Harry didn't make a sound as the whip cut into his back again and again. Nor when his uncle raped him saying that was all he was good for. No. Harry James Potter did not break. He did not break because one day they would be very sorry indeed for all they had done to him. He just didn't know that that day would be so very soon.
It was later in the morning after his punishment when he got a letter from Gringotts saying that they needed to speak to him and that the parchment would act as a portkey five minutes after he touched it. He grimaced. He didn't like portkeys, especially not since Cedric's death a couple of months ago. He read over the paper again and realized today was his 15th birthday. He hadn't received a single letter from his friends or even Sirius.
He looked around the room. There was nothing for him here. His things had been destroyed. Even his owl... No. Now was not the time to think of the horrors he had witnessed this summer so far. The portkey activated and he found himself kneeling on the cold marble floor of Gringotts. He had pants on that barely fit on his small frame and nothing else. His back still bled and the only thing that was recognizable about him was his emerald green eyes and his scar.
The goblins rushed him away to the goblin healers. He was put to sleep before they began healing his body. They also removed the taint from his scar and it now healed into a faint line. The goblins had a ritual they could perform to remove all the scars, but thought it best to ask his permission for that first, so they just healed. However when they found blocks on his magic they just destoyed them as no child was suppose to have such blocks to begin with.
Meanwhile Harry was in his mental landscape. He was not as dumb as he appeared to be. He read a lot and was able to retain everything. So he stayed in his landscape that was his own version of the Forbidden Forest and just relaxed until he felt the goblins were done. He slowly opened his eyes. He was on a soft bed in a small room. There were clothes waiting for him. He put on green boxer briefs, black socks, dark brown leather pants, black dress shirt, and black dragon leather boots. He looked in the mirror provided.
He could see perfectly without his glasses. His black hair was still untidy so he concentrated on a short spikey hairstyle he had seen on a magazine cover. Instantly his hair changed. He had remembered the time that his aunt had cut his hair and he had made it grow back seemingly overnight. His hair hadn't even grown out since then so he had figured he would have to will his hair to change. He was much taller than he had been, at least 6 feet now. He certainly felt better that was for sure.
Food arrived and he was surprised that he was able to eat everything. Finally a goblin led him to another room, this one large and ornately decorated. Another goblin sat behind a diamond desk.
" Ah, . Awake at last. Before you ask you were out for a week, but we put you in a special time chamber so to the outside world it was only 2 hours. Please have a seat. My name is Jaggedhook. I am your account manager. I have been trying to meet you for quite some time, but my efforts had been thwarted until now. It would seem that there had been a charm placed on you to redirect your mail from Gringotts that would have to be redone on your 15th birthday. I took a gamble that Dumbledore wouldn't remember right now what with Voldemort back and all.", Jaggedhook explained.
Harry sat down and let his mind absorb the information. So Dumbledore was behind this as usual. His anger at the man raged, but he kept his face neutral. Instead he decided to ask a question to sidetrack the conversation for the moment.
" Are you related to Griphook by any chance? He was the one who showed me my vault the first time I was here.", Harry said. " He is my brother. At that time we didn't know the extant of what was going on.", Jaggedhook replied. Harry nodded. The goblin produced a dagger and an enchanted piece of parchment. He explained it was to see how many Lordships and vaults he had. Harry deftly cut himself and let a few drops of blood drip onto the paper.
It turned out that he could claim 8 Lordships: Potter, Black, Peverell, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Pendragon. He claimed his Lordships and became immediately emancipated. He owned Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbbiden Forest, Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley, and the Dursleys residence. There were other properties but they would have to be rebuilt except for Grimmauld. He was the richest wizard period.
Harry went through some of the vaults and found a nice trunk done in snakewood with silver hardware. He also found books, a wand holster, and even some nice cloaks. He even found a wand that felt even better than his old one, but didn't know what it was made of. It was 12 inches and was mostly red in color with grey streaks. He got a Gringotts debit card and a wallet tied to his accounts that could only be used by him. He stepped out of the bank and quickly did the rest of his shopping. He got all the books he would need for the upcoming year, he asked the teller what they were, and also got ones on ancient runes and arithmacy.
He got a full wizarding wardrobe as well as a mundane one. He got potion supplies and school supplies. It was as he headed to the Leaky that he passed a tattoo and piercing shop. He went inside and got his ear pierced and put an emerald stud in it that doubled as a protection charm from outside influences. He also got a small dragon tattoo on the inside of his right forearm since it was the least scarred area. The shop also sold some accessories such as neklaces, rings, and leather wrist bands. He bought a black leather choker that had an emerald set in it. It was charmed to change with any size he got. He thought this was unusual, but was told it was great for animagi and metamorphmagi.
He got a room and some food from Tom before going to sleep, still exhausted from everything. The next day he went to Ollivanders and let him see what his new wand was made of. Redwood, Bristlecone Pine, and Giant Sequoia. Perhaps the most interesting things about all of theses woods were that they were all from America from the tallest, oldest, and largest trees in the world. The cores were thestral hair, unicorn hair, phoenix feather, and dragon heartstring. Apparently it would turn into a staff if needed.
Harry felt a pull to go down Knockturn Alley. He did and entered a pet shop. He saw a beautiful blue and green pheonix with streaks of silver, purple, and white. He blinked and then he was looking at the biggest grey and tawny owl he had ever seen with orange eyes.
" That there is a great grey owl crossbred with a eurasian eagle owl. She weighs 12 pounds and has a wingspan of six and a half feet. She's mean as snake that one is.", the shopkeeper said. " I'll take her.", Harry breathed. She immediately hopped onto his shoulder when he opened her cage. She nipped his finger drawing blood, then nipped her own body. Harry put his bleeding finger to her wound and light erupted. They were now bound together.
' I am Athelszda or Athel for short. I am now bound to you as your familiar. I take this shape for now until the day my form can be revealed.', she said in his mind. ' You are magnificent in any form Athel. I am honored to call you my familiar and friend.', Harry replied. He left the store with Athel on his shoulder.
A couple of weeks later Harry finally received word from Dumbledore saying a group of people would be picking him up tomorrow evening. He grinned. It was time to go back to Privet Drive. He shrunk his trunk after making sure he had everything and asked Athel to take them to his old room. He knew the place was being watched which was why he didn't want to just walk in. They arrived in silence. Harry looked over the room in disdain. With a wave of his hand he banished everything in the room. Another wave and the room was clean.
Harry then set to decorating the room. The walls became a light sage green and the floor was now a polished bamboo. He then unshrunk a bedroom suit he had bought in anticipation for this. It was all done in ebony. There was a king sleigh bed, two nightstands, a chest dresser, wardrobe, bookcases, and even a desk with a comfy leather chair. He unsrunk his silver laptop that ran on magic and placed it on the desk. He placed a lamp on each nightstand, one on the desk, and a tall one in the corner. It was starting to get a little crowded, so he made the room big enough to also have a small sitting area as well. He then put some paintings up with some sticking charms. He made the bed with the silver sheets and a forest green blanket he had picked out. With that done it was now time to face the relatives.
They were downstairs eating dinner in the kitchen when he arrived. Before they could say anything he silenced them with a wave of his wand.
" I have had an interesting couple of weeks. I am now emancipated and found out I have more money than you could ever dream about and that it just so happens I own this house. Now you won't have to put up with me long. My lot are coming to collect me tomorrow night. You will leave me alone or I will kick you out of my house and file charges against you. Do. You. Understand. Me?", Harry said, his eyes glowing with power. They nodded quickly. " Excellent. Enjoy the rest of your meal.", he said before canceling the spell. He went back to his room and warded it. He then set about putting some clothes away that he wouldn't need at Hogwarts.
A little while later Harry called on Dobby and asked him if he would like to be bound to him. His big green eyes filled with tears before he accepted. Harry then asked the little guy if he would mind bringing him some food. Athel was hunting for her own. Harry only left the room to use the bathroom.
The next day passed in the same fashion. Harry started with his morning exercises that he had been doing since his recovery. He read for the rest of the day. He found runes and arithmacy very easy. Then it was time to go. He had everything packed away including Athel's perch and the furniture from his room. He hadn't gotten her a cage. At precisely seven that evening a knock was heard downstairs. Harry heard someone come up the stairs and knock on his door.
" Hello Remus.", Harry said as he opened the door. He knew that this was really Remus. It was part of his new gifts. Remus just looked at him. Harry knew he looked different now. " Hello Harry. Are you ready to go?", Remus asked after a moment. " Of course. My trunk is in my pocket.", Harry said just as Athel landed on his shoulder. Remus frowned as they went down the stairs. It wasn't until they were by the front door that he asked, " Where is Hedwig Harry?".
Harry froze just as he opened the door. There were a few more wizards and one witch waiting in the yard. He continued moving. " Harry?", Remus asked placing his hand on his other shoulder. He controlled himself and didn't flinch. " I can't talk about it right now.", Harry said in a clipped tone. The group went silent as Harry strode pass them. " Where are we going?", he asked once he was on the street. Remus handed him a slip of paper. Harry read it silently before it burst into flames. " How?", Harry asked. " Apparation.", Remus supplied. Harry nodded and held on to Remus' hand.
They arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place a moment later. Harry walked right up to the building and touched the doorknocker. It took some of his blood to add to the wards and tether themselves to him. The wards shimmered into view for a moment before dying down. Harry entered leaving a gobsmacked group behind. A portrait immediately started talking about mudbloods and blood traitors. Harry entered a room to his right. A picture of Mrs. Black was screeching her head off.
" As Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black you will be silent or I will cut you out of the wall and set fiendfyre on you, you hateful hag. Do I make myself clear?", Harry yelled at her. She immediately shut up at the power she could see in his eyes. " That's much better. Thank you.", he said. He left the room to see the group that came to get him, Sirius, Fred and George, and Molly gaping at him. " Lord Black?", Sirius grinned. " Yep. Since you're indisposed and all.", Harry grinned back.
Sirius pulled him into a hug. Harry immediately stiffened. Sirius withdrew. " Pup?", he questioned sounding hurt. " It's fine. I'm not going to talk about it right now.", Harry said. Sirius nodded in understanding. " Well I think introductions are in order.", Remus said. He introduced the real Alastor Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Tonks. She winked at me and made her nose into a pigsnout. Harry laughed then wondered if he could do that too. He concentrated on her looks and willed his body to look like her. To his and everyone elses shock he changed into Tonks.
Tonks bounced up and down. " I've never met another metamorphmagus before.", she squealed. At that moment Ron, Hermione, and Ginny came down. Harry shifted back. " Hello Ron, Hermione, Ginny.", he said indifferently. " Let me show you your room Harry. We have a meeting about to start right now. Dinner will be afterwards. Love the new look by the way.", Sirius said before heading up the stairs.
Harry would be sharing a room with Ron for now until the rest of the place had been cleaned. Sirius left. Ron and Hermione shifted nervously. Harry ignored them, took out his trunk, and unshrunk it. He then got out Athel's perch and she hopped onto it.
" What kind of owl is that?", Hermione asked. " She's a cross between great grey and eurasian eagle owls. Her name is Athelszda or Athel for short.", Harry replied. " Mate what happened to Hedwig?", Ron asked softly. " She's dead.", Harry said in a cold tone that made it clear this subject was off limits. " I'm so sorry Harry.", Hermione whispered. " Me too mate. We would have wrote you, but Dumbledore made us swear not to in case the letters were intercepted. Not that we really know anything anyway except that Dumbledore has brought the people who fought you-know-who last time with some new recruits. It's called the Order of the Pheonix.", Ron said.
Harry just nodded. He had more or less figured that part out. It was common sense. " How long have you known you were a metamorphmagus Harry?", Hermione asked. " Since 10 minutes ago. I knew that my hair didn't grow like normal people since I was 8 though.", he said. They all talked about their summers. Harry only told them about being Lord Potter-Black. Before he knew it the meeting was over and they were being called down to eat.
Harry entered. Dumbledore, Molly, Sirius, Remus, Severus, Arthur, Fred and George were already at the table. Harry took a seat by Professor Snape much to everyone's surprise. Severus didn't say a word, just glowered at him. Harry just smiled at him, looking at him with his mother's eyes forcing Snape to really see him. Snape blinked.
" Harry, my boy, I heard you claimed your Lordship. Do you think that is wise at this time?", Dumbledore asked. The temperature dropped at least 10 degrees. " Yes Headmaster I believe it was.", Harry said coldly. He turned to Snape. " Potion's Master Snape? I was wondering if you would like first choice of ingredients from the basalisk I killed 2nd year. It hasn't decayed at all. I plan on selling the rest and giving the money to all parties that were effected. I only ask to help you render it down. You may also have some extra if you choose to do with as you wish for compensation of your time. I was thinking we could do it the first weekend we get back to school.", Harry said.
Severus looked at him sharply trying to figure out what the boy was playing at. He found nothing but sincerity. " That sounds...reasonable Mr. Potter.", he choked out. " Wonderful. Thank you Professor. Sirius will you pass the bread?", Harry asked. None of them realized that bowls of stew were sitting in front of them. Athel flew in and landed on Harry's shoulder. He gave her a few pieces of beef from the stew.
" That's a lovely bird Harry, but what happened to your snowy owl, Hedwig, was it?", Dumbledore asked. The room which had been warm again dropped so cold that you could see your breath. Harry looked Dumbledore in the eye and spoke very carefully. " Hedwig was killed within the first week of the holidays Headmaster. Would you like to know how?", Harry's tone was as frigid as the air. " My uncle decided that such a worthless freak like me shouldn't have anything this summer. He built a big bonfire and burned all of my possessions. Then he held me down and made me watch as Dudley broke Hedwig's neck. I then was forced to eat her after they roasted her over the fire. If all of that wasn't enough, on top of the endless chores I had to do there, the beatings increased. Do you know what I then had the pleasure of experiencing? After tearing into my back with a whip my uncle then raped me, because apparently that is all I am good for. And before anyone says I should have fought back, I tried. But there is only so much one can do when you aren't allowed food for days on end and your magic is too busy trying to heal you. The only reason I am still here is thanks to the goblins.", Harry said.
He took off his shirt so they could see the scars. There were several gasps. He put his shirt back on. " I have been legally emancipated. I will return there if I must, but they know now not to bother me or else I'll kick them out of my house and press charges. That would really put a dent in their role of perfect little family. Thank you Mrs. Weasley for the lovely meal. I'm afraid I can't eat right now though.", Harry said before concentrating on shifting into a wolf. A moment later a big black wolf with green eyes looked at them before trotting over between Remus and Sirius.
Everyone had tears in their eyes including Albus Dumbledore. How had he messed up so badly? He had placed Harry with the Dursleys to protect him. He knew it wasn't the best place, but he never imagined the depth of hatred. He had even placed bindings on Harry's magic to make him seem more normal so he could fit in. He had his Gringotts statements directed to him so Harry wouldn't have to deal with the responsibility. He looked back over the years and saw how glaringly obvious it was. All the things he had let happen in his school. No. No more. He had failed Severus and now Harry. He had even failed Tom Riddle. He hadn't wanted to listen to Tom's ideals and had turned a majority of the people against him.
Albus got up and fire called the ICW. He resigned from his post. He had already been fired from his Chief of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump. Now he could just be Headmaster. He sat back down.
" Harry will not be returning there ever. I never meant for any of this to happen. I have to go. There are a few things I need to take care of.. Harry I am deeply sorry.", Albus said before Fawkes flamed in and back out taking Albus with him.
Hermione had tears in her eyes as did Ginny and Molly. All the men looked simply murderous. " Black. I am a fire call away if the need arises. In the mean time here is Lupin's potion along with some healing potions for you. I shall check in tomorrow.", Severus said before flooing back to Hogwarts.
Sirius blinked at the civil tone. A cold nose nudged his hand. He looked down into Harry's eyes. He stroked his head and Harry gave him a wolfish smile with his tongue hanging out. The scene was too much and everyone started to giggle. Harry wagged his tail and yipped. Everyone laughed. Harry then nipped at Ron's hand and took off with Ron chasing him around the room.
Albus Dumbledore appeared in front of Lord Voldemort. Death Eaters drew there wand on him, but he simply waved them away.
" I have a propostion to make you Voldemort.", he said. " I'm listening.", Voldemort said to meddling old man. " I would like for you to come and teach DADA. We can let the past go. I only ask that you take back your remaining soul pieces, hand over Peter Pettigrew, and perhaps you might want to change your name. Marvolo Gaunt maybe. It is an ancient and noble house after all and would provide you with a seat on the Wizengamot. Also perhaps Bellatrix could reverse her spell on the Longbottoms. I'll need to know your decision by the end of the week.", Albus said. He also went on to tell Voldemort the prophecy. " If you do this the prophecy would no longer apply. Think about it. Also I am truly sorry for any grievances I may have caused you.", Albus continued.
Voldemort sat back shocked to his core. He had been waiting so long for Dumbledore to apologize. " I agree with your terms.", he said immediately. Dumbledore nodded. " I'll need a book list. See you soon.", he said before Fawkes flamed him out. The next morning Wormtail was sent with a note to Amelia Bones. Voldemort went to Gringotts and claimed his real Lordship and became Marvolo Thomas Gaunt. He also called back his soul pieces and now looked to be in his late 40's although he was more like 70. Bella reversed her curse on the Longbottoms.
Harry woke up early the second morning he was at Grimmauld. He dressed and went downstairs. He started breakfast. The Daily Prophet arrived. He nearly fell over when he saw the front page. It said that Peter Pettigrew had been found the day before and confessed that he had been secret keeper and had killed those muggles. It stated that Sirius was now free. Also Alice and Frank Longbottom had finally started speaking after almost 14 years. Last but not least a line thought dead had resurfaced. Marvolo Thomas Gaunt had claimed his Lordship and would be the new DADA teacher at Hogwarts.
Harry thought about it. Yes the man did kill his parents, but... if this stopped the war so be it. When everyone else saw the paper they didn't know if they should be horrified or grateful.
" It's a chance for everyone to start over. I'm willing to let bygones be bygones.", Harry said. It would be an interesting year no doubt.