Day Seventeen
They take the Floo directly to Gringotts. He tumbles out of the fireplace into Ron’s arms, angrily brushing soot off him.
“I hate those things,” he mutters. Hermione appears a moment later and casually charms the dust off him, though she doesn’t say a word.
Still mad, then.
They’d gotten into a row last night after Kingsley left.
“You shouldn’t have done that, Harry!”
“And why not?”
“I don’t want some- some handout! I want to earn it,”
“And you have earned it, Hermione. I know you’ll never take advantage of it, but people will try to take advantage of you, and I won’t let them. You deserve everything you want in life,”
“I won’t favor my way up the ladder!”
“I know you won’t! Do you think I would ask for a favor for someone if I thought they would abuse it?”
She had stormed off after that, only coming to bed late when she thought he was asleep. He tries to brush it off and walks down the room to where Kingsley is waiting for them.
“Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be,” Harry sighs. Percy hands him his speech for him to look over one last time. He had it mostly memorized, but he didn’t want to recite it like a drone. He wanted to sound like himself.
“Let’s go then,” Kingsley smiles.
Two aurors swing the doors open, and he blinks against the sunlight. He feels Ron and Hermione step up behind him, and they step out onto the front steps of Gringotts. Cameras flash, and people scream in delight. You would think they were at a concert or something. He does his best not to grimace and instead look neutrally pleasant. Kingsley steps up to the mic, and the crowd silences.
“Welcome! To the re-opening of Gringotts! We thank everyone for their patience as we have done our best to get this crucial operation back on its feet. I’ll have more good news for you in a minute, but first,” Kingsley looks back at Harry with a smile. “After a few weeks of recovery, I am very pleased to say that Harry Potter is here and well! Harry?”
The crowd cheers, and he approaches the mic, resisting the urge to brush his sweaty palms against his jacket. “Um, hi,” he starts. “I know it’s been hard, not knowing where I was. After the battle, the stress of the year made itself known, and I needed time, but I’m better now,”
He pauses for a moment, but the crowd is silent, so he continues.
“Today, I am here to assure you that Voldemort is dead,”
Murmurs echo through the crowd.
“I know that we have been promised that before. I know it seems unsettling to hear it again. But I did it through great lengths, a great battle, and the help of some great wizards. Tom Riddle, Voldemort, is dead,”
Claps and cheers echo through the alley.
“We have a long road ahead of us, and I hope to be of all the help I can. I remember my first time walking the streets of Diagon Alley, and I hope that they can be restored to their former glory. I hope that we can all heal from the wounds and the grief. And I’m very grateful for Kingsley, who has stepped up to repair the cracks Voldemort tore through our society. Thank you,”
More cheers. He nods and steps away from the mic, back to the comforting presence of his partners. Kingsley steps back up the mic and talks for a while, speaking of things that are up and running again, like the floo network. Then, finally, it’s over, and he’s ushered back inside to the cool, dark halls of Gringotts.
“You did well,” Percy assures him. “You missed a couple lines, but all things considered,”
“Thanks Perce,” he chuckles. “You wrote a decent speech. I’m just lousy at giving them,”
Percy glances at Kingsley, who is speaking to some officials on the far side of the room. Then, in a low voice, he says, “Um, if you want, they’ve offered to meet about your accounts today. Since you’re here,”
“Really?” Harry whispers. He glances at Hermione and Ron for their opinion.
“Might as well,” Ron shrugs.
“‘Mione? I can’t- I need your help with this,” he pleads.
“Of course, I’ll help. Why wouldn’t I?”
“You’re mad at me,”
Her tight expression turns to one of surprise. “If you want me there, I’m there,”
“Er- right then,” Percy says awkwardly, glancing between them. “I’ll go grab someone, shall I?”
A moment later he returns with a goblin teller in tow. “Harry Potter, I am Grimnail,”
“Er- nice to meet you,” Harry says, leaning down to shake the goblin's hand. “Thanks for seeing me,”
“It is my pleasure. These accounts have been unattended for too long. Please follow me,”
Harry expects to be led to the cart system and taken into the depths of Gringotts, but instead, they’re led to a tucked-away hallway full of offices. Grimnail directs them into one, inviting them to all sit. “Which account would you like to start with?” he asks, sitting across from Harry at a desk.
“Um, Sirius’s, I suppose,”
“A wise choice,” Grimmail nods, shuffling a few papers around. “Now, Mr. Black’s accounts were frozen over by the ministry, but they have been unfrozen in light of your inheriting them. This means you have total control over restarting investments, payouts, and additional inheritances,”
“Wait, what?” Harry asks, confused. “That sounds like I’d be the head of the Black house? Surely I only got Sirius’s portion,”
“Precisely,”
“But he was disowned?”
“By his mother, maybe, but his uncle was the head of the house, and he never disowned Sirius. Upon his death, he did indeed become the head of the house, and now you. Was this not made clear to you upon the transfer of ownership of the house-elf Kreacher?”
Harry slumps back in his chair in shock. Hermione jumps in for him. “We were a bit preoccupied, I don’t think it occurred to us exactly what it meant,”
“Understandable,” Grimnail nods. He slides a piece of paper across the desk. “In addition to Kreacher and number twelve Grimmauld Place, this is a summary of what is currently in the account,”
Harry takes it, holding it up so the other three can see. Percy gives a soft whistle of appreciation. Harry stares at the page, gobsmacked. He didn’t know numbers could get that high.
“I don’t recommend making choices today,” Grimnail explains. “I’ll give you a portfolio of previous investments alongside my recommendations that you can review. There will be a similar one for the Potter account. Mr. Weasley can communicate with me your wishes,”
“Great,” Harry sighs in relief. He’s already overwhelmed.
“Now for the Potter account,”
“I have a decent idea what’s in there,” Harry says. “I used it during school,”
“No, Mr. Potter, you used your personal account during school,”
“Personal?”
“Yes, that was the account your parents set aside for your school funds, hence why you were given access. The Potter family accounts would have been under the guardianship of your legal magic guardian,”
“Well, that would have been Sirius, right?”
Grimnaill frowns. “It should have been, but again, due to his imprisonment, your guardianship was placed under another wizard,”
“Who? Remus?”
“Albus Dumbledore,”
Harry swears under his breath. “Of course it was,”
“Indeed,”
“Alright, so what’s the damage?” Harry sighs. “Did he use it or-”
“According to our records, he did not use it personally, though a sizeable donation was donated to Hogwarts each year,”
“Merlin’s pants,” Harry sighs. “Okay, that’s- it’s fine. Tell me about the account then,”
Another piece of parchment. “These are the summaries. I believe you already know about Dizzy and the property at Godric’s Hollow,”
“I own that?” Harry asks, surprised. “I mean, I guess I knew that, but it’s a memorial now, so I assumed the ministry did,”
“It is still in possession of the Potter account, as well as the family home,”
Harry’s heart stops beating. “I- you mean- there really is one?”
“Indeed,”
“I knew it, mate!” Ron exclaims with delight.
“Can we see it?” Harry asks excitedly.
“I’d advise having it investigated first, which we, of course, can take care of,” Grimnail explains. “But it shouldn’t take long. I am not sure what state it’s in either,”
“That’s fine. I’d like that to be taken care of first,”
“Very well,” Grimnail nods, making a note. “I’m also to give you these,”
Harry takes a stack of letters from the goblin. He flips through and gasps at the writing on each one.
To Harry, love Dad
To Harry, love Mum
To Padfoot
To Moony
To Wormtail
He can feel the tears forming and blinks them back. Hermione puts a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I can read these later?” he sniffs, not prepared.
“Yes,”
“Right,” he straightens himself up. “What else?”
“There are two smaller issues for you to resolve,”
“Two?” Harry asks.
“You are the godfather of one Edward Lupin. He has been left the inheritance of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. Andromeda Tonks has asked for co-guardianship of his account,”
“She can have it,” Harry says quickly. “Of course, she can,”
“Sign here then,”
“What’s the other?” Hermione asks, confused.
“You have been left this,” the goblin slides across a small box with a letter tied to the top. “By Regulus Black,”
“What?” Harry chokes out. “Regulus?”
“Indeed,”
“What- why?”
“We were only told to deliver it to you when you were of age if your parents were alive and when you took over the Potter account if they weren’t,”
“Not the Black family account?” Hermione asks, her brow furrowed.
“No, the Potters. Though after his death, his affairs were merged back into the main Black family fortune, so I suppose you’ve received all his effects. But this specifically was left to you,”
“Alright then,” Harry frowns, taking the parcel. “Anything else?”
“Here are the portfolios for Mr. Weasley, but other than that I believe we are finished for the day. Unless you have any other concerns?”
“No,” Harry says. “Thank you for making this easy on me. I was expecting a lot more,”
Grimnail says with a slight nod. “Anytime, Mr. Potter, I shall be your account manager permanently. I am here to assist,”
Harry leaves his office feeling a little lighter but also a little heavier. The letters that hung in hand, hung heavy, but the parcel hangs even heavier. Why had Regulus Black left him something? Especially after his connection to the Horcrux hunt.
They Floo back to the burrow, all in contemplative silence. Harry’s eager to talk over everything and read his letters, but his plans are foiled the moment he steps through the fireplace.
“Oh! Harry!” a voice says, startled. He blinks back at the scene before him. Andy sits in the living room, talking to Molly, Luna, and Ginny. A tiny mop of bright teal hair is nested in Luna's arms.
His eyes fixate on that tiny frame, and his heart drops. Tears pool in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Harry, I was going to leave before you came home, I just-” Andy stammers. “I needed company,”
They all stare at him, waiting for him to make a move. He feels frozen, yet something in his soul yearns to hold that tiny bundle. He’s terrified it will break him, though. Hermione’s cool fingers take the letters from his hands, and Ron gives him a small push. He walks toward Luna, transfixed.
“Sit,” Luna smiles, patting the couch next to her. Ginny scoots over to make room for him. He sits down carefully as though any movement is the wrong one. His breath catches as he sees Teddy’s face for the first time, not sleeping as expected but looking up at Luna happily.
“Hello, Teddy,” he says softly, tears spilling down his cheeks. He reaches out a finger, and Teddy grabs it in his tiny hand. “Can I- can I hold him?”
“Of course,” Luna replies, gently passing Teddy over.
The moment he’s settled in Harry’s arms, the tiny boy smiles even wider, and then, to Harry’s surprise, his hair turns jet black, his eyes bright green. Andy’s breath hitches.
“He hasn’t done that before,” she says, clearly holding back tears. “Dora started that all the time around this age, I was waiting for it. Changing to match whoever was holding her,”
“I’m sorry, Andy,” he cries, looking up at the woman. “I should have seen him sooner. I should have been helping,”
“It’s alright, Harry,” she assures him. “You needed time,”
He looks back down at Teddy, and his heart swells and breaks simultaneously. How can a person be so happy and so sad all at once? “I’m sorry,” he whispers. “I’m so sorry, Teddy. I promise I’ll be there for you. I’m not them, but I’ll do my best. You’ll be so loved, Teddy, I promise,” He hears a sniffle and looks up to see Hermione crying, tucked into Ron’s chest, who also looks a bit teary. “Come see him,”
“Oh, he’s beautiful,” Hermione coos when she walks over, her voice still thick with tears. She kneels at his feet to better see. “Oh, he’s wonderful,”
“Do you want to hold him?” Harry offers, though he’s loath to let go of him.
“No,” she sniffs. “I mean, I will, but- you just hold him for a while, Harry, you deserve it,”
“Andy, why don’t you come have tea in the kitchen,” Molly offers. “Seems Teddy is in good hands,”
“I would love that,”
“He looks good on you, mate,” Ron says, staring down at him lovingly.
He laughs, but fresh tears pool in his eyes. “I don’t even know what to say. I didn’t know it was possible to love someone this much,”
Hermione rests her head on his leg and smiles up at him, and he knows she’s not mad at him anymore. Their moment is interrupted by Ginny’s small gasp.
“What?” Harry asks, concerned.
“You three!” she says quietly but excitedly. “You- you’re together?”
“Blimey, Ginny, you’re smart,” Ron laughs.
“Oi, I’m the one who told Harry to pull his head out of his arse. Thank you very much,” she laughs. “Oh, I’m so happy for you, you three- oh wait, sorry, Luna knows now,”
“I already knew,” Luna says in her dreamy tone. “I walked in on secret-”
“Don’t even finish that sentence,” Ginny begs. Harry turns to Ginny and raises an eyebrow, nodding at Ron. She gives him a nervous headshake. He nods insistently.
“What? What was that?” Ron asks. “You two are speaking without speaking, not fair,”
“You and Hermione do it to me all the time!” Harry protests. He looks down at Teddy to make sure his exclamation doesn’t bother him, but the little boy’s fast asleep, his hands tucked up against his face.
“Oh, come on, Gin, just tell me!” Ron says, exasperated.
“Really, Ginny, you should,” Luna hums, gently leaning across Harry to brush a stray hair off Teddy’s tiny forehead. “I like that he goes back to teal in his sleep,”
“Me too,” Harry smiles.
“Alright, fine!” Ginny huffs. “But you can’t tell anyone, alright?”
“We’re in the same boat, Ginny,” Hermione smiles. “We wouldn’t dare,”
“Luna and I are dating,” she says quickly and quietly, glancing towards the kitchen.
“WHAT?”
“Ron, keep your voice down!”
“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Hermione squeals. “How long?”
“Officially? A couple of weeks,” Ginny blushes. “Unofficially? A while,”
“We’ve been snogging since Halloween,” Luna says cheerily.
“Ew, don’t need those details,” Ron frowns. “How come you haven’t said anything, Gin?”
“Why haven’t you?” she retorts. “Mum, of course. She’s already keeping an iron grip on us. You think it’s the best time to tell her, ‘Oh hey mum, I’m bisexual, and Luna’s my girlfriend,’ I don’t think so!”
“You’re bi-what?” Ron asks, confused.
“Oh, honestly, Ronald,” she rolls her eyes. “Bisexual. It’s when you like girls and boys. Don’t you know that?”
“Why would I?”
She gestures to Harry and Hermione.
“Oh… Oh!”
“He can be taught, ladies and gentlemen!” Ginny snorts.
Harry laughs, leaning his back on the couch to settle in. He doesn’t plan on moving for a while. If he could, he’d stay in this moment forever.