The 4th Year
Don't own anything. JK Rowling does.
Italic is for letters and signs.
Underline is for French.
Chapter 3: French Flower.
"WHAT!?"
Harry and Dumbledore both yelled in shock.
"Please calm down, it is not that big a deal." the goblin king tried to play down the claim with no success.
"How is that possible?" Harry asked.
"I will explain everything at the end. Right now I would like to get this finished." replied Ragnok as he pointed to the will. The wizards nodded and Ragnok started again.
"As you may not know, the Potter line is actually the Griffindor line. To explain this better I will give you a brief history lesson on our family.
The first of our family history starts with the Prevelle line. Many people know about the ancient family of wizards that the Deathly Hallows circle around but that is nothing but a story. Also it has nothing to do with us. The Prevelle line was almost wiped out about 1500 years ago. At this time the last decedent was a woman named Ella. She was the one who ended up marrying a muggle named Griffindor. As you have no doubt guessed, this is Godric Griffindor's ancestor as well as ours. After a few generations Ella's great-grandson Godric was born. He was powerful, brave and smart. He became very famous and together with his friends founded Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I won't deal with the founders except that Salazar Slytherin ended up hating the others and vowed to end their lines. He almost succeeded in his endeavour. He killed Helga Hufflepuff and her daughter which ended her line. He died fighting Godric in Godric's Hollow years later but his decedent continued his work.
Years passed by as the remaining three founder families lived in peace or so they thought. About 500 years ago Slytherin's family was large and attacked us and Ravenclaw. The Griffindor and Ravenclaw lines became allies and fled Britain. They stayed in France and the Netherlands for a long time and thought of a plan to return to Britain and hopefully Hogwarts.
Now about 400 years ago, about 100 years after fleeing Britain, Ravenclaw and Griffindor spread rumours that the last of their lines died. This was spread throughout Europe and finally the Slytherins heard about it. The two families changed their family names. Ravenclaw changed to Lovegood and headed back to Britain. A few years later Griffindor moved back to their home with the name of Potter.
So now you know that our real name is Griffindor and hopefully that blasted hat put you in Griffindor. If not it doesn't matter that much but if you are in Griffindor you will find some secrets waiting for you in the tower. Once you have the ring.
Now with being Lord Griffindor you have to accept the family ring but wearing it openly may put you in harm's way. As there still is that bastard Voldemort running around and he is the last heir of Slytherin so he will attack you if you show off the ring. The best part is the ring can be made invisible to everyone but you so I ask that you do this. For your safety. Then there is the Potter ring. You can also make this invisible but I personally would make it so people could see that you are a Lord. It will also not raise suspicious about who we really are.
Now as your father has no doubt asked you already, I will ask as well. Harry please return Ravenclaw's ring to the Lovegoods. They left it in our possession for safe keeping and now is the time to return it. They have been our allies and friends for years. I know that they may appear a bit insane but that is due to the amount of knowledge that they have. Too much of a good thing can be bad and this is the case with them. They are expecting a daughter right now, well by the time you hear this she is probably grown up to about your age but regardless seek her out. She will be a valuable ally and a great friend.
The last thing I want to talk about is your home. Sirius no doubt has a good home for you now but I'm talking about your family home. There is a manor, which is the Potter manor as the Griffindor one was destroyed centuries ago. The manor has multiple wards and defences that will keep you and your family safe. I cannot tell you exactly where it is due to those wards but you can find it with no problems. The Potter family ring can be used as a portkey to the house. All you need to do is tap it with your wand and say home. The ring should always work but sometimes anti-portkey wards will block you. The ring is a great way for a quick escape and if you have someone with you that you wish to take to the manor your body turns into the portkey and the person simply needs to touch you.
The Griffindor ring works similarly but will take you to Hogwarts. If you are in Hogwarts the ring can take you to anywhere in the castle at any time. All you have to do is say where you want to go and tap the ring with your wand and you will pop up there. Also I recommend that you keep this to yourself and use it only in emergencies. Having said that I ask you to use the ring to go to Griffindor's Study. You will know what to do once you are there.
That about sums everything up but not to worry, there is a few books at the manor that can aid you and tell you everything there is about your Lordship.
I know that I will never meet you as a young man but know that I love you more than anything. Make yourself proud and I will be proud of you. Live your life to the fullest and find a good wife to spend the rest of your life with. Good luck Harry and hopefully I don't see you for a long time.
Love, your grandfather, Charles Griffindor.
They all sat there in silence for awhile as Ragnok folded the letter back up. It was broken as Griphook walked in holding a few boxes.
"Well Mr. Potter I think it is time for you to accept your Lordship." Ragnok smiled and Harry nodded still a little in shock.
Harry stood in front of the desk as Ragnok passed him an old oak box with a crest engraved on the lid. Harry stared down at the crest. A sword was in the middle with a dragon, that Harry did not recognise, wrapped around the sword as if protecting it. Behind them was a ruby shield with two wands crossed behind it. Harry brushed his fingers over the crest for a moment when opened the box. Inside in the middle sat a golden ring with a ruby set in the centre. The ruby had the crest on it and Harry slowly lifted it from the box and slipped it onto his right hand ring finger.
Harry felt a rush of magic course though him and slowly fad to a warm tingling feel. He watched as the ring glowed then faded back to how it was before he put it on.
"Good the ring accepts you as Lord Potter. Congratulations Lord Potter." The goblin king smiled.
"Please call me Harry." the new lord almost whined.
"Alright, Harry but in return you call me Ragnok."
"Deal!" Harry yelled as the goblin laughed as well as Dumbledore.
"Now there is some forms and deeds that you need to sign." The king placed a high stack of papers in front of Harry with a quill and ink pot. Harry picked up the quill and went to work on the papers.
Having finished signing the last one another box was pushed in front of him. The one looked older then the first and the Griffindor crest was engraved on the lid. A much more eager Harry opened the box. This time a silver ring with a large ruby sat in the box. Harry quickly snatched it up and put it on his left hand's middle finger.
The rush of magic was much more intense as the ring and Harry started to grow brightly. Harry wobbled on his feet for a moment and Dumbledore stopped him from falling.
"Are you ok Harry?" the kind old man asked.
"I... I feel fantastic!" Harry flexed different parts of his body, testing his muscles.
"Yes that happened to your grandfather as well. He said he felt invincible." stated the goblin.
"I can understand why." Harry laughed as he felt better than he had ever had. After a moment looking at his body he asked the question that he was wondering aloud. "Do I look different?"
Dumbledore looked at him for a few moments then smiled," Yes Harry you look a lot more healthy."
He did in fact look better. His extremely lanky body had fill out. He was still lean but he had muscles now. Dumbledore thought that Harry would now be the center of most witches thoughts once he returned to school.
"Well now that the ring has accepted you. You are now Lord Griffindor as well, congratulations." Ragnok smiled as he passed an even bigger stack of papers to Harry. Harry moaned loudly but still picked up the quill and signed the way too many papers for a ring.
Having just finished signing the last paper Harry had to flex his hand to try and get rid of the painful cramp. He noticed that a rather large wooden box now sat on the desk. His eyes locked on to it and he felt a pull towards it. He muttered to himself and those present tried to make out what he had said. Harry stood up and looked at the box. There was no lid or hatch that could make someone open it. Harry's eyes went out of focus and he appeared to be in a trance. Dumbledore went to grab his shoulder but got blasted back by an invisible shield. Ragnok and Griphook ran over to Dumbledore who was picking himself off the floor. The three of them turned their attention back to Harry once the headmaster was on his feet.
There was white whips of light swirling around Harry as he held out his right arm and the swirling increased then a flash of light. They covered their eyes at the flash then looked back to see Harry wearing a large black cape over his robes and a silver, ruby embedded circlet on his head. In his out stretched hand was the sword of Griffindor. He tapped the tip of the sword on the box.
Slowly the box started to click and slide apart in pieces that looked like a complicated puzzle. The pieces hovered around what lay inside. The three spectators saw only for a second objects of silver before another flash of blinding light. They opened there eyes again to see tiny white particles floating in the air and the hum of pure magic.
Harry stood before them and they saw the particles pulsing off of him. He was an impressive sight dressed in silver. He had the circlet on his head and the cape lightly blowing in a nonexistent wind. He had a silver breast plate on as well as gauntlets with the sword lazily drawn at his side. He wore a pair of plated silver boots as well. The three stared at the new Harry wearing the armour of his ancestor.
Ragnok was the first to move from his spot and knelt in front of Harry. "Lord Griffindor it is a honour to see you take your rightful place." Griphook followed his king's lead and Dumbledore stared at his favourite student with a look of awe then with a small tug on his sleeve by Griphook he too knelt.
Harry smiled down at them for a moment," My friends you need not bow to me. Please stand up." They all stood still looking at the young man before them. Harry smiled warmly at them then the humming stopped and the particles zipped towards Harry and a final flash lit the room blowing everyone off their feet.
"Professor? Professor? Ragnok? Griphook?" came a distance voice to the three knocked out persons.
"Harry?" came the groggy voice of Dumbledore. His eyes flew open when he remembered what happened and took a second to focus on Harry's face. The boy looked worried but smiled a bit as the headmaster stirred.
"Sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen." he said sheepishly as he helped the old professor up. "I can't seem to wake them up." Harry said as he pointed to the unconscious goblins.
"Not to worry." Dumbledore said as he gave a quick wave of his wand and a second later the goblins started to stir.
"Lord Griffindor that was something I have never seen." Ragnok exclaimed as he got back on his feet. They all looked at Harry but he was back to normal. He stood in his dark green robes calmly staring back at them.
"Just what was that Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"That was me claiming my lordship." Harry said in a very off handed way," The gauntlets in the box reacted to my magic as well as the sword."
"Wait the Gauntlets of Griffindor were in the box?" Griphook asked.
"Yeah. Didn't you know?" Harry answered.
"No Harry we didn't." Ragnok answered," We were instructed by your grandfather to give you the box but we were not told what was in it. May I ask where everything went?"
The others looked around the room but nothing remained of the box or what it held.
"I think they went to Griffindor's study where they await me." Harry replied.
"How do you know, Harry?" Dumbledore looked intrigued.
Harry shrugged, " I just know, sir."
"Yes, well this is all very interesting but how long were we unconscious?" asked Ragnok as he pulled out his pocket watch.
"About twenty minutes."
"Damn!" the goblin king cursed," I'm late for my other appointment. I'm sorry Harry but do you have any questions?"
"No. After the 'claiming' everything sort of makes sense." they all raised their eyebrows at his response.
"Well that saves me some time. Come, I will lead you out." Ragnok said as he walked out of the office.
"Wait, your highness you forgot to show him his bank statement." called Griphook as he ran after them with a piece of parchment.
"Thank you for reminding me, Griphook. Why don't you show him."
The goblins shared a smile as Griphook showed Harry the paper. Down at the bottom right was the total. Harry's eyes shot out of his head as he saw the number.
"I-is that t-the right number?" he asked in shock.
"Yes Harry. You are the third richest person in the world. A wizard in Japan is second and a witch in Poland is first. Both are our clients so we know we are accurate." the king smiled at him.
Harry handed the statement back and Griphook quickly slipped it into his pocket. The rest of the walk down the hall Harry was in a daze." How can I possibly have that much money." kept running through his head.
They appeared back out in the lobby were King Ragnok extended his hand," Harry if you have any business with Gringotts at any time in the future please ask for me. I would be more than happy to be your families personal bank manager."
Harry smiled at the goblin and grasped his hand, " I would be honoured for your help Ragnok."
"Excellent! Have a pleasant afternoon, Lord Potter."
"You too, your highness."
The two smiled at one another then looked around at the silent lobby. Everyone, wizard and goblin alike, were staring at them wide-eyed. "What are you looking at?" came Ragnok's harsh voice," Don't you have banking to do?"
With that the King of the goblins turned around and walked back into the depths of the bank. Harry and Dumbledore shared a laugh at how everyone hurried back to business after Ragnok's outburst.
"That was something I have never seen before." a voice came from behind them. Harry and Dumbledore turned to find the French ambassador and his daughter standing there. The girl was looking off to the left and staring at something and her father was on her right. He was a tall man with short blonde hair with flecks of grey. His skin was slightly tanned unlike his daughter who was fair skinned but not pale. Harry stood opposite the girl and looked to his left to look at the man. His eyes flickered to the girl but she kept looking away, now at the ground.
"Yes, Harry here is something else." Dumbledore agreed as he smiled proudly.
"Harry?" the man asked in perfect English, "Is it safe to say that you're Harry Potter." The girl head shot up. Her eyes locked with his again and Harry looked away to look at the man before nodding his head.
"It's a great honour to meet you!" he said in a very excited voice and reached out to shake his hand. Harry's face fell a little when the man got excited but went unnoticed by everyone but the girl who was studying him. He shook hands with the man who introduced himself as Henry Delacour.
"Come on Fleur don't be rude." Henry said as he poked his daughter. She glared at him for a second before turning back to Harry and held out her hand.
"Ello, 'Arry. Nice to meet you."
"Ravi de vous rencontrer, Fleur." Harry replied as he took her hand. They all looked taken aback when he spoke.
"I take it you taught him, Albus?" asked Henry. Harry answered the question.
"No he didn't. I learned when I lived with muggles relatives."
"Oh! Does your family speak French?" Henry asked.
Harry snorted, "Oh no. They hate the French. That was one of the reasons I learned it. So I could annoy them. "
"Well where did you learn. You speak very well for your age."
"I took a class when I was in muggle school."
"Really? You went to muggle school?" Fleur asked.
"Yeah I had no idea about magic until I got my Hogwarts letter."
/"I thought you had magical parents?"/ she asked a little confused.
/" Yeah I did but I was raised by my muggle relatives, who hate magic and hate me."/
/"Why would you live with them then?"/she asked.
/"Fleur its none of our business!"/ her dad scolded her.
/"It's fine. I don't mind."/ Harry said.
/"Well?"/ she asked getting a look from her father.
/"He didn't have much of a choice."/ Dumbledore answered. The two Delacours attention switched to him. /"When his Godfather was sent to jail-"/
/"Even though he is innocent!"/ Harry jumped in getting looks from the blondes.
/"Yes, even though he is innocent."/ Dumbledore continued,/" The law stated he had to go to his next of kin in the event that his godfather was incapable. Which was a big mistake."/ Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head.
/"How exactly?"/ Fleur asked. Dumbledore looked at Harry but said nothing. She switched her glaze to Harry. He was looking off to the side and did not do anything for a while.
/" I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"/ she started.
/"No it's fine."/ he cut her off. /" I was abused mentally and physically."/ he turned and looked directly at her. Pain and sorrow was present in his eyes as well as hate and anger. /" I was put down, beaten, starved and locked up! I should have died years ago but my magic kept me alive. That place was the worst torture I have ever had. Azkaban would have been a nice holiday!"/
/"You don't know what Azkaban is like."/ Mr. Delocouer said.
/"Sure I do. I fought a hundred dementors last month and almost got kissed."/ They looked at him doubtfully.
/"I'm afraid that he is telling the truth."/ Dumbledore said with a sad smile.
/"What?! How could he! No affiance Mr. Potter but you need to know a patronus charm to do that."/
/" Harry can produce one. The shape it took was a stag right, Harry."/ Dumbledore asked.
/"That's right, sir."/
Henry looked like he was slapped by a fish and at the same time looked like a fish out of water. Fleur on the other hand was excited.
/"Can you show me please!"/
/"Umm... I don't know."/
/"Please I love charms and have tried to do it before but nothing happened and everybody I know doesn't know how to do it. Please show me!"/
/"Umm professor?"/
/"You can do as you like but it may be wise not to do it here."/ he answered.
/"Where can he do it?"/ she asked. Dumbledore smiled at her.
/"Henry?"/ He asked the French man.
/"Y-yes, Albus."/
/"Have you had lunch yet?"/
/"No we were going after finishing here."/
/"Would you like to join Harry and I at my house for lunch?"/ he offered.
/"Please Daddy!"/ Fleur begged and batted her big blue eyes at him.
/" Are you sure, Albus?"/
/" Of course it's no big deal!"/
/" Ok then we would be honoured."/
/"Yes!"/ fist pumped Fleur. /"Thank you Professor Dumbledore."/
A few minutes later they were at Dumbledore's house sitting on the patio. Dobby started to set the table and prepare the meal while Harry and Fleur stood in the middle of the yard as the two men watched.
Harry raised his arm and pure white light flowed out. Soon the light became a shape. A ten pronged stag stood before them. Harry moved the stag over to Fleur who tried to pet it but her hand passed through and she felt warm inside.
Both French magicals couldn't believe that Harry could do something like that.
The rest of the day was Harry and Dumbledore telling them about Harry's adventures of the past few years since he started Hogwarts. Dumbledore told most of the stories with Harry adding key details.
Fleur started to see the Harry that only a few people got to ever see and liked what she saw in him. The best part was they were the same age and better still was that the aura had no effect on him.
They stayed for dinner as well and desert. After Fleur asked if Harry would do the spell one more time so she could really see the stag in the dark. He agreed and she pulled him the yard.
"Expecto Patronam" Harry yelled and again the White stag charged out of his wand. The stag looked around for any signs of danger before staring at Harry. The stag then turned its head towards Fleur. It's pupil-less eyes stared unblinking at her before slowly approaching the young witch. Fleur raised her hand and tried to pet the stag but again her hand passed through it. A warm happiness filled her to her core. "Beautiful." she said as she admired the charm. The stag nuzzled her face and she looked over to a slightly smirking Harry. She looked once more at the stag before Harry cancelled the spell. The Patronous burst into flecks of light before fading away. Harry was reminded of this morning at the bank. It had felt that it had been weeks since Harry was at the bank. He figured his time with Fleur was to blame. He liked her and she saw past his fame which made him feel that they could be good friends. He was pulled out of his thoughts by Fleur.
"Harry thank you for showing me your Partronus. It means a lot to me." she smiled at him.
"No problem, Fleur." he smiled back.
"You know you are not how I pictured you to be."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No! No it is not. I like the Harry that I met today a lot more than the papers and history books say you are."
"Well I'm glad because when I read it I thought the author was talking about someone else."
She laughed a little at his statement," Yes, now that I think about it the writer definitely wasn't writing about you."
Silence surrounded them in the dark backyard. Harry looked up at the stars. He always liked them. Little bits of light shining through the darkness.
"Harry?"
He looked back down to see that Fleur had gotten closer to him. "Yes?"
"I was wondering if well... If..."
"If? What?"
"If we could be friends?" Fleur almost yelled out," I just have never met a guy that hasn't tried to hit on me or be a little more 'assertive'. And I like you. As a friend I mean so can we be friends?" she looked over at Harry for a moment and saw an amused smile.
"What's so funny!" her anger flared, thinking that she many had judged him too soon.
"Nothing." he got a glare, " Really nothing. I just thought that we already were friends."
"Oh." her voice was small and quiet for a moment," I'm sorry I snapped at you."
"Don't worry about it." he waved it off. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure." she said with a smile.
"What do you mean guys got assertive with you?"
Her face flashed with pain, panic, fear, regret, loneliness, loss and shame. "Can I tell you another time?"
"Sure. I don't want you to feel forced or anything."
"Thanks Harry. You really are a great guy."
"Thanks Fleur. I think you are too."
"A great guy?" she asked with a questioning eyebrow.
"No! No! I-I mean a great person."
"But a guy?"
"No of course you're not a guy. No guy can be as-" he stopped himself a little too late as Fleur stared at him curiously.
"Can be what?" she asked with her hands on her hips.
"Can be ~mutter~" Harry muttered, not looking at her.
"What was that Harry?" her voice a little icy.
He looked her right in the eyes. His blazing green eyes filled with determination even with his cheeks blushing a bit, "You can't be a guy because you are too beautiful."
Her face went red and she looked at the ground.
"Fleur I'm sorr-. No. You know what? I'm not sorry. Fleur," she looked up at him," I think your the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. That was why I was staring at you in Gringotts. I'm sorry that I stared at you then but that was my reason. Dumbledore told me that you get a lot of attention and hate it, just as much as I do but I finally understood why people stare at me."
"What did you understand?" she asked quietly.
"That they are looking to see a fantastic person. And you know what I got to talk to a fantastic person today."
Fleur gave him a shy smile, "I also got to talk to a fantastic person today."
They smiled at each other for a little while. "So are we friends?" Harry asked after what felt like an eternity.
"I thought we already were." she smile playfully back. They both burst into laughter then they heard their names being called.
They walked back over to the patio were Henry and Dumbledore were standing and smiling at them.
"Time to say goodnight, you two." said Dumbledore, "We have a big day before us tomorrow Harry."
"Aww." Fleur whined and got a shocked expression from her father. "Can we see each other again?" she almost pleaded.
"Umm... I-I don't know." said mister Delacour, he looked at his old friend Albus for help.
"Are you by chance going to the summer ball?" the Professor asked.
"Yes we got invited last week. Why?" answered Henry.
"Well as young Harry and myself are Lords we are expected to attend."
The two blondes' eyes widened at the fact that Harry was a lord.
"Why didn't you say you were a Lord?" Fleur asked while smacking his arm.
"What? I just found out today. I'm still getting used to the idea."
"Oh!" the blond man exclaimed, "That's why King Gringott was talking to you."
"Yes well. Anyways the summer ball?" Dumbledore interrupted," Why don't we meet you there. It will be Harry's first ball and having someone his own age and who he knows will help him relax."
"Ooohhh! This will be so much fun! I hate going to them and running away from those pervert boys." Fleur said excitedly," Now I can be seen with you, Harry and they should leave me alone. Plus it will be great to hang out with you again." Harry smiled at her and nodded his agreement.
"Well it's settled then. We shall see you at the party." Dumbledore stated.
"Yes now Fleur we really have to get going."
"Ok." Fleur reluctantly agreed. "Well I'll see you soon, Harry." she launched herself at him and hugged him tightly. Both men stared at the two teens, surprised that Fleur hugged Harry.
Harry on the other hand froze up for a second before hugging her back with a little awkwardness. "Bye, Harry." Fleur smiled before grabbing her dad's arm.
"Yeah bye, Fleur." Harry said shyly.
With a small pop and they were gone.
A second later the two French magicals popped up in Diagon Alley. They started to head for their small flat above the street, provided by the French embassy. They walked in silence for a little while before Henry broke the peacefulness.
"So what did you think of Harry?" he asked with a smirk.
"He is such a kind and nice guy." Fleur answered not seeing the smirk on her father's face.
"And handsome too." her dad added.
"Dad! We are just friends!"
"Sure you are."
"We are!"
Silence fell again and again Henry broke it. "Do you know what Dumbledore told me when you got Harry to cast his partonus again?"
"No, what?"
"He said he's never seen Harry open up so much to someone."
"Really?" Fleur smiled to herself and the same warm feeling from the Stag filled her up again.
"Yes. So you should count yourself lucky. You got to see the real Harry Potter. That's something that most people never see."
She smiled more to herself but then the warm feeling disappeared. She was scared to ask but did anyways, "Dad do you... Do you think that my aura made him open up?"
"No." he answered right away." At first I thought so too but he never really tried to impress you. He let Dumbledore tell most of his adventures but only added in his friends who helped him when Dumbledore didn't. He was very humble and modest when he told the story. No it wasn't because of your aura, sweet heart."
The warm feeling started to fill her again.
"Now that I really think about it." Fleur's dad said," I don't think he noticed your aura. He may be immune to your aura."
"Like you are Papa?" she asked.
"Yes like me. I'm immune to your mother's and all Veela aura."
A/N: Hello everyone sorry about the wait but I was on holiday and didn't have a computer with me. I went to Universal Islands of Adventure and went to the Harry Potter part! It was Magical! Really it was Awesome! I highly recommend that you go if you like amusement parks. Well I'll see you soon for the next chapter. See Ya!