A/N I'm sorry for the long wait for chapter nine, I've had family events and holidays that have made me unable to download my story onto the net. For this reason and the length of time I'm offering two chapters for your viewing pleasure. Please Review and tell me what you think.
CHAPTER NINE: WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY
Extract from the Business section of the Daily Prophet
The Black Family is one of the Oldest and wealthiest Wizarding families in the country. With the addition Sirius Black's Post Humus pardon and reparation the Wizarding world is on edge looking to see who will receive the Estate. Of course Sirius Black died in June earlier this year but the Government has only just released the contents of the Black Estates, as to the prolonged period is anyone's guess and there are plenty of rumours flying about.
When the Will is read tomorrow 21st November the Wizarding World shall finally see who obtains the wealth of the Black's. Though it has been widely reported Sirius Black's godson shall receive most of the Black estate. Harry Potter himself is rumoured to be quite wealthy when he reaches his maturity. With the combined Potter and Black inheritances it is believed he will receive several properties in the United Kingdom and abroad. Though it is an estimate Harry Potter is thought to be worth 28.7million Galleons. Making him one of the richest Bachelor's in the country alongside Draco Malfoy. This is all conjecture, as Harry Potter's lawyers Marlborough and Chambers are releasing no details.
Extract from Golden Arrow on Page 2 of the Daily Prophet
Saturday is the first day of the Golden Arrow competition where the student's will be marked on their archery, sword fighting and un-armed combat skill. Today the Ten Hogwart's student's names were released to the press. The parent's of Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger, Ginevra Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Jeremy Sanders, Evan Withers, Dennis Creevey, Dean Winters, Cary Mitchell and Joshua Dumbledore will all be in attendance and all are pleased for their children.
Throughout the tournament the public has been promised displays of combat, spell's and a trophy Quidditch match of Hogwart's professor's against student's former and current. There will be seven judges, one from each school and the British Minister of Magic. We've heard Harry Potter, who until recently disappeared for over a month will be one of the guest's putting on a display and perhaps a judge for the competition.
" Great, I've become his pawn again," muttered Harry the sun on his back as he read the daily prophet. It was Friday and Harry with no lesson's to teach walked down to the Quidditch Pitch where Kristen was teaching. He noticed Krissy in shorts and t-shirt because of her visit to an American School she had adopted Muggle clothes, which was frowned upon by the Elfish Aristocracy. He watched as Ginny drew the string back and released, the arrow sped through the air to thud into the target dead centre. Next to her Colin Creevey didn't seem to be having much trouble either but Harry had heard the Creevey brothers went to Summer Camp in America every summer.
" Hey Kris, how's it going?" He asked.
" Great," she answered.
" How are you enjoying Hogwart's? I know it's belated," he admitted.
" Have you always had this much excitement?" She asked to a shrug, " Because this year has been more exciting that the time we had at the Vale,"
" Well I did partake in several adventures in the last five years," he replied modestly watching the redhead with the bow.
" From the adventures I've heard about you, you have been busy," she said.
" Gin's good with a bow," he said changing the subject
" Oh aye, she seems to have an almost Elfish technique," Krissy answered, " If I didn't know better I would have though Corllin taught her,"
" She does seem to have Cors skill," he continued to watch her, " Do you get the same vibe off her?"
" You tell me, my own Father said you were gifted in reading Auras," she responded slowly, " But if you're asking my opinion then yes the Halandrer have taught her,"
" I noticed you with Ron the other day," He commented on the sly. Her look was guarded as a singsong of laughter erupted from Ginny Weasley.
" So? He's quite lovable really, I quite like him," She clamped her hand over her mouth. Harry's lip curled in a smile.
" You're one of the Halandrer, I thought you were supposed to be high and mighty about Humans," Harry replied gently ribbing the Elf.
" I feel there is a connection," she replied simply.
" You mean the Elvin theory of Soul mates,"
" Yes, No! I don't know," She answered truthfully.
" Well I'd better go, see ya," Harry wandered away Daily Prophet tucked beneath his arm as he walked around the lake the sun making the lake shimmer. Though the sun was out it was still a bitterly cold November day. He came across Riley Monahan.
" Hello Riley,"
" What do you want?" Riley snarled back.
" I'm just saying hello," Harry said surprised.
" Well don't. I don't like you and I should never have been put into Gryffindor," He replied and barged past Harry towards the castle just as Harry saw Ron and Hermione coming walking up.
" Hey," Hermione greeted him.
" Was the little bug bothering you?" Ron asked pleasantly.
" No, why do you call him a bug?" Harry asked.
" He should be called a snake, he doesn't like participating in Gryffindor event's and just mumbles about stupid Gryffindor's. He wants to be in Slytherin,"
" I think his father was Slytherin," Hermione added.
" He's just bitter because his father pushes him," Harry responded.
" How do you know?" Ron asked astonished.
" Derrin Monahan isn't a nice man," Harry replied vehemently so Hermione decided to change the subject.
" Have you read the Prophet today?" Hermione asked cautiously.
" Oh well," he sighed,
" Is it true?" Ron asked eagerly.
" What? About Sirius making me his heir?" Harry asked and got nods all around he sighed, " I already knew but Dumbledore mentioned it Wednesday night, the will's tomorrow,"
" Oh I won't be able to make it, I've got the first level of the tournament,"
" They will hold whatever Sirius left for you until you can collect," Harry replied.
" Is Fudge still trying to buy you?" Hermione asked changing the subject.
" No but I have heard from Ron's dad that many of the Ministry members are trying to achieve a vote of no confidence, if that happens Fudge will be removed from his office,"
" Wow," Ron said.
" I'm glad you're in the competition, Hermione. Are you good at Archery?" Harry asked.
" Archery I've picked up pretty well, sword fighting not so good but un-armed combat I should do well because I used to do Karate,"
" I was watching Ginny today during Physical Education and she appeared to be impressive with a bow,"
" I know since the summer her skills have approved in every aspect but it's odd because she went away to a summer camp one week after summer began,"
" What's odd about that?" Hermione asked.
" She has never been to Summer Camp before," The Golden Trio began to recount some tales from the last few years as they made their way to lunch. At the Great Hall they split up and Harry moved to the Head table where he found himself seated next to Derrin Monahan. He was tall with long silky brown hair. He had shrewd black eyes but he was quite handsome.
" Mister Monahan, I don't believe we've had the pleasure yet," Harry began pleasantly enough
" No we haven't," Derrin sneered, " But I know who you are Potter,"
" My reputation precedes me," Harry grinned.
" You mean your blind luck," Derrin snorted.
" Excuse me?" Harry sputtered as he took a drink from his goblet. Kristen placed her hand on Harry's arm
" It was blind luck that you lived, Potter. The Dark Lord has powers you can only dream of," Monahan replied leaning in closer so only Harry could hear.
" Be careful where your allegiances lie, Derrin. You don't want to be floundering on the wrong side when it begins," Harry spoke, eyes glittering and an edge of ice in his voice. He abruptly stood and pushed back his chair before stalking from Great Hall. Harry made for the Headmaster's office. He knocked on the door as the gargoyle let him step off the stairs.
" Come in," Dumbledore's voice came. Harry entered and the elderly headmaster smiled at seeing his favourite student now teaching assistant.
" I'm glad you've come Harry, I've got to ask a couple of Favour's to ask," He said as Harry sat down.
" My Pleasure, Headmaster," Harry returned stiffly.
" It's about time you learnt to call me Albus," the headmaster said, " We are colleagues now, you are part of my staff,"
" I am merely an assistant," Harry replied resentment creeping into his voice, " Besides I am only eighteen and don't feel like one of the staff,"
" You are unique Harry, you've spent time with the Elves, no one has seen or heard from the Elves for over four hundred years," Albus Dumbledore looked at his once-student, " and I am getting old, I would like you to judge the Golden Arrow as Hogwart's judge. The other judges and the Minister has agreed,"
" I noticed I'm speaking publicly," Harry said wryly. The old man just smiled at his pupil and now his employee.
" I thought you would enjoy it," he answered.
" But I a merely eighteen, why would half the magical world take advice from me?"
" You are more influential than you think," Professor Dumbledore replied
" You said you wanted a couple of favours,"
" This has come a bit late but some of the student's will be 'sponsoring' younger student's, helping them with homework and such. One's who are having problems settling and with their assignments in the first year. The names will of course go up in the Great Hall but I was hoping you would sponsor a student,"
" But I'm no longer a student,"
" No but you are Professor Derrin's assistant and I think it quite fitting that you become mentor to young Riley Monahan," Dumbledore said.
" But the boy hates me,"
" Which makes you the perfect choice,"
" Monahan is a Death Eater," Harry said simply.
" If Derrin is then perhaps you could prevent Riley from following in his Father's footsteps," Dumbledore answered without consideration.
" Ok I will do it," Harry answered.
" Thank you," Dumbledore said, " Now because of the Will we will meet in here at eleven,"
" That's early," Harry stated.
" The Black Lawyers wanted everybody to be there so it was scheduled before the Golden Arrow,"
" Ok Professor, see you tomorrow,"
X
Golden sun early on Saturday morning promised the day would be bright if not bitterly cold. Winter was now in full swing so these sunny days were rare. At eleven everyone Sirius Black had put in his Will was stood inside Professor Dumbledore's office. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna were all stood looking at Harry who was sat down with a young woman stood behind him. Remus entered followed by Severus Snape and shortly Mr and Mrs Weasley from their guest quarters last to arrive was Nymphadora Tonks. Behind the headmaster stood an official looking man.
" I am Richard Harcourt, the Blacks lawyer and accountant," He said with a soft voice, " Ah we are all present for this hearing of the Will of Sirius Black,"
The Gryffindor's were a bit surprised to see Severus Snape in the room and wondered who the smart woman next to Harry was. Richard Harcourt stepped around the Headmasters desk and stepped up to a table that had been set up for this occasion. From the black lacquered table he picked up a sealed box. Whispering a word he opened it and pulled out several rolled parchments. With the Headmasters help he passed them out. Harry began to read his:
Dear Harry,
If you're reading this then I am most definitely dead but Death is the next greatest adventure as Albus is so fond saying all the time. If I know you and I'm pretty sure I do you've shut everyone out and are trying to deal with all your emotions alone. Don't! Love, Friendship and companionship are our secret weapon against Voldemort so allow Ron and Hermione back into your life for love will conquer all. Look at me preaching about love and understanding, I'm becoming soft like Lily. Go to Remus with your problems, he and I loved you as a son; sometimes we even felt James was watching over us.
Now down to business as you well know the Black Family is extremely wealthy and my Mother forgot to cut me out of the Black Will, still thought I'd go bad eh? Ah well back to the subject during your Fifth Year at Hogwart's I changed the Will so that you would be the Majority Heir with a few items going to friends and family. Mr Harcourt is now your Personal Lawyer and will be your family lawyer; he's a nice man. Currently the Estate is currently worth 18.4million Galleons with several properties, which include Grimmauld Place, one in France, One in Spain and one in the English Countryside. Two more things you own twenty-five percent shares in the Daily prophet, there are five board members. You've taken my place as the fifth board member. Hogwart's Governing board has always had a Black on the board because of generous donations and now due to a donation your place has been assured.
Finally Harry live life to the full, enjoy being a teenager and go find yourself a lovely female friend, ha ha.
Your Loving Godfather,
Padfoot.
Harry looked up to see Remus was smiling, silent tears running down his face. All the young adults were stunned except Luna. How Sirius knew about her he would never know.
" Mr Harcourt, what type of Lawyer are you?" Harry asked. Everyone looked up.
" Criminal, Capital wealth and various others."
" You're now the Potter Lawyer?" He nodded.
" Yes,"
" This is Erin Marlborough," He introduced the smart young woman, " She is the Potter Lawyer,"
" I'd like to take you on Mr Harcourt at Marlborough and Chambers to help me with Mr Potter," She smiled at the young man, " and because your record precedes you,"
" Wow, this is an honour Marlborough and Chambers are the best firm in the country," he said astonished.
" Albus, Sirius left 12 Grimmauld Place to me but I can't let you have it now that it has been attacked, do you still have any ideas on who told?"
" No," he sighed, " We figure it must have been someone in the Order,"
Hermione and Ron's eyes flickered to Severus Snape but he stood impassive reading his own piece of parchment.
" Are the servants still in Service to the Blacks-I meant me?"
" No, Kreacher killed himself,"
" May I take two of your House Elves into my service?" Harry asked and Albus grinned knowing whom he meant then stiffened looking at the boy again. Everyone had been astonished at the coldness Harry had portrayed since the beginning of the meeting.
" Winky and Dobby shall be accepted into your service if they wish, I'll speak to them later with you okay,"
X
" Good Afternoon Hogwart's and foreign dignitaries, welcome to the First Golden Arrow. The host school is Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and I will be your commentator for this event, my name is Seamus Finnegan. I'd like to welcome Principle Dearingborn from Salem Academy, Madam Maxime from Beauxbaton's, Professor Victor Vronic from Durmstrung, Mistress Qui Fai Tsung from Wyvern School of Higher Magic, Jack Foster from Merlin School annnnnnnnnnnnnnd representing Hogwart's Harry Potter,"
It was as though the forbidden forest had been partly removed, a colossus had been erected able to seat nearly 100,000 people it was nearly full as they looked down on the arena below. In the commentators box Seamus sat with an Earplug in his ear and the microphone before him. Covering it he spoke.
" Harry, these Muggle improvements are amazing," Since Wednesday Kristen, Harry and Seamus had been working on this arena to get it ready for the Golden Arrow. The Headmaster had trusted the three with preparing a suitable area for the first leg of the competition. . There were many Muggle Artefacts Harry had incorporated. Hidden communications between the three. Spectacular lights and technology all integrated into Harry's Magical/technological A.I. and Situation tower. Professor Dumbledore had hired Morrow's Magical Choir.
" Finnegan go with the drums and choir," Harry returned.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BABOOM BA-BA-BOOM! The choir first sang the Hogwart's school song then sang God Save the Queen, Britain's national anthem.
" Thank you Morrow's Magical Choir," Seamus out loud, " To start this spectacle we will have a demonstration from Weapons Expert Mistress Kristen Silverwolf and Judge of Hogwart's Professor Harry Potter,"
All eyes centred on the empty field before them but a howl sent shivers through the crowd as a silver wolf entered the green clearing. From the other side a screech greeted the audience as a Golden Griffin, regal and Majestic entered. Then with a slight POP! Harry and Kristen stood before their eyes. Harry wore Lycra black shorts and the black glove. Strapped to his back crisscrossed was the two Katana blades. Straight over that was a bow and sheathed around his thighs were two daggers. He wore dark glasses that covered his eyes. Kristen on the other had was resplendent in a Silver robe and in her left hand was a six foot Ebony staff with three prongs on the top intertwined to create a bed for the blue diamond nestled on top. Throwing off the Silver cloak she revealed a tight one piece that came to mid thigh and two swords strapped to her back so she could have better movement.
" Begin!" Seamus shouted. Harry lunged forward rolling and picking up the staff on the ground he stabbed the staff forward. It would have hit Krissy in the stomach had she been there but she was behind Harry bringing her pole down hard on the kneeled boy head.
CRAAAACK! His elm staff stopped the girls' pole hitting his skull, but he twisted and landed a blow to the Elves thigh.
" Potter, do you think beating a girl will prove you powerful?" A deep voice resounded over the speakers. Standing on the opposite side of the Amphitheatre was a darkly clothed man. He wore a dark leather coat, which fluttered, at his ankles and wraparound sunglasses. Platinum blond hair in a widow's peak quivered in the gentle wind.
" Malfoy, you dare to challenge me," Potter's voice loud over the speakers.
" Mira Kaffen," a white beam knocked Harry around and onto his back a few yards from his original position, the crowd watched with bated breath.
" Malfoy, power is not the question. The question is: can you fight?" In answer Draco Malfoy withdrew the leather coat to reveal dark trousers and a black silk shirt. At his side were two swords. The pair had visited Japan and been presented swords for bravery. Draco had been presented with an old Samurai sword called 'Dragon Blood' and Harry had received the beautiful but deadly Katana 'Demon Killer' once forged by a Japanese princess Shim Eta. Now the pair was no more than ten feet away from each other, Draco withdrew 'Dragon Blood' which scraped the scabbard harshly. Flicking at his wrist he drew a circle in the air. Harry unclipped the scabbards on his back putting them on the ground. Around his waist was a belt with deep pine green scabbard down his left leg. He his left hand on the scabbard and drew out the blade with his right, letting the sunlight glint off the thousand-layer blade.
Suddenly Draco Malfoy swiped down with a wide arc but the other young man leaped and jumped backwards catching the blade in time. Then their blades connected and the two combatants were almost at each other's chests. Harry kicked Draco away from himself. The blond rolled to the ground rearing up sword still in his hand. Abruptly Harry performed a crescent and met Draco's blade, the sword snaked out but he had already blocked, Harry began to sweat in the stifling heat. Huge furrows were running down his back but he shook the salty sweat from his eyes. Twirling his sword, Draco attacked; twisting the blade in a complicated angle he slashed Harry's hand popping the sword from his opponent's hand. Harry stood stock still as Draco looking truly dangerous held the blade in hand.
" I yield to your abilities, greater than mine," Harry said slyly grinning, " As you can see ladies and gentlemen, power is in the beholder. Now we will begin with the first title Archery,"
Of course the whole event had been engineered for Voldemort's benefit and the spectators around the colossus.