Alright everyone, I apologize for the delay in getting this chapter out but if you follow my other story you'll know that my beta reader is currently unavailable and I was, and still am, reluctant to post this unedited. Unfortunately I am going to have to, and will reupload an edited version should I find a new beta or should my old one become available again. Now, to address some of the reviews, thank you all for your feedback, but there's one thing I neglected to mention when starting this story. This story is massively AU, there will be some major events that will be the same as cannon, for example the Stone in Harry's first year. Pretty much everything else is different. I shuffled a few things around to give you all an example of what I mean in this chapter. Please feel free to review with questions you have or even message me if you wish and I will do my best to answer your questions. Thank you all for your support and I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Death is only the beginning
Chapter 3
The sound of his alarm clock was the next thing Harry heard after stepping through the door. Groaning, Harry reached over and turned his clock off and sat up in his bed. Taking a look around Harry smiled softly, it was just as he remembered, down to Hedwig in her cage and the birthday cards facing him from the bedside table next to him. Running his fingers through his ever untameable black hair Harry pulled himself out of the bed and pulled off his sleeping clothes, dressing quickly in the smallest clothes he could find, Harry opened the door to his room and slowly walked down the stairs. With the changes made, Harry was unsure what to expect from his aunt, uncle, and cousin but he figured it would be best to assume that things hadn't changed. It was a good idea because as soon as he entered the kitchen and sat at the table, a tiny plate with a few pieces of toast was put in front of him. Not expecting anything else, Harry simply gave his aunt the most grateful smile he could and said thank you. Snarling at him, Petunia said nothing before turning back to cooking dinner for the rest of the family. Picking up the first piece of toast and beginning to eat, Harry looked at both Dudley and Vernon. Both were exactly as he remembered as well, ignoring his presence to the best of their ability. As he ate, Harry did his best to figure out how to handle the situation that was coming. Harry knew that he didn't have to worry about Sirius being out to hurt or kill him but how should he handle the situation regarding the upcoming visit of "Aunt" Marge. Sighing internally, Harry knew that until he had a plan he'd just have to deal with the visit as before. Waiting until Vernon stood and announced he was leaving to go get Marge, Harry stood just as Vernon left and followed him quickly.
"Uncle Vernon, I need you to sign a form for me, it's something to do with school."
Knowing the response he would get, Harry grinned as he put a new plan into action.
"And why should I sign this ruddy form of yours boy?"
Concentrating for a moment, Harry pooled a small amount of power into his hand and sent a weak stinging hex at Vernon, hitting him in the leg, making him jump and yelp as he grabbed his leg, his beady eyes wide and already with a hint of victory in them.
"Before you start feeling victorious about getting me thrown out of school, let me inform you that the ministry can't track wandless magic. That spell was the weakest I could make it and only meant to distract at the most. Would you like to upgrade to something more harmful?"
Seeing the overwhelming fear taking place in his uncle's eyes, Harry knew he had scored his victory. Pulling the parchment from his pocket and handing it to Vernon, Harry watched with barely suppressed glee at how quickly Vernon signed the form.
"Thank you, Uncle Vernon. Now, I'll be spending most of my time either in my room or out of the house so you won't have to worry much about me, but while I am here, I expect to be treated better."
Without waiting for an answer, Harry turned, walked up the stairs and made his way to his room. Opening the door, Harry opened the floorboard under his bed and pulled his wand out and slid it into his waistband until he could get a holster for it. Waiting for the door to open then close again Harry walked back downstairs, knowing that Dudley wouldn't be finished for a while and his Aunt rarely left the kitchen unless it was necessary Harry used a wandless unlocking charm to open the cupboard door and shrunk his school trunk to the size of a match book before putting it into his pocket, making sure to grab his coin pouch first and tucking it into his pocket. Walking back out the cupboard door, Harry simply yelled to his Aunt that he was going out for a while and ignoring her screams about him doing the gardening walked out the door. As he reached the sidewalk Harry stuck his right hand out palm up and fingers extended, making sure to quickly pull his hand back as, with a bang worthy of coming from a cannon, the Knight Bus appeared and the conductor stepped out. Pulling the required 13 sickles from his coin pouch, Harry stepped onto the bus and did his best to hang on tightly, making sure he kept his scar hidden and his eyes down to keep from drawing the attention of the other riders. Luck was with him as Harry managed to not only stay in his seat but also remain unnoticed as he stepped off the bus in front of the Leaky Cauldron with three other passengers. Stepping inside and keeping his hand discreetly on his wand, Harry made his way through the bar, with a quick nod to the bartender, and made his way to the back wall so he could enter Diagon Alley.
Stepping through the archway, Harry smiled and sighed, he was where he belonged again, in the magical world. Harry quickly made his way to the bank, eager to get rid of the Horcrux in his scar. Making sure to keep his hand on his wand as he walked through the streets Harry kept his eyes on as many people as he could, his movements quick yet planned and precise to make sure he got through the crowds as quickly as possible and without getting into any trouble. Placing his foot on first step up to the entrance of the bank, Harry was glad to be at his first stop for the day. As he approached the guards standing outside the bank, Harry decided to make a good impression and these two would be a great place to start. Getting closer, Harry stopped and raised his right hand and closed his fist, holding it horizontally across his chest in a salute to the guards. Watching the reactions as the guards returned the salute, Harry had to exercise great amounts of control to keep himself from bursting into laughter at the identical expressions of surprise on both Goblins faces as he stepped inside. Walking up to an open teller, Harry once again saluted the Goblin, making every teller stop what they were doing as they watched what was happening. Grown wizards, even ones who claimed to be working to better relations between Humans and Goblins, didn't show as much respect to them as this young boy did. As soon as the salute was returned Harry spoke.
"Honourable Goblin, I would like to respectfully request the assistance of the Goblin Nation in an important matter."
Harry watched as the Goblin frowned and leaned forward, the black eyes boring into his own, and Harry knew if he was going to be taken seriously he needed to stand his ground. After several moments of silence, the Goblin gave a small nod, as though satisfied with the seriousness of the situation and leaned back in his chair.
"And what can we, of the Goblin Nation, help you with young wizard."
With immense effort, Harry kept his face neutral in response to the sneer in the Goblin's tone, before replying in a whisper, even leaning in closer to make sure he was heard.
"A dark object, an abomination to not only your people but mine as well, resides in this bank. I'm sure you agree that the details should not be spoken in such a public setting."
At Harry's words, the sneer instantly dropped from the Goblin's face and shock replaced it. Sending a quick message to inform the director of the bank of what had been said, the Goblin teller quickly summoned another Goblin to lead Harry to the Director.
"Follow this Goblin, but know that if you are wasting the Nations time, you will suffer dearly for it."
Nodding and giving the Goblin another quick salute, Harry turned and followed the Goblin who had walked up beside him. Harry walked in silence, his mind working as he walked, after he took care of the Horcrux not only in the Lestrange vault but hopefully, if the Goblins trusted him enough after exposing this Horcrux, the one in his scar as well, he would have to see what else could be done today, he had a feeling it would be quite a long day. Distracted as he was by his thoughts, Harry almost ran into the Goblin leading him and nervously swallowed the lump that suddenly appeared in his throat. As they were given permission to enter, Harry entered slowly and did his best to keep his eyes from wandering around the office, knowing that the Goblin would take his distraction as an insult after his insistence that the matter was so important. Stopping at the desk, Harry bowed with the Goblin who led him to the office but remained silent until the Director looked at him. As he met the Goblin's eyes, his guide leaving quickly, Harry gave another salute and nearly smiled at the surprise in the Goblin's face as it was returned.
"You show us respect young wizard, you have earned more respect in a few seconds than any other has in years. You may call me Ragnok, I am the director of this bank, now, tell me your name, then we shall get to the business of this dark artifact you spoke of with my teller."
"My name is Harry Potter, honourable Goblin. I apologize for not making an appointment to speak with you but as soon as I found out about this object I felt it best to deal with it immediately."
Harry watched as the Goblin leaned back in his chair and motioned for Harry to sit in one of the chairs in front of the desk. As he sat, Harry found it hard but still managed to keep eye contact, remembering that it was a sign of respect to Goblins to keep eye contact during a serious discussion, thankful for all the time he spent looking up different facts and talking with Griphook when he had the chance.
"As for the dark artifact in your bank, it currently resides in the Lestrange family vault. The cup of Helga Hufflepuff has been turned into a Horcrux, Ragnok."
At the mention of the world Horcrux, Ragnok's face split into a snarl of rage and he stood, slamming his fists down on the desk in front of him.
"You dare tell such lies! We would know if such an abomination was brought into our bank! You play with your life telling such lies!"
Taking great care to remain calm in the face of a raging Goblin, Harry waited until Ragnok stopped before speaking again.
"I promise you Director Ragnok, I am not lying, it was made by Tom Marvolo Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort. It is in an oak chest, enchanted specifically to bypass the scans for dark magic. There also happens to be another sitting right in front of you Director."
The rage still remained on Ragnok's face, but curiosity also glinted in the Goblin's eyes that changed to understanding when Harry quickly tapped his scar. Watching Ragnok carefully as he sat again, and called out for another Goblin. They waited for 30 seconds at the most before another Goblin entered the office.
"Bloodknuckle, go to the Lestrange family vault and find an oak chest there. Bring it up to us and make sure you don't open it. Send for Whitemist as well, before you go to the vault, we will have need of her talents if what I have been told is correct."
Nodding quickly, the Goblin named Bloodknuckle ran from the room and quickly shut the door to the office. Ragnok sighed and scratched his forehead as he continued to stare at Harry.
"You are either very brave or very foolish Mr. Potter. You know that if it's found that you've lied to us you will be put to death correct?"
Nodding softly at Ragnok, Harry smiled at the Goblin.
"I do Director. I knew that it would be a risk and you would have been well within your rights to kill me before I explained for such an insult to your banks honour. But I know you have a reputation for being fair even when your honour is insulted."
Silence reigned in the office for a few minutes before Ragnok started laughing, the sound echoing throughout the office. Shaking his head softly Ragnok smiled at Harry.
"Never have I seen such audacity from one so young. I have a feeling you and I will be great friends young Potter. Once Healer Whitemist arrives, we'll see if you're being honest about yourself at least."
Harry smiled, and internally let out a sigh of relief, his gamble had paid off it seemed. A few moments of silence later a knock sounded from the door and after Ragnok gave permission for entry, another Goblin entered the room. Harry watched as the Goblin, wearing a blood red tunic and pants approached the desk.
"Well Ragnok, what have you done to yourself now?"
Doing his best not to grin at the Goblin's statement, Harry chose to remain silent and watch the exchange.
"Actually Whitemist, it is our guest here who I would like you to have a look at, specifically his scar. I need a dark magic scan and diagnosis if you would."
Harry saw the healer nod before turning to him, nodding to the Goblin and receiving one in return, Harry sat as still as he could while she moved to stand on his left side, placing her left hand on his forehead and her right behind his head as she began a soft chant in what he recognized as Gobbledegook. Harry did his best to keep from fidgeting or moving but it was difficult and Harry knew he was stuck here for a while now. It was 10 minutes later that another knock sounded and Bloodknuckle returned to place the small oak chest on Ragnok's desk, being quickly dismissed by Ragnok as the Goblin watched the scan take place while Bloodknuckle quickly left. It was another 5 minutes before Whitemist lowered her hands and looked to Ragnok with a grim look on her face.
"I suspect that you wanted confirmation of the Horcrux that lies within the scar on his head Ragnok? And that there's another in whatever is in that chest?"
Ragnok leaned back in his chair and motioned for Whitemist to check the chest as well. This time the scan only took a few minutes and Harry watched as Whitemist nodded to Ragnok. Ragnok growled before turning back to Harry, staring at him as though he were a complex puzzle to solve.
"You have done us a great service today Mr. Potter. In return we will cleanse the object in this chest and your scar. You have proven yourself a friend of the Goblin Nation today, just as your parents did. They would be quite proud of you I suspect."
He heard Whitemist gasp at Ragnok's words, understanding ringing through him, being named a friend of the Goblin Nation was no small feat. Harry stood and bowed to Ragnok again, straightening again Harry wished he could speak their language to show how much he was honoured by the statement.
"Thank you Director Ragnok, I will do my best to live up to that title. May I ask how long it will take for my scar to be purified?"
Harry sat back down and was surprised to see Ragnok smiling at him.
"I am glad to see you take more after your mother than your father Harry. Your response was almost identical to hers, your father on the other hand, insisted on making numerous jokes. He never could take anything seriously."
Harry smiled and nodded his thanks to Ragnok as he had to keep a tight grip on the tears threatening to fall from his eyes, his reaction to being told he was like his parents would likely never change no matter how many times he heard it.
"It shouldn't take longer than a few minutes but there will have to be some preparations made. I assume you have some other business for us as well?"
Harry responded with a nod as he thought about what he wanted to take care of first.
"I do Director, but I'm not quite sure where to start. I'm curious what my parents left me, and if they had a will."
A look of grim anger took hold of Ragnok's face as he nodded to Whitemist and she left to prepare for the cleansing rituals. As soon as she was gone, Ragnok tapped a rune just above the top drawer on his desk to seal the doors.
"Mr. Potter, am I to understand that you didn't hear your parent's will?"
At Harry's negative answer, Ragnok growled again as he picked up a pen and started to write, surprising Harry at the sight of a pen instead of a quill. Ragnok tapped the parchment and it disappeared. Setting the pen down, Ragnok looked at Harry.
"Your parents apparently foresaw this happening. Normally a will is dealt with by your Ministry, but your parents were adamant about keeping a copy here in case the Ministry turned out to be less than trustworthy."
Sighing, Harry shook his head and rubbed his forehead softly. At least his parents were smart enough to know something would happen to their will.
"Is it possible to have my magical guardian present? I'm told it's Headmaster Dumbledore."
Standing up and moving to a fireplace in the right corner of the office, Harry watched Ragnok throw some floo powder in and speak a muffled sentence. A few moments later Dumbledore was stepping through and brushing his robes of the soot from his trip through floo. As he saw Harry, Dumbledore's face broke into a wide smile.
"Harry! Such a pleasure to see you again my boy. I hope you're doing well."
Standing up, Harry walked over to Dumbledore and shook his hand before laughing as Dumbledore pulled him into a hug. Walking back to the chairs that sat in front of the desk, Ragnok spoke before Harry could reply.
"I do apologize for not allowing you to catch up but this is rather important. Dumbledore your ward has yet to hear his parents will."
Harry watched as Dumbledore sighed and pushed his glasses up to rub his eyes softly.
"I know Ragnok, for the past 5 years I've been doing all I could to locate it but despite my efforts I have been blocked by Minister Fudge or my leads have turned up nothing at all. The will was ordered sealed to protect the Potter estates, at least that was the reason the Minister gave. I was unsuccessful at stopping that motion and as a result I suspect that the only copy of the will has been destroyed."
Even Harry was surprised at the anger on Dumbledore's face. As Dumbledore turned to face him, Harry also saw the sorrow in his eyes.
"I'm sorry to have failed you like this Harry, I didn't tell you because I didn't want to raise your hopes that it may be found when I'm sure Minister Fudge destroyed it. But with no proof I can't do anything."
Clearing his throat, Ragnok brought their attention to a scroll of parchment that now sat in his hands.
"I do believe that this will remedy your situation Dumbledore. The Potters didn't trust your Ministry even then it seems, as they made sure a legal copy was kept with us, though they apparently told no one to make sure it was kept safe."
Harry was staring at the scroll, doing his best to keep his eagerness under control. Ragnok smiled as he stood and handed the scroll to Dumbledore before sitting behind his desk again.
"Now, that's not all I have to speak with you about Dumbledore. Did you know that Harry's magic was bound until 2:37 AM today?"
The alarm that appeared on Dumbledore's face was astounding as he turned to look at Harry.
"That can't be Ragnok! That binding should've been dissolved when Harry reached 11!"
"Our healer believes that there is dark magic in his scar that is the cause of the binding being present. We're not sure why it was broken but I think Harry's lucky he wasn't killed."
Watching Dumbledore's head whip to face Ragnok would have been comical if the situation wasn't so serious.
"Will Harry be alright? Has there been any permanent damage?"
"He will be fine Dumbledore, as soon as we can get it out if him that is. But there were some strange readings that you should be made aware of if you weren't already."
Dumbledore's eyes widened as he looked from Ragnok to Harry and then back to Ragnok. Harry was surprised to see fear, worry, and guilt in the aged Headmaster's eyes.
"Please Ragnok, tell me that I haven't made a mistake that put Harry in harms way?"
"I'll assume you were unaware of the malnutrition and slight scaring on Harry's back then. We think it was his relatives, the ones you left him with, but it makes no sense Dumbledore. We know you have 2 people that check on him, why were you not informed?"
Throughout Ragnok's speech, Dumbledore had placed his hands over his face as he leaned forward. The last sentence made Dumbledore sit straight up, his face covered by a mask of control that was stretched thin, ready to unleash the rage just beneath the surface as he spoke.
"I believe that I will be able to answer your question if I may be allowed to bring one of those people to your office Ragnok. We will need guards however, before I do."
With another tap of a rune on his desk, Ragnok had 3 guards in full plate armor and weapons brought into the room, before rendering them invisible.
"I assume that you mean to bring Mr. Snape here Dumbledore."
Harry's gaze snapped to Dumbledore as he processed Ragnok's words.
"You had Snape checking on me Headmaster? It's no wonder you were uninformed."
"Indeed, it seems that way. Before I bring Severus here, I believe I should explain my reasoning Harry. Severus claimed to love your mother and as a penance for his actions against her while they were at Hogwarts, he wished to keep watch over you for her while you were at your relatives. It seems as though my trust in him was grossly misplaced."
The mask of cold control was still only barely containing Dumbledore's anger as he walked over to the fireplace and summoned Snape to the office. Harry had to exercise the greatest amount of control yet as he watched Snape step into the office. Barely even registering the words being spoken as Snape was led to a third chair that had appeared. As soon as Snape sat down, one of the guards became visible and placed the edge of his sword against Snape's throat.
"What is going on here? This is your fault isn't it Potter!"
"I would suggest you worry about answering our questions instead of blaming Harry, Severus. You came to me and said you wished to make amends for your actions against Lily. Your efforts gained you my trust but now I hear that you have broken that trust Severus, you will have much to pay for should you be found guilty of these crimes. As will I, but we will deal with you first."
A look passing between Ragnok and Dumbledore was all that was needed for one of the other guards to become visible once again and walk forward uncorking a vial of clear potion that Harry recognized as Veritaserum from his previous lives. Harry watched as, resigned to his fate and unwilling to have his throat slit by the Goblin guard's sword, Snape allowed the potion to be administered. Seconds later, Snape's eyes became cloudy as the potion took effect.
"Now, to start, why did you approach me during the war."
"It was on the orders of the Dark Lord. I was to infiltrate your ranks and try to get close to the Potters so I could hand them over, aside from Lily, who was to be mine as a reward."
The anger in the room was at such levels it almost became tangible. With disgust evident on his face, Dumbledore continued his questioning.
"Where were you on the days I sent you to check on Harry?"
"I spent those days in Knockturn Alley, at an underground brothel that was a big hit with Death Eaters for their stock of Muggle children."
Already pale with rage, Dumbledore's face drained even further.
"How old were these children you spent that time with?"
"Anywhere between 9 and 11. After Lily died, I saw a child there that could have been her twin while I went to visit Lucius Malfoy. I took her that day, and I returned whenever I had the chance. The days where I was to check up on Potter were ideal as I could spend several hours there and I had no wish to have anything to do with the brat, having to teach him was bad enough."
Harry always knew how much Snape hated him, that he was a Death Eater and had many distasteful habits but to hear them spoken of so casually, Harry couldn't blame the Goblin for having a hand shaking as it held the sword to Snape's throat, eager to remove the stain from life. After another half hour of questioning Harry knew that Snape would never leave the bank again, alive or dead, and was slightly surprised to find himself enjoying the thought of Snape's torture at the hands of the Goblins. Scowling softly Harry stood and walked over to Snape, looking him in the eye, watched with curiosity by both Ragnok and Dumbledore.
"You don't deserve to know what I'm about to say Snape, but as I consider it my parents last wish, I'll honour it. My mother wanted you to know that she forgives you for what you said to her in your fifth year, and my father wanted to tell you that he was sorry for how he acted toward you for the entirety of your time at Hogwarts, including the incident with Sirius almost getting you killed. But now, having said that and after finding out how disgusting of an individual you are, I hope you rot in hell you bastard."
As Harry moved away, Ragnok approached him and started muttering softly in Gobbledegook, his hands outstretched and encompassed by a dark aura that matched the one that now covered Snape's body. It took a few more seconds before there was a flash and the aura flared briefly before dying and Ragnok spit in Snape's face. Harry saw Dumbledore's eyes widen and a small smirk of satisfaction on his lips. Harry softly tapped Dumbledore's arm to get his attention.
"Sir, what's going on? What just happened to Snape?"
"Ah, yes, my apologies Harry, I forgot you wouldn't know. The Goblins have a great deal of leeway to enact their own justice in certain scenarios. Goblins have many things that are dear to them, children are one of them, as the Goblin females find it notoriously hard to become pregnant. Severus' actions not only in regards to you but to the children he abused in the brothel, means he will be suffering their most devious of punishments. I won't be surprised if I end up joining him for my failure to ensure your good health and safety Harry."
It was at this point that Dumbledore sighed and pushed his glasses up once more to rub at his eyes. Harry had never seen him look quite as old as he did now, the Headmaster had always given off an air of vigor and health despite his age. Placing a comforting hand on Dumbledore's shoulder, Harry remained silent until the Headmaster spoke again.
"I should have tried harder to make sure you were safe Harry, if I had known I would have taken you from that place instantly, regardless of the protections you have there. I cannot express how sorry I am Harry."
Harry nodded at Ragnok when he noticed the Goblin looking at them both. Snape was dragged out, a black handprint covering his face to ensure all those who saw him would know his crimes. He was curious where Snape would be taken but Harry had other things to worry about at the moment. Turning back to Dumbledore, Harry spoke at last.
"Headmaster, this isn't your fault. There are a few more things we need to discuss before you leave however. My treatment by my relatives and even their attitudes towards me are not their fault nor is it yours. The Horcrux inside my scar complicated things."
At the mention of the word Horcrux, Dumbledore's head flew up and he stared at Harry with wide eyes.
"My failure it seems, is even greater than I thought."