A Firebolt, and a new Ally

(Harry's perspective)

I had been talking to McGonagall when Hermione came in.

"Professor, have you seen Ha-oh hello Harry."

McGonagall laughed, "it seems you are wanted Harry."

I nodded, "Thank you for the ideas Professor."

We left McGonagall's office and Hermione asked, "what ideas Harry?"

"She had some ideas on where I could stay for the summer."

"Won't you be going back to the Dursleys?"

I shook my head; "there are so much better options than that."

"Aren't they your legal guardians?"

"Not any more." I told her about the will my parents left, leaving out anything to do with my confrontation with Dumbledore.

"Wow Harry. Are you sure that it's a good idea? It sounds awfully dangerous."

I placed an arm around her shoulder, "not as dangerous as some of the things I can think of."

She seemed embarrassed, "and what would that be?"

"Meeting your parents. Knowing you, you told them everything you know about me. I'm sure your father would love to talk to me."

She smacked my arm; "my dad wouldn't do that."

I smirked, "you should ask Ginny about how her brothers react to someone she's interested in. I hear fathers are worse than brothers."

We walked outside in comfortable silence. The wind was crisp, not a biting cold. The sky was a pure blue. I looked at Hermione and noticed her checks were red. "Are you all right Hermione? You lot kind of hot."

"I'm fine Harry. Are we going to see Hagrid?"

I shrugged; I hadn't planned on it. "Sure, if you want to."

She looked at me, "let's just enjoy the time outside."

I got the feeling she wasn't saying something. "Why were you looking for me earlier?"

She turned towards the scenery, "it's not important."

We walked along the edge of the lake and returned to the castle not saying another word. Eventually we arrived in front of the Fat Lady.

"Having some alone time dears?"

I gave her an odd look and said the password. Hermione went in first and I followed. Hermione said that she needed to do stuff in her dorm, to which I said I would see her at dinner.

Hermione had been acting odd recently. I saw her watching me a few times. She was constantly blushing; something I knew Hermione never did around me. I knew there was some small detail I was missing, but I didn't have a clue as to what.

I went to the Owlery with a note for Hedwig to deliver to Hermione.

Hermione,

I'm going to be at the Quidditch pitch for awhile.

Harry.

I got one of the school brooms out of the shed, when I heard someone speak.

"This is for you."

I turned and saw Sirius standing there. A part of me wanted to run and hug him, but I reminded myself, he didn't know what was in his future. I walked up to take the package from him. I opened it to find a Firebolt.

"I figured I had quite a few birthdays and Christmas' to repay."

"Thank you." I looked him in the eyes; "I'll prove you're innocent."

Sirius shook his head, "it's not important. You are my main priority now." He frowned slightly, "I have failed James and Lily so far, I'm not going to continue that."

I could almost feel tears in my eyes. "I have become emancipated now. We can find some place where they won't find you."

Sirius nodded, "I'm glad I had them put that in. Now you can determine who you follow."

I nodded. There was so much I wanted to say, but something made me hold back. Sirius turned back into his other form and we went to the stadium to test the limits of the Firebolt.

I had been flying for about an hour or so when I noticed Hermione sitting in the stands with Sirius. Hermione waved me over. Once I was close enough, she asked, "that's a nice broom Harry. Where did you get it?"

I smiled, "from a friend who wishes to remain nameless."

"Oh, you do know who it's from right?"

"Yes. Don't worry Hermione, the person who gave it to me means me no harm." I was beginning to understand how Dumbledore used his knowledge to his advantage. It seems I was getting caught doing the same to my friends.

Hermione said, "Harry, can we talk? In private."

I glanced at Sirius who got the hint. "What do you need Hermione?"

She looked at Sirius, "does that dog seem ok to you?"

"In what way?"

"He is awfully smart for a dog, sometimes I think he is human."

"Dog's are smart Hermione."

"But he is almost to smart."

I sighed; I was tired of trying to beat around the bush. "Hermione, I have something to tell you. First, promise me no matter what, you'll hear me out to the end."

She nodded, "I promise."

I told her about whom Sirius was, about how they switched things around to help protect my parents and what happened afterwards. At first I thought she was going to run screaming, but she heard the entire story.

Hermione was deep in thought, then she looked at me and said, "how long have you known?"

"For a long while." I suddenly felt lightheaded.

"And you're sure he's not a murderer?" Hermione's eyes glowed softly. I knew I was in big trouble if she turned all her will to find out the truth.

Raising my shields I replied, "yes. The reason I didn't tell you was because I didn't know how you would respond." I felt like someone was choking me to bend the truth that far, I hoped I wouldn't have to actually lie.

Hermione seemed satisfied with my answer, as I could now breath. I was definitely going to tell McGonagall about this interesting ability of Hermione.

We were about to go inside, when an owl landed on my shoulder.

Mr. Potter,

We regret to inform you that we are unable bring you your key and documents as there is a new protection at Hogwarts. Normally we would send one of our human employees, but the majority is on vacation and the ones left are needed to fill their jobs.

If, at your earliest convenience, you could come to the London branch of Gringotts, we would provide you with all your documents and key. If you are unavailable, then we will send a representative at the end of the holidays.

Again we are sorry for the inconvenience.

Griphook

Liaison of Gringotts Bank, London

Dumbledore's just being cheap now. I turned to Hermione; "I have to go see McGonagall about something. I'll see you at dinner."

After Hermione headed to the library, I went to McGonagall's office.

"Enter."

(McGonagall's perspective)

I was enjoying a cup of hot chocolate when Harry came in. He quickly explained what he needed by showing me the Gringotts letter. I didn't understand why the Goblins couldn't get on the grounds, but agreed to go with him to get this quickly dealt with.

We used the floo in the teacher's lounge and arrived in Diagon Alley. Harry seemed distracted by the various trinkets located in the stores. "Professor," he said, "do you mind if I get a Christmas present for someone while we're here."

I smiled, something that felt a little foreign on my face, and nodded, "we don't have much time, you will have to make it quick." He nodded agreeing. I wonder if it's a particular 'someone' that he needs to buy a special present for.

When we arrived at the bank, we were immediately greeted by one of the Goblins.

"We did not expect you so soon Mr. Potter."

Harry nodded, "that's fine, I decided to get this out of the way so you won't need to sit on it. Lead the way," he paused while looking at the Goblin, "Griphook isn't it?"

The Goblin looked surprised, "Yes. Most wizards can't tell us apart, how can you?"

I was impressed with Harry's observation skills; I wouldn't have been able to tell. We arrived in an office labeled,

Potter Family Accounts: Executor unassigned

Harry noticed this and asked, "why is there no one assigned?"

Griphook replied, "the Executor is chosen by the Head of the family. Until you decide on a particular individual to manage it, it will remain unassigned."

(Harry's perspective)

I could assign someone I trusted. I noticed he said individual, not Goblin. I felt I could trust him, for what reason I didn't know. "Griphook, who was the last Executor of the Potter accounts?"

"My father."

I glanced at him, my Legilimency skills revealed that he wasn't lying. "Griphook, I'd like you to take that position."

(Griphook's perspective)

"I'd like you to take that position."

Did this boy realize what an opportunity this was? We as a people are always wary of wizards, and they of us. Yet, I felt no fear of any kind directed at me from him. The older one was wary, she didn't trust me, but this 'Harry Potter' had no wariness about him. He trusted me.

"What would you want in return?"

Mr. Potter replied, "you to do the best job you can."

He couldn't expect me to believe that, could he? I could find no falsehood in his statements.

"I trust you are done examining my intentions now?"

He knew! He could have kept me out, but he didn't. Like father said, 'there are some creatures you trust and some you don't. You trust them only as far as they trust you.' "I would be honored Mr. Potter."

Mr. Potter seemed embarrassed; "Harry is fine."

I nodded. We quickly concluded our business, I could tell he had other places to be. After he left, I settled into my new office. With Mr. Potter's request and my acceptance, I would not have to be on the floor for a long time. I heard other creatures speaking of the kindness of Harry Potter, but I didn't believe them.

One of my compatriots soon found me. "You shouldn't be in an account office, the Head Goblins will take it out of your hide."

I smirked, "This is my office now, check the door if you don't believe me." He did just that. He soon left muttering about my ability to suck up to wizards. I let it slide; I had the comfortable job after all.

An hour or so later, as I was knee deep in arranging for the accounts to earn more money, one of the Heads came in. Quickly standing I called, "sir, what may I do for you?"

He waved his hand, "Relax. I hear you were given the Potter accounts. What is your impression of the new family head?"

"He is innocent sir. He is very trusting and very," I paused, "giving."

"Would you say the other beings are correct in their assessment of him?"

"Yes. He will be the next flag bearer of light. He would also be an excellent ally."

The Head nodded, "I see. If the darkness rises soon, we will see if his metal is strong enough to weather the storm." With that he left.

We would be taking a risk if we side with Potter and he goes against the Ministry, but we could stand to reap great rewards. I must make sure that he will be willing to side with us.

(Harry's perspective)

I had got Hermione's new present, which I had delivered earlier than her other Christmas presents; it was an expanding bag that would allow her to carry all her school books in relative ease.

We returned in plenty of time for dinner. As there were only a few, we all sat at the head table. Dumbledore was still upset with me, as he never looked directly at me. Snape was trying to kill me with his glare, which was quite pitiful. I had sat next to McGonagall and Remus, while Hermione sat near Remus. Remus was talking about what we would be studying next semester, Hermione constantly asking for more information.

"Mr. Potter?"

Turning I replied, "yes Professor McGonagall?"

"What on earth did you do to Professor Snape," she asked quietly, "he's been trying to burn a hole through you since you sat down."

I looked at Snape, smiled and replied, "I haven't a clue."

McGonagall didn't buy it, but returned to her dinner. Afterwards, Ron, Hermione and I returned to the tower. Fred and George wanted Ron and me to play well into the night, but I decided to go to bed and review the paperwork from Gringotts.

Most of it was ordinary, deeds and the like, a few were books that for whatever reason were unpublished and one was a list of powerful spells to fight opponents. I placed them in a box and placed the strongest locking charm on it I could and put them away. Soon I would hunt down Wormtail, and clear Sirius' name.

A/n: I use a lot of Japanese/Chinese mythology in my writings, you'll see some later. Fair warning.

Thanks to athenakitty, oppsclumziiemeeh, TBG, Maxennce, and FeigningInocence for the reviews.

TBG: I'm not very good at making characters sound dumb. So you'll have to forgive me that.

Athenakitty: (in order) A little, yes, he has ways, definitely, not before Harry has some fun with them. No Harry won't kill them.