One morning, Angelina Johnson woke Harry up at the crack of dawn. She murmured, "Get up… We've got Quidditch practice! It's the last year for me, Alicia and the Twins. We want to go out on a high. Next year, you, Robyn and Katie will be the only ones of the original team left. Oh, and wake up Ron as well. He's going to be our reserve Keeper. I know for a fact that Robyn is flexible enough to play in any role. So if she's injured, Ron can take over as Keeper. If anyone else is injured, she can move to another position and Ron can still be the Keeper."

Harry saluted, "Yes Captain."

She smiled, "Oh, and one more thing. Katie's told me that you're a natural leader. Heck, I've seen it myself in Capture The Flag. So I want you to be my Vice-Captain. Listen… I can get… a little obsessive… At least, Alicia says so. So if I tread too dangerously into Oliver Wood territory, promise that you'll reign me in?"

He grinned back, "You got it, mate."

Angelina left and Harry shook Ron awake. He told the sleepy redhead that he was going to be the Reserve Keeper. Harry told him to write to his parents and ask them to buy him a broom. Ron looked at him as if asking if he was crazy, but Harry insisted.

He said, "Get up and get dressed. We'll take turns on the Firebolt. Once we're done, you are writing that letter, even if I have to bloody stand over your shoulder. Worst case scenario, if your folks say no, I'll ask Sirius to buy one for you and you can make it up to me later."

That perked Ron up and he rushed into the bathroom to get dressed. Five minutes later, the two had joined Angelina, Alicia, Katie, Robyn, Fred and George. In no time, they had all trooped down to the Quidditch Pitch.

Just before they took to the pitch, Angelina gathered the group in a huddle. She explained, "So I was thinking. We'll run one drill in our usual positions. Then on the next drill, we swap positions. Where Alicia, Katie and I will be the Seeker and Beaters, respectively, Harry Fred and Robyn as Chasers and George as the Keeper. Then on the next drill we switch it up again. My logic is that in case one of us gets injured, we should be versatile enough to cover our bases. We'll also take turns sitting out, so that Ron can also get some practice time. Oh, and Ron? The Twins are going to be heckling you during the drill. I want to see you toughen up so that we can avoid a situation like last year. Better the Twins than an army of Snakes. Everyone with me?"

Harry raised a hand, "Question… Is it legal for us to swap our positions? I mean, I haven't seen anyone ever try it, either here or even professionally."

She shrugged, "Well… I spoke to McNully last night. According to him, there's nothing in Quidditch Through the Ages, that says we can't. Maybe we can try this out against Slytherin so that we can really throw them off their game. Worst case scenario, Madam Hooch gives us a warning and then adds it as a rule later."

Everyone nodded firmly and they broke the huddle. Over the next two hours, the eight of them competed in various drills. Sometimes Harry sat out, sometimes it was Ron, then Katie had her turn on the side lines, like that, it carried on.

During the drills, Harry found that he shared Katie's deadly accuracy as a Chaser. Though the two of them did hold back their strength when they were Beaters. That was after Katie's first whack send the Bludger whizzing past George's nose, like a bullet. Turns out, Harry was much stronger than a regular human, while Katie also inherited some extra strength because she was a Hunter of Artemis.

Finally, at around half past seven in the morning, they wrapped up practice. Just as they passed the greenhouses, a piercing scream ripped through the air, and it came from the greenhouses. With looks of alarm on their faces, the Quidditch team rushed to the nearest greenhouse. Bursting inside, they spotted John and Penny hugging each other and cowering in a corner. Looming a few feet away from them, was a snarling werewolf.

Angelina and Robyn wasted no time in trying to Hex the beast, but to no avail. Harry had another idea. He instantly transformed into his Animagus form and leaped to confront the werewolf. That evoked stunned responses from the team, including a "Bloody Hell!" from Ron. Then, the werewolf suddenly changed, turning into himself, straining under the weight of the sky. Harry transformed back and got rid of the now-identified Boggart with a bellow of "Riddikulus!"

The Boggart vanished and there was a beat of silence. Alicia yelled, "Harry! You're a freaking Animagus!"

He sighed, "Yes… Yes I am. Also, before you ask, I'm registered already."

Harry spun around to see John and Penny recovering, "You two okay?"

The Hufflepuff shivered, "Y-y-yeah… Thanks…"

Harry and the team escorted the two to the Great Hall and gathered around them on one of the long tables. On cue, a pair of mugs popped into existence, filled with steaming hot chocolate. Penny took a big sip and spoke softly, "S-s-sorry… As you can see, I'm scared of werewolves. I-I had a bad encounter with one, when I was young. I had a Muggle best friend, her name was Scarlett and she was killed by one. I think it was Greyback who killed her."

She gave a soft snort, "So you can imagine, I was thrilled when that woman who Dumbledore hired, finally managed to catch him and kill him."

John rubbed her shoulders to calm her down, while the team decided to give her some space. After a while, most of the team moved off, with only Ron sticking by Harry as they ate breakfast. Then, John slipped into the seat across from them. He spoke in a low voice, "I've been wondering… What the heck was a Boggart doing in the greenhouse? As far as I'm aware, that isn't normally a place they like to haunt."

Harry shrugged, "I don't know mate. Maybe we should ask Professor Rakepick. She would know, since she is the DADA faculty."

He nodded and moved off to comfort Penny. Just then, Blaise Zabini slid into the seat that John had vacated, "Potter… I had a question. What's a Legacy?"

Harry was a little surprised, "Where did you hear that?"

"Like Daphne, I also decided to do some research into my family tree. As much as I try to ignore it, you know there are a lot of rumours about my mum, right."

Harry nodded, "Yeah, but I think those are just rubbish. I mean, what would she get out of being married seven times? If I'm not mistaken, the Zabini family is relatively wealthy on its own, even without those spouses."

Blaise looked grim, "Well… I found out that my mum is a Legacy. Her dad was a son of Hades, and he fought in World War 2."

Bianca di Angelo was nearby and listening in. She slid over and mused, "Yeah, that makes sense. I believe the children of Hades fought alongside the Axis Powers. You're of Italian descent, right?"

"Yeah… But my mum and I were not Fascists."

Harry laughed softly, "Wasn't going to ask about your political beliefs, but good to know. Anyway, I believe Legacies are people who are descended from the gods. In essence, they could be the child or a grandchild of a demigod. Mother spoke to me about this, and she revealed that some Legacies could inherit abilities from their Godly ancestors, but it's not very common. Frankly though, Legacies are also rare, considering that very few demigods live long enough to grow to adulthood. I've only ever seen one of them grow to adulthood."

Zabini nodded in understanding, "Right… Anyway, I peeked into my Mum's diary once, and in it she mentioned something about an ability called Soul Judgement Aura. Apparently, her first husband died of natural causes, then she married my dad and had me. It seems, my dad planned to kill mum and take her fortune for himself. Her Aura detected his ill intentions, and that it affected him, and the rest of her future husbands, who had similar intentions. After my 5th stepdad, mum evidently had enough and decided to raise me herself."

Harry mused, "Huh… Interesting."

With that, he took his leave and headed for class. Sometime later, he met up with Katie and they went to the Room of Requirement to train. A few days later, he got a note from John Silvertongue, asking him to meet at Hogsmeade. Having nothing better to do, Mackenzie and Bianca tagged along with him. While there, they spotted Lavender Brown heading to Gladrags Wizardwear, arm-in-arm with Ravenclaw's Andre Egwu.

Mackenzie mused, "Huh… When did that happen?"

Bianca shrugged, "Well… Egwu is regarded as the resident fashion icon at Hogwarts. Since Lavender loves fashion and stuff like that, it's a match that everyone kind of saw coming a mile away."

Harry chipped in, "He's also pretty ace at Quidditch. The Claws have a very strong line-up. Orion Amari, Skye Parkins, Andre Egwu, Cho Chang… They're tough opponents, though they were pretty grateful to us for saving them from the cursed ice."

Eventually, they met up with John. As they sat down with their Butterbeers, John spoke, "I've been asking around in school. Apparently, Jacob used to visit Hogsmeade quite often. I'm hoping that Madam Rosmerta could provide some insights."

Harry nodded in sympathy, "I get it mate. But it looks like she's a touch busy at the moment. Let's not pester her, or you won't get the answers you want."

It took a while, but Madam Rosmerta finally had some free time. She came over, wiping her hands on a rag, "Hello dearies! Can I interest you in anything else?"

John hesitantly spoke up, "Madam Rosmerta? I heard that you knew my brother Jacob. I was hoping that you had some information on him, my mum and I are really worried."

She smiled warmly, "Ahh, yes of course. I would be happy to tell you all that I know. I remember that lad. He was a quiet on, he was. Rather sweet too. I often saw him at the bar, scribbling in some of his notebooks. Of course, I didn't pry, because some students often like to study here, when not in their Common Rooms. I can't tell you the number of students who would try and complete their homework assignments in this inn."

She sighed, "One day, a pair of Ministry Aurors came in, grabbed him and dragged him out. The only thing left at his seat was an odd-looking black quill."

John spoke up, "Madam Rosmerta, may we see that quill? It may be a clue to his whereabouts."

She smiled, "Of course, dear. Fortunately, I don't normally make it a habit to throw anything out. I'm sure it's here somewhere, just hang on a tick. It might take a while, since I'm a little bit of a hoarder. I say, do you mind looking after the other patrons while I'm busy? I'd appreciate the help. Not to worry, dearie, I'll pay you for the trouble."

The boys agreed and she turned tail and disappeared in the back. Fortunately for them, the inn was not too crowded and they minded the place for a while. Half an hour later, she returned and placed a black quill on their table. She smiled, "Here you go dearies. Took me a while to hunt down this pesky little bugger. Found it hiding under a few flyers for a Celestina Warbeck performance."

Harry replied gratefully, "Thank you Madam Rosmerta. You've been a big help. We won't keep you waiting any longer. I'm sure the other patrons need you."

Harry took the Black Quill, and they returned back to the castle. Along the way, they met up with Ron and Hermione. The two were taking a break from their Prefect duties and were interested in seeing what the quill would reveal.

The group entered an empty classroom before Ron transfigured the quill. Sure enough, it transformed into a notebook, which Hermione snatched and began thumbing through it. John mused, "Since Jacob was hunting for the Vaults, do you think he's leaving clues, so that I could follow him?"

Ron replied, "That's a good theory."

Harry took a peek, but the letters all swam around the pages. With a frustrated groan, he grumbled, "Well… He definitely didn't use Ancient Greek. Hermione? Can you make sense of it?"

Her eyebrows furrowed as she checked the notebook and furiously scribbled on some parchment. She read, "These Boggarts must have something to do with the curse protecting the next Vault, which means someone found it first. If I don't hurry, Hogwarts is doomed."

Neville quipped sarcastically, "Yeah, that's not ominous at all."

Hermione peered at the notebook again, "He's also mentioned something about a secret room in the castle. We should go look for it."

Ron turned to Harry, "Mate… Would it show up on the Map?"

Harry struck a thinking pose, "Maybe… It's in my trunk. I asked Sirius to put a lock that was Keyed to my blood. Was a bit worried that Fred and George might sneak in and pinch it from my trunk."

John was confused, "What map? Do we get a map of Hogwarts? That would have been bloody useful in First-Year!"

Harry laughed, "Hahaha, no. Actually, my dad and my uncles Sirius and Remus, created the map, along with Pettigrew. It doesn't show everything though."

John perked up, "What about Ben! He knows lots of nooks and crannies and he's pretty decent at Charms."

Hermione nodded in agreement, "Okay… You guys talk to Ben Copper tomorrow. Just keep us posted."

The next day, Harry and John managed to catch up to Ben. He repeated, "So let me get this straight. Your brother has a secret room in Hogwarts and you want me to help you find it?"

John sheepishly laughed, "Yeah, that just about covers it."

Ben replied, "O-Okay… I'll help. I remember seeing one unusual room, but it was locked. Come on, it's this way."

The timid blond led them to a seemingly ordinary door, but it had a strange-looking padlock. Harry observed it, "Two keyholes, eh?"

John attempted the Unlocking Charm, and Ben tried a Knockback Jinx. Unfortunately, neither of them worked. Then, Harry noticed some tiny letters. John squinted and read, "Property of Tulip Karasu."

He straightened up, "Alright… I'll go talk to Tulip. Just wait here for a bit."

About half an hour later, John returned with a red-headed Asian girl in tow. John had a sheepish look on his face, "So, good news and bad news. Good news is that Tulip agreed to help us and she has a key. The bad news is that she's been working with Merula Snyde and she has the other key."

Tulip also had a guilty look on her face, "Also… I might have had a bit of a falling-out with Merula."

Harry frowned, "Okay… So how do we get it from her? Talk to her? Trick her? Beg? Borrow? Steal?"

Tulip mused, "Talking to her might work, provided that you do something for her in return. Just give me a few days to come up with a plan."

With that, they went their separate ways and Harry returned to the Gryffindor Common Room.

A few days passed and there was little progress into the investigation of the secret room. After a Herbology lecture, Harry caught up John Silvertongue, "Hey John, what's the update on getting that key from Snyde?"

He replied in a low voice, "Well… Tulip wants me to help her pull a prank on Merula and Draco. Last I heard, they were working together to find the Vault, and I'm sure as hell not working with them. They'll sooner stab me in the back than help. Anyway, Tulip and I-"

Harry stopped him, "Wait… Don't tell me. We can maintain plausible deniability if this goes tits up. I'll catch you later, John-o."

One morning, in the first week of December he returned from breakfast to see Percy Weasley sitting on a couch. His eyes lit up when he saw Harry, "Oh good! I was waiting for you. Come on, I'll take you to Gringotts. I picked Saturday because you lot don't have any classes."

The two exited the Common Room and walked briskly down the corridor, heading to the Headmaster's Office. Percy said, "I spoke to Bill and he got in touch with his goblin boss. It took a while, but the King of the Goblins has agreed to meet you. He had heard rumours about a demigod wizard in Britain and was curious to put them to rest."

Dumbledore was at his desk, writing a few letters, and he gave a single nod of acknowledgement. Minutes later, Percy and Harry stepped out of the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron. They entered Diagon Alley and made a bee-line for Gringotts. He hurriedly explained, "Sorry, there's no Floo network connection that goes straight to Gringotts. The thing is, we don't want to startle them by suddenly Flooing there and have them accidentally hurt someone. It could very easily trigger a Goblin-Wizard war."

Soon, they entered the white marble halls of Gringotts. Standing at one end of the main lobby were Bill Weasley and a serious-looking Goblin. Percy and Harry joined the two and the goblin asked, "Is he the one you mentioned?"

Bill nodded and the goblin took a big sniff, "Hmm… Certainly smells like a demigod, and a powerful one too… I suppose Griphook was not completely dishonest. Come… We will go to our king. William, you come with me as our escort. Your brother stays here, because our kind will be wary of the presence of too many wizards."

Bill and Harry followed the goblin to an empty section of Gringotts. Soon, they came across a mine cart, but this looked different from the one that Harry normally used, as it was more fancy-looking. The goblin explained, "This is a closely guarded secret among us goblins. This line goes straight to the heart of goblin country and ends inside our king's courtroom. You two should be honoured that you are the first wizards to see the king, since the Founders of Hogwarts. Not even the Minister has ever had this privilege."

As they boarded, the goblin said, "I trust that this shall stay between us?"

Harry and Bill nodded vigorously, and the satisfied goblin started the ride. They must have been travelling for kilometres, because Harry lost track of time. Finally, the mine cart made one final turn and sped into a massive yawning cavern. The cart then gradually slowed down and stopped outside a massive underground castle that was hewn from the rocks.

Harry, Bill and their goblin guide disembarked and stood in front of a long set of stairs leading inside the castle. There were two beefy-looking goblin guards standing guard on either side of the staircase. They tensed when they spotted Harry and Bill, but their goblin guide harshly spoke to them. It took a few minutes, but they were escorted up the stairs and into the castle.

There was nothing particularly fancy about the throne room, but at the end of the room a goblin lounged on a golden throne. Most goblins were generally very short in stature, barely going past Harry's thigh. However, this goblin was very large, compared to his brethren. Harry surmised that if he was standing, then the goblin would be much taller than him.

Their diminutive goblin guide slowly approached the throne, Harry and Bill following him. The goblin got on his knees and bowed before speaking in a foreign tongue. Bill helpfully translated quietly, "High King Ragnok, the Third of his Name! My companions come to seek an audience with you. They say it is a matter of utmost urgency."

Ragnok the Third stirred very slightly and rumbled in English, "Curse-breaker Krukhut… You have some nerve to bring two wizards to our kingdom. Have you forgotten that accursed treaty? What is stopping them from running back to those Ministry fools and coming back with an army. I ought to throw them in the dungeon and you with them!"

Krukhut stammered, "My-my king… I made them swear to keep their silence. Also, the older wizard is my employee, William Weasley, and he is merely here to escort this one."

Ragnok's eyes focused on Harry and took a few sniffs, "This one smells different… He is no ordinary wizard… Who are you?"

Harry stepped forward and went down on one knee and bowed, "High King Ragnok the Third of his Name. My name is Harry Potter and I am a demigod and a wizard."

Ragnok shifted a little in his seat, a spark of interest in his beady eyes, "A demigod, you say? Haven't seen one of those in England in centuries. I thought the gods had all resided in America. Who is your Godly parent?"

Harry told him straight-faced, "Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt."

Ragnok suddenly growled, "Impossible… She is a virgin Goddess. She would not dare break her oath."

The surrounding goblins tensed, but Harry exclaimed, "There was a loophole! My parents, James and Lily Potter had trouble conceiving. They accidentally summoned Artemis with a Ritual and she agreed to help them. She placed some of her Godly essence into Lily's womb, combining it with James' essence. Thus, I was born, and was still counted as her son."

Ragnok gave a subtle signal and the other goblins relaxed. He rumbled again, "Hmm… Yes… That does explain a lot. Now… To business. Why have you come here? Our Goblin Treaty forbids us from interfering with wizarding affairs."

Harry then spoke about Kronos and his impending rise. He said, "This is not a matter that concerns the Wizarding World just yet, and I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible. I come here today to beseech you to aid us demigods in our fight against Kronos. I have done my utmost to keep Kronos and his allies from learning of the Wizarding World. I was hoping that the Goblin nation would come to our aid and be our 'ace in the hole' so to speak. Please! I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important. The Titans will destroy the world if they overthrow the Gods of Olympus."

Ragnok then sat up straight, leaned forward and steepled his fingers, "Mr. Potter… You had my attention and I am almost convinced. However, I need one last thing. I want you to face our best warrior in one on one combat. If you can beat him, the Goblin Nation will answer the call to arms. Both of you shall fight until one incapacitates the other. If your abilities are not up to our standards, that is a deal breaker."

Harry stood and gave a single respectful bow, "As you command, your majesty. I will not let you down and I look forward to crossing weapons with my opponent."

Ragnok leaned back on his throne and barked, "Send for General Bogrod immediately!"

One guard bowed and scuttled away. When he returned, he was followed by a large beefy goblin, decked out in armour. Ragnok explained the situation and Bogrod had a broad toothy grin on his face. He reached behind his back and pulled out a long sword. Harry drew his wand, when Ragnok suddenly yelled, "No magic spells! Weapons only."

Harry promptly turned his wand into a sword and then transfigured his holster to a shield. The two combatants circled each other as everyone cleared a space. As Harry circled his opponent, he banged the flat of his blade on the shield, twice. Finally, the two charged and crossed swords. Bogrod's sword was longer and also looked heavier. Especially judging by the fact that he was wielding it two-handed. Since Harry's sword was lighter, he was able to manoeuvre better, even with a shield in his other hand.

The duel was fierce, with neither opponent giving an inch. Bogrod managed to draw first blood with a cut to Harry's cheek. Harry got him back by bonking him on the head with his sword hilt. Then, Harry switched tactics, incorporating his shield as a weapon. After what seemed like ages, Harry finally bashed Bogrod in the face with his shield and knocked him out cold.

Ragnok the Third raised his hand in the air in a stopping gesture. He announced, "I have seen enough! It is good to see that Chiron has not lost his touch. Harry Potter, son of Artemis! When the time comes, the Goblin Nation shall answer the call of duty! Just remember to take us to the battlefield. Krukhut! Escort them back to Gringotts. And when you come back, we prepare for war!"

Bogrod was revived and he approached Harry. Although the demigod stood at a good five feet and nine inches, Bogrod still towered over him, though he was shorter than the king. They were inches from each other and the Goblin warrior had a menacing look on his face. Bill Weasley was getting increasingly nervous, but Harry stood unflinching. Then Bogrod grinned toothily, "My king! I like this one! He has spirit and has the makings of a leader. The legends were right about demigods… They have some serious 'balls' as the humans say."

As Harry, Bill and Percy left Gringotts, Bill recounted the whole thing to an astounded Percy. The Ministry worker then dropped Harry back in the castle before heading back to work.

No sooner that Harry entered the Gryffindor Common Room, he saw Ginny lounging on the couch. She waved, "Hey Harry, where were you? It's almost lunch time. Hermione's doing her Prefect rounds, Mackenzie's in the library, and Ron is playing some pickup Quidditch games with the rest of the team. Bianca's in the Great Hall and I was going to have lunch with her."

She hopped off and beckoned with a finger, "You coming?"

Minutes later, they sat opposite each other, with Bianca next to her. He served himself a piece of roast chicken, sacrificed a portion and sat down. Harry said, "I was actually with your brothers, Percy and Bill."

Ginny tilted her head curiously, "What for?"

"I wanted an audience with the Goblins, specifically the Goblin King."

Her brown eyes widened, "Are you mad! Very few have gone to find the goblin nation and lived to tell the tale."

Bianca guessed, "I'm assuming that you wanted their help in the impending war?"

He shot her a finger gun, "Got it in one. Bloody hell! It wasn't easy. Had to negotiate with them and then the King wanted to test me."

Ginny replied, "Test you?"

"One on one trial by combat against their best warrior. Winner by incapacitation. I won, just barely, and now they will aid us in battle."

Ginny's eyes couldn't get any wider, "Shoot! You are even more bad arse than those Boy-Who-Lived storybooks I read as a child."

Harry mock threatened, "If you start idol-worshipping me…"

She smacked his arm and stuck out her tongue, "Relax! I'm not that stupid blushing mess that I was, three years ago."

Bianca snorted, "Could have fooled me. Back in the Burrow before the term began, I still saw a big Boy-Who-Lived poster hanging above your bed."

A mortified Ginny yelped, "BIANCA! I thought we agreed to never talk about it!"

Harry figured that that was the best time to take his leave before the conversation got any more awkward.

Exiting the Great Hall, he ran into John, who looked a little freaked out. The Ravenclaw breathed, "I got a weird note… It said, 'Dear John, You are in grave danger. Your investigation into the Cursed Vaults has drawn the attention of a group who is not to be trifled with. Be careful, but remain courageous. I'm depending on you to reach the final Vault before the others. I will assist you when I can. I hope that the next time I deliver you a message, the circumstances are far less mysterious. Sincerely, a Friend.'"

Harry shot him a serious look, "You recognise the handwriting?"

John frowned, "Not really... Anyway, I'm almost ready with the prank on Merula. We'll execute it tomorrow."

John pocketed the note and the two boys parted ways.