Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything you can recognise from any books or TV series or movies. I do however take liberties with the plots or mentions provided by JKR or other writers. The only profit I'm getting out of it is improving my English.

Title: Secrets & Keepers – Entropy

Rating/Warnings: R/M [AU; Manipulative Dumbledore (therefore not Dumbledore friendly); profanity; canon typical violence; frank discussion of past child abuse (Harry but not only) and of past child abuse of sexual nature (not Harry); not very detailed descriptions of torture (not Harry); Black family feels; identity crisis; pureblood politics; good Slytherins]

Characters and pairings: Harry Potter, Sirius Black, Regulus Black, Severus Snape, Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, Bathsheda Babbling. As well as Hermione Granger, Arcturus Black, Larry Lawrence (OC) and Josephine Turner (OC). The rest of characters will appear as the story progresses.

All adults are more or less paternal towards Harry or grandfatherly towards Hermione as well as generally friendly or at the very least civil towards each other once they sort out their differences.

References to past and present relationship of sexual nature between Snape and Babbling. Occasional mentions of one sided Sirius/James, not one sided Sirius/OFC (the woman of many names). Contains mentions of Remus/Tonks, eventual allusions to Larry/Josephine and background Arcturus/Melania. No Harry or Hermione pairings because they have a lot on their plates and won't have time for teenage nonsenses for a longer while (at the very least through PoA timeline).

Spoilers: All seven books with occasional, brief references to groundwork for HP & CC main plot as well as Secrets & Keepers – Collision Course and Secrets & Keepers – Supernova.

Summary: Harry & Hermione learn that as weird as everything become in the aftermath of learning devastating news is that the life actually goes on. There's a Dark Lord to destroy, a manipulative Headmaster to overthrow, family bonds and new friendships to establish and old ones to maintain. Direct sequel to S&K - Collision Course and S&K - Supernova.

Chapter summary: Sirius listens to Arcturus's last will and testament and discusses the state of the Potter estate with Proudclaw.

Word count: About 7600.

Author's note: Fair warning this one will drag in places as it is the reading of the last will and testament. Although you might find a couple of bequests interesting. And I do have a very good reason why this chapter hadn't been written from Sirius's point of vision, it's called chapter 5. And yes, it takes place on 8th August but I swear that chapter 7 does not.

Posted on Tuesdays.

Beta read by Regnbuen (Nitraz).


There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings.

~Hodding Carter, Jr.

Secrets & Keepers – Entropy

Chapter four: State of the Estate.

Severus Snape, 8th August 1993, 12 Grimmauld Place, London.

He followed Black into the hallway for no other reason than curiosity. As a disinherited descendant of the Prince family and a man of fairly average income, he had no contact with goblin managers, only tellers and not very often at that. But Black, Black was a descendant of an old pureblood family and had his accounts managed by a goblin that would have been sworn into protecting the financial stability of the Black family.

As soon as Black, with Severus almost at his heels, stepped out of the sitting room, the goblin's dark eyes narrowed.

"Master Sirius Orion Black," the goblin spoke sharply before he gave Black a very tiny nod.

"Master Trygve Roar Proudclaw, son of Ulf Proudclaw II and descendant of Bodil the Peaceful," replied Black while he crossed his arms over his shoulders before he had given the goblin a bow that bore some semblance of proper Goblin etiquette that Bathsheda had tried to instil in Severus.

"At the very least your manners are intact, Master Black," replied the goblin, Proudclaw, in a dry tone followed by a quick smile that had way too much teeth for Severus's liking. "What a mess you have gotten yourself into," he added after a moment and shook his head.

"I had help," replied Black with a grimace.

"Yes, I noticed," said Proudclaw briskly. "Where should we take this conversation?"

"I'm afraid that the kitchen is the only place I can invite you to without the risk of encountering distractions as I'm sure we have a lot to talk about," replied Black.

"As long as you won't descend to the disrespectful levels of your namesake and invite me into a discussion about the state of the family finances while you bathe, it's fine by me," replied Proudclaw. "After you, Master Sirius."

Black nodded and led them down to the kitchen where at the far end of the table Bathsheda had spread out her notes. When they walked in, she looked up and frowned.

"Should we be discussing anything in the presence of the current company?" asked Proudclaw with a hint of, not exactly, sharpness in his voice, but something about the tone implied quite heavily that the continued presence of Severus and Bathsheda wasn't exactly welcomed.

Black, before he answered, looked from Bathsheda to Severus.

"Anything that you will say to me I will most likely repeat to them later on," he said finally in a crisp tone that implied that Proudclaw didn't exactly have an argument. "Per family law I'm permitted to have as many witnesses as I bloody wish."

"Except per family law they're supposed to be your relatives," Proudclaw pointed out.

"I was engaged to be married to Professor Babbling's half-sister," replied Black sternly. "It's enough of a family relation for me and it should be enough for you," he added in the same tone. "She and Professor Snape share a former family relation."

Severus opened his mouth to protest but a swift kick to the shin caught him just before any words could come out.

"And because they're my witnesses you're obliged to treat what you just learned as a family secret," added Black briskly. "Anything else?"

Proudclaw smiled at Black with a smile that showed way too much teeth before he replied, "Tea would be nice. We do have a lot to discuss."

Within the next two minutes, Severus and Bathsheda were seated next to Black on the longer side of the kitchen table while Proudclaw sat on the opposite side of them. Before each of them stood a steaming cup of tea that was quickly prepared and served by the Black's elf. Proudclaw leafed through the contents of a black leather briefcase that just appeared on the table as soon as he sat down and had adjusted the height of his seat to his liking.

Finally after what felt like ages, he pulled out a stack of parchment, and with no hurry whatsoever placed a pair of silver-rimmed pince-nez on the bridge of his nose. With a snap of his fingers, the silver looking, wide ribbon that held them together disappeared. Pulling the stack of parchment towards himself the goblin leaned slightly against the back of his chair.

"I, Arcturus Sirius Black, born 1st April 1901 to Sirius Phineas Black and Hesper Isabella Black nee Gamp on the day of 1st August 1981, while remaining in complete possession of my physical and mental faculties, by the right given to me by my forefathers, claim what follows. As per the family law I claim my grandson, Sirius Orion Black, born 3rd November 1959 to Orion Arcturus and Walburga Irma Black as my son in name, blood and magic, and pass onto him the responsibilities of his birth right and the right to lead the Black family as he sees fit. Should he predecease me and die childless, in accordance with the last known copy of Sirius Orion Black's last will and testament I claim his godson Harrison James Potter, born 31st July 1980 to James Charlus Potter and Lily Ruth Potter nee Evans, as his son in name, blood and magic, and by the rights given to me by my forefathers I name him the heir of the Black family name, blood and magic," recited Proudclaw.

"Stop right there," said Black sternly. "He claimed my godson as the Heir of the Black family?" he asked with a hint of incredulity in his voice.

"In case of your unfortunate demise," Proudclaw pointed out. "You were his heir, but other than leaving all of your possessions to your godson in your last will and testament, you didn't appoint a successor to the position of heir."

"But Harry isn't my son or a very close blood relative," answered Black. "Not that I wish to challenge this part of the will," he added quickly.

"Then why are you complaining?" asked Proudclaw dryly. "Master Arcturus was the Head of the Black family, and while the family law obliged him to name you as the Head of the Black family in his stead, with you having no blood heirs the family law allowed him to appoint the heir in accordance to your last known last will and testament," he explained as he glanced towards the briefcase. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you claim your godson as your son in blood and magic before you sealed it?" he asked pointedly. "The only thing that the boy lacks to properly fit the bill of the heir is the name, but that issue can be easily fixed. Shall I continue?"

Black nodded slowly.

"Should my grandson Sirius Orion Black accept the position as the Head of the Black family, he should receive as follows: the unlimited access to all vaults, properties, items, contracts and other documents, with the exception of those mentioned in this will. As per the family law and tradition, putting on the ring of the Head of the Black family will be considered as synonymous to verbal and written acceptance," continued Proudclaw.

Just as he finished, a small wooden casing had appeared right in front of Black, but he made no move towards it, allowing himself only a brief glance before he settled his gaze on Proudclaw again.

"Continue," he instructed.

"The bequests excluded from Sirius Orion Black's inheritance are as follows," said Proudclaw and cleared his throat. "To my wife Melania Ciara Black nee Macmillan, I leave her dowry vault that will be annually supplemented for as long as she lives, with five percent of the total earnings generated by all of the Black family owned companies. In addition to that, she will receive for her private, perpetual use as follows: the Black family estate located in Kilkee, Country Clare, Ireland; townhouse in Dublin; her favourite summer home in Sicily. On top of that, she will retain all items she received from me from the day of our marriage until my death. In addition to that, she is permitted to retain all of the servants that personally bound themselves to her. May you live long in prosperity, my dove."

"To my daughter, Lucretia Iola Prewett nee Black I leave her house in Witheridge, Devon to use it as she sees fit; widow's vault number 1; all of the servants bound to her. Additionally, for her perpetual private use, I leave behind her favourite estate in Marseille and express a last wish that one day she will be able to walk through the streets of her favourite towns like she used to in the past."

"To my daughter-in-law, Walburga Irma Black, I leave the right of remaining in the London residency for the rest of her life, or until the next Head of the Black family decides what he wants to do with it, and her. In addition she will retain the possessions she accumulated during her marriage to my son Orion Arcturus Black. I also grant her the use of widow's vault number 2 and the presence of the servant that was bound to her. Additionally, I strictly forbid her from leaving the premises of the London residency, accepting guests in there, other than family members, and for longer than three hours a month, revealing to her parents why she cannot leave or accept guests, and passing on my private message to her that follows her bequests. My most despicable daughter that I didn't wish to obtain and attain, quite frankly you disgust me, and I sincerely hope that one day your son will throw you out of your residence to where you belong, on the streets. May you spend your declining years at the mercy of people you judged unjustly. Enjoy it, I know that I will."

Black snorted out something that sounded partly like laughter and partly like a bark before he nodded at Proudclaw to continue.

"To the heirs of my uncle Phineas I leave the Black family portion of shares in companies which names can be found in appendix C and an old man's wish that you will continue finding magic in your lives as you all deserve it."

At that Black frowned.

"To Pollux Hyperion Black, my unfortunate, scheming cousin, I leave you the bitter taste of defeat; the perpetual use of your residence and personal vault for as long as you live. Please, do the world a favour and die already."

"Not much love between the two of them, was there?" asked Bathsheda with a sneer.

"Considering Pollux's attempts to usurp the title of the Head of the Black family?" asked Black pointedly. "I'm surprised that he hadn't descended to actual murder, even more so by the fact that he actually listened to him and predeceased him."

"To Cassiopeia Rosamund Black, my favourite harlot. I beg you to take no offence in this quite distasteful term of endearment. I admire your tenacity to remain yourself against oppressing forces, which is the reason why I release permanently into your care, your estate in Brighton and your establishment in Milan. In addition I also release to you your vault, as I know that you will find a good use for it."

"To my cousin Marius Phineas Black and his heirs, I leave The Equestrian Estate in Portsoy, Banff, may it serve you for many years to come. To Marius specifically I leave an open door for his heirs to the place he never had a chance to see, should they wish to see it one day, this is the code: 717."

"Is that a vault?" muttered Bathsheda. "It's a vault, isn't it? Why did he specifically gives its number?" she asked curiously.

"Because my granduncle Marius was and probably still is," said Black as he looked at Proudclaw who nodded swiftly, "a squib. So were his children. I know nothing about grandchildren but…"

"He left them an open door," whispered Bathsheda in barely contained awe. "Why?"

"Because he was against my great-grandfather's policy of disinheriting squibs, and per my great-grandmother's request, and against my other great-grandfather's wishes, he was made Marius's godfather. He never talked much about him, not when I was growing up, but one of the things that I heard from him sometimes was that magical or not, blood is still blood, and that one shouldn't shy away from the duties they had taken upon themselves," replied Black slowly.

"Doesn't that get in the way of your own inheritance?" asked Severus sceptically.

"He also said that blood is blood but law is the law, so there's that. The family law passes the inheritance down from father to the oldest son. The position of the Head of the Black family is even more restricted to the firstborn son of the male heir," explained Black.

"And with your aunt being older than your father he stood no chance to inherit the position," said Bathsheda with a nod. "Hence you."

"Hence me," agreed Black. "Please go on," he added as he turned to Proudclaw.

"Where was I…" started Proudclaw. "To Harrison James Potter, son of James Charlus Potter and Lily Ruth Potter, nee Evans, the grandson of Charlus Henry Potter and Dorea Violetta Potter nee Black, I leave as follows," then he frowned and for a brief moment stared at the page. "Oh, pardon me Master Sirius, it seems that I skipped a line… or two."

"Not a problem as I'm sure that you have a copy of the will for my personal use," said Black.

"To James Charlus Potter, son of Charlus Henry Potter and Dorea Violetta Potter nee Black, I leave the following words. Your most unfortunate father had signed the marriage contract willingly and by doing so subjected himself, you and your children to the Black family primacy, and don't you dare to ever forget that. Knowing my successor and his benevolent nature, I leave you no physical possessions just a warning: do not abuse his goodwill."

Proudclaw cleared his throat and for a moment stared at the page in front of him before he said, "This one is conditional and it seems that the conditions were met. To Lily Ruth Potter nee Evans, daughter of Harry Sean Evans and Rose Mary Evans nee Andrews, provided that between the day when my last will and testament were sealed and the day of my demise, she will either divorce James Charlus Potter or become his widow, and haven't already received it, I leave as follows: the sole custody of hers and Mr Potter's children; widow's vault number 3, that I release into her care permanently; a Black family estate of her choosing as well as one of the summer homes. All three will be excluded from the Black family estate for as long as at least one of her heirs will live."

"That's…" started Severus but found himself unable to finish, it baffled him, the conditions as much as the bequests.

"… oddly specific," finished Bathsheda for him. "Did Master Arcturus have reasons to believe that Mrs Potter would ever divorce her husband?" she asked Proudclaw.

"If he had he wouldn't have written them down," replied Proudclaw with a shrug. "The last will and testament aren't the only things he left behind. I'm sure that amongst the correspondence that he left to Master Sirius you might find a more detailed reasoning than it's my last will and testament so it's a mote point."

"I presume that it's Harry's turn," said Black simply.

"To Harrison James Potter, son of James Charlus Potter and Lily Ruth Potter, nee Evans, the grandson of Charlus Henry Potter and Dorea Violetta Potter nee Black, I leave as follows. If my death occurs when said Harrison Potter is still a minor, I leave for him trustee vault number 3 that will remain under the control of his mother or his godfather, or both, until he turns seventeen. This vault will be excluded from the Black family estate until both his godfather and Harrison James Potter agree that it should return to the Black family estate. In addition to that, upon reaching the age of legal maturity I leave for Harrison Potter an estate of his choosing as well as a summer home. Should his godfather predecease him and die childless, I also leave to Harrison Potter the position of the Head of the Black family that will be granted to him upon reaching his magical maturity, and I hereby forbid Harrison Potter from merging the Black and Potter family estates until fifty years from the day of reaching his magical maturity have passed, or until the day of birth of Mr Potter's first son. From the day of reaching his magical maturity, provided that the issue wasn't fixed beforehand, by the rights given to me by my forefathers, I grant Mr Potter the right to change his name to Black. If he wishes so he can hyphen both names in any order he chooses or completely surrender the Potter family name. My only stipulation is that as long as he's the Head of the Black family he should carry the name of Black as one of his. The same goes for his heirs and their lines."

Black nodded slowly.

"To Cygnus Pollux Black I leave only these words: you're truly your father's son and deserve the same treatment."

Black snorted softly at that.

"To Bellatrix Cruella Lestrange nee Black, I leave only the shame which you brought to our family. You don't deserve the family name, fortune, or the right to raising your children. Provided that between the day when my last will and testament was sealed, and the day of my passing, you didn't wind up in Azkaban where you actually belong, I grant you and your husband the permanent residence in Explorer's Estate on the banks of Ozero Khargy-Kyuyel…" at that Black burst out in an almost hysterical full belly laughter, "and forbid you from ever vacating the premises. Should you do so, my successor has permission to pursue and handle both of you with extreme prejudice," continued Proudclaw over Black's snickers. "Should you end up in Azkaban and be heirless at the time, by the rights given to me by my forefathers, I reclaim all of the Black family estates and vaults passed onto you and claim the entire Lestrange estate as a retribution for the failure to provide both families with an heir. My successor is to handle distribution of thereof as he sees fit between your victims."

Black still continued to snicker until Proudclaw had gotten to the part about the victims when he sobered up momentarily.

"What's so funny about Explorer's Estate?" asked Bathsheda curiously.

"Everything," coughed Black.

"Indulge me," quipped Bathsheda.

"To begin with it's about the size of this kitchen," replied Black as he glanced around. "Maybe about a meter wider. Additionally the owner of it, some distant and slightly demented great-great-great-grand uncle of mine who build it in his declining years, had lost his remaining marbles and warded it against magic, any kind of magic."

"Which excludes any magic done on the premises," nodded Bathsheda.

"But that's not all, Khargy-Kyuyel lake is located in Taymyr Autonomous Okrug, above the Arctic Circle. The nearest town is the Muggle town of Norilsk, one of the northernmost towns in the world, but the premises of the estate don't extend that far," replied Black.

"So your grandfather essential trapped Bellatrix and Rodolphus in a tiny shack in the frozen middle of nowhere that they wouldn't be able to leave?" asked Severus curiously.

"That or subjecting themselves to family judgment," replied Black sourly. "Something that neither he nor his father or grandfather ever did."

"Because they believed in the law or because they didn't have proof?" asked Bathsheda sceptically.

"I'm not sure about my great-grandfather or great-great-grandfather, but Grandpa Arcturus always believed in the legal system. He was a graduate of Institutum autem Legis, and for many years before his accession to the position of the Head of the Black family, he served as a lawyer, mostly family lawyer. He was also on the Wizengamot's list of judges but, and that's only a rumour that I heard, when I graduated from Auror training he had taken his name from that list," answered Black. "Wonder how he took my imprisonment," he mused after a moment.

"With extreme displeasure from what I happen to know about it," replied Proudclaw with a huff. "Shall we continue?

"Yes," nodded Black.

"To Andromeda Cassiopeia Tonks nee Black, in retribution for the appalling treatment she suffered at the hands of her family, and also myself, I release into her permanent care her dowry vault to do with it as she sees fit. I also release into her possession the villa in Malaga, Canterbury Estate and guardianship of the dowry vault for one Nymphadora Sadachbia Tonks."

"To Nymphadora Sadachbia Tonks, provided that her mother accepted the inheritance along with her dowry vault, I leave the residence on 76 Amwell Street, London…"

"Isn't that like a stone throw away from here?" asked Bathsheda sceptically.

"About 300 feet or so," replied Black and he frowned, deeply before he shook his head and said, "Carry on."

"To Narcissa Rosamund Malfoy nee Black, provided that she will apply for a divorce with one Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, I leave Ramsgate Estate; widow's vault number 4; sole custody of one Draco Lucius Malfoy and any other children that they both have together and guardianship of the trustee vault for them. To Draco Lucius Malfoy, provided that his mother accepted her inheritance, upon reaching legal maturity I leave the Margate Estate, minor vault, all of the Malfoy family estates that had been sized by the Black family in the divorce settlement, and the right to carry the name Black as a heir of blood and not a bastard."

"More than he deserves," muttered Severus, more to himself than to the others.

"My Aunt Belvina and her heirs were appropriately recompensed by my father so the only thing that I can offer them depends on my heir's good will to award them with an estate as he sees fit."

"He doesn't," replied Black with a snort. "Aunt Belvina upon the day of her marriage received an estate in Trevarrick, two summer homes in Italy and Portugal, and complete control over her dowry vault. I'm not going to award her sons with anything if they chose to spend the family money."

"Fairly well," quipped Proudclaw. "Moving on. To Callidora Lysandra Longbottom nee Black, I leave the villa in Palermo, Sicily and a word of advice. You married a Longbottom but you are still a Black by blood, act like it and don't let that daughter-in-law of yours boss you around."

"Per my father's request, to the heirs of my cousin Cedrella Jasmine Weasley nee Black, I leave nothing but a word of advice. Use your bloody heads to think and not your pricks."

"And here is the bequest that appears to have been changed from the originally sealed will," said Proudclaw with a twitch of his lips. "To Bartemius Caspar Crouch, son of my cousin Charis Eleanor Crouch nee Black, I leave a cercis siliquastrum tree on the entrance to his mother's favourite summer home in Neapoli and two meters of the finest nylon rope so he can hang himself to death for the crime he committed against my family. Remember Barty, an eye for an eye and a son for a son. My house will see yours extinct and in ruins. Therefore, I hereby rescind all the Black family property that the Crouch family received on the day of your mother's marriage into it and after. May Lord have mercy upon your soul because I definitely won't."

"Well he's still alive from what I know," commented Severus. "But why this specific tree? It has no magical properties," he mused.

"Yet," coughed Black.

"I presume because it's also known as Judas tree," replied Bathsheda.

"Fitting," commented Black. "What else is in there?" he asked. "It appears that he covered the entire Black family in his will."

"Next we have two Black family ward bequests," replied Proudclaw. "One made to Bathsheba Ziva Babbling."

"Oh," Black breathed out. "Had it been…" he started as he looked at Bathsheda.

She shook her head.

"The other one was redacted," continued Proudclaw with a hint of a sneer. "I presume that it was due to a variation of a Fidelius Charm or a curse. The sum however is similar to what Ms Babbling had denied. A trustee and dowry vault."

"Speaking of which," Black interjected as he looked at Bathsheda.

"Lay off," huffed Bathsheda. "I have more of dead men money than ideas for what to do with them," she added.

"Well, I beg you to reconsider," insisted Black.

"Why?" asked Bathsheda sceptically.

"Because I do is not enough of a reason?" asked Black pointedly.

"No," replied Bathsheda simply. "Why?"

"Because a lot of things and events would have been avoided if you had access to this sooner," replied Black grimly.

"I'm not a charity case, Sirius," replied Bathsheda coldly.

"You're not," said Black quickly. "You're family and I don't exactly have a lot of that left," he growled.

"Fine," Bathsheda sighed in exasperation. "Master Proudclaw, I've reconsidered."

"Much obliged," said Proudclaw dryly. "Should you wish to retain them in the vaults assigned by Master Arcturus or transfer the funds to yours?"

"Retain them in the assigned vaults," replied Bathsheda. "I need to find a good use for them."

"Perhaps you will feel inspired by Master Arcturus's ideas," quipped Proudclaw. "Where was I," he muttered to himself. "Ah, the charities," he added swiftly. "To St Mary's Hospital in London, I leave 1 million pounds sterling for their excellent services provided to the unfortunate. In addition to that bequest I leave 500 thousand pounds sterling each, to the Intensive Care Unit and Neurology Department at St Mary's Hospital in London. I also grant the Neurology Department of St Mary's Hospital in London the stipend of 250 thousand pounds sterling a year for their most talented doctors so they can continue their research on maladies of the mind and nerves. My only request is that the stipend should be named Miranda Black's Stipend to honour the loss which my family has suffered," recited the goblin. "For your notification Master Sirius is that the founds for the stipend should be awarded from the pool of total income which the Black family companies provide and that you should continue to do so for as long as you live and strongly implore your heirs to honour that bequest."

"Mhm," Black hummed in an answer and when Severus glanced at him he appeared to be deep in thought. "Continue," he added after a moment.

"To the Muggleborn Committee I leave a bequest of 500 thousand galleons to continue their tireless and ungrateful work for those that lack the benefit of a magical upbringing. However I urge you to choose wisely to which school you're sending your young charges as not all of them are led wisely. Personally I recommend making friends with Kerry Institute of Magic as it is the only school on the territory of the British Isles that offers proper education and isn't led by individuals of dubious morality."

The snorts that came out of Severus, Bathsheda and Black's mouths were almost unison.

"Not a fan of Dumbledore, was he?" quipped Bathsheda.

"To quote Narcissa: does a Hippogriff shit where it stands?" replied Black with a snort. "He wasn't quite loud in voicing his opinions on Dumbledore publicly, but he claimed enough times in my presence that Dumbledore is the worst Headmaster that Hogwarts has ever had since Phineas Nigellus Black. I didn't exactly ask for the list of his grievances with the Headmaster, not that he would have given me any. He always believed that I should develop my own opinion on people," he added grimly. "Anything else?"

"The elves," replied Proudclaw. "To Whomping and Willow I release into their permanent care the residence in Willow's Cove for the equivalent of five percent of their yearly income."

Severus frowned at that and he muttered, "Does it mean that that infernal tree…"

"Came from Black family lands?" finished Black. "How do you presume I figured out how to get past it? Although I have no idea how Dumbledore managed to obtain it."

"I might," offered Bathsheda pensively. "Your grandfather was on the Hogwarts Board of Governors for decades, wasn't he?" she asked as she turned to Black.

"And a bloody treasurer for a lion part of it," groaned Black. "Son of a bitch," he snorted. "What a bleeding moron," he groaned and he slapped his forehead.

"Your grandfather, Dumbledore or Lupin?" supplied Severus.

"Neither," snorted Black. "Myself," he added with a huff. "A tree from Black family lands, a treasurer from a Black family and a student whose special needs the board of governors had to acclimatise…" he shook his head. "Of course he knew that there was a werewolf at Hogwarts long before I figured it out. Moron, monumental moron, and I thought that I was so clever and secretive," he added and slapped his forehead once more. "Did he have any plans concerning werewolves?" he asked as he turned towards Proudclaw.

"If he had then I wasn't aware of them," replied Proudclaw with a small shrug. "What I do know however that for many years he was steadfast friend of Damocles Greengrass who was Master Belby's staunch benefactor. I hazard a guess that as it happens between friends they did share similar views on certain issues. And I only know what my brother was allowed to share with his kin which is nothing beyond what I already said, and that on certain times I was authorised to transfer a certain sum to Master Greengrass' account, and that my transfers were followed by double of that sum going out of Master Greengrass' accounts."

"Where exactly?" asked Black briskly.

"Can't say," replied Proudclaw. "But I would suggest looking up the list of charities which name Master Greengrass as their benefactor," he added dryly.

"Of course," replied Black dryly. "Is there anything else left in the will?"

"Nothing beyond instructions for the elves and a mention that should for any reason more than usual time pass between Master Arcturus's passing and your ascend to the position of the Head of the Black family, then the physical managing of the Black family estates should be done by Tommy Blackmane, Master Arcturus's steward and manservant, while financial side of the estate should be managed by me."

"Did he approach you after the will was sealed?" asked Black sceptically.

"Master Arcturus, yes. Up until the last days of December 1981. Mostly to drop letters and documents he believed you were going to need. Which reminds me…" replied Proudclaw.

"And Tommy?" Black interrupted him.

"Not at all," replied Proudclaw with a shake of his head. "On the other hand Master Arcturus always praised his services for making the Black Manor self-sufficient and independent financially should any disaster befall the wizarding world. And knowing Blackmane, he instructed his kin to follow suit."

Black nodded slowly.

"Can I move on to the most pressing issue on hand aside from the will?" asked Proudclaw swiftly. "Master Arcturus was very stern with his instructions that after the reading of the will you should get yourself acquainted with a certain letter and its accompanying package," he added.

"Of course," replied Black swiftly as he leaned forward in his seat.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" asked Proudclaw dryly as he looked towards the small wooden box in front of Black.

Black narrowed his eyes at the goblin but after a small huff opened the box. Inside it were two signet rings which details Severus couldn't see very well, because as soon as Black opened it, he picked one of them, closed the lid and slid the ring on his right ring finger. The moment the ring had slid down to Black's knuckle however, it disappeared.

"Not something that I wish to advertise for now," said Black as he noticed Severus questioning look. "What did Grandpa Arcturus believe to be so urgent that he specifically instructed you to pass the message?" he asked as he turned to Proudclaw.

In an answer, Proudclaw pulled out of his briefcase a smaller leather covered folder and a note. The note was brief and read:

My dear Sirius,

As soon as you have examined the contents of that folder, you will realise why I found this issue most urgent to deal with. For the sake of those that it concerns, handle the issue with extreme care and prejudice.

Forever your grandfather,

Arcturus Sirius Black

Black placed the note aside and pulled out a stack of parchment from the folder.

"These are financial reports from the Potter family estate," he said with a frown. "How did he obtain them?"

"Because regardless of young Master Potter legal status in the Muggle world, and his dubious placing with Mrs Potter's sister, you are still considered as Master Potter's legal guardian. The majority of it are the reports from the Potter family manager that would have been sent to you, but because you weren't allowed any mail, he sent a copy of each report to your head of the family. But after your imprisonment Master Arcturus had asked for copies of earlier reports."

"How far do they go?" asked Black.

"No further than any deposits and withdrawals authorised either by Master James Potter upon reaching legal age, or his wife after their marriage," replied Proudclaw.

Black stared at the stack of parchments mutinously. Severus, not very interested in careful examination of the Potter family finances kept himself from leaning towards Black and reading the fine printed scribbles.

"Oh for Merlin's sake," muttered Bathsheda as she pulled out her wand and transfigured a spoon into a pair of glasses before she handed it to Black.

Black put them on with a grimace, which was followed by another when with a wave of her wand, Bathsheda readjusted the plain glass into Black's eyesight.

After that, Black leafed through it at a speed which Severus would have found alarming if he wasn't familiar with Bathsheda's reading speed. Granted, Black wasn't as fast as Bathsheda, but it appeared that he knew what he was looking for or at the very least had some idea. When he finally examined the last piece of parchment, he took of the glasses and looked at Proudclaw.

"Who the hell is Percival Peverell?" he asked lividly.

"Someone who led poor Urg, the Potter's manager, into developing a drinking problem and abandoning his principles enough to vent his spleen, and some of his livers to me," replied Proudclaw grimly. "From what I managed to find during my investigation, Master Peverell opened his account in Nassau, in the Bahamas, and I'm sure you have some idea how that branch of Gringotts is capable of bringing shame to our kind."

"And knowing your kind they managed to hide behind protecting their clients businesses even from you and yours," replied Black grimly. "Is Urg still alive?" he asked quickly.

"Barely," huffed Proudclaw. "He ceded the managing of young Master Potter's accounts to me upon learning that the lad first used his trustee vault, claimed that he didn't have health for it."

"And you didn't demand a meeting with him?" asked Black incredulously.

"I would have if Master Potter had been accompanied to Gringotts by anyone else," replied Proudclaw with a sneer.

"Hagrid went with him," Severus pointed out. "I'm sure that someone as shrew as you would be able to ran circles around him."

"I would if Master Hagrid hadn't been one of my bosses most valued clients," replied Proudclaw and he huffed.

"Come on," groaned Severus. "He isn't a complete moron…"

"But he knows his money," quipped Bathsheda, interrupting him. "Imagine fifty years of accumulated income that he hardly touches and his talent for obtaining illegal species. That's got to be a profitable business."

"It's a very profitable business," agreed Proudclaw dryly. "And unfortunately last year young Mr Potter was accompanied to Gringotts by people whose attention I wished not to draw."

"Because you aren't the official Potter family manager therefore you get no commissions, not that there would be any to begin with," replied Black harshly. "The state of the vaults is pretty bloody appalling."

"Master Potter's doing," replied Proudclaw with a shrug.

"I noticed," huffed Black. "What about Lily's vaults?"

"The assets remain frozen until young Master Potter reaches legal age or you change their status," replied Proudclaw. "As for why they haven't been closed?" he added slowly. "Only member of a Potter family can do that, and upon reaching legal age. The only source of income Master Potter has left are his ancestors patents, which supply both the main and trustee vault. They generate enough income to continue maintaining them, but their balance as you see is non-existent. Additionally the last one of them, the one supplying the trustee vault is set to expire on 31st December 1995."

"What about the rest of the Potter family estate?" asked Black.

"The cottage in Godric's Hollow was seized by the Ministry of Magic as a national landmark, for which Master Potter received a compensation in, I think, 1984" answered Proudclaw.

"Which promptly disappeared from the account within a week," Black pointed out grimly. "Withdrawn in its entirety by Percival Peverell. What about the Manor?"

"A most unfortunate accident," sighed Proudclaw. "Until this day I'm uncertain what caused it, and sadly by the time I investigated it, the evidence appeared to be completely gone. The official report claimed a runespoor infestation…"

"Which could be easily handled by the Potter family elves," Black interjected. "And I happen to know that there was a couple of them."

"All dead," replied Proudclaw. "Well," he hesitated. "If you want to be technical about it there's one left, a son of Dellie the daughter of old Master Potter manservant, a young lunatic by elven standards by the name of Dobby. His mother bonded with old Mrs Malfoy's manservant and died shortly after his birth. The elf had been bonded to the Malfoys but had been seen lately looking for work as a free house-elf. Not that he's been getting any, as he's demanding wages."

"Can you track him?" asked Black pensively.

"And then what should I do with him?" asked Proudclaw dryly.

"I will tell you after you tell me where the Black family house-elves are," replied Black. "Aside from Kreacher," he added when Proudclaw opened his mouth.

"I presume that those that didn't bond with other families, and chose to stay with them, and aren't at Willow's Cove has returned to Black Manor in Derbyshire per Master Arcturus's instructions," replied Proudclaw simply.

"How did my grandfather die, Proudclaw?" asked Black with a sigh.

"Legally," replied Proudclaw briskly. "That much I'm certain of. The death claim had been started by your granduncle Cygnus Black on 1st January 1992 by his statement that your grandfather hadn't been seen for ten years. No elves had answered the summons to prove any of us wrong and when about six week later I wrote Blackmane that by the laws of wizards and goblins I consider your grandfather as dead, he replied, and this is a direct quote: that Master Arcturus is in the resting place of his ancestors."

"There's a cemetery on the grounds," Black muttered. "Did you verify his death?"

"Nope," quipped Proudclaw. "Upon my last sighting of him Master Arcturus instructed me that following his visit, Black Manor would be sealed shut. Which it was because I bounced from the manor's wards like rubber ball from a meeting with a hard surface, something that hadn't happened to me since I was a young Gringotts intern in the depths of Egypt."

"But did you see the manor?" asked Black.

"The perimeter of the wards," replied Proudclaw and huffed. "And considering that I know for a fact that you were added to them as soon as the healers determined you as stable, it means nothing other than the main line of the Black family hadn't gone extinct. Which it hasn't because it's sitting right in front of me. Any other questions?"

"A couple," replied Black. "Was the will registered with the Ministry in its entirety?"

"Nope," quipped Proudclaw. "Due to the nature of the will. Master Arcturus requested that each of the beneficiaries should be made aware only of the portion of the will that concerned them. You and young Master Potter are the only people he authorised to read or listen the will in its entirety."

"How many people didn't accept their bequests?" asked Black.

"A couple," replied Proudclaw with a grimace.

"How many?" pressed Black.

"Aside from those prohibited by their age or predeceasing demise, minus Ms Babbling that thankfully came to her senses?" replied Proudclaw. "Well, that leaves mostly your cousins. Bellatrix, like you before, has no access to mail. Narcissa denied her part as did Andromeda which excluded the bequests made to their children."

"When I tell you to renew them, do so," said Black pensively. "And find Dobby, I'm authorising you to arrange whichever contract that pleases you both. Once you're done with him, send him on a cleaning route through the properties in the Mediterranean. If he's done with them before I reach out with further orders tell him to stay put in my granduncle's villa in Paris until he receives further instructions."

"Shall I inform him for whom he will be working for?" asked Proudclaw dryly.

"Tell him that it's a distant relative to young Master Potter," answered Black pensively. "Mention no other name or degree of relation between us."

"It's not as if he won't figure it out one day," replied Proudclaw.

"Probably," agreed Black. "But before he does, he has a quite a long list of viable suspects to compile and a lot of cleaning to do."

"Agreed," quipped Proudclaw. "Anything else?"

"Yes," said Black with a shark-like grin. "I would like two money boxes delivered here within the next few days. Ten thousand galleons in one and fifty thousand pounds in the other," he added briskly. "Oh, and I would like to make a deposit, from my own account, if it isn't monitored by the Ministry."

"They tried," said Proudclaw with a shrug. "They didn't succeed. Where to?" he asked.

Black turned to Severus and looked at him pointedly. Black's accounts hadn't been monitored by the Ministry but Severus's had and while they weren't being monitored anymore, the deposits being made there somehow managed to find their way to Dumbledore sooner or later.

"Sean Evans," replied Severus sourly. "Vault number 1998, access via money box registered to that name."

"And how much?" asked Proudclaw as he turned to Black who luckily didn't make a comment about Severus's chosen alias.

"One thousand galleons for now," replied Black simply.

"That's way beyond the cost…" sputtered Severus.

Black looked at him with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Consider it as a payment for the services you will provide," he replied simply.

"Indefinitely?" asked Severus suspiciously.

"That would depend on you," answered Black. "But I'm sure that we can come to a mutual agreement over the issue later on. For now I have a more pressing business to take care of," he added before he turned to Proudclaw. "Master Proudclaw, it was a pleasure to work with you and I hope that you would like to retain the position of the Black family manager under my command."

"It was something that I was looking forward to," replied Proudclaw dryly as he stood up on the chair. "I shall leave you to acquaint yourself with this," he added as he closed the briefcase, "and carry out the things you already decided. In addition to money boxes I will also arrange a mailbox for you, for an additional fee of course."

"Of course," agreed Black with a shark-like smile. "I wish you and your kin many profits and terrific health."

"As I do yours," replied Proudclaw. "Master Black, Miss Babbling, Master Snape," he added before he made a small nod towards each of them and disappeared with a loud crack.

"Can I look through it?" asked Bathsheda curiously as she pointed at the pile concerning the state of the Potter family vaults.

"Sure," replied Black quickly. "Make Reg go through it when he returns," he added.

"Why don't you tell him that yourself?" asked Severus sceptically.

"Because I have another half of the claiming ritual to complete and I would like to do so as soon as possible," replied Black stiffly. "And as much as I hate to leave Harry alone, this cannot wait."

"Okay," said Bathsheda. "What's he up to?" she asked.

"Black dosed him with a calming draught and he's sleeping upstairs in the sitting room," replied Severus.

"How is he?" she asked in concern, one that she showed to all students in need.

"Mildly suicidal," replied Black grimly. "Which is why…"

"Consider it done," Bathsheda cut him off not letting him finish. "Is he going to wake up before you return?"

"Most likely not," sighed Black. "But if he does…"

"I'm sure that we would be able to find something to occupy his attention," replied Bathsheda. "Like say checking the state of his summer homework."

Severus groaned.

"Well, good luck with that," quipped Black before he disapparated.

TBC


Next: Sirius visits Black Manor in Derbyshire, finishes claiming ritual and has a long-overdue talk with the undead.