Who'll Fill a Coward's Grave? ↣ Harmione

Chapter Eleven

Chapter 11 - There's no Place like Home!

They walked into Gringotts in a tight group. Hermione was on Harry's right arm, clasping his hand with their fingers intertwined. Emma was on his left, her hand supportively placed on Harry's shoulder. Sirius led them into the building while Remus was surreptitiously watching their backs. Kingsley had arranged a guard of Phoenix Officers, guards who picked them up the moment they entered the Leaky Cauldron. The Officers then escorted the group to the very steps of Gringotts. All knew who was paying their wages, and none missed the irony that, in their former jobs, they had been tasked with hunting down Sirius Black.

Bill's offer of help with today had been gladly accepted, he waited inside the bank to greet them. Albus also offered but, since he held no sway over the goblins, his offer was politely declined.

While Sirius was shaking Bill's hand in greeting, he was still half expecting the headmaster to turn up and try to poke his nose in. Bill led their party through to an opulent meeting room where their contact was already waiting on them. The goblin, impeccably dressed in a three piece suit that any Savile Row tailor would be proud to put their brand on, introduced himself as Barchoke. The amenable Barchoke then indicated he was here to answer all their questions.

Giving them a more detailed outline of the ritual saw Harry's face gradually turn bright red as Barchoke broke the news that, as the ritual involved the painting of blood runes on his skin, he would need to be naked for the entire ritual. Hermione's was soon even redder as Barchoke said the three people closest to Harry should act as anchors to keep his spirit grounded to his body and provide loving support.

Hermione might have been red but her jaw was set with a determination that indicated she was certainly going to be one of the three. Seeing this clearly displayed in the young witch's demeanour, the goblin turned his attention to Sirius for a moment.

"Are these two betrothed? I only ask because it's easy to see the affection they already have for each other. Making that official could help with this ritual. It certainly couldn't harm his chances any."

After hearing that, Harry was frightened to even glance at Hermione. She reached and lifted his chin until he was looking into her eyes from mere inches.

"For me, Harry, this was never a casual fling. Neither of us go in for that kind of frivolous relationship where we're only out for a bit of fun. If you're as serious about me as I am about you, and want to ask a particular question, I'll give you a helping hand. My answer will be yes, Harry."

Their foreheads were now resting on each others, no questions or answers needed. They would have kissed but were unsure of goblin customs, they couldn't afford to offend anyone today. Hermione's head then shifted as her gaze locked on Emma. "Mum, if this helps Harry by even one percent, you know I've got to do it. We are so not losing him, not if we can help Harry win."

Emma had sworn to herself she wouldn't cry today. They needed her strong, but it was now going to be a close-run thing. Smiling at them both, she nodded her agreement to Hermione's wishes.

Barchoke then had some bad news for them. "If something goes wrong during the cleansing ritual, and Riddle manages some control over Harry here, Harry won't be leaving Gringotts until we can reverse that possession. This part is totally non negotiable and must be agreed upon before we can go any further."

While not exactly stated what would happen if that possession couldn't be reversed, all there understood the terrible implication for Harry. Both ladies felt Harry slump against them at hearing that news. They were surprised though to see the look of relief on Harry's face.

"Barchoke, thank you so much for that. Me hurting someone in this room because of being possessed was easily my greatest fear. Taking that fear away means I can give beating this arse everything I've got."