Chapter 14

Moving Forward

Ron got a note from his mum the next morning warning him to keep his head down and his mouth shut. Ginny was treating him like a leper, refusing to acknowledge he even existed. The twins were in their own world, as usual, so staying out of their way was easy so long as they didn't learn what he'd been part of. Unfortunately, Ron's luck had run out the day Hermione had taken her Inheritance Test.

Fred and George noticed Ginny's treatment of Ron and cornered her before bed.

"Now Ginny." Fred started.

"Why is our baby sister…"

"Acting like ickle Ronnikins…"

"Is dead to her?" They finished together.

Ginny looked between her twin brothers with a shrewd eye before replying.

"Because he is," she answered with an unaffected shrug. "It has to do with Hermione, but don't ask her about it. If you want details, write to Bill. Trust me, he will be all too happy to tell you what Ron and mum have been up to."

The twins were smart boys, her gut told her that when everyone had all the information Hermione would have the loyalty of the Weasley family.

The twins watched their little sister walk away before looking at each other.

"Gred, I think it's high time we see how dear ole Bill is doing."

"Forge, I do believe you're right."

Hermione sat at the Slytherin table for every meal over the ensuing days, sandwiched between Draco and either Theo or Daphne. She spent more time in their common room, sometimes studying but more often just talking with Draco and his friends. Being so involved in her brother's life helped her accept the side of her that was Adhara more and more, because she could be herself around Draco, Theo, and the rest of their group. Theo was still the only one who called her Hermione, but each call of Addy or Adhara from their little gang made the name feel more natural.

Most of the teachers had been respectful as well, other than the pink toad. Umbridge had doubled down in her efforts to make Hermione react during class, constantly going on about half breed lowlifes and the dangers that they posed to the Wizarding population. Hermione grit her teeth and held her tongue, refusing to rise to the vile woman's obvious bait. Draco and Theo had heard more muttering about what Umbridge had coming than they cared for, and Draco finally wrote to his Father with a desperate plea to bend the Minister's ear and use his position on the Board of Governors and have her removed from the school.

Hermione sent a letter to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, asking them to look into any legislation that had been associated with the Undersecretary's Office since Umbridge had been placed in that position. She had a sneaking suspicion that Britain's creature laws were far below what the International Confederation of Wizards mandated as the minimum standard.

During breakfast Friday morning, Harry received a letter from Gringotts.

Lord Potter,

We have found the Last Will and Testament of the late Lord James Potter and that of his wife, Lady Lily Potter, as you requested. As per Gringotts policy, formal notice has been sent to all those mentioned by name in the Will.

Your presence as Lord Potter is required on the morning of 31 October, 1995 at ten o'clock at the London location of Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

Respectfully yours,

Gornuk

Potter Accounts Manager

Gringotts Wizarding Bank

London

Harry looked up to see that Neville also had a letter from the goblins.

"Nev?" Harry caught the boy's attention, and Neville stared at the famous boy across from him for a moment before stammering, "I…. I just received a summons for the reading of your parents' Will."

Harry's eyebrows raised into his hairline.

"Seriously?"

Neville nodded. "My Gran and I are to come as proxy for my mum and dad since they aren't able to attend. Did you know my mum was your Godmother?"

Harry stared incredulously at his friend. Neville found some courage and continued talking.

"We lived next to each other in Godric's Hollow." He said quietly. "Gran has a photo album of the two of us from when we were babies. Had…" Neville stopped and had to control his breathing to continue, "Had Bellatrix Lestrange and the other Death Eaters not tor...tortured my parents into insanity, we could have grown up together. We should have been raised together." He finally choked out.

As Neville spoke, Harry's green eyes grew hard at the realization of just how much Dumbledore had taken from him. Harry looked Neville square in the eye.

"Nev, I'm going to make sure the person who meddled in both our lives goes down for it. We should have grown up together, and from here on out I'll work on being the friend you deserve. You're a brilliant wizard mate, and I want you to believe that like I do."

"You actually think I'm good at this?" Neville asked.

"I know you are. Hermione will have some ideas on how to help you build confidence too."

Harry stopped when he realised who he'd referred to, and suddenly got very awkward. He'd avoided her just as steadily as she'd avoided him during the week, and it was bloody exhausting. He was still smarting from their breakup, and every time he saw her sitting between Draco and Theo at the Slytherin table he growled, especially when Nott made her laugh. He wanted to trust that the breakup had nothing to do with the brunette boy, but she had fled to him so easily and spent so much time with him during the week that Harry had a difficult time believing what she'd said.

Neville immediately understood why Harry had gone quiet and promptly changed the subject to Quidditch. While it wasn't a huge priority to Neville, Harry lived for it and had been pushing the team extra hard that year. The two boys finished breakfast and headed off to classes, their bond a little stronger now that Harry knew how close they could and should have been.

The next two weeks flew by in a series of awkward encounters and more mutual avoidance. Hermione would sometimes eat one meal with Ginny, but she still kept to her Slytherins most days. She'd gone by Adhara more in the last two weeks than she'd ever thought she'd be comfortable with, and now there were times she caught her inner monologue using her birth name. She was slowly coming to accept that Hermione could meld with the Pureblood Heiress she was now supposed to be.

Theo still called her Hermione, and he had been her grounding force as she acclimated to the crazy inter-house politics that permeated the Slytherin students. She was trying to keep things between them as platonic as possible because she didn't want to jump into another relationship so quickly. However, every day her feelings towards him became harder to ignore and she began wondering how to go about approaching him to let him know she was open to more.

Daphne was slowly thawing a little with each conversation, and Adhara was excited at having another girlfriend to talk to. Daphne was fascinated by muggle fashion trends, especially jeans and leggings. She'd stolen a pair of the leggings from Adhara and staunchly refused to admit to it, but Ada didn't mind. She found the whole thing hilarious and couldn't wait to show her new friend more during the summer shopping trips that her mother was planning.

Draco spent at least thirty minutes every day one on one with his sister. Some days they just sat and talked, some days they studied various magics, and some days they concentrated on continuing to repair and strengthen their bond. They could now speak across the common room using their bond and Adhara was thrilled with that. Draco had told her his dream of becoming either a Potions Master like their Godfather or a Healer like their mother. He thoroughly enjoyed research and experimentation, which was why he did so well in their Arithmancy class. Adhara was the one who wanted to follow in Lucius's footsteps and join the Ministry. Draco had been raised in the midst of politics and much preferred staying out of them.

As Hermione mulled over the last three weeks of her life during the Halloween Feast, she hoped that Harry had been alright. She'd heard from Sirius that the Potter Will had been found and was supposed to have been read that morning. Harry, Neville, and the Headmaster had been missing since breakfast. She sent a silent prayer to Circe that her best friend would lean on his support system today. His parents had been ripped from his life fourteen years ago, and hearing their voices after all these years would take an emotional toll that no one could ever truly prepare for.

Harry woke up on the morning of October thirty-first with mixed emotions. He hated this day for the reminder it was of all that had been taken from him. He grabbed his toiletry bag and headed to the shower. He was grateful that today he would have Sirius and Remus with him. They'd written to Harry as soon as their own summons to the Will reading had arrived and answered as many of the boy's questions as they could.

Harry dried off and went to his wardrobe. Today he wasn't just Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. Today he had to be Lord Potter and he had to look every inch as powerful as his Godfather. Sirius had come to Hogwarts and gotten special permission from McGonagall to take Harry from the castle last Saturday. They'd both been forced to go shopping and buy new robes that would have made Lucius Malfoy proud. As Harry dressed in the suit and robe he'd chosen, he tried to remember all of the formalities that Sirius had tried to teach him while they were shopping.

He slid his new dragon hide boots on and stood from his bed. Neville was finishing getting dressed and once he was done the two boys walked out of the dorm to wait in the common room for Ginny. Once she came down from the dorm the three friends headed to breakfast where Ginny made sure both boys ate at least some toast before heading to McGonagall's office to wait for Sirius.

Sirius swept into the office moments after the two boys, snapping off a rakish smile and booming out, "Minnie! So lovely to see you again."

Minerva shook her head at her former cub's antics. Some people never truly grew up, and Sirius Black was a prime example. Looking at the three wizards in front of her, she grew serious.

"Gentleman, I want you to be careful today. Albus has informed me that he was summoned to attend this meeting, and I do not know what his reaction is going to be to such blatant exposure of his crimes in a room full of people. I don't expect to see Lord Potter or Heir Longbottom before dinner tonight, but take care of each other."

Sirius laid a hand on each boy's shoulder.

"I swear on my magic they'll be kept as safe as possible. Besides, with Augusta he won't dare touch them. He's too terrified of her."

Sirius grinned and snickered at the idea of the great Albus Dumbledore being cowed by Augusta Longbottom. Minerva snorted in amusement as she watched him usher the boys through the floo, the last thing she saw was his set look of Pureblood superiority and the fire blazing in his eyes as he prepared for a battle against an ally turned traitor.

The three wizards landed in Ragnok's office and Harry immediately raised a brow at the look of sinister joy on the goblin's face.

"Lord Potter, Lord Black, Heir Longbottom." He greeted each in turn. "If you will follow me we shall begin shortly."

The group walked out of the office, down the hall, across the main foyer, and into a medium sized boardroom. Already seated there were Remus, the Headmaster, and Neville's grandmother, along with another goblin that Harry assumed was Gornuk.

Gornuk stood as Harry entered the room, bowing slightly to the young man. Neville went and sat next to Augusta and Sirius took his seat next to Remus. Harry bowed back to the Goblin before addressing the room at large.

"Gentleman, Lady Longbottom, thank you for coming today as requested. Each of you was mentioned by name in the Last Will and Testament of the late Lord and Lady Potter, or you are here as a proxy for someone mentioned by name. As James Potter's Heir and the current Lord Potter, I pass this meeting into Gornuk's capable hands. Gornuk, if you would." Harry walked to his seat between Neville and Sirius as calmly as possible. He could feel the cold stare of the Headmaster on his person and refused to acknowledge it.

Before Gornuk could begin, Albus spoke up.

"Now wait a minute Harry m'boy. You couldn't be the current Lord of House Potter, you aren't of legal age yet." Dumbledore tried to keep his voice kind and grandfatherly.

Sirius and Remus growled as Harry calmly stared at the man.

"Actually Headmaster, I am an emancipated minor because of my participation in the Triwizard Tournament last year."

Albus paled as he asked, "Whatever do you mean dear boy?"

"Headmaster, the rules for the Tournament were clearly set with an age limit of seventeen to minimize danger on participants not fully trained. At fourteen I was entered against my will, and as such was legally and magically emancipated so that the rule for only of age participants still held. Had my Godfather been contacted as soon as the Goblet released my name, my emancipation wouldn't have been necessary as I would have been pulled from the tournament immediately with no repercussions. You as my magical guardian should have known that."

Gornuk waited a moment to ensure no other interruptions would occur before unrolling the parchment containing the last wishes of James and Lily Potter. As he laid the parchment on the table, James Potter's voice was clearly heard for the first time in fourteen years.

I, James Charlus Potter, declare I am of a sound mind and make this Will of my own choice.

I, Lily Marie Potter neé Evans, declare I am of a sound mind and make this Will of my own choice.

At the sounds of their voices, Harry's composure broke and tears streamed down his face. The only thing he'd remembered of his mother's voice was the sound of her screams as she was cut down. Sirius and Remus clenched their hands on the arms of their chair, the heartbreak warring with the renewed anger at Pettigrew's betrayal of their family. James's voice continued speaking.

I name my son, Harrison James Potter, as my rightful heir to the titles of Lord Potter, Lord Peverell and Lord Gryffindor. Harry, son, I hope that this is never read. If you're hearing this, then your mother and I were in fact betrayed by Peter Pettigrew and Albus Dumbledore failed to keep his promise to us. Sirius Black was never our Secret Keeper.

Pads, I hope you're well. I hope you've been able to raise Harry with Moony and the Longbottoms, and that that rat is paying for what he did. Remus, I know you'd never have accepted it in installments so I'm leaving you five hundred thousand galleons. No, you can't give it back and no, it isn't too much. Use it to get yourself the home you've always wanted and pay for the Wolfsbane you need. You've been a loyal friend and deserve the best I can give you. Take care of our Prongslet, boys.

Lily's voice spoke up now, her voice hitching with emotion.

Harry, my darling boy, I want you to remember that we love you. As I sit here with your dad, we know we should never have let ourselves believe that Godric's Hollow was safer than Potter Manor. Padfoot and Alice will take care of you. If they are unable to take guardianship for whatever reason, then your next guardian is to be Augusta Longbottom. If she is also unable to take guardianship, then you are to be sent to live with Severus Snape. Under no circumstances are you to be placed with my sister and her husband, Vernon and Petunia Dursley. Albus Dumbledore is not now nor should he ever be Harry's guardian in any legal or magical capacity.

Remus's eyes were glowing with amber. Moony was baying for blood. Harry's green eyes were bright with a fury stronger than he'd ever experienced. Sirius's face was a mask of cold rage. Neville had been in silent shock since he'd heard Harry be addressed as 'Lord Potter' and Augusta looked incensed that she'd never been allowed the opportunity to do as she'd been asked and raise the Potter boy alongside her grandson.

Harry finally spoke up, his jaw tense.

"Gornuk please have a copy of that document sent to Amelia Bones immediately. I also want her to have copies of my Inheritance Test and Curse Diagnostic, both should be in my personal file. I shall be stopping at the Ministry this afternoon to discuss my case with her."

Harry stood, closely followed by the rest of the room. He stopped when he was by Dumbledore, facing the door and refusing to look at the man.

"Headmaster, I shall be back at the castle for dinner this evening. Neville is free to spend the rest of the day with me or with his grandmother. Between my Houses, House Black, and House Malfoy, you have made powerful enemies with your meddling."

Harry strode out of the room followed by the others as Albus stood there dumbstruck. Gornuk grinned viciously at him as he passed. The old coot's world was exploding around him in a spectacular display of chaos.

Harry and Neville spent the rest of the morning with Moony and Padfoot, the two Marauders telling their boy story after story about James and Lily and Frank and Alice as they looked through old school photos. Neville then went back to Longbottom House and the other three wizards ate lunch in London before heading to the Ministry. Sirius and Remus knew Amelia from their school days, and the moment she received the documents from Gringotts she would be waiting for Lord Potter and Lord Black to arrive.

They were immediately ushered into her office upon arrival and spent the next two hours securing Sirius's freedom and solidifying what they could in the case against Dumbledore. Madame Bones was thorough and efficient. She reminded Harry very much of Hermione in research mode, and he liked her a lot. Before leaving, they stopped by the office of the Prophet so Harry and Sirius could give a statement that was to be printed in the morning edition.

Harry and Neville walked in shortly after the feast started. Dumbledore never arrived, which caused no small amount of whispers and theorizing about the reason for his absence. Harry and Neville checked in with McGonagall after the feast, updating her on everything from that morning, and then both boys went to bed, exhausted from a long emotionally charged day.

Hermione was eating at the Gryffindor table the next morning at breakfast when all hell broke loose. When the paper was dropped in front of Ginny, Hermione immediately understood why the whole Hall was in various states of shock.

A large photo of Harry and Sirius at the Ministry covered everything above the fold, topped with the Headline,

Sirius Black Cleared of All Charges

Potter Lordship Active Once More

Dear readers, the month of October began with the return of the Malfoy daughter and ended with the reunion of Harry Potter and his newly exonerated Godfather, Sirius Black.

Black was sent to Azkaban fourteen years ago, accused of facilitating the murders of James and Lily Potter, Peter Pettigrew, and that of a dozen muggles . However it has come to light that not only is Lord Black innocent of these charges, he was never given any form of trial to defend himself! He was thrown in a cell and forgotten, left to rot amongst the true followers of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named as they were rounded up after the attempted murder of Harry Potter by their Dark Lord.

Lord Black and his godson left a statement with our office yesterday afternoon after their meeting with Madam Bones had concluded.

"We are grateful to the DMLE and the goblins at Gringotts for their quick actions in securing Lord Black's pardon. We shall actively work with the Ministry to ensure that proper restitution is made to Lord Black. Lord Potter is looking forward to living with his Godfather when the current school year is finished, and both men ask that you respect their privacy at this time as they learn and grow into their new family dynamic."

You did not misread that folks, fifteen year old Harry Potter is Lord Harrison James Potter. Young Master Potter was able to claim his title two weeks ago upon learning that he had been legally and magically emancipated due to his participation in the TriWizard Tournament that took place last year.

In a separate statement to the Prophet, Lord Potter said,

"I was raised in a household which lacked any form of love for me. I was neglected and abused, and with the statements from my parents' Will I should never have been left in that home.

"I will be working with Madame Bones and the DMLE to ensure that the person who placed me there is brought to justice for any and all crimes committed against my person. I am grateful for my good friend Hermione Granger-Malfoy who insisted I make an appointment with the goblins and have myself checked after her own startling revelation. I urge anyone with children or family members at Hogwarts to make an appointment with the staff at Gringotts for a full Curse Diagnostic after the events of the last several weeks. We can never be too careful."

Just as with the continually developing story of Miss Malfoy, we here at the Prophet shall keep you updated on Lord Potter's case as we receive it from the Auror's Office."

There was a moment of total silence before the whispering began. The entire Gryffindor table was staring at Harry like they'd never seen him before. The Headmaster was conspicuous in his absence, prompting even more whispers than his absence at dinner the night before had. Hermione made eye contact with Harry and the two shared a vicious smirk. Dumbledore's time was coming, and they would enjoy every second of watching his fall from grace.