Disclaimer : I do not own the World of Harry Potter and I am earning no money from this work. I am simply let my imagination run wild in this wonderful world that J. has given us.

Chapter Two: Trials and Truths.

Harry awoke slowly and noticed the red tinge behind the glass windows in the Hospital Wing which clearly signalled that it was just about dawn.

Memories of the previous evening filtered back one by one and his stomach began to do flip flops. Very little had actually been explained to the adults and they had been rather confused by the end of the evening, but everyone was happy knowing that whatever had been hurting the students was no longer a threat.

They were however very concerned about how the entire affair had been handled. It turned out that Lucius Malfoy had got rid of Dumbledore by threatening, bribing and forging signatures on an official form. Madam Bones was very optimistic about catching him in the act too since she was a Governor and she had not signed the form. Her word would be powerful in a trial, but more importantly there was enough cause to arrest Malfoy senior and force him to take Veritaserum on trial.

The two strangers had never been properly introduced, all Harry had found out was that they were personal friends of Dumbledore and had lots of connections and were going to try and help catch whoever was behind the opening of the chamber.

The Professors and Madam Bones were very shocked when they tried to speak to Lockhart but Madam Pomfrey was certain that it would be easy to remove the memory charm when necessary. She has said that it was poorly cast to begin with, and that the broken wand meant that the spell had mostly spread outwards and Lockhart only got hit by a bit.

The three students had been put to sleep with dreamless sleep potion but several times in the night Harry had woken up sweating and itching and needed another dose.


As he focused properly on his surroundings he noticed that he could quite see properly, probably due to the dark, he concluded. The sun was only just peaking over the horizon outside and the hospital wing was still in shadows.

Looking left and right Harry was able to see that Ginny and Ron were both sleeping deeply still so without anything else to do he sat up and stretched, trying to get the knots out of his muscles that came from sleeping in the hard, uncomfortable beds in the hospital wing.

They're probably so uncomfortable so that people will want to spend even less time in here, Harry thought with a chuckle.

After a few minutes Harry realised that his glasses were on the table next to his bed. Frowning he reached over and grabbed them, hastily putting them on his face. As he had expected, for some reason the glasses didn't seem to help his eyesight much, and in fact his eyes began to hurt as he tried to look through the lenses.

He heard a rustling sound and tried to squint to see who it was coming in but had no luck with the lenses making his eyes hurt. Taking his glasses off the world suddenly came into sharp relief, he was able to see clearer than he ever had unaided. It wasn't yet the level of eyesight he could get with his glasses previously but it was impressive.

Madam Pomfrey finally reached him and began waving her wand in hectic motions while muttering spells under her breath. This went on for a few minutes until she finished and tucked her wand into a pocket.

"Well, Mr Potter, you once again are making my life difficult. It appears that for some reason there are some changes happening in your body. I'm unsure exactly what is causing it but I'd bet it has something to do with that impressive scar on your arm."

At this Harry tugged the edge of his T-Shirt sleeve. Professor Mcgonagall had conjured him one last night after they had bagged his old clothes as 'evidence'.

He'd tried to tell them that his T-Shirt was only evidence that the Chamber of Secrets needed a good cleaning but Madam Bones was being very strict on how the whole affair was handled. She was very concerned with doing the whole investigation right and making sure it was all above board.

"Are the changes bad?" Harry asked nervously.

"Hmmm, I don't think so Mr Potter, but it's hard to tell. Physically you haven't changed much at all, there appears to be some kind of slow growing process going on in your muscles and skin and something is definitely changing in your eyes."

"Yeah, my glasses hurt my eyes this morning but I can see fairly well at the moment without them, I mean things are still blurry but not as bad as before. Why is this happening?"

"It would appear that you have some kind of venom in your system, and though it is extremely poisonous it's not killing you but instead seems to be healing you. Odd. But give me your glasses, a simple spell will make sure they stay at optimum strength for your eyes. But it'll only last a while, I can't do permanent charms."

Harry nodded and took his glasses back from the nurse and found that once again he was able to see perfectly.

"Thanks Madam Pomfrey. Has Professor Dumbledore gone to the ministry yet?" Harry asked nervously, he knew the odds of getting out of this bed were very low but he wanted to see his guardians trial.

"Not yet Mr Potter, and I don't think it's a good idea for you to get up yet either." The nurse said sternly.

"Please Madam Pomfrey. I feel fine, actually I feel fantastic except for these hot flashes and itches."

Madam Pomfrey gave him a severe glare.

"Hot flashes you say Mr Potter? Do you feel nauseous or dizzy too? Can you describe the flashes to me?"

"Ermm no I don't feel dizzy or sick, it's just every now and then my skin just gets really hot for a second it feels like my skin is on fire under my clothes, but I'm not being burnt you know? It just comes over like a wave then goes away."

"Interesting. You just described a Magical growth spurt to me Mr Potter."

She immediately began waving her want in a complex pattern and muttering long Latin phrases. After a few minutes work Madam Pomfrey frowned.

"What's wrong?" Asked Harry nervously.

"That just it Mr Potter. You appear to be fine. No typical magical exhaustion, no danger of an unstable magical core but you seem to be mildly resistant to passive magic, which is very interesting."

"Is that bad?"

"Not really, it could make it difficult for you to ever apply something like a glamour, or any minor charm, and you'll probably be resistant to most mild charms. Hexes though will still get through."

"What kind of charms would I be immune to then?" He asked curious.

"Resistant, Mr Potter, and probably anything that changes your appearance, they are usually low level charms absorbed into the skin or hair, you'll probably be pretty resistant to things like cheering charms, sobering charms and probably immune to things such as Confundus charms." Madam Pomfrey finished her explanation.

"If you're resistant to most of that then I'd bet you're fairly resistant to most mind magics too Mr Potter. Perhaps even love potions, Veritaserum or the Imperious curse. Memory charms too probably." Professor Dumbledore added as he watch Madam Pomfrey finish her examination.

"Is he healthy enough to travel Poppy?"

"Well, I suppose so, but I really would rather keep him in a bit longer Headmaster."

"Alas, I'm afraid that Mr Potter and I have plenty of business to attend to today. Nothing physically strenuous I assure you. Though he will have to take Veritaserum later, maybe in light of these results, a double or triple dose is in order." Dumbledore mused aloud.

"Well, if you must take him, then I doubt I'll be able to stop you. Just make sure he's back here by a decent time and that he eats properly today!" Madam Pomfrey admonished.

The Headmaster just chuckled at the stern witch and handed Harry some nice new trousers, shoes a shirt and very posh robes in bottle green.

"I took the liberty of picking these up for you Mr Potter. We Have much business to do today and first impressions can help a lot. Madam Bones and Mr Weasley both informed me that I have been quite remiss in my duties to you, and so today we will attempt to rectify that. Why don't you pop these on and I'll give you our itinerary on the go."

Working quickly, Harry threw on the new clothes and marvelled at how they completely changed his appearance. He looked ten times smarted than he usually did and he'd almost go as far as to say that he had something of a look of power about him. Nothing compared to the Headmaster who managed to captivate the entire room with just his presence but noticeable.

Harry walked alongside the Headmaster, in silence, as they headed for his office. He was so lost in his thoughts it wasn't until they were on the seventh floor that Harry began asking questions.

"Sir, what is an Ancient and Noble House and why am I an Heir to one? Is this because of Voldemort?" He asked hesitantly.

"No, my boy, an Ancient and Noble House is a family of wizards and witches that can say that every person in their family for twenty one generations has been a witch or wizard. The Potters are an old family, dating way back to before the times of King William the First, which means your family is over a thousand years old. When the Wizengamot was founded in 1136 the Potters were only just an Ancient and Noble House but they were one of the seven first families and with the other six families they continued to grow in power and wealth over the years until today you are probably one of the richest people in the world due to the potter fortune which expands all over Europe, America and Australia. Do you understand?"

"Wow. I knew there was a lot of gold in my Gringotts vault but I didn't know it was that much!" Harry said in awe.

The Headmaster began laughing at this.

"Harry that vault is one that is permanently maintained by Gringotts and Hogwarts just for the Potter family and it's allies. I'm not aware of the exact amount but I believe that less than one percent of your total wealth is put into three vaults, one is used to pay for the tuition of all Muggleborn or needy students at Hogwarts, the second is for any Potters or allies under-age to use for school supplies, that's the one you use, and the third was the leftovers every year which could then be used by the current Headmaster with the permission of the current Lord Potter. That vault used to maintain almost all of Hogwarts, but unfortunately I haven't been able to access that vault for thirty years now."

"Wow. So the vault I use is one third of one percent of my money?" Harry asked confused.

"I'm not exactly sure to be honest Harry, it's Potter family business and thus private. But I believe it something like a quarter of a percent of your total wealth added every year but once it reaches a specific point the excess is put in the third educational vault, or the first if it's needed."

"So are the other two vaults still used Professor?"

"I'm afraid not my dear boy. Both require Lord Potter to approve each years use." The Headmaster said sadly.

"Well can't I approve their use?" Harry asked trying to be helpful.

Dumbledore chuckled again.

"I'm afraid not Mr Potter, you have yet to take your position as Head of the House and so you can't make such decisions yet. Not that I'd ask you too anyway. I don't want you to feel like I'm telling you this to make you feel guilty or anything. Madam Bones was quite suspicious of me and I must say it rather offended me. I have little use for Money these days. What do I need it when I live, eat and work at Hogwarts?"

"I don't think you're trying to manipulate me sir. But if I could give the school that money I would. It's only a small amount of my wealth you said so I wouldn't need it, and I'd like to help the school."

"Harry, you really are a rare child. Not many would be so selfless." The Headmaster said with his customary twinkle. "Ah here we are. Gum Drops!"

At the sound of the password the stone gargoyle that the two were standing in front of stepped aside to reveal a staircase moving upwards. They both went up to the Professor's office which Harry noticed was still full of weird trinkets and portraits of past headmasters.

"You've travelled by Floo before, I believe, Mr Potter?"

"Yes sir. I didn't like it much though."

The headmaster chuckled and waved his wand in a complex pattern over the fireplace, after a minute or two there was a dull pulse of light on the fireplace and the Headmaster grabbed some Floo powder from a holder nearby.

"We're heading straight to Gringotts today Mr Potter. Just say, Gringotts, atrium."

Harry took the Floo powder from the Headmaster and this time made sure he pronounced his destination right when he threw down the powder. Instantly the world span away as he rocketed up the chimney and over grate after grate until he saw a large white grate and felt himself fly out of the grate into an undignified heap on the floor.

A second later the Professor Dumbledore stepped out easily and smiled when he saw Harry dusting off his knew robes and checking for tears.

"Right Mr Potter stay close please." The headmaster said before striding off toward a counter on the left side of the bank floor.

All around them, people were going about there business, Goblins were going over forms and counting out gold and weighing gems while witches and wizards strode about briskly, trying to get their business over with as soon as possible. The side counter that Professor Dumbledore was headed for was only manned by five Goblins and one of them was a Goblin that Harry Recognized from his first visit to the bank.

"Professor, the Goblin second to the left is the one who took me to my vault on my first visit, Griphook was his name I think."

The Headmasters eyebrows raised up and he smiled.

"Well done Harry, there are few people who can remember which goblin is which, and even fewer who care to try. Why don't we go to him and say hello? I'm sure he can help us with our business."

Harry nodded and when professor Dumbledore indicated he took the lead and walked confidently up to Griphook's desk.

"Hello Griphook, I don't know if you remember me. My name is Harry Potter, you took me to my vault on my first visit. Professor Dumbledore says that we have business you can help us with."

The look on the goblins face was rather comical. As soon as Harry addressed him by name he was shocked but he was even more shocked by the seemingly polite form of address. True it wasn't proper goblin manners or greetings but it was still impressive for a human teenager to be so polite.

"I remember well your first visit Mr Potter. And I would be honoured to help you and Mr Dumbledore with your business on this day." This statement was accompanied by a tight mouthed smile which looked rather forced but harry noticed a twitch in the corner of the goblins mouth and creases about his eyes which indicated happiness and amusement.

"Master Griphook, our business in Gringotts today is varied but all in relation to Mr Potters accounts. First, he is unaware of his full holding and so I think he will require a full audit and summary prepared as soon as possible, secondly from what I can gather Mr Potter may have slain a sixty foot long Basilisk yesterday. As such he will require a contractor to help with rendering materials and a broker for subsequent sales, a list of suitable companies or people would be much appreciated. Thirdly, the subject of Mr Potters magical guardian recently came into question and we would like any documents pertaining to that issue, most notably his parents wills. And lastly Mr Potter will be needing to make a withdrawal from the Potter Family Education fund for supplies, this summer it is my intent for Mr Potter to undertake several extra-curricular projects and he will require proper materials. We thank you for your efficient assistance in these matters, Master Griphook.

Harry thought that Dumbledore was quite rude just listing everything he wanted to do but it didn't seem to bother Griphook if anything he looked pleased at the brevity of the requests.

"Gringotts does regular audits of it's largest accounts every five years and the most recent for the Potter account would have been October just gone." Griphook supplied after checking papers he took form a drawer below him.

"I can request that it be made into an easily readable format for Mr Potter, and have it delivered later this week?" He slightly raised his eyebrow.

Harry nodded emphatically.

"That would be great thanks Griphook. It's recent enough that I'll know roughly what I have."

"I shall arrange that then. Your second request is an odd one but we can accommodate, however I can tell you now that if you allow Gringotts to perform both of these duties you will get the best deal as few people can do fine work like a goblin."

"And of course goblins are famed for being amazing business men, so that would be perfect."

"Thank you Mr Potter, you compliment all Goblins with your words. I shall arrange a quote for you and I shall send you an owl as soon as I have news. Onto the third request, I fear I must ask what is your interest in Mr Potters guardianship Mr Dumbledore?"

"Purely benign do not worry. Mr Potter needs permission to testify in court as to how he slew a Basilisk and everything he knows on the subject. We wish to make sure that Mr Potters interests are protected and time is of the essence on this matter."

"Very well, I apologize for having to ask that Mr Dumbledore, I wouldn't want Mr Potter here being tricked into giving away his fortune now. Gringotts likes to protect it's customers."

"Completely understandable Griphook, I'm very glad that the Bank has such a policy, it's nice to know someone is looking out for me." Harry said with a smile.

"It's our pleasure Mr Potter. I can have both of your parents wills brought down here straight away as well as any active or unfulfilled magical contracts for house Potter at the moment if you would like?"

"Gringotts can keep a record of all magical contracts for a family?" Professor Dumbledore asked shocked. "I thought that only the ministry knew how?"

Griphook gave a toothy grin.

"It is an added extra which the largest clients can pay for, most don't as it's a very expensive service, as we have to manually check the hall of records weekly for new contracts and debts, however the cost is easily covered from the interest from the Potter Investments and I have fifty years of Magical Contracts on file I believe."

"That would be fantastic! It seems that there has been a discrepancy with Mr Black who is supposed to be Mr Potter's guardian and we will be going through a proper trial for Mr Black today and an evidence presentation for Mr Potter later."

"Interesting. The Black family accounts are of course managed by Gringotts also and of course customer privacy means I can't give explicit details, but I can say that the Black fortune has been neglected for the past eleven years, as the current head, Mr Sirius Orion Black is in Azkaban. Usually this would cause the Headship of the family to return to another branch but there is a little ambiguity here. No one has yet claimed Headship so another male descendant might be able claim the title and thus control of the family. Mr Potter could do this."

Professor Dumbledore seemed to think for a moment.

"What exactly does this involve?" He asked cautiously.

"It's rather simple Mr Dumbledore. Mr Potter simple puts a single drop of blood into a bowl into a mixture we then pour on a sheet of paper and we will be able to see all of the titles he can claim outright, inherit or contest for leadership. This is a fairly standard procedure and it would allow Mr Potter to claim Headship of House Potter at least and would also immediately emancipate him. Allowing him to sign any legal documents alone and protect him from a possible, unfit, guardian."

Professor Dumbledore seemed uncertain for a while but Harry knew what he wanted.

"I want to do it. If this stops anyone else from controlling me that is good. And I know that realistically I'll have to go back to the Dursleys but I'd be able to do magic right? That would keep them off my back."

"Indeed you would Mr Potter. You have a cunning mind there." Griphook complimented.

"Very well Harry, but I want a promise from you that you will go back to your Aunt's house at least for three weeks to recharge the Blood protection okay?"

Harry nodded emphatically yes causing Griphook to smile and reach under the counter and pull up a metal basin, he then uncorked a small bottle and poured a black inky mixture into the bowl then lifted up part of the counter to allow Harry to step round.

"Mr Potter will need to come back here for this bit and only he will be allowed to see the parchment. Not please just prick your finger on that knife there and let the blood drip into the bowl and then just pour it on to that piece of blank parchment, don't worry about spilling it, the parchment absorbs all the ink."

Harry did as directed, pricking his finger and letting a few drops of blood into the mixture, which then turned the exact shade of green as his eyes with swirls of bright violet in it. He then poured the mixture onto the parchment and as Griphook had said the parchment just absorbed all the ink.

After a few seconds writing began to appear on the parchment.

Harry James Potter.

Son of James Charlus Potter (Head of House Potter) and Lily Marie Evans (Head of House Yvain)

Rightful titles,

Grand Prince of the Royal House of the Romanovs,

Arch Duke of the House of Holstein-Gottorp,

High Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter,

High Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Dackshoi,

Lord of the Noble House of Karkund,

Lord Gryffindor, Head of House Gryffindor,

Lord Ravenclaw, Head of House Ravenclaw,

Inheritance Titles,

Lord Hufflepuff, Head of House Hufflepuff (2nd candidate)

High Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black (2nd and 5th candidate)

King of Great Britain, Head of House Windsor (12th candidate)

Disputed Titles,

Lord Slytherin, Head of House Slytherin (By Right of Conquest),

Lord Pettigrew, Head of House Pettigrew (By Right of Conquest and Blood Feud(Pending))

Arch Duke of Hogwarts, Head of Hogwarts alliance. (By Right of Best Claim)

High Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black (Absentia clause)

"Holy Shit." Harry whispered.