Previously on "The Vanishing Cabinet of Time"...
Harry nodded. "You said there are other important documents. What are they?"
A wide grin crossed Ragnok's mouth, and he rummaged through the box, then pulled out three pieces of parchment.
"These three documents, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "were created when you were barely one year old. They were collaborated between your parents and three other families. These three documents, Lord Potter... are Betrothal Contracts."
Harry heard a sharp gasp beside him and saw Hermione cover her mouth with her hand. Her eyes grew misty and Harry could tell she wasn't exactly happy about this.
"Betrothal Contract," Harry echoed, "But – isn't that –?"
"A marriage contract, Harry," Hermione said.
"But that doesn't make sense," Harry said, "Three Betrothal Contracts. Am I expected marry three girls?"
"Yes," Ragnok said, "I can see that which your mind is focused on. Whilst Polygamy is frowned upon in the Muggle World, it is perfectly legal for a wizard to marry more than one witch. It is rare, but it happens, mostly due to the extinction of family lines, in order to produce offspring – several children from one male. So you could marry these three witches... and... well, I am going to take a guess and say you two are romantically involved?"
Harry and Hermione nodded.
"I thought as much," Ragnok said, "It is easy to see from your emotions, Miss Granger. However, you'll be happy to know that, if it ever comes down to that point, he could marry you along with these three girls he is betrothed to, and it would be perfectly legal."
"Maybe in the wizarding world," Hermione muttered, "I don't know how my parents would like it."
"You're fourteen, Hermione, remember," Harry said, "I'm thirteen. We have three or four years before we have to think about things like that."
Hermione's eyes widened and she nodded. It seems in her shock at this news, she temporarily forgot she was fourteen again.
"The same would go for these three girls you are betrothed to," Ragnok said. "At the moment they are merely your intended. Once this meeting is over, I am going to send notices to the girls' parents and guardians notifying them that the contracts are active. It is the bank's policy, as is the policy of your Ministry. However, I am sure that they will agree that marriage isn't something to think about until you are of legal age. For now, I would suggest you treat them as friends, and if Miss Granger allows, perhaps additional girlfriends in the future."
Harry cleared his throat. "I think that is something Hermione and I will discuss later. May I see who my betrothed are?"
Ragnok smiled and pushed the three pieces of parchment across the table. Harry picked them up and looked through them. The first read:
Boy:
Name: Harry James Potter
DOB: 31 July, 1980
Parents: James and Lily Potter (both parents deceased)
Girl:
Name: Susan Amelia Bones
DOB: March 26th, 1980
Parents: Edgar and Cynthia Bones (both parents deceased)
Guardian: Amelia Susan Bones
Harry raised his eyebrows. In the old timeline, he had known Susan through Dumbledore's Army. Obviously that hadn't happened in this timeline yet, so outside of classes, Susan didn't know him very well. But a Betrothal like this would offer connections to Madam Bones, which would offer a lot in the future when it came to laws and politics.
He then moved to the next piece of parchment and read the second. Under his name, date of birth and names of his parents, his next Betrothed's name was shown.
Girl:
Name: Daphne Illiana Greengrass
DOB: 25 February, 1980
Parents: Castor and Illiana Greengrass
Harry grimaced. The only thing he knew about Daphne Greengrass was that she was a Slytherin in his year. He didn't exactly have the best history with the Slytherin House. He vaguely recalled that she was blonde and admittedly rather attractive, even at her present age. But he knew nothing else about her, including her personality. He hoped she wasn't another Pansy Parkinson.
He moved to the third piece of parchment. Under his name, read the third name which surprised him.
Girl:
Name: Luna Pandora Lovegood
DOB: 18 December, 1980
Parents: Xenophilius and Pandora Lovegood (mother deceased)
He was well associated with Luna in the old timeline, and he certainly wanted to become her friend. Becoming close to her would help her in many ways. Harry recalled hearing stories from her about when she had been bullied by other students. Harry knew that he and Hermione would be able to help her.
Harry looked at Hermione, who was looking at him with questioning eyebrows.
"Susan Bones, Daphne Greengrass, and Luna Lovegood," Harry said.
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Well, it could have been so much worse."
"Mr. Potter," Ragnok said, "It is interesting to note that the names of all three of your Betrothed have a connection amongst themselves. Have you been educated in the history of the Great Alliance?"
"No, sir," Harry said; he looked at Hermione, who looked just as confused.
"The Great Alliance was the coined title for a group of families," Ragnok said, "all of whom had seats on the Wizengamot. The Great Alliance was formed in the late sixties, and existed throughout the seventies. Your Grandfather, Charlus Potter, was the founder of it. Whilst every single member of the Wizengamot has the opportunity to vote during criminal trials, only a small number of Families can vote during the official council meetings. All of these Families are labeled Ancient, Noble, or the combined Ancient and Most Noble Families. The Great Alliance made up forty-percent of the votes. Now, what you must understand is, most alliances are small, maybe ten-to-twenty percent of the votes with each Alliance. So the fact that the Great Alliance was made up of forty percent of the Vote was historic. Any vote they wanted passed was usually passed, any vote they wanted to fall, usually failed."
"Which families were in the Alliance?" Harry asked.
"Potter, of course," Ragnok said, "Longbottom, Bones, Abbot, Boot, MacMillans and Greengrass were those who are Ancient, Noble or both. Patil and Lovegood were the Minor Houses, and while they didn't get any official vote, their opinion was still heard and cherished."
"All of those names – aside from Lovegood – have children who are classmates of mine," Harry said.
"If you had grown up with your parents," Ragnok said, "or with those wizarding guardians suggested in your will, I suspect you would have grown up knowing all of those classmates to the point of becoming friends. The parents and guardians would have wanted this, to ensure that the Great Alliance continued on with their children."
"Most of those families are in the Light Alliance, aren't they?" Hermione asked, "Aside from Greengrass."
"Indeed," Ragnok said, "The Greengrass family is Neutral or Grey. Now, the Great Alliance took a hard hit with the death of your grandfather. James was focused on the war, and his growing family. He had no plans to get into the political world until the war was over. The elder Lord Boot, a prominent member of the Alliance, and an old friend of Charlus', was murdered, a month after the death of your grandfather. Then Madam Bones' brother, Edgar, his wife – your betrothed Susan's parents - and Susan's grandparents were murdered, leaving young Susan the ward of Amelia. After James and Lily were murdered, and Frank and Alice Longbottom attacked, the rest of the Alliance became afraid, believing they were being targeted. By the Solstice Session, the December following your parents' deaths, the Great Alliance was all but finished."
"So... what does this have to do with Betrothal Contracts?" Harry asked.
"Your father knew he might not survive the war," Ragnok said, "But he hoped that you would live to be old enough to continue your grandfather's legacy. He knew that you would need help with it, so he started talking to the families in the Alliance. Betrothing you to these girls ensured that you would continue the legacy with them and their families. Now, when it comes to Betrothals, it also brings us to your Inheritance – specifically your titles as Lord Potter and Lord Peverell. In order to continue these bloodlines, two of your future wives must become Lady Potter and Lady Peverell respectively. Therein lies the problem. Susan Bones and Luna Lovegood are the last of their name. They'll likely take the Line Continuance Option and keep their name. Daphne Greengrass has a younger sister, who might take the Line Continuance Option instead. So Daphne could be Lady Potter or Lady Peverell. And the other title of Lady could go to a fourth wife."
Harry felt his cheeks grow warm as he saw Ragnok's eyes slide to Hermione when he said "fourth wife". Harry turned to Hermione who was staring at her lap and blushing profusely.
"But that can wait for a future discussion," Ragnok said, "Though when it comes to your Betrothed, I think you should plan on meeting their parents and guardians soon to discuss the Contracts. If I were you, I'd also think of finding an adult to represent you on your side of the Contract. Even though you will be Emancipated, an adult might have far more knowledge about these things."
"Okay," Harry said. "Speaking of Emancipation. Can I go through that now?"
"That would be a good idea," Ragnok said, "However, there is something I'd like to discuss when it comes to that. Forgive me, but something tells me you would prefer if Miss Granger goes through the same thing."
"My parents are alive and I am happy with them," Hermione said, "I have no issues with that."
"Ah, but you spoke of your dislike and distrust toward Albus Dumbledore," Ragnok said, "As you are a Muggleborn, Albus Dumbledore is your Magical Guardian because he is your Headmaster."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Um... yeah, I'd prefer if that changed."
"There is another way, Miss Granger," Ragnok said, "You would not be Emancipated technically. Once Lord Potter is Emancipated, he can take you into his House as a Vassal."
"But... a Vassal means servitude in return for protection!" Hermione said.
"You're thinking about it too much," Ragnok said, "By definition and technicality, it certainly does mean that. But I doubt Lord Potter would define it as such when it comes to you. You are his mate, Miss Granger, after all."
Hermione and Harry both blushed at the term – but Harry figured 'girlfriend' wasn't in their vocabulary. Mate just sounded so permanent. True, Harry would love if his relationship with her was permanent, but it sounded strange right now.
"I'd offer protection without servitude," Harry said.
"The Vassal Ritual would not expect servitude if that is something Lord Potter prefers, Miss Granger," Ragnok said, "As his Vassal, you would be protected through his House. This means that if someone tries to control or manipulate you, Lord Potter can step in. Also, if someone were to challenge Harry to an official duel, they cannot make you the so-called 'spoils of their victory', which has been known to happen in the past."
Harry's eyes widened and he leaned over to Hermione and whispered in her ear: "The Second Task. Dumbledore would not be able to put you on the bottom of the lake."
Hermione backed away and looked at him with a smile.
"Also," Ragnok said, "If Lord Potter gives his permission, the Trace would be removed from your person."
"Do it," Hermione said.
"I agree," Harry said, "What do we do?"
"First, you must go through the Emancipation Process," Ragnok said.
Ragnok smiled and snapped his fingers. A piece of parchment and a Blood Quill appeared in Harry. As Harry read the top of the parchment, he realized it was an official Emancipation Form.
"Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "Once you sign this, you will be officially Emancipated, as was requested in your parents' Will. After signing, simply tap the parchment with your wand, and the Trace will be removed from your person. Once you sign, you will no longer need a Guardian. However, a Mentor is suggested, in the event you need someone to pose as your guardian in the Muggle World. I am to inform you that if you find yourself the defendant in a criminal trial, you will be tried as an adult because of your Emancipation."
"Does that mean the Ministry will know about my Emancipation?" Harry asked – if this was true, he knew Dumbledore would discover such things sooner rather than later.
"Only if you are arrested for a crime," Ragnok said. "Otherwise, the information is kept locked up tight in the Hall of Records. However, their daily updated list – which summarizes births, deaths, weddings and betrothals – will not show Emancipation."
"So... my betrothals to Susan, Daphne and Luna will be public knowledge?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Ragnok sighed.
Harry sighed. If this Vassalage worked, he figured he might have to offer the same to his betrothed, to protect them from Dumbledore and others.
"Do you wish to complete this process?" Ragnok asked, "If so, know that it is irreversible."
"I am ready, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said.
"Then sign the parchment on the dotted line with the blood quill," Ragnok said, "and tap it with your wand."
Even though he was quite wary of blood quills, he knew it must be done. He picked up the quill and proceeded to sign his name on the dotted line. His name appeared on the back of his hand in blood for a mere moment, before the cut was healed. He then felt a sense of warmth move through his body. He knew it was the magic of the Emancipation process doing its work. Harry then proceeded to tap his wand on the parchment. The tip of his wand shone in a blood-red light, then the light vanished.
"Congratulations, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, as he vanished the piece of parchment, "You are now considered an Emancipated adult, and your person is now removed of the Trace."
"Brilliant," Harry breathed.
"As for the Vassalage Ritual," Ragnok said, "Simply think of the Ritual in your mind, and your Signet Ring should speak the words to you. First you must touch the tip of your wand with Miss Granger's."
Harry turned to Hermione and they connected wand tips. Harry then heard the ritual's words in his head and he repeated them out loud to Hermione.
"Hermione Jean Granger," Harry said, "Do you, from this day forward, accept the title of Vassal of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter?"
"I do," Hermione said.
"I, Harry James Potter, Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter," Harry said, "do accept Hermione Jean Granger as the Vassal of the House of Potter. In return for proper servitude as I see fit, I offer protection of my House. I vow to defend you from my enemies and opposition with all my power. As Vassal of my House, I remove the Trace from your person so you may serve my House properly as I see fit. So mote it be!"
At once, a golden orb of light surrounded the tip of their wands, then moved down toward their arms. Harry's eyes fluttered as he felt warmth engulf him. He relaxed back in his chair as he inhaled and exhaled deep gulps of breath.
"Congratulations, Hermione Granger, Vassal of the House of Potter," Ragnok said, "I do believe the Trace is now removed from your person."
"Brilliant," Hermione said.
"I do believe that is all I wished to discuss with you," Ragnok said, "Do you have any other issues or questions?"
Harry looked at Hermione and she nodded. Then he turned back to Ragnok. "There is something else, sir. Something that has to do with my scar, and a travesty inside your hallowed halls."
"I assume it has to do with the traces of Dark Magic I detected when you walked into this room?" Ragnok asked.
"Er... I would assume so," Harry said, "I believe I have a Horcrux in my scar – and that it was forced onto me either accidentally or intentionally by Voldemort on that tragic evening my parents died."
"I see," Ragnok said, "And I would assume that you heard we Goblins have the ability and means to remove it?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said. "There is something else too. Voldemort created several other Horcruxes. Possibly six or seven. I might have destroyed one last year in the Chamber of Secrets."
"I heard rumors of that incident," Ragnok said, "I would like to hear the whole tale, Lord Potter."
Harry did his best to give the story of the incident in the Chamber of Secrets. Ragnok looked highly impressed.
"A tale worthy of one of our greatest Goblin Warriors," Ragnok said, "How large would you say the Basilisk was?"
"Er... fifty or sixty feet... maybe?" Harry guessed.
"A carcass that size would amass quite the fortune," Ragnok said.
"Hermione and I wondered if the Goblins of Gringotts might like to assist us in harvesting the creature," Harry said, "We heard Goblins consider the meat a delicacy."
"Indeed," Ragnok said, "A carcass that size would serve several feasts."
"The entrance into the Chamber of Secrets requires a Parselmouth," Harry said, "Due to the Horcrux inside me, I am a Parselmouth."
"But only whilst the Horcrux is inside you," Ragnok said, "I see."
"Yes, sir," Harry said, "I need to get back into the Chamber to obtain the Basilisk's venom in order to destroy any Horcruxes we uncover."
"When does your school term finish?" Ragnok asked.
"Er... tomorrow is Friday," Hermione said, "The Saturday after next."
"Excellent," Ragnok said, "I will contact you before you leave Hogwarts, and inform you of a time myself and a team of experts will come to Hogwarts and harvest the Basilisk. Don't worry about the Headmaster. We will be able to deal with him when it comes to the ownership of the Basilisk. Once that is finished, we can get rid of the Dark magic in your scar. Simply return here when term is over and our Healers will remove the Horcrux from your person."
"Thanks," Harry said.
"Now, what is this so-called 'travesty' in my bank?" Ragnok asked.
"I have reason to believe Voldemort or one of his Death Eaters placed a Horcrux in one of your Vaults," Harry said, "I – er – don't know which one, but I'll assume it is a Death Eater in his high circle. Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange, someone up there. Lucius owned the diary Horcrux before he gave it to Ginny Weasley."
Ragnok frowned as his eyebrows narrowed. "I think it is a good assumption that there is one here. After all, this is the most well-protected building in Great Britain. I will put together a team to search for it. If a vile piece of Dark magic is here, we should be able to find it before the weekend is out. Do you have any clue what we may be looking for?"
"A Hogwarts Founder's Artifact," Harry said, "If it is Hufflepuff, then it has a badger on it, and so on and so forth."
"That will make it easier to find," Ragnok said, "I thank you. I assume that is all you wish to speak to me about such things?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
"Very well," Ragnok said, "there is one more thing we could do before our meeting ends. Because you are Emancipated now, you are legally of age. Which means that your Family Vault is open to you. Do you have your key to your Trust Vault?"
Harry frowned. "I think Dumbledore is in possession of it."
Ragnok harrumphed. "Of course he is. No matter."
He snapped his fingers and a large gold brick appeared on the table, as well as the Blood Blade that Harry had used for the Inheritance Ritual.
"Prick your finger and let a few droplets of blood drip onto this brick," Ragnok said.
Harry did as was told and winced as he cut his finger. As the crimson droplets of blood pooled onto the brick, they sunk beneath its surface, as if the brick was liquid. Then a key formed out of solid gold, much like the brick, and appeared on top of the brick.
"This key will open any of your Vaults," Ragnok said, "And it will only open for you, since you are currently the last of your bloodline. The other key will be useless. Five Galleons will be removed from your Vault for the fee of the key, but that shouldn't be a problem to pay."
"No, sir," Harry said, remembering the obscenely large number he had seen in his parents' Will.
"Do you wish to visit your Vault?" Ragnok asked, "Miss Granger may accompany you."
"I think I'll save that for my next visit, sir," Harry said. "Though I do need some Galleons."
"Ah, I have answer for that," Ragnok said; he snapped his fingers and a plastic square appeared in front of Harry. "This is a Gringotts Credit Card. Much like a Muggle Credit Card, it can be used to pay for your purchases. The card will work at any and all wizarding and Muggle stores, and when you make a purchase, the money will disappear from your Vault."
"That is quite handy," Harry said, "Thank you."
"Because you have access to the Potter Family Vault," Ragnok said, "do you wish to empty your Trust Vault into the main Vault? The Trust Vault would stay in your possession for later usage if so."
"I think it would be best if you keep it active," Hermione said, "Someone like Dumbledore or Molly may not be able to get into it anymore, but they might still know about it. Since that Vault is active, they wouldn't realize the main Vault is active as well."
"Which means further delay before they discover I am Emancipated," Harry said.
"Indeed," Hermione said.
"I'll keep my Trust Vault active, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said.
"Very well," Ragnok said, "I think that concludes this meeting. As a reminder, your Betrothed's parents will receive notifications that the contracts are active. Also, remember to look for a letter from me about my visit concerning the Basilisk. I might also let you know about the Horcrux we may or may not find here."
"Thank you, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said, "This means a lot to me. You honor me."
"The honor is mine," Ragnok said, "The Potter House has been friends with me and my family for a long time. I was eagerly waiting to meet you."
"I hope s uch friendship remains as is for a long time," Harry said.
"I think that is assured, Lord Potter," Ragnok said.
Ragnok snapped his fingers and the documents returned to the box, then the box disappeared. Harry picked up his key and Credit card and stood up. Ragnok gave the couple permission to return to their disguises, and Hermione quickly did her work on Harry and herself. Then they followed Ragnok out of the room. As they passed an odd-looking Grandfather clock, Harry glanced at the time.
"It is nearly two-thirty," Harry said to Hermione, "We have a little over five hours before we need to return. Plenty of time. I think I'd like to treat my girlfriend to lunch and a date in Diagon Alley."
Hermione smiled and blushed. "I think that is an excellent idea."
Fifteen minutes they were seated at a table in the Leaky Cauldron, and had just ordered two specials – BLTs chips and a butterbeer – from Tom, who said the meal would be ready in ten minutes or less. After Tom left, Harry applied a Muffliato Charm around the table to assure privacy.
"I think we have much to discuss," Harry said, "Shall we start with the Betrothal Contracts?"
"I guess," Hermione said, with a small voice.
"First off," Harry said, "Let me assure you. If I could prevent this somehow, I'd do it. I love you, Hermione. I wish I would have known that back when we really were in our third year. This time around, it gives us that time we missed."
Hermione smiled. "I love you too, Harry. And I'm not upset at you because of these Betrothal Contracts. I'm upset with Dumbledore. You should have learned about these Contracts long ago."
"Do you think Susan, Daphne and Luna already know about the Contracts?" Harry asked.
"I doubt it," Hermione said, shaking her head, "They would have told you if they did. Maybe Susan knew, since she would have become Head of her House after Amelia died. I don't know. Maybe they were waiting until the war was over. After all, nobody knew whether they were going to live or die before the war was over."
"True," Harry said, "How do you feel about all of this?"
"It will be awkward," Hermione said, shrugging. "I mean these girls are technically your fiancees now."
"Right now, I'd be okay if they were just my friends," Harry said, "But you're my girlfriend, Hermione. I don't see that changing. Do you?"
Hermione shook her head. "Aside from the obvious fact that I am technically, in my mind, about four or five years older than the other boys in our school year, I don't see myself falling in love with anyone else but you."
"Ugh, thanks for reminding me," Harry said, "It will feel weird with the girls."
Hermione giggled, then cleared her throat. "What I guess I am trying to say is this: if it comes to us getting married in the future, I suppose I would be fine being one of four wives. I do want to help you have a big family."
"We're thirteen and fourteen at the moment, Hermione," Harry said, "For now, we're in a long-term dating relationship."
"Very long term," Hermione said, "Harry? Since you're Emancipated and you no longer have to live with the Dursleys, where are you going to live?"
Harry frowned. "Haven't really thought about it yet. I hope Sirius will be free by the time the school term ends. Meeting Amelia soon enough would help a lot toward that, especially due to the whole 'Godfather Ritual' that was mentioned in the Will. However, I'm not exactly sure I want Sirius living at Grimmauld Place. The Will did mention residences. I could explore those this summer, I guess."
"The reason I am asking," Hermione said, "is because I am going to write to my parents and tell them you're my boyfriend. I'm also going to ask them if you can stay as a guest for a few days."
"I can easily see them objecting to that, Hermione," Harry said.
Hermione grimaced. "So can I. But I think I can convince them. I'm sure they'd want to meet my new boyfriend, even though I do remember talking to them a lot about you. I'm sure I could assure them that we won't do anything but innocent snogging." Hermione sighed. "The truth is... I am scared to see them. I can't tell them what is going on with me right now. I just can't do it. Also... you and I have a mission we're on. We need to learn Occlumency and – well, this next year is going to be crucial when it comes to Voldemort. We can't waste any time. What I'm trying to say is... if my parents don't allow you to stay for at least a few days, I'll just run away and go wherever you go."
"Are you sure, Hermione?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded. "I had to do it for the Horcrux Hunt. And this is just as crucial as that was. Yes, I am quite sure."
"I'll figure out what is going on with the residences listed on the Will," Harry said, "The one in Godric's Hollow won't be liveable, of course, but there is the Manor in Northampton and two in France."
"That vacation beach house in La Rochelle sounds lovely," Hermione said, "I'd love to visit that."
"Then I will look into that first," Harry said, "I'll see if Sirius and Remus know about it. Oh, hell... Remus."
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Snape outs him as a werewolf tomorrow," Harry said. "Remus resigns and leaves Hogwarts tomorrow."
"The Defense position is cursed," Hermione said, "Even if we could stop Snape from outing Remus, something else would happen. Something worse, maybe."
"True," Harry said, "Still, it is rather unfair. We need to do something about Snape. I can't put up with him for another four years."
"I actually agree with you," Hermione said. "Besides, Horace Slughorn was a far better Professor. We could include Snape in our plot to destroy Dumbledore. Two birds with one stone."
"I did tell you that you look sexy when plotting, right?" Harry asked.
"You mentioned it," Hermione said, grinning.
Tom returned and Harry waved his wand under the table, lifting the Muffliato enchantment. Once Tom served their meals, and Harry paid for it, Tom left again. Then Harry reapplied the enchantments.
Harry started in on his BLT and grinned at the taste. "Feels like forever since I've had good food like this. How long has it been since we had that food Aberforth gave us?"
"Technically, nearly four years," Hermione said, with a smirk.
"No wonder I'm hungry," Harry said, laughing.
Hermione giggled and bit into her sandwich. She swallowed and looked at it.
"Harry?" she said, "We need to discuss what is happening tonight before we go in head first. We have to be really careful tonight. Aside from the fact that we can't be seen, a lot rests on what happens tonight. I mean, we could do exactly what we did last time, but -"
"But I don't recall exactly what we did last time," Harry said, "Do you?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Hey," Harry said, "Do you reckon Diagon Alley or Knockturn Alley has a Pensieve for sell somewhere?"
Hermione's eyes widened. "Why didn't I think of that? We could view the memories of both the original events and the events when we went back in time. If we can find one, and we return to Hogwarts, we can study our memories for a couple hours."
"Then that is what we'll do," Harry said.
Hermione agreed, and the pair continued to eat while discussing what they could remember about the events which would take place that evening.. When they finished their meal, they returned to Diagon Alley. Their first stop was Flourish and Blott's, where Hermione picked up a couple books about Occlumency and Legilimency, as well as book on official Lord and Lady duties, for Harry. Then they found a Pensieve in an odds-and-ends type store in Knockturn Alley. The price was rather steep, but the store owner promised a full refund with interest if the Pensieve failed to work.
When they finished their shopping, they found an Apparation-safe area, and returned to Hogsmeade via Side-Along Apparation.