Chapter 7: Birthday Surprises

The next morning, Harry was woken up by a thump on his bed and a loud, happy voice.

He reached for his wand, but it was already in the girl's hand.

"Knew you'd go for it," Ginny said, right before she leaned down and gave Harry a big kiss.

"Knock it off!" Ron said, waking up and realizing what was happening. "Ginny, what are you doing here?"

"I'm wishing my boyfriend a Happy Birthday. What do you think I'm doing?"

"Looks like you're snogging to me," Ron said.

"Give it a rest," Harry said to Ron. "You're just jealous because you and Hermione aren't doing this."

Ron turned a shade of red darker than his hair.

Soon, Ginny left, but not before admonishing her now seventeen year old boyfriend to be a good boy.

Harry got up and then got into the shower, quickly getting into clean clothes. He remembered the Minister of Magic was coming today, and then they would go to Diagon Alley to get their things for school.

When he got downstairs for breakfast, Mrs. Weasley was already up.

"Happy birthday, Harry."

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, smiling. "This looks great this morning."

"Thank you, Harry," the woman said, beaming. "I guess we should wake up the other sleepy heads."

Harry nodded.

"I'll get them up," Harry said.

Mrs. Weasley about said something, but she smiled.

"Don't hurt them. I know what you're planning."

Harry nodded and smiled. He had a couple of tricks up his sleeve. Or, more correctly, his wand.

When he got to the room the Twins were in the previous night, he quietly opened the door, and tossed in one of their own devices, a decoy detonator. They jumped up, startled, as the door shut. Harry knocked on the girls' room, and found that they were up and getting dressed.

Then he got to Ron's room. He looked at Ron, who'd just rolled over and gone back to sleep.

"Ron, this is your last warning," harry said, his wand drawn. "Get up or face the consequences."

Ron muttered something, but didn't budge.

Harry conjured up a bucket of ice water and then levitated it over the bed. Then he tipped it onto Ron. As soon as the water hit, the bucket was vanished, and Harry was running downstairs.

"I'll get you for this!" Ron yelled, running out of the room.

He ran right into the Twins, who were still angry over their wake up. Harry made it to the kitchen and sat down, acting like nothing was going on.

"Now Harry," George and Fred said, pointing their wands menacingly at him. "Do you know who would throw a decoy into our room?"

"No," Harry said, lying.

"I know it's not Ron," George said, as Ron was soaked from head to toe in water. "Now who else could do it?"

"Maybe I would," a female voice said.

The twins looked back to see Ginny holding her wand, menacing them. She held a bucket, and then pulled out a decoy detonator.

"Would our little Ginny do that?"

"Yes," Ron said, looking at her.

Before they could react, Harry had all three of them disarmed and tied up with a quick flick of his wrist and a couple wordless spells.

Mrs. Weasley looked amazed.

"Harry, did you do that?"

"Yes I did, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said. "It's what I've been taught all summer."

The woman smiled as Mr. Weasley surveyed the scene.

"Well, looks like someone was being threatened this morning," the man said, looking at Harry with a knowing smile.

"Harry, I'll get you back for that," Ron said. "I know it was you."

Hermione walked down then and laughed. She flicked her own wand, letting the three boys drop to the floor with a thud.

"New spell, Harry?"

"What do you mean?"

"They were floating and bound by ropes."

"Maybe," Harry said. "Or maybe I just combined incarcerous and levicorpus."

He demonstrated both on the Twins and Ron again. Ginny laughed as Mrs. Weasley looked at Harry.

"Enough of that. Let's eat breakfast."

The woman grabbed the wands from Harry's hand and placed them in her own robes. Then she flicked her own wand and let her boys down from their position.

"I don't want any more of that in this house today. Do all of you understand me?"

Her children nodded. Harry and Hermione had no choice but to agree.

"Oh, don't worry," Fred said.

"We'll get you back, Harry," George added, completing his brother's sentence.

"We're the kings…"

"Of pranks."

Harry smiled and nodded. True to their word, they would get him back later today with a prank of some sort. And Ron would try to do the same thing. But Harry had a trick up his sleeve. He didn't tell them that he'd left them another surprise for when they got ready.

After eating, Molly looked at her watch.

"All of you, get ready. The Minister is due here any minute."

With that, the Twins and Ron went back upstairs. Harry, who was finished getting ready, offered to help Mrs. Weasley clean.

"No dear," the woman said. "Not on your birthday. I appreciate the offer. I'm sure Ginny won't mind."

Ginny looked at Harry with a smile on her face.

"Harry will help me if he knows what's good for him," Ginny said, eying Harry. Hermione chuckled as Harry hung his head in mock resignation.

Everyone knew he'd do what he could to spend time with Ginny after he'd almost ruined their relationship during the last school year.

As Harry was helping Ginny wash and dry the dishes by hand, there was a knock at the door. Mrs. Weasley went to open it. Harry had his wand handy, just in case. But he was taking the slow route with the dishes, as it was a good way to have a nice chat with Ginny.

"Welcome, Minister," Molly said. "Percy," she added, with the hint of sadness in her voice.

"Thank you, Molly," Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour said. "Is Harry here?"

"Yes he is, Minister," Molly said.

"Cleaning the dishes? On his birthday?"

"Yes," Ginny said. "He knows when to listen to me."

"Ginny," Percy said, looking at his sister. "Could I talk to you privately?"

"Why," Ginny asked, looking at her brother.

"I just want to leave the Minister and Harry alone to talk."

"No," Harry said.

"Come, Harry," the Minister said. "I'd like to talk to you alone."

Harry looked at Mrs. Weasley, who nodded.

"Percy, dear," Mrs. Weasley said. "I'd like to talk to you too."

Soon, Harry was outside with the Minister. A moment later, he saw a dog run out of the house and smiled. Mrs. Weasley was shaking her head, and Percy was chasing the dog out of the house, thinking it wasn't supposed to be there.

"Is that your dog?"

"Ginny's dog," Harry said. "She likes to keep her in the house. But her mum doesn't like it."

"I see," the Minister said. "Beautiful dog."

"She sure is," Harry said. "So, what can I do for you, Minister?"

"Harry, you know what's been happening with You-Know-Who?"

"I've been following the Daily Prophet," Harry said. "And of course, Mr. Weasley keeps us updated with things he can tell us."

The Minister nodded.

"I still want you to consider coming into the Ministry once a month or so. Just so people won't think you're avoiding your destiny as the Chosen One."

"Minister," Harry said. "If you haven't heard, I'm returning to Hogwarts to complete my education."

"I'm aware of that, Mr. Potter," the man said. "I've talked to Minerva. She told me that you could be allowed to come to the Ministry if you desire."

"I do have a question, sir?"

"Ok, Harry, what is it?"

"What's in this for me?"

"Harry, you know you'll get the support of the Ministry. We're all in this fight together."

"Minister, I ask this because I don't recall many Ministry employees capturing Death Eaters. Mostly what I see are from others who are fighting too."

"The Order of the Phoenix. Yes, I know about them. A pesky reminder of Dumbledore if I say so myself."

Harry took offense to that.

"Sir," Harry said, coldly. "It is not a pesky reminder of Dumbledore. He gave his life so that we may defeat Voldemort."

Harry saw the Minister flinch.

"Speaking of that, Harry. Where did you two go on the night he died?"

"Minister, if I tell you that, I will be breaking a promise I made to Dumbledore."

"I understand. But Dumbledore is dead."

"I know," Harry said. "He is dead. But what good is a man if he's not true to his word? And if you can't even hear the name Voldemort or mention it, then why should I want to work for the Ministry? Not being able to say his name indicates fear. And he wants us to fear his name so we'll fear him."

"Harry, you know all too well that many people won't do that."

"I know, Minister," Harry said. "But until you can get people to stop screaming or flinching when someone calls him Voldemort, then I don't think I can help you. Good day."

Harry walked back into the kitchen.

"Come on," he said for the dog.

"Harry, get that dog out of here," Percy said. "You know mum doesn't want the dog in the house."

"It's ok, Percy," Mrs. Weasley said, with a sigh. "How did your meeting go?"

Harry shook his head as the Minister stuck his head in the door.

"Come, Weasley," The Minister snapped, after a glare at Harry. "Let's get back to the office. We're done here."

"Coming Minister. Where's Ginny?"

"She must be in her room with Hermione," Mrs. Weasley said. "Why?"

"Harry, why are you dating my sister? You know I feel that you've fallen in with the wrong crowd, given Dumbledore and all."

When Harry looked at him, he flinched as he came to see the power that the young man before him wielded. It was a very large surprise for him to find that the boy he thought was just average was anything but average in power.

"Percy," Harry said, coolly, as Ginny growled at her brother.

Percy looked down at the dog, frowning.

"Yes, she knows I'm angry," Harry said. "And of course, you're insulting her owner."

"And who is that?"

"Ginny," Mrs. Weasley said, knowing she had to protect her daughter. After all, Percy would turn her in if he found out she was an animagus. And she was sorry that she couldn't trust her own son. "Ginny owns her. We let her keep the dog after she turned out to be so friendly."

"I see," Percy said. "I must be going, Mother. And tell Ginny that I still want to talk to her about her choice of boyfriends. I don't agree with Harry here."

Mrs. Weasley didn't say a thing. Hermione, Ron, and the Twins were at the kitchen door now, looking at Percy, most of them with looks of anger or looks that promised retribution if Percy tried to do anything to Harry, who was as good as family to them.

"Percy," Ron said. "Don't ever insult Harry like that."

"Ron, you're wrong for hanging out with him."

Then, Ginny launched herself at her brother after a loud, furious growl. She'd had too much of his pretentious mouth. The man yelped when she nipped at his legs and started running, with everyone else laughing.

As soon as the door was shut and Ginny was back in the room, she changed back into herself.

"How dare he!" Ginny shouted. "Insulting me, Harry, and Dumbledore! And the Minister. I would have hexed him if I wouldn't go to jail for it."

"What did the Minister say?"

"He insinuated Dumbledore wasn't the right person for us to be following all of the previous few years," Harry said. "Ginny heard him. He insulted Dumbledore, and everyone in the Order."

Ginny nodded, as she sat down, fuming.

"Ginny," Mrs. Weasley said. "Your brother was asking about you and wanted me to tell you that he thought…"

"I shouldn't see Harry. Who gives a damn what that bloody git says?"

"GINNY!" Mrs. Weasley said. "I won't have you using that language."

"He is a git," Ron said.

"Now let's forget that," Charlie said, coming from the place he was staying. "After all, it is someone's birthday."

There were nods of agreement, and Mrs. Weasley was glad that the topic was changed. After all, she hated to speak of the dirty laundry of her family right now.

Soon, Harry, along with the other current occupants of the Burrow, was getting ready to go to Diagon Alley to pick up his school supplies. This was a day they had the time to do it, and there would be escorts there. After all, it made sense because the Aurors would be out in force from now until the time Hogwarts started.

But first, before they headed to Diagon Alley, Harry, Tonks, and Mr. Weasley headed to the Ministry where he would take his Apparition test. They decided that it was important he go there first since he would have a way out of danger.

After the successful test, Harry went back to the Burrow with Tonks. Mr. Weasley had to stay and work, something he didn't want to do at the moment because the very building reminded him of one lost son that he loved with his whole heart. Tonks, on the other hand, had a mission to keep tabs on Harry at all times. He didn't know if it was from the Order, the Ministry, or both.

So Harry knew that if something happened, he'd have to stun Tonks if the Ministry ever tried to have him brought in for any reason. He couldn't let her be caught not doing her job and lose it, or worse, be sent to Azkaban. The same was true for any of the other Ministry workers who were also in the Order.

He'd told this privately to Remus, who nodded with understanding.

"Yes, Harry, you may have to do that. I know you don't want to hurt friends, but it'll help them more than it will hurt."

"I understand," Harry said. "But I don't want to do it."

"None of us wants to do something like that. But there may come a time where you will be required to stun a friend to protect him or her from harm."

"And you'd do the same thing to me if I was a danger to anyone who's a friend?"

"Yes," Remus said, after a moment's thought. "I would make sure that you couldn't hurt anyone you loved if you were not yourself for a time."

Harry nodded.

"Thanks," he said.

"I just expect you to do the same for me, Harry. And, if I'm ever threatening to kill anyone in my werewolf state, I think you can use lethal force if you see no other alternative."

"That's not what I want to do."

"I don't want you to do it. But promise me that you will make sure that I don't hurt anyone who's friendly to us, or any of those we love. Sometimes, loving someone will require that you make a difficult decision and do something that you would not want to do and to end their suffering or prevent them from doing something that we all will loathe."

Harry paused a moment.

"I promise," Harry said. "Just don't make me fulfill it."

Remus chuckled.

"I wouldn't dream on it. There are some stunning charms you can use against werewolves," Remus said. "I think it's nigh time I teach those to you and your friends. They may come in handy, especially since Greyback has recruited werewolves to the bastard's side. I think they would be good charms to teach those in the DA as well. After all, the war is not the only reason that one could come across a fully transformed werewolf."

Harry nodded.

"I guess we need to know how to defend ourselves from a fully transformed werewolf."

"Yes you do," Remus said. "You've already had to learn in your life that you have to do things that you'd rather not. I know you wished you were there to help Dumbledore, don't you?"

"I was," Harry said. "But he put me in a body bind curse to keep me from protecting him. He knew that I would do something rash and try to help, endangering me as well."

Remus nodded.

"Yes, you're right. He knows you. I know you. You would have before this summer for sure. Now, come. Let's get to lunch and then we'll go out to Diagon Alley."

Right after lunch, Harry went with Remus and Tonks to the Leaky Cauldron via the Floo Network. He'd already told them where they were going, so Ginny and the others would find him.

When they did, Harry looked at Ginny and smiled.

"Come, Ginny," he said, taking her hand.

She smiled and walked beside him.

"Where are we going?"

"We have to see a man in Gringotts to get money for school supplies," Harry said. "And the other thing," he added, quietly.

"Of course," Ginny said. "How could I forget?"

When they got into the bank, they were scanned by security wizards and then passed through. The wizards were looking for dark magic items on them.

But they treated Harry with respect, when they recognized who he was. Harry was a bit surprised that they were treating him this way, but he surmised it must be how he was now called the 'Chosen One' by the press.

"Come, Harry," Aberforth said. "We must meet Minerva in here with the manager."

Harry nodded.

"Can Ginny come?"

"Of course," Aberforth said. "I think if you wish she can be added to your account as an owner."

Ginny looked at Harry.

"Would you do that, Harry Potter," Ginny asked. "I don't ask for handouts."

"I know," Harry said. "We're going to get money for our school year."

And our quest.

Of course. That's why you want me to be able to access it.

Yes. Just in case I can't access it and you can get money out for the things we need. We'll also get some galleons exchanged for Muggle money to make sure we can get hotels if we have to.

As long as you don't make me use that money. Mum and Dad are perfectly capable of getting my school supplies.

I know, darling. If you need something, you can get it.

Ginny nodded her understanding as they walked into the office.

They faced an unfamiliar wizard in the room. Bill was there as well. He smiled at Harry and grinned at his little sister.

"What are you doing here, Ginny?"

"Well," Harry said. "I do plan on allowing someone else access to my account just in case."

Bill nodded thoughtfully.

"Of course," he said. "Harry, this is Mr. Green. He's the manager for your accounts."

"My accounts?"

"Yes, Harry, your accounts," the wizard, a middle aged man, said. "Please, sit down."

Harry sat down. He reached for his wand and conjured up another chair for Ginny.

"I see you like that," Ginny said, smiling.

"Of course," Harry said.

"And you learned something in my class," Professor McGonagall said, with a smile.

"Yes I did," Harry said, smiling up at his Transfiguration professor. "Thanks to one of the smartest witches I know. And I'm not talking Hermione, though she and Ginny are very smart."

Harry thought he saw the woman blush slightly as Mr. Green cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention. After all, time was money. And it was not a good thing for some of the people in this very room to spend a lot of time in public places due to a certain Dark Lord.

"Mr. Potter, the first matter of business is to give you this letter. It will explain things to you much better than I can. Of course, it is from Albus Dumbledore, who held these accounts in trust for you until you became of age, as specified in the wills of your parents and by the magic placed upon the vaults of Godric Gryffindor and Merlin."

Harry tapped his wand to the piece of parchment, and it opened immediately. He started to read it.

Dear Harry,

This shall be my final letter to you before you return to Hogwarts. This should be given to you on your seventeenth birthday, and can not be read before that occurs. I have been entrusted with the care of your inheritance, though I cannot do anything with the items in the vaults other than take an inventory of them.

I must say that Godric Gryffindor and Merlin left you some mighty fine books and other items. I encourage you to take Miss Weasley, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger into the vaults with you to determine what you may need on your quest. I must add that since you have quite a sum of galleons in your accounts, I would suggest that you allow someone other than yourself to access the account on your behalf. I may suggest Miss Weasley, or her parents. They're trustworthy, as you've found out by now.

Anyway, yes, you are the heir of Godric Gryffindor. How do you think your mother got her red hair? She's descended from a squib child of Gryffindor, and her eyes are similar to those he had. Your mother stipulated in her will that you were the only one to access this vault. And your father, who is a Potter, inherited Potter Manor, which is your house. When you read this, you will be revealed the location and automatically become the Secret Keeper, as planned by your parents when they went into hiding. The funds you have now are from the Black family and Potter trust fund set up for you. Now, you have come into possession of everything, as you are of age. I have included a complete list of the items in the vaults, which shall be given to you when you read this sentence. You'll know what you have, and I'm sure that instinctively you'll figure out some useful items in the vaults.

Alas, I know I'm not there to inform you I person if you're reading this letter. But take great pride in being heir to the Potter family name, Godric Gryffindor, and Merlin. All were advocates for Muggle Rights, and the laws against Muggle Hunting and other heinous crimes against defenseless Muggles. I can assure you that you are a worthy heir, and you will come to know those who came before you via the family tapestries you'll find at Potter Manor.

On a side note, you will find that there are photographs of Merlin, Gryffindor, your parents, and myself in the study at your residence. This was done on purpose to give you a source of knowledge. Go as soon as possible to speak with Godric and Merlin. They shall relate to you knowledge that will help you in your quest. But this knowledge will not be direct. They will guide you as you learn how to detect and defeat curses, duel, and, of course, cast powerful charms.

If you ever need a place to stay, you know that you have also inherited another, smaller place from Merlin. Not the house where your parents died, as that is now a monument dedicated to those who have perished fighting Lord Voldemort. It is at a location that has been revealed to you. Again, you are the Secret Keeper of this place. I do suggest that you confide in your closest companions the locations of these. But do not speak of them. Write them down on parchment and give them to your friends. Then ensure the parchment is promptly destroyed after they read it. That will prevent the Fidelius Charm from being broken.

Aberforth is probably with you. He will have some important knowledge to give you, so please listen to him. I'm sure you have, as he volunteered to teach you dueling techniques during the summer before your return to Hogwarts.

I must ask you to do one final thing for me, other than your quest. Do not push away your closest friends and others close to you. Your ability to love is what separates you from Voldemort. This will be the weapon that will bring about the end of Lord Voldemort and his reign of terror.

Good luck.

Respectfully yours,

Albus Dumbledore

Harry read the letter again, and soon, his mind was flooded with the information that was promised. He looked at Ginny and handed it to her. But the letter wouldn't let her read it.

"Albus meant that only for you, Harry," Aberforth said. "You can inform your friends when you get to a suitable location. I asked Molly to bring them here so you can go down to your vaults and inspect the items to see what you may need on your quest."

Harry nodded.

Mr. Green smiled.

"I presume your quest has to do with Voldemort?"

Harry nodded.

"And revenging the deaths of your parents?"

"Yes," Harry said. "And the deaths of many more people who died at his hands or the hands of his followers."

As he said that, Harry felt more resolute about things. For those watching him, the change was evidence in his bright green eyes since they always carried his emotions.

Mr. Green examined Harry before continuing to speak, trying to see what kind of man he was. As of this moment, he liked what he saw, and he was starting to believe that Harry was indeed the Chosen One, as the press had proclaimed far and wide for all to hear.

"I must say," the man said. "I never expected to have this kind of fortune bestowed on a single individual."

"How much are we talking about," Harry asked.

The man wrote down a number on a piece of parchment.

"This is the latest count of the galleons, Knuts, and sickles in your vaults. Not all of the vaults contain money. Some contain priceless family heirlooms and books, and other items such as that. It's hard to put an actual number on the value of those items, but, for the purposes of inventory, we've had to. Everything is now yours to do as you wish."

Harry nodded.

"And will this key work for all vaults?"

Mr. Green nodded and smiled.

"Yes. Give it here."

Harry saw him stick the key in a device and wave his wand over it. There was a flash of light. Then he handed the key back to Harry.

Harry surmised that it was a device that allowed human employees and account managers for Gringotts clients to change the access level of their clients' keys. And Harry suspected that goblins would be able to do that by hand if they wanted to.

"Now, it allows you access to the vaults. You said something about adding one of your friends to the vaults?"

"Yes," Harry said. "I'd like to add Ginevra Molly Weasley to the accounts."

"Ok. Please sign these pages here, here, and here."

Harry read over them right quick, just to make sure they were what they said they were. After all, he didn't want to sign away something that he would like to keep. And it was one of the things that his Uncle Vernon had taught him. Never sign a contract unless you knew exactly what it meant for you and those you represented.

After his review of the contracts, he signed his name to them, and touched his wand to each piece of parchment to add his magical signature, an additional method of security to prove that one was who they said they were since all magical signatures were recorded by Gringotts goblins.

"Good," the man said. "Now, Miss Weasley, here is your key to the vaults. Do you wish to place any limits on how much she can withdraw?"

Harry thought for a moment, after reading the number.

"No. I know I can trust her with everything I own."

At that moment, Hermione and Ron were escorted in by Bill. Minerva looked at them and nodded.

"Welcome," she said.

"Good afternoon, Professor," Hermione said, smiling.

The woman nodded.

"Why are we here, Harry?"

"We're about to go down and examine my vaults," Harry said.

"Vaults?"

"Yes," Harry said. "The stuff I inherited from my family, Gryffindor, and Merlin."

"I see," Hermione said. "I wonder if there are any books in there."

"Dozens," Mr. Green said. "I haven't checked them out closely, but there are a number of books and other items. I presume some of those items you may want to take with you to help in your studies for school?"

Harry nodded.

"Yes Mr. Green. I do believe we will want to carry some of them with us to study from."

"Very well. Now that we're all here, Aberforth, do you mind if we go ahead and read your brother's will?"

"That's why we're all here," the man said. "Else it would just be Harry and his friends."

Soon, the man had the will out of a locked drawer in his desk.

"As you know, Albus had a great many possessions. Each of you in this room received something from him. And as Headmistress of Hogwarts, Minerva, I do believe he has left the school some items as well."

Minerva nodded and then she settled back for the emotional roller coaster of reading to the will and last testament of the man she had known practically all of her life. It was a very emotional moment for her, and it was like she had lost a father figure.

For others, they had lost a brother, a hero, or a grandfather-like figure. He was many things to many people, and to have this few listed in his last wishes was phenomenal due to his extraordinary long life, even among fellow wizards.

After the reading of the will, Harry came out with a puzzled expression on his face. He didn't know what the message meant to him. Hermione, however, had been thinking about it.

"Easy, Harry," the brainy witch said. "I think it means that you will inherit Fawkes. Or at least his offspring."

"Really?"

"Really," Hermione said. "A phoenix is a very powerful pet," she said. "As you saw Dumbledore's phoenix protected him time and time again."

Harry nodded.

"And Fawkes protected me as well."

As soon as he said that, the magical animal appeared and started into a song that touched Harry to his soul.

Harry shuddered, and Ginny also shuddered, as she felt the song. The animal was mourning Dumbledore and was also preparing to die so he could leave Harry the phoenix egg.

Harry looked at Ginny as they thought about it.

"Sad," Ginny said.

"I didn't feel it," Ron said.

"Oh," Hermione said. "Ginny and Harry did. That means that Fawkes meant the message for the two of you alone."

Ginny nodded. She accepted most of what Hermione said as fact because she trusted that the witch had been able to read a book that held the knowledge in it.

"Makes sense, Hermione. What about those books he left for you?"

"Surprising," Hermione said. "But I can't wait to see what's there. He'll have some advanced stuff that we can use."

Harry nodded.

"I probably will too. There's a library at the place we're going after this."

"Your new house," Ginny asked.

"Yes," Harry said. "I feel we should all go there after we get our school supplies. I just have a feeling we should."

"Ok, Harry. What about the others?"

"We'll portkey them in," Harry said.

"Right," Hermione said, remembering the invisible ring on her finger.

She could touch it and think of names. The people she thought of, if wearing the ring, would sense the ring on their finger and could use it as a portkey to her location. It was a useful tool in an emergency, and one Harry was glad for. They could also use it as an emergency portkey to escape even if they were disarmed. Their wands were charmed to follow them once they activated the portkey.

Aberforth spoke after he left the room.

"Harry, Ginny, can I have a private word with you two?"

"Certainly," Harry said.

Soon, the two were with Aberforth. He looked at them with a smile on his face.

"Harry, Albus was keeping something salvaged from Godric's Hollow. He managed to get the items before anyone else from the Ministry arrived to see the damage."

"I see," Harry said. "In the vault?"

"Yes. Let's go and see. I do believe that there is one more thing I shall give you. It's mine, but I think you should have it."

Harry was about to say something, but Ginny's hand cut him off from talking.

"Hush, Harry," she said.

Soon, six people were down at the vault with Aberforth, who would return to the surface so Harry could check out his new vaults.

When they got there, Aberforth spoke to Harry.

"I need you to come alone, Harry," Aberforth said. "I must tell you something that Albus wanted me to pass on today."

"Ok."

When Harry and Aberforth got into the vault, Aberforth saw the items he was looking for, and a box that was labeled with Harry's name.

"Harry, this is the possessions Albus managed to gather from Godric's Hollow. He had a clue at what they may be, but your mother was so good at charms that she may have something on there that surprises you or him."

Harry nodded.

"I guess I should wait to open it?"

"I think so. It'll be a personal moment, and I don't want to interfere. So, if you must, put it in this bag."

"What's in the bag?"

"It's a bag that will shrink the items you place in it. Each item will retain its magical properties when restored. This is what I came to give you. It'll be useful when you take items from your vault. I do believe that you have some that will be of use in our studies."

Harry nodded.

"I'll see what I can find."

"Good. And since school starts in a month, I do believe that we should take a small break from our sessions at Hogwarts. Minerva will send you a letter to let you know when to return. But I expect you and the others to continue your practice. I have to prepare for school, and I shall need your help all year long. I'm going to ask that you assist me with the sixth and seventh year students, in addition to your other requirements of the year. I know it's a lot to ask, but you've proven yourself a great teacher."

"Uh…" Harry said, starting to speak.

"I know what you're going to say. But getting fourth, fifth, and sixth year students to produce a patronus is advanced magic for their age. So I expect you can do that."

Harry nodded.

"If I know what to teach, I think I can help you."

"Good. There will be times when I can't even be in our lessons. Professor Tonks…"

"Tonks is a professor?"

"She's teaching Transfiguration," Aberforth said, with a smile. "She'll help when I'm gone when her classes are open. And she'll take your lessons when I'm going."

Harry nodded.

"And our Occlumency lessons?"

"Remus has arranged for you to have a teacher. You know what I'm talking about."

Harry nodded.

"Now, I must beg you to leave. You must be going."

Harry nodded.

Soon, they were at the Potter vault first. He opened the door, and traced his finger on the pattern on the door, which was part of the security for the vault. It opened and Harry went in, with Ginny holding his hand.

She sensed how emotional it was for him to be in here, so she'd held his hand the entire time. She gasped when she saw the items in the room.

"Wow," Ginny said. "I didn't know your family was so rich."

"Neither did I," Harry said.

He spotted an item that had a note on it and picked it up.

Dear Harry,

If you're reading this, then your father and I have gone on to our next great adventure. I hope things are going well. These are the possessions you have inherited from the Evans and from the Potters. You notice there is Muggle money in here as well. We kept a stash of it to make sure that we had the money when we needed it. By now, I presume that you may need it, especially if Voldemort is still alive.

We tried to place a charm on you that would protect you. I guess you're fine when you're reading this, so the charm must have worked if Voldemort attacked us. There will be another note at the house, Potter Manor, and there you will find everything you need to work on your quest.

In case you're wondering, I'm a seer, so I hope you have that gift as well as my other gifts. I do believe, however, that as the heir of Godric Gryffindor you will come into these gifts as your father and I did. These gifts will pass from you to your spouse when you two bond and then consummate your relationship, as they did for James and I. I've left a diary at Potter Manor that is an exact duplicate of what I wrote in my diary on a daily basis, and I hope it will help you get to know us better.

I'm sad to say that I won't get to see you grow up. I hope you're as handsome as your father. I know you have my eyes, so that's very important, as it's a sign of another important ancestor you have: Merlin. Merlin is on my side of the family, as is Godric Gryffindor. Your father was surprised, but he is also an heir of Godric, even before we married. We were distant cousins, come to find out, as you will be with almost every witch and wizard you meet in Britain.

I guess I have to end this letter so I can work on the other one I have left. It's much more detailed, and will be inside of my diary when you find it. All you have to do is go to the bed where James and I stayed on our wedding night and say your name. It will appear. This will come to you, as this parchment is enchanted to allow you to see that room I'm talking about. It's also the master bedroom. However, I beg you not to sleep in that bed until you are bonded to your special woman. It will be a much more meaningful experience if you wait until that happens. I won't explain what happens, but you will know what happens when it does. You can't miss it.

Until we meet again on the other side, Harry, we love you. Take care, and stay safe.

Mum and Dad

Harry wiped his eye after reading the letter. Ginny held his hand as Hermione and Ron looked around the vault. There was nothing in this vault but money.

"Let's go," Harry said, pocketing the letter.

"What's in the letter," Ron asked.

"Ronald Weasley!" Ginny said. "Don't ask him. It's a personal letter between him and his parents."

"Oh," Ron said, blushing. "Hey, how do you know?"

"I can sense his feelings," Ginny said. "And this is his family vault, so I know who it must be from. Think about it with that peanut you call a brain."

Soon, they were at the vault of Godric Gryffindor. The goblin escorting them looked at Harry.

"Mr. Potter, you must enter this vault alone. Then you can get your friends. And I must add that your wand will not work in the vault."

Harry nodded.

He looked at Ginny, who smiled and squeezed his hand before letting him go.

He sighed and went to the door, instinctively tracing the pattern on the door. This one had no key. So it must be similar to the vault that he had seen when he came to Gringotts with Hagrid on his eleventh birthday.

He saw the shape of a lion come forth, and then the door opened.

"Enter, Harry James Potter, heir of Godric Gryffindor."

Harry looked back at his friends, who were startled. Harry smiled at Ginny and then entered into the room.

A half hour passed before he came back out, smiling.

"Ginny, I need you to come in first."

"Why?"

"Just come in."

"Ok," Ginny said.

When she walked in, she saw a lot of valuables. There were a few books, and she started to head to look at them.

"Not yet," Harry said. "As soon as you complete this task, the books will be vanished to the library at Potter Manor."

"Oh," she said. "Ok. What do I have to do?"

"Ginevra Molly Weasley?"

"Yes," Ginny said, looking at the portrait of the man speaking to her.

"I sense you are brave at heart, and determined to see my great grandson through his task."

"Yes I am," Ginny said, the confidence returning in her voice. "I am willing to die for Harry so he can rid the world of this evil that plagues us."

Godric nodded as he looked over the young witch with a critical eye.

"Yes, I see that. He is willing to die for those he loves. Are you willing to do the same?"

"Yes I am," Ginny said, without hesitating.

Godric nodded.

"I must ask that you place your wand in the slot next to Harry's wand."

Ginny quickly did so, and saw the wands vanish.

"Where did they go?"

"You'll get them back," Godric said. "After a moment, they will return to you. I sense you are the soul mate of my grandson. Is that true?"

"I don't know, sir," Ginny said. "But I sense that he and I are meant to be together. I knew it from the moment I first saw him."

The man nodded.

"Yes. I remember quite well. I have a portrait at Hogwarts and at your residence that you may consult for advice. At Hogwarts, my portrait is located with the other founders. Many have tried and failed to find our portraits. Only the heir of Merlin, myself, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Helga Hufflepuff can find the room."

"May I ask who those are?"

"You, my child, are the heir of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. It has to be a female member of your family. And it comes to you. When you and my grandson were united in a soul bond, you became heir to Merlin and Godric Gryffindor, and as Harry has become heir of the other two great founders."

Harry smiled at Ginny.

"I request that none of you mention this until the time is right. In fact, you will only mention that Harry James Potter is the heir of Merlin and of Godric Gryffindor. Until the time of the final battle with the heir of Slytherin. Both of you must unite to defeat him in battle, and under my tutelage and that of the other founders, you two shall gain the immense powers required to defeat the heir of Slytherin."

The man in the portrait paused to let the two youngsters take in the information.

"But sir, I am not yet of age."

"My child," the man said, soothingly. "That matters not. When your wand returns, you shall have an untraceable magic. You must learn to use your new wands, which have been combined with the cores of the founders of Hogwarts minus Slytherin. Harry, your phoenix shall emerge from his egg within the day. You and Ginny must be present when this happens, as this phoenix will be the most powerful phoenix since my phoenix Fawkes was here."

Ginny's mouth dropped.

"Yes, Fawkes was my phoenix. Albus, another chosen heir of Merlin, had him until the time was right for the heir of Gryffindor to claim him. You will christen your phoenix Fawkes after his father. Then you shall tell the phoenix that he is the champion of the innocence, loyal to those who believe in good, and defender of all that is good in the world. You must do this together for it to take effect. Harry's owl Hedwig will become a surrogate mother for Fawkes, and then Hedwig will live out the rest of her life with the same colors as Fawkes, whatever they may take. But if I do say so, Fawkes will probably be a combination of gold, scarlet, blue, yellow, and black, the colors of the three houses you two will become heirs to. However, being the heirs of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw will mean that you will only come into knowledge instead of monetary wealth. But that is a good wealth that you shall pass on to your offspring."

Harry and Ginny nodded.

Their wands returned, looking the same, but looking different at the same time. When Harry touched his wand, sparks of scarlet, gold, blue, and yellow shot out of it. The same thing happened with Ginny's wand.

"These wands are very powerful," Godric said. "You can use either wand you touch, and no one else can access the power in these wands. They are more powerful than your old wands, and Harry's wand will no longer be the twin of Voldemort's wand, allowing you to defeat him in battle when the time comes."

"Professor," Harry said. "How shall I defeat Voldemort?"

"I cannot help you, my grandson. You must figure that out on your own. But in the timeframe from now until school starts, you will come into knowledge that will help you on your quest. We cannot reveal how you can defeat evil wizards, but we may offer advice. Dumbledore will do the same."

Ginny and Harry nodded.

"Now, Harry, wave your wand and banish the books to your library at Potter Manor. Then you shall leave here and return only when you have completed your journey. Then I shall reveal to you the riches that I have left for my heirs."

Harry nodded.

"Thank you, sir," Ginny said.

"Call me grandfather," the man said, with a fatherly tone. "You are my grandchildren. And I am proud of you. Continue to make me proud and you shall be rewarded with riches beyond your richest imagination."

Harry nodded.

"Grandfather, I may presume these riches are not worldly?"

"They are and they aren't," Godric said. "You know what they are. You already have delved into them before you realized it."

Harry nodded and spoke to Ginny.

"Love. The Power he knows not. The very power we will use to finally defeat Voldemort."

Godric smiled as the two walked out of the vault. It closed after they left, and then Hermione and Ron saw the grins on their faces.

"What happened?"

"Tell you what I can later," Harry said, with a smile. "And we have some books to look over, Hermione. They include advanced charms and spells beyond the NEWT level."

"Great!" Hermione said.

"Mr. Potter, now to Merlin's vault?"

"Yes," Harry said.

When they got there, the goblin spoke again.

"Mr. Potter, you and Miss Weasley may enter."

Hermione and Ron looked mutinous.

"Sorry," Harry said.