Author Note: I first want to thank everyone that is following this story. I know that it is still taking a bit of time to get through as I have to edit my own writing but I do appreciate your comments and support! Also, I got myself a new computer so I will no longer need to type via a mobile device and I have been able to write in between my job so hopefully I will have more chapters for you in the coming weeks. This chapter is a bit longer than most of my others so it will hopefully give you a bit to hold onto. Please do continue to comment and review, I would love to hear from you all! Enjoy!

- CHAPTER 9 -

"So... you, well I mean, Voldemort ordered Draco to spy on you?" Hermione was trying to tie everything together.

Harry and her had been sitting on his bed for the last couple hours discussing what he saw thru Voldemort's eyes.

"Yes. Befriend me even... Maybe us? I am not too sure what he is looking for to be honest." Harry tried to explain, clearly frustrated while stirring his soup around not really hungry at the present moment, but to please his small elf that was currently cleaning his bathroom, he took another spoon full.

Hermione watched him eat a bit more before she continued the discussion, "Voldemort also mentioned the Order, right?"

She received a nod from Harry, allowing her to press on. "There must be something he knows that only Dumbledore would disclose to you or maybe the Order. Something that would help him fight you." Hermione mulled over her statement, tapping her finger against her chin.

Harry nodded once more, he had thought the same but still was clueless about what could be so important. He then saw Hermione let out a frustrated sigh.

"Either way, I don't think it would be wise to leave yourself open to Voldemort's mind." She explained worryingly, catching an irritated look from Harry, so she added "I know you are not leaving yourself open on purpose, it has to be due to the Horcrox in your head, but what if he figures it out and sends you a fake memory or false action? It might cloud your judgment."

Harry was quiet for a moment, clearly thinking over Hermione's worry, before pushing his food away. "I understand. I have been able to, in a sense, put what I call "the voice" in the back of my mind. Ignore it mainly. I know that won't work long term though." Harry explained while he massaged his temples.

"You need to learn Occlumency and Legilimency." Hermione simply stated, this earned her a very confused look from her best friend.

"Really Harry, you need to read more." She lectured with an exasperated sigh, "They are mind magics to put it simply. One to be able to protect one's mind, Occlumency. While the other, Legilimency, is to invade someone's mind. It is better to learn both to be able to understand and see when someone is trying to get into your head." Hermione explained in simple terms.

Harry mulled the information over but before he could speak up Hermione continued. "I have already been practicing with Occlumency since I can kind of tell when Dumbledore or Mad Eye try to prode into my head."

This confession made Harry frown deeply, and Hermione knowing he was about to lose his temper and go on a rant decided to cut him off. "They do it to all of us, Harry. It doesn't make it right however it is to get useful info out of us, if there is a rat so to speak." She reaching out to take his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I usually just think about something mundane, like books or homework and they leave me alone."

Harry was about to rant anyway but from the stern look on Hermione's face, he decided to reel back his temper. "Fine. But I will mention it to Dumbledore and also see if he can find us an adequate place or person to teach us." Harry huffed.

Hermione shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips for a moment before she frowned once more. "About Draco.. let him befriend us."

"WHAT?! Are you mad?!" Harry exclaimed, "If we let him in, he will tell Voldemort everything we know."

Hermione nodded but held firm. "You are right, but I don't think he will want the Dark Mark." She looked away from him and looked out the bedroom window in deep thought, "If what you saw was true, he is fearful, for his Mother only though. We can see about figuring out a way to bring them over to our side and get them to the safety of the Order."

Harry frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't think it will be that easy, Hermione."

Hermione looked back at Harry, a hint of worry but also determination in her eyes. "No, it won't. But in the mean time. We let him think he befriended us, give him only false leads. This way we can buy time til we have a solid plan." Hermione explained in a finalized tone.

-111-

First thing the next morning they left for Gringotts, Harry and Hermione had packed their belongings just hours earlier to make their way to Headquarters that evening. Before they departed, the head house elf Dipsey explained that though she was not happy to see them leave so early, that she could pop them over to the location of Sirius's home with the help of Sirius's hand written note he had left her two days prior once they were back from their business.

Now as they made their way through the bank, escorted by a security Goblin, Hermione felt a bit on guard but was trying to keep a calm demeanor.

Harry had explained over a quick breakfast that his parents had been one of the original wizarding families and were surprisingly still very wealthy. Due to that he was of course, a lord, and the last Potter heir of the House Potter and had taken the role the day he had left the Dursley home.

Though she understood everything, she was still finding it hard to see her best friend in such a huge role when he never liked to be the center of attention. She had voiced her concern to him and he had been more than understanding.

2 Hours Earlier

"I understand your worry 'Mione." Harry stated with a soft smile, "Honestly, it is still hard for me to completely comprehend it myself. But my parent's wanted me to take this role if they were to die. They wanted me to have the resources to fight Voldemort and also to be able to uphold the family's history." His eyes showed Hermione his determination, "I promise I am not letting this get to my head and I am still the same Harry."

He took her hand in his, "But you, Sirius, and many others close to my heart are the reason I didn't hesitate in taking my role as Lord Potter. I now have a better chance at keeping you all safe and also at beating him!" This made Hermione's heart skip a beat before she caught the slight change in his face.

He suddenly had a sad look come upon him, "And hopefully having a real future." he said weakly.

"You will have a future." Hermione stated firmly, a fire in her eyes. This made Harry smile ear to ear.

Present

As they stopped in front of his accountant's door, Harry took Hermione's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She felt the tension leave her shoulders and squeezed his hand back, letting him know that she was alright.

With a more level heads Harry and Hermione walked into the comfy looking office while Effie was filling out some paper work, she looked up at them when they were just a few feet away from her desk.

"Lord Potter! I am glad to see you again!" Effie greeted happily, showing a sharp toothy grin. "And I see you brought a guest!" Effie turned to Hermione.

"Yes Effie, this is my best friend Hermione Granger." Harry explained, as Hermione bowed to the small female Goblin.

"It's an honor to meet you, Madam Alfilian Jav." Hermione said in friendly and polite tone. "May your endeavors be ever close and your vaults filled with many riches."

This took Effie aback, never had a witch or wizard ever been this polite to a Goblin. It was strange but also a very nice change from the typical racist and rude customs that she had grown used to over the past few decades. Ms. Granger did not know, but she had earned much respect from Effie at that moment.

"Why thank you Miss Granger, please both of you have a seat." She motioned to the two chairs in front of her desk. "Oh and do call me Effie as we are among friends here." She said sweetly to Hermione before her demeanor changed to her business like persona. "I am guessing you are here to get James and Lily's memories for Severus Snape?" She asked Harry.

"Yes, and actually there are a couple more things I wish to square out." Harry stated, ignoring Hermione's face at the mention of their Potion Professor's name.

"Very well." Effie answered as she pulled out a small brown chest and set it on the desk. "This chest, found in the Potter Vault, holds the said memories and also small family heirlooms and jewelry." She began explaining, "Everything has been checked over by our curse breakers and has been deemed safe. All you need to do my Lord, is use your Head of House Ring to open the chest."

Harry looked down at his House Ring and after a bit of hesitation, held it up to the chest's key hole. A bright blue beam of light shot out of the ring to the key hole and they all heard the chest click open.

"Fantastic!" Effie stated enthusiastically and lifted up the chest lid.

Harry and Hermione stood up to look inside of the chest. In it, there was many jewels and rubies at the bottom. On the top compartment, Harry saw a vial with a wispy clear liquid inside. It was clearly labeled "Memories S.S". Harry took the vial and put it in his pocket.

Another thing that caught his eye was a small box that was open showing three rings. Two were simple gold wedding bands, they were resting against each other with a envelope right under them.

The letter wasn't address to anyone but in very neat and flowy letters it stated:

"Open at the Close"

Harry gently moved the rings aside and grabbed the envelope which he noticed had a bit of weight to it. He then tried to open it but no matter how he tried to rip it open, the envelope would not budge. He gave it to Hermione and even she had no luck.

"I am sorry to say my Lord, we were informed that that envelope had an old charm placed upon it by Mrs. Potter and can only be opened by you once it is the right time." Effie informed.

"And what time would that be?" Harry tried not to sound sarcastic but he was clearly irritated.

"I am not sure my Lord. " Effie answered honestly. Harry sighed and decided to pocket the envelope for now as well as the wedding rings.

"Never know if I might need them." He simply thought and then turned to the third ring. It was an elegant but simple rose gold ring with a red diamond nested in the center. It almost looked identical to his House Ring.

"Is that the Lady Ring?" Hermione suddenly asked catching Harry off guard.

"You are correct Ms. Granger, that is the Lady Ring. It holds no higher status to the Head of House Potter as that position only ever goes to the male heirs of the family but it does offer strong protection to the one partner that the head of house holds dear." Effie explained as she took the ring out for Harry and Hermione to exam closer.

"Do you have to be married to said partner for them to use the ring?" Harry asked, curiosity laced in his words.

"No."

This grabbed both Harry's and Hermione's attention. "The Potter family has always believed that love is the purest form of magic." Effie began to explain, "There is no need for contracts, no need for marriages. If the Head of House loves someone deeply enough, whether it is friendship or anything more, they will be able to bestow the Lady Ring to anyone and declare them a protected vessel of the House Potter."

The room grew quiet and Hermione looked over to Harry, he was deep in thought while looking over the ring that was now in his hands.

"Hermione.. I want you to wear this." Harry suddenly stated as he extended the ring to her. "I do care very deeply for you. You are my best friend." He began to explain, trying to build some courage. "I know you only see me as a kind of..." He hesitated a bit as it was hard to spit the word out when he wanted to be more, "Brother... "

He didn't catch Hermione's look of slight disappointment but she did notice his hesitation which made her hopeful regardless.

"You are very important to me and whatever happens, I want to make sure you are protected as much as possible." He finished, his emerald green eyes staring deeply into her chocolate brown eyes.

Hermione opened and closed her mouth, for the first time at a loss of words. "Could this mean... could this possibly mean that he might consider me more than just a... sister or a friend.." she helplessly hoped.

"Please, Hermione, it will give me a real piece of mind knowing you are safe." Harry pleaded and after another moment's thought Hermione gave in.

"Fine! But I am not putting it on my wedding ring finger!" She tried to lighten the mood and took the ring gently from Harry's hand and slipped it on her right middle finger.

"There, hap - Ouch!" She suddenly yelped as she felt her finger being pricked. She then looked in awe as a glow went over her hand and the pain was suddenly gone. She felt warm for a moment but then a bit light headed so she asked for some water.

"Oh Merlin!" Effie exclaimed, getting up from her seat. "I forgot to mention that it will take a bit of blood from you as a an oath." Effie explained sheepishly as she grabbed a water pitcher and glass cup behind her, quickly filling it up for the bushy haired girl.

"An oath?" Harry questioned, watching Hermione take the glass cup and gulp the water down. "Yes. Mainly an oath to in turn protect you and never bring harm to House Potter. If it hadn't glowed, it would have inflicted a spell to knock her unconscious and alert you, the Head of House."

"I see, but.." Harry was not sure it left her unharmed as he looked at Hermione, she was now very pale all of a sudden and was leaning back on the chair. "'Mione, are you okay? You don't look well." Harry asked softly as he rubbed her shoulder gently.

Hermione didn't answer right away but she then shook her head no slowly.

"Let me get a Goblin Healer in here, they will check her over faster than anyone in St. Maggos." Effie quickly stated, looking worried as she made a quick run out of the office and was back within a few minutes with another Goblin but this one was wearing a white tunic rather than the usual suit.

As they came in, Harry picked Hermione up from the office chair and set her on the large sofa. The Goblin Healer hovered his hand over her, chanting in what one could only presume as Goblin Language. Harry was trying not to let his anxiety show as he stood there watching the Goblin Healer do his work.

After what felt like hours to Harry, he saw the Healer Goblin reach into his tunic and pull out a small vial with blue liquid inside. It looked like a pepper up potion but Harry was not 100% sure. He saw as the Goblin turned to Effie and said something to her in the same language he could not understand. As Effie walked over to Harry, the Goblin Healer took the stopper off the bottle and made Hermione drink it all.

Suddenly, Harry finally saw some color come back to her cheeks and she started to stir awake. The Goblin Healer, helped her sit up as and in perfect English told her to take it easy and not to stand up.

"My Lord," Effie caught Harry's attention. "Is Miss Granger a muggle born?"

Harry nodded, getting an angry sigh from Effie before she continued. "Due to her blood status, the Ministry had to put a block on her Magical Core til she reached legal age. It doesn't deplete her magic or ability to learn but it is mainly to control the strength of her magic if she was showing signs of "over achieving" during her first year at Hogwarts."

Harry eyes had narrowed in a deathly glare. "Over achieving?" He asked his anger just increasing.

"Yes, the pure blood community don't want it known that a witch or wizard from a none wizard family can be "better" than them so there are some laws here to keep everything "in check" til the right time comes."

"What would have happened when she turned of age? Would she have had that same reaction?" Harry was getting angrier by the minute but was trying to keep calm. At this point Hermione was fully awake and paying attention to them as the Goblin Healer was doing another check up on her.

"Once a witch or wizard become of age, they would hardly feel a difference as their magical core would be stable enough to withstand a rush of magic go through them. As well everyone's magical strength would be different as not everyone has the same core." Effie stated.

"So putting on the ring removed the block?" Harry asked, looking at Hermione.

"Yes, she accepted the status of Lady Potter and thus whatever magic or block that was placed upon her was instantly removed." Effie confirmed, looking over at Hermione as well.

Hermione looked seriously upset but she didn't make a comment, she just leaned back against the sofa and let out a soft sigh. She clearly was still feeling too weak to even discuss what was happening.

Harry, on the other hand, was about to ask something else but was cut short as the Goblin Healer said something in Goblin language to Effie and then looked at him.

"My Lord," the Goblin Healer addressed Harry. "Since I came into this room, I noticed that your scar has been surrounded by what could be dark magic. I would like to see if I could get a closer look at it."

Harry hesitated for a second, knowing what that dark magic might be. He looked at Effie and then at the Goblin Healer before looking over at Hermione once more, she looked worried but gave him a single nod to confirm that she was okay with whatever he decided to do.

He nodded back, a serious expression on his face, then looked at both Goblins. "Before you check me over, I would like to explain a theory as to what the dark magic might be. But I must stress that this information must not be given to the Ministry nor anyone that might want to cause harm to the House Potter and it's allies."

Both Goblins didn't hesitate and gave him a deep bow. "You have our word, Lord Potter."

-111-