Chapter 3: Gold and Power

'Don't you dare to talk about Fred. What do you think he would say about you sitting here… and.. and using his death as an excuse to avoid me? To avoid all of us?' She asked angrily. Harry bowed his head. She had hit too close. 'You're right but I'd still prefer you to be alive. Even if you hate me.' He finally said, his voice hard. Abruptly, he disapparated. Ginny had no idea where he had gone. She was sure, though, that in the morning there would be hell to pay.

Harry wasn't sure where he wanted to go after disapparating out of the Burrow. Finally, he settled on Grimmauld Place. Technically, it was his house and no one would bother him there. And he definitely needed to check what the Death eaters had done to the place. He entered Sirius' old home under the shelter of his invisibility cloak, wand drawn. The reality turned out to be anticlimactic. Grimmauld Place looked mostly undisturbed. Even the Albus Dumbledore guard mummy was intact. However, there was a layer of dust over everything. He tried to be as silent as he could, still wary about any booby traps. Also, he didn't especially want to wake up Mrs. Black's portrait. He checked the old watch Mrs. Weasley had gifted him on his seventeenth birthday. It was already past midnight. He should be sleeping, he thought. He decided to go upstairs too Sirius' old bedroom.

The bed looked made but not slept in. Kreacher's doing. Kreacher! He had not even thought to talk to Kreacher. Hermione would undoubtedly have much to say of his disregard. 'Kreacher,' he called. The elf appeared instantly, looking no worse for the wear. 'Master Harry called Kreacher? Kreacher is honoured to serve Master Harry. Good to house-elves, is Master Harry,' he croaked. 'Err.. Kreacher, maybe, you shouldn't call me Master,' he began awkwardly. 'Did the Death Eaters give you much trouble after we left?' Kreacher looked at him oddly. 'Master should have more faith in Kreacher's abilities, begging the master's pardon.' His tone was scoffing.

'I just wanted you to clean up the dust in the house so that I could sleep and maybe… if you can… make sure I'm not disturbed? Basically, make sure the Weasleys, Ron or Hermione don't come here for now? If you like working at Hogwarts, then…'

'As the master wishes. Kreacher will start on the work immediately,' Kreacher spoke contemptuously, 'Master is insulting Kreacher by thinking he will like Hogwarts better.' Kreacher sniffed and disapparated. Harry felt a trifle annoyed. He had merely wanted to give Kreacher choice. He was far too tired to dwell on it, however. He would look into the matters in the morning.

Harry moped about Grimmauld Place for the next two days. Kreacher had cleaned up the house admirably and made a valiant effort to feed a reluctant Harry. The house however, despite the thorough cleaning, looked dark and depressing. Harry had repaired the torn photograph of his parents from the piece retrieved from Snape. The picture now showed a happy family, a father chasing a child on a toy broomstick while the mother laughed in the background. The photo made him wonder about what sort of life he had had then. A faint noise startled him. He was immediately ready, wand pointed in the direction of the door when it opened. He found himself facing the astonished face of Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Gawain Robards, currently the head of the Auror Department of Britain was distinctly unhappy. The cause of his unhappiness was the Minister for magic and his tendency of getting into trouble. Had it been anyone else, he would have pointed out the risks and let it be but Kingsley was also a dear friend. 'Are you sure you want to do this? You can order any auror for this,' he asked genuinely worried.

'I must Gawain, I must. I owe the lad that much at least. I am not, of course, planning to go alone. You shall come with me. Does that make you feel better?' Kingsley gave him a smile and a wink. Gawain chuckled.

'Somewhat. It'll do since I don't suppose I have a choice,' he said. 'May I know where we are going?'

'The Former Headquarter of the Order of the Phoenix,' Kingsley replied deadly serious now, 'which is at 12, Grimmauld Place.' Gawain felt his words tingle. Fidelius Charm. He gave Kingsley a calculating look. It was an odd choice for secret keeper. Kingsley caught his look and gave a sad smile. 'Merely a secondary. Albus himself was the secret-keeper,' he informed him, making sure that they were well outside the ministry perimeter. 'We'll apparate there,' Kingsley grabbed his hand. Together, they apparated onto the front step of an old-fashioned manor house. Thanks to their training, both of them had wands in their hand. Despite Gawain's objections, Kingsley put a finger on his lip for silence and thrust him back while he himself opened the door.

Gawain did not appreciate that someone was pointing his wand directly at the Minister's heart. Kingsley, however was still signalling him to keep back. 'Harry?' He heard him call. In the uncertain light of Kingsley's wand, Gawain realized that the stranger did somewhat seem like the pictures of Harry Potter. But absurdly, he also felt that the person in front of them looked too old to be merely seventeen. 'Who was with you, the night the wards broke?' The stranger's voice though soft, had an undercurrent of warning. Kingsley's mouth twitched but he kept his tone even, 'My companion was Miss Hermione Granger. Now, if you would be kind enough to tell me where did we first meet?'

'No. 4, Private Drive, you and the others had come to collect me before my hearing. Tonks' hair was bubble-gum pink.' The boy answered, his posture relaxing. He did not, however, invite them in. Gawain shifted to get a better view of both Kingsley and Harry Potter. Kingsley straightened. 'You were not at the Burrow.' It was not a question. Potter did not answer.

'Just what do you think you were doing, young man? Do you have any idea what happened in your absence? You locked your two best friends out of the house. Molly has been alternately raging or grieving over your absence. Arthur has been working himself to exhaustion trying to contact you. Ginny is out of her mind because she thinks she drove you out. And that when you had just handed over three Death Eaters who had been targeting you. Proudfoot is blaming herself for failing her duties. And what do you think I felt when I visited the burrow to talk to you about the attack and found you gone? I was afraid of finding Death Eaters here.' He had never heard Kingsley sound so angry.

Abruptly, Gawain revised his perception of their relationship. Kingsley was notorious throughout the department for his calm temperament. It had been a running joke that Kingsley could have had a brilliant career in diplomatic branch. He must be really close to Potter to be so frank. This expedition was not merely political, Potter's well-being was a genuine concern to him. Potter looked down, shame written all over his expression. 'You're right, Kingsley. I'm sorry.' For the first time he sounded like the seventeen years he was. Now that the excitement was over, he noticed the boy was trembling, his breaths ragged. He wasn't the only one. Kingsley had seen it too.

Kingsley walked inside the dimly lit room and held Potter by his shoulders, gently guiding him to an ornate chair. 'Alright?' he asked. Potter nodded slowly. 'Why don't you make the introductions,' his eyes wandering to where he was standing. Kingsley gave a very genuine smile. 'Come in, Gawain. This is Harry Potter. Harry, this is Gawain Robards, our Head Auror. I can vouch for him. He's safe.'

'Pleased to meet you, Mr. Robards,' the boy said, sounding as if he did not care one way or the other. His eyes scanned him thoroughly. Gawain could see the barely concealed scar on his forehead. 'What sort of wards did you use? Ron and Hermione were getting very distressed at not being able to enter. That's how I guessed you were here.' Kingsley sounded curious. Potter frankly grinned, though it slid off soon enough. 'I asked Kreacher,' he said sheepishly. 'Speaking of Kreacher, would you two like something? I'm sure the purpose of this visit was more than a welfare check.'

Kingsley gave Potter's hand a squeeze, his anxiety evident on his face. 'Promise me you won't do anything reckless. And go check in at the Burrow, will you?' The boy winced imperceptibly and nodded. The silence stretched on for a minute. Then, Kingsley spoke again. 'As a matter of fact, I did have a request. Do you mind if we use this place for sensitive meetings. Only the most trusted people, I assure you. You already know we have been compromised. I had the list of funerals. That was the only leak. They might even have hidden listening spells for all I know. I can hardly go on sacking anyone who's not a member of the order.' His tone was miserable but Gawain understood. The last few days at the ministry had not been pleasant. Everyone suspecting everyone else did not make for conducive work atmosphere.

'Of course, Kingsley. You don't have to ask,' Harry said sincerely. 'I warn you though. The wards are weak. Too many secret keepers. Not to mention, Yaxley. Perhaps we can reapply the Fidelius charm? Would you like to be the secret-keeper this time?' Kingsley was non-plussed. 'Why?' he asked. 'Well, you're the minister, so your security isn't in question. You aren't an obvious choice and I trust you.' Kingsley found no response to that. 'Tomorrow?' his tone was hesitant. 'Done,' came the reply. Kingsley made ready to leave. 'Go reassure your friends. I'll come in the morning with Bill to pick you up. We're meeting the goblins at Gringotts. Don't forget.' It was only out of Potter's sight that Kingsley's relief was evident.

'You were worried whether Potter would agree?' He probed. Kingsley's words were pained. 'Believe me, Gawain, that was not my worry at all.'

Hermione was sitting with Ron in his room, her expressions gloomy. Harry's disappearance had made the atmosphere, if possible, even more depressing. Kingsley had handed over her permissions only a few hours prior. Ron had volunteered to go with her but in Harry's absence, they weren't sure if it was a good idea. 'I've just settled mum. I hope Harry's alright and Kingsley isn't walking into a trap,' Ron told her as he entered the room. 'Don't know why he's been avoiding us these days.'

'I think he still feels responsible for..' Hermione had started speaking when the door opened again. It was Harry. 'Harry!' she exclaimed getting up, her arms flying around his shoulders. 'Oh, you're safe. We were so worried.' She sobbed into his shoulder. Harry patted her back and looked towards Ron who was gaping at him in astonishment.

'Did you talk to Mum and Dad?' He asked him as they all sat on Ron's old bed. 'Yeah, I've already met them. Ron, Hermione, I'm really sorry. I didn't realize.'

'Didn't realize that we care about you?' Ron looked part angry part flabbergasted. 'The last time you walked out on us, you died, Harry. It felt like the forest all over again,' Hermione whispered. Harry shifted uncomfortably. 'I.. was being a fool. I felt I was abusing your mum's hospitality. And since you both are a couple now, I didn't want to intrude.'

'Mate, it's early yet,' Ron muttered embarrassed, 'but we are your friends. Nothing is going to change that. Next time you want to do something stupid, at least tell us. And listen, as far as mum and dad are concerned, you're one of us. If something happened to you, well, what makes you think that they would feel less for you than Fred?' Harry swallowed. 'What about your parents?' He asked Hermione, changing the topic.

'Kingsley gave us the permissions today only,' Ron answered, giving Hermione a significant look. 'He talked to the Australian authorities. They even offered to help. That was nice of him to do. We're thinking of leaving tomorrow.' He had his arms around Hermione's waist. 'Oh,' Harry managed. Hermione was still in tears. 'I can't do it, Harry. Not alone. I kept thinking, if I had died, none of my family would have known. There would have been no one to even hold a service. And, what if they're angry? They would think this a very improper use of my powers, you know. What if they don't want to come back to their old life? What if I can't reverse the spell? What if I try and reverse it partially? There are so many things that could go wrong with this. What if I've lost my parents forever? I can't manage it alone. But we don't want to leave you alone either, Harry.'

Harry marveled again at the friends he had made. He had been so lost in his own tragedy that he'd forgotten. Hermione had been as much an orphan as he, at least for the past year. 'It's alright, Hermione. I won't be alone. I can't stay at the Burrow. It would be hard, without you two. But I have a meeting with goblins tomorrow. Bill and Kingsley are coming to pick me up. We're also renewing the fidelius charm. I've already asked Kingsley to be the secret keeper. You two drop by in the morning so you can get in. After that, I guess I have to visit Teddy. And Kingsley already asked me if he could use Grimmauld Place for his meetings. I'll visit the Burrow, frequently. See, I won't be alone. In fact, I even repaired Siri's mirror. I think my Dad and his friends had more than one pair. Why don't you both come visit and we dig it out? It would be easier to connect that way.'

'That's great, Harry! I'll go ask mum. She won't be thrilled, mind. But I can convince her if you agree to have dinner here,' with that, Ron started for downstairs. In the end, the three friends did a lot more than digging out an old two-way mirror. Hermione had taken Harry to task over the place's décor and Kreacher had turned out to be quite willing to take out portraits and tapestries hung using permanent sticking charms so long as they didn't intend to throw them. Ron and Hermione helped Harry choose photographs to decorate the kitchen and living room. Harry was surprised at how different the house looked after the changes. It looked much cozier. Like home, he thought. The evening provided the three with a welcome respite.

The next morning came quicker than Harry had wished. He groomed himself with special care that day. Goblins would not look kindly on sloppiness. Ron and Hermione came early to wait for Kingsley. Kingsley and Bill arrived soon after nine and busied themselves with setting up the charm. Harry was surprised to learn how complicated the enchantment was and alarmed to learn that he was the one who needed to take down the old one. 'It's your house, Harry. You're the only one who can take down the fidelius without ripping apart the rest of the enchantments. I have never cast a fidelius charm myself, though I understand the theory well enough. That's why I wanted Bill here to oversee.' Kingsley informed him. Harry was strangely elated to realize that feeling and taking down the wards came easily to him.

Once the charm was set up and Ron and Hermione had gained entry to the house, they bid Harry a quick though rather teary farewell promising each other to take care. Kingsley sat on the sofa drinking orange juice while Bill instructed Harry on how to behave in front of goblins. 'Let me do most of the talking, Harry. Answer only when addressed. And never ever make the mistake of lying to a goblin. They always know. Goblins only respect strength. Whatever you do, don't appear weak. Their morality is different from ours so be careful,' he explained. Harry nodded committing the words to his memory. 'You take care too, Kingsley. You're the minister now. Are you sufficiently rested for apparition?' Bill added looking at Kingsley. 'Yes, come,' Kingsley nodded extending one hand to Harry and the other to Bill. Together they reached Gringotts.

They smelled trouble immediately when they realized that the Goblin negotiating team included Ragnork. He was their most senior Gobin and effectively the director of Gringotts. And behind the negotiating goblins stood Griphook, bound and gagged with silver chains. 'Welcome to Gringotts,' one of the goblins said, 'My name is Alfric and we're here to escort you to the negotiation room.' He gave an appraising look to the three wizards.

The negotiation room turned out to be more comfortable and better furnished than harry had anticipated. It was a large room with black animal hide sofas though Harry wasn't sure which animal. The glass table and the hangings were probably goblin-crafted and priceless. Even the cushions were fine silk and delicately embroidered. 'Acromantula silk,' Bill nodded appreciatively as he shook hands with Ragnork. 'Well met, Ragnork! I was not expecting you.' The goblin Ragnork gave a toothy smile. 'It isn't everyday that we get a chance to negotiate with such wealthy and famous patrons,' he said looking at Harry inviting them all to sit. And then the negotiations began in earnest.

The goblins accused Harry of robbery of a very secure vault, aided and abetted by a traitor and demanded recompense. They accused wizards of less than fair dealings with goblins. Bill and Kingsley reassured them on many points and countered many others as Harry watched mutely. The back and forth continued for some time till one goblin, by the name of Arnulf, finally addressed Harry. 'Mr. Potter, what would you like to say in your own defence?' Harry licked his lips, considering his next words carefully. 'I indeed robbed the vault, Arnulf, and to that you are entitled to your recompense. I care very little for the gold or the prestigious artefacts in my vaults, except as a symbol of my parents who I no longer remember. As to the intent of my robbery, it was not greed, rather the desire to see the world free of Voldemort's influence. You say he was a problem for wizards, but Gringotts had little success in keeping his followers out this past year. And frankly, I'm surprised that you all allowed such dark artefacts within your vault.' He took out the cup, now disfigured by the basilisk poison and put it on the table. 'I imagine you could feel the traces of residual magic in it better than I. I make no claim to it. I know your race cares little for what we, wizards, call dark magic but objects like these have a potential to.. to contaminate. This is yours for the keeping. I believe it is not beyond a goblin's skill to recraft it.' The goblins stared at Harry. Slowly and very cautiously, Ragnork picked up the mutilated cup.

He fingered it for a while, finally satisfied with his findings. This time he turned to speak to Harry personally. 'I see you speak the truth, Mr. Potter and on this point, I am willing to concede. I can feel how this wizard you call Voldemort has defiled such a precious creation. We, goblins have little use for such crude methods to preserve life and you did no more than what we would have done to preserve our creation's sanctity.' His tone showed equal measure of scorn at the wizards' limited abilities and a grudging respect for Harry.

'I see that the accounts of your robbing Gringotts are nothing more than rumours yet?' Ragnork changed his tack. 'It wasn't a publicity stunt,' Harry said angrily. Ragnork laughed. A full, deep throated goblin laugh. 'We're prepared to forget the incident, provided that any discussions of the robbery include clarification that you couldn't have done it without inside help.' He pushed Griphook to the front. 'And the traitor has been found and dealt with,' he all but snarled. Harry blinked. 'Agreed to the first. It was never my intention to lie. But what will happen to Griphook?'

'Why, Mr. Potter? A bit of good old-fashioned goblin justice,' Ragnork said baring his teeth. 'Then there's no way I'll agree with it,' Harry warned. 'I did not defeat Voldemort only to turn a blind eye to such practices. It's your right to punish him or dismiss him from employment but I will not condone torture or wanton killing. No matter what they cost me personally,' Harry's voice was hard. Ragnork's shocked expression soon turned into a smile. 'Griphook warned us that you were a most unusual wizard, Mr. Potter. We underestimated you, too our detriment. Well played, Mr. Potter. We agree to your terms. Just sign the agreement with those terms. As a gesture of goodwill,' Ragnork vanished Griphook's chains. Perhaps that was only to test Harry.

'And my friends, Ron and Hermione, they won't be persecuted, right?' he asked. 'If you take all responsibility, then no, they won't come into it,' Ragnork said offering the parchment for Harry to read. Bill, Kingsley and Harry went through the contract and on the other two's nods, Harry signed. Ragnork shook Harry's hand, vanishing the parchment. 'Now that the unfortunate business is behind us, Mr. Potter, I'm pleased to inform you that as you are seventeen, your trust vault has been merged with the main vault. You are now in possession of about 22 million galleons combining the Potter and the Black main vaults. This tally does not include the various artefacts in either vault or the investments or the real estate holdings owned by both the families. The income generated from the Potter holdings is about a million galleons per year whereas that from the Black holdings is about one and a half million. In addition, you also own the contents of vault no 114, belonging to the former headmaster Albus Dumbledore. We had been instructed to hand it over either to you or destroy its contents without looking.'

The announcement left Harry more than a little shell shocked. 'If you wish to visit any of the vaults, that can be arranged. However, considering your lack of knowledge regarding your finances,' Ragnork said, curling his lip, 'I suggest that you schedule a meeting with Arnulf at a later date. He is one of our best account manager and a shrewd investment advisor.' Harry ultimately decided to visit Dumbledore's vault and said his goodbyes to Bill and Kingsley. Bill took him aside to warn him, 'Harry, take care. You've earned the goblins' respect in a way few ever do. But if you somehow disappoint them, their retribution will be worse than you can imagine.'

'I'll keep that in mind,' Harry promised as he started towards Dumbledore's vault. The vault, Harry realized was filled with all variety of fascinating and dangerous artefacts, priceless scrolls and books, and a letter to Harry. The letter explained how Dumbledore did not trust anyone but Harry to take care of such dangerous and tempting objects. Harry was both proud and a bit sad to realize how highly Dumbledore had rated him. He resisted the temptation to look into the mirror of Erised, kept covered in a corner. He returned to Grimmauld place with a few books he found interesting, a million questions and a determination to write to Elphias Doge.

Harry had long since forgiven Dumbledore for the part he had played in his walk to the forest. If his conversation with his old mentor at King's Cross was real, he probably understood his motivations better than most people in the world. Still, he felt a desperate desire to hear the insight from someone who had known him as a child. With that in mind, he penned the letters to Elphias Doge and Aberforth Dumbledore. He felt an unexpected pang of loss for his loyal owl Hedwig. He knew he would have to get another owl eventually. However, he childishly did not want a new owl. He wanted his old one. He blinked away the tears from his eyes. He was expected to meet his godson.

Andromeda Tonks tried, and failed to assess the self-possessed young man who was her grandson's godfather. Truth be told, she had not expected him to visit her for the purpose of getting to know Teddy. She knew Dora and her son-in-law had thought highly of the boy, but there was a lot of difference between a good leader and a good godparent. She welcomed him in and invited him to Teddy's nursery. Teddy was awake and regarding the stranger with his large, brown eyes. 'Do you want to hold him?' She asked Harry. 'I've never held a baby before,' his reply was diffident. 'Time you learnt,' she told him cheerfully as she adjusted his grip and handed over Teddy. Teddy fussed for a moment then screwed his face in concentration. His hair, which had been bright green some time ago changed to messy and raven coloured mirroring his godfather. He stroked his hair gently, laughing.

Looking at the pair, Andromeda's doubts about the young godfather lessened. Harry, very obviously, adored his godson. Soon enough, Teddy started shrieking. Harry tried to soothe him, looking to her in alarm. 'Do you want a lesson in feeding him and changing his nappy?' She asked. She was pleased to see the determined nod. 'Very well. The milk in the kitchen needs to be warmed and the nappies are there on that shelf. Keep the milk on the stove and bring the nappies. I'll show you how to change him.'

A few hours later, an exhausted but satisfied Andromeda waved off Harry. 'I'll visit again soon,' he told her. 'If you need anything, just send a message. I'll ask Kreacher if you need more help with housework or such.' He was gone in a flash but Andromeda sat on her bed, smiling contentedly. Little Teddy, who had been tucked in his crib by a doting godfather, would not lack for love. He would have a grandma and a godfather who would take an active interest in his life. He would have a godfather who'll tell him stories of his father, who he could go for advice about his schoolwork and when old enough, about approaching the girls in his life. It was a poor consolation for her loss, she knew, but, it would make all the difference to Teddy's life.

Gawain Robards was getting steadily angrier at Kingsley Shacklebolt. First, he had insisted on holding the meetings at a location he had had no chance to vet. Even worse, he, along with some of the most important government officials, was waiting at the entrance to the no 12, Grimmauld Place at the behest of a house-elf. Thankfully, the master of the house, Harry Potter himself appeared before Gawain could confront the Minister. 'How many of them did he make?' He asked. The boy was cautious, Gawain had to give him that. 'Seven, including the unintentional one.' Kingsley smile. 'Come in, all of you. Next time, if you want to wait, wait inside. You do realize how dangerous this was?' Potter asked the minister sternly. Gawain reluctantly agreed with his sentiments.

Kingsley looked uncomfortable but didn't say anything. When he spoke, it was about the house. 'Nice décor, Harry. Now everyone, this is Harry Potter. Harry, this is my cabinet. You've already met Proudfoot and Gawain. This is James Faulkner, head of international magical co-operation department, Agatha Boot, Head of Spellcraft and Wizarding Development, Anthony Jones, head of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes and a Governor in the Board of St Mungo's and Rebecca James, head of the department of Magical Transport.' Kingsley pointed to each person in succession. Most of them nodded, regarding Potter with frank curiosity. James was wearing rather fashionable robes, Gawain noted and Agatha was smiling rather oddly, looking very like her son.

'Now, our Aurors, this is Sanjeev Pathak, head of DMLE.' Sanjeev nodded a polite hello, his wheatish complexion contrasting sharply with the pale faces around him. 'I've read about you,' Potter interjected. 'The Death Eaters wanted you dead. You just disappeared. What did you do?' He was staring at him incredulously. Proudfoot shook her head. 'He refused to sign your arrest warrant and authorize the search,' she said shortly. 'But why?' Potter's tone was even more incredulous. 'My honour isn't for sale, at least yet. I couldn't hand over a seventeen year old to Death Eaters to be murdered. Oh, I knew they'd find someone eventually but it wasn't going to be me. My wife, Renuka is a diplomat back in India. She got her posting changed and took me with her. We tried to get help from the Indian authorities. Not everyone has to be in the Order of the Phoenix to help, you know. I miss her though. Britain is a popular posting in India and it would take a while to get it back now. We've only been married two years.'

Potter blinked and shook Sanjeev's hand. Kingsley quickly introduced Adrian Savage, the security detail and Potter excused himself to upstairs. The meeting had a rocky start with no one agreeing on the name for the treasurer. Gardner, Whitmer, Davies, Hathaway were the various suggestions. Gardner was not the most diplomatic while Whitmer lacked expertise. Davies was too young while Hathaway quite controversial. The matter of Death Eater hunting wasn't any better. His aurors had got nowhere with Lucius Malfoy. His department was severely understaffed and the dementors were missing in action from Azkaban. Kingsley's position itself was very precarious.

Gawain, himself was very unsettled with Kingsley's approach. When Kingsley got up to get something to the kitchen, Gawain followed him. 'Kingsley, are you sure this home is safe?' He asked bluntly. Kingsley looked up in mild surprise. 'This is Harry Potter's residence that once was Black Manor and used as the headquarter for the Order of the Phoenix. This house is warded by every protective enchantment available including the fidelius.'

Gawain ground his teeth. 'What I meant was, is Potter's presence here safe?' Kingsley gave him a suspicious look. 'Gawain, are you seriously considering that Harry Potter will betray us to the Death Eaters?'

'Well, not on purpose. I will confess to being worried about youthful indiscretions.' He persisted. Kingsley visibly tried to calm himself. 'Gawain, this is Harry Potter we are talking about. If he were prone to youthful indiscretions, he would not be alive today. He is a friend, Gawain. I am not asking you to trust him immediately. At least give him the benefit of doubt.'

'I do not like taking risks with your safety, Kingsley,' he sighed defeated. Kingsley wasn't listening. His eyes were fixed on the envelopes kept on the counter. One of them were addressed to Elphias Doge. 'Doge,' Kingsley breathed. 'He is the answer to our problems, if he'll agree. He will be popular both with Dumbledore's progressive supporters and a perfect compromise candidate supported by the purebloods.' Gawain perked up. Kingsley's reasoning made a lot of sense.

They were both interrupted by a curt voice. 'Are you two done with discussing my correspondence?' It was Potter. Kingsley found his voice first. 'Harry, You are still awake? Come, we didn't go any further than the address. You were talking to Doge?' There were dark circles under Potter's eyes and his glance was troubled. Why hadn't he noticed it before? 'It was about Dumbledore. I obviously couldn't send it. I realized that I no longer had an owl and I imagine me visiting a public owlery wouldn't go down well.' He said dryly. 'In fact, I haven't seen my firebolt since then either.' Kingsley smiled indulgently. 'I'll get it posted if you want. I'd be rather obliged if you talk to him on my behalf as well.'

'What are you offering him exactly? And why not directly?'

'Officially, the post of Treasurer. Unofficially, being my advisor and guide. Albus often associated with people who were, for a lack of better word, extraordinary. You've met Professor Slughorn. Elphias works on somewhat similar motivations. Your asking will improve the chances of his agreeing.' Kingsley said earnestly. 'Your firebolt, I believe is with Andromeda. Ask her the next time you visit Teddy.'

'Thanks, Kingsley. I'll ask him. How long are you staying by the way?'

'Oh, we're just wrapping up,' Kingsley took in Potter's appearance. 'Don't let us keep you from your rest.'

Gawain groaned after Potter had shuffled upstairs. He was sure he hadn't heard the last of Potter.

A/N: Like always, please read and review. Now, for some explanations, I know Harry's behaviour wasn't the best but hey, he admitted it. As for Hermione, it has always bugged me how the issue with her parents is brushed under the rug. To me, it's quite as bad as Imperius. So, expect a frank discussion on the topic. I promise, there will be a lot of girl stuff in the coming chapters.

Hope you liked the OCs. As for Ministry, I imagine, just after a war like this, there would be a lot of confusion. And as Kingsley said, you can't dismiss everyone. Let's wait and watch.