Sixth Year: The Steps Toward The End

by scaryisntit

After losing Sirius, Harry resolves to himself to become stronger, revive the DA and create his own 'army'. In one of the most trying year of his life, Harry will need everything he and his friends can offer to overcome the trails and tribulations before him.

7. The Small Print

A/N: Song title comes from the UK band 'Muse'.

Thanks to chem. prof for his continued beta work that makes this story far more readable than it would be otherwise.

Chapter 7: The Small Print

Hogwarts was infamous for its gossip network. The news of Ron losing his prefect status was known throughout the halls ten minutes into breakfast.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was a painful experience Thursday afternoon. The Gryffindor half of the room shunned Ron, while the Slytherin contingent took every chance they got to bring it up. Snape the harassment last twenty minutes before Ron finally snapped and cost his house thirty points. That did him no favors.

Harry couldn't find it in himself to feel sorry for his former friend. Neither could Hermione or Neville. The DA met briefly during the lunch break and were brought up to speed on the specifics of what happened the previous evening. Not even Daphne dared make light of the situation.

"It would be appreciated if you all kept an eye on Hermione and myself over the next few weeks, too." Harry said quietly. "If something… if we do something uncharacteristic, let us know."

"Uncharacteristic? What do you mean?" asked Padma.

"Fighting, or our behavior, or anything that isn't normal for us." Hermione elaborated. Several eyebrows rose. They'd spoken of this several days prior amongst themselves.

Katie gave the pair worried looks. "You're completely serious, aren't you?"

"We are."

Hermione elected not to seek the advice of Madame Pomfrey or a Healer. There was always the chance that the culprit would realize their freedom and retreat. She wanted to know who was behind this more than anything.

Harry didn't like what options that left them with. He was as desperate to Hermione to know who would do this to them. Fighting the influence would only, presumably, become more difficult the longer they were affected by whatever was affecting them. He was willing to agree and follow Hermione's lead for now, but hoped and prayed that this wouldn't last too much longer.

Occlumency became the subject of the meeting. Hermione explained the basics. The first time Hermione had first told him Harry had been furious. Relaxing the mind, clearing it of thought was indeed a major part of the process. But there was more to it, more that Snape failed to mention.

Showing his growing maturity, when Harry had learnt of this during the summer, he'd kept his mouth shut and set about practicing. Now, he believed his mental defenses to be adequate, however if anyone assaulted his mind for any extended length of time, they'd falter. It took years to completely master the mind arts, and Harry was at best a month into his study.

Nevertheless, the remainder of the group was expected to learn Occlumency to a satisfactory stage by the end of the term. If Harry were to reveal the prophecy, it had to be safe.

The opposite, Legilimency, was another matter entirely. With Luna's permission, he'd tested his mediocre ability on her. When he had prodded into her mind, he whisked his way through dozens of images of rare or possibly even non-existent creatures, thoughts of her friends, family, memories of her childhood and some very disturbing dreams that caused Harry to stop and pull out. Blushing, he told Hermione that nobody entering Luna's mind would be able to find anything useful. Luna just smiled back serenely, unconcerned by the whole matter.

When Ernie asked why Harry was blushing, he told them he found out what Luna's real hair color was. Susan and Hannah spent the remainder of the lunch break mercilessly teasing him. Hannah took exceptional entertainment in this, asking Harry if he'd like to see whether she was a real blonde or not.

Suffice to say, Harry was unable to concentrate on Herbology after lunch. Hannnah had to save him from a Biting Baneberry that caught him by surprise.

Harry sent Fleur an owl, telling her that he would be at Diagon Alley on the weekend and to check with Dumbledore what time he would arrive. It would make things much simpler to have a familiar, friendly face as a guard since one was inevitable.

Dumbledore called Harry into to his office after dinner that night.

"Come in, Harry," Dumbledore's voice penetrated the wooden door he stood behind. Harry opened it up and took an offered seat.

"You called for me, sir?"

"Miss Delacour has inquired to when you are arriving at Diagon Alley to acquire new supplies after Mr. Weasley's unfortunate loss of self control."

Harry fought hard not to snort. 'Loss of self control' indeed.

"May I inquire to why she wishes to know?"

"When Bill and Fleur were here, the topic of wills came up in conversation." Harry replied truthfully. "Fleur mentioned that it was surprising I hadn't already viewed my parents' will and offered to arrange a meeting at Gringotts so I can view it."

Dumbledore nodded, as if it was nothing he hadn't expected.

"Yes, the desire to see something connected to your parents must be strong." Dumbledore agreed. "However, I can't condone that."

Harry started. "What?"

"I said that I can't condone that."

"I heard that," Harry gritted his teeth to prevent himself from snapping in response. "What I meant was why?"

Dumbledore sighed and interlocked his fingers. He searched Harry's face through his glasses. "The will shall only bring you pain. It is best for you not to read it."

"With all due respect, sir," Harry said forcefully. "You aren't my guardian. I can view my parents' will with or without your permission."

Dumbledore made no reaction whatsoever. Yet, Harry the extended period of silence told Harry all he needed to know. He'd surprised him.

This was the first time he had truly defied Dumbledore. Harry had been angry, upset over Sirius and wanted nothing to do with Dumbledore after the Ministry last June. This time he was outright disagreeing.

Harry wasn't overly concerned about it. He wanted to see his parents' will. Dumbledore was right. The pull of something connected to his parents was strong, something he wasn't even willing to fight whether it would bring him pain or pleasure.

"That is true, Harry." Dumbledore said in his ever calm tone. "I simply wish to give you sound advice. I think I have earned that privilege?" It wasn't so much a question as an order. Harry didn't like it one bit.

"Sir, I wish to see my parents' will. I want to know what more about them, who they trusted, and what they left me. Fleur never said it, but she implied that I should've been made aware when I entered the magical world."

"I still don't recommend it, Harry." Dumbledore implored. "It would be best for you to get your supplies and leave as quickly as possible."

"You think a Death Eater attack will happen while I'm away?"

"The chances are slim." Dumbledore admitted. "However, it is wise to err on the side of caution in these dark times."

"You'll have members of the Order tailing me?"

"Undoubtedly, Harry."

"That's perfect." Harry said cheerfully. "Fleur is a member of the Order. Death Eaters wouldn't attack Gringotts itself. The only time I could be in danger will be while I'm shopping anyway. Fleur will keep me safe, and any others you have hidden amongst the crowd will be keeping an eye on us."

Dumbledore sighed in defeat. Harry was right; he had no authority over him outside his role as Headmaster. Denying him access would only damage their relationship further.

"Er, sir," started Harry, suddenly a lot less confident. "What's happened to Tonks? She was supposed to meet me the weekend after term started. I've sent two owls and haven't had any response."

Dumbledore stood up quickly, startling Harry. He placed his arms behind his back and strode behind his desk to the perch where Fawkes spent his time. However, today the phoenix was absent.

"Nymphadora was assigned a mission for the Ministry the evening of the attack on the Hogwarts Express." Dumbledore said quietly. "I believe she has received your communications and is as safe as she can be. I'm afraid her assignment has several weeks left. You won't hear from her for some time yet. I can't inform you any more details for safety reasons."

"If you're referring to my head, it's far safer than it was last year, sir," said Harry bitterly. "No thanks to Snape. Hermione had to research the correct method of learning Occlumency."

"Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore admonished. "Nevertheless, the details aren't for you to know. It isn't safe for non-Order members, or for people not of age."

Harry resisted the urge to push further. Dumbledore wasn't the type to give more information than he thought was necessary. He'd no doubt reached that threshold for this conversation.

"One more thing, Harry," Dumbledore continued. "Due to Mr. Weasley's actions, he was stripped of his prefect badge." Dumbledore turned and walked back behind his desk, opened a drawer and withdrew a badge. "I believe this is now yours." He offered the badge.

"Thank you, sir," Harry replied, taking the offered badge and staring at it in disbelief. His earlier anger at the Headmaster dissipated instantly.

"I told you last year, Harry, I would have chosen you over Mr. Weasley had I not thought you had enough to deal with. You have grown up over the summer, much earlier than I would've liked. You deserve this."

Dumbledore smiled down on Harry. "Now off you trot. I believe Ms. Granger has a fair bit to explain to you about prefect duties."

-x-x-x-x-x-

Hermione's talk on the prefect duties lasted an hour. The main parts were simple enough – patrol the corridors after curfew, assign detentions to troublemakers, and meet together fortnightly to discuss any problems within each house and mention ideas for the future. The lesser known duties involved aiding teachers whenever asked, decorations, and management of several clubs, amongst other things.

A special gathering on Friday morning introduced Harry to rest of the prefects. Hannah, Ernie and Padma welcomed him, Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson typically took to make snide remarks about being second fiddle to Ron, and Anthony Goldstein, the other sixth year Ravenclaw prefect, didn't seem to care about the change. That suited Harry just fine.

The Marauder's Map had not shown Malfoy approach the Room of Requirement again since Wednesday evening. Harry wasn't sure what to make of that. Malfoy wasn't acting any more arrogant than usual. If anything, he looked paler.

Life in the sixth year dormitory had become tense. Nobody spoke to Ron, Ron spoke to nobody. Seamus and Dean had taken to housing their remaining possessions under their bed and magically closing off the curtains around their four-poster bed. Harry thought they were overreacting, yet slept with his Invisibility Cloak under his sheets.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley arrived on after breakfast on Friday morning to see Ron. Harry could only imagine the yelling that would ensue. He and Hermione made themselves scarce, not really looking to get involved, and not wanting to confront the person who may have erased a memory from Hermione. Neville provided a lookout for them when Mrs. Weasley came to Gryffindor Tower to see them.

That evening, Ginny had approached Harry while he was reading some of Hermione's class notes. She tried to apologize for Ron.

"If Ron wants to apologize to us, he should do it himself." Harry said curtly. "How can he expect any forgiveness when he won't face his problems?"

"Please, Harry –"

"You should be apologizing for your own mistakes, not acting on Ron's behalf." Harry interrupted her, not even bothering to look at her.

"I'm sorry, Harr – hey, what are you doing? I'm trying to apologize here."

Standing with Hermione's notes in hand, he faced Ginny and looked her in the eye. "You shouldn't have to be reminded to apologize to someone. Come back when you're sincere and don't require my prompting to say it."

Saturday dawned to a bright and sunny day. The five sixth year Gryffindor males met up outside Dumbledore's office at quarter-to-ten. McGonagall appeared a few minutes later and escorted them into Dumbledore's office. Having never seen it before, Dean, Seamus and Neville were wrapped up in their wonder at all the trinkets and gadgets that only their owner knew what they performed.

Harry was apprehensive. Dumbledore had warned him that his parents' will would only bring him pain. What on their will could possibly do that?

"Now," began Dumbledore, smiling at the five students in his best grandfatherly impression. "You have three hours to purchase your possessions anew. Please refrain from dawdling." His gaze lingered on Harry for a long moment.

"Best be off, then." Dumbledore said brightly. He gestured in the direction of his fireplace.

McGonagall went first, to ensure their safety on the opposite end. After a minute, the five Gryffindors followed suit. Harry, unused to using the Floo, fell to the ground on his arrival. Dean and Seamus, who'd arrived before him, snickered. Half a second later the fireplace roared to life again and Neville appeared, stumbling and falling. Harry barely managed to get out of the way. Ron appeared a moment later.

"Three Ministry Aurors are outside and will be watching you." McGonagall informed the five as they dusted themselves off. "Stick together as much as possible. Ah, and Harry, Miss Delacour is awaiting you at the Weasley shop." Her lips pursed together. Harry wasn't sure what she disapproved of – Fleur or the Weasley twins creating a plethora of items certain to become nuisances in her near future.

Kingsley Shacklebolt met the group outside. His intimidating frame produced an aura of strength, one that calmed Harry, knowing his was a capable Auror and a member of the Order. Kingsley gave Harry a discreet nod of greeting.

"Mr. Potter, I am to escort you until you are under Miss Delacour's care." Kingsley spoke in his deep baritone. Dean and Seamus exchanged amused expressions. "Savage, Proudfoot, remain with the other four. You lot, stick together."

Seamus smirked at Harry as he left with Kingsley. Aurors Savage and Proudfoot immediately began laying some ground rules to the other four students.

"Stick with Miss Delacour at all times, Harry." Kingsley said quietly. His voice was almost lost in the clamor of the Alley. There were several dozen wizards and witches present in sight, no doubt more in the stores. Apparently Voldemort's presence had yet to scare the public of the streets.

"I will." Harry promised.

Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes was easily the most vibrant and peculiar store in Diagon Alley. It had changed a fair bit since Harry visited not one month ago, new products lining the walls and many displays having been moved around for some reason or other. The shop was filled with customers, chatting away excitedly. Young women giggled over the love potions, daydream inducers and other femininely inclined items.

Kingsley and Harry entered the store, a bell jingling above them. Harry searched amongst the crowd for Fleur.

"Over 'ere 'Arry," Fleur's voice cut through the crowd. Most of the males looked up at the sound of her voice and were instantly entranced. Harry quickly dodged, gently pushed and politely asked several customers to move in order to reach and greet Fleur.

"Good morning, Fleur."

The woman was wearing jeans that suited her figure perfectly, coupled with a navy blue Muggle long-sleeved shirt. Heritage aside, Fleur looked great. Bill was indeed a lucky man.

Fleur smiled at him, and then faced the towering Kingsley. "I will take care of 'im. I'll keep you updated on our location once our business at Gringotts is finished."

Kingsley exchanged a few words with Fleur quietly and then bade farewell.

"Let's go." Harry urged, his earlier apprehension forgotten already. A dozen or so entranced male customers were checking their appearances in whatever reflective surfaces were available. A few glared at Harry. "Dumbledore's only given me a few hours."

"Zis will take as long as eet takes." Fleur replied. Harry raised an eyebrow. Fleur didn't elaborate. Instead, she gestured to a swamped looking Verity manning the store by herself. "Fred and George are out. You might catch zem on ze way back."

The pair left the colorful store and followed the brick path to the marble white monolith at the crossroads with Knockturn Alley. The structure loomed over the much smaller businesses on the side. A couple dozen wizards and witches were seen entering and exiting on the pair's approach.

"Is all this security really necessary?" asked Harry, looking around at the crowded stores. "Look at all these people. Are the Death Eaters really going to try and get to me here, especially when only a few people even knew about this trip?"

"Eet is unlikely," agreed Fleur. "But would you risk eet?"

Harry thought for a long moment. "Probably not," he replied honestly.

The pair climbed the stairs and entered Gringotts itself. Two dozen humans and half a dozen Goblins were lining up and serving customers respectively. As Harry absorbed his surroundings, another wizard and Goblin appeared from the direction of the mine cart to the vaults.

Fleur strode on purposefully, showing her comfort with the intimidating building. However, she was heading in a different direction than the public service counters.

"Where are we going?" asked Harry, having jogged to catch up to her.

"We 'ave a private room." Fleur said with a careless wave of her hand. "Ze Goblin in charge also wishes to speak wiz you." Harry's eyes widened.

"The Goblin in charge?" he repeated. "Why?"

"You should 'ave been made aware of your parents' will ze moment you arrived in ze wizarding world, zough you may not 'ave understood eet." Fleur explained. The pair entered a small corridor off to the side of the main room. "He wishes to speak wiz you."

At Harry's speechlessness, Fleur spoke on. "As I mentioned before, ze Potters were well off. Zere has been no access to your accounts since your parents last visited. Zerefore, no gold 'as been spent. Your fortune 'as increased since your accounts were untouched."

"Are you telling me I'm rich?"

"Far from ze richest, 'Arry," said Fleur, smiling. "But furzer from ze poorest."

That kept Harry silent for the remainder of the trek. He was boggling at the idea that he was rich. However, it did provide a solution to a few future problems.

The pair passed two Goblins hurrying in the opposite direction. Harry was paid no mind.

"'ere we are." Fleur announced, drawing to a halt. Harry stared at the door. It extended at least ten feet high and the same wide. It was wooden and magnificently crafted.

"This is intimidating." Harry whispered, staring up at the door. He turned to see Fleur now wearing robes, her wand in her hand.

At his questioning glance, Fleur said, "I prefer to wear zose clothes out of ze 'house. Bill makes me wear ze robes all ze time." Her beautiful face soured a little. "At Beauxbatons, we were allowed to wear whatever we wished outside of our classes."

Uncertain of what to say, Harry remained quiet. It sounded as if Fleur wasn't content in her relationship. But before he could ponder it anymore, the doors groaned loudly, reverberating in the corridor, and parted. Fleur entered, in perfect picture of calm. Harry followed suit, the perfect picture of nervousness.

The head Goblin's office was massive. It was roughly the same height as the Great Hall but only a third of the size. Yet for one person, it was enormously oversized, nearly as big as some Muggle homes. White and cream colored marble covered the walls and floors. Various carefully woven rugs and pieces of furniture that surpassed the quality of those in Dumbledore's office covered the floor. Behind a desk at the back of the oversized office was seated a Goblin. He looked similar to any other Goblin but held an air of superiority over the rest. Whether it was intentional arrogance or simply created over many years in the job, Harry couldn't tell.

Fleur approached the table and bowed. "Sir, Mr. 'Arry Potter is 'ere."

Harry, awkwardly, stepped forward and bowed, copying Fleur's actions.

"Mr. Potter," the head Goblin surveyed him. "Take a seat. We have a limited amount of time."

Unnerved at the intensity of the Goblin's gaze, Harry took several moments to follow Fleur to sit on a couch that had materialized since their entrance. He didn't bother attempting to figure out how it'd appeared.

"Mr. Potter," the head Goblin said again. "It has been brought to my attention that you, an orphan of sixteen years, have not been notified of your parents' last will and testament."

Fleur gave him a slight nudge in the side. "Er, that is true, sir."

"Furthermore, your knowledge of the laws in this matter is non-existent."

"Er, yes, sir."

"Miss Delacour has informed me you wish her to be present for the duration of our meeting?"

"Yes, sir," Harry said with far more confidence. "I trust her to give me aid."

"Indeed."

The head Goblin examined Harry and then Fleur for a long moment. Harry felt out of his depth. Had he said something?

"Mr. and Mrs. Potter wrote their will several months before they passed, on 31st October 1981." Ragnok explained, riffling through a few papers on his desk. "Their will delivered sums of money to Remus John Lupin, Sirius Orion Black, Molly and Arthur Weasley and Anna Louise Bones, who unfortunately passed on before the will was enacted." Harry nodded, understanding what he had been told so far.

"I have a copy of the will here for you," Ragnok pointed to a folder in front of him. There were another dozen or so on the table in a pile. "However, there has been a complication."

"A complication?" asked Fleur.

"Yes, someone has removed a passage from the will," said Ragnok. Harry didn't miss the dark undertones in the Goblins' voice. "We do not know who has done such a thing and when, not if, when that person is captured, the repercussions will be very severe."

Harry clenched his fist. Could, for one moment, someone not interfere with him? Couldn't he just learn something about his parents without it being tainted by someone else's influence?

"The will shall only bring you pain. It is best for you not to read it."

Was Dumbledore aware of the missing passage? Was that why he wasn't encouraged to read his parents' will?

"On behalf of Gringotts, I apologize. This slight against us was only discovered yesterday. An investigation is already underway as to who tampered with the will."

"Good." Harry said shortly. The head Goblin grinned, revealing two rows of frightening white, sharp teeth. Harry tried not to show how intimidated he felt – the Goblin had it down perfectly.

"In the meantime, I wish to address another matter," the head Goblin said, closing one folder and picking another one seemingly at random from the pile on his desk. "You were named in the will of one Sirius Orion Black."

Harry's mind shut down temporarily. He hadn't even given a thought to Sirius in days, let alone about a will. But didn't Dumbledore…

"Professor Dumbledore told me I inherited one of Sirius' properties more than a month ago, and the house-elf there." Harry said confusedly.

The head Goblin ceased his examination of Sirius's file. "Did he now? Mr. Dumbledore shows a lack of respect for the boundaries set by us. He must have a very good reason to preempt our involvement."

He needed a place for the Order of the Phoenix to use. Harry mused.

"The will of Sirius Orion Black will be read in an hour in one of our conference rooms."

Harry shot Fleur a startled look. She never mentioned a will reading.

"'ow long will ze reading take?" asked Fleur, checking a pocketwatch Harry hadn't ever seen her use before.

"Not long, Miss Delacour," the head Goblin promised. He closed the second folder and examined Harry again. "While you wait, you can examine your parents will, Mr. Potter. Miss Delacour should be able to field any questions. Let me know if you have any questions."

The head Goblin spoke something harsh in a tongue unfamiliar to Harry. Two other Goblins appeared by his side within seconds and escorted him out of the office.

Harry didn't know what to say. This entire situation was beyond his familiarity with the wizarding world.

"'Arry, would you like to read your parents will?"

Fleur the document in her hand, extended in offering. Harry took it and began reading without a word.

Aside from what was given to Anna Bones, who Harry assumed was Susan's mother, Professor Lupin, Sirius, and the Weasleys, there was mentioned of Peter Pettigrew. He was among the recipients. However, given his apparent death shortly afterwards, he likely never received a cent. Yet, the thought of Pettigrew receiving a cent of the Potters money alone made him angrier than he'd been in months. It took several long moments of deep breathing to calm himself and read further.

The amounts each was given was on a different document that Fleur supplied on request.

"Professor Lupin was given one hundred thousand galleons?" said Harry incredulously. "I don't understand. He's always said he was poor."

"'Arry, the Ministry of Magic looks down upon werewolves." Fleur patiently explained as she turned on the couch to face him properly. "There are laws preventing werewolves, and other part-humans, becoming recipients of monies in wills."

"I don't understand." Harry said again. "That law makes no sense. How can people think its right?"

"Most don't, 'Arry." Fleur said softly. "People like Dolores Umbrdige prevent these laws being retracted." Fleur was sporting an expression of revulsion at the familiar name.

"She is exactly right, Mr. Potter."

The head Goblin stood at the doorway again, presenting a short, yet still daunting figure. "Mr. Lupin has not received any of what has been left to him. Furthermore, he was been named in Mr. Black's will. The laws haven't changed since your parents passed, and the same will occur again."

"That's wrong." Harry shook his head.

"Indeed, Mr. Potter," the head Goblin said. He crossed the office to reclaim his seat. "Goblins have no say in such matters, despite what the Ministry may claim. It's all in the small print, Mr. Potter. Always read the small print."

Harry resumed his examination of the will. A similar amount was given to Sirius and Anna Bones. Considerable less was given to the Weasleys, but twenty-thousand was still a mind-boggling amount for Harry. This confused him more. The Weasleys were poor. Where could twenty-thousand galleons have disappeared to?

"Mr. Black's vaults have been untouched since the night Mr. Black was taken into custody," the head Goblin announced, having resumed his own examination of his records. "There is currently no rightful heir to the Black name."

Harry was barely listening, which only later struck him as being disrespectful. However, he was too preoccupied with what he'd just read. Lily and James Potter left everything else to him. The amount of which was staggering.

"Is this correct?" asked Harry, giving Fleur a quick glance. "At the moment, is there more than a million galleons in the Potters vault?"

Fleur smiled at him. "Oui. I told you ze Potters weren't poor."

"There is more than that, Mr. Potter," the head Goblin said, teeth bared again. "Heirlooms and other items of the sort in your vaults are worth approximately the same amount."

Harry didn't notice Fleur's look of surprise and amazement for he was rather busy trying to comprehend what he'd just been told. He had two million galleons, essentially, and he'd been forced to live with the Dursleys?

The head Goblin continued, seemingly enjoying the reaction. "No doubt Mr. Blacks' will shall provide you with more."

The next ten minutes passed with Harry reading the remainder of his parents will. He'd learnt a little from it, like his parents were friends with Susan's family.

However, the passage, several lines long, that had been removed troubled him. Instinct told him that it was important, something that he needed to know. Neither Fleur nor the head Goblin knew what it read.

The head Goblin examined a timepiece. "There is another half an hour before the reading. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Harry looked at Fleur for guidance.

"Alternative ways of withdrawing money," she suggested.

The head Goblin produced a small, brown pouch. It was unremarkable in appearance, but Harry had learnt enough to not judge a book by its cover. "For a small price, you may remove money from your account directly."

"What's the price?" asked Harry, somewhat wary.

The head Goblin grinned again. "Ten galleons per month."

"That'll be perfect, then." Harry replied. If what he expected to come to pass came to pass, that would make life considerably easier.

It took a few moments to sort through things – for instance, his blood was required to protect the pouch from thieves. Harry briefly considered asking what happened to those who tried to steal from the pouch, but remembering their glee at those who became trapped in the vault doors, he chose not to. Eventually, Harry was now a proud owner of one of small pouches.

"I now have other business to attend to," the head Goblin announced. "Miss Delacour knows where the conference room is."

"Thank you, sir." Harry said, and bowed again, uncertain what to do. Fleur did the same and the pair left.

"You are an interesting young man, 'Arry." Fleur said once they were alone in the corridor again.

"What do you mean?"

"Most wizards treat Goblins wiz disdain." Fleur said. She transfigured her robes back into her original attire. Harry was distracted for several moments as he not-so-subtlety looked at her. "You didn't."

"Fleur, I –"

"– Are you." Fleur interrupted putting a perfect digit on his lips and smiling at him. "That's what makes you so great."

Harry's heart skipped a little at the look she gave him.

-x-x-x-x-x-

"What are you doing here, Potter?"

"Malfoy." Harry glowered at the sight of the pretentious blonde. Still, his reply came almost carefree. "I'm here for the reading of my Godfather's will. You?"

"Here to receive my inheritance from the Blacks." Malfoy replied smugly. "My mother was a Black before she married my father."

"How interesting." Harry said, his tone belying his real opinion. "What makes you believe Sirius left you anything? Sirius hated the Malfoys, in case that tidbit escaped your addled brain."

Malfoy's lip curled in a poor imitation of Snape. "We shall see, Potter." His attention turned to Fleur as she stepped up beside Harry. "Miss Delacour, a pleasure." He offered his hand.

Fleur didn't offer hers. "I remember you. Ze one who was transfigured into a ferret, non?"

Malfoy flushed at the memory. Across from him, Harry quietly snickered.

"You will pay for your tongue, you Veela whore."

Harry's attitude changed immediately. "You should walk away, Malfoy."

"Protecting that Veela whore are you, Potter?" Malfoy sneered. "You can't even get Weaselette to touch you so you need this filth?"

Harry's hand twitched, resisting the urge to go for his wand. "You still haven't learnt by now that you are no match for me, have you Malfoy? Or maybe you have, and to compensate you act like a big shot when you're really just a spoilt brat."

Malfoy's hand reached for his pocket. "One more word, Potter," he seethed.

"Or what, Malfoy? You'll kill me? What makes you think you can when your master has failed time and time again?"

"Draco!" a commanding feminine voice cut through the air. The two feuding sixteen year olds turned to face the voice. Behind Draco, fast approaching, was his mother. Harry recognized the Malfoy matriarch from the Quidditch World Cup.

The younger Malfoy returned his glare to Harry.

Narcissa Malfoy grabbed her son's arm. "Don't you remember the laws here, Draco?" she hissed. "Don't make a scene."

Malfoy didn't remove his gaze from Harry, nor did Harry's leave Malfoy. For what seemed forever, the two of them stared each other down unflinchingly, until finally Malfoy looked away and walked off with his mother.

Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. The confrontations between Malfoy and himself were getting worse and worse.

The two Malfoys took seats on the opposite side of the room. Fleur led Harry to a pair nearby. Avoiding looking at the Malfoys, Harry examined the room.

The conference room was large; large enough to accommodate plenty more than were to be present today. A plain conference table filled much of the room; a spot in the middle was left for the speaker to stand. On the walls were a few paintings, not of wizards but Goblins.

The doors to the room opened to reveal Lupin and an older woman Harry wasn't familiar with. Her face was kind, and the features somewhat familiar. The woman tripped not five steps into the room. Harry made the connection.

"Professor Lupin," greeted Harry, standing to shake his hand. "Long time no see."

"Harry." Lupin gave him a tired smile. He looked as worse for wear as he'd been the last time they'd spoken. His robes were tattered, and there was a deep scratch on his cheek. "Please, call me Remus. It's been three years since I've had that title. How are you keeping? Arthur has told me disturbing news about you and Ron."

A polite cough halted that line of questioning. Lupin grimaced slightly. "Oh, pardon my rudeness. This, Harry, is Andromeda Tonks."

"Mrs. Tonks." Harry shook her hand as well.

"Andromeda, please," she said. Her eyes gave him a once over. "So you're Lily and James son? It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Remus noticed the silent listener to their introductions still seated at the table. "Miss Delacour, I didn't know you were here today."

That initiated of another set of introductions for Fleur and Andromeda. Conversation drifted off from there.

A few minutes later the doors opened again, this time admitting a nondescript Goblin. The Goblin ignored everyone as he strode his way to the centre of the room. Harry retook his seat. Remus and Andromeda took seats beside him.

The Goblin, once ready, only then surveyed the members of the room, giving Fleur a slightly longer look than anyone else. A folder appeared before him and the Goblin perused it for several moments.

"Mr. Harry Potter, Mr. Remus Lupin, Mr. Draco Malfoy, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy and Mrs. Andromeda Tonks are all present and accounted for," the Goblin stated. For what purpose Harry couldn't tell. "I will now begin the reading of the will of Sirius Orion Black who passed on the night of June 18th 1996."

Fleur placed her right hand on Harry's left, which was resting on his leg. Harry shot her a questioning look only to receive a small smile back. He interlocked his fingers with hers and offered her a grateful smile.

"Mr. Remus Lupin," the Goblin announced. "Mr. Black leaves you fifty thousand galleons." Remus was impassive at this proclamation. "However, current laws prevent money from being passed on to werewolves."

Harry's hold on Fleur's hand tightened. The law made no sense, and the worst part was that chances of change were limited, especially with people like Umbridge employed in the Ministry.

"Additionally, there is a letter Mr. Black has left for you," the Goblin said, removing a letter from the folder and passing it on to Remus. He examined the letter, noting nothing except the name 'Remus Lupin' on the front, and pocketed it.

"Miss Nymphadora Tonks is unavailable at this present time. Mrs. Andromeda Tonks acts as proxy for her daughter today. She is left fifty thousand galleons."

Andromeda received a couple pages of paperwork. Her eyes widened at the sum of money.

The Goblin moved on. "Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy." The woman in question perked up in interest, as did her son. "Mr. Black has left you fifty thousand galleons. However, there is a condition that you must fulfill prior to accessing this amount."

"Condition?" repeated Narcissa, her face twisted in confusion and disgust. "What condition?"

The Goblin uncaringly examined a document in his hands. "You must divorce your husband and sever all ties with him. The vault will not open to anyone except a Black."

"Outrageous!"

"If you do not meet this condition within six months, you will forfeit the amount and it will be left with Mr. Harry Potter."

"I must protest this!" Narcissa shouted, rising to her feet. "The will Sirius made left us with a larger amount with no restrictions."

The Goblin was as unfazed as ever, having probably seen similar scenes dozens of times. "Mr. Black edited his will several months prior to his death. Gringotts has verified the validity of the edits several times. There is no mistake."

Narcissa sat back down, shocked. To Harry, that explained how Malfoy thought he was getting money. How non-mysterious.

The Goblin perused the folder again. "From this point on, any Malfoys present are requested to leave the room."

The two Malfoys took a moment to react. The younger Malfoy was fuming. He gave Harry one last angry look before the mother and son left the room.

"Mr. Harry Potter." Harry's attentions went back to the Goblin, who continued as if nothing had transpired. "All remaining possessions and money are left to you."

Fleur's hand gripped him tighter.

"Furthermore, Mr. Black mentions that you can supply Mr. Lupin with his money by depositing his share into his account."

Harry hadn't even thought of Remus receiving his money another way. But that would work. Sirius was a good friend.

Remus was as impassive as he was earlier. Andromeda was alternating between watching him and staring at the documents she held for her daughter in amazement.

"This concludes the relevant sections of Mr. Blacks will," said the Goblin. He returned the will to the folder, and removed a dozen or so documents. "Any further questions are to be directed to the staff at the front desk. Mr. Potter, these are for you to examine."

With the will read, Andromeda quietly bade farewell, citing her work as the reason. Remus collected himself and showed her out. Harry sat with Fleur for several minutes.

It felt odd, listening to Sirius' will. Sirius had been dead for a few months now, and Harry knew that. Yet passing out his possessions created a little hole of loss.

Sensing his mood, Fleur didn't say anything but nonetheless hugged him. Harry would've been too flustered at any other time to properly appreciate the gesture, but he did now. His mind was a long way from how attractive Fleur was, and how good she felt against him.

"When you are ready, 'Arry, we are expected back with ze head Goblin." Fleur whispered. "Zen we must purchase your school supplies."

Harry took another minute and then stood up with Fleur beside him. He felt okay, considering. Remus was patiently waiting by the door for the two of them.

"I'll make certain you receive the fifty thousand galleons Sirius left you, er, Remus." Harry said a little awkwardly, unused to calling the man by his first name.

"Really, Harry, it's –"

Harry shook his head. "It's what Sirius wanted."

Remus looked ready to continue protesting but swallowed and let it go. "Thank you, Harry."

"You're welcome."

"I believe I must be off now." Remus said, checking a watch. "Plenty of business to attend to these days, I'm sure you understand, Harry. Miss Delacour, Harry."

"Take care of yourself, Remus." Harry said, shaking hands once more. Remus nodded once and left.

"Let us move, 'Arry." Fleur urged. "We 'ave already used up half ze allotted time 'ere."

A few minutes later and the same three were seated in the same spots as before in the head Goblins office.

"We're both pressed for time," the head Goblin said. "I shall make this brief. Do you wish Miss Delacour to be present?"

"I do." Harry replied adamantly. "I trust her."

"Very well." The head Goblin grinned. "Mr. Black wished to make you the heir to the Black name."

Harry was speechless for a second time.

"If you so desire to, by being the last in the Black family line, you will automatically become a legal adult," the head Goblin said. "Additionally, you will have access to all of the Potter and Black possessions bequeathed to you. Finally, you will obtain the Black family chair in the Wizengamot. It is currently empty."

"Doesn't that mean I have two seats?" Harry asked, his mind latching onto something he could comprehend easily. "Is that possible, or, well, allowed?"

"Entirely so. However, laws dictate that a physical presence must be in each seat owned by someone." At Harry's blank stare, the head Goblin elaborated. "You can nominate someone to take one of the two seats."

Harry looked to Fleur. She smiled at him sweetly and gently placed an arm on his thigh. "I can not take zat spot, 'Arry. Only full humans, of age, are permitted."

"I see." Harry liked the Ministry less and less as the day went on. Not that he'd cared for it much before today.

"Hang on a moment," continued Harry, mind catching up. "I become a legal adult? I can cast magic outside of Hogwarts?" Oh, that would be useful…

"Indeed."

Harry grinned. The possibilities were nigh endless. This would make life much easier for him. But… "Is there a catch?"

"A catch, 'Arry?" repeated Fleur.

"Is there a price for become a legal adult early?" asked Harry. "Or in this manner?"

The head Goblin grinned his toothy grin. "You are learning, Mr. Potter. Let me ease your mind. Until nearly fifty years ago, there used to be marriage contracts and assorted debts carrying over onto the generations. These were abolished. There's no catch."

"Fleur?"

"As far as I'm aware, zere is nothing you need to worry about at zis time." Fleur replied. "Only ze usual things."

Harry wasn't quite sure what they were but he trusted her word. "I'll do it."

"Excellent, Mr. Potter," the head Goblin clasped his hands together. "Let me organize the paperwork for you."

Ten minutes later, Harry had signed half a dozen documents. The head Goblin mentioned that a department at the Ministry would be notified of this development.

"The paperwork will take a few hours on the Ministry end," the head Goblin said. "They prefer you wait until you receive notification of your legal adult status. Nevertheless, now that you've signed, you can start immediately if you wish."

Harry decided to wait until he was out of Gringotts before risking it.

"Thank you, Ragnok, for all your help today." Harry said sincerely.

"You're welcome, Mr. Potter," the head Goblin grinned once more. "Pleasure doing business with you."

-x-x-x-x-x-

The next half an hour was spent transferring his money between accounts. Remus' vault had to be upgraded to accommodate the influx of galleons and he was sent notice. Afterwards, Fleur rushed Harry from store to store, purchasing the items on the list. The last was Madam Malkins and his new robes.

Fleur assisted him here, Harry having no fashion sense to speak of. In all honesty, Harry didn't care what he got as long as there were robes that fit him. Still, he might as well get Fleur to help him decide. He'd only been here twice before to get standard school robes. While he was here, Harry figured he'd get all the robes he would need for the rest of his school years and other events likely to happen before the next two years were out.

A very stressful thirty minutes later, filled with pokes and prods from woman and pin alike, Harry emerged with a full set of new school, formal and casual robes. Unfortunately, they'd run overtime. Fleur already had no to cast a Patronus to send a message to Kingsley, letting him know their situation.

Harry tested out his new found freedom of magic by shrinking his packages and putting them in his pockets. He half expected to see an owl from the Underage office, but none ever came.

Fleur kept him entertained while he was a pincushion. He was surprised at how easily he was getting along with the older woman. It might have been much of their life spent as outcasts or unfairly and unjustly hated that created a connection, or simply the two of them were meant to have a friendship.

Diagon Alley remained more crowded than Harry expected through the lunch hours. Dozens of wizards and witches sat in booths of still open for business restaurants, and many more wandered the shops. It didn't feel like there was a war going on.

Nonetheless, it was an odd sight to see two people bickering. One was a tall, slim, blue-eyed blonde. Despite this, she was unappealing. The reason for that was the woman was Narcissa Malfoy. There was no chance he'd find her attractive, even if she did share basic features – hair and eye color, and build – as Fleur.

The other woman was a sight to cringe at. She was medium height, had a longer nose than Snape, with a boil or three on what skin could be seen beneath her robes, and dirty brown hair to her shoulders.

What was Narcissa Malfoy doing associating herself with someone she would normally consider beneath her? Harry would've been suspicious no matter who she was associating herself with, but this even more so.

A quick glance at Fleur showed that she'd seen them too. She didn't slow, however her right arm tensed, readying herself in case anything happened. A Silencing Charm prevented any snippets of the conversation being heard.

Harry tensed his own hand as the pair reached the two women. His instincts were screaming at him – fight or flight, but damn well make a choice now. The reaction only got worse once his back was turned to the two women.

"Fleur…" whispered Harry, barely audibly over the myriad of sounds surrounding them.

"Keep moving, 'Arry."

Seconds passed and it seemed as if nothing would indeed occur. Two shop fronts beyond the two women, Harry began to relax.

So of course, that's when things went to hell.

A scream was all the warning Harry received. It was that very scream that saved him. The moment he heard it, he'd hit the ground, turning, hand reaching for his wand. The first spell passed over his head, but the second was heading straight for him. A shield charm was on his lips. But his wand was tangled in his robes.

The spell collided with a shield, and Fleur stepped into Harry's vision, slightly in front of him. Not for the first time today, Harry was grateful she was here. Another pair of spells collided with the shield. It shattered under the weight, and Fleur took an involuntary step back. Harry's wand was in his hand and shielded the next pair.

"Fleur, you okay?"

"Oui." Fleur panted. She was unused to full combat, not to mention not truly expecting an attack in one of the more populated areas of wizarding Britain. "Her spells were stronger zan I expected."

The two women were standing beside each other. Narcissa was conversing with uglier one rapidly, her wand in her hand but not pointing at Harry. The attacker was the other woman, and there was murder in her eyes.

Around the group, people were fleeing. Had Harry not been entirely focused on the two women, he would've winced at how loud the fleeing wizards and witches were making.

"'Arry, we need to get you to out of here." Fleur hissed, her worry etched on her face. "Zat is most important."

Harry didn't argue. He took a step back. Then Silencing Charm broke.

"We're killing him now," the other woman said, and her voice sent shivers down Harry's spine. "Avada Kedavra!"

"Accio bench!"

A wooden bench from beside Harry flew in front of the Killing Curse, intercepting the spell. The bench broke, littering the ground before Harry with pieces.

"Fleur, come on!" Harry called to her. She'd panicked when the spell was cast, having never heard it in person before, and ducked to the ground. Fleur regained her feet, shakily, at Harry's called and raised her wand. "Don't let them scare you."

"The Dark Lord wants him alive, Bella," Narcissa yelled over the noise of the crowd.

Bella? That's Bellatrix?

Another couple spells sped towards Harry, who summoned another object to take the hits. He took another several steps backwards. Fleur took a few more.

"Potter," seethed Bella. "You're not escaping that easily." She took several large steps, and Narcissa followed suit, her wand trained on him. It seemed they'd sorted out their disagreement.

"Narcissa, Bellatrix," acknowledged Harry, thinking fast of a way to beat them both, or to escape. "Attacking me in the middle of Diagon Alley? Do you really believe that you're going to win and get away without being captured?"

They responded with a barrage of spells. He and Fleur managed to hold them off with their shields.

This didn't make sense. A Voldemort set up had more to it than a simple attack like this. Some were ingenious, some were simply insane, but this couldn't be a Voldemort plan, surely. That meant the pair were attacking alone.

Narcissa had motive. Having lost out on her money from the will, chances were she was displeased. But enough to attack him recklessly like this?

A Killing Curse shot towards Fleur, who barely managed to duck out of the way in her shaken state. Bella followed up with a different curse at Fleur – one that managed to break through Harry's shield and cut his shoulder.

The sudden pain caused Harry to flinch and nearly lose his footing. But he held fast and sent a pair of spells that were easily dealt with.

Harry spared a glance for Fleur. She looked pretty distressed. She was alert enough to defend herself, but this looked like her first full on fight. He reached down and grabbed her arm, yanking her to her feet while firing another couple spells.

"Keep your wand on them," whispered Harry. "Walk backwards slowly enough to maintain accuracy. Move."

Fleur obeyed, and the pair slowly retreated. It took two steps before Bella, in her disguise, rushed forward, casting wildly, cackling like a madwoman.

"Oooh, is this Baby Potter's girlfriend?" taunted Bella in her baby voice. "I'm disappointed that even a half-blood such as you would stoop to her level."

That was it. These two, and Malfoy earlier, insulted Fleur. She didn't deserve it and Harry wasn't going to stand for it.

Harry quickly scanned the surroundings. He found what he was looking for.

"Shield me." Harry ordered. Fleur complied, and a bunch of spells collided with it almost instantly.

Ducking slightly, Harry cast a pair of Summoning Charms. Two benches rocketed towards Harry, the first whacking both women in the back, knocking Narcissa off her feet and into a mess on the stone pathway, and striking Bella in the back of the head and face first into the ground. The second floated above the ground and Harry waited for the first to stir.

It was Bella. And she didn't see the second one either.

The second bench knocked her several feet forward, beside her sister. Narcissa, recovered at this time, shattered the bench and regained her feet almost instantly. Movements with her left arm were careful. It must've been hurt in her fall.

Bella was up again a couple seconds later. Her hair was more disheveled than ever, and her face was covered in blood from her nose and lip.

"Is that the best you've got, wee little Potter?" Bella cackled, wiping blood from her face, managing to smear far more of it across her cheeks.

Instead of responding, Harry cast a bone breaker in her direction, before casting a Protego to shield an incoming spell from Narcissa, who dodged past Fleur's, who was still shaken but recovering, unknown spell. She cast again and again, forcing Narcissa to back off. Her shield shattered under a barrage from an increasingly confident Fleur. Capitalizing on her chance, she struck home with a stunner.

Feeling elation at her success, she didn't notice the spell heading her way, or Harry until he knocked her aside and took the hit. She hit the ground, fumbled with her wand but got up a shield before she was attacked again.

But no attack came her way.

Harry's screams torn at her from the moment they hit her ears. It was the Cruciatus Curse.

Bella was cackling madly. "How gallant you are, Potter! Taking the hit for your girlfriend." She had a broken nose and blood was flowing freely but she took no notice.

Fleur's hand grew hot, her anger barely controllable. She didn't fight it, knowing full well what she was capable of when pushed.

Fleur was only a part-Veela and therefore unable to change into an avian form full Veela were capable of. But even without being able to change, Fleur had the ability to conjure flame when her emotions ran high. Most part-Veela did not even bother attempting to learn to control or harness this particular ability. It took Fleur two years to learn to be fully in control of her fireballs when pushed that far. After countless burns, repairs to her house and replanting trees that were burnt to cinders, Fleur was able to control her Veela power, though she was not able to use it as quickly and efficiently as a half or full Veela. This power is exactly what she used.

Her left arm tingled, her nerves reacting to her intent. The sounds of Harry's screams pushed her further. Her hand steadily grew hotter and hotter, past the level of heat that would have a normal person's skin blistering.

Bella didn't notice until it was too late. A large ball of flame, the largest Fleur had ever created, raged in her hand, and she threw it with everything she had.

The fire traveled faster than Bella could react. Her robes and hair ignited immediately, and it was Bella's turn to scream as the fire began blistering her skin, the unbearable heat too much for her.

She fled. Her screams quieted with distance. Several shouts could be heard from the direction of the Leaky Cauldron. Tom the barkeeper likely just got a nasty surprise.

The threat neutralized, Fleur dropped to Harry's side, examining him. He'd been under for only ten or so seconds, but any amount of time was extremely painful.

Harry opened his eyes, and strongly winced at the pain in his body. The blonde felt his forehead. His skin was clammy to touch.

"Fleur," he panted out. "We need to go. Before the Aurors come." Fleur was about to ask why when he added two more words that would forever cause her to follow Harry anywhere. "Trust me."

Fleur lifted Harry up, pulling one of his arms over her shoulder, and half-dragged him to the Leaky Cauldron. Tom the barkeeper was nowhere in sight. Fleur presumed he had followed the burning Bellatrix into Muggle London. She passed three stunned customers before stopping in front of the fire and was about to floo when Harry stopped her.

"Not Hogwarts," he managed to say. "Not the Burrow either."

"Why not?"

"Not safe." Harry replied adamantly, more strength in his voice. "Please."

"You cannot travel to my 'home via ze Floo." Fleur said, panicking. It was the only place she could think off the top of her head.

"Then let's Apparate," said Harry, nearly falling to the ground in the process. "Picture your house in your mind and look in me the eye." Fleur complied and felt Harry enter her mind briefly. By no means was he expert at Legilimens. Harry fumbled about in Fleur's mind before pulled out ungracefully, causing Fleur to stumble slightly and clutch her head for a moment. His right arm ached strongly.

"How do you Apparate?" asked Harry quietly, resisting the urge to groan in pain. He started for the doorway, ignoring the three wizards staring at him dumbstruck. He stumbled and Fleur caught him. "Do you just picture the place and will yourself to transport there?"

Fleur nodded. "Zat is a simplified version, oui." She opened the door to Muggle London and passed a shocked Tom the barkeep looking the other way, and entered an alley nearby. "You've never Apparated before, 'ow could you expect to travel all ze way to France in your condition?"

"I don't. You need to Side-Along me," Harry replied. "I'll try it but I doubt I can do it on my first try." The two of them heard several cracks nearby, outside the alley. The Aurors were here. "Time to go." Harry grabbed Fleur's hand and pictured the Delacour home in his mind.

"Three, two, one." Harry and Fleur turned on the spot, leaving no evidence to their existence except for two loud simultaneous cracks.