A/N: Sorry for the delay everyone. I'm just getting over having a very nasty sinus infection and I was laid off from my job last week. The good news is that I can be recalled for my job at any time since I'm the only one in my department. Thankfully I'm in a fairly good position financially. I have much to be thankful this year. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Chapter 4:

During the first week that Harry stayed at Gringotts, he was too busy to think about Sirius, the Weasleys, Dumbledore, or anyone else other than Lily. He used a time turner several times a day to work on different subjects, so that he would be ready to takes his OWLS and NEWTS the following Monday. His goblin tutors were beyond impressed with him and pushed him to his limits each day. He stayed inside the bank at all times, even for his meeting with the Daily Prophet.

(Flashback)

Harry stepped into the conference room right on time. Bellock and Hammerthorn were already seated one on each side of an empty seat, his seat. The current editor's face became flushed as he watched Harry sit down.

"What is this BOY doing here?"

"You will watch your tone of voice, Mr. Larsen. Lord Potter's presence is required at these proceedings."

"Lord Potter?" asked another.

"Lord Potter has bought up every loose share of the Daily Prophet. He now owns seventy-five percent of it, Mr. Clark."

Both men were in shock and said nothing.

'Lord Potter, these two gentlemen are Mr. Lawrence Larsen, Editor of the Prophet, and Mr. Herbert Clark, accountant for the Prophet."

"Gentlemen."

Mr. Larsen came out of his shock first. "Lord Potter, we are honored that you have decided to join our 'family'. We have several plans in the works…"

"I could careless about your plans, Mr. Larsen." interrupted Harry.

The editor's jaw fell open.

"I have several ideas that I will be implementing. Plans that you will have to accept."

The editor's eyes narrowed. He didn't like the sounds of this. "May I ask what they are?"

"Of course. First I want Rita Skeeter to start writing the truth or she's fired. This paper is going to start reporting actual news and not what Fudge, the Ministry, or the Purebloods want. If you can't accept these terms then I'll find an editor that will."

(End of Flashback)

In the end the editor quit. Harry replaced him with a well respected American one that took no nonsense from anyone. Three days after that meeting a new and improved Daily Prophet came off the press. The Ministry and Fudge in particular were outraged that they could no longer simply state something and have it printed. News was now accurate and reliable. Each story had proof of what was written. The Purebloods were outraged just on principal. They had lost their one means of control over what the Half-bloods and Muggleborns learned of their world.

Harry had to laugh when he had heard that Rita Skeeter lost her temper when she found out that three of her stories were rejected for 'misinformation'. She saw nothing wrong in what she wrote. When she confronted the new editor she was told that every story was a bald faced lie, something that was no longer accepted for the newspaper. By the ended of the day she found herself out on the streets without a job and no references.

Sirius stood outside Gringotts, trying to work up the nerve to buck Dumbledore the way he wanted to. He no longer accepted what the aged Headmaster said as given facts. The old man had proved how little he thought of people's personal freedoms when he issued the order to restrain Harry and bring him to Headquarters. Sirius still believed in the cause. He wanted the defeat of Voldemort more than anyone, but not by those that were currently in charge. Power had gone to Dumbledore's head. The old man felt that he could do no wrong, that everyone should follow his dictates and not challenge them.

But even that wasn't enough to spur Sirius into action. No it was the latest event that had done it. Mere days after he regained his freedom, Arthur Weasley asked him for a formal meeting to discuss something that would benefit both of their Houses. Once he walked into the library, Dumbledore sealed the room and asked him to sit down.

(Flashback)

"Lord Black, the house of Weasley wishes to discuss a union between our houses through marriage."

Sirius was surprised. He had no idea where this was coming from but was beginning to get an idea. They assumed that Harry would be his heir! Then with this contract they would have a means of controlling him through the marriage bed! No! He swore that Harry would have free choice in love if possible.

"I am afraid that I will have to decline, Squire Weasley," stated Sirius, using Arthur's formal title.

"May I ask why?" asked Dumbledore. Sirius gave the old man a frown. As a mediator he was not to ask any question about refusal or acceptance.

"I don't think that any Weasley should be subjected to any member of my family."

Dumbledore's eyes began to twinkle like mad. "I see, Lord Black. However I believe that this particular member of your family will not mind." He pushed a contract in front of Sirius.

Sirius read it slowly. It didn't mention Harry by name, only the new head of the Black family. This meant that they probably would try and kill him off soon, so that his heir would be in place as soon as possible. Sirius accepted that. He knew if they didn't, then Voldemort's followers probably would. He didn't expect the strong compulsion to sign the thing. He couldn't stop himself and ended up signing his name in a flourish.

Dumbledore released his wards and Sirius practically ran from the room.

(End of Flashback)

Now he had see if he could change his will but still give Harry everything without giving him the title. Slowly he stepped inside the bank and went to an open teller.

"Good morning, sir. How may Gringotts help you?"

"I need to speak with Bellock about a matter of utmost importance."

"You name, sir?"

"Sirius Black."

"Certainly, Lord Black. I will have Bellock meet you in Conference Room Six."

"Thank you."

Sirius made his way to the room and sat down. A few minutes passed before the door opened and Bellock walked into the room.

"Lord Black, how may I serve you today?"

"I need help Bellock. I need to change my will but not change it."

The goblin looked confused but said nothing. He opened his folder and read several pages before saying anything.

"Lord Black, I think that we need someone else here."

"Who?"

"Let me send a message to him first, and then we will talk."

Bellock went to the door, said something to the guard before closing the door and returning to his seat. He sat silently, writing several things down. The door opened again.

"What is it Bellock?" asked a familiar voice. Sirius snapped his head up. Harry was standing in the doorway. Only he had changed.

"Lord Black seems to have a problem and you are involved."

"How?"

Sirius explained what had happened. Harry looked angry but didn't explode like Sirius thought he would.

"Who would be Lord Black if I refused?"

"Draco Malfoy."

"Is the estate entailed in any way?"

"No."

Harry began to smile, which went into an evil smirk quickly.

"I have an idea."

By the time Harry was done explaining his idea, Sirius was howling with laughter. This was a prank that would rival himself and James. Too bad it won't go into effect until he died, but by Merlin this was good one. An hour later every thing was settled, signed, sealed, and ready for execution.

"Sirius can you wait a few minutes? I need to talk to you about some things."

"Sure Pup."

Harry turned his attention back to Bellock. "This problem of Sirius' makes me wonder about something. Do I have a marriage contract?"

"Not by your parents or grandparents. However I have had several assistants tracing your family history in order to see if there are any other inheritances that you might have. Perhaps we should see if they have found anything."

"Let's do that. I'll be back in a few minutes. I want Sirius to meet Lily."

"Lily?"

"Follow me Sirius. I have a surprise for you."

Sirius was totally lost as to what Harry was talking about. He followed the young man through several corridors before they stopped at a guarded set of doors. Both guards watched him unwaveringly as he entered the room.

"Sit down Padfoot. I'll be right back." He sat down with his back to the room that Harry had entered. A few moments passed before he heard Harry speak, announcing his return.

"Close your eyes, Padfoot, and hold out your hands."

"Harrrrry, that's so…."

"Just do it Padfoot. I promise that it isn't a prank and nothing will happen to you."

"Alright." Sirius shut his eyes and held his hands out in front of him. He heard Harry move in front of him and felt something wiggly placed in his hands. Opening his eyes he was speechless at what he saw. Reacting instantly he gathered the baby up in his arms and cuddled her. He looked up into Harry's eyes.

"Got something to tell me Pup?"

"I need an oath, Padfoot. I trust you but Dumbledore would probably force the information out of you if you don't."

"Trust me, Pup, I prefer it this way. I Sirius Orion Black give my oath that I will not reveal anything that Harry James Potter tells me without his express permission. So Mote It Be!"

A golden glow surrounded Sirius as his oath went into effect.

"Meet Lily, my daughter."

Harry left Sirius with Lily as he made his way back to the conference room that Bellock was in. The older wizard had insisted that he and his 'grand daughter' needed to get acquainted. Besides Harry needed to go to his meeting. As Harry was walking out the door he heard Sirius starting to tell Lily a story about her namesake.

The guard opened the door for him when he reached it. Harry was surprised to see that Bellock wasn't alone. Madam Bones and her niece Susan were also in the room. He had a feeling that something was about to change in his life again.

"Lord Potter."

"Madam Bones."

"I believe that you know my niece Susan."

"Miss Bones, a pleasure as always."

"Thank you, Lord Potter." Susan answered. She was having a hard time connecting the old Harry Potter that she barely knew with the new one that treated her like a lady.

"I asked Madam Bones and Miss Bones here as my assistants have discovered something that involves all of you."

"Does this have anything to do with what we discussed earlier?"

"Yes, Lord Potter, it does."

Harry sighed. His 'feeling' was right. Fate just couldn't leave him alone.

"May I ask what you two are talking about?"

"A few hours ago Lord Black came to me with a problem involving a marriage contract that he was compelled to sign. After some discussion, Lord Black, Lord Potter, and myself, came up with a solution. It was then that Lord Potter asked if he had any marriage contracts. The immediate answer was no, but I did tell him that I was having his family history traced to see if he was the heir of anything else."

"I take it you found something then?"

"Yes, Madam Bones. It seems that Lord Potter is the direct descendent of Godric Gryffindor through the Potter line, making him Duke of Gryffindor. He is also Earl of Ravenclaw as Rowena Ravenclaw left everything to her daughter, the Grey Lady, who died giving birth to a daughter shortly after her mother's death. This daughter married Gryffindor's third son and that line eventually began the Evans line, which Lord Potter's mother came from. However it is the Duke line that has the marriage contract. You Madam Bones are the last of the Hufflepuff line along with your niece. Gryffindor and Lady Hufflepuff's husband wrote a contract of marriage for their grandchildren. A male from the Gryffindor line would marry a female from the Hufflepuff line. Fate, however, decided to intervene. The two lines produced males until recently."

"So I'm the Gryffindor heir and Susan's the Hufflepuff heir and the contract is still valid?"

"Yes."

"How long do they have until they have to marry?" asked Madam Bones.

"When they perform the Betrothal Ritual they have up to a year. The magic of the contract will eventually force them together anyway. This way they can get acquainted and learn about each other. They can not refuse. The Betrothal Ritual must be done within thirty days of being informed."

Harry looked at Susan. She was pretty and what he could remember rather quiet. He knew in his heart that Hermione would approve and that made all the difference to him. He was going to have to tell both Bones women his secrets.

Susan lay in bed unable to sleep later that night. Her mind refused to settle down after what she had learned earlier in the day. She was the Heir of Helga Hufflepuff! That in itself was mind blowing, but then she learned she was to marry Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived! Never in her wildest dreams could she have foreseen this!

But the surprises didn't end there. When Harry demanded a Witch's Oath from both her and Aunt Amelia, she was intrigued. Both gave it freely and Harry told them both almost everything. He had a daughter! A daughter with Granger! Even Aunt Amelia was surprised by that one. Harry led them to the room that he was staying in at Gringotts and introduced them to the babe. Susan had to admit she looked beautiful and a great deal like Granger, only with Harry's coloring.

Once the shock settled in their minds, Harry asked Susan to join him for dinner, alone. He took her to a muggle restaurant, which was quite good. There he told her everything that he hadn't told her Aunt. He promised to be good husband but Ganger would always have his heart. Not that there wasn't room for her in it, but she would never have all of it. Lily was testimony to that.

Harry was almost too honorable at times. There, at the restaurant, he proposed and gave her a beautiful Betrothal ring, which she accepted. What else could she do! They had to marry within a year, but it was nice that he did it all the same. He didn't have to and she appreciated the gesture all the same. She vowed right then and there to make him a good wife and treat Lily as her own. When Harry brought her home, they did the Ritual. Her Aunt Amelia and Sirius Black acted as witnesses to it. The magic that bound them together was incredible. She had never felt that much power before in her life. After Harry and Sirius left, she mentioned it to Auntie. The older witch had told her that the glow around them was the brightest she had ever seen. It meant that they were more than compatible and that their union was strong.

Finally Susan fell asleep, dreaming of a house full of children and one adoring Harry Potter.

Harry woke on Monday morning to the sounds of Lily crying. He made his way into her room and began their routine, nappy changing, feeding, telling a story while giving her a bath, and then a nap.

This morning, however, Marble took over most of those duties. He needed to be at the Ministry by nine for his tests. He managed to finish feeding Lily when Susan appeared in the nursery doorway.

"Get a move on, Harry, or you'll be late."

"I am, Susie." He came over, handed Lily to her soon to be mother, before kissing both and then heading to the bath for a quick shower. As he dried off he could hear Susan telling Lily a story about some of his adventures. Rolling his eyes, he wondered how she knew about some of them, particularly about the troll incident and forging his friendship with Hermione.

Dressed and ready to go he said goodbye to both his girls before going to the floo and leaving for the Ministry. Once there he went to the Department of Education for his testing.

Nine hours later, a very tired and sore, Harry returned to his rooms at Gringotts. Twice he had to evade Dumbledore's people. Sirius had given him and Amelia, as she insisted Harry call her, a full list of who they were. She had loyal Aurors watching them. Her counterpart in the Department of Mysteries told her about a prophecy sphere concerning Harry and the Dark Lord. It wasn't surprising that Dumbledore had sealed the records about it. Harry had an appointment to hear the whole thing the next day.

He wasn't surprised to see that Susan was still there when he stepped out of the floo. He was surprised to see Sirius and Remus. Before he could ask why, Remus gave his oath, similar to Sirius'. Susan greeted him with a small kiss.

"How was the testing?" she asked.

"Brutal. I'm sore all over."

"I don't remember NEWTS being that draining, do you Padfoot?"

"No, not really."

"I doubt that they had you run the 'Gauntlet' for your testing either."

Three mouths hung open.

"What?"

"They had you run that!?!"

"Yeah."

"Harry, they use that to graduate Cadets to Aurors! You by passed the required training to be an Auror." stated Sirius.

Now it was Harry's turn to drop his jaw.

"How long did it take?"

"The entire time I was there. About eight hours or so."

"EIGHT HOURS! HAVE THEY LOST THEIR BLOODY MINDS!" shouted Susan, who caused Lily to start crying. She immediately began to try and calm the baby down.

"I take it that eight hours is not normal."

"No, usually one hour is sufficient. What, exactly, did they make you do?"

"They combined all of my tests together. I had to use everything from making Potions to Astronomy to Runes to Defense. Even Herbology and Magical Creatures were used. You name it I tested it, except for Divination."

"Was Aunt Amelia there?"

"I think so. I do know that when it was all done some cloaked guy wanted me to accept his offer for the Unspeakables."

"Did you say yes?"

"Actually I said no, just like I did to Fudge when he tried to announce that I was now a part of his administration as an Auror. I think Amelia was going to choke or something. She had to leave the room at that point."

Sirius and Remus both looked in awe at their protégé before bursting out into laughter. They only stopped when their Order medallions began to warm up.

"He's calling a meeting. No doubt wondering why no one at the Ministry could get a hand on you."

Harry actually scowled. "Better you than me. I'd probably kill him."

"Both of us understand." answered Remus. "Susan, can we escort you home?"

"Thank you. I think that Harry and Auntie would like that."

"This meeting is called to order. I understand that Harry was at the Ministry today. Who can tell me why?" Dumbledore asked.

No one spoke.

"No one?"

Kingsley spoke up. "No one was allowed near him. Director Bones had six aurors assigned to guard the area that he was in. Fudge only got in towards the end, before Harry left. He didn't look to happy when he passed by me with his entourage."

"What area was he in?"

"The training room that contains the Gauntlet."

"Do you think that Amelia is training the boy?"

"It looks that way."

This was not good. He had kept Harry in the dark so that the boy would appreciate everything that his people did for him. So that he would sacrifice himself for them in the end. But the boy was not following the plan this summer.

"Has Harry written any of his friends?"

"Both Ron and Ginny have said that they have received nothing." answered Molly.

"What of Ms. Granger?"

"Ms. Granger is no where to be found."

Several members gasped. "You don't think that You-Know-Who has her, do you?" asked a worried Molly. She wasn't worried about Hermione. She was worried about her Ronald. She knew that he was trying to use a love potion to get the witch to notice him over Harry, a plan that she approved of. Besides Harry belonged to Ginny, more so now, thanks to Dumbledore using a Compulsion charm on Sirius to sign the Betrothal contract.

Dumbledore looked at his spy.

"The Dark Lord does not have Granger, though not for the lack of trying. She is fast becoming his first target."

"Perhaps she has gone on holiday with her parents?" asked someone else

"Perhaps." answered Dumbledore, looking thoughtful. "Alistair look into the family please. I need to know if Harry has contacted her or not. "

Mad-Eye nodded.

"Now is there anything else we need to discuss?"

Now that his OWLS and NEWTS were out of the way, Harry started to learn about wards and curse breaking from the goblins. It was during this time that he made a brilliant breakthrough. Using several of the wards that he had learned, Harry developed a way of making a muggle laptop computer work in a magical environment, using magic crystals as a power source. From there he was able to do the same to a laser jet printer that would print on rolls of parchment, in the user's own handwriting. Bellock and Hammerthorn were the first goblins to use them, causing several other goblins to notice the equipment. That brought it to the attention of the other goblins, who were higher up than his account managers. Together they worked out a deal. Within a week every goblin in Gringotts had a computer and printer. It increased their efficiency by nearly half and cut cost by a third, not to mention that everything was instantly updated and more accessible. They were beyond happy even for goblins.

By July 24th a new shop appeared in Diagon Alley selling muggle equipment that was charged by magic. Several styles of computers, printers, video game systems, cellular phones, televisions, DVD players, and CD players were offered. Harry owned the patents and half the store. The goblins owned the other half. In its first week of operation, both groups had made back their investment and were now operating solely on profit. Harry personally gave Susan, Amelia, and Sirius one of everything and explained what each was used for. He also donated several computers, printers, and cell phones to the Auror department. Amelia saw the benefits of using the technology within a week. She wondered how they had ever got along without it.

That led Amelia to giving Harry personal instructions on apparating. They spent an entire day just practicing and by the end of that day Harry was able to take and pass the examination at the Ministry.

As for the prophecy, the group, including Remus listened to the entire contents in the DOM. None of them were surprised by what it said and each vowed to do their best to see that their side won. Sirius and Remus replaced the sphere that Harry took with one of their own for Voldemort to listen to. It was their final prank together.

With the more pressing matters out of the way, Harry spent more time with Lily and Susan. Each day they would take walks to the park for some fresh air. Sometimes special trips were taken to visit the zoo, the Tower of London, the British Museum, and other places that Harry had been denied growing up but had always wanted to see. This allowed them to get to know one another in a more neutral setting. Susan loved it best when they went shopping. She was given absolute freedom over Lily's clothes and some of Harry's. She truly felt that they were a family now. Merlin help the person who wanted to break them up!

Harry also used the time to look into lodgings for them. He wanted something more permanent for Lily but also easily accessible for Susan from Hogwarts. Amelia had told them since Harry was now 'graduated' and Susan was planning to quit school after her OWLS, and since she was now betrothed, Susan didn't have to live at Hogwarts. She could stay with Harry and still attend lessons at the school, with Amelia's permission, which had already been given. Both liked the idea and agreed to do just that. Since he had no property nearby, Harry found a charming cottage about ten miles from Hogsmeade. Quietly he bought it and warded the entire area himself. No one was going to find it or who lived there without Harry telling them.

A special delivery owl from the Ministry made its way to its second destination. The first one had been not only successful but several quality owl treats from the recipient had made it very happy and content. The owl hoped for a repeat at its next destination, Hogwarts.

Those professors that stayed over the summer holidays were enjoying a quiet breakfast in the Great Hall. Dumbledore was already sorting through the vast pile of mail he had already received that morning. He was hoping that the boy would write so that he could have a starting place to search for him. He knew that the boy was still in England, probably London, but he had hid himself quite well.

A lone owl swooped in with a packet of letters from the Ministry. Minerva untied the packet for him and fed the owl a treat. The owl hooted and took off to return to its home and sleep off its full stomach.

The packet vibrated and suddenly burst open. Inside were letters for Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape.

Dumbledore ignored his as he was busy reading a letter from Gringotts. They had denied Harry tuition payment to the school.

Professor McGonagall opened hers and was astounded by what she read.

"Albus! Open your letter!"

"I am rather busy at the moment, Minevra. The goblins refuse to pay Harry's tuition."

Minerva actually scowled at him. "Probably because the boy took his NEWTS!"

"What!?!"

"Read your letter!"

Dumbledore saw that it was from the Ministry, in particular the Department Of Magical Education. He opened the letter and read the following:

'Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Dear Sir,

This letter is to inform you that one of your students, Harry James Potter, has taken the following NEWTS and is assigned the following grades:

Charms: Mastery

Transfiguration: Mastery

Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding

Arithmancy: Mastery

Ancient Runes: Mastery

Potions: Outstanding

Astronomy: Outstanding

History of Magic: Outstanding

Defense Against the Dark Arts: Mastery (with distinction)

Herbology: Outstanding

The student refused to take the OWL or NEWTS for Divination. As he has passed several NEWTS, he is no longer required to attend school and is considered graduated.

Mabel Merriweather

Head of the Department of Magical Education'

"Five Masteries," whispered Dumbledore.

"It doesn't make sense," muttered Minerva.

"What doesn't make sense Minerva?" asked Flitwick.

"Harry Potter took his NEWTS and passed with Masteries in Charms Transfiguration, Runes, Arithmancy, and Defense. The rest are listed as Outstanding."

Every Professor's jaw dropped at the table upon hearing the news. Flitwick was one of the first to recover.

"I admit that the boy was talented in Charms but the rest? Are they sure?"

"Apparently."

"Then I don't understand what doesn't make sense to you."

"Harry never took Runes or Arithmancy."

Severus Snape stood outside the Headmaster's office waiting for an acknowledgement to allow him to enter. He would never simply burst into that office, no matter what the cause. The Headmaster would fry him to a crisp if he dared. Finally he heard a "Come in".

Dumbledore looked up from his correspondence. "Severus what can I do for you?"

"I am sorry to bother you, Headmaster, but I, too, received a letter today from the Ministry, in particular the DML."

"Oh? What do they want with you?"

"It seems that someone has lodged a charge against me."

"What charge would that be, my boy?"

"Attack of the mind by illegal means."

Dumbledore frowned. "Did Amelia say who issued the complaint?"

"No. I have no doubt that Potter did so. It seems that his Lordship must whine and complain like a child. The problem is that everyone believes him."

"Severus, Harry is not James, no matter how much you want it so. You and I both know that, technically you did illegally attack his mind. It was for the greater good. How else would Voldemort implant his visions?"

"I realize that, but somehow the boy has told the right person. I will not go to Azkaban for this! You find a way to stop this before the hearing or I'll be telling a few things that I know. We will see who ends up in Azkaban after that."

Dumbledore stood up. His anger and power were easily felt. "Do not threaten me, BOY! I will bury you so far underground that the Devil himself will never find you."

Snape paled and fell over a chair in his haste to put some distance between them. His fear rose with each word the old man spoke. He literally pissed himself in fear.

"Now get out. You may return when you have something that is of use to me."

Severus couldn't leave the office fast enough. In his heart and mind he had no doubt that even though the Dark Lord was insane and dangerous. Albus Dumbledore was even more dangerous. No wonder the Dark Lord feared him. Anyone would after being subjected to that.