Disclaimer: Don't own and don't make any money but just like to have fun.
Summary: Lucius Malfoy, at the urging of his son, found the young man standing out by the lake. "Harry, my son wishes to enter into a bonding contract with you." Harry looked at him with sorrowful eyes and stated, "I am sorry, sir; I don't know if my owner will allow it."
A/N My beta is on vacation, so any mistakes in this chapter and chapters 11 and 12 are all mine. If you see something that should be changed, please point it out.
Meddling in the Affairs of Wizards
Posted: 29 June 2010
Chapter 13: I Am Owned
The remainder of second year was uneventful; if you don't count the number of times someone tried to sabotage the Slytherins. By now all Harry's dorm mates knew the 'Return to Sender' spell and the boys were quite happy to use it and not get in trouble. They especially enjoyed it when Ron and Seamus spent two days in the infirmary because they had a mysterious rash and blisters. They had heard a rumor that Hermione was the one who brewed the polyjuice potion for Ron. She was so mad at the Gryffindor boys for tricking her into doing it, she refused to talk to any of them. They had said they needed to find out who the Heir of Slytherin was, that there was a rumor He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was in the castle. She didn't know they were going to harass Harry with it. She thought he was nice and very studious. That was the highest compliment Hermione ever gave anyone.
The summer before third year, Stagnook deemed Harry responsible enough to forge and wield his own sword. He had been practicing with the other children in the goblin games since he was young , but now it was time for the real thing.
Harry learned how to mold the metal, inscribe it with runes and even give it a core like his wand. Harry's core for his sword was a dragon scale, it symbolized strength and power. The dragon scale was coated in fairy dust for protection and good health. Since the goblins were not allowed to use wands, they perfected their weapons to work like them. This particular sword was being made with a special metal, mined next to a magical volcano on a goblin owned island. Harry's hands and arms would ache by the end of the day as he fired and hammered the metal on the anvil into shape. All the items were goblin made with special magiks that would be imbued into the sword with every clang as the hammer hit the metal.
It was difficult magic and Harry worked really hard to get it just right and perfectly balanced. Finally, just two weeks before he had to return to Hogwarts for his third year, he had his own goblin crafted sword and dagger. It was inscribed with his own runes and his Potter crest, and polished to a perfect shine so you could see your face in the jeweled hilt of gold layered platinum. Stagnook had taken great care to instruct Harry in making a most excellent weapon.
A week later, when Harry and his uncles were shopping for school, they found out that Peter Pettigrew had escaped from Azkaban. They all wanted to know what guard forgot the anti-animagus charms or had cancelled them. It was the only way the rat could have gotten away. Harry also found out that his Uncle Remus was going to be the DADA teacher this year. At last they could learn something from a competent instructor.
On the train, Remus Lupin was in the same compartment as the boys, so when a dementor attacked he responded immediately to save Harry. They didn't know why it attacked, but he was going to find out.
When they arrived at the school, Remus confronted the Headmaster with the news of what happened and that Harry passed out from the pull of the creature.
"I understand your concern Remus, but I can't do anything about it. The Minister for Magic has insisted they be here and has overruled me on this matter," Dumbledore informed his new instructor.
"We have to do something to keep Harry safe. For some reason they are very attracted to him. There were six people in the compartment including me and he was the only one attacked."
"It's his magical power they are attracted to," Dumbledore informed him.
"We should notify his Head of House to be aware of the problem."
"I will inform Severus in the morning. Since the dementors are not allowed in the castle, the boy will be safe for now.
"Albus, he saw his parents' murder and heard his mother screaming for him, we need to do something about this." Remus watched as the Headmaster's eyes dimmed in sorrow for the plight of the young boy of Lily and James Potter.
Christmas time rolled around and instead of leaving the castle, Harry and his Uncle Remus invited Sirius to come spend it at the castle. The older men then worked with Harry, teaching him the patronus charm to ward off the dementors; who insisted on attacking him every time he had an outdoor activity.
The Ministry finally had to concede and bring the creatures back to Azkaban. They never did find Peter Pettigrew.
The summer before fourth year, Draco sent Harry a special owl to invite him to the Quidditch World Cup. Sirius made special arrangements to bring him to Grimmauld Place so that Harry could go with the Malfoys from there. It was a special event and he knew Harry would enjoy it.
It had been an intense summer as Harry had been learning how to use his new sword and dagger. Stagnook and his other instructors put him through his paces rigorously so Harry would be prepared for anything coming up. Little did they know just how soon the child would need these lessons. They cut their time short by letting him go with his friends to see the Quidditch game of the year.
It was the first time Harry had seen Death Eaters in action and he was scared. He hid amid the trees in the forest with Draco and wondered where Mr. Malfoy had gone. He wished he had his sword with him, but at least he had his wand. It was a sign that Voldemort was on the rise. He took a couple of deep breathes and focused on the training he had from his goblin instructors.
On the train going back for their fourth year, there was a rumor going around about a special surprise. An event was coming up but no one knew what it was. Even Draco said his father had indicated that this year was going to be very special.
"The Triwizard Tournament will be held at Hogwarts this year," Albus Dumbledore announced at the opening feast. "We will be visited by two other schools and the three competing champions will be chosen by this Goblet of Fire. I want you all to welcome our visitors when they come and be on your best behavior."
They cancelled Quidditch for the year; that was all Harry could think about. He really liked flying and competing in the games. Draco tried to console him by saying they could fly and practice even without the house games this year.
A few weeks later…
Draco had been slowly realizing how much a certain dark haired boy meant to him and asked his father a very important question. He remembered how he felt when Harry was attacked by the dementors and also at the Quidditch World Cup and he wanted to keep his friend safe. His father came to speak with his son and then, upon his urging, went to speak with Harry. He found him down by the lake.
"Harry, my son wishes to enter into a bonding contract with you and has asked me if I will speak to your guardian about this. I would like to know if you are in agreement and who your guardian is."
Harry had been thinking about this more and more as he got older. He tried to block it out but sometimes he could not help but think about his future as Voldemort obviously was on the rise. He looked at Draco's father with sorrowful eyes and stated, "I am sorry, sir; I don't know if my owner will allow it."
Lucius looked at the young man and then said, "I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you correctly."
Harry was actually glad to get this off his chest. He had never told anyone about it and the few times he tried to approach the subject with Sirius, his Godfather would just get mad at the situation. "When I was left with my muggle relatives, they didn't want me. I was half starved and in poor health when they exchanged money for me, about six weeks after I had arrived. I was bought on behalf of a wizard. I don't know who, but I have been told I cannot find out until my seventeenth birthday."
"Harry, how long have you known about this?" Lucius could see that it was hard for the young man to talk about it.
The young man looked out over the water and in a monotone voice said, "Since I was ten years old."
"Does your Godfather know this information?"
"Yes, but we don't talk about it. It's too painful. He has tried to find out on whose behalf I was purchased, but he has not been able to uncover the information."
Lucius put his hand on the younger man's shoulder and gave him a comforting squeeze. "Harry, I promise you that we will find out and will do everything we can to get you out of this. I will do all I can to fix this for you."
"I appreciate all you want to do for me Mr. Malfoy, but I don't know if even you can fix this. It has been a long time now and my Gringotts account manager says not to worry about it; but sometimes I just can't help but wish I was a normal person like anyone else. If I had not been Harry Potter, no one would have wanted me."
"I don't think that's true, Harry. There are many people that admire you for the intelligent young man you have become." Lucius couldn't imagine how anyone could sell a child or buy one for that matter. He wondered if Severus knew this information, but for now, he would keep Harry's secrets to himself.
It was time for the champion selection for the Triwizard Tournament and everyone was sitting in the Great Hall waiting to see who would be chosen. All three schools, Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, and Hogwarts students were waiting with bated breath to see who would get to compete.
"Victor Krum for Durmstrang" was shouted by Dumbledore.
"Fleur Delacour for Beauxbatons" was the next contestant announced.
"Cedric Diggory for Hogwarts" was the third name out of the cup.
Everyone was cheering so loud it was hard to hear what the Headmaster was saying next.
"We now have our three champions and I am sure…"
The goblet flared and spewed out another name; as Dumbledore grabbed the fourth slip of paper out of the air, Harry's heart sank as an uncomfortable feeling started in the pit of his stomach. Anytime something strange happened, it always happened to him.
"Harry Potter!" was shouted by the Headmaster.
This was bad; this was really bad, it can't be happening. Harry kept saying these words over and over like a mantra to himself even as the Headmaster called out his name again and told him to come forward. Unconsciously Harry grabbed at the amulet that to this day remained around his neck. He never needed Gibbennook as badly as he needed him now. He got up and looked at Draco, pleading with his eyes for some help even as he went forward to meet the Headmaster at the front of the room. The old man motioned for him to go into the side room with the others. The noise of everyone yelling at him was explosive and his ears were ringing from the sound.
When the Headmaster entered, he immediately grabbed Harry and asked, "Did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?"
"No sir."
"Did you ask one of the other students to do it for you?"
"No sir."
In the meantime, Draco raced to the dorm room to contact his father. Harry needed help and he needed it now. He was too young to compete and Draco knew Harry didn't put his name in that cup. He just wouldn't do that and how could he get past the age line anyway?
Severus Snape was another one that didn't believe Harry put his name in the cup. "He can't compete, Headmaster, you know that."
"Barty, I leave the decision up to you."
"He must compete, the rules are absolute."
"No, I can't compete. I am not trained enough and I am too young," Harry replied. He didn't want any part of this. "I'm not ready for something like this and I didn't put my name in that cup!" The whole time Harry was talking he was tugging on his amulet. It looked like a funny gesture as the others could not see the amulet itself.
Half an hour later, they were still arguing about Harry's competing, Professor Moody being the loudest about how Harry had to compete if his name came from the cup. Lucius Malfoy entered the room and looked around. Draco had used the floo in the Slytherin common room to contact him and he had just arrived. He could see the fear on Harry's face and knew the boy was terrified.
"Let me speak with Mr. Potter alone for a few minutes, Dumbledore," Lucius said. The well mannered aristocratic tone was cold as ice. "We will clear this up shortly."
Everyone was still screaming about the situation and Lucius pulled Harry to the side and said under his breath. "Sirius is on his way. He said he was already meeting with your caretaker to get the paperwork needed to get you out of this. You need to prepare yourself as it may come out that you were sold. I don't know how much influence I will have in keeping this a secret now."
"I understand sir," Harry answered. His hands were trembling and he asked his friend's father, "How could this happen? I didn't put my name in that cup. I am not ready to die. They said people die in this tournament."
"We will get you out of this, I promise." Lucius put his hand on the lad's shoulder to give him some of his strength.
Ten minutes later, Sirius Black and Stagnook entered the room. Stagnook was carrying his satchel that he carried his important papers in. Harry was never so glad to see anyone in his entire life.
"Dumbledore! I need to talk to you." Sirius growled out to get the man's attention. The room was loud as people continued to argue about Harry's entrance into the contest. Harry didn't care what they were saying anymore. Surely his Godfather and his Gibbennook could get him out of this.
"Uncle Sirius!" Harry called out as he ran toward his Godfather. "I didn't put my name in that cup, I swear!" Everyone else in the room was not convinced of his innocence and he wanted someone besides Mr. Malfoy to believe in him.
"I know Harry, you wouldn't do that. We will take care of this."
In a private meeting with Dumbledore, Snape, Malfoy, Sirius, Stagnook and Crouch, Harry's situation was revealed. Dumbledore, Snape and Crouch sat there stunned at the information given them.
"But the wards are still in place." Dumbledore said. "How could they be in place if Harry hasn't been there since he was sixteen months old?"
Arabella had tried to tell him and he hadn't believed her. The wards were in place. He hadn't checked on Harry. "Who owns him?"
Stagnook glared then answered, "You don't need to know that, you only need to know he was purchased on behalf of a wizard who wishes to remain anonymous for now. He is under a prior magical contract that precedes the Triwizard Tournament and he will not compete!"
"But what do we tell the others?" Dumbledore asked, almost as if talking to himself.
"You may tell the others whatever you wish. Harry is not competing. It is in his purchase agreement that he is not to put himself in danger unnecessarily; and to be honest, Dumbledore, a game is not necessary." Stagnook informed the man.
"We will have to concede on this matter Dumbledore," Barty Crouch said. "The contract the child is already under is binding and cannot be broken and it does take precedence." He had examined it and although he couldn't read the name of the one who purchased the poor boy, he could read the rest of it and it was very binding. It was a goblin contract and had more rules and clauses than he had ever seen. No one wanted to try and break that.
Professor Snape spoke up for the first time since hearing about Harry's predicament. "I do not understand how he is even here. Slaves are not allowed to attend Hogwarts."
"I did not say he was a slave," Stagnook interjected. "I said he was purchased on behalf of a wizard. He has never been trained nor treated as a slave."
"So where does he live?" Dumbledore wanted to know.
"He lives with a caretaker on behalf of the wizard for which he was purchased," Stagnook really didn't like the man, he was asking too many personal questions. "You don't need to know more than that."
Dumbledore looked at the little being, knowing that, in this case, he had no influence on anything concerning this situation. Harry had been sold; he would never have thought the child's relatives would have done such a thing. "Severus is correct, Hogwarts school rules are quite clear in this matter; he is not eligible to be a student if he is the property of another."
Lucius spoke up, "I believe that I represent all the School Governors in saying we can make an exception in this case, even if we have to vote to change the school rules to accommodate the situation."
Sirius was livid at the topic under discussion. Harry was clinging to him and they had no business frightening a fourteen year old child. He knew his Godson was in some ways better prepared than the champions in some magic. It still did not mean he wanted the child in the tournament or to have to leave the school. "Dumbledore!" Sirius shouted to get the old man's attention. "Do you really want the publicity that will surely follow, if people find out YOU circumvented the Potters' will and YOU placed Harry with relatives that sold him? And then YOU threw him out of school?"
He watched as Dumbledore's face blanched each time he said 'you'. Sirius knew that was the end of that conversation. Professor Snape smirked but stayed silent. Perhaps there was hope for the mutt after all.
Lucius turned to Harry who was still clinging to Sirius and said in a quiet voice, "Harry, why don't you go and tell Draco and the others that everything has been worked out. They are quite worried about you."
"Does that mean I get to stay?" Harry hadn't completely followed the expressions of the adults around him. He was stunned when they spoke about him not being allowed to stay in Hogwarts.
"Yes, you get to stay." Lucius gave him a small encouraging smile and Harry left the room.
The other men were leaving just after Harry. Only Crouch stayed behind to talk to Dumbledore about what they were going to say when they announced that Harry was not competing.
The other three wizards and the Gringotts goblin all went to Snape's quarters for a little discussion and a good stiff drink. Severus couldn't believe he was allowing the mutt to come into his personal quarters, but there were some things about which Stagnook wanted to speak.
As Severus passed out tumblers of brandy, Stagnook warded the floo, the door, the hallway leading to the door, the ceiling and the floors. By the time he finished, Severus didn't think a dust mite could get passed without him knowing.
"You must be the one that warded Harry's tent," Severus surmised.
"What tent?" Stagnook was a little confused.
"You didn't ward the tent that Harry brings with him to school?"
Both Sirius and Stagnook shook their heads no.
"He has a tent he and his dorm mates study in. It has his bed chambers, quarters for two elves, a kitchen and a full library."
Sirius laughed and said, "He really is a Slytherin. Is that why he wanted the rule book?"
Stagnook grinned, at least that's what Severus thought he was doing (who could tell with all those teeth?), and told the professor, "If Harry's tent is warded, he did it himself. He has been able to duplicate goblin wards since he was seven. We start teaching our children at the age of four."
"You mean he is living with goblins?" Lucius was shocked, outraged, and a dozen other emotions he couldn't identify at the moment.
"We are the caretakers in charge for the wizard of which he was purchased for." He paused then added, "We do have other pressing matters to speak about, gentlemen."
"And what would that be?" Severus asked.
"The rise of your Dark Lord, and his possible interest in Harry. He took precautions to secure his immortality. You do know this."
Severus nodded his head. He knew, he just didn't know what it was that the Dark Lord had done. No one had been in touch with him to let him know of any activities, but his dark mark was getting stronger.
"Goblins do not get involved in the affairs of wizards, but I have been sworn to protect Harry. My son was one of the children attacked when Lily and James Potter saved five goblin children and two young house elves from Death Eaters. Those elves are the same ones that take care of Harry now. The other children were my brother's two children and two of those that were descended from Gringott himself. We do take our debts seriously."
This was all news to Severus and Lucius. They had not known about Lily and James Potter protecting children from Voldemort's followers. However, it did sound like something that was very Gryffindor.
"Gentlemen, three of your Dark Lord's artifacts have been destroyed. But we believe there are three more. We have already disposed of the diary that Mr. Malfoy was in possession of. He brought it to us with information about your Dark Lord just before Harry's second year. We have also destroyed a cup that Belletrix Lestrange had in her vault and the locket that was in the Black vault."
"Wait, what? Sirius was confused. "What locket and what artifacts are you talking about?"
"When you removed some of the dark books and objects from your house and placed them in your heirloom vault; you placed a locket in there that once belonged to Salazar Slytherin, or his wife to be exact. Kreacher told us about it because he promised Regulus, upon his death, he would destroy it but he failed."
"You mean my house elf came to you? Why?" Sirius was now even more confused.
"Just because you don't interact with other creatures, does not mean the rest of us don't. If you would talk to your house elves and treat them as equals, you would be amazed at the information they are privy to. The elf cannot serve a dead master so was not revealing anything to hurt you and it wasn't your secret."
"How were you allowed to destroy something from my vault?" Sirius questioned the goblin again.
"You don't read what you sign, do you. You are not allowed to have anything sentient in your vaults, nothing that could possibly find out what the other clients have. The artifacts have a piece of Voldemort's soul in them. According to your contract, we are allowed to destroy anything that threatens to breach our clients' privacy."
The goblin then explained that several elves knew what the Dark Lord had done. Several of them, including one of Mr. Malfoy's own elves had told him there were six artifacts in existence. They were sure of it. Even one of the Hogwarts elves had recounted the information about a conversation between Tom Riddle and the Potions Professor when he was a student here. "The elves are around you all the time, doing your bidding and you discount them as not human. You also discount them as unintelligent. This is a very stupid practice on your part. Elves cannot betray their owners, but the guests you have in your house don't own them. We work around the rules of internment to keep ourselves safe. I and two other goblins have been working on this since Harry's first year here."
They called on the head elf of Hogwarts and asked him if he knew where another artifact was. He said he knew there was one in the come and go room and went himself to go and retrieve it. He was quite glad that they were doing something about it. He returned almost immediately.
"Why didn't you tell the Headmaster about this?" Severus asked. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, six horcruxes. They were talking about horcruxes! No wonder the man acted the way he did. He had no humanity left.
"He didn't ask, and for the most part ignores us. He doesn't have the power to destroy it anyway," the elf answered the Professor.
Stagnook placed the object on the floor, reached behind his back, and pulled a large knife from under his clothes and stabbed the crown of Ravenclaw. They all watched in wonder as a scream was heard and a dark cloud gather then dissipated.
"That only leaves the ring hidden at the Gaunt home and that snake that your Dark Lord carries around with him." Stagnook said after destroying the crown. "I believe, gentlemen, it is time for me to leave."
As he started out of the door after taking down his wards he said, "Harry has his own goblin crafted sword. I would make sure he wears it at all times. I am sure today was not an accident but a deliberate attempt to get him to compete. We just need to find out why."
"Wait!" Severus said before the goblin could leave. "Can you tell us who really owns Harry?"
"The one who needs him most," and with that cryptic remark, he disappeared.