Harry slowly came awake, trying to remember what happened, "Dad".
Opening his eyes when he didn't get a response he looked around and saw his dad sitting on a chair next to where he was laying, he was staring at the wall with an expression of worry on his face, "Dad?"
Slowly sitting up he leaned forward and placed his hand on his dad's arm and shook it a little bit, "Dad, are you okay?"
Severus focused back in when he felt a small hand land on his arm, looking up he saw Harrison sitting up on the cot the goblins had brought into the office looking at him with a concerned look on his face. "Harrison you are awake! Are you okay?" he rushed to ask.
"I'm okay, but you were just staring at the wall and not responding when I tried to get your attention," Harry said as he nervously looked down at where he was touching Severus' arm. "A-are, is, umm…"
"Hey, everything is okay," Severus said as he gently placed a finger under Harry's chin and lifted it so his eyes would meet his own. "I am sorry for worrying you, I was just worried when you fainted and we couldn't bring you around. The Healer said that magic was working through you and you were sleeping and all we could do was wait for you to wake up. I was trying to distract myself from my worry by thinking about the next steps. I don't want to overwhelm you any more than you already are, but there are many things that we need to still do before the school term starts."
"Oh, okay, that makes sense, I'm sorry I worried you, but I am okay. Is there anything I can do to help?" Harry asked as he stood up and took a step forward so he could lean into his dad seeking a small form of comfort.
Severus smiled as he pulled Harrison close to him, "you are already doing it by being patient, understanding, and caring. You are being so strong and I am proud of you."
Harry blushed slightly and buried his head into Severus' neck and he tried to hide his happy smile.
Severus rubbed Harry's back as he held him close "are you okay? Once you accepted your place as Crown Prince you fainted, I was luckily able to catch you but you wouldn't wake up, I was worried".
"Yes, I'm fine. Apparently, when the previous King arranged to be able to pass on the Crown to someone who met the correct criteria they included in the magic a way for the King to pass on knowledge. I met with the King and he explained some of what was happening. He said he could only explain so much because until I reached my majority and claimed the actual Crown my magic could not handle all of the information" Harry explained in a rush.
A throat clearing brought both of their attention to the goblins in the room. "I apologize for interrupting as I understand how overwhelming this can all be, but did you say the King explained how it is you were able to claim the title of Crown Prince?" asked Ragnock.
Harry pulled himself away enough to look at the Goblins and nodded, "Yes, he explained that the Goblins crafted a ritual that would guide the magic of the Crown to choose someone that the magic of the Emrys line had chosen and that also was descended from the Peverell line. He also said that it was supposed to pick someone that would be able to protect and guide the people of Magical Great Britain".
"Hmm I see, did he provide any other information that you are able to share" enquired Ragnock.
"He explained a bit about what you as my Regent would do. He recommended that I ask if you can provide information on the Emrys and Peverell lines. I also wanted to know if you have anything on the history of the previous Kings, like what they did for Magical Great Britain." Harry chewed on his lower lip a moment thinking. "Oh! He also said that my account manager and you would need to take an Oath of Office and that after that Griphook could then order an audit of the Emrys vault and castle. He said there should be journals and other items in the vault that will help to educate me and that some of them I won't be able to access until I am King" he explained.
The Goblins looked at each other before Griphook spoke up "based on what you just said is it then your intention that I will be your royal account manager?"
"Yes, if that is okay?" hesitantly said Harry.
Griphook looked at Ragnock before nodding his head "that is fine. Do you want me to be the head of all of your accounts or just the Emrys and Peverell accounts?"
"Oh, umm I just assume all of them and that you would have assistants or something. Is that not how it works?" he asked.
Ragnock spoke up "that is fine Your Highness, we will just have to identify who the assistants will be, after the audits have been completed we may be able to utilize some of the current account managers or will move some of the current assistants to your accounts. But that isn't something that can be taken care of once the audits are completed. Griphook and I will swear our Oaths of Office if that is amenable to you."
Harry looked at Severus unsure of what the correct response should be. Severus smiled and gently ran his hand down his son's back. "The sooner they swear their Oaths the sooner things can get done. This will also protect you and them as the Oaths will prevent anyone from being able to tamper with your or their minds."
Harry nodded in understanding before looking back to the Goblins "then that should happen as soon as possible."
Ragnock stepped forward and placing his right hand in a fist over his left breast spoke his Oath, "I Ragnock Firestarter of the clan Gringotts accept the appointment of Regent to the Crown Prince of Magical Great Britain, of the house of Emrys, house of Peverell, house of Slytherin, house of Gryffindor, house of Prince, and the house of Potter. I swear to uphold the Oaths of this Office and to uphold the values and decrees of Crown Prince Harrison James Potter-Snape. So I swear it, so mote it be" he finished with a short bow in the direction of Harry.
Harry not understanding why but feeling as if he needed to say something, pulled away from his dad before nodding to Ragnock "I, Crown Prince Harrison James Potter-Snape, do so accept Ragnock Firestarter of the clan Gringotts Oath of Office as Regent of the Crown. So mote it be." As soon as the last word left his lips both Ragnock and Harry began to glow and after a moment the light seemed to settle into their skin before disappearing.
Griphook then stepped forward in the same manner as Ragnock before him "I Griphook Elderward of the clan Gringotts accept the appointment of Royal Accounts Manager to the Crown Prince of Magical Great Britain, of the house of Emrys, house of Peverell, house of Slytherin, house of Gryffindor, house of Prince, and the house of Potter. I swear to uphold the Oaths of this Office, to safeguard the vaults, assets, and properties of the Crown Prince Harrison James Potter-Snape. I swear to work in accordance with the goals stated by the Crown Prince and enforced by his appointed Regent. So I swear it, so mote it be" with a bow in the direction of Harry.
Harry, again feeling the urge to speak nodded to Griphook "I, Crown Prince Harrison James Potter-Snape, do so accept Griphook Elderward of the clan Gringotts Oath of Office as Royal Accounts Manager of the Crown and all subsequent houses. So mote it be." As had happened with the previous Oath, Harry and Griphook both began to glow before it slowly faded away.
Ragnock cleared his throat "both Oaths have been completed, now unless anyone has an objection, I think we should take a short break for tea and then we can resume."
Severus nodded, "yes, I think that is a good idea."
"Very good, then I will have tea brought here, for you to enjoy, we will return in 1 hour. There are facilities through that door" Ragnock pointed to an unobtrusive door in the back corner. "Please feel free to make use of them, if you require anything before we return simply ask the guard that will remain outside of the door."
Harry smiled "thank you."
Rangock and Griphook exited through the door into the hallway while a table with tea, small sandwiches, fruit, and biscuits was brought in. The door closed behind the guard leaving Severus and Harry alone.
"Go wash up and then get something to eat Harrison" Severus nodded towards the facilities door in the corner. Harry nodded as he went to the door and entered, closing it behind him. Severus rubbed his hands over his face letting out a deep breath. Standing up he dropped his hands and moved over to get some tea and food. Sitting back down at the table just as Harry entered the room. "I think I will also make use of the facilities; I will be right back".
Harry moved over to the table and fixed himself some tea, placed a small sandwich on his plate with some fruit, and moved over to his chair. He couldn't believe all that had happened in the space of two days. If he didn't know any better he'd think he was dreaming about one of those fantasy tv shows Dudley watched when Uncle Vernon was at work and Aunt Petunia was outside gossiping with the neighbors. It all just seemed so strange and fantastic and scary. He was a Prince! Him! The boy was treated more as a servant or slave than anything by his so-called family. Who now has a dad and never has to step foot on Privet Drive again! His head was swimming with so much information, and yet he knew there was still more to come. He just hoped he could absorb everything he needed to before school started as he didn't want to let his dad down.
"Harrison are you okay?" he heard his dad ask. Looking up from where he was staring at his food he found his dad sitting next to him and looking at him in concern.
"I'm okay, sorry I was just trying to come to terms with this actually being real."
"It is completely understandable that you are overwhelmed. I am an adult and even I feel overwhelmed by all of this. But I will tell you that no matter what we have to deal with I am so happy that I am your father" Severus said as he reached out to gently squeeze his son's shoulder. "We will get through this, together."
Harry smiled, "I know."
"Good, then eat your food and drink some tea, we have about 40 minutes before Ragnock and Griphook will return." So saying he set an example by tucking into his food.
An hour had passed in a pleasant silence as both man and boy enjoyed their food. While Severus had offered to answer any questions Harry had, Harry decided he just wanted to enjoy the silence for a while and not have to learn any more new information until the Goblins returned.
Ragnock and Griphook stepped back into the room and noted that the occupants appeared to have eaten and were relaxing in their chairs. "I hope you enjoyed your tea and break. As it is now just gone 4 PM and we have more to get through we should continue on," said Ragnock as he drew their attention. "Prince Potter-Snape you stated prior to claiming your titles that you wished to have the wills of James and Lily Potter read. Is that still your wish?"
"Yes please, I'd like to know if it says why I was placed with Aunt Petunia and not my dad" Harry rushed out quickly.
"Very well, typically when a will reading is given all of those that are named in the will are summoned to the formal reading of the will. However, since the will was, in all rights, illegally sealed by the Ministry you can opt to have it read now and then a second, more formal reading done with all participants involved at a later date" explained Ragnock.
Harry looked at Severus with a small frown on his face "umm I think it should be just us for now, right?" he asked as if uncertain if he was allowed to make that choice.
Severus hugged his son close to his side and nodded to Harry "it is up to you Harrison, but yes, I agree that the second option Ragnock offered is the better choice, especially if Albus is one of those listed in the will".
Blowing out a calming breath Harry looks to the goblins "then, yes, just us for now, please".
"Very well," Ragnock said as he pulled out a roll of parchment from a box Harry hadn't noticed before. Taking out a jeweled knife he broke the seal, unrolled the parchment, and began to read.
Last Will and Testament of James Fleamont Potter & Lilly Ann Evans-Potter We, James Fleamont Potter and Lilly Ann Evans-Potter do declare this to be our Last Will and Testament, let all other documents claiming to be our Last Will be banished to the Potter Account Manager, and if any are found to be illegal to be turned over to the Head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement. We recognize no other Wills or legal documents outside of this one, so we say it, so mote it be. If we died at the hands of the one known as the Dark Lord Voldemort or one of his Death Eaters while ensconced within our Fidelus Charm-protected home in Godric's Hollow let it be known that Peter Pettigrew was our Secret Keeper. Sirius Black was a decoy and at no point was he ever our Secret Keeper. To Sirius Black, we leave all of James' journals bar the one labeled specifically for our son Harrison. Please look after yourself Padfoot and know that you were like a brother to me (James) and that I hope you will understand in time and forgive me for not telling you the truth. To Remus Lupin, we leave you 50,000 galleons. Please use the money to take care of yourself Moony. You deserve so much more than you have gotten in your life. Stand up for yourself and realize that just because someone does something nice for you and makes you feel as if you owe them it doesn't actually mean they are nice or that you owe them a thing. To Andromeda Tonks, we leave you 50,000 galleons. Thank you Andi for always being there for me (Lilly) when I felt like a lost muggle-born amongst the lions and the snakes. Please do what you can to watch over Harrison and if his Guardian needs help I hope you'll offer him aid. To Ragnock Firestarter, Head Manager of Gringotts of Great Britain, please have Harrison or his Guardian go to the back right corner of the main Potter vault, there they will find a trunk under some protections. In it, there will be a number of items we've come across over the years that we believe belong to the Goblin Nation. We return them as they should have never been removed. There is also a folder within the trunk that provides some information you may find enlightening. To Harrison, we leave everything outside of those monies and items listed above. Harrison, we love you and are so sorry for leaving you. As we do not know how old you currently are as of this reading we hope that you are able to forgive us in time. To Severus, we leave you, Harrison. I (Lily) know you may not understand at this point but there is a letter that I have left for you that explains everything. You were always my best friend Sev but I had to distance myself from you when you started down a very dangerous path. I'm sorry that hurt you and that I couldn't tell you why. We didn't want what you will read about in the letter from you to purposely hurt you, we had no choice. I hope you will forgive me (us) for not letting you know about Harrison and your rightful place in his life. To Albus Dumbledore, we leave nothing. If there are any transactions being made from any of the Potter-affiliated vaults or properties to Albus Dumbledore, to the Order of the Pheonix, or any variation of that name, they are hereby canceled. Albus, we once trusted you as a child to a grandfather would, but you are not the kindly grandfather everyone thinks you are. We only hope that the Wizarding World learns the truth before it is too late. Lastly, in the case that Severus is unable to care for Harrison, he is to go to Andromeda Tonks. If she is not willing or able then Sirius Black as his sworn Godfather or a member of the Longbottom family is our chosen alternative guardian. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE is Harrison to EVER be placed with my (Lily) sister Petunia Dursley nee Evans. She hates magic and all it entails and would sooner abuse our son than care for him. If he is placed with her or her family whom so ever placed her with them is to be investigated and brought up on charges. So concludes the Last Will and Testament of James Fleamont Potter and Lilly Ann Evans-Potter.Ragnock cleared his throat "do you have any questions about the contents of the Will?" he asked as he rerolled the parchment and placed it back into the protective tube it had been in.
Severus looks at Harrison and sees the tears in his eyes he is fighting not to shed "I think we need a few minutes, if you don't mind, to gather our thoughts before we discuss any questions we may have." Looking at Griphook he asks "is there a private room we can borrow for a few minutes?"
Griphook looks to Ragnock and upon receiving a nod replies, "we will leave the room for a few minutes so that you may have some privacy." Severus begins to interrupt when Griphook holds up his hand in a stopping motion. "We need to have the items listed in the Will gathered and to take care of a few things that do not require the use of my office. Be at peace, do what you must, and we will return once all items have been collected."
Severus nods his head "thank you, the use of your office for a few moments is appreciated." He turns to Harrison as the Goblins make their way passed them and out of the room, closing the door behind them. "Harrison…" he trails off before making a decision. He leans forward grasping ahold of his son before gently encouraging him to stand up, and then guiding him to sit on his lap before wrapping his arms around him. He can feel how tense his son's body is and the small tremors his tight control is causing.
"Dad?" Harry whispers brokenly.
"I am here Harrison, it is okay, I'm not going anywhere," he says. "Relax, it's okay to feel however you are feeling. I know that I am equally angry and sad, and that is okay."
Harry buries his face into his dad's neck as he finally lets the tears he had been holding back fall. "I just don't understand."
"Me either son, but hopefully that letter your mum mentioned will shed some light on some things." Severus sways gently from side to side as he holds his son close. "Do you have any questions about the contents of the will? Or would you rather wait until Ragnock and Griphook return?"
Harry pulls away slightly to sit upright and wipes his face with his sleeves "I think we should just wait, I mean… like you said, the answers may be in that letter. I-I just, she didn't say she left me a letter" he trails off quietly.
Severus hugs his son close "no she didn't, but there was a mention of a journal that was left for you, so it is very possible that it is from both of them."
"Oh… yeah I forgot about that" he blushes as he looks down.
"Hey," Severus says as he gently lifts Harrison's face up with a finger under his chin "don't feel bad for forgetting, there was a lot in that Will and we've both learned so many surprising things this day that it is completely understandable that you may miss some things. But that is why I am here, to help you, just as you help me."
Harry nods and leans into his dad for comfort. They sit that way in silence not really needing to speak at this time as thoughts meander through their minds. The main thought as to whether the letter Lily mentioned would finally shed some light on how it is that Severus is Harrison's biological father.