A/N: Thanks for all the reviews and support for this story. It is really appreciated. I'm sorry about the long wait but I have been really busy with school and spent way more time reading fanfic then actually writing but I want you all to know that I didn't forget this story. School is also very busy, so updates will be slow. I'm graduating in August, hopefully, so I should have more time to write after that.
Chapter 7
Once the dog pile was over, Harry introduced everyone to his family. "Mom, Dad, and siblings, I would like you to meet my friends. As you know this is Sirius, my godfather; Remus, best defense professor we had at Hogwarts; Fred and George Weasley, notorious pranksters who follow in the Marauders footsteps, also don't eat anything they give you; Ginny Weasley, one of my closest friends, watch out for her Bat Bogey Hex. I've heard it hurts a lot; Ron Weasley, my best mate; and last but certainly the most important, my best friend, the most beautiful and intelligent Hermione Granger."
Everybody said their hellos while Hermione beamed at Harry before speaking to his parents.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr and Mrs. Potter. Don't listen to a single word Harry says, he is the bravest and most kind person ever. I would be dead if it weren't for him." said Hermione.
"Oh, please dear. Call us Lily and James. this is Mary, our daughter and our twins Joshua Sirius and Louis Remus." "Yes, please call us Lily and James, I'm not that old yet." James turned to Sirius in shock. "You were in Azkaban Pads?! How did that happen? Even if everyone thought we were dead, our will should have been read and executed and I specifically mentioned that Peter was our Secret Keeper if anything happened to us. Also since you are Harry's godfather that should have automatically proved your innocence at your trial."
"That's the thing Prongs. I never had a trial." He winced at the anger displayed by James and Lily. "After I allowed Hagrid to take Harry to safety, since I knew Dumbledore would figure something out until I got back, I went searching for Peter so that I could get him charged for betraying you. I cornered that sneaky bastard but we were in a highly muggle area and he shouted loudly for betraying you while he hid his wand behind his back and caused a main gas line explosion. In the confusion he cut off his finger and transformed into his rat form and escaped into the sewers. I was so in shock, I started laughing hysterically and kept blaming myself since i was the one that recommended the switch. That was-was how the aurors found me. They stunned me and then took me straight to Azkaban on Crouch's and Bagnold's word. I was waiting for a trial that never happened. I only escaped 2 years ago because I found out that Peter was close to Harry and I had to protect Harry. Please forgive me for not doing my duty and protecting him as I should have. i'm so sorry."
James and Lily grabbed him in a hug. "It's ok Padfoot. we'll figure this out. I think its time I get back into politics and see if we can't fix this. Let's go to Gringotts and get ourselves set back up. We'll show them not to mess with the House of Potter or Black." James turned to Harry, "Son, since you are the heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter, you need to come with us. I have so much that I need to teach you about your position. Is there anyone you would like to bring with you?" James winked to Lily already knowing the answer. She giggled.
"Wow, ok! Yes. Can I bring Hermione?" James nodded with a chuckle.
With that Sirius transformed back into Padfoot and joined James, Lily, Harry and Hermione to go to Gringotts. Th kids with Remus' supervision excluding the Weasley Twins will finish up their shopping before meeting back at the shop to head back to Grimmauld Place.
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"OK. First lesson Harry. The goblins are a very proud warrior race. Gringotts is considered foreign soil since only the goblins are allowed to run it. Conduct yourself as if you were a tourist in another country. Abide by their rules and laws. What that means is that you never mess with a goblin. Always be courteous with them and they will treat you fairly. They value honor above all else, even before making a profit. Be efficient and avoid any type of small talk. As the muggles say 'Time is money.' Also never draw your wand inside the bank without first asking permission."
"Right, got it."
"Ok, Let's go!" They walked up the stone steps and cordially bowed to the goblin guards out front. The guards seem surprised but only briefly before returning the bow. They walked inside and patiently waited their turn in front of the teller. Once at the teller's desk, whose name was Bloodclaw, James greeted him. "Greetings Teller Bloodclaw, may your enemies fall by your blade and may your gold continually flow, I would like to see the Potter account manager if he has the time available."
Bloodclaw looked up to see who spoke to him with such respect and greeted back, "Well met wizard, I will need you to prove your identity before you could even possibly meet with him." He handed James a blade who took it and pricked his finger and smeared blood on a piece of parchment that was provided, proving his identity. "Well met Lord Potter, Barchoke is available if you will follow me." He turned his open sign to closed and motioned them to follow him. They followed him down a series of tunnels before coming to a door labeled 'Barchoke, Potter Account Manager.'
Bloodclaw knocked on the door and waited. They heard a voice from inside "Come in!"
