A/N – I've read all the reviews of the past couple of chapters so I'm mixing things up a bit. I'm skipping forward to the will reading and the events between the end of the last chapter and the reading will be written into the story as flashbacks over the next few chapters where it makes sense. So by popular demand and without further adieu I give you…
Chapter 16 – I, Sirius Black
Sunday, July 8, 2pm
Harry and Hermione were in a meeting with Griphook and Ragnok going over the last-minute details before the will reading. The beneficiaries were due to be arriving soon and Harry wanted to make sure everything was perfect. Harry's Head of House and emancipation papers were complete and ready to be forwarded to the Ministry in about half an hour.
Ragnok was ecstatic. There hadn't been a will reading like this in living memory. He wanted to savour every moment of it. What was especially sweet was that Dumbledore and most of the purebred wizards treated Goblins like inferior creatures. He loved being able to catch them in their little webs of lies and deceit.
In contrast, Harry and his friends treated everyone with respect and dignity. Last Evening's dinner party proved it to him once again.
Ragnok and Griphook arrived at Harry's Manor at 5pm for dinner. Harry and Hermione greeted them warmly. They brought them into the sitting room where most of the guests were mingling and introduced them as friends.
Throughout the time before dinner, Harry's guests took time to talk with the Goblins and engaged both of them in conversation. The Grangers were very curious about the Bank and Goblin culture and asked a number of questions while remaining polite and respectful. The twin Weasleys – Fred and George – asked his and Griphook's advice on how to invest the profits from their business. Griphook knew that Harry had an equity stake in their business so he set up a meeting with them on Tuesday to discuss their options more thoroughly.
Once they were called to dinner, Harry's true nature came through. First of all, Harry had arranged for charmed seating for the two goblins so that they could sit at the same level at the table as the humans. Secondly, Harry had procured fine Goblin wine for the dinner and had the elves prepare their meals to be more palatable to Goblins. Ragnok had been invited to Wizard events before, but never had his Wizard hosts taken the trouble to consider that the Goblin palate was different from that of a human. So instead of politely picking their way thorough a human meal, Ragnok and Griphook were truly able to experience the culinary delights of the Potter elves as much and the rest of the wizards and witches around the table. In fact, Ragnok was sure it was one of the best meals he had ever eaten.
That's what made this Wizard different. It didn't matter if you were a joke shop owner, a teenager in school, a muggle dentist, a house elf or even the Head of the Goblin Nation – if Harry Potter considered you a friend then he would treat you with the respect and dignity that he treated all those he considered friends. Ragnok had never been on a first name basis with any Wizard before Harry. But this boy – no this young man in front had not been a boy for a long time if at all – was so genuine and friendly that Ragnok was honoured to be considered a friend.
He broke out of his reverie and looked at the couple in front of him. All through the evening they hardly left each other's side. In fact Ragnok felt as though he had gone to a dinner hosted by Lord and Lady Potter since Hermione had assumed the hostess duties so naturally. Yes, looking at this couple he could sense something. Something he had not sensed in a very long time.
/Scene Break/
Albus Dumbledore was walking out of the Ministry of Magic with a self-satisfied smile and a twinkle in his eyes so brilliant that it made pictures from the Hubble Telescope look ordinary. The plans were in motion to get the boy back into his control.
He had just finished a private meeting with Minister Fudge and his plans for the captured Death Eaters were well on their way as well. Albus needed Lucius back with the Death Eaters quickly. Many of the senior members had been caught at the Ministry and that left Albus without a reliable contact to control their actions. As far as he knew, Bellatrix was in charge and Merlin knows what that psycho could get into her head.
Fudge was all for letting Lucius and some of the other lieutenants go, but he needed something that could justify those actions. Albus suggested a letter to Lord Black outlining a "fine" which could be paid for the freedom of Lucius and five others. That way they would go free and a sizeable amount of the Black Family fortune would help fund a number of "Ministry Initiatives" including Fudge's retirement fund and Albus' new villa in Hawaii.
Albus still wondered about the Grangers. They had not yet turned up at their home and no one had seen Hermione in days. Chances were that the little mudblood wouldn't even show up for the reading, however just to be sure he had posted Order guards at all entrances to the Alley and had the outside entrance of Gringotts and the main public foyer under surveillance. All of them had portkeys ready to transport Hermione and anyone else who showed up with her to a secure location. If she showed up, they would ensure she did not make it to the reading.
"As for Harry, he won't know what hit him," he thought gleefully with the twinkle in his eye. Harry would not need to find out about the marriage contact until the day of the marriage. Arranged marriages between two families didn't need a ceremony – just the signatures on the contract of those involved. He would just visit Harry on that day and have him sign some papers and then he would be married to Ginevra. Albus would tell the boy that the papers were meant to allow his emancipation and for him to receive his Potter inheritance. Technically marriage meant immediate emancipation that would allow Harry to claim the Potter inheritance. So, technically speaking he would not be lying to the boy – not that it really mattered anyway.
Albus made his way over to Gringotts in a very good mood. After today the boy would be under his control within a few months he may even have the misfortune of facing Voldemort again. Even with all his age and experience, Albus could not suppress a small fit of giggles as he strolled through Diagon Alley.
/Scene Break/
For almost two days Tom and Severus had been tending to the potion. Another few hours and it would be ready. Severus would make the trip to Geneva tomorrow to retrieve the "packages". Tom thought to the week ahead and while it was absolutely necessary, it didn't make it an easier to face. He had no idea how he might change as he made his way back to humanity – back to being mortal.
He thought of the Will reading today and decided to pay a visit to the compound tomorrow one last time before he underwent the ritual. He had a small smirk on his face as he thought, "I need to take Draco up on his promise of fealty and I wouldn't be surprised if Bella has killed half the Death Eaters in frustration."
/Scene Break/
Bellatrix Lestrange was busy finalizing the plans for the jailbreak. She was getting more and more desperate to have Lucius back before their Master returned. Everything was set. She would lead the Death Eaters into the Ministry tonight. The plan was simple (it had to be considering the source) – attack in force and power their way down to the holding cells. Once the prisoners were released, each Death Eater had a one-use portkey to bring them and an escapee back to the compound.
Bella shivered in anticipation – the Dark Lord was going to be so proud!
/Scene Break/
Draco looked at his reflection in the mirror. He was wearing deep purple dress robes, an acromantula silk cape and expensive dragonhide boots. He had insisted to his mother to purchase the outlandishly expensive and ostentatious outfit since he wanted to look the part of Lord Black when he received the ring. As he appraised himself in the mirror in a way that would have made his mother's namesake proud, he mentally listed all the things that would change for him today.
I will be the emancipated head of an Ancient and Noble house.
I will actually be more powerful than Father since the House of Black is a more important pureblood house than the House of Malfoy.
I will pledge my loyalty and the fealty of the Black Family to the Dark Lord and he will give me my mark. Perhaps with my new importance I can get my assignment changed.
When I return to school, everyone will have to bow to me as the only student who was officially part of the Wizengamot and the Head of a house – even Potter. I will demand it.
Narcissa looked at her son and sighed. She wondered where she had gone wrong. The boy had his father's pride all right, and with the careful tutelage his father had provided it had expanded roughly ten times. She shook her head and was momentarily lost in her thoughts, "Look at him. He doesn't even know he's saying it out loud. To listen to him you would think it's his coronation. I mean he was insufferable when he made Prefect, but head of my family's house? And why does he still have this unhealthy obsession with Harry Potter?"
This was not the first time in her life where she wondered if Sirius and Andromeda had the right idea all those years ago. It was a pity she didn't have a chance to talk to Sirius before he died.
/Scene Break/
Lucius Malfoy was sitting in his cell at the Ministry of Magic. He was reading over the note that had just come from none other than Albus through a number of messengers.
"So, my son will be the new head of the House of Black. This is will allow us to consolidate our power base as long a Draco doesn't do anything stupid before I get a chance to speak with him," he pondered to himself looking out the window (the cell was actually many floors beneath the ground, but cells for Lords like Lucius had a wall which was charmed to look like a window – no bars were needed of course). "It looks like I will be out of here as soon as Draco receives the Black fortune and pays my fines."
He sat back and looked at the virtual scene outside. Everything would be back to normal once he was released. He could get back to maneuvering the Dark Lord into a confrontation with Potter and bring their plans to fruition after all these many generations. He allowed himself a smile – Albus may go down in history as the mastermind and the saviour of the Wizarding world, but Lucius Malfoy would be right thee as well as the one who infiltrated the Dark Lord's organization and caused his downfall.
/Scene Break/
Back at Potter Manor, Neville Longbottom felt like he was in Heaven. He was taking a stroll through the grounds of the Manor with his new girlfriend Luna. His brain was trying to scream out to the world, "Yeah, that's right! I, Neville Longbottom, have a beautiful intelligent girlfriend who really likes me!"
The object of his affection whose hand was grasping his and whose lips were sharing kisses with his every few minutes had a knowing smile on her face as well. As Luna thought of the events of the past 24 hours she knew that it could not have gone any better.
/Flashback/
Luna and her father appeared in the entrance hall at Potter Manor at 11 am. Xenophilius greeted Harry warmly and they went in to talk with the Grangers.
Ten minutes later Neville and Augusta appeared. When they came in, Augusta pulled Harry aside and asked if they could speak in private for a while.
Meanwhile Luna had run to Neville and enveloped him in a big hug. Neville had returned the hug enthusiastically until he looked over her shoulder to see a bearded wizard in strange robes staring at him – not them just him.
Luna felt Neville stiffen and the intensity of the hug lessened. She immediately knew why and wondered just how much fun her father was intending to have.
They separated and Luna grasped Neville's left hand and led him over to her father introducing them, "Daddy, this is my boyfriend Neville Longbottom. Neville this is my father Xenophilius Lovegood."
Neville tentatively extended his right hand, "P-P-Pleased to m-m-m-meet you sir."
Xeno looked at the hand as if in judgment and then grasped it firmly and glared directly into Neville's eyes, "I have hear a lot about you from my daughter young man. Please tell me what exactly are your intentions toward my daughter?"
Neville had to think of an answer quickly. He could not risk breaking the man's gaze and for some reason Luna's father was not letting go of his hand. He felt a panic attack starting up inside of him when he felt the fingers of the hand holding his left hand start to caress his lovingly. The feeling of warmth and caring that brought on allowed Neville to find his voice and his courage.
"Sir, I like Luna very much. I don't know her as well as I want to but I feel something powerful between us. Your daughter is very important to me and is a very special person. For the past few days I wake up every morning feeling like the luckiest wizard in the world that your daughter wants to be my girlfriend." Neville managed to get this out without stuttering as the man had still not released his gaze or his hand. Beads of sweat were starting to form under his collar as he wondered whether his new will would be needed so soon.
"And if my daughter wants to go on a trip for find Crumple-horned Snorlacks?"
"I'll be taking pictures and notes for her."
Xeno finally smiled and let go of Neville's hand. He almost laughed out loud as he saw the boy relax, "Neville, I know of your family and it's history but that isn't as important as the actual person whom my daughter chooses to spend her time with. Luna has told me all about you and especially your last school year where you were training with Harry and the altercation you and your friends had at the Ministry. My daughter is very perceptive and has a unique ability to read people and their intentions. If she has chosen you and feels as strongly as she does, then you are yourself a very special person. Please call me Xeno."
/End Flashback/
Smiling at the memory, Luna turned and kissed her boyfriend again.
Both the Lovegoods and the Longbottoms had stayed at the Manor overnight. Harry had offered them each a guesthouse but Augusta and Xeno had instead opted to share one while Luna slept in the Manor.
Augusta and Xeno had returned to their respective homes that morning (with their new portkeys of course) and Neville and Luna decided to spend a quiet day with each other with Harry and Hermione were off at Gringotts.
/Scene Break/
Jane and Dan Granger had spent an entirely enjoyable day exploring the many paths and walkways around Potter Manor. They had asked the elves for a picnic basket and had eaten lunch in a secluded clearing that Jeeves had mentioned was a favourite spot for previous guests and residents alike. Both of them loved the guesthouse by the pond and they had wistfully thought that this would be the perfect place to retire to – not that they would ever think of imposing themselves on Harry like that.
By early afternoon they were walking hand-in-hand back to the guesthouse after spending several hours in the sunshine and fresh air. They stopped and kissed before holding hands again. As the got to the guesthouse Dan swept Jane off her feet and carried her inside. They both had the same thought – with any luck, Hermione wouldn't be back for a few more hours.
/Scene Break/
At Harry's request, the Goblins had reserved one of the larger boardrooms at Gringotts for the Will reading. There was a small room off to the side where Harry and Hermione would be able to watch the proceedings undetected until it was time to make their presence known.
At 2:30 most of the beneficiaries invited for the reading had arrived and were waiting in the main lobby of the bank. Albus had tried to move on ahead to the boardroom but he was told in no uncertain terms that the instructions from Lord Black were very specific and that no one would be allowed into the boardroom until everyone had arrived. Dumbledore had never suspected that Sirius would have made such strict stipulations and when he tried to argue this with Griphook, the goblin just reiterated that Ragnok had instructions form Lord Black and he was following them to the letter.
"It just isn't instructions from the same 'Lord Black' you think it is," thought Griphook as he was in an uncomfortable position for a Goblin – he actually felt like giggling.
Griphook looked at the assembled crown and saw that everyone was there – minus Harry and Hermione of course. He got everyone's attention – 30 goblin warriors drawing their weapons had a way of doing that – and announced instructions to the assembled group.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Will reading for Lord Sirius Black will commence shortly. Before I lead you into the boardroom, I must announce the following stipulations requested by Lord Black for these proceedings. Once you are in the boardroom you may be seated. As soon as everyone is in the doors will be sealed and no one will be allowed into or out of the room until the end of the Will reading. There is to be no violence or spell casting. Anyone violating that will be escorted away by Goblin warriors. Director Ragnok will be handling the proceedings personally. If you must address him, you will use his title. You must all agree to these conditions or you will be asked to leave and forfeit your inheritance."
"Now I will lead you to the boardroom. As each of you approach the doorway I will ask for your oath to abide by Lord Black's requests. If you choose not to give the oath you will be escorted out of the Bank."
Griphook led the group past the warriors and down the corridor to the boardroom. Remus who was in the back of the group with Tonks and her parents noticed that the warriors formed up behind them and followed them down the hall. At the entrance, the group gave their oaths one by one and entered the room. Once Remus was inside, the warriors entered the room and took up positions around the perimeter. Griphook cam through the door and sealed it behind him.
It was now 2:45. He signaled Ragnok that the first part was complete.
Ragnok left his office to head down to the boardroom. He had waited for Griphook's signal to send Harry's paperwork over to the Ministry. Ragnok suppressed a grin. After all this was a will reading. He shook his head and allowed his face to go back to it's normal slightly condescending demeanour – but this was going to be so much fun!
/Scene Break/
A weekend clerk in the Department of Records summoned Percy Weasley from his office. He normally did not work on a Sunday but Audrey had a few things she wanted to take care of so Percy accompanied her and was just preparing his work for the week when the memo stamped "URGENT" landed on his desk.
He headed down to the Records department and the nervous clerk handed him copies of the documents that had just been sent over from Gringotts. Percy glanced over them and allowed himself to smile inwardly while still maintaining his normal stoic appearance.
He looked up at the clerk, "I need to get this information to the Minister right away." There had been a trace on any documents relating to Harry Potter for the past year and this was the first time it had been used. As he got into the elevator Percy thought, "Fudge is really going to be pissed."
/Scene Break/
Ragnok entered the boardroom with a large stack of papers and sat down at the head of the table. He looked at the assembled group. Around the table sat Narcissa and Draco Malfoy, Ted, Andromeda and Nymphadora Tonks, Remus Lupin, Arthur, Molly, Ginevra, Ronald, Fred and George Weasley, To his immediate left sat Albus Dumbledore and the two seats to his right were unoccupied. Mind you since they were spelled to only admit the two people currently watching from the side room he wasn't too surprised they were empty.
"Ah well," he though mischievously, "on with the show."
/Scene Break/
Percy exited the elevators but it was not on the Minister's floor. He was in the International Wizarding Federation floor currently headed for the Canadian consular offices.
Inside he found Audrey sitting at her desk. She looked up and got a smiled the genuinely warm and caring smile she had whenever she saw Percy.
"You're still a bit early. I'm not finished yet."
He bent down and kissed her before saying, "I have to go see the Minister, but I though you might like to see these before I go up."
He handed her the paperwork and as she was reading her mouth formed a perfect 'O' shape. She looked up, "He's going to be so pissed."
"I know. I think we should try to find the twins later. I'd really like to talk to Harry about what's going on."
"Agreed. But you better get up there before Fudge can accuse you of delaying this."
"I'm on my way," he paused at the door and went back to kiss her again, "I'll see you at 4:30."
/Scene Break/
Ragnok looked around the table again. He cleared his throat and started, "I…" he stopped. "Where are Hermione Granger and Harry Potter? Griphook!"
Griphook came running over to Ragnok, "Yes Director?"
"Where are Hermione Granger and Harry Potter? Not all of the beneficiaries are here. I thought you said all the notices had been sent out!" Ragnok was visibly upset.
Griphook was shaking. Even though he knew his Boss was acting, it was very convincing, "They were director. I don't know why Mr. Potter and Miss Granger are not here."
Ragnok was about to continue when Albus spoke up, "Pardon me Director …"
Ragnok rounded on Dumbledore, "Is there a reason you feel the need to interrupt me Lord Dumbledore?"
Dumbledore looked like he had been slapped, "My apologies Director. However, I believe I can shed some light on those missing from these proceedings. Mr. Potter will not be here today he has authorized me to act on his behalf." He passed the note Harry wrote for him to Ragnok.
Ragnok looked it over noticing it said exactly what Harry said it would. Convinced that Albus had not really read it properly he reflected to himself of the arrogance of many of the pureblood wizards.
"Yes, this seems to be in order."
Dumbledore continued, "As for Miss Granger, I have been looking for her to discuss this reading since the notices were sent. Neither her nor her parents have been at home. I suspect that they are out of the country on vacation." Albus had breathed a sigh of relief when Hermione had no shown up for the reading. She had the potential to cause a lot of trouble and her absence would make this meeting progress a lot smoother.
Ragnok nodded. "Very well then. Shall we continue?"
"I…"
He was interrupted by the sounds of a commotion from the hallway.
/Scene Break/
Harry and Hermione were nearly oblivious to the start of the proceedings. It would still take some time for it to get interesting. This was Ragnok's part and he was playing the situation perfectly.
Besides, the sofa the goblins had provided them was perfect for two teenagers. Harry was currently reflecting on the wonderful taste of Hermione's new toothpaste.
/Scene Break/
Percy came running into Fudge's office. Not many people knew that Fudge always worked Sunday afternoons. His mother-in-law came over every Sunday afternoon and stayed for Dinner and while he couldn't get out of Dinner, the needs of the Ministry were always greater than entertaining his relatives.
He looked up annoyed a Percy, "Weatherby, why are you barging in here?"
Percy hid his annoyance, "I mean really, how hard is it to remember my name," he thought but he had to play his part, "Sir, these were just filed by the Goblins with the Ministry. I know your interest in the boy I retrieved these as soon as they were brought to my attention." He handed Cornelius the four pages.
Fudge started to read them, "Adopted? Lord Black? Emancipated? LORD BLOODY POTTER?" His stomach sank. He looked up at Percy, "Thank you Warwick. That will be all."
Percy turned and left the room smirking.
Fudge was trying to do something he usually failed at miserably – he was trying to think during a crisis. "I need to contact Albus. He'll know what to do." Then it hit him, "Oh SHIT! The will reading. I've got to warn him."
He grabbed his bowler hat and apparated to the lobby of Gringotts.
/Scene Break/
Bellatrix had assembled her assault team of Death Eaters and was going over the final preparations. They would arrive at the Ministry at 5pm and attack with force. All of them had their masks, black cloaks and their portkeys to escape.
Bellatrix never reflected on the fact that a Death Eater portkey even worked at the Ministry where portkeys and apparitions only worked from the entrance hall unless you were specifically keyed into the wards. Other Death Eaters did, but no one would ever be stupid enough to ask the Dark Lord or any of his inner circle why.
They finished their preparations and some had a light meal in anticipation of the mission to come.
/Scene Break/
Amelia Bones usually worked Sundays well into the evening. That was part of the curse of working as the head of the DMLE. She had been extra frustrated over the past few weeks since Fudge seemed to be throwing up roadblock after roadblock of procedural delay in her prosecution of the Death Eaters captured a few weeks ago. Her niece Susan had convinced her to finish up today at three. Susan met her at her office and the two of them left the Ministry and went into muggle London to get an early dinner and go to a movie. It was one Amelia had been looking forward to – she always had a fascination with 007 and – if she would admit it to herself – a crush as well.
/Scene Break/
Jeeves had just finished overseeing the packing and transportation of the remainder of his Master's belongings from Privet Drive to the Manor. That morning a team of elves had cleaned the house and Jeeves had left the note his Master had written on the table in the front hall as he had been instructed. As he inspected the house one final time he could not help but smile at the homecoming his Master's family would receive. Especially since those two nice Weasley twins had been there most of the morning.
He left Privet drive heading for 12 Grimmauld Place in London to see if Kreacher needed any help finishing up there. They needed to be finished and out by the time the will reading was complete.
/Scene Break/
Cornelius arrived at Gringotts and walked briskly (the Minister of Magic could not be seen running) to the Head Teller.
The teller ignored Fudge for about a minute. He was busy stamping important deposit slips and no Wizard was going to interrupt that. After he finished he looked up at the blustering Fudge.
"What is your business with Gringotts today?"
"I need to know where the Will of Sirius Black is being read."
"It is being held in Boardroom B as we speak. However …" the Head Teller never got to finish as Fudge took off down the hall. He immediately alerted the guards who quickly followed the Minister.
Fudge stopped short of the boardroom as he realized he was facing a squad of heavily armed goblins. He heard footsteps behind him and realized he now had another squad of heavily armed, pissed goblins behind him. They stood there at an impasse until the Head Teller was able to make his way down the hall.
"As I was about to say as you ran off, no one but beneficiaries were allowed into the room and as the Reading has now started the room is sealed in accordance with Lord Black's wishes."
Fudge tried to collect himself and stood up straight and tall, "I AM THE MINISTER OF MAGIC AND YOU WILL LET ME IN!"
The Head Teller looked at him, "Look sir, it doesn't matter if you are Merlin himself. No one is allowed into the room."
"LET ME IN. I AM THE MINISTER OF MAGIC. BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTRY I ORDER YOU TO LET ME PASS."
"Minister. You of all people should know that the Ministry has no control over how Gringotts conducts business as long as it is above board and according to the law. You have no Authority here to enter that room."
At that moment Griphook appeared in the hall. He looked at the Head Teller and pointedly ignored Fudge. "Fangtooth, what is the meaning of this disturbance? Ragnok's instructions must be followed."
"Mr. Griphook. The Minister here is not listening to my instructions."
"Well tell the Minister to either leave quietly on his own, or allow the guards to practice their eviction drills using him." With that Griphook disappeared.
Fudge looked around. While he was angered that this Mr. Griphook did not even acknowledge him or address him directly he was sobered by the suspicion that the "evection drills" would not be pleasant. This thought was reinforced by the predatory looks on the faces of the goblin squads surrounding him. He lowered his head in defeat and left without saying another word.
/Scene Break/
When Griphook returned he nodded to Ragnok. "I'm sorry Director. The reason for the commotion outside has been taken care of. I have the assurances of the Head Teller it will not happen again.
Everyone in the room turned to face Ragnok again. He picked up the will and started reading again.
"I, Sirius Black…"
A/N – Well, here we are at the will reading. As usual I appreciate all the reviews and your suggestions are helping me craft this story and I think incorporating some of your ideas make it better – I hope you think so too.