The enormous and beautiful manor glistened in the morning sunlight. In a large room on the second floor, an eleven-year-old boy was sleeping peacefully without a care in the world, but his peace wasn't about to last for long. The door of the room opened quietly and an identical looking boy slowly crept forward towards his brother. Once he was close enough, he leaned forward towards the boy's ear and shouted –
"WAKE UP HARRY, IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY TODAY!"
The boy known as Harry woke up with a scream and fell down from the bed, making his brother laugh himself sick. The boy on the ground blinked owlishly for a few seconds and glared at his older brother.
"Why do you always have to do that?" snarled Harry.
"Because it's fun?" replied John with an innocent smile on his face.
"Well then, you're not getting your birthday present from me today" said Harry.
"If you don't give it, I'll take it from you" declared John.
"Just try it!" said Harry, pushing his brother to the ground as they wrestled on the floor, occasionally throwing punches at each other. Suddenly, the bedroom door opened again and a red haired woman walked in.
"What's going on in here?" she demanded with her hands on her hips.
"Nothing" replied the twins at the same time, though it was clearly far from the truth considering that John was clearly in the process of throwing a punch at his brother while sitting on him, therefore ensuring that Harry couldn't move.
"Guys, how many times have I told you not to fight early in the morning?" asked a tired Lily Potter. She had quite frankly grown tired of playing referee with the two boys.
"Two thousand six hundred and eight," said Harry brightly.
"But it never gets old," said John grinning.
Lily shook her head in amusement at their antics. "Come here you two," she said smiling raising her arms as the two eleven-year-old boys rushed into the arms of their mother.
"Harry birthday, boys" she whispered, kissing their forehead.
"Thanks, Mum" they chorused.
Lily looked at them both and smiled. They had grown into adorable young boys. Their silky black hair was messy since they had just got up from bed. They had thankfully not inherited the bad eyesight from their father (though James had finally been able to get it fixed about five years ago, so he didn't need to wear muggle spectacles anymore) and their green eyes were filled with innocence and amusement. They were clearly very good looking for their age and were quite tall. She mentally chuckled, wondering how she and James were going to deal with them once they started dating.
Raising the twins had not been easy; not in the least. This was sibling rivalry to the max and Lily thought she had it bad with her sister. James and Lily had lost count of the number of times they had to stop them from fighting each other or play peacemaker. Thankfully, their eldest child, Charlus Potter has been quite the responsible big brother and that made James and Lily beam with pride. Fortunately, Harry didn't seem to get a big head over the Boys Who Lived title. Lily had ensured that he knew of the consequences that would have followed if something had gone wrong that night.
James had also ensured that the boys (Charlus, John and Harry) were well trained for their age. He didn't care if they got bored at school; he himself had studied ahead after all and so had Lily. But he wanted them to be able to defend themselves in case there was trouble. After all, much to their frustration, a majority of the Death Eaters had escaped, bribing people left, right and centre and pleading the Imperius Curse. Sometimes Lily thought it was too much, especially the way James would make the boys run around the large estate around Potter Manor, but she knew he was only doing so that they could be prepared. The other sore point had been Peter Pettigrew. The man had been missing for the past ten years and was a wanted criminal. James had declared the man a traitor of the Potter family, as the man had enjoyed the friendship of the family and had betrayed them. The family magic had accepted the claim and the ancient blood wards around Potter Manor were modified so that if Pettigrew were to every try to enter the grounds, he would be burnt to a crisp. They could do it only for him and not any stranger, as Pettigrew had been considered to be a brother in all but blood by James and the man had willingly betrayed the Potter family.
Even though the Potter family never ventured out in public without heavy disguises, Charlus, Harry and John did have some friends. Neville was practically a brother to them considering the amount of time they spent with each other. Charlus Potter can be seen typically hanging out with the weasley twins. John Potter prefers the company of Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasley. As for Harry, his best mate is, of course, Ron Weasley. Recently, a muggleborn witch by the name of Hermione Granger has been added to Harry's circle of friends when Harry and Ron were out playing at a muggle playground one fine day. Needless to say, the boys took an instant dislike Hermione at first. Of course, after an encounter with a troll at a muggle remote Girls bathroom and the usage of wingardium leviosa, the three formed an inseparable golden friendship, that was the envy of many.
Lily was snapped out of her musing when she heard someone screeching "MUM!"
Charlus Potter could be seen dashing into the room, with a letter in his hands. "It's my Hogwarts letter!" Charles exclaimed.
"Well, I believe that a trip to Diagon Alley is in order" James replied.
"Well," said Lily, looking at her husband. "I suppose we could go today before it gets too crowded later on. But if we are planning on it, we should do it soon as it's going to take the entire day."
"Okay then," said James. "Go wash up, boys. We have a big day ahead as have an important meeting at Gringotts."
With barely concealed glee and enthusiasm, Charlus, Harry and John headed to their rooms to take a bath and change. Once they were wearing their casual robes, they came down to the drawing room, waiting for their parents. Once they arrived, Lily spent a couple of minutes putting a complex glamour charm on all five of them. Once they were ready, they stepped into the fireplace and said, "Diagon Alley"
—-
Harry stared wide-eyed at all Diagon Alley had to offer. Even though he had been to Diagon Alley countless times, he had to admit that Diagon Alley was just simply unique and amazing.
Once they stepped into the Alley, they decided to finish the majority of their shopping as their appointment with their account manager was after lunch. They went to Madam Malkin's and got themselves expensive and good quality uniforms. Of course, Lily couldn't help but try to make James buy more clothes, so when she had dragged her husband aside, Charlus, Harry and John were talking to Madam Malkin while checking out the new designer clothes.
"Hmm, I like these," said Harry, as he saw a deep red and black pair of dress robes.
"Good choice" muttered John as he went to examine it.
"That is very expensive, Mr Evans," said Madam Malkin. "It is made of Acromantula silk."
Harry looked at Alex with raised eyebrows as his older brother shrugged. "I think we'll wait for our parents to come, though I'm not sure they will mind."
"Evans, huh?" said a pale boy while slick white blonde hair. "That's not a family I recognise. You must be a muggleborn. You don't belong here. I bet you cannot afford anything in the shop let along those dress robes" he sneered.
Harry and John simply stared at the boy with raised eyebrows. They knew who he was of course as they had heard Neville mention him several times about how arrogant the boy was when they had met in several parties over the years.
Harry slowly smirked as he met his brother's eyes. Their disguises were different so they couldn't pose as twins, but that didn't mean they couldn't have some fun with the idiot.
"I'll take two of these Actromantula silk dress robes, Madam," said Harry smoothly, taking out a charmed wallet filled with galleons. "One each for my brother and me."
Madam Malkin was filled with joy as she fitted the robes for her two customers while Draco Malfoy was standing there in shock as the boys smirked back at him.
"I would observe people before judging them, you know," said John with a fake smile. "You might find it hard to make friends at school with an attitude like that, Mr Malfoy. Very un-Slytherin of you"
"That's Heir Malfoy to you!" said Draco angrily. "And what would you know, mudblood?"
Madam Malkin gasped, though the twins didn't say react, choosing to instead smirk at the blonde.
"Aww, did we hurt little Dragon's feelings?" asked John with a mocking voice.
"Oh, he's not a dragon; more like a ferret," said Harry with a smirk.
"Just who do you think you are?" asked Draco, his eyes bulging in shock. "Do you know who I am?"
"A poncy git?" suggested Harry.
"A buffoon?" said John.
"I was going to say mama's boy"
"Ah, from what I've heard he's daddy's boy"
Before Draco could say anything more, James and Lily arrived with their purchases. "Boys, are you done?"
"Yes, mum," said John. "But James (disguise name for Harry) wanted these dress robes and I like them too. Is it okay if we buy them?"
James and Lily looked at it and after thinking for a few seconds, nodded in approval. "Of course, Charlie (disguise name for John)"
Completely ignoring a spluttering Draco Malfoy, they paid for their purchases and left the shop. Once they shrank all their purchases, they went over to Flourish and Blotts and bought the necessary books. Harry frowned and rolled his eyes at the Boys Who Lived merchandise. The books and toys were made for the pure enjoyment of the public and a considerable amount was deposited into their trust vaults from the sales. His parents had tried to fight it, but Cyrus Greengrass had managed to convince them otherwise. As much as it was annoying, it was a golden opportunity for politics. Besides, they didn't have a legitimate reason to be offended anyway. They never used the names Harry in the books; just the shortened version and it was clearly mentioned that it was fiction.
Once they bought the other things required like a magical telescope, several rolls of parchment, high-quality quills and other necessary items, they headed for the apothecary, where Lily, being a Potions Mistress herself was able to buy the best of the ingredients and cauldrons necessary. Once done, they headed to get a pet.
Harry and John was searching for something different when he saw a beautiful snowy owl. He smiled as he picked her up, while Charlus chose a Crup who was still a puppy. The crup barked and licked John's and Harry's fingers as they laughed while the owl hooted in a reassuring manner to both of them. Being siblings, they did have to share stuff even if their parents bought them separate things. So it was their owl and their dog.
Once they called an elf to take back all their purchases to the Manor, they went to the Grand Elixir Restaurant and had a birthday lunch. Once done, they headed to Gringotts. As they entered, James bowed to the teller and handed him a slip of parchment.
The goblin looked at the parchment carefully and said, "Very well. Griphook! Take them to Bloodfang's office."
With that, the party of five went to the office of the Potter family account manager. When they entered, they all bowed in respect to the goblin who bowed back.
"Greetings, Master Bloodfang," said James in a dignified voice.
"Greetings, Lord and Lady Potter," said the goblin. "How may I help you today?"
"Today is the eleventh birthday of my eldest son and I wanted to make the Heirship official today," said James. "I had informed you about this before."
Bloodfang nodded and took out a sheet of parchment. He looked through it and said, "Everything seems to be in order, Lord Potter. Once you sign it and give the ring to your son, it would become official. I have taken the liberty of keeping the Heir ring here after you removed it from your family vault during your last visit."
"Thank you," said James as he went through the official form. Once he was satisfied, he turned to his eldest son. "Charlus, I want you to understand the seriousness of this responsibility," he said sternly. "This isn't a laughing matter. Once you place the ring on your finger, you are responsible for your family, which includes your brothers. I want you to promise me that you will behave responsibly and take care of the family when the time arises."
"I promise, father," said Charlus trying to hide his nervousness. As much as he didn't like it, there was no denying the fact that it was the eldest son that got to become the Heir Apparent of the family and future Lord. Only in rare cases did the elder son get passed over for the younger one and in this case.
With a smile in return, Charlus put on the Heir ring on his right ring finger. The ring flashed and resized to fit his finger. It was a thin band made of platinum, with a small red diamond ring with the Potter crest on it.
"Congratulations, Heir Potter," said Bloodfang. "Please drop five drops of blood on this parchment. It scans the family magic present in your blood. It is just to confirm that the family magic has indeed accepted you."
Taking a deep breath, Charlus cut his palm and let the drops of blood fall on the parchment. Once done, Lily healed his cut with a gentle wave of her hand. The goblin looked at the writing on the parchment and frowned.
"This is most peculiar," he said, frowning, as he spoke to his assistant who was sitting next to him.
"Is something wrong, Master Bloodfang?" asked Lily nervously.
"Not really sure," said Bloodfang. "Charlus Potter has been accepted by the Potter family magic as the Heir Apparent, but there seems to be another active family magic present in his blood."
"Another?" asked James in surprise. "I'm guessing this isn't the dormant Gryffindor or Peverell family magic?"
"No, this is different. The Gryffindor and Peverell magic were combined with the Potter family magic when the lines were merged, but this is active" said Bloodfang, frowning. "Lady Potter, are you sure that you are a muggleborn? Have you had any indication to see if you were adopted?"
"Adopted?" asked Lily in surprise. "No, my parents had never said anything, but I'm afraid it is too late to find out as they are dead."
"Hmm," said the goblin. "If you are agreeable, I would like to perform a full blood ancestry test. We can only verify from the blood of the families we have as our clients and thanks to the increased security measures, we can trace your roots back up to three hundred years. It will reveal if you are indeed a muggleborn of if you are adopted with magical parents with family magic."
Lily looked at James who nodded as he himself was curious. Charlus and the twins had confused expressions on their faces. Bloodfang barked instructions to his assistant who brought a shimmering parchment to him.
"I must tell you that this test is expensive," he said. "Do you still want to go through with it?"
"Yes please," said Lily. She didn't say that at this point, she was curious too. She let several drops of blood fall on the parchment until the entire glowing parchment was covered in blood. The goblin dropped the parchment into a shimmering basin which looked similar to a Pensieve and started muttering in a strange language. After several minutes, the parchment glowed and floated out with writing written on it.
"Looks like I was right," said the goblin. "Look for yourself, Lady Potter."
Lily took the parchment with brimming curiosity and her eyes went wide when she saw it.
"Ashwood?" she whispered as Charlus, Harry and John looked at it too. It gave Lily's name along with the names of her grandparents. Unfortunately, they didn't know the name of her parents as they weren't registered at Gringotts.
"I remember reading about them when I was a child," said James with a frown. "They were supposed to have become extinct in the 1900s if I'm not mistaken after all the members of their family were murdered by the Gaunts. They are a Most Ancient and Noble House as well, said to have been descendant from Salazar Slytherin."
"Exactly," said Bloodfang. "The Ministry records state that Marvolo Gaunt Sr murdered all the members of the Ashwood family. The Ashwoods were a prominent family while the Gaunts were not. In fact, the Gaunts always claimed that they were the descendants of Salazar Slytherin, while the Ashwoods actually had proof of their claim of being related to Slytherin. The two families had always been bitter enemies, though the Ashwoods never considered the Gaunts worthy of being called their enemies, from what I am told. But in 1918, Marvolo Gaunt Sr was sentenced to the Dementor's kiss for the murder of all the members of the Ashwood family. The family has since been considered extinct, though it looks like a few of the members survived and fled underground."
"You were probably orphaned at an early age" continued James. "Something must have happened to your parents. Maybe your adoptive parents found you in an orphanage."
"I cannot believe this" whispered Lily. "All my life I have been ridiculed for being a muggleborn; I have consciously tried to mend my relationship with Petunia over the years and you tell me now that I am a pureblood? And that Petunia isn't my blood sister?"
Charlus, Harry and John were in shock as they stared at each other. Their mother's life had just been turned upside down and they didn't know what to do.
"Since the term of hundred years isn't over, the vaults are still present and haven't been turned over to the Ministry in the case of extinct families. You'll find that the wealth inside to be considerable" said Bloodfang. "The family rings should be inside as well as the magic of the rings will ensure that they are recalled after the death of the Lord or Lady."
"Thank you for your time, Master Bloodfang," said James. "We would like to see the Ashwood family vault."
Bloodfang nodded and the still shocked Potter family went to the cart and got in. They started moving and went deep underground. Harry knew from past experience that the Potter family vault too was deep inside the bank. Finally, they stopped and Griphook said, "Vault 127, Ashwood family vault"
They got down and everyone saw the crest on the great stone door. Two stone Ashwinders were facing each other with a large 'A' in the middle.
"These are very high-security vaults, similar to the Potter family vault," said Griphook. "A blood ward is in place, but Lord Augustus Ashwood had added some other ah, unique protections as well."
Just as Lily approached the door, the Ashwinders came to life. "Who sshall want to gain entry into the Asshhwood vault?" hissed the snake.
Lily hissed back, much to the shock of the goblin. "I am Lady Lily Potter, the last of the Assshwood line. Thessseee are my sonsss."
Charlus, Harry and John bowed. "I am John Sirius Potter" he hissed.
"I am Harry James Potter" hissed Harry.
"I am Charlus Remus Potter" hissed Charlus.
Once Griphook disabled the Goblin wards, Lily pressed her hand to the stone, which sucked blood. Once she passed the blood ward, the door opened with a hiss, revealing a mountain of treasures and gold and books.
"He wasn't kidding when he said the Ashwoods were wealthy. Not as much as the Potters, but with careful planning and investments, it can be brought up to speed" said James.
Lily went inside and removed several books. She saw a pedestal which had a ring on it. She took the Heads' rings as well as the Heir ring and come out. Once again, they were seated in front of Bloodfang.
"Put it on, Lady Potter," said Bloodfang as he prepared the necessary documents which were supposed to be sent to the Ministry of Magic.
Lily took a deep breath and put on the ring. It was a platinum band with a blue diamond with the crest on it. It flashed and fit her finger as information flashed into her mind. She was now the Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Ashwood.
"Your turn, James," she said softly. While she was the Head of the family, James too was now the Lord, just like she was the Lady of House Potter. James took the ring and wore it. It took several seconds, but finally, it resized and fit him.
"John, the speech is the same for you," said James. "I hope you realise the magnitude of this. You will be responsible for your family in the future when you become Lord Ashwood. Do you understand?"
"Yes, father," he said, but John was bouncing with excitement. He took the Heir ring and placed it on the right ring finger. With a flash, it fit him. John couldn't stop smiling and his smile widened when he saw the beaming face of his twin brother.
After thanking the goblin, they left the bank and headed to Ollivander's as they still had a wand to buy. When they entered, Mr Ollivander appeared suddenly from the other side, making the kids jump.
"Ah, I knew I would see you someday, Mr Potter," he said smiling at them. "James Potter, eleven inches, mahogany and dragon heartstring; excellent for Transfiguration, isn't it?"
"Yes, Mr Ollivander," said James with a small smile.
"Lily Potter, ten and quarter inches, willow and phoenix feather; excellent for charms."
After that, Ollivander measured Charlus and started handing out wands to them simultaneously. The wand pile grew larger and larger, but Ollivander seemed to get happier with each passing wand. James and Lily were now worried; their wands hadn't taken this long.
"An unusual combination, ashwood and unicorn feather, eleven inches," said Ollivander, giving it to Charlus. The boy took it and definitely felt a connection to it. "I think this is it" Charlus said.
"very well. Curious..." Ollivander replies. The Potters then paid for the wand.
After paying for the wands and buying the best wand holsters, the silent family of four flooed home, each lost in their thoughts.
Notes: Note: Charlus and the twins have the same birthday dates.