A/N: The Potter Will today and other surprises. Hope you enjoy.
A/N 2: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
Chapter 25
April 22, 1992
It had been a rough last few days and today was shaping up to be the same. Harry looked at the mirror in the room he was sharing with Edmund. He wore dark red robes, very much like a Gryffindor red, that were cut in a way that felt restrictive. The shirt he had on was too tight and he had left it unbuttoned as he put a tie on. He refused to due up the top button.
On his left breast was a badge with the Potter crest. Until yesterday, he never knew what it looked like. It was a black shield with a white strip in the middle. Two flower like designs were on the top half of the shield, while a third was below the strip. A bird horse thing was over the top of it. "I like yours so much better," Edmund said looking at Harry's robes.
Harry looked at the rather simple crest on Edmund's dark grey robes. He was pulling at the collar of this shirt. "Undo the top button," Harry said to him.
"Not supposed too," Ed said back. "Something about proper ed. I really don't like all this pomp. I think Fay has the right of it."
"Has the right of what," Harry said before sighing and doing up his top button. He really didn't like how it constricted around his neck, but if Edmund said it was what they were supposed to do, he would do it.
"That the old families are almost all stuck up poppin' jays," he said. "I am not going to be some uppity Lord when I get older."
Harry couldn't stop his smile. "I don't see the difference."
Edmund gave him a wry grin before punching his shoulder. "Git," he said and Harry laughed.
There were steps on the stairs. "Edmund Henry, we don't use language like that in this house," his cousin said coming up the stairs.
"Sorry, mum," Edmund said straightening out his tie before stepping away.
Cousin Angela stepped into the room. "Don't you two look handsome," she said. "Come here. Let me see if I can straighten your hair out. Don't need any sloppy Lords in this house." She moved towards Edmund and tried to smooth his hair.
"Mum," Edmund said ducking away.
"You stay still, young man," she ordered. Harry snickered. "You're next."
He swallowed to see her give him a look that told him it wasn't a threat. "Do I need to wear those," David asked.
"Stop," Edmund said as Cousin Angela attacked his hair with a comb and a water bottle she had gotten somewhere.
Harry looked at David. "I hope not. They are pretty uncomfortable."
"David, I am making you wear bright pink ones," Edmund snarked.
"You will not," David said looking concerned. "I'll look like a girl."
"And what is wrong with that young man? And you stop teasing your brother," she scolded Edmund. After a moment, she stepped back with a frown. "Is there a spell you can learn to tame this?"
"We can't do magic outside of school," Harry told her.
"You can get permissions. Auntie Min said she was already working on it for the summer. Hermione wants to do some advanced study for second year and I want to work on my project for Madam Hooch and Professor Flitwick said he could make up a summer study for all of us."
"She said that would happen only when she was around. I can still ground you if you don't listen to her," she warned Edmund.
"Yes, mum."
"Do you think she can get permission for me? I would like to try some of the second-year defense spells and that jinx book I got yesterday," Harry said eagerly.
"You are included, Harry. Same warning though. I will put your wand away and you can spend some time in this room without any schoolbooks if you don't listen to Minerva."
"Yes, ma'am," Harry said. It was odd for an adult to care about him enough to mind is safety. She and Bill had shown in the last few days that they didn't believe in corporal punishment, and being sent to his room, with the doors open and windows open, was not scary. He could use the bathroom whenever he needed and Edmund told him that he could go to the kitchen if he needed anything if he was grounded up here. It didn't really feel like punishment. The punishment was the threat of losing his wand or schoolbooks for days. He did not want that happening.
"What about me, I can do magic now," David said proud of himself.
"Not yet, David. You need to be eleven and go to Hogwarts," Edmund told him.
Harry looked at the sad look his cousin gave. "I hear you can fly a broom at seven," Harry said. "I have a Nimbus 2000 I can teach you to use."
"Not here you won't. Minerva has explained what happens to people that break the international Statute of Secrecy. Ask Auntie Min if she will take you to Cearn Ross this summer," she told her son before giving a look to Harry. David's face split into a smile and he ran downstairs.
"Auntie Min," David bellowed.
"No yelling," Cousin Angela called after him. She shook her head. "He's going to be bugging you from now until you can go," she warned.
Harry smiled and shrugged. "Can't be any worse than Ron."
Edmund snorted. "Don't be too sure about that. Are you done now? Harry hasn't been tortured yet."
She shook her head at Edmund and held him out at arm's length. "You look so grown up and handsome. I wish I could go with you today." Her eyes looked suspiciously wet and she sniffed. "Get downstairs. Minerva and Hermione are already waiting for you."
Edmund's face lit up. "Why didn't you say so," Edmund said rushing past her. He stopped at his door and moved back to Angela. He gave her a hug. "Thanks, mum."
She hugged him back before pushing him away. "Go before Amelia drives Hermione up a wall."
He smiled and walked out. Harry tried to follow him. "Where do you think you're going? Come here," she said gently. Harry walked over to her and she started to fuss over his hair. "It's just as unruly as Edmund's."
He smiled at her, not sure what to say. No one had ever done something like this for him before. "Harry, are you comfortable here? Is there anything I can do to make it better? Do you need anything?"
Harry looked at her, unsure what to say. "This is really my home?" It came out before he knew what he was saying.
She stopped trying to tame his hair and looked at him. "This is your home, Harry. I hope you see us as your family. David seems to like you."
Harry nodded. "I like him. Will he really pester me to go flying," he asked. He had meant what he said.
"Harry, I think you probably became his favorite person offering that. Now, is there any way to get this cowlick down?"
Harry laughed. "Aunt Petunia always tried to brush my hair when they had to take me out or I went to school. It never calmed down." It was one of the few memories he enjoyed seeing Aunt Petunia's face scrunch up as his hair refused to do what she wanted. Not that the consequences of it not conforming were always fun...
"No. Edmund's doesn't either. I expect it will be just as messy as it was when we go downstairs." She tried for another moment to get it to stay down. "There is nothing for it," she said exacerbated. After a moment, she did the same thing she had with Edmund and held him at arm's length. "You look nice too, Harry. Are you nervous?"
He thought about it for a few. "I don't know what to expect," he told her. "Professor McGonagall said I will get my Scion ring today. I have no idea what that means."
"Has Edmund been trying to help? I know Neville has been helping him," she said brushing something off his sleeve before turning him towards the door. "We should get downstairs."
"Edmund has. He gave me the book Professor McGonagall gave him, but I haven't gotten far yet. I was trying to get our schoolwork done first."
"I'm proud of how you are doing in school. It sounds like it's pretty competitive in the top ten spots," she told him.
Harry ducked his head. "Well, it's not that hard. With Edmund getting such good grades, it doesn't matter what I get," he told her.
She furrowed her brow. "Why would you say that? I would expect you to do as good as you can do and if that means you get better grades than him, it gives him a goal to do better too. I don't expect any of my children to be top of the class, but I do expect them to do their best. Anything less and you are cheating yourself."
Harry stopped for a second and she bumped into him. "Sorry," he said quickly and tried to hurry down the stairs. He had permission to do better than Edmund? His world felt so upside down the last few days.
"Ah, there you are," Professor McGonagall said. "I would like to get going if you are ready? There are a few items I would like address today and Account Manager Gildnog has agreed to give us a private reading before the public reading at one."
She walked to Harry and held him at arm's length. "Stand tall, Harry. You are the Scion of the House of Potter. An Ancient and Most Noble House of the Wizengamot. That is something to be very proud of," she told him. Harry did as told and stood tall. She gently pushed his shoulders back. "Better. We'll work on that. Are you two ready," she called into the sitting room.
"I want to go too," Amelia said running out and hugging the Professors legs.
Professor McGonagall laughed. "Not today, little one. Someday though."
David came out laughing and running away. "David," Edmund bellowed.
"Stop right there," Cousin Angela said grabbing the boy. "Where is he," Edmund said running around the corner. Harry laughed to see Edmund's hair sticking up as though he had been rolling around and a paper in his hand that said 'tickle me'. Hermione was just behind him with a smile on her face. Edmund saw David and lunged at him. David laughed as he ducked behind Angela. "Not here," she demanded.
Hermione got a mischievous grin and moved in to tickle Edmund. Edmund let out a laugh before turning on her. She squeaked and rushed behind Professor McGonagall.
"That is enough. You all need to be presentable for this," Professor McGonagall said in her severe voice she used to command classes. All three of them straightened and took on serious faces. "Better. Now, with so many magical children in this house and on this street, I have received permission to link the fireplace in the sitting room to the Floo Network while school is out of session."
Hermione paled some. "I hate floo travel," she said.
"I'll be there to catch you," Edmund told her with a smirk. She eyed him dubiously.
"What is floo travel," Harry asked.
"Witches and wizards have a magic that can connect fireplaces and travel between connected fireplaces. I have made sure that everyone in this house, Hermione and myself can enter here. No one else will be able to use it to enter," she told them. "Angela, I will leave this bag of floo powder here. It needs to be kept in a safe place that everyone knows about but is safe."
"Of course."
"All right, we will be going to the Leaky Cauldron and walk to Gringotts. Edmund, you go first followed by Hermione. Harry you go after them."
"Yes, Auntie," he said taking the bag from her. "Come on," he said to Hermione. She looked at him cautiously.
"You aren't going to tickle me," she asked.
"Promise," he said and she took his arm as he escorted her to the fireplace. "Well, I promise not to until we are done today," he said with a smirk, grabbed something out of the bag and tossed it into the fireplace. "Leaky Cauldron," he said as she was about to say something. The fireplace burst into bright green flames and Edmund walked into them, disappearing.
Amelia squeaked and ran to Angela. She was looking at the fireplace with wide eyes. "He's all right? Right," she asked Professor McGonagall.
"Perfectly."
"I'm going to get him," Hermione said as she grabbed something out of the bag.
"Don't you do anything until after we leave Gringotts," Professor McGonagall warned.
She rolled her eyes. "I'm always good when I need to be, Auntie. Leaky Cauldron," Hermione called out and walked into the green flames.
"That is what I am afraid of," Professor McGonagall said. "All right, Harry. Just take some of this powder," she said taking the bag. He reached his hand and looked at the bright green powder he held in his hand. It was about the color of the flames. "That's enough. Now, say your destination clearly."
"The Leaky Cauldron," he asked her.
She nodded. Feeling a little bit of fear, having never done this before, he gulped before throwing the sandy like powder down. The fireplace burst into green flames. They were warm, like a summer sun on a nice day, and whooshed as though coming from a furnace. "The Leaky Cauldron," he said as clearly as he could and then took a step in. He found himself sucked in like he was going through an air tube. Green flames were all around him. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it wasn't exactly fun either. It felt like he was getting buffeted on his broom. At times, the flames were pierced by small offshoots. He caught sight of grates, open fireplaces, solid looking doors and something that looked suspiciously like a sewer grate before he was buffeted out of the main stream and shot out of a large stone fireplace with a fire already burning. Crying out in shock, he put his hands up to shield his face and found that he was suddenly stepping out, like he had stepped in. The fire in the fireplace didn't even make him feel warm as he landed on his feet and then overbalanced, not expecting the exit.
"Harry," Edmund said as he quickly caught Harry. Being almost as light as Hermione, Edmund was able to steady him easily. "Out of the way," Edmund said pulling him out of the way as the fireplace burst into green flames. Professor McGonagall stepped out.
"Everyone good," she asked.
"Yes, Auntie," Hermione said.
"Right. For the next while, you should refer to me as Lady Ross or Mrs. McGonagall."
"Yes, ma'am," Harry said confused.
"Yes, Lady Ross," Edmund said and offered his arm to Hermione.
"Stand tall, Harry. You are in House robes," she said quietly to him. "Follow me and let Hermione and Edmund follow you."
He nodded and fell in behind her. As they moved, he noticed people looking at them and recognition lighting on many faces. Unlike last time though, they didn't approach them. It wasn't long before they were outside Gringotts. The two guards in battle gear out front made him nervous. They walked in and Professor McGonagall went to a Goblin at a small table by the doors.
"Good day," the goblin said to them. Last time, when Hagrid had done this, the goblin had sneered at them. This time, it bowed. "How may Gringotts and the Goblin Nation help you today?"
"Good day, Service Master. Lady Ross here on House business for Mr. Potter, Scion Peverell and Ms. Granger. We have an appointment with Account Manager Gildnog."
"Of course, Lady Ross." The goblin snapped his fingers and another one in a smart business suit walked up. "Please escort Lady Ross and her charges to Account Manager Gildnog."
The goblin bowed and turned to them. "This way please."
They stayed in the same order as the goblin took them through a side door and down a corridor that showed the goblins power and wealth. Harry swallowed hard. "It'll be fine, Harry," Hermione said quietly.
At the ninth door, the goblin stopped and knocked. Harry waited for the door to open. "Account Manager Gildnog will see you," the goblin said.
"Thank you," Professor McGonagall said before giving a small bow to the goblin. He didn't miss the glean in the eye of the goblin. Harry did the same when he saw Edmund and Hermione bow their heads.
Walking into the room, an elder goblin was already waiting to greet them, a smile on his face that sent a shiver down Harry's spine. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Elder Gildnog." This time she bowed much lower and noticed she dipped her head to bare her neck. Harry tried to emulate her as best he could. When he stood, he saw the goblin's feral grin and approval.
"Another welp that knows the proper customs," Gildnog said returning the bow. Hermione gasped next to him. When the goblin stood up, he looked at Hermione before nodding. "A first gen with the proper manners too. I am most happy to be doing business with you again, Lady Ross."
"As am I, Gilnog. You know our business today and we would like to conclude it before the public reading of the Will. I would like to take over as executor, but do not plan to stay."
The goblin bowed his head slightly again. "Of course. Would you like refreshments? Our business may take a while today."
Professor McGonagall bowed her head slightly too. "That would be appreciated."
He waved a hand over something on his desk as he took a seat. A house elf came in carrying a tray with tea and some toast with a few jams and marmalade a moment later. "Now, would you like to start with the Potter business first, or the Ross?"
"I would like to start with the Will. I received your statements on the accounts last week and was most disappointed in what I saw," she said.
The goblin curled up his lips. "We have recovered as much as we could for the moment. Personal business with that client has concluded and that client must use a different wizarding bank. We do not allow stealing."
Harry knew that looking at this goblin, it would be suicide to ever truly upset them.
Minerva pursed her lips. "I do not find that satisfactory, but I trust that Gringotts has done all it can. Thank you for your help on this matter."
"It is our pleasure, Lady Ross. I will go over the ledger with Mr. Potter after the reading." The goblin opened up a draw in his desk and pulled out a cylinder. He watched Gildnog run a clawed finger along the length of the cylinder and one end opened.
The goblin cleared his throat. "It is to be understood, this is a full reading of the Will of James and Lily Potter. It is being read on the day the public reading is to take place and in the privacy of family, as allowed per Wizengamot Law of 1892, and can be executed before any contest at the public reading. This reading shall be witnessed by family and an invited guest. It has been more than 30 days since death of the assigned on the document, so the executor cannot contest any items to be disclosed and the assigned deceased authorized Gringotts to see to the distribution of all items in the Will. Is this understood?"
Harry nodded his head, feeling his throat tighten. Edmund had told him what his part of the Will said. He was nervous about the entire Will.
Once everyone gave their understanding, the goblin started to read:
-o-
Last Will and Testament of James and Lily Potter.
If this Will is being read, then my wife and I are no longer here. It is to be known that we treasured our friends and twin sons more than life itself. If they are present for this, we would like them to know we love them and are truly sorry we cannot see them grow. Lily's greatest hope was to see them grow. I would have liked to see them on the Quidditch Pitch. Both are a crack at the broom and they are only one.
As of the last update of this Will, we would like all to know we have been in hiding, under a Fidelius at Potter Cottage. Peter Pettigrew is our secret keeper and if we are dead, it is in hope it was not from a betrayal. Minerva, Alice and Sirius have reaffirmed their godparent Oaths and we can not express our thanks enough to them and hope that we die at an age they will never have to use those Oaths.
If our sons, Harry and Edmund, survive us, then we wish the following:
Should they both survive,
1. The title of Lord Potter shall pass to Harry and the title of Lord Peverell to pass to Edmund.
Lord Potter is held as the Baron of Castleford, granted by Mary II, Queen of England for services rendered to the crown.
Lord Peverell is held as Baron of Newmachar, granted by James I, King of Scotland for services rendered to the crown.
Both scion titles to be available with Guardian approval on their eleventh year from birth, Otherwise on their fifteenth year from birth per Wizengamot Laws on Scion House rights of 1925.
2. Each surviving son shall be given a vault filled each year to G10000 for school, personal needs and additional funds if their Guardian should be in need.
3. Edmund shall inherit all Peverell and Evans heirlooms, monies and entitlements except for the following:
One cloak to be passed to the elder child of the Potter line
One goblin made scion ring of the House Peverell to be presented to the elder child of the Potter line should anything happen to the younger child of the Potter line. A fee of G100 to be paid to Craftsman Gornuk or Family in gratuity of use.
4. The following shall be distributed from the Potter Vaults before any inheritance below is distributed:
G100,000 and the deed to Riverway Cottage to Remus Lupin. A true friend and gentle soul
G100,000 and a red book to Sirius Black
G250,000 to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for Muggleborn and raised scholarships
G80,000 to Hathaway House Orphanage
G10,000 to Bathilda Bagshot for showing us kindness in such dark times
A list of artifacts attached to be distributed to assigned peoples
If any of the above mentions are not available to accept such, then it is to be returned to the Potter Vaults.
5. Edmund shall have 1/3 of the monetary assets of the Potter vaults
6. Edmund shall have 1/3 of all Potter Jewelry, heirlooms and the following:
One set of goblin made rings belonging to Grandparents Fleamont and Euphoria Potter
One Scion ring of the lesser Potter
Any Family Wands that find him worthy
A complete copy, or original, of the Potter Family Library entrusted at Gringotts
7. Harry shall have 2/3 of the monetary assets of the Potter vaults
8. Harry shall have 2/3 of all Potter Jewelry and heirlooms and the following:
One Scion ring of the lesser Peverell
A copy or originals of all books, scrolls or parchment from the Peverell and Evan vaults
9. Edmund to be presented the deed to the lesser holdings of the Peverell Estates
82 acres and Peverell Tower located outside Godric Hollow
1232 acres outside Newmachar with the Peverell Keep, held in gratuity of the Crown
400 acres of Newmachar holdings, leased to the Longbottom Family for gardens, farming and general use for G500 per year
10. Harry to be presented the deed to the greater holdings of the Potter Estates
2891 acres and Potter Manor located outside of Castleford
Pottermore Manor located at 69 1/2 Elgin Creasant, London
Potter Cottage located in Godric Hollow
Grinçant de greens located at Fort de Corbeau, France
10,231 acres and Griffin Farmstead located outside of Etham, Australia
11. Any and all other contracts, investments, ventures and partnerships to be split between any surviving child or others named below
12. If none of us survive, all items listed above to pass to the following people in order:
Sirius Black
Frank and/or Alice Longbottom
Minerva McGonagall
Any other blood relative of the Potter's or magical relative of the Evan's, which ever has closer ties, except those aligned with Voldemort or his followers
13. Should none be eligible to receive these fortunes, then they are to be placed into a fund at Gringotts for support of Muggleborn and Raised students attending any magical school and born on British soil. The fund shall be managed by Gringotts. An amount of G500 shall be made available to each student each year they attend Hogwarts or another school of the Commonwealth until all moneys and sales of heirlooms run out. This amount to increase with inflation as determined by the goblins of Gringotts.
All books, scrolls and parchment to be presented to Hogwarts with appropriate restrictions placed on them, but to be always available for students. No books, scrolls or parchment to be sold or distributed to other parties.
All heirlooms to be presented to Hogwarts for care and use by students or staff in defense and teaching. Appropriate restrictions may be instated, but they are to be available to all that need them. No heirlooms to be sold or distributed to other parties.
14. Guardianship
It is the wish for our sons, Harry James and Edmund Henry, to grow up together in a loving house.
Both children shall be placed with the same Guardian as listed in the Guardian list below. Guardian shall receive L20,000 or G10,000 to be remanded each year to his Guardian to be used to raise our sons until they are of age.
In propriety of separation by death, Guardianship of Harry to be as follows and the sum of L10,000 or G5,000 to be remanded each year to his Guardian to be used to raise our son until he is of age:
In propriety of separation by death, Guardianship of Edmund to be as follows and the sum of10,000 or G5,000 to be remanded each year to his Guardian to be used to raise our son until he is of age:
Guardian list
Sirius Black, Godfather
Frank and Alice Longbottom Godmother of Harry
Minerva McGonagall, Godmother of Edmund
Any member of the Evans family willing to accept him into their house except Petunia Dursley
An appointed Guardian as decided by a Goblin Solicitor and in agreement with the Wizarding Child Services
15. Should any godparent be unable to fulfill their Oaths through death or other means, then the Oaths shall be absolved, but their next Magical Guardian shall take the Oaths, or another shall be found until such time a Guardian shall take the Oaths.
-o-
Witnesses, October 14, 1980:
Frank Longbottom
Alice Longbottom
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Witness, Updated Will, September 3, 1981
Sirius Black
Remus Lupin
-o-
Executors to be in following order:
Sirius Black
Frank and/or Alice Longbottom
Minerva McGonagall
Remus Lupin
A Gringotts' Solicitor if none of the above are of sound mind or body.
-o-
There was a silence that was punctuated by a hiss from Professor McGonagall. "Peter Pettigrew was their secret keeper," she said vehemently. "I knew Sirius Black would never betray them. Peter must have been the one to tell the bastard."
Harry looked at her. The look on her face was murderous. Harry didn't shy away though. He understood her anger. They had explained what happened last night when he asked. His only confusion was who was Peter Pettigrew. "Who is Peter Pettigrew," Harry asked.
"A bastard that I once called a Gryffindor. A friend of your parents that always followed James, Sirius and Remus around," she said angrily before using a string of curses in a heavy Scottish brogue that made even the goblin Gildnog sit back.
"He betrayed our parents," Edmund said next to him.
After a moment, she looked at Gildnog with a determined set. "I will be taking Executorship of the Will."
Gildnog gave a wicked smile. "Granted. Now that you are the Executor and Regent of the House of Potter, would you Authorize Gringotts to retrieve the missing heirlooms and monies of the Potter and Evans Vaults by endorsing a Breach of Treaty Notice. It is one of the greatest sins for a Goblin to take that which is not theirs. A wizard should know this and know the consequences for when you set foot on Goblin soil, you are bound by our laws, unless protected by treaty. The Notice will allow us to retrieve the last that is still due Scion Peverell also."
"Granted," she said quickly.
The goblin nodded and took a parchment. He took an eagle quill, waived his hand and it started to write on the parchment. "As I draw up the paperwork, I would assume you would like Mr. Potter to take up his Scion Ring as discussed?"
She took a long breath before letting it out. Turning to him, she still had a fire in her eye, but was looking much kinder at him. "Harry, I asked Edmund the same question and would give you the same option and would understand if you decided to wait, but I would not advise it. Taking up the Scion ring of the Potters will put you in the position of taking up the Lordship of your house when you reach your majority. The Potters have been a very strong and old house and I have all the faith you will do your parents proud. It will also allow you a seat in the Peerage section of the Wizengamot and to call on Allies that have not rescinded their allegiance, like the House of Ross or the Longbottoms."
Harry looked at her and swallowed. He looked at Edmund. "The House of Peverell and my Allies will always stand with you, no matter what you choose," his brother said in a far more mature way than he had expected. "Besides, I'm getting tired of being the only one at home to be teased about this."
Harry laughed and Hermione gave Edmund a look.
The Professor shook her head and Gildnog looked amused. Harry turned back to the goblin and took in a breath. "Yes. I will take my Scion ring."
McGonagall beamed at him. Gildnog opened up the same draw the Will had come from and took out two boxes. "Now that you will take up your ring, I can present you with the Potter Scion ring and the lesser Peverell Ring, allowing you to take over as Head of House for the Peverell's should anything befall your brother until he shall produce an heir."
Harry didn't like the sound of that.
"After that, Scion Peverell can take up his lesser Potter ring, in case the same should befall you."
Harry had a fleeting thought of the Prophet article almost two months ago. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside. From what he had learned of Edmund, the boy was more likely to stop harm to Harry than kill him. "Yes, sir," he said. The goblin gave him a toothy grin.
The goblin took out three sets of red wax and parchments that had already been filled in, made indentations in the wax and then put a silver knife between them. "If you would take this first ring," the goblin said.
Harry went to reach out his right hand when next to him Edmund stopped him. "Left hand. It's the dominant show of a Scion of a proper Peerage seat and one of high standing," his brother told him. "You should put it on your middle finger. You are the elder brother and the Peverell's are subservient to the Potters through marriage, even if it is an elder house and higher than the Potters in the Peerage."
Harry looked at Edmund, before reaching out his left hand. "Very good, Scion Peverell," Gildnog said with approval. "Magic will recognize the significance of your brother's words, Mr. Potter."
Harry nodded and put the ring on his finger. It fit perfectly and felt warm, as though it knew it was where it was supposed to be. "Very good. Now, I must ask you to add your blood to these three sealing balls. The first will be for your Scion Potter. The other will be used for you and your brother to take the lesser rings and a few other important papers."
Harry swallowed hard. He had been told about this, but he still didn't like it. With a slightly shaky hand, he reached for the knife. Taking it, he held his hand over the first ball of wax and in a quick slice, cut his hand. It turned his stomach to see his blood drip and pool in the indent in the wax. "That's enough," Gildnog said, quickly taking the first ball away and moving another under his hand. When about half the amount had dripped into the second, the third was placed there and without warning, Gildnog waved his hand and Harry's wound healed and the extra blood in his hand vanished.
"Very good. Scion Peverell, if you wouldn't mind adding your own blood to these two. Edmund got up and did the same. Harry watched in fascination as Edmund flinched a little when the knife cut his hand. The blood dripped into his own and when done, the goblin waved his hand to heal and vanish the blood from Edmund's hand. "You may both take the lesser rings while I get this ready."
Harry took a ring that Edmund offered him from one of the boxes. "Third finger," Edmund whispered as he watched him put the Lesser Potter ring on his middle finger. He noticed the flat top of the lesser ring was smaller than Edmund's Peverell ring.
Harry looked at his own. He saw that the Peverell ring was smaller than the Potter. A pressed indentation of the two crests were in the top of both rings. "I like the Potter crest better," Edmund said quietly.
"There is nothing wrong with the Peverell Crest. I like its simplicity," Hermione said on the other side of Edmund.
"I still don't get all this," Harry said. "Is it really that important about what house is higher or who is allied with who or whatever I've heard you, Neville and Daphne talking about," Harry said to Edmund.
"It is very important in the magical world, Scion Potter" Professor McGonagall explained," as much as I wish it was not. Many laws, treaties and other factors have a large importance on established magical lines in much of Europe. It does not limit if you are not from these lines for most livelihoods, but it tends to keep those of more muggle descent out of certain positions, especially in the Ministry."
"Now, Scion Potter, if you would press your ring into these two papers," Gildnog said placing two of the papers on the edge of his desk. "This one is your Head of House and Scion Potter acceptance. The other is the permission for Scion Peverell to take up the Lesser Potter ring."
"Why am I not doing all three," Harry asked.
"The true Scion must approve before the lesser Scion can be accepted," Gildnog explained. "Scion Peverell, you may use your ring on this one."
Harry stumbled back when a blue spark of magic jumped from his ring into the wax as he placed his ring into it. "That is normal, Scion Potter. Magic has recognized your claim." He noticed Edmund's ring did the same. A few minutes later, Gildnog put two more parchments in front of him with a similar dollop of wax on them. "This one is access to all Potter Vaults, including yours and Scion Peverell's trust vaults. As the elder Scion, you have rights over anything not directly of the Peverell or Evans vaults."
He looked at Edmund. "Are you all right with this," he asked, not wanting to steal anything from his brother.
Edmund nodded. "I have plenty if you decide to cut me off," he said with a smirk.
"Edmund Henry," Hermione said. "He's already nervous enough."
"I will never do that," Harry said before firmly pressing his ring in.
"The last is a betrothal and marriage contract that is not active but is part of the Peverell inheritance that could not be activated without the head of the Potter line approval, being the Liege House of the Peverell," Gildnog said as though it was normal business.
"What," Professor McGonagall said jumping to her feet. "There was no mention of this. I will not allow this as Regent. Give me that," she said snatching it off the table. Gildnog, for the first time, looked offended.
"Now see here, Lady Ross, this is a Head of House and the Head of Line contract that the Regent cannot interfere in," Gildnog said getting up. "I will have to remove you until this matter is resolved if you try."
Harry felt the malevolence from the goblin in this matter. Professor McGonagall stopped and closed her eyes. "Is a marriage contract what I think it is," Harry asked. He was only eleven. He didn't even like girls like that. He hoped it was a girl.
Harry hadn't seen Edmund's eyes bulging or Hermione go almost white.
The Professor let out a long breath. She looked at him before turning to the upset Gildnog. It seemed to take a lot of effort for her to speak. "My apologies, Elder Gildnog. I did not mean to interfere in business that is not mine. I would request that I be able to act as an advisor to my Wards and have time to review this."
Gildnog eyed her for a moment before turning his attention to Harry. "Scion Potter and Scion Peverell, do you approve of this?"
"Yes," he said at almost the same time as Edmund.
Gildnog looked at them before nodding and sitting. "I will warn all. If any of you try to interfere with business that is not yours, you will be escorted out of this room until such time said business is concluded. If you refuse, you will be shown out of Gringotts and not allowed back in for no less than one full day cycle. The Potters and Peverells have been some of our oldest clients and the Goblin Nation is thankful for services they have rendered in the past, but we will broker no interference. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Elder Gildnog," Hermione said quickly. Edmund nodded, as did Professor McGonagall. Harry was last to nod his acceptance. Harry hadn't missed how everything became much more formal and there seemed to be a cooling in the air between the goblin and the witches and wizards in the room.
McGonagall sat in the chair and started to read the parchment. "Dear Merlin," she said at one point.
"Edmund, why would there be a betrothal contract in your inheritance," Hermione said quietly.
He turned to his brother, who was sitting in his chair with his head in his hands. He shook his head. "I don't know. We are supposed to meet with our solicitor Friday. Maybe this was some of what we were to talk about. What does it mean for a betrothal?"
"It means one of your dead relatives made a contract to marry the a son of the line of Peverell to a daughter of another house as an alliance deal," Professor McGonagall said. "It was penned by the last Head of House of the Peverells to the Notts, and has now been passed to the Greengrasses. I thought that a contract like this is only applicable for five generations before it is null."
"It is, Lady Ross, but there has been no generation of the Peverell's since that last Head of House. Having no living male scion or blood descendant as head of the Lordship, the Peverell line passed to his daughter, the married consort of the Potter Head, who was not able to pass the scionship until Edmund was born. Technically, he is the first generation of this contract." Gildnog sat forward and steepled his fingers to look at her.
"Wait, you said the Greengrasses," Hermione squeaked. "You mean Daphne? Can't we just tear it up if it's not active."
"Or Astoria. It does not specify," Professor McGonagall said. She let out a big sigh. "No, Hermione. This is a magical contract that unless one party has violated it, cannot be undone. If it is, then it threatens to drain the magic of the witch and wizard that it pertains too, leaving them a squib at best." The older woman looked extremely troubled.
Harry felt himself feeling like he was flying for a moment. He or Edmund could lose his magic, as well as Daphne or Astoria? "Why would someone do something like this," he asked.
"It was very common in years past as a way to ensure a magical line stayed alive and fresh. Many purebloods still believe in these old methods."
"Don't they know Queen Victoria is not on the throne," Hermione asked.
McGonagall chuckled darkly. "Try more like Mary the second, my brilliant young witch. I think those not from the muggle world forget. Gildnog, does Harry have to act on this now?"
"He must within 30 days. As the dominant of the Potter and liege of the Peverell line, he has the choice to either take it on himself or pass it to his brother. The way the contract is written, if it is not enacted in the next 30 days, then all parties that could be affected by it will suffer the consequences."
"There is no way to destroy it," Edmund asked. His brother sounded scared.
"Your parents tried when it was revealed to them on your birth, Scion Peverell. Once you both took up your Scion rings, the clauses in the contract became active. They had hoped that you would fall out of the Generation Clause, and it would be nullified, but it has been verified as I said when we were made aware of it after taking Executorship of the Will." Gildnog was looking at them all as though this was just standard business. "Goblins do not make contracts like this. Magic has a way of seeing things done, or punishing those that refuse."
"This is bollocks," Edmund said.
"Edmund," Hermione and McGonagall admonished.
Harry laughed. Of all the stuff he had been through in less than a week, this was the most absurd. They all looked at him as he started to laugh harder. "What is so funny," Hermione asked. "This is awful."
Harry shook his head. It was just too absurd. At eleven, one of them would be promised to marry someone. If not, they would all lose their magic. He found he was rather fond of his magic. It took a few minutes for him to calm down.
"Harry, are you all right," Professor McGonagall asked him looking concerned.
"I'm fine," he said.
"Would you like some refreshments before we move onto the next items? The public reading is in a little over an hour from now," Gildnog said.
"May I take this," McGonagall asked.
"I will make a copy. All originals drawn up by a Goblin must remain in goblin hands as part of our treaties."
"I understand. Given the time, Harry, would you mind if I go over your account ledgers later? I have copies I can bring to your house."
He shook his head. "It doesn't matter," he told her.
"Does that conclude all Potter or Peverell business then, Elder Gildnog?"
"It does, for now, Lady Ross. If there are any contests to the Will, I will forward them to your solicitor."
"Agreed. Now, I would like to take up the business of declaring an Heir to the House of Ross." She looked at Hermione. Harry looked at her, and she looked worried. Edmund sat in his chair, looking as pale as she was, but holding her hand. "Hermione, have you decided?"
She looked at Edmund, who nodded. "I will accept," the frizzy hair brunette said resolutely to her.
Edmund sighed. "I accept Hermione Granger's decision," he said heavily. Harry knew the revelation of the bond between them was weighing heavily on them.
Gildnog raised an eyebrow and looked at them intently. "I was not aware this was your business, Mr. Evans-Potter."
"I am protected under the House of Peverell and... bonded to Scion Peverell," she said.
"Hmmm," the goblin said. "I was not aware of this fact. I will warn you now, Mr. Evans-Potter, if this is not your business, then you have violated my earlier warning."
Edmund looked Gildnog with a serious face. "I would never endanger out relations that way, Elder Gildnog. I ensure you that we are… bonded. She is under the House of Peverell protection and," he swallowed, "I am her partial guardian until such time I take up my Lordship."
Recognition lit the goblin's face. "Ah, I see. Yes, I see it now," he said looking at them as though seeing them clearly for the first time. "You are more than just bonded, Ms. Grainger."
He watched Edmund pale more and Hermione flush. "Yes, Elder Gildnog."
"Is that a complication," Professor McGonagall asked.
"With both in agreement, there is no complication. The magic of the House of Ross will accept both," Gildnog said still looking at them. "With this bond, the House of Potter will become the Liege House of the House of Ross. It will no longer stand alone."
He had turned to look at McGonagall. "You may claim Ms. Granger as your heir, but only her second or third child could take up your heritage, and only if there is both a Potter and Peverell heir bred of the Scions loins before that. Otherwise, you can mingle your family magic with that of the Peverell's or wait until a second son not bound to be a Scion is born."
Harry closed his eyes. Why was he already concerned about getting married and having children? All he wanted to do was play quidditch and get through school. He was getting a headache. This was getting all to be too much.
"If you are to do this, I would recommend today. After the reading of the Will and the betrothal contracts are both enacted, you will not be able to claim her because of the bond she already shares with this boy. You must realize what it means," the goblin asked his Professor.
"I do. We have discussed this, but I did not realize there were limitations. Hermione," she said focusing on the girl now clutching Edmund's arm. "This is too much of me to ask of you. I have other options and should not put this burden on to you."
"Auntie Min, I agreed and will go through with it. I will not pass this to someone else not already in our situation," Hermione said sounding so much older than her years. "Who would your next choice be? Amelia or David? You know your magic would not take to them like it would me. You said because of the bond Edmund and I share, his blood relation to you would make it much more likely the transfer would work and I would gain all the Ross magic. It also means as the heiress to the House of Ross means I can make my own decisions and Edmund would not be burdened that way."
Harry had come back down to the sitting room two days ago when they had been talking of this after Bill had found him and talked to him for a bit.
"Ms. Granger, you do understand that the bond you share with Scion Peverell puts you in the same situation as a Consort-in-waiting or as a betrothed? Magic recognizes you as a bonded, non-mated pair. According to the old laws, Scion Peverell will always have rights over you and the ability to overrule any decision, even being the Head of House for the Ross line," Gildnog said in a business-like tone.
McGonagall took in a hissing breath. "They have a partnered bond, not a betrothed bond," she said looking at the goblin. "Hermione is his equal."
Gildnog turned his attention to her, his eyes hard. "I assure you, I am not mistaken, Lady Ross. The way their cores are intermingled, they will never be able to make another bond with anyone, or have any relationships that would produce any heirs accept with each other. She can accept the magic of another line as an heiress and the magic will mingle with hers, Scion Peverell can also, but it would make it hers or his, not a bond. The family line would be either in Ms. Granger's control or in control of the House of Peverell. You will have to take on the Regent of your House, Lady Ross, to do this. If you wish to name another Heir, then the normal rules will apply."
Harry looked between them all. Professor McGonagall looked stunned. Edmund sat with pursed lips, still pale and quiet. Hermione looked at though the gears in her head were overheating. It was Hermione who spoke first. "I will accept, Auntie Min."
McGonagall looked sad as she blinked and focused on Hermione. "If I was to reconsider, why must my decision be made between the execution of the Will and this farce of a contract?"
"There is a clause in the betrothal contract that says any previous bonds shall be considered for Lady Peverell first, and then the Greengrass witch can either take a line continuance or consort contract. No matter if this contract passed to Scion Potter or Scion Peverell, he will need to decide who is his Lady before the contract is initiated," Gildnog said. "If Scion Potter were to take the contract, then the Greengrass witch can be Lady Potter with a continuance of the Peverell line to her third child."
Harry could feel the conflict and destitution from Edmund at the thought. "I will take the betrothal contract," Harry said.
"Harry, no," Edmund said. "This is not for you."
"But it is for you!" Hermione's voice was shrill and full of pain.
"I have already taken your choice away," he said to her getting up. "Now I should take his too?"
"No one is taking anyone's choice," Professor McGonagall said standing and using her classroom voice. "I think we should take all this and take you back home. We have a few days to think this over."
"I took your choice," Hermione said with tears on her cheeks.
"Hermione, you did nothing," Edmund said running his hand through his hair and not meeting any one's eyes.
"It wasn't you that used magic that day, Edmund Evans-Potter. It was my magic that tried to save you," she said angrily. "Stop trying to take everything on to you."
"Auntie Min said the only way that bond would have held was that I accepted it. I could have rejected you and then you wouldn't have had to suffer any of this. Now you need to be stuck with me the rest of your life," Edmund yelled.
"Enough," Professor McGonagall said in a commanding voice. "Can I have those copies, Elder Gildnog. It is time for me to take my young charges back to their homes. May I contact you later to schedule another appointment?"
"Of course, Lady Ross. I can see emotions are running high. I look forward to your owl."
Elder Gildnog saw them personally out of Gringotts. As they entered the main hall, there was a reporter that tried to get their attention but a Goblin Guard kept the woman away. Diagon Alley was much busier now that it was later in the day and many faces turned to look at them as they quickly walked back to the Leaky Cauldron. "Your house is the Sylvans," Professor McGonagall told them.
Edmund went first, with Hermione following.
"Minerva," a familiar voice called out. He turned to see the Headmaster trying to get past a few people heading towards the alley behind the pub. "Harry, go. I'll be right behind you," she told him.
"Hold up. I would like to talk to Mr. Potter too," the elderly man said getting free and taking large steps.
"Go, now," she said in a low voice, pushing him towards the fire. Harry took some powder. "The Sylvans," he said clearly and then he stepped into the fire.
"No, wait," Professor Dumbledore cried out as he disappeared. A moment later, he was stumbling out of the fireplace.
"Harry," he heard his cousin say.
"I'm fine," he said getting up. She tried to help him up, but a crying Hermione was in her arms.
"What happened," she asked worriedly. "Why did Edmund just run out of here? Where's Minerva?"
Harry looked at her. He ran a hand through his hair. He felt his glasses were skewed from the floo travel. "Ah," he started.