Chapter 4

Summer Happenings

Death smiled as he looked down on Potter Manor from his office high above everything in the known universe. He was pleased with himself and his own cunning. Setting up the boys to gain their rightful inheritance warmed even his (sometimes) cold heart. He knew they had a long road ahead of them though. He had told them about the murky waters of the timeline, but that was all rubbish. The waters were crystal clear, and everything was on course, but he wouldn't tell them that simply because he knew Harry. The boy would constantly be wondering if every decision was the right one.

Death was glad Minerva McGonagall was now on board, and soon he would fill in Neville and Luna. There was one more person that still needed to be added, but they would be brought in soon enough. It's just that right now, he wanted the young ones to enjoy the time with their families. Neville deserved it after all he had went through, and Luna, even though she doesn't remember her mother being gone, deserved it as well. Yes, Death has a soft spot for Luna and Neville, even though he wouldn't admit it out loud.

As for Harry and Tom, now that they have claimed the vaults at Gringotts and bonded with Fawkes, they were well on their way to fulfilling their destinies. Both trusted each other, and neither would leave the other's side. They would always be there for each other. Harry especially would need Tom when they went back to Hogwarts though. Tempers would no doubt flare when Harry first encounters Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger, and Tom would need to be there to make sure Harry didn't get himself expelled. Still though, Death would have to be on his bony toes watching every minute of their lives. The rest of the school would remain clueless until Death deemed otherwise, but the Slytherins would know something was off right away, and only the sons and daughters of Death Eaters would know who Tom really was, but they wouldn't dare say anything. They knew better. However, even Death knew that it wouldn't stop those little toss pots known as Draco Malfoy and company, or the Idiot Trio as Death liked to call them.

Death grinned maliciously as he watched Albus Dumbledore storm through the castle. He had been in a right foul mood ever since he lost his wand. Albus hated the new one he had gotten from Ollivander. He sorely missed the power of The Elder Wand, and he thought the new wand was sluggish and inferior. That's because it was. Oh yes, Death grinned as he watched the foul man stomp through the castle. It served him right for setting up Harry all those years ago.

Molly Weasley was a witch that had seen herself (along with her many children) through the barrier at Platform Nine and Three Quarters many times. So why was she yelling about muggles and asking where the platform was in a crowed muggle area? Death knew, it was because bloody Albus 'too many names' Dumbledore told her too, that's why! She had been instructed to watch carefully for a dark haired boy wearing glasses and dressed in rags, and Harry wasn't all that hard to miss. She gladly accepted the old man's offer for lots of galleons. All she had to do was play Mum until the boy had fulfilled his usefulness. It was an easy job.

Then there was her idiot son Ron. A boy so jealous that he made himself and easy spy for dear old Albus. Especially when there was money involved, and the promise that there would be chocolate pudding served at every meal. The boy was so thick headed that Death himself wondered if Ron had pudding for brains. Ron hated Harry with a passion. He hated all the attention Harry got because he was 'The-Boy-Who-Lived' and he refused to see how much Harry hated that moniker. Ron showed his true colors on numerous occasions, but the most notable was when Harry's name had been chosen for the Triwizard Tournament, and when he had abandoned Harry during the horcrux hunt. (Even though he doesn't remember it, nor will it now happen.) In Harry's future past life, the little toss pot had lied about coming back because of hearing Hermione's voice. No, he came back on his mother's orders to make sure Harry wouldn't die at the hands of Death Eaters or snatchers. She wanted to milk every cent she could out of the poor boy, and since Dumbledore (at the time) was dead, Molly had cooked up a plan to get Harry married into the family. Death huffed in discuss as he watched Ron read the letter Harry had sent. Whining to his mother about how Harry was probably to busy being famous. Death wanted to curse the little prat.

And let's not get started on Miss Hermione Head Stuck In Book As Well As Up Her Own Butt Bossy Know-It-All Granger. She doesn't care about Harry any more than Ron does. She is just a better actress. She had read all about Harry before she came to school, and thought he sounded too full of himself, and she hated the fact that Harry had a 'hero complex.' She too thought Harry was a show off. He was always running around saving people. As if grown adults can't take care of themselves! He should just leave it to the adults in charge, and that is that! That is what Hermione believes anyway. Albus hadn't been too sure about her at first though, but quickly learned that the shrewd little girl would work perfectly for his scheme. She was smart, quick witted, and added the perfect balance to the idiot Ron. Money also worked. Her parents might be well off dentists, but the promise of lots of spending money, sweets, free books, and permission to do magic outside of school, had done the trick. That's why she's so smart and knows how to do spells most others can't!

And last but not least, there is Little Miss Infatuation. She might not be a thief and may not have stolen anything from Harry's vault, but Merlin! Can the girl be any more obvious? Ginny Weasley had been in love with 'The-Boy-Who-Lived' since she was a toddler, and in Harry's future past life when Dumbledore was dying, Ginny was instructed by her mother to give Harry love potions. Not that Ginny minded this plan. After all she would end up marrying 'The-Boy-Who-Lived.'

Death chuckled as he skipped ahead just a bit in the timeline. One of his favorite moments is when Tom lays a Bat-Bogey hex on Ginny so bad that it lasts for almost three hours! Yeah, that's on replay. Ginny isn't much of a problem for Harry himself this year, but with Harry's new found self-confidence, rebellious attitude, and older looks, she is going to make herself more of a googley-eyed pest than ever before. It's mostly Tom she clashes with this year though, because she doesn't start trying to give Harry the love potions until 6th year. Tom however, has seen enough of Bellatrix's tricks to know when a female is trying to ensnare a male victim. He won't let his brother fall victim to the red headed witch. Tom has Harry's back. After all, Tom has dealt with Bella's own infatuation with himself, and he knows the signs and tricks. It might seem cruel to punish Ginny for something she hasn't done yet, but as far as Harry and Tom are concerned, it has already happened.

Death grinned, laced his bony fingers together, and placed them behind his skull as leaned back in his chair. The old man was going to fall, and it was going to be fun to watch his empire and network of spies and informers crumble around him.

Arthur Weasley was a proud man even though he didn't have much money, but he hung his head in shame when Gringotts finally sent Harry a letter stating just how much his wife had stolen. It had taken nearly two weeks for the goblins to recover all the stolen money, but it had totaled up to over 800,000 galleons. Arthur was shell shocked. He didn't even know how Harry had any money left! Even Dumbledore's theft paled in comparison. He had stolen a measly 300,000 galleons. Ron had gotten away with 1,000 and Hermione only 500, but Merlin! 800,000! That was uncalled for.

Arthur asked Harry what he could do to put it all right, because he felt responsible for what happened. Arthur said he should have kept a closer watch on his greedy wife, but Harry had such a good soul that he dismissed it. Harry knew that Arthur had no idea what was happening, and he even set aside some of that money to give to Arthur when Molly went to Azkaban. Yeah, she was going to prison. The goblins said it was bank policy that if someone stole more than 500,000 worth of money and treasure that they themselves had to prosecute. Not even Harry had a choice in the matter. What Harry did have a choice in though, was the timing. He had asked the goblins to hold off prosecuting until after Hogwarts letters came in, and everyone was good to go for the upcoming school year. The goblins agreed, and Molly was going to be arrested the day after school started. That way both Ron and Ginny would be away at school. Until then though, Arthur had to go home and play the doting husband and father to his thief of a wife and son in order to not tip off Dumbledore. Harry felt bad about that, but Arthur said he could stomach it. He was going to divorce Molly the day she was arrested though. The goblins said she would be in Azkaban for about 3 months, so she would be home by Christmas, but Arthur said she would be coming home to a dark, cold, empty house with only a table, chair, and small cot to sleep in. Along with a note that said, 'Hope it was worth it.' Bill and Charlie, who was now a part time member of their group, fully supported their father. Percy, as usual, was clueless.

As for Ron, he would find out soon that it wasn't wise to steal money. Harry, Tom, Fred, and George were out to get him as soon as school started. As for Hermione, she too would bear the brunt of some of the jokes they had planned, but to a lesser extent than Ron. The twins wanted their 'git of a brother' to pay dearly.

Thankfully all the money had been recovered and returned to Harry, including the money in Molly's muggle bank account. Harry hoped that suspicions wouldn't be raised until the blood wards fell, but that was only a few weeks away. Gringotts told him and Tom that the vaults were still in the process of being merged and inventoried, and as soon as they were ready, they could visit for the first time. Harry and Tom began to wonder just how much they had inherited.

All the talk about vaults had reminded Harry that he still hadn't visited the vault in the Manor. When one of the elves had showed it to him, he realized quickly why they had their own vault. It was because of all the goblin made items. Everything from weapons, jewelry, and trinkets were goblin made. Apparently all these things had been handed down the family line, and everyone knew how goblins felt about stuff being passed down. They considered it thievery. There was also a lot more money in the vault. Nearly a million galleons were left in it, along with a note telling Sirius to use it for Harry and his school supplies. Harry found a copy of his parents will, along with a note saying that the original was filed with the Dept. of Magical Law Enforcement. He also found James's copy of the Marauders Map (along with Sirius's) and books galore. Harry had spent all day in the vault going through stuff, and realized that nothing mattered more to him than the picture albums that he found. Sirius and Remus had been a big help by pointing out who everyone was. As far as Harry was concerned, the picture albums were the best thing in there.

A week before Harry's birthday, a small problem had cropped up. The twins informed everyone that they didn't know what to do about orders while they were away at school. Owls were swooping into the Manor morning, noon, and night, and they were rushing to try and get stuff made and sent off. The problem was solved easily by Sirius and Remus though. They volunteered to fill the orders while the twins spent the rest of the summer creating. They also volunteered to keep the items stocked while the twins were at school, as well as fill the orders coming in. The twins agreed, and began teaching the Marauders how the items worked and how to make them. The twins also offered to pay them, but Sirius said he didn't need the money and to just pay Remus his share, besides it would give him something to do after everyone left for Hogwarts. Remus tried to say the same thing, but he was overruled in the matter and finally agreed to be paid.

Next was how to get all these joke items into Hogwarts. The amount of joke items that had been created this time around, versus what they had available last time, required more than just simple concealing charms. Besides, the amount of owls delivering packages into the great hall every morning was sure to draw unwanted attention. Then Harry had a brilliant idea. Use the elves. The Potter elves were only too happy to help. They saw it as helping their Master get some justice. Harry had also enlisted Dobby, and the over emotional elf was only too glad to help him. Harry nearly had to order Dobby to not do anything to Dumbledore when he had told the elf all that had transpired. Dobby was a very free, very unhappy elf at the moment, and vowed to help 'Mr. Harry Potter Sir' get some revenge against 'the evil Headmaster Dumbledore.' The elves agreed to deliver packages twice a week, and only at night so they wouldn't be discovered. It was going to be a year unlike Hogwarts had ever seen.

Harry had quickly realized that this was the busiest summer he had ever had, but he didn't mind. Between getting things worked out at Gringotts, planning, summer homework, and hanging out with family and friends, he was learning occlumency, dueling, and working on his potion skills. Harry was making great progress in occlumency, because Tom's lessons were a lot better than Snape's had been. Harry didn't know if it was the fact that he had died, that he wasn't a horcrux, the lack of stress, or a combination of all three, but he noticed that clearing his mind was a lot easier to do these days. In fact, he was getting so good at it that Tom and Snape had taken to randomly attacking him with legilimency. He was sloppy at putting up his 'shields' at first, but quickly learned how to do it. Tom said that by the end of summer he would be good enough to keep out Dumbledore.

Dueling had become a nightly form of entertainment. Potter Manor had a dueling room, so they would duel after dinner each night. Harry had won against Fred, Sirius, and George so far, but was working on trying to take down Moody, Tonks, Remus, Snape, and Tom. He almost won against Tonks, but the pink haired Auror had pulled some kind of secret Auror trick that had left him flat on his backside before he realized what had happened. He didn't mind though, because he was having a blast. Tom had yet to be beaten, but no one was surprised about that. Even Moody had to admit that he was glad he hadn't taken Tom on, one on one. (Well except for when 'Voldemort' killed him during the Flight from Little Whinging, but no one wanted to mention that.) Snape had yet to be beaten by anyone except Tom, but the twins declared that he let Tom win so they had a rematch, and Snape lost again. Even Professor McGonagall had shown up one night, but she lost to Tom and Moody. No one else stood a chance against the Gryffindor Head, but she said she had fun and wanted to do again sometime.

Harry had gotten to know Frank and Alice Longbottom, and learned quickly that Neville acted and looked more like his Mum. She was a sweet lady, and Harry even found out that she was his Godmother, and he liked both her and Frank immediately. Neville, even though he didn't know the truth yet, had even come over a few times with his parents, and Harry was glad to see that he and Tom got along great, though Harry hoped Neville wouldn't be too scared of Tom when he found out who he really was. Neville was happy for Harry though, and said that he was glad that he had finally gotten away from his abusive muggle relatives. He didn't understand why Harry didn't want Ron and Hermione to know where he was, but agreed not to say anything to anyone.

A week after Harry's birthday, which had been the best one Harry had ever had, Harry found himself standing in the office of Amelia Bones. He hadn't renounced the Dursleys has his home yet, but that was only because Moody and Arthur suggested that he first go see Madam Bones, and take the copy of his parents will with him. They also said that if anyone could clear Sirius's name it would be her. Harry knew she was the head of the Dept. Of Magical Law Enforcement, and remembered that she had been fair to him in his future past life. It was her that asked about the dementors at his trial, and it was her that made Fudge listen to him explain what happened that day. Moody and Arthur assured him that she would listen. She might not believe him at first, but they knew she would investigate why Dumbledore had went against Lily and James's will, and if anybody could help with the whole legal side of things, it would be her. Harry however, was not prepared for what was about to happen at his meeting that morning.

He glanced nervously at Madam Bones, as he took his seat in front of her desk. She studied him for a moment with pursed lips and a stern look on her face.

"Mr. Potter, a curious thing happened to me last night. I dreamed that Death came to me, and told me a lot of disturbing things. When I woke up this morning I decided to toss it away as a simple dream, but imagine my surprise when I went down to breakfast and saw Death himself sitting a my breakfast table. He informed me that everything he had said in my dream was the truth, and that I could expect to see you today. However, I refuse to believe a word of this, unless you can tell me what he said." She said with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't know what he told you Madam Bones, but I will do my best to tell you all that I know." Harry said, swallowing hard.

He launched into everything that had happened so far this summer, and even the things about his future past life. He showed her the Gringotts statements, and the proof of all the theft from Dumbledore, Molly, Ron, and Hermione. He showed her the copy of his parents will, and told her that Tom was living with him. Harry told Madam Bones that he'd like to tell her where they were living, but considering that Tom was secret keeper, he could not. He also told her about Sirius and how he knew that he was innocent, and that the proof of that was in his parents will. By the time he was done, the Head of the DMLE was sitting at her desk, wide-eyed with her jaw set, and a fierce scowl on her face.

"Well Mr. Potter, your account of what has transpired matches perfectly what Death himself told me, but I must admit that I am still having a hard time believing that You-Know-Who is living with you, and that You-Know-Who will be attending Hogwarts this year, and that he is a good guy. Along with the fact that Sirius Black is innocent. But," she said, throwing up her hand before Harry could speak. "That doesn't mean that I don't believe you. It's just that I'm having a hard time believing it. It's a lot to take in, in one morning."

"I understand." Harry said quietly.

"The fact that Dumbledore is the real Dark Lord is a tough potion to swallow, I admit." She said with a sigh. "But when Death tells you something, it's hard to ignore it."

"Would you feel better if you met Tom and Sirius? I could use your floo to floo call them, and they could come. Tom doesn't look anything like he used too. Now that he has most of his soul back, he looks pretty normal. Well except for his eyes, but he's really no different looking than you or me."

She thought for a moment, but then sighed and nodded, so Harry used the floo in her office and called Potter Manor. A few minutes later, a very nervous Tom Riddle and Sirius Black flooed into the head of the DMLE's office. Madam Bones studied them both for a long time without saying anything, but she finally sighed and nodded again.

"Ok, I am convinced, but I'm afraid that I can't clear Sirius's name unless I have Peter Pettigrew in custody. I don't suppose any of you know where he is?"

Tom cleared his throat. "I could put a message out to the Death Eaters. Someone would know where he is, then you might could send a team of Aurors to go get him." He offered nervously.

Madam Bones raised her eyebrows. "You have a way of contacting the Death Eaters?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am." He answered.

"Very well, but I want to see this process." She said sternly.

"We have to floo call Severus Snape, but he will come." He said.

She nodded, and within a few minutes Snape also flooed into the office. He squirmed a little as Tom used the Dark Mark to find out where Pettigrew was staying, but after a few minutes he broke contact and snorted in disgust.

"The rat is still in Little Hangleton, locked in my father's old house, and scared out of his mind."

"I'm guessing that he also has heard Lucius Malfoy's tale of meeting you in Diagon Alley." Sirius said with a snort. "I'm sure even he has figured out it's just a matter of time before he is caught."

"Madam Bones, as far as I know, Pettigrew doesn't have a wand. At least he didn't when I last saw him. He would always use mine, but it's possible that he has acquired another one by now." Tom said.

"Well I guess I better get a team of Aurors up there in case he tries to escape then." She said hurrying from the room.

They listened as she started snapping orders to the Aurors who were sitting around in their offices, and within a few minutes about ten Aurors (Tonks was one of them) apparated away. She came hurrying back in and sat down at her desk. As they waited, she asked Tom to tell her in his own words everything, which he did. He told her about Dumbledore's control over him, and the night he killed Lily and James. He even confessed to what happened with Bertha Jorkins, and offered Madam Bones his memories of Pettigrew killing her.

She sighed and shook her head. "The matter of Bertha will have to be dealt with delicately. I suppose we could technically say she was tortured by Voldemort and killed by Pettigrew. We can get Pettigrew's memory of the event, which will be added to the charges of the twelve muggles that were killed, and the betrayal of Lily and James which led to Voldemort murdering them. We can also retrieve Pettigrew's memories of the night of 'Voldemort's' return." She said. "Technically Mr. Riddle, you have done nothing wrong. Dumbledore's control of you has now been told to me three different times, and all accounts have been the same. So as far as legal trouble or prison time, you can relax because one cannot help what they do under the imperius curse. I am willing to let you go free, as long as I have assurance that you will never harm another living soul again." She said sternly.

"Madam, you have my word. All I want to do is, go back to Hogwarts and get the O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s that I need to become what I've always wanted to be. Which is, believe it or not, a healer."

Madam Bones's eyebrows shot up into her hairline in surprise. "How ironic is that?" She chuckled.

"Indeed." Tom said with a nod.

Madam Bones sighed and looked around the room. "Well, the only problem I see now is, what to do about Dumbledore? He is far too powerful, and has too many connections to just arrest right now. His public support will no doubt cry foul, and we will have a hell of a time convicting him. No one will want to believe that he is responsible for 'The Dark Lord Voldemort' persona."

"That is why we are hoping you leave that to us." Harry said. "The only thing we will need you to do is arrest him when the time comes."

"I can do that." She agreed. "As for you Mr. Black, lay low until it is announced that you are cleared of all charges. After that, you may come and go as you please." She said with a smile. Then she turned to Tom. "Mr. Riddle, while you may have been imperiused, the Death Eaters were not. I will require your help in bringing them to justice for the crimes they committed. You will not stand trial or give testimony, but you alone can give information about who, what, when, and where. If you know what I mean. This way, it will give you all time to do whatever it is you need to do to take down Dumbledore. With the public's attention focused on Pettigrew's trial, the return of 'Voldemort', and the capture of the Death Eaters, hopefully Dumbledore's attention will be drawn off you all. I have a feeling you all are about to do something major that will have the Ministry of Magic hopping around like bunny rabbits, and have Dumbledore running around demanding things and trying to give out orders."

She only needed to glance around and see their grinning faces to know that she was right.

"There is only two small requests that I have though." Harry said.

"And what are they Mr. Potter?" She asked curiously.

"Make sure that my parent's will is used as evidence against Pettigrew, and also make sure that it is clearly stated that Dumbledore not only knew the contents of the will, but that he was a witness to its signing. Please make sure that The Daily Prophet gets wind of how he kidnapped me, and placed me in the home of my muggle Aunt and Uncle."

"I will indeed." She said with a mischievous smile.

They wanted so badly to stick around and watch the Aurors bring in Pettigrew, but Sirius said they better go, because after all, he was still a wanted man. It would not be a good thing if someone spotted him in the Head of the DMLE's office. They'd think she was confunded too. Before they left though, Tom ended up telling Madam Bones about Potter Manor so now she could come and go as she pleased.

When they flooed back to Potter Manor, they were surprised to see Professor McGonagall there. She had a worrisome expression on her face, but after hearing what had transpired at the DMLE, she sighed with relief.

"I was so worried." She said sinking down into a chair. "But I am so glad Death told her, and I am so glad she is on our side now too. Amelia is a tough witch, and she will get to the bottom of this mess."

"Were you just nervous, or were you waiting for me to get arrested." Sirius asked with a grin.

She chuckled slightly. "I was just nervous, and I couldn't sit in my office any longer. Besides, I have another reason for being here. I wanted to hand deliver you all's Hogwarts letters. That way you know there are no unfriendly charms on them." She said as she passed Fred, George, and Harry's theirs, but she grinned when she handed Tom's to him. "I think you will be very happy about something in there Mr. Ringo."

Tom tore open his letter, and since this was his 'first year' he had a list of first year stuff. In the letter though was something that made Tom whoop for joy.

"All first year students can bring an owl, cat, toad, or a snake that is no more than 15 feet in length." He grinned. "Nagini is only 12 feet, and she stopped growing years ago!" He cried.

Nagini, who had been listening at the door, slithered in so quickly that no one saw her. She wrapped herself around McGonagall's legs and gently squeezed, before wrapping herself around Tom's torso, and nearly squeezing him to death.

"I'm so happy. Now I get to see Hogwarts for myself." She said, in what could be considered her happy tone.

"And they serve lots of pastries. Not to mention all the critters in the forest." Harry said with a grin.

"You can sleep easy now my pet. I know you have been so worried, but now we have confirmation." He grinned.

Nagini closed her eyes for a moment, then she gently raised her head up and nuzzled McGonagall's cheek.

"Thank you." She hissed softly.

"I take it she said thank you?" She asked, and Harry and Tom nodded. "You're welcome Nagini. I'm not sure what my Gryffindors will say about having you in the common room, but hopefully there won't be any problems. It will might be a rough first couple of days for you, but I trust you will remain calm and not attack."

"You have my word."

"You have her word." Tom and Harry said.

"Very well." She smiled.

"Besides everyone knows I'm a parselmouth, and they will find out quickly that Tom is too. I really don't think we will have any problems though. Neville, Fred, and George know her, so between all of us reassuring everyone, I don't think we will have any problems. Well except maybe out of Ginny, Ron, and Hermione." Harry shrugged.

"Yeah but they don't count." Fred said with a grin.

"We might even make Nagini the unofficial house pet just to annoy Ron, and the Slytherins." George laughed.

"Well I trust you all will handle any problems that arise, but I must be going. I have to send off the other letters. I'll see you all next time I stop by." She said, before flooing back to the castle.

"Ok gents," Fred grinned. "What do you say we get a head start on our shopping?"

"We might as well get it done today, because tonight the blood wards will fall, and it would not be good for me to be seen in the Alley doing school shopping after that. My luck, we'd run into Dumbledore or Molly, and they'd try to take me somewhere." Harry said.

"Over my dead body." Tom grumbled.

"Or not so dead body." The twin grinned.

"True." He laughed, as Nagini slid off him and back to the floor. "We will be back before night fall Nagini, and I'll have pastries for you."

"Be careful, and I'll see you then." She hissed.

They called out to Remus, Sirius, and Moody before leaving, then flooed to the Leaky Cauldron.

Since it was still fairly early in the day, The Leaky Cauldron wasn't that crowed and Harry was thankful. They headed out the back toward the archway after promising Tom, the owner of The Leaky Cauldron, that they would eat before leaving for the day. Gringotts had sent the inventories for Tom and Harry's vaults a few days ago, but with everything going on they hadn't had a chance to go and check them out. The twins also needed to grab some money from their new vault, so they all decided to go in together.

They headed to Fred and George's vault first, and Harry grinned at the massive piles of galleons. He knew that most of that was from the money Molly and Ron stole from him, but he also knew that a great many more were from the twins' business.

The twins hopped back into the cart, and they sped deeper and deeper underground. When they finally came to a halt, everyone had to wait a moment for their eyes to adjust to the semi-darkness that surrounded them. The goblin that was with them lit several torches, and they had to blink several times, because of the sudden brightness. In front of them stood four massive and ancient looking vaults. Two of them had a black sash diagonally placed across their fronts, but the other two seemed to gleam in the light of the torches. One door had a giant ruby in the center, and the other had a giant emerald in the same position. Tom and Harry looked at each other and grinned.

"Wow." Harry said, taking in his surroundings.

"No kidding." Tom, and the twins mumbled together.

"Why do those two vaults have sashes across them?" Tom asked the goblin.

"The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff lines died out long ago. Those vaults have been emptied and sealed."

"It's a shame." Tom said shaking his head, as Harry nodded in agreement.

The goblin stepped up to the door with the ruby and ran a long slender finger down it. The ancient door creaked open, and Harry gasped in awe. The vault was stacked high with towering gold galleons, silver sickles and bronze knuts. Weapons and books were neatly arranged on either side, treasure chests with Merlin knows what in them were placed around the room, and straight in the middle propped up along the back wall was a full length painting of a smiling Godric Gryffindor.

"I've been told that you would be arriving soon Mr. Harry Potter. I'm glad you came so quickly."

Harry stepped forward, and gazed up at the smiling man. The painting was a good six inches taller than he was. "How do you…?"

Godric laughed. "The goblins who transferred your vault to mine told me your name. I have been asleep for 1000 years it seems. A lot longer than I would have liked truthfully, but I see you have brought friends."

"Yes sir. The twins are my friends Fred and George Weasley. They are in Gryffindor as well, and this is Tom Riddle. My brother, and the Heir of Slytherin."

Godric beamed at the group. "I see, and it is an honor to meet you all." Then he grinned and said in a mock whisper. "It was wise to bring some Gryffindor back up. These Slytherins can be rather slippery."

Tom laughed. "Yes well, we Slytherins know that Gryffindors have a tendency to rush off and do crazy things."

"And a sense of humor like Salazar! Oh, he is going to be so happy. Have you been to see him yet?"

"No, sir." Harry said with a grin. "But we will see him next."

"Well lad, why are you standing around talking to me then? Shrink me down to a small size, throw me in your pocket and let's go!" He laughed.

Harry grinned as he quickly filled up a large sack with some galleons, then waved his wand at Godric and shrunk him down. He carefully placed the painting in his pocket, and they headed to the vault next door.

The Slytherin vault was set up just like the Gryffindor vault, except there were no weapons, and more books. A small table with a medium sized emerald gemstone cauldron and a black leather bound book stood in front of Salazar's painting. He grinned at the group as Tom made the introductions.

"Well I am pleased to meet all of you." He said with a nod of his head. "Have you seen Godric yet?"

"I'm here you old fool!" Came a muffled cry from Harry's pocket.

Salazar laughed. "At least he hasn't lost his sense of humor."

A devious chuckle could be heard from Godric.

"Shall we go then lads? I've been here way to long." Salazar said.

"That's what I said!" Godric shouted.

"Will you be quiet!? People are going to think these lads are going a bit loony." Salazar laughed, as the twins Harry and Tom snorted. "Tom, make sure you grab this cauldron and my journal beside it please."

"Yes sir." Tom said with a grin. He also filled a large sack with galleons, and then they raced back to the surface.

Harry hadn't wanted to take any chances with anyone being able to track him, so a few nights ago he vanished his entire school trunk along with everything in it. The only things that escaped this fate were his school books and his invisibility cloak which he, along with Tonks, checked for unfriendly charms. Harry and Tom had already been clothes shopping in the muggle world, so that wasn't a problem, but now he had to buy all his school supplies all over again.

They stopped a Madam Malkin's, the apothecary, Flourish & Blotts, and Eelops Owl Emporium. It seemed that the only shop they didn't go to was Ollivander's. Harry told Tom what Mr. Ollivander told him the first time they met, and Tom agreed that Ollivander would probably know who he was the second he stepped foot in the shop, and that would not be good, because Harry said Ollivander might tell Dumbledore. They did stop in The Daily Prophet's office so that Tom could take out a subscription though. He said they might as well keep up with Pettigrew's trial, if Aurors had managed to catch him, and Harry agreed.

By the time the tired group of friends plopped down at a table in The Leaky Cauldron, they had to call a few elves to apparate the packages back to the Manor. They did however, take Godric and Salazar out of their pockets, because Salazar was complaining about it being too stuffy. Godric teased him relentlessly after that. They ended up eating a late lunch, and headed home shortly after.

When they got home, they immediately set up a place for Godric and Salazar. They decided to move some landscape paintings to another room, so that they could hang the Founders above the white marble fireplace in the sitting room. The whole house had gathered in there for the rest of the day to chat with them, and Harry and Tom told both their ancestors all about themselves. Tom went first, because Harry's story would make more sense if he did, and by the time they were done, Salazar and Godric were livid.

"Get that man out of our castle as soon as you can lads." Godric said through gritted teeth, as he pointed his sword at them.

"That man is not fit to be a headmaster, and I want you all to promise me that you will do everything in your power to see that he gets what's coming to him." Salazar said.

"Shall I eat him for you Salazar?" Nagini asked.

"If you get a chance." He grinned, as Harry and Tom laughed.

"What about you Harry? Do you ever think you will see your muggle family again? Do you know what's going to happen to them?" Godric asked.

"Truth be told Godric I really don't know, nor do I care. I know that sounds harsh, but that is the way I feel."

"Well I guess I don't blame you lad." Godric agreed nodding his head.

"But that does remind me of something I have to do." Harry said with a grin.

"Oh here it comes." Remus laughed.

"Finally!" Sirius shouted, as everyone nodded in agreement.

Harry took a deep breath, and shouted, "Number 4 Privet Drive is not my home!" Then he started laughing loudly.

In a tiny village in Surrey, the home of Vernon and Petunia Dursley shook violently. Bursts of magic could be seen exploding inside and around the outside of the house, as it flashed deep shades of red. For over five minutes this went on, then suddenly, as quick as it had come, all was quiet again. There was no damage to the house, but it was enough to get the neighbor's attention. The whole street filed out of their houses to gape at the overly obnoxious perfect looking house. The Dursleys had no clue as to what just happened. Vernon started yelling about how that 'freak boy' was going to get it now, but there was no 'freak boy' to see. They suddenly realized that he had not been there all summer, with the exception of the first day when they brought him home.

Petunia looked at her husband, whose face was purple with rage, and said, "Vernon, I think something is terribly wrong."

All Vernon Dursley could do was grunt in response.

In the far away land of Scotland, in a castle that sits beside a lake, Professor McGonagall was having a reluctant meeting with Albus Dumbledore, when all of a sudden, all the delicate looking instruments in the Headmaster's office exploded violently. They flashed deep red for about five minutes, then spun off their tables with loud crashes, and waking the portraits of the sleeping Headmasters. The room sprang to life with loud shouts of surprise, but Dumbledore shouted for them to be quiet.

Minerva McGonagall tried not to laugh at the expression of shock on the old codger's face. "Is there something the matter Albus?" She asked nonchalantly.

"Minerva, I think something is terribly wrong." He replied in disbelief.