Harry Potter and a Life Worth Living
By: Ubetiburn
Disclaimer: I am a male. Therefore, the only things that I own pertaining to this work of FANFICTION. Anything that you recognize as someone else probably is.
A/N: I know Chapter was not that long but I just wanted to see what kind of feedback I get. After a couple more chapters, they will get longer.
Chapter Three:
Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley steped into the Alley. Dudley was shocked. Harry placed his hand on Dud's shoulder and pushed him forward in hopes that the heavy man would move forward on his own after that.
"Do you see that large White building at the other end?" Asked Harry. Seeing that his cousin was nodding his head he told him that that was the building that they were headed too. As they mounted the steps Dudley said in awe, "This is a bank? Why are we here? According to my father you are even poorer then we will ever be." Sure the remark stung but the truth was just that, true. They climbed the steps and entered the building.
Harry looked around the Gringott's and was sure to enter the line that he could conduct business in. Mentally he was going over everything that he wanted to do. First, he would make a withdrawal from his account then he would see what the letters that he received meant, and why there was one from America.
The line that he was in was extremely long considering that it was close to 11:30 in the morning. The line grew longer behind and not shorter in front of him. Dudley was asking his cousin that was a bit more comfortable in his own surroundings, what species the others around them were. "Well those short beings are actually magical life forms. They are ruthless and honest in all their dealings. The privacy of an account holder means they are protected not only by the magic that the 'goblins', for that is what they are, hold but also the security measures that they take to protect themselves and their customers. They are real quick to anger..."
"Excuse me sir? Would you please accompany me over here with your guest so that we may conduct your business in a faster manner then at the counters." Asked a Goblin that neither boy felt or saw approach. When they were escorted to a private office. As the Goblin turned to leave the office Harry stated, "Thank you Griphook, for escorting me to the office area, but who am I to see?" There was shock in the Goblins eyes, not only because of Harry's recognizing him but because he also treated the Goblin with respect, but also THANKED the goblin.
Griphook told the boys that they were at the office of Goblin Redrum Nilbog and that the said Goblin would be with them in a moment. They were let into the office and told to make themselves comfortable and that Goblin Nilbog would be by after a few moments. Griphook smiled deviously. He turned to a fellow Goblin and tossed a few Galleons to the Goblin. "Five on the Potter Heir and his guest, if you would. To WIN" The other Goblin deftly caught the gold and nodded his head. "Easy Gold!" bioth Goblins thought though themselves.
Harry and Dudley were seated in two of the most uncomfortable chairs they ever had the displeasure of sitting in. They sat there for a few minuets before they started to fidget. There were ornate gold decorations, there was a shield that looked to weigh, well, more then Dudley and it was solid gold. A large ornate mirror was behind the desk. The surprising thing was that on the desk were some files. He could see the names of the various clients on each folder. There was a little scale on the bookcase with some Gold on one side and weights on the other. Harry looked at the folders and thought about taking a peak. Shucks, he wouldn't even have to do that. A simple cry of "Duplicato" and a flick of the wrist and he could have his own copy. There was one for the Malfoy Family, Fudge Family and some others that Harry suspected were Death Eaters names. He was not tempted. Too much.
Dudley had been shooting Harry some pointed looks. He was starting to rethink some of the changes his though process was having. First there was some gold just lying on a scale, files on the desk that his cousin was interested in, and Dudley had even noticed some green and red sparkles from the floor between the desk and him.
This all got Dudley thinking. A few years ago...
-flashback-
"Hey kid, you know where I can get some of that good weed at? I was told that you were the one to see." asked an older looking teen from the area.
"Nah, ain't got a clue what you hammering about" stated Dudley. It was at that time that one of his friends said something. "Yes, I got some of that fire." Malcolm started "How much do you want? 30 pounds for a lid"
The two boys started off one to go get the money from his car the other to go get the marijuana. It ended up that the 'older boy' was OLDER. He was un undercover Drug Agent. Malcolm was arrested and charged with selling drugs. Dudley was not arrested because there was no evidence that he either sold drugs or knew that Malcolm was selling them.
-return to present-
Harry had gotten up to inspect some of the ancient tomes that were on the book case
and was surprized at some of the titles. Some were so rare that he never heard of the branch of magic that they delt with. He had just started to reach for a small book that was on a shelf when his cousin approached and leaned towards Harry's ear.
"I think that we are being set up. There are some stones on the floor in front of the desk, money out in the open and files that pertain to different accounts. I thought you said that the Goblins were smart, fierce and protected a clients privacy to death..."
Harry nodded his head at his cousin. He was starting to get that feeling on the back of his neck. It was kind of like the feeling that he got when Snape was nearby.
Harry glanced at the title of the book and took it to his chair. He pursued the book for about 10 minuets before the door opened and in walked a goblin.
Harry had stood to greet the Goblin and return the book to it's proper place. Dudley was surprisingly looking at the weapons on the walls with his hands clasped behind his back. Making it obvious that he wasn't attempting to steal something when he heard the door close behind the Goblin.
Harry had just read a couple pages on Goblin Manners, Greetings, and Conduct and wasn't too far although he was confident that he understood the proper greeting even though he could not speak the language of the Goblins.
"Master Goblin, It pleasures me to watch our Gold grow. May your Gold and your familys wealth always be.", Harry greeted.
"Mr. Potter please have a seat. Good day to you also Mr. Dursley. My name is Goblin Redrum Nilbog. One of our sister countries called upon us to assist them. They said that they had a client that was not receiving messages or refused to answer them, and if we could assist. We forwarded one letter and then our own. Low and behold the Council was in a meeting when I was informed that you and your guest had entered the bank..
"Time is Gold and Gold is Gold. Let me make this quick. Your Godfather has passed on. With your permission I would like to read his will. As your Aunt has Emancipated you in the Muggle world, you are automatically emancipated in the Magical World.", said the goblin. "Unless you wish for your relative to hear what is stated, he may wait for you outside." The intimidating goblin intoned.
He wait for a moment and continued on. "I have served the Evans account since it opened up here at Gringott's just under 40 years ago. We have no records of an 'Evans' line here at Gringott's before that time. We still have no information on that line since. The account holder married into the Potter line, but the account has remained separate. The Potter's did a Blood Adoption Ritual when your Godfather was disowned. In Gringott's eyes he was not disowned properly and by our law is Head of House of Black. He was adopted by blood before he became Lord Black, Thus also making him a Potter. After your father and mother died, he was Head of Potter and Head of Black. He was also your Uncle. When he died he left Lordship to you from both families as you would be a more direct nephew then one Mr. Malfoy. This estate is as follows:
Black Family Estate:
Galleons:680 Million
Sickles:500
Knuts: 13
Payments:
Receive a total of 1 Million Galleons a month Interest on Business interests.
Payouts: Black trust vaults for Narcissa and Bellatrix 1000 Galleons per month each.
IOU's:
Head of Malfoy for rent due. Past due: 18 years at 10,000 Galleons per Month (Total: 21,600,000)
Interest: 35 percent per month late (75,600,000) Total due on demand: 91,720,000 Galleons
Eviction Possible.Finances due upon demand. If there is not enough the house possessions will be taken as payment.
Properties:
12 Grimauldi Place
Under Fidelius
Occupied: Order of the Phoenix
Permission Pending
1 House Elf
House wards inactive
1 La Piazza Drive, Venice Italy
Under Fidleius to the Head of House of Black signet Ring
Black Mannor, England
Unplottable, occupied by Narcissa Malfoy nee Black
Black Island, South Pacific.
Unplottable magically warded and sealed. Pass phrase protected by a Marauder. Black Family ring acts as a port key. Same pass phrase.
Black and White Industries, Black Foundation
Manhatten, New York, New York.
Muggle building – vacant for 'Remodeling'
114 Stories. Top most penthouses. Secure Floo.
Business Ownership (100 percent)
Quality Quidditch, Diagon Alley
Bella Notre Potions and Supplies, Knockturn Ally
Animals of the Night, Axle Alley
Inn the Flames of Hell, Lost Way
Things that You Kno' Not, Flatchler Alley. USA
Be Wand, Magical Focuses, Sulfur Alley
Partial Ownership:
Marauder Books LTD. (50 percent)
Black Foundation(50 percent)
Nimbus(25 percent)
Harry signed all the papers that he had to. Dudley was steering at Harry with wide eyes. Sure he did not know how many Pounds in a Galleon or how many Galleons were to a Pound, but one way or the other Harry had a lot of Wizarding money.
"Mr. Potter, Would you like to hear your parents will? If you were to hear it, then Albus Dumbledore will know of your emancipation. If you do not want to hear it, we can grant you access to the Family vault. You can access the properties and items in the vault. You can remove anything that you want, except for loose gems and money."
Harry looked at the Goblin and stated that he would see the vault some other time as he was just coming to with draw some money. The Goblin assured him that his trust vault had only been accessed four times with the exception of his tution. With that the Goblin said "Mr. Potter, we can offer you a no limit debit card that works in both worlds, regardless to where they are used. The only limit on the card is 75 percent of any liquid assets you have in the fault that is attached to your card. You have access to the Black Vaults, and your trust fund. Which should I connect it to?"
Harry thought this over for a moment. "First off I would like it attached to the Black Vaults. Second, I was wondering if I could not only close the Trust funds to the sisters Black. I would also like it if any money still in the trust, revert back to the Family Black's vault. Third, I want to disown the sisters and any off spring the may have, but not at this point. They are to have no access to any Black Vaults until they meet with me and preferably yourself.. Leave the occupants alone in both residences. Act as though nothing else is wrong. Do not inform any one who I am. Can you do this?"
Nilbog nodded with a smile stretched across his sharp yellow teeth. The shit is going to hit the fan.
"That concludes our business today gentlemen." Nilbog said as he stood from his stool. "Oh and Mr. Potter, you were the first person to pick that particular book up while waiting, in the last 40 or 30 or so years. Your mother was the one that time. You are welcomed to read it, as long as you return it to me. Do not be deceived, it is a Goblin book and is a lot thicker then you realize."
"Thank you Goblin Nilbog and may you river be golden and fill you pools."
There were a lot of things to think about. Harry and Dudley, who still hasn't said a word, walked back to the front counter to get some money.
The counter attendant gave his a Muggle envelope with 1,000 Pounds in it. They were just turning to walk through the lobby when Harry saw Griphook approach. "Lord, Goblin Nilbog has arranged a portkey to take you home. Just tap it with you wand and say 'Home" and it will transport you there."
Harry told Dudley to hold on to the paper as did Harry, and tapped it with his wand. "Home."
Harry and Dudley both had a lot of things to think about. Harry was thinking of what he was going to do with all this information, what he wanted out of life and what was to come. Were his friends truly the backstabbers that they seem to be. He needed to talk to Neville. He also needed to find out where the twins stand.
Dudley was learning that looks were deceiving. The little he did see of the Magical world he kind of understood. Although he did not get to see the dragons that his cousin said lived under the bank, he now believed that there were really dragons. Hell, It took him a matter of a second to be transported almost 100 Km. , it cost him nothing and did not hurt in the least like he had been led to believe by his father. Harry was not the poor orphan that his parents believed him to be. Harry trusted him to hear about his financial affairs, maybe Harry could help him. It was worth a shot.
In all the confusion Harry had forgot to get books and other training aids from the Alley. It was not but a couple hours later that Petunia yelled for them to come for dinner. After dinner Vernon looked at Harry and said, "Any help that you can give around the house this year would be appreciated. I suffered a pay cut because a major financial backer pulled out. That account was worth 10 Million Pounds to my company. We are all suffering right now. I will not be charging you for rent, but do expect you to do what you can. Thank you."
"Uncle Vernon, that is not a problem," Wow this was getter weirder by the friggin second, "Thank you for allowing me to stay here again, even after Emancipating me."
"Boy! We never got a long. Definitely did not see eye to eye on things. We are just different. Supposedly if we give you a place that is called home we are kept from harm. If something can keep my wife and child from dying like your parents did, I will try it. You saved Dudley's life. Your ki….a squid come by and told us what happened. Thanks you for that alone. I might not like you or understand you, but you will always be welcomed into my home."
With those words uttered, Vernon got up and walked away from the table meal untouched.
At the same time as a meal went more or less uneaten, the house that they were occupying shimmered and you could see a light grey mist, form and thicked into a Grey bubble that covered the entire house and the property on which it sat.
"Uncle Vernon, while we are somewhat talking, I need to go to a bank for my kind. They have something that they need me to fill out. The only thing is, is that it is not in England. I do not want anyone to know that I went to the bank, nor where it is. I will be gone a couple days. Is that acceptable? I am willing to give you back the money that I have to help out around the house while I am gone..."
"Pott...Harry if it is something that you have to do, and it is private, then by all means you are welcome to go there. You will be welcomed back here when you return. The money would help, but that is the least my family could do to help you after the way we treated you."
"Uncle, please take the money. I have another two years of school left before I can go to Australia. I will be gone for four days. I was wondering if Dudley could accompany me. I promise to look out for him. It's just that we were talking yesterday and today and we found that we liked hanging out together. So would it be okay. The bank has secured me round trip transportation for two. It would cost you nothing. I have to go to America therefore Dudley will need his passport if you allow him to come."
"Can I Dad, Please? I have never been to AMERICA!" Dudley asked. He was surprized that his cousin wanted him to go there with him, Dudley. The person that used to make Harry's life hell. If only Dudley knew what Harry Potter really goes through.
"I will talk it over with your mother. Maybe is all that I can say at this time." With those words spoken Dudley smiled. It was the first true smile that Vernon had seen on his child's face since the ghost tried to kill the boy. Even long before that if her was to be honest with himself. There was no discussion. He looked at The Boy who Saved Dudley, and nodded his head giving his permission.
The next morning, Vernon and Petunia gathered the 'boys' up. They were told that they would be allowed to so to America as long as they kept in touch, did not get in trouble and Harry protected them with his 'thingy'. Now that he was emancipated all he had to do was, flick and swish.
Vernon was sitting in his armchair wondering how he was going to do it. How would he pull his family back under him? Cloth them, feed them, shelter them. How was he going to make enough money to stay afloat while he was out looking for a job. He and Petunia only had a few Thousand Pounds left. The house note, the car note, petro, insurance, food. All these things were starting to come due. He briefly thought that he might rob a bank and be able to get away with it…nah that was wishful thinking
Harry had only been back at his relatives for a few short days, and already things were better then ever for him. Or so he thought. The last couple of nights Harry had received letters from his best mates and promptly threw them in the trash.
The entire order was in a meeting room that was magically enlarged to accommodate the people. This was to be a FULL meeting.
The O.W.L.'s were to be sent out the next day and the results were not that good. 49 percent of the students that took the test failed to get an ACCEPTABLE or higher and only 12 percent of the people that took the Potions exam passed with an OUTSTANDING. History was 70 percent failure rate, which was normal considering the joke of a teacher that required no pay. Divination was another gesture of stupid idiots. One of the best seer's in the world was her Aunt Cassandra Trelawny and this side show teaching it was more charlatan then seer. Need he go on…he thought to himself.
"First order of business. I am asking everyone to keep their ears to the walls there is something happening and I do not like it. The misinsry is being rather secretive, which is not like them. Then there is the Goblins. I have been trying to see a few different managers there and yet they keep denying me an appointment," said the old man "Bill could you please tell me why they refuse to grant me an audience? I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Defeater of the darkest wizard of my time, Head if the Wizegmont." All of this was said straight faced and with a huff to it.
"I am not sure Headmaster. They do not talk to me right now as they used to. Unless they are asking me a question they won't speak to me. They have made me a junior Curse Breaker and am not privy to new wards or spells now. Again." Bill felt really bad about this and he fell into his chair dejectedly.
"Very well." said the headmaster.
"Second on the agenda is membership. First of I am officially rejecting the applications of Mr. Fred and George Weasley on the grounds that they have not gotten their N.E.W.T.'s and the fact that they are immature and childish. Any objections?" Everyone stated that they had no objections to the twins being denied, to Molly's happiness. She was smiling like she hadn't in years. If anyone has any nominations put their names forward, now if you would?" No one made a move to answer. "In that case I also accept the applications for one Ginny and Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger as junior members. As they are living here they have a right to be bound by the oaths as they always seem to have a way of knowing what is going on. Another reason is because they are always with Mr. Potter and he will need all the help that he can get. They will study and train everyday from now to the time school starts. They will be able to help Mr. Potter in his upcoming trial and tell us when he does something questionable.
They will be not only cleaning this house they will be making it livable for members that need a place to live. As it now belongs to the order, feel free to pick any room that you want and put your personal belongings in it. Please place your name on the door so that everyone knows that the room is taken. Are there any objections?"
Molly raised her hand, but Arthur lowered her arm and they spoke tearsely for a few minuets before she nodded her head and accepted her husbands whispered demand that the children learn how to protect themselves.
"Well, since there are no objections, the last piece of business."
"Third, Mr. Potter's wards are not recharging as fast as usual, therefore he will be staying there to the start of school. He has stated that he did not want to be disturbed. As he was real angry with us last year I have decided to respect his wishes. Therefore everyone that was guarding him will be instead training and doing what they can to get me information on the Dark Lord."
"Remus and Nymphondra please remain behind, everyone else Thank You!" After everyone had left Albus gave Tonks her mission. She was supposed to go to some of the other Aurror Divisions around the world and wither try to recruit them to England, or the Order of the Phoenix." When she left Albus raised some wards so that nothing that went on in the room could be seen or heard. Once the room was sealed Albus began, "Remus, I want you to know…that…OBLIVIATE." When he was done with the spell he lowered the wards. Remus blinked a couple of times and said "Of course Albus! If you think that is for the best.
Ron could not believe his luck when he was told. Not only was he a member of the Order of The Phoenix, something that Potter wasn't but he could finally pick out his room. His own room. Not one that he was told to take. He had his choice. He ran up the stairs faster then he moved when there was food near by. He ran into the room that he usually shared with Harry and grabbed his trunk andran up another flight of stairs. Pushing people out of his way as he went. Post haste! He shoved his sister out of the way and hit Hermonie so hard with his trunk that she fell down breaking her tailbone and crying. Of course Ron did not realize any of this. He had his eyes on the Master suite.
Ron kicked the door open threw his trunk inside and screamed "Mine, all mine. Take that Potter and the rest of you loosers. I got here first!" With that he grabbed a piece of parchment and untidily scrawled "Ron Weasley's Room – KEEP OUT". Then slammed the door shut, not even noticing his sister complaining that she had already claimed it as hers. Nor did he hear his mother, but he would.
Molly waved her wand and set Hermione's tailbone back to rights and performed a local numbing charm.
"Ronald Weasley!" the mouth of the south bellowed.
Harry was just getting to bed. Tomorrow he and Dudley would be going to the United States. He wondered if he would like it. He was just starting to fall asleep when he remembered Neville. He wrote a quick note to Neville ecplaining what was going on, and what he was up to. He asked Neville if he would like to come, and that it would be back in two days. Round trip portkey. He asked Neville to reply as soon as possible, and he apologized for the short notice.
Harry rolled the letter up, charmed it for Neville only and asked Hedwif if she could get it to Neveille as soon as possible.
Hedwig looked at Harry, hooted like an insulted owl, wrapped a claw around the pro-offered letter and took off hitting Harry with a wing, none to gentle!
Neville was just locking up the greenhouse that occupied so much of his time when his Grandmother's voice sounded from right next to and behind him.
"Neville, this owl is here for you. Do you know anyone that owns a Snowy Owl?" Augusta Longbottom asked.
"Yes Gram, that is my friend's owl. I wonder what is wrong with Harry now.", exclaimed the chubby youth.
He reached out for the letter that was clutched in her talons. As soon as he had a grip on the document, Hedwig took off to sit on the over hanging branches of a tree that was situated next to the Greenhouse.
Standing there in the waning moonlight Neville read his missive. Neville was extremely happy to be invited, but had to wonder what the motivations were. He passed the letter to his Grandmother so that she could read it. Her eyes scanned the paper so quickly that Neville was sure that she would injure them.
"Potter, Harry Potter? I am so glad that you are friends with him….he was always a good child." She turned and headed towards the house still talking to Neville even though he was still wondering what to say back to Harry. Augusta was still going on about now much the boys in the Potter family looked just like their father before them. Just like Frank and Neville…"Why I remember when your f..a..t." she had entered the house still rambling away.
TBC
A/N: Sorry the Chapter is kind of jumpy. Like I said I would like someone to assist me in ironing these things out. That was the other reason my other stories died. Please review the ego and review monster both demand it! LOL!
Thanks to those that took the time to read this. To those that actually reviewed THANKS! This chapter goes out to you. To my repeat reviewers, I hope you liked the early viewing of this chapter!
ht. The last couple of nights Harry had received letters from his best mates and promptly threw them in the trash. so he thou