The trial, and its aftermath, dominated the conference that night. Spellforged had tried to send what he heard during the trial over the link, but quickly found that he could not concentrate on that and the trial at the same time. So the others had to be content with his account of events.
Rose, Marigold, and Seeker Potter were excited at the plan's success. Rose was especially impressed by Spellforged's after-session tea with Madam Bones, where he managed to gather a roadmap for their own attempts at freedom for their godfather. Marigold had worried about this problem, as they would not have the Goblin Nation standing beside them as Spellforged had.
But if Madam Bones believes that enough evidence exists - or doesn't exist - then they could proceed. Each of the three would send a polite letter to Steelclaw, introducing themselves and asking about this Heir (or Heiress) Black nonsense. And also, incidentally, who is Lord Black and can we speak with him as well to sort this out? We've never met, you see.
Rose had wondered if the Black family allowed its daughters to inherit the duties of Head of House - the unspoken question being whether Sirius would have felt as close a connection to James and Lily's daughter as he clearly did to their son. But that went on the list of things to deal with another time. Here, they didn't care about the Black family as such, except as a tool for freeing Sirius. The rest could come later.
Chaser Potter, meanwhile, was livid at his dogfather's treatment, all because no one thought to spend 10 minutes questioning him after his arrest. He also found himself curious as to how events had gone in his world - did anyone think Sirius was the secret keeper there? He had never been arrested, so perhaps his account (and that of James, for that matter) had been enough to put the issue to bed.
A very dead and very marked Peter Pettigrew probably helped on that score as well.
January had ended with more heavy snows, making Quidditch a challenge. All five got good use out of their new winter cloaks, which just raised the question of their origin once more. Spellforged had asked his version of Foecleaver about the letter, and the goblin had had few answers.
"He said it sounds familiar, but he couldn't place it." reported Spellforged. "I think he has a good guess, but doesn't want to be wrong. Which means that his guess, whoever it is, is important enough to cause problems if he or she is accused of something untoward."
"What do you think of Foecleaver, Spellforged?" Seeker Potter asked. He seemed to be considering the letter's advice.
Spellforged thought a moment. "Let me put it this way. Once you make contact and start using his services, he will have served four generations of our family. Senior Accounts Manager is a prestigious job within Gringott's, but not always a stable one. And there are many old families who will dismiss their manager at the slightest failure. So to have built long-term trust with a respected family like House Potter speaks well of the manager in question."
"So, he's good at his job." Marigold chuckled.
"Yes, he is very good at his job. And if I hadn't come to Hogwarts, I probably would have apprenticed with him. I think he is to me what Sirius is to Chaser, there - a close and trusted uncle."
"If he's like your uncle," asked Seeker Potter, "then why did you talk about his job history?"
Spellforged laughed at this. "Oh, me? I trust Foecleaver with my life. But that's just me. I wanted you all to make your own decision. It's your bag of galleons, as they say."
The five chatted for a few more minutes, as the hour grew late and they began to disperse. Before she went to bed, Rose asked Spellforged about the mysterious Lord Hillyer.
Spellforged sighed. "I don't know much. He was appointed by our grandfather in 1978, just before our father graduated from Hogwart's. The family was talking about going into hiding, and he wanted to make sure that the Potter seat did not sit empty. Madam Bones says that Hillyer is rarely seen outside of the Wizengamot chambers, but attends every meeting."
"So, he's an enigma then." She summarized. "Daphne's father told her that he usually votes with the Longbottom-Bones families, which tells me that he's not some death eater puppet."
"I think that's why he was chosen, honestly." Spellforged replied. "Think about it, if the first war ended badly and the death eaters took over, an empty seat would almost invite a proxy - one who wouldn't exactly uphold the family honor. Grandfather took our vote off the table."
"I'll watch him when my Sirius goes to trial, then, get a feel for him." said Rose. "But if it's as you say, then we can leave it alone for now."
"For now." Spellforged agreed.
oOoOoOoOo
The next week was busy, with classes starting to get into slightly more advanced magic, building toward the end of term exams. Hermione's normal love of studying, unfettered by other concerns as it might have been in Gryffindor, had nearly grown out of control. Daphne and Tracy had finally needed to sit the ravenclaw down and encourage her to reign it in a little. Daphne, they argued, was probably number 2 in their year after Hermione, and she studied only about a third as much. Nor would she entertain the notion that it was due to her heritage, or natural skill, or what have you - and when Hermione mentioned that, she was coldly reminded by Daphne that they had seen each other in the wandmaker's shop and had owned their wands for almost exactly the same amount of time.
"Why don't you study with us for a week, Hermione?" offered Tracy. "See if we can help you study more efficiently, so that you have more time to relax. You'll burn out if you do too much, you know, both magically and health-wise." Hermione had sputtered, she had fumed, but ultimately she could not offer an argument against the idea.
And so, their little study group was born. It surprised no one when Rose Potter showed up on day one. After a week in the group, Hermione had reluctantly agreed that maybe Daphne and Tracy knew what they were talking about.
This week, Rose's newfound interest in the workings of the Wizengamot had led Daphne to suggest another member for the group. That was what brought a nervous Susan Bones to the library that evening, joining Tracy Davis and Hermione Granger at one of the back tables.
The Hufflepuff had watched all year as the usual Gryffindor versus Slytherin rivalry flared up in the hallways and on the quidditch pitch. Both houses, when they realized that the girl-who-lived was coming in their year, had expected her to lead the charge to the house cup and the utter humiliation of their opponents.
The silence from Gryffindor when Rose had been sorted into Slytherin was only the beginning - many had resented her perceived betrayal. The snakes, too, had wondered if they had a lion in snakeskin among them. Her swift (and utterly non-magical) takedown of Draco Malfoy that first night had led most of the snakes to accept her, if grudgingly.
But it was her complete disinterest in the house rivalry that surprised everybody, including Susan. Befriending a Ravenclaw (and a muggleborn one at that!) only confused the matter further. When a prefect asked her about it, she shrugged. "Not all worthwhile allies wear green." It was, the prefect had to admit, a very slytherin answer.
(The real reason, that she knew for fact that she could have gone into Gryffindor, as Marigold and her 'brothers' had, was not mentioned.)
Tracy and Hermione did their best to make Susan feel at ease, and it helped a bit. They chatted about the upcoming quidditch match between Slytherin and Ravenclaw, which drew Susan into the conversation even further. Susan remarked that, with Hufflepuff's narrow win over Ravenclaw in November, the badgers actually had a shot this year. When Hermione started wondering if there were books on Quidditch statistics that might help them pick winners, Susan and Tracy shared a look of their own. Then they got their homework out, to Hermione's exasperation.
On their arrival, Rose and Daphne found the three hard at work. Rose was surprised to see the book about Quidditch tucked into the pile of books next to Hermione, but said nothing. The boys will be amused by that, no doubt, she thought.
After a while, Hermione got out her charms book and some parchment, to work on the essay for that Friday's class. As she did, she notice a book on Goblin treaties next to Rose. "Is that for History?" she asked, pointing to the book.
Rose looked at it, and then at her friend. "No, I'm writing a letter to the goblins and want to make sure it's just right." She smiled as she looked back to her letter. "I have it on good authority that it is unwise to offend the goblins, after all."
Susan nodded. "My aunt has to deal with them sometimes, because of her job. Not often, though - they have their own courts and aurors."
Rose grinned at her. "All the more reason to avoid problems, then. Besides, if I can't deal with it by letter, then I'll have to visit the bank over the holidays, and that almost sounds riskier." Seeing Daphne and Tracy packing their bags, Rose began to put away her work in progress. "It's no big deal." The other girls put their own books away, and soon the group was walking to dinner.
Her request wasn't a secret, really, and its results would be plastered across the front page of the Prophet if she were successful. But she didn't really want her status with the House of Black to become a topic of speculation around the school. Nor did she want to give Hermione a new research project. She was enjoying their study group, and she and Susan had gotten along during this first encounter, but old habits die hard - and Rose was still inclined to keep this to herself.
oOoOoOoOo
Breakfast the following morning saw the usual mail owls making their deliveries. The surprise came when two owls landed beside Rose and Daphne. The nearer of the two, a beautiful brown owl, had the small medallion that denoted an official Gringott's owl. Daphne's was one of her family's owls. The girls looked at each other, then collected their letters.
Daphne's was a simple letter from her father.
20 February 1992
Daphne Greengrass
Slytherin House
Hogwarts
My dear,
I have been asked by Madam Bones to escort Rose Potter to the next meeting of the Wizengamot. While I don't yet know the reasons for which her attendance might be required, I do know that nothing on the agenda should impact her or House Potter in the slightest. And if it did, Lord Hillyer is there to represent her family's interests, as you and I have discussed.
All of that tells me that we can expect some surprises, come Monday.
As the named Heiress to the House of Greengrass, you have the right to attend meetings of the Wizengamot. If you wish, you may accompany Rose and I to the Ministry for Monday's session. I suspect that the experience will be educational enough to justify the missed classes, and if the matter directly impacts Rose, she may need your support as well.
I have included a letter requesting that you and Rose Potter be excused from classes on Monday. Please give it to your head of house, as he will need to approve Rose's attendance regardless of your decision. (But I hope you join us.) I will meet you both in the entrance hall at 8 o'clock on Monday, February 24th, to escort you to the Ministry.
I would tell you to keep your ears open, but I know you are doing that anyway.
All my love,
Daniel Greengrass, the Lord Greengrass
Daphne smiled when she saw his formal signature crossed out and "Dad" scrawled hurriedly in its place. She looked over at Rose, and saw the look of shock on her usually reserved housemate's face.
"Rose?" she asked. Wordlessly, Rose handed her letter over, and accepted the letter from Daphne's father in return. Daphne looked at the parchment, seeing the ornate script, and the Gringott's seal at the top. Somehow, the parchment had the image of a dragon printed in a watermark, probably as another way to prove the letter's authenticity.
20 February 1992
Rose Potter
Slytherin House
Hogwarts
Heiress Potter,
It is my pleasure to offer this reply to your correspondence of this week. I must admit, your simple letter, delivered as it was by your regent, has caused quite a bit of a stir, both here and at the Ministry. Officially, Gringott's takes no notice of the workings of the Ministry in this matter. Unofficially - well done.
You are indeed, as you suspected, the Heiress Black. This results from your status as the sole heir of one Sirius Orion Black, the Lord Apparent of the House of Black. Lord Black designated you as his sole heir on 5 September 1980, shortly after your birth. Arcturus Black, the Grandfather of Sirius Black, was then the head of House Black. While there is some indication that Sirius Black had been removed from the family and disowned, no official action was taken by Arcturus Black, and so the Ministry (and Gringott's) do not recognize any such action.
Arcturus Black passed away in January of 1991. At the time of his passing, his will left the Lordship of the House of Black to his grandson, Sirius Orion Black. Thus, once he takes up the Lordship ring and gives his oath to the House, Sirius Black will become the Lord Black. As his will currently names you as the sole beneficiary of his estate, and with it his titles, you are therefore the Heiress Black.
Now, here is where your inquiry comes into play. Sirius Black currently sits in Azkaban, the wizarding prison, having been accused of the Betrayal of you and your parents on 31 October 1981. The conventional wisdom is that he was convicted of the crime, properly sentenced to a life term in prison, and incarcerated as a result. The problem here is that such a conviction would have stripped Sirius Black of his place in the line of succession of House Black, as the family magics would not countenance a true (and convicted) betrayer as Head of House. The fact that magic recognizes Sirius Black as Lord Black, despite his current situation, suggests that he was not properly convicted.
We reached out to Madam Amelia Bones, Director of Magical Law Enforcement with the Ministry, to obtain records of Lord Black's trial, arrest, questioning, and transfer to Azkaban. Director Bones found no record of a trial, nor any evidence that Sirius Black was questioned at all following his arrest. Under her own authority, she plans to bring the matter before the Wizengamot at their February meeting, scheduled for the 24th.
You may wish to attend that meeting. Given the lack of evidence in the record, and the absence of any questioning under veritaserum, we cannot discount the possibility that Lord Black may be innocent of the crimes of which he is accused. While we do not yet know what will happen, if anything, regarding House Black, we do suspect that it will directly impact your life. Setting that aside, whatever happens, you remain the Heiress Potter, and my esteemed colleague Foecleaver (your accounts manager) suggests that attending a few sessions of the Wizengamot may prove educational.
We will all watch, with interest, the events of next Monday. In the meantime, best wishes to you in your studies. My door is open to you, as is that of Foecleaver, should you require our assistance in the days to come.
Until then, I remain your servant,
Steelclaw of Clan Wullfrott
Senior Accounts Manager
The Ancient and Most Noble House of Black
Daphne looked up, and saw Rose returning her gaze. There was surprise in those green eyes, almost shock. Her friend was rarely this out of sorts, though it was easy to see how the letter from Gringott's might have had that result.
"That was certainly a quick response," Daphne said, trying to lighten the mood. Rose looked at her, puzzled, and then reached into her bag. Handing a parchment over, Rose said nothing.
Daphne looked down, and saw another letter written in Rose's steady hand.
February 1992
Steelclaw of Clan Wullfrott
Senior Accounts Manager
Gringott's, London
Dear Senior Accounts Manager,
My name is Rose Potter, and I am the Heiress to the House of Potter. I write today, however, in relation to the House of Black, for whom I am told you are the Accounts Manager. I seek merely to understand my position and the nature of my (potential) responsibilities as I find my place in Wizarding Britain.
Daphne read through the letter as it laid out what Rose knew about being the Heiress Black, what she had guessed about Sirius Black, and why it was so. Then she saw her request for more information about Sirius Black at the end, followed by…. nothing. The letter was unfinished.
Looking at Rose, she saw the same look of confusion. Rose met her eyes, seeing the question before it was raised.
"My sworn godfather, Sirius Black, who was accused of betraying my family to Voldemort, may not have received a trial." She held up the Gringott's letter. "And today, I got a response to a letter asking about it. A letter I haven't finished yet and haven't even thought about sending." She then pointed to the letter from Lord Greengrass. "And, apparently, the request has gone so far as to make it to the Wizengamot, which means Madam Bones has had a few days to dig into it." Rose sighed. "I honestly have no idea what just happened."
Daphne took the Gringott's letter again. "your simple letter, delivered as it was by your regent" she read. "Could the Potter Regent have anticipated your request?"
Rose's eyebrow raised at that. "Daph, I just found out that the Potters have a proxy. I've never met with or even heard about a Potter Regent. So no, I have no idea who could have spoken for me, on a matter that I've only discussed with you, and acting on my behalf with enough authority to get the goblins to play along." She closed her eyes, bringing a hand to the bridge of her nose. "Just give me a minute, Daphne. I need to figure this out."
Daphne nodded, collecting the letters and placing them neatly in Rose's bag. As she did so, she notice Rose's jaw and throat flexing slightly, almost imperceptibly. She must really be worried about this, Daphne thought.
Rose, meanwhile, had reached out to the link. Anyone else get a letter from Gringott's this morning? Marigold and Seeker Potter confirmed that yes, they had. After a few moments comparing notes, the three determined that their letters were identical.
Alright, Rose thought, Next question. Read me the second line of the letter, starting with "I must admit," please. Neither of the other letters mentioned the regent. Fine, last question. When did you send your request to Steelclaw?
Mine went on Monday, said Marigold. Neville coached me a little, but I tried to keep it simple.
Same, replied Seeker Potter. Except that I had Neville and Hermione both pitch in. We had to stop Hermione from researching all of the Goblin Treaties, but she calmed down eventually. Clearly, we did something right. What about you, Rose?
My request is sitting in my bag. I haven't sent it yet. Steelclaw received a letter from me, hand delivered by the Potter Regent.
So the question becomes, said Spellforged, Who the hell is the Potter Regent?
That's not the question, though, replied Chaser Potter. Think about it, who knew we were writing this letter? In Rose's world, it was Daphne Greengrass and that's it. Foecleaver might have gotten wind of it if we went through him, but we deliberately didn't, right? Chaser Potter kept going, the worry in his voice bleeding into the link. Even if Daphne told her father, there's no way he could act as Potter Regent - and he would have told her if he was, or she would have found out over the holidays. We've never spoken to this Lord Hillyer, so even if he's the proxy for our vote, he would have no way to act as regent since we've never spoken to him.
So someone knows what we've discussed between us here, in the link. Someone we don't know and have never met or spoken with. Someone who can plausibly act on our behalf, at least enough to get the Goblins to work with them.
The implications worked their way through the five, and all were troubled by the revelation. Rose opened her eyes, looking at her untouched breakfast and now cold tea. /Groznak/ she spat, surprising the table with the Goblin curse. Looking up at Daphne, her face determined, Rose nodded.
"After class, we need to owl your father."
A/N: Some more layers to the Proxy/Regent issue. This seemed more fun than another set of mystery bottles of scotch, though those remain a treat. As hinted above, none of this directly impacts Chaser Potter, as his Uncle Padfoot remained free. But the idea that the link itself might not be secure is a troubling one to him - and the others.
My outline continues to grow, though I do plan to keep this focused on the five and who they are - and who they might become. I've tried very hard to give each their own voice, and I hope that I've succeeded. My output may slow a bit, as four chapters in a week is pushing it - but, on the other hand, this story has grabbed me and I want to keep it moving along.
Feedback, as always, is welcome.
