A/N:
Hello again! I hope you enjoy chapter 8.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my cat and my mind. Usually.
That evening, after dinner, when Severus had returned to brewing potions, Hadrian and Sable sat in the study looking through Lily's trunk with care. They sorted the books into piles based on subject, carefully folded the cloaks and robes and placed them aside, sorted the jewelry with cautious hands, and lovingly looked through the scrapbook for a second time. Reaching the last page in the scrapbook, Hadrian found a yellowing, blank envelope hidden in a pocket in the back cover.
Curious, Hadrian showed the envelope to Sable who told him he should open it. With slow, methodical movements so as not to tear it, Hadrian opened the envelope. Inside was what looked to be an official document. Reading the first few lines, Hadrian couldn't believe his eyes.
"This says it's the Potter's Will," he said in disbelief. Looking to his left, Hadrian saw Sable was just as shocked as he was.
Sable, shaking his head slowly, spoke, "I had no idea a copy of their will was in the trunk. The original was sealed, I believe, by Dumbledore. If I had known I could have gotten you away from the Dursleys sooner and with one of the families Lily and James stated you should be raised by."
Laying a hand on Sable's arm, Hadrian said, "It's alright. You couldn't have known. Don't blame yourself for my being placed with the Dursleys. The blame for that belongs with Dumbledore alone."
Sighing, Sable spoke, "You're right, little snake. I just wish I could have done anything. But we can't change the past, only improve the future. I'll do everything in my power to make sure you stay happy and safe."
Tearing up a bit, Hadrian hugged his father. "Thank you, Dad."
Smiling, Sable ran a hand through Hadrian's hair. "Come on, then. Let's read this Will, shall we?"
Nodding, Hadrian carefully unfolded the parchment and both he and Sable began to read.
We, James Charlus Potter and Lily Elizabeth Potter nee Evans, of sound mind and body, do hereby revoke any former Wills and declare this to be our last Will and Testament.
To Sirius Orion Black, we leave fifty galleons, as you already have more money than you know what to do with, and the rights to guardianship of our son, Harry. Take care of him for us, Padfoot.
To Remus Lupin, we leave one million galleons and the books in vault 502. Watch out for Sirius and Harry, Moony. Make sure they don't get into too much trouble.
To Peter Pettigrew, we leave absolutely nothing. As our secret keeper, only you could have betrayed our location.
To Albus Dumbledore, we leave nothing but a warning to stay away from Harry. Stop meddling in other people's lives, you old coot.
To Marvolo Vasilios Slytherin, we leave one million galleons to help fund our shared dreams. Never stop fighting.
To Sable Altair Dunmar, we leave one thousand galleons and the books in vault 503. Take care of everyone for us, Sable. You were always the responsible one, even if you are the youngest.
To Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, we leave one thousand galleons and our sincerest thanks for being great friends.
To Severus Snape, we leave one million galleons and all of Lily's potion notes and ingredients located in vault 504. Take care of yourself, Sev.
To Alice and Frank Longbottom, we leave one thousand galleons. Thank you for always having our backs.
To our son, Harry James Potter, we leave all our other belongings and sole ownership of the Potter monies, properties, duties, and artifacts. We also leave you the contents of vault 505. We will always love you, son.
The guardianship of Harry James Potter is to be given to the following people in the following order:
Sirius Orion Black
Alice Marie Longbottom
Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy
Marvolo Vasilios Slytherin
Sable Altair Dunmar (when he comes of age)
Under no circumstances is Harry to be placed with Petunia Dursley nee Evans or her family.
Also, under no circumstances is Albus Dumbledore to gain guardianship of Harry, Magical or otherwise.
This concludes the last Will and Testament of James Charlus Potter and Lily Elizabeth Potter nee Evans.
Hadrian and Sable had tears in their eyes by the time they finished reading. To think that the Potter's Will had been sitting, unread, in a trunk all these years.
After what seemed an eternity, Sable cleared his throat and spoke, "It would seem a visit to Gringotts is in order. And to Amelia. This Will can be used as evidence to free Sirius. We should floo the Malfoys and have them accompany us."
Nodding his head, Hadrian said, "Agreed."
Placing everything but the Will back in the trunk, Hadrian and Sable made their way down to the floo room to floo the Malfoys.
After flooing the Malfoys and explaining the situation, Sable and Hadrian met them on the steps of Gringotts. Walking into the bank, Sable walked up to a teller and asked to be taken to the Dunmar and Potter accounts managers. A few moments later, an unfamiliar goblin led the group through the many twisting corridors to the Dunmar accounts manager's office. Thanking the goblin, Sable knocked on the door and was bid to enter.
After everyone was seated, Sable went straight to business. "Greetings Ragnok, Sharpclaw. Thank you for meeting with us. We have an important matter to be brought to your attention. A copy of the last Will and Testament of Lily and James Potter was found by Hadrian and I earlier today. We hope to have you carry out the bequests listed inside as soon as possible."
Sable handed the Will to Ragnok and watched as both he and Sharpclaw read it over.
Ragnok and Sharpclaw discussed quietly for a moment in gobbledygook before Ragnok nodded and turned to Sable. "It will be done. Anything else?"
Sable asked, "Is it possible to have a copy of this Will given to us? It contains evidence that could be used to free a dear friend of ours and must be brought to the attention of Amelia Bones."
Nodding, Ragnok replied, "We can have a copy made up now for five galleons."
Sable spoke, "Alright. Take it out of the Dunmar vault. Also, if possible, could we have someone take us to the vault that was left for Hadrian?"
Waving his hand over the Will, Ragnok chanted in gobbledygook and the lettering of the Will was copied onto another piece of parchment. Handing the copy to Sable, Ragnok nodded. "I can have someone bring you down to the vault now. That is, if we're done here?"
Sable said, "Yes, I believe we are. Thank you, Ragnok, Sharpclaw, for your time."
Handing a key to Hadrian and summoning another goblin to take them to the vault, Ragnok replied, "It was no problem, Lord Dunmar.
After taking a cart down to vault 505 and using the key to open the door, Hadrian braced himself as he didn't know what he would find there. Walking inside the vault, Hadrian took a look around. It was empty, save for what looked to be a picture frame covered by a white sheet. Seeing as Hadrian was too short to easily pull the sheet off, he called to Sable to have him do it for him.
Sable and the Malfoys entered the vault. After the sheet was off the picture, all four of them gasped in surprise. Staring back at them, was a wizarding portrait of Lily and James Potter.
Seeing who uncovered their portrait, Lily spoke, "Oh, Sable dear, how you've grown. And my darling son. I must say, you look quite different to what I was expecting. But that's ok. I'm just so glad to finally meet you. And Lucius and Narcissa, it's so good to see you again."
Sable, seeing Hadrian was too shocked to speak, said, "Hello again, Lily, James. The reason he looks different is because I used my and Marvolo's blood to blood adopt him. I hope you don't mind."
Looking to Sable, James spoke, "Of course not, Sable. I'm assuming he has a new name then?"
Nodding, Sable replied, "Yes, it's Hadrian Aries Dunmar-Slytherin."
Lily spoke up, "A lovely name for a lovely child. There must have been a reason for the adoption though, yes?"
"Unfortunately, Hadrian was placed with the Dursleys until I got to him yesterday afternoon. I took him home immediately and called Narcissa and Lucius to give him a checkup and accompany us to Gringotts. There's still a lot to tell you," Sable said, glancing down to Hadrian. "but we can do that later. For now, I believe Hadrian wants to say hello."
Nodding his thanks to Sable, Hadrian spoke with tears in his eyes, "Hello, Mum, Papa. I'm so glad to meet you."
Lily and James shared a look before James spoke, "We're glad to meet you too, son. If I may ask, why call me Papa?"
Looking down shyly, Hadrian said, "Because, Sable is Dad and Marvolo will be Father when I meet him. So that makes you Papa."
James smiled, "Hm. Papa sounds great. I like it." Thinking for a second, James asked concerned, "What do you mean by when you meet him? Has something happened to Marvolo?"
Here Sable spoke up, "That's part of what there is to tell you still. We should probably head back to the Manor for that conversation as it will probably take a while and I'm sure Severus would like to be a part of it. But first, we need to make a stop to see Amelia Bones. There's some evidence we need to share with her."
Nodding, everyone agreed and, after shrinking down the portrait so it would fit in Sable's pocket, the group of four headed out of Gringotts and to the Ministry.
After arriving in the atrium of the Ministry and taking the elevator to the floor of Amelia's office, Sable knocked on her door and waited. After a few moments and a surprised Madam Bones later, everyone was seated.
Amelia looked around at the occupants of her office and wondered what Two Lords, a Lady, and an Heir could have for her a second day in a row. As no one looked upset, she didn't think it was anything bad. But one could never be too cautious. Looking to Sable, she asked, "What can I help you with today?"
Pulling the copy of the Will out of his pocket, Sable handed it over to Amelia. "This, is a copy of Lily and James Potter's last Will and Testament. Inside contains vital information to Sirius' case."
Reading over the Will, Amelia cake to the section that was important. "So, Peter Pettigrew was the secret Keeper, not Sirius Black?"
Nodding Sable replied, "Yes, exactly. We were hoping you could use this as evidence to help free Sirius."
"I certainly can. Thank you for bringing this to me. It will definitely help," Amelia said.
Sable spoke, "It was no problem. We're the ones who should be thanking you. Have a good day, Amelia."
"You too."
Standing up, the group of four left the office and headed back to Dunmar manor.
