Chapter 4: Decisions

Harry was startled awake by knocking on his door. He immediately sat up, grabbed his wand, and quickly made his way to the door. Opening it, he saw that it was the blonde-haired guy that he noticed manning the front desk last night. "Hey kid, sorry to wake you. Gringotts sent you another letter." the guy said, handing over the letter. Before Harry could say anything the guy was already walking away.

Harry closed the door and went to go sit down on the bed. He opened the letter and read,

Mr. Potter,

The meeting you called for has been set for noon today. Everyone you requested has sent word they will be able to attend. Miss. Granger did reply to inform us her parents have decided to attend as well. Arrive early.

Bannok

Harry looked at the time and saw that it was seven in the morning. He quickly got dressed into one of the shirts that said T-shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap. Harry grabbed the book about education from yesterday and looked over at Katara and Sal. Sal was up already and looking at Harry, Katara was still sleeping.

§Sal I'm going to go find someplace to eat and read. Do you want to stay here with Katara or come with me?§ Harry asked.

§I'll come with you.§ Salazar replied.

Harry went and stuck his hand into the tank for Salazar to curl around his wrist. Harry looked at his books 'I should go by the bookstore and see if they have any books about snake species. I want to find out what Sal is so I know what I might need to prepare for.' Harry thought, frowning. He shook himself out of his thoughts and got his shoes on to head out.

Harry went downstairs and there were a few people waiting to talk to the front desk. He decided to just leave and look for a place to eat without asking for recommendations. He stepped out into the Alley and started walking towards the bookstore while keeping an eye out for any food places. He spotted a café called Rustic Refreshments. It was three stores down and across the street from the bookstore. He looked through the window of the bookstore and saw that it was Mr. Wommack at the front desk.

Harry walked in and said "Hi Mr. Wommack, sorry to bother you but do you have any books on how to identify snake species?" while walking towards the front desk.

Mr. Wommack looked up slightly surprised. "Hmmm, I believe we have two by Newt Scamander. Always best to read books written by him." He replied as he walked to where the book was. He grabbed a book called 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: updated version 28' along with a smaller book called 'How to Identify snake species in the wild'.

Harry bought both books, thanked Mr. Wommack, and left for the café. He quickly ordered some breakfast and pumpkin juice. After ordering, he sat down and opened up the smaller Newt Scamander book and saw that most of it were pictures of snakes with the name of the species underneath. He started flipping through it hoping to see one that looked similar to Sal. Halfway through the book he finally found it. Sal looked like a tiny version of an 'Isiseko Esinamaphiko' just without wings. Harry made sure to keep the book open so he could use it as a reference while looking in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: updated version 28'.

'Isiseko Esinamaphiko also known as 'Winged Basilisk' hatches without wings and starts growing wings after their twentieth shedding and at full grown will be approximately three feet in length with a wingspan proportional to its body length. Like their cousins the European Basilisk they can kill by looking people in the eye. Unlike their cousins, this ability develops after their wings come in. They also have a special eyelid they can use to prevent the killing gaze. Natural parseltongues are also immune to the gaze making this species of basilisk great familiars for parseltongues.'

Harry started smiling. §Sal! I believe I know what snake species you are! A Winged Basilisk. You'll start growing wings when you are bigger. Also when your killing gaze ability shows up please don't use it unless it's prey or self-defense. §

§Of course Harry that won't be a problem. I wonder if Katara will race me through the air when I get my wings and learn how to use them.§

Harry snorted and bookmarked the page to read later so he could read more about the species of snake and began to eat. Once he was done eating he looked at the time and saw that it was around ten-thirty. Harry quickly picked up the three books and went back to the Lodge. When he got back to his room Katara was awake.

"Alright, we are going to go home to the Manor after the meeting at Gringotts. So Katara I'm going to move you to the desk so I can put the perch away." Katara chirped in agreement. Harry moved her and while he was near the desk, Sal got off his wrist as well. He started getting everything packed and ready to go. It didn't take more than thirty minutes to get it done. He grabbed the trunk and had Sal go back around his wrist and Katara perched on his hand. They went down to the lobby and Harry asked the person at the front to shrink his trunk so he could move faster. He put the shrunken trunk into his pocket.

Harry was about to head towards Gringotts when he had a thought, 'I should grab one more copy of the education book, for 'Mione, even though she has access to my copy she would, probably, end up smacking me for not getting her, her own. The twins and Neville wouldn't be able to leave Hogwarts, their families wouldn't even entertain the idea.` Harry immediately turned around, and after making sure Katara was pulled closer to the body and protected, he started running back towards the bookstore.

He got to the bookstore fairly quickly and saw that Mica and Mr. Wommack were in the store and Mica was the one that wasn't dealing with a customer yet. "Hi, Mica! Sorry to bother you but can I get one more copy of the education book for my friend?" Mica visibly jumped when Harry started talking.

"Alright Haven," There were a few customers around so he went with the safe name, "they are over here, just one?" Mica asked.

"Yeah, I would be getting three but I already know that they wouldn't be able to leave since their families wouldn't entertain the idea," Harry replied while glancing at the time.

"Fair enough, here you go. Going to Gringotts again Haven?"

"Yeah, am I that obvious Mica?" Harry asked laughing. Mica just grinned and waved Harry off.

Harry made his way to Gringotts still grinning. When Harry arrived he greeted the guards. Shortly after he went in and talked to one of the front desk workers, he was taken into a small meeting room with a rectangle table with chairs around it. Bannok was already there and sitting at the far end. Harry let Katara perch on one of the chairs and Sal decided to stay around his wrist.

"Hey, Bannok. What do you think of my new look?" Harry asked, gesturing at his hair and clothes.

Bannok studied Harry for a few moments then said, "At least no one will recognize you with how ridiculous you look."

Harry sputtered as Bannok laughed at the look on Harry's face. Harry huffed after a few moments of being laughed at. "Anyways, Why did you have me arrive early Bannok?" Harry asked.

"I wanted to talk to you about whether or not you were planning on giving people access to the Manor during the summer. If so then I suggest asking your house-elves to show you where the ward book is. If you do decide to let people come and go from the Manor then, I suggest we go through some additional security measures."

Harry sat and thought for a moment. "I wouldn't mind you or the people coming today to visit. I know the twins may not be able to for obvious reasons. I'm not sure Neville would be able to come over. I was actually thinking about asking Hermione and her parents to stay with me at the Manor so I can protect them from Dumbledore. Oh! I have agreed to, try, to teach Lazuli from Amazing Animals how to speak Parseltongue, so should I have him come to the Manor or just meet him at his store every Monday?"

"Carakkat Alley is safe for now, but once Dumbledore really starts looking for you it might be best to arrange for him to go to your place. As for Ms. Granger, it would be best if you could convince her and her parents to stay with you. They are too vulnerable with no magic to defend against Dumbledore." Bannok went quiet for a moment, "Mr. Potter, it would be best, after this meeting, if you went no contact for the next few months with everyone who is still attending Hogwarts. I suggest that you leave the name of the school you are planning on transferring to out of the meeting while the people who aren't leaving are still present. Dumbledore is a Legilimens, which means he can read people's minds when he looks them in the eye. There are rumors that Severus Snape is one as well."

Harry thought for a moment and nodded, "I'll be as vague as possible when I talk about the school. I'll warn Neville, George, and Fred to not look Dumb-as-a-door or Snape in the eye. I will tell Neville and the twins that Hermione, provided she manages to convince her parents to let her transfer, and I can't keep in contact for a few months just to keep everyone safeish from Dumbledore."

Bannok and Harry continued to go over details on how Harry is going to disappear from Dumbledore's eye completely. Before long the others got to the bank and were escorted to the meeting place. Neville and the twins came alone and Hermione brought her parents, along with Hedwig. They were told to wait until Bannok called for them to come in.

When they came in and saw Harry's new look the reactions couldn't be more different. Hedwig hooted and flew to perch on his shoulder and rub her face against his. Hermione's parents just looked amused when Hermione face-palmed while giggling, Neville just stared at Harry's t-shirt confused and the twins fell to the ground laughing their arses off. Harry grinned at the reactions.

"Harry, only you would go for a joke shirt. Nice hair color by the way." Hermione said after getting her composure back.

Neville looked from the shirt to Hermione, "That's a pretty stupid joke though, just the type of thing Harry likes. Although, personally I don't understand why."

The twins had been calming down but when they heard Neville of all people say that they started laughing even harder. Harry grinned and then said to Hermione. "How should we calm the two ginger idiots on the floor? A bucket of water?" he asked while trying not to laugh himself. Bannok, on the other hand, was looking exasperated by the fact that the conversation wasn't business-related.

The twins calmed down and got off the floor like they hadn't been laughing like loons. They bowed to Bannok and said in unison "Bill warned us to get straight to the point and not to get sidetracked, sorry for immediately failing to do so." Bannok nodded to acknowledge it.

Everyone sat down and looked between Harry and Bannok. Harry started, "Before I start getting into everything, Forge, Gred, Nev after today we will have to go no contact. Just until I'm wherever I end up after leaving for a new school. I also won't go into great detail about the schools I'm thinking of going to, just the classes they all have in common with each other. The classes that are unique between them would be too telling."

Harry sighed," The only reason I have to be so vague is that apparently, Dumbledore is able to read minds when he looks people in the eye. It's called legilimency. Snape might also be able to. There is a defense Bannok told me about, occlumency, I don't think it will be much help though. The government made both illegal to learn."

Hermione's parents looked both outraged and horrified. Everyone else just looked grim. Hermione's mother looked at Hermione, "I'm sorry Hermione but you are not going back to that school while those two are still there. You can either join Harry at whatever school he is headed, start looking at other schools, or we can even get tutors."

Hermione looked relieved, "I'll apply for the school Harry wants to transfer too along with a few others just in case." Then she glared at Harry, "with that being said Harry, you better apply for more than one too just in case."

Harry eyed her wearily, "Of course 'Mione. Would I put all my eggs in one basket?" Harry asked, sweating a little. Before anything more could be said Sal decided to interrupt. §Are you going to introduce Katara and I to your allies?§

§Oh, sorry guys. One moment§

"Everyone I would like to introduce my new familiars, Katara and Salazar," Harry said at large pointing at each one. "'Mione I will tell you more about them later but everyone else will have to wait until it's safe to tell them in, hopefully, a few months." The guys nodded in understanding.

Harry then proceeded to point out who was who to Salazar and Katara. "Now Hermione and Mr and Mrs. Granger, after the general meeting is done I want to talk to you guys about something."

"Oh! Sorry, let me introduce you all. Guys, these are my parents Dan and Emma Granger. I was going to ask to talk to you later too so that works." Hermione replied.

The meeting proceeded to continue with a few attempts from the twins and Harry to lighten the mood every time Dumbledore's name came up, the insults getting crazier and crazier. While the meeting was winding down with suggestions from Bannok on how to get books for occlumency, the twins said, "By the way Harry, Bill is currently visiting the Burrow and trying to see who all has been working for dumb-as-a-door, yesterday he came into our room and put a silencing charm up to talk to us. We have never seen Bill as pissed as he was before. He has been hearing a lot of questionable things from Mom, Ron, and Ginny when they think they're alone. We don't know when he will present it to Gringotts but we thought we should warn you before his report gets in."

Harry thanked them for the warning. The twins and Neville left shortly after. Hermione and her parents looked at Harry.

"Alright. Let me explain my request before anyone interrupts." Harry began giving Hermione a look. He took a deep breath, "IwantyouguystomoveintomymanorsoDumbledorecantgettoyou." Harry said in a rush. He tensed waiting for the yelling to start from Hermione.

Hermione looked amused, "Harry, we can't ask for clarification if we can't understand what you said. You said it too quickly, try again but slower." Bannok, who was still in the room with them, chuckled at how nervous Harry was. Harry glanced at Bannok pouting slightly.

Harry took another breath, "I think it would be a good idea if you three move into the Manor. The reason is so, one Dumbledore can't get to you and force you to tell him anything and, two so Hermione and I can work together to prepare for a new school. Hogwarts, from what I've heard from people I've met since getting off the train has been all about how the education has been declining, Hogwarts has gotten rid of any classes that are essential when living in the Wizarding world. Also since the Manor has a lot of magic around it the ministry can't tell when we use magic so we can practice and catch up. Hogwarts has left us at a disadvantage. Also, I just don't want Dumbledore to be able to hurt or manipulate you guys into doing anything and the only thing I can think of to protect you guys is if you come to the Manor. I.. "

Hermione saw that Harry was starting to work himself into a panic trying to explain. Before he could continue she got up and threw her arms around him. "Harry, you need to calm down. Let's talk about this without you rambling so my parents can give you their input." she teased lightly. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were both smiling a bit amused. Hermione gave Harry a quick squeeze and went back to her seat.

"Harry, we have a dental practice Emma and I can't just up and disappear. Surely, if Dumbledore shows up, we can just tell him we have no idea where you are or what you're doing he'll leave us be?" Mr. Granger asked. Harry started shaking his head.

Bannok decided to intervene, "Dumbledore will use legilimency to find out everything you know about the situation. He knows your daughter is an important ally to Mr. Potter. If he can't convince you to let her go back to Hogwarts, he may erase your memories of ever having her. You need to decide which is more important, keeping your family safe or keeping your dental practice open right now."

Mrs. Granger looked horrified before her husband could think of any more arguments against it, she said, "Harry, we would be grateful if we could stay with you at your Manor. Before you two start your new school and are safe. We can figure out how to make it so we can go back home and to make sure we are safe from your former headmaster then. The only thing is we do need to be able to get to work every day. We just don't have the savings to have it closed for more than a month at most." For a moment it looked like Mr. Granger would argue when he looked at Hermione and slumped letting the protests go.

Harry looked a bit relieved that Bannok was able to get them to stop protesting. "Bannok, do you know of any way for them to be able to get to work and back. Particularly back to the Manor if Dumbledore or really anyone magical comes near them at the dentist office?"

"There are a few options, the easy and cheap solution or the harder, more expensive, but safer option or a mix of the two."

Harry deadpanned, "Money isn't really a problem since this is a magical problem and involves my best friend's parents and I refuse to listen to arguments about it since it's because of me this is even being discussed." He said the last part quickly, and defiantly, when Mr. Granger looked like he was going to start protesting again.

Hermione was trying not to laugh at her dad, she really was but when she saw the look on his face she couldn't hold it in. Mr. Granger knew why she was laughing and huffed dramatically making Hermione laugh even harder, making everyone else amused by it.

Harry shook his head smiling a bit. "Anyways, Bannok can you tell us about the mix of the options and how much it would be?"

"We could give them reusable portkeys to their place of work and back to Potter Manor. As well as warding the practice against people with magic except for a select few, for example, your daughter, Mr. Potter, and any witch or wizard you would allow to check on you to make sure Dumbledore hasn't been able to stop by. As for how much it would be, the cost would be 1,659 Galleons 3 Sickles and 26 Knuts."

Mr. and Mrs. Granger both looked horrified by the cost of it. Mr. Granger protested, "That's 5,000 pounds! Harry, I think the portkeys things would be more than enough. How much are the portkey things by themselves?"

Bannok simply replied "103 Galleons 16 Sickles 7 Knuts."

Before the Granger's could say that they would prefer the second option, Hermione cut them off. "I know the first option is more expensive Mum, Dad, but I would feel better if there were wards around your work. We could set up a payment system with Harry to pay him back? I just want you guys to be safe." As Hermione was talking she started tearing up making her parents decide not to push for the cheaper option, or at least her mother. Her father still opened his mouth to protest making his wife glare him into submission. They both nodded in agreement with the first option.

Harry and Hermione both relaxed at their agreement. "Bannok let's get everything you need to get this done signed so I can take them to the Manor. Also, do I need to do anything to make sure the wards at the Manor doesn't refuse them entry?"

"You will need to go to the Manor first and put their names in the book allowing people entry, the Head house-elf can tell you where the book is and take you to it. I only need one signature from you, Mr. Potter. Might I also suggest after you all get situated at the Manor, you should take Ms. Granger to Carakkat Alley, it should be safe enough for you two as long as you have portkeys on you at all times. As well as you don't go every day or get into a routine when you do go."

Harry grinned "Awesome, that means 'Mione won't kill me from keeping her from a bookstore." Hermione made a noise of protest and slapped the back of his head for that. Harry pouted and rubbed his head. "Also, I kinda wanna introduce 'Mione to the five people that helped me the last few days, I think you'll like a few of them at least."

Harry quickly signed the paperwork. "Will I be able to floo back here or do I have to come from the Lodge? Also, what do I do to activate the portkey in my ring?"

Bannok handed Harry a bracelet. "This will take you to my office, my assistant is already waiting there for your arrival back. Activation is 'Bannok, Gringotts'. As for the ring's portkey," Bannok looked at the paperwork he had with him. "All you need to do is say 'Dracones sunt amoris, sunt vita dracones' It's Latin for 'Dragons are love, Dragons are Life' your ancestors were odd."

Harry nodded in thanks, a bit amused at what Bannok said. He made sure Katara and Salazar were secure against him. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and said, "Dracones sunt amoris, sunt vita dracones" He felt himself start to spin uncontrollably when it abruptly stopped and he fell onto his ass. He opened his eyes and stared up at the gate he landed in front of. On the gate was a statue that looked like a lion was sleeping in the middle of it.

He walked and stopped right in front of the statue. He gently touched the top of the sleeping lion, before he could react the head moved and pricked his hand. The gate opened and a house-elf appeared in front of him.

"Master! You's come home. I is Halbey, the Head house-elf."

"Oh, er… Hello, Halbey. Nice to meet you." Harry replied, "Can you show me where the book to allow people entry is? Also, my friend and her parents will be staying with us for the summer if not longer. I've only ever met one other house-elf, would it be possible for my friend Hermione and me to sit down with you and learn about your culture?"

"Of course Master, we's be happy to! I can pop us to the book room Master Harry."

Harry nodded, smiling a little uneasy at being called 'Master' but feeling like it wasn't a good idea to make a big deal about it right this moment. Halbey grabbed Harry's hand and popped into a room with a fireplace but no door. In the room was a desk with one book sitting on it. Harry looked at the book, it was red with a moving picture of a lion cuddling with a blue and white dragon. He lightly touched the picture thinking it was beautiful. Harry shook himself out of his thoughts and started flipping the book to the page that was last written on. The last entry in the book was Dumbledore.

There were two columns in the book, one for entry and one for no entry. When Harry marked Dumbledore as no entry the mark for entry disappeared, making Harry relax a bit. He quickly wrote down all the Granger's names and marked them for entry.

"Alright Halbey, am I able to portkey from this room? "

"No Master, I's take you to portkey safe room." Halbey quickly popped Harry to a room that was red and gold, showing a Gryffindor had decorated it.

"Thank you, Halbey. Should I take my trunk to my room first or should I wait until I get back? Also, would it be possible to get shown to the kitchen when I get back?"

"Master I's can take you's belongings to you's room. I's can have kitchen house-elves to prepare you foods while you are away?"

Harry nodded as he handed over the shrunken trunk, along with Katara and Salazar so they could rest. "Thank you Halbey. I will be back soon with our guests. When do you think we could sit down and learn about your culture? Also, I would like to meet the others as well."

"After you eats Master. We's will be less busy then."

"Thank you Halbey. Bannok, Gringotts." Harry was once again spinning wildly around, when the spinning stopped he landed on his backside again. While Harry groaned on the floor he heard someone cackling nearby. Harry looked around and saw that it was Griphook.

"Hello Griphook, it's been a while," Harry said.

Griphook looked startled, "You remember me, Mr. Potter? It's been three years since we met."

"It was my first time visiting Gringotts. I tried to memorize everything, I was so excited and nervous that day."

Griphook just looked at Harry puzzled. "Bannok is waiting for you. This way." he eventually said walking out of Bannok's office. Harry hurried to keep up. It didn't take more than a few minutes to get to the meeting room from Bannok's office.

Griphook knocked on the door and after motioning for Harry to go into the room, he left.