/:Note:/ You know, at this point I'm just going to stop with all the excuses and just admit. I'm really lazy, and I get writer's block a lot. There. I'm guessing that's not too big of a reveal, but just thought I'd come clean. Anyway, I'm pretty sure you guys are tired of me apologizing for being slow, and I am sorry about that….yeah you all hate me. I'd hate me too. However, I had some new inspiration (read: my life got really, really boring) and I thought I'd revisit this story. I had to read it through again to make sure I was remembering everything right, so if there are any discontinuities, please let me know. Also, I had a bunch of "What kind of drugs was I on when I wrote this" moments, so if it seems like I'm just shoving certain parts of the story into a shady corner, then I probably am. I'm taking a slightly different path for this story than what initially intended, so hopefully it doesn't show. Anyways, thanks to all of you who have patiently (or not so patiently) waited, and to you new viewers out there I also thank you.

With a loud *CRACK* two teenagers and a house elf appeared onto the cobbled street of Diagon Alley. Fortunately, the streets weren't nearly as crowded as they tended to be right before term started. However, the sudden noise and appearance of people startled a young boy standing nearby. Unfortunately, said boy had been holding an ice cream cone from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, which he promptly dropped onto the ground and began to cry.

"Harry!" Hermione scolded. "Look what you did!"

"Me?" Harry asked indignantly. "Why's it my fault?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and smiled. "Well, let's see. Who would surprise a young magical child the most with his or her sudden appearance? Hmmmm….could it be me? The plain-looking Muggleborn witch? Dobby, the House Elf standing behind me? Or could it be Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, Story-Tale-Come-To-Life….I wonder."

"Oh come on!" Harry sighed. "It's probably just our sudden appearance. I mean, it's not like he would…" Harry's words trailed away as he noticed the child's eyes, which were fixed upon his forehead. Harry sighed and wished how it'd be nice, just once, if people stared at his forehead because of a zit or something normal like that. But nope. That was a luxury he couldn't afford.

"Dobby, you can return to Hogwarts," Harry informed the elf, turning to look at him. "We'll call you back when we're ready to leave."

"Of course, Master Harry Potter! Dobby is terribly sorry for bringing yous in the wrong place! Dobby will of course-"

"No, Dobby. You're fine. If it's anyone's fault, it's ours for telling you to bring us here."

"Master Harry Potter is so gracious! Dobby will-"

"Goodbye, Dobby," Harry interrupted gently, grinning at Hermione, who just shook her head.

"Yes, farewell Master Harry Potter, sir! Dobby will see yous soon!" With a *POP* Dobby was gone, leaving the couple with a crying child and no potential parents in sight. Hermione decided to take charge, walking over to the boy.

"There's no need to cry, it's just spilled ice cream. I'm sure we can get you some more, though why you're eating ice cream at this time of year is beyond me. Honestly, I don't know why-"

Unfortunately, Hermione's attempts only brought more tears, and she realized she had just made the situation worse. Harry figured that maybe he might as well give it a shot since it didn't look like he could make it worse. If he did, he could always subtly suggest to Hermione that they run away.

"Hi, uh, my name's Harry Potter. What's yours?"

The effect was nearly instantaneous. Within moments, the boy's tears were gone and, though still a bit nervous, he was staring with amazement at Harry, all thoughts of ice cream forgotten. "My name's Vinny," he shyly answered.

The huff to Harry's left indicated that Hermione was a little bit jealous over his apparent newfound gift with children. Harry smiled. He could live with that.

"What are you doing all alone?" Harry asked kindly, glancing around for anyone who might be the boy's mother.

"I...I was...mommy said...meet at," Vinny tried to explain, but his eyes were growing misty and Harry could tell that it wouldn't be long before the boy's tears returned. He decided to try and change the subject.

"Well, why don't we just wait here together until she comes back?" Harry asked.

"I'll get you another ice cream cone," Hermione added, walking off in the general direction of Fortescue's.

"So…" Harry began, trying to think of something to talk about that didn't involve his fame or any ordeals with Dark wizards, which would definitely scare the kid, "do you like Quidditch?"

Encouraged by Vinny's enthusiastic nodding, Harry smiled. "I might have a story or two for you."

Twenty minutes later, a very panicked witch burdened with numerous shopping bags rushed over to the trio. "Oh, Vinny, thank Merlin you're here!" Vinny rushed into her arms, and the two embraced. Turning to Harry and Hermione, she added, "Thank you so much for staying with him! I told him to wait outside the Apothecary because he didn't want to go inside due to the smell, but he must have wandered off at some point since when I came out he was gone! I don't know how I can-" The woman's frantic chatter died out as her gaze went from Harry's green eyes to his messy black hair, resting finally on the partially-covered scar upon his forehead.

Not wanting to make things awkward, Harry extended his hand outward. "Harry, ma'am. Harry Potter. Pleased to meet you. This is my, uh, my wife Hermione."

The woman hesitated a moment before smiling and extending her own hand. "Bethany Henderson. And trust me, Harry, the pleasure's all mine."

Turning to look at the two teens in front of her, Bethany frowned slightly. "I'm sorry, but did you say Hermione was your wife? Aren't you two a little young for…?"

"Hermione and I were paired up thanks to the, shall we say, 'encouragement' of some new laws courtesy of the Ministry." Harry explained. Hastily Harry added, "Not that I'm complaining, I mean! Luckiest thing that's ever happened to me!"

Both witches laughed. "I see someone's been learning a lot this school year," Bethany noted before becoming a bit more serious. "Let me tell you, there have been more complaints, law disputes, and other legal issues in the past six months than in the past two decades combined! First it was all the deaths of the Death Eaters and their holdings, then funding for the plague cure, then funding for the reproductive research, and now we've got these new laws that have nearly everyone in a tizzyl."

Bethany shook her head. "My husband's a lawyer, you see," she explained. "So he gets to sort through all of this nonsense. Every day he comes home with more horror stories and tired rants, how so-and-so is contesting somebody's will, or how one company is refusing to adequately help with research, or how this family is fighting the new marriage laws or trying to get a better ranking for their child. The Ministry's take on baby-making creates even more problems."

Bethany sighed. "One normal dinner conversation, that's all I'm asking for. Sorry, I didn't mean to bore you with all that. I'm just happy that things worked out for you two. Though if you ever need a good lawyer, let us know." Shuffling around through her robes, she eventually pulled out a professional-looking card. "Philip has a degree from Cambridge and Legisperitus, the magical Law school in Sweden, so he's qualified to help with both muggle and magical cases. Our Floo address is on there or you can just use an owl if you ever need to contact us."

Hermione smiled, taking the card. "Thank you very much. If we ever need anything from that department, you'll be the first ones we contact."

"No, thank you," Bethany replied, shaking her head. "I was worried sick about Vinny, but it looks like he was in good hands. I can tell that you two will make wonderful parents when the time comes."

"Bye, Harry! I can't wait to see you in the professional leagues when I'm older!" Vinny shouted as he and his mother strode away. Harry, blushing like mad, waved back, though he made sure not to look at Hermione as he did so.

Things stayed awkward for a minute or so before Hermione asked, "You, um, aren't hoping to have kids any time soon, are you?"

"No!" Harry immediately answered, loudly enough that passers by turned momentarily. "I mean," Harry explained, lowering his voice a bit, "maybe in a few years or so, we could think about it. I've always wanted a big family. But no, definitely not until after Hogwarts at least."

"Good," Hermione sighed. "I feel exactly the same way. Let's just get to Gringotts. Even though we've still got plenty of time before we're supposed to be back, I get the feeling this meeting with the goblins won't be the pop-in-for-twenty-minutes-and-leave sort of ordeal."

"True," Harry answered, remembering how complicated even the bank statements had been. "Though, really, this is better than a Hogsmeade visit. Way more variety, and a lot more space and privacy too."

"Privacy?" Hermione smirked evilly. "Just what are you planning to do in private, Mr. Potter?"

"Oh, I don't know Mrs. Potter," Harry replied with the same tone. "This is our first outing together as a couple, after all. I think things will be simply magical."

"Well this is quite the mess," remarked the goblin Harry and Hermione were meeting with. "I'll need to consult some of the Senior Account Managers, but this could take a while to sort out."

"What was it you said before we got here, Harry?" Hermione asked. "'I think things will be simply magical?' Well, you were right in one, because I'll grant that the magical world is in a bit of a mess too."

When Harry and Hermione had arrived in Gringotts, a few words with one of the tellers had quickly gotten them ushered down a few stone hallways before ending up in the office of the Potter Account Manager, a goblin named Ripred. Unfortunately, as predicted by Hermione, the Potter accounts did not allow a quick and easy visit.

"Apparently," Ripred continued, "your father James never formally accepted the position of Head. His father, Charlus, was the most recent Lord Potter, and most of your family holdings and assets have not been touched since his death nearly two decades ago. Unfortunately, a lot has happened in that time, and we have roughly twenty years of paperwork to go through. Had you at least claimed your status as the Scion of House Potter, which you could have done since your 11th birthday, this would have been solved much more easily."

"Wasn't exactly my fault," Harry muttered. "Hagrid had just introduced me to the magical world. We were pretty much in and out within the span of an hour or so. I didn't even know who Dumbledore was at the time, much less my family history or the way Houses worked. Even now I barely know much at all."

"There is no excuse for ignorance," Ripred replied, briefly glancing up from a stack of documents to eye Harry before returning to the work.

"Oh come on," Hermione blustered indignantly. "You can't honestly blame Harry for all this paperwork!"

"You misunderstand, Mrs. Potter," the goblin replied, raising an eyebrow. "I would have thought someone of your reputation would be more understanding."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Someone of my...what are you talking about?"

The goblin's lips formed a tight, thin smile. "Though you husband is by far the more famous, you have received some recognition for your talent and accomplishments as well, Mrs. Potter. Humans tend to think of goblins as creatures of only greed and pride, valuing only money and power."

Ripred paused a moment to clarify. "Well, that is to say, we do, but it's much more complicated than that. I won't bother to explain the details of our history since I'm sure you've heard plenty of history already."

Hermione and Harry nervously glanced at each other, silently arguing about who should speak, before Hermione tentatively answered, "Actually, Ripred, we don't know all that much of history. Yours or ours."

Ripred's eyes widened in surprise before narrowing. "Ah yes. Binns. The old fool is relatively notorious to local goblins because of all the shit leaving the mouths of Hogwarts students. By Gorlog's teeth, he was a terrible teacher when alive. Now that he's dead, it's even worse."

With a sigh, Ripred continued, "Goblins value intellectual power higher than political or even physical. What good is a leader if he can't utilize his assets to their full potential? What good is a business if it can't use cunning and creativity to obliterate its competition? Strength and politics have their merits, of course, but intelligence reaps a far greater reward than a strong sword arm or a corrupt war council. And in answer to your original question, I do not blame Mr. Potter for this situation. It is what it is. However, I do wish to express that there is no good excuse for remaining ignorant of one's abilities or potential paths."

"But we've been too busy dealing with Voldemort or the Ministry every year so far!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Which should push you even further to deprive yourselves of ignorance," Ripred cooly replied. "Let me put it this way. Mr. Potter, even if we accept that you had no realistic way of learning more about what you had just been introduced to on your first day to Diagon Alley, what prevented you from returning? From seeking more information?"

"Hey, I read a good amount of my textbooks that last month-"

"Irrelevant."

"Well, I didn't have Hagrid so I couldn't get there. I didn't know any other students who could bring me either."

"You had your owl, did you not?" Ripred asked. "And your Hogwarts letter, signed by the Deputy Headmistress? Could you not have written to her, expressing a desire to return to Diagon Alley or to at least learn more of your culture or family before term? Orlock's beard, you had just learned how your parents were killed and you didn't even try to learn more about them!"

Harry looked at the floor. "Well, yeah, when you put it that way…"

"I am not trying to make you feel guilty, Mr. Potter. The past is past, and nothing we do can change that. At least, not yet. Or, for all we know, it has already been changed. Regardless, it's easy to look into the past and point out what could have been done better. That's the way the world works. However, I hope this encourages you to seek out information now. There is nothing any of us can do about the ignorance in our past. But we must also realize that we should have no excuse for the same ignorance in the future. Do you understand what I am saying?"

Harry and Hermione nodded. "Actually," Hermione added, "that's sort of what the point of this visit was."

Ripred nodded. "I figured as much; I just wanted to make sure you understood the needless danger ignorance brings. What you are taking here is a step a great many humans disregard completely, and for that I commend you."

After a slight pause to let all that information and advice set in, Ripred continued, "Well, now that that's all out of the way, I suppose it's time that we talked finances. Though I can't give you an exact amount until we complete all your paperwork and take some more time to do a more detailed inspection, the Potter family has nearly two hundred million galleons to its name in liquidable assets."

Harry and Hermione were both shocked. "T-t-two...hundred...million?" Harry stuttered in disbelief. "That's gotta be...what...close to a billion pounds?"

Ripred nodded. "A little less than that, but yes, that's the rough equivalent in Muggle money, as would be one-point-four billion dollars."

Harry sunk into his seat in awe while Hermione just gaped. "Why...when...how?" she gasped. "I mean, I know Harry's parents left him a decent nest egg for Hogwarts and that sort of thing, but that much?! Where did it all come from?"

Ripred smiled, though there was a gleam in his eye. "As I'm sure you'll find out when you've been updated on your family history," he gave Harry a meaningful look, "the Potters have always been quite crafty. A good mix of creativity, power, and intelligence, both within the bloodline and from those who married into the family. As such, though it isn't commonly known, many of the breakthroughs in human and general magical knowledge were made, in part at least, through the help of a Potter. Many well-known potions, including Wolfsbane and the Pepper-Up, were created by Potters. The Sneakoscope was developed by an in-law of the Potter family, and the team that produced the first modern Wardstone included several Potters. I could go on, but I think I'll leave figuring out that sort of thing to you. Needless to say, the Potter family has made a great deal of profit off of these inventions, and it also owns significant portions of some well-known companies. On top of that, as well as being very shrewd with their investments, the Potters have generally used very little of their money. Most worked in respectable careers despite not needing to, using only the interest from the accounts."

"I guess that makes sense," Harry commented. "I've heard a lot of people say how smart my mom and dad were. Plus, I think I'd still want a job even if I didn't need it for the money. That would just mean I'd pick one for how enjoyable it seemed, not how much it payed."

"Also, when one does not have to buy property or pay mortgages on it, that leaves a lot of room financially for other things," Ripred pointed out. "In addition to the Potter Manor, you own several smaller cottages, a few rental properties and flats, and a large preserve. The income from the rental properties isn't a whole lot, but it does pay for all your property taxes with still a considerable portion left."

Hermione nodded, turning. "I was wondering about where we would live while not in Hogwarts. After all, now that the Dursleys are locked up you don't officially have a place to stay."

"A cardboard box under a bridge would be more homely than rooming with them," Harry added. "Plus the smell would be an improvement."

"Is there any way we can get some detailed information about Harry's family, or magical culture in general?" Hermione asked. "Having both been Muggle-raised, we don't really know all that much about the magical world besides Hogwarts, especially relating to what's available to us now that we're emancipated."

Again, Ripred sighed. "This may sound hypocritical, but goblins don't take the time to learn much about humans beyond what directly applies to Gringotts and laws pertaining to our activities. If I were you, I would contact one of your Ministry employees, someone you trust. As for your family, I'm sure there is plenty you could learn about your parents and maybe your grandparents by consulting with people who knew them, mainly teachers and friends. Further along the family tree than that, you will find more trouble. The Potter family has always been somewhat secretive. One example of this is the manor: its location is a closely guarded secret, known only to the Potters themselves and a few trusted friends. Even then, most cannot reveal the location to others without their Lord's approval. I expect a more detailed family history would be available at Potter Manor."

"But how can I get there if no one is allowed to tell me where it is?" Harry asked. "I don't even know where it is, and I'm a Potter."

"It will take some time to prepare the materials and documents. Your early emancipation complicates things immensely. However, by the end of December, in perhaps two or three weeks, we should have everything set for you to perform an Inheritance ritual and claim the title of Lord Potter and your position as Head of House Potter. When this succeeds, the Family Ring will be called to you. It contains a great deal of information, magic, and is also a Portkey to your manor. I'd assume you would like to do this as soon as possible, correct?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, that would be ideal. House Rings are quite the pieces of work, I've heard. Supposedly the rings of the older houses were crafted with methods long forgotten now, so they're quite powerful and useful. Is there anything else we can do now?"

Ripred shook his head. "As of now, the only things available to you are more records. Most of your assets have been frozen until a new Head takes over. I can have most, if not all, of the paperwork ready for you to approve and sign by the time you're here for the Ritual. Other than that, nothing is really different for you yet. I do recommend learning more about your race's potential history and possibilities, and I might recommend purchasing anything you've been wanting or needing. As you might guess, price isn't much an obstacle for you. The trust vault Mr. Potter has been using still has a considerable amount of gold left, and within a month you won't need it anyway, since you should have complete access to the main one."

Harry and Hermione rose from their seats in unison, bowing their heads to the goblin in front of them. "Thank you for all your help, Ripred. We'll be sure to follow your advice. We hope this relationship will be a profitable one."

Ripred grinned. "I look forward to our next meeting, Mr. and Mrs. Potter. If your heritage and achievements are anything to go by, you're going to make the world an interesting place for all of us. And, if you're ever interested, Gringotts is always looking for talented Curse-Breakers or Runemasters. Trust me, the rewards would be profitable for everyone."

"Well," Hermione remarked as they walked down the steps of the Gringotts building, "that was informative. We may not have learned what we initially came here for, but I'd say we certainly got a lot out of that visit. You're a billionaire, Harry!"

"No," Harry answered, shaking his head and smiling, "we're billionaires. This is your family too now, Hermione. I...I know it's a bit weird, us getting together so quickly, but I meant what I said earlier. This really has been the luckiest thing that's happened to me."

"Even luckier than Voldemort conveniently blowing himself and his Death Eaters up just because Wormtail messed up a potion? I mean, really, what are the chances of that?"

Harry paused for a moment before replying. "You know, I really hope you're not looking for anything deeply romantic or witty, because I've got nothing. You're right. That one might just take the cake."

Hermione good-naturedly hit him on the arm. "Prat."

"Hey, it's your own fault for bringing it up. That's what you get for being a know-it-all."

Hermione was about to voice her own cleverly-worded retort when she paused, her mouth open for a moment before she slowly closed it. Her lips drew back into a smile, but the glint in her eyes scared Harry a little.

"The last time you had a look like that, Rita Skeeter got locked up in a jar. What is it? You're the one who brought up the luck thing. That wasn't me, so you don't need to retaliate for that."

Hermione just smiled even more. "Oh, no, Harry I was just thinking. We've got plenty of money, so having a nice big wedding shouldn't be a problem at all."

"Oh." Harry gulped. It was worse than he feared. The only thing to make it worse would be…

"So I think we should see my parents pretty soon. After all, you'll have to officially ask for my hand."

"Oh sweet Merlin what did I do to deserve this?" Harry lamented, looking up to the heavens and praying for a sweet, sweet bold of lightning.

"Oh, don't be such a drama queen," Hermione scolded. "They already know who you are, I've said plenty about you in my letters over the past 5 years. Really, it's a wonder you haven't met them already, even without our relationship. Plus we'll need their help planning the wedding. It would be nice to have some Muggle elements, even if we can't really invite my relatives without causing a whole bunch of complications. I wonder where we should have it, especially since cost won't be an issue. We could empty your trust vault for the wedding and honeymoon, but then…"

This time it was Hermione who noticed something in Harry's eyes, which were darkly gleaming like emeralds in shadow. "What is it? You're not getting out of this Harry. What are you thinking?"

"Oh, I was just thinking how it kind of sucks for you to not be able to invite Muggle relatives," Harry answered, still smiling.

"You were not!" Hermione exclaimed. "It doesn't even matter, most of them are annoying or boring anyway. What is it?"

"Oh, you know, just thinking finances," Harry answered. "I think we can solve a couple of problems at once with this. After all, we've got plenty of money. I doubt we'd even empty out the trust vault, even for something big...or…"

"WHAT?"

"Oh, you know, the more the merrier."

Hermione was about ready to hex Harry into the middle of next week. She didn't know an incantation, and she didn't have a Time-Turner handy, but Morgana help her she'd invent the spell herself if she had to! "Harry," Hermione began, her jaw clenched, "what are you talking about?"

"The wedding."

"Yes, of course! But what specifically?"

Harry frowned. "I don't want to tell you just yet, since I'm not completely sure it will work. Why don't you head over to Flourish and Blotts? I need to make a few Floo calls."

"Who are you calling?" Hermione asked, now more curious than ever. This seemed to be bigger than just Harry trying to get out of a wedding.

"Well, first I need to talk to the Weasleys. Molly in particular, though I'll want Arthur's input too."

"Why them? What do they have to do with-"

"And I'll need that card."

"What card?"

"Mrs. Henderson's husband. The lawyer."

Hermione sighed, handing Harry the card, seeing that he wasn't going to give up the information as easily as usual. At least she could shop at Flourish and Blotts for a while. She hadn't gotten new books in at least a month. Ripred had suggested a bit of a shopping spree, after all. She decided to try for one last attempt: "Harry, you better tell me what this is about, or you won't be getting any fun tonight."

Harry smiled again, turning to walk away. They both knew that fun time was a group activity. When one of them was having fun, they both were, so Hermione's threat was quite empty. "What I can tell you, Hermione, is that the fun is just beginning."

What's this? Am I actually setting up plot or information? Weird. I'm trying to plan ahead at least a little, so hopefully that works out well. Thanks for reading and, as always, any input is appreciated. Later!