Chapter 6
The rest of the summer passed uneventfully for Harry. He wasn't allowed to leave Grimuland Place and he wasn't allowed to use magic so he spent most of his time alone in the library researching all the spells he would like to learn when he returned to Hogwarts. He found a few books that contained spells that would be very effective but Harry knew they wouldn't be taught them Hogwarts so he would have to teach himself. As well as all his research he would spend a few hours early in the morning in the training room doing physical exercises to build up his strength and stamina. Harry's outlook had changed over the summer. He now knew that the only way he could ever have a normal life was to immerse himself in his studies and training in order to defeat Lord Voldemort. Everyone could see the change in Harry in both his attitude and his outward appearance. He had certainly become more muscular over the summer, a fact that didn't escape Tonks' attention, and to her dismay, Hermione and Ginny seemed to notice as well and seemed more shy around Harry than usual, not that he noticed because he only had eyes for Tonks.
When Harry wasn't reading or training he spent most of his time with Tonks just cuddling and kissing and for the first time in his life he felt happy. The original upset that they had caused by getting together had died down and the order seemed truly happy for them, although Mrs. Weasley didn't approve of them sleeping in the same room.
A few days before Harry's return to Hogwarts he and Tonks were called into the lounge by Dumbledore who was sat in a leather armchair looking quite relaxed.
"Ah, Harry, Tonks." he said happily. "I trust you've had a good summer together?" Harry and Tonks blushed slightly and just nodded. "Before I get to the reason I called you here I would first like to congratulate you Harry on your OWL results." Harry's OWL results had arrived two weeks earlier and he had achieved O's in everything except Astronomy and History of magic in which he had gotten E's. Even with the two E's he had passed all his exams and came 2nd in the entire year, beaten only by Hermione.
"Thanks," Harry said. "Although I was surprised I got an O in potions. I guess I work better when Snape isn't breathing down my neck."
"Professor Snape Harry" Dumbledore corrected and then moved on. "Now, on to the reason that I am here. I was wondering whether you two had given much thought to your relationship now that Harry will be returning to Hogwarts?" he asked politely. Harry and Tonks hadn't given any thought to it whatsoever because they had been to happy in their own little paradise. Now they were being brought back to reality and they both felt that paradise was slipping away.
"No we haven't." Harry said morosely but Dumbledore just smiled.
"Harry, Tonks, don't look so disheartened. I know that you do not wish to be parted so I have devised a plan. I have managed to convince the minister that you will need protection this year at Hogwarts.
"With all due respect professor, I don't need protection, and I don't want it." Harry said strongly.
"Harry, hear me out." Dumbledore said. "It has been arranged that you will be closely monitored by a personal security guard all day every day. You will be pleased to hear that it will be Miss Tonks here that has this new responsibility." Harry and Tonks couldn't hide their excitement and started to thank Dumbledore but he cut them off.
"I'm glad you are both happy about the situation but there is more. We cannot let people know that you are being protected so Miss Tonks here will be using her ability to pose as a new transfer student. She will be in all your classes and will hopefully not arouse any suspicion. Only the three of us and the minister know of the situation. You may tell Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley if you wish."
"Wow! I get to be a student all over again! Harry, what should I look like?" she was more excited than Harry and gave Dumbledore a giant hug. Dumbledore was slightly taken aback and Harry couldn't help but laugh.
"Professor," Harry said now considering his upcoming year at Hogwarts. "Can I ask who you have found to train me?"
"Ah yes, I was just about to come to that. You will be trained by the new defence against the dark arts teacher. He will show you not just wizard dueling but also sword fighting." Harry was excited by this last part and was dieing to know who it was who would be teaching him.
"Who is it professor?" he asked.
"That, for now, will remain a secret between me and the person." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling. Harry sighed dejectedly knowing that he wasn't going to find out.
"I have a few more things before to talk to you about before I go Harry. The first is that your occlumency lessons are to continue." Harry objected.
"But professor, last time Snape only weakened my mind. He didn't help at all."
"I am aware of that Harry that is why your occlumency lessons will now be with me. I feel that you can become an accomplished occlumens and possibly a leglimens as well." Harry nodded. He wasn't to keen on occlumency but with Dumbledore he figured it wouldn't be too bad.
"The last thing I wish to discuss tonight is this," he said, pulling out a golden key from his robes. It was shaped just like any key but emblazoned on the top of the key was the Potter family crest. "This Harry is the key to the Potter family vault. Now that you are 16 you have full access to it and all of its contents not just the money. The money in this vault makes you one of the richest men in England." Harry was dumbfounded, he had just been told he was very rich indeed and what surprised him most was that he didn't care.
"I don't want the money," he said truthfully. "But I wouldn't mind knowing what else is in the vault."
"If you like Harry, I can take you there myself tomorrow?" Harry said he would like that and Dumbledore stood to leave. "Well now that we've sorted everything out I think I will leave. I will see you early in the morning Harry." He smiled and walked out of the lounge. Harry and Tonks curled up on the sofa and shared a long kiss. "So you're one of the richest men in England?" she asked teasingly.
"Yes." He said. "And I believe that you're going to be a student again."
"It's going to be so much fun. The girls are going to be so jealous when they see I'm going out with Harry potter." Harry blushed.
"Won't it look strange if we're together straight away? I mean everyone will think that you're a transfer student so wouldn't it be better if we left it for a bit?" he asked.
"You're right, we'll pretend to make friends, then after a few days we can declare that we're going out!" she smiled happily and kissed him again. Harry knew it would appear strange but he didn't care, surely people wouldn't think anything of it.
Harry awoke early the next morning while Tonks was still sleeping and headed downstairs to get breakfast before Dumbledore came. Harry kept wondering what else would be in his parents vault apart from money. Maybe there'd be some more photographs of his mum and dad and possibly Sirius as well. He ate his breakfast in relative peace until Hermione walked in followed by Ginny. "Morning Harry," they said cheerfully sitting down across from him.
"You're up early," Hermione said.
"I've got to go to Gringotts with Dumbledore today. He gave me the Potter family vault key last night and I thought id check it out. Do you two always get up this early?"
Hermione said, "Yep, it gives me chance to get more reading done during the day." Harry just smiled. "Plus we like to get breakfast before Ron gets up and eats it all." Ginny nodded in agreement putting some toast onto her plate.
"So Harry, you must be going to miss Tonks when we go back to Hogwarts." Ginny said trying to make conversation.
"Well," Harry said. "She's going to be coming with us." He said happily, and explained to them both what Dumbledore had arranged.
"Oh," Ginny said sounding slightly disappointed but Harry didn't notice.
"Anyway, I better go and finish getting ready, Dumbledore will be here soon. See you guys later." He got up from the table and left leaving Hermione and Ginny to eat their breakfast.
"You still like him don't you?" Hermione asked Ginny.
"No!" she said a little bit too quickly. Hermione just stared at her. "Ok, I do but there's nothing I can do, he's with Tonks and he's actually happy for once."
"I'm sorry Ginny," Hermione said. "It won't last forever you know, so just be Harry's friend and you don't know what might happen."
"Thanks Hermione." Ginny said smiling weakly.
Diagon alley wasn't as full as it had been last time Harry had been here and he was reminded that the people were still afraid to come here due to the attack a few months ago. Harry and Dumbledore walked down the near deserted streets and made their way to Gringotts. They were greeted an old looking goblin who asked how he could help.
"I'm here to go to my family vault," Harry said holding out the key. The goblin nodded.
"Follow me Mr. Potter, but I'm afraid that you will have to stay here professor Dumbledore." Harry loo0ked confused.
"It's ok; I don't mind professor Dumbledore coming with me." He said.
"Only those of the Potter bloodline are allowed into the family vault. Anyone else will suffer a very painful demise." Such a way with words Harry thought to himself as the goblin led him to the carts and took him down to the potter family vault. Harry's mouth dropped open when he saw the vault. The door was huge and had the potter family crest emblazoned on it as well as the Gryffindor lion. The lion stood out off the door and was so lifelike it was frightening. The vault door was a dark red with gold filigree and looked very regal indeed.
If Harry thought the vault door was impressive it was nothing compared to the expression on his face when he put the key into the vault door. "Welcome Harry Potter." A voice rang out. The vault was the size of a football field and was piled with galleons that towered over Harry's head. "How much money is here?" he asked the goblin.
"Exactly 780 million galleons and 1 knut." The goblin replied.
"Wow." Harry said. In the corner of the vault Harry saw a pile of personal belongings and decided to have a little root through them to see if there was anything interesting. There were two piles, one of which had a letter on top. Harry picked up the letter and saw that it was addressed to him. He opened up and read what it said.
Dear Harry,
We put this hear to tell you what all these items are. We put them here just before we went into hiding in the hope of taking them out again when things were safe. Obviously if you're reading this then things didn't become safe for us and we are most probably dead. We know you are a special child Harry and we have these things here in order to protect and help you. In the envelope you will find two rings. One was made for me and the other for your mother. The ring with the lions head on it is a ring that increases your reflexes in battle as well as increasing the power of your spells. The ring with the phoenix on it is a ring of protection which will absorb virtually all minor spells and considerably reduce the amount of damage done by powerful spells.
Harry took the rings out of the envelope and put one on each of his middle fingers. He felt a slight rush of adrenaline but it subsided quickly.
The next thing which is my personal favourite is contained in the small oak wooden box. It is a golden snitch that I 'borrowed' from Hogwarts. I hope you've turned out to be a seeker because then you can enjoy this as much as I did.
Harry opened the box and saw the golden snitch he had seen his father play with in Snape's pensive. He knew he would treasure the snitch forever. He closed the lid on the box and continued to read the letter.
Underneath the box you will two wand holsters. Simply attach each of them to the underneath of your wrist and they will disappear from sight. These are especially handy because all you have to do is think about your wand coming out of the holster into your hand and it will. I have left you two because I think it would be better if you were to carry two wands instead of just one so you have a back up or in case you need to use both at once. It's difficult at first but I'm sure Dumbledore will show you.
Harry attached both wand holsters to his wrists and put his wand in one and made a mental note to purchase a second wand.
The next few things are something that your mum wasn't too happy about me leaving for you but I thought you might like them. The first book contains a list of spells that are usually only taught to Aurors and definitely not taught at Hogwarts. There are some spells in here that can do serious harm and even kill. It is complicated magic but for a Potter it should be easy. Just be sensible with it. The second book is a book that details exactly how to become an Animagus. I know this is illegal and very time consuming but with the help of Remus and Sirius you should get it fine.
Harry saddened when he saw Sirius' name. Obviously his father thought that Sirius and Remus would take care of Harry if they died. Now there was only Remus left. Not wanting to dwell on that at the moment he took a look inside the spell book to see what was in it. There were slashing curses and fire curses and some that looked extremely painful.
The last thing I want to give you is a necklace. You'll find it in the small cherry box. It was the necklace I gave your mother when I knew I loved her. We were still in school so I couldn't exactly give her a ring but this showed her how much I cared. I hope you give it to someone special in your life.
Harry opened the box and saw a lovely silver necklace embossed with gold. Hanging from the necklace were two phoenixes that were intertwined, one gold one silver. Although the necklace was simple Harry was amazed at its flawless beauty.
Harry, this is all we can give you if we are gone as well as our money. We deeply regret that we cannot be there to watch you grow up but know that you brought light into our lives in a time of war and chaos. We love you more than anything and would gladly die a thousand deaths to let you live.
Always in our hearts, Lily and James Potter.
Harry wiped a tear from his eyes and put the letter into his pocket. He decided to take all of these things with him and picked up a sack full of galleons on his way out, shrinking all of the items and money bag so that they would fit into his robes.
He got back to Dumbledore, who was waiting in the foyer, and headed back into Diagon alley. He decided that he might as well go to Ollivander's and get his new wand while he as hear.
"So you wish to learn how to use two wands at once?" Dumbledore asked. Harry nodded and Dumbledore continued. "I guess we can arrange for that but do not tell anybody. As your powers grow we need to hide them from the Dark Lord so he will underestimate you giving you a fighting chance." They got to Ollivander's and walked up to the counter.
"Ah Mr. Potter, what can I do for you?" Ollivander asked politely. Harry said he would an identical wand to the one he had now. "Why do you need another wand Mr. Potter? Surely you didn't break your first one."
"No, I just want a backup, just in case." Harry lied.
Mr. Ollivander's face tightened in concentration. "I'm afraid that may be difficult Mr. Potter. You see, to make an identical wand you would need another phoenix feather from the same phoenix and I have none."
"I think I can help there," Dumbledore said happily. "I will send Fawkes here Mr. Ollivander, he will give a feather for Harry." Harry smiled appreciatively at his headmaster.
"In that case I will have your wand done in a few days Mr. Potter, then I shall send it to Hogwarts for you." Harry thanked Mr Ollivander and he and Dumbledore left and headed into the main street.
"There is one more stop we need to make Harry." He pointed his finger in the direction of Madam Malkin's Robes for all occasions shop and they headed in that direction, Harry slightly confused.
When they entered the shop they were greeted by Madam Malkin who gave them a friendly smile. "What can I do for you both?" she asked.
"Harry here would like some battle robes if you don't mind." He said nicely.
"Of course!" she said, "any particular material you'd like?"
"Yes, basilisk skin." Dumbledore said. Madam Malkin looked shocked and looked questioningly at Dumbledore.
"That is very expensive she said."
"I know." Was all Dumbledore said and madam Malkin set to work on measuring Harry for the robes. The robes had been died black and had an emerald green lining that complemented Harry's eyes. They were heavier than normal robes but lighter than he expected.
"These," Dumbledore said, "Will protect you from suffering any serious injuries from all minor spells in a battle and also prevents toxic spells from getting into your system as the basilisk skin negates the poison. They will serve you well, but only wear them in serious situations."
"Ok professor, but how are you paying for these? Aren't they very expensive?"
"Compliments of the ministry Harry." Dumbledore said grinning. "I convinced them that this was one way of appeasing the damage they have done to you in the past year."
Harry left not longer after carrying his new robes. He hadn't told Dumbledore about the spell books he had found in his parents vault or the rings not because he feared that Dumbledore would take them off him but because he wanted to surprise him with new abilities.
They got back to Grimuland Place not long after lunch and Harry told everyone that all he'd done was gone to draw money out of his vault. The items he was keeping from everybody for now.