A/N: I usually don't write over the weekend as much... but I couldn't just leave it there. So I thought I'd post this today.

The Greatest Minister for Magic in History Part 11 Part B

The group that walked through Diagon Alley created quite a stir. The Minister of Magic with his Guards was not such an usual sight, but the fact that he was walking with Sirius Black and Arthur Weasley, and a few unknown adults and children and that none of them were dressed in robes was comment worthy.

The Minister took it in stride, nodding politely to those who greeted him.

The boys looked wide eyed. Each was sporting a muggle cap. This was to hide the fact that Harry Potter was among them – luckily, no one noticed.

The group finally entered the bank. Those who were unfamiliar were a bit intimidated by the goblins but they didn't react too badly having been warned.

The Minister did notice that the Dursley fellow seemed more relaxed inside of the bank than outside. The group waited in line until Slipknife retrieved them and led them to a much larger room than his office – there were too many for his office to easily hold.

The conference room held the adults and children easily. Slipnose looked at the Minister. "How can Gringotts help you today, Minister?"

"Well, Accounts Manager, it is about these three boys." The goblin peered down. "The youngest there is Mark Evans, a muggleborn wizard. He will need an inheritance test. The larger boy is Dudley Dursley, and his cousin there is Harry Potter."

At this, everyone noticed the goblin take special notice. "Mr. Potter. Welcome to Gringotts. We are happy to see one of our oldest accounts represented once more."

The boy looked at his godfather for a brief moment and then answered. "Er. Thank you. I'm happy to be here. Um. I hope our time together is profitable …?" He sounded a bit uncertain but his intentions were good. He looked to his godfather to see if he had gotten the greeting right. Sirius nodded at him.

The goblin nodded. "I shall send for the Manager for your accounts." The goblin called out and another came to the door. After a brief exchange, the second goblin retreated.

"And what does the presence of the Dursley boy and Heir Potter require to your mind, Minister?"

"Well, their mothers were sisters – and they also were named Evans. I would honestly want to get their lineage checked and see if they are related or if any have unknown accounts in stasis."

The goblin nodded. "We can do this."

Very soon the three boys had each received the Inheritance Ritual. The boys were quite fascinated by the way the quill worked without anyone touching it.

The Manager of the Potter Accounts, Barchoke, had also been brought in. Slipknife, however, managed the meeting.

He carefully reviewed each parchment. :"Minister? Your guess, it turn out, is correct." The Minister looked interested, as did the families. "Mrs. Dursley, your father Samuel had a younger brother named William?"

Mrs. Dursley nodded thoughtfully. "I believe so. There was some confusion during the war and he got separated. He had lost touch due to his childhood home being destroyed when he was off fighting on the continent. He never knew where they went."

The goblin nodded. "You father was a warrior – we have much respect for that. His younger brother William was the father of Mr. Robert Evans."

The named man looked surprised. "My father always told me stories about Uncle Sammy. They thought he had died in the fighting!" He looked at Petunia. "I guess that makes us cousins."

Petunia nodded, a bit overwhelmed. She hadn't known about any remaining family.

"Yes," Slipknife continued. "I should mention that each of you is considered a squib – a non-magical member of a magical family. Your ancestor carried the name of Evanshire. Young Mr. Potter, as the eldest Magical of the eldest magical line actually has the right to inherit the vaults and any property or titles attached to it."

Harry was confused. "Is that all of the money I have?"

The Potter Account manager and the others chuckled. "No. Compared to the Potter Estate, the Evanshire holdings are minimal. The Evanshire account has approximately 200,000 Galleons as well as the title of a Noble house – at some point, they held a minor Muggle peerage before the Statute of Secrecy but gave it up."

Vernon was curious. "How much is that in Muggle pounds?"

The manager looked at Harry, who was nodding in agreement. "About 800,000 Pounds."

"And how much does the Potter account hold?" Harry asked curiously.

The manager looked to Sirius, who nodded. "Because your Magical guardian, Mr. Black, is present, I can tell you. The Potter holdings have a current worth of approximately 3,400,000 Galleons. About 1,270,000 of that is liquid – actual Galleons in your vaults – and the remainder is property and shares in businesses. It also has the status of being an Ancient and Most Noble house. Besides having a very long magical history, it held a more elevated Muggle peerage at one time."

Harry was overwhelmed. "Well, since I have my own money, can that money be used to pay for Mark and Dudley's schooling?"

The Evans and the Dursleys, more the Dursleys, were surprised at the casual generosity of the boy. Sirius and Arthur both had proud looks for him and the Minister was quite happy with his nature – innately fair people made them much easier to work with.

Slipnose simply replied, "You may discuss this with your Magical guardian, but other information might have an effect."

Harry shrugged. "You, young Mr. Dursley, are not actually a squib. Neither are you a Muggle or a full-level Wizard. You would technically be classified as a Hedge-wizard. Magical enough to hold a wand with proper education but not enough to be invited to Hogwarts."

Dudley was surprised. "I must get that from Mum's family."

"Not quite." Slipnose disagreed. He looked at Vernon, who was looking very unhappy. "Mr. Vernon Dursley. Were you aware that you are a wizard with a bound core?"

Everyone looked at the man, who looked to be trying to keep his temper. Finally he spoke. "I'm sorry if I am taking too much time, but this is not a subject I ever wanted to discuss. Yes. I am aware. My father's father and sister were both magical. But because he wasn't invited to that school, he was treated very poorly. Eventually my grandmother and he were kicked out. They were well shot of them." Vernon's face took on a more red look and his anger, which he was still trying to control, was rising. "His family were freaks. Just because he didn't have magic, the man tortured them. And when his sister," Vernon said this with quite a lot of venom, "was old enough, he taught her to torture my father as well. When I received a letter, knowing my own sister hadn't, and knowing what my father and grandma had endured, I refused to attend. They locked down any freakishness I had. My father died a young man because of what they did to him. I have never regretted the decision."

As Vernon Dursley spoke, the Minister was becoming more and more alarmed. Finally he blurted out, "Your father was Hawthorne Umbridge!"

Vernon shook his head violently. "NO! When they left, he took his mum's name: Cracknell. And when he married, he got permission to take my mother's family name: Dursley. When I got the letter for Vernon Umbridge, it was adding insult to injury. My name is Dursley and I am happy to carry the name. That Umbridge freakishness should just die."

Everyone in the room (except the goblins) was shocked. The Minister motioned for permission when the goblin was about to speak and he received it. "I would usually take offense at the work freak when talking about being magical, but in this case – I understand. Well, Mr. Dursley, I won't give you false platitudes about it, expressing remorse when I have none. Instead I'll tell the truth: I have the distinct pleasure to inform you that your freak Aunt, Dolores Umbridge, has recently been sentenced to a lifetime in prison, in part because of what she did to your father."

Vernon's face, which was a study in rage, suddenly took on a look of shock. "She's in prison?"

"Azkaban."

Petunia gasped. The Minister asked curiously, "You know about Azkaban?"

"My sister had a boy she knew who was a wizard. He told us about Azkaban. He said it was the worst place on earth and it is infested with demons who eat souls."

The Minister and Arthur Weasley nodded. Sirius looked slightly green – he had experience with Dementors.

"Yes. She is right now having the experience of being exposed daily to creatures called Dementors. Their presence will take away every happy memory a person has. And if they get a chance, they will eat a person's soul. We keep this punishment for only the worst of offenders. What she did to your father in law? She deserves it, quite a few times over."

The Evans looked disturbed – it would take some calm conversation for them to get over it. But the boys were wide-eyed. Petunia Dursley was looking at her husband with understanding. Vernon looked thoughtful. Finally he said, "Well, then. I guess not all of you people are freaks. My father said that nothing could ever be done – I guess he didn't know everything."

Cornelius sighed. "I will admit that in the past torturing Muggles wouldn't receive such a harsh penalty. But we're working on making the system more fair – no one deserves what your father endured. You should ask the goblins about what they have for you."

Vernon looked curiosly over to the two goblins who had been passively observing. Slipnose said, "Yes. You have a sister, you said?" Vernon nodded. "And your father has passed." He nodded again. "Well, with the lack of further legal recourse, the 30,000 Galleon fine which was put aside for your father should he ever appear shall be split between you and your sister. The Wizengamot ordered the Galleons be converted to Pounds and paid to him in recompense for his suffering. If you can give me your sister's address, I will ensure a check is delivered to her. Each of you will receive 74,250 Pounds as a settlement for his payment. That is half each minus the conversion fee."

Vernon nodded. "I'll accept it just to spite her. And Marge, I'm certain, would never reject such a sum."

The goblins both smiled. "We do have an offer for you." Their smile was not pleasant, most of the watching audience noted.

Vernon was curious. "What offer?"

"The name Umbdrige has become … disagreeable to us. As it stands, the remainder of the Umbridge estate, some 33,000 Galleons after the fines and penalties have all been paid, is currently sitting in trust if your son ever has a magical descendant. If you are willing, for a 400 Galleon expenditure from the account, we can perform a cleansing ritual on each of your family and then unbind your core. You will never be a powerful wizard, but freeing your core would allow you to actually take control of the account. With a small magical ritual after the cleansing, we can permanently and irrevocably remove the name of Umbrige and permanently supplant it with Dursley.

"Once you take control, we will help you to disown the woman who sits in Azkaban forevermore. She would become Dolores No-Name. And the name of Umbridge could die in full and fall into complete historical oblivion. I'm sure that word to her of her changed status would make her punishment in Azkaban just that much more … appropriate. You could then put the remainder toward what it is meant for: the future of the Dursley family. Given leave and time, we can make the name an economic power."

Vernon's smile became larger and larger as the smiling goblin spoke. Vernon stood and put out his hand. "You have a deal; and an extra 100 of those Galleons to you from the account for you kindness. Let's erase the name from history. Let all of our enemies suffer the same fate."

The goblins shook hands. The watching audience was a little overcome with how vicious the man could be. The goblins recognized a kindred spirit.

The Potter account manager said to Sirius, "Mr. Black. We recommend your godson also receive a magical cleansing and to see a healer to ensure there any bindings are removed. The fee can be paid from the Potter account with your agreement."

"No. I'll pay – leave Harry's money for him. As his godfather, it is my right and privilege to provide."

Slipnose looked at the youngest Evans. "You have no bindings and no Dark magic, young one. We look forward to having you as a customer."

Barchoke added another comment. "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. You haven't received a stipend for young Mr. Potter's care?"

Vernon looked sharply at the Accounts Manager. "No, we haven't."

The goblin nodded. "A mistake made by Mr. Dumbledore when he had taken Mr. Black's place whilst Mr. Black he was unavailable. Mr. Black. Do you have any problem with us dispersing the normal stipend for Mr. Potter as well as back amounts?"

Sirius shrugged. "Not really. Set it up and I'll sign."

Vernon and Petunia looked at each other. Finally Petunia nodded and Vernon sighed. "Accounts Manager?"

"Yes?"

"Reduce the arrears to a third. I admit we were upset with the extra mouth which wasn't planned, and as a result, perhaps we didn't spend the money on the boy's care that we should have. He's mostly worn things second hand. While I used to blame things on … well, I used to justify it to myself, it is more honest that we not take full payment for something not delivered. We'll ensure the proper amounts are spent for the proper stipend from now on."

Harry was amazed. His Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were freaking him out a little. He had never had them acknowledge that they treated him other than he should have been. Because they were being so honest now, he interjected, "Can it be at least half? It's not all their fault from what you say. Don't punish them for this Dumbledore guy's mistake."

Vernon and Petunia looked at their nephew in surprise. "You're a good and decent boy. I guess you mother's kind nature that Petunia, in our better moments, had mentioned on occasion has come to you."

Harry had never received such a compliment from his Uncle and didn't know what to say. So he said nothing.

Sirius looked at the two and said, "Half. I agree with my pup. It's not entirely their fault."

Barchoke nodded. He did some calculations. "Eight years at 250 Galleons monthly is 24,000 Galleons. Divide this in half and that's 12,000. Add another 4,200 for his time before going to Hogwarts and that's 16,400. Converted to Pounds with the standard fee … Mr. Dursley, you will have a check for 81,180 Pounds for Mr. Potter's care through August 31, 1991 before you leave today. Future years will have to be paid annually. See me next August about the matter."

Vernon nodded, a bit surprised at the amount.

Harry got everyone's attention. "Now that everyone has been talked to: Sirius? How can we make if fair for Mark, Dudley, Aunt Petunia and me?"

"What do you mean?"

Harry shrugged. "Well, if Dudley's going to get the Dursley stuff when Uncle Vernon gives it to him later, and if I have the Potter stuff, can't Mark get the Evanshire stuff? We can split some money for what should have been paid, pay for Mark and Dudley to go to school, but leave the rest for the bank to invest. The manager said Evanshire has noble status. When Mark gets to be older, he can get the Evanshire name and stuff."

The people necessary to make such an agreement were all present. Petunia was happy that her father's name would not disappear, Harry was happy to do something nice for his newly-found cousin, and Robert Evans was happy to know his son's future was assured.

A casual comment brought Petunia Dursley nee Evans almost to tears. "Petunia? Would you like to meet your Uncle William? My father would be thrilled to find out his brother actually survived the war and had children."

Petunia replied, "Yes. Yes. I think I'd like that."

Dudley and Harry looked at each other and then to Robert. "Can we meet him?" Dudley asked. "He's our Uncle too."

Robert smiled at the boys. "I'm certain he'll want to meet you as well."

Little Mark put in his comments. "You'll love Grandpa – he has the best stories. And candy."

The people in the room laughed.

The Minister stood. "Well, I'll make arrangements for my car to take you all back when your business is concluded. I was quite happy to do my part in bringing a family back together and in getting that woman's name gotten rid of. If anyone needs me, just send a message through Arthur here and I'll do what I can to help."

He turned toward Harry. "Oh ,Harry? You should get your Godfather to help you write a message to the Daily Prophet. You're well known, as your Godfather should have explained. But you've also been under a mail ward so that unknown packages and possible threats couldn't get to you. But a lot of letters are probably from other kids your age or younger and they might get upset from never having heard from you. I recommend a message saying that you recently became aware of your magical heritage and that you're looking forward to Hogwarts. And then for anyone who sent a letter, you're sorry but they never got to you because you've been being kept safe from possible negative sources. Thank them for thinking of you and express your hopes that you can meet many of them as you go to Hogwarts and grow up as a wizard."

Harry was a bit overwhelmed but Sirius understood. "Don't worry. I'll help get a letter written from him and take care of it. Should have thought of that myself."

Cornelius grinned. "I'm a politician – I have to think about these things."

The room laughed.

Arthur gave Petunia and Vernon two cards from his case. "I should have given these to you before. If anything happens and it needs fixing or being hidden, just call that number and we'll come take care of it. Better to help keep your life and image normal for the neighbours."

Vernon accepted it and thanked the man cheerfully. Vernon's entire demeanour had changed because of recent revelations and even the idea of accidental magic no longer upset him. He was getting revenge for his da' and gran and nothing could upset him now.

Petunia just accepted and nodded.

The two men exited, the Evans following. They would be taken home and the car would return after. They had exchanged contact information with the Dursleys and a tentative meeting for the next weekend was made.

OMAKE: A thought I had right before posting this.

Mark Evans was running down the road, a group of boys from the third form following. Suddenly, he spied someone he knew. "Dudley!"

Dudley Dursley was with his friends. Since Dudley had calmed down, the group had ceased causing trouble for trouble's sake. "Hey, it's my cousin."

Piers Polkiss was confused. "I thought your cousin was Harry."

"No - my mother's cousin's son. We just found him a few months ago."

Mark ran up, catching his breath. "Why you running?"

"Third form boys. Trying to take my lunch money."

Dudley looked at his gang. They shrugged. Dudley kept Mark visible and hid the rest. The boys showed up. "Pipsqeak! Where's the money?"

Dudley appeared with his gang. There were much more intimidating. "Oh look, Piers. A bunch of wannabes. Hey, Morgon."

"Yes, Dudley?"

"These boys are trying to shake down my cousin. What should we do about it?"

The boys had heard of this group - no one wanted to mess with them. They had thought that they had gone away.

"What do you think?"

"Well, they are messing with my cousin. Maybe we can come out of retirement just this once and teach them a lesson?"

The older boys grinned at the younger ones. They started running. Mark watched as the his cousin and his friends had their fun, relieved that he had someone around to help him.