Vaults and Vows of the Heart
As soon as they began to kiss, there was a flare of magic and the two were surrounded in a soft white glow that faded slowly.
" Um ok what just happened here? " Her mother asked
"I believe I can answer that madam " Dumbledore said
" Professor? What are you doing here? Look I know I left the Dursleys with out letting you know, but I needed to do this ok? " Harry growled out these last words placing himself between Dumbledore and the Grangers and Hermione with his wand already drawn.
"Ahh it is as I thought Harry and Hermione or should I say Lord and Lady Griffindor would you allow yourselves and your in-laws to come with me to the Potter family Vaults now it is urgent Harry." Dumbledore said
"Um In-Laws?" Hermione's mum said
Ahh yes I shall explain at Gringotts Harry, Hermione if you would please " Dumbledore said
"'Mione? This is about you tonight I mean do you want to?" Harry asked softly
" My love I believe we should this feels important " she replied
" Ok we go umm how about a portkey I suppose or another way " Harry asked
"Well seeing as these people are under your protection I thought we would floo there if you would?" Dumbledore said
" Mione, Rob Mrs Granger would you it is messy but quick and safe for non magic folks, Mione and I could Portkey but I hate to say most muggles don't like portkeys much, I leave the choice to your parents Milady " Harry said
"Portkey Harry I am wearing white after all and please call me Jane I believe we are related now in a way? " Jane said with a smile ' I like this young man she thought he was in front of all three of us without knowing the danger and I am sure he would lay his life down for her and us as well '
" Ok portkey it is Professor " Harry said
" Ah then It is good I made one before I came here, Ok Mr Granger Mrs Granger you needn't place more than a finger on this" he said pulling a tea cozy from his pocket
"Alright ready? 'Looking around and seeing they were ' he said "Amore " they all felt the hook behind the navel and the feeling of wind and then they where in front of Gringotts
" Ahh Remus and Nymphadora you are here good." Dumbledore said
" Tonks Professor, Just Tonks" the green haired witch grumbled
Then she saw Harry and Hermione and was shocked by what she saw she saw the two overlaid with a glow she had heard of but never seen before
" Umm Albus, she said softly ' he didn't do what I think he did? Did he?"
" Ah if you mean did he perform the most ancient of our courtship and marriage ceremonies, without ever been given any instruction in them other than the fact that he should ask the girls father for consent but yes he did he and Hermione have begun the high court ritual of ' Fidelies Leo cardia Rex." Dumbledore said
Remus was shocked by this fact "Professor you do know what this means?" he asked
" Indeed I do but we must check the tapestry now." Dumbledore said heading inside Gringotts
Harry, Hermione and her parents followed behind him wondering what was going on; As Harry entered he noticed a small goblin off to one side and recognized him he thought ' hmm might move things along faster " Is your name Griphook? " Harry asked
The Goblins were shocked that a wizard was able to discern an individual goblin and remember his name
" Yes my name is Griphook how is it you remember it?" Griphook asked
"Well you've taken me to my personal vault many times and I remember faces perhaps you could help us now?" Harry said
"Yes I could what is it you need Mr. Potter?" the goblin asked
"Ask Professor Dumbledore why we are here Griphook I truly don't know myself but he says we need to be here." Harry said
" Ah good Harry you managed to find someone to help us 'Dumbledore said "We need to access the Potter family Vault sir now "
"Family Vault I only have one sir there isn't any other ….is there?" Harry said
" Harry your family is a very old and noble line and yes there is a family vault that after today is yours by right, we merely need to release it to you and only your guardian can do that " Dumbledore said
' Then we can't access it ever sir Sirius was my godfather and my guardian both " Harry said
"Umm Wotcher Harry; look Sirius was like my brother you know right " Tonks said pausing at Harry's nod she continued " well he made arrangements in case anything ever happened to him before he was able to give this back to you, umm he made me your Godmum and guardian."
" What! Harry said shocked by this ' HE did what? Umm ok Tonks so I guess we're sort of related then huh?
" In a way Harry but we need to get this done now from what Dumbledore says, "Remus said
" Umm ok I guess,"Mione? You understand any if this? Harry asked her
" Um yeah I think so we need to get there and see if the Professor is doing what I think he is, " Hermione said
" Ok Griphook led the way to my family vault." Harry said ' what has that nosey bastard done now?' Harry thought as is followed the goblin into the mine cart and his mind was racing all thru the ride attempting to understand what Dumbledore was after
"Vault number Two, lamp please and Miss you're the guardian? I believe? " Griphook asked
"Um er yes I am " Tonks said stepping forward
"Very well place your hand on the circle and state your full name and reason for being here " Griphook said. Tonks walked over to the door and placing her hand inside the circle inscribed on the door she said in clear voice
" Nymphadora Marie Tonks I am the Guardian and Godmother of Harry James Potter and am ready to release the Vault of his family to him "
There was a clicking noise and Griphook said to Harry " place your hand on the circle and state your name please and the door shall open "
" I am Harry James Potter here to claim that which is mine " Harry said in a clear but shaky voice
There was more clicking and a voice intoned
"BY WHAT RIGHT DO YOU SEE ENTRY?
" By the right of age and deed "Harry said automatically not even realizing that he had done so
ENTER THEN CHILD OF GODRIC
The vault door swung open and the sight nearly floored Harry more money than he had ever seen and more things of his family than he knew existed then Dumbledore asked him
"Harry, May I enter I would like to see your family tapestry for a clue and then I shall explain why we are here. Alright?"
"Uh sure Professor " Harry said softly
Hanging on one wall of the vault was a very old family tapestry with all the names of the Potter family living and dead and at the very bottom where the roots of a tree would be was one name that Harry was shocked to see 'Godric Griffindor ' it read
"Um Professor I don't understand" Harry said
"It is as I thought ' Dumbledore said absent mindedly "here Harry look at this" pulling the sketch he had shown Moody and McGonagall earlier
" ' Mione? Can you come here please you need to see this as much as I did " He called out distracted
" Um what Harry? " Hermione said looking at the books in the corner with her parents
Harry walked over and handed her the drawing and waited for it
" Harry this looks like us but you look different like a warrior and this crest on your chest I have never seen it before ' she said ' Professor what is this drawing of us and where did you get it?"
" Ah Miss Granger, I doubt you would have but I see what we need over in the corner I think." Dumbledore said pointing to a small chest in the rear of the vault.
"What? Where Professor? " Harry said incredulously
"Over there in the back Harry" Dumbledore said his eyes twinkling madly
Harry walked into the rear of the vault and found what the aged headmaster had indicated and turned and came back with it
" Is this it Professor?" Harry asked Dumbledore
" Yes Harry that's is it indeed would you mind opening it for me?"
"Umm ok I guess." Harry said absently as he picked up the chest and turned back to the rest of the group. He placed the chest on an old table one of his ancestors must have placed in the vault for safe keeping and proceeded to try and open it; the lion on the lid swiped at his hand with one paw and again the voice spoke
"THE SEALS OF GRYFFINDOR MAY ONLY BE REMOVED BY THE LORD AND THE LADY OF GRYFFINDOR"
"Umm ok Professor how do I open it? Seeing as I am not married?" Harry asked
"Ah Ms Granger would you place one hand on the lid and Harry place one on it as well and I will explain if my suspicions are correct" Dumbledore said
" Umm ok "Hermione said walking over to Harry. As the two placed a hand each the voice once more spoke
"THOU ART THE LORD AND LADY GRYFFINDOR .WHO AMONG THOSE HERE WILL AID THEE IN THY QUEST TO DEFEAT THE DARKNESS?" there was a glow surrounding Harry and Hermione as these words began and as the words ended the light faded Harry was dressed as he had been in the sketch, as was Hermione.
"I will aid these my Lord and Lady in their quest " came Tonks voice from the front of the vault, as Harry turned to her he saw she was on one knee dressed in black armour with a sword point down in front of her "I the last of the true Blacks humbly beg this to restore my family to the light and to return its honour Milord Gryffindor" Tonks said tonelessly
"Huh? " Harry said at this, turning to Dumbledore to ask what had happened; before he was able to there was yet another flash and there were three more people in armour two down on one knee and one that had a familiar wooden leg
" I come to fufill the debt of honour of the family Moody and I will train the young lord in the ways of the battlefield " Moody's voice said
"I come to fufill the debt of honour placed on the family Weasley, I and my sons will stand by you and die by you Milord " came the voice of Arthur Weasley
"I come to honour the alliance of the Longbottoms and to give aid to the Lord Gryffindor" said the voice of Neville Longbottom
"Ok what just happened Professor?" Harry asked
"Well Harry I need you to look in the chest you and Hermione just opened I think you will like it " Dumbledore said his eyes twinkling madly
"Umm ok" the two young adults said together. Harry and Hermione turned and looked in the chest, and saw two rings one was obviously meant for a man the other a woman; both had the familiar Gryffindor crest on them
"Ok "Harry said taking the mans ring out and looking at it as Hermione did the same with the ladies ring
"Professor what does this all mean and you still haven't told me or my parents what you meant by in-laws " Hermione asked softly
"Hermione you and Harry had something happen tonight if I am not mistaken?" Dumbledore said with a smile
"Umm …well we.er. That is Harry formally asked to begin courtship I believe" Hermione said
"That isn't completely true Hermione' Dumbledore began what in fact happened was the rite of Fidelies Leo cardia Rex; do you understand what has happened?"
"Wait I read about that isn't it the same rite used by Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw when they were …." Hermione said trailing off
"Yes Hermione when they were married; did you by any chance see the Potter family tapestry " Dumbledore said his eyes twinkling even stronger
"Noo I was a bit blown away by the other things I saw, Why?" the young woman asked nervously
"Yes Professor what does my family tapestry have to do with my asking Hermione to be my girlfriend?" Harry said
"Ahh I see I need to be a bit of a history teacher ok then; May I ask you a question Harry ' at Harrys' nod he continued ' Harry do you remember exactly what you said or perhaps we can find a pensive here? " Dumbledore said
"Umm I remember what I said and did why?" Harry asked dreading the answer
"Could you repeat it for those that weren't there or would you prefer to use this?'Dumbledore said holding a pensive out to Harry 'this might be a bit easier than explaining it "
"Umm ok if you think it will make it easier on everyone." Harry said cautiously
"I do "the aged wizard said handing the pensive to Harry
Harry began placing the memories of earlier that evening and he had Hermione do the same after showing her what to do
"Ok sir we're done and ready "Hermione said
At this the others went into the memories and were gone for the time being so Harry asked Hermione a question that was weighing his mind
"Hermione? I need to know what that rite is and I may have one more question if it is what I think, " Harry said
"Well it basically was how two of the Founders were, umm.. Well married, and umm well. That's not all Harry, when I accepted, and we kissed; umm remember that flare of magic?" she said
"Um yah I remember a flash and I remember hearing a click too, Ok what does that have to do with my family and us? 'Harry began suddenly realizing what had happened 'you mean we umm.. Are we umm how do I say this " he trailed off
" Because we did it in the old style without realizing it Harry you basically proposed marriage and I accepted and well you know about how magical contracts are right?" Hermione said softly
"Yah I know " Harry said thinking back to his fourth year
"Well if we hadn't kissed till the next day we would just be engaged, but when we kissed well.. We umm.."
"We got married I think is what you are trying to say?" Harry said cutting her off softly
"Umm yah.. I understand if you don't want to be married to me and it isn't permanent yet we haven't umm completed the Rite yet since we didn't.." she trailed off blushing furiously
"Didn't what 'Mione?" Harry asked turning to her
"Umm you know what people do on their umm wedding night." Hermione said turning even redder
"Ohh"Harry said turning red himself,"'Mione? I need to ask you a question then only if you want to .Ok?
"Ok Harry if it's what I think " she said turn to see him down on his knee with the Ring of Lady Gryffindor in his hand
"My Lady if I may ask this of thee will thou consent to become my wife in name and right " Harry said tenderly holding the ring out to her as she saw this she noticed he had the robes of Godric Gryffindor over his armour and was wearing the Ring of the House of Gryffindor on his left ring finger
" O Aye I consent to be thy consort and wife in name and right and take thee as my husband in right and name Milord " Hermione said softly as he put the ring on her finger she saw her clothes change into those of the Lady of House Gryffindor with the same type of armour under it as Harry was wearing the only difference she saw was the fact that while Harry had the sword of Gryffindor she had the sword of Ravenclaw on her hip there was a sniffle from the side of them and as they turned they saw Hermione's mother standing with her father watching this unfold
"Mum? Daddy? Are you ok?" Hermione asked her voice trembling
"Oh Mia " her mother sniffed as she hugged the two of them
"Harry I think we need to talk " her father said; Harry visibly paled at this
"Umm, Ok if you want sir." Harry said trying and failing to keep his voice form squeaking
"Over here please so we can talk man to man." Rob said grabbing two old chairs "Professor Can you make it so none else hears what I say to young Harry here?" he asked the aged wizard
" Of course I can if Harry will allow it " Dumbledore said
" Sir I don't think I can avoid this please do it " Harry said his voice becoming clearer and stronger
"Very well " the headmaster said casting a privacy bubble spell
" Ok sir you wanted to speak to me I will not stop you from harming me if you want I just wanted you to know that up front " Harry said calmly
" It's ok Harry. And I thought I said to call me Rob? Now while this is a bit of a shock I think I understand how you feel for my daughter and I welcome you to the family, as I can plainly see you are both mentally and finically capable to care for Mia, and I know you would lay your life down for her but I need to know is this what you both want?" Rob said
"Rob I love her I have since our second year I was just too thick-headed to see it I guess and I never would have asked her what I just did if I didn't think we were ready or able for this." Harry said "But I want to know Rob are you ok with this I know we haven't really dated and I have a small question I need to ask, its more of a favour really but please tell me how you feel first then I'll ask it" He finished
"Well Harry I say it plainly, I was not expecting my daughter to get married at 17 nearly 18 years old but I see how happy she is and I can accept it but I will say my earlier warning, hurt her and I will kill you in the most painful way possible ok" Rob said
"Yes I know you would and I would allow you to if I ever did that ' Harry said ' Now my question is this, ok the only married couples have seen are my Aunt and Uncle and the Weasleys and I while I know I shouldn't be like the Dursleys I still don't think 'Mione would want us to be like the Weasleys, don't get me wrong I love them like my own family but Molly can be a bit overbearing at times and I can't see her acting that way nor can I see her merely staying home and just raising kids I know she wants a career and I know I shouldn't and I wouldn't stand in her way so how do I do that, what did you and Jane do I know she works too how do you balance it ? "
"Well Harry I cant give you the answer to that but I can tell you what my father told me ok? Never leave a room mad, discuss everything and remember the small things really do matter to her, ok? You understand? " Rob said
"I think so, you mean like tonight when I came over and I gave her the rose and bluebells, and Jane the mixed bunch, even though I didn't have to it was still the right thing to do; and although we do disagree at times I cant really remember a time when we didn't talk over the issue when we had a problem, besides she is usually right anyway " Harry said
"Exactly.. Hmm oh one thing your dad might have said to you if he was here you do know about the birds and the bee's right?" Rob asked
"Umm, ah …Y. Yah I h had t that in p primary " Harry sputtered
"Ok then you have nothing to worry about, just one more thing and I will let you go ok ' at Harry's nod he went on ' Um ok just a favour please could you two wait till after graduation to have kids I mean you are young and I don't want to see my princess hurt because of it ok?" Rob said
" Ok besides as far as kids go I am pretty sure I speak for both of us and can say we aren't ready for that yet and we still have a war on, and I don't want my kids to grow up like I have ok?" Harry said firmly
"Yes Harry I see that. Ok lets go see the girls then shall we … son." Rob said with a Dumbledore like twinkle in his eyes
" Huh? " Harry said looking confused
"Well you are my son in-law now so I would like you to call me Dad if you can, 'sides I always wanted a son but we couldn't have another baby after Mia so if you don't mind please call me that." said Rob
"Umm ok I'll try I never really knew my father." Harry said; the two men walked over to where Hermione and Jane were standing talking to the headmaster looking over the Potter tapestry
"Harry come here you need to see this ok " Hermione said grabbing his hand and pulling him over to where the tapestry was hanging
"Ok 'Mione what do you need me to see luv?" Harry said
"Look at your family tapestry ok and tell me what you see. Ok? She said. Harry began looking at it seeing his parents and grandparents and the rest of his family something he had never known before. Then he saw it his own name connected to Hermione's with a golden thread
"Umm sir what does that mean "Harry said pointing to the space where their names where and turning to the headmaster
" Well Harry … you and miss Granger or rather Mrs Potter, or I should say Lady Gryffindor to be correct here are married now." the older wizard said
"Oh.. Ok umm why do you and everyone else keep calling us that by the way sir?" Harry asked
" Ah I see … Harry did you perchance look at the name of the founder of your family?" Dumbledore said with a twinkle
" Um no why?" Harry asked
" I believe it will answer your question if you look " Dumbledore said
" Ok sir " Harry said looking at the tapestry closer " sir I don't … Harry said trailing off as he saw it there at the bottom was the name he couldn't believe 'Godric Potter Lord and Founder of House Gryffindor with a gold thread connecting it to the name 'Rowena Ravenclaw-Potter Lady and Founder of House Gryffindor
"Sir.. Are you saying I am a descendent of two of the founders of Hogwarts? " Harry said shakily
" Yes my young lord you are and are also the Lord of your house as well I would suspect and have suspected for a while your parents never needed to utilize the titles they rightfully had. But I fear it is time once more for House Gryffindor to once again raise its battle standard and take its place in the wizarding world " Dumbledore said with a smile
"Why sir? I mean it makes no sense to let Moldieshorts know it " Harry said
" Ahh but the meaning to the rest of the wizarding world is incalculable it mean that the Lights greatest champions have returned and are willing to stand once more against the darkness that threatens to overwhelm us." the aged wizard said
" Ok I have one question and then I need to speak with Hermione for a bit ok' at the headmasters nod he went on ' Ok I need you to answer me truthfully, Did you know about this?" Harry said confidently
" Harry I will say this truthfully I suspected but wasn't sure till now I really had no more than a suspicion does that answer your question?" Dumbledore said
"Yes sir it does, I may have one more in a bit ok? Harry said " ' Mione can I speak to you over here in private and bring Mum and Dad ok? "
"What? Harry did you call my parents Mum and Dad? " Said the Brown haired witch walking over with her parents
"Umm yah your dad asked me to call him that and I just figured. You know to call your mum umm well Mum; if that's ok with you Jane " Harry said quietly
" Harry if I understand things you and my daughter are married and from what she says she wouldn't have things any other way so yes I would love it for you to call me that …. Son" Jane Granger said with a tear in her eye
" If you wouldn't mind that, I would like to I never really knew my own Mum and well it would be nice to call someone that ' at her nod he continued ' Ok here's the deal Dumbledore wants Hermione and I to bring House Gryffindor out into the public as a symbol of the Light side and I need to know what you want to do 'Mione I can't make this decision without your opinion as you are now my wife … my Wife I like the way that sounds luv, sorry ok I need to know what you all think ok this may well endanger all of you ." Harry said sounding more like the lord he was
" Harry my love I think it's a good idea gods know we don't have many symbols on our side besides the headmaster and the Order " Hermione said sounding more and more like the lady she had become
"Harry she's right you need to do this and prove that not all of the old houses believe what the other side does and from what Hermione tells me is something like only pureblood wizards should live, a rather dumb thing if you ask me but you are the proof that that isn't the truth ok " Rob said
" Son, Rob's right this Voldemort sounds a bit like Hitler and needs to be stopped, So the best advice I can give is that if you have to be a symbol then be an active one; Lead by example and show that you can stand up to the Darkness " Jane said
" Ok I'll do it, this is something that needs to be done but I don't think the headmaster is going to like the way I am going to do this; I won't be his pawn or his weapon any longer " Harry said looking at his new family and seeing them nod "Ok lets do this; Headmaster would you come here please?" he said to the older wizard
"Of course my boy " said the headmaster
"Ok that's the first thing I need to clear up Albus" Harry said carefully stressing the headmasters name " I am not a boy any longer so please stop referring to me as one ok; please remember your actions in my regard are rather suspect and I really never have had much of a childhood so please stop that ok?" Harry said with conviction
" Yes Harry I know you haven't so please accept my apologies in that regard; so what is your course of action that you and your house have decided on?" the head master said
" I will bring my house into the pubic; but on my terms and in my way and I need to go over the family rites with Hermione and see something ok? Could you ask Tonks and the others to meet us up stairs in an office? " Harry said with a finality that said no further discussion was needed nor wanted
" Very well Harry I will see you all upstairs." Dumbledore said
"Thank you Albus, Now please I have a lot to do and not much time to do it in ' at this the older wizard turned and left collecting the others waiting outside Harry looked and saw the diminutive goblin standing off to the side and said ' Griphook? Who is in charge of these vaults? "
" That would be Garnok Milord " Griphook said " Why if I may?" he asked
"Well we don't know him and we do know you and I trust you so how do I make you the one in charge? I need someone I trust you see." Harry said
"Ahh I do indeed see we can take care of the management issues up above after we leave and I thank you for the confidence you place in me Milord, Milady." the goblin said bowing low
" Griphook never again do that and my name is Harry and this is Hermione please call us that; Ok? Now would you know where I might find the Rites for umm … what did they say they were love? " Harry said turning to Hermione
" Retainers dear " Hermione said
" Ahh, ok you're the brains of this operation love; retainers Griphook " Harry said
" Mi'L.. Harry if you look in the filing cabinets over there I believe you will find what you need " said the goblin
" Ok. And thanks Griphook " Harry said walking over to the ones indicated by the goblin. Harry began to search through the files in the cabinet looking for what he needed and quickly found what he was looking for. " Ok we can go up now I think and take care of this guys." he said without looking up from the scroll in his hands
"Ok Harry, Mum and Dad we are going up. Are you ready for another cart ride? " Hermione asked her parents. Her father looked a bit green at the prospect but her mother was giggling like a schoolgirl in anticipation
"Do we have to use a cart Princess?" Rob asked his daughter, his discomfort obvious
" Oh Hun please its fun like an underground roller coaster stop being a baby now, for me?" her mother said with a small pout
" So that's where you learned that 'Mione " Harry whispered to Hermione
" Ooooh you know I can't resist that pout Jane that's not fair but ok ' her father said turning to Harry ' be warned Harry that pout is a Williams woman's worst weapon and your wife 'he said chuckling ' most certainly takes after her Mum "
"DADDY that's not fair, you gave away my secret weapon" Hermione said pouting
" Rob I learned along time ago that I had to give in to that pout " Harry said laughing for the first time in nearly six months.
"Harry! I haven't heard you laugh in so long I missed it " Hermione said as they got into the cart