Harry Potter and the Order of Merlin

by illjwamh

It's the first year After the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry now must decide what to do with a life that is for once truly open before him. He must learn to juggle his education, a burgeoning career, his love life, his friends, and maybe more than a few people who - for good or bad - want a piece of the wizard who took down the Dark Lord.

2. Chapter 2: Postman Prongs

I don't really have a lot to say here other than this update is faster than future ones are likely to be for a couple of reasons: first, the beginning chapters are already done and so I can upload them whenever I want, while that won't be the case later on. Second, I want to give the story some good traction – establish a foothold, if you will. One chapter isn't often enough to do that.

So there you have it. The fastest update I've ever done since joining the site, and it'll never happen again.

Chapter 2

Postman Prongs

~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

'I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!' Ginny had crashed into him immediately after the ceremony and was now trying to crush him in a hug while wailing into his chest. 'I should have known you weren't being selfish. Thank you so much.'

'It's okay, Ginny,' he said, returning the hug and stroking her hair. 'I knew you and Ron wouldn't be happy with me, but George wanted it to be a surprise for everyone and I had to be sitting by myself for that to work.'

'He knew we'd all be watching for him to do something crazy,' Ron's voice said as he and Hermione appeared. 'The old bait and switch. Can't believe I fell for it. Sorry, Harry.' He clapped Harry on the shoulder and squeezed as Ginny emitted a sniffly chuckle and loosened her embrace a little.

'Really, Harry, was it necessary to make us think you were an insensitive clod?' Hermione asked, though she did have a wry grin on her face.

'I thought you were on my side!' Harry cried indignantly.

'I said you would have your reasons, but I didn't know what they were,' she said. 'To be honest I thought you were being a tad selfish also.'

'I guess it really did look that way, didn't it?' Harry admitted. 'That was kind of the point, though. Like I said, if I'd been sitting with you it would have ruined the surprise.'

'Too right it would have,' said George, who'd escaped from his parents and was making his way over. 'Well done, Harry. Knew I could count on you.' He too clapped Harry on the shoulder when he spoke. Ginny had yet to fully release him.

'You prat,' she sniped at George. 'You made me angry at him.'

'But you aren't anymore, are you?' George pointed out, to which Ginny responded by sticking her tongue out at him.

'Excuse me,' a voice interrupted them. Harry turned to see a thoroughly shaken Iris Parkinson, still wiping tears from her very wet face but managing a brilliant smile all the same.

'That was wonderful,' she said to Harry. 'Thank you so much.'

'It was George's idea,' Harry said, feeling put on the spot. He was pretty sure no one but he and George knew who this girl was.

'I thought as much,' she said, and turned to George. 'Thank you for inviting me,' she told him sincerely. 'I really needed to be able to say goodbye, you know?'

'I know,' said George with a nod. 'Are you staying?' he asked, gesturing to the milling crowd that had formed in the backyard. Food was put out and people were consoling one another and (more frequently) laughing about something Fred had done at one time or another.

'I don't think I should,' Iris said, shaking her head. 'I'm not sure I'm welcome here anyway, and I got to see the important part.'

'You're welcome if I say you're welcome,' George said sternly, directing a firm gaze at the crowd as if daring any of them to say otherwise. Ron, Hermione and Ginny were observing the conversation with very confused expressions.

'Thank you,' Iris said again, reaching out to touch George's arm. 'I mean that. I know you and I never really got on either, but it means a lot to me that you would want me here. Still, I should probably go.' She sniffed and wiped her tears away again, and when she did Harry caught the sunlight glinting off an enormous diamond ring on her left hand. From the slight double-take he saw out of the corner of his eye, he knew George had seen it too.

'Thanks again,' she said to both Harry and George, and walked away toward the front yard where she could Disapparate.

Harry turned to look at George, who looked as if he'd been struck dumb. He had never seen either of the twins at a complete loss for words before, but it was understandable in this situation.

'Oi!' Ron said, breaking the awkward silence. 'Either of you going to tell us who that was?'
'She looked so familiar,' Hermione mused, putting her finger to her chin in thought.

'Just…a friend of Fred's,' George stammered. It was a pretty weak explanation.

'She seemed like more than a friend,' Ginny said. Harry was quite sure he and George were not the only ones to have seen the ring, but did the others realize what it meant?

'Reckon you're right, little sister,' George said, and the five of them began moving back toward the crowd, Ginny keeping her arms around Harry the whole way. When the others had finally been drawn into conversations with other family members, George pulled Harry aside.

'Blimey, did you see the size of that thing?' He exclaimed. 'When the hell did he give her that, I wonder? I can't imagine he'd send it by owl from the safe house.'

'I thought you said they'd had a row,' Harry said, confused.

'They had. It was the same song and dance as always. Fred wanted to be open about their relationship and Iris didn't want to tell her family about it. When he told me he was going to propose he said it was an all or nothing move. Either she said yes, which meant she wanted to be with him, or she said no, which meant he was going to break it off for good.'

'Looks like she said yes.'

'Maybe,' George said. 'I wonder if she ever got the chance to tell him.' George smiled sadly, and Harry understood completely. Fred had been so close to happiness, perhaps without even knowing it, before his life was taken from him. Sometimes the world just really wasn't fair.

~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

The following Monday, there was a surprise in the post during breakfast. Harry, Ginny and Ron were seated around the kitchen table at the Burrow while Mrs Weasley had stepped outside to do some work in the garden.

'Hogwarts letters already?' Ginny asked no one in particular as a school barn owl landed in front of her toast. Two more were flying in through the window – presumably for himself and Ron.

'Bit early, isn't it?' Ron said, taking his letter and offering the owl delivering it a piece of bacon. The bird apparently was hoping to get more because it hung around even after Ginny's had left.

'It's probably because people are wondering whether the school's going to be open or not,' Harry surmised, taking his own letter. His owl did not leave either. 'They'll want to let everyone know it's back up and running before they make other plans.'

'Makes sense,' Ron said, opening his letter. Harry made to do the same but was interrupted by a sudden shriek. He'd drawn his wand and was halfway into a curse before he realized nothing dangerous had happened.

'Blimey!' Ron gasped, gripping his chest. He'd gone for his wand, too. 'Don't do that, Ginny!'

'Sorry,' she said impatiently. 'But there's something wrong. Look!' She held up a small, gleaming piece of metal for them to see. Leaning in a bit, Harry could see it was the Gryffindor Quidditch captain's badge – a badge he knew very well, having one of his own.

'But that's…Harry's captain,' Ron stammered. Harry, for his part, couldn't say much of anything. It was a surprise, and yet…it wasn't. Somehow, going back to being Quidditch captain after everything that happened would feel wrong. And he'd known Ginny would be captain after him, had things gone the way they should have.

'I know!' Ginny said, looking at Harry with a pained expression. 'What's McGonagall playing at?' It took him a moment to realise she was afraid he'd be upset. He couldn't blame her, but it was kind of funny.

'Why don't you read the letter and see?' Harry suggested, suppressing a grin. He didn't want to let on that he found her panic over the whole thing so amusing. For lack of a better option, Ginny followed his advice, reading it aloud.

Dear Miss Weasley,

Congratulations on making Quidditch captain this year. You may have some questions, and the simple answer is that all students who missed their seventh year of schooling are being offered the chance to return to repeat the year, but are by no means expected to. This of course means that our previous captain may or may not be returning to school and so it is necessary to appoint a new one. If he does indeed return, the captaincy will still be yours to do with what you will. I am sure you will do right by yourself and everyone involved. I look forward to another successful Quidditch season for Gryffindor – particularly after the horrendous events of last year.

All future matters regarding Quidditch should be addressed with your new

Head of House, Professor Hagrid. He was most pleased with your appointment and is anxious to discuss tryout dates with you.

Best Regards,

Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

'Hagrid's our new Head of House!' Ron shouted in glee. 'Brilliant!'

'What does she mean you "May or may not be returning to school"?' Ginny asked Harry, looking at him over the parchment. 'Of course you are!'

'That's what I thought,' Harry said, shrugging. 'Apparently it's not a given.'

'Why'd we get letters too, then?' Ron asked, holding up his half-open envelope.

'Search me,' Harry said. 'But I reckon it's got something to do with why the owls that delivered them are still here.'

'I thought it just had its eye on my breakfast,' Ron said, glancing at the owl still sitting next to him.

'Well open them already!' Ginny cried, throwing her hands up into the air. Harry and Ron jumped to obey, as if they'd until this point forgotten what letters were for. He read his in silence, assuming his and Ron's said similar things.

Dear Mr Potter,

I am writing to inform you that you are welcome to return to Hogwarts for your final year of schooling, as you regrettably missed out last year due to the war and its unfortunate complications. All students in your year who were unable to attend are being offered this same opportunity, so you can be assured that at least some familiar faces will be returning with you.

If you do not wish to return, I highly recommend you still make arrangements to sit your N.E.W.T. examinations. Appointments can be made at the Ministry of Magic or through Hogwarts to sit the exams next spring, as it would already be too late to sit them this year. If you choose this route, I cannot stress enough how important it will be for you to prepare thoroughly on your own.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding your attendance, I unfortunately had to choose a new Quidditch captain for Gryffindor. The new captain is someone you know very well, and I've no doubt you will approve. Please send a response with this owl letting me know of your decision or, if you have not yet made up your mind, a note explaining as such. Be that the case, I would ask for a definitive answer no later than the 1st of August.

I truly hope you decide to return, Harry, but whatever decision you make, I am sure it will be the right one.

Best Regards,

Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

'What does it say?' Ginny asked him the moment he was done reading. Ron was still going over his.

'It says we can return to Hogwarts if we want, but even if we don't she thinks it would be a good idea to sit N.E.W.T.s.'

'Bloody hell,' Ron said, looking up from his letter as well. 'They've got to be nightmarish enough even with a year of school to prepare you. Imagine trying to study for them on your own with no one to make you.'

'You'd play Quidditch every day and then try to cram it all in the week before the test,' Ginny told him with a knowing smile. She caught Harry's eye and they both grinned wider. It was probably what he would do, too.

'Day before, more like,' Ron acknowledged. 'And just when I thought sitting out on the last year was sounding like a good idea again.'

Harry and Ron quickly wrote their replies to McGonagall assuring her that they would indeed be returning. However, before they could send them off, another owl came flying through the window.

'What's this one about?' Ron asked Harry, to whom the new owl was holding out a leg.

'No idea,' Harry answered, though the Ministry of Magic seal on the envelope wasn't filling him with pleasant feelings. Even though Kingsley was now officially the Minister for Magic rather than just the interim, he had yet to make many of the changes he'd spoken to Harry and the other Order members about. That being the case, the Ministry were still not among Harry's favourite people.

With Ron and Ginny's eyes on him, he reached out and took the letter. Opening it, he saw neat yet unfamiliar handwriting, though it was addressed to him rather informally. He dropped his eyes to the bottom and let out a sigh of relief.

'It's from Kingsley,' he said. Ron and Ginny both relaxed visibly as well.

'Go on, read it then!' Ron pushed.

Harry,

This letter applies to Ron, Hermione and Ginny too, but I'm addressing it to you because you always showed the strongest interest in becoming an Auror.

'What!?' Ron and Ginny both exclaimed.

'Hang on, let me finish it,' Harry told them.

'Sorry.'

'Sorry, mate.'

You know that entering the Aurors is a long and involved process. The first major step is a series of stringent personal aptitude tests and character assessments. Most applicants never make it past this stage, and many drop out part way through. However, the office is currently critically understaffed, so we're resorting to drastic measures.

As of this morning, Gawain Robards (Head of the Auror Office) and I have announced that the aptitude tests will be waived for anyone who took part in the battle of Hogwarts, and character assessments considerably condensed.

'NO WAY!' Ron shouted. 'This is great! We can forget the last year of school after all!'

The same thought had occurred to Harry, and his pulse quickened just thinking about it. Could he really just walk into his dream job, just like that, with no tests or studying or anything?

'Didn't you have enough of chasing Dark wizards last year?' Ginny asked.

'We know you don't want to be an Auror, Ginny, but this is brilliant!' Ron exclaimed. 'I mean, I hadn't really planned on joining up right away – a break from Dark wizards would be nice – but if it means I don't have to go back to school or sit N.E.W.T.s, sign me up!'

'Would you let me finish the letter!' Harry broke in, exasperated. He was excited too, but there had to be a catch. It couldn't be that easy.

'Sorry, sorry. Go ahead.'

Harry cleared his throat and continued reading.

You'll read all about it in today's Daily Prophet. However, these are the only requirements being waived. All applicants will still need to sit their N.E.W.T. examinations before being considered.

'NO!' Ron wailed, but clamped his mouth shut when Harry glared at him.

I'm writing to tell you because despite all that, no one would really argue

if we made an exception for you, Harry. However, I'm also writing to say I think

it would be for the best if you did go back to school this year, or at the very least

studied for the exams on your own. For one thing, while I can make a special

offer for you, I can't do the same for anyone else. That means Ron, Hermione,

Ginny, or anyone else who might want to sign up with you would have to do it

the hard way whether you do or not.

Second, I really think you should take a break. You've never really had a

normal school year, and before you sign up to spend the rest of your life chasing

down Dark wizards, you ought to have just one year of normalcy in your life.

I'm sure Dumbledore would agree with me, as would Remus, Sirius and your

parents.

Third, and I'm not happy about this one but it's the truth, joining up as a

special case may come back to haunt you later in your career. Like it or not,

politics are a part of the job – even if not to the degree of some of the other

departments – and while most everyone may be inclined to give you just about

whatever you want right now, that won't always be the case. Years down the line,

people will remember how you joined the department, and whether or not you had

to go through the same process they did. You may find that joining early will in

fact make things very difficult for you in the future.

All that being said, it's still your choice, Harry. There are still a lot of Death

Eaters out there, and they need to be brought to justice. But at the same time, they

can't all be caught at once and the Aurors can survive for a year without you.

Take your time and think about it. Let me know what you decide when you're ready. Good luck, Harry.

Best Wishes,

Kingsley

'Bit informal for the Minister for Magic, don't you think?' Ron joked. 'He didn't even put his last name on there.'

'He wasn't writing as the Minister, Ron, he was writing as Harry's friend,' Ginny explained.

'It's nice to be reminded I have some,' Harry said, putting the letter down.

'Of course you do!' Ginny gasped, looking affronted. Ron looked much the same.

'In the Ministry, I mean,' Harry amended quickly.

'Well, I see what you mean there,' Ron nodded, calming back down. 'What's all this politics rubbish?'

'He means people have short memories,' Harry explained. 'In ten years or so, even if I've proven I'm a good Auror, there will be people saying I got the job because of who I am, not what I can do. It could definitely cause problems.'

'But that's so stupid!' Ginny fumed. 'You're who you are because of what you can do!' She crossed her arms and glared at the letter with her eyebrows knit together, looking like she'd like to set it on fire. Harry, however, felt a great wave of affection for her and his face cracked into a huge smile. He reached over and snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her into his lap and embracing her tightly.

Ginny gave surprised squeal of delight even as Ron shouted, 'Oi!' but Harry ignored both of them, choosing instead to place a kiss in the spot between Ginny's jaw and her ear. She giggled happily and wrapped her arms around his neck. She'd begun to nuzzle his jawline when a loud clanking sound across the table drew their attention.

'Do you lot mind?' Ron asked, visibly irritated. 'It's great that you're in love and blissfully happy and everything, but that's really not something I want to see my sister doing. Or my best mate, for that matter. Especially not while I'm trying to eat breakfast.'

'Sorry, Ron,' Harry said, feeling only a tiny bit sheepish. 'But you've got to take the moments when they come, wherever you are, wouldn't you say?'

Ron rolled his eyes and went back to his food. Ginny stuck her tongue out at her brother before kissing Harry on the cheek and sliding off his lap and back into her own chair – perhaps out of respect for Ron's sensibilities, or much more likely because she was still hungry.

Once he was sure Ginny was back in her own seat, Ron looked up again. 'So what are you going to do about this?' he asked, gesturing to the letter.

'I don't know,' he said. 'I mean, if I have the chance to help I feel like I should take it, but Kingsley did make a good point about the politics thing. Maybe I could join up now and take the N.E.W.T.s later so that way I have them and no one can use that against me.'

'Oh no you don't,' Ginny said sternly. 'You are not going to play the nobility card again. If your only reason for joining the Aurors now is because you feel like you ought to, then it's not good enough. Besides, you heard what else Kingsley said. You should take a year off from all this. The Dark Wizards will still be there for you to catch when you're finished school.'

He opened his mouth to argue, but she bowled right over him.

'You need this, Harry. Please, just for once in your life put yourself first. Nobody deserves a break more than you do. Please, please say you won't start fighting again so soon after everything you've been through.'

He wanted to argue with her – to point out that Dark Wizards roaming around was the perfect reason not to take a year off. He wanted to tell her how he felt obligated to help as much as he could, that he'd feel like he was cheating someone out of something by taking a year off. He wanted to tell her all of these things but he could not. She was looking at him with that intense, blazing look of hers and it made all the arguments fall right out through a hole in his stomach. She'd said he was being "noble", which was the same thing she'd said when he broke up with her at Dumbledore's funeral.

But mostly, he couldn't refuse her because of how clear she made it that her most pressing concern was his well-being. If she'd begged him to stay with her, or to think of his friends he'd be leaving behind, he might've been able to do what was necessary. But her eyes were starting to glisten with tears – which was an unusual enough occurrence in itself – and it was because she was worried about him and his happiness, not her own. It was what he loved most about her; and if she could do it, then he owed it to her to do the same.

'All right,' he finally said. There had been a long, tense silence – so long that Ginny and Ron didn't seem to notice right away just what he was agreeing to. 'All right, I won't do it. I'll take a year and go back to school.'

The change was instantaneous. The tension melted out of Ginny's posture and the intense, blazing look on her face transformed into one of shining joy. She launched herself at him and nearly knocked his chair over from the force of her embrace, but he was too lost in the sensation of her lips on his and her tongue in his mouth to care overmuch. He heard Ron mutter something, but didn't bother to wonder what it might have been.

When they separated again, it was to find Ron had left the table with his food, presumably for the garden or the sitting room. When Ginny whispered, 'I love you,' in his ear and gave him one more squeeze and another kiss before returning to her own chair once again, he knew she understood that he was doing this for her, because she asked him to.

'You can come back now, Ron,' she called.

'All finished, have you?' came his dry response from the sitting room. 'Don't stop on my account. By all means devour each others' tonsils at the breakfast table.' He re-entered soon after, carrying what was left of his breakfast and looking rather put out at the both of them.

Harry was trying to think of a response when another owl flew through the window, just missing Ron's juice glass.

'Enough with the owls already!' Ron snapped, lunging for his juice. Harry was reminded of Uncle Vernon once voicing similar complaints and had to suppress a chuckle at the strange comparison between two people who could otherwise not be less alike.

'It's just the paper, Ron,' Ginny said calmly, taking said paper and paying the delivery owl so it could be on its way. She unfolded it while Harry performed a reheating charm on her breakfast, which had long gone cold. She smiled at him before turning her attention to the paper.

'It's in here,' she said. 'That thing Kingsley told Harry about. Apparently Auror restrictions being reduced is front-page news.'

'No surprise there,' Harry said. 'I wonder how many people are going to take advantage of it.'

'There can't be too many folks out there as mental as you,' Ron said, 'but I reckon they'll get a decent number. After the war people are going to be a lot more aware of how important Aurors really are.'

'I hope you're right,' Harry said, reheating his own breakfast. 'Kingsley didn't say exactly how few they were down to, but I don't like the sound of "critically understaffed".'

'Nor do I,' Ron agreed, taking a bite of his cold toast. 'Especially when we know there are so many Death Eaters still out there roaming around and MORGANA'S KNICKERS!' he shouted so suddenly that Harry jumped and Ginny's head snapped around. Another owl had landed on the table.

'"Morgana's knickers"?' Ginny repeated, not quite managing to suppress her laughter. Harry, who was having less success, was now seriously regretting the healthy swig of pumpkin juice he'd just taken.

'I heard it somewhere and thought I'd try it out,' Ron said in a meek tone. His ears were turning red. 'Not a keeper, huh?'

'Might wanna pass over that one in future,' Harry choked out once he'd managed to safely swallow his juice.

'Well, all right then,' Ron said, soldiering on. 'Wonder who this one's from.' He picked it up and his demeanour shifted at once. 'It's from Hermione!' He tore into the letter greedily. Save for the funeral, they hadn't seen much of Hermione in the last few weeks as she made the necessary preparations for her parents' return.

'What's it say?' Ginny asked, leaning over the table toward him. Ron scanned the letter.

'She says she got the same letters we got, and already replied to McGonagall. She wants to know if we want to meet in Diagon Alley once we get our book lists.'

'When will that be, do you think?' Harry asked.

'I reckon as soon as we say we're going back,' Ron reasoned. 'Ginny's already got hers, right?'

'All right, let's send them now then,' Harry said. He picked up the letter he'd already written for his headmistress and handed it to the owl that had been scratching around next to him for the last half an hour or so. It gave him a reproachful look for wasting its time that reminded him of Hedwig, and he felt a pang of sadness as he watched it fly out of sight. When he turned back to the table it was to see Ginny beaming at him.

'What?' he teased, sitting down next to her. 'You didn't think I was going to change my mind, did you?'

'No,' she said simply. 'It just makes me happy to see is all.'

'You two are both mental,' Ron said, shaking his head at their display after sending his own owl away. He picked up Hermione's letter again and started rereading it.

When they finally finished breakfast and started cleaning up, Mrs Weasley had finished working in the garden and joined them in the kitchen.

'What was all that commotion I heard?' she asked.

'Hogwarts letters came,' Ginny said.

'So soon?'

'Harry reckons it's to make sure people don't make other plans, thinking the school will be closed,' Ron explained.

'Oh,' said Mrs Weasley. 'I suppose that makes sense. You have your new book lists then?'

'Ginny has,' Ron told her. 'Harry and I have to wait until McGonagall gets confirmation we're going back.'

'Well why wouldn't you?'

'That's what I said,' Ginny piped in.

'We don't have to if we don't want to, apparently,' Harry said. 'Don't worry, we're going to,' he added quickly when he saw Mrs Weasley about to raise a protest. 'We've already sent our confirmation letters.'

'Oh,' said Mrs Weasley, looking relieved. 'That's all right then.'

'Hopefully they'll get their book lists either tomorrow or later today,' Ginny said. 'Hermione wants to meet up in Diagon Alley to pick up supplies.'

'Well that should be all right,' Mrs Weasley said. 'Let me know when you decide to go so I can go with you.'

'Mum, do you really think that's necessary?' Ron whinged. 'I mean sure, not everything's perfect out there yet, but we can take care of ourselves, yeah?'

'Well excuse me for worrying!' Mrs Weasley snapped. 'It's not as if we've just emerged from a war that killed your brother, and dozens of the people responsible are still out there! How inconsiderate of me!'

'I didn't mean it like that,' Ron said, cowed. 'I just meant that you'll have to let up eventually or you'll worry yourself to death.' Harry was sure that wasn't what he'd meant at all, though it at least sounded heartfelt now he had thought of it. 'Harry and I are of age, and Ginny near enough. Besides, you know we'd never let anything happen to her.'

'I can take care of myself too, you know,' Ginny put in – both to Ron and her mother.

'We know,' Harry told her, thinking of when he'd seen her fighting during the final battle. She truly had been incredible. 'And Diagon Alley is about as safe as it can be right now,' Harry said to Mrs Weasley. 'Kingsley has Aurors and Hit Wizards there round the clock.'

'Well, be that as it may…' Mrs Weasley said, though Harry could tell she was wavering.

'Trust us, Mum,' Ron said, much more calmly than before. He stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder. 'You really do need to start easing up, or you'll worry forever. And if anything does happen,' he paused and shot a cheeky grin in Harry's direction, 'well, Harry and I do have some experience with getting out of trouble.'

He could see Mrs Weasley mulling it over. Finally she said, 'All right. But you tell me the instant you plan on being home, and if you're going to be a minute later I want a message explaining why and where you'll be.'

'Mum!' Ron threw up his hands. 'Do you expect us to carry an owl around with us all day?'

'That's my condition,' Mrs Weasley said firmly, placing her hands on her hips. 'Take it or leave it.'

Ron was about to protest, but Harry put up his hand. He'd just gotten an idea. 'Hold on a second,' he said. 'I want to try something. I'll be right back.' Three bewildered stares followed him out the door and into the garden where he walked around the house and out of their line of sight.

'I should've asked somebody how this was done,' he said to himself, though he thought he had a fair idea. He drew his wand and incanted, 'Expecto Patronum!' The silver stag burst forth, but with no given objective it simply stood before him. Harry held his wand on it while concentrating on Ginny, and thought the message, 'I'm coming back in a minute. Let me know if this worked.' He gave the wand a little flick as if he were smacking the stag's hindquarters, and it galloped off, taking the form of a flying ball of silver light after a half dozen steps.

Harry counted out a minute and walked back into the house where three smiling faces were waiting for him.

'It worked!' Ginny told him excitedly. 'That was brilliant, Harry!'

'It was!' Ron agreed. 'How did you do that?'

'I was never able to manage it myself,' Molly told him. 'Did Arthur or Bill teach you?'

'No, I kind of puzzled it out for myself. I've seen it often enough.'

'Blimey,' Ron said. 'When did you turn into Hermione?'

'Who did it go to?' he asked, though he was sure he knew.

'Me, why?' Ginny asked.

'Well, I'm still figuring out how it all works, but I meant for it to go to you,' he said. 'Looks like I got that bit right at least.'

'You have to show me how to do this,' Ron said fervently.

'Me too!' Ginny agreed.

'Yes yes, that would be very useful,' Molly said offhandedly. 'But now you have a means of sending me word, so I suppose it's all right for you to go to London yourselves. Merlin knows I must be out of my mind to allow it.'

'We'll be careful, Mum,' Ginny assured her.

'Oh, I know you will, dear. And your brother's right; I do need to let go eventually. It's the most difficult thing for a mother to do, I imagine. Especially after…well, you know.'

Harry thought she was doing a rather good job of it, but didn't really know how to say so, so he merely offered her an encouraging smile instead.

'Well, since you aren't leaving just yet, I'd like some help with cleaning the house. There were a lot of people here over the weekend for your brother's funeral and they do leave a trace.'

They spend the rest of the morning and a good part of the afternoon cleaning. Harry and Ron's book lists came a few hours after lunch while they were cleaning Ron's room, and Harry immediately sent off a Patronus to Hermione asking if she wanted to go to Diagon Alley the next day.

'Can you do it non-verbally?' Ron asked. He seemed interested to know that there was no difference in the incantation from a standard Patronus. 'I've seen members of the Order do that.'

'Well, I don't know,' Harry answered honestly. 'I've never even thought of trying to conjure one non-verbally. Though usually when I'm trying it's because I'm being surrounded by Dementors, so subtlety isn't exactly an issue.'

'Good point,' Ron agreed. 'Wanna try it though?'

'Of course,' Harry grinned. He thought of Ginny again, who had been sent off to straighten her own room. This had the added convenience of doubling as his happy thought, which made the spell easier to cast as he wasn't dividing his focus. After a few seconds a silvery ball shot through Ron's bedroom door and down the stairs.

'What'd you tell her?'

'To come up and let me know if it worked.'

'Fair warning, Potter,' Ron declared. 'There's a standing rule against snogging my sister in my bedroom.'

'Noted.'

Less than a minute later they heard Ginny ascending the staircase. She opened the door with a wide smile on her face. She made a beeline for Harry and hugged him tight, positioning her lips right next to his ear.

'I love you too,' she whispered. Harry of course had not related the entirety of the message to Ron.

She slid back and kissed him, which resulted in an indignant cry of, 'Oi! What did I say, huh?'

Harry waited for Ginny to pull back before turning to smirk at Ron. 'Better tell her that, mate.'

'Tell me what?'

'Apparently we're not allowed to snog in here,' Harry informed her, amused.

'Oh really?' Ginny said, narrowing her eyes at Ron. He glared back, and Harry fought not to laugh.

'Well, it is his room,' he offered. Ginny pondered this for a moment, and then snorted.

'Fine,' she said. 'I'll let him have his room. But that doesn't mean I have to let go of you,' she declared, and wrapped herself tighter around him even as he sat back down on Ron's bed.

'Not on my bed!' Ron wailed.

Ginny rolled her eyes. 'Relax. It's not as if we're doing anything.' Ron fumed, but did not argue.

'Fine. Whatever. The Patronus worked, then?'

'Well yes,' she said, 'but we already knew that, didn't we?'

'I was trying for non-verbal this time,' Harry informed her.

'Really?' Her eyes lit up with excitement. 'Oh, that's so cool, Harry! You have to show us how to do this.'

'It didn't really look any different from how he normally conjures one,' Ron said. 'The incantation was the same and everything.'

'I thought you said you did this one non-verbally,' Ginny said to Harry.

'I sent one to Hermione just before.'

'Oh.'

'So what do you do differently, Harry?' Ron asked. He and Ginny turned their attention to him once again.

'Well, I sort of…hold the spell a bit once I've conjured it,' he explained. 'And then I concentrate on who I want to send the message to, think of the message, and then I just,' he mimed flicking his wand, 'send it on its way. It's tough to focus on all of that at once, so the message has to be pretty short. But that's all there is to it, really.'

'Blimey,' Ron said. 'As if keeping your happy thought in your head wasn't hard enough. How are you supposed to think about all of that at once?'

'I think it gets easier with practice,' Harry said. 'I used to have to concentrate really hard when conjuring a Patronus, but I can do it almost without thinking now. And every time I send a message with one it gets easier to do.'

'Well that's good to know,' Ginny said. 'I don't know if it would be worth the trouble otherwise.'

'It's easier to send messages to you,' Harry told her, 'since you double as my happy thought.'

The smile Harry loved so much reappeared on her face once more, and the look in her eyes that made his blood pump faster and his skin prickle with electricity was back in full force. He didn't know if he would ever outgrow the heady rush that being around her brought about in him. He didn't think he would.

'OI!'

~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

The next morning, they arrived at the Leaky Cauldron a full hour before they were supposed to meet Hermione. There was something that needed to be taken care of before any shopping was done, and it was something Harry wasn't looking forward to. He'd been putting it off, but there was no stalling now.

'I still don't see why we can't all come with you,' Ron was saying even as Harry tapped the brick that would lead them into Diagon Alley. 'I mean, we were all there.'

'That's exactly why. I'm going to take responsibility for it,' Harry said. 'Don't even argue about it, Ron. You know I can take whatever they throw at me better than either of you can.' He hated using that card, knowing Ron wasn't going to like it, and indeed he was right. Ron made a very angry face, but he conceded the point.

'Fine,' he said. 'But if you're not out of there by the time Hermione gets here, we're going in after you.'

Harry knew better than to argue, and after sharing a kiss with Ginny for luck, made his way through the now open archway while the two Weasleys went back into the pub to wait for Hermione.

Diagon Alley was once again different than he'd ever seen it. Most of the shops were still closed up, but there were people again, and the aura of fear was no longer present among them. The kiosks strewn about had all but disappeared, and the Aurors and Hit Wizards were a noticeable but not overbearing presence.

He walked past Ollivander's shop and noticed there was a team of three wizards straightening the place up and taking inventory. He hoped that meant Mr Ollivander was well enough to reopen the shop in time for all the new students who would soon be coming to buy their first wands.

A few other shops here and there were reopening as well, and there was a sense of new life in the air. It was refreshing and it lifted his spirits even in the face of the task he was about to undergo.

He approached the grand white building with its mighty bronze doors carefully. The two goblins standing outside gave him very dirty looks but did not bar him entry. He hoped this wasn't simply because they were waiting to get him inside where he'd be surrounded.

When he passed through the silver doors, several beady eyes turned to look in his direction and nearly all ambient conversation ceased. It was quite eerie. Then a gravelly voice called out, 'Harry Potter!' and he turned to see a finely dressed goblin with a long pointy black beard scampering over to him. 'Golnuk would like to see you immediately.'

Harry had no idea who Golnuk was – someone important, no doubt – but judging by the gruff-looking goblins who had come up on either side of him, he wasn't being given a choice in the matter. He'd been expecting something like this to happen, but that didn't stop him from being more than a little nervous.

'Lead the way,' he said simply, and the goblin who'd spoken turned and began leading him behind the row of counters to an area Harry had never been to before. His two escorts kept pace and did not say a word. They came to a pair of large ebony double doors inlaid with gold and entered without preamble. Sitting inside behind a massive mahogany desk was the most posh looking goblin Harry had every seen. His black beard was oiled and pointed, he wore a suit that would impress even Uncle Vernon, and had three gold hoops in each of his long, pointed ears.

'Ah! Harry Potter at last has returned, I see. Very well, Gordunk, you may leave us.' The goblin who'd led Harry to this room bowed and left, but the other two did not, instead taking up places on either side of the door.

'Have a seat, Harry Potter,' Golnuk said, gesturing to an uncomfortable looking chair in front of his desk. It was not an invitation, and Harry got the distinct impression that were he not to do as he was told he'd find out what those other two goblins were there for.

'We were wondering if you would ever dare return to our halls, Mr. Potter,' Golnuk said. He surveyed Harry over his clasped hands with knitted eyebrows and a hard, piercing gaze. Harry didn't speak, knowing there was more coming and he was probably only going to get one chance, so he should make it count.

'Griphook has told us of your plot to rob the Lestranges' vault,' Golnuk said. He waited then, apparently to see if Harry would admit or deny the charge.

'Did he also tell you that I did not seek any of their gold or treasure, nor anything else for my own personal gain?'

'He did,' Golnuk confirmed. 'Which is the sole reason you were not ordered captured on sight. However, I have to wonder what it was then that made you break into one of our oldest, most high-security vaults.'

Harry thought about how he should answer. Before, he couldn't mention the Horcruxes to anyone for fear Voldemort might find out what he was doing. Now though, he still hesitated to discuss them lest they give any other potential Dark wizards ideas.

'I'll tell you, but I have to ask that you allow me to cast a charm so that no one may overhear us,' he said. 'Those two guards, if that's what they are, can stay, but they can't hear either.'

Golnuk raised his thick eyebrows. 'You are hardly in a position to be setting terms, Mr Potter,' he said.

'No, but I'm afraid I must insist. I can assure you my answer will satisfy you, however.' He infused his voice with a confidence he didn't entirely feel.

There was a long pause. Finally, Golnuk said, 'Very well. But any sign of treachery, Harry Potter, and it will be the end of our discussion.' He left no doubt as to what that meant. 'Do you understand?'

'Completely,' Harry said. He pulled out his wand and cast the Muffliato spell, so now only Golnuk could hear what he was about to say.

'You know that the Lestranges were among Voldemort's most loyal followers,' Harry said. Golnuk only gave the smallest of shivers before responding.

'Yes, but that hardly justifies theft from their vault, Harry Potter,' said Golnuk. 'Whatever our feelings on politics, if we allowed them to affect how we do business, we would have very few clients.'

'I wasn't finished,' said Harry. 'Voldemort gave something to them to put into that vault. He knew it was one of the safest places in the world, where there was almost no chance anyone would ever find it, if they even knew to look. What he gave them was an object that kept him alive, protecting him from all forms of death. Without finding and destroying that object, Voldemort could never have been defeated. That is why I broke into the Lestranges' vault.'

Golnuk sat frozen in his seat. Whatever he had been expecting to hear, it clearly wasn't that. After several moments of silence, he worked his jaw a few times and finally managed to speak.

'It appears you spoke the truth, Harry Potter. If what you have told me is indeed the case, as I am inclined to believe it is based on Griphook's testimony of the events in the vault, then I do in fact find your explanation to be satisfactory.' There was another brief pause. 'However,' the goblin continued before Harry could speak, 'there are a few other matters which we must discuss, not the least of which being the damage you and your friends caused to Gringotts during your escape.'

Harry had been expecting this, and he had already decided how he was going to handle it. 'I'll pay for all the repairs,' he said immediately. 'You know I inherited the Black family vault in addition to my own. Take whatever gold you need from there to pay for any damage caused, along with an additional five percent as a means of apology and thanks for the goblins' understanding.' He hoped that was enough. He didn't want to seem stingy, but didn't want to seem like he was trying to bribe them, either.

Golnuk looked just as surprised at this as he had regarding the Horcrux. 'Very generous of you,' he said at last. 'It shall be as you say, Harry Potter, and as to your additional contribution, you have Gringotts' gratitude.

'There is now one more matter we must address. Due to your earlier information, our former employee Griphook can be excused for his involvement in your actions. However, he informed us of a bargain he made with you, which he claims you attempted to renege on.'

'I know what he's talking about,' Harry said. 'He wanted the sword of Gryffindor in exchange for helping us. I said I would give it to him and I meant it. But when we were in the vault, the enchantments protecting the treasure got out of control and we barely escaped. I tried to save the sword and Griphook must have thought I was going back on our deal because he snatched it and ran off.'

'One can see how he would think as much,' Golnuk said, eyeing Harry shrewdly. 'Why did you attempt to retrieve the sword when the bargain was complete and you said you intended to give him the sword?'

'I was going to give him the sword, but we needed to use it first to destroy the object I told you about. The sword is impregnated with basilisk venom and is one of the only things in the world capable of destroying it. We were going to do it as soon as we left the vault but we didn't get a chance.'

'I see,' said Golnuk. 'If I may ask, how did you end up destroying this object?'

'We…er, kind of used an actual basilisk fang.' Golnuk's eyebrows rose their highest yet. 'Long story,' Harry said.

'Indeed,' Golnuk stated bluntly. 'In light of what you have told me, Harry Potter, and given that no other treasure was taken from the Lestranges' vault, I am inclined to believe you. There is no doubt that we goblins owe you just as much for destroying He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named as all other races, and if breaking into a Gringotts vault was necessary to accomplish this, I suppose I can overlook it this once.' His added emphasis on the end of that statement would have been more effective than the poem over the entrance to deter thieves, Harry thought.

'Thank you,' Harry said. 'I appreciate it very much. If you'll excuse me, I do need to visit my vault today, if that's possible.'

'Not so fast, Harry Potter,' Golnuk said abruptly and Harry jerked in the middle of standing up. He had thought Golnuk was going to let him go. He began calculating his chances of fighting his way out of a bank full of angry goblins a second time, this time without a dragon to help him.

'You have been forthright with me, so I shall return the favour,' the goblin said. 'We have something for you – something that should have been given to you after your seventeenth birthday, but circumstances at the time did not allow it. We were going to keep it as compensation for your actions here in the spring, but it seems that is no longer necessary.'

He opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a long, ornate silver key. 'Your vault key, Harry Potter,' he said simply, holding it out to Harry.

'But I already have a vault key,' said Harry, confused.

'You have the key to your trust vault, which your parents set up for you when you were born. It was to be for your schooling and other needs until you came of age and inherited your family's vault. Your father and mother's untimely deaths simply mean that is happening much sooner than they had planned.'

'My…my family's vault?' Harry stammered, stricken by this information.

'Yes, Harry Potter. Your family has been with us for a very long time. Not as long as some families, perhaps, but longer than most. Inside you will find, in addition to your family's gold, a large number of heirlooms and the deed to your family's ancestral home.' He handed the key over to Harry, who was too dumbstruck even to repeat that last bit, which would have been his instinct.

'That will be all, I believe, Harry Potter,' Golnuk said. 'I will see you out, and if you will kindly remove the charm you cast earlier, I bid you good day. We will remove the gold needed for repairs from the Black vault as you instructed and leave this vault untouched.'

A thought struck Harry. 'Er, while you're in there, would you be able to take some of the treasure and set up one of those trust vaults for my godson?'

'We could, yes. Who is this godson of yours?'

'His name is Ted Lupin,' said Harry. 'He was born only a few months ago, but both his parents were killed at the Battle of Hogwarts.'

'With whom is he currently residing?' Golnuk asked.

'His grandmother, Andromeda Tonks.'

'Nee Black?'

'That's right,' said Harry. 'And speaking of which, would you be able to transfer some of the Black vault's treasure into hers? It's as much hers as mine. More, really.'

'I could not do this without her permission, but I can create the trust vault for you now as you have asked. How much would you like to put in it?'

'However much I had in mine should be fine, I think. I'll ask Andromeda about the other thing when I see her.'

'Very well, Harry Potter. It shall be done as you say.'

'Thank you, Golnuk.' He shook the goblin's hand and after removing the Muffliato he'd cast earlier, made his way across the main floor in a daze to the counter, holding his new key in his hand.

~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

That's it for chapter two. If you like it, or have any other comments, please review.

Goblin names are harder than you would think to come up with.