Disclaimer: As before I do not own the HP universe or any of the media it is sold in and am making no money from this endeavour.

Author's Note: Thanks to Riotstarter for the review! Thanks also to those who have PM'ed. Thank you to ladysavay who reviewed! I'm sorry it wasn't clear that the goblin was just setting up to do all the things Sirius asked. I've tried to make that clearer. You comment on stating their business in the lobby was well taken and I have changed that bit. Still un-beta'ed. Several people have asked similar questions so I will put the answers here. There will be no m/m slash. There may be f/f slash at a later date. Sorry to all who asked for H/Hr but not in this story. I hope you enjoy and review! I have an idea for pairings for the future but nothing is quite set in stone yet so if you want me to consider a pairing that isn't H/Hr and not male slash then mention it in a review and I'll consider it. Thank you for reading this.

Chapter 2

When Harry and Hermione were called in they were surprised but believing, "We always knew we were different," Harry said and his sister nodded.

"Do you know anything of the genetics of magic?" Hermione suddenly asked.

"The what?" Sirius said confused.

Minerva gave a small nod, "I believe I know what you mean Ms. Granger and I'm sorry to say no one has made a thorough study of it. All we have currently is superstition and old wives tales."

"Wow, maybe I could be the Watson and Crick of the Magical World," Hermione said happily.

Minerva McGonagall pulled out a few sheets of parchment, "This is a list of required texts, equipment, and potion ingredients for the coming year."

Sirius adds, "If you agree I'll be happy to show you how to access Diagon Alley. It's a row of magical shops, you can buy all your supplies as well as robes and uniforms. It also has a branch of Gringott's where all wizards do their banking."

Roger's eyes gleamed, "Do wizards use a different currency? Do you know when the two diverged? Is it based on precious metals? Do you know the exchange rate?" He would have continued but his wife kicked his ankle unobtrusively.

Sirius said, "Yes, no, yes, no respectively," and laughed good-naturedly.

Professor McGonagall stated, "It was five pounds to the Galleon last time I checked. Unfortunately inside the bank is technically and officially the territory of the Goblin Nation and they are often picky about who might enter." She shrugged, "On the whole I'd imagine they will consider you as a potential customer and make an effort to get your business but I will have to send them as letter asking permission if you should want to accompany Harry and his godfather into the bank Mr. and Mrs. Granger."

"Of course we do," said Ariadne.

The Professor nodded, "I certainly would in your place. I'll send an owl when I get back to the school and let you know tomorrow."

Ariadne nodded back, "When we receive your letter we'll go from there."

Minerva and Sirius stood, "I guess we'll be going then. I'm sure you have a lot to talk about," he said shaking Mr. Granger's hand. Minerva said "As soon as I receive a reply I shall return with it. Will you be here tomorrow?"

Ariadne nodded, "We will." She quirked an eyebrow at Sirius as he kissed her hand instead of shaking it. "I suppose some of your customs are nice. I just hope I'm not making a big mistake."

"I hope we can assure you that you are making the best possible choice Mrs. Granger," Professor McGonagall said and the both apparated away with a crack sound.

"Fascinating," said Mr. Granger.

"Noisy," said Mrs. Granger, "and I wonder if there are ways to keep people from just popping in to your house."

"I'll try to find out for you mom," Hermione said. "Won't we Harry?"

"Sure sis," Harry said. "If I do have gold in a vault somewhere I'd like to claim it. Then you wouldn't need to pay anything for me and I could pay for Hermione's stuff too!"

"That's very generous of you Harry," Ariadne said. "We'll see."

The next day Minerva and Sirius knocked once again at 9:00 A.M. Ariadne opened the door and they were shown to the den. "Thank you for being prompt."

"Tardiness is just being sloppy with time Mrs. Granger. I try not to be sloppy with anything," the deputy headmistress said. She was dressed in a different severe black dress but this time Sirius was in a Hawaiian shirt and brightly colored Bermuda shorts over white loafers.

"And she dragged me along with her so I'm on time too," said Sirius then winked.

Minerva frowned, "He likes to appear to be stuck at fifteen but he's more adult that he likes to behave. It's rather annoying but harmless." She gestured to his current rather loud attire, "You wouldn't think to look at him but he's one of the richest men in England and certainly the richest wizard. He was a lot of help in dealing with the goblins and they have agreed to let you in to Gringott's. If you so desire you could transfer some money to a vault of your own where you can draw gold and silver from in order to make purchases at wizarding shops and they are willing to help you. They are also willing to meet with Harry and give him access to any vaults with his name on them."

Sirius interrupts with, "And you may wish to see how much he has before transferring any money. He's likely to be well off even without the will being read and I have an idea or two on how that can proceed."

"Wouldn't the will have been read long ago if there was one?" Ariadne asked as Roger came in with the kids.

Sirius looked embarrassed and Minerva snorted, "It seems his father James cast a spell on it to protect it from the attackers. It appeared to be blank paper. Unfortunately both James and his friends have always been quite advanced even as teenagers and the authorities have been unable to remove the spell on the will. They stopped trying long before they let this poor man out of prison and he only heard of the trouble while arranging for our visit. He believes he may know what spell James used." She shrugs, "They were as close as brothers for the whole seven years I taught them. If it can be deciphered then Sirius has the best chance."

"Well," Sirius said, "either me or Moony."

"That's 'Mooney or I' Mr. Black. There is no call for bad grammar just because you are an adult now. In fact there is less, you are about to become a role model. You must put your best foot forward and see if you can prevent Harry from making the mistakes you did," Minerva said.

Sirius looked up at her and grinned, "Well I'd thought myself more in the role of favorite uncle. I'm pretty sure no one wants their kid to grow up like me."

She gave him a fond look, "Despite your irreverence Mr. Black you possess many fine qualities for young people to emulate. You are compassionate, intelligent, brave, and defend what you know to be right." He starts thanking her but she continues, "You are also possessed of many not so sterling qualities and I know you could eliminate if you tried."

"Ah, but removing everything you consider a flaw would take all the fun out of life! If I must be rich and have to deal with all the lawyers, accountants, and paperwork then I am determined to have fun along the way!"

"Here, Here!" Roger clapped.

Sirius bowed, "Thank you, now we should get going. Once we've seen the goblins we'll have some leisure time but we'll also be perfectly placed to get all the kid's school supplies and such. I have spent enough time in both the magical and muggle, that is non-magical, worlds that I fancy myself an excellent guide and Minnie here,"

She snorts, "You know I hate that dreadful nickname."

He continues, "Deputy Headmistress McGonagall has already provided the lists of texts required and other equipment as well so hopefully we can get all the business out of the way and settle in to getting to know each over some ice cream afterward. I feel a hankering for a hot fudge sundae."

"Mr. Black may I remind you that you are nearing forty years old?"

"I am? However did that happen?" He makes a face of comically exaggerated horror and both kids break into giggles.

Shaking her head she glares at him with no apparent effect, "It is certainly true that time is passing so if you have no objections we can get on with necessary business." She hands Ariadne a small sheet of parchment, "That is the address from where we can all most conveniently access the main shopping district of magical Britain and the local branch of Gringott's."

Ariadne passed it to Roger who said, "I think I can get us there in thirty or so minutes barring any nasty traffic."

The Grangers, all four of them, were unimpressed by the Leaky Cauldron until Sirius tapped the bricks and opened the way. The children were impressed by Diagon Alley but the adults were thinking it looked a bit small.

"Is this all there is for all of wizarding Great Britain?" Ariadne asked.

"Well this is the largest collection of magical shops on the island yes," McGonagall said. "Why do you ask?"

Sirius was grinning as Ariadne tried to explain, "Well we are used to much larger stores and a wider variety."

Minerva thought on it. It was not a question she was often asked, "Well the stores are much larger on the inside and as for variety, well we witches and wizards tend to be very traditional. Also there are never very many of us so we don't need too many stores. It also makes it easier to hide them from prying eyes."

"Well that does make some sense. Where is this bank you spoke of?"

"It's down towards the end of the street," Minerva pointed. "It's not far to walk though."

When they reached the doors Sirius suddenly looked arrogantly aristocratic, and in a firm commanding tone he announced, "Lord Black and party by appointment."

The guards bowed and opened the doors. Once inside he relaxed, "I'm not good at hauteur but sometimes it's expected of me." As they strode inside they saw the place was indeed much bigger inside that had seemed possible from the outside. They strode past tellers on either side for several minutes that felt like an hour until a goblin walked up to them.

"How may we assist you Lord Black?" the goblin said.

"May your gold multiply and you foes feel your wrath. We have a lot to do today but I'm sure your efficiency is up to the task. However some of it is of a sensitive nature and not to be discussed in a lobby. May we be shown to a private room before we continue?"

"Of course Lord Black," the goblin said. "Please follow me."

Minerva McGonagall demurred, "This is mostly family business from here. I'll just take care of my own business here and meet you at the ice cream parlor later. I hope everything goes well."

Sirius nodded as they followed the goblin, "Very well Minerva, we'll see you later on then."

The goblin led them to a well appointed room with seating for both species and a side table with various refreshments. "Please help yourselves to coffee, tea, juice, or firewhiskey," the goblin said. He took nothing for himself and sat in dragon hide chair. "Now we are private Lord Black. What business do you have with Gringotts this day?"

"I have a new will to place with you. I wish to confirm that tuition for these two kids has been paid to Hogwarts." He gestures to Harry and Hermione then to their parents, "Also the Grangers are considering setting up a vault and would like to discuss policies and exchange rates. Please treat them as honored guests as they are good people and friends to two Ancient and Most Noble houses." Sirius paused as the goblin looked about to speak but then the goblin stared briefly at Harry and obviously swallowed what he'd been about to say.

Sirius grinned and put a hand on Harry's shoulder, "This is my godson Harold James Potter. I witness that he is alive, of sound mind and body, and the last living male of the direct line of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. He is here to be officially identified and given access to inheritance."

"The identification will of course be no problem milords," Hermione and her parents all noticed the goblin was now using the plural but Harry was too shocked at the idea of getting an inheritance. He was lost in imaginings of sentimental keepsakes and family portraits. Meanwhile the goblin was continuing, "However we are still unable to find the password required to make the will legible."

"I believe I can help with that as well if I might be allowed access to it," Sirius said.

"Well that should be no problem. If you can indeed do that we will then probate the will but may still not be able to have the hearing today as we do not know what is in the will and it may take some time to set it all up in accordance with whatever instructions may have been left. If you are able to break the protections so that we can finally read the will then we shall notify as to when the official reading will commence."

Sirius nodded, "I understand that. Your professionalism is as legendary as your battle prowess. Hopefully he can at least access a trust vault so he has some ready cash? I am sure James would have set one up for him."

"Indeed milord's father did set up a trust vault for his son and he can access that as soon as his identity has been conclusively proven. It has only 10,000 or so galleons but it is topped off at the end of each quarter so it should be sufficient for walking around money until he receives the bulk of his estate," the goblin states. "Was there anything further milords?" he said looking at both Sirius and Harry.

"I can't think of anything else," Sirius said. "Any questions you have Harry?"

"Can I bring Hermione with me when I get identified?" Harry asked diffidently. He really wanted either her or his mom along and his parents would be busy discussing finance. Besides she was magical too and that might make a difference as to whether she could come or not.

The goblin nodded, "Of course milord. You are entitled to one witness as well as your magical guardian."

"Magical Guardian?" Hermione asked. "And might I have your name sir? I am Hermione."

"Ah, it is always a pleasure to deal with those both astute and polite. My name is Hookbill, I am the Black family account manager. For those wizards who are muggleborn or otherwise raised by non-magical folk a guardian who is familiar with the magical world is appointed. If no suitable relative or godparent is available it defaults to the headmaster of the school to which the child goes. If your parents approve of Mr. Black they can have him be your magical guardian as well as the putative Mr. Potter's."

The Grangers considered and whispered back and forth a bit before Roger asked, "Is that something we can get information on while discussing account options?"

Hookbill pondered a moment then nodded, "It is a bit irregular but as friends of two of the four most ancient houses of the wizarding world it could certainly be arranged." He took out a feathered quill and a piece of parchment and wrote quickly. Once finished he put away the quill and took out a wand. Tapping the parchment turned it into four separate paper airplanes which took off through a door in the back. "That should take care of setting up everything we have already discussed. If there are no further requirements I'll lead you to the correct room."

"No, I think that will do it unless Harry has further questions?"

Harry squirmed a bit as everyone looked at him but managed to answer, "No, as long as I can bring Hermione with me everywhere I'll be fine."

She squealed at the thought, "Ooh! I can't wait to see everything!"