Harry Potter and the Summer of the Dementors

He got up from the table and stretched, then decided to go upstairs for a shower and change. The morning's fight had left him tired and depressed.

After his shower, he thought of going downstairs again, then he looked at his watch. It was only just after six, but then he thought: what the hell, and decided he'd be better off with a good night's sleep.

Going to bed so early meant he woke early, but it had been a deep, dreamless sleep. He got up and looked out of the window: the sun was only just rising in a clear cloudless sky. He washed and dressed, then went down to the kitchen. Dobby can't have been around, because he was able to make tea and toast without being disturbed.

He took his time getting ready before heading off to the Ministry quite early. There weren't many people around, but when he got in to the Aurors' Department he was surprised to see Kingsley's door ajar and voices from inside. He knocked and put his head round the door. Kingsley was there with an obviously irate Ron.

"Come in, Harry."

He looked at Ron, who looked back, still obviously hopping mad, as he held out a copy of the Daily Prophet to him. Harry took it and began reading. Oh, no!

"TEENAGERS SAVE MINISTRY'S BACON AGAIN!

"A group of trainee wizards was attacked yesterday by a horde of Dementors in Kirkmanley. Hogwarts' students Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were in the party.

"An eyewitness told the Prophet: "Those two really saved the day. We were attacked by hundreds of Dementors and the two of them saw them off almost by themselves!"

He didn't bother reading any further. He handed the paper back to Ron, just as Kingsley handed him another piece of parchment. This one was from Mrs Weasley.

"I'm surprised she didn't send a Howler," said Kingsley, half serious, half joking.

Harry scanned the letter quickly. Mrs Weasley wasn't angry. She wasn't furious. She was livid. Phrases like "how dare you ..." and "endangering the life of young children ..." leapt out of the page at him.

"Wow," he said. "So she's not pleased then?"

"You can say that again," said Ron wearily. "The Prophet arrived early this morning, and the next thing I know, she's hammering on the door wanting to know more. I mean, I told her - I'm seventeen now, and legally of age."

"That doesn't cut much ice with mothers," said Kingsley. "And besides, the Prophet's right: you're not trained and you're still Hogwarts students."

"Yeah, yeah," said Ron, sounding even more morose.

"Who were the eyewitnesses?" asked Harry.

Kingsley looked at him with a gleam in his eye. "Now, let's think: there was you and Ron there, and there was Melissa, and five trainees. Who do you think?"

"The trainees?"

"Right in one. I'm going to be grilling them one by one when they come in, and unless I find out very quickly ..."

"What will happen to whoever it was?"

Kingsley sighed. "The last thing you want in a Auror is someone who's going to go off blabbing to the Prophet. Unless they've got very good records, it's goodbye."

Ron and Harry looked at each other. "Er, the last thing we want to do is get people into trouble ..." Harry began.

"It's nothing to do with you. It's to do with keeping your mouth shut. Obviously we don't want a reputation as being secretive, but what we don't need is people selling sensation."

"Yeah. Fair enough."

Kingsley sighed and through the pieces of parchment onto his desk. "This is the last thing I need, what with everything else."

"You don't need us in your hair either," added Ron, who must have been feeling guilty about his mother's letter.

"And we can't really go back to the trainee department," added Harry.

"So what do you suggest?"

Ron and Harry looked at each other once again.

"We could go back to Mr Weasley and ask him to send us somewhere else for the time being."

"I suppose. Not a bad idea. Keep your heads down. I'm sorry about this - not least because you really did save our bacon yesterday."

"It's the way things go," said Harry, shrugging. "Come on, Ron, let's go and find your dad, and get out of Kingsley's way."

"Sure. Thanks for the help, anyway, Kingsley."

"No problem. And the stuff turned up in archives has been some help, so thank Hermione for me."

"Will do."

The two of them stood up and made their way to the door. As they were going, Harry gave a final "Thanks!" to Kingsley who replied with a smile.

Out in the corridor Ron turned and hammered the wall with a fist. "Why on Earth did Mum have to write that letter?"

"She's probably right, you know." Ron turned and glared at him. "Besides, it wasn't really the letter. It was the Prophet. "

"Yeah, I suppose. Even so. Mum really started on at me this morning, and in the end I couldn't take it; I just Apparated there and then."

"Oh dear. Ron: do you want me to come to the Burrow with you this evening?"

Ron stared at him. "Would you?"

"Yeah. And then we can tell her about what really happened. Oh, and if you did disappear like that, it might be idea to, I dunno, take her a box of chocolates or bunch of flowers or something."

"Yeah, maybe."

They had reached Mr Weasley's office and Ron tapped on the door.

"Hi, dad." Mr Weasley looked surprised to see them both. "We thought it best to get out of Kingsley's way," Ron explained.

"Ah, I see. Yes, he's going to have a busy morning."

"Grilling eyewitnesses," said Harry.

"Yes," said Mr Weasley in a dry tone of voice. "That did not help. By the way, Ron, your mother was a little upset at your disappearing like that when she was in the middle of talking to her."

Ron looked guilty. "Yeah, I know. I just couldn't take any more of it. I'll make it up to her when we get back."

"I'll pop in and have a word too," said Harry.

"Would you? Would you? That would be very helpful."

"I know Mrs Weasley tends to worry a bit, and, well, she's right: we may be adult now but we're still at Hogwarts."

"Well, there's one silver lining - at least you were some use yesterday. Arbuthnot's half pleased, half irritated."

"With us?" asked Ron in alarm.

"Yes. According to Melissa's report you were really useful. It's a only a pity it got into the paper."

"I think someone's career at the Ministry may be rather short," said Harry.

"Could be, could be. Now, what can I do for you?"

"Well, we thought it best to keep clear of the Aurors for the time being," said Ron. "So we wondered if there was anything you could think of that wasn't too dull but would keep Mum happy."

"Ah, I see. Yes. Well, now. Let me think. What could we do? Magical Creatures Department?" Ron and Harry looked at each other unenthusiastically. "International Co-operation?"

"Dad!"

"St Mungo's?" Ron shook his head. "Archives?" with a twitch of the lips.

"You're not taking this seriously!"

"Department of Mysteries?" asked Harry quietly.

Mr Weasley looked a little taken aback. "Ah. Well. Yes. Not a good idea, I think."

Harry had another idea. "Gringotts?"

Ron stared at him. "What?"

But Mr Weasley was also staring at him. "Now that's not a bad idea at all. It's not Ministry, of course, but with Bill there ... we could pull a few strings ..."

"What would we want to go to Gringotts for?" asked Ron loudly.

"Two or three reasons. First, although I'm not a good example, they do say that money makes the world go round. Secondly, you can meet some goblins - which, given who Harry is, might not be a bad idea. Thirdly, it gets you out of the Ministry in case the Prophet snoops around again. And, fourthly, and an equally good reason, it'll make your mother very happy."

Ron looked only half convinced, but just as he was about to open his mouth, there was a knock on the door, and it opened.

"Ah, Arthur ..."

It was Arbuthnot. He stopped when he saw who else was there. He gave them a rueful smile. "Ah. The dynamic duo. The saviours of the bacon."

Harry stuttered into speech: "Minister ..."

Arbuthnot held up a hand. "Not a word of apology. Not your fault at all. Someone else's - someone who will be very sorry." Suddenly he sounded grim.

"Ron and Harry thought they would be better off out of the Ministry for the moment," said Mr Weasley quietly. "In fact, we've just being discussing the possibility of a move to Gringotts."

Arbuthnot looked surprised then intrigued. "Gringotts, eh? That is a possibility indeed. Whose bright idea was that?"

"Harry's," said Mr Weasley before Harry had a chance to speak.

"Why Gringott's, Harry?" Arbuthnot asked.

If truth be told, it was only a spur of the moment idea. But Harry repeated the reasons that Mr Weasley had given.

"Very good idea, very good indeed. Someone else who should have been in Ravenclaw." Ron made a spluttering noise and Arbuthnot grinned at him. "You've contacts there, haven't you, Arthur?"

"My son Bill."

"Ah, that's right. And I can certainly put in a good word. Excellent. Except for one thing." He glanced at Ron.

"What's that?" asked Ron defensively.

"Don't go pulling any stunts there. We value our relationship with the goblins."

"I didn't pull any ..." and then his voice died away as he realised that Arbuthnot was only pulling his leg.

"No, seriously, we do need the goblins on our side. They don't like Dementors either, and they're with us on that. And I think most of them don't want Voldemort either. So sending you, Harry, is a good move politically."

Harry flushed. "I'm not a pawn!" he said, before he could stop himself.

"No, indeed. You're a very capable young man. That's why if the goblins could see you at first hand, they'd be even more impressed. Plus the fact that we've had the confidence in them to entrust you to their care."

Harry realised again how Arbuthnot had come to be Minister. "Sorry," he said. "It's just that, well ..."

"I know," said Arbuthnot. "Not easy. As we've said before, something you'll have to live with. But, as I say, I think you can show them that we're both on the same side. You are, if you like, an ambassador. And we even have enough confidence in ourselves to send Ron along with you." Ron had the sense to realise his leg was being pulled again, and to keep quiet.

"We need brains there as well," said Harry. "Can we bring Hermione?"

"Of course. If she wants to go."

"Arithmancy's one of her favourite subjects."

"Enough said. A sad loss to Ravenclaw." He sighed theatrically, but Ron remained stony faced. "Well, Arthur, if you would be see kind as to draft a note to the bank for me to sign, and a separate covering note mentioning the Weasley connection?"

"No problem, Minister."

Arbuthnot turned back to Harry and Ron. "It'll take a day or two to fix things, and it probably would be a good idea if you two could keep clear of both Rita Skeeter and the Ministry. Enjoy your holidays, so to speak."

They both nodded. "We'll go to the Burrow," said Ron.

"Good. Your father will let you know when things have been fixed up. Thank you, Arthur." Mr Weasley nodded. "There was another matter that I came in about, so if you two don't mind ..."

The boys stood up hastily. "Thanks, Minister," said Harry.

"Mot at all. Well done yesterday. I'll be in touch."

The two boys made for the door.

"I wish he wouldn't keep going on at me," grumbled Ron.

"You're too easy a target."

"Think so?"

"Of course. Winding you up is no problem."

"Yeah. Like what?"

"Like me almost telling your dad what happened in London that evening. Of course, I could always tell your mum ..."

Harry ducked to avoid the blow, and Ron hit his fist on the wall.

"Damn." He rubbed his knuckles ruefully. "OK, you win. Off to the Burrow then."

"Um ... something we have to do first."

"What's that?"

"Get something for your mum."

"Oh. Yeah. Right."

Harry remembered not to Apparate too quietly into the Burrow, and so arrived with a moderate 'pop'. As it turned out, it wouldn't have mattered, since Mrs Weasley was outside. He did see a rather amused Ginny, however.

"I thought you were working on being as quiet as you could."

"Your mother objected the last time. I gave her too much of a shock."

"Oh. What are you two doing back so early, anyway? I thought you were supposed to be at the Ministry. What happened - did they throw you out?"

"No," said Ron with dignity, "we've been relocated."

"Oh, relocated, have we? My, my. Causing too much trouble?"

"Relocated to Gringotts," said Harry, before the two of them started squabbling.

"Gringotts? You're joking!"

"Nope."

"What are you carrying that lot for?" she asked, looking at Ron's bunch of flowers and Harry's box of chocolates, her eyebrows raised..

"They're for Mum," explained Ron.

"Ah." Comprehension dawned on Ginny's face. "She's outside."

"Could you call her in? Just don't tell her it's us."

"OK." Ginny went and opened the kitchen door. "Mum? Someone to see you."

They could hear a faint voice in the distance. "With you in a moment, dear."

Then the sound of approaching footsteps, and Mrs Weasley appeared in the doorway. Her eyes hadn't adjusted to the light: "Who is it, Ginny, dear?"

"Me," said Ron, and presented her with the flowers.

"Oh, Ron! How lovely!" And Mrs Weasley did seem pleased with the gift.

"It's an apology."

"Well, dear, don't worry about it. We all fly off the handle at one time or another. But these are lovely."

She hastened to the sink, poured some water in a vase, and put the flowers in, setting the vase on the table, and standing back to admire it.

"And these are for you too, Mrs Weasley," said Harry, stepping forward with the box of chocolates.

"Harry! You shouldn't have." Then she suddenly looked at the two of them, her face uncertain. "You're not in trouble, are you?"

"No, Mum, we're not," Ron told her.

"Then why are you back so early?"

Ron sighed. "Sit down and we'll tell you."

"Let me make some tea first."

She set the box of chocolates down on the table and began bustling about. Harry took the wrappings off the box, then Mrs Weasley set the tea tray down.

"There we are," she said, passing round the cups. "Now, what's this all about?"

"Well, you see, Mum ..." and Ron launched into a description of the morning's events. Harry noticed that Ron told it straight, without any embellishments. "So we thought it would be better to keep clear of the Ministry until all this blows over."

"Quite right, dear. And what an opportunity! Gringotts!"

"Harry's suggestion," said Ron.

"well, even so. And with a letter of introduction from Arbuthnot. That'll be useful. Now, Harry, tell me about what happened yesterday. All I know is some garbled tale from the Prophet. Ron didn't say much last night," she added, with a slightly reproachful look at her son.

"Well, the Prophet may have added stuff," Harry said.

"It usually does. So tell me all about it."

At the end of Harry's story, Mrs Weasley set her cup down and sighed.

"Sorry for flying off at the handle this morning, Ron. If you'd only told me last night."

"Yeah, well," mumbled Ron, looking down at the table.

"Ron was really useful," said Harry quietly. "There was a whole horde of the things, and Melissa was distracted. As soon as Ron heard me, he produced a Patronus too - a very good one."

"Oh," said Mrs Weasley, looking at her son. "So you did save the Ministry's bacon?"

"Something like that," said Ron. "I mean, it was scary at the time, but we both knew what to do."

"Fair enough. It's just - oh, I don't know."

"I do," said Ron, putting his hand over hers. "You were worried for us."

Mrs Weasley sniffed, and dabbed her nose with a hanky. "Yes, I was. And I suppose I always will be. But you're growing up now, aren't you, Ron."

"Yes, Mum."

"It's just that, well, at times ..."

"It's okay, Mum."

Mrs Weasley braced herself and sat up. "Now tell me about your meeting with the Minister again."

"Yes, Mum," said Ron, helping himself to some of the chocolates.

The next two days were spent quietly at Grimmauld Place. Thankfully no one at the Prophet knew where Harry lived, and so the fuss was given time to die down.

Late in the afternoon a Ministry owl appeared in the kitchen, preening itself, and looking very important. Harry took the parchment and opened it.

Dear Harry,

Gringotts would be more than happy to take the three of you for a short period.

Goblin Raknuk will liase with you. Ask for him when you arrive at the bank.

Your appointment is for 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

Yours,

[illegible squiggle]

N. Arbuthnot

Minister of Magic

Copies to: Private Secretary's office, R. Weasley, H. Granger, Goblin Raknuk.

"Wait there," Harry told the owl. It blinked at him.

He went upstairs and got a quill and a piece of best parchment.

Dear Minister,

Thank you for your letter.

Thanks also for arranging things with Gringotts. I am very grateful.

Yours,

Harry Potter

He checked his spelling once again then took the parchment downstairs and attached it to the leg of the patiently waiting owl.

"Minister of Magic," he told the bird. It gave a soft hoot again and disappeared out of the kitchen window.

They'd agreed to meet together in Diagon Alley at half past eight. Hermione was already there when Harry arrived.

"Isn't this wonderful?" she enthused. "I can't wait to find out about how the bank works. All that Arithmancy will really be useful."

Harry smiled. "Don't start on about it to Ron."

"No - perhaps there are some things that are a little beyond him." She frowned and looked at her watch. "Typical. Late again."

But at the moment he appeared. The other two gave a gasp, for Ron was resplendent in a set of new pinstriped robes.

"Ron! Where did you get those?" gasped Hermione.

"Like them, do you? Present from Mum. Now Dad's got that pay rise, and there's only me and Ginny left at home. She said I ought to make a good impression at the bank."

Although Harry was in one of his smartest outfits, he felt positively dowdy against the new peacock Ron. "Not bad at all. You put the two of us to shame."

Hermione was wearing a conservative black outfit: although she wasn't normally one for clothes, she could be smart when she wanted to be.

"OK, then," said Ron, "How are we going to play this?"

"By ear," said Harry. "We'll see what they've got for us, and take it from there."

"Fair enough. Got your letter?"

"Yep."

"I've brought my copy."

"Me too," said Hermione.

"Right then. Off we go."

The shops along Diagon Alley were preparing for the day's business. With time in hand, they sauntered along until they came to the great white edifice that was Gringotts.

Ron ran a finger between his neck and collar. "We ready then?"

As he spoke, the doors of bank swung open, and several witches and wizards who had been waiting made their way in. They waited until the door was clear, then walked up to one of the doorman.

"Harry Potter to see Goblin Raknuk."

The goblin raised his eyebrows. "Any identification?"

Harry passed him the letter. The goblin scanned it quickly, then said : "Come in. If you don't mind waiting just there ..." and disappeared.

The three of them waited for a few minutes, Ron peering around him. Then the doorman appeared, accompanied by another goblin, who held out his hand: "Goblin Raknuk."

"Harry Potter."

"Ron Weasley."

"Hermione Granger."

They shook hands in turns.

"Good. Thank you," he said to the doorman. He turned back to the trio: "Please, follow me."

They left the main hall to go down a series of corridors ending at a door with a single word - RAKNUK - on it. The goblin opened the door and ushered them in.

"A seat, please," pointing to three chairs. He went and sat down the other side of the desk on a high stool.

"I received the Minister's letter, and thought it best to go to talk to him. I gather your exploits at the Ministry have brought unwelcome publicity -" he held up a hand "- not your fault, I know. Initially I was a little reluctant, since Gringotts does not welcome publicity. However, the Minister persuaded me that a meeting with you would be worthwhile."

He surveyed the three of them. "Let me be frank. Gringotts is a commercial firm, and would not normally be involved in wizarding affairs. However, I am also a member of the Goblin Council. This is separate from my post at Gringotts."

He stopped, then: "These are difficult times. Goblins and wizards have not always got on well together, but over the last few hundred years we have gone our separate ways amicably. We were certainly alarmed at the rise of Lord Voldemort some twenty years ago. And more especially here at Gringotts, where wizards are some of our major customers. Any disturbance in the wizarding world is bad for business.

"Then Lord Voldemort disappeared. Things returned to an even keel. Our relations with the Ministry were not bad, but were not cordial. Now Lord Voldemort has re-appeared. This is not good news. But the Ministry seemed to be taking little heed of this until recently. The change in Minister has been welcome."

Another pause. "It seems also - how shall I put it? - that the new regime is more susceptible to good relations with goblins. We are cautious people. This new amity may only be temporary until Lord Voldemort is disposed of for once and for all. But we are encouraged by the changes we see in the Ministry.

"Thus when I saw Minister Arbuthnot I was prepared to agree to his request - given the nature of who he was asked us to receive. For, Mr Potter, it does seem as though a good deal of our future is tied up in you."

Raknuk sat back, waiting for a response. Harry's head was spinning. Whatever he had been expecting, it wasn't this.

"First of all," he began slowly, trying to sort out his thoughts, "it's very kind of you to receive us like this."

Raknuk nodded, and gave a slight smile.

"As you know, the Dementors have become an increasing menace."

Raknuk leant forward. "Not only for you, Mr Potter. Our people fear them as much as you. We were not happy when the wizarding world decided to employ them to guard their prison."

"Well, we need to move forward on this. As you know, the Wizangemot have decided to rid us of them for once and for all. It's very probable that they're working with Voldemort." Raknuk nodded. "But the bigger issue is Voldemort himself. I think the wizarding world and the goblin community need to see eye to eye on this."

He glanced over at Ron and Hermione. Ron was sitting open mouthed, but Hermione was nodding at him.

"And, er, I thought it might be an idea to find out more about the goblin world. And Gringotts seemed a good place to start."

Not quite the truth. In reality, Gringotts had just popped into his head as a possibility.

"So it was your suggestion rather than the Minister's?" asked Raknuk, leaning forward.

Harry nodded. "Yes."

"Ah. Very interesting. That puts a new light on things."

"You mean you thought this was a set up by the Minister?"

"Mr, Potter, please. Do not put things so crudely."

Harry grinned. "Sorry. I'm still learning all this diplomacy stuff."

"Ah, well, you are still young. But then, young minds are flexible."

"Thank you."

The goblin switched his gaze.

"Now, Miss Granger, the Minister tells me that not only are you one of the brightest students Hogwarts has had for several years, but also that you have a special interest in Arithmancy."

Hermione nodded. "It's one of my favourite subjects."

"Well, people who are adept at Arithmancy are few and far between. We must ensure that you see the department at some time. We are always on the lookout for bright young people."

"Thank you."

"And Mr Weasley. Another intrepid wizard who sees off Dementors." Not only Ron's ears went red, but the rest of his face. He muttered something in reply. "Shy or modest?" asked the goblin.

"Er, both probably."

"Your brother Bill works here. He is highly spoken of."

"Really? He's a good bloke."

"And talented. I hope you have some of his talents."

Ron went redder, if possible. "Maybe."

"Well, I am glad to have had this talk. But first it would be useful if you knew something about Gringotts. We give tours to some of our best customers. There are tours, deluxe tours, and super deluxe. This is what you shall have."

He smiled. It was more of a grimace really, but Harry thought it was supposed to be a smile. Raknuk pressed a small button on his desk - which, Harry noted, was free of any paperwork.

Another goblin appeared in the doorway.

"Ah, Kargaz - could you give these three young people the special tour?"

Kargaz bowed. "Of course."

Raknuk stood up, and they followed. The goblin stretched out a hand, and, one by one, they shook it. "We will talk again later."

With a chorus of 'thank yous' they were led away by Kargaz.

The tour was something else. A lot of it was above Harry's head, but Hermione seemed to be nodding a lot.

"Our overseas office. We have branches throughout Europe. There are some other European banks - in Germany, France and Switzerland. We also have banks in America. Our nearest rival is American."

"Our investment department. Underwrites loans and the like."

"Our Muggle conversion branch. Used mainly by Muggle parents of wizards."

It seemed to go on and on. All the while goblins were moving to and fro, wheeling carts, carrying parchments.

"The last part of our tour. Not many people are taken down here, and very few humans."

Kargaz stopped in front of a pair of enormous doors. He muttered various spells, then stepped forward and touched one of the bolts. The doors slowly swung back.

They all gasped. The huge vault was stacked not only with bar upon bar of gold, but other precious metals, and jars upon jars of precious stones.

"Walk forward," Kargaz told Ron.

With a look of blank amazement, Ron slowly stepped forward. Then: "Ouch!" Ron came to an abrupt halt. He reached up with his hands and started feeling, as if there were a gigantic pane of glass in front of him.

Kargaz calmly stepped past him. "Even if you were to open the doors - and that is difficult enough in itself - then you will not get past the barrier." Ron had stepped back a pace or two. "I am told that he who styles himself Lord Voldemort once tried, in his early days, but failed.

"Now you have seen much of the bank, perhaps you are hungry. Come with me."

They followed him up more staircases and passages until they found themselves back in the grand hall. Harry was quite exhausted by this stage. But waiting for them was -

"Bill!"

"Hi, Ron." He nodded to Harry and Hermione. "Want some lunch?"

"I'm starving," said Ron in a heart felt voice.

Harry turned to Kargaz. "Thank you for giving up your time showing us round. It was very impressive."

The goblin bowed. "It was my pleasure," and he turned and left.

"My word, Harry - quite the diplomat."

"You should have heard him this morning, talking to Raknuk!"

Bill's interest sharpened, and he whistled softly. "You met Raknuk?"

"Yeah."

"He's a big noise - not only with the bank, but with the Goblin Council."

"He told us he was on it."

"More than that." Bill shook his head. "Well, well."

Hermione looked at him sharply. "What does that mean?"

"Well," said Bill, "my guess - and it's only a guess - is that they're making a lot more of this than just a work experience visit by three talented Hogwarts students." Ron snorted. "No, seriously."

"Well, I probably helped that I had a letter of introduction from Arbuthnot," Harry told him.

"Did you? How on earth did you get that?"

And Harry told the saga that had ensued from the time Arbuthnot had become Minister.

"My word," said Bill softly. "No wonder there's been muttered hints and comments flying about the place."

Ron coughed. "You were going to take us to lunch?"

"What? Oh, yeah, come on."

This was no mere canteen; it was more like a very upmarket restaurant. And there were only humans there. Hermione made some comment.

"Oh, yeah, we tend to eat separately. They don't like our food and we don't like theirs. I've been to a couple of goblin feasts, and although they made an effort for me, I can't say I enjoyed them."

Bill found a table, and they all sat down. Immediately a waiter descended, proffering menus. Harry was a bit overwhelmed by the choice, but eventually settled for soup and lamb. Ron immediately asked for the same. Hermione dithered a little longer before opting for a seafood starter and fish.

"No wine," said Bill cheerfully. "We have to keep clear heads if you're working in this place."

Even so, the food was excellent and very well served. Even Ron could have few complaints. As Bill stirred his coffee, he looked at his watch.

"Kargaz will be coming for you at four. I don't know what the schedule is after that."

"Still on guard duty?" asked Harry.

"No - been back to curse breaking. More my thing, really. The prisons have become a joint Ministry/goblin responsibility now."

"It's going to be a problem," said Harry. "What to do with the Death Eaters with Voldemort still around."

"They're at the lowest level possible in the prison," said Bill grimly. "I won't say they couldn't break out, but they'd have to work bloody hard at it."

"Does that include Lucius Malfoy?" asked Ron.

"Yes. Why?"

"It was him who fitted Ginny up - remember? The Chamber of Secrets?"

"Really?" asked Bill, his eyebrows raised.

"Yep. It was him who slipped Ginny that dairy - the one with the memories of You Know Who."

"Right. Now I never knew that. Sounds the sort of thing he'd do, though."

But before they could take it any further, Kargaz was at Bill's elbow.

"Goblin Raknuk will be wanting to see our visitors very soon," he reminded them.

"Of course." They all got to their feet. "See you, little bro." This was slightly ironic given that Ron was now two inches taller than his older brother. "Harry, Hermione. Keep well."

"Ok. Thanks, Bill."

He left them to Kargaz who ushered them out, and took them along the corridors of the bank. Harry was trying to put his thoughts back into some sort of order, but before he'd got very far, they had arrived. Kargaz knocked and opened the door for them. Raknuk was sitting at his desk as if he hadn't moved since they had left him.

"Come in," again indicating the seats. "You had an interesting day?"

"Thank you," said Harry. "Kargaz has most helpful and informative."

"Good, good. Now, to business. We have some proposals to put to you. The first really applies to Mr Potter alone, I regret to say. Would it be possible to find places for you in the bank that would interest you for the next week or two?" he asked, looking at Ron and Hermione.

"Could I work with Bill, curse breaking?" Ron asked immediately.

"That would be no problem," said Raknuk smiling. At least, an attempt at a smile.

"The Arithmancy department, if I could," said Hermione.

"Of course. We are always on the look out for someone of your talents." And then he turned to Harry. "Would it possible for you to be here tomorrow at nine?"

This was phrased as a request, but it was really more of a summons.

"Of course," said Harry.

"Good. There are a variety of issues which we might discuss." He paused. "So. I am glad you have had a useful day. We at Gringotts need to be aware more of the outside world. Thank you for coming."

It was a dismissal. They rose to their feet to take their leave.

"And we'd like to thank you," said Ron, "for giving up your time and the bank's time. We appreciate it."

"Yes, indeed," from Hermione, and "That's right," came from Harry.

The goblin grimaced wider. "It has been our pleasure."

They took that as another cue to leave. Outside the door Harry turned to Ron.

"Silvertongue Weasley, eh?"

"Just taking a leaf from your book," said Ron airily.

"I think the goblins set quite a lot of store on the formalities," said Hermione. "We did the right thing there."

They emerged blinking into the sunlight of Diagon Alley, and began walking down to the nearest Apparation point.

"Where are you off to now, Hermione?"

"Home, I think," she said, frowning slightly.

"Oh?"

"Yes. I think I'll just do a bit of brushing up on my Arithmancy."

Harry could see the play of expression on Ron's face: he was going to say something sharp, then thought the better of it.

"Oh, yes, right, of course." He stopped and looked at Harry. "Actually, I think I'll be off home too."

"No prob. Say hi to the family."

"Yeah. I'll do that." He stepped into the recess and disappeared.

Hermione looked at him carefully. "I think the goblins want to talk to you about more than just a career in banking."

"It's okay, Hermione, I've worked that one out."

She nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting. It would be very useful to have them on our side." Harry waited for her to say some more. Unexpectedly, she smiled. "You did well today, Harry."

Surprised, he said: "Thanks, Hermione."

"Best of luck tomorrow."

And with that, she was gone.