Giving In
A/N: A huge thanks to campchamp21 and Risika Tellerman for reviewing. As a first time fanfic writer, it is very motivating to continue writing when you know someone is reading and actually enjoying your work. Now I know why authors plead for reviews…we need it to sustain us. Please feel free to critique. Even if you don't like the story, let me know why so I can improve it for future readers.
With a quiet pop, Harry and Lupin arrived in front of Gringotts, the largest Wizarding bank in the world. They quickly stepped behind Tonks and Moody who had already taken their place in a small line of wizards leading up the white marble steps that led to the bank's front doors.
"Damn extra security," Moody grumbled as his magic eye spun furiously. "I don't like having to stay out here in the open."
Four goblins now guarded the bronze doors that opened to Gringotts. They carefully studied wizard and witch alike before allowing them entrance to the bank. As one stately wizard, well dressed and handsome, began his way through the doors, one of the goblin guards stepped in his way. The guard held a small onyx item in his hand that looked kind of like a toad from what Harry could see. When the "toad" started to glow, the goblin grimaced, and the stately wizard quick step back, tripping over the witch behind him. Suddenly, the wizard's appearance began to change. His face, just recently handsome, was now acne-scarred with bloodshot eyes that widened in fear. He took off running; his tattered cloak billowing behind him.
"Polyjuice potion will not be tolerated," snarled the satisfied goblin. "Nor will disillusionment charms, invisibility cloaks, or anything else that alters one's appearances. Sorry for the inconvenience."
"Well," said Tonks with a grin, "still don't like the extra security Moody? Personally, I didn't like the looks of that last fellow."
Her grin vanished, however, when she approached the head of the line. Once again, the goblin stepped before her, and the "toad" began to glow. With a sigh, Tonks began to morph. Her face became a bit more round, and her hair turned an unflattering stringy brown. The goblin stared at her a bit longer and reluctantly nodded. Tonks threw him a sullen look – and a grinning Lupin one too for good measure - and strode into the bank.
"I didn't know the goblins had magic like that, Professor Lupin" Harry whispered. "How did they break the polyjuice potion?"
"It's Remus, Harry. And, not much is known about their abilities," he suggested, "which is how they like to keep it, I'm sure. Lately, they've revealed more than a few surprising talents since they upped security."
As Harry and Lupin followed Moody into the bank, Harry noticed a lot more goblins standing around than he was used to seeing there. One in particular seemed to be in charge. Although younger than most of the others, he was treated with deference by every other goblin. He nodded to Harry when they passed and then turned to a nearby employee.
"Take Mr. Potter and his friends to conference room 12."
Their guide led them out of the main chamber and down a series of narrow hallways. Lupin spent the time explaining to Harry that Dumbledore had requested a private reading of his will and that Harry need attend. Before he could explain more, their guide stopped in front of a large oak door. The door had a recently polished gold doorknob but no other means of identification.
"This is conference room 12, Mr. Potter," the goblin mumbled. "Is there anything else I can get you, sir?"
Unused to the attention, Harry simply shook his head. His eyes narrowed at Lupin who was clearly amused. Tonks winked at Harry and bunched her face up. Suddenly, she looked like the Tonks of a few hours ago although her burgundy hair now matched her dress perfectly. Moody pushed past the three and reached for the gold doorknob.
The room was larger than Harry expected. The thirty or so witches and wizards that were milling about took up about a quarter of the room. At one end, a podium faced a bunch of chairs. On the other end, a long table was filled with food, which was where most of the people were currently congregating. Harry's stomach grumbled when he saw the food as he had not eaten much at all today. He started towards the table, but was bumped by a hurrying figure with bushy brown hair.
"Here you go, Professor Lupin," whispered Hermione as she handed a small flask to Lupin. "I wanted to give this to you since you'll need to start taking it tomorrow. I added a touch of vanilla and raspberry, which should improve the taste without altering the potion. It's a trick my parents use for young patients."
"Thank you Herm…"
"Harry," Hermione squealed loudly just now noticing him for the first time. She enveloped him in a huge hug.
Harry grinned sheepishly as everyone in the room turned to look at the commotion. Untangling himself the best he could, he smiled at his best friend. As he started to respond, he found himself enveloped in, yet another hug. This time, he was caught up in a wave of red hair.
"Hey Ginny," he said a bit uncomfortably, "how have you been?"
Ginny looked at Harry with an arched eyebrow. "I've been okay," she noted. Then with a cheeky grin, she added, "You aren't still on about us breaking up, are you? I thought you'd have gotten over that silliness after a few days."
"Um…what do you mean?" Harry mumbled taken aback. "Maybe we should discuss this another time?"
"I mean that it's ridiculous for you to try to break up with me to protect me, Harry," Ginny explained as if Harry were a four-year-old. Taking his hand, she led him over to the buffet table. Completely perplexed, Harry simply followed her. He looked over at Ron who was standing next to Lupin and Hermione. All three of his friends had identical smirks.
"Ginny, I'm serious about this. I have things that I need to do that are dangerous, and I don't want you to be a part of them.
Ginny's eyes narrowed dangerously, but she took a deep breath and smiled.
"Yes, I know that you are the Chosen One and all that. But, you are also my boyfriend. You do still care about me, right?"
Harry nodded and started to speak, but Ginny interrupted.
"Oh Harry, you are so clueless sometimes. It's quite endearing although a bit frustrating. My family is a bunch of blood traitors. And, we are all actively supporting Voldemort's opposition. Looks like I'm already a big ol' target. And, I plan on doing my part to fight whether you and I are together or not. So, breaking up with me isn't going to protect me," she said softly as she touched his cheek. "As many times as you've saved me and my family, Harry, I think I'm safer near you anyway."
Harry looked away and sighed. He wanted to keep her near so badly but was afraid of what would happen if he did. The past few months were the happiest of his life but losing Ginny because she was near him would destroy him.
"I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I weren't able to protect you, Ginny."
"And if something happened to me and you weren't around because you were too pigheaded to go out with me? You'd still blame yourself. It's what you do."
Seeing his features harden, Ginny continued.
"Besides, if something does happen to me, Harry, I want to go out knowing that I lived my life the way I wanted to live it," she stated fiercely, "not the way Voldemort wanted me to live it. And, dang it, I want to be happy despite this stupid war. And I want you to be happy, Harry. And we aren't truly going to be happy unless we are together."
Harry started to talk but stopped. He sighed with resignation. He put his arm around her and smiled.
"So, can I get my girlfriend something to eat?"
