A/N: It's been a while. I apologize in advance for the break lines, but FF doesn't offer a lot of formatting options. -Lux
Chapter 9: Of Wills and Ways
As the Grangers waited for The Leaky Cauldron's owner to help them into Diagon Alley (for a fee of course), Mrs. Granger was putting a square band-aid to Harry's forehead that would hide his scar. Emma was weirded out by putting makeup on a child, so this was the best alternative. Sirius had warned the Grangers of what was coming. Harry was a hero, a celebrity, for the Wizarding World. As a result, if he were recognized, people would follow them around to get autographs and such. Dan and Emma were incredulous, but they were cautious people.
Sirius told them about Goblins, the Goblin Nation, and the respect they should pay them. Goblins were prideful, wise, and powerful beings. Padfoot was certain that they would be able to tell he was an animagus. Some tribes still ate dog. His tail stopped wagging. He was positive he could transform before they could eat him. They wouldn't eat customers' pets. Sirius knew that, as a human, he would be safe at Gringotts. The goblins did not have any extradition agreements with the Ministry of Magic. Additionally, the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black earned the goblins a significant amount of gold. Sirius had written what the Grangers needed to say and do when they got in the bank.
The family and their dog traipsed inside Diagon Alley. They felt like they had gone back in time. Everyone was wearing… long dresses with long overcoats. There were some traditional black pointy hats and brooms outside the stores. The names were bizarre, but they proved that magic was a thing and that Sirius was not lying. Names such as Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, Eeylops Owl Emporium, Flourish & Blotts, Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Magical Menagerie, Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions, Apothecary, Ollivanders, Rosa Lee Teabags, etc. The family was stunned for a moment. Owls were flying overhead carrying packages and what seemed to be letters. Weren't owls supposed to be nocturnal? Emma thought with a frown. She kept looking for electric wiring or telephone posts to no avail.
Sirius' brief bark, made them move, he walked before them, tied with the leash and harness. He was in a hurry to get to the bank. There were two armed creatures in the entrance who matched Sirius' descriptions for goblins. They were each in full armor, with an impressive shield and a spear. The soldiers were guarding the main door. Their spears were crossed, preventing people from just coming through. It was a very tall door, around 30 ft., and it was ornately decorated with gold fixtures. On top of the marble doorframe, there was a carved phrase: Fortius Quo Fidelius. Daniel smiled: Strength through loyalty. It was an interesting motto for a bank. The family followed Sirius' direction.
"Brave warriors, may your enemies tremble at the sight of your sword," Daniel said bowing. He felt silly, but those goblins didn't seem to have a sense of humor. He wouldn't risk offending them. Emma, the kids, and even Padfoot bowed.
"And yours quake at the sound of your voice, human," the goblin on the right said. Both goblins lifted their spears to allow them in. Both warriors seemed to be smiling, but their smiles were frightening. Harry and Hermione held hands to each other and Dan and Emma. The Grangers went into an entry hall with the biggest silver doors they had ever seen. Engraved on the surface of the doors was an eerie threatening text.
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
Alright, peaceful creatures to be sure, thought Emma with a shudder. A clerk came walking quickly towards them. "Welcome to Gringotts Wizarding Bank," said the clerk with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "We are very sorry, but dogs are not allowed in here."
"We know. He is an animagus and one of your most high profile clients. He requests to talk to Manager Sharptooth," Emma said, smiling with a confidence she did not feel. The dog nodded, wagging his tail.
The clerk's eyebrows disappeared under his fringe as he did a double-take on the dog. He knew that Sharptooth only handled two families: The Black's and The Potter's. He looked at the kids who were looking pointedly down. Sirius told the Grangers that Harry's mother's eyes were famous. The clerk nodded. "Follow me, please."
Sharpooth was a formidable yet ancient-looking goblin. He sat behind a big desk with thick ledgers, scrolls, and feather pens. They really do not embrace technology, thought Daniel. His wife was wondering if their hospital pager would work in Diagon Alley. The clerk announced them and left.
"May your enemies bleed and your vaults overflow," said Daniel, bowing down. The family and the dog bowed down as well.
"Yours as well," replied Sharptooth, looking with a glint over his glasses. "What kind of dog is this?"
The goblin was looking at Sirius with hungry eyes… and not the good kind. Sirius stood in his hind legs and transformed.
"A non-edible one, Sharptooth," he replied with a smirk.
"Sirius Orion Black," the goblin said, standing up with a smile. "I was wondering how long it would take their most wanted criminal to come to seek sanctuary. You look much better than the last time I saw your fur! I almost didn't recognize you."
"I found a temporary sanctuary in the home of these incredible people. Sharptooth, meet Daniel and Emma Granger, and their daughter Hermione. This is Harry Potter, my godson."
The goblin went around the desk to shake hands with the Grangers and Harry. Harry looked deep into the goblin's eyes and gave a short nod. He then pulled Sirius down and gave him a hug. Sirius responded by wrapping his arms around the goblin, standing up, and twirling him around. Both laughed. At least, that is what the Grangers thought the noise coming from the goblin was. Since goblins were so short, It looked like Sirius was twirling around a wrinkly child.
"Sirius! Enough! Put me down! I am NOT a child!" Sharptooth said indignantly kicking his short legs wildly. Sirius laughed, and the even the Grangers chuckled. Harry bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. Sirius kept laughing but put Sharptooth down slowly.
"Sharptooth, I missed you, you old grumpy goblin! You know you love it when I twirl you around," he said, laughing. He followed that with a kiss to the furious goblin's forehead.
"I. Do. Not! Pardon his manners, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," the goblin said swatting Sirius' hands away with a slight blush. "How can I help you all?"
"We would like to have the Potter's will read. I suspect it was not read due to someone's pressure. Also, I need to make a withdrawal, to procure a barrister, and the Grangers would like to create a vault for their daughter. She's a witch," Sirius replied, taking a seat.
"Alright, let's start from the easiest task. How big of a vault are we talking about?" the goblin said, looking at the Grangers.
"We wouldn't know. My husband and I are not magical. We would like to open a savings account, I guess," Emma said, looking at her husband with a question mark expression. The goblin had guessed they were non-magicals from their clothes.
"What is the minimum amount to open an account?" Daniel added.
"We do not do accounts like the non-wizarding banks. We have physical vaults of different sizes, the smallest being able to hold up to 100 galleons. It would look like a deposit box from your world," the goblin explained, patiently. "And before you ask, 100 galleons are roughly 300 pounds."
"Thank you for explaining. Then, I would like to get one of those vaults for our daughter."
"If you would sign this. Just a warning, you will fill a tiny bit of pain."
"What?!" Dan said, withdrawing his hand from the feather pen.
"It's a blood quill," explained Sirius. "You sign goblin contracts with blood. That way, they are binding. It really doesn't hurt much."
The Grangers thought that was barbaric. And by the looks on the kids' faces, they agreed.
"Fine," Dan said, signing. He winced a bit. "Does my wife need to sign too?"
"No. I apologize Mrs. Granger, but Wizarding society is patriarchal." The goblin really looked uncomfortable. "Do you authorize Gringotts to invest the money?"
"Invest?"
"Yes."
"Sirius?"
"I recommend you say yes. Sharptooth is wonderful at selecting sound investments that provide good revenue for little risk. But it is up to you," Sirius said, not wanting to press the issue.
"Invest 30% of it," Dan said after Emma squeezed his hand.
"I appreciate your trust, Mr. Granger. Now," the goblin snapped his fingers, and the clerk came back in. "Mr. Black needs our best barrister. Also, get me Griphook."
The clerk nodded and left. Harry was growing nervous. What if his parents will showed they didn't love him? Hermione squeezed his hand. Sometimes he could swear she read his mind. He looked at her and smiled. His scar itched a bit, but he didn't want to take off the bandage, so he scratched his knee instead. The clerk came back with a gold box.
"Harry, you need to put a drop of your blood on the lid. It will recognize you as an heir and open so we can read the will."
The Grangers were about to protest, but Harry gave Sirius the dagger that the clerk was holding. Dan had to hold Emma back and silence her with a look. He too had to hold himself and Hermione back. Sirius felt elated that his godson trusted him enough to have him use a dagger on him. He grabbed Harry's hand carefully and touched the sharp tip of the dagger to the tip of Harry's tiny index finger. Harry's eyes bore into his. The boy didn't wince. Harry was expecting the cut to hurt more. As soon as the drop of blood touched the box. The goblin took Harry's index between his large bony hands, and there was a quick flash of blue light that the Grangers saw with awe healed the cut. Harry's index was perfect.
The goblin took the scroll out carefully. Emma noticed that the will was written in two handwritings. One feminine and elegant, and the other masculine and messy. The goblin asked Harry if he could start. The boy nodded. All the humans in the room were touching Harry somehow. Emma and Hermione had his hands in theirs. Dan and Sirius had a supportive hand on each shoulder. The only reason they can read the will without all the people mentioned present is a letter of instructions from the Potters. Harry's scar kept itching. The goblin cleared his throat and began.
This is the last will of Lily Jade Potter nee Evans and James Charlus Potter. We are both of sound mind and body as we write this.
Harry, the first thing we want you to know is that we love you more than anything in this life. We are very sorry that we are not with you. If you are reading this, know that you are and always will be our pride and joy. No matter what people say, you are our biggest accomplishment.
We want a copy of this will to reach the DMLE and the Wizengamot. If we died at the hands of Voldemort due to a Secret Keeper betrayal, we want everyone to know that our Secret Keeper was Peter Pettigrew. In the event of our deaths, the most important duty we could give others -that of raising and loving our son- the following should happen.
If either of us passes while the other lives on, the surviving spouse will get full custody of our son and all our assets, titles, and vaults. If we both pass, Harry's custody should go to the following people in the following order:
1. Sirius Orion Black who is Harry's godfather by godfather ritual, so it is his right and duty on his magic to raise and love Harry as his own. AND/OR Alice Longbottom, who is Harry's godmother by godmother ritual. We hope that if Harry grows up with Neville, they will find a brother in each other. We are sure Frank will love Harry as his own.
Sirius took a slow breath. This was all he needed to prove his innocence. He would gladly take Veritaserum. Frank and Alice's faces flashed through his mind. He remembered what happened to them. He needed to contact Augusta soon. There had to be a way to reverse what his dear psycho cousin had done to them. They were too young to be a lost cause. The goblin looked up at Sirius. At the man's nod, Sharptooth went on.
2. Remus Lupin, who is Harry's uncle in everything but blood. Moony, we love you. We thank you for all the wisdom and all the help. You once asked me the secret to love: accept to be accepted. We don't care about your furriness, neither does Harry. You were the best honorary brother I could have had. We love you, and thank you.
Sirius took a shaky breath. Where could Moony be? He wouldn't have just left Harry behind. He was the most down to Earth and stern of the Marauders. Remus would have had a lot more sense than to not keep tabs on Harry. He needed to contact Moony. He missed that wolf. Remus had to be far away. Otherwise, he would be able to sense his pack was in danger.
3. Edward and Andromeda Tonks nee Black. You are also an honorary aunt and uncle to our son. He would be blessed to grow up with Nymphadora. She would be a great older sister. We love you all!
4. Professor Minerva McGonagall: You have been like an older sister to me. You were an incredible mentor and a wonderful friend. We know you love Harry and would be an incredible role model. He adores his aunt Minnie. We love you and will purr for you forever.
Padfoot chuckled. Minerva would be upset about the purring reference. But it was true, baby Harry loved his aunt Minnie. Harry's eyes went wide. The boy thought Minnie sounded familiar. Apparently, he was getting some lost memories back as well.
5. Sharptooth our Gold Manager and Friend-
The goblin stopped reading and went pale. Never in history had a goblin been chosen to raise a human baby. He had always been close to the Potters, but he would have never guessed this. Harry looked up at him and smiled a shy half-smile. Sharptooth blinked rapidly and continued.
6. Sharptooth our Gold Manager and Friend. My dearest mentor, I know Harry will grow up to be a wonderful man who is not bigoted or prejudiced if you are in his life. You are a warrior, and eventually, there will be a war again, and we will need you to help him. We love you, you grumpy little goblin with a gigantic heart.
7. Neesy the Head Potter House-Elf. Neesy, you have been the most wonderful friend we could have asked for. Thank you for your diligence and for loving our Harry as your own. Train him in your magic. Love him. Protect him. And if that old goat comes near him wanting to hurt or manipulate him, turn him into pink mist. We love you.
Sirius was stunned. He knew Sharptooth was in shock. Trust Lily to have a heart that could turn what others would consider unthinkable into a possibility. It was unheard of for any human baby to have a goblin or elf guardian. No witch or wizard, specially purebloods, would do that. They still thought goblins ate human babies. Sirius shuddered at the thought. The scroll was shaking in Sharptooth's hands. Sirius went around the desk and squeezed the goblin's right shoulder. The Potters had also included Neesy. Sharptooth took several slow, deep breaths, and went on reading.
Under absolutely NO circumstance is our Harry to go to my sister Petunia Dursley nee Evans and her husband. They hate all things magic and would never love our Harry. The same applies to the meddlesome megalomaniac Albus Too-Many-Names-Too-Little-Care Dumbledore. He will stop at nothing to manipulate everyone. Do NOT fall for his tricks. Do not EVER take any food, drinks, or candy from his hands. They will be laced with potions. NEVER look him in the eye. He is a master legilimens. He has NO claim to anything in this will. If he ever withdraws a galleon without permission, I will personally come out of wherever I am and haunt the bastards who allowed him to get away with this. When you discover exactly how much he has taken, The Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter demandsretribution to be determined by our Head of House. If none of the people named as possible guardians can perform the role, Harry is to go to a loving, non-magical family, preferably one with fertility problems.
You could have heard a pin drop. Everyone in the office was furious. That Dumbledore person would have to answer for this. After the paragraph above, the writing changed to James'. Harry was crying, mutely against Emma. His parents loved him. Hermione looked as angry as Dan, who wanted to break something. The Grangers had too many questions but did not want to interrupt.
Regarding all our assets, vaults, and titles, they will go in this order:
1. If my wife survives me or I survive her, the surviving spouse will get everything.
2. If we are both dead, everything goes to Harry James' guardian (according to the list my wife provided), until he reaches his majority with the following exceptions:
-To Sirius Black: Not that you need any more money, but still… You are our brother. Consider this an early (or late) wedding present. Settle down already! We leave you 1 million galleons and our house in London, so you never have to go to that Grim Old Place again. Also, Lily thinks that the horrible picture of your mother can be blasted off with a non-magical grenade. You may want to try that… for the laughs. Even if it doesn't work, can you imagine her outrage at being attacked by muggle weapons? Never stop being a Marauder, Padfoot! We love you forever.
Sirius chuckled: once a Marauder, always a Marauder. He added getting a grenade to his mental to-do list. The Grangers were surprised by the humor in the will. The Potters sounded like wonderful people.
-To Alice and Frank: We know you need no money or titles. However, we would be remiss as godparents if we didn't leave our godson a little something. To Neville, we leave 100 000 galleons for his education. May he grow up to be a wonderful person like his parents. Alice, Lily's special paints are yours to share with Pandora Lovegood. You make the most beautiful paintings together. Make one for our Harry. We love you, and thank you for everything you did for us. Look into your memories and search for holes.
-To Remus Lupin: We leave you 3 million galleons, a lifetime supply of your special drink (it will be transferred to your vault upon the reading of this will), Lily's research on your condition (she has discovered some pretty interesting things), and we leave you the cottage you wanted in Sennen Cove. Thought we didn't know? Sucker! (Can't tell me off now, I'm dead!) We know you think we shouldn't have bought it. Stop it. Lily will personally haunt you forever if you don't zip it and enjoy it. We know you loved the peace and quiet. We made modifications, so it is safe for you at all times. Find a wonderful person to settle down with. We love you. Let yourself be loved. Look into your memories and search for holes.
-To Edward and Andromeda: We leave you 2 million galleons. No, Ted. It is not charity. Consider it an early retainer in case any of our loved ones ever need legal counsel both in the WW and the non-magical world as well. You are incredible at your job. Believe it. Andy, we leave you the section you wanted of the main Potter Library. Use it to make the world a better place. Also, get yourself a different hairdo than your sister's. Ouch! (Lily just swatted at my head for that one! Sorry!). We love and thank you both for your friendship and support.
- To Minerva McGonagall: We leave you 3 million galleons, our casks of Blishen's Firewhisky, and the Marauders Guide to You-Know-What. We cracked the code! Also, we leave you our stock in Scotland's National Quidditch Team, and in The Broom Shop. Our life-long box in the Quidditch World Cup is yours. Additionally, Lily leaves you all her journals on spell-making and keys to her lab. Look into your memories and search for holes.
-To Sharptooth: We know you love gold so much you tuck in all your bars at night and sing them lullabies! (Ha! Can't do anything about me being "immature" now that I'm dead!) We also know you love Harry and us. No matter how grumpy you pretend to be. We leave you all our ancient gold artifacts to study, to sell, or to do with as you see fit. We trust you and your judgment implicitly in all things financial. You have served the Potters with the utmost efficiency and care. Look into your memories and search for holes.
Sharptooth stopped and looked up at Sirius. The dogfather could tell the goblin was alarmed.
-To Neesy: All our homes are to do with as you see fit: redecorate, add or remove rooms, please get yourself and all our beloved elves an elven greenhouse no matter the cost. Sharptooth will help you with that May you find your mate and live a long life with your family. Please love and help our Harry. He will need you. We made sure you will never run out of money for property upkeep. Our last orders are that you never punish yourself, you spend your salary on you, and you rest when you are tired. We love you. Your friendship for us has been a blessing in our life.
-To Severus Snape: I still don't like you, you greasy git. Ouch! (Lily tells me I need to play nice so… Sorry.) I know my behavior towards you was at times juvenile nasty and mean. I hope we can bury the hatchet now that you have buried me (Ha! If you stay mad at a corpse Severus, you need to get professional help!). Lily left you a letter and a reminder within it as well as a copy of keys to her lab. Share with Minnie and treat her right. You will see everything you need to know about you being in the will from looking in Harry's eyes. So help me God, if you treat him unfairly because of me, I will haunt you forever Snivellus…. Couldn't resist! Deal with it. I'm dead. You can't do anything to me now. Look into your memories and search for holes.
-To Albus Dumbledore: we leave a cyanide pill and a warning. We will find a way to come back to life if we see you harmed our son. You have seen us both when we are mad. You stand no chance. We will make you pay forever. If you ever feel someone is staring, and yet see no one there, it will be us. All those artifacts in your office will NOT keep you safe. Nothing will. There is a Day of Judgement coming your way, and you and your "greater good" will be decimated. You better keep the cyanide pill on you at all times because you will be begging for death by the time we are done with you if Harry is EVER hurt because of you. You are NOT the Leader of Anything. You are just a usurper. If Harry has been hurt in any way, shape or form due to your senility and stupid decision-making that no one told you to do, and/or if you have taken one inconsequential item from our vaults or even a knut, The Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter declares a Blood Feud with Albus Dumbledore. We leave Aberforth and Ariana Dumbledore out of this, just like Albus left them out of his life and his poisonous quest for glory. May you die a slow and painful death and may the WW see the real light now. You are another Dark Lord.
3. Finally: all our titles go to Harry's legal guardian: our Lord and Ladyship, our seats at the Wizengamot, and any other Heir or Heiress titles. The guardian will decide what is best to do until Harry's majority.
The heavy silence was king for a while. The Grangers were consoling the children. Harry slowly got off Emma's lap and moved onto Sirius' arms. The goblin put the will back in the box with shaky hands. Sirius probed Sharptooth's mind. The goblin lifted a brow but let him in. Sirius said in mind-speak "Let's put the kids to sleep. It's been enough for one day." The goblin nodded. He stood up, went over to the kids, and waved his hand over their heads. They went limp. The Grangers looked alarmed.
"What the hell?!" asked Dan standing up with Hermione in his arms. "What did you do to our kids?"
"Mr. Granger, calm down. They are just asleep. I believe we can talk about this better without frightening the kids further."
The Grangers nodded. "Warn us next time, okay?" Emma asked. The goblin nodded. With a small pop, a sofa bed and coffee table appeared in the corner of the room. Sirius and Dan placed the kids there and covered them with a throw that was on the coffee table. They went back to the chairs to find out The goblin and Emma taking a teacup from a tray that appeared out of thin air.
"Let's begin," Sharptooth said, nodding at the humans so they would sit down. The goblin was confident they would find a way to carry out the Potters' wills. After all, where there is a will, there is a way. Goblins were famous for finding ways. After all, if they couldn't find one, they would make one no matter the cost. Legends which told stories about goblin roads painted in blood were true.
