As always, I'm only playing with JK Rowling's toys.

All credit goes to JK Rowling, her publisher and all the other people involved in bringing her work to life.

#

"Esteemed Chief Warlock,

Over the last few weeks, Lord Potter and I have exchanged many correspondents detailing many areas of mutual interest.

One such area was concerning the reading of his parents Will, a legal document that you in your role as Chief Warlock had sealed; this was not a prudent course of action on your part.

Another such area of mutual interest once again included you; I am, of course referring to the criminal Tom Marvolo Riddle. As you know the Goblin nation does not directly involve its self in the petty squabbles of Wizards, however in this instance we are no longer able to remain neutral.

Lord Potter has informed me personally that an object of such depravity belonging to the criminal is within our hallowed walls. The Goblin nation cannot allow this slight to go unpunished; Lord Potter has also informed me that you have also been searching out these cursed items and that it would be in our mutual interests to pool our resources to eradicate his blight once and for all.

I would very much welcome your presence in your official capacity as Leader of the Wizengamot on the morrow at ten of the clock when we discuss matters fully. As Lord Potter will be indisposed due to his schooling, he has suggested another be included in his stead.

Lord Potter trusts you, and as he has been declared as "Friend" to the Goblin nation, we will trust you.

May your gold ever flow.

Director Ragnok"

Too many questions ran through Dumbledore's mind, what did Harry know and how did he know it. Who did he tell, why did he speak with the Goblins, and why did he claim his house patriarchy. Albus strode purposefully to the floo to advise Minerva that he was heading out to bring Harry back to school.

'That would be a grave mistake, Headmaster' the sound of a wise old voice stayed his hand.

'It is most unwise to read peoples thoughts uninvited, Gryff.' said the Headmaster.

'None the less, Headmaster, the boy, will cut all ties with you if you interfere further. You know this.'

The Sorting Hat spoke up.

'You are of course correct' said Albus as he let the floo powder drain from his clenched fist.

Albus returned to his seat and considered his options.

'Tell me, when Harry was last in here did you see he thoughts?' he asked

The hat grumbled 'I would never divulge another's secrets, but no I could not. I will say this, that boy has the mark of the fates upon him. It would not do well to hinder him Headmaster.' And with that warning, the hat fell silent.

Albus sat and pondered its words, the summons, and how Harry had changed since the summer.

#

The day moved swiftly for Harry and the Grangers, Simpkins was a revelation when it came to organising the shopping spree. The ladies were pampered and treated like queens while Harry and Dan were measured and primped and measured again to be sure. The vast array of clothes and accessories that they were shown was mind-boggling.

Harry had never seen so many shoes in so many different colours, styles or material.

Hermione's eyes almost popped at the price tags and instantly began to protest that it was too much, needless to say, Simpkins heard the commotion and assured her that Harry had given permission and that they were not to take no for an answer from her.

After three hours and several thousand pounds, Harry and the Grangers were shuttled to the Dorchester, and all their purchases had been taken to the Potter suite where coffee would be served.

When they reached the suite, every one of them stood transfixed, staring at the facilities.

Harry turned to face Emma and Dan with a panicked look on his face.

'I'm so sorry, Mr & Mrs Granger, I didn't know that the room was like this.' Harry stuttered out his apology.

'Son, there is no need to apologies for anything, the room is perfect, the day is perfect and getting to spend my daughter's birthday with her means more to me than anything else in the world.' Explained Dan

'I...I don't want you thinking that I was showing off.' said Harry in a small voice, Emma engulfed him in her arms and said 'You have given us a gift, Harry, never apologies for doing something kind.'

At their kind words, Harry nodded his acceptance. It felt right being accepted by the people that the love of his life held more dearly any anyone. It almost felt like Déjà vu, like something in the back of his mind was trying to tell him something and he couldn't quite hear over the din of his other thoughts.

Together they explored the suite, finding one sumptuous room connected to another before they discovered the dining room. It was in here that Harry delivered his bombshell announcement.

'You know Hermione, at the end of the school year, I won't be going back to the Dursley's. I'll be free.' Dan and Emma just looked at him, while Hermione beamed at him; knowing a little of his life with his relatives, she knew that being free of them was one of his greatest desires.

Dan asked 'Who are you going to stay with then son?'

'Well, seeing as though is suite is mine, I thought I would live here for a while until something better comes along.' Replied Harry

'Are you sure that's wise?' asked Emma as she walked around the dining table to look at the view over Hyde Park.

'Well I've not really had a chance to look over the properties that I have and to be honest there's nowhere else for me to go.' explained the raven-haired teen.

'You could stay with us.' Said Hermione 'couldn't he Dad? It's not as if we don't have the room.'

'I couldn't impose Mia; I feel bad enough that I've hijacked your birthday.' Harry said, knowing full well that Hermione would not let it go.

'Well, Honey, I don't have too much of a problem with it; however, your Dad and I would have to sit down and discuss it. It's a big step, for everyone.' said Emma while she gazed across the park.

Harry nodded his head and slowly began to take in the room. He hadn't noticed when they came in. But the room had a lot of Potter motifs dotted here and there. The cutlery on the set table all had the Potter crest embossed on the handle. Unknown to Harry Dan was watching his every move.

He could see that something was troubling the teen, was it the fact that he was going to be away from his only family that was causing the underlying upset or was it something far deeper. Dan watched Harry slip out of the dining room and then followed behind. Harry took refuge in the main bedroom, he sat on the bed and bowed his head, almost as though he was saying a silent prayer.

Dan softly knocked on the door.

Harry's eyes shot up in the direction of the sound.

'Do you mind if I come in, Harry? Dan asked. Harry shook his head.

'This must be a little overwhelming for you?' he asked.

Harry nodded.

'If it makes things easier for you, Harry, you will always have a place in our home, and not because you are our daughter's boyfriend. Look son; we will support you no matter what, alright? It doesn't matter if you live here or in our guest room or even a cardboard box. The smile that you put on Hermione's face was enough to ensure that the Grangers will forever behind in every course of action you take.'

Harry felt humbled by this heartfelt declaration but felt compelled to say 'Dan, I cannot tell you how much the means to me to hear you say that. Can I take a little bit of time before I give you my answer?'

Dan nodded and said, 'of course but so that you know; we expect you to join us for Christmas you got that? No excuses.'

Harry smiled and nodded his agreement.

'Harry, Dad, it's time for lunch. Mum wants to find out if Carluccio's have a table.' Hermione called out.

'Looks like we've been rumbled' said Dan 'Seriously Harry, you'll always have a place with us no matter how long your relationship with Hermione lasts.'

#

'Draco, what's the deal with you and Potter?' asked Blaze Zabini

'Harry and I came to an understanding on the train. I make sure that him and his friends are left in peace and... well let's just say he convinced me of the merits of his argument.' Draco never looked up from the book he was reading.

'Really? So what was all that with the Weasel?' Blaze enquired.

'He was exempt from the deal. Lovegood and Longbottom are to be left alone. Granger is a special case, she and the other muggle born in the castle are under Harry's protection, so to speak. A crossed word or an ill look in their direction and Harry will be displeased.' Draco closed the book and looked up.

'Why are you taking orders from that half blood?' Pansy asked as she walked towards Draco before sitting on to his lap.

'you know that he stopped a troll in his first year, right?' Draco asked

'So?' replied Pansy

'You know that he not only took on a sixty foot plus basilisk as a twelve year old, he killed it with just a fucking sword.'

Pansy shrugged her shoulders 'and? What's your point?'

Draco tried again 'last year he faced down a werewolf and about a hundred dementors, you did hear about that, didn't you?'

Blaze said 'Yeah, I heard all about that. Most of us thought it was just the Gryffindor propaganda machine talking shite as usual.'

'Well I have it on very good authority that these things happened, I've seen the memories. My father is on the board of Governors after all.' Explained Draco

Pansy was beginning to get annoyed 'But what has this got to do with you sucking up to prince potter and his mudblood girlfriend?'

Draco glared at the girl on his lap. 'The common denominator in all of these evens was that Granger was threatened and Harry literally put himself in harm's way to protect her. At such a young age that takes balls of steel not to mention an enormous amount of magical power. Oh and for the record if you call her that again, you get to deal with the fall out.'

Pansy gulped and Blaze visibly blanched at the thought of standing up to Potter when he was pissed.

'So why was the weasel left out of the deal?' Pansy asked

'I don't know, but I'm not going to look a gift hippogriff in the mouth. It's open season on the weasel and I intend to take full advantage.' Draco smirked.

Many years into the future when he thought back to his school years, Draco would get a warm glow of a job well done when he thought about how he dealt with the weasel problem in fourth year.