Harry Potter and the Antiquity Link

Chapter 6

Diagon Alley

Soon after Hermione left, Harry decided to go for another fly. He flew for a little over a half hour, and encountered no dementors. He thought about taking a quick swing over Hogsmeade, but he was fairly sure that by now nobody would be outside. Also, he didn't want to be seen, and have it get back to Ron and Hermione, or anyone; he didn't want to hear a lecture on irresponsibility or safety.

Bill came by and talked to Harry about the structure of the bank they would create, and to Harry's exasperation, asked one more time if he was sure. Bill explained that he intended to hire three of four people at first, and no more until necessary and the business merited it. He continued talking about his plans; Harry nodded occasionally, but said nothing.

Finally, Bill frowned. "Harry, is something wrong?"

Surprised, Harry shook his head. "No, why?"

"You're not saying much."

"I... I don't have anything to say. I don't know anything about this. As far as I'm concerned, anything you want to do is okay."

"You really have no opinion about any of it?"

Harry thought for a moment. "About the business stuff, no. Only about what's the general direction of the place. You say it has to make money, and I don't mind, but I really want it to help people who need help. So, I guess you should consult me about things like the direction of the business, whether any policy will make things harder or easier for the people I want to help. But details, profits, financial things, that's your thing. I wouldn't know enough to say anything one way or the other."

"So, for example," Bill said, "suppose we give people loans, and they go out and blow it all gambling. What's to stop people from doing that?"

"Nothing, I suppose."

"Well, that's part of the reason banks typically don't give loans to poor people. Sometimes people are just poor because they're poor, but sometimes it's because of bad money management. Some people are just no good at dealing with money, it slips through their fingers. They can't control their impulses. You give them a hundred Galleons and a week later it's gone, with nothing real to show for it--"

Harry found himself becoming irritated. "Are you saying we shouldn't make loans?"

Bill was clearly trying to be patient. "No, but I think you have this idea that we make loans, people will use the money wisely as a resource to rebuild their lives, and get back on their feet. Now, some will, but some won't. Since you don't have experience with this, you may not know this, and if we make a lot of loans to people who wouldn't normally get them, this will probably happen in quite a number of cases. You might then wonder, what went wrong? Why didn't it work? I'm telling you this so you know in advance. If we loan money with no strings attached, a fair amount of it will be wasted. Worse, they'll come back and ask for more loans. They'll plead, tell stories about what happened to the money, say they'll do better next time. And if you give them another, the same thing will happen to a lot of them, and they'll end up in debt."

Harry sighed; this was more complicated than he had thought. "Well, what do you suggest?"

"Depending on the person, I'd suggest we interview them, find out what their needs are, and provide for those needs directly, rather than simply hand over gold. If they need a house, we buy the house directly, and set up a schedule of payments. Most importantly, we make sure that they authorize us to get the money for repayment directly from their employer. That's a must."

"Why? I'm pretty sure it doesn't work that way in the Muggle world."

"No, it doesn't," agreed Bill. "But--I studied this in Muggle Studies, and more on my own--Muggles have something called a credit rating, and if they don't pay back loans, they can't get loans in the future, and it affects them in a lot of ways that it doesn't affect us. Even then, many of them default on loans. Loans aren't common in the wizarding world. Goblins make them, but only the kind where you have to fear for your health if you don't pay them back. Since we won't be doing that, we have to take other measures to make sure we don't lose the money we lend out. More importantly, if we aren't seen to be running a sound operation, if we look like we don't care that we're losing money hand over fist, our reputation in the financial community will be bad, and it'll affect the overall business badly. I could explain why in more detail, but I sense that I've already passed the point where you stopped being interested."

His manner mildly apologetic, Harry said, "It's more that what you say is kind of depressing; I didn't know all this. Do you think it's still worth doing?"

"Oh, absolutely," said Bill firmly. "It would be useful if the only thing it did was keep the goblins on their toes. But even if it can't do everything you hoped and imagined it would, it'll still do a lot of good. Loans at a reasonable interest rate are almost nonexistent in the wizarding world, so it would be good to introduce the concept. They aren't very profitable, but since you don't care about that, it helps. But, sure, it'll be worthwhile, don't worry about that. Oh, and this bank will need a name. Had you thought of that?" Harry shook his head. "Well, I'll think about it a bit more. Anyway, sorry to depress you."

Harry wasn't sure whether Bill was teasing him or chiding him. "Well, as long as it can do something. I guess I just have to get used to the idea that money can't make people's lives better all by itself." They talked for a while more, after which Bill left. Harry hoped that his input wouldn't be needed often.

* * * * *

At three in the afternoon, Harry put on his Invisibility Cloak and Apparated to the football field, far enough from where Dudley had been sitting the day before that he wouldn't hear the sound of the Apparition. He walked toward Dudley, taking it off while Dudley wasn't looking in his direction. "Dudley," he called out when he was fifteen yards away.

Dudley looked over in surprise. "Wow," he said when Harry reached him. "Didn't see you coming." Harry got the impression that Dudley had been conscientiously looking.

"How're you doing?"

Dudley shrugged. "As usual. So, what'd you find out?"

"It turns out I was right, the Ministry does have a department that handles this kind of thing. It's a little rare, but definitely not unheard of. Also, there's a couple of schools you can go to that are like my school, except for adults who found out that they're wizards. One's in France, and the other's in America."

"Why isn't there one in England?"

"Not enough people need it. It's kind of like, there's one for each half of the world, and that's enough."

Dudley nodded. "Well, I'd probably go to the American one, but I'd have lots of time to think about it." There was a short silence, then Dudley asked, "Did you talk to Mum and Dad?"

Harry's face showed his annoyance. "Yeah. It was big fun."

Dudley grinned a little. "I'll bet. What did they say?"

"Well, your mother's still in denial. 'Dudley is not a wizard!'" Harry lightly mimicked Petunia's tone. "I pulled out the letter from Hogwarts. Your mother reacted as if someone had pulled her pants down in public." More somberly, Harry added, "Your father didn't know."

"She didn't tell him?" asked an astonished Dudley. "Even after... what happened?" Harry could see that Dudley preferred not to mention the incident with the Death Eater if he could help it, and he didn't blame Dudley.

"Well, you know how she is. For her, wizards are like the devil. Probably she was really ashamed of it, since she knew it came from her side of the family. She didn't want to admit it to Vernon; she just hoped it would go away. Even with me, you remember how they tried to escape the letters. It's just that with me, Dumbledore wouldn't take no for an answer."

"Why you, and not me?"

"Because I'm Harry Potter." To Dudley's blank look, he added, "Oh, yeah, I forget that doesn't mean the same thing to you." He launched into an explanation of his early fame in the wizarding world, and the reasons for it. "So, he knew the Dark wizards would be coming for me, and that not training me as a wizard would mean I'd die, sooner rather than later. So, he insisted. In your case, he knew that it wouldn't be good for you not to go--that's probably why he said what he said when he came to pick me up two years ago--but he knew how your mother felt. I think he thought that however bad a decision it was, she was your mother, so she got to make the decision. With me, she didn't even think of me as a son, so that was different."

"I wondered... I mean, especially since this thing happened, but... why is she like that? Why is it so bad for her?"

Harry didn't want to gossip, but at this point, he felt Dudley deserved to know. Harry told him the story of what he'd seen in Snape's last memories. "So, if there's more to it than that, I don't know what it is. It seems like... she just decided she hated wizards after that. Now, she has to decide whether she hates wizards more than she loves her Duddykins."

Harry had said it in a matter-of-fact tone, with sympathy for Dudley, but Dudley looked at him crossly. "Don't say that," he snapped.

"I didn't mean any offense," Harry protested. "I just said that because that's the way she always--"

"I know. Just don't, okay?"

Harry nodded. "Sorry." Mollified, Dudley grunted an acknowledgment. Guess it's a sensitive topic for him, thought Harry.

They talked for a half hour about general topics relating to the wizarding world. "I'd like to see it," Dudley said. "Is there some kind of town square, or downtown area for wizards? That would be really interesting."

Oh, boy, thought Harry. "Yes, there is. It's called Diagon Alley."

"Could we go there? I mean, now?"

Harry had hoped to avoid that for a while, but he felt as though he should do what Dudley wanted, within reason, and he could definitely understand Dudley's curiosity. "Yeah, we can." He explained Apparition; Dudley seemed nervous, but nodded. Harry wrapped his right arm around Dudley's left, and Apparated them to Diagon Alley.

Harry was well used to the sensation, but upon arriving, he had to support Dudley, who was very off-balance. Dudley gestured that he was all right, and Harry let go. Amazed, Dudley looked around. Harry remembered how he'd felt the first time he was in Diagon Alley; it had seemed like a whole different world. The next thing Harry noticed was that they were being stared at by a half dozen people. Suddenly uncomfortable, Harry nudged Dudley. "Let's walk, okay?"

"Hmmm?" Dudley asked, his attention elsewhere. "Oh, okay." They walked slowly, Dudley still looking around with an awed expression. They had gotten no more than ten yards when a middle-aged couple walked up to them.

"Harry Potter," said the man proudly. He was slim, with brown hair that was just beginning to recede; his wife was a little plump but attractive, also with brown hair. "Should have known you'd be here today. Got to show the flag, set an example. I'm Arnold Grant, and this is my wife Anna. It's an honor to meet you."

"Thank you," said Harry politely. "This is my cousin, Dudley."

Having just finished shaking Harry's hand, Grant reached for that of the befuddled Dudley. "A pleasure. You must be so proud, to be his cousin." Harry couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of the thought. "I'm sorry, I don't want to disturb you and your cousin, but I had to say thank you for everything you've done. Several of my friends suffered greatly recently, and two were let out of Azkaban because of your victory. I'm sure they would want to thank you as well."

Harry nodded, not knowing what to say. "Well, we do what we have to do."

Grant smiled. "So modest, just as the Prophet said. It's good to have them back in business too, and again, it's thanks to you. Good luck to you." With a small bow, Grant and his wife moved on; Harry continued walking, a gaping Dudley a step behind. "What was that all about?"

Embarrassed, Harry shrugged. "I did mention that thing about that Voldemort wizard."

"Yeah, but--"

"Harry!" Coming at him from the side was a pretty young woman who he vaguely recognized. Obviously understanding from his expression that he didn't recognize her, she said, "I'm Penelope--"

"Clearwater," he finished.

"Oh, you do remember! Thank you. I'm in a hurry, but I saw you, and I had to stop and say thank you. What you did was so brave." She looked at him admiringly, then quickly leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Got to go, bye!" She walked off briskly, taking long strides.

Dudley was still gaping. "Who was that?"

"I barely knew her, she went to Hogwarts, but was four years older than me."

"And she kissed you? Is that some kind of custom in this world?"

"Uh, no," said Harry. "This is kind of a special situation." Dudley said nothing, clearly not knowing what to say. As they passed Quality Quidditch Supplies, Harry motioned to some brooms, and started to explain Quidditch. He didn't go into too much detail, however, as he knew Dudley wouldn't remember much.

"Potter!" he heard a man shout from behind. "I thought that was you looking in the window!" He walked up and shook Harry's hand. "I'm Wally Whyton, manager of the Wimbourne Wasps." Harry couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. "Yes, I know. I always joke that that was the reason I chose the Wasps, because of the alliteration. I won't hold you up, but I wanted to give you my card. We'd love for you to try out, as soon as the Quidditch World Cup ends. Everyone in the Quidditch world knows that you're a great Seeker, it would be a real coup for the team to have you."

"Well, thank you," said Harry, accepting the card, which was twice as big as a normal Muggle business card. "I really don't know what I'm going to do, though. I feel like I need to relax for a while."

Whyton nodded. "Well, like the Minister said, you deserve it. Just keep us in mind when you think about your future, will you? Even after the season starts, you've very welcome to try out." He nodded to Harry and Dudley, and went back into the shop.

Harry sighed. "As I was saying--"

"Is this going to keep happening?" asked Dudley.

"It might," allowed Harry. "We don't have to stay, we can go if you want." Harry found himself hoping Dudley would agree.

"No, I'm okay. This is very strange, though."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Tell me about it."

"Does this happen every time you go out in public?"

"I don't go out in public that much. This is the first time since I beat Voldemort."

"Why?"

Harry looked at him as though it were obvious. "Because of all this."

"I wouldn't mind it."

"Well, sure, it seems good," acknowledged Harry. "It's just a bit much."

They made it another fifteen yards before the next interruption. An old man walked up to Harry, warmth in his eyes. "Hello, Mr. Potter. A great pleasure to see you again, looking like yourself this time."

Harry smiled. "Elphias, please call me Harry. This is my cousin, Dudley. He's visiting Diagon Alley for the first time."

"Very pleased to meet you," he said kindly, shaking Dudley's hand. "A very pleasant place, made safe once more by your cousin. Harry, please convey to the Weasleys my condolences over Muriel's death. She could be... a challenge, but no one deserves to go like that."

"I will, sir," agreed Harry.

"And, congratulations on your accomplishment. You said at the ceremony that Albus laid it out for you, and that you followed his plan. I'm so very glad that you did not let what Muriel, or that snake Skeeter, said sway you. You believed in him, you trusted him."

If you only knew, thought Harry. Maybe Dumbledore was more complex than I thought, but you'll be happier keeping that pure image you have. Ignorance is bliss. "And everything worked out pretty much as he thought it would." Except for my being alive, that is.

"I would have thought nothing else. I understand you are keeping it to yourself for now, but one day, I would be very happy to hear the story of his last days--the real story. I hope you will indulge me sometime."

Harry nodded. "It was very nice to see you again, Elphias."

"You too, Harry. Please have a nice afternoon."

They walked on, Dudley seeming to get used to the interruptions. "Now, him, you knew, right?"

Harry nodded. "He was an old friend of the headmaster of Hogwarts--oh, wait, you saw him that time. He's dead now." He went on to explain a little more about Dumbledore. "He was very respected in wizarding society--"

"And we miss him very much in the Wizengamot," another voice cut in. It was a tall woman, almost as tall as Harry, in her late fifties, with equal parts black and white hair. "Harry, my name is Marilyn Bennefort. You wouldn't remember me, but you were before me three years ago, when you were up on charges of using underage magic. I voted to acquit." Her tone and eyes suggested that she hoped he wouldn't judge them all based on the actions of Fudge and a few others.

"Thank you," said Harry. "This is my cousin, Dudley."

"Ah, yes, the young man whose life Harry saved," she said, looking Dudley over; Dudley's eyebrows went high and he looked at Harry. "I got in a little trouble for that," he explained.

"Nothing that was deserved, of course; it was all political. Many of us are hoping that this will happen less now, with a less political Minister in the office. Harry, might I have a word with you?"

Harry paused. "Okay, but Dudley has to come, too. I'm not leaving him alone."

She nodded. "A prudent precaution, of course. You are of age now, but we still want no repeats if we can help it." Dudley, though obviously not knowing what they were referring to, looked slightly alarmed as they walked to a more secluded spot in between two shops.

"Harry, this has been discussed among those of us in the Wizengamot. We were going to send you an owl, but since I have you here... we would like to extend to you an invitation to join our number, to be a member of the Wizengamot."

Now, Harry was as stunned as Dudley had been earlier. "Wait. The Wizengamot is the wizarding court, right? The highest one, or maybe, the only one?"

"There are a few lower ones, but yes, it is the main one. Any case of any importance comes before us."

"And you want me to be on it." She nodded. "But I'm not a lawyer!" he exclaimed, his surprise coming through in his tone. "I don't know the first thing about what you do!"

She nodded understandingly. "I can understand why this would surprise you, but that is not important. You would learn. How to explain... let me ask you, Harry. You spent a year hunting for a way to ensure Voldemort's demise. It has been said that you faced Voldemort, fully expecting to die, in the hope that it would lead to his defeat. Why did you do that?"

He could think of only one answer. "Because it was the right thing to do."

She nodded vigorously. "Exactly. That, Harry, is what we want. It is easy to find someone with legal knowledge, even with wisdom. But someone who would do what you did is very rare indeed; Albus was such a person." Harry nodded. "As you saw three years ago, there is a faction on the Wizengamot that will do what is right politically, rather than what is simply right. Your actions show that you can be trusted to make a fair decision, based on nothing more than facts and evidence. That is the reason we would like you to join."

"Wow," said Harry, still stunned. "I... I don't know what to say."

"Feel free to take as much time as you like to think it over, of course. I should point out that it is hardly a full-time commitment. It is up to the individual as to how many trials or hearings to attend; you could attend very rarely if you chose. My point is that if you accept, you are not taking an enormous burden upon yourself; it would be at your discretion. You may want to discuss this with Minister Shacklebolt, or Mr. Weasley."

"I will. And thank you for--" he paused. "Just a minute... while you're here, there's something I'd like to ask. It has to do with a wizard's debt." He explained to a surprised Bennefort the basic details of what Narcissa Malfoy had done, and her reasons. "So, do you think I owe her a debt?"

She looked at him with curiosity. "Are you asking me because I'm on the Wizengamot?"

"Maybe partly, but mainly, because you're someone not connected with the situation. Ron, Hermione, the others... they all have experience with the Malfoys, and it may affect what they say."

"Do you think I haven't had any dealings with the Malfoys?" she asked, with mild amusement at Harry's naiveté. "If you want the opinion of someone connected to politics but doesn't know the Malfoys, you'll have to go overseas. But I understand what you mean."

She thought for a few seconds. "Honestly, I believe it is what you decide it is. I think there is little moral obligation, and certainly no obligation to do anything that you don't feel is right. I can see you dislike the idea of being in her debt, and I don't blame you. If I were you, I would consider that I owed her some kind of debt, but one in which repayment must be consistent with your personal ethics."

Harry gave her a wry smile. "That's pretty much what I think, but Narcissa seems to think it's too great a restriction on what she wants me to do."

Bennefort laughed. "I'll bet. By the way, in connection with that... it's not public yet, as it's just been decided, but I'll tell you that the Wizengamot has issued a summons for Draco Malfoy. Narcissa's testimony will eventually be requested, but no charges against her are contemplated. But for Draco, it may well come to that. In addition to any assistance he may have provided his father, he is suspected of two counts of attempted murder against Professor Dumbledore, and allowing Death Eaters into Hogwarts. Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger tell us that you already knew that, however."

"I did," he said. "But thanks for telling me about that."

"Not at all. Well, I'll leave you to your walk. I hope I was able to help."

"You did, thank you," said Harry.

She nodded. "You'll get an owl with the formal offer. Take your time."

As she walked off, Harry shook his head. The Wizengamot? Him? It seemed inconceivable. He could understand her point, but... it seemed like something that should be happening to someone else, not him.

They walked past Ollivander's; Harry explained how wands were made, and told about his first trip there. The shop was closed, and Harry wondered how long it would be until Mr. Ollivander returned.

Though he was aware of many stares, the next five minutes went by without an interruption, and he was able to describe many points of interest to Dudley. Near the fireplace he was approached four times in quick succession, and moved away, to Flourish and Blotts. After looking there for a few minutes, they turned a corner, and Harry saw two very familiar faces. "Neville! Ginny!" he exclaimed.

"Harry! Great to see you here," said Neville cheerfully.

"I'm surprised," added Ginny, "I'd have thought you'd be hiding out at Grimmauld Place." Harry thought there was an undercurrent of disapproval in her voice, or maybe it was just that he hadn't seen her when she thought he should. He liked girls, and Ginny especially, but was sometimes frustrated that he couldn't understand what they were thinking, or how to deal with them. No wonder Ron bought that book, he thought.

"I would be," he admitted, "but Dudley wanted to see the wizarding world. It turns out he's a wizard, but nobody knew. He got the Hogwarts letter, but his mother never told anyone." A glance at Dudley told Harry that Dudley was not sure he wanted anyone to know even that much about him.

"Wow, I didn't know that ever happened," said Neville, who offered his hand to Dudley. "Welcome to the wizarding world, Dudley. It must all be very strange, very surprising." Dudley nodded, but said nothing.

"What are you two doing here?" asked Harry. "Shouldn't you be--"

"At Hogwarts, yes," said Neville. "But Professor McGonagall, just for today, asked that anyone who can do a Patronus--"

It dawned on Harry. "You're on patrol."

"Yes, exactly. Just in case. Four people an hour, until nine o'clock. Helps take the burden off the Aurors a bit. Which reminds me, unfortunately, we need to go, we're supposed to be moving all the time. But it's good to see you here."

"You, too," he said, looking at both of them. They said goodbye and moved on. "Friends from Hogwarts," Harry explained.

"What happened to him?"

Harry recalled that while Neville's face looked much better than it had at the Hogwarts battle, there were still scars. "There was kind of a hard time recently. Because of the Voldemort wizard." Dudley asked some questions about Voldemort, which Harry answered as best he could. To Dudley's final question, 'how did you beat him?', Harry could only say that it was a long story.

"What's that?" asked Dudley, pointing to the shop across the street.

"It's a joke shop for wizards," answered Harry carefully.

"Sounds cool! Can we check it out?"

"Mmmm... maybe we should wait. The guys that run it are popular, and huge practical jokers... and the ones that dropped that toffee, that made your tongue..."

A cloud passed over Dudley's face. "Oh." They continued walking.

"They're nice guys, really," said Harry. "They did that kind of thing to everybody, including me. It's just that with us, they have a reputation, so we know to expect it."

They stopped at Florean Fortescue's for a snack, which the owner insisted was on the house, despite Harry's protestations. Harry continued to be approached at least once every five minutes, and after they had been there for an hour and a half, Harry had had enough, and asked Dudley if he minded leaving. Dudley nodded his assent, but before they could leave, Harry was approached again, by a large man with dark hair who appeared to be in his late twenties. "You're Harry Potter! Maybe you can do something. My wife has been waiting all day to get into Gringotts. Can you try to talk to the goblins, get them to start letting people in?" His tone was insistent, as if he expected that Harry would naturally do as he asked.

Harry had to restrain himself from responding snidely, as it was such an absurd question. "They're not going to listen to me," he responded.

"Can't you at least try? If they'd listen to anybody, it would be you!"

What is wrong with this guy, thought Harry. "I promise you, they are not going to listen to anything I say, unless it's an apology. Would you like me to apologize to them?" Harry noticed that the conversation was now being watched by at least a half dozen onlookers.

"Whatever it takes! My wife and I need to get our gold! You know, we need it to live!" he added sarcastically. "You already got yours!"

"Would you rather I hadn't beaten Voldemort?" Harry asked, his temper rising.

"I'd rather get my gold!"

"And I'm not the one you should be complaining to! Now, excuse me, I have to be going." Harry turned to Dudley and started to wrap his right arm around Dudley's left, preparing to Disapparate. The man put his hand on Harry's shoulder as if to stop him from leaving; Harry whirled to face him. "Look--"

Two onlookers stepped forward and started to restrain the man. "What do you think you're doing?" demanded a middle-aged man of the one who had been harassing Harry. "This is Harry Potter! Do you not think he's done enough, that he needs to go crawling to the goblins, pleading, apologizing for saving us all from You-Know-Who?"

Harry couldn't help himself. "Voldemort," he corrected the man.

"Er, yes," the man replied nervously.

"But, thank you," added Harry. "I really did need to get going. Excuse me." He quickly wrapped his arm around Dudley's, and Disapparated.

They looked around the Burrow's living room. "Well, not everyone loves me, apparently," he muttered to Dudley.

"Ah, Harry, there you are," said Molly, walking into the living room from the kitchen. "And you must be Dudley, it's nice to meet you." Molly took over for Harry, talking to Dudley about the house and the wizarding world in general for over half an hour as she cooked dinner, which Dudley agreed to stay for.

Ron, Hermione, and Arthur came back at six and were introduced to Dudley. Arthur and Ron had encountered, though not formally met, Dudley four years ago, but no one made mention of the fact. They sat down to eat.

"So, Dudley," said Arthur, obviously trying to make a somewhat nervous Dudley feel at home, "you must have seen a lot of strange things today. What, to you, was the strangest?"

Dudley answered almost immediately. "Him," he said, gesturing to Harry, who was sitting to Dudley's right.

Harry noted the others' surprised reactions. "He means, the fact that people kept talking to me."

Dudley's expression communicated that Harry was understating the case. "Talking, praising, kissing, offering jobs. At some point, I started expecting people to just come up to him and give him money."

Ron and Hermione laughed. "Not like he needs it," said Ron. "But what's this about kissing?"

"Ron," Hermione chided him. "You know it was just the grateful kind."

"No one's kissed me out of gratitude yet," Ron pointed out.

She regarded him sternly. "And you'd like random women to walk up to you and kiss you?"

Harry was surprised that Ron hadn't seen that coming. "Well, no..."

"Liar," she retorted.

Harry grinned. "They're my friends, but they're also a couple," he explained to Dudley.

"So, Harry," said Arthur, "that was job offers, plural?"

Harry nodded. "There were..."

"Four, I think," put in Dudley. "Some job where they wanted him to be a board member of some company..."

"The kind of thing where I wouldn't really have to work, they'd just pay me to use my name," explained Harry with disdain.

"That, and the one about doing spells on things to make them more powerful, is all I could remember," continued Dudley.

"People know I have the Elder Wand, and someone wants to make money from selling products enhanced by it," added Harry.

"People think of everything, don't they," muttered Hermione.

"Then there was that sport that starts with Q, with the brooms..."

"Ah, yes," said Ron. "I knew that would be happening sooner or later. Which team?"

"The Wasps," said Harry.

Ron shook his head. "The Cannons, Harry. Nothing but the Cannons."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ron, I don't think Harry's going to play Quidditch for a living."

Harry shrugged. "I might. Who knows? At least that's something I have some ability at, instead of just using my name."

"You have ability at a lot of things, Harry," Molly assured him. "But at least it's nice to know you have options. What was the last one?"

Harry couldn't remember. "That woman," Dudley supplied. "Something about the wizard game... the lawyer thing--"

"Oh, the Wizengamot," exclaimed Harry. "I'd forgotten that one."

Arthur and Molly exchanged stunned expressions. "You were offered a place on the Wizengamot?" asked an amazed Arthur.

"Yeah, that was the only one that surprised him," said Dudley. "Is it a big deal?"

"You could say that," said Arthur. "I'm pretty sure that nobody under the age of thirty has ever been offered a spot. It's very prestigious. You are going to take it, aren't you, Harry?"

"Like I said, I'm not going to take or not take anything for a while."

"That reminds me," said Arthur, "you will have to decide about one of them fairly soon. Kingsley told me today that McGonagall offered you the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, so you'd have to decide that in a few months."

Now Ron and Hermione exchanged shocked looks. "You never told us that!" said Hermione accusingly. "You have to take it! A Hogwarts teacher!"

"That kind of reaction," said Harry, annoyed, "is the reason I didn't tell you. I said before, I'll do what I want to do, when I want to do it. Not because somebody thinks I should."

"All right, all right, you don't have to jump down my throat," responded Hermione. "I forgot for a minute. But it's so great, I'd love to be a Hogwarts professor! I can't imagine you wouldn't--okay, never mind, never mind," she quickly added, catching herself.

"Did you go near Gringotts?" asked Arthur.

"I deliberately went nowhere near it."

Arthur nodded. "Wise move. Today being the first day of freedom of movement in Diagon Alley, quite a line formed. The goblins, from what I hear, barely bothered to pretend that they were helping customers. It got to be quite a scene, people were yelling, practically ready to riot."

Harry told them what had happened just before they'd left Diagon Alley; Arthur nodded. "It's not too surprising, sadly. People may admire you, but if it's a choice between that and their gold, they'll choose the gold. And, oh, we heard what you said, in that letter you wrote to that man, Kassant. I completely agree, of course."

Ron chuckled. "When I first heard it, I had a good laugh. It's so Harry. Like I said, the Voldemort police."

"Oh, that. People know about that already?"

Ron gave him an exasperated look. "Yes, Harry, when you write somebody a letter, they mention it to no one, keep it a total secret. Because nobody cares about anything you have to say."

Very funny, Harry said to Ron with his eyes. "I just wouldn't have expected it. I didn't mind his editorial; he has a right to say what he wants to say. I just thought I should answer it."

"People were talking about it at the Ministry," said Arthur. "It'll be in tomorrow's Prophet, and copies of if were circulating. Obviously almost everyone agrees with you; some people were saying that you shouldn't have written it, that Kassant's argument didn't deserve to be dignified with an answer. A few people described him as a goblin 'apologist,' and another said he just sees things more from their point of view, from dealing with them so much." A glance at Dudley told Harry that he had no idea what they were talking about, but had no plans to ask. Molly noted this as well, and spent a few minutes explaining to Dudley about goblins and their place in the wizarding community. It seemed to Harry that Dudley was interested, but had taken in too much new information in a short time.

"So, Dudley," said Molly, "will you be seeing your parents again soon?" She said it with a casual air, even though she had to know it could be sensitive.

Dudley looked slightly alarmed. "Molly," said Harry, an edge to his voice. "He will if he wants to."

"There's no need for that tone," Molly chided him, in a tone he was well familiar with from hearing it used on her own children. "She's his mother. She'll get over this business of his being a wizard. I know she doesn't like them, but I'm speaking as a mother. Why wouldn't she want to see him?"

To Harry's shock, Dudley answered. "Because she saw me kill someone," he said quietly, looking around for reactions.

"Accidentally," Harry cut in emphatically. "And only because they tried to kill you first. You say it like that, Dudley, it makes it sound like you're a murderer." Harry quickly told the story to the Weasleys and Hermione; their at first appalled faces softened as they understood what had happened.

Molly spoke gently. "Dudley, Harry is right. You should never put it that way, especially when telling people who don't know. It was an accident." Looking down, Dudley nodded.

Ron looked at Dudley with a serious expression. "To tell you the truth, Dudley, I think what you did was a good thing. It's what you should do in that situation, really the only thing to do."

"Not that we normally advocate killing," put in Arthur. "But Ron has a point. I wonder, why when that man didn't return, didn't Voldemort just send someone else?"

"I thought about that," said Harry. "I think that he captured Dedalus, or was in charge of his interrogation. Probably him alone. The man tortured him, Dedalus told them where the Dursleys were, and he realized he might have a way to me. I think he let the dementors have him so he couldn't tell any other Death Eaters, then tried to get Vernon and Petunia by himself. If he could get me, or even my location, alone--"

"There'd be a big reward in it for him," finished Ron. "Makes sense. So, when he died, nobody knew where he'd gone, or why. Lucky for Dudley's parents."

"You shouldn't feel bad about what you did, Dudley," said Molly. "We just need to make sure you can learn how to do magic. I was looking into it, and I went to the Ministry this afternoon. There's a woman who's in charge of this sort of thing, she can help you, give you some advice. Definitely the best thing to do is to go to the adult education schools." Molly continued talking about what Dudley should do, as Harry and Ron exchanged a 'there she goes again' glance.

"And you'll need a place to stay, of course," she continued. "We'd be happy to let you stay here for the time being, or of course, you could stay at Harry's place."

Alarmed, Harry jumped in quickly. "Dudley has his own place, in the Muggle world. There's no reason he needs to stay here."

"Yes, Harry," responded Molly, "but it may be better right now for him to be with other wizards, to get used to things in our world." To Harry's relief, however, the topic was dropped soon thereafter, and conversation continued.

After dinner, Molly asked Harry to go upstairs with her; she steered him into their bedroom, and they sat. "Harry," she began, disappointment in her voice, "why didn't you tell us what he had done? That was very important!"

"It was an accident! You know that," he responded, unsure why she was so upset.

"I don't mean that. I mean that it was an urgent matter! That boy needs help! I mean, psychological help. Were you just going to leave him to deal with that by himself?"

"I was going to let him decide when and how to tell people," said Harry defensively. "It was obviously a hard topic for him, and I wanted to respect that. At some point, I would have suggested to him that he talk to someone about it. But he's been dealing with this for three months, what difference will a week make?"

"Sometimes we need to help people, even if they don't seem to want help," she said, giving him a significant look.

He thought he understood her unspoken message. "And sometimes, it's best not to give people help they don't want, until they're ready for it. And also..." He hesitated to say what came next, because he didn't want to alienate her, but it was important. "If you want him to stay here, that's up to you. But please don't volunteer me or my place without asking me first."

"He's your cousin," she said, again with disappointment in his attitude. "You grew up with him. I thought you'd want him to stay with you."

"You were wrong," said Harry, more emotionally than he meant to. "I need my space right now, I'm not ready to have someone move in with me. And I may have grown up with him, but his mother raised him to treat me like dirt, approved while he chased me, insulted me, you name it. That's not the reason I don't want him staying with me. I do feel bad for him. But you shouldn't make assumptions about situations you don't know about."

He saw surprise, and hurt feelings, in her eyes. Already emotional, not trusting himself to become more so, he quickly stood and left the bedroom. He composed his face while going down the stairs, and joined the conversation in the living room between Ron, Hermione, and Dudley. He avoided Molly for the rest of the evening.

Later that night, as he lay in bed trying to sleep, he replayed the incident in his head. He was frustrated because he didn't think he'd asked anything unreasonable, but he'd obviously gotten Molly upset with him. I just wish she'd stop telling me what to do, he thought. I know what Ron said, but I couldn't just ignore her this time. Maybe I should have asked him what to do in this kind of situation. After a while, he drifted onto another topic in his mind, and fell asleep.

* * * * *

The next morning went as usual; he noticed, to his relief, that the mail seemed to be slowing down. There were only ten letters since the night before, and half of those had to do with the goblin situation. There was one from Narcissa Malfoy, which read simply, "Check your mirror at 10:00." Yes, because my day wouldn't feel right without an unpleasant conversation with that woman, he thought. I'll be glad when this thing is over.

At a quarter to ten, Ron came through the fireplace holding a piece of paper. After quickly exchanged greetings, Ron handed him the paper. "This is the latest from the goblins. They opened almost two hours ago, and if you want to get into your vault, you have to sign this piece of paper."

Harry read it out loud. "I do hereby acknowledge and understand that Gringotts has recently suffered structural and other damage due to a recent robbery. I acknowledge and understand that this has caused unfortunate delays in Gringotts' service, and that Gringotts is not responsible for these delays. I acknowledge and understand that these delays are the responsibility of the criminals Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger, and I agree to support their arrest and conviction in a court of law." He looked up at Ron. "We're famous criminals!"

Ron grinned. "I always knew that if I stuck with you, I'd really go places."

Harry chuckled, and resumed reading. "I hereby agree that their actions are wholly unsupportable and unpardonable, and I agree to petition the Ministry of Magic to promptly bring charges against them. I acknowledge and understand that by signing this form, I am promising to send the Ministry of Magic a letter to this effect within the next twenty-four hours. I sign this form in earnest good faith, and hold Gringotts harmless of any responsibility for results of any fraud I may commit. Signed..." Harry looked up at Ron incredulously. "What happens if you don't sign?"

"You don't get your money." Ron nodded for emphasis, a 'can you believe this?' expression on his face.

"Wow... and if you sign, you get your money?"

"Apparently a few dozen people have gotten theirs by signing; you're in and out with their usual efficiency. But the interesting thing is, it's being rumored that the form is jinxed. Remember fifth year, that girl Marietta, oh, what's her last name... starts with 'e'... Cho's friend..."

"I remember. 'Sneak.' Go on."

"Anyway, that bit about results of fraud has a lot of people thinking that anybody who signs but doesn't send the letter to the Ministry is going to get a nasty surprise twenty-four hours later. Some people even think that if you sign, send the letter, but don't really believe what you're saying, bad things will happen. I'm not sure if they can do that by magic or not."

"Incredible. Wonder what Kingsley thinks of this."

"Dad says that he thinks--he hasn't talked to Kingsley about this topic, he wants to stay away from stuff that isn't in his area--that Kingsley is treating this as just a political issue, and will do what's best politically. To some extent. I mean, if he could benefit politically by attacking you, of course he wouldn't do it. But he doesn't mind attacking the goblins. But if he keeps escalating, and they keep escalating... I don't know what's going to happen. Anyway, people are really angry about this."

"Do the goblins think this is going to accomplish anything?" Harry wondered.

"I'm not sure. Dad said he thinks their objective is to make everyone sign, and consider that a moral victory. But he thought it might be a good idea if you were to go there, and suggest to people that they at least wait twenty-four hours before they sign it."

Not thrilled with the idea, Harry said, "You'd think that people could think of that by themselves. And why me, not some Ministry type?"

"It would mean more coming from you. Look, no big deal if you don't; he just thought it might help some people. But especially after last night, he doesn't want to push you to do anything."

Harry grunted. "As long as I don't have to put anybody up at my home..."

"Yeah, that wasn't Mum's best suggestion," agreed Ron sympathetically.

"Okay. I have to talk to Narcissa in a few minutes, but this shouldn't take that long. You'll come with me?"

"Sure." They stood and Disapparated, finding themselves in front of Gringotts. A long line was snaking out from the front door; ropes cordoned off the line into rows, so it appeared as one large group. Harry estimated that there were at least a hundred people.

A gasp went up as everyone saw him. A few people started applauding, and soon, most of those waiting were. Very embarrassed, Harry felt his cheeks redden. He put up his hands to ask for silence. "Thank you. I came to say a few words, but I didn't expect to get applauded."

"We don't blame you for this," a middle-aged woman said loudly, from the middle of the crowd.

"Thanks, I appreciate that," he said. "I just wanted to say this--"

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley," a well-dressed goblin said, appearing at the front doors of Gringotts. "Would you step inside for a moment?"

Harry was surprised at the audacity of the request. Belligerently, Ron said to the goblin, "Excuse me, but is there a sign on me that says 'I'm stupid' and nobody told me about it?" Harry chuckled, and some of the crowd laughed. "I think your actions have spoken for themselves," said Harry to the goblin. "I just have a few things to say, and then I'll be going." The goblin looked around, then retreated into Gringotts.

"Anyway," Harry said to the crowd, "Ron just told me about this form they want you to sign. I really have no opinion about whether anyone signs it or not. What Gringotts is doing is wrong, and it puts you in a very bad position. You don't want to say what they would have you say, but you need and deserve to get your money. It's a lot like blackmail.

"I would just say this: it is possible to charm parchment, I'm sure you know, so that it punishes someone who signs it under false pretenses. Some people have already signed it, and probably at least some didn't really mean it, or agree with what it said. I'd suggest that even if you're inclined to sign it, you may want to wait a day, and see if anything happened to those who did sign. It just seems like a prudent thing to do."

A man walked out of the crowd that was waiting. "Mr. Potter, I'm very disappointed to hear you say that."

"Well, that's your privilege," said Harry politely. "And you are?"

"Pietr Kassant. I wrote the--"

"Ah, yes, that I should apologize. Nice to meet you."

Kassant seemed taken aback by Harry's politeness. "Uh, yes, you too. Thank you very much for responding to my editorial, and I will try in the future to use... Voldemort's name, if necessary in context."

"Thank you, I appreciate that," said Harry sincerely.

"Yes. Well, I understand why you do not wish to apologize, but spreading such rumors and speculation as this not only serves no purpose, it exacerbates the situation. I have been trying to address the concerns of the community, working to reconcile humans and goblins. Your actions cannot help but have the effect of undermining such efforts."

"Well, that's definitely not my intention," said Harry. "I'd be very happy if you found a way to put an end to this situation. I'm just not going to say anything that isn't true to do that." A few people applauded. "And as far as what I'm saying, can you really say that you're 100% sure that they wouldn't do such a thing?"

"I have dealt with goblins for most of my adult life," said Kassant, somewhat self-importantly. "I have never known them to resort to such trickery."

"Have you ever known them to resort to not allowing people to go into their vaults? Or to make public how much gold I have, and when my house-elf took it out?" There were murmurs of agreement from the crowd.

Kassant appeared discomfited. "Well, yes, these are unusual circumstances. But one must admit that..."

As Kassant spoke, a paper airplane, much like the ones Harry had seen flying around the Ministry, flew out of Gringotts' doors and towards Harry. He reached out to take it, and was suddenly yanked back by Ron, who had grabbed his shoulders. "Are you a moron?" shouted Ron angrily. "Don't touch that thing!"

"Why not?" asked Harry, confused.

Ron held Harry's arms, not letting go. "You were just talking about enchanted parchment! That thing could easily be a Portkey, and probably is! You touch that, and the next thing you know, you're deep in a Gringotts vault, and the goblins will be telling the Ministry that they'll let you go as soon as they have everything they want."

Embarrassed and mildly annoyed, Harry muttered to Ron, "You can let go now, I promise not to touch it." Ron let go, but kept a wary eye on Harry, and the paper airplane that now hovered in front of him.

Kassant approached them. "Mr. Weasley, please. You are accusing the Gringotts goblins of kidnapping, with no evidence whatsoever. Again, this does not help matters."

"Well, then, maybe you'd like to open it, tell us all what it says," Ron challenged him; the crowd murmured again.

Slightly hesitant at first, Kassant gathered himself. "Of course, I will do so. No doubt it is simply a missive from the goblins, an invitation to open negotiations." He reached out, grasped the airplane, and disappeared.

The crowd gasped. After a few seconds of silence, Ron said to Harry in a casual tone, "I wonder how the negotiations are going," prompting laughter from some of the crowd.

"Well, he seems like a nice man, and he means well," observed Harry. "I do hope he comes back all right."

"Harry," said Ron, as the crowd watched, "one thing I want to say before I forget. From now on, you do not touch anything in a public place that you didn't put there, or that you didn't see being put there. Do you understand?" Ron was wearing his most serious expression.

Harry was tempted to say something like 'yes, dear,' but Ron's manner, and the close call he'd just had, told him not to. "I promise," he said. Ron nodded, satisfied.

Harry looked at the crowd. "That kind of thinking from Ron, and Hermione, is a big part of the reason I'm still alive and in one piece." The crowd applauded; Harry turned to Ron and added his own applause. Embarrassed, Ron thanked the crowd. "Well, anyway, that was all I wanted to say," said Harry. "At this point, I think anyone should think twice about signing anything the goblins put in front of you whether you agree with it or not, but I'd guess you probably worked that out for yourselves." He turned to Ron. "Back home?" Ron nodded, and they Disapparated.

In the living room of Grimmauld Place, Harry looked at the clock. "Ten exactly," he said. He walked over to the mail desk and picked up the mirror case, pulling out the mirror. To his surprise, the face he saw was that of Draco Malfoy. "Draco!"

Malfoy's eyebrows went up, but his perpetual sneer was still there. "'Draco?' What, are we suddenly friends now?"

Harry bit back the sarcastic responses that jumped to the front of his mind. "No, but I've been dealing with your mother, so I started referring to you as Draco, just to keep it straight. Got in the habit. But I'd be happy to call you 'Malfoy' if you'd prefer."

"Whatever, I don't care," said Malfoy.

Harry nodded. "I guess this means you'll talk to me."

"I'll talk to you. But no Veritaserum."

"No Veritaserum, no deal. Sorry."

"And would you like me to grease up my asshole for you too, while we're at it?" snarled Malfoy. Harry's eyebrows went high; he tried not to look at Ron, as Malfoy would then know that someone else was there.

"Listen, Malfoy, there's just no other way I can do this. You did things that could have caused deaths. I have no way of knowing if you've decided that dealing with someone like Voldemort is a bad idea, or if you just got unlucky, and plan to choose the next Dark wizard you ally yourself with more carefully. Before I can say a word on your behalf, I have to know the truth, and this is the only way to do that. I can see why you don't like it. I wouldn't either. But this isn't negotiable."

Malfoy paused, clearly about to say something he was unhappy to have to say. "He tortured the hell out of all of us, you know."

Harry nodded. "I know."

Malfoy blinked. "You know? How?"

Harry shook his head. "Not up for discussion. But I know. It was right after we escaped from Malfoy Manor."

Malfoy was both puzzled and outraged. "And that doesn't persuade you of anything?"

"Only that he held your family responsible for failures. Your father failed to get the prophecy two years ago, and then he gave you the task of killing Dumbledore--a task which you accepted, intending to carry it out--expecting you to fail, as punishment for your father's failure." Harry could see the astonishment on Malfoy's face at the extent of Harry's knowledge. "I know you and your family suffered at his hands, but it wasn't because you had a change of heart; it was because he saw your family as having failed at tasks. That only persuades me that you don't like to be tortured, which is understandable."

"Then what the hell do you hope to find out?"

"If, after talking to you, I can honestly say what I want to say to the Wizengamot, then I will. Now, I'm not convinced."

Clearly furious, Malfoy was silent, thinking. Harry said nothing, waiting for a response. Finally, it came. "Nothing I say would be used as evidence against me in the Wizengamot."

Harry thought for a moment. "Agreed."

"Nothing I say will be repeated to a single person."

Again, a pause. "With one exception. Ron will be told anything he wants to know. He'll tell no one else."

"Why him?"

"He was almost killed by that poisoned mead you tried to send Dumbledore. Consider it the price you pay for that attempted murder, and if it's the only price you pay, it's a very small one."

"That wasn't me."

"I don't believe you. If I find it really wasn't you, Ron will be told nothing."

"Just you and me, in a room? Where? When?"

"Just you and me. Hog's Head, 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. Aberforth will stay in his living quarters in the back." That reminds me, I'd better talk to Aberforth today, he thought.

"As few people as possible will know that this is happening; you will not tell the Wizengamot how you got this information."

Harry wondered why that was so important, then he realized that Malfoy considered it humiliating, and so wanted the knowledge to be limited. "Agreed."

"Who exactly will know?"

"Aberforth. Horace Slughorn." Malfoy's eyebrows rose. "He gave me the Veritaserum," explained Harry. "I had to tell him, and I asked him to tell no one else. Those two, and Ron and Hermione. No one else."

"Why her?" asked Malfoy, with obvious annoyance.

"She and Ron are my two closest friends, as you well know."

"You said no one else would know what was said," pointed out Malfoy accusingly.

"If I end up testifying for you, if anyone else asks me, I'll just tell them that I'm convinced it's the right thing to do, no reason or explanation given. But Hermione wouldn't buy that, she'd want to know details. I'll tell her how I got the information, not what the information is."

Malfoy paused. "Ten o'clock. You be early; I'll be exactly on time. No Aurors or other undesirables."

"None," agreed Harry. The mirror suddenly showed his own face again. He looked up at Ron. "I guess his mother told him to be polite. I thought for sure he was going to use the word 'Mudblood' when I mentioned Hermione."

"I was surprised that you were as polite as you were," said Ron.

"He already feels humiliated just doing this, and I do understand why. I don't want him to think I'm enjoying it. And really, I'm not. If there was another way to do it, I would."

Ron grunted. "All the crap he's done to us in the past... if I were in your shoes, I'm not sure I could be quite that noble."

"Well, we did get to see him bounce around as a ferret."

Ron laughed. "That's true. Ah, the cherished memories... so, you're really not going to tell Hermione what he says? Or me, if he really didn't send the mead?"

"He was lying. He sent it, or had it sent. I'd be shocked if that wasn't the case. But as for Hermione, or anyone else... not that he deserves that consideration, but what I'm making him do is a lot. I just wouldn't feel right."

"I guess I understand," allowed Ron. "But again, you're more noble than me."

"Well, you seem to be more clever than me," said Harry, referring to the paper airplane at Gringotts.

"Must be from being around Hermione all that time. Maybe it's rubbing off on me."

Harry grinned. "If you get married, in twenty years, you'll be a genius."

"I can only hope," replied Ron. "See you later." He exited through the fireplace.

* * * * *

Harry took a quick trip to the Hog's Head, making sure to get there before Aberforth opened for business for the day. Aberforth agreed to host Harry's meeting with Malfoy, expressing annoyance that Harry hadn't asked him first. Apologizing, Harry asked for permission to pay for Neville's tab at the Hog's Head. "Don't matter to me who pays it," said Aberforth. Harry gave him two Sickles and twenty Galleons, asking that the balance be applied to future visits from anyone who fought in the final battle.

He relaxed for the next few hours, reading books and the latest Witch Weekly, which contained a long article on what had happened at Hogwarts over the past year, with special emphasis on Dumbledore's Army.

He heard footsteps from the staircase, and a voice. "Harry?"

"In here," he shouted, from his spot on the sofa.

Kingsley walked into the living room. "How are you doing?" he asked as he took a seat in a comfortable chair opposite Harry.

"Just fine. Thanks to Ron, I suppose."

"Yes, we'll have to give him another few rubies. Good presence of mind."

"Well, one of us has to have it, and since Hermione wasn't there, it had to be him."

Kingsley chuckled. "I guess so. Just so you know, in general, you're supposed to report things like attempted kidnapping to the authorities."

"I guess I'm used to living at Hogwarts. But I'll keep it in mind."

Kingsley's tone became more serious. "Well, Harry, this has now become something entirely different. Keeping people from their gold was bad, but not irrevocable. But this... this makes it extremely difficult to negotiate with them at all."

"I thought you weren't negotiating with them anyway."

"I would have eventually. Putting them off was partly a negotiating tactic, and partly for politics: their demands were truly ridiculous. My goblin advisers said--"

"You have goblins advising you?"

"No, I mean, those who advise the Minister on goblin affairs--"

"Oh, sorry. Go ahead."

"They didn't think the goblins would react this badly, or escalate things as they have. Apparently this is somewhat out of character for them, to be quite this aggressive. Attempted kidnapping is bad enough, but for it to be you makes it more than twice as bad."

"Are goblins covered under wizarding laws?" wondered Harry.

"Not exactly, but they've always followed our laws; one of their laws is to follow our laws. I'm now told that my pardon of you and the others has prompted the goblins to more or less disregard wizarding law, since in their eyes, I've already disregarded it. Not that I did anything wrong; any Minister who didn't pardon you would have suffered greatly politically. It's just a sort of convergence of unfortunate circumstances, one of which is an extremely hard line on their part. It's been suggested to me that one possible reason they've taken this line is that they thought that I, as a new Minister and inexperienced at politics, might be more easily pushed around."

Harry scoffed. "It didn't occur to them that anyone who fought Voldemort probably isn't easily pushed around?"

"Yes, I've been quite surprised," agreed Kingsley. "They really seem not to understand us very well."

"What's going to happen next?"

"The rules have changed, since we can no longer count on them to follow wizarding law. I'll probably make a statement to the effect that until further notice, people deal with Gringotts at their own risk. I could, and I'm tempted to, decree that people are not to deal with Gringotts at all, but then I'd be blamed for people not being able to get their gold. This way, the blame stays with the goblins."

"Is it really worth worrying about who gets blamed, if people end up getting hurt or kidnapped because of it?" asked Harry, dismayed at Kingsley's attitude.

Kingsley nodded. "I feel the same way, of course. You don't know this, because you're young, and I frankly envy you your lack of knowledge. But politics is a very strange animal, with its own rules. The Minister gets blamed for bad things that happened under him, and gets credit for good things, even if he did nothing to cause them, either way. In many cases, you have to do what the people would have you do, because you're in trouble if you don't--particularly me, since I'm more or less on probation in this job.

"For example, I have to make a speech later, to address their attempted kidnapping of you. Now, I'm not personally all that upset about it, because I've been around. I saw a memory of what happened, and from the look of it, even you didn't take it especially personally. You seemed more annoyed than anything else, and embarrassed that you didn't think of it being a Portkey. But I have to go out there and act as if I'm really angry at the goblins, because if I don't, people will feel like I don't care. The Minister has to represent people; they have to feel that he cares about the things they care about. I care about your safety, of course, but more in the way of actually doing something about it, rather than getting angry and indignant. I'm telling you this because when you hear what I said later, it won't sound like me, what you know of me. You'll think, what's he getting all excited about? I just wanted you to know the reason."

"Thanks," said Harry, nodding thoughtfully. "You're right, I don't know much about this, and really, I don't want to."

"I hate to tell you this, but you're going to have to, at some point. Maybe not soon, but you are Harry Potter. You are, and will be, one of the most important and popular people in wizarding society. You won't be able to avoid getting involved in politics, at least to some extent."

"Well, you hate to tell me it, and I hate to hear it," joked Harry.

Kingsley grinned. "Sorry."

"You came here just to tell me that?"

"Partly. Another important reason is to emphasize what Ron said at Gringotts. Not only about not touching anything, but also keeping in mind that you're under threat in general, and not to take your safety for granted. I'm sorry to tell you that, too, because you deserve to relax."

Harry shrugged. "Well, I haven't been going out in public much anyway, so this is just another reason not to. Gives me a chance not to do what I don't want to do."

"Not that I want you to hide, but of the situations I'd like to deal with, having to dig you out of Gringotts is very low on the list. You get yourself kidnapped, when we get you back, you'll have to listen to a lecture from me." He paused. "Get yourself killed, though, and you avoid the lecture."

Harry laughed. "I'll keep that in mind. Just curious, you couldn't rescue someone who was being held in Gringotts?"

"Aurors have gamed that out before, and we don't think so. Gringotts is full of defenses, both magical and solid, lots of doors made of dragon hide, and so forth. It's not impenetrable, but it's the nearest thing to it."

Harry noticed something Kingsley had said in passing. "You said 'we' don't think so. You're not exactly an Auror anymore, are you?"

"Not officially, no, because I had to quit when I started openly opposing the Ministry. So did Hestia; one of my first actions as Minister was to hire her back again officially. But I still feel as though I'm an Auror, so I used the word 'we.' One regret I have about this job is that I can't be an Auror too. Hestia is more or less my back-channel liaison to the Aurors." Becoming somber, he said, "I heard that she told you about the Auror situation now. That's another thing that's weighing on me, to be honest. You'd think that I could do something about it as Minister, but that's not really the case."

Kingsley seemed about to continue, but the fireplace lit up, and Bill walked out. "Hi, Harry, Kingsley. I can come back later if I'm interrupting anything."

"No, it's okay, I should be leaving anyway," said Kingsley. "I heard what happened, Bill. I'm sorry."

Bill shrugged. "It's starting to look like it was good for me to get out when I did. I'm amazed they resorted to attempted kidnapping, Kingsley. Not that they're the most ethical beings in the world, but they usually know what's in their best interests, and that sure isn't. I'm sure others will be following me out the door. One or two already have, Harry, which is what I came over to tell you. The first two hires, people whose competence and integrity I have total confidence in."

Harry nodded. "Sounds good. I know you can't do this by yourself. I'd help, except I know nothing about this." He paused a beat, then added, "Also, I don't want to."

Bill laughed. "That would be a problem, yes."

"Don't want to do what?" asked Kingsley.

"We're making a new bank," said Harry casually. "Well, Bill is. I'm just providing the money, avoiding actual work."

"You're what?" asked a stunned Kingsley. "With what money? What's in your vault is nowhere near enough."

"Very annoying that everyone now knows what's in my vault. Well, what used to be there, anyway." He pulled out his wand, pointing it at the wall. "Toujours Pur." The wall opened up, displaying the Black family fortune, as Harry explained the background to Kingsley.

Harry had never seen Kingsley look so surprised. "And when were you planning on telling me this?" He looked back and forth to Harry and Bill.

"I don't know," said Harry. "At some point. Why?"

Incredulous, Kingsley gestured to Bill. "Maybe you can answer, and explain it to him."

Slightly uncomfortable, Bill said to Harry, "He means that it could be very politically significant. If people see that there's an alternative to Gringotts, it could go a long way towards making Kingsley's life easier, and help his negotiating position with the goblins. He also wants to know why I didn't tell him, since I know the political significance." Turning to Kingsley, he said, "With Harry's permission, I would have told you within three or four days. This only started a few days ago, and it's in the early planning stages. I didn't want to tell you, only to find that there was some reason it couldn't be done. I wanted to be a little more sure."

Kingsley sighed. "I was all ready to be annoyed, but I guess I can understand that. I take it that you'd prefer that this wasn't public yet?"

Bill nodded. "If you want it as a rumor, you can do that. Tell a bunch of high officials that a wizard bank is in the planning stages, maybe an announcement in a week or two, it'll leak out. It might get the goblins to tone it down a bit. But, of course, no names until I'm ready."

"Thanks," said Kingsley. "I'll let you know if and when I do. So, how are you going to approach the business?"

"Harry wants it to be a nonprofit," joked Bill. "Help the needy, like that, especially Muggle-borns. I'm thinking more in terms of consumer loans, business loans, probably low-interest loans for the needy. I know Harry doesn't care about losing money. I'd also compete for some of the institutional business that the goblins now dominate. Other things being equal, I probably wouldn't get it, but..."

"Other things are definitely not equal," finished Kingsley. "I'd put in some political muscle for you if you needed it, but I don't think you'll need it. Of course, by then, I may not have it."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," said Bill. "But thanks, I'll keep that in mind. All you could do is get them to give me a chance; I'd have to prove to them that I'm worthy of the business. I'd start with small businesses, since I could probably undercut the goblins' rate without much difficulty. The goblins have been the only game in town for too long."

"I'd ask what you guys are talking about," said Harry, "but--"

"You don't care," finished Bill humorously. Looking at Kingsley, Bill added, "I have a feeling that Harry is going to be a very silent partner in this business. Except for the business about helping people. But when I start to talk about profits and business strategy, his eyes glaze over."

"As befits a true hero," said Kingsley solemnly.

"Will you two cut it out," said Harry, in a bored tone. They chuckled.

"Oh, Bill," said Kingsley, "is it going to be known that it's his money?"

Bill nodded. "I know he'd rather it wasn't, but there's no avoiding it. We have to say whose money it is when we start the business."

"I could just give it to you," suggested Harry, only partly in jest.

Bill and Kingsley laughed. "He'd rather give me three million Galleons than admit publicly that it came from him," said Bill, "because he doesn't want to be any more of a hero than he already is. Sorry, Harry, but you're stuck with this one."

"Damn," joked Harry with a straight face.

"Well, I should get going," said Kingsley. "Thank you, Bill. This is very helpful, even if I can't announce anything. And you, Harry. I know you have no use for the money, but still, it's very good of you to use it this way. I'll be in touch." Kingsley walked upstairs.

Bill looked at Harry quizzically. "Why is he going upstairs?"

"There's a two-sided Portkey to his office in my bedroom."

Bill affected an envious expression. "There isn't a two-sided Portkey to the Minister's office in my bedroom."

Harry gestured upstairs. "Feel free to take it."

Bill laughed. "The fact that you don't care is, I suspect, one of the reasons it's there. Anyway, like I said, I came over to tell you about Pamela and Derrick, those are their names. I'll introduce you to them sometime soon." Bill chatted with Harry for a few more minutes, then left.

Feeling in the mood for something he hadn't had for a long time, Harry asked Kreacher to make steak for dinner. Kreacher enthusiastically agreed, setting off to buy the food. I'm not going to the Burrow for dinner for a few days, thought Harry. If Ron or Hermione want to talk to me, they can come here.

The next time Harry went up to his bedroom, he saw the Portkey sitting on the desk, uncovered, in front of the portrait of Regulus. Annoyed, he started to cover it when he realized that it looked different. Sitting on the bed to get a better look, careful not to touch it, he realized that it was a different statue entirely, though it was the same color, and made of the same material. He saw the long beard and ornate robe, and realized that it was a statue of Professor Dumbledore.

Smiling, he picked it up, and found himself in Kingsley's office, where Kingsley suddenly stopped talking to Darlene. Still holding the Portkey, Harry gestured with it. "Thanks," he said.

Kingsley nodded. "I realized I made a mistake. This one's much better."

"Yes, it is. Where are they selling these?"

"Same place as the other one, but I had them make it special. These are the only two."

Harry was touched that Kingsley had gone to the trouble and expense, and regarded it as an apology for the last one. He nodded and put it down. "Thanks again," he said, then picked it up, and disappeared.

The rest of the evening went quietly for Harry. He went for an uneventful fly before dinner, then greatly enjoyed his meal. Steak had only been served at Hogwarts once or twice a year, on special occasions, and he had always liked it; Kreacher had cooked it even better than the Hogwarts house-elves had. Thinking about how he'd gotten used to being waited on by house-elves, he felt mildly chagrined, then thought that Hermione would be pleased that she'd had this effect on him. I'd be hopeless at making my own food, he thought. 'You'd learn,' he heard Hermione say in his mind.

As he tried to sleep later, thoughts of Ginny came unbidden. How in the world do I feel about her, he thought. Why do I not even know? It's like a switch turned in my head or something. He remembered the kiss on his birthday, and how Ron's comment had made him feel guilty about it afterwards, even though she had initiated it. He hadn't led her on. Maybe, he thought, I can't let myself show any interest unless I'm ready to go for it full on? Usually, you gradually work up to a relationship--or so I hear. There aren't any expectations. But now I feel like I can't even send her an owl, because of what she might read into it. But what if she reads into it that I don't send anything? This is so annoying, I have no idea what the hell I should do. But how could I, since I don't know how I feel.

Forcing his mind to another topic, he finally drifted off to sleep.

* * * * *

Next: Chapter 7, Us Against Them: Trying to decide how or whether to repay his debt to Narcissa, Harry meets Draco Malfoy at the Hog's Head; their conversation ends up very differently than Harry had planned.

From Chapter 7: Malfoy became solemn, and there was vulnerability in his eyes; Harry knew that Malfoy was about to say something that he wouldn't say except for the Veritaserum. "My family and I spent the last year in fear, in terror of the Dark Lord, expecting to be killed at any time. Sometimes, your pride is all you have left."