Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything, not making money off of it, etc.

Chapter 4: Dealings With Dursleys

In what was beginning to become a sleeping pattern, Harry woke up early and started to prepare for his day. It was beginning to be a good day, a light breakfast, no new letters, and another day until he made his way to Diagon Alley. A good day indeed.

Harry looked out the window of the kitchen as he cleaned his dishes. The sky seemed to be a bit darker than normal, but he looked on the bright side, whoever was out there 'guarding' him would be caught in the rain. He then smirked at the image of rain bouncing off of human outlines. 'I wonder how they get around that, though there wasn't exactly a lot of rain last year with the drought...'

Shaking his head, he made his way upstairs, passing his Aunt as she ducked into the bathroom. That event, unfortunately, reminded him that he had to have a little talk with his dear family. 'I'd almost rather go under the Crutatius, but I wasn't almost a Slytherin for nothing...'

It wasn't until an hour later that he figured out how he was going to con the Dursleys into following his plan. Or at least conning Uncle Vernon into following the plan. That would be simple enough, make them think there's more in it for them, with something like, oh, say, money. However, his plan would have to wait until after the Dursleys had their dinner, he highly doubted he could get the discussion he wanted to have with them out of the way until then.

His mood took a turn for the dark when Harry spied Dumbledore's letter still on his desk, opened. 'The nerve of that...that...ugh. Best interests indeed' he thought as he scowled. He picked up the letter and turned to Hedwig, "Listen to this girl, lets see what you make of it"

" 'Harry -' you see that girl, just wait, I'll have him addressing me as Mr. Potter-Black unless he has a very good explanation

'You really shouldn't have sent a response, Voldemort could have traced the magic in the house. What you saw wasn't important enough.' - see there, now he's scolding me for telling him about the vision!"

By this point, Harry was pacing with the scowl only deepening as he dissected the letter some more. Hedwig just adopted a glare as Harry continued to read.

" 'Though, the information on Tom and Bellatrix was enlightening, it wasn't that much of a surprise. I trust you'll keep that information to yourself though, you wouldn't want Tom broadcasting your love life, would you?' - Now he's defending Voldemort's right to kiss- date- shag- I don't know what LeStrange! But wait, it gets better...

'I'm happy you're finally applying yourself to your studies' - Really now, I get good grades. 'finally applying yourself' indeed. You would think all I do is drool in class or something. Honestly...

'Be assured that we will have the guards only on the outer edges of the wards on Friday, but I will be leaving Moody just beyond your yard as a precaution, it wouldn't do if your guardians accidently invited a Death Eater, would it?' - yes, because my relatives wouldn't want me dead..." Harry mocked with heavy sarcasm, "and then he ended it with his usual 'safety' tips - stay indoors, contact nobody, etc."

Hedwig hooted with a glare and decided next time she had to deliver a letter to the headmaster, she would leave behind a little surprise on his desk. On the other hand, Harry just crumpled up the paper and threw it in his wastebasket. Then he retrieved it, straightened it, and put it with his other note from Dumbledore.

What little trust the boy had in his headmaster was now extinguished. It was obvious the headmaster was up to something, and it was equally obvious that it wouldn't be any good. As if some force was helping him along, it suddenly clicked, why the headmaster was sending him the letters and lying to him. Barely above a whisper, but chalked full of emotions of betrayal and disbelief, he choked, "He's just using me..."

What Harry really needed right now was a hot cup of tea. Preoccupied with his thoughts, he made his way downstairs looking like he was in a trance. His Aunt was in the kitchen at the time, but wisely just ignored him as he put the water on the stove for some tea. She was about to just leave him alone, as his behavior indicted to her that he was displaying more of his freakish behavior when Harry noticed her. He abruptly cut off her retreat with a question, "Aunt Petunia, have you been getting paid to take care of me?"

To say that she was shocked at the question would be an understatement, "Who in their right mind would pay us to take care of you? No, your freaks didn't give us anything. Are you complaining? You got food, shelter, and clothing. There would be a lot of children who would beg to be in your shoes, ungrateful little freak..."

His Aunt continued to rant, but Harry stopped paying attention after that point. 'So whoever executed the will didn't do their job... and the only person I can think of is Dumbledore, not only is he using me to kill Voldemort, he's using me for the Potter fortune!' Fuming, he ignored his Aunt and was about to turn to leave the room when the kettle whistled. Turning back to the tea, he added the tea packet and let it brew. He never noticed when his Aunt left, tired of being in the same room with the freak. The excuse she gave herself was that she didn't want any of his freakiness contaminating her. The real reason was that he scared her more than a little bit, the last time she saw that expression even remotely like that was when she had last talked to her sister. Her sister had looked like she could kill her. Harry looked like he could kill not only her, but anybody who was in his way. After sipping tea while mumbling to himself, he left to go back upstairs.

For the next few hours, he fit everything into place until he had as good of a picture of Dumbledore as he could get with his information. Dumbledore obviously only thought he was good for defeating Voldemort and had some notion that Harry would miraculously defeat Voldemort. 'Honestly, I'd swear he would have just locked the two of us in a room by now and then opened it after the sounds of a battle stopped occurring. But then again, he's been there and done that.'

He broke for lunch in the early afternoon, not caring who he ran into. His Aunt had the misfortune of being in his path. He heard a squeak right after he barreled into her, which knocked him out of his reverie. Mentally scolding himself, he picked his Aunt up, expecting to be scolded, but she was still a bit frightened from earlier and made to leave his presence.

"I have to talk to you and Uncle Vernon after dinner, so I'll be eating with you tonight."

Not even waiting for a response, he went into the kitchen and prepared himself a nice lunch while his Aunt went over in her head what the freak could possibly want to talk to them about.

'It's probably about his freakiness. Well if he thinks we're going to do anything that involves his freakiness, he's got something coming to him. Worthless boy, ah, he's coming back this way... I think it's time to go shopping' though Petunia as she grabbed her purse and slammed the door shut.

Harry barely made note of the sound of the car leaving the driveway as he made his way back to his room. He went over and started to jot down some things he would like to buy while he was out when he was distracted by an owl flying through the window. His wings looked a bit battered and if Harry's eyes weren't deceiving him, the package looked a bit scorched as well. Harry hastened to relieve the owl of his package and set him next to Hedwig on her perch. It would have amused him that Hedwig immediately started to help the owl preen it's feathers and hoot in a reproachful manner towards the owl, but he was too preoccupied with getting the battered owl something to eat, as it looked like it had encountered some difficulties in its travels. It wasn't until he finally turned back towards the package that he realized that it was the same owl he had seen before and the grim through passed his mind pondering what happened to the owl to leave it in such a state. He felt a bit guilty that he wasn't more knowledgeable in nursing owls back to health, he knew that this owl would be a guest in his room for a few days, if not by his insistence, then he was sure Hedwig would hoot her displeasure at him leaving within the week. But he also suspected that her displeasure would be two fold. He then resolved to at least write a letter to Hagrid asking for advice, though he wasn't too sure if he could pursued Hedwig to leave.

Deciding to clear his mind of the two owls, he turned back to the package and gingerly opened it, hoping that the contents weren't ruined by whatever had attacked the owl. Inside he found a note and what had to be at least a dozen brochures, if not more, on various topics. Eager to read the contests, Harry sat back on his bed, shifting around to get as comfortable as he could on the old mattress in preparation for a bit of reading.

To Mr. Harry Potter,

I'd be delighted to answer your questions for you, it's not often a wizard of your age looks at wills and questions their contents. In my experience, most just read them at face value. I have done my best to answer your questions, and where I could not be specific, I have provided some reading material. I will make myself available all day Friday for your convenience. When you get to the bank, just ask one of the tellers to escort you to my office.

1. What is an 'Heir of the Estates' and what does it entail?

The title 'Heir of the Estates' is the legal title you carry that indicates that in the future you will be the Head of the Estates, usually called the Head of the Family. In your case, it indicates that you will be the Head of the Potter Family and all their estates. Most heirs just have to learn how to manage the estates, though some have been known to use their title to try and get privileges above their station. Most heirs usually learn how to manage their future estates after their Hogwarts graduation, as the average age of Estate Inheritance is 59. Most heirs are also given at the least a passing familiarity on how to deal with the affairs of the estate. I've enclosed two journals, one from the Black Estate and one from the Potter Estate, that record the predetermined Estate Management Training Plan that all the Potters and Blacks have used. I suggest learning by both methods, as both estates require different handling.

2. What sort of education is needed to take over my Estates?

Besides the information I wrote above, it is also law that the Heir have passed their NEWTs. However, there is a law which allows for you to take management of the estates over at the age of 16 if you are enrolled in a NEWT preparatory program approved by the Ministry ( which you are ). Enclosed is a list of recommended reading about Estate Laws & Requirements, if you wish to further your knowledge. As listed in both the Potter & Black training plans, I'll have a combined Estate Management Planner ready for you on Friday, it's a training tool which allows you to make Estate decisions and shows the effects in the book, but doesn't actually effect your Estate. In the old days, Heads use to allow their Heirs to take over management of the Estates before their death if the Heir was able to manage the estates better in their Planner than the Head actually did. There's more information about that in the recommended readings. I've also enclosed a pamphlet that has more details about the Estate Management Planner.

3. Could I have an updated list of all the properties that I own?

Of Course, I've enclosed a basic list with the Property Name & Location. If you want more detail's I'll have your in-depth file available on Friday for viewing.

4. How can I get in contact with the Potter House Elves?

Gringotts doesn't keep track of House Elves. I'm sorry, but you could always try sending them a letter or asking an elf at Hogwarts to contact them.

5. Was Mr. Lupin ever informed about his Inheritance of 17 Vincent Ct?

Since Gringotts did not execute the Potter Will, we do not have specifics. However, within the privacy policy, I can only tell you that Mr. Lupin has the deed to the property in a vault in his name. If you would like more information on the Gringott's Privacy Policy, I've included the brochure on that.

6. Could I have a listing of all the Potter & Black "businesses and financial holdings"?

Of course, though the financial holdings will have to wait until Friday. Enclosed is a brief listing of the Potter & Black businesses that are public information. In depth will have to wait until Friday as the information is restricted to all except your manager. As for the Black financial holdings, those will have to wait until you are officially the Heir of the Black Estates, as those too are restricted except to the manager of the accounts. I'll have them meet us on Friday.

7. What type of management has Gringotts been doing with the Potter "businesses and financial holdings"?

The only information I can give you is the pamphlet on the various standard management programs, though I believe the Potter assets are under a customized plan. I'll have your account manager give an overview for you sometime on Friday.

8. Could I have a complete record of what is in all of my vaults?

Enclosed is a listing of all the vaults that are in your name, family, and/or possession as well as a brief overview of what is in each vault. Full contents would take a few days to compile as a few of the vaults are old family vaults which are in the Potter name which they obtained through marriage and there hasn't been a request for their full contents for at least 20 years. We'll have as many done as we can get by Friday.

9. Do you have the contact information for the Lycanthropy Research Society?

Enclosed is their contact information + informational brochure from our philanthropy department.

10. Could you send me information about the wealth hiding spell you use on my trust vault?

I'm afraid we do not use a 'wealth hiding spell' on any of our vaults. However, they is a good idea for a security option, I'll have our research team look into the possibility of it.

11. I've always wondered how much I've spent from my vault, well, I guess it's actually one of my vaults, but could I have a list of transactions?

Enclosed is a document listing all the withdrawals and transactions made on the vault over the course of the past 12 months. If you want a more in-depth record, it will cost 2 sickles for each year as after a year, the records are sealed in your vault. The cost goes towards making a copy and taking off the sealing spells.

12. What would happen if the will executor didn't execute the will correctly?

Magic would not allow that. The executor is bound by their magic to do everything listed in the will on the risk of losing their magic. Though, in the case of human executors, they are given some leeway so that they don't accidently lose their magic. This is why most magical humans use Gringotts to execute their will as there are few magical humans that would risk their magic and we have a Will Execution Policy (see the enclosed brochure to read about it) that is most agreeable to customers. I've also enclosed a list of books on Will Writing and Will Executing that you could read for more information.

13. How do I 'formally and legally' change my name to Harry James Potter-Black? Can I do this when I visit on Friday?

To declare it formally, you must call on the presence of magic and declare yourself to be henceforth known as 'Harry James Potter-Black'. I've enclosed directions on how to do this, though you might want to wait until Friday when you can rent one of Gringott's ritual Inheritance rooms, rental fee is 5 galleons an hour. To declare it legally, you have to fill out the enclosed forms and bring them with you on Friday, we can send them off after you formally declare yourself 'Harry James Potter-Black'. You have to do it in that order or risk being rejected as the will specifically lists the formally before the legally.

14. What does guardianship of a property allow the guardian to do with it?

Guardianship allows a person to take care and maintain a property, as well as live in it and use it for their own means. It is a title that can be legally passed down. For example, the Potters are the legal guardians of several properties for Squib families until they produce a magical heir. The guardian is allowed to change the wards and key people into them as well as learn all of the house secrets, such as secret rooms or passages out of the house. Basically the only thing a guardian cannot do is sell the property. The only way a guardianship can be revoked is if the Head of the Estate revokes the privilege.

15. Is everybody who is listed as a benefactor given a copy of the will?

It is Gringott's policy to send the heir of the estates a full copy of the will. However, we only send notice to the other benefactors and a partial copy of the will that contains the parts which pertain to them unless otherwise requested by the deceased. Though, any benefactor can request a copy of the full will if they would like. After a year, the full will is put into public records unless the will is under dispute.

16. What are these 'per annum dowries' and 'trust vaults' that the Black will talks about?

I recommend reading a book on old family customs, as it would explain it better than I could. A lot of old families create a trust fund when a child is born and are given access to it when they start their magical education, the trust is to support them until they get married or take over one of the family businesses. The dowry is usually a tool to ensure that a daughter is married off soon after their magical education and ensures that they are able to maintain a good lifestyle in case their husband dies or the family befalls misfortune. Cutting off a daughter from their trust or dowry (or both) is a form of disowning.

17. Is it even possible to control Mr. Dumbledore's Inheritance from Mr. Black concerning only being able to buy socks?

What an insightful question! We Goblins pride ourselves on our bank and due to the fact that we executed the will means that the 10,000 are guaranteed to be only spent on socks, even if it doesn't happen in Mr. Dumbledore's lifetime. The 10,000 galleons will be set aside in his family vault and every time he buys socks, the amount he spent will be taken out of the amount put to the side and added back to the funds he can spend as he wishes, which ensures that the money is only used to buy socks.

18. What is the procedure for emancipation?

This is covered in many pamphlets and brochures from both the Ministry and Gringotts, which I've also included. I suggest you read them all front to back before Friday. We already have the forms signed by your parents, and a set signed by Mr. Black before his death, and all that is left is your signature. However, you have to know both the pros and cons of being emancipated. The Ministry is able to try you as an adult if you break any laws regardless of your age. You can sign the forms on Friday and then on your birthday, you'll feel the Ministry underage spells lifting, and then you'll be emancipated if you so choose to go through with it.

May your gold grow,

Glinhog

Office of Wills and Inheritances

Gringotts Bank

Story Notes:

Gringotts Reply - Yeah, I know it's sort of an abrupt place to end and a lot of the response is "consult such in such", don't worry, you'll see a bit of the knowledge from the various things, but just think of it like you go to the bank and they have a million brochures on loans, checking accounts, a lot of it is commen sense (a checking account is for..my oh my, checking) and features, and Harry probably won't read a lot of them, like any good banker, he snuck in a lot of unneeded brochures in hopes of Harry reading them and buying Dragon Security for his Trust Vault, or something else unneeded that would benefit the bank as well.

Next Chapter: Dealings With Dursleys II

Okay, this time Harry really DOES have a chat with the Dursleys...

Harry reacts to the Gringotts letter and does even more thinking...

This will probably be shorter than the other chapters, a sort of Chapter 4.5, as I've already laid out Wed, Thurs, and the beginning of Friday for Chap 5, Chap 4 justed ended up dealing with more material than I wanted to type at a time.