A/N: Apologies for any delays on getting this chapter written and published. Life does tend to get in the way at the time. Even so, we now only have three chapters left following this chapter and the confrontation everyone has been waiting for will happen in the next chapter. For those waiting on Chapter 2 of The Weasley Perspective, it shall be with you at some point within the next week as I have finally managed to break through the block I had with writing it.

Thank you to Arnel for picking up on all my careless mistakes and for the wonderful words about this chapter.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own, nor have I ever owned Harry Potter.

July 2002…

"How may Horcruxes are there left to destroy, Harry?" Remus Lupin asked once Harry had come to end of his story.

"Just two more," Harry answered honestly. "One will need to be destroyed during the final battle I have with Voldemort as I have no way of getting to it before then. The other one will be destroyed in the coming days as long as everything goes to plan."

Harry looked around to check if there were any more questions. He, however, avoided looking directly at his own father as he wasn't quite ready to deal with whatever his reaction was to all that Harry had revealed in the past couple of hours.

"I think we should leave any other questions for the next meeting, Harry," Professor Dumbledore said as he stood to address the small group. "Everyone should take the time to process all that has been said tonight. I shall contact you all when another meeting is necessary."

The meeting immediately broke up, though no one seemed to want to leave just yet. Instead, they broke into smaller groups to talk. Harry barely paid attention to who spoke to whom as he was feeling emotionally drained just from telling everyone the full truth.

"You did well, Harry," Sirius said as he came over and hugged his godson. "I know it cannot have been easy, but the truth is out there now and hopefully that will help everyone begin to move on from all the mistakes that have been made."

"I hope so," Harry replied as he felt the arms of his fiancée wrap around his waist. "I don't think I have the energy to be fighting about what happened in the past. I just want this to be over."

"And it will be, Harry," Ginny said with a fierce look of determination in her eyes. "Then, we can live the life that you have told me you want for us, including us getting married."

Harry bent his head down to gently kiss the love of his life. Before he could, however, they were interrupted.

"You're getting married?"

Harry froze at hearing his dad's voice, unsure of whether he felt he could handle speaking with him right at that very moment.

"Yes, we are, Mr Potter," Ginny replied on his behalf as Harry took a couple of calming breaths before turning to face his dad.

"Congratulations," James responded. "I was hoping maybe we could talk, Harry. It seems we have a fair amount to catch up on."

Harry looked to his brother, who he had noticed stood just behind their dad. Without saying anything, he pleaded with Matt to do something, anything that would delay this conversation for just a few days longer.

"Dad," Matt said, grasping what his brother needed at that moment, "I think it would be better if we have this conversation with Harry another day, somewhere private."

James looked at Matt before looking to Harry. He realised that they had managed to have a silent conversation, something he knew they had not done in years.

"Fine," James agreed reluctantly. "I just want to say, though, I am not even sure what to say, what to think or what to even feel about everything I have just learned. I am not sure how we ended up here."

Harry shook his head in disbelief, "I just told you how we ended up here, at least from my point of view. Even so, maybe in a few days, you will have figured out how it happened from your own point of view. I shall send you an owl in a couple of days with the details of when and where we will meet, if that is ok."

"That's fine, Harry," James said before turning to walk away. However, he paused and turned back for a second and said, "I failed you, didn't I?"

Neither Harry or anyone else could respond as James immediately walked away and out of the room. No one had expected that reaction and, for Harry, it was certainly better than he could have hoped for.

"Harry?" Matt said, snapping Harry out of his thoughts. "I know we will be talking in a few days, but I just wanted to say that I am sorry for the way I treated you. I am not even going to make an excuse for my behaviour, because it wouldn't change what has happened. I do know that I am proud of you, proud to be your brother. I don't even care that you chose to hide what you knew from us, because it was the right thing to do, given the circumstances."

"Will you help me convince Dad of that?" Harry asked, pleased to hear Matt apologise.

"Of course, I will. We both know Dad is stubborn, but he will also cave quicker if we both gang up on him," Matt replied, causing both boys to laugh. "Look, I need to go as I can see Hermione is ready to start dissecting everything that was said here, tonight, and if I don't tell her now that I don't want or need to discuss it, she will be bugging me for the next few days."

With that, Matt walked over to where Ron and Hermione were patiently waiting for him.

"Well, that went better than I had expected," Harry said, turning to look at Sirius and Ginny. "However, can we go home now?"

HP&GW

The following morning found Harry and Ginny strolling, hand in hand, up Diagon Alley towards Gringotts Bank.

"Are you sure about doing this, Harry?" Ginny asked him. "I can wait until we are married before we add me to your vault."

"I want to do this for you, Gin," Harry replied firmly. He had told his fiancée over breakfast that he planned to give her access to his vault during their meeting with the goblins. While he did have other things to discuss, like the investments he had made when he had turned seventeen, he felt like this would give them a good strong cover as to why they were at the bank. Plus, he did truly want to add Ginny's name to the vault. In his mind, they already shared everything with each other – their hearts, mind and bodies – why not add money as well? "Yes, it helps with our cover for why we are there, but I want to share everything I have with you."

Ginny sighed and reluctantly replied, "Fine. It's not like I have my own vault anyway and it wouldn't make sense to open one to only merge it with yours in a few months."

Harry stopped walking, pulling Ginny into his arms before leaning down to softy kiss her. "I know you like your independence, it's one of the many reasons I love you, but we have shared everything from the moment you joined me, Draco and Neville on our travels. The only reason I have not added you to my vault before now was because we were never in the country long enough to do so."

"Ok, I get it," Ginny said as she gently pulled out of his arms and grabbed his hand once more. "Now, let's get to this meeting before I change my mind."

"You love me too much to change your mind!"

A few minutes later, the couple walked into Gringotts and headed over to one of the counters that had no one waiting.

"Good morning," Harry politely said, causing the goblin to lift his head in surprise. "I have an appointment this morning with my account manager."

"Do you have your key?"

Harry passed over his golden key to the goblin, who proceeded to check it over.

"I shall notify them that you are here," the goblin told Harry as he handed back the key. "May I ask who is accompanying you?"

"This is my fiancée, Ginny Weasley."

The goblin gave Harry a sharp nod of acknowledgement before calling over another goblin to take the couple through to the necessary office.

The meeting to discuss Harry's vault, investments and adding Ginny as an account holder didn't take too much time. While Ginny had known that Harry came from a family with money, she had been overwhelmed by the amount that Harry had managed to save and earn in the past several years.

"You're an investor in my brothers' shop?" she asked when she noticed regularly deposits from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. "I thought Matt gave them his winnings from the Triwizard Tournament to start their shop."

"Oh, he did," Harry said as he signed off on a new investment. "I invested when Sirius brought me to Gringotts after I turned seventeen. The shop is a great investment and I believe it was my investment that allowed them to expand to Hogsmeade."

"Do they even know you are an investor?"

"Nope," Harry said as he looked up with an evil grin on his face. "I am looking forward to revealing that little bit of information to them, though."

Ginny smiled, knowing her brothers would be shocked when they found out that little bit of information. She just wished more people had the chance to see this side of Harry.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, today, Mr Potter?"

"Would it be possible to speak to Ragnok today?" Harry politely replied. "I have an important piece of business to discuss with him. I have three other people who would joining us in the meeting if he grants us the request."

The couple could only wait patiently as the goblin seemed to study them as he considered Harry's request. They both knew it had been a risk to ask for a meeting with any goblin without notifying them in advance, but they had not been able to risk anyone potentially finding out that they wanted to meet with a goblin who was so high up in the hierarchy of the bank.

"May I ask who shall be joining you if I grant the request?"

"Mr Sirius Black, Mr Draco Malfoy and Mr Neville Longbottom," Harry calmly told the goblin.

The goblin nodded as he said, "Please let them know they may join us."

Fifteen minutes later, the office was a little more crowded as three more wizards and Ragnok had joined them.

"What is it that I can do for you, Mr Potter?" Ragnok asked as he appeared to scrutinise the occupants of the office.

"I have been informed by a reliable source that there is a Dark magical object being stored in the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange. An object that I require if Voldemort is to be defeated for good."

"The goblins are very much aware of this object you request, but I cannot release it to you without an official request from the Ministry of Magic."

Harry was shocked and he suspected his friends, godfather and fiancée were also shocked at being told that the goblins were aware of the Horcrux that lurked in the depths of their bank.

"May I ask why you did not remove the object if you were aware of it?" Harry replied as calmly as he could. "If you understand the true nature of the object, as I suspect you do, why not remove and destroy it?"

"Believe me, Mr Potter, there are many of us who feel that the object in question, and many others, should be removed and destroyed," Ragnok replied, impressed by Harry's response. "However, as you should know, it is our sworn duty as goblins to protect the vaults and their contents, even if we believe, or know for certain, that something dangerous or illegal is stored here in our bank."

"I understand the position you are in and I respect the duty you have as goblins and the laws that the bank is tied to," Harry said in response, knowing what Ragnok had told them made sense. However, it didn't mean he had to like it. In all honesty, he had expected this, they all had.

Looking over to where Sirius, Draco and Neville sat patiently, Harry knew he needed to, at least, try their original plan for a potential claim for those who did not have current access to the vault. He wanted to hold to their bargaining chip if possible, but, somehow, he knew that probably wouldn't happen.

"Am I right in saying that Ministry Law also states that any Gringotts customer can come into the bank and make a claim to a vault as long as they can provide evidence to back up their claim?" Harry asked, knowing this was route they had planned to take.

"That is correct, Mr Potter," Ragnok confirmed as his eyes looked over to the three other wizards in the room. "The claim, however, would still need to be lodged with the Ministry and the vault owner notified. It is rare for these claims to happen as many are legally passed on in the event of the owner's death. When they do, however, the Ministry allows this information to be made public in the event of someone else having a stronger claim to the vault."

Harry didn't immediately respond as he needed a few seconds to think through the information and how to use it. They didn't want the whole vault, just one item. The procedures for making claims differed dramatically for both. He knew, from what Sirius had taught him, that the goblins did not care for Ministry procedures, but followed them anyway, especially if they involved the protection of gold and treasures. Yet, they did not care if someone was a convicted criminal in the eyes of the Ministry as they cared more for the gold than the person. It was all very confusing and he couldn't see a way of avoiding the Ministry being notified without offering their bargaining chip.

Harry felt Ginny gently squeeze his hand, knowing she would understand he was trying to figure out how to approach this.

"I have something I believe the goblins would be very much interested in," Harry calmly stated as he came to a decision. "While I do not wish to part with it, the need to destroy the object is far more important than keeping hold of what I currently have in my possession. I can only ask in return for your discretion and delay in letting the Ministry know about the claim that is about to be made."

Ragnok only eyed the dark-haired wizard with suspicion, not believing any witch or wizard could offer them something that would help them in the way they were being asked.

"What could you possibly possess that would interest us goblins?"

"The Sword of Gryffindor."

Harry didn't think any witch or wizard had ever seen the stunned look that currently graced the face of the goblin. He had to bite his lip to stop himself from laughing at just how funny Ragnok looked right at that very moment. He could feel Ginny's shoulders slightly shaking and he suspected that Sirius, Draco and Neville were all struggling to contain their own laughter at the sight.

"It seems that this item is of interest to you," Harry continued once he had calmed himself enough to be able to speak without fear of laughing. "Before I allow my friends to put forward their claims to Bellatrix Lestrange's vault, I wish to make some conditions with a suggestion of us making a written contract to make sure both sides keep to those terms."

"Harry, are you sure that is a good idea?" Ginny asked just as Sirius appeared to also question Harry's suggestion.

"I am certain, Gin," Harry confirmed. "Ragnok will understand that a contract is much stronger than my word and, with a written contract, we can be precise with the wording so that neither side can break it easily."

"Mr Potter is correct, Miss Weasley," the goblin confirmed. "This will also allow us evidence if the Ministry questions why we delayed informing them of the claim made. Though, I suspect that you only wish to claim the item, Mr Potter, and not the vault itself?"

Harry nodded in confirmation.

"The conditions, Mr Potter?" Ragnok asked as he picked up a quill to take notes from which to form the contract from.

"Firstly, as I have already stated, I will need you to delay informing the Ministry of the claim made here today," Harry began, "for thirty days or upon the defeat of Voldemort, whichever one comes first. Secondly, I wish to retain the sword for the same period of time as it is still currently of use for me. If I no longer have need of it before either of those time limits, I shall return it sooner."

"Perhaps, therefore, we could state that on the return of the Sword of Gryffindor, only then shall the notification be made of the claim to Bellatrix Lestrange's vault. However, the time requested will still need to be noted to make sure you do not try to retain the sword for yourself."

"Agreed," Harry stated. "However, even if I do return it earlier, myself or any other Gryffindor deemed worthy will still be able to call the sword to us if needs be."

Ragnok nodded, very much aware of the legend that surrounded the sword.

"I believe we will be able to add to the magic of the sword to make sure it is returned following its use by any Gryffindor, once you have returned it."

Around twenty minutes later, the contract had officially been drawn up and signed by Harry and Ragnok, with Ginny signing as a witness to it. Harry was glad this part was now over, and that Sirius, Draco and Neville had remained patient during this whole process, as they would be able move quickly through this next part.

"What claims are being made for the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange?" Ragnok asked once the contract had duplicated and a copy given to Harry.

Harry nodded to the three wizards.

"I wish to make a claim to the vault as the head of the Black family," Sirius stated clearly and calmly.

"I wish to make a claim to the vault as the nephew of Bellatrix Lestrange and on behalf of my mother, Narcissa Malfoy," Draco stated, following Sirius' example.

"May I ask why you mother has not made a claim herself?" Ragnok asked.

"My mother has been in hiding for the past five years," Draco explained. "While she managed to discover the location of the cup, she does not wish to risk appearing in such a public setting at this current time."

"Understandable," Ragnok replied before looking to Neville.

"I wish to make a claim to the vault as reparation for her attack on my parents, Frank and Alice Longbottom."

Ragnok appeared to be curious at the request from Neville. Harry suspected he was making another connection they as a group had made when putting this plan together.

"Your claim would have obviously been accepted by the Ministry without question, Mr Longbottom," the goblin replied. "No waiting time would be needed, but the claim would have been paid in a set amount in terms of money. I may be able to use this to make your request work without interference from the Ministry."

The group were shocked at the suggestion. The plan had been to present the sword as leverage alongside three separate claims to the vault, but none had thought Neville's claim alone could be of help. They had all been resigned to the fact that they would have to make a claim to vault in full to get their hands on the cup, even though none of them, not even Sirius, wanted to sort through a potentially cursed vault.

"How would this work?" Sirius asked politely. "You can only request individual items with Ministry approval, something that takes time, usually several months, or make a claim directly with Gringotts for the whole vault, which at most takes no more than thirty days. If there is a third option that we are not aware of, then I suspect it is the one we need to take."

Ragnok grinned, an unusual sight for any witch or wizard to see.

"It is a little-known law that we, as goblins, have within our charter, here at the bank," Ragnok explained. "It is unheard of as we do not advertise it to make sure our customers do not take advantage of it. We, like the Ministry, are happy to take reparation claims on behalf of any witch or wizard, even those who do not have a vault with us. We follow the same rules as the Ministry, in that the claim must be valid, easily proven and something that has been taken through the courts at the Ministry."

"I am assuming that those who are not offered reparations by the Ministry or are refused if they request it, can then make a claim here at the bank instead," Harry said, catching on as to why it was not well known.

"Exactly, Mr Potter. The Ministry will usually offer a fair reparation to the victims and their families. They rarely reject it either. There is the odd occasion when it is not offered or it has been rejected and it is at that point that we can step in, but only if the witch or wizard bring up the issue."

Sirius unexpectedly barked out a laugh to everyone's confusion.

"Sorry," he said as he quickly regained control. "It's just that my father would be rolling in his grave from not being aware of this little law. He would have been one of those people that would have happily taken advantage of it."

"My father would as well and he is still alive," Draco said with a nervous chuckle.

"Which is why I will draw up the contract to include a clause that will not allow you to reveal this knowledge to anyone outside of this room," Ragnok explained as he looked to Harry for confirmation of his agreement.

"Yes, I think that would be best," Harry replied quickly. "Will the Ministry still need to be made aware that reparation costs were granted?"

"Yes, but only after thirty days."

Harry smiled widely. It was perfect and Voldemort would be none the wiser of the cup being removed before it was too late.

"I suggest we get the contract written up, then," Harry replied, pleased this plan had become much easier than they had originally planned.

HP&GW

The golden cup glittered in the light as the four wizards and one witch studied it. A badger was engraved on the side of the cup, representing Helga Hufflepuff, one of the four founders of Hogwarts.

"I will never get over Tom taking such beautiful and important artefacts in our history and tainting with such Dark magic," Ginny said in disappointment after she had taken a closer look at the cup.

"Perhaps he thought that if anyone found any of his Horcruxes, they wouldn't have the courage to destroy something of such importance," Neville suggested.

Four sets of eyes turned to look at him in shock at his statement.

"It was just a suggestion!"

"No, Neville, it's a damn good theory," Harry told him. "He hid them well; we all know that. Yet, he knew, because he made far more than would be sensible, that there was still a risk of one or more of them being found. Even with all the defences, using such important artefacts added to keeping them safe."

"I would also think that if someone did stumble across one of the founders' artefacts and was not aware of the connection it had to Voldemort, then they could easily put it on display in public and no one would be none the wiser," Sirius continued. "Any of the objects would have been given the highest security if on display for the public to view and no one would have stood a chance of removing it without being discovered."

"Right, well, as much as this theory is fascinating, we do need to destroy the damn thing," Draco pointed out.

Harry held out one of his hand and, seconds later, the Sword of Gryffindor appeared.

"Nev, I think it is your turn to destroy a Horcrux," Harry said as he held out the hilt of the sword for his friend to take.

Neville shook his head in denial.

"Before you say no," Harry continued, "all of us here, bar you, has destroyed a Horcrux. I destroyed the diary and Sirius stabbed the locket. You personally saw Ginny destroy the diadem and Voldemort destroy the one in me. Draco took care of the ring after you went home to take care of your Gran. You deserve the chance to destroy one, just like Matt does."

"What do you mean just like Matt does?" Sirius asked, curious as to why Harry had brought up his twin brother.

"Matt has been through just as much as I have and he deserves the chance to destroy a Horcrux," Harry explained. "He isn't here to destroy the cup, so I figured I would offer him the chance to destroy Nagini."

Sirius smiled proudly at his godson, surprised at the amount maturity he was showing in regard to the situation. He just hoped that Harry would be the same when James and Matt came over in a couple of days to discuss how events had led to their relationships falling apart.

"So, Neville," Harry said, changing the subject, "do you want to destroy the cup?"

"Definitely."

"Let's do this out in the garden," Ginny piped up. "I don't know what sort of magical backlash the cup will have and I don't particularly want my house destroyed before we have even had chance to get the place properly decorated."

A few minutes later, the group stood in the garden. Sirius, Harry, Ginny and Draco kept their distance from Neville and the cup, but were ready to intervene if there was a problem.

"Whenever you're ready, Neville," Harry called out.

Neville gave him a nod in return before lifting the Sword of Gryffindor above his head with both hands. He held it there for a second, taking a deep breath, before he swung the sword down and sliced straight through the cup.

A black cloud exploded up into air as Neville was thrown backwards. Harry, as he ducked, cast a Cushioning Charm to soften Neville's landing, saving his fellow Gryffindor for any potential injuries. He, then, turned his gaze to the black cloud, which appeared to just hang in the air for a couple of seconds before dissipating.

"Six down," Harry said joyfully as he clambered to his feet, "one to go. Then, I can finally finish off Voldemort for good."