Chapter 6: The Realization of Harry's Joy or Gringott's
It was very early morning that Harry awoke, just at the time that was shortly before sunrise. The conversation that he'd had with Hermione and Daphne had lasted longer than he'd originally anticipated. Oddly enough, after they'd left, he was tired. Probably from what had happened to him at suppertime the previous evening in the Great Hall, combined with having two of the most attractive witches that had graced his presence. And, they wanted him, HIM!
Harry got dressed, quietly, while the rest of his dorm mates were still sleeping: Ron snoring like a dragon's roar, that sandy haired Irishman with a smile on his lips, Dean sprawled out, and then there was Neville.
'Neville!' Harry thought to himself. You just don't know how close you came to being in my place. What would you have done? Even if you had been 'chosen' by Voldemorts' twisted way of thinking, would I have been your best mate and stood by your side?' Harry nodded his head positively. 'You know, old buddy, no matter how it alternately would have turned out for you, I'd still be your friend. You've treated me with kindness and respect, even standing up to me and Hermione and Ron when we left our Common Room that night so many years ago. It was your courage in standing up to us for what you felt was the right thing to do that earned us so many points that earned us the House Cup that First Year! The first time in, what, over seven years, was it that McGonagall said?' Harry nodded his head in approval towards his friend who was still sleeping. 'You know, mate, so many people here have you underrated, somewhere, there's gonna be one very lucky and happy witch when she meets you.' Harry smiled at this as he walked out. He never gave Ron a thought.
Harry went outside, it was still dark, tending towards dawn, the sky a dark purple. Harry walked on down towards the Black Lake and just stood there by the waters' edge. His mind a swirl of the past evenings events and tallied them up in his head as to what they meant to him.
'Yesterday, I had no girlfriend. Only Hermione, and she'd never given me not the least thought of how she felt towards me. Now, after our meeting this morning at Gringott's, she'll be my Fiance. One of them!'
'And then there's Daphne. In the six years now that I've seen her at school, I've not said one word to her, yet now she comes to my aid. Now. Why not in the past?' Harry stared out across the Black Lake, watching the water gently ripple as the morning breeze picked up. He could barely see the beginnings of the morning light in the east. Still, it was dark.
'Daphne came to me asking for my help in producing an advanced charm, one that we're not normally even taught until the last couple of months of our last year. I think she knew she'd not be able to perform it, yet she came to me for help.' Harry walked some, thinking. He stopped, looked up at the lightening sky, smiling to himself. His heart started to feel 'funny', he was feeling something that he'd never have thought he'd never feel again after his godfather died.
Harry felt that someone, someone's, truly loved him.
"I've got two beautiful ladies who truly love me!" Harry said out loud.
With that said, he held up his hands, pointing them towards the east, towards the lightening sky, and loudly proclaimed, "EXPECTO PATRONUM ! !"
With that came out of him two Patronus; They were of the exact image of the two witches that had stood by him, had helped him and demonstrated their love of him. They were a solid shaped image that duplicated the two lovely ladies in their perfect form, down to every detail. They were contained in Harry's near perfect memory so that they would be remembered this way, in his mind for all the eternities to come. Most Magical peoples who could cast the charm, and very few could, one of which was his Transfiguration Professor, could not cast like he did, except for his Professor. Harry, like her, was a true anachronism in this respect.
Harry's Patronus were running, no, flying, seemingly, out across the waters. They were looking for any sign of Dementors or of that which would harm the Wizard, the man that they loved, who's love of them produced their corporeal bodies out of magic.
Harry kept up his charm, causing them to grow larger and larger, much like the giants in their size that were in his world. The light from them lit up the sky all around Hogwarts. They were flying all around the Black Lake, the Castle and it's grounds. Lights from the windows were beginning to light up from within. Some, many of the students who would normally be awake were looking out of their dorm windows, were looking out at the strange sight. They could not believe what they were seeing: Patronus of Immense size seemingly guarding the castle from that which would cause it and it occupants harm. Until, once they stood still, near the Black Lake, did anyone get to see a closeup what they looked like. Some of the students recognized their images, but not quite, really. It was the unbelievability of what they were seeing that caused many to doubt their sight.
Harry was full of joy, of gratitude, for this day, he was to start to come into his own. And it was due to the love of two wonderful witches who deeply cared for him.
Harry diminished his charm, drawing them back into himself where they would 'live'. In his memory, within himself.
'Now, for the first time, I truly know and feel what love is!' Harry thought to himself.
He began his walk back to the castle, to start his new life. With those who will soon be his family. Finally.
Anytime that there is great power, there will also be those who will oppose it. For whatever reason that is their own. Sometimes, many times, there are those who have that 'ability', that 'power' that can successfully oppose those who are of the 'Dark', those who spitefully use others for their own nefarious ends. It is those whom you'll least suspect.
It was at this time, when Harry was practicing his heretofore, and unknown to anyone, his multiple Patronus skill of his own design, that came directly from his innermost hearts' desire, that he was observed!
And, not just by some of the students.
The Headmaster was awake and saw partly what had transpired outside the Castle. He was thunderstruck! Even as powerful as he was, even he could not approach the young Mr Potter in that particular skill level at producing a Patronus. 'If Harry can do THAT, what else is he capable of doing?' Albus stood by his office window looking down on the lawn that flowed on down towards the Black Lake. 'At the rate he's progressing, he'll soon be coming into his own. Even at this rate, even Tom will have considerable trouble weakening him, let alone defeating him.' Albus walked away from the window to his desk and pondered.
Harry walked up to the castle and towards the stairs that took him up to his dorm. There, he went into the Gryffindor Common Room and saw more than a couple of students standing around. It was Saturday morning, just as daylight was flooding the windows, lighting up the room. Everyone was there, mostly, watching him, not saying a word. They were silent, and if Harry didn't know better, he'd say they were afraid of him.
"What? What's the matter?" Harry sort of asked out loud, but not to anyone in particular. He was looking around at their faces.
"The Patronus that was outside, did you cast it?" Someone asked. It may have been one of the lower years.
"Yea, it lit up the entire school grounds. It was like the noon day sun shining. It woke me up." Another of the older Lions stated.
No one wanted to get angry, or mad. It was just a sudden surprise at the demonstration of Magical Power that was shown.
"Why do you think it was me? I was just outside going for a walk." Harry tried to put off answering.
"Who else could it have been, but you?" another said "in reply.
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "It might have been Dumbledore. He's pretty powerful, probably the most powerful Wizard. He's skillful enough and talented, I guess."
Everyone didn't buy that reply. It showed on their faces.
"Hey, guys, I'm only a sixth year, what do you expect out of me?" Harry said back to his fellow Lions. "I was out for a walk, thinking of my future. I'm the one with a Dark Wizard hunting for me. You know my history, it's an open book." Harry headed to his shower.
It was Hermione who was the one to speak up. She ran to the foot of the stairs and held onto his hand, "Harry," She looked at him, into his eyes, smiling. "Harry, no one is mad at you nor acquessing you and anything. We're all really surprised at what we saw. We're all proud to be here with you and know you. They're all, we're all, your friends." Hermione gestured to everyone there with a sweeping motion of her hand and arm. "We're all proud to know you. Remember what Professor McGonagall told us the first night here before we got sorted? She said out House will be our Family." Hermione held onto Harry's shoulders, gently, warmly and lovingly. "Harry, we're all your family. That's what friends are for. And remember what I said to you last night: I'm here to help you and support you and protect you." Hermione then whispered to Harry so no one else would hear her: "Daphne and I will stand by you for the rest of our lives! You've got our promise on that."
Harry smiled, nodded his head. "Well, uh, I've sort of been practicing and I didn't want anyone else to know. I didn't know how other people would take it. You know how my life has been. I've not had too many, well, successes and I didn't want to bring any more attention to myself."
Harry looked down, trying to avoid the stares and looks of his friends.
"But, recently, I've had SOME successes." Harry looked at Hermione and smiled, almost grinning.
With that said, he went upstairs and took a shower and went back down to eat. He had an appointment to keep.
Thankfully, Ron didn't ask Harry any questions that Harry would not be prepared to answer. It was at this point in Harry's life that he started to look out for himself, first, 'cause if he didn't, there wouldn't be anything left of him to give away. He thought back to Ron's life and not just what Ron 'did', but, what he 'didn't'. The few times were when he'd stood by him in going after the Stone, and then again, in the Department of Mysteries. Then again, there was that entire year where Ron didn't exactly stand by Harry when his name was pulled out of the Goblet of Fire. Seems a lot of people, Ron included held that against him, and if people were honest, they still do today. No, Harry chose right, or should it be said more correctly that Hermione and Daphne were the ones to choose correctly. 'I wonder what would have happened to me if they'd not come into my life this week like they did?' Harry wondered to himself as he sat down to eat.
As he was eating, Professor McGonagall came up to him and slipped him a note. It contained a message that give him permission to leave the school grounds, along with Hermione and Daphne! Harry looked up at her as she sat down. He nodded his head once, briefly, she gave him a hidden half smile so no one else would notice. Not that it'd be any of their business, anyway!
Behind Harry, the Headmaster came walking up and stopped next to him. "Ah, Harry, my boy. May I have a word with you, momentarily?" Dumbledore looked over his half moon spectacles at Harry.
Harry looked up at the Headmaster, briefly, for he had other places to be and didn't want his time wasted on someone who'd taken advantage of him, lied to him, withheld information from him, forced him to live with people who didn't want him, and suffered many physical 'mis-adjustments' during his youth, at the hands of those who hated him for who he was, for who his parents were, and mostly for what they didn't have, or were afraid of. Mainly.
"Ah, good morning, Harry, my boy. I have the distinct impression that today you might have plans, shall we say, that may not include your education here at this fine school. It may be to your distinct advantage, shall we say, to remain here, where you'll be very well protected?" With that said, he walked away towards the Head Table. But as he got several steps away, Albus stopped, turned around and added, "All for the Greater Good, of course, my boy! Good day to you, Harry, my boy." With that semi cryptic statement out, Albus went to the Head Table and started his morning ritual of breakfast.
Needless to say, Harry was well on his way to anger, steaming!
Well, he wasn't the son and God Son of the Marauders for nothing!
Harry wanted to smile, but that'd give his future movement and plans away.
Elves do come in handy, especially if they adore you and wish to provide help.
Breakfast was over and Harry walked out, dressed in his overcloak, followed shortly thereafter by Hermione and Daphne to their prearranged meeting place: Close to Hagrid's Hut.
"Dobby!" Harry called to his favorite elf.
"Master Harry! Hows can Dobby be of assistance to the Great and Noble Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter?" Dobby was smiling and literally hugging Harry's leg.
"Uh, Dobby, let go, please." Dobby let go and stood in front of Harry, Daphne and Hermione. "Can you take us," here, Harry indicated the two witches and himself, "to Gringott's? Seems the Headmaster doesn't want us to leave."
"Oh, Yes, Dobby can easily do that! Just take hold of my hand," Slowly the three of them disapparated from the warded grounds of the ancient school and appeared within the Dominion of the Goblins.
"Harry!" Hermione screetched. You can't disapparate neither to nor from Hogwarts. It says so in 'Hogwarts – a History', I've read that many times!" Hermione was looking from Harry to Dobby, who was cringing some at Hermione's outburst.
Harry wrapped one arm around Dobby, to give him the feeling of protection and approval. "Hermione, did you also real anything about House Elves? And more specifically what they CAN do?"
Hermione stood there, not thinking. "Oh, yea, I forgot." Hermione stooped down and looked at Dobby, "Please, Dobby, forgive me for being so rude to you, I was just surprised and I didn't know you could do that. You're a very good elf. You make Harry very proud to be seen with you."
Dobby was looking up at Harry with somewhat fearful eyes, shaking some.
"It's alright, Dobby, She's just trying to apologize to you."
With that said from Harry, Hermione opened her arms towards Dobby and hugged him. "I like you, Dobby, I really do. If I could ever have an elf, I'd want him to be just like you." With that said, she kissed Dobby on his forehead. This caused the diminutive, over exuberant elf to actually blush!
Daphne looked on at this most unusual of exchanges, not quite believing what she was seeing. "Well, it's no wonder he loves you so much, Harry. I've heard and seen the way the Malfoy's treated their House Elves."
Daphne, taking the hint from Hermione in what to do, stooped down next to Dobby, hugged him. "Dobby, I'd love to have you for my House Elf. I appreciate what you've done for our Harry, and for Hermione and myself. You're the best House Elf I could ever want." She, too, kissed him on his head, blushing even more.
What the small group didn't realize until it was over was that they were in the main lobby of the bank and that all the patrons, as well as the Goblins themselves were observing them. Many with disapproval, from the human witches and wizards.
But, not from the Goblins.
"Harry Potter, my name is Griphook, please come with me. Your appointment with Ragnok is waiting."
The four, Harry, Daphne, Hermione and Dobby, were taken through one of the great ornamental doors that lead to the back of the bank, down long winding halls to appear before a great Wooden Ornamental Door carved from a species of Rare wood that appeared to be as heavy as metal. On either side of the Great Doors stood the largest Goblins that Harry had ever seen, not that he'd ever seen too many, what with his limited experience with Goblins. They were dressed fully in Battle Armour and weapons.
"Uh, Griphook . . ," Harry had stopped before reaching the Goblins, afraid of what he would be getting into.
Griphook stopped, turned around "Harry Potter, there is no need for you to fear."
Harry looked at Daphne, then at Hermione and Dobby, his eyebrows raised. Taking a deep breath he and his companions followed Griphook inside.
There sitting at a great desk was a very old appearing Goblin, as far as Harry could see and determine, the Goblin was old. And wrinkled. And ugly, at least by human standards.
"Welcome, Harry Potter. My name is Ragnok. I'm the Director of Gringott's and the Chief of the Goblin Nation. Please, have a seat, you and your companions and we'll get started."
"I'm sure you have many questions, which will be answered all in due time this morning. I've been waiting and anticipating our meeting and have been preparing for it. I've gathered quite a bit of information, papers, documents and possible tests for you today."
Harry looked at Daphne, quizzically.
She held his hand, squeezing it in a comforting manner, as did Hermione. Dobby just sat there, very quiet, looking from Harry to the Goblin, quite unsure of himself.
"First, the Will of the Late Lord James Potter and the Will of the Late Lady Lily Potter has been sealed by the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. There's nothing we can do about that, yet."
Harry looked at the Chief Goblin rather in surprise, then his expression and feelings turned to anger. "WHAT? Why can't I see my parents' Wills? Who did this to me and WHY?" Harry's anger was just getting started. And it showed in his magical Aura. Hermione and Daphne grabbed hold of Harry's hands and shoulders to try to quiet him some. It barely worked. So, Harry sat back down.
"Harry," started Ragnok, "there will be opportunities for you to get back at those who've harmed you. Just have patience. Let me continue."
"When Lord Black died at the end of your previous school year, in the Department of Mysteries, his Will was activated and I looked at it." Here Ragnok took out another parchment that was rolled up. He broke the seal and read it's contents to the assembled group.
"Harry, Lord Black left you everything, including the Title to the Ancient and Noble House of Black." Here, Ragnok took out a small wooden box and opened it, presenting it to Harry. "Harry, this is the Ring that all the Lords of the House of Black wear. It signifies that you are the rightful holder of that title and no one else. By wearing this ring, you rightfully accept all duties, titles and responsibilities that belong to the Head of the House of Black. Along with that are the financial affairs."
Harry took the ring out of the nondescript wooden box and placed it on his right middle finger whereupon it re-sized itself, signifying that Harry is now the Lord Harry James Potter-Black, Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black. At that moment, a crest appeared upon his robes, the Crest that belonged to the House of Black. What brought Harry's attention were the other House crests, namely that of the House of Malfoy, Lestrange, and Tonks, which were indicated as Minor Houses that were subservient to the Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Daphne looked at Harry, his ring and then at his robes with the House Crests, both the Dominant Crest and the Minor House Crests. "Harry! Look at your robes! It has the crest that belong to the House of Malfoy! You're Draco's Lord! When he sees this, he'll have a fit!"
"Maybe now, things will change as far as his treatment of me is concerned?" Harry looked at Daphne, smiling some. Then, Harry turned to Ragnok to ask a question. "Ragnok, I have a question that Daphne talked about with both me and Hermione last night. She mentioned that the Lords of the Ancient and Noble Houses were required to have a wife, a wife for each of the Houses that they were Lords over. How does that pertain to me? How do I go about that?"
"Well, first, may I congratulate you, Lord Black, on ascending to the Title of Lord. It's been many years since I've been able to conduct business with Lord Black, in person. I look forward to that and us making a more than a fair about of Galleons in profit." Ragnok smiled.
Also, there is one major benefit of you taking on the Title of Lord and that is that since you're a minor in our world, since you've taken on the Title of Lord, you're now what we call an 'emancipated minor'. What that means is that you now have all the rights, duties and responsibilities of a Legal Adult, which you are effectively one. You can now do all that which a Legal Adult can even though you're still under the age of 17. You can enter into contracts, take on legal duties, and, since you're a Lord of an Ancient and Noble House – you may take on a wife for that House."
"Oh, also, you do not have to have a Magical Guardian!" Ragnok mentioned.
Harry was surprised, and pleased at that find. It opened his eyes to the possibilities of what he could do, and, most importantly, not HAVE to do, such as go back and live with the Dursley's and have to listen to Dumbledore. 'Hmm, now, I'm no longer under his thumb.' Harry thought to himself.
"Next, please sign these parchments that signify your taking the position of Lord over the Ancient and Noble House of Black. They will be kept here with us and a certified copy containing my personal Seal will be sent to the Ministry. With it, containing my personal Seal, it will carry the most weight with your Ministry and will not be contested in ANY way! This is most important, Lord Black."
"Contested?" Harry asked.
"Yes. There are many who will not be happy seeing you as the Lord of House of Black. They are those who are the supporters of Voldemort. Many funds have been withdrawn from the accounts of the House of Black that were used to support Voldemort's activities. Since you're now the rightful Lord, I can now stop all those withdrawals, and give you an accounting of your funds and where they've gone."
This got Harry's attention. Nodding his head in agreement. "Yes, please do so, and if it's possible, try to have those funds returned in anyway you can. If there are any costs to you and your people that are incurred, I will cover them up to seven times the incurred costs. This, I do in respect to you for helping me, both now and in the future."
Ragnok smiled a smile that showed all of his long pointed teeth. "It will be done as you've requested, Lord Black!" Also, to answer your question about you having a wife, now that you're a Lord, you will be expected to have a wife for your House. I do wish to cover other items that concern you. You do have control over the Finances of all of your Minor Houses, if you understand the political impact that that will have. Those who have intentions of harming you, you will have considerable power to negate their influence and power they will have towards you."
It was here that Ragnok looked at Daphne. "I believe you are the daughter of Lord Greengrass, of the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass?"
Daphne nodded in the affirmative.
"Good, very good. Then I take it that you, Lady Greengrass, you have shall I say, more than a passing interest in Lord Black, here?"
Daphne smiled, nodding her head briefly. "Yes, last night, as We, that is to say, Hermione Granger and I were talking to Harry, we'd discussed his ascension to the Title of both Houses of Potter and Black." Here, Daphne looked at Harry for help in continuance of what they'd covered the night previously.
"What Daphne is saying, I, for lack of better words, asked her to be the Lady Black as soon as I took on the Title of Lord Black, and she accepted." Harry looked at Daphne, smiling. His smile reached all the way up to his eyes.
"I don't know if a Betrothal Contract will be needed, but even if it is, we're beginning to love one another. Any contract will just be additional."
At this said, a goblin came in to his office and whispered something to Ragnok. He nodded his head in looking up towards Harry.
"Seems Lord Greengrass is here to attend the meeting. This is a most opportune time for him to join us, if you'd allow? Remember, Lord Black, you're now an Emancipated Minor with all the rights and privileges of any legal adult."
"Of course." Harry replied.
With that said, a minor goblin, Griphook, Harry thought it was, brought in Daphne's Father. He was dressed in his finest robes. They shook hands and both sat down, Lord Greengrass sitting next to his daughter.
Ragnok spoke. "Lord Greengrass, Lord Potter here wishes to enter into a betrothal contract concerning Lady Daphne Greengrass. What shall you say?"
Lord Greengrass looked at Harry, his robes and his House Ring, and being satisfied replied, "If all is well with my daughter and if she's happy I'd like for it to be the standard betrothal contract."
"Lord Greengrass, if my understanding is correct, any galleons that you may forward onto me, I would with respect, decline. Instead, if you'd prefer, I wish the Lady Daphne Greengrass to have her own vault separate from me and you may give her any dowry instead. I respect her, and you, too much, to accept any money. What she gives me, that is to say, her love, is more than I could ever ask for in exchange."
Lord Greengrass looked at Harry, surprised. "You are a most unusual Wizard and Lord, Lord Black. I do accept your conditions."
"There is something else that I'd like to ask, or mention, for our discussion. Sons."
Lord Greengrass looked at Harry, not even hoping what he's most desperately hoping for.
"I realize that you have no sons, but, instead, two daughter's. If Daphne has a son, I'd like for her, for our, first son, to carry the name of Greengrass, so that you may have an heir to continue your House's Honorable Line. If she should have a second son, then I'd like for him to carry the name of Black so that he may continue the line of the House of Black."
Daphne squeezed Harry's hand in approval of his request. She knew what her father had been hoping for and to be associated with a most powerful House and an understanding Lord, it was more than he'd hoped. His daughter was well loved and now protected, and, he'd gained an heir! 'This Lord Black was a most honorable man. My daughter could not have had better.' thought Lord Greengrass.
Both Lords indicated to Ragnok their approval, the contracts
were presented and signed, sealed and copies presented to both Lords and copies kept at Gringott's and others sent to the Ministry, again, with the personal Seal of Ragnok, who is the Director of Gringott's and is also the Head of the Goblin Nation.
Harry extended his hand and Lord Greengrass shook it. "You may call me Harry, since we're now family. Daphne can fill you in on any other questions you may have about me. All I wish is to love her and care for her properly. I'll always ask for her advice since she knows so much more than I do. On the Holidays, I'd like to get together, all of us and enjoy the upcoming holidays together."
"I agree, Harry. I look forward to it. We'll keep in touch." With that said Lord Greengrass departed, a very happy man.
Harry looked at Ragnok and started to leave, but Ragnok stopped him.
"Lord Black, I do believe we have more business to attend."
With that said, Harry sat back down.
Ragnok presented Harry with another ring; This one was much smaller than Harry's but it still looked just like his. "Lord Black, this is your wife's, the Lady Daphne Black's, wedding ring. It signifies that she is the Lady of the House of Black and is the legal wife of the Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black."
Daphne looked at her new ring and KNEW what it symbolized. She was now Harry's wife, at least for the House of Black. She'd seen her mother carrying out her duties as the Lady of the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass, and now, she had to carry out those same duties as Harry's wife. She'd accomplished all her goals. Now, all she had to do was to protect her husband and stand by his side and support him. THAT – she could easily do." She was smiling.
"Congratulations, Daphne." Hermione said Daphne. "I'm sure you and Harry will be very happy together." Hermione was smiling and her smile reached her eyes.
"Thank you, Hermione. You will always be my friend." Daphne looked down upon the Black ring. Remembering something, she looked up at Hermione. "We're not done, yet. There's still more to do. Remember the Potter Will?" Daphne was nodding her head, signifying that Hermione was to think on that.
"To go back to the Potter's Wills, now that you're a Lord, we can go back to the Wills and have some paperwork started. With your Title as Lord Black, you may request the Wizengamot to release the Seals on both your Parents' Wills. This will accomplish two things: First, you'll have the Wills read, and secondly, you'll find out, legally, who sealed them, and possibly, why. Now, since you're the only descendent of Lord and Lady Potter, you can have the title Lord Potter signed over to you. There is no other claimant. This is the primary reason. If you will sign these parchments and take the Ring of the Lord of the House of Potter, you'll be, officially, Lord Harry James Potter.
Harry signed the parchments, kept copies for himself, Ragnok kept copies for himself and copies were sent to the Ministry, all with his personal Seal.
"Congratulations, Lord Potter. I'm very happy to have you here in your position and look forward to conducting business with you."
Harry smiled and, like previously, asked about finances. "Can you conduct an accounting of all of the finances of the House of Potter, and if you find any discrepancies, please, inform me?"
"As you wish, but, I'd like to inform you now, that there has been a lot of galleons being withdrawn from your School Trust Vault. Every year after your educational expenses are paid, the entire vault's contents are withdrawn by your Magical Guardian. We've kept accounts of these withdrawals and with your approval, Gringott's will proceed with reclaiming them."
"As previously, any expenses you may incur in this, I'd like to pay you seven times the incurred costs. This is in appreciation of how well you've treated me and to show you how much I value your services, both now and in the future."
"This is the second time you've mentioned my Magical Guardian. Who is this person? Do I know them?"
Ragnok looked surprised. "Why, yes, you do know him. He's the one who sealed your parents Wills, he's the one who's been deducting the gold from your School Trust Vault. Albus Dumbledore."
Harry sat there, shock transfixed his entire demeanor, as well as the two women sitting by him. Especially Hermione, who'd trusted Dumbledore.
"Do everything you can to get back the gold he'd taken from me. Even though I didn't know I had that much, still, he shouldn't have taken it from me. He could have at least ASKED me!" Harry was furious! But, he remained calm on the exterior. Wheels were beginning to turn in his mind.
"I have another request to make. As the Lord Black, can I bring back in to the House of Black some of the family members who were cast out of the Black family?" Harry asked.
Ragnok nodded his head, affirmatively. "Yes you can. You are the Head of that Family as well as of the other Minor Family's under your jurisdiction."
"Good. I'd like to bring back Andromeda Black Tonks and her daughter, Nymphadora Tonks and re-instate them as members of the House of Black. Just because Andromeda married the man whom she loved, despite him being a Muggle, was no reason for her to be let go. I want the papers drawn up showing this and filed and sent to her. Plus, I want a full ten percent of the gold that's in the Black family vaults deposited into the accounts of both Andromeda Black Tonks and her daughter, Nymphadora Tonks, EACH, here at Gringott's. Additionally, Since the Malfoy Family and the LeStranges are Minor Families to the House of Black, I'd like to keep them under my control and have it be known that they have a new Lord Black! I will require them to swear Allegiance to me, being their Lord Black. IF, they do not do this I will then institute severe financial Penalties that the Law allows. I'll want you to start these proceedings. In addition, whatever costs you incur, I'll pay you up to seven times your incurred expense. Can you do this?"
Ragnok looked at Harry: He was smiling and showing all of his teeth for he knew what these requirements meant to these families. All of them would be required to meet, publically, with the new Lord Black and publically swear their Allegiance and fealty to him, because if they didn't they'd have to give up all that they'd gained since their coming into the House of Black. Also, since Bellatrix was a wanted criminal, having escaped from Azkaban, she'd either be arrested or she'll be giving up all of the financial empire, gold, financial contracts, businesses, Real Estate, that the LeStranges had accumulated since Bellatrix married into them. Either way, Ragnok and the Goblin Empire and it's people will be amassing huge amounts of gold that will be rightfully reinvested into the Black Family. The Profits alone will be staggering. All he had to do was work with this new Lord who apparently wanted to 'right' old wrongs and bring others' to Justice!
"Lord Black, I will do as you've requested, immediately. I'll keep you apprised of all developments that occur and I'll report to you, personally."
"I want to thank you for that. Your friendship means the world to me."
'I've never heard a Wizarding Lord make such a statement of Fealty to any Goblin, or any other Magical individual. Hmm, I wonder. He may just be The One. I'll think on this additional matter.' Ragnok was thinking along other lines, that may bear much more fruit, thanks to this most unusual of Wizarding Lords.
"Also, Ragnok, as Lord Potter, I'd like to discuss a Betrothal Contract with Hermione Granger, here. If that's possible. I believe her parents are awaiting for us now."
When that was said, Hermione whipped her head around and looked at Harry. She was surprised and glad all at the same time. Daphne looked at Hermione, and Hermione then looked at Daphne. They were both smiling at each other.
Ragnok nodded his head in understanding of the request, but, there was a minor matter to consider, first.
"Harry, before we consider your request, I must tell you that she has a Magical Guardian. Since she's Muggle Born, no offense to any of you, this is just a statement of your current standing. We'd have to have her Magical Guardian's approval, and possibility a transference of Gold. Knowing who her Magical Guardian is, I've no doubt, that this Betrothal Contract would require too much from you. At this time, as events now stand. But, let me continue with the business that I have with you, and at the conclusion, you'll have more to work with and a more prominent position within which to work to get what else you may desire. If that would please you, Lord Black."
"What?" Harry was disappointed, something was wrong. "Who is her Magical Guardian?" Harry looked at Ragnok.
Ragnok declined to speak for a few seconds.
"Don't tell me, it's Dumbledore!"
"What?" Hermione practically jumped up from her chair. "Why wasn't I told of this? I've never heard of such a thing in all my life. And to think I trusted that man and held him up in my highest esteem! Wait'll I get my hands on him! Wait'll I see him, He's gonna be getting a piece of my mind – a Royal Piece of my mind and I don't, nor care, who'll be listening!" Hermione was on one of her rants, that Harry was so familiar with. He just took hold of her hand, and that small private physical touch calmed her very much. "Thank you Harry, for standing by me. I do love you for that."
"Harry, there is another matter to conclude, then, you may find that it'll help you immensely with your other problems. I've been keeping an eye on you since you've come back into our world. I realize that you've met with more than your fair share of problems, but, let me assure you that you have friends here at Gringott's who are most willing to assist you, and I do believe that time has come." Ragnok stated to Harry.
"There is a test to be conducted upon each of you, This is called the Magical Inheritance test. It's quite painless, and takes a few moments of your time. It shows what you are due, by way of magic, any inheritance's of positions, titles, lands, homes, gold, contracts, all notwithstanding age or how long they've endured. Both you and your companions, will be very pleased and pleasantly surprised and will assist you in taking care of your current problems. So, shall we proceed?"
This took Harry by complete surprise. He looked at Daphne, who shrugged her shoulders. "I've not heard of this test. It couldn't hurt."
"Ok, we'll do it." Harry commented.
Ragnok opened his desk drawer and pulled out a very ornately carved golden box and placed it upon his desk in front of him for the others to see. He opened it and pulled out three very old appearing parchments and placed them upon the desk in front of the three individuals. Ragnok replaced the box back into his desk.
"These are the parchments that will tell you what you are to inherit. What they say is a Magically Binding contract and can not be canceled nor withheld from you and has to be upheld by both your Ministry of Magic and your Wizengamot. What I need for you to do, is to take this gold dagger, pierce your index finger and allow three drops of your blood to drop onto the middle of the parchment that is in front of each of you. There, you'll see writing appearing, in your current language, describing what each of you is to come into. You may proceed."
With the Parchments now 'activated' by blood, writing began to appear on each of their respective parchments.
"Ragnok, I've got a question about this procedure." Harry asked.
"Many do, but what is yours?"
"Why use parchment? Why not use the persons magical signature that surrounds each of them? Wouldn't that be more efficient, or more accurate?"
"Your suggestion does have merit and has been considered many times in the past, but, due to security and having a written form, this is much more preferable. The blood that is donated by each person is kept 'in' the parchment and itself has a magical signature within and around it. So, your suggestion is being used. I do appreciate your thinking along these lines."
Meanwhile, the parchments were filling up with lines of script, that detailed what each were to inherit and from whom and which House they descended from.
Ragnok was more than surprised – Shocked, would be a more precise word!
He then called for some of his department heads and more security guards. In addition, he asked that the Bank be closed down for the rest of the day, or until further notice.
Since Harry is the holder of two Lordships, that of the House of Black and the House of Potter, he began with him. "Harry, as you know, you are the Lord of the House of Black and the Lord of the House of Potter. What surprised me is that you are also a decendant of Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw and that you inherit both the Lordship's of the Ancient and Noble House of Gryffindor and the Lordship of the Ancient and Noble House of Ravenclaw. Also, you inherit one quarter share of the ownership of Hogwarts through the Ancient and Noble House of Gryffindor and a one quarter share of Hogwarts through the Ancient and Noble House of Ravenclaw. Both of these Houses were thought to have been extant until now. Through this Test, you've revived two of the Most Ancient and Most Noble of all of the Magical Worlds' Houses and Families." Here, Ragnok gave pause so that the information could sink in.
"How could I have inherited that? I don't understand." Harry asked, mystified.
"You've inherited through the Previous Lord Potter, the Lordship of the Ancient and Noble House of Gryffindor and through your Mother, through the House of Evans, a minor house, the Lordship of the Ancient and Noble House of Ravenclaw. You also have jurisdiction over your Mother's minor house of Evans. Along with these Lordship's are access to all of their Financial Dealings and Vaults, contracts, Real Estate, Businesses, and these Rings. Harry Looked at both Rings. He now had four, FOUR Rings, that signified that he held the Lordship's over four Ancient and Noble Houses, plus many other minor houses.
"Daphne, you're gonna have to help me with all of this. I don't know how to keep track of all of them!" Harry just shook his head in disbelief.
She reached over to him and held his hand, "I'll help you, my husband. I promised that I'd be by your side and I will. Hermione will also. We're all in this together. We're your family." Daphne leaned her head against Harry's, and said in a lower voice, "And that means children, my husband!" She smiled at him.
"It's not over yet." Harry said, softly.
Ragnok picked up Daphne's Parchments and read it. "Lady Black, your Magical Inheritance Test reveals that you are the Daughter of the Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass, and thus the Lady Daphne Greengrass. Also, you are a direct descendent of Salazar Slytherin, Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin, this is through your Mother. There was another claimant to this Title, the Gant's, but they felt into, how shall we say it, 'disrepute' and was cast out of the House of Slytherin, for perverting the ways of that House."
Daphne looked up at Ragnok, "Will my husband, Harry, be responsible for the title of Lord over that House?"
"Yes, in conjunction with the laws of our world and you being his wife, Harry here, will carry the title of Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin. You will carry the Title of Lady Daphne Slytherin when conducting business with that House."
"Along with it, comes the Financial end, the Vaults, contracts Lands, Businesses, and Minor House Fealty's and Loyalty's." Here, Ragnok, pulled out of a stack of Parchments a copy of what was needed for them to remember. "Also, Lady Slytherin, you now own and control a one quarter share of Hogwarts. This ownership will be carried out by your Husband, Harry. He can use the title Lord Slytherin when doing so."
Harry and Daphne looked at each other, smiling.
"Harry, I wonder what old Snape will do when he hears of THIS!" Daphne gave a hoot of a laugh.
"I wonder what the rest of the school will say? Especially Dumbledore! So far, we control three quarters of the ownership of the school. I wonder what that will do with the operation of it?"
"I don't know, yet, but, we hold most of the cards, as muggles will say." Daphne replied.
Ragnok then looked at Hermione. "Hermione, your Parchment is equally as lustrous. You have descended from Helga Hufflepuff through your mother. She is a squib from a long line of squibs who married into the Muggle world. As such, since you're a Witch, in our World, you are the Magical Head of the House of Granger and if and when you marry then your husband will then take control of your families House and carry out those duties when pertaining to our World. You will be referred to as Lady Hufflepuff when conducting business with that House. Also, you will have complete access to the Financial affairs, Vaults, contracts, land, Houses, Manors, Lordship's over it's minor houses and families. Also, you have one quarter ownership in Hogwarts."
Ragnok folded his hands together and looked at the three of them. Never in his long years had he seen such a collection of individuals who controlled so much political power, Lordship's, and financial Wealth!
"Now, Harry, with this done, all three of you are now considered 'Emancipated Minors' and can conduct business and sign contracts as you wish. You wanted to look into a Betrothal Contract here, with Hermione?"
Harry looked up at Ragnok and then turned to look at Hermione. She is now a 'Lady' in her own right and not just another witch who'd come from Muggles. She has a proud and very influential ancestry.
Harry, looked at Hermione. "Hermione, I'd still want to marry you and have you as Lady Potter. I know now that you have your own Title and all that goes with it. Even if you don't accept my offer, you'll still be my, our, friend." Harry didn't quite know what to say. He was nervous.
Hermione smiled and reached out and held his hand, "Of course I'd love to accept your offer, Harry. I promised you that I'd stand by your side, just as Daphne would, and has. This has not made any difference to me on how I feel, in my heart, about you." With that said, she asked Ragnok to make up the contracts and invite her father in to meet with them. It's the least she could do for her parents.
After Hermione's father had met with them, signed the Betrothal Contracts, Hermione was happy. She now had the Rings on her fingers that belonged to the Ancient and Noble House of Potter signifying that she was now the Lady Hermione Potter, wife of Lord Potter, and, the other ring, that belonging to the House of Hufflepuff, that she is also now Lady Hufflepuff.
Harry and his now wives departed from Ragnok's office after many thanks and promises to keep Harry informed of the status of what Ragnok was to do for him. Ragnok had to send off all the official papers denoting the new Lordship's, the two Betrothal Contracts, plus recovering all the gold that had been taken from the Vaults of the House of Black and Harry's Trust Vault over the years. In addition Ragnok was to send an official Gringott's Owl to Dumbledore informing him of the Change of Status of Harry, Daphne and Hermione, of them being married, their Lordship's and Ladyship's, their Ownership of Hogwarts and of the Gold that Gringott's was to recover from Dumbledore and the House of Dumbledore, by any and all means necessary, which for the Goblins, was considerable.
"Harry, my husband," Daphne asked, "what do you suppose Dumbledore's reaction will be with us?"
"I think he's gonna have a very bad day. For a very long time. And, I don't think he will ever forget it."
Hermione added: "Remember: He works for us, now!"
"Oh, Harry, I can get into the Restricted Section of the Library now!" Hermione just thought!
"Yea, Hermione, but there's something more important." Daphne mentioned.
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"We three get to share a room tonight and for the rest of our lives! This is our Wedding Night!" Daphne said, laughing.
Harry Blanched. "What have I gotten myself into now?"
"Well, Harry, I can think of two!" Daphne said, wiggling her eyebrow's up and down, suggestively. "not 'what', but 'WHO!'" Daphne said.
"It'll take Harry a while to get that, Daphne, but we'll take good care of him and show him what to do."
Both Witches laughed, still holding onto their husband.