Author's note: I do not own anything Harry Potter, JK Rowling does.
Feel free to review!
"Give me an answer, girl, before I have your head. Gringott's doesn't take too kindly to line fraud and attempted line theft." Ironclaw snarled. Sirius and Aster looked incredibly nervous; however, Isolt Peverell stood firm, as if answering a challenge.
"Master Ironclaw, I 'don't take too kindly' to being falsely accused. I have told you, I am the last Peverell, to the best of my knowledge. If you won't take my word, then I demand an Inheritance Test, here and now. Preferably before Gringott's loses eleven members of their fine establishment." Isolt's magic flared, albeit briefly, and everyone in the room could feel the temperature drop by several degrees.
Almost surprisingly, Ironclaw's expression did not betray the change in temperature, nor did he seem to notice the flare of magic. Instead, his mouth turned upwards in a grin, before he nodded.
"Fine, we will agree to this. If you are proven to be lying, you will be executed. If not, then you will have my sincerest apologies."
"No. I don't want your apologies. You have invoked the name of Gringott's into this, thus I require a formal apology from Gringott's."
At this, Ironclaw's face finally betrayed some emotion. 'It seems I've been outplayed. Very well, I'll follow along, for now.'
"Fine, you will have it. If," he paused for a moment, allowing the hypothetical to sink in to the three wixen, "you are proven to be innocent."
Turning to a goblin, he jerked his head to the door, and the nameless goblin left the room.
"I have sent for the items necessary for the Inheritance Test. Whilst we wait," Ironclaw whistled, and the guards retreated to the walls of the circular room, "what brings you in to Gringotts, Lord Black?"
Sirius looked dumbstruck for a moment, before mentally shaking his head and replied to the goblin. "I require some funds from my account, and I'd like to make Aster Potter my heir."
Aster quickly snapped her head to the older wizard. "Sirius, can I even be heir? I'm not a Black?" Isolt, keeping silent so as not to draw the attention of Ironclaw again, only shook her head, remembering when she herself had asked this very question.
Giving Aster his trademark Marauder wink, Sirius replied, "Yes you are, Aster. Your grandmother was Dorea Black, and she was the wife of Charlus Potter, and together they had your father, James. Thus, you're a Black. Not that it would matter, as the Lord or Lord Presumptive can effectively anyone they want to the Heirship. Though most families only name someone in their family the heir."
"Quite right, though you are not the Lord Presumptive, Mr. Black. You are the Lord Black." Ironclaw called out to the two.
"Wait, what?" Sirius sounded almost as confused as he had been whenever Lily had tried to explain certain muggle technologies. Something about an "arrow plane"?
"You are the Lord Black. You were never disowned, nor were you legally incarcerated. Thus, your grandfather Lord Arcturus Black named you Heir Black, and when he died in 1982, you became Lord Black."
"Oh. I assume you need me to take the ring?"
"Of course. Luckily for you, we had anticipated you coming, so I have it here with me."
The goblin took out a small wooden box, made of what seemed to be pure ebony wood, which had a gold crest inlaid on the top in the shape of the Black Family Crest. The family motto "Toujours Pur" embossed just below the crest. Opening it, Sirius could see a single gold ring, with the family crest and family jewel, a magical black diamond, resting atop the ring.
Taking it out, Isolt and Aster could see Sirius' hands slightly shake as he put the ring on the third finger of his right hand. A flash of white could be seen, fading as quick as it had come, and Sirius could feel the hum of his Family Magicks pouring through the ring, wrapping around his arm and expanding out to cover his body, before it receded into his skin.
"Wooooah, that felt… strange. Fucking awesome, but strange."
"Well, now that you've taken the ring, and been judged by the family magic, you are free to withdraw as many galleons as you'd like. Though, if I might suggest, Lord Black, if you purchase a money bag, you can withdraw however many galleons, sickles, and knuts you'd like straight from the bag. It's keyed directly to the Black Family Vault."
"Oh yes, definitely one of those please. I'm assuming for any large purchases, the standard of pressing my ring into the receipt shall suffice?"
Smiling, Ironclaw nodded. "Of course, Lord Black. Is there anything else we might assist you with?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. Once this business with Ms. Peverell's inheritance test is over, I would like for us to visit the Black Family Vault. I think it's high time that I read through the Black Family Grimoire."
Isolt paled at the mention of the grimoire. Even she hadn't fully read the book, as there wasn't enough time to get through it all, as she was perpetually on the run. But what she had read, oh boy had it saved her bacon more times than she could count. The spells and knowledge in that book would be invaluable.
"But of course. Ah, here comes Snapmaw now, with the requested items." Ironclaw exclaimed as the doors to his office opened once again, revealing the previously unnamed goblin carrying a stone bowl and a large ceremonial dagger.
"Ms., if you would please." Snapmaw said, with only a small amount of disdain in his voice.
Looking about, Isolt saw the frightened look in Aster's eyes, the determined look in Sirius', and the mischievous glare she was getting from Ironclaw.
"How many drops would suffice, Master Ironclaw."
"Seven, if you will."
Taking the ceremonial dagger, and noting that as she did so, every single goblin guard drew their weapon and pointed it at her, she sliced open her palm, tightening her hand into a fist, and let seven drops fall into the basin. Immediately, the basin lit up, and Snapmaw walked up to it, and lifted up the bowl and poured the contents onto the parchment that laid just underneath.
Aster thought that the blood would just pour right off the parchment, but surprisingly, the parchment absorbed all of Isolt's blood, not allowing a single drop to fall onto the floor. Moments later, the parchment could be seen writing words at a furious pace.
Waiting a moment for the parchment to finish, Snapmaw snatched up the parchment and gave it to Ironclaw.
"Ah, so it would seem you are who you say you are, Ms. Peverell –"
"Told you." Isolt muttered under her breath.
"But this is more to this than that. Come, take a look."
The three wixen crowded around the goblin's desk, and read the parchment.
Isolt Lily Peverell
Mother: Lily Potter
Father: James Potter
Associated Houses: Potter, Black, Peverell
Lord/Lady-ship(s): Potter, Peverell
Vaults: 007 (Potter), 013 (Peverell)
Estimated net worth*: 1.6 billion galleons (1 billion from House Potter, 0.6 billion from House Peverell)
*Properties, artifacts, and tomes not included
'Okay, now this is fucking shocking. I did not know I was this bloody rich!' Isolt gulped.
"Blimey Isolt, you're loaded!" Sirius exclaimed.
"It would appear so, Sirius. Though, why is Aster not Lady Potter?"
Ironclaw chimed in, "Well, considering that you and Aster are the same person, that doesn't surprise me. Though that does come with some interesting legal complications…" he trailed off, lost in thought for a moment.
"What if I abdicate the Ladyship of House Potter and bequeath it to Aster?"
"Well, that would work, though you would need to take the ring first, then declare Aster the Heir, and then abdicate. Formalities must be observed after all."
"Fine. I assume the rings are in the vaults?"
"You would assume correctly. Well, shall we attend to your vaults, Lord Black, Lady Presumptive Peverell, and Ms. Potter?"
Isolt and Aster loved the minecart ride down to the lowest vaults; Sirius, on the other hand, hated it. Sudden twists and turns were more fitted for the acumen of a seeker, and not a beater, after all. After ten minutes, the trio, plus Ironclaw, disembarked the minecart, as they had reached the Peverell Vault first, Vault Number 013.
Ironclaw motioned for Isolt to place her hand on the door, and as she did so, a needle protruded from the door and pricked her skin, drawing a drop of blood. After a moment, the door glowed white and then opened.
Inside, and on the left, were heaps and heaps of piles of galleons, sickles, and knuts, with each kind of coin being organized into clear and separate piles. On the right were the artifacts, bookshelves, tomes, and scrolls of the Peverell Family. Though up on the far wall, just over a podium with a wooden box, were the three portraits of Antioch Peverell, on the left; Cadmus Peverell, in the middle; and Ignotus Peverell, on the right.
Isolt looked over at her two companions, nodding, before turning back toward the vault and walking in. Approaching the wooden box, she could see it was made of elder wood, much like the fabled wand she possessed, and as she approached, the three paintings stirred, each of them looking at her, not speaking, instead choosing to watch what Isolt did.
Opening the box, Isolt found a ring, not unlike the Black Family ring, but with the Peverell crest, and three obsidian stones set in the shape of a triangle. Putting it on the third finger of her right hand, she noticed as the ring flashed white and re-sized itself to fit perfectly.
What Isolt was not prepared for, was the surge of cold magic, cold as the grave and as dark as the crypt, to creep up her arm, slowly, as if imitating death, before it covered her arm, then her shoulders and head, and then finally covering the rest of her body. She could feel it, millimeters away from her skin, before it plunged into every inch of her. Slowly, Isolt could feel some warmth return to her body, and she held her hands out in front of her, feeling her magic swell.
"Ah, so it seems a new master of House Peverell walks amongst the living yet again." Called the portrait on the left.
"It would seem so, older brother. And the family magick has accepted her. Tell me, young one, who are you who has reclaimed the title of Peverell from the grave?" came the stark voice of the middle portrait.
"My name is Isolt Lily Peverell, last of the Peverell's. I swear to uphold the honor of our family, and to continue the duty of our Ancient and Noble House." Isolt proclaimed, bowing her head to the three patriarchs of her house.
"Well met, Isolt of Peverell. It is nice to hear your words, and to see our name yet lives. Tell us, what do you know of death?" This voice belonged to the youngest patriarch, Ignotus.
"I have both seen death and dealt it. I have lived it and welcomed it. Death is an old friend to me, and I to it."
Antioch called out, a surly tone in his voice, "You will have to tell us your tale someday. But first, two things. Cadmus, Ignotus, if you will?"
Cadmus spoke first. "First, we require you to reclaim the Family Grimoire, in this very room. It has knowledge and information accumulated over a thousand years pertaining to all facets and aspects of death. How to deal it, how to welcome it, how to force those who flee it to succumb to it. Study it, and study it well, as it will provide an invaluable tool. It will teach you our ways, and how to uphold our honor and our duty."
Ignotus spoke next, before Isolt could say anything in reply to Cadmus. "Next, we require you to reclaim Peverell Manor. It has lain dormant for too long, and Death has laid claim to it for two hundred years. It is now time for life to hold sway in its halls once more."
Isolt stared at the three paintings, giving each of them a grim smile, before she nodded to all three. "Thank you, ancestors. For your gifts and for your knowledge. I shall see our House rise once more, and remind those that have forgotten that Peverell's do not fear death."
The paintings all smiled at her, before becoming inactive once more.
'Holy shit that was intense. Felt like I was being tested, though it seems I passed.'
Walking over to the bookshelves, Isolt grabbed the Peverell Family Grimoire, a dusty tome, four inches thick, with a cover that was grey and had a familiar triangle-line-circle insignia embossed on it. She could feel the same magic in the grimoire that she had felt when she put on the ring. It was cold, yet almost comforting in a way.
Before she left, Isolt made sure to grab some money for herself as well. 'Doesn't hurt to have some extra galleons on me.'
Rejoining the group outside, Isolt gave them a nod and closed the vault behind her. "Ironclaw, I will require a money bag as well."
"But of course, Lady Peverell. Shall we continue?"
The Black Family vault was next, as it was Vault Number 009. This time, there wasn't any conversations with portraits. Sirius just opened the vault door, in a similar fashion as Isolt had opened hers, walked in, grabbed some coins and the grimoire, and walked back out.
It was the next vault, the Potter Family Vault, numbered 007, that was the highlight of the trip for Aster. She had silently watched both Isolt and Sirius walk into their vaults and grab their books (and ring, in Isolt's case), but this vault could hold portraits of her family, it could hold tomes of knowledge that her family had hoarded. It was a chance at a real connection to her family – not secondhand stories from wixen her parent's age, but directly from the source itself.
As both Isolt and Aster had business in the vault, they both had to place their hand on the vault door, and Aster nearly yelped when she felt the needle take some blood. Regardless, the door opened, and the two wixen stepped in.
"It seems these vaults are set up in similar fashion: all the money on the left, valuables on the right, and in the back are portraits. Aster, you'll have to accompany me to get the ring, as I plan to name you Heir and abdicate immediately to you."
"I still don't get why you are giving me the title, Isolt. I'm not trained for this Ladyship stuff. Not like you and Sirius." Aster said with a resigned sigh.
"Be that as it may, I do not wish to take from you what is rightfully yours. I may be you, but I am the outsider here. Plus, there are certain advantages that being a Lord or Lady affords you, especially with how the current Ministry and Wizengamot have set up the laws. You'll find yourself with several extra protections, legally speaking, and socially, being the Lord or Lady means that if someone fucks with you, they are then fucking with the full might of House Potter."
"Oh. Well damn. I still don't feel comfortable taking this from you, but you raise good points."
"Glad you agree, plus, having all three of us be the Heads of an Ancient and Noble House means we are a force to be reckoned with, literally and politically." Isolt chuckled, imagining the look on Malfoy's face when Sirius, Aster, and her all take up their seats at the next Wizengamot session. "C'mon kid, let's go get some jewelry, eh?" Aster could swear she saw a twinkle in Isolt's eyes. Rolling her own eyes, she followed Isolt to the wooden box up against the far wall. This box appeared to be made of cherry wood, and had the Potter Crest engraved in gold on top of the lid.
Opening it, Isolt saw a gold ring, with the Potter Crest and a ruby set in the middle. Putting it on her second finger on her right hand, she could feel the magic spring up from it, warm and inviting. It spread all over her within moments, and gently laid itself down onto her.
"I, Isolt Lily Peverell Potter, do name Aster Senna Potter as my Heir, to take over Headship of the Family if, for whatever reason, I am not the Head, so mote it be."
Both Isolt and Aster could feel a warm, inviting magic wash over them as Isolt finished her declaration.
"Well kid, you're my heir now. You ready?"
"What was that feeling just now?! I've never felt something like that before!"
"That, Aster, was something called Family Magick. Each family, over centuries of using magic and having it flow through them, accumulate magic into their family name. Each family's magic is different. The Peverell Family Magick felt cold, like the chill of a grave or the dark of a crypt. The Potter magic feels warm and inviting. The magic itself is somewhat sentient, and seems to judge who is worthy to take over the Headship of a family. Does that make sense?"
"Yeah, yeah, that makes sense, kinda. I've just never heard of it mentioned before you came along."
"It's not a thing many families talk about, as it's a sort of personal thing for them. Though for some families, you can kind of guess what their family magic is like. For instance, the Greengrass family. Pretty sure theirs has something to do with nature. Anyway, you ready?"
"Yeah, I'm ready."
"I, Isolt Lily Peverell, do hereby abdicate my position as Lady Potter, as I deem myself unfit to carry the role. May it instead fall to my heir, Heir Aster Senna Potter, who can and will do the position much better than I, so mote it be."
Isolt could feel the warm magic leave her body, and for a second, she felt a twinge of regret. She took the ring off, giving it to Aster.
Aster took the ring, noting how light it felt despite being made of solid gold (plus a ruby). Slipping it on the third finger of her right hand, as she had seen Sirius and Isolt do, she felt the warm magic once again, this time far stronger than before.
"Woah. That feels… good!"
Laughing, Isolt gestured to the piles of money. "Come on, kid. Grab some gold and we can get out of here. You should also grab the family grimoire while we're here. It could contain useful information and spells. Oh, and don't forget to purchase a money bag from Ironclaw."
"Isolt, will we be able to come back here? I would love to talk to my ancestors. I know we're in a bit of a rush today, but I really would love to talk to them."
"Of course we can, Aster. It would probably be best to have you learn how to apparate too, so that you can come visit them whenever you want."
"That would be awesome! When can we start?"
Laughing, Isolt ran her hand through Aster's hair. "Not until you've learned Occlumency. The faster you master that, the sooner we can work on apparition. Now go grab some money." Aster nodded back, a look of determination in her eyes. As Aster ran off to collect the grimoire and some galleons, sickles, and knuts, Isolt turned back to the paintings, who had all remained silent to this point.
"Thank you all, for watching over me, and Aster, all these years. I promise she will have a better life than me."
The portrait directly above her, whose inscription read, "Lord Charlus Potter", spoke to her. "We have seen what you've gone through, through the magic of the Headship's ring. You've endured a lot, Lady Peverell. Make sure the daughter of our house grows up into a fine Lady Potter."
"Th- thank you, grandfather. I will, I swear."
"That is all we can ask. Now go, it seems the young lady is just about done. We'd love to have you back down here to chat some more."
"Of course, grandfather. Have a pleasant rest."
Walking away, with a little spring in her step, Isolt collected the young Aster, before the duo returned to Ironclaw and Sirius.
"Master Ironclaw," Aster called out, "I will also require a money bag."
"Of course, Lady Potter. They'll all be ready once we get back to my office, with the appropriate bills of sale, of course."
"Thank you, Ironclaw. But I believe there is one more bit of business we must attend to before we can leave you." Isolt gave the goblin a pointed stare.
"And what is that, Lady Peverell?"
"A formal apology, from Gringott's. Though, if Gringott's would be more amenable to providing us our money bags free of charge, we can call that an appropriate apology. Right Lord Black, Lady Potter?" said Isolt, glancing to both Sirius and Aster.
"Oh, I think that's a splendid idea, Lady Peverell. After all, Gringott's is known for never making a mistake. Having to make a public apology would certainly ruin the reputation, wouldn't you say, Master Ironclaw?" Sirius called out, giving Ironclaw the Black Family Grin.
Ironclaw, having hoped that the trio had forgotten about the arrangement, cursed in Goblin Speech under his breath.
"Fine, fine, alright. You can have the bags for free. And I hope that any mention of Gringott's error will go unmentioned?"
"Oh, but of course, Master Ironclaw. We wouldn't dare harm the reputation of the finest banking establishment in the wizarding world, after all." Isolt replied, and Aster and Sirius could both feel the mirth coming from Isolt.
It took the group fifteen minutes to make their way back to the surface. Isolt and Aster continued loving every minute of it. Sirius looked like he was going to be sick.
Upon reaching Ironclaw's office, the three requested bags were laid out on the table, and Ironclaw, true to his word, let them take them, free of charge.
As the trio of wixen were about to walk out of Ironclaw's office, into the large lobby of Gringott's, Isolt stopped.
"Hey Sirius, you're going to need a disguise. You are still wanted, ya know."
"Ah shit, forgot about that. Hold on." Tapping his head with his wand, Sirius felt a wave of magic fall over him. "How about now? How do I look?"
"Like a mangy dog, though I suppose that's not far off from the truth. Try adjusting your hair and eye color. Oh, and the hair length. Make it short."
Sirius tapped his wand against his head again, focusing on the requested changes, and looked questioningly back to Aster and Isolt.
"Much better. What do you think, Aster?"
"Oh yes, much better. Now you look more like a cat, than a dog. I think that you better stay away from Professor McGonagall, Padfoot." Replied Aster, letting out a laugh that Isolt joined in on.
Sirius just glared back at his young goddaughter, before he too joined in on the laughter. Holding the door to the lobby open, and wiping the tears from his eyes, Sirius rather excitedly led the charge to the entrance of Gringott's.
"Come on, you two. We've got some shopping to do!"
"Sirius, you do know that the second you try to purchase anything with your ring, you'll be outed, yeah?"
"Oh yeah. Forgot about that. Good thing I don't plan to buy anything terribly expensive! Plus, we got these handy dandy money bags now!"
Laughing, the trio reached the front entrance of Gringott's, and opening the doors, walked out into one of the most magical places to exist: Diagon Alley.