Once they reached the wizarding shopping section Harry became a bit withdrawn. He reluctantly stepped into the branch of Gringotts and walked up to the counter. He couldn't decide if it was lucky or not that not many others seemed to be in the bank.
"Hello, I need to get money from my vault but it's in England so I'm not sure what to do." Harry started.
"Do you have your key?' the goblin asked, he hadn't even looked up from the parchment he was looking at.
"No it was stolen from me a few weeks ago. I've been in the hospital and couldn't report it before today." he answered.
"Fine, your name?" he asked.
"Harry Potter." Harry whispered. The goblin looked up so fast he almost fell of his chair. He then jumped off it and ran to the back. Harry was surprised, he had never seen a goblin act that way before. Elizabeth was at a counter not far and giggled at the reaction. Harry mock glared at her before turning back to see where the goblin had gone.
When he returned the teller goblin pointed to another goblin that was by a gate, "I'm sorry but you must go with him."
Harry nodded and turned to follow the next goblin. When Harry reached the gate it opened and the goblin stated, "This way please sir."
Harry was quite glad they weren't announcing his name. He didn't want anyone to know who he was. As long as they heard his name was Harry everything was fine. He was afraid that as soon as they heard Potter that his privacy would be forfeited. He just hoped people wouldn't treat him like they did in England. He had thought these things as he was being led down a long hallway. Just as he was thinking they'd never get to where they were going the goblin stopped and knocked on a door. The door was opened and Harry was shown in.
"Welcome Mr. Potter." the goblin said, "The Goblin Nation is happy to see you alive and well. I am Gripknot."
"Thank you." Harry responded then reached to shake his hand, "Nice to meet you."
"Now to business, since your key is missing we require a blood sample to identify you. If you would please put three drops of blood on this parchment." Gripknot slipped the parchment across the table.
"Three." Harry obliged by providing the blood, "The government only wanted one."
"They only ask for a name." Gripknot clarified, "We find your name, heritage and magical signature."
Harry watched as the blood was soaked up into the parchment and a series of squiggly lines erupted onto the page.
"Excellent. Again welcome Mr. Potter." Gripknot stated, "Your key did show up in England but the man that had it was a death eater. You had already been listed as missing and presumed kidnapped so we were able to prevent him from gaining access to your vault. Auror's arrested him and interrogated him about your location. He was unable to tell them anything. This happened the third day you had been missing."
"Thank you for your diligence." Harry complemented the goblins, "I'm sure I'd be a pauper now if you hadn't."
"You are welcome, Mr. Potter." Gripknot gave an odd smile, "The rest of your belongings have been returned to your vault. They were found at the Malfoy residence. We have placed your key, a broken watch, a small bag of money and thirty seven wands into your vault. The ministry indicated the wands were yours as a matter of conquest. What can Gringotts do for you today?"
"I need to withdraw some money." Harry said, "I'm planning on staying here in the US for a while and I'd really rather no one in England know where I am."
"Your ministry has ordered us to report to them any withdraws made on your account." Gripknot pointed out, "However they didn't say we had to tell them where it was drawn from. We only have to state that a withdraw was made and who withdrew it based on a blood identifier. If you wish we can keep your location a secret."
"Thank you, I appreciate that." Harry breathed a sigh of relief, "Do you know if they have chosen a new Minister yet?"
"It has not been confirmed but we believe Kingsley Shacklebolt has been voted in." Gripknot answered.
"How would one go about finding out if they were charged with any crimes?" Harry asked.
"You haven't been charged with any." Gripknot supplied, "I don't think it's likely anyone would try. I also believe an award was in place for the capture or death of the Dark One and some of his followers. Gringotts is already following this lead on your behalf."
"Thank you." Harry nodded, "I need to send Kingsley a letter but I'm unfamiliar with international mail."
"They would know which country it came from." Gripknot waved him off, "However for a fee of ten galleons we could deliver the letter at the same time we provide the report of activity on your account."
"Great can you just take it from my account?" the goblin nodded so Harry continued, "Do I tell you what I need from my account or will another Goblin handle it?"
"It would be my pleasure to assist you Mr. Potter." Gripknot bowed his head slightly.
Harry outlined the amount of galleons and muggle money he would need and the goblin had the amount brought to him. While he was waiting for the money Harry wrote the letter to Kingsley and handed it off. Gripknot then informed Harry that his inheritance would activate on his birthday. He made arrangements for it to be conducted in that branch of Gringotts rather than in the main office in England.
When he was finally finished Harry was shown back out to the lobby. Elizabeth was still waiting and they headed out to get a few necessitates. The rest of the weekend was very enjoyable and restful for Harry. He took some time to play with Emily and help her with her homework as well as mowing the yard and tending to the flowers.
After Emily was in bed on Sunday evening Liz and Harry were sitting in the living room chatting and having a cup of tea. Harry was wondering during the quiet time than had fallen on them how his letter was being received at the ministry and Liz was watching him.
"Thanks for doing all the yard work." She interrupted his musings, "It looks great."
"Thanks." Harry replied, "Dr. Abby wants me to get a non-violent job, maybe I should be a gardener."
"I don't think that's non-violent at all. Killing weeds sounds very violent." She teased.
"Oh my, I hadn't thought of it from that angle whatever shall I do?" Harry laughed.
"How about a kindergarten teacher?" she asked all playing aside.
"A teacher?" he asked, "I haven't even finished school myself."
"You'd be great at it and the one I have now will be leaving in a month for maternity leave." she pleaded, "You do so well with Em I'm sure you'd be a great teacher. All the kids would love you."
"How long is maternity leave?" Harry asked.
"Usually a month and a half." she answered, "Could be a little longer if she had trouble."
"I guess it would be ok for a month or so." Harry answered scratching his chin, "I've taught older kids so I guess it would be ok. Is it Em's class?"
"Yes." she replied, "Tell me about your teaching skills."
Harry talked about the DA until bed time. He then wished Liz good night and retired to his room. The next morning he was woke up my a five year old bouncing on his bed, "Wake up, wake up, wake up. Sleepy head we have school today."
"I'm not in school Em." Harry tried to roll over.
"But you are." she giggled, "Mommy said you were going to be my teacher. I can't wait it's going to be so cool."
"But that's not starting for another month." Harry tried again to go back to sleep.
"Actually I thought you might like to meet the teacher and work as her helper for a bit before you're left on your own." Liz said from the door.
"Alright I'm up." Harry gave in and sat up.
Emily plopped onto his legs and said, "About time. I was starting to get tired of jumping on you." She broke into fits of giggles as Harry tickled her.
"You'll never tire of jumping on me." Harry said, "You enjoy it way too much."
She squirmed away and said in a very serious voice, "It is not time to play now Harry, we must get ready for school." She then grinned and skipped down the hall. Elizabeth was grinning madly as she closed the door behind them.
After getting ready and eating breakfast the trio left for school. Em stayed with Liz for a while so that Harry could meet with the teacher.
"I'm Clara Nelson." she introduced herself.
"Harry Potter." he responded.
"Any relation to the famous one?" She asked. He only shrugged in response. She laughed and said, "You probably get that all the time."
"Yes I do." Harry replied, "So what do I need to do?"
"For now just help me chase them down."She laughed rubbing her swollen stomach, "I feel like a whale and I just can't move very fast."
"I can do that." Harry grinned, "But you don't look like a whale. My cousin's the whale and he's probably three times your size maybe more."
"So does that just make me a walrus?" Clara asked innocently.
"No I don't think you qualify for that either." Harry stated, "Ok, catching kids anything else?"
"Play ground duty?" she asked.
"If that's just watching them and handling problems, I can do that." Harry nodded.
"Great those are my worst problems right now." Clara smiled, "Thanks for taking that. I'll show you the rest as I have time and I'll probably let you teach some lessons so I know you have the hang of it."
When the kids started to enter the class Harry tried to move to the back of the room to stay out of the way. He didn't get far however, Emily ran and jumped at him as soon as she entered the room. Her excited giggling masked any words she might have been saying.
"Settle down everyone and find your seats we have a big day today." Clara announced. Once they were all settled she said, "Today we are getting a helper this is Mr. Harry. Can you all say hello?"
"Hello Mr. Harry." They sang in unison. Emily's giggles interrupted her words.
"Hello everyone nice to meet you." Harry replied.
"You sound funny." one boy in the back called.
"Arthur that's not polite." Clara admonished.
"Sorry, you sound like Ms. Elizabeth and she sounds funny." Arthur amended.
Harry was finding it hard not to laugh and when he looked at Clara he notice she was having the same fight, "Arthur what am I going to do with you?"
"Sorry Ms. Clara. I guess I still run at the mouth." Arthur apologized.
"I sound funny to you because I am from a different country and everyone there talks the same way I do. Ms. Elizabeth is from the same country that's why we sound the same." Harry explained, "Would you like to see where I'm from on the map?"
"Yes please." All the children responded as one.
Clara pulled one of the maps down and pointed to Colorado, "We are here."
"And I'm from here." Harry walked to the far side of the map and pointed to the Island he called home, "It's a very long way from here."
"Any more questions." Clara knew she was inviting trouble but she was just as curious about the young man who had shown up in her class room. Just as she had predicted the first question was a good one.
"Why are you here?" a girl asked, "Did you come all that way just to help Ms. Clara?"
"No." Emily answered for him, "He came to save me from that bad man."
Harry looked to Clara for help and found none so he said, "Not entirely Emily. I came for a vacation and the bad man followed me. When he tried to hurt you I stopped him. And I've decided to stay a little longer so that I can help Ms. Clara."
"Ok." Emily said without pause. She then turned to her class mates, "He lives at my house but he's not a Daddy. He's more like an uncle or big brother."
"You can live at my house." Another boy called, "I want a big brother."
"Me too." another called.
"Settle down." Clara called, "He won't be moving to anyone's house."
The class settled and Harry spent an enjoyable day in the room working and answering many questions about himself. He soon fell into a comfortable pattern of life between home, school and visits with Dr. Abby. He felt like he was making progress on all fronts. He even ordered his seventh year books from England with the help of Gripknot.
A week later Harry's world was turned upside down again. Just before recess began Ms. Clara went into early labor. He had all the kids sit on the floor quietly as he ran down the hall to get Elizabeth. That afternoon Harry took over teaching the class two full weeks early. To his surprise things went very well. In no time at all the first month was gone. When the end of the second month came he was called into a meeting with Elizabeth and the rest of the faculty.
"Thanks for coming everyone. I know this isn't the time for normal weekly meeting." Elizabeth stated, "But we have a development we have to deal with. First Harry are you willing to continue teaching Kindergarten?"
"Sure, whatever you need." Harry replied glancing at Clara who was looking at him with an equally confused look.
"Clara I need you to take third grade." Elizabeth continued. Clara nodded her acceptance and glanced at Brian Kelsey who was the current third grade teacher, "Brian I need you to take over as Headmaster again. I'm retiring as of today."
Before anyone could say a thing the door opened and Dr. Abby entered the room, "How much have you told them?"
"Teaching assignments." Elizabeth answered, " And my immediate retirement. This is Dr. Abby Cornwall. She is Brent Harper's sister."
"I am a muggle Doctor of Psychology. Elizabeth asked me here to help you deal with what is happening." Abby stated.
"Hello Dr. Abby nice to see you again." Harry offered the first words.
"Thank you Harry nice to see you too." she replied.
"So what exactly is she here to help us deal with Liz?" Harry asked.
"When Edward died I was also attacked. We thought I had been healed but I'm not." Elizabeth answered.
"Was it the one?" he asked, the two had spoken at length about what had happened at the Quidditch World Cup that year in England. When Harry had heard the curse that she had been hit with he had thought there was no cure. When she had insisted the Healer's at St. Mungo's had told her she was healed he researched it. He was never able to find a mention of a cure of any kind. When she had begun to feel badly a few weeks prior he had insisted she get a checkup.
"Yes you were right there is no cure." She admitted, "When Healer Brent contacted them they said they knew there was no cure but thought I had enough to deal with as it was."
"How long?" he asked.
"Weeks maybe a month." she replied, gasps spread around the room.
"Let's take a moment here." Abby said, "Does anyone have any questions about what we are talking about?" No one had any so she went on, "Ok let's talk about how we feel about this. Elizabeth you want to start?"
Each person around the room express their anger and heart break at the situation. When it got to Harry's turn he wasn't sure what to say. He was at a loss for words. Finally he looked up and she saw the sadness on his face and he began to speak.
"I've lost so many people. I know it's selfish but I'm feeling abandoned again. Also I'm feeling the guilt of being too slow again." Harry started, "But for the first time I'm glad that I did what I did. I know it's the anger talking though and it will pass and I'll feel guilty about it again but for now I feel a bit of righteous satisfaction in knowing they can't hurt anyone ever again."
"Tell me what you did please?" Elizabeth asked, "I need to know."
"It won't make it any better." he replied, "I promise it won't."
"I don't care. If you can't talk about it fine, I understand. But don't protect me from it." Elizabeth pleaded.
Harry took a deep breath and said, "I used a cutting curse. It was wandless, silent and fueled by an anger so strong it overpowered me. I was told later in a letter from Kingsley that they had to use sticking charms to piece them back together enough to be recognizable. The largest piece they found, other than Voldemort, was a two foot section of the snake. The inner circle was in the worse shape. The largest piece of Lucius Malfoy was his hand. I have thirty eight wands that recognize me as their owner by right of conquest."
"I thought you had thirty seven wands in your vault." Elizabeth commented.
Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out two wands. He held up his and said, "This one is mine. This other was the one Voldemort was using. He had stolen it from Albus Dumbledore's grave. I plan on putting it back when I return to England."
"That's why you always just shrug when people ask you if you're related to that Harry Potter." Clara began
"Because you are that Harry Potter." Brian finished, "I feel really stupid right now."
"Don't, I was trying to hide it." Harry said, "I hope you don't hate me for this."
"I don't." Clara said, "I'm glad you stopped them. I feel some sort of justice for Elizabeth and Emily. Oh my, Emily."
"I already know what I'm going to do with her." Elizabeth said, "She is going to her closest living relative."
"I hope their nicer than mine were." Harry commented to himself but loud enough for the others to hear.
"He is." Elizabeth said, "I'm going to ask him to adopt her. I think his name will help protect her. I've had Healer Brian do the check on this to make sure he's her closest living relative."
"Who is it?" Brian asked.