PT.3 Vaults galore
As Harry stood awaiting the head goblin to arrive he glanced around, he was reminded strongly of an anthill. As people scurried around disappearing to the vaults or private offices, Harry's attention was caught by a small group of Ministry officials having a rather animated discussion as they moved slowly across the room.
"I don't care what you say," he heard one of them say while he nudged Hermione to pay attention "If Fudge doesn't get his head out from up his own backside and start paying attention to situation he's going to loose his job!"
"True but who would replace him?" his companion asked as Hermione began eves dropping with Harry "We already know the best choice would be Dumbledore but he's already turned it down twice, and of course the other prime candidates still at school!"
"Do you think he'll do it when he's older?"
"Why not his grandfather did and he was one of the best there was until he resigned."
"Who knows maybe they'll convince him to come back this time."
"I doubt it, ever since his son was killed he's wanted nothing to do with it. But who do you reckon would take the job?"
"As long as it's not any of Malfoy's 'friends' I don't care. Although I think Arthur has a good chance."
Harry was distracted at this point by the arrival of one of the goblins that escorted them to an adjacent office to meet the head goblin. As they were walking Harry quietly asked Hermione what she thought of the conversation they'd 'overheard'
"To be honest Harry, I don't know but I'm sure they were talking about Dumbledore for most of the time, except at the end which is obvious they meant Arthur Weasley."
"I know, but what about this candidate who's still in school?"
"Well if I'm right and it is Dumbledore's grandson, we may find some information in the school library but I'm not sure, it's possible even the boy doesn't know."
"And if it's not Dumbledore?"
"Then we look up former Ministers and see if there are any who's grandson is in school."
"Hey! You two wake up we're here!" Ron called from in front off them.
Upon entering Harry found his eyes drawn to the goblin sitting behind the large desk filling out forms, and as he got a better look at him he found him somehow familiar and it wasn't until he spoke that Harry recognised him.
"Ah, Mr. Potter. A pleasure to see you again, I trust you are keeping well?"
"Yes very well thank you, I'm sorry I don't remember your name!"
"Quite alright Mr. Potter you do at least recognise me which is more than can be said for some. I am Head Goblin Griphook, at your service, now I believe you have a letter for me!"
As Griphook opened and read through the letter Harry took the time to look around the room. Basically the room was a standard office, just what you'd expect from any bank manager but with some differences for example the large antique desk which could be considered a piece of art (oak, hand carved) but even that paled in comparison to the large iron door at the back of the office. The door which was a good ten feet tall weighing at least three tons was one piece of solid metal moulded to portray a treasure guarded by goblins and dragons, there were no obvious locks on it and Harry could only assume it was sealed with magic. Harry was soon brought out of his thoughts when Hermione squeezed his hand slightly to get his attention and then nodded towards Griphook who was rising from his seat.
"Well then Mr. Potter this all seems in order and the seal was intact so if you could ask your phoenix to show itself, I shall take you down myself."
"How did you know about Luna?" Harry asked as she appeared on his shoulder "and what do you mean take us down?"
"Simple really Mr. Potter, Professor Dumbledore informed me about your phoenix and if you'll follow me I will be taking you and your friends down to your new or should I say 'old' vault." As he was saying this he made his way over to the large door at the back and placed his hand on the centre. At his touch the door began to glow a gentle green and then opened silently away from them. "I shall explain everything on the way." He said bowing them all through the door.
On the other side of the door they found themselves on the side of the vault car tracks but something seemed different. Once they were all loaded into one of the carts it began to move off but at a much slower pace then they were used to and as they turned a bend Griphook began his explanation.
"Firstly I would like to apologise for the slow ride but it is necessary as these vaults and tracks are the oldest in England, some say the oldest in the world, to give you an idea of how old Gringotts vault number one is on these tracks. This is also our highest security section used by governments and only the oldest and most prominent of wizarding families."
"I bet the Malfoys have one then." Ron blurted out bitterly.
"Actually Mr. Weasley they don't, as I have explained to Mr. Lucius Malfoy on several occasions only the oldest, most prominent families may have one and all though the Malfoys are a prominent pure blood family, that was not always the case. In truth they started small and grew due in my opinion to their conniving and shrewd ways, in difference to your family Mr. Weasley who lost much of their fortune helping the less fortunate during troubled times. In fact I believe one of these vaults belongs to your family, I think it is an office vault, I suggest you have your parents visit me and we shall look into it!"
"O.k." Ron stammered through his shock.
"Ah here we are, vault number fifteen. Mr. Potter this vault would normally have been made open to yourself once you turned fifteen, as is the custom within your family. Your other vault was your school tuition vault this, is your family vault. However now that you have a phoenix familiar you are to be given access to the second vault inside and so incidentally access to the family vault, now if you would place your hand on the green stone to the left of the door I shall give you access."
As Harry walked towards the vault he had the strangest feeling someone or something hidden in the shadows was watching him. However he soon forgot about that as he placed his hand on the deep green stone by the door and Griphook began to speak "Guardian of the vault recognise your master Harry Potter son of James Potter."
Harry heard a sound behind him similar to the crackle of a fire, and as he turned his head in that direction his eyes locked with those of the guardian of the Potter family vault. A giant phoenix stood before him, a good seven to eight feet tall with deep blood red plumage and flames dancing around it's claws, but it was the eyes that Harry was staring at, eyes of such a fathomless gold that Harry felt as though the phoenix was looking into his very soul. After what felt to Harry like an eternity but was in fact just a few seconds the Guardian gave a deep bow and in a trill of song vanished from sight taking with it the feeling of being watched, at the same time the vault door opened with a hiss of contained air.
"The Guardian will only grant entrance to those of your family line that have been authorised, anyone attempting entrance without a wiling member of your family will be engulfed in flames until a Gringotts goblin takes them to the Aurors. The flames are an illusion but to the thief they would look and feel very real. Now shall we continue?"
As they entered the vault all four teenagers felt their jaws hang open, the vault was at least twice the size of the great hall of Hogwarts with several rooms off the side. The main room was filled floor to ceiling with hundreds upon hundreds of chests which upon closer inspection where found to be filled to the brim with galleons. The second room they entered was full of clothing and jewellery and it was this room that brought Harry to tears, there in the back, in a display case were his parents wedding clothes and in a small box in front of them, their rings.
After a few moments Harry managed to recover with Hermione's help and they continued to a third room which contained three chests filled with share certificates, deeds and ownership papers for buildings and land across the globe, there was also a wooden door labelled portrait room but Griphook ignored all this and went to a metal box at the back of the room. The box was seven feet tall and fairly plain except for the image of a phoenix on the front.
"Mr Potter, I shall await you all at the cart. To open the box simply have your phoenix sing, first however I am to give you a message from Professor Dumbledore, he asks that you wear at least one item from within at all times, he will explain the rest at school, also may wear the cloak over your uniform whenever you wish. I go outside so please take your time." And with that Griphook left the vault.
"What do you think that was all about?" Lavender asked while trying to get Ron out of the stupor he had entered at the mention of his families' vault, in the end kissing him passionately to get his attention.
"I honestly don't know." Harry answered once Ron was back in the land of the living. "But why would they lock a cloak in a vault only someone with a phoenix could open?"
"Well there's only one way to find out love!" Hermione said with a smile. With a quick nod and smile to his girlfriend Harry asked Luna to sing for them. From the moment the first notes let her throat the case began opening, inside was a sight they didn't expect. The case wasn't a case at all, it was a changing room and standing in the middle of the room was a dummy wearing. .
"Battle robes!" Ron said the moment he saw them "My brother Charlie has a set but no where near as fine as these!"
The robes before them were a deep blue with touches of scarlet around the neck and cuffs, the top was more a tunic than a robe and cut of at mid thigh, underneath were leggings loose enough to allow freedom of movement but not get in the way accompanied by black knee boots of dragon-hide. At the waist was a black dragon-scale belt with wand and sword holders (both empty) and a phoenix shaped buckle. Over all this was the cloak, once again deep blue with the emblem of a phoenix on the left breast and back, and around the shoulders what could only b phoenix feathers.
Now Harry understood why they were locked away, they were magnificent, a masterpiece of the tailors art and with the phoenix feathers at the shoulders, highly magical not to mention expensive.
"Well?" Hermione asked and seeing Harry's continued, "You heard what Dumbledore said get in there and get changed, I want to see how they look!"
So Harry entered the room with a grin and closed the door. About five minuets later he re-emerged wearing the robes and the moment he stepped out Hermione felt her breath hitch. If the robes had been incredible before now that Harry was in them they were truly breathtaking, the deep blue which looked like silk before now seemed to sparkle slightly in the light, add on Harry's muscular figure and Luna sitting proudly on his shoulder and Hermione knew three things 1. Those robes were perfect for Harry (blue deffinatly looked good on him) 2. There was no way she would ever willingly leave his side and finally if any of the girls at Hogwarts saw him in full battle robes they would swarm him even more than she expected already, and as Harry excused himself to change out of some of it she made a crucial decision. First day of the new term she would be making sure all the students (especially the female students) knew Harry was 'hands off'.
Harry soon emerged again in his regular cloths but still wearing the belt from the battle robes with the rest of them tied up in a neat bundle, he had however removed the sword scabbard.
"Right then, shall we get going or we'll be late meeting everyone in the Leaky Cauldron." With that he put his arm around Hermione's waist and led them out of the vault with a promise to them all that when they had time they would return to explore the vault properly.
Once they all arrived back in Griphook's office he motioned or them to take a seat while he got some papers for Harry to sign after which he gave him an I.D. card to prove he had access to those vaults and a letter to Ron explaining he needed to see Mr. Weasley regarding their vault.
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As Harry tumbled out of the fireplace in the sitting room of the Burrow he was surprised to hear both Fred and George in the kitchen, which was until Mrs. Weasley arrived behind him.
"Fred, George! You'd better have started those potatoes or I swear you'll be weeding the garden with no magic by breakfast."
It was then that Harry remembered that they were being punished for their jokes at the Leaky Cauldron, an when he rushed into the kitchen he found Ron, Lavender and Hermione sat at the table trying to hide their sniggers while watching the twins try to peal a large pile of potatoes using a pair of muggle peelers, needless to say they weren't doing to well.
In the end they were sent out to de-gnome the garden while Mrs. Weasley finished dinner (at the speed the twins were going dinner would be ready by lunch the next day) and was at this point that the fire flared to life and Mr. Weasley returned home.
"Good evening Molly dear!" he exclaimed happily kissing his wife "How was the alley everyone? No problems I hope!"
"Nothing we couldn't handle Arthur dear" she answered after kissing him back and settling him at the table. "How was work?" she asked apprehensively.
"Well" he said after a deep sigh and a sip of the tea Mrs. Weasley had brought him. "I'd say Fudge really stuffed up this time. As soon as I arrived I was informed of a meeting of department heads regarding the news, I actually thought he was doing his job for once, no such luck. When he finally showed up nearly two hours later with Lucius Malfoy in tow he immediately informed us he had dispatched a squad of Aurors to Azkaban to assess the situation, of course this was met with approval until he told us that this 'squad' was actually only six wizards needless to say we haven't heard from them since." Here they all fell silent for a few moments until he continued, "The next thing we were informed was that all Auror stations were now looking for the escaped prisoners and that the search for all others had been put on a slight back burner!" Harry couldn't help but smile at this knowing it would make life slightly easier for Sirius.
"When someone brought up the question of who could have done this Fudge explained it was a group of 'dissidents' that were yet to be identified. Of course when you-know-who was mentioned he wasn't happy, in act he went into a full blown fit saying that the 'rumours' of you-know-who's return were just that rumours ad lies, he then informed us that anyone found spreading said rumours would be immediately dismissed, and once he was sure he'd made his point he stormed out of the room."
Harry interrupted here in confusion "Sorry to interrupt, but if Fudge still refuses to accept Voldemort's-" here everyone except Harry and Hermione flinched involuntarily "-return and also managed to send six people to what was possibly there deaths, then why are you smiling?"
"Ah, well I said Fudge stormed out the room, I never mentioned anyone else did I?" he asked with a grin "Well after Fudge left thankfully followed by Malfoy the rest o us remained to have our own meeting to try and sort what to do about the Minister. Surprisingly it was Percy who came up with a solution." At their shocked expressions he explained, "After what happened with Crouch, Percy has decided to start to question his instructions and not obey blindly but as he still holds respect for Fudge's position he came up with an option we could agree with." He stopped here to finish his tea earning himself a group of complaints from the teens and a reprimand from his wife for teasing the kids. "Ok I'll keep going, Fudge has got five days to act accordingly to the loss of Azkaban and the return of you-know-who if after those five days he still refuses to acknowledge the situation the heads of departments will call for a vote of no confidence which if upheld will result in a new minister."
"So in other words" Ron said "In five days Fudge is out and there's a vote for a new Minister! But who do you think will get it?"
"To be honest Ron I don't know, Professor Dumbledore is the obvious choice but he has made it quite clear he doesn't want it, other than him there are no other obvious candidates."
"What about the other prime candidates Grandfather after all he has done it before!" Hermione said receiving strange looks from all but Harry.
"What do you mean Hermione? I don't know of any other candidate, where did you hear this?"
Hermione quickly described what she and Harry had heard at the bank while deciding to leave out the comment about 'Arthur' in case there are other Arthur's at the Ministry.
"Well I don't know about any of that, but going by your description I think they were unspeakables and if that's the case then they must have a reason or keeping this to themselves possibly to protect the one at school especially if they think he's a future Minister, they obviously expect great things of him. But we still need someone for at least a year and that's only if he's a seventh year otherwise we've got even longer till he's ready. We'll just have to see, so did anything else happen today?"
As Mr. Weasley got a run own of the day's events and Lavender was invited to stay for dinner, Mrs. Weasley went to check on the twins and bring them in to eat. The meal was the usual mix of eating, discussion and mild comedy routine and there was not a person at the table who would have it any other way, and it was during this riotous affair that Ron remembered the letter from Gringotts for his parents.
"Dad?" Ron asked over the noise around the table "When Griphook took us down to Harry's vault today he said something about an old Weasley vault and gave me this letter for you." he said passing the envelope over.
"Hold on" Ginny said, "Didn't Bill say Griphook was the new head goblin? Why would he take you down to the vaults, it's not his job!"
"Harry's vault is in the high security section," Hermione piped in
"Wow, I don't think even Bill's been allowed down there and he's an employee."
"Well" Mr. Weasley interrupted "If Griphook is correct you mother and I will be going down there tonight as he wants to see us as soon as possible."
So after dinner Mr. and Mrs. Weasley disappeared through the floo network towards Gringotts. While they waited Harry and Hermione commandeered the couch to themselves and spent their time talking quietly about their summers, Hogwarts and other varying topics while cuddled together and steeling the odd kiss. Ron in the meantime had escorted Lavender home and was now challenging Ginny to a chess game in which she was actually posing a threat to his unbeaten record.
It had been over five hours since the Weasley parents had left for the bank and yet still had not returned, an act that was beginning to worry Harry who was also the only one still awake. The twins had disappeared upstairs hours ago and Hermione, Ron and Ginny where currently sleeping in various chairs and in Hermione's case Harry's lap, yet he remained vigilant awaiting their return.
It was just past one in the morning when they were all startled fully awake by the fire erupting in green lames, emitting a pale faced and bleary eyed pair of Weasleys. Almost instantly Ron and Ginny were into them checking on them, asking what took so long, why they were so pale and if they were ok, however it was all an act of futility as they refused to answer until they were seated and had a cup of tea each. Straight away Ron had them seated in the two seater he had just vacated while Ginny shot into the kitchen to get their drinks. Finally after about ten minuets the twins and Percy who had returned home during the night had joined them and they awaited the explanation.
"Right then" Mr. Weasley began while his wife relaxed against his side "When we got there Griphook already had a pile of paperwork for us to go through, basically it was just to double check that we are descended from the owners of the vault and as such are entitled to the contents. Unfortunately because of how long it's been since the vault was last accessed this alone took about forty-five minutes, it was only then we went down to the vault. The vault itself actually resembles a large office containing a desk and several filing cabinets but it's what's in the cabinets that are interesting. Each draw contains one or two main documents followed by updates concerning the main sheet."
He was interrupted here by Percy "What kind of documents?"
"Mainly share certificates but there are also several deeds and that's where we hit a problem. The deeds are mainly small plots of land, a couple of house even a mine or two but the main shock was the large plot of land we own, a piece about ten times the size o the land we own around the Burrow. Before we could take full possession we had verify the deeds were authentic and here's where we spent a couple more hours with some lawyers provided by Gringotts."
"Well?" Ginny asked when he stopped.
"They're all real!" Bedlam was the only way to describe what followed that statement "Because of that" Mr. Weasley called over the noise "We have a meeting at nine in the morning with the Aurors."
"Why the Aurors if they're real?" Percy asked the question on everyone's mind.
"Because we have a group of claim jumpers or squatters living on the largest piece of land, so we are taking the Aurors to evict them from their house!" here he graced them all with a maniacal grin
"Hang on" George questioned "House? How long have they been there?"
"About a hundred and twenty years, however as the Weasleys of the time stopped using it actively about forty years before our squatters didn't bother going through official channels to buy it and just moved in and built their house ignoring all the warnings given to them by the owners an Gringotts. Now as the new/original owners of the land we had a choice, sell it to the squatters, charge them rent plus back rent or evict them and have them arrested for theft/claim jumping. Of course once we found out what 'type' of family were living there we decided on eviction."
"What type of family?" Fred asked
"Who are they?" Harry added
"They're dark wizards Fred, followers of you-know-who, as for who they are.............................................The Malfoys!!!!"
