Chapter 5: Fallout
As the coronation for the Lord of Hogwarts continued well into the night, inside the Ministry of Magic, ancient, powerful magic was at work. The Hogwarts Board of Governors' offices were sealed, the ministry spells that were placed on and around Hogwarts were broken, and finally the deed to Hogwarts was changed.
The deed no longer read:
Registered Owner of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Ministry of Magic
Responsible Party: Board of Governors, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
It now read: Registered Owner of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts
Responsible Party: Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts.
The document was magically binding and could not be altered.
Meanwhile over at the Gringotts Bank, Mackrack, the Chairman of the Bank and Leader of the Goblin Nation felt a very strong magical wave spread over him while in his office. Most wizards do not know that Goblins can feel magic, no matter how faint it may be. This magic was not only strong, but ancient; older then anything Mackrack had ever felt.
As he pondered what the magic was Griphook, the Goblin Responsible for a number of high profile accounts, ran in to his office. "Sir, I have just received confirmation of a magical contract being fulfilled by use of ancient crystal, but I cannot access the will even though it deals with one of my charges."
This intrigued Mackrack greatly. Griphook handled many Family accounts including those that supported the light including the Potter, Dumbledore, Black, Weasley, McGonagall, and Bones accounts. If Griphook could not access the contract, then it was something very secretive.
"Very well Griphook, I will not see this as a failure on your part. Hand over the crystal please."
Mackrack took the crystal and placed it in a special holder on his desk and examined it. It was ancient Goblin made crystal, made approximately 1000 years ago. 'That's strange. The only vaults that go back that far are the Hogwarts Vaults and Lord Gryffindor's Personal Vaults…It couldn't be…could it?'
Mackrack immediately at up straight again, "Griphook, bring me the Hogwarts Files, make sure you include the wills of the founders!"
Griphook ran from the room and returned minutes later with a huge Tome and a box. Mackrack opened the Tome and placed the crystal holder on the first page. The page began show line being written as if an invisible person was writing; the most important lines were on the bottom of the page:
As of this Day in June 1996, Harry James Potter, as the last of the Potter Family, has been granted his legal emancipation as per MOM Law 02a, and Goblin Law A223431
As of this Day in June 1996, Harry James Potter is recognized as the Heir Gryffindor
As of this Day in June 1996, Harry James Potter has received his title of Lord Gryffindor
As Per the will of Lord Godric Gryffindor, Harry James Potter is recognized as the Soul Owner of Lionfire Hall in Wales, Gringotts Vaults 10, 11, 12, Subbasement Vault 2
As of this Day in June 1996, Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter is recognized as the Magical and Blood Heirs of Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin
As of this Day in June 1996, Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter is recognized as the Magical and Blood Heirs of the Founders of Hogwarts
As Per the will of the Founders of Hogwarts, Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter is recognized as the Soul Owner of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, The village of Hogsmeade, Gringotts Vaults 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and the appropriate seats on the Wizengamot of Great Britain
As of this Day in June 1996, Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter has received his title of High Lord of Hogwarts
Mackrack fell out of his chair. Harry Potter was now the richest and most powerful wizard alive. "Griphook, send a courier to the High Lord of Hogwarts. We wish to arrange a meeting between to discuss his investments. Do not send an owl; as a matter of fact, I want you to take this yourself as soon as the sun rises. I want you to wear your formal diplomatic clothing, do you understand me?"
"Of course Mackrack, I shall take this message to the High Lord of Hogwarts. Do you know who the High Lord is?"
"His full title is Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts" Griphook bowed and left the office. Mackrack poured himself a rather large drink and continued to examine the Hogwarts Tome, occasionally making notes and sending out orders.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Ginny Weasley was bored. No she wasn't just bored, she was flat bored. She had arrived home to The Burrow yesterday only to repack and head straight to Longbottom Manor with her mum, brother Ron, best friend Hermione Granger, and other friend Luna Lovegood.
From there they were all heading to Hogwarts for the foreseeable future. Her father and older brothers Bill, Charlie, Fred and George, had escorted Harry Potter, the secret love of her life, back there last night. They were supposed to be there in a couple of days, but that was too long. She learned from her mother that Percy, the estranged Weasley brother, had returned to the family after learning he had been poisoned by the Minister of Magic himself.
So with nothing else to do besides referee the fighting between Ron and Hermione, Ginny decided to stare out of her window towards Hogwarts, thinking about Harry. It was just after sunset when Longbottom Manor was hit by a very strong magical wave. It was so strong that the wards around the manor were strengthened and expanded. This wave also caused Ginny Weasley to pass out cold at the exact some moment Harry collapsed at Hogwarts.
Ginny awoke and saw that she was in the Gryffindor Common Room. But it was different, it was spotless. There were no books lying about, no notices on the notice board, just the common room with a blazing fire. As Ginny looked around she saw a man standing at the stairs to the boys' dormitories.
He was a tall man, about 6'3" with broad shoulders. The man was wearing some of the finest robes she had very seen. They looked as if they were made from Acromantula Silk and were died deep red with Gold trim. The man was standing somewhat in shadow, but she could see he had long black hair that reached his shoulders and a black goatee. Then she saw his eyes flash. They were bright green and boring into her soul. She knew those eyes, they belonged to the man he loved. "Harry?" she asked timidly.
The man walked out of the shadows and straight towards her. He bent over and picked her up and spun her around in his arms. When he put her down, he bent over and whispered in her ear,
"No, I am Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts. But you may call me Harry." He then nibbled on her ear before giving her a very passionate kiss on her lips. Ginny had closed her eyes, and prayed that whatever this dream was, it wouldn't end. Ever.
After a few moments or maybe it was hours or maybe even several days, they broke the kiss. Harry looked into Ginny's eyes,
"I know you may think this is sudden, but I love you Ginevra Molly Weasley. Forgive me for telling you that before." With another kiss Ginny's vision faded to black.
When she came to, she was surrounded by Ron, Hermione, her mum, Mrs. Longbottom, Neville, and Luna. Mrs. Weasley was fretted around her daughter "Ginny dear, are you alright? Whatever that magical wave was, it strengthened and expanded the wards, but you were the only person who passed out."
Ginny looked straight at her mother, "It was Harry mum. I can't explain it, but I know that wave came from Hogwarts and was caused by Harry."
"Oh no, I wonder if he is alright, I should floo Albus immediately…" Mrs. Weasley was going into her normal panic mode when Ginny heard a voice in her head.
'Ginny, it's me Harry. Tell your mother everything is fine.' Ginny was shocked, she heard Harry in her head!
'Harry, I don't think she'll listen. She thinks I'm a child.' There a momentary pause then Harry spoke again.
'Ok, this might not work like I want it too, but here goes nothing.'
Suddenly, Harry was standing in front of the assembled group dressed just like he had been in Ginny's dream. However instead of being solid, he looked like an image from pensieve while it is in display mode.
"Hello everyone, I don't have a lot of time to explain right now, but please listen to what I am going to say. Yes that magical wave was caused be me from Hogwarts. No Hermione I am not going to tell you about why or how. I am extremely tired and am going to sleep. No one will be able to get into Longbottom Manor unless you want them too. I'll see you in a few days."
Harry turned to Ginny, "Ginny, I love you" and with that, Harry disappeared.
Harry awoke the next morning in the hospital wing. He looked at his crisp sheets and noticed they were embroidered with 'HJP' on it. He got up and realized that he did not need to wear his glasses. He made his over to the loo and took care of his morning business, including a nice long hot shower.
When he exited the shower, he noticed that there were clean clothing and robes hanging up waiting for him. After dressing, he reentered the main part of the hospital wing and spotted Madam Pomfrey, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and Hagrid all sitting at a rather large circular table.
"Ah good morning Harry, please sit with us, I assume that you are hungry this morning." Harry simply nodded,
"Yes sir, I'm famished actually." The group ate a rather large breakfast while making small talk. Harry did not participate in any; instead he ate like Ron Weasley.
After finishing breakfast, Harry spoke up, "Well I assume everyone would like to know what happened last night."
Everyone nodded "Ok, well I'm only going to explain this once, so where don't we either go to a comfortable office, or conjure some comfortable chairs."
Over the next few hours, Harry explained everything that had happened since he met with the headmaster that afternoon. He explained about Dumbledore's plan for his emancipation and for him to become his apprentice and Dumbledore's lack of concern regarding the ministry. He then explained the discovery of the magical block.
At this McGonagall paled and apologized for not seeing it earlier. Harry continued about to talk about his desire to touch the sword and then when it had transported both him and the headmaster to Godric's Hollow. Harry continued to explain about the mausoleum and bonding with Godric's Gryffindor's power and knowledge. He explained how he felt and then suddenly how he knew how things worked at Hogwarts. He then told the group about the Apprentice ritual that he undergone.
"That's when I got a lot of information. I mean, now I understand why you like socks sir. Plus I agree with you in regards to wife, Professor McGonagall is the most natural registered animagus I have ever met." Everyone went pale when told the group that Albus and Minerva were married. Harry didn't seem to care and carried on his story.
He spoke about returning to school and bonding with the castle and claiming his birthright. He then explained that he knew why the castle did what it did and why. "You see, as an heir, I am one of the Lord of Hogwarts, since I am the heir of all four founders, I am now the High Lord of Hogwarts and command the school itself including the castle, grounds, ghosts, statues, everything. Back to my tale…When we returned I lowered the defensive wall and opened the internal floo network, but I kept the external sealed except for my office, the headmaster's office, and Professor Snape's."
Albus eye brows rose "Harry, where is your office and why did you leave it hooked up to outside Floo Network? And please, we are all friends; please call us by our first names."
"Ok Albus. First off, my office is located in the middle of the school. It is laid out just like yours. The reason I need one is because the Board of Governors and the Ministry no longer have a say in the running of this school. As the High Lord of Hogwarts, the buck stops here, and that includes the professors you hire. I will not allow another incompetent fool to teach here. Finally, as the High Lord of Hogwarts, it is a perk that I can have and so I took it. We can discuss the running of this school later though."
Harry then continued his story. He explained why the castle wanted everyone in the Great Hall and way the founders gave those in the castle the opportunity to ask questions. It was because the castle was recharging it magic and that magic could harm someone if they were outside of the protected walls of the Great Hall.
"After I claimed my place to the school, I knew I had to meet the founders. The ritual you all experienced in the Great Hall was an ancient ritual that made me a member of that bloodline. Since the founders are long since dead, Hogwarts provided the founder's blood to them when they took form. You see the castle has their blood in the actual stone work, which is where the castle's power comes from. The 3 drops from each founder is nothing really. So after I became the blood and magical heir the founders merged with me, which I believe you all saw."
Everyone nodded at this fact, "Well when I passed out, I met with the founders and they finished downloading everything I need to know about the castle and my birthright as their heir. I also met with my mum and dad and learned more about the Potter Line. While this was going on, the castle and I released a magical surge that extended all the way to London and beyond. Under some ancient magical laws, when I became Lord Gryffindor, I also became 'of age' in the eyes of the Ministry. The wave removed this school from the direct control of the Ministry and Board of Governors. It also alerted Gringotts to a change in status. The best thing about the wave was that the wards and defenses of the 3 remaining ancestral homes of the Founders were recharged.
"In case any of you don't know they were known as Lionfire Hall, Badger Place, and Eagle's Nest in the founders' time. Lionfire Hall was Godric Gryffindor's home. It is located on he land he owned which is now known as Godric's Hollow. The Potter Family has called it Potter Manor since Sarah Gryffindor married Patrick Potter. Badger Place was the home of Helga Hufflepuff and her descendants until they all died out do to a huge fire that destroyed the home. The property was left to their closet blood relative the Weasleys. Eagle's Nest was left to extended family as well and became known as Longbottom Manor.
"So after I finished talking to everyone, I was waiting in the common room my head created when I saw an angel. She was wearing a white sundress, long red hair, brown eyes, and smile that can melt my heart. I told Ginny Weasley that I loved her, which I do and then kissed her. She was knocked unconscious when the magical wave hit Longbottom Manor. Her mother panicked so I astro-projected myself there and spoke to everyone briefly. As of a few minutes ago, Ginny is sleeping, dreaming about…"
Harry's face went bright red in embarrassment. Ginny was dreaming about doing very naughty things that included him, a bed, and no clothing.
As everyone finished laughing Albus spoke up, "Thank you Harry for your report; as I was told by Gideon, the sorting hat, you are now my boss and as such I have no right to question you. I am also prepared to obey Lady Ravenclaw's request regarding you being my apprentice. I do however feel that you may benefit from training with me and the other professors."
"Of course Albus, I would continue training with you no matter what happened. Shall we end my apprenticeship?"
Albus nodded, "I Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore release this man, Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts, Head of the Potter Family as my apprentice."
A huge burst of white light burst from Albus' chest and floated around the room.
Harry responded, "I Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts, Head of the Potter Family, accept my release from Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Head of the Dumbledore Family and Leader of the Order of the Phoenix, as my apprentice master."
There was a bright white flash again then everything went back to normal.
After breakfast, Harry was walking to his office when Sir Nicholas, the Gryffindor Ghost stopped him,
"My lord, there is a courier from Gringotts Bank, a Goblin named Griphook, wishes an official audience with you regarding your investments."
Harry thought for a moment, "Thank you Sir Nicolas, please escort him to my office and inform the Headmaster that I wish to have him in on this meeting."
The ghost simply nodded and disappeared through a wall. Harry continued on to his office. As soon as he sat down the fireplace flared green and Albus stepped out.
"Hello Harry, I see this is an almost exact replica of my office" Albus said looking around the office.
"So what is this meeting about? Sir Nicholas only said that it was important." Harry motioned for Albus to sit in a replica of his chair from his office, only this time it was on the other side of the large desk.
"Gringotts has sent a courier/envoy to meet with the High Lord of Hogwarts. I thought you may wish to be here because I have no idea what is going on. Miffy?" A house elf appeared instantly
"Master called?"
"Yes Miffy, but please, I will not have anyone call me master, I am Harry, understood? Good, now you can bring Bill Weasley here if he is the castle? And you please provide us with a tea service for 4, and make sure that you have the proper items for a goblin."
"Of course sir. Miffy will bring take care of everything." With a pop Miffy was gone. A moment later, there was a knock on the door as Bill Weasley entered as well as Griphook who was still escorted by Sir Nicholas.
Sir Nicholas then announced the other people in a very form tone. "Sir, may I present my William Arthur Weasley, whom you called for, and Griphook, Envoy from Mackrack, Chairman of Gringotts Bank, London and current Ruler of the Goblin Nation."
"Thank you Sir Nicholas. Griphook, thank you for coming all this way for meeting with me today; I hope that your pockets are filled with profits." Harry bowed slightly to the Goblin.
"High Lord of Hogwarts, it is an honor for you to meet with me on short notice."
"Please, it is my honor, please gentlemen, sit. I believe we have much to discuss."
Harry motioned for everyone to sit. Miffy had reappeared and started serving tea. "I believe everyone knows everyone else here? Griphook, this is Albus Dumbledore, the newly rehired Headmaster of Hogwarts and President of the Hogwarts Advisory Council. Next we have William Weasley, a very good friend of mine and a loyal worker of Gringotts. Gentlemen, this is Griphook, the first Goblin I have ever met. He served me very well when Hagrid took me to Gringotts for the first time."
"Actually, I am more then just a teller for Gringotts Mr. Potter. I serve as the Goblin in charge of a number of Family Accounts. These families are all light side supporters and they include the Potter, Dumbledore, Black, Weasley, McGonagall, and Bones accounts. I have come here today in regards to the Hogwarts Accounts.
"As of late last night, the Ministry of Magic and the Board of Governors have been denied access to all Hogwarts properties and possessions as per the last will and testament of the Four Founders. I am here today to arrange a meeting with Mackrack, our leader, to discuss your investments."
Harry pondered this revelation for a moment, but Albus asked a question first, "Griphook, as you know, Lord Voldemort is active once again. Lord Potter is a major target. Is there anyway we can have a secure entrance to meet with Mackrack?"
Griphook thought for a moment. "We can open a portal between here and Gringotts bank. Because of the……sensitivity of this account, we would of course be meeting on the third floor."
"Griphook, there are a number of people who are targets for Death Eaters who need to come to Gringotts for the reading of Sirius Black's will. Would it be possible to handle all this business at once and would it possible to arrange transport for another group to Gringotts from a second location? I would of course pay for this service myself."
Griphook thought for a moment then answered. "The portal between here and Gringotts is very easy to accomplish. The founders used many magical creatures in the construction of the school. Goblins were the largest force. We even had a Brigade of Goblin Soldiers stationed here for many years. The portal then was in the dungeons if I remember my history properly, we could easily move it to where ever you would like. As for the other location, I could authorize a squadron of Goblins Soldiers to provide protection for this other location. I could then have them create a portal to Gringotts and have my soldiers move anything here you needed. Where will this location be?"
Harry just smiled, "It is another Goblin made location. It as originally called Eagle's Nest when Lady Ravenclaw was alive, today it called Longbottom Manor. The wards there, like here and other locations, were recharged when I claimed the castle." Griphook fell out of his chair when he heard this.
"Lord Gryffindor, do you mean to tell me that Lionfire Hall, Eagle's Nest, and Badger Place all have fully powered wards again?"
"Yes they do? Is that a problem?"
Griphook shook his head, "No my lord. It is just…you see the goblins helped create the wards around the properties, and we have never seen them at full strength. I am sure that many of our Wardmasters would like to examine them. But as to the business at hand, I believe we can accommodate everything you need for 5 galleons and we can have our meeting this afternoon at 2 pm, if that is alright with you?"
Harry looked at both Albus and Bill who nodded.
"Thank you Griphook. Please make whatever plans you must make. You may use my floo to leave. I will allow the wards to let you back into the castle through the fireplace in the entrance hall." Griphook nodded and disappeared in the green flames.