The war was finally over. Seven years of Harry's life of torment and war had finally come to an end. He was free from being hunted by a lunatic terrorist. His few followers left may try and seek retribution, but that won't be for a while. They were still licking their wounds from the Battle of Hogwarts. They were probably embarrased that they got their asses kicked by a bunch of students and witches and wizards who they believed to be inferior to them. It should have been a time for Harry to enjoy and celebrate. That was not the case.
The day after the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry found himself avoiding everyone. Kingsley, the new Minister of Magic, was trying to get him to come to the Ministry so that he could be paraded around as the Savior of the World. He was not able to go anywhere without reporters from the Daily Prophet and other news outlets trying to score an exclusive interview with him. Everywhere he went, people wanted to shake his hand and hug him and thank him for saving them. There was no time for peace.
Then there were the funerals. There was going to be a large ceremony honoring those who fell during the Battle aof Hogwarts. Harry was asked to speak at it by Professor McGonagall. He felt as if he had a duty to say something. He had lost many friends in the battle. Six students had died including Lavender Brown and Colin Creavey. The Weasley family was in mouring because Fred had died as well. Then there was Remus and Tonks. The new parents died side by side during the battle, leaving their son without parents. Harry was angry at them for abandoning their son to fight in the war. They had left their son just like his parents had. Then he remembered something Remus had told him after using the ressurection stone.
"Tell him that his mother and I died so that he could live."
Harry then realized that Remus was right. With Voldemort gone, the next generation was able to live and possibly make the wizarding world a better place. In a Voldemort influenced world, Teddy would have lived his life as an outcast. Hermione and all other muggle borns would have been targets and probably killed.
It was the week after the war had ended that Harry had found himself back at Hogwarts. The only people remaining were most of the professors, Filch, and Hagrid. Harry's return brought a smile to McGonagalls face.
"Harry, it is good to see you," she said as she gave him a hug. "I am surprised to see you back so soon."
"I needed a place to go and something to do," said Harry. "I couldn't bring myself to stay at the Burrow right now. They needed time to mourn as a family. Grimmauld Place is too depressing. Hogwarts has been my home for seven years. I hoped I would be able to help repair it, and possibly get some rest finally."
"There are some of our guest apartments still standing. You can stay there, and we could use all the help we can get to get the school back to her former glory. I'm not sure how long that will take."
McGonagall escorted Harry to the apartment he would be staying in. It was bigger than the student dorms and had a private bath. Harry got settled in and then met with the other professors to discuss how they would approach getting the school back together. The next two weeks were filled with twelve hours of repairing the school. Harry loved it because it allowed him to only focus on that task. Madam Pomfrey gave him potions to help him sleep at night. Before the potions, he was constantly having nightmares, mostly filled with the images of those who had died. The Draught of Dreamless Sleep was his best friend. His evenings before bed were filled with having a drink or two with Hagrid as the two repaired his hut. The two made it bigger than before, at the insistance of Professor McGonagall. The hut was more of a house by the time they were done.
At the end of the two weeks, Hogwarts was almost completely repaired. The time had come for the memorial service and the funerals. The first funeral was for Remus and Tonks. They were being buried on the Hogwarts grounds by the lake where others were to be buried. Harry had kept hidden until shortly before the service. When he arrived, he was escorted by Professor McGonagall to sit with the other professors. He looked at the group that was assembled and saw the Weasleys and Hermione as well as Andromeda and Harry's godson Teddy. There were various members of the Ministry in attendance as well, including Kingsley. Harry was thankful that Kingsley was able to put a ban on any press from attending the funerals.
As the service went on, Harry noticed Dean Thomas sitting next to Ginny. He had heard rumors that the two of them had gotten back together, but Harry hadn't wanted to believe it. He still had feelings for Ginny, but he knew that his time being away and then retreating from the world after the war was not going to do anything good for their relationship. At least he now had confirmation and knew to move on. It was then that he was called up to speak. Harry took a few deep breaths and then walked to the podium.
"Remus and Tonks were amazing people. I say Tonks because if any of us were to say her full name, she may very well haunt us for the rest of our natural lives. Remus Lupin was as close to being a member of the Potter family as you could get without actually having the last name. As a baby, I would call him Uncle Mooney. He was not as bad of an influence as Sirius or my father, but he had his moments. I know of many stories from my time with my parents because of him. He gave me the best insight as to what my life was like as a baby. He provided me with pictures and letters. He never wanted me to forget my parents. That is what my responsibility to his son will be now. Teddy Lupin lost both his mother and father during the war. That is a tragedy. It will be my job to tell him the stories of his father and the valuable lessons he taught me, as well as tell him of all the fun and incredible things his mother had done. It falls on me to tell him that his mother was the life of the party when she was around. She could always make someone laugh, even when they were in the most foul moods. It is my responsibility to remind him that his mother and father fought valiantly, side by side, and died to make sure that he would be able to truly live. Remus, Tonks, I promise that I will not fail you. I love you both and miss you horribly."
Tears had formed in Harry's eyes. He had done everything he could to keep from bawling a the podium. He took his seat and was comforted by Hagrid. The service soon came to an end. Harry was going to attempt to retreat back into the castle, but was stopped by Hermione.
"How are you holding up Harry," asked his best friend.
"As best as can be expected," he said, trying not to look her in the eyes.
"Where have you been all this time. We were all worried about you?"
"I've been here actually, helping with the repairs. I'm sorry. I should have at least let people know."
"If you are planning more time away from everyone, at least let someone know that way we aren't thinking that something horrible has happened to you."
She hugged Harry. The hug reminded him that he did still have friends and that he needed to keep them close. He had no family left and he did not want to live the rest of his life alone. Ron soon joined them. He seemed to have a frustrated look on his face.
"Where the bloody hell have you been? Don't you know everyone has had their knickers in a twist worried about you?"
"I heard that already. I'm sorry. I've been here."
"You should have come to the Burrow with us," said Ron, lecturing his best friend.
"I thought about it, I really did. I also knew that I was going to have a hard time facing your family with what happened to Fred."
"That wasn't your fault Mate. You can't ever think like that."
"I know. The other issues are with all the attention I have been getting that I really don't want. All the papers trying to get a hold of me. Kingsley and other members of the Ministry trying to meet with me. I need away. I still do. And then there is Ginny."
Ron was confused for only a second when he realized what Harry was talking about.
"Sorry about that Mate."
"It's nothing I can be upset about. I was gone for a very long time, and then when I got back, I vanished again."
"So what are you going to do next," asked Hermione?
"We still have Fred's funeral and then the memorial ceremony here later this week. I really have no idea what I am going to do. I have gotten a letter from Gringotts requesting my presence. That has me a little worried."
"Bill says not to worry about it. He said the Goblins are angry, but are aslo grateful. A world under Voldemort's rule would have been bad for them. They are not cutting you off from your money," said Ron. "It may have to do with Sirius' will. You were named his heir and he left everything to you. Since you were on the run on your 17th birthday, it may be about everything you inherited."
"I guess I will have to go talk to them soon."
Harry then noticed Andromeda talking with Professor Flitwick. In her arms was littel Teddy. He excused himself from Ron and Hermione and approached Andromeda.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Tonks."
"Harry. So good to see you. What you said was beautiful," said Andromeda. "And please call me Andi."
"Thank you. I just wanted to tell you that if you ever need anything, please let me know."
"That is sweet of you Harry." Teddy then started to fidget in her arms and looked right at Harry. The boys hair then changed to match the shade of Harrys. He then started to reach out to his godfather. "I think someone wants to say hello."
Harry took Teddy into his arms and smiled when Teddy started bouncing in his arms.
"Hey little man. I'm your godfather, Harry. You and I are going to get to know each other very well. We have reputations to live up to as sons of Maruaders."
Andi looked at Harry with slight fear. She knew the reputation Remus and the others had while at Hogwarts.
"We just have to make sure that we do not do anything to upset your grandmother. What are you calling yourself," Harry asked Andi.
"Grandma works just fine for me."
Teddy then reached back for Andi. When she took him in her arms, he rested his head on her shoulder and began to fall asleep.
"I really would like to come and see him as often as possible," said Harry.
"You know where I live. Just let me know when you are coming by. It will be good to have a strong male figure in his life."
The two hugged and then Harry returned to the castle. While he was in the Great Hall eating, Arthur Weasley found him.
"How are you doing Harry," asked Arthur?
"I'm doing ok. Still trying to get used to everything that has happened. I'm sorry for what happened to Fred. I wish I could go back and change..."
"Harry, there is nothing you could have done," interrupted Arthur. "Fred, like all of us, made his choice to fight. We all knew the risks. I just wanted to check on you. No one knew where you were and Molly had been worrying every day."
"I'm sorry about that. I am finding out that I really should have let people know where I was. I didn't mean to worry everyone. I came back to Hogwarts to help with repairs and to avoid being harrased."
"We have had quite a few owls arrive at our home for Ron and Hermione. I can only imagine what your letter load looks like."
"We had to create a sorting system. There are bags of letters from all sorts of people. It is insane."
"So, are you going to be staying here for the summer?"
"I honestly don't know. We still have Fred's funeral and the memorial at the end of the week. I also have to go to Gringotts. Other than that, I really have no idea. This is the first time that I am not being forced to stay at the Dursleys and have full control to do whatever I want. The only problem I have is that I have no idea what I want."
"Might I suggest taking this summer to do a bit of self discovery," said Arthur. "Your childhood was less than desirable, to say the least. You were forced to grow up rather quickly. Take some time and find out who you really are. We all know you have a hero complex. You can't help but save someone in trouble. We also know you are a genuinely good man. What kinds of hobbies do you have?"
Harry couldn't think of anything. He loved flying, but he could not do that all the time. Qudditch was fun, but that was not something to define himself with.
"Take some time to find you. We will all understand. I would ask that you at least keep us informed as to where you are, just so Molly doesn't send out a search party. We would also like you to join us for dinner after Fred's funeral."
"I'd love to. And thank you Mr. Weasley. You are the closest to a father I have ever had."
Harry and Arthur hugged. Harry returned to his apartment and sent an owl to Gringotts to schedule a meeting. He then fell asleep, exhausted from all the emotions he had gone through that day. He awoke the next morning, having nothing planned to do. He went down to the Great Hall and found breakfast and a letter from Gringotts waiting for him. Professor Slughorn soon joined him.
"Harry my boy. Good to see you."
"Good morning professor. How are the repairs coming along to the Slytherin dorms?"
"We completed them just the day before yesterday. Everything will be ready to welcome the students back next term."
"That is good news. Professor, I have to get to Gringotts today. Are the wards back up around the castle?"
"They are. I would suggest talking to Professor McGonagall. She has a fireplace in her office that is connected to the floo network."
Harry finished eating and made his way up to the Headmistress' office. He found McGonagall going over her speech for the memorial service.
"Am I interuppting," asked Harry as he walked in.
"Of course not dear. I was just going over some notes. Is there something I can help you with?"
"I need to get to Gringotts. Professor Slughorn said that you had a fireplace connected to the floo."
"That I do, and of course you can use it. Just warn me when you are coming back. I don't think I could handle someone just popping out of the floo suddenly."
Harry smiled. He grabbed a handful of floo powder and threw it into the fireplace as he called out "Gringotts!"
Harry arrived in a large room full of fireplaces. He was greeted by a young goblin, well younger looking than most the others he had met.
"Welcome. State your business."
"I'm Harry Potter. I am supposed to meet with Director Ragthorn."
"Follow me."
Harry followed the goblin to a large office. Harry was instructed to sit and wait. The goblin then left Harry alone in the room. Harry knew what Ron had told him, but he still had an uneasy feeling. He was hesitant to believe that the goblins would simply forgive he and his friends for breaking into the bank and then basically stealing their dragon. Harry was soon about to face the music as a very old goblin marched into the office.
"Welcome Mr. Potter. My name is Ragthorn. There is much that we must discuss."
"Thank you for seeing me. First, please allow me to apologize for what my friends and I did."
"We understand why you did what you did. There will need to be compensation for the damage and the loss of a dragon, but we can get to that later. First order of business. You became of age last summer and have yet to reply to any of our summons. We now know why that was, so we are willing to look past the snub. The first thing to discuss is you full inheritance from your mother and father."
"You mean there is more than what has been in my vault?"
"I take it no one told you about your family history. Mr. Potter, you come from a very ancient and noble lineage. Your family line can be directly traced back to one of the founders of Hogwarts as well as Merlin himself. Upon your becoming of age, you became eligible to take your place as Lord of the Anceint and Noble House of Potter. With that lineage also comes the title of Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Gryfindor. This gives you full access to both family vaults. Once you informed us of your agreeance to meet with us, I had a team get to work totaling up the worth of the three vaults."
"I have three vaults?"
"Thoseare just the three from your parents. One vault was simply holding the family finances. Your vault that you had used up until this point was simply your trust vault. It was formed with instructions that it was to be filled to 5000 galleons every year on your birthday, starting on your 11th birthday. The second Potter vault is filled with various objects. It holds family jewels, paintings, as well as documents in regards to the family owned businesses and lands. The Gryffindor vault holds some currency, but mostly holds the Gryffindor Library as well as some jewels and paintings. One item of note from said vault are the journals of Godric Gryfindor."
Harry's head was already feeling overwhelmed. Not only did he find out that he was Lord Potter, but that he was also a descendant of Godric Gryffindor.
"The total sum of your family finances, just from the galleons in the vault, is 325,000,000 galleons."
Harry's eyes almost shot out of his head when he heard that number. It wasn't possible that he had that much money.
"We then need to discuss your inheritance from Sirius Black. As his sole heir, you inherited everything. This includes the two family vaults. One vault again holds all the galleons, totaling another 400,000,000 galleons."
Harry had been taking a drink of water when he heard that number. He spit out all of the water in his mouth.
"You can't be serious," said Harry, now in complete disbelief.
"I promise you Lord Potter, we do not mess around in regards to finances. You also inherited the title of Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black."
Harry listened as he was given the overview of everything that he had inherited from Sirius. He was still in shock at how much money he now had. It was more than he could imagine spending in 50 life times.
"Lord Potter, I would like to present you with you house sygil rings," said Ragthorn, handing Harry three boxes. "The first box on the left is the ring for House Potter. As that is your primary lordship, I would recommend putting that one on first. The other two will accept you as the lord and merge with your primary ring."
Harry took the ring out of the box and placed it on his right ring finger. The ring glowed and then adjusted to fit his finger perfectly. He then put on the Gryffindor ring. Once again, it glowed, but then merged with the Potter ring. Finally, he put on the Black family ring and it did the same as the Gryffindor ring.
"We now need to discuss what you would like to do with the vaults," said Ragthorn, not wasting any time.
"I guess it would be smart to combine the vaults with all galleons into one. I'm not sure about the other vaults. That seems like a lot of history and paperwork to get all mixed up."
"I agree. We can transfer all currency into one single vault. We will keep the other vaults as they are until you decide otherwise. Now, as for the compensation for damages to the bank, we have done appraisals and we believe we have a generous amount given the damage done. Gringotts is requesting 100,000 galleons for the repairs and lost dragon."
Before today, Harry would have argued the insane high amount he was just given, but he realized that was not even a scratch to his new found fortune.
"I can accept that," said Harry, reaching his hand out to Ragthorn to shake it. Ragthorn was not used to a wizard wanting to shake hands. Most wizards, at least pureblood wizrds, looked down on the goblins. Ragthorn shook Harry's hand.
"We will transfer the money immediately and get you a detailed statement of your current holdings. Would you like to visit your vaults today?"
"That would be great."
Ragthorn had the goblin from before escort Harry down to his vaults. He was given a mokeskin pouch so that he could carry items out of the vaults. He reached the Potter family main vault and stood in amazement when he saw all the galleons stacked up. He took a few handfuls of galleons and placed them in the pouch. They then moved on to his next vault. The second Potter vault was not a large as the previous one, but it was filled with all sorts of items. He noticed three large books on top of each other on a desk.
"What are these," Harry asked the goblin. The goblin looked into the books.
"The top one is your families property holdings. It holds record of every property that your family owns. The second is all of your business holdings in the magical world. It details which businesses you are the owner of as well as the business that you hold a portion of. The third book is all of your business holdings in the muggle world. It is exactly the same as the previous book. Would you like to take these with you?"
"I think I would. I am not sure they will fit in my bag."
"I can have them sent to your current residence."
"That would be good. Please have them sent to Hogwarts. That is where I am staying at this time."
Harry was informed that he had similar books in the Black Family vault. He asked that those be sent to Hogwarts as well. He then had a thought.
"Would it be possible to have all of the information in those books updated and combined? All properties in once section, all magical business information in the next section, and all muggle business information in the last section."
"That could be done, for a fee of course."
"I'll pay 50 galleons. 100 galleons if it can be done by the end of the week."
"I will get that taken care of Lord Potter. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"
"Not at this time. What is your name?"
"Silverclaw."
"Thank you Silverclaw."
Silverclaw escorted Harry back to the fireplaces. He announced his return and then flooed back to Hogwarts. McGonagall was sitting at her desk when Harry arrived.
"Did you have a good trip Mr. Potter," asked McGonagall.
"Better than I could have imagined. Professor, did you know my father was a Lord?"
McGonagall put down the paper she was reading. She motioned for him to sit.
"I take it you learned more than you expected today."
"That would be an understatement. Did you know my family lineage?"
"I knew that the Potter's were a very ancient an noble family. I take that makes you Lord Potter now."
"Yes, but not only Lord Potter. Apparently, I am also Lord Gryffindor as well as Lord Black."
McGonagall looked as shocked as Harry had when he learned everything.
"Lord Gryffindor?"
"Yeah. That was a shock. There is a book in the family vault that has the full family tree in it. It surprised me. I also found out that my family was very wealthy. Then add in everything I received from Sirius. It is ridiculous."
"I would reccommend for the time being to keep that information to yourself. News like that will have more people harrasing you and trying to use you."
"I just realized that I have no idea what it means to be a Lord or what my duties are as such."
"I know there are some books in the library that have some information that would be beneficial to you. I can have Madam Pince bring the books to your apartment if you would like. I would also suggest speaking to Mr. Longbottom. I know his grandmother has been teaching him how to act as a lord since he is the heir to the Longbottom estate."
Harry thanked her for her time and retired to his apartment. A few hours later, Madam Pince arrived with four books detailing his role as a lord as well as what was expected of him as a lord. He fell asleep with one of the large books on his chest.
The next morning, he woke up and prepared for what would have been the hardest funeral for him. He put on his best robes and apparated to the Burrow with the other professors. He was greeted by Arthur.
"It is good to see you Harry. We would like you to sit with the family. You have been, at least in mine and Molly's eyes, a member of this family."
"I'd be honored sir."
Harry found Hermione and Ron. Ron was sitting quietly in the garden. Hermione was sitting on a bench under a tree. Hermione was the first to notice Harry. She ran over to him and gave him a tight hug. Ron soon noticed and came over to Harry. The two did not say anything. They simply hugged. Ron wept into Harry's shoulder, causing Harry to start crying. After a few minutes, the two broke the hug.
"I'm glad you could make it," said Ron, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"This is the one funeral I would not miss. I could miss the ceremony on Friday, but not Fred's funeral."
Ron gripped Harry's hand to shake it and noticed something different. He looked down at Harry's sigil ring.
"Since when did you become a lord," asked Ron.
"Since yesterday when I went to Gringotts. That is what they wanted to talk to me about. It was time for me to take up my lordships and get my full inheritance."
Lordships, as in plural," asked Hermione?
"Yeah. Can we talk about this later. I think the service is about to start."
The three joined the rest of the Weasley family in the front row. Harry was sat next to Hermione. He saw Ginny sitting at the other end. Dean was sitting directly behind her. Harry turned away, not wanting to be reminded about the one who got away. The service started with Professor McGonagall leading the service. She talked about how Fred was a light in a dark time. She recalled all the insane things he and his brother had done during their time at Hogwarts. This caused a laughter to come from the assembled mourners. Arthur then spoke on behalf of himself and Molly. He went into great detail about what it was like with Fred as a child. Once again, more laughter erupted. The floor was then opened up for others to talk about Fred. Everyone seemed to sad to talk, so Harry decided he had to honor his friend.
"Hey everyone. I met Fred when I had met most of the rest of the Weasley family. I was a first year with no idea how to get on the platform. It was there I learned about how the twins could be considered trouble makers. They loved to mess with their mother. Not in a malicious way, but in a jovial way. I am pretty sure their goal in life at that time was to get a rise out of Molly. They were really good at it. Too good I would say. I then became teammates with them when I joined the Quidditch team. They both looked after me, making sure that I wasn't killed my first year. I keep refering to them as they, because it would still be a couple of years till I could actually tell them apart. Over time, I found a home at the Weasley's, and Fred was never hesitant about telling me how he wished I was a girl. He was tired of brothers. He had too many of those. He then retracted the statement when Ginny learned how to fire off her Bat Boogey Hex. He was then happy I wasn't a girl. I was thankful that I was usually not on the recieving end of their pranks. It brought me joy seeing them torment others. No greater joy was felt than in my fifth year when their target was non other than the toad Umbridge. Best pranks ever. Fred would always say that he was the better looking twin. Who was I to argue with him? He was also the source of my joy when my life was at it's lowest. I distinctly remember him sitting me down after my fifth year and telling me that no matter how dark the world gets, there is always laughter to make things better. Fred truly lived by that. He would make anyone laugh. They may not admit it, but the Hogwarts professors had plenty of laughs at their expence, as long as the target wasn't them. Fred has passed away, but he lives on in all of us. Our laughter is a reminder of him. Anytime someone is pranked, we will think of Fred. Even in death, Fred will find a way to make us smile. He will be our light in the darkness."
Harry's speech earned a large round of applause. As he stepped towards the family, George stood up. George had not said anything to anyone in the days leading up to the funeral. His face looked as if it was angry and as if he was about to attack Harry. Harry braced for the attack. Instead, George hugged him, and actually smiled.
"Thank you Harry. Thank you for reminding me."
"George, Fred will never leave you. You two were of one mind. I am pretty sure he will still be there arguing with you over who is prettier."
"Well it's me now. I still have a body. He would just be a ghost."
"But he will say the sexiest ghost."
That had George burst out laughing. The service soon came to an end. The guests retired to the large tent to mingle and celebrate the life of Fred. Harry took Ron and Hermione into the house to explain more of what he learned at Gringotts.
"So you are not only Lord Potter, but Lord Gryffindor and Lord Black," Hermione asked for clarification.
"Yeah. The fact that I am related to Gryffindor is what surprised me the most. One day I will have to take you into the Gryffindor vault. Apparently, it houses the Gryffindor Library. I know you would love to get lost in there."
Hermione's eyes got large at the thought of having access to Godric Gryffindor's library. The three continued to talk until it was time for dinner. Most of the guests from the funeral had left. Harry enjoyed dinner and then asked to talk to Arthur alone.
"Thank you for saying what you did today," said Arthur, hugging Harry.
"It was just the truth. Mr. Weasley, I recently found out some information and was hoping you might be able to assist me."
"I'm all ears."
"I found out yesterday that I am the Lord of three Ancient houses. I have no idea what it means to be a lord."
"Harry, it means that you have a voice in the Wizenagamot. I have heard you talk about bringing change to our world. You have the power to do that now. You can influence change. That does come at the cost of people trying to do whatever they can to get you to side with them. You will have to sit in on all the Wizenagamot sessions. They one thing I would look into is marriage."
"Mr. Weasley, that is the last thing I want to think about right now."
"I am not talking about getting married right away. You are the lord of three houses. It could be expected of you to marry three different women and have sons with them so that they can carry on the family names."
"Seriously? I could barely handle one girlfriend. How am I supposed to handle multiple wives. Has this really happened before?
"I knew of on man who was in the same situation you are in. He ended up marrying two women so that the names could be carried on. It was all for nothing as he and his wives died before they could have any children."
"So what happens if I only marry one woman?"
"Then the other two lines would disappear. There are parts of the wizarding world that make no sense."
Harry just sat and tried to process what he had just been told. It didn't make sense that he could hold multiple lordships, but they could not be passed down to his first son. It was something he was going to have to do more research on. He said his goodbyes and then returned to Hogwarts. He had one more long day ahead of him. He needed sleep.