Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and characters related to it. Harry Potter and its characters are the intellectual property of the talented J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Scholastic, Raincoast and Bloomsbury books. Storyline and plot have been developed partially based on the plots, characters and storylines of the first 5 installments of Harry Potter, The Sorceror's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire and The Order of the Phoenix
Author's Note: I am in agreement with some other Fan Fiction writers that Neville Longbottom will have a greater role in the coming books. I hope I can think of something to increase his role in my own story, although I do not believe that J.K. Rowling will write something as predictable as a Neville/Luna Lovegood pairing. Still, I might be wrong. One of the other Fan Fiction authors also suggested a Harry/Fang or Harry/Fluffy pairing. I am utterly disappointed by his/her choice. I always thought Harry/ The Giant Squid was the most obvious pairing. How could you not see the chemistry between them?? Anyway, I believe that J.K. Rowling is still having us guessing at whether the couples (if she decides to add more romance into the novels) will turn out between Harry/Hermione and Harry/Ginny. Personally I'm rooting for Harry/Ginny but I won't be too surprised if it turns out to be Harry/Hermione. I will however be disappointed if Miss Rowling pairs Harry and Fluffy together. Again, on to the story.
Chapter 7
After the episode with the boggart Dementor, Harry and Remus had been taking turns in training Ron, Hermione and Ginny in producing their Patronuses. Hermione had already been able to produce one the last year and was constantly helping the other two with the basic concepts and theories behind casting the spell (much to Ron's dismay as he listened to Hermione lecture on about the concept of producing a Patronus based on the positive energies of a human mind to counter the negative energies of a dementor). "She can be as bad as Professor Binns sometimes," he whispered to Harry during one of their training sessions.
Harry was actually quite surprised at the effort that they were showing after their first session with the boggart Dementor. Even Ron, whose mind normally wandered every now and then, was almost always in perfect concentration every time they had trained. Once or twice, Ron had already managed to produce a corporeal Patronus, which took the form of a huge Lion.
"I DID IT HARRY, I DID IT!" Harry could remember the words of excitement being shouted by his best friend when, for the first time, he had managed to conjure the Patronus.
Ginny on the other hand, had been more successful than her brother but seemed very reluctant to have another attempt at the Dementor. She had produced a stallion Patronus on a few occasions, but during some of the training sessions, Harry had noticed that Ginny remained very distant, and sometimes looked depressed.
"Wow, conjuring the Patronus really takes the juice out of your body," lamented Ron after one particular training session where he had managed to produce his Patronus.
"Yeah, it can really take the energy out of you sometimes, but if you do it often enough you can get used to it Ron," said Harry as he sat down on the floor next to Ron.
Just then, Remus opened the door to the room in which they had been training holding a few letters. "Just came from Hogwarts," he said as he handed the letters around to his former students. "Oh, it's about time they arrived, the letters also came quite late last year," said Hermione as she looked at her letter.
Harry opened his letter and began to read it,
Mr. Potter,
Due to the nature of your O.W.L results, I am pleased to inform you that you are qualified to take the following classes for your N.E.W.T.s in the upcoming term. You are to select only four of the listed subjects. Please be reminded that you should choose your subjects wisely in accordance with what you have been advised during the careers week last year. Your selection of N.E.W.T.s will have a great impact on your chosen future career. The choices available to you are the following:
Expert Charms, N.E.W.T standard
Expert Transfiguration, N.E.W.T standard
Expert Potions, N.E.W.T standard
Expert Care of Magical Creatures, N.E.W.T standard
Expert Defense against the Dark Arts, N.E.W.T standard
Expert Herbology, N.E.W.T standard
Please be advised that you are to make your decision before the start of term and inform your head of house via Owl post. Books for all N.E.W.T level subjects will be available to students at the beginning of the term and payment for the books will be charged accordingly. Thank you.
Professor M.McGonogall
Deputy Headmistress.
Harry was actually pondering on the fact that he had been allowed to take Potions for his N.E.W.Ts when he had been told that Professor Snape only accepted outstanding students into his classes when he noticed that he had another letter attached to his official one.
Mr.Potter,
I am sure that you are curious as to why you have been accepted into N.E.W.T level potions when I informed you of Professor Snape's selectiveness towards students taking his class for that level. If you remember the events of last year, I personally took it upon myself to ensure that your future as an Auror will become a reality. Nevertheless, I was able to "persuade" Professor Snape into accepting you into his Potions class (which he was not too keen on doing mind you, so I hope that you do not give him any excuses to fail you for your N.E.W.Ts). Before you start the upcoming term, the headmaster and I request that you meet us after the start of term feast so as to discuss some other "extra" classes that you will be attending. I hope that you will perform well in your chosen N.E.W.Ts so as to live up to the expectations that is seen in a student of your potential.
Professor M.McGonogall
Harry had remembered Professor McGonogall's conviction the previous year when she defied Professor Umbridge to tell Harry that he will be an Auror even if it meant that she had to train him day and night. He was already sure of the 5 subjects that he would be choosing for his next school term, although his stomach churned when he thought of the prospect of having to face Snape again for his final 2 years at Hogwarts. On the other hand, Harry wondered who was to be his Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. Clearly, no one teacher had ever lasted more than a year since Harry's arrival at Hogwarts.
"I'm not too sure what I want to do for N.E.W.Ts really, I've got so many choices, N.E.W.T level Arithmancy could be very useful in the future, I've read about many careers that require Arithmancy as one of the areas you should be familiar with, but then again I might choose to do Ancient Runes if I plan to pursue a career in magical development. I've read that……," that was Hermione chatting away with Ginny as to what her choices for her N.E.W.Ts would be. Hermione had qualified to take all the N.E.W.T classes.
"Come off it Hermione, you can do anything you want is it really that hard to choose from? You're the first student in over 100 years to get 14 O.W.L.S, and the last person to do that was Dumbledore himself!" cried Ron. "I've got mine chosen already, I'm going to do Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Transfiguration. Never thought I'd be allowed to do N.E.W.T level transfiguration seeing as how I failed the written exam. Maybe Professor McGonogall's cutting us a bit of a break. At least we won't have to do potions anymore eh, Harry?" said Ron after looking at his own official paper.
Harry only stared at Ron with a blank look, "You don't mean to tell me……Harry, after all we've been through in potions for the past 5 years don't tell me you still want to take lessons from Snape? You've got to be mental, are you sure you're not sick or something?" said Ron in utter disbelief.
Harry replied, "Professor McGonogall told me that I should take potions if I wanted to choose a career as an Auror. I guess that means I'll have to do potions anyway, looks like it's another year of fun and games in Snape's dungeon."
Hermione and Ginny also looked a little shocked by Harry's decision but Hermione said, "Well Harry, I'll be taking potions too for my N.E.W.Ts, they say that knowing potions gives you a lot of options in your future. I'm surprised though that you are allowed to take the classes, I heard Professor Snape only allows the very best into his potions class," she looked a little flustered after saying that and hastily added, "That's not to say you're not good Harry but, well, you know what I mean."
Harry grinned and replied, "Yeah Hermione I know what you mean, I was quite surprised that Snape let me take his class too. But I think Professor McGonogall must have convinced him or something. Personally I'm not looking forward to seeing his dungeon again. It will be nice to have you around though, I think I could surely use help in those classes," as he put away his letters. "Well, looks like for the first time we won't be in all the same classes Harry," said Ron who looked a little disappointed. "Still, I can't say that I'm disappointed, I mean, I don't have to put up with Snape anymore," he said with a big wide smile that made Harry want to smack him across the face.
"C'mon it's time for dinner, I hear Molly calling us downstairs," said Remus as he beckoned them to leave the room. "Harry, can you wait one moment I want to talk to you about something," he motioned to Harry to stay in the room. "Harry, this letter just came for you, I've got one too," he said as he handed Harry another envelope. This time, Harry noticed that it had a Gringotts seal on it. He wondered what it could be when he opened the letter and read it,
Mr. Potter,
It is my solemn duty to inform you that you have been named one of the beneficiaries in the will of the late Mr. Sirius Black. Your presence is required at Gringotts Wizard Bank, Diagon Alley, at 11 a.m. tomorrow for the reading of Mr.Black's last testament. Thank you for your co-operation.
Orlic the Surly,
Keeper of final testaments.
Harry was a loss as to how to feel. Sensing this, Remus put his hand on Harry's shoulder and said, "I'll be going with you tomorrow Harry, I also got one of those letters. Arthur and Molly as well as Tonks will also be present. I think Sirius made his will during his time at headquarters just in case something was to happen to him. He knew that if he had not made the will that the beneficiaries of his death would be Narcissa and Bellatrix, neither of which he wanted to see inherit any of his property." Harry clenched his teeth and fists and the mention of Bellatrix's name, he had never hated anyone more in his life, not even Voldemort. He had every feeling inside him that he would do every unimaginable thing to Bellatrix if he ever got his hands on her. He swore that he would avenge Sirius's death no matter what. Harry allowed himself to calm down a little before he and Remus joined the rest of them for dinner. He did not have much to say during dinner and he was not really in a mood to talk, nor was he hungry.
Before he retired that night, Ron approached Harry, "Hey mate, you look kinda down. Is something up?" Ron had said this with such a sincere and caring look in his eyes that Harry felt he had to tell Ron. "It's nothing Ron, I just got a letter saying that I have to attend the reading of Sirius's last testament, that I was named one of the beneficiaries in his will."
"Oh," said Ron who was trying to find the words to say, "Well, er, well, it's better that you were to get anything he had to leave behind rather than his relatives now would it?"
"Yeah," said Harry. "I guess so, I've got to go to bed Ron, I've got to be up early tomorrow to go to Diagon Alley, will you guys want to come along, I mean, you can't really follow me into the reading, but I'm sure that you can find something else to do until we're done, it can't take that long?" he added looking at Ron.
"Yeah sure mate, could use some time out of this place." Ron said sleepily as they turned out the lights.
The next morning, Harry woke up feeling much worse than he had anticipated. He could barely get himself out of bed to go down to the kitchen for some breakfast. When he got to the kitchen, he could see that his friends were already present there, along with Remus and Mr. and Mrs.Weasley.
"Feeling alright Harry?" asked Mr.Weasley kindly.
"Fine," Harry muttered in reply. He did not really look forward to what he was going to do today.
"We'll leave after you finish breakfast Harry. We'll leave by floo powder," said Mrs.Weasley gently. Harry nodded in reply. He had the distinct feeling that everyone seemed nicer to him today of all days but it didn't necessarily make him feel any better. After a rather light breakfast, the Weasley's, Remus, Harry and Hermione took their turns in front of the fireplace and when it reached Harry's turn, he said the words, "Diagon Alley," clearly and then ext thing he knew he had come out the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron. Under normal circumstances Harry would have been surprised that this was the exit out of the network to Diagon Alley, since he had never traveled to Diagon Alley by floo powder (and made it to the destination he had intended). Today however, Harry's heart seemed to sink with every footstep they took towards Gringotts.
"Ron and Hermione, please look out for Ginny while we're at Gringotts. We'll meet up with you at Florean Fortescue's in an hour, okay?" instructed Mrs.Weasley as they stood at the entrance to the bank. Tonks had already arrived earlier and was waving to them. Harry realized that her hair was black today, which probably was a sign of respect for what was to transpire on that day. Together, they walked into the bank to meet a old looking goblin at the front counter.
The goblin nodded as they mentioned the reasons for their being there and directed them down the hall to a part of the bank which Harry had never seen before. They reached an office door which had the words Wills and Final testaments plated in gold on the top of the door. They proceeded through the door to meet the goblin sitting at one of the desks in the room, the name Orlic the Surly displayed at the front of the desk.
"Ah, the beneficiaries of the late Mr.Black, if you will just wait one moment while I retrieve Mr.Black's final testament," he said as he opened one of the drawers beside his desk. "Now, shall we proceed?" he asked as he unfolded a parchment which Harry noticed, was sealed with the Black family emblem. Orlic touched the parchment with his fingers and the parchment began to glow with a faded blue light, and a mellow voice came out of the parchment,
I Sirius Black, now name the beneficiaries to my will and final testament. Should there be events that are out of my control which render me dead, or invalid, the individuals I now name will receive inheritance that is in my own name as well as my family's name.
To my niece, Nymphadora Tonks and her mother Andromeda Tonks, the both of you were the only close relatives that I have respected and come to treat as family. To the both of you I leave the Black family Silverware as well as the Black family jewelry that I have sorted out and personally deemed "safe and acceptable".
To my cousins Arthur and Molly Weasley, you are both good people and I am very fortunate to have met you. Molly and I may have had our disagreements in the past, but I know how much Harry means to you family, and how you feel about him, therefore I hereby declare Arthur and Molly Weasley the legal guardians to my godson Harry Potter until he is of legal age should I meet my demise or am incapacitated. All and every expense that is related to the upbringing of Harry Potter before he reaches legal adult age should be borne by the gold from my own personal vault.
To my friend Remus J.Lupin a.k.a Messr Moony, I apologize that I must leave you as the last Marauder, but I am proud to have had you as a friend, and I will never ever forget the times we had together, and I will always treasure our friendship. I now leave to you the possessions that I had owned before my incarceration as a criminal. The possessions are in my personal vault.
To my godson, Harry Potter, I apologize that I could not look out for you the way that James and Lily would have wanted me to. Our time together has not been as long as I would have liked. Should anything ever happen to me, you are not to think that you are responsible in any way. I hope that you will continue to live your life and not let my death be an obstacle in your life. Know that, regardless of what happens, I am very proud of you as your godfather, and I say this for your late parents as well when I say that they would have been extremely proud of their son. I leave to Harry Potter the Black Manor to do with as he sees fit. Legally, Mr.Harry Potter is not of age to receive the property as an inheritance. The owner of the Black Manor shall therefore be Remus J.Lupin, until which time Harry Potter comes of age and the property shall be jointly owned by both of these individuals, to do with as they see fit.
Finally, the remaining gold in my personal vault, as well as the remaining gold in the Black family vault, vault number 412 is to be divided equally amongst the beneficiaries which I have named, Nymphadora and Andromeda Tonks, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Remus J.Lupin and Harry Potter. Before I close my statement, I would also like to add that the black box in my personal vault is to be given to my godson, Harry Potter.
This is the final will and testament of Sirius Black. Aside from the four beneficiaries named in this testament, no other person or people can lay claim to the Black family property or my own personal property. This will is to be the only legal will that I have left.
After the final words were spoken, the glow surrounding the parchment died down and Harry Potter just stood where he was, having just heard the final testament of his late godfather. Mrs.Weasley was in tears, but she was not sobbing, she merely turned to Harry and embraced him, "You are part of the family now, bless him. I'm so sorry I ever thought he was irresponsible," she said tearfully as she looked at Harry. Harry returned the embrace and tried very hard to hold back the tears that were now forming in his eyes. He had always thought of the Weasleys as his family in a way, he was happy that he now had a family to call his own, but at the same time, he still felt empty as his family was missing one important member. They were interrupted by Orlic, "Now, will you please follow my colleague down to the vaults to collect your inheritance," he said solemnly. The people present there nodded silently and followed another goblin down to the vaults.
They arrived at vault number 412 and the goblin that had brought them there opened up the vault. They were visibly stunned by what they saw. The vault was filled with what could only be described as a mountain of gold coins. It was more gold than even Harry had in his vault when he first laid eyes on the money his parents had left him. The goblin said casually over the shoulders of the people gathered in front of the vault, "Divided equally into the vaults of Nymphadora and Andromeda Tonks," he waved his hand, looking down at a parchment he was holding and part of the gold vanished, "Arthur and Molly Weasley, Remus J.Lupin and Harry Potter," as he repeated the waves until the vault lay empty. They then followed the goblin to Sirius's personal vault. The vault was filled with a moderate amount of gold and the things that had taken up more space in the vault seemed to be boxes of all sizes. "Would the recipients of these items prefer them to be transferred into their vaults? Or would they like to examine them now?" asked the goblin. Remus looked at Harry for a moment then said, "We wish to examine the contents of these boxes more personally, could you arrange for them to be sent to the residence of Arthur and Molly Weasley, we shall retrieve them ourselves." The goblin simply nodded and waved his hand yet again as the contents of the vault cleared.
The five of them left Gringotts with mixed emotions. Tonks bade them goodbye silently, saying that she had to go and see her mother, as well as return to work. She said that she would join them for dinner that night. Mr. and Mrs.Weasley were lost for words, they had inherited more gold than they could ever have expected in their lifetimes. They merely mentioned that they should meet up with the children and they made their way to meet Ron and the girls. Harry Potter simply nodded and followed them, he had not said much on that very day, and he didn't feel like he could talk just yet. He just wanted some time to take in all that has happened to him in the past few months.
Note: I think another author used the idea of silverware in the will for his/her story. I apologize if I am offending by using that idea as well if I am offending the author that used that idea first please notify me and I will change that bit of the story. It just seemed….appropriate. =)