Gringotts Bank.
Henry stumbled back, his face paler than before, gaze unfocused and mouth agape. A million different thoughts raced through his mind in a single second, trying to comprehend and make sense of what he had just learned. His grandmother's soul, actual soul, not a part, or a fragment, but her entire soul… was inside of him, sealed in his forehead. He was her holder, having even her own magical power within him as well, along with that of Voldemort, and a fragment of his bloody soul as well.
Was he a Horcrux himself? Was he just another manifestation of Riddle's soul, doing its bidding? Or was he still within his cell in Azkaban, having another nightmare or hallucinating? At this point and moment, Henry wasn't able to tell for himself, if he was even sane or not.
Seeing his client's state and how he was stumbling back, Ragnok summoned a chair for Henry, letting him fall into it and sit. Without wasting a breath, he summoned a goblet with water and a large cup, pouring water in it, before adding a calming draught into it. Once done, he offered it to his dazed client.
"Lord Potter-Peverell, please drink this, now." Ragnok's voice didn't leave any room for argument.
With a shaking hand, Henry took the cup and poured its content right down his throat. Within the next couple of moments, the fog of confusion and panic had lifted off his mind, leaving his calculating, pragmatic and analytical side fully in control. Taking a deep breath and shaking off the last remnants of his panic, Henry focused up his sight again, before turning to Ragnok and nodding to him.
"Thank you, Mr. Ragnok." His accountant nodded to him, while Henry stood up and took up the parchment again, reading it again, analyzing what was written on it. "This doesn't make sense… What is the probability of a failure, or a mistake being made by this parchment?"
"Such possibility is completely removed from this instrument. It is a hundred percent precise and accurate, Lord Potter-Peverell." Ragnok informed him, stepping closer to him and grabbing the parchment and reading for himself, without even batting an eye at this one. "Hm, I see what seems to have caused this question and that state of yours, Lord Potter-Peverell. I must admit personally, that this is the first time our establishment happens to have received such results. If it is any consolation to you, if you were possessed by either of the persons listed here, it would've been shown immediately upon this parchment. As far as I can tell, you are a master of your own mind and body."
"That does little to ease my mind, but thank you anyway." Henry let out a sigh, thinking this entire thing over again. "It just… It just doesn't make any sense at all to me. Soul of my grandmother, absorbed power and fragment of Voldemort, me being a Horcrux apparently…"
"Lord Potter-Peverell, in cases when we have to deal with cursed objects; we have a special division of workers dedicated to this task. Perhaps, if our Chief of Curse Breaker Department had paid a visit to you right now, we would get immediate and determined results of your condition." Ragnok informed him, with Henry turning to him with a serious look. "It will talk only a few minutes for me to fetch him and a couple more for him to analyze and determine what exactly your condition is. In light of the most recent findings and what is written upon this parchment, this service will be for free, sir." Henry nodded to Ragnok, who took it as a sign of acceptance, and practically darted out of the room.
Just as Ragnok had promised, it took him less than two minutes to return with a second goblin, dressed in an official suit and with a wand in his hand. Communicating in what Henry assumed was Goblegoke, the native language of Goblins, Ragnok ordered the Curse Breaker to perform his duty. Without saying another word, the goblin went to work with his wand, slowly moving it around his head, concentrating his power near the forehead. For a second, Henry sensed a warm feeling coming out of his right side forehead, when the Goblin's wand was near it. If the Curse Breaker was surprised or shocked, he didn't show it in the slightest, since Goblins were masters in concealing their emotions, when they wanted it.
In the next minute, the Curse Breaker had ended his analysis and spoke to Ragnok at length in their tongue. Henry didn't make any attempt at understanding it, but he did try to see if the expressions on Goblins' faces would change. He was surprised to have noticed that nothing changed in their expressions in 10 minutes that they communicated. Once the Curse Breaker was done talking, he turned to Lord Potter-Peverell and bowed to him in respect, before leaving them alone. Once the door closed, Ragnok spoke up.
"Lord Potter-Peverell, it would seem that your condition is truly one of a kind, sir." Ragnok sounded a tiny little bit amazed. "First of all, I would like to inform you, that you are positively not a Horcrux. At least, not anymore, and you haven't been one for a very long time."
"What does that even mean?" Henry asked of his accountant, with Ragnok not wasting time with the explanation.
"According to our Chief Curse Breaker Kneecraker, you were made into a Horcrux by Tom Marvollo Riddle, on the night of 31st of October 1981. He wasn't able to determine precise details, but according to his theory, on the night of his death, the soul of Riddle, had fragmented itself into two parts upon the destruction of his physical form. One of the two fragments of his soul had tried to survive by possessing the nearest source of powerful magic, and that source were you, Lord Potter-Peverell." Ragnok explained to his client, what he meant, with Henry listening to it. "Under normal circumstances, a possession, even by a small fragment, like one of Riddle's, would've destroyed, or worse, absorbed your own soul into Riddle's and gave him full control of your body. However, someone has intervened and prevented a possession from taking effect on you. I believe, that you can guess who it was." Henry's eyes widened slightly at the realization of what had transpired.
"My grandmother… S-She must've been able to destroy Voldemort's body, and then that fragment." Henry sat in shock, with Ragnok nodding to him. "Th-they always said that it was my brother that destroyed Voldemort, but on that night, I remember it well still. My grandmother had put herself between me and Voldemort and somehow managed to deflect his Killing Curse, but after that… All I remember is waking up deep in night, when Rose, my little sister cried, with my grandmother's body near mine, and her hands on my heart and head…"
"I have no idea how Lady Dorea had managed to repel the Avada Kedavra curse, but, according to what Kneecraker said, she had performed an extremely powerful form of sacrificial magic." Ragnok spoke up to Henry, getting his full attention. "Your grandmother must have offered up her life and soul to magic itself, in order to save your life. I don't know the full details, but she, obviously, has managed to succeed in that task, with Riddle's soul and part of his magical power being absorbed without any harm into your being, while her life was given as a payment for this act. But as for her soul and magical power… In both my and Curse Breaker's opinions, it is a part of her protection of you, Lord Potter-Peverell. A protection, which in my mind has saved your life in the bowels of Azkaban."
"Pardon?" Henry didn't understand him.
"Her Soul and magical power were transferred into you in the fullest, and while Riddle's soul and magical power show themselves in your talents and raw might in magic, her gift to you shows itself in a special powerful aura that you must've felt when Curse Breaker scanned you." Ragnok stated to him, with Henry nodding, remembering the feeling and recalling, that similar one he had sensed in Azkaban often times, yet forgetting it as soon as sleep came. "This protection had lowered the effect dementors had on you, greatly so at that, but the sheer amount of them and their influence in their bowels still had an effect on your body. You may consider yourself very fortunate, Lord Potter-Peverell, for if this protection was not with you, your time in Azkaban would've been cut very short."
"So, even in death, she keeps protecting me, and her love keeps me warm…" Henry said in half whisper, more to himself than Ragnok. "Is there any way to… communicate with her? To speak to her, or to, I don't know, even let her out of me?"
"I am sorry, Lord Potter-Peverell, but such powerful and ancient magic is something even my people are unfamiliar with, or tempt ourselves with studying it at any form or length." Ragnok said to him. "I imagine that your kind has done some research and progress on this subject, however. You may best try your luck with them. But, the conclusion is, that you are neither possessed, nor a Horcrux, and that you have a very powerful and special protection cast upon you. In other words, you are perfectly sane, lucid and in control of yourself."
"I think I will, and thank you for explaining this to me, Ragnok." Henry said in a more determined voice, already standing up. "Now, if that is all…"
"No, it isn't, sir." Ragnok said in a forceful manner, forcing Henry to look at him with a perplexed manner. "Ah, apologies. I sometimes forget how being in emotional turmoil, humans tend to overlook and forget very important business and details. However, while the matter of your mental and spiritual health is settled, there is a matter of a far greater importance and urgency that needs to be settled at once. So, if you may, please sit down, and let me explain what your lineage has shown to you." Henry settled down and sat down in the chair again, while Ragnok summoned the table and chair to them and sat in front of his client.
"Alright, from what I saw, I happen to be a Lord of also House Gaunt, which is the same one from where Voldemort comes from, though I fail to see how that works." Henry began to talk, with Ragnok nodding to him. "The fact that I am Heir Claimant to Gryffindor, Slytherin, Prewett and Blacks, doesn't exactly surprise me all that much, when I think about it. My grandmothers are Prewett and Black, respectively, with Gryffindor line rumored to be traced in many families of England, with Potters being among them. Slytherin can come from Gaunt and Stewart… But House Le Fay? Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that the House of…"
"The very same Exalted and Royal House Le Fay, from which came Her Majesty, Queen Morgana Le Fay-Pendragon, her son and rightful heir of Camelot, Prince Morgraine Uther Pendragon-Le Fay, and the very line, from which Most Ancient and Noble House Peverell originated from." Ragnok informed Henry, who looked at him with a mildly shocked expression. "Your human stories tell you that Morgana Le Fay was an enemy of King Arthur Pendragon, and through their incestuous relations she had a son with him, who had destroyed Camelot. The truth of the matter is far more complicated than that, and it is not my place to give you a full history lesson, Lord Potter-Peverell, but what I can tell you, is that House Le Fay and its descendants are rightful heirs of House Pendragon and Camelot. Along with that, the Goblin Nation also owes an oath of eternal friendship and alliance to Queen Morgana and all her rightful descendants, for her part in establishing peace between Goblins and Humans. If you are proven to be worthy as her successor, you may find us to be your most trustful allies, Lord Potter-Peverell."
"That's all well and good, but can you explain to me, just how in the blazes did I come to be an Heir Claimant of it?" Henry asked of Ragnok, who examined the parchment one more time, before speaking up.
"That is easy to explain, Lord Potter-Peverell." Ragnok spoke up. "Houses Le Fay and Slytherin were united in a marriage between Prince Morgraine and Lady Lamia Slytherin, daughter of Salazar Slytherin. Through that marriage came four children, three boys and one girl, with the eldest boy continuing line of House Le Fay, while the middle of the three ended up continuing the line of Slytherin, as its closest blood relative after the male line of Slytherin had been killed during a feud with House Gryffindor. The youngest of three was the founder of House Peverell, and the grandfather of the infamous Three Brothers, who received the Deathly Hollows. As for their sister, she had died from human pox very young, a common and ravenous disease back in the day. The line of House Le Fay, unfortunately, was destroyed by its enemies less than a century after the separation, while House Slytherin had splintered into several descendant Houses after its primary line was destroyed, leaving only descendant lines of females, such as Gaunts, and was gone too. As for Peverells, you are probably aware of their fate yourself."
"Now, as for how you have ended up with these claims, it all comes down to your two least favored people: your former mother and Tom Marvollo Riddle. Freya Lillian Potter comes from House Stewart, descendants of both Morrigan and Salazar Slytherin, with latter through House Gaunt, which has managed to maintain both powerful blood of Slytherin and their inherit magic through updating it with new powerful members, via marriages and adoptions. They are also the most numerous House with Claimants on name Slytherin, and have a very large number of Parselmouths, like you." Ragnok continued. "Because of that, you have managed to receive both blood and magic of Slytherin, even though Lady Fleamont was disowned from her House. As for House Gaunt and Riddle, it all comes down to Lady Dorea's sacrifice and your absorption of Riddle's soul and magic. Through that, you automatically became not only his de-facto Heir, but upon death of his physical body, Lord of House Gaunt. Combining both Stewart and Gaunt blood and magic, and you have obtained the strongest claim to House Slytherin, and since Potters are last descendants of House Peverell, and House Peverell originated from House Le Fay and House Slytherin…"
"In me, the two lines had united ones again, and I have become an Heir Claimant, or Prince Claimant, to House Le Fay." Henry finished for Ragnok, who nodded to him. "Okay, I think I now understand how it came to pass. Now, Mr. Ragnok, if I were to ask you, what you would say are the strengths of my claims and what would you advice, as my personal accountant."
"Your weakest claims would have to Houses Prewett and Gryffindor, as the two Houses have a very great number of possible Heir Claimants that can put in front their rights for the Lordships before you and have stronger claims. House Weasley currently has the greatest number of most favorable Heir Claimants to House Prewett, with Charles Weasley being an immediate Heir Primus of House Prewett. As for House Gryffindor, there isn't a definitive Heir Primus, so it is complicated at that. With House Black, I would say that your rights as Heir Claimant are stronger, but not by much." Ragnok informed him. "Your strongest claims are on Houses Slytherin and Le Fay, due to reasons I have stated earlier. You can be recognized and take up the position of Lord Slytherin immediately, or at any time of your choosing, and gain access to all their assets and properties. And as for House Le Fay, you are the first Prince Claimant to it in more than 800 years, but to be recognized not only as Heir, but Prince Le Fay, as it is the official title of Head of House Le Fay now, you would have to prove you're worth…"
"In what manner would I need to prove it?" Henry asked of Ragnok, who suddenly stood up and walked to the door, opening it and whispering something to a nearby goblin, which had darted off his place afterwards.
After that Ragnok returned to his place and sat in silence, with Henry deciding not to speak either, instead thinking about this entire situation. The revelation of his grandmother making such a sacrifice for him was nothing short of shocking, being far more profound than the fact of her actually defeating Voldemort. To go so far and grant him such protection… Henry had never thought about which kind of magic was the strongest, though he has heard Dumbledore and some others spew what he had at the moment believed to be utter nonsense about the power of Love. Earlier, he dismissed it as rubbish, but now…
An act of ultimate love and devotion, a mother's love, was what had saved him from Voldemort and dementors of Azkaban. It would seem that there was more to what Dumbledore and even his parents spoke off, though he doubted his former parents were even capable of thinking of such sacrifice and feeling such love. James and Lily's love to William was not the same one as Charlus and Dorea's to him and Rose, as his grandparents gave their attention to them, loved and cared for them, guided and taught them, laughed with them and wiped their tears.
Theirs was the love of true parents, whilst James and Lily's love to William is one of indulging him of everything, enflaming his ego and desires, greed and arrogance, without true guidance or even pure affection and love. No, if this was also a form of love, than Henry would much rather have hatred that he has already. He was practically certain that the Potters weren't capable of real love, nor understanding what it meant. Granted, Henry could honestly say that he himself didn't fully understand it or at times comprehend, but… If he was in his grandmother's place that night, and it was Rose that Voldemort had tried to possess, there wasn't a single doubt in his mind that he would do the same thing for her as their grandmother did for him.
He would kill, maim, torture, kidnap, and die, just to see her alive and well. Perhaps this was the same way for his grandmother, to be ready to do anything for the safety of her family and loved ones. Henry honestly hopped that his willingness to go dark was a sign of him being able to love, because the thought of him being unable to feel this emotion, or at least to the same extent as his grandmother, actually frightened him to a certain degree.
Henry shook his head slightly, deciding to focus up on more practical matters over the spiritual and sentimental ones. There wasn't really any question to it, but he wasn't going to press on his claim for Houses Prewett, Gryffindor and Black, as there were not only other Heir Claimants with a far better claim than his, but it would also create a great deal trouble in the long run. Prewett and Gryffindor are the Light Houses, and he wasn't going to be going Light and giving hope to people, and making himself a target, by declaring himself next Godrik Gryffindor. No, he wasn't a Gryffindor, not by a bloody long shot, nor would he wish to have any association with House Weasley and their broodmare of a Matriarch, Molly Weasley. The woman was unbearable in her desires to control, gain greater standing and to get rich, along with being so damn profoundly devoted to Dumbledore. Needless to say, Henry didn't want any connection with her and her brood.
As for the Blacks, while he already considered himself a Black, he wouldn't dare to lay a claim on the title of Heir. He respected Arcturus and Regulus, and knew that even though Regulus was now Head of the Black's branch family in America, it would either be him, or one of his sons to inherit the House Black and its title of Lord. And Henry was completely fine with that, as he wouldn't dare to instigate strife in the House by foolishly pressing on his claims to Lordship. In his mind, as long as House Black was in good hands and led by his and Rose's ally, along with one who cared for Andromeda and Nymphadora, he was fine and dandy, as Americans like to say it.
No, if he was going to press on any claims, it would have to be his claims to Houses Slytherin and Le Fay, the two of the most powerful, exalted and revered Dark Families of all times in Great Britain. For as much as Voldemort may parade himself as the Heir of Slytherin, if he were to suddenly find himself at odds with the True Heir and Head of House Slytherin, he wouldn't only take a great deal of damage to his reputation, but he would also lose a good deal of credibility. Not only that, but if the same Lord Slytherin also turned out to be Prince Le Fay… The notion that descendant of Salazar Slytherin and Morgana Le Fay stands against Voldemort, the Dark Lord of this age, would send a powerful message to all Wizards and Witches. He would be painting a target upon himself, but Henry would also be able to do something that Dumbledore and his cronies have failed to do.
He would openly take a stand against Voldemort, demonstrate to everyone his defiance of Dark Lord, and send an open message: he and his name are not as fearful as you may see them. Henry also understood that while it was perceived that Voldemort had enjoyed a complete obedience and support of the Dark families, there is a great deal of those in the dark spectrum of magic that would rather see the bastard gone. After all, any sane and competent Slytherin graduate would understand one simple thing about Voldemort: he doesn't tolerate anything and anyone that could oppose him, and Pureblooded families were among them. While many would seek to prostrate themselves in front of him in hopes of being spared, there were many of those that would much rather destroy him before he destroyed them. And if Prince Le Fay were to unite them into one force… Even Voldemort and Ministry would have to take him seriously. If he was to add up to that those of Neutral, or Grey, Houses, then he would effectively be in the position of taking over the Great Britain, in the best case scenarios.
Henry also understood that as soon as it was known that there was a new Prince Le Fay around, with him also being Lord Slytherin, he would find himself as the prime target of the Leader of Light and his Order of Phoenix. He was utterly certain that Dumbledore would stop at nothing to first try and recruit him into the Order, possibly trying to dangle in front of him a possible union through marriage with one of his supporters. And when he found his attempts to be futile, he would make it his life's work to see Houses Le Fay and Slytherin removed once again, as well as going to town with his propaganda of his Greater Good and need to sacrifice two of the darkest families alive for the benefit of all. Henry knew that all too well, and as much as it was threatening, the advantages and power of having the names Le Fay and Slytherin were too great to pass up. Henry internally smirked and laughed at himself, as he acted like the utter Slytherin and gave into their most prime sin of all: greed for power and might.
Henry's musings were cut short, when the goblin returned, carrying with him a large dark crystal ball. It reminded Henry the containers for the Prophecies somewhat, only this ball, or sphere more accurately, was much bigger in size, and, at closer look, seemed to hold shifting shadows in it, encircling a golden glowing center in it. Henry looked at the object with interest, before looking up at Ragnok, and hearing him speak.
"This is the Sphere of Morgana Le Fay, one of her most powerful artifacts, and one of our most prized and most important possessions. We have been its keepers ever since the last Prince Le Fay had granted it to us, with the orders to only show it to one, who would be able to claim the title of Prince of the Exalted and Royal House Le Fay." Ragnok explained to Henry. "If you wish to be tested and find out if you are worthy, place your hand on the sphere. I will tell you this, Lord Potter-Peverell: I do not know how you will be tested, for all that Prince Le Fay said to us was: "Their worth will be determined by the mother of our line."
With that being said to him, Henry looked at the magical artifact in front of him. Knowing that doubt wouldn't do him much good and having made up his mind on the matter, he placed his right palm on top of the sphere. The moment he done it, a powerful burst of magic was sent through his arm and locking it in place. The very next moment, when Henry sensed the great magical power coursing through him, his eyes saw black.
Unknown place.
Henry's eyes snapped open, as he found himself standing in the middle of what he perceived to be a very large dark hall, with fog all around him. He smelled and sensed nothing, hearing not even the slightest movement of air or anything at all. He didn't know where he was, but one thing was clear: he wasn't exactly in the physical world at the moment.
"How very perceptive." Henry heard a melodic, yet strong female voice, seemingly commenting his thoughts. "It is a rare sight, to find one who quickly understands of his surrounding and circumstances. At least you are gifted with mind in some measure, so I will grant you this."
Henry looked around himself, trying to find the source of the voice. After senselessly looking around for what seemed like eternity, he stopped in his attempts, and at that moment, the darkness in front of him lifted with the fog, revealing to him the exact replica of Hogwarts' Great Hall, in the middle of which he stood now. And in front of Henry stood a young woman of near unearthly beauty. Long and wavy blonde hair, reaching to her waist and adorned by a golden tiara, encrusted with sapphires and amethysts, emphasized her sky blue eyes adorning the face of angel. She was dressed in the royal dress of the light bright blue and golden colors, completely covering and showing her appealing figure under fabric. Behind her was the cloak, with the symbol of a great white dragon on the blue field. The woman practically oozed power, might, dignity and magic, with Henry staring at her mesmerized. It took him a few seconds before he composed himself, and in the next second, recalling what Ragnok had said to him, he spoke to her with a low bow.
"Queen Morgana." He said in a near whisper, raising his head to look upon her again. "It is a great honor…"
"For you, perhaps, but for me…" She said with a small smirk, walking around him and eyeing him up akin to a hawk. "Hm, how peculiar… I would've thought that a Prince Claimant would come sooner, not after 800 years since my line had nearly withered away from my descendants. However, you certainly don't disappoint, in complexity of your being, at least. Well, if you have something to say, other than flattery and begging, do tell. I am curious to see, what kind of possible Prince you would make, if I were to deem you worthy."
"The mother of the line would determine…" Henry said out loud, with Morgana stopping in her tracks and looking at him with a curious eye, waiting for him to speak. "The Sphere probably contains a part of your own Soul, made akin to a Horcrux, but instead of preserving life and gaining immortality, you've sealed in it a small part of your being for a different purpose."
"Not bad for the start." Morgana praised with a small amused smile. "Do go on, Henry."
"You've probably anticipated the possibility of your line ceasing to exist, as was all too possible in Early Medieval Period. So, in case there was descendant of your line who would have the potential to rebirth House Le Fay, you created this artifact." Henry continued. "Its purpose is for you personally to judge him and give your own blessing to the name Le Fay."
"And for purpose would I want to go through all this trouble, when I could've simply allowed any Claimant to walk in and allow him to claim my name?" Morgana asked of him with interest.
"Because you couldn't allow just a random someone to walk in and take the House and its name as his own." Henry continued, with Morgana listening with growing interest. "You needed to be sure, that the Claimant was not just able to recreate House Le Fay, but also see it prosper and gain power in the future. You didn't just want a Claimant, but you wanted an assured future for your House, one with which his demise would not repeat itself." Henry ended, with Morgana looking in his grey eyes, before giving him her smile.
"Well done. It is relieving, to see someone who is capable of seeing past his nose. It would seem that my visions were true when it came to you." Henry blinked when she said that to him, with Morgana simply looking at him with a semi-amused smile. "What, for all my dark and ominous infamy and glory that my enemies have made sure to create for me, the simple fact of me being a Seer surprises you? Don't talk, I already know that it does, as well as I know what exactly you believe you know of me. Mind telling though, how do I know?"
"If I were a Gryffindor, I would say that you already foresaw it all happening, but… My Ravenclaw and Slytherin sides tell me that the Sphere also opened you access into my mind and soul for you to study." Henry told her, with Morgana nodding him. "I don't know much about Seers, but I wouldn't devise such an intricate way for testing my potential successors, without being able to see what they truly are about. After all, there is always the possibility that you might be tricked."
"Not even Seers are all seeing, that I can tell you." Morgana said to him in a sagely fashion, answering his unasked question. "The answer to the question that seems to bother you for now. Had I been able to see all that were to happen, I would've remained at my beloved Arthur's side, while that whore Guinevere was rotting in a ditch with a slit throat. But instead of that, all our works and Camelot were destroyed by her spawn, my children hunted down like animals, while my husband was made into a puppet by a Witch of supposedly Light descent. And all because it was, in her view, for the common good… Sounds quite similar to what Dumbledore says, doesn't it?"
"Common or Greater, both are just pretexts to get power and enforce the vision of prosperity." Henry commented, with Morgana looking curiously at him. "If you can see right through me, and you know what I am really about, then you must have the answer ready as well. And even if not, the fact that foresaw this happening already indicates that you have made some opinion of me, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have." Morgana confirmed to Henry his musings. "I did indeed foresee that I my line would fall, only it came to me too late, when I could not save it. And right after that, I foresaw that it would once again flourish and rise, when a son, betrayed by his blood parents and saved by his true mother, would come before me, bearing on him the mark of ultimate love and with greyness of hell upon him. And in him will shine the mind and clarity of Ravenclaw, his soul will be as true as Hufflepuff's, his heart will be strong like Gryffindor, and guided he shall be by wisdom and cunning of Slytherin… That was the first Prophecy I had of you, Henry James Potter."
"There were others?" Henry asked of her.
"One more, one that depends, on either me deeming you worthy, or casting you away from here." Morgana said to him with a serious voice. "I may've foreseen you come here, but I couldn't just give you away what is mine to give. Just knowing future doesn't determine that it would be a good choice, so I needed to know for sure."
"And hence this Sphere…" Henry nodded to her. "Well, I as much as I may enjoy this philosophical and educational discussion of ours, I would like to know the verdict." Morgana saw the determined gaze in Henry's eyes, and after a minute of thinking, she spoke.
"For the most part, I would be quite content to grant you the honor of bearing my House's name." Morgana spoke up to him. "But, while your qualities and persona are those that I would want to see in my Heir, your priorities are not the ones I desire to have in one who would rekindle my House into life."
"What is wrong with my priorities?" Henry asked of her in a low voice. "Wouldn't you, after going through what I have gone through, want justice, revenge? What is wrong with me wanting to put an end to both of those bastards and their megalomaniac plans? Isn't the same thing you'd want, if you had the chance to change what happened to you?"
"All true, I won't deny you that." Morgana admitted without any delay to him. "Your desires for revenge and justice I understand, and even support. No Le Fay must let their enemies get away with what they have done, even if they are connected by blood. However, while your desires and set tasks sit well with me, it's how you perceive my House that isn't well with me. House Le Fay must be the beacon of hope to our allies, and harbinger of death and destruction to our foes. It is an embodiment of power, might and dignity, not just a banner under which to gather allies, nor just an instrument of achieving one's goals. I would not have my House made into a means of achieving your immediate desires."
"Then what would you have me do then, Your Majesty?" Henry asked of her in an irritated voice. "Would you have me act like all those so called pureblood Lords that serve Voldemort? Who always prance about their traditions, legacy, history, and shove them to everyone who wants it and not?
"I would want you to be a true Lord, not just act like one." Morgana stated to him with power, with Henry blinking at what she said. "Being a Lord is not about appearing like one, but doing the duty towards its House, preserving and safeguarding its traditions and past, not flaunting it around. House Le Fay's legacy and history are a power of their own, and they deserve to be preserved, but only by one who would know his duty. You already know what a true Lord of the House is, as you have always tried to live up to your grandfather's expectations. I would have you live the life of Prince Le Fay, not Lord Potter." Then it came to Henry, what exactly she wanted of him.
"You… You want me to denounce my past, the past of a Potter and take up the Le Fay instead?" Henry asked of her, with Morgana looking at him with a calculating gaze, before he continued to speak with passion. "You speak of preserving the honor and glory of your House, but it would seem that you've missed a small detail with me: I am the last true Potter, the last true Peverell, and now the last true Slytherin. You want me to the Prince Le Fay and take it as my own name, and I would, but if you order me to forsake those names, then you clearly don't understand me. You think I don't care about the traditions and legacy of the Houses? Quite the opposite, because I know what it means to be the Lord, as I've seen my grandfather be one when his sons died and the last one betrayed him, yet he didn't let go of the names of Potter and Peverell. No, instead of that, he made his damn bloody best that I understood that after he was gone, it would fall to me to lead it, to preserve and expand upon his foundations and successes. As much as I may want to be Prince Le Fay, I wouldn't dare to spew in his face by letting go of what I already have…" Morgana listened to what Henry had to say to her, before blinking a couple of times, and letting out a small chuckle.
"Well, you certainly have the will and nerve to be Lord, which I will grant you." Morgana said to him, before continuing. "And I wouldn't ever dare to make you my Heir, if in your readiness to gain power you would sacrifice what you had already so easily."
"Wait… Were you…"
"Of course I was testing you, silly." Morgana chuckled at that one. "Now, I don't need you to forsake your bloodlines, quite the opposite actually. I would have them preserved and rebuild, but only under the wing and blood of Prince Le Fay. In name, magic and blood." Now Henry understood completely what Morgana wanted of him.
"You'd not have me renounce my past Lordships, but would have me made Prince Le Fay as my prime title and House Le Fay as my main House." Morgana nodded to him. "Even though my birth parents have been disowned due to Code, I still carry their blood, as much as I may loath it. Name and magic is one thing, but blood… That is not easily discarded, especially if it means losing the blood of those that have cared and loved me."
"I would not have you discard Charlus and Dorea, nor blood and magic of all Houses that connected in you, only have your blood purified of those that have betrayed you. Their love has saved your life, and I would not dare to destroy their legacy in you. Their blood, their love and their legacy I would only wish of you to honor, and I would preserve it" Morgana extended her hand to him. "But if I am to have you as Prince Le Fay, you would have to discard the blood of traitors, and accept the blood of one who founded the line. My blood and my name, as my son, though not birthed by me, but made in one with adoption."
Henry looked at her for a second, thinking over all that she had said to him. As much as his skeptical side was telling him to not go along with her, his instinct and gut was telling him that she was truthful. And while losing the names Potters and Peverells as his major ones was somewhat stinging, he wouldn't be discarding them, and would ensure their preservation. And as for blood of James and Lily… He wasn't losing anything of value. Without hesitation, he took her hand into his, and felt a surge of magic go right through his entire body, burning his blood and skin, yet giving him no pain. In a few minutes of the sensation, it was over, and Morgana let go of him.
"It is done." She simply said to him, with Henry looking at her with a perplexed look. "My blood is now yours, as is my magic and legacy. Now, you have earned my blessing and permission, my son and Prince. You may leave now, but before that know this." And with that, Morgana's eyes closed for a second, before opening up again, letting Henry see that she was in a state of trance.
"In the last years of millennia, Light Lord and Dark Lord will clash. Neither serving the good or evil, but to their own ambitions, their war will leave the magical realm bloodied. Lines shall be drawn, sides shall be taken, and hundreds will die for nothing, if left unstopped. But in the middle of that chaos, The Dark Prince shall rise, brought in by blood of serpent and dragon, betrayed by those that gave him life, and hated for his mere existence by them. Feared by both the Light and the Dark, in his hands is their demise and the future of Albion." Morgana ended her prophecy to Henry, before smiling to him. "Use it well, my son. Now go." And with that, Henry's eyes saw dark again.
Gringotts Bank.
Henry's eyes snapped open again, and he took his hand off the sphere, which now looked like a simple black spherical stone. He glanced at it for a second, sensing that the magic in it was gone, and along with that, Henry felt himself better, like he had been fully healed from his stay in Azkaban. Taking off his glamour ring, he saw that his hands and body were fully filled out by the mass of muscles and meat, returning his near athletic physique back to him.
"It would seem Her Majesty has declared you her Heir and Prince." Ragnok snapped Henry from his observations of himself, drawing the attention of wizard back to goblin, who held a mirror in his hand now. "You'd best take a look at your new self, Your Highness." Ragnok gave Henry the mirror.
When he looked into it, he was nearly shocked to see the face of the man that looked back at him. If before he had a more round and pronounced face, like one of James Potter and, especially, Charlus Potter, then now his face was more akin to that of a Black, with high cheekbones, a narrowed chin and cheeks. His skin was no longer as pale as dead man's, returning to his original tone, while his eyes were once again of a warm green color that he once had, with a slightly brighter color than before. His hair too had changed slightly, with his grey mane of hair now becoming one in line of clear white and silvery color.
"Incredible." Henry noticed that his voice, which had changed in Azkaban, due to the effect of dementors, was the same as before. "I look so different…"
"Yes, though the similarities from your past appearance remain, but not the once that connect you to Lord and Lady Fleamont." Ragnok noted to his client, with Henry putting away the mirror, and taking up the parchment. "The results of the parchment have also been modified, as it is connected to your magical energy, Your Highness. I believe it is now confirmed, that you are the new Prince Le Fay."
Henry looked at the parchment, and read it once more.
Name: Henry Arthur Le Fay
Date of birth: July 31st, 1975, 23.59 P.M.
Parents: Arthur Michael Pendragon, Father (adopted in magic and blood); Morgana Maria Le Fay, Mother (adopted in magic and blood); James Charlus Potter (birth parent; disowned via breaking The Code); Freya Lillian Potter (birth parent; disowned via breaking The Code)
Siblings: William James Potter ( birth brother; disowned via breaking the Code); Rose Dorea Potter(birth sister)
Titles and claims:
Prince of the Exalted and Royal House Le Fay (inherited through unification of lines Peverell and Slytherin; recognized by Morgana Le Fay)
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)
Lord of the Exalted and Most Noble House Slytherin (inherited through the unification of lines of Stewart and Gaunt)
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:
Magically altered physique and blood, bearing traits of Houses Pendragon and Le Fay.
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 chuckled a little when he read it all, before turning to Ragnok and speaking to him again.
"So, I am now officially the son of the very King Arthur Pendragon and Morgana Le Fay? Not that I am complaining, but if that is the case, then why I am not Prince Claimant or Heir to House Pendragon, if you don't mind me asking?" Henry asked of Ragnok, who answered immediately to that one.
"The Exalted and Royal House Pendragon, much to the grief and sorrow of many, had effectively seized its existence soon after Queen Morgana had cursed the entire line of Arthur Pendragon and Guinevere Gryffindor, to have the magic and blood of Pendragon in all of their descendants completely extinguished. Since King Arthur Pendragon had disowned in blood and magic all of his children from Queen Morgana prior to the curse, this has left House Pendragon effectively without any heirs and heiresses, ending it with King Arthur Pendragon." Ragnok informed Henry. "Though, it would seem that Queen Morgana had managed to preserve some of magical essence of her husband, hence why you are now son of King Arthur and Queen Morgana. Though the blood and magic of Pendragon family are effectively gone, their material possessions, along with all the possession of Houses Le Fay, Slytherin, Gaunt, Potter and Peverell, are yours. And that includes all of the vaults, properties, artifacts, books, scrolls and many more things, including the official oath of friendship and assistance from Goblin Nation to House Le Fay, if you will have it."
"And I shall, Mr. Ragnok." Ragnok bowed respectfully to the newest Prince Le Fay. "Just how much in terms of monetary possessions and valuables, do I now own, if I may ask?"
"To learn the exact numbers, we would require some time to perform an audit of your possessions and money." Henry nodded to Ragnok, silently giving his approval to that. "You will have the list made in shortest notice, Your Highness. But, in rough and without precise calculations, you may already claim the status as the richest Wizard in the world, as Houses Le Fay and Slytherin were among the richest Houses at time, especially the former, having gained all of monetary assets of Camelot. House Le Fay holds 5 vaults in here, Gringotts, with 1st through 5th respectably, while Slytherin have 3 vaults, Peverells and Potters 2 each, and Gaunts only one, which is almost completely empty as at this very moment, Your Highness, while the other 10 are brimming with gold, jewels and more."
"Hm, that is good to know…" Henry rubbed his chin, before putting on his glamour ring. "Mr. Ragnok, am I to understand that Lord and Lady Fleamont have had absolutely no access to the exact and precise information, regarding Houses Potter and Peverell's vaults', including the fact of there being several vaults for each House?"
"No, and they most certainly could not have had any access to it, as Griphook hadn't informed them of it, Your Highness." Ragnok told Henry, who nodded to him. "The only one with the access to this kind of restricted information is Lord of the House, like yourself, who themselves aren't allowed to tell such information even to their closest relatives, even sons and daughters. Only Lord of the House may hold such knowledge."
"Good, because I wish to modify my earlier deal." Ragnok was interested to hear what his client had to say. "Grant those two and their spawn access to only two vaults, one for Potters and one for Peverells, and keep any and all information about the other two as secret as possible. I imagine that the money in just two of those vaults would be more than enough for them to spend without care. As for the loaning details, they remain the same."
"Considering that House Fleamont, before your grandfather's death, only had access to vault, with its monetary assets being only 76,9% of one of the Potters' vaults, they will most certainly be elated." Ragnok told Henry such sensitive information, making him cock his brow upwards. "Considering the deception you've been put through by them, it is only fitting, in the eyes of my bank, that you have the information about your future assets given to you."
"How considerate of you… One more thing, before we finish our dealings for today." Henry drew Ragnok's attention to himself. "It is my understanding that William Arthur Weasley is an employed by Gringotts Bank, if my memory serves me correctly."
"He is, Your Highness." Ragnok confirmed. "He was employed by our Egyptian branch in Cairo as a Junior Curse Breaker, having served there quite well. He has recently been promoted to the rank of Senior Curse Breaker and transferred into our branch of Gringotts Bank. Given your situation and new status, am I to understand that you would wish him removed from here? I can have him fired without any consequences to us and you within five minutes from now, if you wish, Your Highness."
"Tempting, but out of all the Weasley I had the displeasure of meeting, he is actually not half bad." Henry mused to himself, thinking about the possible way of removing a potential member of Order of the Phoenix. "Would it be possible to have him transferred somewhere, where he would be able to retain his current position, or get a higher one, but would be of no use to Dumbledore and his family, safe for monetary assistance?" Henry asked of Ragnok, who thought about for a second.
"Hm, yes, there is one such posting. The post of Deputy Chief of Public Relations Department in Quebec's branch of Gringotts has been recently been left vacant. A position, which requires complete attention of holder and doesn't allow much opportunity for travels, along with being paid quite well, especially in comparison to his previous occupation." Ragnok told Henry. "Normally, we wouldn't consider such a request, but given your status and our alliance, Your Highness, my father, King Ragnok of Goblin Nation, would heed your request. I can have the transfer papers ready in short order, and by the end of the month, William Arthur Weasley will move to Quebec, or lose his job and any future employment opportunities. Given the post's prestige, high payment and a provided place to live, he will accept it eagerly. And, given our evaluation of his character and performance in our employment, he would do well in this position."
"Excellent, that sounds just about what Bill deserves: away from Dumbledore and family, and a relatively bright future." Henry smiled a little, having neutralized one of the members of Order of Phoenix. "Now, about the papers…" And just as he said it, a several documents appeared on the table.
"Allow me a few seconds to modify our original deal, Your Highness, as per your new requirements." Within said seconds, Ragnok was done and handed the quill to his client. "Now, please sign these papers, and you will officially be recognized by Ministry's system of Noble Houses and Lordships, as Prince Le Fay and Lord Slytherin. You can be assured that there will be none that will question your status, and as for your Lordships of Potter and Peverell, when you wish to reveal those to the world too, then you will have all the rights and recognition in the eyes of Ministry." Henry nodded to him, signing all of the papers, before they disappeared.
"Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Ragnok." Henry gave him a curt bow, with Ragnok responding in kind.
"The pleasure all is mine, Your Highness, and you may address me simply as Ragnok." Ragnok gave him a toothy smile. "The Gringotts Bank and Goblin Nation are honored to do business with Prince Le Fay. Whenever you may require our services, we will happily provide you with them. And as for the audit of your assets and belongings, you will receive the full review via an Owl mail before this month ends."
"I will certainly do business with you at later date. And until then, may your gold flow, Ragnok."
"And may your enemies taste your blade, Your Highness." And with that being said, Henry left the room, heading back into the foyer, where Regulus and Faye were already waiting for him.
"There you are, we were starting to get a little worried for you." Faye spoke up to him, with Henry nodding to them both. "So, is it safe to assume that you've done what you came here for?"
"Yeah, that and much more." Henry said to them both. "This is not the discussion to be held in public. Best we talk about with everyone back in the mansion."
"Agreed, but while we are here, Faye and I would like to do a bit of shopping for our kids that will be attending Hogwarts." Regulus took out of his pocket a silver coin and gave it to Henry. "Password is Hades, you can use it in one of the empty booths right over there, if you would like to go back and rest up bit. We'll be with you and Arcturus in a few hours."
"Will do, and thank you for coming along on this one." Henry thanked them, with both Regulus and Faye smiling him and nodding, before he left them alone, while the couple moved out of Gringotts and back to the street.
Well, sorry about a bit of an abrupt end, but this has been turning out to be quite along chapter already. I hope that this chapter has answered all of your questions left in the last chapter, but to clarify, let me go into a better detail for those that didn't get it.
1. Allowing Potters access to Henry's money. Many of you asked why he did that and that it was stupid of Henry to give Potters access, and that he should've simply given access to Rose only. Well, if you've been asking these questions, and also pointing out that he should've given access to Rose only, then you haven't understood Henry quite yet.
The reason why Henry didn't do as you all suggested to me was because if he did it, then he would've drawn attention to himself and, more importantly in his mind, to Rose. At this moment in history, Rose is considered to be dead by most, including Potters and the Order, and if Henry gave her the access to Vaults and Potters learned of it, then Order and Potters would know that she is alive, and would start looking for her, purposefully. It wouldn't take them long to discover that House Black helps her, and even if she were to remain safe, Dumbledore and Potters would've not stopped trying to get her. Henry understood that, and in his mind, putting his sister in any kind of spotlight and danger is a taboo. This guy has gone to Azkaban just to keep her safe, so you know that his sis' safety for him is a top priority.
No, instead of that or locking the accounts, he gave Potters those accounts, with a bit of twist. Why? So that he could lure Potters and the Order into false sense of assurance about his death and their advantage, letting Henry and his allies operate safely and without trouble of Order looking out for them. And if you think that Potters will get him Weasley poor with their spending, then allow me to remind you, that as of this chapter, he's got more money than Tywin Lannister and Mace Tyrell put together, if you know who I mean.
2. Dorea's soul. Yep, she is sealed up in forehead, and she is the reason how he had managed to survive the bowels of Azkaban. Now, just because she is sealed up in him, doesn't make Henry a Horcrux of any kind, and no, he isn't possessed by her or by Voldy's soul fragment. Dorea simply keeps her grandson safe in what way she can, and her sacrifice and being in his forehead, makes Henry very much immune to quite a few nasty things, like Leggimence and even Dementors, to a certain degree. There are plans for Dorea, but that is all I have to say about her.
3. Henry's status now. Henry now is officially Prince Le Fay and magically adopted as son of Arthur Pendragon and Morgana Le Fay. As was explained in chapter, House Pendragon is gone for good, so don't expect it back, while House Le Fay is revived by Henry now. As to why Morgana had gone through all this trouble with adoption, evaluation and other things: she needed to be certain that any potential Prince Claimant would put the prosperity of her House before all, and that he will be able to make it great again for certain (unlike someone in the real world that we know of…). So, in short, Henry now is primarily Prince Le Fay, with Lordships of Slytherin, Potter, Peverell and Gaunt added up into the mix. So don't get confused if he now associates himself as Le Fay first. Oh, and why Prince instead of King? Simple: He would only be able to use the rank of King if he were to be crowned as ruler of England. So, instead of that, he holds the title of Prince, second-best thing in Magical World.
Okay, I think I'll leave it at that, but if you have any questions, suggestions, or you want to share your opinion, then be my guest and leave a review or PM. Always happy for one.
Oh, and someone asked what Henry looks like now. Well, I picture him like Vergil from DMC5 with Dante's hair, with Vergil's voice. And also, next chap will focus up on Order, its members and will be a time skip from the current date, to move the plot along.
See ya soon!