AN: I know the numbers in Harry's vaults seem way out there, but I'm also taking into account thousands of years of interest in the Emrys and Gryffindor Vaults. I also freely admit to Authors License.
UPDATE 10/9/17: Thank you to those who pointed out the monetary value of the galleons. I did a little economic research and also borrowed from my great someodd grandfather's success during the oil boom during the mid 1800s. We are still receiving income from his wise choices. I hope what I have revised helps to even out Harry's obscene wealth. I do admit to being a little over eager when I first wrote this. Chapter 4 Shopping and Jealousy will be out soon! Also please vote on my new poll Slave Bellatrix or Ally Bellatrix.
Previously:
When he was young, he had been told that his parents had died in a car crash. His father had been a drunk, and his mother a whore. But finding out that they had died protecting him from an evil wizard had shocked him.
"My Lord Potter."
Chapter Two
Explanations, Dinner, and Goblin Meetings
A quiet feminine voice startled him out of his reverie. Turning quickly, Harry found a cute, red headed girl standing next to him, her hands folded in front of her, eyes downcast.
Looking at her he felt a weird connection to this girl. It felt as if his whole body was tingling and for some strange reason he felt superior to this girl. He wanted to order her to do something, maybe to get his slippers, or perhaps rub his back. Harry quickly shook his head to squash those ideas. He was about to ask the pretty girls name when he felt another gaze on him.
A stern looking woman wearing a monocle had come up behind her and was now looking down at him with a scrutinizing look. 'Perhaps she is the girls mother,' Harry thought, swallowing nervously.
Dumbledore was a little surprised and slightly disappointed at the appearance of Amelia Bones. He had wanted to try and explain to Harry the history of the wizarding world and the culture. He had also wanted to explain the history of the Potter family as a Most Noble and Most Ancient House and all that entailed, including the marriage contract Lily and James Potter had set up with one of Lily's best friends, Lucy Bones, for her daughter Susan who was only a month younger than Harry. Unfortunately, Lucy had been killed along with her husband by Death-eaters in the first war. But he was never one to turn away past, present or future students.
"Madame Bones, such a pleasant surprise," he exclaimed jovially.
"Professor, so good to see you," Amelia responded with a warm smile, her stern mask dropping for the grandfatherly professor.
"Harry, this is a former student of mine, Amelia Bones and her niece Susan. Susan will be joining you at Hogwarts this year and I hope you can be friends." Dumbledore continued with a humored twinkle in his eye as he saw Harry blush and extend his hand to Madame Bones for a hand shake with a 'pleased to meet you Ma'am'.
Receiving a clear 'I'll-explain-later' look from the professor, the stern woman gave Harry a warm smile and shook his hand briskly. Harry turned and offered the same nicety to her niece but was extremely confused when the girl curtsied with a quiet 'My Lord.'
With another look from Dumbledore, Amelia put a hand on her niece's shoulder and, with another smile and a nod at the professors request to join them for dinner, led her away.
Harry turned to the Headmaster with a confused and scared look.
"Professor, what was that about? Why did that girl call me Lord? Why did I feel all tingly? And why did I feel like I was better than her? I'm not better than..." Harry cut his rambling off at the amused but sad, sympathetic look his companion was giving him.
"I was hoping we could have a little more time before I told you this Harry," Albus sighed looking every bit his age.
Sitting forward, he started, "Harry what do you know of the Dark and Middle Ages?"
Harry looked contemplative, "From what I could read, it was a time of absolute monarchy, and hierarchies. There was a definite order to things. Each area had a ruler, who had a ruler over him, and so on until the king. Marriages were decided by the parents and male children were wanted most as they would carry on the family name. The woman's place was at home while the man provided for the family."
Albus nodded encouragingly, "That's correct Harry. It was up until that time that magic was widely known by muggles. In fact, most towns had at least one witch and wizard. The witch was often the town healer and midwife while the wizard, who are usually more powerful, often acted as town elder. If anyone needed anything, they went to their towns mages. But then a bitter king took the throne. He claimed that magic was evil and should be stomped out. He was backed by many nobles who wanted that power for themselves. They convinced the people of the evils of magic and turned them against us. Magical people went into hiding, forming their own government within the heart of Britain, and the Statute of Secrecy was written. From then on, the Wizarding culture has never left the dark ages. Now, of course, there have been some brave muggleborns who have introduced some differences, for example, we use a train from Kings Cross Station to transport students to Hogwarts. But the hierarchy you described is still very much in play. Family lineage is very important to us, as is nobility," the old man paused to take a sip of his cooling tea. He was hesitant to bring up betrothal contracts as that might lead to some unwanted questions. Replacing his tea cup, he continued, "Nobility is determined by a few things. One, how far back the family line can be traced. Two, wealth, three, general magical ability, and four, the deeds of it's members. Your family is one of two Most Noble and Most Ancient Houses. All other noble houses are either, Most Noble and Ancient, Noble and Ancient, Most Noble, or just Noble. The heads of such houses are addressed as Lord or Lady and members of any of these houses are respected and often hold power within our government. There is a hierarchy however to the noble houses. Did you notice the word I put in front of some of the titles?"
Harry nodded, "You used the term 'most' for some."
Albus beamed, "That's correct. The more words before a house determines its place in the hierarchy. A Most Noble house has a higher standing than a Noble house. A Noble and Ancient has a little more standing than a Most Noble house, because of it's age, so forth and so forth."
Harry nodded in understanding, until the professor's previous words sank into his head.
"Y-y-you said my family is one of two Most Noble and Most Ancient?" Harry stuttered.
Dumbledore nodded, "That is correct, meaning that your house is one of the two most powerful."
"Meaning, I'm a Lord?" he whispered. Seeing the affirming nod from his soon to be teacher he continued, "But sir, I'm just me. I can't be a Lord. I can understand being a wizard, it explains a lot, but a Lord? I'm not of noble blood!"
Dumbledore reached across their table and grasped his shoulder gently, giving him a sympathetic smile.
"I know it's hard to take in, Harry but it's who you are. You will learn, and you will be the best Lord Potter to date," the professor looked at his watch and found it to be early afternoon, "Why don't you go upstairs and get comfortable in your room. We are going to be here until it is time to go to school. I would also like to give you a few lessons in formal behavior before our dinner tonight. I'll have some food sent up."
Harry nodded, stood, and headed unsteadily for the stairs. As the grandfatherly wizard watched the departing figure, he worried about what he had observed from the boy. Harry did not act like an almost 11-year-old. He seemed to have been forced to grow up to fast. But the most concerning part for Albus had been what he had felt under Harry's shirt and the way he had flinched when being touched. He had so hoped that in his old age he had been going senile. The old man snorted, maybe he was.
Giving a sad sigh, he stood and walked from the small private booth they had been sitting at, into the main part of the pub. Immediately, his practiced ears were drawn to the sound of a child sniffling quietly. Following the sound, he found Amelia sitting at another table in a secluded corner holding a large bundle in her arms. Immediately worried, Dumbledore made his way over. Placing a hand on Madam Bone's shoulder, he sat across from her.
At his touch the stern head of the DMLE looked up, revealing the bundle in her arms to be a crying Susan.
"My dear Susan, whatever is the matter?" the headmaster asked quietly, with a sneaking suspicion as to the reason of the tears.
"He doesn't want me," came the whispered response. "He barely even looked at me. Am I that hideous?"
His suspicions confirmed, the professor quickly placed a calming hand on the trembling girl.
"No, no my dear Susan. It has nothing to do with you at all. Harry has spent all his life growing up with muggles. Before today, he didn't even know he was a wizard much less the Lord of a Most Ancient and Most Noble House," he whispered comfortingly to the distraught young witch as her aunt held her. "That is why you must be patient with him," he continued, "I am hoping that with your, mine, and your aunt's help, we can turn him into a good man and the Lord he is supposed to be. Can you do that?"
She nodded into her Aunt's arms taking the time needed to compose herself. Getting her tears under control she sat up and moved to the chair beside her aunt.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly, embarrassed by her little outburst, "I've been learning my whole life how to be a proper woman in high wizard society as a member of a Noble House. Then hearing all the stories about my betrothed and how he defeated You-Know-Who…" she sniffled a little and drew a ragged breath before sitting up straight, "A girl has her dreams and I got nervous that I wouldn't be up to par. I've grown up learning how to serve milord when the time comes, but when he barely acknowledged me, I panicked."
"It is perfectly understandable, and you did well. You did the Noble House of Bones proud," Dumbledore proclaimed, quietly, with a proud smile. He lowered his voice to a secretive level and looked her straight in the eye, "Now, Harry does not know yet of the betrothal, so please refrain from mentioning it at dinner tonight. For the moment though, I need to talk with your aunt."
Susan gave him a small smile and a nod. Glancing at her aunt, she stood and left to ask Tom the barman for some tea for the three of them.
Turning to Amelia, Dumbledore took off his glasses and rubbed his temple trying hard to alleviate the fears about Harry's wellbeing.
"Amelia, I made a terrible mistake when I put Harry with those muggles. My worst fears were more than realized. They have not treated him well, not well at all. As I do not know the extent of his mistreatment, I will be keeping a close eye on him over the school year. When the year ends, I will call upon you for a child abuse case."
Madame Bones looked at him sharply. "Surely you do not mean that professor," she said, slightly shocked.
"I wish I didn't. I just hope he'll forgive me, one day. But one thing is for sure, he is never going back."
…
Dinner that night was a jovial and exciting affair for Harry. Dumbledore had magically shrunk his clothes until they fit perfectly and had transfigured a piece of cloth into a nice button-down shirt Harry wore open over his t shirt. Satisfied with how he looked, the Professor then taught Harry the basics of acting as a Lord should. He found it to be quite easy as Harry was a naturally polite boy. It did take him a little time however, to convince Harry that as a Lord, he should allow himself to be called Lord Potter, at least in public and especially formal events.
At 7:00 Harry and the professor were waiting in a private dining room that Tom had furnished with a lavish semi-formal dinner. They were sitting comfortably in overstuffed arm chairs in front of the fireplace with their backs to the door, waiting for their guests. Harry was reading a book from the small pub library entitled Spells and Magic for Dummies. It was a fascinating book and covered basic spells, the history of magic and basic culture for muggle-born wizards. While he didn't have a wand, he still practiced the wand movements with an extended finger, whispering the incantations. Dumbledore was sitting in the chair across from him watching astonished as with each whispered spell, an item on the coffee table in front of Harry would jolt or move in accordance to the spell. A weak breaking curse cracked a teacup spilling some of the tea. Within a second later the crack was gone when Harry whispered reparo and flicked his finger. Whispering quietly, Harry read on, oblivious to what was occurring in front of him. Albus was amazed. He had never seen anyone perform wandless magic so easily. But, it made sense. Merlin was the only wizard to ever reach sorcerer levels of magic. It would only make sense that Harry would be as powerful, and a natural at wandless magic.
Another quiet "My Lord Potter," pulled Harry from his book. Setting the book down he rose and turned to find Susan and her aunt both standing before him. Madame Bones was dressed in the same comfortable dark green robes as before, her eyes scrutinizing him, taking in every detail. Beside and in front of her stood Susan, her eyes once again downcast, her arms again folded against her dark red, ankle length dress.
Harry gave her a large smile and small bow.
"Miss Bones, Madame Bones, thank you for joining us."
His quiet statement made her look up at him. The tingling, which had returned when he had first set eyes on her again, increased and the feeling of superiority intensified. Unconsciously he straightened his stance a little. Immediately, Susan averted her eyes back to the floor. Noticing her reaction, he pushed that feeling back down and relaxed his posture. Holding his hand out to her as Dumbledore had taught him, he asked quietly, "Will you join us, Miss Bones."
The girl dipped into a curtsy and, taking his proffered hand, looked at him briefly before lowering her eyes yet again.
"Please, my Lord, call me Susan."
Harry glanced at his teacher. At the nod of assent, he gave her another smile.
"Only if you call me Harry."
Susan looked up at him sharply, surprise written clearly on her face.
Giving her an encouraging smile, the young Lord released her hand and pulled her chair out.
After she was sitting, he moved to the chair next to her and sat himself in it.
Once everyone was seated, the food served itself and they dug in with gusto. Harry, had never had a meal like this and enjoyed every bit of it. They talked and laughed about various thing, Harry regaled them with a slightly exaggerated story of Dudley and the snake, carefully leaving out all mention of any beating or pain he had suffered. Dumbledore told a story about a prank that had been played on him early in his teaching career. Madame Bones told a couple of stories about idiotic criminals who had not planned their escape well. Through it all Susan sat, trying hard to keep from blushing every time Harry's hand brushed against hers.
The food gone, the plates gathered themselves and floated back to the kitchen as Dumbledore stood.
"Well, that certainly was delightful," he started as everyone else stood, "It was good to see you again Madame Bones, Miss Bones, however I'm afraid it is high time we went to bed. It has been a long day for Harry."
The elder Bones nodded in agreement, "Indeed it has. We must be getting home as well."
Harry turned to the younger Bones at his side.
"It has been fun evening. I hope to see you again, Susan" he told her sincerely.
Susan looked at him with a shy smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, at the reading of your parents will. Sleep well, my Lor… Harry," she corrected herself with a blush. She hesitated for a second before turning to her aunt. Harry smiled and watched as she followed her aunt out the door.
Harry could feel an attraction and connection to the girl, He didn't know how to explain it, but he felt that she would be a great support and service to him in his life. It was a little discomforting but also calming. He couldn't shake the feeling that they would be great friends and all affection she gave him, no matter how little they knew each other would be perfectly acceptable.
"Very well done, Harry. Do know that you will not need to be this formal everywhere you go," the aged teacher said approvingly, "Now we really must get to bed. It is going to be another big day tomorrow."
Harry nodded and followed the professor out the room and up the stairs to the comfortable rooms Tom had provided. Searching through the drawers in the dresser he found a set of pajamas. Changing into them, he dropped onto his bed, asleep before his head even touched the pillow.
…
The next morning, Harry awoke at the crack of dawn. Sitting up he looked around confused as to why he was in a room instead of his closet. Suddenly, the events of the previous day flooded back into memory. Jumping out of bed with a wide smile, he went to grab his clothing from the day before. He was a little shocked to see them sitting on the chair next to his bed freshly cleaned, pressed, and neatly folded. Shrugging, he pulled them on and went downstairs to wait for the professor. Walking into the main pub he was surprised to see the aged wizard already sitting at a table sipping a cup of tea and reading a newspaper.
"Good morning, Professor," he called alerting the man to his presence.
Dumbledore turned and looked over his half-moon spectacles his eyes twinkling a happy good morning.
"Yes, indeed it is a good morning, Harry. I must say, I am slightly surprised to see you awake this early," Albus states with a smile.
"It's a habit, sir. As they say, the early bird gets the worm."
"Hmm, yes indeed. A very true muggle saying. I am glad you are up however as we have a rather important appointment in a few hours."
"We do sir?"
"Yes, today we head to Gringotts to officially take on the title of Lord Potter as well as having the wills of your parents and your godfather read. I do not know why, but they sealed their own wills until you claimed your title."
Harry sat back in his chair and studied his mentor thoughtfully. Why would his parents seal their own will? Did they know that sending them to the Dursleys would be so painful for him? And who was his Godfather?"
Albus looked at him with an amused smile, guessing at the questions the boy obviously had running through his head.
"All your questions will be answered soon Harry, but first I have something for you." The professor reached into his robes and withdrew an envelope. Harry took the offered letter and opened it, examining the seal pressed into the back.
Withdrawing the parchment within, he read through the list of items he had to buy for school and his eyes widened.
"Sir, how am I going to pay for all of this?"
"We'll stop by your vault at Gringotts after our appointment. We'll get enough for you to pay for your school things."
"My vault, sir?"
Dumbledore chuckled, "Do you really think your parents would have left you with nothing?"
Harry blushed, "No sir, I guess not."
Albus laughed as Tom slid two plates of food onto the table in front of them.
Breakfast passed with the professor telling Harry more about the most common magical creatures of the wizarding world, particularly about house elves and their drive to serve, and about goblins and their greed and extreme formality. He instructed Harry in the Goblin way of etiquette and taught him about the lack of respect they received. Harry listened intently. He figured that if he was going to be a Lord, he would be the best, most well liked of them all. He had experienced cruelty, and wished it on no one.
The food long gone, the two stood and Harry followed Dumbledore to the back of the building. Walking out the door, Harry found himself in front of a brick wall. Stumped he looked at his companion. His teacher gave him a mischievous smile, pulled out his wand, and tapped a sequence of bricks. Seconds later, the wall melted away and Harry was staring down into a busy street.
"Welcome Harry, to Diagon Alley. The magical shopping district of London. Anything magical you need you can get here," Albus stated, stepping into the semi crowded street with a humored smile at Harry's astonished face.
"Amazing," Harry breathed, in awe of what he saw as he followed the wizard. Witches and wizards bustled by carrying packages, children were gathered around a shop called Quality Quidditch ogling at a broom displayed in the window. Here and there a diminutive creature wearing rags would pop in and head into a store with a small bag in hand.
"Professor, what are those. Those creatures right there?" he queried pointing to one exiting a store.
"Ah that would be a house elf. I believe I told you about them." Albus answered. Harry nodded dumbly, still in awe as he continued to look around. So intent was he in taking in his surroundings, he almost ran into a tall lithe man with thinning red hair.
"Pardon me, sir. I didn't see you there."
"It's quite alright young man, happens to the best of us."
Looking behind the man, Harry saw plump kindly looking woman step out of a shop, holding the hand of a ginger haired girl who looked a year younger than himself. A sense of familiarity washed over him as he looked at the family.
"Arthur, Molly, so good to see you. I assume you are here for the will reading."
"Professor Dumbledore!" the woman cried with a happy smile, "Yes, yes, we are. It was quite a surprise to receive the owl really. I didn't think we would be mentioned."
"Nonsense, you were some of the Potter's most trusted friends," the teacher snorted.
Harry froze at his words. Maybe he did know these people, at least when he was a baby. That would explain the familiar feeling. Dumbledore had explained that magic was a force that connected every living thing. Magical people could not only use that force, but could feel it as well and not to ignore the feeling. Albus had used the feeling Harry had felt when they had first met as an example. If he had a sudden feeling of trustworthiness while talking to someone, it was his magic telling him that person was someone he could trust or vice versa.
The headmaster's voice pulled him back into the conversation, "Where are my manners. Harry, this is Arthur Weasley, his wife Molly and their daughter, Ginny. Arthur, Molly, Ginny, this is Harry Potter."
At that, Arthur's mouth dropped open. Ginny squeaked and went to hide behind her mother's skirts only to find them gone as Molly scooped him into a big hug.
"It's so good to see you again Harry dear, you certainly have grown up," she murmured as she squeezed him. She set him back down and looked him over as Harry desperately tried to catch his breath.
"Oh dear. Have you been eating well dear? You look a bit hungry."
Harry laughed as he thought about the large dinner he had had the night before and the filling breakfast he and Dumbledore had just finished.
"Quite well actually. I have always been a bit skinny."
Molly and Dumbledore both frowned at that statement, remembering the large, healthy, mischievous baby that had delighted all those who met him.
"I hate to break up such a lovely reunion, but Harry and I have business to perform at Gringotts before the will is read," Dumbledore said quietly. Molly nodded and gave Harry another squeeze.
"We'll see you soon, Harry dear."
Harry returned her smile, waved at Ginny, who squeaked again and blushed madly, and extended his hand to Mr. Weasley, who shook it firmly. Turning he followed Dumbledore up the steps to the wizarding bank.
Entering the tall marble building, Harry felt nervous. He had no idea what exactly would transpire here, though he was a little excited as well. He froze at the entrance of the bank as he saw the creatures sitting at teller booths, counting out gold, rubies, and other precious stones. Turning around he read the inscription at the top of the door and gulped.
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there
Undaunted, the professor strode up to the front of the room, and Harry hurried to follow.
Reaching the podium that stood at the front of the large room, Dumbledore looked up at the Goblin who was busy counting out large gold coins into a bag.
The goblin, Snaggletooth, knew exactly who was standing in front of him and why they were there. He had heard about the kindness of the House Potter but wanted to test it for himself. Barely acknowledging the two wizards who stood before him, he continued his task of counting out the galleons in the money sack the previous wizard had given him.
Stacking the money in front of him, the goblin started counting out the stacks.
"5…10…15…" he muttered quietly to himself, trying to see if the young Potter lord would help him, wait patiently for him, or demand service. He was pleasantly surprised to hear a young voice come from in front of him.
"Forgive my interruption sir, but You have 235 galleons."
The goblin nearly fell out of his chair in shock at the young man's form of address. Never had anyone addressed him in such a way.
"Thank you, Lord Potter," Snaggletooth said loudly, causing the few wizards and witches present to turn and stare at the young boy, "It is not often a wizard will wait for a Goblin to finish a task, much less help him. Come, this way. Elder Grangock is waiting for us in the conference room."
The goblin hopped out of his chair and led them to a door in the far wall. Opening the door, Harry was escorted into a large circular room with chairs set up around half the perimeter. In the center was a large bowl holding a liquid that swirled around shimmering two different shades of blue.
Sitting at a large table at the far side of the room sat an elderly goblin, his eyes burning holes into Harry as if reading his very soul.
"Welcome, Lord Potter. Please have a seat," Grangock stated quietly gesturing to a chair in front of him.
Harry stepped up to the table and bowed a little before sitting.
"Thank you for seeing us Elder."
The old goblin was pleased at the politeness the boy had used and gave him a grimace of a smile.
"It is my pleasure Lord Potter. We are here today to award you the Lordship of two houses. At the end of today you will be given the Lordship of a third. Do you know the history of your family?"
"A little, but not a lot." Harry admitted a little shocked at what he had heard.
"I am assuming you have heard of Merlin?" the Goblin queried. At the affirming nod, he continued, "What many people don't realize is that Myrddin Emrys, better known as Merlin, and his wife Vivienne, better known as the Lady of the Lake, had a child named Madoc the Brave who took on the surname Gryffindor in honor of a royal griffin that saved his life. The grandson of Madoc was Godric Gryffindor who was one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He married fellow founder Helga Hufflepuff. Together they had a son, Aurelius Gryffindor who was well known in his time for his transfiguration and muggle pottery. However, when his family was targeted by Morgan le Fay, he went into hiding at a castle he had built and changed his family's name to Potter. You Lord Potter, are descended from that same family. But there is something extra special about you. When a powerfully magical being dies, his or her magic becomes restless and moves on to find another, worthy of wielding it making that person a magical heir. Harry, your ancestor's magic has chosen you to be the Magical Heir of Merlin and the new Lord Emrys."
Harry's mouth dropped open at the revelation of his ancestry. Shakily, he looked over at Dumbledore who had a small smile on his face. Turning back to the goblin he asked, "What does that mean, sir."
The goblin grinned back. "What that means, Lord Emrys, is that you are now the most powerful wizard alive, financially, politically, and the potential to become the most powerful physically."
Harry was stunned. His mouth moved as he tried hard to think of something to say. Finally, he gave up, and looked at the goblin helplessly.
"What do we do now," he whispered.
"Now," the goblin responded holding up two boxes, "You claim your rightful titles."
Opening the smaller ornate ring box first, Gragnock removed a large gold signet ring. The stone was obsidian and inscribed in gold on the black face was a large shield with a triskelion in the center. The same symbol that had appeared on the vault door.
Dumbledore leaned over to whisper in Harry's ear.
"Hold out your right-hand Harry."
Complying, Harry held out his hand and the goblin slipped the ring onto his middle finger. The ring shrank until it fit his finger perfectly and then flashed gold.
"Greetings, Lord Emrys," intoned the goblins in the room with a bow. Following the headmasters whispered instructions, Harry inclined his head in acknowledgement.
Setting aside the smaller of the boxes, Elder Gragnock reached for a large rectangular box. Opening it, he showed the contents to Harry who stared at the line of rings.
"This box contains the needed rings if a Noble House were to fill all of its positions. The Lord's ring, lady's ring, the heir's rings, four consort rings, seven servant/vassal rings, seven concubine collars, and seven slave collars, though more can be created if you so desire." the goblin explained.
Harry was taken aback at the mention of slaves and he looked between the Goblin and the headmaster.
The teacher sighed, "It is not uncommon for Noble houses to keep slaves of some sort. However, it is an old practice that is starting to deteriorate as most slaves are now house elves. Involuntary slave bonds are made with some very dark magic and are now very illegal. Whomever cast the spell, if caught will have a long stay in Azkaban. However, if a person feels so indebted to a Noble house he or she can voluntarily make themselves a slave and bond him/herself to the person they owe. There are several levels of a voluntary bond, a slave bond being the most severe as they are for life. A servant or vassal is someone who has bound themselves to a person seeking protection or repaying a minor debt, any number of things. The difference between a vassal and a servant is simple. A servant is often a domestic, such as a maid or butler. A vassal could be seen as a field agent of sorts. They would handle anything public you yourself didn't want to handle. Both can be released at the wish of their Lord. A concubine and a slave are practically the same. As horrid as it is, they are not considered human. Their personality is severally changed to the point where they almost start to worship their master. Their only drive in life is to please their master. There are a few differences between the two however. One, a concubine can only be a female as a concubine is just a fancy word for sex slave. Two, if the lady or consorts fail to bear an heir, the concubine can then bear an heir in her lady's stead. Three, a concubine, socially, stands only slightly higher than a slave, though it is not enough to consider them human. A slave is well a slave. Beware though, if you ever save someone and incur a life debt from them, they will eventually fall into one of the last two categories. However, in any case, you are the one in charge of your house, everyone including the children are yours to command. A way to look at it from a Muggle point of view is that each family is its own kingdom, the Head of House being the monarch. The Ministry, then, is much like the United Nations."
Harry nodded, struggling to control his anger at what he had learned but knew that the wizarding world was much different from the Muggle world. There was no way for a boy of 10 almost 11 to change that.
Grangock pulled the Lord's ring, a platinum ring with a large shield emblazoned on the onyx stone, from the box. Within the shield was the Gryffindor coat of arms with a triskelion beneath it. At the top of the shield stood a doe and stag. Again, Harry listened to Albus as he whispered instructions and raised his left hand. Slipping the ring onto Harry's left ring finger, Grangock officially greeted him as Lord Potter, the other Goblins present following his lead. Again, the ring resized itself and flashed gold.
"Now, with that done, here are the financial records for all your vaults," stated the elder goblin, handing a stack of paperwork over to Harry who carefully read over each one.
Potter Family Vaults
Vault 118,
Vault contains:
647,450,068 Galleons 12 Sickles and 10 knuts
Books, papers and notes
Deed to Potter Manor, Lerwick, Scotland
Deed to Potter Summer Cottage, Godrics Hollow England
Deed to Villa de Potter, Paris France
Family heirlooms and other priceless artifacts
Trust Vault: 687
Vault Contains: 500,000 Galleons
Refilled annually
Gryffindor Family Vault
Merged with Hufflepuff Family Vault
Vault 12
Vault contains:
12,680,964,012 Galleons
Deed to Hufflepuff Castle
Deed to Gryffindor Palace
Family heirlooms and other priceless artifacts
Vault of Lord Emrys
Vault 1
Vault contains:
30,970,578,320 Galleons
Staff of Lord Emrys
Deed to Castle Avalon.
Black Family Vault
Vault 260
Vault contains:
139,230,560 Galleons
Deed to #12 Grimmauld Place
Deed to Castle Black, Scottish Alps
Books, Papers and notes
Family Heirlooms and other priceless artifacts
All investments
Ollivanders: 35%
Madam Malkins: 50%
Apothecary: 16%
Eeylops Owl Emporium: 36%
Flourish and Blotts: 86%
Leaky Cauldron: 25%
Magical Menagerie: 48%
Overall financial status of Lord Harry James Potter Emrys Black, all assets liquidated: 47,438,722,960 Galleons.
Harry stared at the final number, his mind blank and uncomprehending. He figured his parents were well to do with what Dumbledore had told them and wealthy after Grangocks history lesson, but he had no idea he was this rich.
Finally, one thing stood out in his foggy brain. He had 4 family vaults instead of just three as he thought he would
"Uh.. Um..," he stuttered forcing his mouth to work properly, "Uh why do I have a Black family vault?"
Albus, chuckled at the thoroughly shell-shocked look on his student's face.
"That is your godfathers vault," he explained to the young Lord, "you will find out why it is there at the reading of the wills."
Harry nodded looking white in the face, swaying unsteadily on his feet. The headmaster leapt to catch him as he passed out from sheer shock.
The headmaster shook his head as the goblins eyebrows shot into his thinning hair.
"You must forgive Lord Potter, Elder. He learned only yesterday he was a wizard and head of the Most Noble and Ancient House Potter. He didn't know the full history of that family and what that could entail as far as finances," the old wizard explained to the surprised goblin, who nodded his head in understanding. Turning to one of the goblins guarding the door, he fired off a quick sentence in gobbledegook. When the goblin had left he turned back to face the pair as Dumbledore raised his wand and whispered, "Rennervate."
Harry's eyes snapped open. He sat up and looked around at the room then back at the venerable headmaster who still bent over him.
"It' wasn't a dream?" he whispered quietly still in shock.
The teacher shook his head, and helped him to sit up. The goblin that Grangock had sent out returned carrying a cup filled with a sweet-smelling liquid inside. Taking it, Albus put the cup to Harry's lips and urged him to drink. "It's a calming draught Harry, it will help you calm down," he explained. Harry nodded and drank deeply from the cup. his nervousness and surprise left him, replaced with a feeling of calm and acceptance.
Standing he inclined his head to the head Goblin, "I apologize Elder Grangock. It is a bit much learning that you are not only a wizard but a powerful and wealthy wizard in two days. For me it is quite literally, from rags to riches."
Dumbledore frowned at that statement as the elder goblin waved his hand dismissively. "It is quite alright, Lord Potter."
Harry took the parchments again and looked over each again carefully, "Sir? I am not much of an economist, but what I do know, wouldn't this kind of money send prices through the roof? I mean If there is this much money sitting around, even in the muggle world, wouldn't that cause a problem for everyone else?"
The goblin nodded, "Generally yes, however this money is generations old and has been sitting in those vaults unused, save for a few investments, building interest, some for thousands of years. The closest family to you in wealth only has a couple ten million. The Potters and the Blacks are among the founding families of wizarding kind. Not many know that Lord Myrddin Emrys and his best friend, Lord Afton Black were the first humans granted magic as we know it now by the deities of nature. Of course, there were a few people who were granted some magical abilities before, but those focused on natural magics like plant magic, weather magic also known as druidism, and some empathetic magic, plus alchemy, the forerunner to potioneering. These included what would become the Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin clans. But the Emrys and Black clans? They were the founders of it all. As far as monies? Clans Black and Potter have owned some the most successful gold mines ever recorded, bringing in a fortune. Galleons, are simply pieces of gold pressed into a coin. Within the Wizarding community the value of gold does not change as it does in the muggle world. In reality, you do not have the amount of coins in your vaults as the estimate says. What it does mean is if you were to take the gold ingots that are in your vault, you would have that much. However, no one will accept a gold brick as payment. In all actuality you only have about six hundred million Galleons in coin. Of course, Gringotts could press the gold ingots for a fee. Does that answer your question?"
Harry nodded, unable to speak.
The goblin grunted, "Good. Your accounts are attached to your rings. When you wish to pay for a service simply press your ring to the indentation shown you in the store. Now, we have a few things to attend to before the will reading, namely the number of marriage contracts that apply to you."
Despite the potion, Harry was shocked. From what Dumbledore had told him, it was not only common but expected for Noble wizarding families to sign contracts for their children, but he never dreamed that he had one for him, much less more than one.
"If you're worried about having more than one, Harry, don't be. It is not uncommon for a Wizard to have more than one wife. As you can already tell our society is not like Muggles," Dumbledore said to him soothingly.
"But sir, with these contracts, I have taken away their right to choose who they want to marry," Harry declared heatedly, "Is there anyway to break these contracts?"
"Not without both parties either losing their magic or dying, no," Grangock responded smoothly.
Harry was distraught. He knew he wanted to settle down and have children, but he wanted the marriage to be one of love. Not because they were forced into the marriage because of their parents.
"Harry, these contracts are binding. They must happen. And don't worry, the contracts will ensure that single one of the girls falls in love with you."
Harry looked at his teacher, his eyes glowing with hidden power.
"You mean that these contracts also take away their free will as well?" he snapped indignantly.
"It is our culture, Harry. You must accept it," Albus reprimanded sternly, "I understand what you mean, and it may seem ghastly, but a magically contracted marriage often creates some of the closest knitted family's ever."
The goblin snorted, "They may also create some of the most vile and disturbing relationships."
Harry's eyes grew wide, his mind sputtering to a stop.
Grangock sighed before explaining, "There are some matches that just are not meant to be. Magic herself will fight this, fang and claw. You will meet one such family today. But do not fret, we have a way of knowing if any contract is that way, and none of yours are. The contracts don't so much as force you to fall in love, as … remove any emotional blocks that might impede the true magic of love"
Defeated, Harry sighed. He may not like it, but he could feel his magic accepting and eager for the contracts, he could also feel the truthfulness of both Grangock's and Dumbledore's words.
"I just don't want to force myself on anyone," Harry whispered, head in hands.
"You aren't, Lord Potter. Each of these families have been notified of the contracts and they have all accepted them as written," the elder stated, handing over a second pile of parchment.
Harry took the pile of parchment and read the top piece of parchment.
Marriage contracts and Familial Hierarchy of Lord Harry James Potter Emrys Black
Lord Harry James Potter Emrys Black, Head of the Most Noble and Most Ancient Houses Potter and Black, Magical Heir of Merlin is betrothed to:
Susan Bones, Lady Potter
Daphne Greengrass, Lady Black
Nymphadora Tonks, Consort Potter
Su Li, Consort Black
All names listed above will love and serve their Lord. They will bear his children and give all properties and name to him. They will obey his every word. They will support him through times of trial, and rejoice with him in times of peace for the rest of their days. Details and contracts are included beneath this parchment.
Harry's jaw dropped as he stared at the paper. He had already met one of his betrothed, and had eaten dinner with her the night before.
"This explains, the connection I felt with Susan last night," he whispered to himself.
Having heard his statement, Dumbledore looked over nodded, "Yes. Like I said the contract is legally and magically binding and will ensure you to fall in love with her. Also, you asked why you felt superior to her. If two individuals are betrothed to be together, the more magically powerful of the two will be dominant, the weaker submissive. Sort of a survival of the fittest. Susan's magic, knowing it was weaker, compelled her to act submissively to you. Your magic also felt that and compelled you to feel superior. Each of those girls will make you feel similar. As such, they are now your property. You can literally do with them as you wish."
Harry nodded again, upset at how things were turning out, but he knew he could do nothing of it. He could feel the rightness and acceptance his magic gave at the thought of the contracts. Looking at the headmaster he asked, "What are the differences between Ladies and consorts? And, since I'm asking how do servants and slaves play into the household, magically?"
"Socially, your Ladies and consorts will have a higher standing than your servants, concubines or slaves, if you were to ever get them," Albus amended quickly, seeing Harrys glare, "The magic binding ladies, consorts, servants, concubines and slaves to you are all different, yet similar. I have already explained slaves and concubines to you as well as servants and vassals. As I said, servants and vassals can be released, upon their Lords command. Vassals are seen as employees as it were. Servants are seen only slightly worse than consorts. Concubines and Slaves are bound to you for life and are socially equal with house elves. A consort is a secondary wife whose children will not become Heads of a House. A Lady, socially, is your primary wife. Her children will become your heirs."
Harry listened quietly as Dumbledore continued to explain the magical, and physical workings of a Lords house and its members. He was sickened to hear that while the magic that bound the various members was different, they all lived to serve him. If he wanted, he could have them all killed and take different wives if they didn't please him. He learned that the titles were simply social standing, and house hierarchy. Otherwise, he was in total control.
"And the families of these girls are ok with this, knowing that their daughters are to be practically owned?"
Dumbledore nodded grimly, "It's the way our culture has been for generations Harry. They all are trained and willing to serve you."
Harry twisted the ring on his left hand as he thought. This was not how he wanted today to turn out.
"Excuse me, Elder Grangock, but the parties called upon for the readings of the Potter and Black wills are here and are waiting, sir," a goblin spoke from the door leading out to the bank.
Grangock nodded his thanks, "Send them in."