It turns out that I had more free time on my hands than I thought I would. I was able to write this chapter and I might get the chance to right one more before January. Your reviews give me fuel!
Chapter Eleven
Harry woke up in the middle of the night. He looked over at Ginny, asleep next to him on the bed. He had been tossing and turning all night. He had a lot of wills to read over the next day, and he couldn't help but think about all the deaths that had been related to him. He assumed that some of the wills were Remus' and Tonks', Sirius', and Dumbledore's. He had thought that he would be able to peacefully get along without having to relive past events, but they kept coming back to haunt him. Harry decided that he couldn't wait any longer to open them. He slid off the bed and grabbed the stack of wills. Harry walked downstairs and sat down at the kitchen table. He laid down the envelopes and then turned on a light.
The night before, Harry had asked Arthur why he had not received his wills after each person had died. Arthur had informed him Gringotts had been instructed under Dumbledore's orders to make sure that he was not to be bothered with wills until Voldemort had been defeated once and for all. Harry understood why Dumbledore had done and appreciated him for it. He didn't need all this remorse when he had to worry about Voldemort. Harry sat down and pulled the first envelope towards him. He couldn't recognize whose it was because they were all addressed in most likely a goblin's handwriting.
Harry slit the envelope open with his wand and pulled out the contents. This was when Harry recognized the writing. He hadn't seen that untidy scrawl since his fifth year and he had missed it. He unfolded the papers and began to read his godfather's will. Harry held back tears as he wrote what Sirius had written.
Dear Harry,
I am hoping that this will not be the letter you read. If it is, it will mean that I have passed on before you reached the age of sixteen. It has been a tradition that I started when I first found out you were born that I write a new will after every one of your birthdays. Before I tell you what I have left for you, there are just a few things I want to say.
The first is this; make sure that you spend all your time with the people that matter. Take this from me. For thirteen years, the only people I saw were dementors and maybe the Minister of Magic every once in a while. You may think that it's good to spend some time alone, and it is if it's a few days. Please, don't spend time alone. Especially not time when you feel let down or discouraged. Make sure that people are around you when you feel sad or angry. Be with the people you love. You don't want to lose time.
The second thing I want to tell you is to end grudges. It is not right to hate people, especially when they aren't that bad. As your godfather, I am telling you that it will not be easy, and maybe you won't succeed but you must try. I know you won't like to hear this but, it would be best for your conscience if your grudges are abolished. And yes, that does include the Dursleys and even Mr. Malfoy. You don't get second chances when you're dead. So make the most of your life.
The last thing I want to tell you is about love. When you find the special person, like your dad found your mum, don't let her go. Maybe I'm wrong but I can't help but notice that yourself and Ginny seem to get on pretty well. That's just my opinion though. I know it's none of my business but what's this I hear about you kissing a certain Cho Chang in school? More importantly though, if you really like her, than I wish you much happiness. However, it is my right as your friend to tell you to keep an eye on Ginny.
Now, I suppose that is the last thing I need to tell you. I love you with all my heart. The best of luck to you in your life. I will always be with you.
Love Always,
Sirius Black
P.S. Enclosed is a list of your new possessions.
Harry wiped at the tear that had somehow slid down his cheek. He folded the letter up and unfolded the sheet that had the list of his possessions.
Harry James Potter, by the wish of Sirius Black, you have inherited:
The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and everything in it
Three thousand galleons, fifteen sickles, and twenty knuts from the Black family vault
You are expected to come to Gringotts by the fifteenth of August to receive the deed to your house and your money. As of now they are in the hands of Gringotts bank
Sorry for your loss.
Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley
Harry put the two papers back in their envelope and placed it to the side. He slowly picked up another one. When Harry opened it he once again found familiar writing. He hadn't seen this writing very often but he still recognized it as the writing of one of his father's best friends. Harry read the letter from Remus and Tonks.
Dearest Harry,
I was just sitting down the other day holding Teddy and I thought about you out on your journeys. It made me think about the battle that would be rising and I would be fighting in. I sat down with Tonks and we decided to make our will when we knew we had time. We wrote Teddy's will and gave him most of our belongings but it was my belief that there were certain things that deserved to go to you as well. Before you read the belongings list as I call it, there is just one thing that I want to say.
You made me go back to Tonks and Teddy and for that I will forever be in your debt. However, if something were to happen to me and Tonks, there is one thing that I need to make sure of. I need you to take care of Teddy for me. He needs a man in his life and his godfather is just the person to be it. You must promise to be there for him always. You two are the only descendants of the Marauders. You must take care of each other. I have written this same thing in Teddy's will and have told him about the Marauders briefly. He needs someone who knows all the history. Please take care of him. God bless you! May you have a wonderful life.
Love Always,
Remus Lupin
The next page contained what Harry was entitled to.
Harry James Potter, by the wishes of Remus Lupin, you have inherited:
The care of Teddy Lupin, son of Remus and Nymphadora Lupin
Six hundred galleons
The Marauders' Map
You are expected to pick up your inheritance by the fifteenth of August. Teddy Lupin is currently in the hands of his grandmother, Andromeda Tonks. The rest of your belongings are in the hands of Gringotts Bank.
Our condolences for your loss.
Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley
Harry put that letter away and sat stock still. Of all the things he had thought to inherit, he had never imagined inheriting Teddy. How would he manage that with school? That was just one more thing that he would have to figure out. He would talk to his friends as Sirius had advised him to do.
There were three more wills on the table. He picked up the next one and pulled it open. When he saw the writing, he thought it was familiar but wasn't quite sure if it was someone he knew. He read the letter and was shocked to find that it was from Fred Weasley.
Harry,
In light of recent events, I have decided to make a will. As you probably figured, I have left most of my belongings to George and the rest of my family, however I felt that you were near enough my family to also receive something. You made our business what it is today and for that George and I will be forever grateful. Thank you for everything Harry!
Your Brother,
Fred Weasley
P.S. Take care of Ginny for me and don't hurt her again, or I might have to haunt you. She will always love you.
Harry moved onto his inheritance, smiling at the fact that Fred wanted nothing more than for him to care for Ginny.
Harry James Potter, by the wishes of Fred Weasley, you have inherited:
- Two thousand galleons, as double payback of the joke shop loan
You must pick up your inheritance by the fifteenth of August.
Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley
Harry smiled. He hadn't expected to get paid back. He hadn't wanted to get paid back either. He put the letter to the side and grabbed the next one. This left only one more to open after this one.
Dear Harry,
You have been through so much for your age. The fact that you are the only one that can forever defeat Tom Riddle is intimidating. The world will forever be in your debt. By the time you read this letter, you will most likely know why I was killed by Severus. For that reason, I will not go into detail. Please know that I have always viewed you as something like my own grandson. I may have never told you this, but I love you Harry James Potter. If my death meant your life, than I was willing to sacrifice it. Be safe, and remember to love.
Headmaster and friend,
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Harry opened the will part and read it:
Harry James Potter, by the wishes of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, you have inherited:
The snitch caught in your first Quidditch match at Hogwarts, as a reminder of the rewards of perseverance and skill.
The sword of Godric Gryffindor
As you have already received the snitch, there is only the sword that must be picked up. The goblins of Gringotts Bank and current Headmistress of Hogwarts have agreed that the sword is rightly yours. You must pick it up by the fifteenth of August.
Sorry for your loss.
Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley
Harry lay that aside as well, surprised that the goblins had agreed to give him the sword. He picked up the final will. He opened it and this time pulled out three pieces of paper instead of the usual two. He looked at the top one and read it.
Dear Harry,
I am very sorry that you have to be reading this, because it means that I have passed on before your second birthday. You need to know that I love you. I always have loved you, and I always will. Ever since I gave birth to you and held you in my arms for the first time, I knew that you were the perfect son. I know that whatever you do in life, it will be noble and brave. That's the type of son I knew you were.
Promise me that whatever you do, you will do it because it is necessary. Make it be out of love and protection. One more thing, too; find one person that makes you complete and you want to spend the rest of your life with. Your father completes me. We both love you so much. Take care of yourself. I love you so much.
All my love,
Mum
Harry moved onto the next letter from his father.
Dear Harry,
I don't have much time to write because you are constantly awake and yearning for attention. You like playing on your toy broomstick. I expect you'll be a seeker just like your old man. All I have to say to you is find a true love, stay with her, and have a family. I love you with all my heart. You're awake now so I'll have to devote my attention to you. You should think about sleeping more often. It would make me much happier even though I love spending time with you.
With love,
Dad
This time, Harry didn't even bother trying to stop the tears from flowing. He sat crying for what must have been ten minutes. When he finally got his wits about him again, he opened the will from both of his parents.
Harry James Potter, by the wishes of James and Lily Potter, you have inherited:
The Potter Manor in Godric's Hollow. By your wishes, we will restore it to what it once was.
The Potter vault (which is already accessible)
James' SUV (I was always interested in cars so I bought one)
The Evans' House (lived in by Lily until married and now unused)
You are expected to pick up your belongings by August the fifteenth.
The goblin community is very sorry for the loss of your parents.
Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley
Harry had never thought it would be possible to restore Potter Manor to what it was before Riddle had cursed it apart. However, maybe since he had been defeated, his curses would be breakable. Harry sat back in his chair, the wills and letters scattered about the table. Harry heard a door open upstairs and glanced at his watch. Harry got a shock when he realized that it was eight o'clock. He had gotten up at four o'clock. How had he passed four hours reading five wills?
Molly walked into the kitchen a minute later, fully dressed and ready to start breakfast. She stopped dead when she saw a shirtless and tear-stained Harry sitting at a kitchen table with a bunch of papers scattered on it.
"Harry!" Molly said.
"Sorry Molly," Harry said. "I was just reading through some wills. Kingsley delivered them to me last night."
"Oh, I'm sorry dear," Molly said. "I'll make us some tea." She waved her wand to make the tea and then sat down next to Harry. "Spill."
"I got wills from Sirius, Remus, Dumbledore, Fred, and my parents," Harry said. "Sirius left me his house and three thousand galleons. Remus left me six hundred galleons and Teddy. Fred left me two thousand galleons. Dumbledore left me the snitch that I caught during my first Quidditch match and Godric Gryffindor's sword. My parents left me their house, fully restored, all the contents of their vault, a car, and the house my mum grew up in."
"You made out with quite a lot," Molly said.
Harry half laughed and half cried. "Well, I can say that money's not a factor. But what about everything else? What am I supposed to do at school if I'm supposed to watch Teddy? I can't bring him to school," Harry said.
"Well, he would always be welcome here and I'm sure his grandmother wouldn't mind taking him during the school year. That's where he is now isn't he?" Molly asked.
"Yeah, until I come get him," Harry said. "I just don't think that I'm ready to be taking care of a kid. I'm only seventeen. That's like what age my parents were when they got married."
"Speaking of marriage Harry, are you ever gonna ask Ginny to marry you?" Molly asked. "I was expecting a proposal before we left Hogwarts."
"Well, I thought you wouldn't approve of marriage at that young of an age," Harry said.
"Harry, with any of my other children, I wouldn't have even thought of allowing marriage at this age. With you and Ginny, I can see that bond though," Molly said. "I've talked about it with Arthur, and we both agreed that whenever you feel ready, you have our full permission."
"Thanks Molly," Harry said. He stood up and walked out of the kitchen.
"Oh, and Harry," Molly said stopping him from leaving the kitchen. "I would appreciate you wearing clothes while you sleep in a bed with my daughter."
"Sorry, Molly. But, nothing has ever happened and nothing will until marriage," Harry said.
"It better stay that way," Molly said.
"It will," Harry said. "I promise." Harry walked out of the kitchen clutching his wills in one hand and his tea in the other. He walked back upstairs and into his room. Ginny was standing butt naked in the middle of the room. Her hair was dripping wet and Harry assumed that she had just come out of the shower. She was facing him, most likely heading to her dresser to get clothes. A grin started to spread across Harry's face as well as Ginny's.
"I guess there's no turning back now," Harry said walking into the room. He closed the door and the lock clicked. What went on after that can only be assumed.
So I managed to get this chapter in and might get another in a few days. Hope you like it.