Chapter 2: Love is a Leap, Part I
Time passed quickly from the night of the ritual and Hermione was exhausted. Over the last month, she had torn through the school library a dozen times over in her quest to construct the mirrors. She had been so focused on her efforts that even Madam Pince was bewildered at her behavior.
The brains of the Golden Trio pushed herself tremendously hard to produce several prototypes before she finally had a functional set. Hermione discovered that she needed to keep tweaking the runes she carved around the frames one at a time. For each set built, she carefully etched the desired runes then gave one mirror to the boys as she kept the other.
Hermione had also managed to secure her begged for and borrowed time turner from McGonagall. Her beloved teacher had miraculously held on to the same one from third year as a "just in case of an apocalypse" backup measure during the war. With the turner now in hand, she repeatedly went back one hour, or exactly one turn, for each test run. Hermione figured if she couldn't make contact after only going back that far, she needed to focus on a new combination of runes. After much trial and error, she was finally able to break the time barrier. On that day, she jumped and danced for joy when she saw her friends' smiling faces.
"Hermione! How and when are ya?"
Ron had been waiting impatiently for this moment over the last month as he really wanted to stay in touch with the Weasley clan after they left. It was this thought that carried her through all the fatigue she'd experienced, not only with research, but from the added stress of NEWTs prep and a lack of sleep. Adding hours to her day using the time turner didn't help either. She figured she'd sleep better now that the mirrors were shaping up.
"Ron! Harry! I've only gone back an hour since there was no need to wait around too long if they didn't work again. I'm fine by the way and you both come in clear on my end. How about from yours?" Hermione didn't think there would be issues as her etchings were perfect this time, but it didn't hurt to know for certain.
"Mione, this is amazing! I can't believe we're talking to you while you're in the past. Do you think we'll still be able to do it from 1861?"
Ron was really excited now and as the past month had progressed, he admitted that he couldn't wait to meet Suellen because he was already smitten. Harry wasn't much better and was eagerly awaiting the jump, too. Hermione was a bit concerned about him, though, as he seemed very anxious at actually meeting Scarlett. Despite his obvious readiness to leave, he was also really reserved, as if he knew something particularly unpleasant about her but didn't want to share it. Both Ron and Hermione left him alone, but that didn't mean they weren't curious.
She, of course, couldn't wait to meet Rhett as he appeared from the vision to be both intelligent and fun loving. Rakish would be a good word to describe him, kind of like a more refined version of the Weasley twins on their best, yet still mischievous, behavior. Hermione also couldn't wait to teach him about magic once she took his bind off. She'd made a mental note just then to study all types of core bindings before they left and to pack an assortment of potential wands not only for Rhett, but for Scarlett, too. Suellen wasn't a witch, but that didn't seem to bother Ron in the least.
"Hey Hermione, your image is crystal clear and your voice sounds great. I suppose we now need to test them with you going further back and then add distance just to make sure. No matter what, you are amazing for doing the impossible!" Harry grinned.
"I don't know about impossible because I couldn't find any references to prove anyone has ever tried this, but thanks for the support." Secretly, Hermione was even impressed with herself over this one, and even though she wouldn't brag, she'd definitely make sure that the three of them were given credit for the discovery. Of course any future royalties would be distributed to the Weasley's as they wouldn't be there to enjoy the monetary benefits anyway. Who better to receive them than their adoptive family? Maybe they could even dedicate it to the memory of Fred? She'd have to ask Ron about that later.
"Well, I need to stay hidden for the next thirty minutes before I catch up with normal time so I'll be seeing you both soon." They all said a quick goodbye and Hermione simply touched her wand to the frame to sign off. Since she was hiding out in their secret classroom on the fifth floor, she transfigured herself an overstuffed chair from one of the many desks littered about and took a well deserved rest.
Any other testing could be done tomorrow.
While Hermione was enjoying a quick nap, Harry and Ron had been hiding out in the privacy of Moaning Myrtle's bathroom with their mirror. They had recently discovered she wasn't there at a certain time of day due to staking out the prefect's bathroom, waiting for any guys who'd bathe after quidditch practice. Harry had learned well from his own bathing experience forth year that Myrtle kept a close watch out for any male student that she could catch in the buff. She may have been dead, but that didn't seem to stop her from peeping as often as she could. It was a good thing she wasn't allowed into the dorms or they'd never get to shower without a disillusionment charm. The best he could figure, the guys who go to the prefect's bathroom knowing she's there must love the attention.
"Well, she pulled it off, Harry so it looks like I'll soon be telling Mum about our plans."
Ron was scared to death of the conversation to come, but his need for Suellen was really starting to override the fear. Hopefully she'll calm down enough to let him go otherwise he'd have to take the coward's way out leaving a note promising he'd contact her when he was able. He didn't want to do that, but he was going one way or another.
"Yeah, she's brilliant. I think she's magic's version of MacGuyver, just give her a stick of gum and a coat hanger and she could build anything." Harry chuckled remembering the TV show the Dursley's watched when he was a little kid. He may not have been able to see the screen from his cupboard, but he could still follow the story due to the loud volume they used.
"MacWho?" Ron looked purplexed.
"Don't worry about it, muggle reference. Hermione should get it, though. Anyway, let's get out of here before Myrtle gets back."
"Yeah, mate, don't want to have her trying to punch through me again. That time in second year was more than enough." Ron shivered at the memory. "Wanna play a round of wizard's chess?"
"Sure. We've got some time until dinner so maybe I'll actually beat you this time." Ron laughed and put his arm across Harry's shoulders as they stepped into the hallway.
"Harry, Harry, Harry. You've never even gotten close before, but miracles do happen, yeah?" Harry growled at his friend.
"Let's go see if today's my day."
More time passed for the Golden Trio and Hermione was still lighting the candle at both ends. Following their successful test run, she had apparated to London during a Hogsmeade weekend to test out the mirror and scour the public library for all the American Civil War history she could find. She relied heavily on the time turner so that she could squeeze in as much study time as possible and still find time to sleep. By the time she was done, she'd taken journals full of notes and even found several mentions of a Captain Butler, the blockade runner. It was said he aided Southerners during the war by dodging Yankee ships and bringing in the supplies the North was trying to keep from them. It was those pages she made sure to photocopy so that she'd have proof of the future to show Rhett one day.
After using the turner to go back as far as she could, Hermione contacted the boys from her muggle hotel room and found that the mirrors worked brilliantly. At that point, there was nothing else she could do to tweak the mirrors so she finally considered them a success. She had already written up a paper detailing the construction and testing process so now she could have them quickly patented. Hermione felt good that she was leaving the Weasley's with a potential windfall of royalties and that they'd never go without again.
It was a Sunday afternoon when Hermione decided that she'd spent as much time away as she could so after checking out of her hotel, she apparated back to Hogsmeade. Well over the age of consent, especially given all her time turner usage, she didn't really need permission to go away for the weekend, but since she was also Head Girl, Hermione had notified McGonagall of her plans as a courtesy. Now that she was back, there would be a few more weeks of NEWTs revision, preparing the boys for the final ritual and briefing them on Civil War history. She was exhausted, but there was no time to stop now.
While slowly making her way up to the Gryffindor common room, Hermione heard the distinctive voice of the not-so-friendly neighborhood ferret calling out to her. She cringed at the idea of speaking to her male counterpart, whom she normally tried to avoid at all costs, but unfortunately for her she'd have to put up with him today. Hermione sighed and turned around to face Draco Malfoy, Head Boy, in all his blond glory. Standing there, she reluctantly had to admit to herself that he'd grown up to be a handsome man, always well groomed and sharply dressed. She even figured he could now almost make a decent catch for some girl out there, that is if he could just get over his pureblood superiority complex. Regardless of how attractive he was, he still wasn't in Rhett's league though.
"Granger! Where the hell have you been? I've been looking all over for you!" Hermione waited for him to elaborate and he just looked at her frustratedly.
"What's wrong now?"
She really wasn't in the mood for any of his dramatics, and hoped there wasn't an emergency somewhere as she was exhausted, plus she needed to talk to Harry and Ron. Regardless, she still had the job of Head Girl to do and she wouldn't fail at it now.
"Nothing's really wrong. I just needed to ask you something, but it's too late now since the weekend's over." Hermione looked confused as he ran his hand through his hair nervously. "I wanted to ask you out to Hogsmeade this weekend since I know you're no longer attached to the Weasel, but I couldn't find you. I asked Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dummer and they wouldn't say anything."
Hermione was shocked. Draco "I hate mudbloods" Malfoy wanted to ask her out on a date? What the hell was happening?
"Um, I had to leave for the weekend for personal reasons. I cleared it with McGonagall. Why did you want to ask me out? Is this some kind of a dare or something?"
Draco turned sad for a moment, but quickly recovered. He then looked extremely uncomfortable as if he was trying to muster up the courage to say something. He even started pacing.
"Malfoy! What the hell is wrong with you!" She really wanted to slap him, but she refrained. Barely.
"Granger. Hermione. I like you a lot and I really wanted to take you out on a special date. I've always liked you, but because of my family and the Dark Lord, I had to treat you like dirt. I hated every moment, and secretly felt bad when my curse hit your teeth back in fourth year. Now that the war is over and you're not hung up on the Weasel, I finally worked up the courage to ask you out, but you were gone." He hung is head in defeat.
"Oh, Malfoy. I had no idea you could even remotely like me as you were always so horrible. Is it really a surprise I thought this could be a joke?"
He looked at her and shook his head. He seemed to be sincere. "I knew this would be a long shot, but I still needed to ask. Would you consider going out with me anyway? I finally have the ability to ask and I didn't want to graduate and go off into the world without at least trying. I'd regret it forever."
Hermione felt bad knowing what she had to say next. If it hadn't been for the ritual, she'd probably take him up on the offer to at least see what could happen, but it was already too late as her heart now belonged to a blockade runner.
She looked into his hopeful eyes and as he searched hers, he had his answer. She opened her mouth to respond, but he cut her off.
"Don't worry about it, Granger. I guess I'll see you around. Good luck on your NEWTs." He took one long look at her as if he'd never see her again, turned around, and dejectedly walked away. Hermione took a deep breath and continued on to the common room.
There was no way she'd ever tell the boys about this. In a few weeks, she'd be gone and Draco's future could go on as it was meant to. He'd marry some rich, pureblood heiress and continue the Malfoy name while Hermione would hopefully be in the arms of her Rhett.
It was time to refocus and share her findings with Harry and Ron.
"Hermione!"
As soon as she emerged through the portrait doorway into the common room, both Harry and Ron had enthusiastically called out to her. They were glad she was back and it was obvious that she was, too. Hermione returned their greeting with a genuine smile then met them over by the fireplace where they had already confiscated the couch. The boys immediately moved apart so that she could sit in between them and taking that as an invitation, she collapsed bonelessly.
"How are you, Mione?," Ron asked. He may have decided that a romantic relationship wouldn't work out with her in the long run, but that didn't mean he still couldn't care about her. He supposed his emotional range was improving so that perhaps he was even at a tablespoon level now.
"Yeah, Hermione, how'd you make out in London?" Harry had always cared about her and knowing how hard she'd been preparing for their departure, he wanted to be as helpful to her as possible. This was considering how close they were to leaving and how tired she was looking.
"Oh, everything went well and I think we're in good shape." She looked around at the busy common room then threw up a muffliato to keep the rest of the conversation private.
"The mirrors are fine, as you both know, so I'll skip to the research. I have several journals full of notes that I need to sort through before I can coach you both on the history and the customs of the time. In Diagon Alley, I found a book on the history of magical government in America and learned that it wasn't very organized in 1861 as the population of witches and wizards there was still too small. I think this means they won't be able to really track our magic use easily and that will be helpful. I mean if we have to obliviate or confund some muggles, we won't have some ministry sending us owls." She looked at Harry who was grinning ear to ear.
"Great! I was getting tired of the ministry's micromanaging ways anyhow. It's good to know that we won't be facing the same issues. Does this mean they don't track unforgivables? I mean I don't plan to use any, but what if some rogue wizard tries to use one on us." Hermione thought for a moment.
"I don't think so. Their tracking methods, as far as I could tell, were pretty rudimentary so we will be able to get away with a lot. I think we should stick to mostly light or grey spells just in case. Once we have a better idea of magical life where we're going, we could probably even do dark spells if we had to. But for now we should focus on learning customs and history, preparing for the ritual, and dealing with what we want to bring."
"Well," Harry said. "I can head off to Gringott's soon to get an idea of the money situation. I'll talk to the goblins to see what we can do as far as currency goes. I figure we should take as much as we can and maybe they can tell us about the economy where we're going." He knew he had tons of gold just sitting in his vault collecting interest so they shouldn't need to find work anywhere. Plus magic was great for filling in gaps. Need a chair? No problem, just transfigure one.
"That would be great, Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "That would help a lot. I can make our charmed bags, but what else do you want to bring? You know I'll have to make one specifically for all my books." She grinned.
"Yeah, she wouldn't be Hermione without her books," Ron replied. She glared.
"Yes, well, without me and my books where would we be now?" she asked smugly. He hung his head in defeat.
"I know, I was just messing with ya. Anyway, I want to bring all my stuff, especially my broom because it will be faster than any around except for Harry's unless.." Ron drifted off pondering something while Harry picked up on it right away.
"Okay, so we'll get the top of the line brooms before we go and maybe Hermione can learn how to make more or improve on them later," Harry said. She held up her hand for him to stop.
"How about since you both love flying so much, you both learn to do it yourself? I've got enough on my plate. Besides, shouldn't someone who actually uses them have a better idea of what to fix?"
Harry looked at her sheepishly. "Uh, yeah, that sounds like a future project for me and Ron." He looked at his friend who just seemed glad to be getting a new broom. Hermione shook her head at them knowing they'd never change. She loved them for it.
"Alright, now that's off the table, what else do we need to discuss tonight as I'm ready to crash?" Hermione asked. The boys looked at each other and shook their heads.
"I'll think about it some more and let you know. I want to get to Diagon Alley soon and then we can decide. It's hard to know what to take when you won't ever be coming back," Harry answered.
Ron jumped in, "Well, I'm sure Mum can help with the clothes once she knows. She loves making them and if we can tell her what we want and give her material, she'd have them all done right quick." Hermione thought that would be an excellent idea if Molly agreed.
"Well, I'll need to go back to London soon and look up old dress and suit patterns and maybe find some costume shops for ideas. When will you be breaking the news, Ron?" He gulped.
"I'll ask McGonagall if I can use the floo and go there tonight. I think I need to get this over with before I lose my nerve. Wish me luck!" He immediately stood up, took a deep breath, and then left the common room looking like a true Gryffindor.
"How much you want to wager we'll hear her screams from here?" Harry asked. Hermoine giggled.
"I don't think that's a smart bet Harry as one of us would be sure to lose!"
Ron survived his conversation with Molly. After many tears and having Arthur there to calm her down, they were all able to have a rational discussion. The ritual was explained and he told his parents of the results for each of the trio. They were shocked in amazement. When Ron told them about the mirrors Hermione made, she was almost smiling and Arthur was in awe. He knew the girl was a brilliant witch, but to make something so impossible was beyond his comprehension. Once Ron said they wanted to dedicate the mirrors to Fred, Molly broke down and hugged her youngest son tightly. She wiped the tears from her eyes and gathered herself back together.
"Oh Ronald, dear, Fred would be so proud. I think the mirrors will be very successful even if everyone can't travel back with a turner to use them that way. It was so thoughtful of you three to think of him." Molly gave him a watery smile and he suddenly realized that soon he'd actually be giving up his family for his future. He gulped.
"Mum, I'm gonna miss all of you so much, but the mirrors will help. Harry and Hermione are dead set on going and so am I. We have to perform the second part of the ritual right after graduation so we only have a few weeks left. The pull to go is getting stronger every day." Ron smiled dreamily thinking about Suellen and his parents looked at him knowingly. Arthur put his hand on his shoulder proudly.
"Well, son, it looks as if you're going to meet your match. It was miraculous that Molly and I knew we were soulmates from day one so we didn't have to risk time travel, but knowing how I feel about her, how could I begrudge you the same chance?"
Without warning, he suddenly pulled Ron into a hug and whispered to him, "I'm proud of you no matter what you do. Always remember that." As they pulled away, Ron felt the weight of the world lift from his shoulders. His dad was proud of him.
"Thanks, Dad." Arthur nodded in reply.
Ron continued his spiel, "Okay, so now that you know, Mum, we need your help in making some clothes for the time we're going, 1861 America. Hermione is looking into styles and will get all the materials, but do you think you could help? We only have a few weeks to go and we will each need at least few sets of things until we can buy more."
Despite the upcoming separation, Molly looked pleased. If her son was brave enough to bridge time to meet his soulmate, she'd do all she could to help him. After helping Harry bring down Voldemort, he deserved to be happy. So did Harry and Hermione although she'd miss them all desperately. They were her children, too, after all, if not by birth then by love. This would be a challenge she gladly accept and she'd make sure they were sent off in style.
"Don't you worry about anything, dear. Just get me what you want made, and I'll see it done in a jiffy. Once I have an idea of what you need, I can work very fast, especially since I'm not chasing around toddlers anymore." She felt a bit sad at this, but knew that she'd one day become a grandmother and could spoil her children's children, even if Ron's were from afar.
"Thanks, Mum, that will help a lot as Hermione is already stressed out," he replied. Ron paused, wondering how to bring up the topic of Ginny, when his mum asked about her.
"Oh, I haven't really talked to her much since she and Harry broke it off. She's been flirting a lot with Neville now as he was a hero, too. I didn't know how to bring this up, but I think Ginny needs to be checked out at Mungo's." Ron cringed waiting for Molly's response and he wasn't disappointed. She exploded.
"What do you mean she needs to go to St. Mungo's? What's wrong with my Ginny!" She was very agitated with her face turning purple while Arthur was trying to soothe her without success.
"Mum! Calm down! We just thought after what she did to Harry that maybe that diary messed her up more than we thought!" Ron cried, trying to get through to her. It obviously worked.
"What! What are you talking about, Ronald? What did she do?" This wasn't going to go over well. He sighed.
"Um, well from how Harry explained it, all she wanted was to be seen on the arm of the Boy Who Lived and then she tried to get him to buy her all sorts of stuff to show off how rich he is. She was pushing him to get married after school and he felt like she only cared about being famous. It got to be too much for him and now she's after Neville, you know because he lead Dumbledore's Army last year and took out that snake."
Ron felt bad having to snitch on Ginny like this, but if he was leaving, he wanted to make sure she'd be okay in the long run. Molly, who looked like she was finally calming down, sat there for a few minutes in silence thinking over what he said. Something must have clicked as she was no longer ready to tear something apart.
"I should've never gotten her all those Harry Potter stories as a girl. She was so excited about them and would always say she'd marry him someday because he was so brave and handsome. I thought it was just a phase as once she went to Hogwart's she was fine. I guess she was just faking it until she thought she was really going to marry him. I feel awful." Molly started to cry and Arthur handed her a new handkerchief from his pocket.
"Now, now, Molly, it will be alright. We'll wait until after school to see how she is and determine if something's wrong. If there is, don't you want her to get well?" She shook in his arms, but managed to nod in the affirmative.
"Alright then," Arthur said, "we'll wait and if we have just cause, she'll be marched straight off to a mind healer right away. Now dry your tears." Molly hugged him and took a calming breath. She dabbed her eyes and now that they had a plan, she was looking more resolved.
"Ronald, shouldn't you be getting back to school? I'm sure you have a busy day planned for tomorrow. Now give your mother a kiss and I'll be waiting to hear from you about the clothes." Ron approached his mother and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled as he said goodbye and flooed back to Hogwart's.
The following weekend, Hermione headed off to London again to look for period clothing options and material while Harry made his way to Gringott's. It was a good thing they were open every day of the week so he'd have time to conduct his business. He was a bit leary of entering the bank again after his dramatic horcrux robbery and escape, but considering that the fate of the wizarding world was at stake, it wasn't like he had much of a choice.
He boldly stepped through the front door of the bank and approached the first available goblin. All he was going to do was ask who he should speak to about his account, but as the goblin looked up, he grimaced and immediately left his station. Harry was a bit bewildered, but after a few moments, a second goblin approached him angrily.
"Mr. Potter!," the goblin shouted, "why are you here?" Harry knew this wouldn't be easy, but he had a mission to accomplish today. He'd prepared with Hermione how to best speak with them to ensure everything went favorably.
"May your coffers always be full to overflowing and your battles swiftly won, honorable goblin." He bowed and then stood waiting for the confused goblin's response.
"Mr. Potter, what is your business here today?" The reply was calm, but Harry could tell he was on alert. It wasn't like he was planning to do anything crazy, like hitch a ride on another dragon, but that didn't seem to matter.
"Well, I'm in need of a consultation on how best to remove my funds as I'm going on a long trip and will not be returning to England." The goblin was surprised at this and it seemed like the idea of Harry Potter pulling his funds from the bank was a matter of concern to him.
"As the heir of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, I will escort you to your family's account manager, Strongfist. He has been the manager of your account for several generations." The goblin gestured for Harry to follow and he obediently walked behind.
After taking many turns and traveling through numerous corridors, Harry was lost, but soon they approached a large wooden door with a solid gold handle. The silver plaque attached read: 'Strongfist, Manager of the Potter and Black accounts'. This was good he managed both accounts as he'd also need to discuss anything that Sirius may have left him before conducting the ritual.
The goblin knocked fiercely on the door and after hearing what must have been permission to enter, he escorted Harry into the office. Once inside, he looked around to see a large round office with a huge golden desk in the center of the room. Behind the desk sat the meanest looking goblin he'd seen yet. His eyes were pitch black and focused intently on Harry. Strongfist certainly appeared to live up to his name and with a wave of his hand, he sent the goblin escort away, leaving Harry behind. The door shut with a snap and Harry was then all alone with his supposed account manager.
"Come here, Mr. Potter and have a seat. I don't have all day and time is money." Strongfist pointed to one of two purple upholstered chairs positioned in front of the desk and Harry hurried to sit. The goblin chuckled and waited for the young nervous wizard to speak.
"Um, Strongfist, I came to Gringott's to find out how to best deal with my account as I'm leaving and I won't be back." Harry watched the goblin's face turn sour.
"Mr. Potter, why are you leaving now that the war has been won?" Harry sighed.
"Before I say anything, will what I tell you be kept confidential? I don't want it spread about to anyone." Strongfist nodded curtly.
"Yes, Mr. Potter, our conversation will not be relayed to anyone without your permission." Harry breathed out in relief.
"Oh, good, you could probably help us better if you knew all the details. Anyway, my friends and I conducted a soulmate ritual, which worked by the way, and we will all soon be traveling to 1861 Georgia, in America. That is once we conduct the second phase after graduation. I came to Gringott's hoping to figure out how best to take my money with me as we'll need it. I don't know the currency and I know a war will start soon after we arrive."
Strongfist gasped, which was a reaction Harry found strange considering the fierce nature of the goblin.
"Mr. Potter, to find one's soulmate in the past is incredibly rare. How did you manage to do this? We thought the ritual was long lost to history." Encouraged, Harry continued on.
"Well, my friend Hermione found a really old dusty book in the restricted section of the library at Hogwart's and discovered the ritual. We, with our friend Ron, did the ritual and saw our soulmates in our cauldrons. My soulmate is a muggleborn witch that doesn't know she's a witch, while Hermione's is a halfblood wizard with a block on his magic. Apparently his dad bound his core while he was a teenager and the guy never even knew he was a wizard. Ron's soulmate is a muggle who I think is a sister to mine. We've been getting ready to leave for over the last month and Hermione even built some communication mirrors that can be used between here and the past so that we can keep in touch with the Weasley's. She borrowed a time turner and we've been able to talk with her going back 12 hours since that's the limit of the turner. We believe it will still work for when we're going, but we won't know until we get there." Strongfist's eyes widened.
"Ah, well, we've been looking for this ritual for many years as we, the goblin nation, consider soulmates to be sacred. Because of this, we will help you and if you could give us a copy it could go a long way towards rebuilding your reputation with Gringott's." The goblin grinned, his intimidatingly sharp teeth on display. Harry shuddered.
"Uh, I don't see why that should be a problem. What do you think we should do? We have to leave in a few weeks and the pull is getting stronger for us to finish the ritual," Harry asked.
Strongfist took control and laid out a potential plan for converting the contents of his trust vault into time appropriate currency from America as they had kept some based on the word of their exalted seer at the time, Eyesbright. She had proclaimed that the dragon rider would come seeking currency and that it should be saved for him. After many years, they had forgotten all about it, but now it looked like her word was finally coming to pass. Strongfist also explained to Harry the contents of his family vault which would be exchanged for an equal value of gold ingots he could trade for cash once they had arrived in 1861. In regards to properties, they both decided to sell them off quickly, if possible, and convert the funds to gold which he could also take with him. All heirlooms would be packed into trunks with shrinking charms so they would fit into the bags Hermione was preparing. This all sounded great to Harry.
"So, Strongfist, how much do you think I'll have to take with me? What's the conversion rate between money then and now?" Strongfist looked over his files and after some quick calculations determined Harry's potential total.
"Well, Mr. Potter. All said and done, you will be looking at taking $2 million US dollars from your trust vault with the current exchange rate. Due to inflation over time, your spending ability will change as I figure one of your dollars will equal about $3.70 in 1861 dollars. You will still have plenty of funds to use as long as you make smart investment decisions. As far as the Potter vault is concerned, the total weight of gold you will be taking based on an equal exchange of galleons would equal about 3 tons. One troy ounce in 1861 equaled about $18.93 US and since you will have about 96,400 ounces, you will be a very rich man."
Harry's eyes bugged out at the first number and he almost fainted at the amount of gold he had coming. He's had that much money all this time? Why didn't anyone ever tell him? He asked Strongfist.
"To answer your questions, your parents' will was never read and by the time you came of age, the executor of the will, Albus Dumbledore, had died and the war started. I do apologize for our oversight and wish to aid you now. Would you like to hear your parents' will? I also have to tell you that you were named in Sirius Black's will as well. It was never read as Dumbledore put a hold on it as Chief Warlock as he was never cleared of his supposed crimes. The block is no longer valid now that Dumbledore is gone so we can take care of that as well while you're here."
Damn Dumbledore! What was so important that he couldn't let Harry hear the wills sooner? I guess he would find out.
"All right, Mr. Potter. There are other individuals named in the wills, but we can allow for your reading now and follow up later with the others. Since there are only a few people still living, it won't affect much and I know you are in a bit of a time crunch." Strongfist, pulled out two folders from what was probably a file drawer and set them down in front of him. One folder was labeled Potter while the other, of course, was Black. Harry took a deep breath as this was something he always wanted – words to him from his parents. Strongfist took out an official looking document from the Potter folder and started reading.
This is the final will and testament of James Charlus Potter and Lily Rose Evans Potter dated this day, October 1st, 1981. All previous versions of this document are null and void. It is our hope that should our dear Harry survive us, he will hear the reading of this will once he turns 17 as this is when he becomes a man in the wizarding world and can properly step up as the head of the Potter family. In so doing, he will inherit all but what we have designated below to our fellow Marauders, should they also survive. In the meantime, we will create a trust vault to support Harry's care and schooling at Hogwart's. If any of the Marauders are living at the time of the will reading, all of what we have allocated to them should be split amongst the survivors or if all have perished, be given to our Harry. If none of these individuals have survived, we wish our estate to be donated to Hogwart's to aid muggleborn students primarily, but also any others in need with their educational expenses. This would include orphans of any status. We will trust Hogwart's to make the best decisions as to how the funds from the Potter Scholarship Trust would be allocated.
To each of our Marauder friends (Sirius, Remus, and Peter), we would like to leave 50,000 galleons to spend as you wish. Have fun and remember us fondly. We will miss you greatly.
Now, Harry if you are hearing these words, please know that we love you and have always loved you. We tried to protect you the best we knew how, but something still must have gone wrong. We will be watching you from the other side and please know we will always be proud of you. Find your soulmate, marry, have children of your own and build a legacy. Prophecy or no prophecy, you are a special boy and we believe that great and wonderful things are waiting for you in the future. Never give up and remember one day we will be reunited. Stay strong, but remember that love is your destiny.
Love always,
James and Lily Potter
Your adoring parents
Did his parents somehow know he'd be looking for his soulmate using a ritual? Love is your destiny? How could they have possibly known the name? Harry heard a cleared throat and he looked up at Strongfist in confusion.
"Mr. Potter, are you ready to continue? We still need to read Mr. Black's will and finalize our business today." Harry nodded and the goblin took a similar document out of the Black folder. He read:
This is the final will and testament of Sirius Orion Black dated this day, June 1st, 1996. All previous versions of this document are null and void.
Hi ya Harry!
Sorry I couldn't be there for you longer than I was, but thank you from the bottom of my Marauder heart for giving me the time we had together. Peter robbed us of so much and to make up for what I was unable to do for you in life, I'm giving you the entire Black fortune, minus some mad money for Moony (2 million galleons), if he's still around by then. If not, it's all yours, Pup! Narcissa and Bellatrix get nothing from me and that brat Draco will not see a bloody Black knut. Your grandmother Potter was a Black and that is good enough for me to make this happen. Now you can torch Number 12 to the ground and give Kreature clothes! Remember to raise some hell for me, Prongslet, and I'll be watching from above. I'm sure James and I will be having a blast on this side so don't mourn for me too long. Enjoy your life and if you've finally defeated Voldemort, you deserve all the good it can give you and more. I hope Moony is still there for you, but if not, that just means he'll be watching with us. Wherever you go and whatever you do, know that I'm proud of you and that you've more than lived up to the Potter name.
Love always,
Your awesome godfather,
Sirius Orion Black
By the time Strongfist finished, Harry had tears in his eyes. He couldn't believe Sirius left him everything. Since Remus died at the final battle, that meant he would be the only one to inherit. He wiped his eyes with a sleeve and looked to his account manager for what it all means.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Mr. Potter. I know how much Mr. Black loved you as he spoke of you often when he'd sneak in here for funds. Are you ready to continue?" Strongfist asked. Harry took a cleansing breath and nodded.
"The Black estate has been valued at just over 20 million galleons in coins and also includes multiple properties and many artifacts and books. If we do as we did with the Potter vault, you would have approximately 6 more tons of gold, twice on top of what you already have. We can sell the properties and collect all the heirlooms as well." Strongfist knew that his two major accounts would now be closing, but since it's due to the soulmate ritual, it was well worth it. He'd get a copy of the ritual for his people, and to them that was worth more than both vaults combined.
Harry could hardly believe this day. He came in thinking he'd only have his trust vault to deal with and now he'd be walking out a millionaire.
"Well Strongfist, let's do that. I know that I'd like all the books from the vaults here and from Number 12 Grimmauld Place to be combined and packed in trunks like you would the heirlooms. If there is anything cursed, I'd like to get rid of it unless the curses could be lifted first. Any house elves should either be freed or given to new families as I won't be needing any. Oh and once the library has been packed, Grimmauld Place can be gutted and left to rot for all I care. If anyone wants it, they'll have to deal with Walburga Black's portrait as there is a permanent sticking charm holding her there. The house elf Kreature moons over her and he's nothing but trouble. I'll have to think more about that, but if we can finish up both estates within the next two weeks, I can come back and take possession of everything as Hermione should have our bags done by then. Oh, and if it's any trouble, I'd like to take out enough now to buy two top of the line brooms to take with us. I've got a Firebolt, but this is my last chance to get the best." Strongfist shook his head. He'd never understand wizards and their brooms.
"Fine, Mr. Potter. Just have the broom shop send us an invoice and we'll make sure it's paid. Is there anything else you'd like to do today? Otherwise, why don't you return in two weeks and we'll have everything ready by then." Harry thought that sounded like a great idea and he was more than ready to leave. He wanted to check out Quality Quidditch Supplies before he headed off to find Hermione at the public library. She would have checked out a few shops already and would be waiting for him as previously arranged.
"I think I'd like that." Harry stood up from his chair and bowed to the goblin. "May your enemies continue to fall by your sword and may your descendants reap the rewards of your glory." Surprised, Strongfist stood and put his right fist across his chest in salute.
"May your battles become legend and your profits only grow." Harry smiled.
"Thank you for your time, Strongfist. Is there someone that could help me get out to Diagon Alley? I kind of got lost following the goblin who led me here and I don't think I could make it to the lobby on my own." Strongfist looked at Harry oddly, then laughed heartily.
"You managed to break into this bank and rode out on a dragon, yet now you're lost? Ha! Have a good day Mr. Potter and I will see you again in two weeks, say about 1pm?" Harry agreed and with another escort, left Gringott's a very rich man.
A/N: Tons of thanks to those who've reviewed, followed, and favorited so far! I hope you enjoy this installment and I'll be working on the next one soon. The trio will finally be headed to the past! Have a great night!