I cannot apologize enough for my prolonged absence from writing my stories. Life has been… very unkind to me of late. I'm working through it as best I can, but I am currently without access to the in depth plans I have for my main series, Fate Generations and Fate Lost Origin. As such, I will primarily be writing this series and my Multiverse Reincarnation Network series.
This chapter has quite a bit of dialogue, but rest assured this story is not going to be dialogue driven. They had quite a lot to discuss and I didn't want to rush through the necessary discussions. Expect Wizengamot meetings to be full of dialogue as well, but otherwise, the dialogue will be at a normal level.
In response to the review from a guest user:
No, they will not tell everyone they are from the future. For now, the only people I intend to know they are from the future are Minerva and Albus, and potentially Sirius. Nobody else really needs to know.
I do not own Harry Potter. If I did, the undertones of JK Rowling's prejudices would not be present.
Professor McGonagall arrived in Diagon Alley alongside Harry, Hermione, and her parents with Harry not being noticed in the Leaky Cauldron like his first time around. Turns out entering the magical world was a bit easier without a man as large as Hagrid attracting attention.
"Alright everyone, lets stick together. It's all too easy to get separated in the Alley this time of year if you're not careful. Our first stop is going to be Gringotts, and then Madam Malkins to get you your Hogwarts robes, and to get Harry out of those old clothes."
Harry nodded along as he tried to remember his first time through Diagon Alley, and how little he had really known what was going on at the time. Hagrid, as much as Harry loved his half-giant friend, wasn't a particularly good guide in the Alley, and him rushing to get the stone to safety probably didn't help. Today, though, he would be sure to really make use of his trust vault and get the best resources he could find.
Harry had no choice but to learn everything he could in order to defeat Voldemort before he was resurrected. If he was ever able to regain his body again, it would only be a matter of time until he took over. That battle at the ministry would have been a tipping point in the war, and Harry was certain the fall of ministry could not be stopped if his first life had simply ended and continued to play out.
That was when Harry realized they didn't have his vault key, and tipping off Dumbledore before the meeting would ensure Harry lost his chance to explore Diagon Alley. He could only hope that something could be arranged to get access to his vault.
He was brought out of his contemplation at the doors of Gringotts, where two armored goblins let them pass. The Grangers were greatly surprised at the goblins, and couldn't help but stare at them all as they were led to the teller, who greeted them without so much as looking at them.
"Pardon me Ironclaw, we have a few matters to take care of today. Mr. Potter requires access to his trust vault and Ms. Granger will be in need of a start-up vault."
Ironclaw glanced up at the name of Potter, and then frowned as he heard the name Granger.
"Any relation to Dagworth-Granger?"
Nobody expected this line of questioning. Minerva gave a questioning look to Hermione, who shrugged half-heartedly.
"Not that is known."
Ironclaw scowled as he closed the ledger he had been working with.
"A test can be done to be sure. As for Mr. Potter, does he have his key?"
Minerva glanced at Harry, who shook his head.
"No, the key appears to have been lost."
Ironclaw glared first at Harry and then Minerva.
"Then he will need to complete an inheritance test as well. Griphook!"
Another goblin from a nearby booth perked up at his name and made his way over to the group.
"What can I do for you?"
Ironclaw waved toward them with a scowl.
"Bring them to a secure room. The young wizards require inheritance tests, and if Mr. Potter is who he says, he will need a new key to his vault, which will need to be re-keyed as the key they should have was lost. Ms. Granger will also be needing a start-up vault."
Griphook nodded and turned around, walking further into the bank.
"Follow me."
Minerva followed first with the others behind her, and she was beginning to think this trip to Gringotts would be anything but quick. A few moments later, Griphook led them into a room that, upon entry, the doors all vanished.
"Sit."
There was a large round table in the center of the room, with more than enough seats for them all. Harry and Hermione exchanged looks while her parents squirmed in their seats anxiously.
"First order of business, inheritance tests for two."
As he spoke, the required documents appeared on the table, and Griphook pushed a piece of parchment to Harry and Hermione along with a small knife.
"Please place a few drops of your blood in the circled area. Once this is done, the document will provide information on any accounts you may be heir to."
They both nodded and pricked their fingertips with the provided knives, drawing blood. Dan and Emma looked opposed, but it was over and done before they could do anything. After the blood touched the parchment, ink began to fill out the page and the cuts healed.
Harry read his inheritance test with mild surprise, before turning rather green for a few moments before he began to read the important sections.
"Harry James Potter. Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Peverell. Heir Primary to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Heir Primary to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Gryffindor. Heir Secondary to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Slytherin, and a side note saying the heirship to Slytherin House is through the Gaunt line."
Nobody spoke for almost a minute. The first was Minerva.
"Dear Merlin… an heir to five houses!"
Griphook just stared oddly at Harry, as if he were some strange museum artifact. Harry had a few questions about his titles, though.
"So… what exactly can I do with these heirships? I think I recall something about Lords being on the Wizengamot, but I only heard about it in passing."
Griphook nodded while Minerva did the explaining. While she wasn't on the Wizengamot, most magical adults knew plenty about it.
"Yes, that is correct. Lords of Noble and Ancient Houses as well as either Noble or Ancient Houses have a right to a seat upon the Wizengamot, and the Minister also has the ability to appoint new members of the Wizengamot but cannot remove them. Removal requires a vote from the entire Wizengamot. You, as an Heir, would be able to appoint a magical adult as your proxy and nobody could question that decision."
Harry filed this information away, fully intent on making use of his seats on the Wizengamot to help keep the Death Eaters affiliated with the Ministry in check.
Hermione shook herself from her shock, but ended up just shaking her head with a sigh before looking at her own test results.
"Harry… I…"
Harry raised a brow as he looked over to her.
"Hermione Jean Granger… Heiress to the House of Dagworth-Granger."
Now it was Harry's turn to be surprised.
"That's great, Hermione!"
Hermione herself was still trying to come to terms that she was in fact descended from a wizarding family. She could only think that her ancestor produced a squib, and magic was reawakened in her bloodline with her.
"I can hardly believe it…"
There was another person or two that was struggling to believe this turn of events, Dan and Emma. Emma was just kind of staring at Dan, as if he was a whole new person.
"Emma, I… I had no idea… My father never spoke of his family…"
Emma sighed and her gaze turned back to Hermione.
"That does explain a few things."
Griphook, having had enough of wasting his valuable time, moved along to the next order of business.
"Save it for later. If you will follow me, I can bring you to your vaults. I sent for keys while you talked. First will be the Dagworth-Granger vault. There is no trust vault, but as your father is of age and a muggle descendant of Dagworth-Granger, you may enter with his permission."
Dan nodded to Griphook, and Minerva led with a short glance behind to her new students.
"Now remember, you both may be heirs and have a fair amount of wealth, but you must take care with your spending and make sure you have a trustworthy adult to help you manage your finances."
Harry and Hermione smiled and gave her a short nod.
"Yes Professor."
"Good."
A door appeared in the wall as they approached, and they followed Griphook towards a cart that expanded as they each filled in.
A short, exciting, and slightly sickening ride later, they stood in front of Hermione's new vault. An owl flew by and dropped a key right into Griphook's outstretched hand.
Hermione nodded as she accepted the key from Griphook, and she gulped before putting the key into the keyhole and turning it. The door clicked and spun, opening to reveal quite a bit more than Hermione was expecting.
Gold was piled high in one corner of the vault, while the rest was full of various potions equipment, and even seemed to have a small workstation set up with documents still strewn across the desk.
Hermione went straight for the desk and began to read the papers upon it.
"Harry! It says here that Hector Dagworth-Granger founded the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers!"
Harry perked up a bit at that. He liked potions as a subject, even if he absolutely hated Snape.
"That's great! Maybe now we can keep you-know-who off our backs."
Minerva gave Harry an extremely odd look.
"Excuse me? Did you just say that potions research would help keep You-Know-Who at bay?"
Harry, surprising Minerva, erupted into a fit of chuckles. Once he was done, he waved off Minerva's raised brow.
"Sorry Professor, I wasn't referring to Voldemort. Bloody useless hyphenated name… I meant our soon-to-be potions Professor."
Minerva flinched at his name and just shook her head.
Hermione finally tore herself away from the potions notes to retrieve some galleons for their school supplies. On her way out, she spoke with Griphook.
"Pardon me Griphook, but does Gringotts have anything like a muggle debit card?"
Griphook nodded and waved for the group to follow him back into the cart, presumably to go to Harry's vaults.
"We do, I will arrange for such once we are done in the vaults."
Hermione nodded appreciatively.
"Thank you Griphook."
The goblin gave her an odd look before they took off down the tracks. A few minutes later, they arrived on one of the lowest levels of Gringotts.
"Here we are, the Potter trust vault. Here is your key. Do not lose this one."
Harry nodded as he accepted the key.
"Thanks."
He got another look from Griphook before entering his vault. He didn't stay long as he only had access to gold, and they quickly moved on to the next vault.
"The rest of your vaults that you can access are on the lowest level of the bank. Stay close and do not bother the dragon."
Harry and Hermione glanced around them at the adults and settled on Griphook.
"There's a dragon down here?"
Griphook nodded silently. Hermione just sort of gawked at him.
"That seems… rather dangerous. I know it's to protect the vaults, but...Couldn't you just ride the dragon out…?"
Griphook just glared at her, and she spoke nothing more on the subject. Once they were past the dragon and Griphook put away the clankers, they stood in front of an enormous vault door, easily double the size of the vaults they passed by to get there.
"This is the Peverell vault. It, along with the Gryffindor and Slytherin vaults, will not be accessible to you until you are of age and have claimed Lordship of the family. Those two vaults are on the other side of this floor, beyond the dragon again. As for the Black Family vault, there are a number of issues regarding the account and you will be required to speak with your Ministry about the details. Normally Gringotts would be the sole handler, but… the Ministry made this mess and must sort it out before we can proceed. Let us return to the lobby, if our business is finished."
Harry frowned a bit but nodded nonetheless.
"Yes, that will be all for today. Thank you for showing us around, Griphook."
Griphook just muttered to himself and shook his head before leading them topside and back to the lobby. He stopped to speak with Ironclaw for a moment, and returned to Harry and Hermione with a golden card with their respective family crests upon the front.
"Here you are. Just hand this over to pay at the counter of any wizarding store after stating the amount to pay, and the account will be charged. Good day to you, young witch and wizard."
Griphook turned and left before one of the young wizards in question tried to thank him again.
Minerva began to lead them all out of Gringotts after what had been nearly an hour inside, though she was mildly surprised.
"Goblins don't normally show that level of respect to witches and wizards… Continue to be courteous with them, and perhaps you will have an ally in them. After all, Harry, it does appear that you are now their richest customer."
Harry filed that thought away for later, as it did sound like being on good terms with the goblins could do no harm.
"I'll keep it in mind Professor."
Minerva nodded and finally they began their shopping trip. The first place they stopped was, as planned, Madam Malkins.
"Ah, Minerva. Chaperoning for the muggleborns again this year?"
Minerva smiled and shook hands with Madam Malkin.
"Good Afternoon. I am, but today is an exception. These two are muggle raised, not muggle born. Actually… We could use some discretion on this matter."
Madam Malkin gave the kids a questioning glance, only to fall upon Harry's scar and come to a quick realization.
"Oh! Yes of course, Minerva. Please, follow me."
The group followed and was split up, with Minerva staying with Harry and the Grangers with their daughter.
Harry and Hermione were quickly measured and Madam Malkin quickly got down to business.
"So that will be a set of required Hogwarts robes and accessories for each of you, and will there be anything else?"
Harry took the wheel as he knew he would need regular clothes as well as robes for his duties as heir to multiple houses, and he definitely wasn't doing a redo of his school days wearing Dudley's old rags.
"Yes, I know I will need… let's see… 6 pairs of dress robes. 5 will need one of these family crests and the last will need all of them. I will also need one pair of plain black robes, another in emerald, and the last in crimson. Also, I will probably be needing a set of dragonhide robes with all of the crests."
Harry discreetly showed Madam Malkin the family crests he would need on his robes, and she just stared at him until he gave her a nod. Minerva gave her a look that reminded her to be discreet.
"A-Alright. I'll be just a moment with your friend and we can figure out how long until it's all ready."
Harry smiled and offered his thanks as Madam Malkin sorted out Hermione's needs. Aside from Hogwarts robes, all she needed was a pair of plain black robes and a pair of dress robes with the Dagworth-Granger crest. Madam Malkin went to the front of the store for a few minutes before returning with an estimate.
"Okay. Firstly, for you Mr.- Harry, the total will be 82 Galleons and 7 Sickles. Ms. Dagworth-Granger, it will be 25 Galleons and 13 Sickles. I'll put in a rush order for you, so your robes will all be ready in about thirty minutes, perhaps a few more."
The group thanked Madam Malkin and left the store after paying, passing a pair of young witches that Harry and Hermione recognized, the Greengrass sisters. Daphne walked right by without so much as looking at them, but Astoria was younger and shorter than her sister, and looked right up at Harry and her eyes immediately found his scar.
Astoria turned and watched in silence as her mind caught up with what she saw, and then the group was gone. She let out a little excited squeal and ran to catch back up with Daphne.
"Daffy! You'll never guess who I just saw!"
Minerva heard Astoria on the other side of the door to Madam Malkins, and rushed the group to the other side of the street and into Ollivanders hoping they weren't followed.
As soon as they entered, Ollivander was right there greeting Minerva.
"Welcome, welcome. Wonderful to see you again, Professor. Fir and dragon heartstring, nine and a half inches, unyielding flexibility… And young Mr. Potter, I knew I'd be seeing you sometime soon."
Minerva sighed as Ollivander described her wand, as he did with all of his customers.
"Likewise. We are a bit behind schedule, so we'll need to try and make this quick. Mr. Potter and Ms. Dagworth-Granger are in need of wands."
Ollivander nodded a few times as his mind drifted, before he returned to reality and began the measurements for both of them with a flick of his wand. After seeing the results he scrambled behind the counter looking for wands he thought may fit them.
Harry knew the process would take quite some time, but with every wand they tried, even Hermione was taking a while to pair with a wand.
"Ms. Dagworth-Granger, try this one. Vine wood, dragon heartstring core. Ten and three-fourths inches, stiff. Give it a whirl."
Hermione did so with a smile on her face, knowing it was her own wand. Golden sparks shot out of the wand and Ollivander told her to sit and wait while Harry continued the search. A few failed wands later, and Ollivander finally thought to have him try the wand he had before.
Ollivander explained its connection to "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named", surprising Minerva greatly, and handed it off to Harry. The wand seemed to vibrate in his hand and a flash of golden light nearly blinded everyone in the room.
"Strange… I have never seen a wand connect so strongly with a wizard, or witch. I daresay this may be the best matched wand sold from this shop. Use it well."
Harry just shrugged and smiled.
"I will, thank you Ollivander. However..."
Harry glanced at Minerva and back to Ollivander.
"I will be needing a second wand."
Ollivander frowned and glanced at Minerva, who sighed and glared half-heartedly at Harry.
"Harry James Potter! We must not waste any more time. After how long it took to match with your first…"
Ollivander scratched his chin as he thought.
"Well… Now we have a better idea of what kind of wand suits you, Mr. Potter. Perhaps… It has been quite some time, but… I could make a new wand for you. It would help to know why exactly you need a second wand as well."
Harry's eyes lit up with excitement before he began to explain, wondering if Ollivander would know more about the issue he had in mind.
"Well… This wand is a brother to Voldemort's. Suppose the two wands, when connected, caused a strange phenomenon where they struggled for dominance between clashing spells. If that struggle was won by my wand and Voldemort's started to… regurgitate his previous spells-"
"Priori Incantatem… Yes, yes… That could… Why, Mr. Potter, I can't help but wonder how you could know of such things."
Harry shrugged with an innocent smile.
"Sorry, Ollivander. I can't tell you how I know. But, if in that situation, a second wand with no connection to his would be available…"
Ollivander frowned but nodded.
"Yes, I see how that may come in handy. I can make you an identical wand, one that has no connection to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. That would also keep others from noticing you have a second wand… Give me a few minutes, and I will have it ready for you."
Minerva rushed them out of the door after paying seven galleons each, and another seven for Harry's second wand. True to his word, Ollivander managed to put the wand together in less than ten minutes.
"We've spent far too much time here already, let's try to be quick about the rest of our shopping so we have time to discuss things."
Hermione looked longingly across Diagon Alley at the bookstore, and then sighed. Harry just nodded along.
"With all the time it took in Ollivanders, your robes are surely finished. Let's stop by Madam Malkins before moving on."
The group followed Minerva into the shop, only to hear a young girl yell in their direction.
"See! I told you!"
Harry's head snapped in the direction of the voice, and sure enough Astoria Greengrass was pointing at them, standing beside her sister who stared at Harry with an open mouth, before quickly shutting it and continuing to silently stare at him.
Harry waved in their direction, surprising Daphne and causing Astoria to squeal and vigorously wave back at him. Madam Malkin chose this moment to return from assisting another customer, and waved them over to the counter.
"Welcome back, everything is prepared for you. I have everything shrunk down and lightweight so it's no trouble to carry around."
She handed Harry and Hermione each their bag full of robes, and quickly returned to her other customers.
Daphne and Astoria finally approached them, and while Minerva looked like she wanted to drag them all out of the store, Harry waved them all into a corner so nobody else could hear them.
Daphne spoke first, and chose to do so with a formal introduction.
"Good Afternoon, my name is Daphne Greengrass, Heiress Primary to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Greengrass. This is my younger sister Astoria, and Heiress Secondary to our house."
Harry, though not experienced with the formalities of being an heir to an important house, managed a response well enough.
"Likewise, Heiress Greengrass. As I'm sure you have figured out, my name is Harry Potter, Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Potter and Peverell, Heir Primary to the Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Black and Gryffindor, and Heir Secondary to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Slytherin. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Minerva sighed, Hermione shook her head, and the Greengrass sisters stared at Harry as if waiting for him to say that he was joking, or perhaps to continue with the list of houses he was supposedly heir to. When he never did, Daphne opened her mouth and closed it a few times before finally getting some words out.
"That's… Yes, likewise, Heir…"
Harry stifled a chuckle before waving off her confusion on his title.
"Heir Potter is fine."
Astoria stared at Harry in silent awe, and decided that was a good moment to pinch her sister.
"Ow! Tori!"
She gulped, looking a bit like she swallowed a lemon, and hastily tried to save herself from her sister's wrath.
"Just making sure we're awake!"
Daphne practically growled at her.
"Pinch yourself then!"
Astoria laughed nervously and waved her off.
"My bad?"
Daphne huffed and crossed her arms before returning her attention to Harry, just as he introduced Hermione.
"And this is my friend, Hermione Dagworth-Granger, Heiress to the House of Dagworth-Granger."
Daphne managed a smile and reached out to shake her hand, and the gesture was returned.
"Nice to meet you, Heiress Greengrass. I look forward to our time together at Hogwarts."
Daphne smiled and nodded.
"It was a pleasure meeting the two of you, but we really must be going. Astoria and I were supposed to meet up with our mother before you even returned to the shop, but Tori here refused to leave until you returned."
Harry and Hermione laughed it off, and wished them well as Daphne practically pushed her sister out of the shop.
Minerva did just about the same thing with them once they got changed into their new plain robes, still eager to get the shopping done quickly. Their next stop was Flourish and Blotts. Minerva made sure they just grabbed their school books saying they could return another day to shop at their leisure and rushed them into the next shop, Eeylops Owl Emporium, where Harry purchased Hedwig and Hermione found a tawny owl that she liked, and named him Caesar.
Next was Pottage's Cauldron Shop. A quick purchase there and Minerva was ushering them out and into the next and final shop for the afternoon, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, to get the last of what they needed. They quickly grabbed what they needed, paid for their supplies, and left the shop with Minerva and the Grangers.
"That's all the shopping for today. Now, Harry, Hermione, please wait at Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Mr. and Mrs. Granger, please follow me to the apparition point. I'll have Hermione home as quickly as possible."
Dan and Emma, who had remained silent for much of the trip to Diagon, nodded their heads numbly and gave their daughter a quick hug before waving to Harry and following Minerva towards the entrance to the Alley.
Harry and Hermione each got some ice cream from the shop and loitered nearby leaning against a wall out of the busy traffic. Harry got mint chocolate chip and Hermione decided to get cookie dough. Knowing they had at least a few minutes without Professor McGonagall, Harry decided it was the best chance they had to talk about their situation.
"So, Hermione… Do we trust him?"
Hermione looked thoughtful as she licked her ice cream cone, not taking long to reach a decision.
"I think we should. He deserves a chance, at least…"
Harry grumbled a bit but with ice cream in his hand he couldn't stay that way for long.
"One chance. I think we should make sure he knows that he has to be 100% honest with us. If he can't do that… We cut him out of the loop. If he had been honest with us, honest with me, we probably wouldn't even be in this situation."
Hermione sighed and licked her cone.
"True… That works for me-"
The pair stopped talking as soon as they heard a very familiar voice, and their eyes flickered across the Alley until they found a family of redheads, though not the whole set.
"He's not Fred, I am!"
"Are you sure you're our mother?"
"OH That's enough, you two! Wait outside while I take Percy in to pick out his owl. And behave! You'd best be here when we come out!"
Harry could practically hear Fred and George roll their eyes as they said "Yes mum." in unison. He exchanged a look with Hermione, but she just shrugged and ate more of her ice cream. Harry returned the gesture and approached the twins while they whispered to each other and pointed further down Diagon Alley, at one of the few empty buildings. Harry smiled at that, knowing exactly what they planned on doing in the future.
At first the twins paid no attention to the young wizard walking toward them, until they realized he was actually walking right to them, not just down the street. When they noticed, they called out to him. Which one called out, he really had no idea. He never had been able to tell them apart.
"Oi! Who might you be?"
"And what business do you have with us?"
Harry just smiled and extended a hand in greeting.
"Hello, I am Harry Potter."
Fred and George gave him a look, and focused upon his forehead where his hair mostly covered his scar.
"Bollocks, that. Right George?"
Harry figured that was George speaking, since they liked to swap names to confuse people.
"Hm, I dunno Fred, it could be him."
"He is supposed to attend Hogwarts this year."
"It's certainly not Draco Malfoy."
Harry gave a laugh at that, but then just lifted his hair to show them his scar after making sure nobody was paying attention to them.
"Merlin's saggy left-"
Mrs. Weasley stepped out of the Owl Emporium with Percy close behind and carrying a cage with his new owl inside.
"GEORGE!"
As natural as breathing, the other twin spoke up.
"I'm George!"
"Language! Don't make me give you both Ronald's share of chores!"
Fred and George both closed their mouths before saying something they would regret. Mrs. Weasley then turned her attention to Harry.
"Hello there, might you be a first year?"
Harry nodded and licked what was left of his ice cream cone.
"My name is-"
Minerva finally returned, interrupting Harry by clearing her throat before he could introduce himself.
"Oh. Hello Professor."
Mrs. Weasley quickly turned to Minerva and greeted her.
"Good afternoon! How have you been, Minerva?"
Minerva smiled and returned the greeting.
"I've been quite well Molly, thank you. If you will excuse me, though, I am in a rush to return these two to their homes."
Molly waved her off, not bothered at all.
"Of course, I have to get these three back to Arthur and the others in Madam Malkins. Take care Minerva."
Molly dragged the twins away while Percy followed closely behind them. A desperate plea could be heard from the twins, up until they entered the nearby shop.
The last thing Harry heard them say was "But that was Harry Potter!" before being dragged off by Minerva once again. Once they managed to exit the Leaky Cauldron without drawing attention, Minerva had a few words for Harry.
"You really ought to be more careful about telling people who you are."
Harry shrugged.
"I trust the Weasleys. They were like family to me… before."
Minerva's expression softened, but she still had more to say.
"Be that as it may, you never know who might be listening."
Harry shrugged again.
"Yeah… But honestly it won't be a secret for long. I didn't know about all of this before since we had my key and never needed to take the inheritance test, but I can use my titles to act on the political battlefield, and maybe even stop the war before it starts this time."
Minerva gave Harry a long look, but ultimately sighed and had to admit it may help.
"Alright, Mr. Potter. We will discuss this with the Headmaster as well, but do try to be careful…"
Harry nodded.
"I can try, at least."
With another sigh and a shake of her head, Minerva and the two teens out of time passed the boundary to the apparition point.
"Now, it's time to go see Albus. Are you ready?"
Harry was thankful for the heads up, he really wasn't a fan of apparating. Then again, he has issues with the Floo and even Portkeys, so magical means of travel just didn't seem to agree with him. He and Hermione both nodded, and then they were sucked through a point in space and squeezed out just beyond the gates of Hogwarts.
Harry quietly discussed how they planned to handle Dumbledore until they reached his office, though Minerva could hear them despite their efforts. They didn't trust Dumbledore, but they didn't entirely dislike him.
Harry came to the conclusion he had spread himself too thin between his duties at Hogwarts, the Ministry, and the Wizarding World as a whole, while Hermione thought that perhaps he was simply a manipulative old goat, though he had good intentions. Ultimately, they agreed it could well be a bit of both.
Even thinking that, they still knew Dumbledore was their single greatest asset and the most knowledgeable about magic. It didn't take very long to arrive at his office, which Minerva led them into using the password "Gobstopper".
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office with Fawkes perched beside him on the desk while the Headmaster stroked his feathers. He looked up in surprise, not having scheduled any meetings with the staff until the next morning.
"Ah, Minerva. What can I-"
Albus quickly noticed the young witch and wizard following behind her, and of course instantly recognized Harry. He did look so much like James. Sadness washed over the Headmaster for a moment, but he quickly set the emotion aside.
"Harry my boy, what a surprise. Please, take a seat."
With a quick wave of his wand he conjured three chairs for his guests and raised a brow at Minerva, who seemed to be holding back a wave of displeasure knowing that he had convinced her to leave Harry with his abusive relatives.
"What brings you all to Hogwarts this afternoon?"
Minerva sighed, and she began to speak.
"Let me first just say this, Albus. I swear on my life and magic that I will never allow Harry Potter to return to the home of Petunia Dursley, so mote it be."
Albus nearly jumped out of his seat in surprise.
"Minerva! Why… That was hardly necessary!"
Minerva shook her head.
"I wish it was unnecessary, Albus. But you clearly haven't been checking up on him if that's what you think… When I arrived to take him shopping in Diagon Alley, he was locked inside a cupboard under the stairs while his cousin had a room for himself, and another for his toys! Look at him, Albus! He's skin and bones!"
Albus couldn't manage to get his thoughts in order, much less a response. He looked at Harry more closely and realized that Minerva spoke the truth.
"I… Arabella has been keeping an eye on him. She never… I am so sorry, Harry. Truly, I had no idea…"
Rage flashed across Minerva's eyes for a moment, but was quickly pushed down.
"In any case, I have made sure those muggles will never be allowed near children with any form of responsibility over them. I expect the muggle authorities to be speaking with our muggle representatives in the Ministry about this before the night is over."
Albus' eyes widened, but he sighed and seemed to deflate.
"I understand, Minerva. Thank you for your actions today, but I have to wonder why you were taking him to Diagon Alley already. He is still ten, after all."
Harry finally decided to enter the conversation, just as Minerva opened her mouth to respond.
"Actually Headmaster, I'm fifteen."
Albus blinked and stared at Harry, and then pointed his wand at his ears in turn and used a silent ear-cleaning charm.
"Pardon me Harry, I think I misheard you."
Harry just smiled and stifled a chuckle.
"I said I'm fifteen, sir."
Albus blinked again.
"Ah. Merlin, Minerva. You didn't say they had done any mental damage…"
Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose while Hermione struggled to hold back a fit of giggles. Harry just laughed.
"I'm not touched in the noggin, Headmaster."
Albus glanced at the three and back at Harry, but he didn't trust himself to speak in that moment. Harry could barely keep himself from watching the great Albus Dumbledore struck silent in bewilderment.
"Hermione and I came from the future. Entirely by accident, of course. Though I much prefer that to dying at the hands of Rabastan Lestrange, or Merlin forbid, Crabbe Sr..."
Albus blinked and opened his mouth, and then shut it again.
"Harry, my boy… Perhaps you should start from the beginning."
Harry raised an eyebrow at Albus and smirked.
"Oh, do you believe me now?"
Albus frowned.
"For the sake of discussion, lets say that I do."
Harry chuckled and shrugged.
"Works for me. Well, where to start… Professor Quirrell is being possessed by Voldemort and falls hook, line, and sinker for your little trap when he tries to steal the Philosophers Stone. Voldemort's real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle and he made a diary when he was sixteen that contained a piece of him inside it somehow. There is a basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets that is about… 60 or 70 feet long."
Albus, after recovering from total shock, managed to stop Harry for a moment.
"I believe you, Harry. Please, continue."
Harry just smiled and went back to listing the important events in the future and what he learned during them.
"Alright, well. Sirius Black is innocent and Peter Pettigrew is alive and posing as the Weasley's pet rat. Creepy, that is… Anyway, Barty Crouch Jr. is alive and at the moment he is under lock and key. His dad is keeping him hidden and under the Imperius. The Quidditch World Cup gets attacked by Death Eaters in a few years, which is when he escapes. Azkaban should find something to guard the prison that isn't a Dementor. They turn on us as soon as Voldemort is resurrected. Oh yeah, that happens. Definitely want to avoid that…"
Harry paused for a moment to gauge Dumbledore's reaction, and as soon as he opened his mouth to speak, Harry interrupted.
"There's loads else that happens, but that's the important bits. More than all that, however, is that I know there was a prophecy made about Voldemort and I. I don't know the contents, but I definitely need to. I also need to make something very clear, Headmaster."
Albus looked like he has a lot of things he wanted to say, but he just nodded for Harry to go on.
"I don't particularly trust you. You keep too many secrets. Secrets that ended up getting people hurt, and getting me killed."
Albus' eyes widened at that statement, and then he frowned and sighed.
"I'm terribly sorry for whatever happened… It pains me to hear that you don't trust me, my boy. It pains me even more to hear than I was somehow responsible for your death. But, Harry, I think you should elaborate more upon that part of the story."
Harry nodded.
"It began when I started having visions of what Voldemort was doing. The first one was in fourth year shortly before he got a proper body again. I saw him kill a muggle that managed to find him in Riddle Manor. I got flashes of his emotions at times as well. Usually anger, sometimes excitement. The important visions came later, in fifth year. I saw Mr. Weasley get attacked by his familiar, a rather large snake. Note that Mr. Weasley wouldn't have even been there guarding the prophecy if you just destroyed it and told me what it was, but I suppose you wanted to lure Voldemort out of hiding or something. Goading him into attacking the Ministry though… Probably not your best idea. Anyway I told you about the vision and the Order barely got there in time to save Mr. Weasley. After that, you had me practice Occlumency with Snape."
"Professor Snape, Harry."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"That was one of your larger mistakes… That man cannot teach to save his life. Especially when it comes to me. All he sees is my father… Anyway, you kept every bit of important information from me, like why I needed to learn to defend the connection to Voldemort's mind. You didn't tell me he might have the same connection, you didn't tell me he might be able to use it instead of be unwillingly subjected to it, and you definitely didn't tell me he might be able to plant false visions in my head… And that is what killed me. He made me think he'd captured Sirius and was torturing him right in front of the prophecy. And then I went right to the bloody Department of Mysteries and got the prophecy for him. We were ambushed by at least a dozen Death Eaters, including Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange, and of course Rabastan and Crabbe Sr…. We managed to slip away from the ambush but got separated, and then… We made it to a room with clocks everywhere and I found a time turner. I put it on, and barely stopped myself from trying to use it to stop it all from happening, only to get caught by Rabastan and Crabbe Sr. I managed to push Hermione and Neville out of the way of two Killing Curses, and got hit myself… right through the time turner. And here I am."
Hermione took this moment to add on her part, leaving the embarrassing bits out.
"And then I touched the broken time turner around his neck, felt a pulse of magic, somehow resisted a full power torture curse from Rabastan, then used the broken time turner and saw a flash of light before I woke up at home not long before Professor McGonagall showed up… I told her the gist of what happened, and then we went to get Harry from them, and here we are."
Albus listened intently through the story, looking thoughtful at the end.
"You two are quite lucky that you didn't simply erase yourselves from existence… But, Ms... I'm sorry, I don't believe I caught your whole name."
Hermione smiled faintly.
"Hermione Dagworth-Granger. I didn't realize my heritage until arriving here, though, so I used to be just Hermione Granger."
Albus blinked but looked rather interested in the development.
"Ah, indeed? You mentioned resisting a torture curse. This was after Rabastan hit Harry with the killing curse, correct? And how did you come by that information on your true heritage?"
"Yes sir, it was. I think Harry's sacrifice protected me from it, like his mother protected him from Voldemort after he killed her… I learned of my heritage from a inheritance test at Gringotts. We got there and realized we didn't have Harry's key, and Professor McGonagall suggested I get a start-up vault as well, so we both got tested."
Albus looked taken aback, nearly panicked, and spared a glance at Harry.
"I found some interesting information about myself in that test as well."
Harry got the feeling Dumbledore might know more about his heritage than he was letting on, or perhaps knew more about his mother's sacrifice.
"And what did you learn, my boy?"
Harry shrugged.
"I'll tell you, once I hear the prophecy. I know you are the one who heard it."
Albus frowned.
"Harry, my boy-"
Harry just glared at him.
"If you cannot be honest with me Headmaster, I will not go along with your plans. Maybe we need you, maybe we don't. Seeing as I already died due to your secrets, I'll take my chances working around you if need be."
Albus sighed, and he knew he had little choice but to tell Harry everything. All of his plans hinged on Harry being cooperative, until the very end.
"Very well, Harry. 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies...' This is the prophecy that was made, and the reason Voldemort came for you as an infant."
Dumbledore sighed, but a sudden spark ignited his thoughts.
"You said you were with Neville Longbottom at the time you were killed. It may reassure you to know that the prophecy could have referred to him, under different circumstances. It may well be that he will take up the role of Voldemort's vanquisher if the timeline you came here from exists separately from this one."
Harry and Hermione both looked a bit relieved to hear that, though also a bit sick, knowing Neville had a hard fight ahead of him and still hadn't been marked by Voldemort, which definitely wouldn't be a pleasant experience.
"It does, a little bit… But what is the 'power he knows not'?"
Albus remained silent for a few moments, mulling over the possibilities.
"I cannot be sure. Perhaps it means your future knowledge, or something we are not yet aware of. Perhaps it could even be love. Surely that is something Tom cannot fathom, and is a powerful magic in its own right."
Harry couldn't help but snort, but the look he got from Dumbledore and even Hermione made him at least consider the idea.
"I suppose we will find out soon enough."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Now, what is it you learned from that inheritance test?"
Harry stifled a smirk.
"I might need a new euphemism. Maybe something like, The-Heir-Of-Five-Houses."
Albus' eyelids were getting a workout that day, as he blinked rapidly in surprise.
"Five?"
Harry nodded.
"Apparently I'm the Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Potter and Peverell, Heir Primary to the Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Black and Gryffindor, and Heir Secondary to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Slytherin, through the Gaunt line."
Albus looked a bit star-struck, but recovered remarkably quickly.
"Ah, how interesting. It appears your connection to Tom has left you an heir to his holdings at Gringotts. He is the heir to Slytherin House, through his mother Merope Gaunt. Speaking of the Peverells, however…"
Dumbledore stood up and went to another room within his office, and returned with a cloak Harry recognized immediately.
"Oh, my dad's cloak is a Peverell heirloom?"
Albus nodded.
"Indeed. I realized what it was and wished to study it, so James lent it to me a few weeks before… Before Voldemort."
Harry nodded with a bit of sadness in his eyes.
"You would be Heir Primary to the House of Black through your great aunt Dorea, seeing as Sirius is in Azkaban. Something we will soon rectify."
Harry only then seemed to remember what Griphook said about issue with inheriting the Black Vault.
"Oh, about that. The Goblins said there was an issue with inheriting the Black Vault. I can only imagine it would be caused by Sirius being imprisoned without a trial. Otherwise, I do believe the heir to the House of Black would be Draco Malfoy."
Albus nodded.
"Yes, that does seem to be the case. Your heirship to Gryffindor House is the only real surprise, as not many people have enough of his blood within their families to be recognized as formal heirs. Perhaps your mother was from a line of squibs descended from him as well as your father being a descendant. Little else makes much sense."
Harry just shrugged.
"Well, I fully intend on using my titles to our advantage against the Death Eaters in the Wizengamot. I have a few people in mind for my proxys, but… I would prefer to be able to sit on the Wizengamot myself."
Albus narrowed his eyes at Harry as he thought the idea over.
"Well, that would give us five extra votes, and six if Ms. Dagworth-Granger chooses to become politically involved as well."
Hermione nodded without hesitation. She remembered a lot more about the motions passed in the Wizengamot in their time, as many of them were not favorable to muggleborns. She couldn't just let that happen.
Albus nodded.
"Very well. Harry, I do believe an emancipation is in order. As the sole heir and heiress of prominent wizard families, the Ministry can hardly oppose such actions without public outrage. Cornelius would never let himself look bad, at least intentionally."
Harry snickered and Hermione smiled, both well aware Fudge made himself look bad enough without realizing it.
"Thank you Headmaster. Now that we have discussed the future, I think we should all think about how to proceed in the coming days, and come together in a week or so to work out a solid plan. By then, I also expect to have taken up our seats in the Wizengamot."
Albus nodded.
"That should be more than enough time. I will call an emergency meeting of the Wizengamot tomorrow to put forward your emancipation and once that is done, we will get Sirius released and establish your Lordships. Of course, once he is free, it will be his decision to appoint you Lord Black, or take the Lordship upon himself."
Harry shrugged.
"Either way is fine with me. I would never wish to usurp him as Lord Black. That being said, would I truly be able to take the Lordship of Slytherin House? As Heir Secondary, I imagine that would be difficult."
Dumbledore thought it over but he smiled once an idea hit him.
"Indeed, it would be irregular. However, the primary heir, Tom, would be unable to contest the appointment as he is without a body of his own. The Wizengamot should be satisfied with giving the Heir Primary a month to contest the decision by revealing himself, after which you would be appointed to the Lordship until his return."
Harry nodded and smiled.
"Great. In that case, Headmaster, I think we should let Hermione return to her parents. Although… I will need a place to stay now that the Dursley's are dealt with."
Albus waved him off.
"Do not fret my boy, you are more than welcome to stay within the castle. As Gryffindor's heir and soon to be Lord, you would be within your rights to a private room."
That certainly got Harry excited.
"Minerva, if you be so kind as to escort Ms. Dagworth-Granger home, I will show Harry to his room. Do keep in mind that tomorrow's session of the Wizengamot will be held at first light."
Minerva nodded and stood from her seat followed by Hermione, and she waved goodbye to Harry on the way out of Dumbledore's office.
"Now then, Harry. Let us be off."
Harry nodded and followed after him, leaving the office behind. Once they left, a certain portrait resident slipped out of his frame to another place, far away from Hogwarts. Phineas Nigellus Black had some work to do.