Inheritance

Approaching Christmas

November turned into December without much trouble. Thunderstorms turned to snow and soon the grounds was covered in a thick white blanket. Students" thoughts turned to the upcoming Holidays as teachers tried in vain to keep their students attention focused.

At this time the sign up sheet went around asking students if they were staying or going home. It came as a surprise to everyone when Harry signed that he was going home when the Weasleys were staying at school this year. The big question was 'where was Harry staying?', since he obviously wasn't staying with Ron and his family.

It came as no surprise to Harry and his friends when Harry was called to the Headmaster's office after dinner that evening. With a put-upon sigh Harry made his way up to the Headmaster's office.

Nothing had changed from the last time Harry had been in the office. The paintings of former headmasters still slept on the walls and every available surface was covered in books, and parchment. Albus sat behind his desk with a calm smile on his face.

"Ah, Harry" Dumbledore greeted the young man but he did not continue with his usual offer of lemon drops.

"We both know why I'm here, Albus." Harry stated. "Let's just cut to the chase so I can get back. You want to know where I am staying for the Holidays."

"If you'd be so kind. It-"

"I will not."

Albus looked confused at this. "Will not what?"

"Be so kind. I am not telling you where I'll stay for the holidays."

"My boy..." Albus started, but trailed off from the look that Harry gave him.

"Therein lies the problem. You see me as a little boy who you can tell what to do, but I am not. I am an adult in the eyes of magic and as such the ministry also deems me so. I do not require your approval, nor do I seek it, Albus. I am not required to release any information to you regarding my whereabouts this summer, this upcoming holiday, or any other time that I am outside the Grounds of Hogwarts."

"My b- Harry, I am only looking after your safety, and the safety of those you are with."

"Then I appreciate your concern, but I believe my safety is in the fact that no one knows my whereabouts. If that is the case, tell will defeat the purpose and so I will continue to keep my own secret. Now, if there isn't anything else to say, I have things I wish to be doing. If you'll excuse me."

Albus bowed his head and Harry left, heading for Gryffindor tower.

The next few days were busy with last minute assignments and packing for those who were going home. Finally, the castle cleared out.

Ron waved his friends off then headed back to the common room. The place was empty save for Hermione, looking absolutely despondent.

"Hey Hermione." Ron greeted her sitting down.

"Oh, so you're talking to me now?" Hermione grouched.

"The only reason I wasn't talking to you was because all you'd talk about was Harry's Inheritance."

"I'm his friend! He should tell me!" she exclaimed.

"I'm his friend too, and he didn't tell me"

"But he should tell his friends!"

Ron took a deep breath. "Do you have any secrets you've kept from Harry?"

"Of course." Hermione responded. "Everyone has secrets."

"Then why can't Harry keep his secret?"

"This is too big to keep a secret!"

Ron sighed. "Hermione, I realize you arent pureblood, and this is the first Inheritance you are dealing with, but Inheritances are very private things. No one needs to be told what you gain in your Inheritance other than the fact you have gone though yours. No one, not even your friends."

Hermione was silent.

Getting off the train, Harry could feel eyes watching him. Taking a quick look around, he caught no less than three order members pretending to not look at him. Harry shook his head as he hefted his trunk into a better grip and prepared to lead the Order in a merry chaise.

Several hours later found Harry finally apperating into the Front Hall of a stately manor home. Setting his trunk down he headed down the hall, knowing the House Elves would take care of his trunk. He stopped outside the Library, the bond called to him, his mate was inside.

Harry opened the door and grinned at his mate. "Hey."

Author's Note:

Ha, cliff hanger. I intend to have the next chapter up soon, but I make no promises except that I'm not done yet