Wizards in Winter

A/N: Title is taken from the music by the Trans Siberian Orchestra.
Genera: Romance/Drama Ships: Harry/Hermione Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns the characters, settings and the bits of dialogue that is recognizable

Chapter 7: Easter Holidays and Gringotts

The next day, Harry and Hermione boarded an early train for King's Cross. Arriving at the station, they quickly left and headed for The Leaky Cauldron. Hurrying through the pub, they exited into Diagon Alley. If anyone noticed, it would have been because two teens were not at Hogwarts and were alone. It wasn't that unusual, however as it was Easter holidays. Luckily, no one paid them much attention and they entered Gringotts virtually unnoticed.

Stepping up to the counter, Harry introduced himself to the Goblin teller. "Greetings honourable sir, My name is Harry James Potter and..." That was as far as he got as the Goblin silenced him with a wave.

"Lord Potter, follow me and don't speak. The very walls have ears and I can't vouch for all the bank's clientele." The Goblin identified himself as Flintgrip and quickly led the two teens down deeper into the bank. Harry had never seen this part of the bank before and it was distinctly creepy. With Hermione's hand in his, they followed the nervous teller to a room guarded by Goblins with wicked looking weapons. Entering the room, they were immediately struck by the furnishings. Large tapestries adorned the walls, depicting battles and one disturbing painting showed a wizard being decapitated for some alleged crime.

The goblin behind the large oak desk smiled with feral teeth at them. Flintgrip introduced Harry and apologized for the intrusion.

"Lord Potter, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. May I ask who accompanies you?" he inquired politely, which was strange for a Goblin. Goblins usually only pretended to tolerate humans, and only then because of treaties and the gold they brought to the bank.

"This is my bonded, Hermione Jane Granger, sir" he replied respectfully.

"Ah, a Paquette at last! You have done well in your selection Lord Potter. Excuse me, I forget my manners; my name is Ragnok, I am the director of this bank. You are very late in coming to us. Usually we would deal harshly with such an obvious slur against the Goblin nation, but for you, we make an exception. I wonder, however, why you have not returned our requests for a meeting?"

"My humble apologies, Director, I have received no correspondence from the bank, ever."

Ragnok blinked, which was difficult for a Goblin who never blinked in human memory. "Indeed! I will have it investigated. Heads will roll, blood will spill."

Somewhere deep in Gringotts, a Goblin felt someone walk over his grave, and shivered.

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore paused in his considerations of next years budget. "I wonder how young Mr. Potter and Miss Granger are enjoying their vacation?" he mused. "Miss Granger is certainly a puzzle and most certainly a powerful witch. She should anchor him firmly on the light side. It's a shame she isn't a pureblood, but it matters not. I can see that he trusts her completely and the bond they share will possibly be all that is needed to finally defeat Voldemort. I'll have to consider stepping up our hunt for Tom's remaining two Horcruxes. Time might be running out."

He stepped to the fireplace and floo called his Defence teacher. "Severus, I need a moment of your time."
When Snape entered the headmaster's office, he bade him sit. He then walked to a decanter he kept in a cabinet and offered the man a drink. "You may need this, Severus, we have a problem."

Director Ragnok explained the provisions of Sirius Black's will. "He left everything to you, Lord Potter, but you must marry to claim the title. Failure to do so will be seen as a refusal to accept the mantle of Lord Black, or in your case, Lord Potter-Black. The entire estate would revert to the Ministry as the only other possible claimant, one Draco Malfoy is currently a wanted criminal. When he is caught, he will be transported to Azkaban and will lose all claim to the Black title. Lord Sirius Orion Black did not lose the title, even though he spent time in Azkaban since he was never convicted of a crime. We knew the truth, but a Goblin is prevented from testifying in the Wizengamot. However, since the two of you are bonded, I see no problems. Marry when you reach legal age and the inheritance automatically becomes yours. Of course there are a few papers you must sign and a blood identification test, but that's a minor inconvenience. Now, Mr. Potter, is there anything Gringotts can do for you?"

"Actually, there is one thing. My bonded's parents are squibs, but have need of Gringotts best warders. I will pay, of course. That is if I can afford it. I have no idea how much money I have left in my vault."

The Goblin broke into a hearty laugh. "If you can afford it? Surely you're joking Lord Potter. You are currently Gringotts wealthiest client."

"I am? Surely not, my vault had a large pile of Galleons, but even I recognise that many richer vaults must exist in Gringotts."

Ragnok frowned. "That is merely your Trust Vault, surely... No!" Pressing a hidden button on his desk, he summoned a guard.

"Find me the Potter account manager!" he growled.

Presently a Goblin that Harry recognised was brought into the office. "Griphook! You're my account manager?"

"Of course, Lord Potter, I have served the Potters for almost a century. Is there something wrong Director?"

Ragnok eyed the Potter account manager closely. "Who else has access to the Potter account, Griphook?"

"Well, Molly Weasley has his key, and of course there is an automatic withdrawal mechanism for his Hogwarts tuition fees. His Magical Guardian, one Albus Dumbledore has access, but as far as I know has made only minor withdrawals for his upkeep at his relative's house. Mrs. Weasley shouldn't have kept his key, but I'm unaware of any misuse of it. One minor withdrawal on Lord Potter's behalf for school texts, I believe."

"Then why has Lord Potter not received any of our correspondence?" he roared.

"I'm sorry, director, his statements have always gone out on time. I'm at a loss to understand what has happened."

Harry was beginning to wonder the same thing, when the obvious answer sprang to mind. "My relatives," he whispered.

Hermione gasped as the full significance of Harry's thoughts reached her mind. "If the Dursleys have been receiving Harry's statements, are they also able to access his vault?"

"Vaults," Ragnok corrected. "The Potter Family Vault and his Trust Vault. As Muggles, they would not be able to access them, but someone on the inside may have helped them.
"Griphook, I want an accounting immediately, but quietly. If there is money missing, I want to know how much and the chain of receipts required to get it. We may have a traitor in the bank, Griphook, see to it." This last was spoken in the Goblin language and Harry hadn't a clue what was said.

"I'm sorry, Lord Potter, there appears to be a misunderstanding. Gringotts is looking into it. Needless to say, you can well afford to ward the future Lady Potter's parents place of residence. In fact, we would insist on it."

"Thank you, director, oh, and one last thing. Does my family Grimoire reside in my family vault?"

"I would think so, Lord Potter. Of course you may not access that vault until your birthday, but that's not too long to wait, I suspect."

"That will be all then, Director, thank you for your time."

"You are most welcome Lord Potter, Here are the papers you need to sign on your birthday." And with that, a stack of papers appeared several inches thick. He handed them to Harry, who accepted them and bowing was escorted out along with Hermione.

"Well, crap!" Harry swore.

"Language, Harry," Hermione admonished lightly, but in truth, she was in full agreement.

"I'll bet good money, my uncle had a hand in this; sneaky bastard that he is. Well, at least your home will be protected."

They had exited the bank and were walking down Diagon Alley back toward the Leaky Cauldron when it happened.

"It's Potter," someone yelled and all hell broke loose. They had just passed the entrance to Knockturn Alley and Borgin and Burkes when a green spell passed by, just missing them.

"Death Eaters," Harry yelled, grabbing Hermione and diving for cover, his wand already in his hand, scanning for the threat.

A blasting curse knocked a large hole in the masonry above their head, as shards rained down on them. Hermione was shaking in fear, before her protective instincts took over. A solid golden shield sprang up around them as several more curses kicked up bricks and bits of gravel around them.

"No, Harry, you can't. You are still underage. I'm of age, and I'll protect you. See if you can use that marvellous mind to figure a way out of here."

Harry thought, but couldn't think of anything that would help aside from magic. 'Hermione! Hermione can cast. But she's shielding. Think!'

An opportunity presented itself when an over-eager Death Eater thought to charge their position. He was almost upon them when Harry twisted and caught the man with a blow to the forehead from his foot. The man dropped like a stone and lay still, bleeding heavily from a crushed nose and snapped neck. He had killed and it shook him a bit. "Hermione, is there an exit through Knockturn Alley?" he whispered.

Knockturn Alley was the darker side of the wizarding shopping district. Harry and Hermione had briefly ventured there tailing Malfoy earlier in the year. Now a piece of the puzzle suddenly fit.

"Borgin and Burkes, Hermione, remember the cabinet. There's one just like it at Hogwarts in the Room of Requirement. I'll bet we can use it to escape to the school."

"Harry, that's brilliant. I'll bet that's how Draco brought those Death Eaters into the school."

"You figure? We'll use it and destroy it when we exit. I don't want it used against us again. Wish I had some of that Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder that the Twins sold."

"Ahh! That's what Draco used once he got into the school. Damn those twins. That was so irresponsible of them to sell it to Draco."

"Quiet, here's our chance. There's a bit of cover from here to half way to Borgin and Burkes. We'll have to chance it the rest of the way. Shift left a bit and then duck under that staircase. There's a dustbin that should provide some cover and then work your way past that apothecary. There's good cover behind their display barrels. The rest of the way is shaded but open. It's a good dash to the store; maybe fifty feet. Think you can do it?"

She scanned the route and nodded. "You first; I can keep them pinned down and I'll be right behind." She saw he was going to argue, but cut him off with a hiss. "Go, you don't want the Ministry down your neck. I can take care of myself. We're not at Hogwarts now, you can't use your wand!"

Angry that he'd put her in this spot of danger, he reluctantly agreed and silently left after a quick kiss for luck.

Hermione concentrated on the remaining Death Eaters. She could do this, she had done it recently. Casting about for a target, she cast a pair of her specialty spells in French. "Tempête de Poussière!" (dust storm) then "Imposez le Silence Maximum!"

At once, a swirling grey dust cloud arose in the alley and silence descended. She scurried after Harry and entered the store, just as the dust cloud covered the street, blocking all view outside. Silence followed her into the store, as well as the dust. She had to hurry to where she last saw the cabinet and saw Harry slip inside just as the proprietor burst into view.

"What in Merlin's name is going on?" but he was cut off from further remarks as the silence engulfed him.

The dust was thickening as she reached the cabinet and stepped inside. Closing the door, she saw another door and stepped though it into the Room of Requirement.

Harry grabbed her in a tight hug as the dust and silence continued to flow. "Drat, stupid spell! "Limité!" and the spell ended.

"Quickly, stand aside," Harry warned her.
"Reducto!" and the cabinet was reduced to kindling. "Well, Miss Granger, that was brilliant. I saw what you did and a better escape plan I couldn't imagine."

Hermione blushed at the praise. "Thanks Harry, the Grimoire is really paying dividends. Now all we have to do is figure out how to get back to Broom."

"Let's see if we can find Professor McGonagall. She may have a way home for us. I'd prefer not to have to ask Dumbledore, for obvious reasons," he replied thoughtfully.

Meanwhile, back in Diagon Alley, chaos reigned supreme. The dust storm persisted and even increased and nobody knew how to stop it.

Fleur Delacour was working in Gringotts when she decided to take a break and dash out for a bite to eat. As she stepped out the door, she was met with a magical dust storm and a silence so deep it was creepy. Her standard spells for dispelling magic had no effect and she slipped into French quite unintentionally. "Merde! LIMITÉ!" she shouted and it stopped. Surprised at the effect, she blinked and looked around. Half blinded was a red haired wizard that she recognised. "Beel! What are you doing out 'ere?"

"Fleur, I was just coming back from lunch when it hit. I couldn't hear or see. I thought I saw Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, but they were gone when the dust storm hit. How did you get rid of it?"

"I tried everyzing wizout success until I swore in French. I think I used ze French equivalent of 'Finite' and it worked. Ozerwise we would still be dealing wiz it, non?"

Minerva McGonagall had been going over the lesson plans for the resumption of classes when there was a knock on her door. Opening the door she was startled at seeing the last two people she expected. "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, I thought you'd gone home for Easter."

"Hello Professor," Hermione greeted her favourite teacher." We were at home, but something came up and we, err, had to visit Gringotts. We ran into a spot of trouble when we left and wound up here. We'd like to return home. My parents will start to worry soon."

"You wound up here. Just exactly how did that happen? There is no way that could happen. Perhaps you should explain a little more fully."

Harry sought a way to explain, without telling her everything. "There was a bit of a dust-up in Diagon Alley and things got out of hand. We retreated to Borgin & Burkes and wound up here through a magical cabinet."

The Deputy Headmistress gave them a disbelieving stare. "A magical cabinet? Surely you can do better than that, Mr. Potter."

Hermione decided to take over the explanation. "Professor, it's true. You remember when Draco led those Death Eaters in? He got in via a cabinet in the school and a matching one in Borgin and Burkes. We used the same method and destroyed the one on this end so it couldn't be used again. Professor, we'd really like to go home now. Can you arrange it?"

McGonagall was still a bit skeptical, but her favourite students had never lied to her before, and anyway, what other explanation was possible. "Well, Professor Dumbledore could make a portkey, but he's away today."

Harry and Hermione sighed with relief.

"I suppose I could side along apparate you, but I'll have to notify the headmaster what has happened. Why do I get the impression that you're not telling me everything?" she asked, suspiciously.

"Well, there are a few details we left out, but they're not really important," Harry tried.

Now McGonagall's radar was out and she determined to find out the rest of the story. Usually, her glare worked, and it had the desired effect this time as well.
"What sort of 'dust-up', Mr. Potter?"

"Erm, we were attacked by Death Eaters?" he voiced, hoping to minimize the talk.

"And just what else happened?"
Knowing they wouldn't get out of telling the whole story, Hermione sighed and started at the beginning.

Minerva was shocked. Someone was stealing from Mr. Potter for years? He'd killed a Death Eater? "Mr. Potter, I find that shocking in the extreme. There will be questions from Madam Bones, at the very least. If the Goblins are involved, as I suspect they are, it won't go well. Perhaps we should wait for Professor Dumbledore to return," she decided firmly.

"Please, Professor," Hermione pleaded. "We're not on the best of terms with him at the moment. He'll ask questions that I'm afraid I won't answer."

Minerva considered that bald statement. For Miss Granger to refuse to answer questions was unheard of. "Miss Granger, surely it can't be that bad, the headmaster has the responsibility for the entire student population while they're at Hogwarts."

"He's a meddling old man, Professor. He seeks to control everything to do with Harry and, by extension, me, now that we are bonded."

"Bonded? Whatever do you mean, Miss Granger? Aren't you both a little young for that?"

Hermione was sweating under the interrogation. She hadn't meant to say that, but she couldn't lie to her favourite teacher. "It's true, Professor, Harry and I bonded at Christmas. There are things I can't tell anyone else, not even Harry until we're married."

This shocked Minerva even more. "Married? The bond has progressed that far? What do your parents say to that?" This conversation was certainly going in unexpected directions.

"They understand, Professor, and have accepted Harry."

Harry interrupted. "Professor, I love her and she's accepted my proposal. Her parents actually like me, unlike the Dursleys."

"I see. And why is Professor Dumbledore interfering, Miss Granger?"

"We're not sure, you'd have to ask him. He tried a compulsion spell on me to presumably gain my co-operation. I didn't like that and almost hexed him. He was asking too many personal questions."

Minerva gasped at that. "He tried to WHAT?" she yelled, completely taken aback. "How do you know this, it's borderline criminal, and to do it on children..." she trailed off.

"Um, we've developed 'protections', Professor. I can't tell."

"Protections... Miss Granger, you're a powerful witch, but these 'protections' you speak of wouldn't happen to be from a book passed down to you, would it?" She didn't like where this was going.

Hermione panicked. "Please, Professor, don't ask! You can't know about this, and especially the headmaster can't know. It's too dangerous for anyone to know," she said desperately.

McGonagall now had her suspicions confirmed. "A Grimoire," she whispered. "A family Grimoire, Hermione why didn't you tell me you were descended from an old wizarding family?" she asked quietly.

Hermione collapsed in tears. "No, you can't know! How can I keep Harry safe if it gets out?" she wailed.

"My dear child, I'll make an unbreakable vow if that will ease your mind. Your secret will then be safe."

"Really? T-that's dangerous, Professor. You could be killed if you were unable to fulfill the vow."

"Nevertheless, I believe that's the only thing that would put your mind at ease. We'll need Mr. Potter as the binder. Do you think you can do this, Miss Granger?"

"I-I thinks so. Professor, if you do this, I'd want you to call me Hermione, as a favour. Harry?"

"Yes, Hermione, I can do this and I'll say the same. Please call me Harry."

A rare smile passed over Minerva's lips. "Very well, Hermione, Harry, shall we start?"

After the binding vow, Professor McGonagall led them out of the Hogwarts grounds and apparated them home, glad that she'd had the talk with the two teens.

"Where have you two been? You've been gone for hours." Monica asked agitatedly.

"Harry had an appointment at Gringotts, Mum. It took a bit longer than we thought."

"Well dear, how did it work out? What did they want?"

"I met with the bank's director, Monica. Apparently I've inherited everything from my godfather. There was a problem with the Potter accounts that is being looked into."

"What kind of a problem, Harry?"

"Somebody has accessed my vaults without my approval. I suspect my Uncle Vernon and the Goblins think it was an inside job."

Monica narrowed her eyes, vowing to do some 'Dental Surgery' on those bastards.

Harry noticed and tried to calm her. "It's okay Monica, the Goblins are very efficient at recovering funds. Depending on how much they stole, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes."
They didn't dare tell Monica that they were attacked and the aftermath.

The next day, the Grangers talked Harry into going for a horse ride. Harry had never been on a horse before and was a little intimidated until he remembered the ride on Firenze's back. The horse turned out to be a gentle mare that liked to be ridden. Getting used to a saddle and bridle was a bit of a trick at first and he kept guiding the mare to the right until Hermione showed him how to guide 'Abigail' with his legs and reins. They soon increased the pace to a trot, Wendell leading the way with Monica next, then Harry, and Hermione bringing up the rear. As they were following a well marked trail, Hermione and Monica let their attention wander. Wendell depended on his familiarity with the route and the horse's instincts to keep them out of trouble.

As they travelled, Harry started to relax and enjoy the ride. The sun had poked out and warmed the day and as they rode, Harry took in the pleasant smell of horse and the hint of green foliage that was just starting to appear. Winter was just starting to release its hold on Britain and as the sky cleared, Harry's mind started to wander. Unbidden came an image in his mind of Hermione. A sweet melody she seemed to be humming made him turn his head and in that instant the horses balked.

Wendell had seen the hidden threat and called a halt when a snake had risen in front of them.
Harry was caught unprepared and tumbled off Abigail awkwardly. As he fell, several things happened: Abigail reared in alarm as Harry's foot caught in the stirrup. Hermione, realizing that Harry was in trouble, cast a cushioning charm and quickly dismounted.

Abigail, spotting the snake, panicked and screaming, bolted, dragging Harry with her. The trail let into a steep descent with small trees and bushes hiding the trail from observation from behind. Harry had hit his head on a large boulder and was unconscious.

"Harry!" Hermione screamed. …

AN: Sorry for the cliffy, I'll try to post the next chapter soon.

(Chapter 7 end.)