Harry looked at the wands pointed at him then raised his hands in a I surrender gesture
"Woa, what's going on here guys??". surprisingly it was Snape who answered
"The Dark Lord knows where our headquarters is, and you've been missing for over a week and just happen to turn up when it's convenient" He sneered. Hermione spoke up at that moment "What he means to say Harry, is how do we know it's really you and not another death eater using Pollyjuice Potion?" Harry finally made the connection to them having wands pointed at him
"Well I suppose I could go get Ginny and bring her back but that would just put her in the same mess I'm in, and I don't suppose my phoenix here counts as proof of my identity so hmmmm" Harry paused and then had an idea, "Hermione, ask me some questions that only I would know the answer to, and oh can I please sit down at least?" Ron slid a chair across the floor to him and he sat down, then Hermione began the questioning.
"What is the shape of your Patronus, and mine?" she asked him "My Patronus is a stag, and yours is a beaver"
"What is Rita Skeeter's Animagus form?" Many in the room gasped at that, for they hadn't known Rita was an Animagus "A beetle." Harry said.
"Well I think that's enough to verify its Harry." Hermione said standing up "Wait!" Snape sneered "Before the end of term Potter, when I brought you you're homework what did you tell me as I was leavening and what was my response?" he looked at Harry as if daring him to get the wrong answer "Well Professor, I told you that something you had said was useful to me when fighting Voldamort, and you said that at least I had been paying attention once in you're class." Harry said then looked Snape straight in the eye and said "And I meant it, thank you. Now can I please get up I have important news." Harry stood up then told everyone they all needed to pack their stuff and meet him in the kitchen in about an hour. When they wanted to know why Harry just told them because Dumbledor said to. Well it isn't a total lie, I mean he did say it was ok and a good idea he thought to himself. Harry went upstairs to the room he and Ron usually shared and found his trunk sitting on his bed, apparently no one had unpacked it for him, especially since he, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione had only brought small knapsacks for the two day trip to Salem; and the adult Weasleys had promised to bring their trunks here. Double-checking the cabinets and drawers to make sure he had everything. He levitated his trunk down the stairs, past the portrait of Ms. Black and into the kitchen.
Harry went around the kitchen setting everything in order for a long absence when Ron arrived in the kitchen dragging his large and heavy trunk "Bloody Hell mate, thanks for the help down them stairs!" Ron glared at Harry and Harry blushed slightly at his rebuke.
Before Ron could scold him anymore Ms. Weasley appeared in the kitchen levitating both her and Ginny's trunks. Kingsley, Tonks, and Snape just strode in carrying nothing, which made sense because they didn't stay at Grimmauld Place. Hermione was the last to appear and she glared at Ron for not helping her with her trunk. Harry watched her try and stare down Ron who was pointedly looking at his feet, when he realized everyone was waiting on him.
Clearing his throat Harry said that they were all going some place safe but someone should remain to warn anyone else, and that he couldn't tell them where they were going until Dumbledor said it was safe. "I'll have Midnight start taking your trunks over and once there all there then everyone can grab my hands and well use the portkey." Harry turned and asked Midnight to deposit the trunks in the fourth floor sitting room and when he made sure he knew where he was going he turned back to the others and asked who was going to stay and warn the others. "I'll stay Potter" Snape said but he saw Tonks shaking her head he allowed her to speak
"Someone needs to be able to tell Dumbledor what happened, exactly what happened, and Potter has his pensive if you need it. No you're needed I'll stay, Kingsly and me." She looked over to him and he nodded.
Suddenly there was a burst of flame and a single silver feather hit the floor "That's the signal, now everyone grab my left hand ready?"
Then he taped his portkey with his wand and thought home.
They arrived in the entry hall and everyone stared at the size of it "Bloody Hell!" Harry herd Ron gasp as he stared at the tapestry of the man fighting the dragon. "Harry, where are we? I don't remember reading about any large mansions that were available to the order. Are you sure its safe?" Hermione asked. "Of course its safe Hermione, there's no reason to be worried. And you probably haven't read about this place because it hasn't been seen in the last seventeen years. You're in the Potter Mansion," he said with pride
"I don't mean to doubt you Harry but are you sure its safe? I mean didn't Voldemort get your parents while they were here?"
Harry's innards turned to ice "No Hermione he didn't, they weren't staying here when they were killed and if you don't think its safe would you like me to demonstrate what happens to enemies of me in my house?" "Harry I didn't mean to make you mad I was just asking. But yes, as long as its not painful I wouldn't mind knowing." And as she said it she straightened her back and squared her shoulders.
"Fine" Harry said "Get out!" and he put as much force as he could into that yell and everyone gasp when Hermione disappeared with a loud POP!
Before anyone could ask any questions or demand an answer there was a loud banging on the door. Immediately Dobby came Rushing down the stairs and looked at Harry expectantly, Harry nodded and Hermione tried to enter but as soon as she took a step past the threshold it was as if someone had pushed her backwards, she started to fall but was caught by Dobby.
"Masters friends should be careful of wards on house, until Harry Potter invites you in no one can enter house. Dobby said while he carefully set Hermione down on the porch.
"Are you satisfied Hermione? Now would you please come in?" Harry asked smiling. Hesitantly at first she took a light step over the threshold, and when nothing happened she walked all the way in and Dobby closed the doors.
"Harry why is Dobby here? You have house elves? Harry how could you?" she looked genuinely hurt as Harry explained he only had three and he made them all accept pay and days off, and then Dobby was pulling on her sleeve and said
"And look at the wonderful uniforms Dobby gets to wears, Winky has one too but hers is blue and Harry Potters elf is chief elf and he wears blue too." Dobby said then suddenly remembering Tolly, Dobby asked to be excused because he had duties to attend to.
"Winky really is doing better in a real house Hermione." Harry whispered as she looked at him
"Oh I suppose since you do pay them and treat them nice I'm ok." then changing the subject she asked the one question Harry wished she hadn't "So where's Ginny? You said she was here." Harry's heart fell into his stomach just thinking about the look he was getting from Mrs. Weasley. Harry called Tolly down to him and introduced everyone to Tolly. As Tolly made sure everyone understood he was "Master's personal elf" Harry saw Hermione's lips form a very thin line "Tolly why don't you go get Ginny and Remus, oh and Dumbledor from the barn to please." Tolly assured him he'd be right back and took off. True to his word Tolly was back in a quick moment with Ginny and the two professors. Dumbledor looked surprised to see Snape there but kept quiet.
After greetings Harry asked everyone up to the fourth floor sitting room so they could talk. As they walked down the halls and climbed the stairs Ron and Hermione kept asking him questions, "How many rooms are there? Are there dungeons? Do you have your own Quidditch field?" Harry laughed and answered them all "There are 34 bedrooms plus the master suite and the infirmary, yes Ron there are dungeons, and unfortunately no there is not.." Harry was interrupted by Tolly tugging on his sleeve "Masters, there is no full sized Quidditch field but in the dungeons there is a room designed to practice, with three rings and as long as half a field." Tolly said, then they entered the sitting room and everyone had a seat.
"Professor Snape, I think has something he wants to tell Dumbledor" Harry's voice sounded grave. "Um yes... well Headmaster The Dark Lord has discovered the location of our headquarters" Snape said with some trepidation A mixture of emotions flashed across Dumbledor's face before it settled into a small frown "Severus how did you come by this information?" Dumbledor's face was neutral "Headmaster...I would like to give you my report in private." Snape glanced around the room before sneering at Harry. "Very well Severus, Is there perhaps a study we could borrow Harry?" Dumbledor turned and smiled as Harry rose and said, "Of course Professor" Harry turned to Ginny and told her, "I'll be right back" then he kiss her on the forehead and led the two Professors out of the room
Harry led them down the hall to a staircase leading up "These are my personal chambers professors, you can use my sitting room." and Harry opened the golden doors and showed them in. Before anyone sat down however, Harry had a better idea and said "Actually I think I know a better room than this one, and its not far" Harry started to walk but Snape spoke up "Potter really, while you insist on showing off this monstrous house I really must speak with the Headmaster about. " and Snape paused just long enough to stress the words "important events" Dumbledor glared at Snape and said "Severus, Harry has been kind enough to allow us to use his personal rooms for our meeting. Lets not insult his hospitality." and his tone left little room for argument. Harry led them through the door on the left and they found themselves inside another sitting room only this one had a large six foot tall mirror in a golden frame hanging on one wall while the three sofa's faced it. Harry let them get settled and started to leave when Dumbledor told him to stay. Harry sat down and waited for Snape to start
"This morning The Dark Lord held a meeting of his top lieutenants. Before the meeting started, he told me he needed me to run a message and that I was to wait for a response. Naturally the scroll was sealed but I have been able to duplicate the seal for the better part of two years." Snape pulled out a scroll and handed it to Dumbledor, who read it with a frown on his face.
"Rookwood,
Tonight's meeting is to discuss our attack on the ministry, as you know most of the details of this plan you are excused from coming. I have a special assignment for you. You are to keep Dumbledor's little spy from being able to attend. This plan is almost more important than tomorrow nights attack on Grimmauld Place. Do not harm Snape or allow him to guess that he is being duped. He is much better at legitimacy than you are so don't even try it. It would be best to send him on some errand but I doubt you can think of one that he wouldn't expect as make-work. He has been told to wait for a response before returning. Once again do not harm him otherwise tomorrow nights plan will be ruined! And if it is you will never see the light of another day. By the time Dumbledor realizes how much information Snape has actually given us it will be much to late.
Lord Voldemort"
Dumbledor turned to Harry "Would you mind allowing me to borrow you're pensive Mr. Potter?" he asked. Harry left the room to get it from his trunk, and Dumbledor turned to Snape "How does he know Severus?" Dumbledor's voice was harsh and cold. "I assure you headmaster I was neither able nor willing to tell him where it was, I am not secret keeper after all."
"Well them I'm afraid we'll have no choice but to review each and every meeting you've had with Voldemort
Harry walked back in carrying his pensive then set it down on the table. "May we have some privacy for awhile Mr. Potter? I'm sure Professor Snape and I can find our way back to the fourth floor" Dumbledor asked Harry
"Yes Professor, umm before I go let me explain why I chose this room, this is an enchanted mirror that will show you anything that isn't spelled against it." Harry turned to the mirror and said "Ron Weasley" immediately the scene in the mirror changed to show them Ron and Hermione in the hallway snoging "oh..er..um.." Harry waved his arm over the mirror and it changed back into their reflections
"if you need professor you can use this to verify any of you're findings or to find out what Voldemort is doing now." Harry nodded his head then turned and left the room
Harry snuck up on Ron and Hermione, they were so caught up in each other a marching band could have escaped their notice.
Harry moved around to their side and brought his face to within six inches of the kissing couple before saying "Wow, its a good thing Mrs. Weasley isn't here. Both of them nearly fell over trying to separate fast enough. "Hell mate!" Ron yelled back clutching his chest
"Are you trying to scare a me to death?" Hermione was trying to fix her hair "Really Harry that wasn't funny" she rolled her eyes.
"Well come on you two, there's something I need to tell everyone in the sitting room" Harry opened the door and went in.
When Harry walked in he found Mr. and Mrs. Weasley talking to Remus, who was whispering about something, whatever it was Mrs. Weasley was turning whiter and whiter. To his surprise Ginny was curled up on the sofa petting Midnight, who was lying next to her. Harry reached down and stroked Midnight's neck and head and then leaned over and kissed Ginny on the forehead.
Harry then walked to the front of the room and waited for everyone's attention.
"Right well I just wanted to say that all of you are welcome to stay here for as long as you like." Mrs. Weasley interrupted him by saying, "Harry that is very sweet but we can't impose on you just because You-Know-Who thinks he knows where we are."
"Mrs. Weasley I had already planed on inviting your entire family as well as Hermione to stay here before I found out that Grimmauld Place had been compromised. You've made me feel at home in your house for so long, give me a chance to make you feel at home in mine." Harry's eyes were watering but no one seemed to notice except for Ginny who squeezed his hand and smiled at him.
"All right Harry, if you feel that way we'll stay. " Mrs. Weasley came over and hugged Harry tight before releasing him.
"Ok well I'd like everyone to please pick any room you want on the fourth floor, just try and avoid the two rooms at the base of the stairs going up. One was my parents suite and the other was the room Sirius used when he stayed here as a boy." Harry's voice got real quite as he finished that statement.
"There are seven bedrooms on this floor minus the two nearest my suite, this sitting room here as well as a large library which I'm sure Hermione will love. The third floor has twenty bedrooms with the exception of 2 sitting rooms, one on the left side of the house and one on the right. The second floor has another 5 bedrooms as well as a study, a sitting room, a training room as well as the second floor balcony access to the grand ballroom. And on the ground floor are the entry hall, dining hall, kitchens, my private study, the main sitting room, and infirmary and of course the grand ball room, plus the elf's quarters. Oh and I know there are four bathrooms on this floor not counting the one in my parents suite, and I believe another four on the ground floor plus the ballroom has its own set of restrooms. I don't remember how many are on the other floors though."
The group broke up to settle into their own rooms, there was a brief incident where Ginny insisted on staying in Harry's suite with him but her mum wouldn't hear a word of it. "You've just turned sixteen, much too young to be staying in a boys room, even if it is Harry" So Ginny took the room closest to the stairs as she could get. After they were settled Harry took Ginny, and Ron to go explore the dungeons, while Hermione announced she was going to the library. The twins decided to explore the grounds and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley said they would be in the kitchen.
"Hey would you two like to see my vault first?" Harry asked them "You wouldn't be able to go in because some enchantment only allows Potters in but you can look in from the outside." he looked uncertainly from Ginny to Ron.
Before either could answer Harry suddenly remembered the reason for his visit to the vaults the first time. "That reminds me when we get to the study there's something I want to show you." They were on the ground floor now and Harry led them through a small door on the left under the stairs. They followed the hall until it dead ended at a door. Harry opened the door and they were in the study.
"I should probably wait for Hermione to show you this but I don't want to forget again." He sat down on a couch along a wall and waited for them to find seats. "Ok mate, what's the big secret?" Ron asked, being his usual blunt self. Ginny was a bit more tactful "You don't have to tell us Harry." And she sat next to him and rubbed his arm.
"No, this you need to see." he said, then he raised his right hand and said "look"
"And what are we supposed to be looking at mate? you're hand is..."Ron stopped when something long and clear appeared in Harry's hand.
"Harry, what is that?" Ron hadn't taken his eyes off of the thing in Harry's hand.
"Its a wand Ron, my grandfather made it for me when I was born and left it in the vault with a note. He said it was called The Fire and Ice Wand. It's made out of diamond and has a ruby and a sapphire twisted together in the handle. The note said it is much more powerful than a wooden wand and it has some special properties that wooden wands simply can't duplicate. Like, what I just showed you with this wand, I could summon it from where ever. It was in my room on my dresser." Harry didn't mind a little lie, actually the wand had been in his robes but he though Ron might take it more seriously if he thought the wand was in another part of the house.
"Wicked Harry! Would you mind if I took a look?" Ron tried to hide the look of hope that had sprung to his face but didn't succeed.
"Sure, just be careful I don't want it blowing anything up if you accidentally use a bit of magic." Harry handed Ron the wand, whom took it and was handling it like it was a new born child. "Feels weird mate, its cold and doesn't warm up when I hold it for awhile"
Ron passed the wand to Ginny who studied it for a moment and then gave it back to Harry. "It warms for me Ron, and its lighter than my wooden wand, although how that's accomplished I have no idea." Harry tucked the wand back into his robes.
"Come on, I'll show you the vault" Harry stood up and led them down the staircase behind the desk.
As they entered the vault room the troughs flared to life, illuminating the room in the strange firelight.
"You might wanna stand back," Harry advised them. Then he stepped up and placed his hand on the engraving and said "Harry James Potter.." and the doors started to open. hmm must need the full name only the first time Harry thought as the doors swung inward.
"So why can't I enter the vault?" Ginny asked "I mean I wasn't supposed to be able to open your bedroom doors, and your phoenix is treating me like I'm family or something." Harry smiled at her. "Gin, you're welcome to try. I would love for you to accompany me inside because there is something I would like you to have." turning to Ron " you're welcome to try too mate, but it might do the same thing that happened to Hermione at the front door" Harry waited for an answer while Ron considered "No thanks mate, ill wait here and see what happens with Ginny."
Harry took Ginny's hand and stepped across the threshold of the vault. Harry let out a sigh of relief when nothing happened and turned to Ginny "Come on there's something I want you to have." Harry grabbed her hand and started to pull her after him when he heard an oath. Turning around he saw Ron sitting up. "Bloody hell, why can't I come in if Ginny can? I am your best mate right?" Ron looked hurt. "Of course you're my best friend Ron, maybe you need to hold my hand." Harry reached out and took Ron's hand and pulled him in. This time Ron didn't have any trouble passing the threshold. "Thanks Harry" Ron patted his back then went over to examine a suite of armor. Harry told Ginny to wait here while he went and got something for her. Harry went into the jewelry room and carefully opened the glass case that contained The Necklace of Tears. He carefully inspected it to make sure it wasn't too fragile then cast a quick cleaning spell to make it gleam. Harry walked out of the Jewelry room with the necklace hidden from her view and asked her to turn around while he put it on her. He fastened the clasp then conjured a small mirror. Before Harry would show her he asked her "promise me you'll keep it, and wont say its too much." Ginny eyed him suspiciously then said "Harry...you know I love you, but are you sure you wanna give me something that's possibly been in your family for generations?" Harry leaned down and kissed her and then said "Your my family Gin, and I want you to have this." He held up the mirror and as she saw her reflection her eyes got huge and she put a hand over her mouth. "Oh Harry its beautiful!" she exclaimed as she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him solidly on the mouth.
"Oh would you two get a room" Ron had finished looking at the armor and was now rolling his eyes at Harry and Ginny.
When Ron saw the necklace he said, "Blimey Harry, you certainly know how to wipe away the competition."
Harry gathered a couple volumes of the earlier family history and took them with him as he closed the vault. "Maybe Hermione can find something on the building of this house" he said hopefully to Ron.
Harry entered the study to find Tolly seeming very agitated.
"Masters, Dumbledor needs to see you. He says it's of grave importance." Tolly grabbed Harry's hand and dragged him out of the study. Harry started jogging down the hallway followed by both Ron and Ginny, when he burst out into the entry hall he saw something he thought he would never have to see again. His cousin Dudley.