The summer came to a close and the Weasley's, Harry, and Hermione prepared for the start of the school year. Hermione had returned home after 10 days at the Weasley's to spend the remainder of the summer with her parents. The entire household moved to Headquarters three days before the start of term. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione who had joined them that day were chaperoned by Mrs. Weasley, Remus, Tonks, and Madeye to do their school shopping in Diagon Alley. Mrs. Weasley thought it too risky to take them there but they all complained bitterly and it was only after Madeye assured her that they would be suitably chaperoned and would be perfectly safe that she relented.
They took the transit to the Leaky Cauldron, as it would be the least suspicious route. Tom offered them a quick butter beer as he greeted them into the pub.
"Maybe later Tom." Tonks replied. "We've got some major shopping to do today." as they entered the closet which was the entrance to Diagon Alley.
The alley was bustling with people that day and it was difficult to get anywhere.
"Now everyone, please stick together. I can't stress how important this is." Madeye stated.
"First stop is Gringotts," Mrs. Weasley said.
They made there way down the alley to the magnificent white structure that was the Wizards bank. Once inside the head goblin spotted the group and made his way over to them.
"Good afternoon, I am Gyndilock. Mr. Potter, you have reached the age of sixteen this summer?"
Harry nodded.
"I have two things to pass on to you that were left in my care as well as some banking information now that you have reached said age. Please follow me to my office."
He led them off to the side of the bank in threw an elaborately decorated door. Once inside, he walked over to his desk and pulled out a letter and a large package as well as a business envelope.
"You may wish to open this here as some information contained within has pertinent information to this bank. You may use this office for privacy."
Harry thanked Gyndilock and sat down opening the letter. The rest of the group watched waiting in the back.
July 31st, 1981
My Dearest Most Beloved Son, Harry:
Since you are reading this letter, it means that your father and I are no longer of this world and that you have reached the age of 16. We knew that were in great peril in our work for the Order of the Phoenix, but that did not stop us from helping. It was too great, too important for us not to help. Trying to rid the world of Voldemort was the single most important thing we would ever do next than having you my beautiful son. I know it will be hardest on you not to have us her guiding you, taking care of you, loving you. But you must believe that we did what we had to do to make the world a safer place, to keep you safe!
There are so many things I want to say to you. So many things to tell you but it would take ages to put them on paper. There are things you would want to know of us and our family, your fathers and mine! We have decided to put all of our thoughts and memories into a pensive for you to have so that you can know us better. To activate my memories, tap your wand on the side and say 'Maters', for your fathers, 'Paterna'.
Because you are without the benefit of your parent's safety, security and protection, we leave you with another gift. It has been in your father's family for generations and it is extremely rare. It is a ring. Not just any ring however, but a powerful magical ring. There has never been another like it to our knowledge. It is a most useful item to have as it protects the wearer, to a certain degree, from any harm that may befall him or her. It also enhances any hidden talent of the wearer and provides clarity and understanding to him or her. This ring was a gift to the family centuries ago by Merlin himself. Use this gift well my son, as it is all we can offer you in the way of protection now.
Our final gift to you is our entire estate. You, I'm sure have been led to believe that your vault was all that we left to you. However this is not the case. Inside the package is a key to the Potter family vault. It also contains my small fortune amassed after Hogwarts. All the family's most valuable possessions are stored here. It has all the deeds to properties associated with the magical world as well as the Muggle world. The Potter estate has been held in trust four you and managed by a perfectly capable couple for us these long years. We have never lived there as we didn't want to draw attention to it least if would be vulnerable for attack and many priceless items would be lost. It is now yours to possess and care for. Treat it well and the house will look after you. All of these things, rich with history and of our family are now yours.
I know it seems a little after the fact now, but I hope that somehow, these things will bring you comfort and a connection to your past. Always remember that we loved you with all our hearts. No matter where your life takes you in this world, remember we will be the most proud of you when you follow your heart.
Love, Your Parents,
Lily and James Potter
Harry read the letter a second time and then folded it up and placed it back in its envelope. He sat there for a few moments unable to speak or think. Ginny, who was watching him all the this time, took matters into her own hands when she shoved the rest of them out of the office and went over to Harry and started talking to him.
"Harry, is there anything wrong?" She was standing next to him now and he wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her with his head on her stomach.
After a few long minutes he let go and said.
"It was a letter from my mother. I've never known much about her really, but this letter gave me hope. A sense of identity really."
"That's great Harry. Are you sure you are ok?"
He was looking at her very peculiarly. "It's just something my mum said at the end of the letter about following my heart."
He stood up, looked into Ginny's eyes and leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. He then said without missing a beat.
"Ginny, would you go out on a date with me?"
Ginny was stunned. She couldn't believe it. Did Harry just ask her out on a date?
"Did I just hear you right Harry? You want to go on a date with me?"
"Yes you did, and yes I do!" He grinned.
"All right then, you asked for it." She grinned back. "Now we better get back to the rest so they don't worry about you."
They opened the door to 6 anxious faces that were relieved to see that Harry wasn't upset.
"Mr. Gyndilock, I would like to see what's in the Potter family vault please."
"Right away Mr. Potter. You have the key?"
"Oh yes, I forgot. I'll have to get if from the package."
He opened up the box containing the pensive and thought that he would like to explore it but he knew that now wasn't the time or place. He picked up the ring box and lifted the velvet lid on it. Inside was a single gold band with an inscription on it.
'Amblus, Animus, Convalesco, Compatior' (Honour, courage, strength, compassion)
He took the ring out of its case and slipped it onto his finger. A slight tingling occurred and he staggered a bit as a wave of light-headedness hit him.
"Harry, are you all right?" Remus asked reaching out to steady him.
"Yeah, I think I just wasn't used to it. It's supposed to have a powerful protective charm. I'm fine now though."
"Yes, I've seen James wear that ring. I've never known anything about it before though."
Harry rummaged through the package to pull out a key with the letter P engraved on it. He handed it over to Gyndilock.
"Well then, everything is in order. Please follow me."
He led the 8 of them to the trolley system. 4 of them got into one of the carts, 5 in the other. Harry sat with Ginny behind Remus and Tonks. Ron and Hermione sat with Mrs. Weasley, Madeye and Gyndilock.
Ginny clasped her hand over Harry's when they started off down the tracks. As they began to pick up speed however, she became white knuckled as she had never been this far into the bank before and had never experienced the cart ride to the vaults. By the time they reached Harry's vault, Harry was wincing in pain at her grip.
"Um, Gin, you can let go now! We're here."
Ginny looked down and saw a she was crushing his hand and let go quickly.
"Sorry, I didn't realize it was going to be like that."
"Don't worry Gin, you aren't the only one who doesn't like it." And he recounted his first visit there with Hagrid.
"Just remind me never to arm wrestle you. You've got quite the grip."
Ginny blushed.
They stepped off the cart and walked over to the rest of their party. Hermione was smiling and slightly flushed but Ron was looking absolutely peaked.
"That was just like a roller coaster ride. It was fabulous. I can't wait to do it again." She said excitedly.
"Honestly, Hermione, I can't understand why you don't like flying because it can give you a rush like that too." Ron said exasperated.
Harry noticed that Hermione was opening and closing her hand like he had been doing after Ginny let go. He suspected Ron had been gripping it just moments before but he didn't say anything.
Harry gave the first key to Gyndilock who opened up the vault. Everyone was astonished to see the stacks of neatly piled Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts there were everywhere. Harry took his usual amount out and extra for Robin's payment as well as extra's he would need this year including a date, or dates as he hoped to have with Ginny.
Gyndilock said, " The Potter family vault is through this door." Pointing to a door in the back corner that Harry had never seen or noticed before. Harry turned to the rest and said.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to go in by myself."
"Not at all Harry," said Remus.
Harry followed Gyndilock to the door, who was just picking up a torch. Harry handed him the second key and followed the Goblin inside. Gyndilock said, "I'll leave you to it Mr. Potter. If you need anything, I'll be just outside the door." He handed Harry the Torch and Harry stepped inside the chamber and was dumbstruck. The vault was as big as a Quidditch pitch and was full from top to bottom, front to back with everything imaginable from both the magic and muggle world. It had small paths around the room to get through. On the wall, hung many priceless family tapestries that Harry could only guess he ages of. As well, family portraits hung with all the occupants' seemingly sleeping and slightly dusty from years of storage. Harry wondered if these paintings could talk like the ones at Hogwarts. He cleared his throat.
"Ummm, Ummm."
The painting close to him awoke with a start.
"My word," the lady in the picture spoke. "We have a visitor. Everyone, wake up!" She said in a loud authoritative voice. "We have a visitor!"
The rest of the paintings began stirring.
"And just who might you be?" She asked.
"I'm Harry Potter. And your are…?"
"I am your great grandmother Katherine Emily Potter, young Harry and I am very pleased to meet you!" She smiled at him. "We were expecting a visit from you. Can we be of some assistance?"
"I just came to see some of my parents and my family's things. Where do I begin though? I don't have much time. I'm supposed to get my school things after I leave here."
"Well in that case, maybe you should start with the library. It has some books that you can take with you that describes the Potter family as well as the Evans. And maybe you'd like to take a small portrait of either myself or your great, great grandfather William Henry Potter." She pointed to a portrait with a very old man still snoozing in it. "We both know the histories of the family quite well and could answer most of your questions about it."
"I think I will take you thanks." Harry said. "Do you have a miniature?"
"Yes dear, it's right down the path beside the library. Your mothers and fathers things are on the way if you'd like to pick up something of theirs."
"Thanks!" Harry beamed as he rushed off down the path.
Harry picked up the miniature of his great grandmother, who had just arrived in it, and proceeded to the library where she helped him pick out a few books. His eye caught a few books titled 'Merlin's Greatest Achievements' and 'Unlocking Merlin's Knowledge'. Merlin himself wrote both books. Harry's heart leapt with anticipation. Maybe these books held a clue to the veil. He picked them both up as well as a few books on the Potters' and the Evans' history. He was starting to feel ladened down with the weight of the books when his great grandmother pointed out that his parents might have something to help him with that. He walked back to his parent's section with his great grandmother's miniature and let her look around as she perused the items while he rotated her picture.
"Over there Harry." She pointed to a rucksack on a heap of old robes.
Harry went over to pick it up.
"It's a magical one Harry. It will hold a great deal of things but never get heavy."
Harry looked around at his parent's things. He found a photo album, his mother's diary, and his father's old wand. He put them into the bag and then walked back and put the books into it as well. He picked up the miniature from the place where he had left it and walked from the vault.
Once Harry was back in his vault, he met up with the rest of the party. He introduced his Great Grandmother to everyone.
"You have some very fine friends Harry. Very fine indeed!" Said his great grandmother fondly.
"Thanks, so what do I call you anyways? Do you prefer Grandmum, Gran or Grandma?" Harry asked politely.
"I've always preferred Gran. It makes me feel hip." She laughed.
"Gran it is then." Said Harry. "Do you think you could tell me something?"
"Anything Dear, you have only to ask."
"Did my parents ever have their portraits done?"