A heartfelt discussion:

Sirius and Remus began to plan on how to help Harry, that same night after Sirius had freshened up. He found the beer at the manor, comforting. Remus began to raise the obvious points:

"Sirius, I know you don't like it, but this is not about what we want. This is what Harry needs. Step into the Black inheritance and let the wealth and power be used as backing to at least join the neutral houses. Not to mention, anyway that we can cut off Bellatrix and Narcissa would be good."

"I don't mind, but the Black Magic is so cold. It doesn't like me."

"Then make it like you! I have seen Harry talk to his house magic. It is sentient. Put your foot down. House Black is back, and it is going in a new direction. The House magic will accept new representation if you are committed. Taking control of the Black Magic and demolishing whatever your father left, will make you unchallengeable.

Padfoot, both of us were saved by the person we were supposed to protect!

We can't slack off this time. Dumbledore is not evil, but his plan would leave many people broken. No more collateral damage."

"Well Moony after thinking about my Godfather's oath, I can't believe that Dumbledore didn't consider that. I feel betrayed. So I say, in Harry we trust. It would be good to strip Narcissa and Bellatrix of the Black lineage. But this brings the issue of Neville, Remus. House Black is somewhat responsible too, although the main controversy is with House Lestrange."

"I say we compensate Neville. Pay for his school things. Give him a pack to run with. Harry is a claw and so is Hermione. Neville can be trained by Harry and Hermione as our Gryffindor. We also need a Hufflepuff and a Slytherin. An operative in every house. We will have to see how we can manage that. We need all the perspectives that we can get. A Slytherin was part of getting you out of Azkaban. Lorna set the political stage and played all of them like puppets!"

"That would be unusual, but maybe unusual is what we need. We have been benefiting from that lately. Lorna from what I understand has been integral to keeping Harry safe. "

"She has done quite well. We are looking to acquire other people who will be useful to the war effort. The Weasleys are next. They are planning to do a presentation on how airplanes operate at the Weasleys. This is primarily for Arthur. Having the Weasleys on our corner? That would be great. Harry wants the Weasleys to step into enough financial independence so they can antagonize Lucius Malfoy.

That…..I can't wait to see."

"Oh that - that is bloody brilliant! I would be willing to put my galleons there too. Who else Remus?"

"Xeno who runs the Quibbler? His daughter designed the outline of Harry's pulse rifle. So, we have an artist too. She is a Claw too, I know her family somewhat. She is a possible recruit. Very talented and she has gifted eyes."

"Anyone else?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes. These parties are not families but rather organisations if you would like to call them that. We have French support and access to special facilities, as long as they get dibs on any artefacts that Harry and Hermione develop. Their collaboration has made Hermione's worth from the potion operation worth 2,500,000 galleons, even though the demand has slowed down considerably That excludes her savings and other things."

"That is almost more coin than House Black? How did she see so much success?"

"The potion is multi-function. Anaesthetic, burn, cut, cosmetic, minor curses, beauty and whatnot. Veela compatible too. International demand. It uses a enhanced brewing method, most of it is done by machines."

"You said parties. So the French and who else now?"

"Harry and Hermione are good with the Goblin King, Ragnok himself. They move the largest number of galleons, monthly. Sometimes one hundred thousand galleons per month, depending on how things go. Total worth? Harry is approaching fifteen million. Hermione is approaching ten I think."

"How did Harry make all the money in two years?"

"His initial start was with mundane business. Harry had close to eight million to start with, so it wasn't that he built everything from scratch. However, he wasn't content to sit down. He did not bother to spend much of it immediately. As he got more competent, he began to design a lot of singular items that could be combined in different ways. The weapon design paved the way for some mining and safety equipment for the Goblins and that went on auction. International Gringotts branches worked rather hard to snatch up everything. Harry and Hermione both made approximately six million galleons each on that single sale. He also produces portrait ink for Wizarding Portraits and does wine too. Clementine Delacour is his primary customer.

"The Clementine Delacour – the master French painter who paints portraits? My parents were one of the few people who could afford her."

"Yes – According to her, Harry has the best ink she has ever used. How do you think Invictus can do such amazing things? Harry improved his cognition and linked him up to computers. I met her."

"You seem different Remus. More composed. How are you so much bigger? You were already so tall. What happened?"

"Hermione's father used to serve in an elite muggle soldier outfit called the S.A.S – we are not supposed to talk about it, but William trusts us not to blabber. These are men that are well respected and could kill wizards from 1000 yards if it was necessary. He is responsible for our physical conditioning. We all use full mundane military workout programs. That is why all of us seem bigger and stronger. Harry and Hermione can run miles without stopping, and their fitness is over the roof. They could outmanoeuvre most Aurors. The magical core loves exercise as strength in the body begins to make the magical core far more efficient, and far more capable of casting spells."

"So you have a muggle soldier to help with the training. Somebody very experienced. That is why his eyes look so full of steel. He looks like he had seen a lot of shit!" Siris replied as he scratched his head.

"Correct. After I started to get proper nutrition and I began to exercise and push my body, the wolf started to fall in line. I spend my transformations sleeping on Harry's lap, getting head scratches as a wolf. And I am aware of who I am with, no aggression. The Wolfsbane has become far more effective. I can run far faster than I used to, I have fantastic muscle mass and there is so much control too. I am telling you this because your fitness will have to come up to scratch."

"Well, if that Patronus is the result of that regimen, why not. What else will I be required to do?"

"I had to learn a whole new set of skills, and it has been demanding. But it is truly liberating. The main focus of my skills is fabrication and manufacturing. We are going to the Shrieking Shack tomorrow – I want you to see how nice we have made the place. Harry developed a quick setting concrete and it dries with magic. The place is absolutely solid."

"He is downright amazing but I see a haunted look in his eye. A look that I am familiar with. What happened to him?"

"Chances if Priya and Lorna had not pitched in, he could have died. We are very lucky that a Master Healer had become a muggle teacher and she got assigned to Harry's class. He was almost beaten to death by Vernon Dursley before Moldypants tried to take his body over. He is clean now, Grace helped him beat the dark magic off."

Sirius was now very angry.

"And the great Albus Dumbledore left him there? He left our boy to be abused? Why Remus? Why!"

"I don't know. But I would suggest that youthful adoration that we had for Dumbledore, time to let go of it. Harry was clinically dead. I don't know how that phoenix arrived, but that absolute unit of a bird came to him, dripped probably a gallon of tears into him and sang to him every night in his cupboard where he lived."

"What did Harry do to them? If Harry had killed them, I would not go against him."

"Harry can leak magic in his voice and bend people to his will. Almost like a wandless Imperius. He compelled them to treat him decently and not pay attention to what he does. You better believe that Priya and Lorna patched him up and gave Hermione and him, access to their trunks and Gringotts.

Ved and Amba pitched in. Amba fed him and Ved gave him genuine male warmth. Lorna made all the potions as they gave him a round of treatment. Even Madam Pomfrey could not carry out the healing that Harry underwent – Priya has a whole set of new spells she has developed for fixing issues. They are experimental, but she is the best healer I have ever seen. Spells that fix ligaments, spells that retune the eye lenses, spells that even help with fractured bones, everything. Pomfrey always said that she was her best student in all her years of training healers at Hogwarts."

"We owe those folks everything, don't we Remus?"

"Yes. Hermione's family has been very supportive. William handles physical fitness. Jean and Lorna provide an aunt's and an older sister's love. Remember when Ved touched Harry's hand at the table? That bracelet was a gift from him. He also carries Lilly's chain and another chain from his grandmother. Both of them, are religious by the way. He had so much faith in him, and he prays regularly, it is inspiring. He is the real type of righteousness that Gryffindors can only dream about…"

"Well, I know exactly what I must do. No more running and hiding. If Harry at the age of approaching eleven years old can put up such a fight, we fight. We fight for Lilly and James. We fight for Harry. We fight for everyone who was here at this house tonight."

"I am Lord Black and we are Toujours Pur! Always Pure to that which is good and righteous. Let the Snake strike at those who would harm that which is mine. No more pureblood fanaticism, no more tolerance for the Dark Lord and his followers. The full might of House Black will be brought down on anyone who screws with our little family here, and those who would glory in evil!"

It was at this point that a dull glow formed on his fingers. The "Obsidian" had appeared on his hand. The Black Head of House ring materialised and he firmly asserted himself over the cold dark magic. He spoke to the totem pole that had been summoned as it looked at him with disdain. Sirius stood up in a threatening fashion and walked with a slow gait, with the anger coursing through his system, after hearing how Harry had suffered. He whispered softly and dangerously, in a classic Black tone of voice.

"No. Bend the knee.

Kneel to the greatest leader House Black will ever have. House Black will be remembered as the house that stood behind House Potter, House Peverell and House Granger. Harry and Hermione will be my children – the most powerful and talented of them all. You will protect them, as they bring the tidings of fate through their excellence."

The totem seemed to be fighting the force that Sirius was exerting on it, as he steeled his mind in the same way, in which he resisted the Dementors. Iron walls came down as he began to box and squeeze the magic…..now the Black madness had been summoned, and it glinted in his eyes, as he continued:

"Do you want power? You will get power through them as my adopted children. And I will give you an heir. Either adopted or by my blood. You will have to serve my agenda fully if you want to continue to exist.

Kneel to the Obsidian!" Sirius thundered.

The snake on the totem dissolved and suddenly began to reform to something bigger. Suddenly he was faced with a towering ten feet cobra, that looked balefully upon him as the heads began to split and the hood began to stretch. Sirius was now looking at the most powerful and impressive snake he had ever seen. Nine heads looked upon him, appraisingly. Remus after the previous conversation with Harry knew exactly what he was looking at.

Sirius was looking at the King of all Snakes – the Seshnaga. The snake that supported the cosmos on his hood, in Hindu Mythology. The snake stood imperiously and looked upon Sirius Black and flicked his nine tongues inquisitively. He then spoke in a clear and calm tone, that was unlike the hissing of the black totem:

"The Obsidian heeds the call of the last Lord Black. I am Herald. I serve Lord Black and I am the protector of all you hold dear. Always Pure we are – and always pure are we towards that which is righteous. I represent your conviction. Show them the power of House Black.

I am the Lord of all Snakes! Let it be known to my inferiors!"

When the Obsidian and Herald reared its head at Oeverell Manor, Gringotts was not exempt.

The snake totem slowly dissolved all over Gringotts, as the crest and representation changed instantaneously. The Herald, an animal lost to time suddenly appeared. The most powerful of all snakes had been summoned and Barchoke, the Goblin attached to Hose Black smiled. The Black Magic had found a powerful master. Based on the rumours, for the first time in magical history, Azkaban had been not only breached, but the rumours were that the Guardians were no more. Barchoke had heard the other rumours in passing – Bloodaxe was making the fattest commission and his client had the favour of the King. Knowledge of the breakout had arrived from an unauthorised copy of an Auror's testament, merely a few hours ago. Sirius Black had claimed what was his and a tidal wave of change was coming.

Lord Peverell had accomplished the impossible and brought indirectly 30,000,000 galleons into Gringotts between the excavation and the equipment auction. Many Goblins had escaped death with the Shielding array, and darkness was not an issue in the caves. The mining lasers had made everything easy. The metalworkers were now welding almost 10 times faster than the international competition, and there was a 'forcefield forge that was being trialled by the head metalworker. Barchoke already understood what was in play – so he reactivated the accounts and prepared everything. He planned to make large amounts of profit, by encouraging the new Lord Black to invest in the cutting edge Peverell Industries and Granger Pharmaceuticals. He slowly walked towards the Potter office and knocked three times.

"Who is it," Bloodaxe asked in Gobblydook.

"Barchoke"

"Come in."

Barchoke took a seat.

"Yes?" answered Bloodaxe, not unkindly.

"No need to be coy. Sirius Black is free. Dementors are dead. It is a total ruckus. Lord Peverell has made truly momentous accomplishments. The rumours are travelling around from an unauthorised copy of a Pensieve memory. I think you will have the original soon – so I am requesting one for entertainment purposes.

I want in on all those nice portfolios you run. I have never cared for the political stances of our clients, but I hear Lord Peverell drives a bargain like a Goblin, so it has become relevant. I am going to suggest a merger between the Black wealth and the Peverell and the Granger Businesses. Black money financing them? We will both make ridiculous profits. Even though my suggestion seems forward, the Black magic has changed. New game, new rules, and new profit opportunities."

"I see the value of what you suggest. Traditionally, the last time we worked with each other was because of Arcturus and Charlus. We did have a record high for many of the quarters on the joint projects for many years. That was some of the best profits in a long time. Charlus and Arcturus were truly a force to be reckoned with. What is the new crest?"

"The Cosmic Herald or as the Indians call it – the Seshnaga. Lord and Master of all serpents. Sirius Black was able to summon the ring from the vault directly. The Obsidian obeys him in totality. Not an easy task to accomplish. We are looking at someone with the willpower of Arcturus. His mind was honed into steel, during his experience in Azkaban."

"His story is similar to the boy. He was forged under pain, and he did not crumple. I agree with your proposition, as long as our account holders agree. As for the business names, what are you suggesting?"

"I think Peverell-Black Industries has a nice ring to it. After all, Lord Peverell is an industrialist. For Ms Granger, I think Granger-Black Pharmaceuticals will work well."

"Very appropriate names – if I didn't know better you have been sitting on this a while Barchoke."

"I have Bloodaxe. It is prudent to predict the opportunities. I inspected the energy storage device and immediately knew I was dealing with a total maverick. And if he said he was going to rescue his godfather, no reason why he would not.

I have been doing much research about the muggle world. These names are appropriate and are good branding for them. I was concerned with the economic stagnancy that is setting in, and I am tired of hearing the other branches gloat about their growth. The Black Wealth is the next biggest inheritance after the Peverell Inheritance. I plan to make it flow and change hands. The loose coin is worth approaching three million galleons. But the other non-coin assets? Probably twenty-five million galleons. I want that in circulation and Lord Peverell will more than likely convince Lord Black to part with the antiquities."

"That would help greatly. The collaborations you are suggesting, it is a nice way to scare the competition into submission. Black money and Harry's brain? Ha. Are you aware of the sapphire?"

"No. What happened?"

"My boy, Harry Potter proceeded to haul in a sapphire bigger than Ragnok's head, along with what a whole team would make for a dig. And after we split it up evenly, all the Goblins including myself got a nice fat cut. I have made an easy 7.5 million galleons by knowing him. My commissions have gotten bigger as the time goes by."

"Maybe it is good that the grandchildren are taking up the mantle. I am aware that the King possesses a weapon that was built by the boy. They are certainly our VIP customers."

"They certainly are. Griphook runs the Granger account and the new Medi-Spray she developed, we also use it for injuries. Goblin compatible, and no burning. We buy it through the I.C.W guild because she is working on other things. She would have been happy to supply us directly but they are juggling a lot of things."

"Well Bloodaxe, this has been entertaining. I want a copy of Lord Peverell's memories if he is amenable. And one of Lady Granger's also if she doesn't mind. We will keep in touch."

"We will. May the profit flow."