First off I would like to thank Philosophize for bringing something to my attention. I had not thought about it from that aspect. I hope I will remedy that oversight in this chapter. Thank you! (Refer to the Reviews for chapter 3 if you readers are curious.)
Secondly, I am only human. I will make mistakes and blunders in my writing. If you do happen to find one let me know and when I have a chance I will make the proper edits.
Thirdly, I do apologize but there may be a week or two coming up where you wonderful readers may not get a chapter update. When that does happen however I will likely be posting double chapters to make it up to you.
Now, a little bit of fun for you to ponder. I will be posting a poll to let the readers help me decide what Harry's creature bond should be. I will be picking from the top two choices to pick carefully!
"Text" = Spells
Text = Inner thoughts
"Text" = Voice of an Endless
Each of the account managing goblins, save one, snapped and a small box appeared in front of them. Harry could only recognize the crest of two of them, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. He wanted to get it all handled quickly. In the back of his mind he knew Hermione would be getting antsy to explore her new world.
"First I will claim the Title of Lord Potter." Harry looked over at Professor McGonagall. "I think with Gornuk here I will be able to handle things. If you want to head out to take Hermione shopping I can simply meet up with you later. I did promise ice cream after all the shopping is done."
"Harry, I-" Harry took Hermione's hand into his.
"Hermione, I as raised muggle. Right now I want nothing more than to rush out there and explore. I know that right now my place is here. Your place is out there learning everything you can. Besides, I will see you at Hogwarts." Harry then looked at her parents. "I will find out everything I can about what happened earlier. Once I do I will find a way to give you the information."
"Sending an owl is the easiest way." Professor McGonagall said. She knew she was outvoted in the matter so she did not argue. She knew when to pick her battles. "I will be coming back to check on you Mr. Potter."
"I would expect nothing less Professor." Harry said his goodbyes to the Granger family and a rather shy hug from Hermione. When the Professor lead them out of the roof Harry let out a sigh. "Forgive me Master Goblins. I had a bit of a bad feeling about what is going to happen."
"No need to apologize. That could very well be your magic warning you of things to come. Most wizards your age ignore the instinct of magic. These meetings are rather boring if you ask me." Gornuk said. "Boring but necessary." The rest of the goblins seemed to agree.
"Now, to the business of claiming your Potter Lordship." The first box was pushed up to him. The crest on the top had a stag on one side and a lion on the other. Harry reached out to touch the stag thinking of Prongs. To everyone's surprise the lock popped open. "How unusual. Normally a few drops of blood is required to open the lock." Ragnok said before looking at the papers in front of him. "I see, your father decided that he would use your magical signature instead of blood. A very wise idea. Go ahead and try to put it on. Don't worry about it being too large, if it will accept you the ring will shrink to fit your hand. As you grow it will grow with you." Harry opened the box slowly. Sitting on the black silk liner was a golden ring. He took it out carefully looking at it in close detail. The stone was a bright red ruby. Around the ruby were sapphires. Upon closer inspection it looked like there was a tiny flame in the ruby. "The ring is meant to go on your right hand. The finger does not matter. Whatever you are comfortable with." Harry slid the ring on his ring finger without any trouble. Quickly the ring shrunk down to fit his tiny fingers. "Congratulations, you are now Lord Potter, Head of the Ancient and Noble of Potter." Looking at it for a moment Harry's breath caught in his throat. His father had worn the very same ring. Shaking off the pain he knew they would not want him to dwell on it.
"Now that you have claimed the title you are also emancipated. Meaning you can use magic freely, within reason of course." Gornuk said much to Harry's surprise. It would be a great benefit to him when it comes to training.
"Thank you. As Lord Potter I unseal my parents Will." Harry had a feeling the answers to a lot of his future problems would be answered in the Will. Ragnok took out the parchment unsealing it with a tap of his finger. Another tap and the Will laid itself out in front of Harry.
Our dearest Harry, if you are reading this then it has come to pass. Know that your mother and I love you with all of our hearts. We write this together knowing neither of us will survive the other. You see my son, your mother and I are soul bound. If we have died of unnatural causes then our position has been betrayed.
As I am sure by now you know, the Dark Lord Voldemort hunts for us. The Potter family has money and power. Two things he values in his followers. We plan now to go into hiding to keep you safe. Your godfather, Sirius Black, is by now your guardian. If he is not seek him out. Everyone believes he is to be our Secret Keeper. This is a false trail. One of my best friends, Peter Pettigrew is our Secret Keeper. Sirius being the Keeper makes sense as he is my brother in all but blood. When I claimed the title of Lord Potter I was 15. Not a day later I bound Sirius to our house by an Oath of Fealty. He took a similar oath when he became your godfather.
Harry, when you turn 11 you will be able to claim the title of not only Lord Potter, but you will also be able to claim the other titles of our family. Remember one things above all else. We love you. Nothing will change that. Even in Death we will love you.
Now to the formality things.
I, James Fleamont Potter, of sound mind and sound body leave this Will. I leave the title Lord Potter, and everything that comes with it, to my only son Harry James Potter. If, by the unfortunate chance, Harry is killed the title will then pass to the next Magically bound heir of Gryffindor. I also leave everything I own to my son. If he is no longer among the living the goblins of Gringotts are to sell everything of value and create an account to assist muggleborns. Exceptions are as follows.
To Sirius Black, you have been my best friend since we met as children. To you I leave one million galleons, use this to raise Harry. I also leave you my share of the Nimbus Company, this equals out for 51%.
To Remus Lupin, since we first met on the train I knew you were special. You became like another brother to me. Your furry little problem meant nothing to me. To you I leave the map the you worked so hard to help create, on the condition that it be given to Harry, so he may continue the work of the Marauders. I ask that you help Sirius to raise Harry, I fear all my brother will teach him is pranks, not that it is a bad thing to learn. I also leave you my share of Flourish and Blotts, which equals out to 50%.
I, Lillian Rose Potter, of sound mind and sound body leave this Will. Everything I have is to be given to my son, Harry James Potter. If the worst should befall him, everything I own is to be sold by the goblins and used to fund research into a cure for werewolves. Exceptions are as follows.
To Xeno Lovegood, you and Selene were among my first friends at Hogwarts. To you I leave a bit of advice. Some of the creatures you seek are hidden from sight by magic. Only revealing themselves to those they deem worthy. I myself have seen a Nargle. I also leave you my sketchbook. It contains information on creatures I have seen. Including the Nargles.
List of possible guardians for Harry James Potter:
Sirius Black
Frank and Alice Longbottom
Minerva McGonagall
Filius Flitwick
Under no circumstance is Harry to be given to Petunia and Vernon Dursley.
Signed
James Potter
Lillian Potter
Witnesses:
Sirius Black
Albus Percival Wilfric Brian Dumbledore
Harry held it in his hands willing himself not to cry. Putting the parchment down he sat there staring at it for a few moments. Gornuk read over the Will carefully. Seeing Harry too stunned for words the newly appointed adviser spoke.
"I believe summoning Madam Bones would be a great benefit to Lord Potter." he turned the parchment to the others and let them read it over. Ragnok stood heading out of the room. He comes back in a few minutes later putting a potion bottle in front of Harry.
"Madam Bones will be escorted in upon her arrival. Lord Potter, that bottle is a Calming Draught. It will help." Ragnok said when Harry looked at the bottle. Deciding it would help he gulped down the contents almost instantly calming down. Standing Harry went to lean against the wall. It had not occurred to him last time that Dumbledore would know about the Secret Keeper. He punched the wall in anger before slowing down letting himself calm. When the door opened he saw a tall woman with a young girl by her side. He recognized the girl as being Susan Bones. The older woman escorting her had to be her Aunt Amelia. Amelia Bones was a rather stern looking woman with experience written in her eyes.
"Madam Bones, welcome. Thank you for coming on such short notice. My name is Gornuk, I stand Lord's Adviser for Lord Harry Potter." Harry walked over slowly.
"Lord Potter, I remember you well. You were only a baby when we met. I hope you do not mind my niece Susan joining me. We were doing her school shopping. She will be attending Hogwarts this fall." Harry kissed both of their hands before stepping to pull out their chairs. "Thank you Lord Potter."
"Please, it's just Harry." He moved back to his seat handing her the Will. While she read it over he turned to Susan. "It seems we will be classmates, I will be going to Hogwarts as well. I was raised by muggles so I am afraid I do not know much."
"I-I can explain it on the train if you would like? It is a nearly 8 hour trip from the station. We would have plenty of time." Susan said softly. Harry had always remembered her being shy with new people at first. She had to rely heavily on her friends when her aunt had been killed by Death Eaters. He would make a note in the book to change that. If it was possible.
"I would like that." Seeing Susan blush he smiled, he would be lying if he said her blush wasn't cute.
"Lord Potter," Harry turned back to Amelia. "Given this information I can safely say that your godfather is an innocent man. I would like to have a copy of this to take as proof of his innocence." Harry nods and Ragnok made a copy with a snap of his fingers. "Thank you. There is a very easy way to get him off the island though. It states here that he is a Vassal to your house. So once I declare him free of all charges you can summon him to your side. If the goblins do not mind of course."
"That would be acceptable. It would give our healers time to tend to him." Gornuk said. "We will do the summoning on the roof though. It would be easier for the man. Shall we head there now?"
"I think that would be best. Lord Potter, if I may, who raised you?" Harry knew lying to her would cause more trouble than it was worth.
"My Aunt and Uncle. I do not know why I was left with them considering the Will states that I was not to be left with them." Amelia sighed shaking her head.
"I see." Harry, Amelia, Susan, and Gornuk went up to the roof. "I, Amelia Bones, current head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, do declare Sirius Black innocent of all charges. I thus declare him a free man." Harry bit his lip to keep from shouting in joy.
"Lord Potter, now it is your turn. The ring is partly sentient. It will give you advice or in formal matters the right words to use." Gornuk explained carefully. Harry looked at the ring carefully. The fire in the ruby grew nearly twice its size.
"I, Harry James Potter, Head of the Ancient and Noble house of Potter, summon to my side the vassals of the house." The sapphires began to glow and the most amazing thing happened. Two men appeared in front of them. He recognized them as Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. His honorary Uncles. Sirius dropped to his knees in front of Harry hugging him tightly. Tears were pouring down his cheeks. Remus simply stood there wiping away his own tears.
"Sirius Black, I declare you a free man. Ten years later, but better late than never." Amelia looked at the man on his knees clinging to the boy. "If you will come with us the goblin healers will take a look at you and begin to set your health back on track."
"Harry, I can honestly say it is good to see you again. Last I saw you was three days before your parents died. When I returned I had been told what happened and that you were safe and sound." Remus said looking at him, he was glad to see that over the years he kept Lily's green eyes. Aside from that he was a spitting image of his father.
"Sound is one thing, safe is not exactly what I would call it." Harry helped his godfather to stand. They helped him back down to the conference room. "Thank you Madam Bones. You really don't know what you have done for me."
"No, but I do have some idea. If you gentlemen will excuse me. Oh, and Sirius. I would advise wearing a glamour charm when you leave here. The announcement of your innocence will likely not be made public until tomorrow." The tired man nods a bit as he dropped into a chair. "Harry, if you need anything else do not hesitate to find me. I am usually either at my office or Bones Manor."
"Thank you again." He looked over at Susan. "I guess I will see you on the train." In the matter of two hours he had managed to accomplish half of the things he had set out to do. Now it was time to get back to business. The guard goblin lead them back out to continue their shopping.
"Lord Potter, perhaps at the moment the rest of your titles can wait a day or two." Gornuk suggested seeing the condition of his Lord's guardian. "I am sure the others would agree that taking care of your godfather is the higher priority."
"I have to agree." Urlor finally spoke. The other account managers nod in agreement. "Having him checked here would be safer. We can then advise potions and such that would maximize his recovery."
"I think that would be best. I can always wait to claim the other titles." A thought crossed Harry's mind. "However, I will be needing to speak with Ragnok about the Potter properties. I refuse to go back living with my Aunt and Uncle."
"Harry, you were never meant to be with them." Sirius spoke up. "Do not tell me that is where you have been?" Harry nods slowly. "Bloody hell. I'm sorry Harry. If I had known."
"No Sirius, you are not at fault here. That would be Albus Dumbledore. He sealed my parent's Will. He hid away the truth. I am afraid I do not know why. Believe me when I say we will find out." Ragnok took a parchment out of the files in front of him.
"It looks blank to me Lord Potter, but you will be able to see it as the default Secret Keeper. This one is the location of Potter Manor. Given the information you have given us I believe the summer home in Longbottom Village might be the best place for you at the moment." Harry looked at the parchment as Ragnok spoke. He could see the address clearly.
"Thank you Ragnok. I agree the Village might be best but I do want to see the Manor. First things first though. I will be needing funds, I made a young lady and her parents a promise to take them for ice cream. Perhaps though dinner instead." Harry seemed to smile at the thought of seeing Hermione again. "Oh, before I forget. Earlier this morning when I was introduced to Hermione, something happened. I kissed her hand and there was an eruption of magic. I think the inheritance test called it a Soul Bond. What is that?"
"There are many different kinds of bonding. The one you described is a special bond. It's called a Heart Bond. It means that your magic and hers deemed each other compatible. The bond will also help you forge, at the very least, a lasting friendship with the young lady. I believe in the main Potter vault there is a book on the subject." Ragnok said as the others began to pack up their notes and ring cases.
"Thank you, that makes a little more sense." Harry watched all but Ragnok and Urlor bow to the young Lord before taking their leave.
"I believe Healer Sage Breath is on duty today. She is a human who was raised by Goblins. If you will follow us we will escort you there and she will be able to tell us what can be done for Lord Black's health." Gornuk said as he looked at Harry. "It would be a perfect time for you to be checked as well." Harry thought about it for a moment. It would bring into the open the damage of his childhood.
"I think that would be best." The three goblins stood and headed for the door. Remus put his hand on Harry's shoulder. He looked up at the man nodding. The three of them then followed the goblins through the Gringotts maze of hallways and dead ends before reaching a door. It was wide open revealing a young woman. She sat at the desk directing a quill to take notes as she watched the reaction happening in a jar. When the contents turned black she vanished it with a flick of her wand.
"Damn, another failed attempt." She looked over to see them. "Oh, hello. I did not realize I had guests. Ragnok, Gornuk, and Urlor. Welcome." She pulled back her long wavy red hair into a messy bun.
"What were you working on Sage?" Gornuk asked as they let themselves in. Harry looked at the large stone block on one side of the room curiously. "Nothing illegal I hope."
"No, there is a little girl at St. Mungo's hospital who needs a special potion but her parents cannot afford it for her. So I was attempting to make a less expensive alternative for her. So far the experiments have been rubbish. What can I do or you today?" She stood banishing her tools to their proper place on the shelves.
"I present Lord Sirius Black and Lord Harry Potter. Both of them need in depth scanning with a detailed report. Keep in mind Lord Black has been in the prison for about ten years." Gornuk said looking at the two in question.
"Well then, I should get to work. Will you be staying or no?" She walked over to the stone table, with a flick of her wand it grew out another few feet.
"I will not be staying." Ragnok stated. "I will start working on inventorying the Potter Vaults. Lord Potter, will you be needing muggle money as well as wizard coins?"
"Yes, I honestly did not know there was a difference." Harry looked closer at the stone.
"Each rune carved into it will read different parts of you, from your magic to your body. Each one is activated one at a time." she walks over to the desk taking out five different quills. "Each one of the quills matches up with a rune on the table. It will write down everything about the different areas. It is more detailed than the scans at the wizard hospital." harry looked at her nodding taking it all in. "If you would like Lord Black can go first. So you can see how the process is done."
"I would like that. I was raised by muggles so I know very little about magic. I want to learn everything I can." Remus smiled seeing Lily's love for knowledge had been given to her son.
"Lord Potter, when you are finished I will take you to sign for a Gringotts card. They can be used at both magical and muggle places. Then we will take a trip to the Potter vault to make you a new key." Ragnok walked out to get to work.
"Lord Black, as your title is not official I will go get things processed for that if you would like to claim it before you leave today." Urlor said as Sirius moved to lay down on the stone slab.
"I think that would be best. I had always thought my parents disowned me." He settled onto the slab carefully. "Either way, I will be needing funds to get a new wand." the goblin bows and walks out leaving Sage to work.
"Now, try to hold still. It will feel a little strange but it will pass shortly." taking out her wand she tapped the first rune. Harry watched in amazement as the Healer then went over to her desk laying out a sheet of parchment. The quill stood up on its own writing out everything.
"I wonder if I will have a chance to study Runes in school." Harry looked between the slab and the desk a few times as each of the quills set to work. After a while the last quill dropped.
"You may sit up now Lord Black." she went over to the parchment looking over the report. "Nothing I wouldn't expect coming from a decade in that hell hole. Magical exhaustion, malnourished, obvious prolonged exposure to Dementors. Again, nothing overly surprising here. There is something interesting though. A Soul Bond to Madam Amelia Bones."
"We were seeing each other before I was sent to Hell." he moved off the slab into a chair. "I did not know about the bond however. It is good to know."
"Indeed, would you like a copy of the results for your own records?" Sirius nods and she made a copy of it. "at the bottom there is a list of potions and a diet plan to get you back on track. I would suggest not using magic for the first two weeks to allow your core time to recover." Harry walked over to the stone slab and traced over the runes. "Your turn Lord Potter." Harry climbed onto the slab finding it surprisingly comfortable. "As I said before, it may feel a little strange. It will pass pretty quickly." He nods relaxing. Healer Sage went over to her desk laying out another parchment. She went back over to him activating the runes. He felt the comforting hum of magic start from his head traveling down to his feet then back again. The hum washed over him a few times before settling on his chest. "Your all set Lord Potter." she went over to look at the results. "Fucking hell." she went to the door whispering to a passing guard who looked at the boy in shock. He then rushed off.
"W-What's going on?" Remus was concerned for the boy his inner wolf was already claiming as pack.
"I'm sorry, I really am. Lord Potter, will you lift your shirt please." Harry hesitated before doing as the Healer had asked. His ribs and chest were covered in bruises. "Bloody hell." Harry took his shirt off completely turning to show the scars cross-crossing his back. "Lord Potter, let me be the first to say how sorry I am. No child should ever be treated this way." she went back to look at the parchment. "I will let you read this. I-I don't-"
"It is alright. I had a feeling it would show up." Harry pulled his shirt back on going over to the desk reading the results.
Body Scan:
Repeated physical abuse by various objects and various people
Malnourished
Poor healing of broken and fractured bones
Mind Scan:
Repeated neglect
Verbal abuse
Soul Scan:
One Heart Bond
Foreign soul fragment contained within scar on forehead
Magic Scan:
Blocks as follows
15 separate memory blocks
90% Block on magical core
75% Block of natural healing
100% Block on bonded creature
100% Block on Beastspeak ability
(50% Block placed by parents for cases of accidental magic set to dissolve over time. Massive block made by Albus Dumbledore.)
"What does it mean by 'Foreign soul fragment'?" Harry hoped there was something they could do about it.
"It is a horrid thing, one of the darkest magics known to exist. It's called a Horcrux. Dark witches and wizards have created these horrid things to attain immortality. I have never heard of a living vessel though. I have a plan on how to remove it though. So there is nothing to worry about there. What worries me though is all of the blocks placed on you. I can remove most of them but the block on your core will need to be removed chunks at a time to allow you to adjust to so much magic. For now we need to worry about that thing in your scar." She leads them out into a larger room with another stone slab. "climb up on here Lord Potter. I will need to strap you down to prevent you from hurting yourself. A Horcrux had been known to put up a fight before its destroyed. I am afraid it will be quite painful. I wish there was something we could do to prevent it but there is nothing. Hopefully it will not put up too much of a fight." Harry climbed onto the slab sitting on the edge. Last time he had to die in order to get rid of it. He wondered what she had planned to remove the fragment of Voldemort's soul.
"How will you get rid of it?" Harry asked rather fearfully.
"I am not going to lie to you Lord Potter." she took a deep breath before continuing. "The process is normally done on an object, not a living person. I am going to open your scar and put in a few drops of Basilisk venom. Once it is destroyed we will use phoenix tears to cure the poisoning and help close the scar. It may not heal the scar completely but it will be less noticeable."
"What are the risks to Harry?" Sirius looked at his godson, he would likely die if anything happened to the boy who had given him his live back.
"Surprisingly there is very little. The process is simple enough on an object, but to my knowledge it has not been done on a living person. To assist me I am having another Healer come in. Once the tears have healed Lord Potter we can address the rest of the results." She looked over at Harry who was looking again at the Runes tracing over them seemingly lost in thought.
"Sage Breath. Did you call for me?" Sirius looked up from his chair in total surprise. Andromeda Tonks was standing in by the door.
"Andi?" He stood walking over to her. "Is it really you?"
"S-Sirius?" Harry gripped the slab tightly seeing the woman throw her arms around Sirius. Both starting weeping in joy. Harry felt horribly for ever thinking it was possible to compare her to her murderous sister Bellatrix. Andromeda had long brown hair and much kinder eyes. "What are you doing here Siri? Your going to get the Kiss if you get caught."
"No Andi. I am a free man. Thanks to my Godson Harry. That is why your here." Andi looked over at Harry.
"Good heavens you look just like your father." She walked up hugging him as she whispered. "Thank you for giving my cousin back to me." finally she pulled away. "Now, forgive me Sage."
"No need, I would have done the same thing in your shoes." she briefly explained the situation to her and what she planned on doing to remove it.
"Your idea is sound. I would be glad to help." Harry settled down on the slab trying to relax.
"It will be fine Harry, just close your eyes and it will all be over soon." Even Healer Sage's words did nothing to set him at ease.
"That is easier said than done I'm afraid." He said looking over at the two vials by his shoulder. One held the venom and the other held phoenix tears. A childhood of abuse and pain made the cut to his scar painless. The pain did not hit until a few drops of Basilisk venom were dripped into the newly opened cuts. His young body jerked shaking wildly. It felt like his body was on fire as the venom burned away the dark magic in his scar. He closed his eyes to find something other than the pain to focus on. Suddenly it felt like he had been reversed time. The fire was gone.
"It's alright Harry." Four gentle hands helped him to sit up. Harry kept his eyes closed. One of the hands put a piece of chocolate into his hand. He sniffed it for a moment before nibbling on the sweet treat. "I'm afraid you still have the scar. It is a lot thinner now, and in time it may fade away all together. Your going to feel a little dizzy for a few more minutes. It was a small piece of a soul, but it put up quite a fight." Harry opened his eyes slowly. Looking at Sage Breath she continued. "A good meal and a decent night of sleep and you will be fine."
"Thank you, both of you. I do not know why I had another soul in my scar. Or how it was even possible. But I will admit I feel better than I have ever felt." Andromeda looked at him then over to Sirius.
"I expect you to come to the house for dinner before young Harry goes off to school. I'm sure my daughter would enjoy meeting her cousin." Sirius looked at her in shock. "Yes Siri. I have a daughter." They stepped out of the room for a while as Harry finally managed to stand on his own.
"Harry," Remus spoke up. He had been surprisingly quiet up until this point. "Your parents were my best friends. I should have at least gone to check on you. For that I am sorry."
"Don't be." Harry looked up at him. "I admit that I would have enjoyed knowing some of my parent's friends when I was little, but living there with them made me realize something. I do not want to grow up to be like them, not at all."
"About that Lord Potter," Sage spoke up as she cleaned the stone slab by hand. "I would highly recommend going to the MCW department over in the Ministry."
"MCW?" Harry was confused, it was something he had not heard about before. "What is that?"
"Magical Child Welfare. They handle cases like your own. And if you seek to press charges they can help. What they will do is take a trip with you through your memories and question you about what they see. Now that you are emancipated they wont remove you from the house, given the fact I suspect you no longer want to be there anyway." when he shook his head she continued. "because you are the Lord of an Ancient and Noble house they will likely be locked up in Azkaban. I do not know if she still works there, but Abigail Locke handled my case when I was a child. I was abandoned on the steps of the bank when I was two years old. I would have stayed on the steps all night if it hadn't been for a late night for one of the account managers. He escorted me inside and contacted the MCW. Abby found out that I was a quarter goblin." She moves her wand over her ears exposing their slightly pointed nature. "when that was discovered I was given to the goblin who found me on the steps."
"Yes, and she still refuses to leave the bank." Ragnok stood in the doorway. "What she fails to mention Lord Potter is that I was the one who found her." Harry burst out laughing much to the confusion of the others present.
"I-I'm sorry." He closed his eyes and relaxed before opening them again. "I really did not mean to laugh. So far though, from what I have seen of goblins they are a no nonsense type of people."
"This is true, we consider it a waste of time and money." Ragnok replied trying to figure out he was laughing at.
"Well, I honestly can not imagine how a goblin would handle the whimsical nonsense that some children have growing up." at that Ragnok started laughing. It had to be the first time any of them, except for perhaps Sage, had seen a goblin laughing. It was truly a sight to behold.
"T-Thank you Lord Potter. I have not laughed like that in near twenty years." Ragnok said as he finally caught his breath. "If we are finished here Sage?"
"Oh, not quite." She handed Harry a copy of his results sheet. "At the bottom is a list of potions along with how often you will need to take them. As well as a six month diet plan. If you give it to the Hogwarts elves they will make sure you get the proper foods for your meals." He folds it up putting it in his pocket. "Now, I can remove a few of the blocks on you. Just hold still." with a flick of her finger the warmth in his chest grew to a slight burn. It wasn't nearly as painful as the venom had been but it still hurt to the point he dropped to his knees. "That was not suppose to happen." She ushered them back into her office putting him up on the slab. "I'm going to scan your magic one more time." laying out the parchment she activated the rune watching the results carefully. "Oh dear. I guess your magik agreed with what I was trying to do. My spell was only suppose to break down the block on your core slowly over the next three weeks or so. But your magik agreed with my attempt and completely unblocked your core. Your magik is different than your physical magic. It is often considered wizarding instinct."
"Your magik was what told you to have Miss Granger and her parents leave earlier." Gornuk explained. It made sense to him, even just slightly.
"Speaking of Miss Granger they are back in the conference room waiting for you. Lord Black, if you would like we can give you a stable glamour charm." Ragnok said. "Madam Bones said it would be in your best interest."
"That may be true, but I have been locked away from the world for a decade. I do not want to hide now that I am free." The goblin nods in understanding. "Harry, we both need wands." He wondered about the blush crossing his godson's cheeks at the mention of this Miss Granger.
"True, and I still need to sign for my card." Harry turned to Gornuk. "I would like to come back in three days to claim the rest of the titles and get an inventory."
"I will arrange it with the other account holders. I will escort you to get it signed while Lord Black formally claims his title." Seeing Harry nod they walk out after saying their goodbyes to Sage Breath who had gone back to looking at the notes from her experiment. "By the way Lord Potter. Ragnok and I decided to get you a little something in honor of your birthday. It will be delivered to the conference room shortly. If it has not been already. Since you were muggle raised I will explain something to you. Goblin made items are goblin property. A witch or wizard can only borrow them for their lifetime. Then they are to be returned to the goblin who crafted it, unless that witch or wizard is told otherwise by the goblin." Harry walked into the conference room and directly into a comforting hug by Hermione.
"I see you enjoyed your trip then?" he glanced up at her father who gave him the nod of permission. Harry hugged her briefly before stepping away. "Professor McGonagall, something has happened since we spoke not long ago. I am going to ask that you not react until you hear the whole story." The professor was shocked to say the very least. For a brief moment she could have sworn James stood in Harry's place.
"For a moment there Mr. Potter you sounded just like your father. Alright, I will do as you ask. Just this once." He smiles stepping aside to allow Remus to enter. "Mr. Lupin, if I remember correctly. Gryffindor Prefect if memory serves."
"Quite right, and please. It is just Remus. Mr. Lupin makes me feel a bit like my father." He laughed a bit.
"Very well. Your presence here is not all that surprising, you were very close to Lily and James." She was now slightly confused. That was until the door opened again. Sirius Black stood on the other side. "My word! Harry dear, come over here. That man-"
"That man has been cleared of all charges given proof held in my parent's Will. Please Professor. You said you would hear the whole story." Minerva sighs nodding.
"I did say that, didn't I. Very well. I will listen." He guided Hermione back to a chair.
"Now, it is getting rather late. So instead of going to ice cream I propose we all go out to dinner. My treat of course." Harry looked around. "I have the information about what happened this morning, and we-" he gestured between himself and Sirius. "owe Professor McGonagall an explanation. So long as we can stop where they sell wands."
"That does sound wonderful. I am curious about the light show we saw this morning." Emma said looking at her husband. "Besides, I did not really have anything planned for dinner tonight." The look in his wife's eyes matched the one in his daughters. It spoke volumes to him, 'agree or we will make you miserable'.
"I do not see why not. I never turn down going out for dinner. So long as I'm not the one paying." He relented. Suddenly he considered getting a dog to even out the gender ratio in their family.
"Great." Ragnok walked in handing Harry a parchment and a quill. He signed the paper and a card appeared. "Wicked."
"This card works in both worlds. So there is no need to get the funds converted. It is done automatically." Ragnok explained. He then snapped his fingers and a long box appeared on the table. "Happy Birthday Lord Potter." Curious Harry opened it slowly. He looked at the grinning goblins before taking out a rather massive sword. "It's name is Thorn, Claymore of Hope."
"I will of course honor tradition." Harry unsheathes the sword carefully. His eyes widen written in runes on the sheath were the same words on the door to the room he met the Endless.
When the world says Give Up
Hope whispers
Try one more time
"No Lord Potter. This is a gift. We ask that this sword become an heirloom to the house Potter. Passed from father to son." Harry looked at the goblin pair in surprise.
"Thank you, I will do that." Looking at the hilt he tilts his head. How was it possible?
"Happy Birthday Harry Potter. It is from all of us as well." Oracle told explained it. Across the hand guard were four stones. Inside each one was a tiny carving. The first carving looked like an hourglass. The second was the muggle infinity sign. The third carving was the third eye. The final carving was the rune for Death. "We decided our champion needed a proper sword"
"Thank you. If our business is settled for the day we have a few things to do before dinner. One of them being some clothes for my godfather. Perhaps a bath as well." He laughs a bit. "Why don't we eat somewhere on the muggle side?"
"There is a place not far from the barrier. It's a nice little wizard run place. Its called 'The Golden Flavor'. The owner is a former student of mine. I can reserve a private room for us. We can meet there in two hours? I know I would like to have a chance to freshen up before dinner." Everyone seemed to agree with the Professor. "Good. I will escort the Granger family home. Harry, where will you be going? I'm rather surprised Hagrid has not come looking for you."
"I will be going to Potter Manor until dinner. Then I have decided to spend the rest of the summer at Longbottom Village." Harry did not know if telling her was the right thing to do, but he trusted her.
"That is a good place to go. Be sure to introduce yourself to Lady Longbottom and her grandson Neville." Professor McGonagall said as she stood. "We will see you in two hours then." after Harry received another hug from Hermione, and unspoken permission from her father. Professor McGonagall escorted the Granger family out.
"You seem to blush quite a bit when that young lady hugs you. Anything I should know about?" Sirius asked teasingly.
"Heart Bond." Sheathing the sword he looked at it curiously. "Um-"
"It has a disillusionment charm on it. It will remain hidden from sight until you draw it from the sheath." Ragnok seemed to anticipate his question. "Once it is clipped in place the charm will activate."
"Thank you. That makes perfect sense." after some pondering he decided to strap it down his back for now. After some training with it he may end up changing it. Taking the card from his pocket he nods. "Lets go shopping then. We both need proper outfits for dinner tonight. Remus, I hope you know the invitation to dinner includes you too. My father wanted both you Sirius to raise me. Which reminds me, Gornuk-"
"Notices of a private Will reading will be sent out as soon as our business is concluded. It will take place in one week." Gornuk replied, Harry was glad to know someone was thinking about the things that seemed to slip his mind.
"Thank you." Remus transfigured Sirius's prison clothes to something slightly more acceptable before the three of them headed out of the bank. Harry looked at his godfather who took a deep breath. Together they headed off. Today was a good day, and it is going to get even better.
Wow, Hi readers! 14 pages later and this chapter is finished. Like I said in the beginning of this chapter. There is a poll posted. It will only be open for a week, unless of course you don't mind waiting an extra week or two before getting another chapter.
So, tell me what you think! I really do love reviews. They mean people like what I am working on.
**Acknowledgments**
Amelia Bones freeing Sirius at the bank came from 'Pack of Wolves' by sinnercharly.
Using Basilisk venom on the Horcrux in his scar came from 'Inheritances' by moondustangel.
