Chapter 3 - A letter to Amelia

When Harry exited Gringotts he stopped at the top of the stairs, looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. He had gone to both vaults and grabbed the books that Sirius had recommended, as well as a couple others he found on battle magic that belonged to his grandfather. He looked through all of the family heirlooms in the Potter vault, taking with him only a few photo albums he found that had pictures of his parents and grandparents. He also took the Potter family engagement ring and filled a bag with coins in case he needed to buy anything before heading to Hogwarts. It had taken him a lot longer than he expected and he was tired.

"My life can never be easy can it?" Harry thought to himself as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Well, I'm a Lord now so I guess there is no reason why I have to hurry back." He decided to get some ice cream and take some time to think things over away from the chaos of Grimmauld Place. It could be hard to find time alone with so many people going in and out. Harry was used to being alone, and as much as he loved having friends he often missed the solitude. When he reached Florian Fortescue's he ordered a strawberry sundae and hid away at a small table in the corner.

As he ate his ice cream he thought about the situation he was in. "I guess the first thing I should do is write a letter to Amelia and set up a time to meet. The goblins seemed to imply that there was some time sensitivity involved. Then I suppose we'll just go from there."

After finishing his ice cream he walked to Flourish and Blotts and bought some books on wizard etiquette and old wizarding traditions.

"Don't want to be caught off guard again'" mumbled Harry to himself as he paid for his books. The lady at the counter looked at him strangely at that comment, but she didn't say anything. After shrinking the books and putting them in his pocket he checked the time and walked out of the store.

"I should probably get back," he thought as he fought back a yawn. As he thought about Grimmauld Place he felt a strange spinning sensation and then all of the sudden he found himself standing in the middle of the street staring up at said house. He walked up the stairs and opened the door, then went directly to his room to put the books/documents in his trunk and write his letter to Amelia before dinner. He was so tired that he didn't even stop to consider how he had gotten to Grimmauld Place when he didn't know how to apparate.

He was grateful when he didn't run into anyone on the way to his room, and breathed a sigh of relief when he opened the door and found the room empty.

"You should probably go to Potter Manor as soon as you can pup to make sure everything is in order, and it will give you more privacy to sort through everything. I also remember your grandfather having an excellent training room in the cellar. You should get as much use out of that as you can."

"You're right Sirius. I think I'll stay here tonight to let everyone know what is going on and then go to the manor first thing in the morning." Harry then took a quill and ink out of his trunk and sat down at the desk under the window. After several drafts he finally had something he thought was acceptable. He read it through one last time just to make sure.

Dear Madam Bones,

You probably don't know this but Sirius named me as his heir before his death, so I am now the new Lord Black. As you can probably guess becoming the head of House Black emancipated me and allowed me to claim the Potter lordship as well. During my meeting with the goblins it was brought to my attention that there is an unbreakable marriage contract between House Potter and House Bones that I must honour or lose my magic. I am writing to request a meeting with you to discuss this matter further. Please send Hedwig back with a place and time and I will make myself available.

Kindly yours,
Lord Harrison James Potter-Black

As soon as he finished reading the letter through, he noticed Hedwig land on the back of his chair.

"Hey girl, can you take this to Amelia Bones please and wait for a response." Hedwig hooted happily and nipped his fingers affectionately then took the letter.

"Thanks Hedwig," he said as he watched her fly out the window. He leaned back in his chair and enjoyed the silence for a moment before standing up and starting to pace. "Now what do I tell the others?" He thought.

Harry was lying on his bed reading the wizard etiquette book when Ron came barging into the room with Hermione hot on his heels. It looked like they were in the middle of an argument again. Ron looked shocked to see him lying on his bed.

"Harry mate, we didn't realize you were back already," said Ron eying him in confusion.

"Oh, um, well..."

"Harry?" Chimed in Hermione. "How did you get back here? Everyone is downstairs waiting for you to come through the floo from the Leaky Cauldron." Hermione looked equally parts interested and frustrated.

"I -um - thought about Grimmauld Place and then appeared here?" He didn't mean for it to sound like a question, but that's how it came out.

"WHAT?! You apparated?" Shrieked Hermione causing Harry to flinch. "I didn't know you could do that? What were you thinking? You could have been seriously injured and none of us would have been able to help you! Besides you don't have a license," finished Hermione crossing her arms. She took a few deep breaths to try and calm herself down and once the redness was gone from her face Harry tried to explain.

" I don't know how to apparate. I have no idea how it happened. One minute I was thinking about Grimmauld Place and then next I was here," said Harry with a shrug.

"How is that possible? Asked Hermione in surprise. Harry explained what happened during the will reading and how he became both the new Lord Potter and Lord Black.

"When I put on the house rings, I got the knowledge of all the Heads of House before me. The goblins said it would take a lot of time and practice for me to be able to control the magic from the rings at will but maybe I could do it because they could do it?" Asked Harry as he blushed thinking about what he was going to say next. "I was actually hoping you could help me do some research into it Hermione."

"Of course I'll help you Harry," said Hermione with a beaming smile forgetting all about being mad at him."

"Well I guess we should go tell the others that you are already here," said Ron as he frowned at their interaction.

"Yes, we should, but perhaps you shouldn't mention the apparating or the magic from the rings till we learn more about it. Tell them the goblins gave you a return portkey or something," said Hermione thoughtfully.

"Great idea Hermione." Said Harry as he patted her on the shoulder and headed out of the room.

During dinner Harry told the Weasleys, Tonks, Kingsley, Lupin and Dumbledore about what happened at Gringotts, leaving out the marriage contract for now.

"So this house is mine?" Asked Lupin in surprise.

"Yes, I signed it over to you while I was there. You should be getting a parcel from Gringotts this evening or tomorrow morning," said Harry shyly.

"Well then, as the new owner, may we continue to use this place for the order Remus?" Asked Dumbledore his eyes twinkling merrily.

"Of course Albus," said Remus.

"Very good, thank you Remus," said Dumbledore. Remus just nodded his head.

"There is one more thing you should know," said Harry cautiously but confidently. "Since I am now Lord Potter I will be going to my family home tomorrow morning and I will be staying there until term starts."

"Harry, my boy, I don't know if that is such a good idea. You must consider the blood wards at the Dursley's. You would be very safe there and then after a couple weeks you could return here where you can be looked after. With the state of things I think perhaps that would be for the best," said Albus giving Harry his best grandfatherly smile.

Harry put his fork down and stared at Dumbledore across the table. "It's your life, you decide. It's your life, you decide," kept running through his head. Harry took a deep breath and then spoke.

"I am the head of two noble and ancient houses, and it is MY HOME!" Thundered Harry. "I am legally an adult now; you cannot deny me going to live at my family home if it is what I wish. If you want to discuss what is in place to ensure my protection while I am there, fine, but I do not require, nor do I desire your blessing in this. And if you think I will ever be going back to the Dursley's again then your old age has made you completely delusional."

"Harry!" Screamed Molly in shock. Harry took another deep breath before continuing.

"I'm sorry professor, but I am not going back there and there is nothing you can say to convince me otherwise," said Harry making it clear he would not back down.

"But if the blood wards fall, they will be unprotected from Voldemort."

"Then I will find another way to protect them," bellowed Harry. As he spoke his eyes flashed brighter and brighter and everyone's silverware began to rattle. Dumbledore felt a chill run up his spine as he looked in Harry's eyes, and no one in the room could fail to notice how quickly the temperature dropped. You could practically feel the magical power radiating from Harry as he tried to control his emotions.

"Of course Harry, it is your choice," said Dumbledore trying to placate him. "I am simply concerned for your safety and the safety of your family..."

"They are NOT my family," said Harry in a harsh whisper as he stood up and slammed both of his hands on the table in frustration. Tonks was the first to recover.

"I would imagine the wards at Potter Manor are quite extensive and you could always ask the goblins to update them if needed. Besides, I'm sure he'll check in with us frequently to let us know he's okay," said Tonks giving Harry a questioning look.

"Of course, I will come by every day if I can and once I have added you all to the wards you are welcome to visit any time you like," said Harry flashing his signature lopsided grin. Tonks breathed a sigh of relief

"Very well," said Dumbledore in resignation. Everyone else seemed content enough with the compromise, for now at least.