Bella was completely shocked by Harry's request. "You want me to do what?" she said not daring to believe she had heard him correctly.
"I need to meet with Voldemort. Tell him I would like to meet with him to talk. The terms of the meeting should be that he and I meet alone, though you'll need to take me to the meeting so you may attend. Regardless of what happens or is talked about at the end of the meeting we will both walk away unharmed. If he would like it in a magical contract that's fine but he's never lied to me so as a show of good faith I will take him at his word if he's willing to accept."
The witch nodded in disbelief. "Ok Harry, I'll pass on your request. Are you sure about this?"
Harry nodded. "Positive. Tell him that I have never lied to him either and that I promise it will be worth his while to meet with me."
"Ok." Bella said getting up from her seat and putting on her cloak. "When do you want to meet him?"
"The sooner the better, today if possible. I'll be at Gringotts for awhile then doing some shopping around Diagon alley this afternoon just so you know where to find me if he's willing."
Bella nodded and with a swish of her cloak disappeared through the door.
Remus approached Harry placing a hand on his shoulder as she left. "Are you sure about this Harry? It's not too late to change your mind."
"I'm positive. Every time I turn around I find something else that old bastard has done to manipulate me. I'm sick of it. I want out and if this is the only way to get that then so be it."
Remus smiled proudly at Harry giving him a pat on the shoulder before lowering his hand. Sirius was grinning widely. "Alright then, let's head over to Gringotts and deal another blow to that 'old bastard' as Harry so aptly put it."
The three shared a quick laugh before Harry's stomach growled letting everyone know it was lunch time, starting another round of laughter and jokes at Harry's expense. After a large meal of beef stew and bread Sirius became invisible again while Remus removed his wards from the room and replaced the glamour charms on Harry. As soon as he was done they left for Diagon Alley and Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
Harry and Remus passed through the doors of the wizarding bank and walked up to the first available goblin with an invisible Sirius floating silently behind.
"What my I do for you today?" the goblin behind the counter asked with a toothy grin.
"We need to speak with a solicitor concerning the last will and testament of Mr. Sirius Black." Remus replied getting the goblins full attention.
"Of course sirs your arrival has been expected, right this way." he said leading them down a hallway to a series of offices. He finally stopped in front of a large set of double doors which led to a conference room. "Please take a seat I will inform Solicitor Garnod you are here."
They barely had a chance to sit down when an old goblin entered the room and took a seat opposite them. Extending his hand he greeted the pair. "I am Solicitor Garnod."
"Remus Lupin."
"Harry Potter."
The old goblin looked at Harry for a long moment before waving his hand causing the glamour charms to disappear. "Ahh, that's better." He then looked to the empty chair on Harry's right. "Mr. Black, please reveal yourself." he said.
Sirius faded into view with a large grin on his face. "Can't fool you Garnod."
"Mr. Black it's good to see you again. I've been wondering when you would return to address the state of your Will."
Sirius looked back at him curiously. "What exactly do you mean by 'the state of my Will'?"
Garnod gestured to a roll of parchment with a large red seal lying on the table in front of him, "It became active recently but the seal has remained intact and therefore we have been unable to execute it."
"So what do we need to do about that? In fact I would like to make some changes, is that possible?" Sirius asked the goblin.
"Of course Mr. Black, the Will became active because of your death but we have not been able to execute it because your will that is to say your desire lives on in the form of your spirit therefore you are required to break the seal and execute the will as you see fit."
Sirius nodded ecstatic with the turn of events. "Excellent, what do I need to do?"
"Simply touch the seal to break it and then we can execute it making whatever changes you wish."
Floating through the table Sirius reached out and placed a transparent finger on the large red seal. With a flash of red and a loud crack the seal was broken.
"Let me begin by outlining how things stand right now." Garnod said as he unrolled and quickly scanned the document. "Let's see… Ahh, an organization called the Order of the Phoenix receives one third of the cash assets and the ancestral Black home Grimmauld Place both to be given into trust to Albus Dumbledore to use in the fight against the Dark Lord Voldemort as he sees fit. If any of these assets remain after the Dark Lords defeat they are to be divided equally between Remus Lupin and Harry Potter. Remus Lupin receives one third of the cash assets and half of the items in the Black Family Vault and Grimmauld Place. Harry Potter receives one third of the cash assets and the other half of the items in the Black Family Vault and Grimmauld Place."
Sirius was tapping a ghostly finger against his chin. "What happens to my guardianship of Harry?"
Garnod seemed to be deep in thought for several minutes. "Actually I don't believe you have ever had guardianship of Mr. Potter."
"What?" Sirius said, "His parents James and Lily Potter specified in their Will that his guardianship was to fall to me upon their deaths. What happened?"
"One moment." Garnod said. With a snap of his fingers the goblin who had led them to the office rushed in.
"Yes sir?"
"I require the Last Will and Testament of James and Lily Potter as well as all documentation relating to said Will and the guardianship of Harry Potter."
After making a deep bow the goblin scurried from the room. A few minutes later he returned with a small stack of parchments. Garnod immediately began sorting through the pile.
"Mr. Potter's magical guardian is currently one Albus Dumbledore." Looking up from the papers Garnod found himself facing three very angry wizards.
Sirius growled in frustration. "What can we do about that?"
An evil grin appeared on Garnod's face as he answered Sirius question. "Much of the documentation was never signed indicating the Potter's will was never fully executed. It would be a simple matter to execute their Will now. As a spirit you would not be able to hold guardianship over Mr. Potter but as the guardian named in the Potter's Will you would be able to name an alternate guardian."
A large smile appeared on Sirius face as he turned to face Harry. "Who would you like Harry?"
Grinning back Harry turned to his other side. "Remus, would you be my guardian?" he asked in a voice filled with hope.
Remus pulled Harry in for a large hug. "I'd be honored Harry. You have no idea how happy you've just made me."
Sirius smiled at the pair wishing not for the first time he could join in the hug. Turning his attention back to Solicitor Garnod he gave him his decision. "I would like Remus Lupin to take the position of guardian for Harry Potter."
"Excellent." Garnod said as he began to fill in several forms. With another snap of his fingers the other goblin appeared again.
"Sir."
"I require a ghost quill."
Giving another bow the goblin left returning a minute later with a small wooden box which he placed on the table in front of Sirius before opening it and leaving the room. Inside was what looked like a standard quill except that only the bottom half inch of the feather was solid, the rest was semi transparent just like a ghost.
"This will allow you to sign the necessary documents Mr. Black. Normally we would require a form of identification to transfer guardianship rights in the form of blood. As a ghost that is of course not an option. This quill takes the place of that test while legally meeting its requirements. When used by a spirit it will only allow them to sign their own legal name thus preventing a spirit from taking another's form and forging their name to legal documents.
Sirius nodded picking up the quill. Normally moving objects was difficult and awkward at best but the ghost quill felt natural in his hand feeling as if he was holding a regular quill.
Pushing several forms across the desk Garnod continued. "These are the forms required to execute the Potter's Will. These two transfer custody of Mr. Potter to Mr. Black and will need to be signed by both of you."
Harry and Sirius scribbled their names on the offered forms.
"These transfer all of the Potter assets to Mr. Potter and assign his guardian in this case Mr. Black as trustee and will need to be signed by Mr. Potter and Mr. Black." A fairly large number of forms were pushed across the table towards Harry and Sirius.
Once again they signed all of the offered forms.
"These four transfer the guardianship of Mr. Potter and the associated trusteeship to Remus Lupin and will need to be signed by all of you."
"That takes care of the disposition of the Potter Estate and the guardianship of Mr. Potter." Garnod said as he received the final form back. "Now, how would you like to distribute the Black Estate Mr. Black?"
"I would like the money split equally between Harry and Remus as well as the objects in the Black Family Vault and Grimmauld Place. I would like them to both be listed as co-owners of Grimmauld Place."
The old goblin nodded expecting as much and started filling out the required forms. As he finished each one he passed them across the table to be signed by Sirius, Harry and Remus. When the pile was several inches tall the goblin finally indicated they were done.
"The monetary assets are being divided as we speak and will be transferred to each of your vaults shortly. If I might offer you a suggestion," he said placing two plastic cards on the table one each in front of Harry and Remus, "these are wizarding debit cards. Simply place your key on the card and it will be ready for your use. You may use these at any wizarding store with an account at our bank which is all of them and the necessary funds will be transferred to the stores account. They are also good in muggle stores. They may only be used by those legally allowed to access your vault and you will never be asked for identification when using it, even in muggle stores. Should you loose it, it will return to Gringotts and may be picked up by you or in your case Mr. Potter your guardian."
"Excellent, how much are they?" Harry asked.
"Normally they sell for fifty galleons each but for holders of accounts your size there is no charge."
"Thank you." Harry said. Fishing his key out of his pocket Harry laid it on the card and watched in fascination as it sank into the plastic disappearing in moments.
"Is there anything else I can assist you with today?" Garnod asked.
Harry spoke up at the offer. "I wouldn't mind seeing the Black Family Vault if that's ok."
"Of course Mr. Potter I'll arrange an escort for you, will there be anything else?"
"No thank you, I believe you've exceeded our expectations already." Sirius replied.
Solicitor Garnod bowed slightly and with a snap of his fingers a goblin appeared to lead them to the carts. Climbing aboard Harry and Remus enjoyed a wild roller coaster ride finally stopping in front of a large black vault door.
Stepping up to the door the goblin with them ran a long bony finger down the center before stepping back. A loud groan and several clicks were heard before the door swung open. Entering the vault Harry and Remus discovered a large empty section that according to Sirius used to contain millions of galleons, sickles and knuts. Apparently the goblins had already finished the transfer.
The rest of the vault was filled with all manner of odd items, weapons, books and jewelry. Sirius pointed out several items some with uses that bordered on terrifying. In the end Harry and Remus decided they had no need to split up the contents of the vault and left it all there so that either of them could look through or use any of the items in the vault.
After looking around the vault for a half hour or so they returned to the cart and were taken back up to the cart room just off the banks lobby. Remus reapplied the glamour charms to Harry and they climbed out of the cart and left the bank.
Bella walked through the Leaking Cauldron after her meeting with Harry feeling as if a giant burden had been removed from her soul. As she made her way to the back alley her thoughts remained on the young man she had just met. She kept kicking herself for the way she felt around him wondering what it was about Harry that she was attracted too. It amazed her that he wanted to meet with the Dark Lord. She had to admit he definitely had guts.
Arriving in the alley she drew her wand and apperated to a small cemetery just outside of Little Hangleton and began the short walk to Riddle Manor. Entering the manor house she passed several Death Eaters milling about. She swiftly made her way through the halls and up the stairs where she found Voldemort sitting in a high backed leather chair in the study.
"My Lord." Bella said as she approached Voldemort.
"Bella, what news do you bring me."
Bellatrix looked warily at the pair of Death Eaters by the door before returning her attention to the Dark Lord. "Master I bring a message that is not for others ears."
Voldemort sat back in his chair looking thoughtfully at his servant for a full minute before responding. "Leave us." he said directing his order to the other Death Eaters in the room.
The pair by the door made a hasty exit and Voldemort closed the door with a wave of his hand. A moment later he had warded the room and was looking at Bella expectantly.
"Harry Potter wishes to meet with you." she said. For an instant she thought his eyes registered surprise but it passed so fast she couldn't be sure that she hadn't imagined it.
"Interesting, tell me more." he hissed.
Bella gave a short bow of her head and continued. "He wishes to meet with you to talk as soon as possible. He wants to meet you alone though he said I could attend as I will be needed to bring him to you and that at the end of the meeting you would both leave unharmed. He said that he would gladly enter into a magical contract binding you both to these terms but he also said that you have never lied to him and if you agree he will take you at your word. Finally he mentioned that he has never lied to you either and he promised it would be worth your while to speak with him."
Voldemort laced his fingers together as he sat thinking about the offer. He couldn't believe Potter would want to meet him even under these terms not to mention be the one to initiate the meeting. He had to admit to himself he was intrigued by the request and curious what the boy wanted to speak with him about. As he continued it occurred to him that Bella had to have had a conversation with Harry.
"How did you come about this message Bella?"
She had been afraid he would ask that and was scared of what he might do if he didn't like the answer. "I met with him in the Leaky Cauldron a little while ago. I spoke with him about Sirius Black. It was at the end of the conversation that he asked me to bring his request to you."
He knew about Sirius Black and what had occurred in the Death Chamber at the Ministry of Magic. He had been extremely surprised to find out that Dumbledore had been the one responsible.
"Show me your palms." he ordered.
Bella swallowed nervously as she extended her arms and held her hands palms up for his inspection. She was surprised when he nodded as if expecting the scar on her palm.
"Very well, tell Mr. Potter I agree to his terms and will meet with him."
Voldemort and Bella spent several long minutes discussing the details of the meeting. Once everything had been worked out Bella gave a quick bow to her master and left the Manor.
The sun was shining brightly as Harry made his way down the steps in front of Gringotts with his newly appointed guardian walking along beside him and his godfather floating invisible behind. He couldn't believe how much his luck had changed over the last week and thanked the gods he had Sirius and Remus in his life.
As they walked down the cobblestone street Harry and Remus heard Sirius whispering to them, "Hey, go in to Flourish and Blotts, we need to pick up a book for Harry."
Not having any set plans they wandered over to the book store. Sirius guided them to the transfiguration section where he made a book fall off the shelf. Remus picked it up and a large grin appeared on his face as he handed it to Harry.
"Mr. Moony would like to tell Mr. Padfoot that he has come up with an inspired idea."
"Mr. Padfoot would like to respond to Mr. Moony by saying 'Of course, I thought of it'."
Harry shook his head grinning as the two went on with their marauder style conversation finally reading the title of the book he now held.
The Animagus Transformation
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know and a Lot of Stuff You Didn't
by Freidya Naiminal
Looking back towards Sirius and Remus who were now smiling at the look on Harry's face he was practically bouncing with excitement. "Really!"
"Of course, how are we supposed to give you a name if we don't know what your form is?" Moony said. "Why don't you go pay for this, I'm gonna run a quick errand and I'll meet you and Padfoot at Florian Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor for a snack in a little bit."
Before Harry had a chance to ask him where he was going Remus had disappeared. Shrugging his shoulders Harry went to pay for the book. Even thought Harry was in disguise the credit card worked just as the goblin had described and he was not asked for identification. After shrinking and pocketing the book Harry made his way down the alley with Sirius in tow.
He was sitting at a table eating a new product when he saw Remus appear from the direction of the book store and walk into the ice cream parlor giving him a wink as he passed by. A minute later he returned with a chocolate ice cream cone and sat down next to Harry.
"What the heck are you eating Harry?" Remus asked looking at the bowl of multi colored ice cream Harry was munching on.
Harry grinned. "It's a new flavor, or flavors I should say. It's Bertie Botts Every Flavor Ice Cream, a different flavor with every bite." Harry took another bite and a grimace appeared on his face, "Uhgg, beets."
Remus started laughing at him. "You're braver than I am Harry."
"Where did you go?" he asked recovering from the disgusting bite.
Reaching in his robes Remus pulled out a pale blue potion showing it to Harry quickly before returning it to his pocket. "Knockturn Alley. You'll need this to unlock your animal to start your animagus training. One of the ingredients is a Ministry controlled substance so we couldn't buy it through normal channels."
"Thanks Remus, for everything." Harry said smiling at his new guardian.
"You're welcome Harry. And thank you, you'll never know how much what you've done means to me."
The pair smiled at each other enjoying the new feeling of family when the moment was broken up by a ghost making a raspberry between them. "Break it up you two, you're not wearing the dresses any more." he said before bursting into laughter.
"Remus, we need to find a book on spells that work on ghosts." Harry said.
"That we do Harry." Remus smiled back.
"That's not funny guys." pouted Sirius causing another round of laughter.
After finishing their ice cream the three wandered around Diagon Alley. They didn't really have anything they needed to buy they were just enjoying the day. It was mid afternoon when a familiar figure wearing a blue cloak with the hood raised approached them.
"Hello Bella." Sirius said while Remus and Harry smiled at her appearance.
"Hi." she said returning the smiles. "He agreed to your terms and will meet with you now if still want to go."
"Yes, I still do." Harry replied sounding more sure of himself than he really was.
"Alright, come on."
Bella led the group to a small alley between two shops where they would be out of sight and removed a quill from within her robes. "This is a portkey that will take us to the entrance hall in his manor. As soon as you touch it we'll be off."
Remus removed the glamour charms from Harry and gave him a quick hug. "Be safe Harry, and hurry back. I'll be waiting in the Leaky Cauldron for you."
"Take care of him Bella." Sirius said to his cousin.
Harry and Bella nodded and Harry reached out taking hold of the feather Bella was holding. He felt the familiar tug of a portkey behind his navel and they disappeared.
"I hope this isn't a mistake Sirius." Remus said quietly as he stared at the spot Harry had just disappeared from.
"Me too Remus, me too."
-
AN: Thanks for continuing to review; I love all the responses I'm getting and there fun to read!
Pairing: Hmmm, hard to say at this point isn't it! Ha, ha, ha… Besides, you haven't even met Kaela Moore yet, ha, ha, ha… (sorry SeleneA, but this is too much fun, Ha!)
Harry will not be going to Hogwarts…oops, did I type that, oh well. Grimmauld Place?...Hmmm… Don't worry, Harry won't become dark, his plans will become much clearer in the next few chapters and later on he will be forced into certain actions. I know I don't have to stick to canon but I like working from that base and with a story like this it's fun to try to manipulate the events of the first five books without having to change them. That said there are a couple small deviations but oh well. As far as meeting Voldy face to face I don't really see him wanting to do that within canon, but it works with this plot and is very important for what lies ahead…
Shadowed Rains, What state do you live in? I ask because I want to avoid it. Grins.
Lmill123, I like it, good ideas. For the most part not the direction I'm going but great ideas none the less!
Thanks again for all your incredible reviews, keep em coming!