Disclaimer - I do not own Harry Potter

Acceptance

Chapter 12 - Summer Pt. 2

Privet Drive

He opened his bedroom door and was surprised to see his room was not empty. Blinking he stepped into the room and put his shoes by the door.

"Hey, Corny." Neville's House Elf did not respond. Harry had met the Elf briefly during the Longbottom party over the Yule Holiday break. "What is going on?"

"Corny has found the bad Elf who takes Mister Potter's mail."

"That Elf was taking my mail?"

"Yes. Corny caught bad Elf Dobby in the act."

Harry blinked, trying to unravel Corny's sentencing. From the way he worded it, Dobby must be the Elf's name. "Why were you taking my mail Dobby?" Harry wasn't sure if he would respond or not but thought he should ask anyway.

"Dobby thought if Harry Potter sir didn't think his friends still wanted to be friends then he might not want to go back to Hoggy-Warts. Harry Potter sir must not go back to Hoggy-Warts. There be much danger going to happen in the castle this year."

Harry lay in his bed, staring at his ceiling. He wasn't sure what to make of the little House Elf. House Elves in general were odd. Slavery was wrong. He knew this from history. House Elves, however, were not really slaves in the same way.

The way Neville explained it, House Elves were in a symbiotic relationship with Wizards. The Wizard gained a servant or helper while the House Elf was able to keep their magic. House Elves had long ago been bound to Wizards. When they weren't in a bond with a wizard they started to lose their magic. The bond kept the Elf's magic stable and kept the Elf from madness. The only problem Harry had with the arrangement, considering it was supposed to be symbiotic, was that there was nothing ensuring that Wizards treated their Elves with care.

From what Harry witnessed last night, Dobby was fighting his bond and his sanity was already starting to deteriorate. If he had had more time, and Dobby wasn't there, Harry would have asked Corny about what he felt about the other Elf.

The most aggravating part was that Dobby wouldn't say anything more. He wouldn't explain or even hint as to what was going to happen. All he said was that bad things would be happening at Hogwarts. When he even thought about saying more he started abusing himself.

Hitting his head against the wall. Shutting his fingers in a drawer. Saying he needed to iron his hands. This list went on.

Dobby did not have nice masters. He wondered who they were.

His aunt had come in at one point, right after Dobby had bashed his head into the dresser, knocking over some books. She was surprised to see the two Elves in his room. Harry had given her a brief description of what had happened and told her they could talk in the morning after he asked Neville about it. She had looked both concerned and relieved with that plan. His aunt was still warry when confronted with unfamiliar magics.

Harry had asked Corny to take a letter to Neville directly and to bring word back as soon as Neville had something for him. He hadn't gotten a reply yet.

Corny had also 'escorted' Dobby away from Privet Drive. Harry had heard him mumble something about Elf Wards that Dobby would not be able to pass. So he guessed that Privet Drive was now safe from the crazy little Elf.

Now, he just had to lay there and worry about the dangers to come.

Granger Residence

"Daphne, are you alright?"

Daphne looked at her friend, she and Hermione were having a sleep over; a first for both of them. She was rather surprised her parents agreed, considering what it would say if any of their traditional friends heard but figured it had something to do with the fact that Hermione was the top of their year academically. "I'm alright."

Hermione frowned. "You have been quiet and a bit broody."

"Broody?"

"You know what I mean. Talk to me, Daphne. I haven't ever had a good female friend so I am not going to fail in my duties as a friend when I finally do have one. Tell me what's wrong."

Daphne sighed. "Okay. Keep in mind that traditional pure-blood families do things a bit differently, even by general wizarding standards."

"Explain and I will hold all judgements until you are done."

Daphne raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, I will try to hold all judgements."

The blond shook her head in amusement. That was really all she could ask the overly inquisitive girl. "Part of the reason the children of traditional families go to Hogwarts is to get to know their potential spouses. Pure-blood families are extremely concerned with ensuring the continuation of the family name. To continue the family name, you have to marry and in most cases, marry the right person. Unfortunately, the right person often means another pure-blood in your social circle. There is added pressure to families that did not produce sons. They have to find a family with a second son that would be willing to take his spouses name or one who would agree to allow their second son to carry his spouse's family name instead of his own." Daphne could see Hermione biting her tongue. "My parents aren't as traditional as many other old families but they do get pressure from those other families."

"What does that mean?"

"Though my father isn't as traditional as other families, he will attempt to enter negotiations with my future husband, asking for one of two things. I have no brothers so my family name dies with my father unless either my husband, or my sister's husband, agrees to either take the Greengrass name or allows a second son to take it."

"I suppose I can understand that. The practice has fallen out of use in muggle families but it did happen generations ago. Why is this coming up now?"

"My father has been approached about the possibility of me being courted by some of the boys in my House at school."

"Aren't we a bit young for that?"

"My father thinks so; he wasn't planning on looking into any of that until I was a third year at the earliest. My mother thinks all of the attention is wonderful. She was ecstatic when they were approached by the Head of House Selwyn. The houses of Flint, Nott and Malfoy also made inquiries."

"Flint. As in Marcus Flint? Isn't he a sixth year?"

"Yes, to all of that."

"Isn't he a bit old for you to even think about when you are twelve?"

"While I am twelve, yes he is too old, when I am seventeen?" She shrugged. "Flint is a better option than Antonin Selwyn, he is eighteen and just graduated from Hogwarts."

"I find myself more than a little creeped out by that. What do you think of all of this?"

"Honestly, I don't like it. I expected it but I don't like it. I dislike the Selwyn family immensely; they are extremely traditional in that they think muggle-born students shouldn't be allowed in Hogwarts. Marcus Flint is a detestable pig. I would never allow myself to be tied to him. Theo and Draco aren't horrible but they do tend to put their feet in their mouths when Gryffindors are around; Weasley in particular."

"Draco has been rather decent. I didn't think he would be after that first month."

"I had a conversation with the boys. I asked them if intentionally singling out muggle-born students, and ones doing better than them academically in particular, was a good idea. I called to their Slytherin cunning."

"So not only did you confront Parkinson for me, you also talked to the boys in your House and got them to see the advantage of not attacking me for the circumstances of my birth?"

Daphne shrugged again. "It really is stupid to make enemies of someone just because they can't trace their magic back ten generations. Eventually you will all be members of society with the ability to make changes to our society."

Hermione smiled and bit her lip. She couldn't agree more. Now to find a topic that was a lot less pressure. "If you could choose anyone in the school, anyone at all, to be your future husband who would it be and why?"

"Ronald Weasley because he is a pig with no manners whatsoever. You?"

The brunette bit her tongue to keep from laughing. "Vincent Crabbe because he is so dim I could do all the talking and he would never be able to argue with me. But seriously, is there anyone you like?"

Daphne bit her lip. She was afraid to be honest about her answer. "Will you promise me that whatever my answer is you won't be mad?"

"Why would I be mad?"

"Just promise me."

"Of course I promise, Daphne. We are twelve. The boy we like will most likely change a dozen times in the next six years."

Daphne looked down at her lap and muttered, "Harry."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Really? You like Harry?"

"Yes."

"Give me your reasons."

"He's smart and kind. He doesn't let House affiliation stop him from making friends. Harry likes to laugh and he looks really good on a broom. I really like his eyes."

"I think you two would be really cute together. You would balance each other. Your more serious and he, like you said likes to laugh. Plus, I can totally picture a little girl with your hair and his eyes."

Daphne looked up sharply. "Don't you like Harry?" She wasn't about to admit she had pictured their kids in her head too.

Hermione shook her head. "Not like that. I think of him as a brother of sorts. We compete too much. Honestly, we act like siblings, or at least I think we act like siblings. Plus, I need to be needed. I don't think Harry would ever really need me. He is too confident and too much like me. Don't get me wrong, I would need a guy strong enough to stand with me but I think I would end up resenting being in Harry's shadow. He has such a bright future that his unfortunate fame will make that future so much brighter."

Daphne thought about it. She had thought the bickering was attraction, but she could see the sibling aspect too. Hermione also wasn't wrong about Harry overshadowing any of her achievements. The-Boy-Who-Lived was determined to live up to his fame by being something great in honor of his parents; whatever he did he would do it in the public eye and he would do it well. That was just who he was. "Do you like anyone?"

"Not really anyone specific yet. Neville is a really nice guy but he is really just a friend. Blaise is really attractive, and I think he will just get more attractive, but he really needs to work on the attitude and quidditch mania. I actually find different aspects of different boys attractive. Neville's kindness and dedication to his friends. Blaise's overall appearance. Draco's confidence and smirk."

"Draco really has mastered the Slytherin smirk. But really, is there anyone at school that just makes you melt inside?"

Hermione bit her lip and looked away.

"Who is it?"

Hermione shook her head. "It's really stupid."

"I don't care. You said it yourself, the boy we like will probably change at least a dozen times."

"Fine. I think Cedric Diggory is dreamy. He's smart and nice to everyone. He goes out of his way to help out younger students. His smile is just amazing." She sighed in a way she never thought she would. Had she been listening to herself she would have been both surprised and disgusted. She sounded like Chang.

"I can't fault your choice. He really is exceptionally attractive and rather smart. I didn't think you went for obviously attractive but the intelligence fits."

"My choice is shallow."

"And you think most wouldn't think my choice is? Harry is famous!"

"But you're his friend. You know him. That drops the shallow factor."

"Cedric isn't exactly a stranger. He hangs around Harry sometimes and talks to us when he does. So you can disregard some of the shallow in your attraction."

"This is literally the most pointlessly girly conversation I have ever had."

"Me too."

"I kind of see why some girls are so goofy. This is kind of fun."

"Please tell me you aren't going to turn into Lavender Brown or Parvati Patil." The two shuddered at the mention of the biggest gossips they knew.

"Never. I request that you take me to the hospital wing immediately if I even begin to act like either of them."

"That I can do, as long as you do the same for me."

Diagon Alley

Harry, and Neville sat at a table in front of Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Neville's gran was sitting inside next to the window, watching yet not intruding. She had agreed to let them meet Harry's uncle Remus. Augusta would have preferred to have had Neville with her but knew he would insist on being there for his 'god-brother.' The two took their friendship and brotherhood seriously.

They had planned to come to Diagon Alley that day to meet with the Potter Account's manager. Augusta was concerned about the things Mister Lupin insisted were in the Potter Wills. If he was right, then Harry should have grown up with her and Neville. If that had happened, things might have gone differently. She might have realized she was stunting her grandson's growth sooner and without Minerva confronting her about it.

Of course, the missing Wills weren't the only thing concerning in Mister Potter's life. When Neville approached her about his missing mail she had been concerned. It had been a brilliant idea to have Corny follow their owl to Privet Drive. The fact that a House Elf had been intercepting his mail was frightening.

House Elves should not be able to act outside their orders like that and no proper wizard would steal mail from a child. They could do anything they felt necessary to protect their family, they could not do what this Dobby did. Stealing Mister Potter's mail to get him to not want to return to school because of potential danger was so far beyond what the Elf should have been able to do. An Elf acting outside its bond was a dangerous Elf.

"Excuse me," Augusta turned to see a man who looked vaguely familiar. "I know it has been a long time, but I am Remus Lupin. We met a few times when Lily and Alice insisted on throwing parties despite the dark times we were experiencing."

She nodded and extended her hand. "Of course, Mister Lupin. I remember those parties with fondness. I only wish they had all survived, intact to continue their parties during times of peace."

"I couldn't agree more, Madam Longbottom. I wanted to come in and speak with you before I approached Harry and Neville. I know you don't know me well, but I wanted to give you my word that I am here because Harry is and always has been an important part of my life. His parents were my friends and he was my nephew. I only wish circumstances hadn't kept me from him."

"I hope, for his sake, what you say is true. I remember how James was with his friends. He would have insisted they had an integral part of his son's life. I will be watching, but only because I should have been all along. I too failed in my duties to him."

"Thank you for being so cautious, Madam Longbottom. I would much rather have you watching my every move than have no one question me at all. I hope it doesn't take me long for you to trust me."

Augusta smiled. She had been right. He was the responsible one in that group. When she saw him she thought that was how Alice and Frank described him but she hadn't been too sure because off all the time that had passed. "I don't expect it will take you much time. Now, go. That boy has been jumping in his seat waiting for you to show."

"Do you think that is him?"

Neville looked around. "Who?"

"The guy talking to your grandmother."

Neville turned back to the building and saw a man with a scarred face and sandy blond hair talking to his gran. "Probably. She is talking to him and she keeps glancing this way."

"He keeps looking at us too."

"I wonder what happened to his face."

"I do too. He looks tired."

"Maybe he just got back today."

"Could be. I know he was in France the last time I got a letter, the one that Corny got back for me. I did as you said and had Corny deliver my last letter considering how soon we were coming here. He could have been traveling all day."

"His robes have seen better days."

"True. I don't really care though. All I really want is to meet someone close to my parents. I want to hear stories about them at school."

"Me too. I wonder if he knew my parents too."

"We can ask him."

"He's coming over."

Harry nodded. Both boys had their eyes riveted to the weary man. His clothes were shabby and he did appear tired but he looked happy to be there. He was smiling at them. It was an honest smile; anticipation, joy and a little fear filling his eyes.

"Hi, Harry, Neville. I'm Remus."

Harry stood and was about to reach out a hand to shake his but decided to go for a hug. The man was his 'Uncle Remus' after all. He wrapped his arms around the man's waste and squeezed tightly.

It took a moment for Remus to react. Harry's actions surprised him greatly. While blinking in surprise he wrapped his arms around a boy he had loved for twelve years but had not seen in over ten years.

"I missed you, Cub."

"I don't know what it is, but a part of me feels like a piece of home has come back to me. I missed you too, Uncle Mooney, even if I didn't realize you were missing."

The two smiled at each other. Neither had any fear clouding the joy in their eyes. Their family was growing.

Gringotts – Account's Manager's Office

"Thank you for agreeing to see us, Master Narvog." Harry said respectfully, as Augusta instructed him to do.

"I am always available for the Potter Family, young Mister Potter. It disturbed me to learn you had not been receiving your account statements. I have stopped sending them for now and have instigated an investigation and audit on your account. I will be working under the assumption that any transactions, beyond the one coinciding with your visit last year, are against your wishes and if I find any, I will work to reverse them immediately."

"Thank you. Now, I was wondering if you had located any Wills written by my parents?"

"Yes. There were copies of both your parent's Wills on record in the Inheritance Department as well as in your family vault. The Wills have not been read due to the fact that they were sealed by the Chief Warlock directly after their death. I can only show them now because you, their heir, asked to see them."

Harry nodded. He had been surprised to learn that the vault he visited the year before was a trust vault set up for him to use at school. His aunt had insisted on paying for his supplies but he had gotten so money out for purchases outside the supply list, just as the vault was intended.

"I have reviewed both and found a number of concerning instructions. It seems someone moved mountains to see that your parent's wishes were not followed and other information did not get out."

Master Narvog growled on the last bit of information.

"Would you mind giving us a summary, Master Narvog?" Augusta wanted to know what the Goblin found most concerning but would wait for him to reveal the data on his own time. She would deal with why the Wills were sealed later.

"Of course. First off, as expected, your parents left the bulk of their holdings to you, which is expected as you are their only son. They did leave some specific things to friends. I can detail those to the individuals when they are contacted. I will divulge that they left fifty thousand Galleons to you, Mister Lupin. Miss Potter also left you with some of her work journals."

"What does it say about Harry's placement upon their death?" Augusta asked. Remus stood wide eyed and non-responsive.

"Mister Potter was to be placed with Alice and Frank Longbottom first. Their reasoning being that Alice Longbottom was Harry's godmother. The fact that she was married and had a child Mister Potter's age would make she and her husband the ideal primary caregivers. There was a note stating that the godfather, one Sirius Black, would be integral in his upbringing if he were placed with the Longbottoms.

"The second option was Mister Black. If both the godmother and godfather were unable to care for him, he was to be placed with Dorcas meadows. Finally, Minerva McGonagall was listed as a potential guardian. Of course, none of the alternate guardians were necessary as, at the time of their passing, Alice and Frank Longbottom were completely capable of taking in Mister Potter. Had he been placed with them, as was procedure, he would have then been placed in your care, Madam. Had you thought yourself incapable of taking charge of both boys, the Ministry would have then looked into the Potter alternates."

Augusta nodded, keeping her anger in check. Someone would have a lot of explaining to do. She would have to try to determine the reasons for the sealing of the Potter Wills. Was it intentional? Was it done to hide something? Or was it merely by chance? "What other infractions have you found?"

"The most concerning bit of information was a note in Lady Potter's Will. And I quote, "If we are killed while living under the Fidilus charm, then we were betrayed by Peter Pettigrew. I leave this note here, knowing that Sirius Black is bound to do something stupid. He has placed himself as the decoy secret keeper in hopes of reducing the chances of us being found. It isn't a bad plan; I just find that I can't trust anyone now. I will repeat, Sirius Black is not now and never was our secret keeper. Peter Pettigrew is our secret keeper and has been the entire time." I believe that speaks for itself."

"He didn't do it." Remus spoke softly, shock evident in his voice. "Then why would Peter…" He didn't finish his sentence. "They only found a finger. He couldn't have. Could he?"

"Remus?" Harry whispered in concern.

"If he didn't betray them, then did he really kill Peter and those muggles? Why didn't it come out in the trial? Peter wouldn't be thought a hero if they had questioned him at the trial or read the Wills."

"Master Narvog, I believe there has been a miscarriage of justice. Might I have a copy of the Wills so that I might take them to the Ministry and speak with the Head of the DMLE. I believe she will be able to get to the bottom of this."

"Of course, Madam Longbottom. I fear I may have alerted other Accounts Managers to the oddities of this incident and the Black Account Manager is ready to demand the heads of his enemies. He is outraged that his client may have been sent to Azkaban for a crime he did not commit. He has been searching through his files and informed me that his client was never charged."

"Mister Black was never charged?" Augusta all but growled.

"No, not according to our records and as you know, Gringotts keeps extensive records."

"I am sorry everyone, but I am going to need to cut this meeting short. I have some very pressing business at the ministry so please, if you have anything else, say it quickly."

"That was the most important portion of my report. I would like to look into Mister Potter's accounts more closely. Could I request a second meeting with Mister Potter next week?"

"He will be here. I will speak to his aunt and one of us will bring him in."

"Thank you, Madam. Thank you for coming in, Mister Potter and bringing these problems to our attention. Gringotts does not like these sorts of things to be allowed and we are quite aggravated at the individual responsible for all of this misdirection and falsification."

"Thank you for the information, Master Narvog."

"May your business swell your fortune, Mister Potter."

"May your enemies feel the cold of your steel, Master Narvog." Harry returned, vaguely remembering Madam Longbottom demanding he respond in kind if a Goblin addressed him that way. He was happy he had gotten it right when he saw the Goblins feral, tight lipped smile. Yes, he had earned a small bit of respect that day.

Gringotts

Filius Flitwick walked into the main room of Gringotts Bank and looked around. It was as he remembered. He had not spent much time within the walls of the Goblin back since the death of his Grandfather. Even after all those years, the bank looked much the same.

He turned toward the least busy desk. This desk was situated in a dark corner of the main hall. The desk itself was smaller than all the others and was much dingier. To top everything off, the Goblin behind the desk was just as dingy and off-putting as his desk. This was done for a reason.

What few humans knew, was that this Goblin was actually the most important one in the room. There was a distinct hierarchy among Goblins, and the ones who dealt with humans the most were actually the lowest ranking. Tellers were only slightly more respected than cart operators. The Goblin in the corner, however had them all out ranked.

If you knew anything about Goblins, you would know that he was placed as he was, dressed as he was, to test the resolve of their customers. Those who knew of Goblin tradition knew that to get a meeting with a high level Goblin, such as an accounts manager or senior accounts manager, the fastest way to do that would be to see the Goblin in the corner. Wizards in general, however, tended to avoid him because the rest of the Goblins on the floor looked much more respectable. They wore three piece suits and their desks were gleaming they were so clean. The Goblin in the corner wore a suit, but it was old and ill fitting. His desk was a mess and looked as though it hadn't been cleaned in a decade. These aesthetic touches were for a purpose. They made it much easier to annoy those arrogant pure-bloods who thought themselves better than everyone else. Goblins found it hilarious they had to deal with the lowest ranking Goblins and often had to wait for appointments with account managers.

The trick was to learn Goblin custom. If you understood exactly who the Goblin in the corner was, you could get in to meet your account manager much quicker.

Filius made his way to the only empty desk; the desk in the corner.

"Good afternoon, Master Bloodscar." Filius supposed the Goblin's name added to the overall picture. Bloodscar was an unfortunate name even by Goblin standards.

"Master Flitwick." Bloodscar said in his hard, graveled voice. There was no hint of welcome or even interest in his eyes. "What brings the wizarding teacher of charms, employee to the bearded lunatic, to Gringotts?"

"I wish to speak to a member of the Curse Breaking or Dark Artifacts teams. It would probably be good to add a representative of the inheritance department as well. I have come across some disturbing readings and have evidence of one who should be dead still roaming the world."

"What sort of readings? What sort of evidence? How does the one roam?"

"I have copies of the readings to share. They were taken by an Arithmancer of some report. As evidence, I am prepared to show a memory of my encounter with the individual who now roams as a shade. He has no body as it was destroyed over ten years ago."

The Goblin sat up straighter. "His body was destroyed over a decade ago?"

"That is what was reported. There have been no sightings of the man that I am aware of since the night of his supposed death, that is until I expelled his shade from a colleague."

Bloodscar flipped up a grimy closed sign and stood. "Follow. I will take you to a meeting room and arrange for the proper parties to attend you. They may request a few others join in the discussion."

Filius did not say anything as he followed. Any comment would be unwelcome at this point.

They made their way through a myriad of tunnels and Filius took the time to marvel, as he always used to, at the beauty and expanse of the Goblin home. Wizards and muggles alike would be extremely surprised to know how vast the tunnel system was. Gringotts was not just under the bank; it was under a few square miles of London. Magic, Goblin magic, made it possible for them to tunnel to the depths and lengths that they did. No other magical race had the Goblin affinity for earth and stone.

Bloodscar lead him into a mid-sized conference room, directed him to sit, then left.

He studied the room. All rooms were different in Gringotts. Part of their expertise with stone meant that they only built rooms that worked with the stone. Muggles drilled the stone into whatever they wanted; Goblins 'felt' the stone and worked it to form rooms that did not jeopardize the integrity of the stone. This meant that rooms were not always uniformly shaped. In fact, the only part of Gringotts that had squared walls was the portion that humans saw in Diagon Alley.

Not long after, Bloodscar returned with six others. He recognized all but one despite the time he had spent away from the walls of Gringotts. It appeared, some had retained their position while others had risen in the ranks.

Bloodscar sat with the others. He had been at his desk for a very long time. He was old and grizzled. His hair was thick, white and stuck up in all directions.

Master Breaktooth was the head of Goblin Security. He had been one of the previous head's lieutenants the last time Filius had been in Gringotts. It was not surprising he was now the head. He was tall for a Goblin. Muscled and scarred. His hair was dark and cut close to his head. His beard, however, was long and intimidating.

Master Orcrest was, and had been for nearly one hundred years, the head of the Dark Objects department. He was an ancient looking Goblin. His once proud stature was now stooped with age and his head was now completely bald. He looked skeletal. He had terrified Filius when he was a child.

The head of the Curse Breaking department was new but Filius knew him as well. He appeared to be the youngest in the room. He was somewhat of a prodigy by Goblin standards. He was just starting in the Curse Breaking Department the last time Filius had been within the tunnels, and now he headed the department. Master Longclaw's brown hair was well kept and his eyes were sharp.

There was an individual from the inheritance department. He was not the head, this Filius knew for a number of reasons. The first being that the head had not retired his position yet, Master Narwog had held his post almost as long as Master Orcrest. The assistant's clothing was also an indicator he was not the head of his department. Clothing was always an indicator of a Goblins standing and this one's cloths suggested that of a career assistant, mediocre at best. Lastly, he did not have the baring of a department head. He was far too passive.

The last two were a great surprise to the Hogwarts Charms Professor. One was actually a distant relative of his. They were cousins of a sort. Ragnok's great grandfather was Filius's great grandmother's brother. Ragnok was currently the head of the Goblin nation. He looked the part. He dressed well, stood tall and walked with great confidence.

The last was the oracle. Filius had never met or even seen the woman, but he knew who she was. Every Goblin knew who she was. Her wild white hair and milky white, unseeing eyes told the tale. She saw what no one else saw. She saw what could be.

"What do you have, Filius?" Ragnok began with no introductions.

There would be no pleasantries. This was far too important. So he began his tale.

They did not interrupt, though Filius thought there were times they wanted to.

The goblin from the inheritance department scribbled notes furiously throughout his tale. None of the others saw the need, they would read his notes when they were copied.

"You say this shade was the human called Voldemort?"

Filius focused on the assistant. "Yes. Quirrell made a number of references to him when we attempted to hold him back. Then He took over and made his identity clear in both word and action."

"This is troubling from an inheritance stand point. The fact that he is a shade should have been made apparent to my department soon after his reported death. If one is not completely dead, their vaults fall into limbo."

"If Inheritance missed it, the Head of Accounts should not have." Ragnok spoke. "I do not like this. Something has kept his status from us."

"These readings indicate an extremely dark magic." Master Longclaw looked up from his intense study of Septima's readings. "You say this is a reading of dark magic centered in a young human's forehead?"

"Yes. Those readings were taken of Harry Potter's Curse scar."

"Troubling. What is the boy's disposition?"

Filius saw where the Curse Breaker was going. "Mister Potter is an intelligent, outgoing, friendly child. He is perhaps the most well-adjusted student in his year group. From my time with him, I have noticed that he is bright and inquisitive. He is rarely angry or sad in my experience."

"And his magical development?"

"Mister Potter is at the top of his year in both intelligence and power. Our healer reports his core is one of the largest she has seen for someone his age."

"Curious." Longclaw drifted off.

"Are you thinking as I am Longclaw?" Master Orcrest breathed.

Filius fought a shiver. His voice was always the creepiest aspect of him. It was low and breathy and yet still strong and gravely. It was hard to describe.

"I cannot say what you are thinking if you do not speak Orcrest. But if you are thinking he cheated death by tying a piece or pieces of his soul to objects, then yes I am thinking as you are."

Breaktooth slammed his large fist into the table. "ABOMINATION. By the accord we must seek retribution."

"Calm, Breaktooth." Ragnok spoke while his voice shook with poorly shackled rage. "We need to examine the curse scar. We cannot begin a search without absolute proof."

"What other explanation do you have, Lord Ragnok?" The assistant asked.

"Hold your tongue, boy." Bloodscar snarled. "We may all be thinking it; which is why Filius brought it to our attention. But we do not speak it into existence without proof. Filius did not hint at his guess, knowing we needed to draw our own conclusions."

"Enough." Ragnok held a hand up. "We need to look into the fact that we have a vault in limbo and we didn't know about it. I want both the Head of Accounts and the Head of Inheritance to look into this personally. Bloodscar, escort the assistant out and give the order to the Heads."

Bloodscar nodded and jumped to his feet. He bowed his head before grabbing the back of the assistant's jacket and dragging him from the room.

"Filius, I know you understand the severity of the situation, so I ask that you please arrange for Mister Potter to meet both Master Longclaw and Master Orcrest at his earliest convenience. We need to get a read on that scar and what that darkness behind it is before we can continue."

"Of course."

"Breaktooth, I want you to instigate a random sweep. I want all vaults swept for Gringotts banned items completed by week's end. You will need to coordinate with Longclaw and Orcrest." Breaktooth let a feral grin spread across his face. Every Goblin liked a random vault sweep. It usually meant millions in fees for vault owners for breeches in contract.

"I would like to thank you on behalf of the Goblin nation, cousin Filius. You have done your race proud by expelling the shade in the manner you have. You also deserve thanks for bringing your concerns before us."

"It was my honor, cousin Ragnok." Filius was beyond surprised the Goblin Lord was acknowledging their distant blood relationship. "I would do anything to protect my students and knew my Goblin half had the best chance of doing that. I only wish I could have brought you this news sooner."

"We understand why you waited for summer to bring this before us. You did your research, ensuring there was nothing regular at foot. The most problematic thing for you was your boss. You could not have come before now without alerting the Headmaster of Hogwarts. No one wants him sticking his crooked nose into this."

Ministry of Magic – Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Amelia Bones's assistant, Marianne, was terrified. Augusta Longbottom was an intimidating woman when she was in a good mood, she was downright terrifying when she was enraged. On that particular day, Marianne could see she was enraged despite the fact that she had barely stepped into the room.

"I need a meeting with Madam Bones immediately. I do not care if she is busy. You will inform her that I have an urgent matter that requires her immediate attention."

"Of course, Madam Longbottom." Marianne stood and winced, knowing the stern woman could hear the fear in her quaking voice.

She knocked on the door and entered before her boss could answer. "I am sorry to disturb you, Ma'am, but Madam Longbottom is here and demands a meeting with you. She says it is urgent and she will only speak to you."

Amelia was irritated by the interruption. That irritation dissolved when her assistant explained. Augusta disregarding protocol and demanding a meeting meant the situation was dire. "See her in immediately."

The shaking woman nodded and backed out of her office.

Augusta barreled through a moment later. She walked directly to Amelia's desk and slammed a sheet of parchment on her desk.

"Peter Pettigrew was the Potter's secret keeper."

'Bloody hell!' Amelia thought. This was going to be a long day…

Hello all. Here is chapter 12. Things are moving along nicely. Next chapter will finish summer and may begin second year. We shall see.

You should be seeing regular updates from me over the next few weeks, I broke my foot! I have no idea when I broke my foot, all I do know is that I have been walking on a broken foot for at least a month. I can't work right now, my job is very active and there isn't really a sitting position, so I am on a mini vacation for a few weeks. Because my foot is broken, I will be spending my days sitting. So you will get chapters at least weekly, probably more often.

Thank you Jostanos for editing for me I really appreciate having a second eye looking at my work.

Thanks for reading and sticking with me. You are all amazing!