Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or intend to make any money from writing this.

AN: Hey everyone, again I think you for the support and the reviews. I apologize for the slow posting but I had a lot of things to work out with this story as well as being very busy with work. I will do my best to have another chapter out next week.

Chapter 11

The Veil of Death was once again shimmering as if it was a wall of water. As soon as it changed, Croaker was summoned to the chamber as he wanted to be notified if there were any changes in the mystical device. As soon as he arrived, he began waving his wand to try and take readings of the phenomenon before it once again changed.

The room started to rumble a little bit and the dozen or so Unspeakables in the room were nervously glancing around the room at each other. Croaker noticed them and sighed as they were doing so much to justify the vaunted reputation of the Department of Mysteries. There was a loud slurping sound followed by a pop and the rumbling finally grew quiet.

When their eyes once again focused on the Veil, there were two cloaked individuals standing on the platform and they saw that the Veil had returned to its normal state of haunted mists. The Head Unspeakable looked closely at the two people standing there and it was obvious that they were much taller than the two who left six weeks previously. He had no way of knowing if it was indeed Harry Potter as the long robes covered everything and there were hoods covering their heads.

Croaker was the first to take action and stepped forward. "Welcome back Mr. Potter. We thought we had lost you forever."

The taller one looked at Croaker for a minute or two before he chuckled and said "Harry Potter is dead. Even if he could return, I doubt he would. Your world did a pretty good job of destroying the Boy-Who-Lived."

Croaker was taken aback by those words and thought it was time he contacted his old classmate Minerva to see if the rumors of all the young man had faced were true. "Then who are you if I may ask?"

Before Croaker's very wide eyes, a skeletal hand came out of the sleeve of Harry's robe and a long handled scythe formed in it. "We are emissaries of the House of Death. Our Head of House has taken a special interest in the wizard once known as Harry James Potter and has charged us with investigating those who have wronged him."

Another Unspeakable asked "What is the point if he is already dead?"

The figure growled out. "The point will be whether or not they move on or get to spend time with us first for treating one of our own so badly."

Once that was said, the second figure laid his hand upon the arm of the first figure and they faded from view. When they reappeared, they were standing near an old abandoned shack. Dobby said "What did you do that for? Now everyone is going to go into hiding."

"Yeah, wizards are so smart. Just where do you think they will go to hide?"

Dobby chuckled "You're right Harry. They'll either go home or to Hogwarts for Dumbledore's 'protection' and the rest will be begging the Ministry to find and deal with us."

"Come on, we need to get that ring. Once we do, this gets so much easier."

**LC**

Croaker was intrigued by the thought of the House of Death seeking vengeance for Harry Potter but something was tickling away at the back of his mind. As he left the Death Chamber, he made his way to his office and started pulling ancient tomes off the shelves looking for reference to the House of Death. After several hours, he finally found the reference he was looking for and paled at the results.

He pulled another tome and found yet another reference that supported the theory that had been forming in his head. The House of Death was the forerunner of the House of Peverell. He knew the legends and the thought that House Peverell was again on the rise made him a little nervous. The appearance of Lord Peverell could have disastrous effects on their world as he would hold much the same power that Merlin would if he appeared. Croaker had studied on this subject extensively in his youth and knew that during the formation of the magical world, there were three main philosophies much like there are today. Merlin led the light, Morgana led the dark, and the Peverells lead the grey. The emergence of a true Lord of the Grey would galvanize that faction into action. Much like Harry Potter seemed to be doing before he disappeared.

He sat back in thought once again and then got up and pulled an ancient family genealogy text from the shelf. As he got to the right page, he paled as the implications hit him full force. The Potters and Gryffindors appeared the same year the family of Ignotus Peverell disappeared. He looked at notes made in the text by a previous head of the Unspeakables and saw that this was only known by the head of the department and of course the Goblins. He didn't have to research any more to know that Harry Potter was the last member of the Potter family. By the same logic, he could only conclude that he was also the last living member of the Peverell line.

The figure in the chamber said that Harry Potter had died but he was sure the magic radiating off the figure was the same as the young man who had stepped through the Veil only more powerful. He now had the decision to make of what to do with the information. He knew he couldn't reveal the truth about the Peverell line until they revealed themselves but he could let it slip about the new visitors and the statements they had made. In the end, he decided to do just that. He felt it was the least he could do for his old friend and colleague Charlus. If Harry Potter wanted to be dead then who was he to go against his wishes? He fully expected a new Lord Peverell to rise and reclaim his place in society as he let the legend of the boy-who-lived die.

**LC**

Harry approached the Gaunt shack and held his hand up in the air. As he felt the wards that encircled the property, he gave a small smile and chuckled at the simplicity of the wards. It was obvious that Tom relied on his Parseltongue ability to add to the difficulty of the wards but that was their only advantage. The language used to cast the wards were the only difficult thing about them as Harry used his lessons at the hands of his grandfather and mother and his own Parseltongue ability to tear them down.

Harry sat there for a second and realized that one of Cadmus' sons must have been Salazar. It only made sense and it would be a question he would have to ask the next time he communed with his ancestors. Another realization that gave him a shudder was that he was distantly related to Tom. He then thought about Dorea telling him that he was related to most of the magicals in England so it really shouldn't have come as too much of a surprise.

Harry approached the door of the shack and a snake appeared to challenge him. Harry just laughed and with a wave of his hand, he hissed "Be Gone" and banished the last protection on the house. Once this was done, the door eerily creaked open and Harry turned to Dobby and with a shrug of his shoulders, he stepped inside.

Harry and Dobby made their way to the middle of the shack as Harry began waving his wand to search out any magical residue in the house. His searching led over towards the fireplace but was focused in the floor. After a few tests with his feet, he found a loose floorboard. He knelt down and pried the board up with a knife. Harry lit his wand with a 'lumos' and looked inside the hidey hole only to find a small box which he lifted out. When he looked inside, he could see that it was magically expanded and held several rings as well as a small ritual knife.

Just as Harry was about to reach in the box, Dobby grabbed his hand and pulled it away. "I can feel something dark on an item in there along with compulsion charms. It was begging me to hold it."

"Hmm? Really? I didn't feel a thing. Are you sure?"

Dobby chuckled "Do you really think I'd lie to you about something like that? Besides, Tom would more than likely want someone to put it on if it is one of the things we are looking for."

"Hmm….I suppose you're right. It bothers me a little that I missed it and that could cause problems in the future. We probably need to get out of here anyway so any ideas on where we could go?"

"Azrael had the elves train me in soul magic and I'm pretty sure that is what I felt. As far as where to go, why not go back to the suite? Nobody knows where it is and besides, I've missed my stories and need to catch up."

Harry laughed "Alright Aunt Petunia, lead the way."

Dobby grabbed his arm and they popped away and back to the suite. When they arrived, Harry dumped the box on the coffee table and started prodding the items with his wand. Dobby watched carefully as he too was studying the objects. When they were done, they sat back and talked about their next move. Dobby said "We really can't do anything until you put on that ring so what's our next step?"

"The horcrux is definitely in the ring but we can't destroy it the normal way without risking damage to the ring."

Dobby sat back and thought for a minute before asking "Could you go back to the Veil and stick your hand through it holding the ring? That would remove the soul piece."

"That would work but I'm not sure if that would be wise at the moment. I have an idea. Azrael, I need your wisdom."

Azrael faded into the room as the Grim Reaper with a skeletal smile on his face. He quickly morphed into the kindly figure that both Harry and Dobby were accustomed too.

"I just got rid of you and already you are calling me? Did I make the wrong choice?"

"No Great Grandfather but I have a question that I didn't know the answer to and as of yet, I can't get to the resources I need so that I can find out."

Azrael sighed "Very well, what is your question?"

"How do you destroy a horcrux without harming the vessel? Dobby suggested I take it back to the Veil and stick my hand in with it to pull the soul out but I didn't know if it would trap me."

Azrael smiled "I'm impressed boys. Neither of you jumped straight in without asking for help. I assume that the object in question is the family ring?"

"Yes sir."

"Interesting, the protections should not have allowed that to happen. Let me see it."

Harry waved his hand and the ring floated off the coffee table and to Azrael. He took it in his hand and closed a fist over it. His hand began to glow and when it faded, he floated the ring back over to Harry.

"It's safe now. Thank you Harry, you have given me the next piece of Tom's soul. Now, once you put on that ring and assume your title as Lord Peverell, the Veil cannot harm you. You did well not to try your theory before contacting me."

"Thank you Grandfather, we are trying to curb our impulsiveness."

Dobby snorted as Harry just grinned. Azrael asked "So what else was in the box?"

Harry floated a ritual knife to Azrael that had the same emblem as the ring on it. Azrael nodded and said "That makes sense as the knife was passed along with the ring through Cadmus' line. What else is there?"

Harry reached over and picked up two signet rings. The first he dismissed as it was gold with a large 'R' on the stone which represented the Riddle family. The second was a silver ring with a basilisk curved into the letter 'S'. He held out his hand to Azrael so that he could see them.

"Ah, well if you were to put it on and claim Salazar's house, it would give you even more power over Hogwarts."

Harry asked "What if I just absorbed it into Peverell like I plan on doing the others?"

"That would work to push even more power behind the Peverell name. I would have to ask Dorea but I would think that would pretty much guarantee no one would be able to get anything passed in the Wizengamot without your help."

Azrael flickered for a minute before saying "I've got to go boys. I've got a pickup and delivery to make."

Harry was sitting there eying the ring that Azrael handed back to him and felt a little apprehension at what he had to do. Dobby watched him for a few minutes before saying "You might as well go ahead and get it out of the way."

"I know but as soon as I do this, Harry James Potter is truly dead."

"You know I loved that guy but the person who is taking his place is a pretty good guy too. Harry, your heart determines who you are. Not some ring. Do you like who you are now?"

Harry sat there for a minute before saying "Yeah, I do. I've changed so much over the last year that I think Harry James Potter really died on Halloween. Harrison James Peverell won't have the same encumbrances placed upon him."

He slipped the ring on his finger and it flared bright white as it resized itself to fit and the magic of the union sent waves of magic up and down his body. When it subsided, Harry stood and felt the power of his family magic flowing into him fully for the first time. He looked at Dobby who shrugged his shoulders and said "You might as well finish the job."

Harry started to claim his other titles but then stopped in mid sentence. Dobby looked up and asked "Why did you stop?"

With an evil grin, Harry replied "Lord Peverell will be enough to earn me an audience with Director Ragnok. I'll wait until I meet with him to claim the rest. I want to see just how far they are willing to go to keep their business intact."

Dobby thought for a minute before saying "Yeah but on the other hand, stepping in there with that many families under your control would be a very strong show of power."

"Maybe you're right." Harry then started claiming the houses that he had been informed of and in the end; he had five more rings and titles to add to his name although it was his intention to absorb those into House Peverell. As the magic hit him, he staggered a bit at the onslaught of magic.

Dobby sat and watched as Harry claimed the Potter, Black, Gryffindor, Slytherin, and minor house of Evans titles. When Harry was done, he asked "Evans?"

"Yeah, didn't want Petunia or Dudley to be able to claim any of it. Mum left quite a legacy and with me being 'dead' they would be able to lay claim to it."

Dobby nodded. "That makes sense. Now that you're alive once again, don't you think you should get in touch with your girlfriend?"

"I told her I would be busy for a while but she would know when I came back. I wanted to give her time to decide on the thing between us but I don't think I can. She is a big part of me I am and I've been without her for too long already. I could ask you the same thing. Shouldn't we get in touch with yours?"

Dobby blushed. "Winky might not accept me as I am but I think it would be a good idea to bring her into the family. Taking care of you is getting to be too much for one person and adding Megan as well would be a big help in keeping you under control."

"True but what about the age thing?"

"What age thing?"

"Well we've been gone for six years. I'd like to think I've grown up in that time."

The next thing Harry saw was Dobby falling out of his chair laughing. When he settled down, he said "While it's true that we don't look the same as when we went in, you are still fifteen years old and the same clueless git you always were."

"Hey!"

"Harry, more than anything I'm your friend and I will never lie to you. The difference you feel is due to the knowledge you gained and your family magic. Yes, you have matured but you are just now finally catching up to the level Megan was at before you left. It was she who was the thinker and planner and steered you in the direction she thought best."

"So I'm still the same despite how I feel?"

Dobby chuckled "More or less. You have healed and now have the body you should have before the Dursleys got a hold of you but that would have happened anyway with the potions Poppy gave you and it wasn't due to something that happened while we were gone. As far as maturity, the last year would have changed anyone. You're not as trusting and maybe the old Harry Potter did die as you said. This new Harry is also more confident and knows his place in the world for the first time in his life but he is still a clueless git on the inside."

Harry frowned at the revelations made by Dobby. He knew that Dobby was telling him the truth and knew that Dobby was probably charged with the task of making sure he didn't do anything stupid. "Well then, I'll leave those discussions with Winky to you. Right now, I think I'll take a little nap. Taking on that much power has me oddly drained right now." He flopped down into a recliner and stretched out.

Dobby looked at him for a minute and started laughing. Harry looked over and asked "What's so funny?"

"You know that the family magic is going to be playing havoc with you all night?"

Harry smiled "Might as well get it all over with at once. Can you imagine what's going on at Gringotts right now?"

Dobby laughed and reached for the TV remote. Before he even found a show to watch, Harry was softly snoring in the chair.

Throughout the night, Harry's occlumency was sorting information as fast as it could. With the teaching he received from his family, Harry was able to master the art and even created a mindscape based on Potter Manor. The ancestral home of the Potters was filled with secret rooms that you couldn't access unless you had Potter blood flowing through you. It was also the perfect place in his mindscape to store information that could not be revealed outside the family. Harry even took it a step further and for now, sorted the different family magics into separate rooms and placed them behind blood activated runes. Harry decided it was for the best for now as it would allow him time to go through them individually before incorporating them into the Peverell family magic.

Since the first born male was slated to take the title of Lord Potter, he was required to have a second marriage ceremony where blood would be shared between him and his wife. Once this was done, she was truly a Potter and would join with the family magics giving her the ability to be much more than a mere wife to the young Lord. It was an aspect of the Potter family magic that he would automatically incorporate into the Peverell family. This simple yet meaningful rite allowed the Lady Potter or should we now say Peverell to become his partner in every way and with it being a blood bond, the possibility for betrayal was negated. For Harry, it explained the dynamic that existed between his parents and grandparents and was what he desired to share with Megan.

The real Potter Manor was much like the one in his mindscape. The sad part of it was that the house no longer existed on this plane of existence. During his time away, Harry learned that while the blame had been placed on the Death Eaters, it was really Albus Dumbledore who saw to the manor's destruction after he killed Charlus and Dorea. He had waited until James and Lily were in hiding to enact his plan and placed charms on the cottage in Godric's Hollow that would block the magic that would notify James that he was now the head of the family. After killing the elder Potters, Albus spent that entire summer searching the manor for its secrets with no luck. In his frustration, he torched the house so that he could deny any of the Potters access to the family secrets.

As Harry laid sleeping and processing all of the information, the family magic started making its presence known and things began happening all across the country.

**LC**

Albus Dumbledore sat in his office in Hogwarts feeling very confident. He had not only weathered the storm of Cornelius' attempt to get him out of the castle but he also managed to hold onto his position as Chief Warlock. By doing this, he was able to keep all the dirt surrounding what he had done to Harry Potter swept under the rug.

Harry's birthday had come and gone and his sources informed him that Bearclaw was beheaded on August first for his part in the mess with the Potter vaults. His only hope was that he had taken his secrets with him to his grave. If not, Albus could expect a visit from the Goblins very soon. He knew he was safe with the Ministry because with both Harry and Sirius having disappeared behind the Veil, there was no one who could legally press any charges against him.

It was while he sat there pondering his good fortune that he felt the castle shudder. There was a flash and Albus could feel magic draining from him as the castle cut back the power it had been feeding him until all that was left was a trickle of what he had enjoyed for many years.

The Sorting Hat started chuckling and said "Hmm…It seems that your claim to fame as a Founder's heir has been trumped. I can feel certain areas of the castle coming alive with power once again. Oh my, the Heir of Gryffindor and the Heir of Slytherin have finally revealed themselves and claimed their rights."

"How can that be?"

"Magic, what else? You know, I never understood how a selfish bastard like you could ever have been the Hufflepuff Heir. The only person you show loyalty to is yourself and has gotten so bad that even Fawkes will no longer answer your call."

Albus shot and incendio at the hat but before it hit, a glowing white shield formed around it. "Temper, temper Albus. It seems as if you aren't the bright and shining star you once were."

**LC**

All about the country, manors belonging to Harry's families started rumbling and shuddering as the wards changed over to their new owner. In the Black family manor at Grimmauld Place, Remus Lupin, Kreature, and a painting of a hag found themselves unceremoniously dumped on the front steps of the house. As soon as Kreature freaked out and tried to reenter, the wards struck and burned him and the painting he was holding to a crisp. Remus sat there stunned as he watched this but was not foolish enough to try and enter himself. Sirius had always told him that the Black family wards were some of the nastiest known to wizards and he was not about to test the waters after that display of power.

Remus stood and picked up his clothing that was dumped along with him. As soon as he packed, he turned and saw that the Black family home was fading from sight so he did the only thing he could and apparated to the small cabin he owned.

Once he arrived and unpacked, he sat in his threadbare chair and pondered the situation. It was obvious that House Black was under new leadership but he couldn't think of who it could be since Harry and Sirius were gone. He frowned as he thought of the situation Albus put them in and debated whether or not to inform him of what was happening. That idea was quickly shaken off as he now felt he didn't owe Albus Dumbledore anything after manipulating the split between the Marauders and Harry. His only hope was that Albus would attempt to enter the manor and get a good taste of the wards.

**LC**

In the depths of Gringotts, alarms were blaring as three ancient vaults became active for the first time in many centuries. As Ragnok was making his rounds, he was alerted that the Potter and Black vaults were once again pulsing with magic. He was elated that some of the older vaults were active once again but at the same time he was apprehensive. He knew only one person could activate the Potter and Black vaults which meant that Harry Potter had returned to the mortal plane. As he hurried back to his office to check out a gut feeling, another Goblin ran to him and reported that the vault belonging to the minor house of Evans was active as well. This only added confirmation to Ragnok's suspicions of who was behind these events.

As he entered his office, he secured it and went to a secret doorway behind his desk. He took out a dagger and sliced his palm. The blood dripping from his hand was smeared on his personal crest which adorned the wall. The crest glowed for about a minute before a door formed in the rock. The chamber he entered was the personal vault of the Director of Gringotts which held not gold but something far more valuable to the head Goblin, knowledge.

A quick glance around the room saw several tomes glowing in the darkness. His eyes quickly adjusted as he made his way to the Peverell family register and ledger. He opened the book to the last page and quickly scanned down to the last entry. The head of Gringotts grew nervous as he read the name Harry James Peverell and saw his other claims. With the way Bearclaw had left matters with Mr. Potter, he didn't know how to fix the problem at this point and resigned himself to wait until Lord Peverell came knocking on his door. Ragnok knew that he would have to do almost anything Harry asked in order to save his bank and his nation. It was not a position Goblins were used to dealing from and he knew it all fell on Albus Dumbledore's shoulders. The only reason why Ragnok had not moved on the man already was due to the rumors that Harry was a protégé of Dumbledore's and to move against him may have made the situation worse.

Ragnok stepped back out of his office and resealed the door to the chamber. He walked over to his desk and sat heavily in his chair before pulling out a piece of parchment and writing an order that the moment Lord Peverell showed in the bank, he was to be treated with the utmost courtesy and escorted without delay straight to his office. He added that failure to comply with the order would be seen as gross insubordination and the perpetrator would meet the same fate as Bearclaw and his entire family.

**LC**

Any properties and manors belonging to the newly titled lord were undergoing similar reactions as Grimmauld Place. If anyone was living in the homes, they were unceremoniously dumped outside the house along with their belongings as the house slowly faded from view. If Harry and Dobby had known what was going on in Little Whinging, they would have wanted to go watch the spectacle as the Dursleys were magically evicted from their home.

As Vernon was sprawled out on the lawn like a beached whale in his boxers, a piece of paper fluttered down to land on his large belly. Petunia saw it and quickly grabbed it. What she read had her deathly pale.

My Dear Sister,

You broke your promise so we are taking back what is ours.

Lillian

Vernon looked up and asked "What happened Pet?"

"Lily took back what she paid for."

"But she's dead."

Petunia winced "Doesn't matter, we made a promise and we broke it. Magic is taking its revenge on us so I'd suggest we leave as quickly as we can."

He looked at the pile of stuff in the now vacant lot and nodded his head. He was mostly horrified that a tent sized pair of tracked up boxers were hanging from the mailbox. Petunia shrieked as she saw her granny panties hanging in a tree and quickly ran around trying to get them down. She would have been even more horrified if she knew that her special pair of leopard print knickers with PET embroidered across the bum was currently being carried off by the next door neighbor's dog.

**LC**

Harry woke to find Dobby asleep in a recliner next to him. Harry thought back on the crazy dreams he had last night where he was evicting people from houses amongst other things. He sat back with a slight smile as he remembered the dream about the Dursleys. He was half tempted to apparate to Surrey to see if it was true.

Dobby woke not long after and noticed Harry sitting there with a smile on his face. "What's got you so happy?"

"Oh, I just had a dream where the Dursleys were kicked out of their house. I could just imagine the horror my aunt would feel at having her perfect little world upset like that."

Dobby started laughing and Harry asked "What's so funny?"

"I told you family magic would give you a rough night. What you thought you dreamed was actually you taking control of your properties. I would be willing to bet that we will find a deed to Privet Dr in one of your vaults."

Harry jumped up and looked at Dobby expectantly. "Come on, I wanna go see."

Dobby laughed. "Sorry buddy but we have more important stuff to do today. Which will it be first? Gringotts or Megan?"

Harry sighed and plopped back down in the chair. "I guess it'd better be Gringotts first. I'm sure we will be there for a while. If I see Megan, I may not want to leave."

**LC**

That same morning, the Daily Prophet was making its way to houses all across Britain. The blaring front page article would mean different things to different people but to everyone who read it, they knew that a change was coming and it probably would not be for the better.

The End of a Legend

By: Barry Timmons

After my previous article about the controversy surrounding Harry James Potter, the story of his trials and tribulations has piqued my interest. Sadly, we may never know the true story as it was reported that Mr. Potter stepped through a device that holds as much mystery about it as the savior of our world. It is with a heavy heart that I write another article about Mr. Potter now that we have more evidence to confirm his fate.

Late last night, I was contacted by an anonymous source from the Department Of Mysteries. Six weeks ago, it was reported that the Veil of Death had claimed young Harry James Potter after acting in a manner that has never occurred in the millennia that it has been monitored. The activities of the Veil during Mr. Potter's disappearance led many in the Department to hold out in hope that he might be able to return but those hopes very quickly dashed last night.

The elusive department has always maintained the theory that the Veil of Death was a one way portal to the afterlife. It was a theory that has been challenged lately with the strange behavior but even more so last evening when two figures stepped out of the Veil and into the Death Chamber.

The figures were clothed in long dark cloaks that revealed nothing of who they were. One of the leaders of the department stepped forward and made a greeting of welcoming Harry Potter back from the Veil. The figure responded with a low chuckle and replied "Harry Potter is dead." He then went on to say that it was doubtful that Mr. Potter would return even if he could as our world had done an effective job of destroying the fabled boy-who-lived.

When confronted about their identity, the leader's skeletal hand appeared holding a six foot high scythe. The leader did identify him and his companion as emissaries from the House of Death who were here to investigate the wrongs visited upon Mr. Potter.

When they were asked 'what was the point?' The being chuckled once again and said the point was whether the perpetrators of said wrongs would be spending time as their guests or be allowed to move on.

This reporter only knows of one group who openly supported Mr. Potter this last year. As for his schoolmates and teachers who were a big part of his torment, one can only hope that they have legitimate reasons for their actions. My research into the House of Death have made a very lasting impression that this is not a house one wants to cross as they make the Death Eaters look like amateurs. At least with the Death Eaters, you would eventually get a release from the pain in the form of death.

The last time the House of Death walked the Earth was during ancient times during a time of great evil. Has our world fallen so far that they have been forced to return to the mortal plane to once again cleanse our world of evil? I'd be willing to bet that if you asked Harry Potter that question, the question would be a resounding yes. For someone so young to choose death over life speaks horribly of our society if someone we once held in such high regard was failed so miserably.

My condolences go out to the people who surrounded and supported him at the end. I only wish that there had been more people to stand up for him like these good people did and maybe the life of an incredible young man would not have been wasted. For those of you who added to his pain, I'd imagine you can expect a visit soon.

**LC**

As Tom Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort, finished the article, a cold chill ran down his spine. He thought back to his horcruxes and knew he was beyond Death's reach in a normal situation. But if death was walking the Earth once again, what did that mean for him? He also knew that as one of the antagonists of Harry's life, he could expect a visit from these two travelers from beyond. He then did what every normal dark lord has done in the past when he felt threatened. He summoned his followers to him to act as a level of protection against these visitors. The one thing he was confident in was the steps he had taken to hide his anchors. His arrogance would be his undoing as he alone was privy to this knowledge.

**LC**

Albus Dumbledore was doing the same thing that morning. He had called a meeting of the fabled or was that fumbled Order of the Phoenix at Sirius' old house Grimmauld Place. He knew that ownership was still in question so it would be the perfect hideout until he tried to floo to the house. The first to enter the floo had been Severus Snape. As Albus was just about to enter the fireplace, Severus' charred and smoking body was hurled from his fireplace so hard that he impacted the wall opposite. Albus barely had the presence of mind to summon Poppy before sending out an emergency message to redirect everyone to the castle.

As soon as Poppy arrived, her tear stained face was just as noticeable as it had been for the last six weeks. She moved to Severus and after a few waves of her wand, she said "He's beyond anyone's help Albus. May I ask what happened?"

"He tried to floo to Sirius' old home."

Minerva walked in at that moment and took one look at Severus' body. Hearing the conversation on the way up, she said "So it never occurred to you to check the wards? With Sirius' death, they would have gone into a protective state until a new Lord Black was named."

Poppy said "Or a new Lord Black has been named and he didn't want anyone in his house."

Albus sat hard in his chair after calling a house elf to remove the body. He thought about how lucky he had been to not go first. He finally came out of his musing to say "I'm sure we have guests arriving. Please see to them and I will be along in a minute."

When he walked into the Great Hall, he saw a much smaller number of people than he expected. He then did something they never expected and called roll. As the names of the absent were discussed, he was told many times that the person 'refused' to join his group. Albus was shocked that people would actually refuse to join his side. He had no Auror contingent this time as most remembered the fate of those that had served with him before. It was well known that Albus was a pacifist and would command those under him to not use lethal spells even though he threw them on the front lines without a thought for their safety. Many of the Aurors died trying to follow their orders.

The Tonks family along with Remus claimed that they no longer had confidence in his ability to lead them citing the manipulations surrounding Harry as their reasons. Some cited that they didn't trust him with their lives if he was so willing to put Harry in danger on so many occasions.

The article from this morning's paper had left many people shaken and none more so than the Weasley family. Although Molly would still defend Albus with her last breath, none of the other members of her family would blindly follow him with the exception of Ron. They were well aware that it was Albus' leadership that had cost them one of their own. They also knew that they were just as much at fault for not questioning his directions. After this morning's article, the guilt would follow them for the rest of their lives.

As Albus sat back and looked on the weak group sitting around him, a chill went up his spine as he realized that they would not be able to protect him from the investigation conducted by the House of Death. He originally planned to do just like Tom did and place a fighting shield between himself and the threat but that shield would be made of housewives and children. Albus Dumbledore, the defeater of Grindelwald, the Leader of the Light, the once powerful and world renowned wizard, had fallen far enough to actually consider hiding behind innocents.

**LC**

Harry and Dobby read over the article at breakfast and had a good laugh over it. They agreed that Croaker was indeed as intelligent as Charlus had told them and had put the pieces together enough to ensure his cooperation in the ruse. Charlus had informed Harry during his time behind the Veil that Croaker was truly one of the good guys and once he figured everything out, would move heaven and earth to help Harry just because he was Charlus' grandson.

Dobby asked "So are you ready to stir up another hornet's nest?"

Harry ginned "Yeah, let's go make Gringotts' day."

Dobby and Harry both popped out at the same time and landed on the steps to the bank. Harry approached the large double doors leading into the bank and held out his hand. With a gesture, the doors flew open and they walked in to the lobby in their heavy cloaks. Wizards, witches, and Goblins shrunk back in fear as the skeletal hand holding the scythe appeared. The two individuals stepped forward to the station of the Head Teller that no one ever approached unless they had an appointment with the director.

With a thought, the Peverell family ring appeared on the skeletal hand and once the Head Teller saw it, he was out from behind his desk and bowing to the two figures to the shock of everyone in the bank.

"My Lord, my leader has directed me to bring you directly to him should you appear within our walls. If you would allow it, I will lead you to him personally."

Harry gave a slight nod and he and Dobby fell in behind the practically running Goblin. After a long walk through the tunnels of the bank, they were finally standing in front of a set of ornate doors.

The Head Teller bowed once again "If you will excuse me for a moment, I will announce your presence."

Again Harry nodded without saying a word. It was barely a minute later before Harry was escorted into the office where the director was surrounded by several ancient Goblins.

As soon as the Head Teller returned through the doors, Ragnok waved his hand and the doors sealed shut. "My Lord, I am known as Ragnok and it is my duty to try and repair the damage done to our relationship."

Harry said in a growl "I was not aware we had a relationship at this point."

Ragnok paled "Lord Potter, or should I say Lord Peverell, I can assure you that the traitor and his family have been summarily executed for their part in the injustices done to you. If you would allow me a moment, I will try to explain how serious I am taking this matter."

Harry nodded "You may but before you begin I have one request. I demand that Griphook be summoned at once. At this point, he is the only one amongst your nation that I trust."

The ancient Goblins were quietly chatting with each other in their own language at Harry's declaration. Harry stood there quietly listening to everything that was being said.

Ragnok bowed and said "I find it highly unusual as Griphook is a young Goblin and has not earned a higher position in our organization as yet but it shall be as you say." He punched a button on his desk and summoned Griphook immediately.

When Griphook appeared, he bowed very low to his leaders before noticing Harry and bowing low to him as well. To the shock of all the Goblins, Harry spoke in their language "Rise my friend, your honesty and integrity during our previous meeting has led me to ask for you and make a special request."

"Anything My Lord."

"I am well aware of your loyalty and oaths to your nation but if I am to remain here and discuss anything with your nation, I require that I have someone on my side. I find that my upbringing has left me woefully ill prepared to face what lies ahead. It may go against your previous oaths and I'm sure it will require the permission of your leaders, but I ask that you swear a loyalty oath to me as well so that I know I am being told the truth in my discussions today."

Griphook looked at Ragnok. It was Ragnok who spoke "I can understand your position Lord Peverell but only Account Managers are allowed to take such an oath to a non Goblin and Griphook is still a low level teller."

Harry stood there for a minute before asking "Did Bearclaw have such an oath to the Potters?"

"Yes Milord."

"Then I think our business here is concluded. I will notify the Gnomes to start transferring my families' assets from your institution."

"May I ask why?"

"You just claimed that Bearclaw was under a loyalty oath to my family but yet he still stole from my vaults and plotted the death of my family. I have no desire to remain in such a relationship as to have my death being plotted by those who have sworn to help me. In case you are not clear on the subject, I am calling into question the honor of your nation and have no desire to allow the theft and plotting against my family by your nation to continue."

Ragnok leapt around his desk and bowed in front of Harry. "Milord, please allow us a chance to atone for our actions. I will admit that Bearclaw was left unchecked for many years and that is entirely my fault. These Goblins behind me are the high council and we have implemented something that has never been needed before in our institution. We have put in place a series of checks that have us overseeing the account managers."

"You mean to tell me that they had complete control."

"Yes Milord but it wasn't until Bearclaw that we have ever had a problem in the millennia we have served the magical community. Milord, Bearclaw was my blood brother and I trusted him like no other. I trusted him enough to allow my sister to marry him and start a family. For his betrayal to not only you but our nation, I had him put to death. Goblin law is very strict on this matter and not only was he executed but his entire family as well. I personally beheaded my beloved sister."

Harry looked down at the bowing director and asked "Do you have a reason for his betrayal?"

Griphook stepped in front of Harry and said "He speaks the truth Milord. I will submit myself to your oath whether I have permission from my leaders or not. I feel it is the least I can offer you after we allowed these things to happen."

Dobby grabbed Harry's arm and whispered something in his ear. Harry asked. "Won't that forfeit your life in the eyes of your nation?"

"Yes Milord but I feel it is better to die with honor than without it. The actions of a few people in my nation have stripped us of our honor and I for one cannot live in shame."

"I then accept your oath and if they try to punish your for it, I'm sure I have a place for you in my house."

The other Goblins looked stunned. Harry took in their wide eyes and once again in their own language said "I value honor and loyalty above everything else. That the one you claim to be lowly has done more to stay my hand in destroying your nation than any of the so called high council."

An old but strong voice called out from the doors to Ragnok's office. "Well said young Lord Peverell."

Harry turned towards the voice and saw an ancient Goblin dressed in regal robes. He asked "I don't mean to sound rude Milord but may I ask your name?"

The old Goblin smiled and said "I am Ironfist or more commonly known as the Regent of the Goblin nation."

Harry bowed deeply to him and said "I am honored by your attention Sire but what possibly could draw the attention of one such as yourself to one such as me?"

The Goblin chuckled. "You really are modest like the rumors say. May I say how pleased I am that the reports of your death were premature? And please, call me Ironfist or Fist as my close friends once did."

The Goblins were standing there in shock that their king had appeared. "Only if you will call me Harry and by my side is Dobby."

Ironfist nodded "Will you honor me by taking down your hood? I feel that I would rather look a man in the eye when doing business with him than to keep things hidden."

Harry reached up and pulled his hood down to reveal his face at the same time Dobby did. Ironfist chuckled out "My, you have both changed a lot since your last visit here. I can finally see the man you were meant to be."

Harry nodded as Ironfist waved his hand and four chairs appeared before him. He gestured for them to sit and as Ragnok was moving to sit as well, Ironfist discouraged him with a glare. He then motioned for Griphook to sit as well.

"You have my personal assurance that no punishment will be directed at Griphook. In fact, I encourage the oath and approve the promotion of him to the position of Account Manager for all your accounts. To further protect your assets, I will personally oversee his work and offer you the same oath as well."

"Milord, a man of your stature should not be concerned with such trivial matters."

"On the contrary Harry. I find it most necessary to do this as the removal of your assets from our nation would quite literally destroy us. I would like to explain our system and the agreement between your family and our nation so that you can better understand. It is true that the Potters were instrumental in helping us start our business. By them placing their wealth in our hands, it allowed us freedom to invest as well as make loans to other wizards. We had no wealth of our own until the arrangement was made with your family and we owe them for everything we have. If you were to remove these assets, we would be bankrupt quickly as our income is made from managing these loans and investments which primarily come from your family's assets."

"If you are so worried about me leaving and you are aware of my anger towards your nation, why would you tell me these things?"

"I came up here with the intention of being completely honest with you. No secrets, no manipulations, no underhandedness. I know you better than you think Harry and I know you share in your family's deep seated honor. It was my hope that if I told you the truth, we could see past our differences and forge a better alliance that would benefit us both."

"I will agree to your suggestions that only you and Griphook will be allowed to handle my accounts. My personal feelings on the others are that they were only trying to save their own asses. I was taught to never put all my eggs in one basket so unless you prove once again to be untrustworthy, I will allow my holdings to remain."

Ironfist smiled. "Thank you Harry. I don't think I can thank you enough for saving my people from ruin. Is there anything else we can do for you?"

Harry gave a feral smile that was scary enough to make even a Goblin cringe. "As a matter of fact there is."

Ragnok stepped forward and said "Name it Milord."

Harry looked at him for a minute and then turned to Griphook. "I have a request of you my friend. Would you go to the Potter family vault and retrieve my mother's engagement ring?"

"Of course Milord."

"Griphook, I called you my friend so that means no more of this Milord crap. To you and Fist over there, I am Harry."

"Of course Mi…Harry. Is there anything else?"

"Yeah, I want all of my family files brought before me as well. We have some other matters to attend to."

Ragnok stood after a glance from Ironfist and said "I will get those personally Milord while Account Manger Griphook is retrieving the ring."

Harry looked at Ragnok for a minute and then said "Director, I'm sure you have someone who can do that for you for now. I think it is time we had a discussion and I even feel that over time we will become friends but right now, I have little faith in you. You have taken steps to improve your position in my eyes but deep down, I feel that you failed me in some way for allowing things to happen as they did."

"I understand Milord and personally hold myself responsible for what has happened. I will do whatever it is you ask to atone for my failures."

"That statement alone has earned you that opportunity. While I have both yours and Ironfist's attention, I need to ask what do you intend to do about Albus Dumbledore?"

Ragnok sat down in the seat that had been vacated by Griphook. He looked Harry straight in the eye and said "Truthfully Milord, I have been hesitant to do anything. It is not because of his power amongst the wizards but because everything pointed to the fact that you were his protégé. For me to act against him might have made the situation between us even worse and I could not risk that. You were sent numerous owls with letters begging you to return here so we could open communication but they always returned unopened."

Harry smiled "Do your owls still have the bracelets around their legs to show you the wards they have encountered?"

His eyes grew wide. "How did you know about that?"

"I have spent the last few years under the tutelage of my grandfather. I'm sure you are well aware of the fact that he created them for your use."

Ragnok jumped from his seat and summoned the last owl to have made an attempt at delivering a letter to Harry. When it arrived, he placed the owl on a piece of parchment and waved his hand. In the next moment, writing started appearing on the parchment and when it finished, Ragnok dismissed the owl. He went back over to the chair and started reading the report.

"It says here that the owl encountered a mail redirect ward several times regarding you and it was cast by A.P.W.B. D. That means that Dumbledore was keeping us from contacting you."

"Albus Dumbledore may have wanted everyone to think I was his protégé but the truth was he was only trying to control me and my family. I know the truth now and he has no right to interfere in my family matters."

Ironfist growled "Then if it would please the Lord Peverell, we would like to bring the full weight of Gringotts and the Goblin nation against him."

Harry nodded. "That is acceptable. I would also like to know your stance on Lord Voldemort."

Ironfist replied. "We have always tried to remain neutral in the affairs of wizards. However, I feel we can no longer continue this as it would put our relationship in jeopardy."

"Do you know who the Death Eaters are?"

Ragnok replied "It is hard not to miss the taint on their souls when they enter the bank Milord but we need ministry approval to strip them of their assets."

"What if the bank closed for a short period in order to allow Gringotts a complete audit?"

"Milord, the cost in revenue would be disastrous."

Harry nodded. He knew he could make the demand and they would comply but to do so would cause more problems for the unsteady truce they were building. It was then that Griphook reappeared followed by several Goblins bearing large files.

As they were laid out on the large marble table that adorned the room, Harry stood and walked over to them. He appeared to be leafing through them before he turned to Ironfist. He placed his hand on the Potter file and said "I, Lord Harrison James Peverell, herby absorb the House of Potter into my own and make the line extinct. So Mote it Be."

There was a flash of magic as the Potter file disappeared and the Peverell file grew larger. He then repeated the process for Gryffindor, Slytherin, and the minor house of Evans. He felt a deep rumbling and shaking in the tunnels and raised his eyebrow to Ironfist.

Ironfist chuckled and said "Its okay Harry, it's just the magic of the vaults realigning themselves and joining with the Peverell vault. Once you go inside, there will be doorways leading into the different family vaults of which none can now enter without Peverell blood flowing through them or your personal permission."

Harry nodded and then picked up the last file. As he flipped through it, he turned to glance at Ironfist who only returned a grin. Ironfist finally said "Harry, your godfather left you a letter that I think it would be in your best interest to read before doing anything else."

Harry sat back down in the chair before opening the envelope that had been handed to him.

My Dearest Harry,

I am so sorry that words cannot even begin to describe my shame at my actions. I have repeatedly failed you at every turn and can offer nothing but meaningless words to try and convey my stupidity and shame. You have repeatedly risked everything for me and in my selfishness, I gave nothing in return.

I am writing this letter in the hope that you once again defy the impossible and return from the other side of the Veil. No matter what you may think, I love you and truly want your happiness. I know I have a bad way of showing it after listening to the old goat but if I have one desire in life, it is to reconcile with you. Contrary to what may be reported, my trip through the Veil was necessary and I will explain it in more detail later.

As you know, my Aunt Dorea was your grandmother and I used this to support the claim that you become Lord Black. I know that I have forever dishonored the name and title and would like nothing better than to see you absorb it into your house and use the assets I'm leaving you to do something good with what remains of a once noble and proud house.

With this in mind, I have several requests of you that I know I have no right to ask but I am doing it anyway. I don't know how much you know about the way things work and I hold myself responsible for that but if you were to absorb a house, any living members of that house would be automatically be made members of your house. What this means is that you need to cast out Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa Malfoy, and Draco Malfoy before you attempt to absorb the house into your own. To do this would take back any monies that were paid concerning marriages as well as call immediately due any monies borrowed from the family vaults.

I have it on good authority that the Malfoy's fortune will be greatly diminished if you do this.

I have another request that I am hesitant to ask but again I will do it anyway. I have a cousin named Andromeda Tonks who was kicked out of the Black family for marrying a muggleborn. To be quite honest, she was the best of us and refused to help me in any way after learning of my betrayal of you. She, her husband, and her daughter are good and honest people. They are the type of people you need around you so my request is that you bring her back into the family. It will automatically include her daughter and will provide you with a supportive family to help you in life.

The title of Lord Black came with one stipulation. It was an old marriage contract between the House of Black and that of Greengrass. I have heard that you are close to Cyrus' eldest daughter and I left the contract in place but with a few changes.

I don't know what you know about marriage contracts and again I blame myself for your lack of knowledge but they are permanently binding and will transfer over even if the family is absorbed. I will leave this decision up to you but she and Miss Jones would be a strong force to help you in changing the world. Anyway, what I did was sacrifice my magic to change the terms of the contract. In the original contract, you had no choice in the matter but now you do without causing any of the normal penalties. Don't feel guilty about me giving up my magic to help you as I already owe you my life several times over and it is my job to provide you with the best possible choices for your life. This is the real reason behind by trip through the Veil. I apparated to Gringotts and did what needed to be done before writing this letter. My plan is to use the last of my magic to apparate into the Death Chamber and step through the Veil.

I'm sorry I couldn't be the man you needed in your life and wish you the best. Never doubt that I didn't love you. I just couldn't get my act together enough to be strong enough to be who I needed to be.

Sirius

Harry looked up from the letter with a blank expression on his face. The Goblins gave him a minute to collect himself before asking what he would like to do next. Harry looked up and said "Griphook, I hate to ask but could you retrieve the Black family engagement ring?"

Ironfist asked "You're going to enact the contract?"

"No, I'm going to ask Daphne what she wants. The ring is just if she decides that is what she wants and Megan approves."

"What about the House of Black?"

Harry stood and said "I, the Lord Black, hereby cast Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa Malfoy, and Draco Malfoy out of the House of Black and forever bar their return. So Mote it Be."

There was a flash of magic as the magic took effect. He then turned and asked "I've never met the Tonks family so would I be able to bring them into my family at a later time?"

"Of course Milord."

Harry nodded. "I, Lord Harrison James Peverell, do hereby absorb the House of Black into my family and declare the line extinct. So Mote It Be."

A flash of light accompanied the statement and the Black file disappeared only to make the Peverell files grow even larger. Harry then turned to Ragnok "I want every Knut returned to my family from anyone who has chosen to steal from us. I also claim the personal vault of Bellatrix Lestrange as she opened it when she was a member of my family. Once this is done, have a team go in and retrieve Hufflepuff's cup from the vault and bring it to me. It is embedded with dark magic and should not be touched."

"Yes Milord. At once."

Ragnok snapped his fingers and several Goblins appeared. He gave them instruction and they ran off quickly. Once they were gone, Harry turned to Ironfist and asked "So, what do you know of horcruxes?"