Notes: I do not own Harry Potter that right belongs to JKR. Thank you to those who have been reviewing it's a great help. Let me know what you think of this chapter.
Chapter 4
When Secret's Come
Warmth was all that was felt in the early morning at Longbottom Manor. Sunrays cascaded over the large bed in Harry's room. The soft speckles of dust shimmered in the morning light like glitter. Harry hummed as he turned over in his bed, blurry vision only able to capture the smudges of light. Smiling small, he stretched but stopped as his hand found fur, and warmth. Blinking, he felt the being in his blindness and found a rather large black dog next to him. He chuckled "Padfoot get up," he grumbled shoving the poor beast which huffed and whined in exasperation.
Within seconds Harry was being stomped into the bed by obnoxious paws pouncing on him. "OOFF get off Pads!" He hissed and rolled over onto his back as he began to playfight with his dogfather.
"How are you so energetic now?" He grunted as erratic paws jabbed into his chest pushing him back into the bed.
"OI YOU MANGY MUTT!" he hissed pushing Padfoot off the bed and standing up as to gain some stability. What he didn't consider was that padfoot would now have the ability to run. Which he took full advantage of leaping at Harry, paws slammed into his chest as hot dog breath assaulted his nose and a wet tongue slobbered all over his face.
"FOR MERLINS SAKE" Harry shouted. Soon he gave up fighting and he Dog-father laid proudly on his chest panting. Harry looked at him in complete exasperation "You do realize that today is Gringotts day? That I need to be dressed and ready to leave within an hour." He grunted as the weight on his body shifted and two big black eyes stared into his face drool dripping down from a very toothy snout. With one last lick and yip Padfoot got off the bed before bounding across the room and out the door.
Harry shook his head and quickly made his way into his bathroom and took a quick shower. Walking to his wardrobe not 10 minutes later he pulled out yet another set of wizard's robes, these were in a deep emerald color, he shifted the black vest to sit right on his chest before he began to try to tackle the monstrosity that was his hair. Once he felt it was sorted enough, he made his way down the hall and into the family den where breakfast was being served and Lady Longbottom was in what Harry could only say was a passionate discussion of Politics with Remus.
Taking his seat next to Neville who handed him a cup of steaming coffee, he smiled gratefully at his friend who nodded back quietly before returning to his own breakfast. Harry soon tucked in and laughed at the banter between Remus and Lady Longbottom both of which looked as though they were about to exchange passionate blows.
After about five minutes Sirius came into the room, a wolfish grin on his face as he sat down across from Harry who glared at him. Sirius laughed when Harry threw a roll at him causing Lady Longbottom to stop her debate and scold him "Potter we do not throw food at this table" She spoke most severely causing Sirius to double over in laughter as Harry's cheeks took on a reddish hue.
"Sorry Ma'am" He muttered earning him a nod from her as he went back to quietly eating his food. Checking the clock on the wall it was almost half past 7 when they finished and began to get their coats.
"Remember Harry they are trying to help, goblins although strong creatures are sensitive to insult. So, in greeting them treat them as though they are important. Also, when being excused or dismissed a common respectful saying to them is May your Coffers overflow and your Enemies bleed. They in turn will respond to you with their exiting passage."
Lady Longbottom pressed her hand on Harry's shoulder as his nervous eyes met hers. "No harm will come to you," She whispered softly hugging him gently to calm him before she made her way past them and to the floo.
"We are flooing to the Leaky Cauldron. Neville, Harry you first." Grabbing the floo pot she held it out to them, each took a small handful before throwing it down and shouting their destination.
Harry grunted as his feet hit solid ground and Neville grabbed him to keep him steady while also moving them out of the fireplace quickly, so they weren't in the way. "I love magic, but I hate traveling by it." Harry muttered, causing Neville to laugh as he dusted them off.
"It will get better with practice" Neville answered shaking his head as he gave Harry a once over before looking back at the fireplace in time to see his Gran followed by Sirius and Remus. Only Sirius wasn't his normal self, instead he was in full Animagus form.
"So that's what he looks like," Neville whispered shaking his head in amusement as he stared at a large black dog.
They all made their way to the back of the Leaky Cauldron, turning to Harry, Lady Longbottom waved her wand and he shivered as he felt a wave of magic wash over him making him feel cold and heavy.
"Sorry my dear boy but I want to keep you safe. We don't need anyone noticing that you aren't in Surry." She smiled softly before she tapped the bricks in the correct order, within moments the brick wall began to rearrange and form into an opening.
Harry smiled wide, falling in love with magic yet again as the secret world of Diagon Alley was revealed to him again. Walking through as a group, and making sure Padfoot was close, the small party made their way up the alley to Gringotts, which was at the end. When they got to the steps Harry took a deep breath and rolled his shoulders. After a moment they made their way through the door and into the grand entrance hall. Goblins at their desks on either side of the room counting gold, gems and so much more. The white and black marble lined with gold adorned the floor as they made their way to the front podium.
When they got to the front Harry pulled the letter from his pocket.
The goblin Griphook, who was at the podium, looked down at them and revealed his sharp and pointy teeth "Yes?" he asked gruffly.
Harry smiled small and bowed before handing over the letter that had the Official seal of Gringotts explaining the meeting.
Quietly Griphook read the letter and then got down from the podium, "Come with me" He grunted and began to walk off.
"Thank you Master Griphook" Harry spoke loud enough for Griphook to hear. This caused the goblin to stop and turn, looking at him with an expression of shock on his face. He seemed to very quickly shake it off before he continued walking.
Never had he met a wizard who one, remembered him and two, treated him with respect. Walking down the hall to the left it took them to the Family accountants. The doors were large from floor to ceiling. In the center of each door was a plaque. They stopped at a very intricately carved door. The name plaque just said Warwick. Griphook knocked on the door before letting himself in the room, the small group waited outside before the door opened again and were waved in. Once in the room the glamour that had been placed on Harry fell. He shivered in relief before looking at the three goblins in the room.
"Good morning, Master Goblins." He bowed, dropping his head a little showing that in their presence he was willing to be a little vulnerable.
The silence in the room was palpable.
"Mr. Potter welcome to Gringotts Wizarding bank of London. I appreciate your punctuality and the respect that you have shown me and those in this room. I would like you all to take a seat. Also, Mister Black please return to your human form, it will make speaking to you easier." Warwick stated before he took his seat behind his desk.
"Thank you, Master Warwick," Harry spoke bowing again before turning and bowing at Griphook.
"May your Coffers overflow and your enemies bleed." Harry smiled small as he straightened up.
"And may your gold run and your adversaries know fear." Griphook responded in kind bowing out.
Warwick and his assistant stood as if waiting for something to happen. Harry coughed awkwardly, "Sorry I am new to this part. Hello, I am Harry James Potter, the lovely woman to my right here is Lady Longbottom, the young gentleman beside me is Neville Longbottom her Heir and then you have Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice." Harry bowed again and rolled his shoulders a little as he stood back up.
"I am Warwick Galdbut and the goblin behind me is my assistant Hopper. He does as he is directed." Warwick stated gruffly his voice like deep gravel. Waving his hand three more chairs appeared in front of the large desk.
With this they all began to move. Sirius swiftly morphed back into his human self and sat next to Remus with Neville and Harry in the middle and Lady Longbottom to Harry's right. Harry took a deep breath and tried to relax in the seat he had taken.
As everyone got comfortable the Master Goblin began to pull things from his large desk. The first was a silver dagger, the second was a black and silver box that had three dips in the center of it. Outside of this there was nothing notable about the box.
"Mr. Potter, for us to continue we need to verify who you are. To do this you will prick your finger, you will put three drops of blood into each circle, once this is done your linage will be documented on the enchanted parchment inside of the box. Blood does not lie." Warwick looked at him and in turn Harry nodded.
Sliding forward in his chair he grabbed the goblin blade gently and quickly nicked his left pointer finger. Being careful not to waste any of his blood he began to do what he had been directed to do. Once he was done, they watched as the box seemingly absorbed his blood, after a few moments there was a bright golden glow and hum of magic.
Warwick waited another moment before he opened the lid of the box and pulled out a rather long parchment. Glancing over it he grinned wolfishly before removing the box and laying the parchment down flat using heavy weights to keep it in place.
"This Mr. Potter is your entire family lineage dating back to before the Sacred Twenty – Eight. This also includes houses you have gained by conquest. The reason those are included with your blood test is because of ancient magic that even my king cannot explain."
Harry's hand was currently being tended to by Lady Longbottom as he looked from her back to Warwick and slid forward a little in his seat to get a closer look.
It was there, solid proof that his family had once existed outside of just himself. That he was not always as alone as he felt. Standing up Harry took a closer look at each name, drinking it into his memory hoping that he would never forget.
"May I have a copy of this please?" He asked softly gently touching the edges of the parchment like it would vanish before his eyes.
Warwick was slightly taken aback by the young wizard's request but thought better of commentating.
"Yes Mr. Potter, we can get you a copy before you leave for the day. I want you to be aware that today will be a rather long day. We will be going over all the accounts from the audit, your parents' will and testament, the legality of the Triwizard Tournament and what it means to you and finally the Lordships you are an heir to." Warwick began to pull out stacks of papers as well as four boxes of similar size but different decoration.
"Can we start with the Legality of the Triwizard Tournament?" Harry asked as he didn't really understand the issue with the tournament other than the fact that he had never wanted to be a part of it and two, Cedric almost died at the hands of Pettigrew.
"If that is where you would like to begin that is where we will start. Here with me I have the official rules and regulations for the 1994 Tournament. I have read all of it and it has been made very clear that in order to compete you must be of age."
"Could you please tell me all the adults in the room when it was determined that you would be competing?" Warwick asked, grabbing a sheet of parchment and a quill.
Harry hesitated for a moment before looking at Augusta who nodded at him to answer.
"Albus Dumbledore, Barty Crouch, Ludo Bagman, Madame Maxime, Igor Karkroff as well as Severus Snape and who we thought at the time was Alastair Moody but was Barty Crouch Jr." He finished speaking looking at Warwick who seemed to be smiling most viciously.
"Wonderful, three members of government including but not limited to the Supreme Mugwump of the international confederation of Wizards and the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. As well as the Head of International Magical Cooperation and Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. This means that high ranking members of your government agreed both privately and quite publicly that you were of age and by their own laws makes you free." It was like the room had become still, like there was nothing, dead silence.
Harry looked at Augusta who looked a little shocked. "Do you mean to say that once we leave here today Harry will be a Lord?" she asked looking quite stunned.
"If Heir Potter so chooses but he need not take them until he is ready. But to get to the underlining meaning, Mr. Potter will be emancipated by the end of this conversation, if he signs the documents required."
Harry stared at him for a moment, completely taken by surprise. At first, he was sure that Warwick was going to say what they made him do was illegal but to find that he could be set free by this oversight was everything.
"What do I need to sign?" he asked, looking from Lady Longbottom to Warwick.
Warwick snapped his teeth together and shuffled a few documents around before grabbing a black quill with a gold tip. "This is a blood quill; we only use them here to sign important magical documents and contracts. It will not harm you the way that dark ones have been used to harm in the past."
Warwick set up the documents and handed the quill to Harry. Once he had taken the quill the Master goblin began to point out where he needed to sign. After signing, Harry beamed, and laughed a little as he set down the quill.
Warwick pulled the papers together and stamped them with the official seal and mark of Gringotts. Warwick placed the papers in a drawer and a wooshing sound could be heard seconds later.
"They have been filed, by the time anyone notices there will be nothing they can do." Warwick sat back in his chair clasping his hands together and rested them on the desk.
"So, what do we do next?" Harry asked, not really sure where they would go from here.
Warwick grabbed a very large stack of documents and slid four distinct boxes and 1 smaller box that seemed to capture Sirius's attention although he remained quiet.
"This will be the longest part of our meeting, to begin rightly you are indeed Harry James Potter Black. I will get to the Black part in a moment. As you have already seen you have a rather long Lineage you belong to House Potter by Birthright, House Peverell by Birthright, Gryffindor by birthright, Gaunt by conquest, Slytherin by conquest, and Gryffindor by birthright. Soon to be Lord Black named you his Heir when you were a baby so you will continue to be until he has a child of his own or names a new heir."
"Before you ask, by conquest means you defeated the heir to that family and in doing so have earned their house title, vaults and other things such as property.
Do you have any questions so far about the information I have just told you?" Warwick asked looking over at Harry making eye contact.
Harry's mouth was slightly opened as everything sank in. He was an Heir to not one but seven houses. After a moment Neville leaned into him and pushed his mouth closed gently "You don't want to catch flies," He snorted in Harry's ear causing him to turn and glare at his friend.
"Oh, piss off." He whispered before looking back at Warwick.
"So, what does this mean?" Harry asked, looking at Warwick.
Before Warwick could speak Lady Longbottom began spoke up, "It means that you will be the head of seven households, four of which hold seats in the Wizengamot. Your Godfather can teach you those rules and procedures. Slytherin and Gryffindor, although both Ancient and Noble, have not had seats in the House of Lords for many centuries, this due in part because Salazar- who founded the Wizengamot- did not want the founders of Hogwarts to have too much power over government keeping, them separate. Please correct me if I am wrong but it means that House Gryffindor and Slytherin will only be Ancestorial Lordships." She finished as Hopper came in with a tea tray and sandwiches.
Warwick seemed to nod before looking over at Harry, "I knew your grandfather Charlus, he and I became friends of sorts, one of the only wizards I have ever truly called a friend. Mr. Potter, the road before you is a long one, you can make great changes if you know who to surround yourself by. You remind me of your grandfather more than your father. There is an air about you... Once you take up even one of these Lordships there will be nothing that can take it away from you. No Ministry official, no Great Wizard. No one. Each of these boxes holds a ring that belongs to each family, this does not include your Heir Black. You will receive that last. All of these rings must accept you as their keepers." Warwick paused and took a sip of his tea as he adjusted in his throne like chair. He gave them all a moment to digest what was being said.
Harry stood for a moment and walked behind the chairs; he took a moment to pace before Sirius walked over to him.
"I know this is a lot Harry, and in truth I believe this is the least shocking thing you will discover today. If you need to step out, I am sure the Master Goblin will not begrudge you a moment." Sirius spoke looking into his godsons' eyes concern dripping in every word he spoke. This was a lot of information, a lot of responsibility for just a nearly Fifteen-year-old. But in all honesty, it was nothing in comparison to what Harry had already faced in his short life.
Harry looked into his godfather's eyes and sighed, "I need to do this, to be free from the Dursleys, Dumbledore... to live a life of my own without being controlled. I'm just overwhelmed at the moment." He muttered and ran a hand through his rather unruly hair. Shaking his head, he walked back over to Warwick's desk and stood before five boxes. Each one of them remarkably different than the others.
"What do I need to do?" Harry asked looking up at the Master Goblin.
"Each box will only unlock to both your magic and blood; it is the ways of old. Simply place your hand on each of the boxes, if successful it will prick you, glow and open, if not we have a medi goblin on standby to hopefully reverse the effects of rejection. Though I doubt they will be needed in this case." Warwick gave a very wide sharp tooth smile.
Harry nodded and started with a very Ancient looking box.
"That is the Peverell Box" Warwick explained.
The box itself was a rather deep blue, intricately carved with Celtic design, a large calligraphic P in the middle of the box. The room as completely silent as Harry slid his right hand over the box feeling the design beneath his fingers. Within seconds he felt a slight prick on his hand and then felt the hum of magic surge through the box, the box clicked but rather than opening when Harry pulled his hand away in the center of the box where the P once sat was a gold ring.
Picking it up Harry felt a force surge through him, and he could hear an audible gasp as the ring glowed a brilliant blue before it died down.
"Family magic." He heard Sirius mutter to someone behind him, but he cared not as he took in the details of the gold ring. There was a pale purple stone set in the center of the ring, in the middle of the stone there was a P embedded in silver. The house crest was set into one side of the ring while on the other a symbol he had never seen before. He would ask about it another time. Harry noticed there was a latin engraving on the inside band that he could only assume was the old family motto, breathing deeply he slid it on his left ring finger.
"I believe they will self-adjust and maybe even join into one as you get through each box, I am not certain though." Warwick spoke, bringing Harry out of his own.
Harry nodded and looked at the next box much of the same happened as it did with the first. This was the Potter box; it was a deep mahogany box with a gold stag in the center. Once the ring was revealed Harry was taken aback by how simple the Potter ring seemed. It was a silver ring with the Potter crest inlayed with a ruby in the center of the ring, the Potter family Motto etched into the band of the ring.
Harry slid the ring on his left ring finger and felt it adjust and then watched in fascination as the two rings merged but he chose not to focus on it too long as he had a few more boxes to get through.
Moving onto the third box it was a brilliant silver with a silver S in the center, but this box had snakes carved into it in elaborate detail, their eyes marked by bright emerald jewels as they came together in the center hugging the S.
When this box opened for Harry the Lord ring of the Slytherin line sat inside, it was made of silver with a thick band. Two snakes were etched into the band, the heads meeting at the top with trademark emeralds for eyes. The tails wrapped around the Slytherin Family crest on the bottom on the band, the family motto on the inner lip. Harry found this ring rather beautiful. It was clearly hand crafted and very old as there wasn't a large rock in the center of the ring just the small 4 emeralds that created the eyes of the snakes.
When Harry got to the next box it was red with gold lions etched all over the box with a large G in the middle. Harry placed his hand on the box and hissed in pain as he was jabbed harshly in the hand. Pulling back his hand he was taken aback by how large the injury to his hand was, it was like he had been sliced rather than pricked. Blood pooled in his palm, Lady Longbottom stood and took his hand cleaning away the blood with a flick of her wand she then healed him in her next movement.
The Gryffindor box seemed to glow a brilliant gold, it distracted Harry as a lowed hum of magic filled the room as the box opened revealing an elaborate ring made of Goblin silver, there were two lions etched on either side of the band, paws coming up to hold a ruby in place. Their tails curving down to the bottom of the band and entwining together. In the band was another Latin Motto that Harry did not know.
When Harry slid this ring on, he felt different as it morphed with the other three. He felt taller, stronger...He wondered briefly if each ring had family magic that added to him each time, he put one on, but he chose not to dwell on the thought
Finally, he came to the last box, but this time Sirus was standing next to him as Lady Longbottom took her leave back to her seat. This box was onyx black, glittering just barely in the light of the room. Greenish ivy was carved into the box.
As he stood beside him, Sirius spoke before he could touch the box, "This is my family box, this is your heir ring from the Black family. With it comes family magic, it will envelope you, with it you will gain knowledge of every Black property, you will have access to the Heir Vault. You will be able to detect poisons with your ring as it will grow cold when a drink or food you touch is poisoned. It will also protect you from mind magics." Sirius explained as Harry once again placed a hand on a box and hissed as his hand was once again pricked.
The box glowed a soft green before it too opened like the others. When the Signet ring was revealed it too like many were made of silver, but engraved in the center was the black family coat of arms. The surface was inlaid with black tourmaline stones in the crest. Gently, Harry took the last ring and placed it on his left hand and watched as it also morphed into the others.
Harry was startled as he began to feel really warm, a rush of magic ran through him, he began to panic as he was unable to move or do anything. He felt as though he was going to explode, pressure building in his chest as he looked at his Godfather in fear. He screamed in pain as the magic seemingly burst from him, blowing away from him.
Sirus tried to grab his godson but was thrown back by the blast of magic. Those who had been sitting were pushed in their chairs to the other side of the room. When Harry crumbled to the floor that is when their panic ensued.
The room was silent for but a moment before Neville cried out for Harry. No longer caring about decorum, he rushed to his friend, grabbing him and rolling him onto his back. "Harry! HARRY open your eyes!" Neville half shouted as he gently tapped Harry's face pulling his head and upper torso onto his legs. Sirus came next as did the other two.
Warwick looked pointedly at Hopper who nodded and left the room to get the Medi Goblin. Once he had returned with her Warwick relaxed a little. The young lord was likely magically exhausted due to taking on so many roles but there may be more to it.
Gnotterm made her way to her charge where she knelt down with the others. Quickly she began to work but after a moment abruptly stopped her head snapping to Warwick and snarled in Gobbldegook "It is covered in Dark magic, you allow it in here?"
Warwick was shocked and moved closer, "What do you mean?" he asked her.
"I mean that there is another soul leaching from him. Attached to this scar" she pointed to Harry's forehead which to everyone else's shock was bleeding. And it had spread, no longer was it just a simple lightning bolt. No instead it looked like a lightning strike. And it spread from Harry's forehead just over his right eye.
The make-shift family stared in irritation, "English please." Sirius snapped which caused the three Goblins to look at him in mild shock.
"My apologies Lord Black, it seems that there is dark magic, a soul, if you will, is attached to Mr. Potter-Black's Scar. I am just learning it myself." Warwick was slightly distracted due to Gnotterm speaking to him quickly and pointedly in Gobbledygook.
"We need to move him to our Medi unit, where the medi goblins will perform a ritual to rid him of the foul thing. For a fee of course. Gnotterm says it is the only way to save him." Warwick stopped speaking abruptly staring at the Medi Goblin in shock.
Very quickly though she got Harry levitated and was moving out of the room through the private corridors of the bank. The family quickly followed her, not sparing a moment for the other two Goblins as they rushed after Harry.
A few moments later they were in an Antechamber. In its center was a stone slab.
Making quick time the Medi Goblin place Harry on the slab, with a flick of her wrist ropes wound their way around his body.
"This ensures he remains safe. They will be removed the moment we are done. You need to remain outside of the ritual circle until this is complete. DO NOT INTERFERE, as it will likely result in your or the boy's death if you do." Once she was finished four other Medi Goblins joined her setting up the ritual circle in tandem.
Within moments everything was completely set up and they began. Gnotterm stood by Harry's head her hands hovering near his face, the other four moved around him and they began chanting as Gnotterm pulled a Moonstone from her robes and pressed it to Harry's scar. As the Gobbledygook chant got louder the air became thin and a wind began to pick up in a room with no windows.
Harry's body convulsed and Neville stepped forward, but he was stopped by a hand on his chest and Sirius looking at him. "Don't!" He whispered. Neville almost listened but Harry cried out causing him to nearly lurch forward. Sirius wrapped his arms around Neville who fought against him. "They are helping him!" He hissed into Nevilles ear.
A black smoke and thick tar like substance began to ooze from Harry's mutilated scar. Harry shook as the moonstone seemingly began to absorb the substance.
There was a loud hum of magic in the air as the ritual continued.
Without warning the moonstone became full and Harry's body relaxed but as it did so there was another pulse of magic, but it was as if it was being snapped into place. Harry began to glow a soft green and blue with red hints. The glow became more prominent for a moment before it began to fade away.
The Goblin placed the now pitch-black moonstone back into her robes. She released the bindings on Harry and took his hand grabbing a magical parchment, she sliced his finger with the dagger usually on her hip and dropped his blood on the parchment and all his medical issues began to appear.
She could tell that this boy had been abused by whomever he had grown up with. She paused as magical blocks began to show on the list, someone was trying to prevent this boy from living his fullest magical life and to her that just wouldn't do.
Waving over another Medi Goblin she pointed out these issues and said goblin began to chant and move close to Harry a soft green taking over his form as the magical blocks were removed one by one.
Gnotterm looked up and saw the family watching them work. "Lord Black come here please," She grunted as she looked back down at the parchment that was already touching the floor listing Harry's ailments.
Sirius didn't hesitate as he let go of Neville and pashed the threshold and into the circle. He knew she wouldn't have summoned him if it had been dangerous to Harry. Within a few long strides he was across the room and next to her in a flash.
"He will need a potion regiment to deal with the malnutrition, there are a few bones that will need to be rebroken and set correctly, also I have had Regnang remove the magical blocks that were placed on him not to mention the compulsion spells. She will also give him three potions that will flush his system of all foreign magic that is not his own, his family or that which he has created. You will need to take the young Lord home as he will likely not wake for several days. When he does wake and is fit to travel you will bring him here immediately. I will tell Warwick why you are leaving. Also, I will have you leave through the floo in his office rather than through the Atrium of the lobby as I am sure you would like to keep this as private as possible."
Sirius nodded, staring down at his very pale godson. He took the list of potions that was being handed to him and folded it placing them in his vest pocket.
With a gentleness he didn't know he still possessed he lifted Harry from the stone slab and carried him in silence following the goblin from the room, not caring who followed and who did not.