Happy Easter everyone! As a means to celebrate this great day I have decided to post an early chapter of this story.
I hope you all have a great day and can enjoy this at your leisure.
Disclaimer is in Chapter One.
Chapter Three
"Pardon me if it sounds insulting but…this place seems rather underdeveloped." Harry observed as they walked through a shopping area called Diagon Alley.
"A good part of the magical world is stuck in the Victorian age of our country. Mainly because magic and most modern technology can't coexist.
Not to mention the mindsets of many magical humans."
She added the last part under her breath making Harry wonder what she meant but figured it was a question for another time.
"Speaking of…how did that electronic device you carry work on Hogwarts grounds? Most often such a thing would either burst from being overpowered, or simply not work." She mentioned to him making Harry blink.
"Electromagnetic shielding." He answered making her look at him in confusion.
"Magic…or Aura where I come from…is everywhere. Pokémon in particular are surrounded in the power.
Because of this the Professors of my world developed a means of protecting technology from the power. I don't know the full science behind it though." Harry explained to her making Hermione nod.
"Interesting…no one in this world has tried to discover such a means of coexistence." Hermione said making Harry look towards her.
"Why?" He asked making her blink.
"Magic is hidden from the world at large. Mainly because so little of the worlds' population can us it…that and the fact that history shows humanity hasn't treated those with magic well." Harry looked at her in confusion.
Aura was seen as a great gift back home and those blessed with the ability to use it…while few in number…were well respected.
"They would burn those suspected of witchcraft, drown them, and many other things resulting in death. They called them the Witch Trials." Hermione explained to him.
"Why would they do such a thing?" Harry asked her making her sigh.
"Fear for the most part." Harry blinked before taking a moment to think on the knowledge.
"Fear of the unknown is this worlds' greatest weakness…and has caused much death and destruction over time." She added.
"To survive the magical beings of this world have gone into hiding in communities. Magical UK involves Great Britain, Scotland, and Ireland with Hogwarts being the most promenade school for Witchcraft and Wizardry." Harry nodded.
For a short time they traveled in silence towards a great marble building in the alley however as they walked Harry couldn't help but notice wandering eyes following him.
Mainly looking at the scar upon his brow. "You're quite famous here." Hermione said answering the question she believed was building on his lips.
"Why?"
"Mainly because you survived something no one else in history has." Professor McGonagall answered for Hermione.
"When…You-Know-Who attacked your family he used a spell that has always without fail resulted in the victim's death. Until you that is." She explained making Harry blink.
"Somehow the spell didn't work and caused his demise instead of yours. And before you ask…no one is sure how. Again because no one can give a firsthand account." She said making Harry observe the crowds.
"That explains why some are looking at me in awe. However that doesn't explain why some are looking at me in fear." He said making the two witches look and notice that he was right a few were looking at him in fear.
"One of the theories on how you could have possibly survived was that you are some kind of great dark lord in the making." McGonagall told him as they continued on their way.
"And…you do give off a rather intimidating aura." Hermione said making Harry blink.
"How so?" He asked her in confusion.
She smiled at him. "Your dressed as if you're expecting a war." She said making him look down.
"Really? This is a regular uniform of an Aura Guardian back home." He replied before shrugging his head slightly.
"Although…I do have more black than usual." He said making her giggle slightly surprising both herself and McGonagall. Hermione Granger didn't giggle.
After clearing her throat she spoke up. "That's the second time you've used that title. What exactly is an Aura Guardian?" She asked him making Harry smile at her.
"An Aura Guardian is what we call those few humans that use Aura to protect both humans and Pokémon alike.
Basically we're a special form of law enforcement/military power that travel the regions using our gifts for the betterment of the world.
I don't mean to brag, but I am the youngest Aura Guardian in over a century." Harry said with a slight smirk.
"So basically you belong to the magical form of the police force?" Hermione asked making Harry nod.
"Aren't you…a little young to be a police officer?" She asked him making him chuckle.
"In our world one is considered an adult the moment they gain their trainers/coordinators/breeders/researchers license." He said making her blink.
"You're emancipated?" She asked.
"Sort of. Those that don't pursue a career with Pokémon have to wait till they are eighteen before they are considered adults.
The reason those that make a lifestyle out of Pokémon training are considered adults is, because over the course of their journey they will be faced with decisions and challenges that a child is not up to face.
During my journey I raised five children from infancy to adulthood." He explained making Hermione nod.
"So it's more of a necessity than anything else?" She asked making Harry nod.
"What age does one gain a license to work with Pokémon?" She asked always wanting to know more.
"Fourteen is the legal age. However one can gain it at thirteen if they spent a time of four years under the tutelage of a Professor of a region, a champion of a region, or an elite four member of a region." He said with a smile.
"Every region holds one shared tournament of a kind. Trainers from all over travel through a region…" Harry went on to explain how the Pokémon leagues worked and how one went about becoming the best of each region.
"…each region has a group of five trainers that are the best of all others.
The Elite four are numbers five through two. Kanto's elite four are Lorelei who specializes in Ice types, Bruno who specializes in Fighting types, Lance the Dragon type specialist, and finally my grandfather Red who is a mixed trainer."
Harry explained making Hermione nod. "So the elite four are four of a regions strongest trainers and most focus on a single type of Pokémon."
Harry nodded to her reply. "And Champions are the best trainers of a region often they are mixed type trainers like yourself but every once in a while one will focus on a type. Like Lance and his dragons." She finished.
"A plus Miss. Granger." He said making her smile again with a slight blush looking away tucking her hair back.
Minerva McGonagall couldn't help but smile slightly at the sight of one of her favorite students smiling and laughing with the found Potter heir.
A part of her couldn't help but wonder if history was repeating.
Harry had the same confidence of his father, basically the same career, and the same taste in smart women.
However unlike his father he had his mother's studious ways, he wasn't cocky like his father, and he didn't have his father's' open aura that drew people in.
"Can your parents use Aura as well?" Hermione asked Harry making him think about it.
"I'd say dad would be classified as a Squib his ancestor was once a great Aura Guardian named Sir Aaron, but it hasn't be a large part of the family since."
Harry said making Hermione nod.
"Mum only has the amount one would have to get by day to day life." He explained making her nod.
"My parents are muggles too." She told him believing he was going to ask her the same question.
"What do they do for a living?" He asked instead making her smile slightly.
"They're Dentist. I'm sure that must be boring compared to your family with your Grandfather being a member of the Elite Four." Harry laughed at that.
"If he was the only member of the family that had made a name for himself maybe it would be about the same." Harry said making her look at him.
"Mum is the Grand Duchess of Kanto…basically as far as Showcases go she is the number one trainer." He said making Hermione blink.
"And your Dad?" She asked.
"He's Kanto's regional champion." He said making her pause in her step as they walked up the marble stairs of Gringotts bank.
Harry paused as he looked at the plague above the door. "Enter Stranger but take head." He read aloud.
"Of what awaits the sin of greed. For those who take but do not earn. Will pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors. A treasure that was never yours. Thief you have been warned. Beware of finding more than treasure there."
He looked at the guard at the door before looking back up. "Has anyone taken you on your challenge and lived?" Harry asked making both McGonagall and Hermione look at him like he had lost his mind.
The goblin guard smirked at the Aura Guardian. "We've only ever had one break in and they didn't get anything but their life." He said making Harry nod.
"Impressive…not many banks can actually challenge thieves and still claim to be the safest bank." He said as he walked passed the guard who had laughed slightly.
"What the devil were you doing?!" McGonagall hissed at the teen.
"Asking a simple question. After all I've never seen a bank issue a challenge to those that would attempt to rob them. It's rather fascinating." Harry said to her.
"That isn't a challenge! It's a warning!" She hissed again making Harry pause.
"If it was a warning they would've included a few lines of just what would happen to any thief that was caught." He replied with a shrug making both of them blink.
Unknown to those that had just crossed the doorway the guards looked at one another. "A human with a spine...hope some fun comes from that." The two guards chuckled before getting back to work.
Harry walked up to the first free teller. "Greetings Master Goblin." He said as he approached making the teller look up slightly in surprise.
"May your gold ever flow." He added with a slight bow making both McGonagall and Hermione blink in surprise at the formal greeting.
"And may your enemies forever fall by your blade." The Goblin replied.
"I am here to test for any possible inheritance vaults and titles…I have been in a place where bank statements would be unable to reach me." He said to the teller.
The Teller nodded before ringing a bell calling another Goblin forward. "Griphook take our guest to the inheritance division to be tested." The teller said making Harry bow to him.
"Thank you Master Teller. May the blood of your enemies ever flow into your goblets." Harry said making the Teller bow again.
"And may your fortunes ever grow." Harry moved off to follow Griphook.
Once the goblin had led them to a waiting area he instructed them to sit before he left.
"Mr. Ketchum…what made you great the teller in such a way?" McGonagall asked him nod used to hearing a Wizard use such greetings to Goblins.
"Before breakfast I ran laps around the lake…interesting enough I was joined by your Charms teacher." Harry said making McGonagall blink.
"As a former magical dueling champion he likes to keep himself in good shape. I took the time to ask him a few questions about what to expect from this bank.
Since his father was of the goblin race he was more than happy to inform me of a few choice bits of information.
Words to use, what to avoid saying, and even what actions are alright to do in front of them. For instance he actually encouraged me to bring my blade with me." He said motioning to his sword.
"Apparently as a warrior race Goblins respect those that carry around weapons instead of relying exclusively upon wands." Hermione blinked at the information before she felt a pressing need to face palm.
Four years and she never once thought to ask Professor Flitwick about the Goblin race.
"And why are we going through an inheritance test? We already know you are here to inherit the trust account your parents left you." McGonagall stated.
"Because if I just walked up the counter and demanded the Potter inheritance without proof of who I am or even a key they would toss us out on our asses. This way I am going all the proper procedures." Harry explained making the Professor nod after a moment.
After a few minutes the group were called into the office of Ripclaw. Harry looked around and noticed that Ripclaw had a variety of weapons that appeared as claws most likely the cause of his name.
"Hail Master Ripclaw warrior of his clan. May the blood of your enemy ever flow." Harry greeted with a bow.
"And may your enemy ever fall upon your blade. You know our greetings human but I don't remember you ever entering into our halls before." Ripclaw said as he motioned for Harry to sit before his desk.
"I have been away and unable to receive any kind of bank statement. It has only been recently been brought to my attention that my biological family may have left something behind for me." Harry explained making Ripclaw nod his head.
"When were you adopted?" He asked opening a drawer of his desk.
"I was a toddler of a year almost two." Ripclaw nodded as he lifted a gold bowl onto the desk and placed a blade next to it.
"I'll need a sample of your blood. However be warned that if you perform this test any and all keys linked to any vaults you may have will be destroyed leaving us to replace them…that comes with a fee." Ripclaw said making Harry raise an eyebrow.
"How much of a fee are we talking about?" Harry asked.
"Thirty Galleons." Ripclaw said before Harry looked when he saw McGonagall gasp and look offended.
"Highway robbery." Harry said making Ripclaw shrug.
"If you'd rather not see the results then leave my office." The Goblin said.
"Ten Galleons should more than suffice for a key." Harry stated making Ripclaw lose his smile.
"Twenty-five."
"Fifteen…and not a cent more." Harry said placing his hand upon his sword hilt. Hermione and McGonagall looked on in fear at the action thinking Harry had just signed his death warrant.
After a few tense seconds Ripclaw actually fell back into his chair laughing a great billow of a laugh. "I like you human." He said laughing before nodding.
"Fifteen for each vault that is discovered." He said after a moment.
"As long as the amount comes from said vault instead of all from one." Harry counter offered making Ripclaw nod.
"Deal." He said as the pair shook hands. Harry picked up the ceremonial blade.
"You know…I think you're the first human to ever actually try and negotiate with me." Ripclaw said sounding impressed while Harry just cut into his hand making the blood flow into the bowl.
Once it had enough the cut healed as Harry placed the blade down.
After a moment a chime was heard before a sheet of parchment was pushed from a slot on the bottom.
Ripclaw looked at the sheet before he saw something that made him suddenly sit up and curse in his native tongue.
He looked up at Harry with a slight smirk. "No wonder…" He said before handing the sheet to Harry as he rose to his feet.
"Please remain here while I go and collect one of my senior advisors. It seems you are a very important Wizard." He said as he left the office.
Harry lifted the sheet and looked at what was written.
Hadrian 'Harry' Jay Ketchum born Harry James Potter.
Fathers: Ashlyn 'Ash' Red Ketchum via adoption. James Claudius Potter via birth (Deceased)."
Mothers: Serena Jasmine Ketchum nee Williams via adoption. Lily Violet Potter nee Evans via birth (Deceased)
Godparents via Godparent rituals: Sirius Black (Imprisoned), Alice Longbottom (Medically unable to comply)
Godparents chosen by Adopted parents: Dr. Brock Slate, and Misty Star nee Waterflower.
Titles upon adulthood: Lord Potter via James Potter, Lord Black via Sirius Black, Aura Guardian, and Goblin Friend via Lily Potter.
Vaults: Potter trust, Potter main, and Black main
Other inheritance: Animal speech, Minor Metamorphic abilities
Magical contracts: Marriage with Ginevra Weasley (Void.), Alliance Longbottom family.
"Interesting." Harry said reading over the sheet. "They even have information on my adoptive family." Harry thought as he looked over the sheet.
"What do they mean by marriage contract?" Harry asked McGonagall who blinked at the question.
"Marriage contracts are usually used between Pureblood families to ensure good marriages for their children.
They are commonly used in most cases…but you shouldn't have one. Your mother hated the practice and inform many that you would never be placed into one."
McGonagall explained. "Good thing it's voided then." Harry said.
"I've never met this Ginevra Weasley…I doubt we'd have a comfortable life." Hermione blinked at the name.
"Weasley?" Harry looked towards her.
"Know her?"
"Of her…she died two years ago." Harry blinked at that information.
"How?" He asked getting a shrug.
"She was found in a bathroom clutching a destroyed diary, both covered powerful venom from a snake of some kind. No one knows what happened to her." She said making Harry raise an eyebrow.
"Officially it was ruled as an animal attack…but no one has taken a closer look at the case.
By order of Minister Cornelius Fudge and Professor Dumbledore the Supreme Mugwump."
Harry had a good feeling that Hermione didn't like the order. "Did anyone find the snake in question?" Harry asked getting a shake of the head in reply.
Before Harry could speak on the matter more Ripclaw entered back into his office with him an elderly looking Goblin.
"Greetings Goblin Friend. I am Sharpblade head of the Potter accounts. May your gold ever flow." He said making Harry rise to his feet.
"And may your fortunes ever grow." He replied.
"When you did not arrive on your eleventh birthday to receive your inheritance I had begun to worry that the line of Potter would die out." Sharpblade said as he took the sheet behind Ripclaws desk.
"Since I've only just returned to this world that is a valid fear." Harry said as he once more took his seat.
"Indeed." Sharpblade replied.
"Before we begin...is there anything you wish to request of us?" Sharpblade asked. Harry took a moment and looked at the sheet before him.
"I'd like a full audit of all three of my vaults if that is possible." Harry said making Sharpblade nod.
"Agreed." He said before looking at Ripclaw who nodded and left to follow the request.
"Now then our records show that you are considered of age as of your fourteenth birthday." Sharpblade said making Harry nod.
"My home world grants adulthood and all the responsibilities to those that follow a certain career path at that age. I received my license for said career on that day."
Harry explained making Sharpblade nod.
"It matters not…the tournament you were forced into deemed you of age according to two heads of the Ministry of Magic and the Supreme Mugwump.
This means you now have the options of taking up both Lordship titles owed to you."
Sharpblade informed him making Harry blink. "What exactly would these titles entail as far as responsibilities go? I don't plan to remain here longer than necessary." Harry said making Sharpblade nod.
"The titles come with seats on the Wizards government/courts meaning you would be responsible for placing votes towards laws and other matters." Sharpblade informed making Harry sigh.
"I hate politics." He said.
"Can I possibly name a proxy to handle that part of the bargain?" Harry asked making Sharpblade nod.
"Yes but…"
"I can't just pick a random stranger off the street to take over." Harry finished making Sharpblade nod.
Harry looked at the sheet holding his inheritance information.
"What about the Longbottom head? Since their family and I seem to have a long Alliance." Harry asked making Sharpblade nod.
"Madame Augusta Longbottom holds the title until her Grandson Neville takes over.
You could name her your proxy to take over until you wish to hold them or until they pass to someone else." Harry nodded before he looked at McGonagall.
"What kind of woman is Madame Longbottom?" He asked. McGonagall took a moment.
"Shrewd, honest, brave, and very set in her ideas of how the world should work." She answered making Harry nod.
"Perfect." He said looking at Sharpblade who nodded.
"The only other responsibilities would be deciding what you are to do with your new found wealth.
However I would recommend reading this…" He said placing an ancient looking book upon the desk.
Harry looked at the title. "Magical Law…do you think I will need this so soon?" He asked the Goblin.
"I never hurts to be prepared." Sharpblade said making Harry shrug.
However instead of picking up said book he placed his hand upon the top said hand began to glow blue as he closed his eyes. Sharpblade and the two witches watched as he raised his hand making the book open before the pages started to rapidly turn.
Harry's eyes rolling behind their lids as the pages continued to turn again and again until the book suddenly closed making the glow vanish.
Harry rolled his neck taking a deep breath before opening his eyes with a hint of blue vanishing.
"Ask any question about that book." Harry said to the Goblin. Sharpblade grabbed the book and opened it to a random page.
"What is the legality of life debts?" Sharpblade asked. Harry's eyes went blank for a moment before he spoke in a monotone like voice.
"Life debts are created between two magical humans after one saves the life of another without hope of gaining anything. The Debt will be held by a family line until magic feels it is fulfilled.
One cannot create a debt if they are directly responsible for bringing about the near cause of death. Legally one can use said debt to force one to follow a command set with the promise of the debt being fulfilled afterwards.
The only time a life debt can be created by another means is if during a duel to the death the victor gives the defeated their life back."
Harry blinked before shaking his head.
"That was almost word for word." Sharpblade said looking up from the book before closing it.
"A nifty little trick Aura Guardians can use to learn the laws of foreign lands without the hours of study…comes with a major headache though." Harry said rubbing his temples.
Sharpblade looked at the scar above the boys right eye and noticed it was starting to bleed as a bead of black flowed from the bottom.
"Is it normal for that scar to do that?" He asked as Harry pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at the liquid.
"Only when I overexert myself…or use an ability that focuses greatly upon the mind." Harry said making Sharpblade hum slightly.
"Then I would like to have one of our healers look it over." He said making Harry look at him in curiosity.
"Curse scars shouldn't still bleed and as a Goblin Friend it would look poor on us to not check your health over."
"What exactly is a Goblin Friend…and how did my biological mother go about earning the title?" Harry asked making Sharpblade smirk.
"A Goblin Friend is a title give to a human that has earned our respect in some great way. Mainly via combat.
Your mother was a very powerful woman who had quite the reputation of being bloodthirsty towards thoughts that threatened the life of her loved ones.
Much like you she carried around a weapon however instead of a single sword she preferred a pair of butterfly swords." Harry raised his eyebrow knowing the pair of short swords that were famously used by more women over men.
"She gained the title of Goblin Friend by slewing my predecessor after he was found to be aiding an outsider with the embezzlement of Potter funds.
We never found out whom he was working with but the sight of her marching out of this facility with his head in a sack upon her waist was enough to gain our respect." Harry looked at the Goblin instead of looking disgusted or fearful he actually looked quite impressed.
"Go Mum." He said making the Goblin nod in agreement.
"I've got to say I quite like those Goblin fellows." Harry said a couple of hours later as the trio of humans left the building.
The only real difference that was seen was the two rings upon his left hand both with a marvelous ability to remain hidden if he so wished.
Not to mention his scar was almost completely faded from sight.
As it turns out the Goblins had been right to worry about his health and discovered a leach of some kind inside the scar.
Over the years it had been feeding itself upon his Magic/Aura never letting him reach his full potential.
The Goblins were going to take the leach and use their magic to discover it's true purpose and hopefully the one responsible for it. The audit had turned up something as well.
It seems that the same person who had tried to set up the marriage contract between himself and Ginevra Weasley had also tried to make it so her family received a constant dowry from his family.
The payments of course ended upon the time of her death however it hadn't stopped the Goblins from vowing to discover where the money went.
They did learn that the contract was made by Sharpblades predecessor and his human conspirator since the contract was for a Male Potter and Female Weasley it was left open.
However since the contract was voided Harry was able to completely get rid of it upon the claiming of his titles.
He had also asked to be put in contact with the person in charge of magical law enforcement to show him/her the findings to see if they could help as well.
"I'll have to come back again if only to not lose my edge." Harry said as he wiped off his blade and sheathed it.
After his health checked out Harry wound up being challenged by a young Goblin who didn't believe he was worthy of inheriting his mother's title.
The now armless and one legged Goblin was forever to spend the rest of his days in shame for such a goading.
"I would ask that you don't make a habit of such a practice…but I fear it would fall on deaf ears." McGonagall said remembering the boys' mother well.
While Lily had a good head on her shoulders and was more than capable of keeping the likes of James Potter in line…she was a rather violent woman when she wanted to be.
"Ah don't worry Professor. After all the Goblins seemed to enjoy the sport." Harry said waving her off making her sigh.
"How on earth did he wind up just like her?" She asked herself.
Once back at Hogwarts Harry returned to his partners with Hermione the pair stopping when they saw a sight that almost made Harry break out in laughter.
Standing by the fence was a group of well-dressed beings in robes minus a squat toad like woman all in pink.
All of them were looking frazzled at the sight of Ronin standing before them holding a bundle of sticks in his pincer while Mystic stood behind him glaring down at them.
As they approached Harry could hear Hagrid speaking. "I did try to tell ya Minister. You can't approach the Pokémon without permission from their trainer."
"With good reason." Harry spoke making everyone turn to see him and Hermione approach.
"Professor…I see that we've gained some uninvited guest." He added as he approached walking past those standing there.
"Ah you must be the one in charge of these beast..."
"Careful toady." Harry interrupted making said woman puff up. "My partners are perfectly capable of understanding human speech. You insult them at your own risk."
Harry said to her as he walked passed making the woman look up at the giant sea snake towering above them.
"Now who are you people? And why are you encroaching upon foreign soil?" Harry asked.
"Hogwarts…"
"This enclosure was made to be our base of operations much the same for the Carriage of Beauxbatons and the Ship of Durmstrang meaning this enclosure is dubbed foreign national ground until the end of the tournament."
Harry spoke up before the toad could get going again making her blink.
"Mr. Potter…"
"Lord." Harry interrupted the man with the bowler hat who blinked.
"Pardon?" He asked as Harry held up his left hand showing off a band of silver with a dark stone.
"Lord Black in formal cases Mr.…?" Harry asked making the man blink.
"Cornelius Fudge Minister of Magic." He said making Harry look at him with a raised eyebrow.
"And what would the Minister of Magic want with me?" Harry asked leaning against the fence.
"Lord Black we are here because you have been missing for quite some time…"
"Then I should've been contacted by a member of your law enforcement offices not the man in charge of the government." Harry interrupted again making Fudge blink.
"Yes well…"
"If you wish for a moment of PR then I suggest running it through my representative Senior Accountant Sharpblade of Gringotts Bank." Harry said making the man blink.
"As a Goblin Friend the goblins of Gringotts were more than willing to help me muddle through the politics of this world.
This means that any newspaper articles involving me or my name will be screened first by them, any public speaking events with be cleared with them, and any kind of legal matter that turns up will be handled by them and their team of solicitors.
As this matter…whatever it may be…was not cleared by them I'm afraid you and I have nothing to talk about Minister." Harry said before turning and walking into the enclosure with Hermione while Ronin dropped the bundle of sticks and Mystic sunk into the waters.
"You realize you've probably angered some powerful people?" Hermione asked him making him smile at her.
"If I am to be forced into this world and play a role in it…I'm going to play by my rules not there's." He said to her before he approached the tent that was to be his home away from home…yet again.
That's all for now folks I hope you all enjoyed it and will continue to read this work.
R&R Ja Ne