Chaos of the Potter Family
Wanda: Hello everyone! Wow, I spent basically all morning writing this. That was kind of fun! Hahaha. Don't mind me. Just as a note, there is another author that garaa offered this idea to write one with. Our two stories are seperate, and hopefully will end up going down different paths. With that out of the way, let's get started!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Chapter 2: Lots and lots of Paperwork
Sneaking out of the Dursleys place was easy enough. Dumbledore had drawn the Order guard who had been watching Harry back to him since Voldemort was out in force. Sure, there were still charms on the house to monitor him, but they wouldn't remark on him being out and about – after all, Harry had to leave to get groceries and such. Harry lead the way, with both Guinevere and Luna on either side of him.
"Okay, the quickest way to Gringotts would be to use the Knight Bus." Harry noted, though he looked down at his wand with consternation. He was already forgetting something. It must be the stress of what he'd just learned. "But if I summon it, Dumbledore and the Ministry will be alerted."
"Then I'll do it." Luna said, pulling her wand out. When Harry opened his mouth to protest, Luna put a finger on his lips and said, "Don't worry. Daddy gave me some anti crumpled hornshack spells for my wand so I can use magic outside of school a couple years ago." She pointed her wand up at the sky, causing the tip to glow white.
A moment later, the Knight Bus exploded into existence. Harry stepped backwards slightly, before looking over at Luna. "That's really cool, Luna," He said sincerely. The blonde smiled brilliantly at him, causing her blue eyes to shine in a way he hadn't seen often. "...Do you think that I can get the same thing for my wand?"
"Sure." Luna responded. "Daddy would be happy to show people what he's made."
The three students walked onto the bus, handing their money over to the new ticket man – a nervous looking young man fresh out of Hogwarts. Guinevere and Harry sat down next to each other, with Harry hesitantly taking her hand and squeezing it. "Do you feel funny about this Harry?" Guinevere asked. "About...us?"
"Well, yeah. Not in a bad way, it's just – I wish I had known that I had a sister." Harry smiled tentatively at her. "But I'm glad you grew up with the Weasleys...you know, even if Molly and Arthur knew they were keeping us apart, they treated you with love and comfort despite not having a lot of money. There's so much happiness in that house. I've always been jealous of that."
"But..." Guinevere blinked at him, confused and slightly hurt. "You didn't wish we had grown up together?"
"Of course I did. I wish that we could have grown up in a normal house with our parents, two normal, happy siblings." Harry sighed, before turning to her and gently brushing a strand of hair away from her eyes. "But you know, it was bad enough with my aunt and uncle treating me like garbage. I never would have wanted them to hurt you too. Growing up with Ron, the twins, Bill and Charlie – they never got to hurt you. I'm happy about that."
"But they hurt you!" Guinevere whispered, staring at him with tears at the edges of her eyes. "We never even knew! Ron tried to engineer a crush I had on you for god's sake!"
"I don't think he knows." Harry said comfortingly, though his voice faltered slightly. "I hope," he admitted.
"Oh, it wouldn't be hard to confund Ron into believing something that isn't true." Luna offered, leaning against the poll as they hurtled through the street. "He's a nice person, loyal. But he's not very smart, and he's got a simple mindset. Those kind of people can be confunded without too much effort."
Harry gritted his teeth. "Sorry Luna, but that doesn't make me feel much better...the idea that somebody's been brainwashing my best friend might be even worse then a potential betrayal." His relationship with Ron had been rough in places, but that had been his very first friendship, and it was rather important to him.
"I saw Mum-Molly get brainwashed in Dumbledore's memories. I don't think she knows the truth, and if she doesn't why would Ron?" Guinevere pondered, before faltering. "I suppose, though...dad might know."
"...I guess we'll find out when we deal with that contract." Harry said. "Though since Percy handled it, there's a chance he doesn't know yet."
The Knight Bus screeched to a halt. "Gringotts," The driver called out. Harry, Guinevere and Luna all stepped off the bus, looking up at the building which loomed ominously against the sky. Harry took a deep breath and walked forward, entering the building he had first seen as an eleven year old with a sense of grim purpose.
Harry walked up to the nearest teller he recognized. "Excuse me, sir." He said, drawing the startled goblin's attention. Since when did wizards speak respectfully to them? "Uh...Griphook, sir. I would like to access the documents among my vault. Including my parent's will. I think there should be a copy filed here."
Griphook looked down at his pages for a few moments before smirking. "I was wondering if you would ever appear on our doorstep, asking that question, Mr and Miss Potter."
Guinevere jumped. "You know, sir?"
Griphook waved one clawed hand. "Not here, miss. Come this way, and I'll explain what I can."
The three exchanged a surprised and hopeful look – maybe they were in luck for once! - and quickly hurried after Griphook, who had retrieved a key from his desk and had quickly spoken with a guard goblin at the transport carts. The guard nodded and vanished into a nearby room; Luna heard the click of a released mechanism.
"Come in." Griphook said, gesturing to the cart. When the three sat down and buckled in, Griphook took on the wheel and they burst forward into the darkness of the mine. After about ten minutes, the goblin lead the three into a large vault. The door was opened, revealing Harry's familiar trust vault. However, Griphook walked past it and pointed his finger at the back wall. A door appeared in the wall like the Room of Requirement, which slowly slid open...causing Harry and Guinevere to both gasp, though Luna didn't look very surprised.
There was a massive swath of gold, silver and varying objects. Had Harry read more classic books, he would have compared it to the trove from the Count of Monte Cristo. There was a table set up in the middle of the room, with several files both sitting on the desk and being placed on various shelves around the walls.
"I imagine you have questions, Mr Potter." Griphook said.
"Yes." Harry said, snapping out of his shock. "You knew about my sister?"
"We knew that she existed." Griphook confirmed, "since she was registered with the bank for her own trust fund by the late James Potter. Her vault is still untouched, though not without some effort from an individual who I'm sure you've dealt with extensively. We didn't realize she was now being called Ginny Weasley until one of the Potter Rings glowed. When she walked in with you, myself and my fellow tellers knew what that meant."
"So she was registered?" Harry asked, while Guinevere tried to wrap her mind around the fact that she had been given a trust fund like Harry's, but had never been allowed to access it since she had been separated from her brother.
"Yes, in your parent's will." Griphook said, sitting down at the desk. With a snap of his fingers, two other chairs appeared on the other side of the table. Harry sat down directly across from Griphook, while after a moment of thought both Guinevere and Luna took the other chairs. The goblin teller took out two different sets of papers from one of the file boxes. "Now, this is the one your Ministry had filed in their court."
Harry took the pages and read from it.
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JAMES CHARLES POTTER
WRITTEN AS OF 1980
I, James Charles Potter, being of sound mind and sound body, have decided in light of my possible death, to provide for my wife Lily Marian Potter and my son Harry James Potter.
"Skip forward a bit. The first section deals with assets and decisions that would have been in place if your mother had survived that night." Griphook said. Harry nodded, quickly skimming down to the second section.
If both Lily and myself have perished, I hereby appoint my best friend and brother in all but blood, Sirius Orion Black, Heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, as godfather and guardian to my son. However, should he be unable to preform these duties, I then pass Magical Guardianship onto Albus Percival Wulfric Brain Dumbledore, to manage my son's estate until Harry reaches his majority.
Said guardian shall administer trust, which will come from my estate and assets. This guardian will handle fifty percent of my family's business affairs and the profit thereof, until my son is old enough to handle it himself.
"Family business?" Harry interrupted in surprise.
Griphook gave him a mild look. "Yes. I recommend you speak to a wizard lawyer before coming back here; I can offer you a list after we have finished our business for tonight. Gringotts mainly handles finances, after all."
"Oh-right. My apologies for interrupting; I hadn't heard about the family business before." Harry explained. Griphook resisted the urge to smile. He was starting to like this wizard, which was something he didn't think was possible. No wizard or witch had been this polite and friendly to him since the late Lily Potter.
Said guardian will have the power to arrange where my son goes to school, whether or not he may move abroad, and will be allowed to create marriage contracts him, as is consistent within the context and limits of our Law.
"As you can see, it gives Dumbledore much power over what happens among your family. It was approved by the Ministry following the end of your blood war." Griphook noted. "However, this is a forgery. Your family's real will had been sealed by the aforementioned wizard, stretching his authority as Chief of the Wizamgot."
"God damn it!" Harry spat.
Griphook chuckled darkly. "Of course, he should have looked more closely at the wizard-goblin treaties. He had no right to force us to destroy a will, especially from a family we have done much business with. This is the real will, which we have kept for you." The goblin tossed the false will into a nearby brazier to burn, before handing the genuine article to his client.
"Thank you," Harry said before beginning to read.
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF
JAMES CHARLES POTTER
AND
LILY MARIAN POTTER
LORD AND LADY OF THE ANCIENT AND NOBLE HOUSE OF POTTER
Filed as of August 31, 1981
I, James Charles Potter and I, Lily Marian Potter, being of sound mind and sound body, hereby make this our will, to provide for our son Harry James Potter, and our daughter Guinevere Lillian Potter in the event of our deaths. Their guardianship, their education, and their allowances are included, to be managed until they have reached their majority.
Again, Harry skipped past the first section that dealt with if either James or Lily had survived the attack from Voldemort. Thinking about the possibility of them surviving hurt his heart, making him think of what might have been.
SECTION 2, should we both have fallen:
We hereby appoint Sirius Orion Black, brother in all but blood and heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, to be godfather of both our son and our daughter. In the event that he is unable to preform his duties, we list the following individuals to care for them until they come of age:
Frank and Alice Longbottom
Xenophilius and Pandora Lovegood
Alys Davis, should she be divorced from her husband
or
Ted and Andromeda Tonks
Should none of these people be available, Harry and Guinevere shall go to an orphanage, with a member of House Bones monitoring them. Shall a muggle family adopt them, an emissary shall speak to them of our family's past and their household shall be given the best protection that can be provided for them. However, no family in the Ministry shall be allowed to adopt them.
And under no circumstances shall they go to my sister Petunia Evans and her Husband Vernon Dursley. They are estranged from me and I do not trust them to care for my children.
"So I was never meant to go to the Dursleys?!" Harry exclaimed.
"That was the falsified will, sir." Griphook reminded him.
Harry flushed. "Sorry for my outburst. I'm discovering these things as I go along, and I've always kept my emotions close to my chest."
Griphook waved a hand. "Never mind it. Now, shall we continue?"
Harry looked down at the page again.
SECTION 3: The absorption of House Peverell.
After a century of evidence gathering, it has come to my family's attention that the Noble and Most Ancient House of Peverell has not, in fact, died out as it was assumed. I, James Potter, am the last living descendant of the youngest son, Ingetious Peverell. Through our blood, I hereby draw his House into my own. In the event of my death, the votes and powers this has granted my family will pass on to my son and daughter – Lord Harry James Potter-Peverell, and Lady Guinevere Potter. My family's two Seats shall be left to their discretion, Harry the Peverell seat, and Guinevere the Potter seat.
"You look confused." Griphook noted as Harry read this. Guinevere, who had been reading over his shoulder, made a choking noise. "Your sister grasps the concept, it seems. Again, I recommend you take this up with a capable and loyal lawyer. Gringotts doesn't have constitutional legal authority, after all."
Harry nodded, unsure of what this meant. Instead, he kept reading.
SECTION 4: Marriage Contracts
After much discussion with my husband, the backwards and dark world we live in, that no one but myself shall decide marriage contracts for either of my children. None shall be made by the guardians for my children before they either become of age, or become emancipated. I, Lily Marian Potter, have recognized the sanctity of my house (god, that's a load of – what? No James, the self dictating quill was your idea!) have prepared these for my son.
A Marriage Contract of House Potter. An engagement made between Lord Harry of House Potter to the heiress to House Davis, Tracey Adelle Davis.
A Marriage Contract of House Peverell. An engagement made between Lord Harry of House Peverell to the heiress of House Lovegood, Luna Celeste Lovegood.
"Ask your lawyer." Griphook couldn't resist a chuckle as Harry opened his mouth to exclaim again. The boy flushed and glanced over at Luna, who's only sign of surprise was raised eyebrows and wide blue eyes.
"Yes sir." Harry carefully folded the will and returned it to the box. "Is – is there anything more I can ask you?"
"Yes." Griphook picked up another box and placed it on the table. "Again, there are many legal matters you'll need to smooth over, but there are financial additions that have been brought to the attention of the bank. Do you know about the goblin/wizard shared Right of Conquest?"
"No, sir." Harry said.
Griphook smirked. "Originally it was a goblin tradition, but the wizards adopted it after our first 'war', if you would call it that, back in the year 1150. The Right of Conquest allows a victor to claim the house, votes, powers and others of those they have defeated." He removed a box from the file container and placed it on the table, opening it. Six ornate rings were sitting inside – one ruby, one diamond, one emerald, one silver, one sapphire, and one opal.
"The ruby ring is the signature of the Lady of House Potter." Griphook told Guinevere. "That one is for you, Miss Potter. It is a sign of your authority. You'll want to be wearing it when you speak with your chosen lawyer later. Mr Potter, the signet of House Peverell is the opal."
Tentatively, Guinevere took the ruby ring and slid it over her finger. There was a flash of light, causing the children to jerk in their seat, surprised. Several more files appeared on the table. "Ginny Weasley has officially been recognized as the protective identity of Guinevere Potter. Your finances and contracts have been moved back home." Griphook told her.
Harry picked up the Peverell ring, and cast an uncertain look at Luna. The girl, looking oddly serious, nodded in encouragement, and after a moment of thought Harry obligingly slid it on over his right finger.
"So, the other rings?" Harry asked, eyeing them uncertainly.
"House of Potter," Griphook said, pointing at the diamond ring. "The House of Slytherin," He gestured to the emerald ring. "The House of Gaunt." He gestured to the silver ring. "The House of Black." He gestured to the sapphire ring.
Harry's jaw unhinged for a moment. He shook his head and said, "At risk of sounding like a parrot...WHAT?"
"You defeated the man called Voldemort three times, did you not?" Griphook asked. When Harry nodded, the goblin explained, "Then that is the Right of Conquest. You have defeated him, and he has shown himself unworthy of the power he has possessed. Thus, the House of Slytherin and Gaunt have come under your control."
"As for the House of Black...well, that's easy. Your godfather, Sirius Orion Black, adopted you into his family shortly before his death. He saw you as the son he could have had, and he did not wish for the money and power that has lain dormant in his family to pass on to his cousin Narcissa Malfoy, her husband Lucius Malfoy and their son Draco Malfoy."
Harry slowly nodded. "You...you said there was a list of lawyers that you had. May we see them?"
Griphood nodded. "Indeed. Of course, there will be a fee for all of this."
"Done, I'll pay whatever you ask for. I owe it to you, sir." Harry said.
Griphook smiled. I thought there was something about this young man...he's unlike any other wizard I've met. Perhaps, with the power he gains, he'll make some real changes to this filthy, decaying world of the wizards.
After several minutes, the list was brought down to the vault. Griphook handed the paper to Harry, who scanned the page.
Owen Parkinson
Dennis Vance
Amos Diggory
Lenore Hydra
"These are four talented lawyers who are trusted by the bank. However, you'd be wise to note that Vance and Diggory both have strong ties to Dumbledore." Griphook noted.
"And I don't trust Parkinson as far as I can throw him," Harry muttered, before tapping at the last name. "Can you get me in contact with Miss Lenore Hydra? With the understanding that our meeting would be quite confidential?"
"It will add an extra expense."
Harry looked around the room. "Somehow, I feel like I have the change to spare." Guinevere and Luna didn't bother to hide their snickers at this.
Griphook smirked again. "Then come this way. I'll get you in touch."
~Line Break~
Harry walked out the door, looking down at the letter preprepared for him by Griphook. "You look troubled, Harry." Guinevere noted.
"I don't care much for pure blood politics, that Houses are steeped in that." Harry explained, glancing down at his ring. "I'm surprised that my mother seemed to be on board with it...with those marriage contracts..." He glanced at Luna. "Did you know about that?"
Luna shook her head. "I knew that mommy was friends with Lily and James, because she and dad talked about them a lot when I was little. I thought it was possible, but daddy hadn't brought up the contract yet. I think it was because there was no way Dumbledore would allow it."
"Well, after we meet my lawyer..." Harry stalled. "I mean, er, we'll figure something out. Okay?" He glanced up at the sky. "Anyway, you girls better head back home before someone notices that you're missing. I'll send you a note through the muggle mail, be sure none of your adoptive siblings see it yet okay Gwen?"
Guinevere smiled at her new nickname. "I know, Harry." She gave him a hug. "We'll see you soon, alright?"
Harry nodded. He looked very overwhelmed, which prompted Luna to squeeze his hand to share her support with him. "I can't do this alone. I need you two."
"We'll be there." Luna promised in her soft whispy voice. Then, she stood on her toes and kissed Harry on the cheek. The boy flushed deeply, before the girls went down to summon the bus. They went to the Dursleys first, with Guinevere glaring at the place.
"Don't worry," Luna whispered to her best friend as Harry walked down the pathway to the house where he had been abused. "As Ladies, we will be able to give them the justice they deserve."
"Harry said his cousin is kind now," Guinevere noted.
"That's what House Protection is for," Luna responded, smiling in a slightly frightening way. Guinevere knew that 'loony lovegood' was more intense than anyone in Ravenclaw gave her credit for.
**~One Week Later~**
Harry grinned when he got the letter and saw 'Lenore Hydra' written across the cover. Quickly he opened it and read it's contents.
Dear Lord Potter/Peverell
I'm pleased to hear from you, to be quite honest. My niece has been watching you throughout your school year, and she always suspected something was wrong with your life. I'll be happy to help you out, if you bring the assorted papers along with you. To ensure we won't be disturbed, there's a coffee shop in muggle Britain with a back porch. The address is enclosed. Our meeting is set for 1:00 on Sunday. My niece will be with me, but don't worry – her understanding of the confidentiality is assured.
Bring your sister along, since she is Lady Potter.
-Lenore Hydra
"You look excited, Harry." Dudley noted as his cousin hurried down the stairwell.
"Well, my life's looking up for once." Harry said. Noticing Dudley was holding a motorcycle helmet, he grinned and said, "You having good luck too?"
Dudley grinned. "Abigail let me into the club," He said happily. "I've met some cool people there, including her brother Max. I think he's suspicious of my motives, but I hope I'll win him over."
Harry shrugged and smiled. "Well, keep showing them your best side and you'll manage it. Good luck!" With that, he rushed out the door. Dudley smiled, set his helmet on his head, and walked outside, ignoring Petunia yelling for him to come back since the dishes hadn't been done.
Splitting up at the corner, Harry waited at the bench for about ten minutes. At that point, Ginny-Guinevere-emerged from the Knight Bus and hurried over to his side, pulling the ruby Potter ring out of her pocket and sliding it onto her finger. She was dressed in muggle clothes that Harry had sent her a few days ago. "You've got a meeting!" She said eagerly.
"Yeah. She's meeting us in a coffee shop. I think we've found a good lady to speak with." Harry said as they started walking towards the muggle bus stop. "I mean, I don't think even Dumbledore would meet up in a place like that."
"They think it's beneath them," Guinevere grumbled. Then she smiled. "Well, then we won't be disturbed. Who do you suppose her niece is?"
"I guess we'll find out." Harry said as the bus slowed to a stop just in front of them.
Guinevere spent the entire bus ride staring out the window, watching in utter curiosity as the muggle world flowed past. Harry found her fascination adorable, and he started pointing out various landmarks among this neighbourhood, explaining their purposes and their history. Some of the other bus riders looked oddly at the pair, one of whom was explaining the purpose of parking metres to the other. "Must be sheltered," one adult said to his wife. "Shows in the way she's dressed. A little eccentric."
"Nothing wrong with that." the wife said. "Wonder is precious."
It took about fifteen minutes for the two siblings to reach the coffee shop. Harry lead Guinevere into the shop, ordered a pair of hot chocolates and muffins, and then headed out to the back porch. Waiting there were an older woman and a teenaged girl about Harry's age.
"Mr Potter?" The woman asked. Harry nodded. "Miss Potter?" Guinevere smiled. "Lovely to meet you. Both of you, sit." The twosome sat down, Guinevere happily sipping her new favourite drink. The older woman offered her hand, which was shaken. "Yes. You must be Lenore Hydra?"
"Yes." Lenore Hydra was a shorter woman, but there was a strength and intensity to her eyes that easily made up for lack of physical intimidation. She had dark blonde hair, hazel brown eyes and pale skin. She was dressed in a black suit with a white undershirt, black pants and slightly raised heels. She had placed a bag on the table next to her elbow. "Harry Potter, Guinevere Potter, this is my niece, Ayla Hydra."
Ayla raised her head and offered her hand to Harry, who shook it and eyed her curiously. She had shoulder length, platinum blonde hair that fell down just past her shoulders. Her eyes were an intense icy blue, framed by a pale, heart shaped face. She was dressed in a black shirt, blue jeans and running shoes. She was wearing a diamond studded bracelet.
"Hello," Harry said. "I hope I don't seem rude, but I'm surprised you're joining us here."
"There's good time for that." Lenore promised. "First, shall we start talking business?"
Harry nodded, before taking out one of his briefcases. He removed the contract filed by Dumbledore and Percy Weasley and placed it on the table. "Albus Dumbledore signed this contract without speaking to me," He said. "He's arranging for me to marry my younger sister. I can't say if Percy or the Weasleys knew the truth, but Dumbledore certainly does."
Ayla gagged. Lenore gave her niece a mild look before letting out a clipped sigh. "That sounds like him." When Harry gave her a surprised look, she said, "Dumbledore champions for muggleborns, but he allows people like Malfoy, Goyle and Nott to walk free. I'm familiar with him and what he's really like, never you fear."
"We want it voided." Harry said firmly. "I will not marry my sister." Guinevere nodded fiercely in agreement.
Lenore nodded. "I can handle that." She said, handing a paper and pen to Harry. "It's a sworn statement, just sign it and I'll handle the rest. I imagine we want all of this done confidentially. Seal it with your rings to make everything official."
Slowly Harry did as he was told. Lenore eyed him handwriting. "You haven't done much of this, have you?" She asked.
"He's never taken advantage of his status," Ayla told her aunt. "I was pretty sure he didn't even know about it until recently."
"That's true." Harry said. "I never cared much about the pure blood politics, since I always associated it with Draco Malfoy."
Ayla hissed at the boy's name. Lenore's eyes narrowed slightly. "Hm. That would turn anyone off. And it cannot be denied that the system has been corrupt and self serving for several decades now. It is like a Monarchy of the modern day."
"Monarchy?" Harry asked.
Ayla smiled a bit. "There's a couple history books buried in the back of the Black library that could tell you more about that." She said. "A few titles include The Potter Monarchy, Atlantis, and Mu's Gates. It's a certainty they're still there."
"Afterwards, Ayla." Lenore chided, before returning her attention to her clients. "You must have other questions, since we still have time on the table..."
"I want to talk about emancipation for myself and Guinevere." Harry said firmly. He pulled out his parent's will. "This is my parents' real will; it was sealed and replaced with a forgery that named Albus Dumbledore my guardian. Now that my g-godfather has died, I want to be emancipated. That man has done enough."
"Hmm." Lenore thought for a moment.
"Is it possible?" Guinevere asked.
"There is precedent for it." Lenore responded with a small smile. "Mr Potter, in your fourth year at Hogwarts you competed in the Tri Wizard Tournament."
"I was forced to." Harry agreed.
Lenore waved a hand. "Be that as it may, you participated in it, you cleared it, and you survived – at fourteen, despite the age restriction listing at eighteen. You fought as an adult and survived as an adult in the eyes of the Goblet's magic. As that was a binding magical contract -" Harry scowled. "-yes, I understand, I would have been furious in your position too – it is within your power to be recognized as an adult. As for your sister, technically she's a part of your household. Emancipation for you makes you the head of the Potter/Peverell household, so she would become your responsibility."
"I...I see."
Lenore smiled, and gave Harry more papers. Once they were signed, Harry said, "When I was speaking with my account manager, he said that the Potters had a family business. Can you tell me more?"
"Oh yes. The Potter family is the biggest titan in the potions industry just about anywhere," Lenore said airily. "You are a very rich pair, you know. Probably richer than the Malfoys, at this rate."
Harry took a deep breath. "Again, this is the first time I've heard of this. In the false will, my supposed guardian was granted considerable control over it. I would like you to look into our assets and see if there are any irregularities."
Lenore raised an eyebrow as she examined the real will again. "I see. That would explain a lot. Yes, I will investigate for you. There will be a bigger fee, but I'm sure that's negligible for you." Harry smiled wryly while Guinevere chuckled. They were both remembering the trove they had discovered in the family vault.
"Good. Thank you." Harry said in relief. He sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I'm going to need a lot more headache medicine in the days to come..."
"You'll go mad trying to manage it all by yourself." Lenore informed him. "It would be wise to spread it around once you're back in charge of the family industry."
"I have another important question, again under important confidentiality. It is about the Right of Conquest." Harry said, taking out the box and opening it. He took out the silver and emerald rings and placed them in the middle of the table. "I was told...the family legacies of Gaunt and Slytherin have passed to me due to my defeats of Voldemort."
Lenore stared at him for a minute. Ayla reacted first – bursting out into massive laughter. Harry looked at her with confusion until the silver blonde recovered. "Oh...my lord. You really did it. Hahaha!" She shook her head. "Suck on that, daddy!"
"Ayla," Lenore chided, but Harry's eyes widened.
"D-Daddy?" Guinevere asked uncertainly. "Who are you referring to?"
Ayla glanced at Lenore, who had a slightly conflicted expression. "C'mon, auntie." she said, looking a little excited. "We're already in deep with them. If we're going to fight on their side, they might as well know everything."
Harry slowly raised one finger and pointed it at her. "I like you. A lot. You've just got yourself a lot of points in my book. What is 'everything'?"
The blonde grinned. "My full name, had I not been disavowed by the man, would have been Ayla Hydra Malfoy." Ayla told the two. "I can see you're surprised. But before you react, let me tell you that I'm not a pure blood. I'm a half blood, by a muggle woman."
"When Narcissa was pregnant with Draco Malfoy, she refused to have sex with her husband. She thought that it might damage the baby." Lenore explained reluctantly. "So Lucius brainwashed some muggle woman to entertain him until she got pregnant."
"Luckily for me," Ayla said dryly, as though she didn't really think it was that lucky, "Lucius didn't want to risk laying a hand on his progeny – even one by a muggle woman. So he let my mother go and gave her a stipend on which to raise me, under her maiden name of course. He ensured I would get good education, 'so I may not disgrace him'." Her eyes narrowed. "You can trust this, Harry Potter – I hate Draco and Lucius as much as you do. If not more."
"Huh." Harry said, frowning. "You know, that sounds like something Lucius might do. He thinks that being a Malfoy means he can do whatever he feels he can."
"Indeed." Ayla said darkly.
Lenore coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to her. "Of course. The man who called himself 'Flight from Death' claimed to be the Heir of Slytherin. If you defeated him, then you've won the Slytherin house from him."
"There's some irony for you," Harry muttered. "The Golden Gryffindor is the Heir to Slytherin after all."
"I didn't realize Slytherin still had wealth." Guinevere commented.
"They don't – not really." Lenore said. "Slytherin's real hold on power, was his political might. Since Salazar, Rowena, Godric and Helga built the Ministry together after the Dark Ages, his descendants originally had at least a fourth of the Ministry under their control. Even after the family broke into multiple different houses, Slytherin still has massive power and claim among them. How else would people like Dolores Umbridge in the Ministry?"
"Son of a bitch!" Guinevere spat.
Lenore nodded. "She was in Slytherin when she was at school. Thanks to Flight-from-death's corruption of that house, there have been more people like her ending up in the Ministry – not because they deserve it, but because they're welcomed there for being associated with the House."
"So, if I were to take control of that house, I could kick her out?" Harry asked hopefully.
Lenore gave him a calculated look. "Yes, but you would have to revive the house, and prepare heirs to it in order to bring back its power in the public eye. To take on the name, you would need a wife and a matriarch for that house."
"Wha?!"
"But before we get into that black hole of a subject, let's talk about the Gaunts." Lenore said. "The Gaunts, I believe, were a branch family of Slytherin. The line ended after Merope Gaunt's death. She had fallen in love with a muggle named with Thomas Riddle."
Harry jerked in his seat. Guinevere gave him a quick sideways look. Lenore blinked. "Later," Harry said. "it's a conversation for later."
"Alright...well, they're a Slytherin branch family. Most of their wealth was squandered, but their sealed vaults supposedly have many secrets of Dark Magic. I would only go in there with extreme discretion." Lenore warned them.
"Right." Harry twitched his fingers between the Peverell, Potter and Black rings. "Now...one last thing for today..." He took out the two marriage contracts that his mother had left for him and placed them on the table.
Lenore looked between them and clicked her tongue. "Your mother had a good understanding about how our world worked. Then again, Lily was pretty smart in almost everything she touched. She was a good woman. I knew her in passing at Hogwarts."
"But...it's more than one marriage." Harry said uncertainly.
"And you have more than one House who's future relies on you." Lenore responded simply. "To ensure their continuation, they need children bearing the house's name – preferably, more than one child for each house. One wife couldn't possibly provide that, and to revive the house at all, it would need a Martiarch. She would have influence over the house whenever you are busy or distracted, or handling other affairs."
"That's...oddly balanced, considering it's sealed by contract." Harry commented, blinking.
"Now, one of these mentions the Davis family." Harry looked up at the page. "Alys Davis's husband is dead. She's a good person. I recommend you speak to her about this contract, and about her daughter Tracey."
"Wha-but, I can't just show up on her doorstep and say, 'hi! I'm here to marry your daughter!'" Harry protested.
Lenore chuckled. "Yeah, I wouldn't phrase it like that, but Alys will understand the potential power you are wielding. Ayla will show you how to get there. I recommend you give it a chance. Between Tracey and Ayla, they can tutor you on our world's downfalls."
"It's a good idea, Harry." Guinevere whispered. "We're being pulled into this no matter what."
"...Right. I'll go meet her then. Thank you for your time, Miss Hydra."
End Chapter
Whew! That's a lot of paperwork. I hope you guys aren't bothered by that, I just wanted this to flow in a natural way rather than immeidately handing Harry and Ginny all the keys they need.
Read and Review please!