Chapter 10: I'll be Home for Christmas

Four hours later, the door opened and a very tired Harry, laden with shopping bags, walked through the doorway before collapsing into the sofa.

"Richard," Harry looked up at the smirking Granger who followed right behind him. "I apologize. I thought you were exaggerating."

"Not in the slightest," Richard laughed. "If you were older, I'd offer you a pint."

"Oh come on Harry," Hermione said as she carried the rest of the bag into the house. "It wasn't that bad. Plus, you made it worse."

"How did I make it worse?" Harry asked, incredulously.

"What happens if you fight Devil's Snare?"

"It tightens its hold and you can't get it off," Harry nodded.

"Exactly," Hermione said. "You fought the trip, especially at the end. Had you relaxed, it would have been easier.

"Besides," Hermione softened her voice. "Isn't it nice to have your own wardrobe? To have someone who cares enough to buy you clothes that actually fit?"

"You're right, Hermione," Harry said, realizing he sounded more than a little ungrateful. "Thank you, all three of you, for everything you've done."

Helen smiled, glad to impart some joy onto the young boy.

Later that night, Harry and the Grangers were in the library reading and Harry finally cracked into the Wizarding Families of Britain, where he found a very special entry:

Potter: The Potter family is one of the oldest in all of Britain, tracing its origins back to the Roman Occupation. It is rumored to have ties with Merlin, Arthur Pendragon and the Knights of the Round Table. Their family can be linked with the Peverell and Gryffindor families. Potters have a strong history of Battle Magic.

Harry had no idea his family was this old.

"Hermione, check this out," he moved next to her.

"Wow! Dating back to Merlin!?" Hermione said. "That's incredible!"

"I wonder if there's anything left, heirlooms or anything. It would be a shame if all that history was lost, you know?" Harry asked and Hermione nodded. "Maybe Gringotts would know something. They manage the wealth of the wizarding world after all."

"We thought we'd do some Christmas shopping tomorrow," Helen spoke up. "Maybe we could make a stop by the Alley and you could visit the bank?"

"I would like that," Harry said. "It would also give me an opportunity to do some shopping of my own."

Harry returned to the book, searching for more about Flamel. He laughed and pointed out to Hermione that Malfoy's family dated back to only the 13th century when they moved from France. Apparently, they were goat herders and made their name selling livestock.

"Not really the noblest of heritage, is it?" Harry asked a giggling Hermione. "I wouldn't care if he didn't act quite so haughty. It says here even Crabbe and Goyle have a longer family history, albeit a little dark."

"Next time he spouts off, you should remind him," Hermione said.

"That'll get his goat, for sure." Harry was outright laughing.

"Ha!" Harry snapped up to see Richard laughing too. "Get his goat! Good one, Harry."

"I didn't even mean to do that one." Even Helen got in on the laughter this time.

Harry looked down at the book and finally saw it: Nicholas Flamel. He gasped and Hermione scooted closer, intrigued by his reaction.

Nicolas Flamel gets unique distinction in this book as he is French, not British. However, it is his achievements that are worth noting. The famed alchemist celebrated his 660th birthday with his wife (653) at the publishing of this book through his breakthrough with the Philosopher's Stone, sometimes known as the Sorcerer's Stone. The Stone will transform any metal into gold and can also be used to create the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal. He has also discovered the 12 uses of dragon's blood with Albus Dumbledore.

"That's it!" Hermione exclaimed. "The Philosopher's Stone. That's what Fluffy is guarding!"

"It's probably also what was taken from Gringott's. It would all fit."

"I'm sorry," Richard interrupted them. "Fluffy? Philosopher's Stone?"

"At the opening feast, Headmaster Dumbledore told us there was a corridor that was off limits," Hermione explained to her parents. "Harry also saw an article stating that something was stolen from Gringotts on the day Harry and Hagrid visited. We also learned from Fred and George Weasley- Hogwarts' resident pranksters, found out there's a three-headed dog guarding it. Hagrid has named it Fluffy."

"And this is normal?" Helen asked, more than a little frightened.

"According to the upper years? No. This has never happened before," Hermione explained. "Harry and I were just trying to figure out what the dog is guarding, which we just surmised is the Sorcerer's Stone."

"Now the only question: who is Dumbledore hiding it from?" Harry pondered. "Snape has been poking around the corridor but Dumbledore appears to trust them."

"A good question," Hermione yawned. "For another day. I'm heading to bed. I'll see you tomorrow."

The following day found Harry standing before the bank of Gringotts. Hermione wrapped her arm around him and led him into the building. Helen and Richard joined them in line for a teller. Eventually, they were called forward.

"What do you need, Wizard?" the gravelly voice of the Goblin called to them.

"I was hoping to get information about any heirlooms or vaults my family might have, please," Harry said.

Please? From a wizard? The goblin thought.

"Key," he held out his hand and Harry placed the key into his hand. "Down the hallway to the left. Ask for Gripclaw."

"Thank you," Harry said, taking the key back, "May my companions come with me?"

"As long as you allow them, they are permitted. Next!"

A little jarred, Harry and the Grangers moved through to the office and knocked on the door with the gold plaque that said "Gripclaw."

"Enter!"

Opening the door, Harry found a huge office with a squat goblin with silver hair sitting behind an executive desk made of Mahogany.

"Mr. Potter!" Gripclaw. "It is about damn time!"

"Excuse me, sir?"

"I have been waiting for this day for years, the day where I would once again be serving House Potter."

"I am sorry to keep you waiting. I was raised in the muggle world and hence I am looking for any information about my family."

"Well, better late than never," Gripclaw waved his hand and a folder floated toward Harry. "This is a list of your accounts and totals. You will not be able to access anything beyond Vault 687 until you come of age at age seventeen. However, you can reactivate the accounts to allow us to invest in them properly again. They have been dormant since your father went into hiding and hence have not grown beyond the standard interest."

"Thank you, Gripclaw. I would imagine the goblins are good with investments and would trust any input you have. Does my family still have any properties and, while I cannot access the vaults, would it be possible to remove anything?"

"Wise question, Mr. Potter," Gripclaw tapped his desk and a symbol lit up. "Potter Manor was attacked and was the reason your parents went into hiding. It would need some repair and, while you cannot access the vault, you can authorize us to repair the manor, using funds from the main vault to do so. As for taking anything out, I can only take one thing out for you, it is being delivered as we speak, along with some gold if you're to do any holiday shopping."

As if on cue, a goblin came in with an old book, wrapped in red leather, POTTER was written on the cover in gold lettering.

"This is your family Grimoire," Gripclaw said. "This is where all the knowledge of the family is stored. It will automatically update should you create any new spells, spell chains or achieve something truly historic."

Harry ran his fingers over the book.

"A word of warning," Gripclaw saw the look on Hermione's face. "What is in here, is for your eyes only. Should anyone else try to read this book, they would be blinded for a day, worse if they tried to steal it from you. You can share the knowledge if you wish but be careful. Family magic is rare, some of it centuries old and the old families are very particular about who knows their secrets."

Hermione pulled her hands back as if burned. Harry looked at her and reassured her.

"I'll let you know if there's anything that I think you should know," Harry said.

Turning back to Gripclaw, he continued.

"Thank you for this, Gripclaw. I'll let you know about Potter Manor when I make a decision. How long would it take to repair?"

"The damage was extensive. It would probably take our best team at least a year to do it, more if we have a snowier than normal year."

"Thank you, Gripclaw." Harry hoisted the Grimoire and account statements under his arm, grabbed his money bag, and, together with the Grangers, made his way out of the bank.

"Now, that that's out of the way, let's do some shopping," Harry said. "Flourish and Blotts first, I assume?"

Hermione squealed and soon Harry found himself being dragged toward the bookstore.

"That boy really doesn't know what he's getting himself into, does he?" Richard asked. Grabbing Helen's hand, they followed in the kids' wake.

A few hours later, they arrived home, pleased but still energized from the day.

"It's a nice day, Hermione," Helen said. "Why don't you show Harry the neighborhood while I prepare dinner?"

Bundled up, Hermione walked Harry around the neighborhood, showing him her former school.

"No way!" Hermione groaned as she heard a voice she hoped she'd never hear again. "How's it going, Beaker?"

How LuAnne came up with that nickname, Hermione never knew. She turned and saw the LuAnne, her platinum blonde hair sticking out from under her knit hat. Hermione tried to walk away but LuAnne followed them.

"I haven't seen you in months, Beaker! They told me you ran away, that you weren't coming back. I've missed you so much! Who is that with you, your boyfriend? What kind of freak would actually spend time with you?"

Hermione gasped, worried that LuAnne's invective toward Harry might trigger him. Suddenly, she could feel Harry's magic in the air. It was just like the when the troll threatened her.

"LuAnne, I presume?" Harry said, his voice lacking all warmth. "I've heard so much about you. My name's Harry and I'm a classmate of Hermione's. You know it's a shame you used Hermione for her brains, rather than actually befriending her. She's currently top of the class at a special school for only the most gifted students. You spend so much time trying to look pretty but it can only hide your true visage under a pale veneer. Meanwhile, Hermione here outshines you without even trying. Stop trying to bring her down and just leave her alone, would you? I think that'd be best for everyone."

"Wow," LuAnne sneered at him. "You must actually be freak."

"Stick around and find out how FREAKY I can be," Harry then waved her away.

Suddenly frightened, LuAnne stumbled backward, falling on a patch of ice. Embarrassed, she gathered her wits and moved along.

"I think that's enough of a tour," Harry turned to her. She seemed withdrawn and near tears again. "Remember that whatever happens, I'm your friend."

Hermione hugged him and they headed back toward the house.

A few days later, a small earthquake woke Harry up.

"Merry Christmas!" Hermione's bushy head of hair was all Harry could see when he opened his eyes.

"Hermione?" Harry trying to get his brain to completely wake up. "What time is it?"

"Five a.m.!"

Harry groaned. There was simply no good reason to be this chipper this early in the morning.

"Don't you want to see what Santa brought?" Hermione bounced his bed again, trying to rouse him.

"I think I'd need my glasses first," Harry said, wiping his face with one hand, searching for his glasses with the other.

"Here you go," Hermione slid the glasses into his hand. "Though it's a shame you have to wear them; your eyes are really quite beautiful."

Hermione blushed and shifted off the bed.

"Come on! Presents!" She nearly dragged him out of bed.

Groggily, Harry made his way down the stairs to the most enchanting sight this side of Hogwarts. In the main room, next to the fireplace stood a Christmas tree, lights glimmering in the dark room. Piled around the tree was a collection of presents, wrapped in an amazing collection of wrapping paper.

"Good morning, Harry," Richard entered from the kitchen, holding a cup of coffee. "I see my Little Princess has roused you at this lovely hour?"

"Happy Christmas Richard, Helen!" Harry called to the elder Grangers. "How are you alert this early?"

"Coffee," Helen said with a yawn. "We learned years ago to be up early. One year, we tried to get Hermione to sleep in a little. Next thing we know, there's a loud pop and she appears downstairs."

Harry laughed at his now embarrassed friend.

"At least you didn't have to call the fire department to get her down," Harry said. "When I did that, I ended up on top of the schoolhouse."

"Well ever since then," Richard continued. "We learned to be up early and brew coffee. Usually, we prefer tea but Christmas is a day for coffee. Well, we've stalled long enough. Hermione, would you like to pass out presents?"

Jumping up, Hermione started handing out the gifts, including one to Harry, which surprised him.

"I… didn't expect anything," Harry let his hands glide over the parcel, wrapped in green paper with a gold bow. To Harry from Hermione, it read.

With delicate reverence, Harry opened his first ever Christmas present- the first he could remember anyway. The paper fell away to reveal a book, Ender's Game.

"It's a story about a boy who goes to a special school and excels using strategic thinking," Hermione explained. "I thought you would enjoy it."

"Thank you. Your turn now," Harry handed her a package.

"Oh Harry, you shouldn't have!" Hermione said as a Complete Works of Shakespeare fell into her hands.

"I actually found this at Flourish and Blotts, if you can imagine," Harry explained. "You just need to say which of his works you want to read and it will appear on the next page you turn. That keeps the book from being too bulky. Figured you'd want to have this at school."

"Thank you, Harry," Hermione hugged him. "I love it."

Before long, the paper was strewn around the room. Hermione's parents loved Harry's gifts to them.

"1001 puns for the aspiring jokester!" Richard laughed at the book. "Thank you! What'd Harry get you, Helen?"

"Ear plugs," Helen smiled. "He also got me a new copy of The Iliad and the Odyssey."

"I thought you might like it. Homer and Shakespeare are sort of similar."

"I haven't read this in ages. Thank you, Harry."

Harry had also given Hermione some chocolates from a place called "Honeydukes." Apparently, they were the best chocolates this side of France. He also took the opportunity to buy some for Daphne, Tracey and Hermione's dormmates. To Neville, he bought a book on Magical plants of the Mediterranean and for Ron, he got him a book on Quidditch tactics.

For not expecting anything, Harry was overwhelmed by the gifts. Daphne, Tracey with, surprisingly, Crabbe and Goyle, had sent him a set of elegant self-inking quills with a note that read thank you for treating us as individuals. Neville sent Harry a book on defensive magic and Ron gave him his very own chess set but it was the last bit that really sent him over the edge.

"Harry, it looks like you have two more," Hermione said, bringing him two packages.

Recognizing the handwriting, Harry first opened the one from Hagrid.

"I know you said you didn't have any pictures of your parents so I contacted their friends from school," Hagrid wrote. "They sent me these and I thought you'd like to have them."

Into Harry's hands fell a photo album, every page containing pictures of his parents. Some from their school days, some from their wedding and even a few featuring Harry as a baby.

"Your mother was so beautiful," Hermione said, looking over Harry's shoulder at the picture of Lily and James Potter, holding baby Harry. Harry was sleeping in Lily's arms as James held on to Lily. Together they swayed the small bundle while smiling at the camera. The next picture was the same, with his parents smiling at the baby in her arms. "You truly did inherit your father's looks with your mother's eyes."

Tears flowed freely from all four present as Harry drank in every picture on every page.

"Remind me to add my dad's letter to this once we get back to school," Harry said as he leaned into Hermione to keep upright. Slowly, he picked up the last package, wrapped simply with a note written in an elegant hand.

Your father left this with me when he died. It is time I returned it to you.

Out of the package fell a lightweight silver piece of fabric that almost felt like water in his hands.

"Wonder what this is?" Harry thought aloud.

"Looks like a cloak of some kind," Richard said. "You see the hood? Put it on."

Harry stood up and wrapped the cloak around his shoulders.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "Your body is gone. I think I know what that is; it's an invisibility cloak! I've read about them, they're supposed to be really rare!"

"Apparently it was my fathers," Harry said, taking off the cloak and running his fingers through it again.

Before long, Harry gathered his gifts, taking them back up to his room. Setting them aside, he walked back into the kitchen to help Helen with Christmas Dinner. Putting the finishing touches on the seasoning for the roast before setting it in the oven, Harry moved on to the potatoes he was braising, adding lemon and chives to the skillet.

"Mmm," the smells attracted Hermione to the kitchen. "What are you two making?"

"Harry helped me season the roast which is in the oven and he's making potatoes while I'm working on assembling a salad for us."

A short while later, Harry sat at the table and dug into Christmas dinner, savoring the experience of eating the meal he helped create. That night, before bed, he hugged Hermione extra tight.

"Thank you," he said. "This holiday has been an incredible time. It has been wonderful to feel included like I am part of a family."

"I am happy to do it," Hermione eased back from the hug. "Happy Christmas, Harry."

The rest of the holiday moved quickly after that. With help from Richard and Helen, Harry was able to learn that he would inherit quite a bit of wealth once he came of age.

"It's not enough that you won't have to work but it should set you up nicely going forward," Richard said. "If you didn't have anything to do, it would last multiple lifetimes but a lot of this will be going to restoring your family home."

Harry nodded along, listening closely when Richard offered his advice on some investments and money management in general. Harry mailed Gripclaw, asking about investing in certain muggle companies. Gripclaw was intrigued by the possibilities that offered them. Dealing with purebloods, they never considered the potential gains of muggle investments. Promising to keep in touch, the goblins got to work setting up the infrastructure to allow their new venture to succeed.

All too soon, it was time to head back to Hogwarts and begin the next term.

"Thank you for everything," Harry said to the Grangers as they made to board the train. "I had a wonderful time."

"We enjoyed having you," Helen said. She wrapped him in a hug, noticing he no longer flinched at her contact; he was healing. "You are welcome any time, Harry."

"Have a good term, Princess," Richard held on to his daughter for an extra second. "I love you."

"Love you, daddy," Hermione moved away to hug her mom. "I'll miss you both."

"Have a good term," Richard said. "Both of you. Hopefully, you can stay for a bit during the summer, Harry?"

Trying not to think of the summer, when he'd have to return to Privet Drive, Harry smiled and nodded before turning to board the train.

Joined once again by the same crew who shared the compartment the ride down, Harry looked out the window, ready for the next term, excited for all the magic he had yet to learn.