Author's Note:
One reader asked the reasonable question as to why Sirius acknowledged Draco as his Heir when Sirius only knew the Slytherin a blood purist prat, not as a Veela who identified Harry as his Mate. It is because in this story, I followed the tenet of feudal British law and the inheritance. The wizarding world appears lost in the culture of a bygone era, so I followed those customs and concepts. Under ancient British precepts, titles traveled through the blood line of the eldest (legitimate) male heir. Along with primogeniture, it was the legal basis of the British aristocracy's ability to transmit their titles and estates down through the centuries.
Narcissa had been a legitimate daughter and member of the Black House when she married Lucius Malfoy. That made Draco a legitimate Black heir if Sirius had no off-spring himself. However, if Draco had taken the Dark Mark or refused to swear not to take it, Sirius invoked an Inheritance Ritual, and believed the Black Signet Ring would choose Harry as his godson (here I made a leap from feudal law to permit a magical godfather/godson relationship to factor in but be secondary to the blood line inheritance). However, as pointed out to me, Sirius should have included that explanation in his letter to Harry.
Chapter 14 – A Little Family History
The Malfoys, Severus Snape and Remus Lupin were still at the bank when Harry finally became aware of his surroundings again after finishing his letter from Sirius, although Andromeda and her daughter had left for prior engagements.
Lucius smiled at his son, quietly proud of his confident acceptance of his new role as the Head of an Ancient and Noble House. "It has been a long day for everyone. May I suggest dinner at a private room at Nuits Étoilé?"
Remus looked down at his slightly shabby dress robes. "I am not attired properly for Nuits Étoilé until I pick up the wardrobe Sirius commissioned. I will write you soon, Harry. I don't want to lose touch with you again."
Harry's face was plainly distressed at the thought of Remus not accompanying them and Narcissa immediately stepped in. "Nonsense, Mr. Lupin. You are practically family to Harry. Your presence is much more important to him than your apparel. Please reconsider and join us." Her smile was warm and gracious. When it appeared he might still demur, she slipped her arm into his. "We won't take no for an answer, will we Mr. Potter?"
He grinned and took the older man's other arm. "Absolutely not."
With a self-conscious chuckle, the older man acknowledged "I can see the decision has been taken out of my hands."
Severus Snape said curtly "I will be returning to Hogwarts. Mr. Potter, I presume you will be visiting the Black Library soon?"
The two blonde Malfoys took exception to his comments with the older stating "Oh no, Severus. The dinner includes you as well." He was immediately followed by the younger Malfoy wrapping his arm through his godfather's. "Indeed Severus. If you expect Harry to gallivant off to the Black ancestral Library to obtain your bequest, then the least you can do is join us for a simple meal." He turned big eyes on his godfather. "After all, would you not celebrate your only godson assuming the prestigious role as the Head of an Ancient and Noble Family?"
The Potion Master glared at them both and then carefully removed his godson's arm. However, as the blonde teen gave him a beseeching look, he replied in a long-suffering voice "Fine. I will expect one of their oldest cognac's at the very least."
"That's a good man, Severus" Lucius approved with a hint of a smile. "Nuits Étoilé's wine cellar rivals my own. I'm sure they will be able to provide something you find palatable." The dark-haired man glared at his old friend, but didn't reply.
They floo'd from Gringott's directly to the wizard's entrance of Nuits Étoilé. Harry had the impression of red moiré fabric walls before the silver-haired maître'd approached and bowed courteously to the group. "Bon soir Monsieur Malfoy. C'est un plaisir de vous voir cette soirée. Souhaitez-vous une salle à manger privée?"
Lucius inclined his head graciously. "Oui, merci Georges. Vous avez prévu de nouveau mes désirs."
The smaller man nodded. "Par ici, s'il vous plaît." Harry had the opportunity to notice the cherry paneling of the hallway until they were led into a private dining room set for eight. The room had dark green carpeting with what appeared to be Monet drawings among other unobtrusive artwork. A delicate crystal chandelier gave muted light to the room.
A discreet waiter immediately removed the extra two place settings, while another filled their water goblets.
Harry tried not to feel uncomfortable, as he wondered what to order at an obviously French restaurant. If the menu was in French, what would happen if he just pointed at something? A mental echo of laughter alerted him to his lowaar's amusement. "Nous lisons et parlons beaucoup de langues, ghergo'ir." At his mental question, Ortinoth added "We read and speak many languages, ghergo'ir. We will be able to translate for you, never fear."
Draco leaned over to the dark-hair teen and said loudly enough for Remus to also hear "If you haven't been here before Harry, the Chef chooses what he is willing to make for his customers each day." At Harry's surprised look he added "When one has the skill and reputation he has, one is able to make those pronouncements."
Harry chuckled and settled in more comfortably. If he didn't like what was served, he knew the Hogwarts house elves would be happy to make him a plate when they returned to the school.
"Draco, would you expand a bit on the Heir rings? It's not something I've heard about before." Harry paused as his innocuous question seemed to gain the surprised attention of the entire table. He looked around the circle of shocked faces. "What?"
To his surprise, Remus answered first. "Harry, has no one ever mentioned your role as the Head of the Ancient House of Potter?"
The dark-haired teen shook his head. "No, I knew I had no other Potter relatives, but I didn't know there was a 'House of Potter' so to speak. I gather it means more than it sounds?"
Remus slumped a little in his chair. "I had no idea you hadn't been raised with that information. I would have explained..."
Harry looked at Remus in confusion. "What am I missing?" Draco laid a comforting hand on his arm. "Harry, many families can't trace their history back more than a dozen generations. In fact, that probably describes the majority of the population. Then there are the Ancient Houses. They can trace their families back for a thousand years or more. They have ancestral lands and hold an important role in the Wizarding world. The Ancient families also have seats on the Wizangamot. Finally there are the Ancient and Noble Houses, that not only can they trace their ancestry for a thousand years, but they are part of the ancient nobility, bearing titles handed down through a hundred generations."
Draco took a sip from his water glass. "The Potter family is an Ancient House with considerable holdings throughout the Wizarding world." Harry interrupted "Holdings?" "Property and businesses, as well as their liquid assets." At the other's questioning look, Draco added bluntly "Gold, Harry. They had considerable wealth."
Conversation quieted as a trio of waiters brought in appetizers. They uncovered the dishes and murmured "Champion Portablla aux Quatra Fromages". His lowaar quickly translated it to "grilled mushrooms stuffed with four cheeses". He hesitantly tasted it and was delighted at the flavor, and had to restrain himself from acting like Ron Weasley and shoveling the tasty morsels into his mouth.
After enjoying several bites, Harry returned to the previous exchange. "So my parents had considerable wealth. Why then, was I raised in a boot cupboard and fed only scraps?"
Remus' horrified and hoarse whisper escaped in a rush beside him. "A boot cupboard? What do you mean you were raised in a boot cupboard?" Looking at his Father's old friend, Harry was surprised to see his eyes turning yellow as a snarl began to appear on his face.
"The Dursleys woke up the morning after my parent's death to find me in a basket on their doorstep, along with a note saying my parents were dead and they were expected to raise me. My Aunt Petunia hated anything magical and hadn't spoken to my Mum in years. They deeply resented having me thrust upon them. I slept on a cot in the cupboard under the stairs until after my Hogwarts letter came...which was addressed to the Cupboard Under the Stairs, so someone at least knew."
Narcissa Malfoy's voice was chilly and dangerous, making Harry shiver slightly. "Someone left a defenseless baby, who was probably able to toddle by then, alone on a doorstep in the middle of the night in November? He or she didn't even have the decency to personally communicate the death of an only sister and brother-in-law in person?" Her disgust was palpable in the room. "The woman woke up to find a baby on her porch and that's how she learned her sister was dead and she now had another child to care for? How could anyone behave so callously!"
Harry shrugged hopelessly. He hadn't intended to share that much. He hoped Snape wouldn't use that information to humiliate him in Potions class. Narcissa continued "Am I to understand no one ever confirmed that you would be welcomed and cared for?"
Harry gave a snort. "I was not welcomed. I was a burden and a valueless freak as far as they were concerned."
Remus added in a quiet voice ""The Headmaster never even asked the Muggles if they were willing to take you in and raise you? No one bothered to check on your health or well-being?" He growled deep in his throat. "I asked to visit you! I asked to be part of your life! I was told it would be dangerous to you." Harry swallowed as he watched the fork in Remus' hand slowly bend in half.
Fortunately, the waiters returned at that point. They quietly removed the appetizer and placed a bowl of soup in front of each person, murmuring "Soupe à l'Oignon". His lowaar obligingly translated "onion soup with a browned swiss cheese crust, ghergo'ir." Harry took the opportunity of the waiter's activities to glance quickly at the Potions Master seated by Lucius. To his surprise, Snape was staring at him with an impassive face, but narrowed eyes. He hoped again this conversation wasn't going to haunt him back at Hogwarts.
Draco took pity on him once the waiters left the room and he had tasted his soup. "Don't worry, Harry. We will be able to help you learn more about your Family's history. To answer your question about the rings, every Head of House wears a House signet ring. It usually bears the House crest or the motto and is typically worn on the third finger of the right hand. It also habitually has charms and protections added to it over the centuries, making it an invaluable resource." He took another spoonful of his soup. "In the same way, the Heir of the Head of House wears a similar ring, denoting their status. It also usually bears charms and protections. The Heir also wears his ring on the third finger of the right hand."
He continued in between bites of his soup, as Harry listened and committed the information to memory. "If you are Head of a House and also the Heir of another, then the highest ranking family ring goes on the third finger, while the other ring goes on the forefinger. It is a matter of pride in one's Family to always wear the rings." He paused and then added "If a Family can trace its roots back ten generations, even if they are not considered an Ancient or Noble Family, then the Head of House is entitled to create the Family signet ring."
Harry tried to control his own anger and sense of betrayal. If what Draco said was true, and Remus seemed to think it was, his family was both wealthy and politically powerful. He didn't have to spend ten years in a cupboard, half starved. Surely there was someone else who would have raised him, even if only for payment? Who would have at least treated him as better than dirt? Waves of love, encouragement and support rolled over him from his lowaar and he closed his eyes to bask in it.
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Well, it appears I have something else to investigate then. I will have to find and speak with the Potter solicitors, as well as find out who has been managing the estate since my parent's death. However, that won't be tonight."
He deliberately turned to Remus and smiled. "So tell me who Andre Fournier is." Remus blinked at the change in conversation and then visibly and slowly released the rage he felt, forcing the wolf back.
When he was again in control, he responded with his usual gentle voice "Andre Fournier is this generation's designer and tailor of Fournier Custom Apparel. They have been known for generations as creators of the best in custom clothing." He smiled reluctantly. "Sirius always was a bit of a dandy when it came to his appearance."
"A dandy?" Harry couldn't help but look puzzled at the term.
"Someone who is extremely interested in and vain about their appearance and clothes" Draco interjected.
Harry smirked. "Oh, like you then." He nodded his head wisely, ignoring the choked sound that came from the blonde.
"It might be a good idea for you to visit Fournier's, Mr. Potter" Narcissa commented with a smile. "You will need to augment your wardrobe. I would be delighted to take you shopping." Her blue eyes seemed to sparkle at the idea.
"Pansy Parkinson mentioned something to that effect as well" he replied dryly. "I got the idea she saw me as life-sized dress-up doll."
Draco turned to Harry and said "Pansy's taste isn't bad, but I would prefer to have either my Mother or me accompany you if you are planning to expand your wardrobe, if you don't mind."
Harry chuckled good-naturedly. "I readily admit that I know nothing about style. My school uniform and robes are the only clothes I ever had before this summer that weren't hand-me-downs from my much larger cousin. And the clothes I acquired this summer were made for me with little input on my part."
"The formal robes you are wearing are both elegant and traditional, Mr. Potter" acknowledged Narcissa with a smile. "How many were made for you?"
"The majority of my wardrobe was made for daily use, but I have two dress robes as well."
Draco raised an elegant eyebrow and responded with a sniff. "Only two? We're definitely going shopping then, Harry." The dark-haired teen rolled his eyes without responding, ignoring Remus' chuckle beside him.
The waiters returned with the main course, presenting it with a flourish. "Magret de Canard Avec Sauce Cerises". His lowaar responded "Roasted breast of duck with a cherry port wine demi-glace sauce." Harry tentatively took a bite and let the flavors wash across his tongue and slowly blinked in surprise. "This is brilliant!" He ignored the Malfoy's indulgent looks and concentrated on every bite. "I could get used to this."
As they waited for dessert, Harry asked Remus his thoughts about the Black trust. "I was unaware that Sirius was going to do that" the werewolf said shaking his head at the thoughtfulness of his fellow Marauder. "I would like to try to run it. I can think of many jobs that could be held by those with lycanthropy that could eventually make it self-supporting. But first I'll look into hiring enough Potion Masters to make the Wolfsbane potion available on a monthly basis.
"I will consider whether there is a method of improving the potion to ease the trauma of the transformations" Charok offered.
"I would be interested as well" added Ydraith. "There must be a way that I can help with the premature aging of the victims."
"Thank you" Harry whispered mentally. "I don't want to lose Remus on top of my parents and Sirius. Anything you can do to ease his suffering is deeply appreciated."
"He is important to you, ghergo'ir. That makes him important to us" responded Ydraith simply.
Severus side-apparated the teens back to Hogwarts after dinner. The walk from the apparition point back to the castle was quiet, with the two teens trying to keep up with the long-legged Potions Master. There was no conversation until Harry asked "when would you like to visit one of the Black estates to access the Black ancestral library, Draco?"
"I will first need to visit the Black vaults as well as review the list of properties. We'll want to select one that is either blood-warded or under Fidelius protection; preferably blood wards." He smiled at the Gryffindor. "Even if the Dark Lord has given us time to 'sway' you to his perspective, we don't want to take unnecessary risks."
Severus sneered "Mr. Potter seems to thrive on reckless behavior. Perhaps you will be able to indoctrinate him on the value of caution."
Harry rolled his eyes at the back of the Potion Master. "I have no problem with waiting, Professor. My only reason to go is to copy the Salazar Slytherin journals for you." He hid a smirk when the man made no other comment, but picked up the pace, his black cloak fluttering behind him.
Once in their quarters, Harry walked to his room to remove his cloak. He heard a sharp tapping and was surprised to find a regal owl waiting impatiently outside the window. Once the window was opened, a white collar bearing the Gringott's crest was clearly visible on the near black feathers of stately bird.
The Eagle Owl had brown-black upper parts and tawny-buff ear tufts. Its facial disc was tawny-buff, speckled black-brown with dense freckling on the forehead and crown.
"Well hello there, fella. My, you're a handsome one, aren't you?" The owl hooted and puffed its feathers before holding out his leg. Harry carefully untied it and gave him an owl treat. "Do you need a reply?" The owl hooted again as if in agreement. "Hedwig, can he share your perch?" The snowy white owl glared at the newcomer, but grudgingly sidled over to make room. "Thank you, girl."
He unrolled the parchment and read through it.
To Mr. Harry Potter,
It has come to my attention that you were identified as the Mate to a Veela. If you were not aware, that designation automatically bestows the legal status of adult despite the age of the Chosen. As a result, you are immediately eligible to receive your Potter Family inheritance.
I have been the Potter Account Manager since your Father reached his majority, but another can be assigned at your directive. Please let me know when it will be convenient to review the Potter Account, including the properties, investments and other assets.
Grimtoe, Senior Account Manager
Harry recalled from "The Veela Council: History and Laws" that an underage Chosen was immediately granted legal status as bonding with an underage Mate was prohibited. He hadn't considered all the ramifications of that though.
Taking a quill and parchment, he began a reply, drawing on the Juanth Darastrix genetic memory for the appropriate phrases.
To the honorable Grimtoe,
May your gold increase and your enemies suffer in hideous agony.
I would be pleased to meet with you regarding the Potter estate and holdings.
Harry paused and called out. "Draco?"
The blonde came to the bedroom door. "Yes?"
"Do you know if there is a standard fee that the goblins charge to manage an account?"
The blonde leaned against the door and nodded. "Usually it's one percent of the total value of the account. Why?"
Harry nodded towards the second owl on Hedwig's perch. "The Gringott's manager of the Potter account discovered that I am now considered a legal adult due to..." He paused to clear his throat. "...being chosen as a Veela's mate and is asking for a meeting. If there fees are based on the total of the account, then it's in their best interest to manage the account well for mutual profit. Otherwise, if they were paid regardless of whether the holdings were increasing or decreasing, I would probably want an independent review and audit. I just wanted to know how that works."
The blonde nodded. "However, you would also be considered a legal adult because you are the Head of an Ancient Family and the last of your line. When are you thinking of going? I need to inspect the Black vaults, so perhaps we could coordinate our visits."
The Gryffindor considered before saying "We're both probably going to need at least half a day. Do you want to wait for next Saturday?"
They agreed on 9:00 AM Saturday and Harry returned to his note.
I would be pleased to meet with you regarding the Potter estate and holdings. Will 9:00 AM next Saturday be convenient? Until then, if you would send me a statement of account, I will review it and draw up my list of questions in advance.
Also, I do not have the House Signet ring. If you have any information on it, I would appreciate it.
In mutual profit,
Harry James Potter
Head of the Ancient House of Potter
The Gringott's owl hopped over to the desk as Harry rolled up and sealed the document. The teen quickly secured the scroll, and the owl jumped to the window, before launching off the sill and into the night sky.
While he was thinking of it, Harry decided to write a letter to the Potter solicitors.
Sanders, Witherspoon and Brentwood
To Whom It May Concern,
I recently reached adult status due to being the Chosen Mate of a Veela. I am also the Head of the Ancient House of Potter as the last of the line. I understand that my Family has been represented by your firm in the past and am currently seeking legal counsel. Does Sanders, Witherspoon and Brentwood wish to continue representing the Ancient House of Potter?
If so, I would like to schedule a time to discuss my situation. As I am a student of Hogwarts, please let me know if an evening appointment is agreeable.
Thank you,
Harry J. Potter
Head of the Ancient House of Potter
He rolled up and tied the scroll and set it aside for Hedwig to take in the morning. Ready to shake off some of his frustration through exercising, he changed into sweatpants and a loose sleeveless tank. Draco was surrounded by book on the table and bent over what appeared to be his Arithmancy assignment.
"Draco, I'm going to head out for some exercises. I should be back in about 90 minutes."
The blonde looked up. "Need any company?"
"Nah, I'm good. I should be back by the time you're done with your assignment." The Slytherin looked like he wanted to argue, but looked down at his work and frowned. "All right, I'll see you when you get back."
The Gryffindor turned towards the door but stopped at a tentative "Harry?" He turned back to the blonde and waited. "Just...let me know if you'll be late?"
Harry would have frowned if it weren't obvious that the blonde was uncomfortable asking. He knew Draco Malfoy would never want to appear needy, but the Veela was another matter. "If I'm running late, I'll call Dobby and have him let you know." He was rewarded with a relieved smile and a soft "Thank you, Harry."
The dark-haired teen nodded and gave a brief wave, before heading to the Room of Requirement. He spent the first hour practicing his elemental magic under Ortinoth's tutelage. He practiced summoning and controlling the size of flames, as well as direction and strength. Then he repeated each action with wind before using the two together.
Ortinoth nodded in satisfaction at the teen's improvement. "Well done, ghergo'ir. You will master Ixen and Thrae magic in a matter of months. And now I know you are eager to let Charok take over."
Without being told, Harry began his stretching exercises. Standing straight with his feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bend, he bent forward at the waist and inhaled as he reached down to touch the floor. After he counted to fifteen, he exhaled as he returned to the standing position. He repeated that until Charok called for the second position.
With a chuckle at the teen's barely controlled eagerness, Charok said "Now ghergo'ir, stand tall and proud as a member of the Juanth Darastrix." The silky baritone again enthralled the young man and he let it become his focus. "You felt the transformation on the roof; you flew with me and experienced soaring on a thermal and feeling the wind beneath your wings."
Harry pictured his alternate form, remembered the strength and power of the draconic body. Charok's voice demanded with quiet intensity "Show me your form, iejir'deevdru of the Clan!"
Once again, tendrils of light, color and power played over Harry, immersing him in a warm swirling pool of sensations. Something snapped into place in the core of his being; it felt so right that he raised his head and trumpeted in exultation.
The sound reverberated in the closed space and the walls vibrated with the power of the roar. Wait…he roared? He saw a movement in his peripheral vision and swung around instantly. His tail thudded against the wall, causing it to shudder. His tail? He paused in shock as his lowaar rumbled in laughter. He looked down at his golden scaled form and exposed razor-sharp fangs in a grin. He swiveled his head and smiled in satisfaction at his wings, carefully unfurling them until they touched the walls.
"Congratulations, ghergo'ir! You are one with the Clan. Your Opsola will look forward to flying with you when you return home."
Harry dove into his mind still in his Clan form, delighted to see his lowaar in their natural forms as well. He bowed his head in full submission as child to elder. "I can do anything through the strength and power of the Clan."
If the residents of the castle heard a thundering roar, they assumed it was a storm overhead and never realized just what was under the same roof with them.
Lowaar = Indwellers
Ghergo'ir = Young one
Ixen = Fire
Thrae = Air
Juanth Darastrix = Elder Dragons
Iejir'deevdru = Blood son
Opsola = Father, sire
