He never made it to the door.
"the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…. Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…"
Albus turned slowly to face the woman who was speaking in a harsh voice. He did not hear the noise of a scuffle in the hallway behind him.
"and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…, and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…."
Albus simply stared at the figure before him, his mind furiously racing. Were they really about to find the one who had the power to finally defeat Voldemort? After a short pause she began again.
"And his power will be hidden from the world, none to know of it until the beginning of the end…. He will be lead to greatness by one whose love for him is old and strong… The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… with his guide he will prevail, without he will fall lower than any before him have gone… The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…."
Albus took a long time to walk back to his office that night. He had much to think about. The fact that Severus Snape had heard the first portion of the prophecy was troubling, as he would undoubtedly tell Voldemort what he had heard. But at least he had not heard the rest. Albus searched through his memory for those who fit the qualifications of having defied the Voldemort three times. There were several who had done this, but only two couples were currently expecting a baby to be born later in the summer. He would have to talk to them immediately. They would have to be protected.
As Albus sent Fawkes with a note to the Longbottoms and Potters he continued in his thoughts. The second part of the prophecy intrigued him. He knew that he would have to lodge a recording of the prophecy with the Department of Mysteries eventually, but he was strongly inclined to leave the second part out. Indeed, it seemed that the prophecy was telling him to do so with that clause about a hidden power. He wished he had more information about this guide.
Maybe there was a reason that he was the one the prophecy was given to. Maybe he was destined to be the young hero's guide.
________________________________________
It had been two weeks since Voldemort's defeat at the hands of little Harry Potter, and Albus had been run ragged ever since. He was grateful to have gotten to Harry before the Ministry did. He was not sure they would have listened to him about how placing the boy with the Dursleys was the best option. But then, they did not have the information he had. The first part of the prophecy had been fulfilled. Voldemort had marked Harry. But Albus knew he would be back. Hopefully, they would have many years to prepare. Albus had dutifully lodged a copy of the prophecy with the Ministry, but only the first half. No one now alive knew there was more. He had only told the Potters and the Longbottoms. He was positive that James and Lily had told no one, a fortunate thing given the betrayal by Sirius Black, and Frank and Alice no longer had the ability to tell anyone what they knew. They would be at St. Mungo's for a very long time. Albus was glad there was a silver lining to their unfortunate circumstances.
Albus knew the horrors that he had committed young Harry Potter to by leaving him with his aunt. But there was no choice. Albus was wary of the warning given by the prophecy. He wanted to prevent Harry from turning to the dark side, and placing him with his aunt would insure that the boy would not grow up to have a big head, among other things. Albus had thought long and hard about the second half of the prophecy, and he was convinced that he himself would be Harry's guide. After all, he was the only one who now knew about this power, and thus it could remain hidden. Also, he was well placed to guide Harry and help him remain in the light. Even more importantly, the prophecy said that Harry's guide would love him, and that the love for him would be old and strong. By placing Harry with his aunt, Albus had practically guaranteed that the only one who would love him from a young age would be Albus himself. And he did love the boy. He would have to insure that no other could fulfill the conditions, as he would trust this task to no one but himself.
________________________________________
Albus was pleased with Harry's progress. The boy had only been back in the wizarding world for two years and already he had faced and defeated Voldemort twice more. But Albus was a little concerned about young Miss Weasley, as he had seen Harry, just that morning, talking kindly to her. The girl was dangerous, as she was quite taken with Harry and Harry had already shown that he was inclined to help her. Albus didn't want Harry to develop feelings for the girl he had saved last year. It would ruin all his careful plans. Albus looked out on the student in the great hall. Perhaps the best idea would be to redirect young Harry's attention. He needed to prevent the boy from becoming romantically entangled with anyone. Not only would it jeopardize Albus' role as the guide, but it would prove a distraction that Harry could not afford. Perhaps it was more that he needed to divert Harry's romantic intentions to someone else, someone who was safer.
His eyes landed on the Ravenclaw table. Yes, she would do nicely. Her temperament would never allow her to really get close enough to Harry to touch his heart. Albus would have Severus prepare the potion immediately.
________________________________________
Albus was almost relieved to hear of Sirius' death. The man was getting too close to Harry and was standing in the way of Harry's destiny. Albus needed the ability to guide Harry without anyone else getting in the way. But he quickly pushed these thoughts aside. It was time that he tell Harry of the prophecy. It was time for Harry to learn of his destiny. He did not imagine that this was going to go over very well. Harry had quite a temper on him.
________________________________________
A/N: Some of the text in this chapter comes from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. No infringement was intended. This is not my story and I intend no monetary gain based on it. So forth and so on.
I decided I wanted to write a super powered Harry story. Sorry that this is a little short, I just needed to set the stage. This is not going to be a Dumbledore friendly fiction. I hope you enjoy, and let me know your thoughts.
Harry watched in morbid fascination as Sybill Trelawney spoke in harsh tones.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…. Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies… and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…."
"Professor Dumbledore? It… did that mean… What did that mean?"
"It means, that the person who has the only chance of conquering Lord Voldemort for good was born at the end of July, nearly sixteen years ago. This boy would be born to parents who had already defied Voldemort three times."
"It means—me?"
Harry's heart fell. He did not have the power to defeat Voldemort. It should have been someone else. Anyone else. There was no way he could do this, despite what Dumbledore was telling him.
________________________________________
f
Harry was wandering through the corridors the next day, deep in thought. He couldn't get the words of the prophecy out of his head. It seemed ridiculous to him. And it didn't make sense for there even to have been a prophecy, given that both sides heard about it. It would have made much more sense if only one side had heard so they could do something about it. He knew that Voldemort only knew the first half, but there really wasn't anything of import in the rest. Nothing that could make any difference, at least. Saying that Harry had a power didn't do much good if he didn't know what it was or how to access it. He tried to recall what it was Dumbledore had said about this power he supposedly had.
"There is a room in the Department of Mysteries that is kept locked at all times. It contains a force that is at once more wonderful and more terrible than death, than human intelligence, than forces of nature. It is also, perhaps, the most mysterious of the many subjects for study that reside there. It is the power held within that room that you possess in such quantities and which Voldemort has not at all. That power took you to save Sirius tonight. That power also saved you from possession by Voldemort, because he could not bear to reside in a body so full of the force he detests. In the end, it mattered not that you could not close your mind. It was your heart that saved you."
This, again, did not make sense to him. He remembered the horrible agony of being possessed by Voldemort. Sure, it was the thought of Sirius that had precipitated Voldemort leaving him alone, but Harry did not think it was because of love. He had thought of Sirius, how even if he died he would see him again, and he was filled with a profound sense of relief and acceptance. And he had no longer cared if he lived or died. Indeed, death seemed preferable. And then Voldemort was gone.
And although this made no sense to Harry, he was pretty sure it didn't happen as Dumbledore thought. He didn't recall being filled with a profound sense of love.
Dumbledore. Harry was still livid at him. He may have apologized for keeping him in the dark, but an apology would not bring Sirius back. An apology would not return the only family he had ever known. An apology would not restore Harry's faith and trust in the Headmaster. As Harry saw it, Dumbledore had made a lot of mistakes, and Harry had had to pay for most of them. Dumbledore had given an excuse and begged forgiveness, but it did not seem enough to Harry. He claimed that he loved Harry too much to put him in pain.
Harry scoffed at this. If Dumbledore really loved him so much he would not have left him with the Dursleys. If he really loved him so much he would not have let Sirius die last night, the only family Harry had. If he loved Harry so much he would long ago have begun teaching him how to fight, so that when it came time for Harry to stand against Voldemort he might actually have a chance of making it out alive.
In Harry's opinion it seemed a little suspicious that Dumbledore had made such a big deal about love twice last night. That it was love that was his power, and that it was love that caused Dumbledore to act as he had. It was almost as if the Headmaster was trying to impress upon Harry how much he loved him, and how he loved him more than anyone else possibly could.
But if Dumbledore really did love him he would not have hurt him so much.
"Love shouldn't harm the recipient," Harry whispered under his breath.
"I agree," came a quiet voice behind him.
Harry whipped around to see the smiling face of Ginny Weasley.
"Or, at least, love shouldn't do any permanent damage. After all, I'm sure the twins love their family and they…"
"…have a habit of pranking those they claim to love," he finished for her.
"Precisely." She smiled at him. "So what brings you to be brooding here by yourself?"
"Just thinking. Wishing it wasn't almost summer break." This wasn't precisely true, but Harry had no intention of telling her the truth right now. This was his burden to bear.
"You are the oddest person I know, Harry Potter. Most people are quite looking forward to the break."
"Guess I'm not most people." Harry sank dejectedly to the ground and sat with his back against the wall. No, indeed he was not most people. He was a marked man. A man destined to either be murdered or murderer. And from where Harry was sitting it was looking like the former was the only possibility. There was no way he could fight Voldemort and expect to win. He was hopeless.
"No," she looked down at him, "I'd have to say you're not." She could clearly see that there was more going on than he was saying, but chose to ignore it. "Any particular reason you're dreading going home."
"I don't want to go back to the Dursleys." This was true enough. "I don't want to spend another summer stuck there with no way of going anywhere, doing anything, or learning what is going on." And he didn't want to be guarded once more like the weapon he was. He wanted some control over his own life. But he couldn't very well tell her that.
Ginny sat down next to him and looked out in front of her for several long minutes. Her eyes were glazed over as if she was in deep thought.
"So we just have to think of a way around those things."
"I don't think that's possible, Gin."
"What did I tell you about thinking things are impossible, Harry?"
"That anything is possible if you've got enough nerve." He remembered when she had said this to him. And then she had found a way for him to talk to Sirius. He wished it was that easy this time. He needed to learn how to survive and he doubted very much she could guide him this time as easily as she had the last.
"Precisely," she continued, impervious to his inner skepticism. "Now, I think your problems come down to three things. First, you can't get anywhere. Second, you need a way to communicate that no one can intercept. And third, you need a way to practice and perform magic. That sound about right?"
"Yeah. But come on, Gin. There's no way I'll be able to get around all that."
"Oh, I don't know. I was thinking the other day, while Hermione was ranting to me about SPEW," both teenagers shivered in distaste. Neither was enthusiastic about Hermione's crusade to free the house elves from their preferred way of life. "I think I can solve at least the first two problems, and there might be a way to do something about the third, though I wouldn't get my hopes up about that one."
"I'm listening."
"You are going to bond Dobby as your house elf."
"Are you insane? Hermione would kill me."
"So then don't tell her. Or make a deal that you pay him, or something."
"So why would I want to have a house elf?"
"Well, as long as no one knew about him, I think he could help you out a lot. He could provide food and companionship at the Dursleys." This alone was almost enough to convince Harry, and he wondered why he hadn't thought of it before. "Also, house elf magic is different than ours, so he can apparate through wards." This was true. As Dobby had had no trouble coming and seeing him at Privet Drive. "Which means he should be able to take you with him. Or go to someone, such as myself, who can relay messages to you." Harry stared at her.
"You're brilliant!"
"Why thank you, Harry." She buffed her nails against her shirt and smiled cheekily at him.
"You mentioned something about using magic."
"Well, yes. That's going to be a little harder. I heard Bill talk once about the theory behind wandless magic use. I'm fairly sure it is supremely difficult and that most people can't do it. But it is worth a shot. I'm sure Dobby can go buy you some books about it."
"You mean there is an actual theory behind wandless magic?" Harry had always just assumed that those who could do magic without a wand were really powerful; powerful enough that they didn't need one. And he didn't include himself in this category.
"Of course. But like I said, not many people can do it."
Harry had a memory of last summer jump into his mind. He had frantically been looking for his wand, and it had lit without him touching it. And come to think of it, the Ministry had only detected his Patronus charm, not the Lumos he had cast first. Which means they must not have been able to detect it. Maybe there was something to this wandless thing.
"Well, it is certainly worth checking out."
"My thought exactly." She stood up and pulled him along with her, her small hand wrapped around his wrist as she dragged him behind her. "Now let's go find Dobby. I'm sure he'll be thrilled."
Harry privately agreed with her. Dobby was going to be bouncing off the walls with excitement. But it was still a brilliant idea that Ginny had had. Dobby would be able to help him a lot this summer. Once again, Harry was pleasantly surprised by Ginny Weasley. She was very different than he thought she was. She was not afraid to fight, as yesterday's adventure in the Department of Mysteries proved, and she was not afraid to put him in his place, as she had shown the previous Christmas. But most importantly she seemed to have an uncanny ability to pull him out of his brooding.
Harry was shocked to realize that they had already reached the large painting of fruit. Ginny had barely opened the door when a small missile came and attached itself to his legs.
"Harry Potter, Sir! You has come to visit Dobby! It is wonderful to see you, Harry Potter!"
"Hi, Dobby. How are you today?"
"Dobby is wonderful, sir. What can Dobby do for you and your Miss Wheazy today?"
"I have a request of you, Dobby."
"Anything, Harry Potter."
"How would you like to come and work for me?"
Dobby's eyes grew huge as he stared at Harry in awe. "Dobby work for Harry Potter, sir? Harry Potter wants Dobby to be his elf?"
"Yes, Dobby, I do. Would you like that?"
"Yes, sir! Dobby would like nothing more!"
"That's wonderful! Thanks Dobby."
"There are certain conditions we need you to agree to, Dobby," Ginny began. Dobby's eyes moved to look at her. "You can't tell anyone that you are Harry's elf now. During the school year you will still work here at Hogwarts, unless Harry needs something. But during the summer you would accompany him home and take care of him, without letting anyone else know. Can you do that, Dobby?"
"Of course, Miss Wheazy. Dobby will let no one else know that he works for Harry Potter. And Dobby will take care of Harry Potter, sir."
"That's wonderful, Dobby!" Ginny was beaming at him. "Now what do we need to do to make this official?"
"It is like this, Miss…"
________________________________________
Hermione hugged him one more time. "Are you sure you're going to be okay, Harry?"
"I'll be fine, Hermione. Mad-Eye has the Dursleys scared to death of hurting me. And I promise to write at least every couple of days. Wouldn't want Moony to have to come through on his promise to check on me. I don't think the Dursleys could handle having a werewolf in their house."
"Do you promise to write me if you need someone to talk to? If you need to talk to someone about Sirius?" Harry visibly flinched.
"I'll be fine, Hermione. I'll talk to someone if I need to. Don't worry about me."
Hermione hugged him, again, and Harry awkwardly patted her on the back. He looked over her shoulder to see Ginny laughing at him. He grimaced at her. She could have helped him out. He didn't have the best track record with hysterical females. Indeed, he had spent the last several weeks studiously avoiding Cho every time he saw her. Ginny had been invaluable in this endeavor. Why couldn't she help him out with Hermione?
"Boy! Let's go! We don't have all day to hang out here."
"Coming, Uncle Vernon!" Harry turned back to Hermione. "I've got to go. But I promise I'll write."
He took off after his uncle before she could reply. He dutifully followed the Dursleys and sat in the back of the car as his uncle fumed in the front seat and complained about everything under the sun. Harry was planning. Dobby had already agreed to meet Harry in his room that night. They were going to go over their plan for the summer. There were some things Harry wanted to do soon that he was going to need help with. He wanted to get some books to study from, and he wanted to visit Gringotts. He had some questions that needed answers.
________________________________________
Harry and Dobby popped into existence in a side alley. Harry was wearing a dark cloak and had a hat pulled down low over his hair and scar, and a pair of dark sunglasses covered his eyes. Dobby followed close behind him as he made his way quickly towards the large white building in front of him. He moved towards the first available goblin that he saw.
"Excuse me," the goblin looked up. "I'd like to ask some questions about my account… privately." The goblin looked closely at him for a few moments.
"Sliphook will take you back to a private conference room." He waved towards another goblin and indicated for Harry to follow him. The goblin led them towards a door and gestured for Harry to enter. He looked momentarily shocked when Dobby followed Harry.
"What can we do for you, Mr. Potter?"
"How did you know it was me?" Harry asked, momentarily shocked.
"We do not recognize humans based off of their face alone, Mr. Potter. Now, what business can we do today?"
"I have some concerns about my account. I'm worried that some things have been mishandled."
"Gringotts does not make mistakes with our accounts, Mr. Potter."
"Oh, I don't mean a mistake on the part of Gringotts. I am concerned that the individuals who have had access to my account have… mishandled that trust."
"How so, Mr. Potter?"
"I have reason to believe that Professor Dumbledore does not have my best interest at heart. I am concerned that he has abused the trust my parents placed in him." The goblin was unable to hide his surprise.
"Professor Dumbledore has made no withdrawals from your vaults, Mr. Potter."
Harry frowned. He had been hoping to receive a different answer. Then he thought about what the goblin had said. "What do you mean vaults? I only know of the one."
"You were not informed over your family vault?"
"No. Do I have access to it?"
"Yes. By the terms of your parents' will, you have access to your vault as soon as you reach the age of eleven, though you cannot remove any money until you reach the age of your majority. You should have been informed of this by Professor Dumbledore."
"The professor has an unusual sense of what it is my right to now," Harry said with a wry smile. "May I see my vault now?"
"Certainly, Mr. Potter. I can take you down now."
Harry and Dobby followed the goblin as he led them into one of the carts. The ride was much longer than the one to Harry's usual vault. This vault was at a much lower level. This only increased Harry's curiosity further. When they exited the cart they were in front of a door with no key hole.
"I don't have the key."
"This vault does not have a key. The Potter Family Vault is very old and has the best protection. It requires a Gringotts goblin to access the vault."
Sliphook ran his finger down the center of the door and Harry was forcibly reminded of his first visit to Gringotts five years ago. This vault must have the highest level of security. The doors opened with a large cloud of dust, and when it cleared Harry gasped in surprise. If he had been shocked by the contents of his other vault it was nothing to this. There were piles of gold and jewels in every direction. There were trunks of valuables. There were shelves full of books. And directly in front of him there was a golden pedestal containing a single letter.
Harry moved close enough to see that the letter was addressed to him in a flowing hand. His breath caught as he carefully picked it up. He slipped it into his pocket to read later. For now he didn't want to break down before he had a look around. He spent several long minutes looking around the vault. Every once in awhile he would pick up a book or some object and pass it to Dobby. The elf was carrying a trunk that he was stowing things in. Satisfied that he had everything he wanted for the moment, Harry pulled the letter out of his pocket and opened it.
Godric's Hollow
October 21, 1981
Dear Harry,
This is an extremely hard letter for me to write. The idea that we will fail, that somehow we won't be there for you to help you and guide you, is very distressing to me. But I refuse to allow fear to keep me from doing what must be done to help you.
I hope by now Dumbledore has told you the truth. But knowing him, he might have withheld it because he believes that you are not ready to hear it. But I doubt this is the case. In the event that he hasn't told you, you should know that there was a prophecy made shortly before you were born. Dumbledore heard the whole thing, but one of Voldemort's servants heard the first part, and this is the reason that we are in hiding right now. The prophecy referred to a boy, either you or Neville Longbottom, who would have the power to overthrow Voldemort. This is what it said…
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…. Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies… and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…, and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…. And his power will be hidden from the world, none to know of it until the beginning of the end…. He will be lead to greatness by one whose love for him is old and strong… The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… with his guide he will prevail, without he will fall lower than any before him have gone… The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…."
If we have died, then I can only assume that the prophecy refers to you. My son, I wish that you did not have to bear this burden, but wishing never changed anything. Your father and I have thought long and hard about what this power could be, and we think we may know. Go back to the pedestal that you found this on, and place your hand on it. Then speak these words: "I seek Godric's Legacy and the secret of the Potter line." Your father has written you another letter explaining what you will find. Do not open it here. You need to be very careful with this knowledge.
Be safe, my son, and know that even though I am not there I will always love you.
Mom
Harry stared at the letter in his hand. It did not make sense to him. Why would Dumbledore have only told him part of the prophecy? Why would he not tell him the one part that might actually help him? Was he worried that Harry himself would go dark? Is that what it meant?
Harry shook his head. He did not have time to digest this now. Instead, he walked over and followed his mother's instructions. A small trunk materialized on the pedestal. It looked ancient and valuable. Without opening it, he placed it in the trunk that Dobby held and turned to leave.
He had much to think on, and he did not want to do it here.
________________________________________
That night Harry sat on his bed, staring at the ornate box in his hands. It was inlaid with gold and rubies, and the entire thing was designed with lions and griffons. Just looking at it he had an idea what it might contain. He gingerly lifted the lid. On the top there was a letter, which he pulled out. Beneath it lay something wrapped in gold silk. He opened the letter.
Dear Harry,
Your mother probably already explained why we left you these letters. We want you to be prepared to face your destiny if we are not there to help you. Dumbledore seems to think that the power that you will have will be love. I don't know where he got that idea. Maybe he is crazier than we thought. I'm not really sure how love of all things could defeat Voldemort. But I'm straying from the point. As soon as I heard the prophecy, I thought of something else. Unfortunately, there is ancient magic that prevents me from discussing it with Dumbledore. But you must be told, and only a blood Potter can tell you. Know that no one can know of this. Indeed, should you try to tell the consequences would be… rather messy. The only exceptions to this rule will be when you settle down with a family of your own. You can tell your wife, and, of course, you can tell your children.
As I'm sure you can guess based on the vault, the Potters are a very old family. Indeed, we have been around since the founding of Hogwarts. Prior to that, of course, you will find no mention of the name Potter. The reason for this is very simple. Right around that time, the founder of our line changed his name for protection. An old feud was threatening to lead to the extermination of the family line, so to protect his family he came up with a new name and hid his heritage. It has been a closely guarded secret ever since.
The man of whom I speak was the son of Godric Gryffindor.
I'm sure you can understand why we are so careful with this knowledge. Especially now with Voldemort trying to continue Slytherin's crusade. You can also see how well this fits with some of the parts of the prophecy. I'm fairly sure I know what this power will be. You see, the family has long kept in reserve an ancient relic that belonged to Godric. It was known as Godric's Legacy, but none have been able to use it since his time. He left it in his son's keeping, and every generation has tested it to see if it will work for them. It never has. You should try too. I'm sure you will understand how.
You must closely guard this secret, Harry. No one can know who it belonged to, even if they do see you use it. If you must confide in anyone, lead them to believe that it is merely a powerful family heirloom. It must remain a secret.
Use this knowledge well, my son. But don't forget to enjoy the good things in life. Life is not all about the battles that must be fought. My life would have been meaningless without your mother and the Marauders in it. Hopefully you will have found similar friends to help you. And I can only hope that the Potter curse will get you as it got me. Don't worry if you don't understand this yet, you will.
Love,
Dad
Harry stared at the letter in his hands, disbelief and shock on his face. He was descended from Godric Gryffindor! No wonder Voldemort had come after him. It seemed to show a kind of poetic justice. He didn't understand all that his dad had said. That last part made no sense at all, and he almost didn't want to know what would happen if he tried to talk about this mysterious thing his dad was talking about. He supposed it was time to find out.
Harry was so tied up in with the letter he held he didn't hear the pop behind him, nor did he see Dobby apparate in with Ginny. Sensing that something important was happening, she remained quiet as she watched him.
He set the letter aside and reached once more into the box he held. He pulled the silk aside and gasped. Lying inside was what could only be Godric Gryffindor's wand. He understood now. This would indeed be a powerful thing, if he could get it to work. From what Mr. Ollivander had told him, a wand had to choose to work for a wizard, and apparently this wand had not chosen to work for anyone for well over a thousand years. Gingerly, he reached out to touch it and nearly screamed in shock. Harry had held his fair share of wands before. He could always feel something when he held a wand, but some wands were stronger than others. When he held his own wand he could feel warmth shoot up his arm.
This was so much more. The instant he had touched the beautifully carved wand it was like his body came alive. Energy flowed in his veins and warmth shot not only through his arm but through his entire self. He felt his heart rate pick up, and his breath quicken. He pulled the wand out and grasped it firmly in his hands as did so. Instead of the shower of sparks that he had originally got with his holly wand, Godric's wand filled the entire room with dancing red and gold lights. As he looked down at it, the carvings of lions and griffins that surrounded the handle began to move. He watched in shock as they figures danced and frolicked around the wand. He had never seen anything like it.
Behind him Ginny let out a surprised squeak, and Harry turned swiftly, the wand pointed at her heart before he could register who she was.
"I think we solved your magic problem."
"Ginny!" He lowered the wand quickly. "What are you doing here? And what in the bloody hell are you talking about?"
"I came to tell you something important. But it can wait. That wand looks powerful. And since it wasn't purchased for you, the Ministry will never track any magic you perform back to you."
"You mean I can do magic whenever I want now?"
"Well, not really. They still have location based tracking. I doubt you can get away with doing any magic in the vicinity of Privet Drive. But anywhere else, the Ministry shouldn't be able to tell it was you doing it."
"That's fabulous!" Harry smiled brilliantly for a minute before his brain caught up with him and he stared at Ginny in shock and dread. "You shouldn't be here! No one is supposed to know about this!"
"It's okay, Harry. I won't tell anyone that you have a second wand. Where did you get it anyway?"
"It's a family heirloom," he said quickly, "but that is beside the point. My dad said I couldn't tell anyone about it."
"Well, you didn't exactly tell me, so I think it will be fine."
Harry didn't look convinced, but he dropped the subject. Nothing seemed to have happened to either of them, so he obviously hadn't tripped the protection charms his dad had mentioned. He would have to think about why that was later.
"So why did you come, Gin?"
"Oh!" Her face fell. "You aren't going to like this. Dumbledore stopped by today. He pulled Ron and I into the garden and talked to us for awhile. Apparently, he doesn't want us to write you much this summer. He tried to make it sound like it was for security reasons, but I don't believe him. And it wasn't like last summer where he just said we couldn't tell you anything important, he doesn't want us to write you at all most of the time. It didn't make any sense." Harry scowled and tried to control his anger. "But obviously I couldn't tell you this in a letter, and I didn't want you to think I had deserted you. I think we need to set up some kind of mail delivery system with Dobby. I can't risk coming here very often."
"I think I know what is going on." He looked at her carefully, trying to decide how much to tell her. The wand that was still grasped in his hand let out a surge of warmth, and he felt courage shoot into his heart. For the first time, Harry desperately wanted to tell someone about the prophecy and the wand seemed to be agreeing with him. "You might want to sit down for this." He waited until she had set down next to him, and then pulled out his mother's letter. "Do you remember that day you found me wandering around and convinced me to use Dobby to help me?"
"Of course. You were brooding and I had to do something to help."
"Well, I wasn't really brooding about coming back here."
"Of course you weren't."
"You knew?" he spluttered. "But how come you didn't say anything?"
"I know what it is like to have everyone constantly hovering over you trying to fix you. I knew something was wrong, so I tried to distract you. I knew that if you wanted to talk to me about it, you would." He stared at her for several moments.
"Thanks, Ginny. That means a lot to me that you wouldn't push before I was ready."
"You're quite welcome." She beamed at him, and Harry had to blink to clear his thoughts.
"Well, the real reason I was so upset is Dumbledore had pulled me into his office to tell me what the prophecy, the one that Voldemort was after that night, had said." He took a shaky breath and didn't notice when she put a comforting hand over his hand that still held the wand. More warmth shot into his system. "He told me the prophecy and gave me this whole lecture about how it was love that I would use to defeat Voldemort." Ginny looked at him blankly. "Never mind, you'll understand in a minute. But the thing is, he didn't tell me the whole thing."
"What!" She looked outrage.
"When I went to Gringotts today I found out that I have a family vault that he had neglected to tell me about. Inside I found this letter from my mom, and she told me the whole prophecy." He handed it to her. "Here, I want you to read it."
"But, Harry! I can't read a letter from your mom!" She tried to hand it back.
"Sure you can."
"But…"
"Ginny, just read it already."
She huffed in annoyance, but made no further move to protest. He watched her closely as she read the letter. He knew she had gotten to the prophecy when she gasped and started to shake. A single tear rolled down her cheek.
Harry did not know how to comfort her. He didn't have a very good track record with distraught females. He brushed the tear away with his thumb and sat there quietly watching her. When she finished reading it, she looked up at him with big eyes.
"Oh, Harry! I'm so sorry. And you were trying to deal with this all on your own. Don't you know you will always have someone there to help you?"
"It's alright," he said, embarrassed. "I didn't want to bother anyone."
"You are not a bother, Harry James Potter!"
He wisely decided not to press the issue.
"Do you understand what this prophecy means?"
"No. But I haven't had very much time to think about the second part yet. Dumbledore said that Voldemort heard about the very first part, that's why he came after me in the first place. Dad left me a letter, too, that explains what he thinks this power might be. Sorry, but I can't let you read that one."
"It's alright, Harry. You don't want anyone to know that you have Godric Gryffindor's wand."
"What…" he spluttered at her. "Why would you think that?"
"Oh, Harry," she smiled indulgently at him, "we are really going to have to work on your lying skills if we are going to keep this a secret."
"But… how did you know? No one is supposed to know! Dad said bad things would happen if I told anyone except…" Harry stopped speaking rather abruptly.
"Except who?"
"No one."
"Harry Potter! Don't make me use some of the twins' products on you!"
"It doesn't matter anyways. It couldn't have been talking about you."
"Then you should have no problem telling me." Harry glared at her, but she just watched him with one delicate eyebrow raised.
"Fine," he huffed in annoyance. "Dad said I could only tell my wife and kids."
Ginny's face turned a brilliant shade of red, and Harry refused to meet her eye. They sat in an uncomfortable silence for several minutes. Then Ginny shook herself and changed the subject.
"So how do you want to deal with this letter issue?"
"Dobby?" The elf looked up from where he was organizing the contents of the trunk that they had brought from the vault that day. "Do you think we can schedule a time every week where you can meet with Ginny to exchange letters?"
"Of course, Master Harry. Mistress only need tell Dobby when and where to meet her." Ginny colored once more at the title. Dobby had never called her Mistress before.
"Can you come to my room on Sunday night; about eleven o'clock after everyone has gone to bed?"
"Yes, Mistress. Dobby will come. Mistress need only call for Dobby once she is alone and Dobby will come."
"Thank you, Dobby." She turned to Harry. "Do you want me to tell Ron so that he can write you, too?"
Harry thought about it for a few moments. "What was his reaction to Dumbledore telling him you couldn't write?" Ginny shifted uncomfortably.
"He agreed. Said he didn't want to give you any incentive to leave the safety of Privet Drive. I guess he's worried that if he tells you what is going on you might try and take off on your own."
Harry clenched his hands in fury and stood up to angrily face the wall. He knew that Hermione would agree with anything the Headmaster said, she had a difficult time going against authority, but he had expected better of Ron. Especially after his best mate had seen what withholding information had accomplished last year. Harry didn't calm down until Ginny stepped beside him and placed a comforting hand on his arm.
"Ron doesn't understand what it is like. To have seen the true extent of Voldemort's evil, to want so badly to do something about it, and to feel useless. He doesn't understand the need to know things and do something about it."
"No," Harry looked down at her, "I guess he doesn't. But we do."
"Yes," she said quietly, "we do."
Harry released a breath in annoyance. "I think we better leave everyone else out of this for right now. If Ron is okay with ignoring me all summer, then let him."
"Okay, Harry." She looked at him carefully, wanting to reassure him but yet not knowing how. "I'd better get back. I don't want Mum to come looking for me and not be able to find me."
Harry nodded, and then suddenly enfolded her in his arms. She stiffened momentarily before relaxing and wrapping her own arms around his waist and squeezing him back. He buried his face in her hair and whispered in her ear, "thank you for coming, Gin. I don't think I could do this without you."
"Good thing you don't have to, then," she answered cheekily before stepping back and taking Dobby's hand. "Let's go back to the Burrow, Dobby."
"As Mistress wishes."
________________________________________
A/N: Again, several pieces of this chapter come directly from JKR's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, but they are only used to set up the story and no infringement is intended. We are really starting to get into things here. I do want to mention that I am not going to make Dumbledore really evil. He is just extremely manipulative and has trouble understanding that he doesn't always know what is best.
As JKR herself changed her opinion about this several times, I want to make something clear. In my story there are two ways the Ministry can track underage magic. The first is location based, which is why Harry got in trouble in Chamber. The second is a spell put on wands that only dissolves when the witch or wizard turns 17. This is what he avoids by using Godric's wand.
I had an anonymous reviewer claim I was stealing this. Aside from the pieces copied directly from HPOotP, which I mentioned already, this is my own work. I know others have had similar ideas, but I try to do things with a different spin. I'm sorry you feel I am copying, but I assure you that I am not. Believe me, I wouldn't have taken the ages it took to word that prophecy correctly if I were stealing someone else's work.
That begin said, I still do like to hear from readers. Not only do they help motivate me to write, many times they give me ideas as to what direction to take things.
Enjoy!
Dear Ginny,
The books that Dobby and I found look really interesting. These defense books have things I've never even heard of before. I'm trying to learn as much as I can. Dobby and I are planning an excursion somewhere where I can practice them. I wish I could do that here.
I've been reading the Occlumency book as well. It actually describes something. All Snape ever told me was 'clear your mind'. That was so helpful. (You'll have to imagine the sarcasm as you read that.) Anyways, it says I need to build defenses in my mind. I've been trying to build a wall, but it is really difficult. And I somehow doubt it will hold up against much.
How is your family doing? I found some cool tricks for you to play on the twins. They're Muggle pranks, so the twins shouldn't catch them. You'll have to tell me how it goes. Maybe you'll even use one or two on Ron. The bloody git still hasn't written me. The only one I've heard from, besides you, is Lupin. He writes every couple of days to make sure the Dursleys are treating me alright.
I found some pretty cool curses. Some remind me of your favorite, so I've sent them along. Ear wax seems almost as good as bogeys.
Harry
Greetings, Oh Chosen One!
At least, that's what the Daily Prophet has taken to calling you. Imagine if they knew the truth! Ron has been muttering about it. He told me yesterday that the Prophet was loony, as you would have told him if that were true. I politely asked him how he expected you to tell him anything when he refused to write you. That shut him up. I think he might be starting to realize that agreeing to Dumbledore's demands might not have been the best thing for you.
Mum and Dad have been trying to keep us away from the war, but I cornered Bill the other day and he told me a couple of things. Evidently, Dumbledore is worried that the goblins might side with Voldemort. Same thing with the werewolves. Bill and Lupin have been working on it, but from the sound of things they aren't making much progress. I wonder if there is anything we can do about that?
There have been several small attacks reported in the Prophet. Most have been on Muggle families. But yesterday a wizarding family was attacked. The daughter was a third year Hufflepuff. No one survived.
That's all for the news I have. I'm glad you are learning so much. And thanks for the pranks and curses. I have grand plans for this Sunday dinner when the twins will be there. I was thinking about your Occlumency wall. I would recommend something underhanded. Build your wall so that if it is breached it explodes or something. (Can't you tell I grew up around the twins?) I also think you should have some more aggressive defenses. Maybe a dragon or something. That way if someone gets through you still have protections in place.
Ginny
Harry woke up in a cold sweat, screaming at the top of his lungs. If he could have focused enough on something besides the nightmare he woke up from he would have realized how he was extremely grateful for the silencing charm that Dobby had placed around his room. Instead, Harry's mind could not let go of the image of Sirius falling backwards through the veil. He had had the same nightmare every day for the past several weeks, ever since the night he had lost Sirius. He curled up on the bed, digging the heels of his hands into his eyes until stars clouded his vision, as he tried to calm his breathing. This endeavor took several minutes.
"Master Harry, can Dobby help yous with anything?" The elf stood by the side of Harry's bed, wringing his hands in agony. Dobby had been beside himself with worry over his young master. Harry had not slept through the night since they had arrived at Privet Drive.
"I'll be okay, Dobby. Why don't we just have breakfast?"
"Yes, Master Harry. Dobby will get it ready."
Harry pulled himself out of bed and stumbled down the hall to the loo. He splashed cold water on his face in an attempt to clear his head. Then he began planning his day.
The books that he had collected from the Potter Family Vault had proved a wealth of information. Harry had spent the last several weeks reading as much as he could, wishing he could put more of it in to practice. He had latched on to a book on Occlumency. It had amazed him how much easier it was to learn when he didn't have Snape trying to antagonize him, and Ginny's suggestions to him had proved invaluable. He had booby trapped his wall with several things inspired by the twins and he was raising not only a dragon but several griffins and even a couple Blast-Ended Skrewts. He knew he was no where good enough to block out Voldemort, but he was making progress at least. And he was fairly confident that Dumbledore, who didn't have the added advantage of causing Harry pain in his scar to distract him, would not be able to get through. In addition to studying Occlumency, Harry had spent a great deal of time reading several books he had found on Defensive Magic, and even one slightly scary book on Dark Magic. He figured he had to know what he was dealing with. But reading was never enough, and today he was determined to remedy that.
He and Dobby were heading to the middle of a forest where he would be able to practice his spells with his new wand.
It wasn't very much later when Harry took Dobby's hand and they disappeared, only to reappear in the middle of a forest that Harry had never heard of until Dobby had suggested it the day before. Harry had pulled out the atlas and made sure that it was far away from any civilization. Just because his wand was untraceable it didn't mean he still couldn't get caught.
Harry spent the morning practicing all the new spells he had read on. It surprised him how easily they came, as he had always had to work hard to master new spells. These seemed to come almost immediately. Harry thought it was probably the power of the wand coming through, for which he was grateful.
Dobby disappeared for a few minutes around lunch time, claiming he would return with food. Harry continued his practice, shooting spells at a conveniently located rock. Thus he did not hear when Dobby returned.
"Would Master Harry like his lunch now?"
"Sure, Dob… Gin!" Harry stared at the smiling redhead in front of him. "What are you doing here?"
"Dobby thought I could help."
"But we don't have another wand for you to use."
"Oh, he didn't want me to help with your spell work. You seem to be doing marvelously on your own."
"Then why are you here?"
"Come and sit with me while we eat."
Harry looked at her curiously. He still didn't know why she was here, but he was grateful nonetheless. Ginny's presence served to remind him of why he was doing what he was doing. The two teens talked lightly as they ate, chatting about the lighter subjects of school and Quidditch. Ginny told him the twins' most recent pranks, and Harry entertained her with stories of Dudley's attempts to fool his parents. It wasn't until after lunch that things became more serious.
Ginny quietly packed up the lunch things, as Dobby had disappeared, then turned towards Harry and patted her lap. "Come lay down, Harry." He looked at her incredulously. "Oh, don't look at me like that. You're going to put your head in my lap and then we're going to talk all about these dreams of yours."
Shame came into his eyes and he quickly looked away. "I don't want to talk about that, Gin."
"I'm not really giving you a choice, Harry James Potter. Keeping things all bottled up never helped anyone. You need to talk about it."
Harry shook his head furiously, still refusing to meet her eyes. Ginny huffed in annoyance. She reached up and yanked on his arm, and Harry squawked in surprise as he fell into her lap.
"Now listen here, Potter. You and I both know that you need to deal with this. And if you still refuse I will curse you. I'm sure Godric would agree with me; I can get the wand to work."
"Gin! You aren't supposed to talk about that!"
"I'm perfectly willing to listen to you instead," she answered with a smirk.
"Gin!"
She didn't respond, only watching him patiently. Harry huffed in annoyance and looked away from her.
"I don't know what you want me to say, Gin. Every night I watch him fall through that bloody veil over and over again. And every single time there's nothing I can do about it."
"Oh, Harry." She watched as a solitary tear rolled down his cheek until he angrily wiped it away. She took his chin in her hand and gently turned his face back towards her. She removed his glasses, folding them up and putting them to the side. As she placed a hand gently on his cheek she fought back the sigh that wanted to escape when his brilliant emerald eyes, swimming with tears, looked up at her. "Harry, it is okay to miss him. We all do."
"But he was all I had, Gin." Her hand shot out and slapped him hard across his chest. "Hey!"
"Don't you dare say that, Potter! You have me, and my family, and Hermione. Don't you realize that we love you just as much as Sirius did?" Harry tried to look away in embarrassment, but she wouldn't let him. "I know it is hard to lost Sirius, Harry, but you have to know that there are still plenty of people that care about you."
"I know. I just feel so guilty. It's my fault that he is dead, Gin. How can I live with that?"
"You don't have to, Harry, because it isn't your fault." He made to interrupt, but she held up her hand to stop him. "I know you feel that way, and I, of all people, know why you do. Don't you think I felt the same way after my first year?"
"That wasn't your fault, Gin. Voldemort used you," he said fiercely.
"Precisely. He used me. Just like he used you."
"It's not the same."
"Of course it is. If things had been a little bit different and someone had actually died from the basilisk, would you have blamed me?" He shook his head furiously. "Then why do you blame yourself? Voldemort tricked you, led you into a trap, and because of that Sirius died. But you didn't kill him." He didn't look convinced. "Harry? Who killed Sirius?"
He opened his mouth to answer, but she glared at him. Finally he murmured, "Bellatrix."
"Yes, Bellatrix. Not Harry. So why don't we take all this energy you are wasting blaming yourself and put it to a better use? We'll go after Bellatrix."
"I don't stand a chance against her, Gin."
"Well, true, you probably don't right now. But she is a much more doable goal than Voldemort himself. So we'll train you up good and go after her first."
A slow smile spread across Harry's face. "Thanks, Gin. You're the best."
"And don't you forget it!" They laughed merrily together, and then Harry made to get up, but Ginny pushed him back down. "You just lay there for awhile. You could use a good rest."
"But, Gin! I'm crushing you!"
"Rubbish. You just shut those beautiful eyes," Harry blushed at the compliment, "And get some rest. I'm just going to sit here and enjoy the sunshine."
She began gently running one hand through his hair as she looked out on the forest. For several long minutes Harry stared up at her, until she gently lulled him to sleep.
For the first time in weeks he slept without nightmares.
________________________________________
Harry woke up, slightly disoriented, in his own bed. He had no idea how he had gotten there. The last thing he remembered was falling asleep in Ginny's lap out in the forest. The memory caused a blush to heat his cheeks, though he didn't take the time to ponder exactly why. There were several things revolving around Ginny that he knew he would have to think about soon, but right now he was content to put it off for awhile. His life was hectic enough.
A loud knock on the door startled him. No one ever knocked on his door here. He laid his hand on his new wand, which was resting under his pillow, and called, "come in."
Aunt Petunia's bony face appeared in the doorway. Harry had barely seen his relatives this summer. Petunia never asked how Harry was eating, and as long as he kept to himself they steered clear. "This came for you in the mail this morning." She tossed a thick envelope on his bed. "I thought all your freaky friends sent their letters with owls." Without waiting for a response, Aunt Petunia quickly shut the door.
Harry turned to the letter. He was shocked to see a regular Muggle letter addressed to him, but when he looked closely he recognized the handwriting. Hermione. Why in the world was she sending him Muggle post? He hastily tore open the envelope.
Dear Harry,
I'm sure you are probably wondering why I am writing you through the Muggle post. Well, it was Ron's idea, actually. I guess you should know that the day after term ended Professor Dumbledore came to see me, and I understand he went to the Burrow as well. He seemed to think it would be safer if we didn't write you at all this summer. At first, I believed him. I didn't want anything setting you off so soon after losing Sirius, so I didn't want to inform you of what was happening in the wizarding world. I guess I forgot what happened last summer when we didn't tell you anything.
Anyways, Ron sent me an owl. Evidently something Ginny had said really upset him. He realized how you would probably take it if we really did abandon you this summer. He made several good points. It was his idea that maybe it would be okay to communicate through Muggle post. So if you want to write back to Ron (I've included a letter from him as well) just sent it to me and I'll make sure he gets it.
Now that that is over, I hope you are doing okay. I know how horrible it must be to be stuck at the Dursleys, but it shouldn't be for too much longer. And I hope you are coming to terms with Sirius' death. Remember, it wasn't your fault, Harry.
My parents and I spent the last several weeks on vacation, but we're back now and so I've been reading the material for next year. I'm so excited to start NEWT levels. I hope we get our OWL results soon. Do you know when they should be coming? I'm ever so worried about my Astronomy exam. They really should give us some leniency seeing as how the exam was interrupted.
Remember, you can contact us immediately if you need anything. I hope you've been doing your school work and keeping occupied.
Love from,
Hermione
Harry was slightly shocked upon reading this letter. Of course, he had already known about Dumbledore's interference, so he wasn't really mad at his friends. But it still surprised him that Ron, of all people, had thought of a way around the restriction. Albeit, a very slow way.
"Dobby?"
"Yes, Master Harry?" the elf asked as he popped into existence.
"I think I'm going to write some letters for Ron and Hermione. Is there a way you can deliver them without being seen?"
"Yes, sir. Dobby can do it."
"Thanks, Dobby. I'll have them for you later today."
As the elf busied himself making breakfast, Harry turned to the other letter.
Hey mate!
So I'm sure Hermione already explained all about the letter situation. I can't believe Dumbledore would think it was a good idea to leave you in the dark again. The last time he did that you got attacked by Dementors. I don't know if you're going to be able to respond this way or not, but thought you still might like to hear from us.
The summer has been pretty fun so far. I've spent most of my time playing Quidditch or helping Fred and George. They hired me to do some work for them this summer. I get to help make some of the products. At least I'm not testing them, though. It is nice to have a little bit of spending money. Think I might need some new Quidditch gloves.
No word yet on when we are going to be able to get you out of there, mate. I was hoping by your birthday, but that is next week so it isn't looking good. Ginny is adamant about you being here by her birthday. I'm not sure why, it's not like you're going to get her a present or anything. You guys barely talk.
I hope you can write soon.
Ron
Ron's letter was typical, Harry thought. The only thing missing was a snide comment about Victor Krum. But the last few lines bothered Harry. He knew that he was much better friends now with Ginny than he had been before, but was it really as bad as Ron was making it seem? And of course he was going to get her a present. After all she had done to help him, it was the least he could do. Shaking his head, Harry sat down at his desk to write a response to his two letters.
________________________________________
It was three days before his birthday when Harry decided to take Ginny's advice and see what he could do about the Goblins and Werewolves. He didn't have great hope that he would be able to do much for the situation, but there was no harm in trying. He had Dobby apparate him to the forest where he was able to use his wand to place some Glamour charms to disguise his appearance, then they were off to Gringotts. When they arrived in the lobby Harry headed straight to an available goblin.
"Excuse me." The goblin looked up with a scowl on its face. "I would like to meet with the manager, if possible."
"Is there a problem, Mr. Po…"
"I would really appreciate it if no humans were made aware of my visit today," Harry interrupted him quickly. "Some issues have come to my attention which would affect both myself and the Goblin nation. I wish to address these."
The goblin nodded in understanding. "If you would follow me, I'll see if one of our senior managers is available."
Harry thanked the goblin and he and Dobby followed as they were led into a lavish waiting area. Several minutes later the goblin returned.
"Mr. Potter, Gornak will see you now."
"Thank you," Harry said as he walked past the goblin to the door he had left open.
Harry found himself in a large office. There was an ornate and ancient looking desk behind which sat an elderly looking goblin who was dressed in opulent finery. The goblin motioned for Harry to have a seat before introducing himself.
"Good day, Mr. Potter. I am Gornak."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Gornak."
"I understand you have some business you wish to discuss."
"Yes. I am good friends with the Weasley family, and through Bill Weasley I was recently made aware of two situations which concern me. I was wondering if I could trouble you for help in resolving them."
"Bill Weasley is an excellent curse breaker. What concerns you?"
"The first concerns the werewolves. I understand that Voldemort has been successful in recruiting most of them to his cause."
"Yes. As you can imagine, Voldemort can offer them much more than the Ministry is prepared to."
"Precisely. I am good friends with a werewolf and believe there is a way for me to combat this." Gornak acknowledged for him to continue. "My friend has been able to be an active participant in our world for the last several years due to his ability to take the Wolfsbane potion."
"Mr. Lupin is lucky that he has access to such."
"Yes, and this is what I would like to rectify. I understand that I recently inherited the bulk of the Black family estate?"
"Yes. With the death of Sirius Black you have increased your wealth by a substantial amount."
"I have no wish to use this money for myself. Most of it came through means I do not approve of. I would like to set up an account that would pay for Wolfsbane to be manufactured and made available free of charge to any werewolf who desires it."
It took a good bit of self control for Harry to not laugh outright at the look of shock on Gornak's face. Goblins were known for being inscrutable, but Harry had shocked the goblin quite thoroughly. After several minutes of silence Gornak collected himself and spoke.
"This will be quite an expensive undertaking, Mr. Potter."
"I'm aware of this. But as I said, I have no wish to use that money for myself. And it is my hope that others will be inclined to help in the effort once they realize that werewolves are as human as themselves. Also, by offering the means for werewolves to integrate themselves into wizarding society and avoid much of the pain of their transformations I am hoping to encourage many of them to side with me instead of Voldemort."
Harry said this with careful calculation. He was well aware that he was revealing a good deal to the goblins, but he intended to show them that he trusted them, thus encouraging them to do the same. Gornak looked at him carefully and then continued.
"Do you wish any restrictions to be placed on those who can draw from this fund?"
"No. Anyone who can verify their need for it can have access. I do not wish to discriminate against anyone."
"Very well, Mr. Potter. I will see to it that this is set up as