A Brave New World Chapter 2

[vagrantben]

Title: A Brave New World

Fandom: Harry Potter

Rating: Mature

Pairing: Harry/Hermione is the main relationship, but various others will develop relationships over the course of the story

Summary: Taking off one month after Battle of Hogwarts Harry and Hermione begin a future they never dared to hope for with the other.

Word Count: 8509

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the situations I create the rest is all JKR's.



A Brave New World Chapter 2

Chapter 2: A Day of Meetings

Part 1: At the Kitchen Table

Fleur stood on the same step that Hermione had been on earlier, her hand on the railing with a sated smile on her face.

"Well you look…well rested Fleur." Hermione stated with a blush.

"Oui Mon Cherie…Bill made sure I…slept very well." She added a wink to the end of her statement.

Both Harry and Hermione looked down at their tea as Fleur chuckled while she walked to the counter to start making her and Bill's coffee.

Neither of the two younger people had noticed that last night was particularly void of the usual sound of Fleur constant tossing from down the hall, nor did they pay attention to the fact that Bill's snoring (nowhere near as bad as his youngest brother's) was not to be heard. Now, though, that distinct lack of normal sounds only meant a discrete silencing charm was in place. Thankfully the couple had learned from the lack of one on the second night the four had returned to the cottage.

"And what exactly are you two talking a zis early?" Fleur asked as she turned and quirking her an eyebrow as she held the can with the grinds of her favorite blend.

"Well Harry here has been up for a while thinking, and I woke up a little over an hour ago. We were just discussing our plans for the day…and going to get my parents…very soon." Hermione said finally looking up hoping Fleur would offer her opinion. The two women had grown even closer over the past two weeks. Even more than when Fleur had taken care of her after the incident at Malfoy Manor. The talks they had been having opened up the two to their shared histories. Both reserved individuals due to cold shoulders and teasing from youth. Fleur had been working on helping the younger woman on coming to terms with what she had faced in the war, as well as bolstering Hermione's self-image concerning her physical appearance. In turn Hermione had allowed Fleur an outlet for her intelligence and wit, a side of Fleur that was not seen outside of her husband and immediate family. During their days in the cottage they could be found in the den conversing in Fleur's native language with Harry to the side reading or staring into the fire. Both taking stance close enough to the young man if he had need to talk, but far enough away to allow him his space.

"Zat sounds like something you would need a few hours to zink over…I believe it would be good for zee two of you. Ven would be leaving?... How long will you be gone?...How will you be setting up ze trip?...will you need company? Bill could ask for time off…" The French witch began rattling of questions and in an instant lost that lazy smile to a determined crease in her brow. Harry's raised hand halted her train of thought.

"Fleur…why don't you sit down? We can talk over everything when Bill gets down…As for you two. I think as fun as us going to get Hermione's parents with you two with us would be…you guys deserve some time to yourselves. Since the battle you two haven't had time to be just the two of you. At the Burrow it was the Weasley's always in the room, and here you have us running underfoot. And with the moon coming up, with the warning Bill gave me, we should give you two your privacy." Harry said with shy grin and blush.

"Oui, zat might be for zee best. Zee silencing charms do not work best on zose nights." Fleur said with a violent blush of her own.

"What…," Hermione began at the statement, but as realization hit her, "oh…Oh!"

The sound of heavy steps down the stairs drew the blushing trio's eyes.

"Whatyougotallofyouredfaaaceed…," Bill begins pausing to finish his yawn before continuing. "EH! this lovely morning?"

"Nozzing my 'usband." Fleur stated before walking over and giving him a chaste kiss on the lips. "'Ow about some café Mon Loup?" She asked knowing his attention would be diverted automatically when the mention of coffee was made.

Bill let out a little growl as his wife walked back to finish her task, he watched his wife's derriere the entire time.

"Sounds lovely my flower." He said throwing a wink at the two sitting at the table.

The teen's worked on controlling the blood flow to their faces as Bill walked up behind his wife and turned her to get a "proper" good morning kiss. The French woman was in a losing battle with her hormones, until her husband's right hand gave a pinch to her buttocks.

"Mon Morgana! Bill, non, not in front of zee guest!" Fleur shrieked shaking her head with a giggle.

"Fleur after the snogging Hermione and I witnessed the first morning we were here I wouldn't think a quick bum grab would embarrass you two." Harry said into his cup before he drained its contents.

"Harry!" "'Arry!" Both girls exclaimed, surprised at the cheekiness of the young man who was mostly silent up until a few day ago.

"HA! Well Harry you'd be surprised at the times a woman gets embarrassed. No real sense of logic behind it mate, but you get used to it after a while." Bill replied holding his finished steaming mug of coffee smirking just behind the edge of its lip.

"Anyway…" Hermione interrupted, "We were just telling Fleur about our plans…particularly how we are going to go and get my parents soon…" Her pause allows enough time for Bill to set his coffee down and take in the sight of the two. Harry had that resolute look to his eyes and Hermione's face is lighter than it has been since the first time he had met the girl. "We figure we could go to the Ministry later today and see Kingsley, he told Harry his door was always open, and maybe you could help us with Gringotts?" She finished with her head leaning to the right and a hopeful smile on her face.

"Of course Hermione. I'll help in any way I can. We can talk about ways to handle meeting with the Goblins and the Ministry in a minute. First though, I need to ask how long you two will be gone on this trip. Do you know or are you just going to wing it?" He asked before grabbing his mug and taking the seat next to Hermione.

"I think it should take at most three weeks, but more than likely it will take around two and a half. I have everything planned for the most part. They should still be in Brisbane where I sent them. I sold their surgery and liquidated most of their funds, including their surgery and practice, it went mostly to their trip and the rest I used to help pay for the hunt…and no Harry you don't have to pay me back for that." She said stopping the young man when he went to say what she correctly guessed to be his outrage. "The house and their vehicles are under notice-me-not and muggle-repelling charms. I told my aunt they would be working for Doctors without Borders while I was at school. Everyone else they were in contact with believes the same. So bringing them back shouldn't be a problem…if they want to come back." She finished looking down and willing her eyes not to water, only for Harry's hand to once again find hers and Fleur to walk around and place a hand on her shoulder.

"It will work out Hermione." Harry's features are determined as he said this. "It will."

A slow rumble interrupts everyone's thoughts. At once all of their heads turn to Bill's stomach.

"Heh. We'll how about a quick nosh while we talk about your plans." Bill said with a nervous chuckle and a little Weasley blush covering his face. It turns out it does not matter how cool someone may be, because the Weasley stomach will let itself be known at all times.

A burst of laughter reigned out in the kitchen. One voice deeper than the other two, and Bill's face reddened even more.

"But of course my 'usband. 'Arry per'aps you could 'elp me wiz zee food?" Fleur asked already walking to the pantry to pull out some of the pastries she had received the day before.

"Yes Fleur. I'd be happy too. Any preferences?" He asked receiving shrugs from the two left at the table. He then noticed the basket Fleur pulled off the shelf. "When did you find time to make those Fleur?"

"Zank you 'Arry. I have no preferences." She said beginning to get a mischievous gleam to her eyes. "O zese, I did not make zese. Zey are from my little sister, Gabrielle. She hear about your…talk with Ginevra, and decide you may need some…comfort food."

"That…was nice of her, but she didn't need to go to all the trouble." The young man said looking at the shaking shoulders of Bill and the thinly-veiled grin of his best friend.

"Trust me 'Arry. She does not mind zee…trouble." Fleur said barely containing her mirth over the situation. "Zough I must say her baking 'as improved quite a bit. Zen again 'er reason for cooking may 'ave given her the extra…push to become better…non?" She asked winking to the other two.

"Yeah…well, how about just some eggs and toast? And I'll grab a few rashers out of the pack Mrs. Weasley sent the other day." Harry said turning to the stove to add a conservative amount of oil. Over the past few days he had the time to learn he actually enjoys cooking as long as it's not the grease-laden mounds for Vernon and Dudley.

"That sounds perfect to me Harry." Hermione said finally settling in her chair from Fleur's insinuation of her sisters "reason" for baking. "And Bill, now that we're talking about it, how should we handle the Goblins? How angry are they really?"

"It's not as bad as everyone thinks Hermione. For you two there will be some looks and you won't be able to make a move without them watching you while you're in the bank. But they were also shamed by Griphook and his handling of the situation. The Goblins are firm believers in never showing their hand to wizards. They're just as strict for all the cursebreakers, I'm watched whenever I'm in the halls, though since Greyback they've been treating me a little differently…more respect is shown. Hell, the only reason Fleur isn't being requested back is because of her heritage. They give leeway to those they consider outside the bounds of normal wizards." He paused to sip at his coffee before continuing. "You know they are actually indebted to you two and Ron. They won't show it, nor will they willfully acknowledge it in any way. But by getting rid of Voldemort and the Death Eaters you gave them back some of their honor."

"How?...What did we do, other than steal a dragon and destroy the bank?" Harry asked turning from the eggs currently in the pan.

"You not only removed a dark object from one of their vaults. You killed the man who was using money from their bank to fund his regime. A regime that would have eventually meant war for them as well. You stopped them from having to raise their hands in defense. A goblin is taught to strike first. They didn't have a chance. Voldemort's followers had already been dipping hands into their pockets, and shaming them." Bill replied with a grin breaking out over his face. "The missive you sent with me last week also help to improve the situation. Telling them you intend to honor the promise you made to give them Gryffindor's sword was a good thing Harry. They even brought the letter directly to Ragnok…"

A gasp rang from both Fleur and Hermione. Harry turned and gave a quizzical arch of his eyebrow.

"Harry. Ragnok is the head of the Goblin Nation and the bank. He does not deal in affairs of wizards unless he deems it important." Hermione said with the shocked expression still on her face. Fleur could only nod her head in agreement.

"Mate, Hermione is right. Whether you understand or not, by honoring that promise you will be reaffirming a better relationship with the Goblins. They won't show it when you meet with them, but it is an olive branch they will never forget." Bill paused for a second before moving to his other idea to help the young man and his employers. "Harry, have you looked at the letter I brought from Gringotts? The one that shows the accounts you hold now?" Receiving a negative headshake from Harry he continued. "Well you should have a look at it now. It will show that you are not only the head of the House of Black, but also by default and lack of heirs you have taken in the estate of the House Lestrange…you won't have their name thankfully. All ties from that house are lost without blood so the name is dead, so to speak. But you've taken their money."

"I don't want it." Harry said without turning from the last of the eggs frying. "My best guess is most of it is dirtied with innocent blood or tainted with dark dealing."

"Yeah I figured you'd say that. Which is why I wanted to bring it up. Harry, I don't like bringing this up, but maybe you could do something with…"

"Bill! We said we would not talk about zis! At least not until a bit of time passed." Fleur admonished her husband.

"Fleur, I know what we said. But if they're planning on going today then he will find out, and if he takes care of this now it will save a good bit of pressure in the future." Bill said to soothe his part Veela wife, who at that moment had that hard look to her eyes (the one that did not mean fun-time).

"It's okay…" Harry interjected into the conversation before a row can start. "Bill is approaching me…which is a lot more than most of the people I've held respect for in the past have done. What were you going to suggest Bill?"

"Thanks Harry." Bill said sending his best appeasing look to his wife before continuing. "I figured if you didn't want the contents of the Lestrange vault…you could bequeath it too few people. You know split it up and offer it up as funds to help the rebuilding process and make some things easier for our world." As he finished Bill did his best to keep is confidence, but the words are too close to those who have used manipulation in the past. "I really am sorry to be putting this forth Harry…I just…it would help a lot of people…and…"

"Bill." Hermione said finally entering the fray. After looking at Harry she could see he was hesitant, but because it was Bill he would be more than willing to consider what the man would say. "How about you give us the specifics while we eat and Harry can consider it while we get ready after breakfast. If you wouldn't mind we would appreciate it if you would floo with us to the Leaky Cauldron and walk with us to Gringotts."

"Yeah I can do that. I don't mind walking with you two. Harry?" Bill asked hoping he hasn't crossed a line.

"I'll consider anything you say Bill. You are offering an idea of how handle a situation I won't like, you're not giving me an order. I trust you mate. What did you have in mind?" Harry replied finally turning and placing the eggs, bacon, and lightly toasted slices of bread in front of two still seated individuals. He and Fleur took their seats as she set the basket of pastries in the center of the table also handing plates and cutlery to everyone.

"Well I was thinking. That vault was within the top 20 highest yielding vaults in the bank. You could take a small portion of the estate and give it to St. Mungos…considering how many people they sent there and of course it would help to make the Longbottoms…comfortable." Bill said cutting the slightly runny egg (his favorite) before pushing forward. "Then another smaller part being given to those in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade to help with the shops and inns." He took a large gulp of coffee forcing himself to work up to his biggest request. "Then maybe give some to Hogwarts…and the Ministry…" He took a deep breath. "and finally…I understand this will seem self-serving, but I've considered all the angles. Yes, it will be you having to give up even more, but…"

"You want him to give the rest to Gringotts! Honestly Bill! How could you even suggest that! You just said that they were already indebted to him. " Hermione's voice had started to reach a near screeching tone as the married couple's faces were growing more ashamed by the second. Her seat almost abandoned in her rising voice and body. She was stopped only by Harry gently placing his hand on her elbow.

"Hermione. No I said I would consider everything…and Bill may have a point." His voice expressed his willingness to listen drove Hermione to look at him in exasperation.

"Harry!" She exclaimed.

"Hermione, look we did destroy a good portion of the bank's lower levels, and it would mean a lot to helping the already bettering relations Bill mentioned. On top of that it could help my guilt…and maybe they wouldn't request a new dragon from us." He finished with a slight smile hoping the joke would ease Hermione indignation a little.

Hermione slumped back into her seat and allows Harry's words to turn in her head while they sit in silence. Crookshanks, as if sensing his mistresses inner turmoil, crept into the kitchen from his perch in the den and began winding his way through her legs. Grabbing a piece of the crisp bacon and giving it to her familiar Hermione silently thanked the part-kneazle for his worry.

It was ten minutes later following scraping of fork to plate when Hermione broke the tense atmosphere.

"I'll concede. I'm sorry for interrupting and getting angry you two." She said to Bill and Fleur, before turning to her best friend. "And Harry you're right. It is your decision, and I have no right to jump in with my own worrying." The look of guilt on her face is too endearing for the young man to her side.

"Hermione, never stop jumping in on my account. You are the one person who has always done that, and it's why I'm still here. And I'm going to have to think this over. Who else do I know that can offer advice on how to properly handle this situation?"

"Thank you Harry." Her shoulders now relaxed into a tense-less pose she looked at the other two. "I really am sorry for getting angry at you…I'm…I'm sorry."

"'Ermione it is nozzing. Forgotten."

"My wife is right. It's fine. I know why you got angry and I agree it is not fair that Harry is the one who always has to offer more. Unfortunately the world is still trying to reform itself and it will take more than what we have at the moment." Bills face showed his resignation in the fact that the world would be at a standstill without the offer of more olive-branches from one side.

"Bill…I said that it was okay. Alright?..." After Bill's appreciative nod Harry continued, "now why don't we all get ready and we can head to Diagon. Fleur would you like to come with us today? We plan on going to Grimmauld after the Ministry." Harry asked the witch.

"Non. I should go to zee Burrow. See 'ow Molly and the ozzers are doing. If it takes a long time zough please send an owl to let me know you two are okay." She said with a mothering look to her young face.

"Of course we will. Give the Weasley's our best,…but please don't let them know of our plans yet. Hermione and I can send an owl tomorrow and let them know." Harry said making his way to the stairs. "Oh and tell Gabrielle that I enjoy the pastry." He began his walk to the bathroom.

"I think I'll go ahead and get my clothes set out and begin working on a list of things we need to do at the Ministry." Hermione said following Harry's wake.

"Like you 'aven't already perfected that list in your 'ead." Fleur joked.

"Oh fine, then. I just want to put it down on paper. Plane tickets there. An international Portkey back possibly. Passports. And a lot of other things." Hermione said with a humph making her way up the stairs. Crookshanks began to make his way back to the den to sit in his favorite window sill.

Bill and Fleur sit for a few extra minutes knowing that they have the luxury of saving time (sort of) by sharing their morning shower.

"Maybe I should say we all enjoyed zee pastries. I wouldn't want to get 'er 'opes up now would I?" Fleur said grabbing the plates with a grin.

"No reason for my second little sister's heart to be hurt." Bill replied with a grin. "It's just not in the cards for her or Ginny."

"Nor is it in zee cards for Ronald it would seem. Zey really don't know 'ow much zey mean to each ozzer do zey?" Fleur asked with a wistful look to the stairs.

"They know exactly what they mean to each other my flower. They're just not ready to take what it means for their future right now." Bill grinned as he said this. "This trip might just help that along though, and maybe it will help our sibling to realize what we see."

"Oui, as usual my 'usband you offer wise zoughts when it is necessary."

"Oi! I like to think I offer more than the occasional burst of inspiration…especially to you luv." He said cocking his head to the side and letting his eyes walk along his wife's frame.

"Of course you do my 'usband, but maybe we should go and…test zis. Non?" Fleur asked crossing the kitchen, taking the time to scratch a line across her husband's back, then beginning to saunter up the stairs. At the growl of appreciation and scraping of a chair she began an all-out sprint up those stairs giggling the entire way.

Chapter 2: A Day of Meetings

Part 2: Diagon, Gringotts, and the Ministry…Oh My!

An hour after the three respective showers Harry, Hermione and Bill left Fleur seated with Crookshanks in her lap waiting for her turn to use the Floo.

Stepping out of the Floo the two younger people automatically pulled the hoods up on their cloaks. As they made their way through the Leaky Cauldron they could see Tom rushing about taking breakfast and tea orders behind the bar, though he did take the time to wave at Bill. They then made their way through the entrance to Diagon Alley the first thing Harry and Hermione noticed was the sheer volume of people crowding the street. It was never this packed even before the Death Eaters reign. Most of the shops were reopened and the shattered look it had taken the last time they saw it was completely cleaned. A particularly loud whirring noise followed by a succession of pops caught their attention. The bright green and orange sign brought a smile to Harry's face.

"They plan on re-opening in time for the school rush." Bill said with a grin.

"They?" Hermione asked keeping her head down.

"George and Lee Jordan. About a week ago Percy pulled George into the Floo and brought him to the shop where Lee, Charlie, Oliver Wood and some of the old Gryffindor Quidditch team had been working on putting it back together. George apparently broke down, then laughed for a while, then cried again before he finally hugged everyone. Mum's making Ron work there for no pay this summer. Part of his punishment." Bill finished with a look showing the shame he still feels in his little brothers actions.

"Oh. Well cheers for George and the group. I'm happy Percy is able to help…its good he's making peace with all of you." Hermione said glossing over the bit about Ron.

Harry's face had shown pride in his friends and former teammates working to help George, but a sour disposition came over it at the mention of Ron.

"Yeah, Percy always had it in him. He just lost sight of what was important, and family can forgive right?" Bill said. He knew the comment would not have much effect on their feelings for his youngest brother, but with time he hoped Ron would pull his head out of his ass to earn forgiveness.

Upon their entrance into Gringotts every teller, manager, and guards head snap to the pair who were removing their hoods. Bill ushered them forward towards an empty teller station.

"We need to speak with the manager in charge of the Potter and the Black estates. As well as one of the senior manager for a quick meeting." Bill stated to the teller.

The teller gave a calculating stare to the three. He moves his hand over a piece of parchment before he lifted a finger to the hallway down the left.

"They may be seated in meeting room twelve Handleblade and Silverblood will escort you." The teller's glare only left when a sharp grin marred his features.

"Thank you." Bill grabbed both of their elbows and began moving them down the hall. Under his breath he whispers, "I'll be sitting in with you. When the senior manager gets there, speak in short sentences and offer the Sword of Gryffindor to make the meeting easier." A look over his should saw the guards giving them enough of a berth to not be eavesdropping. "The rooms are charmed to with silencing charms and the minute the meeting begins a recording parchment will be placed on the table." As they reached the room Bill turned to them opening the door, "I'll wait out here with the guards and come in with the rest of the staff."

The door closed as soon as they made their way to the large marble slab table.

Harry turned to Hermione, pulled his chair closer to hers and took her hand.

"I think I should do what Bill suggested earlier." His statement is met with a nod of her head.

"I know, and after thinking about it…it will make headway into easing a good bit of hassle for everyone. But Harry that money is technically yours now…you know you could just do whatever you wanted with it right?" Hermione asked searching his eyes.

"Yeah I could, but I neither want nor need that money. I'll give it to those who need it, and hopefully it will do some good…but maybe we should give it anonymously. What do you think?" His expression is one of apprehension and worry.

"Then do that Harry. I know you don't want any more fame. When they give you the amount that is in the vault we can divide it up and decide who gets what. Who would you like to give too?" She asked while moving her hand from his and moving it to his back to rub.

"I would rather it just be split for St. Mungos, Hogwarts, the businesses in Diagon and Hogsmeade, not sure about the Ministry…I know they're under Kingsley now…I'd just rather find something or someone else, and I think Gringotts should get the rest of the money and the dark object that are undoubtedly in the vault." Harry said before letting out a long breath.

"I agree with you Harry, and perhaps the Ministry won't need the money. I mean they have all of the other Death Eater's finances now, and they recovered everything Voldemort had hidden away. So perhaps that money is better spent elsewhere like you said." Hermione says smiling.

The door opened a few minutes after their conversation to a frazzled Bill rush-walking over to them.

"Stand up…Stand up!" He whispered harshly. "Ragnok is going to handle the meeting!"

Hermione's mouth gaped open, while Harry stared dumbly at the concession that briskly walked in. Guard after guard filled the walls of the room until three sharply dressed Goblins stepped through the door.

The tallest of the three took a seat in the chair directly across from Harry. The Goblin on the seated ones right cleared his throat before making an anouncment.

"Honor and gold be to our esteemed director and monarch." The goblin said before motioning for the three wizards to take a seat. "Mr. Potter we will be talking over sensitive matters today. I am Fangtooth and my fellow manager…" He says motioning to the goblin on the other side of Ragnok, "Sharpaxe will be handing the wills of both your parents and the late Sirius Black. As such we will be placing a parchment charmed to record our conversation if that is agreeable?" Fangtooth asked with enough venom in his voice to show that it was not a request.

"Now Mr. Potter the discussion of the will is a simple matter as all holding of the main Potter estate are left to you." Sharpaxe began while moving a stack of parchment with a letter on top towards Harry. "As such a reading is not necessary. But I am to notify you that your current holdings, in regards to the Potter estate, are now two million-five hundred and eighty-three thousand Galleon…and five knuts."

"The same with the Black Estate, Mr. Potter. With the exception of Ms. Granger, who has accompanied you, Mr. Black left specific instruction as to how you will handle his will…and you are to be the one to give the rest of the inheritance by agreeing to it." Fangtooth moveed his eyes to Hermione before saying. "Ms. Granger per Sirius Blacks request you are to receive five hundred thousand galleons and the entire content of the Black family library, once it has been cleared by a Gringotts cursebreaker. Breaker Weasley is specifically mentioned here."

Both Harry and Bills head snapped to Hermione and watched her eyes dilate at the mention of the entire Black library being given to her. The chuckle that rose in Bill's throat died and the mention of him being to one to check said library, the pay from that particular job would ensure him staying in England and pay his annual salary ten times over. Harry's chuckle only dies when Fangtooth began again.

"Now as for the rest of the inheritance, you will have to agree to the specifics Mr. Potter. Four million galleons is slated to go to the entire Weasley family. An extra two hundred thousand given to the business entitled Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, as well as a tome entitled the Marauder's Manual of Mischief. A copy of that tome is also to go to you." Fangtooth takes a sip of the water that a guard brings in, "Andromeda Tonks and her family are to be given reinstatement into the Black family if she agrees to it, as well as two million galleons and a house elf named Kreacher is she is agreeable to it. Hogwarts is to be given two millions galleons. Remus Lupin was to be given one million galleons as was his wife Nymphadora Lupin nee Tonks. He also stated that one "Buckbeak" was to be given to Rubeus Hagrid along with two hundred thousand galleons." He put the parchment down and looked at Harry. "Is there anything you wish to change Mr. Potter?"

Harry for his part was able to control his emotions. All of those names together were bringing a tidal wave of faces in their final moments. His mind began to churn, until he felt a hand on his and he looks to the side. Always next to him, Hermione smiled and squeezed his hand.

"I agree to all of, except I would like the money given to Remus and Tonks…Uh Nymphadora to be placed in a trust for their son…Teddy Lupin. I will deal with the specifics with his Grandmother. Some of the inheritance has already been taken care of…Kreacher is with Andromeda and Buckbeack is with Hagrid." Harry says with added strength from Hermione's presence.

"Well that leaves a total of thirty-six million, four hundred and sixty-seven thousand galleons that will be moved to your vault at the end of this meeting…the addition of those funds will be immediate." Fangtooth said moving the parchment to the side before picking up another one, ignoring the slack-jawed look of the three humans across the table. "The final matter is that of the Lestrange vault, which by lack of heirs and wills is now within your possession. It's value is that of twenty-two million, three hundred and sixty galleons…will you accept the transfer. If you decide not to it will be given to your Ministry in reparation for crimes committed by the family." Fangtooth said with no hiding his malice at the idea of it being given to the institution that allowed the near destruction of their world.

"I will accept, but I wish for it to be divided and given anonymously as funds to rebuild." Harry said noticing the shocked look gracing all of the Goblin's faces, except for the still silent Ragnok who merely raised an eyebrow. "Hermione can you do the math for me?" he ased his best friend.

"Oh!...Um….of course Harry." She said clearly frazzled by what asked. She wondered if she is the right person to be handling this for Harry. A look to Bill found only that he was smirking at the younger man. Harry's eyes were locked with Ragnok's. She looked to Fangtooth and asked, "May I have a piece of parchment and a quill?" the diminutive being passed both to a guard who handed them to her.

After a few moments she slid the parchment in front of Harry, who grabbed the quill and made a small adjustment then nodded to her. She looked to Fangtooth who had his own quill waiting.

"Harry would like…um…three million galleons to be given to Hogwarts with an additional two million to be given to set up a scholarship for muggleborn students." She said the last part with nothing short than a look of beaming pride in the young man next to her. "Five million is to go to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries with two million being specifically given to the Janus Thickey Ward." She pauses to see if Fangtooth had questions, but was met with a look of annoyance that she stopped. "Two Million is to be split between the businesses I've listed here." She hands the piece of parchment to the guard who originally brought it to her. "The rest is to be taken by Gringotts in reparation for what Harry, I, and another have done in the past."

All the Goblin's narrowed their eyes with Fangtooth ready to say something, but Harry spoke first.

"I also wish for any dark object left in the vault to be removed and taken care of, then gifted to your nation as well." Harry took a breath and turned his attention back to Ragnok. "I will honor my promise to your nation in regards to the Sword of Gryffindor. I will bring it tomorrow morning if you wish. Oh and would it be possible for me to get five thousand galleons out of my vault?"

The room goes quiet at this statement and every (except Ragnok) Goblin's eyes widen. With a nod Ragnok gave his answer to the young man, he stood and began to make his way to the door. Fangtooth and Sharpaxe both scrambled to pick up their parchment to follow, and the guards snapped to attention.

As he watched Ragnok leave Harry rememberd something Bill had told him his first week at Shell Cottage.

"May gold line your pockets…" Harry started as he rose. "and your enemies blood boil in their skin at the mention of your name." When Ragnok halted and turned the other Goblin's froze in their movement and gasped at Harry's next action. He gave Goblin ruler a small bow.

Ragnok stared at the young man before giving a small sentence in Gobbledegook and striding out the door. His fellow Goblins took few seconds before following.

Harry then looked at Bill and Hermione, whose eyes were larger than a house elf's.

"Harry…" Hermione started.

"Mate, not only has Ragnok not met with a Wizard, outside of staff, in the past twenty years. He doesn't even talk to us. Even in their language." Bill said still staring at the door.

"Well…" Harry started drawing their attention. "What did he say?"

"May we always share a common enemy." Bill said with a smile. "Mate you have no idea what you have just done. Everything you asked for will be done by closing today and the next time you come in you will not have to worry about the looks you got today." As Bill said this the teller who sent them on their way earlier comes rushing in with a two bags.

"Mr. Potter the galleons you requested." The teller said huffing while he handed both bags to Harry, and then turned running back to his booth.

Handing one of the bags to Hermione, Harry points to the pile of parchments.

"Bill considering Hermione and I still need to go to the Ministry and Grimmauld can you shrink those and put them in this bag?" Harry asks while holding up his bag and grabbing the letter on top of the Potter stack.

"Course mate. Did you not want to go to your vault to look around?" Bill replied as he shrunk and handed the files to Harry.

"No not today…Hey how did they get these galleons without my key…or without me?" Harry asked while placing the parchment in the bag.

"Look at your right hand mate." As Harry looks down and noticed the golden band now on his right index finger. "That is your new key. Your estate will be moved to the high security area and that ring shows that you are the owner. The minute you take it off it will be a key, and the minute you want it to be the ring it will be exactly that. As for bags your holding, my guess is that because of your wealth and the way you handled that meeting you will never have to venture to your vault unless you really want too."

"So preferential treatment?" Hermione asked.

"Exactly." Bill said with a smirk.

"Alright well we should get going Bill. We'll see you tonight hopefully." Harry said grabbing Hermione's hand. "We deal with everything tomorrow when we come to hand over Gryffindor's Sword."

"Okay Harry, I'll Floo Percy and Dad to make sure they know you're on your way to see the Minister." Bill yelled to their retreating backs.

As they make their way through the entry hall every Goblin stands a little taller in the presence of the young wizard who had honored their nation.

"Apparently gossip travels faster here than at Hogwarts." Hermione muttered under her breath. "Oh! Harry the rest of your money. Here." She continued trying to push the bag into the hand that is still holding hers.

"No you hold on to it for me Hermione, and yeah they do seem to be looking at us differently don't they?"

Hermione huffed in annoyance at his lack of worry in her carrying his money.

"Hoods up Hermione." He said as they stepped into the rush of the alley again. It takes them ten minutes to make the normally short walk the Leaky Cauldron. Once there they take the Floo to the atrium of the Ministry. From there it took moving past the star-struck guard who checks their wands and pushing through to a lift where the two are pushed uncomfortably close even for the two of them. Another five minute walk finally brought them to the waiting area in the Minister's office and four feet from Percy Weasley's desk.

"He should be ready to see you two in a few minutes. Just finishing up a Floo call to Irish Minister." Percy told them with his head sticking out the two large doors before going back in, his father leaning on his desk in front of them.

"Harry, Hermione how have you two been?" Mr. Weasley asks with a fatherly tone. "I hope my oldest and his wife are treating you two right….I must say how the rest of the family is most regrettable to my youngest son's behavior…"

"Mr. Weasley, Bill and Fleur have been wonderful. And it is not your fault that the situation happened." Hermione said smiling at the Weasley patriarch. A look to Harry showed him giving the same smile to the man. "Mr. Weasley, Harry and I are actually here to get the Minister's help in setting up a trip for us to go and get parents. I have put it off long enough, and Harry has made it clear that I won't be doing this alone. So we will be leaving as soon as the preparations are done."

"Oh…well good Hermione. Have you gotten everything taken care of on this end? Their home? Their jobs? Oh Molly will be in such a fright when I tell her." The man said ending with a look showing his concern over telling his wife.

"Actually sir." Harry interrupted. "I think it would be best if you let us tell Mrs. Weasley and everyone else. We shouldn't be gone too long. Hermione knows the general area where they are, and I'm sure Kingsley can handle the hardest part of the search for us so most of the time would be for Hermione and her parents to talk. It will also be good for the two of us to relax away from all of this for a week or two I think." Harry ends with a smile directed at Hermione on his right; she slowly nods her agreement to the statement. "Of course Percy can know as I guess he'll be handling some of the work, but please let him know we'd rather not let anyone know yet."

"Of course Harry, I understand. I hope you two will Owl when you get there and keep us informed about the situation." Arthur said as his son opens the doors to the office and throws them a questioning look. "We'll talk after your meeting son."

The talk with Kinsley went well. He told them they would be on a flight in two days' time. He would personally take them to Heathrow from Shell Cottage. No hassle dealing with lines and people. Percy left halfway through and came back in handing them their passports with photos both are sure they had never taken. Hermione's even had the stamps from her old passport. Kingsley also promised that they would not only be met at the terminal in Brisbane by aurors, but the search for her parents would be done for them. They would just need to reverse the charm. In the whirlwind of their entrance and meeting with the minister, a crowd of reporters had found their way into the atrium hoping to get a picture and a word from the Hero of the Wizarding world and his best friend Hermione Granger, both of whom had not been seen in public since the funerals. Word had reached the wizarding press that they were in the middle of a falling out with the third member of the trio.

At seeing the crowd in the atrium Kingsley escorted the two back to his office before the sharks could smell the chum. From his personal Floo Harry and Hermione checked to see if Andromeda would be okay if they popped over for a spot of lunch and a visit. Though getting Hermione to not stop in the library was quite the task.

Chapter 2: A Day of Meetings

Part 3: The Godson and The Letter

Despite baring an uncanny resemblance to her late sister, Andromeda Tonks (nee Black) has a mix of Molly Weasley and Minerva McGonagall's temperaments. Which given Teddy's nature seems the perfect situation to handle the rambunctious toddler. After a nice lunch prepared by Kreacher and catching Andromeda up on their plans, and letting the shocked woman know her reinstatement and the inheritance she and Teddy will now have. Harry pulled the little guy into sitting room where they arrived for a bit of quality time as Hermione and the older witch have a talk.

"Hermione, how are you two doing lately? Whenever you come over Harry just seems to sit with Teddy and play. I'm not saying that it is bad, it's very good, but considering…what you two have been through. It seems like there hasn't been much dealing with the situation." Andromeda said.

"We are actually doing fine Andromeda. We talk sometimes, Fleur has been especially helpful for me…" Hermione paused to look across the hall where Harry is lying on the ground with Teddy acting out something with two of the toddler's toys. "Harry though…he has always handled things differently than everyone else." She rubbed the word covered by her long sleeve shirt. "Harry will handle the pain when it comes, and I will make sure I am there to help him grieve."

"I'm happy that you two have each other." The woman says to the younger witch. "You two remind me so much of Ted and myself at your age." Her wistful look showed a little mirth mixed in at Hermione's widened eyes and slight blush.

After Harry's usual goodbye which consisted of half an hour of cuddling the toddler and the tears in both their eyes (though Harry did his best to hide his). The two Floo back to Shell Cottage in time for dinner with Fleur and Bill. Mrs. Weasley had sent one of her famous roasts along with potatoes, carrots, and fresh bread was succinctly declared as one of the best mother's a man could ask for by her oldest son. After giving their accounts of the day, Fleur had exclaimed quite happily (in French) that the honor Harry had received would do wonders for the relationship of Goblins and Wizards. The explanation of how soon her guest would be leaving for their trip had brought a sad look to her face, but at the mention of Bill's news about the Black Library (Hermione's eyes dilated once again) and how it would net the couple enough money to live comfortably for a while without Bill leaving left the part-Veela with a very happy smile the rest of the meal. As soon as the dishes were done Fleur had grabbed her husband and pulled him up the stairs saying things quite loudly in her native tongue that had Hermione blushing something furious. From the tone of the words though Harry had picked up on the meaning as well and the two left to talk in his room.

Crookshanks made his home at the foot of the bed and watched as his mistress and her friend sat in silence.

Harry pulled the letter that was with the Potter estate from the robes as he throws them over the chair in the corner of the small room.

"Do you want me to leave while you read it?" Hermione asked as she made to get off the bed.

"No!" He grabbed her wrist before she could move too much. Crookshanks just opened his eyes lazily to watch the goings on. "Stay…please?"

Hermione just settled in next to him as he pulled out the slim parchment with very fine loopy handwriting. Both of their eyes mist as they read the letter.

My Dearest Harry,

Son I truly hope you don't have to read this, but if you are I hope Sirius raised you in accordance to the way I specified. Know that mutt and your father's genes though; I expect your nature would be quite the cheeky little one. Son I hope that things have worked out better for you than the past few years have been for your father and me. I hope you have enjoyed Hogwarts, and found the true magic in its walls. I hope you've made friends, and in my own selfish dreams I hope you've made head boy (though if not it is perfectly fine). No matter what you make of your life both your father and I are proud of you. Just live life to the fullest for both of us. Meet someone who you can love and have a family of your own son. Speaking of family, I would like you to visit your aunt; her name is Petunia Dursley now. Her husband is not the most agreeable man, but hopefully age has tempered him. They have a son your age, Dudley. When you see her please tell her how sorry I am that I we lost the connection we had when growing up.Also, I feel I should leave you some knowledge of Hogwarts, your father and his friends were never privy to this, but in my seventh year which you should be in now. On the seventh floor across from the tapestry of Barnabus the Barmy is a wall, walk along that wall and ask for a room. You'll have to stay at it for a while I guess but it will be worth it. Do not use this for what Sirius and your father would have. Harry I'm so sorry you have to read this letter. Just know I will spend my time watching over you until we are reunited, but I expect that to be long after you read this understand young man.

With all the love I have,

Lilly Evans potter

PS: Your father is writing his letter right now, but is placing it in he and his friend's book. Sirius, despite my pleas, I'm sure will give you that at some point.

As Harry placed the parchment back into the envelope a small sob shakes his body. Within the course of a few minutes a silencing charm is up on the room, Crookshanks had moved to lie on top of Harry's discarded robes, and Hermione curled up behind Harry holding him tight. They fall asleep like that, but not before Hermione removed his glasses, it's just like the night when Ron left during the hunt.

~A Vagrant Ben~