The Half Blood Prince Revealed

Summary :

Harry's summer before sixth year is no different from the others. Around every corner surprises, good and bad, and adventure of all kind await. And it looks like the gods have finally granted Harry a possibility for a nicer life. What will this mean for his 6th year at Hogwarts ?

General Disclaimer :

I am just playing in the sand of JKRowling's literary produced beach and am attempting to build my own sandcastle for others to enjoy.

- - - - - - - - - -

17 New and improved

Mr Black was looking on in amusement from his open study door as the large congregation of people stood about in the Manor Entrance Hall. After tea with their new Potions teacher the group had realised that the moment to move out had come and they were all eager for the outing. It had been a mad scramble for all to pack an overnight bag for the next two to three nights.

From his vantage point on the third step up the stairs Harry saw everyone had arrived and so called for attention.

"Is every one ready ?"

Harry saw enthusiastic nods all around and continued.

"Did everyone pack for three nights and bring their tooth brushes ?"

More nods followed and a few sported smiling faces at Harry's little joke.

"All right. If every one thought to bring their vault key for Gringotts and their book list we can be off."

Giving them a moment to mentally check they had all they needed Harry resumed his little speech.

"Well Mr Black, bye for now and enjoy the peace and quiet while we're gone. We're off shopping and a stay at Lily's Haven." Harry silently added "Always Pureness of Heart" while thinking of the Tapestry Room at Grimmauld Place and the twelve of them disappeared from the Manor Main Hall and appeared moments later at the desired location.

For a few short moments there was utter silence and the group took in their new surroundings. Mrs Longbottom awed "Oh my !" drew their attention to the tapestry that hung in front of them. Remembering the moth eaten and dirty rag that it used to be the visitors were duly impressed with the new colourful display and expressed this rather loudly.

Mrs Longbottom and Hermione's parents didn't understand what the commotion was about so Harry explained that they'd been here last year while his godfather was hiding from the aurors and that the place had looked very differently back then.

By the open door Professor Dumbledore and Tonks were watching the new arrivals take in their surrounding. Mrs Weasley was the first to spot them, as Harry and Remus were too busy explaining some of the changes to the others but soon everybody had said their "hello"'s.

Dobby and Winky arrived to take their overnight bags and Tonks took them on a tour of the house, showing them where every one had their rooms. As soon as the group was led into the hall Mrs Weasley, Ginny and Hermione gasped at the change the place had undergone since last Christmas.

The ugly umbrella-stand and house elf heads were gone and the walls were now painted a soft yellow. Rather than the threadbare carpet a pale wooden floor was gleaming as if recently polished. And it didn't stop there. All the rooms were no longer recognizable when compared with their state last Christmas and the house felt just as warm and welcoming as Black Manor.

Across the hall from the Tapestry room, as Harry called it, but it was a formal sitting room really, was an equally formal dining room, easily seating twenty. Back into the hall the front door was to the left and to the right the hall led to the staircase and behind that the entry to on the left hand a bathroom, to the right the stairs for the downstairs kitchen and to the back of the house they found an enormous yet cosy living room with floor to ceiling windows/doors leading out to a small walled in garden where they could see a riot of flowering shrubs and potted plants. Making their way back into the hall they continued their tour upstairs.

To the front of the house on the first floor were two bedrooms, to the back, above the large living room was an equally massive room, but totally empty for the moment. Tonks explained it was a ballroom but could serve any other purpose just as well.

The second floor had, as the plaque on the door stated, Remus' bedroom to the front on the right, the left room was a library packed with books, offering both a cosy corner and a desk in the other. To the back of the house, above the ballroom was Harry's master bedroom.

The third, fourth and fifth floor all sported an additional four bedrooms each, with Ginny, Hermione and Tonks on the third floor, Mr and Mrs Weasley, Mr and Mrs Granger and Mrs Longbottom on the fourth floor, leaving the four boys the rooms on the fifth floor. The top floor yielded a few more surprises. At the front of the house was a regular attic room and it looked to be filled with boxes that would need sorting. To the back of the house the top floor had a hothouse filled with exotic plants but it turned out to be a bit of a jungle as for years and years the residents had had no idea the place was there. It led out to a small roof terrace that offered a stunning view of London.

They had just made their way back to the top floor landing when Dobby popped up to tell them dinner was ready. They made their way downstairs and as usual opted for the informal dining room that was situated on the lower ground floor. To the right of the stairs was a door leading to a small loo, to the left the door opened into the kitchen and dining room. The L-shaped room took up about three quarters of the total floor area and had an enchanted ceiling like the Great Hall at Hogwarts. As there were only small windows at the top of the room the sun drenched sky offered all the light the room needed. From the kitchen area there was access to both a small larder and a utility room. Another set of stairs led further down to the cellar, housing a large stock of excellent wines and other food supplies as well as four comfortable rooms for the house elves, just in case they decided to move to Grimmauld Place once Harry was back at school.

Dobby and Winky had once again cooked them a scrumptious meal and they remained seated around the kitchen table for a long time as the elder member of the party reminisced about their Hogwarts years and the two difficult years of the NEWTs. Mr Weasley and Mr Granger, seated close together had restarted their conversation exchanging information of their respective worlds when Remus discussed the arrangements for the next day. Not knowing how long Harry's visit at Gringotts would take it had been decided that the others would wait until late lunch time to go to the Leaky Cauldron, where they would have a meal before starting their shopping.

In view of Harry's early start the next morning he went up to his bedroom earlier than the rest but ended up talking to Dobby and Winky for a little while, arranging for his early departure, a request for Winky to talk to Blythe about the conservatory and also for her to have a look at the boxes in the attic. If Winky could let him know about the contents it would be most helpful.

After a night filled with bizarre dreams of Harry fighting his way through scrolls of parchments and books vying for his attention he woke in eager anticipation of the day. It was strange to think that, for all it had going for it, even Black Manor started to feel like a cage, albeit a much improved version of one. Then again, the last few days had been quite stressful what with OWL results, book lists and decisions that could change your life …

After a quick shower Harry made his way down to the kitchen where he met up with Dobby, Winky and Remus. As agreed Dobby would join Harry to Gringotts this morning and upon the second visit of the day to the bank Harry would introduce Remus to the goblin elected to be manager for the Black estate. Harry enjoyed a light breakfast of quark cheese and fresh fruit salad followed by a lightly boiled egg, toast and tea. Remus only partook in the tea as he'd been talking with a few visiting order members until late and would be back to bed for a few hours as soon as Harry left. Wishing Remus a few more hours of good sleep Harry concentrated on Gringotts and Diagon Alley, and away he popped.

Harry arrived at the bottom of the white marble stairs leading in to Gringotts Bank. His early appointment meant that not many people were around just yet. With a soft pop Dobby too appeared in Diagon Alley and together they made their way inside. Harry did not even have to talk to anyone as immediately a well remembered goblin came up to him.

"Good morning Griphook."

"Good morning Mr Potter. Please follow me as I escort you to the private room we've set up for your use." replied said goblin, and if Harry's recognition had left any impression on him, Griphook showed no trace of it.

Harry and Dobby had difficulty to keep up with the goblin as they were lead into one after yet another corridor and if left on his own Harry was sure to have difficulty finding his way back. At last they were shown inside a very comfy room reminding him a little of his own new sitting room cum study corner of his bedroom at Black Manor. Harry had hardly had the time to look at his surroundings when another goblin appeared in the door and came up to Harry to introduce himself as Schmegg, head of the bank.

After introductions were complete, Harry learned that Griphook made it to Account Manager and would, if Harry agreed, be in charge of the Black estate. Refreshments had been offered and the head goblin asked : "Were the reports we sent you of any help to you sir ?"

"Yes, thank you. They gave me a good picture of the size of the estate. There were just a few questions and changes that I would like to make though. First of all I would like to change the terms that exist between the estate and Gringotts. I found out that if no payments were asked or offered after 321 years of renting a building would be declared the property of the one currently using it. I realize that I still have a few years before this deadline approaches but I'd like to ask for a yearly rent. However," Harry quickly added , as he saw Schmegg was not best pleased with his news, "in return I also don't think it's been very fair that you do all the hard work of managing the Black estate and receive no payment for it. So I suggest you too ask for a service fee to be paid from now on. As for the rent of this building I hope you will agree to pay an amount of one knut per year to be paid in the Black account on the first of August every year. Would that be acceptable to you ?"

Unlike Griphook Schmegg had not been able to hide the various feelings he'd had upon listening to Harry and the relief was audible in his response.

"That will be more than acceptable. In return however I will have to set a service fee of a 10 000th of a percent on all profits made from the dealings of the account. Will you agree to this, sir ?"

"I'm sorry to have to refuse that Schmegg, it is too ridiculous. I offer you a tenth of a percent for your services. I know they are worth far more but in view of your earlier offer the best I can do short of offending you."

The rate agreed to by both parties Harry started on the other matters that needed to be addressed.

"I might be able to visit the Black vault a few times more before returning to Hogwarts in September, but from the list you provided I know that someone with the knowledge and capability will be required to check a lot of those items coming from the public Black vault for Dark Arts and hexes. I would therefore like to grant Remus John Lupin, my honorary guardian, unlimited access to the vault to look these items over. Maybe you could provide assistance should he require it, especially when the destruction of some of the more dangerous items is needed. I would also like to grant Dobby the house elf access to the accounts. He'll be running the estate in my absence and be my second representative. He will be introduced to a number of stores where we want to open an account as representative of the Black estate.

There is also a new account in name of the "Sirius Black Memorial Fund" that I'd like to open with one million galleons transferred onto it. I am still working on the details of the workings of the fund but will let you know in due course.

I would also like to make a monthly cash payment of 100 galleons to Messrs Waverly and one of 72 galleons to Mr Teague as they don't own a Gringotts account."

Griphook interrupted Harry as he said "But they do own a vault."

"They do ? They are convinced they don't have one though. Could you look into the matter and confirm the existence of the vaults to them please ? That would be quite a help. And if these accounts are theirs, you can offer them either option for my payments."

"Very well, sir, I will provide them with a full report on the contents of their vaults in the next few days. Will there be anything else before you visit your vaults ?"

"Actually, yes, there is. I couldn't help but notice that allowances to Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy have been issued at a time that my godfather and heir was incarcerated in Azkaban prison. Furthermore I know for a fact that he would not be giving those cousins of his any money so I was wondering how those allowances came about. Can you tell me please."

"Ah yes, that was quite a bad time for all of us. Mrs Black was under the impression that Mr Black Sr had disinherited his eldest son, Sirius, in favour of his youngest and/or his nieces Bellatrix and Narcissa. However, it seemed that Mr Black Sr did nothing of the sort and Sirius became the heir anyway while in prison. Mrs Black was about to loose her home and money and came in here demanding access to the accounts and allowances for all and sundry. Even if we had wanted to it was far outside our legal rights to grant her request, but she went up a level higher, threatened with legal actions and after several weeks of ranting finally took her case to the Minister, who sent a recently appointed Ministry clerk named Fudge as her representative. He was the one who signed the papers ordering us to hand over the money. We were able to fight that decision down to only giving them monthly allowances and no access to either the family or Sirius' own vault. There was nothing else we could do after that but you, as new heir, can revoke these decisions and take legal actions against the illegal use of power. The estate or you would need a good solicitor but you can be assured of our fullest cooperation on the matter."

"Thank you. That will be much appreciated when the time comes. Can you tell me, if I revoke the standing order now, how long do I have before I need to press charges ?"

"From the time you revoke the order to the time of your charges you have three months, but as these allowances are transferred on the 15th of each month, you have an extra three weeks to look into the matter and ask for advice before you revoke the order by the 14th of next month. You gain almost a month of extra time."

Harry nodded.

"Good idea, Griphook. Either Remus or I will contact you with instructions when the time comes. For now, that's all I really needed to do or wanted to know. Would it be possible to visit the vaults now please ? And how will I know if I can remove objects from the Potter vault should there be anything in there I'd like to take ?"

"I will provide you with two Moving Boxes. They will store any object you wish to take out of the vault in a secure compartment per item to allow transport, and when you are done in the vault, just tap it with your wand. The Box will shrink to be small enough to fit in your pockets. Once at home, you tap it again and it will return to its original size. Once emptied the box will automatically return to our storage facility. If an item should not be removed from the vault the box will close shut when you attempt to put it in. It has been our experience that most family vaults will allow removal of portraits, wall hangings and small jewellery sometimes even furniture can be taken. I'm afraid it very much will depend on your family vault."

After thanking the Head goblin for his time and help and with the promise to contact him again should he require further assistance Harry and Dobby were lead out of the meeting room by Griphook and once again were taken through a veritable maze of corridors to end up in the narrow stone passage-way where Griphook whistled for a cart to take the three of them to the vaults.

After a wild and much longer ride than Harry remembered ever having before they visited the Black vault first. Not sure what to expect Harry was still slightly disappointed when the doors leading into the vault were non-descript. Other than not having a keyhole, there were no indications of the wealth Harry knew to be hidden behind them. When neither Griphook nor Dobby made a move to dismount from the cart, Harry looked over and Griphook explained that rather than a goblin controlled door, like the high security vault Harry visited with Hagrid before starting at Hogwarts, this was wizard controlled and only after Harry or Remus had been recognized by the wards would Dobby be able to join him inside. So, now with a little hesitation, Harry got out of the cart and stood in front of the door that after a few moments melted away in very much the same way he remembered vault 713's door disappearing.

And despite knowing what awaited him after looking through the long list Harry was still stunned into momentary silence after which he let out a "Bloody Hell" worthy of Ron. The vault looked huge, even when filled to the brim with all kinds of things and Harry could imagine the place would be vast once emptied. Getting his head finally back to the task at hand he asked Dobby to maybe begin clearing two opposite corners so Remus would be able to sort the things in two piles : to keep and to destroy. He warned Dobby to be careful though as some items could well be hexed or full of Dark Arts. Harry himself went as far to the back of the vault as he possibly could but it looked like he still was only about halfway in when his path was blocked by suits of armor and chaises and chairs. "How to look for something among this mess then ?" Harry muttered to himself, when to his surprise a voice from the left spoke up "By asking for it, of course !"

There standing on top of a dresser pushed against the wall was a portrait of some Black relative. The sheet that had been covering the picture was slowly slithering down as if the person in the picture had giving it a little tug. The man in the picture looked to be in his mid thirties and only had a passing resemblance to Sirius. He looked friendly enough though and Harry apologized for not knowing who he was.

"I'm Alphard Black and no apologies are required as I don't know you either. Although you bear a striking resemblance to that boy whose family took Sirius in when he finally left his folks. But you are too young to be that friend as I'm sure it's been many years since that time."

"You are correct in both assumptions, sir. My grandparents took Sirius in when he was my age, now some twenty years ago."

"So what are you doing here ? Isn't Sirius with you ?"

"I'm sorry, sir, Sirius was killed by his cousin Bellatrix last month and I inherited the estate. I just came to retrieve a pensieve and Sirius' Marauder Manual. I was wondering sir, would you like to leave the vault and come to Grimmauld Place or Black Manor ? I know Sirius was quite fond of you so that's a good recommendation in my book."

"You would do that ? I mean, take me from the vault. That would be wonderful. It's been quite lonely in here I must admit."

"Good. That's arranged then. You said to call for things in order to find them. It's that simple ?"

"Well, ehm, yes and no. You'd have to be careful around some items. If you'd call for a dirk you'd need to be a seeker or you could end up being gored by it. But small stuff should be no problem."

"OK Here goes then", said Harry, not really looking terribly sure of himself "Accio Marauder Manual".

Nothing seemed to be happening at first but in one corner some items seemed to be shifting and suddenly a large tome came flying his way.

Thanks to his quick reflexes Harry managed to pluck the book from the air. The moment he touched it however, Harry started seeing a quick succession of images of the Gryffindor common room and a messy boys dormitory and the inside of the shrieking shack. He saw three boys hiding under the Invisibility cloak getting past a cranky as ever Mr Filch and setting up a prank for the Slytherin table.

Harry couldn't help but smile at the images he was seeing and it wasn't until Uncle Alphard gave a discreet cough that he realized he'd been standing in the middle of a vault with a silly smile on his face with no explanation to the others of the reason for his odd behaviour.

"I'm sorry, sir. The book was eager to show me some of the adventures it's seen."

"Ah yes, I did hear of some of the mischief those boys were up too."

Harry moved over to the Moving Box and as he deposited the book some soft packing material appeared both beneath and on top of the book and suddenly it was hidden by a layer of what looked like the original bottom of the empty box. After summoning the pensieve he wanted to take that too was wrapped up in soft material and disappeared into a next layer of the moving box.

Harry wanted to try to summon any pictures that may be around and checked with Dobby for help if needed. He was very happy he'd bothered to ask as no sooner had he accio'ed pictures when a true avalanche came his way. Fortunately Dobby was able to redirect their path straight into the moving box.

"Wow, thanks Dobby. I would have been in real trouble if you hadn't helped."

But seeing how it had worked, even better than expected, Harry tried one more summoning and said "Accio Marauder items".

This time it was a lone book that came his way. When grabbing hold of it Harry once again was seeing things. This time it looked to be the first revelation of his dad's and godfather's animal form and the partial success at changing Sirius' hand into his Padfoot paw.

As he looked at the title he couldn't help but laugh out loud. This had to be Sirius' work to come up with a title like "Wolfie's Friends".

This book too disappeared into the Moving Box and after another good look around Harry decided he wanted to move on to the Potter vault. All that was left was to pack up Uncle Alphard's portrait.

"Sir, have you heard of these moving boxes ?" asked Harry, not wanting to upset the man in the painting.

"They weren't around in my time yet, but I can see how they are useful for Gringotts. I'll be going in there too I presume."

"Yes sir, that's the idea. I'll be visiting the Potter vault next but will make sure to unpack when I arrive at Grimmauld Place so it wouldn't be for very long."

"Never mind how long it takes, young man, knowing I'll be out of this vault at the end of the trip will be something nice to look forward too. Now get on, the sooner I'm in the sooner I'm out again." said the man with a smile on his face.

So Harry was careful to wrap the portrait up in its covering before placing it in the Moving Box. Closing the lid on the box Harry tapped it once with his wand and it shrunk to the size of a box for large matches and he carefully placed it inside his inside robe pocket. The three then made their way back to the cart and made a short ride to the entrance of the Potter vault. This time Harry didn't hesitate and stepped out of the cart. It took mere seconds for the door to vanish but to Harry it felt like aeons had passed. Not knowing what he'd find behind the doors of this particular vault he wasn't sure to be apprehensive or eager. After al, this vault might contain reminders of the entire Potter family dating back to the Gawaine Potter mentioned in the Black family book. And the vault might just as well prove to be empty but for the purchases the goblins made since taking over the management.

Unlike the Black vault where things were stacked and placed higgledy-piggledy the Potter vault was neatly laid out but looked to contain even more items than he'd seen in the other vault. To the right however, a very nicely carved desk stood with two very prominent items on top of it. One was an envelope addressed to "Our son Harry James Potter" in the handwriting Harry recognised as that of his dad. With shaking hands he opened the letter and started to read the first of two parchments.

20 October 1981

Dear Harry,

These are troubling times in our world and even more so for us. Professor Dumbledore has warned us of the possible danger you and your friend Neville are in from that monster that claims himself Lord Voldemort. It is a bit rich coming from one of mixed blood himself but he and his pure blood followers want to kill off any muggle born or mixed blooded witch and wizard to save the magical community of so called impurity.

We would prefer to stand up to him and be rid of him but you mean too much to risk your safety and have therefore taken precautions by emptying Potter Manor, moving the contents into the vault and hiding the empty building. Since everyone knows where Potter Manor is located we are hoping Riddle and his gang will spend a lot of time trying to break through the wards to get to us while at the same time we will be hiding in our summer cottage in Godric's Hollow. Professor Dumbledore suggested we use the Fidelius Charm. No one knows the little extra touch we've added. Peter Pettigrew will be Secret Keeper rather than the most expected candidate Sirius Black who will thus be a decoy. We should be safe enough. We wanted to have Remus Lupin in on it too, after all, these three are our best friends, but we didn't want to burden him with even more on top of his monthly problem.

Just as a precaution I'm writing down the entry incantation to Potter Manor. You will need it should things go wrong for us anyway. However, you'll need to be of age to be able to read and use it.

Egafo ebot de enuo ydiasi

There is so much more I would really want to say to you, dear Harry, and at this moment there is too little time to do it. I believe the most important statement would be that I love you very much. Since your birth you have been a constant joy to your mother and me and anything we do in this life will be done to guard you from harm.

Keep safe always, my son.

James Potter

20 October 1981

My dearest Harry,

How I wish you never get to read this letter. It would mean someone somehow has found the way to get rid of the horror that is Tom Riddle without involving either you or Neville Longbottom.

But as I have learned since joining the magical world some ten years ago even magical people don't often get their wishes granted.

Your father and I are preparing ourselves for a trying time, doubly so, as we will have no contact whatsoever with the outside world once we go under this Fidelius charm.

This letter is a means to an end really. There are so many things I hope to be able to tell you in person when you are old enough to understand them but at this moment in time a bare minimum will have to suffice. The family vault where you've just found these letters contains about everything the Potter family has ever had handed down from generation to generation, each generation adding numerous heirlooms to the list. The Potter Family Book you can see on top of the desk will give you a detailed history. However, one box, clearly labelled "Lily Evans" (my maiden name), contains the precious little I've been able to preserve of my family. My elder sister Petunia, her husband and baby boy are all that remain at this moment and we have not parted on the best of terms. Should you ever meet her, please tell her on my behalf I'll always love her and will do whatever I can to protect her and her family from harm.

My dear Harry, please know you have been the greatest joy to me even from before you made your noisy entry into the world and know I will love and protect you any way I can for as long as is possible.

Love and be loved, always.

Lily Evans Potter

Harry had been reading and rereading the letters several times before he wiped his wet cheeks clear and decided to explore the vault for its contents. The Family book on the desk was visible to him but he couldn't pick it up or open it. It was as if a ghost had left his book there. "That's the first thing I cannot take yet." thought Harry to himself before going deeper into the vault.

His mum had not been kidding when she mentioned all the Potter heirlooms had been stowed into the vault. He was randomly picking up ornaments that were on display and found some of them to look quite valuable, while others looked more kitsch. Opening cupboards and pulling open drawers he found little baby boots and christening clothes, wedding veils and bridal costumes. Moving to yet another dresser he was quite overwhelmed when he opened up a drawer and saw a beautiful display of jewellery. There were tiara's, wristbands, rings, brooches, necklaces of all kind and colour. The second drawer wielded yet more, this time arranged by matching sets. One set obviously designed for a man drew his attention, as there were a watch, cufflinks, a tiepin and a ring all in a very simple design. They all sported the initials HP in some obvious or less noticeable way and a nice looking green stone was set in all four items. He'd planned to buy a new watch anyway so decided to at least try to take this set. If Professor Dumbledore decided to throw some kind of ball this year at least he'd be prepared. He picked up the watch first and was happy to feel his hand touch the cool surface rather than grab into thin air. Fastening it to his wrist did not pose a problem as the watch-strap adjusted itself. Trying the ring on for size proved to be an exercise in vain as the ring too adjusted itself to his finger and Harry had to admit the ring did look and feel good on his hand. With the cufflinks and tiepin still nicely ensconced in the set box Harry closed both the little box and the drawer before continuing in his perusal of the vault. There was an awful lot of furniture and it left Harry with a continuously growing image of a vast house. He figured it would need tons of rooms to house this lot. Also present in the vault were loads of covered up paintings. Somehow Harry knew the people in them would not speak to him but he looked at some of them anyway. Two of the paintings Harry hoped to take back with him even if they didn't move. One was a portrait of two elderly people with two young lads by their side. The man could be no one other than his grandfather. But for the bluest eyes he'd ever seen he was looking at a much older version of himself with white rather than jet black hair, but it was just as messy as his own. One of the young men was clearly recognisable as his dad and the other was a wide grinning Sirius. The woman on the portrait reminded Harry of a cross between the stern Professor McGonagall and the motherly Mrs Weasley. Although the hair was drawn into a tight bun Harry could still see traces of red between the grey. She had a regal looking pose but somehow Harry just knew she'd have been a lovely person to talk to.

The second portrait also contained four people. His mum was seated in a chair, holding a sleeping baby dressed in what looked like christening clothes. On one side of her James Potter was looking down on the pair in the chair with a loving smile. On the other side Sirius looked on with a mix of envy, joy and love.

With the help again of Dobby he called for any pictures he might be allowed to take. Not many came but Harry was still looking forward to see them. Harry asked Griphook if there was a way to have a list of the books available in the vault, and to his delight the goblin succeeded in producing a long list of books. Not wanting to take any of the books he'd seen Harry finally decided he'd end this visit now, safe in the knowledge he'd be able to come back and look through his family history next year. Much to his relief however the two paintings did get safely packed away in the second Moving Box along with the jewel box and the pictures and after reducing its size placed it carefully in his robe pocket.

Back in the cart Griphook made one more stop and this time Harry needed his vault key. He'd decided to take out three thousand galleons of his money as he was planning to update his entire wardrobe with fitting clothes. Even though he'd need to buy out the whole of Diagon Alley to spend that much money, Harry now had a safe place to put the extra cash. With no one but himself able to open it the Black box would come in very handy.

A wild cart ride later Dobby and Harry thanked Griphook for his valued assistance and said their farewells in the now very busy Gringotts Hall. Harry turned to Dobby as they walked outside and said "Dobby It's still early enough so I'd like to visit another Black residence now. Can you give me a few seconds before following me ? I have no idea where we'll end up so be prepared for anything."

- - - - - -

Author's Note :

Thanks for reading. Would love some feedback from you though.

If you enjoyed this (and previous) chapter(s), you might be interested to know the story is a few chapters further along on my yahoo group (for link see profile page).

Have a nice weekend all.

kadedeetje