Secret of the Blade

by ShadeslayerX

When Lily Potter comes across an artifact of immense power, hidden away by the Potters, old secrets come to light. Plans come undone and the day of reckoning is upon Wizarding Britain. Original Witchblade characters are never part of the action, only mentioned. M rating for adult themes, gore, physical and mental torture. All Criticism is welcomed and encouraged. Enjoy!

8. Chapter six-and-a-half

Chapterlette: Inheritance

N : It has come to our attention that we forgot to place a particular notification in the Prologue….. here it comes: The Professor Dumbledore in the prologue is not Albus. Tom had a forbear of Albus-too-many-surnames-Dumbledore be present in that situation. I'm honestly too lazy to repost the prolgue with the notice. Might do that when this story arc is over.

Now, anyone wishing to check the age of the character Amelia Bones(the head of the DMLE until the summer of 1996) online, there is a problem with the article on the harry potter wikia(dunno about pottermore). Namely it lists the date of birth of her niece Susan as hers. Given the ages of most of the department heads in cannon, she will be 23 in this story arc. Becoming department head in your 30s is not uncharacteristic for a competent individual. My personal opinion regarding her age would be that she was at least 35 when Harry was forced to defend himself in front of the entire wizengamot for using magic in self defense.

Regardless, this is a small transition to the events happening between the first and fourth of November 1981. The next 2 chapters will cover the period mentioned: chapter 7 will be Lily-centric and will introduce one of the major OCs; chapter 8 will observe Sirius, Remus, Alastor Moody and Frank Longbottom.

Disclaimer still applies. And always will :3

Enjoy, and feel free to locate the 2 easter eggs

November 1st 1981, Diagon Alley

As the clock tower in Diagon Alley chimed half past nine, Minerva McGonagall approached Gringotts with a heavy heart. Her most promising student, the person she thought would take over from her as the Hogwarts Transfiguration Master, had fallen against the most feared madman of the century. The fact said madman had fallen soon after was little consolation. Lily Evans-Potter was missing, her son as well.

She read in an interview for the Daily Prophet this morning that the head of Auror team who had investigated the crime scene stated that any attempt to track any survivors to the horrific events that unfolded in the Potter house would be nigh on impossible by the ward residues and the sheer amount of magical power exerted within such a confined space. They went on to say that any magic trace being distorted beyond recognition, so they could only rely on the physical evidence. Even with a Sniffer, it would most likely take weeks before they can say if there were any survivors.

Her musings were cut short as the doors of the bank loomed in front of her. Standing guard there was a man in a black uniform with the gilded Gringotts coat of arms on a band on his arm. It seemed last night's events shook even the imperturbable Goblins into boosting their already formidable security protocols. She felt a slight shift in the air

"Hold!" the guard said, holding up his arm. He was in his early 20's, McGonagall saw.

"Good morning, Mr. Tibbs," she replied, as she recognized her former student.

"I am sorry, Professor. I have to confirm you are not an impostor. The shift you just felt will keep your answers truthful."

"A wise precaution," McGonagall smiled. "Proceed."

"Are you Minerva McGonagall, Professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Head of the Gryffindor house?" McGonagall felt a tingle wash over her.

"Yes."

"Did you consume any Polyjuice potion before attending today's proceedings?"

"No."

"Are you under the control of the Imperius Charm?"

"No."

"Why was I in trouble at the beginning of my sixth year?" Tibbs asked with a sly smile.

"You mean the enchanted comb that made such a ruckus in the girls dormitory? You nearly started a riot, the poor ladies were torn between loving its effects and notifying me of the intrusion."

"It only changed the color and shape of their hair, to fit their mood. How was I supposed to know it would rearrange it in the shape of horns? Or that it would catch on so quickly?"

"You trespassed into the Girls Dormitory. Not to mention, the few girls that did try it, had to spend the week in the hospital ward to have their… hair let down." Tibbs was in tears, laughing.

"That is all the proof I need. You may enter, Professor," he said as he regained his composure and opened the bank's door for her. Inside and to one side she saw Augusta Longbottom talking with Alastor Moody and his newest Auror protégé, Amelia Bones, and made for them.

"Hello, Professor," Moody greeted her as she got close.

"Alastor, Augusta," Minerva nodded. "Glad to see you in such good company, Ms. Bones."

"Just following your advice to always learn from the best, Professor," Amelia's tone was a professional one, but Minerva could see her former student was

"She started shadowing me as soon as she was assigned to the Department," Moody said with a growl. "I told her I don't work with partners, Merlin knows I lost more than my share. But, she can hold her own in a battle, and she did save my hide once or twice," he admitted with a sigh.

"I thought you wanted to be on the Wizengamot, Ms. Bones," said Minerva, looking quizzical.

"I figured added field experience with the best the Department of Magical Law Enforcement can offer would be more than suitable when the moment comes."

Before any of them could reply, they were interrupted by a goblin in formal garb, clearing his throat.

"Time for the Reading is fast approaching. Lady Longbottom, will your son be joining us for these proceedings?" the goblin inquired with more reverence than they were accustomed to.

"No, I am afraid he will not." Augusta replied, lowering her eyes. "Considering the threats to his and his family's life, I asked him to stay where he is for a week longer. He did, however, provide me with a letter of empowerment, granting me permission to accept anything left to House Longbottom on his behalf," she said, pulling a folded piece parchment and handing it to the goblin. It took the missive. After perusing the contents briefly, waved his hand over the signature, nodded and handed it back, motioning the group to follow him. They were lead in a medium sized meeting room, where they were seated in ornate comfortable chairs.

The goblin opened his mouth to speak, when the door opened once more, and young clerk from the blank floor entered, closely followed by Albus Dumbledore. The older goblin looked annoyed.

"Junior clerk Griphook. What is the meaning of this? Why are you away from your post, And accompanied by someone who is not supposed to be here?" The younger goblin looked scared.

"Account Master Xanthos, this human demanded to be escorted to the meeting, saying he has critical information that needs to be presented before the will is unsealed. Nobody else was available, so I asked for permission to show him here."

"Albus Dumbledore has not been summoned. You may lead him out," Xan said, in a monotonous voice, and turned to the assembled group.

"If I may, Account Manager Xanthos," Dumbledore replied. He walked towards the desk and produced a small scroll. "I have with me an official order from the Wizengamot to seal the Potter Will and claim guardianship of young Harry. There will be no reading today." The group looked outraged and was about to start protesting the news, but, before they could do that, the Account Manager snapped his fingers and the amplified sound put an end to the muttering. He removed his glasses, cleared his throat and interlaced his long bony fingers.

"Mr. Dumbledore, as you are aware, relations between Goblins and Wizards are regulated by the Treaty of 1612. As per its stipulations, while Gringotts Wizarding Bank is required to assist the Wizengamot and the Ministry representatives in any matters related to magical law enforcement, this prestigious institution retains its autonomy in all other concerns, including all the financial dealings and notary services provided. Unless your scroll provides credible proof that the contents of James Potter's Last Will and Testament is a matter of interest for the Wizengamot, you would do well to respect our autonomy." Dumbledore visibly bristled at the way he was schooled, and in a matter of law, no less. He quickly regained his composure.

"I can offer proof of potential tampering," he replied with his all knowing smile back on his lips. "Should the document you are about to read have been the true Will, I should have been notified, as I was both designated as the executor and also signed on as a witness. My absence and subsequent dismissal from these proceedings would clearly be against the departed's wishes. On that alone, we can conclude that the will might have been tampered. While Tom Riddle is dead, he still has quite a large following. I am here in my official capacity as Chief Warlock, to prevent the Potter fortune and estate to fall into the wrong hands. This Will needs to be sealed until we can confirm it has not been tampered with." Should he have been anything else other than a seasoned Goblin, Xan would have faked shock and outrage. However, he was too seasoned for that.

"Your so called proof is circumstantial at best and it brings an affront to Gringotts. I will keep this short. This, indeed, is an updated version of the Will, rectified at James Potter's request, just 4 days before his passing. However, the possibility of him being under unwanted influences while modifying the document is non-existent."

"How can you guarantee that?" Dumbledore asked, scowling. The audience noticed that the goblin's patience was being put to the test. Still, Xan laughed. The sound seemed to unnerve the entire group.

"Because, Mr. Dumbledore," Xan replied, stressing every syllable of the other man's name, "I was the one who redacted the updated version. This office is warded against any magical coercion and influencing methods. Should you continue your interference in these proceedings, you question my professionalism and that of this institution, to which I take great offense." It was the goblin's turn to smile. "You are here without your trappings of the office of the Chief Warlock. As such, in these halls, at this moment in time, you are not Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Order of Merlin First Class, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. You are Albus Dumbledore, son of Percival Dumbledore, employed at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In that position, you do not have the authority to stop this will reading. You have been unable to stop it as of half past nine October 31st. According to your own laws, the moment these ladies and gentlemen received their copies, the governing bodies of Wizarding Britain forfeit their right to seal any will pertaining to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter." Dumbledore saw no way to counter this argument.

"What of the matter of the guardianship over young Harry James Potter?"

"If I may intervene, Account Master, Professor." It was Amelia Bones who spoke up.

"Yes, Ms. Bones?" Xan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Matters of guardianship do not fall under Gringotts' jurisdiction, correct?"

"Correct."

"In the case of one parent's death, full guardianship and custody rights are automatically awarded to the surviving parent."

"Indeed, Ms. Bones," Dumbledore said, with his usual twinkle in his eyes. "However, Lily Potter is nowhere to be found. I believe she has fallen at the hand of Lord Voldemort."

"In which case, custody would, by default, fall upon the next of kin."

"That is exactly what I am trying to ensure. After having the child submitted to a thorough checkup at St. Mungo's, I wish to see him safe with his mother's sister."

"Here is where the complication arises. Regardless of us having sufficient proof of the Lily Potter being alive or dead, Harry himself is missing. If we were to go by gut feeling alone, how can we be certain that Mrs. Potter died, while the child survived?"

"Well…" Dumbledore was at a loss for words. "The wards…"

"If I am to believe my colleagues that investigated the crime scene, the wards can not tell us anything about the child's current well-being," Amelia replied. "And, don't you find it odd that you are currently petitioning for a missing child's guardianship? One could surmise you are after the Potter wealth."

"Quick witted as always," Dumbledore smiled, but the smile looked strained.

"Regardless, should the child still be alive, the matter of his guardianship over an underage sole survivor of an Ancient and Noble House, would not be of any concern of the Wizengamot, but of the head of the House most closely related to said survivor."

"Now that we have exhausted all potential reasons for your presence, Professor," Xan intervened once again, "I kindly urge you to depart. I am sure you are needed back at Hogwarts, to reassure the students when their parents read the morning edition of the Daily Prophet. As far as these proceedings go," he said in a no-nonsense voice, "only those summoned are allowed to remain, as per Lord Potter's express wishes." Account Manager Xanthos then turned his back on the Professor and faced the people seated before his desk.

"Indeed," Dumbledore said in a pointed way. "We must respect a dead man's last wishes," he said in a thinly-veiled mocking tone and walked out the door, almost slamming it behind him, sending the papers and scrolls on the goblin's desk flying. The sound of his footsteps resounded along the corridor, drowning out anything else. The gathered group was staring in awe at the goblin who managed to outplay the self styled Leader of the Light in the field of politics.

"How rude," Mrs. Longbottom stated, moments after the echoes in the corridor died out.

"That man can't bear not having the last word," Moody replied.

"That's the understatement of a lifetime," Minerva said, rolling her eyes. "Even at Hogwarts, the man has to micromanage everything. Amelia, dear, please don't tell him I told you that. I still have to work with that insufferable so-and-so " Before she could finish the sentence, she was interrupted by the Account Master clearing his throat yet again, this time to quiet them down.

"Moving on," Xan said. "Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank you for your presence here today. I apologize for gathering you on such short notice, but it was Lord Potter's express request to have the Reading within 12 hours of his demise." The gathered group was still silent, as the goblin rearranged the papers on his desk.

Xanthos opened the desk drawer and pulled out a gold tip quill and a scroll, which he set aside on his desk. He then spent a couple more seconds checking the order of the papers and scrolls. A short while after, at the goblin's nod, the quill stood on its tip.

"This Write-All Quill will record the proceedings for the Gringotts' Archives. Now, let us begin," the goblin said, a slight reverberation in his voice. "The Reading is taking place in the presence of the following witnesses: Mrs. Augusta Longbottom, representing Frank and Alice Longbottom, who could not be present today, Professor Minerva McGonagall, Master Auror Alastor Moody and Ms. Amelia Bones, as named parties on behalf of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The missing parties, Lily Evans-Potter, wife of Lord James Potter, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, will be formally notified of their bequeathments, as well as presented with a transcript of the proceedings, at a later date. Are there any questions so far?"

"Excuse me, Account Master," Amelia Bones spoke up after a moment of silence, "but there must be some mistake. I was not close in any way to Lord Potter. To my knowledge, neither is Master Auror Moody." Xanthos smiled.

"Ms. Bones, you and Master Auror Moody have been summoned here to act as witnesses to a certain part of the Reading. Lord Potter had requested your presence on the basis of your professional and personal ethics. At the conclusion of the proceedings, you will be given full copies of the Will to present to your Director as evidence of certain facts. Does that settle your doubts?" Amelia Bones nodded and sat back down.

"I will now read the Last Will and Testament of Lord James Potter of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. If, at any time you have any questions, I will answer them after the relevant sections have been read." He took one more look around the room and started reading.

"I, James Potter, being of sound mind and body, hereby declare this to be the final version of my last will and testament, all previous versions being null and void.

If you are reading this version, it means I have died before Lord Moldyshorts is defeated and before I could change it to a normal, boring old-age-me version.

Considering the violent events that probably led to my death, I have requested that Alastor Moody and Amelia Bones be present. Their moral fiber is renowned throughout the Ministry. To them I leave the definitive proof on the identity of the person who betrayed me and my family." Xan then produced a separate envelope and a small wooden box. "I recommend disclosing the contents of the letter and the box that accompanies it as soon as possible, to prevent the wrong people falling prey to the politics that will surely follow my untimely death."

Moody stood up and signed for the possession of the letter and the box. He then eyed his companion.

"Should we open them right now?" he asked.

"I think it would be best," Amelia replied. "Mrs Longbottom can inform her son, Mr. Potter's friends will receive the transcript. Not to mention, the Bank will have a copy stored." Moody nodded.

"Good thinking, lass," he said with his usual growl in his voice, as broke the seal on the envelope and took the letter out. He quickly skimmed the short text on the piece of paper included. He then cleared his throat and repeated the contents to the rest of the audience.

'If I died on the premises of my home in Godric's Hollow, which was protected by the Fidelius charm, that means that the Secret Keeper, Peter Pettigrew,' the name written in bold, 'was either caught by the Dark Lord's minions and forced to talk, or, as Lily believes, willingly sold us to, and I quote, "the noseless wanker." Her words, not mine. Lily was the one who had cast the Fidelius charm and she, as well as anyone who has met Peter, can attest to his weak will and strong self preservation instinct. Included alongside this letter is the memory of the moment the Fidelius charm was cast. I am sure the Department of Mysteries can confirm it has not been tampered with, and that I was in my full mental capacity when witnessing it.'

"Of course," Amelia intervened. "Everybody would have suspected Sirius Black to be Potter's Secret Keeper." Moody opened the black box and pulled out a tiny sealed vial with a silvery, half liquid, half gassy, substance.

"Right, better get this validated as soon as possible. I knew Potter would cover all the bases, but it was a smart choice naming us and not Barty Crouch," Moody replied, with a growl and a crooked smile. "And I suspect young Ms. Bones is of the same mind." Amelia nodded, but said nothing. Xanthos gave the Aurors in the room a pointed look.

"I am sure this clears the matter of Mr Black's innocence out," the goblin said. "I will make sure this is recorded in our Archives. If you wish to retire, you may do so now. If not, I would recommend patience, while we go through the rest of Lord's Potter Will." Moody sat back down.

"To Professor Minerva McGonagall, I leave the Potter prized collection of Transfiguration tomes, books and scrolls, to copy and return upon Harry's coming-of-age. I know she would put the knowledge to good use and all I request that she makes sure they find their way back to the Potter Manor.

Time to spread some love.

To my good friend and partner Frank Longbottom, I leave the burden of acting as proxy for the Potter seat in the Chamber of Absolute Boredom, a.k.a. the Wizengamot Chambers. Even if she ever wished to take my place, Lily isn't trained for it, and the fogeys will never accept her being sworn in. Should she want to seat in any of the meetings, please make sure you aid her to the best of your abilities. You are to train my son alongside your own to take his place among the useless geezers that populate that foul place. May they all suffer heart attacks at the same damn time. If Frank is unable to fulfill this role, the duty falls to his Mother, Lady Augusta Longbottom. She will make the boys an even bigger thorn in the sides of the members of the various cliques of the Chamber of Absolute Boredom." The assembled audience except for Lady Longbottom were sniggering.

"To my friend Remus John Lupin, I leave a 1500 Galleon per month stipend. I could literally care less if you like it or not, Moony, you will take the money. Even if the goblins have to hunt you down every month only to glue the money bag to your hand by force. Should they not be able to find you, try to remember, they know your vault number." This made everyone, including the sulking Lady Longbottom, snigger even harder.

"To my brother-of-the-heart Sirius Orion Black, I leave a permanent room at Potter Manor, eighty thousand Galleons, to be set aside in case of emergency, and my Muggle pornographic magazine collection. To those who don't like that, tough cookies. It's my collection, and it needs to go to a good home. I'm sure Lily won't be very happy with you getting my collection, nor with you living at Potter Manor, as you may prove a 'Bad influence on the poor child', but your Muggle residence is a disgrace to the very notion of a proper home.

My wife, Lily Evans-Potter, is to be named Regent of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, until our son comes of age. To her, I leave a stipend of 2000 Galleon per month, an account in her maiden name with her share of her parents estate, which should have been set aside in the first place, plus the appropriate interest that should have gathered in the meantime. It is my hope that our son takes after her in the coming years, because I doubt the world is ready for another me.

As for the guardianship of my son and heir, Lily, if she survives me, will have full custody. The boy's sworn godfather, Sirius Black, is hereby bound to provide support in case my wife finds herself in the impossibility of exercising her maternal rights and responsibilities." Xanthos emphasized the word 'sworn', giving Moody a pointed look. "Any questions, Auror?

"If the letter and memory prove to be authentic," Moody growled "I will personally make sure Mr. Black will encounter no resistance from the Department in fulfilling Lord Potter's request."

"If the two cannot fulfill this duty, Frank and Alice Longbottom are the best choice, as they both share the joy of parenthood, as well as the burden of a life in Magical Law Enforcement. If they are unable, custody of my son is to go to Remus Lupin, irrespective of anything anyone has to say. These guardianship options are not negotiable.

In the unlikely situation in which none of these people will not be able to assume custody, Account Master Xanthos Goldpan is instructed to have all of the holdings and assets of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter be frozen until my son comes of age.

Signed: James Potter

Date: October 30th 1981

Witnesses: Account Master Xanthos Goldpan on behalf of Gringotts Bank, Lily Evans Potter, Curse Breaker Jake Muller, Wardsmith Elias Carstairs"

Xan set the papers aside and folded his fingers. Silence reigned over the meeting room. The Account Manager pulled a roll from one of his desk's drawers.

"This concludes the reading of Lord Potter's will. If you would, please step up to the desk to sign that you have formally taken note of your bequeathments and the instructions attached to them," said the goblin and motioned for those assembled to sign. With the sound of chair legs scraping against the stone floor, everyone except for Xanthos got up, and made their way to the head of the table.

"Madam Longbottom, may I bother you to let Mr Lupin know to come in to talk to me about his bequeathments?" Lady Longbottom nodded and made to leave.

Xanthos pulled from the same drawer a couple of rolls of parchment bearing the seal of Gringotts Bank, and handed them to the two Aurors.

"As promised, these are copies of the document we just read. They are sealed, to insure their contents are not put under suspicion. Have your Director open them and show him the letter and memory already in your possession. Good day, Master Auror Moody, Ms. Bones. May your endeavors be fruitful."

Alastor Moody walked into the Auror Office with Amelia hot on his heels, and nodded to the Director's secretary, before walking into the office beyond.

"Director Crouch, the goblins of Gringotts have provided us with copies of Auror Potter's Last Will and Testament." Moody growled and coughed.

"We have been given a letter disclosing the identity of their Secret Keeper, as well as a memory of the moment the Fidelius charm was cast," Amelia stepped in. "Both would need authenticating, however, both do shed a new light on last night's events."

"We are willing to testify under truth serum to the veracity of the information contained within the Will."

Bartemius Crouch motioned for Moody to pass him the scroll. He raised a questioning eyebrow at the seal, but broke it without giving it any thought. As he read, his eyebrows rose quite a bit.

"This changes everything. And gets Dumbledore off my back in regards to last night."

Moody released a breath he did not realize he was holding. Crouch placed the scroll in a folder marked 'Potter investigation' and motioned for Moody to sit, and for Amelia to leave the office.

"Auror Moody, take two Aurors of your choice and report to Crocker in the DoM. We have a lead on Evan Rosier, suspected Death Eater. I want him in chains. And, Alastor, try to keep him at least breathing this time around. We need testimonies, if we are to catch all of those bastard's cronies. If that can't be done, Rosier on a slab in the morgue will be just as good. Dismissed, and happy hunting."