A Kiss Can Save The World
My very first fanfic
Chapter 1
The brown eyed, bushy haired girl was leaning against the corridor wall as she waited for her best friend to finish speaking with her favourite professor. While waiting, she couldn't help but ponder the changes in her life over the last few months, hell the last few years and realised that 'best friend' no longer covered what he meant to her – quite simply he was the most important person in her life.
She had finally admitted to herself that she loved him after their escape on Buckbeak. All her life she had been terrified of heights but when Harry held out his hand and looked at her, pleading with those gorgeous green eyes, she didn't hesitate. Riding behind him, while holding on tight of course, was the greatest thrill of her life so far and an instant cure for her phobia. So much so that they now repeated the experience, though on his Firebolt under the pretence of helping her learn to fly as part exchange for her input into his training for the tournament.
The Tri-Wizard tournament left her in a bit of a quandary; she couldn't make her mind up whether she hated it or loved it!
On the hate side the whole school, Merlin the whole country thanks to that bitch Rita Skeeter, thought that he had cheated his way into the tournament and was a poor lost attention-seeking child. Even his so-called best mate, Ronald Bilius Weasley didn't believe him and worse, wouldn't even talk to him; Hermione was sure that under Bilius in the dictionary it would say: jealous, insensitive, insecure, childish GIT!
Then there were the tasks themselves.
When she hugged him before he had to go and face a dragon, yes a bloody dragon - it took all of her willpower to let him go. Watching the seemingly tiny figure on his broom, dodging the flames, teeth and spiked tail of that monster gave her nightmares. It was even worse after the task when she flew back into his arms and, drawing on all her Gryffindor courage, was set to finally kiss her best friend when Bilius shows up.
He arrived with some mumbled half hearted apology and Harry, being Harry forgave him, she was left standing there with her arm still round Harry and trying to smile, while running through her head were some of the worst curses and hexes she knew.
Imagining what they would do to the red haired prat was the only way to maintain the phoney smile.
On the good side of the tournament it had brought Harry and her closer than they had ever been. One look at his face when his name was drawn from that flaming goblet and she knew he hadn't entered, she told him so before he left the hall to try and resolve the situation. When she found out later they were forcing him to compete she was livid, but volunteered to help with his training and anything else required.
With no one else speaking to Harry they spent all their time together and she was in Heaven. Harry also had a whole new, more mature attitude to studies, training and life in general which made her love him even more. The hours the spent together studying and training were some of the happiest she'd spent at Hogwarts.
When Harry forgave the prat, she had expected him to go back to goofing off with Ron and for her to be relegated back to her role of nagging big sister and homework helper. To her amazement Harry had continued their training and study schedule though he did offer Ron the chance to join them.
She had mixed emotions regarding this confrontation as Harry continuing with their schedule pleased her more than he knew, while Ron's quite verbal refusal that had finished her friendship with him there and then:
Flashback
Harry and Hermione walked through the portrait hole and were immediately pounced on by Ron
"Hi you two, hey Harry fancy a game of chess? Hermione have you done that potions essay for Snape yet?"
Harry looked at Hermione and seeing the trepidation in her eyes replied, "sorry Ron, we're just collecting some books before heading down to the library to do some studying, though you're welcome to join us mate."
A flabbergasted Ron was almost lost for words, though did manage to choke out, "eh, no I think I'll give it a miss and we can have that game after dinner."
Still looking at Hermione, "out of luck again mate, we're going to be working on my egg for the next task." Harry was rewarded with a smile that lit up her full face.
Ron just got louder, "but that's months away – you've got plenty of time! Hell mate, you've been spending too much time with Hermione. You're even beginning to sound like her. A good game of chess is just what you need to get your mind of your troubles, not spending time in the library with our resident bookworm here."
By this time quite a few people were paying attention to the ongoing troubles of the Gryffindor trio. Harry watched as the smile was replaced by a look of hurt and embarrassment on Hermione's face, which seemed to ignite a cold rage in his soul. When he looked round at Ron, his green eyes seemed to blaze with fire while power radiated off him, demanding the attention of everyone in the common room. Suddenly, the Harry Potter that could out fly a dragon, slay a basilisk and defeat Voldemort THREE times had made an appearance.
The reactions of the watching students seemed to be mainly gender driven, with the wizards backing away while the witches seemed like moths to a flame. Ginny Weasley appeared about ready to pass out with a look of utter bliss on her face. When Harry put his arm around Hermione's waist and pulled her to him, the power seemed to radiate of them both and was now illuminating the whole common room.
Ron was totally oblivious to the amount of power being displayed, but when Harry put his arm round Hermione there was a Weasley explosion.
" Bloody hell Harry, surely …."
He never got any further as Harry held his hand up and Ron was instantly silenced. Harry spoke in a voice that was barely above a whisper but could easily be heard by everyone in the common room, it chilled their blood. "Ron, choose your next words very carefully as I'm through making allowances for you – and everyone else! Last week I was a cheat who was out for money, glory and fame, no one wanted to speak to me. Now everyone wants to be my friend again, well you tell me what's changed because I'm the same person I was last week."
He looked at Hermione, "if it wasn't for the friendship and help of Hermione I probably wouldn't be here this week, at best I'd still be in the infirmary. So if you think I'm channelling my best friend then that's the biggest compliment anyone could ever pay me."
Hermione was positively glowing and it had nothing to do with the power they were both now radiating, her Harry (her Harry?) yes, her Harry had defended her against Ron in front of the whole of Gryffindor.
But Harry wasn't finished yet, "Oh, as to your second question, of course we've got our potions essays done. I would suggest that you forgo the chess and get yours finished, assuming you've started, because we have a very full schedule and bailing Ronald Weasley out of his homework mess isn't on it."
It is a very rare occasion when all the students of Gryffindor house agree on something, they were all sure that if Harry had looked and spoken to them like that, new underwear would have been required. Ron was just too stupid to realise how much trouble he was in and no one was going to mess with Harry to tell the prat. There was also one hundred percent agreement amongst the witches that Harry's look when he turned to Hermione to speak would have melted any of their hearts.
"Anything you want to add to that Hermione?" Harry asked.
Hermione tried to be stern but nothing could disguise how happy she was, "No Harry, I think you covered it quite well. OK, so everyone knows exactly where we stand now, scenes like this one should be avoided in the future."
As they walked towards the stairs, with Harry's arm still around her waist, not a sound was heard.
End of Flashack
That had been yesterday, she had floated up the stairs to her dorm before being rudely interrupted a minute later by her two dorm mates, Lavender, and Parvati plus a raging Ginny.
"OK girl, spill the beans," said Pav, "and no more of this best friend crap! Merlin I wish I had a best friend like that, every girl in the common room was ready to throw her knickers at him. I've never even heard of power like that, far less seen and felt it. How can you not be affected?"
She just gave them a knowing smile, "I've no idea what you witches are talking about, so if you don't mind Harry's waiting on me."
Ginny had stood the whole time at the door as if petrified while giving Hermione a look that was pure hatred. As Hermione went to leave, Ginny still stood blocking the door.
"Ginny, Harry and I just lost one friend tonight; I'd hate to make it two because of that famous Weasley temper," Hermione said.
This seemed to bring the youngest redhead to her senses, she immediately moved aside. The look on Ginny's face was now one of embarrassment as a mumbled, but sincere apology left her lips.
While walking back down the stairs, Hermione heard Lavender ask Ginny how much she wanted for her Harry Potter poster. She couldn't help but chuckle at Ginny's breathless reply, "not for sale at any price."
Hermione had been so caught up in her thoughts that she failed to notice Harry had left McGonagall's class. He was now standing right in front of her with a strange, mischievous look in his eyes.
"A galleon for them Hermione?" He offered.
"A galleon, isn't that a bit pricy? The going rate is usually a Knut," she laughed.
"For your thoughts, I'd empty my vault," Harry replied.
Hermione could see he was only half joking and, wondering where this conversation was heading, decided to change the subject, "So what did Professor McGonagall ask you to stay behind for?"
Harry gave her a strange look before answering her question, "well apparently, as part of the Tri-wiz, Hogwarts are hosting a Christmas ball."
Hermione bit her lip, waiting on the rest of the story.
Harry continued, "yes, and as a champion I have to have a date and lead of the dancing."
Hermione couldn't find her voice.
Harry kept going, "McGonagall also told me I'll be representing Gryffindor, so I've already decided to ask the most beautiful witch in the school to be my date."
Hermione lowered her head until she was looking at her shoes.
Harry was confused, he was sure this would work, just have to do it the old fashioned way then. Reaching out, he placed his hand under her chin and gently raised her head until she was looking into his eyes, "Hermione Jane Granger, I would be honoured if you would consent to being my date for the Yule Ball?"
Hermione went from despair to elation quicker than she believed possible, he'd asked her – did he think she was beautiful? She knew she wasn't ugly but considered herself plain at best, and her hair! Her thoughts were interrupted by a certain dark haired boy who was standing right in front of her.
"Hermione, I'm dying here! If you don't want to…" She placed a finger on his lips before he could say any more.
She asked, "why me Harry? Why me, when you could have anyone in the castle?"
OK, thought Harry, it's not a refusal yet. Its Hermione, you know she needs an explanation for everything. Just don't blow this, it's too important. "Well Hermione, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and I hope some growing up, I started asking myself 'what do I want in life.' Every situation that I imagined, you were right there at my side. Do you know that, apart from Hagrid telling me I'm a wizard, every happy memory in my life, you were there with me."
Harry was starting to get really worried at her lack of an answer but just kept talking, "Now I may not be as smart as you but even I can see the connection. My feelings for you just keep getting stronger and I have desperately been trying to figure out how to ask you to be my girlfriend. This seemed like an ideal opportunity so please say something, I am literally dying here," he pleaded.
A beaming Hermione just said, "Kiss me!"
It was now Harry's turn to have serious problems with his vocal cords, though a startled "what?" did manage to escape.
In her best professor voice Hermione replied, "Well if you're going to be my boyfriend I think you should kiss me, don't you?"
As Harry's arms went round her waist, "absolutely splendid idea Miss Granger, five thousand points to Gryffindor," he muttered.
Her hands seemed to find their way into his hair as their lips travelled towards what would be, for both of them, their first kiss.
A kiss that would change their world.
When their lips met, a golden glow surrounded the couple and as they deepened the kiss, the glow became a pulsing light, which brightened every corner of the corridor. Then the young couple's feet left the floor as they floated about a meter into the air. Harry and Hermione were oblivious to their changing environment, both were to busy pouring their feelings into this wonderful kiss. It seemed to capture the love that they were no longer hiding from each other.
Suddenly, an excruciating pain exploded inside both of their heads causing them to scream in pain. A green mist appeared from behind Harry's scar and took an almost human shape before it also appeared to scream.
The screaming stopped just as suddenly as it began as a pulse of energy left Harry and Hermione with the force of a sonic boom, causing the green mist to explode into nothing while the couple collapsed to the floor unconscious, still held in each others arms.
Riddle House, Little Hangleton
The self-styled Dark Lord, AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle, was beyond angry. He was administering his favourite curse to his useless servant, Wormtail, for having the audacity to question HIS decision. He knew the drain of power was probably doing more damage to this thing of a body he inhabited than it was to his victim but the rule of fear had to be maintained, his word was law.
He lifted the cruciatus curse as Wormtail was now unconscious. An enormous snake waited in anticipation of a green light from her master's stick, this would signal meal time. The creature that was Voldemort unexpectedly emitted an ear-piercing scream then collapsed on the ground, writhing in agony. The snake meanwhile was enveloped with a golden glow, which had it thrashing around the room, trying to find release from the pain induced. A green mist left the snake's now dead body where it seemed to form a humanoid shape before starting screaming.
Head teachers Office
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore sat in his office with scrolls containing reports of the latest developments from the Ministry of Magic. He couldn't help but be reminded of the muggle proverb, 'a camel is a horse designed by a committee!'
Albus thought that what the magical world needed was an outstanding leader, one who could take them into the next millennium. Having a little chuckle to himself, he thought he knew just the Order of Merlin winner for the job when all his plans came to fruition. He was rudely awakened from his pleasant daydream as the magical tsunami that had its epicentre with the unconscious couple hit his office.
All his silver instruments and measuring devices, arranged throughout his office exploded. Albus was lifted out of his chair and knocked flat onto his back on the floor as every piece of glass, including the windows, shattered into thousands of pieces.
Potions Lab
Severus Snape was not a happy wizard, but then again Severus Snape had never been a happy wizard. He loved brewing potions but the only thing he hated more than children was teaching children potions. He considered teaching anyone below seventh year and not from Slytherin a waste of his valuable time and talents, since the vast majority of his time was spent outside this endeavour, he was not best pleased.
To add insult to injury Potter had got past the dragon relatively unscathed. While contemplating the injustice that is life, he consoled himself with the thought that at least it couldn't get any worse. Fate can sometimes have a sense of humour. Snape's arm felt as if it was on fire as the dark mark suddenly delivered pain through his body, dropping him to the floor writhing in agony.
Though nothing could convince him of this at the time, being on the floor turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the magical pulse impacted on the potions lab, exploding thousands of containers of all shapes and sizes. This created a virtual hail of glass, which sliced through the space he had occupied a heartbeat ago, only being behind his desk saved the potions master's life.
Great Hall
As the students were sitting down to lunch, the behaviour from the top table of Professors Moody and Karkaroff largely went unnoticed. Both wizards simultaneously clutched their left arms and fell to the floor in agony. The reason this strange behaviour went unnoticed was due to the pulse arriving seconds later, knocking every window in the hall onto the thankfully empty courtyard below.
The sound created by this phenomenon had a pair of red haired Gryffindors dreaming of recreating the effect in their newest firework, which they immediately named 'Shock and Awe' because that's exactly how they felt.
Apart from some spilled pumpkin juice, not one person received any injuries and everyone considered themselves very lucky.
Kitchens
The castle recognised the pulse and knew where it originated and even more important what it signified, Hogwarts immediately switched allegiance from the current headmaster to its new protector and rightful owner.
Hogwarts had the largest number of house elves in Britain and they were working like a well-oiled machine, during one of the busiest periods of the day. When the pulse reached the kitchen, only minimal damage was caused, one elf in particular though couldn't contain his excitement and bounced up and down on the spot because, like the castle the elves recognised their new owner.
Room of Requirements
In a massive storeroom of forgotten and discarded possessions, an old dusty tiara suddenly began to float. While floating, it became surrounded by a golden aura, this was then disturbed by a green mist which seemed almost sentient and started screaming. As it was trying to escape the glow, the magical pulse hit resulting in no trace of the mysterious mist being left.
The magical pulse swept the length and breadth of the country and seemed to have predetermined targets as a ring, a cup and a locket succumbed to an identical fate.
Ministry of Magic
The "clutching arm and falling to the ground" epidemic seemed to select specific wizards and witches throughout the country. Even the Minister for Magic and his Senior Undersecretary were affected as they were found on the floor of his office, partially clothed, by an Auror. The ashen-faced Auror immediately closed and locked the door, then rushed to find an obliviator to remove a memory that would otherwise haunt him for the rest of his life.
The magical pulse engulfed the ministry building but the damage was limited to only one department. Nobody from the Improper Use of Magic Office would ever use the word "limited" to describe the chaos caused when all their monitoring apparatus exploded, leaving the Ministry blind to any underage magic, illegal apparition, portkey use and many other activities that the wizarding public were unaware the were being monitored for.
Gringotts Bank
In his office Ragnok, the General Manager of Gringotts Bank and Leader of the Goblin Nation, had a look that would put the fear of death into any witch or wizard who had the misfortune to gaze upon it, a fellow goblin would recognise a very large grin on their leaders face. He pushed a button on his desk and immediately his assistant appeared in front of the extremely happy goblin and awaited his instructions.
"Tell Griphook he will be having visitors soon and to offer them any and all the assistance of the bank and the Goblin Nation," said a still smiling Ragnok.
The assistant couldn't believe what he was hearing but with Ragnok seemingly in an exceptionally good mood nothing more than a "yes sir" was going to be uttered as he hurried to carry out his order, wondering just who the visitors could be.
Riddle House, Little Hangleton
As the pathetic creature fought through the pain of its dying body, with one last Herculean effort the thing that was Voldemort reached out to the green mist and absorbed it into itself. Barely a second later the magical pulse hit the mansion but passed through causing no damage whatsoever.
Head teachers Office
It had been many, many years since anything had been able to knock Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore down and as he lay there, with the destruction of his office all around him, he felt control of the castle leave him. While trying to formulate a plan of action, he was hindered by two words that kept repeating over and over in his mind, "deep shit!"
Chapter 2
Harry and Hermione were shaken awake by their worried looking head of house, "Are you two OK?" asked McGonagall
After glancing at each other they both nodded neither trusting their voice at the moment
"Well wait in my classroom until we can find out what happened, you should be safe there for now," as she hurried down the corridor with her wand in hand.
After entering the transfiguration classroom Hermione closed the door and cast locking and silencing charms before turning to Harry and rushing into his waiting arms.
As they embraced Harry thought 'I never wanted to let her go'
When Hermione answered "don't worry Harry now your mine and I'm never letting you go"
It took a few seconds for him to realise that he hadn't actually said the words out loud
Hermione answered him again "but I heard it loud and clear oh Harry I'm getting worried, this is not normal"
"Hermione when is my life ever normal, one kiss and we get woken up on the corridor floor by McGonagall no less."
This caused Hermione to smile in remembrance of that wonderful kiss.
Harry continued, "I just wish I knew what happened back there and is it safe to kiss you again because I plan on doing that a lot."
He was moving his lips to hers while talking and was just about to have the second kiss of his life when two loud cracks reverberated around the classroom as a couple of house elves appeared before them.
"My Lord and Lady, how may we be of service?"
Harry and Hermione had to look twice to make certain that the very formal elves bowing and curtsying to them were actually Dobby and Winky. "Dobby what's with the Lord and Lady? I thought we agreed that my name is Harry and how are you feeling now Winky?"
"I is feeling much better my Lord and thank you for asking."
Harry was starting to get annoyed, "Could we please stop with the Lord stuff and why so formal?"
"We is required to be formal for the request we wish to make my Lord," answered Dobby
The fact that Dobby was in Harry's presence and wasn't bouncing about like a two year old on their third cup of espresso set Hermione's alarm bells ringing, "And just what is this request?' she asked.
"Well now that you are bonded and have all your houses to take care of we would like to be bonded to the noble Lord and Lady Gryffindor," said an expectant Dobby.
"WHAT!"
Harry led Hermione to a seat before sitting down himself though as soon as his girlfriend realised they were no longer touching she immediately change position to sit on his knee with her arm on his shoulder. This brought a knowing smile to the faces of both elves, while the teenagers paused to figure out their next move.
It was Harry who spoke though for some reason he knew exactly what Hermione wanted to ask, "Ok you two come over here and have a seat, and then maybe you can tell us what the hell is going on."
Normally this would have led to tears of joy and much proclaiming of what a great wizard Harry was but as both elves calmly approached and sat facing them Hermione was now seriously worried.
Dobby then calmly proceeded to turn their whole world on its head, "When you kissed a soul bond formed, which in the wizarding world counts as legally binding marriage, so you both immediately became adults thus releasing your inheritance. You are now Lord and Lady Gryffindor, owner of Hogwarts and all the land for miles around including the village of Hogsmead."
The teenagers were to stunned to react even when Winky added her bit, "That's not counting the Potter inheritance and the properties included means that you require house elves and, since we are not bonded we would be honoured to serve such wonderful people as you."
Hermione sat on her boyfriends, no her husbands knee and tried to process the information they had been given but all she got was 'Mrs Hermione Potter' and a smile lit up her face as her greatest wish seemed to have come true. She started feeling apprehension radiating off Harry, doesn't he want to be married to me? Hermione turned and could see the worry in his eyes when suddenly the words 'her dads going to kill me' formed in her head so she did the first thing that she could think of to calm him down, she kissed him.
A few minutes later it was a much calmer Harry who spoke to the elves, "You know neither of us believes in owning slaves but we both like you two very much so we offer you the bond of friendship rather than servitude. If this is acceptable we can work out the other details as we go along as you seem to know more about our situation than we do."
Dobby and Winky barely glanced at one another before answering together, "We accept!"
Getting off their chair Harry and Hermione, still craving contact by holding hands approached their little friends and placed their free hand on top of each elves head. No sooner had contact been made when a golden glow enveloped the quartet with magic seeming to pour out of the couple and into the elves.
As the glow dissipated a much changed Dobby and Winky were revealed. Both were now at least four inches taller and while Dobby seemed to have gained a fair bit of muscle, Winky was now noticeably female but it was in their facial features that the most striking changes had occurred. Their cartoonish features had been redrawn and the effect was startling. Gone was the overly large round head, tennis ball eyes and bat like ears to be replaced with an oval proportioned head, smaller eyes and although their ears were still pointed they were less than half their original size.
Before anyone could speak Dobby took charge, "My Lord and Lady it's not safe here. We must get you somewhere that no one can find us. There is still much we need to explain and many questions to answer. Please come with us."
Allowing no time for discussion Dobby took hold of Harry while Winky clasped Hermione and the four of them disappeared without a sound, just seconds before Dumbledore and McGonagall burst into the room.
Finding the classroom empty and knowing that the locking charms he had just disabled must have been cast from inside the room it was a very worried looking Dumbledore who turned to his Depute, "Are you sure they were in here?" he asked.
Only to be meet with an angry "YES" from the now scowling McGonagall "and it's high time you told me what's going on Albus, start talking!"
-OoOoO-
The four appeared silently in a room that was almost familiar, as it resembled the Gryffindor common room in size, shape and colour of décor but there all similarities ended as the furniture, fixtures and fittings could only be described as luxurious.
There were shelves filled with ancient looking books while one wall was almost completely made from glass with a door leading onto a large balcony which had stunning views of the lake confirming they were still inside Hogwarts castle.
The corridor at the back of the room led to a maser suite and three other very large bedrooms but before they could explore further their attention was drawn to a magnificent fireplace or rather to the portrait above.
The portrait was of a knight but this was no Sir Cardigan, no this knight had nobility etched into every feature and with his long dark hair and goatee beard combination he really was hansom in a sort of roughish fashion, but it was the sword he carried that attracted Harry's attention, he knew that sword, he had killed with that sword.
"Godric Gryffindor!" he whispered.
No sooner had the words left his mouth when the painting came to life, "At last, welcome heirs to the Gryffindor apartments, it's been so long since I've had company please take a seat and we can have a chat."
Harry and Hermione had received so many shocks lately that they just took the fact that one of the founders wanted to have a chat with them as an everyday occurrence, 'Harry said his life is never normal, maybe this is what it's like to be Mrs Potter' thought Hermione. She started laughing then found she couldn't stop until Harry pulled her over to sit beside him on the sofa facing Godric where she buried her head into his chest and the laughter became tears.
Harry was going to ask what was troubling her when the thought came 'she doesn't want to marry me, can't really blame her and now she's afraid to tell me.'
This sent Hermione off on a rant, "Harry James Potter, stop that right now. I've dreamed about marrying you for years. I've even chosen the bloody dress but never for one minute did I think you would want to marry a bushy haired, bucktoothed, book…" The rest was lost as Harry returned the favour from earlier and they kissed until she calmed down although both were now anything but calm.
When they next took notice of their surroundings a teapot and two cups as well as an unbelievable range of snacks and cakes covered the table in front of them.
Harry glanced at both Dobby and Winky and raised his eyebrow in a questioning manner. He held their gaze until Dobby snapped his fingers and another two cups appeared beside the other sofa which both elves sat down as the four of them smiled and enjoyed their tea together.
This short oasis of normality revitalised Hermione who moments before was suffering from information overload and had more questions needing answers than at any time since discovering magic existed. Suddenly she felt as if she had regained some of the control that had been spiralling away from her as she withdrew parchment, quill and ink from her bag. Hermione was trying to get some solid ground under her feet, "Ok lets write down the facts we know and we can add to them as we get questions answered," she said with authority in her voice.
They all smiled at this, even the portrait, "Harry and I have a soul bond which effectively means we're married," she stated.
Both elves nodded their heads in agreement while Harry had a smile from ear to ear as Hermione continued, "because of this bond we are now emancipated adults."
Again both elves nodded while Harry suddenly realised the implications of this fact, "No more Dursleys!' he shouted.
The look of joy on his face melted Hermione's heart and she mentally placed 'dealing with the Dursleys' onto her list of things to do. She then summed up their information, "Now Harry is the heir of Godric here so we are now Lord and Lady Gryffindor and own the castle and Hogsmead."
At this Godric decided to help the lovely young Gryffindor couple, the talking painting added, "Well actually there's more to it than just owning the castle, Hogwarts is so much more than a building. When we constructed this wondrous castle we wanted her to be sentient so each of the founders entrusted a part of our soul into the castle. This has nothing to do with those abominations called horcruxes which we'll cover later but rather as a labour of love. Hogwarts answers to the sitting headmaster unless he strays away from the light and our current one has done some things that he should go to prison for."
A memory came to Harry and Hermione and as they watched it unfold the anger that it evoked was unparalleled to anything the teens had ever felt and at the end only one word was whispered "bastard!'
Before anything else could be said Godric interrupted, "The portraits and ghosts have just reported that Albus is going to find someone called Sirius and then a family called the Grangers. For some reason he is desperate to stop you getting to Gringotts and from past experience he will go to any lengths."
"We have to do something Harry, my parents wont have a clue what's going on."
"We have some advantages," said Godric "his phoenix just had a burning day and the castle has closed the floo system so he is having to walk to the edge of the wards while anyone touching an heir can apparate from the castle."
Harry now had a task with defined goals so sprang into action, "Hermione and Winky get a room ready for Sirius and see if you can find any clothes he could wear, Dobby and I will grab him and be right back then the four of us will collect your parents. Let's go Dobby."
Dobby grabbed Harry's arm and they were gone before any of the ladies could object to the plan.
-OoOoO-
A large black dog was curled up trying to stay warm in a chilly cave overlooking the village of Hogsmead. He was passing the time dreaming of a hot bath, large meal and a soft bed when his enhanced senses screamed red alert as realisation that he had uninvited company hit home.
-OoOoO-
Albus couldn't remember ever having a day this bad, first Fawkes had a burning day just as he needed him then the floo system broke down and now the bloody stairs were playing silly buggers. If those Weasley twins had pranked the stairs then Argus Filch would get to use his thumbscrews as an early Christmas present.
He eventually made it out the main doors and hurried down to the gates before passing through them and the protective wards immediately apparating to the cave he placed Sirius in.
-OoOoO-
"Sirius, it's me! You need to transform."
The black dog suddenly became a man with all the obvious signs of living rough, "What the hell are you doing here? Merlin's beard, you frightened the life out of me"
"Sorry Sirius but we haven't got time for this, you're coming with me now."
The cave was now empty!
-OoOoO-
At the Gryffindor apartment Hermione had found some robes that should fit Sirius while Winky had a hot meal on the table as they waited for their men returning.
Harry, Dobby and Sirius apparated into the apartment but before Sirius could vent his anger at the situation he was bowled over by the bushy haired missile that targeted his godson leaping at Harry and enveloping him in limbs while kissing him senseless. Sirius was beyond shocked, just what the hell was going on? He made 'clearing the throat' noises to try and get the young couples attention.
When Godric said "I don't think that's going to be enough, I think you're going to have to try something louder than that."
Sirius nodded his head in agreement before placing two fingers into his mouth and producing an ear splitting whistle.
Harry and Hermione slowly parted although still wrapped in each other's arms, "Oh hi Sirius, good to see you again," said Hermione "there's a meal on the table, plenty of hot water and clean robes left out for you. We need to leave now to collect my parents but we won't be long."
"Yea need to go and collect the in-laws so best behaviour from the godfather as we're trying to make a good impression here," said Harry.
The two couples joined hands and left a bewildered animagus wondering what was in that last bit of grub he scavenged because this couldn't be real. Then the scent of the food reached his nostrils and hunger dispelled all doubts as he prepared to eat his first real meal in years.
-OoOoO-
Dumbledore found the cave empty but knew Sirius couldn't be far away, sitting down on a boulder he decided to give him ten minutes to show up.
-OoOoO-
At the Granger Dental Practice in Kensington both doctors were drinking coffee while completing paperwork and looking forward to heading home for the weekend when they were disturbed by a very familiar voice that had no business being here.
"Mum. Dad are you still here?"
"We're in the office dear," said Emma.
The door opened and Hermione burst through and raced to embrace her parents while Harry and the elves entered at a more sedate pace.
Dan Granger hugged his daughter while his mind raced trying to find a reason for this visit. He noticed that the boy and Hermione were still wearing Hogwarts school robes in Kensington and what the other two visitors were he had no idea. Taking into account the speed she came through the door and the ferocity of the embrace Dan knew something was seriously wrong with his studious daughter.
"Well darling I think we should have the introductions and then the explanation, don't you?" said a worried Emma Granger who was every bit as smart as her husband and had came to the same conclusion about the seriousness of the situation.
"Oh sorry, I was so worried I forgot my manners. Mum, Dad meet Harry Potter."
"So finally we get to meet the boy mentioned in all your letters and who you never stop talking about," said Emma shaking an embarrassed Harry's hand.
"Pleased to meet you," said Harry as he shook hands with his as yet unaware in-laws.
"This is Winky and Dobby who are elves," as Hermione introduced the bowing couple to distract her parents attention away from Harry. She knew they had to get away as quickly as possible so had decided that all explanations would need to wait for a more secure location.
Hermione took a deep breath and prayed that she could convince her parents to leave without delay, "Mum, Dad, something happened today which will affect all our lives but at the moment we don't have all the facts. The one thing that's definite is that we are in great danger if we remain here. I need you both to trust me and come with us to a safe location where we can hopefully answer all of the questions that I can see in you eyes. Please believe me that we need to leave NOW!"
The urgency in her voice and the pleading of her eyes convinced Dan and Emma who understood they were out of their depth in the magical world so had to trust that Hermione knew what she was doing.
"Let us get our coats though I don't think the six of us will fit in the car dear," said Emma as she moved to collect them from the combined store and cloakroom in the corridor.
Relief flooded through Hermione as Harry released a breath he wasn't aware he'd been holding, "Don't worry Mum we won't be taking the car," smiled Hermione.
-OoOoO-
Albus patience was wearing thin as he sat waiting for Sirius.
He hadn't anticipated an empty cave and was starting to get seriously annoyed with people not following his instructions, 'Stay in the cave and no one will find you!'
How hard was that but here he was sitting waiting while that moron Black was probably roaming the countryside instead of following his orders. He decided he'd waited long enough; it was time to move on to his next targets.
An old man with a ridiculously long beard and attention seeking wizard robes appeared in the enclosed back garden of the Granger residence only to find the house unoccupied so sitting on a garden chair while casting a warming charm on himself Albus settled down to wait.
-OoOoO-
The group of six who appeared on the top step of Gringotts caused quite a few heads to turn. When considering that the group was comprised of two muggles, two Hogwarts students in Gryffindor robes with two house elves walking beside their masters with their heads held high it was probably unsurprising that the group gathered attention.
While the senior Grangers recovered from the side along apparition they were ushered into the bank by Hermione, "Can you explain how we're safer in Diagon Alley than we were in our office and why is everyone staring at us?" said a still nauseous Emma.
"It's impossible to apparate into Gringotts as it is a bank after all so we got as close as allowed and since it's run by goblins it's against their laws for a wizard or witch to draw a wand in the bank far less use one. You never want to mess with goblins," said Hermione.
Harry made his way to a counter only to be intercepted by Griphook offering his assistance. Minutes later the party were shown into a rather plush office with an impressive desk that looked centuries old. Griphook proceeded behind the desk while conjuring four chairs for his guests. Hermione's parents looked in dire need of a seat so took the offered chairs with thanks while Harry and Hermione remained standing, both stared at Griphook who was deeply worried.
His orders came from the top and he seemed to have offended Lord and Lady Gryffindor but had no idea what he'd done. Harry's glare left Griphook for an instant as he glanced at the standing elves and the now perspiring goblin realised that they wouldn't sit while their house elves stood so it was a shocked Griphook who offered an apology while another two chairs appeared. It would seem that these were not ordinary wizarding folk.
Regaining his composure Griphook got down to business, "Lord and Lady Gryffindor may I on behalf of Gringotts Bank and the Goblin nation offers our congratulations on your bonding and asks how we can be of assistance."
Hermione watched as her parents nearly fell of their chairs in shock.
Harry replied, "Thank you Griphook now could I please see a list of our holdings, my parents will, a copy of any transactions from the accounts and we would really appreciate any literature you could provide on soul bonds and our names are Harry and Hermione."
"That may take some time my lo…Harry, would you and your guests like some refreshments while waiting?"
"That would be splendid though could we have some brandy for my parents as they've just had a bit of a shock!" replied Hermione.
A very rare sighting of a chuckling goblin was seen as Griphook waved his hand and a table full of refreshments appeared, "I will return with your requests very soon," leaving the room as both Grangers glared at the teenagers.
Harry turned to the Grangers, "I think we owe you an explanation but please understand this is all new to us as well."
Dan gave Harry a look that said 'continue and this better be good' so he did
"When we finished classes today I asked Hermione to be my date for the ball and my girlfriend, she said yes, we kissed and now we're married."
Dan waited but when Harry didn't say any more he exploded, "You ran away from school, dragged us out our office to the other side of London then give us this bullshit! Are you serious?" asked an angry Dan Granger
A giggling Hermione got up and perched on Harry's lap before saying, "No dad, that's his godfather you'll meet him later."
The sight of their bookish daughter giggling was such a shock that neither of the parents commented on her new seating arrangement.
"Sir I just wanted to assure you and Mrs Granger that nothing inappropriate took place and that I love your daughter with all my heart. She's been my best friend since I was eleven and had things progressed along normally we would have had a few years for you both to get to know me better before I asked for Hermione's hand in marriage but the instant we kissed a soul bond formed which is a legally binding marriage for all time."
Hermione continued, "Now for some reason this really upset our Headmaster which is why we had to get our families to safety and we hope Gringotts holds the answer."
Dan Granger was in a quandary, the fact that his daughter was giggling and now sitting on this young mans lap, arms wrapped around his neck gave such a feeling of relief that his lonely little girl had found someone who obviously thought the world of her but the problem was she's still his little girl. He looked at his best friend and they realised they had to get this right, all the parenting manuals had went in the bin as soon as magic entered the equation! What do you look up when your daughter gets attacked by a mountain troll in a girl's toilet or petrified by a basilisk in a school corridor? They looked at their daughter and neither had ever seen her look happier which for both of them was more important than anything else.
Hermione could see her parents struggling with the situation so tried to help, "Mum, dad we don't have all the answers yet which was why Harry asked Griphook for any books on soul bonds. While in the muggles world this would be called a marriage made in heaven the wizarding world can actually detect the effect and recognise it legally. When Harry and I kissed and the bond formed it was so powerful it knocked us both unconscious."
This comment brought about loud laughter from both the elves before Dobby was able to explain, "Begging your pardon my Lady but it was more powerful than you thought as you broke half the windows in the castle," as both elves dissolved into more fits of laughter.
"We're not going to get a bill for this are we and what's with the Lord and Lady, does your mum have to curtsy when she brings you breakfast?" said a smiling Dan trying to keep the mood light.
"Actually dad we own Hogwarts, my official title is Lady Hermione Jane Potter Gryffindor and I wouldn't expect mum to bring my husband and I breakfast as it would upset the elves."
She managed to hold her emotions under control but the look on her parent's faces started her giggling which soon became fits of laughter which everyone couldn't help but join. It was to gales of laughter that Griphook re-entered the room weighed down with folders and scrolls. He began to understand director Ragnok's delight as this young couple who were going to stand the wizarding world on its head, the treatment of their elves had shocked Griphook but he now understood that they were not considered slaves.
The whole Goblin Nation was set to align itself behind this couple with the hope that they could be considered equals to wizards and all other magical beings. He arranged the documents across his desk while everyone regained their composure, "Where would you like to begin Harry?" asked the goblin
"I think we have to do this in chronological order and hopefully a pattern will emerge as we have our suspicions but at the moment no proof," said Hermione while Harry nodded in agreement.
Griphook then lifted the will of James and Lily Potter, "I will be summarising the main points of all the documents we cover here and will have copies of everything sent to a location of your choice. As expected your parents left everything to you but it's the placement of yourself with the Dursleys that concerns us in that the will lists six different placement options and specifically states under no condition were you to be left with your aunt. Dumbledore basically kidnapped you and with the imprisonment without trial of your godfather he declared himself your magical legal guardian."
The silence in the room was deafening.
"As your magical guardian he had access to a portion of your account and paid Vernon Dursley the total of one hundred and twenty thousand pounds sterling over a fourteen year period. In that same period he has also paid the Hogwarts tuition fees for all the Weasley children."
Just when they thought it couldn't get any worse it did!
Griphook knew the next revelation would get a reaction and he wasn't disappointed, "Dumbledore also arranged a marriage contract for Harry's sixteenth birthday with Ginevra Molly Weasley."
Hermione exploded, "The manipulative old bastard! I'm gonna kick his bony arse all the way to Hogsmead and I'm not forgetting the bloody Weasleys or the Dursleys. A lot of people are going to pay for hurting my Harry."
The power radiating off Hermione was actually shaking the bank while inside the room a goblin, two Grangers and both elves were taking shelter behind anything the could find as the air crackled with energy. The door burst open and director Ragnok with four guards tried to enter but was forced back.
Harry, who still had his arms around Hermione spoke, "I love you Mrs Potter!" This distracted Hermione long enough for Harry to pull her into a kiss draining off her anger as their passion deepened and nothing else existed in the moment.
As the kiss ended Hermione gasped, "Thanks Harry, I needed that. You do realise that if Ginny comes within twenty feet of you I'm going to squash her like a bug?"
Harry just nodded before turning to the goblin, "Griphook try and break it to us a little bit gentler could you as my wife seems to be the possessive type, now I need you to tell us what our options are as there's no way, what did you call him love? Ah yes that manipulative old bastard is getting away with this," they were once again staring into each other's eyes totally unaware of the chaos around them.
"What the hell was that?" a stunned Emma Granger demanded.
"That was the unstoppable force of nature known as Hermione Potters temper," said Harry who deliberately used her surname to remind her who it was he loved.
Dan had quickly caught on to Harry's tactics and could see it was working so approached the couple and hugged them both saying, "Just as well you took her off our hands Harry she really can bring the house down."
Emma joined what was now a four way hug, "Welcome to the family Harry, it will take us some time to get our heads round this but our daughter's happiness means everything to us and we can already see what Hermione means to you," she said as tears ran down her cheek.
"Don't worry mum Harry already knows I've chosen my dress so you still get a wedding and wait till they hear down the golf club that your bushy haired bookworm is marrying a lord."
"Lord and Lady Gryffindor please let me introduce myself. My name is Ragnok and I'm the director of Gringotts. Oh it may interest you to know Mr Granger that you son in law owns several golf courses."
Dan's interest was immediately peaked, "Where exactly are these courses then?"
"The Potters were one of the founders of the R & A and own all the courses in St Andrews," replied Ragnok.
"Oh he's a definite keeper," joked Emma while Dan fainted!
Chapter 3
After ten minutes or so order had been restored to the room, Dan and Emma sat nursing large brandies while quietly talking amongst themselves, Dobby and Winky had helped put the room back together and now sat watching their masters/lord and lady/friends?
The four goblin guards had known fear but having to watch helpless as this young lady shook their bank to its very core was beyond anything in their experience.
Only the joyous expression of their leader kept them standing guarding the door as a watch and wait approach seemed their only course of action for the moment.
Hermione had taken up her now accustomed seating position of Harry's lap with her arms around his neck while comforting arms circled her waist.
They were communicating silently and Hermione thought it seemed to get easier with practice as she rested her head on his shoulder as the last of her anger dispersed.
Ragnok had decided to oversee events as Griphook stood behind and to the left as a good assistant should.
Ragnok spoke "Griphook has informed me where we'd reached in the proceedings and I can see what brought about her Ladyships understandable reaction. Before moving on I would hope to put both your minds at rest with the information that a soul bond is believed to be fate deciding that two people should be together for the rest of their life! It negates any and all contracts of Marriage."
Hermione and Harry were so delighted by this news they glowed so bright her muggle parents could see it.
Ragnok continued "the bond also brings immunity to any love potions people may try on you as well as all forms of mind attacks and would undo any memory charms already placed on either of you."
Harry just glanced at Hermione as he said, "we had already experienced a released memory which fuelled our suspicions of the old goat"
"Well anyone trying to interfere with a bonded couple faces a trip to the island paradise of Azkaban. It's considered attempted murder as breaking a bond could kill the couple" said a serious Griphook.
"You have full access to the Potter and Gryffindor family vaults, own Hogwarts and all the land for miles around including the village of Hogsmead, fourteen houses spread about the world including Potter Manor and an unplotable island in the Caribbean, have shares in both muggle and magical companies to long to list. In short you are the richest young couple in Britain," said a beaming Ragnok.
Dan and Emma were glad they were sitting down and the brandy was a great help as they drained their glasses, the shocks seemed to just keep coming.
Dan had never fainted in his life before but his head was once again spinning as he wondered how in hell the kids were coping so well with all of this.
The kids were talking to each other in their minds and whereas earlier it almost freaked them out it now felt so natural they didn't give it a second thought, there were just to many other pressing matters screaming for their attention.
"Director Ragnok I would like to offer my thanks for your time here today. Its very evident that Dumbledore has been trying to control my life but not why. Do you have any information that could throw some light on this?" asked Harry.
Ragnok smiled, they really were a delightful couple that complemented each other perfectly and had just asked the exact question he was hoping for
"Please just Ragnok and yes I think we can answer that question. Just before you were born he was interviewing for a Divinations professor, I believe you both know her?"
Their groans of displeasure was all the couple could manage before a laughing
Ragnok picked up the story
"Well the interview was going poorly when suddenly Trelawney seemed to make a prophecy the bottom line being that you, and only you my Lord could defeat Voldemort."
"Please Ragnok it's Harry and my wife's name is Hermione, if that old fool believed her he's even more round the twist than we thought" replied Harry while shaking his head in disbelief.
"You have to understand the times, Voldemort and his Death Eaters were everywhere! Killing with impunity since they owned, and still do own the Ministry. Everyone was looking to the great wizard, hero of the first war and he was in danger of being uncovered for the fraud he is," said Ragnok
"Pardon me but I thought he defeated the dark lord Grindelwald and ended the war at least it says so in all the books I've read about the subject. Are you saying he didn't?" asked a curious Hermione
The goblin leader answered her question, "Oh he did kill him Hermione but what the books don't tell you is that they used to be great friends and that Dumbledore sneaked into Grindelwald's home with a muggle pistol and shot him six times in the back!"
Ragnok looked at his shocked audience "not exactly the brave and heroic image that the man wants to portray, is it! Now it couldn't have escaped your notice how the wizarding world idolises the boy who lived which must have annoyed him even more hence hiding you away for ten years hoping it would blow over"
Emma couldn't contain herself any longer "could you please just explain it so we parents can understand why their headmaster is doing all this"
"I apologise Mrs Granger at our best guess we think that Harry was going to be used to fight Voldemort with Dumbledore picking up the credit and with a wife whose family have been life long supporters he could just about control any situation" replied Ragnok
Everyone just sat quietly dealing with another shocking revelation to add to the already long list
Harry eventually asked, "So Ragnok what can we do about it?"
A now beaming Ragnok was actually wringing his hands in anticipation
"Gringotts can only handle the financial side but would be more than willing to lend our support when dealing with the Ministry of Magic. The money paid to the Dursleys can be reclaimed as no care was provided and most of the cash was spent on their obese offspring. There is no financial reason for you to pay thousands of galleons in School fees for the Weasley family and money had been getting withdrawn from your account before you even met them. As to Dumbledore we can take action for financial mismanagement of your account but the decision has to come from you!"
Harry and Hermione were discussing the situation in their minds while trying to consider repercussions, Dumbledore and the Dursleys were no brainers but did they really want to effectively put the Weasleys out on the street.
"Can we see the marriage contract please?" asked Hermione.
The details of the contract made their blood run cold.
Here it was, in black and white, Harry's whole life had been a gigantic lie staged by Albus Dumbledore with the Weasley clan as accomplices.
The contract was dated just days after Harry had been left on his Aunts doorstep and was countersigned by Molly and Arthur.
They had sold there only daughter for tuition fees, its no wonder Ginny had a crush on Harry; she'd been programmed from a very early age to marry him.
Whether Ron or Ginny were actually involved in the deception or being manipulated just like Harry was a question for another day as the answer held the power to hurt more than anything else revealed so far.
Harry and Hermione stood, placed the now void marriage contract on the desk and in as formal a voice as he possessed Harry gave the order
"Director Ragnok I would request that Gringotts bank take the fullest measures possible in all three cases"
No sooner had the words been spoken than they clung to each other visibly upset at the decision they just made, while both understood that it was the right thing to do it didn't make it easier to accept.
The young couple felt their childhood being stripped away piece by piece but with the compensation of their bond both knew they would emerge from this stronger and closer as they drew comfort from each other.
Dan Grangers admiration for this young man who had become his son was growing by leaps and bounds; his whole life had just been trashed yet here he was, standing tall beside his daughter and making decisions that must be breaking his heart.
As they clung to each other Dan and Emma immediately joined them in a family hug trying to offer some grain of comfort.
With a nod from Ragnok, Griphook immediately left to carry out the Potters orders while his leader removed an ancient scroll from his jacket.
He really wished he could spare them this but events were proceeding at an alarming rate and the information he possessed was critical to the entire magical world.
"I'm sorry but we have more yet to discuss and due to events happening throughout the magical world even as we speak this simply cant wait"
Ragnok had their attention now as the four sat back down with Hermione resuming her now customary seating position.
"A genuine prophecy was made many years ago and the Goblin nation believes it concerns you both. From Dobby and Winky's appearance I will assume the Elvin nation believes this also?"
"Yes we do!" answered Winky
Ragnok continued, "This prophecy does not concern Voldemort who would have been taken care of years ago but for greed and incompetence, this has far more reaching effects"
Two shall come from the house of the brave
Their powers combined this world will save
With love they'll see the bloodlines fall
And stand united magical beings all
The silence that followed was eventually broken by another Granger temper exploding although thankfully not Hermione this time.
Emma Granger was on her feet a split second before her husband, causing the guards to tense before a glance from the director assured them there was no danger.
A very angry mother laid into the goblin leader, "What the hell do you think you're playing at here, I've sat quietly and heard how they've been lied to, manipulated, cheated and were effectively running for their lives earlier on today and now you practically place saving the whole magical world on their young shoulders! Well I think we should go to this island that no one else can find and leave you all to stew in the mess that you made!"
"Way to go Mrs Granger" said a shocked Harry at the ferocity in her voice
Ragnok tried to placate the angry female, "Mrs Granger please understand we're not asking to fight a war here, at this moment in time Harry and Hermione are the two most powerful beings on the planet and in the coming weeks as their bond matures they will be practically untouchable."
Both Dobby and Winky were nodding their heads in agreement
Dobby said, "I knew years ago that Harry was the one from the prophecy which was why I tried to help and when I saw him sitting in the hospital holding a petrified Hermione's hand while chatting to her I knew who the second person was."
Dobby smiled at the couple "If you hadn't got together I would probably have to help you again."
Reactions to this statement were varied as Harry and Hermione shuddered with dread remembering the bludger spelled to attack Harry, Dan and Emma looked perplexed while Dobby and Winky collapsed in laughter.
Ragnok spoke "It is my belief that everyone in this room believes passionately in what the prophecy stands for but perhaps none more than the two young people in front of me! You both have seen and suffered from the purebloods who think it is their birthright to rule our world and let their arrogance blind them into following a half blood Tom Riddle otherwise known as Voldemort. When he was banished the fist time nearly all the death eaters were able to bribe their way out of trouble and are sitting waiting for his return to bankroll his movement again."
He was really getting into his stride now, "We need to change the conditions that allow dark lords to get a foothold and spread their bigoted messages. We need a society where ability, not blood determines your position in life. We need strong honest leaders with unshakable moral compasses, the ability to make the hard decisions but the sensitivity to feel it when it hurts, who posses the magical, financial and political power to take us there in short we need both of you!"
It was a speech that touched everyone in the room, had the guards ready to face any enemy and provided a rallying call for a cause dear to all their hearts and while Gryffindors charge where angels fear to tread these two young lions were growing up fast.
Harry sat back down and Hermione resumed her position as they pondered their response.
Emma had realised that the contact they craved seemed to keep them calm and while they weren't speaking there was no doubt in her mind that they were communicating as they looked into each others eyes. It was both unnerving and incredibly beautiful to see the love and absolute trust they had for each other.
Harry broke the silence "Ragnok you mentioned events happening elsewhere that we assume are related and seem to be forcing a timescale on our decision, could you be a bit more specific please?"
He burst out in hearty laughter "Oh you really are going to be the golden couple and I want the credit for coining the phrase before Rita Skeeter claims it. Right unless it's banking business that ethics forbid me from discussing I promise full disclosure and never to lie to you"
They were astonished that a national leader would make such a vow and nodded their consent and understanding of the trust implied.
"There is information you should have been made aware of and more that happened today setting in motion a chain of events that gave us this timescale. Some of this will be disturbing but please let me finish and then I'll answer any and all questions. The reason that Voldemort killed your parents is because a certain greasy haired death eater heard the first part and reported it to his master."
Harry and Hermione both whispered the hated name together "Snape!"
Ragnok continued "We could be here all night discussing theories how Harry became the boy who lived but what I can say for definite is why Voldemort didn't die when the curse rebounded on him. He had created abominations called horcruxes where he split his soul and placed it in an object for safe keeping rendering him immortal or so he thought! The diary you destroyed in the chamber was one. In total he created six and the piece in him was the seventh."
He paused to make sure his audience were still with him, "when you bonded it was the most powerful never recorded, I say never because it blew the entire ministry recording devices to smithereens! Now in the interest of my banks safety I give you fair warning that you will like this next bit even less than the news about Snape but I swear it's not bad news so please let me finish before destroying anything"
Ragnok tried to lesson the tension by smiling but failed miserably.
"The reason Harry could see the foul creature that Voldemort has become is because he left a bit of his soul in you the night his curse backfired!"
Pressing quickly on for everyone's health
"When you bonded the love pouring from both of you was much worse than the cruciatus curse to Voldemort, it forced the horcrux from Harry's head then a magical pulse blasted through the whole country killing all the horcruxes and mortally wounding Voldemort"
Hermione couldn't hold back any longer "that's what made us pass out the horcrux leaving your head and I'm guessing that the pulse was your magical core being unbound"
Ragnok was now the one on his feet "his core was bound? Who would do such a thing and why? It could and would probably have killed Harry if not released before his seventeenth birthday"
Ragnok was one angry goblin!
"Dumbledore bound my magic when I was seven. My uncle was beating me and had just broken my arm when my magic flared and blasted him into the wall. The accidental magic department showed up, asked me my name and when they saw what had happened were arresting my aunt and uncle when he showed up with Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall."
Hermione placed her head on his shoulder and held him tight as he continued
"A tremendous argument broke out between McGonagall and Dumbledore where she ripped him a new one but as soon as Poppy had fixed my arm he obliviated everyone!"
Ragnok looked ready to kill
"My uncle then told him to take me out the house as I was a dangerous freak but Dumbledore promised he would be able to control me and bound my magic before obliviating me as well leaving me helpless at the hands of that vicious bastard"
Emma was openly sobbing into Dan's shoulder while Hermione had a cold, calculating anger bubbling below the surface.
Ragnok erupted "I'll have them tried under goblin law! Azkaban's to good for that filth"
At that moment no insurance company in the world would touch the Dursleys who's life expectancy had just taken a serious downturn.
Hermione had shared Harry's memory earlier when the bond had unblocked it so was still concentrating on Ragnok's words
"So Voldemort is mortally wounded and his backup just got wiped?" she asked
"Very succinctly put Hermione but there's one last piece of the jigsaw that means the clocks running on this plan. When Voldemort collapsed so did every death eater in the country!" answered Ragnok
"WHAT!" shouted Harry and Hermione.
Ragnok couldn't quite hide the delight in his voice, "Yes and when he dies so will they as their dark mark is linked to his soul"
Dan Granger felt compelled to state the obvious "are you telling us that we could sit here, enjoy another brandy and all the bad guys are going to do the decent thing and die because that sounds like my kind of plan!"
"It's easy to see where Hermione gets her intelligence from but you are not quite accurate Mr Granger, tell me Harry what happens if Lucius Malfoy dies?" asked the goblin
Harry thought for a second and understood precisely what Ragnok meant "the next generation step in, Draco is every bit as loathsome as his father and he would become the head of the Malfoy family with all the wealth and privilages that provides. The same would happen in most death eater families"
"Correct Harry and the whole cycle would begin again with you and your wife at the front of the fight but we may have a solution! The death eaters queued to willingly bind themselves to Voldemort and will die when he does, nothing can stop that but we may be able to stop the progression of the next generation."
Ragnok knew he had their undivided attention
"If a wizard were to kill Voldemort and cast an ancient spell that awards the victor the spoils of war we believe it would strip all the death eater assets and titles as well. This would for all intents give you almost total control of the magical world."
Harry felt as if he'd been hit with a stunner while Hermione was curious
"What is this spell and why isn't it still in use?" she asked
Ragnok chuckled "Hermione if Gringotts could afford you there's a job here for life! The spell is Praedia Bellica and fell out of use because along with possessions came the wives but as your soul bond takes precedent over everything Harry would become their head of house instead of husband. It would also put you in charge of most of the house elf population since Hogwarts already answers to you."
"Can we have some time to talk this over please Ragnok, have you any idea how long we've got? I am assuming you know where he is?" said Harry
"You've seen the form he's in Harry it requires constant care, between the pulse of love you two hit him with and all his death eaters dying I think we are talking hours. Oh I forgot to mention Minister Fudge and his senior undersecretary were among the casualties! We'll leave you with some refreshments, you can call when ready and of course we know where he is!"
All the goblins left while Harry stopped the elves leaving as all six of them sat round the table
"Ok one way or another this decision will effect everyone sitting here so all opinions will be listened to before Hermione and I make our mind up," said Harry
"Harry, are you ok with killing someone?" asked Emma who couldn't believe she was sitting discussing taking someone's life so casually.
"Mrs Granger he killed both my parents and tried to murder me when I was one year old and failed, I banished him. When I was eleven he possessed a teacher and attempted to kill me twice but failed and the teacher died. When I was twelve he possessed a student, petrified Hermione and tried to kill me again!"
It was Harry's turn to comfort Hermione; memories of her being petrified were definitely not good ones
Harry continued, "he failed and I now know I destroyed part of his soul. When Hermione and I bonded we apparently destroyed most of his soul without even realising it so now all that is left of the person that was once Tom Riddle is a small piece of his soul contained in a hideous baby sized body that's held together with dark magic and failing fast."
Harry was very serious now, "you ask me if I could kill it the answer is yes because as long as it's alive Hermione will never be safe and she means more to me than anything else."
Dan found himself thinking of Harry as a son already and he was so proud of his handling of this whole situation, he didn't know enough about the magic world but had realized what was going on here quite quickly.
Harry and Hermione would effectively govern the magical world and the fact Ragnok was willing to trust these two teenagers with that amount of power spoke volumes for Harry's character.
Dan had been observing carefully when Draco Malfoy's name had been mentioned and remembered that name from one of Hermione's letters and understood there was real animosity between them.
If this plan worked it would effectively cut off the next generation of terrorists at the knees, with a decisive government in place counter any more movements before they got of the ground.
Dobby spoke next "you have some idea of what my life was like before you set me free and there are a lot more elves out there in conditions just as bad. This could strike a major blow for the Elvin nation and be a turning point in our history"
Both Dobby and Winky had tears in their eyes but Harry and Hermione knew they would support them whatever they decided.
"Dad you've been very quiet, you have a say in this as well" said Hermione
"I only have one question and I'm pretty sure I know the answer! Could you both be happy living on a private tropical island knowing the turmoil you left behind?" he asked
Harry smiled "you have no idea how tempting that is, all my life I've wanted two things, to be part of a family and be just Harry! I never wanted all the celebrity rubbish I just want to be a normal guy and kiss my beautiful girlfriend as often as possible but one kiss and here we all are discussing the fate of the magical world. As I said to Hermione earlier today I don't do normal so you are correct sir we couldn't do it, Hermione calls it my saving people thing."
Hermione took his face in her hands "I'm so proud to be your wife" as she tenderly kissed him.
Emma's heart was bursting with happiness as she watched her daughter with the man she so obviously was deeply in love with
"Harry what about your godfather, don't you think he'd like to be involved in his decision?" she asked
Hermione laughed, "no need mum we know exactly what Sirius would say"
"Yea, kick the bastards arse for Lilly and James" said Harry
Noticing the look of confusion on Emma's face he remembered she didn't know
"Lilly and James were my mum and dad and Sirius was their best friend"
Emma nodded in understanding.
"Dobby could you please ask Ragnok to come back in, we've reached our decision" said Hermione.
Dobby and Winky approached
"I always said Harry Potter is a great wizard but with his Hermione at his side they will be the greatest witch and wizard ever!" declared an emotional Dobby.
"You said my name!" said an equally emotional Hermione "we need to get to the bottom of the changes in you two and I want a full explanation"
Winky laughed "I think we have a full pensieve at the moment, maybe tomorrow won't be as hectic!"
Dobby returned with Ragnok and Harry just calmly said "we'll do it!"