The Common Room and the Letter
Chapter 2: The Common Room and The Letter
Harry walks up to the Fat Lady and gives the password. As the painting swings open he hears the party going on before he hears it.
“ The man-”
“The myth-”
“The legend-”
“Harry James Potter!” Announced Fred and George as they noticed him walk into the common room. The crowd erupts into cheers. Everybody is laughing and clapping him on his back.
“So how did you do it?” Asks Fred with a wink.
“Someone did it without my consent or knowledge.” Harry simply states. There was a loud scoff in the crowd.
“Yea right,” says Ron. “Be honest Harry, we are all friends here. How did you do it? And why didn't you tell me? I am your best friend!!”
Harry just stares at Ron for a minute. “Are you joking Ron? Please tell me you are joking!”
“No I am not. So tell me. How. Did. You. Do. It?” Says Ron punctuating each word with an accusatory poke in the chest.
Harry’s magic sensing danger pushes Ron away.
“Are you stupid or just willfully ignorant?!” shouts Harry, his magic unconsciously amplifying his voice.
“Wha-at?” Ron croaks out timidly.
“I swore on my magic in front of everyone that I didn’t put my name in the Goblet of Fire, nor did I ask someone older than the age of majority to enter me into the tournament. You have also heard me say again and again how badly how I just wanted one year, one fucking year where my life wasn’t in danger!" yells Harry. George gently pulls Harry into a hug and Harry just sags into him, exhausted.
“I think” says Fred, “that it has been a long night and that we should get to bed.” He looks pointedly at Ron who has a shocked expression on his face and numbly nods and walks off to his room.
Neville walks up to Harry and gives him a pat on the shoulder and says “I believe you, Harry. Even before you swore on your magic, I knew that you didn't want to enter into this tournament. From the look on your face when Dumbledore announced your name I knew that you didn't even know that someone entered you. I will stand by your side in any way that I can.”
“Thanks,” mumbles Harry to Neville looking shocked.
“Let’s get you to bed” whispers George.
“I can help him up there,” replies Neville.
“Thanks,” says Fred. As Neville and Harry are crossing the common room they hear.
“That was a bit harsh, Harry.” says Hermione.
“No Hermione, it wasn’t.” says Harry with steel in his voice. And he continues to walk up to his room with the help of Neville.
“You are a good friend Neville,” Harry says as he heads to his four poster bed.
“Thanks Harry,” Neville replies sheepishly.
Harry smiles as he closes his eyes to sleep.
-HJAPB-HJAPB-HJAPB-HJAPB-HJAPB-HJAPB-HJAPB-HJAPB-HJAPB-HJAPB-
Harry woke up and heard some grumbling. Realized it was his stomach and was wondering what time it was. A quick tempus told him it was 5 after 7. He gets up and looks around the room of his yearmates. And sees that Neville has started to stir awake.
As Harry starts to get dressed for the day. He feels the dread of the previous day pool in his stomach.
“Its going to be okay Harry,” says Neville sensing his dread. “Lets walk downstairs to get food.”
Harry nods numbly and lets Neville drag him to the common room where the twins were waiting. So the Quartet left the Gryffindor common room and went down to the Great Hall to eat breakfast. As they got closer to the Great hall they could hear some people talking.
“Always stealing glory-”
“-lying about not entering.”
“-he did swear on his magic”
“ Don’t listen to them harrikans- ”
“-they are just willfully ignorant-”
“Like Ronnikans!” Say Fred and George with a slight grin.
Harry chuckles at that as they go to the Gryffindor table and start getting food to eat. Harry grabbed a few pieces of bacon some toast and some eggs. As he is chewing on some bacon Cedric sits down.
“Good morning!” Cedric says cheerily.
“Good morning Cedric,” replies Neville, Fred and George.
“Good morning Cedric,” mumbles Harry. “What are you doing sitting here?”
“Got to show my support to my fellow Hogwarts Champion,” Cedric replies wryly while he puts more food on his plate.
Harry is about to reply when he hears the flutter of wings that indicate that owls have come for post. Hedwig lands next to him and pecks at him till Harry gives her a piece of bacon. Then another flutter of wings and a screech. There was an eagle owl. He tentatively took the letter off his leg and saw the Gringotts crest on the letter.
To Lord Potter
Gryffindor Tower
Second Bed to the Right
“What?!” Exclaims Harry
“Harry, you‘re a Lord?” asks Neville
“What do you mean?” questions Harry as he is about to open the letter Dumbledore is right next to him grabbing the letter.
“Harry, my boy, you shouldn’t have received that?” Dumbledore says with a twinkle in his eye.
“Why not?” Harry asks roughly. “It says my name and where I sleep?”
“Your magical guardian should be the one that receives this.” Dumbledore smoothly replies.
“Who is my magical guardian?” asks Harry hopefully.
“Why don’t we take this up to my office my boy?” Dumbledore misdirects.
“You don’t know who your magical guardian is?” Asks Neville.
“No, I didn’t even know I was a wizard until I got my letter and I was introduced to the wizarding world by Hagrid, nothing against him.” Harry says to Neville. Harry turns to Dumbledore and says, “No you will answer the question. Who is my magical guardian?”
Dumbledore looks around with an exasperated look as he sees that the entire Great hall was silent. Waiting for his answer.
“I am.” Dumbledore says resigned.
“Then why the hell is this the first time I have heard of it sir. I would like my letter back now!” Harry says with steel in his voice. As if summoned, the letter came to his hand. Now I am going to read this right here and you will not bother me. Okay? Okay.” Harry says sternly.
“Harry my boy-” starts Dumbledore.
“No” says Harry in a voice of steel. Harry sits down and opens the letter.
Dear Lord Potter,
Gringotts has been informed that approximately 8:11 pm October 31, 1994 that you were emancipated. If you could come to Gringotts at your earliest convenience to review the status of your vaults.
IronClaw
Potter Account Manager
Harry looks up at Dumbledore and McGonagall. “Vaults.” Harry says in a dangerously calm voice. “I have an account manager and vaults!”
“Now my boy-” starts Dumbledore again.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” interrupts Harry. Harry turns to McGonagall. “Professor McGonagall, if you could escort me to Gringotts in an hour that would be wonderful.”
Dumbleldore is about to say something but closes his mouth after a glare from Professor McGonagall.
“Of course Mr. Potter. Please meet me in my office by 10 am.” says Professor McGonagall. She turns to Dumbledore with a glare. “Now we are going to your office and we are going to be having some words. Move.”
As Professor McGonagall practically drags Headmaster Dumbledore to his office to talk, Professor Flitwick walks up to Harry and asks. “How are you feeling Harry?”
“I am not sure,” says Harry. Harry looks at his diminutive professor and says “Do you know if I have to prepare anything before I talk to the goblins?”
“Have you ever interacted with goblins before?” asks Professor Flitwick.
“Only Griphook when he took me to my trust vault in the summer before my first year.” Harry responds.
“Put on your best clothes and meet me in the room next to Professor McGonagall for some impromptu lessons on Goblin Culture.” Professor Flitwick says.
“Thank you Professor. See you in 20 mins.” said Harry.