Albus Dumbledore was doing the same thing that morning. He had called a meeting of the fabled or was that fumbled Order of the Phoenix at Sirius' old house Grimmauld Place. He knew that ownership was still in question so it would be the perfect hideout until he tried to floo to the house. The first to enter the floo had been Severus Snape. As Albus was just about to enter the fireplace, Severus' charred and smoking body was hurled from his fireplace so hard that he impacted the wall opposite. Albus barely had the presence of mind to summon Poppy before sending out an emergency message to redirect everyone to the castle.
As soon as Poppy arrived, her tear stained face was just as noticeable as it had been for the last six weeks. She moved to Severus and after a few waves of her wand, she said "He's beyond anyone's help Albus. May I ask what happened?"
"He tried to floo to Sirius' old home."
Minerva walked in at that moment and took one look at Severus' body. Hearing the conversation on the way up, she said "So it never occurred to you to check the wards? With Sirius' death, they would have gone into a protective state until a new Lord Black was named."
Poppy said "Or a new Lord Black has been named and he didn't want anyone in his house."
Albus sat hard in his chair after calling a house elf to remove the body. He thought about how lucky he had been to not go first. He finally came out of his musing to say "I'm sure we have guests arriving. Please see to them and I will be along in a minute."
When he walked into the Great Hall, he saw a much smaller number of people than he expected. He then did something they never expected and called roll. As the names of the absent were discussed, he was told many times that the person 'refused' to join his group. Albus was shocked that people would actually refuse to join his side. He had no Auror contingent this time as most remembered the fate of those that had served with him before. It was well known that Albus was a pacifist and would command those under him to not use lethal spells even though he threw them on the front lines without a thought for their safety. Many of the Aurors died trying to follow their orders.
The Tonks family along with Remus claimed that they no longer had confidence in his ability to lead them citing the manipulations surrounding Harry as their reasons. Some cited that they didn't trust him with their lives if he was so willing to put Harry in danger on so many occasions.
The article from this morning's paper had left many people shaken and none more so than the Weasley family. Although Molly would still defend Albus with her last breath, none of the other members of her family would blindly follow him with the exception of Ron. They were well aware that it was Albus' leadership that had cost them one of their own. They also knew that they were just as much at fault for not questioning his directions. After this morning's article, the guilt would follow them for the rest of their lives.
As Albus sat back and looked on the weak group sitting around him, a chill went up his spine as he realized that they would not be able to protect him from the investigation conducted by the House of Death. He originally planned to do just like Tom did and place a fighting shield between himself and the threat but that shield would be made of housewives and children. Albus Dumbledore, the defeater of Grindelwald, the Leader of the Light, the once powerful and world renowned wizard, had fallen far enough to actually consider hiding behind innocents.
...
Harry and Dobby read over the article at breakfast and had a good laugh over it. They agreed that Croaker was indeed as intelligent as Charlus had told them and had put the pieces together enough to ensure his cooperation in the ruse. Charlus had informed Harry during his time behind the Veil that Croaker was truly one of the good guys and once he figured everything out, would move heaven and earth to help Harry just because he was Charlus' grandson.
Dobby asked "So are you ready to stir up another hornet's nest?"
Harry ginned "Yeah, let's go make Gringotts' day."
Dobby and Harry both popped out at the same time and landed on the steps to the bank. Harry approached the large double doors leading into the bank and held out his hand. With a gesture, the doors flew open and they walked in to the lobby in their heavy cloaks. Wizards, witches, and Goblins shrunk back in fear as the skeletal hand holding the scythe appeared. The two individuals stepped forward to the station of the Head Teller that no one ever approached unless they had an appointment with the director.
With a thought, the Peverell family ring appeared on the skeletal hand and once the Head Teller saw it, he was out from behind his desk and bowing to the two figures to the shock of everyone in the bank.
"My Lord, my leader has directed me to bring you directly to him should you appear within our walls. If you would allow it, I will lead you to him personally."
Harry gave a slight nod and he and Dobby fell in behind the practically running Goblin. After a long walk through the tunnels of the bank, they were finally standing in front of a set of ornate doors.
The Head Teller bowed once again "If you will excuse me for a moment, I will announce your presence."
Again Harry nodded without saying a word. It was barely a minute later before Harry was escorted into the office where the director was surrounded by several ancient Goblins.
As soon as the Head Teller returned through the doors, Ragnok waved his hand and the doors sealed shut. "My Lord, I am known as Ragnok and it is my duty to try and repair the damage done to our relationship."
Harry said in a growl "I was not aware we had a relationship at this point."
Ragnok paled "Lord Potter, or should I say Lord Peverell, I can assure you that the traitor and his family have been summarily executed for their part in the injustices done to you. If you would allow me a moment, I will try to explain how serious I am taking this matter."
Harry nodded "You may but before you begin I have one request. I demand that Griphook be summoned at once. At this point, he is the only one amongst your nation that I trust."
The ancient Goblins were quietly chatting with each other in their own language at Harry's declaration. Harry stood there quietly listening to everything that was being said.
Ragnok bowed and said "I find it highly unusual as Griphook is a young Goblin and has not earned a higher position in our organization as yet but it shall be as you say." He punched a button on his desk and summoned Griphook immediately.
When Griphook appeared, he bowed very low to his leaders before noticing Harry and bowing low to him as well. To the shock of all the Goblins, Harry spoke in their language "Rise my friend, your honesty and integrity during our previous meeting has led me to ask for you and make a special request."
"Anything My Lord."
....
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