This story is based on characters and developed from some situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 19

A Birthday Abduction.

31st July. Day 34 continued.

The Phoenix was desperate to make contact with her new bond mate, her chosen one, but she knew she could not yet appear next to her new mistress. There were too many others around her, too many without the gift, they would ask too many questions. Her kind were creatures of legend to them, she was forbidden from appearing to them, unless they were asked to do so, by their bond mate. They could also only appear to those who already knew about their world, or they were in a life-threatening situation, not of their own making. The Phoenix would, instead, keep watch over the one she needed to be with, she would only appear if needed to protect her as was allowed, even before they bonded. She had left the old man over a week ago, to search for the one she could bond with, truly bond with, not be trapped as he had trapped her. She had not been properly bonded to the old man, he had become too tainted by a lust for power, even before he had found her.

It was a fateful day, one that she remembered as if it were yesterday, the day he had found her egg. True she had burned carelessly, where she would be found, and he had done so. She had known her burning day was close. That she should have found somewhere secluded, hidden and safe. Somewhere deep in the forest, or high on an inaccessible turret on the castle, but she had delayed for the sake of using her tears healing the newborn twin unicorn foals. Born to a dead mother, she had kept them alive long enough for them to begin fending for themselves. The foals had, as instinct told them, begun to wander, in search of the herd, and she had followed, wanting to ensure they were safe. She knew the burning was close, she could feel it, she was tired, and the two foals needed her. They wandered out onto the lawns between the lake and Castle, they had not seen anything like it, and they played, leaping about the grass, and it had cheered her. Settling in the branch of the Beech tree, suddenly the burning exploded through her, burning like a beacon, the most painful she had ever known it, startling the foals, who ran into the forest.

He had seen it, the flames had attracted his attention and while she had regenerated in the egg, he had collected it from the branch, unknown to her. She had been defenceless as he cast the spell, forcing a bond to draw on her power. By the time she hatched it had been done, she could not escape his clutches and he used her, others believing they were bonded, even though he did not know she was female. It had been foul staying with him as long as she had, his magic tasted foul and repugnant. She had, while hunting, found the foals, the herd in the forest had taken them in, and they thrived. She saw them regularly, but they did not recognise her. The forced bond had changed her appearance, so they did not know her. They asked about her often, and she reassured them that one day she would return. Over the years she watched the two grow, they were still in the Forrest, she was proud of how well they had done, though saddened they did not know her.

She had been forced to keep up the act, until she sensed here true bond mate enter the castle. At first, she had thought it might be the boy, she had sensed the danger he had been in, in that chamber, and she had been pleased to do as Hogwarts had asked and help him. That man had been alarmed when she had grabbed the sword, hidden it in the hat then flamed away. That had been the first time she had refused his call. It wasn't until she had taken the boy and his intended, although they did not know it at the time, to him that he stopped trying to force her to answer him in that time. It had been then that she had realised that she was intended to bond with him, she could not feel the pull from him, so she would need to look elsewhere for rescue.

She had felt Hogwarts perking up at the beginning of that year, as if in expectation. It had been a slight shift in the power of the castle, just as the first years had arrived, as if some elements were coming together and Hogwarts was delighted by it. She knew he didn't notice, but the link he had with Hogwarts was slipping away after that, and had continued, until just a few weeks ago, it had snapped. It was then that the Phoenix felt the castle rejoice, begin to grow again, then just over a week ago Hogwarts had broken the bond with the Headmaster, and the one he had forced to her. She was free, at last the pull to her bond mate was felt fully, she knew who it was and where she was, thanking the castle Fawkes left, and within an instant she was watching over the one she would bond with, on holiday with her family. Never again would she make the same mistake again, and she would be able to take her true form once more, and the foals she had saved would recognise her again.

Although she had found her bond mate, she could not appear and bond with her immediately, not whilst she was amongst so many Muggles. Having found her abroad, she kept an eye on her, but now her chosen one was travelling, unaware of her presence. The longer they waited, the more urgent the bonding became, yet still, it would have to wait, for now at least, hard as it was, she had to exercise patience. The family of the one she would bond to had little time away from others, in the days she spent with them. It seemed though, that at last they were moving, today, soon after they ate breakfast, they travelled to a place where they boarded a large metal bird with hundreds of others. She stayed with the one as it flew back towards their home, on one of the machines made to compensate for those who lacked Magic. At last, they may be headed to somewhere that she could initiate the bond.

The family at Grimmauld Place had enjoyed a slow morning, after breakfast, during which Harry had received an owl from little Mary with a gift for his birthday, some biscuits she had made, which pleased him no end. He had sent her a gift as well, some chocolate frogs and a tee shirt with unicorns on it, which Ginny had helped him to choose for her. Mary was having a party later and unknown to her, Harry and Ginny would be calling in for it, so he could thank her when they saw her later. They had even arranged a surprise, to end her party with, one her parents believed Mary and her friends would enjoy greatly.

Not long after they had enjoyed a restful lunch, a house elf that they did not recognise, appeared. The Elf was immediately stopped by Kreacher and Dobby, who blocked the way to their family. The family were immediately on guard, none of the Alliance members would send an Elf without letting them know, except in an emergency.

"Who are you?" Kreacher asked.

"I is being Bumble, Elf of House Dumblydor."

"What are you doing here?" The old elf demanded of the newcomer.

"I am instructed to deliver this to Mr. Harry Potter." The Elf held up a neatly wrapped parcel.

Kreacher huffed. "You may leave the gift for the Earl on that table with the others." He pointed to a table that had been put between the windows, that held all the presents for Harry that had come from outside the household.

The Hogwarts Elf shook its head. " I may not, my orders are to place it in his hand." It said flatly.

"Can we help Kreacher?" Harry asked.

"My apologies Master Harry, this elf refuses to leave the parcel it has on the table with the others." Kreacher told him. "Considering who it is from it must be checked, as well."

The Elf looked indignant. "Dumblydor's gift should not need checking."

Harry sighed. "It most certainly does, I'm afraid, please either place it on the table, or return it to him." He said.

"I mustn't, I have been ordered to place it in your hand, I's sorry." The elf lunged forward, surprising them all, dodged a spell from Sirius, another from Draco, and touched the parcel to Harry's hand before quickly popping away, before the package had hit the floor.

The parcel bounced and emitted a jet of liquid, that hit Harry on his hand, then a cloud of pink smoke rose from it.

"Everyone out, quick." Sirius shouted.

They rushed from the room, Sirius using his wand to open the windows, allowing the smoke to escape, as he left, he sealed the door, preventing any of it from spreading into the rest of the house.

"That was careless, even for Dumbledore." Draco observed.

"No, just meant to look like it." Harry observed, holding up his hand, which dripped with the liquid. "Best check what this lot is."

Narcissa conjured a crystal container and collected some of the dripping the liquid, which had left a pink residue where ever it had touched Harry's skin.

Narcissa waved her wand over it and swore. "We have a problem, the potion is enchanted to transport Harry away, the moment he leaves the wards, did anyone else get any on them?"

No one had, so Harry shrugged. "I'll go get a bath."

"Yes, and a change of clothes, but it will only get rid of the colour, it is triggered to dissipate once it is activated it won't do that until it has been." Narcissa sighed, Dobby popped away to prepare the bath and clothes for his Master.

"Looks like a trip to wherever he wants me to be is inevitable, then." Harry sighed.

Ginny huffed. "Not without back up you aren't" She said in a tone that brooked no argument and told them all that she wanted to get her hands on the headmaster to introduce him to as much discomfort as she could.

"Or a plan." Draco added, with similar determination.

Harry nodded. "Agreed, but I had better go wash this off and get changed before this contaminates anyone else."

"Fine, you go do that, we shall get everything tidied up here, then we shall work out what can be done."

Harry nodded. "Whatever that is, I cannot miss Mary's party, no matter what. I am not allowing the silly old coot spoil her birthday."

As he turned to go to their suit, Winky appeared and began to magically remove any drips that fell in his wake from the floor.

The Headmaster had just taken his latest set of potions when his Elf appeared looking rather flustered. Already the potions were having an effect, at least physically, he felt much better and was planning to take a walk into the school later this afternoon. So far as his magic was concerned, his power had begun to stabilise, Poppy said it was now as strong as it would get, but he should not use his magic too ambitiously, not for at least a month, if he wanted it to be fully usable by the time the students returned. He could not believe she was serious, and as soon as Fawkes returned, as he knew the Phoenix must, he would be back to his usual strength and ability, so her advice would not be needed. Besides, he had more urgent matters to deal with, his Elf appearing reassured him that the most urgent was about to be resolved.

The Elf bowed. "The Parcel has been delivered."

"Into Potters hand?"

"Not quite Master, two Elves tried to stop me and two wizards cast spells, which I dodged, but the package touched his hand before I left."

"Good!" Albus smiled. "Now I just have to wait for him to leave that house. Thank you Bumble, you did well, you may go."

"Yes Master." The Elf sighed and left.

Dumbledore sat behind his desk, confident his plan would work, he cast a simple alarm charm on his office, keyed to Harry, so he could leave his office and still know when the boy had been brought here. He didn't see Phineas leave his frame, Albus had been so distracted by the news, that he had not noticed that the past Headmaster had been there in the first place.

The Granger's journey home had been uneventful, for once. The flight had left on time, which Mr. Grainger had commented was a first. It had been a smooth flight, and had landed on time. Then in what they all agreed was a first, their bags appeared first on the carousel, and they went straight through the barrier and out to the pickup point at the exit of the terminal building. Mr. Granger always booked their trips through a particular agent, who provided a car and driver to get them to the airport and to take them home after the holiday. The company was relatively small, and so they knew all the drivers and greeted them as friends. Bags loaded they set off on what could be a stressful journey along busy roads home, Mr. Granger wanted to avoid the stress, which is why they paid for the car and driver.

Traffic on the drive from the Airport had been heavy, but had not caused them to stop, and it had been pleasant chatting with the driver, who they knew very well. They caught up with his news and told him theirs, at least most of it, they did not mention the Magical world of course. Arriving home relaxed and still refreshed from the Holiday, they would have the rest of the day together. They were glad to have one more night as a family before Hermione returned to Grimmauld Place. For Hermione though, it was a little bitter-sweet, she would have loved to spend the evening with her friends, especially as it was Harry's birthday, but was also happy to spend time in the house she had grown up in with her parents. She suspected they may not have much time together left, before she returned to Hogwarts.

They had arrived home shortly after lunch, they were now going through the families traditional post holiday ritual of unpacking, or rather her mother, and she were. Her father was assessing the garden to see how much work would need to be done before he returned to work in a couple of day's. After about half an hour he would come in and make a drink, before calling his ladies down to begin an afternoon and evening of relaxation. Any work needed in the garden would wait until the next day, the day they arrived home he would just give it a good dose of looking at, as he called it.

Hermione had quickly unpacked her holiday case, and checked she had everything she would need in her school trunk. She had finished before her fathers call, not wanting to spoil his tradition, she settled down to read the new book she had bought at the hotel before they had got in the taxi to the airport. A ball of yellow flame erupted above her and quickly dissipated to reveal a familiar beautiful orange bird.

"Fawkes!" Hermione exclaimed suddenly worried, she produced her wand, for once unsure what spell might be the most useful. "If you are here for Dumbledore, I know what he did and will not help him."

Fawkes swept down and slashed at her hand with his beak, then shed a tear on the wound, instantly healing it, before the young witch could react. Hermione was surprised and stared at her hand, then at the Phoenix who had landed at her side.

"Do not be concerned Hermione, I have been with you for the last two weeks, but could not show myself whilst you were among so many who do not have your gift. I am not here to do the bidding of Albus Dumbledore, I was never bound to him as I now am to you."

The voice was like music to Hermione, her eyes widened as she realised she could understand the Phoenix "You are a girl." She said stunned.

Fawkes chuckled. "Yes my bonded, he did not know because he entrapped me with a spell to draw power from me, but once free of that spell I could feel the pull to my intended bond, you."

"What does that mean?" Hermione asked.

"You have the qualities required for a Phoenix to be your familiar, we bond differently to others, we must bond with blood as we just did. If you do not want the bond, you merely say so, and it will break, but I shall then be compelled to burn and die, never hatch again. If you accept the bond then I shall burn and become an egg, regenerate for you."

Hermione didn't hesitate, even if she had not felt honoured to have been chosen, she could not have sent such a being as a Phoenix to its death in such a way. "I accept the bond with you, willingly and without question."

"My thanks Hermione, after I hatch, and for the rest of your life, we shall be able to sense each other, and you will gain my knowledge and some of my power. I shall be able to help you and your friends, I shall also gain strength from you. However, I must now regenerate, now I have bonded with you, I must burn, please keep my egg warm and safe, we shall talk again soon, though my hatching may take longer than it usually will."

"I shall keep you safe Fawkes." Hermione readily agreed as the bird burst into flames, just as her father called up the stairs to tell them their drinks were ready.

It had been several hours since the Elf had returned from delivering his package, but still the boy had not arrived. It was of little consequence, Albus knew he would arrive in this very office sooner or later. The potion was a little known one which, could not be cleansed from the body until the Portkey charm it contained had activated. He had set it to bring the boy through the wards of the school, once in he could not possibly get out again without his permission. The spell the potion carried would bring him here, to this office, where his rehabilitation to the path of the greater good would begin. The headmaster was pleased with himself, today, the boy's birthday, would see his plan beginning to be brought back within his control. He felt better than he had for a long time, almost buoyant at the prospect of his success. With his strength up, and his spirits high, he left the office to take his planned stroll in the corridors of the castle, the boy would be trapped in the office anyway. The spells he had placed would alert him to return, should the boy arrive whilst he was out, before he could again take his frustration out on the contents of the room. So he was confident enough to follow through this plan for the stroll, without concern. Rising he left the room closing and locking the door behind him, as he did Phineas, who had returned after reporting to his family from his other frame, grinned and disappeared from this portrait, leaving the room in silence.

The figure appeared in the frame at his old home, now occupied by his descendants, instantly getting the attention of the occupants of the room. "He has gone." The figure said.

"Are you positive Harry will be able to escape?" Sirius asked anxiously.

"I said so didn't I Sirius." Phineas retorted testily, this had been a discussion they had, had several times this afternoon and one he was fed up with. "Hogwarts has ensured he can leave the office, so there is nothing to worry about. Besides I shall be there to watch then gloat when old Beardy Wierdy returns. We shall summon Dobby to rescue Harry if by any chance he is stuck."

"Let's get this done." Said Harry, before Sirius could argue back. "The sooner it is over then the sooner we can get on with today, I don't want to let Mary down."

Ginny stood next to him and kissed him. "Neither do I, my love, be careful." She whispered.

He nodded then he and Narcissa left the room.

Phineas looked at the others. "I shall let you know the moment he is on his way back." Then disappeared from the frame.

Just behind the front door Narcissa looked at Harry. "Are you ready."

He nodded. "It's the best plan we have."

They opened the door and walked down the steps, the door had barely closed behind them when with a pop, Harry disappeared. Knowing this would happen, Narcissa simply carried on walking as if nothing had happened before turning to head into the nearest Alleyway, from where, a moment later, a second pop could be heard.

Vernon Dursley was, of course, unaware that today was the birthday of his nephew. At least it was not significant enough for him to remember in the absence of the boy, who had left while they had been sent on a wild goose chase to London to receive an award that did not exist. If he had, had time he may have noticed it, but it was of no consequence to him. It had never been celebrated whilst the boy was in his house, he was enough of a drain on the income they received. Today though, he had much more important concerns, he knew his hide was in danger, it looked like he was about to lose almost everything he had earned. Griphook and this Weasley person with their team had found records and documents he had believed would protect him, should his activities be investigated. He had been subjected to interrogation, accusation, and humiliation as more was uncovered. He had the idea they knew he had not revealed all, but he did not know how much they knew and was not going to help them take anything that he had hidden. It remained true, though, that he had awoken this morning the owner of a thriving business, with a healthy enough income to be comfortable and not worry financially, and now he was massively in debt, and a junior employee. His car had already been taken, the properties he had bought with the money this company had earned had been removed from him. The other businesses he had bought were no longer his, the shares he had bought transferred from him, all of absorbed into Grunnings and its owners holdings. Even so, a debt that would take most of the rest of his life to repay remained, accrued as he had spent the earnings from his portfolio, which lawfully had belonged to the company. The only thought he gave his nephew was regretful, regret that the boy was not at Privet Drive, so that he could vent his anger and frustration on the useless runt.

Harry appeared in the familiar office, directly in front of the desk, presumably had Dumbledore been there, then this was to try to enforce a subservient position on him. Glancing round quickly, he nodded to Phineas who had arrived back in his frame here. He crossed to the adjacent bathroom, washed his hands of the stain of the potion that had refused to budge until now, then returned to the office, took parchment and quill from the desk. He grinned as he wrote a brief note to the headmaster, replaced the quill then walked over to the fireplace taking a bag out of his pocket as he went. Harry looked over at the hat. "Tell him I'm sorry I couldn't stay, but I had a more pressing appointment, would you please Hat."

"I shall indeed My Lord" The Hat chuckled. "Hogwarts will open the Floo in a moment, the castle has prevented hi alarm set for your arrival, but as soon as the fireplace is open, he will be alerted to your presence, you won't have long."

"Very well, my thanks to you and Hogwarts, I am returning to the Leaky Cauldron, the wards where I am staying has blocked Floo travel from here." Harry told them, then waited a little anxiously.

"It is done My Lord." The hat announced after what seemed like an age, but was in fact only a few minutes.

"My thanks again Hogwarts." Harry grinned, taking a handful of Floo powder out of the bag. "See you later Phineas."

"Indeed my boy, but hurry, he is already at the statue."

Harry threw the powder on the fire, stepped in and called. "Leaky Cauldron." With a whoosh, he was gone.

Phineas disappeared from his frame, but returned within seconds. The office was quiet and empty for less than a minute, until the door flung open. "Right my boy, I warned you not to be so foolish, now it is time to do as I…." Dumbledore, began triumphantly, then noticed the office was absent of any sign of Harry at all.

He withdrew his wand, cast the spell to detect others in the suite that may be hiding, the result showed that no other human was in the office, or his private rooms. There was no sign of the boy, yet he could not have left, perhaps his alarm had been set off by something else, it was very basic after all, which would mean the boy had yet to arrive.

"Harry asked me to tell you he was sorry he couldn't stay Albus, he had a more urgent appointment. Quite the man, the Earl, quite a remarkable man indeed, just as I thought when I sorted him." The hat told him.

"Impossible, if he had been here he could not have got out."

Phineas snorted. "Oh he was here all right, you buffoon, but do you think he would allow himself to be put under your control again so easily. He has even left you a note. We Blacks are not quite so easily trapped you dolt, we are far more resourceful than that." The figure laughed before leaving his frame once more.

Dumbledore went over to his desk, picked up the parchment, there was no doubt of the handwriting, he read it, then sat heavily and swore. He knew he did not have the strength to pursue this course much further, not yet. He would have to hope for an opportunity to arise and hope he could act decisively to rescue Harry. The sooner the path he had laid out was restored, the better, it could not wait until his strength was recovered.

Tom was having an unremarkable day in the bar, the pre term rush was still a couple of weeks away, so business was steady rather than busy, and had been for a number of weeks. He had no reason to believe that when the door opened anything extraordinary was about to occur. He looked up in time to see Narcissa Malfoy walk in from the Muggle London side, an event he had never seen before, nor after the news of her Husbands' death did he expect so soon afterwards. She acknowledged him with a smile and a nod, now he really was puzzled, she had barely acknowledged him previously. Narcissa walked towards the fireplace and waited for several minutes as if expecting someone. He contemplated asking her if she required anything, when suddenly the fire turned green and a figure stepped out. Narcissa greeted the person with a smile, and they both stepped away from the Hearth in case others came through.

"Thank you, Cissy, glad you made it before I did." The figure laughed.

Narcissa looked puzzled at him. "I was told you usually fall when exiting the Floo, so I thought I had better be here in case."

"Ah yes, that was certainly true, not that I used the Floo much before this summer. I couldn't get it right, until we visited Griphook and his father."

"Ah I understand, my dear. It would seem that had certain things not happened to you, you would have been a natural, like your mother. Some are, others are not. Draco didn't manage it regularly until last year, but he would not appreciate me telling anyone that." She grinned, and the two turned to leave the pub.

"Thanks Tom." The new arrival called as he left with Narcissa.

"No problem Harry." The barman said automatically as they left chatting warmly. It was only after they had left that Tom fully realised what he had just seen. "What the hell just happened?" He asked no one in particular.

Once Harry and Ginny had left for young Mary's party, Narcissa and Draco made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron and though to Diagon Alley. They had made an appointment at Gringotts to enable Draco to properly claim the Malfoy estate as Heir of his father. Entering the bank, they were met by the Malfoy account manager both realising to their shame they did not know the Goblins name, despite having conducted business with him for many years.

"Dowager Malfoy, My Lord." The Goblin greeted them.

Draco had not had many dealings with the Goblin, although he had accompanied his parents often when they had, although he had been sent to his trust vault to retrieve his money, whilst they had conducted business. "Thank you sir, my apologies, but I am very much afraid that my father never told me your name." Draco said.

"I am afraid that does not surprise me my Lord, I am Floki, I have been the Malfoy family account manager for many years. You shall be the third Lord Malfoy I have served on behalf of Gringotts." The Goblin replied.

"My thanks for your service, Floki, I hope we can continue to work together in the future." Draco answered in a friendly tone, he intended that his relationship with the Elf would be more along the lines of Harry and Griphook, than his father had created with Floki.

"If you will follow me, My Lord, we must read your fathers Will." The Goblin said, unsure what to make of the new Lord Malfoy.

They walked to his office, and took seats, Floki behind the desk, where he broke the seal and unrolled the parchment and read it. Narcissa was relieved that the conditions of the will had been part of the Marriage agreement made under a Magical oath. Lucius had known if he altered it or made another, his magic would have been forfeit, there was no way he would risk that. Everything he had owned was left to her or his children when any had arrived, in agreed proportions, the oldest getting the lions share, she and any others given an allowance. There was no question that Draco was the heir, Narcissa knew that, but the Malfoys had insisted it be independently confirmed at birth, the record, and it had been. At the conclusion, a box appeared on the desk and Floki passed the ring to Draco, pausing for a moment Draco put it on.

"I just hoped it was not charmed to alter my character to that of my father." He said seeing his mother look at him quizzically.

She nodded in understanding. "No Draco, I am afraid that was his character, nothing to do with the ring."

Floki looked on, then turned to the Dowager. "My lady, I take it you would wish the Malfoy estate in its entirety to be merged once more, now there is no danger of it being given away by your late husband?"

"Yes, I believe it is time, though I will retain my vault for my own properties." She replied.

"Of course My Lady."

"Floki, now I know your name, please call me Narcissa, and I am sure my son would not mind you addressing him as Draco." She smiled, Draco nodded his agreement.

"Very well, I take it you are happy for me to continue managing your inheritance Draco."

"I am if you are willing."

"Of course, my thanks for your faith in me."

Draco smiled. "Well you seem to have acted in the best interests of my house Floki, especially regarding helping my mother to ensure all was kept safe from my fathers odd choices for it. I should mention, we shall be moving house Malfoy into the reviving Alliance, rejoining my mothers' family in it. I have already been talking with the Earl, Lady Ashmole and Lord Black, who are amenable."

Floki smiled. "A wise decision Draco, I shall speak with Griphook to smooth arrangements here."

After a few other details had been discussed, Draco and Narcissa left the bank and returned to Grimmauld Place. Content that they had done all they could, at the moment, to redirect Malfoy house away from the path of servitude, that his father had set it on.

In a factory in Surrey it had been an interesting day for the work force. Not one had shed a tear when told that the man who had been in charge of the business, claimed to have owned it even, had been exposed as a fraud. In fact not one employee felt sorry for the rude, bully and were quite cheered that he would no longer have authority over them. Vernon Dursley, the man who had been unceremoniously deposed, and his misconduct exposed, had never had such a bad start to a day, and things had got worse as the day progressed. He had been exposed as a fraud in front of his team, who now knew he did not own the company, which he had assumed he did. The Dumbledore man had signed it over to him, the stupid man had done so without argument, payment, or condition. Vernon had not asked what had given the elderly freak the right to do so, he had just accepted the deed. Now he had lost it all, Dumbledore had, had no right to give it to him. Legally apart from a salary, every penny he had taken, invested or spent from the company without the rightful owners' permission was stolen, and he had taken far more than his salary. It had also been revealed how much he had syphoned off from the company. They had generously, according to them, not charged him for the expenses of the factory, or upgrades to the machines, as that would remain with the works. He had been humiliated by this Griphook and his team, he was sure he knew the name Weasley, who was the man who seemed to be the other leading the group, but could not place it. These people had revealed his every malfeasance and abuse, which he had committed on the company.

He had tried to resign, saving some dignity, as well as erecting a barrier to them trying to get the money back, but they had not allowed that. Actually they had accepted his resignation, but instead of a fixed notice period, he would be able to leave once he had worked off, or repaid, what couldn't be recovered from him immediately. It was that or face prosecution in both magical and Muggle courts for theft. He had taken advice from a free solicitor on a helpline, who had told him to accept the consequences of what he had done, and accept what was being offered. The man had even said that he was lucky to be getting off so lightly and should be grateful. He had not liked that, but accepted the advice. Vernon was now on a much reduced wage, with no authority over anyone or over customers accounts, he would be a simple bookkeeper, with no access to company funds. His wage was to be garnished in order to pay back at least some of the money he had taken, but that was not all. As well as all the income from investments they had found he had lost some of his bank accounts, and his company car. Even so he still owed a large six-figure sum, which would take many years to pay off.

At the end of his working day he was left to walk home, a stroll he had never taken before, always using his car, he used the time to think through what he needed to do now. He had one glimmer of hope left, he had calculated that with the personal accounts and investments he had squirrelled away, hidden, that they had not found. If his idea worked, he would be able to continue to live in the manner he had become accustomed to. He would need to use most of that to pay off a chunk of the debt. Then, living off what they were paid for taking in the boy, he could keep the lifestyle they had now, and he could use his contacts to earn more on the side, to invest and start again. It was some reassurance, which he would use to appease Petunia after her shock over the house, which they no longer owned.

Suddenly he realised he was almost at Privet Drive, he looked at his watch, it didn't seem to him that the usual hour it took to get him in the car had passed. He checked that his watch was working, it was, he looked again in disbelief, then glanced at the clock on the church tower on the opposite side of the park, it matched his watch. It had only taken him half the time to get here, than it ever had done in the car. A moment later he turned the corner to Privet Drive and, wished it had taken much longer to get home. A crowd was gathered on the path outside his house, close to a large van parked on his drive. He could hear both Petunia and Dudley loudly arguing with whoever was inside with them. He could see that there were figures carrying items from the house into the van. No one noticed him approach, he recognised most of his neighbours, he heard Mrs. From next door tell one of them.

"You know it really is amazing how much they can fit in that van, it's been there most of the day, and they have not stopped loading it yet."

"So are they moving?" Her companion asked.

"Oh wouldn't that be a relief, such an appalling family, I always thought it odd the way they treated that nephew of there's, claiming he is a delinquent, I never saw him get chance to do anything wrong. Saw that whale of a son up to no good often enough, but sadly no it doesn't look like it, at least by choice going from what's written on the side of the van. It just looks like they have been living on credit they can't afford, must have caught up with them at last."

Vernon looked at the van and read the neatly painted sign. "Gringotts Bank Debt Recovery Division."

Outraged he shoved his way through the crowd. "Why don't you all clear off and mind your own business." He bellowed.

Contrary to his expectations, the neighbours looked and laughed at him.

"What's wrong Dursley, scared that we know the truth about you, too late you overgrown lump of lard, we can see for ourselves." One shouted to him to the laughter of the crowd.

"Ah Dursley, you have arrived." Said a newly familiar voice, one he had heard for the first time when he had entered what had been his office that morning.

Vernon turned, slowly and, to the amusement of his neighbours, visibly shrank. "Mr. Griphook, I did not expect to see you again today."

Griphook grinned toothily, a site that put the fear of god into Vernon after seeing it several times that day already, usually before revealing they knew something he didn't want them to know.

"Indeed, that is self-evident Dursley. As you are aware this house and its contents belong to my client as you used their money, which you stole, to fund it. You are also aware that honesty with us is by far the best policy to avoid unnecessary unpleasantness." Griphook grinned, not caring a jot that the other residents of the street were listening to what he was saying. "It seems my teams have discovered several more accounts and investments, which you did not tell us about earlier, all in your name, even some that are in other names, but that belong to you. We are therefore removing all unnecessary goods from the property, leaving you with the bare necessities you require to live, or alternatives to the more expensive versions of those goods. These items will be returned on loan once you have signed over all monies and investments not in the company name, so they may be used towards paying off more of your debts to my client, your employer. I should also mention that all payments made to you with regard to your nephew have been stopped. The amount already paid to you, minus an amount commensurate with the expenditure you actually made on his upbringing, has been added to your debt. He will not be returning to live here, not after your treatment of him following his parents murder. We assessed the amount you actually spent on him, it was less than ten percent of what you received for his keep, that which was not spent on his needs must be returned to him."

"What how dare you, that money…." Vernon bellowed, but was interrupted.

"Was intended to be spent on him and was not as you are well aware, perhaps it will do the spoilt brat of a son some good not to have his cousins' money spent on him." Griphook told him sternly, the neighbours gasping at this latest revelation, then muttering between themselves as the Dursleys stories of the boy unravelled.

He had not yet entered the house, and his life was falling apart, he could see no way out, but to acquiesce to the demands being made. His reputation was in tatters, he spotted someone with a notebook and camera, who he guessed was from the local paper, in the crowd, he knew once it was published all would know what he had done. He heard people talking about the behaviour of his son in the area, discussing what they had observed of "Poor Harry!" As they seemed to be calling the brat now.

How dare they, he had welcomed the boy into his home, raised him, given him all he deserved, what did they know of his freakishness, his abnormality. They were ignorant of what he, his wife and son, a nice respectable, normal family, had been required to put up with, for little reward. He was furious as he was led into his home by Griphook, to sign over the last of his assets, his plan for recovery in tatters.

Half an hour later the Dursley's were penniless, owned a lot less than they had believed they did at the start of the day and in massive debt. Once Vernon had signed over all his accounts and investments, Griphook had snapped his fingers and the furniture they now had on loan reappeared, exactly where it had been taken from. Petunia's protestations had subsided to sobs, as she saw her husband signing away the life they had enjoyed, Dudley simply sulked in the corner. They had both been as obstructive as they could when the Gringotts staff had arrived. They had continued arguing throughout the day, as their belongings were searched and removed, but nothing they did stopped the process going on around them. Now they were just exhausted, physically and emotionally. They would have ordered a takeaway to be delivered, but had no cash to pay for it, their cosy little life had crumbled about them, publicly. Vernon had been correct about the lady with the camera, she was a reporter, she had turned up earlier and tried to interview Petunia, and the workers sent here by Griphook. The neighbours had been enthusiastic to speak to the Journalist, once he had come into the street, when they saw that Griphook and his team were there. A photographer had arrived as well, he was pleased with a shot of a furious Vernon arriving, whose temper snapped, bellowing from the door at the crowd. Worse, Griphook would be back early the next day to make arrangements for the debt recovery.

Only Dudley ate normally that evening, tucking in to a family size ready meal lasagne, whilst his parents both nibbled at sandwiches. They had just finished their meal, when the phone rang.

"Oh surely not more Vernon, I don't think I can take much more." Petunia wailed.

"It better not be that ruddy Journalist." Vernon replied, getting up to answer it. "If it is I shall give her what for."

"If it's Piers, tell him I'll meet him and the at the park." Dudley shouted after his father.

His mum looked at him sharply. "Surely you are not going out tonight, Dudders."

"Don't see why not, I've been stuck here all day." Her son retorted, he wanted to relieve some of his pent-up anger in the neighbourhood.

Vernon answered the phone, after a pause his voice sounded quite relieved. "Oh Marge, how good it is to hear your voice, we have had the most awful day imaginable."

Relieved it was her sister-in-law and no one else, Petunia sighed. Knowing that Vernon may wish to speak with her at length, she picked up one of the kitchen chairs and took it into the hall for him. He smiled in gratitude to her while he began to tell his Sister of the events of the day, he sat down, and she left him to talk. She returned to the kitchen to plead with Dudley not to go out, but the room was empty when she entered it. Her son had left by the back door while she had taken the chair to her husband, she sat in her chair at the table and gazed into nothing. For the next hour, while her husband was on the phone to his sister, she sat there, alone, with only her thoughts for company. The dirty pots from their meal remained untouched on the table, something that had never happened before in the Dursley house.

Harry and Ginny stepped from the Floo in the family lounge at Grimmauld Place, tired, but happy having successfully surprised young Mary at her birthday party earlier in the afternoon. It had been a surprise to Harry just how much energy there was at a children's party. It was his first experience of one, he had never been allowed to even be in the house for any of Dudley's of course and the Dursleys never held one for him.

They had arrived, as arranged, in time for the children to settle for their tea, they had listened as the excited children ate the party food, some of which had been put aside for them and the other adults present. Then came the time to reveal their presence, to the children. It seemed that Marys friends knew what to expect, they quieted as curtains were drawn and the lights in the room were dimmed. All their heads turned to the door in excited anticipation. Harry started singing Happy Birthday, from out of site behind the door, the children automatically joining in, while he entered the room carrying the cake, complete with lit candles, followed by Ginny. Mary, who was wearing the T-Shirt they had sent her, was wide-eyed in surprise and squealed, as only excited little girls do, in surprise, when she saw who it was carrying her birthday cake in. He carefully placed the cake on the table while the song continued, and she leapt from her chair to hug him. The song finished, as he returned her hug. Her friends suddenly excited again as they realised, in awe, that Harry Potter had come to their friends' birthday party.

Mary still clung to him while she blew out the candles, then asked her Dad to re-light them, so her friends could sing to Harry as well, and he could blow them out. It was his Birthday too, after all, so he had to have candles like she did. Harry was very pleased to oblige, and then had a couple of surprises of his own for her. First he handed her an envelope, she looked puzzled than opened it. Inside was the invitation for the family to the Garden Party at the end of August. She squealed in delight again, and showed it to her parents, who smiled widely, they had not known he would be asking them to it specially, rather than a general invitation.

The second surprise had been an idea he had, once he had realised that she and her parents lived next door to the cottage in Godrics Hollow where his parents had died. When they had made the arrangements to come to the party, he had asked her parents if she would like a ride round the lake on one of the trains as part of her party. They had thought it would be a great way for the party to conclude, so he had arranged with Elie and Titch for it to be arranged. The two Elves had reported that all was in order for it and the other Abbey Elves had been excited to have visitors and to have a train run round the grounds for them, especially on Harry's' birthday. So after the cake had been taken back to the kitchen to be cut, a task Winky would be undertaking, while they had their trip. That meant all the adults could join them too, apparently a number of the children's fathers had been excited when they had been told, but had been warned not to tell their child about it. Now it was time for Harry to announce the surprise.

"So Mary and everyone, Ginny and I have one more surprise for you, a treat for you all." He paused as all the children fell silent. "You will need your coats, because we are taking a short trip, so go get them and meet us at the front door."

The children's anticipation had grown, they left their seats and turned to discover the Adults all had their coats in their hands and had already put their own on. The sound of twittering of young voices trying to guess what would happen between each other, filled the room while they put their coat on. Mary rushed back to Harry, to hold his hand as he went to the front door, he had glanced out of the window as he rose to make sure the first stage of the trip was ready.

"What is it Harry?" Mary asked him.

"You will find out soon, I think you will like it though." He grinned.

"Will it be fun?"

Harry nodded then spoke to all the children, gathered expectantly in front of the grinning adults in the hall. "Right, if we are all ready, let's go."

Opening the door, Harry led them all outside. In front of the house was one of his cars from the Abbey, the interior magically stretched, so they all could sit in it comfortably. Harry had been reassured that all those present were aware of Magic, so there would not be any problem with the Statute of Secrecy. In fact, he had been told that most of the Muggles, who lived in Godrics Hollow, knew about it, but were unable to talk about anything they saw.

Once everyone was settled in one of the seats securely, the Elf driver set off at a sedate pace, past the cottage, took the sharp turn into the lane behind it and up to the gates, which to the awe of the children opened automatically to let them in. They all knew that the Abbey was there, but had never been in, Mary looked at Harry questioningly.

"This is where you will be coming at the end of August to, Mary. I found out that my family own this place, so this is now my house, we are next door neighbours." He told her.

"Wow!" Mary exclaimed in awe.

"Yes, but that is not the surprise." He grinned.

The car made its way steadily up the drive, over the railway lines, the children looking out of the windows in anticipation. It turned off the main drive before they left the trees, they entered the stable yard, where it stopped near the platform, where the model of the Hogwarts express locomotive stood, simmering away with the observation car attached. The engine whistled a greeting as the car doors opened and excited children emerged followed by the adults.

"Right so who would like a ride on my train set." Harry called out, the children cheered in response, so did the Adults as well.

The cab of the Locomotive and the roof of the Carriage were festooned with balloons and streamers. A board at the roofline of the coach declared that it was Mary's Birthday Express, in gold lettering. Harry had insisted that it should be for Mary, not himself when the Elves had suggested it.

With the distinctive sweet smell of hot oil and steam, hanging in the air, led by Harry, Ginny and Mary, who had not left their side, they all walked over to the short train and got in. The children gasped as they walked in, amazed how big it appeared to be. The inside of the coach was decorated to suit Mary, but there were two banners at the end of the Carriage nearest the locomotive, one proclaimed a Happy Birthday to her while the other was the same message to Harry. Refreshments were available for them all at the bar and a bench seat had been put in place, for the children to sit on to look out of the back window as they travelled round the line. Before they set off Ginny told them all where everything was, in case it was needed during the journey.

The Elf leant out of the window, blew his whistle and waved the green flag. There was an answering toot of the locomotives whistle, and with a loud chuff from the chimney the train gently set off. During the trip, which was enjoyed by all, Harry and Ginny got to know all the children, who excitedly looked out of the windows, at everything they passed, the Elves keeping them supplied with drinks. They screamed happily through the tunnel, chattered about what they could see as the train steamed round the lake, were amazed at the view out from the bottom end of the track. Titchy told Harry that they had been practising with the Battleships, so a couple of them would be cruising on the other side of the lake.

"Harry there's a ship on the lake." One of the children called.

"No there are Three, look." Another called.

All the children had looked in awe as the small flotilla of the model aircraft carrier and two frigates sailed past them gracefully. It was the first time Harry and Ginny had seen them too. They had not expected them to be quite so big as they were, they could see it would be quite possible for one person to ride in each quite comfortably as they controlled it. The next excitement was the ruins, river and ponds, before they passed through the rockery and gardens. The dads were intrigued to see the other Locomotives arranged round the turntable, through the open doors of the round house, Harry noticed that a freight train had been loaded with Track panels, five high on each waggon, Titchy said they were beginning to place them ready for doubling the track.

The Children were excited as they passed the house, where two more Banners had been placed, one wishing Mary a Happy Birthday, the other the same for Harry. Elie had ensured Daisy was occupied elsewhere, so she did not inadvertently scare the children by chasing the train as they passed over the lawns next to the wall. They arrived back at the stables and the train stopped, the children disappointed journey had ended, but happy they had been on it. Each one of them lined up on the platform to thank the driver and Fireman in turn, before they thanked the other Elves as well. They got back in the car, which had turned round while they had been on the train, ready to take them home. Winky had prepared a bag for each child, with a slice of cake and other treats for them to take home with them. Each child had thanked the driver, who grinned as wide as the children. Each one also thanked Mary, her parents, Winky, Harry and Ginny excitedly as they collected their bags and went over to their parents. The children talking about how cool it was that Harry came, and telling those who had not stayed at the party all about it. Many of the Dads hung on to ask Harry about the trains. It was a tired, but very happy Mary who, after all the guests had gone, hugged first Winky, then Ginny and Harry, whispering her own thanks to them. Then she and her parents, said goodbye to them as they had Flooded home, with time to rest, before the evening events would begin.

They had, in fact, rested well and changed ready to greet the guests for Harry's first proper Birthday party. The young people of the alliance who had been in that first meeting, arrived in time for a formal dinner and a celebration afterwards in Grimmauld place. The Weasleys still in the house, together with Remus and Tonks had joined them. After the dinner, the informal celebration began, in the garden at the rear of Grimmauld place. It started with Harry opening his presents from family and friends, during which they had all simply enjoyed talking with each other and enjoying the Butterbeer which flowed freely. Once the presents were opened, some of which had been quite amusing, someone, realising Harry had never had a party growing up, decided, with Sirius, Remus, and Draco's help, that he should not miss out. They began a series of them all playing children's party games, that they remembered from their own childhood parties. The results were hilarious, not one of them taking the games seriously. Eventually, the party wound down, and their guests began to leave. Once it was over, the occupants of the house retired to bed. Despite the blip thanks to Dumbledore, it had certainly the best birthday Harry could remember. He and Ginny laid in bed after everyone had gone.

"Thank you." He whispered to her.

Ginny smiled and kissed him. "You deserved it, it went well apart from the little adventure to Hogwarts."

"Even that was fun in the end."

"Not for us Harry, it was awful waiting wondering if all had gone well." She said.

"Mary and her friends had fun." He smiled.

Ginny nodded. "I think you are building a little fan club in Godrics Hollow, you know. You were great with them Harry, a natural with them."

"I don't know about that." He blushed. "You are though, I might be the celebrity to them, but they loved you too. I am just glad they all enjoyed it."

"Hmm, maybe." She responded.

Harry sighed. "There was a parchment from Gringotts, when we got back from Mary's. They audited Grunnings today, apparently, there was a lot to uncover, but it is now fully part of Basilisk Holdings, only a few of them had noticed that had been added to the signs and letter heads, oddly. It seems we own a lot of land, property, and businesses in Little Whinging thanks to Vernon's embezzlement of company funds."

"So even more companies to bring into the fold, what did Griphook say about them, are they going to be useful?"

"Not sure, Griphook wants us to meet with the managers, so we can assess them, see the property's too. Looks like tomorrow before the season begins, but there is a downside."

"Oh?"

"One of the properties, it's the Dursley's house."

"Well in that case would you prefer to wait until Hermione gets here before we go to it, a few more of us to back you up?"

"That's a thought, I'd forgotten she would be back tomorrow, Neville will be pleased." Harry grinned.

Ginny grinned. "He can't wait to tell her about the Ministry Ball and the invites he has for the season, after tomorrow it should be fun."

1st August. Day 35.

Griphook and Bill arrived promptly at Seven Thirty in Privet Drive to complete this stage of their work, they entered Number four with only the briefest of knocks on the door, which opened magically for them. They found the Dursley's eating breakfast. Vernon stood as they came in. "Ah good, you are here. I have decided that I shall not work for whoever it is that now owns Grunnings, I therefore tender my resignation effective immediately."

Griphook grinned, making the Dursley's collectively shudder. "You have a proposal to repay the remainder of your debt I assume, then Dursley, in order that your resignation be effective?"

"We shall be paying it in full and vacating this house. We shall have the money by this afternoon when my sister arrives, we shall be moving into her house for the time being. Her friend and neighbour has offered me a consultancy role in his company, recognising my abilities, now lost to this Earl of yours in his ingratitude for my keeping his business going all these years." Vernon gloated. "Of course we shall require him here this afternoon, to personally sign papers confirming this business is finalised by our actions."

Griphook nodded. "You are in no position to make such demands, Dursley. We shall see if he wants to be bothered with you, after all, he may not wish to meet such a dishonest person who has been caught trying to steal from him and his employees. Whether he comes here or not is immaterial to your debt. You are required to pay what you owe, before you leave his employ, frankly you are lucky he has been generous to offer that to you, many wouldn't have been so lenient. However, he was planning to be in this area to view the additions to his holdings, which we discovered yesterday. Don't expect him to be intimidated by you Dursley, he is well aware of you and how you behave as well as the rest of your family. He wants nothing more than a resolution to this and to have nothing more to do with you again. Assuming all will be in order this afternoon, you shall have a week to vacate these premises, no longer, we shall have new tenants ready by then. We shall see you at our convenience this afternoon, possibly with the Earl." With a click of the Goblins fingers, he and Bill Apparated away.

Authors Notes:
Hope you enjoyed it.

My usual thanks to you all for reading, reviewing etc this story and my profile. Also my thanks for your continued good wishes, I am still progressing in the right direction, though it is now estimated that it will be at least another 12 months before I am back to full health again. However I keep cheerful and optimistic. It is quite theraputic to steadily work on this story as and when I can, it certainly cheers me to read your comments.

Anyway, until next time.

Best wishes.

Tgfoy