the right time. He said that we must hold back for now. As his solicitor, I agreed with his plan even though I did not like it then. However, when I thought about it later, it made perfect sense."
"It is something that Charlus would have done", said Augusta.
"Indeed", replied Ragnok XII. "My father quoted him as an example to explain Lord Potter the ways of a great politician. Lord Potter and my father discussed politics every other evening in the Time Chamber during his healing. There is a saying in the Nation about the High Council. Each of the six houses were ruthless but just. Each of them a shrewd politician. You will find that neither of the six houses are Light or Dark. They are Grey, as Mother Magic is supposed to be. The High Council oversaw a period of peace and prosperity. My father said that during all his interactions with Lord Potter, he could feel why the High Council is so respected. Not only did Lord Potter treat him as an equal, but he also called him the greatest teacher he has had the fortune of being a student of. My father is quite taken with him."
"And so is Harry", replied Sirius. "He has been constantly in touch with Director Ragnok. Harry said that the director has been around for a couple of centuries. Who better to seek guidance from besides him and Master Sato?"
"Precisely", added Amelia. "Each of us know that Harry's been writing to the director often. We just did not know that the director was tutoring Harry. Thank you for the information, Senior Account Manager Ragnok XII."
"You're welcome, Lady Regent Bones", replied Ragnok XII. He turned to Hermione and asked, "So, what will it be, Lady Dagworth-Granger?"
"I think, in that case, we should hold back", said Hermione. "Could you file mine when Harry's papers are being filed?"
"Certainly", replied Ragnok. "After all, I will be the one doing for Lord Potter as well." He snapped his fingers and the wooden boxes vanished. In their place, lay bunch of keys. He handed those over to Hermione and said, "These are the keys to the family vaults of Houses of Dagworth-Granger and Draven. Of course, you can always enter the vaults with just your ring. However, if you wish to make withdrawals via your elves or your parents, you'll need to use the key."
Hermione accepted them and thanked the goblin. She handed the keys to her father and said, "I wish for my parents to hold on to it. If I ever need something, I can always use the pouch you gave me the last time we were at Gringotts."
"Very well", replied Ragnok. "Now, you might already know this, but your official title unless your marriage will be Lady Dagworth-Granger as it takes precedence over the title of House of Draven. Do you have any questions about that?" Hermione shook her head. Ragnok continued, "Very well. Is there anything else I can help you with, my Lady?"
"No, thank you, Senior Account Manager Ragnok", replied Hermione. "Please call me Hermione."
"I will, Hermione; however, as the discussions were of formal nature, the tradition dictates that we stick to titles", replied Ragnok. "Am I right, Lady Dowager Longbottom?"
"You are right indeed, Senior Account Manager Ragnok", replied the witch.
Ragnok turned to Hermione and said, "If you ever need any sort of assistance, do not hesitate to write to me, Hermione."
"Thank you, Ragnok. You've been very helpful", replied Hermione.
(Meanwhile in one of the classrooms in the tower)
Harry led Ragnok XI into one of the classrooms and closed the door behind him. He bowed to the goblin chief and they exchanged greetings. Harry then asked, "How may I assist you, Ragnok?"
"Harry", replied Ragnok XI, "there is something I would like to discuss with you. However, I've got the thing you had asked for." He snapped his fingers and in front of him lay an ancient wooden trunk. "I found it in the Peverell heirloom vault, just like you said I would."
"Thank you, Ragnok", replied Harry. "May I open it?" Ragnok nodded his head and Harry proceeded to open it. As soon as Harry touched his wand to it, the trunk unlocked itself. Inside the trunk lay a single, thin book. Harry picked it up and replied, "It is exactly what I was looking for."
Ragnok was watching the young Peverell Lord curiously. The young Lord had asked him to fetch an ancient wooden trunk from the Peverell heirloom vault. It was common knowledge that the heirloom vaults were usually filled with numerous wooden trunks. When the goblin chief had asked him for more details to identify the trunk, Harry had told him that 'it is the oldest trunk and has the inscription of a thestral but no coat of arms'. The goblin had sent his son to locate the trunk. Ragnok XII had returned with the trunk after a few hours and said that all the other trunks had the Peverell coat of arms except this one.
Harry continued, "This is the only trunk in the heirloom vault that neither has the coat of arms nor a specific key to open it. Every time you close it, it is locked, and can only be opened by a Peverell by blood or magic."
"I see", replied Ragnok. "That is very interesting. I think it has more to do with the fact that Peverell magic is very powerful. Having a proper locking system with some sort of key means that people like Dumbledore who had illegal access to your vaults could have gained access to whatever is in that book."
"Now that you mention it,", replied Harry, "it makes complete sense. This book or journal of sorts was written by Lord Achaius Fergus Peverell, the First Peverell. According to the few books I have read on Peverell family history, this book is a must read for every Peverell. It contains information regarding the origin of the Peverell family magic and the infamous Hallows of Death." Harry placed the book back in the trunk, closed it, shrank it and placed it in his pocket.
Ragnok nodded his head and said, "Which is why the book is closely guarded."
"Yes, the same goes for the Potter family magic", said Harry. "Tux brought it to me from the Manor."
Ragnok cleared his throat and said in serious tone, "There is something else, Harry. Something I don't think you will like."
"What is it, Ragnok?", asked Harry, looking worried.
"Well, you see, my team of investigators recently finished interrogating Goldhorn, the scum who was in-charge of the Potter and other affiliated accounts before I took over", said Ragnok. "He was also the one managing Dumbledore accounts and the personal vaults of Molly Weasley, Ronald Weasley and Ginevra Weasley. After his interrogation, we performed an audit of the said accounts. As a result of our interrogation and audit, I think I know why Dumbledore had been paying the three Weasleys.
"Within a week of getting himself declared as the magical guardian in your wizards' court, Albus Dumbledore signed a marriage contract with Molly Weasley involving you and one Ginevra Weasley. The contract is illegal and did not go through. You see, we found the copies of the contract in Albus Dumbledore's and Molly Weasley's personal vaults. If the contract had been legal and binding, the copies would have gone to the family vaults of Houses of Potter and Weasley.
"The contract wasn't binding because of two reasons. First and foremost, a marriage contract must be signed by the Head of the Houses, or appointed regents. Molly Weasley, despite being Ginevra's mother, is neither the Head of House of Weasley nor its regent. The House of Weasley is a patriarchal house. Since Mr. Arthur Weasley is still alive, he is the Head of the House. I am not quite sure if he has declared an heir but if no heir is declared, Mr. William Weasley being the eldest son, will be the next Head of House. All this means is that Molly Weasley signed a marriage contract which she had no right or authority to sign to make it legal and binding.
"The same is true for your case as well. Though Dumbledore had gotten himself declared as your magical guardian in the wizards' court, he was never truly your magical guardian. Or at least Lady Magic didn't see it that way. As Lord Black had never been tried and convicted, your legal guardianship did not change from him to Albus Dumbledore in the eyes of Mother Magic. Meaning, Albus Dumbledore had no right signing a marriage contract on your behalf. I am quite sure Dumbledore, being the great wizard that he thinks himself to be, realized that the contracts had not been binding and legal. I might be jumping to conclusions here but given the things we have recently uncovered about him, I wouldn't put it past him that he somehow saw this as a way of getting his hands on the Potter fortune and the Wizengamot seats.
"Which brings me to my next report to further support my results. I had requested the transcripts of all the Wizengamot sessions that had taken place since the demise of Lord James and Lady Lily. After having gone through them, I find it intriguing that despite having himself declared as the magical guardian, not a single vote had been cast from the seats belonging to your houses.
"I am telling you all this because I want you to be careful. Dumbledore won't back down. He might use other means to accomplish his goal. As your father had mentioned, I think what Dumbledore envies is the amount of power you hold", finished Ragnok.
Harry nodded his head and asked, "What do you suggest I do? Does Dadfoot know yet?"
Ragnok replied, "I suggest we gather the evidence and hold onto it to be presented during Dumbledore's inevitable trial. We can always start with subtle hints in the press before pressing for charges. We can have him running in circles when we need. When he is tried, he will be charged with an attempt of line theft. I am not sure what will happen to Molly Weasley, but it depends on how involved she has been. If she had signed it because of Dumbledore's machinations and influence, she might get off with a slight sentence. Otherwise, she might be looking at a ten-year sentence.
"I have already informed the same to Lord Black and Mr. Tonks. They suggested that you be given complete reign on how to approach the matter. They said something about how the House of Potter never signs a marriage contract unless and until it is a love marriage. They wanted you to decide how to proceed with the punishments."
"In that case,", replied Harry, "we will do as you suggested. When we bring our charges against Dumbledore, we will bury him so deep that even the most lenient of Wizengamot members will be disgusted by him."
Ragnok nodded and said, "Very well, I will collect the relevant documents and place them in a vault along with all other evidence we have gathered for a case against Dumbledore. The vault will only be accessible to you, your extended family and myself. That is all from me. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Harry asked, "What are your plans for Goldhorn? I thought you were going to execute him."
Ragnok replied, "I was but then during the interrogation, Dumbledore had sent a letter seeking an appointment with him. After a discussion with my son, we gave Goldhorn an ultimatum. We asked him to continue to be Dumbledore's account manager; however, none of the illegal transactions can go through without us making a record of it. The transaction wouldn't go through, we will just make it appear like it went through. In exchange for this and his silence, he will be executed after Dumbledore's trial and incarceration, without bringing shame and dishonor to his clan.
"The other option was we execute him right away for bringing dishonor and shame to the nation. He readily agreed to help us. You see, we goblins value honor above everything else. He knows he is going to die anyway. Why die with shame and dishonor to your clan? His soul will never be able to rest in peace.
"This has a couple of benefits to our plan. With no change in his account manager, Dumbledore still believes he has an ally inside the bank to do his dirty work. Anything illegal that he might want to do involving the bank, will have to involve Goldhorn. We can keep on adding them to the growing list of charges and evidence. The second benefit is that we don't tip him off that we are on to him. He believes Goldhorn is the Potter accounts manager as well; however, Goldhorn has denied him access stating that the Wizengamot ruling has removed Dumbledore's name from one of the accessors. Dumbledore was sad about it but did not throw a tantrum.
"The Hogwarts' accounts have been assigned to my nephew, Bogrod. Dumbledore has been informed of the change. As the Board had assigned the financial duties to Minerva, Dumbledore had no say in it. He cannot access it without a note from Minerva either, though he has not tried since the reassignment."
"Do you agree with our plan or do you want me to execute him?", finished Ragnok.
"I agree with your plan, Ragnok", replied Harry. "I trust your judgement, and it makes sense. Please let the adults know if you haven't already. I am sure they will also be delighted by how devious you can be."
Ragnok grinned and asked, "Is there anything else I can help you with, Harry?"
Harry shook his head and thanked the goblin. He led him back to the common room where all were gathered and conversing idly.
The goblins took their leave along with a couple of Hogwarts' elves and Minerva to locate the horcrux and the rumored curse with the help of Lady Hogwarts. A group of curse-breakers had been waiting in Minerva's office. Minerva, before leaving, gifted Hermione a book on advanced transfiguration.
The group left behind in the Tower began gifting Hermione. The Grangers went first. They gifted their daughter a dress and a necklace. Ted and Andi went next, who gifted her a set of books on runic magic. Augusta gifted her a set of formal robes that had crests of Dagworth-Granger and Draven, whereas Amelia gifted her an auror grade dictaquill. Sirius and Remus had combined to get her a personal pensieve. Xeno had gifted a huge tome on wizarding culture and politics. Tonks had gotten her a pair of dragonhide boots. Susan gave her a bottomless bag with a feather-light charm on it. Luna had gotten her a charmed planner that had the ability to notify her. Neville had gotten her a pair of dragonhide gloves. Harry had gotten her the complete set of Jane Austen's novels, each being a deluxe edition.
The group then sat down to have breakfast. Star, Dippy and Larry were serving them. After a hearty breakfast, the group had sat down and were involved in a normal conversation about how their days had been ever since the start of term.
After around two hours of leaving, Minerva and the goblins returned. The curse-breakers had returned to Minerva's office. Director Ragnok said, "We found the horcrux. It is the Diadem of Ravenclaw. We will follow the procedure we followed with the other soul fragments. After transferring the soul fragment to something we can destroy, we will place the diadem in the vault of Ravenclaw.
"As for the curse, we found a couple of them. Both were placed in the DADA classroom. They have been broken. Now, there is something else we would like to discuss with you. We found the Diadem in something called the Room of Lost Things. There are centuries' worth of stuff in the room. Some even have traces of curses. There are a lot of things in the room that can be made reusable or cleansed and sold to generate funds. Do you want me to organize a team for it?"
Everyone gaped at the goblin. Sirius finally said, "Well, truth to be told, it has to be Harry's decision as he is the sole owner of Hogwarts."
Harry stared at Sirius and deadpanned, "And you're my regent, dadfoot. Just make the decision."
Everyone was now staring at Sirius again.
Augusta then spoke, "If I may?" Sirius nodded gratefully. "I think it is a good idea to get that room cleaned up. Things that can be reused by the school will be handed over to the school. Everything else can be sold to generate funds which will go into Hogwarts' vaults. A little more gold will only help us attract better staff."
Sirius readily agreed and the Board of Governors signed the relevant paperwork. Ragnok XI created three copies of it. He kept the original. One copy was handed to the Board members, one to McGonagall for school's records and one for the team who were going to start working within an hour.
The extended family spent almost the entire day together. Harry and his friends returned to their dorms an hour before dinner. Ron had questioned them about why they hadn't been around the entire day to which Harry had replied that they were working on their Runes and Arithmancy homework that had been due the next day. It was a half lie. They did have the homework due the next day, but they had already completed it the day before.