Chapter 2
Lineage
The night before Harry had met the house elves when Sirius led him into his old bedroom. The furniture had changed over the years due to a charm Lily had placed on them. They were to grow as he grew, so instead of a crib, a full size dark wooden bed stood in its place. The only thing that remained behind were his baby toys, which he spent a few hours looking at, holding, touching, smiling, and crying over. His baby blankets were the same as well. They all sat silently on top of his dresser, and he didn't feel ashamed when he curled up with one to fall asleep with.
Breakfast the next morning was a chatty one, and it was one of the best Harry had ever remembered. He walked in and was surprised to see the Weasleys back. He didn't expect them until later in the day, but Harry was glad they were there none the less.
"Wotcher Harry." Tonks said with a wink.
"Morning Tonks. I hope you slept well." Harry said.
"Better than I have in a while truthfully." She grinned. "Now that we don't have to worry about that Voldemort fellow. Right straight git that one was."
The twins laughed loudly and Tom's mouth twitched in amusement. "I agree, he was a 'right straight git'." He laughed.
"Speaking of which My Lo…" Snape sighed and started grumbling to himself, but Fred grinned at him.
"You trained the Death Eaters well didn't you?" He laughed.
"Respect earned through fear is never good Fred, but yes I trained them well. Severus don't worry, those times are past. Speak freely please."
"At least he's grumbling and not nervous." George laughed.
"Yes well, Severus has always been one to grumble." Tom said, which made the whole table snort.
"Luckily I can't take points from Gryffindor." Snape said with a sneer directed at the twins, but his eyes betrayed him. He was trying not to laugh. "As I was saying Tom," He said with a slight satisfied smile. "What is to be done with the Death Eaters?"
"Well I thought a lot about it last night and I have decided to do nothing. They know I'm back and have regained my body, and they know I'm still alive because the mark is still black. I want to mess with their heads and keep them on their toes. They will no doubt wonder what happened to me, and the fact that I have no contact with them will drive them mad, but they will never see me again. I have no use for them. They are weak minded individuals babbling about pure blood this and pure blood that. For almost forty years I have put up with their intolerable inbred ranting about muggles, muggle borns, half-bloods, and the rest. Personally, I'm glad for the quiet."
"Here, here!" Sirius exclaimed, raising a glass of pumpkin juice.
"Indeed." Tom said, raising his own.
"Nevermind the fact they were kissing the butt of a half-blood themselves." Bill snorted.
Tom laughed. "That has always been a source of amusement for me. Maybe one or two know that I'm a half-blood, but most do not, and the ones that do know won't say anything for fear of being ridiculed."
"Not to mention cursed." Remus said.
Tom nodded. "That too. Can you imagine Bellatrix's reaction at that declaration?"
Sirius snorted. "I'd pay to watch it if she ever found out it was true."
"So what would you have me do?" Severus asked. "One of them is bound to ask me about you."
"Severus, what you do with your life is up to you. Make something up if you wish, or simply say you don't know. It is not my place to command you. It never was, but as we have all learned, most of my past actions were not my own. I never tortured you simply because you are a half-blood like me, and the only one I trusted. I threatened it of course, but I never did it. I knew that during the first war you started to spy on me. I didn't care because if Dumbledore killed me, at least I wouldn't be causing anyone anymore suffering. I especially had respect for you when you asked me to spare Lily's life. No one else would have dared to ask me to spare a muggle-born, but you did. That gained you my trust more than anything. You were in fact my unofficial friend, and I deeply regret having put you in the position I did."
"It's ok." Snape said. "But I have to ask again. Is there anything you'd like me to do? I want to get back at that bastard for what he has done, and if remaining a double spy is what it takes, I'll do it."
"Well since you put it that way, there is a favor I'd ask of you."
"What would that be?" Snape asked eagerly.
"When Harry goes back to Hogwarts, the only other people who know what's going on is Fred and George, but they are in a different year. Harry's 'friends' are being paid by Dumbledore to spy on him. Watch over him. That's all I ask, and Harry please forgive me for asking that. I'm not insinuating that you can't take care of yourself, it's just that one can never be too careful."
"It's ok Tom. I'm thankful. Believe me." Harry nodded.
"I can and will do that Tom." Snape said.
"Why not just do it yourself?" A voice asked from behind him.
Tonks, Mad-Eye, Snape, and Tom leapt out of their chairs with their wands drawn, but everyone else gasped in surprise.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" Mad-Eye demanded. Harry noticed that his magical eye was whirling wildly in its socket trying to find the owner of the voice.
A grinning Death suddenly appeared in front of them. "Hello. Sorry for making you all jump."
"Oh, it's you." Mad-Eye growled. "A little warning next time. Flames, water, something."
"I could do a flooded sink if you like." Death laughed.
"You're lucky he didn't try to hex you." Tonks said, stowing her wand.
"He tried, I didn't let him." Death grinned, but then he turned to Tom. "Hello Tom, I'm Death. They have no doubt mentioned me."
"Yes they have." Tom said, also stowing his wand. "Did you say do it myself?"
Death nodded. "Having a true friend around will ease Harry's worries, not to mention I know that it is something you have wanted to do. I can, if you allow, place a charm on you that will cause anyone who would otherwise recognize you, to not recognize you. It is a slightly modified confundus charm. You will still look like yourself though, so your eyes will be the topic of much gossip."
Tom thought for a moment. "Flaunting myself under Dumbledore's nose and him not even know it? I'd like that very much." He grinned wickedly.
Death took out his scythe and pointed it at Tom. A bright blue hue surrounded him for a moment, then it disappeared.
"It is done, and this will allow you to move around freely as well."
"But won't the hat place me in Slytherin?" Tom asked.
"I can confund the hat on the night of the sorting to place you in Gryffindor. As soon as you go to put it on, you will see me do it, but don't worry, only those in this room can see me. No one else can. You will be a homeschooled half-blood by the name of Tom Ringo…"
"Ringo?" Harry snorted, but then cleared his throat. "Sorry Tom."
"He likes The Beatles." Death said, and Tom looked at him in surprise.
"How…?"
"I'm Death." He laughed. "As I was saying. You will be a homeschooled half-blood by the name of Tom Ringo. You are going to Hogwarts for the first time so you can gain your O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s.
"Is it going to take that long to complete our mission?" Harry asked. "Three years?"
"Possibly. With this amount of change taking place, the waters of this timeline have grown murky. Not even we can tell what is going to happen yet. It will take time for the waters to settle and when they do, we will have a clearer picture."
"Makes sense." Remus said.
"Now, Harry and Tom. I have a gift for both of you. Well more of a surprise really. It's something that pains you both, and I wish to let you know of it. Fate and Destiny have both decided that Cedric Diggory's death was senseless so therefore, I have erased his death from the minds of everyone, except Dumbledore, and I will explain why later. Cedric is currently sitting at home with his parents, eating breakfast, and talking about Quidditch with his father. The only people that know he died is in this room and Dumbledore. Not even Cedric himself knows he died."
"Thank you." Harry said quietly, then he looked at Tom. "I don't know if you know, but Cedric was the one that was killed in the graveyard."
"That was the young man's name?" Tom asked, and Harry nodded. "Thank you. His death has indeed plagued me."
"I know." Death said. "And I know why it had to happen, but as I said, Fate and Destiny has deemed it senseless in the long run. You didn't want it to happen, but that is just how it worked out. Now, Harry something personal for you that I know will make you very happy to hear. Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood are true friends. They have never, nor will ever, be Dumbledore's spies. You will be happy to know that Luna's mother has been brought back the same way Cedric has, and Neville will be receiving a floo call from St. Mungo's at this moment. They are now telling him and his Grandmother that Frank and Alice Longbottom have been miraculously healed."
Several people gasped, and Harry sank to his knees in shock. Remus started to cry, and it looked like even Mad-Eye was trying to keep himself together.
"You should all be aware that Frank and Alice now know about Dumbledore. Expect contact with them in a few days. I made them aware of what is going on. They are shocked to say the least, but they know the truth. However, Harry it is best that Neville nor Luna be told the truth right now. It's not that they won't believe you, it's just best for the both of them. Perhaps in the future they will know."
"I understand." Harry said, as Tom helped him off the floor. "Neville has suffered enough because of Dumbledore. Thank you for what you have done for him, and Luna as well."
"You're welcome Harry, but I have more good news. Dumbledore is currently tearing his office apart, and he just now realized that he has to make a trip to Ollivander's." Death said with a malicious grin. The he pulled something out of the pocket of his robe. "My wand belongs to you."
"The Elder Wand!" Harry gasped. "But how? Why?"
"Because you conquered it in your future past life. Tom, this wand is the reason you were so easily controlled. This wand is the most powerful wand in the world, and it is made from my very own scythe. The fact that you were starting to be able to shake off the imperius curse that was cast by it, says a lot about you. You are indeed a very powerful wizard."
"Well that does explain a lot." Tom said looking at the wand in awe.
"What should I do with it? Surely I can't just walk into Hogwarts and start brandishing it around." Harry said.
"Indeed." Death replied. "My suggestion is to place it here, in the Potter vault. No one can get into it but a Potter. The lock is blood activated."
"I have a vault? Here?" Harry asked looking startled.
Death nodded and laughed. "Yes you do. Any of your elves can show you where it is. Now, with this wand out of Dumbledore's hand, he can be more easily managed, but do not forget that he is still very powerful himself." He warned. "Just a few more things before I go. Bill, the idea you had last night, talk to Harry about it. It will be a very wise thing to do." He grinned. "Harry remember what I said about the Fidelius Charm, and also it would be a good idea to add others and refresh some old charms that are on the manor. Everyone here is trustworthy. No one will betray anyone. That much is clear."
"Yeah. We don't need a repeat." Sirius said dryly.
"No kidding." A few others said.
"Tom, you have been given a second chance. You have been given something akin to a brother." Death said motioning to Harry. "You will have a chance to start a new life. One that will bring you true happiness. I know you are almost seventy years old in your mind, but your body is that of a seventeen year old, and it will grow as such. Replace the last bit of your soul when Dumbledore is defeated. Love your new family like you have always wanted to, because like them or not," He said with a grin. "You're stuck with them."
"As all family is!" Sirius exclaimed, and everyone laughed.
"Enjoy your new life." Death said. "Become the healer you always wanted to be."
"Thank you." Tom said. His voice cracked with emotion as he stared around him. "I will be happy this time."
"I know." Death said with a mysterious smile.
"Does that make Professor Snape his Dad?" George asked, and everyone roared with laughter.
"Wait until my father hears about this!" Fred said.
"Fred, I don't know what's more scary, the thought of Professor Snape being Tom's dad, or the fact that you sounded just like Draco Malfoy." Harry grinned.
"Bloody Gryffindors." Snape grumbled.
"See I told you he grumbles." Tom said, which made everyone laugh even harder.
"Well I must go. You all will see me from time to time though, and I promise to provide a little warning next time. I will also explain the prophecy in the future, because now isn't the right time."
"Death wait." Harry said. "Thank you for giving Hedwig back to me, and thank you for giving her the ability to speak to me."
"You're welcome. It's the least I could do for both of you. That owl was in a right foul mood when she realized she was dead, but she is now happy. As a matter of fact she will be here within the hour."
"Thank you." Harry said. "I also have two other questions. What will happen with the dementor attack, and is Umbridge going to be at Hogwarts again?"
"The dementor attack will still happen. They will attack Dudley and one of his friends, but I will not allow them to be kissed. Without you there it will cause a ruckus that will force the Ministry to investigate. They will still slander you and Dumbledore about Tom's return, but let Dumbledore take the heat. What I want you to do is, start pretending that everything is fine. Cedric doesn't remember what happened. He remembers you and him touching the cup and returning back to the start of the maze. They awarded you the money and him the cup, so start pretending. When Bill explains his idea, and after everything there is settled, then you can renounce the Dursleys as your home, and that will make the blood wards fall. Dumbledore will be driven mad in his attempts to find you. As for Umbridge, yes she will be at Hogwarts again. Give both her and Dumbledore hell this year." He said with an evil grin.
Harry and Fred both groaned. "I was hoping she wouldn't be there, but giving her hell is going to be fun." Harry grinned.
"So just to be clear. You want us to make Dumbledore think he is losing his mind?" Sirius asked.
Death grinned. "Yes, keep undermining him. Say and do little things in his presence that throws him off. I will instill in him a sense of paranoia as well. I will tell you when the time is right to lash out and strike him down. Just keep calm in his presence."
"This is going to be fun." Remus said, with his eyes glinting with mischief.
"What about the Dursleys?" Harry asked. "I just thought about them."
"They have been confunded to think you are there, but when Dumbledore's blood protection spell falls, they will realize that something is wrong. As for the abuse they bestowed on you, they will get their comeuppance. I will personally handle them. Your mother has some very wicked ideas, so let us deal with the Dursleys. You worry about Dumbledore. Is there anything else?" When no one had anymore questions, Death grinned, bowed low, and disappeared from view.
Tom gasped suddenly. "I just remembered Nagini! Oh, she is going to be angry with me."
"Nagini is welcome here. As long as she doesn't bother Hedwig." Harry said, before Tom could ask.
"Or Arthur." Remus and Sirius said together.
"What? Me?" He asked.
"Yeah in my future past life, you get attacked because you were on duty at the Ministry. You were protecting the prophecy. Tom sent Nagini to kill you, but you survived."
"Yeah, Harry here saw it through the horcrux viewing room. He woke up screaming in the middle of the night. McGonagall nearly had a fit." Fred said.
"Well I can assure everyone she won't be a bother, and since Harry can speak Parseltongue, it will only make her happier. She thinks I complain too much." Tom laughed. "I'll go and get her."
"Would you like me to accompany you?" Snape asked.
"It might be a good idea. Yes, if you want to. Thank you Severus."
Tom and Snape apparated away, and the twins, Sirius, Remus, and Harry began to plan things to do to Umbridge and Dumbledore in the upcoming year. Arthur and Bill had to leave, but both said they would be back later that night, and Bill would explain what he had been thinking about. Fred said that this year's pranks are going to be bigger and better, because he remembers what made them work the correct way, so they wouldn't have to waste time with trial and error. Harry even told them they could bypass their mother's eyes and just set up shop somewhere in the manner. The twins were blown away with his offer, but agreed to take it after Fred told George that their Mum had found all the order forms and destroyed them.
When Snape and Tom arrived back, no one except George was surprised by Nagini's size and teeth, and Harry even said hi to her in Parseltongue. She slithered over to him so fast that no one realized she had moved. She wrapped herself around Harry and gave him a gentle squeeze before letting go. Tom, Harry, and Nagini had a ten minute conversation in Parseltongue, and Nagini did confirm that Tom complains too much, which made everyone laugh. After that though, she decided occupy herself by exploring the back garden.
Hedwig also arrived a short time later and was happy to learn that all had went well. She flew around the room, and nipped and hooted happily at everyone before settling down on an owl perch that Harry had found. She was a little startled when Nagini came back though, and her large amber eyes never strayed far off the giant snake.
Harry had found his Mum's old potion room, and showed it to Snape. It was a large brightly lit room just off of the main sitting room. Snape was startled to find that Lily had placed a picture of them on one of the main shelves. It had been taken at Hogwarts sometime during their 4th year, and it showed them to be laughing and smiling at the camera. They were also crossing and uncrossing their arms and making funny faces. Harry told Snape that when he died his mother had told him that she had forgiven Snape, and that she really missed her best friend 'Sev'. He told Snape that it had been Lily's wish that he stay at Potter Manor. Lily wanted him to be happy, and that she wanted the potion room put to good use, because she new Harry was rubbish at potions. It had been the first time Harry had seen Snape get emotional. That night Snape said goodbye to Spinner's End for good, and Severus Snape moved into Potter Manor.
The rest of the day had been spent with Tom teaching everyone how to fly unsupported, and they even tried using the disillusionment charm which ended up working perfectly. They did discover that you had to disillusion yourself first though, otherwise it wouldn't work. Harry loved the feel and thrill it gave him. He soared high over the trees that were on the manor grounds, though it did take some getting used to. It was very different from a broom, and they had to learn how to turn and twist their own bodies to do what they wanted to do. It wasn't hard to learn though, it was just different. Fred and George had almost crashed into each other though, because they didn't see each other. They had been flying with the charm on them, and if it hadn't been for Death's very convenient interference, they'd both be sitting in St. Mungo's. After that, they all decided that it was best to only fly with the charm on if they knew where everyone else was.
Later that night at dinner, Mr. Weasley had told Fred and George that their Mother wanted to know where they were and for them to come home. He reminded them that they were old enough to move out because they were both seventeen though. Harry immediately told them they could live at the Manor, to which they agreed. Bill had also told Harry that he should go to Gringotts as soon as he could. If Dumbledore was stealing his money, the bank could bar Dumbledore access from his vault, so plans were made the next day to go to Diagon Alley.
After dinner they got busy refreshing the muggle repelling charm, as well as placing the Fidelius charm on the house. Harry had placed all their names in a hat and withdrew Tom's name from it, so Tom became the secret keeper for Potter Manor. Death grinned down on the scene as he watched it from his office, and laughed at his own cunning. He knew this would only bring the two closer. Harry and the others also placed several other charms on the Manor and grounds, including making the house unplottable and they also used the caterwauling charm. At least now they would know if an intruder got into the grounds. Using knowledge of their future past lives, they decided to place the Manor and grounds under an anti-apparition charm, with the exception of the foyer. Harry asked Tom about the Dark Mark barrier, and asked him if it could be modified. Tom said it could but they would each need to have something in common, so Harry used Hermione's D.A. coin idea. Tom said that it would work and placed a modified Dark Mark barrier in the foyer doorway that led to the rest of the house. Now if someone managed to get passed the other protective charms and managed to gain entrance into the house, they would need to flash a coin to get access to the rest of the house. It would also give everyone time to apparate to a pre-disclosed place in case the Manor was attacked. Potter Manor and all its inhabitants were now as safe as they could be.
As the day started winding down, Harry sat in the sitting room looking around at all his friends. He started to think about what Death had said to Tom about them being brothers. Then it hit Harry. Tom and he were like brothers. Both had been manipulated and abused by the same man. They were both half-bloods and orphans. Both had been raised by muggles. Even their wands were brothers. They were more alike than Harry had ever realized. Before Dumbledore had interfered with his life, Tom had wanted to be a healer. Harry just wanted to help people, and become an Auror. While it wasn't the same, it both involved saving people from bad things. It dawned on Harry just how messed up their lives had become, and it was all because of one man. Then he got angry, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Dumbledore had stolen both their lives, and he would make the man pay dearly. There was no way he was going to let Dumbledore get away with what he had done.
"Someone really does need to teach you Occlumency Harry." Tom said sitting down next to him. "I can read your thoughts and emotions from across the room."
"Will you teach me?" Harry asked, grateful that Tom had shaken him out of his thoughts.
"I can, but it will take time. Hopefully you can learn by the end of summer, if we get started soon."
"Tomorrow then?" Harry asked. "After I get back from Diagon Alley?"
"We can do that. Now that I have my normal body back, I want to go to Diagon Alley as well. I might as well check the status of my own vault. It won't have much, if anything, in it though." He said with a sigh.
"You didn't take money from your Death Eaters?" Harry asked in surprise.
Tom shook his head. "No, I always demanded they pay for my stuff with their own money. I never wanted to really steal from them. It's kind of weird and I know that, but there was just some things I couldn't bring myself to do. Stealing a man's hard earned money was one of them."
"Well at least you were able to connect with some of your morals when Dumbledore wasn't controlling you."
"Tell me about it."
"What about the Death Eaters you killed willingly? What about them?" Harry asked.
"Well I only killed them when they would kill children. That was something I could never indorse. I wish I could have killed them every time someone innocent was killed, but then I wouldn't have any Death Eaters. But children? No, I wouldn't allow that. Which made it hard for me to go after you. You were just a baby Harry, and I tried so hard…" He said, but his voice started cracking. "Your parents…and you…I just…I'm so sorry."
Harry put his arms around his newfound brother and hugged him. "You're my brother Tom. I know that now. He have each other, and I hope you see it the way I do. My parents told me that they understand. When I died, they asked if you were going to be ok, but Death told them no you wouldn't. They got mad, but they were happy when Death told them I was coming back to change things, and that when we were done, that we both would be happy. They are up there right now watching us. They can hear what we are saying, and I know my mother is crying tears of happiness right now. Trust me Tom. They know it wasn't your fault."
Tom's piercing red eyes met Harry's bright green ones. "Thank you. I think I needed to hear that. I trust you Harry. More than I have trusted anyone in a long time, and yes, we are brothers. We might not be blood related, but we are brothers just the same."
"So what do you say to the two of us, along with some help, kick an old man's pathetic arse?"
Tom's eyes narrowed, and he grinned evilly. "I say let's do it. You're the light magic brother, and I'm the dark magic brother. Let's take that old man down."
"Light magic brother?" Harry laughed.
"Well it seemed to go good at the time." He grinned.
"I like it." Harry laughed, as they shook each other's hands and pulled themselves into a bear hug.
"I feel weird, like someone is going to recognize me." Tom said, looking around as they ate ice cream, and sat outside of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.
"No one knows who you are. Just relax. Bill said he would meet us here soon. I don't want to deal with the goblins by myself. Last time I trusted one, he betrayed me."
"That's why you never trust a goblin." Tom said. "Never trust a goblin because…damn it."
"What?" Harry asked.
"Four words. Blond hair, pointy chin."
"Let me guess. Pure blood bigot that looks constipated?"
Tom snorted. "Yep. Coming right up behind you."
Tom stared down Lucius as he passed by, and it was obvious that he had gotten Lucius's attention, because Lucius flinched and stared at him.
"Can I help you Mr. Malfoy?" Harry asked nonchalantly.
"Ah, Mr. Potter. I see you're not hiding behind your muggle family this summer." Lucius drawled, but glanced nervously at Tom.
"Nah, I figured I would just take a day off and visit the Alley. Have you heard from old Voldyshorts lately?"
Tom, who had just taken a bite of his ice cream, snorted so badly it flew out of his mouth and landed on the table. It sprayed a little bit of ice cream on Lucius's robes.
"Sorry about that." Tom said, flicking his wand at Malfoy's robes. "All clean now." He said, laying his wand down in front of him.
Lucius stared at it, and then glanced at Tom again. Tom raised an eyebrow, but then got a wicked grin on his face, and turned to Harry.
"I should probably save some of this pastry for Nagini, she like pastries more than she likes eating people."
"Really?" Harry asked. "I never would have guessed." Harry glanced at Lucius again, and noticed that Lucius was still staring at Tom. "Mr. Malfoy, I'm sure it says somewhere in the book How to Be a Pure Blood Bigot that staring is not good manners. And speaking of manners, where are mine? This is my friend Tom."
"Hello Lucius." Tom said slowly, and Harry noticed that Lucius shivered slightly.
"I think he notices something familiar about you Tom." Harry said in Parseltongue.
"You think so?" Tom asked in Parseltongue, as Mr. Malfoy's eyes widened even further. "I wonder if Death is letting us play with his head a little."
"Possibly." Harry grinned, but then cleared his throat. "Mr. Malfoy? Are you ok? You look a little off. Maybe you should call Crabbe or Goyle…"
"Mcnair, Avery, Carrow, Yaxley, Nott, or even Wormtail."
"Nah, not the rat, he's useless. Bellatrix would be better." Harry said, as Lucius's eyes flicked back and forth between the two boys.
"Yeah, but she's in Azkaban. Thankfully. Oh, I have a funny story Harry. It involves Mr. Malfoy here, and one Mrs. Bellatrix. Lucius maybe you can help me with the details a little. It was Christmas, and I had ordered the Death Eaters to wreak havoc on a local muggle village. Well Lucius broke in the local spirits store and stole some muggle whiskey, so we all got drunk. I wake up the next morning, and guess who I find sprawled out on the bathroom floor together?"
Harry's eyes went wide in mock surprise. "No!" He gasped. "Bellatrix and Lucius? I wonder what Narcissa thought about that?" Harry grinned.
"Well not much. I used the Cruciatus to wake them up. Horrible I know, but Narcissa thanked me later. I thought it was funny at the time. Still do actually." Tom said with a laugh.
"M-M-My Lor-Lord?" Lucius gasped, as he looked at Tom and backed up a little.
"Mr. Malfoy, how on earth could my friend Tom here be Voldyshorts? He's my age for goodness sakes." Harry said.
"Hey Bill." Tom said, as Bill came up behind Harry.
"Hey guys…Mr. Malfoy." Bill said glancing at him. "You two ok?"
Tom nodded. "Yeah, Lucius thinks I'm Voldyshorts."
Bill tried to hold back a snort, but couldn't. Instead he burst out laughing. "Voldyshorts?"
"Harry's word, but I find it rather amusing." Tom grinned.
Lucius looked at the three of them as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing and hearing. "My Lord? What…"
"Death Eaters are mindless pawns Lucius, and I have always thought you all where the bane of my existence." Tom said coldly, visibly sending shivers down Lucius's spine. He stood up and looked Lucius in the eye. "I am tired of listening to your pure blood bigotry. For over forty years I put up with it, but I won't anymore. You are one of the few who knows I'm a half blood. Yet you still followed me blindly, and I laughed because of it. Pure bloods kissing the feet of a half blood made me laugh. I used you all for my own purposes, but I have changed Lucius. Changed for the better. I have my soul back, and I am a better man for it. I have no use for the Death Eaters anymore, but know this, I can still call you all to me at any moment, and kill you all where you stand. Behave Lucius, behave yourself or die." Tom hissed.
Lucius was shaking from head to foot as he kept one eye on Tom, and the other on Tom's wand. "Y-Yes My Lord. What sh-shall I-I do My Lord?"
"Tell the others what I have said Lucius. Warn them they will die if I catch wind of innocent people getting killed because of their blood status. Harry Potter has helped me more in the last 24 hours than any of you have in forty years. If anyone comes for him they will be killed. And know this Lucius, I will be attending Hogwarts this year. Tell the others to warn their children. Now, get out of my sight." Tom snapped.
If Lucius was pale before, he paled even more when Tom mentioned Hogwarts. "Yes My Lord. I will warn the others My Lord." He said with a slight bow, then turned on his heel and almost ran down the Alley.
"I think that may have got his attention." Bill laughed.
"No kidding. Wonder what the others are going to do?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, but I know they will be looking over their shoulders now. Hopefully that will save some lives. I don't know Death's purpose for that encounter, but I'm glad it happened. If the Death Eaters don't hear from me they may start to kill people, to either one, draw me out, or two see if they can find me."
"Neither is good." Bill said.
"Yeah I know." Tome replied.
"Blimey, I don't think I've ever seen Lucius Malfoy run away from two children before." Mr. Fortescue said with a chuckle, and coming up to them. "I don't know what you said to him son, but I thank you for getting rid of him. Never did like him much. Death Eater scum." He spat. "Would you all like a free pastry?"
"Sure. Thank you Mr. Fortescue."
"You're welcome Harry." He said, handing them three wrapped pastries each. "Don't spoil your dinner now lads." He laughed.
"Thank you sir." Tom said with a chuckle. "We won't."
Bill grinned at them. "You ready Harry?"
"Yeah. Bye Mr. Fortescue." He said with a wave.
"And thank you again." Tom said.
"You're welcome lads. Come back to see me."
Bill, Harry, and Tom nodded and waved, before heading down the Alley towards Gringotts. When they got to the front doors Tom looked around in awe.
"I can't believe it hasn't changed."
"Yeah well, just remember to be polite." Bill warned. "These guys don't play around."
"Yeah no kidding." Harry grumbled.
"I tried to get them on my side, but they wouldn't go for it. Probably a good idea they didn't. I'd have been killed many times over. Bill, what if they know who I really am?"
"They won't care." Bill whispered, as they entered the bank. "All they care about is treasure and gold. They believe that the war was a wizard's problem, and from what I understand, even though some of them were killed by Death Eaters, they hold the Death Eaters responsible. Not you. A goblin's mind works very mysteriously."
"So I don't have to worry?" Tom asked.
"Well, I wouldn't announce who you were, but no, you have nothing to worry about." Bill whispered, then turned as a goblin approached them. "Ah, hello again Griphook."
"Mr. Weasley." He replied with a nod. "Are these the ones you told me about?"
"Yes, they are." Bill said politely.
"Very well. You may all follow me."
They were led through a round golden door that stood behind one of the teller tables, and down a short stone tunnel that sloped down into an office. Several goblin made swords and weapons hung on the wall, and other small trinkets sat on shelves and tables. Griphook took a seat behind a large silver and gold desk.
"Please have a seat." Griphook said, motioning toward the three chairs in front of him. When they were seated Harry noticed Griphook was studying them closely. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley tells me that you think there might be something wrong with your account. Can you elaborate?" He asked stiffly.
"Yes sir." Harry said swallowing nervously. "Please don't think that I blame Gringotts or any of its keepers because of this. I do not hold anyone here at fault. I know that if Gringotts were aware of it, it would have stopped, but I believe Albus Dumbledore has been stealing money from my vault."
"Really?" Griphook asked sitting up straighter in his seat. "And how do you figure that Mr. Potter?"
"Well for one, I know my parents left a will that was witnessed by Dumbledore, and a lot of the things in it Dumbledore has ignored for his own gain. I have a source that tells me he is also stealing, so I would like to put a stop to it."
Griphook snapped his fingers, and a large ledger appeared on his desk. He opened it and frowned as he began studying it.
"It appears you may be correct Mr. Potter. Can you tell me, when was the first time you visited us?"
"It was July 31,1991. That was my eleventh birthday, and the day I found out I was a wizard. My parents died on October 31, 1981, so there should be no transactions between those two dates. I can also give you rough guesses on the other times that I visited to withdraw money."
"Mr. Potter, every wizard that enters a vault is magically tracked, and their name recorded on the vault holder's ledger. Tell me, have you ever authorized Albus Dumbledore to enter your vault?"
"No sir. Nor my parents, to the best of my knowledge."
"Well the only times Albus Dumbledore has entered your vault was after the date your parents died, so I can assure you they didn't. What about Molly Weasley?"
"There was only one time that I know she came here. She offered to get school supplies for me, and she gave me a small sack with roughly 100 galleons to see me through school."
"Well it looks like she too has been here a few more times." Griphook said, and Harry heard Bill groan.
"What about Hermione Granger?"
"Hermione!?" Harry gasped. "I never thought she could get into my vault!" Harry cried, but then sighed and shook his head. "Please forgive me for my outburst sir. I am sorry. No, I never have given her permission."
"And what about Ronald Weasley?"
Harry groaned. "No sir."
"Merlin Harry. You have people left, right, and center helping themselves to your stuff." Tom said.
"Yeah, it appears so." Harry sighed.
"Well Mr. Potter that is all the names I have that have entered your vault. What we can do is ban anyone, except those you personally authorize, from entering your vault. I am assuming you'd like to do that today?" Griphook asked.
"Most certainly."
"Very well, but first I must ask you to prick your finger, and drop some blood on a piece of parchment. It will assure me that you are who you say you are, and then we can go from there. Is this acceptable?"
"Of course sir." Harry nodded.
Griphook snapped his fingers again, and a piece of parchment appeared. Harry took his wand, and by using a severing charm, cut the tip of his finger. He held it over the parchment, and watched in awe as the blood drops expanded and started forming letters. Griphook took the parchment and studied it.
"Mr. Potter, are you aware of your lineage?"
"No sir."
"It appears that you are the heir of Godric Gryffindor, and co-heir of the Peverell holdings."
"I'm sorry?" Harry asked in shock. "I-I did not know that. No sir. Are you sure?" Harry asked in disbelief, and looked at Tom with his mouth hanging open. Tom too looked shocked and stared at Harry.
"Yes Mr. Potter, I'm quite sure. Normally what happens in a case like this is, the youngest assets are absorbed into the oldest assets. So all Potter monies and treasure will be moved to the Gryffindor vault. As for the Peverell holdings, seeing as you are co-heir, the monies and treasure will be divided evenly, and your half will be placed in the Gryffindor vault also. Is this acceptable?"
"Of course sir." Harry said at once.
"Very good. Now if you could, please give me the names of those who you want to authorize access."
Harry sat back and thought a moment. "Ok, there are a few I know of and trust completely. Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Tom Riddle…"
"Harry that's not necessary."
"Shhh, I'm thinking. Besides you're my brother." Harry said, waving him off. "Arthur Weasley, and…Bill what about you? Do you want to be included?"
"Harry that is up to you."
"Ok Bill as well, so, Bill Weasley. And that's all."
"Very well Mr. Potter, it is done. No one but those whom you listed will be able to enter. However, I find it curious that you have Mr. Weasley here and his father listed. If I may, why them and not the others."
Harry looked at Griphook. "Because they won't steal from me." He replied.
"Very well. Now as far as the theft. It will be a few days before I have the total amount that has been stolen calculated. How would you like us to proceed with the thefts that have occurred by Albus Dumbledore?"
"Well I don't really know. I know I want the money back that he stole from me, that's for sure, but I'll leave it up to Gringotts to determine the best way to get it. The only thing I don't want to happen to him is death. I don't care if you have to take every last thing he owns, just don't kill him. I'll deal with him on my own as far as that goes."
Griphook grinned broadly. "Very well Mr. Potter, and the Weasleys?"
"That one is a little bit trickier. The only Weasleys I hold ill will for is Ron and Molly, but none of the others. I don't want anything to happen to the Weasley family vault, but if Ron and Molly have separate ones, then take the stolen money from those. Also, my source tells me that Molly Weasley has a muggle bank account that has some of my stolen money in it. Is there a way for Gringotts to seize that money?"
"There is." The goblin grinned.
"Then I leave that up to Gringotts to retrieve in the best way they see fit. Also, when the total money stolen by Ron and Molly Weasley is added up, I would like to put half of that in a special vault accessible by only Fred and George Weasley. Is this possible to do?"
"It is." Griphook replied with a nod.
"Ok then I'd like to do that."
"And what of Miss Granger's theft?"
"If she has a vault, take the money from that, if not, please notify me and I'll go from there. Both of her parents are muggles, and I don't harbor ill will towards them, nor do I want their muggle bank account touched."
"Very well Mr. Potter. It seems that we have a lot to do in the next few days, and I will be keeping in touch with you and letting you know of our progress. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"No sir, not that I can think of."
"Very well. The vault for Fred and George Weasley will be created, but they will have to come in and claim it to receive their keys. I'm assuming you will inform them of this?"
"Yes, I will let them know sir."
"Very well. After we are done with the investigation, I will notify you of the vaults creation." Griphook said, then he turned to Tom. "Now, Mr. Riddle I understand you also have business with us?"
"Yes, sir. I have not been to my vault in a while, and I have lost my key. I need a new one, and was wondering if that was possible to get."
"It is, but just like Mr. Potter, we have to make sure you are who you say you are. Is this acceptable?"
"Of course." Tom replied, taking out his wand. Griphook slid a piece of parchment toward him, and he used his wand to cut his finger. Once the letters appeared, Griphook took it and began studying it. Griphook suddenly looked up sharply, and his eyes flicked back and forth between Harry and Tom.
"Mr. Riddle, are you aware of your lineage?" He asked.
"I have an idea, but I'm not 100% sure."
"Well it seems you are the heir of Salazar Slytherin, and the other co-heir of the Peverell holdings."
"I figured Slytherin, but not Peverell."
"Very well. Well just like Mr. Potter's, your current vault will be merged with Slytherin's vault, and your share of the Peverell holdings will also be placed in the Slytherin vault. Is this acceptable?"
"Of course sir."
"Very well." Griphook said. He snapped his fingers and another ledger appeared on his desk. "Now, Mr. Riddle," He said opening the ledger. "It seems that you have only yourself authorized to make withdrawals. Is there anyone else you like to add today?"
"Yes sir. Harry Potter and Severus Snape are the only two for now. Perhaps later I'll add more."
"Very well. It is done. Now, for the both of you. Once the vaults have been merged you will be notified of it, along with the balance and a list of the contents. These are extremely old vaults so they do not have keys. It will take a goblin to open them, and because they have no keys, you will need to register your wands. Is this acceptable?"
"Yes sir." They said, handing Griphook their wands.
Griphook took each one, and held them for a moment. A bright yellow glow surrounded each one, and Griphook handed them back.
"That is done. Now, is there anything else I can help you with?"
"No sir." They both said at the same time.
"Very well then. Gringotts thanks you for your patronage. If you will follow me, ill show you the way out."
They followed Griphook back to the surface, and they all bid him good day. Once outside Harry just stood there in shock, letting the day's findings and events catch up with him.