Chapter 17
Funds and Family Magic
7th of August 1995
Grimmauld Place, London
Harry's POV
I can't say I'm not glad that we had a few minutes of distraction, especially because it gave Sora and Riku even more reason to get together and because I'm pretty sure that it's important to the Ancient Lines and to Riku himself that he has Augusta's permission to date my older brother, who is currently tomato red in the face.
I then decide to follow in the lead of what could very well become my future brother in law and turn to Mr. Weasley, but the man seems to already have been expecting this – just like he often expected me when I needed him to talk about the Muggles and their treatment of me during the summers – and the man smiles as he says:
"Harry, you're already like a son to me and you know that. I've known that those two have their eyes on you since we came here to Grimmauld Place and trust me – behind Molly's back – I gave them my blessing almost more than a month ago." A statement that both makes me follow my brother's lead and makes me smile widely.
Fred then suddenly switches places with Lea and both twins hug me tightly, making me feel like I did in my dream as he whispers: "Welcome to the family, lovely, not that you weren't already family to our hearts." He then suddenly softly grabs my chin and turns my face to his, his face amazingly stern as he asks:
"Is it okay with you if we're going to be possessive of you when we reveal our bond, babe? It's just that we're already 70% sure that people will be against this and that there are thousands of Boy-Who-Lived fans who will try to get into your beautiful body out of their own belief that you will leave us for them if they try.
We just want to protect you against such people, you understand babe?" And while the whole idea of people actually wanting to do what my uncle has been doing since I was thirteen years old scares the crap out of me, can I not help but smile gratefully at the fact that my beloved twins already thought of a solution for this.
I hug the two just as close as they are holding me and whisper: "I cannot believe you already thought of things like that. I – I just can't thank you enough for it. Can you promise not to be possessive of me to those that we can actually trust?" And the twins nod before they both give me a strong kiss on each of my cheeks.
This in itself makes me blush red enough I almost top their hair color and then Lea says: "Let's start reading." But while his tone is bright and airy, can I still see the worry and care shine in his eyes as he looks at me while saying this, to which I smile gratefully, making the smile on his face seem more real as he notices it.
Arthur's POV
"My sons are absolute geniuses and them being possessive will only get positive responses of anyone trying anything. It will make the others wanting to get to Harry think he looks just too cute being all cuddled up by those two like that and that will certainly convince them not to mess with the relationship anymore."
I think in pride while the twins show their love for Harry by kissing his cheeks with great love, making Harry turn red enough he can almost be called an honorary Weasley just by the color on his cheeks and then I decide to make it a little easier on my future son-in-law and say: "I know the Ministry best, I'll read next."
Everyone nods, Tonks looking slightly worried and I know she worries for how I will respond to reading about the one place black-mailing and slandering the boy I consider my own as much as it is, but I smile at her as I'm positive that my easy tone of reading about my work-place will settle the nerves of the group as a whole.
I then grab the book, which has gone to lie down on its back since Sirius left with Harry to calm the boy down and while I wonder – due to remembering the last paragraph of last chapter – yet again why my old Headmaster and current leader is ignoring someone so direly in need of his support, do I start the chapter.
The Ministry of Magic
Harry awoke … his ear.
At this, while I worry for the young man, do I see Lea again switch places with Fred before pulling Harry closer, almost onto his lap and do I hear him whisper: "All those nightmares every night and then you wake at that time in the morning? We need to find a way to help you sleep, babe, or you'll ruin yourself."
And while Sirius, James, Ariel, Hercules, Albus, Kingsley, the twins, and I myself all nod in worried agreement, does Harry turn red and mumble: "I've been getting up early for longer than just this summer, guys. Some flowers and plants just flourish better if you water or tend to them early in the morning, you know?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Tonks asks while Tarzan nods, the Jungle man obviously an expert on this seeing his whole look screams wild nature and dangerous environment – even with the robe on – and Harry shrugs as he says: "Just that gardening and cooking were always chores I enjoyed doing, really."
"And how long have you been practicing these arts, dear boy?" Albus asks, the tone of his voice instantly making me know he thinks the same I do: "This is another form of physical abuse we can pin down on those Muggle monsters." And when Harry answers: "Cooking since – six, I think. Gardening since five and a half for sure."
Is my anger instantly at a furious peak as Ron, with his eyes wide, says: "Harry, mate, we didn't get allowed to tend to those Gnomes since we were a year from Hogwarts." To which Harry shrugs and says: "Gardening for the Dursleys isn't really like getting rid of Dwarves, Ron." And while my son agrees on that, does Albus say:
"No, but there has – for the last fifty-seven years – been laws against child labor and those prohibit any child between the ages of 5 and 14 from doing the extensive labor that it takes to either feed those horrendous people or – by yourself – keep a garden as pristine as those on Privet Drive and you can't deny that, dear boy."
With this Albus obviously has Harry cornered and George quickly takes his mate from Lea, lying Harry against his side and softly rubbing his hand up and down Harry's arm, just like before this reading as Harry says: "I always knew I got too many chores for any child to be healthy, but – I really do like gardening and cooking."
And while – mostly because of Harry's comment on Molly wanting to keep Harry out of the kitchen from an earlier chapter – I can't help but feel as if there is more behind Harry's love for cooking than he is letting on, does Albus nod and with that does the man obviously say that this topic is closed, which inspires me to read on.
For a … for him.
"That's none too surprising. Sure sounds like everyone who really cares about my little boy. Well, all of them and her, that is." Sirius then ends in anger, obviously finally having gotten the message that he can just release his anger on my ex-wife out without worrying about insulting me or my sons and I nod at the man as I read on.
All were … eggs? Toast?"
"Has she completely lost it or does she just not know my son well? No one of the Potters – or half of the Blacks – were ever able to stomach large meals close to important events. What the hell is she thinking?" Sirius asks in fury and then Moody scares me as he growls: "I'm more worried about her actually being the cook."
This makes many of us tremble and Sirius says: "Albus, you have to see if Poppy has a spot open for a body check. I want my son checked for any potions he could have inhaled by simple meals or drinks and I want it done as soon as possible." Albus nods and says: "It will be done as soon as you and your family have settled into Potter Manor."
Sirius nods and then turns to James and asks: "Can you agree on Poppy meeting us there, Jamie?" And James makes me proud to be a parent as he says: "Anything to get my son fully healed and out of the influences done by that woman." And everyone nods, Harry white and hiding in George's side as I continue reading.
"Just – just … she wouldn't.
"That woman knows seriously nothing about how to raise a teenager. She had to constantly take care of the kids when they were still kids, but because they were barely present as teenagers, did she just abandon any attempts of learning how to deal with such changes. She's still stuck on raising kids, not up-growing teenagers."
Sirius sighs with a shake of his head and then Hercules says: "And I thought Hades was a cause for headaches and annoyed behavior. This woman can give even him a run for his money." Now Sora laughs guiltily and says: "Herc, I know we're using time-travel, but let's not tempt those that can hurt my family, okay?"
The young half-god nods, while I wonder if he is really referring to the Lord of the Dead and then Hermione asks: "Did Hades try anything after you knocked him into the Swirling Pool of Dead?" And the amazing boy laughs as he says: "Yeah, I got him knocked back in again." And while Hermione looks shocked, do I read on.
"… and I'll … said nothing.
"I think by that time, nothing we said could have had any effect on the little guy." Sirius sighs, but then Lea smiles and says: "Not entirely true, I think if you, I myself and the twins – whether with James or without – would have worked together, we could have really made Harry feel a whole lot lighter about things."
And Harry's small smile, as he leans against Lea's side and has both his hands held by Fred from Lea's other side and has his back softly rubbed in circular and oval-shaped motions by George, is proof to me that the red-haired man – who is obviously a few years older – is indeed right, making all of us smile and Sirius says:
"Which is something that makes me bless my son's return to my life every day since it happened." And he pulls Sora close, his eyes connecting with Harry's to show the boy his love while he holds his elder son close to his side, James cuddling in his other side with a happy, loving smile on his face and I happily read on.
"The hearing's … life-threatening situations."
Now all us adults press our lips tight together in a frown and I say: "I think we were all a little over eager in getting Harry's hopes up. This doesn't sound like people trying to help him, it sounds like us trying to convince ourselves or something." And my fellow adults nod, Harry's smile now again gone from his face and I read on.
Something very … said desperately.
"The damned bint. I still don't understand how she figured out our relationship, but she darn well –." But then Harry suddenly gasps and says: "I – I – I think – I think I know how – how the – the Death Eaters –." But he stops halfway through his sentence as if his own conclusion is even too much for him to handle and Riku asks:
"You know how the Death Eaters got to my family?" And while everyone shares shocked looks with each other, me wondering how Harry could have figured this out while we were discussing my ex-wife, does Harry nod and upon seeing Riku's imploring look, while Sora has his hand in a death-grip, does Harry say:
"There were only a select group of people who knew about me being Sirius' son, but Mrs. Weasley knew about it on the same day Pettigrew betrayed us." Harry stops here, tears burning in his eyes as he seems to have convinced himself that what he just discovered is indeed the truth and then he suddenly asks us all:
"How did she know that was the day my mum needed to be saved?" And instantly I realize what Harry is implying and my heart plummets as I think: "Molly, you didn't." But already, due to just the little bit of information Harry gave us, do I know that my wife – even all those years ago – has really indeed sunk that low.
I then shake my head and when Riku asks: "I'm still not entirely sure what you mean, Harry." Does Harry look at him with eyes that beg the elder boy not to let Harry tell him more and while I implore the twins and Lea with my eyes to comfort the young boy, do I turn Riku's attention my way instead and say:
"Riku – ugh – Pettigrew – he told Molly when to go and save James, so she could play out her little plan, in return that she lead the Lestranges – allies of Pettigrew by that time – to your parents. She's the one that led them through the Fidelius and who caused for those two attacks to happen so swiftly after each other."
This shocks Riku to the very core and he says: "We're informing my gran at earliest convenience." And everyone nods, before Sora lies a hand on Riku's chest and asks: "Riku?" But Riku keeps looking dead ahead and whispers: "Stay close to me, Sora. I need your light." And Sora hugs Riku closely as I continue to read.
Harry shook … she said.
"How is that helpful? We're supposed to show that we're all determinedly behind the law and that Harry can't be expelled? How the hell –?" Sirius asks, obviously still furious with this new information about Molly's betrayal and then Harry says: "At least it gives me reason to believe I need to fight for my rights."
And while Sirius rolls his eyes and lets out a defeated breath, does Fred say: "I would have felt a whole lot better." And George ends: "Had that statement come from any other person." And while I feel very proud of them – and even more proud that I can finally tell them apart – do I nod with my angry sons and read on.
"Right," said … disciplined for…"
"Still, the best impression would have been if you had been escorted in with Arthur wearing his Head of House badge and you wearing the Crest of the Potter House. That would have assuredly made Fudge think twice about trying to mess with you." Sirius says, but then Harry shakes his head and retorts softly:
"It would have given the wrong impression. It would have made the people there think I knew all about our laws, customs and how to behave in political situations. It would have only made me look even more like a fool if they found out I was just wearing it for the sake of wearing, would have given Fudge more room to play."
Now Sirius grumbles, but then he says: "We still have three days before your trial and if we want Sora, Riku, Lea and the twins to be present, they need to learn the same things that will – without a doubt – benefit you, would Fudge try anything. I say we hold a few hours free a day to teach you these customs once we've settled in."
Everyone nods at this and Lea says: "I thank you for including me in these lessons and assure you that my time as member of Organization has taught me one thing above all. How to keep a cool so you can keep your own agenda, no matter how others try to play you, something this Fudge person apparently likes to try and do."
This makes Sirius raise his eyebrow at Lea and he says: "If you had added a bow of respect to that, I would have actually gone to believe you had been raised like a Pureblood there, Lea. I don't think there will be much we'll have to teach you, not at all." This makes Lea smile gratefully and makes Harry shine at him as I read on.
Mr. Weasley kept … them fondly.
This makes many fond smiles appear on the faces of those around me, especially on the faces of my sons and Harry, something that makes me feel quite proud of myself as I really don't want the poor boy to worry too much before we reach the part of the Hearing itself and I smile at the boy for a short second, before reading on.
They bought … Muggle money)
"You know, I really don't get why Magicals can't understand Muggle money? The value of the money is after all written on the money itself, so why is it so hard. It's just a hundred penny to a pound and after that it's just one, two, ten, twenty or whatever the price is to be in pounds and only pounds. What's so hard on that?"
Harry asks, his face showing his utter confusion and while I feel flustered as the boy's explanation makes Muggle money sound ten times simpler than how our currency runs with Knuts, Sickles and Galleons and then Albus says: "We have a hard time understanding, dear boy, because Muggle money has different currencies worldwide."
This, while I actually didn't even know about the different currencies and wonder if Albus could perhaps have a few samples for me to observe later, does Albus say: "Harry, we only use Muggle money for either secret or worldwide events, like the Quidditch world cup or this little trip to the Ministry.
Else, we always use our own currencies and because of that." And Harry ends: "Is that way of currency use so ingrained in your system that you fail to notice the simplicity, because of the difference in both the currency and the shape and all." And while Albus nods and James smiles at his son, do I read on.
and five … entrance before."
Now I decide to take action and ask: "Okay, who here has, because my approach is going nowhere fast. It's spiraling out of control and I am obviously too out of my element to be of any assistance to Harry, let alone give him the confidence he needs for his Hearing." Everyone looks at each other and Ron says:
"I thought it was going pretty good." But Hermione shakes her head and says: "No Ron, your dad's right. Him being so new to this new way of getting to the Ministry has him showing his nerves and that is the opposite of what we want for Harry. We need someone who knows that route like the back of their hand."
"Me then." Sirius suddenly says and everyone looks shocked as he says: "It's like Arthur – well, Book-Arthur – said. Taking the Non-Magical approach shows best behavior and my mum was at the Ministry for – ahem – misbehaving plenty of times. And because I was first in line, I had to come with Father to free her."
He ends with irritation clear in his voice and he says: "I've been able to walk that path blindly since I was in my freaking second. By that time mum no longer wanted dad to take me along when he came for her – which was a blessing as I almost missed too many classes the year previous – and dad just went and honored that."
"Weren't you close with any of your family, dad?" Harry asks, the look in his eyes proving how much he hates it that his dad had to go through the same crappy childhood he did and Sirius suddenly smiles wider than I have seen him all chapter as he says: "Of course I was. Dorea – your grandma – was my favorite aunt and later my real mum."
This makes James wrap an arm around the man in quite the same fashion as Lea and Harry and he says: "When you married and bonded to me, you mean?" But then Sirius sighs and says: "James, I proposed and yes, we did bond – but –.""You never married?" Hermione asks, shock clear on her face as Sirius shakes his and says:
"We didn't have the chance. Our Time-Turners only allowed two ceremonies at the same time, the bonding between me and Jamie and the Blood-adoption of Lily that we faked to be a wedding. Using it again would be just too dangerous, especially because James was already pregnant and we feared the possible effects."
The girl nods, while Riku pulls Sora closer, sitting almost sideways on his chair with his legs spread wide enough for Sora to sit between them quite comfortably and he asks: "What were these effects?" But James shakes his head and says: "We were too afraid to find out, we were just sure that there would be."
Riku nods and seems relieved at hearing, while Harry sags in under Lea's arm pit, lying his head halfway up the redhead's shoulder and looking at Sora with his green-blue eyes looking like oceans of calm depths, while George lovingly brushes some bangs out of Harry's eyes and Fred squeezes his hand, do I read on.
The further … of Magic.
"It's the visitor's entrance, Harry. The Ministry isn't supposed to have too many visitors. Keeps them from their rightful work." One of my sons tells his beloved, the honing tone in his voice at the end and the way he impersonates Percy making me worried for the possibility of reestablishing the entire family, but then Harry asks:
"Fred, how would you feel if Percy used your candy to get out of family meetings?" The redhead looks shocked and Harry goes on: "Or uses your fake wands, taped together, as a quill holder? Or your Canary canoes for what Muggles call Carnival, where's it's custom to wear some kind of costume? How would that feel?"
And George answers: "It – it feels – crappy, really." And then Harry makes me feel more pride for him than for when Bill got his NEWTS, when Charlie was accepted at the Dragon Reserve, when Percy was accepted at the Ministry, when the twins made their first invention, when Ron saved Ginny from dying as he asks:
"Then how do you think Percy felt every time you ridiculed his badges?" All my sons look at each other shocked, the twins having their eyes almost fall out of their sockets as they look at each other and then Harry says: "You guys are different and I respect that. But can you tell me you can respect it – of each other?"
And one by one – even Bill – do my sons lower their heads and George, who looks straight at the table asks: "We've been right out dicks, haven't we?" And Harry smiles as he moves away from Lea, the elder man seemingly accepting that Harry wants to be with his other mate. He then moves himself to lean under George's arm and says:
"You're teens, your actions need to be taken with a grain of salt – as should mine sometimes – but you could really do with some lessons in consideration and communication. Especially when it comes to your family." And all of my kids raise their heads a little, hopeful, grateful smiles on their faces as they look at Harry.
George then shares a wondering look over the boy's head with his other mates and both Lea and Fred nod in agreement, to which George raises the arm not wrapped around Harry's shoulder to raise Harry's head with and just when I think I have to turn away, does George softly peck Harry on the tip of his nose.
Harry's POV
"That was almost my very first kiss." Goes through my mind as I try to look cross-eyed, if only to have a glance at where George's lips actually touched my skin and while I try not to think of the dream I had when arriving here – and especially not of the part where I was naked at the top – does Lea laugh softly at me.
I shake my head as trying to look cross-eyed had made me dizzy and turn to the reddest of my red-haired beloveds as he says: "And I thought you looked cute when you were surrounded by the family you so deserve. You know how to prove me wrong, little flame." And just by hearing the nickname, do I turn beet red.
This is more because I hadn't expected for the tall, handsome, ginger to actually come up with a nickname for me than because of the fact that everyone saw me trying to look cross-eyed and look across the table, where the rest of my family is seated; the table making me feel as if there is an actual gap or border set between us.
This feeling in itself makes me – almost instinctively – want to cuddle further up against either Lea or George and has made it quite impossible for me to let go off Fred's hand, something I know my new boyfriend doesn't mind at all as he has yet to try and pull his – by now slightly sweaty – hand out of mine the entire time.
After feeling content about this, do I sigh as the instinctual feeling is definitely a problem and I ask: "Is anyone against a change of seats after this chapter?" And no one disagrees with this, while I can tell by Lea's eyes and the way he looks at me that the ginger is more than onto my reasons, making me smile lightly at him.
Arthur's POV
"You have to be as blind as Harry without glasses to not see how much he longs to be with his parents. I'm surprised he's been able to last this long on his side of the table. Wonder how Sirius, James, Fred, Lea and George are going to settle next chapter, seeing they'll probably all want to be close to the lad to support him."
This thought makes me snicker and makes me whisper at Ron: "Lead Harry away when his parents and your brothers decide on the seating. It'll probably be heated." Now my son looks at me confused and I whisper: "Support." And Ron understands, snickering silently, before nodding at me, making me smile at him before I read on.
"Here we … his ear
"That doesn't make sense." Harry says and I try not to feel too bad about being openly mocked, but then Harry, showing a confusion I hadn't noticed before, says: "I remember teaching you about how to use that thing. How did you make such an obvious mistake then?" And while I feel stupid for doubting the boy, do I answer:
"I kind of forget everything I learn about Muggles when I get nervous." Which seems to shock Albus as he says: "That can't be right. You always got your highest grades if you were nervous. When did that start, Arthur?" And I try to think back, but then feel a huge pain rise up inside my head, making me grunt and drop the book.
Both my hands move to my left temple, where the pain is at its strongest and instantly Bill, Tonks, Remus and Albus are all over me, all of them with their wands out and each of them casting different kinds of healing and diagnostic spells, before Remus suddenly gasps and says: "That woman's list just keeps growing."
Then suddenly I see Harry, Ron and Hermione share a shocked look, the look itself worrying me enough as its obvious by the fear in their eyes alone that they remembered something and that, whatever it is, it proves that my ex-wife is – somehow – responsible for the pain currently running through my head.
Then Harry says: "The first day of Hogwarts." And Ron goes on: "Before Third year." And Hermione ends: "When she spoke to me and Ginny about –." And all three of them make my blood freeze, make everyone widen their eyes and makes the room pretty much turn as cold as when around Dementors as they say as one:
"Love potions." And all three of them look at me, while I can only think: "If my love for her is fabricated by potions – then what does that say about my love for my kids?" But just looking at each of them – and mostly at how worried they are for me – makes me know that that thought is unneeded and I smile as I read on.
"Arthur Weasley … the Atrium."
By now everyone has gone back to their seats, even if Bill has gone to sit a little closer to my side and is still with his wand in hand, obviously ready to cast more spells when he believes it needed and I know Albus and Remus are exactly the same as both of them have one hand under the table while looking at me.
I smile at the close growing bond between the Order and its members and then look at the one young man who has made this all possible, probably without even realizing how much his actions would accomplish when he came here. I smile at Sora, knowing he is exactly like his little brother in that aspect and then read on.
The floor … fallen open.
"In a way, that makes me glad as many of my family had been down there for all of the wrong reasons – I said, many, Tonks." Sirius pauses as Tonks looks down with her blush even covering her hair and then Sirius says: "On the other hand is Tonks exactly the living proof that makes me sad you have yet to have seen the place."
Now Tonks looks down and says: "I know for a fact that Mum tried for years to go and find Harry – sorry Professor – but – well, I guess that woman somehow kept Harry away from her. I meant, Figgy." Now James shudders, especially because Tonks snaps the name angrily and while Sirius glares at her for this, do I read on.
They were … and wizard.
At this I sigh as it had been one of Millicent's ideas only a year before she retired and since then Cornelius has been coming to look at it whenever – and everyone at the Ministry knows this – he feels as if the world around him is failing him or whenever he has a lack of confidence even Albus can't boost him out of.
I then shake my head and say: "Don't judge that statue on first glance, Harry. The Departments inside the Ministry have been at each other's throats over it since it was build. And I know for a fact all those against it are either believing Albus or actually members of the Order itself." This makes Harry look intrigued and I read on.
Glittering jets … AND INJURIES.
This angers me as there is a reason that sign is smudged and I say: "Yeah, to the wrong causes." Everyone looks at me and I say: "Lucius Malfoy is currently holding position of strongest charity man. He has actually been secretly deciding where his own money goes to. And to people like werewolves or Frank and Alice, it hasn't been."
"Wait, WHAT?" Sirius suddenly asks and he goes on: "Lucius is – almost openly – keeping money away from Frank and Alice, the most popular and well-known Auror and Healer since Lily and James? The two people who gave as much for the world as they did for their own family? Is he really doing so?"
I nod, wondering where the man is trying to go with this and then Sirius laughs and says: "Am I going to get him back for that!""HOW?" Harry asks shocked and Sirius answers: "The Malfoys are a very powerful family, there is no doubt of that, but their origins lie in France and we English wizards don't like French Royalty.
Next to that is Narcissa a Black by birth and with me as a free man, I have full control and hearsay over my family once again – just like my father before me. Lucius is a French member of Royalty second – and a member by marriage of the Black family first, at least as long as he, Draco and Narcissa call England their home."
"So they – they eventually –." Harry says, his shock stopping him from finishing the sentence and Sirius says: "Answer to me, yes. Yes indeed. That rule just didn't apply to me before because my record was fighting my rights as a Lord and without a proper, adult, witness to testify for my innocence was I losing that fight."
Now Harry looks shocked and asks: "So – what are you going to do next?" And Sirius answers: "Next I'm going to move in to Potter Manor with my family, train you and Sora into learning all you have to know as Heirs to Important Families and help you prepare for the Hearing we are soon to read about. Then it's Lucius' turn."
"But – but won't that give Malfoy enough time to try and find an escape route? Fudge must have informed him of the Queen calling you innocent days ago." Sirius nods and says: "Which is exactly what I want." Now Harry – and most of my younger kids – look shocked and Sirius smiles at them as he says:
"Guys, the only real escape route Malfoy has is if he gets the French Royalty here and that has to go through the Queen herself. And seeing how she will ask Malfoy all about his little reasons, do I seriously doubt he will let her know, so he can't get the royalty on his side and I have this evidence already on mine."
He then smiles at his son, the same way I often saw him smile when he actually felt that the Order Meetings were about something worth good and he says: "Not to mention that – and this is something I only plan to use as back-up – I have your testimony of his presence when Voldemort was reborn – and trust me, that's something."
"How is that something?" One of my sons asks and the other goes on: "And why not use it instantly, Sirius?" And Sirius answers: "It's all a matter of Politics, boys. If I instantly start on the whole thing, Lucius will go in the defense and we'll get nothing done whatsoever. No, we need to get Lucius – to become Neutral."
"You mean, as a spy?" But Sirius shakes his head at Albus' question and says: "No, my main concern – even if it concerns family I don't like – is to keep my family alive, whether I like them or not, and Lucius being on Voldemort's side is leading Draco and Narcissa into the same package James and Harry are currently in.
I won't let that happen for the simple reason that I don't want anything to do with the Malfoy gold and with Lucius alive, I won't have to. I will still make sure he doesn't send his money somewhere I don't think it will benefit both sides, but else he will have free range over the Malfoy line – as long as it stays loyal to the Black line."
Everyone is shocked here and Sirius says: "Charlus was a ten times better teacher than my dad, let's keep it at that." And James, who seems to recover from his shock the first, hops back into Sirius' lap and kisses him full on the lips, whispering: "No pillow talk tonight." When Sirius finally parts, smiling like a goof.
Everyone smiles at this, some of us adults even snickering softly, like Remus, while Harry has taken refuge in George's shoulder, his face hidden completely by my son's arms, while Riku has found a much more interesting way to keep Sora occupied, namely following James' example and kissing the boy senseless.
I patiently – with the same amused smile on my face as Sirius – wait for the two to be done and Riku seems to be the first to realize they have an audience as he softly pulls Sora's face away from his by gently fisting a bit of Sora's hair and pulling it back. Sora then realizes the same and blushes beet red as I read on, trying not to snicker.
If I'm … thinking desperately.
But at this James shakes his head and says: "The Potter House already has a small vault set up for such actions. As far as I know –." But then he sees Albus' face and the man says: "The Goblins froze all of your assets upon your capture, James. There hasn't been any money leaving the Potter Vaults except for your son's school funds."
This shocks James and he asks: "No money whatsoever? Not even to the funds for Werewolf cures or Vampire Warding spells or even St. Mungo's or Hogwarts?" And while Harry and Remus seem shocked at hearing about the fund causes – Remus about the werewolf one, naturally – does Albus shake his head sadly.
James' POV
"What the bloody hell? Who authorized that? Why would anyone try to freeze our accounts? Don't they know the consequences this has on Magical England? Who would be stupid enough to authorize that?" Goes through my mind, the thought of my entire inheritance frozen just too much for me to bare and then Harry asks:
"How – how many vaults exactly are we talking about here?" And the way he hesitates over the amount of vaults instantly tells me enough and makes me know there is more at play than just the vaults being frozen as I seriously ask: "You never received a single audit paper or the Family Grimoire, did you Harry?"
Harry shakes his head and asks: "Should I have?" And Sirius – my Siri, who obviously realizes the same – sighs as he says: "As you are the second born and because James is the Submissive in this bond, does that make the Potter Bond destined for the second born to be inherited, so yes, Harry, you should have."
Now Harry looks down, obviously in the belief that he has let us down, but then I softly tell him: "Harry, you didn't even know about the Grimoire. There is no way this is your fault, because someone has been playing with your life – again – only this time, he messed with the wrong part of it. Your rightful inheritance."
But then Harry shocks all of us, especially myself, Siri, Albus, the twins, Arthur, Lea and Ariel and Erik as my poor, insecure baby asks: "But who says I – that I – that I deserve it?" And instantly the twins chorus: "WE DO!" Shouting almost loud enough I'm pretty damn positive they can outshout my mother in law.
Harry is apparently shocked by this powerful act of loyalty and then one of them – one I suddenly feel is Fred – hugs Harry tightly and says: "Harry, nobody loves their family more than you do, sweety." And the other – which my guts tells me is George – says: "So nobody deserves their family inheritance more than you do, little one."
And this alone is enough to make a small, self-confident smile appear on my beautiful son's face and Lea then softly makes Harry let go off Fred before he hugs him close and with his face in my son's hair, does he whisper: "Told you we'd be there to fight your demons." Making Harry smile and making me smile at the three of them.
Arthur's POV
I personally don't know what's worse. That the Potter Vaults have been closed this entire time, thus causing many problems for so many groups in the Magical world – which apparently includes the school my sons go to – or that Harry has never received any knowledge about his inheritance and that he doesn't believe he deserves it.
Luckily, my sons are again proving themselves to be the best possible candidates to give Harry his confidence back and I feel glad that Harry smiles at how Lea again proves his loyalty to the boy, whispering about the little guy's demons, before I whisper at Bill to see if he can figure this all out and then I loudly read on.
"Over here … did so.
"The flattening of the fringe is definitely a good move, but you should have kept your head up, proven – if for nothing else – that you are a Gryffindor. It's one of the reasons so many Potters are sorted into that House, we show the pride of a Lion inside our family and outside, when doing business with other families or so."
James tells his son gently and Harry says: "That might get complicated due to my Submissive nature." But James shakes his head and says: "It's all a matter of the right mind. As long as you remember who you are backing by being proud, the emotion itself will come naturally. After all, I always know my pride makes my dad proud."
This seems to intrigue Harry and Ron says: "I think we found Harry's motivation." A large grin on his face, before Lea pulls Harry close against his side and says: "That will be a training I will look forward to." Making Harry smile at him, no shyness in his stance and while believing this can work, do I read on.
The grilles … British Seats."
Here I have a lot of trouble keeping the anger out of my voice as I know that working in this department is one of the main reasons Percy had been hearing so many bad things about me, which in turn caused the terrible row between us and I think: "I really need to try and speak with him, tell him everything I wanted to say."
I then turn to my sons and say: "Percy deserves to know what happened to this family. After the reading we will all head for the Ministry, I'll arrange a private room there and we will – together – speak out all of our differences, issues and our opinions on the events of the last few weeks, is that all clear to you?"
And all of my sons nod, Fred and George looking quite uncomfortable and I know they worry about how they have to apologize for their behavior regarding Percy's badge, while Ron seems unhappy and I know my youngest still takes Percy's betrayal as something personal as Percy just doesn't realize how high Ron has him.
I then look at my last – and eldest – and while Bill has thin lips, proving he doesn't exactly like the idea, does he still have pride shining in his eyes as he looks at me and I know it's because – to him – I am finally taking full control of this family, as is my Right as Family head. Smiling back at my eldest, do I quickly read on.
When the … Advisory Bureau."
Now James has thin lips and says: "Yep, the Potter funds have definitely been kept from the public, that's for sure." Everyone looks at him and to my shock, does he say: "The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures used to be the biggest one inside the Ministry, with a total of 17 different sub-departments.
To know it only has three left proves our funds have been frozen for the longest of times, because there are several departments that I personally set up on my Sixteenth birthday, when my dad first taught me how to lead our Family in the ways of the Funds, the Ministry and where Money can Best Be Spent."
Sirius nods at this along with Tonks, Moody, my own eldest, Albus, Remus and Alastor as Sirius says: "A valiant lesson. Actually one of the only ones I liked my dad teaching me before I ran off and joined you, lovely." And while the two smile at each other do I share a look with Albus, showing my concern for the loss of these departments.
The man nods and says: "James, I think it's best if Sirius helps your sons settle in Potter Manor, while you, I myself and Arthur go visit Gringotts to see what happened to have your funds be closed off." James nods, his expression as determined as I saw Harry's when I saw him defend himself against Crouch at the World Cup and I read on.
"S'cuse," said … here, Harry."
Now James smiles and says: "Glad to know the Potter spells for weather and Transfigurations are still being used. I was worried you guys would be without proper weather now that the funds have been closed." This makes me smile, but then I suddenly remember something and with wide eyes, do I tell the man:
"We were." Everyone looks shocked and I say: "James, in the first three months after your capture – were the windows completely blank." Everyone looks shocked and James whispers: "The Grimoire." Making all Heads of Houses share looks as James starts to shake his head in denial, obviously not wanting to believe this conclusion.
"Someone has the Grimoire. Someone stole my family's book of history, used it to close the Vaults and then used it to benefit the Ministry with their little weather problem. Someone's been using my family Grimoire for the last fourteen years." The man moans in desperation, the sheer pain heard through his voice.
All of us look at him with pity, but then I notice something. Harry had been looking at his mum in worry before, but now he seems to try and get his older brother's attention. Sora looks from his mum to his brother and Harry, without a word said, but with his eyes firm and burning with determination, reaches his hand out.
Sora looks at the hand confused, but then – when he looks back at Harry's eyes – do I feel as if the bond between the two brothers is like that between Fred and George, as Sora's eyes suddenly become as hard and determined at Harry and his small nod is almost imperceptible as he reaches and clasps his own hand in his brother's.
The two then keep their eyes on each other, the strength growing within that gaze making me want to push away from them as they speak, their voices almost sounding like one and they say: "In Name of the Most Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Black and Potter, do we summon to our person, the Grimoires of Black and Potter."
And a bright, black and golden light shoots from their united hands, shocking everyone and making some of the females in the room shout in shock as the light grows like a ball with the speed of a Firebolt, blinding us so quickly, it takes me a minute to realize the light was only there for a mere few seconds really.
Blinking away the black spots behind my eyes and rubbing my glasses clean to give my eyes some time to recover, do I put my glasses back and gasp in pure shock as an amazing ancient looking tome of a book, with a black spine that has three golden beams swirling through each other lies in front of the two Heirs of Black and Potter.
Both boys seem overwhelmed by the fact that their plan worked, but then share a huge proud grin, before James – who is suddenly on the other side of the table – suddenly pulls Harry in a bone-crushing hug, muttering all kinds of words of pride and gratefulness and constantly chanting: "My little genius!"
Harry turns red as he hears this muttering over and over and while Sirius makes sure not to exclude Sora by wrapping a proud arm around the elder lad's shoulder and pulling him close against his side, does Harry say: "It was my instinct, really. I always come up with the best ideas if I let my instinct do whatever it wants, that's all."
"There is nothing that's all about this, dear boy. You saved thousands of years of your family's history. That is definitely worth the pride you are currently receiving from your mother, Harry." Albus says and we all nod, James now softly muttering words of pride as he sits next to Harry, who has Lea on his other side.
The boy smiles at the man while still red and then looks at the ancient tome as he says: "I – I don't think anyone really stole it, sir." Everyone looks at him and he says: "My dad is the current Lord to the House of Black and I am the current Heir to the House of Potter. When my mother was considered dead and my father a criminal –."
And with relief do I realize what actually happened as I say: "Did the two tomes fuse together and did they get send to Arcturus, Sirius' grandfather and the Official Head of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. It must have, after his death, been moved to the Black Ancestral Vault until Harry and Sora summoned it."
Harry nods and everyone sags down in relief, while Harry's eyes are still on the tome, one of his hands softly following one of the golden lines on the spine on the book. James smiles as he sees this and whispers: "You can read one chapter before bed, but you have to agree to go to bed before Sora so he can do the same, understand?"
Harry nods and Sora smiles widely, while his eyes had been on the front cover of the book the entire time his little brother had been transfixed by the spine, both signs proving they are being drawn to the side of their Family that they are Primary Heir to. Feeling happy that they can finally learn all they deserve to know, do I read on.
They turned … Muggle Artifacts.
At this I find it extremely hard to read on as I have never – for this very reason – taken my sons to my office, fearing they would actually feel ashamed – as Percy is currently showing all too obviously. Wishing there was something I could do about how everything in my life looked so shabby and overused, do I suddenly hear James hum.
"I could have sworn there were funds in the Muggle world that we surreptitiously used to give Ministerial Departments working on the relationships between the Muggle world and the Wizarding World a seasonal bonus. And seeing that it's done in the Muggle world, is the chance of that being frozen too a little unlikely."
This shocks me as I have never known of this fund, but then another surge of pain hits my temple and I use all my effort to push down on the need to scream, even if a tortured grunt escapes my tight-lid lips and my gnashing teeth are still apparently heard by my eldest, who lies a hand on the arm I use to grab my temple.
Everyone apparently sees this movement and Moody hisses: "That woman. Why am I not surprised? Drugging her husband, kidnapping the Head of the Potter line. Of course she would go and steal from both at the same time." And while I can feel everyone's anger, do I still feel glad for each and every interruption as I read on.
Mr. Weasley's dingy … a plug.
By now James has thin lips and he says: "Seeing how it was the Potter funds that have been stolen from, should the Potter funds be used to revamp that office. After all, a professional office is taken seriously. Look at how seriously the Auror office is taken with all its cubicles and whatnot." He ends with a shrug.
Hating the man for knowing me and my family so well, do I see Ron and Bill lowering their hands, while the twins now share interested looks and I personally smile, while knowing how all of us had been wanting to protest in the first place. Still, I can't help but feel grateful for the man's help and smile at him before I read on.
Sitting on … room, panting.
"Wow, that's a nicer description than I've heard in a while." I softly mumble, not wanting my family to know just how badly people talk about me and Perkins – even if the Auror department and a few others I sometimes work with think very high of me – but then Bill says: "But dad, that doesn't even sound remotely friendly."
I shrug, glad for the distraction, but hoping we can move on quickly as this chapter just seems to drag on and say: "Like I said, nicer than I've heard in a while." This makes James thin lipped yet again and he says: "That's not right, Arthur. I know for a fact that when dad still worked, your Department had a lot of respect."
I sigh as the man is indeed right, but that is mostly because Charlus often came and checked to see if we still kept to the law – even before I started working there myself – and I say: "I know, James, but times change, people change and – well – your dad's death had as much influence on us as your supposed death did."
This makes James lower his head and I know the man feels bad for not being there after his father passed away, but then look at Sora and Harry and think: "With kids like that, there was no way James could have been there for both parties. Not with how much he loves them already." And this makes me read on with a smile.
"Oh, Arthur!" … Courtroom Ten –"
"EXCUSE ME?" Sirius suddenly shouts, while and I already know – together with the adults – why before the man goes on and shouts: "THAT'S WHERE THAT WENCH WAS TRIALED! WHO IN BLAZES NAME THINKS THEY CAN HAVE A HEARING FOR MY SON THERE? WHAT IS FUDGE EVEN THINKING?"
But then James runs around the table and hugs him from the back and whispers: "Fudge is just forgetting about the Potter-Fudge feud and taking advantage of Harry not having a reliable Magical Guardian. But not anymore, love. Not anymore." He whispers in the end, having laid his hand on Sirius' cheek as he talks.
The movement, together with the soft tones seem to be exactly what Sirius needs as he calms down and smiles at James, tears shining in his eyes as he whispers: "How did I survive the last fourteen years without you?" But James doesn't answer him and only helps him back in his seat, motioning me to just read on as he does.
"Down in … been catastrophic!"
"Which only works perfectly with Fudge's little slandering scheme. The great Harry Potter, believing himself too important and famous to show up at something as simple as his own Disciplinary Hearing, thinking himself above the law. Ugh, I can see the headlines already." Hermione growls in fury, while others look sick.
Then Sora and Riku share a glance and Sora says: "Too bad we're back in time." And Riku nods before he asks: "Live it out?" And Sora nods back, as if the two are twins and read each other's minds. Then Harry asks: "Live what out?" And Sora and Riku smile at each other, sending quick questioning looks at the other guests.
Lea, Erik, Ariel, Tarzan and Hercules all nod in agreement and then Sora turns to Sirius and says: "Dad, we want to make a deal." By now he has everyone's attention and he says: "We live in England, in Potter Manor or wherever else it's safe, until the next three years are over – and then all move back to our own worlds."
Everyone but the guests look shocked and Riku says: "Hercules goes back to Olympus, Ariel, Erik and their upcoming baby back to Atlantica, Tarzan back to the Deep Jungle, the rest of our upcoming guests back to their worlds – and Sora, Harry, the twins, you two, Lea, my family and I myself move to the Islands."
By now Sirius and James have wide grins on their faces and Sora says: "We can live in this world and change whatever we think needs to change for the sake of our friends here." And Riku ends: "But after that, we think about only ourselves and do what is best for us – and that is getting the hell out of this cracked up world."
The whole room either nods or lets out sounds of agreements, but then I suddenly notice that I'm missing one person in this entire agreement and looking at Harry, I see him looking at my youngest son and his other best friend, making me realize he has too much loyalty to them to even think about this kind of idea.
Apparently does my son realize the same and he spats: "Don't you go and be the good guy now, Harry James Potter." And while he shocks the rest and makes some of us look at Harry, does Hermione say: "You've been through too much to keep making others your first priority and you certainly shouldn't consider us a first option to that."
"You need to start thinking like you did when you shouted at us and when you demanded those answers. You deserve those and you deserve the good life." Ron then goes on and Hermione ends: "And looking at how healthy Sora and Riku look are the Islands they live at the only possible option for you, Mister."
This makes a small smile appear on Harry's lips and then Lea seems to have been motivated by the speech of my son and daughter-in-all-but-blood as he pulls Harry closer against his side and says: "I don't care if I have to kiss your lights out or just weaken you in a fight, I will get you on those islands in three years, you hear me."
And the twins end: "And we'll help." The same strength in their eyes as when I see them talking about their dreams for a jokeshop and then Harry seems to read my mind as he asks: "But what about the joke shop?" And Fred says: "Islands or England." And George asks: "What's the difference?" Making Harry smile as I read on.
Mr. Weasley skidded … through it
"Not on my life." Harry says, stopping Sirius in his tracks and shocking us as he says: "You adults looked at us kids instinctively when the Department was mentioned, so I assume the weapon's there and because Dad doesn't like it – and because he's one of the only adults I trust – am I not going to even approach it, if I can help it."
This makes Sirius smile at his son in pride, while James has his hands over his mouth and whispers almost inaudibly: "My sweet little guy." But I can easily tell how Harry's comment on the whole one of the only adults I trust comment has Albus worried and while I wonder about the identity of the others, do I read on.
but instead … the courtroom.
"Courtrooms seven to twelve. The five courtrooms where Heads who have an Heir present are allowed to come in, unless they actually have a seat in the Wizengamot – the only wizarding body that even presides there." Sirius says furiously and while I sacredly hope to be wrong, does my heart almost laugh at my own hopes.
I then lie the book down and Harry moans: "You have to be kidding." Only for Lea to hug him in such a way, Harry's face is hidden in his chest and then the man uses the one arm not around Harry's frame to make another one of those swirling gateways of dark energy and he says: "Leads to the second floor here. Just an escape route."
He then lowers his head to Harry's hair and whispers: "For if the nerves become too much for you, my little flame." And even while his face is hidden, can I already guess that Harry has a small grateful smile on his face, while some of us look at the swirling gateway with great trepidation and others do the same with the book.
