Disclaimer: I own nothing I own nothing
A/N: Here is part two. I hope you all enjoy the chapter and can forgive me for the long delay
oooOOOooo
The reading of the Last Will and Testament of Lord Sirius Orion Black was to be held in the main conference on the main floor of the bank. It was the largest conference room the bank had to offer. And with the expected turnout for the reading it was the only one that could accommodate more the fifty people.
The room was long and dominated by a large ornate rectangular oak table that could comfortably accommodate thirty people, twelve on each side and three at each end. Around the table along the walls was a small gallery of chairs that stretched along the length of the room each side could seat about twenty people.
The cathedral style ceiling was high and vaulted with flying buttresses; tapestries of graphic Goblin battle scenes adorned much of the wall space. The head of the table was at the farthest end of the hall away from the visitor entrance. Three ornately carved wooden chairs were placed there. The one in the middle was thrown like, much larger than the other two. It was clear that whoever sat there wanted to empress upon those who saw it that this was the leader and he sat in dominion over all in the room.
The gallery of the hall was already beginning to fill with several members of the press and high ranking members of the Wizengamot and ministry, as well as several old families who had a vested interest in the status of the Black family in regards to an heir and its Wizengamot seats. The new heir whoever it was would gain control of tremendous wealth and ownership to many outstanding debts that were owed to the Black family. Many of those debts belong to some of the darker families and if they were called in by the new Lord Black it could serious destabilize the war effort.
These families by free will or by persuasion were funding the Dark Lords campaigns and if the new Lord Black called in their debts they could lose their businesses which had received start-up loans from the Black coffers. With the death of Sirius' father fifteen years ago and with Sirius in Azkaban many of the families conveniently stopped paying on their loans figuring that Sirius would die in Azkaban and with him being the last male Black there would be no new Lord Black to force payment.
But Sirius had escaped, and it was unknown if in his will he appointed an heir to the Black title. This uncertainty is what brought them here today. But should there be a new Lord Black they would try and appeal their case to him so as not to be liable for their past payments and fall into default. But even if he was not agreeable more than one of the families were planning a quick demise of the new Lord Black. Better for him to die, than for the Dark Lord to wipeout their entire family, because of lack of funding to his coffers.
Rita Skeeter was in her element, she could smell a story a mile away and with the wide assortment of players that had been arriving for this event, she was sure that something deliciously scandalous was a foot and she was giddy with anticipation. There were light and darkside families in attendance, there were politicians and business owners nervously pacing about. It was like blood in the water and Rita was a Great White seeking out her prey.
This is what she lived for, oh sure she was making a killing on the royalties for her publishing of the Harry Potter biography with that redheaded buffoon Donald Weaslby. But this was the real reason she became a journalist, the intrigue, the finding of dirt on the wealthy and powerful. No indiscretion was too small not to exploit and sensationalize. This was her drug of choice, the ability to bring those of the elite down into the muck of human depravity and expose them for the world to see. Whether it was completely true or not didn't matter, her adoring public wanted dirt and sensationalism and that is what she would give them.
A gaggle of redheads entered the conference room led by an imperious looking Molly Weasley dressed in her finest clothes followed by Ginny Weasley who was wearing a new black cloak with the Potter crest on it. This immediately caused several eyebrows to raise and a cacophony of stunned and angry whispers.
A garishly dressed Ronald Weasley was next in line. His robes actually caused many in the room to shield their eyes and many more to snicker at his choice of wardrobe. He wore a bright gold colored robe that sparkled and shined when light struck it, he also carried a polished cherry wood cane with an ivory carved Gryphon handle. He wore a blood red silk button up shirt and black trousers that were about an inch too short for his lanky long legs, and then there was the acid green dragon-hide boots. The whole ensemble clashed spectacularly, a few camera flashes caught his attention and he gave his best magnanimous smile and a wrist wave to his adoring public. However those who took the pictures were thinking of the potential gossiping possibilities, and the worst dressed wizard category of their respective news magazines and some where even questioning the young man's sexual orientation.
The four other Weasley male's had kept their distance from the rest of the group not really wanting to be associated with the attention seeking trio lead by their mother. Bill as the official head of House Weasley had told his mother to cease provoking the goblins on the matter of the Potter fortune. But his advice had fallen on deaf ears she went as far as having a cloak made for Ginny with the Potter crest on it. However the cloak designers refused to add the crest since it was not sanctioned by the head of the Potter family. So Molly made one herself and sewed it to the cloak.
Bill furious at his mother informed her that to falsely claim membership of an Ancient and Noble family had severe consequences and that she was threatening the status of House Weasley amongst the pureblood establishment. They would see them as usurpers and be shunned from pureblood society. Not to mention the legal ramifications if a true member of House Potter should be found, House Weasley could be stripped of everything and become indentured to the House of Potter.
Molly however could not be moved. She was certain that her claim…that is Ginny's claim as fiancée to the late head of the Potter Family would be upheld and then the Potter fortunes and titles would be hers…well Ginny's. Bill knew that this would not end well for his family and was considering disowning his own mother from House Weasley if things did not change quickly.
The twins were no longer on speaking terms with their mother or their idiot brother Ron. Their deeds and actions had left the twins sickened and completely disgusted. They had not set foot in the Burrow since the beginning of summer and refused accept any correspondence from their mother sending her owl post back to her unopened.
Ginny seemed to be caught up in the machinations of her mother. The twins believed that the youngest Weasley had been brainwashed and did not believe that she was a willing participant in their mother's scheming. Bill had confirmed as much to them, Ginny from what he saw was cowed into her role in all of this. She was too terrified of her mother and Molly played easily upon the younger girl's infatuation with the boy-who-lived and had Ginny believing that she was in fact the Lady Potter by inheritance.
Bill and Charlie took seats in the gallery since they were not mentioned in the will. The rest of the Weasleys took seats on the right side of the table. Albus Dumbledore then strolled in wearing periwinkle colored robes with images of rainbows and dancing leprechauns with bowls of a marshmallow cereal dancing around a large pot of gold. If any real leprechauns had seen the outlandish robe they would have been highly offended.
He nodded to those members of the Wizengamot that were in attendance and made small talk with various acquaintances as he made his way to a seat by the Weasley matriarch. He sat with an aloofness that really grated on Bill's nerves. He still saw Dumbledore as the man responsible for the death of his father and more than likely the death of many others. He blamed Voldemort and his Death Eaters as well but he took a perverted comfort in knowing that he was shrinking the Dark Lords Ranks. Many Death Eaters had stopped visiting Knockturn Alley in fear of the Dark Mark Killer. But Bill had many names and knew where he could find most. It was just a matter of time before justice caught up with them.
Amelia and Susan Bones entered the hall and began to make their way to the left side gallery. Dumbledore was surprised to see the newly appointed minister and made his way over to speak with the hard as nails witch and once again commend her for her overwhelming victory on becoming minister. His other motive was to try and glean any information from her in regards to the missing Granger girl and the Lovegood girl.
He was still uncertain if Granger in particular had made contact with the ministry, and if she had mentioned the attack on her family and Snape's involvement and subsequent confession of his own knowledge and approval of the attack. He was almost positive that the ministry and Amelia in particular were keeping an eye on him. Amelia was much smarter than Fudge ever was and he would not put it pass her to have a spy in the school or perhaps even the Wizengamot.
No, he had to know for sure if any of his secrets and plans for the greater good had been discovered it would not do for a lesser mind to be privy to them. They would not understand the delicate balance a leader of the light must walk to save the people whether they wanted to be saved or not. As in any chess game there were pawns that needed to be sacrificed in order to advance the game and ultimately achieve victory. The Grangers and the Lovegoods were two such pawns that needed to be sacrificed.
"Ameila…" Dumbledore began his eyes twinkling but his smile did not quite reach his eyes. "…so good to see you again. And what may I ask brings you here to the solemn occasion." Dumbledore fawned.
Amelia glared at the old man willing herself to keep her disdain for the man from leaking through her pleasant façade.
"That's Minister Bones if you please Chief Warlock. We are after all in a public setting and I do not wish others to think we are on such… familiar terms as to forfeit using our proper titles." Amelia said a little too sweetly.
A spark of annoyance passed over Dumbledore's face so quickly that a less observant person might have missed it. But Amelia had spent years reading the body language of others; it was a skill necessary to being a successful auror.
"I do apologize for my slip of proprieties Minister, I meant no offense or in any way to minimalize your office." Dumbledore placated. "I meant only to address an old acquaintance warmly." The old man added with a smile.
"Was there something else you wanted?" Amelia asked agitatedly looking at the old man. Albus knew that he could not use legilimancy on Amelia as an auror they were trained in the use of the mind blocking art and would no doubt sense any probe he would send out. He had to do this the old fashioned way.
"There was something I did want to ask you minister. As you are undoubtedly aware the homes of a few of my pupils was attacked recently." Albus began. "I am very much concerned about one Hermione Granger, she is a muggleborn witch and she has seemed to have disappeared, I was wondering if you had any information about her." Albus asked in his most grandfatherly tone.
'Bastard!' Amelia thought he's trying to discover Hermione's whereabouts. "I know of the case Headmaster but I'm afraid that the investigation has turned up no leads as to Ms. Grangers whereabouts." Technically this was not a lie, Ms. Hermione Granger no longer existed but Hermione Potter was very much alive and protected.
Albus looked for any sign on Amelia's face for any kind of knowledge about the little mudblood but if she did know anything her face and body language gave nothing away. "Well, that is disappointing." Albus stated with false somber emotion. "I suppose that we will just have to hope for her safe return." Albus stated. He then turned and walked back to his seat searching for some other possible scenario for the young witch. Surely she would have contacted someone by now. This sit and wait game was infuriating, he had to know he had to be prepared to counter anything the young witch might divulge.
The next group to enter was Narcissa Black, Andromeda Tonks nee Black and her daughter Nymphadora Tonks. Narcissa's divorce from Lucius did not remain hidden for long and it had caused quite a stir with the Malfoy allies, allies who were bound together by the Dark Lord. This was quite unsettling for most, it was known that although Lucius was a conniving bastard and could bribe with the best it was Narcissa who was the true intellect of the Malfoy household.
Without Lucius to somewhat control her she was without a doubt a force to be reckoned with. She handled all the Malfoy finances and kept the ledgers and knew where the money was going and who was being bribed or receiving kick-backs and for what reasons. She was now considered by most a very dangerous person to be at odds with. She literally could bring down a number of old pureblood houses if she had cause.
Narcissa glided to the left side of the table and to the surprise of some and shock to others greeted Amelia Bones warmly and sat down next to her and began a friendly chat. Andromeda Tonks known in the political circles also has a shark in the courtroom also greeted the minister warmly before taking her seat next to her sister with Nymphadora sitting next to her mother.
Rita was almost ready to explode with excitement; this new development had to be looked into the former wife of a convicted Death Eater and the Minister of Magic acting like they were the best of friends. She smelled Story and if the tingling she felt was any indication it would be a whopper.
A scraggily looking Remus Lupin arrived and took a seat next to Dumbledore. He spotted the pink haired auror across the table from him and wondered not for the first time why she had left the order. She brought a bit of fun and mirth to the order meetings and he was saddened when she walked out. He had wanted to know her reasons but he had never had the chance to ask. Maybe if he could single her out after the reading he could ask her.
Remus noticed that Dumbledore was also staring at the young auror, but with a look of suspicion, his glance would then slip to Amelia Bones and an almost imperceptible scowl would cross his face quickly before a mask of aloofness replaced it. It was curious but he passed it off as being none of his business.
He noticed that there were a few order members dispersed among the crowd of people coming to hear Sirius' will. He thought it odd that there was so much attention and wondered why this many people would even bother. He of course knew the Blacks were a wealthy family with a lot of connections in the Wizarding World, but this just seemed overkill in his mind. He was also sure that Sirius had most likely given everything to Harry, but with Harry gone it was unclear where the Black fortune and titles would go.
'Ahh hah.' he thought. 'That's why the interest. Everyone wants a piece of the Black pie. 'Bloody vultures!' He scowled.
The next to arrive was none other than Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood. The two beautiful young witches spotting Andi and Cissy made their way toward them. The two girls got a lot of appreciative stares from the men in the room.
A startled Dumbledore saw Hermione approaching the Minister of Magic and in a moment of panic jump to his feet and whipping out his wand shouted. "STUPEFY!"
"PROTEGO REDITUS!" All anyone saw was a blur of motion as Hermione's wand arm seemed to come from nowhere as Dumbledore's stunner was rebounded at him hitting him square in the chest and sending him crashing into the wall behind him crashing into several people who were seated in the chairs along the wall.
Four large goblins ran into the room weapons drawn. Molly Weasly jumped to her feet and pointed at Hermione. "That woman attacked the headmaster!" The redheaded woman screamed. The goblins turned an appraising eye on Hermione. These goblins had been assigned to Harry's detail and knew that Hermione was his adopted daughter; they would make no move on her without serious evidence of wrong doing.
"That is not true." Amelia Bones stood up addressing the goblins and giving a scathing look at Molly Weasley. "It was Albus who attacked Hermione, she merely defended herself with a rebounding shield." Minister Bones declared.
The goblins took hold of Albus and drug him from the room to be enervated and where it would be determined if he would face charges.
"Hermione!" Came the disbelieving voices of all the Weasleys as they stared at the dark haired young witch.
"That can't be Hermione!" Ron Weasley said. "That girl is hot and Hermione is just a plain Jane." The redheaded tactless wonder commented.
"I assure you RONALD! That I am Hermione you pathetic glory seeking whore." Hermione spat at the flummoxed redhead.
Ron not catching the insult was staring at Hermione's body and licking his lips. "Wow Mione! You sure cleaned up good, fancy a get together later and you can apologize to me in person for your rude letters. I may even think about letting you be one of my girlfriends, you won't be the only one you understand I'm a prized commodity right now…"
"I would rather date a Blast Ended Skrewt and French kiss a Buber Tuber than ever be with you, you slimy smeghead!" Hermione growled her eyes seemingly glowing in anger.
Ron smirked at her. "You'll come crawling back to me soon enough. I've got money and fame and that's the kind of man you like. I saw how you whored over Harry in school. Face reality Hermione Harry's gone and I'm the new star in the Wizarding World." Ron spat.
"The funny thing about stars though…they tend to burn out quite spectacularly." Luna stated dreamily.
"What ever Looney!" Ron stated returning to his chair. "No one cares what you think. You're just a bloody orphan who no one cares about." Ron said acidly. Luna just smiled her patented enigmatic smile and returned to her seat.
It was then that Molly noticed the coat of arms on Hermione's and Luna's cloaks. "What are you two trollops doing wearing the Potter Crest on your robes. I should have you both arrested for impersonating members of the House of Potter. Who do you think you are you bloody tramps? Take those cloaks of immediately!" Molly screamed with viciousness that neither girl had ever seen. "Who gave you permission to wear the crest of an Ancient and Noble House?" She screamed at the two girls her face as red as the hair on her head.
"I did!" Just then the doors flew open and in walked a powerful looking Harry Potter with Bellatrix Lestrange on his arm. The air around the two figures seemed to crackle with magic; a visible golden aura surrounded the couple pulsating wildly, the ripples being felt throughout the room.
There was a moment of complete stillness, the absence of sound was deafening, and everyone in the hall was trying to come to grips with what they were seeing. A mix of astonishment, confusion, and fear could be seen on almost every face except for those who were in the know.
"Now that's showmanship!" Tonks said cheekily. The comment was enough to break the trance that had engulfed the hall. The next second pandemonium erupted. Members of the press and their photographers were asking questions as fast as the camera bulbs were flashing. A crowd began to surge toward Harry when from the doorway burst forth eight heavily armored goblins that were Harry's escort and surround the young lord and his lady.
The crowd thought better of approaching the heavily armed and snarling goblins and returned reluctantly to their seats. "That is quite enough!" A voice commanded from the head of the table. All heads turned to see an ancient looking goblin flanked by two other goblins dressed in business suit attire.
"Welcome Lord and Lady Potter if you would kindly take the seats provided you." Slingblade motioned to the two ornately decorated chairs on the opposite end of the table from Slingblade.
"Thank you Master Slingblade." The young lord bowed and escorted his wife to her chair before taking his own next to her.
A temporarily gob smacked Molly Weasley found her voice once more. It was a pity however she did not find her good sense. "I demand an explanation!" The redheaded woman said in a scathing tone. "This can not be the real Harry Potter the real Harry died weeks ago! This must be an imposter!"
"I assure you Mrs. Weasley that I am who I say I am." Harry retorted in a calm even tone. "But if you need further proof look at the ring I bear. It is the Potter signet ring and only a true Potter can place it on his finger without dying a most horrible death." Harry said glaring at the onetime mother figure.
"Now if you please I have come hear to pay respect to my godfather and would like to hear the contents of his will." Harry then abruptly turned his attention toward Slingblade. With a nod of approval Slingblade addressed the collected mass.
"I will not tolerate any further outbursts or I will clear the hall of everyone not expressly mentioned in the will. But I will also remove those who are listed if they cannot keep themselves under control." Slingblade stated glaring menacingly at Molly.
Bella smirked as she noticed the fuming Weasley matriarch whose mouth was opening and closing like a fish out of water and the confused faces of the two youngest Weasley siblings was priceless. Bella reached down and took Harry's hand giving it a squeeze. "I think you broke her love." Bella silently communicated to her husband.
"Oh I've yet to begin the breaking." Harry replied back cheekily.
"Oooh, I love it when you're a bad boy Harry. Makes me all tingly in fun places." Bella said suggestively earning a crooked smile from her lover.
During their mental discussion Slingblade had already placed the projection pensive on the table and began to tap the runes to activate the recording. Before he activated the last rune a goblin dressed in what appeared to be healer's robes approached Slingblade and whispered something into his ear.
"Very well. On the condition that he keeps silent and that he surrenders his wand until after we have concluded our business." The goblin medic hurried out of the room and a few moments later a somewhat dazed and staggering Albus Dumbledore re-entered the hall and took his seat next to Molly.
Hermione smirked at the unsteady headmaster. 'Your time will come old man.' Hermione thought, the hate for the man burning deep within her. Hermione was surprised when she felt Luna grab her hand and gave her a meaningful look. Luna's eyes showed worry and concern for her sister. She leaned over toward Hermione and in a voice full of love whispered in her ear. "Don't let the darkness consume you sister, it will destroy the wonderful person that you are." Luna finished her voice more lucid than Hermione had ever heard it.
Hermione gave Luna a half smile and wondered if Luna had some empathic abilities as well. She always seemed to know when Hermione allowed herself to fall into the darkness that had rooted itself deep within her. But in Hermione's mind there was only one logical way to destroy the darkness that tormented her. And that was to avenge her parents. To truly find the peace she longed for, she felt that two people needed to be dealt with and she would deal with them before they could harm anyone else.
Harry and Bella felt hatred rise in their chests, knowing it was not their own emotions they both glanced toward Hermione who was staring daggers at the headmaster.
"Harry we need to talk to Hermione. She is looking down a road that she may not be able to turn from once she starts."
"I know love; as soon as possible we'll have a family chat with her." Harry stated worriedly.
"Now that we are all settled, we will commence with the Last Will and Testament of Lord Sirius Orion Black." Slingblade touched the final rune on the large stone basin an image of Sirius Black rose from the bowl.
"I Sirius Orion Black being of sound mind and gorgeous body make this my last will and testament…"
Molly Weasley leaned over and whispered something in to Dumbledore's ear as Sirius's voice continued with all the legalities. His eyes went wide and his head whipped around to stare down at the end of the table where Bella and Harry were seated. Dumbledore began to rise from his seat when a goblin attached to Harry's detail let his presence be known to the headmaster by placing the head of his axe on the table next to Dumbledore and making a growling noise.
Dumbledore understood the non-verbal message and settled himself back down in his seat. But this did little to deter him from staring at Harry and the others. He tried unsuccessfully to make eye contact with Harry in an attempt to probe his mind. But the boy never seemed to look his way.
"And to my cousin Andromeda I leave…"
The tension was so thick in the room it could be cut with a knife. It reminded Harry of an American Western- two opposing sides glaring at one another daring the other to be the first to draw. The only thing missing was the jingling of spurs.
"To Remus Lupin I leave you know where 'damn fidelous charm' and one last plea to see Dumbledore for the manipulator he is…"
This got Dumbledore's attention and was about to object when the goblin smacked his axe on the table again.
"…protect Harry Remus, remember your oath…"
The journalists, Wizengamot members and ministry employees watched in fascination as a seemingly battle of wills was occurring at the table; stares, glares, and glances were launched like spells at the other side.
"…find yourself a good man Cissy…I leave to you…"
Bill Weasley was impressed with the speed in which Hermione had defended herself, her stance was a perfect dueling stance her technique was flawless…her face was flawless her lips so full and inviting…'Whoa Bill! No perving on the girl she's Ron's age for Merlin's sake.' Bill shook the thoughts fromhishead but he couldn't seem to keep his eyes off the beautiful young witch.
"…Hermione you have been Harry's most loyal friend, to you I leave the Black Library. I'm sure you will…"
Bella was feeling all the stares that were directed at her. She tried to remain poised but the scrutiny was beginning to unnerve her. She tightened her grip on Harry's hand he could feel the anxiety she was feeling. He sent wave after wave of love to her through their bond. She began to respond to Harry's mental hug and she once again regained control of her emotions.
"…to Albus feckin too many names Dumbledore I leave a bag of thirty silver sickles, may you burn you bast…"
Chuckles and sniggers could be heard from the gallery as well as several offended intakes of air from Dumble supporters.
"…Ronald Weasley your petty jealousy will be your undoing you remind me of Peter…I leave you nothing…perhaps you'll appreciate what you have…"
Ronald Weasley was fuming, he got nothing? 'Nothing! That mangy good for nothing mutt. After all I did for Potter he gives me nothing!' Ron was never good at masking his emotions, his face was like a window into his soul and it was put on display for the world see. And it did not paint the young redhead in a very positive light. The clenched jaw, narrowed eyes and balled up fists were definite signs of his displeasure but it was the beat red face and ears that spoke volumes of his temperament.
"…Molly Weasley…don't think your schemes and machinations did not go unnoticed. Grimauld place may be large but my ancestors were quite paranoid and there are several spells and wards in the house that alert the head of house of all the goings on…"
Harry turned his attention to the Weasley matriarch with a raised eyebrow and a disappointed look. Molly for her part looked scandalized and somewhat pale. Were her plans ruined? No, no she still had the marriage contract; he would still have to marry Ginny and the Potter fortune would be hers eventually.
"…Ginny Weasley…I don't believe you are a willing part of your mothers plans or know the entirety of your mothers schemes. I believe you truly care for Harry, but I think Harry's heart belongs to someone else he just hasn't realized it yet…"
'Oh but I have Sirius." Harry thought as he squeezed Bella's hand.
"…so I leave to you firecracker… one hundred thousands galleons in a trust that will become yours when you reach your majority…"
The rest of the reading progressed with the Weasley twins receiving a hundred thousand Galleons each and a charter to make the world laugh from the old marauder. The twins in twin fashion stood at attention and saluted the image of Sirius.
The Tonks family had received the five hundred thousand Galleon dowry that had been denied Andi when she married her husband.
He had also set up a fund that would replace the school brooms at Hogwarts every year with the latest models for the next 100 years, the fund to be managed by Harry or by his designee. As most had suspected, Sirius had left everything else to Harry, all properties, lands and titles. Harry had become one of the most affluent wizards in Great Britain.
"This ends the Last Will and Testament of Lord Sirius Orion Black. All monies bequeathed have been transferred to your respective vaults. Ms. Weasley your trust vault will be held by House Potter until such time you reach your majority. This reading is adjourned." Slingblade stood and was followed by all at the table. He nodded to Harry and then departed the room with the other two goblins that had entered with him.
As soon as the door closed behind Slingblade, pandemonium again burst out in the Hall. The journalists were running as fast as they could to get back to their editors with the story of the century. The Boy-Who-Lived, lives again.
Predictably Dumbledore and the Weasleys made a beeline for Harry as the hall was clearing. Harry was expecting this and was steeling himself for the confrontation. Bella stood next to him their hands clasped together. This did not go unnoticed by Molly who was scowling at the raven haired witch.
Dumbledore lead the procession with Molly to his right, behind her followed by Ron and Ginny who seemed to be embarrassed to be there. The twins who were standing off to the side with Bill and Charlie were beaming at Harry with wide grins.
"Harry my boy." Dumbledore said in his grandfatherly tone. "What an incredibly wonderful sight to see you well and whole." Dumbles said with his ever present twinkle in his eye.
"No thanks to you old man." Harry said in a low tone.
"Harry James Potter! Don't you dare speak to the headmaster that way!" Molly screeched.
"I will speak to whom ever I please in any manner I please, and I would thank you not to put your nose where it does not belong." Harry said coldly to the redheaded woman.
"How dare you, you ungrateful…"
"Do not presume woman that you have any moral high ground here!" Harry spat interrupting the redhead. "I know of your designs on my house Molly Weasley PREWITT! Did you not think that the goblins would investigate your claims and any motives for attempting to gain control over my house."
"…"
"It is only because of my respect for Arthur and the friendship with other members of your house that I do not wipeout House Weasley entirely." Harry stated glancing over at the twins who nodded in gratitude back at Harry.
Bill was looking at Harry with new found respect. Not only did he render his mother speechless, which was a feat all its own. But he was not intimidated by the headmaster as well. He spoke with authority and poise like a true noble. He would have to approach Harry about an alliance between their two houses if he could rein his mother in.
"I think we all need to take a moment and calm ourselves down." Dumbledore said diplomatically. "Now Harry, I assume that people have misguided you and told you things that aren't factually accurate." Dumbledore said glancing at Hermione who looked back at the headmaster unflinchingly.
"I'm disappointed in you Harry." Dumbledore said shaking his head disapprovingly. "I thought you knew you could trust me. I have always only had your best interest at heart." Dumbledore pontificated.
"And your future mother in-law loves you as if you were one of her own children." Dumbledore added. Molly changing her face to present a more motherly appearance.
Harry scoffed. "My future mother in-law." Harry chuckled. "Not bloody likely. You see, I'm already married. Allow me to present the Lady Bella Adein Potter- my wife and love."
"I'm afraid Harry that you must annul you marriage to Ms. Black." Albus said shaking his head sadly.
"Yeah, that's not going to happen old man."
"I'm afraid you have no choice Harry. You see there is a contract of Marriage between you and Ms. Weasley that was signed two years ago." Dumbledore said with that damn twinkle in his eye. Molly looked smugly at Bella who seemed unconcerned about the revelation.
"So why don't you come with us dear and we'll take care of everything." Molly stated in an overbearing way.
"I don't think so madam. I am quite aware of this so called contract of marriage. And it is not worth the parchment it is written on." Harry said condescendingly looking at Molly then Dumbledore.
"I assure you Harry it is quite legal and magically binding." Dumbledore said a little more smugly than he intended but he had about enough of Harry's defiance.
"Tell me professor." Harry asked the headmaster with a smirk on his lips. "Who were the betrothed mentioned in this contract Albus." Harry continued.
Dumbledore did not like the confidant look that Harry was sporting but nevertheless went on. "The betrothed are listed as Harry James Potter and Ginevra Molly Weasley." Dumbledore stated confidently.
"Well then.' Harry began. "I suggest you find this Harry James Potter to marry ginny and leave me the hell alone."
Molly and Dumbledore wore identical looks of confusion. They were obviously missing something.
"Allow me to alleviate your confusion." Bella spoke up addressing the two confused people in front of her.
"Allow me to introduce you to my husband. Lord Hadrian James Potter. Lord and Head of the Ancient and most Noble House of Potter."
Dumbledore and Molly immediately understood the catastrophic error they had committed. However Ron and Ginny had looks of confusion on their faces. Bill Weasley actually chuckled realizing as well what had happened.
"So you see headmaster that no such contract of marriage pertains to me." Harry said in a matter of fact tone. "So if you'll excuse me Albus I have places to go." Harry said
"Go? I'm afraid you must come with us, we must get you to safety Harry, it is a miracle that you haven't been discovered so far." Dumbledore began. "I'm sure the Weasley's would love to have you stay with them." The arrogant old man stated.
Harry's family approached and filed in behind him. Cissy, Andi, Ted her husband, Nymphadora, Susan Bones and of course Hermione and Luna and Bella by his side. All had drawn their wands and had pointed them at the headmaster.
"As you can plainly see I am well protected. And I don't think my family here would take too kindly to you forcing me to go anywhere." Harry said with a wide smirk on his face. "And neither would I. In case you missed it I am the Lord of two Ancient and Noble houses and considered of age. You have no authority over me Dumbldore."
"If I were you Albus I would be worrying about your own well being." Amelia said and as if on cue six aurors entered with DMLE director Rufus Scrimgeor at the head. He withdrew and unrolled a long parchment and began to read.
"By order of the Ministry of Magic, signed by Minister of Magic Amelia Bones and witnessed and counter signed by Director over the Department of Magical Law Enforcement Rufus Scrimgeor. You are here by summoned to appear before the full Wizengamot on August first of this year to answer to the charges of forgery of official documents, conspiracy to commit fraud against an Ancient and Noble House, child endangerment of a scion of a Noble House, willful and unlawful kidnapping, and sequestration of a minor; one Hadrian James Potter heir to House Potter. Other charges pending.
"You are herby ordered to remain in the British Isle's until after the trial. Pending the outcome of the trial you are herby stripped of your position as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and relieved of your duties as headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Rufus rolled up the parchment and handed to Dumbledore.
Rufus gave Amelia a short nod and turned around and exited the hall. Dumbledore looked dumbfounded as he was trying to absorb what had just happened.
"All that you have done old man is about to come to light. Your manipulations and games end here. I am no longer your pawn, I am my own man I will defend myself and my family the way I see fit. You have sacrificed too many good people you bastard, all in the name of the greater good." Harry spat
"Harry surely you must realize that we need each other. Everything I have done is to better prepare you for your destiny." Albus stated trying desperately to salvage the situation. "You need my guidance and training to defeat the Dark Lord Harry. I regret that some sacrifices must be made but it is for the betterment of our world Harry." Dumbledore added.
"REGRET! You regret the sacrifices! You fucking bastard!" Hermione yelled. "You allowed my family to be killed! By your own fucking lap dog Snape! Is that the greater good you miserable prick! Allowing others to die because they're just pawns in your stupid game? Do you think that justifies everything? You are as bad as Voldemort himself you bloody arse! I will see you in hell if it's the last thing I do." Hermione yelled then slapped the headmaster for good measure.
"Control your lying bitch Potter!" Ron scowled speaking for the first time. "Dumbledore is greater than you'll ever be and knows what's best. So what if a couple of mudbloods have die to save our world." Ron finished.
Hermione's wand was a light with a curse ready to be let loose pointed straight at the redheaded git. Bella placed a gentle hand on Hermione's arm giving her a look that communicated patience. Hermione took a deep breath and lowered her wand. No one noticed the slight flick of her wand as a colorless spell hit Ron in the groin. The slight tingling sensation Ron felt was ignored thinking it was just his nerves after almost losing bowel control when Hermione had him at wand point.
Luna noticed the satisfying smirk that Hermione had on her face and told her self to ask Hermione about it later.
"I think our business here is concluded Albus…for now. We will take our leave." Harry turned his back on the former headmaster and with his family exited the courtroom. Luna fell in step with Hermione curious why she still had a smirk on her face.
"So sister of mine, I can't help but notice the self satisfying smile you have on your face. Care to give your little sis a hint about the reason it is there?" Luna asked linking her arm with Hermione's.
"Well, do you remember the spells we were researching the other night?" Hermione smiled.
"You didn't Hermione!" Luna gasped.
"Oh relax, I didn't castrate him just hit him with a modified shrinking charm… a permanent shrinking charm." Hermione smirked.
Luna giggled "You evil witch you." Hermione joined her sister in laughter giving a very impressive stereotypical witch's cackle.
Harry and the family were far from done with Albus and the Weasley's, and it was time to put one more nail in the headmaster's coffin. The Potter family exited the massive front doors of Gringots bank and looked out at a massive crowd of people that had assembled. The word had gone out that there would be a press conference after the will reading of Sirius Black.
That wasn't quite enough to bring this many people, however, the word that Harry Potter was alive and would be speaking sparked huge interests. Harry looked out over the crowd and was moved to see banners of support for Harry such as 'Long Live Harry Potter', 'The Chosen One for Minister', and 'Harry I'm single and available!'.
Harry looked at his family and received a kiss for luck from Bella. He approached the podium and looked again at the sea of people. 'Today' he thought. 'Today truth will be known.'
"I would like to begin this press conference by telling you a little story, a story of a fateful Halloween evening, where a little boy survived the worst curse known to wizard kind. And of the aged wizard who felt that placing him away from his own kind and keeping him ignorant and oppressed would make him…"
oooOOOooo
A/N: There you have it. I hope you enjoyed these last two chapters enough to leave me a comment. This has been by far the most difficult of chapters to write as they were important to the progression of the story.
Please read and review, your comments help keep me inspired and motivated to write.