Continued from last time:
Prologue :D
Harry's still hoping for a bit of a break, poor shouldn't have to take so much strain yet the world forces this on him. He always was the downtrodden 'freak' beneath the heels of all he knew, and then eventually, suddenly the homecoming hero – "Welcome back, Mr. Potter, welcome back..." - The one raised upon a pedestal. How did a world expect someone like this to cope?
Needless to say however, he did cope, and did so admirably. In his own way of course, which was... unorthodox to say the least. Fighting trolls is a strange way to go about being a celebrity, but hey, whatever works. And work it certainly does. Eat your Hart out, Gilderoy!
However, he didn't realise that going playing at hero got people killed. Harry was well trained by those who wish to manipulate him; at the first sign of danger, he'd jump into the fray. Can that boy not unlock his Slytherin side? You know, the one that always, without fail makes sure he will stay alive before jumping in. Bravery is a Gryffindor trait, and Godric died young. Salazar lived to one hundred and ninety nine years old, while Gryffindor to just fifty-nine.
Xxxx : Note : xxxX
Author: Jacobim Von Styluss
Original Note by Author as listed above.
Note: In my fanfic, G, S: & K: are the symbols to be used for money. They are used in the same way as £ and $ signs. For example, twelve galleons, two sickles and three knuts is written G:12,S:2,K:3. Also, if you were to check my calculations in a part of this chapter, you would find a galleon to be worth £8.50. (I'm a Brit, so I don't really know $s)
Xxxx : Note : xxxX
Harry had spent the last few weeks on his bed, pondering the many mysteries of life; 'Does God exist? If so, why does he hate me? If not, is there many minor deities, like those of ancient religion? In which case, which one of them really has it in for me?' These were but a few of his repertoire of self-pitying, dark thoughts, whipping around his head at the speed of the Knight Bus. While he hated the fact that he was deeply engrossed in self pity, there really was nothing else to do.
However, he thought he now totally understood what had happened to cause him to regain memories – exactly what happened to Bertha Jorkins, simply set off by a different trigger. Bertha Jorkins regained her memories when she was put under the Cruciatus curse for a sustained period of time.
Harry had thought long and hard about the Cruciatus curse for many hours, and came up with a theory. The Cruciatus curse did not create physicalpain. It built up mental pain, that was translated into physical, by the nature of the curse. It was designed to stimulate the nerves in the body via the brain. Under the pressure of such mental trauma, thememory barriers created by obliviatessnapped. Since somebody who had been obliviated was rare, with it being a 'grey' curse (formerly dark, but classified as vital to wizarding society, and was now restricted but not prohibited), this recall was never noted.
In fact, it had almost certainly happened to some muggles who had been obliviated. After greatly traumatic events, some muggles were believed to have gone delusional. They would remember seeing mystical and strange creatures, and dark cloaked figures, like Death Eaters. As muggles knew nothing of recall, it was assumed the mental trauma had driven these people insane, whereas they had merely stumbled upon a unicorn, or had been caught in a death eater attack.
'I wonder why complex research has not gone into the affects of things like this. All you need is common sense...'. However, his answer was provided when he remembered something Hermione once said; "Most wizards don't have a scrap of logic..."
'You never said a truer word, Hermione.' Harry's mind voiced softly.
It occurred to Harry, that with simple logic, he could create many different useful things. For example, surely someone with a strong knowledge of muggle electronics, working in tandem with wizarding researchers could surely invent electrical systems which work in high magic places.
In fact, Harry had plans. He knew exactly who he wanted for his researchers.
'Those two will love the idea...'
Xxxx : The Hospital : Part Two : xxxX
About a month after he was admitted, Harry Potter was released from Greater Whinging Hospital with a warning to be careful. Harry rolled his eyes at that one, but thanked the medical staff greatly. Harry always appreciated the efforts of those who helped him, and those who helped him for reasons other than his celebrity status had his gratitude tenfold.
He and his relatives had talked many times during his weeks in the Hospital, recovering from his abuse. They had come to an agreement of sorts, and Harry had forgiven his aunt and cousin. His aunt's poor treatment of him was because of truly limited options, while his cousin knew no better. By now, they were on amiable terms, and they planned to stay by his side while they could, providing the familial support he lacked through his younger years, and hopefully keeping him grounded.
Xxxx : Diagon Ally : xxxX
Harry had made plans while bedridden, and the first of them included finding some way to reach Diagon Alley. However, the knight bus operated only during the nights, and he had no floo access anywhere nearby, he was forced to catch the train. Luckily, Petunia had a credit card to pay for their tickets, so they headed to London. They made it to London with little difficulty, and found the Leaky Cauldron, stopping in a clothes shop & a chemists en route. Harry now had no visible scar, and a whole new look. Nobody was likely to recognise the Boy-who-Lived for the duration of this trip. Harry, taking his relatives through the barrier, headed into Diagon Alley.
"Funny names your places have. Diagon Ally?" pointed out Dudley.
"Don't forget Knocturn Ally, Dudley – Dark place that is." Harry smirked, knowing full well only his aunt knew the real meaning behind it.
"Right, well first we're going to the bank." Directed Harry.
Xxxx : Gringotts Bank : xxxX
Harry's relatives were interesting in their reactions to the goblins. Dudley's eyes bulged. "What the hell?" he whispered to Harry, tugging his sleeve like a three year old. Petunia's reaction intrigued Harry. She looked interested, without doubt, but not too surprised.
"Ah, Mr Potter," said the goblin, once Harry had shown his key to the warty creature in the booth. "we have been attempting to contact you for quite a while. May I enquire what kept you from providing a response? Normally, you should schedule an appointment for the matters of which we must speak."
Harry raised an eyebrow at this. "I have been in hospital for the past..." Harry began to reply. "No, no," the goblin cut him off, "We cancelled all correspondence while you were in hospital, in accordance with the secrecy act, but we have been trying to get through to you for months, since before your exams. It's a good thing you came when you did. Come, follow me. Your relatives can come also." They were ushered into a medium sized room behind the booth.
"Why do you need me, and also why so soon?" He wondered aloud, once settled into one of the exceptionally comfortable chairs inside the fairly plain but comfortable office. He didn't ask about not receiving mail from them. Dumbledore probably sifted through everything. The only question is why?. While the man was evil, there was no reason to simply irritate Harry. That would achieve nothing. However, the matter would be clarified for Harry very soon.
"Mr Potter, you are to go through an inheritance ritual."
This confused Harry. There was two faults with this statement. One, hadn't all of Sirius' possessions been confiscated upon his arrest? Sirius was still a wanted fugitive to the ministry. Secondly, why would they have wanted him before the exams? It hadn't happened until midway during one of his last exams. He voiced confusion, although of a different type. He couldn't admit to knowing a convict, the ministry would see it as their chance to finally put Harry away. So he asked who he was inheriting from.
"Surely you did not believe that your trust fund was your only supply of monetary support left by your parents?"
"Trust fund?"
"Evidently you did..." Murmured the goblin, below his breath. He sighed before explaining to the young wizard, "Your parents set up a trust fund for casual spending, while the Potter vault would be under the control of your legal guardian. However, this failed to happen, due to Mr. Black's subsequent arrest and illegal imprisonment. Anyway, control must be returned to the Potter heir at the age of sixteen, otherwise the vault is forfeited. A family vault would normally be forfeited to the ministry, but in the case of an elite pureblood family vault, such as yours, it will be given to the Wizengamot. And therefore, Mr. Dumbledore. To be honest with you, Mr. Potter, Dumbledore is a criminal. I myself have collected a great deal of information which may interest you about Mr. Dumbledore's dealings. The goblin council have read through it already, and decided they have no trust in this man. Therefore, we will limit any transactions that he makes, and all accounts he is in control of will be heavily monitored."
The Goblin handed Harry a file. Harry flicked through, it seeing a couple of photos, and a lot of script, "Thanks, I'll read through it later."
'This may come in useful... blackmailing Dumblefuck should be fun,' He thought gleefully.
"So, Mr Potter, as I am sure you are aware, you have reasonable grounds to take Albus Dumbledore to court. We can arrange a law firm to build an organised case against him. Do you wish to press charges at this time?" asked the goblin.
"Hmm... not yet I think. I think I will wait for the right moment, then strike. It will take a great deal of public slandering, and perhaps some tactful ministry donations. That will butter fudge up nicely... On that subject, how much money do I have?"
"At the moment, about twelve thousand galleons, but that will increase when your family wealth is added, of course. Liquid assets in your family vault come to approximately G: 14,250,000. Or, if would rather, £121,250,000."
Harry whistled, Dudley's jaw dropped, and Aunt Petunia fainted.
After Dudley had been warned about catching flies, and Petunia had been picked up and soaked (Well, she had to be woken up somehow...), Harry asked "If those are liquid, what about invested?"
"Well, Mr Potter, This is a bit of a strange subject. We goblins a while ago chose to offer a service where we would invest a reasonable portion of the wealth. Your parents agreed, and we have been doing this for a while.
"I am currently the controller of those investments, and understand that for you, investments are about more than money. I decided to create a set-up where you would have a great deal of power over the world. Thus, You own the Daily Prophet (Although they don't know this yet), have controlling shares in the WWN, and own Hernan's Arms, which is a global magical and muggle weaponry store You also own many others, but those are simple investments, not strategic resources.
"Hernan's is the only one of these who know of your ownership. The England branch...well, door at least, is in an alley near Ollivander's. Not Knockturn though, this is Siecoe Path we are talking about. A useful place for those seeking... ah, unique establishments.
"A muggle weaponry shop is almost unheard of in wizarding England, and various other shops are in that road. Most have never heard of it though, so you needn't worry about buying, shall we say, slightly more questionable items than the norm, such as dark artefacts. No-one will see you, or at least, they won't care. Those loyal to the ministry are not welcome in Siecoe, for Siecoe tends towards anarchy more than anything else. T'is a fascinating place.
"I would recommend that you visit this place, for it is a place of great value to those who have visited it. To find it, you simply have to want to. There is a wall near the wand-makers that will vanish as you concentrate. Once you are through, it shall reappear. This road is spelled so only those who have no desire to go spilling the secrets of Siecoe to those who do not truly need it.
"By the way, Hernan's is a truly remarkable shop. You will understand why as you visit it. Now, I believe you wish to be acknowledged as the Potter heir, as well?" Harry's response was a nod.
The goblin led them to a simple room, with what looked like an old typewriter, made from copper, in the centre. However, there was a large hole in the top also.
Once Harry had, upon the goblin's direction, dripped a small droplet of his blood into the hole on top, the machine began to print out a list of assets:
Monies:
Main Vault: G: 14 390 780 S:4 K:8
Trust Vault : G: 8 000
Stocks:
100 ownership, Daily Prophet, newspaper – Worth App. G: 3 000 000
100 ownership, Hernan's Arms, Weaponry store – Worth App G: 90 000
78 majority, Wizarding Wireless Network – Worth App G: 2 300 000
33 share, Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes, Joke shop- Worth App G: 1300
(Various others were listed underneath here)
Charities:
St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Muggleborn and Muggle-raised Half-blood Fund (Run By the Potter Vault Caretaker)
Artefacts:
The Potter Knives.
Fenestrus
The Claro Calx.
The Celeritas armoury.
More artefacts, and other items of smaller interest was displayed, and then it asked a question.
'Do you wish to become the head of Potter House?'
Quickly, Harry responded with a "yes!" to the machine's question.
'Please state your name and then repeat after me.'
"Harry James Potter."
'I, Harry James Potter, do so claim the most Noble and Ancient House of Potter for my own.' The machine sputtered, the words appearing on the screen for Harry to repeat. Only after Harry had finished speaking, did the machine print out another piece of paper stating his claim and legality.
'Harry James Potter is now legally the Head of House Potter. Since he is now the head of the Noble House of Potter, he is emancipated with immediate effectively. He is also granted the right given to a person of age twenty-one, in both the Muggle and Wizarding Worlds. The statement of assets and charities has been perforated before this text. Please remove, as it will immediately and automatically update depending upon the assets. If the statement is misplaced, inform the Gringotts staff of this, and they will ensure a new one is created.'
It then printed out several legal documents, such as a birth certificate, a statement of emancipation and a slip allowing the taking of his apparition test amongst others.
THUNK! A small compartment shot out of the machine, containing a key, 'This is the key to Vault 107 – Potter, Family. You already possess the key to Potter, Trust.'
"Come Mr. Potter, I believe you want to visit your vault."
"Yes, yes of course. Also, I need a full report on anything my magical guardian, Albus Dumbledore, has done with my vaults and other possessions." The goblin bowed, responding only with a murmured, 'Yes, Mr. Potter.'
While in the cart transporting them to 107, Harry asked the goblin a question. "What is your name?"
"Grillkrup, Mr. Potter." he replied, looking slightly surprised. He was rarely noticed by wizards.
"Please, call me Harry. However, can I ask a question... Can you be a legal representative?"
"Do you wish me to represent you in court?" The goblin looked shocked. Nobody wanted goblins to do anything but banking.
"Of course, after all you found the dirt on Dumbledore, you seem to understand the legalities, and you haven't stood for what Dumbledore was doing even before I knew everything. Also, your forward planning impressed me hugely, for example, your investments made on my behalf. It will be very useful to have the media under my thumb, and some fire-power is useful as well."
"Thank you Mr. Potter. While a goblin cannot be a legal representative, I have heard of some loopholes in the legislations relating to this. For example, I could simply tell you what to say as you say it, because legally a goblin doesn't really exist. I could actually stand by your side, with my voice in your ear whenever you need it. The loophole is only there so we can be swiftly executed without repercussions, if need be (Rebellions, and such). However, Mr. Potter, you needn't worry. We have taken precautions against such a measure."
"In that case, would you like to be my... advisor? I want you to continue to deal with my legal affairs, my accounting, and possibly be a liaison to the goblins if need be. I won't deny my need to possibly make alliances."
"Of course Harry, and... thank you. A wizard giving responsibility to a goblin, trusting a goblin, is a rare thing. I am honoured" said Grillkrup. He was beaming.
The cart arrived at their destination. "Well, Harry. We've arrived."
A huge door, with 107 carved into it in flamboyant lettering, slowly opened. The sight they saw when it opened made his eyes water...
Xxxx : End of Original Chapter Three : xxxX
»•»∞«•«
Xxxx : Beginning of Chapter Four : xxxX
This sight was actually... nothing. There was a good reason they could see nothing however, which was the blinding amount of dust pouring out of the door.
"Think I'll have to get the cleaners in soon..." said Grillkrup. "It has been a while since I last opened this one up."
"How does dust get in if the door is kept closed?" asked Harry.
"You know, I really have no idea." replied Grillkrup.
As Grillkrup pondered the mystery of dust, Harry was braving the storm (Dudley and Petunia were wisely staying away), and diving into the 'smoke'. "Grillkrup, can you do a spell on this? This dust is getting in my eyes,"
Grillkrup answered, "Goblin magic doesn't work like that. You need sigils, all sorts of things. Why don't you do it? Now you're emancipated, you are free to do magic at your own discretion."
Harry grinned happily, then used a fresh air charm to sort out the dust, and a targeted evanesco to clear the dust that had laid inside the vault. Now he could see clearly, he could tell one thing. This vault was weird. It looked like an mansion's entrance hall, with steps leading down from the entrance. It was grand, perhaps too gaudy for the tastes of most. Gold and jewels made up the décor, and any but a goblin or the Malfoys would be amazed, or at least interested. As it were, Grillkrup strode through the vault door, and headed to the far side. The room was rectangular, with the entrance on one side, a huge door opposite, and on the walls perpendicular to these, there were two small ordinary doors.
Grillkrup idly gestured to the door on the left, in passing, saying "Artefacts," then at the left, stating "Documentation", and they then arrived at the gold vault doors. "Money" said Grillkrup. There was a small machine, similar to a TV screen. It worked on touch screen, and allowed Harry to select any information. Menu choices included Money (Liquid), Money (Total), Money (Invested), Artefacts list, Charities list, and many others. This was a foray into the muggle-wizard technology that Harry had spoken of. Harry asked his advisor of this.
"Well, we had a human family working who had a squib in the family. He was a very good Computer Hardware Consultant in the muggle world, and thus was able to explain it to some of our people. This is our first success. While it is productive and very valuable, for yours is the only one, it is also fairly impractical. Goblins who understand technology, or even care about it are rare. Therefore, we never got very far.
"I personally find it fascinating, and love this. I heard it was based off a muggle 'ATM' but reacts to magical signature, rather than PIN number. It shouldn't matter much because it's in your vault so nobody is likely to steal, but we may have one placed outside one of these days. It would be much more efficient than going to vaults every time.
"You can actually withdraw money from it. It comes in bags with outwardly identical sizes, but are actually often the size of a pillowcase. They also have magical signature charms built in. This way, only you can take money from them. As you may have guessed, it is rather good business to prevent theft."
Xxxx : Line Break : xxxX
"GRILLKRUP!"
"Yes Harry?" Sighed Grillkrup, entering the Artefacts room after exiting the paperwork area.
The Artefacts room was like a library, with objects neatly stacked everywhere. In one corner, an entire set of armoured clothing, made of a fine mesh metal. Elsewhere, weapons, amulets and obscure items littered the shelves.
"What does this do?"
"Let me take a look." Grillkrup removed some tiny glasses from his pocket and perched them on his nose. He held the blade that Harry offered. He examined the ornate silver and diamond blade, with it's complex runes for a while. "Looks like one of the Potter knives. They're damn useful. They cut through anything except flesh or heavily enchanted metal. They are unbreakable. They were invented by a pacifist who simply hated offensive tools. He was an excellent student, teacher and eventually headmaster at Hogwarts, was Quentin Potter. He is your seven times great-uncle."
"He actually made something similar for Gringotts. We give it to curse breakers as a sort of bonus. They keep it for one job, and then pass it on. It's currently our curse-breaker of the month prize. They love it, because they can travel through forests quickly, and even cut through minor locks and occasionally walls. You know what they say, if there isn't a door, make one." Grillkrup sniggered.
"Cool... So, is there anything else useful in here?"
"Pass me the list from earlier, I'll see if I recognize anything." Harry did so, and the goblin began to read.
"Bless my soul, the entire Celeritas Armoury. That will be so useful. Celeritas was a legendary scout mage. He would find and engage countless amounts of dark wizards. His clothing aided him greatly in this respect. Celeritas was an average student at Hogwarts, but excellent at quidditch and dueling. He was physically talented, but his spellwork wasn't exceptional. Make no mistake, he was above average, but nothing legendary in that respect. Potters are always powerful. However, once he left school he made a large withdrawal from the vault, and travelled across the world for a while. He fell in with a group of Dwarves, and eventually became a master armourer. He created the Celeritas armoury. Each item has a different use."
They walked over to the fine mesh armour in the corner.
"See these shoes, they are enchanted for extra speed. These gloves increase your reflexes. This chest plate can block a hit from just about anything, and the only thing which can cut it is a Potter knife, actually."
"When Celeritas died surrounded by his family, of natural causes, he bequeathed it to his sons, where they would take a share of the armour each. However, none had the same talent with the items as their father, and these wonderful items faded from knowledge. I heard your reflexes are spectacular. Perhaps you will be the one to bring glory to these items once again?"
"I really do hope so," Harry nodded, looking around the room.
"Now," muttered Grillkrup, reading the list again. "Hmm... what do we have here?" Grillkrup raised his voice to normal speech. "The legendary claro calx of Everard Potter. He was a muggleborn who married into the family but took the name of Potter for his own and is your 5 times great grandfather, and nephew in law to Quentin, by the way. Quentin taught him a great deal, and now Everard is famed greatly throughout the world. The Claro Calx, or Clarity Stone is a simple rock, which, when in your possession, will greatly increase your intellect. It will improve your ability to comprehend, remember and learn. I advise you carry this at all times, because it also speeds up your thinking, allowing for wise split second decisions. That may save your life, and this stone was one of the reasons why Everard was noted as wise and unbelievably intelligent."
Grillkrup wandered over to a shelf and plucked from it a rock which was... strange. It looked peculiar, but he couldn't work out why. "It looks strange, Harry, because it isn't actually made of rock. It is solid platinum, as that is the only substance he knew which could take the stress of so much magic. The glamour charm would not be noticed by most, but you are greatly powerful. Everard was worried about the possible theft of the stone as it was made from such a precious metal. Thus, he chose to make it look mundane and ordinary. He was a Slytherin through and through." He passed the rock to Harry, who took it and placed it in his pocket. He was in no mood to interrupt the goblin now he was in the full flow. He was still trying to comprehend everything he had been told over the past half-hour or so.
Over the next hour, Harry was told of many other 'gadgets'. One of his favourites was Everard's other creation, Fenestrus. This was a simple mirror, seemingly (Everard loved to disguise items, he saw it as a challenge). However, stick it to a surface less than three feet thick, and it became a window seeing through the wall or door as the case may be. However, no visible affect was had upon the other side of the surface. Thus, Fenestrus was the ultimate spy tool. It also allowed for a small amount of sound to travel through, which was enough to be audible from close up.
Harry left the room grinning, but stopped when he saw his Aunt and Cousin sat at an elegant mahogany table, drinking tea from gold rimmed china cups. "Ermm... What the hell? I didn't see those there..."
Grillkrup gave him his answer, "This room is like a modified version of a certain room in Hogwarts. Any idea what I'm talking about?"
"Room of Requirement?"
"Bingo. However, this one was made by one not so strong as the founders combined, and thus is not as good as that version. This can only handle small needs, such as food, while the RoR at Hogwarts is designed for everything."
"That explains it, but why did they suddenly decide they needed tea in expensive cups?"
"Don't ask me, I'm a goblin. I hate tea."
Harry shrugged.
Xxxx : Discussing His Finances and Such : xxxX
After a refreshment break, where Harry chatted with his relatives on his new discoveries, Harry ended up in the paperwork room.
"Well, Harry. I've been doing a little research while you were in artefacts, and found a few thing that may interest you. However, first things first. I've dealt with the paperwork, and various other things that needed attention. Now you will find everything in order."
"Excellent. It's good to know my account is in such.. capable hands. I hope you will continue to keep such good care of my finances."
"I certainly plan to Mr Potter. Anyway, I've discovered you have several properties. The largest of these, and also the most protected, was Godric's Hollow. This has obviously been damaged, but not beyond repair. Also, you have a penthouse suite in New York, and a villa Madrid. Your ancestors always liked to be in the commercial world capitals. Godric's Hollow is the exception, however, this was built by Godric Gryffindor himself, who was related to the Potters. When he died, it was passed down amongst the Potter line, and eventually used as your parents safe-house, Harry. You also have a fairly grand house, in a street linking to Diagon Alley. It has five bedrooms, and so I have heard, very expensive decoration and fittings. Finally, as well as the half stake you own in Hogwarts due to your Gryffindor and Slytherin heritage, you own Durmstrang."
"What!"
"Yep, it is surprising isn't it?"
Dudley's voice echoed into the room from the doorway. "What's Durmstrang?"
"It's a school in Bulgaria." Harry and Petunia answered together, before looking sheepishly at each other.
"A wizarding school?"
"Yep. In fact, I think I'll head there. Come with me, I'll find something for you to do there. Perhaps potion making, it doesn't need any wizarding abilities."
"Harry?" Aunt Petunia walked in from outside.
"Yes, Aunt Petunia?"
"I have to ask you something, now I know you own a magical school. This is about you, Dudley. Dudley, I'm really sorry, but you should have been given a magical education. Since I had actually replied to your's, and not Harry's, we didn't got totally covered with letters for you."
"What, why did you refuse?" Dudley looked bewildered, so Harry jumped in with a sigh.
"Dud, think about it. Uncle Vernon would have treated you awful as well. She couldn't do anything about me, as my parents had already applied for my education there. She couldn't go against that. However, Aunt Petunia, as for your question, of course he can."
"I haven't asked the question yet,"
Harry interrupted "It's kinda obvious. Dudley, how do you feel about a formal education at Durmstrang Institute of Wizardry?"
"Y-yes, of course. Thanks..." Dudley stuttered, in shock that he was going to learn to use magic.
"Thank you, Harry."
"Aunt Petunia, were you a witch?"
"What?"
"Answer it."
Petunia sighed. "Ok, fine, I was but got expelled in sixth year. Most people don't remember Holly Evans, sister of Lily. I was a Slytherin. Petunia is really my middle name."
"So that's why you weren't surprised at the goblins?" asked Dudley. Harry was impressed, even with Dudley's own amazement, he managed to note his mother's lack of it, "Because you'd seen them before?"
Petunia shook her head, "Well, no actually, but close. I've never been to Gringotts before, but Lily mentioned them. James took her once."
"Why did Dumbles expel you?"
"There was a boy called David Gudgeon, who was a Gryffindor. Your father knew him, but didn't seem to like him much. He was a bit of an obsessive hanger-on."
"Sounds like Creevey. Wait a sec, is this the same David Gudgeon who nearly lost an eye because of the Whomping Willow?"
"Yes... He claimed I pushed him into it, and despite my protests, as well as Lily and the marauders, Dumbledore was adamant. I was expelled, and my wand was snapped. I changed my name to my middle name, so people would think I was a normal muggle rather than a witch. Nobody knew my name back then except the marauders and Lily. And, of course, my ex-boyfriend. We were in love, but we had to break up when I was expelled. There were no hard feelings though. I wouldn't have coped if there was. He was a pureblood, and being seen with a disinherited pureblood such as myself would mean disgrace. Me, you, Lily, Harry, we would fit in the pureblood elite. However, Vernon was every inch a muggle, and thus Dudley, you are not pureblooded. It doesn't really matter though, purity of blood is just an excuse for snobs to be stuck up little swines." Harry was impressed with his aunt, and it didn't even register until much later that he was, in fact, a pureblood. Not a half blood like many believed him to be.
Xxxx : Hogwarts : xxxX
Meanwhile, while Petunia was reminiscing upon her days in the wizarding world, an old wizard with a kindly face but an ruthless heart in a castle in Scotland was murmuring to himself. He found it helped him think. "Hmm... I've got Black out of the way, I've got his parents out of the way. Now, who might give him guidance against mine? Certainly not his traitorous friends, they will simply lead him to me. There are no flaws in my plan, and I have yet another pawn. Soon, he will come to me and only me for guidance. His power, once added to my own, will enable me to claim what I have been fighting for all these years. "
While there were no professors but him at the castle right now, and only one other staff member (Filch), speaking these words aloud was a mistake. While no man was around to hear it, a female did.