[Disclamer] JK Rowling owns everything etc etc. except for original characters, of which there are none so far ;)

Chapter 9: Ummmmm ..... I dunno

Harry woke up in a daze, his head ached and the last thing he could remember was a Goblin saying "welcome" to him before everything went blank. Quickly gaining focus in his eyesight Harry's other senses re-awoke along with it. He could feel a hard surface underneath him, and it was chilly in the dimly lit room.

Harry felt to see what was underneath him and found that he was lying on a marble slab, his robber were missing and so was his shirt. All Harry was wearing were his pants. In desperation Harry tried to find out what was going on, the only light was shining around his 'bed' and everything else was covered in Darkness. Harry lept off the marble slab and onto the stone floor below. At that instant the room light up, Harry instinctively pulled out his wand, which was somehow placed in his left pocket. A searing pain went through his left arm as he went to retrieve his wand. Harry grasped his shoulder and looked around. There were Goblins everywhere talking to each other in what sounded like Gobbledegook.

"Mr Potter, you are finally awake" came the familiar voice of Griphook, as a slightly pudgy Goblin made its way over to Harry.

"What happened to me?" Harry asked.

"Just a right of passage Harry, don't worry you will learn more about it later this evening" Professor Dumbledore was now at Harry's side. "Hello Griphook." Griphook bowed at Dumbledore.

"How are you feeling Harry?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"We'll my left shoulder hurts a lot, but apart from that I'm fine" Harry was still wondering what he was doing on the bed and where the pain had come from when Dumbledore spoke again.

"Ah, yes that is a bit of a nasty shock" Harry looked up to see that Dumbledore was smiling as he said this.

"That's putting it lightly," Harry muttered.

It seemed that Harry had said this louder then he had intended because Dumbeldore and Griphook started to chuckle. "What about my arm?" Harry pressed the issue back onto the field.

"Well Harry, the Goblins now consider you and envoy from the Wizarding World. You are one of the few who are granted such and honor. Your work along side Griphook has not been witnessed for hundreds of years, to the Goblins it is a stepping stone for things to come."

"But what about my shoulder?" Harry pressed, "I already figured all that out."

"Ah, yes, your shoulder . . . " Dumbledore continued, as if nothing had happened "It seems that the elusive Wishsong that resides within you once again came to your aid. When you placed your hand on the entrance to the Goblin City you were probed with magic to ensure that you in fact were Harry Potter. This Wishsong didn't take to kindly of this; the stress between the two magic's caused you to faint. It seems that it was too much for you to handle."

"So the pain is just a side affect Professor?"

"Yes Harry, it should be gone in a few moments, and as should we" Dumbledore smiled and ushered Harry towards the front of the room.

"What did I miss?" Harry asked now feeling odd being topless "And what happened to my clothes?"

"For your first question Harry you didn't miss much, just a signing of a new security contract for Hogwarts. We will now have 10 trained Goblins providing security to our school at all times. And to answer your second question, the Goblins wanted to make sure that you were ok and had to conduct a series of tests."

They were now at the front of the room where it seemed like a particular Goblin was waiting for them. Dumbledore bowed before on of the Goblins and spoke "Greetings your highness, Mr Potter has awaken."

The Goblin looked up at Harry and made its way over to him "Mr Potter, my apologies for that incident. I hope we did not cause any permanent damage." Harry shook the Goblins outstretched hand and replied "Not at all your highness."

"Well, Dumbledore informs me that it is getting late and that the both of you must be off." Harry nodded his acknowledgement.

The Great Goblin continued, "Then I shouldn't keep you waiting. This is for you." The Goblin pulled a gold ring out of his pocket and placed it in Harry's palm. "The ring is a symbol of your work with Goblins and acts as proof of your identity. For only you can wear this ring, therefore if you ever return to our city you will not have to pass through the security door."

"Thank You" Harry bowed. The ring was half an inch thick all the way around; the Goblin crest was engraved onto a rectangle that made the top of the ring. Harry put the ring onto the ring finger on his right hand.

Harry and Dumbledore said their good byes to the Goblins and used a Portkey to exit the city and arrive back at Dumbledores office. Harry had collected his robes before they left.

"It is late Harry, I suggest you get some sleep" Dumbledore offered.

Harry agreed, and started to make his way out of Dumbledores office. "I had better come with you, wouldn't want you to be caught outside Gryffindor tower at this time of night."

Dumbledore escorted Harry down the corridors of Hogwarts, after a few minutes they arrived at the Fat Ladies portrait. Harry said the password and made his way up the staircase to the tower. "One last thing Mr Potter" Dumbledore called out from behind Harry "We should keep what happened tonight a secret." Harry nodded and continued up the stairs.

It was almost 2 o'clock when Harry fell asleep.

Harry woke up a few hours later with the sun in his eye and Ron throwing pillows at him. "Hogsmeade visit today Harry, hurry up or you'll be late" Ron yelled, trying to get Harry out of bed.

Harry got up and made his way to the bathroom. Harry got ready, putting on some blue jeans and a white fleece top. It had snowed the night earlier and the school grounds were now covered in a blanket of snow.

Harry then grabbed his winter coat and made his way to breakfast. The great hall was filled with the bustle of awaiting students. Harry sat down beside Ron and Hermione. "What are you guys up to today?" Harry asked, as he reached for some pancakes.

"We were thinking about picking up some butterbeer since its so cold and then starting on our Christmas shopping" Hermione replied.

"What are you up to mate?" Ron asked.

"He has a date with Lavender" Hermione interrupted.

"Yeah, but I can't spot her at the table, do you know where she is Herms?" Harry knew that this was a nickname Hermiones parents had given her and that she hated it.

Hermione grimaced, but answered Harry's question "she was getting ready when I came down, she should be here soon."

Harry nodded and continued with his breakfast. A few minutes later Lavender made her way down to breakfast. Harry noticed that her hair was now in curls that bounced up and down as she walked. Harry smiled at Lavender who smiled back and sat down at an empty spot on Ron other side. Harry switched spots with Ron; he was about to talk with Lavender when he noticed that she was already in conversation with Neville.

Harry shrugged it off and started eating breakfast. He couldn't help but overhear the conversation between the two.

"I'm sorry Neville, Harry already asked me" Lavender said. Harry continued to listen and was watching the exchange through the corner of his eye.

"But I asked you 2 weeks ago if you wanted to go and you told me you were going to work on divination!" Neville responded, obviously trying not to sound hurt.

Lavender gave out a sigh "I wasn't planning on going, but Harry and I got back together and he invited me to Hogsmeade, I hope you understand."

Neville's face turned red with anger and he whispered harshly "Oh I understand, I understand perfectly well that . . . "

Harry could tell where this was going and decided to stop before Neville said something he would regret. He stood up and put his hand on Lavenders shoulder, pretending not to have heard the exchange Harry spoke "excuse me . . ." Lavender and Neville both looked up. "Sorry to interrupt, but we'd better get going Lavender." Harry paused; he was hoping that Neville would drop the issue. After a moment of tense silence Lavender spoke "Yeah we'd better get going, bye Neville."

"Catch you later Neville" Harry added, Neville on the other hand didn't respond and went back to eating his cereal. Harry put his arm around Lavender, grabbed his winter robe and made his way out of the great hall.

"So what was that all about?" Harry asked as they were walking through the corridors of the castle.

"Don't act like you don't know" Lavender scolded, "I know you were listening in on us."

"Yeah, sorry about that Lav" Harry blushed "couldn't help it, just looking out for you."

"Well thanks for stepping in, It was about to get ugly" Lavender wrapped her arms around Harry's waist.

"No problem."

"So, why did you feel the need to listen in? You weren't jealousy of Neville, were you Harry?" Lavender joked.

"Well shouldn't I be jealous?" Harry replied, "Who else in this school is dating the hottest girl in Hogwarts?"

Lavender blushed "yeah, yeah, Mr Smooth Talker. Don't look so smug."

Harry smiled, he could tell that Lavender was lost for words. Soon they reached the doors that led out of the castle. Harry opened the door for Lavender and a cold breeze raced through the opening.

"I forgot my robes" Lavender piped. Visibly shaking.

Harry chuckled, Lavender was wearing blue skintight jeans and a pink frilly blouse, and the combination accented he curves perfectly. "Don't worry my robe can cover the both of us" Harry wrapped himself and Lavender with the fur winter robe. "Better get close, it's a tight squeeze" Harry winked at Lavender, wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into him.

Lavender smiled and wrapped her arms around Harry. They both stepped outside the castle and made their way to the gates. "Is that better?" Harry asked.

Lavender smiled "much better."

They waited outside the gates leading to Hogsmeade a few minutes until everyone who was going had arrived. It didn't take long, and before they knew it Harry and Lavender were enjoying themselves and having Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks.

"So Lavender, where are you from?" Harry asked.

"We'll, I live in England actually, around the suburbs in a Wizarding neighborhood. There's a huge ground and my parents have various magical creatures as pets. You have to come to my house sometime Harry, you'll love it."

Harry smiled "What do your parents do for a living?"

"Well my mom is a homemaker, while my dad owns a lot of broomstick stores world wide" Lavender answered.

"Wow, I never knew there were Wizarding neighborhoods" Harry thought out loud. He blushed when he realized this; he was still fairly ignorant about the workings of the Wizarding world.

"Oh yeah, you live with muggles don't you?" Harry nodded "what's that like?" Lavender asked.

Harry thought his answer over, he didn't want to tell her about the way the Dursleys treated him "Well" Harry hesitated "it's different. You know, not being able to use magic, and having to explain every last detail to them." Harry laughed in his mind about the Dursleys true thoughts about magic.

"That must get annoying" Lavender stated.

"Yeah there really annoying" Harry replied, "So, do you want to do some Christmas shopping?" Harry wanted to steer the conversation away from his relatives, and this way he could get his Christmas shopping done also.

"Sure Harry" Lavender seemed a bit offended at this, but she tried not to show it. Harry on the other hand could clearly see that something was wrong.

"It's not what you think Lavender, I guess the topic of my relatives is one that I'm not too fond of" Harry looked up to see that Lavender was already standing.

"You don't have to explain you self, Harry, I understand" Lavender was not great at masking her emotions like Harry, so it made it easier for Harry to see right through her. Harry stood up also, not wanting to continue the topic. Harry paid the tab and wrapped the winter coat around the both of them.

They walked for a few moments in silence, Harry was contemplating about what he could say, but nothing came to mind. It was clear to him that Lavender was hurt about Harry's dishonesty.

"I guess that after living with them for so many years I've come to find that Hogwarts is more like a place to get my mind away from them, rather then the second home I call it." The words started flowing out of Harry's mouth, as if a dam had burst and he was finally able to get this off his chest. "My Uncle, Aunt and Cousin hate magic, and everything relating to it. That means me. I don't know why they kept me all these years, when it is clear that they hate me. I don't want to go into the details but this I can say, my life had been hell before I came to Hogwarts, and as much as I pretend like I'm fine, the truth is that life in this world isn't much better."

Lavender was about to say something but Harry put his finger on her lips and continued "I have great friends, Ron and Hermione have always been there for me no matter what. When the entire school was against me so many times, they stuck up for me, more then you know. If it weren't for them I wouldn't be here today, without them I would just be some scared lonely child, just a shadow of myself. They're my real family Lavender, they're the ones that I can rely on for anything. They're the ones I would give my life to protect, not the entire Wizarding world, but them."

Harry looked down and saw that Lavender was crying, "Don't cry for me Lavender, never cry for me." Harry wiped her tears away and gave her a hug "there's a lot people don't know about me, and I guess I'm just not ready to tell people how I feel, bear with me."

"Have you told Ron and Hermione how you feel?" Lavender asked.

"No, but I will now." Harry leaned down and gave Lavender a kiss, Harry's head was spinning, and to him it was just the two of them, together, nothing else. Harry could smell Lavenders perfume, drifting towards him, ensnaring his senses. He could feel Lavenders hands caress his back while his own hands roamed Lavenders.

They moved to an alley between two shops where it would be more private. Harry leaned into Lavender again and they started to kiss passionately. Harry's arm was around Lavenders waist they were right up against each other. They kissed relentlessly for what seemed to be ages, lost in passion.

It was obvious that they didn't recognize the 3 full grown Wizards who had now surrounded them. "Give us all the money you got lady, and we won't harm you or your girlfriend."

Lavender and Harry were both caught by surprise. Harry turned around and faced the 3 wizards, his wand was in his hand but hidden by the winter robe. "I'm going to give you guys the chance to leave unharmed. Trust me, you don't know who your messing with" Harry spoke, pushing Lavender behind him.

At that the three wizards pulled out their wands and aimed them at Harry "I said give us all your bloody money boy, or were going to take it the hard way."

"Just give them the money Harry" Lavender spoke from behind him "It's not worth it."

"Ah, listen to you girlfriend, give us the money and nobody gets hurt."

"No" Harry spoke, looking the middle one right in the eye. "I guess somebody's going to get hurt."

The man in the middle lunged at Harry, firing a series of curses, Harry created a shield that easily deflected all of them. "Serpensortia" Harry said lazily, a black snake flew out of the tip of Harry's wand. -Don't kill them, just scare them- Harry instructed the snake in Parsletoungue.

"Ye...ye...your talkin to da snake" the man on the right spoke for the firs time. Harry could see the mans eyes travel from the snake, to Harry and then to the scar on his forehead. "My lord it can't be. Harry Potter" the man squeaked in fear and ran out the alley, with his two partners following close behind.

"The famous Harry Potter, my hero" Lavender said playfully.

Harry smiled, flicking his wand lazily at the snake "Finite Incantum." He then faced Lavender once again. "Now where were we?"

"We were about to go Christmas shopping, remember?" Lavender replied.

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Harry had completed all his Christmas shopping, except for Lavenders gift by the time the sun had set and everyone was making their way back up to the castle. They had spent the entire day together, mostly shopping and walking around in the robe.

They made their way up to Gryffindor tower and sat down on a couch in front of the fire. Harry had his arm around Lavenders shoulder while Lavender was resting her head on his chest. Ron and Hermione joined them a little while after.

"How was your day guys, did you have fun?" Hermione asked.

"It was great!" Harry replied, "how about yours?"

"It was fun, Fred and George treated us to Butterbeers and then we had a huge snowball fight. At the end of it all we capped of the day with some more Butterbeer" Ron answered Harry's question.

The four of them talked well into the night before deciding to get some rest, they had to work out the next morning.

Harry was the first to wake up the next morning and he decided to do some workouts of his own. He jogged down to the common room and conjured a punching bag. After 20 minutes of punch and kick combos Harry decided to do some chin ups, he conjured a bar and bewitched it to hover in a fixed spot in the air. Harry then started to do chin-ups. The rest of the students who arrived for the morning workout went into the field for their jogs. Harry smiled at them as they all packed down the stairwell leading out of the Gryffindor common room.

By the time the others returned Harry was completed his workout and had his books out in front of him. He had to compete 3 transfiguration essays, one on various anigmi through out the centuries, the second on laws imposed on transfiguration, and the third on the dangers of transfiguration.

Harry was still not done the first one, and it seemed like it would take him all day to finish the rest.

"Aren't you going to have some breakfast?" Hermione asked her and Ron were waiting for him by the exit.

"Nah, I have too much catching up to do" Harry replied "Hopefully I'll make it down for lunch."

"Alright see you then" Hermione smiled, "yeah see you later mate," Ron added as they left the common room.

Harry waved at them and continued with his work. It wasn't long until he was interrupted again.

"No breakfast today Harry?" Lavender asked "tsk tsk tsk tsk."

"Too much work to catch up on, ill try to meet up with you for lunch beautiful" Harry commented, giving her a reckless grin. Lavender gave Harry a peck on the cheek and raced down the corridor for breakfast.

Harry cleared his mind and once again set down to complete his essays. He was able to complete two by the time Ron came back, just before lunch.

"Lets grab some lunch Harry, you haven't eaten all day" Ron commented, tapping Harry on the shoulder.

"I can't, have to get this essay done" Harry got back down to doing the essay.

"We'll you don't have much choice, your going to eat lunch and I don't want to hear any excuses" Ron scolded.

Harry laughed, "alright alright, you win, Mrs Weasley."

Ron lunged jokingly at Harry, which Harry easily sidestepped and ran down to the great hall with Ron at his heel.

He sat down between Hermione and Lavender, gasping for air. "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" Harry remarked and dove head on into lunch.

The majority of students had completed their meals and were now chatting among friends, Hermione was giving Harry a lecture on keeping up his grades, especially now that they have owls this year. Harry just nodded dumbly and started to lose focus when Dumbledore spoke.

"Just a quick announcement, the dueling club is once again active under Professor Snape. All who wish to participate need permission from a staff member in order to apply. Staff members will then select participants in the club. You have the weekend to discuss this with faculty members, the official list; along with the schedule will be posted on Tuesday. That is all, you are now free to go." Dumbledore smiled, no one had gotten up from his or her seats because everyone was busy discussing the dueling club.

"Are you going to join Harry?" Lavender asked.

"Of course he is, Potter wouldn't miss another chance to show off now would he?" Malfoy remarked arrogantly as he passed by, before Harry could respond.

"Get a life Malfoy, antagonize somebody else. Go bully some first years, your rather good at picking on those smaller then you, right?" Harry replied, brushing Malfoys comment away.

"I antagonize you don't I? Anyways I have better things to do then waste my time over you" Malfoy replied.

"Sure you don't Malfoy, keep telling yourself that. I'm sure the more you say it the more you'll believe it" Harry retorted.

"Shut up Potter, or I'll shut you up."

"Hah, you? Shut me up? I don't think so Malfoy. Now get away from me, you've already ruined my lunch with that ugly mug of yours I don't want to be vomiting for the rest of the day." Harry stared Malfoy intently in the eyes.

"One day Potter, one day I'll knock you off that high horse of yours, and then we'll see how tough you really are" Malfoy glared at Harry, but then decided to leave the conversation there. Harry didn't notice the look Lavender gave him.

"I don't know what you see in him Lavender, but I'm telling you, it's probably not much" Malfoy retorted as he was walking away.

Harry was puzzled about what Malfoy had just said, "What did he mean by that?" He asked Lavender.

"We'll, Draco is my cousin, I guess he's just looking out for me" Lavender replied.

Harry was stunned "why didn't you tell me this before?"

"I didn't think it was important" Lavender replied.

"Not important, I'm dating my worst enemies cousin, how can you think that's not important?" Harry was fuming, how could she not have told him this.

"Would it have made a difference?" Lavender asked.

"Don't try to change the subject, of course it wouldn't have made a difference, but I still need to know stuff like this. You know how much Malfoy and I hate each other."

"My mom was a Malfoy, his dads sister to be exact. She married my father, and that's how I am related to Draco. My dad was a Gryffindor and my mom was a Slytherin." Lavender was now beside Harry "I'm sorry Harry, I should have told you."

"What's done is done, just don't hold back information like this from now on" Harry replied.

"I promise I won't. Anyways don't you have a session with Professor Snape, which should have started already?"

"Um" Harry thought it over "Oh shit, gotta go, I'll talk with you tonight, I promise" Harry quickly said goodbye to Lavender and ran full speed to the dungeons. He couldn't worry about Lavender now, he had to get to the dungeons.

Professor Snape was already waiting for Harry when he arrived. The desk had been cleared and only one cauldron remained, which was at the center of the classroom. "Mr Potter gather your potions tools, we will be working on a very difficult potion today."

Harry nodded and quickly got to work. The potion Snape explained was the Imobulous potion, which in contact with any living thing would cause it to freeze in place. There fore Harry had to be very careful not to come in contact with it because the potion didn't wear of for up to 4 days.

It took Harry till the end of that nights session to complete the potion, with out any mishaps. "Excellent job Mr Potter, at this rate you should have no problems with your owls."

"Thanks Professor" Harry replied as he packed up his potions utensils.

"Just one thing Harry, have you given any thought to joining the duel club?" Professor Snape asked, pacing the front of the room.

"Um, yeah I thought about it a bit, but I haven't made a decision" Harry thought it over; with out Quidditch he did need something to occupy him.

"We'll what's there to decide, anyways I've already recommended you, so that should make your decision a lot easier. Merlin knows we have to teach you kids to defend your selves, especially at times like this…"

"Oh look at the time, I have to um, I have to meet Ron in the common room gotta run" Harry cut of Snapes tirade before it got out of control. "Thanks for signing me up I'm sure it'll be educational."

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Authors Notes

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There we go thats done, no cliffy, better be happy!!!!!!

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[Destruction] lol now u know what happens in the palace :)

[zalin] hmm i think you've got my fic confused with some others, the magic inside Harry only acts to protect him when it thinks theres danger, not when harry wants it to.

[Sapphire] Yeah the wands pretty p1mped ;P

[potter-man] the h/l is cool, im not sure if it'll be premanent. I hate fudge too !!!!!!!

[Viperpunk 66] thanx for reading, im not gonna need a beta, the spell check is faster, sorry.

[hyper yoyo boy] Hah, yeah its a tad late, but i like your idea, i'll see what i can do ;P

[Orion] Yeah i plan on having fudge discredited by the end of the book. I have different plans for Malfoy senior though, but your gonna have to wait.

[Slim] update soon enuf? lol

[James] Cliffy keeps u interested lol ;P