Second Destiny

As I am writing this chapter, the world is waking up to the news that Robbie Coltrane, the actor who portrayed Rubeus Hagrid in the eight films of the Harry Potter motion picture series, has sadly passed away at the age of 72 years old.

As you read this chapter (and the remainder of this story), please raise a glass for a great actor who made every role he portrayed so very memorable.

Anthony Robert McMillan, OBE

a/k/a Robbie Coltrane

30 March 1950-14 October 2022

R.I.P.

"The legacy of the movies is that my children's generation will show them to their children. So, you could be watching in 50 years' time, easy. I'll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will, yes."

-Robbie Coltrane on the enduring power of the Harry Potter series, from Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, 2022

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

A few days later, Harry and Hermione walked into the House Maintenance classroom, which with the exception of "Professor Colton," was empty.

"Ah, Harry, Hermione," "Colton" said. "I was waiting for you."

"Colton" became Death in a flash of blue light. "You have done so well in eliminating the Horcruxes," Death said.

"Thank you," Harry said. "The Fates have been right bell-ends, though."

"Oh, really?" Death said, cocking an eyebrow.

"The changes the Fates made to my tapestry—on your order—have put us both into a few uncomfortable positions already," Harry said, gesturing to him and Hermione.

"Oh, you were expecting smooth sailing on the way to defeating the worst Dark Lord your world has ever seen?" Death said.

Harry then lunged forward and grabbed Death by the collar. "Listen to me right now, you son-of-a-bitch," Harry said. "I should just end it all right now and save you, Voldemort, Hermione and everyone else the trouble."

Hermione dove between Harry and Death, then proceeded to slap both individuals on their faces. "Cut it out, you two," Hermione said. "We are only two Horcruxes away from being able to defeat Voldemort once and for all. This conflict between you two is precisely what Voldemort wants!"

Hermione then pulled Harry into a kiss on the lips. "That is what you are fighting for, Harry," Hermione added. "Never forget that."

"Thank you for reminding me," Harry said to Hermione. He then turned to Death.

"Sorry for grabbing you like that," Harry said to Death.

"That's quite all right, Harry," Death said. "However..."

Death switched to the appearance of Edwin Colton. "Five points from Gryffindor for being a cheeky brat...but ten points to Gryffindor for owning up to it," "Colton" said.

"With that out of the way, let's get back down to cases," "Colton" said. "As Hermione mentioned, there are only two Horcruxes remaining: the Gaunt Family ring and Professor Quirrell."

"But what about the Slytherin Locket?" Hermione said.

"I have an idea," Harry said. "In my memories of my last run, you will remember that Kreacher always misbehaved because he thought he had failed to obey Regulus Black's last order—to destroy Slytherin's Locket."

"Right," Hermione said.

"Now think back to when Sirius had Kreacher elf-pop us to Diagon Alley so we could go to Gringotts and become Lord and Lady Potter," Harry continued. "Knowing my memories as you do, did you notice anything different about Kreacher's behaviour?"

"You're right," Hermione said, turning to "Colton." "Did someone destroy the Locket Horcrux?

"Yes," "Colton" said. "I did...or rather, Sirius did."

"You didn't," both Harry and Hermione said.

"Yep," "Colton" said. "I assumed Sirius' form, visited Grimmauld Place and convinced Kreacher that I could destroy the evil force in the locket and did so in his presence."

"Well played," Harry said. "So how do we handle the Gaunt Ring?"

"Harry, as the family line of House Gaunt is descended from that of House Slytherin, you would own the assets of House Gaunt, right?" Hermione asked.

Harry thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "Dobby?" Harry called out.

Dobby POPPED into existence in front of him. "Yes, Lord Potter, sir?" Dobby asked.

"Dobby, retrieve the assets list for House Slytherin from the Lord's Study and bring it back here," Harry said.

"As you wish, Lord Potter, sir," Dobby said before popping away. Moments later, Dobby returned with a folder in his hands.

"The Slytherin assets list, as you requested, Lord Potter, sir," Dobby said before handing the folder to Harry.

"Thank you, Dobby," Harry said. "Wait over there for a moment. I will need you to to return the list when we are finished with it."

"Yes, sir," Dobby said before he moved away to allow Harry, Hermione and "Colton" to examine the list.

"There!" Hermione said, pointing to the entry for "Assets of the House of Gaunt (extinct)." The listing "House Signet Ring" jumped out at her. "We need to speak to Professor Dumbledore!"

Harry handed the list back to Dobby and ordered him to return the list to Potter Manor while he and Hermione went to speak to Dumbledore.

The door into Dumbledore's office opened at his invitation, admitting Harry and Hermione. "Lord and Lady Potter, what seems to be the problem?" Dumbledore asked.

"Professor, we require permission to go to Gringotts on urgent House business," Harry said.

"I presume that urgent business pertains to the Riddle Diary or items like it?" Dumbledore asked.

"Your presumption is accurate, sir," Hermione said.

"Very well," Dumbledore said. "I shall travel with you. I have business with Minister Fudge which I can take care of while you two are busy at Gringotts."

"What kind of business?" Harry said.

"I dare say you shall hear about it over dinner tonight," Dumbledore said. "But for now, let us hurry."

Dumbledore tossed an handful of floo powder into the fireplace and called out "Ministry of Magic Atrium."

As soon as Dumbledore's fire faded, Harry took a handful of floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace. "Leaky Cauldron," Harry called out. He and Hermione jumped through the fire as soon as it formed.

What business does Dumbledore have with Minister Fudge?

Find out next time.

Until then...

:TBC: