Harry Potter and the Unlocked Runic Potential
~~ooOOoo~~
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
Thanks to Alix33 for her input as well. Sending you virtual pumpkin bread.
Use of an anagram is from TomHRichardson is included with permission; a small omake is dedicated to him.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JKRowling. We are only playing in the sandbox.
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Welcome to the Fireside.
~~ooOOoo~~
Chapter Three - An Oh so Very Different Summer
The goblins refused to reveal to Dumbledore where Harry Potter had gone since they declared the headmaster had abrogated his claimed guardianship duties. They no longer recognized him as having anything to do with the lad.
There was no cause to be rude!
Albus was in a very ugly, plain brown suit with ugly plain brown shoes. He had conjured a leather case and walked up to the door at Number 4, wandlessly scanning when the door suddenly opened and he nearly fell in.
"Good day, I am…you!" The headmaster was startled. This was a former student but his name escaped him.
"No, you are not me, praises be. If that is all…"
"Where are the Dursleys? The people who used to live here."
"We were told to expect your visit. My wife is fairly good at divination and predicted your appearance within three hours." The man paused, putting his hand on his chin in contemplation, "I don't know if it's enough to win the pot but we'll see."
"Pot? Bet? Are you mocking me?"
"Every day and twice on Sundays. Except for right now. The muggles you seek. Why do you want them?"
"They are Harry's family and have abandoned him…I have to find them and reunite them before the wards fall!"
"You mean those spiderwebs you left? You called those wards? Ha, ha. I didn't know you were into comedy.
"These nice strong wards you feel are mine. My wife and I work for Gringotts. We'd be happy to help you ward a nice cottage, at an exorbitant rate mind you, somewhere when you get fired. Just saying."
"I'm not getting fired! That's just one of Rita's little fables."
"Not this time. I'd start looking for a cottage now, if I were you. I do know a guy. No, if I were you, I would start preparing for the future."
Skeeter enjoyed serving roasts to the population. They in turn ate them up. He normally didn't mind until now when it was him on the broiler. She was just getting started with Albus, however. It appeared someone was keeping a grudge and feeding her tales.
"Hogwarts is going to improve and things are happening that you can't stop. All the horrible things you did to that wonderful school are going to be undone.
"Every. Single. Thing.
"You're going to be out of the castle about a week before Yule according to my Seer, Albus. You can bank on it. Good day."
Without another word, the man stepped back into the house and slammed the door shut.
Albus debated breaking in but this house belonged to a wizard now and it was illegal to enter without permission. And Amelia didn't seem to like him anymore. Besides, there really was no point. Sigh. He'd lost again and was shaken by the prediction of losing his headmaster's post by Yule.
He had no issue with Trelawney predicting a child's death. Because that was different.
When he got back, there was a special edition of the newspaper waiting for him saying how Minerva McGonagall had been asked to join the new reformed Board of Governors. Apparently, several of them had been coerced or imperiused to vote a certain way. They had all been cleansed and would be meeting to discuss their options over the potential basilisk grant.
He couldn't lose Severus! No!
And he needed to find Harry. Ah! Remus! He knew the muggle world well and could track down both the Dursleys and Harry; as a bonus, he'd offer him the DADA position for the coming year.
He returned to the castle to send out an important job offer. Offers.
~~ooOOoo~~
"Hey Dobby, I hope you are doing well."
"Oh, Mighty Basilisk Slayer! Always concerned about Dobby. I am very happy."
"I was wondering if you could run an errand for me. Bill could use some new shoes. Boots, I mean. And I would like some for myself. Oh, and maybe sandals for us both? Is this something you could do for me?"
"Dobby can and will!"
Harry gave him some coins that the elf assured was more than enough and Harry returned to the tent.
Bill didn't say anything negative about his fancy boots or footwear. They would have been perfect for the likes of Lucius Malfoy - poncy, fancy, and likely to fall apart after a few months. The sandals were better quality but not something he was going to wear onsite.
But he didn't want to hurt Harry's feelings and only got mocked a bit at work. "Didn't know that Lord Weasley was going to be working here." Marissa whispered. At least it was away from Harry.
Harry, on the other hand, was appalled at his own boots. These looked like something Draco would wear. And flaunt. But not wanting to hurt Dobby's feelings, he'd wait until he was shopping for school robes to get plainer ones.
The lad didn't realize he'd asked a former Malfoy elf to do the shopping!
~~ooOOoo~~
Alastor Moody was a friend of many and forced Hagrid to accept a ritual cleanse and rest when he heard he was home. Any part of Fudge's attempted obliviation that took had been undone during the ritual. Alastor just nodded about Black being released at the same time as he had been and said nothing about it to anyone. Not yet.
Mad-eye cast his bulldog patronus at Hagrid twice during his visit. It seemed to help and was prescribed by a healer friend of his.
What was Fudge thinking? Putting the kind-hearted wizard in Azkaban just to be seen 'doing something'?
Moody wanted to lock the Minister in a cell during his next visit. Hah! Now that would be doing something.
Fudge was making sure everyone, even Amelia, was unaware that she personally had gone to Azkaban to release prisoners that shouldn't have been there. Hagrid would be safe but Black? Moody had been in the hospital during that time or Fudge would have targeted Mad-eye himself.
But why? Why was Fudge doing this? Did this have anything to do with Lucius Malfoy's disappearing act? What about Albus and Barty? All of his senses told him something evil this way came.
His conclusions had him being very, very wary of the Minister even more than before. He wanted to warn Black to go to ground but had a feeling he already done so or his death would have been published in three countries where the Blacks had extensive holdings.
~~ooOOoo~~
"How was the holiday in Brighton?" Moody asked softly.
"Oh, the weather was terrible. The girls got sick from eating too much of that sticky confection sold at the corner sweets shop."
Good. Amelia had restored her memories, knew it was Fudge who'd taken them and like him was playing this warily. Two honest people stuck amongst the snake pit and neither wanted to just quit. She'd allowed Fudge to wipe her memories. She rescued Black the only way possible and got him out of the country. Brave lass.
Mad-eye would keep an eye on her and make backups of his own memories. Again.
~~ooOOoo~~
Dobby was the best! The camera Harry bought for Bill worked very well and now Harry was back in the translating business.
Bill was currently helping him in the carving room, showing him how to not only hold his tools but concentrate his magic so that he could make the perfect cut each time, every time.
The key was quality tools, being patient, and working with your magic and not forcing anything.
Marissa came in just then, hot and tired. "Nice job, Harry."
She plopped into a seat at Bill's wave of invitation but the kindly lad saw she needed at least a drink.
Harry went to get them all some cold water, juice, and a snack and laid enough out for everyone on the casual table and the others followed him in.
The formal dining room was being used as a diorama of the site explored so far.
Marissa shared as she peeled an orange, "There are no other women for this project, at least not yet. I don't know why. But I'm not happy in the bunkhouse right now. I appreciate you allowing me to escape here. I miss my…sorry. I'd like to have my own tent again someday."
Harry felt her eyes on him. Had he somehow been responsible for the loss of her tent? He didn't think so. But still, he had a thought.
He waved Bill to the side, "There's plenty of bedrooms here." Harry pointed out. "Couldn't she stay with us?"
Bill knew the nursery was empty and that it had a nice room for the nursemaid. And was on the opposite side away from the other bedrooms. Without further discussion, he returned to the table. "I have a trade in mind."
There were times Bill was going to be away and he liked the thought of another trustworthy adult staying here so Harry wasn't alone. He'd known Marissa for years and she'd helped him when he first got started.
Bill felt a bit chagrined that she'd lost her tent somehow and he hadn't noticed. She'd always come over during the day before. And like him, sometimes he'd stayed in the bunkhouse tent for camaraderie. But he could understand the desire for choice.
She accepted the offer with alacrity.
~~ooOOoo~~
The Board of Governors had met as announced and sent Albus a firm command: Release Severus Snape from his employment contract or they would. Oh, and if they had to act, he , Albus, wouldn't be here to worry about the situation.
The Board controlled where the basilisk gold was going to be spent, not the headmaster. Part of the stipulations of the gift.
Albus had been given a deadline too and so the day before, he sent a notice to Severus with the stipend that represented the small penalty Hogwarts paid for ending his contract early.
"But don't worry my boy. I have already filled out a new one under an assumed name for you."
The now-former Professor Snape sneered. What was it with Dark Lords and anagrams? He would not be applying to the job under the name "Resevus Panes" or any other!
Albus took his rejection well; as in, he didn't let it affect him at all. For the moment.
~~ooOOoo~~
Bill was sitting at the large work table with three books sitting open in front of him. A picture of a stone next to him wasn't actually mocking, but he felt like it. A calloused hand ran through his long hair.
He'd been like this for a couple of hours when he pushed his chair away from the table. "I just don't get it!"
Harry, reading his own research book, looked up. "What seems to be frustrating you?"
In explaining the issue, Bill had a sudden epiphany. "Thanks, Harry! That's brilliant."
The lad smiled. He was just asking a few questions, but if had helped; that was great too. They went back to companionable quiet and both were grateful for the company of the other.
~~ooOOoo~~
Albus was fuming, absolutely fuming! No one in the Ministry would listen to him about the claims on the basilisk. Fawkes was his familiar! Everyone saw the pictures of him helping! Bringing the Sorting Hat to Harry.
But no. Amos Diggory, Head of the Magical Creatures department, was given the responsibility to make the final judgment in the case.
A half-million galleons was no small sinecure and if Dumbledore claimed that Hogwarts deserved more than that, he would have to prove that he helped in some other way to bring down the beast. Amos claimed that Fawkes aid came from the phoenix' desire to help the lad and rejected Albus' claim to the contrary unless Dumbledore either provided a memory of sending the eternal bird or swore an oath he did so.
Without that proof, as he hadn't helped in any way, Director Diggory stated that it was one hundred percent Harry Potter's kill and the boy was being generous to share at all. And worse, Amos published his pronouncement all over the Ministry and in the newspaper!
What was going on here?
And even more distressing than that, not one person accepted his word that Severus had to be with Albus. In the castle.
Alastor, his friend of forty plus years, had suggested that if Abus needed Severus, he should buy a cottage out of the way somewhere where they could live happily ever after.
Rita, of course, just had to overhear that nasty jibe and repeat it. And repeat it.
He flung yet another CV down on his desk. He was not going to hire another potions master! Severus could brew anything! That none of the professors had said anything about the protections around the stone - not even the half-goblin - was proof of that. And now, all of his staff were upset as none of them remembered a basilisk roaming the halls.
Severus brewed so very well. Sigh.
Then he picked up the next application. What was this? Another former Death Eater? He read on. The witch was still in the process of getting her Mastery, but that wasn't an issue. Alastor had recommended a different person who only wanted to teach the upper years.
Yes. Yes! This was a good solution.
Too bad for Albus, if there was an Olympics event for jumping to conclusions, he would have won the gold medal.
~~ooOOoo~~
Narcissa Black wasn't a current death eater or even a former one. She did have the misfortune to be married to one. Lucius was the dedicated death eater of her former family.
She refused to be Slytherin Head of House, not in her first year of teaching, but accepted a job to teach first through fourth years Potions.
Professor Slughorn was kind enough to mentor his former student in how to get ready for the school year. She appreciated his help. He was going to be staying at the school and acting as the Slytherin Head of House for the year while helping his apprentice, Miss Black, finish her Potions Mastery.
Getting to meet with Harry Potter was just one of the bribes used by Albus to bring him back to the school though 'Sluggy' refused the 'generous offer' of teaching again.
As for Narcissa, she did not trust Dumbledore to keep her son safe. Draco could have been killed! She not only had a wand to protect her only child, she knew so many clever potions and wasn't afraid to use magic in any form to keep her child safe.
~~ooOOoo~~
Trying to think of where Harry might be had Albus going crazy. Then he remembered that the lad had stayed part of last summer at the Burrow.
Permission to floo over was quickly granted. The Weasley home was always clean and homey but now sported new, unmended dishes (no chips), as well as new curtains at the windows. Had Arthur gotten a raise?
"What has you so worried, Albus?" Molly asked, fixing his tea as he liked and serving him fresh biscuits.
"Harry Potter. His family has moved house and I don't know where they are or where he is. He has to be kept safe from death eaters, you know."
"I'll tell you what I just told Remus via the floo. He's likely sending you an owl with the same information. He's with Bill in Egypt! I'm surprised he didn't tell you." Molly tutted.
Drat! That confirmed part of what Arabella told him. Something he didn't want to believe.
"Did Bill somehow adopt him?" Albus asked in a worried tone. Arthur would have had to approve that at least.
"What? Who said that? No, not at all. Harry has Petunia's permission to accept a job and unlike here, he can do magic during the summer. Oh, what a wonderful adventure for him. His is a rare ability and he has a position translating. Isn't that just perfect? And unlike his muggles, who don't seem to feed him enough in my opinion, he's going to get plenty to eat. All of my boys can cook well."
Egypt? On a Gringotts dig site? The wards there…if he even tried…well, that wasn't going to work!
"But he's coming back? He'll move back in with Petunia next year?" He didn't believe for one minute that someone like Vernon Dursley would leave England, much less go abroad.
"I presume so. Harry hasn't mentioned his aunt in his letters. I don't think they like magic much. Poor dear. But if Bill needs him again next year, then maybe he could go there again. You know the goblins would keep him safe from all his enemies."
Molly had good occlumency shields but her countenance and face showed her honesty with him. He'd lose a good ally if he made a fuss now.
He'd just have to wait until Harry was back at school. Let him know how disappointed he was with him, taking off without permission. But then, if the Dursleys were abroad, perhaps he'd have to make other arrangements for the boy. Not with the Weasleys, they'd coddle him too much.
Hmm, perhaps Severus would consider it.
He was not taking on the responsibilities himself, regardless of the goblins' attitude towards guardianship responsibilities. He took his leave with a look at the floo. Oh yes. That reminded him.
The compulsion to use the muggle entrance of the train was reinforced early this year. And with September first being a Wednesday, he didn't have to worry about Arthur one bit.
~~ooOOoo~~
Somehow, Spurnik found out that Curse-breaker Carpenter had the 'nanny's' room in the tent - the opposite side that had its own ensuite and was next to an empty nursery. That had been quickly converted to an office for her use.
Now, instead of having to go himself, or Goldrub, she was bringing Harry to his medical appointments each Tuesday and Friday as her work allowed more flexibility in the schedule.
The first time she came, she was asked to keep family secrets. Since she was starting to view Harry as a valued if younger colleague, she had no issue with that in the least. She was used to oaths with Gringotts.
While Harry was with the healer, they arranged an appointment for herself to meet with someone.
That was when she was introduced to Sirius Black. He was charming; she was angry.
"You don't remember me, do you?" Marissa demanded.
"I assure you, Madam, if I had met you before, there would be nothing that could stop me from remembering you." Sirius bowed gracefully, inviting her for a walk while Harry saw his healer. "But you seem to know me."
Marissa nodded, she wasn't surprised, just hurt he didn't remember her, "Your friend, James Potter? He was a bit of a…as a third year, he pranked me. I don't think he meant it as an attack on me being a muggleborn since he later married Lily Evans."
Something niggled in the back of his brain, "Prongs? He injured someone, was so upset by it as he had targeted someone else completely, but they switched potions …was that you?"
"It was. I was on my very first date too. I thought at the time he didn't approve of me and tried to kill me." Marissa shared softly.
Sirius reached out to grab her hand and kiss it. "Oh, I'm so sorry! My friends and I liked pulling pranks and sometimes it bordered on cruelty. I had a dozen years of reminders of just how cruel. On his behalf, may I please apologize?"
"Accepted. In case you don't remember, Potter did, profusely at the time as well. He was pretty shaken up. His mother came. She questioned me about my goals. Very quietly, I had help. Pureblood help. Over the years, I had private tuition in not just advanced runes, but wards, arithmancy, defense. Anything I wanted. I was given a smaller version of the tent that Bill has but Lord Potter had converted it himself. When things of the House were recalled a few years back…"
"Oh no! Does Harry know? He should be able to get it returned to you. If Mum and Dad Potter gave it to you, they meant you to have it. Have you asked him about it?"
"I haven't asked yet. I think he has to be older. I've not deliberately fooled him into trusting me or anything. I just wanted to not hold Potter's actions, James' actions against the lad. He wasn't at fault."
"That's more mature than how Snape acted."
The woman grunted. Sometimes, she had to brew potions for some of the younger British crowd. Sluggy was another complete berk but she had been invited to his club, even after her transformation. (She never knew it was partially due to her patronage by House Potter.)
They walked around the healing halls, not really discussing anything major. Sirius wished he could remember this girl. She had a pretty face and was well proportioned. With her ebony locks, swept up in an updo that was both practical and beautiful, she would have been striking if she were a more average size.
Cancel that. She was striking.
He shared a bit of his enchanting work and talked about his desire to create communication mirrors again for both himself and Bill so they could stay in touch with Harry and the Deputy Headmistress.
"I thought McGonagall was Dumbledore's puppet." She pulled up a hand as though a sock puppet, and in a ridiculous Scottish accent meekly said, "Yes sire, no sire, whatever you say sire."
Sirius laughed, "That used to be the case. Would it surprise you to know that her entire demeanor has changed after a bit of a ritual and Snape no longer being allowed in the castle? Oh, and his potions supply in Dumbledore's office seems to have been drastically reduced."
Marissa snort-laughed. When Harry came back, instead of her leaving, Padfoot asked her to stay and play games with him and Harry. Sirius couldn't help but think there was something about this witch. At least she liked Harry and the camaraderie they shared was good for his soul.
The witch had enjoyed their visit as well. As long as she remembered to get some extra sleep, she could handle adding a couple of hours to her day but she warned Harry about overuse of the device. How some people could actually get time-sickness from not eating and sleeping enough.
"And never ever kill yourself. I don't know what would happen, but it would be bad. Definitely bad."
~~ooOOoo~~
Somewhere in the Valley of the Kings two days before Harry's birthday…
The Weasley family set up their tent in a designated visitors area within the wards of the dig site and close to Bill's tent.
Harry came out to greet them and let them know that Bill would be there after work.
"Oh Harry! You're so tan!" Molly gushed, hugging him like a long-lost son.
"And filled out. You've been eating!" Ron shook his hand.
Harry thumped his back before greeting the twins and nodding to a now blushing Ginny. "You bet! These people work hard and you wouldn't believe how they can eat! Dobby is beyond happy and he's an awesome cook." Harry shared, happy to see his friends.
Hermione, who'd been hanging back, felt his eyes on hers, and knew it was time to greet her friend.
"It's so wonderful your parents let you come!" Harry pulled her into a hug and whispered in her ear, "I've missed you so much. Oh, do I have a surprise for you!"
Harry ignored the hugs and greetings behind him, just holding Hermione a bit longer.
Hermione then got to meet Bill, who came from the library to greet his family. After disentangling himself from his mother, he extended a warm hand, "Nice to meet you Hermione. Harry might have spoken about you. Once or twice."
Fred frowned but George added, "Only once or twice? Don't you mean per minute?" Harry blushed. He wasn't that bad!
George then elbowed his twin. Angelina liked Fred and wanted to date. Without words, Fred sighed and abandoned the battle there on the spot. But Harry better be good to her or else!
Molly came to his rescue, "We have the reservations for the magical camels for tomorrow so we can go visit the pyramids. Our Bill has the day off, as you know."
Ron cheered, "This is going to be epic."
Percy and Arthur returned from setting up the new family tent to greet both Bill and Harry. It was still amazing to Harry, to feel so accepted.
The plan was to do some sightseeing the next day together with Bill, then for the rest of the holiday, the Weasleys along with Hermione and Harry, would adventure on their own. After Harry's birthday party on Saturday.
It really was going to be wonderful.
~~ooOOoo~~
Lord Malfoy was not pleased or having a wonderful day. He'd been threatened with his vault being closed if he didn't come to Gringotts, Cairo. The goblins were going to take the little blood-traitor's healing from his vault one way or the other so he just decided to sign for it.
She wasn't supposed to have lived to be this liability!
Such a waste of good gold but it allowed him a wonderful break. He had heard the redheads had been in the bank even if he wasn't allowed inside the healing hall to give the child all his best wishes.
One would think the goblins didn't trust him.
Now that he knew he was close enough, he could use a little-known tool of the dark mark to summon a certain servant to him. He'd tried in Britain but the extensive wards of the Burrow protected the rodent. He'd had to wait.
Heading to Cario's version of Knockturn Alley, Malfoy went to invest in his future and reconnect with an old friend.
~~ooOOoo~~
The rest of the family was away when Peter felt the summons. He wanted to stay; he was willing to stay. But resisting didn't work; he had to go. Changing into a man and grabbing an old kit that had Harry's converted Dursley rags in it, Peter wound up in Ziqaq Allusus, otherwise known as Thieves' Alley.
"Lucius, my old friend, how can I help you?" Pettigrew asked nervously.
"Imagine my surprise when I saw your picture in the paper; your grubby little paws wiping your whiskers. I could tell it was you without seeing the missing toe. The little shake at the end with one paw on your nose. My, you're shaking now. Aren't you pleased to see me?"
"I am, of course. It's just that I've been nervous. Sirius Black has somehow escaped Azkaban! I haven't seen him but I know he's somewhere near."
"Yes, I imagine my lovely wife had something to do with that, not that I plan on complaining to her about it. Witches can be impossible to please, you know."
Wormtail did not giggle or mock. He'd wait until he was alone. He loathed this man for many reasons. He'd helped kill Molly's brothers. He'd assaulted and killed muggles who looked like Lily just to be cruel to Severus.
But the cruelest thing he ever did was take away Remus' witch. He was poor; she didn't care. He wrote her love poems and practiced on the Marauders and they never teased or put him down. In fact, swearing to keep it secret, James used those poems on Lily when they started dating.
Remus and Narcissa started seriously dating when he was a fifth year and she was in her final year. He loved her and she loved him.
Lucius just laughed at destroying happiness for them both as Narcissa refused to have anything to do with Malfoy. He tried to make her jealous, substituting mistresses. She didn't care about his conquests. Peter saw Lucius never changed, didn't try to be kind or loving. No, his lust was for witches and gold.
He never even tried to build a real family. He acted as though Narcissa was his ultimate conquest but in reality, she was never his.
The pompous man had been pontificating about his brilliant plans when he shared, "We're going to use our dark marks to find our Master. Barty is going to help us."
"I know you've been under stress, Lucius, but Crouch, Jr is dead." Peter informed him softly.
"Yes, just as dead as you, which makes it more convenient. The Ministry will soon be looking for your old friend and we'll be able to resurrect the dark lord without being detected. I have everything in place already."
Peter said nothing. He didn't have a choice. If he kicked up a fuss, it would be Lord Malfoy's word against his; Lucius, the wealthy and suave member of the Wizengamot versus a previously-thought-dead unregistered animagus. Pureblood but poor, he'd be assumed guilty just because he'd been in hiding. And unlike the Marauders, Lucy here wasn't under an unbreakable vow not to tell about his form.
"I have our Master's wand with me…" Pettigrew offered.
"Good. I knew searching you out was going to be worth it. But you need to look the part as a wizard."
Dudley's old clothes, 'borrowed' from Harry, looked clean and fit him well but Lucius sneered at the muggleness of them.
Peter looked around the rough shops, looking for some used wizarding clothes to buy as all he had were Harry's castoffs. Lucius scoffed but paid for such with a few coins. Peter was fairly good with reparo charms and would sometimes go around the Burrow when the family was out, fixing things. Just in repayment of Molly's kindness to him when he'd been 'alive'. And for the wonderful food given to him since.
He'd loved the Weasley home as a member of the Order and had always wanted a family like theirs. It was why he escaped to them. He wanted to return to them, not attend to this monster's plan.
He knew there was a heaven because he had betrayed a brother and was now in daily torment for it and cried out a silent plea.
'Please help me get out of this!'
~~ooOOoo~~
Goldrub was kicking himself for not meeting Malfoy in London. What was he thinking? While the Potter boy was safe when under wards, inviting a death eater to Cairo who was seen skulking about the Thieves' Den had him concerned.
Human bodyguards were hired, as approved by Black, when the lad would be outside those strong wards. Goldrub gave him their best rates he could as he felt it was partially his fault for the situation.
But they weren't the only ones with security issues.
~~ooOOoo~~
Somehow, Rita Skeeter had found out the boy was on holiday and printed Potter was going to be researching in the Library of Alexandria. He was not!
The Daily Prophet, along with the writer, would be sued for the extra security said library now required as those with means sought out 'opportunities' to be near Harry Potter.
This was a place for researchers and scholars, not rabid fans!
~~ooOOoo~~
Riding magical camels out into the desert with a knowledgeable guide was an adventure of its own. Harry would like to take Hermione on a carpet ride, just the two of them, but his guardian suggested waiting a few years.
Then they arrived at one of the smaller pyramids. It was for a court magician and while the muggles didn't think much of this wizard's actions, he had been fairly powerful. Well, at least the people working on this monument had.
Bill pointed out magical hieroglyphics; some were just information while others had various purposes. Harry was able to see the sorts of runes Bill studied along with a variety of magical runes on the structures they visited.
It ignited in him a greater drive to learn about this magic.
~~ooOOoo~~
Ron was a bit disappointed that his rat had disappeared when they returned from the pyramid they'd visited. He looked everywhere but Scabbers was just gone.
"I should have taken him with us." The mourning boy shared.
Hermione patted his arm in consolation, "Maybe, like some animals, he knew the end was coming and took himself off alone. But I am sorry, Ron."
Ginny shook her head, "Hey! Think about what you want for a new pet. I'll even buy it for you. I know," Her tone took a happy sing-song pitch, "How about a toad for choir? Croak-croak-croak."
Ron stuck out his tongue. It was still a shock, having gold for things like an approved pet but he did appreciate the thought even though she'd teased. Besides, Scabbers might still be alive. He might still turn up.
Sadly for Ron and Percy, the rat didn't come back.
~~ooOOoo~~
Hermione squealed a bit too loudly the first time Harry brought her into Bill's tent and had reached the top of the landing to the library. Just down the hall from them, someone stormed out of the nursery: Mother Goose was still above the lintel. The chisel in her hand loomed large and sharp in Hermione's view.
What were they allowing children to do in this place?!
"What are you playing at? If that noise had come a moment later, you'd have spoiled a hundred galleons in prepared azurite!" the angry curse-breaker demanded.
Recognizing that the agitated young woman in front of her was not a child, Hermione stammered, "I'm…I'm so sorry. I didn't mean…"
Harry put up a hand for peace, "I should have put up a silencing ward. This is my fault as I knew she was going to be impressed."
Marissa harrumphed, "I accept your apology. Bill did warn me a bibliophile was coming and I forgot as well. I'll see you at dinner."
Hermione started to offer to shake her hand or introduce herself. Harry stopped her, "She's got a very difficult project going. It's not for work; it's something personal so she has to work on it off hours.
"From now on, let's do try to be quiet." Harry suggested as he walked down the hallway to put a stone on the nursery door and tapped it. It glowed softly.
"What's that?"
"This one? Muffles sound except the dinner chime. Getting that exemption to work was tricky, let me tell you. Come on, you barely got to see the library. Did I tell you? There's a case that had even more books in it."
Hermione's eyes went wide, "We are going to have so much to read."
Harry hmm'd at this; unwilling to commit to taking any of his books anywhere: He wasn't taking originals to Hogwarts, not yet. Perhaps there was a way to duplicate a book without a xerox machine.
~~ooOOoo~~
Narcissa was contemplating what to do. She was using old memories to try and gain insight on her situation.
Hers had been not just an arrangement but a forced arrangement. Her father didn't care about her wishes and she had not ever been happy nor settled to accept it.
After the initial potions had worn off, her mother came for a visit, pronounced her pregnant, and off limits to any more potions.
Narcissa's family had warned Abraxus that Lucius needed to be kind to his young bride. The new matron of House Malfoy was allowed to live in her own suite, alone except for her elf companion and the child she'd conceived.
When a few months later, while visiting her grandmother, Arcturus saw her bruised face, he asked about it. She spoke the truth. "Lucius wanted me to bow to him and apologize after I called him to task over his actions at Yule. I refused. He punished me."
Narcissa had been very morning sick, all day for days, and had declined to attend a public event in this condition. She didn't want to risk her child taking nausea potions so Lucius had taken a different companion for the evening whose picture was published next to Lucius. They hadn't even bothered to use polyjuice.
Such was not done! He was flaunting society's rules due to the dark lord. Her grandmother had heard about it. Soon Abraxus was dead, then Grandmother Melania died a few months later. Both were under eighty! Very suspicious.
Arcturus took Narcissa aside and apologized for the situation she'd been put in. "I should have done more to protect you. Well, it's too late now. I'll arrange to give you a Black stipend all the rest of your life that is just for you. I would prefer you not use that gold for the Dark one."
"I will never support the Dark Lord nor Lucius! I won't be with my so-called husband; he'll not get another child from me." Narcissa was firm. Not that he'd physically touched her to get the first one but she wasn't discussing that with her grandfather.
"As you wish. For what it is worth, I liked Mr Lupin personally. Where is he?"
"He works for Charlus Potter and helps there and is working on his Defense Mastery. I think he wants to teach, not that we've talked much. Lucius forbids me to write to him and it really isn't proper."
"A man can do many wrongs but a witch needs only to make one mistake and her good name is forever gone. Be discreet."
"Grandfather!"
"As I said. I'm not happy about your life. And I want you to be happy."
"I don't care if Lucius has broken the spirit of what marriage should be, he didn't break his contract. Until then, I'm bound by magic. I won't be squibbed."
Arcturus was furious that she had not had any advocates before this marriage and had been bound by a very unfair marriage contract. One thing he could do was control the purse strings.
Lucius was no longer getting any allowance from House Black. Malfoy then promised Lord Black that he would do better in future. And he hadn't tried to hurt her physically again.
Narcissa pulled out from that memory. Had Lucius really been better?
No, he'd still been cruel even if it wasn't with physical blows. He'd learned charm and they had settled into an uneasy detente but she was not happy. Where was he right now and what was he doing?
She was certain he was up to no good.
~~ooOOoo~~
Remus indeed tracked down Vernon Dursely who was just recently transferred to Brisbane, Australia. The people he'd talked to were celebrating his departure. Wasn't that sort of party held with the person in question? Muggles were still a mystery.
The more he learned about the Dursleys the less Remus was inclined to share their location. Would Albus force them back? Harry didn't need them! The Weasleys were the finest kind and he remembered Bill peppering Mad-eye with all sorts of questions about Egypt and his time there. If Harry were there with him then he was safe and being cared for. Moony felt it deep in his heart it was best if he 'couldn't find any other Dursleys in England'. That is where he was asked to look after all.
And the horrible woman with the vicious bulldogs who turned out to be Vernon's sister now had wizard-repelling wards on her home, just in case Albus found her and decided on a substitute. No 'blood wards' of course, but the older wizard didn't seem to really care about those.
He approached the goblins next to get a message to Bill warning him about Dumbledore's quest to find Harry. 'Please keep him and yourself safe. I hope Harry is happy and am looking forward to meeting him.'
~~ooOOoo~~
Ginny had received world class care from the goblins. It was nice the bankers didn't have to fight for the gold to pay for it.
She would have follow-up mental health checks periodically but that cost was included. And the healer would travel to her at Hogwarts just adding to the amount Malfoy had to pay. Hehehe.
"Tom used me to target people like Hermione! How was she able to forgive me?" Ginny marveled, asking her mother.
Molly was just happy that Ginny had a friend after her terrible experience of last year.
The girls got along very well together on holiday, Hermione was happy to have a friend who was a girl who was nearly her own age. And unlike Lavender or Pavarti, this girl didn't rattle on about clothes and boys and makeup and boys.
She rattled on about quidditch and boys and her favorite charms and boys.
Much better!
~~ooOOoo~~
The week-long visit had been very nice, but Bill was ready to have them gone. His mother especially, who had not been allowed in his home for a reason. Harry had laid down the law the first day that others were not allowed in the library as Bill had to work. It wasn't fair to him.
Ever since he'd arrived, Bill kept calling their space 'Harry's Library'. He enjoyed it very much and got to set some rules but really, it was Bill's.
Hermione was allowed after the first day as she promised not to ask too many questions and work on learning some of the things Harry was. And make sure if Marrisa was there, her room was warded.
They wound up working in one of the formal areas that had been converted from a ballroom into a workshop for carving.
Who needed a ballroom when camping? Bill couldn't tell him nor could Molly. Arthur shrugged and asked rhetorically what the purpose of a rubber duck was. Both were a mystery to him.
Yet both he and Hermione knew the answer to that one!
Hermione was both impressed and chagrined at how far ahead Harry was already. He was done with the first year book and mostly done with the second. And he was learning how to carve small protection tablets. Very clever!
But for the most part the family was trying to not interfere with William's schedule. Hermione was back home before she learned the Library of Alexandria still existed and was devastated they hadn't visited.
Bill explained in a postscript in one of Harry's letters to her about the Skeeter problem and she agreed it wasn't fair for the escort to bring Harry to a place that had been publicly stated that he was supposed to be.
That wasn't safe or clever at all!
~~ooOOoo~~
There were only two weeks left of the holiday when Harry succeeded at achieving a fully corporeal patronus. Bill was stunned that Harry had learned the difficult charm. Harry's form was a huge lion just like his own.
Harry had also figured out how to carve a protection rune for Bill that would protect him from lethifolds. It was actually an application of parselrunes so no one else could read it but he also did them in a nice Celtic rune so Bill could see how it worked. Both had Marissa's on/off trigger.
Placed on a nearby door, Harry wasn't sure how long it would last but once charged should last for a full work day. Both Bill and Marissa were impressed but Harry claimed he'd never have been able to come up with the on/off switch and wanted the rights to use it. Forever. Without worry about patents.
Instead of allowing her to waive off her invention, Harry asked Bill to take him to Cairo. He quickly agreed. They took the opportunity to go to Gringotts with the petite curse-breaker. With a solicitor's help, Harry purchased the rights to use it and hold the patent.
As she wanted a nice tent of her own and not have to share with twenty smelly wizards, she happily agreed. Spurnik suggested using one of the extras in the Potter vault. Since Bill had the best one, the lad quickly agreed.
Marissa nervously approached the Potter Account Manager, "Do you think I could have the same tent that I thought was gifted to me –not loaned– for the person's lifetime or whatever happened?"
Harry didn't initially know he was trading her for her own tent for the patent. And Spurnik smirked and would have let him do that! But then insisted on something called residuals if the Potter heir ever marketed anything with her invention as part of it. That or accept a lump sum payment.
She accepted the gold; there were more precious stones to buy but she felt she was taking advantage of the child. And his grandparents really had tried their best to give her a wonderful start in life after the incident.
Now, she had her beloved tent again. She actually cried when getting it back. Spurnik wound up letting Bill know what had happened.
The goblin then guided the lad in removing the House sigil from the bottom of one of the corners of the tent, next to a large grommet. The coat of arms was tiny but Bill and Marissa shared a look of dawning insight: this was why the tent was recalled. It was still marked as Potter property.
Why did everything involve blood? Harry to 'claim' the sigil and Marissa to 'claim' the tent? The lad shook his head at it all and cooperated fully.
Weasley was upset she'd been hurt like that but knew Harry had nothing to do with it. It likely was something that happened during the Potter audit of 1991 but Spurnik was silent about the details.
Now, if there was another such audit, Marissa would keep her tent, fair and square.
~~ooOOoo~~
Harry wanted to make the most of the time they had left. The Weasley family was going on a brief holiday to the grounds at the Battle of Hastings. Hermione was already invited and had accepted. Again, she would be sharing a room with Ginny.
It was just before he left the dig for the summer when he hugged Dobby goodbye until the Yule holiday. The elf was fine with other people but acted like a toddler on a sugar high when around the Basilisk Slayer. As if Harry needed yet more nicknames.
Marissa in particular made sure that Harry would be back next holiday to help with the snake-tongue translations. He suggested sending him pictures. Parselmouths were common in India but they, for the most part, couldn't read the snake runes. Those who could also read parselrunes were nearly extinct due to deliberate action. Oftentimes in the distant past, those working on a monument were then sacrificed to seal the magic. This led to many with the innate ability escaping to other countries and hiding their talent.
The curse-breaker readily accepted the suggestion to send pictures. "Besides, that means you can just relax during the holiday."
Gringotts gave its people a whole two and a half days off –paid– for the human holiday. So generous. They thought.
As a farewell gift, Marissa gave Harry a camera, "I want you to take pictures all over Hogwarts. Please? I'm going to miss you."
Harry's goblins had assured him he was welcome wherever Bill was even if he did nothing of value.
As if!
Harry could imagine working on projects, or doing research, but just lazing around, doing nothing?
He couldn't do it! He wasn't built like that. Harry had received the standard translator's wages for his work. As though he were an adult. It was enough to pay for school supplies and more if he so wished.
~~ooOOoo~~
Returning to Blighty from Egypt had Harry wearing a heavier coat than just his windcheater. It was cold here!
The Battle of Hastings had been a thousand years before but on the magical side of the site, protected from muggles, there were ghosts that roamed the area, both Norman and Anglo-Saxon.
They were fascinating to talk to, well, once the translation charms kicked in. That helped.
Harry shared a room in the Weasley tent with Ron while Percy had his own. The boy was trying to reverse the 'improvements' the twins had wrought on his new badge. Big Head Boy? Seriously?
Harry shared the prank that night with Sirius who nearly fell off his bed laughing. It was good seeing his godfather so relaxed and happy.
"Marissa is helping me on a project with the goblins. She is very talented! I keep feeling I should remember her from before but can't. I do know I'm glad to have met her again. I'll let you know how it turns out." Padfoot promised. "It's something to do with Tom's soul bits."
Harry nodded, "I'm going to miss seeing you all the time. I'm glad you made these mirrors. Hermione's going back to her folks tonight. For next summer, do you think…I mean, would you make her and I a pair? Can I hire you?"
"Now, now. I know the perfect gift for you for Yule. I don't want to spoil the surprise though. If you have missed her this much and plan on talking to her during the holidays, you know what that means, right?"
"I like her?" Harry wasn't sure what the animagus meant.
"You really like her. Is she your girlfriend yet?"
Harry's look of horror was priceless! Oh, he needed to get a picture from this memory. Advising his godson, "Think about it or someone else might ask her. Quality girlfriends are hard to find."
Sirius laughed and they signed off for the night.
Harry knew that Fred liked Hermione and was planning on asking her out to Hogsmeade himself once she was in fifth year. That thought hurt his heart.
He tried to get to sleep but struggled. He had to be a Gryffindor and act! Soon!
~~ooOOoo~~
Marissa took the crystal provided by the goblins and carefully attached it to the 'bed' of the device. It was the last step before attaching the casing. Time to test it. Even though cleansed, the diary still had enough of an echo of the soul to be used for this.
She stepped back and looked at Sirius…Lord Black. No, he really didn't remember her. At least he wasn't acting like she was invisible now.
There was more than one goblin in the room; two account managers and one of the goblin curse-breakers she had worked with before.
Making sure everyone was ready, Black tapped his wand to the scanner. It started and immediately identified the diary out of several pieces there, glowing green. It also identified a small statue with a glow of orange; a deceased horcrux but not Riddle's. Good.
Next was to take it to the map room and amplify the scan. There was a piece in London, another in Little Hangleton, and a strange glow for Hogwarts. Did this mean more than one? Well, at least one was there.
Since there were more than three already taken out, this confirmed the arithmancy that there had been seven. Each horcrux destroyed would help in their quest to destroy Tom Riddle and this tool was working.
Sirius, recognizing the neighborhood when the scan drilled down on the London location, swore and was immediately chastised by the goblins present. And fined.
He handed the coins to the 'delicate flower who'd been hurt' by his words and apologized to Marissa. She whispered, "I do worse but try to watch it here."
"Bill Weasley would be the safest curse-breaker to send with me. Why? Because he is of House Black and has Black blood. I have brought him and his family back into the House as his grandmother was unfairly removed for marrying a supposed blood traitor."
Bill hadn't said anything! Wait, "Does Curse-breaker Weasley know about this great honor?" Marissa asked with only a bit of sarcasm in her voice.
Lord Black scratched his chin, "Hmm. Perhaps I should let him know. So, can I hire him to help?"
Everyone agreed to the plan.
Goldrub had the schedule in his hand, "Let us plan on addressing this issue on September first. Your requested curse-breaker will be in London at that time."
Marissa was glad to not have to go and shuddered. No, Sirius' mother was a nightmare and she was happy to avoid an unpleasant interaction with her if she was there.
Before they parted company, Sirius decided to follow the advice he just gave his godson.
~~ooOOoo~~
A/N: 'Resevus Panes' borrowed, with permission, from the wonderful author TomHRichardson.
Omake, as envisioned by TomHRichardson, to whom it is dedicated:
Resevus Panes was a very handsome man who wore flamboyant robes that could outshine the headmasters'. The tall, blond, and tanned wizard strode into the new potions lab on the second floor in style, one arm posed as if he were a model. Ventilation? Safety equipment? His old sneer nearly made a reappearance, but he was the new potions master. As hired by the great man himself. He welcomed the students with a high-pitched voice that showed a bit of a lisp.
The Slytherins sat stony-faced but the Gryffindors all smiled and not a few giggled. Potter included, the man noted.
He started the day by demonstrating the correct way to prepare the snodgrass. He then asked students to attempt to do the same, going around making corrections as needed. Their technique was appalling, especially those who should have known better.
Why were the muggleborn so much better?
If only he hadn't had to deal with Potter; the brat was his downfall. His perfect snodgrass slices were even and would blend well. Lily's technique was similar though he hated to admit it to himself. He pointed out a minor mistake on one piece and moved on.
"Sir? Didn't you just compliment Malfoy? His ingredients looked as though Marge's dog prepared it for him." Potter pointed out.
Sadly, the boy was not wrong. Dobby was no longer available to Draco and his technique was what you would expect with a boy who practically had a house-elf for everything in life. Did Dobby chew his food, too?
" Mister Malfoy comes from a great family. His is a unique technique. You are too juvenile to understand. In fact, five points to Slytherin, Mr Malfoy. Now the next step…"
Neville stood. He was done with being bullied. And while everything else in potions confused him, preparing snodgrass did not. "You ignored my preparation as you did Harry's. They are near perfect. We bought the advanced books. The ones that Snape had all Slytherins buy but 'just forgot' to mention to the others."
Harry pulled his own copy from his well-worn bag. His sellotaped shoes peeked from under his uniform.
The man exploded, "Neither you or Potter should even be allowed here!"
Hedwig, sensing Harry's upset, flew through the open window. It was a fine day. The professor, seeing the familiar, drew his wand.
Harry was not letting anyone, especially this git, cast at his white-feathered friend, and instead sent the disarming charm. With just a bit too much power.
The teacher went tumbling over the bench behind him, scattering ingredients and disturbing a cauldron that had been softly shimmering there. His blond wig came off in the upset and wound up inside said cauldron.
Neville, with his new wand, then cast an overpowered ' finite' at the downed professor. As they had already suspected.
Resevus Panes was revealed to be Severus Snape!
Hermione and Ron stood, wands drawn, to side with Harry and Neville.
The door burst open just then, "Whatever is goin' on here?" Professor McGonagall demanded. "Snape? You're not allowed here! Get up and get gone!"
"If it wasn't for these meddling kids…"
The four shared high-fives. Dumbledore was no doubt going to look 'disappointed' at them later and that was all good.
One could say, for the Greater Good.
End of Omake
A/N: Story recommended by our friend csheila: Crow by chuckling goose. Animagus Harry who stays as an animagus.
https/s/14349857/1/Crow
A/N: Story recommended by Nova, guest reader: Beekeeper's new story: Diary of Lily Evans and Magical Null Space, just completed.
https/s/14378206/1/Diary-of-Lily-Evans-and-Magical-Null-Space
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
~~ooOOoo~~
ƺ parseltongue galleons sickles ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language Copyright: The original books are all owned by JK Rowling and her associates. This piece is the intellectual property of the writer VashonBeader and her beta LtsHrIt4ThBoyz and is not to be used (or sold) elsewhere under any other name.