Chapter Three - So What's Next?
When Harry came into the kitchen the next morning for breakfast, he found Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sitting at the table with Percy and Kingsley Shacklebolt. "Come sit down Harry," Mrs. Weasley invited, smiling at Harry. "Kingsley stopped by because he needed to go over a few things with you this morning." Harry sat down at the table, and looked inquiringly at the interim Minister of Magic.
"Harry, I'd like you to come to the Ministry with Arthur today," Kingsley began. "There are a number of things we need to discuss with you, and while I know you've been apparating all over the country for the past year, you actually haven't gotten your apparition license yet, for obvious reasons, and so we need to take care of that too." He paused for a moment, and took a sip of his tea.
"Gringotts bank has also requested a meeting with you, and we have set that up for this afternoon." Harry looked worried at this, but Kingsley quickly added - "I've already asked Bill Weasley to be included in your meeting with them, and if there's anyone else you'd like to take along, you are welcome to do that too." When Harry agreed, Kingsley and Percy finished their drinks and got up to head to the Ministry of Magic, leaving Harry alone in the kitchen with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"Do you know what this is all about?" he asked them. They both shook their heads. Harry looked at Mrs. Weasley. "Would you, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione come to Gringotts this afternoon with Bill and I?"
"Of course, Harry. We'll be there for you," she promised him, smiling, and patting his hand.
After breakfast, Mr. Weasley and Harry took the floo network to the Ministry of Magic. When they arrived in the atrium, Harry was glad to see the horrid statue that had been there the last time he had been there had been removed, and the fountain put back again. Mr. Weasley lead Harry past security, and they took the lifts to the Minister's offices. Percy welcomed both of them, and immediately led them into Kingsley's office. Their friend had been busy working through stacks of parchment, so instead of getting up, he remained seated, and nodded for Harry and Arthur to take seats in front of his desk, while Percy left the office, closing the door as he departed.
"Harry, I wanted you to come in today so that we could discuss your future with you, and see what you plan to do now that Voldemort has been defeated." Harry watched him steadily, nodded, and waited for him to continue.
"You've been on the run, so to speak, since just after your seventeenth birthday," Kingsley continued. "Because Lord Voldemort had been in control of the Ministry of Magic, you are not aware that with becoming an adult in the Wizarding World, you have, through your family, and from Sirius Black, become the holder of two seats on the Wizengamot, as heir of the Black and Potter estates."
"What exactly does that mean?" Harry asked, and Mr. Weasley answered.
"It means, Harry, that you have two of the fifty seats in the Wizengamot, and have the political and judicial votes that go with those seats. You are to be an Elder of the Wizengamot, and it is a great honour and responsibility."
"There are now a number of vacancies from the war," Kingsley added. "They will be meeting later this morning, and you are expected to attend. Don't worry, we'll help you to be ready in time."
Percy stepped into the office again, bringing a tray of tea and coffee in and setting it on a side table. They each took a moment to serve themselves before getting back to their meeting. When they were all ready, Kingsley went on to what he wanted to discuss with Harry next.
"We also want to talk to you about your options," he said, smiling at Harry. "I'm sure you haven't had much time to put thought in to what you'll be doing next, have you?" Harry nodded.
"No sir," he agreed. "We've all been a bit busy."
"Yes we have," Kingsley said with a short laugh. "You should know that Hogwarts, when it opens this September, will welcome everyone back who would like to complete their seventh year and take their NEWTS. You will of course be extended that opportunity too, and I hope you take advantage of it. I think a year where you can mostly be out of the public eye, and be with your friends, would be the best thing for you right now."
Harry smiled happily. "I think that'd be brilliant, sir, but I'd like to hear any other options I have before deciding for sure."
Kingsley nodded and smiled too. "Good for you. Well, you could attempt taking your NEWT testing this summer, which will also be an option for the other seventh year students. While I'm fairly sure you'd pass your DADA practical, I'm not sure you'll have acquired everything you need to know for the written part of the exam, or for any of the other subjects without taking the classwork. Even the students that attended Hogwarts this past year will have similar problems, considering the um...alternative curriculum that was imposed on them." Harry again nodded his agreement.
"The Department of Magical Law Enforcement has requested we offer you early entry into the Auror training program. They assure me you will be given any additional education you've missed over the past year, and assist you with your NEWTS." He stopped to take a drink, then continued.
"Finally, as an adult, you can choose your own path now. You would not be the first Wizard or Witch to decided not to complete their NEWT year. With your responsibilities in the Wizengamot, you will have duties that require your attention, but you could also do anything else you want. For instance, I hear you're a pretty fair Seeker." Kingsley laughed. "I'm sure there are some teams out there that would love to have you join them, and you could do very well in the Professional Quidditch League." Harry had been listening, a smile continuing on his face, and he'd made his decision.
"Thank-you, sir," he told Minister Shacklebolt when he'd finished. "I'm going to accept the offer to return to Hogwarts. I've had enough of fighting bad guys for a while. I may someday want to be an Auror, but I have too much respect for them to slide in the back door. If I do become an Auror, I want to earn it just like you and every other Auror has." He looked over at Mr. Weasley and smiled ruefully.
"I expect Ron will think I'm mental," he said with a laugh, "but as much as I love playing Quidditch, I have enough problems with being famous. I don't want or need any more of that from playing professional sports. If it's alright, we'll just leave it to Ron to become a famous Keeper instead." Kingsley and Mr. Weasley looked very pleased.
"Ron will probably be okay with that," Mr. Weasley told him. "I think you're making a good choice, Harry."
"I agree," Kingsley added. "I'll let Minerva know your plans. Arthur, why don't you take Harry to the apparition testing centre now, and then when you get back you and Percy can prepare him for his first Wizengamot meeting."
Mr. Weasley nodded, and he and Harry stood and headed out of the office. When they arrived at the apparition office, the young clerk looked up from her work, and when she realized who Harry was, jumped up and led them straight into the testing room.
"Minister Shacklebolt told us to expect you this morning, and to bring you in for examination right away," she told them in an excited rush.
Harry and Mr. Weasley approached the apparition examiners, who explained that Harry would be asked to apparate to locations around the room, to a specified location outside of the Ministry offices, and then return. Harry completed all of the tests quickly, with no problems, and was promptly issued his apparition license.
When they returned to the Minister's offices, Percy led them into a small conference room, where he spent the next hour explaining how the Wizengamot worked, how Harry should act, and what he would need to do during the meeting. After his tutoring was finished, he was fitted for a plum coloured Wizengamot robe, embossed with the silver 'W'. Percy led Harry and Mr. Weasley to the dungeon level. They arrived just as the doors opened, and the members filed in to take their seats. Percy led Harry to a seat on the lowest level of benches, showing him where to sit, then took his place beside Kingsley. Harry looked around and saw many empty spaces. He turned back to watch Kingsley as he called the meeting to order.
"Welcome, everyone," he began. "As we begin this meeting, I'd like to introduce and welcome Harry Potter to our group. Elder Potter is the hereditary holder of the Potter family seat, and is, as sole beneficiary of the Black family estate, the holder of the Black family seat."
There was a murmur through the group of Wizards and Witches. Percy had explained to Harry how rare it was for any one person to hold two seats at the same time. Kingsley waited for the commotion to quite before continuing.
"Our first order of business is to consider replacements for the members who have been removed, or were lost during the war." He looked around at the other members. "There are currently fourteen vacancies. We will now accept nominations."
Harry knew from Percy's instruction, that each sitting member could submit only one name for nomination. As the other Wizards and Witches were voicing their nominations, Harry considered his choices.
"Elder Potter, do you have any nominations?" Percy finally called out, and all of the other Elders looked at him with interest, wondering what their newest member would do.
Harry cleared his throat. "I select Arthur Weasley to stand as the Potter family nomination," he announced. There didn't seem to be anyone surprised by this. "I also select Professor Horace Slughorn as the Black family nomination." There were some definite looks of surprise at this, but Harry ignored the looks and continued.
"I was once told that the best people to have in charge are the ones that don't want the job. Professor Slughorn has never sought the spotlight, and he might not appreciate the nomination, but his intelligence and passion would benefit all of us." He paused a moment, looking over at Mr. Weasley, and smiling.
"Some of you probably assume that I'm nominating Arthur Weasley because he has been such a close friend and more – he's been like a father to me. The reason I nominate him, over many others I know and trust, is that I know that where Professor Slughorn would bring passion, Arthur would bring compassion. When we create legislation, he would help us look at how we'll affect not just Wizards and Witches, but all of the magical and non-magical beings. When we seek to deliver justice, he would be a fair and impartial judge." When Harry finished, Percy stood.
"The members have nominated twenty-six candidates," he reported. "For a candidate to continue, a nomination must be seconded. As I call out the name of each person, if anyone wishes to second the nomination, please raise your hand."
Percy proceeded to call out each name, looking around for a hand raised in approval. Harry's nominees had both received seconds. Percy again meticulously checked his list, probably to make sure he hadn't missed a name.
"All twenty-six names have been seconded," he advised. "I will, as court scribe, contact and advise the nominees, and request their presence at our next meeting."
Harry now knew that the candidates would then confirm their willingness to stand, or decline the nomination. The Wizengamot members would then each vote for fourteen of the remaining nominees in anonymous ballots, and the fourteen candidates receiving the highest number of votes would then be affirmed as members. Kingsley waited for Percy to sit, and then addressed the group again.
"The next item on our agenda is to select a group of special Interrogators who will sit over the trials of the Death Eaters and other persons who fought with, or aided, Lord Voldemort during the war. We will require a triumvirate for each trial, and because of the large number of accused, will have three teams of judges." He looked at Harry briefly before continuing.
"Elder Potter is prohibited from sitting as a judge in all of these cases, as he will very likely be a witness at many, if not all of the trials that are now pending." Harry felt relieved to find out that he wasn't going to have that burden on his shoulders. An older wizard stood, and Kingsley gave him the floor with a nod.
"Before we choose these Inquisitors, I move that today we limit the selections to six members, and draw the final three judges from among the new members at the next meeting." This proposal was seconded, and unanimously passed. Five members then volunteered to serve, and a sixth was then nominated. All were approved.
"For our last order of business," Kingsley began, "it is this body's responsibility to select the Minister of Magic. I now would open the floor for discussion on this matter." The same old wizard again stood up.
"In an effort to give us all time to consider the matter, I would like to present a motion to the members that we do two things. Affirm Minister Shacklebolt continuing as interim minister at least until our next meeting, and that we each consider candidates to become the next Minister of Magic." Harry took more careful notice of the man, thinking that he would be someone worth getting to know and learn from. Percy stood, repeating the motion, and it was passed, again unanimously. The next meeting date was then set, and this session was adjourned.
Percy came back over to Harry, and as everyone was filing out, introduced him to most of the members. He felt a little out of place, being by far the youngest 'Elder' of the group. Percy took Harry to meet up with his father, who had gone to his own office while Harry was meeting the other Elders, and they left the Ministry of Magic, apparating to the Burrow to have lunch with everyone else.
They all congratulated Harry on passing his apparition test, and for his appointment to the Wizengamot. When Hermione heard about his plans for Hogwarts, she accidentally knocked his glasses off when hugging him. A quick glasses repair spell later, and they were all laughing and talking about everything at once. Harry thought to himself that it was the first time since the battle that the Burrow actually sounded like normal. Ginny was sitting beside him at the table, holding his hand.
"What's that smile for?" she asked him, and he squeezed her hand.
"I was just thinking about how much I love being here like this with everyone." She gave him a flirty little grin.
"Well, this is pretty great, but I wouldn't mind a little less of everyone else, and a little more just me and you time." Harry's smile grew as he thought about what a good idea that was, but then it was almost time to head for Diagon Alley and the meeting at Gringotts bank, so that suggestion would just have to wait for later. When they arrived at Gringotts, Bill met all of them in the lobby. He led them quickly to a large set of doors, guarded by two very large Goblins. Though that size was relative, Harry didn't think anyone would want to mess around with them.
"Harry Potter and guests to see the Chairman," Bill announced. The guards opened the doors immediately, and Bill again led them into a spacious, ostentatiously decorated office. Bill stepped in front of the desk and bowed deeply. "Mr. Chairman, Harry Potter to see you, as you requested." The chairman looked intently at Harry over his wire-rimmed glasses. Harry, having asked Hermione at lunchtime about Goblin protocol, bowed deeply too.
"Thank you for inviting me to your office, Mr. Chairman. It is a great honour to meet you." The chairman stood, and also bowing, motioned the group to a large table along one side of the office, where they all took seats.
"Mr. Potter," the chairman began, "I have asked you here to go over some financial matters with you." He looked grimly at Harry. "First, however, we have a problem to resolve before we can proceed with that." Harry watched him steadily, and waited. At some unspoken summons, the doors opened again, and Griphook entered the office.
"We are now aware of the reasons behind your break-in to our bank, and are willing to forgive this invasion of our property, as we also forgave Griphook his transgressions," the Chairman continued. "The greater good of the entire magical world is more important than the injury to the Goblin pride this incident caused." Harry nodded. "Griphook also, however, believes that you broke a personal contract with him, and the Goblins consider this a serious offence." Harry looked over at Griphook, who was now staring at him angrily. Bill looked worried. Harry turned back to face the chairman.
"What is the charge?" he asked.
"That you, having promised to trade Gryffindor's sword for services rendered, did then break that contract by taking the sword back from the Goblins," the Chairman answered, still watching Harry intently. Harry had prepared himself for this possibility, though, and when he looked at Hermione, she smiled, and nodded at him encouragingly.
"The agreement that I made with Griphook was indeed to give Gryffindor's sword to him in exchange for his help in retrieving the horcrux from the vault," Harry said as he turned back to look at the Chairman. He looked at Griphook for just a moment, then continued. "He did a masterful job in negotiating that deal, agreeing to help us get into the Lestrange vault. He was quite clever indeed. Knowing that I had not bargained to include helping us to escape once we were in the vault, once we had what we were looking for, he called for the guards, and ran off, leaving us to defend ourselves against them." Harry bowed only slightly to Griphook, and the Goblin reluctantly nodded his acceptance of what they both understood was a great compliment to a Goblin.
"However, there are two problems with his claim. First, before I could deliver on my promise to give him the sword, events transpired that gave Griphook an opportunity to seize the sword for himself. He took that opportunity, and claimed the sword - without my consent." He now looked at the Chairman. "Griphook left the vault with the sword. I realize that he may think I tricked him somehow, because he no longer has the sword." Glancing at Griphook, he continued.
"There were hundreds of witnesses at the final battle who saw Neville Longbottom draw Gryffindor's sword from the sorting hat. I believe that the sword came to the call of a true Gryffindor because the sword itself believes it still rightfully belongs there."
"You made a contract, Mr. Potter!" Griphook growled at him. "You agreed to give the sword to me. I provided the services agreed upon, and I want to be paid what I'm due." Harry calmly faced the still-angry Goblin.
"Griphook, what are the five conditions that can nullify a Goblin contract?" The goblin stood still for a moment of confusion, and then automatically answered.
"Death of one of the signing parties, terms of contract that violate Goblin law, proof of use of binding curses like the Imperious being used in coercing the contract, contract forgery, and," Griphook stopped, a look of appalled comprehension on his face.
"Theft," Harry finished for him. "Theft of any property negotiated in the contract, due to the fact that the property can no longer be offered in settlement, completely voids the contract. When you stole the sword from me, instead of waiting for me to present it to you, it not only voided the contract, but also meant that the magic of the sword, like our wands, continued to recognize true Gryffindors as the rightful owners, which is why it came to Neville's call instead of staying with you."
The Chairman, having watched and listened closely, saw Griphook's look of understanding and defeat. "I consider this matter settled. Do you agree Griphook?" Griphook bowed in concession, but didn't say anything more. "Mr. Potter. Before we continue, Griphook has, until now, been your account manager. Considering the recent events, you have the option to request a replacement." Harry looked at Griphook for a long moment.
"Griphook has served the Goblins, and me, with honour," Harry told the Chairman. "I would be pleased if he would agree to continue to manage my accounts." Griphook looked surprised, but he bowed slightly to Harry, and then took a seat when the Chairman motioned for him to do so. The door to the office opened again, and another Goblin brought a large stack of files in, placing them beside the Chairman. When the other Goblin had left again, the Chairman looked up at Harry.
"When Wizards reach their seventeenth birthday, if they have inheritances that were left in trust for them while they were under-age, their Gringotts account manager will normally meet with them to review their accounts." He looked around the table at the others with Harry. "I would not normally be involved in this, but in your case, Harry, it is necessary that I personally review your inheritances with you." Harry nodded his understanding, and the others looked on curiously.
"Because of the war, we were obviously unable to meet with you, but now it is time for you to be told of your bequests. Griphook has previously aided you with transactions that were handled through vault six eighty-seven. This vault was set up in your parent's will to provide for your needs until you became an adult." Harry was now really surprised. He had believed the vault contained his entire inheritance. "Griphook will now disclose to you the details of your estates." Griphook took the first folder from the pile and opened it.
"Mr. Potter, we will begin with the assets left to you by Sirius Black." He looked up, and Harry nodded for him to continue. "The Black family estate is one of the oldest in the Wizarding World. They have amassed extensive property. This includes estate homes, rental properties, house elves, and many valuable items. The Black vault, number seven hundred and eleven, contains a very large store of gold and valuables." He handed the file to Harry. "You can review this folder at your leisure, since it will take some time for you to review the entire estate."
Taking the another folder from the pile, Griphook continued.
"The Potter family estate consists of several properties and valuables. While your parents died young, they had invested wisely, and the estate has continued to grow for the past seventeen years. We have taken the liberty of moving the gold and valuables stored here into vault six hundred and eighty-seven for your convenience." Harry again nodded, not able to think of anything to say. Griphook again passed this file to Harry, and then looked to the Chairman, who placed a hand on top of the remaining pile, which for some reason, made Harry very nervous.
"Before we continue, Harry, I would suggest that your friends leave us for the rest of the meeting. It is of course entirely your choice." Harry looked at his friends and smiled.
"I'd like them to stay," he told the Chairman confidently, and the Head of Gringott's bank nodded his assent and continued.
"Very well. The paperwork beside me is actually one file, and the reason that I am attending this meeting." He looked steadily at Harry. "You may have heard at some point that your father didn't work, or that he didn't need to work. You might also think that it was because of the Potter family estate that Griphook just finished telling you about." Harry nodded, not trusting himself to speak as that feeling of nervousness got stronger.
"The truth, however, is that he was, as you now are, the only and sole beneficiary of the Peverell family estates." Everyone around the table gasped in shock. Harry stared back at the Chairman in amazement as the Goblin continued to explain everything to them. "This stack of files lists the assets of your estate, which are by far the most extensive in the Wizarding World." The Chairman looked around at the others at the table, speaking to them next.
"This fact has been a very closely guarded family secret. Mr. Potter is granting you the highest of honours in entrusting this to each of you, and I very much hope his faith in all of you is well-founded," he told them seriously.
"During the years since your parents died, while this estate was in trust, there have been three account managers taking care of these assets for you. I recommend that you continue to employ them in that capacity at least until you have had time to review the extent of your holdings, and consider your options."
Harry was stunned. After a minute, he managed to stammer - "Exactly how large an estate are we talking about?" The Chairman motioned to Griphook, who answered Harry's question.
"The Black estate is currently valued at somewhere over seventy-five million galleons. The Potter estate is valued at thirty-four million galleons, and the Peverell estate is difficult to tabulate at any given time, but is in excess of one billion galleons."
Harry thought at first he'd heard the Goblin wrong, but by the looks on everyone else's faces, they too had heard the same thing he had. He closed his eyes for a long minute, and felt Ginny slide her hand into his and give it a reassuring squeeze of support. He opened his eyes and looked at the Chairman.
"Can you tell me how my family before me managed to handle all of this?" he asked, and the Chairman nodded.
"Our records indicate that, at times when the family was larger, they worked together, sharing the responsibilities. When there were only a few, they relied on friends, and purchased the financial management services from our bank." Harry nodded.
"How much does each manager cost?"
"Fifty thousand galleons per year," the Chairman again answered, and Harry took another moment to consider what he wanted to do next. He turned to Bill and smiled.
"Do you think Fleur would be interested in coming to work for me?" he asked, and Bill smiled back at him and nodded.
"Ron and Ginny will be heading back to Hogwarts, and who knows where after that," Harry said, turning his attention to Mrs. Weasley. "Are you at all interested in starting a new career?" He laughed at the look on her face.
"Oh, Harry, I don't know what I could do to help you with all of this!" she told him, and Harry just laughed again.
"Are you kidding? After seeing how you manage your family, and stretching galleons farther than anyone I've ever met, this financial stuff would be a vacation for you," he predicted, and she smiled back at him fondly.
"I'm willing to give it a try if you are," she told him, and he nodded, thankful to have her support.
"I agree to retain the current three account managers as you recommend," Harry continued, turning back to face the Chairman again. "I would like Griphook to co-ordinate all of the estates with them, and be my primary contact. If he is not currently at the same rate of pay as the other three managers, please make the necessary adjustments." Griphook nodded his thanks to Harry, having just been given a huge and unexpected promotion.
"I will be hiring Fleur Weasley and Molly Weasley to be my financial managers. Molly will handle all property assets, and Fleur will manage the money and investment assets. Any recommendations or changes in investment strategy will need to be approved by Griphook, and by them." The Chairman nodded his understanding.
"I would further like to add an incentive. Using the valuations at end of business today, I authorize a one percent incentive for each of the four goblin account managers, and one percent each for Fleur and Molly Weasley, on all profits generated from the combined assets and investments." The Chairman and Griphook both looked at Harry in astonishment. This had never been done before in the Wizarding World. Harry just smiled.
"Let's call it an experiment, shall we?" he suggested. "I'm betting that my investments will do better when my managers have a reason to want them to succeed." Harry then turned to Griphook. "Please set up payroll accounts for Molly and Fleur. Starting wages will be fifty thousand galleons per year each. I think that a joint expense account will also be necessary to cover expenses they will have such as offices, services, and travel."
"I would appreciate if a proposal for operating expenses be prepared for my approval within the next week," he told Mrs. Weasley, who took a startled breath, and nodded.
"Arrange for the incentive we've discussed to be paid out on December first of each year, calculated based on earnings through November thirtieth," Harry said, turning back to Griphook and waited for the Goblin to confirm the instructions so far. When Griphook nodded, Harry then continued.
"Will it be acceptable to everyone to have a wage and performance review annually from today?" Mrs. Weasley nodded, and Bill nodded, sure that Fleur wouldn't have a problem with that. The Chairman considered the matter before speaking.
"Goblin account managers have standard fees that are set each year. This cannot be changed, but we agree that you can review performance each year, and can consider adjusting the incentive you have created at that time, or make changes among your Goblin account managers if you choose to do so." Harry inclined his head in agreement. Returning his attention to Griphook, Harry continued.
"Please transfer ten thousand galleons each to the following people, and create accounts for them if needed. Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Bill Weasley, Charlie Weasley, Percy Weasley, George Weasley, Ron Weasley, Ginevra Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood." Griphook nodded, having written everything down while Harry was talking.
"It's obvious that I'm going to need to set up a detailed will at some point in the future, but for right now, to make sure that there is at least something on paper, with everyone here witnessing, should anything happen to me, I would like the entire estate divided as follows. Twenty percent put in trust for Ted Lupin, including the entire Black Family Estate, with Andromeda Tonks as trustee. Twenty percent to Hermione Granger, and the remaining sixty percent to be shared by Arthur and Molly Weasley, and their children." Griphook again nodded his understanding.
"When we are finished here, I'd like to visit vault six eighty-seven," Harry concluded, and Griphook looked over to the Chairman.
"We are finished for today," the senior Goblin said in answer to Griphook's unspoken question. "You have made some unique and interesting decisions today, Mr. Potter. I look forward to watching how everything works out for you in the coming years." Harry stood and bowed deeply to the Chairman.
"Thank-you, sir," he said as the others began standing too. Mrs. Weasley used a shrinking charm, and placed all of the files in her bag, and Griphook led them out of the office.
Harry looked at the others once they were outside of the office, and smiled.
"I may need a little while to take care of this. Could we all meet at the Leaky Cauldron in maybe two hours? I'm sure Griphook could have your accounts set up right away, and you could go do a little shopping." They all nodded in understanding, and Ginny went to let go of his hand, but he held on, and looked into her eyes. "I was hoping you'd come with me, Ginny." She smiled happily at him and nodded.
"Is that alright, Mum?" she asked Mrs. Weasley, who nodded too.
"Of course it is, dear," she assured Ginny and Harry both, and Ginny hugged her.
When Griphook had the accounts set up, the money transferred, and some modest withdrawals taken care of for everyone who was there with Harry, he guided Harry and Ginny through a door, and into one of the Gringott's cars for the ride to Harry's vault.
Ginny had never been in one of the Gringotts cars before, and Harry had to admit that he enjoyed this ride, watching the moments of excitement and fear flashing across her face, more than any previous trip he'd taken. When they arrived at the vault, Harry handed Griphook his key, and the Goblin unlocked the door and opened it.
"Mr. Potter, your vault was expanded to accommodate the additional funds and valuables. As per the instructions left for us by your former trustee Sirius Black, there is a small chest just inside the door, that he wanted you to have when you turned seventeen." Harry thanked him, and went into the vault with Ginny by his side.
Harry could see the vault was at least ten times larger than it had been the last time he'd been here, and it was filled with piles of neatly stacked galleons, and chests of treasures. He stepped up to the small chest that must be the one that Griphook had referred to, and put his hand on it to open the lid. Ginny, sensing that he would want to look at it alone at first, let go of his hand, and wandered around the room. Harry opened the chest, and inside saw a letter sitting on top of some small boxes. He opened the envelope, unfolded the parchment, and read.
Dear Harry,
If you're reading this, then you've made the big one-seven. Congratulations! I don't know, while writing this, whether you'll still be battling Lord Voldemort, or if maybe you've managed to win already. I'm writing you this letter, though, to explain what's in this chest. Your Mom and Dad left instructions to tell me what to do with certain personal items of theirs. In the blue velvet box, you'll find your Mom's and Dad's rings. There's the promise ring James gave Lily in seventh year, her engagement ring, and wedding ring. James' wedding ring is also there. All of these are Potter and Peverell family heirlooms, passed down through the generations.
Harry took a moment to open the box, and look at the three glittering rings that had been his mother's, and the intricately designed gold band that had been his father's. He looked up to see where Ginny was, and noticing that she wasn't looking his way, quietly placed the box in his pocket. He continued reading.
The gray box contains some of your mother's favourite pieces of jewellery. The remaining few boxes contain a Muggle photo album - pictures of your Mum growing up, an album of pictures of you Dad and Grandparents when James was young, and the pictures that your parents had taken from when they were going out through to not long before they died.
Harry didn't open any of the other boxes, deciding to just take the chest with him when he left. Sirius' letter continued.
When you have the time to explore, you'll find boxes of family records, pictures, and histories stored in this vault. Maybe it will help make your family more real to you. You know I wish I could still be there with you, Harry, but since you're reading this, I guess things just didn't work out that way. I hope you have a long, happy life after you beat Lord Voldemort. You deserve it more than anyone I've ever known. Lastly, Harry, find yourself a special someone to share your life with. It's the only regret that I had in my life.
Sirius.
Harry had to blink the tears from his eyes before he could read the bottom of the letter.
P.S. I've gotten to watch a certain redhead over the past year, and as I'm reading that last sentence, I can't help but laugh, 'cause I think you've already found that special girl, and she's just waiting around for you to figure it out. There's a lot of fire in that one, Harry. I'm thinking you're in for some interesting times!
Ginny walked back up to Harry, and noticing the tears in his eyes, and hearing him start to laugh, wasn't sure what to do or say. He saw her confusion, and pulled her into a hug.
"It's a letter from Sirius, and some of my Mum and Dad's personal things - some pictures and stuff," he explained and then gave Ginny a soft kiss. "He ended the letter by telling me that he was sure that a certain redhead he knew was waiting for me to come to my senses and realize I loved her. Apparently he was very amused by how dense I was." Ginny smiled at him.
"Well, it's obvious to me that your Godfather was brilliant, and an exceptional judge of character," she told him, and Harry laughed again.
"Did you see anything else I should take a look at now?" he asked, and Ginny looked around the vault again, thinking about what she'd seen so far, which had just been a small fraction of the total.
"Nothing you need to check out right now. When Mum and Fleur get a chance to review everything, you can trust they'll let you know about anything you need to handle personally."
Harry filled a bag with galleons, and they returned with Griphook to the main hall. Griphook recorded his withdrawals, and they left the bank to meet with the others. Their summer, and the coming school year was definitely looking like it was going to be even better than Harry could ever have dreamed possible even a day ago.