Sigh. Such a lot going on. No, better make that with an exclamation mark (!).
I've seen a play of Romeo and Juliet recently. (2011) : /
I have reason to believe Shakespeare was a wizard in disguise!
He uses magic a lot in his plays and in R&J he uses the Draught of Living Death (though it's not named as such of course.)
Edit 5/1/2012: Reread this chapter and please forget about the part I've removed until a later date. Cheers.
Now, in 2014… On with the revamped story!
Harry walked along Charing Cross Road and slipped into the Leaky Cauldron. He had Apparated to a lane nearby and walked from there. As he passed through, he smiled at Tom and the numerous patrons surrounding the bar. He was walking fairly quickly, so no-one really had a chance to say anything, though a few called out.
He tapped the wall in the right spot, remembering his first ever visit...and the other visits after that. He stepped through...and got a rude shock. The shopkeepers had taken down the propaganda posters and put up sale ones. They'd even done the shops of missing people. People were flooding the open shops – a battered Mr Ollivander had returned it seemed. But it was not these things that shocked Harry.
In between Ollivander's and Madam Malkin's sat about thirty people, in rags. Harry was surprised that there were still 'Wandless' left. He looked around. People's eyes slid away from them as though they were contagious - as though their desperate state was a bad mark against the new good times.
Harry felt furious.
He stood there for a moment, then made a decision. He strode up to them. They were talking amongst themselves or staring at the ground and didn't seem to notice him at first. Then he said, "Hello."
Every head snapped up. A man said, "Mr. Potter. Speaking to the likes of us."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "The 'likes of us'? Odd. I was under the under the impression I was speaking to a fully qualified group of wizards and witches. The only difference I see is that you've just been a bit down on your luck because the previous 'administration' were controlled by Riddle."
The group stared at him. Their 'spokesperson', the man, said, "Tell that to the shopkeepers. They're doing business - a roaring trade - and have no time nor place for us even near their precious shops."
Harry's eyes widened. "We'll see about that," he muttered. He looked at them all. "Come on. Up you get. All of you. We're going shopping."
The man spluttered, "But - but Mr Potter, they...we... Our accounts were frozen or absorbed into the accounts of others."
Harry looked at him. "I'll pay, if they insist. But really, the least they can do is not ask."
The man said, "Really Mr Potter, we-"
Harry smiled. "If there's a problem, I'll be going to Gringotts afterwards."
A woman in the group said, "Ah, let 'im do it, Derek. Malkin's first?" she asked.
Harry nodded, and led the rag-tag bunch to the place. He got a few looks, but he ignored them. After the other patrons realised Harry was intent on getting a spot as soon as possible, they let him through. Madam Malkin sighed when she saw them. After frowning for a bit, she said, "There are showers out the back with temporary robes." then hissed at Harry, "Who's paying for this?"
Harry scowled. "Their accounts were frozen because of the previous regime's ideas of Muggleborns. I can pay - if you insist." he met her gaze squarely, challengingly.
After a pause she sighed. "There are enough other customers. No charge." she said. Harry nodded.
The Muggleborns spent some time in the shop, buying new clothes. Then they left, admiring their purchases. "Ollivander's next." Harry said; they agreed, though many mourned the loss of their old wands.
Once they'd gotten through the crowds around the store, they walked in. Mr Ollivander looked up from his desk as they entered. "Mr Potter! I've been expecting you! And your friends... Ah, of course."
Harry nodded. "My business can wait until last." he said, beckoning the group forward.
They shuffled towards him and Mr Ollivander began. "Ah! Derek Mayborne! Shall we try willow and unicorn, like last time? Or something different?"
In this way, all of the group were refurbished with wands. They were even given complementary wand-cases. Mr Ollivander refused to let them pay. "In this case, it is my pleasure." he said. The group left in clumps. A couple said they hoped to see Harry at Gringotts.
Harry then turned to the wandmaker. "You know why I'm here, I think." he said, pulling the Elder Wand from an inside pocket of his robes. Mr Ollivander nodded. "I do. But first... Are you keeping Mr Malfoy's former wand?"
Harry smiled. "Due to the intricacies of wand ownership I have to, I think. But it'll be my second. The only spell I've ever used the Elder for is Reparo."
He showed the old wandmaker his holly and phoenix-feather wand.
"Mended!" Ollivander gasped. "Completely and beautifully mended! How extraordinary." he blinked, then smiled. "As for the other...I can make a copy of that and will not breathe a word to anyone unless you say."
Harry grinned. "Thanks." he said, "Shall I leave it with you, or...?"
Mr Ollivander's eyes gleamed, but he replied, "Oh no, no. Let me take measurements. Then you can store it away safely in one of your vaults."
Harry smiled, but thought, How many people know that I have more than one vault?
Mr Ollivander spent some minutes examining the wand at length, muttering about "raw power" and "great, but terrible strength". Then he gave it back to Harry. "Good luck Mr Potter. And good day."
He bowed Harry out of the shop and Harry stepped up the road to Gringotts. Bill was waiting for him there. Harry checked he had everything before entering, having taken a leaf from Hermione's book and put an Undetectable Extension Charm on his bag. The goblins at the door frowned at him as he entered, and made to bar his way. Bill had a quick exchange with them in Gobbledegook, and they were reluctantly let in. Harry winced as he saw the devastation. The dragon really had caused a heck of a lot of damage on its way out.
Harry and Bill walked up to the nearest counter. "Greetings. May your gold always flow." Bill said. Harry had read up - and consulted Bill - on typical goblin greetings before coming, so he was not surprised. The goblin sitting there frowned, looking past Bill to Harry. "Flattery won't get you far here, Mr Potter. Goblins have long memories."
Harry nodded slowly, feeling beings – goblins – come up behind him. They were waiting to escort him off to a prison, probably. "Long enough to remember this?" he asked quietly, attempting to hide his nervousness as he pulled open the bag and showed the sword. The goblin's eyes widened. Harry continued, "A month or so ago I made Griphook a promise. It was...repaid, but during the Battle it was lost. Now I am returning it."
The goblin stared, then jumped off his chair and led Harry to another room, calling for Griphook. A collection of goblins (guards?) followed.
Griphook came. Both goblins discussed the sword, agreed it was real and decided to accept it after several minutes, during which Harry told the whole truth and also why he'd wanted to tell as few others as possible.
After getting over the shock - "It's nothing less than what I expected of him." grunted the other goblin - Griphook said, "And now, Mr Potter, I think you ought to sign a blood-oath that you shall never do such a thing again. Then we may be able to provide our services."
Nervously, Harry agreed. He momentarily baulked when he saw the writing implement was a blood-quill, and was forced to show his hand, with an explanation. The goblins were…cross, to say the least. "That should never have occurred, Mr Potter." Griphook said quietly, his eyes smouldering. "One signature does not leave a permanent mark. Sign it."
Harry quickly did so, sensing it would be foolish to protest further (though he still hated the thought of doing it). After the action was complete, he explained his purpose for coming in. "I was introduced to my Family elves a few days ago. During the…meeting, it became clear that my knowledge of any vaults outside of my trust vault is woefully inadequate."
Griphook looked pleased. "Sit down. I will get the inheritance papers now. Mr Weasley, you may leave us. I assure you, Mr Potter will not be harmed." he said, sweeping from the room. The other goblin left to continue working. Bill, with some hesitation, left also. After all, that had been a direct order…even if it left Harry feeling rather exposed.
Harry waited for a while. Then Griphook came back with a sheaf of parchment. He took the top one and read it before placing it down. Then Griphook said, "Mr Potter, for the content to become visible, you must identify yourself." Harry pricked his finger with the offered dagger and let two drops of blood soak into the parchment. They disappeared and were replaced with words.
Harry stared at them.
The inheritance of Mr Harry James Potter.
Potter Family Vault:
Liquid Assets - 80 million
Hard Assets - 75 million
Potter Trust Vault:
(Frozen after 17th birthday)
Liquid Assets - 1 million (refilling each year, included in Family Vault value)
Hard Assets - none
Peverell Family Vault:
Liquid Assets - 70 million
Hard Assets - 80 million
Black Family Vault (one of two):
Liquid Assets - (half of) 90 million
Hard Assets - (half of) 79 million
Hard Assets include Four Estates:
Potter: Potter House (mansion and estate, in stasis), 5 miles west of Godric's Hollow
Black: 12 Grimmauld Place (mansion), London
Peverell: Jasmine Cottage (house, formerly owned by the Dumbledores and managed by the Hagrids, destroyed), Godric's Hollow; Blossom House (house, in disrepair), west of Ottery St Catchpole
Total worth of combined Liquid Assets: 194 million
Total worth of combined Hard Assets: 194,500,000 (194 million, 500 thousand)
Total worth of combined Vaults: 388, 500, 000 (388 million, 500 thousand)
Harry tried to control his shock. The figures were almost ridiculous!
And what was that about Dumbledore…and Hagrid? More secrets. Bother it all.
He steadied himself. The information about the houses was useful, in light of the main reason he'd wanted to visit here. He would have to visit the Houses to see. Of course, he already knew the state of 'Jasmine Cottage' and '12 Grimmauld Place'.
Shaking his head free of gloomy thoughts, Harry looked again at the parchment, then looked at Griphook. Hmm... So many questions. What first?
"Griphook," Harry said, "How is it I have so much money? Other than my own, I knew about the Black - part -" (there was another puzzle) "and the link to Peverell was not entirely unexpected, but still…"
"Ah," Griphook said, "Well, Mr Potter, it is the simple fact that the Potters, Blacks, and Peverells are – or were – particularly good business people; not to mention considerably old families. Several generations of the Potters made their money by…involving themselves in certain business ventures, anonymously or not. They retained a share in the business, as it grew or failed. However, it is known that a business supported by the Potters rarely fails. You call yourselves Gryffindors, but there's definitely a certain shrewdness – not to mention intelligence and loyalty – in your family that could flourish in other houses." He smirked. "Though I do believe it's often passed off as being noble. Or for some other reason. You would know about that, after all, Mr Potter….you are already following in the Family tradition. You still retain an anonymous share in the Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, after all."
Harry blinked. Oh. Right. Well, that information was certainly….interesting, to say the least. Griphook continued, "Coincidently, Mr Potter, did you know that your link to the Black Family is stronger than just your godfather?" There was an odd look in his eye as he said this.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Oh?"
Griphook nodded. "Well, when I say stronger, there are more connections, anyway..." he muttered, frowned slightly, then went on, "Your grandfather's cousin, Charlus, married a Black, Dorea. They – and their son, Haydn – died in 1977, however. Killed, I should say. All three were in the Order..." he shot Harry a look.
Harry blinked. "Err, pardon?" he said.
Griphook snorted. "Well, they have kept you in the dark!" he said, "Your cousin Haydn, twice removed, was some ten years older than your father and would have inherited the Mantle, as tradition dictates, if he and his parents had not been killed on Order business after refusing to give way to the one calling himself Lord Voldemort. The first of the Potters to die in such a way. Here." he handed Harry another scrap of parchment. "This should explain things."
Potter Ancestry:
Harry J. Potter —
Father James I. Potter, Mother Lily M. (Evans) Potter;
Grandfather Harrison C. Potter, Grandmother Jessica A. (O'Connor) Potter;
Second-cousin-once-removed Haydn A. Potter;
First-cousin-twice-removed Charlus T. Potter, First-cousin-twice-removed-by-marriage Dorea A. (Black) Potter;
Great-great-uncle Gordon F. Potter, Great-great-aunt-by-marriage Alissa J. (McKinnon) Potter;
Great-grandfather Augustus P. Potter, Great-grandmother Geraldine S. (Carter) Potter;
Great-great-grandfather Damon B. Potter, Great-great-grandmother Helene T. (Ogden) Potter;
Great-great-great-grandfather Solomon H. Potter, Great-great-great-great-grandmother Rubia C. (Parkinson) Potter
(etc.)
Harry read the parchment. Sirius had been right when he had said most wizarding families were interrelated.
Griphook continued, "Coincidentally, your Potter grandparents died natural deaths — but they're two of the few who did. Your family has an unusually high death rate, Mr Potter..."
Harry shivered slightly but managed a smile. "Thank you. May I please see my vaults now?"
Griphook nodded and stood – though he looked faintly disappointed about something. Harry stood also. Griphook led him through a door and into a cart. The Peverell vault, 751, seemed rather neglected. "Many generations have been letting this lot just sit here and accumulate interest." Griphook explained wryly. Harry took an old portrait of Ignotus Peverell away.
On the way to vault 713, Harry said to Griphook, "Nearly two years ago, I was told that Sirius had left me everything he'd owned. Professor Dumbledore had seen the will himself, so how is it that my Inheritance Papers show I only have half?" he asked, then quickly added, "If it is advisable that you tell me, of course."
Griphook shot him a look, smiling slightly. "At this present time, it is not advisable, Mr Potter. A second, private will, accessible only to certain folk, has been made, but we have been informed the other owner may tell you of their identity – no-one else."
Harry nodded, but felt extremely curious. Puzzles upon puzzles... They reached the vault and inspected it. Harry saw a long selection of stone pedestals depicting many Black Family members among other things. Curiously, Harry wandered among them. It was like a giant family tree. It didn't show those who had been disowned though. Then they moved to their final destination. The Potter Family Vault.
Harry had requested this be the last vault, but now he felt nervous. What would he find here?
Upon reaching vault 811, Griphook said, "As this is your first time visiting your main family vault, I understand, from previous clients, that you will need time. I have certain things I must do. Therefore, I will return in two hours."
Harry nodded and stepped from the cart with his bag. Griphook only stopped long enough to open the vault and let Harry in.
The door slowly slid open and Harry stepped through, gasping slightly as the room lit up.
Like the other vaults, the walls were lined with artefacts. But with these, it was different. Harry felt more of a connection to the things here. They were directly his, without dilution of generations or intermarriages. His footsteps echoed loudly as he walked through the room. Griphook was right; Harry suddenly wished he had all day.
Walking around, he picked some things to go with him in his bag, but kept others. At a particular part of the vault, Harry came across a silver table. On top of the table lay a wide variety of things, all under some sort of protection to stop their removal. Harry pulled the Elder Wand from his pocket and placed it on a spare spot.
Harry had realised that it would not be good to snap the Wand as he had done with Bellatrix's. It was too powerful. Instead, he was storing it here so that, when the time came, it could be taken out and given back to the one who had tried to neutralise its power in the first place.
As he thought this, invisible bands of magic wrapped around the Wand and held it in place. No-one but the Lord Potter would be able to pick it up, Harry somehow knew as he turned away.
And, speaking of Lords... Harry walked towards the other dominant structure. A large cabinet made of redwood stood opposite the table.
Inside the cabinet all manner of things sat. The top compartments, some with glass, held most interest for Harry.
As he got closer, Harry saw why. A piece of parchment stated that this was his Inheritance. More than that, he could feel it.
Harry stepped forward and pressed his fingers against a glass panel curiously. It glowed gold, then opened outwards. Harry was able to reach in and take out things.
The first thing that made sense to pull out was a scroll of parchment. Harry unfurled the scroll and read,
Dear Harry,
If you are reading this, we are dead. This Vault is now open to you, as you have either come of age or have been taken to it by Sirius, Remus, Peter and/or Dumbledore.
We cannot help wondering which of these scenarios are true. We hope you are healthy and well-looked after.
We are extremely sorry we could not be there in the crucial points of your young life and those that are still to come.
I have left my engagement ring to you, having no need for it here – when you 'find a girl', as James puts it, use it. The wedding rings are provided by the Mantle, but the cabinet papers will explain more of that.
The Potter Family Watch is in the cabinet, too. We understand you may already have one; if you do, keep it for your son (or daughter, we don't mind).
Please know this: we love you. We wish it could be different; we wish we could hug you and worry about you and congratulate you in person. But please remember we are watching over you, wherever we are.
We love you Harry. With all our hearts.
Lily and James Potter
Harry had to swallow hard. A few tears slid down his cheeks and he felt glad of his solitude. Curiously, he scanned the document again. His parents had shared the writing, he realised, picking out his mother's 'g's and – to his surprise – his father's 'k's. A blend of Muggle- and Magical writing-styles. His mother had written the part about the engagement ring.
Then he realised there were more papers under the first.
The second paper had a note attached written by his father.
Dear Harry,
This is some stuff explaining the other things in here. It's an old document that was used to explain the stuff to my dad. I never got a chance to wear the Mantle, cos Dad (and Mum) died only last week (17th October) and now we're going into hiding. Not that it was ever properly mine to wear in the first place...but anyway. You can.
Put on the Mantle and use it well, as they say.
Love Dad
There was the Mantle Griphook had mentioned, again. What was it? Harry puzzled over the last sentences before reading on through the papers.
In this Cabinet are stored the main treasures of your Inheritance. The first thing you must do is take up the Mantle and wear it with pride. Fasten its chain around your neck and let the medallion, with our Crest, rest on your breast. Feel the Magic and Power that come with the title of Lord Potter.
Harry paused and let the letter rest on the opened panel. He reached in and pulled out a medal on a thick ornate gold chain.
The medallion itself had silver curled in delicate patterns around the edge. In the centre, the background was ruby-red behind a golden stag with a sword and lightning bolt. How fitting, Harry thought sarcastically. Inscribed on the silver were the words Veritas, Aequitas Equitas et Honour est Animus Animi, meaning (according to the note) 'Truth, Justice and Honour is Courage at Heart'.
The Mantle was large and rather heavy. Harry lifted it and did up the clasp at the back of his neck, holding the medallion in his hand. Slowly, he let the medallion drop. As it came to rest level with his heart, there was a flash of magic. Strong, family magic.
The medallion shrank and Harry felt it copy itself onto his cloak and robe. He assumed it had been copied onto all of them.
Harry felt stronger. And then... He saw his houses.
Jasmine Cottage and 12 Grimmauld Place were skimmed over – Harry presumed because he'd already seen them. He was glad there was only a short viewing of them.
Blossom House gave Harry a surprise, as it was actually quite close to where the Burrow had once stood. It was a slightly rickety old house. It actually reminded Harry of the Burrow.
The final building, Potter House, came slowly. From the war monument at Godric's Hollow, the view rose sharply. Sweeping along the road, it continued past Jasmine Cottage and over a hill, then outwards several miles before rounding a bend, passing some oaks and stopping.
The House was cream in colour with two wings leading at slight angles off the main building. It was surrounded by extensive grounds and really looked quite picturesque.
With a start Harry was jerked from the viewing. Startled, he took off the Mantle and replaced it carefully back in its place. He went back to the letter, wondering what other surprises were in store.
Next pick up the sword Forta, a relic from times past. It first belonged to Lord Ignatius Potter and has fought alongside the Gryffindors' Joyeu and Veritas.
Harry blinked and reached into the cabinet again. He pulled out a sword in a silver scabbard with a dragon-hide strap. The sword itself was large with a diamond embedded in it and the words 'Ignatius Potter' written down it. In tiny writing Harry noticed the word 'Forta' engraved near the hilt.
Harry put it back, wondering if the sword he had given Griphook was the 'Joyeu' the letter spoke of. Or 'Veritas'? He thought it must be one of them.
In the bottom cupboard there stands a Pensive, gifted to the Family many years ago. It is the Family Pensive and yours to use.
Harry opened the bottom doors and looked at the Pensive. Then he removed it and put it in a bag. That could be very useful.
Finally, use the Mantle to make copies of the Family Rings. When you marry, use the copies as your wedding bands, for you and your wife.
Harry blushed at this and did as the letter said. The rings were gold with intricate patterns - similar to those on the edge of the Mantle -twisting around them. They - and the engagement ring - would be useful... In time.
The letter ended there. After looking at the Family Watch, Harry straightened and turned away from the cabinet, then heard a rustle. He turned back and his eye caught the gilded edge of a frame. Someone in the frame was whispering.
He stepped towards it and eased it out of a case. Then he turned the picture-side towards him and froze with a gasp.
In their portrait, Lily and James smiled back at him.
Slowly, he smiled too. "Mum and Dad," he breathed.
"Hey Harry." James grinned.
Lily said, "Oh Harry."
Harry stared at them for a few moments. James sighed dramatically. "We've been waiting in here for ages! What's been happening?"
For the next half-hour Harry told them what had happened over the past year. They were very proud of him. Harry said at the end, "I've always wanted to ask - how does the portrait work? I was never told."
James and Lily exchanged a glance. Lily said, "We are a representation of the person. Nothing more."
"Oh." Harry said, then shrugged. "Well. I'm leaving here soon and I'll take you with me."
Harry put his parents' portrait in his bag and walked away from the cabinet. On his way out he saw a second cabinet he hadn't noticed going in.
He paused at it and opened a door - only to be greeted by a flood of letters. "Oh no," he groaned then opened one of his bags, carefully directing the letters and gifts into it with his wand. He'd need help sorting them all out.
He walked towards the vault opening and was greeted by Griphook. "Lord Potter. Have you had successes?"
Harry nodded, noting he'd been called by his 'new' title. "I've been given a lot to think about."
Griphook chuckled grimly and they climbed into a waiting cart. "Most do, the first time."
Back in the open entrance chamber, Harry thanked Griphook and bid him good-day: "May you always have good fortune on your travels." Then walked out. A few former 'Wandless' (Harry reminded himself sternly he should not continue to give them that tag) called a greeting to Harry as he went.
Then Harry heard a familiar voice calling his name. He turned. "Bill!" he said, "Still here?"
When Bill had gone back to work a couple of days ago, he and Fleur had moved back to Shell Cottage. But, Harry remembered, they'd promised to come for lunch on Saturdays – and of course today was one. At any rate, it was nice that he'd waited.
They walked out of Gringotts and into the sunshine. Walking through Diagon Alley, Bill said, "Harry, I saw what you did earlier. Thank you. I know a couple of shop keepers - Eric Blott, to name one - had been giving them food and offered them other help, but they were stubborn. As the shopkeepers were getting back on their feet a bit as well, they didn't want to 'impose'. Especially as certain shopkeepers were less than pleasant to them. So it took someone like you to sort them out. I don't know if it hadn't occurred to them, after this year, that they could just – change things themselves now it's over, or….But anyway, thank you."
Harry grinned. "I knew all shopkeepers wouldn't have ignored them." he muttered, then added, "I was only doing my bit."
Bill smiled. "You'll never stop doing good stuff like that and passing it off so modestly will you?"
Harry blushed. Chuckling, Bill led them to the Apparation point. They Apparated to Hogwarts' gates and knocked lightly with their wands in a particular pattern.
After a moment, the gate identified them and opened. They walked up the path to the school in companionable silence, looking around. They walked through the doors and Harry's eyes were drawn to the golden plaque.
Someone else was already standing there, staring at the names. They turned as Harry and Bill approached. It was Lavender Brown.
Harry had not seen her since the middle of the battle last week and had to work to hide his shock. Her once-beautiful face was ravaged by the marks of Greyback, ugly red scars showing what he'd done.
She smiled upon seeing them, however. "Hi Harry and, uh,"
"Bill." Bill supplied.
She nodded. "I've been meaning to talk to you, Harry."
"Oh?" Harry asked, puzzled.
She nodded. "And Ron and Hermione too. I... I just need to say thanks."
Harry blinked, rather confused. Lavender continued, "Before this year, I know I could be seen as a bit...airy. That didn't matter to me most years. I liked dressing up and having fun. It was my way of keeping my spirits up when the war began, through all the serious stuff like the DA and that. The real things that mattered." she smiled slightly, then sighed.
"This year really shook me up, especially since losing a whole lot of classmates - like Dean, for example - made me realise just how lucky I was to be here. Then the battle happened... Some classmates were lost for good." she sighed. Harry nodded. "Then this happened." Lavender continued, putting her hand to her face. "I've only been up for a couple of days and already seen the changes. Some people - like you, Harry - just start a little when they see me then pretend everything's normal. They're the good ones. The bad ones..." she sighed.
Bill broke in, "I'm still deciding if it's the scared ones or the pitying ones."
Lavender nodded. "I'm worried about the full moon." she murmured.
Bill sighed. "You won't sleep, but you'll be fine. And watch out for a change in your taste-buds. At least, that's what happened with me."
Lavender sighed. "Thanks."
She looked at them both. "I-I was told... I had been damaged in an earlier fight. Then he came and... I was told... Do either of you know who got him off me?"
Harry nodded. "Hermione."
"Oh." Lavender said quietly, "Well, see you around..." she walked away. Harry looked after her for a moment as she walked up to Hermione and Ron and had a short conversation with them. Then he sighed, met with Ron and Hermione and went into the Great Hall. Lunchtime.
The other Weasleys greeted them and they all shared a meal. Halfway during it, Miffy popped in to make sure everything was all right. When she saw Harry she gasped and curtseyed deeply. "Ooh, you has claimed your Heritage, my Lord Potter!"
Everyone stared at him. Harry sighed. "Yes, that's why I was at Gringotts this morning. But regardless of that, haven't I told you enough times that it's just Harry, no matter what?"
Miffy smiled. "Yes Lord Harry." she chirped.
Harry sighed. "Just tell the others, would you? It's easier than me telling them individually."
Miffy nodded and popped away.
Harry looked up to see everyone staring. He sighed. "My elves have been wanting me to see my vaults since we met. When I went, I found out that I had to claim my Lordship title. I'm Lord Harry Potter now. Ugh!"
They laughed with him as he mock shuddered. "Not another title!" George joked, rather flatly, then frowned.
Harry nodded. "Look, the crest's even been copied onto my cloak and outer robe."
He showed them the symbol. "Interesting motto," Ron mused. Ginny grinned. "Describes you to a tee."
Neville suggested, "Though maybe it also ought to have 'Strive to do things that are both brave and very stupid'."
Thinking about it, Harry said, "Y'know, I'd have to agree."
They laughed and then Harry said, "Actually, because of this, I need to ask - could I borrow Ron, Hermione and Ginny for the afternoon?"
Molly nodded. "As long as you're back for dinner."
The four agreed and promised not to be late back, then set out.
Their first stop was Ottery St. Catchpole.
"What are we doing here, Harry?" Ron asked.
Harry explained, "I inherited more than just the Potter wealth. I received part of the Peverell and Black vaults. They contained…surprises." They stared. Harry sighed and showed them the inheritance papers.
Ron frowned slightly. "That's a lot of money, Harry."
Harry nodded. "I don't want it. Well, not all of it. I want to give some away to Hogwarts and maybe other places." he paused. "But I'd also like to give some to the Weasleys."
Ron and Ginny started giving him looks. "Not as charity. But because you've been my family for the past seven years."
Ginny sighed and hugged him. Ron looked uncomfortable. "Right, Harry. You'll have to tell Dad though."
Harry grinned. "Of course. But first..." he led them over the rise and down into the valley. They looked around curiously.
Harry spread his arms and pointed. "Look there. Do you see it?"
The others gasped. "Welcome, friends, to Blossom House, one of the former homes of Ignotus Peverell."
The house was made of brick and looked lopsided. Ron approached it open-mouthed while Ginny stared, then turned to Harry. "It's perfect. I overheard Mum and Dad talking about costs and time constraints of building. But this... Thank you Harry!" She hugged him, understanding what he meant immediately.
"Let's check out inside." Hermione suggested.
They walked up to the door and after a moment's hesitation, Harry reached out and turned the door-handle. They explored the house carefully. It had twelve bedrooms, three lounge rooms and a large kitchen with two dining rooms. As well as two bathrooms.
"Perfect." Ginny declared.
Ron agreed. "Can't wait to show everyone else."
As they turned to go, there was a loud CLANG-rattle-rattle-bang sound. They froze, hands going to their wands. The sequence repeated itself. Then Ron gasped.
"I know what that is!"
He led the others upstairs to the cupboard they'd assumed housed the main plumbing. Ron opened the door cautiously, then grinned and flung it open wide. A slimy red-haired thing, wearing tattered striped pyjamas and covered in purple pustules grinned horribly at them. "Hello Ghoul." Ron said cheerfully, "I wondered what had happened to you. Did you know about this place all along?"
The ghoul just banged two pipes together with a loud clang.
Ron closed the door. "Can't wait to tell the - everyone." he said. "Shall we go?"
They went outside. Hermione glanced at Harry. "Where next?"
Before Harry could say anything, Ron said, "Hold on a sec. Someone's coming."
They looked around. An elderly lady was coming up the rise from the village. Harry pulled the others back a bit and they saw her stop and look around. "Oh foot! It's gone. Where has it gone?"
Ron and Ginny exchanged glances before Ginny called, "Aunt Muriel?"
The lady started then turned and went across the field towards them. "The house was destroyed." Ginny explained. "We're hopefully going to move..."
Harry stopped her from saying anything else. Muriel looked around. "Thinking of rebuilding down here are you?" she remarked, "Well, I suppose if you like the damp..."
The four exchanged glances. It wasn't that far away from the old spot.
She stopped talking and turned to the two Weasleys. "Where is he?" she asked with some urgency. "I only just found out but I can't find him." she jerked her head in the direction of the village graveyard.
The four exchanged a glance, then Harry spoke, as Ron and Ginny had turned to statues. "Fred has been buried with the others who died in the Battle of Hogwarts - at Hogsmede."
Muriel said, "Ah, thank you." she sighed and looked at Ron and Ginny for a moment. "He was a great boy. Even if I didn't always understand his...style." she patted Ginny, who was closest, on the shoulder, stared hard again at Ron then walked off. A few minutes later they heard the crack of Apparation.
There was a long pause. Ron and Ginny exchanged another rather surprised, unhappy glance. Hermione asked tentatively, "Harry, why couldn't Muriel see Blossom House?"
Harry sighed. "She hadn't been invited to by me. Otherwise, you could've seen this place from the Burrow."
"Ohhh..." they said.
"I'd been wondering about that." Ginny remarked.
Ron asked, "Okay, so, now what?"
Harry flicked through the places in his mind. "Well, we've seen 12 Grimmauld Place before, so the remaining homes are at Godric's Hollow. Hermione, guide Ron - war memorial. I'll guide Ginny."
They Apparated to the War Memorial and walked along. "Jasmine Cottage is the Tribute Cottage, I think that's the general name. It's that way, of course."
"Oh." Ron and Ginny said. They totally understood why Harry didn't want to go there on this trip.
Harry was slightly nervous about this. Seeing his House was one thing. Viewing it quite another. It was a bit like viewing his vault, except he was glad his friends were with him.
It took a little under an hour to walk to the spot. They walked up the hill, then as they rounded the bend Harry gasped.
A hedge with a large gate (and several enchantments) blocked the house and grounds from sight, but why had he felt something?
Harry increased his pace, striding forward. He reached the gate and paused. Then, without him doing anything, the gates opened. Harry became aware of a glow coming from his chest. He looked down and saw the Crest on his cloak was the source. Of course, he realised, the manor must 'recognise' me.
The others stopped beside him. "Are we going in?" Ginny asked. Harry nodded.
They walked through the gate and realised what had been hidden from them at the top of the hill. The manor house sat in the middle of the manor. A wide paved path led to it from the gate.
A forest of oaks bordered the property at the back. The mansion looked like it had at the vault viewing, but better. Harry sighed. This was home.
They walked up the path to the house and opened the door, walking through. The next hour was spent exploring the house. The house had a central piece that was three storeys. The two wings either side were two storeys and had been added later.
There were at least eighty rooms, most disused.
They explored the house carefully, all enjoying it. In the kitchen on the lower levels, the house elves appeared.
"Hello Lord Harry." Miffy greeted with a curtsey. "We is thinking you is wanting someone to show you round, but you comes to here last!"
"Sorry," Harry grinned.
Hermione began to say something, but Harry gave her a look. He then noticed Winky was with them. She stepped forward. "Uh, Lord Harry..." she said, "I needs to talk."
Harry nodded. "Okay." he said. Miffy ushered the other elves away and after a moment, Hermione led the others in following her.
He crouched to her level; she seemed nervous. "What did you need to tell me?" he asked. Winky said, "Well, sir... Tis about Dobby. Winky be thinking of him often. Winky be thinking she wants to protect Harry Potter, as Dobby did, by becoming his elf."
Harry blinked and stared at her. "Are you sure?" he asked. He already had several elves; but she was so earnest in her idea that he couldn't refuse. Winky nodded firmly and held out a trembling hand to him. Harry looked at the hand, then, watching her earnest face, took it in both his own.
"By magic in my blood," Winky chanted, "Winky binds herself to Harry Potter, to he and his family till the day I dies. Any young I bear be born into Potter Family Service, for now and for all."
Harry felt a sharp spark of magic flow through their hands. He spoke. "I accept the binding, Winky. I promise to treat you fairly and honourably. However, let it be known that if any descendant of mine mistreats you or your… issue, you or they will have a choice to leave my service and go back to Hogwarts."
Winky blinked in surprise, then nodded cautiously. Then both let go. Harry smiled.
"Thanks." he whispered.
Winky sighed. "Also, Lord Harry…there be more."
"Oh." Harry said curiously.
She nodded. "Dobby and Winky becomes friends while we both be working. He take care of me when Winky be – freed." she shuddered. "It is he who finds the other elfs - he become friends with Paddy and I with Muffy and Miffy."
She sighed. "Dobby my first proper friend though. For many years... Last April, before Professor Dumbledore's death, we be bonded."
Harry blinked. "Oh... I - err - congratulations." What was he supposed to say? Now he was very glad he'd agreed to the bonding.
Winky nodded. "Muffy and Miffy be looking after me." She hesitated again, then smiled.
Harry stood up. "That's good." Hearing the sound of raised voices, he continued, "Now let's go see what the others are up to. I hope Hermione isn't upsetting anyone." He added, realising one voice was hers.
They walked through to the next room. Hermione was kneeling next to the elves attempting to reason with them. They did not look happy. Hermione said, "But don't you see? Your lives could be better – so much better – if you made them! You and your fellows deserve pay and fair conditions! And-"
"Hermione," Harry said, "Can you be quiet for a minute?" she stopped mid-stride, looking hurt.
"But Harry-"
He frowned at her then turned to his elves. "What do you want? What did the last Lord and Lady Potter give you?" he asked them. "You tell me what you think you should have, I'll tell you what I think and then we might compromise." He gave Hermione a look. She huffed irritably.
"Well sir," Muffy said cautiously, "We is not needing much. The last Lord and Lady Potter – your grandparents – give us place to sleep and food. Lady Jessica always insist she help cook three out of seven days. We is provided for nice."
Hermione sighed and made to speak, but Harry stopped her. "Well, that sounds okay," he said, "but wouldn't you like more?"
The elves shifted. Paddy said, "Tis not what we like...? You is Lord and Master."
Harry smiled. "But it is." He said, "I know I don't know much about the ways of house elves, but I do know that everything will be a lot smoother if you're well looked-after."
He continued, "What I'd like for you is to be able to give you, say, two days off a month to do your own thing, not mine. More if necessary."
Paddy said with obvious puzzlement, "But why you give us this? We is not needing it."
Harry grinned. "I beg to differ on that one. I'll use an example. When a human – muggle or magical – is working, they get sick leave and family leave and days off as well as rewards. If they didn't, they'd burn out. You can't work every single day of your life with no breaks – it wears you out. You become sick more easily. And working whilst sick can make the problem worse."
Kreacher said frostily, "But we is elfs, not humans. We not need it."
Muffy studied Harry. "Maybe we try it…?" she said hesitantly, looking at the others. Then she paused. "But no – clothes." She shuddered, then gestured to the uniform she wore. "This be the compromise on clothes with Lady Jessica and Lord Harrison, many year ago."
Miffy said, "Lord Harry, you say rightly you not know ways of elfs. But ask, and learn, before imposing. House elfs be bound to House and Family – it be how we live long and grow fast. It be our source of magic. Take that away, without respect or cause, and elfs come to harm."
Hermione squeaked in shock. "I'm sorry!" she gasped. "I didn't know…."
Muffy frowned at her. "Yes. Tis Lord Harry who be explaining it to us, miss!" she reprimanded. "He Lord, not you... If you not know, why you not ask?"
Paddy interjected, "Just be calming down, both of you. Tis not Miss Hermione's fault she did not do it right, Muffy. Miss Hermione, you is needing to think a bit more about compromise not force. Paddy is not saying you do that, I is saying it feel like that. Okay?" he looked up at Hermione, who nodded.
"I understand." She said, then turned to Muffy. "When I was in fourth year, and I first found out about house elves, I tried to – to gain information from books about it. But there was nothing to find, and so….I just made up my own mind based on what I thought I knew. I was …too embarrassed to ask someone face-to-face."
Ron squeezed her arm.
Muffy's expression changed immediately. "Well, now you be knowing. Maybe the knowing be what you needing to change, for all, hmm? Not silly wages and things!"
"Respect, too." Winky said, "Dobby be telling Winky – and Winky be seeing on Dobby – such awful things…that be needing change."
Hermione tilted her head slightly, then nodded thoughtfully.
The elves glanced at each other, then at Harry. "Two days leave a month with option of sick and family leave?" Muffy said, returning to the first subject.
Harry nodded. "I wouldn't mind helping cook sometimes too." He added. Miffy chuckled. Then Harry saw Winky fidgeting. He turned to her; she looked at him, opened her mouth then closed it again.
Harry smiled. "You're wondering why I haven't mentioned pay."
Muffy tensed. Winky blushed and nodded. "Dobby be paid by Professor Dumbledore. Winky also... But Winky is not wanting to be, Winky is just..."
"Curious to see what I think about it?" Harry asked. She nodded. He continued, "Well, I'll tell you. I would like to pay you. But only if you want me to; if it could be arranged into our …contract? Agreement? I don't know what it's called, so that you can still …belong…to the House, but…I don't know…" he sighed. "You might ask why I'd bother. But I think it's the difference between slaves and servants." As they stared at him, he elaborated, "Slaves don't get pay, leave or anything like that. Servants do. In the muggle world, slavery was… outlawed centuries ago. Hermione and I were raised in that culture, a culture that thinks that sort of thing is not right." He looked at them, unsure of how well he was explaining it. "So ... Would you like to be paid?"
Kreacher, Winky and Muffy shook their heads. The other two looked uncertain. "If paid, how much?" Paddy asked.
Harry smiled. "A couple of Galleons a month to begin with, I think. Changing if you want it to."
Miffy said, "And what is we doing with it sir?"
Harry replied, "That's up to you. It'd be your money. Get things for yourself... Like a treat, you know?"
Winky smiled. "Like Dobby's clothes. Silly dear." She said, then muttered something else under her breath.
"Ah." Paddy and Miffy agreed, "We be taking it, sir!"
Harry grinned. "Good to hear."
Muffy said, "Sir, is you sure you has seen the whole house?"
Harry shook his head. "Not quite."
Paddy chuckled. "Paddy bet you gets peckish for afternoon tea."
They nodded. The elves produced freshly-baked biscuits and slices. "Tis so nice to be baking here again!" Miffy declared. "Miffy is only a little elfkin when we is forced to leave and now Miffy is home again!"
The other elves agreed. Harry was getting curious about their ages, having heard several references. After a moment, he remarked, "I don't mean to be rude, but, erm, how old are you all? And do elves grow at the same rate as humans or…?"
Muffy frowned. "Is not rude, Master. Master be needing to know all about his elfs. Muffy be thirty years old."
"Miffy be twenty."
"Paddy be twenty-three."
"Winky…Winky be sixteen."
"Kreacher….hmmm….Kreacher be over one hundred. Elfs be aging twice as fast, but living twice as long as humans unless something happen to the Master." He added, rather stuffily.
After they had eaten, the elves took them to the main study. There was space for about four double (or eight single) portraits. Harry retrieved his parents' portrait and the one of Ignotus Peverell.
His friends gasped. Harry introduced them. Harry also took out the Pensive. "Might as well store it here." He said. Then Harry remembered the gifts.
"Can you guys help me with these?" he asked, showing them the bag. They laughed and then groaned. The rest of the afternoon was spent sorting through fan-mail. It was divided into piles: useful gifts, ornaments, gushy (i.e. love) letters and useful letters.
Gushy letters were discarded. Ornaments and trinkets were arranged by the elves in places around the house.
Useful letters were written by people who wanted to correspond with Harry who weren't gushy fans. Several famous names were among them, including Nicolas Flamel.
He had written three letters. The first was when Harry was about ten years old, offering correspondence and guidance 'now you're nearly old enough to start school'. The second was written about a year later, explaining that 'Albus has informed me you won't get these letters until you're seventeen at least. Oh well...'
The third letter was dated for the winter of second year and was more personal than the rest.
Dear Harry,
I have been told of what happened and I must say, it's about time the old Stone was destroyed. It's caused far too much trouble over the years. I don't quite know when this will reach you, but I am thankful to you. Albus tells me you were concerned about my health. Let me say, I'll welcome the next adventure – it gets a little tiring not being able to die of natural causes. You will go far, Harry. Keep close to your heart what is yours that you love and stand firm in your beliefs. Maybe we will meet one day in that Adventure. Until then, good luck, young man. You will need it.
Sincerely, Nicolas Flamel.
Harry smiled slightly. Wow. That was certainly a treasure.
Some people had sent him a card or letter, even a present, every year. Harry encountered two sets of that kind from two old ladies that he put aside after reading through. He hadn't realised he had this many wanna-be aunts and great-aunts (and even a few uncles and great-uncles) looking after him. Harry paused. Sooner or later, he'd have to write a few thank-you letters.
Other useful letters showed that about a tenth of Harry's wealth went to different charities and such every few years, which Harry was glad of. Griphook had hinted as much, after all.
Some gifts were food like chocolates. Unless the sender had had the foresight to cast a Preserving Charm on it beforehand, the food was spoilt. A pity, as there were some high-quality goods. They were all checked over for love potions and charms as well – just in case.
Harry got a surprise when Muffy popped into the room saying it was six-thirty and could they come to dinner now, please – a message from Molly. This gave Harry the beginnings of an idea. They Disapparated to Hogwarts after Harry sealed the house.
They walked into the Great Hall and saw Kingsley, with Hestia Jones, was already there. Minerva, who was eating with them rather than in her study tonight, also had arrived.
Before going in Harry took his elves aside and outlined a small idea he'd had. They agreed and Muffy in particular accepted.
During dinner everyone made small talk until Molly asked what the four had been doing. Harry explained, "Well, you know, with the help of my elves, I'd made an appointment for me to go to Gringotts today."
"That's why you wanted the sword, right?" Neville asked.
Harry nodded. "Griphook has it now."
Arthur said, "Were you surprised?" Harry nodded.
"How many people knew I had more than one vault?" he asked.
Kingsley said, "It was well-known the Potters had money. They generally left their other vaults alone unless they were on their first trip there."
Harry nodded. That made sense, given what he'd seen.
He then noticed Ron was giving him a look. He nodded, then cleared his throat. "On that... I have more than one house, too. Interestingly, Peverell's Blossom House was close to the Burrow."
Arthur looked surprised. "Oh?"
"Yes." Harry paused. "As a family, you guys have been my wizarding family since you helped me that day on the platform. It wouldn't feel right if I couldn't give something back to you."
Arthur frowned slightly. "What are you proposing?" he asked puzzled. Harry smiled. "I have no use for Blossom House. But I think you would. Similarly, five elves for my house isn't necessary. As Muffy is bound to the Peverell side of things... Well. You've already demonstrated today she'd be useful to you."
The Weasleys frowned. Molly said, "We'll have to talk it over, Harry. But... Thank you."
Harry nodded. "Muffy has already told me she can take you to the House whenever you want to."
He smiled and turned to Minerva. "Don't think you're going to be forgotten either. Hogwarts has been another home for me since I was eleven." He said, "I'm going to give you something of a gift for that. I just have two requests. One, hire at least one counsellor — not only because of the trauma suffered by many after the war but because, well, I'm sure you know how certain things can go unreported to, or unnoticed by, teachers because of various reasons. I wonder if certain things could have been different if there'd been one. Someone whose job was to listen and notice problems and sort them out before they influenced bigger issues. Madam Pomfrey I believe takes care of that now, but she can only do so much."
Minerva nodded. "I entirely agree. Did you mention a second request...?"
Harry grinned. "Madam Hooch will be happy – get some new brooms. Please."
Everyone laughed. "I second the notion!" Neville exclaimed.
Minerva agreed. "High time that occurred, yes. And as they're requests, conditions of the money's release, no-one will be able to, ah, stop that from occurring, or redirect them… elsewhere."
It was settled.
The following day commenced in a similar fashion. Harry made sure to spend time with Ginny, Ron and Hermione, as well as Neville and Luna, who visited. But even he was beginning to chafe at the feeling of restrictions that Hogwarts had. Especially now he knew about the House.
Sometime after lunch, he found himself wandering near the Chamber. His feet took him to the door of Myrtle's bathroom, then he paused. What the heck was he doing here? Did he really need to wake up so many slumbering memories now? Couldn't that just wait until night time?
After a moment, curiosity won out. He walked in and became surprised. The entrance to the Chamber was wide open. Harry had thought it shut automatically, but then again….
He stepped up to it. Something was almost pulling him down there…
He heard footsteps and whirled around, wand in hand. But it was just Hermione, Luna, Neville, Ron and Ginny. Harry quickly explained. After a moment's hesitation, Ginny stepped forward. "Pulling you? Harry…that alone tells me you ought to leave this be."
Harry shook his head. "I can't." He muttered. If he didn't do it now, then he had an awful suspicion that his dreams would lead him here tonight.
Ginny swallowed. "Well, you can't do it alone." She said softly, then walked over to stand beside him. The others quickly agreed.
Harry turned back to the still-open Chamber entrance. He peered down it, then sighed and cast an impervious charm on himself. The others quickly copied him. Harry steadied himself before stepping up to the hole and preparing to lower himself into it. He glanced back at the others. Their expressions alone told him he'd be wasting his time if he even tried to ask if they'd like to stay behind. Ginny was shaking slightly though. He met her eyes. She swallowed and straightened, seemingly drawing strength from his gaze. He remembered their conversation the other night. Together.
Harry turned back to the entrance and jumped in. He whizzed down the slimy tunnel, faster and faster. He could hear the others behind him. Only Neville and Luna were experiencing this for the first time; the rest, including himself, had worse times to compare it to.
When they landed at the bottom, they got up quickly and walked forward. Harry looked around at the others and realised his original thought had been right – Ron, Ginny, Hermione and himself looked at these walls with half-shadowed eyes, fighting to shrug off memories. But then again, Neville and Luna had their own demons, their own spaces and situations that would haunt them.
Suddenly, light flared in the semi-darkness. Luna had a bundle of bluebell flames in her hands. "We needed light," she said, but there was a faint uneasiness in her voice. Harry smiled in understanding.
"Good idea," he said, "let's get going – the sooner we go forward, the sooner we'll come back."
They walked on. When they came to the place of the rockfall, Ron shuddered. They climbed carefully through, shifting some more rock along the way, and continued on. As they walked, Harry found Ginny's hand and held it, pulling her close to him. Her tense body relaxed slightly at his touch. So did his at hers.
Finally, they approached the inner entrance. Harry took a deep breath before walking through. Of course, the first thing he saw was the skeleton of the basilisk. He shuddered, then studied it closely. It really was quite a beautiful creature….if only it hadn't tried to kill him.
The insides of the beast were rotting. The teeth of course were missing. But the skin and most of the skeleton remained intact. Harry turned to look at Ron and Hermione, confused. Hermione said softly, "It is rumoured, I believe, that basilisk skin does not decay like normal skin when it dies. Not even when it's shed."
Harry vaguely remembered seeing the skin on their way down here. But he'd been a bit pre-occupied… Ron added, "Oh, and be careful – the stench was terrible when we came down he a week or so ago, so I cast a few preserving charms."
Ginny went up to the Basilisk, examining it intently as Harry had been doing. She rested a hand upon the dried-out husk of the basilisk and sighed. She whispered something to herself – or to the creature? – running her hand along its side. Then she shook herself. "Poor thing," she said clearly, turning to the others. "She was as trapped as I was…but in her case, only death could free her. Tom had interfered with her too much. Bastard."
Harry smiled at her. "I was a little sorry I had to kill – her…eventually." He said softly, "She was alive for at least a thousand years….until I killed her because she tried to kill me on Riddle's orders." At the time, he'd been fighting for his life. But in the weeks and months afterwards, in between the nightmares, he had wondered…
Luna had wandered further up the Chamber. "Harry? Everyone?" she suddenly called, "Look at this…I think it's important."
They walked to her side. She was examining the hole that the basilisk had come from. Near the hole, there was a surface that, upon closer inspection, looked as if it would hide…a door.
Harry stepped forward and touched it lightly with his fingertips. Squinting, he waved his wand at the surface, running his fingers over it fully. There was something here…he could almost feel…
Suddenly, it seemed, a mist seemed to obscure his vision. He couldn't move…He vaguely felt a hand on his forearm, anchoring him. A voice seemed to speak from the mist…
"Who…arrrre…youuuu?"
Harry wrenched his stiff lips apart; the voice almost compelled him to answer… "Harry James Potter."
The voice didn't appear to have heard. "Who arrre you?" it asked again. "Who arrre you that daresss to asssk entrrrance for you and yourrrr companionsssss?"
There was something…familiar…about that voice. Not the voice itself, exactly, Harry realised, but…the way it spoke…
Harry knew he could – or should – be able to answer it. But how? How? He asked himself silently. The word seemed to vibrate around his head. Then suddenly, almost unbidden, he found himself speaking. "Harry Jamesss Potter issss my name. I ssseek accessss for my friendsss and myssself. We mean no harm… I ssswear it!"
The voice considered. "Who ssstands with you?"
Harry answered, giving his friends' names. The voice listened, repeating the names. When it came to Ginny, the voice said, "Ah, yessss….." It did not comment on the others.
Finally, it spoke again, addressing Harry directly. "You may passss." It whispered.
Harry jerked back to himself. The others were staring at him, wide-eyed. Ginny was gripping his arm – quite tightly, he realised. Harry took a breath, then released it. He coughed and cleared his throat; blinked and tried to regain his sense of composure. As he straightened his shoulders and let go of the last lingering feeling of…oddness…he noticed a circular opening appearing in the wall in front of him.
Harry shook his head, clearing it at last; however, at the same time, he had the feeling of a… 'door'… within him closing.
Ginny finally spoke. "Well, are we going in, or not?"
Harry smiled slightly. "Yes. In. Let me go first."
He could sense the hesitancy of the others behind him (except, perhaps, Ginny), so said as he stepped through, "I'm not going to back out after what I had to do in order to get it open!"
Behind him, Ginny stepped through, closely followed by Ron, Hermione, Neville then Luna.
Simultaneously, they lit their wands; it was dark in the cavernous room.
Hermione asked, "What do you mean, Harry? What happened out there?"
Ron added, "Yeah, you just went sort of…stiff…"
Harry blinked and thought for a minute. "There was no mist, or voice, for you guys, was there?" he asked – though it was more of a statement than a question.
Ginny answered, "Well, I thought I heard a…voice…but perhaps it was because I was touching you." There was something in the way she said this that made Harry wonder if she was telling the complete truth. But he decided not to press her; after all, it might just be the Chamber and associated memories causing it.
Aware of the others' eyes upon him, he quickly explained what had happened. "I don't know exactly what I did, or what…it…saw in me, but the fact remains it opened for us after that."
Again, there was a flash of something – knowledge? – in Ginny's eyes for a moment, as though she understood more than she let on. Then a voice spoke in the semi-darkness.
"Are you going to stand there and talk all day, or are you actually going to explore this chamber and therefore greet us properly?"
Ooh, cliffie!