Disclaimer: I own nothing, just playing with HP world in my mind, no money gained.
AN: Trigger warnings for this chapter; emotional and physical abuse – non explicit, non-important character's death, non explicit discussion about torture and death ;)
Sorry for the long wait everyone, I've been very sick for over three weeks. At least I'm better enough that my brain is starting to work again, though I am still coughing. Also, I had specific points I needed to cover in this chapter and then suddenly each point had bunnies and research had to be done. Plus I kept thinking of scenes for year one and two. Hopefully you stick around for those, enjoy this until then.
Chapter Five – What is in a Name?At six o'clock in the evening, on the day Petunia had her talk with Jamie, Sally rang the door bell. Doug had sprinted for the door with a yelled, "I'll get it!"
"Wow Doug, a little hungry huh? Or are you just happy to see me?" laughed Sally as she was practically attacked by Doug grabbing the cartons of food in her arms and heading straight for the kitchen table.
Doug smirked "Hi Aunt Sally, how's it going?" He continued to open cartons and place forks in each one. Petunia and Jamie finished setting the table with juice and tea.
"Well, it was going pretty good until I was attacked and robbed of the food I was bringing for my friends." Sally replied as she walked into the kitchen and swatted Doug's hands from grabbing chips from one of the cartons. "Doug, wait for your Mum and sister to sit down."
Sitting down Petunia mock glared at Doug. "I see I need to teach you better manners Doug."
With a bit of pink highlighting his cheeks, Doug groaned. "Mum, Auntie Sally sorry." Laughter filled the kitchen at Doug's expense as everyone started to fill their plates with fish and chips.
After super was eaten and the children were cleaning up to "give Mum a break", Sally was talking to Petunia about a case that was reported in the newspapers. "It's the saddest thing Petunia. This is exactly the problem I face over and over. These horrible adults get charged for physical abuse but not emotional cruelty. There is no law against emotionally hurting a child even though we know the long-term psychological harm it creates, leading from runaway teenagers to possible child suicides. I know there are potential issues with defining the depth of emotional neglect, but right now we have nothing in place and my hands are tied unless it is obvious physical abuse. Some of these children are so messed up…physically and emotionally that they can't even cope in the world. The worse thing is the abusers only get a fine or counseling to a maximum sentence of ten years, but the children carry the scars for life. "
Petunia's breath hitched and her eyes glistened with tears as she whispered to Sally, "I should have gone to jail for ten years for what I did to Jamie. The physical abuse was bad but I was much worse towards Jamie emotionally."
Sally's body froze and her eyes glazed over. "Petunia just needs counseling. She really loves those children and they should be living with her. I believe we can have everything squared away within two months or so with counseling for her and the children."
With a gasp, Petunia reached for Sally's hand, "Sally, are you alright?"
Sally's eyes cleared and her body relaxed, "Of course I'm alright, just wondering how long it's going to take for someone to champion for the laws to be changed."
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Later that night, after Sally had left with a "Cheerio and goodnight", Petunia walked into Jamie's room after saying goodnight to Doug. Picking up Jamie's hairbrush from the dresser, Petunia motioned Jamie to the bed. Jamie proceeded to sit cross legged on her bed with her back towards Petunia, while Petunia sat on the bed and began to slowly brush Jamie's long hair. "Jamie, Sally said something interesting tonight about me just needing counseling and getting you and your brother to live with me within two months. It sounded like she was repeating something she was told to say. Do you know anything about this?"
Jamie had stiffened at first and then her shoulders slumped. "Yes Mum." the quiet little girl's voice replied.
Continuing to brush Jamie's hair Petunia commented, "Please tell me. I won't get angry. I just need to know the truth."
"You were holding me and saying you didn't want to lose me. You were so nice. Then the police man thought he'd go to court for you. Doug and I were at some people's house and I asked Doug if he wanted to live with you again. He said yes and with me too. So when I talked with the Judge and Sally I just thought to them that we'd need counseling. That was in their thoughts already, and I added that we needed to be together really soon. I didn't want to stay with strangers and you said sorry. I didn't want you to go to jail. I-I-I really wanted a family with you and Doug."
By this time Petunia and Jamie were both crying. Petunia placed the brush on the bed covers and gathered Jamie into her arms. Slowly rocking them both, Petunia asked in a stunned voice, "You can hear what people are thinking and give them thoughts?"
"Sometimes. Not always Mummy."
"Well, I think you shouldn't put thoughts into people's minds. If you want to do that again we should talk about it okay? Although I'm very glad that you wanted to live with me, I did need to be punished for what I did wrong. I am so sorry Jamie."
With a slight giggle Jamie turned towards her Mum and wrapped her arms around her Mum's waist. "I forgive you. Silly Mummy, you were already being punished while you were mean to me."
Yes I was, wasn't I. There was so much anger, frustration and bitterness day after day inside of me. I was never happy or at peace, even before Jamie came to live with us. I still feel guilty and that I do not deserve to be this happy. For them to be happy, I have to be happy so that I can give it to them.
With another squeeze, both said at the same time, "I love you."
Laughter filled the bedroom and love sweetened the air.
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After her Mum had left Jamie let out a little sigh of relief. Good thing she didn't ask if I have put thoughts into anyone else.
Jamie fell asleep with a smile on her face and dreaming about being loved from her Mum and brother.
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Early the next morning the Evans' were sitting at the breakfast table eating. Well, one was eating, while the other two were trying to control their butterflies and eat. It wasn't working very well.
"Mum, how are we going to get there? I'm scared." Jamie tore apart her toast while she was speaking.
"Oh it's quite straight forward, we will go by bus to The Leaky Cauldron on Charing Cross Road and then we go through a doorway of sorts to Diagon Alley. No need to be scared children. I went a couple of times with Lily and my parents. We best get a hurry on as we have a ways to go and much to see." Petunia knew it would be a long day and hoped the children would be deserving of a treat at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. She had loved going there until she had gotten so bitter about not being allowed to follow Lily to Hogwarts that she eventually refused to go to Diagon Alley anymore. I really had cut my nose off to spite my face. I must talk with Douglas and make sure he does not get jealous of Jamie. Wait, could Doug be magical too? I never noticed anything but maybe he's just not as strong magic-wise as Jamie. It would be great if they could stay together. I guess I'll find out when he turns eleven. There must be a way to tell earlier than waiting for a letter – how does Hogwarts know anyway?
Thinking of Hogwarts led Petunia to think of Lily, which led to thinking about Lily's death. This led to… I hope Jamie isn't recognized, her eyes are identical to Lily's. What about her scar? Will her scar be recognized? I hope it's safe to go to Diagon Alley. Did that letter from Dumbledore say anything about followers of the evil wizard? Didn't it mention something about blood wards activating for protection? I think a change might be in order, just to be safe.
"Mum we're ready." Shouted Doug, and he and Jamie bounded into the kitchen.
Petunia looked at Jamie and said, "I think, since this is a special occasion for Jamie, she should have a special hair style done." Doug groaned. "Oh hush Doug, this won't take long. What do you think Jamie? Maybe cut a bit of hair to have a fringe on your forehead and a bit wispy around your face? It will look so pretty on you."
"Thanks Mum, let's do it!" exclaimed Jamie with a smile. Well done Mum. I think making me cover my scar is a great idea. What are blood wards? How will I find out about them?
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The family of three had finally left their house and caught the double-decker bus. It was a beautiful sunny morning and the Evans decided to sit up top. Petunia glanced at her daughter's new hair cut. Just a few minutes in the bathroom, a little cover up on the scar, and voilà problem solved.
Suddenly a loud bang and crash was heard. Everyone braced themselves as the bus and vehicles around them screeched to a halt. Slowly they started moving again as people murmured and looked out the windows to see what had happened. A terrible accident had just happened on the cross street just in front of them, but their lane was clear.
Petunia noticed that Jamie was staring fixedly on the trashed car. A bloody body had been thrown from the vehicle and lay crumpled on the road. "Don't look dears." Petunia said in a soft voice. "It's a part of life, but still difficult to see."
Doug had swiftly turned away from the accident and was struggling not to cry. Oh my gentle, gentle little man.
Jamie turned towards her Mum and Petunia could hardly contain her gasp. Jamie's eyes were brilliant neon green. "It's okay Mum, I've seen Death before."
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"Yes, this is the stop. Come along children." Petunia commented out loud as she guided the children off the bus and proceeded to walk down the street. "Jamie let me know if you see the sign for the Leaky Cauldron."
Looking around at the dirty rundown street lined with abandoned broken windowed buildings and dusty grimy stores, Douglas had serious misgiving about the place. "Mum, this place is kind of scary. Can we go home?"
Petunia laughed, "Well, it's suppose to look like this to keep non-magic people away. Just relax we are almost there."
With a little jump and a squeal Jamie pointed to the next building and exclaimed, "Mum, there it is, The Leaky Cauldron!"
Douglas looked at the building Jamie pointed at. It was the worse one of the entire street. Petunia grasped both children's hands and told Jamie to lead them in.
Walking from the bright sunny morning into the dark pub, all three had to stop and blink as they waited for their eyes to adjust. Petunia was glad Jamie's eyes had quickly returned to her normal green.
Straight ahead of them was a hunched back apron-wearing old man wiping a glass mug, there was a door to his right. He stood behind the bar which had stools against it. Looking around the place they could see tables with chairs gathered round. Some tables were round and able to hold four people, while others were rectangle and could easily fit a dozen. A set of stairs led up on the far right wall, near a lit six foot high fireplace. A sign with a red arrow pointing up and the word "Loo" was nailed to the wall beside the stairs. Just past the ending of the bar, near the fireplace, was a door. Above this door was a sign, "Diagon Alley" in black script.
"M' name's Tom. What can I get for you folks?" called the gruff voice of the barkeeper.
As Petunia walked forward with a hand around each child, she replied, "Oh how do you do? My name is Petunia and this is Douglas and Jamie. We are just heading to Diagon Alley." Petunia nodded to each child in turn as she introduced them. The children both said their "how do" in turn.
"Those are very polite children you have there, nice to see in these times." Putting down the mug, Tom peered at them and asked,"Ever been here before?" At the children's shaking heads and chorus of "no", Tom slung his towel over his shoulder and proceeded to pour them each a Tongue Tying Lemon Squash.
"Oh sorry, I haven't anything but muggle money right now. We are just about to go to Gringotts and can pay you right after." Petunia blushingly replied as the children sat down at the stools in front of Tom.
"Never mind, polite kids, first visit to Diagon Alley and a nice Mum. Come back and have lunch next time you're here." With a wink at the kids Tom went through the door behind him, while the children called out "Thanks Mr. Tom."
Petunia quietly explained to the children that non-magic people were called muggles by magic people, and that magic people had their own currency.
They had just finished their drinks, when Tom came through the door holding a thick piece of parchment out to Petunia. "Knew I had it somewhere, I made changes to some names but most are still the same. Need help getting the door open?"
Taking the parchment from Tom, Petunia glanced down and saw a map of Diagon Alley. Looking at Tom, Petunia smiled and gently said, "Thank you so very much for your kindness and generosity. This map will be a huge help. And yes, if you wouldn't mind showing us the way and opening Diagon Alley, we would greatly appreciate it."
With a nod Tom walked towards the end of the bar, lifted the bar top and escorted them to Diagon Alley.
It was a curious thing to see Tom take a stick from his pocket and tap a brick wall, after walking through the doorway into a small courtyard. Suddenly the bricks began to move and create an opening large enough for them to walk through.
"See ya later folks." Tom called after they had walked through and the brick wall was closing up. All three chorused their goodbyes as well.
Doug turned towards his Mum and asked, "Mum how do we get back through from this side?"
Tilting her head and frowning a bit, Petunia replied, "I don't remember, I'm sure we can ask someone or just knock on the bricks. Don't worry; let's just look around as we head to Gringotts."
Aligning the map with the Victorian era shops they could see around them, they set forth.
The cobblestone street was busy with all manner of people talking, stopping and walking. They were dressed in very old fashioned clothes, which made Petunia feel a little uncomfortable as her skirt was only just past her knees but everyone else's was to their ankles – including the men!
Doug piped up, "Mum, it's – wow, it's strange and fas-fast, whatever people."
"Fascinating is the word Doug. Oh look at the quills on display." Petunia gestured to the display window of the Stationery Shop.
"Mum, what kind of feather is that one, the red one?" pointed out Doug.
"I don't know. Maybe we'll have time to stop by later and ask. Let's keep going now."
Finally making it to Gringotts, they had to just stop and stare at the white marble building before them, with a set of bronze doors. Above the doors was an inscription: Fortius Quo Fidelius (meaning: Strength through Loyalty).
"Do you think they are statues?" whispered Doug as he nodded his head at the two strange looking guards each holding a spear in their hands and dressed in scarlet and gold.
"No definitely not." Said Petunia as one of the guards turned his head and sneered at them.
"My apology Sirs, I meant no disrespect. I'm sure you are very well thought of to be the first line of defense for Gingotts."Doug had walked a few hesitating steps to the guards as he stated his apology.
Both guards' eyes had widened in surprise. They nodded to Doug and opened the doors to Gringotts for them. As the three passed through the doors and thanked them, the original guard who had sneered, followed them through. Silently all three of them read the inscription on the second set of doors, silver this time, warning against stealing what was within. The guard opened the second set as well and motioning them to an alcove on the left. He then looked at an inside guard and jerked his head towards the front doors of Gringotts. As the inside guard obeyed the silent order, their guard swept aside the heavy tapestry and pointed to the plush seats within, and told them to "Wait here."
With wide eyes they walked into the alcove inside Gringotts and blinked. The little they had seen in the huge hall did faintly resemble a muggle bank with all the tellers at each cubicle and a multitude of doors lining the other walls. If those banks were completely made of marble and gold, and had short grumpy suited men with large pointed ears and long pointed noses, helping their customers. The differences were very shocking indeed.
Once they had walked through the doorway of the alcove the guard dropped the tapestry over the entranceway leaving them alone. Looking round about themselves they noticed a tea with biscuits set on the table the benches were surrounding. "Let's just wait for our host dears." Petunia said as she sat down while motioning the children to do the same.
After a few minutes wait, the tapestry was parted and another short creature, which resembled the guard, entered. With a nod of his head the speaker sneered, "How may I help you?"
"How do you do, my name is Petunia Evans. These are my children. It's a rather complicated tale. Would you please join us? May we know your name Sir?" Petunia enquired.
After the creature had seated himself and motioned for them to help themselves to the tea, he spoke. "My name is Bogrod."
Jamie piped up, "Sir, forgive me, but what are you?"
A fearsome look come over his face, one almost would have thought it was a smile on a human, but on Bogrod it looked like he was showing them every tooth and was about to utter a war cry and attack them. "I am a Goblin and goblins own Gringotts. You are most polite for wizards. Tell me your tale." Bogrod lifted his hand and made a motion towards the tapestry. "We will not be overheard."
Petunia started her tale as she served tea, first to their host, Bogrod and then to the children. "My previous name was Petunia Dursley and my sister was Lily Potter. Albus Dumbledore left Harry Potter, my niece who I now call Jamie Evans, outside my door. I discovered her there one early morning in November 1981. All that was with her was the clothes on her, a baby blanket, a locket, and a note from Albus Dumbledore." Petunia paused and handed the birth certificate to Bogrod. With a quick glance at the children, she continued, "I was not a fit mother, even to my own child. Last year, after the death of my husband, I moved from our previous home and changed all our names legally. As things are different now, I was hoping you would be able to tell me if there are any funds available from Lily's Will that will help me to provide for Jamie. Please don't get me wrong, it's not for myself I am asking for, but for Jamie's sake." By the end of this speech Petunia was blushing.
The goblin examined the birth certificate. "You are muggle, are you not?" Petunia nodded. "I assumed so, because this certificate has a notice-me-not spell caste on the gender portion. It states that Harry Potter is male."
Petunia gasped. "But how can that be? Jamie is the child I found and she is a girl! Besides that, she has Lily's eyes. I know she is Lily's little girl. "
"Do you have the locket with you?" The goblin had narrowed his eyes at them as Jamie unclasped her locket and handed it to him. "Hmmm… this is goblin made and held a powerful charm, another notice-me-not spell. Where is the note from Dumbledore?"
Shaking her head, Petunia wearily stated, "I was so angry I destroyed it after I had read it and followed the instructions."
"What did you have to do?"
"I had to state aloud that I would be Harry Potter's guardian. Dumbledore wrote something about blood wards being activated once I said that aloud. Then I noticed the locket on Jamie." Petunia decided not to mention she had tried to sell the locket. Strangely, it always disappeared when she went to find it for that purpose.
"We can perform an ancestry ritual on Miss Evans." Nodding his head, Bogrod stood and started to leave.
"Excuse me, but how is this ritual performed? Is it dangerous for Jamie? Is there a cost?" Petunia enquired.
Bogrod paused, "A few drops of blood, not dangerous and the cost is 5 galleons."
"I'm sorry I don't have galleons, what would that be in pounds?"
"Twenty-five pounds" Bogrod stated. "Shall we proceed?" he sneered.
Motioning the children to stand, Petunia rose. "Yes please."
Petunia and the children followed Bogrod out from the alcove back into the hall. He paused and briefly spoke to another goblin, in a different language, before he led them to a hallway just to their left. There they continued on through dark oak doors and grey stoned hallways with many a twist and turn. At one point they even went behind a floor to ceiling framed picture! Petunia and Doug were hopelessly lost, although Jamie just smirked. Finally Bogrod taped on a door, opened it and from the doorway announced, "Ancestry ritual Jamie Evans." He then turned back to them and motioned them to enter the room. After they had done so, he started to close the door, shutting them in the room. The Evans quickly called out their thanks and gazed about them.
The room was paneled with dark oak and lighted by candles from a large chandelier hanging from the middle of the ceiling. Four brocade chairs were placed in front of a massive mahogany desk. Sitting behind the desk was another goblin. This one had black short hair combed straight back from his head. The same large pointed ears and sharp large nose graced his features as all other goblins they had seen, although his face was less lined than Bogrod's.
"Sit down and let's proceed." Sneered the goblin as he pulled out a black feathered quill and a golden hued parchment. Placing two glass ink bottles on the table he stated, "Payment first."
Petunia placed twenty-five pounds on the desk. The goblin quickly snatched it, counted it and placed it into another drawer. "Jamie Evans your hand."
As Jamie reached out her right hand towards the goblin, she was startled when he grabbed her hand tightly with one of his hands and pricked her middle finger with a jagged black bladed knife held in his other hand. She had not even seen him draw this knife. "Three drops only." As quick as a flash, the knife was gone and the goblin had swished his hand over her cut and released her completely. Her cut had been healed.
All three of the Evans watched in astonishment as the goblin added ink to the blood. Lifting the bottle he swirled it to mix the two together. The mixture turned burgundy, which was quickly sucked into the quill the goblin had placed inside. Once that was done, the goblin placed the quill against the bottom middle of the parchment, as if he was about to write, and let go of the quill. The quill quivered for just a moment and then proceeded to write furiously, moving upwards as it did.
Petunia cleared her throat, "My name is Petunia Evans and this is Douglas Evans. May I ask what your name is?"
"Griphook." The goblin stated stiffly.
Blinking at the response, Petunia replied with a thank you and sat back quietly.
"Most interesting, oh yes, the wizarding world won't be happy about this, no, not at all." Griphook chortled as he turned the parchment towards Jamie and Petunia.
Petunia turned towards Jamie and exclaimed, "Jamie I didn't know you were a twin. Oh, I forgot that your Mum was adopted…I remember now. I was so little. My parents held me up and told me to find my sister. There were so many babies and I looked at them all. Then I saw her, beautiful green eyes and red hair. I picked her, my own sister, my Lily-baby. I had forgotten…" At this Petunia burst into tears.
Jamie got down from her chair and hugged her Mum. "I'm glad you picked her, Mum." After a few moments when Petunia had cleaned up her tears, Jamie asked, "Mum do you know anything about my twin?"
Smiling sadly Petunia said, "No dear, nothing. It just says that he is no longer living."
Griphook cleared his throat and announced, "I have some letters you may wish to read." He opened another drawer and pulled out two letters and a scroll. "Some decisions need to be made."
Petunia reached out a shaking hand to the letter addressed to her and pushed the letter addressed to "My precious daughter" into Jamie's also shaking hand. Both looked at each other, and then glancing at their letters, they unsealed them with deep breaths.
My Precious Daughter,
Always know that I love you. I hope you are loved and cared for and most especially happy. I do not know when you will receive this letter, but I hope it is before you turn eleven.
I must warn you of the danger you are in. Your Father, James, trusted Albus Dumbledore, but I did not. He is too secretive and manipulative. He encouraged us to leave Potter Manor and live in his house at Godric's Hollow. Then he insisted we would be fine if he cast the Fidelius Charm. It hides the house and only the secret-keeper can reveal it to people. I wanted, our friend, Remus Lupin to be the secret-keeper, but Albus overruled me and sent him on a "mission". We knew we couldn't pick our other friend Sirius Black, your Godfather, as he would be the obvious choice. (Frank and Alice Longbottom, your Godmother, are also in hiding.) Our only other choice was Peter Pettigrew. If we have died while under the Fidelius Charm, Peter has betrayed us.
If your Father is also dead, I trust our Will has been carried out and you live with your Godfather, Sirius. If this is not the case, then you should be with Alice, Frank and their son, Neville. You are not to live with my sister, Petunia, under any circumstances, as stated in our Will. She became bitter and angry towards me, although I am partially to blame. I love her still and have forgiven her as I hope she will forgive me. I have left a letter for her in the Potter Vault; perhaps someday you may forward it to her. Our Will states a list of people who you are to live with.
Do not trust Hagrid, the gameskeeper at Hogwarts. He is a truly wonderful person but cannot keep any secret. Also, he trusts Albus implicitly. Severus Snape was my childhood friend but after a disagreement I was too stubborn to forgive him, much to my regret. You will find a letter for him in the vault as well. Please ensure it is delivered to him when you can. If you have an unforgiving nature, it's from me. Learn from my mistakes and learn to forgive if the person is truly repenting, but be leary if they are unworthy of your friendship. Some actions are unforgivable. Be cautious of those who would use your friendship for Albus' control. If you are brought up by Sirius or the Longbottoms your pure-blood upbringing will help you to become your own person and understand our magical world best. It is your life; embrace and rule it.
My confession to you: I have hid your birth from the Wizarding world. Your twin brother, Harry was born and while I gave birth to you, he died. His Birth Certificate was magically charmed by the midwife to appear. I refused to allow yours to be created or for the creation of his Death Certificate. I obliviated, erased the memories of the midwife for Harry's death and your birth. James was away at that time on an assignment for Albus. He knows nothing of this. You will find Harry buried in the Godric's Hallow Graveyard. His tombstone bares the inscription: My Son, until we meet in Heaven, Flower-Mum.
Albus had told us, before your birth, about this prophesy concerning a child born "as the seventh month dies" so I told no one I was having twins. I needed to protect you, so I charmed an heirloom locket to make you appear as a boy, my son Harry. I had set the charm to expire once someone claimed guardianship of Harry Potter out loud. Dearest Daughter, according to Albus, the prophesy states that you or Neville are to defeat Voldemort or to be defeated by him. He is an evil wizard who has caused much death and destruction in this world. Use whatever you need to, to ensure he is destroyed. Help Neville, as the Potters have an alliance with the Longbottoms. Research this history.
Many will tell you magic is dark or light. Do not believe it. Magic is whatever your purpose and results reveal. Research a person's actions against their words. Their actions truly reveal their heart.
Grow strong, think before you act, be the best you can be and learn from others. Live your life with love and happiness.
With all my love,
Your Mother, Lily Potter
Dearest Tuni,
I love you and forgive you, if you feel the need to be forgiven of anything. Please forgive me, my beloved sister. Being in hiding leaves a lot of time for reflection. I cast back into my mind to discover why/when did we drift apart. I think it started when I revealed magic and then Severus and I began to be friends. Looking back as objectively as possible, I put myself in your shoes. I would have been jealous and sad. We had always been as tight as two peas in a pod. Then suddenly, because of magic, we were different. Our lives were split apart. We began to live in two different worlds. How I wish we could have had our parents sit us down and hash it all out. With my temper and unforgiving spirit, I don't know if I would have responded well. I hope I would have, but knowing the "me" of then, no I would not have. As much as I wish to, I cannot change the past.
My precious sister, I'm sorry I never spoke these words to you face to face. Remember our good times and Christmases together.
If my daughter is living with you, please know I would never have burdened you this way. I hope and pray you have been kind to her. If not, please start to do so now. She is innocent and cannot help being magical. Please read the letter I have given her as it explains the terrible danger she is under. I fear Albus Dumbledore will use her or Neville Longbottom for his own purposes. I cannot be sure, but if James and I are dead, I wonder if Albus orchestrated it. I have no proof but again read my letter to my daughter. It all comes back to Albus and his decisions in peoples' lives. He never tells the whole truth. I would love to use a truth serum on him, but knowing him, he would somehow circumvent it.
If she is with you, use the Potter funds to raise my daughter well and prepare her for Wizarding society. Prepare her for the danger I fear she will face. The more I contemplate my death and her life, the more I fear Albus will use her, throw her away and gain even more control in this world. If possible, carefully research the people listed in my daughter's letter; discover their loyalty. Perhaps they can help. Be careful of Severus, he was torn between, what Albus calls the dark and the light. Hopefully he is grey and will forgive me so that he can be a help to my daughter. If you are looking after her, she is now your daughter too! If so, enjoy the girl times we shared together with her now, as I cannot. If she is not with you, have a wonderful, peaceful and love-filled life. Remember I love you.
With pinkies crossed together forever,
Your Lily-sis
Petunia cleared her throat and after mopping up the tears on her face, she handed a tissue to Jamie. "Jamie, your Mum would like me to read your letter. Would you mind?"
Jamie got up and after she sat on her Mum's lap, held out the letter.
Douglas was getting a little impatient and worried with all the crying going on between the two, but he knew he would just have to wait a bit longer. He decided to study Griphook.
Griphook sat patiently waiting for the two females to be done so he could talk about the ancestry results. They were highly astonishing.
Once Petunia laid down both letters, she slid them towards Griphook. "I think you need to read these. Jamie's first."
Griphook's eyes grew larger and his eyebrows went higher and higher until he finished the letters. "We will go to Ragnuk, the Head Goblin at Gringotts."
Griphook gathered the papers on the desk and escorted them back into the same hallway they had entered from and turned left. This time there was no elaborate walk. They simply passed two corridors and turned right at the next. The hallway led to a pair of huge black oak doors on the end wall. Griphook knocked on the door. Both doors were opened by two guards, while their uniform was the same as the others, these two were even more furious looking and taller. They each gripped a sword instead of a spear.
Griphook gestured for the Evans to enter and swiftly walked to the goblin sitting behind a massive black oak desk. The room was almost exactly like the Griphook's office but larger. The guards stepped outside the office and closed the doors. While Griphook spoke to Ragnuk in a different language, the Evans walked to the chairs, but did not sit down. Griphook was gesturing to the ancestry parchment and then handed the letters to Ragnuk to read. When Ragnuk had finished reading everything, he studied the people in front of him, especially Jamie. "You may sit down, except Jamie. Come to me."
Jamie walked around the desk as Griphook took a step back from the desk and sat at another chair, which was against the side wall. Ragnuk turned towards Jamie and lifted her fringe of hair off her forehead. With a swipe of his fingers, her lightning bolt scar was revealed. He then looked into her eyes. What is this scar, a possible Horcrux or rune symbol? If it is a Horcrux does Voldemort's soul exist within her? Is he still alive somewhere waiting to return? What will another war mean for my people? "Yes, more testing perhaps. What do you want child? Who do you wish to become; the savior of the world, the avenger of your parents' death, an heiress, a dark, grey or white witch, or a daughter? You have many choices. Choose wisely."
"I don't understand everything you listed, but I am a grey witch already. Both my Mums told me magic is grey so I am too. I will learn to think before I make choices and ask for help from my Mum and others I trust." With this statement, Jamie turned and looked at Petunia and Douglas. Ragnuk felt her magic being cast on the two, and turned to Jamie with a raised eyebrow. Jamie turned back to Ragnuk. "I don't want them to worry, but I saw what you think of my scar. If he is in me, will I be stronger or not?"
Ragnuk was nonplused at the moment and after clearing his throat and taking a breath stated, "I think you would make a better friend than enemy. We will go to our healers and get answers." He glanced at the two frozen people. "We will tell them we require more tests and they will stay here for brunch."
Jamie smiled at Ragnuk, glanced at her family and they were restored.
Ragnuk rose and guided Jamie to the door. "More tests are required. Do not be concerned, we will return."
Petunia rose from her chair about to give chase when Griphook pointed to another door, which was opened to reveal a dining room with table and chairs set for brunch. "Mr. Griphook, she will be alright, won't she? I should have gone with her. It's not right to leave a child alone with a stranger."
"Jamie is safe with Ragnuk. They will return." Griphook gestured for them to sit down and enjoy the food and drink provided.
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Meanwhile, Jamie and Ragnuk were walking the hallways of Gringotts. "I would like to read my birth Mother's letter to my Mum, please."
Ragnuk nodded his head in reply and after a pause he spoke, "You act older than you appear."
Jamie tilted her head to the side and studied Ragnuk for a moment, then nodded her head. "You would make a better friend than enemy as well. I remember everything, every second of my life from the first breath I took. I don't remember much from being in my mother's womb, just warm and happy, then later squished by my brother. We hugged each other a lot and sent each other feelings. I miss him. He didn't feel right when he was born, then he was gone and I couldn't think to him any longer."
Ragnuk spoke in a softer gravelly voice. "It is rare for magical twins to survive. You were…fortunate." Making sure his shields were up around his mind, Ragnuk carefully thought to himself. Since they were twins, I wonder if she received her brother's magical core when he died. Seeing how powerful she is, I wouldn't be surprised. A very in-depth testing will need to be done. Can it really be Voldemort I sense in her? If so, how is she still herself and not taken over by him?
After two more minutes of walking, Jamie stopped and sighed. "Please, can't we just go straight there? We have been here twice already."
Ragnuk stopped, looked at Jamie and chuckled. "I see our confusion charm does not work on you. We will go straight there." With that being said, Ragnuk turned into the right corridor, walked to the second door on the left and after opening it, gestured for Jamie to follow.
As soon as they stepped inside a grey cloaked goblin approached them.
Ragnuk imperially stated, "You will tell The Nine to meet me immediately at Ritual Room Seven." With that being said Ragnuk turned around with a flourish and ushered Jamie from the room. She hadn't even had a chance to peek about the room, never mind who Ragnuk had spoken to.
As they walked along the downward slanting corridor, Jamie noticed the wall scones where not casting as much light. It was progressively getting harder to see, as the stone walls gradually changed from light grey to the blackest of black. The stone flooring had correspondingly changed colour as well. Jamie also noticed some rainbow-hued colours lazily floating within the corridor and as she continued walking, she noticed the colours were becoming more intense. Suddenly she noticed two curved archways on either side of her. She could see nothing beyond the archways. Ragnuk and Jamie passed four more archways positioned like the first two, when they stopped before the end of the corridor facing the largest archway of them all. The intense colours coming from beyond this archway started to scare Jamie.
With a trembling voice Jamie asked Ragnuk, "What is this place? What are those colours? Why are they strongest here?"
Startled Ragnuk stared at Jamie in puzzlement. "This is the strongest warded ritual room. Tell me what you see when I do this." Ragnuk cast a spell and the room past the archway lighted up.
Jamie looked around in wonder as she stepped through the archway into the room beyond. "Oh that was pretty. Silvery-white whisps came from you to the wall scones and they lit up the room. They are floating about now with the other colours. What language did you speak? Is it a Goblin language or magic language?"
Ragnuk narrowed his eyes, looking intensely at Jamie, as he followed Jamie into the ritual room. "You can see magic. Very strong magic is performed here. I spoke Gobbledegook, Goblin language. The Nine are our strongest healers. You will lie within this chamber and allow them into your mind. They may need your blood. Change into the robe on the bench outside the doorway. Remove the locket as well. I will return with the Nine when you are ready." With that Ragnuk left the chamber.
The chamber was completely round with smooth black walls and curved ceiling. Walking outside the chamber Jamie saw the low bench she hadn't noticed before. Maybe it wasn't there to begin with. Once she was changed into the ankle length long sleeved dark grey cotton robe and had walked back into the chamber, she noticed faint lines and swirls written on walls, floor and ceiling. Everywhere she looked she could see them. Standing in the middle of the room she looked up. It was like looking at the universe, colours swirled and danced with each other, while light reflected off the colours and shadows played about the room. Jamie was just about to examine the shadows above her when she noticed Ragnuk had returned with the Nine. Ragnuk stood within the archway while the dark grey robed goblins encircled Jamie.
Just before Ragnuk turned to leave, he told Jamie to lie down and close her eyes, relaxing her mind and body.
As Jamie closed her eyes she saw the darkest shadow glide across the ceiling to the highest curve. Closing her eyes Jamie felt at peace. None of the chanting goblins noticed Jamie's eyes had turned brilliant neon green.
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Slowly waking Jamie noticed how comfortable she was, as if she had just had the best sleep ever. Opening her eyes and sitting up she saw she was in a comfy bed. White gauzy silk enclosed her within the queen sized four-poster bed. When she pushed aside the hangings and stepped forth she noticed she was still in her ritual robe. The walls were a peacock blue with white chair railings. The room held a wardrobe, desk, table and upholstered chairs all in mahogany. Two dark oak doors led from the room. Opening the wardrobe Jamie saw her previous clothes and locket. Grabbing them she opened one of the doors and sighed in relief as it was the loo and bathroom. Creamy marble lined the walls and floor of the loo, which was as richly decorated as the bedroom; silver faucets, sunken bath, a loo, a double sink with elaborate mirror and even mahogany shelving filled with thick peacock blue towels. Jamie quickly changed and exited back to the bedroom, as a knock sounded on the other door.
After Jamie had opened the door and moved aside to let Ragnuk enter, they sat at the table. Jamie had blinked her eyes a few times when Ragnuk had uttered the word "Brunch" and it had suddenly appeared on the table. I like magic. When they had satisfied their hunger and thirst, brunch had disappeared with a "Finished" from Ragnuk; Jamie had read the letter from her birth Mother to her Mum.
Laying the letter on the table Jamie looked into Ragnuk's eyes. "I need to know more: The Will, where my Godparents are, the results of the Ancestry ritual, the Potter funds, why I am living with Mum and the actions of Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort and Severus Snape for the last six years."
Smirking Ragnuk replied, "Asking for a lot aren't you?"
"Only for what you already know, which will be easy for you to tell a friend over a cup of tea." Jamie smirked back at Ragnuk.
Ragnuk burst out laughing showing a full (terrifying) smile. "I look forward to seeing how goblin you can be. The Will, results of the Ancestry ritual and Potter funds can be shown to you when we return to the others. Your Godfather is in the wizarding prison, Azkaban, for revealing your parents whereabouts and killing Peter Pettigrew and twelve muggles. Alice and Frank Longbottom were tortured with Crucio until they went insane. They are in permanent care at St. Mungo's. Lord Voldemort disappeared when he attempted to kill you after killing your parents. It appears, since the letter Petunia received was from Albus Dumbledore, that he arranged your placement with the Dursleys. Most likely it has something to do with him mentioning blood wards. We will discuss that later. He also revealed the Death Eater Severus Snape was his spy during the last few years of the war. Potions Master Snape is a professor at Hogwarts. Dumbledore is the Head Master there. He is also a Grand Sorcerer, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot."
Jamie knew she was getting mostly bare facts from Ragnuk, but still fact was better than guesses. "Death Eaters were with Voldemort? It's not right for my Godfather to be in prison, unless he did kill Peter and those people. Was that proved in his trial? I'd like to see the trial results. St. Mungo's is a hospital for wizards? What is the Wizengamot?"
Nodding his head at Jamie's questions Ragnuk confirmed her questions about Death Eaters and St. Mungo's. She uses her brains and picked up on what I didn't reveal. I could use her to really stir up the wizarding world. Getting the funds of House Potter invested again will bring additional profit for goblins instead of the galleons just sitting in the vault. Hmm…Lily wanted her daughter trained for wizarding society; the Black family could help with that. Andromeda would be best. Arcturus Black is an old warrior still with power, he should not be sitting by a fire and slowly slipping into death. Let's see what Jamie will do with this information. "The Wizengamot is the high court of law in the wizarding world. The trial transcripts cannot be read because they do not exist."
Narrowing her eyes and letting out a gasp of outrage Jamie hissed, "What! My Godfather never was on trial? Who was in charge of the Wizengamot then, Dumbledore? Tell me more."
Ragnuk could feel a powerful magical buildup in the room. How can she have such abundant power so soon after what happened in the Ritual Room. She definitely needs to be trained in all aspects of magic and defense. What a warrior she could become for the goblins. Subtle handling is needed here. "Calm yourself. There was no trial. As Dumbledore cast the Fidelius Charm, he knew who the Secret Keeper would be and would have been told the address right then. He could not share it though. Peter is guilty there. As Dumbledore was the Chief Warlock, he could have insisted on a trial for Black given that information. We do not have any evidence of Black's guilt or innocence of the others' deaths. If the Aurors, who picked up Black, had followed procedure properly they would have checked Black's wand for prior spells. That could have proved his guilt or innocence, unless someone else used his wand. Minister of Magic then and now is Millicent Bagnold and as then and now, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is Bartemius Crouch Senior. Bartemius Crouch Junior was a Death Eater who was one of the ones responsible for torturing the Longbottoms. He also did not receive a trial but went straight to Azkaban when accused."
Jamie and Ragnuk sat together silently mauling over all the destruction caused by the deception of a small but powerful group of people. Jamie again felt as insignificant and powerless as a pawn in someone else's chess game. She refused to be controlled once again. "Ragnuk you have told me lots but I think I need the rest to make a plan… Goblins were smart to take charge of the wizard's gold, but I don't think Goblins and Wizards like each other. I need to find out about this society and I don't like wizards right now. If I decide to believe that this prophesy means me, and I can't get out of it, I'm going to need advisors."
Nodding to Jamie, Ragnuk left the room with Jamie following and then walking beside him.
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Returning to Ragnuk's office, they greeted Griphook, Petunia and Doug while they once again sat around the desk.
Petunia reached out her hand and caressed Jamie's face, "How are you?"
"Just fine Mum." Jamie leaned into the caress and smiled.
Releasing Jamie's face after a searching look into her eyes, Petunia clenched her hands and turned to Ragnuk, "What are the results from examining Jamie?"
Ragnuk sat back in his chair and looked through slightly hooded eyes. "Jamie does not have a Horcrux, a piece of soul, from Voldemort within her. Her scar is a lightning rune, called Sowilo. This means success, victory, spiritual, mental and bodily strength for her life's endeavor which is encased in an ancient code of honour. We believe she received it when Voldemort attacked her." Looking at Jamie Ragnuk continued, "Your birth Mother and Father gave their lives to save you. Voldemort was only after you Jamie. Laying down your life voluntarily for another wouldn't normally cause this rune to appear when a person is attacked. When we examined you we found a hidden memory. It was of Lily performing a blood ritual on you. She prepared you to survive."
Jamie was shocked and her hands felt like ice. "But I remember every moment of my life. How could I not remember this too?"
Sighing Ragnuk continued. "Lily was an unspeakable in training when she had to disappear with you and James. As a very intelligent witch, she must have researched how to save you as soon as she heard about the possible prophesy. After your first birthday, while James was away again on Dumbledore's orders, she performed the ceremony in your basement. She charmed the memory to be as if you were sick during the ritual. We have unlocked the memory for you, so you should remember it correctly now."
"Yes…yes I remember now."
"What is amazing is that you survived. A large part is due to the fact that you have your brother's magical core, which we believe you received upon his death at your birth. This doubled your magical core. You are an extremely powerful witch and will create an intense interest from observant magical beings." Opening the ancestry ritual parchment and sliding it towards them he pointed to different names written upon it as he continued. "Through your Father, James, you are the last heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. Your Mother was adopted into the Evans family, through a muggle means, but not through blood. The blood wards never would have worked because your Mum does not share blood with you and Lily. We do not know why Dumbledore was never alerted to the fact that they never worked. As we follow your Mother's ancestry we see Squibs and Wizards in the family tree. A curious thing is we don't see any muggles marrying into the direct line, which means you, are a pure-blood on both sides of your parents. We think there was a deliberate hiding of your family line through to your Mother because the line leads to someone, well known in history, to never have had descendents; Antioch Peverell, the eldest. Antioch had received a wand from Death, which was stolen upon his being murdered. Your Father's line leads to Antioch's brother, Ignotus Peverell, who also received a gift from Death, an invisibility cloak. I suggest you read the children's book called, The Tales of Beedle the Bard." With an uplifting of his chin Ragnuk stared at Jamie and then motioned to her Mum and Doug.
Confused and curious Jamie "froze" her Mum and brother, "Sir?"
"I didn't want to confuse or upset your Mum, but notice here." Ragnuk pointed a finger to the third Peverell brother, Cadmus, and followed it down to the where the Gaunts married into the Salazar Slytherin line. He then continued down to the end; Tom Marvolo Riddle defeated by Jamie Lily Potter. "As you defeated the last heir to the Peverell, Gaunt and Slytherin lines, you have the right of conquest to the third gift from Death, the Resurrection Stone. No one has ever done this before. We do not know what this means, except that it seems Destiny has come to you in spades. We believe Tom Riddle was Voldemort. Dumbledore has always stated he would return. If that is the case, when he returns he will be coming after you, at the very least to defeat you to win back his honour and the magics that were given to you when you defeated him. The rune will protect you, but only from Voldemort, not his Death Eaters. As a powerful Goblin mentor and friend I will grant for you to be trained by our warriors. If you accept, Griphook will advise you at a later date when you will start. We will also train you, if necessary, on mind protection magics. Goblin magic is quite different from Wizard magic, as again so is each species magic from others. The well known defeat of Voldemort and the scar on your forehead will let everyone know who you are immediately. While we cannot remove the rune, nor would we want to, we can move it on your body and disguise it with a tattoo. I would also advise you to keep this entire time spent with us and these contents hidden from everyone. Unless you have any questions, release your family."
With a brief glance at her family Jamie released them. "So I am heir to the Peverell and Potter lines. Will I have to accept being an heir to all the lines now? Do I have to be a certain age to accept?"
Ragnuk nodded his head thoughtfully. "There is no acceptance on your part. You simply are the heir as you are the last living descendant for these ancient lines. That being said, if you do not accept the heir rings, you will not have that family's house spirits to guide and teach you. Also you cannot gain entrance to the Heir or House Vaults. As the last descendant you may choose between the ages of eleven to seventeen when you will take on your Ladyship duties to your lines. There are a degree of varying duties for each family line. This will be discussed later with your account managers. It is best to keep each House separate with individual managers."
After a small silence Petunia sighed and spoke softly, "Perhaps we should take some time to reflect on everything that has happened today."
Jamie sharply shook her head. "No Mum, I want to accept my heritage. It's the last gift I will receive from my parents." Jamie again froze her Mum and Doug. "Ragnuk, could you summon or retrieve the heir rings. I have a suspicion about something and I want to see if I am correct."
Ragnuk nodded and spoke, "Heir Potter ring," A small wooden box appeared on his desk. "Antioch Peverell heir ring," Another wooden box appeared. "Ignotus Peverell heir's ring," The second box glowed briefly. "Hmmm, Gaunt heir's ring," again the second box glowed briefly, and Ragnuk lifted an eyebrow; "Salazar Slytherin heir's ring," as before the second box glowed; Ragnuk paused thoughtfully "I wonder… Cadmus Peverell heir's ring," again the second box briefly glowed. Carefully Ragnuk opened the second box. Briefly looking inside he saw one ring. "The House spirits have combined the Peverells, Gaunt and Slytherin rings. This is unheard of. The spirits must be similar enough to be identical or…they were already combined." Quickly closing the wooden box, he placed both boxes into a drawer and motioned for Jamie to again unfreeze her family. Once that was done he pulled out the two wooden boxes and placed them on the desk near Jamie. Motioning to one of the boxes he spoke, "Let's proceed. Take the Potter heir ring and place it on the ring finger of your right hand. It will automatically adjust and you can nonverbally tell it to be invisible. Once that is done do the same for the other heir ring but placing it on your middle finger same hand."
Jamie opened the dark wooden box and carefully pulled out the simple golden band. It was etched with the Potter crest and seemed quite plain. Placing it onto her ring finger and making the crest be on top, Jamie gasped aloud. The ring had squeezed tightly to her finger, pinched her and then eased to be snug. Slowly the band turned crimson and then the gold slowly returned to the band except now the crest etching was crimson. Jamie stiffened in her seat.
Well, who do we have here, A possible heir? We will see if you are worthy.
Are you the House Spirits? How will I be judged?
Yes, we are the House Spirits and we will judge your worth through your convictions, actions, purity and honour.
What are the consequences of being worthy or unworthy?
If you are worthy we will accept and teach you, if you are not worthy you will immediately die.
Well, nothing much to say to that but, search me utterly to make sure you know exactly who I am.
…well, well you are a most intriguing heir. Your actions and inactions prove you are Honourable. Hmmm…you have Courage and strength of will to survive and prosper. Your sense of Justice is very strong but tempered with loyalty, forgiveness and compassion – like a warrior of old. What interesting thinking about magic, but it works – surprisingly so. Oh, who is this? Can it be, is this true? There is no doubt now, you will make a formidable warrior. Yes, you are definitely acceptable.
Jamie closed her eyes briefly and with a deep release of breath, opened her neon green eyes and looked at Ragnuk. "They have accepted me. You did not tell me what would happen or the consequences."
With a wide smile showing most of his teeth Ragnuk explained, "You did not ask and congratulations."
Doug piped up, "What do you mean sis, didn't you just have to put the ring on?"
Jamie's eyes returned to normal. "No, I was examined by the House Spirits to see if I was worthy. Ragnuk, I think I should study Goblin ways. I find you quite tricky…I like it."She smiled broadly.
Ragnuk snorted in amusement and was slightly uneasy that Jamie liked them. It is slightly disturbing that a Witch likes Goblins; there might even be respect in her eyes. Maybe she will survive the second ring after all. He motioned to the remaining closed box.
The second box was exactly like the first although the ring was slightly different. The band was burnished silver etched with a snake wrapped around a vertical thick line, which was halving a thick circle enclosed within a thick triangle, some of the lines overlapped. The snakes' eyes were chips of emerald and its mouth was open as if it were hissing. Jamie could see colours of green, black and silver magic swirling tightly around the ring.
Ragnuk and Griphook let out gasps and suddenly stiffened in their chairs. Jamie narrowed her eyes, "What?! What now?"
The Goblins shared a look and then Ragnuk whispered, "The Deathly Hallows with a serpent. Salazar was one of the founders of Hogwarts. Each of the four founders had their own Houses, which are represented by an animal; Gryffindor a lion, Ravenclaw an eagle, Hufflepuff a badger and Slytherin a snake. We did not expect the combining of this heir ring. Read the book we suggested earlier and also read Hogwarts: A History."
Jamie's back straightened and she looked at her Mum. Jamie could feel the tension pouring from her Mum. Petunia was biting her bottom lip and looked like she was about to grab Doug and Jamie and run from the room. With a smile for her Mum and Doug, she relaxed her shoulders and slipped the ring onto her middle finger. Again the same tight pinch and release but this time the ring turned a blackish crimson. Slowly the ring changed colours. The snake was an iridescent dark grey, the emerald eyes changing to brilliant neon green, its tongue crimson, while its fangs were ivory. The line, circle and triangle darkened to gleaming black obsidian. Three voices hissed into her mind; a female and two males.
Well, well who do we have here, A possible heir? How delightful to torture you.
We don't torture, we examine and judge.
Whatever, at least this one is a pureblood, unlike the other possible, who had a muggle for a father and barely a squib for a mother.
Oh yes, I would have loved to torture him. Unfortunately he knew he would never be worthy, so he never tried. Pity, we all would have agreed to kill him.
Oh, you already have an heir ring and house spirits?! It's a Potter! Well my brother was further down the line, so it could be acceptable, I suppose. How interesting to be all together again.
Gryffindors! You expect me to be connected to unthinking Headstrong Fools of Gryffindor!
Be quite! Hmm… what is this? This heir, she is quite the snake already, so cunning and private. What ambition for control in her life and others. She has so many juicy hidden secrets already, though the Goblins know much. She wants to learn from them to become more slytherin, how delightful. Look at how she already has planted thoughts into people, though they weren't wizards, to get what she wanted. We two girls could have so much fun together.
Look, look, see this here. I recognize him, we have met before! See through her eyes; see who has come to her so many times already. It's him! Or is it her? I never can figure it out. How do you address or talk about this person? Arrg!
Yes, I see. We could be a great advantage to her, if we share our gifts. I could share so much with my heir at hogwarts. Besides, I'm tired of being in a box.
I Agree. Did either of you notice we are on her power finger? Idiots, the both of you! I like this Heir, What potential of power and destruction on those who wish to use her. Also, we could have the pleasure of killing the unworthy one after all.
Don't you mean again? She already has once. Look at the magical core she has while still so young and we haven't even contributed yet. She hasn't even reached her normal increase when she turns eleven and Seventeen. How exciting to be with one with so much magical power. I agree and accept her as heir.
Stop blathering and move on to the fun part of gifting her. You always want to have the last word and take forever to stop talking. You're pointing out the obvious again. I wonder if she can cope with my gifts. It will be most amusing to see, maybe she'll go insane.
Both of you shut it. Gifting will be done slowly and we will ensure her safety and health with the other House Spirits... Maybe one gift now should be fine, since they are in Diagon Alley. I will decide which one, not another word from either of you!
Jamie slumped into her chair and with a shuddering inhale and smooth exhale she opened her brilliant neon green eyes. "I think I need a bit of a breather after all that."
Ragnuk called for tea and biscuits to appear magically on his desk. After they had all partaken and it was vanished away Ragnuk disguised Jamie's scar while Petunia applied a bit a makeup as well. Gruffly Ragnuk suggested that Jamie think where she would like her rune scar moved to on her body and what she would like as a tattoo. It would be done when Jamie comes back in a few days for her meeting with her account managers.
By this time Jamie's eyes had returned to their normal green. She silently wished for her heir rings to become invisible and they did.
"I believe we are almost done. A tutor for Jamie would be best. She will need to know how to perform her Headship duties and learn to take on her eventual membership in the Wizegamot. There is much resentment of Purebloods towards muggleborns and muggles. Griphook will have a candidate at your next meeting. You may also purchase; A History of Magic and Wizards' Book or Witches' Book. Also ask for the muggleborn pamphlet. Your tutor will advise you further." Ragnuk pulled out fresh parchment. "Let's keep the original letters and ancestry ritual in the Peverell Family vault. Here is a copy of each for you to take." Ragnuk handed Petunia the copies and then handed the originals to Griphook.
Griphook accepted the papers. "Since you don't have any vault keys the Family and trust vaults will be rekeyed, costing 15 galleons. We will combine the Peverell vaults into one. You will have two trust vaults, Peverell and Potter; two Family vaults, Potter and Peverell; and one Heritage vault, Slytherin. The Gaunts had no vault for the last two hundred years. These Family vaults are all high security but the trust vaults only require a key and identity verification. The Heritage vault is of a higher level of security than Family vaults. Before the vaults are adjusted and new keys issued, there will be an identifier charm cast for existing key holders. This means we will know who has a key at this time for any of the vaults. Those keys will be activated with their memory remover charm and simply disappear. The current key holder will simply forget they ever had the key and will no longer even remember the vault number. The charm will only be cast for the last 20 years of use. Even though Gringotts wasn't created until 1474 and the Peverells lived in the 1200's, we had been hiding treasures for Wizards for centuries at a cost. Jamie, do not let anyone have your vault keys. With your key, you have implied they have your permission to fully access that vault, and they may take what they want. Gringotts will not see this as theft."
Touching the blank parchment with his finger Griphook proceeded to speak in Gobbledegook. The parchment created a table showing the vault Family name, type, number, and name of key holder, date of access and items removed. Beside each key holder was written a group of numbers or "deceased". When the charm had finished everyone was eager to see the results. As expected the Peverell and Slytherin vaults had no activity and the key holder was listed as deceased. However, the Potter vaults had Albus Dumbledore as the key holder and both showed use over the last five years. The number of items Dumbledore had taken from the Family vault was astounding; books, furniture, a pensieve, and magical items just to name a few. The list for the Potter trust vault was also long showing thousands of galleons had been removed. Ragnuk and Griphook were looking quite scary; rigid body and teeth shown in a grimace, and their hands were clenched tightly.
Griphook spoke through clenched teeth. "I will send the retrieval squad to get these items back. If an item cannot be retrieved we will deduct its value from his vault. A memory charm will be activated on the items so they will not be remembered by anyone who saw them near Dumbledore. I will check the Will of James and Lily Potter, but I do not believe Dumbledore had any legal right to those keys. They should have been retrieved by Sirius Black. Jamie, we will go over the Will and what has been retrieved at our next meeting. An owl will deliver a letter to you stating the date and time of your appointment along with a portkey directly to Gringotts with instructions on how to activate it."
Griphook opened his pouch, which was tied to his belt. Here are your new keys; the silver is the Heritage vault, the two Family vaults are gold and the two trust vaults are bronze. As you can see the vault number is engraved onto each corresponding key. You will need to remember which vault number belongs to which vault. Let's proceed to your vaults now."
Standing up Jamie commented. "I think today we will only go to the Peverell trust vault. Thank you for your wisdom and advice Ragnuk. May gold flow into your vault."
Ragnuk responded, "May your enemies be afraid of your shadow and curse the day they were born."
Jamie laughed delightedly and respectfully nodded her head at Ragnuk.
-LP-LP-LP-LP-LP-LP-LP-LP-LP-
Griphook led them from the office and shortly they were again at the hall. Opening one of the identical doors on the walls, the group entered a small bare torch-lit room with a set a tracks near the far wall. Stating, "Cart." Griphook ushered them into a metal ore cart that came screeching to a halt before them. "Hold tight."
With a jerk the cart started forward sending them into a dark, cold windy tunnel. The cart tumbled along the tracks and quickly gained speed, terrifying Petunia as they sharply careened through a corner. Suddenly they were falling down, down, down into a pit as Doug and Jamie screamed with delight. Abruptly they emerged near the ceiling of a huge cavern, sparkling like the night sky, still following the tracks steeply leading them further down. They could just barely see other carts, filled with goblins and people, on tracks that zipped along up, down, cornering wildly and gigantic loops. With a loud gasp, they heard Griphook chuckle with amusement as they were soaked. Their cart had leveled out and took them under a waterfall.
Petunia stuttered, "Could we slow down please?"
With humour in his voice Griphook stated, "One speed only, no stops."
When they finally reached their torch lit destination, Peverell trust vault 407, they were mostly dry due to the speed of travel and the increasing warmth in the air. Douglas swore he glimpsed a dragon through an archway into another cavern. Jamie believed him but Petunia wasn't so sure. Rather Petunia hoped it wasn't true.
Getting out of the cart Griphook held out his hand, "Key".
Jamie handed over the correct key and closely watched Griphook open the vault door. As Jamie stepped into the vault torches lit within and she heard Griphook explaining the monetary system of galleons, sickles and knuts. Petunia and Doug stayed in the cart and gazed at the stone walls around them interspersed with vault doors. Jamie gazed around her seeing piles of coins; some had even reached the ceiling and flowed to her feet. She tried to see how large the vault was but was unable to.
Well, stop gawking. Don't be an idiot, grab the bag on the shelf by the door and place some coins in it. We still have much to do today.
Be nice! She has never been here before. It can be a bit overwhelming. The bag has an undetectable Extension charm on it. Before you put anything into it, touch the knot tying it closed. It will key to you and then only you may use it.
Jamie grabbed the small leather pouch and touched the knot of leather ties. Ouch, that hurts. Does everything here have to draw blood?! Quickly Jamie stuck her finger into her mouth.
Oh, we forgot to mention it bites…It just needs a little blood.
It's a bit late now. You are all so very helpful. Keep this up and I won't trust a thing you tell me.
My, you are a caustic little thing aren't you? You need to learn to ask questions, don't be such a gryffy and blindly follow what you are told. I expected better from you. Although, point taken about trusting us.
True, you do need to learn how to be a thinking pureblood Lady. Most children your age would already know this.
I wonder if the pouch would be considered Blood magic. I've heard nowadays it is considered dark or evil, the fools.
Seriously! Blood magic is used at gringotts every day. It protects your assets and can prevent numerous deceptions. Our world would have expired long ago without blood adoption rituals.
Jamie sighed. How much should I take?
Information first: only you can open the pouch, if lost it will automatically return to you and It will never get heavy or bulky no matter how much you place into it. Open the pouch, see the three compartments? Each compartment is for the three types of currency. Notice the flap near the opening inside. That is where you should put all of your confidential papers. Answer Second: take as much as you want. At the very least take a dozen handfuls each. A Pureblood should always have enough funds for whatever they wish for.
Are we finished here yet? This is boring.
Ignore him. While it is proper to have enough funds, it is best if possible to get someone else to buy things for you. Why spend your funds on something someone else will buy for you. Just be careful about any expectations they may have for giving the present. House Elves are very good at body removals and blood stains. I will teach you how to use your feminine wiles, we'll have such fun!
Jamie was beginning to wonder about how to silence house spirits. The Potter spirits certainly are quiet. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea; after all they are supposed to teach me.
Jamie quickly finished up, secured the pouch and after walking out of the vault, watched Griphook lock it and then retrieved the key from him; off they went again into the cart. They didn't return via the route they had taken to get to the vault. Instead they went a different way, but this time they held on tight as they went through several loop-d-loops. Jamie thought it was a great opportunity for the Goblins to retrieve some gold from loose pockets and unsecured pouches; Goblins were certainly smart. Petunia was not feeling well by the time they stepped from the cart into an identical room to the one they had started in.
Griphook handed Petunia a potion vial and gruffly stated, "One Galleons for Stomach Settling Potion."
Jamie paid for the potion and Petunia quickly drank it after a quick thanks to Jamie. Petunia immediately felt much better and it also eliminated the beginnings of her migraine. With a final check of Jamie's scar, dabbing it with a bit of powder, they exited the little room into the hall. All three thanked the Goblin; Jamie added that she was looking forward to seeing him soon, before they exited Gringotts.
A/N: Ok, I couldn't resist the three house spirits. There is a pattern for the speakers and I tried to give you hints as to who they represent or their main characteristic. See below for more info.
The answer is a repeating pattern; female – Bellatrix-like/Gaunt/Pureblood mania/blood thirsty character; male – Peverell/a bit snooty/high society character; male - Salazar Slytherin/testy/sly character. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.