Chapter 2
It was the early hours of the morning when he heard the knocking at his door. Bolting awake Arcturus called them in. Seeing Andromeda shivering as she walked in Arcturus brought her over quickly. Subtly casting the few diagnostics spells he knew revealed nothing, doing nothing in turn for his concern. It was a few minutes before Andromeda was controlled enough to talk about it.
"I was asleep then I heard it. A Raven's call loud amongst the magic. It woke me up." Arcturus wrapped the blanket further around her as she shivered, "It was then I felt the family magic. It was wild and raging. Like it was trying to attack. It hurt."
Andromeda started to cry again; her grandfather pulled the teen close. Humming softly, he held his granddaughter until the she began to relax. Andromeda's face was buried in Arcturus' chest, and he continued to hold her until he felt just completely relax in his arms.
"Andi, is it still there? Does it still hurt?" he asked.
She nodded, "It isn't as bad as before, but I can still feel it. The magic is angry and it's lashing out at something. I just… just don't know what. Its never felt like this before."
Arcturus hushed her before the she started crying again. They sat that way before he felt Andromeda fall back asleep. Slowly getting out of bed he did his best to not disturb his granddaughter he made his way into his office. Slowly turning over the information that Andromeda gave offered no explanation. Slipping into a slowly meditative state he attempted to connect with the family magic. However, as typical he could not form the needed connection when he was at peace. Pulling out of the short meditation he decided to pen a letter to Dorea, wondering if she had felt anything.
Arcturus stayed in his study for a while, pulling at information that might give any sort of clue as to why the family magic might be responding in the way it was. His search turned out to be relatively fruitless as the family magics were not well understood. Even the so-called experts just posited theories around how family magics could serve their families. Getting up he began to walk away from his office, it was then that he noticed the family tapestry. This was the true tapestry, the one in Grimmauld only being a magical copy. On the tapestry he watched as the tree flickered and changed. A branch seemingly wanting to form yet there was no clear connection between any of the other branches.
He sat and watched the tapestry start to form the branch behind what he wanted to do. The constant flickering and movement were somewhat mesmerizing. He felt his concern rise as the tapestry settled on a form that was somewhere between what it was and what he assumed it was attempting to be. There was a shadow at the lower ends, disconnected from everything yet still wanting to form. After it had settled Arcturus glamoured it to its previous form. His letter to Dorea became that much more important.
Arcturus sent off the letter, watching the owl fly out in early hours of the morning. He truly hoped that Dorea held some insight as the family magic had yet to respond to his call. He felt it was there, its focus elsewhere, though a tendril still returned to offer its protection. The tendril quickly settled into a sort of stasis, connected to Arcturus but refusing its touch. After the magics pulled back Arcturus made his way to the training room. Settling deep into his magic he began to let loose.
Harry walked throughout the ruins. His hand running over the stones, feeling the magic that was deep withing the ruined walls. The rough edges pulled at his attention, almost attempting to speak their history. The surrounding vistas and views were ones he had never seen before, yet he committed them to memory. He tried to find something familiar yet in that moment he felt the familiar pull happening. As had happened the last several days, Harry was pulled from the dream. Chasing away the sleep allowed him to settle into a meditative mindset. The dream was organized with the others so that he could return and perhaps explore them once again. The rest of the meditation was spent attempting to rebuild his memories. The mind palace had been destroyed, the occlumency training still present, yet previous strongholds and barriers were gone. Harry had spent the last several days rebuilding and reforming the memories that he knew existed.
It was a slight knock at the door with the standing breakfast order that pulled Harry out of the mindscape. Settling in, Harry knew that his ability to stay in the hotel he had found. After breakfast Harry gathered his small number of supplies before checking out. Making his way through the London streets was perhaps not ideal, yet he didn't trust his to be reliable for any overt actions. Getting a taxi got him close to the needed area for Diagon Alley. As he neared the alley, he could feel the injection of ambient magic.
Taking a moment before entering the Leaky Cauldron, Harry set his expression and even placed a subtle notice-me-not charm on himself. However, as he entered, he began to realize that his precautions were perhaps wholly unnecessary. The pub was packed full of magicals. He had never seen this many people in the Leaky, even in his first years attending Hogwarts. Moving through pub he walked into the alley and again had to stop for a moment. The amount of people in the alley was staggering. Harry looked around and saw such a large variety of people that he just couldn't believe. People were walking around both in magical based styles and those that were more popular in the mundane world. He drew some stares as he openly gaped at everyone around him. Consciously making choice to move forward, Harry continued to look around. The amount shops throughout the alley were also far more than he would've ever guessed possible.
Composing himself Harry walked up the steps of Gringotts and was greeted by the Goblin guard. Stepping into line Harry continued to marvel at the amount of people that he saw. He had finally managed to control his wonder by the time he was called by a teller.
"How may I help you wizard?"
"May your gold ever grow teller. I must speak to the Improprieties manager." Harry spoke.
The goblin stared down Harry for a moment before speaking, "Reason for the visit."
Harry just smiled. Susan's advice on this matter was one of the few memories he had been able to fully recover. Recognizing that he did not have to speak any reason to this teller, Harry waited until the teller called a guard over. Harry was quickly escorted to a waiting area and found himself in an area with a few other magicals. It wasn't long before another goblin arrived to escort Harry back to the office of the manager named Argok.
"Well wizard? Why speak to me when you refused to speak to our tellers?" Argok stated.
"Unless I am mistaken, by Gringotts own laws I was not required to give a reason to speak to you. The fact that I asked means I understand the necessity of secrecy that will protect both myself and Gringotts."
Argok gave Harry a look before nodding, "A magical that knows part of Goblin law. Intriguing. Well go on."
Harry stilled his magic before speaking, "My name is… or really will be… Harry Potter." The Goblins eyebrows rose, "I have traveled back to prevent a calamity that befell wizarding Britain very near in the future."
Argok steepled his hands, "How much of a calamity."
"Total collapse."
Argok and Harry sat in silence as Argok took in the statement and thought it over. It wasn't long before Argok rose and spoke that he would return. Some time later, Argok had not returned but four Goblin guards did, and Harry kept his hands in plain view on the desk. Argok walked in joined by another Goblin who wore armor rather than a suit and carried a battle-axe on his back.
"So wizard, you come into my bank and claim to profess a calamity is going to befall us?" Harry did not respond quickly so one of the guards brough their lance down. "Speak quickly wizard. You're very life hinges on it."
"I don't know exactly when I am but within a few years a going by the name Voldemort will rise and split wizard kind in two. His actions will be the beginning of magical Britain's downfall."
"And why is this our problem? It seems to be something that Gringotts should just stay out of."
Harry shrugged, "Money."
Ragnok took a moment then began to laugh. Harry did not join him for it was a few moments before Ragnok's fist came down on the desk and all four lances were pointed at Harry, "You speak as if you know us. Know our motivations! We should gut you and hang your head out as a warning to all wizard kind."
Harry released a pulse of magic as he felt one of the guards stepped forward. The others began to move only to be halted by a raised hand from Ragnok. "The woman I loved worked closely with you for several years. In that time, she learned you do not use veritasium. Instead, you have a spell that you put someone under that lets you feel a person's intentions and feelings. She asked you if you could demonstrate it on me." Harry smiled, "She definitely enjoyed it. So, I know that you used your little display to cast that spell. Voldemort is coming, and if we want to prevent the collapse of the society we call home, he will need to be stopped."
Ragnok called off the guards. Settling into the chair Harry could feel Ragnok's magic start searching. Harry opened himself up to Ragnok's magic and let the goblin feel the sureness within. It was a few minutes before Harry felt the Goblin truth spell end and Ragnok gesture out peace to his guards.
"So, Mister Potter, let's get your identity situated, shall we?"
They performed a blood identification spell finding out all the houses that Harry was connected to. Harry expected the top three names that appeared, and though there were a few that surprised Harry. Ragnok however, homed in on one.
"Heir Peverell." There was a feral smile, "Now this is something that will allow us to work."
Ragnok made some claims and called up one of the older account managers, Grinkar. A runner also brought some documents that Ragnok had requested. Harry let the various goblins discuss the multitude of items, knowing that Ragnok was now fully onboard with getting Harry situated. As items were discussed and older Goblin entered and was introduced as Grinkar the future Peverell account manager. Grinkar took it upon himself to discuss the items that had already been decided with Harry. The two set about creating a financial plan that would be beneficial to both Harry and Gringotts. The others in the room spent time developing the backstory that Harry could use.
It was when a smaller Goblin entered carrying a wooden box that all action seemed to stop. The Goblin set it down in front of Harry before offering a small bow to Ragnok before exiting the room. Harry opened the box and saw the ring sitting inside. The elm wood ring was polished and stained, making causing the carved insignia to almost hide from a viewer's eye. Harry lifted the ring before sliding it onto his right hand. He could feel the magic from the ring flood his system, searching for something before settling in. Ragnok gave a small salute before the action in the room escalated once again.
It was several hours before all the specifics for Harry had been created. Once it was done only Ragnok, Harry, Grinkar, and Argok were all around the table going over the backstopped story for Harry. His name was now Harrold Peverell, which allowed him to keep Harry as his nickname. He was a descendent of two British expats who had stayed in Greece at the end of the second world war. Furthermore, Ragnok had communicated with his compatriot in Greece's Gringotts that showcased Harry had taken a blood test in Gringotts that sent Harry to the British Isles to explore his heritage. They went over the basics of Harry's financial situation. Grinkar demonstrated his financial acumen, developing a strategy for the diminished Peverell wealth.
"There is one item that you need to be aware of. In accordance with the agreement between the Ministry and British Gringotts, we must report that a new Lord Peverell has claimed the ring. You are thus required to attend the next meeting of the Wizengamot or forfeit your seat to the floor." Argok informed.
Harry nodded, "Well that is not surprising but not necessarily what I wanted."
"Indeed. Now that we have established who you will be, let us discuss who you were." Ragnok stated.
Dinner was served as the group of four discussed Harry's history. However, it was very quickly becoming apparent that Harry's knowledge wasn't as grand as any of the goblin's were hoping for. Ragnok was particularly disappointed that Harry couldn't remember specifics around Voldemort and how to fully kill him. It came to a head when the discussion revolved around Voldemort and his horcruxes.
Ragnok growled "You were coming back to kill him, and you didn't focus on your one task?"
Harry stiffened, "Do not think to lecture me about my job, Ragnok. There was only theory about what would happen by traveling back in time."
"Yet you chose to focus your meditations on memories other than your enemy."
Harry let a single dry chuckle out, "Would you willingly choose to sacrifice memories of your family Ragnok?"
Ragnok snarled. Reaching for his axe it was only the hand of Grinkar that stilled the anger, "The boy speaks the truth. No Goblin would willing forget their family. To do so would bring dishonor that even generations of penance would not cleanse. We now know our enemy and have an idea for his drive and goals. We watch and wait. Young Lord Peverell will do the same. He is not unaware of what is at stake, but we do not understand the costs of his actions. Do not think to lecture him on his choices as you yourself would not take any lecture kindly."
Ragnok continued to snarl before he left the room. Guards sweeping after their leader. Grinkar offered a smile to the other two occupants, "Ragnok has always been objective minded. Even in the days where he was just another pupil of mine, he has had difficulty accepting truths spoken by another. In time it will pass. Gringotts stands with you Lord Peverell."
Harry nodded and the three of them went about finishing their discussions. From the information that Harry could remember and provide Argok was able to start creating a list of potential allies that Voldemort would most likely seek. Harry in turn promised to continue his meditations and attempt to recover his jumbled and lost memories. Grinkar reminded him to settle first and establish the Peverell powerbase first, for no meaningful actions could be taken without it.
It was late in the night before the trio finished their duties, yet before Harry left Grinkar brought them to the Peverell vaults. Harry opened the vault before allowing the trio to walk through and explore the various artifacts kept in the fight. Harry however chose to ignore the artefacts knowing that he would have more time later to go through everything. Grinkar made his way over to a specific chest and opened it. Harry gasped as he looked inside at the rows of wands were revealed to him. Letting his magic take over, Harry reached out and listened. It took a moment before he felt a response, and it was faint, yet there. Grabbing the wand, he tested it out and it responded nicely, not perfectly, but it would do until he could get a proper replacement. Harry took his leave of the two goblins, walking through the atrium of Gringotts out into the night air.
As Harry made his way through Diagon Alley he was once again struck by the fullness of life. The alley was full of people even late at night. Families exploring some of the shops and shows that were happening right in the alley. Young couples laughing, playing and enjoying each other's company on dates. He breathed it in and let his magic wander. Filling up on the joys of life happening around him. Seeing this made him sure he had chosen the right path.
It was a few days before Arcturus was able to go over to Potter Manor and meet with Dorea and Charlus. As Arcturus steps through the floo he is greeted by his Grandson Sirius.
"Grandfather!" Sirius exclaims.
"Sirius my boy. How are you?" Arcturus asks
"Good. What are you doing here?"
"He is meeting with me young man." Dorea answered from behind.
"Dorea." With Sirius still clinging on, Arcturus gives his cousin a hug.
"Now go play with James, Charlus and I need privacy to speak to your grandfather."
Sirius gives a cheeky grin before running off to find his friend. With that injection of warmth and happiness Arcturus' smile seems to eat away at some of the anxiety he had been feeling recently. Dorea leads them into a sitting room, the two chatting nonsensically along the way. Charlus greets Arcturus, and after exchanging normal pleasantries Arcturus begins the discussion.
He starts by asking to share a memory with them. He allows them to experience his memory with Andromeda without going back in it himself. They way she shook was still haunting him and he didn't want to experience that again. After letting those two experience that memory he delved deep into the thoughts and experiences he had afterwards. Dorea and Charlus didn't interrupt, absorbing the information. At the end of everything Arcturus shared the memory of the family tapestry, this time going back in to view it himself, so he was sure that he was remembering correctly.
Coming out of the memory Dorea could feel her own anxiety rising. Getting up and walking around she started to mumble about what she had seen. Arcturus wanted to share a small smile at her antics with Charlus, but the other man was too occupied in his own right. Arcturus prodded Charlus who gathered the other two and brough him to his study. In in Charlus removed the glamour over the Potter tapestry. On it there was a branch, formed yet in shadow. However, there was no traditional connection to any other point of the family. The branch was there, yet not. Dorea ran her hand over the branch. Arcturus smiled as he watched Dorea's face, recognizing her concentration. Arcturus felt her magic reach out to the Black Family magic. He couldn't sense what she was reading or what she was attempting to discover. When she pulled back, she shook her head. Both men slumped at that, hoping her connection would be able to discern something.
"What did you feel?" Charlus asked.
"I'm not sure. Its like the family magics were focused on something else. The protection was there yet it wasn't responding."
"The family magic will do what it wills. It hasn't abandoned us." Arcturus responded
"Yet its focus has never been stolen before." Dorea murmured. "We can only wait and watch. Keep the circle small. Arcturus inform me if Andromeda feels or sees anything else."
A/N: The first two chapter of a new story. Next Update should be September 12th. Bio has more information about both this story, future endeavors and other items.