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Chapter 4

As Mr. Weasley and Harry arrived at the Borrow, Harry was done. He just lay there where he had landed with no intention of moving. He couldn't even object that he was too old when Mr. Weasley picked him up and started for the stairs. Over the last two days he had come to trust this man enough to simply lay his head on his shoulder and allow sleep to take him away.

"Are they coming home naked? I mean, that's just weird Gringots, sending their wands and clothes back saying they'll be home soon. I mean, really weird." Ron's voice came from the kitchen.

"There you go the clock says your father is home. Funny, I didn't hear the floo" Molly said as she came out of the kitchen. Stopping in her tracks; she covered her mouth trying to stifle a scream as she saw Harry in his shredded robes, angry red lines up and down his exposed arms. Bits of dried blood missed by Arthur when he tried to clean him up a bit. Behind her, Ron made a strangled noise at the sight of his friend.

"I'll tell you in a minute. Let me get him into bed first." At their looks, he assured them "he's going to be just fine, won't surprise me a bit if he sleeps through the night." Molly decided to help him; between them Harry was cleaned up and tucked it in no time.

"You were there for an awfully long time Arthur, was there any trouble? You're ritual didn't take this long, what happened?" Mollie asked once back in the kitchen. Ron listening intently.

"I had a living relative to name me as heir it only took two drops of blood on each Rune to call up the five ancestors needed for confirmation." Molly paled at the 

mention of blood; her husband patted her hand soothingly before continuing on "when they do these rituals. You have to first be cleansed of dark magic or dark magic residue. For me, that was fairly simple. There was just a little irritation because of the cursed objects; I come in contact with in my job. Now Harry has a scar from just about the darkest cursed there is. They really didn't know what to expect." He gazed down at his hands sadly as he explained the pain and the blood of Harry's cleansing.

Ron swallowed hard and turned a sickly grayish green. While Molly sat with her hand over her mouth and tears rolling down her face as he continued to reveal some of the price Harry paid for that scar. He didn't reveal how much energy was released. That was really between Harry and Gringots.

"That actually took quite a while. Harry, I believe has decided to have the cleansing than once or twice a year just in case. He really didn't like the idea of all that dark magic around him." He had to reassure both of them that these cleansing would be nowhere near as painful and was just a precaution on Harry's part.

"Well, then we went into the main ritual chamber to do the hereditary rights ritual." Here he explained about the 10 drops compared to his two and a wizard who was supposed to be safer than a Goblin. He explained about the attack and the Wizard's own oath as well. And that the ritual itself stopped it "because Harry was bleeding a bit more than was really needed. He called up a few more ancestors than usual." He'd save how many for tomorrow "well that was our day. He finished up.

"Bloody hell." Said a dazed Ron, and for the first time ever. His mother didn't yell at him for his language.

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In an anti-chamber of a tomb in Egypt, Bill Weasley was studying the runes and hieroglyphs around a door trying to determine what curses might be there. His detection spells had come up with an interesting pattern of magics.

The strangled gasps and frantic scrambling of his teammates caught his attention when he looked over at them he found them staring at the wall depicting the life of this individual. Turning to look he found himself staring into the amused eyes of a Queen. Not just any queen, he realized taking in the headdress and the accessories of a Pharaoh. Wait a moment she hadn't been there a few minutes ago, he was sure and amused eyes? She looks much more real than the others on the wall as realization set in. She smiled; Bill took several reflexive steps back before catching himself.

"William Weasley?" A heavily accented sultry voice asked.

"Ye…" his voice cracked annoyed with himself. He cleared his throat. "Yes ma'am."

"My heir summons you to Britain." With an imperious look on her face as she informed him of this. Then slowly a smile spread to match the amusement in her eyes. Due to Bill's momentary speechlessness, she was able to speak again before he could say anything. "You should be receiving a summons from Gringots quite soon. Please be at ease, your family is all in good health." She tilted her head as if listening then motioned for them to be quiet and struck a pose.

A goblin entered the chamber, seconds later. "Mr. Weasley. Your presence is requested in the British offices. Please be ready for an international Portkey within the hour. The length of your assignment there was unclear." His job done, he left time was money after all.

The Pharaoh came out of her pose and looked at the stunned faces before her. "Well you better get moving. You do not want to be late. Your father is looking forward to your visit." She then made shooing motions with her hands getting them to leave Bill seemed to want to say something, but left nonetheless.

Slowly, she turned to the only one left. "Did you get them?"



"Yes highness."

"Good send them in a packet to ritual Master Felcrag at Gringots" here she paused and a wicked smile graced her face. "In fact, send them along with William"

Showing more courage than he has since she had spoken to him when he was alone in the outer room earlier. He shook his head with a small smile. "That's just mean highness."

"Fun though" she insisted.

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In one of the remote camps set up to keep an eye on a Hebridean black in clutch. Charlie Weasley looked up from his notes to see his boss approaching.

"Weasley, you have a summons from Gringots" he said handing over the document "They even sent a Portkey. You have one hour to be ready. I'll send Collins out to take your place babysitting the mama dragon."

A summons from Gringots? Not a little bit worried Charlie hurried to comply. Most of the reasons for something like this weren't good.

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Harry woke up the next morning to the Weasley's version of quiet.

"Shh… mum said to let him sleep in" Ron's voice hissed.

"We weren't."

"Going to wake him."

"Just be here."

"In case he did." The Twins ping-pong style of speech was the reply. But still Harry was not willing to open his eyes just yet he was too warm and comfortable. Something that rarely happened outside of Hogwarts, slowly the events of yesterday filtered in, and he tried to sort out his feelings about it all.

He decided that he was happy he was going to get to know his parents and many more thrown in as a bonus. Sure, they were just portraits. But if he understood right; they were made of just a little bit of his real parents. More so than other wizards portraits. He'd take what he could get really. Everything else can be dealt with when they came up. One thing at a time.

Right now, one of those things was the argument getting louder between the Twins and Ron. Funnily enough it was Ron, who is trying to help him, that was the loudest. Cracking open one eye, just enough to locate a target he threw his pillow at the nearest twin.

"Harry!"

"You're up"

"I wonder why?" Ron asked, glaring at his brothers.

"Mum fixed breakfast."

"A bit late."

"In case you got up in time."

"But Ikle Ronnikins"

"Might expire."

"From starvation."

"So, breakfast is ready."

"Good thing you're awake." They finished together.

Harry could just shake his head. It was exhausting just to listen to them, so he went and got ready for breakfast.

When breakfast was finished, Mr. Weasley told Harry Gringots had delivered a package before he woke up. It turned out to be the pensive, from the Ravenclaw vault. It was beautiful cobalt blue granite with Gold and Silver runes around the rim, both inside and out.

Ron and the twins were clamoring to find out what had happened yesterday. They were being fairly noisy about, it also. Ginny was doing a fair job of egging them on until she noticed Harry was watching. Suddenly, the tabletop became very interesting.

Mr. Weasley put a stop to their badgering by saying they would show everyone after dinner. That way, Hermione could see as well. Since he was picking her up a little later and she would be staying till the Day after tomorrow. So she could be here for all of Harry's birthday.

A brief knock followed by a head of long red hair peeking in the door interrupted anything else Mr. Weasley may have had to say.

"Did I hear something about a birthday?" He asked.

"Bill!" Everyone (well except for Harry, who smiled and how happy they sounded) shouted. Hugs were shared all around with Bill checking to be sure that everyone was okay. When he had arrived at Gringots earlier; the only instructions he had received were to go home. Even with that Pharaoh's assurance that his family was fine. This kind of summons usually meant bad news. He worried even more when Charley arrived not more than a minute later.

"Hey! Any of that left for poor little old me?" Charlie yelled into the chaos he had snuck in right behind his older brother.

"Charlie!" The whole process was repeated with lots of laughter.

After things settle down a bit, Ron pulled Harry over to introduce him to his older brothers. They did do the eyes to the forehead thing, but it was brief. No staring in awe. Just a confirmation that Harry really was who he said he was.

Bill quietly pulled his dad to the side a little bit later to ask. "Do you have any idea why both Charlie and I were summoned?"

"I have a fair idea yes." Mr. Weasley answered with some amusement.

"How do you know, an Egyptian queen by the way?" Bill tried again.

"She's quite an interesting character isn't she?" Arthur said.

"Well are you going to tell me?" Bill asked starting to get a bit frustrated.

Charlie had come over and was equally as frustrated. Harry and the rest of the Weasley's were snickering over Mr. Weasley's impression of Dumbledore. They had to admit it was much more amusing when you were not on the receiving end of it.

Throwing them a small bit of information he told them about part of his talk with Amelia Bones then asked. "Why didn't you say something?"

"I didn't want to disappoint you or hurt you, or well I don't know. I figured, if you didn't teach us. It was something you disagreed with and didn't want us to know." Bill replied with a shrug.

"It really wasn't on purpose." Arthur explained. "Some we didn't agree with, we feel all magical beings deserve to be treated with the respect. Some we just felt were wrong, for one thing we wanted you to marry someone you chose, not someone we choose for you."

"They just didn't want to negotiate seven different marriage contracts." George put in causing everyone to laugh even Percy, who had come down because of all the commotion. Harry quietly left the room to let the Weasley's spend some family time together.

A little while later Mrs. Weasley came out and sat down next to Harry, on one of the garden benches.

"Why did you leave Harry?" She asked softly.

Looking down at his hands Harry said. "Well you haven't seen Bill in a while, and Charlie since last Christmas. So I thought I should give you some time together, you know, just family."

"Oh Harry." She said, pulling him into one of her bone crushing hugs. "You are very much part of this family now don't you ever think anything else." She tried to reassure him. "Now why don't you come back in and join everyone. Lunch will be ready in just a bit and Arthur's already gone to get Hermione."

When Hermione arrived a bit later, she gave a squeal and a hug to rival Mrs. Weasley's. Harry figured he'd never have to worry about Voldemort, because the women in his life would kill him with love. Or maybe he should say hugs. He did notice that her hug for Ron was just a little tighter, and a little longer, and a lot more awkward. She started asking questions right away, but they were able to put her off until after dinner. Promising that they would tell everybody at that time. She wasn't happy but she agreed.

During lunch, they began a spirited discussion of Quidditch Ron bragging that Harry made the team in his first year. Charlie looked duly impressed "it's too bad we can't use a snitch here but the Muggles might see if we flew too high over the trees of the orchard. But we can play a little three on three if you're interested."

"Oh no you don't" Mrs. Weasley said. "We have to be at the bank by 11 o'clock tonight. So all of you upstairs right now, take a nap." All of the children at the table were stunned. A nap? What did she mean a nap? Even Ginny, who was the youngest thought she was too old for a nap. No matter how late they were staying up.

Mrs. Weasley, however, is a force to be reckoned with and soon everyone was headed upstairs to take a nap before dinner with a little help from a charm, Mrs. Weasley used to use on her boys when they were younger. To make sure they took their nap.

Sitting down to a noisy dinner Harry hardly noticed Ron shoveling copious amounts of food onto his plate. Then shoveling it in, after all that's how he always ate at Hogwarts. Mrs. Weasley however did notice.

"RONALD! You are not some starving animal so don't act like one. I will not have that at my table and you know it." She glared at her youngest son. It took three swallows to remove all the food in his mouth. His ears going red he mumbled out an apology going back to his meal much more sedately.

The twins were vastly amused their little brother had forgotten himself enough to forget he wasn't at school. Hermione narrowed her eyes in suspicion but a smug look of vindication settled on her face. Dinner after that was loud, fun and of course delicious.

A little latter as Hermione was talking to Ginny Harry Whispered to Ron "You do that on purpose don't you? Just to get a reaction out of Hermione."

"She makes the greatest faces don't she?" Ron replied with a grin.

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Mr. Weasley placed the pensive in the middle of the table after dinner was cleaned up. He explained what it was and what they were going to do. He then became very stern "Normally I would not do this. I love and trust all of you; these are not my secrets however. So I'm asking for wizard's oath from each of you that you will not reveal any of what you see today."

This caused a bit of confusion, the older boys grumbled but complied. Percy was particularly indignant at this request, his curiosity won out, however. And he complied next. The four youngest Weasley's had no problem with this and followed their brother's example of how to make a wizard's oath. Hermione, and finally, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley made their oath.

Mr. Weasley and Harry decided that Mr. Weasley's memories would be the best to view. So he pulled all of his memories from the time he found Harry asleep in the chair to when they left Gringots.

It was a little startling to be met first thing with the sleeping Harry, blood all over his face and hands. Arthur was able to get a small laugh when he told everybody he had forgotten he didn't have his wand because he'd been naked. Everyone gasped and yelled in anger, when Parkinson attacked Harry. They were amazed when the magic of the ritual enacted its own form of justice. As the people in the memory itself were busy taking care of Harry. The observers watched as portrait after portrait appeared on the walls as an intricate web of lines began linking all these portraits together, showing the flow of history, and just how interconnected, the old families really where.

As the Lords confirmed Harry as the new head of House. They were now able to observe the other portraits. Having conversations with each other and leaving empty frames for a bit. Husbands and wives left their portraits to give each other a hug and converse in low voices all keenly observing the young man that now held the title of Lord Potter. Apparently there had been a great deal of activity going on around Harry that he never noticed, nor had Mr. Weasley really.

Harry was just as interested as everyone else. He didn't remember half of the stuff. It was really funny to watch everyone, as each portrait revealed itself. Hermione was hyperventilating by the time Rowena Ravenclaw introduced herself. Ron had gone through every color of the rainbow twice when the founders started introducing themselves. But he went a particularly nasty shade of green, upon hearing Salazar Slytherin's name.



"You're related to Slytherin?" Ron's tone of voice sounded rather odd, as if he couldn't decide on awe or horror over this bit of news. Harry just gave a shrug and indicated they should continue watching. As they turned their attention back to the memory, they found it frozen.

"Ah there we are, wasn't sure that would work." Mr. Weasley said jovially. "Now where did I see him?" Mr. Weasley began searching the rows of portraits. "Yes, Ron, Harry is indeed related to Slytherin. Now see this gentleman." He pointed to a frame on the third row up. "He is your mother's great-great-grandfather on her mother's side. Now if we follow this line, where does it go?" Pointing with his wand. He followed the line back till it split. One part going to Helga Hufflepuff and one part going to Salazar Slytherin."

The Weasley's were stunned. They had never in a million years thought that they were related to Slytherin, made them a bit queasy, quite frankly. But Mr. Weasley wasn't done yet. He was still searching among the frames. "Here we are this gentleman is one of your mother's great grandfather's on her father's side." Again, they followed the line back until it split. One line going to Slytherin, one line going to Ravenclaw." He repeated this a couple of times finding some of his great-grandfather's until at last. Not very far from the founders themselves. He pointed to a gentleman whose line split. Almost immediately went to Gryffindor one to Slytherin. The Weasley's it seemed were related to the Potters on several levels, but never too closely, and they also were descendent from all four founders.

After giving his children a few minutes to adjust Arthur motioned for the memories to continue. Everyone was saddened by Guinevere's tale and surprised that her son was the first Gryffindor. Her grandfather puzzled everyone until he changed the color of his hair and grew a long beard. So Harry didn't feel as bad that he had not been able to figure it out.

They all became thoughtful when Cleopatra explained about Atlantis and the origins of the magical world they now lived in. This was big news, especially for those like Hermione, who were treated as unwelcome intruders into their world.

Bill couldn't believe that this was actually Cleopatra. The Cleopatra, he was just slightly ashamed, when she mentioned their reasons for being in the tombs. Enough time had passed, that they didn't really think of it in those terms anymore. 

He would be sure to be much more respectful in their explorations of these tombs, from now on. He knew for a fact that they would not stop. Too much was to be learned and too much treasure to be found. It was sad but true.

As they all left the pensive, Percy said pompously "this is a very important find the Ministry should be informed of this right away."

Looking sadly, as his son, Arthur reminded him. "Have you forgotten your oath so soon?"

"But father, this is very important." Percy insisted.

"Harry has invited us to a very important Potter ritual that must be done at midnight tonight. Why don't we leave any decisions until after?" Arthur suggested Percy didn't look happy, but he did nod in agreement. "Now why don't you all go pack a bag like you're going to be away for a few days. Ron, no need to bring Scabbers just put him in his cage and leave enough food and water for tomorrow. Percy and Harry why don't you do the same for your owls. Or at least leave them some food no need to put them in a cage."

All the children rushed upstairs to get their stuff together, talking excitedly about what they might be learning. Ron and Harry hoped they'd learn how to duel. Hermione and Percy were going on and on about the history and what they might learn from the founders. The Twins were hoping to find something that would help them with their pranks, and with the inkling of an idea they had of the joke shop. Charlie was hoping that he could learn things about dragons that had been extinct for while and Ginny was hoping to get a head start on her first year at Hogwarts. She was equally excited about the prospect of spending so much time with Harry. Even if she couldn't quite bring herself to speak in front of him yet.

Harry and Ron decided to use their bookbags to pack a few clothes in. After hurriedly stuffing a few changes into the bags they hurried back downstairs. As they passed Ginny's room they could hear Hermione, worrying over whether they 

would need their books are not. Harry just grinned at Ron and yelled "just clothes Hermione" as he kept moving on down the stairs.

Ron suppressed to snicker as Percy, who was just coming out of his room, turned around and went back in, as he heard this. Apparently he packed his books as well Harry just rolled his eyes. "I figure that if they want to teach us something. They'll provide us with what we need, at least Gringots will for a fee." Harry told Ron.

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As there was no blood involved in this ritual. They did not have to go through an elaborate cleansing ceremony. Just a basic cleansing that was held within the anti-chambers of the main ritual chamber. This went very quickly and soon they were all gathered at the door to the main chamber.

As Felcrag opened the doors Harry was amazed at the changes that were made. Off to the left were four small tents next to them were several trunks and what looked like a formal dining area. An area was set aside for dueling and exercise another area seems to be a small potions lab. All in all, it looked like they were prepared for any eventuality.

After the ritual had been preformed the normally noisy Weasley's were very quiet and awkward. Not knowing how to proceed. The ancestors however had no such problems greeting them cheerfully. They began to introduce themselves. Harry, taking the hint introduced the Weasley's and Hermione to his family. This seemed to be was needed to break the ice, and everyone headed in a different direction.

Hermione and Percy headed straight for Rowena Ravenclaw. Bill went over to Cleopatra, Charlie seemed undecided for a moment or two then went to speak to Godric Gryffindor. Mr. Weasley decided to speak to his ancestor and Ron went with him.

The rest weren't sure where to go until Mrs. Weasleys paternal ancestor waved them over to speak to him Ginny decided to join her. Salazar Slytherin signaled that he would speak to the Twins. They swallowed hard and gave each other a worried look, but went over to talk to him. After Harry was sure that everyone had someone to talk to. He did what he'd wanted to do since he came in the door and headed straight for his parents.

Harry stared up his parents as they stared down at him an awkward silence stretched endlessly and on. James and Lily exchanged worried glances neither sure what to say.

Harry finally broke the silence "Um…Hi" this said with a stiff smile and an awkward wave.

"So ah going into second year, huh?" James asked, at his son's nod he continued "do you like quidditch? Are you going to try out for the house team this year?"

Harry hung his head trying to hide his smile when he thought he had it under control he glanced up and shook his head "nah I don't think so" he said waiting as a sad disappointed look flashed over his dad's face.

"I think Oliver, he's the captain, will just let me keep playing since I'm already on the team" Harry let loose the grin he'd been fighting to hide. Lily laughed at the stunned look on her husband's face.

"Did he'd just? First year!" James managed to say.

"Yup youngest seeker in a century" Harry informed them proudly.

"THAT'S MY BOY!" James exclaimed then turned to his wife "did he just prank me?" He asked just to be sure she could only nod confirmation as she was still laughing "THAT'S MY PRONGSLET!"

"James Potter you will not call my son Progslet!"

Over talking to Lord Salazar, when the twins thought they heard someone say Prongs and then it was confirmed by Lily's shout their heads whipped around to locate the yell and saw Lily berating James. With a brief excuse they ran over to the Potters, just in time to hear James sputter "But Lily if I'm Prongs then of course he's……"

"He will have his own name not some stupid….." she stopped in her eyes widened in horror as she realized what she had inadvertently given permission for as a gleam entered her husband's eyes. "No" she said firmly "he's too young!"

"But Lily you just said" James tried to wheedle but she stopped him cold.

"No" she said again firmly then they noticed the bewildered look on Harry's face and the identical redheads on their knees staring in awe at James.

"Prongs?" they said in stereo.

"Yes" James answered with a puzzled look.

Already on their knees they bowed down an in perfect sync intoned "teach us oh wise one, leader of the mighty marauders, share with us your vast knowledge of all that is mischief and mayhem."

James preened under the adulation a smug pleased look on his face. Both Harry and Lily rolled their eyes trying not to laugh it would only encourage them.

"Fred and George Weasley we agreed to give the Potters some time alone now you get back over to Lord Salazar and apologize for leaving like that" Molly Weasley instructed her sons. As soon as her son's left she turned in glared at James. "As for you if I even suspect you've been teaching them pranks or anything else to cause chaos I'll get Lily and all of the other ladies to deal with you since an Insindio and would affect them as well." Lily nodded in firm agreement to that. James had gone very pale it the mention of an Insindio. With the final glare Mrs. Weasley went back to her ancestor.

"So" James had to pause here to clear his throat to get his voice back down into the Normal range. "So what house are you in?"

Harry had been going to tease his dad telling him that he was in Slytherin but decided to take pity on him for now. Mrs. Weasley can be really scary. "Gryffindor" he told them proudly.

They talked for a while about Hogwarts and Harry managed to skirt around where he lived for a bit but Lilly finally flat out asked who Harry lived with if Sirius was in Azkaban.

"I live with Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon" he answered in a low voice.

"No" Lily exclaimed horrified "No we stated under no circumstances were you to go there."

Harry explains what he and Mr. Weasley had learned in the last few days. James grimaced at the mention of Sirius' mother. Both of his parents were outraged that the Malfoy's had tried to get custody. In the end none of them were happy with Dumbledore but realized maybe he had done what he could with what he had had the time though he still had a lot to answer for.

At about 3:00 AM all the children were sent to bed. Mrs. Weasley was pulled into service brewing some potions as all the ladies discussed how to counteract the years of malnutrition and neglect. The men discussed Harry's physical abuse (bullying by Dudley and mild evidence of at least some by his aunt and uncle) and his it encounters and with Voldemort last year and an they agreed to with Harry's idea that Voldemort would focus on getting rid of the only proof of failure he could see. They felt he might obsess a bit over Harry needing to prove that Harry's apparent victory was just a fluke. The ladies would chime in with their take on things every now and then startling the men making them wonder how the ladies could keep track of their conversation when they seem to be so involved with what they were doing. At about 5:00 AM they too decided to get at least a little sleep.

Lily and James shared a look and came together in one frame to have a quiet conversation about what Dumbledore had told them before they went into hiding.