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.

-SotWW-

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.

Harry awoke as the light of day struck his face. Quickly he glanced around for his wand finding it on the bedside table. Once the warmth started to seep from the wand he felt better, safer. A quick glance at his surroundings brought back the memory of the room he was in from the night before. Slowly he sat up, reaching for his head as he felt the pounding of a headache. The boy tried to remember what had taken place but all he remembered was going to dinner, having a bit of talk and wine then a claiming oath. It seems that the oath didn't go so well for him.

He quickly shook his head then slid from bed discovering himself just to be in boxers. The question entered his mind if this was done by the house elf or perhaps Daphne had placed him to bed like this. But, that question as forgotten moments later when he started to dress knowing that girl would let him rot on the floor then help him. Still if she was Cyrus daughter she couldn't be all bad could she?

Harry spotted his clothing from the night before neatly cleaned and folded on the edge of the bed. A curiosity touched his mind as he spoke up, "Dobby?"

A flash later and his house elf appeared before him, "Great Master Harry Potter called for Dobby?"

The boy smiled at the side of the elf, and made a note that the house elf could pass the wards of the Greengrass household with seeming ease. Were house elves able to do this in his own House wards? Or every house wards? He would need to have that looked into, as doubtful as Purebloods might be use house elves as thieves still the idea of one appearing to cause trouble at any time was present. "Dobby, can you bring those clothes home and bring me a fresh pair? I need something business casual for a meeting today."

Dobby bobbed his head excited with a bright smile, "Yes Master Harry Potter Sir!"

A pair of bright flashes later and Dobby was gone and back with clothing for Harry to wear. Harry picked up the white cotton button down shirt, a nice emerald green tie, finely crafted black slacks, black boots, and finally a set of fine silk robes. He started to place them on as Dobby just stood there watching. He is useful, even if he is a little creepy. "Thank you Dobby. That will be all for now. I am sure I will summon you later for the meeting to help bring some refreshments. For now you can return to your assigned duties."

The house elf smiled brightly, "Yes Master Harry Potter Sir!" Then Dobby disappeared in a flash of light leaving Harry to finish getting ready.

One he was done getting dressed he quietly stepped out of the guest chambers to follow the hallway towards where he met the family before. After wandering a few minutes trying to remember the route he came to the dining room. Seated there drinking some morning coffee was Mr. Greengrass as he read the daily prophet.

Upon the sight of Harry entering the room the man placed down the prophet and smiled to the boy, "It is good to see you are up and about Harry. I was worried last night that you might be asleep for a while. Please sit and join me."

Harry stepped over to sit down as the house elf, Flaggy, appeared in to place down a plate filled with pancakes, sausage and eggs. Next to the plate was a cup of steaming hot tea and a glass of orange juice. Before Harry could even thank the elf it disappeared away. He slowly started to eat as Mr. Greengrass talked.

"Luckily Sylvia has her master's in healing so she was able to look you over quickly. She saw there was nothing found to be wrong with your body or core after the excitement. Still I would suggest not to try to do that again. There is a reason that it is done through Gringotts. They take certain precautions that allow for situations like you almost experienced not to take place."

Harry placed down his tea after a sip, "Situations Sir?"

Cyrus leaned forward to stare into Harry's eyes, "Trying to claim ownership of a family line without being one hundred percent sure it is your right Harry is dangerous. Your magic could have been stripped or even your life. Please never do that again understood?"

The boy was wide eyed at the possibility that he could have just lost his magic or even ended his life.

Seeing the look on the face of the boy Cyrus chuckled, "Do not worry Harry. We all do dumb things when we are young. My sister once forced me to make a magical oath when I was a boy. It was an oath to paint the neighbors fence pink and purple. Nothing big, but if I had not done it I would have become a squib. You should have seen the look on my mother's face when it was done."

Harry watched the man chuckling and couldn't help but smile, "I didn't know you had a sister sir, does she live in England?"

The older man shook his head slowly back and forth before sipping his coffee. He slowly placed it back down as Harry continued to eat his food, "No, She was married to an old family in Germany. One of the old marriage contracts the family had was enacted. So she had no choice but to go and be wed. Turned out well for them as she seemed to like the man and has a nice family now. I think her oldest daughter is at Durmstrang right now in her fourth year. Nasty business marriage contracts, I believe that was the last one for my family at least, it had been left over since the 1600s."

Cyrus looked up at the boy as he noticed the confusion on his face. "A marriage contract is a political agreement between two families. Normally it is written by the head for a gain for each family. But, I wouldn't worry too much the goblins would have presented it if the Potters had any when you became the official Heir. Not to mention that the Potters never held much to the contracts, they actually seemed to hate them. Actually that was how Narcissa and Lucius were married."

The boy looked down and saw his plate was empty. He never realized how hungry he was, but then he didn't get to eat much last night due to his own stupidity. He sipped the tea enjoying the breakfast brew, "So Narcissa never wanted to be married to the man? Do you have any ideas for the meeting today?"

The older man slid a wrapped scroll over to next to Harry, "Read over this. It was something that that firm worked for possible terms if the Wizengamot accepted our requirements of funds. I hope you will find it fitting."

Harry carefully unrolled the parchment and looked it over slowly then frowned, "Do you think she would agree to this?"

The boy passed the scroll back to the older man whom slid it away with a smile. "I think it is possible. It would be to her House's benefit and your own. We should be off once you are ready."

The breakfast was quickly pushed away from him, and then the Potter heir stood up at once with a smile, "I am ready. Mrs. Greengrass and Daphne are not here today though sir? I wanted to thank her for last night."

"Unfortunately both are gone. Daphne had plans to visit her friend from school and my wife is at work. I will pass on your thanks to her." Mr. Greengrass smiled as they reached the study. He plucked up some floo powder to toss into the fireplace. "You first, Harry. I will come right afterwards, just call out for the Ministry. I believe your Auror friend will be there waiting for us."

Mr. Greengrass was right as not only Tonks by Kingsley were waiting for them as they stepped out of the floo network into the atrium of the Ministry of Magic. The pair of Aurors quickly guided Harry past the crowds keeping them back from approaching him. The boy was practically dragged out of the large gathering of folks heading back and forth for duties of the ministry.

It was a surprise that it only took them ten minutes after bypassing the wand check in and other normal requirements for the special guest to make it to his meeting. They actually were able to make it thirty minutes before the assigned time. Still, he found Lady Malfoy standing outside of his family chamber awaiting him.

The boy caught a look at the beautiful, mature woman and smiled politely as he lowered into a bow keeping his eyes raised not to lose sight of her, "Good morning Lady Malfoy."

If the woman was taken aback from having two Aurors show up with Harry and Mr. Greengrass she didn't show it at all. Instead she offered her hand to the teenager with a polite, if forced smile, "Good morning to you Heir Potter and Mr. Greengrass."

The door to the House Potter chambers was a large dark red oaken door with no knob. The symbol on the front was the Potter crest brushed in gold with tiny runes carved onto it. Harry reached upwards to touch his hand against the symbol. For a full minute nothing happen, he closed his eyes as he concentrated on the symbol and then he could feel it. There was a ward on the door that would only work for a Potter, a ward tied to his blood and magic. A small smile curled on his lips as he concentrated to push against the door and finally it swung open. For a brief second as Harry opened his eyes he caught sight of a second ring on his finger before it disappeared from sight immediately.

Harry turned towards the pair of purebloods and his guards and motioned them into the chamber. "Please have a seat. My apologies for the poor state that you might find the room, it has not been opened since the 1970s."

After Cyrus and Narcissa entered the chamber Tonks leaned against the wall as Kingsley slipped off to other duties. Harry followed his guests into the room, and found it to be a small chamber. The room was around twelve by twelve feet in size and reminded him at once of a professor's chamber at school. The walls were lined with old books of Wizarding laws, families, traditions and history. In the middle of the chamber was a lark dark oak desk with three comfortable looking chairs available. Behind the desk was a painting that at the moment had nobody visible. Harry stepped forward to take his seat before he spoke, "Dobby."

In an instant the former House elf of the Malfoy family appeared before Harry and bowed, "Dobby is here to serve Master Harry Potter Sir!"

A slight cringe came over the shoulders of Harry at the excited demeanor of the house elf, "Dobby please bring us some tea and biscuits."

The house elf bowed before the three purebloods then disappeared in a burst only to return before the boy could even open his mouth with steaming tea on a platter and a kettle. Next to the tea was a silver plate with ten biscuits to enjoy. Harry smiled towards the elf then nodded his head, "Thank you Dobby that will be all."

Harry waited for Mr. Greengrass and Lady Malfoy to take up their cups before he plucked up his own to sip the Lady Grey twinning's tea. His emerald eyes sparkled as they watched the blonde woman over the cup waiting.

Narcissa sipped at her tea as she scanned over the chambers studying the room. She knew of the man that once owned this place, he was considered a political power and her Great Uncle. But, those days are gone, gone perhaps forever. The tea brought a small smile to her lips, the house elf had remembered exactly how she liked it. It was yet another mistake of her husband to lose that elf to Potter.

Her eyes wandered back over to the boy and she again debated her choices today. She knew that with Cyrus here as his representation her plan might be a little more difficult then she would expect. But, still the boy according to her son was a blunt Gryffindor so it should be possible to fix the situation, "Mr. Potter, I fully understand your decision in regards to my former husband's actions. I understand that his choices have determined his own demise. I will not argue with you over that."

A slight raise of the eyebrow was all that betrayed Harry's shock at the coldness of the woman over her husband's demise. He waited for the woman to continue and was not disappointed a moment late, "I will be blunt for you Mr. Potter. Taking one third of our family fortunes would put myself into dire straights. I understand that you wish to take revenge for the actions of my former Husband and his master but I was not a part of his plot nor would I condone it."

Harry grimaced at her words as he leaned back placing down the tea cup with a frown, "Lady Malfoy there is three slight problems. The first issue is that the court has already made their ruling. The second issue is that I understand you may not condone your husband's previous actions but you did not stop them. Finally, how would I know that you would turn around and use those finances against me? Your own son has repeatedly tried to cause trouble for me since I came to the Wizarding World."

Lady Malfoy calmly placed down the cup of tea onto the countertop, "I will address your concerns Mr. Lord. First, I and my son will take oaths not to ever harm House Potter or ever join any plots against your Household. I will even take an unbreakable vow that I was never a part or nor will I join the madman that was my former Husband's master. Did you know Mr. Potter that we are blood-kin through House Black?"

The woman paused in her words letting them sink in as Harry studied her carefully with consideration then he spoke up, "Did you know my grandmother Lady Dorea Potter nee Black?"

Narcissa smiled warmly to the young man before her with a nod of her head, "Yes, I knew her very well. She was my favorite Aunt growing up. It was even talked about for a time that I might be contracted to your father, but that was before he took to your mother."

Harry blinked in surprise at the words then frowned, "I might be able to consider changing the terms. I would not wish to ruin family. But, I would have some requirements. Please hear me out on all of them before you agree."

Narcissa picked up her tea cup and sipped pleased with herself that the route of family seemed to be working. She stared at the boy attentively as if her life depended on his words.

Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a sealed scroll placing it down before the Lady Malfoy. He met her eyes with a small smile, "Mr. Greengrass prepared this document in case of a situation like this happened. I will take these terms along with the oath of you and cousin Draco."

The blonde woman plucked the scroll off of the desk then slowly broke the seal opening it up.

House Potter and House Malfoy Settlement Terms

By signature of this agreement the undersigned parties accept the terms below.

House Potter and House Malfoy shall enter into a formal alliance pact. None of either Household shall willingly harm the other. House Malfoy will share any information that could lead to the direct harm of House Potter. Neither Household shall allow any member to enter into service to a Lord that would be against the other Household.

House Malfoy shall assist House Potter in any way possible for the cause of freedom of Lord Sirius Black from Azkaban Prison.

Lady Narcissa Malfoy nee Black and Heir Draco Malfoy will take oaths not to harm House Potter or it's members in anyway for revenge for the deceased Lord Lucius Malfoy. They shall not assist any other associates in seeking revenge for the legal decision of the Wizengamot.

Reparations for the assault on House Potter's heir shall be five percent of House Malfoy's Gringotts tallied fortune. That amount shall be placed in a trust account under the James Potter Foundation. The James Potter Foundation shall be created for the express purposes below.

The James Potter Foundation shall be formed for the express purpose of protection of Muggleborn and Muggle raised magical children. The foundation shall employ hit wizards to track and protect muggleborn children from aggressive and abusive muggle actions against the child.

The James Potter Foundation shall House any magical child that has been abused or found to be living in a muggle orphanage.

These children will be allowed to be magically adopted into magical families in need of children if they so desire.

The James Potter Foundation shall award scholarships for any Wizarding School in Europe or North America for a foundation child upon their eleventh birthday.

The foundation shall be managed by a set panel appointed by Heir Harry James Potter and Narcissa Malfoy nee Black.

Lady Narcissa Malfoy nee Black and shall formally recognize Ms. Andromeda Tonks nee Black and Nymphadora Tonks nee Black as members of House Black.

Draco of House Malfoy shall accept the choice of Lord Sirius Orion Black as the next Head of House Black and shall not challenge that claim.

House Potter will receive 10% instead of one third of the Malfoy's Gringotts Estate.

By my signature I formally recognize the terms of this agreement between House Potter and House Malfoy

Harry James Potter

Heir of House Potter

Lady of House Malfoy

The Lady Malfoy placed down the scroll to the table, picking up the blood quill to sign the document under Harry's signature. She looked at him curious, "You do not seem to be like my son descried you Mr. Potter."

Harry offered a bright smile at her words then winked, "I am not at all what I let other believe Lady Malfoy. Did you have any questions for the terms?"

Narcissa looked down as two copies of the scroll appeared with Gringotts seals attached to them while the original disappeared most likely to be filed into the Bank vaults. She considered with a frown, "Two questions, no future marriage requirements? Why the interest in House Black?"

Harry tilted his head to the side slightly as he studied her dark eyes before he spoke, "I don't want to saddle any children with marriages that they may not find love. Perhaps someday Draco and I will find it a good idea but first we need to learn to get along."

He paused biting his bottom lip, a bad nervous habit before he continued, "As for House Black, my Godfather is innocent. He was not the secret keeper of my mother and father. Peter Pettigrew was, I read it directly in my mother's diary. I want to see him freed. But, in addition House Black is the last family I have, the next closest would be fourth cousins with the Longbottom House. I have never had …. Family."

The stern woman frowned as her Slytherin façade faded with a smile that was rare but warm, "I understand. Family comes first is the motto for House Black. I never loved my husband. It was a contract marriage. Furthermore, I never was a part of Lucius plots with the dark fool. But, I do love my family and my son."

Harry watched carefully as Narcissa pulled out her wand and held it aloft, "I, Narcissa Malfoy nee Black do swear on my magic that I was never a servant of the he-who-shall-not-be-named. I swear not to seek revenge for the death of my Husband on House Potter now or forever. My life and magic be forfeit if I break this oath. So mote it be."

Narcissa gave a warm smile to Harry as she kept her wand a lot and spoke, "I, Narcissa Malfoy nee Black do formally recognize Andromeda Tonks nee Black as my sister and a member of House Black. Further, I pledge myself to the support for freedom for Lord Sirius Orion Black, my cousin. So mote it be."

The woman lowered her wand down and looked firmly at Harry, "I believe that should be acceptable. I will have Draco come find you on the train early so he may give his oath."

Harry smiled to the woman, "May I ask a favor?"

Narcissa started to rise then stopped at the question intrigued, "You may." She paused a moment then spoke again, "You may ask one Nephew."

Harry slowly stood up to join Narcissa, his smile now turned genuine which caused her emerald eyes to sparkle, "Thank you Aunt Narcissa. Will you please express my apologies to your son that when we originally met I did not understand that by publically shunning his hand of friendship I was committing what traditions might dictate to be a feud? I was kept ignorant of the Wizarding World at the time by forces beyond my control. Perhaps that understanding will be a start to change our… rivalry."

The woman stared at him for long moments as she smiled, "Thank you for expressing that and on behalf of House Malfoy we accept the apology. I promise my son the importance of today."

Harry moved around to offer his hand to assist Narcissa to the door when she startled him by reaching up to touch his hair, "You look so like James, but your hair is different."

She lowered her hand and placed it onto the young man's arm, "You are not a Gryffindor."

Harry leaned close to whisper softly to her ear, "Want to know a secret Auntie?"

A slight raise of the elegant eyebrow of the beautiful blonde haired woman, "Please do tell."

The young teenager continued his whisper, "I am not. I was to be placed in Slytherin but I did the most Slytherin thing of all. I convinced the Hat to place me into Gryffindor."

The look of surprise in the eyes of the woman was of complete surprise. She opened her mouth twice then smiled turning to look at Mr. Greengrass. "You have started to train him well Cyrus. Please keep my handsome nephew safe and sound." With those words spoken the Lady pulled a black veil of morning back over her head and disappeared from the room back into the mass of people.

Harry watched her go before turning towards Cyrus with a frown. "I believe that was not what I had expected. Do you think she will genuine?"

Cyrus' lips twisted into a smile, "Indeed, Narcissa is often different than expected. I went to school with her and remember her in Slytherin House. It is hard to forget she was the Queen of the House, and ruled the House as tradition demands. It was not her Husband that was the power behind that family. She was a force politically but demurred to her husband for the spotlight. Now that he is gone, she has the power and a cause, I pity her enemies. You did well today Harry. You made an ally that could be very useful someday, but never forget to be careful."

Harry frowned depth in thoughts then nodded his head firmly, "A powerful ally is better than a powerful enemy. Shall we head off?"

Cyrus placed down the empty tea cup then smiled, "I believe this situation might help your decision for where to foster your remained years till you are of age."

Harry raised an eyebrow and then nodded his head, "Yes, perhaps it will be able to fast track my godfather being freed."

The pair exited the doorway as Harry closed and sealed the door, activating the wards over it. He turned and looked at Tonks and smiled, "I believe I have something to show you at home that you might like to see."

A slight crimson came over the cheeks of Nymphadora, "Harry not in public."

She rolled her eyes at the look of surprise that came to the face of Cyrus Greengrass. Then she spoke up, "It is a joke Mr. Greengrass. I would never be improper with my charge."

Harry waived off the words of the woman then smiled to the man, "I shall meet you at your office next week Mr. Greengrass. Please convey my apologies again to your wife and daughters for not getting to enjoy more of their company last night."

"We will have you over again soon Harry. Have a good day both of you." Cyrus spoke before he turned to walk off into the masses.

The young Potter lord waited till he left then opened the door walking into the chamber. He picked up a few books off of the shelves to shrink and placed into his pockets. He walked out of the room, sealing it then looked at Tonks, "Lets head home now, so I can complete your fondest desire."

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Author Note: I am surprised at the great results of my cliffhanger last time. Some of you love it and some hate it. I teased a little bit about the Heir of Slytherin here but next chapter will go more in depth. I wanted to thank everyone for the reviews (150 already, I never expected so much interesting) and reading the story. I am glad so many are enjoying it so far. I promise I will keep trying to somehow fix my terrible excuse for grammar. Next chapter will return Hermione and the manipulative master of the greater good. Then after that will be the train ride back to Hogwarts.

AN2: A slight change for the compensation. I added one thing and fixed the wording a bit.

Story Recommendation of the week: Harry Potter And The Summer Of Change by lorddwar