Child No More

"Harry! Lady Subaru! What an unexpected pleasure! Come in! Come in!" Dumbledore said enthusiastically with bright sparkling eyes.

"Good evening, Headmaster," Hermione said with a small smile.

"Good evening, Ladyship. What can I do for you?"

Hermione glanced over at her friend for a moment. "Well, sir, as you know even after the discovery of the plot, the ministry still refuses to drop him out of the tournament," she began.

The eyes lost some of their twinkle. "Yes, my lady. I'm very well aware."

"And we are aware of the age requirement of competing in the tournament—"

The twinkling returned. "And?"

Hermione glanced at Harry. Harry nodded. "I think it's only fair to be considered of age if the ministry is going to require me to participate in the tournament where the participants are required to be of age."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, his eyes still twinkling. "You do?"

They exchanged glances. "Yes, sir?"

The older man leaned back in his seat with a slightly diminished sparkle, grinning. "I see. And I suppose you want me to help you in this endeavor? To ruse the ministry?"

Harry shifted nervously in his seat. "I…er, that would be great, sir."

The twinkle returned full force. "Don't look so anxious, Harry. I'd be happy to help.

"As it so happens, my boy, your parents appointed me steward of the Ancient and Noble house of Potter before they died. I was in charge of your finances all this time. As such, I've been seeking ways to increase your wealth through investments and such. Here's the contract." The older man handed Harry an older piece of parchment.

Harry perused the document, frowning slightly. "So, they hired you to manage my assets? And this amount is your retainer fee?"

"Indeed, my boy. And I assure you it was very well earned. I've managed to increase your net worth by a factor of fifteen at least. You, my boy, are a very wealthy young man, Mr Potter. Your holdings now currently rivals that of the Malfoys by a fraction."

"How much are we talking about, sir?"

Dumbledore handed him a ledger. "Have a look for yourself, my boy. The top page is charmed to include the most recent numbers."

Harry opened the book cover and stared.

Potter Estates and Holdings:

Total Liquid Assets: 1, 623, 942, 295 Galleons

Total Value Investments and Holdings: 5, 184, 064, 991 Galleons

The numbers changed constantly, raising or lowering slightly to reflect the market, occasionally a sizable increase hitting the numbers. As he reviewed the changes over the year, Harry realized Dumbledore was right, he had earned his pay. "So, what do we do?"

Dumbledore nodded. "First, we contact an old friend of mine. I believe Ragnok will be able to help us. The simplest way for you to be considered of age, Harry, is for you to be named Lord Potter. That designation automatically grants you legal adult status in the wizarding world. And its completely under the radar unless you tell someone, of course. The goblins are excellent when it comes to being discreet. Would you like to do that tomorrow, my boy?"

"As soon as possible, sir."

"Excellent. I for one cannot tell you how amusing its going to be to address the issues plaguing the ministry. You also realize that the Potter house holds four seats in the Wizengamot?"

Harry grinned. "I do now."

"Yes. And just like Lady Subaru, you may appoint people to those seats if you wish to keep anonymity, or you may sit one seat and appoint to the others."

Harry nodded. "Sir? Will you teach me how to run my House? You know, money stuff and etiquette?"

"Certainly, my boy. And I could continue my stewardship to your House as well, if it pleases you, in the meantime."

Harry nodded.

"Very well. Ladyship, have you been reviewing the records of Tom's vault?"

"I have. I've found almost twenty families that I wish to give compensation with interest, starting with the Bones, the Prewetts, the Mckinnons, and the Krums. Much of the money in the vault was given to him by Death Eaters or taken from the houses they raided and people they killed. It's blood money. Sir? Since you make such a good steward with Potter house, would you mind extending your services to me as well, until I learn how to do it myself?"

Dumbledore smiled pleasantly. "It would be my pleasure, Lady Subaru. You should go now. We're going to be really busy tomorrow. Get a good night's rest."

The next morning Harry, Hermione, and Gohan appeared in Diagon Alley, once again under the invisibility cloak. They made their way to Gringotts.

"Good evening, Catchshackle. I'd like to procure a private conference room, as before," the old man said quietly with a wink.

"Very well. Follow," the goblin said curtly.

Once inside the room, Dumbledore cast the usual enchantments, and the three invisibles made their appearance.

"Thank you for seeing us, Master Catchshackle," Hermione said as soon as she appeared.

"It's my pleasure, Ladyship. What can I do for you?"

Harry shifted nervously. "Actually, Master Catchshackle, it is I who need your assistance."

"I see. Am I to assume that you are here to claim Lordship over the House of Potter?" The goblin inquired shrewdly.

Harry blinked in surprise.

The goblin grinned. "Indeed. We goblins appreciate honor and integrity above all other things. Many wizards are capable of neither, whether toward each other or other races. While we are not above subtlety, we prefer handling matters that reflect our aims and adherence to our code. Because these traits are rarely displayed toward our people by the wizarding lot, we have adopted an old law concerning our interactions with them, eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth. Because of how the ministry has wrongly treated my kind, other kinds, and their own kind, we take pleasure when we are able to repay in kind. It would be our pleasure to assist you in your endeavor, young Lord Potter. Will you accept our assistance?"

"I will, and I thank you," Harry replied.

The goblin nodded. "Very well. I shall retrieve the required paperwork." The goblin left for a moment and returned. He passed a parchment and a quill toward Harry. "These documents are required to be signed with Blood Quill."

Harry signed the required papers.

"Good. Now, to bind your magic and to break the Trace, you must accept Lordship of your House. At this time, you may also accept your Lordship name, Harrison James Potter."

Harry raised his wand. "I, Harrison James Potter, accept Lordship of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Potter, the titles and responsibilities obtained therein, so mote it be." A magical aura encompassed his wand and person as Harry's magic bonded, and the Trace broke.

"Very good. As Lord Potter, you have access to all of the vaults of your ancestry, including those of Ignitus Peverell 's descent and Godric Gryffindor. You also have access to the Potter's will and their personal effects. See Griphook to be taken to your vaults. Is there anything else you require of me?"

Hermione nodded. "I have something." She handed him a parchment. "I give you permission to enter my vault and remove the monies and objects contained therein to distribute in the manner mentioned in this parchment. For this service, an amount is listed at the bottom for services rendered, Master Goblin. Is the amount satisfactory?"

The goblin glanced. "It is, Ladyship. If that is all, Lord and Lady, Mr Son and Headmaster, I shall retrieve Lord Potter's ring and bid you all a good day."

Dumbledore smiled at them. "Well, my students, since there is now an adult wizard among you, you may of course, explore Diagon Alley and Muggle London. I believe that you may want to make some purchases related to Unity?"

Hermione nodded. "Thank you, sir."

"It's my pleasure, Ladyship. However, as Headmaster of the school, I must request that I see all of you by dinner in the Grand Hall?"

Harry nodded. "Wouldn't miss it, sir."

"Very well. Off you go."

…

Harry slipped the Potter ring onto his middle finger and sought Griphook to visit his vaults. He visited Gryffindor's vault first.

"Oh my gosh, Harry! All of the books!" Hermione exclaimed.

Harry grinned. "You can borrow ten of them for now. Trust Hermione to notice naught but the books."

Hermione quickly picked her selections and shrank them, smiling happily. Harry looked around the various robes, weapons, jewels, and chests.

"Hey guys, check this out!"

Gohan and Hermione sprinted toward the back of the vault. Hermione lifted one of the white shimmery bolts of material. "This material. It seems familiar somehow."

Gohan frowned. "It looks like it could repel some attacks. Maybe we could make some armor from it."

Hermione lifted a few bolts of the shimmery fabric. "May I, Harry?"

Harry nodded. Hermione shrunk the bolts and pocketed them. She eyed the weapons. "These aren't goblin made. But they are almost indestructible," she fingered a strung bow and quiver.

Harry cleared his throat. "We need to gather some gold and get some quality storage trunks. I've heard of trunks with multiple compartments, expansion and lightweight charms and automatic shrinking and enlargement charms. Maybe the main members of Unity should get one."

Gohan grinned. "Not that it's going to be a problem for you, Harry, but that's probably going to be expensive."

Harry nodded. "That's why I thought I could cover the trunks. We should think of things everyone can contribute to Unity. Hermione and I can contribute time and money. "

Gohan smirked. "I have time, money, and some connections. Bulma, for starters."

"We also need to make plans for the unexpected. We need to stock up on stuff for Unity Headquarters."

Harry grabbed a trunk and scooped up a sizable quantity of gold while Hermione cast feather-weight charms on it. Harry shrunk and pocketed it. "You two grab a trunk as well."

The first place they visited was Vibbert's Magical Trunks and Furnishings, where they ordered thirty custom storage half-chests. The trunks were cube-shaped, half of the size of the Hogwarts standard lockers, with four compartments, password or blood ward protection options for each door, expansion charms on each compartment. Harry's, Hermione's, and Gohan's trunks included one compartment expanded to the size of a house. Each "house" included a private master bedroom, an extra bedroom with bunks, and another room to use as the owner wished. And all of the trunks had a permanent shrinking and enlargement charm specifically keyed to the owner's voice.

"Ah, that will be fifteen thousand galleons total, sir," The shop keeper said cheerily.

Harry gulped as he enlarged his chest. "Wow. That will take a while to count out."

The shopkeeper laughed. "Well, Mr Potter, why don't you just summon the correct amount?"

Harry scratched his head sheepishly. "I really don't know how, sir."

"Would you permit me? I am quite capable, that is, if you will trust me."

Harry nodded. "Yes, sir. And for one thousand extra if you swear a wizard's oath to not reveal the events of today to anyone."

The man grinned. "That's very generous, lad. I'd be pleased to take a wizard's oath. I, Thomas Allowishes Vibbert, will not reveal, discuss, or mention the events surrounding the transaction between myself, Mr Potter, and his friends that occurred today. So mote it be. Accio sixteen thousand galleons!"

"I thank you for your discretion, sir."

Harry visited the Blindless Wizarding Eye Shop to get year-round contacts and glasses with fake lenses. He visited the barber to get his hair slightly lengthened to make it lie a bit flatter. He also visited Madam Malkins to purchase three sets of new robes.

"Will that be it, sir?"

Harry blushed. "No, ma'am. I'd also like undergarments, socks, and if you have them, some footwear."

Madam Malkin nodded. "I'll retrieve those items for you. Also, might I suggest that you also take a trip to Muggle London? Muggle clothes are very fashionable among the younger generations these days."

"Thank you." Harry paid the woman extra for silence.

The three returned to Gringotts to Gryffindor's vault to examine the books to include inside the library. With Hermione's shrinking spells, she managed to convert the entire library in a quarter hour, bookshelves and all, into Harry's spare room in his trunk.

"You are so brilliant, Hermione," Harry said in awe. Hermione blushed.

The three visited the Peverell's main vault, found more books, and added them to Harry's library. They found some interesting staffs that they added to Gohan's collection of weapons, and left for the Potter vault. The Potter vault was rather large in size, but not as big as the Gryffindor vault. It contained gold, jewels, beautiful robes, some weapons, and of course, the library.

"Harry!" Hermione cried while converting the library.

Harry came over and gasped. Hermione had found a series of school trunks with nameplates:

James Harrison Potter

Lillian Samantha Evans

Harrison William Potter

Cordilia Fitzhugh Potter

Harry bit his lip. "We are so taking those."

"I thought you'd say that," Hermione said.

…

"I've never really been to Muggle London before. Not really," Harry said. "Does it really count if you're only there to hold your relatives' shopping bags?"

Hermione and Gohan exchanged glances. "Not really, Harry," Hermione replied. "Er, Harry, not to be meddling or anything, but did your relatives…ever…hurt you?"

Harry shrugged. "It doesn't matter anymore. They really couldn't hurt me now, anyways."

Hermione bit her lip uncertainly.

"But to answer your question, yes. Uncle Vernon never missed a chance to smack me around or grab a fist full of hair. He never broke anything, I think, but I was never lacking in bruises from him. That is until Vegeta took over," Harry grinned suddenly. "Somehow, I come to appreciate bruises from Vegeta more than Uncle Vernon. At least I earned them. It also meant I was learning something. Besides, the intent behind Vernon's treatment hurt me far worse than his fists. Like I said, it doesn't matter now."

Hermione nodded slowly.

Using the money they converted at Gringotts, Harry, Hermione, and Gohan spent their time purchasing new clothes for themselves, each using their own money. Gohan, used to wearing only gi, purchased only three mix and match outfits in black, white, and blue. Hermione only updated her current wardrobe with a light pink top and a pair of flared light blue jeans with black embroidery designs on the front beside the outside seams.

Harry, who had been reduced to wearing Dudley's cast-offs his entire life, purchased an entire wardrobe. He bought three simple dress shirts in black, white, and emerald green, two polo tops in hunter and blue, and three tee-shirts in black, white, and emerald green. He bought five pairs of carpenter jeans in various khaki, denim, and one black. He bought a suit in black and green.

At the jewelers, Harry, Hermione, and Gohan bought matching silver ear cuffs. Harry bought a silver chain to hang his Lord Potter ring; he had removed it at the shops to keep his secret. Each bought some Christmas presents, and Hermione noticed Gohan acting strangely. Knowing that it probably had something to do with him buying presents and trying to keep them hidden, she smirked as the three located the nearest washroom to shrink their purchases.

The final place they visited Hermione's idea: the nearest fabric store. Hermione bought multiple bolts of various fabrics; she was as adept with a sewing machine as she was at fighting. Harry found some materials he liked and asked Hermione to make him some headbands. Shrinking their latest purchases, the three returned to Diagon Alley, Harry Potter being nearly unrecognizable in his new attire. They ate a quiet lunch at Leaky Cauldron, visited Fortesque's, and made their way to Flourish and Blott's for their final stop to add to their library. They picked up various titles to extend their class knowledge, including books on wizarding etiquette, mind magics, nonverbal and wandless magic.

Using Instant Transmission, the three appeared on Hogwarts ground in the kitchens, knowing the elves would keep quiet regarding 'Ladyship.'

They made their way to the Chamber of Secrets and entered the living quarters, into the area that was reserved for the people only Hermione and Harry allowed: Hermione, Harry, Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, and Dumbledore, so far. Harry set up the founders' library in one of the empty rooms while the others organized their trunks and readied their possessions in their multiple trunk compartments.

They each decided not to tell the others about their 'house' compartment.

…

"My, my, my! What have we here? Looks like Potty, Monkey, and Mudblood went on a little shopping spree," Malfoy said, grinning as he approached them at the Gryffindor table.

Hermione raised a brow as she turned to face the annoying ferret. "Is there anything you actually needed, Malfoy, or did you only want to come over here to insult us?"

"A Malfoy hardly needs a reason to—"

Harry cut him off. "To insult us, then. Wasted trip. Get lost, ferret boy."

Malfoy smirked. "I don't recall inviting you into this conversation, Potter! I was addressing the Mudblood."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Why are you doing this, Malfoy? Hmm? If you're digging for information, you're just wasting your time. Unlike some, my friends are trustworthy."

Malfoy's smirk fell slightly. "And unlike some, you have a choice in the matter. Granger. Monkey. Potter." He nodded at each and strode away as the three stared.

"That was weird," Harry said.

"Sir?" Colin Creevey solicited enthusiastically to the dour potions master.

"Mr Creevey, I am in the middle of a potions class," Snape spat in agitation, causing the boy to shink away.

"Mr Bagman wants Harry Potter upstairs. The Daily Prophet—" The child continued cautiously.

Snape's eyebrows rose into his hairline.

"Bugger," Harry said quietly to his friends.

"Very well. Potter, leave your books—" Snape instructed, smirking at Harry's poison antidote.

"But sir, Mr Bagman said there would be photographs—" Creevey stammered.

"Five points from Gryffindor for interrupting, Creevey. Potter! Take your things, and get out of my sight! Mr Son, accompany Potter, if you would. Wouldn't want Gryffindor's Golden Boy to get lost now, would we?"

Harry glared as he stood. Before he completely closed the door he muttered, "Is it too late to ask Snape if I can test the potion now? With any luck, I'll die before I have to see those vultures." The door slammed shut, cutting off a rather amused snort from inside.

…

Gohan's eyes narrowed. "Let go of Harry. Now," he said firmly, staring down a woman with jeweled glasses and long, red fingernails.

Rita Skeeter's grin faltered slightly. "I don't believe you were invited to the wand weighing ceremony, young man. Why don't you toddle back to class, hmm?"

Gohan stood firm. "It is my job to protect this school…and its students. Not only is Harry Potter a student, but he is also my friend. I'm not about to let him be dragged off alone with someone I don't know…or trust."

The woman smiled unpleasantly. "What is your name?"

Gohan's eyes narrowed suspiciously. The incident with Moody had put him on edge around people whom his instincts believed to be untrustworthy. "Why?"

Skeeter grinned magnanimously. "I'm writing an article on the Wand-Weighing Ceremony. Including you might add a little interest to my piece."

Gohan turned his back on her and strode away. Skeeter reached for Harry. Harry pulled his arm away.

"Oh, come now, Harry. Don't be that way. Obviously your friend decided it was a waste of his time."

Harry frowned. "Actually, Gohan left because he trusts my abilities in handling the likes of you. See, if you think you can bully me into another room just because I'm a "child," you underestimate me. I've learned by now to trust in Gohan's instincts…as well as my own. Good day, madam." Harry spun and joined Gohan.

"Nicely handled, Potter," Legolas smirked. Harry rolled his eyes. "It's not over. That woman has a rather vindictive streak. I don't think I'm going to like Rita Skeeter's article."

Gohan absently watched as Olivander examined the competitors' wands. Soon, the ceremony was finished.

"Oh, wait, Harry! What about the pictures?" Bagman gestured toward the camera man and Rita Skeeter.

Harry smiled sweetly. "Oh, I trust you can make do without me, sir. After all, I'm not all that extraordinary. I'm just a child. Surely you don't want an annoying little brat pestering all of the adults. Good day." With that, Harry and Gohan left.

…

"So…sir. You were going to poison me, before we were so rudely interrupted," Harry said dismissively to intense obsidian tunnels.

One brow rose. "And precious Potter's photo shoot?"

Harry smirked. "I skived. They'll get over it, I'm sure. Besides, I'd much rather be poisoned by you than to put up with that foolishness."

Snape smirked. "I never had you pegged as suicidal, Potter."

"Don't you trust my antidote, sir?" Harry asked innocently.

Snape snorted as he handed Harry the vial. Harry downed the icy substance in one gulp.

…

Harry Potter sat with his friends at dinner with a grin. Winking cheekily at a sour potions master, he turned to Hermione and Gohan.

"So, when are we going to vaboo hanroski keshacha?" Harry asked carefully, referring to spending time working on the first task. Ron, who was still not talking to Harry, lowered his fork and stared.

Hermione nodded. "Rabloo ubroski tay gental."

Harry nodded at her as Gohan grinned at his friend. Harry was beginning to pick up Namekian words and phrases. Gohan spoke carefully for Harry's benefit. "((I spoke with Icarus yesterday. He said he smelled some other dragons in the area. He crept over to them using his chameleon abilities and questioned them. They were in cages and everything. They were females. They said they were caught from the reserve and shipped over here with their eggs. I think they are going to be used in the first task. Laying and setting females are especially aggressive.))"

Harry frowned thoughtfully. "((Gohan, when you speak with Icarus,)) what language do you use?"

"((Well, I use my mind. I also speak some of their language. It's rather similar to snake-speak—"

Harry blinked. "Parseltongue?" He inquired, ignoring the gasp from the wayward Weasley.

Gohan shrugged. "((It's similar, but the mechanics vary slightly. I mostly use imagery. You know, kind of like when we use projection fighting when we have no room to train?))"

Harry nodded, deeply in thought.

….

The three met in the ZU (Chamber of the Four) to work out a strategy. Gohan chuckled softly as Hermione and Harry paced on opposite sides of the hovering Saiyan.

Hermione spoke first. "So, you're going to be facing a dragon. Most likely it won't be to fight the dragon. I mean, the reserve wouldn't possibly agree to that, would they? They are all females, and they were brought with their clutch. Since I know it's illegal for anyone outside of dragon handlers, reserve keepers, and apprentices to handle dragon eggs—but I'm quite positive you will be retrieving something. Oh, this is so stupid! I imagine whatever it is is even in the dragon's nest! Fools! Not only endangering students but the dragon eggs as well!"

Gohan sputtered. "Oh no! What if the mothers accidently trample their eggs?"

Harry shook his head. "Maybe we should tell the others. It's not fair that I have the advantage of knowing the task before everyone else." Harry's eyes widened. "Hey! Gohan! Do you think I'll be able to talk to the dragon? Maybe I can persuade her that I don't want to harm her eggs."

Hermione bit her lip. "Try it on Icarus. Then you will know if it works. It might also be a good idea to get a book about dragon handlers. Perhaps you could learn something from it. But we need a backup plan, just in case it's unsuccessful.

Harry nodded.

Gohan lowered himself to the floor. "You should at least learn the summoning spell, Harry. Maybe you could summon the item. If not, you could summon your broomstick."

Harry's eyes widened. "You're brilliant, Gohan! You're right! I wonder if any of the other champions would even think of that: summoning whatever it is. It's so simple, yet so brilliant. I imagine the crowd will be disappointed by the lack in show though," Harry noted, his grin widening. "I'll definitely do it, if I can manage it." Any opportunity he had in spurning his fame was an opportunity worth taking.