A/N Hi all, sorry it's been a while, but my muse took a holiday after I finished mine. Also work has been very busy, leaving me no brainspace to write.

As usual, it all belongs to JKR, I'm just having fun and not making any money.

Also, I can't believe this story now has over 51K pages hits. It is a truly humbling expereince to know that many pages have been looed at. I'd just like to thank all my readers, particularly those who have taken the time to review.

Previously

She yelled, "HARRY JAMES POTTER, DON'T YOU EVER EVEN THINK ABOUT ATTEMPTING TO DO SOMETHING THAT STUPID AGAIN!"

With that, she burst into tears and buried her face in his chest and cried, releasing all of the fear and anxiety of the past few hours and Harry held and comforted her. He carried her to the bed and they fell asleep with her cradled in his arms. His last thought being 'my angel saved me.'

When Harry awoke very early in the morning with his arms wrapped around Hermione. It was only the fact that he held Hermione and felt her breathing as well as her comforting presence in his mind that prevented him from breaking down.

As he lay there, he thought about what he could do to protect Hermione so that the events of yesterday were not repeated. He tried to think of ways to block the killing curse since neither on them were likely to survive it again.

His thoughts were interrupted when he felt Hermione stir. He gently squeezed her, sending his feelings for her through the bond. Harry felt her face, which was against his chest, crease in a smile. 'Good morning my love' she sent.

'Good morning sweetheart, how did you sleep?' he replied.

'With you holding me in your arms I was fine,' said Hermione. With a playful yet wicked smile on her face that Harry felt rather than saw, she rolled on top of him. Hermione kissed him deeply, lovingly and with a song in her heart. After a few minutes, Hermione's hands started to wander and it was obvious what her intentions were, particularly with what Harry could feel through the bond.

Harry didn't stop kissing her, but

'Hermione, we're in the middle of Gringotts.'

'So?' she replied.

Hermione could think while she was a disembodied soul, but could experience sensation vicariously through Harry. Now that she was back in her own body and could feel, she had a need to re-affirm her existence and her connection to her mate. They kissed, licked, sucked and sensually explored each other's bodies. The feedback through the bond made it a blissful experience for them both. They eventually both screamed their pleasure as they came simultaneously. Neither noticed the pulse of magic that event caused.

Afterwards, they just lay there in a blissful haze, until they checked the time and decided they should get up. After a long warm shower, they cleaned they dressed in clothes that elves had retrieved for them the previous evening. Once they were dressed, they walked out into the common area of the suite of rooms they were in. They found Luna being served breakfast by a house-elf.

Hugs and kisses on the cheek were exchanged. Luna looked at the pair with a mischievous smile. "So, you both look happier and a lot more relaxed. Would it have anything to do with the magic pulse about an hour ago?"

Harry and Hermione both immediately blushed, "a-a magic pulse?" stammered Hermione.

"Yes," replied Luna, "the floor even vibrated briefly. Did the earth move for you two as well?" she asked, her voice sweetness and innocence.

Harry and Hermione's blushes were now crimson. At this point Luna burst out laughing and said, "the looks on your faces!"

Hermione glared at Luna, "was there really a magic pulse?" she asked.

"Uh huh," replied Luna, "a very strong one."

Harry and Hermione's cheeks, which had started to return to normal, flamed bright red again.

Harry muttered, "How are we going to face Ragnok?"

"Forget Ragnok, how are we going to face my parents?" asked Hermione.

"Turning around would probably do it."

Unbeknownst to the couple, the Grangers had come into the room a minute before and heard the entire conversation.

Harry and Hermione swung round to see Dani and Emmet standing there. With mortified looks on their faces, they both started to stammer something when Hermione's parents burst out laughing.

"As Luna said, the looks on your faces," gasped Emmet as he held his sides.

Dani recovered and looked at the pair and said. "Hermione, you and Harry are married and very much in love. We're glad you were able to comfort each other, now relax."

Harry and Hermione blushed some more, but nodded and calmed down. The five then enjoyed a very pleasant breakfast and were chatting over tea and coffee when there was a knock at the door and Ragnok and Bloodfist joined them.

"Good morning Harry," called Ragnok as he entered, "I trust you slept well and have had an enjoyable morning so far?"

Harry and Hermione both immediately turned bright red yet again. Ragnok then started laughing, soon joined by Bloodfist. Ragnok then continued, "I take it I am correct in assuming the pulse came from the pair of you?" Both Harry and Hermione nodded.

Harry finally spoke, "If it caused any damage…"

Ragnok only chuckled, "No, if anything, it may have increased the strength of some of our wards. Oh, if any of our customers have dark artefacts in their vaults, it may have damaged them. However, that is against bank policy so I'm not fussed. Thank you for your concern though."

Harry nodded, "You are welcome, Ragnok. I would be a poor guest if I caused damage and didn't offer to fix it." With that, Harry bowed.

"True, and you have shown your honour such matters in the past. Your purchase of two dragons that are now rotated between a reserve and the vaults shows that." Ragnok then bowed in return.

"Before we depart Ragnok, something occurred to me. Are you aware of Lord Longbottom's actions using the Sword of Gryffindor?"

"No, would you please explain?"

With that, they all moved to Ragnok's office and made use of a Penseive again. With Luna's and Hermione's memories they showed Neville standing up to Voldemort and killing Nagini.

"Lord Potter," said Ragnok, deliberately being formal. "Would please ask Lord Longbottom to join you here on Saturday."

"Of course, your majesty." Replied Harry having noted the formality. It was, however, a little spoilt by Luna giggling. In response to the curious looks other the others, Luna shrugged and said. "He would have been here anyway, I was going to invite him as my guest."

Hermione grinned, "no surprises there then. Why hasn't he asked you to be his girlfriend yet?"

Luna smiled, "He's still a little shy, despite everything he's done."

Ragnok nodded in approval, "a warrior should be modest about his achievements. The ballads sung after his death will be all the greater."

Harry snorted, "I'm glad I haven't heard any ballads about me."

Ragnok laughed, "but then you haven't died yet either."

Harry's face fell as he remembered going into the forbidden forest, being hit with the AK and seeing Dumbledore. "If only that were true," he said softly.

Although Hermione knew, Harry had never discussed exactly what had happened in the Forbidden Forest with anyone else. He then explained to everyone what had happened, leaving out the details of precisely what he had discussed with Dumbledore.

Ragnok looked unhappy when he heard about the horcrux in Harry and had sent for the two goblin healers they had seen yesterday. The pair arrived very quickly and Ragnok spoke to them in rapid fire Goblin. After receiving an answer, he turned to Harry. "It's a pity you didn't soul bond to Hermione sooner. The horcrux would have been forced out by the formation of your bond."

Hermione immediately grabbed Harry and hugged him as she felt his emotions spike. 'Harry, no! You need to stay calm.'

"That bearded tosser! If he wasn't dead I'd kill him myself!" Harry hissed, Hermione quickly sent him loving feelings and prevented his magic from getting away from him. Harry quickly finished calming himself and, after apologising for his outburst, explained what Dumbledore had done to them. "If he hadn't interfered, the bond would likely have formed much sooner. I would have lost the Horcrux and we would have become much more powerful. We could have ended the war sooner and who knows how many people who are now dead might have survived." Harry finished bitterly.

Ragnok, clearly angry, said. "If he wasn't dead, his vaults would be closed. Even unknowingly, interfering with a soul bond is unforgivable."

Harry looked at Ragnok and simply replied, "I know, and I won't be. I am tempted to destroy the only thing he has left, his reputation. I didn't destroy Riddle because of his help. I did it in spite of it."

Ragnok nodded, "if the Goblin nation can assist you, you only need ask."

Harry stood and bowed, "Thank you Ragnok, you have already done so much."

Ragnok bowed in reply, "it has been our pleasure."

With that, after being given a last check over by the goblin healers, they were about to leave the bank and go to the ministry when they were told that Madam Bones had arrived and was asking after them.

They made their way to the conference room that Madam Bones was waiting in and went inside. Madam Bones had risen from her chair to greet Harry who was first in the door. When Hermione walked in behind him, she sat down suddenly, her mouth gaping open in shock. After a few seconds, she started talking, but not coherently. "Bt... What… How…"

Harry cleared his throat and Madam Bones mouth snapped shut and she looked at him. "Madam Bones, may I present the girl-who-lived." He said with a droll tone.

Ragnok roared with laughter and Luna giggled while Hermione mildly glared at her husband. Emmet and Dani were a little perplexed as they weren't familiar with that epithet.

With that, they sat down and explained how they had cured Hermione, including the gifts from the Phoenixes.

At this point Madam Bones smiled, "six children?" Both Harry and Hermione flamed red with embarrassment. "Possibly," said Hermione, her head down to hide her flushed cheeks. "Or it could have been intended give any children a choice."

Amelia decided she had teased them enough, so simply replied, "you might be right."

She then turned serious as she continued, "now speaking of the girl-who-lived, how do we want this reported? If we announce you survived the killing curse, the press will be all over you, but it might also discourage people from using it again. It was only a very specific set of circumstances that enabled Hermione to survive and they are unlikely to be repeated."

Harry grabbed Hermione's hand to comfort her, and himself. 'It's OK, we are both here and alive,' he sent.

Feeling his comforting presence in her mind allowed Hermione to relax a little and think. "Announce I survived, but obviously not how. Anyone who knows how I did it needs to have their mind shielded." At this point she turned to her parents with a look of trepidation, "or be obliviated of the knowledge."

Before Emmet and Dani could get upset, Ragnok interrupted softly. "We can provide enchanted objects which will protect your thoughts. These are not normally available to wizards, but for our friends, I will make them available. I must charge for them, though you will pay goblin rates as befits friends of the Nation."

Harry stood and bowed to Ragnok. "Thank you Ragnok, that is most generous. Can I also prevail upon you for wards on Dani and Emmet's house and business as well as emergency portkeys?"

"You shall have our best." Replied Ragnok.

"Harry, why?" asked Emmet.

"After yesterday, I don't trust the remaining purebloods not to attack what they see as a soft target," replied Harry softly.

Madam Bones then chimed in, "Mr & Mrs Granger, if you will allow it, I will add a Ministry alert ward. This will notify the Aurors if there is an issue and they will respond immediately."

Emmet didn't even bother looking at his wife and simply nodded. "Thank you, Madam Bones, that would be much appreciated."

Harry then spoke to Madam Bones. "Madam Bones, what of the Regent Lady Zabini and Jacque?"

Here the head of the DMLE sighed. "At her request, I questioned them both under Veritaserum. Neither knew anything about the attack. Lady Zabini is still keen to become a vassal of House Potter."

Harry was astonished by this and spoke one word. "Why?"

Hermione answered him, "Because unless we show them we hold no ill-will towards them, their lives won't be worth living. You could probably bankrupt them as well in compensation."

Amelia just nodded. "Quite correct."

Harry pondered briefly and asked Hermione, 'what do you think?'

Hermione replied, 'If it was just Lady Zabini I would say no, but do we want to punish Jacque as well?'

Since Harry agreed about that, he said to Madam Bones, "Can you please ask the Lady Zabini and Jacque to come to the DMLE offices? I would like to speak to her and I will then decide. Shall we say 2:00 PM? I have business in the alley and we can meet you then."

"Certainly, Lord Potter. I will owl you if there are any issues."

Soon a goblin appeared with two boxes. Ragnok handed them to Dani and Emmet who opened them to find a watch for Emmet and a beautiful necklace for Dani.

Ragnok gave them instructions "They will protect your thoughts and are also Portkeys to a safe area here in Gringotts. If you need to use them, ask the guards to fetch Bloodfist. The activation phrase is 'Goblin home'."

Both thanked Ragnok and bowed.

After discussing exactly what to tell the Daily Prophet, they all went their separate ways. Harry, Hermione and Luna were the last to leave as Hermione had asked for a book on Goblin customs and ceremonies. Ragnok had one fetched and handed it to her saying, "thank you, you show us great respect by wishing to learn our ways."

Hermione blushed slightly in reply, "It is how I was raised."

Ragnok simply smiled at her and nodded before turning to Harry. "Speaking of goblin customs Harry, I was looking at your memories. I found your challenges to your opponents exteremely verbose. In challenging a Goblin, a simple scream of rage is sufficient. You scream and you leap into the battle."

Harry just stared at him. "You scream and you leap," said Harry. "Great."

For those who don't recognise it, the last two paragraphs are adapted from a conversation between Louis Wu and the kzinti Speaker-To-Animals in Larry Niven's novel Ringworld. I have often thought that JKR#s goblins are similar to the kzin. Although I don't know if Goblins would attack before they were ready.

As always, please review and lewt me know what you liked and didn't like.