Chapter 4
The Will of Albus Dumbledore
Author's Note: The response to the last chapter was amazing! 40 reviews in less than twenty-four hours! I've never had that happen before, nor has there ever been anywhere close to 100 reviews in only three chapters! Thank you everyone! Many of you were wanting answers for who was responsible for last chapter's events. Hopefully this chapter and the next one will give them to you.
Friday, June 30th, 1995
At Potter Manor, Harry and Ginny were lounging in the comfortable air conditioned sitting room, working on more details for the wedding. Sirius hadn't come home from work that evening yet, however he had sent owl post earlier that day informing them that he might have a late day at the Ministry. Susan had gone to her friend Hannah Abbot's earlier that day and would be spending the weekend with the Abbots. So it had just been Harry, Ginny and Amelia around the dinner table that evening.
Amelia walked into the sitting room, and sat down in one of the reclining chairs across the room from Harry and Ginny.
"Are the twins asleep?" Ginny asked her.
"Finally," Amelia said, "They seemed rather fussy this evening. They probably just miss their father. I wonder if I should contact him and see when he is coming home."
"I'm sure he'll be home soon," Harry said.
"You're probably right," Amelia said. "Anything I can to do help you with your wedding plans? My own wedding wasn't too long ago to forget some of the details."
Suddenly, Dobby appeared in the middle of the sitting room. He looked rather frantic.
"What's wrong, Dobby?" Harry asked.
"Mister Sirius is home and he isn't alone!" Dobby said. "Master's friends are with him, and they are not well at all!"
Harry and Ginny exchanged looks and hopped up, then ran out of the room and toward the front doors of the Manor. Ron walked into the house, carrying an unconscious Hermione.
"Ron?!" Harry asked, "Hermione?! Is she okay?!"
"She fainted," Ron said, looking emotionless, "Again."
"What do you mean 'again'?" Ginny asked, "Talk to me, Ron!"
"Lay her down on the couch in the sitting room, Ron," Sirius said, walking through the front door of the house, followed by Melina, "I'll explain everything to Harry and Ginny. Melina, get the shock remedy potion, and glasses of water."
Melina nodded and vanished with a crack, while Ron carried Hermione through the house.
"What the bloody hell is going on, Sirius?" Harry asked.
"Ron and Hermione were on a date in Oxfordshire," Sirius said, "Apparently they were attacked by Dementors."
"Dementors!" Ginny asked, "Hermione, they didn't -"
"Hermione and Ron were able to defend themselves quite well," Sirius said, "The Dementors were gone by the time myself and a team of Aurors arrived. I took Ron and Hermione to her house, and found that another team of Aurors were there, apparently they had just arrived shortly before we did." He frowned and shook his head. "It appears that Dementors attacked Hermione's house. Her parents were both given the Kiss. They were dead by the time the Aurors arrived."
Ginny choked on her tears and Harry wrapped an arm around her, as she fell against him and cried into his shirt.
"Hermione saw her parents' bodies, and she collapsed," Sirius said, "Only thing I could think of was taking her far away from the house. So I brought her and Ron here. The result of the Apparation rendered her completely unconscious. She's experienced so much in so little time."
Harry pressed his lips into Ginny's hair. Come on. Let's go comfort our friends.
Ginny sniffled, and nodded against Harry's chest, before backing away. He led her into the sitting room. Hermione was awake and responsive, though she was still laying on the couch. She was currently gulping down a glass of water, with help from Ron. Amelia and Winky were both nearby. Amelia looked up, when Harry, Ginny and Sirius entered the room. She ran over to Sirius and hugged him.
Harry and Ginny walked over to Ron and Hermione. Ginny kneeled next to Ron and hugged Hermione as best she could since the bushy-haired witch was still laying on the couch. When Ginny backed away, Harry hugged her as well.
"Hermione," Harry said, as he backed away from her, "I... I don't know what to say except I am sorry."
"I wish everyone would stop apologizing to me," Hermione said, "First thing Ron said when I came to is he was sorry."
"I am sorry, Hermione!" Ron said, "We should have been there. We could have watched the telly and had dinner with your parents. If we had -"
"I wanted to go out, Ron," Hermione said, "I wanted to have an actual date with you. I was looking forward to it. It isn't your fault. I don't know whose fault it is, but it isn't yours! Do you understand me?"
Ron sighed and nodded. He leaned toward her and hugged her again, then kissed her softly. Harry turned away from the scene, just as he saw Hermione crying against Ron as she kissed him. This was their private moment, something he didn't need to intrude on.
Suddenly, Blitzen and Donder ran into the room, the former holding what appeared to be a red envelope.
"Mister Sirius!" Blitzen said, "We has letter for you!"
"Blitzen, drop the letter please!" Harry said, recognizing what exactly the little house-elf was holding.
Blitzen did as was told, and dropped the Howler. However, it never reached the ground. It hovered for a moment, before floating over to Ron. It remained airborne, as it tore itself open.
"RONALD WEASLEY!" screamed the voice of Molly Weasley, "HOW DARE YOU USE MAGIC IN THE PRESENCE OF MUGGLES! YOUR FATHER AND I ARE ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED! WE TRUSTED YOU TO BEHAVE ON YOUR DATE WITH HERMIONE! WE TAUGHT YOU BETTER THAN THIS! YOU COME HOME THIS INSTANT OR YOU WILL BE GROUNDED UNTIL YOU ARE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY!"
The letter blew a raspberry, then ripped itself apart into many pieces. Blitzen and Donder, who were still plugging their ears from the loud sound, ran from the room before the Howler destroyed itself.
Ron, who had backed away from Hermione at the first sound of his mother's voice looked windswept and frightened.
"Blimey," he croaked. "H-how did she know?"
"She must have received a letter from the Department for the Improper Use of Magic," Sirius said; he reached into his robes, and revealed a piece of parchment. "Auror Dawlish gave me this just before we left. It is a letter informing you, Hermione, of the law you broke using magic in the presence of Muggles." He sighed, narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat. "You are expected to stand in front of the Wizengamot on Monday. I am guessing Ron's letter said the same thing."
"Wizengamot?" Ginny asked, "But this was their first offense!"
"Which means they should be able to get off rather easily," Sirius said.
Suddenly things began to click in Harry's mind. This all seemed way too familiar.
"I am going to kill her," he snarled.
"What's wrong, kid?" Sirius asked.
"Dolores Umbridge," Harry said, "I bet you anything it was her. She somehow sent those Dementors after Hermione. Last timeline, she was responsible for sending Dementors after me. I wound up in front of the Wizengamot."
"But why would she do that?" Amelia asked.
"She's punishing me," Harry said, "By going after my friends. Maybe she doesn't believe I was the one who defeated Voldemort. Hell, maybe she believes Voldemort didn't really come back at all. She probably thinks I am lying."
"That doesn't make sense," Sirius said, "There were witnesses! I was a witness!"
"We're family, Sirius," Harry said, "As the head of the Auror Department, you could make any of those Aurors in the cemetery say what you wanted them to say. At least that is what Umbridge would think. To someone like her, it probably makes perfect sense."
"This... woman... is responsible for killing my parents?" Hermione asked.
"It is highly likely, Hermione," Harry said.
"What do we do?" Ron asked. "Do I and Hermione really have to go in front of the Wizengamot?"
"Yes," Amelia said, "But don't worry. I will take care of this. All of this. I am taking a leave of absence from my leave of absence."
"Amelia, you're not ready," Sirius said.
"I'm the Minister of Magic, Sirius," Amelia said, "It doesn't matter whether I am ready or not. I am going to correct this injustice."
"Alright," Sirius said, "I'll be right back. I am going to go to the Burrow myself, and explain to Molly what happened."
"Do I have to go with you?" Ron asked, "I don't want to leave Hermione."
"No, you may stay here," Sirius said. "I'll take care of it."
Sirius gave Hermione a reassuring smile, kissed his wife, then headed out of the room.
"Why would this Umbridge woman come after me?" Hermione asked. "If she was targeting you, Harry -"
"She hates Muggleborn, Hermione," Harry said, "And Muggles, and half-breeds. She's just a cruel, vindictive woman. And I refuse to put up with her anymore."
"I'll take care of it, Harry," Amelia said, "I already have a few ideas."
"Are you sure you can do this, Amy?" Ginny asked, "Marlene and Eli need you."
"I suppose it is about time I showed them where Mummy works," Amelia said, "I was planning on building a nursery near my office at the Ministry anyway. Pardon me. I need to write a few letters. Call for me if you need anything. Hermione, you may need more shock potion before too long. If you feel funny, take some."
"Yes, ma'am," Hermione said.
Amelia smiled softly and walked out of the room. Harry turned back toward Hermione. She seemed to be trying not to think of her parents' deaths, avoiding thinking about anything to do with them. He knew this was dangerous for her. That when it did come to her, it would hurt even more.
"Hermione, do you want to talk about it?" Ginny said.
Harry smiled at his Bond-mate. She either seemed to have read his mind, or was thinking of the same thing.
"I'm fine, Ginny," Hermione said.
"You're not, Hermione," Harry said.
"Leave her alone," Ron growled softly, "If she doesn't want to talk about it, she doesn't have to. She's already had a rough night. Why do you have to remind her of it anymore?"
"Thank you, Ron," Hermione said.
"I'm here for you, Hermione," Ron said, "Whatever you need."
Hermione pulled Ron toward her and kissed him again. Harry sighed and walked over to the other love-seat in the room and sat down on it, ignoring his best friends.
I know what you're thinking, Harry, Ginny said, sitting down next to him, She needs to talk about it. And she will, sooner or later. That is what Ron is there for. She needs him the most right now.
You're right, Harry said, I just wish it was different. At least it would distract me from thinking about tearing Umbridge apart limb from limb.
You're sure she is responsible for this?
Yes, Ginny. There is no other explanation. This is just like the previous timeline. Except this time she couldn't get to me because this house is protected by the Fidelius Charm, so she went after our friends. She's taken it too far this time.
I'm confused though. We asked Ragnok to use some of the gold in our vault to fund placing protective enchantments over Hermione's house.
Enchantments can be brought down, Ginny. We learned that with the Dementor attack on Hogwarts last year. Umbridge has enough connections from her days in the Ministry. I guarantee she probably figured out about the enchantments. Though I do want to talk to Ragnok about it. That is quite concerning.
That is probably a good idea. She then yawned. It must be near our regular bedtime, but there is no way I can go to bed just yet.
Harry smiled, scooted closer to her and put his arm around her. She responded to this action with a small smile of her own and cuddled against him. The couple remained in this position, both ignoring Ron and Hermione so as to give them their privacy. A few minutes later, Ginny was well on her way to drowsing off to sleep, when Sirius returned to the sitting room. And he wasn't alone.
Mrs. Weasley walked in behind him, and Ron immediately stood up at the sight of her.
"Mum, I'm sorry!" he said, "I can explain everything -"
Before Ron could continue, his mother had engulfed him in a hug.
"You don't have to explain anything, Ron Weasley," she said, "Nor do you have to apologize. I should apologize to you for that Howler. I completely overreacted." She backed away from Ron and moved over to Hermione then hugged her as well. "Sirius explained everything to me. I am so sorry, Hermione."
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said.
"Oh, please, dear, it is Molly," Mrs. Weasley said, "You're dating my boy, you have that right."
Hermione burst into tears a moment later. Mrs. Weasley backed away in surprise, seemingly confused, and Ron moved back to his position on the couch, comforting her.
"Did I say something wrong?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Her mother basically said the same thing you said," Ron said, as Hermione sniffled against his shirt, "But it was directed toward me. It was one of the last things she said to us before we left to go on our date."
"Oh, I am sorry, dear," Mrs. Weasley said; she sighed and turned to Sirius. "Perhaps it is best if I take Hermione to the Burrow with Ron and I."
"I would suggest the same," Sirius said, "However, it should wait until tomorrow. I fear another bout of Apparation without some rest beforehand might do her in. She's been through too much tonight."
Mrs. Weasley nodded. "You're probably right."
"Well, if she's not going," Ron said, "then I'm staying here with her tonight, Mum."
Harry expected Mrs. Weasley to disagree with Ron, and make him go home with her. Therefore he was surprised when he saw her expression soften instead of harden.
"Alright, dear," Mrs. Weasley said. "But I expect you back home tomorrow morning for breakfast. We can discuss this apparent hearing you have in front of the Wizengamot."
"Can't Amelia do something about that?" Ron asked.
"If I wanted to be a controlling Minister like many of my predecessors, I could," Amelia said, as she returned to the room, "Unfortunately I cannot do that. But do not fret, children. This will all be taken care of. The both of you will have to attend the hearing, I'm afraid. But it will all be fine. I promise you. I will be playing my part in it, which means I will have to go into the Ministry tomorrow."
"Do you need someone to watch after the twins?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"No, I will take them to the Ministry with me," Amelia said, "I've already taken care of it."
"I think it is best if Harry and Ginny go to the Burrow tomorrow with Ron and Hermione," Sirius said, "They can be there for Hermione, and nobody will have to worry about anything happening to them." He turned to Harry and Ginny, "I know you can take care of yourselves, believe me. But this is probably for the best."
Harry nodded. "Alright."
"Now," Amelia said, "It has been a very long day, and tomorrow is going to be even longer I am afraid. I believe we should all go to bed. The house-elves have already gone to bed, so I will prepare a couple of rooms for Ron and Hermione. Molly, when you return home, please ask Arthur to meet me in my office precisely at noon tomorrow."
"Of course, Amelia," Mrs. Weasley said, "Well, I will see you kids tomorrow then."
She hugged all four children in turn, and once again comforted Hermione with her words of sympathy. After which, Sirius walked her out of the Manor.
"Hermione, will you be okay sleeping by yourself, tonight?" Amelia asked.
Hermione frowned, and looked at Ron then shook her head.
"As long as the two of you promise to behave," Amelia said, "I'll allow you to sleep in one room tonight. Just don't let Molly know."
"Thank you, Amy," Hermione said, "I promise we'll just go to sleep."
Ron's cheeks went bright red as he nodded profusely.
"I figured that much for myself," Amelia said, with a soft smile, "I just had to make sure."
"I have a spare sleeping gown you can use, Hermione," Ginny said.
"Thanks, Ginny," Hermione said.
Ginny smiled, and the four teens, and Amelia headed up toward the second floor.
Half-an-hour later, Ron was laying in a large queen-sized bed in one of the spare bedrooms. Hermione walked into the room, wearing a pearl-colored sleeping gown. She shut the door behind her, and walked over to the bed, then climbed in next to Ron. She curled up against him, and Ron moved to blow out the candle, when Hermione once again burst into tears against him. Ron didn't know exactly what he could do to comfort her, so he let her cry against him as he brushed a hand through her bushy locks.
For a few minutes, Hermione cried softly against him, before gradually calming down to sniffles. Finally, she turned and looked up at him.
"Your shirt's all soaked now," she said. "I'm sorry."
"You don't need to apologize," Ron said, "You've been holding that in all night. You needed to let it all out or you'd explode."
"I don't know what I'm going to do, Ron," Hermione said, "Where am I going to live? I have no idea how to plan a funeral. Oh, Merlin, how am I supposed to explain any of this to my extended family? None of them can know I'm a witch!"
"Hermione, calm down and listen to me," Ron said, fearing she'd burst into tears again, "We'll figure it out together. I'll help you. For starters, you heard Mum. You'll live at the Burrow, with me and my family. Ginny's living here, so you can use her room. As for the funeral and your family – I'm sure the Ministry will take care of it."
"Okay," Hermione said; then she sniffled and tears formed in her eyes again. "I c-can't remember - I can't remember what the last thing was that I said to them."
"You told them you loved them," Ron said.
"I should have said more," Hermione said, "All I was thinking of was our date, and how much I wanted to spend time with you. If I had known -"
"You didn't," Ron said, "You couldn't have known."
"I'm smarter than that!" Hermione exclaimed, with another sniffle.
"Listen to me, Hermione," Ron said, "You couldn't have known. Nobody could know what was going to happen."
"I should have," Hermione said. "Oh, Ron, this is all my fault!"
Ron sighed, and shook his head. "No it isn't, Hermione."
"It is!" Hermione growled, "If I wasn't a witch, the Dementors wouldn't have attacked my parents."
"If you weren't a witch," Ron said, "I probably would have never met you. I know it sounds selfish, but I don't want to even think about that."
Hermione sniffled again. She looked back up at him and smiled lightly. "That is true, I suppose."
"Let's just go to sleep alright," Ron said, "You'll feel better in the morning. I promise. Your head will be clearer and you'll be able to figure everything out."
Hermione nodded. She then leaned toward him and kissed him softly. Ron smiled against her lips and returned the kiss. It didn't linger for too long, but Ron didn't mind. Even if they hadn't promised Amelia to behave, he knew they were too young, and it was too early in their relationship, to even think about doing more then kissing and snogging. He had already known that before his father had given him the talk.
He blew out the candle, and the room went pitch black for a moment. Hermione's breathing intensified and Ron cuddled her closer to him.
"It's alright," he whispered, "I'm here. You're safe. Let your eyes adjust."
"I know," Hermione said, "I'm alright now. Thanks."
"See, I told you," Ron said, "It isn't as dark as you thought."
"I didn't mean that," Hermione said, "I meant thanks for making me feel safe."
Ron smiled. "Always. Let's go to sleep now."
"Okay," Hermione said, "Ron?"
"Hmm?" Ron replied.
Silence reigned for a moment, and Ron thought Hermione had fallen asleep.
"I love you," she said into the darkness.
Ron smiled lightly. He hadn't expected her to say that so soon. Hell, there were times he wasn't sure if she'd ever say it. They had only been dating since Christmas after all. He knew her confession probably had something to do with the events that had happened that evening. Then he realized it didn't matter why she had said it. He was happy to hear it.
"I love you too, Hermione," he said.
Hermione murmured softly, and Ron realized she had fallen asleep. He wondered if she had heard him or not. Then he realized it didn't matter. She was a smart witch, wasn't she? She probably knew he loved her. With this in mind, he cuddled her close against him and dozed off to sleep.
Saturday, July 1st, 1995
Early the following morning, everyone in the house – residents and guests – were up and ready to leave. They were all crowded in the sitting room, where the children would use the Floo to travel to the Burrow. Harry and Ginny, who were planning on staying at the Burrow for a few days, had each packed a duffel bag filled with a few days' worth of clothes.
"Hermione, if you feel up to it," Sirius said, "Tonight I can come by the Burrow and we can go back to your house, and you can pack up some clothes."
Hermione nodded in a silent reply.
"Don't worry, sweetheart," Amelia said, "We'll take care of everything. The hearing and – well – everything else."
"Thanks, Amy," Hermione said.
Sirius pointed his wand at Harry and Ginny's travel bags, and they vanished, their destination the Burrow. Ginny used the Floo first, and Harry followed soon after. Mrs. Weasley was there to meet them in the sitting room. The smells of breakfast traveled from the kitchen. Ron arrived next and then Hermione.
"Come along, everyone," Mrs. Weasley said, "Breakfast is almost ready."
Harry followed Ginny and the others into the kitchen. They found that Bill, Percy, the twins and Mr. Weasley were already there.
"I think I speak for everyone here, Hermione," Mr. Weasley as the four new arrivals sat down, "When I say I am deeply saddened by your loss. Your parents were the most wonderful Muggles I've ever had the pleasure to meet."
The rest of the Weasleys nodded and murmured their own sympathies.
"Thank you, everyone," Hermione said.
Mrs. Weasley served everyone breakfast, and soon conversations began around the table.
"Is Charlie coming home this summer?" Ginny asked.
"Yes, dear," Mrs. Weasley said, "He sent a letter just this past week. He will be coming home next Friday, and will be here well into August."
Ginny nodded. Harry, I hate to sound so blunt, but with Hermione no longer going out of the country, I think we could push up the date for when we tell my family about our secret. Maybe next weekend? It will give us more time to discuss our wedding with Mum and everyone.
Yeah, I agree. Hopefully by next weekend things will have calmed down again. I think something like this would be a perfect thing to distract Hermione. I'll write to Draco later, and see if he and Astoria can come by next weekend.
Alright. I just realized something else...
"Mum," Ginny said, "Harry and I need to go to Gringotts today. We need to meet with Ragnok and talk to him about a few things."
Mrs. Weasley glanced at Ginny for a moment, and Harry recognized the look on her face. She was debating this with herself.
"Alright, dear," she said after a moment, "Bill, you're off work today. Could you escort Harry and Ginny to Gringott's? I wouldn't want them to go alone with this ongoing Death Eater threat."
"I'd be happy to, Mum," Bill said, with a smile. "We can go whenever you wish, Ginny."
Ginny smiled. "Thanks. We can go after breakfast. It shouldn't take very long."
"I would suggest the same," Bill said, "Mornings are less busy at the bank, even during the weekend."
Breakfast continued with lighter topics. Harry thought Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were going to discuss Ron and Hermione's hearing during breakfast, as Mrs. Weasley had suggested the night before, but it seemed neither wanted to bring it up just yet. Perhaps, Harry thought, they were being cautious around Hermione at the moment. Or they wanted to have the conversation in private.
After breakfast. Harry and Ginny separated, bringing their luggage to their different bedrooms, Harry to Ron's and Ginny to her own where she would be joined by Hermione. Afterward, Harry, Ginny and Bill all traveled by the Floo Network to Diagon Alley, and made their way to Gringott's. When they arrived, they made their way over to the short queue in front of Ragnok. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out for Harry and Ginny, and they turned and saw Fleur Delacour walking toward them.
"Fleur!" Ginny said, "What are you doing here?"
"I am applying for a job here," Fleur said, "However, zis application is vairy – how you say... confusing."
Ginny glanced at Harry. I just came up with a brilliant idea.
"Fleur, this is my brother, Bill," she said, "He works here at Gringotts."
"Enchanted to meet you, Guillaume," Fleur said, "Ginny 'as told me much about you and 'er family."
"Is that right?" Bill said, glancing curiously at Ginny before turning back to Fleur, "Hopefully it is all good things? If you wish, I could assist you with the application. Which position are you trying to apply for?"
"Human Resources," Fleur said.
"I thought as much," Bill said, with a small smile, "All human workers at Gringotts start there. Don't believe the goblins when they tell you it is at the very bottom of the pole when it comes to Gringotts jobs. It is a very fine job."
"I would be vairy 'appy for your assistance, Guillaume," Fleur said. "Though it appears that you are with your seester and her friend."
"Well," Bill said, clearing his throat, "That is true, I suppose -"
"Go on," Ginny said, "We'll be fine."
"Alright," Bill said, "Wait for me when you're finished. Mum would have kneazle kittens if you went off alone."
"Sure," Ginny said, "Have fun."
Bill smiled and walked away with Fleur. Harry and Ginny could still hear Fleur talking to him.
"I was most curious to meet you, Guillaume," Fleur said, "I 'ave already met most of your family."
Bill turned and looked over his shoulder, toward Harry and Ginny. Ginny winked and Bill blushed red before turning back to Fleur.
Ginny giggled and looked at Harry.
I do believe this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
You're a fine Cupid, Mrs. Potter, Harry said.
Ginny rolled her eyes, but she also smiled lightly and gripped his hand fondly. The Bond-mates waited for another five minutes before it was their turn to meet with Ragnok. The goblin's lips turned up in a wide smile when he saw them.
"Mr. and Mrs. Potter," he said in a low voice, "An honor. What luck this is! I was planning on sending post to you today. Do you have time to talk to me, or do you only wish to visit your vault."
Harry and Ginny glanced at each other, thinking the same thing: what did Ragnok want to talk to them about?
Harry cleared his throat and turned back to the goblin. "Actually, we are here to talk to you, Master Ragnok."
"Very well," Ragnok said. "Follow me."
The Bond-mates walked around the counters, and followed the goblin into one of the private rooms.
"Do you wish to voice your questions first, or should we begin with my own reasons for this meeting?" Ragnok asked.
"You may go first," Harry said.
Ragnok smiled and snapped his bony fingers. A cream-colored folder appeared in front of him.
"To begin," Ragnok said, "I am afraid I must apologize. I meant to speak to you much earlier than now, but because you were still at Hogwarts, I could not find a good time. Usually such things like this are supposed to be handled within a month."
"What are you talking about?" Ginny asked.
"Along with my task of overseer for your vaults and many others," Ragnok said, "I am also a – well, in your terms, you would call me a solicitor. I handled the Dumbledore family vault. A few weeks before his death, Albus came to see me. He wished to update his Final Will and Testament. Both of your names were added onto his will."
Harry and Ginny exchanged glances and looked back at Ragnok. Harry wondered what Dumbledore could possibly give him. Was it perhaps the first Snitch he had ever caught? No, it was only given to him to hide the Resurrection Stone. Perhaps the Deluminator, though he didn't know why he'd need it. He already had the Sword of Gryffindor; in fact he was meaning to return it to the school where it belonged.
Ragnok took out a long scroll of parchment and tapped it with a long bony finger. It hovered in the air next to him and opened up to reveal a section of the parchment.
"'To Harry and Ginny Potter,'" Ragnok read, "'I am afraid I may not be of this earth when it is time for the two of you to wed, as much as I wish I could be at your wedding. I do believe it will be a momentous occasion. Whatever funds are needed for your wedding, I wish to pay out of my own pocket. Please accept this gift in return for whatever pain I may have caused you since you have met me. I also leave two items. The first is my Pensieve, and this box of my memories. If my portrait cannot answer any questions you may still have for me, perhaps my memories will come to some use to you. My Pensieve will sit in my office at Hogwarts for your use. I will be giving Professor McGonagall a message upon my death, in which there are orders to allow you to use it.'"
He didn't know we had our own Pensieve, Ginny said.
Ragnok snapped his fingers as a small wooden box appeared on the table. Harry knew it must be the box of memories. Next to the box, a small photograph appeared. Harry picked it up and looked at it. It was a photo of a painting. The painting looked familiar though Harry couldn't exactly place where he had seen it before. It was a painting of a man who looked very familiar as well, though he couldn't place a name.
"What is this supposed to be?" Ginny asked, indicating the photo.
Ragnok smiled and continued to read. "'I am also giving you this photograph. The two of you seem to love a good mystery. We shall call this a treasure hunt. Somewhere inside Hogwarts, resides this painting. Behind the painting is a place that may be of some use to you. However, I cannot give you anymore hints than this. I believe you already have the key that will gain you entry.' In closing, I wish the best of luck to the pair of you in all your endeavors in the future."
Ragnok poked the piece of parchment, and it rolled up and closed.
"Is that it?" Harry asked. "He's leaving us with a riddle and more questions?"
"He said you would probably ask that very thing," Ragnok said. "He wished for me to tell you that by giving you riddles and questions, he hopes it will help you keep him in your memories long after he has left for the next great adventure."
"Crazy old lunatic," he said, fondly.
Ginny giggled softly and nodded.
"Now," Ragnok said, "I believe you have your own concerns?"
"Yes," Harry said, narrowing his eyes. "Yesterday evening, Richard and Helen Granger were murdered. Attacked by Dementors and given the Kiss. They died shortly after."
"I see," Ragnok said, "Such news had not reached my ears yet. I will assume their daughter is unharmed."
"Not exactly," Ginny said. "She and my brother, Ron, were on a date during her parents' attack, and were also attacked by Dementors. They defended themselves, and have to face the Wizengamot for breaking the Restrictions for Underage Wizardry."
"A case of self-defense," Ragnok said, "they should get off easily. What is the issue?"
"I believe I requested some time ago for some protection to be placed around the Granger's residence," Harry said. "You said you would assist with that, taking the funds from our vault."
Ragnok sighed, a horrible, guttural sound. "There were indeed protections placed around the Granger's residence, as you asked. Mr. Potter, I must apologize. I fear this bank has unknowingly employed people who turned to be very untrustworthy. This was remedied recently, when such employees were fired. However, it was thought there was valuable information stolen from the bank. Not treasures in the vaults, but information and documents. Until now, we didn't know what was stolen. I fear that the documents regarding the Granger's residence, and the protection around it, was in fact, stolen."
Harry looked at Ginny, whose eyebrows were narrowed.
How much do you want to bet Dolores Umbridge was allied with these former employees? Ginny asked.
Harry nodded and turned to Ragnok. "Why wasn't this reported to the Ministry?"
"We goblins tend to take care of things ourselves," Ragnok said. "Especially when it concerns thievery in our bank."
"We believe whoever this employee was," Harry said, "has connections to whoever is responsible for the deaths of Hermione's parents, and the attack on her and Ron. Master Ragnok, I must ask you to give the information to my godfather, Sirius."
Ragnok's lips went thin. He stared at Harry for a moment, before nodding.
"It will be done, Mr. Potter," Ragnok said.
"Thank you," Harry said.
"Is there anything else you wish to discuss with me?" Ragnok asked.
"No, sir," Harry said.
"Very well," Ragnok said, "Do you wish to go to your vault?"
"Yes," Harry said.
Harry and Ginny picked up their contents from Dumbledore's Will, and Ragnok led them out. Soon they were at their vault, where they filled their money bags, and collected a few items that they thought might assist them with their wedding before returning to the Atrium of the bank, where Bill was waiting for them near the large doors.
"Ready for the off?" Bill asked. "Or is there anything else you need to do?"
Harry looked at Ginny.
As much as I would like to do some wedding shopping, Ginny said, That can wait until after we tell my family our secrets.
I agree,Harry said.
"That is all we needed to do," Ginny said, "Did you have fun with Fleur?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Bill said, "I was only helping her apply for a job."
"Is that all?" Ginny asked.
Bill blushed furiously. "I may have also asked her to join me for dinner at the Leaky Cauldron tomorrow evening."
"Did she say yes?" Ginny asked.
"Yes," Bill said, "Now if you are finished being a nosy little sister, I think we should go before we worry Mum anymore."
Ginny giggled softly. "As you wish."
Ginny exchanged a smile with Harry and took his hand, and the pair followed Bill out of the bank. Soon, they were all back at the Burrow, having arrived by Floo. As Harry arrived, and cleaned off the soot, he heard loud voices coming from the direction of the stairs that sounded like Ron and Hermione. He wondered if they were fighting.
"You don't have to do this, Hermione!" Ron said, as he and Hermione appeared at the stairs that lead to the bottom floor. "Someone else can do it. Someone with experience. You're mental if you think you could pull it off."
"Well then maybe I am mental, Ron!" Hermione growled.
"Whoa!" Ginny said, "What is going on?"
Ron and Hermione turned, and apparently just realized Harry and Ginny were there.
"She's mental, that is what is going on!" Ron said, pointing to Hermione.
"I have come to a decision," Hermione said, crossing her arms over her chest. "I will be representing myself and Ron at the hearing on Monday."
Dun-dun-dun!
So, there was a lot of stuff happening in this chapter! It was quite eventful.
I know you're probably all wanting to find out what is up with the contents of Dumbledore's Will. Both parts of it will be a big part of the storyline that takes place in their fifth year. It won't be answered immediately either.
So begins Bill and Fleur's relationship! I probably won't focus too much on them. Fleur's accent is difficult to write. So they will mostly be a background couple.
Speaking of couples, Ron/Hermione shippers, do you think it was too early for those three little words to come out, or was it the perfect moment?
Next chapter: We go back in time a few minutes to find out exactly what made Hermione come to this decision, then more is discussed concerning it. Also, Amelia, Sirius and Mr. Weasley discuss the hearing, and a surprise guest appears. And then... the hearing! Hopefully I can compact it all into one chapter, because after those events, we will probably get into Harry and Ginny revealing their secrets, which I know everyone has been looking forward to for quite a while now.
Hope you liked this chapter!