Harry Potter: World at War

Chapter 10: The Last Will and Testament of Sirius Orion Black

Harry glanced down at his watch, it read 7:58. "Two minutes left." He murmured.

Petunia smiled nervously and took another sip of her tea. "Are you sure that you want us down here when the Headmaster arrives Harry?"

"Yes," Harry said firmly. "He can't just ignore your plight if you are sitting here in front of him."

"I would hope not." Petunia said. "But from what you've told me, I'm not so sure I believe that."

"If he doesn't, you know what to do. Call Kreacher, and he will make sure that you two are safe. And when Vernon gets back on Friday, make sure that you tell him not to come to this house. One way or another, once I accept the mantle of Lord Black, the wards on this house will fail, and the Death Eaters will raze it to the ground." Harry told them.

"Why are you doing this Harry?" Dudley asked, speaking for the first time since Harry had returned from Hogwarts.

"Why would you bother to protect us after everything?" Dudley continued. "I used to beat you up on a daily basis; hell Mum used to beat you upside the head with a frying pan!"

Petunia flinched at the reminder but stayed silent.

"I've seen your back when you return from your run," Dudley said. "It's covered in scars from Dad's belt and Aunt Marge's dogs! Why would you care if we were burned alive?"

"I care because despite everything, you are family." Harry said. "I may not like you, but I'm not the kind of person who could sit back and watch as you were slaughtered by violent felons."

Harry took a deep breath. "I've seen these people Dudley. Voldemort? He tortures people just to hear them scream. There's a spell that these Death Eaters love to use: the Cruciatus Curse. It feels like a thousand knives are slicing your skin open at the same time. It feels like every bone you have is shattering into millions of pieces and shredding your organs in pieces. It feels like someone threw you into a vat of acid and your skin is dissolving, leaving nothing more than a puddle of goo."

Dudley flinched, rubbing his arm as if he could already feel the curse. "Wh-"

"The use of that curse on another human being is life in Azkaban." Harry told him. "Do you remember those Dementors from last year?"

Dudley nodded jerkily.

"Azkaban is their home." Harry said. "Imagine a prison cell with hundreds of those soul suckers floating around you for the rest of your life. The people who use that spell are willing to risk that endless torture just to hear you scream for a few minutes before the pain becomes too much and you succumb to permanent insanity."

Harry took a moment to look at each of the Dursleys in the eye.

"And that's why I'm going to protect you guys." Harry finished. "I wouldn't risk that fate on my worst enemies, let alone my blood relatives."

Petunia started to say something, but was interrupted by a sharp knock on the front door.

-POP-

Kreacher appeared in front of the door and pulled it open.

"Good morning Kreacher." Albus Dumbledore said, beaming at the aged elf. "I am glad to see that you are doing well."

Kreacher glared at the Headmaster and vanished with a second soft pop.

Dumbledore shook his head happily and stepped into the small front room.

"Are you packed and ready to go Harry?" The old wizard asked. "The will reading begins in an hour, and the goblins are extraordinarily punctual."

"Yes Professor," Harry said with a nod. "Kreacher has already Apparated my trunk to Sirius' room in Grimmauld Place."

Dumbledore looked at him curiously. "Harry my boy, I told you yesterday that the Weasley family has graciously opened their doors to you for the remainder of the summer. You will need to instruct Kreacher to bring your trunk to the Burrow after the will reading."

"If you recall Headmaster," Harry said with fake smile. "As soon as the will reading is concluded I will be a legal adult. And that means if I would like to stay in Grimmauld Place for the duration of my summer, you would not be able to stop me."

Dumbledore looked offended. "While that may be true, it is a very dangerous world right now. I cannot imagine a safer place for you to be than the Burrow surrounded by the Weasley's wards and protected by a fully grown witch."

"Are you implying that the Weasley's wards are superior to the ancient wards from Black Manor?" Harry asked rhetorically.

Dumbledore ignored the question and waited patiently for Harry's answer.

"Regardless, I will return to the Burrow for the rest of the summer," Harry finally relented. "After everything that occurred in the Department of Mysteries, I owe them a visit. Besides that, I owe Ron and Ginny an apology for the way I treated them."

Dumbledore smiled broadly. "Excellent Harry! I am glad to see that you are becoming a mature young man."

Harry nodded again, masking his disapproval of the Headmaster's enthusiasm. If Harry was honest with himself, he truly didn't know if he trusted Dumbledore: at times Dumbledore seemed to be a benign grandfatherly figure who truly had Harry's best interests at heart. But then there were times that the Headmaster seemed to be a puppet master delicately pulling the strings behind the curtain.

"Well now that that is settled, we best be off Harry!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "We have a few errands to run before we go to the will reading. You know how Hogwarts business can be!"

Harry stayed rooted to the spot. "What about the Dursleys?" He said, gesturing towards his aunt and cousin sitting on the sofa together. "Don't you have some kind of a plan to keep them safe?"

Dumbledore frowned, but nodded. "Of course I do dear boy! My personal House Elf Chuckles will bring them to one of my many properties in London. It will not even disrupt young Dudley's schooling!"

Harry's jaw clenched when he realized how casually Dumbledore was dismissing the Dursleys, but his voice was calm. "In that case, I suppose that it's time to go."

"Excellent!" said Dumbledore, beaming once again. He nodded towards the two Dursleys still on the sofa. "I must thank you for allowing me to take your nephew from you once again Petunia, but I'm sure you understand. Do be sure to thank Chuckles for his help this afternoon: the little elf just explodes with happiness when he's shown gratitude."

Dumbledore drew his long slender wand from a pocket in his sleeve and gave it a light wave; the front door popped open, revealing the bright, sunny day. The Headmaster pursed his lips: "No that won't do at all." He said, shaking his head.

"What's the problem?" Harry asked, his voice steadier than before.

"I had intended to pick you up earlier this morning under the cover of darkness: however we had agreed on 8:00, and it would have been remiss of me to go back on my word." Dumbledore explained.

"Both Apparition and a portkey would be too obvious for any Muggles that might see us, and we certainly can't risk flying." The old wizard continued stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I don't suppose you happen to have your Invisibility Cloak on you Harry?"

Harry shook his head. "No, it's in my trunk at Grimmauld Place. I didn't think that I would need it today."

"In these troubled times, it is far better to have it and not need it, than it is to need it and not have it." Dumbledore said wisely. "I would suggest that it is in your best interests to carry that Cloak wherever you may go. You can never tell when the Death Eaters will strike, and you must always be on your guard."

"That's a good idea." Harry admitted, mentally berating himself for not having thought of it.

"But if your Cloak is indeed in Grimmauld Place, then I suppose we only have one choice." Dumbledore smiled. "I'll have to drive both of us there."

He turned his gaze towards Petunia. "I hope you won't mind if I borrow your Muggle automobile."

Harry flinched at the image of death and carnage that popped into his head. "Sir? What if we use the Disillusionment charm before we Apparate? Won't that prevent the Muggles from seeing anything?"

Dumbledore's face fell. "Perhaps your idea is the superior one. But I must admit, I was looking forward to driving for the first time."

Harry flinched at the thought of a first time driver trying to navigate the many roads between Surrey and London.

"Nevertheless, a Disillusionment will fit our needs perfectly." The Headmaster agreed.

Harry felt the hard rap of Dumbledore's wand as the icy magic ran down his back. Only a few seconds later, Dumbledore's long fingers grasped Harry's shoulder.

"Lead the way Mr. Potter." Dumbledore's disembodied voice said. "Once we are clear of the wards I will Apparate us to Diagon Alley."

Harry ducked through the door and made his way down the few steps to the driveway, uncomfortably aware of how tight Dumbledore's grip was. Only a few feet down the driveway, Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"That will be sufficient Harry. Now just hold still, Apparition can be difficult for even the most trained wizards. Please grasp my wrist, and hold your breath."

Harry tentatively grabbed Dumbledore's invisible wrist, only for it to twist away from him. Harry tightened his grip, and the next thing he knew, everything went black. He felt like he was being pressed very hard from all directions; he couldn't breathe, there were iron bands tightening around his chest; his eyeballs were being forced back into his head; his eardrums were being pushed deeper into his skull and then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over.

Harry gulped huge lungfuls of the cool morning air and forced his streaming eyes open. He felt as though he had just been forced through a very tight rubber tube, and his lungs were only now catching up with the rest of his body.

"Congratulations Harry," Dumbledore beamed. "You have just Apparated. Rather successfully I might add."

"If it was so successful, why do I feel so awful?" Harry groaned. "It wasn't nearly this bad when Fudge Apparated me a few days ago."

"Most grown wizards leave their lunch behind when they first Apparate." The Headmaster said with a broad smile. "The fact that you are still standing implies that you had a rather successful trip."

"Maybe." Harry grumbled, rubbing his ears to bring sensation back into them. "How would that even work when we are Disillusioned? Would the bile be visible?"

Dumbledore shrugged. "It is one of the mysteries of magic my boy, I doubt we will ever know. But in this particular instance it would have been visible: spells tend to wear off during Apparition. That's why your Cloak is such an invaluable object."

Harry glanced down at his watch. "Professor? It's already 8:30, I'm not sure that we will have time to run any errands today."

Dumbledore frowned and pulled a heavy pocket watch from his robes. Flicking it open, he studied the watch intently before closing it with a sharp SNAP. "It seems you are right Harry my boy. I suppose that Hogwarts business can wait for a few hours. Off to Gringotts!"

*****HP: WAW*****

"Welcome Mr. Potter, Mr. Dumbledore. I am your host for the morning, Ripclaw" A goblin said, bowing as they approached. "Please, right this way."

Harry and Dumbledore followed Ripclaw to a small ante-chamber off to the side of the Entrance Hall.

"According to Gringotts policy, prior to the will reading, all witches and wizards will surrender their wands." The goblin said pointedly, holding out a small box. "I am sure that I don't need to explain to you two gentlemen why such a rule is necessary."

Harry hesitated for a moment, but laid his holly wand into the box. A few seconds later Dumbledore's joined it. Ripclaw closed the box and placed it inside of a small safe that was bolted to the floor.

"Do not worry yourselves," Ripclaw said calmingly. "It is a security precaution nothing more. Gringotts' will readings have been home to many violent confrontations between witches and wizards. We have found that this is the best way to ensure the safety of all our guests."

"Now I will need you both to strip and place your clothing in this box." Ripclaw said, gesturing with a clawed hand. "In the past wizards have hidden lethal charms in their clothing, so we provide all of our guests with goblin made tunics and trousers to protect both their modesty and our other guests. You will find clothing in the chest on the far wall. Do not worry about the sizes, once you have them all on they will adjust to fit you."

Ripclaw opened the door to the Entrance Hall and stepped through it. "I will return in five minutes. I suggest that you be finished dressing by then. I imagine that going to the will reading naked would be traumatizing for you and the other guests."

Harry blushed crimson, but stripped his Muggle T-shirt off over his head. He carefully folded it and placed it within the box that Ripclaw had indicated, before walking over to the chest in the corner and pulling out a heavy leather tunic.

Harry pulled it on over his head and breathed a sigh of relief when it fell almost to his knees. He kicked his shoes off, and undid his belt. Carefully, Harry shimmied out of his jeans and boxers, still facing away from the Headmaster.

Harry grabbed a pair of the flexible boxers and pulled them on, before stepping into a pair of trousers Once he tightened the goblin-made belt, all of the other ill-fitting clothing shrunk to fit him perfectly.

The last thing Harry made sure to grab was a pair of boots, before he gathered up his discarded clothing and turned to place it in the box.

"GAH!" Harry screamed, turning his head away. "I'm sorry sir! I didn't realize that you had already stripped."

"Not to worry Harry," Dumbledore said kindly. "But you are blocking the wardrobe . . ."

Harry quickly moved out of the way, still trying not to look at the naked Headmaster. "Of course sir, I'm sorry about that."

He quickly folded his clothes and put them in the box atop Dumbledore's garish robes. Then he quickly laced up his new boots and waited, very deliberately looking away from where Dumbledore was.

After a few moments the Headmaster sat down next to him. Harry risked a glance over, thankfully Dumbledore was fully clothed in the same brown leather outfit Harry had on.

"It a shame," Dumbledore said quietly, tapping his tunic. "This is quite a comfortable outfit, but the colours are so tame! I really feel that with some minor decorations this could be a fine casual set of clothes."

Harry started to reply, but was interrupted by the door swinging open.

"Excellent, you are both dressed." Ripclaw smiled broadly revealing an impressive set of fangs. "On to the next stage of security. Follow me."

Harry and Dumbledore followed the goblin out into the Entrance Hall, and then into a second antechamber.

"That doorway there leads to the will reading." Ripclaw said gesturing with a claw. "It also serves as a magic detector just in case you have anything else untoward. Per Gringotts policy, we will not be able to let you through if you have any magic on your person. It must all be removed."

"Potter you are the primary Heir of the Black Family, so go through the detector first." Ripclaw said.

Harry nodded and stepped through the doorway.

Immediately a loud piercing alarm went off, echoing throughout the small enclosed room. Ripclaw drew a slender knife from inside of his jerkin. "Mr. Potter, your glasses seem to have set off our alarm. Would you care to explain why?"

Harry took a deep breath and removed his glasses. "No sir, Mr. Ripclaw." Harry gulped. "I bought these at a Muggle store years ago. I didn't even know that they had any charms on them!"

Ripclaw took the glasses gingerly and slowly turned them over in his hands. "They appear to have a vision correcting charm, and some kind of tracking charm on them. Unfortunately, both are so old I couldn't tell you who cast them."

The goblin waved one clawed hand over the frames and they glowed softly before returning to normal. "Here you are Mr. Potter. I have removed both charms and used a piece of goblin magic to make sure that you will be able to see out of your glasses. It's not quite a prescription charm, but it is the best that we can allow into the will reading."

Harry nodded. "Thank you Mr. Ripclaw." Putting his glasses back on, Harry blinked a few times. His vision was slightly blurry, but manageable. With a few more blinks to adjust his vision, Harry stepped through the doorway once more. Thankfully no alarm sounded this time.

"Alright Mr. Dumbledore." Ripclaw said. "You're next."

Dumbledore smiled benignly. "I'm quite certain that there is no need for that my boy. After all, I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW. I have more than proven that I can be trusted."

Dumbledore moved to step forward, but Ripclaw stopped him, a gleaming silver knife in the goblin's hand. "As it stands now," The goblin snarled. "You have no titles. You were stripped of all three last year, and Gringotts has not been made aware of your reinstatement. Therefore you will have to go through the detector just like everyone else the deceased Lord Black named in his will."

Harry stifled a laugh. Dumbledore had been reinstated to the Wizengamot and the ICW, but it seemed that the goblins didn't seem to know that. Or rather, if they did, they didn't seem to care.

Ripclaw glared at Dumbledore. "Is that acceptable to you?" He asked, the knife never wavering.

"Indeed it is." Dumbledore said with an acknowledging nod. He stepped forward into the doorway. The alarm started blaring again and Ripclaw stepped forward.

"I am detecting a series of magic detection charms on your glasses, much like the ones our ward breakers use. Do you require the glasses to see properly?" The goblin asked.

Dumbledore shook his head. "I do not, no. I merely use them to assist in my Headmaster's duties at Hogwarts."

"Then take them off and put them in the silver basket to your left." Ripclaw ordered. "I'm also detecting something else, but I don't recognize the readings. Care to explain?"

Dumbledore blushed slightly, a crimson tint visible behind his beard. "It's . . . errr . . . It's a nipple ring." He said finally, hanging his head in shame. "It has an an anti-erectile dysfunction charm on it. It was a gift from my lover before he passed away."

Harry nearly retched as he realized what Dumbledore was saying, but he barely managed to hold his composure.

Ripclaw sheathed his knife. "I apologize for this, but I'm afraid that it must be removed. I can assure you that you will not need it for the will reading. I will have one of our guards fetch you a temporary replacement to keep the hole from closing, but that is the best we can do."

Dumbledore nodded, a familiar twinkle back in his eye as he handed the goblin the small metal ring. "I completely understand Mr. Ripclaw. I am sure that you and your guards will have the utmost discretion when it comes to this particular development."

"Discretion is a goblin's middle name." Ripclaw said with a bow. "You have my word that neither I nor my guards will tell a soul."

"Most excellent Mr. Ripclaw." Dumbledore said with a smile. "Harry? I believe that we have a will reading waiting on us."

"Of course sir," Harry said. "After you."

*****HP: WAW*****

When Harry and Dumbledore entered the atrium, Harry was surprised to see that it was already nearly full of people: all of the Weasleys, Hermione and her parents, McGonagall, Narcissa, and a few people that he didn't recognize.

A second goblin was standing at the front of the room, next to an object covered with a large black cloth.

"Welcome everyone!" The goblin said, his voice echoing in the atrium. "I am Ragnok the King of the Goblin Nation, and the Director of Gringotts."

There was an audible change in the crowd. Ragnok smile broadly, revealing his pointed teeth. "I see that some of you have heard of me. Excellent! Normally this would be presided over by the account manager for the Black Estate, but I was told that dear Stoneflesh died of shock once he saw the size of Lord Black's fortune."

Everyone in the crowd fell silent, staring directly at Ragnok. "I decided that since the Blacks have long been the richest client in Gringotts it was my duty as Director to lead this will reading myself."

Ragnok turned slowly, surveying the room. "Some of you probably feel quite naked in here without your wands or other magical artifacts. Be assured that everyone sitting around you feels the exact same way. Over the years, the Gringotts goblins have found that this is the safest way to do business! Nobody can threaten their enemies into submission, and nobody can hide under a glamour or Polyjuice Potion!"

"Now normally, there would be a magic suppression ward in this room, to remove the temptation from those who might want to risk using wandless magic to force their will upon the rest of the room." Ragnok continued. "But not today. Sirius Black came to me with a request several months ago, and I have helped him set up a unique will that could be altered even after his death."

Ragnok grasped the black sheet beside him. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Sirius Black!"

He tore the sheet off to reveal an elegant gold standee, and propped against it . . .

"What's up motherfuckers!" Sirius' portrait shouted. "As I'm sure you figured out, there is no will. Well, technically I am the will! I leave everything to Snivellus Snape!"

The entire room exploded into chatter.

"WAIT!" Sirius shouted over the crowd. "I changed my mind, that fucker gets nothing!"

Next to Harry, Dumbledore was rubbing his temples. "Dear Merlin, what are we in for?" The old man muttered.

"First order of business!" Sirius shouted again. "ME! I'm actually the only order of business, so you guys can all go home!"

"But in actuality, it's time to get Sirius," The portrait admitted. "GUARDS! Pass out the Polyjuice, I want everyone to look like me!"

"Wait! Damnit, I don't have any hair to put in the potion." Sirius realized. "GUARDS! Belay that order! Back to your stations gentlemen!"

Harry couldn't help but laugh. He had a feeling that this was exactly how Sirius had wanted it: no tears, no sadness, just everyone having a good time.

"In order to decide who goes first, we are all going to play a game of Strip Poker!" Sirius declared. "Ladies first!"

Ragnok glared at the portrait and Sirius raised his hands defensively. "Fine!" He snapped. "But we're going to do this in reverse alphabetical order! Mainly because my name is Black, and I hated being called on first."

"So, first! Weasley comma Ronald!" Sirius screeched. "A-TEN HUT!"

Ronald stood up from the back of the room and slowly walked towards the portrait.

"For being Harry's friend in the face of many dangers, and for not turning out like your ponce of a brother Percy, I leave you fifty thousand Galleons. May you use it well." Sirius said.

Ron sucked in a breath. "T-t-t-thank you Sirius!" He stammered.

"NEXT!" Sirius shouted. "I DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!"

"Weasley comma Molly!" Sirius said. "To the front!"

Mrs. Weasley walked up to the portrait.

"For being a surrogate parent for Harry." Sirius said. "And for looking out for his best interests when I was being stupid, I leave you one hundred thousand Galleons. Use it to buy a House Elf so you can take some time off of being a mother."

Mrs. Weasley sniffled, wiping her nose with a rag. "Thank you Sirius, I can't tell you how much this means to me and my family."

"THAT'S IT!" Sirius screamed again. "NEW RULE! NO THANKING! The next person who says thank you will have to jack off one of the goblins here!"

Mrs. Weasley blushed and scampered back to her seat.

"Gred and Forge! You're up next!" Sirius said sharply.

The twins rushed up to the front. "We don't want anything!" One of them insisted.

"Just teach us how to be like you!" The other finished.

Sirius glared at both of them. "This is my will, and I'm having fun, so deal with it. Now, to both of you for cheering up people in times of war, and for continuing the tradition of being Marauders I leave you: a set of premises in Hogsmeade so you can eventually expand your business."

The twins both dropped to their knees. "We're not worthy!" They screamed together.

"Shut up." Sirius said with a grin. "I'm not done yet. I also leave you all of my journals from my days in the Marauders; I'm sure that you'll find it full of interesting prank ideas."

"In addition to those two gifts, I donate a further hundred thousand Galleons to Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, on the strict condition that it only be used to cause mayhem and pranks all across the country." Sirius smiled. "In order to keep everything, you will need to become Animagi, and have the Map swear you into the Marauders."

Fred and George looked between each other and the portrait. "We don't even know what to say Padfoot. . ." One whispered.

Sirius sighed heavily. "Just remember not to say thank you. Now back to your seats!"

"Who's next?" Sirius wondered aloud as the twins hurried back to their chairs. "Maybe . . . Ginevra Weasley! Front and center!"

Ginny got up from her chair and stood in front of the portrait.

"For keeping me company while I was in that wretched house of my Mum's," Sirius said with a smile. "I leave to you twenty-five thousand Galleons, and my personal Firebolt."

Ginny just nodded meekly.

"Now, back to your seat! I think that your brother Charlie is next!" Sirius said.

The burly Dragon handler grunted in surprise and stood up.

"To Charlie Weasley," Sirius said with a prankster's glint in his eye. "I leave a Hungarian Horntail, from the Black Family's private reserve."

-THUMP-

"Did he faint?" Sirius asked. "Somebody please tell me he fainted!"

"I think so!" Harry shouted. "I can't really tell!"

"Score!" Sirius yelled, pumping his fist. "Well when he wakes up, tell him that the Blacks don't actually have a private dragon reserve. Instead I leave him a handful of books from the Black Library on dragons, and ten thousand Galleons."

"Billiam Weasley!" Sirius shouted again. "Stand up!"

Bill stood from his chair waving one hand. "It's William, but I'm right here."

"Billiam, I leave to you these three scraps of parchment!" Sirius said with a gesture.

Two goblin guards stepped forward with an envelope, and handed it to Bill.

Bill opened the envelope and briefly read its contents.

"You can't be serious," Bill said, looking up. "These are priceless!"

"Of course I'm Sirius!" The portrait said waving his hands around dramatically. "Or at least I'm a memory of Sirius preserved in this painting."

"But yes, I insist that you keep those very important scraps of paper." Sirius said. "They contain the Fidelius secret to three never opened Egyptian tombs. I figured you would get the most use out of them."

Bill just stared back blankly. "I can't even . . ."

"Then don't. Have a seat instead." Sirius suggested. "The last Weasley would have been Arthur, so it falls to his wife Molly instead."

Mrs. Weasley stood up. "Sirius, you've given us far too much. Please, just keep whatever you had for Arthur and give it to Harry. I certainly don't need it."

Sirius appeared to consider it before blowing a huge raspberry. "If you don't want it Molly, then too bad! I leave you another hundred thousand Galleons, and my Muggle motorcycle. Feel free to take it apart as much as Arthur would have."

"Sirius, I really have to insist that you at least give the motorcycle to Harry." Mrs. Weasley begged. "I really won't ever use it."

"Damn!" Sirius swore. "I was really hoping to get a picture of you doing a wheelie so I could send it to all of your kids. They would all die of shock!"

"Fine," Sirius acquiesced after a moment had passed. "But only the bike. You have to keep the money."

With watery eyes, Molly nodded. "Of course Sirius, if that's what you want."

"I'll be honest, I'm bored of reverse alphabetical order," Sirius said. "Far too many Weasleys right in a row, I really should have thought that part through."

"I suppose Tonks would have been next." Sirius said sadly. "You know, as much as I love my cousin, she really fucked this up for me."

"I know I shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but technically I'm dead too." The portrait said. "So I suppose I can get away with it."

"I had planned to spend all of this time calling her Nymphadora, and Nymphie, and Nymphomaniac, you know all of her Hogwarts nicknames." Sirius smiled. "But then she had to go and sacrifice herself in the most badass Marauder way possible. So I can't really say anything bad about her."

"So instead, to her parents, Andromeda and Ted Tonks, I leave you the only gift I could." Sirius took a deep breath. "With my last order as Lord Black, I reinstate Andromeda Tonks nee Black into the Black family. I transfer to Ted Tonks an applicable dowry for his marriage to Andromeda, equal to forty thousand Galleons. So mote it be."

There was a flash of light, and Harry felt a faint buzzing in the base of his skull.

"As the new Lord Black, you will have to accept her into the family Harry." Sirius explained.

Harry stood up. "As the reigning Lord Black, I do so accept Andromeda Tonks nee Black into the House Black. So mote it be."

A second flash of light sealed the magic, and Harry could suddenly feel a connection to Andromeda. It wasn't overly powerful, but it was enough to tell him that she was alive and unhurt. When he stretched out his mind, he could sense a similar connection to Narcissa, and to a third person who he thought might be Bellatrix.

Unbidden, her last words to him leapt into his mind: 'I'm going to return to the Dark Lord, but by the Fall Equinox, I should have escaped his control. Meet me in Grimmauld Place as soon after then as you can, we will have a lot to discuss.'

"To Narcissa Black, formerly Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, I leave what we discussed earlier." Sirius' portrait said, breaking Harry's train of thought. "And to her sister Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black, I leave the same. I trust you will pass on the message Cissy?"

Narcissa nodded sagely. "I will Lord Black. You have our gratitude."

"Fuck, that doesn't count as a thank you does it?" Sirius hissed. "Fine, I suppose you can get away with, but nobody else!"

Harry chuckled at Sirius' expression.

"In memory of my best friend Remus Lupin," Sirius began, tears in his painted eyes. "I leave one million Galleons to be donated to St. Mungo's in the hopes of finding a cure for Lycanthropy,even though you have already passed on."

"To my favorite Hogwarts professor, and former Head of House Minerva McGonagall, I leave two things." Sirius smiled. "First twenty thousand Galleons so that when you are finally ready, you can retire in the luxury you deserve. And second the knowledge that despite our goofing off in your class, you managed to teach the four Marauders enough for us to become Animagi in our fifth year."

McGonagall gasped, her hand flying up to cover her mouth. "James was a stag, like Harry's Patronus, I was an Irish Setter, but I looked like a Grim. And even Peter managed to become a rat. Admittedly, that should have been a hint, but what's done is done."

"After Minnie, is logically Albus," Sirius said. "For everything you've done for us, and for the world, I leave you all of the Dark books from the Black Library. Add them to Hogwarts' Library, or keep them for yourself. But I'm sure someday, the knowledge in those books will help you or your successors."

Dumbledore inclined his head. "I appreciate your generosity Sirius. I shall use them wisely."

"I also leave you the Hippogriff Buckbeak, but I'm sure that we both know a half-giant who would be more than happy to take care of him for you."

Dumbledore smiled. "I'm sure that we do." He took a seat.

"Next I guess is little Ms. Granger!" Sirius said with a grin. "I leave you fifty thousand Galleons, for being Harry's unwavering friend no matter how much shit he got into. In addition, I also leave you the rest of Black Family Library on one condition. . ."

"Yes! Anything!" Hermione shrieked. She was positively bouncing with excitement.

"You can have my entire Library if you stand up and scream "SIRIUS IS THE BEST FUCKING PERSON IN THE ENTIRE FUCKING WORLD!"" Sirius grinned. "Do you think you can do that?"

Hermione blushed, and took a deep breath. "SIRIUS IS THE BEST FUCKING PERSON IN THE ENTIRE FUCKING WORLD!"

Everyone in the room gaped, but Harry couldn't contain his laughter.

"As entertaining as that was," Sirius interrupted. "We still have one more person."

"To my Godson Harry James Potter, I leave everything else. More Galleons than Lucius Malfoy's wet dreams, all of the Black Estates, an empty cell in Azkaban, a pile of my dirty underwear, and of course my portrait that you see here." Sirius smiled. "Plus all of the other random shit that is in my vault. I went to look through it once, but I realized that I would need to pack a week's worth of food to do so. As I'm sure you can imagine, I was too lazy to ever go back."

Harry grinned. "I don't blame you."

"Moreover, I leave you the title of Lord Black, and officially emancipate you. Congratulations Harry, you're an adult."

Sirius smiled briefly, before his face hardened. "I also leave you a piece of advice: your friends are your greatest allies, if either one of you does some stupid shit, make damned sure that you are right there trying to patch it back together again."

Harry nodded, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Unless you get a friend that pulls a Wormtail on you." Sirius amended. "In that case, hex them twice and run like hell. Actually, make that three times, give them one from me too."

"I will." Harry whispered.

"This is for you Lord Black," Ragnok said, handing Harry a velvet covered box. "When you put on the Black Ring, you will become emancipated, and the Trace will dissipate."

"Wait," Harry said slowly. "Does that mean I'll be able to use magic outside of school now?"

"You will have the full legal power of an adult wizard Lord Black," Ragnok told him. "Including your seats on the Wizengamot, access to the entirety of the Potter and Black vaults, and indeed, an exemption from underage magic."

"Thank you Ragnok," Harry said with a nod of his head accepting the box. Inside was a heavy gold ring with an elegant black diamond inlet with the Black family signet.

"Now that the reading of the former Lord Black's will is finally complete, you will all have to fill out the paperwork that accompanies it." Ragnok said, returning to the podium. "As for the new Lord Black, you are free to go. We will notify you when your paperwork is ready to be filled out."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Of course, I'm going to have a veritable mountain won't I?"

Ragnok smiled again. "Indeed you will Lord Black. But it will take several weeks to set up the necessary forms. It has been a long time since we have had to emancipate a minor and make them a Double Head of House, the paperwork to do so has been long forgotten. I will simply have to write up more."

Harry rubbed his wrists. "Can't I hire somebody to do the actually filling out part?" He groaned. "I can already feel the carpal tunnel!"

*****HP: WAW*****

"Harry dear, are you ready to go?" Mrs. Weasley's voice jerked Harry out of his stupor. He'd been dozing while the Weasley's finished filling out the necessary forms.

"Yes ma'am." Harry said, scrambling back to his feet. "Are you guys all finished?"

Mrs. Weasley smiled. "Of course dear. Let's get going. Ragnok said that all of our things are in the next room over. The goblins are even going to let us keep these clothes!"

Harry yawned. "Well they are quite comfortable." He agreed stretching. "But I'll be glad to have my wand back."

"You should have seen Bill's face when he was told to take his earring out!" Mrs. Weasley told him. "He looked like somebody had just cursed his teddy bear!"

Harry laughed at that. "Yeah, Dumbledore was rather put out too. He had to leave his glasses behind." And his nipple ring! Harry added mentally. But it wasn't his place to reveal Dumbledore's secrets.

"Yes, yes, he did look rather odd without his spectacles." Mrs. Weasley said with a smile. "It made him look much younger!"

"I'll say!" Harry snorted. "Ripclaw told Dumbledore that he would have to leave his glasses behind, and wouldn't take no for an answer! Dumbledore even tried to use his status in the Wizengamot and in the ICW to get around the magic detector."

"Well personally, I'm just glad to see that you are handling the will reading okay." Mrs. Weasley smiled and placed on hand on Harry's cheek. "It's a shame that what you two had was ended so quickly and on such bad terms."

"I just know that Sirius wouldn't want me to be sulking about his death." Harry said quietly. "Even his portrait told me to not to worry about it. If he can avoid complaining about his own death, then who am I to deny his wishes?"

Mrs. Weasley patted Harry on the cheek. "That's very mature of you Harry. I'm sure that Sirius would be proud if he could see you now."

Harry nodded. "Mrs. Weasley?"

Mrs. Weasley laughed. "Harry, you were emancipated only a few minutes ago! You really must call me Molly, you've earned that right."

"Yes Mrs. Weasley." Harry said. The Weasley matriarch glared at him, sending him scrambling to correct himself. "I mean Molly!"

Molly smiled brightly. "Excellent! Now, what did you need?"

"Do you know where Ron and Ginny are?" Harry asked. "I need to apologize to them for how I acted at Hogwarts last year." Or at least forgive them for abandoning him. Harry added silently. He didn't want to keep fighting over something that none of them could change.

"They were planning on ambushing you with an apology as soon as you walked past that door." Molly said pointing. "I'm glad to see that you three are making up."

"It was a stupid thing to fight about." Harry agreed. "And it looks like Ron was right."

Molly grabbed his chin with one hand and twisted him to face her. "Listen to me right now Harry." She said dangerously. "Nobody blames you for what happened at the Ministry, not me, not the Tonkses, not any of my children, not even Sirius himself. Every single one of us in the Order knew the risks we were taking. And let me tell you, Arthur was proud to have given his life in defense of his children and his country. He may not have been nearly as strong as he was during the first war, but Arthur wasn't one to stand back on the sidelines. And although the cost was great, we struck a huge blow against You-Know-Who. I guarantee you, that if you were to go back and tell Arthur and the others that they would die fighting against You-Know-Who, every single one of them would still have gone to that battle and fought as hard as they could."

By the end of her speech, Molly's voice was trembling, and tears were streaming down her cheeks. "You can't blame yourself for this Harry." She said through her tears. "This is a war and people will die. Arthur and the others would have crossed wands with You-Know-Who at some point, and at least their deaths bought enough time for Dumbledore to arrive."

Harry stepped forward and embraced the older woman. "Thank you Molly."

Molly returned the hug for a moment and stepped back. She pulled a second handkerchief from her pocket and dried her eyes with it. "Go make up with the kids Harry. We'll head home in just a few minutes."

"I will." Harry said softly. Without another word, he gave Molly a second hug, and walked to the doorway that she had indicated.

Almost immediately, two red-headed blurs pounced on him.

"HARRY!"

"We're so sorry Harry!"

"Yeah, I didn't mean it Harry, we were just scared!"

"You have to understand mate, I was scared, and stressed about my O.W.L.S.! If I could go back, I'd go with you!"

"Me too! Harry, you have to believe us!"

Ron and Ginny both looked at him with hope shining in their eyes.

Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts. "Of course I forgive you guys!" He said at last, stepping forward and pulling the other two into a hug. "I shouldn't have tried to push you into coming with me. I'm glad that you two were able to stay safe."

"It shouldn't matter if we were safe or not!" Ron protested. "I'd rather have been in the Hospital Wing with the others than sitting in my room, wondering if I could have made a difference."

Harry sighed inwardly. This was going to take a lot longer than he had anticipated.

*****HP: WAW*****

The three friends were chatting amicably by the time Molly Weasley came by. "Is everybody ready to go?"

"Yep," Harry said, standing up from his stool. "I just need to get my wand and clothes first."

"No worries dear." Molly smiled. "I have all of your things in my bag, let me just pass out the wands before we leave. We can't be too careful in these dangerous times."

"No problem," Harry said accepting his wand from Molly. "I've been feeling naked without my wand all morning anyway."

He tucked his wand into a pocket of his pants and watched as everybody else did the same. "What's the plan then Molly?"

Ron stared at Harry bewilderedly, but Harry ignored his friend.

The older witch smiled broadly at him. "We're all going to Side-Along Apparate. Ginny, you're with me. Ron, you'll ride with Charlie. Harry, Bill has agreed to Apparate you. Hermione already left with her parents, so the twins can just head back to their shop."

"Can we Apparate directly out of Gringotts?" Harry asked.

"No, the entire bank is covered by some of the strongest wards in the world." Bill told him. "Otherwise, people could just Apparate into the vaults. I actually helped carve some of the runes for the latest update to the wards a few years back."

"We'll Apparate as soon as we are in Diagon." Molly said. "No need to tempt fate anymore than we have to. Go straight to the Burrow, and we can all get some lunch."

Bill nodded. "Alright. Harry, since you've got the biggest target on your back out of all of us, we'll go first. Have you ever Side-Alonged before?"

"A few times," Harry said his stomach tying up in knots at the memory. "Earlier this morning in fact."

BIll smiled knowingly. "Don't worry, it won't be as bad when you learn to Apparate on your own."

Harry heaved a sigh of relief.

"It's actually much worse!" Bill told him.

Harry hung his head. "Let's just get this over with then."

Bill pushed open the heavy golden doors and stepped out into the afternoon sun. "The wards extend just past the front steps of Gringotts."

Harry followed him onto the stairs.

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

A/N: 4 consistent chapters! Hell yes!

Despite the consistent updates, I know that I'll get some flack for Harry returning to the Burrow and forgiving Ron and Ginny. There's a handful of reasons for that, but I'll include the most important ones here. 1) It's safer. Harry's only other options for housing are Diagon Alley or Grimmauld Place, and who knows how well the Wards at Grimmauld Place hold up. Harry will be headed there soon enough, but he hasn't been pushed over the edge just yet. 2) I needed to fix bad writing. Although I succeeded in keeping Ron and Ginny out of the Ministry, it wasn't the most elegant solution, and IMO, it wasn't enough to justify ending their friendship. So we will have to wait until Ron screws up again and Harry stops giving extra chances. 3) While Harry doesn't trust Dumbledore, he can't really afford to make an enemy out of him if possible. In the heat of the moment he'll say and do stupid things, but when he calms down and thinks about it, he knows that working with Dumbledore is the best option (for now at least). 4) Most importantly, It's important for the plot. Even with the changes to Harry I've made from canon, he's still only a few months removed from being Dumbledore's man through and through. Things like that take time, and when Harry's finally ready to be done with it, I promise you it'll be worth the wait.

I was asked several times why Narcissa was working at an apothecary when she won all of Lucius' money. The answer? She got bored. Having nothing to do sucks, so Narcissa took a part time job to help fill the hours.

See you guys all next time!

-BETA OUT!