A New Potter - Chapter 7

Dobby and I were gone for thirty minutes at most. The little elf wasn't so excited when we got back. Either the house was giving him bad vibes, or he wasn't happy about what I had just done. We appeared back in the study where I had been before. A new stack of books was placed on the table beside my chair with my wand on top.

I grumbled to myself as I took the wand and slid it into my wrist-holster. Just because I could feel the magic in the air and manipulate it didn't mean I was going to chuck it aside. Intuitively casting spells and shaping magic with my intent was great, but a wand made it so much easier. My plan was to take note of how charms and such flowed while using it and try to replicate the process without one. Wandless magic would be a major boon in my favor.

It wasn't until I flopped down into the chair that I realized Dobby hadn't left yet.

"What's up?" I asked the elf.

"Dobby is worried about Harry Potter," the elf absently pulled on his ears. "Dobby knows Harry Potter is in danger. Dobby wants to help."

I stared at the elf for a moment.

"I could hire you as my personal assistant," I offered.

Dobby's eyes lit up like a dog in a tennis ball factory.

"There would be terms," I cautioned before he agreed.

"Dobby accepts," the elf said before I could continue.

"Dobby," I used my stern voice. "Listen to the offer first."

Dobby nodded so vigorously that his chin clacked against his chest.

"You would still work at Hogwarts," I started to list out the conditions. "I want you to play it cool, like nothing has changed, but you'll answer to me and no one else. Well, unless I tell you otherwise."

Dobby nodded.

"How much are you getting paid at Hogwarts?" I asked.

"Seven knuts a month," Dobby replied proudly.

"That's not going to work," I shook my head. "Seven sickles a week."

"That is too much, Harry Potter sir," Dobby squeaked.

"Fine," I sighed. "I'll settle for one galleon a week."

Dobby nodded in acceptance. Considering the exchange was fifty sickles to equal one galleon, he had inadvertently taken a much higher wage. I hated to trick the little guy, but he was worth even more. Still, one coin a week sounded less than seven. Dobby was getting paid the equivalent of a low-level Ministry job with this agreement.

The monetary system wasn't nearly as complicated than it had been explained in the books. One hundred knuts per sickle, fifty sickles for a galleon. Very rarely, there was a platinum option called a Mark that was worth one hundred galleons, but they weren't in rotation and were only used for ceremonial events like awarding an Order of Merlin. Normally, only the goblins had enough good on hand to make the coin usable.

"For you first task," I said. "I want you to gather up all of my possessions from the Dursley house and pack them in my new trunk for me to go through later. Throw away the clothes, aside from my school uniforms. I trust your judgement on the food." I paused. "Feel free to grab anything that catches your interest too. They aren't going to need it anymore."

Dobby popped away, leaving me alone in the study once more. I busied myself going through the stack of books that had been set out for me. It wasn't until Ron tracked me down for dinner that I realized how much time had passed. Apparently, they had tried to get me to join everyone for lunch, but I had been too engrossed in the books.

Hermione gave me a smug grin when I entered the kitchen. Being the mature person I was there was only one way I could reply. I stuck my tongue out at her and took a spot on the other side of the table. Then I pestered her through the meal by bumping her feet when she looked at me. One misplaced nudge hit Ginny beside her which escalated the pestering to a table-wide conflict.

Only Molly was annoyed with our hijinks. Everyone else went to bed with bruised shins. Tonks cheated by stretching her legs.

~§~

I woke up nervous the next day. My 'plan' was fine in theory, but in practice I had my doubts. I was putting a lot of faith in Gringotts to keep the peace. The impending meeting with Voldemort had me jumpy.

"You alright there, Harry?" Tonks asked as I started to wash the dishes by hand.

"Yeah, why?" I asked.

She pointed down to my hands that were moving on autopilot. Sirius had slept through breakfast, so he wasn't there to see my nerves. I followed her motion to see that I was currently washing a plate that had been handed to me by a floating rag.

"Just needed something to keep my hands busy and my brain off," I replied shrugging. "Do you have the day off?"

"I'm on Harry Watch until eleven when Sirius takes over," she replied. "I've got the evening shift tonight on the job. It gives me just enough time to go home, take a nap, and a get a shower before I clock in."

"You could take a nap now," I offered. "I'm going back to the study to do some more reading."

"You were in there all of yesterday," she teased. "I thought Hermione was the bookish one."

"She's the academic," I corrected. "Ron is the tactician and I'm the muscle."

"You're the muscle?" Tonks chuckled.

"Want to test me?" I teased right back. "There should be a room big enough for a duel."

"A room?" Tonks raised her eyebrows. "There's a dueling ring in the basement."

"That sounds promising," I flashed her a crooked grin.

The tips of her hair briefly shifted to a red tint before she looked away. Little slips like that kept happening since I inadvertently groped her. She hadn't teased me about it either. I took that to mean she may have been interested in me.

I opened my mouth to speak only to stop. Something in the air had changed. A pleasantly warm feeling filled the room a moment before the door opened. One of the most gorgeous women I had ever seen entered the kitchen. Even in the muted light her hair shimmered. It was almost like she produced her own illumination. Memories of the previous year popped into my head in a flash. The feeling was how I experienced her Allure. I had half-expected her presence to muddle my thoughts, but she felt warm and comforting that it put me at ease. I hadn't expected to meet Fleur so soon. If my memory served, she didn't show up again until books six or seven. She and Bill were engaged by then too.

"Fleur!" I smiled at her. "What are you doing here?"

Out of the corner of my eye I could see Tonks shake her head. The half-drunk look in her eyes faded after a moment. That was an interesting bit of information I would tuck away for later. If nothing else, the two of them together would be a nice little fantasy for my next shower.

"Good morning, Harry," she returned my smile as she took a seat beside Tonks.

"No 'Arry?" I tried to imitate her accent.

"I have had English tutors since I was six," Fleur said without a hint of an accent.

"Why the accent then?" I asked.

"It slips when I'm angry," she sighed. "I use it In unfamiliar company. It's amazing what people will say around you when they think you don't understand."

"Sneaky," I winked at her.

"You look good, Harry," Fleur gave me a once-over. "New clothes?"

"No glasses too," I replied motioning to my face.

"Or scar!" Fleur hopped to her feet and hurried over to me.

She ran a finger over the faint line that now graced my forehead. I closed my eyes at her touch. The scar was still sensitive, and the contact sent a shiver down my spine. It didn't help that her scent hit me since she was so close. She smelled like sunlight, honey, and something I couldn't place.

"Oh, sorry," Fleur took a step away. "I didn't think."

"No problem," I chuckled. "What are you doing here?"

"I work at Gringotts," she explained. "And I joined the Order."

"Why?" I asked. "You couldn't wait to leave from the way you sounded last year."

Fleur shrugged. She took her spot at the table again. Tonks did her best to focus on her cup rather than gawk at the beautiful woman.

"Good morning, Nymphadora," Fleur smiled brightly at Tonks.

Tonks' eyes went a little distant at the smile. She had to clear her throat to get her voice to work again.

"Morning," Tonks finally managed to say.

"How come she gets to call you Nymphadora?" I huffed.

"What?" Tonks tilted her head in confusion.

Fleur giggled. We both watched as Tonks turned to glare at the other woman.

"That's not fair," Tonks grumbled. "She uses her Allure to whammy me so she can say that name."

"It is a beautiful name," Fleur stated. "You should be proud of it."

"You sound like my mother," Tonks mumbled.

I chuckled watching Tonks glare at Fleur while the French witch smiled sweetly back at her.

"Are you off today?" I asked Fleur.

"Yes," she replied with a nod. "I didn't feel like getting ogled by the masses, so I decided to visit. You gave everyone quite the shock."

"I'm fine," I shrugged. "Can't say the same for the Dursleys."

"I'm sorry about your family," Fleur gave me a gentle smile.

"They weren't my family, just relatives," I served her a fresh cup of coffee. "Those Dementors deserve a raise for community service."

"That's cold," Tonks winced.

"They weren't good people," I replied. "I'm not going to pretend they were just because they're dead. They would be perfectly happy if it had happened to me."

"Where are your friends?" Fleur spoke up to change the topic.

"Working on projects," I replied.

"Projects?" The two said in unison.

They shared a look and laughed.

"Hermione is going through the library to find defensive magic and Ron is avoiding her. I don't blame him. She gets intense when she's on a research drive. I don't know what Ginny and the twins are doing," I answered as I joined the two of them at the table. "Tonks and I were about to head to the dueling ring. Want to join us?"

"Sure," Fleur took a sip of her coffee and winced at the flavor. "I will have to maman send me proper coffee. Only the muggle side of your island can do a decent brew. Their 'French Roast' should be considered a violation of rights."

"We drink tea," Tonks toasted her with her cup.

"Keep your tea," I scoffed. "I'll take coffee."

Tonks shot me a look of pure betrayal. Fleur hid a smile behind her cup. It was quickly squashed when she took another sip. Her hand snapped up with her wand at the ready. I watched as she silently summoned some cream, cinnamon, and dish of sugar. She carefully measured out each one into her cup before taking a test sip. Fleur sighed, added a few more scoops of sugar, and then silently finished the rest of her drink.

"I didn't know Veela were related to hummingbirds," I teased, adding a splash of cream to my own cup.

"I have never heard that one before," Fleur deadpanned. "This is your one warning. I do not appreciate bird jokes."

"Sorry," I sighed. "You've probably heard them all."

"And more," Fleur rolled her eyes. "Finish your drinks so I can trounce you in a duel."

"Challenge accepted," I wiggled my eyebrows at her.

We finished out drinks and Tonks led us down to the dueling ring. I wish I could say that I impressed the two of them with my skills. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Harry's memories and catalogue of spells was lacking in defense. I found the ones I did know were easy to cast, but they had more experience and knowledge. The spells that I discovered yesterday weren't the type to use in a friendly duel. Plus, I hadn't used any of them before. The only thing worse than doing something dangerous was doing it wrong. That was a cataclysm in the making.

On the plus side, I was fast, my reflexes were on point, and I could cast silently. My strategy switched to dodging after the second time I was sent sprawling to the floor. Both of them could recognize and negate a stunner. Trying to disarm them was a practice in futility too. I was breathing heavily and covered in sweat by the time we were done. Sirius had come down to watch at some point. Thankfully, he didn't laugh at my multiple defeats. The expression on his face was one of the most intense I'd seen yet. Technically, we had only met yesterday, but the point still held.

"Go take a shower," Sirius said. "Meet me in the study once you're done."

I nodded and trudged up the stairs. Fleur and Tonks stopped their duel as I left. They followed us up a moment later. I could hear them discussing something, but my brain was too tired to concentrate. My body moved on autopilot. I was finishing up in the shower before my brain caught up to speed.

Sirius was waiting for me once I was dressed and dry.

"That was embarrassing," I muttered.

"Informative," Sirius countered. "We'll start practicing once we're back from the alley. There are some books and training equipment I'm going to pick up."

"Is that safe?" I shot him a startled look.

"Of course," Sirius flashed me a wry smile.

"But you didn't want to be seen," I reminded him.

"They won't see me," Sirius chuckled.

His wand appeared in his hand with a flick of the wrist. I recognized a holster when I saw it. A careful wave around his head shortened his hair and combed to the side. I took a full look at him.

I knew from my time in Diagon Alley that magical fashion was a good hundred or so years behind the muggle world. The younger generation was perfectly fine adopting more modern clothing. Adults, however, would have fit perfectly in the background of a Jane Eyre movie, except they wore robes instead of suit jackets. Sirius had chosen to go with Working Class camouflage. He would easily fit in with a crowd of Ministry workers. Before this, his clothes had been tailored to fit him, with some adjustments due to his time in Azkaban. These looked like they were picked off the rack by a man in a hurry.

"That will work?" I tried to keep the doubt out of my voice.

"Sirius Black is old news," he chuckled. "This year it's all about Dumbledore's failing mental capacity and your attention-seeking lies. Plus," he pulled a pair of square-rimmed glasses from his pocket and put them on. "My name is Gerald White."

"You're not serious," I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Exactly!" Sirius replied, a little too happily for my taste.

"Please tell me those glasses have some kind of disguise spell or something on them," I muttered.

"Nope," he replied. "Don’t worry. Gerald White is an established identity. James, Remus, and I created fake IDs in the summer after sixth year. Jimmy Clay, Randle Wolf, and Gerald White."

He smiled, lost in his memories for a moment. I did a silent count to ten before I cleared my throat.

"Right," he snapped back to the present. "Let's be off."

"What about the plan to go as Padfoot?" I asked.

"Gerald isn't an animagus," Sirius shook his head.

"Fine," I sighed. "How are we getting there?"

Sirius flashed me an evil smile. He grabbed my arm, and we popped away. My stomach lurched as we arrived on the sidewalk in an area I didn't recognize. I didn't have time to ask questions before Sirius summoned the Knight Bus. He guided me up the few stairs and into a seat before paying the attendant. Thankfully, it was between meal service, so I didn't have to worry about drinks getting dumped on me.

"I've been thinking," Sirius said.

"That's dangerous," I countered.

"I know," he flashed me another smile. "You should get a new pair of glasses."

"Why?" I raised my eyebrows in question.

"People recognize you with glasses," Sirius replied. "That means you can take them off when you need to hide. Plus, you can get them enchanted with all sorts of tricks."

It would be nice to have an alternate identity. Glasses and no glasses would be the start. A small glamour to make my scar look like it had before would be a good addition. Changing the style of my hair would help too. People see what they want to see. Harry Potter had glasses, green eyes, a scar on his forehead, and messy black hair. Everyone knew that thanks to the various pictures in the Daily Prophet.

"That's a good idea," I nodded in appreciation. "Do you know somewhere I can get enchanted glasses?"

"Of course," Sirius lounged back in his seat.

"What about another identity?" I asked.

"Now you're thinking like a Marauder," Sirius flashed me a wild smile.

~§~

Gerald White and Harold Clay stepped out of the nondescript store. It was placed between an Herbalist and a Cobbler. The door could easily be overlooked unless it was being searched for. No charms or spells were used. It was inset slightly from the wall and colored to match. The overflow from the Herbalist helped cover the door naturally. Anyone searching for privacy charms would come up empty.

I adjusted the replacement glasses on my nose. It was going to take a couple of days to grow accustomed to them. Enchanting clothing and accessories to be self-repairing and the ability to adjust to growth was standard fair. What set my glasses apart were the multiple features. The lenses worked to block Legilimency, anyone trying to read my mind would have to find a way to remove them, or hope I looked at them in the eye around the glass. Expertly applied runes meant I could see Disillusionment and invisibility cloaks. It didn't allow me to see through them, but they would appear as a humanoid shape. They were also charmed to see in the dark and detect poison. Last, but not least, she added an activation rune to apply or remove the older version of the scar on my forehead. The glamour would hold even if I took off the glasses. Only I'd need to purposely cancel the spell for it to disappear. The glasses cost more than I expected, but I wasn't going to argue. Sirius recommended the Enchantress, and I trusted his judgement on such endeavors.

We split up after that. Sirius went on his own errand while I headed to Gringotts. I steadied my nerves as I walked through the doors. The two goblin guards could have easily passed for statues rather than living beings. I spared them a brief glance as I passed. They watched me with a quiet intensity, just begging for me to step out of line.

I approached the raised desk where the first goblin worked.

"Name and business," the goblin didn't look up from their ledger.

"Harry Potter, I'm here for contract negotiations," I stated.

The goblin said something in a language more akin to a fork in a garbage disposal than actual words. Another goblin stomped over and waved for me to follow. They didn't even look back to make sure I joined them. We were in a private room in a matter of moments. There was already a goblin waiting for both parties to arrive. They looked up briefly from their ledger before they went back to ignoring me. I honestly didn't mind the terse treatment. They were fast and efficient. Sacrificing friendly banter and fake customer service smiles were well worth it.

Voldemort arrived promptly at noon. He had pale skin that was stretched tight across a skull-like face, his thin nose had snake-like slits for nostrils, red eyes with slits for pupils, and was thin to the point of being skeletal. More than all that, it was his fingers that caught my attention they boney and too long, that reminded me of a cluster of crab legs. He wore an expensive black robe that seemed to absorb the light.

I had to hold back a laugh. All this build-up to meet some monster among men, a cataclysm of magical might, and he looks like a bad cartoon villain. The flowing robe made it hard to determine the shape of his skeletal form and I wasn't sure if that was done on purpose.

"Ah, Harry," Voldemort held his arms wide as he approached. "I had hoped you would show."

"Of course, Tom," I inclined my head. "I've been looking forward to this."

His eyes narrowed at the use of his name.

"Do you mind if I call you Tom?" I asked.

"I would prefer it if you did not," he growled.

"Apologies," I flashed him a fake smile. "Are you ready to get this contract signed?"

He nodded and took a seat at the table. The goblin finally looked up from their work once I sat as well.

"Negotiation between Harry Potter and Tom Riddle, Treaty of Non-Aggression," the goblin's words sparked a line of runes to life that connected our positions.

"Lord Voldemort," Tom snapped.

"You initiated your contact with magic as Tom Riddle," the goblin replied, the boredom didn't leave his voice. "Therefore, it is the name that will form a binding contract."

That was a nice piece of information I'd file away for later.

"State your terms," the goblin ordered.

"Stop all attacks, recruiting, and subterfuge surrounding Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and the people dwelling there," I stated. "The people within those lines, and connecting pathways, are to be allowed to live without interference."

The words appeared on the table in front of me. I watched as the text drifted across the surface to rest in front of Voldemort. He read through the list and shot me a look.

"What happened to leaving you and your loved ones alone?" Voldemort sneered at me.

"We both know that wouldn't work," I rolled my eyes.

Voldemort snorted. He nodded to the goblin to continue.

"State your terms," the goblin nodded, then turned to Voldemort.

"To accept your request, I require the full prophecy and the death of Albus Dumbledore within one year," Tom stated with a gleam in his eyes. "And anyone outside of your stated territory is free game."

His words appeared on the table then floated over to me. I read through the simple statements.

"Any additions, alterations, or grievances?" The goblin didn't deem to react to the terms.

His addition was annoying, but I could work with it. I shook my head. Tom did the same.

"Standard penalty for breaking the contract will be paid with your life," the goblin stated.

"No," I said firmly. "He's shown that death is an inconvenience. I'm not going to set these terms just for him to break them and return in a couple years."

Tom leaned back in his chair. He steepled his freakish fingers as he stared at me.

"What do you suggest?" Tom practically purred.

"We swear on our magic," I replied. "If I break the contract, you get my magic. If you break the contract, I will get yours."

Tom leaned his head back and let out a mad cackle. I fought the full-body shiver the sound evoked. It wasn't all that successful judging by the shine in his eyes.

"Agreed," Tom stated. "Parading the squib Harry Potter down the center of Diagon Alley will crush what little fight remaining on this island."

"Further terms?" The goblin asked.

I read through the contract in its entirety. The safety of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in exchange for Dumbledore's life. He did think the greater good was more important than the individual.

"I agree to the terms set," I said.

"As do I," Tom added.

A needle-thin shard rose from the table in front of me. There was one in front of the goblin and Tom as well. We all provided a drop of blood. The words on the table pooled in the center. After a moment, a scroll rose from the stone. Three glowing strands floated over to the scroll as it rolled up. I felt something tug on my very being and simply knew that these were pieces of our magics. There was a brief flash of light as the trio of strands connected with the scroll.

The scroll drifted over to the goblin who snatched it from the air. They tucked it into their jacket pocket and went back to ignoring us again.

"The prophecy?" Voldemort prompted me.

"One moment," I cleared my throat. "I need to get my 'prophecy' voice ready."

The glare Tom shot me had an edge of amusement in it. I channeled my best 'wicked witch'.

"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. Either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives," I added a little cackle to the end for the hell of it.

I drew my wand and cast Lumos to prove the validity. An orb of light appeared then I canceled the spell. Tom stared at me for a long moment. A wicked smile crossed his face.

"Either must die at the hand of the other," he repeated. "Interesting."

"Have you ever heard of a self-fulfilling prophecy?" I asked.

"Yes," Tom raised a sculpted eyebrow in question.

"These would have just been words in the wind if you hadn't attacked my family," I shook my head. "We may have eventually fought, but it wouldn't be because of some damn prophecy from a drunk."

"You should be thankful," Tom shook his head. "I would already be ruling Britain if it wasn't for the prophecy. The eleven years trapped as a shade is the only reason you aren't kneeling before me."

"Are we done here?" I asked the goblin.

They waved my question away.

"I'll take my leave," I nodded to the goblin as I stood. "Tom, a pleasure as always."

"Harry," Tom stood as well. "What can I do to tempt you to join my side?"

"Stop the torture and murders, drop this Pureblood Supremacy idiocy, and admit you're a half-blood," I listed off. "After that, we'll see what else you've fucked up."

"Shame," Tom sighed. "We'll likely kill each other next time we meet."

"Any special requests for your burial?" I asked.

Tom shook his head. He strode away deeper into the bank. I hadn't expected him to go through the front doors, but I wasn't curious enough to follow him. Gringotts was its own sovereign nation. Neither of us was stupid enough to attack the other and draw the goblins ire. They would be more than happy to have a reason to start another rebellion. It did make me wonder if they would just kill me and Tom, or if they would go after all of the Death Eaters and Order of the Phoenix. Technically, I wasn't part of the Order, but it was the closest 'organization' that I could be associated with. Not even the goblins would stoop to attack Hogwarts. They may hate magical folk, but they didn't kill children.

I swung by the front desk again. Getting the Heirship ring for House Black took a grand total of five minutes. I put it on, didn't die, and signed a parchment stating that I accepted the title. It was a gaudy thing with the family crest in silver on a large black jewel and multiple thin strands of the same stone intertwined in the band. It was too big for my pinky and felt wrong on my ring finger. I settled on my middle finger on my left hand. That way it didn't interfere with my wand work.

Sirius and I met back up for some ice cream. He had a few bundles that were shrunken down for easy transportation. Their original size must have been impressive considering they were current about as big as a cinderblock.

"What's all that?" I asked.

"A surprise," Sirius replied with a glint in his eyes.

"That's not ominous," I chuckled. "Are you ready to go?"

"Ready when you are," Sirius nodded. "Did you get everything handled with the bank?"

"Yep," I held up my hand and wiggled my fingers to show off my new ring.

"You don't have to display it," Sirius held up his own hand.

An even bigger ring appeared on his index finger on his left hand. It vanished after a moment. I looked at the ring on my finger and concentrated. It disappeared from view. In fact, I didn't feel it anymore.

"Is it still there?" I wiggled my fingers.

"Technically, no," Sirius answered. "You can summon and store it with a thought. It returns to a safe location in Grimmauld Place when not in use. You'll still have the benefits, but not as strong as when you are wearing it."

"What protections?" I asked.

"It resists compulsion, obliviation, and poison," Sirius explained. "Don't rely on it too much. A powerful wizard can break through. It won't be subtle, but they can still do it."

"Good to know," I lowered my hand and focused on my treat. "We should probably get back. Everyone is going to give me hell about leaving."

"Yeah," Sirius groaned. "I hate to say, but you're right."

Sirius insisted on taking a meandering path back. I would have said he was being careful if not for the look of unrestrained glee at my discomfort. We did three quick teleports, one floo trip, and finally a long ride on the Knight Bus that dropped us in front the Three Broomsticks where we finally popped to Grimmauld. I managed to avoid throwing up. Barely.

We appeared in the study that I had been using. Unfortunately, Hermione was there with the others. I hadn't told them that I was leaving the house. They wouldn't have bought the excuse to accept the Black Heirship. Hermione would have wanted to go with us if I had told her we were gathering supplies. That would mean bringing Ron along, so he didn't pout. By extension Ginny and the twins would want to come as well.

"Harry James Potter," Hermione hopped to her feet and stormed over to me. "You have one chance to tell me, us, where you have been? We covered for you. It had better be a good reason."

"Why are you wearing glasses?" Ron asked.

"Your scar is back too," Ginny noted.

I brushed my finger along the rune cluster on the frame. My scar faded away as I took the glasses off.

"Don't worry, I made sure to take Sirius with me," I soothed her. "People expect the glasses and the scar, it will help me blend in if I can take them both off whenever I wanted."

"Harry," one twin said.
"Mister Potter," the other added.
"Our brother from another mother," the first said.
"Please, let us study those," the other begged.
"Please," they said in unison.

"I'll order a second pair for you two to poke at," I chuckled.

The cheered. It earned them a glare from Ron and Ginny. Everyone else joined in when the painting nearby started screaming. Sirius grumbled curses under his breath as he hurried out of the room to handle the remnant of his mother.

"I don't buy it," Hermione crossed her arms and studied me. "There's more to it than that."

"I'll tell you later," I said. "Once everyone is asleep. I don't want anyone to overhear us."

"There is a metamorphmagus in the house," Ginny spoke up. "She could slip in as one of us."

"Tonks works this evening," I replied shaking my head.

Hermione stood close to me. Her eyes continued to study me intently. I could see the stack of shrunken packages where Sirius had set them. Even using magic, I found it impressive that he was able to keep them all together without losing any or disturbing the shrinking charms.

"Sirius picked up some supplies," I tried to dangle another puzzle in front of her. "He didn't tell me what they were. It wasn't until after he watched me duel Fleur and Tonks that he wanted to get the stuff too."

"We will talk later," Hermione grumbled.

Hermione turned her attention to the stack of supplies. She was smart enough to know not to try to open them. No one wanted to trip anti-theft spells. They might not have as nasty of protections as the various items in the house, but they were still unpleasant.

"You dueled Tonks and Fleur?" Ron asked.

"There's a dueling ring in the basement," I replied with a nod.

"How were you able to do magic?" Hermione didn't look away from the packages.

"I'm not sure," I shrugged. "The magic hiding the house might block the trace. It wouldn't be worth anything if a simple Ministry letter could get through."

Hermione nodded. That was one possible answer. My stay in Diagon Alley proved that the trace couldn't track underage magic in an area thick with the stuff. The department wasn't going to waste time trying to figure out who used a Stunner when there were a few dozen other spells being used at the same time.

"Let's check it out," Ron suggested.

"Go on ahead," I motioned to where the entry to the basement was located. "I need to talk to Kreacher for a moment."

"Why?" Ginny scrunched her nose in disgust at the mention of the elf.

"I just need to ask him a question," I replied.

They didn't argue anymore than that. Hermione was carefully visually inspecting the packages. She hadn't moved any closer, but she was slowly circling the stack to get a look at other angles.

"Kreacher," I called.

The studious witch spared a brief glance away from the packages when the elf appeared.

"Master calls Kreacher?" The elf bowed low.

Hermione shot me a glare.

"Are there any goblin silver knives in the house?" I asked.

"Yes," Kreacher nodded. "Nine of them are currently in storage, two are in the kitchen, and one is in Lord Blacks' personal study."

"Of course there are," I rubbed a hand over my face.

"Would Master want to pick one?" Kreacher asked hopefully.

"No," I shook my head. "I already have my own."

Kreacher nodded happily.

"That will be all," I dismissed the elf.

"You're his master now?" Hermione snapped at me.

"He won't stop calling me it," I rolled my eyes. "I'm going to be downstairs. Come join us if you want."

Hermione nodded as she turned back to the stack of packages. I already knew she wouldn't be coming down until after Sirius told her what they were. She would pester him to get the information. It wasn't perfect revenge for almost making me lose my lunch, but it was a start.