-Chapter 11-
Elder Silver looked over at the goblin healer, "Gulf-lick, the vial of goat blood please."
the goblin healer, Gulf-lick, pulled out a small black vial and handed it over to the elder. He then took three steps back from the bed that Harry was laying on and took out what looked to be small elephant tusks.
Hermione looked over at Harry, and for a split second, she noticed him glance at her and give her a quick smile. 'He'll be okay.' She thought to herself repeatedly, taking a calming breath and watched as Elder Silver started the ritual.
"My Lord, I will now begin the Ritual of Exile." Elder Silver explained, waiting for Harry to nod in acknowledgment.
Once harry gave him a quick nod, Elder Silver took a deep breath then began chanting, his voice was low and rough while he spoke in what Hermione could guess was Goblin Language.
The elder took off the stopper of the black vial and he poured a good amount of dark red liquid on his palm. He then dipped his long clawed finger into the liquid and smudged a good amount onto Harry's lighting shaped scar.
Gulf-lick then started smacking the elephant tusks together in rhythm with Elder's low chanting which seemed to be getting louder and louder after each smack.
Elder Silver then emptied the rest of vial into his hands and rubbed them together. He stepped even closer to Harry and placed both hands on his head before looking deep into Harry's eyes while growling out the chant.
In just seconds, a blood curdling scream made Hermione's heart stop.
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Harry was gripping onto the sides of the bed, his screams echoing all around the room. It took everything in her not to run to his aid.
Hermione watched in horror as Elder Silver kept chanting, his eyes locked with Harry's as he continued to scream. Suddenly, slimy like black liquid started to ooze out of Harry's scar. His screams seemed to quiet just a bit and Hermione could hear him grunt and moan in resistance and pain.
Then, as soon as they started, the screams completely subsided and it seemed like he passed out. The black liquid had made its way completely out of his scar, it just kept oozing out til it hit the floor of Effie's office.
Gulf-lick got close to the liquid and smacked the elephant tusks faster and harder. The liquid seemed to have a mind of his own and visibly shook after each bang. It tried to flee but Gulf-lick kept it cornered, Elder Silver came up behind Gulf-lick and chanted with a booming voice at the liquid. Suddenly it started dissolving and smoke replaced it in its wake.
The smoke then made the shadowy figure of Voldemort. The room got colder, deadly even.
"HARRY POTTER.." It hissed menacingly, "HARRY POTTER WILL DIE!"
The shadowy figure launched itself at Harry but Elder Silver was faster and blasted the shadowy figure out of existence with a loud "BE GONE!" and a wave of his bloody hands.
A blinding, silver light washed over the room then as soon as it appeared, it was gone. Harry was stirring awake, as they all rushed to him. Hermione already firing rapid questions.
"Harry, are you okay?! How do you feel?!" She looked Harry over, He was super pale, dark circles appearing under his eyes and his scar was bleeding out. She then started questioning the Goblins in the room. "Did you get it?! Is Harry going to be okay?!"
Elder Silver still had a serious face as he cleaned himself up and walked over to Harry. "I am sure we were able to get the Horcrox out, there is no longer a dark aura around Lord Potter's head but let Gulf-lick run a diagnostics test to see what dark magics lingered."
Hermione nodded and stepped back to let Gulf-lick run his hands above Harry, chanting softly in goblin tongue. A smile spread on his face. "The good news is that the Horcrox is completely gone." His hands stopped hovering and he frowned, "The bad news, his body is shutting down and quickly."
Hermione and Effie gasped, but Elder Silver acted quickly. He ran to his jacket he left on one of the sofas and pulled out a large flask with a sparkling purple potion from the inside pocket. He then rushed back and lifted Harry just a bit.
"I'm sorry my Lord, this might taste sickly sweet." Elder Silver explained as he force fed the potion to Harry.
Harry coughed and tried to spew out the potion but suddenly his skin returned to a healthy pinkish hue. The dark circles now completely gone and his scar was a faint memory and barely visible.
-111-
"Uuuugh.." He let out a moaning grunt and tried to sit up.
"Hey, take it easy Harry." Hermione murmured as she put her hand on his back to help him up.
He tried to look around the room but everything was blurry as if he didn't have his glasses on. He touched his face and they were there as always.
'Maybe they got dirty?' he thought to himself as he took them off to clean but stopped short.
"Whoa!" He gasped
"What?!" Hermione asked worryingly.
"Seems Lord Potter no longer needs the use of his spectacles." Explained Gulf-lick, as he did another diagnostics test on Harry.
"How is that even possible?" Hermione inquired, as Harry got up and stretched.
"The Horcrox was hindering his body's development." Elder Silver simply stated as he put his suit jacket back on. "The evil thing was in his forehead so its not surprising that it effected his eyes."
Hermione nodded as she took a mental note to keep an eye on Harry as he slowly gets accustomed to his new eye sight and possibly other new developments.
"My Lord, it seems that the Horcrox and any lingering effects are now, officially, gone!" Gulf-lick explained happily, he then waved his hands over Harry, magically cleaning him up so there was no more blood on his face.
Harry smiled wide but then he frowned. "Won't Voldemort know?" He asked them all with a worried look.
"My Lord, Gulf-lick and Effie let me know of the other Horcroxes that might be out there before I came into the room." Elder Silver began, Harry looked over at said Goblins and they had the credence to look guilty as they had promised to keep that info to themselves. Elder Silver didn't miss the looks.
"They did make me do a blood oath before they told me anything, so don't be too hard on them."
This Harry's glare soften and he gave them an understanding nod.
"However, I think I might be of help. As head of Gringotts and also the Head of the Goblin's Curse Breakers, I can see about helping you find these vile objects and destroying them."
Hermione gave Elder Silver a hopeful look at this offer but Harry only seemed more worried. "But we are not sure what they could be. We already destroyed the Diary and Obviously the one in my head... we think there is more but I honestly will not know any more til we talk to Dumbledore."
Elder Silver nodded understandingly, "Well, we will wait til you have more information." He then gave Harry a reassuring look, "As for Voldemort knowing, it is impossible for him to. Any goblin rituals done here will not be signaled to the outside of this building. If you have a connection, as you have told us, he would not be the wiser."
"Borderline and Tracker Magics, I figured as much." Hermione mused. "No one except goblins can apparate in or out of Gringotts, at first I thought it was a common ward but when you think about the security details they have to keep the vaults save, its no wonder that any type of magic, especially goblin magic is concealed. Keeps the ministry out of their hair."
Elder Silver and Effie smiled at Hermione and both confirmed her assumptions before turning to Harry.
"As for more info regarding the Horcroxes, I will send my men to search all of Voldemort's follower's vaults." Elder Silver simply explained, "We do weekly check ups already so it should not rise any eyebrows."
"While they do that, I will reach out to you once you are at Hogwarts via your head of house to avoid owl interception." Effie explained, watching Hermione and Harry visibility relax. "But if you hear from Dumbledore sooner regarding more information about Voldemort, make sure you notify us sooner."
Harry nodded, though it would be hard trying to find the best way to communicate with them while in Sirius's home, he and Hermione would find a way.
"As for your recent oath," Elder Silver got their attention, "We, the Goblin Nation, are very honored and will not let you down." he bowed to Harry before leaving the room, goblin healer Gulf-lick following right behind.
-111-
"Well, before you leave my Lord, is there anything else you need me to take care of today?" Effie brought them right back to Potter Family business as she went to sit back down at her desk.
Harry nodded before both him and Hermione went back to their seats.
"Right, last time I was here, you let me know via my banking statements that I own 75% of the Daily Prophet." Harry started while ignoring Hermione's shocked face and getting a nod from Effie while she pulled out the necessary paperwork.
"Well I want to sell it." Harry stated firm.
"My Lord!" Effie exclaimed, "Not to be out of line, but that would also mean your money contributions to the company will cease."
Harry smirked a bit smugly and nodded. "I assumed so. I do not want to give money to a company that slanders me and my friends and family."
"I completely understand My Lord, but perhaps, to avoid a scandal, for now we could mail the Editor in Chief and come up with a resolution?" Effie suggested carefully.
Harry expected this and his smirk widened just a bit. "Fine, I can do that. Please mail them this." Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of parchment. "This states that if they continue this slander, I am going to sell my shares and completely cease my contribution to them." He handed the parchment to Effie and as she looked it over, she got a wide eyed look.
"My Lord.." Effie looked up at Harry who nodded, "What you read is correct, the last line is so they know I am serious. I do hope you agree with this Effie, I need you on my side on this."
Effie re-read the last line on the small parchment. 'If slander continues to be a problem. I will not only withdraw my contributions and sell my shares but I will invest provide all the funding I have set away for the Daily Prophet to a competing paper.'
Harry gave her an earnest yet charming look, which made Effie try to fight a smile on her lips.
"Okay My Lord, but just know I'm just worried about your finances." Effie gave in, making Harry smile.
"I am aware, but I have an inkling that they will give into my demands."
During this entire interaction, Hermione was more than a bit confused, and honestly very irritated since she felt she was missing a lot of the story. Harry noticed this and mouthed 'Later' to her to indicate he would explain everything in do time. Hermione huffed a bit but nodded.
Effie scribbled a couple of things in her note pad and also asked Harry to sign a few forms for legal purposes before she asked if there was anything else.
"Yes, can you make sure that the Grangers get a protection ward done around their home. It will give me peace of mine that Hermione's parents are safe while we are at school."
Hermione looked at Harry it utter surprise, "Harry, you don't have to d-" she was cut off with a wave of his hand.
"Please Hermione, I may have only met them once but I know it will give you peace of mind. Let me help." Harry looked at her with a pleading look.
She had to admit, it made her feel a lot calmer knowing her parent were out of harms way. So she gave in to his pleading look and nodded in acceptance.
Effie was already finished with the needed paperwork for that request while they talked and had Harry sign once more.
"Alright, we have much work to be done!" Effie said as she finished up filing the paperwork and looked up at both of them.
"Oh, just one last thing," Harry added quickly before Effie decided to shoo them out, "I need about 1,000 galleons from my vault. That should last me for the year." Harry explained, and with a snap of her fingers Effie conjured a purple money bag for Harry and had him sign a withdrawal form.
"Wonderful! Thanks for everything today Effie." Harry thanked the goblin with a small bow which made her blush.
"My pleasure My Lord, Ms. Granger"
-111-
It was already 2pm by the time they made it back to Potter Manor. Dipsey had been a bit worried and slightly lectured Harry over being late for lunch which amused Hermione. She had taken notice that the elves at the Potter Manor more like family than servants and though she was still not okay with some practices she was sure Harry would treat them well.
As soon as they ate a bit of late lunch, Harry delved in deeper about his wealth with her. Explaining the first Gringotts visit and the memories they retrieved as well. Hermione saw that he was a bit overwhelmed with this as he never really thought he was that wealthy and was already dreading what Ron's outburst when he found out. She however decided that whatever the out come, she would stick on Harry's side. She already made the mistake last year to take Ron's side when it came to them two being at each other's throats.
As they continued lunch, Hermione felt it was a bit weird to see Harry without glasses, she started noticing that he looked a little less like his father without them and more like the strong willed mother. But when he smirked, you could see his James side showing which did make her a bit dizzy.
Once lunch was over and done with, they double checked their belongings, mainly Harry's trunk and backback since Hermione only had her small bag, then made their way out of the Potter Manor wards with Dipsey. She let them know that many of the Potter elves already left to help out the castle and that she would be just a shout away if anything was need. She also made Harry promise that he and Hermione would be back for the winter holidays which Harry said he would try to make sure of.
As soon as they were out of the wards, Dipsey side along apparated them to a small and secluded park facing a trio of town homes. Looking up, Harry saw buidling numbers 11 13 and 14.
"Here Master Harry." Dipsey said as she handed him a piece of paper. She then gave Harry and Hermione each a hug. "Bye Master Harry, Ms. Granger! Have a good rest of your summer and see you around Christmas! " Dipsey happily whispered and then popped away.
Harry smiled where the elf was once standing and then looked down at the small parchment.
"Don't read it out loud." Hermione explained as he opened his mouth and then quickly shut it.
So he looked down at what was written once more, 'The Black House is located at 12 Grimmauld Place.'
Once Hermione was sure he mentally read the sentence, she then took the paper from him and started pulling him towards the town homes.
Suddenly a new town home started to materialize in front of them, between #11 and #13. Hermione climbed up the steps with Harry in toe, he noticed that a plaque next to the door read '#12'.
"You have to be very quiet while walking in, I will explain why later." Hermione whispered to him as she opened the door gently.
She slid inside and Harry quickly followed, making sure that his trunk did not make too much noise.
They were then in front of a long and narrow hallway, one door at the end while there was stairs leading up to their right.
"Leave your trunk here, I am thinking everyone is in the kitchen." Hermione whispered to him and took a hold of his hand.
They made their way to the door at the end of the hall, and they could hear people talking as Hermione gently pushed it open.
Everyone got quiet, a sea of red heads turned to look over at Harry and Hermione as they made their way through the door.
They were all seating at a long dining room table, in what looked to be a kitchen. Molly was severing tea to Arthur and it seemed all the Weasley children were playing a game of exploding snaps. Sirius and Remus were reading the Daily Prophet at the head of the table.
They all seemed to be stunned by the sudden appearance of Harry and Hermione.
"Hey gu-" before Harry could even finished they all ran up to welcome him, especially Molly.
"Harry Dear! We weren't expecting you for a couple more weeks!" The older red headed woman exclaimed as she gave Harry a bone crushing hug before she hugged Hermione hello.
"Yeah, we weren't either, but something important came up." Harry explained as he hugged everyone else and shook Arthur's hand. He then took notice that Ron stayed sitting, a look of irritation flashed through this face before he gave him a forced smile.
"Hiya mate, glad you're here." Ron simply said and Harry gave him a curt nod.
Sirius and Remus came to greet him next.
"Harry Potter!" Sirius exclaimed as he gave him a fatherly hug which Harry accepted even if he was still a bit upset with him. "Didn't I tell you Remus, he doesn't look tiny any more!"
Harry then looked at Remus but his face was stone cold which surprised him. "Yes, I see.. You've grown... and no glasses?"
"Ah.. yes. A lot has happened.." Harry stuttered a bit before whispering to Sirius quietly, "Can Hermione and I talk to you and Remus tonight, alone?"
Sirius nodded and whispered the same to Remus causing him to nod but his face remained just as stone cold.
"Let's catch up here!" Harry was led to the head of the table my Sirius, while Hermione sat down across Ron.
"So are you going to tell me why Harry looks like a damn model?" Ron spat out quietly to her.
"Ron, that's up to Harry to tell you." Hermione whispered a bit curtly due to his attitude but added to make sure he didn't blow, "The walls have ears."
Ginny, who was next to Hermione just listened in but didn't say anything, she would learn about it later too. The twins however, had already made their way out and headed to their room to keep working on their 'products.'
-111-
Author Note:
I wanted to first say, I'm sorry if this feels rushed and/or if there is any grammatical errors. It seems I am going to have a busy months ahead and have to write and edit when I can squeeze it in (Like write now as I am at work). But otherwise I hope you enjoyed this longer chapter.
Chapter 12 will hopefully be here this upcoming weekend!
Love y'all!