Disclaimer: Still own nothing!
A/N: I'm so sorry for the long wait, but I wanted this chapter to be up to snuff. It is a pivotal chapter in the story and needed to be done right. This chapter was getting to be over 16,000 words so I decided to split it. So in other words you get two chapters for the price of one!
I want to thank everyone for all the reviews! Chapter 20 received over sixty reviews, the most of any one chapter that I've written! You guys rock! So with out any further delay I hope you enjoy Chpt. 21 and 22 of Watching Over Harry.
Chapter 21
Minerva McGonagall made her way through Diagon Alley to the Leaky Caldron. It was coming up on noon and the letter had told her to arrive by 12:00 p.m. sharp. Per instructions she approached Tom the bar man and asked to see a Mr. Evans. Tom told her that she could meet her party in room 207 at the top of the stairs last room on the left.
Minerva wondered why she had agreed to meet with this Mr. Evans, but she had been intrigued when the letter said that the man had information that concerned her lost lion. The only lions she had lost recently had been Harry and Hermione. At first she was angry that someone would sink so low as to bring up such painful losses. But then her sharp mind caught the last name 'Evans', Lily's maiden name. Was it a coincidence or was someone with knowledge of Harry's mother trying to entice her further.
The anger soon turned to curiosity, but she knew what curiosity did to the kitty. She would have dismissed the letter outright except for the post script; that little line had special meaning for her, something that only a few people knew about in fact only two people had ever known. "P.S. Nimbus Two Thousand's do make wonderful gifts. Thank you!"
It was this line that caught her attention more than anything else the letter had contained. She had bought Harry a Nimbus 2000 when he had joined the Gryffindor Quiditch team in his first year and had asked Harry to keep it a secret between them. She didn't want other students to think she was favoring him over the others.
Whoever this was had to have been close to Harry. The only ones she could think of were Ms. Granger and Ronald Weasley. Hermione the last she heard was missing and presumed dead, another loss she took personally. The other of course she wanted to beat with a bludger bat with his recent interviews in the Daily Prophet and that damnable book he co-authored with Rita Skeeter. She had never been so disappointed in a student since Peter Pettigrew, and the level of betrayal was almost the same in her book.
So here she was about to knock on the door, ready to meet with someone who could very well be a Death Eater for all she knew, but she had to come. It was almost a compulsion; she had a need to discover anything about her lost lion.
Minerva raised her left hand and in her right she held tightly to her wand. 'Knock knock knock' The sound of her knuckles hitting the shabby looking wooden door seemed to echo up and down the dimly lit corridor causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stick straight up.
The door opened a crack and a pair of silver-grey eyes looked at her from beneath a cloak. For a moment the person behind the door did nothing but stare at her as if the person was studying her. The door then opened completely as the small hooded person stepped away from the door and beckoned her in.
Minerva hesitantly stepped forward, her eyes sweeping around the medium size bedroom, immediately her eyes fixed on another cloaked individual who was sitting at a small table with both hands on the table showing that the person did not have a wand…at least in their hands.
"Welcome Professor McGonagall." A soft dreamy voice stated. "We've been expecting you." With the greeting offered, the cloaked individual who greeted Minerva removed her hood and a smiling Luna Lovegood stood before her.
"M-Miss Lovegood…w-what is the meaning of all this!" Minerva stated trying to keep herself composed. "Are you the one who sent me that letter?" The Scotswoman demanded trying to mask her previous nervousness with an air of controlled temper.
"She was not professor and neither was I, but we are here on behalf of the person who did." The other individual stated standing up from the table and removing her cloak.
A tall girl with long flowing black hair with chestnut brown highlights and with stunning green and violet eyes stood before her. Minerva almost didn't recognize one of her all time favorite students but for the familiar facial features and her voice.
"H-Hermione!" Minerva asked in hope.
"Yes professor it's me." Hermione stated warmly and gave a half smile to her favorite professor.
"I had prayed that you were alright… no one knew what had happened to you after your parents were found…"
"It's alright professor, I understand. It was a horrible night, but thankfully someone found me and took me in." Hermione stated as tears of gratitude and love filled her eyes thinking of Harry and Bella.
"Well you look wonderful Ms. Granger and a little bit… different." Minerva stated looking over her pupil with a critical eye.
"All that will be explained professor." Hermione stated with an enigmatic grin. "Please have a seat." Hermione offered pointing to a dusty lounge chair. Minerva cast a quick scourgify charm and the chair looked almost like new. She sat down primly and looked at the two younger witches.
"You know Ms. Lovegood, I could have been anyone at the door, and you should have had at least your wand out in case I was someone who had more nefarious goals in mind." Minerva told the young blonde.
"Oh I knew it was you before you knocked professor." Luna stated as if it were obvious. "And besides, Hermione would have warned me if your motives had been less than friendly."
"And how did you know it was me dear before you even opened the door." Minerva asked curiously not catching the Hermione reference.
"Well I read your magic of course." Luna said matter of factly.
"You read my magic?" Minerva stated, raising an incredulous long thin eyebrow.
"Professor, Luna can identify a person by their magical signature. Apparently everyone has a distinct signature and she can read those differences." Hermione offered.
"I see…I didn't know that was even possible without casting a revealing spell and only when a spell had been cast by the person in question." Minerva replied. Luna just shrugged and gave a lopsided grin reminiscent of Harry.
"Well then." The Scotswoman began. "Would either of you like to tell me what exactly is going on. You have been reported missing Ms. Granger and presumed dead, and you Ms. Lovegood, all that is known is that you became the ward of a great house though no one seems to know which. And then I would like to know about this letter I received which seemed to hint at information regarding H-Harry." The Scotswoman asked painfully choking out Harry's name.
"I know you have a lot of questions professor." Hermione began. "But before I can reveal anything to you I need to ask you some questions first." Hermione told her professor authoritatively, hoping that the older woman wouldn't become irritated with the demand.
Minerva pursed her lips ready to argue, but after seeing the set determination in Hermione's eyes she thought better of it. She decided to play along and see where the questioning lead.
"Very well Ms. Granger, but I reserve the right to ask questions of my own afterward." The stern transfiguration professor stated with a piercing stare which to her surprise didn't seem to faze Hermione at all. Something had changed within her former pupil she noticed, she had a confidence that she did not possess at the end of the last term. She had a knowing look in her eyes and a confidant smile as if she could read her every thought.
"First off professor we are not in school so please call me Hermione and I'm sure Luna would appreciate the same courtesy." Hermione smiled warmly.
"Of course Hermione…Luna." Minerva stated looking at the two young women. Hermione beamed at her former head of house.
"Next Professor I've heard that you have left Hogwarts…retired as it were. May I ask why?" Hermione asked.
"That is rather personal Ms. Gran…Hermione." Minerva stated with a grimace. "Let's just say I left because of irreconcilable differences." The older woman stated crossing her arms and legs showing reluctance in continuing this line of questioning.
Hermione decided to be direct in her next question; if she could get her upset enough she could determine her true feelings with greater ease. The resulting emotion that she would get from Minerva would settle her mind on whether she would fill her in on what had been happening in Harry's life since he fell under the influence of Albus Dumbledore and what had happened recently.
"Professor what is your honest opinion of Professor Dumbledore?" Immediately Hermione felt a wave of disgust hit her quickly followed by feelings of betrayal and loathing. But apart from the slight frown that appeared on Minerva's face she showed no other outward emotion.
"Such a question Ms. Granger!" Minerva stated with false indignation. "Albus Dumbledore is a great…"
"Before you finish that statement professor, know this. If you lie to me I will know it and any further discussion will be terminated!" Hermione interrupted the austere witch with a look that brokered no compromise.
"She is quite serious professor, she has a unique ability to sense a person's true emotions and if you aren't truthful she will never allow you close to Harry. She is quite protective of him." Luna added. "Oh poo! Did I let that slip?" Luna smirked at a gob smacked Minerva McGonagall.
"H-Harry's alive?" A stunned Minerva asked the two younger witches.
"Answer the question professor! What is your opinion of Albus Dumbledore? Are you still loyal to him?" Hermione stated in full interrogation mode seeking out Minerva's buried emotions to find any sympathetic allegiance to the old man.
Minerva was stunned to see an almost feral Hermione Granger, the devoted young Hogwarts student that had never ever questioned an authority figure was spitting out the headmasters name as if it were rancid pumpkin juice.
"Hermione…I don't know where all this hostility is coming from but it is not healthy for a…"
"Professor!" Hermione growled. Taking a long deep breath to calm herself, Hermione closed her eyes and tried to gain control over her emotions. Deciding to change tactics Hermione decided on another approach.
"Let me tell you about a conversation I had with a Hogwarts professor, right after he sliced open my father's throat with a severing charm." Hermione spat, the repressed fury she kept buried threatening to escape.
Hermione then told Minerva about her conversation with Snape, and how Dumbledore had known about the attacks and was aware of the fate that awaited her and Luna at Voldemort's hand. Minerva had been shocked, she had know Dumbledore had ignored Harry's safety but this brought a whole new level of betrayal that she had not thought capable of the ancient wizard.
Minerva then confessed her own feelings toward the headmaster, how she had lost all faith in him. She spoke of Mrs. Figg's Harry journal which she was surprised to learn that Hermione had seen and read. She no longer believed that Dumbledore was right to lead the fight against the Dark Lord. Too many had died at Albus's refusal to treat this as a war. His refusal to use lethal spells was not his reluctance to use them it was his reluctance to use them on pureblood witches and wizards.
He did not share Voldemort's belief in wiping out muggles and muggleborns. He did believe that the purebloods should be the ruling class of wizarding society and those of lesser pedigrees should be the working or servant class. So he did not want to shed elite blood, he had hoped to sway them more to his way of thinking as opposed to the Dark Lords.
There needed to be another approach to fighting this war. She had lost her husband and only family during the Grindlewald years. She saw the heavy cost of fighting a war that you're not completely committed to do whatever it took to win. Albus was literally tying their hands, and losing good witches and wizards in the process by not fighting with the same lethality that was being used against them.
This had caused her to leave the Order but what drove her from the school was Dumbledore's subtle recruitment of students; children who believed in the fairytale of an all powerful light wizard, a man who was almost as great as Merlin. They would be used in this war, they would fight valiantly but they would die as sure as her husband had how Arthur Weasley had and how many countless others in the last two wizarding wars had.
Minerva McGonagall could no longer be at the school and be seen as a passive supporter of a man who was setting children up to die. So she decided to leave and hide away from the carnage that would soon come to Hogwarts. It had not been an easy decision it was many an anguished filled days and nights. But in the end her soul could not handle the burden of helping train children to fight a losing war.
Hermione saw the raw emotion rolling through Minerva and knew that any ties holding her to the Headmaster had been cut. She also felt the incredible affection that she had for Harry and for herself. Hermione believed that Minerva could be a powerful ally to Harry; she was a transfiguration mistress and a powerful witch in her own right. She could be a valuable asset in the current war.
"Professor, what if I was to tell you that Harry was very much alive, and searching for allies to help him win the current war." Hermione asked the older witch with a piercing stare.
"Harry is alive then?" Minerva asked hopefully.
"Yes professor he is." Hermione stated.
"Why has he kept his silence? Everyone believes him to be dead." Minerva asked in confusion.
"I guess the short answer is he doesn't trust Dumbledore or the Ministry. Both have tried to use him for their own purposes. And with Dumbledore's willingness to sacrifice others in his little chess game with Voldemort, Harry has decided to go his own way. He is searching for those who would help him professor." Hermione stated as she paced the room.
"All Harry wants professor is a life, a life free of Dark Lords, manipulative Headmasters, and a ministry and public that will just leave him alone to live his life. He realizes to accomplish the first he must beat Voldemort, he also realizes he is not ready to face him yet. But he feels with the right allies and training he will get there." Hermione finished as she stopped in front of the older witch.
"We already have a small group willing to help him professor. Including some unlikely allies, that may surprise you professor. But let me assure you that we are all dedicated and completely loyal to Harry." Luna informed the former head of Gryfindor House.
"It's a lot to take in Ms. Granger but I'm willing to help." Minerva said resolutely. Hermione felt her sincerity and smiled and her old mentor.
"I'm pleased professor, and it's no longer Ms. Granger… its Ms. Potter."
oooOOOooo
Rowan Hill Bones Ancestral Home same time as Leaky Caldron meeting.
Lady Augustus Longbottom and her grandson Neville stepped out of the floo of Rowan Hill the ancestral home of the Bones family. They were greeted by Amelia and Susan who had been waiting anxiously to see her boyfriend. She had been keeping a secret from him for three weeks now and today that secret would finally be revealed.
Susan launched herself at her boyfriend wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and kissing him soundly. The two older witches simultaneously cleared their throats looking at the young couple who were both blushing a spectacular shade of red.
"Thank you for inviting us to your home minister." The dowager Lady Longbottom stated in a proper manner raising an eye brow at her grandson.
"Please Augusta we are old friends I think we can address each other a bit more familiarly." Amelia stated with a warm smile to her old friend.
"Of course Amelia, it is good to see you again. So what is the reason for this mysterious invite, you letter was quite cryptic." Augusta asked with a hint of curiosity.
"Why don't we go to the parlour where we can be comfortable and have a spot of tea while we talk?" Amelia offered showing her guests the way.
Susan and Neville holding each other's hands walked behind the two older witches. Susan was grinning from ear to ear and almost skipping alongside her boyfriend.
"What's going on Suzie?" Neville whispered.
Susan smiled enigmatically at Neville. "It's something I've wanted to tell you for some time." She said squeezing his hand. "A lost friend hasn't been so lost." She whispered back. But her response only confused the boy further.
The group entered the posh parlour of the Bone's home. It was decorated in Louis the XV décor with a couple of Giltwood sofas and a pair of late 18th century Bergeres and other assorted furnishings of the era placed throughout the room.
A lone figure stood staring out the large bay window. His back was turned to the four people who had entered. He was tall and fit with shoulder length black hair that fell neatly down his neck, and fanned out over his shoulders.
Amelia cleared her throat and the young man turned around. "Lady Augusta Longbottom, allow me to introduce to you Lord Hadrian James Potter-Black." Amelia stated proudly.
"It is an honor to finally meet you Lady Longbottom, I have heard many wonderful things about you." Harry said in his most proper and dignified voice as he gave a slight bow to the dowager Lady.
Forgetting protocol Neville shouted out "Harry!" Neville then looked at his girlfriend. "Is this the lost friend you were hinting at?" Neville asked. Susan beamed and nodded.
Neville took three long strides and grabbed Harry in a manly hug. "It's so good to see you mate. We all thought you were dead!" Neville stated his smile threatening to split his face.
"Where have you been? What have you been doing? Why didn't you…"
"Easy Neville." Harry chuckled at his friend. "I'll explain everything, just slow down and take a breath."
Harry and Neville were interrupted by Augusta clearing her throat and raising a manicured eyebrow at the both of them. The two friends had the good sense to look apologetic at the austere woman. Augusta half smiled at the pair approving of the friendship the two obviously shared.
"Well it seems that the Prophet was wrong about your gruesome death Lord Potter." The Lady Longbottom stated. "I'm sure the story behind your miraculous return to the living is a fascinating one." She gave a rare smile to the young Lord.
"It is Lady Longbottom, but please, call me Harry, I'm not use to the whole Lord Potter-Black thing." Harry asked the older witch who gave him a slight nod.
"Potter-Black?" Augusta asked in surprise.
"Yes mam." Harry started. "My godfather was Lord Sirius Orion Black and he named me his heir in his will making me Lord Black and head of the Black family." Harry finished
"Wasn't he a Death Eater and hadn't he been trying to kill you Harry? Why would he make you his heir?" The wizened witch stated.
"He was not a Death Eater." Harry stated a little heatedly. "He was framed by Peter Pettigrew who was the one who actually betrayed my parents to Voldemort. Sirius was sent to Azkaban without trial and was never allowed to prove his innocence. But that's a story best left for another time perhaps." Harry finished, composing himself.
"Very well…Harry." Augusta stated warmly. "Now Amelia, I assume this meeting has to do with young Harry here."
"It is my friend; it's a long and disturbing story. Please sit I'll have some tea brought in. Harry would you like to tell your story." Amelia asked turning to her godson.
The next two hours were filled with the tale of Harry's mistreatment and beatings he suffered at the hands of his relatives all under the knowing eye of Albus Dumbledore, his rescue by Bella after his relatives had literally beat him to death, the core bonding ritual that saved his life and bound him and Bella together. He told them of the special relationship he and Bella had developed over the years and that it was their love for each other that caused the permanent bonding to occur during the ritual.
He then spoke of the murder of his friend Hermione's parents and also the murder of Xeno Lovegood and how Dumbledore knew of the attacks beforehand and did nothing to protect them but offered them up as sacrificial lambs. He informed her about his adopting of Hermione and taking Luna as a ward of House Potter.
It had been a shocking revelation for Neville that the headmaster and leader of the light could be capable of such malfeasance and wondered if that night that Dumbledore offered them protection he also knew that an attack on Longbottom Manor had been planned as well. It was almost too much to think on.
All this seemed only to confirm to Augusta that Albus had finally crossed the proverbial line with his manipulations and political maneuverings. House Longbottom had been allies with House Potter for centuries and she believed it was time for the two noble houses to be united once more. The future ahead seemed murky at best and in this time of uncertainty alliances needed to be made and strengthened.
It had been touch and go for awhile as Neville and his grandmother listened to Harry. Neville had been informed by his grandmother soon after Bella's trial that Bellatrix had actually saved his life that fateful night his parents were cursed until their minds broke. But Neville still harbored some resentment for Harry's bonded who felt she didn't do enough to stop her then husband and brother in-law from torturing his parents.
Harry had explained the mind control that Lestrange had over Bella to Neville but Neville told Harry that it would just take time for him to accept everything and completely forgive her. Harry accepted Neville's decision and hoped that the Longbottom heir would completely forgive his wife one day soon. There was too much strife and misery in the world to hang on to past actions and inactions; it was time to look toward the future. A future that would be shaped by the side that was the most committed to their cause.
Harry knew he needed to gather all those who were seriously committed to ending the threat that was Voldemort and the Pureblood agenda of discrimination and segregation among all magical beings. As the great American President Abraham Lincoln had said 'A house divided cannot stand.'
And the magical world was divided; the purebloods classified anyone of mixed parentage as second class citizens if not lower, house elves, centaurs and all other sentient magical beings were given no rights at all and were thought of as little more than creatures that needed to be controlled and subjugated. It was a society ripe for implosion.
So it was a relieved Harry Potter that gladly accepted the offered support and alliance with House Longbottom. Whether Harry realized it at the time or not he had just successfully tipped the balance of power in the Wizengamot to his side. With such old and powerful houses such as the Bones, Longbottoms and Blacks and all their connections and alliances with other light and gray Houses, House Potter was now a force to be reckoned with and would surely begin to bring other houses to its side.
oooOOOooo
Ron Weasley was on top of the world, he had just received his first royalty check from his book that he co-authored with Rita Skeeter. He had been a little upset at first with the split of royalties he shared with Skeeter, she took sixty-five percent of the profits and Ron would only get thirty-five. After all Skeeter did most the work as she explained to the youngest Weasley male.
But the young redhead as clever as he was at chess did not have the head for business the way his twin older brothers did. So he was content just to be receiving anything and 100,000 Galleons was nothing to sneeze at.
With the monthly royalties check and the millions he had no doubt would be left to him in Sirius Blacks and Harry's will he would be the wealthiest sixteen year old in Britain. He could see it now all the wealth and fame not to mention all the girls throwing themselves at him. Yep, and as wealthy as he was he would not return to school. After all school was foe those poor sods that had no money and needed school in order to find a job. Nope not him, his schooling days were through.
It was too bad about Granger winding up missing; they could have had some fun together while he entertained marriage contracts from the prettier pureblood girls who would want to attach themselves to his rising star. 'Hmpf…her loss.' He mused as he strolled down Diagon Alley with his new Firebolt racing broom over his shoulder.
He entered Madam Malkin's 'Robes for Every Occasion' specialty shop. He was picking up his new dress robes for the Will reading tomorrow. After all he would be a millionaire come tomorrow and he had to look the part.
While the youngest male Weasley was doing his shopping, the youngest female Weasley was with her mother. They had sought out a lawyer to help them claim Ginny as the heir of the Potter fortune having been the betrothed of the late Harry Potter, the betrothal contract being set up by Albus Dumbledore acting as magical guardian for Harry.
In accordance with the old law, the fiancé of a recently deceased head of house and said head of house having no other living heir could claim the family name and all holdings if that family blood was somewhere in the fiancé's family tree. A heritage test had been performed on Ginny and it was found that she in fact did have a trace of Potter blood. An ancestry check had been made and had revealed that an Elladora Potter had married a Burgess Weasley in 1680. Elladora was the daughter of then head of House Potter Artemis Potter.
With betrothal contract and a certified ancestry document in hand, Molly Weasley drug her youngest back to Gringotts Bank along with her attorney and demanded to see the goblin over Will's and Inheritances. They would acquiesce to her demands or she would threaten the goblins with a law suit in the International Wizards Court and charge them with theft from an Ancient and Noble House a serious crime, serious enough that the Goblin clan that ran the London Branch of Gringotts could lose their hold on the bank and a new Goblin Clan would take over. In Goblin culture a hostile takeover was just that hostile!
Various clans of Goblins vied for the various branches of Gringotts around the globe. If one clan did not bring in enough profits, the leadership of the Goblin Nation would no longer support the clan who had been in charge thus ending any perceived protection. Thus a clan war would be declared and the winning clan would take over the running of the bank in question. It was brutal but it gave the ruling clan incentive to make as much profit as they could or be left vulnerable for…replacement.
Molly Weasley would no longer be denied what was rightfully hers. The Prewitt name would be great once more and take its rightful place amongst the Ancient and Noble Houses. With the combined wealth of the Potter and Black accounts she would be one of the most if not the wealthiest witch in the country. She could buy her way to a Ladyship in the Royal Court she mused with sardonic satisfaction. She would have her mansion or perhaps a castle; yes a castle with a score of house elves to do her bidding morning, noon and night.
Molly glared at the goblin that was looking back at her with a look of disdain and loathing. 'How dare this human address me with such impertinence!' The goblin thought to himself as he dreamed of the most painful way of slowly disemboweling this redheaded human. A predatory grin came over the goblins face which unnerved Molly slightly but did not deter her from her mission.
"N-now are you going to assistance us or shall we be speaking with another goblin." Molly asked the goblin with false bravado.
"If you'll wait a moment…" The goblin sneered. "…I will alert the proper office of your request."
A few moments later, Molly, Ginny and their lawyer were escorted to the office of Slingblade, the House Potter manager. Slingblade motioned to the hard wood chairs in front of his desk. He watched as the three humans sat in the very uncomfortable chairs and inwardly smirked as they shifted from side to side in an attempt to find a more comfortable sitting position.
Sitting comfortably back in his leather chair he stared at the three humans over his steepled fingers. His eyes were narrowed and his jaw set firm as he considered how to deal with these usurpers. He knew Harry did not want to be revealed until the public Will reading on the morrow, so how to misdirect these pretenders to House Potter until then.
"How may I be assistance to you this afternoon?" Slingblade finally asked his voice low and menacing.
Molly stood imperiously she pointed at Ginny while not taking her eyes off of the ancient goblin. "This is Ginevra Weasley the fiancé of the late Harry Potter. In accordance with the old laws we present to you the marriage contract between Harry Potter and my daughter Ginevra, and a certified copy of her ancestry linking her to House Potter. So in accordance with the old law we are here to have control of House Potter turned over to me…a-as her guardian of course, since she is not of age." Molly quickly amended.
Slingblade silently stared at the Weasley matriarch drumming his steepled fingers together. A wry smile appeared on the ancient goblins face as he realized how to stall the woman without revealing that Harry was alive and her claim was worthless.
"Very well Mrs. Weasley. If you'll hand over the paperwork I'll see if we can't give you what you deserve." The goblin smirked.
Molly handed over the paperwork and stood triumphantly in the ornate office. Visions of what she was going to do with all that wealth swimming in her mind. A clearing of a throat broke Molly from her day dream as the ancient goblin began to speak.
"It seems Mrs. Weasley that you don't have a certified copy of the Death Certificate." The ancient goblin stated with a half grin on his face.
"The what?" Molly asked in confusion
"The certified Death Certificate. Before there can be any transfer of ownership a certified copy of the Death Certificate must be presented." The goblin confirmed.
Molly's lawyer stood and stated. "Surely that is a minor detail. Everyone knows that he is dead and how it happened."
"Do they now?" The goblin asked tilting his head to the side and rubbing his chin as if in thought. "If I'm not mistaken there was no body found. And to my knowledge the Ministry investigators have not closed the case and have reached no conclusion on the remains that were found." He smirked.
"Now you see here you foul little creature!" Molly spat, the old goblin merely giving her an unreadable glance. "You are trying to swindle me out of what is rightfully mine!" She yelled, the Prewitt temper revealing itself in all its ugliness. "You will give us what is our due or I will be forced to take drastic action against you and your clan!" The redheaded woman roared.
Slingblade began to chuckle, his sharp pointed teeth being prominently displayed in a rather gruesome manner. "You think your threats concern me at all human?" Slingblade asked the fuming woman. "The law and procedures are absolute. Without the required documentation all the required documentation, no transfer of ownership can or will be made." Slingblade stated forcefully brokering no argument.
"Believe me beast when I have control over House Potter you will find yourself out of a job and headless if I have my way." Molly spat acidly. Molly forcefully tugged Ginny behind her as she and the lawyer exited the goblins office.
"I'll be back!" Molly shouted over her shoulder as she disappeared through the heavy wooden doors of Slingblade's office. The old goblin continued to chuckle heartily at the thought of what tomorrow would bring. It would definitely be a sight worth seeing.
oooOOOooo
A weary Harry Potter stepped through the floo of Black Manor and was immediately hit by a dark blur that smelled of sandalwood and spice. The warm body pressed against him and soon his mouth was attacked by another pair of soft lips that seemed to want to devour him. It was only for the lack of air that his beautiful wife reluctantly released his lips.
"I missed you." A breathy Bella told an amused Harry.
"We were only apart for a few hours love." Harry smiled at his bride.
"A few hours too long." Bella purred as she snuggled her head against his broad chest. Harry scooped her up bridal style and walk with her into the parlour where Cissy, Andi, and Tonks were listening to the wireless and keeping themselves otherwise busy. Tonks was reading the latest edition of Teen Witch Weekly that had a picture of a smiling and winking Ron Weasley on the cover. Harry just rolled his eyes at the thought of his once best friend.
Narcissa and Andromeda had their heads together over a piece of parchment writing on it as they discussed the wording and the best way to present it. Bella whispered into Harry's ear that the sisters where writing a press release for after the Will reading to be given to the media. Harry sighed and shook his head.
"It's going to be a circus tomorrow isn't it?" Harry whined.
"Yes dear." Bella chuckled sweetly. "But you have a gang of witches that won't let the big bad public hurt you." She said in playful tone. Harry chuckled despite his feeling of dread.
Harry sat down on the loveseat with Bella sitting across his lap and her head laid on his shoulder. Bella thought contently that there was no more comfortable place to be than in Harry's arms as she snuggled deeper into her love.
"Has Hermione and Luna returned?" Harry asked the assembled group.
"Uh huh." Tonks stated not looking up from her magazine. "I believe they're in the library. I believe Hermione was looking up something on oaths of fealty or some such thing, oh and something about castration charms and something about a certain redhead not being allowed to procreate. Of course she said that after she read the article on Ron in my magazine here." Tonks stated her hand waving in a dismissive gesture.
"Oh?" Harry said raising a questioning eyebrow.
"Not worth reading love." Bella said disgustedly. "It's a fluff piece on the little wanker, almost making him out to be the greatest thing since Merlin and Casanova. I can't believe people read that tripe." Bella remarked "No offense dear," Bella added directing her comment to Tonks.
"None taken." Tonks smiled. "I read it to get a good laugh every now and again." The bubbly auror stated with a crooked smile.
"Harry dear.." Narcissa began. "…Slingblade contacted me about an hour ago. Apparently Molly had returned to Gringotts to force the issue of Ginny's claim to House Potter."
"Really?" Harry asked with interest. "And how did that go?"
"Well between his laughing fits, I surmised it didn't go well for the woman. It seems she got legal representation and they presented the marriage contract Dumbles had written up and an ancestry document that proves that Ginny has Potter blood, however distant it does legally give her a claim. That is if you were truly deceased." The blonde Black sister stated with an exasperated chuckle at the redheaded woman's tenacity.
"So what did Slingblade do?" Harry asked inquisitively.
"Well he asked for your Death Certificate. He informed her that it is a mandatory document and that no transfer can be made without proof of death. And since the Ministry has not seen fit to file one yet, her claim cannot go forward." Cissy chuckled.
Harry smiled at the cleverness of his account manager and decided to give the crafty goblin a raise for his cunningness.
"Well she'll be in for a rude awakening come tomorrow, won't she love." Harry said squeezing the comfortable Bella in his lap.
"I can't wait to see the expression on the old hag's face. When she sees you walk in the room with me on your arm...priceless." Bella smiled mischievously. Harry chuckled at his wife's comment and envisioned a Molly Weasley in full conniption.
oooOOOooo
The day of the public Will reading of Sirius Black had finally come. The Potter household was a buzz with nervous energy. It had been nearly a month since the supposed death of the Boy-Who-Lived but the time for hiding in the shadows had finally come to an end. Not only would the news of his return to the living create a sensation, but the news of his marriage to the former Bellatrix Lestrange would be made public as well.
Harry was not as concerned for his own well being or publicity but he was profoundly concerned on the public's reaction to her. She had quickly become the sun in his universe, everything revolved around her and there was nothing he wouldn't do to protect her. Oh he knew she was a very capable witch, probably one of the best duelists in the country but that did nothing to lesson his protectiveness.
He was awed by her beauty and grace and bewitched by her sense of humor and sarcastic nature. She could be seductive and all at once silly which had the young man on his toes and kept their relationship exciting and adventurous. The passion between the two could easily be felt by everyone who knew them. In Harry's humble opinion there was no woman more perfect than his Bella, her quirks and human frailties only endeared her more to him.
Bella slowly approached her husband who had been waiting for her in the parlour, her hips swaying seductively and her eyes smoky and filled with passion. Harry gulped as he saw the vision of beauty approach him. She gently pressed herself against him never losing eye contact with her husband. She tilted her head up and just a bit to the side. Her arms reached around his neck as she gently pulled him down into a long sensuous kiss that took his breath away.
Bella stepped back and smiled as she looked at her love whose eyes were still closed with a dazed but happy look on his face. He slowly opened his eyes still reveling in the incredible kiss.
"Wow…that was…wow!" Harry sputtered which caused Bella to giggle.
"That was for your wonderful thoughts about me love." Bella said as she gave him another tender kiss.
"I'll have to do that more often." Harry said smiling hugely.
Narcissa walked into the room and saw the expression on Harry's face. "Did you have to break him before the reading Bella?" Narcissa chuckled at her brother-in-law's predicament.
"Well not everything's broken the important things are in perfect working order." Bella smirked as she caressed the hard result of her kiss. Harry went crimson which caused both Narcissa and Bella to giggle at the poor young man's state.
The rest of the household began to arrive in the parlour dressed in their finest robes. Hermione and Luna had matching emerald colored cloaks with stiff inch and a half collars, the Potter crest prominently displayed on the left side above the breast.
Underneath her cloak Hermione wore a white off the shoulder peasant girl style blouse that laced in front and over the top of her blouse she wore a black leather and lace bodice that displayed her womanly assets in spectacular fashion. She wore an ankle length dark green silk and lace skirt that seemed to flow over her hips accentuating her curves leaving no doubt of the beautiful young woman she had become. On her feet she wore calf high, black patent leather stiletto heeled boots that added another three inches to her 5'7" height.
Her hair was left long and it fell in gentle dark waves just below her shoulders. Around her neck she wore an emerald pendant that she had found in the Potter vaults and had quickly fallen in love with it. Bella presented it to her as a gift this morning and she had immediately put it on. The four karat emerald was surrounded by six white diamonds and was set into a goblin made unbreakable silver necklace.
Luna was similarly dressed but wore a bright red skirt. She had said that with the green cloak it reminded her of Christmas and that she felt particularly festive today. Her hair was kept long with a wreath of flowers woven through her hair at the crown of her head. The rest of her hair falling in spirals ending just above her waist. Luna also wore a necklace that had been gifted to her by Bella. It was a stunning large blue opal and diamond tear drop necklace. It was simple but elegant and Luna loved it. The pendant like Hermione's was attached to a Goblin made unbreakable silver necklace.
Bella had decided to wear a floor length stunning forest green strapless dress that seemed to defy gravity as it proudly displayed her ample bosoms and hugged her athletic body then flaring out slightly over her hips and cascading its way down to her ankles and extending behind her in a slight train. With her opened toed strap up heels she stood an impressive six feet tall just two inches below Harry's six foot two inch frame.
Her hair was worn long and her sleek jet black ringlets fell gracefully down her back ending between her bare shoulder blades. She wore a four strand chocker of black pearls and matching earrings. Her black acromantula silk cloak with silver piping and House Potter crest over the left breast completed her ensemble.
Harry wore a tailored dark gray three buttoned pinstriped suit a white silk button up shirt with the top button open, and a pair of black oxford dress shoes, shined to a fine glean. On top of the suit he wore a matching cloak to Bella's that fell just above the heel of his shoes.
The Potter's would meet the rest of the 'family' at Gringots at 11:30 a.m., a half hour prior to the meeting. Slingblade had provided a port-key to the Potter's that would bring them to the private reception area that they had used on their previous meetings.
The four Potters surrounded the royal blue ribbon that was acting as the port-key. Harry took a moment to look at his growing family with a mix of love and pride. He had always considered Hermione family but Luna had also fallen into that same feeling of family almost seamlessly. She brought a fun and quirky dynamic to the group and often had the family in stitches for her off the wall comments and humorous observations.
Each member brought a uniqueness that complemented the whole. Narcissa surprisingly was the nurturer of the family and would be the first to offer a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. Luna in particular began to see her as a surrogate mother and the two were often found in each others company.
Andromeda was the practical one of the group and had a sharp mind and business acumen. She was able to piece together plans within plans and could see the truth in any hidden agenda with a keen eye. Within the legal arena of the courts she was a force of nature and respected by friend and foe alike. No one ever wanted to be in her crosshairs.
Tonks took the role of big sister to Harry, Hermione, Luna and Susan, always ready to lend advice whether you needed it or not. Her bubbly personality was infectious and just like her aunt Bella she always had a sexual innuendo at the ready for every occasion. She seemed to take great pleasure in getting Harry and the younger girls to blush in embarrassment.
Susan had also wormed her way into Harry's heart. He saw her as a true sister, she was warm and caring and seemed to have the same motherly instincts as Cissy and could sense sadness a mile away and was always ready to share a pint of ice cream and a warm embrace.
Amelia had taken the role of mother in Harry's life. She had always made time for him even with the crazy schedule she had as minister. He didn't know if she was just trying to make up for the time that she was not there to be the godmother he needed, but he found he didn't care, he could feel the sincerity of her affection for him now and that was enough for Harry. There was nothing to forgive in his mind he was just thrilled that she wanted to be apart of his life now.
Harry felt a loving gaze upon him as he was roused from his thoughts. He looked up to see the warm violet eyes of his beloved staring at him. Knowing that she had been privy to his musings he gave her a crooked smile which she returned.
The clock on the mantle chimed as it announced 11:30 a.m., the four Potters then felt the familiar tug of the port-key as they disappeared in a swirl of color and appeared moments later in the V.I.P. reception area of Gringots Bank in the heart of London.
Slingblade greeted the four Potters and escorted them to an ante-room next to the large conference room where the Will reading would occur. The rest of the family was already there and waiting for their arrival.
Amelia approached her godson and the two embraced and Harry tenderly kissed the cheek of his godmother in greeting.
"Are you ready for all this Harry?" Amelia asked in a concerned motherly tone. "There seems to be a lot of interest in Sirius' Will and in particular who will become the next Lord Black. With the title of Lord Black seemingly up for grabs, a lot of old pureblood families with some Black family ancestry however distant, are here to vie for the title. I haven't seen this many lawyers in one place since the Death Eater trials of the first war." Amelia said with an obvious disgust in her tone.
"Well I guess a lot of people are going to be disappointed aren't they?" Harry smirked.
"Harry, Slingblade has provided a security detail for you while you are here at Gringots. They will escort you into the conference hall. Two will keep close to you and four others will take up defensible positions around the hall." Narcissa explained. "I've seen a few of my former husband's associates milling about the lobby. I'm guessing the Dark Lord is interested in who gets the Black title and wealth as well. Be careful Harry, you'll have the family looking out for you but…just be careful." Narcissa stated with a hint of worry in her voice for her new head of house and brother in-law.
"Thanks Cissy." Harry said warmly squeezing the blonde's hand affectionately.
"Harry, after the reading we have scheduled a press conference that will take place on the steps in front of the bank. Cissy and I have written a speech for you to give but feel free to change or add anything you want. The press is going to be ferocious with their questions, don't feel like you have to answer any of them Harry. Cissy and I have also written a press release and will disseminate it to all the media outlets that will cover most of the expected questions." Andromeda said as she handed him a copy of his speech and the press release.
"I also have a squad of six aurors that will serve Dumbledore with a summons to appear before the Wizengamot to answer questions of forgery of official documents, child endangerment, interfering with the last Will and Testament of a Lord of an Ancient and Noble house- your father's, and a host of other charges." Amelia stated with a grin of satisfaction on her face.
She wanted Dumbles brought to justice and punished for the crimes he had perpetrated against her godson. She would have added accessory to murder for the murders of Hermione's and Luna's families if she had more physical evidence of his involvement. But all they had was Hermione's memory of Snape's confession and that would not hold up in court without something more tangible.
Harry was beginning to get that feeling of being over whelmed again with all the information being handed to him, and began to doubt he could hold it together long enough to get through the day. Bella and Hermione sensed his anxiety, the former wrapped him in a loving hug and communicated to him over their shared bond all the love she had for him and that she would be standing next to him the whole time supporting and reassuring him.
Harry began to relax in his lovers embrace, her scent and presence as always was enough to calm his anxiety and refocus his resolve. Hermione had also approached him and gently rubbed his back in comforting circles. Harry reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze letting his best friend know that he appreciated her concern and love as well.
Straightening himself up and squaring his shoulders he prepared himself for the circus to come. With his family's love and support he would be fine and represent his family as its head in a dignified and strong manner.
Slingblade returned and escorted the rest of the family to the conference hall. Harry and Bella would make a grand entrance after the rest of the parties had taken their seats. Slingblade thought it would make a lasting impression on those assembled as a stately Lord and Lady Potter entered together, at the very least it would make for an entertaining pensieve memory to review all the varying emotional responses that Slingblade expected.
oooOOOooo
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