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"Harry! Hurry up! I'm not about for you to make us late to a summons that is obviously very important!" Hermione yelled up the stairs, Harry rolled his eyes and finished washing his hands. He had spent the night at the Grangers, in the spare bedroom, because Grimauld place wasn't exactly liveable at the moment. Jean had even made a special breakfast in his honour, he had never felt this welcome in someone elses home before; not even at the Weasley's.
"Relax Mione! We still have an hour before the summons."-Harry walked confidently down the stairs, Hermione gave him his leather jecket; scowling at him the whole time-"Are you planning to splinch yourself mid-apparation? That would really draw a crowd when we reach Diagon Alley" he smirked sarcastically.
"Har, Har, Har. Very funny. Your a regular comedic genius"
"Ba, Dum, Tsh." he mimed playing the drums. Hermione rolled her eyes and dragged him into the front garden where Ian was busy re-paving the path and Jean was giving not-so-helpful advice.
"We're going now" Harry hid a laugh at Hermione's irritated tone. Jean made a big scene about being careful and sticking together, Ian had to swoop in and remind his wife that they were both adults and to stop worrying. Hermione was right, after the whole Jean stalling them thing, they only had about fifteen minutes before reaching Gringotts for his summons.
They both apparated to the white marble steps of Gringotts bank and precisely ten seconds after arriving were surrounded by reporters and admirer's . "Harry!Harry! This way Harry!" echoed from every diretion mixed with the calls for Hermione and questions of why they were here? Are they together? Where was Ron? Harry made a path through the crowd keeping Hermione tucked into his side, so as not to lose her in the crowd. As soon as they passed through the first door Goblin security rounded on them and guided Harry and Hermione to a private room; reserved for the celebrities of the magical world.
"Master Teller Ragnok will be with you shortly, please take a seat while you wait" the smartly dressed goblin said indicating to the two ornate oak chairs before them. Hermione and Harry seated themselves heavily still realing from the drama of apparating to Diagon Alley.
Harry felt the angry stare of Hermione burning into the side of his head, he met her gaze for a brief second before saying "Hey, don't blame me! She's your mother". Reffering to Jean Granger's outstanding stalling capabilities."Besides we're on time"-he checked his watch-"actually, we're early". Hermione was about to respond when the private room's door creaked open briefly and shut with a loud bang. They both stood to greet the honorable Goblin who strode quickly around them to seat himself at the desk infront of Hermione and Harry.
"Mr. Potter, I see you have finally decided to attend your summons. I'm assuming that because Miss. Granger is here you don't mind her hearing what is inside the Will's? Good."-Not giving Harry a chance to get a word in edge ways-"Lets begin", the Goblin clicked his fingers loudly a stack of folders appearing neatly on the desk."Mr. Potter"-
-"Please call me Harry"
"Well...Mr...Harry, this is the last Will and testament of Mr. and Mrs. Potter"-Hermione took Harry's hand comfortingly-"I, James Harold Potter, being of sound mind and body declare this as my official last will and testament. I declare that if both myself and Lily Evans Potter die, Sirius Black will become guardian of my son Harry James Potter and guardian of his inheritance until he reaches the age of 17 or becomes emancipated. If Sirius Black cannot perform this duty, Harry's godmother Lydia Lovegood will take over the role as guardian. If niether of these choices can furfill the requirments, the guardianship will fall to Alice and Frank Longbottom or Minerva McGonagall. Under no circumstances should Petunia Dursley be given guardianship, or any Weasley and Dumbledore is restricted to the rights of a Headmaster; he shall have no sway of Harry's life. I leave 14 million galleons to Sirius Black and the Marauder safe house. 12 million galleons to Remus Lupin and a permanent residence at the Potter country home in Sussex. The remainder of the vast Potter wealth, vaults, jewels and estates I leave to my only son and heir Harry James Potter. Once he reaches the age of 17 Harry will be annointed as the Head of the noble and honorable house of Potter. He will be given the key to mine and Lily's personal vault. These instructions shall be followed precisely, or I place dishonor on the Goblin race".
Harry sat stotic. Dumbledore had betrayed his parents wishes, he had disgraced their memory! Anger boiled beneath Harry's calm demenor.
"Now, you can understand why we were so desperate to have you attend this summons. Please leave any questions you have until after Lily Potters will reading"-Harry took a deep shaky breath, his hand tightened around Hermione's-"I, Lily Ann Evans Potter, being of sound mind and body declare this as my official last will and testament. I declare that if both myself and James Harold Potter die, Sirius Black will become guardian of my son Harry James Potter and guardian of his inheritance until he reaches the age of 17 or becomes emancipated. If Sirius Black cannot perform this duty, Harry's godmother Lydia Lovegood will take over the role as guardian. If niether of these choices can furfill the requirments, the guardianship will fall to Alice and Frank Longbottom or Minerva McGonagall. Under no circumstances should Petunia Dursley, my sister, be given guardianship, or any Weasley and Dumbledore is restricted to the rights of a Headmaster; he shall have no sway of Harry's life. My son shall be given every worldly possesion that I own, no exceptions. I also would like to state that Peter Pettegrew is our secret keeper, under the advisement of Albus Dumbledore. As well as my son recieving the key to mine and James's personal vault, he shall be given a letter kept safe by the Gobline Master Teller Ragnok-my close and trusted friend..."Ragnok trailed off, lost for words at Harry's mother's last statement.
Hermione clenched down hard on Harry's strong hands. The same thought reverbarating inside their skulls 'Dumbledore betrayed the Potter's'.
"Ragnok"-Harry growled-"please continue".
"Err, right...Well Mr. Potter your net worth is currently 340 billion galleons, seven holiday homes in europe, the Potter Mansion in Kensington, all the vaults belonging to the Potter families and jewel mines in Africa. Finally you have also inherited the most prized Potter heirloom, the engagement ring used by every generation throughout magical history. Congratulations Mr. Potter, you are now one of the richest men in both the wizarding and muggle world. Gringotts shall issue the banks vault card immediantly so you won't need to make constant trips for withdrawls. Moving on to Sirius Blacks will...'I, Sirius Orion Black, being of sound mind and body declare this as my official last will and testament. For the guardianship of my godson Harry James Potter, if I cannot do my duty refer to Lily and James Potter's final will and testament. I split the enire Black fortune equally between the Potter's and the Lupin's. I formally reinstate Andromeda Tonks and any and all of her descendants back into the Black family tree."
"You current net worth now stands at 750 billion Gallions, 15 holiday homes in europe and around the world, the Potter and Black Mansion, all the vaults belonging to the Potters and half of the Black vaults; jewel mines in africa and virginia. Finally we move onto the custody of your Godson Teddy Lupin. It states in the late Remus Lupin's will that you will be the guardian of Teddy Lupin if all blood relatives are deceased. Currently his grandmother is still alive, but Gringotts would like to make you aware of the very real possability that you may become his guardian in the very near future" Ragnok said kindly, not at all in a pressuring manor.
Hermione reached to comfort Harry but he pulled away. His head was pounding, everything in his life had just shifted. Everything he had believed was true is false. Dumbledore betrayed his parents, the Weasley's are leeches and his godson might lose his grandmother! Life was changing too fast for him to keep up with.
"Harry, are you alright?" Hermione asked hesitantly kneeling infront of him. He lifted his head his eyes burning from the desperate need to cry.
"I'll be fine, I just need to get out of here"
"Is there anything else you need to tell him Master Ragnok?" Hermione stated strongly, practically begging for him to say no. The goblin rose from his seat slightly, shifting under Hermione's intense gaze.
"I'll just issue you your card and give Harry Lily Potter's letter; its important that he recieve it" Ragnok swiftly left the room.
"Harry, look at me. Look at me" she commanded grasping both of his hands in her own. "Everything is going to be okay. We'll find a way to deal with this. Just remember that no matter what has happened in the past, Voldemort is gone. Thats the important thing, remember that."
The door creaked, again, signalling Ragnok's return, he didn't bother to re-seat himself and just handed over Harry's thin black Gringotts card and gold envelope "This is your mother's letter. I'm sure it'll help. She wanted me to tell you that 'she loves you', have a good day Lord Harry James Potter, may your enemies tremble before you and your gold multiply in wealth." Ragnok bowed deeply before leading Hermione and the shell shocked Harry out of Gringotts; into the hot July afternoon.
The loud call of the crowds drowned out Harry's pain and betrayal, the numbness felt so good to him that he insisted Hermione and him should shop for their school supplies immediantly. They spent the rest of the afternoon bustling from magical shop to magical shop. Harry bought an entire new wardrobe to suit his new hero persona, saving peoples lives wasn't something he had done for the glory but why shouldn't he feel proud for the good he had caused? He even bought Hermione a magical oval locket that held precious memories from her past. Hermione loved the gift but insited on getting Harry something in return, which turned out to be a wand holder that could be strapped to his leg.
They returned to Primrose Cresent just as dinner was being served and the evening Prophet had been delivered; the headline read.
Heroe's Returning
'As the wizarding community already knows, students who missed their previous year at Hogwarts school for witchcraft and wizardy have been invited to finish their studies. Among those invited are our favourite golden Trio. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley; the team that defeated the dark lord. Harry and Hermione were spotted today shopping for their school supplies, looking very much excited to be returning to Hogwarts. A ministry official let slip that Harry had been offered a place as an Auror, we must commend Harry's determination to gain his NEWT; we wish him luck. Among those returning to Hogwarts this fall is the Golden trio, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood and many other heroes of the magical world. '
Harry read the opening paragraph, Reeta Skeeter had finally orthenticated one of her articles; Hermione's threat must still be standing. Ian and Jean invited Harry to stay the night again, but Harry felt that if he spent another night the media would take it the wrong way. He didn't need the drama.
Harry arrived at Grimmauld Place late that night, his mothers letter almost forgotten. He sat down at the the kitchen table, tapping his finger against the worn wood; while he debated on whether to open it or not. On a whim, he pulled on the gold seal...that was all it took.
The letter transormed into the shape of a howler, Harry prepared himself for shrill schreach but none came. Instead for the first time he could remeber, he heard his mothers beautiful voice.
"My darling boy, if you are hearing this myself and James are dead; I want you to know that we love you very much. Its more than likely that Sirius has been framed for our murders, do not believe it. Sirius Black would never harm us, he and James are like brothers and he loves you like a son. I've known for a long time that me and James would die at the hands of Voldemort and that you would defeat him. I want you to do something for me, I want you to live you life. You have been given a chance to live happily and dare I say it recklessly. Of course you are your father's son so that won't be problem. You will now have learned of Peter and Dumbledor's betrayal, do not let that fill you with vengence. But do not forget it, if James and I had trusted our instincts we may have lived longer. Live and learn from our mistakes, trust your insticts and bring light to those have been clouded with darkness. I love you my sweet baby Harry, more than you can imagine. Your father and I would have traded anything to see you grow up. Remeber that. With all my love, Lily Potter, your mother"
Harry Potter sobbed long into the light, gut wrenching cries filled his soul and he vowed that he would do as his mother asked. The war had robbed Harry of something very precious, now it was time to take back what it had stolen...