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Chapter 35 - Preparations-

The few months leading into the holidays went according to plan, well almost. Harry did get his share of normalcy, although for Harry Potter, normal just doesn't fit anymore, a sad reality that Harry had to face. Case in point, Halloween. Every year good ol Tommy Boy without a doubt, always strikes on Halloween. A little reminder of what he tried to accomplish all those years ago. This year was no different. Once again Riddle attacked Daigon Alley, although the resistance arrived quickly, and the loss of life was low, there were still losses.

Several shops were ruined, a few were completely destroyed, curiously, the Twins Joke Shop was left alone. Whiplock had a team of Goblins at the ready that poured out from Gringotts like a tidal wave. The Resistance Rebels, the group of fighters loyal to the cause led by the Perkins Brothers, also showed up quickly and trapped most of the remaining Death Eaters between them and the Goblins. Whiplock had a team of Goblins dedicated to warding that would set up wards preventing leaving by magical means. Harry suggested that from examples of Death Eater attacks. Many Death Eaters were so dependent on fighting dirty, hitting hard against innocent people who don't fight back, then leaving before anyone actually does attempt to fight. The look on their faces when they pull their portkey and nothing happens, priceless.

Riddle lost almost fifty Death Eaters on that raid, making it far from successful. To add insult to injury, the public opinion of Harry Potter was through the roof. Harry had been quoted in the papers on several different occasions on how to be better prepared. He had also taken a little heat for leading what the papers called a brutal, unlawful, renegade bunch of killers. This was mostly spearheaded by the Purists that were loyal to the Ministry way of fighting killers with stunners and were not used to anything else. But mostly the people were seeing time and time again that Harry Potter stands behind his word, that he fights for justice. The Public opinion is that Harry Potter is not afraid of Lord Voldemort or his Death Eaters, why should they be. No longer will people run screaming in terror when Death Eaters show up, now the average house wife, store clerk, or whoever, pulls their wand and fights back.

Even though Harry was not actually involved in the attacks, his name was always thrown around. Harry's popularity was growing to mega status no matter what the tabloids printed, Harry Potter was the most influential Wizard in the world. Even though Harry won't admit it, the Headmaster and Riddle knew it, painting an even bigger target on Harry's back.

Harry enlisted Hermione's help in organizing and coordinating an escape plan for Hogwarts. Led by mostly prefects, everyone was assigned various duties ranging from evacuating students to defending the castle. This was one of those win win situations for Harry. On the one side, setting up a plan for Hogwarts in case of an attack was much needed. Secondly, this was a small step in rebuilding the bridge of friendship where Hermione was concerned. Harry knew that Hermione would give it her all and make sure the plan was thoroughly thought out. Harry was happy to try and rebuild his relationships with his old friends, he even tried with Ron although it wasn't as successful. After McGonagall had announced that Katie Bell was the Quidditch Captain, Katie organized several tryout sessions to find badly needed replacements. Harry had attempted to talk to Ron to see if he was interested in trying out for the team as a chaser or Keeper maybe. Ron was under the impression that he shouldn't have to try out, he should just be put on the team. This didn't sit well with the rest of the team. Harry tried to explain that even he had to try out, so to speak. McGonagall actually had him play with Wood for a week before she made the final decision. Ron didn't know that part, in fact no one did. At the first tryout session, Ron was so busy trying to direct the movements of everyone else that he wasn't focusing enough on his own movements and got hit pretty badly by the beater tryouts. He played well enough as a chaser, he was horrible at beating, and only average at keeping. The standout of the tryout sessions was Neville as keeper. His newly found confidence this year definitely showed on the Quidditch pitch. Ron on the other hand, badmouthed Neville endlessly, saying he only made the team because of his friendship with Harry, everyone knew that was bullocks.

Even though Harry's tolerance for Ron was tested, he asked Katie to put Ron on the team and make him assistant Captain, so he could run the practice sessions with the B squad. This made Ron feel important in his own head, and made him much more bearable to be around, But Harry wouldn't include Ron in his inner group anymore. Ginny actually played outstanding as Chaser and made the starting team. Harry truly loved playing Quidditch, it was such a release for him. Gryffindor won their first game against Hufflepuff 190 - 20, Harry having found the snitch within the first fifteen minutes of the match, ended the game quickly. Gryffindor's second game was set right before the holiday against Slytherin.

Many of Harry's objectives were coming into fruition. His work with the Goblins had wielded much success. They had completed setting up a secret base of operations outside of Gringotts. Whiplock was not secure in the fact that some of his traitorous brothers knew the ins and outs of Gringotts, of course most securities had to change. This new base of operations also had several Resistance Rebels staying on site. Currently between the Perkins Rebels and Whiplock's Goblins, not to mention quite a few Werewolves. This new Rebel force was gaining in strength. The final piece was getting the Ministry to change and actually start helping fight this war. Harry had gained much influence with the Minister, and was starting to put things into motion that would strengthen the Auror Department.

It was Sunday, December 17th at Hogwarts, three days before the Quidditch match and the winter break. Harry and Neville had a meeting with Whiplock at lunchtime to finalize their plans for the journey to Potter Castle. Harry was finishing up his morning workout in Harrington One when Remus popped in for a word with Harry.

" Looking good Kid." smiled Remus as he watched the final minutes of Harry's workout routine.

" Thanks Mooney, I feel stronger than ever before." answered harry as he grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat.

" I did some research into that, ever since you depleted your core, have you ever felt truly tired?" asked Remus

" Come to think of it, no, not really." answered Harry after taking a minute to think about it.

" It is a common side effect of depleting ones core like you have, they either get weaker or stronger, but as usual, your case is quite rare. It seems that your core has almost doubled in size." confirmed Remus

" What! " replied an astonished Harry

" Whiplock mentioned to me that he has some explanation as to why that is. He will inform you later today. I wanted to see it for myself though, after watching the end of your workout, I bet you still have the energy to do it all again." smiled Remus

" I do Actually, you want to duel?" tempted Harry getting in dueling stance

" You're on Kid." replied Remus as he pulled his wand and let out a few nonverbal spells heading right for Harry. Diving to the side and rolling away from Remus, Harry let out a silent spell with his left hand as he pulled out his wand with his right hand and got off another few rapid fire banishing charms as he came out of his roll. Remus was ready and batted all the spells away before transfiguring a nearby coffee table into a rabid dog that came crashing at Harry. Harry sent a spell at the wooden dog, smashing it to pieces before sending all the debris rapidly towards Remus. Remus pulled a shield up but some pieces made it through, lodging into his right upper torso and down his leg. Remus was surprised by the hit a took and took a second to look down at his leg still holding up his shield. He never noticed Harry rapidly roll to the side of his shield and shot off a silent stunner, dropping Remus and ending their duel.

After reviving Remus, Harry helped him to his feet, with that sly grin plastered on his face.

" Wipe that stupid grin off your face, you fight unfair." pouted Remus as he dusted himself off

" Awwe, i'm sorry Mooney, but I was taught to survive, any means necessary." laughed Harry as he watched Remus' expression go from frown to smirk.

" And don't you forget it cub. You move so damn fast, it's like you apparate." said Remus as he shook his head

" Thanks Mooney, I have been putting in the time, so to speak. You should see my swordsmanship, I'm rather impressed with my progress so far with the sword. " smiled Harry as he and Remus walked to the little lounge area as Remus restored Harry's end table.

" I look forward to seeing that Harry. I wanted to inform you of our progress in regard to the cure. We have been making small successes and have been curing more and more people." smiled Remus

" That's great Remus. I knew it was wise to appoint a potion master to the task." smiled Harry

"Well, that was wise, but let's not forget who came up with the formula and how to synthesize it." beamed Remus

"Well, yeah, I just wanted to try and help, you know." said Harry

" I do know, and you have Harry. You have helped so many people. I'm so proud of the man you are becoming, I know your parents are too." smiled Remus

" Thanks Remus" whispered Harry as a comfortable silence grew.

" So, I ran into Hermione talking with Neville, is she back into the swing of things?"

" Not entirely. I'm working on that. She has set up some amazing defense strategies here at the Castle, If and when Hogwarts gets attacked, it might be the only time in recorded history that it will be attempted. I want to make sure they know attacking kids is off the table. I'm working on starting a legend much like Gringotts." smiled Harry

" Well, I'm glad you found some middle ground with Hermione, I don't need to remind you how the Headmaster can manipulate young muggleborns, she was misguided but I feel she has a good heart, if nurtured correctly." preached Remus

" Yes I know, it's just hard sometimes, when I look at her, flashes of betrayal and anger rise within me that I have to leave her company. I know she was manipulated, I will get over it soon enough." grumbled Harry

" I know you will, just give her a chance. Also, be aware of the Headmaster, he is determined to find out where you're staying during the break, he knows that you will never go back to Privet Drive." said Remus

" I have been avoiding this confrontation. I will sit down with the Headmaster before I leave, don't worry, I will be careful and I will have backup so to speak." smiled Harry

" Backup huh? What do you have planned? On second thought, it might be safer if I don't know." smiled Remus

" Wise Decision Moony" laughed Harry

" I leave on mission in a few hours, I won't be back until after you leave. Be safe on your Journey, I don't expect any trouble from old Tommy Boy, just trust your instincts and I'm sure you'll be fine." Said Remus as he stood to leave

" Thanks Moony. I can't explain the feelings I get, but I think your right. You be careful on your mission as well, and I hope it's a successful one." smiled Harry as he stood and gave Moony a manly hug.

" Don't worry about me on this mission, it's mostly a supply run, and besides, I have backup of my own." laughed Remus

" You bet your ass you do, and if you ever need more, you have the medallion." answered Harry seriously

" I have it." said Remus

" it's useless unless you use it, so if you are in trouble... use it!" commanded Harry

" I will." promised Remus as he walked to the floo and was gone.

Harry went to his Master suite in the seventh compartment, and spent some time cleaning up and getting dressed. Feeling refreshed, Harry made his way out of Harrington One and into the Sixth Year Dormitory. Glancing over at Neville's area, he noticed Neville's white trunk tag. Grabbing his Medallion, he sent a message to Neville then waited for a reply as he exited en route to the common room.

As Harry walked down the stairs, he could tell right away something was wrong. His magical aura flared outwards and he was sensing various charms and enhancements that were triggered to go off. Pausing his forward progress, he quickly assessed the situation while simultaneously springing his wand free from its holster and into his hand. After focusing on the charms, he determined that the curses were mild in manor and most likely a prank. especially with most of the charms triggered to go off when the last few steps of the stairs were stepped on. He noticed that a few of those charms looked liked the twins handiwork. He also spotted several auras hiding just on the other side of the couches. he decided, who was he to spoil the hard work of others and some senseless good fun, as long as it wasn't at his expense. He stowed away his wand and then wandlessly raised himself off the ground and gently floated over the side of the railing and safely landing in front of the fireplace.

" Awww no fair Harry."

" Yeah Mate, really bad form. How did you know something was amiss?" asked George as he and Fred came out of their hiding places with serious pouts on their faces.

" What can I say, I have many talents." laughed Harry at the sad look on their faces.

" What are you two doing here anyways?" asked Harry

" Christmas Party of course" replied Fred

" Yeah, we needed to make sure you were taking some Harry time, or was it called Happy time? " Pondered George

" No, it was Harry time, I distinctly remember Krista calling it Harry time. Although, lets not forget who suggested Horney time." smiled Fred

George paused for a second before clapping his brother on the shoulder with a silly grin.

" What are you two on about? Are you telling me that Krista said I need to take Harry Time?" said Harry

" It's your fault Harry, what did you expect when you gave everyone those medallions? You know those girls can talk." answered Fred seriously

" Yeah, not to mention what it's done to the rest of us blokes, Angelina's shrills are my new alarm clock." Replied George just as Neville came rumbling down the stairs.

Suddenly, Neville flew upwards like someone lassoed his feet to hang from the ceiling. Neville let out a whooooooop like scream as he went bungeeing up and down, flying through out the common room. When he finally slowed down, the invisible lasso let him go with one final sling, as he landed face first on the sofa with a final poof.

" Awww, we were hoping there would have been someone sitting there."' whined George as Harry and Fred busted up laughing.

" That was epic guys, I'm sure glad I did that before breakfast." smiled Neville as he lifted himself off the sofa and walked over to where the guys were still laughing.

" For a Twins prank, I'm feeling pretty lucky that a wild ride was all I got." smiled Neville

" Actually, it was multi-layered but we canceled it once we saw it was you that sprung it." Answered George

" Yeah, it would have been bloody brilliant, but we value our bullocks', still would have been awesome if Ron was the lucky individual that got caught." day dreamed Fred

" Don't worry brother, we'll make it happen." promised George

" Well, let's head down to breakfast, you guys going to join us?" asked Harry

" Nah, That's all Right." said Fred

" We were just dropping some supplies." replied George

" Win or lose, after the Match.." started Fred

" We party major." finished George

" Sounds good to me, especially after we slay Slytherin, gonna be epic." beamed Neville

" Were off Mate, back to the shop." said Fred

" Stop by if you have time after your lunch guys, we have some new products you'll want to look at." answered George

And with a few head nods, the twins ran back up the stairs and were gone.

Harry just chuckled as he and Neville made their way to the Great Hall for some breakfast where they met up with Katie, Dean, and Luna at the Gryffindor Table.

Towards the end of breakfast, as the owls were swooping in and dropping off mail, Harry noticed something out of the corner of his eye. After getting a better look, he almost thought he maybe imagined it, but he was sure he saw Draco over at the Slytherin table read a note that made him practically sick to his stomach before the letter turned to ash still in his hands. just that quick moment and then it was gone, that smug look was back on Draco's face like nothing ever happened.

Something about the whole thing was just unsettling. Harry decided he was going to put a team on Draco, twenty-four seven, he was up to something, and based on that look, whatever it was, it wasn't good.

Katie broke Harry out of his musings over the Malfoy heir.

" I heard the Twins were here this morning Harry?"

" Yeah, they're planning our post Slytherin party before the Holls" replied Harry

" Ohh goody, I love a Twins party." Smiled Luna

" That's not all they were doing here." Grinned Dean evilly

Harry paused to think what they were up to before he realized they told him.

" You mean delivering product?" asked Harry

" Right in one. Their vault is growing faster than Harry's popularity." Grinned Dean

" I've got to run guys, You and Nev take care this afternoon, I shouldn't let you two out of my sight without bubble wrap this close to a Slytherin game. I want you to think about the B squad substituting for you two if you guys get hurt." Scolded Katie

" I see how it is, were just quidditch Gods at your disposal, to do your evil bidding." Replied Neville mockingly hurt

"We'll be fine mommy, I promise and Neville? I'm the quidditch God." Said Harry; as he puffed out his chest proudly.

" Hey! That's my move man!" said Dean

Harry and Neville started laughing at Dean as Katie waved bye and walked away.

" Lets get to class guys, were cutting it close as it is." said Luna as she pulled the laughing boys along with her.

After morning classes, Harry and Neville made their way back towards the common room. As they both had an open period directly after lunch, they figured to have plenty of time to meet with Whiplock for lunch and then return to school.

Walking into the dorms and into Harry's trunk, Harry and Neville flooed over to Whiplocks office. As they exited and cleaned off, Whiplock addressed them.

" Right on time as usual my Lord."

Harry Chuckled as he looked around the office.

" My Lord? Are we entertaining guests I don't know about?," asked a confused Harry

Now it was Whiplock's turn to chuckle.

" I just never get tired of the look on your face when someone greets you that way."

" Yeah, yeah, Powerful Lord Potter and Chief Goblin bad ass…measly Longbottom heir here, now that those formalities have been addressed, can we move on to why were here, after all time is money." Snarled Neville

" HA! Spoken like a true Goblin Master" smiled Whiplock

" I know right, he even had the snarl down and everything" smirked Harry

Neville just shrugged while he and Harry made their way over towards Whiplocks desk and all three sat down.

" Is everything ready?" asked Harry

" It is, Rock and Kongack have set everything up and will be portkeying with your posse with six other guards, how many will be going with you?" asked Whiplock

" The less that know what we are doing the better, I was thinking of having more, but honestly, I'm not sure what I'm expecting about this trip. The unknown is leaving me a little perplexed about the whole thing." Pondered Harry

" From what Grand Dad says, there shouldn't be any dangers at all, as no one has the knowledge or the bloodline power to harm you anywhere on the island itself. So with Rock and the rest, we should be safe." Said Neville

" yes, so it will just be me and Neville, I do need to access the Potter vault to retrieve my Family armor before we head out." Announced Harry

" that wont be a problem, I will escort you myself as we continue to talk" answered Whiplock

" I'm going to stop by the Twins shop and pick up some stuff for our trip, I will meet up with you in the Lobby when your done." Said Neville

" Okay, that works, but I think Frank Narrow should visit the shop and wait for James in the Lobby. Yeah?" said Harry

" Right, of course, smart thinking." Neville smiled as everyone rose from their seats and exited Whiplocks office followed by several Guards.

As Harry and Whiplock walked towards the carts, Whiplock spoke

" What concerns me the most about this trip is the fact that I found no information on that location at all."

" I know, but my gut is telling me that's for a reason." Answered Harry

" no Harry, I mean no information at all, I've checked the records office. All the way back until even before Gringotts founding, there is nothing there, at all, its like it never existed.

" With Magic, I've learned that nothing is impossible. There must be information about it somewhere or there is someone that knows something. We haven't researched this nearly enough, I'm going to follow my family's instructions and that points towards the Callanish Stones, from there, I'm going to trust my instincts and we'll see where it goes." Said Harry with some finality

" I suppose I can't change your mind about this until I can research this further." Asked Whiplock

" No, now is the time, and from what Neville has told me, the window only opens three times a year, and now is one of them. That could be one of the reasons there is no information on this place." Answered Harry as they reached the carts and made their way down to Harry's vaults.

After Harry spent about forty minutes in his vaults, they returned to Whiplock's office, on the way, while walking in the hallway, Harry got a brief flash of fire in his mindscape. It was only a mili-second, a brief flash of conciseness, but it was enough to throw him off enough that he stumbled a step and went crashing towards the floor sideways, knocking himself and Whiplock to the ground.

Guards sprang out of nowhere, before Harry knew what was happening, Whiplock had shouted out a command and everyone froze. Raising himself off the ground, Whiplock spoke.

" Calm down everyone, are you okay Lord Potter? What Happened?"

" I….I….well….er…" Harry was lost for words, his mind was still stuck trying to process what just happened.

" Everyone, just back off and get back to your posts." Snarled Whiplock as everyone dashed away just as fast as they arrived. Whiplock looked down at the young Lord who had scooted towards the wall and was sitting hunched over with his head in his hands.

" I take no offense in that little mishap so don't beat yourself up about it on my behalf but something tells me that's not whats wrong is it?" asked Whiplock

" I am sorry Whiplock, I truly did not mean to take you down with me….but just before…" Harry faltered as he lost his train of thought.

" What happened, wait…..was this like last time, when we left the healer chamber?" asked Whiplock

That got Harry thinking even more, random thoughts were flashing in and out of his forethought. Fire, Lava, Dragons, Fire, heat, a sweaty stickiness, more fire.

Then suddenly Harry sat bolt upright as it started to come together. Like a puzzle as the pieces shifted around to form clearer pictures. He stood up as Whiplock backed away giving him space.

Harry made his way down the hallway and as he neared one of the doors, his pulde quickened.

" What's in this room" asked Harry

" Lets find out." Answered Whiplock as he moved past Harry and pushed open the door.

Harry peeked inside, he wasn't sure what he was expecting, but an average office cluttered with random boxes and various objects.

" This is some of the unclaimed objects that have been recently discovered in some of the vaults we have audited since our traitorous brothers have split from us. Most of wat we discovered was gold, but these objects will take time to fine the true owners." Said Whiplock as he shuffled around some storage boxes.

Harry walked further into the room as Whiplock was shuffling boxes around until he walked around a huge pile of boxes and suddenly froze at the sight before him. Whiplock noticing his reaction, came over to see what he was looking out and paused.

Leaning against the wall, was a giant Portrait of a grassy hill, and sitting on that hill, curled up around itself, sat a huge silver and black Dragon. Its head was pointing towards their direction, it's eyes a piercing solid blue, looked almost alive, but the portrait wasn't moving.

" With most magical portraits, they lose their magic when left in a non-magic environment for too long, we see it here at Gringotts more than most." Answered Whiplock as he moved closer to the painting and reached out for the frame, moving it slightly away from the wall. Harry was still staring at those vivid blue eyes. There were other painting also lined up against the wall behind it, none of them moving.

Harry felt a surge of heat penetrating suddenly from the dragon itself within the painting. The surprise registered on Harrys face was enough for Whiplock to look back at the first painting as he was shifting through the small stack of portraits.

Suddenly the Dragon blinked his eyes once, and it startled Whiplock enough that he dropped the painting against the wall and took a few steps back.

"That is rare, usually Portraits don't re-animate that quickly after losing their magic." Pondered Whiplock

It was slow going but the Dragon was blinking more and more and was starting to move its head and tail back and forth. Finally after several minutes, the dragon raised up and took flight. Harry and Whiplock were so entranced by the Dragon, that after it took off, it took them a second to realize that where the Dragon once laid, there was a gruffy looking man standing there with a cheeky grin plastered on his face.

"Well hello there gents, A goblin and a Wizard together, it does my heart good" smiled the gentleman with his hand over his heart in an exaggerated way.

" It feels so good to be awake, its been a while…." The man suddenly started chuckling

Harry and Whiplock just stared at the man in awe, completely bewildered.

" sorry, sorry, Where's my manners, let me introduce myself. The name's Charleston….

Charleston John Potter…..nice to meet ya!"

Silence….