I had the BEST spelling Error Like EVER in this chapter. Thanks to my Dyslexia random things like this happen XD so here was the error and my wonderful Beta's response to it!
( Lucious Malfoy. [I had to wonder if your misspelling wasn't intentional, because Jason Isaacs was certainly luscious as Lucius! ;-) ] )
Hehe! I am VERY thankful for BAFan's editing! With out her... There might be more laughs, along with A LOT more complaints of spelling errors.
It was an early start for the Claremore family. Today was the day the Potters' wills would be read, at ten a.m. sharp, in Teradore's Gringotts branch. The whole family decided to accompany their son to the reading. Worried about who else might be present, they had contacted the Council representative who was handling their legal cases and requested extra security today. The request had been approved, and the goblins had also vowed to provide more guards.
Harry was worried, and nervous. No matter what happened that day, he had been reassured that he would be staying with the Claremores. The adoption had been finalized; there were no legal steps that could be taken to dispute the adoption. The goblins had assured him that Harry, and only Harry, could request the reversal of the adoption, and there were protection clauses in case it was under duress.
Harry dressed in some formal robes that Issy had bought for him. They were very comfortable, and had room for his silver tail to slip out. Harry had found that he didn't care very much for most robes because they felt strange around his tail, so he wore them as little as possible. His parents were all dressed in formal wear as well, though Lyle and David had on muggle suits versus the robes the others wore.
Bartok took Harry though the Floo once more, holding Harry in a hug until the boy gained his bearings. At the goblins' request, they had arrived 20 minutes early so that they could be seated in a protected corner of the meeting room. Helix was waiting for them in the grand entrance of the bank, and he led them back to a large room where many chairs had been set up, with a large desk in front of them all. Then off to one corner of the room was a couch that seated three, and two chairs beside it. Other chairs were set a bit of a distance away from that area. There were two goblin warriors standing around, as well as a Teradore auror. Helix informed them that two more aurors were positioned around the room, disillusioned, to keep an eye on the proceedings. He showed them to their seats and then took up a stance in front of the desk.
Issy and Harry were small enough to squeeze into the middle of the couch, between Bartok and Anna. David and Lyle took seats in the chairs near the couch and the family sat quietly as the room began to fill. Neville and his grandmother were the first to arrive, followed by Professor McGonagall. Remus Lupin was the next to make an appearance. He smiled at Harry, and made to move over to him, but was stopped by the goblins and asked to sit. He glanced warily over to Harry, who smiled at him. Dumbledore came in next, followed by three other people that Harry did not know. They were instructed to sit on the far side of the room by the goblins. Next, Professor Snape arrived and found a seat near McGonagall. The last to enter before the doors closed were Draco and Lucius Malfoy.
Helix made no gesture that Harry could see, yet suddenly he had everyone's attention. "Thank you for attending the reading of the Last Wills and Testaments of Lily and James Potter. The wills have been unsealed at the request of the Potter Heir, Harry James Potter-Claremore. The sealing of these official wills is currently under investigation. However, we at Gringotts will now be adhering to the Potters' last requests.
"The wills will read themselves, and at the end be given to Heir Potter. Parties who are gifted in the wills will be presented their properties once it is over. No speaking until the end. Anyone who tries to interrupt the reading will be silenced. We begin with the Will of James Potter."
A piece of parchment was lifted by Helix, who broke the wax seal and unrolled it. From the paper, a man's voice began to speak. Harry saw Remus close his eyes, grief etched on his face. "I, James Fleamont Potter, do declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, witnessed by my wife, Lily Evans Potter, and my best friend, Sirius Orion Black. Lily, if I have left you early, then I am sorry. Know that I love both you and our son, Harry. Make sure he knows he was loved! To my Lily I leave the bulk of our estates, with the exception of the gifts I leave to our friends. To Alice and Frank Longbottom, I leave the contents of Vault 584; remember to live a little, Frank! Remus Lupin, I bequeath to you the contents of Vault 585. In it you will find a little extra cash for your pockets, and some books that I know you will love. Also, that little cabin in Howling Shores is yours; it's out of the way and safe for you.
"To Sirius Black, dog that he is, I bequeath Vault 586. Just don't let Lily know what's in there or you will be joining me! Peter Pettigrew, let it be known, is the Secret Keeper for our house in Godrics Hollow. Our old friend has been acting strange, so I feel it is important to make it known that Albus Dumbledore requested we switch to Peter instead of Sirius. If Godrics Hollow was attacked, know that Peter was the Keeper, and Dumbledore was the Binder. Dumbledore, please stop pressuring my family, and let them go on with their lives. Harry will not be a part of your war. Minerva McGonagall, you were always my favorite teacher; I have left you some gifts in Vault 587. To Andromeda, Ted, and little Nymphadora Tonks, I leave Vault 588. Andy, don't push yourself too hard!
"Lucius Malfoy, I know we haven't talked much these last few years. We grew apart in Hogwarts; the division of the houses pushed us away from each other. We grew up as friends, and I hope that you still think of me as one. I have left you Vault 589. Also, make sure our kids have some play dates together; who knows what kind of trouble they can get into!
"Severus Snape, the first thing I've got to say to you is I'm sorry, I was a jerk. Or well, maybe more than a jerk, but I think we have grown up some. I leave you Vault 590; it's got some rare potions ingredients in it you should look through. Lily has added stuff to it as well; she's been trying to find a way to talk to you. If she hasn't by now, then please approach her.
"Now for my son. Harry, know that you were loved. Don't forget to live and get in trouble a little! If for some reason both Lily and I have died, and Harry is still underage, custody is to go to the following: Sirius Black, as Harry's Godfather, is our first option; Severus Snape, Lily's brother in all but blood, is the second option; or if they are unable to accept custody, then Lucius Malfoy is our third choice. You three take care of my son! This is the end of my Last Will and Testament; so mote it be."
Helix rolled the parchment up and tied a red ribbon around it. "Harry, I will hold this until the end. Keys will also wait until the end. Next we will hear the will of Lily Potter. Once again, it will read itself and silence is expected."
Helix removed the wax seal, and Lily's voice began to read. "I, Lily Evans Potter, do declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, witnessed by my husband, James Fleamont Potter, and Sirius Orion Black. James, please take care of Harry and don't let him get into too much trouble! Harry, my son, I love you and your dad both so much. Please always remember me. I leave everything to my husband and son with the exception of the following bequests: Remus Lupin, I know James has a vault put aside for you in case we ever managed to convince you to accept it. Vault 585 contains some chests in it from me. There is no declining it if it's officiated in a will. We love you. Watch over James and Sirius, and make sure they don't get Harry into too much trouble. Sirius, I leave you Vault 690, don't talk James into anything to crazy please.
"I wish to let it be known that Peter Pettigrew is the Secret Keeper for our home in Godrics Hollow; Albus is the Binder. If anything happened to us there, look to the two of them. Albus, please leave my husband and son alone. As we've already told you, we have withdrawn ourselves from the Order and from this war. Harry is to have no part of it. Alice and Frank, please protect Neville, and don't buy in to the prophecy; something about it seems strange. Also make sure to set up play dates for our boys. James will never remember to.
"Petunia Dursley, my dear sister. You were right when you accused me of not being true family. Thanks to some blood test done by Gringotts, I found out that I am not of your blood. James helped me investigate it, and there appears to have been a mistake in the hospital. I was switched with another baby. Even though you dislike me, please know that I still loved you like a sister. Severus Snape, my best friend, and brother. Know that I love you still, even after our fight. Please know that I forgive you, and watch out for Harry, please.
"If for some reason both James and I have died, and Harry is still underage, custody is to go to the following: Sirius Black, as Harry's Godfather, is our first choice; Severus Snape, my brother in all but blood, is the second choice; if they are unable to accept custody, then Lucius Malfoy is our third choice. Please keep my son away from Petunia; she would not love him in the way he needs. This is the end of my Last Will and Testament; so mote it be."
Helix tied a ribbon around Lily's will. "All right, that ends the will reading. Keys will now be distributed."
Neville's grandmother approached Helix, while Neville came over to Harry. Harry allowed the goblins to let him through. "Harry! How are you?"
Harry smiled and let Neville hug him. "This summer was very eventful."
Neville laughed. "Yeah, looks like you came into a creature inheritance. Kitsune, huh? What's it like having a tail?"
"Strange! It was even stranger when I lost my sight and hearing for a while - that was pretty scary. Things are better, though. I got adopted, and am going to start school here in Teradore."
"Not going back to Hogwarts?" Neville asked, surprised.
"No, my family thinks it's best for me to attend school here, and that's what I want, too. And I also am going to start attending the Courts."
"I came in to an inheritance as well. Dryad. I always knew my green thumb wasn't natural. Gran is scared about letting me attend the Courts. Male Dryad subs aren't that common."
Neville's grandmother waved him over from the door. "Got to go, Harry. I'll let everyone know that you're ok." Neville gave Harry a pat on the shoulder, before leaving.
Harry turned his attention to the rest of the room. The three guests that had been with Dumbledore had left. The Malfoys were standing in the corner of the room watching everyone. Snape had his wand out and pointed at Dumbledore, and man did he look furious! McGonagall and Remus were also standing off to the side, watching the arguments.
"You knew, that's why you had the wills sealed! You knew that Lily wanted me to look after Harry if anything happened! Yet you sent him away, leaving me to believe he was safe! I worried about him being with Petunia, but you reassured me you took care of it. That the Blood wards and compulsion charms would protect him! Now we find out Petunia isn't even Lily's sister! How then did you get the blood wards up? You didn't because that's impossible! Then you told the staff Harry had been adopted because of abuse! I told you how Petunia felt about magic! I'm surprised the boy has survived this long!" Dumbledore appeared to have been silenced at some point because his lips were moving, and his face was red, but nothing was coming out.
Helix approached the two. "Mr. Snape, if you would please lower your wand. Mr. Dumbledore, you are no longer needed here. As you were left nothing in the wills but a warning, you have no reason to be present any longer. Mr. Snape, it seems that you will be needed further regarding the information on these supposed blood wards; your statement might be helpful in Gringotts' case against Mr. Dumbledore."
Dumbledore was escorted out of the room by armed goblins. McGonagall followed after them, clearly still upset as well. The aurors that were stationed in the room left as well now that the only threat to Harry had been escorted out. Remus finally made his way over to Harry and drew him into a large hug. "Oh cub, I've been so worried about you. Albus said you went missing, and then that you were kidnapped. Pads and I have been going out of our minds!"
Harry hugged him back. "I'm ok, Remus, and I wasn't kidnapped. A lot has happened in the last few weeks…"
Anna came over to them "Mr. Lupin, if you would like to join us for dinner, we would be more than happy to discuss the events of the last few weeks with you."
"Yes, I would love to get caught up with Harry. Thank you." Remus smiled at Anna, very happy about the offer.
"Bartok! It is good to see you, old friend," Lucius Malfoy greeted as he approached the family. Draco followed his father like a silent shadow. Harry did briefly meet eyes with Draco, to find that he was being stared at.
Bartok stepped up to Lucius and shook his hand. "It has been a while; you have not been attending the trials as of late."
"The Wizengamot has been meeting more frequently regarding the creature laws Dumbledore has been trying to force through. He seems to be gaining more support with his fear tactics; however the other Pureblood families and I have been fighting hard. I heard of your vampire case. Dumbledore tried to use it as a scare tactic to pass a new law against vampires, adding heavy restrictions and registration against them. We were lucky that we were able to shoot it down."
"You must come for dinner at our new manor to speak more of this matter. I will send you an owl," Bartok said.
Lucius agreed before turning his attention to Harry. "You have found a good family, Potter, and congratulations on your inheritance. Kitsunes are powerful creatures, and your new features are very becoming."
Harry was stunned at the positive attention. It was only a little over a year ago that Lucius was mad about him freeing Dobby. "Thank you, sir," he responded, a little warily. Lucius said goodbye to them all before leading Draco from the room.
Helix and Snape were talking over by the desk in the front of the room. Helix had a goblin grin on his face as he spoke to Snape, taking notes on a piece of parchment. Bartok placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and led him over to the desk, bringing Helix and Snape out of their conversation.
"Ah, Bartok, it seems Mr. Snape here has some more information to offer on our case. The three of us will need to sit down later this week to speak more. Harry, would you like the wills to be put in a vault? Or would you like to take them home with you?"
"Place them in the Potter vault, please," Harry requested.
Helix nodded, taking up the scrolls. "I will send owls to make appointments with you gentlemen later. Now if you will excuse me, I have another appointment."
Harry glanced at Snape to find his ex-professor studying him. Snape moved to stand in front of Harry, and then dropped down to one knee. "Harry, please forgive me for being so foolish. I listened to Dumbledore and ignored what was right in front of me. I swear I will do everything I can to make things right. Starting with this." Snape reached forward and took Harry's right hand in his, placing a kiss on the back of it, and then another on the palm. "I will find you and repeat my offer once you have your ribbon. If you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to," Snape said before standing and sweeping from the room. Harry gaped after him.
Bartok laughed. ""All right, come, let's all head home. Mr. Lupin, please follow us."
~_~_~_~ Severus POV, starting when he entered the room - Just because it was asked for! ~_~_~_~
Severus entered the room, glancing at those present already. First he spotted Dumbledore, and his hideous blue and yellow robes. Dumbledore sat with Andromeda, Teddy, and Nymphadore Tonks. The youngest Tonks was in her auror gear, and chatting lightly with Dumbledore. Neville Longbottom and his grandmother, Augusta, sat to the far right. Behind them and surrounded by guards was Harry, and his new adopted adoptive family. All the staff at Hogwarts were aware of the adoption and of Harry being withdrawn from the school. Dumbledore had been very angry and vocal about these events.
Severus studied Harry; the boy had changed a fair deal in the last two months away from school. Not only did he have some new additions, but he looked healthier. His hair was longer and it seemed to frame his face. The monstrous glasses that made him look like his father were missing, making his face look delicate. His eyes seemed to glow green. Severus's eyes stopped for a second on the cute ears atop Harry's head as they flickered. He paused in his thoughts; did he just think "cute"? He turned away and looked for a place to sit.
McGonagall had an empty seat next to her, so Severus made his way over and sat down. It appeared that Dumbledore had noticed his presence, and he was not happy. Severus knew why. Last night he had received his invite to the reading, and Albus requested that he not attend. Severus being here was a blunt disregard of that request. McGonagall had also been requested by Albus not to come, but had not listened as well.
Lucius and Draco Malfoy were the last to enter the room and find seats. The goblin explained that the wills had been wrongly sealed, but at Potter's request they would now be read. Silence was called for, and Helix opened James's Will to begin it. Severus was not at all surprised when Dumbledore attempted to stand and say something, only for one of the goblin guards to cast a Silencio and then a sticking charm on him to keep him in his seat.
Severus was stunned by the end of James's will reading. Not only did James apologize, he also gave Severus guardianship of Harry. Severus was shocked to the core. He'd hoped for a message from Lily, but never in a million years had he expected anything from James. Severus glanced over to where Harry sat. The boy was holding the hand of the young blond woman that sat next to him. His face was lowered to the floor. Severus turned back to the front of the room, where Helix was preparing Lily's Will.
Severus sat and listened to Lily's voice fill the air. It made him miss her all the more. She was always like a sister to him. Growing up, the two of them were best friends. It was school that drove them apart. The house rivalries, a strange pressure, forcing them against one another. They had held out for so long. He remembered that day they fought, he still regretted his actions. Then Lily spoke of Petunia, and not being blood related. Severus's head snapped around to look over at Dumbledore, who was red in the face and fighting against the goblins' bindings. Not blood related! The blood wards? They would have failed when they were attempted to be erected. Dumbledore knew that! Lily's voice told him she forgave him, and asked him to look after Harry.
Severus's Draken side was in a rage. Harry had not been protected! He had not been safe, and Severus had been unable to do the one thing she requested of him. He had not looked after her son. No, he had listened to Dumbledore, who had told him that the child was spoiled, and raised like a prince by Petunia. Severus had gone against his creature instincts because of Dumbledore's words. Trusting that the man had the boy's best interests at heart.
As soon as Helix rolled up Lily's will, Severus stood and stormed over to Dumbledore, whipping his wand out. "I knew when I first saw the boy that there was something wrong. I approached you and Poppy with my concerns over the boy's health, and you assured me all was well."
"Now, Severus, calm down!" Dumbledore started.
Severus was having none of his nonsense and jabbed his wand against Dumbledore's throat. "Spoiled and treated like a prince is what you told me to expect. Another James Potter. I was blinded by you! You didn't want me to come today… You knew, that's why you had the wills sealed! You knew that Lily wanted me to look after Harry if anything happened! Yet you sent him away, leaving me to believe he was safe! I worried about him being with Petunia, but you reassured me you took care of it. That the blood wards and compulsion charms would protect him! Now we find out Petunia isn't even Lily's sister! How then did you get the blood wards up? You didn't because that's impossible! Then you told the staff Harry had been adopted because of abuse! I told you how Petunia felt about magic! I'm surprised the boy has survived this long!" Severus felt his Draken rising to the surface; its rage echoed in his head, wishing to tear this man apart.
Helix came over to them. "Mr. Snape, if you would please lower your wand. Mr. Dumbledore, you are no longer needed here. As you were left nothing in the wills but a warning, you have no reason to be present any longer. Mr. Snape, it seems that you will be needed further regarding the information on these supposed blood wards, as your statement might be helpful in my Gringotts' cases against Mr. Dumbledore." Severus lowered his wand and took a few deep breaths. He watched as Dumbledore was escorted out of the room, before turning his attention to Helix, and following the goblin over to the desk.
The goblin handed him the key to his vault and pulled out a piece of parchment. "Mr. Dumbledore is currently under investigation for sealing the Potters' wills so they would not be read, child abuse and neglect, embezzlement and theft, and attempted line theft. Any information you have would be useful, if you would be willing to schedule a meeting with me to speak more on matters? Mr. Bartok Claremore and I are both currently gathering information for the case." The goblin was grinning as he made some notes on the parchment.
"I would be willing to have a meeting with you two, and provide you with any information I am able to." Severus noticed the goblin glance behind him.
"Ahh, Bartok, it seems Mr. Snape here has some more information to offer on our case. The three of us will need to sit down later this week to speak more. Harry, would you like the wills to be put in a vault? Or would you prefer to take them home with you?"
"Place them in the Potter vault, please," Harry requested.
Helix nodded, taking the scrolls. "I will send owls to make appointments with you gentlemen later. Now if you will excuse me, I have another appointment." Without another word, the goblin turned and left the room.
Severus stared down at Harry who had approached with the other Draken. His instincts started warring in his head as he caught Harry's scent. Having denied his instincts once already, Severus decided to give in. He dropped down to one knee. "Harry, please forgive me for being so foolish. I listened to Dumbledore and ignored what was right in front of me. I swear I will do everything I can to make things right. Starting with this." He took Harry's right hand in his, placing a kiss on the back of it, and then another on the palm. "I will find you and repeat my offer once you have your ribbon. If you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to," he said before standing and sweeping from the room, smugly aware that the boy was gaping after him.
Severus returned to his quarters at Hogwarts and looked around the rooms. No, this would not do at all. He was done with this place. "Rosie," Severus called out, summoning his personal house elf, who appeared before him. "Empty my quarters here, take everything home, leave nothing behind," he ordered before storming out of the room. He made his way to Minerva's office and knocked on the door. The witch opened it, and allowed him in.
"I thought you might come by," she said as she sat behind her desk.
Severus moved over to her desk and snagged a piece of parchment and a quill, jotting something down before handing it over to her. "My official letter of resignation. I trust you will present it to Dumbledore for me?"
"I will take care of everything, Severus. Take care, and keep in touch," she requested, smiling a little sadly at him. Severus bid her farewell before leaving Hogwarts to return to his home. He found a Gringotts owl waiting for him, with a time and date for next week's meeting with Helix and Bartok Claremore. Now all Severus had left to do was make plans.
And now you all know what Sev is!
Ive had a few questions that Ill mention:
No other sub will be introduced into Harry's Clan. Looks like there will also NOT be any girls, unless I introduce a OC that you all LOVE and decided "Yes let Harry Keep her!"
If you have glanced at the Codex You will see that Most of the creatures have VERY LONG life spans. Because of this, age does not matter in a Clan. Some of Harry's mates will be older than him... but not to a icky way. Like No Dumbles look a likes LOL.. All nice looking men :)
So yes Tom Will be staying :)
Ramus is here Woot woot... Sirius is coming!
Yes Harry will have other "Sub friends" Of both genders! He will end up seeing them in school, and stuff!
I think that about covers it. If you have anymore questions please feel free to ask, I will answer as soon as I can!
