Chapter VIII

Venomous flames of passion

The office was silent when the door opened and Harry walked back in. Expression guarded, she handed the document over to her birth mother without a word.

Sitting, she turned her full attention to Margtooth who gave her a knowing smile. He was well acquainted with the young teen. She would take time to process the contents but she would open shortly.

Pulling out a large leather-bound book, he placed it on his desk. The Potter family accounts were a well-documented wealth of information for Margtooth. It held the rich history of the families dealings with Gringotts and much more.

"Allow us to get down to important business concerning the Potter family accounts. You will be turning thirteen this year and I hope you took our suggestions into account for classes." the goblin remarked earning a smile in return.

"I have indeed, I chose to pick Ancient Runes, and Care of Magical Creatures. I would like to thank you for the extra courses you are also sending me, " she answered earning a deep chuckle from the goblin.

"It is our pleasure to assist you, young one, you have such a talent that we wish to nourish it and allow it to grow. Now, I have here your grades from last year, " he remarked while handing over an envelope to the young teen.

With eagerness, Harry accepted the envelope and began to read. The further she got the wider her eyes grew, shining with happiness as a smile covered her face.

"I can see by your expression that you were able to perform wonderfully on all your exams." Margtooth chuckled, ignoring the confused looks both Amelia and Susan were giving them on the subject. "I think we can move on to the other credits you will need,"

"I think that would be a good idea, thank you Margtooth, because of the - gender change and so forth do we need to change the documentation?" Harry asked nervously.

"We have already commenced those changes. It will not be long and is quite easy considering the situation. You will have nothing to worry over."

"I'm sorry but what exactly is going on here?" Amelia questioned, looking confused and quite worried.

"Your daughter has been taking extra courses outside Hogwarts curriculum since entering the magical world. She is doing quite well." Margtooth remarked smoothly before turning back to Harry who placed the document down.

"I think I'll continue along the same lines I am now, it went very well last year but this year I'll have two more classes to add on," he mumbled thoughtfully earning a nod from the goblin who began writing on another piece of paper.

"I recommend these then. They will be simple to handle." the goblin recommended earning a nod from Harry who swiftly accepted the documents.

"I'll have the books and such sent to you, same arrangement as last year. You will send me everything and I will submit it to the school. Now, your Potter accounts. With the changes that happened last year. I am happy to note that great investments have appeared in those areas. You've done wonderfully with your choices. Also, I have here a package from Arnold Backstory for you."

Gingerly, the goblin removed a package from the desk. Within moments, it grew to full size, revealing a very large thick cardboard box bound with rope.

"He says it is the first prototype and that he wants as much criticism as possible if he is going to make it better. As you have probably seen, the Firebolt was released this year as expected when we last spoke about this project." Margtooth remarked while Harry rose and gingerly opened the package.

What was inside, surprised both Amelia and Susan. It was a broom, the wood was polished and smooth, yet an odd dark grey colour. Hollow twigs were placed perfectly and smoothed back. There it's colour held a red tone to them. All the metal that bound the broom held a brass tinge that was very interesting but what was most interesting was the small leather item on the broom.

"He would very much like youer opinion on its capabilities," Margtooth advised making Amelia frown.

"An untested broom is very dangerous -" she began earning a chuckle from her daughter.

"Arnold Backstory is one of the best broom designer and makers in the magical world. He wouldn't have sent this if it wasn't ready to be used by the public." He remarked while picked up the broom and weighing it in his hands.

It didn't way more than the Nimbus 2000, which was a good thing. Actually, it was quite light which would be good for speed conditions, not so much for the Beater position but, it was alright, that broom would be different.

Putting it back into the box, he tied it back up and placed the box beside his chair.

"I'll write him a letter on it as soon as I can test it." He agreed, earning a nod from Margtooth. "I was hoping to have the other broom tested by Fred and George. I might have to change my plans because of certain plans - here he gave his mother a side glance - that have been made."

"Indeed, one never knows my dear, one never knows. Now, we have been in a fight with the Ministry concerning their illegal claim of Godric's Hollow as a war memorial." This made Amelia's eyes widen and she turned on her daughter whose watches her with a raised eyebrow.

"The Godric's Hallow property has been in the family for many generations. It was purchased by Alberton Potter, for his wife who was an artist. She preferred the little cottage house because it was charming and perfect for her craft. The house is still Potter property and the Ministry had no right to it." Harry declared firmly before turning away. "Plus the monument can be moved to the centre of the village if people wish to. If the Ministry doesn't move it I will, they don't own that land and I will have the Fidelius Charm re-placed so that nobody can go to the property without knowing its bloody location. I may never wish to live in it, but the house can be returned to its previous condition and used in the future."

"The Ministry has attempted to steal from the Potter family Madam Bones. Your daughter is lucky that we Goblins chose to place anti-theft wards on the property before the monument went up or else nothing would have been left in the house."

"I see, well as it is a Potter family action I cannot - interfere," Amelia admitted slowly yet inside she was worried. Her daughter appeared to be more involved in the political world than she had believed, even at the young age she was. This odd - relationship she seemed to have with the goblin nation was also interesting. She had never heard of Goblins being so caring and helpful towards a magical family.

"Indeed, Madam, now what we need to discuss is a much sorer topic. When you were placed with your "relatives", your parents will was not read. Because of this each month they received a stipend for your care. With the recent event of attempted murder and the case of abuse against them, all those funds can be reclaimed as we have perfect evidence that they did not look after you. We could do this in various ways, but if I may suggest the following." Here Margtooth pulled a new document from his desk and opened it to the first page.

"Every year those who were raising you would receive a yearly stipend to be spent on your needs and to assist in food. It varied during your ages. From the age of 1 to 4 a stipend of 2000 galleons which equals to £6026.89 each year was provided. Age 5 to 10 a stipend of 4000 galleons which equals to £12053.79 was provided every year. Finally, every year during your schooling the stipend was decreased considerably because the funds would not need be present. You would be at Hogwarts for most of the year, you also have your trust vault and Hogwarts had already been fully paid, so a stipend of 1000 galleons which equals £3013.45 would have been given.

In total, your relatives were given, 38000 galleons which equal £114510.99." This made the occupants gap in surprise before anger filled two of them.

"They were receiving money to raise me and they complained a cost too much?" Harry growled, her hands forming fists as he tried desperately to contain her anger and the magic that were swiftly bubbling to the surface.

He knew Margtooth could more than likely see the magic already leaving her grasp as he had hurried to pull a small crystal from his desk. The crystal was meant to absorb some of her magic yet unlike before it didn't seem to be doing very much towards the situation.

"This is - odd," Margtooth whispered also noticing the change. "You need to relax young one, remember the breathing exercises you were taught. You must take a firm grasp on your magic before it lashes out to harm, " he warned while hurriedly send a message to one of his curse breakers.

Something had happened to the young girl before him this year that made her magic different and it was most certainly not the gender change.

Slowly closing his eyes, Harry took several deep breaths. Slowly he could feel his magic calming as he also allowed it to spread through him in the same warm and calming way as the night before. When he was fully calmed down he opened his eyes to see that both his mother and Susan were looking at him with wide eyes while Margtooth looked curious.

"I have a curse breaker coming. Perhaps they can help us identify why your magic has become so - different and volatile." He remarked making him smile weakly. "Did you wish to continue with the discussion."

"I do not believe we should be discussing this at this time," Amelia remarked knowing that right now things were still fragile. Her daughter was just recovering physically from the bullet wound.

"NO - hem I mean no, we need to clarify things before it gets too late. What can be done Margtooth? " Harry questioned earning a dangerous grin from the goblin.

"When we learned you were residing with your relatives, we made certain they would sign a contract. Simply put, they broke the contract, any, and all money they received for your care will be claimed back." Margtooth remarked sounding all too happy about the situation.

"That is, a lot of money to claim back -"

"Their house will be marketed as well as their car, and when we investigated we found that the Dursley had been storing the money away. We may be unable to receive all of it back, but we can take what they have. Any investments they have will be liquefied and the earnings given to you. Any left over will be placed in a separate bank account for their son who is still underage."

"Dudley - what is going to happen to him?" Harry asked earning a sharp look from his mother yet Margtooth gave a hum.

"At first the boy was placed with his Aunt Marjorie Dursley yet recently has been removed as the aunt was seen as being an inadequate guardian. The lad was placed with a - Harold Dursley. Our records show that this is the boy's grandfather."

"Grandfather? I didn't know they were still alive. Uncle Vernon never spoke about them." Harry whispered feeling more than a bit surprised.

"We contacted the man to know some details as we might have leftover funds from the liquidation to be placed in the boy's name. He and his son and daughter have been estranged for many years now. He is an old army and although, he doesn't take nonsense his children - in his words - were two terrible ends of a worm. They took things to the extreme and were sometimes quite violent. No matter how much discipline the man tried they never - grew up. He hadn't met his grandson in his life and didn't know about you until the situation had been explained - slightly. The man wanted to write you a letter which I have here. You may read it when you so wish, he is not expecting a reply."

Gingerly Harry accepted the muggle envelope handed to him. Looking at it, he gingerly slipped it into his pocket.

"Is there anything else we need to discuss Margtooth?"

"Not today no, but here comes my curse breaker." The Goblin remarked while the door opened and in walked a young woman.

She wasn't overly tall, standing at 5'5" with long bright red hair that was pulled into multiple braids of various sizes and types, all piled on top of her head in a thick messy bun. She was dressed in leather pants, knee-high dragon hides boots and a blue sleeveless shirt that had a few rips on it. Her hands were encased in fingerless dragon hide gloves and she wore a black choker. All in all, she looked like a pretty rough woman who somebody would be hard press to confront.

"Greetings Lord Margtooth," the woman greeted respectfully while giving a small bow.

"Curse Breaker Agatha Burkes, don't be picky about her surname, she's not what you expect. Curse Breaker Burkes this is a sensitive case which you will need to sign this secrecy form." Margtooth ordered while extended a piece of parchment over to the woman who hurriedly signed it.

"I guessed as much considering Amelia Bones is sitting in the room. So, what can I help you all with?" She asked while handed the signed document over.

"Meet Harry Potter," Margtooth introduced dryly earning a raised eyebrow from Agatha and a sour look from Amelia. "All you need to know at this point is that an event this summer revealed that he was actually a she and that her name is Kinsley Black, daughter of Sirius Black and Amelia Bones," Margtooth explained earning an amused expression from the woman as she grinned as Kinsley. "She's having some trouble with her magic it would seem. Easy to flare up and quite volatile. The absorbing crystal did nothing to help."

"Okay, have you been to a Healer recently?" Agatha asked while moving closer to Harry.

"I was shot by a muggle gun so I spent some time in the hospital. A magical healer was also present to help me." He answered.

"Hum, alright then, what has happened in the last few months of magical significant?"

The question made Harry think. He knew the last big thing to happen would have been the magical explosion from when his uncle shot him, but his magic had been acting up before then. Ever since he -

"I - um was bitten by a Basilisk and healed with Phoenix Tears. That's about all I can think of that would be big enough." He answered unsure if he had helped the situation. Thankfully his mother jumped in with a bit more information.

"Healer Chalisse found Basilisk venom in her blood as well as Phoenix Tears. The tears didn't destroy the venom simply allowed it to be accepted by her blood." This had the goblin shuffling in his seat while Agatha whistled softly.

"Basilisk venom and phoenix tears still in the bloodstream. Both are extremely magically strong. It wouldn't be hard to believe that something would happen because of them." She remarked before thinking of something.

"It's also why her body temperature is higherAnti-theft suspect the Phoenix tears have had something to do with it."

"I see, well I would need a sample of both creatures to do my test, but with samples, I could learn if their DNA mixed with your DNA, giving you some of their benefits. The trouble is getting a sample from a phoenix can be hard." Agatha grumbled causing Harry to frown before looking at his lap in thought.

Fawkes was the Phoenix who had saved his life. Perhaps - perhaps the bird would be able to help but he would have to ask Dumbledore which is most definitely didn't want to do.

"Fawkes is -" yet he received no chance in finishing his sentence as within moments of speaking the name, a large burst of flames exploded before Harry and a phoenix appeared, a soft melodic thrill leaving its beak. Gently the bird landed, its wings spread wide before they folded by his side and he turned to look at Harry. "Fawkes!" He exclaimed shocked to see the bird on his lap. "How did you - I mean what are you - oh bloody hell."

The final sentence made the Phoenix thrill in amusement before it hopped over and pressed itself into his chest making him blush.

"I'm happy to see you too, you look particularly handsome this day. How are you doing after our little adventure?" He asked curiously earning a soft reassuring thrill from the Phoenix causing his magic to warm up once more.

"How the bloody hell did that happen?" Agatha questioned while the others in the room watched with a mixture of surprise, amusement, and worry.

"This is Fawkes, he is Dumbledores Phoenix -" Harry began to explain yet a soft thrill made him blush. "Fawkes asked me to switch my phrasing. He prefers a companion, over friend it seems," he whispered while running a finger down the Phoenix' back earning a content sign. "It's the second time Fawkes comes to me, the first time I said his name though."

"You can understand him?" Margtooth questioned.

"A bit, now more than before though," he remarked thoughtfully earning a faint hum from the Curse Breaker.

"Does he understand you?"

"I don't - know I guess I can try," Harry mumbled before looking at Fawkes who seemed quite comfortable. "Fawkes do you - well do you understand me?"

For a moment, the Phoenix simply looked up at him before, with a soft thrill, gave a nod.

"Could you ask if he would permit me to have a sample. We are trying to find out what has affected you so much. Of course, we'll also have to get a sample of the basilisk venom." Agatha remarked turning from talking to Harry to talking to herself.

Shaking his head at the odd curse breaker Harry turned to Fawkes hoping the Phoenix would be willing to help her.

"Fawkes I need your help, which I shouldn't be asking for considering how much you helped me the last time." He whispered softly. "But this is Curse Breaker Agatha and she's here to figure out what is wrong with me and why my magic is - acting up like it is. We think it might have something to do with the Basilisk venom and your tears but we cannot. Would you - would you be willing to give a sample for her to test with?"

It felt rather - dishonourable asking Fawkes for such a request but, it seemed like the large firebird didn't mind his enquiry as it gave a soft nod before thrilling softly. For some reason, Harry knew the bird was on the verge of vanish and with a burst of flames he did.

"Please tell me we did not just insult a Phoenix?" Agatha whispered, paler than a moment ago.

"No, he wasn't offended at all, appeared to understand what we needed. He's just gone to get a fang so that you can have the basilisk venom sample as well." He answered just as the Phoenix re-appeared, two fangs in its talons. One was pushed towards Agatha while the other was given tenderly to Harry. After that, the bird hopped onto the desk and looked at Margtooth.

Realising just what the phoenix wanted the goblin hurried to pull a file from his desk and uncorked it. Gently he presented the phial to Fawkes who lowered his head and allowed a slow mournful thrill to leave him.

While most of those in the room watched the Phoenix in amazement, Harry felt a deep burst of something fill his chest. The warmth that had been there constantly flared to life and unlike before it spread to all parts of her body and only seemed to grow until she could feel a heat radiating from her hands that hadn't been there before. Yet as Fawkes finished the heat dissipated and he was left very confused.

"I'll need a sample of your DNA to perform the spell if you will allow," Agathe murmured causing Harry to look up.

Knowing what she needed, he extended his hand and allowed her to cut her second finger with a blade handed to her by Margtooth. As soon as she had a drop her wound healed.

With careful consideration of the items, she was using. The Curse Breaker pulled a new phial from her pocket and added the drop of blood. With everything now collected she took a deep breath.

"The spell I'm about to use is a medical spell that was invented in Germany two months ago. It's not very well known as of yet, but it allows us to see if the DNA of a person has been compromised by another DNA source. If we have the source of the possible compromising DNA we could form a match." She explained.

"That is, quite interesting, I've never heard of it being done," Amelia whispered very curious about the process the Curse Breaker was about to go through. "What sort of testing has been performed with it?"

"At the time they were trying to see if they could isolate the parts of a werewolves DNA to extract it but I've not kept in touch with the research as much as I would like to do. Now, here we go."

It took quite a complicated wand movement and a whispered set of words that Harry did not catch yet as a thin strand of silver magic formed from the tip of the curse breakers wand. It grew in length before separating into three threads. Slowly they inched towards the samples before gently settling onto them. The strands swiftly turned different colours. The strand touching blood turned vibrant red while the strand that touched the tears became opaque. The strand that the basilisk tooth became a sickly green.

For a moment, they did not move until at last they slowly entwined themselves together before simply hanging there. Hurriedly Margtooth handed her a piece of parchment which she delicately permitted the now braided strand to fall onto.

No sooner did it do so did the colours melt into the parchment forcing it to glow softly before returning to normal yet unlike before where it was blank. It now had words upon its surface.

"That was cool," Harry remarked while Fawkes let a soft thrill of agreement leave him before settling back on Harry's lap, rather content to be where he was.

"What does your test reveal?" Amelia questioned a little sceptical after such a - unique spell.

"Well, interesting would be the best thing I can say right now and - don't donate blood." The older woman remarked confusing Susan and Amelia but making Harry's lips twitch in a smile.

"That bad," he remarked a tinge of amusement in his voice.

"Well, kid you have one interesting set of DNA in you," she remarked before handing over the document for him to read.

Kinsley Amelia Black Bones Potter

Basilisk = 10%

Phoenix = 10%

Human = 80%

Blood toxicity = 75%

Normal Body Temperature = 55 degree celsius

"So, this means I am - part basilisk and part phoenix in some sort of way?" He whispered earning a nod from the curse breaker.

"I'm not a hundred percent certain how it's going to affect you kid but like I said, your blood is toxic so no donating, don't let a vampire drink it - unless you want him dead. Clearly, the phoenix has affected your body temperature that's for sure, any doctor would tell you-you had a fever."

"Is there anything that Harry needs to know - I mean is she going to develop anything different because of this?" Susan finally asked causing Harry's shoulders to tense yet both Margtooth and the Curse Breaker looked contemplative.

"The Phoenix and Basilisk's are two very ancient and magically potent creatures. This has also never happened - that we know of. The DNA of a phoenix and a Basilisk merging together in a human being is - unusual."

"Meaning never seen before that you know of," Harry remarked stone earning a weak grin in return.

"Already it is affecting you, so we can deduce that it might affect you more. You may need to practice your magic for the summer to get a better grip on it and I strongly recommend getting your wand checked. With the extra DNA combination, it is possible your magic has changed and it would affect the bond you hold with your wand. For now, simply keep track if things - unusual happens or you feel different in some way. Maybe - put fireproof spells on your valuable, you never know after all." The last part was said with a teasing grin, but Harry filed the information away.

"Getting summer passes to perform magic isn't easy," Amelia remarked thoughtfully making the teen flush while Margtooth chuckled.

"No need to worry Madam Bones. The close relationship that your daughter holds with Gringotts brings her a few advantages including a little advantage of a pass to perform magic during the summer. Curse Breaker Burkes, is there anything else we should be aware of?" Margtooth questioned overlooking the glare that Amelia sent him.

"Sadly no, like I said this isn't something I've come across before, just - try to notice the differences when they happen and take notes." She answered earning a nod from Margtooth and a thank you from Harry before she was dismissed.

Author note:

I have no other chapters written for this story so far so you'll have to bare with a bit of a wait after this posting. Still you get it before the New Year begins and I'm hoping to see more of you next year! Also to those helpful reviewers of the last chapter I am currently fixing the mistakes that I did make and I always appreciate the feedback they give. Thank you!

On a side note, I was a bit worried about this chapter, wondering if I was taking it a bit to - far? I'm not sure I was just really hesitant to post this chapter so any feedback you can give be it positive or negative I'll take (well within its limits.) People who write stupid reviews and anonymously, you know who you are, can keep posting reviews if you want I'll just delete them. When its mean and hurtful or just plain idiotic it gets removed, if you say you just don't like it fine by me but some things are taken to far.