Arrow: Hey guys! Here is the second chapter of Heiress Apparent. We are going to meet some very influential characters in Jadelyn's life. I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot, the characters I created and the changes to Rowling's characters.
Warning: Same as the first chapter, if you can't remember, go back and look.
Chapter Two
Welcome Jadelyn
Emerald eyes opened and stared at the marble ceiling. Sitting up carefully, the owner of said eyes squinted at the world as it blurred and faded in and out of existence.
"I suggest, Miss Pendran, that you receive a corrective surgery for your eyes. It would make your life a bit easier as you would not have to remember your glasses." The owner of the emerald eyes squinted at the speaker.
"Griphook, is that you?"
"Yes, Miss Pendran."
"Since you are calling me 'Miss Pendran' may I assume that the potion worked?" New voices spoke in unison, higher in pitch than any Goblin voice.
"Yes'm, Milady Pendran!" Startled, she squinted and could make out the silhouettes of seven house elves, all but one wearing some kind of uniform.
"Griphook?"
"Be at peace, my lady. I took the liberty of informing the head house elves of your inheritances and of the decisions you made regarding your name. The elf on your far right was particularly pleased." It was the elf without a uniform and his name suddenly clicked.
"Kreacher, is that you?" The elderly elf clapped in happiness, a slightly disturbing sight.
"Oh yes, Mistress! Kreacher is so happy to be serving you! You protected Kreacher from his previous master and the Granger girl! She wanted to free Kreacher against his will. Oh, Kreacher is so happy!" Jadelyn smiled at the elderly elf.
"I am glad to hear it, Kreacher." She turned to the rest of the elves. "I would ask you for your names and which of my ancestors you served, but I cannot do that until I am able to put names with faces. Would it be possible to get corrective surgery, before I ask who you are?" The elves were beside themselves. Their new mistress was polite and practical! Oh, this was a happy day. One of the elves came forward and took Jadelyn's hand.
"Of course, Milady Pendran. Please, allow us to escort you to the store where your eyesight will be fixed." Jadelyn smiled.
"Thank you." Griphook spoke.
"Before you go, Miss Pendran, I would like to inform you of your financial status at this time." Jadelyn nodded in consent. "All the funds that were given to you by your ancestors have been placed into six separate vaults. Your monetary worth is 8,446,871,896 Galleons, 12 Sickles and 8 Knuts (AN: 85 trillion, 60 billion dollars). This total does not include the trust vault you were given by the Potters to help you pay for school supplies and treats; that is in a separate vault. You are currently the richest person alive in both the Muggle and the Wizarding Worlds. I would suggest getting a Gringotts card. This card would allow you to charge things to your account instead of needing to get money out of a vault. It cannot be used by anyone except the cardholder." Kreacher stepped up next to his new mistress.
"I think you should get the card, mistress." All the other elves agreed. Jadelyn smiled at her elves; they blushed with pride.
"Then I shall take a card. Does it work in both worlds?"
"Yes, Miss Pendran. No need to exchange currencies. I have the documents here. On this you would need to sign your full name." Jadelyn had the elf holding her hand place it on the dotted line she needed to sign and soon the paper said Jadelyn Catalina Merlina Le Fay Peverell Slytherin d'Medici Pendran. "Very good, here is your card." He handed her the card and she kept it close. "After you are done with the eye specialist and learn your new elves' names, I would like you to return to the bank and we will finish the emancipation process."
"Then I will see you soon, Griphook. It was a pleasure to do business with you." Griphook smiled and bowed at the young woman.
"I will see you soon, Milady Pendran."
Jadelyn was led through Diagon Alley to modest storefront by the elves; when they arrived, she was gently led inside by the elf that had yet to let go of her hand since the bank. Jadelyn called for the specialized Mediwizard.
"Hello?"
"Why, hello, dear, oh! And the loyal elves! How might I be of assistance to you today?" Jadelyn could make out the rounded shape of the speaker and the voice led her to believe that it was a witch speaking.
"I am in need of corrective eye surgery. I believe I am in the right place." The plump blob bounced and took Jadelyn's hand.
"Of course you are! Just follow me dear, carefully now, and I will fix those beautiful eyes of yours. Oh, such a pretty color!" Jadelyn heard Kreacher mutter at the overexcited witch.
Jadelyn was lead to the back of the room and placed in a chair that leaned back until the young woman was horizontal and parallel to the floor below her.
"Now, you just relax, dear. This won't hurt, but it will be uncomfortable. You will feel pressure behind your eyes as the spell repairs the optical nerves." Jadelyn shifted uncomfortably; she was having second thoughts but she so desperately wanted to see! A house elf, younger than the one who had been walking beside her in the Alley, came up to the chair.
"I will stay here, Milady." Jadelyn smiled at the young elf.
"Thank you."
"All right, dear. I am about to start, so get ready!" Jadelyn took a deep breath and then released it.
"I am ready." The spell began.
The witch was right, the spell didn't hurt, but that didn't mean that it was a pleasant feeling. The pressure didn't let up for at least an hour! Jadelyn was grimacing and telling herself over and over again in her head that the discomfort would be worth it.
"All finished, dear. Now, I am going to use a different spell to remove the grittiness and dryness from your eyes. This should only take a second." It didn't take a second, it took three, but hey, who was counting? "There, done. Now you can open your eyes and look around you!" Jadelyn counted to three and opened her eyes.
The world was beautiful. The colors, the lines, the contrasts between objects, oh, it was perfect! After so long of not being able to see anything, she could see the world the way she was meant to. She loved it.
"It is wonderful! Thank you!"
"Oh it was no trouble, dear."
"Mistress," came a small voice. "Can you see us?" Jadelyn looked to her left and saw a line of seven house elves. Kreacher stood in the center, a point of familiarity and reference. A female elf that carried herself with poise and grace was to Kreacher's left; next to her stood a proud male elf who was delighted to be looked at; to Kreacher's immediate left was a shy elf who blushed when Jadelyn's gaze got to her. On Kreacher's immediate right was male elf who was the mirror to the female on Kreacher's immediate left; next was another male elf who looked stern, but had a kindness about him that was endearing; the last elf was taller than most, with a matronly air about her and an apparent no-nonsense attitude. Jadelyn smiled at them all.
"Yes, I can see you. Would you all tell me your names?" The first elf stepped forward.
"I am Tia, Milady. I am the Head Elf of the House of Potter." The introductions continued down the line.
"I am Leon, Mistress. I am the Head Elf of the House of Peverell."
"I am Helena, my Lady. I am the Head Elf of the House of Le Fay."
"I am Kreacher, Mistress. I am the Head Elf of the House of Black."
"I am Joshua, Milady. I am the Head Elf of the House of Slytherin."
"I am Artorious. I am the Head Elf of the House of Merlin."
"I am Carolina. I am the Head Elf of the House of d'Medici." Then they all bowed.
"We are honored to be serving you, Milady Pendran!" they chorused. Jadelyn smiled at them and nodded.
"I am happy to have such wonderful elves to rely on." Their chests puffed with importance. "Thank you again, Mediwitch. How much do I owe you for the procedure?" The Mediwitch didn't hear her. "Ma'am?"
"Oh, sorry about that, dear. The cost is 2 Galleons (AN: $20.15; I know that it isn't realistic, but this is fiction, you know)." Jadelyn held out her bankcard and the witch cast the charging spell, removing 2 Galleons from Jadelyn's trust vault and placing them into the store's account. With the procedure done, Jadelyn and the seven elves made their way back to Gringotts to see Griphook. They were almost there when Jadelyn's phone rang. She gasped; she had completely forgotten about Aunt Petunia and Dudley! She pulled the phone out of her pants pocket – realizing absently that the clothes had been shrunk to fit her – and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Harry James Potter, where are you!"
"Aunt Petunia, something has happened, but to explain it you and Dudley would need to come to the Wizarding World."
" . . ."
"I know that it sounds crazy, but it's not something I can tell you without showing you proof."
" . . . Oh, all right, dear. How do we get there?"
"Just wait where you are. I will send someone to get you."
"Promise me that you are all right." Jadelyn smiled softly.
"I promise, Aunt Petunia." They hung up. Jadelyn looked at her elves and made a quick decision. "Carolina, I need you to go to the Leaky Cauldron and have the barkeeper bring my aunt and my cousin into the pub. Once they are there I need you to bring them to Gringotts. Is that okay?" Carolina smiled at her mistress, happy to have such a task.
"Of course, Milady. We will be there shortly." She popped away and the others continued the trek to the bank. Griphook met them at the doors.
"Griphook, I have sent Carolina to fetch my aunt and my cousin." Griphook's brow rose in surprise.
"I was under the impression that you did not care for them, Milady." Jadelyn smiled.
"Well, they have changed their treatment of me since my uncle died. Now that they do not have to fear his temper, they treat me with kindness."
"Very well, Milady." There was a resounding pop and Carolina appeared with Petunia and Dudley in tow.
"Here they are, Mistress Jadelyn." Petunia and Dudley looked at the girl with suspicion that turned to shock as they took in their surroundings.
"Aunt Petunia, Dudley, I know that there is a lot to take in, but I promise that everything we tell you is the truth." Dudley faced her voice.
"Harry, is that you?" She nodded with a smile. "Bloody hell, what happened to you?" Griphook spoke up.
"If I may, there is much to be discussed and it would be better to discuss it in my office, rather than the main hall of the bank. If you would follow me . . ." he turned and led the way to his office. Dudley started to follow and Jadelyn took Petunia's arm to lead her to the office, as the woman was having difficulty closing her mouth.
Once they arrived at the office, Griphook summoned chairs for the humans and called for refreshments to be brought. Jadelyn sat her aunt down in a chair at a slight diagonal from Griphook and Dudley took the seat to the left of his mother. Jadelyn sat down in the chair to Petunia's right and her house elves arranged themselves with Artorious at her right and the others around the chair. Refreshments arrived and Tia served tea and cookies to the silent Muggles, Kreacher served pumpkin juice and treacle to his mistress and Griphook served himself some Firewhisky. He had a feeling that he was going to need it after this interview.
"Now then, to business. Mrs. Dursley, the young woman you see before you is not the child of your sister, although she was Harry Potter. Mr. and Mrs. Potter adopted young Harry only hours after he was born, but they were deceived. Albus Dumbledore, the man who left him on your doorstep, killed Harry's real parents. This was discovered today, when Harry received the wills of all his ancestors. There was also a letter from his biological mother. The letter revealed the circumstances of his parents' death and the fact that Harry James Potter is Jadelyn Catalina Merlina Le Fay Peverell Slytherin d'Medici Pendran. Milady Pendran is the heiress to many fortunes and is currently the richest woman in both the Wizarding and Muggle Worlds. She also has the most influence in the government and could take over the Ministry if she chose to do so. Are there any questions?" Petunia, who had gotten over the majority of her shock by this point, cleared her throat.
"Yes, what does any of this have to do with my son and I?" She turned to Jadelyn. "I am happy that you chose to share this with us, darling, but why bring us here?" Jadelyn blushed.
"I knew that it would be hard to accept if I walked out to meet you as a girl. I thought it would be easier to accept if we were in the Wizarding World." Petunia smiled at her.
"What do you plan to do now?"
"I am getting emancipated. I would be seen as an adult by the Wizarding government and Dumbledore would have no control over my life any longer. Aunt Petunia, the Headmaster has been stealing from me! I will not stand for it, so I am preventing it from happening again."
"I see, dear. I hope that we will still be able to see you on a semi-regular basis."
"I will send letters and visit for Christmas. Maybe we can arrange a summer where you will stay with me?" Dudley spoke up.
"That would be so cool! I can't wait, Harry, I mean! You're name is Jadelyn, right? Sorry about that." Jadelyn laughed at her cousin.
"Don't worry, Dudley." Petunia stood.
"We need to get home and you need to finish your business. You are free to visit at any time, darling."
"Thank you so much, Aunt Petunia. I will miss you both. Joshua, would you take my aunt and cousin back to the Leaky Cauldron so that they can go home?"
"Of course, my Lady." The family said their goodbyes and Joshua popped them back to the pub. When he left, Griphook spoke.
"That reminds me, Miss Pendran. The money that Albus Dumbledore has taken from your vaults has been placed in your trust vault, with interest. If I may, could I explain the bankcard and your accounts further?"
"Please do, Griphook."
"The card is charmed to take money from your trust vault first. Only when that runs out will the money from the other vaults be touched. The profits from your businesses will be placed in the other six vaults and all of the vaults, except your trust vault, have a 3% interest rate, to be compounded every month.
"If you wish, I will have the heirlooms and objects that you are allowed to take brought here. You will have a chance to look through them and decide which ones to take."
"That is a good idea, but I think that it would be prudent to decide where I am going to be living before I decide what heirlooms to take with me. Artorious," the elf stepped forward.
"Yes, Milady?"
"Which residence should I take for the time being? I would go abroad, but I still have two years of Hogwarts to go." The elf thought and then consulted with the other elves. When they all reached a consensus, the proud elf returned to his mistress.
"We agree that it would be best for you to reside near London; it makes it easier to adjust to your new status. Our suggestion would be to reside in either 12 Grimmauld Place or Peverell Manor." Jadelyn considered her options. The elves' reasoning was sound, but she wasn't sure about staying at Grimmauld Place. It was still too soon after Sirius' death.
"I believe that I will take up residence in Peverell Manor. I am not ready to face Sirius' home just yet." Griphook spoke next.
"Very good, Milady. I will retrieve the heirlooms and diaries mentioned whilst you wait here; is this acceptable?" Jadelyn waved her hand in acknowledgment, her thoughts distracted. Helena spoke with Tia and Carolina before approaching her mistress's left side.
"Mistress, before you take up residence, we believe that it would be best to acquire an appropriate wardrobe. A full one with everyday clothes, formal clothes, sleep clothes, shoes and accessories is necessary for a Lady." Leon spoke next.
"I know that jewelry will be provided. Jewelry is part of the heirlooms that you will receive, my Lady. Helena is right. You are the greatest lady in the realm and you should dress the part if you are to take the world by storm." Jadelyn smiled at her elves.
"That is a good idea. I think I can spare a few Galleons to buy a grand wardrobe. Where should we go shopping? I must confess that Muggle clothes are more comfortable and fashionable than Wizard clothes." Carolina smiled indulgently at her and Joshua spoke up.
"I would suggest shopping in either France or Italy. They are the two fashion centers of the world after all." The group laughed.
"Milady," said Tia. "I hope you don't mind, but you should lengthen your hair. The shape of your face is not flattered by short hair." Jadelyn raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure that you just don't want more hair to play with?" Tia blushed.
"That may have something to do with it, but I am not lying about the shape of your face, Milady! Your hair should be longer." Before anyone could comment on the good-natured argument, Griphook entered levitating sixteen trunks. Jadelyn's eyes were wide with disbelief.
"Griphook, surely I was not left sixteen trunks!"
"Actually, you were left even more. These contain the objects that you are allowed access to at the moment. There are two trunks for each will and then two trunks from your mother's letter. Shall I have these sent to Peverell Manor?" Jadelyn looked at four of her elves.
"Artorious, Joshua, Kreacher, Leon, would it be possible for the four of you to take these to the Manor while Carolina, Tia, Helena, and I go shopping for that wardrobe we spoke of?" The male elves seemed relieved at the prospect of skipping out on a shopping trip. Artorious answered for the group.
"Yes, Miss Pendran! We shall also have the Manor in perfect living condition by the time you and the girls return from shopping." The male elves popped away with the trunks and Jadelyn turned to the Goblin.
"Is there anything else I must do to be considered legally emancipated?" Griphook gave a feral grin.
"You need only sign your full legal name on this document and you will officially be free of the Headmaster's influence, Milady Pendran." He held out an official parchment scroll. "Also, once you sign this, you will take control of the Ladyships that have been yours since birth." Jadelyn smirked, took the quill, and signed the documents with a flourish. "Congratulations, you are now a legal adult and Lady Potter, Lady Black and Lady Pendran, the heir of Slytherin, d'Medici, Le Fay, Peverell, and Merlin." He bowed to the young woman. "I look forward to continuing to serve you should you need any legal or financial assistance or advice, Milady."
"I thank you, Griphook, and I will always count on you for counsel in both of those areas. I look forward to continuing my patronage of your services." Griphook smiled kindly.
"Very prettily put, Milady." She smiled back at him.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this Ladyship thing. It was a pleasure doing business with you today, Griphook."
"The pleasure is mine, Lady Pendran." She nodded and left the bank before turning to her elves.
"Where should we go shopping?" They quickly held council before Carolina spoke.
"Italy, my Lady. It is much more your style than France would be." Jadelyn nodded in appreciation.
"I assume we are going to Florence, then?" They nodded. "What are we waiting for?" Carolina smiled and took her mistress's hand. There was a soft pop and they were gone.
Jadelyn opened her eyes and saw the quiet streets of early morning Florence, Italy. She could easily tell why the d'Medici family loved it so much. There was a tug on her hand and Tia's voice was heard in the air.
"Milady? Are you ready to start shopping?" Jadelyn looked at her elves and smiled.
"Should we get my hair fixed first, Tia?" They laughed and Helena spoke next.
"That would be best, Mistress. Then we could see an almost complete ensemble when you try on the clothes." Jadelyn nodded in acquiescence and the group went off to find a hair stylist that was open.
Marta Belloni didn't expect to have any business so early in the morning, but she did. She didn't expect her business to be one of the most exquisite young women she had ever seen, but it was. She didn't expect said young woman to be the last descendent of the d'Medici family, but she was.
"Hello, dear, what can I do for you this morning?" The young raven haired woman smiled at her.
"I received my inheritance today after it was withheld from me after my parents died. My elves have decided that I need a change in style and in wardrobe." Marta smiled at the girl.
"Well, you have come to the right place! Tell me, what is your name?"
"Jadelyn Pendran." Marta frowned.
"That name sounds so familiar. I know that it was used in a marriage announcement, oh, probably eighteen years ago." One of the elves stepped forward.
"My mistress is the last remaining descendent of the d'Medici family. The marriage announcement was between Katerina Ethans, the great-great-great granddaughter of Felicia d'Medici and Dante Slytherin, and Aaron Pendran, the last descendent of King Arthur Pendragon." Marta almost fainted. The last d'Medici was here, in her shop!
"It is an honor, Miss Pendran, to have you in my shop. What were you looking to do with your hair, Milady?" Jadelyn sighed at the elf that had spoken before turning her attention back to Marta.
"I was looking to lengthen it. Tia, would you please tell her what you wish for my hair?" The young woman whispered conspiratorially to the shopkeeper, "Tia is the one who suggested we do something with my hair. Personally, I think she just likes to play with hair and wants me to have something she can design into masterpieces!" Marta giggled and Tia blushed before speaking to Belloni.
"I was thinking somewhere around mid-back. The longer her hair is, the more options I have for formal occasions." Marta nodded and got to work on the raven locks.
By the time Marta was finished, Jadelyn had beautifully curled hair that fell in gentle waves to the middle of her back and framed her face. Jadelyn had to admit that her hair was pretty. The black locks were so dark that they glinted blue in the sunlight and soft as the down on an owl's wing. Marta Belloni clapped her hands when she was finished.
"Oh, Milady! You have such fine hair; it is a joy to work with! Please, come back whenever you need something done with your hair."
"I think that I will. I am very happy with the result. Thank you, Mistress Belloni. Tell me, how much do I owe you for your services?"
"3 Galleons, 8 Sickles, and 26 Knuts (AN: $35.50), Milady." After charging the card and bidding Marta Belloni a good day, Jadelyn stepped out with her elves.
"Carolina, you know the city very well, where should we go next?"
"There is a wonderful clothes boutique that would be perfect, but we will need to go somewhere else for shoes and accessories." Tia was confused.
"I thought that there were accessories in those trunks."
"Jewelry yes, but purses, gloves, hats, scarves and the like we will have to buy today." Jadelyn nodded in acceptance.
"What is this boutique called?"
"Dimora da Bellazza (AN: Home of Loveliness)."
When they reached the boutique, Jadelyn was surprised to find a man running the store. He was smiling and singing under his breath, without a care in the world. Jadelyn stepped forward.
"Hello, sir?" He turned and his smile grew wider.
"Ciao (AN: Hello)! Benvenuti nel negozio di mia madre! Welcome to my mother's shop, my dear! My name is Peppi Alfero. How may I be of assistance today."
"I am in need of a completely new wardrobe and I do stress completely new. I am starting from scratch. Are you up to the challenge, Mr. Alfero?"
"But of course! Follow me, Milady, and we will get you the necessary clothes." She followed him into the bright shop and was overwhelmed by the sea of fabric that nearly consumed her. "Come, come, pretty one! Why don't you have two of your elves pick out articles that a man has no business seeing whilst you, I and the remaining elf choose the beginnings of your new wardrobe!" Jadelyn did as he suggested and sent Tia and Helena off for lingerie and other items while she and Carolina followed him to the other end of the shop.
She had never realized how exhausting shopping actually was. Carolina and the others had a field day when she gave them free reign on the color choices. Mr. Alfero was a photographer who wanted to take pictures of her; he was trying to become a model photography director and used his mother's customers for practice. After four hours in the shop, he had pictures of her entire new wardrobe except the lingerie and nightclothes.
In actuality, Jadelyn had two wardrobes: one for everyday wear and the other for formal occasions. The first outfit of her everyday wear was a collared emerald button-up shirt paired with a knee-length pleated black skirt that spun when she did. The second was khaki slacks paired with a sky blue shirt with magenta flowers along the side of the shirt. The third outfit was a long-sleeved black turtleneck underneath a silver tank top paired with simple dark wash jeans. Fourth came a royal purple tunic with a daffodil yellow sash around the middle paired with a matching daffodil yellow skirt. The fifth was a red halter style dress with a beaded black sash and black embroidery. Sixth came a long-sleeved silk top over white denim Capri pants; seventh was white knit sweater over a sunshine yellow spaghetti strap top and chocolate brown Bermuda shorts. The eighth outfit was a white Oxford shirt with black vine embroidery with a black skirt over blood red leggings; ninth was a grey, fitted, crew neck shirt over light wash jeans; and finally, there was a burnt orange knit sweater over a sapphire day dress with a white bejeweled sash around the waist.
The formal wardrobe was much smaller and consisted of a blue corset gown, with a black corset and silver lacings; a black corset gown with green lacings; a royal purple a-line gown; and a fitted aquamarine gown. All the purchases were shrunk and placed into a pouch that Carolina carried with her.
Three hours and 546 Galleons and 3 Sickles (AN: $5,500) later, the pouch was filled with the clothes and accessories that were completing Jadelyn's wardrobe. There were shoes for every outfit, gloves, scarves, headbands, hats, a black trench coat to wear over the outfits, and enough make-up to paint the faces of a thousand women.
"Would you like to shop for anything else, Milady?" Tia looked at her mistress curiously.
"Oh, Tia, I don't think you could pay me to set foot in another store at the moment. I am exhausted!" Carolina chuckled.
"To Peverell Manor then, my Lady?"
"Yes, please. I think I shall just go to bed after we put everything away. I will go through the heirlooms tomorrow." The elves nodded and took her to the Manor.
Peverell Manor was magnificent, but all Jadelyn wanted to do was sleep. The elves put away all the clothes and Helena had the task of putting an exhausted Jadelyn into a fitted white nightgown, hanging the sheer robe on the bedpost.
The last thing Jadelyn heard as she fell into bed, curled under the covers and started to fall asleep was the elves chorusing:
"Welcome home, Mistress Jadelyn."
Arrow: Drop me a review and let me know what you think. To all who reviewed the last chapter, thank you so much! I hope this chapter meets your standards.