An: Thanks so much for the reviews so far! I thought it was funny that someone thought Harry was going to rape Daphne. This isn't one of those stories where Harry goes crazy. He is simply going to realize his true potential. Keep reading and reviewing!
Harry watched Hermione leave the room, feeling rather anxious to not have his best friend by his side throughout the reading of the three wills. He knew she would be watching, and lending her support, but it wasn't quite the same thing. He sat at the table next to Andromeda, and they grabbed hands under the table. "Herein lies the will and testament of the late Remus and Nymphadora Lupin. I, Remus John Lupin, declare this to be my will, and I revoke all other wills and codicils. I leave all of my personal effects to my son, Ted Remus Lupin. At the age of fourteen he will inherit the lands, and moneys that belong to me. I leave the care of my son to his godfather, Harry James Potter. Until such a time when Harry James Potter can devote his full time to raising my son, I leave Ted Remus Lupin in the care of Andromeda Tonks née Black. I, Remus Lupin, hereby sign this document and declare it to be my last Will."
Harry and Andromeda were both silent, regarding the goblin strangely. "How am I supposed to take care of a child? I'm not even eighteen yet, and I still need to complete my final year at Hogwarts. I can't have a baby there with me!"
"That is why there is the provision for the child's grandmother to watch over him. That won't be a problem will it ma'am?"
"Of course not. You needn't worry Harry. I will continue taking care of Teddy, and when you finish Hogwarts you can take custody of him."
"Are you sure Aunt Andy? I don't know anything about children, and I don't think I'd be a very good parent."
"You will be Harry. You already care for Teddy so much. And you needn't do it alone. We have over a year to figure it out." Harry nodded at his surrogate mother and gestured at the goblin to continue.
The goblin snapped, and Narcissa and Draco Malfoy entered the room. Harry tensed at the entrance of his arch-rival from school, but then remembered how Narcissa had saved his life. Deciding to focus on the situation later Harry gestured to the goblin to begin reading. Instead, he tapped a parchment, and a sort of hologram of Sirius rose from the parchment. "Herein lies the will and testament of me, Sirius Orion Black. I leave all of my personal effects to my godson, Harry James Potter. Take anything you want, there are several pictures and letters in my room that your mother sent me, and you deserve to have them. Thank you for pulling me out of the darkness, and being the son I always wanted. I wish that I could've lived to adopt you, but know that I love you as a son." Harry ducked his head, overcome with emotion. "My last act as the Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, is to dissolve the marriage contract between Narcissa Black and Lucius Malfoy for breach of contract; the marriage agreement stated that a daughter be born within five years of marriage to continue the name of the House of Black. My darling Narcissa, I always loved you, and when you told my mother you would never marry me, I began acting out. Perhaps you remember the day? That night I ended up in St. Mungo's my leg broken, but my heart aching more. I could have kept you safe, and away from the evil that surrounded Lucius, you are too beautiful to grovel before any self-appointed Lord." Narcissa broke out into tears, covering her face as she began sobbing. Draco looked at his mum, absolutely horrified by her display. The goblin tapped the parchment, stopping the recording of Sirius.
"I'm so sorry that I denied you Sirius. You were only an obnoxious second year, and Lucius was a handsome seventh year, who embodied the characteristics of a good, pure-blood man. I chose wrong, and I have always regretted it. I learned to love you, and still do." The woman began choking, and broke off, staring at the floor, sobs wracking her body. Andromeda laid a comforting hand on her sister's arm, and Narcissa smiled at her through the tears.
Once Narcissa had calmed, the goblin tapped the parchment again. "I leave all the properties and titles of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black to my godson Harry James Potter. Use the money wisely, and use your power as the new Duke of Black to do some good in the world. Although I never took the title, it is mine to give, and the evidence should be laying in front of you now." A large, onyx ring appeared before Harry, the crest of the House of Black on the back of it. "I, Sirius Orion Black, hereby sign this document and declare it to be my last Will."
Draco stood, "How dare that filthy blood-traitor leave the title of the Duke of Black to a half-blood? I should be the one inheriting the title." Harry sat still, not hearing Draco at all. The blonde moved over in front of Harry and began screaming about life not being fair. Before Harry could react Narcissa grabbed her son and hauled him back to his seat. After a few moments of tense silence, Andromeda, Narcissa and Draco left the room.
The goblin snapped his fingers again, and an older couple entered the room, with their daughter, who Harry thought was extremely beautiful. Harry supposed that this was the Greengrass family, and although he sort of recognized the girl, he was confused by their presence. Instead of questioning it, he gestured for the goblin to begin. "Herein lies the will and testament of the late James and Lilly Potter. I, James Charles Potter, declare this to be my will, and I revoke all other wills and codicils. I leave all personal effects to my son, Harry James Potter. At the age of fifteen he will inherit all land, moneys, and titles of the Noble and Ancient House of Potter. Although the law states titles may not be inherited until the age of seventeen, I declare the title of Lord Potter will pass to my son on his fifteenth birthday." A large, ruby ring, bearing the crest of the House of Potter appeared before Harry. "I leave the care of my son to his godfather, Sirius Orion Black. If his godfather is not able to care for him, I leave the care of my son to his grandmother Dorea Potter née Black. If his grandmother is not available, I leave the care of my son to his second cousin, Andromeda Tonks née Black. If his cousin is not available, I leave the care of my son to Minerva McGonagall, a close family friend. If Minerva McGonagall is not available, I leave the care of my son to Dowager Lady Augusta Longbottom, a close family friend, and ally of the House of Potter. My son is never to be placed with the Dursley family; Lady Potter was adopted into the Evans family as an infant, and shares no blood relation to Mrs. Petunia Dursley."
Harry leapt to his feet, anger and confusion racing through his very being. "What is the meaning of this? How could the will of my father, the late Lord Potter, have been ignored?"
The goblin was silent, guilt, and confusion creeping over his face. Pure rage filled Harry, and he took a step toward the goblin. A sudden banging caught Harry's attention, and he turned toward the window. He caught Hermione's eye, and felt himself calm slightly. He stepped back, and took a deep breath. A feminine voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Why so angry Potter? Upset that not everything in your life can be perfect? If you were raised with any of those people, you would be even of an attention-grabbing, pompous prince."
Harry saw red, and swung around, grabbing the girl from her chair, threw her hard into the stone wall. He pinned her arms to her sides, and breathing heavily said, "You know nothing about my life Greengrass, absolutely nothing. So don't start talking that bloody bullshit to me." The girl winced from the pressure on her arms, and looking into Harry's crazed eyes, began to feel fearful. Looking over his shoulder her eyes connected with her father's and he simply gazed back, a sad look on his face. "Would you like to know how the muggles treated me when I lived with them?" She couldn't move, fear overtaking her. Harry stepped back, and pulled his t-shirt over his head, revealing rippling abs. But then the raven-haired teen turned around, displaying a back latticed with marks from a whip and hot-iron. She gasped, and when she touched a mark, he winced and stepped away. Glaring at her he put his shirt back on. "Maybe everything in life isn't as clear as it seems Greengrass. All of you Slytherins said I was bloody mental, and you were right. Eleven years of abuse tends to do that to a person." Not bothering to hear the rest of the will Harry stalked out of the room. He went straight to Hermione, and grabbing her hand, pulled her out of the bank.
Daphne turned around to see her parents, and the goblin glaring at her. "We have always told you not to believe rumors but to find the truth for yourself Daphne. Are you proud of yourself now? The man, who saved all of us from dying by the evil and twisted hand of Lord Voldemort, went through a lot to be able to save us. I have no sympathy for you, and will do nothing to protect you from the wrath of the new Duke of Black, Marquess of Potter."
Harry pulled Hermione along, not answering any of her concerned questions. Right when he was about to leave the bank, a goblin stepped into his path. "Your Grace, you did not finish hearing the will of the late Lord and Lady Potter."
Harry stopped short, seething. "I will only consent to listen to it if Ms. Granger can be present."
"That will be fine Your Grace, as the Greengrasses have already taken their leave of the bank, having listened to the conclusion in your absence."
Harry nodded and followed the goblin into the will reading room. "The only contract made regarding my son is the marriage agreement with the Noble House of Greengrass." Harry stood abruptly, but a sharp glare from Hermione had him back in his seat. "Harry James Potter shall marry Daphne Angela Greengrass before his nineteenth birthday, providing ample time for them to get to know each other. My son is to be trained by Andromeda Tonks née Black and Dowager Lady Augusta Longbottom. I, James Charles Potter, hereby sign this document and declare it to be my last Will."
"Oh bloody hell no." Harry stated, glaring at the goblin, as if demanding he take the words back.
"I apologize Your Grace, but the marriage was the will of your parents."
"I understand." Harry stated stiffly. "Please have the account manager for the House of Potter come and speak with me, followed by the manager for the House of Black."
"Certainly Your Grace." The goblin left the room to do as Harry bade.
"Would you mind explaining to me what happened? Why are the goblins calling you 'Your Grace'?" Hermione asked, confusion written on her face.
"Well apparently there is a wizarding system of nobility. The House of Black is a Noble and Most Ancient House, and Sirius left me the title of Duke of Black."
Hermione gasped. "You are the new Duke of Black? That is amazing! Do you have any idea how much good you can do?"
"No, because before this, I didn't even know there was a noble system." Hermione shook her head, wondering why Harry never opened a book. "The House of Potter is a Noble and Ancient House; my father left me the title of the Marquess of Potter."
"Harry that is amazing! You are going to hold so much power. Did either Sirius or your dad leave the name of someone they wanted to train you?"
"Yes, dad said Aunt Andy and Neville's Grandmum. I wonder why Aunt Andy never said anything."
"She was probably unsure of the situation because you didn't inherit the titles on your seventeenth birthday. We'll have to arrange a meeting with both women after this."
"Before the goblin comes in I have a question for you Hermione. Do you trust me?"
"With my life Harry." The brunette replied without hesitation. "Why?"
"How would you feel if I was to adopt you into the House of Potter?" Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes as she considered how lonely she had been without a family recently. As soon as the war had ended she had gone to Australia to find her parents, only to learn they had been killed in a car accident. Harry had been the only one who understood her dilemma, and it had helped to bring the two friends even closer together.
"I would be honored to be a part of your family Harry."
The raven-haired boy nodded, not having time to say anything before the account manager came in. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance Your Lordship. Although I must admit I expected you in here much earlier to claim your title."
"Perhaps you can explain to me why the will of my father, the late Marquess of Potter, was not properly executed?"
The goblin became uncomfortable. "You must understand Your Lordship that your parents will was submitted during a time of war. We had hundreds coming in on a daily basis. We received two copies of your parents will, and assumed the latter was the correct will. This was the one we executed. Only with the death of the betrayer were we able to ascertain the truth."
"You mean Voldemort?"
"No Your Lordship, I mean Albus Dumbledore."
Harry and Hermione were both stunned into silence. "Albus Dumbledore died well over a year ago. Why was I not notified?"
"Gringotts tried to locate you many times Your Lordship, but none of our spells could find you."
Harry nodded, realizing the goblins would have discovered the real will right before he had started his hunt for the Horcruxes. "What do my accounts look like? And I'm sorry but I didn't catch your name, Honorable…?"
"My name is Snork Your Lordship. Your vault contains approximately 1.4 million galleons in gold, as well as many other House of Potter artifacts. There is a book collection equaling roughly five hundred twenty-three thousand galleons." Hermione gasped, wishing to view the books. "You also own several properties, although the house in Godric's Hollow was taken over by the Ministry as a Historic Landmark. The largest property is Potter Manor. It is located in Northumberland, and is an extensive estate."
"How can I access Potter Manor?"
"Your ring will double as a portkey, simply say home, think of Potter Manor, and it will take you there."
"Is Potter Manor equipped with a staff?"
"Not at this time. The late Marchioness of Potter set them free before the move to Godric's Hollow."
Harry smiled, thinking how much Hermione was like his mum. "One last order of business Snork, I would like to bring Ms. Granger into the House of Potter."
"As a ward?"
"As a full member, she will become my sister."
The goblin regarded Harry strangely. "I have heard that you were different Your Lordship, but to bring a muggle-born into a Noble and Ancient House certainly shows that. Would a simple adoption ritual please you?" Harry gave the goblin a confused look. "This ritual would legally change Ms. Granger to Lady Potter, but without changing her personality or looks."
Harry glanced to Hermione, and she nodded. "That sounds perfect Snork."
"Will performing that now suit you?"
Hermione hesitated, thinking of how little notice she had had to think about the change. But glancing at Harry she realized it would mean the world to him, and she knew she wouldn't be alone anymore. "Doing it now sounds perfect, thank you Honorable Snork." The goblin nodded, and prepared the document. Harry and Hermione both read over what they had to say, and then stood, facing each other.
"I, the Marquess of Potter, Lord Harry James Potter, accept Ms. Hermione Jane Granger into the Noble and Ancient House of Potter as my kin. Bear the name Lady Hermione Lily Potter, put the well-being of the Noble and Ancient House of Potter before everything you do, and love its members as your family."
"I, Hermione Jane Granger, pledge myself to the Noble and Ancient House of Potter. I regard the Marquess of Potter as my Head of House, and as my kin. I shed my past self, and become Lady Hermione Lily Potter, promising to uphold the honor, and reputation of the Noble and Ancient House of Potter, ad love its members as my family."
A blue light encircled the two friends, and when it subsided, they hugged. Sitting back at the table the goblin spoke once more. "Lady Hermione, it is an honor to make your acquaintance. Lord Potter would you like to set up a separate vault for her access?"
"No, give my sister the full access that I have to the House of Potter vault. Please create a muggle style bank card for us both, as well as a bottomless money bag. After our meeting with the account manager of the House of Black we would like to visit the vault and go through our book collection. I would also like a copy of the marriage agreement between myself and Miss Greengrass be brought to me."
"As you wish Your Lordship. I will bring the objects you desire when your other meeting is over, and escort you to your vault. As a warning Lady Hermione, you may need to purchase a new wand, your old one might not be as receptive to you now."
Snork took his leave of the new siblings, and an older goblin came into the room. "I am honored to make your acquaintance, Your Grace, My Lady." He said with a slight bow. "I am Gokubin, and have been the account manager of the House of Black since your grandmother still went by the name Dorea Black."
"Thank you for serving the House of Black for so long, and so well Honorable Gokubin. I am interested in finding out the state of my accounts."
"Your vault contains approximately nineteen million galleons in gold, as well as many other House of Black artifacts. There is a book collection equaling roughly seven hundred fifty-six thousand galleons. At this time the only property that the House of Black owns is that of Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Because of the provisions put in place by Sirius Black's will, you will have to set up an account for Narcissa Black to live off of. Your godfather set limits on how low her income can be."
"I would like to speak to Ms. Black before making any decisions on that matter. However I would like to bring Mrs. Andromeda Tonks back into the House of Black."
"That is certainly easy Your Grace. There is simply a parchment you must fill out. If I do say so myself this will make it easier for her to train you." Harry agreed, and quickly completed the form Gokubin handed to him. "Mrs. Tonks will feel a change in her magic now, and I am sure she will contact you soon. Would you like a bank card made up for yourself for the House of Black account?"
"Yes, and that will conclude my business here today. Thank you for your help Honorable Gokubin."
Harry and Hermione waited for their bank cards and pouches before leaving the bank, having decided that going through the book collections of both vaults was a task for another day. Harry did have Snork bring Hermione a ruby ring that matched his, to signify her place as his sister in the House of Potter.
As soon as they left the bank they made their way Flourish and Blotts to purchase books on wizarding nobility. Harry let Hermione go crazy and simply laughed as she bought every book on the subject matter. When she expressed guilt for spending so much money he reminded her of her monthly five hundred galleon allowance, causing her to roam the aisles once more. After what seemed like an eternity to Harry, his sister was finally done shopping, and they portkeyed to Potter Manor. What they found was a beautiful house, wonderfully maintained by magic, but in need of a staff. "Kreacher." Harry called.
The elf arrived with a loud crack, a large smile on his face. "It is such an honor for Kreacher to serve the Duke of Black, Marquess of Potter. How can Kreacher be of service?"
"I would like for you to become the head elf for the House of Black. Please hire a staff to fully renovate and take care of Grimmauld Place. I am also going to need a trustworthy elf to become the head elf for the House of Potter. Please find me the most qualified elf that you can. I trust your judgment regarding those who will live in Grimmauld and request to only meet the new head elf for the House of Potter."
Tears welled in the large eyes of the elf. "Kreacher is honored to serve master." With a crack the elf disappeared, off to find the very best for his master who was bringing respect back to the House of Black.
Harry turned to Hermione and shrugged his shoulders. Together they walked into the study, and found an envelope with his name on it lying on the hearth. Harry picked it up and upon reading it realized it was simply instructions for taking over the wards of Potter Manor. "As the Marquess of Potter I demand control of the wards surrounding Potter Manor." There was a bright light and the knowledge of the wards invaded Harry's mind. A small black book appeared in front of him. Inside there was a list of everyone living who had access to the Manor without any obstructions. There were only three names, Minerva McGonagall, Augusta Longbottom, and Neville Longbottom. Harry quickly added Hermione, Teddy and Andromeda to the list. The fireplace roared to life seconds after he had closed the book, and Andromeda stepped out.
She stood still, tears running down her cheeks, as she regarded Harry. "Thank you so much. For giving me a family again Harry. I'm sorry that I didn't train you for your roles in society before but I didn't know you should have already inherited the Marquess of Potter."
"It's ok Aunt Andy. You had no way of knowing. All I ask is that you train me now. And you will always have family here. Lady Hermione and I will always be here for you."
Andromeda stared at Hermione for a second. Then she looked down at her hand, and noticing the ring was not the mate's of Harry's said, "Welcome to the family. Lady Hermione Lily Potter I presume?"
"Of course," Hermione said with a smile. The two women embraced and Hermione whispered, "I am so happy to have a brother."
"He is an amazing man." Andromeda whispered back. "Now Harry, we must begin training you at once. I am the one will handle socially training both you and Hermione, but who else did your father list to train you?"
"Dowager Lady Longbottom." Andromeda nodded, a slight smirk forming.
"I am going to teach both of you how to properly address others of all stations, and how to properly write a letter. Then we will invite Augusta and her grandson over for tea, and the real training will begin. Harry do you have any elves to run this place?"
"Not yet Aunt Andy, but Kreacher is on a mission to find elves to serve the House of Potter."
"Very well, in the meantime I can provide some assistance. Mips," she called. An elf wearing a clean, dark pillowcase appeared. "Can you please bring us some tea, and begin cleaning the Master suite, and one of the other bedrooms."
"Yes Mistress," Mips said with a slight curtsey before popping out of the room.
"Let's begin. As Duke of Black you are above nearly everyone in society, and your greeting must sound as such, without being overtly arrogant."
AN: This chapter is a bit longer, and I know it deals with the boring will details, but it is all important. Please review!
