Trinity

Katling

Story Summary:
Harry now knows what he has to do - find and destroy the Horcruxes and Voldemort. Ron and Hermione refuse to leave his side and they choose to become something that the Dark Lord will fear...the Trinity.

Chapter 07

Chapter Summary:
It's Harry's birthday and he goes to Diagon Alley and Gringotts to accept his inheritance. While there he has an interesting conversation with Mrs Augusta Longbottom.
Posted:
07/31/2005
Hits:
1,968


Chapter 7

Harry woke up on the morning of his birthday and wandered downstairs to find two things waiting for him in the kitchen with Dobby who was making breakfast. One of those was a very official looking owl who seemed rather impatient. The other was Moody who was watching the owl and Dobby with an amused expression. The ex-Auror looked up as he entered and nodded once.

"Morning, Potter," he said gruffly. "Happy birthday."

"Er, thanks," Harry said as he sat down at the table. Dobby hurried over and placed a goblet of pumpkin juice in front of him and announced breakfast would be ready soon. He smiled at the little house elf then looked back over at Moody.

"Came to tell you that the three of you have the day off," Moody said. "I'm sure that there are some plans in the works and that owl probably has something for you."

Harry looked over at the owl and saw that the letter attached to its leg was indeed addressed to him. He quickly untied it and thanked the owl. The bird hooted regally at him then spread its wings and flew out of the kitchen. Harry turned the letter over and saw the Gringotts insignia on the back.

Moody saw it too. "You going to make that speech today?"

Harry had spoken to Moody, Remus and Mr Weasley about Charlie's idea. All three had agreed it was a feasible plan but advised him to be careful about what he said.

"Yeah, probably," Harry said absently as he opened the envelope. "Bill said I'd probably have to go in to Gringotts to sign some things so I'll already be in Diagon Alley."

Moody grunted and stood. "Well, I might head in myself and scout the area. Get those twins to keep an eye on things as well."

"Okay, thanks," Harry said as he opened the letter.

Moody waved in reply as he left the kitchen and Harry started reading.

Dear Mr Harry Potter,

May I first extend Gringotts' congratulations on your birthday and your coming of age. It is a great milestone in the life of a wizard.

It has come to my attention that Gringotts holds in trust a substantial inheritance in your name that is to be handed over to you on your seventeenth birthday. If you would be so kind as to attend the Diagon Alley branch of Gringotts at your earliest convenience, we may expedite the hand over of this inheritance. Please ask for me by name.

Yours sincerely,

Takbar Goldgrant

Harry placed the letter down on the table and stared at it, unsure of how he was feeling.

"Harry Potter sir?" Dobby asked tentatively, full plate in hand.

Harry blinked. "Yes, Dobby?"

"Is everything alright?" the house elf asked as he placed the plate in front of Harry.

"Yes, everything's fine," Harry said with a small smile. "Thanks for breakfast, Dobby."

Dobby beamed and headed back to the stove.

"Hey, Harry," Ron said sleepily as he shuffled into the kitchen. "You're up early."

"So are you," Harry replied with amusement.

"Couldn't sleep," Ron yawned. "And I'd have to get up soon anyway."

"Moody's given us the day off as my birthday present," Harry said.

"Really? You mean I could have stayed in bed?" Ron groused then he saw the letter lying in front of Harry and woke up a bit more. "Is that what I think it is?"

"If you think it's a letter from Gringotts about my inheritance then yes," Harry replied.

"When do you have to go in?" Hermione asked from the door. "And I see we're all up early."

Harry laughed. "Anticipation maybe? And I can go in at any time."

"Well, let's have breakfast and get it done," Hermione said pragmatically as she sat down at the table.

Dobby rushed over and served breakfast to her and Ron and they thanked the house elf.

"Are you going to make that speech today?" Ron asked as he took a mouthful of eggs.

"Don't know," Harry replied. "Remus and Moody suggested that I let it happen naturally. You know, if the reporters mob me then make the speech but if they don't even notice I'm there, leave it until another time. Moody said if we try and force the issue, Voldemort will probably pick up on it and get suspicious. He said to remember Voldemort's evil, not stupid."

"And he's got Snape standing beside him now," Ron said with disgust. "And say what you like about him..."

"And we usually do," Harry chipped in with a grin that caused Hermione to roll her eyes.

"He is pretty intelligent," Ron finished with a matching grin. "And he probably knows us well enough to figure out when we're faking it."

They were interrupted by the sudden flaring of the fireplace and the arrival of Minerva McGonagall and Remus Lupin.

"Oh, good morning," Minerva said with slight surprise. "You three are up early."

Harry grinned. "I know. None of us could sleep. So what brings you here, Prof...Minerva?"

The two adults took seats at the table and waved off Dobby's offer of breakfast though they did accept some tea.

"The Board of Governors met last night and some decisions were made," Minerva said soberly. "I thought it best that you know what will be happening next year now that you lead the Order."

"So what's happening?" Harry prompted.

"It has been decided that the school will remain open next year for any students who wish to attend," Minerva announced. "I have been confirmed as Headmistress and Professor Flitwick will serve as Deputy Headmaster. Filius has been strengthening the wards since the end of the school year. They will now not permit anyone through who wears the Dark Mark." She paused and swallowed hard. "There is no longer any need to allow that." She took a deep breath and allowed a small smile to settle on her face. "As I am sure you are aware we need some new teachers for the next school year. Professor Slughorn has agreed, albeit reluctantly, to remain as the Potions teacher and will take over as Head of Slytherin."

"That's good," Harry said neutrally. After the revelations of last year, he wasn't entirely sure what to think of Slughorn "He's a good teacher."

"Yes, so many students have said," Minerva responded dryly. "Alastor Moody has agreed to take the Defence Against the Dark Arts position of which I am sure you will approve since it will enable you three to continue your training."

"That is good news," Harry said with a smile. "He was here this morning. I wonder why he didn't tell me."

"He was told to keep the news to himself," Minerva replied sternly. "As Headmistrees, I will no longer be able to teach and I must give up my responsibility as Head of Gryffindor House but I am sure you will like my replacement."

Harry looked between Minerva and Remus, hope growing within him even though he was genuinely disappointed that Minerva had to give up her dual roles. He and Remus had spoken when the werewolf had returned after the full moon and he felt they had the beginning of a much closer relationship.

Minerva smiled at him, reading the hopeful expression on his face. "The Board have accepted my recommendation of Remus to fill the positions of Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor House with myself to be available on the nights of the full moon. Remus achieved the second highest mark in Transfiguration in his final year so I feel he is more than capable of teaching the subject.""

Harry grinned as Ron whooped and Hermione congratulated Remus.

"So who beat you for top marks," Harry asked cheekily.

Remus paused for a moment. "Sirius," he said with a small smile. "And James came in third."

Harry's smile was tinged with sadness but it did not falter. "I suppose that makes sense." He paused. "Remus, I'm going in to Gringotts with Ron and Hermione today. They sent me a letter about my inheritance. I was hoping you'd come as well."

Remus looked a little surprised but quickly nodded. "I love to."

"Harry, I needed to ask you something regarding the next school year," Minerva said, dragging the conversation back on track. "Will the three of you be returning? I would like you to do so not just for your own safety and education, for I am more than willing to make allowances for the three of you to continue your advanced training with Alastor, but also for the good of the school. It will set a good example if you are willing to return."

Harry paused then nodded slowly. "I think we should too. The school should remain open, as a refuge if nothing else. The only problem I can see is if Ron, Hermione and I have to go and...well, deal with something."

"Then you shall go," Minerva said reluctantly. "I had not intended to tell you this just yet but I suppose we might consider it your birthday present. It was the unanimous decision of all of the teachers that you be made this year's Head Boy."

Harry's jaw dropped. "Me? Why me?"

Minerva chuckled. "Surely that would be obvious, Harry. There are many reasons why the Head Boy is chosen. It may be simply because he is the most academically brilliant in the year or he may be a natural leader or it may be for many other reasons. In your case it is because you are the Boy-Who-Lived. The only person to have survived a personal attack by Voldemort. You are a strong and capable leader as you have already proven with your Defence Association. You do not show fear of Voldemort and have already chosen to take the lead in these troubled times. While there are more academically brilliant students than yourself, you are the ideal choice for Head Boy from your year level."

"Oh," Harry said a little weakly. He hadn't quite expected such an honest response.

"Hermione will of course be Head Girl," Minerva continued briskly. "As Head Boy and Girl and with Ron as a prefect, you will be permitted to leave whenever you feel it necessary. I just ask that you do not abuse that privilege."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said seriously.

"Good," Minerva said firmly. "Now, I'm afraid I must return to Hogwarts. There is much to be done to prepare the school for the new year."

With that the new Headmistress of Hogwarts rose and flooed out of Grimmauld Place. Harry watched her go then looked over at his friends.

"Okay, let's get ready."

The trio stood and hurried upstairs to change into more appropriate clothes then they grabbed bags and money and headed downstairs again. When they walked back into the kitchen, Remus stood and the four of them flooed through to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was empty and Tom looked up hopefully as they exited from the fireplace. His face fell when they merely waved a hello and hurried out the back entrance.

"Poor Tom," Remus commented quietly as he tapped the wall to open it. "He has to remain open as the main entrance to Diagon Alley is here but it's not easy for him these days. Not many people want to linger over a pint or a meal."

"Understandable, I suppose," Hermione said as they hurried through the Diagon Alley towards Gringotts.

The place was nearly empty and those people that were there were scurrying around, clearly intent on finishing their tasks as quickly as possible. Some of them looked over at Harry and his friends and their eyes widened as they realised who it was they were seeing. When they got to Gringotts, Harry headed straight for the first waiting goblin and pulled the letter he had received that morning out of his pocket.

"Excuse me," he said politely. "I need to speak to Takbar Goldgrant."

The goblin took the letter without a word and glanced at it before handing it back and looking at Ron, Hermione and Remus. "Wait here," he said abruptly as he jumped down and scurried off.

A few minutes later he returned with another goblin. This new goblin came around to the front of the counter and held out a hand.

"Ah, Mr Potter, welcome. I'm Takbar Goldgrant," he said in a gravelly voice as they shook hands. "I had hoped you would come in today. Happy birthday."

"Thank you," Harry replied.

"Please call me Takbar, Mr Potter," Takbar said as he glanced at the others. "Do you wish for these good people to accompany us?"

"Yes. Is that a problem?" Harry replied.

"No, no, not at all," Takbar replied amiably as he gestured for everyone to follow him. "You may share the news of your inheritance with whomever you choose."

Takbar led them through a side door and into a luxuriously appointed office. He gestured for Harry and his friends to take seats around a large mahogany table then walked over to the large desk and picked up a folder. He walked back to the table and stood beside Harry, placing the folder in front of him and opening it.

"Your inheritance consists of three properties," Takbar began to explain, turning over pieces of parchment. "There is a piece of land at Godric's Hollow. There was a house there..." Takbar stopped suddenly then continued smoothly. "As I'm sure you are aware. There is a manor house located in Essex and a cottage in the town of Hogsmeade. The manor house has been unused since the deaths of your grandparents though there is a small house elf staff still there. The cottage in Hogsmeade is currently rented and the lease comes up at the end of February next year."

Takbar flipped through a few more pieces of parchment before continuing. "Now, onto to the Potter family vault. The vault currently contains a substantial sum of money, somewhere in the vicinity of five million galleons, as well as a large amount of property, jewels, magical artefacts and portraits." He looked down at the topmost sheet of parchment. "There are also five crates that contain assorted effects from the house at Godric's Hollow."

"Wow," Harry said, a little shocked at the extent of his inheritance.

"I didn't know the Potters had that much money," Remus said with a small frown.

"Interest," Takbar replied succinctly. "Sixteen years of interest does any sum of money a world of good."

"Ah, that would explain it," Remus said with a nod. He looked over at Harry and chuckled at his shocked expression. "I thought you knew the Potters were a wealthy family?"

"Well, sort of," Harry said uncomfortably. "I just didn't think it was that much."

"It is a substantial amount," Takbar said judiciously. "Though nowhere near the fortunes possessed by some of the more notable families. The Patils for example are among one of the wealthiest families in Britain though much of their fortune is based in India."

Harry, Ron and Hermione looked surprised at that. Takbar fussed with the parchments then removed three separate pages.

"Now, Mr Potter, if you could just sign here, here and here, we can get this done," Takbar said, offering a quill and ink to Harry.

Harry quickly signed where indicated and Takbar smiled with satisfaction. He tapped the three pieces of parchment and they disappeared. He picked up the folder and handed it to Harry with a bow.

"Would you like to visit your vault, Mr Potter?" he asked.

Harry nodded. "Yes, please."

Takbar bowed again and led the four of them out of the office. One rather fast and ferocious ride in the carts later they were standing in front of vault number 143. The vault also bore the name Potter engraved in the stone above the door. Takbar waved Harry over to a small bronze plate in the middle of the door.

"If you could just place your hand here, Mr Potter."

Harry obeyed and felt an odd, rather warm wave of magic flow through him then a low chime sounded and the door to the vault began to swing open. Harry walked in with his friends and Takbar behind him and he gasped at the sight before him.

The vault was enormous and seemed to be sectioned off into various areas. One area held huge piles of galleons, sickles and knuts. One held portrait after portrait while a third held various types of furniture. There was a section devoted to weaponry, one that looked like a small library and another where various magical items were held in glass cases or behind shimmering shields. Right at the front of the vault lay the five crates from Godric's Hollow. Harry headed straight for these crates and crouched down beside them. They had all been sealed and he ran a hand lightly over the one closest to him. He stayed like that for a couple of minutes then he felt someone crouch down beside him.

"Let's shrink them and take them home," Remus said quietly. "I think you'll want to go through them in private."

Harry nodded and let the werewolf shrink the crates. He then picked them up and tucked them into a pocket before looked around the vault. He smiled when he saw Hermione looking through the bookshelves with avid interest and Ron examining the magical items.

"Let's go," he called out to them and they jumped momentarily before heading back.

"There are some very rare books in here," Hermione said with excitement.

Harry laughed. "We can come back later, Hermione, and you can take whichever ones you like."

Hermione beamed at him and Ron, Remus and Harry laughed. They headed back over to Takbar who took them all back to the surface. Once there Harry thanked the goblin for his help, much to Takbar's obvious pleasure, and they headed out of the bank, planning on going to the Leaky Cauldron and from there back home.

As they were walking along Diagon Alley, Harry heard someone call his name. He turned to see Neville Longbottom running towards him, a tall, stern-looking woman sailing along regally in his wake. She wore green robes, a fox-fur scarf and a vulture-topped hat and held a large red handbag clutched in one hand. Harry and his friends stopped walking and waited for Neville and his Gran to catch up to them. Once they did, Mrs Longbottom started talking before Neville had a chance to open his mouth.

"Mr Potter, my name is Augusta Longbottom," she said firmly. "I am sure Neville has told you about me."

"Er, yes ma'am," Harry said a bit nervously. Mrs Longbottom was a very formidable woman and having her fierce regard pinned on you was more than a little intimidating. Suddenly Harry felt a wave of sympathy for Neville.

"I understand today is your birthday, Mr Potter," she said, her face softening slightly. "Happy birthday. Congratulations of reaching your majority."

"Um, thank you, ma'am," Harry said before quickly turning to Neville. "Happy birthday for yesterday, Neville."

Neville blushed as Ron, Hermione and Neville added their congratulation and smiled. "Thanks, Harry. Thanks, guys. Thanks, Professor Lupin."

Mrs Longbottom looked pleased that Harry had remembered Neville's birthday then she fixed him with a stern look. "I am given from various sources to understand that you intend to fight You-Know-Who. That Albus himself set this task upon you. Is this true?"

"Well, yes, in a manner of speaking," Harry replied, aware that they were gathering a small but interested crowd. "I have other reasons than just the Headmaster's wishes though. He killed my parents and one of his followers killed my godfather. The Headmaster just asked me to do something that I would have wanted to do anyway."

"I see," Mrs Longbottom said with an arched eyebrow. "I have also just heard that the school will be reopening for the next school year. Will you be returning?"

"Of course! We all will," Harry said staunchly, gesturing to his friends. "I'm not going to let Voldemort stop me from doing what I want to do."

He said this last loudly, ignoring the gasps from people around them at his use of the Dark Lord's name.

"You use his name," Mrs Longbottom said in an odd tone.

"Yes," Harry replied firmly. "The Headmaster once said fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself. Voldemort is just the name a half-blood wizard came up with because he didn't like being called Tom."

There were even more audible gasps from those around them and for a moment Harry wondered if he'd perhaps gone a little too far. Then he heard a rusty-sounding chuckle and realised it came from Mrs Longbottom.

"You've got courage, lad, I'll give you that," she said with an approving pat on his shoulder. "You reminded me very much of your parents just then. They would be very proud of you."

"Thank you, Mrs Longbottom," Harry said respectfully.

"Glad to see you know something of the truth of Voldemort," she said then she chuckled again at Harry's expression. "Oh yes, I'm old enough to know a bit about him." She nodded approvingly. "Good to see there's someone competent taking up Albus' reigns in this fight. Neville speaks very highly of you and I know Neville's word can be trusted."

Neville stood a little straighter at this and shot a surprised look at his grandmother.

"Neville was a great help at the Ministry," Harry said with a quick grin to his fellow Gryffindor. "And during the fight with the Death Eaters at Hogwarts. I gather he'll be coming back to school for Seventh Year?"

"Of course," Mrs Longbottom said scornfully. "You are right after all. Can't let that wretched man stop us from living our lives."

"That's good to hear," Harry replied.

Mrs Longbottom turned her imposing gaze from Harry to Remus. "Professor Lupin, I understand you will be returning to Hogwarts this year to teach."

"Yes, Minerva has asked me to teach Transfiguration this year since she will be taking up the position of Headmistress," Remus replied respectfully. "I will also be the Head of Gryffindor House."

"Really?" Neville said with a smile. "That's good to hear, Professor. Who will be teaching Defence then?"

Remus smiled at Neville, obviously remembering the nervous boy from his classes. "Alastor Moody has agreed to teach Defence this year, Neville."

Neville gulped and looked nervous.

"At least it's the real Alastor Moody this time," Harry said dryly. "Though I would have liked you to teach us Defence, Remus."

Harry's obvious affection for Remus caused more murmurs to run through the crowd and Mrs Longbottom gave him an approving smile.

"I think Alastor is better suited to teach the kind of things you need to know now," Remus replied.

"I still liked you better as a teacher, Professor," Neville said with a shifty glance at his grandmother that said more than words that she did not know about the Boggart incident.

Harry, Ron and Hermione suddenly struggled to keep straight faces and they saw Neville was having the same problem. Finally Ron let out a snicker and the four students started laughing.

Mrs Longbottom eyed them all sternly. "What is Merlin's name is that all about?" she demanded of Remus.

Remus just smiled benignly. "I tried to make my classes fun. Students learn better when they are enjoying themselves."

Mrs Longbottom eyed them all suspiciously for a moment then she allowed herself a small smile. "From what I have heard you more than succeeded, Professor. Well, Neville and I must be off, we still have some tasks to complete. Good day, Mr Potter, Professor Lupin, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger."

Harry and his friends said goodbye to Neville and his Gran then continued on towards the Leaky Cauldron, scattering the suddenly studiously disinterested crowd as they walked. They didn't speak as they flooed back to Grimmauld Place. The moment they stepped out of the fireplace into the empty kitchen, Hermione turned to Harry.

"Well, that was lucky," she said with a smile. "You didn't get to say half the things you planned but I think you got the most important things across."

"It definitely went well," Remus added. "And I'm sure that Mrs Longbottom was aware of everything she was saying. She knew the crowd was there and listening. She was very clearly taking a stand on the issue."

"Yeah, I noticed," Harry said dryly. "I hope she knows what she's doing."

Ron snorted. "Did you see that woman, Harry? Of course she knows what she's doing. If it came to a fight between Mrs Longbottom and Voldemort, I think I'd put my money on Mrs Longbottom."

Harry, Ron and Remus burst out laughing at Ron's comment.

"You might have a point there, Ron," Harry said with a grin then he patted his pockets and sobered. "Look, I'm going to go downstairs and start looking through these."

Hermione and Ron sobered as well. "We'll go to the library and keep searching for anything on Horcruxes," Hermione said quickly. "I think you should do this by yourself."

"Actually I was kind of hoping Remus would join me," Harry said, looking hopefully at the older man.

Remus nodded. "Of course, Harry."

Ron and Hermione smiled then slipped out of the kitchen. Harry drew in a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come, then he and Remus headed for the stairs to the cellar.