The Shadow of the Wizarding World

By: Jamnaz79

Beta: Winged Seer Wolf

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Note: I do not own Harry Potter for the book, movies, etc etc etc. But, I wouldn't trade my life for it as I am a lucky man nevertheless with a wonderful wife.

-SotWW-

The silence of the chamber was deafening as Director Bones looked down on Lord Malfoy, "You shall have five minutes to meet your family in a room with four Aurors present. After that Lord Lucius of House Malfoy, you shall receive the Dementor's kiss."

Harry watched as the chained man was released then led away from the chamber by a group of Aurors. He turned towards Cyrus and offered the man a grim smile, "Thank you Cyrus, I am in your debt."

Mr. Greengrass waved off the words of Harry with a smile, "Mr. Potter you just made my firm millions of gallons, not to mention your family owns part of the firm. We will always represent your interests. What you requested today will cause some enemies."

The boy smiled to the elder man then winked, "I have a few ideas to turn this situation into some good press."

Cyrus raised an eyebrow then smiled, "How about you come to my family dinner this evening to celebrate the victory and we can discuss it then."

Harry bowed his head respectfully to the elder man, "Thank you Mr. Greengrass, I would like very much to meet your family this evening."

Leaving the Ministry served to be far harder than entering it had been. First, Harry had to get past a large group of Wizengamot members as many of them wanted to meet the future Lord Potter. Harry managed to make polite smiles and softly spoken words to the men and women. He hoped that these actions would be enough to give them a good impression. More than a few of these men and women had been friends of his father or grandfather and remarked on the family resemblance. Still, Harry was able to slowly make it through the well-wishers with the help of Cyrus to swerve through the crowd towards the exit.

It was at the exit though that Harry came face to face with Narcissa Malfoy nee Black. As expected the woman looked rather upset but strangely determined as she walked up to him. The boy tensed supposing at a minimum a possible assault, and at worst a second attempt on his life. He was surprised when instead of attacking the beautiful, blonde haired woman stopped and turned her dark eyes onto him. Harry could feel her gaze studying him over.

Harry noticed a bit of surprise in the eyes of the elegant woman, as she watched him. He took that opportunity to study her over in return. His eyes roamed up and down her figure, which was rather flattering despite being in formal dress robes. He could tell her robes covered up a slim build which most likely had flattering curves in the correct places. Her bust seemed to fill out the robes that were a perfect tailored fit to her form. The boy couldn't help but notice the high cheekbones and perfect skin of the pureblood woman. Her hair was perfectly styled to fit her head and her eyes were a smoldering black. To put it simply Lady Malfoy nee Black was a perfect image of a pureblood lady. Harry's thoughts were interrupted when Lady Malfoy spoke up, "Are you done staring at me young man?"

The boy's lips twisted into a smile at the older woman, "Only if you are done staring at me."

The woman's left eyebrow rose slightly to arch as she pressed her lips together in contemplation, "I wish to speak with you in regards to the settlement that was ruled by the Wizengamot."

Harry raised an eyebrow towards the woman then inclined his head, "We can meet at the House Potter chambers. Perhaps we could have a meeting in a week's time?"

The beautiful blonde woman eyed the boy over a moment before she frowned, "I believe it would be better to handle this matter quickly. Would you be available tomorrow to meet?"

The boy saw Cyrus nod his head slightly in the corner of his eyes so he smiled towards Narcissa, "Of course lady Malfoy. I am sure we can resolve the matter between our Houses, and move forward peacefully for the future."

The woman saw the boy finally understood her meaning, "I believe it is possible as well. Please excuse me, I must depart."

Harry stepped next to Cyrus as they watched Lady Malfoy walk away. He heard the older man speak up, "You handled that well Harry. I was afraid you would balk at the offer to speak."

The dark haired boy broke his gaze from the woman as she disappeared into the crowd to look at the man beside him, "What would she want to speak over? Wouldn't she hate me for her husband's death?"

The man motioned for them to walk, together they made their way from the courtroom speaking softly, "Her House is in a position of weakness. While her husband was considered a master at manipulating the Wizengamot and politics in general that position has been destroyed. Politically and now financially they are close to being regulated to minor status after this day's events."

The man paused as they passed a few older members of the Wizengamot with a smile offered to each man. As soon as they passed he spoke again, "But, I knew her before she was Lady Malfoy. She hated he man with a passion in school; it was not her choice to marry him. There is a possibility she may be willing to make a good deal to support something you are interested in if you agree not to take the allotted funds. That much money would cripple their estate. Most families keep a large percentage of their money tied up in land or long term investments. Come lets head to my home."

Cyrus did a side along apparition with the boy to the front entry chamber of his home. Harry immediately stumbled slightly and grimacing at the feeling of being flung magically to reappear in the location of the home. The world seemed to spin for the boy as if he was in a ship at sea during a terrible storm. But, he held his dignity keeping down the rising vomit. Cyrus could see the boy turning green and gave him a squeeze of the shoulder, "Don't worry everyone feels like that the first time."

The Greengrass estate resided in a large manor outside of Oxford. It was a beautiful sprawling estate that was centered on a hill overlooking a small creek. According to Cyrus the family owned three miles in each direction which were heavily forested. The residence had been built in the mid eighteen hundreds when the family came to England from Germany. It was an impressive sight to see for the young Potter heir.

The man snapped his fingers as a house elf appeared before him, "Flaggy please escort Mr. Potter to a guestroom so he can freshen up." Mr. Greengrass turned to glance at the boy, "I believe dinner will most likely be in thirty minutes. Please relax some till then."

Harry watched the man walk away then followed the house elf down a hallway to the left. He was escorted to a guest chamber that contained a nice dresser and queen sized bed. Off of the guest chamber was a washroom complete with a shower. Harry washed up quickly and waited for his escort to dinner relaxing on the bed.

The boy didn't have to wait too long as fifteen minutes after he had been brought to the chamber a knock signaled someone was the door. Harry walked over and slowly opened the door up to find a beautiful young teenage girl standing before him.

Harry had seen Daphne Greengrass before in her school robes but those bundled up things covered up the girl completely. This girl before him looked completely different then the sight he was used to in class. The fourteen year old young lady stood before Harry around five foot two with dark midnight black hair falling down to mid back. The girl had smooth, pale skin without a blemish visible to the eye. Her face was pretty with light sky blue eyes that at the moment stared at him hard as ice. Set between those eyes was a small pert nose, matched by light ruby lips which brought out the beautiful face of the young lady. She wore a white summer dress that fell down to her knees drawing the eye of the hormonal boy to her body before he snapped his gaze back to her face. Harry realized she knew he had been staring and crimson covered his cheeks.

The beauty of the young lady was perhaps diminished slightly by the glare she now leveled at the young Potter heir. It was not a glare of hate but instead of gold indifference. While the boy was different then she remembered from school, he had been a scrawny kid that didn't draw the eye except the famous scar he now seemed to fill out with a massive growth spurt. The Potter boy was very different in appearance but most likely he still was the child that seemed to get into endless trouble and get special treatment. Daphne wasn't one to be impressed by just a difference in looks.

Still is the boy was going to stare she might as well determine his worth. She carefully studied the boy as he did the same to her. First, she noticed that his glasses were gone along with his famous scar. Next, the boy had grown in size and developed muscle that had not been present on his arms and chest. But, the strange part that intrigued her, though she would never admit it out loud, was that her father seemed to approve and speak highly of the boy. The Harry Potter she remembered had little knowledge and no care to learn about the Wizarding World. The boy in school whenever not in robes for classes would wear giant old muggle clothing with holes in them. He seemed worse then a muggleborn with his belief that the traditions were wrong; perhaps it was the influence of his muggleborn friend Granger. But, somehow this boy had impressed her father; something must have changed but what?

Harry interrupted the inspection by Daphne as he lowered into a bow before gently cupping her hand to place a small kiss on her fingertips, "Ms. Greengrass, I don't believe we have ever have the chance to be formally introduced while at school."

Daphne felt a tinge of pink on her cheeks as she swiped her hand back as if it had been burnt, then she spoke up, "No we have had multiple classes but you never saw fit to speak with me. I am after all a filthy snake as your best friend would say. I am here to take you to dinner Potter."

Harry felt a frown tug at the corners of his lips before he turned it into a smile, "I am sorry that we have not spoken before. I was in a different mindset due to circumstances beyond my control. I can only plead ignorance and hope that someday I may make amends in the future?"

An eyebrow slowly raised on Daphne as she started to walk along next to Harry. She kept up her icy coldness to the boy as she guided him down the hallways past expensive paintings and rare sculptures. Her voice kept the coolness, "We shall see Potter."

The rest of the walk was in silence as the pair came into the family dining room. The table had been set for five as Mr. and Mrs. Greengrass were already seated. Harry stepped forward and pulled out a chair for Daphne. The girl stared daggers at the boy with a glare that could kill while Mrs. Greengrass watched the display with a twisted smirk on her face. The girl finally took her place and Harry followed suit next to her a moment later.

Harry smiled as he looked towards Mrs. Greengrass, "Thank you for inviting me to your wonderful home Mrs. Greengrass. It is truly beautiful."

Mrs. Greengrass was a beautiful woman in appearance; in face she looked to be an older, more developed copy of her daughter. Where Daphne hinted as possible future beauty her mother, Sylvia Greengrass fulfilled those expectations. She had the same dark straight black hair that seemed to shimmer in the light. The woman had high cheekbones to match her elegant smile that captured the eye. The boy of the woman must make Mr. Greengrass very happy, she was in a long Ravenclaw blue dress that hugged her full chest but smoothed over her slim figure. Sylvia had the same blue eyes of her older daughter that seemed to peer into the soul of the individual. Those eyes now fixed on Harry and he felt warmth that her daughter never showed as she offered him a smile, "Thank you Mr. Potter. It is a pleasure to have you here. Cyrus has told us much about you."

Harry returned the smile as he placed a cloth over his lap, "I hope nothing too bad."

Cyrus interrupted as he poured four glasses of wine, "No, I kept the terrible parts for after desert Harry."

Sylvia lifted her glass to sip the wine then spoke up, "I am sorry that Astoria will miss your visit. She is at her aunt's place tonight. But, she has been ecstatic at the chance to meet you. She starts Hogwarts next year."

Harry gently picked up the wine and sniffed it once having never tried the stuff before. He took a small sip then blinked liking the sweet taste, "I am sure I will get a chance to meet her next year then. Perhaps Daphne will introduce us at the train."

Daphne provided Harry with a sickly sweet smile that did not meet her eyes as she spoke up. "I am sure that can be arranged." Her words may have stated the possibility but the tone and facial features seemed to portray that it would be a cold day in hell first.

Harry returned the smile to the girl before breaking his gaze back to Cyrus, "Mr. Greengrass from the bottom of my heart thank you for your assistance. I am in your debt for all that you have done. Without your assistance, going above and beyond I am not certain where I would be right now. I am certain I would not know my heritage or much of my family. I cannot thank you enough for giving me the chance to learn of who I am. For an orphan there is no greater desire then to learn where they are from. Thank you for giving me a chance to learn who I am where I come from."

The elder man looked surprised at the heartfelt statement by the boy and smiled warmly towards him, "I am happy to be of service Harry. I hope I am not too bold where I would say that our work together has been enjoyable and I consider our families to be friends."

Harry bowed his head respectfully to the man with a smile then raised his glass of wine, "I agree completely, to new friends."

The foursome clinked their glasses together and sipped the wine. Harry smiled again to the man, " I wonder would it be possible for you to handle two more cases I am considering?"

Cyrus raised an eyebrow at the boy, "Two more cases? The Headmaster?"

The boy shook his head slowly back and forth before speaking up, "No, I don't think politically it would be smart for me to bring a suit against him. I think there might be other ways for that situation to be resolved. Thanks to your assistance I have started to learn about the Wizarding World. In the past I was kept withdrawn and it seems that may have been on purpose. Now, since I have learned a bit, I noticed that my name has been used for a number of years on books, toys, even my own cereal among other things. All of these profitable business ventures have been done without my consent. Does the magical world have any type of laws to protect the unauthorized use of my person without my permission?"

The older man's eyes started to sparkle as he listened to the boy considering the possibilities then he smiled brightly, "Harry. I do believe we can rectify that situation. It will take some time to compile the list of companies but I believe that we can start very soon. What is the second situation Harry?"

Harry learned forward eager noticing the glint in the eyes of the older man, "Tonks mentioned something about the right of conquest?"

Cyrus leaned back and took a sip of wine as he watched the boy, "The right of conquest is an old law at the time of the founding of the Ministry. The law is divided into wizard wards and creature battles. On creature battles it states that when a Wizard defeats a dangerous magical creature in battle the corpse of the creature is the wizard's by conquest. Ten percent of the value would be given to the holder of the property, but the rest of the value would be the Wizard's to use. It was considered a hunting law. In older days wizards would often go out and hunt down creature for sport. Now many of the creatures are protected species so they would not fall under the law."

Cyrus paused a moment studying Harry closely, "The second potion deals with wizard wars. If a wizard were to assault a noble Wizarding families' household in an official war or blood feud and die in the process then they could be forfeit of their titles or wealth."

Harry looked at the man stunned at the idea. He had been told of the creature laws by Tonks but nothing of the second part of the law. A thought occurred to him that seemed fitting while a grin spread over his lips, "then it seems that I must make two claims under this law."

Daphne watched Harry and Cyrus talk with keen interest. The boy seemed so very different then when he was at school. Was this new Harry Potter the real boy or was he just another face of the Headmaster's favorite? This new Harry Potter intrigued her, he showed more Slytherin then Gryffindor. If this was the true Harry Potter, he would be a fascinating study. Perhaps he could even someday be a worthy political ally as her father had just earlier announced by naming their Houses friends. Her thoughts were distracted as Harry continued to talk.

"I wish to make a claim on the corpse of the Basilisk that I slew in the bowels of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is under court record of the Wizengamot that I slew the creature as stated by the Headmaster's own testimony." Harry smiled warmly towards Mr. Greengrass before he continued, "This creature was well over forty feet long so I believe it might hold some value. If nothing else it would look sharp for clothing. Perhaps I could wear a bit even if I am not a Slytherin."

Daphne and Sylvia blinked at the size of the creature as they stared at Harry in Astonishment. Sylvia spoke u, "The creature that Malfoy unleashed by was a basilisk?"

Cyrus nodded his head towards his wife with a frown, "Yes, and if what Harry says is true to the size it might be the largest specimen ever found. I am certain Harry that we can win that claim. I will have someone at the firm draw up papers. What is the second request?"

Harry downed the rest of his wine glass with a single gulp. Then he placed it down at the table and looked at the three Greengrass family members with a firm gaze. "Tom Marvelo Riddle was the last of the Gaunt family. He attacked my family in a war time in their household with the attempt to end the line of House Potter. I believe that may qualify for the requirements for right of conquest?"

The eyebrows of Cyrus rose into his hair at surprise he started to open his mouth but Harry spoke formally, "I wish to claim the titles and wealth of Tom Marvelo Riddle, commonly known as Lord Voldemort, last heir of Lord Salazar Slytherin. I, Harry James Potter by right of conquest claim the title of Heir of Slytherin."

As soon as the words were spoken the light in the room darkened to pitch black before flickering back on. The boy's body seemed to glow darkly, the shadows of the chamber to cling around him as they rushed from the walls to enshroud his right hand. Harry looked down as he felt pain shoot up and down his arm. It felt as if every bone in hand was being broken squeezed at once in a bitter torment. Next his hand started to feel as if it had been stuck into the fire pit. Boils started to erupt over his hand as Harry dimly heard screams coming from the other occupants of the room.

Harry cried out in pain as he grimaced holding his hand tightly. The lights kept flickering as more shadows seemed to creep from the corners of the room attaching to his flesh. The shadows touch felt as if they were trying to cool the burning torment to his body. The boils started to recede and the bones seemed to crack back into place.

Harry felt light headed as he looked up into the eyes of Daphne, "It appears that the school was incorrect. I am not the heir of Slytherin."

Immediately after the words left his mouth, Harry collapsed to the ground passed out.

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AN: I broke this chapter up, originally it was supposed to be far longer. But, I felt the meeting with Ms. Malfoy could come next. After that one more chapter then back to Hogwarts. I know I spent a lot of time on this summer but I felt there was an extreme amount of things happening to Harry. Please as always give me your wonderful feedback. I love hearing your thoughts and critical of the work.