A Year at Hogwarts

chapter 12

 Dumbledore was frustrated. Thanks to him paying Hogwarts' half of Krum's compensation package, he was almost out of money and his brother Alberforth wouldn't give him any. He opened a drawer on his desk and saw a key that hadn't been used. It was the key to Harry Potter's trust vault – he took it from the Godric's Hollow house after James and Lily Potter were killed. He would borrow some money and get it back before anyone noticed. He knew that it would still be housed in British Gringotts vaults, Harry not having the authority to have any of his vaults moved until he was of age (as a Muggleborn, Aunt Sarah couldn't authorise it either). The only thing Harry could do was access it from the Australian branch. He apperated to Gringotts and walked to a teller. "I would like to withdraw some money from vault 625 please," he said, presenting the key. The goblin looked at it then gave it back. "I'm afraid I can't help you Headmaster." The goblin said. "Why not?" "Because this is the old key to Harry Potter's trust vault and you are number one on a list of people not to grant access to. If it wasn't for the fact you have charges against you forthcoming, I would have you killed for this indiscression. Now, I suggest you leave this bank." The goblin said. Dumbledore left at once.

Before the students returning home for Easter left the school, Flitwick took Harry aside. He was going to Grimmwald Place.

"Two Australian Aurors are going to be in the village and will be on hand if they are needed," Flitwick said, "It's on record that you won't be here for the holidays, but only the two of us, the Ambassador, Ms. Daniels and the Australian Aurors know where you will be."

That evening, Harry's mirror buzzed. He answered it and one of his Sydney friends appeared. "I passed the recording around. It's suggested you put the eye together underwater." she said. "Thanks!" Harry replied. He went into the bathroom, filled the bath and put the eyes together, then put his head underwater. A singing voice could be heard. Come Seek Us Where our Voices Sound For We Have, the Triwizard Cup, An Hour Long, You Have to Seek, To Recover the Sacred Cup, and Become the Triwizard Champion "That says it all," Harry said to himself, "The Triwizard Cup is going to be at the bottom of the Black Lake, you'll have an hour to reach it and become the Champion." "That's going to be harder than I thought." Harry thought, "I can't go into salt water – it'll hamper the recovery of my leg." An hour later, Harry got his mirror out and called Aunt Sarah. "Enjoying yourself at your godfather's house Harry?" she teased. "Yes, but I've found out what the final task involves – I have to go into the Black Lake to recover the Triwizard Cup, but it's salt water and I can't go in." Harry replied. "What do you need?" Aunt Sarah asked. "Can you go to my Healer and get a note explaining that salt water is hazardous to my recovery please?" asked Harry. "I'll get it sorted out as soon as possible." Aunt Sarah promised.

Some parents were visiting Headmistress Daniels in the Leaky Cauldron a few days later. "So, you would like to transfer your children to the Sydney Academy?" she asked, "Considering the way Albus Dumbledore allows things to happen, I can't see why not. If you give me full details on their marks and classes, I'll see about getting them admitted next year." The same parents also visited Ambassador Ramsey who promised to arrange student visas for the people in question.

On the last day of the holidays, Harry visited the Burrow. He was engulfed by a Molly Weasley bear-hug. "If I don't see you before I go," Harry said, "I want to thank you for helping me. I'm sure if Dumbledore hadn't suggested I stay with you, I would be in Azkaban now." "You're welcome Harry." She said, "I hope you come back and visit some day."

Three weeks later, Hedwig flew into the Great Hall and dropped two letters in front of Harry. He picked it up and after the magic in the letter detected it was him, it allowed him to open it. "Anything good?" Marianne asked (she was sitting opposite him). "Just news from the Academy.." Harry began before Marianne snatched it from his hand and read it.