Alright people, authors note:
Just a couple of Poll Announcements.
First, I have gotten several different requests concerning Ginny. 1: I should keep her in a lower position, 2: I should make her even more submissive like a fetish. (The person mentioned "The Coven of Seven" By Lord Redmoon as an example) 3: Make her Lady Emrys. Please note that if Ginny is not made Lady Emrys, there will be no other contenders as Harry is only considered a Magical Heir. Also, if Ginny does not become a wife, and you wanted her to be, don't worry. I plan on writing a Harry/Ginny Soul Bond story in the nearish future
Second, I have read in several stories about Bellatrix Lestrange either turning sane or being bewitched and coming back to the light as an Ally of Harry's. I l like the idea so I am going to use it. Here's my question, Does Bellatrix, wracked with guilt, swear a voluntary slave bond to Harry, or does she ask for asylum in his house, and becomes a close ally. In both cases she will help heal the Longbottoms.
Third, I plan on having three ladies swear themselves to Harry because of life bonds, turning them to servants/concubines of house potter. These ladies will be Hermione, Ginny, and Pansy. Ginny might leave due to what the first poll results are. My question is do I make one of them have a super submissive fetish. If Ginny's poll comes back with a submissive, it will be in addition to Ginny.
Fourth, Luna or no Luna.
Polls on my Profile
Thank's yall hope you enjoy the story.
Huge shout out to DEATH11223344 as my Beta reader for both Lord Potter and Master of All.
Chapter 3
Wills and vaults
Albus grabbed Harry's shoulder and led him over to the largest chair sitting in the middle of the room. Sitting down, Harry watched as the goblins threw open the doors and people streamed into the room. The first in was a tall blonde headed man, his hand on the shoulder of a boy around Harry's age. Both had their noses stuck in the air, superiority rolling off them in waves. Harry took an immediate disliking to the two. Following them was a tall blonde haired woman. She too gave off a sense of superiority, but for some reason, Harry felt as though it were being forced.
"Lord Lucius Malfoy, Head of the Noble and Ancient House Malfoy, Heir Draco Malfoy, Lady Narcissa Malfoy nee Black," Snaggletooth announced as they headed straight for Harry. They stopped short, however, when they saw Harry and Dumbledore were already in the seats of honor. Not wanting to stir up trouble with the formidable headmaster, the elder Malfoy sneered at them before sitting a few seats down, shushing a complaining Draco.
"Madame Amelia Bones Head of the Department of Magical Law enforcement, Head of the Noble House Bones, Heiress Susan Bones," drawled Snaggletooth. Harry smiled at his betrothed who blushed prettily and dropped her eyes to the floor, before moving to take a seat behind him as her aunt sat a few rows back.
"Arthur Weasley, Head of the Ancient and Noble House Weasley, Molly Weasley nee Prewett, Ginerva Weasley."
Harry returned the grin that Arthur gave him and accepted the bone crushing hug from Molly.
"Ted Tonks, Andromeda Tonks nee Black, Nymphadora Tonks," continued Snaggletooth
A tall man walked in with a woman who looked a lot like Narcissa, but with black hair, on his arm. A pink haired girl around the age of 12 stumbled in behind them, ignoring the snickering coming from the Malfoy scion. She was wearing a scowl and mumbling about something, but a sharp elbow from her mother silenced her.
"Remus Lupin,"
A scarred young man with premature grey slipped into the room and quickly took a seat by the door, next to Arthur Weasley.
"Lord Francis Greengrass, Head of the Most Noble and Ancient House Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass, Astoria Greengrass."
A stern looking man strode into the room, nodded respectfully at the goblin, took one look at the Malfoys, and hurriedly found a seat as far from them as possible. Two girls, one around the age of 11, the other around the age of 9, followed their father. The older of the two wore a cold expressionless mask, though Harry thought he saw her give the Malfoys a look of loathing.
"Lord Boqin Li Head of the Noble and Ancient House Li, Lady Sarah Li, Su Li."
A tall kindly looking Chinese man walked in with a brown-haired woman at his side, a petite, black haired girl following closely. He stopped just within the door and bowed to the Elder Grangock who returned the gesture. Standing straight Lord Li swiftly chose a seat near Lord Greengrass, sending the Malfoys a look of anger.
Harry's blood boiled when he saw Draco leering at Daphne and Su. He didn't know why he was so mad, until he realized that all four of the girls he was betrothed to marry were all in the room and it was the magic from the contracts making him feel so protective. Then he remembered what Snaggletooth had said about Narcissa's maiden name being Black. They probably thought that Draco was going to receive the Lordship of House Black, and would marry the two girls. Harry was confused, wouldn't Draco have a higher claim to it then he would?
"The following names have been unable to attend due to conflicts taking place at Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic, and send their express apologies for not coming. Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Rubeus Hagrid. Let us begin," Snaggletooth intoned as the large door slammed shut.
"Thank you, Director Snaggletooth. Esteemed Witches and Wizards, we are gathered today for the reading of the last will and testament of Lord James Charlus Potter and his wife, Lady Lilly Jane Potter nee Evans, and the last will and testament of Lord Sirius Orion Black. We thank you for attending. Please note that all bequeathments are final and have already been removed from the deceased's vault. Let us start with the will of Lord Black," said Elder Grangock, waving his hand at the bowl in the middle of the room. The torches dimmed and a holographic image of a tall man, with long black hair and a stylish goatee flickered to life. He had a slightly haunted look about him, though he smiled painfully at the assembled crowd.
Harry took one look at him and immediately was sucked into a deeply buried memory. He saw a dog chasing him as he zipped around on what looked to be a toy broom stick. He heard laughter, and the dog turned into the same man that was staring at them from the bowl. The man picked him up and tossed him in the air, causing more screams laughter which Harry realized was coming himself.
"Padfoot…" he whispered. Dumbledore looked at him with a raised eyebrow before turning back to the image.
"If you are watching this then that means I am either dead or am still being held at Azkaban. On October 31, 1981, I was framed for the murder of my best friends James and Lily Potter by Peter Pettigrew. Many thought that I was the secret keeper for the Potter family, but James and Lily convinced us to switch at the last minute to Peter Pettigrew to try and keep me safe. I never should have agreed."
The image sighed and rubbed his eyes before continuing, "I, Lord Sirius Orion Black, Head of the Most Noble and Ancient House Black, being of sound mind and body and my own free will, hereby ordain this to be my last will and testament to be read and carried out when my godson, Harry James Potter, claims his place as Lord Potter or before his first year at Hogwarts. It is to be executed and carried out by my good friend Elder Grangock, head of Gringotts bank, London Division.
First, to my best friend and brother Remus Lupin, I leave 85 thousand Galleons. Use it to buy yourself a good home, some good clothes, and to open a shop of your choice. I know it is hard for you to find a job, old friend, so create your own. Don't try to argue Remus, the transaction has already disappeared from my account and will show up in yours on the day of the reading. Do us both a favor, brother, and accept this poor dog's sincerest apologies at ever suspecting you to be a spy. It is something that will weigh on my heart forever."
There was a crash as Mr. Lupin fell out of his chair in shock, staring at the image. Smiling, Arthur reached over and pulled him back up and into his seat, giving him a friendly pat on the back.
"To Molly and Arthur Weasley, I leave another 85 thousand Galleons. You supported me and James through our times of need and helped to teach both James and Lily about raising a child. For that I will never thank you enough. Before either of you argue, I am not giving charity, I am repaying a lot of debts incurred over a lifetime of friendship, namely all those meals Molly and Lilly cooked for us. God help those who got in their way when they were in the kitchen. As with Remus, the amount has disappeared from my account and will show in yours after the reading of my will."
Arthur froze in his chair, ashen faced. Beside him, his wife hurriedly whipped out a handkerchief to muffle her sobs.
"To my cousin Andromeda and her beautiful daughter, I leave you 50 thousand Galleons each. I love you Andy and I'm sorry for what our family did to you. Stick around and I'll see what I can do. To my other cousin Bellatrix, I know you aren't seeing this because you're in prison with me, but whatever you have become, it's not you. What happened to the girl Andi and I used to duel? I know the LeStrange brothers did something to you, because there is no way you would turn dark. We were the 'Three Lights in the Black,' remember? Please come back. I hope you can see this if by some fluke you get out of prison. If I am right, then I leave you 50 thousand as well. If you have truly turned dark, you are hereby banished from the Most Noble and Ancient House Black."
The image had tears freely running down his cheeks, as he stared intently at the crowd. He drew a ragged breath and sorrowfully rubbed his eyes.
"To my third cousin Narcissa, you have a choice. Either ask the new Lord Black to annul your marriage with that pompous, stuck up, prick, and take the 50 thousand Galleons I'm leaving you, or take 200 Galleons and never darken the door of House Black again."
Lucius started spluttering as Draco looked confused. Narcissa looked anxiously around the room. Locking eyes with the woman, Harry was bombarded with an overwhelming feeling of hope.
"That brings me to the next order of business. I hereby banish Draco Malfoy Black from the Most Noble and Most Ancient House Black. Lucius, I know your there, you ungrateful bastard, you pranced into this room, head held high, assuming you would be taking another seat on the Wizengamot? Guess again, you ignorant prat. I would never give Lordship to that brat of yours."
Lucius gave a cry of outrage and lunged at the bowl, but was yanked back into his seat by a spell from Dumbledore. Draco sat by his father sullen faced and angry, spluttering indignantly. Looking around, Harry saw that the Greengrass and Li families were looking between each other, and the bowl confused. Daphne was staring right at him, a cold calculating look boring straight into his skull. Giving her a small, friendly smile, Harry turned back to the bowl as Sirius continued talking.
"To Severus Snape, I leave 40 thousand Galleons. Severus, I am terribly sorry for the way I treated you in school. I heard what you did for our family at the end of the war, and I will never ever repay you. I don't expect you to ever forgive me, Merlin knows I don't deserve it. Use this money to open an apothecary of your own. I know that is what you truly wish to do.
Finally, to my wonderful godson, Harry. I leave to you everything I have left. I also bestow upon you the Lordship of the Most Noble and Ancient House Black. I do have a favor to ask of you though. The way the laws are written are weird. In my will, I can banish people from the house but I can't restore them, so I beg of you to restore my cousin Andromeda and her daughter Nymphadora to House Black."
A sharp gasp came from beside the Weasley family. Looking over, Harry saw Andromeda covering her mouth with her hand, tears shining in her eyes. Nymphadora looked at him with a face full of hope and longing.
The bowl, again, drew everyone's attention as Sirius continued to speak. "Harry, I ask that you'll do me this one favor. Andromeda was removed from House Black for vocally renouncing the dark ways at the beginning of the war. She was always my favorite cousin and it broke me when she was kicked out. I was planning to reinstate her, but I was framed before I could."
The image gave a deep sigh, it's hands rising to its face, a forlorn look coming to his face.
"Harry, my dear boy, I hope that we will see each other face to face soon. Please do not think ill towards me. I would never betray your parents, I would have rather died myself than for James and Lily to have died. I love you as my own son, and I know you will do well. Take good care of those girls I know you have coming. If you don't, your parents will have your head. And believe me your mother had a temper. Professor's Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape, please take care of my godson and teach him all he needs to know. If I ever get out of prison, this will, if having been read, will not change. I will come and advise Harry as I should, being his godfather. Also, I know the gifts are fortunes, but I have way to much fucking money and you all deserve it. If anything put it in a vault for your great grandchildren. Well, it's time for me to go. I hope to see all of you again soon, even you Malfoy so I can hex you into oblivion. Bye!"
With a final, pained, grin and a wave the image of Sirius vanished and the torches flared back to life.
"Lord Harry James Potter, step forward," Elder Grangock called.
As he stood the headmaster whispered, "Your right hand." Barely nodding his head, Harry walked to the front of the room and stood before the table at which the elderly goblin still sat.
"Hold out your hand," said the elder as he produced another long rectangular box from under the table. Opening it he pulled out a pure black ring and slipped it onto the ring finger on Harry's right hand.
"Greetings Lord Black," chanted the Goblins in the room as Harry inclined his head yet again.
After Harry had returned to his seat Snaggletooth spoke up, "This concludes the reading of the will of Lord Sirius Orion Black. If you do not have business with Lord Black or, are not staying for the reading of the Potter's will, you may leave."
There was a scraping of chairs as Lucius stood and stormed towards the door, dragging his reluctant wife from the chambers with a foul, hateful glare thrown at the entire room. Draco followed, but stopped at the door, turned and spat at Harry, "You'll regret this Potter. You stole my Lordship from me. No one crosses a Malfoy."
Once the Malfoy family had gone, Grangock turned to the remaining audience, "I now call down, Daphne Greengrass, Su Li, Nymphadora Tonks, and Andromeda Tonks so we may conclude your business with Lord Black."
As they made their way down, two goblins came over and stood next to Harry. One was holding the box of Black family rings, and the other held the official Black Family Tree that was kept in the Black Family Vault. Leaning over, Albus whispered instructions to Harry who listened with rapt attention.
Finally, Gragnock approached Harry, the four women trailing behind him.
"Lord Black, I present to you Miss Daphne Greengrass," the goblin started pompously, "Lord Orion Black signed a marriage contract with her grandfather for her to marry the first eligible heir of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House Black. Do you accept her as your Lady Black, to love and obey you, to carry your children, and to serve your every whim to the end of her days?"
Harry now knew what would happen if he said no. It would bring shame and disgrace to her family, Daphne could die and she would lose her magic. But looking at her, Harry knew his answer. The honey blonde girl was standing next to Grangock her head bowed, her face emotionless, but Harry could see nervousness hidden in her icy blue eyes.
"I do," he said, as authoritatively as he could, giving her a warm smile. The girl looked at him for a split second, the nervousness replaced with gratitude and submission, before her emotionless mask slipped back into place.
Harry reached over and pulled the Lady's ring from the box. Taking Daphne's extended left hand, he slipped the ring onto her ring finger. The ring resized itself to fit her finger, and she curtsied before moving to the side.
"Lord Black, may I present to you Miss Su Li," the elder continued as the shy girl stepped up beside him, "Her ancestor signed a contract with House Black generations ago for the eldest eligible daughter, to marry the first eligible heir. Do you accept her as a consort in your house, to love and obey you, to carry your children, and to serve your every whim to the end of her days?"
"I do," he repeated, taking the first consort ring out of the box, and slipping it onto Su's left hand, giving her the same smile he had given Daphne. The girl dipped into a curtsy, before standing next to Daphne.
"In the eyes of the goblin nation, the contracts are fulfilled. Hereby and forever more, you are bound to Lord Black. May you serve him well."
Magic pulsed around the room, as the girl's names were added to the Black Family Tree and small white lights streamed from the rings worn by the two girls.
As the Lord Black ring on Harry's hand absorbed the lights, the superior feeling Harry had been feeling when the girls had been in front of him grew, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He knew this was part of the culture, but he was mad that two lovely girls were being forced to marry him. He calmed a little though as the magic in the room died down, and with it, the intensified feeling of loftiness that Harry had come to despise.
Giving the girls a kind smile, he motioned for them to sit. He intended for them to sit with their families, but instead they moved and sat behind him, sitting next to Susan.
"And finally, do you, Lord Black, at the request of your godfather, and former Lord Black, Sirius Orion Black, wish to reinstate Mrs. Andromeda Tonks and Miss Nymphadora Tonks back into the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black," Granick said with a grimace of a smile.
Harry had to fight to hold in a laugh. Mrs. Tonks looked like she was ready to pass out, but Nymphadora was bouncing on her toes, a giddy look on her face. What confused Harry was that, as she bounced, Nymphadora's hair was rapidly changing colors. Harry stared mesmerized, until a firm squeeze on his shoulder from Dumbledore, startled him out of the trance.
"Of course," was all he said. He was a little bewildered as to why the goblins was still standing there looking expectant, until Albus leaned over and told him how to say it properly for the magic to take effect. Nodding, he stood and looked Andromeda in the eye.
"Mrs. Tonks, I, Lord Harry James Potter Black, do reinstate you and your daughter into the Most Noble and Most Ancient House Black. I apologize for our families previous, wrong action of ever removing you. May you prosper and bring honor to our hou..."
Before he could finish he was pushed back into his chair by a squealing wall of pink and blue hair as Nymphadora threw herself at him. Grabbing him in a tight hug, she knelt, sobbing into his chest. Putting an arm around the crying girl, he looked back at Mrs. Tonks. "…May you prosper and bring honor to our house and name," he finished with a smile. There was a flash and the Black Family Tree glowed again as the scratched-out names of Andromeda and Nymphadora were renewed and cleared. The sobs from the girl he was holding intensified as her mother joined the hug.
After Nymphadora had calmed and her mother and led her back to her seat, Grangock addressed the crowd, "Let us continue with the reading of the final will and testament of Lord and Lady Potter."
Harry's breath caught in his throat as the lights in the room dimmed and an image of his parents shimmered to life above the bowl. His father looked like an identical older version of himself, but his mother shared his poison green colored eyes. He brought a hand to his mouth to try and keep the tears at bay, but he still felt a wetness sliding down his cheek.
"We, Lord James Charlus Potter and Lady Lilly Jane Potter, of sound mind and body, do ordain this to be our last will and testament of our own free will. We hereby declare all others null and void," James started with a small smile. Lilly continued, "If this is being watched, then we know that a couple of things have happened, one something went wrong and we are no longer in the world of the living, two, our little boy is nearing his 11th birthday and is now sitting with Albus Dumbledore and our friend Elder Grangock of the London Gringotts Wizarding bank. The money we have has been a bane to James and has been itching to get rid of it."
James picked up where she left off, "I am no damn royal. I'll take a cottage over a manor any day," James flinched as his wife cuffed him over his head before continuing, "First to my brothers in all but blood and best friends, Sirius and Remus, I leave both of you with 100 thousand Galleons each. Remus, Sirius told us what he plans to do in his own will and we agree. Use this money to open a good store and earn a decent living for yourself. Please, treat yourself right, your condition isn't your fault and you shouldn't treat yourself as such. Sirius, I know you don't need the money, but take it anyway, find yourself a girl and settle down, playboy." There was a thump near the door and everyone looked to see Remus slumped on the floor having passed out.
"Molly and Arthur Weasley," Lilly's voice broke the ensuing silence, "we also leave you with 150 thousand Galleons. You have been the best friends a family could ask for. We know you don't accept charity, so think of this as repayment for all the favors we have ever called in. We owed you a lot, so we hope this will cover it. I also did a little bit of research and I know some of the History of the Weasley Family. This is a repayment specifically of that debt." Molly's tears started anew, as Arthur just sat in his chair, his face slack. Ginny, was staring at Harry a look admiration, and a little fear clear in her eyes.
"Professor McGonagall, we are leaving you 50 thousand galleons, use this money well. We know you don't need it, but maybe you can find someone else who does. Maybe start a fund for new muggleborns who, like myself, enter our world with almost nothing. Severus Snape, we also leave you 50 thousand galleons and my most humble apologies. Sirius and I were right pricks to you in school. We should have taken after Lilly and looked past the Slytherian robes," Harry's father said, with a shamed face. Lilly squeezed his hand then looked back at the crowd. "Severus, I also extend to you my forgiveness for that incident so many years ago. I forgave you many years ago. I loved you like a brother and still do. Use this money to open that apothecary I know you so desperately want. Make it the best in the world."
"Professor Dumbledore, we just spoke with you and you demanded that we not leave you anything, but we can't do that. We have set aside 200 thousand for you. We all know that you don't need the money but there is no way we can ever repay the grandfather of Hogwarts. You have changed all of our lives and I know you will continue to do the same. Use this money to help the students of the school," James stated, a grin playing across his face. Looking at the old wizard, Harry saw a tear trickle down the wrinkled cheek.
"To Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle giant of Hogwarts, we leave 50 thousand galleons and a deed to a plot of land in the country. Get yourself some creatures and take good care of them for us. Take after Mr. Scamander and write a book on magical creatures," James continued with a playful smile.
"Finally, to our dear son Harry. We leave to you everything we have left. Use it wisely, for we know you will go far. Remember to be the best you, you can be. We know you might think you are too young to take up Lordship, but as the only remaining Potter, you must. Susan, Dora, please take good care of our son. We love you Harry and we will see each other again. Dumbledore, look after our boy and teach him as you taught us. This is James and Lilly Potter, signing off."
James threw out a goofy salute and the image faded. Tears were streaming down Harry's face as he stared at where the image of his parents had stood. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and looking over, he saw the professor give him a watery smile, his own eyes wet and spilling over.
"Susan Bones, Nymphadora Tonks, please come forward," the gravelly voice of the elder goblin called over the quiet whimpering of various people.
The girls moved to his side as a goblin walked forward holding the Potter family ring box. Opening it he extended it to Harry.
"Lord Potter, I present Miss Susan Bones," the Gragnock repeated "Lord James and Lady Lilly Potter signed a contract with Lady Lucy Bones and her husband only a few months after her birth. Do you accept her as your Lady Potter, to love and obey you, to carry your children, and to serve your every whim to the end of her days?"
Harry rubbed a hand over his face to rid himself of the tears and pulled the Lady's ring from the box and slipped it onto Susan's finger. "I do," he announced with another warm smile. Susan returned his smile and curtsied before standing off to the side.
"Lord Potter, I present before you Miss Nymphadora Tonks," recited the goblin, looking slightly bored "House Potter signed a contract with House Black generations ago for the first two eligible daughters, to marry the first two eligible heirs. Your grandfather completed half of this contract when he married Dorea Black. Do you accept her as a consort in your house, to love and obey you, to carry your children, and to serve your every whim to the end of her days?"
"I do," Harry grinned sliding the first Potter consort ring onto her left ring finger. Nymphadora smiled at him, dipped into a shallow curtsy and walked over to Susan, tripping over air on the way.
Elder Gragnock gave a toothy grin, "Then, in the eyes of the goblin nation, these contracts are now fulfilled. Hereby and forever more, you are bound to Lord Potter. May you serve him well."
The room was filled with magic as the Potter ring Harry wore consumed the long white tendrils emanating from the rings of his betrothed. As the magic faded, Snaggletooth spoke up, "This concludes our meeting here today. May your gold ever grow."
"As may yours," sounded the response from the room, bringing a happy sneer of a smile to the director's face as he walked out the door.
Harry stood and looked around the room as people started gathering their things. Mrs. Weasley was still wiping her face with her handkerchief as Ginny was trying to pull her stunned father out of his chair. Remus was still out cold on the floor. Looking over his shoulder, he saw his girls giving their family's hugs. Stepping around Dumbledore who had started talking with a grave looking Madame Bones, he walked up to the Weasleys and the still form of his father's friend.
"Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," he called quietly. Spinning around, Ginny took one look and leapt behind her mother who had pulled Harry into another bone crushing hug.
"Oh Harry, we can't accept the money. It's too much, it was a pleasure to help your parents and we would do it again in a heartbeat. Please, take it back," she pleaded after she had set him down.
"I can't do that Mrs. Weasley. That's part of the reason I came over here. I wanted to thank you myself for being a part of my family's life, even if I remember only a little. I can't retake that money even if I wanted to. If you won't accept it as payment for all your help, accept it as a gift, and use it wisely in honor of my parents." Seeing her about to protest, Harry continued cutting her off, "There is a difference between a gift and charity, Mrs. Weasley. Charity is given out of pity; a gift is given out of love."
"Then let us return the gift, and come over with Professor Dumbledore and have dinner with us. Remus is already coming. I'm sure the rest of our family will love to meet you," Arthur jumped in as his wife dissolved into tears once more.
"We would be honored, Arthur," said Albus as he walked up behind Harry. Meanwhile, Harry turned his attention to the ginger haired girl who was blushing madly and staring at her shoes.
"Ginny, are you ok?" he asked quietly, startling the poor girl.
"Y-y-yes, Lord Pot…" she started, looking up at him, eyes filled with fear.
"I'm going to stop you right there," Harry cut her off, looking her straight in the eye. "Our families were good friends before the death of my parents. I would like to continue that friendship. That means no 'Lord Potter' and no 'Lord Black' just 'Harry,' Ok?" She nodded but still backed away, looking frightened.
"Are you scared of me?" Harry whispered, hoping that it wasn't the case. He wanted to get to know this red headed girl as he could feel his magic wanting to pull her in and protect her.
Ginny hesitated before nodding, "It's said Potters are always powerful. Besides, you're so rich. If your parents and godfather had that much to give out, I mean your family just practically elevated House Weasley to a standard in wealth that we have not achieved for generations, but how much more do you still have?"
Harry flopped into the chair next to her, and let out a long breath. "Too bloody much," he claimed, "A couple of my vaults have apparently been sitting down there unused collecting money for thousands of years."
Ginny's eyes grew wide.
"But remember, money doesn't make the person. I want to be friends with you because you like me for me, not because I have so much damn money, it's unreal. Please, don't fear me. I'm just an almost eleven-year-old boy who was suddenly thrown into a new world. I could do with some good, true friends."
Ginny gave him a mischievous grin and, before Harry could say or do anything, sat herself on his lap, and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a friendly peck on the cheek.
"I can be your friend," she giggled.
"Not because of the money or the fame?" Harry asked seriously.
Ginny shook her head then blushed. "I've been in love with The-Boy-Who-Lived my entire life. My favorite time of the day was at night when I was listening to the stories about how you defeated You-Know-Who. But they're just stories. Getting to know the real you should be far more interesting."
Harry grinned at the young girl, "I agree."
Ginny returned the smile and slid from his lap. "I'll see you tonight!" she called as her smiling mother led her from the room. Harry shook Arthur's proffered hand before turning to the revived Remus, now sitting in his chair, staring into space white in the face.
"Mr. Lupin, are you alright?"
"Remus, just, Remus," came the whispered response.
"Remus then. Are you alright."
The man nodded slowly, almost absentmindedly.
"Your parents were good people. I should have expected something like this, but it is still a shock. James always complained about how much he had, and continuously boasted about how much he was going to give away."
"Just promise me you'll use the money as they asked," Harry asked, a serious look on his face.
"I promise. I'll see you tonight, Harry."
The man gave a weak smile, rose and walked unsteadily out the door. Harry turned to the professor. Behind the aged wizard stood his four girls. Their families stood grouped by the exit, watching.
It suddenly hit him what Grangock had meant when he had said the contracts were complete. Legally, he was married to all four girls, almost a month before he turned 11. The thought staggered him.
Daphne spoke up, "My lord, we are ready to leave when you are."
Harry shook his head, "What about your families?"
Susan responded, "We serve you now, Har… my lord. As such we attend to you and your every need."
Harry groaned internally at their use of 'my lord,' but knew that at the bank, it was required. A quiet sniffling sound floated over the air, and he saw Su flinch. Glancing over, he saw Mr. Li holding his wife who was crying softly into his shoulder. Little Astoria was hiding her face into her father's leg, who was quietly rubbing her back.
Still looking at the upset little girl he spoke, "Ladies, I have lived almost eleven years without a Lordship, I can handle a little longer," he turned his face back and smiled at them, "Go, enjoy the rest of the day with your families. Do you think you can come by room 10 of the Leaky Cauldron tomorrow morning for breakfast so we may talk for a little?"
Daphne was about to protest, but was cut off by a blonde blur who crashed into her. Her little sister was hugging her waist tightly, sobbing into it. Lord Greengrass followed close behind, looking embarrassed.
"My apologies Lord Black. My daughters have always been close, but that is no excuse for the behavior of my youngest."
"It is quite alright, Lord Greengrass. I was just suggesting that your daughter take the rest of the day and enjoy it with you and your sister, as well as the rest of the ladies, and their families," turning back to the girls he continued, "If you have any shopping that needs to be done, please use the rings. They are connected to my account and now, by extension, your account."
"Lord Black, won't you be needing them?"
"Not today, Lord Greengrass," Harry responded with a smile, moving towards the door as they followed, "They should spend time with their families. I am not so cruel as to tear them away just, so I can have them fetch nonexistent slippers. I have lived my whole life helping myself, I can go a little longer. I have, however, asked them to be at my room in the Leaky Cauldron early tomorrow so we may talk and get to know each other a little."
Their small group stopped in the lobby of the bank and the elder Greengrass extended his hand towards the young lord.
"My daughter will be there, Lord Black."
"Harry, please sir. I'm still getting used to this whole 'Lord' business and would rather just be friends. After all, I think I just became your son in law, legally at least, and I wouldn't want to leave a bad impression," he responded, shaking hands firmly.
The older man's grin broke his stern face, "Francis, then."
As he turned away, Daphne stared at Harry in awe, her emotionless mask slipping.
"No one outside of our family, has ever made him smile. Not since my mother," she said quietly, then in a move that surprised Harry, she stepped up and kissed his cheek.
"I will see you tomorrow, my lord," she curtsied and followed her father, her younger sister glued to her side.
One by one the girls followed Daphne's lead. Each pressed their lips to his cheek, curtsied, wished him a good day promising to see him on the morrow, and left.
Harry stood frozen, his hand absently rubbing his cheek, staring at the door to the bank.
A deep chuckle pulled him from his absent state as Dumbledore came up beside him. Putting a hand on his shoulder, the teacher commented, "I believe you will do just find Harry. Just fine indeed."
Harry shook his head with a goofy grin, and turned to the Elder Goblin who was standing behind them.
"Elder Grangock, would it be possible to head down to my vault? I would like to see what kind of books are available."
"Of course, Lord Potter, I will take you down myself. Would you like to visit all your vaults? Or just a specific one?"
"I would like to visit just the Potter Family Vault. I can come back and visit the others at another time," Harry responded.
"I also must get something in vault seven hundred and thirteen. Would it be possible to stop there as well?" Albus stepped in.
"Of course, right this way."
Harry and Dumbledore followed the old goblin to a carved door behind the director's booth. When it opened, Harry was a little surprised to see a gloomy cavern seemingly carved into the ground. It was lined with sooty torches and a small train track was embedded in the ground. The goblin put his fingers to his mouth and gave a shrill whistle. Seconds later what appeared to be a mining cart screeched to a halt in front of them.
"Go on, climb aboard, but make sure you hold on tight," the headmaster whispered in his ear.
Harry obeyed and held the side of the cart as Albus climbed on beside him. Harry grew a little concerned when the teacher cast a minor sticking charm to the seat before sitting down. He was about to ask why when there was a squeal as the brakes were released and the cart shot off into the darkness below at a breakneck speed.
For Harry, the ride was exhilarating and he couldn't help but laugh and shout in joy, throwing his arms up at every drop and corner. Dumbledore was not as well off and was gripping the rail in front of him so hard, the rusty metal bent slightly from his magically induced strength, his face an ashy white.
Harry couldn't keep track of the various dips and turns they took. The cart was moving so fast, all he could see was a blur, though he swore he saw a burst of fire emanating from a dark shape that appeared to be a dragon. He didn't have much time to think about it though as they hurdled on into the oppressing blackness.
After much too long, in the headmaster's opinion, the cart screeched to a halt in front of a blank granite wall. The only disturbance in the wall was a small flat rock protruding from at a slight angle. Harry was a little confused when the goblin had clambered out, but he followed his example.
Harry glanced back at the elderly teacher and had to bite back a snicker. Albus was still sitting in the seat, his eyes were shut tight, the metal bar in front of him still in a vice grip.
"Professor, we've stopped. You can open your eyes," he chortled.
Dumbledore cracked open an eye, furtively looking around.
"So we have," he stated. The wizard canceled the charm holding him to the seat and stepped down from the cart. He meant to do it gracefully, but when his foot touched the ground, his knees fell weak and he stumbled.
"Blasted cart," he muttered while Harry lost all elements of control and burst out laughing.
Albus sent him a mock glare, but the sheepish smile ruined it as he slipped a tiny flask from within his robes. Taking a quick swig of the firewhiskey to calm his racing heart, he moved to stand next to Harry and the Elder.
"Your hand please, Lord Potter. A drop of your blood is required to prove your lineage," Grangock explained, producing a small, curved blade, and stepping towards the young lord.
Harry's eyes widened at the sight of the knife. Unconsciously, he took a hurried step backwards, away from the confused goblin. In his mind's eye, a memory forced its way to the surface,
Flashback
"He's over here somewhere, find him!"
Harry huddled further into the bush where he was hiding as heavy footsteps thundered by. His breathing was quiet, but rapid. He had to remain quiet. If he could keep quiet, Dudley and his gang would get bored and he would be able to slip away to the library.
"The little freak couldn't have gone far. We'll teach him a lesson!"
Harry curled into a ball as he heard his cousin's voice, coming from just beyond the leaves. If only he would just leave! Seconds past in relative silence except for the thumping of shoes on the ground and the rustling of branches as the gang idly looked among the trees. Harry was about to sigh in relief as he heard the group move away, when a small insect flew up into his nose. Harry immediately covered his face with his hand, desperately trying to muffle the sneeze, but it was not to be. Instantly the sound of running feet was heard and the bushes parted. Harry tried to make a run for it, but hands reached out and grabbed him before he could escape.
A fist buried itself into Harry's stomach, forcing him to lose what meager lunch he had stolen, as he curled on the ground. Dudley loomed above him, grinning. "Looks like we caught our freak, boys! Let's show him what we do to such… things."
Harry looked around wildly for help, but only seeing Vernon, who looked on with mild interest, he gave up hope. Piers and Malcom each grabbed an arm and hauled the raven-haired boy to his knees. Harry didn't have time to think before another fist impacted his jaw, sending stars through his vision. A third connected with the other side, snapping his head around.
"No, please…" Harry whispered as he fought for consciousness.
"Awww… Is the fweak gonna cwy…" said Malcom, patronizingly.
"Nah, he's a freak he can't cry!" snorted Dudley as he landed another punch into his cousin's stomach.
Harry struggled pathetically as he fought to breath. All he could focus on was to escape. He had to escape, he had to escape, he had to escape. A movement caught his eye, and he braced himself for another blow.
Suddenly his arms were free, and he could move. The darkness that had been crowding his vision was gone, and the pain from the punches were now a dull but bearable ache. Looking around he saw that Dudley and his gang had been blown back somehow and lay on the ground dazed. But at the time that didn't matter. He needed to run. Leaping to his feet, he turned to flee, only to receive a blow to his face, knocking him flat. Vernon Dursley stood above him, his face purple as he carefully looked over the scattered gang.
"How dare you use your evil, freakish, unnaturalness on my poor boy and his friends," the large man's words were quiet and menacing, "You haven't learned your lesson yet, have you boy… well you will now."
Vernon smoothly pulled a large hunting knife from his jacket, and flipped it around in his hand. Pinning the boys hands to the ground with his knees, he pulled up the boy's shirt, exposing the pale, sweaty chest. Seconds later Harry started to scream bloody murder.
Dumbledore looked on, as the brilliant green eyes grew distant as they darted around the room, seeing nothing. He easily recognized the look of post traumatic fear in the eyes of his young student. It was a look he had seen far too many times before during the first war. His heart sank lower as he continued to realize the hell he had put the young man through. Putting a calming hand on the boy's shoulder, he knelt trying to get the wild green eyes on his.
"Harry, look at me. You're alright, you're safe, nothing is going to hurt you. Calm down," he whispered urgently, soothingly.
The poisonous eyes snapped to his, wide with fear. His breathing calmed down slightly, but was still hurried and panicked. Dumbledore gave a quiet sigh, "I'm so sorry, Harry. Please forgive me."
Raising his wand, Albus whispered, "stupefy" putting only a tiny fraction of the needed power behind the spell. It wasn't enough to knock the boy out, but it certainly made him drowsy. Harry slumped into the professors waiting arms, his eyes half lidded, ready to fall into a deep sleep.
"May I ask Headmaster, what that was about?" Grangock demanded, shock lacing his voice.
"I wish I knew, Elder, I wish I knew," came the muttered response, "I think it is best we nick his hand now, and put the knife away. It must be what started this."
The goblin nodded, and with a quick flick of his wrist, a small red line appeared on Harry's palm and the goblin vanished the knife. Dumbledore waved his wand over the drowsy lad and roused him with a quick "Ennervate." Harry looked up at the head master, and back to the goblin. Realization dawned on his face and he stood, looking quite ashamed.
"I beg your pardon, Elder. There was an incident about a year ago that has left me rather scared of any knife outside of my possession. I hope I did not, in any way offend you," Harry said, apologetically, bringing his defenses back up and slipping behind his overly polite persona once more, ignoring the annoying itch spreading across his chest.
The goblin inclined his head, "It is quite alright, Lord Potter. It happens to the best of us. We have already done what was needed. Please press your palm against the wall."
Harry looked down surprised to see the small cut on his palm, bleeding only slightly. He felt no pain which confused him greatly. Shrugging, he pressed his hand against the bare wall in front of him. A tingle ran up his arm and through his body before the wall flashed golden. The outline of a door shimmered into view, and a handprint was outlined in the protruding rock. Harry pulled his hand away from the vault, watching in awe as the cut healed itself leaving no mark that it was ever there.
"Good," the goblin chuckled, "Now to open it simply press your hand against the print. Only a Potter or a high-ranking Goblin may enter your vault."
Harry nodded and pressed his hand to the angled rock. The outlined print flashed green and the outlined door in the wall swung open on silent hinges. Harry looked in, not sure what to expect. Within was what appeared to be another dark chasm. He took a tentative step in. When his foot touched the ground inside the door, torches flared to life revealing an immensely long hallway lined with tall proud statues. Taking another step, he looked around the expansive corridor. The pathway was made of marble tiles, leading to a large golden door. The statues were each of a man and woman, standing within a tall archway. Walking up to the nearest one he read, 'Lord Aurelius Gryffindor Potter and Lady Margaretta Potter, Founders of the Most Ancient and Noble House Potter.'
"These statues are of each previous Lord and Lady Potter. When one dies, the hallway expands adding his and his wife's image to the collection along with another protection spell. Only the dimmest of thieving fools would attempt to make it past this hallway, if they even made it this far," Elder Grangock stated with a gruesome smile, "Only when a Potter opens the vault door do the enchantments and traps fully disable."
Harry nodded absentmindedly, examining each statue as he passed it. Standing just to the left of the great golden doors was a statue that made him freeze and tears run down his face. His father stood regally before him, his mother tucked into his side, her head resting on his shoulder. Below it he read, 'Lord James and Lady Lily Potter. Willingly laid down their lives to save their son.'
A gentle pressure on his shoulder made him look up. The kindly blue eyes of the headmaster twinkled down at him, wet with tears. Neither spoke, but plenty was spoken. They came to a silent agreement, that neither would try and hurt the other. Giving a sad smile, Harry turned to the golden bank vault door before him. Seeing another magical hand print, he placed his hand within, waiting to see what he had. The handprint flashed, and the golden doors swung in.
Harry took one look at the room before him and nearly passed out. The cavern was easily the size of a large warehouse. Bookcases lined the walls crammed with tomes of varying sizes and thicknesses. Along the back of the massive chamber rose stacks of gold bricks. The center of the room was filled with rows of display cases, each filled with some item.
His mind in a white haze, Harry walked in. Looking around he whispered, "This is all mine?"
The goblin nodded, "Indeed it is Lord Potter, and this is only one vault."
Harry shook his head quickly, not wanting to think about it. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he headed straight for a bookshelf. He had an innate desire to learn, and loved to read. While he had been forced to do poorly in school while at his relatives, lest he get whipped for doing better than "perfect" Dudley, they had not quenched his thirst for knowledge. Browsing the shelves, he started pulling out titles that fascinated him. Beside him, the pile grew as he added book after book on Arithmancy, Runes, Charms, Dueling, Potions, and many other subjects.
Albus laughed aloud as the young lord continued to pull volumes from the shelves. Turning to the wall beside him, he levitated a trunk stored there over to sit beside Harry.
"Here, my boy, use this. It's a library trunk specifically designed to hold and sort books."
Harry looked down at the trunk, a grin spreading across his face. Reaching down he unlatched the lid and started transferring his collection inside. He was about to move on to the next bookcase when the teacher cleared his throat.
"Harry while I applaud you for wanting to read and learn, we still have to get what is required for the school year, or else what is in those books will be useless."
The boy nodded reluctantly and turned back towards the entrance. Almost at the door, he noticed a handwritten note sitting next to a small medallion bearing the Potter Crest. Picking up the letter, he started to read.
'Dear Harry,
If you are reading this note, then that means we are dead and you have taken up the mantel of Lord Potter before I could give you the locations of our various properties. As such I have written them down for you here. This paper is charmed so only you can read it. Once you read this, the necklace will become a permanent portkey. Put it on and only you can remove it. Simply touch the crest and say the place you want to go and you will be taken. It is the only portkey that will work and only Lord Potter may activate it.
Potter Manor, 10 miles east of Lerwick, Scotland
Summer Cottage, Godrics Hollow England, Circle Drive
Villa de Potter, Paris France, Rue Balguerie.
Remember Harry, we love you,
Dad'
As he read the note, Harry felt something like a wave wash over him. He wasn't sure what it was, but he folded the note and slid it into his book trunk. Picking up the necklace, he slipped it over his head. With a final look at the vault, he smiled and headed into the corridor. The headmaster muttered a spell at the trunk and it shrank down to the size of a jewel box. Slipping it into his pocket, Dumbledore led the way out of the vault and back to the cart.
The ride to the next vault was just as delightful to Harry, and just as terrifying to Albus, as the previous. When they stopped in front of Vault 713, the teacher took another fast drink from his flask, as the goblin stepped up to the vault, dragging a long finger down the center of the door.
"Only a goblin can enter the vaults in this sector, anyone else who tries gets sucked in," the elder explained with an evil grin.
Harry gulped, "How often do you check to see if someone is inside?"
"About once every ten years."
The door melted away and Harry peered inside the seemingly empty vault. He was about to ask why the emptiness when he noticed the professor reaching in and grabbing a small dirty package from the back corner.
"Sir, if I may ask, what is that?" he queried, curiously.
"Nothing that you must concern yourself with Harry. It is simply something an old friend wanted me to keep safe,"
Harry nodded and returned with the professor to the cart.