Disclaimer: I wish I could take credit for the Harry Potter Universe, but sadly I'm only a small guppy in the legion of fanfiction writers who also can't take credit for the inspirational work of J.K. Rowling.
A/N: We hit over 90 reviews! Yay! Thanks for all the great reviews and responses. I love you guys. To those who offered to Beta make sure you're registered with to be a Beta. And I will try and touch base with you guys sometime this week. I hope you all enjoy this latest installment.
Chapter 7
Bella and Harry walked hand in hand as the descended the stairs from the second floor to the first. Bella gave Harry a quick tour of the ancient manor. Harry admired the hominess of Black Manor it had a warm and lived in appearance. It was nothing like number 12 Grimauld Place with its dark hallways, foreboding atmosphere and its homage to everything Slytherin.
Black Manor was decorated like a country estate with many windows that allowed the sunlight to fill the home with its warmth. Hardwood floors covered the first floor with Persian accent rugs that ran down the hallways and filled the various rooms. Rich oak and cherry wood furniture decorated the parlor and library, old Welsh and Celtic tapestries hung on the walls as hunting scenes and ancient battles played out on them.
Several portraits were hung in the library of former Lords and Lady's of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. The library was huge! Bella informed him that an expansion charm gave the library it depths she boasted that the Black Library contained the wizarding worlds most extensive collection of magical and muggle books. Bella explained that most of the muggle books were those of literary art; there were many first edition books by Shakespeare and a few handwritten unpublished works from the bard, there were also history books and some books of a scientific nature.
"I find it interesting that a House that is so deep in pureblood philosophy would have even one muggle book." Harry commented.
"A long time ago the Black patriarchs realized that knowledge is power, and the more knowledge one had the more powerful they became. They realized that the muggles outnumbered wizarding kind and they realized that ignorance to that culture could have deadly consequences. It would be foolish not to learn everything you can about the people who surround you."
"I guess that make sense. But I'm guessing that your family's perspective of muggles is not common place amongst most wizarding houses."
"Actually you'd be surprised, but most will never admit to it. Harry, the Blacks have always been politically astute and knew that the wizarding world would always rely on commerce with the muggles to some extent. Tell me have you seen many farms owned by wizards?"
"Well no, but you have to remember I was raised in a muggle environment and my knowledge of the magical world is limited to what I learn at school or from what my friends tell me."
Bella nodded. "Most wizards Harry see manual labor to be beneath them, it's considered the work of servants or the lower class. However there are not enough house elves in Britain to work enough farms to feed the magical population and keeping muggles as a slave workforce was banned centuries ago. So we are forced to deal with the muggles to feed our own people."
"So you're saying that we need muggles to survive. So why is there such enmity felt for the muggles?"
"Well it's the age old battle between the haves and have's not, isn't it. The muggles have the technology and workforce to be self sufficient they don't need us, but we need them and that dependence on a culture that most wizards see as inferior to our own is a bitter pill to swallow. So naturally that jealousy turns easily to hate and that hate is what inspires those to join people like Grindewald and Voldemort."
"But if the wizarding world needs the muggles then why are there groups trying to destroy them."
"Well Voldemort like Grindewald believes he can conquer the muggle world and then subjugate the muggles once more and create a servant class."
"You mean a slave class!" Harry growled
"Yes Harry I mean a slave class."
"Voldemort doesn't actually think he'll succeed does he? I mean there are billions of muggles and their weaponry could literally wipe our kind of the face of the earth!"
"I don't know if he believes it or not, but he has convinced his followers that they will one day rule over the muggles. And the first part of that goal is to take over the magical communities first and then crown himself emperor of wizarding kind. Much like the French muggle Napoleon crowned himself emperor."
"Well, that didn't work out to well for Napoleon and I don't expect that Voldemort could do much better." Harry said smugly.
"True Harry, but if he were able to unite the wizarding communities around the world, whether by force or acquiescence, he could do a lot of damage. Voldemort is cunning Harry, a true Slytherin, he will not make overt moves on the magical governments instead he will begin planting his own people and then slowly as they get entrenched in the various ministries he can begin to push forward his own agenda. You won't even see it happening until it's too late."
Harry was in deep thought about what Bella had said as they entered the kitchens. The smell of fresh baked bread and frying bacon captured his senses. A loud growl from his stomach caused him a bit of embarrassment as Narcissa chuckled from the small breakfast table.
"I was about to send a search party of elves out to find you two if you'd have not arrived in the next few minutes." She smirked.
"Bella was just giving me a private tour."
"I'm sure she was. Was it a private tour dear sister or a tour of your pri…"
"I was just showing him the manor, oh queen of innuendo." Bella hastily replied.
Narcissa gave her sister a saucy smile and then turned and gave Harry a seductive wink. "Well if you're hungry Grisi has made quite the buffet so plate up." Harry and Bella headed to the side bar and filled their plates. Three days of being unconscious had built up quite the appetite for the new couple and they planned on catching up.
Narcissa watched as the couple had consumed three plates each of eggs, bacon, sausage, fried tomatoes and toast. She shook her head in amazement at the quantity of food consumed. When the couple had finished she suggested they go to the study to discuss recent developments.
Harry and Bella sat together in a very comfy leather love seat while Narcissa sat in a high back burgundy colored leather chair just in front of them. She reached inside her robes and pulled out two letters. "Before we start our discussion these Gringotts letters came for each of you. I received one myself but I expect yours to contain additional information in them. Take a close look at the names on the letters." She handed the two letters over to Harry and Bella, who gave her curious looks.
Harry turned over his letter and read 'Lord Hadrian James Potter: Ancient and Most Nobel House of Potter.' "Hadrian Potter? Who is Hadrian Potter?" Harry asked.
"I believe that is you Harry. It is your given name. Harry is just a diminutive." Narcissa informed.
"I never knew. I've always just been Harry since I was told my name when I started school I didn't even know I had a name until then." Narcissa raised an eyebrow at this and Bella just scowled as she recalled the memory from Harry and wishing that she had prolonged the death of the Dursleys just a little bit longer and made them really suffer.
Harry glanced at Bella feeling her emotions and gave her an appreciative smile. Bella suddenly gasped as she looked at the name on her envelope. 'Lady Bellatrix Adien Potter Black: Ancient and Most Nobel House of Potter.' Harry looked at her envelope and was utterly confused. He looked up at Bella who seemed to be paralyzed with shock and then turned to Narcissa who only shrugged and looked sympathetic.
"Why is Bella's letter addressed that way?" Harry asked the room.
"Well apparently the goblins believe that the two of you are married. The how is a little complicated. I know the goblins have a way of tracing ones blood, it is impossible to trick a goblin with false claims of heir ship of a Nobel or Ancient Family. In the wizarding world Harry when a couple wed their bloodlines become fused. This is done by making a small cut in the palms of the bride and groom. When they clasp hands the blood then intermingles. The couple then makes a magical vow and expresses their love and commitment to each other. Their combined blood becomes a hybrid of the two original. The goblins can detect this which foils anyone other than the true spouse from gaining access to the family vaults, and any children between the two will also share this hybrid bloodline. "
"Okay, but I still don't get how the goblins came to the conclusion that Bella and I are married?"
"It's ancient magic Harry. Within the Old Houses a magical list or genealogical record is kept in the main family vault and a copy is also kept in the legal office of the bank. Whenever there is a marriage or a birth in that family the records are magically updated and the bank heads are notified. I believe this is what has happened. "
"So for some reason the Potter House has recognized me as being married to Harry. Do you believe the ritual we performed had anything to do with it?" Bella asked
"It's only a theory but I believe so, the goblins may know more but we won't know until we see them." Narcissa replied.
"I'm sorry Harry" Bella began. "I didn't realize that that would happen. I'll understand if your ups…" Harry quickly placed a finger over her lips interrupting her.
"Don't even go there Bella. You know I love you and if it's true that we are somehow married I'm far from disappointed. In fact I hope that we are. I promise to you there is no other person I would rather spend the rest of my life with." Bella felt the truth in his voice and felt the emotions from his heart.
"And I promise to you that I'm forever yours no one will ever take your place." Tenderly they leaned toward each other, as their lips touched their auras flared, it was a promise sealed in magic. Narcissa sat misty eyed and marveled at the love that flowed from the couple. It was palpable and was almost overcoming.
"Well…" she cleared her throat and dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. "Um…so why don't you open your letters and find out what the goblins want."
Harry opened his letter and read aloud. "Lord Potter: We extend our greetings and congratulations on achieving your majority and to your recent marriage to the Lady Bellatrix Potter. With these recent developments we ask that you come to the Gringotts branch in London at your earliest convenience.
The meeting will go over your taking on the mantle of Lord Potter, reviewing the Potter holdings, accounts, and other legal matters concerning the Ancient and Most Nobel House of Potter. We will also go over the wills of Lord James and Lady Lilly Potter.
This letter is to also inform you of the private reading of the Last Will and Testament of Lord Sirius Orion Black that will take place on Saturday 22 of June at 8:00 a.m. and the public reading on Sunday the 23 of June at 12:00 p.m. As you are the principal beneficiary of the Black estate you are not required to attend the Sunday reading.
We at Gringots express our condolences for the loss of your godfather. The Blacks have been very profitable clients and hope to continue to do business with the new Lord Black.
For your convenience Lord Potter this letter will act as a onetime portkey. The activation phrase is 'Gringots now.' It will bring you to a private lobby reserved for our more influential clients. You may use it at anytime we are available to you twenty-four hours a day.
Senior Potter Account Manager, Slingblade
Harry looked up from the letter a whirlwind of emotions blowing through his mind. Bella sensing his emotional struggle gently wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him toward her. He turned into her embrace and laid his head on her shoulder. She began to slowly stroke his long dark hair in an attempt to comfort him. He took several slow deep breaths inhaling her scent, that same scent that had always brought him comfort.
"I'm here love…its okay." Bella softly whispered.
Harry was struggling with the guilt that returned to him over Sirius death, he really hadn't had any time to grieve over the loss of the closest thing that he had to a father figure. The letter announcing the will reading brought a wall of emotions down upon him that he was not quite ready for. Bella gently rocked him in her arms and sent him all the love she felt for him to over the new bond they shared.
The effect was almost immediate he began to calm down as feelings and images of love washed over him. Bella then pushed images of her childhood to him; memories of Sirius playing pranks in school others of Sirius using cheesy pick-up lines on the female student body at Hogwarts. A small chuckle escaped his lips and the tension and guilt began to melt away. Harry composed himself and lifted his head off of Bella's shoulder. He gave her a short tender kiss. "Thank you." He muttered.
"Are you okay Harry?" Narcissa asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
"Yes Mrs. Malfoy. Just seeing that bit about the will reading shook me a bit."
"Harry, seeing as we are practically family now, please call me Narcissa or Cissy if you like." She smiled at the raven haired boy.
"Okay Cissy." Harry smiled
"Good! Now Bella what does your letter say?"
Bella opened her letter and found that hers was similar to Harry's. "So when do you think we should go to Gringots." Bella commented
"I think as soon as possible, we need to get Harry some new clothes; clothes that befit a Lord of his station." Narcissa said primly with a playful smirk.
"I agree my husband needs to look his best if he wants me on his arm." Bella said trying to keep a straight face.
"Hey! I am in the room you know."
"Yes love I know, but you should never interrupt women who are talking about shopping." With that Narcissa began to chuckle which caused Bella to giggle uncontrollably. Harry raised an eyebrow at the pair and just shook his head.
"Not to rain on your gigglefest here, but we have a slight problem." Harry stated. "Bella is still wanted by the Ministry. If we show up in Diagon Alley I'm sure people will take notice."
The sisters looked at each other and Bella collapsed back into the love seat sighing deeply. "He's right Cissy. I just can't go strolling down the alley without a dozen Aurors showing up to arrest me."
"Well, we can still get to Gringots. Harry has the portkey the goblins gave him. Gringots is considered sovereign goblin territory; the Ministry has no power there. We could also use a glamour charm while in the alley; it will last for at least a few hours. Plenty of time to do some shopping with our young hero here." Bella perked up at this as did Harry.
"Cissy is there any way that we can clear Bella's name? I've seen her memories of the past and know that she was not in control of her actions. She was being control by potions and spells wouldn't that be enough to clear her name." Harry asked with a little desperation in his voice. He wanted to be able to live a normal life with his new love, and that could not happen if she was still wanted by the Ministry.
"I honestly don't know Harry; she has been considered one of the Dark Lords chief lieutenants a lot of people would love to see her receive the Dementor's Kiss."
"What about Andi?" Bella queried. "She's a lawyer isn't she? And I believe she is good friends with the head of the DMLE. Do you think she would help me once she knows the truth?"
"I'll try and contact her; maybe I can get her to meet us at Gringots. Being on neutral ground might make her feel a bit safer. My relationship with her has been almost non-existent for years. But maybe there will be enough curiosity at my reaching out to her to make her come." Bella and Harry nodded and silently hoped that Andromeda Tonks would give Bella a chance to explain herself.
"So on to another topic; how is it I have reached my majority when I'm not yet sixteen?" Harry asked the two women.
"There are a few ways that can happen Harry, for instance by emancipation. In some pureblood families there is a stipulation put into the wills that should the last surviving member of an Ancient House be a minor, he would be emancipated and considered an adult so he can take up the title of Head of Family. Also a minor who is no younger than fifteen and is legally wed will also be considered an adult. This may be the case with you and Bella. If you truly are married then you would have been automatically emancipated and can assume your status as Head of Family and the title of Lord Potter."
"The goblins might be able to tell us more about that as well." Bella added. "So what do you think about being married to me Harry?" Harry looked deep into her eyes and with a crooked smile.
"I think its brilliant, but of course you already knew that didn't you?" Harry smiled tapping the side of his head.
"Still nice to hear it out loud love. We girls need constant affirmation you know." She smiled giving Harry a mischievous smirk and a poke in the ribs.
Harry jumped up from the love seat and latched his hands around Bella's waist and mercilessly began to tickle her. Bella began to scream and laugh uncontrollably as she tried to escape Harry's tickle assault.
"You are so going to get it mister!" Bella squealed and then launched a counter assault against the dark haired young man.
While Bella and Harry were occupied trying to conquer one another in the impromptu tickle war, Hermes entered the study and handed Narcissa the day's Daily Prophet. Narcissa's gasp went unnoticed by the couple now rolling around on the floor. As she continued to read the paper her eyes grew wider and wider with each paragraph.
"Bloody Hell!" Harry and Bella seemed to freeze in mid tickle stunned by the expletive that came out of the mouth of the prim and proper Lady Malfoy.
"What is it Cissy?" asked a concerned Bella.
"Just…just take a look at this!" Narcissa growled and handed the wizarding paper to Bella.
Bella turned the paper back to the front page with Harry looking over her shoulder. "Bloody Hell!" They both exclaimed. They stared at the large flashing headlines of the Daily Prophet which read:
The Boy-Who-Lived Murdered!
A/N: Okay another short chapter, but two chapters within two days so I don't feel so bad. : P I wonder what the article says and who gave exclusive interviews! Oooooh I can hardly wait! Some more revelations are about to come out. As always please read and review.