The Reading

A/N: Okay, I know I rushed Harry and Ginny's reconciliation. However, I think she's a strong willed person and won't put up w/ Harry's silly nobility. Also, I have had 300 hits and only have 3 reviews (HUGE thanks to those who have). So, please leave a review…it's what keeps us foregoing the projects we should be doing and writing these fanfics instead.

Harry was happily chatting with Ginny, Ron and Hermione when the back door opened. He was mildly surprised to see a goblin enter followed by a tall, emaciated man that Harry recognized from Professor Slughorn's holiday party. Dressed in a gray Armani suit, the vampire pulled a scroll out from his locked briefcase. He then approached the podium and spoke in a raspy voice.

"I am Vladimir Sanguini, Albus's attorney. He asked that I gather you all in the event of his death for the reading of his last will and testament. If we could all be seated, I will begin."

Harry's happiness was replaced with emptiness as his memories of Dumbledore flooded his thoughts. To distract himself and dam the tears that came unbidden to his eyes, he searched the crowd as they began to find their seats. He found Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sitting with many other Order members. Just behind the Weasleys, a moon-faced boy waved shyly at Harry. Harry waved back at Neville Longbottom who turned back to the proceedings when scolded by his forbidding grandmother. Tonks and Lupin sat next to Kingsley Shacklebolt. To their left, Harry was surprised to find Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic. Next to the Minister, Harry noted sourly, was Percy Weasley and Dolores Umbridge. Percy quickly looked away when he noted Harry looking in their direction, but Umbridge stared at him with beady eyes. A scowl formed on her toad-like face as she also looked away.

"Oy, what's the toad doing here?" Ron muttered noting where Harry had been looking.

"Must be with Scrimgeour," suggested George darkly taking a seat behind Harry. "Certainly Dumbledore wouldn't want her here."

Fred nodded his agreement as he took a seat next to George. Harry noted that they were dressed in all black dragon-hide. Even the twins, he noted with sadness, were touched by the somberness of the occasion.

"I have here," began Sanguini, "the final will and testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Order of Merlin First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot, esteemed Headmaster of Hogwarts, and finally, friend and inspiration to us all."

Hermione and Ginny were crying silently. Harry released Ginny's had to wipe away a tear himself and then took her hand again. Ron, who was sitting between Harry and Hermione, looked a bit uncomfortable as he fished out some tissue and handed it to Hermione. Surprised, she gratefully took the offering with a sad smile.

"Albus began his will with a request. He asked that everyone try the lemon drops on the buffet table as they are quite tasty and will lighten everyone's mood."

As the chuckling died down, the attorney continued, "Albus noted that he lived a long and prosperous life. He had few regrets and counted himself lucky to have known those of us in this room. He asked that we celebrate his life instead of grieving for him. And specifically, he asked that you enjoy these personal tokens that he is giving to you. He hoped that when you use them, you think as fondly of him as he always did of you."

The vampire's eyes rested on Harry before continuing.

"Let's commence with the disbursement of the "tokens" as Albus liked to call them," Sanguini said with a hint of a bemused smile. "Albus divided his estate into a number of shares. We will begin with the division of shares and then move on to personal items that he bequeathed. First, to the Ministry of Magic, Albus wanted to donate two shares. However, there are two requirements that are attached to these shares. As the representative to the Ministry of Magic, Minister Scrimgeour, you must accept the terms, in full, before the money will be allocated. First, under no circumstances can Hogwarts be closed. Albus wanted to ensure that the doors of Hogwarts remain open while there are still students who wish to be taught."

The crowd tittered with whispers and several started clapping Harry noted with satisfaction. The Minister nodded his assent, and the goblin noted his answer on a piece of parchment.

"Second, the Ministry must agree to disengage themselves from the affairs of Hogwarts unless aid is specifically requested by the current Headmaster. Do you agree to both terms, Minister Scrimgeour?"

The Minister's face remained impassive although Umbridge looked livid. After several seconds, he nodded again.

"Then it is done. If you could kindly leave us for the rest of the reading, Mr. Minister, the rest of the will does not apply to you or your contingency."

Scrimgeour quickly moved to the door with Percy and a scowling Umbridge in tow. As the door closed, Sanguini turned to Moody with a smile that showed off two impressively pointed teeth.

"Mr. Moody, if you could please cast an imperturbable charm to protect the room for the rest of the reading, I will then continue.

Moody nodded with a crooked grin and cast the required spell. Harry looked at the remaining guests wondering if they were all Order members. He knew for certain that many of them were. Suddenly, it occurred to him that the vampire might be as well, and he made a mental note to ask Remus.

"To, my brother, Aberforth Dumbledore, I leave three shares of my estate. I also leave this set of bar mugs that I enchanted to keep continuously clean. You can now retire your overused bar-rag Aberforth."

Harry looked around in surprise. A letter and a box of what Harry assumed were the mugs suddenly appeared in midair and floated over to the barkeep of the Hogs Head who was sitting in the front row. There was a definite resemblance in the two men, Harry noted, and wondered why he never noticed it before. With a frown, he also wondered why Dumbledore's brother was purchasing Harry's property from Dung a few months past. He made another note to ask Lupin about it after the reading.

The vampire continued to read a list of property and items left by Dumbledore to various members of the room, but Harry tuned most of it out. Many members of the Order, including the Weasley's and Lupin were given a share of the estate. Harry noticed that Ms. Weasley shook her head in embarrassment when their name was mentioned but seemed pleased all the same. Dumbledore's private residence was given to the Order although his personal library was donated to Hogwarts.

"To Hermione Granger, I give the following."

Harry perked up when he heard his friend's name. He noticed the look of surprise on her face.

"First, I give a special library pass that gives access to all books at Hogwarts. You will, of course, have to ask Headmaster McGonagall and Madame Pince to authorize it, but I am moderately sure that they will find it acceptable. Make sure to look at the new additions to the library from my private stock as I'm sure they will be of assistance with future tasks."

Hermione looked at Harry and shrugged.

"Second, I give you a book I've found quite useful in the past. It's entitled, Magical Properties: a Guide to Spell Alteration. And, finally, I give you my personal copy of Hogwarts: a History. I've added an addendum in the back noting my humble observations about our esteemed school. Enjoy."

A box containing the pass and books appeared in front of Hermione. She immediately reached for Hogwarts: A History.

"A first edition," she squealed. Her hands were shaking and she looked faint. Ron moved to catch her. She smiled at him and fanned herself. The twins watched from behind with amusement. George made as if he was swooning, and Fred rushed to catch him. Ron made a rude hand gesture in their direction, but Hermione never noticed as she was greedily thumbing through her new books. She looked up, however, as the attorney continued.

"To Ronald Weasley, I give my chess set. After your stunning performance first year, I had always wanted to play you myself. Alas, I never had time while living so I shall have to satisfy my curiosity in death. After setting up the board, simply tap one side and say "Dumbledore army" and the pieces will move to my accord. Go easy on me, Mr. Weasley. I had always considered my chess strategy to be limited at best."

"To Ginevra Weasley, I leave my invisibility cloak. I do so with my apologies to Molly and Arthur, as I well know how a cloak like this can afford one with a penchant for rule breaking the ability to circumvent parental guidance. However, I don't believe Ginny, that you are one to ever be left behind. Knowing that you will follow, I offer you my best protection when doing so. I only ask that you use it in time of need rather than to follow in the footsteps of your brothers."

Lupin and Tonks both winked at Ginny as she reached out and grabbed the royal blue cloak, which was considerably longer than the one Harry owned. With a mischievous smile, she threw it over herself and Harry, and both kids disappeared. Molly buried her head in her hands while her husband put his arm around her. Harry thought he detected an amused look on Arthur's face although it disappeared when Molly looked back up.

"Speaking of the twins, to George and Fred Weasley, I offer a spell that I created on their behalf. During times like these, the world needs laughs and your store is a beacon of light in the dark times ahead. I would suggest you use the spell wisely, but that's not really for what it's intended."

As the parchment appeared in front of the twins, they read it greedily. Suddenly, they looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"Brilliant. Bloody brilliant," George guffawed.

"A guaranteed best seller," Fred added.

The crowed tittered. This time, both of the Weasley parents looked slightly alarmed and sighed. Ginny moved to see the parchment, but the twins shook their heads and grinned. Soon, they mouthed to her and pocketed the spell.

"To Neville Longbottom, whose unassuming character has always outshone his magical aptitude, I offer the following and for the following reasons. Over the last few years, I've noticed changes in you that I think are far more representative of the wizard you will become. Don't believe what others may tell you, Neville. Remember what you have accomplished in Herbology classes, the D.A., and most recently, the defeat of Death Eaters at the Ministry of Magic. I have faith in you, Neville, and your abilities."

Neville was horrified as the other wizards in the room turned to look at him. As his grandmother smiled proudly at him, though, he smiled hesitantly. Sanguini continued with the reading.

"Unbeknownst to you Neville, you and I share a common trait. We use the same core in our wands. Although I understand that you replaced your broken wand after your excursion at the ministry, I hope you would do me the honor of keeping my wand as well. Although created by Mr. Ollivander like the wand you currently possess, I've taken the liberty to modify it a touch. Accordingly, I am sure you will find it more formidable than your own."

Harry found it difficult to tell who was more shocked, Neville or his Grandmother. A wand suddenly appeared in front of Neville, but he just stared at it. Lupin gave Neville a gentle nudge, and the young man carefully grabbed the wand. A shower of sparks exploded from the end of the wand lighting the entire room and catching his grandmother's hat on fire. She pulled out her wand, but Neville muttered a quick extinguishing spell and the fire disappeared. She looked at Neville in amazement, and he lowered his head with an embarrassed but proud smile.

"And finally, Harry Potter."

All eyes turned on Harry, and he took his turn to blush. Unaware of anything else but the grip of Ginny's hand, Harry breathed deeply and listened to the rest of the reading.

"…please accept a few tokens of mine to aid you in your future adventures. First, Gryffindor's sword. Frankly, it has technically been yours since you drew it from its scabbard. It has many uses Harry. Perhaps Hermione can help you discover them."

Harry reached for the sword and placed it on his lap. Ginny's eyes were huge as she traced the intricate scabbard with a finger. A perch appeared in front of Harry. He recognized it as the one that belonged to Faux. With a sudden puff of fire, a tiny phoenix stationed itself on the perch. It had gray feathers that were tinged with red and beady, but obviously intelligent, eyes. Still ugly, Harry knew that it would turn into a beautiful phoenix in days.

"Second, I give you the daughter of Faux. Really, she's not mine to give as Faux was a friend and never a possession. However, I know that Faux accepts the arrangement, as he was always very fond of you. Take care of her Harry, as she will most certainly take care of you."

Harry reached out and softly petted the young bird. It let out a trill that echoed throughout the room. Ginny reached out and petted the bird as well followed by Hermione and Ron. Trilling the whole time, the bird hopped off her perch and alternated between the Harry's and Ginny's shoulders. When the trilling finally stopped, people found themselves smiling again, and there was no longer a tearful eye in the room.

"Next, I admit this a bit indulgent, but I would like to offer you a portrait of myself. You have always been like a son to me, Harry, and I would hope that you would want something to remember me by."

Harry reached for the picture. It was obviously recently created as it showed Dumbledore sitting behind his desk at Hogwarts shuffling through stacks of parchments while reaching for a piece of candy. Harry almost dropped the picture when Dumbledore looked up from the parchments and winked. Harry looked around to see if anyone else was looking, but their eyes were all on the vampire who had begun talking again.

"And finally, a piece of advice to you Harry. I have had few regrets in my life. However, my biggest regret, and the one so easy to overcome, was that I let my sense of purpose overwhelm me. I was essentially married to my obligations, the war with Grindelwald, my duties as Headmaster, my fight with Voldemort."

At the mention of his name, many of the wizards and witches in the room shuddered and looked about with concern.

"I enjoyed the fulfillment of my obligations certainly. However, I am certain I would have enjoyed them more with someone to share them with. Harry, you and I are alike in many ways. Please, do not become so consumed with your obligations that you forget to enjoy your life. Happiness and love, Harry, are truly the greatest magics. Make sure you arm yourself with as much as possible."

Harry looked at the crowd that was, in turn, looking at him. He searched for the mocking smiles that he assumed they would have, but saw encouragement and understanding instead. Ginny squeezed his hand and placed her head on his shoulder. Unfortunately, that was the same shoulder that the phoenix had settled on. With an agitated squeak, it jumped up and landed on Ginny's head quickly becoming entangled in the mass of red hair. The room exploded into laughter except for two people. Ron never even noticed the hair incident as he had been staring at Hermione for the last few minutes instead. When she turned to look at him, Ron quickly turned away. Giving him a fleeting, yet knowing smile, Hermione leaned over Ron to help Harry extract the bird from Ginny's hair.