Important note: This story idea was Adopted From, Shadowgal ANBU. I am posting with the Person who created the idea,, I am simply carrying the work of the original author. The letter to Harry, explaining his family history, is the work of Shadowgal ANBU. While the rest is mine.

This story is rated M, mostly for later chapters.

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN any of the rights, attached to the HP, I make No money. ALL right go to J. .

Chapter one : Surprises & secrets

Harry Potter, sat in his room at Privet Drive, It was only a few weeks ago that he survived the ministry farce, Voldermort tricked Harry, with a false vision of Sirius black Harry's godfather being tortured. Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Ginny and Luna. All went to the ministry to save Sirius from death. Once they arrived they soon discovered it was all a hoax, a trap to get Harry's to retrieve the Prophecy about himself and Voldermort. In the Bellatrix Lestrange, threw a curse at Sirius and he fell through the veil of death. Voldermort entered the ministry himself and possessed Harry, but was soon defeated. Harry later learned the content of the prophecy, it was a simple kill or be killed situation.

So he was Harry, sitting wallowing in guilt about Sirius death, and his part in it. The sound of tapping on the window, alerted Harry, that he had received a message. His snowy white owl Hedwig, was watching her Master with sorrow filled amber eyes. She knew her master was suffering, and she also knew there was little she could to take that pain away. She swooped in and landed next to Harry, and gently nudged him with her head, and offered him the letter.

He ripped open the envelope, and saw the Gringott's crest, the note was brief and to the point.

Dear Mr Potter,

Please come to Gringott's, at 3pm today, for the will reading of Sirius black, and to receive a letter from your Parent, as instructed we are giving this to you on 16th birthday.

Taurin

Potter & Black account manager.

Harry, looked at the letter, and the asked himself How do I get to Gringott's? This was answered almost right away. The night bus. Harry gathered everything he would need and got on the magical bus and made his was to the bank. Once inside her saw Hermione Granger, his best friend from school, she seemed to in a deep conversation with one of the goblins. Harry made his way to her side. She saw him and gathered him up in her arms.

"Harry, I'm so glad to see you, Are you holding up ok? Well of course your not, but you know what I mean" she said flushing slightly. Harry held her a little longer than we polite. He didn't care, he needed this affection right now, He needed to know someone cared about him, Loved him even. He let her go and mumbled a " I'm fine Mione" . The goblin got their attention and took them to his office, were he trust the letter into Harry's hand.

My dearest son,

If you are reading this than the worse has come to pass and you know little to nothing of our family's past. I can only hope that your mother and I are reading this with you, or at least your godfather. However, our family has only survived this long by following our family motto 'speramus optima, para pessimus, 'hope for the best, prepare for the worst'. Your mother told me of a muggle quote, 'Anything that can possibly go wrong, does'. Unfortunately, with the Potter family luck you are being raised by people we wouldn't even consider.

A certain family has tried to ruin our family for centuries. It started over a thousand years ago when our ancestor became friends with three others and they built a school together. You think you know the story but very little of what is common knowledge today is true. You see our ancestor fell in love with someone who was considered below his station at the time but his friends knew that they were in love and stood by his side until the end. In opposition, a person of considerable power, magically & politically, also wanted our ancestor as his own. So, this powerful person spread rumours that our ancestor was being dosed with love potions. Our ancestor's family hadn't approved of the relationship but allowed it because he was happy. These rumours were just what they needed to try and separate the heir, our ancestor, and his lover, who was now pregnant. To protect his lover and unborn child, our ancestor and his friends hid him and his family and changed their name to Potter.

Over time the story changed until everyone believed that our ancestor left the school to hunt down the muggle-born who dosed him with love potions. By now you have figured out whom our ancestor is, Salazar Slytherin. When Voldemort was still in school, known as Tom Riddle back then, our family heard about his ability with parseltongue. My mother and father tried to adopt him, knowing that he was family as only the Slytherin family had the ability in England. Regrettably, a descendent of that powerful person who forced our family into hiding blocked our family from adopting him. I know that there is a prophecy saying you are meant to vanquish him and I am sorry to burden you with this knowledge but I couldn't let you fight him not knowing.

Your mother and I filled a vault with everything you need to know about our family and any other things we believe to be important. It is protected by parseltongue and blood. You can access the vault through your trust vault. There will be a symbol of a stag, snake, and lily at the back of the vault. Place a drop of blood on the snakes tongue and state your name. A door will open and everything you need should be there. The last and most important thing for you to know, your mother and I love you and no matter what, we will always be proud of you.

Happy 16th Birthday,

Mum & Dad

Harry sat shock still in his chair, at Gringott's bank. His long time Best friend Hermione Granger sat watching him. Silently he passed the letter over to her. He trusted more than anyone else on the planet. His mind was reeling with what he had just read, He remember back to his second year when he was accused of being the heir of Slytherin, he remember Hermione's words at the time ' that was a 1000 years ago, for all we know you could be' Now he knew the truth he was Slytherins heir. The War with Voldermort Has been growing momentum for months now, He had just discover the prophecy, and the loss of his godfather Sirius Black still weighed heavy on his mind.

A slight cough brought Harry and Hermione out of their thoughts.

"Mr Potter, I understand that this is a difficult time for you, But I must remind you that the will reading of Sirius Black, must take place Before you magical guardian learns of it" Said Taurin. The Gringott's account manager. He Had called for Harry to attend the reading of the will of Sirius Black, After discovering that Albus Dumbledore had tired to cut off access to the Potter vaults.

"Of course Master Taurin, Forgive us. We are still a little shocked" Replied Hermione, seeing Harry was not going to reply any time soon. The goblin stood and indicated that they were to follow him, Hermione gently took Harry's hand and lead him to the door.

After navigating the long winding corridors of the bank, they entered a small room, light by torches, The room was decorated with huge worn tapestries, A small wooden table, with a stone bowl, covered in runes, four chairs. Taurin sat, Hermione and Harry Followed suit.

"We are awaiting the arrival of one more person Miss Granger, He should be here in a few minutes" the goblin informed her. She nodded to him and turn to Harry.

"Harry, talk to me please?" She begged, Harry lifted his head and allowed his emerald green eyes to seek out her chocolate ones.

"Mione, Do you know what this means?, Do you understand how much everything has changed?" He asked, confusion, and pain clear in his voice. He took a breath and continued.

"If my Grandparents,had adopted Voldermort, he would have never became the man he is today, I would have grown up with him, as my uncle. My parent's would have been alive Mione. I would never have lived the Hell I did with Petunia and Vernon. Who would want me to live through this, Who hates me and my family this much?" He asked a small tear sliding down his face, as the realization of the truth sank into his sluggish brain.

Hermione took his hand in both of her, she shifted in her seat to face him, taking a minuted to gather her emotions together she answered in the most sincere tone she could pull together

"I don't know Harry, But we WILL find out, I will be beside you every step of the way, I promise" She swore to him, She would get him through this no matter the cost, no matter who stood in their way, She would never leave Harry Potter, Even if it meant her death.

A knock at the door, announced the arrival of the last person to the will reading, A tall man with sandy brown hair, and light brown eyes entered, wearing robes that had seen better days. Remus Lupin, gazed around the room, his eyes landed on a very depressed Harry Potter and a silent Hermione Granger.

"Harry, Hermione. Its good too see you again, How are you both?" he asked, taking the last seat at the table.

"We're OK Remus, How are you?" Replied Harry. He still had Hermione's hand in his, he was clutching like a lifeline. Remus noticed this and knew the young man way lying to him. That was one of the things he loved about Remus, he never pushed Harry to talk about anything he didn't want to share with the others like Molly Weasley.

"I'm fine Harry, recovering Now the full moon has passed. " He replied. The tired lines on his face, and the sickly colour of his skin said otherwise, be neither commented on it.

The goblin stood and retrieved a long bronze knife, and a roll of parchment, and sat the next to the bowl. He cleared his throat.

"We are here today at the request of Sirius Orion Back, Head of the most noble and Ancient house Black. Lord of the houses of Black and Potter. His will stated that One Remus John Lupin, One Hermione Jean Granger, and One Harry James Potter Be present. I need a small amount of blood to verify your Identities, While this is not normal procedure, Lord Black felt it was necessary to ensure that you are in fact these people and not someone else impersonating you, As the contents of the will are confidential and potentially, dangerous to others" Said Taurin stressing the word 'Others' with distaste. A small cut and a few incantations later and the goblin was assured that they were, who they said they were.

He unrolled the parchment, took a breath, looked at the occupants of the room and read.

"This is the will of Sirius Orion Black, Lord to the house of Black and Potter, Upon my death All of my assets, and properties were locked into a time spell, that only the heir can break. Before I name my heir, I want to give you three a few words to carry with you.

"Remus, Mooney my dearest friend, and brother in every way but blood. I know you feel like you are cursed, and you feel like love, and family is something you truly don't deserve, I want you to know how wrong you are. I was never one for telling people how I feel, Mooney I love you as a brother, and I want to have a family, that is why upon my death, I give over my role has Harry's godfather to you and the legal responsibility that goes with it. Unfortunately mate that means you have to take on Dumbledore, but don't worry I have left a way for you to do this with the goblins, Master Taurin, will give you everything you need, Mooney. Take care of our pup, Love him as if he is your own, and protect him with everything you have, trust me he is going to need you more than you will ever know. I also left you a vault with enough money in it to look after yourself for the rest of your days ( Wipe that look of your face mate, its done, and you can't give it back. Harry, Hermione I want you to make sure he uses on himself)."

The goblin stopped here and passed a key to Remus, He had tears pouring down his face, and a weak smile. " you old conniving dog" He muttered accepting the key. Remus turned his head to look at Harry, and Hermione both has small smiles, and tears in their eyes the both held looks of love and admiration. Harry stood and moved to his side and hugged him tightly.

" I am your family now Mooney, and I always will be. You can be happy" He whispered. Remus hugged him back. Hermione gave Remus a brief hug . The goblin allowed a few moments of the group to get them selves under control, He picked up the will again and moved on to the next section.

"To you Hermione Jean Granger, I want to say this, I have only met one other witch that has left a mark on me they way you did. Her name was Lilly Evans Potter. You dazzle people with your intelligence, compassion, your deep understand of the true power that comes with magic, Mione you may be from the muggle world, but this would was designed for people like you and Lilly, you have the heart and soul of a lion protecting her cubs ( like the Gryffindor reference love) With that in mind I have decided that I will leave you my family title and the power that comes with it, but first I need to make you blood of my blood ( before you break down, and freak out I know what I am doing) Master Taurin will complete the ritual, and you will be named Lady Black, also you don't have to worry about Bellatrix I cut her out years ago. She cannot take this title off you ( the ministry won't help her at all, NO ONE can take this away from you). Master Taurin, will now do the ritual"

Taurin, stood and proceeded to gather the material needed for the ritual. After 15 minutes, Hermione Jean Granger, was named the new Lady Black, Head of the most noble and ancient house of Black. Hermione had tears falling from her eyes, and a bright smile on her face.

Taurin picked up the will and continued.

" Hermione, Lady black. You now have complete control over my little empire, and yes love that includes my massive library that has been collected over the last 1000 years. I ask you now as my heir to ensure that the name of Black is restored, and that Harry and Remus behave themselves. Take care love and Never leave theirs sides they need you more that they will say, and I know they both love."

Hermione smiled, and brushed her fingers over the Black family right, that was now hers, she let the memories she had of Sirius, play in her mind. Taurin picked up the will and looked to Harry.

" Harry James potter, my dear young man I have watched you grow into a man in the last few years, I know the massive burden that has been placed on your shoulders. I also know that you will stand strong and defeat that S.O.B, and make the world a safe place, and you will do it not because the wizarding world wants you to do, but you will do it because you have a strong sense of justice, you are a strong and courageous leader and with a lovely little bookworm by your side you will achieve every goal you have. Harry I want you to always remember that having people by your side makes you stronger, and you need someone you can rely on, if just to keep you wallowing in guilt over my death. I know you will feel like when I died it was your fault, but guess what IT WASN'T, If I gave my life protecting you, then I died happy knowing I saved you and gave you the chance to live, and find happiness. Please keep Hermione and Remus close, don't push them away, they care about you. Now the fun part, I get to give you stuff and you can't complain. First I am leaving you an allowance this is so you can buy yourself a whole new wardrobe, and the newest, and fastest broom they have. I am also giving you something back, I am leaving you, your rightful title of Lord Potter, you will be head of the most ancient and noble house of Potter. Finally you can take back control of your life. Remember pup, I love you, and I am always with you. I am sorry I won't get to see you grow and become the man you will be, but know I am proud of you, Live a long and happy life."

Harry was crying openly at this point, Remus and Hermione envelope him in a warm hug. The goblin gave them some time to get over the gifts left to them by the late Lord black.

Once the three gathered themselves, Harry did the ritual that names him Lord Potter. He then asked for access to his vault, he wanted to see the information his parents told him about, he was interested in learning more about his ancestor and the story behind his family, the account manger for the Potter family took him Remus and Hermione to the vault.

Once to vault door opened Harry took a steadying breath, He knew his family were well of, but he didn't think he was rich, and in fact filthy rich, ever space was covered with gallons, and treasures jewels and ancient weapons, and more important items he discovered as he began looking, there were photo albums, and journals, the family tapestry, and portraits, hundreds of them. Stepping almost to the very back of the vault, Harry spotted a crest, a silvery, white circle surrounding a pure white lilly, and massive warm brown stag, and a massive basilisk with emerald green eyes, its tongue was poking outs its mouth, as if it was hissing at Harry. Gingerly Harry ran his hand over the circle. Remembering his mother and fathers letter, he dashed back to a shelf, lifted a small elegant dagger and cut his finger, before running back to the door, and rubbing his blood over the the tongue of the huge snake, its eyes flashed, and the whole crest seemed to shift slowly, coming to life the snake hissed again

" who dares to wake me? It asked.

"Harry Potter, Son of James and Lilly" He hissed back. Harry waited for the snake to respond, or for the door to open.

" Heir of the Potter , enter and collect all that is yours" The snaked hissed, and the door opened. Harry stepped into the room, the touches flared and revealed a large sturdy mahogany chest, with silver serpent catches. Harry's breath hitched he slowly walked forward, and saw another letter on the lid, taking great care he picked up the letter, It had his name of it.

Son,

In here is everything we, your family have gathered over the years about Salazar and his family. I must warn you, darling that you MUST BEWARE, certain people will try to prevent you , from learning our secrets. I am not aware of what you have been told, If anything. That doesn't matter now. Some of our past is not light, its works in the grey area. Our families long past has many secrets that will rock the foundations of the wizarding world if they knew truth, only when the time is right will you know what to do with this information. I am sorry my son, you have been burdened with so much, I hate to ask more of you but It is our hope that you can restore the Slytherin name.

Now my darling, this is very important DO NOT TRUST DUMBLEDORE. Please this is extremely important, He has on a number of occasion in the past tried to gain access to the family library, which holds many old tomes, text books and personal journals, and thousands of books, many of these are no longer in print, and are priceless. Dumbledore may seem to be a leader of light, but he is just a human, he seeks to control all that is not his, and be in the knowledge that was never meant for him. Very few wizards can handle the power these books hold with out giving themselves up completely to the dark. I know you will do what you believe is best.

Remember my sweet boy, we love you and we always will, and we are proud of you,

Be safe, be strong, and know you are loved

Mum and Dad

Harry stared at the letter for a minute, memorising his mother and fathers words. He called to Hermione.

"Hermione, read this" Harry said, pushing the paper into her hand, he watched her expression and she read, and saw her face change, from shock to disbelief, to a little hint of sadness. He could almost tell which phrases had produced each emotion. He briefly wondered when he could read her face so well.

"Oh Harry, this is so... Well I don't... This is huge, what are you going to do? " she asked, struggling with her emotions. She would love to get her hands on some of the books, and of course she would stand by what ever Harry decided, she couldn't get her head round the accusations about Dumbledore, but if she admitted it to herself, some things about the man didn't add up. Sirius for one thing, He knew he was innocent, but he didn't seem to try very hard to prove it, He was head of the ,Wizengamot He could have took a statement from Sirius, with Tonks and Kingsley present, he could have used truth serum and the pensive to show what happened, but he didn't he just let Sirius hang. Hermione never quiet forgave Dumbledore for that, Or for allowing Harry to stay with those muggles. However she never though for one second he would try to control Harry or the wizarding world.

Harry took the letter back and muttered " yeah I know, huge" he put the letter in his pocket, vaguely point to the chest he asked.

"So what do we do about that, Surely we can't open it here?" Hermione looked at him shrugged, and turned to Remus, and beckoned his forward. Once he was in range, which was sooner that it would have been for any other person she spoke.

"Remus, we need a safe place to open the chest and keep it safe, it would be very bad if it fell into the wrong hands" she explained, Remus seemed to take a minute to think, and then disappeared, Remus went to the account manger.

"Master goblin, How many estates does Lord Potter have a his disposal? " He asked the slightly annoyed and hostile goblin, The goblin then snapped his fingers and a parchment appeared he shoved to Remus, who nodded thanks and returned to the teens.

"Harry, there is a small cottage on the Island of Orkney we can use, It seems to have a number of wards on it. I think it would be the safest place, It says here that no one has used the place in nearly 100 years" He said scanning the parchment again. With a quick glance at Hermione, it was decided. Remus shrunk the chest, Harry picked up some more things on the way out, sealed his vault. Once outside the bank Remus activated the portkey given to him by the goblins, and left for the cottage.