The Descendant

Chapter 3

Harry woke up in a haze of pain. He glared at his grandfather as he struggled to his feet.

"'Twinge?' More like Cruciatus strength. That ruddy hurt. Now, what is this I'm hearing about me coming into the Gryffindor inheritance as well?" The portrait nodded.

"Since you are the last of the Potters and our family is the last of the Gryffindor line, you receive both sets of knowledge. Get ready for a bit more pain." The portrait grinned again as a column of red light engulfed his great-grandson.

Harry pulled his self to a sitting position against the wall. He had his eyes closed, trying to assimilate the knowledge that was now coursing through his mind. His bright green eyes snapped open after a few moments. He got to his feet and walked into the weapons chamber of the vault. Out of it, he grabbed the Potter family sword and scabbard, as well as the scabbard for the Sword of Gryffindor. He strapped on both scabbards and slid his wand into a small sheath on his belt. He looked up and grinned at Remus and Ragnock.

"Time to go. Come on, my friends, no time to waste, we must gather things and spend money. Come along now." Harry said all of this in a rush, plans going through his head at a thousand miles an hour. He stopped suddenly and beckoned for Godric. He whispered in the phoenix's ear. The phoenix nodded and disappeared in a ball of flame. He reappeared with Albus Dumbledore a moment later, both seemingly wrestling for a sword. Harry sighed and raised his hand towards the struggling pair. The slender sword flew directly into his hand. He felt a pinch as the sword identified him as its proper owner. The heavy sword now felt as light as a feather. Harry's emerald eyes snapped up to meet the sapphire ones of Dumbledore. Power filled Harry as he decided his next move. He bowed deeply to Dumbledore.

"I would love to stay and chat, Albus, but I really have more important things to do. Ragnock, may we head back to the surface? I am a creature of the air and flame, not of the earth as goblins have the honor of being." Ragnock grinned, delighted at the compliment.

"Of course, Lord Potter. I do believe that you are unique among your race. Not many would remember a goblin after five years, much less be as complementary as you." Their voices trailed off as the cart sped out of Albus Dumbledore's sight. He turned to Remus.

"What happened to that boy? He is much more mature than usual. And much more powerful." Remus nodded, somewhat amused at his best friend's son. He actually felt a little pity for any Death Eater that tried to hurt anyone Harry cared for. Then, he remembered what they had done to his last friend and all the others. He grinned ferally. This was going to be great.

Harry and Ragnock chatted as they walked back to the main office. When they got there, Ragnock went to a small drawer in his desk and produced two rings. As he handed them to Harry, he explained that they were the signet rings of the Potter, Black, and Gryffindor houses. As they were talking about various methods of getting Fudge out of office, Harry slid the rings over his right ring finger. The two seals connected and the rings melded together and created a new seal. The new seal was a phoenix flying over a griffin, both surrounded by a black dragon, a Hungarian Horntail. Ragnock examined the ring with awe.

"Lord Potter, this is truly amazing. New seals read the owner's heart. Your seal has the three most powerful and courageous creatures upon it. You truly have the power to defeat the Dark One." Harry smiled gently. Now was the time.

"Ragnock, how are your people going to stand in the coming war? Are you to stand with the Light or with Tom Riddle?" Ragnock looked momentarily confused at the use of Voldemort's real name. Then realization hit him.

"I do not know, my Lord. I know that my clan will back you until the end, but the rest, I do not know about." Harry's smile grew bigger at the support.

"Could you try to convince the rest of the clans that if they feel that they cannot join our fight, that they stay neutral instead? I am afraid that I cannot stay longer; I have much left to do this day and little time to do it in. Goodbye, and if you receive any information on Fudge, contact me." Harry left, his cloak billowing behind him. All of the Goblins in the hall stopped what they were doing and knelt until Harry exited the building. Harry sighed. This was going to take some getting used to. In the meantime, however, Harry had a lot of shopping to do.