AN: Thank you all so much for your reviews & follows & things, it really makes me happy that there are some people out there who like this! Love you all!
Thanks to my Beta, Alanna, for looking over this.. Love you!
Disclaimer: I still don't own not make any monies from this!
Chapter 10 - Gringotts & The Truth
The moment that Harry and the Twins left the dining room, Blaise held out both arms for Harmony and Harry to take, leading them straight to his room. "Follow me," he asked, and walked in to his closet. "Take a seat, both of you. Harry, as you are going to Gringotts with Uncle Luc, I thought I would lend you something to wear."
Harry looked down at the clothes that he was wearing. "Really? What's wrong with…" he asked, as he sat down.
"I'm so sorry, Harry. I meant no offence by that. I just thought that maybe you would like to blend in a bit more, both within the bank and in Diagon Alley. Especially with Lucius next to you, as he draws enough attention on his own without even trying. Everyone knows what you look like, how you usually dress, and would instantly notice you."
Harry thought for a moment before agreeing. "You're right. Thanks for thinking of that. To be honest I know my clothes aren't the best, I've just never been able to go and buy my own clothes."
Harmony took Harry's hand in his and squeezed. Blaise turned his attention to his many rails of clothes. He searched and searched before pulling out a pair of black trousers and a dark green waistcoat, of which was so dark it was nearly black. Blaise handed these to Harry before crossing the room to his drawers, where he pulled out a crisp white shirt.
"Harry, do you have any dress shoes?" Blaise asked, pointing up to the rows of shelving that held his shoes.
"Um… My shoes from the Yule Ball still fit," Harry offered.
"Perfect. Mobdy!"
The house elf appeared with a pop and bowed, "How can I be helping young Master?"
"Please could you go to Harry's room, retrieve his dress shoes and bring them back here?"
The house elf bowed and disappeared, quickly returning with Harry's shoes in his hands. Mobdy placed the shoes beside Harry's feet carefully. "Would young Master need anything else?"
"Not at the moment, Mobdy, but I will need you in a few minutes so don't go too far." Blaise answered. Mobdy nodded and ran out to Blaise's room, obviously trying to find something to tidy until he is required again.
Blaise then pulled out a black tie and a plain black set of robes. "Here you go, feel free to get dressed in here, Harmony and I will wait outside."
The twins left and Harry made quick work of getting changed. Once he had finished, he walked out to the bedroom with a slightly glum look on his face.
"Blaise, you're a lot bigger than me. I look like an idiot!" Harry flapped his arms like a bird just to make a point.
"That is exactly why I asked Mobdy to stay around." Blaise smiled.
Upon hearing his name, Mobdy ran over smiling. He looked at Harry and gasped, "Young guest's clothes are much to big!" He snapped his fingers and Harry's clothes immediately shrunk to fit him perfectly. "Much better. Does that feel better, young guest?"
"Much better. Thank you, Mobdy," Harry grinned, and the house elf disappeared with a pop. Harry turned back to Harmony and Blaise and gave a little twirl. "How do I look?"
Harmony jumped up and hugged Harry, "You look great! How do you feel?"
"A little overdressed but this just isn't my usual. I'm comfortable, though."
Harry then turned to Blaise, who was just getting up from his seat. Blaise walked right up to Harry with a contemplative expression. Harry averted his eyes as Blaise bought his hands to the buttons of the robes, slowly undoing them.
"Leave the robes open, Harry. Then you won't feel so stuffy, and I really like that waistcoat on you."
Harry looked up at Blaise and immediately forgot how to speak. Blaise's hands were still holding onto front of the robes and he was flashing his (in Harry's opinion) breathtaking smile. "I… Um… Thanks, Blaise. I, um, feel better already."
Blaise raised one hand that Harry's cheek, which Harry instinctively leaned in to. "Good. How about we take you up to Father's study. It must be time for you to go." Blaise stepped back and turned to his sister, "Harmony, are you ready to go?"
Harmony laughed. "Oh, so you two remember that I'm here! Of course I'm ready. Let's go!"
The three teens left the room and made their way through the halls to Gio's study. Blaise knocked lightly on the door and led the other two into the room once he heard Gio call for them. They entered to find both men seated in an armchair each, with paperwork perched on their laps. Gio waved his wand and vanished the paperwork to its appropriate place.
"Wonderful, perfect timing," Lucius said as he got up. When he lay eyes on Harry, he smiled, "you look wonderful, Harry. Very smart and suitable for our meeting."
"Oh, thanks Lucius. It was Blaise's idea. I don't actually own anything like this, so Blaise loaned me something of his," Harry blushed.
Lucius nodded to Blaise before turning back to Harry. "The goblins have allowed us to directly floo into Gringotts today, as they are sure you will want to remain as unseen as possible."
"I believe it is the goblins who want me as unseen as possible. They sent me a letter a couple of days ago requesting my presence for a discussion about my accounts. They asked me to not inform Dumbledore of anything. What's going on with all of the secrecy?"
"Why don't we go now and find out." Lucius said, steering Harry towards the floo.
"Harry," Gio called, "I won't keep you too long, but there is a lot that the world doesn't know about Albus Dumbledore. You already know some, after what has happened with you and your relatives. The Headmaster has found himself meddling in many lives in many ways. You may find out things you wished you didn't know, but keep an open mind and know that you have a family here to support you now."
Harry threw himself into the man's arms. Gio chuckled and hugged the teen. Lucius placed his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Two families."
Harry pulled back and nodded, still struggling to comprehend his change in circumstances. Lucius smiled at Harry and led him to the floo. With a last smile and wave, Lucius and then Harry were engulfed in green flames.
Harry stumbled out of the fireplace and was caught by Lucius. "I think we will teach you how to floo properly," he chuckled. "We can't have you falling into anyone important."
Fireclaw stood from his seat to welcome his guests. "Thank you for joining me this morning. Mr. Potter, I have been very much interested in speaking with you."
"I apologise for not being able to come to you sooner, Mr. Fireclaw. I… Well I…"
Fireclaw raised his hand, "No need to explain, Mr. Potter, you are here now. Please take a seat, we have much to discuss." Lucius and Harry took the seats in front of Fireclaw's desk, giving their polite thanks. "Now, as detailed in my letter to you, Mr. Potter, very recently some information regarding your magical guardian became known to us. Whilst I cannot disclose what this is exactly, as it is not to do with yourself and your accounts, following the discovery, we decided that we should have a look into the state of your accounts. What we found was rather disturbing.
"Firstly, I must apologise to you, Mr. Potter. You have been wronged by both Goblin and Wizard-kind. When your parents passed away, they left behind their Last Will and Testament. This will was opened and subsequently sealed by Albus Dumbledore on 1st November 1981, whilst appointing himself as your magical guardian. The reasons for this have never been disclosed, and the goblin who officiated this is currently in custody. I would like to take this moment to unseal the will for you, should you consent."
Harry immediately nodded his head, "I consent to you unsealing the Last Will and Testament of James and Lily Potter."
"Very well." Fireclaw pulled out a large crystal and placed it on an ornate gold stand. He pressed one long finger to the top of the crystal and waited until it began to glow. When he removed his finger, apparitions of James and Lily Potter rose and looked down towards Harry.
Lily looked to James and nudged him hard. "Ow! Oh, This is the Last Will and Testament of James and Lily Potter. If this is being read, the worst has happened." James began in his most official voice he could muster up.
"Before we get in to anything official, we need to reveal that Peter Pettigrew was our Secret Keeper. Sirius Black is not and was never our Secret Keeper like everyone thought. Since you are hearing us now, you need to find Peter Pettigrew." Lily said with a hardness and urgency in her voice.
"We made this particular will should something happen to just Lily and myself, leaving behind our son, Harry." James said, taking Lily's hand.
"Harry, my darling boy, we are so sorry that we had to leave you before you could even really know us. I want you to know that you were so loved and cherished. We truly hope that, even without us, you live a happy life." Lily wiped a tear from her face. "I know you will miss us terribly, but I can only hope that there is someone out there treating you how you deserve to be treated, our little Prince."
"Everything that we have, we leave to you, Harry. When you are old enough, I hope you will take up the mantle of Lord Potter and lead our family into the future. Whilst you are too young to manage anything, we hope the goblins will take care of all vaults and businesses owned by House Potter."
"As for Harry's care, he is to be placed with his godfather, Sirius Black. Under no circumstances should he be placed with my sister. The Dursley family fears and despises everything magical. I know that Harry would not be cared for in their custody." Lily said, sneering at the thought. Immediately, her gaze softened. "Harry, grow up to be the man that we know you can become. You are strong, you can make it through anything."
James held himself straighter, "this is our Last Will and Testament, so mote it be."
The apparitions disappeared into the crystal and the room was silent. Harry looked to Lucius with tears filling his eyes. His parents didn't want him to go to the Dursleys. They specifically stated for him not to be sent there. Dumbledore heard this and still defied it. The pain that ripped through Harry was unfathomable. It was worse than any physical pain he had ever been dealt by Vernon. The pure betrayal was like a searing knife tearing him open. He sat there staring at Lucius for a while, not really looking at him. All that Harry could see was the pain and heartbreak.
"...ry? Harry? Are you there?" Lucius said worriedly as he took Harry's hand lightly. The contact finally broke Harry from the loneliness in his mind. "I know this is a silly thing to ask, but are you ok?"
Harry sniffed lightly, "Honest answer? I don't know. I feel so hurt right now. How did Dumbledore get away with this?" He asked Fireclaw.
"Mr Potter, at present I cannot answer your question to the extent that you deserve. As I have already stated, the goblin previously in charge of the Potter accounts is the authority on our side who turned a blind eye and allowed this. He is in our custody and is going to be dealt with to the full extent of Goblin Law. It is unspeakable to even think about tampering with the accounts of any customers, particularly an Ancient and Noble House."
"Fireclaw, as Harry's guardian, I would like to be kept in correspondence with you regarding the case against this goblin, should you consent?" Lucius asked, hoping he could assist in any way to ensure Harry's wrongdoer is punished as he should be.
"Of course, Lord Malfoy. I was going to ask that anyway." Fireclaw replied, to which Lucius nodded. "Now on to your accounts…"
"You say accounts as in plural? I have only been informed of my one vault, which I was given the key to when I was 11." Harry cut in, still confused.
"I had thought this may be the case, given the state of the accounts." Fireclaw rubbed his temples before he continued, "Mr. Potter, following the death of your parents, you are to be the head of the Potter House, one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight." At the confused look ok Harry's face, Fireclaw sighed and continued, "Your family has several vaults with us, filled with very large sums of money. I believe the vault that you have the key for is your trust vault, the funds for which are taken from one of the larger Potter vaults. In summary, you are one very rich young man."
Harry's eyes widened. "Sacred Twenty-Eight? What…"
"I will explain more on that at another time, Harry," Lucius offered, to which Harry nodded. "Now, Fireclaw, you mentioned the state of the Potter accounts, what exactly do you mean by that?"
"As Albus Dumbledore appointed himself as Harry's magical guardian, with the help of the goblin, he has made several deductions from the Potter accounts and made deposits to a few accounts of other customers of ours."
"Who?" Harry croaked out, feeling himself break even more.
"It says here, since the death of your parents, several thousand galleons have been transferred in to Albus's own account. It also states that since the summer of 1991, regular funds have been transferred to two additional accounts. Those names on these accounts are Mr. Ronald Weasley and Mrs. Molly Weasley, whose account was opened with the first payment and is separate to the joint account that she holds with her husband. The summer of 1993, an additional account was added to the request, one Ginevra Weasley."
"I'm sorry, sir, but how was this allowed without my consent?" Harry asked, anger beginning to take over his hurt.
"When Dumbledore made himself your magical guardian, he was given full control over all of the Potter Accounts. When you were brought in to the bank at age 11, you should have been introduced properly and shown what would be yours. You would then have been given the opportunity to appoint who you would like to be the manage your accounts for you until you are ready to take up the mantle. I believe that Albus got around this with the help of the rogue goblin, keeping you completely in the dark."
Lucius saw that Harry was getting more and more upset as more was revealed and took that moment to step in. "As Harry's magical guardian, I would like to request that Harry have the choice that he was denied those years ago." Upon hearing this, Harry's head snapped up and looked at Lucius in shock. Lucius turned to Harry, "Harry, you should choose someone that you trust to take this on. They will ideally know how to manage money and investments effectively. You want someone who will be able to make your money grow."
Harry looked for a moment in utter disbelief. He had expected Lucius to just take it upon himself, he was willing to accept it, but it felt nice that someone was finally giving him a choice. "I'd really like you to be that person, Lucius. You obviously know what you're doing with your money, I know you are very wealthy. Would you mind?"
Lucius smiled to Harry, "I would be honoured to be trusted with this, Harry. Any decisions that I make on your account, I will always consult you first. If you do not agree with me, I will not go ahead. You will not be kept in the dark any longer, Harry. If you don't mind, I would like to request that the goblin in charge of the Malfoy accounts be placed in charge of the Potter accounts also," to which, Harry nodded. Lucius then turned to Fireclaw, "Would that request be possible. Whilst I know that it would be lot of work, I am sure that Naglok would be perfectly capable. Do you agree?"
Fireclaw nodded, "I will speak with him regarding this. Would you consent to Naglok bringing on an assistant if required?"
"Certainly. Though I would like full background checks to be run on any of the accounts that the person has worked on. Particularly after what has happened to the Potter accounts, you can't be too cautious."
"Duly noted, Lord Malfoy. We will make sure that anything of this nature never happens again."
"Thank you, Fireclaw. I know this was not your fault and you are helping me know. It is greatly appreciated." Harry smiled through the pain that he was feeling. He really was glad that this had been revealed, he knew that he would get over the pain eventually, it would just take a while.
"Anything to assist the Heir of an Ancient and Noble House, Mr. Potter." Fireclaw bowed.
"One last thing before we leave, as I do believe we have held up a lot of your time this morning. When you speak with Naglok, please could you present all of the evidence that you have and request that he compile a full report of the discrepancies that he may find on the Potter accounts. I would like that sent to me so that I have it ready. We will be pressing charges for the theft and deception among other things, but we will file in our own time. I also believe that the Will will exonerate Lord Black of the charges he has held against him. I would like you to not mention this to anyone as yet, as we would not like to alert Albus of our part in anything. I am sure we will have your full support when that time does come?"
"Absolutely, Lord Malfoy. Anything you may request from us, within reason, we will be available for you." Fireclaw stood as both Lucius and Harry did.
"Thank you, Fireclaw." Lucius bowed.
"May your coffers overflow, Lord Malfoy." Fireclaw returned the bow.
"And may your enemies fall at your feet." Lucius nodded.
Harry waved lightly and smiled as he was led out of the office. Lucius led them through the atrium of the bank and straight out onto the alley. He led Harry around a couple of corners and led Harry down in to Knockturn Alley. Lucius noticed Harry tense and quickly reassured, "There is a small café that the Zabinis own just down here. Knockturn Alley looks threatening, but it is not as bad as you may have been informed. Don't worry, you are safe with me and you are less likely to be noticed than at an establishment such as Fortescues."
Harry thought about it and understood completely. He nodded and followed Lucius. They walked through the alley for only a few minutes before they came to the doors of the café. Lucius held the door open and ushered Harry inside. Upon entering, the staff began to fluster around ensuring everything was perfect for Lord Malfoy. Lucius requested they have a small table hidden in a corner at the back, which was quickly arranged. Lucius ordered himself a coffee and Harry a hot chocolate with a selection of sandwiches to accompany. Harry stayed quiet whilst they were being served, only nodding or muttering quiet thank yous so as not to be deemed rude. However, his mind was still racing and he could barely concentrate properly.
When their refreshments arrived and the waiter had left their table, Lucius spoke. "I must say, Harry, that you handled yourself incredibly well considering the situation. I know that you are hurting very much but you conducted yourself wonderfully and with incredible dignity."
"Thanks, Lucius. Honestly I wasn't sure I would be able to. I know how I usually am with things, the typical Gryffindor acting rashly before thinking about my actions. I think I just shut down. It was so much to take in and process. My best friend was being paid from my bank account without my knowledge and I can only assume that he was being paid to be friends with me." Harry sighed, realisation hitting him, "no wonder they were bowling through Kings Cross Station like a wild pack, shouting about muggles so carelessly. They wanted me to find them. Make it seem like they were kind people coming to my aid. It was set up. Ron was so insistent on letting me know what was right and wrong in his opinion. That's why Mrs. Weasley was treating me like one of her own. For the money."
Lucius frowned as his young ward realised his friendship was a lie. "Harry, you are a strong young man. You have Harmony fiercely on your side, and I believe Blaise holds you in very high regard. You should associate yourself only with those who both want and deserve your attention. Whilst you may feel like you have lost a friend and a family, you have gained a friend and 2 families who only wish the best for you."
Harry wiped a stray tear from his face. "It's just so hard to believe. All of this has happened so suddenly."
"I understand it will take time. We are all here for you. Now, how about we have something to eat. You have had a long morning."
Harry nodded and tucked in to the food. They ate in companionable silence, Harry's body particularly needing substance following his morning. Once he finished eating, he sat back satisfied and waited for Lucius to finish.
"What are your plans for the day, Harry?" Lucius asked, placing his coffee cup back on the table.
"I don't know. I'm not sure if Harmony had anything planned."
"Well, how do you feel about meeting my wife? I know Narcissa wants to meet you very much." Lucius noticed Harry freeze for a moment. "You needn't worry. She is very excited to have another child to look after."
Harry smiled lightly, "That sounds nice. Would we be going to your home?"
"That is completely up to you, Harry. If you would like, we can use Gio's private floo here and see if Narcissa can come here to see us?"
"I'd like that."
"Wonderful. Come along, we will floo her now." Lucius stood and motioned for Harry to follow. They walked up to a door marked 'Staff Only' and walked through the kitchens, which was alive with both wizards and house elves working together to produce the food for the customers. They walked through another door and walked down a little corridor to a locked office. Once Lucius placed his hand on the door, Harry heard the locks on the door click. Lucius walked over towards the floo, "Why don't you take a seat, Harry. I won't be a moment."
Harry sat down in one of the comfy chairs in front of the desk and watched as Lucius threw some floo powder in to the fire and began his call. He was there for a few moments before pulling back out of the fire.
"Narcissa will be through in a moment. I believe she is making sure she looks her best for you." Lucius chuckled deeply, "No matter how many times I tell her that she always looks her best without even trying, she never listens to me. I will never understand all of those potions that women use."
Harry laughed nervously. He was both worried and excited to meet Mrs Malfoy. Moments later, the floo roared to life and Narcissa exited gracefully. Harry stood and was immediately enveloped in a warm hug.
"Oh my poor darling. I cannot believe what you have been through!" Narcissa pulled back and held onto Harry's shoulders.
"It's lovely to meet you, Mrs. Malfoy." Harry smiled, a little shocked at how affectionate she was being so quickly.
"Oh, none of that! You can call me Cissy, Harry. You're family now. How about we go and sit down and have some tea, we can get to know each other a little."
And they did. They went back to the table that Harry and Lucius had recently vacated and spent some time talking. Lucius explained what he did for work (yes, he does work. He doesn't need to, but he does), Narcissa explained the charity work that she was so fond of doing and they both asked Harry about himself. His likes and his dislikes. They really listened and showed an interest in Harry for who he was, not The Boy Who Lived, for which he was so thankful. After an initial bout of nervousness, Harry started to feel comfortable with the couple, like he could truly trust and look up to them. He was happy.
They returned to Zabini Manor late that afternoon, Harry laden with bags upon bags of clothing and books. When Narcissa had found out that Harry had to borrow Blaise's clothes for the day, she had insisted on taking Harry shopping to Twilfitt and Tatting's to fill his wardrobe. Harry was sure they had gone over the top, as the bags that they brought home did not hold the complete order, but Harry didn't want to tell Cissy no. She was so happy picking out styles and fabrics that he just let her carry on, whilst shooting apologetic looks over to Lucius.
They had also stopped off at Flourish and Blotts as Lucius wanted to show Harry a few books that would help him along the way of understanding the business and investment side of the Wizarding world and a couple about the Wizarding world and Lordships. Whilst Lucius was helping Harry with his accounts, he wanted Harry to know and understand what was happening and be able to eventually manage it all himself.
With many thanks and cuddles between the trio, along with promises to see each other the following day, Harry ran up to find the twins and Lucius and Narcissa made their way home.
AN: Thanks for reading!