I do not own anything from the harry potter universe, unfortunately.
"Normal Talking"
'Thoughts'
"Parseltongue"
P_A_T_R_E_O_N /Akida_Pendragon
"This is unprecedented! No, this is madness!" a man shouted as Amelia had finally broached the subject of the Goblins seat being added to the Wizengamot.
"And why is that Lord Selwyn? The Goblins have already been part of our culture for centuries and have aided in our finances for just as long. It may be high time that they are properly recognized." Another man said from across the room as members of the Wizengamot discussed amongst themselves about the matter.
"Yes, though how many Goblin rebellions have we suffered as well? For all, we know this is simply a ploy to learn our inner workings. To learn of our government and Aurora force."
"The last Goblin Rebellion to occur was a century ago. And I do remember the lessons taught about them, I also know enough that every time the Rebellions were sparked by how we as a community treated the Goblins. If we wish to avoid any more conflicts it would be best to bridge this gap between our two peoples. I do believe that dealing with one conflict is enough for right now." The man responded to Selwyn.
"You speak of conflicts, Lord Abbot, and yet we have another Dark Lord rising in our midst as we speak. The name of Grindelwald is back, attached to a boy that already holds much sway in our world. This could be his plan! Inviting the Goblins now will not strengthen us! It will divide us for all we know Grindelwald intends this for his own ambitions."
"Careful there My Lord, lest I take insult on my Godson's behalf!" Sirius spoke up standing tall and staring down at the man who he knew was a Death Eater supporter. He might not have the Dark Mark but if Amelia hadn't made it to the Minister Position then he most likely would have taken it up.
"I mean no insult, but if the truth of the matter is seen as an insult then perhaps I should insult you even more!"
"My Godson has only just learned of his heritage. It was a shock to us all, so much so that we had to take time to process it."
"Yes, we have all read the story in the Prophet! But what assurances do we have that this story is true and not just a mere fabrication?"
"The Goblin that did the test can confirm our story of Lord Potter learning this just recently and the records show that Lilly Potter nee Evans is descended from a squibbed-out line of Grindelwald. One that had no relation to Gellert Grindelwald in any way. Regardless, this Wizengamot was not summoned to discuss my Godson's ancestry. Lord Selwyn, do try to stay on topic instead of just weaving unnecessary chaos in this chamber." Sirius responded his face firm and his eyes hard as he stared at Selwyn, his grandfather's lessons were coming in very handy at the moment as Selwyn shrank from his gaze.
"Lord Black is correct, the topic for today's meeting is for the addition of the Goblin nation representative to our meetings. I am not blind or ignorant, I understand the concerns that many of you may have about this decision but I am not a tyrant. We shall vote on this matter as always but allow me to explain my reasonings. Lord Abbott and Lord Selwyn both bring valid arguments table. We do have much bad history when it comes to the Goblins and our interactions with their kind. This will be a step towards healing old wounds. It is past time that the Goblins who have been so ingrained in our society have a voice in legislation that affects them. I know that the road will be bumpy at best but in the end, I see a stronger Ministry and a stronger Wizarding Britain for our future." Amelia said as the gathered listened.
"A vote then, we shall begin with those who are in favor of the addition of a Goblin representative being added to the seat of the Wizengamot." Chief Warlock Augusta Longbottom said. Sirius looked around the room and saw that just as planned twenty-two wands were raised in favor and Sirius was surprised to see five additional wands raise in favor. With his own vote holding three votes he knew they won with a total of thirty-two votes.
Augusta still called for the votes that were going against but it didn't matter. Amelia nodded with a smile.
"Very well, the legislation has passed, come tomorrow we shall welcome the Goblin representative to our ranks. Now onto further business, I have the unfortunate news that Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore has gone missing. As of now Dumbledore is an enemy of this Ministry and is to be treated as one of our highest-priority criminals. A bounty is to be put on his person and should anyone see him they are to report it directly to the Aurors. Unless of course, there is any who feel differently?" Amelia asked looking around the room.
"Perhaps the bounty is too far, not that I don't want to bring a criminal in for justice but we should not split our attention so much." Mister Diggory said.
"Which is why a Bounty would be useful, we could leave the capture of Dumbledore to Bounty Hunters and focus our Auroror force on combating the Dark Lord Tom Riddle," Amelia said.
"Do you honestly believe that some Bounty Hunters could bring in Dumbledore?" Lord Burke asked.
"Honestly no, but they would pressure him and limit the damage he could create for us."
"Perhaps a guard should be assigned to Lord Potter, seeing as Dumbledore has a habit of targeting him and will most likely try to contact the young Lord in some way." Narcissa Malfoy suggested from her seat and everyone looked at her with suspicion. She was questioned thoroughly by the Aurors and was cleared as she had no involvement with the Death Eaters except through her Husband. Publicly she denounced her Husband's actions and was able to hold on to her spot in the Wizengamot.
"A good suggestion Lady Malfoy. Lord Black, what is your opinion?"
"I will take it under advisement Minister," Sirius answered the meeting went on for a while longer yet until Amelia finally adjourned and scheduled the next gathering to be for the following week on a Saturday. Sirius rose from his seat and took stock of the members. Many seats were now being filled by wives of known Death Eaters who fled before they could be taken into custody.
Most of them were quite obviously obliviated and posed little threat on their own. Their homes were of course monitored except for a few. Walking down he navigated through the Chambers till he came to Amelia's office and politely greeted her secretary before going in.
"Looks like Harry's instincts were right about Dumbledore." He said as he closed the door.
"I really wished he would just have stayed nice and quiet until we have won." Amelia groaned out as she rubbed her temples.
"No luck there. Let's hope your bounty puts enough pressure on him to keep his head down for now."
"I hope so as well, but I do not trust hope. I want him behind bars so I don't have to think about it. You wouldn't happen to know of any of his hideouts? You were a member of his old order were you not?" Amelia asked but Sirius shook his head.
"I was barely a member, but he kept secrets from everyone, sorry but I got nothing." Amelia just let out a loud exhale as she removed her glasses from her nose and rested her face in her hands. Sirius's heart went out to her, she didn't want this position, and unfortunately doing this job right often meant being exhausted most of the time. Fudge didn't deal with this because he didn't do his job right, he just puffed up and displayed and allowed the Galleons to fall into his pockets from the people who truly ran the show.
"You know, maybe you could use a break. Perhaps dinner? Harry did pimp me off remember?" Sirius joked and Amelia snorted as she remembered and smiled at Sirius.
"That sounds like just what I need, but we can't. We have other things we need to deal with first. But when this is over... yes dinner would be lovely." She said and Sirius felt his stomach do a flip. He was no stranger to flirting or the female form. But those were just flings, mindless fun. Amelia would be different, she is different she wasn't the kind of woman who was just interested in a quick shag and then back to business. She would be in it for the long run seeing as she never did a thing on a whim. It was an odd feeling, to know a woman was considering him truly for more than just one night.
"Well, what are these other things?" Sirius asked and a knock was then heard from the door as he turned.
"That would be one of them," Amelia said as she waved her wand the door opened, and Jones in her owl mask led in Narcissa Malfoy. Sirius's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the sight of his cousin but he didn't say anything.
"Minister thank you for seeing me," Jones said.
"You made it sound quite important. Lady Malfoy, a pleasure as always."
"Thank you, Minister."
"So, Owl, what is this thing you need to tell us?" Jones sighed and removed her mask and hood.
"Amelia, Narcissa is my informant. She's the one that has been feeding us information." This got a surprise from both Sirius and Amelia. Both had assumed her defamation of her Husband had been nothing but theatre so she could keep her spot in the Wizengamot but she had nothing on her to get her house monitored.
"Yes, I do hope that my aid has helped in your efforts," Narcissa said with a slight bow in her head.
"They have, I must admit you were not on my list of guesses on who Jones's informant could be. But I imagine that you are not revealing her to us for no reason?" Amelia asked and Jones nodded as she motioned for Narcissa to go forward.
"It's the Dark Lord, he has something. I-I am not sure what it is. It's... it is some kind of creature." Narcissa said and even remembering the monster was enough to make her hands shake.
"Another Dark beast? Add it to the pile." Sirius said with a wave of his hand.
"No, this is not like the others. It's not beast it's... it felt so much older and darker than anything I have ever seen before.'
"What did it look like?" Amelia asked.
"Perhaps a Pensieve Memory would help," Jones suggested and Amelia nodded as she waved her wand and a section of a wall opened up before a Pensieve slid out. Narcissa came forward and extracted the memory from her mind and put it in the pool. Amelia and Sirius came forward and dipped their head inside. They remained there for a few minutes before both came back up looking very shaken.
"What in Merlin's name was that?" Amelia whispered out gripping the Pensieve tight enough to make her knuckles white.
"I don't know, I don't know where it came from only the Dark Lord knowns and Wormtail," Narcissa answered as her eyes flicked over to Sirius.
"Peter is dead." It was just a simple statement and he should feel happy about it. He should feel happy that the traitor that betrayed his friends had died. But how it happened left Sirius feeling... wrong. The way that Peter had bashed himself to death, the way he screamed. No matter what Peter did Sirius couldn't feel any happiness from how Peter died.
"Yes..." Jones said she didn't know how to react or what to say so she just focused on the problem. "We need to figure out whatever Riddle has and figure out how to stop it. Cissa, do you know where it's going next?" Jones asked and Narcissa nodded.
"Yes the Dark Lord ordered it to..." Before she could even finish her sentence Head Auror Shakelbolt came in looking very much frazzled.
"Kingsley! What is it?" Amelia asked not liking how the usually controlled and collected Wizard looked at the moment.
"Azkaban, it has been attacked!" He said and Amelia's eyes went wide and looked over to Narcissa who just nodded solemnly.
"Bring me two squads of Aurors I want them ready to mobilize yesterday!" Amelia ordered and Kingsley nodded as he rushed out of the room.
"Amelia you can't go if this creature is behind the attack it will be too dangerous for you to go."
"I can't just sit here Jones."
"We know but you have to. If you get taken out we'll be left with no leader. Stay I'll go with them." Sirius said and Amelia looked between the two and then toward Narcissa.
"I'm guessing you can't tell us where Riddle is hiding?" She asked and Narcissa shook her head.
"No, it's under the Fidelius, only his Death Eaters know where it is. My husband just brings me along."
"Then the next time your Husband brings you along find that box, if it's still there, and smuggle it to us. If we can examine it maybe we can figure out what that thing is." Narcissa nodded.
"We'll figure out what's going on. We'll be back soon." Sirius said and Jones pulled up her hood and put her mask on. Amelia nodded though she looked very antsy and not too happy at having to stay behind. Sirius followed Jones out of the office it was a bit of track over to the Head Auror's office and the closer they got the more frantic it became. Normal ministry employees gave way to Aurors who were darting back and forth.
The pair quickly found Kingsley who was quickly briefing a group of around two dozen Aurors.
"We are going too, Minister's orders," Jones said as Kingsley looked at her and nodded.
"Very well Owl. Now listen up we don't know what we are going to face there so stay on your toes. If you see Aurors aid them, if you see an enemy capture them. If they fight back then Lethal force is authorized!" Kingsley said and the Aurors nodded. They then made their way over to the Floo and stepped through. They were deposited in a rather dark and dank building nothing really special about it it only served as a drop-off point.
Sirius remembered, there were no ways in or out of Azkaban it was too heavily warded especially with Amelia beefing up security. The only way on or off the prison island was a ferry boat. Once all the Aurors were through Kingsley looked around clearly concerned.
"Where are the Aurors?" He asked no one in particular. He then lead them all outside and they all saw two things. The Auror guards that were stationed at this post were curled up and weeping outside. They were all in various states of distress. Either on the ground or wandering around clutching their ears and muttering to themselves.
"You four gather them up, get them to Saint Mungo's, the rest of you with me," Kingsley ordered as four Aurors stepped away to gather their comrades. It was odd, it was like they were somehow not aware of their surroundings. They didn't react to anything, not the other Aurors or even being moved as they were. It was quite unnerving. Kingsley did his best to keep his team focused as they made their way down to the docks. Everything was unusually calm as they approached.
One of the Ferrys was missing so the Aurors wasted no time as they all climbed into the boat and set it to move itself to the Azkaban prison. Sirius couldn't help the shiver that ran down his spine seeing the tall imposing structure. Memories of the hell he experienced here, but now it was so quiet. Calm even, which was more worrying than what Sirius could put into words.
After a quiet ride over the Aurors departed and made their way over to the prison.
"Wands!" Kingsley called out and the Aurors all drew their wands. Holding them at the ready they made their way inside and they were greeted by the same sight as the outpost. A group of Azkaban Aurors was in varying states of disconnect. Like the other Kingsley had a few of his people gather them up.
"We'll head to the upper levels and scope out the damage," Sirius said and Kingsley nodded as four Aurors joined both him and Jones. The group split as Sirius led his group up the stairs. Once they reached the top of the stairs they came out to the center of the prison. The inside of the tall stone structure was hollow with multiple levels with cells and a staircase that led up to every level that alternated from side to side.
Looking around he saw that many of the lower cells were still intact and the ones that were filled were in the same state as the Aurors that they had encountered. Only a few of them remained untouched by whatever happened. Unfortunately, that meant that they had plenty of time to break out of their cells and grab wands from the fallen guards.
"Diffindo!" An inmate cast sending a cutting curse straight at Jones but she was quick to block and return with a Flippendo sending the thug sailing in the air and hitting a wall hard knocking him out. She had to block two other curses that came at her from another inmate and Sirius quickly began to exchange spells with him.
The rest of the Aurors stood at the ready but there was only one other inmate that had decided to try to run instead of fighting but he was quickly stunned and bound.
Sirius had no issue with his opponent these were small-fry thugs compared to the Death Eaters he fought in the first war. He disarmed his opponent and sent him flying with an overpowered stunner.
"Let me out! Please! Let me out!" An inmate still trapped in his cell screamed. Unlike the others, it would appear that he still had some sense even if he was gripped by fear.
"What happened here? Speak!" Sirius demanded.
"Let me out! It'll come back!" The man sobbed as he reached forward and Sirius had to step back to stay out of his hands.
"What was it? What did you see?" Jones asked stepping forward and the man's eyes flicked over to her. She had to stop herself from reacting to his eyes. She had seen fearful eyes before. But nothing came close to what she saw in this man's eyes. Even Narcissa's memory of Wormtail didn't do it justice when you saw it in person.
The man's lip quivered like a child's as tears rolled freely down his cheeks from bloodshot eyes. He took his hands back and gripped the cold jagged bars of his cell, digging into his palms enough to draw blood. Whether or not the man even noticed they couldn't tell.
"Fear." He whispered and Sirius looked around at his group.
"We need to get to the higher levels! You two stay here and make sure there are no more escapees." Sirius ordered as Jones and he made their way around to the next set of stairs that would lead them up. It was a trek but the further up they got the less they liked it.
It was getting colder and colder as they rose. Eventually, it got to a point where ice and frost were seen on the walls and metal of the prison bars. Another thing was the fact that many of the cells were swung open and very much empty. It wasn't until they reached the topmost levels that it got especially bad. Holes were blown in the wall and it appeared a miniature blizzard blew threw this section.
"No! Damnit!" Sirius yelled out as he saw a few cells he hoped beyond hope that would still hold their occupants but of course, they were gone.
"Who was kept here?" Jones asked.
"The Lestranges," Sirius answered gruffly as he stepped into the cell which had the back wall blow out.
"Where are the Dementors?" One of their Aurors asked.
"Gone to join Riddle most likely," Jones said as she inspected some of the debris but to no avail, there was nothing here to find. "If one creature has the power to do all of this..." Jones said and Sirius scowled as he felt a pit form in his stomach.
"We need to figure out what we are fighting. Come on we should head back." Sirius said as he lead his group back down. Kingsley met them halfway.
"Well? How bad is it." He asked and Sirius just shook his head.
"Imagine the worst possible scenario you can then make it tens of times worse," Jones said.
"Every Death Eater on the upper levels is gone, including the Lestranges," Sirius informed him and Kingsley flinched.
"Shit."
"That's about right, we need to get back to Amelia. And get the rest to Saint Mungo's." He said and Kingsley set about giving orders to his Aurors giving them assignments.
"Hey, are you okay? I know that Bellatrix is your cousin, that can't be easy knowing she's out again." Jones said as Sirius briskly walked away with Jones following him.
"No, I am most definitely not okay," Sirius growled out and Jones didn't say anything more as the two left the Prison behind. All he could do was hope that Harry was having a better time of it than he was.
Meanwhile, Harry, Hermione, Daphne, and Susan had taken a trip to Gringotts. You see while Harry had successfully retrieved his family Heirlooms and claimed the name of Peverell to secure the vote he still had yet to actually find out what the family held as well as the House of Grindelwald. So here they were waiting for Saurfang to join them.
"Any guesses as to what is waiting for you?" Susan asked and Harry shrugged.
"Not sure, maybe a Dark Fortress from Grindelwald?" Daphne rolled her eyes.
"I highly doubt that, pretty much everything that Grindelwald had was seized by the ministry. Some of it was even gifted to other countries, and it probably wouldn't be a good look to try and request for any of it back."
"Probably." Harry agreed and it was here that Saurfang entered the room.
"Lord Potter, a pleasure as always. May your coffers remain overflowing."
"And may your enemies know to fear your name. I thank you Saurfang, your aid in our little project was much appreciated." Harry said referring to his helping with the made-up story they had for the Grindelwald name.
"Of course. Now onto business, you inherited the name of Grindelwald and took up lordship for the House. That of course entails the rights and privileges that come with an ancient and noble house. However, I find myself having to relay the unfortunate news that most of, if not all of your assets connected to the Grindelwald name were seized by the ministry. The only thing left was this." Saurfang produced a small and rather thin black box. He placed it on the table and Harry could see it had a clasp that held it close.
"I do not know what lies within. Though I am pleased to tell you that the Peverells were quite the opposite affair. Not only have the investments they made still hold today and have born quite the haul that has laid untouched for centuries."
"Really? Any notable ones?" Harry asked and Saurfang snapped his fingers and a parchment appeared in his hands as he examined the contents.
"Well, one of the biggest ones would be the twenty you own of Ollivanders, as well as fifteen percent you own of the magical Menagerie as well as Eeylops Owl Emporium. You also own twenty percent of an apothecary shop string, Nourishing plants, and flowers. You have several smaller investments but those are the largest ones. And as I said it was left untouched for quite some time. It's no small thing to say that you are one of the wealthiest Wizards in Britain at the moment."
"Do you have an exact number?" Harry asked as he could feel himself getting slightly faint at just the idea of how much he might have.
"Well, you are the heir to house black so I will include those estimates. Along with your own Potter family and the Peverell... about forty-six billion two hundred and forty million one hundred and five thousand and fifty-six in galleons." Saurfang said and Harry felt his shoulders go slack as he leaned back. He didn't know what to expect but that was not even close to his guess.
Hermione, Susan, and Daphne were in states of shock as well. Their own families were well off with Susan and Daphne coming both from Ancient and Noble houses themselves and Hermione's parents as dentists made quite a bit with their profession. But never had they even approached the Billion mark nor had they expected to. This was nothing short of incredible.
"Forty-six billion... fuck." Harry whispered out and the others were so in shock that Hermione didn't even bother to reprimand him for his crass language.
"I can't even imagine what that would look like," Daphne said shaking her head.
"That's not all My Lord."
"There's more?" Harry asked and Saurfang offered a toothless grin.
"Yes, the Peverell family also left a rather large plot of land, around twenty-five thousand acres large. It is also belonging to a homestead, a place titled Veilstone. We can visit after our meeting here if you would like."
"Yes, yes I would like that. Though I... I will be frank with you Saurfang. I don't know the first thing about finances, at least not on this scale. You have served House Potter for how long?"
"Since the time of your Grandfather's Father's Lordship. Though I have never made such a blunder with them as I have with you. Even with Dumbledore, cursed be his name, it is no excuse."
"If that is how you feel, and yet my vault is not bleeding gold. You have retrieved the Artifacts and Relics of my House and Returned them to their rightful owners. I may not have known you as long as the rest of my family has. But to me, you have proven to be more than competent. You would honor me if you would continue your work with me, and oversee my many financial situations and businesses."
"It is you who honors me, Lord Potter. Of course, I will accept and look over your wealth."
"Thank you Saurfang. Are there any other revelations of finance that you want to tell me?" Harry asked and Saurfang offered a toothless grin and shook his head.
"No young Lord I do believe that is all, I will do the work to merge your vaults into one. If you can I would like to speak with Lord Black about his accounts. To my knowledge, his account Manager passed soon after the end of the last war. Since you are Heir to House Black it would be prudent to discuss the situation of the Black family vaults in relation to yours."
"Yes, I will be sure to tell him."
"Splendid, Now would you like to visit Veilstone now? I took the liberty of having a Portkey made ready for travel to the property."
"Where is Veilstone? If you don't mind my asking." Hermione asked and Saurfang regarded her for a moment. He usually only spoke directly to Harry but it was quite obvious where the four teens' relationship was heading so he extended the same civility towards the girls as he did Harry.
"Veilstone is located deep within the Mourne Mountains. In Northern Ireland." Saurfang.
"Can a Portkey get us that far? Are we even allowed to go there, it's outside of Britain." Hermione asked.
"Well, the longest that a Portkey has traveled is from Northern Britain to Southern Britain. But even then the Portkey apparently wouldn't work again. So the most a Portkey could travel you is about three hundred miles. The most is six hundred miles but the Portkey will stop functioning." Susan said.
"Oh... I didn't know that." Hermione said and everyone except for Saurfang looked at her as if she just swore like a sailor.
"Okay, it's not that shocking," Hermione said with a bit of a pout.
"Who are you and what have you done with my girlfriend?" Harry asked playfully and Hermione just scowled as the other two laughed.
"Yes, as for the second part of your question miss you may be underage but seeing as this is now a property and land owned by Lord Potter it is perfectly alright for you to travel to. Once there I will have to check the Floo system there. Veilstone is rather old so I am not sure if it even has a Floo fireplace."
"We'll see once we get there. Let's get going." Harry said picking up the box that Saurfang brought. He expected to feel something, anything from it. But all he felt was the smooth wood and the slight ridge of the seam. He pocketed it and Saurfang produced the Portkey. A simple rope long enough for them all to grasp.
"This will take us to the gates," Saurfang said and the teens all gripped the rope at once. After a few seconds, they all felt that familiar yank as the world swam around them. Colors changed from the darker tones of the meeting room to some warmer greens and the bright blue of the sky as they appeared again. The others were able to stay on their feet but Harry, not so much.
Somehow Harry ended up on his stomach face down with his hand still on the rope. The girls couldn't help but giggle. Harry had done some amazing things and yet still magical forms of transport are the one thing he couldn't seem to master.
"Not a word," Harry said grumpily as he got back up. It was now that the group took a look around to see where they are. The day was moderately clear with a few clouds rolling across the sky. they found themselves in a clearing made with gravel that was a simple half circle. The circle was cut in half by a large dark stone wall with a black gate at the center. The gate was just a simple barred gate with a symbol of a triangle with something that appeared like an eye in the center.
"The entrance my Lord. As you can see the gate holds the Peverell House insignia." Saurfang stated but Harry couldn't see any property the only thing he could see on the other side was just more forest.
"Do you have the key?" Harry asked and Saurfang shook his head.
"No, this property did not come with a key. Only instructions that those with the blood of the Peverells may open the gates." He explained and Harry took a look at the gates. He drew his wand out and set about feeling for any magics. There was something there but it didn't feel malicious. If anything it felt probing, like whatever magic was there was examing him as he did it.
"Careful Harry," Susan said as Harry cautiously walked towards the gate. Standing in front of it he still felt nothing and it wasn't until he placed his hand that something finally happened. A ripple in the air originating from the gate and Harry could feel a probe on his magic. It was similar to his Lordship rings and when the probe finished its job the ripple swam through the forest before them. The wall they were faced with suddenly expanded in such a way that it appeared to race down beyond what they could see.
The forest behind the wall rippled away like a wave of water. The trees vanish to reveal a long pathway of gravel like the entrance was flanked on either side by green hedges that rose to about a person's waist. On either side of the hedges, it was just a series of paths lined out by more hedges no doubt forming a pattern when seen from above. In the center of the front courtyard was a large black marble fountain topped by a depiction of death with a pair of black wings holding a scythe and in front of the figure was the same symbol as on the gate that spilled water from its bottom down to the fountain below.
Behind the fountain lay an imposing structure. A glorious Victorian-style castle with a large slightly curved forward face. The center had a large triangle top with a clock topped by a Raven statue. The face of the castle swept to each side dotted with tall windows with half-circle tops. On either side of the front were two towers topped with cone roofs. The whole structure was made of some dark stone that was matt black with veins of white. The whole structure was pristine, with no sign of overgrowth or any signs of aging that Harry or the others could see.
"Lord Potter, Ladies, I present to you Veilstone keep," Saurfang stated as he lead the group forward. "Now I do have the schematics from the Peverell vaults, shall I give you the tour?"
"Yes, please," Harry said still a bit awestruck at just seeing the front of the property.
"This is incredible! Do you know what kind of wards are around this place?" Daphne asked and Saurfang nodded.
"Many of your basic protections but performed in ancient in an ancient style. The notice-me-not charm, protection wards, Muggle repellent wards. Of course, I can have some of our best Enchanters and Enchantresses come and update the wards and have more installed for a modest fee if you would like."
"They would have to be discreet about it, It would be better that as few people know about this as possible," Susan said and Saurfang nodded.
"Yes, I will get people and have them obliviated after their job is done and I will oversee the process myself. That is if you wish it my Lord." Saurfang said adressing Harry.
"Yes I would like that very much, thank you." Harry agreed and Saurfang nodded.
"Excellent, now the property as I have stated before has a total of twenty-five thousand acres of land this property lies at the center. It is mainly an untamed wild forest and a decent-sized pond near the property to the east. We are currently in the front courtyard, this is where you would receive guests and in fair weather even hold gatherings here if you'd like." Saurfang stated as he led the group towards the keep.
Though as Harry walked he could feel a yearning from Demona in his shadow. He looked out and knew what she wanted as he stared at the forest.
"Go on, have fun." He said and just like that Demona raced out of his shadow forming herself in a swirl of smoke and embers she bounded across the courtyard and easily lept over the tall fence that was almost as tall as she was. In seconds he lost sight of her in the forest thicket and Harry just chuckled as he felt the sheer excitement coming from her.
"Couldn't wait could she." Daphne smiled and Harry joined her.
"Sometimes she makes you forget that she is a big dangerous Hellhound."
"Indeed, My King's mount is much the same, intimidating and yet a rather gentle creature outside of battle," Saurfang stated.
"What was that, I've never seen one before," Harry asked remembering the imposing creature that sat at the Goblin King's side.
"Oh it is a sacred creature to my people, you see two thousand years ago the Goblin Nation was in a fierce civil war between two noble houses that fought for the Harrow sea throne. The Ragan House and the Harrows. The Ragan House were usurpers that stole the throne from the rightful king the great Lord Nagahl Harrow. It is said that in his time of need a great crumpled horned beast burst through the stone to save him. They bonded and the beast became the symbol of royalty after it helped King Nagahl reclaim his throne. The beasts were then dubbed Crumple Horned Snorkacks in honor of their unique horns and Snorkack is a goblin word roughly translated in your tongue to Beast of the Stone." Saurfang explained as they walked and nearly everyone's eyes nearly bulged out of their head.
Then Hermione started laughing soon being joined by Daphne and Susan then Harry. They started laughing so much that they had to stop just outside the door. Saurfang looked at them very confused about their reaction.
"Is something Humorous about my people's histories?" He asked his voice gruff.
"N-no! I apologize Saurfang. It's just that one of our friends insisted on us about the creature's existence but we honestly didn't believe her. It's just amazing that she was right about all of this." Hermione quickly said as the group quickly calmed themselves.
"Yes, I'm sorry Saurfang. We meant no offense. Your story was incredible and one day I would like to hear more." Harry said as he got control of himself.
"None was taken, now onto the rest of the property," Saurfang said as he opened the massive doors. If the teen's breath was taken away anymore they were going to die. Even Susan and Daphne who had seen lavish abodes were taken aback by what they saw.
"This is the main hall." Saurfang stepped aside to let the teens in. It was enormous and if Harry wanted he could host the entire student body in this place just like the Great Hall of Hogwarts. The floor was brilliant black marble and the walls were dark wood giving the whole place a rather cool dark look. But it was broken up with grey wood furnishing and a rather bright Blue crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling that was easily at least ten feet in diameter and was fashing in a way it reminded Harry of a cascading water fountain only upside down.
On either side of the Hall were a set of stairs that led up to a higher level that oversaw the hall. The Stairs were framed with gorgeous silver Banisters made to look like ravens.
"This is where you would host events like balls or other social gatherings and past this out those back doors lead you to the central courtyard. The central courtyard is covered by an anti-weather ward that keeps all effects of the weather out so it is always usable regardless of the weather of the day. To the left of the back door will lead you to the kitchens and wash stations for your clothing and storage, it is also where you will find the Servants quarter. To the right, you will find a hall that is meant to serve as the guest wing if you entertain guests and wish to offer them a place to stay." Saurfang as the group walked it was rather incredible how small Harry felt as he walked directly under the chandelier and had to spin in place to see the whole of the room.
"This place is incredible," Daphne said as she admired the fine furnishing that dotted the side of the room. She was both tempted to sit upon them and also dreaded it. It looked incredibly comfortable yet so expensive.
"You can say that again," Susan said as she wandered across the room to the back to see the central courtyard. It took her a bit to reach it but when she did she peered out the window to see a rather plain dirt plot with a few boulders.
"What was the central courtyard used for?" She asked as Saurfang and the rest approached.
"To my understanding, it was used mainly as a practice and dueling field. In fact, the entire outfacing wall is warded and charmed to resist damage in case of a wild spell." Saurfang explained and Harry opened the doors to step into the courtyard. The ground was just normal relatively soft dirt and the courtyard was large enough that it reminded him of the size of the Dragon pit they made for the first Tri-Wizard task.
"This would be a fantastic place to train actually," Harry said.
"Not only that, but this whole place is pretty much off the map, throw up a Fidelius over it and this would make a good base of operations," Susan said.
"Absolutely," Hermione said and Harry agreed. He then took notice of how the walls of the property were square with a balcony over the top on the second floor and in the back corners like the front of the keep there were two towers.
"Saurfang what about the back wall there?" Harry asked.
"That would be the south wing, There is a fully functioning potion lab, enchanting lab, and greenhouse. The level above that is the Library and study space."
"Library?"
"Keep it in your pants, Hermione." Daphne teased and Hermione just stuck her tongue out very maturely.
"Like you're not excited about the enchanting lab, miss future enchantress." Hermione teased right back. Daphne just grinned as she flipped her hair.
"Let's see the upper level shall we," Saurfang suggested leading the group back inside. "Also I can have a few people come in and inspect the labs and update the equipment if need be. For a fee." Saurfang said and Harry chuckled.
"That would be very nice, though they would have to be obliviated like the enchanters."
"Of course," Saurfang said leading the group up the stairs in the main hall. The black marble gave way to blue velvet with intricate ornate patterns styled in silver.
"Now the upper levels are the personal living quarters as well as the Library that I previously mentioned. In total on the upper level, there are a total of thirty bedrooms on the top floor alone with a master bedroom that is on the opposite side of the hall of the Library."
"Thirty Bedrooms? Who has a family that big?" Susan asked taken by surprise by that information.
"Well if Harry really loves us he can give us three kids each. What do you say, Darling?" Daphne said with a flirtatious smile and batted her eyes at him as Harry couldn't help but chuckle at her.
"If you want," Harry said he was used to her comments like this but he would admit the thought of having children with these wonderful young women was more enticing than he could've ever dreamed. But they were still a bit too young for that despite the situation they had been thrust into.
"Even then, that would be only twelve," Hermione said and Harry smiled at the fact that she hadn't been caught off guard by the children's comment.
"Well, you have to remember that back when this place was last occupied noble families would live all together. Not just the main family but the Uncles, Aunts, Cousins so it actually makes sense that there are so many rooms." Daphne said.
"Quite right, now if you will follow me I believe the only room you four will need will be the master bedroom," Saurfang said as he turned on his heel and began walking down the hallway. The group didn't miss the implication of his words but they didn't deny them either as they followed. The halls were decorated in a similar high-class fashion as the main hall keeping with dark cool colors and hints of silver.
On the inner wall of the hallway every so often there were doors that lead to the balcony that overlooked the training field. But something that Hermione noticed was that there were also doors that didn't lead to a room but instead were a flight of stairs.
"Saurfang does this place have another level?" She asked the Goblin.
"Yes, while the ground floor and this one is where you will likely spend most of your time there is a basement level that was used as dungeons. Then there is one level above us, the ramparts if you decided to hire guards some of them would patrol there." Saurfang said and Hermione nodded. It took them a while to walk the length of the Hallway and it was truly setting in just how big this place was. It wasn't as big as Hogwarts but with how long they had to walk it almost felt like it.
"Here we are." Saurfang as he stepped aside to allow Harry to open the door. The inside of the room was no less grand than the rest of the house. It was an enormous room but the carpet pattern was different it looked like an intricate geometric pattern with odd symbols. There was a huge bed with a dark puffed leather headboard. The sheets and pillows matched the cool tones of the rest of the furniture they had seen. There were three additional doors, two on either side of the bed that led out to the balcony that overlooked the center training yard. Then one that led off to the left most likely to the washroom.
Then there was the ceiling a circular ceiling shape with glittering dark ravens swirling around moving only slightly in the imagery. Around them were also a series of symbols like on the carpet and in the center of it all that same triangular symbol that was on the gate.
"It's the Deathly Hallows from the tale of the three brothers," Susan said as she noticed Harry's curious gaze. He nodded, Daphne and Susan had told both him and Hermione about that story after Harry claimed his Peverell name as well. He then walked out of the room opening the balcony as the girls decided to check out the washroom and found the closet space that came with it. Harry walked to the edge and rested against the balcony railing. He looked over the courtyard and the rest of the inner wall and up at the towers.
A slight grin grew on his face, he hoped that Kreature wouldn't take it too hard. The Grimmauld place was very nice, even more so now that it was fixed up. He would still use it of course, as well as Sirius while he's the Head of House Black. But this place, this castle, this was his and only his.
"Quite a change from a simple cupboard under the bed." He said to himself with a chuckle.
"You seem quite comfortable," Saurfang said as he joined Harry on the Balcony.
"That's probably because there is no one else here. If I had to entertain guests I would feel far out of my depth."
"Something tells me that Lady Greengrass will be able to handle social gatherings well enough."
"She can do that and so much more, they all can," Harry said smiling to himself. "Thank you for this Saurfang, though I must ask what about the Potter properties? Do I own any?"
"Unfortunately no, your father sold the Properties under his name to help fight Tom Riddle the first time he rose to power."
"That is unfortunate but understandable. Is it possible to reclaim those properties?"
"You certainly have the money to buy them, but it won't be the same as it was. All the things that your parents wanted to save were moved to the vaults."
"And Dumbledore nearly took those from me. So who would staff this place?" Harry asked.
"I can bring you a selection of House-elves," Ragnock said.
"Hire as many as will be needed."
"Wouldn't you like to examine them?"
"No, Dobby can look after them. Dobby!" Harry called but to his surprise, the excitable elf didn't show up.
"My Lord this place has ancient protections, not even House Elves will be able to find this keep."
"A home and a base of operations."
"Indeed, when some of these wards are updated this place will be nearly as well protected as Hogwarts," Saurfang explained with a grin one that Harry matched.
"Well, I can't wait to tell Sirius."
_SCENE_
Hey Guys and Gals! Bit of a long wait for this chapter I know but it is finals and we are currently getting our asses kicked. But I did pass them all because I'm just built different. So for this one just a bit of setup when we get to the next chapter I have the plan to reveal a bit of information about the demon that Voldemort has summoned. Also, I saw a comment that this made Voldemort more powerful and that it was a trope that authors use when Harry gets more powerful. I have to explain that Voldemort is still the same, he is still just as powerful as he always was. This demon does not represent Voldemort's power it is just another player on the board. Anyway hope Y'all enjoy and let me know what you think! Be sure to support me on P_A_T_R_E_O_N /Akida_Pendragon, now there are no underscores on that website it's spelled normally but Fanfic is weird about putting links to other sites. Support me if you can I would greatly appreciate it! Until next time this has been your Average, Ordinary, Everyday Fallen Angel!