A/N Again I stress that my work may suffer from Muse and focus issues. I also Have been asked to rewrite my other works due to spelling issues. I am sorry to say there will always be issues as this is how my mind works most of the time. I am close enough that you get the idea what is being said even if the lettering is off.
Also reminder that this one will be slow updates and I can only promise no longer than a month between updates. I have a lot of plot holes to fill as well as the rest to write out. Please feel free to give neutral and or positive feedback as negatives (or spelling/grammar) ones will be ignored.
my beta (wife) pointed out I am doing a lot of Dumble bashing in this story and I need to just put him away and move on with it. And yes Harry does act too mature for his age but that's happens when living on the streets and trying to take care of the others.
On with the Madness...
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Chapter 3 The New Lords.
Having Spent the past couple months learning about what was required of him when he took up the lordship, Harry was finally ready to start his plans. He left Susan incharge of the others as he and Regent Bones headed to Gringotts.
He had been to Diagon Alley before but he was covered in a hooded cloak and this time he was as well. Seeing the way people acted made him nervous, and the one time someone did recognize him he had to be portkeyed out of the alley as they did not respect his personal space and kept trying to crowd him. Bones saw this as an issue and had the local newspaper, The Daily Prophet, issue a statement that such actions could be seen as an assault on a minor. That had a few negative replies but when they were reminded that the incident was witnessed by no less than three Aurors and the DMLE Director herself, they backed off.
Gringotts was a new issue as he was escorted by two guards to his Account Managers office. This was due to, as he was told, his prior property damage. He did agree that it did happen. Soon he was sitting in front of a very annoyed looking goblin.
"Mr. Potter, as your account manager, I, Ripfang, Wish to remind you that this action has varios negatives of its own. With that said all I can do is ask you to place this ring on and repeat the family vow...If you are accepted as Lord by the family magic then you will know the vow." The goblin was grinning while holding the ring box. He watched as Harry manipulated the ring with one hand till it slid down his finger. A bright pulse of magic flared out and the ring resized to fit.
"I Hadrian James Potter-Gryffindor, accept my place as Lord, to continue to guide and protect the family and those who ally with us. I Vow to uphold the Honor of my houses and never back from those who would stand against me and mine. So mote it be!" Another flash and a second ring appeared with the Gryffindor crest.
The goblin pulled out some papers and frowned, "Now comes the negatives, there are two marriage contracts with you house and others, one was created by your, at the time, magical Guardian to the young daughter of the House of Weasley. I Would suggest you approach the Patriarch as this was not signed by him. The second is to any unwed daughter of the House of Black if no male Heir is born to carry the house. The current Lord black however has been wise enough to ensure the Heirship will go to his Godson by ritual...You."
Amelia snapped her head to the Goblin and gaped at it. "Sirius did the God parent ritual? If that's true then he Couldn't … Ripfang, do the Potter accounts have documentation of this ritual? If so it May be beneficial to Gringotts in getting Lord Black back in control of his accounts."
The goblin nodded and dug through some files. Harry was standing still with his eyes closed letting the Family magic flow through him. "Ripfang? I am in need of Gringotts vetted tutors to complete my magical education, I want those who do not withhold information due to local bigotry and biased legalities. They must also be willing to educate those labeled as Squibs."
Ripfang handed Bones the copy of the ritual form and nodded to Lord Potter. "I know a few and will send word about to aid in finding others. Now I need you to sign these and they will be archived in both the Gringotts and Ministry files. I also have good news as all Potter items were recovered from the prior Guardian and all stolen assets and monies are accounted for. There is also the small matter of your ownership of Hogwarts since you're asking for tutors. As the owner you are required to attend and evaluate the school…"
Harry held up his hand. "I am sorry I did not ask clearly. I will attend the first year of the school but I still want the tutors to compare the level of education. Also I will need to schedule a joint meeting with Puffington Manager and ourselves to discuss any financial issues with the school. Now about the papers granting myself Protector of the others?"
Ripfang was not old but he was not uneducated either. He knew this was a delicate play to keep control in the wizarding world but the fact the new lord was not forcing any actions within the halls of Gringotts was also a sign of something big later on.
Once the papers were signed and copied Harry also asked for stipulation to be added to All future Potter business. "No forms regarding any Potter business and assets are to be approved unless signed in Gringotts after a full check to ensure neither party is doing so Against their will, under coercion, or any magical, physical or verbal manipulation. The offender will be subject to Goblin law even if it is a Potter." That was what Ripfang was looking for. The big play that would seal anyone's fate. His grin unnerved Bones but was matched by Lord Potter.
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Back at the Bones Manor, Susan was working on reading classes for the kids as she felt someone touch the wards around the property. She called Marco the grounds elf to see who it was but told them to remain hidden. When he returned he stated it was an Auror. Susan quickly pulled a silver badge from her pocket and tapped it with her finger pushing magic into it. Only three Aurors knew where to find the Manor and all three knew not to come here unless by floo password or with Amelia. The floo soon flared as Moody stormed out along with Kinsley and an older man she knew as Gawain.
Susan filled them in as they headed to the back door near the invader. She stayed inside and let them deal with the issue. Marco stayed hidden and watched. He later told them that the false one tried to state he was only following orders to test the Ward scheme around this location. They did not buy it and had him down and bound before he could retreat.
When Harry and Amelia arrived he caught the tension and quickly called for a debrief. Both Bones women watched as they lined up and reported the events. Susan turned to him and her Aunt and gave a repeat of her end and what Marco had said.
Director Bones had them stay put in the library and she would head to the office to see what was really going on. They agreed and she flooed straight to her office then headed out to the bullpen. Moody was already heading her way and simply about faced and marched back to the cells. She took it as it was and followed.
Once down in the cells she saw a man stripped to his undershirt and briefs sitting on the cot glaring at the other two Aurors. "You have no right to hold me like this. I was only obeying orders. I will have your badges for this!"
Bones rounded the corner so he could see her and when he did he stood up and yelled. "Director Bones, what is the meaning of this? I was given orders to test the Wards around a certain location for any illegal and dark Magics. If located I was to call in my team to search the premises…."
Bones glared at him, "AND BY WHOSE AUTHORITY WERE YOU ACTING? Do not say it was mine because I know for a fact I have Never signed any parchment to test those wards. I also know they have been tested yearly and passed by Head Auror Alastor Moody. Now you better talk fast because that location is under DMLE protection and what you did without verifying with myself first is criminal. Who gave you those orders?"
"They...they were signed by you and the Minister… His Undersecretary handed them to me and said I was to give my report straight to her to give to the Minister…. Oh Bloody Hell. Those were forged weren't they?"
Bones' grin grew as she waved for the man's possessions including the papers. She was barely holding her anger till she finished reading the orders. "Kingsley, Gawain. We need to go see the Minister. I think he would like to know his name was indicated in another attempt to break the law. Moody, get the obliviators to remove the location from him and search the records for whoever was last to find those coordinates."
She was on the warpath and soon word reached the Minister with only enough time to get to his door trying to run.. She was already there. "Minister Fudge, I have a need for your council on illegal action within your office. Did you or did you not sign any documents regarding the testing of a ward scheme?"
He looked confused and sighed as he walked back into his office while the other two stood outside the door keeping an eye on the Undersecretary trying to head their way. "Sorry ma'am, but this is a closed meeting.."
"I am the undersecretary to the Minister, you cannot keep me out.."
"If you are not Director Bones or the Minister then, YES, we can. This is a closed meeting and any parties not in there right now Have no reason to be there." Kingsley was watching her fume but saw the way her eyes widened at his listing of who was there. As she turned to storm off he saw her walk past her office. Gawain stunned her quickly and placed her in her office bound and silenced.
Inside the office right after the door closed…
"Fudge you better come clean right now as you are being used in an illegal and very damning event. Those wards that were to be tested and then reported to you….Were MY HOUSE wards! That's right. You either willingly and knowingly signed this, or you were not fully informed, Again, and signed at someone else's request. Start talking."
"Now listen here Bones, you can't threaten me in my office.."
She stood straight and her glare ended his rant in a tick. "You signed an order to test, record, and report on the ward scheme of a Noble house. All I have to do is release that very statement, no matter what you knew or did not at the time, and you will be sitting in an emergency Wizengamot for a Vote of no Confidence. Is that the threat I can't use on you? I was out and my Niece, The Heiress of Bones, was in the home. Do you see that your actions can get you in a worse state than simply being removed from office?"
Fudge started to sweat as he realized that no matter what he said it would not be salvageable if she did release that statement. "I..I was told it was just to see if there were illegal wards. I did not know it was to be recorded and that it was your Home. I was told by Umbridge that it needed my signature due to the possible threat if the place did have dark and illegal wards."
Bones nodded, "And it was your Under Secretary that was to receive that report on your behalf. The one who was caught following this order was obliviated of only the location. If you ever see this type of request on your desk and I am not the one holding it...You better apparate to my office to confirm it before you even wet your quill. Now I have to return to calm my Niece, who luckily followed the proper chain of command and contacted my Head of Aurors to deal with the intrusion. Also I might add, That location's coordinates are going to be removed from the ministry archives as well as all DMLE safehouses. It is clear they are not safe from unauthorized hands and could cause Severe harm to anyone I have in such places."
As she opened the door Kingsley stepped in and looked at the Minister. "Umbridge is under arrest for attempting to force her way into this meeting and attempting to remove evidence of actions." Fudge just collapsed into his chair and nodded.
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Three hours after she left Amelia returned to an odd sight. Susan was at the corner of the table with Harry on the other side of the corner with their hands locked and the poor girl was trying with all her might to get his hand to move. She had heard of this in some circles as a contest of strength and muscle power. She then realized Harry was only humoring her when he barely moved.
"Well I see you have her properly distracted. Perhaps you should end it?"
Harry smirked and slowly lowered her hand backwards as she was doing everything to counter it. When her knuckles hit the table she looked devastated. "You were… you were playing me?"
He smiled again and nodded. "I lived on the streets with one arm..Think about it…. All my strength is in one arm and I fight with no limits as I can only fight with that arm and my legs. Even if I am still underfed and malnourished I have to protect them so I did lots of things to get my arm and legs stronger." She frowned but stood up and held out her hand. He took the shake in stride.
Amelia just shook her head, "Now for my report, Minister Fudge signed a forged order document to test a ward scheme at an undisclosed location. His crime is stupidity and neglect of duty. His under secretary however was the one to forge my name and dig up this manors location. She is now being interrogated by veratiserum. I also have looked into the arrest of one Sirius Black. That will need to be handled carefully as too many would not like his illegal imprisonment to be brought to the light."
She then looked him in the eye and hardened her glare, "I know you don't fully trust adults and at times you plot to do anything you can without adult influence but I need you to trust me and let me do what I can with this. If you act out now then they will use it against you later on."
"It's not that I don't trust you or some adults… It's the fact that repeatedly I have seen the adults fail the children around them too many times and then it was up to the younger generations to help the children. When you say that the innocent man who needs to have a long overdue trial cannot get it because of these old men in power then you leave me with little faith in the system."
Harry however understood and agreed that it was a legal thing and therefore 'her turf, not his' as he put it. Dinner was simple and the girls loved to hear about the different wizarding shops they would be visiting soon for Harry's shopping. Harry was to use glamors to hide his noticeable 'Potter' traits, the girls and Sam would go to be fitted for better robes of their own and to get a full wardrobe that is just thiers.
The next day they exited the floo with Harry last as he was prone to be off balance too often with any magical travel. They took it in stride and headed past the barkeep to the back wall- after hitting the correct bricks the wall shifted away to reveal the Alley. They took their time and enjoyed the magical activities of the shops. First stop was the trunk store and after researching, and listening to the advice of Moody during one of their spars, Harry bought a multi compartment trunk with a mini home, a library, a training room, and of course a school chest compartment.
After agreeing to let the others test it out later, they headed to Madam Malkins. Anna was to get her first Lady's robes with her house crests on them. Harry would be next but was waiting as some snobbish looking boy also getting fitted was still complaining of some stupid thing or another he wanted done with his robes. The sudden tenseness in Anna's posture was all Harry needed as he walked closer.
The blond boy with slicked back hair was looking at her a little too closely and it was upsetting her. "Are you also going to Hogwarts?"
Anna Frowned at him. "Yes and No. I am going to go there for a year but I am not a student."
The boy sized her up again. "But you're the same age as me, if not a student then why are you even going there? Are you a teacher's child or just some new squib that the old fool took pity on?" arter Harry hearing enough caught her eye and hand signed to his rings. She nodded and let hers reveal itself. Harry walked up, "Ah, Lady Puffington, Heir of Hufflepuff, it's good to see you again. I do hope you will not be bored by the current educational status of our ancestors' gift to this stagnant nation. I see you met a new acquaintance. Greeting young man, I am Lord Gryffindor." Harry held her hand in greeting and both their rings were displayed. The Boy suddenly paled even more.
Before he could react a woman of equally blond hair but with black tips came forward. Seeing the rings she hissed as Draco was about to reply. "Good day to you both, I am Lady Narcissa Malfoy, this is my son Draco Heir of Malfoy. I was not aware any Heir to the Founders had taken up their titles. Please forgive us but we must finish our preparations for this is Draco's first school year. I hope you will look favorably on the School as you attend. Come Draco."
She pulled him out of the store and held her hand up to a man coming toward them. After whispering to him he looked in at the two and quickly nodded before heading to the bank. Harry had an amused grin and turned to see a smile at the seamstress who had been rudely insulted by the other boy. "Well looks like you can do the job that you are more skilled at than some arrogant young heir thinks he is."
This brought a good laugh even from the others in the clothing isles and Bones standing just around the corner. The mood lessened when the woman asked him to hold his arms out. Sam came over and looked at him, after a nod he told the woman not to react and to make the left sleeve a bit longer to hide the reason. When Sam held the fake arm out to the side so she could measure it, the poor woman was torn between cursing and tears.
After they were all fitted and had the clothes promised in a couple hours, the group headed to Fortescue's Ice cream. It was a treat and also to wait for Hanna Abbott who has been a friend of Susan since they were little. The boys had them all agree to not say anything about the arm. (It was also why they did the clothes first.)
The look of happiness on Susan's face was the first sign she had arrived. As the girls met, two adults walked up to Amelia. "Good morning Regent Bones, I had heard you were in charge of some young Magicals recently. May we be introduced?"
Bones looked at them with a nod as Harry and Anna stood up. Being the oldest (Sam only a few months younger) They took it upon themselves to act as the grownups. Harry led, "Greetings Lord and Lady Abbott, This is Lady Puffington-Hufflepuff. To her left is Tali and Maria Black, by an old line. Lily Eldermane, Heiress by last of the line. Samson Greengrass by an old line. And I am Lord Harold James Potter-Gryffindor." He held up his rings as did Anna and Lily.
"My apologies Lord Potter, I am Lord Marcus Abbott and this is my wife Lady Salene Abbott, That is my Daughter Heiress Hanna Abbott. As this is a Civil trip please call us by first names, unless formal need to do otherwise."
Harry bowed and asked the same of them to which all agreed. After the wonderful ice cream they headed to the wand shop for the school age children to get their wands. Lord Abbott kept a close eye on Harry's actions and movements and after a whispered warning to not speak of it he simply enjoyed the day. The girls got along and Sam and Harry acted like gentlemen.
The wand shop was next and Harry was on edge. When they entered he looked right at the corner with a scowl. The old man slightly hidden in the shadows stepped forward with a playful grin. "Very observant Mr Potter, You are the first in a decade to spot me. Now let's see about a wand."
The man, who later introduced himself as Olivander, went through several wands looking for the right one. He even looked saddened as a particular Holly and Phoenix feather wand also rejected him. Harry finally got irritated and let his magic pulse out searching the room. He followed it to an older self near the back with a few boxes. One of which leapt into his hand.
"That, Mr Potter, is one of my great grandfather's works. It was one of the oddest ones he worked with. Ironwood and thestral hair. The onyx stone was also a surprise when he felt them resonate together." Harry paid and bought a quick draw holster that lets the wand shoot into the hand and back again.
Susan and Hanna did not take as long and were quite pleased with their wands. Olivander was displeased with the laws against selling wands to Squibs but he did let them test different wood samples and sold them 'training sticks' to let them appear like true wizards."The look on a child's face when they find the right match is the biggest reward to my kind. Just keep it as a bluff and all will be well. And Madam Bones can state that I did not break the law." He winked as they left.
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With the shopping done for the others, Harry was soon pulled away by Moody who simply stated he would be returned later at the Bones Manor. Harry looked Moody in the eye and then told the other to give the old man hell if he returned alone. The sound of a laughing Mad-eye Moody caused some of the other witches and wizards to be creeped out.
Moody led him down a side street called Knockturn alley, after telling the boy this was a very dangerous place. Harry was glad his glamors were up as he was also warned of "imperioused' deatheaters in the area. Soon he was led to a nondescript shop.
Upon entering the shopkeep took one look at Moody and fell off his stool. "N..N..Now Auror sir. I've been keeping my business clean. You can look around. Let me know what.."
"Calm done Barny, I got you some business and it will be legal as well. I need you to set this one up with an arm but he needs special details." Moody was grinning at the confused man till the Shop owner slumped. He waved Harry over to the desk as Moody closed the door, flipped the sign, and cast privacy spells.
When Harry removed his harness and placed the arm on the table, Barny let out a whistle. "Muggle made but altered with defensive offense. No wonder you brought the kid here Moody, by the way, the leg holding up? Oh look here, refitted from a longer setup. OK kid I can get this to look like a real one and keep the sharps hidden until some yahoo grads you. I can also get them to reset but I will need some… Look I need your word that you aint gonna tell anyone who made this,ok?"
Harry looked at Moody then at the man realizing what was happening. He agreed and asked if there was a way to make a hollow to hide his pipe in the arm. Barny was just grinning at that. He got a new client with good tastes and with brains. Moody had Harry show him the stunner from his pipe to get Barny even more impressed. Two hours later Harry had a new arm with the spikes that would pop out if anyone grabbed it anywhere. And it had a spot to hold his pipe if Harry needed to sneak it in somewhere. Barny even said that if a Muggle metal detector went off they would just see it as part of the fake arm.
The new harness was equipped with a quick disconnect for emergencies and he even had runes to strengthen it as a weapon if needed. When the pair arrived at the manor, the others glared at Moody who just laughed as he stepped aside from Harry's clumsy entrance.
"I still hate your way of travel. Ok let's get the goods sorted and regroup in the dining hall. I believe it is almost time for dinner. Susan, thank you for letting us be normal for a few hours. Amelia, we will need some more lessons on the whole noble stuff and on the mindset of these 'purebloods'. We need to hold onto their illusions long enough to get this year over with." After giving orders he also headed upstairs with his only bag. The others looked at him and gasped as he pulled out the old arm and set it on his dresser.
Dinner was a simple affair and Harry had his hoodie off so Amelia could scan his arm and when she agreed to his choices they continued the meal. Susan was ready to resume their Lord and Lady classes for everyone but she was also worried for them as Amelia had planned to contact the Greengrasses the next day.
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The group was dressed in proper robes and even Harry and Anna had the dual house robes on. The agreement was to meet the Greengrass family at a special room in the Leaky Cauldron. Tali and Marie were glad they could wait but also wanted to comfort Sam if something came up and the family clashed with the group. Harry already stated that if they tried to disown the boy then he would make Sam a Potter right then and there.
Lily liked her new robes too but she was still easily tired and asked that they not get in any fights today. Harry and Sam promised that a retreat would be the primary option. Getting a thank you hug from Lily was the cutest thing Susan had seen all week.
The group headed to the Floo after Amelia gave Harry some tips. Once she went first and relayed the all clear, the others headed in. Sam then Susan followed by Tali, Marie, Anna, and Lily. Harry came last after they cleared the way to keep from anyone getting too close. When they headed to the designated room Sam and Anna stayed back with Harry to get mentally prepared.
Amelia started the introductions with the girls then as she announced Sam the others in the room watched him walk in. They stayed silent and reserved as Amelia continued with Anna Puffington-Hufflepuff and Harry Potter-Gryffindor. The last names had the room speechless as the children found seats with Sam in the middle flanked by Harry and Anna.
"Greetings, I am Lord Anthony Greengrass, This is Lady Carla Greengrass and our daughters Daphne and Astoria Greengrass. I'm to understand that you, young man, are also a Greengrass by an older squib line, is this correct?"
Sam took a breath and smiled. "Yes sir, I only found out after we all chose to do the inheritance test at Gringotts. I will state clearly I have no desire to upset and impose on your family, I only wanted it known that I hold your family name… It is the only family name I have at this moment. Should you wish to remove it from me then I will not argue. I am a squib, but I have very good friends that do not see that as a weakness."
The man frowned as he turned to his family. The oldest seemed impassive but the youngest looked shocked at the statement. She also looked at the other young girls in interest. His wife was also a bit concerned with the way these children had spoken as well and maneuvered the seats. It was a tactical position as well as a statement. Anthony got a nod from her and a scowl from Astoria.
"Well it seems you have been advised of the usual actions of most of the older and traditional families but I think I see it differently. Let's say you do remain a Greengrass but due to being a squib you are not allowed to be the Heir, Would you follow the orders for the Head of house and the Heir?"
Without pause Sam looked him in the eye. "As long as those orders never put me against my family here on this side of the table I can agree to the laws of the House. But if it ever gets to that point I will disown myself as I have been given the option of becoming a Puffington, Hufflepuff or a Potter by blood adoption. However I would like to give you the chance to atleast get to know my family before you decide on that course."
Daphne looked at the others, seeing the conviction and solidarity they displayed. The boy would be a good counter to any marriage offers as Lord Greengrass could change the family laws to keep the legacy alive even if it went to a squib. She did notice the smallest girl seemed unfocused at the moment and the two around her stayed very close. "Forgive the intrusion but perhaps some food to help us think on this, Miss Eldermane looks a bit famished."
The others agreed as Lily smiled at the girl. The conversation was a rough idea of what the Group had learned of the Magical world. The descriptions of some of the muggle things also caught Astoria and Daphne's attention. Harry kept quiet unless spoken to but he let Sam answer most questions. The biggest question was why these children did not have any adults around.
The group stiffened but Sam simply stated. "If we were raised the right way by adults in the first place then we would have never needed to be rescued by Harry. It is the fact that none of us trust most adults that has kept us alive and sane. We trust Madam Bones because she earned it. We are giving you a chance to earn our trust as well."
The meeting continued a bit longer but soon Lily was laying on the arm of Marie who wrapped her in her cloak. Lord Greengrass saw this and decided to let the meeting end. "Samson, I have decided to not cast you out but to accept your offer of gaining trust from you and your friends. I will owl you with some questions about muggle business and you can let me know when you wish to meet. I will even open my home to you and your friends as a sign of faith. I bid you and yours a good day." The other Greengrass women wished them well on their way out.
Sam smiled as he lifted Lily to his back and they headed out. Harry was already getting ideas about how to work new contacts into their plan of starting a business as well in the magical world. He was waiting to hear back from the Goblins about any Potter property they could use as a home base while He was at Hogwarts.
While they were chatting about the meeting Harry started rubbing his shoulder again. The room fell silent as all younger eyes landed on him. His shoulder would feel stiff and ache when something was happening that would harm the family. Soon the floo flared up. Lord Green grass' face popped in,"Amelia, there is an emergency Wizengamot meeting in thirty minutes to censor the Founder's Heirs as being too young."
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A/N and thus is the dreaded "CLIFF HANGER' don't worry I have the next one written but needs to be cleaned up. Thank you for the reviews and the good vibes from giving it a read. :)