DISCLAIMER: Harry and Hermione perform magic while at the bank in this chapter. The trace no longer applies to Harry because he is a legal wizarding adult due to his emancipation. Hermione will not have any underage magic sanctions due to her casting because she is in a wizarding establishment and any magic performed in such places is assumed to have been done by an adult witch or wizard. I will also be messing with the Harry's Occlumency lesson timeline in the next couple of chapters so you're all aware.
Chapter Eight
Whole Once More
As the group of four entered the Ritual Room, Bill directed Lucius and Hermione to the enclosed waiting area and led Harry over to the changing area.
"Right, change into these and let's get your magic cleared, yeah?"
Harry took the simple robe Bill handed to him and changed quickly. Ragnok and the other three goblin healers entered the room, Demelza walking next to Ragnok and carrying her silver staff.
Just as with Hermione, Harry was directed to lie on the crystal slab in the middle of the room. Demelza handed him a vial of anesthetic which he prepared to drink only to have Bill stop him.
"Before you drink that, let me make sure everything on the diagnostic checks out and I don't need you to answer any questions."
Bill pulled his wand and cast the Diagnostic Charm, dreading how dark the chains binding Harry's core would be. His wand printed the physical readout of the chart now floating above Harry's body.
Diagnostic Results
Patient: Harrison James Potter
Core
Black
Active since age thirteen months
Performed by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Dark Magic
Hunter Green
Active since age thirteen months
Performed by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Animagus Abilities
Wine
Active since age thirteen months
Performed by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Godfather Bond
Navy
Active since age thirteen months
Performed by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Horcrux of Tom Marvolo Riddle
Black smoke
Created at age thirteen months
Leeching approximately 3% of core magic per year Active, current total leech 42%
Access to Family Magics
Scarlet
Active since age fourteen
Performed by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore on 1 November 1994
Loyalty Potion
Maroon
Active since age eleven
Administered four times a year by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Distrust Compulsion
Chocolate
Active since age eleven
Administered four times a year by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
"I. . . Ragnok is this room equipped with all necessary precautions?" Bill asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley, all potential magical issues are warded for."
"Including Horcruxes?"
Demelza's eyes bulged at Bill's question. The boy was a living, breathing impossibility!
Ragnok's face twisted into a grimace at the reminder of such foul magic having been practiced and attached to any being, let alone a child.
"No, horcruxes are not included in the wards. I assume you'll want to take care of that last, yes?"
Bill nodded, his mind spinning quickly through everything he knew of the Dark practice.
We may be able to transfer it to a different vessel, something the original soul would see as valuable or would have coveted in some way. He thought to himself. But what would Voldemort have desired?
Turning so Hermione and Lucius could see him, he asked, "Would Voldemort have made any other Horcruxes?"
He noted how Hermione and Harry locked eyes and had a silent conversation before he slowly nodded once at her.
"Yes Bill, we know of at least one other but it has been destroyed."
Lucius looked down at his daughter sharply.
"You've had contact with one of them?"
"So have you Papa. You slipped it into Ginny Weasley's cauldron at Flourish and Blotts three years ago."
Adhara looked up at him, steely eyed, daring him to remember.
Lucius wracked his brain for the incident she was referring to, coming up blank until she prodded his memory with the phrase, "fisticuffs with Arthur Weasley."
Everything snapped into focus for him and horror crossed his features. The black diary his father had commanded he ensured made it to the school somehow!
Adhara could see the moment he figured it out.
She turned back to Bill, "What did your parents tell you about Ginny's first year at Hogwarts?"
Bill looked confused at the question.
"What? Other than that she was ill fairly often that year, nothing substantial, why? What does that have to do with Horcruxes?"
"Because," Hermione paused, "Ginny was possessed by a Horcrux for the majority of that year. Tom Riddle had made his school diary into one, most likely his first one. A number of students were petrified, myself included. We saw the reflection of the eyes of the Basilisk that Salazar Slytherin had put in the Chamber of Secrets. The soul fragment took Ginny down into the Chamber and she nearly died. Harry saved Ginny, killed the snake, and destroyed the diary using one of its fangs at the end of the school year."
Bill accioed a chair from next to Hermione and collapsed into it, putting his head between his knees and trying to breathe deeply to stave off the panic attack threatening to overcome him.
Hermione was kneeling at his side when he finally straightened, her hand rubbing calming circles on his back.
"Bill, I don't know how much of that your parents know. Dumbledore said he didn't alert parents because he didn't want to cause an unnecessary uproar." She rolled her eyes at the ludicrous nature of such a pronouncement. "As if there were any better reason than a massive murderous snake living under the school."
Bill huffed a laugh at this, shaking his head. Hermione turned to look at Lucius.
"Papa, would he have given anything else to any particular fellow members of his little cult? Anyone else fanatical he would have trusted with a piece of his soul other than grandfather?"
At the word fanatical Lucius had an insane and terrifying thought. He swallowed hard before replying.
"If he were to give anyone a piece of his soul it would have been Bellatrix. She's obsessed with him, he could command her to crawl over broken glass everywhere she went and she would."
"Ragnok, can you have someone check the Lestrange vaults for anything like a Horcrux?" Hermione asked, silently pleading to Merlin and Morgana that the idea forming in her head would work.
"If anyone has stored soul magic in this bank. . .'' Ragnok growled, the implications of pain clear in the goblin's rage filled visage.
He shook himself and quickly left the room. Twenty minutes later he returned carrying a box. The minute Ragnok took the lid off and grabbed the golden cup inside, Harry hissed and grabbed his forehead, the horcrux in his scar reacting to the object in Ragnok's hands.
Harry's reaction was proof enough that the gold cup was indeed another shard of Voldemort's soul.
"Harry, take that anesthetic and lie down immediately!" Bill ordered.
Harry did as he was told as Demelza began her healing chant, her silver staff rising with her voice, lighting the runes around the room. The first wave of magic rolled out from the diamond focus gem atop the staff as it connected with the floor, and Bill sent it straight to the four Scarlet chains locking Harry's family magics from him. One by one, the chains dissolved. Potter broke first, and then Peverell, Gryffindor and finally Slytherin.
As each new family branch fed into Harry's core, he groaned and twitched, the influx of magic aiding in flushing his system. The Potter and Gryffindor lines targeted the maroon chain that was the Loyalty potion, the very notion of forcing someone's loyalty to a certain path an affront to their lines. The maroon chain shattered under the pressure of two lines who valued true Loyalty and fidelity of friendship.
The Slytherin and Peverell family magics targeted the chocolate brown Distrust compulsion, recognizing that distrust could be sown naturally and that to use the aid of magic in forcing a negative view would not allow for the growth and learning that would be necessary to earn and give trust. This chain snapped, allowing Harry his own mind in choosing who to trust in aiding his ambitions and education.
Demelza sent a second wave out from the diamond and Bill directed it towards the final chain surrounding Harry's magic core. Bill began pouring his own magic into the ritual and first targeted Harry's wine coloured Animagus Block. While dark in colour it did not give off the malevolence of the other three binds, and so it broke the easiest. Next came the navy block on the Godfather Bond. This chain took more pressure and briefly tightened around the core before dissolving with a crack.
Harry screamed as his magic flared out in search of Sirius, and as it found the frayed edges of the Heir to the Black family's bond with him, Sirius' fork clattered to his plate at the table of Grimmauld Place as his hands gripped the table's edge, the tears falling freely at the sensation of his pup connecting with him fully. Remus' worried expression from across the table turned to one of joy for the last of his school friends as Sirius whispered, "Prongslet."
Back at the bank, Bill was now focusing on the final two chains that were dragging Harry down. The dark hunter green and black chains had, in some places, knotted with one another. To bind a core so viciously as Dumbledore had done was serious enough, but to bind the access to the magic that made up the majority of a wizard's core was nothing short of a death sentence. That the boy had survived this long with such blocks was miraculous. Bill searched the jumbled mess of black and green for the weakest point, knowing that if he found it and applied the right stress both chains would shatter. He found it burrowed down into Harry's core, and thrust his wand forward into the diagram above Harry, dragging the twist of chain out with his wand tip and chanting in time with Demelza, concentrating all magic in the room on breaking the malice held there.
With a bright flash, the tangled web shattered and Harry screamed again, his arms thrashing as magic flooded his system. Everything began to converge upon the boy's skull, the affront to magic contained there growing desperate as it felt it's host's power expanding.
Demelza lifted her staff and slammed it down, the final wave of magic pouring from the diamond with the force of a tsunami hell bent on the devastation it was designed for. The black smoke surrounding the area of Harry's scar began hissing and spitting as Demelza and Bill's voices were joined by the other two healers and Ragnok, each giving their all to extract the foul soul shard without killing the boy.
Ragnok held the cup from the Lestrange vaults next to Harry's head. As the black smoke billowed out and rose from the boy's scar he felt the cup responding in his hands. The object hummed as the child screeched, the boy's body levitating off the crystal slab with the force of the magic being directed at and through his small frame. Harry's own magic gave the final push needed to rid him of Voldemort completely, blood flowing from his scar as the Horcrux ripped out of his forehead and hurtled into the cup, the two slivers of the mad man's soul hissing in what could have been contentment at their reunion.
Harry's body dropped back onto the slab with a thud, his limbs limp and his breathing shallow as Ragnok dropped the cup back into its box and sealed the lid shut. The only sounds to be heard at that moment were the heavy breathing of the room's occupants that were still conscious. Harry groaned after a couple minutes and Bill holstered his wand before reaching out to help Harry sit up.
"Easy there Harry, nice and slow. That's it, take your time," Bill spoke in low tones, easing the boy into a sitting position.
Harry's hands cradled his head before it shot up, his green eyes wide as he felt his magic in its pure form for the first time in living memory. Joy crossed his face as his energy returned tenfold, and he slid off the crystal table and hugged Bill tightly.
Bill hugged his adopted little brother back just as fiercely, grateful that this boy he related to more so than most of his own blood siblings was still with them. They separated and grinned at each other.
"Well, Harrison, let's get you back into your robes and then get your Lordship and Heir rings all sorted."
Harry laughed at the stress on his full name and nodded, heading over to the changing area and quickly getting back into his school uniform. He and Bill headed over to the waiting area and had only cracked the door when Hermiome ran at them, the force of her hug nearly knocking Harry off his feet. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, one hand cradling the back of her head as she cried into his neck.
"I'm okay 'Mione. I'm okay," he reassured, grateful to have her back in his arms where he knew she was safe.
Lucius was speechless as he stared at the two teenagers. Narcissa had refused to tell him the name of the boy Hermione was interested in, but watching the scene in front of him he knew now who it was. Harry looked up and into Lucius' eyes, the strength and determination displayed in his green orbs almost making the blonde aristocrat take a step backwards.
"Lord Malfoy, we need to get my Godfather here immediately. He has his own Lordship to accept."
Lucius nodded and Harry released Hermione to draw his wand. He conjured his stag patronus and sent it off with a message.
"Padfoot, I need you to come to Gringotts as soon as possible. Come as Snuffles so you're not arrested in Diagon Alley and bring Moony."
Lucius was almost recovered from the shock of his daughter having feelings for the Boy-Who-Lived until he saw the young man produce a corporeal patronus. He collapsed in a chair when Adhara drew her own wand and called forth her otter, the little creature swimming a quick circle around her before stopping to receive her message.
"Hello," Adhara laughed, watching the playful little creature. "Please make sure Professor McGonagall is alone or with Professor Snape before giving her this message. 'Professor could you and Uncle Severus please meet us at Malfoy Manor this evening for dinner? There is much we need to discuss without prying ears.'"
The otter nuzzled Adhara's hand and swam off. She produced another otter, this time for her mother.
"Mama, could you have the elves prepare dinner for eight this evening? Papa, Harry, Professor McGonagall, Cousin Sirius, Remus Lupin, Uncle Severus and myself will be coming home. I'll see you soon. Love you."
This otter swam off quickly to deliver its message. Adhara holstered her wand and looked at her father. Her father's posture was immediately concerning.
"Papa, what's the matter?"
"I…. Sweetheart I just watched two teenage children produce magic most adult witches and wizards are incapable of. One of which has just undergone a serious magic ritual and should by all rights still be unconscious. I'm simply in shock dear. How long have you been producing a patronus?"
Harry looked smug as he replied for both of them.
"Well, Lord Malfoy, I have been able to produce mine since the end of third year. Hermione produced hers shortly after our fourth year began."
Lucius was gobsmacked. Thirteen and fourteen years old. He looked at Bill to see the Curse Breaker's reaction and just saw amusement on the eldest Weasley's face. Bill caught Lucius's look and shrugged his shoulders. He was used to Harry and Hermione not conforming to what was considered normal for magic abilities at their age, so a corporeal patronus was not a huge surprise to him.
Harry turned to Ragnok, "Sir, shall we go back to the other room so that myself and my Godfather, once he arrives, can fully accept our titles and finish taking up your precious time?"
Ragnok bowed to the young wizard. "Yes, Master Potter. Curse Breaker Weasley will lead you back and I shall join you shortly after retrieving your rings."
Harry nodded and slipped Hermione's arm through his, grinning at the girl before saying, "Well William, lead on. I think it's time I took my place in this world, don't you?"
Bill chuckled, "Yes Harrison. Let's go make you Lord Potter officially."
Lucius trailed behind the three younger wix, his mind whirring.
The Dark Lord has no concept of the gift Albus had given him in binding their magic, he thought.
This war had just taken a drastic turn, and while he didn't know where the pieces would land he knew that his daughter and her friend would be shifting the board for years to come.
Narcissa was sitting in the library flipping through and markin a stack of fashion magazines when the patronus reached her. Not recognizing the creature, she set her reading down to give it her full attention. The little otter swam in front of her face and waved before it's message was played. When she heard her daughter's voice Cissa was floored. She quickly put her shock to the side to focus on the message from her little girl.
Once the message ended, Cissa nodded at the little creature and it swam off into nothingness.
"Mipsy," she called, and the little elf popped in beside the armchair where she was seated.
"What can Mispy be doing for you Mistress?"
"Mipsy, would you have the kitchen elves prepare dinner for eight please? We shall be having guests this evening, and Adhara has asked that we feed them."
"Missy Addy will be home?" The little elf squeaked in excitement.
Narcissa chuckled, "Yes Mipsy, she will be home tonight."
Mipsy smiled and bowed to her Mistress.
"Mipsy shall get dinner started right away." And with a soft crack the elf was gone.
She sat back in her chair and pondered the revelation that her daughter could cast a patronus, wondering why on earth such a mix of people were needed for whatever her baby had planned. She had not seen her cousin in many many years, but since Adhara had revealed that Sirius was innocent she had been wondering where he had been hiding himself. She resolved to listen first tonight before questioning anything. Her daughter was a smart young witch and would have thought this out before making her request.
Cissa picked up her magazine once again, swearing to find a robe style that would appease her daughter and put the impending dinner out of her mind. She had to trust her child.
Minerva was enjoying a cup of tea in her chambers when her cub's patronus swam in. She took one look at the otter and set her cup down.
"If you'll wait just a moment, let me have Professor Snape come through. I have a feeling this message is for both of us, yes?"
The little otter nodded and swam figure eights as Minerva went to her floo.
"Severus? Severus, are you terribly busy?"
The dark man looked up from his book and looked to his fireplace.
"No Minerva, what is it?"
"Could you come to my office please? One of the cubs has sent us a message."
Severus snapped his book shut and placed it on the coffee table in front of him before standing and walking through the fire into his colleague's office. At the sight of the little otter he knew who the message was from and nodded at the creature to proceed with it's message.
Both professors nodded their thanks at the end and sat down across from one another.
"We'll have to leave separately. We can't have him getting suspicious," Severus stated.
Minerva nodded in agreement. "I'll leave first. Albus won't miss me at dinner since I usually take it here on the weekend unless I'm on patrol duty."
"If he questions me I'll tell him it was a Death Eater meeting."
The two professors sat deep in thought, each contemplating what was so important that Miss Malfoy had summoned them to her family estate. This week was shaping up to be revelatory in ways that neither had dreamt possible.
Sirius and Remus were in the lounge when Harry's patronus bounded in, the sight of the stag catching Sirius off guard, who always expected to hear James. When it gave Harry's message, the remaining two Marauders sprang into action. Having an idea of why Harry was asking them to come to the bank, Sirius sprinted to his room and changed into the nicest set of dress robes that still fit him and would convey his station. While he mentally grimaced at the idea of actually taking his title, he knew there would be benefits to embracing his place as head of the Black Family.
He walked back down the stairs and met Remus at the door.
"Well Mooney, let's go get our boy and see what all this fuss is about."
He grinned roguishly at his best mate, and Moony rolled his eyes. Sirius really was just an excitable puppy.
"Come one Pads, time to become Snuffles," Remus snickered, shaking the lead at the other man and laughing at Sirius' grimace as he remembered he had to be in animagus form for part of this.
"I can't wait to go outside as myself," he grumbled before shifting into the massive Grim, shaking his body to shed on Remus before allowing him to put on the collar and lead.
After securing the lead to Padfoot's collar, Mooney patted him on the head and snickered again.
"Who's my good boy?" He sing-songed.
Sirius growled at the address and Moony growled back. Sirius lolled his tongue out and wagged his tail before bounding towards the door. Remus shook his head and followed the ridiculous black dog, wondering why he agreed to go anywhere with the man. They reached the alley nearest the house and Sirius shifted back so they could apparate away, the prospect of seeing his godson overriding any irritation at having to stay Snuffles for very long. His Prongslet was calling, and nothing would get in the way of him getting to his boy.