Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or anything from the Harry Potter World

A/N: Thanks to everyone that has reviewed your comments always inspire me to write more. Check out my Profile for a Poll on where Ginny's loyalties lay.

Chapter 10

"Oh bloody hell!" Harry groaned as he sat back in his chair and rolled his eyes while shaking his head. "Don't tell me I have to marry Ginny Weasley! Isn't bigamy illegal or something?"

"Actually Harry there are no laws on the books that forbid a multiple marriage amongst the noble houses. However it is extremely rare." Bella commented.

Harry looked at her in disbelief then moved his gaze to Narcissa who slowly nodded in confirmation, and then to Slingblade who gave a nod as well.

"Well I can tell you write now that this is one bloke who is a one woman man, no ifs, ands, or buts." Harry resolutely proclaimed while looking at his new wife.

"Glad to hear it love, 'cause I don't share. I'm a bit selfish that way. It would be tragic if I had to throw the girl over a cliff or something." Bella stated, grabbing his hand and giving him a coquettish smile.

Slingblade grabbed his belly and began to chuckle. It was quite disturbing to the non-goblins in the room who thought he was having some kind of fit. A few minutes later the ancient goblin calmed down and looked at the young couple.

"A woman with spirit and fire, Harry! I guarantee your life will never be boring with this young witch." the goblin smiled.

"You're too gracious my Lord Slingblade." Bella smiled and bowed slightly.

"Unfortunately, it is true that your magical guardian, who was Albus Dumbledore at the time, did in fact enter Harry James Potter into a legal contract of marriage to Ginerva Molly Weasley."

Harry began to protest but was cut off by Slingblade who raised his hand to silence a flustered Harry. "As I was saying, Lord Potter, the contract is iron clad and that one, Harry James Potter is to marry one, Ginevra Molly Weasley. That said however, there is no Harry James Potter on magical record being born." the goblin smirked.

Harry stared at the goblin in confusion then glanced toward Narcissa and Bella who seemed to have knowing grins on their faces.

"Obviously I'm missing something here. Am I not Harry James Potter?" Harry queried.

"Do you remember how your letter from Gringotts was addressed love?" Bella asked.

Harry pulled out the envelope that he received from Gringotts just days before and looked at how it was addressed. 'Lord Hadrian James Potter: The Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter.' "Hadrian…Hadrian James Potter?"Harry looked at Slingblade who was unrolling a piece of official looking parchment.

"This, my Lord Potter is your official birth certificate. If you notice right here the name that you were officially given is Hadrian James Potter."

"Okay, so my official name is Hadrian, but I still don't see the relevance, everyone knows me as Harry. That is the only name I've ever gone by."

"Harry…" Narcissa began. "…all official documents submitted to the Ministry or Gringotts must bear the full and official names of all those involved with said documents."

"In other words…" Bella cut in. "…The marriage contract that Albus drew up is not worth the paper it is written on. It can not be enforced because he did not use your official name."

Harry said nothing for a moment then started to laugh uncontrollably. Everyone in the room gawked at him like he had lost his mind. "Oh this is too good!" Harry managed to breathe out between laughs. "Ole Dumbledork and Molly are gonna go spare when they find this out!"

Harry wiped the tears from his eyes from laughing so hard and gave a lopsided grin to Bella. "Well, I guess you get me all to yourself after all Mrs. Potter."

"I'll take you." replied a grinning Bella.

"Well now that that is taken care of there is still much to cover Harry."

"Of course, Slingblade. Please, let's continue."

Slingblade nodded. "Eventually Harry, you're going to have to announce to the world that you are still very much alive. We have already received queries on the status of your accounts, and your former magical guardian has already submitted to the Ministry, and here to Gringotts, a copy of your last will and testament."

"My what?"

"Your Last Will and Testament Harry. Dumbledore brought it in yesterday and is trying to expedite its reading."

"Bastard! I never made a will Slingblade."

"We suspected as much Harry. We couldn't execute it anyway. We knew that you were still alive, and we can't execute the will of a living person anyway."

"How did you know that I hadn't died?"

"You see, your blood is tied into your family vaults. It is a common practice among pureblood families to key their family members into the family vault. In this manner only blood relations can enter the vault.

"This is done by bringing the child in question to the family vault, then a small cut is made into the palm and is allowed to bleed, then placed against the family seal on the outer door of the vault. Now the family magic recognizes the family member and will allow them entrance.

"When a family member dies the blood trace of that particular family member is then erased from the magic surrounding the vault, and the magical ledger that is kept in the vault will identify the person as deceased. As you know, as the Potter account manager I have a copy of that ledger within my files.

"There was no deceased attached to your name, so we knew that you were still alive somewhere." The ancient goblin finished.

"Okay, I think I understand that, but isn't what Dumbledore doing illegal, and just what was in this forged will of mine?" Harry asked.

"It is a very severe crime to fake the will of a member of an Ancient and Noble House. I believe it is a mandatory stay in Azkaban if found guilty."

"So Dumbledore could be sent to Azkaban then?" Asked a hopeful Harry

"To tell the truth young master, it may be a difficult if not a near impossibility to find him guilty."

"Why is that?"

"Dumbledore is a very popular wizard within the magical community Harry. He is known as the vanquisher of the dark wizard Grindelwald, and the leader of the light in the first war with the dark wizard Voldemort. Not to mention his political power in the Wizengamot and the ICW. He is almost untouchable." Slingblade sighed and looked sympathetic to the young lord.

"So, there is nothing we can do?" Harry asked.

"I didn't say that. I said he was almost untouchable. I'm sure he can be brought down, it will just require a more subtle touch." The goblin smiled menacingly.

"Harry, if there is one thing that is taught to all Blacks, it is the art of subterfuge. We are well versed in how to work in the shadows to achieve our goals. I can promise you we will find away to bring down his holiness." Narcissa offered. Harry could see the eagerness hidden in her deep blue eyes.

"Thanks Cissy. With you on our team I don't think Dumbles will know what hit him." Narcissa beamed at Harry's compliment.

"Now, as to the content of the will, it is pretty straight forward. I'll paraphrase, to cut through all the legalese. In essence, one quarter of the Potter's liquid assets is to go to the Weasley Family 'for being the family I never had.'

Another quarter is given to Ginevra Molly Weasley, and control of the Potter seats in the Wizengamot, which are to be held by Molly Weasley until Ginevra Weasley reaches her majority. Also, Ginevra Molly Weasley is to inherit the title of Lady Potter as being your betrothed.

The rest of the Potter estate, including all properties, is bequeathed to the Order of the Phoenix. Interestingly enough, Albus Dumbledore is the sole beneficiary listed of said order."

Harry sat silently as the rage inside of him began to build higher and higher. The large office table began to shake and the tea cups shattered into a fine mist.

Bella sensing the imminent explosion of magic jumped in Harry's lap and threw her arms around his neck. She cradled his head to hers, and began to whisper soothing words into his ear.

Narcissa, also sensing the strong magic in the air also rushed to Harry's side and grabbed a hold of his hand trying to help her sister calm the young lord down. Several armed goblins rushed into the room with weapons at the ready, but were quickly dismissed by Slingblade who told them that there was no immediate danger.

After what seemed to be several minutes Harry began to calm down as Bella's gentle words of reassurance began to work their magic.

"It's alright my love, Dumbledore's plans can never happen." Bella reassured him.

"It's not that Bella. Its just, I use to trust that manipulative bastard, and the Weasleys were like family to me. I don't know who I can trust anymore. I can't believe… I feel…I feel completely betrayed." Harry slammed his fist into the chairs arm rest which shattered into tiny slivers.

"I apologize, Master Slingblade ,for my lack of emotional control. If you are willing to continue I will do my best to control my outbursts."

"I understand perfectly Harry. Betrayal within the Goblin race is punished most severely. Usually it means either banishment or death. Although, for a banished goblin death would be preferred as he is shunned and is seen as a pariah to his kind, never again to be welcomed into goblin society."

"Yeah, well I don't see that happening to Dumbledore anytime soon."

"Don't worry love, his day will come, and so will everyone else's who have betrayed you." Bella said in a low and dangerous tone.

"On to other business then Harry?" Slingblade asked.

"Of course, sir."

"Now to your parents will. Needless to say you are the sole heir of House Potter, and as a result of your bond of marriage to Bellatrix, and to the ritual that has aged you magically, you are considered an adult in the magical world, and can take the mantle of Lord Potter and patriarch of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter."

Over the next half hour Slingblade went over the rest of his parents will. Harry was surprised to learn that Amelia Bones, the head of the DMLE, was his godmother. She had worked with both his parents and had been a close family friend and was devastated when she heard of the Potter's death.

Harry learned that he was to never go to the Dursleys, obviously Dumbledore disregarded his parents will. Harry let a small smile cross his lips knowing that he would never have to return to the Dursleys ever again thanks to his beautiful bride.

Harry was then presented with the Potter Head of House ring. As soon as he slipped it on his left-hand ring finger a bright flare of magic recognized him as Lord Potter and the head of the family. A similar, but slimmer ring appeared on Bella's left-hand ring finger and the same bright flare of magic recognized her as Lady Potter.

It was explained to Harry and Bella that the rings could never be forcefully removed, and at their deaths the rings would magically return to the Potter vault to await the next Lord and lady Potter.

Harry was given a file with the current financials of House Potter and a list of residential and commercial properties that he owned or leased. Harry was stunned at the level of wealth that House Potter controlled and had at its disposal.

"Now that we have concluded all the business for House Potter, is there anything else that you require Harry?" asked Slingblade.

"Well, there are a couple of things…I'd like to keep quiet the knowledge that I'm still alive until the public reading of my godfather's will. Also, if it would be no trouble I'd like to be informed of any inquiries being made into the Potter vaults."

"Of course Harry. You will find that Gringotts will go out of its way on occasion to assist our largest account holders, especially a family who has shown so much good will and profit toward the Goblin nation."

"Thank you Master Slingblade,, for allowing me to take so much of your valuable time."

"Think nothing of it Harry. Now there is still the matter of Sirius Black's will that needs to be discussed. Perhaps we can meet later in the week before the private reading. I can say that you are the principal recipient and he has named you his heir but there are some other recipients as well."

"His heir?"

"Although it will not be made official until the private reading, but you Lord Potter will also become Lord Black of the Ancient and most Noble House of Black."

Harry fell back into his chair his jaw dropping to the floor in stunned disbelief. Bella was grinning like a Cheshire cat and Narcissa was just as stunned as Harry.

"How is that possible? I'm not a Black." Harry argued.

"Actually love, you are. Your paternal grandmother was a Black. So you can inherit the title."

Harry just stared at Bella in confusion. Bella chuckled "we'll talk about it later love, but for now we have another appointment with Andi."

"Ah yes" Slingblade spoke. "We have conference room four reserved for you. If you like, I will escort you there myself."

"Thank you Master Slingblade, that would be lovely." Narcissa curtsied.

Andromeda Tonks considered herself an intelligent woman. She was ranked number one from her graduating class at Hogwarts. She had gone on to University where she studied law and passed the Bar exams with near perfect scores. She had become an accomplished attorney in both the muggle and magical worlds.

So, as she made her way to Gringotts she wondered what stupid pill had she ingested to agree to meet with Narcissa of all people. She knew that her husband was a deatheater and was now in Azkaban, thanks in part to Harry Potter, 'God rest his soul.'

She also knew however that Narcissa herself had never joined the ranks of the deatheaters, but that did not mean she was not complicit in their activities or that she was unsympathetic toward their agenda.

No, what finally convinced her to meet with her younger sister was her oath in the name of the Black family, that she meant her no harm and was in need of her help. Although estranged from the family she was still a Black, and when family was in trouble you responded to the call. After all, family was family, and every Black that was ever born had this ingrained into their very psyche.

Since Narcissa had contacted her she had begun to reminisce about her younger days. Before being shunned by her family for marrying a muggleborn, she remembered how close she had been to her two other sisters.

Narcissa was always the prim and proper one when around her parents and other relatives, but when she was just with her sisters she was a very warm and caring person, always fussing over her sisters. Even though she was three years younger than her older sister she had that natural motherly instinct.

Bellatrix was always the happy child; she could bring joy to the dreariest of days. Whenever her sisters seemed sad or blue Bella would be the one to give them hugs and kisses until they felt better.

Bellatrix was also fiercely loyal to her sisters and those she considered her family. Bella had actually stood up for Andromeda against her parents when she had announced her engagement to Ted Tonks, and was severely punished for it but never apologized to her parents for defending her sister.

That act alone stood out for Andromeda more than anything else when thinking of Bella. How could she defend her decision to marry a muggleborn one moment, then join You-Know-Who on his crusade to wipe them out the next? It never made sense to her. Now her sweet little Bella was a fugitive on the run.

Andromeda released a heavy sigh, and wondered, not for the first time, if it was a mistake to agree to this meeting. Just thinking about her sisters weighed heavy on her heart and she really didn't want to feel the anguish of facing Narcissa Malfoy!

Lucius had destroyed the woman that Narcissa was, and created a cold and calculating woman in her stead. Andromeda hoped that there was still a spark of the old Narcissa left, some small part that could still bring back her Cissy.

Andromeda Tonks entered Gringotts and made her way to the reception desk where a surly looking goblin was shuffling through a rather large stack of parchments.

"Pardon me, but could you direct me to where I could find Lady Narcissa Malfoy?" Andromeda asked the busy goblin who seemed to be ignoring her.

"Excuse me but…"

"I heard you the first time human!" The goblin tersely replied. "Your party is waiting for you in conference room four, but first I must secure your wand." The goblin then took out a rune covered metal case about fourteen inches long and two inches wide and set it on the counter in front of Andromeda.

"What do you mean 'secure my wand?" asked a now suspicious Andromeda.

The goblin let out an exasperated sigh and stated, "It is a precautionary measure to prevent any…accidental spell use. I assure you that the other half of your party has secured their wands as well."

"And how exactly is my wand secured?"

"You will place your wand in this case. It is then magically sealed and can only be opened once you have concluded your meeting and return here to have the magical seal removed."

"And Lady Malfoy has done this as well?" asked Andromeda.

"She has."

"Very well." Andromeda placed her wand in the magical container and closed the lid. The goblin then activated the rune on the metal case and placed the case in a secure drawer of his desk.

"If you will follow me I will show you to conference room four."

Andromeda entered a medium size conference room dimly lit by a few torches and a fire burning in the hearth. The light cast many shadows which obscured parts of the room in darkness.

Standing in front of the fireplace was a tall slender figure of a woman with long blonde hair that reached just below her shoulder blades. The woman turned around and was revealed as her sister Narcissa Malfoy.

Andromeda immediately tensed up ready to spring into action if the moment required it. However, without her wand she was not sure exactly what she would do. She noticed that Narcissa seemed a bit apprehensive as well.

The two sisters merely stared at each other for what seemed like hours, neither one knowing exactly how to begin the conversation. It had been years since they had spoken, and words seemed to escape them both.

Narcissa stared at her big sister and began to recollect happier times and how close the three Black sisters had been. Tears began to well up in her eyes as she realized just how much she had missed Andi. Narcissa slowly walked towards her big sister unblinkingly, as the tears began to fall.

Andromeda watched cautiously as Narcissa walked toward her. Her first instinct was to back away and head for the door, but then she looked into her sister's eyes. There was pain there and sorrow but also hope and…love?

It was sudden, and caught Andromeda completely of guard when the blonde launched herself at her big sister. Before she could react, the prim and proper Narcissa Malfoy had enveloped her in a fierce hug and began to sob uncontrollably.

"Andi…I'm s…s…so sorry…I…I've made so many mistakes." Narcissa desperately cried. "I've missed you so much! Can you forgive me?"

Andromeda was beyond stunned and was not quite sure how to react. Could it be true that her sister wanted to reconcile? Andromeda's chest tightened as she felt her eyes begin to burn, followed by tears of hope.

"Oh Cissy, I've missed you too!" Andromeda wrapped her arms tightly around her sister and the two just stood there for several minutes letting the tears flow.

Bella and Harry stood in the far corner of the room completely obscured by shadow. Bella was gripping Harry's hand tightly. Harry could feel the intense emotions rolling off Bella. Silent tears ran down her pale cheeks as she too wanted to run to her eldest sister and be included in the emotional scene before her.

Harry sent calming thoughts to her over their ever strengthening bond, but the emotions she was feeling were almost overwhelming. Bella longed to have her sister's forgiveness and acceptance and to be hugged by the sister that she had idolized as a young girl.

Harry turned Bella toward his chest and wrapped her in his arms and sent all his love to her over the bond. She returned the hug and nuzzled his neck with her warm breath and soft lips.

Several minutes passed where Narcissa and Andromeda just held each other while they tried to compose themselves. Finally, Narcissa took a ragged breath and stepped back from Andi. Taking her hand she led her to a couple of large leather chairs in front of the fireplace.

The two sisters sat facing each other. Narcissa gave Andi a watery smile and began. "Thank you so much for coming Andi. I feared you would not want to see me after so many years."

"I almost didn't, but I felt I owed my little sister a chance."

"Andi, I know what you must think of me…" Andi began to protest, but Narcissa held a hand up to stop her. "And you would be right. I blindly followed my husband because that is what a proper pureblood wife was expected to do. I do not agree with his politics Andi, and you must believe me that I have never supported anything the Dark Lord has said or done."

"Then why didn't you leave him Cissy? Why didn't you get away from all that?"

"And where would I have gone Andi!" Narcissa answered a bit more sharply than she had intended. "Sirius and Bella were both in Azkaban and I didn't think you would take me in. Besides, I wouldn't want to endanger you in such away. Lucius is extremely jealous, vindictive, and dangerous."

"Surely there was someone who could have helped you?" Narcissa sadly shook her head.

"Luscius is too well connected. He would have found me eventually."

"So what has changed now?" Andi asked.

"A few things have happened that I believe will help me out of my current situation, and perhaps I can begin a new life free of fear and maybe one day actually find the love I've so desperately been craving." Narcissa whispered.

"So what is it you want from me Cissy? How can I help you?"

"Funny enough just being here with you now, and I hope renewing our relationship is more than I could hope for, at least for me. There is another who is in desperate need of your help." said Narcissa.

"I hope we can renew our relationship as well. I have missed you terribly. So who is this other person and what kind of help do they need?"

"Before I tell you who, let me explain a few things. This person was compelled to do awful things by means of mind controlling potions and spells for years. It was only a few years ago that she was able to break free from the effects. I tell you this in hopes that you will not pre-judge her, and that you will listen to her explanations."

Andi looked at her sister carefully before asking "are we talking about you Narcissa?"

Narcissa chuckled slightly and shook her head. "No Andi, but you do know this person quite well."

From the far corner of the room a cloaked figure stepped out of the shadows and slowly approached the two seated sisters. Andi, surprised by the sudden appearance of the person, jumped out of her chair. She instinctively reached for her wand, silently cursing when she realized she did not have it.

"Relax Andi I'm not here to hurt you, I'm here to ask for your help." The cloaked person said while raising their hands in a show of peace.

Andromeda stared at the cloaked person; there was something familiar about it. A voice she had not heard any many years. She watched as the cloaked person reached up and grabbed the hood of their cloak and slowly pulled it back.

"Step into the light please." Andromeda ordered sounding braver than she felt. The person gingerly stepped forward into the light. Andromeda gasped in horror and immediately began to scurry back in fear.

"BELLATRIX!"

A/N: Another cliff hangar! Don't hate me. Another two or three chapters and all the players will all be set and then let the fun begin! Again thanks to everyone who has taken an interest in my little story. Please Read and Review!