The Leaky Cauldron.
The Floo place lit up, as through the fires exited Regulus, Faye, Nymphadora and Henry, stepping into the crowded and populated pub. The sound and fires didn't attract any attention whatsoever, since the visitors of this establishment were more than used to it and didn't usually pay any attention to the newcomers. This was good news for the four, as they would prefer to stay undetected, as Faye and Regulus didn't want to draw much attention to them just yet, and hopped to remain unnoticed.
As for their companions, Nymphadora, who had at one point in her life worked here during summer breaks and was a famous Auror already, used her shape-shifting abilities, to change up her appearance to that of a normal looking girl with short black hair and brown eyes. As for Henry, for whom remaining anonymous was paramount, he had donned a black coat with grey embroidery, with black pants and shoes, with a single silver ring on his middle finger of left hand, as a piece of jewelry.
Unknown to most, this was one of the artifacts of House Black, used to cast a very strong glamour charm on the wearer of the ring, to hide its true appearance, while also remaining undetectable by regular magical means. Right now, instead of his long greyish silver hair, pale skin and grey eyes, Henry sported a mane of golden hair, close to that of a Malfoy family member, deep blue eyes and a healthy tone of skin, as well as looking facially as a completely different person completely. This was adequate enough, in Arcturus' and Cassiopeia's opinions, for Henry to use to go into Gringotts, after he has been given the proscribed potions to boost up his health.
Nym quickly looked around and motioned her companions to move with her towards the entrance to the Diagon Alley. Once they were past the majority of the crowd and near the bar, Nymphadora suddenly tripped over one of the empty seats, nearly falling, saved only by Regulus.
"Ugh, thanks." She thanked him, getting her balance back in order. "Blasted stools, never let my pass 'em without getting in my way."
"Tonks, is that you?" Suddenly, the four turned to see Tom, the bartender and owner of the Leaky Cauldron, looking with surprised yes at Nymphadora. "Well, blimey, I almost didn't recognize you without your pink hair. What's up with the new hair and eyes, girl? Oh, could I get you something, since you seem to be off duty?"
"Nah, Tom, thanks, but I'll pass." She waved him off, before motioning to the trio of her companions behind. "I' m just showing some of my dad's friends the way to Diagon Alley, whilst I'm off duty. They're tourists, from America, visiting my old man, and I don't really want to draw much attention to me."
"Oh, we don't get many foreigners around here, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Tom, barman and owner of this establishment. Can I get you anything?" Tom looked with a smile to his potential
"No, thanks, but we are kinda pressed on time, so if you don't mind, we'll be on our way." Regulus politely declined, with the group already leaving the bar and stepping close to the entrance of to Diagon Alley. "She we be worried? I remember that Tom didn't work for the Death Eaters, or sell us information, but I'm not so sure about the Order."
"Nah, we can relax." Tonks calmed him down, before taking out her wand and opening the entrance to the Alley. "I know the guy, and he's not much of an informant or a gossip. He does give the Aurors a couple of tips about criminals and suspects every now and then, sure, but that's just him doing a good deed for us. Other than that, he's not into being an informant, and he's not with the Order, that I'm sure of."
"Let's hope that you are right, Nym." Henry said, as they all stepped into the Alley, making their way through the crowd of wizards, witches and children. "Do you have something similar to that in the US? Or you shop everything in those big malls I've seen once, like all the muggles do these days?"
"There a couple of places like this in the States, with Salem having the St. Walburga's Square, though no big malls like muggles. But, if it's any consolation to you, the assortment of products there is far greater than that of Diagon Alley." Regulus answered, looking at the bustling with life Alley. "And there is way less people wearing robes. To be honest, it's almost bizarre for me to see so many people wearing them, instead of wearing coats, jackets, shirts, etc."
"Yes, and in other countries, save for some of the Eastern European ones, these kinds of robes would be seen as something of an old and terribly outdated fashion choice, to be honest." Faye added, as they passed the book store. "Wizarding kind these days now prefers more comfortable, less cumbersome clothing. Robes are still in use, of course, in the Ministries and other governmental institutions, but only as ceremonial garments for special occasions, like the award ceremonies or the funerals. Most of the times, its business suits, ties, tuxedos and so on that Wizards and Witches wear."
"Sounds like you guys have it quite great with dress code in your States. Wish I could ditch these robes and wear something with a bit more comfort and risqué to it for a change." Nym commented with a bit of a sly smirk of her own on the lips, before they approached the white tall building of Gringotts Bank, stopping at its entrance. "Okay, this is it for me. I best be off and grab what Auntie and Mom had asked of me, while you three deal with our little problem. You do know how to deal with it, right, Harry?" She asked of him, with Henry nodding to her.
"Yeah, don't worry about it." Henry said to her, with Nym nodding to him, before leaving them. "Regulus, I'm assuming that as a member of House Black, you are entitled to seeing your House's bank accountant, right?"
"Of course, like any member of House Black, but I'm not exactly allowed to perform any serious actions with our fortunes or vaults. That's the prerogative of the Head of the House." Regulus informed Henry, who nodded to him. "But why would you need my House's accountant? We are here to deal with Potter's fortunes, not Blacks. Shouldn't we get the Potter's accountant for… Oh, I see what you mean." Regulus nodded to Henry, while Faye looked confused a little, while they entered into the bank.
"Could either of your explain to me what is that you are about to do?" Faye asked of them in a hushed voice.
"Don't worry, you'll see soon right about now, dear." Regulus said to her, as the trio stepped close to receptionist goblin. "I would like to see the accountant for my House." The goblin looked down from his seat at the one addressing him, before speaking up.
"May I inquire of your identity, Mister?" Goblin half-asked half-snarled at them.
"Black, Regulus Arcturus Black of House of Black." Regulus replied, before motioning at his companions. "With me are my wife, Faye Rosemary Black, nee Stewart, and my distant relative, whose' identity I can't reveal because of the matter of which I am here to attend to." The receptionist nodded to Regulus, with another goblin stepping close to Regulus.
"Very well, but you will have to confirm your identity. Please hand over your wand to the examiner." Regulus did so, giving to the goblin his slightly curved wand, who immediately began to examine it with his own magic.
"Hm, 12 inches, Hawthorn wood, with Sphinx's feather for a core. Made by Mykew Gregorovitch to Regulus Arcturus Black and belongs to said man." The examiner looked at the receptionist and nodded, before returning the wand to its owner. "The wand and the last person to use it are Regulus Arcturus Black."
"Very well." Receptionist said, motioning the examiner off. "Mr. Black, you and your companions may enter the waiting room number 11, where you are to await your House's accountant. However, before you leave, may we inquire as for the reason why your relative utilizes a glamour charm, sir?" Henry's eyes nearly widened when he heard the goblin say that, before Regulus took spoke up.
"Because of the reason we are here, and because this concerns the safety and integrity of Gringotts Bank." Regulus and his companions immediately saw how the goblin's face hardened at the mention of this. "Inform my accountant that this is a matter of paramount importance."
"With all haste, Mr. Black." With that being said, the trio followed to the waiting room 11, where they took the seats at the table on one side and began to wait for the accountant.
"Alright, if I'm not mistaken, we need to see the accountant for House Black because through him Henry will be able to get rid of the Potters' accountant, right?" Faye asked of them, with both nodding to her. "Since he hasn't been sending you any letters about your accounts' status, nor did he inform you of your status as Lord, it's clear that he is not to be trusted, right?"
"Precisely." Henry nodded to his aunt. "Goblins take the matters of banking and money very serious. If someone among them has been withholding on their clients, or worse, working against his client, then it's a shameful stain on their reputation. All I need to do now is prove who I am and explain my situation, and since Gringotts doesn't give two knuts about Wizengamot and its decisions, there won't be any trouble of me getting those accounts."
"Okay, but what are you going to do once you have access to them?" Faye asked of him, with Regulus also wanting to know what Henry has planned.
"You'll see." Henry simply replied, as the door into the room opened up and through it came a gruff looking goblin with accountant books, before sitting down in the seat in front of Regulus.
"Mr. Regulus Black." Regulus nodded to him. "I am Fistgrab, the accountant for the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. I have been informed that you've come here with an urgent matter, concerning the safety and integrity of Gringotts Bank. And along with that, I have been also informed that your relative is connected to that matter, if I am not mistaken."
"You are correct, Mr. Fistgrab." Regulus spoke up to him. "I believe that you have also noticed that my companion here is using a glamour charm to hide his identity."
"Yes, a very powerful and almost undetectable charm in most cases. But Goblins have a far better sense of magic than most." Fistgrab answered to him. "You can be assured, sir, that any and all secrets you wish to reveal, will not leave me, nor this room. Gringotts prioritizes the safeguarding of their clients' secrets and information, as they are as much assets to them as are gold and jewels." Regulus nodded to him, with Henry taking a deep breath, before removing his ring and revealing his real look to the goblin, who didn't even move a brow at this one.
"Mr. Fistgrab, my name is Henry James Potter, and I have most recently been informed that, according to my grandparents' will, I have been named as the Heir to the Houses of Potter and Peverell." Henry spoke up, with Fistgrab showing no emotions, but listening very carefully to all. "Throughout my life after their death and before my incarceration in Azkaban, I have not received any notification about it, or any updates on the statuses of my vaults and fortunes in them. When I came to Gringotts for my money from the trust fund, the accountant in charge of vaults of Potter, Peverell and Fleamont Houses, Griphook, has failed to inform me in person about my status as Lord of Houses Potter and Peverell."
"Lord Potter-Peverell, what you are implying can be considered to be the highest form of treason in Goblin Nation and is punishable by death in our mines, by endless labor." Fistgrab informed him, remaining calm. "What proof or evidence do you have to support your claim? Because, if you are lying, there will be serious consequences for you and members of your Houses for false accusations of an accountant." Henry nodded to him.
"I, Henry James Potter, swear upon my life and magic, that I have not been informed, nor had any knowledge of my status as Lord of Houses Potter and Peverell, prior to today, and that all said by me in this room is true, and if not, then let magic claim me for my lie." A dim golden glow erupted from Henry, showing that magic accepted his words as truth, with Fistgrab's face hardening with a snarl coming out.
"I see, Lord Potter-Peverell, that your words are true. My apologies for mistrusting you." Fistgrab bowed his head slightly before them, before removing himself from his seat and walking to the door. "Please remain here for the time being, while inform our leadership of this transaction. After that, another accountant shall be with you to sort out any remaining problems and inform you of your possessions and statuses." With that said, Fistgrab apparated out of the room instead of walking out of it, leaving the trio waiting in there.
They had to wait for about half an hour, before the door into their room opened up, and inside walked a richly dressed goblin, with golden rings with jewels and embroidery on his cloths. He carried with him a similar book to that of Fistgrab, while walking with an air of power and dignity. He sat in the same place as Fistgrab, before speaking up directly to Henry.
"Lord Potter-Peverell, I am Ragnok, current Head of the Gringotts Bank in United Kingdom and Ireland." Ragnok introduced himself, placing the book on the table. "As the Head of this establishment, I offer you my sincerest apologies for the rude violation of your rights as the client of Gringotts Bank, as well as the deception you have been made a victim of. The criminal accountant Griphook has been already interrogated and has revealed to us his involvement in this scheme to keep you unaware of your status. He has been acting on behalf of your birth parents, Lord and Lady Fleamont, and has been found guilty of all charges. His sentence is the life labor in our harshest mines. As a compensation for our continued mismanagement of your assets and inability to see the corruption, the Gringotts Bank offers you a 35% discount on all services of Gringotts Bank, along with half the contents of Griphook family's vaults as a monetary compensation. And as to ensure that you may entrust any and all of your assets to Gringotts Bank, I have taken the responsibility as the accountant of Houses Potter and Peverell, with House Fleamont's assents soon being frozen and transferred on your accounts for their Lord and Lady's actions."
"This all very generous of Gringotts Bank, and you have my gratitude for dealing with this violation." Ragnok nodded to Henry. "However, the matter I am here to discuss with you is not something I believe you have dealt with, and I hope that you will be understandable to the nature of my matter and request. With the added benefit of monetary compensation for your services included, of course."
"Hm, you speak like a true Goblin would. I believe that you will make a good client, Lord Potter-Peverell." Ragnok smiled viciously to him. "I am listening."
"I believe you are aware of the fact that I am convicted criminal, that should currently be incarcerated and, as of four days ago, dead in the cell of Azkaban." Henry spoke up, with Ragnok interrupting him.
"We are well aware of your unjust incarceration, as well as the accusations made towards your persona. To Gringotts Bank and Goblins, you are a client, and it is our job to know if the client is a reliable and safe one to operate with." Ragnok informed him. "We have done our research and we have determined that you are innocent and are still considered a reliable client, whilst your birth parents, as well as the participants of your incarceration, have lost the trust of Gringotts as valuable and reliable clients. Your birth parents are now among the most hated clients here, though soon they shall be excluded and banned from Gringotts, along with their son William and any and all of their descendants."
"That is the part of my matter I am here to discuss with you." Henry said to Ragnok. "To the knowledge of the world, and especially those that have sent me in Azkaban, I am dead, and all of my assets have been transferred to my de-facto Heir, or next in line of inheritance, William Potter."
"Apologies, Lord Potter-Peverell, but I will have to correct you." Ragnok interrupted him again, before opening up the book and speaking up. "I am sure you are familiar with Family Magic and Magical Code of House Potter, are you not?"
Henry nodded to him, knowing full well about the Family Magic and the Magical Code of House Potter. Family Magic is the special type of magic that is bound and connected to members of the specific family, increasing the members' power and prowess in certain areas of magic, like Charms, Dark Arts and Transfiguration and so on. There are no detailed explanations as to how the Family Magic is formed or even how it works, but it is theorized that Family Magic is created and strengthened through the members of one bloodline, who each add their own power and even skills into the accumulated pool of magic, which is Family Magic. Family Magic's strength is dependent upon the numbers and powers of the members of the House, as well as their personal skills, talents and achievements. Because of this, Pureblood Wizards and Witches are considered to be more powerful than most other wizards, if members of their families are accomplishes in magical arts and magical prowess in general.
Magical Code is a part of Family Magic, but one that is far more explored and detailed. The Code is a set of unwritten magical laws that govern the House and family, created to ensure the prosperity and power of the House. The laws are linked with the Family Magic, and are not to be broken, for the backlash would either be loss of magic entirely, sometimes life, or in most cases, an automatic disconnection of Family Magic from the lawbreaker and disownment of that member from the House. These Codes are nowadays considered to be very obsolete and unnecessary, so most of the families have done away with them through the rituals with utilization of Family Magic, but there are still some that have them. And House Potter is one of them.
"Yes, I am aware of the terms, and I know that House Potter has a Magical Code, but I am unaware of the laws and rules included in it." Henry said, with Regulus and Faye listening carefully to it all. "I have not been fully trained in my duties as the Head of Houses Potter and Peverell, thanks to my birth parents."
"I see. Then it explains why you believe William Potter to be your Heir, when in actuality, it is your younger sister, Rose Dorea Potter that is your Heiress." Ragnok informed Henry, who listened to it all very carefully. "One of the central and paramount laws of Potter's Magical Code dictates: "No Potter, blood, adopted or married into House, must betray its child, parent, or relative in any form or manner. Must he do harm in direct or indirect way to them, with clear malice and evil intent, they shall prove themselves to be no Potters at heart, and in blood." Ragnok explained to them all one of the Magical Laws of Potters' Code.
"When James, Lily and William had sent you to Azkaban, unjustly, they had betrayed their son and brother respectably, with James and Lily accusing you of your wrongdoings, while William claimed your deed of defeating Riddle as his own." Regulus summarized, with Faye agreeing with him. "That must've been when Family Magic had excluded them as Potters, as well as from the line of inheritance."
"Correct, Mr. Black." Ragnok agreed, with Henry giving away a small smile. "As you can see, they have now no business or right to your rightful assets."
"Just out of curiosity, in case of my and Rose's death, who would inherit all that I own right now, including the titles?" Henry asked of Ragnok, who looked at the book one more time, before speaking up.
"In case of your sister's death, the next in line of inheritance is Mr. Edward Robert Tonks, with his daughter Nymphadora Druella Tonks, following after him." All three widened their eyes after hearing of this, being shocked to find out that Ted Tonks is actually somehow connected to House Potter. "Seeing your surprise and shock, I will take it that you were unaware of your distant relation with him and his daughter?"
"I thought that I was connected to Nymphadora, but through her mother, as she was a Black family's member, as was my grandmother." Henry said to Ragnok.
"How in the blazes is Ted 'Robin' Tonks connected with Potters? He is a muggleborn Wizard, though a powerful one at that." Regulus asked still in shock, with Ragnok speaking up again.
"Mr. Tonks is not a muggleborn Wizard, but a Half-Blooded Wizard." Ragnok corrected Regulus. "Mr. Tonks' grandmother, Margaret Julia Tonks, was born Potter, to Morgan and Felicia Potter, your great-great grandparents. However, unlike her siblings, she was born as a Squib and left the Magical World, where she married a man named Robert John Tonks, with whom she had one son, Jonathan Henry Tonks, a non-magical. He, however, married an exiled Pureblooded Witch of Malfoy family, Juno Clementine Malfoy, sister to Abraxas Malfoy. She gave birth to Edward Robert Tonks, but, unfortunately, died during childbirth. I can assure you, that he and his daughter are now closest, with the exception of your younger sister, relatives that you have."
Henry looked utterly shocked, as did Faye with Regulus, with whom he exchanged the looks, with Regulus suddenly losing it and beginning to laugh almost maniacally at all of this. Soon enough, Henry joined in on this one with Faye following suit, though not as loud as Regulus. To find out that a member of Malfoy family, one of the most outspoken about their blood purity Houses, has actually married a muggleborn and had a child with him, was something that must've been outrageous for the House Malfoy. What made it even more hilarious for them was the fact that the born child turned out to be quite an accomplished and powerful Wizard, who happened to have married a daughter of House Black. Henry, as well as Regulus, couldn't wait to tell the news to Nym, her family and Arcturus. They were sure that their reactions would be that of the shock and that look alone would've been oh so worth it.
"Oh, Merlin! That must be why he has those girty golden head! I always joked that he looked like a dirty Malfoy, but to think that he is an actual one!" Regulus nearly doubled out of laughter. "Oh man, I can already imagine his face when he hears of it! Or better yet, when Lucius Malfoy hears of it!"
After having had his share of laugh and calming down, Henry spoke up, clearing up his throat.
"Oh Merlin, I needed that one…" He took a few deep breaths, finally calming down. "Well, back to the matter at hand, Mr. Ragnok. As you may've guessed, my current official status requires of me to remain hidden, or I would be found out and sent back to Azkaban. For this reason, I have to request that you do not freeze House Fleamont's accounts, but also grant a full access to Houses Potter and Peverell's vaults to my birth parents, James and Lily Potter, or Fleamont, as well as their son. Along with that, they are to be treated in a way, as if I was truly dead and they were Potters, with William as Lord and his parents as Regents." Ragnok looked mildly surprised at the request of his new client, with Regulus and Faye too looking surprised at this one.
"Lord Potter-Peverell, I hope you realized just what you are asking of me?" Ragnok asked of him. "You are essentially granting a full access to your rightful fortunes and treasures to the people that have denied you all of it. Our bank has provided many odd and unusual services, but this is something has never been asked or even thought of to be done before. I must state, that as your accountant and Head of Gringotts Bank, I can't grant this request of yours without very valid reasoning, as you have to understand that people you wish to grant your fortunes are essentially wanted criminals to us."
"Very well, Ragnok. I was planning on sharing my full plans with you anyway." Henry spoke up to him. "I am sure you are well aware of the fact that my birth parents are part of the Order of Phoenix, led by one Albus Dumbledore, dedicated to fighting against the Death Eaters and their leader, Voldemort."
"I am aware of that fact, yes." Ragnok acknowledged it.
"The reason as to why I've managed to get out of Azkaban is because I've made a deal with someone who has a bone to pick with both Voldemort and Dumbledore." Henry continued. "The condition of that deal is that I am to help bring an end to both of them and their supporters. And I intend to do so, as I hate both Voldemort, for killing my real parents, and Dumbledore, for sending me to Azkaban to rot and die for doing his job for him. As of this moment, I am effectively dead for both of them and that is the way I would like it to remain. However, should either of them, personally, or through their minions, like the Potters, catch a wind of me being alive, for an example, through my status and access in Gringotts Bank, then my work would be made impossibly difficult, as I would become their prime target to take out. I know that the Wizarding community believes one to be a saint, while the other is dead to them, but we both know that is not the case with either of them."
"Hm… Yes, that is something we can agree upon." Ragnok nodded to him. "We have always remained aware of the fact that Tom Marvolo Riddle, also known as Voldemort, hadn't perished away, and he has caused us Goblins a great deal of trouble, both directly, and indirectly, by killing hundreds of our clients and using them to steel our gold and artifacts. As for Dumbledore, the Goblin Nation is very well aware of who to blame for many restrictions and anti-goblin reforms passed through Wizengamot, which have severely hampered our influence and affected our community in Britain. Add to that the fact of him stealing from us through the Wizengamot many of Goblin artifacts and being a part of the scheme that withheld from you information about your status, we consider him to be a persona non grata."
"Then I can assume that if both were to be dealt with, permanently and without any way to return back, it would only serve for the betterment of Goblin Nation and Gringotts Bank?" Henry asked of Ragnok, who nodded to him. "Now, I understand that my request is, to put it simply, outrageous and goes agaisnt the principals of Gringotts Bank. However, I am sure you can see the necessity of me remaining officially dead, as well as for my sister to be considered dead as well, if I is to succeed in my job. Now, as I recall, I have promised earlier monetary compensation for your services. Would all contents of Griphook family's vault, as well as 5% of all monetary assets from all Potters and Peverells vaults be considered enough to see my request done? I may not have been informed of my fortunes, but I do know that my grandfather has left my coffers and vaults overflowing with Galleons."
"Indeed he has, Lord Potter-Peverell…" Ragnok knew exactly, how much his bank would benefit from just those 5%, but he still wished to see how much he could gain from it all. "But, even with this great amount of gold, you'd have to understand that we are still going agaisnt some of our primary principals. Such transactions on our part require certain… assurances that our client will honor our traditions, agreements, but also gain profit for us and him as well."
"That is understandable, Mr. Ragnok." Henry nodded to him. "5% of all monetary assets, and transfer of all Goblin-made artifacts and objects stored in vaults of House Potter. I've read in House's archives, that during the unfortunate events of the past, House Potter has acquired a number of your objects, many of which are considered to be highest forms of art and craftsmanship. I understand that the trust between my kind and Goblin Nation has been severely damaged because of what had transpired, and I would prefer to have that trust of Goblin Nation restored, at least towards me and my closest. And as for acquiring profit on my part, I do not intend to give my full access to my coffers, without first making sure that I gain something from it all." Henry gave a near feral smile to Ragnok, who understood it and gave him his own smile at that one.
"Yes, that would be very unwise, Lord Potter-Peverell. Granting access without contributions is a fool's act, true." Ragnok agreed with him. "But, as your personal accountant, I can recommend you an alternative to your proposal. As the holder of the vaults and their contents, you are in full right to loan the money from them to others, with 10% interests to be retrieved, along with the loaned money. With your former parents and sibling's spending habits, you will be able to amass quite a fortune from it. And if they are unable to pay, then Gringotts Bank will start to extract payments from the assets owned by them: property, artifacts, possessions and so on. Should the debt exceed that, and then we will start to extract money from their closest associated persons, like Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore and so forth. You, of course can set up the list of people that are in close proximity to Potters, but which you wish to exempt from payments. That way, we can be certain that the ones that have wronged us and our client are punished. It would also see you suffer no significant monetary loss. And that way you may remain out of vicinity of your enemies, free to act in your desired ways. Does that sound acceptable, Lord Potter-Peverell?"
"If this was the option all along, they can you tell me, why were you making such a scene out of it all?" Faye asked of Ragnok, but it was Henry who answered.
"You were testing me if I were ready to go far enough with my plans and if I was capable of making great investments to gain results." Henry saw that Ragnok approvingly smiled at him in a feral way. "No sane Goblin would do business with someone who wouldn't make good investments to gain his profit, but they also respect determination and ambition, capacity for calculated risk and achieving success, am I correct?"
"Indeed you are, Lord Potter-Peverell." Ragnok spoke to him.
"Very well, then we shall do as you recommend, without their knowledge, of course." Ragnok nodded to Henry.
"The Gringotts Bank looks out for their clients' interests and wishes. We shall make sure that your enemies believe you to have perished and give away no indication that their withdrawals are in fact loans, until it is time to pay the price. You and your sister will remain unknown to them, as will their real status." Ragnok informed him. "However, you do realize that some compensation will have to be made, as there might be those that might not see this as a profitable endeavor, don't you?"
"Absolutely." Henry agreed with Ragnok. "Griphook family's vault is all yours, as are Goblin-made artifacts and objects from House Potter's vaults. Along with that, you can claim 2/3rds of all the interests from loans to Potters when it is time to pay up, and a magical oath from me and my companions that the information about the scandalous corruption in Gringotts Bank never leaves this room." Ragnok recognized what his client implied, and gave him a feral approving smile.
"You truly have a mind for business, Lord Potter-Peverell. It is a pleasure to be your personal accountant, sir." Ragnok gave him a bow. "I shall have all the papers ready within 20 minutes. In the meantime, is there anything else that Gringotts Bank may help you with?"
"Actually, there is something." Henry nodded to him. "I would like to take a full inheritance test and determine to which magical lines I belong to."
"Well, that is a very simple and common request." Ragnok commented, getting on his legs with the books, with the trio standing up as well. "As a sign of our good will and trust in you, this test is for free. If you please follow me, Lord Potter-Peverell, but I'll have ask your companions to remain here. It is one matter in which we prefer to exercise complete secrecy and security, for our clients' interests. I shall arrange for refreshments to be brought here for you, if you wish."
"That would be lovely, thank you." Faye said, with Regulus nodding to Ragnok, while Henry put back his ring and walked out of the room with his accountant.
"Lord Potter-Peverell, you may drop the glamour charm, as I can assure you that within these walls none will permit themselves to harm you in any way." Ragnok informed him.
"One can never be too careful, especially with what is at stake for me." Henry stated to him, with Ragnok nodded to him, as the goblin opened up the door into the room, with a table, several seats near it, a small dagger and a parchment placed on the table.
"The inheritance test is fairly simply and uncomplicated, Lord Potter-Peverell." Ragnok spoke up, stepping closer to the table with his client. "You must take up the dagger and draw blood with it from your finger. Place seven drops of your blood upon the parchment, and it will provide you with all available information concerning your lineage, blood or magical. It will reveal all of your names, information about your birth, titles, claimed or not, statuses as Heirs, members or Heads, along with reasons of your relations to Houses and Families. Along with that, it will also provide information if you have some form of anomalies in your body."
"What sort of anomalies do you mean, Mr. Ragnok?" Henry turned to him, with Ragnok simply shrugging his shoulders at that one.
"Whatever kind that might reside in you, Lord Potter-Peverell. The parchment will read not only your blood, but also your magic in it, and magic always has traces of something unusual in it." Ragnok cryptically said to Henry.
Deciding not to waste any more time with it, he stepped closer to the parchment and picked up the dagger. Carefully, he drew the sharp blade closer to his ring finger, and then pricked it, drawing blood and a momentary pain, causing Henry to wince a little bit. Placing the dagger on the table, he watched as the drops of blood fell upon the parchment, with each of them being absorbed into the material. Soon enough, the needed seven drops had fallen, and with quick spell, Henry healed his finger, while the parchment began to form words. In a minute, the process was complete and with blood red letters there was written his results. Henry took up the parchment carefully and read it to himself.
Name: Henry James Potter
Date of Birth: July 31st, 1975, 11.59 P.M.
Parents: James Charlus Potter, Father (disowned via breaking The Code); Freya Lillian Potter (disowned via breaking The Code)
Siblings: William James Potter (disowned via breaking the Code); Rose Dorea Potter
Titles and claims:
Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House Potter (inherited from Charlus Henry Potter)
Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House Peverell (inherited from Charlus Henry Potter)
Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House Gaunt (inherited through the magical adoption by Tom Marvolo Riddle)
Heir Claimant of the Exalted and Most Noble House Slytherin (inherited through the unification of lines of Stewart and Gaunt)
Prince Claimant of the Exalted and Royal House Le Fay (inherited through unification of lines Peverell and Slytherin)
Heir Claimant of the Ancient and Noble House Prewett (inherited from Freya Lillian Potter)
Heir Claimant of the Exalted and Most Noble House Gryffindor (inherited from Freya Lillian Potter and Charlus Henry Potter)
Heir Claimant of the Most Ancient and Noble House Black (inherited from Dorea Persephone Potter)
Magical anomalies present in the body:
Absorbed fragment of soul, belonging Tom Marvollo Riddle.
Absorbed magical power, belonging to Tom Marvollo Riddle and Dorea Persephone Potter.
Soul of Dorea Persephone Potter, sealed in the forehead.
Henry dropped the parchment on to the table, having paled at what he had just read and unable not just comprehend, but to just believe what he had just read. Forget him being an Heir Claimant to so many House, one of which was the bloody House Le Fay, House of Morgana and Mordred. Forget the fact of him even being an Heir Claimant of Slytherin and Gryffindor…
No, what truly had left him the shock and made him stumble back were the last three things written there.
He was one of Voldemort's bloody Horcruxes himself, somehow created by that man in that damn night.
But even that wasn't all, no.
He was the possessor of his own grandmother's soul… The woman that had raised and loved him as his own son… Was now inside of his forehead.
Oh, boy, some serious shit is going down here. Many of you may have many questions for this chapter, but for the sake of suspense and tension, I think I'll only tell you of three things today: Regulus' wand, Magical Code, and Heir Claimant thing.
Now, Hawthorn, according to Pottermore, is the Wand wood that is compatible with the conflicted and multi layered persons, one like Regulus. It can be good for both healing, and killing magic, and is considered really strong in either area, but also dangerous in unsure hands. If memory serves me right, Draco's has the wand made of the same wood, but I might be mistaken, so do correct me if I am wrong. In other words, this wood is very good for complex people, those that have to struggle with their chosen life path.
The Sphinx's feather is of my own thought, being one of the rarer kinds of wand cores. Much like the beast it was taken from, this core is considered to be good and compatible for every type of magic: Charms, Transfigurations, Dark Arts, Light Magic and so forth. You can expect good and stable magic from that core, but not one that will be overly powerful in one area, like with Dragon heartstring in Dark Arts. This core's another good quality about it is that it responds very well with people that have several different personal qualities in them, like cunning and bravery at the same time.
In short, Regulus' wand is jack of all traits, and powerful one at that, responding well to any type of his magic. He may not be able to overpower his opponents in sheer brute might, but he can dish out quite a lot and be certain that his wand will deliver a powerful spell.
Magical Code is essentially a law made in the family, used to control the members of it's family and ensure that it prospers. It is a really old concept, one that has been abandoned by most of the families before the beginning of 20th century. Only very few houses have them to this time, one like Potters.
Heir Claimant is a title, referring to someone who has the blood and magical claim to a certain magical family and House, but isn't a recognized Heir Primus, or first Heir. Heir Claimant can become the Heir Primus or Head of the House through several ways, most which involve deposing the current Heir and Head, or he can revive the House, if there are no other living members of that family and House, or there aren't anyone who wishes to claim the Lordship or Royalty, like with Le Fay.
Review, suggest, ask questions, and make theories on what you just read. I'll answer all I can and read it, the full in-story explanation will come out soon enough.
See ya soon!