(A/N All Harry Potter characters belong to JKR I'm just having fun with them)

Chapter 16

Remus Lupin was having an uncomfortable trip, sitting with his long legs folded up beside a young girl who kept him awake for the entire flight, talking incessantly about how she was allowed to have her own seat by the wings, while her parents had to sit all the way up front. She kept up her non-stop chatter, before finally becoming sick all over the two of them. Now he was being prodded and probed with extra scrutiny, due to his condition, by the Department of Magical Transportation after arriving from an overseas flight, and being herded into the Ministry Customs Inspection rooms. All in all, it was a relief to get to the Apparition point and get the hell out of there. He arrived home, a small, drab cottage tucked deep in the woodlands of Scotland far enough away from people to be safe. It was consistent with the way his day was going to find that his home was in disrepair after being left for the year he was at Hogwarts without care.

He briskly entered and cast a few quick cleaning charms, it would have to do for now, his first priority was to meet up with Sirius. He did take the time to remove his fouled clothes and put on his robes, clean and well worn, but comforting.

He arrived with a very faint sound near the Shrieking Shack; he was to meet Sirius there. He stepped into the shadows of the building, pausing and looking around to see if his Apparition had been noticed, being cautious despite having a great amount of skill with Apparition, having made nearly no sound at all. It seemed deserted, which was expected, and the reason why it was chosen as a meeting point. The front door made a loud creak as he slipped in, causing him to swear under his breath. He carefully turned to look around when a hand slapped his shoulder, he jumped back, pulling his wand and leveling it on Sirius's smiling face. A face, he noticed, that was burnt and peeling from too much sun.

"Damn it Sirius, don't do that," his whispered tone sounded loud in the room.

"Sorry," Sirius's grin said that he was anything but, "take my arm and I'll Apperate us to my old home, I got Buckbeak there, and we can use it as a base of operation. Remus nodded, looking slightly hesitant to trust someone else to Apperate him, he was still on edge. He swallowed and took Sirius's out-stretched arm. They disappeared with a loud crack, arriving on the stoop of number twelve Grimmauld Place.

"It is a bit run down," Sirius explained, stepping through the entry, "but the Blacks have layered protections and wards on it for years, some of them quite nasty."

Remus looked around; it was dingy and reeked of dark magic, but also of wealth. He followed Sirius into the kitchen, which had been hastily cleaned.

"Kreacher!" Sirius called, "Tea service."

The elf popped into the room, old and filthy. "Yes, foul Master, Kreacher will comply with your wishes. He has no choice, no he does not. Foul young master." The elf grumbled as he went about filling the request, setting the tea tray down on the table and popping away with a repulsive glare.

"Something tells me that elf doesn't like you." Remus chuckled settling back, his nerves from earlier fading.

"Never has, foul little git. Anyway, I have a plan."

"What might that be?"

"We need help, inside help, to report anything strange going on, someone in the Ministry, who would be willing to help us."

"I don't have any connections that would risk that, I can't even think of how we could convince someone. Do you have someone in mind?" Remus asked, wiping a dribble of tea off his chin.

"Yes, if they won't do it for us, they will do it for Harry, I think." Sirius grinned, never a good sign.

"Who then?" Remus was almost too afraid to ask.

"Arthur Weasley. I already cased them out, if I can capture him and explain the situation, I think he'd do it. Harry is close to the Weasley's, and you remember how they are, they lookout for their own."

"What do you mean capture?"

Ron sighed, he was home and glad to be back, if a little let down that he missed out on a goodbye snog. Apparently he had been a summer fling, and after he announced he was leaving, was promptly discarded, not that he minded, it was fun while it lasted. What was not fun, was lugging his trunk up the stairs to his room. The tent they had stayed in was setup in the back yard, to be unloaded and cleaned. What was strange, and had his Mum praising Bill, was that the house was really, really clean. Even his room, which had Harry's trunk and a camp cot setup in it. Probably where Harry stayed with Bill. Ron dumped his trunk in the middle of his room and set about putting away his clothes; dumping anything not already folded, whether it was clean or not, into the hamper so his Mum would fold it. He finished fast and stowed his trunk under his bed, as he went to stand back up, he spotted a large ring.

"Mum, some of Harry's things are in my room." He announced, entering the kitchen, and fiddling with the ring he found.

"That's to be expected dear, after all he is coming back here with Bill for the World Cup." Molly replied, bustling about the kitchen storing away food supplies from the tent. She was turning for another load when she spotted the ring in Ron's hand. He was about to slip it on his finger, when she lunged forward smacking his hands, the ring tumbling to the floor. Everyone froze and turned to look at Ron. He had yelped, and was glaring at his mum.

"What did you do that for?" Ron said angrily, rubbing his hand.

Molly was ignoring him as she picked up the ring, looking at the crest and recognizing it as the Potter family ring, which James had worn when she had known him.

"Molly, is that a Family Signet Ring?" Arthur asked in his quiet calm tone.

"Yes, the Potter Head of House Ring, in fact." She was looking at Ron as she said this.

Ron went pale, thinking of the curses that would be on that if anyone but a Potter wore it.

"Thanks Mum, I didn't know."

"I know Ron, Harry really shouldn't have left that lying around." She gave Ron a hug as she said this.

"It was under his bed, like it fell out of a pocket when he was getting ready to sleep."

Arthur Weasley stepped out of the house that evening, thinking of the ring he had placed in a locked drawer of his desk. Harry would need that back soon, and maybe some lessons of what it means to be the Head of a family, and what could happen when he put that ring on. He certainly didn't put much stock in the old customs, but that didn't mean the magic was less binding. Lighting his pipe, he walked toward the pond, enjoying the peace of home. It was near dusk, a few stars beginning to show in the sky. He exhaled a puff of smoke watching it spiral upwards, and enjoyed the smell of tobacco mixing with the moist night air. It had been a pleasant vacation, the twins' antics aside. Watching his son Charlie work with the Dragons, it was clear he loved his job. Something Arthur truly valued, doing a job you can enjoy. He saw a dark shadow cross the yard, drawing his attention. He pulled his wand from his pocket and began to walk back toward the house. He never saw the spell that hit him in the back. He fell to the soft grass stunned, a moment later two cracks of Apparition were heard, one loud and one very faint.

Harry entered the sitting room of Ian's tent looking around, impressed with the size and comfort. His mind had been active all night, effectively not allowing him a good sleep. He wasn't overly stressed or concerned, but more than a little curious as to what the goblins had for him. Ian brought a box, similar to a Muggle briefcase, out of his study and laid it on the table.

"This is a transfer case; all I have to do is tap my wand on the lid, and everything inside is sent to its mate in Griphook's office. I received this packet last night, along with a stack of Daily Prophets, it seems old Fudge is up to his games of course, since an election year is coming up." Ian sat across from Harry, his knee's creaking, as he took up the entire cushy armchair. Harry took the offered packet, noticing it was sealed with a large bright red crest from Gringotts.

"Before you get started on that, I was wondering if you and Bill had noticed anything yesterday, before the bug incident, that is." Ian was sipping tea, comfortable in the familiar chair.

"No, except for a couple plants that Denny could harvest, he spent quite a long time with them."

"Ah, I was hoping we would be able to crack this one fast, there is not a lot of profit for us to find the Medallions. I want us to move on to the next site quickly, I think Xo and I will head out this time, give you and Bill a break for the day." Ian got up and Harry followed him out, they went separate ways as Harry made it back to Bill's tent.

"There you are, I was wondering if you were hiding from me." Bill was grinning at Harry, his face still slightly lumpy, but the redness had gone away.

"No, I met with Ian after breakfast; he had some papers from the goblins for me that came in that case of his." Harry moved into the room and shifted his trunk into a desk. "I'm sorry about the bugs, I didn't think about how many were around. Emilio, that was the chameleon, asked for food, I guess it turned out pretty poorly huh?"

"Merlin, yes! I itch in places I don't want to scratch, and that was not the way I wanted to be naked in front of Alessandra. Next time if you feel like feeding the wildlife, make sure I'm not part of the course."

"Sorry, I won't be making that mistake again. Thanks for taking it so well."

"Taking it well? Oh, there will be paybacks, you just wait and see." Bill said with a maniacal laugh as he ducked out, leaving Harry to worry about his retribution.

Harry conjured up a Muggle style office chair to sit in at his desk; he weighed the heavy packet, noticing a solid lump in the corner. Breaking the seal, he pulled out several papers, his eyes widening as he read.

Harry,

I hate what I am about to ask of you, more than you will ever know. I have failed in so many ways to protect you that I doubt I'll ever be able to make it up to you. Once again the Ministry is interfering with my life; it seems I have to accept my title as Head of House, and of Lord Black, just to pass it on before it is stripped from my control. A new law that was just passed is making it so that those convicted of crimes are not able to hold a Headship, and while I never had a trial, there was a tribunal, in which it wasn't necessary to include me. This new law, combined with an Heir Test at Hogwarts, will effectively put control of the Black family estate into the hands of the Malfoy heir, my cousin's son. You probably don't know, being raised as a Muggle, but an Heir Test is a ritual that takes a drop of blood and maps out the givers family tree. Combined with some Goblin magic, it is used to determine who can inherit family lines, or vaults, not to mention votes in the Wizengamont. Control of the Black wealth and power in the hands of the Mafloys would be a disaster for all Light aligned families. They have been a continuous force in pushing for pureblood superiority, banning Muggleborns from attending Hogwarts, and subjugating magical creatures. Unfortunately, you are the only other option for control of the Black family. It must be a male with Black blood; your grandmother was a Black, and Dorea was my great aunt, my grandfather's sister who was head of the family, thus giving you a direct claim. One of the documents inside is a magically binding contract. It states that I as the current Head pass the title and responsibilities to you. I have transferred the maximum amount of gold into a personal vault, so I'll be fine. It is you who will be affected, if you sign the contract. There are some things you need to know. First: there is a slight chance you will be caught in a marriage contract, and second: signing in acceptance of the contract would be the cause of you having two wives. One to carry on the Potter family line, and one to carry on the Black family line. You would have two Chairs of the High Seats in the Wizengamont, and a large estate to manage. I know it is a lot to ask, and I wouldn't do it if things weren't so desperate. We need to speak in person as soon as you return from wherever you are. The law goes into effect on July 22, so be sure to sign it before then if you choose to. I know it really doesn't leave you much choice, but know that whatever choice you do make; I'll support you and won't think less of you.

Sirius

Harry dropped the letter in dismay, leaning back in his chair his hands running through his hair. Restless energy burned in him, anger, and frustration, all of it was overwhelming. He paced around the room, sitting back down only to get up and pace again. He knew already what the choice would have to be, it was the accepting it that was difficult. He had not forgotten the diary, or Buckbeak, not to mention removing Dumbledore during his second year. No way would he allow more influence to come into the Malfoy's hands. If it was up to him to prevent it from happening, then his choice was made. Would it really be that bad? He calmed himself, and sat back down, to look over the remaining documents.

Greetings Mr. Potter,

I am Senior Account Manager Bloodcurdler; I control the investments and lease agreements for the Black Estate. It was upon Gringotts suggestion that you are being presented the opportunity to receive control of the Black Estates. I have included all statements and assets listed, along with the Head of House Ring. After signing the enclosed documents, place the Ring on the middle finger of your right hand to bond with the magic and complete the transition. On a side note, there is another form that will allow me to manage the Potter holdings, as this account is without a current manager, it would be to our mutual benefit. The statements for this account are also enclosed, along with a list of assets and property.

Our future will be filled with gold,

Bloodcurdler

Harry paused before picking up the statements; the Black family did indeed have wealth, with income from several stores in Knockturn alley, as well as Hogsmeade. The Balance sat at 79,426 Galleons, 14 Sickles, and 2 Knuts, all that after two large withdrawals of 25,000 galleons.

There were several residences that were empty with condition unknown. The next page listed items and after reading a few furniture pieces and their value, Harry quickly swapped it out for the next parchment. It listed all binding magical agreements, there were over twenty marriage contracts, thankfully all but one had the family line listed as permanently deceased. The dates were posted, and the most current was in the year 988ad. The one listed as active was to the Lestrange family, and it was posted as no issue of viable age or gender. Harry sighed with relief as he turned to the next page. He read through the statements of Headship, he would have to continue dowry payments to Narcissa and Bellitrix, unless he disowned them. Work to maintain the prosperity of the family, and only use its wealth for the betterment of House Black, protect and shelter members of the Family, and ensure that the line continues. It was then that he read that after becoming Head of the Family, that he was required by the magic to commit to a betrothal agreement within one year's time, and to marry within seven days of his coming of age. It caused a little panic in Harry, the thought of finding a witch to agree, and if he didn't it would break the contract. At least he got a choice; it wouldn't be someone like Bulstrode.

Harry noticed that the next pages were for the Potter family, the statement just confirmed the ledger in the vault. It listed three properties. The cottage in Godrics Hollow, it was noted that the ministry had declared it as a Magical Monument and was unavailable for use. The other listed a one hundred and fifty acre tract which was an island in the Outer Hebrides; it was once the location of Potter Manor. The last was a collection of twenty acre plots in the Fens; it was listed as a commercial property. The next parchment listed the binding magical contracts; Harry was shocked to read that there was an active marriage contract to the daughter of the Head of House Greengrass. A note listed that the current Head was a Lord of the Wizengamont, Cyrus Davis Greengrass, and he did indeed have daughters of acceptable age. It suddenly clicked in Harry's mind that his father had paid to bypass the contract. 35,000 galleons. Harry knew that there was no way he could buy his way out, with the Potter wealth being so low, but the Black Family had enough...

He felt betrayed slightly, but also realized that his parents were in love and did not plan to die, so who knows what would have happened if they had lived? He might have been bought out as well. He packaged up all the documents, except for the contract to assume Headship of the House of Black.

Harry slowly picked up a quill and bottle of ink and set them on the desk near the paper. He paced across the room, back and forth, his thoughts consumed and focused on his future. If he didn't sign, people like Moony, Hagrid, and Flitwick will suffer more persecution, as well as magical creatures like Dobby. He was protected by a centaur in first year from the wrath of Voldemort. They would be the ones to suffer if the Malfoy's got control; he stopped pacing suddenly, his mind made up. He walked over to the parchment and signed his name, placing the parchment back in the transfer case, with an inward groan. Dumping the ring out of the envelope he picked it up and slid it on. It was made of silver, with an onyx set on the top, his hand tingled as the magic bound him to the Black Family. While looking at the Black Family Ring, Harry remembered the Potter ring he took from his vault. His hands slapped at his pockets, while his brain registered that those pants had been thrown away by…"Dobby!"

"Harry Potter sir called Dobby?" The elf was bouncing on his toes.

"Dobby, did you find a ring like this when you got rid of my old clothes? It was in a pocket." Harry asked, pointing out the ring he wore.

"Dobby didn't sir," the elf twitched as if ready to punish himself.

"I lost it Dobby, it's been in my family for hundreds of years, and I lose it." Harry stated in disbelief.

"You could summon it, Harry Potter sir!"

"How?" A glimmer of hope was beginning to shine.

"Just holds up your wand and claims it," Dobby mimed the actions as he explained.

"What do I say?"

"Just say you're the Heir of the Potter's and yous is claiming the Head of House ring. I watched my former master do this after his Master Abraxus died." Dobby was happy and excited to help.

"I, Harry James Potter, as Heir of House Potter, do hereby claim the Head of House Ring." Harry had his wand high over his head, as he said the words in a firm tone. A loud pop was heard, and the ring fell onto his wand. The pull on his magic was tremendous, the distance had been too much, and Harry fell down exhausted. He struggled to sit up, but the use of energy overwhelmed him and he passed out.

Dobby ran over to Harry's prone form, shouting in his squeaky voice and poking him. He popped away for help after Harry just lay still.

In Gringotts, the records were magically updated and filed after appearing, and Bloodcurdler smiled in satisfaction.