Harry looked around the room as he entered. He saw that at the fair end of
the room was a raised platform, with a podium. Sitting beside the podium
was a man in a black suit, looking very much the businessman, and beside
him a goblin.
The rest of the room was filled with seats, all facing the stage. Harry realised that he knew everyone in the room.
Harry figured that he shouldn't be so surprised. Sirius had only been out of Azkaban for a little under two years, and the first nine months were spent as a dog.
He didn't have much time to make friends.
Harry looked at the faces around him as he took a seat. He saw his best friend, Ron along with his parents, his sister and his twin brothers. He also saw Hermione Granger, sitting in between her parents and behind her sat Professor Dumbledore.
Tonks and Remus took seats behind Harry, and then, once every one was seated, the man at the front stood up.
"Right then, I see that everyone is here. Thank you all for coming to this reading of Sirius Black's last will and testament.
"Now, before I start with the divisions of his worldly goods, let me just clear up a cloudy point.
"Sirius T Black was the heir to the majority of the black estate. When he was sentenced to life imprisonment at Azkaban those assets were frozen. Normally they would remain frozen unless an suitable heir was produced, or until a fifty year time limit expired, at which point they would be claimed by the Ministry."
He paused and looked around the room. Seeing that he had everyone's complete attention, he continued.
"Now, due to his involvement in the Order of the Phoenix, the Ministry has been convinced of his innocence. Unfortunately, due to a lack of prove, and a lack of a physical body, the Ministry is in a tight spot.
"After much debating, and the involvement of Albus Dumbledore, the Ministry has agreed to release his assets to be divided as his will requires. In return they will not suffer the embarrassment of the people discovering they imprisoned an innocent man.
"Tomorrow the papers will tell the population that Sirius black was killed during the raid at the Ministry at the end of last month."
Harry was a little upset at this news, knowing the Ministry was covering up Sirius's innocence. Remus obviously could tell of Harry's displeasure at the news, for he leaned forward and whispered into Harry's ear.
"Sirius would much rather us share his memory, and stay guilty, then the Ministry take everything, and still stay guilty." Harry just nodded at this, before turning back to the man behind the podium.
"Now then. Let us just check that all listed are present. Please call out when I call your name."
"Dumbledore, Albus"
"Here"
"Granger, Hermione"
"Present"
The man looked up, at Hermione, "and legal guardians as you are under age" he noted as he nodded at Mr and Mrs Granger.
"Lupin, Remus"
"Yes"
"Potter, Harry"
"Yeah"
"Tonks, Nymphadora"
Tonks groaned at the use of her first name, which caused Remus to chuckle.
"Out!"
This caused the rest of the room to laugh, and even got a small smile out of the goblin.
"Weasley, Arthur"
"Yup"
"Weasley, Fred"
"Yeah"
Harry could have sworn that it was George that answered, and was confirmed right when Mrs. Weasley hit him over the head with her bag.
"Weasley, George"
The other Twin answered this time, "Yup"
"Weasley, Molly"
"I'm here."
"Weasley, Ronald"
"Yeah"
"And Weasley, Virginia"
"Yes"
"Both of whom should have an adult in attendance". He looked to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, both of whom nodded their assent.
"Ok then, also in attendance is Griphook, head of the inheritance department, and myself, Jonathon Jones, Magical Attorney."
"Now then, to the division of the will."
He paused and cleared his throat. Harry thought that I was his way of building tension for what was coming.
"To start. The Black Family Trust Fund. Not to be confused with the Black Family vault, which was Sirius's privet account.
"Right then. The Black Family Trust is to be divided into thirty equal parts and divided thus."
"Two portions each to both Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, with the comment 'for helping a lovable stray'"
Both Ron and Hermione laughed at this comment. And Harry felt himself smile as the memories came back.
"Two portions to Nymphadora Tonks" Jones ignored Tonks scowl. "For being a trusted family member.
"One portion for Virginia Weasley, with the hope that she completes her dream and marries Harry Potter."
At this the Room went silent and Harry looked over at Ginny, who was flushed bright red.
"One portion each to Arthur and Molly Weasley, plus another two portions for use on their grandchildren."
Arthur and Molly both held the others hand and smiled at each other.
"One portion to each to Fred and George Weasley, plus another portion to be invested in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. With the comment 'I like a good laugh as much as my godson, from Padfoot'"
This comment caused the most noise yet. Both Fred and George were vocally displaying their disbelief that Sirius Black was Padfoot of the marauders.
"Two portions to Albus Dumbledore, on the continued faith of looking out for Harry Potter, and also four portions into his care for use within the Order Of The Phoenix."
"Four portions to Remus Lupin. With the comment 'please look out for Harry, he needs someone to keep him in check, he's worse then we are. Take care of yourself Moony. From Padfoot.'"
Once again the twins were causing a disturbance, but this time they were staring at Remus in disbelief.
"Two Portions to Harry Potter and a further two if he gives up the fight and marries Ginny Weasley."
Harry looked up at the man in shook, before turning to look at Ginny. She was looking back at him, her checks slightly flushed.
Harry the spotted Ron. He looked enraged at the last comment, and if the twins weren't holding on to him he would probably be hexing harry.
"There was also a comment with that last division. 'To Bambi, I know what I have done has probably shocked everyone in the room, and I imagine Ron is fuming, but both you and I know how much she means to you. Wishing you every happiness, Prongs would have been proud."
Harry just sat there stunned. He didn't even notice Mr. and Mrs. Weasley cast silencing and binding charms on the twins to prevent them falling to there knees and worshipping Harry for being the son of one of the marauders, and godson of another.
"The last two portions are to be reserved in the trust. The first is to be granted to Narcissa Malfoy if she divorces and disowns Lucius Malfoy. If either should die before that happens, it is to be added to the Black Family Vault."
"The second portion is to be granted to Draco Malfoy in the event that he disowns Lucius Malfoy. Should this not be completed before the end of his seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry then he forfeits the portion, and instead it is to be granted to whom ever brings in the head of both Lucius and Draco Malfoy for being Death Eaters, or split if they are brought in separately."
Every one was more than a little surprised at this last request. 'But', Harry thought, 'it's probably worthwhile. Pity Draco will never touch a penny.'
"Right then, I believe the next order of business is the property. Now, Sirius Black is recorded as owning just a single property, the Black Manor in London, exact location, undisclosed."
"This property is left to Harry Potter, along with the following note."
Jones passed the note to a rather stunned Harry.
"Right then. Next order of business. To Hermione Granger, I Sirius Black bequeath my entire library of books, except those marked on the inside cover with MWPP which are to go to Fred and George Weasley collectively."
"I give my guitar and all bits attaining to it, to Ron Weasley, in the hope that he will learn how to play it, after showing such an interest."
"To Ginny Weasley, I complete my task set me by Lily Potter by bequeathing to you her wedding dress, and all assorted paraphernalia."
"To Harry Potter, I give any remaining items in the Black Manor, and also one item that isn't. You will find it listed in the letter you have been presented, which to be opened privately and not to be discussed."
"Lastly, the black family vault is to be split in half, with one half presented to Remus Lupin, and the other to Harry Potter."
Jones scanned the rest of the parchment he held before placing it down on the podium next to an inkwell and quill.
"Now I just need all mentioned above to sign this declaration, and countersigned by a legal guardian for Hermione Granger, and Ronald and Virginia Weasley."
As most moved up to sign the parchment, Harry sat there. Suddenly his head shot up as he realised that he hadn't been called to sign with guardian.
Remus obviously saw Harry's sudden realisation as he lent forward.
"He left you other thing that wasn't even touched upon on that parchment."
Harry turned to face him, a questioning frown on his face. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Harry, when Sirius died he left you adult hood. When someone's legal guardian dies and another is not obvious, or stated in the will, that person will become a legal adult at there sixteenth birthday."
Harry looked stunned for a moment before adding, hesitantly,
"What about the Dursley's?"
"Ah, well you see, that's my fault."
Harry spun to face the new voice, and ended up looking straight into the eyes of the oldest wizard he knew.
"You see," Dumbledore, continued, "I urged Sirius to add that he didn't want you left at the Dursley's should he die after the summer. It seems he took a good idea and ran with it, making it effective from the moment of writing."
Harry just nodded, thinking over what he had just been told.
"So I am an adult now. That means I can perform magic out of school?"
Dumbledore looked at him appraisingly. "It does, though I hope you won't abuse the privilege."
Harry assured him that he wouldn't before hurrying of to sign the will.
Once it had been signed by all the recipients, it was signed by Jones, and then by Griphook, saying that the will had now been put into effect.
Once that was done everyone started to leave. As he was heading out the main doors to Gringotts, Ron and Hermione came up to him.
"Hey Harry, how are you?"
"Yeah Harry, happy birthday and all"
Luckily Harry was saved when professor Dumbledore came up to them.
"I am sure that right now Harry would appreciate some time to think."
Harry merely nodded his thanks to the headmaster. He told his two friends that he would speak to them all later, before heading out the doors.
As he was walking down the stairs outside the bank, Remus came up to him.
"Ah Harry, how are you?"
"I am ok, I guess."
"Yes, its understandable, lots of shocks. The way Sirius liked it."
Harry just smiled.
"Well, do you remember I was saying about Black Manor being 'unavailable'?"
Harry nodded.
"Well, it seems that Sirius set the wards around the house, so that upon his death the house would lock itself down. The wards are programmed to only allow one person in, the person who inherited the house. You Harry."
Harry nodded again. It was the kind of thing that Sirius would do. He remembered the letter he had received, and opened it up.
He started reading.
Dear Harry,
Firstly if you are not in Black Manor yet, stop reading this and get there. Then you can read the rest.
Deciding that the best thing to do was comply with Sirius's wishes, he started for the Leaky Caldron, from where he could floo to the manor.
He heard Remus run to catch up with him. "Where you off to?"
"Black Manor. Sirius said I should read this there." Harry said, holding up the letter.
Harry paused to think for a moment. "Where can I get hold of you later?"
"I've been staying at Hogwarts for the summer. You can fire call me. The address you need to call is 'Hogwarts, DADA Office.'"
Harry beamed at him. "Moony, that's great. Its about time we had another decent Defence teacher!"
Remus blushed slightly. "Well, you know."
Harry grinned. "I will call you later, ok?"
Remus nodded, "yeah, ok. Take care of yourself Harry."
Harry continued walking till he arrived at the Leaky Caldron. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a sickle, which he tossed over to Tom.
"For the floo powder." Harry said. Tom nodded, and so Harry took a handful of the powder and threw it into the fire. Then he stepped into the flames and shouted out "Black Manor".
Once the spinning stopped, Harry stepped forward, into the main hall of Black Manor. Then Harry made a decision.
Harry decided that this was it. From now on, this was home.
The rest of the room was filled with seats, all facing the stage. Harry realised that he knew everyone in the room.
Harry figured that he shouldn't be so surprised. Sirius had only been out of Azkaban for a little under two years, and the first nine months were spent as a dog.
He didn't have much time to make friends.
Harry looked at the faces around him as he took a seat. He saw his best friend, Ron along with his parents, his sister and his twin brothers. He also saw Hermione Granger, sitting in between her parents and behind her sat Professor Dumbledore.
Tonks and Remus took seats behind Harry, and then, once every one was seated, the man at the front stood up.
"Right then, I see that everyone is here. Thank you all for coming to this reading of Sirius Black's last will and testament.
"Now, before I start with the divisions of his worldly goods, let me just clear up a cloudy point.
"Sirius T Black was the heir to the majority of the black estate. When he was sentenced to life imprisonment at Azkaban those assets were frozen. Normally they would remain frozen unless an suitable heir was produced, or until a fifty year time limit expired, at which point they would be claimed by the Ministry."
He paused and looked around the room. Seeing that he had everyone's complete attention, he continued.
"Now, due to his involvement in the Order of the Phoenix, the Ministry has been convinced of his innocence. Unfortunately, due to a lack of prove, and a lack of a physical body, the Ministry is in a tight spot.
"After much debating, and the involvement of Albus Dumbledore, the Ministry has agreed to release his assets to be divided as his will requires. In return they will not suffer the embarrassment of the people discovering they imprisoned an innocent man.
"Tomorrow the papers will tell the population that Sirius black was killed during the raid at the Ministry at the end of last month."
Harry was a little upset at this news, knowing the Ministry was covering up Sirius's innocence. Remus obviously could tell of Harry's displeasure at the news, for he leaned forward and whispered into Harry's ear.
"Sirius would much rather us share his memory, and stay guilty, then the Ministry take everything, and still stay guilty." Harry just nodded at this, before turning back to the man behind the podium.
"Now then. Let us just check that all listed are present. Please call out when I call your name."
"Dumbledore, Albus"
"Here"
"Granger, Hermione"
"Present"
The man looked up, at Hermione, "and legal guardians as you are under age" he noted as he nodded at Mr and Mrs Granger.
"Lupin, Remus"
"Yes"
"Potter, Harry"
"Yeah"
"Tonks, Nymphadora"
Tonks groaned at the use of her first name, which caused Remus to chuckle.
"Out!"
This caused the rest of the room to laugh, and even got a small smile out of the goblin.
"Weasley, Arthur"
"Yup"
"Weasley, Fred"
"Yeah"
Harry could have sworn that it was George that answered, and was confirmed right when Mrs. Weasley hit him over the head with her bag.
"Weasley, George"
The other Twin answered this time, "Yup"
"Weasley, Molly"
"I'm here."
"Weasley, Ronald"
"Yeah"
"And Weasley, Virginia"
"Yes"
"Both of whom should have an adult in attendance". He looked to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, both of whom nodded their assent.
"Ok then, also in attendance is Griphook, head of the inheritance department, and myself, Jonathon Jones, Magical Attorney."
"Now then, to the division of the will."
He paused and cleared his throat. Harry thought that I was his way of building tension for what was coming.
"To start. The Black Family Trust Fund. Not to be confused with the Black Family vault, which was Sirius's privet account.
"Right then. The Black Family Trust is to be divided into thirty equal parts and divided thus."
"Two portions each to both Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, with the comment 'for helping a lovable stray'"
Both Ron and Hermione laughed at this comment. And Harry felt himself smile as the memories came back.
"Two portions to Nymphadora Tonks" Jones ignored Tonks scowl. "For being a trusted family member.
"One portion for Virginia Weasley, with the hope that she completes her dream and marries Harry Potter."
At this the Room went silent and Harry looked over at Ginny, who was flushed bright red.
"One portion each to Arthur and Molly Weasley, plus another two portions for use on their grandchildren."
Arthur and Molly both held the others hand and smiled at each other.
"One portion to each to Fred and George Weasley, plus another portion to be invested in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. With the comment 'I like a good laugh as much as my godson, from Padfoot'"
This comment caused the most noise yet. Both Fred and George were vocally displaying their disbelief that Sirius Black was Padfoot of the marauders.
"Two portions to Albus Dumbledore, on the continued faith of looking out for Harry Potter, and also four portions into his care for use within the Order Of The Phoenix."
"Four portions to Remus Lupin. With the comment 'please look out for Harry, he needs someone to keep him in check, he's worse then we are. Take care of yourself Moony. From Padfoot.'"
Once again the twins were causing a disturbance, but this time they were staring at Remus in disbelief.
"Two Portions to Harry Potter and a further two if he gives up the fight and marries Ginny Weasley."
Harry looked up at the man in shook, before turning to look at Ginny. She was looking back at him, her checks slightly flushed.
Harry the spotted Ron. He looked enraged at the last comment, and if the twins weren't holding on to him he would probably be hexing harry.
"There was also a comment with that last division. 'To Bambi, I know what I have done has probably shocked everyone in the room, and I imagine Ron is fuming, but both you and I know how much she means to you. Wishing you every happiness, Prongs would have been proud."
Harry just sat there stunned. He didn't even notice Mr. and Mrs. Weasley cast silencing and binding charms on the twins to prevent them falling to there knees and worshipping Harry for being the son of one of the marauders, and godson of another.
"The last two portions are to be reserved in the trust. The first is to be granted to Narcissa Malfoy if she divorces and disowns Lucius Malfoy. If either should die before that happens, it is to be added to the Black Family Vault."
"The second portion is to be granted to Draco Malfoy in the event that he disowns Lucius Malfoy. Should this not be completed before the end of his seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry then he forfeits the portion, and instead it is to be granted to whom ever brings in the head of both Lucius and Draco Malfoy for being Death Eaters, or split if they are brought in separately."
Every one was more than a little surprised at this last request. 'But', Harry thought, 'it's probably worthwhile. Pity Draco will never touch a penny.'
"Right then, I believe the next order of business is the property. Now, Sirius Black is recorded as owning just a single property, the Black Manor in London, exact location, undisclosed."
"This property is left to Harry Potter, along with the following note."
Jones passed the note to a rather stunned Harry.
"Right then. Next order of business. To Hermione Granger, I Sirius Black bequeath my entire library of books, except those marked on the inside cover with MWPP which are to go to Fred and George Weasley collectively."
"I give my guitar and all bits attaining to it, to Ron Weasley, in the hope that he will learn how to play it, after showing such an interest."
"To Ginny Weasley, I complete my task set me by Lily Potter by bequeathing to you her wedding dress, and all assorted paraphernalia."
"To Harry Potter, I give any remaining items in the Black Manor, and also one item that isn't. You will find it listed in the letter you have been presented, which to be opened privately and not to be discussed."
"Lastly, the black family vault is to be split in half, with one half presented to Remus Lupin, and the other to Harry Potter."
Jones scanned the rest of the parchment he held before placing it down on the podium next to an inkwell and quill.
"Now I just need all mentioned above to sign this declaration, and countersigned by a legal guardian for Hermione Granger, and Ronald and Virginia Weasley."
As most moved up to sign the parchment, Harry sat there. Suddenly his head shot up as he realised that he hadn't been called to sign with guardian.
Remus obviously saw Harry's sudden realisation as he lent forward.
"He left you other thing that wasn't even touched upon on that parchment."
Harry turned to face him, a questioning frown on his face. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Harry, when Sirius died he left you adult hood. When someone's legal guardian dies and another is not obvious, or stated in the will, that person will become a legal adult at there sixteenth birthday."
Harry looked stunned for a moment before adding, hesitantly,
"What about the Dursley's?"
"Ah, well you see, that's my fault."
Harry spun to face the new voice, and ended up looking straight into the eyes of the oldest wizard he knew.
"You see," Dumbledore, continued, "I urged Sirius to add that he didn't want you left at the Dursley's should he die after the summer. It seems he took a good idea and ran with it, making it effective from the moment of writing."
Harry just nodded, thinking over what he had just been told.
"So I am an adult now. That means I can perform magic out of school?"
Dumbledore looked at him appraisingly. "It does, though I hope you won't abuse the privilege."
Harry assured him that he wouldn't before hurrying of to sign the will.
Once it had been signed by all the recipients, it was signed by Jones, and then by Griphook, saying that the will had now been put into effect.
Once that was done everyone started to leave. As he was heading out the main doors to Gringotts, Ron and Hermione came up to him.
"Hey Harry, how are you?"
"Yeah Harry, happy birthday and all"
Luckily Harry was saved when professor Dumbledore came up to them.
"I am sure that right now Harry would appreciate some time to think."
Harry merely nodded his thanks to the headmaster. He told his two friends that he would speak to them all later, before heading out the doors.
As he was walking down the stairs outside the bank, Remus came up to him.
"Ah Harry, how are you?"
"I am ok, I guess."
"Yes, its understandable, lots of shocks. The way Sirius liked it."
Harry just smiled.
"Well, do you remember I was saying about Black Manor being 'unavailable'?"
Harry nodded.
"Well, it seems that Sirius set the wards around the house, so that upon his death the house would lock itself down. The wards are programmed to only allow one person in, the person who inherited the house. You Harry."
Harry nodded again. It was the kind of thing that Sirius would do. He remembered the letter he had received, and opened it up.
He started reading.
Dear Harry,
Firstly if you are not in Black Manor yet, stop reading this and get there. Then you can read the rest.
Deciding that the best thing to do was comply with Sirius's wishes, he started for the Leaky Caldron, from where he could floo to the manor.
He heard Remus run to catch up with him. "Where you off to?"
"Black Manor. Sirius said I should read this there." Harry said, holding up the letter.
Harry paused to think for a moment. "Where can I get hold of you later?"
"I've been staying at Hogwarts for the summer. You can fire call me. The address you need to call is 'Hogwarts, DADA Office.'"
Harry beamed at him. "Moony, that's great. Its about time we had another decent Defence teacher!"
Remus blushed slightly. "Well, you know."
Harry grinned. "I will call you later, ok?"
Remus nodded, "yeah, ok. Take care of yourself Harry."
Harry continued walking till he arrived at the Leaky Caldron. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a sickle, which he tossed over to Tom.
"For the floo powder." Harry said. Tom nodded, and so Harry took a handful of the powder and threw it into the fire. Then he stepped into the flames and shouted out "Black Manor".
Once the spinning stopped, Harry stepped forward, into the main hall of Black Manor. Then Harry made a decision.
Harry decided that this was it. From now on, this was home.