Chapter 3. 5: The Will
James and Lily Potter stepped into Gringotts, heading straight to the head goblin.
"We wish to speak to Griphook." James was looking around nervously while his wife was tapping her foot impatiently. Griphook came and led James and Lily to his office.
"What can I do for you, Mr. and Mrs. Potter?" James took a breath. "We want to finalize our will." Griphook understood with a grim face.
"I will get the scroll, excuse me." As Griphook left, James turned to his wife. Lily Potter looked nervous. James knew why. In exactly two days from now, the Potters would be under a Fidelius Charm cast by Dumbledore. Originally Sirius, James' best friend, was to be the Secret Keeper - the one who would keep their location a secret - but Sirius convinced them that it should be Peter Pettigrew, another friend of James. Their lives would forever change, as both would not be able to leave their house, leaving their home to endanger not just themselves but their only son, Harry James Potter.
Griphook came back with a blank scroll. James knew that it would transcribe all that they would say and will open the moment their son would be willing to hear them.
"identify yourselves, please." James nodded. It was time.
E&H E
"My name is James Potter."
"My name is Lily Potter, née Evans. Harry, our son, this will is made for you, to be seen and read after we die."
Lily takes a shaking breath in, James puts an arm around her. James opens his mouth to continue speaking.
"Harry, your life will be hard. But we will make sure that you have people standing by your side to make it bearable. We're so sorry that you have to live the way you. We're even more sorry because we can't tell you why. You'll have to ask Albus Dumbledore why. But first, your mother and I need to clear up our faults. I should start."
James exhales heavily.
"To Snape, I want to apologize for the way I treated you long ago during Hogwarts. It was wrong for me as a man to do that to you. You didn't deserve it. I know that apologies may never be enough, but please, know that I am sincerely sorry for what I've done to you, with Sirius, Remus, and Peter."
"To Sirius Black, my best friend, take our cottage. It was more of your home than it was to me. Do take 2,000 Galleons too; you're going need it during these times. To Remus Lupin, my dear friend with - a furry little problem - we purchased a loft for you in London, ask Griphook for the details, but take 5,000 Galleons. Now, don't you dare say you can't because you can, Remus. Lily and I want you to have this money, Remus, you out all people deserve it. Peter, our Secret Keeper, take 8,000 Galleons for everything you've done for us. Thank you for willing to be our Secret Keeper."
James again exhales heavily. Lily takes this as her cue to begin.
"Harry, I am so proud of you, my son. Your father and I are so sorry you have to lead the life you will lead. But Harry, I know you will do us proud. Don't listen to those who you want you to become like us, no Harry, be you. Be proud of who you are, and do things that will make you happy, not because it's expected of you."
"Harry, when we die, you must be in the care of your godfather, Sirius Black. If Sirius is unable to take you, then Alice Longbottom will take care of you. Should any of Harry's godparents be indisposed or unable to take care of him, Severus Snape shall take of him. My son will not be placed in the care of my sister, Petunia Dursley, and her family. So mote it be."
Lily looks at her husband who already looks pale and nervous. They knew that they should end this.
"In the event of our deaths, we wish for you to know that we changed our Secret Keeper. We knew that many people would think that Sirius was the Secret Keeper, but it was a lie, a farse. Peter, our good friend was our Secret Keeper. Dumbledore knew and cast the spell. So please, if we die, let them know that it was Peter, our Secret Keeper."
James looked like he sucked on a lemon, but he knew it had to be said. Otherwise, how else would they die? This had to be said, again. For Sirius' innocence, because Merlin knows that everyone will think of Sirius as their Secret Keeper. But James hated to doubt his friend, Peter, because he hated the thought of Peter to be capable of betraying his friends.
He truly hated it.
"Harry, we love you so much. We leave you everything in our vaults so that when the day comes, it will aid you in many ways. We will always be by your side. You do us proud. From your mom and dad."
Lily saying that last sentence wasn't supposed to be in the will. But James knew that it was necessary for Harry. No one knew how long they would have to live. James didn't want his son to grow without him and Lily in his life, but if that his son's fate, then may Merlin guide him.
Lily took a deep breath and let tears fall out of her eyes. She hated what fate had in store for her son. But she and her husband will make it easier through this will.
They had to, as a final gift for their son.
E&H E
Griphook saw that the Potter's had finished. He gave them a grave nod and rolled up the scroll.
"Thank you, Griphook." He turned to face James Potter, whose arms were around his wife, comforting her as she cried. Griphook, once more noded. He didn't know what to say. What right does a Goblin have in these kinds of matters?
As Griphook left the room, he knew that it would be the last time both James and Lily Potter would set foot in Gringotts.
Author's Note: Thank you for reading this short, this was to explain what else was said in the will. I hope that it cleared up any questions you may have on what the will also stated. As for Sirius, well you'll see what happens to our favorite Padfoot. I'll hopefully publish Chapter 4 the next day or maybe the day after tomorrow. It's a long chapter. Thank you again and see you all soon!
- The-Songbird-Who-Wrote