Harry closed his eyes as the Hospital Wing began to spin around him. He opened them a few moments later when he felt Hermione take the necklace away from him.
Hermione looked toward the grandfather clock on the other side of the room. "High noon. Perfect. Thank Merlin nobody is in here right now. Madam Pomfrey must be in the Great Hall for lunch. Come on. And we can't be seen."
"Wish I had my Invisibility Cloak," Harry said.
Hermione rolled her eyes and tapped her wand on the top of his head. He felt a cool sensation, like an egg running down the back of his neck. Then she did the same to herself.
"Disillusionment Charm," Harry said, "Good idea. Wait, I can still see you."
"I can see you too," Hermione said, "It is a simple modification to the Charm, so we can see each other. Otherwise, we wouldn't know where each other is. However, we can still be heard and people can still walk into us."
"And Mrs. Norris can probably smell us," Harry added.
"Right," Hermione said, "So we need to be careful. Come on."
Hermione took Harry's hand and made their way out of the Hospital Wing, moving slowly just in case Madam Pomfrey was still somewhere in the Wing. They headed through the corridors and made their way toward the Grand Staircase. Harry was still trying to process everything in his mind. Somehow they had traveled nearly four years back in time. But instead of remaining in their older bodies, they were once again thirteen and fourteen years old. With their knowledge of the future, and apparently magical abilities of their older selves to boot, they could change the future for the better.
Harry realized that – if done right – he could destroy Voldemort in the graveyard the night he attempted to return to full body. He and Hermione would just need to find the Horcruxes again. Which should be easy now that they knew where they were. The only one they had no experience with was the ring at the Gaunt residence. It would take a few miracles, but if done right, they could save Sirius, Cedric Diggory, Mad-Eye, Ted Tonks and everyone else who had died.
It was strange hearing the peaceful silence as they walked through the corridors. What seemed like minutes ago – though technically it was nearly four years into future – these halls were the sights of deadly battles, war and chaos.
Ten minutes after they left the Hospital Wing, they were standing Disillusioned in front of the Room of Requirement. Harry stared at the wall for a moment, then turned to Hermione.
"Should we get the Diadem?" Harry asked.
"And do what with it?" Hermione asked, "We can't destroy it yet. We don't have the means."
"The Sword of Gryffindor – impregnated with Basilisk venom – is in Dumbledore's office," Harry said.
"We can't take it right now!" Hermione said, "Dumbledore would surely notice. He probably would have noticed before he requested us to go back in time. We can't risk that. Let's just leave the Diadem where it is. It will be fine until we can take it."
"Alright," Harry said.
He paced back and forth in front of the wall, and thought to himself "We need a room where we can sit and relax and have a discussion." He repeated the phrase twice more and smiled when the familiar door appeared. He opened the door and led Hermione into the room. Harry was rather surprised when he found that the room had replicated the Gryffindor Common Room. He lead Hermione over to a couch in front of a roaring hearth and they sat down.
They stared at each other for a moment. Then they met in the middle in a deep and passionate kiss. It was a kiss of love, but also of relief that they were okay and together. They both knew they had just been through a series of events that could have ended in their deaths. They had been trapped in that cabinet, and if it wasn't for whatever magic that made them travel through time, they could have died in that cabinet. Draco Malfoy and his cronies could have torn apart that cabinet and both of them with their onslaught of spells. Both Harry and Hermione knew that, and their kiss phrased that in a way words could not express.
When Hermione backed away to catch her breath, Harry wrapped his arm around her waist and she smiled and curled up against him.
"I love you, Harry," Hermione said, "I wouldn't want to be in this... scenario we're in... with anyone else."
"I love you too, Hermione," Harry said. "I wanted to tell you for so long, but something was holding me back."
"It wasn't your fault, Harry," Hermione said, as she looked at him, "It was Amortentia."
"Love Potion?" Harry asked.
"Ron and Molly dosed us both with Love Potion," Hermione said, "Ron told me that. Yours was keyed to Ginny and mine to Ron. I don't know whether or not Ginny was in on the scheme. Ron said that the doses began around the end of fifth year. Apparently when I was nearly killed in the Department of Mysteries, you began to realize how much you fancied me. Maybe it wasn't love at the time. I don't know. But Ron and Molly began giving you dosages of the Potion and you slowly began to fall for Ginny."
"Why would they do that?" Harry asked.
"Part of the reason was Ron was jealous," Hermione said, "He didn't want you to steal me away from him. I guess I too began to realize how much I loved you and he realized that. Even when he was dating Lavender, he dosed me so I wouldn't choose to be with you. But that isn't all. It gets much worse."
"How?" Harry asked.
"Molly wanted you to fall in love with Ginny," Hermione said, "If that happened and Ginny became pregnant whilst still underage – well, if you died in the war, then Molly would inherit some of your funds because of the baby, and because Ginny was underage. Then Ginny would get the money as well."
"What money?" Harry asked, "All I have is the money in my Vault."
"Harry, does your Vault never seem to run out of money?" Hermione asked.
"Er... now that you mention it," Harry said, "I thought I would have spent most of it by now – or rather by my seventeenth birthday. But I don't think I made a dent."
"That is because it refills to a specific amount every year," Hermione said, "I think you have a larger Vault that belonged to your parents before they died. There must be a quite a bit of money in that Vault, along with who knows what else. And each year your Trust Vault is filled with some of the money from the main Vault."
"And Molly and Ron wanted my money?" Harry asked.
"Don't you find it strange that, more often than not, Molly did your school shopping for you?" Hermione asked, "It was because she wanted to take your key. She knew the money was coming in every year. She could take so much of it, and you wouldn't notice because it refilled. I'm sure it is frowned upon for someone aside from you to keep your key. But Molly probably told the Goblins that you gave her permission."
"I did," Harry said, "I never expected her to steal from me. She's like a mother to me! And you're saying she dosed me with Love Potion?"
"Yes," Hermione said.
"What else did Ron tell you?" Harry asked, "You seemed so upset when you came back from your confrontation with him."
"Ron was never our friend, Harry," Hermione said, "He told me he was paid by Dumbledore to spy on you and bring information back to him. In return, Dumbledore would give him money and good grades."
"Dumbledore is in on this too?" Harry asked.
"I think he's the mastermind," Hermione said, as her eyes became misty, "He wants me dead, apparently."
"What?" Harry asked, shocked, "Why?"
"Because I'm your friend," Hermione said, "Ron said that by being your friend, I was interfering in Dumbledore's plans. He said that Dumbledore knew Quirrel had Voldemort on the back of his head. He also knew about the troll. I was apparently never meant to be in that bathroom – instead I was going to my dormitory and Dumbledore placed an Imperius Curse on me and sent me to the bathroom, where he had placed troll lure inside. He – he wanted the troll to kill me. When it didn't, he allowed me to be your friend, because I'd help you solve the mystery about the Philosopher's Stone. Dumbledore wanted you to go after the Stone. He wanted to see if you had what it took to defeat Voldemort."
"So right from the start he was training me to kill Voldemort," Harry said.
"Yes," Hermione said, "But he always kept information from you. He didn't tell you the Prophecy, until you found out about it for yourself. And... he never told you that you have a Horcrux in your scar."
Harry raised a hand to his scar and traced a finger along it. "So... what? Did Dumbledore expect me to be killed so the Horcrux would be gone? I am destined to defeat Voldemort, how else would he be defeated?"
"With the last Horcrux – you – being gone," Hermione said, "Voldemort would be mortal. Anyone could kill him then."
"Dumbledore never planned to die," Harry said. "He wanted to kill Voldemort once Voldemort killed me. He wanted to take the glory."
"I've come to that conclusion as well," Hermione said, "Dumbledore's been using you all these years. He knows how smart I am. With me out of the way, I wouldn't be able to stray you off the path from the destiny he wanted. Dumbledore tried to kill me so many times. He didn't have anything to do with me being Petrified, but Ron said that Dumbledore wouldn't have cared if I had died. Then the time turner? He let me use it because he hoped I'd go insane from the pressure. He told us to go back in time, because it would give me another shot at getting bit by Remus. If I wasn't killed by Remus, I'd be a werewolf and Dumbledore would expel me. And the second task of the Triwizard Tournament? Viktor was supposed to have a family member in the lake. Dumbledore put me there in hopes I would drown."
By the time she finished, tears were streaming down her face. Harry held her tightly against him and she let loose as she sobbed into his shirt. Harry stared into the fireplace as he thought about what Hermione had told him. It was strange how unbelievable, and also how believable it was at the same time. Hermione was his best friend – with Ron's apparent betrayal, Hermione was now his only best friend. She was also the most brilliant witch of the age. It wasn't too outlandish that Dumbledore would want to get rid of her, especially if he was plotting to use Harry for his own means.
"I promise, Hermione," Harry said, "I'll kill him if he even looks at you funny."
Hermione sniffled and backed away from Harry's shirt. "I think he wanted to use Legilimency on me tonight, but I looked away. We need to learn Occlumency, Harry. Nobody can know we've come back in time."
"You're right," Harry said, "If Dumbledore found out, he'd make us tell him what we know about the future, then he'd Obliviate us and make us live out the timeline in our younger bodies again."
"And he would change the future to match how he wanted," Hermione said. "Yeah."
"Not going to happen," Harry said. "We need to discuss how we're going to take advantage of this."
"Well, first off there is Ron," Hermione said, "We need to distance ourselves from him and his mother. However it is funny how easy that can be done."
"How?" Harry asked.
"I am your girlfriend, aren't I?" Hermione replied.
"I haven't exactly asked you that, have I?" Harry asked. "Will you be my girlfriend?"
Hermione smiled and pecked him on the lips. "You don't know how long I wanted you to ask me that. Yes, Harry, I will be your girlfriend. Now, all we have to do is snog in the vicinity of Ron. He'll act all jealous and confrontational, and we tell him that if he can't support us, then we can no longer be friends with him."
"Ron's always been jealous toward me – he thinks I get everything he can't have," Harry said, "When in reality, he has a family – something I want."
"And I promise you'll get that family you want," Hermione said. "You're correct, after all. Ron's petty jealousy will raise his temper, and more likely than not, it will end our friendship with him."
"Given that it seems he was never our friend," Harry said, "I'd be quite okay with that."
"Me too," Hermione said, "However, we'll still have to be wary around him. Dumbledore could force him to remain friends with us. Or... Molly's Love Potions would come in to play much earlier than it did before, and she'd tried to split us apart by making us fall in love with someone else."
"We'll just have to take the Mad-Eye route, and check our food and drink," Harry said.
Hermione nodded. "Alright, next on the agenda – Voldemort, the Death Eaters and his Horcruxes. We can apparently get the Horcrux in your scar removed if we talk to the Goblins. And in the same discussion, we can bring up the fact that there is a Horcrux at Gringotts."
"I love the way your mind works," Harry said.
"Thanks," Hermione said, "However, I see a problem with that. I think your Parselmouth abilities are because of the Horcrux. Without the Horcrux in your scar, the Parselmouth abilities may vanish, and we won't be able to get into the Chamber of Secrets. If we can't get the Sword of Gryffindor, we need to get the Basilisk fangs."
"Okay," Harry said, "Why don't we go down to the Chamber of Secrets today? Before we go and rescue Sirius and Buckbeak?"
"As much as I'd like to do that," Hermione said, "It is much too risky. However, there is a possible solution. I think we should go to Diagon Alley today. To Gringotts. We can meet with the Goblins and talk to them about the Horcrux in your scar, as well as the one in the bank. I'm not sure if it is a good idea to specifically pinpoint where the Horcrux is, though. We can just tell them we believe a Death Eater has it in one of their Vaults."
"Probably the best solution," Harry said.
"While we're there," Hermione said, "We can figure out what to do with your family's accounts. You're the last living heir to your family. You should get control of it. Maybe not total control until you're seventeen, but you should get at least some control over it. Enough to where Dumbledore and Molly can't steal from you anymore. Speaking of... I think we should find out if money has been stolen from your Vaults already. I have a bad feeling we're going to find out that this has been going on for a while."
Harry grimaced. "Alright. So... we inform Gringotts about the Horcrux in their Vaults. We also tell them about the Horcrux in my scar, however we tell them we need to retrieve the Basilisk's fangs before it can be removed."
"We could just harvest the whole Basilisk," Hermione said, "I've heard Goblins treat Basilisk meat as a delicacy. They may volunteer to help us harvest it. We could get quite a lot of money from that. Millions of Galleons maybe. Basilisk parts are very rare."
"Okay, but I don't want to claim all the money," Harry said, "Part of it should go to the victims. Ginny, Myrtle's family, Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Penelope Clearwater... you."
"That's very sweet of you," Hermione said, "But -"
Harry pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her. "Not backing down from this. A share of the money will be yours. You can do a lot with it."
Hermione smiled. "Alright. So... the other Horcruxes. The Diadem will be quite simple to claim – we know that already. We can easily get to the one in Grimmauld Place. Once we free Sirius, we ask for entry into the house. Hmm... that might be complicated without telling him we're from the future. We'll work on that."
"Then there is the one in the Gaunt shack," Harry said, "The one that cursed Dumbledore."
"More than likely, he was cursed because he foolishly put it on his finger," Hermione said, "We know better. The bad news is that the shack must be well guarded with wards and defensive enchantments."
"Even worse news is this," Harry said, "before the end of the summer, Voldemort will be in the Riddle House, which is in the same area as the Gaunt shack."
"So you're not going to argue that Pettigrew must escape tonight?" Hermione asked.
"He needs to find Voldemort," Harry said, "Voldemort needs to return the night of the third task so I can defeat him once and for all."
"I was thinking along the same lines," Hermione said.
"The problem is," Harry said, "I believe his snake, Nagini, is a Horcrux. Or she will be. She needs to die before I can defeat him."
"When is she made a Horcrux, do you know?" Hermione asked.
Harry thought about it. "Bertha Jorkins disappears this summer. Pettigrew kidnaps her and Voldemort interrogates her about the Triwizard Tournament."
Hermione frowned. "Damn. We can't save Bertha then. It is her death that sparks the events that leads Voldemort to the cemetery."
"What about Crouch, Junior?" Harry asked.
Hermione winced. "That will be difficult. He'll be here as Mad-Eye, and we can't do anything about it if we want things to play out."
"We'll just have to be careful around him," Harry said.
"Right," Hermione said, "So, we'll work on figuring out how to obtain the ring Horcrux from the Gaunt shack. We may have to tell someone else we're from the future. Maybe Sirius. He'd be the biggest help, and it will be easier to get the locket as well."
"Hermione, it is too risky," Harry said.
"I know," Hermione said, "but it seems like the best plan. Okay... so, we've figured out what to do with Voldemort and his Horcruxes. What about his Death Eaters?"
"We kill them," Harry said.
"Harry!" Hermione said, scandalized, "We can't -"
"Think about it, Hermione," Harry said, "I'm going to be surrounded by Death Eaters in that cemetery when I defeat Voldemort. The less Death Eaters there are in the cemetery, the more chance I will survive."
"We can send Aurors and others to the cemetery," Hermione said, "you won't be outnumbered."
"A nice idea, Hermione," Harry said, "but what about after that? Once I defeat Voldemort, the Death Eaters might scatter. More than likely, they'll be pissed off. We can end the Second War. It won't end if they're still around killing people."
Hermione sighed. "As much as I hate it, you have a good point. We'll discuss it more at another time. Alright, so we have Voldemort, his Horcruxes, and the Death Eaters. We have a plan to remove ourselves from Ron and Molly's manipulations. What about Dumbledore?"
Harry sighed. "He really wants to kill you, doesn't he?"
"And he wants to use you for his own means," Hermione said, "Remember what it said in Rita Skeeter's book about Dumbledore? The Greater Good? What if he is still obsessed with the Greater Good? Look at it this way. He wants you to die during your fight with Voldemort. After you die, he can swoop in and claim the victory. With his victory, the wizarding world sees him as the savior. He could do whatever he wanted... he could mold the wizarding world into his favor."
"And possibly use it for selfish means, such as The Greater Good," Harry said.
"Exactly," Hermione said, "We need to stop him from doing that."
"How?" Harry asked, "Are you saying we should kill him? First of all, he apparently has the Elder Wand."
"Didn't you say Draco was able to disarm him the night he died?" Hermione asked.
Harry nodded slowly. "So he can be defeated even with the wand."
"Yes," Hermione said, "I'm not saying we should kill Dumbledore. There are other ways to destroy a man without killing him."
"Quite a few ways," Harry said, "Between our future knowledge, the knowledge we have about his past, and all the positions he holds. We can do a lot to him."
"Exactly," Hermione said. "He's going to wish he never tried to kill me."
"You're sexy when you're plotting," Harry said, grinning.
Hermione blushed profusely, and leaned in to him and kissed him softly. He returned the kiss with passion. The couple only backed away a minute later due to lack of oxygen.
"Alright," Hermione said, breathing heavily, "If we're going to go to Gringotts, we need to do it now, so we can make it back by seven-thirty."
"And how do you propose we do that?" Harry asked, "I have no doubts you can Apparate, but that damnable Trace will find us the minute we leave the grounds if we try to do magic."
"So we don't Apparate," Hermione said, "We use the Floo Network."
Harry was about to ask how they would achieve that, when suddenly, the hearth in front of them transformed into something that resembled the fireplace at the Burrow. It was large enough for them to walk into.
"That was easy," Hermione said, "I just silently asked the room to create a Floo."
"Are you sure that will work?" Harry asked.
"The Room gives us anything we require," Hermione said, "It should allow us to Floo away from Hogwarts. One problem though. When we leave, the room will probably change. So when we come back here, we'll have to use the passage from Hogsmeade and get back into the castle."
"Alright," Harry said.
"However," Hermione said, "we need to change our appearances since we'll be walking through Diagon Alley. We'll be arriving at the Leaky Cauldron, after all. I can do that."
Over the next few minutes, Hermione charmed and transfigured Harry's features so he looked different. Hermione then did the same to herself whilst using a body-length mirror.
"Well, that is certainly passable," Hermione said, "We might risk angering the Goblins doing this though."
"No worse than casting an Imperius Curse at a Goblin," Harry said, "and breaking into a Vault, then stealing a dragon."
Hermione giggled. "True."
Harry laughed as well. The memory of the Gringotts heist was too fresh to forget something like that. It was still shocking to believe they had succeeded. Harry then walked over to the fireplace. On top of the mantel, there was a bag and Harry discovered that it was full of Floo Powder. He grabbed a handful of the green ash-like powder, and tossed it into the fire, which instantly turned an emerald green color.
"Ladies first," Harry said, offering the bag to Hermione.
"Speak very clearly," Hermione said, "We're going to the Leaky Cauldron and I don't want you to end up elsewhere."
"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.
Hermione smiled and stepped into the fireplace. She dropped the powder as she said, "The Leaky Cauldron!" She vanished right before his eyes. He waited a full minute, then took another handful and stepped into the fireplace.
"The Leaky Cauldron!" Harry said, dropping the powder.
He closed his eyes as he took the dizzying journey through the Floo Network. After nearly a minute, his feet landed on solid ground. He stepped out amidst a cloud of ash and soot. When it dissipated he found Hermione waiting nearby. They exchanged smiles at the reunion, both thankful that they had been able to make it past the Hogwarts wards. Harry walked over to her, took her hand and the couple made their way through to the back alley behind the building. When they arrived at the brick wall, Hermione tapped her wand along in the correct pattern on the bricks. The wall then melted into an archway, revealing the marketplace beyond.
As he and Hermione made their way down the cobbled path, Harry smiled at the sight of a peaceful, active Diagon Alley. Everywhere, witches and wizards doing their shopping were walking in and out of stores which showed no signs of the horrors that would take place in a few years if Harry and Hermione didn't succeed with their plans. Ollivander's Wand Shop looked good as ever. At the ice cream shoppe, Florean Fortescue – rumored to have been murdered in the future Harry and Hermione had come from - was assisting a customer. The only difference was that Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was not where it should be. That was a rather odd experience for Harry. Fred and George were innocent, unlike their youngest brother and mother. He was quite sure of it. He would, once again, help them with their dreams of opening a joke shop.
Soon, the couple stepped into the atrium of Gringotts Wizarding bank. They made their way over to a vacant counter where a Goblin was counting coins.
"State your business," the Goblin said, without looking up from the coins.
"Greetings," Harry said, in a low tone, "My name is Harry Potter. I'd like to speak to someone about my account."
The Goblin looked up at Harry and stared at him for a moment. "Follow me, please. You may bring the female with you."
Hermione scowled, but Harry squeezed her hand before she could do anything else that might sound insulting. They followed the Goblin across the room. Then the Goblin met with another, this one looking far older than the first. The older Goblin looked toward Harry and smiled softly.
"Greetings," the older Goblin said, "My name is Ragnok the Sixth. I am the Vault Keeper for the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter."
"I am Harry Potter," Harry said, though he had a feeling that was unnecessary, "And this is Hermione Granger."
"Well met," Ragnok said, "Do you trust your lady friend?"
"With my life, sir," Harry said.
"The two of you may follow me," Ragnok said.
Harry and Hermione followed Ragnok toward the side of the Atrium, and through a doorway. They entered a small room which had a table, a few chairs and nothing else.
"You may remove the enchantments on your persons," Ragnok said, as he shut the door. "Your magic will not set off the Trace inside Gringotts."
Harry looked at Hermione, and found that she didn't look too surprised that the Goblin knew they were disguised. She flourished her wand toward him and herself, and their appearances changed back to normal. Ragnok motioned to the table, and the three of them sat down – Harry and Hermione on one side, and Ragnok on the other.
"It is a rare event when students enter this bank alone during a school term," Ragnok said, "I'm going to assume that you're here without the knowledge of one of your Professors."
Hermione blushed and looked slightly ashamed. "Yes, sir. However, I don't think anyone will miss us."
"I see," Ragnok said. "May I ask why you are here?"
"Several reasons I suppose," Harry said, "The first is about my family's account."
"Better late than never," Ragnok said.
"Pardon?" Harry asked.
"I was expecting this meeting on your eleventh birthday," Ragnok said.
"I was accompanied by Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper at Hogwarts," Harry said, "I didn't know I was to meet with you. The Goblin, Griphook, took me to my Trust Vault, and that was it."
"He should have directed you to me," Ragnok said, "I can only guess why he did not."
"Maybe Albus Dumbledore told him not to?" Hermione suggested. "We have reason to believe Dumbledore has been manipulating Harry."
"That was my guess as well," Ragnok said, "Albus Dumbledore is your Magical Guardian, Mr. Potter. It would be him who is responsible for things like this."
"Hermione and I have reason to suspect he, and another person, may have stolen money from my account over the years," Harry said.
"I see," Ragnok said, "Do you know who this other person is?"
"Molly Weasley," Harry said.
"Also known as Molly Prewett," Ragnok said, "This could explain several incidents in the past. Once a month, August, every year for the past several years – Molly Prewett Weasley places a nice sum of money into her private Vault that is not connected to her family."
"Let me guess," Hermione said, "Money has disappeared from Harry's vaults shortly before she places money into hers?"
"Quite possibly," Ragnok said, "Dumbledore and I have spoken in the past, and he has told me he has taken money out for your benefit."
"I've never received any money from him," Harry said, "And if he gave it to my Muggle relatives, they never bought anything for me. They probably used it for themselves."
Ragnok sighed, a guttural sound. "I will investigate this thoroughly. "You have my word. If he is suspect in theft against your accounts, then I assume you want him removed from such permission?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said, "I want to be the only one responsible for opening my Vault unless I give the authority otherwise."
"That can be easily done," Ragnok said. "The reason I wished for you to meet me on your eleventh birthday, is because it was requested by your parents."
"My parents?" Harry asked.
"Before they died, they collaborated together to make a Will," Ragnok said. "They created it a week after you were born, and updated it through post less than a week before their deaths. Droplets of their blood confirmed it was them who finalized the Will."
"I was unaware they made a Will," Harry said.
"I was a witness to the creation of their Will," Ragnok said, then he grimaced, "As was Albus Dumbledore."
"So whatever was penned in the Will," Hermione said, "Dumbledore would have known about!"
"He may not have known about the updates," Ragnok said, "but otherwise you are correct. If your parents passed away and you survived, you were meant to open the Will at eleven years old and receive everything pertaining to their instructions. I believe they also requested an Inheritance Test, as well as Emancipation."
Hermione gasped. "If you're Emancipated, you no longer have a Guardian. Dumbledore would no longer be your Magical Guardian and the Dursleys wouldn't be your guardians either. You would legally never have to step back in Privet Drive again. Also the Trace would be removed from your wand."
"Basically correct," Ragnok said, "But since you are so young, it would be suggested you have what is known as a Mentor – which would basically be your acting Guardian in the Muggle world. You can go through with the Emancipation process and Inheritance Test, but first I suggest you open and read your parents' Will, as well as other documents that pertain to you."
"Alright," Harry said.
The Goblin snapped his bony fingers, and a large metal box appeared on the table with a sharp clang! The unexpected appearance made Harry and Hermione jump. Ragnok ran a single long finger down the center of the box's lid, then removed the lid. The box was filled with creme-colored folders.
Ragnok rummaged through the box, and took out what appeared to be a large metal contraption that resembled a rolling pin. He set the contraption in front of Harry.
"Place one finger on the container," he instructed, "You will feel a light pinprick. I assure you it is not dangerous. It will remove a dollop of your blood, then you will be healed straight away."
Harry shivered slightly, hesitated for a moment, then pressed a finger on one container. He winced lightly at the pinprick. The container made a metallic grinding noise as it rolled backward toward Ragnok. The container formed into a scroll of parchment, which rolled flat onto the table. Ragnok cleared his throat and stated:
"I, Ragnok The Sixth, the Vault Keeper of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. am witness to the Reading of the Last Will and Testament of James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Potter nee Evans which they collaborated on together. Lord Potter, as the last heir of the Ancient Line, so proven by your blood, make your choice. Do you wish the Reading to be by voice or by your own eyes?"
Harry raised his eyebrows at Ragnok's mention of "Lord Potter", but ignored it for now.
"I will read it myself," Harry said. "And I give permission to Hermione to read it as well."
Hermione blushed red, but said nothing. Ragnok relaxed in his chair, and motioned for Harry to read the Will. Harry leaned forward and began to read to himself, and Hermione did as well.
We, James Charlus Potter, and Lily Marie Potter nee Evans of able bodies and minds, claim this, our Final Will and Testament.
If James is no longer of this Earth, and Lily survives him, he leave the contents of this Will to her until their son, Harry James Potter, reaches his age of majority.
If Lily Marie Potter is no longer of this Earth, at the time of this Reading, we leave these various items to the following:
Harry recognized several familiar names listed there. He was quite surprised to see that a few of his classmates and friends had even been listed – it appeared that his parents were friends with the parents of some of his classmates. Several thousands of Galleons were given as gifts, as well as a few other items.
Harry's eyes widened as he saw his own name listed. There was a number which indicated an obscene amount of Galleons which was apparently now his, as well as the various specific items, most of which were in the Potter Family Vault, was named. Below this, there were more interesting pieces of information. The first explained why Ragnok had called him by his title.
When Harry reaches the age of eleven, we officially name him Lord Potter, the Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. We also request an official Inheritance Test for Harry so he may discover any and all titles to his name. At this time, if we are no longer of this Earth, I officially ask that my son becomes Emancipated with everything this entails.
Harry smiled – here was the permission that Ragnok was talking about. Below this there were several names listed again.
If we are no longer of this Earth, we name these individuals below Harry's Official and Magical Guardians.
(In order of preference – if individual is no longer of this Earth, the next name in line becomes Guardian)
Sirius Black – Godfather by right of 'The Godfather Ritual'. Family friend and ally.
Alice Longbottom, and her husband, Frank – Godmother by right of 'The Godmother Ritual'. Family friends and allies.
Amelia Susan Bones – family friend and ally.
Pandora Lovegood and her husband, Xenophilius – family friends
Andromeda and Ted Tonks – family friends.
Castor and Illiana Greengrass
By no means, should Harry Potter be raised by Petunia Dursley nee Evans and her husband Vernon.
Harry scowled as he read this last line. He was never meant to be placed with the Dursleys! These witches and wizards – people he knew, people who were apparently friends of his parents – were supposed to be his guardians. He could have grown up with Neville, or Susan Bones, or Luna! And the Greengrasses. He knew Daphne Greengrass was a fellow student, but she was a Slytherin. He also wondered what the Godfather Ritual was. Hermione gasped loudly when she got to this part. It made Harry even more curious. Below this, there was more:
Property Ownership to be given to Harry James Potter on day of majority or Emancipation:
Potter Manor – Northampton, England
Potter Cottage – Godric's Hollow, England
Beach Vacation House – La Rochelle, France
Chateau Potter – Nice, France
There were also various other locations, which were mostly businesses, some of which were in Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley, and Hogsmeade. The most interesting was that Harry now owned forty-five percent of the Daily Prophet, and their side-businesses, Witch Weekly and Teen Witch Weekly. He was also a quarter owner of the Lovegood owned newspaper, The Quibbler. Harry's eyes widened. That may very well come in handy in the future. He figured from the total of the buildings, at least two million Galleons were coming into the Potter Family Vault each year.
By signing this Final Will and Testament, we vow that everything said here is true and honest,
James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Potter
Witness: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Gringotts Official Witness: Ragnok The Sixth, Potter Family Vault Keeper
Harry sat back after he finished. Beside him, Hermione looked pale. He looked at her in confusion.
"It says here that Sirius took part in what is known as 'The Godfather Ritual'," Hermione said.
"Er... okay?" Harry asked.
"Harry, that confirms his innocence already!" Hermione said, "The Godfather Ritual is done so that the parents of the child can be sure that the chosen Godparents can't betray them or their child."
"And Dumbledore must have known this!" Harry growled. "That manipulative old bastard."
"I'd tell you to mind your language, but I agree," Hermione said.
"One of those names listed on your suggested guardians is Amelia Bones," Ragnok said, "The current head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in your Ministry. If memory serves correctly, at one point in time, Amelia and Sirius Black were very close, maybe even romantically."
Harry's eyes widened. He did not know that. He did recall Sirius talking about her the day of his Underage Magic hearing. He did seem to know her intimately.
"So we could contact Madam Bones," Hermione said, "And tell her about the Godfather Ritual."
"I would suggest that sometime in the near future," Ragnok said. "It would go far in helping your Godfather, Mr. Potter."
Harry nodded. "I'd like to take the Inheritance Test now."
Ragnok snapped his fingers, and a blank piece of parchment appeared in front of Harry. The parchment seemed to sparkle. Then a small knife with runes cut into it appeared next to the parchment.
"The Inheritance Test is a Blood ritual," Ragnok said, "The Ministry will tell you that Blood rituals are very Dark. Nonsense... it is all about the intentions of the user. Some of these rituals are good, some are done for evil purposes. If a Blood Quill or Blood Blade is ever used on you outside of this bank, it is probably being done for evil purposes. Gringotts is the only location in which all of these types of rituals are legal, and only with a Goblin present. Now, with that said, Lord Potter – take the knife, and slice open your palm on your right hand. Do not fret, the cut will heal when the process is complete. Then drip the blood over the parchment in front of you."
Harry nodded and picked up the knife with his left hand. He opened his right palm, sliced it open with his palm, wincing slightly in the process, and turned his hand over. A few droplets of the coppery blood dripped onto the parchment. Harry watched in awe as the blood seeped into the parchment, then disappeared. Then words began to form, in red ink, or rather, in Harry's blood. Harry then began to read the parchment as the words formed.
Inheritance Test – Harry James Potter
DOB: 31 July 1980
Parents: James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Evans
Official Titles of Lineage:
Ancient and Noble Houses:
House Potter – direct descendant - father
House Peverell – direct descendant – father
House Black – direct descendant – grandmother
Minor House:
House Evans – direct descendant – mother – second generation
The name that stood out to him was Peverell, the name of the Three Brothers from Beedle the Bard's tales. He had suspected that the Peverells were ancestors and here was proof.
Ragnok snapped his fingers and a mahogany box appeared on the table. He opened it, and it revealed a pair of rings.
"This box, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "was taken directly from your Family Vault. These two rings are Signet Rings. The Potter ring is quite legendary – it has been said that it has the ability to speak to their heirs through voices of their ancestors."
"You mean... my father will talk to me through the ring?" Harry asked.
The Goblin only shrugged. "You may hear your father's voice, but I doubt you will be able to have too many meaningful conversations. Mostly the rings are meant to give you advice concerning your title of Head of your House. The rings also signify your seat in the Wizengamot at the Ministry. You now claim two seats, Lord Potter, and are heir to a third when it comes to the Black name through your Grandmother, Dorea Black Potter. Sirius Black currently holds that title."
It was then that Harry realized Dumbledore had other schemes toward him, more than just making him a sacrifice. All those seats in the Wizengamot. This was power. Was this one of his end-games?
"You can make the two rings blend into one," Ragnok said, "or keep them as they are. Then when you need to show the ring to someone, just summon the ring to your finger."
"Alright," Harry said.
He picked up the Potter Family ring, then placed it on his ring finger. He placed the Peverell Family ring on his next finger, and studied them. The Peverell ring had the sign of the Deathly Hallows on it, and the Potter Ring had a Griffin spreading its wings above two swords, which were pointing to the left and right of the ring. With a single thought, the two rings merged together in a flash of bright white light. Suddenly, Harry heard a voice in his head.
"Welcome, Harry James Potter, Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter."
Harry gasped. He recognized that voice. It belonged to his father, James Potter.
"You were right, Ragnok," Harry said, "When I placed the ring on my finger, I heard my father's voice."
"Excellent," Ragnok said, "It is rare when it happens. Not all Signet Rings will speak to the wearer, but several do. It depends on the magic in their bloodline."
Harry nodded. "You said there are other important documents. What are they?"
A wide grin crossed Ragnok's mouth, and he rummaged through the box, then pulled out three pieces of parchment.
"These three documents, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "were created when you were barely one year old. They were collaborated between your parents and three other families. These three documents, Lord Potter... are Betrothal Contracts."