Chapter 5 - Septimus and Ezekial

A slightly hung over Draco woke in the morning to the delectable smell of freshly squeezed orange juice, and pancakes drenched in maple syrup with a side of bacon. A strange combination but it was one that Draco loved dearly.
"The elves have really outdone themselves this morning." Tugging on a nearby pair of black trousers and hooded jumper, Draco sluggishly plodded down the staircase and to the kitchen, feeling too tired to even consider putting on a shirt. Just as Draco was nearing the kitchen doorway Draco heard voices quietly talking. Knowing that there were only two people that those voices could belong to, Draco crept as close to the door as he could without being seen to listen in.

"Really Harry you didn't need to make breakfast for us, it's what the house elves are for."
'It was POTTER making breakfast!'
"It's really the least I could do, I mean after everything the both of you have done for me." Draco grimaced; he could practically hear the two smiling at each other. Draco was about to burst in and break up the nauseating scene, but stopped when he heard Harry speak.
"Thank you though. Really, I didn't deserve it, after everything I did to you, to Draco and your husband. I really don't understand why you're being so hospitable honestly."
Draco heard his mother set down her china teacup; he could recognise that refined clink anywhere. "Harry. You are my guest, and I always treat my guests with my upmost hospitality." She said in a manner of fact tone.
Harry sighed "You know that's not what I mean Narcissa."
It was Narcissa's turn to sigh. "Though our two bloodlines have never gotten on, if it were not for you, we would be under the rule of the Dark Lord right now. Most importantly though, you saved Draco, my little Draconis. More than once, you don't know how much that means to me. It would take a lot for someone to save…someone with allegiances like ours, especially someone like you. I am eternally grateful Harry. If you hadn't done everything you did, we probably wouldn't be here right now. Thank you Harry, thank you for saving us, for saving Draco. Thank you." Draco's breath caught in his throat as he heard his mother's voice crack. He had never heard his mother voice so much emotion in his whole life. Not speaking to him, or his father; to hear such emotion when speaking to Harry Potter shocked him, did this young man really affect his mother in such a way? Did his mother really hold Harry in such high regards just because he saved his life. He may be the Saviour of the Wizarding world, but he knew his mother, she wasn't one to let such titles get to her, she judged a person by their character and nothing else. For her to show such raw emotion…it was astounding to say the least. Draco collected himself before he walked into the kitchen; even though he had just heard the conversation that had just transpired the sight of his mother with her head in her hands, and Harry laying a hand gently on her shoulder was still a surprise.
Hearing his entrance, Narcissa looked up from her hands. "Oh Draconis, I didn't see you come in. Would you like some breakfast dear? Harry has made us some rather fabulous looking breakfast. I told him what your favourite was." She pulled a silken handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed her eyes. "Excuse me boys, I need to go freshen up." Both watched as the teary woman made her way from the kitchen.
Draco sat down in the chair that his mother had just recently vacated. "I've never seen her like that. Not even while he was alive." Draco looked up at Harry. "You really are the bloody boy wonder."
"Draco I…"
"Thank you."
"…what did you just say?"
Draco looked away sheepishly and raked a hand through his hair, a nervous habit that both Draco and Harry shared. "Thank you Harry. I'm no emotional Hufflepuff and I don't like you, but I can at least admit I appreciate what you've done for our family. I don't give a rat's about what you did as the boy-who-wouldn't-die, but for what you have done for our family alone. I…thank you."
Harry looked at Draco, wide-eyed and slack-jawed "…you called me Harry."
Draco felt an angry and embarrassed flush crawl up his neck "That's what you take out of that! That I called you Harry!" Draco jumped up out of his chair and headed for the dining room. "You're unbelievable Potter!" As he passed through the door that led to the dining room Harry heard Draco's voice call out once more "Hurry up Potter! Mother said you made me breakfast!"
Laughing quietly to himself, Harry levitated the plates into the dining room and laid them in front of Draco. Bowing deeply in a sweeping motion, Harry said sarcastically to Draco "Bon appetite Master Draconis."
Draco scowled at Harry "Don't call me that Potter. That name is for my mother and my mother alone. Use it and I will not hesitate to permanently jinx your hair Weasly red!"
"Oooh scary Malfoy, I'm quivering in my robes. Now eat up before it goes cold, I didn't cook this for no reason." Harry sat down opposite Draco and laid his head on the backs on his hands and watched Draco start to eat.
After a few minutes of this, Draco let his silverware clatter nosily to the table. "For Salazar's SAKE! Are you going to do nothing but watch me eat! It's completely disturbing!"
Harry chuckled and started to pile food onto his respective plate and dug into his food, never once taking his eyes off Draco.
"POTTER! Stop-staring-at-ME! And wipe that disgusting grin off of your face!" Draco popped a piece of bacon and pancake into his mouth and swallowed angrily.
"Sorry, I just find it highly amusing that this is your favourite." He said as he waved a hand over the meal.
Draco sneered "Got a problem with it Potter? My tastes have nothing to do with you scarhead!"
"Your favourite foods most certainly have everything to do with me Draco, especially when they are my favourites as well." He said with a laugh.
Draco's fork paused as it was halfway to his mouth "You're kidding."
"Nope." Harry said with a cheeky, gleaming smile.
Rolling his eyes, Draco dropped his discussion with Harry and turned his attention back to his breakfast. The orange juice was squeezed to perfection, not a hint of pulp in sight. The pancakes were all perfect circles; golden brown and slightly crunchy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, and covered with just the right amount of maple syrup. The bacon was crispy and the smell wafted from its cooked flesh. Everything was cooked to perfection and just the way Draco liked it.
"As much as it pains me to say it Potter," Draco placed his cutlery on his empty plate "you make a half decent breakfast."
"Half decent?" Harry cried in mock outrage "You were practically moaning at my fabulous cooking!"
"Fine, it was satisfying Potter. That's as good of a compliment as you're going to get, so don't go fishing for any more!"
Their squabbling was interrupted by an unexpected sound; the laughter of Narcissa Malfoy.
"And I thought you two weren't supposed to get along." She said with a smile.
"WE DON'T!" The two yelled. Harry and Draco simultaneously looked at each other and scowled, and then turned their heads and crossed their arms.
The corners of her mouth rose up as Narcissa rode out the last of her laughter.
"Now as it seems you two are done with breakfast, I shall run you through today's agenda." With a click of her manicured fingers, Nancy appeared and cleared the dishes away.
Sitting down in front of the two young men, Narcissa settled herself into a stern stare.
"Tomorrow morning you will both be going back to Hogwarts. I have already taken the liberty of purchasing both of your supplies for this year." She turned to Harry as she could see that he was about to protest "Think nothing of it Harry, a few school supplies doesn't make the slightest dint in our finances. Now, though I have all of your school supplies…there is one thing we need to go into Diagon Alley for. Namely you Harry." Harry knew where this was going, and he sucked in a breath and waited for her to continue. "I know it might be hard for you Harry, but you know as well as I do that you need a new…another owl aside from Hedwig." Narcissa saw the dark look in Harry's eyes "Harry…" she said calmly "You know Hedwig can't fly. I'm not suggesting you get rid of her, or leave her behind. I've written to the Headmistress and I've been informed that you may keep Hedwig with you; but only if you bring another owl with you to Hogwarts."
Harry sighed and lent back, resting his head on the back of the chair, raking his fine fingers through his hair.
"Fine. When did you want to go?" Narcissa looked at Harry strangely "What?"
"You want us to come with you?" she asked curiously.
"Sure, why not?"
"Harry," Narcissa said gently "you do realise we aren't exactly…at a high social standing right now."
Draco snorted "That's the understatement of the year." Draco turned to Harry "Potter if we are seen outside, we are mobbed to put it lightly. Why do you think I haven't left the manor this whole god damned holiday?" Draco recognised the clueless look in Harry's face "Seriously Potter. Are you that thick? We were Death Eaters! Do you think society would treat us kindly after what we did? After what I did?" Draco all but yelled at him, Harry's naivety clearly irritating him.
"Oh…"
"Exactly Potter. 'Oh'."
Neither Malfoy seemed to notice, the sudden spark that shot through Harry's eyes.
"Hold on a second…" Harry smiled "I don't know why I didn't realise this earlier." Draco shot Harry a sceptical look "Both of you are looking at this from the wrong angle, are you Slytherin or what?" both Malfoy's raised an eyebrow; Harry barely held back his laugh "Really, look at this situation differently. What exactly would be the problem with being seen in public with me?" Narcissa seemed to realise where he was going, Draco however seemed to remain just as clueless; so Harry pressed on "What would be so bad about being seen in public with the-boy-who-lived, saviour of the wizard world!" Harry could no longer contain his grin, especially when he watched the abundance of emotions flit across Draco's face; shock, bemusement, realisation and finally, a purely Slytherin grin.
"You know Potter, if I didn't know any better, I would say we Slytherins are rubbing off on you."
Narcissa clasped her hands together happily "That is rather brilliant Harry." Her gaze suddenly turned cautious "But do you understand what that means for you Harry, the implications of those actions? I doubt it will do you any good to be seen in public with us. You have a reputation to uphold after all Harry, and associating yourself with us would only diminish that."
Harry waved a dismissive hand at Narcissa "Please, I'm the boy-who-lived. What could go wrong?"

Harry was really starting to wonder if inviting the Malfoy's to accompany him to Diagon Alley had been a good idea. Harry was up in his room collecting his keys from his trunk. He decided it would be best to collect both Black and Potter vault keys, as he really should inspect them both. That and he needed to draw out a fair amount of money; he thought it would only be wise to stock up on dreamless sleep potions before he went to Hogwarts. He dreaded the thought of having one of his major episodes in his dorm, having one in front of Draco and Narcissa was humiliating enough. Harry grabbed his keys and placed them safely in the mole skin pouch that Hagrid had given him many moons ago.
Harry – dressed in one of his better robes – left his room and closed the door. Harry walked to the front entrance of the Manor, where – once again – both Malfoy's were already waiting for him; Harry couldn't help but wonder how they always managed to be perfectly punctual. It was uncanny.
"Are you ready to go Harry?" Narcissa asked, she seemed to notice the slight unease apparent in his posture "We don't have to go with you if you don't want us to Harry; you're the only one who really needs to go. It would be entirely understandable if you went on your own. We're only accompanying you because you offered."
Draco snorted "Please! You want to go as much as I do mother, you're as bored as I am being stuck here."
"Draco!" Narcissa barked in a chastising tone.
"It's true." He grumbled.
"I want you to come with me. I feel as cooped up here as the both of you do, so I can sympathise. Plus, I'm gaining something out of this as well." Narcissa narrowed her baby blue eyes. "Don't worry; it's not what you think. You two aren't the only ones that have trouble going outside. When I got off at the platform last year I lost a shoe and my best jacket. It was awful."
"Well now we know fame isn't all its crack up to be, hey Potter." Draco drawled loudly.
"Yeah…it's not." Harry said quietly, brushing his hands down his rumpled clothes "Anyway, shall we go then?"
"Yes I suppose. The sooner the better, the earlier we get there, the less chance we'll have of running into reporters." Narcissa gestured for the boy to come closer to her, extending her delicate, spider like arms. Standing beside her, Draco and Harry grasped her arms. "I'll apparate us just behind Borgin and Burkes, it's an unfavourable apparition point, but we're less likely to be noticed there. Off we go."

With a loud POP, the trio apparated behind the musty, old shop. Wanting to be done as soon as humanly possible, Harry grabbed the attention of the two Malfoy's. "Do you mind if we go to Gringotts first? I want to check a few things out."
Draco rolled his eyes "Are you sure you want us accompanying you to your vault Potter? I don't want you to feel embarrassed when we see how poor you are."
Before Narcissa could get a word in however, Harry replied with a biting retort "I believe there is some wisdom in your words Draco," he said in mock thought "however it would be you feeling the emotion of embarrassment you prick."
"Boys," they turned to the elder witch "this attitude is unbecoming for the both of you. Now I may tolerate your bickering inside my home, but outside I expect the both of you to behave with the upmost mannerisms. I will not have my name further tarnished by being seen in public with two squabbling teenagers! Do I make myself clear?" Her voice held a subtle growl that reminded Harry of a lioness.
Harry and Draco nodded their heads as a sign that they both understood and agreed with Narcissa's words; but not before sending each other a sharp and biting glare.
"Very well then, we might as well be off now, no use putting it off for any longer." She stepped in front of the boys, her dark grey robes billowing in a freakishly Snape manner. "I'll walk ahead of you, less chance of any…troubles." Before either of them could utter a word, Narcissa stepped out onto the stretch of cobblestone that was Diagon Alley.
The reaction was almost instantaneous; the few people that were around – for it was still early in the morn – either scurried into the closest shop or heckled from a safe distance. One man in particular, a wizard in his fifties, decided he had gall to approach the aristocratic witch.
"Lookie what we 'ave 'ere," The man seemed to be slightly intoxicated as he staggered on his feet "someone has let te little Death Eater out of 'er cage at Azkaban by te looks of it!" Narcissa held her ground and stared at the man "Dun look at meh like tha' ya filthy Death Eater scum! You Malfoys," the man spat out her name as if it was a disease on his tongue "hold nah-thang' over us now! Go back te yer bloody hole traitor, where ya belong!" Harry and Draco watched on in horror.
Narcissa continued to stare at the man; it was almost as if she was staring through him. Harry couldn't believe it. In all of his life he had never known a Malfoy to back down from an insult, let alone leave one go unpunished. To see Narcissa be belittled like this was tragically astounding. It wasn't until this moment that Harry started to truly grasp how deeply the war had affected the grand Malfoy status.
Harry felt Draco brush against his shoulder, the young man standing beside him was visibly shaking with rage. His eyes were filled with bloodlust and his hands were clenched into fists; the knuckles just starting to turn a pearly white. Harry knew as well as he did that Draco couldn't do anything, if he stepped in to try to protect his mother and the Malfoy name, the situation would quickly make a turn for the worse. Harry's head snapped back to Narcissa as the man took another step towards her.
"Ya know, t'ere is only one good place fa women like ya, and tha's the Pink Pixi." Harry gasped from within the shadows of the alley way; the Pink Pixi was the most notorious, unsavoury strip club in Knockturn Alley. Not being able to take this for any longer, Harry grabbed Draco's wrist and dragged him into the warm – if apparently unfriendly – light of Diagon Alley.
"Narcissa, we really do need to hurry along if you don't mind. I would like to get to Gringotts before a queue forms." Narcissa turned around and gave Harry a quick, grateful smile.
"Of course, sorry Harry, shall we be off then?" Harry waved his hand, a confirmation.
"Merlin's beard! You're Harry Potter!" Harry turned to the intoxicated wizard with a scathing glare.
"Your talent for stating the obvious astounds me." Not noticing Harry's dry tone, the man continued on.
"Thank Merlin ya here! Ya just te person ta rid us of t'ese Death Eaters!"
"I see no Death Eaters." Harry cocked his head over both shoulders, as if he were looking around.
The man flung his grubby hand toward the Malfoy's "Buh their right t'ere!"
Harry shook his head "I believe you are mistaken sir. I see no Death Eaters around. Currently there is only myself, my two companions and you. Now I hope you aren't insinuating I would partake in the company of Death Eaters." The man shook his head, his sweaty hair flopping about like a fish out of water. "Good. Now if you don't mind, I have thing to do, people to see, and I suggest you take your person back home and sleep off whatever alcohol you've consumed. Oh, and I suggest you don't apparate, don't want to chance a splinching now do we? Good day to you." Before the man could reply to Harry's curt tone, Harry spun on his heel and briskly strode down Diagon Alley, with Narcissa and Draco trailing closely behind him.

By the time Harry had reached the Gringotts building, Draco and Narcissa had managed to catch up to Harry, now standing by his side. Two sets of mouth opened as the trio started to ascend the steps.
"Harry…"
"Potter that was the most Gryffindorkish thing I've ever seen!" Draco stared appraisingly at Harry, with eyes as wide as saucers.
"Draco!"
Harry laughed and put a hand on her arm "It's ok Narcissa," he turned to Draco with a smile "it's probably the nicest thing he's ever said to me."
"Seriously Potter, why would you step in for my mother like that? You didn't need to!" Harry stopped and turned halfway up the stairs to Gringotts with a smile.
For a moment Harry realised how much he was smiling and laughing of late. It was strange since the only people he had seen over the holidays aside from the Dursley's were the Malfoy's. He supposed it was because the war was finally over; but secretly he knew it was more than that.
"That's the thing about us Gryffindor's; we do things for others without being asked. There doesn't need to be an ulterior motive or a reason for a good deed Draco." His expression darkened for a second "Plus, that man was completely unbearable, the way he was talking about you was wrong." Not waiting to see their expressions Harry continued up the steps. Narcissa and Draco shared a quick look of bewilderment before following Harry. They soon reached the top and were facing the doors of Gringotts. Harry was about to walk through the doors before he noticed both Narcissa and Draco were no longer following him; they had both stopped on the top step.
"What are you waiting for? Are you two coming with me or not?"
Draco and his mother shared yet another look; Harry could only wonder how the two seemed to have a whole conversation through a single glance.
"We'll wait outside for you Harry; I understand that you probably won't want us in your vault."
Draco's trademark smirk slid across his face "Yeah, with you being so poor and all." Draco was quickly silenced by a scathing glare from his mother.
"Doesn't really bother me honestly, that and there's something I think you would be interested in Narcissa." she raised an eyebrow "It's probably better if you didn't stay out here as well, just in case another…cretin comes by. I think it's been proved that we're both better off together." Not waiting for either to object, Harry pushed the doors of the building open and walked through the entrance with an air of confidence.
The confidence that Harry had been radiating all but disappeared when he saw the disapproving faces of the goblins. Goblins were not creatures to forget easily and Harry's recent adventures were still fresh in their minds. Quickening his step and avoiding the piercing gaze of the goblins, Harry hurried to the towering front desk. To his horror, he came face to face with an all too familiar goblin. Bogrod. The all too unfortunate goblin that Harry and his friends had used the imperius curse on during their previous escapades. The ancient goblin did not bother to hide the displeasure in his face at Harry's arrival.
"Mr Potter."
Harry nodded politely "Bogrod."
The goblin however, was not in the mood for acting polite "I take it you will not be partaking in any unforgivable curses during your visit Mr Potter."
Harry didn't miss the look shared by his two companions. He sighed and looked at the goblin "Yet again Bogrod, it was during the war and what was done was done. I am sorry. I helped pay for the repairs to Gringotts did I not?" the goblin nodded ever so slightly "Now, I would like to check my vaults, am I right in believing that my trust fund has been combined into the Potter vault?" another nod "Alright. The Potter vault first then." Harry laid the keys on the marble pedestal with a clink and waited. Bogrod watched Harry for a moment with a calculating glare before picking up the keys and leading them through a dark set of doors to the carts. Clambering into the wooden cart, the old goblin held up the shining lantern; a firefly in the darkness. As soon as everyone was in, the it tore away. The cart hurtled in a downwards spiral; Harry's hair whipped wildly about his face on his decent.
The cart abruptly stopped, jolting its passengers. Bogrod stepped out of the cart and held up the lamp. "Vault 687."
As they hopped out of the cart, Bogrod hobbled over and unlocked the vault. "Your vault Mr Potter."
"Thank you Bogrod." He simply sneered and hobbled off around the corner, disappearing from sight. "I don't think he's ever going to let that go."
"If I heard right Potter, he shouldn't let it go."
Harry rolled his eyes and looked around. The vault had obviously been combined with that of his parents; the room seemed to be a considerable size larger. The piles of gallons, sickles and knuts had risen dramatically; they didn't seem to end. There were other things accompanying the wizarding money now, there were multiple artefacts scattering the room all looking as ancient as the age of time itself. There was a small bookshelf off to the side, stacked with books Harry could only guess that Hermione would kill for. There were a few large trunks scattered around the room, containing god knows what. But what caught Harry's attention the most was a small table near the door. It was made of pine and it barely came up to his waist. Atop of the small table lay a small velvet box and an envelope; on it inscribed one word – Harry.
"Well, if I didn't know any better I would say it looks like you've got yourself a little secret stash Potter. I wonder what the Weasly's have to say about that." Draco said with a smirk as he pulled a book from the shelf.
"Put that down Draco!" After giving him a pointed look he slid the book back onto the shelf "Thank you. And I'll have you know what the Weasly's think of what I have is no consequence, they are family." Draco snorted "I'll have to admit though, it's a little more than what I expected, but then that's what probably happens when you have an vault that's been untouched for almost seventeen years; the interest is bound to pile up." Harry glanced around the room "You didn't really expect me to be dirt poor did you, my father was a pureblood." Draco shrugged nonchalantly "Honestly, how did you expect me to help pay for the foundation if I was broke?" He tore his attention from the blonde and back to the table beside him. The letter called to him, he had seen that script before, only once in an abandoned room long forgotten. It was a letter from his mother. His breath hitched high in his throat, and he stretched out a shaking hand to gasp the letter. It was fine and smooth to the touch; he could tell it was of the finest parchment. The spidery writing was written in fine, silky blank ink that was obviously laced with a non-smudge potion. The back held a single white seal, imprinted with what Harry could only assume to be the Potter family seal. It was an Demiguise– a rare magical creature, whose hair could be spun to make the finest of invisibility cloaks – wrapped around a large sword on the front of a shield. Lining the circular shield were the words 'fidelitas, animus, dolosus, vis vires'.
Unbeknownst to Harry, during his investigations Draco had wandered up behind him and was now looking over his shoulder "It means loyalty, courage, cunning and power." He said frankly, before he meandered off again.
Harry brushed his fingers gently over the wax seal. 'It's white…as white as a Lily.' Being careful not to break the seal, Harry gently eased and envelope open.
Harry dropped his eyes to the letter contained and read slowly, almost savouring every word written.

Hello Sweetheart~

I love you. This letter would have only appeared if we are not here with you today, if we have met with the worst. I'm sorry my darling, I'm so sorry. I can only imagine how you must be feeling, but remember Harry, you will never be alone. You will always have those that love you, even in the most unlikely of places. Your father and I leave to you everything we own, it's not a lot but it's all we can do. Be happy Harry, stay happy. That's all we ask. We love you Harry, we always will and we will always watch over you from the stars. Always.

Never ending Love, Lily and James Potter

P.S. – Your father doesn't know but there's another letter for a very important friend of mine. I'm entrusting it to you Harry, make sure he gets it. Being a stubborn old mule, I doubt I ever said some very important things to him before I passed away. Please make sure he gets it Harry. Thank you.

P.S.S. – Open the box sweetheart, it's for you. It's been passed down the Potter line for generations, it's only right that it comes to you.

Harry held the letter gently in his hands as he read it three times over. Harry lifted his eyes from the letter to look to where the empty envelope lay on the table. With a sudden, small burst of light the envelope duplicated. A new envelope sat on the table with the same spidery handwriting across the front. Severus Snape.
"We'll I'll be damned." Harry murmured as he picked up the letter and surreptitiously put the both envelopes in his pocket. Harry knew little of the past between the two, only that Snape held a bitter, unrequited love for his mother. He made a quick mental note to give the letter to the Professor once he was at Hogwarts.
His attention was quickly drawn to the small velvet box. Flipping the small golden clasp on the velvet blue box Harry opened it. He could not contain his gasp at what was held inside. It was a large ring of beaten gold, with the Potter crest firmly pressed into it. Harry lifted it out of its container gingerly; though he knew it would not break, Harry could not help but to handle it as if it were made of the finest spun silk.
He slipped it gently onto his right index finger; goosebumps rising as the cold, heavy metal caressed his skin. He ran his finger over the crest as it lay upon his finger, feeling that magic that was written deep within its core.
"Hurry along will you Potter! You said you had another vault to go to, I don't want to be here all day!" Harry fumbled to put the velvet box in his pocket as he dashed from the table. As quickly as he could he collected a fair amount of money and put it in his pouch. He would go through the rest of his items later; there was nothing that couldn't wait.
Narcissa was standing by the door of the vault with Draco, who had evidently gotten bored with his perusing. "I'm done Draco so you can get your wand out of a knot; we've only got one more stop to make before we are out of here."
They walked to the cart where Bogrod was already waiting. Wasting no time, the three clambered into the cart and settled down. "Black family vault." Draco and Narcissa didn't even have time to register shock before the cart took them hurdling down the shaft at a suicidal speed. As quickly as they had started, they cart soon came lurching to a stop.
"Vault 933."
Again the goblin hobbled out of the cart and began the more complex act of unlocking the door.
"The Black vault?" Narcissa quietly queried.
Harry nodded "Yup, I figured I should probably check it out while I was here. I don't come here often and it seemed like a good of an opportunity as any. Also, you were once a Black; you probably know your way around here better than I do."
"Harry." She spoke in a frank tone "Why do you have this key?"
"Because it's my vault of course." The large doors clicked open and Bogrod disappeared from sight again, leaving the trio to explore the vault.
"Don't beat around the bush Potter. How in Circe's name could this possibly be your vault?" exclaimed a young enraged blonde, as he followed his mother and Harry through the dark and heavy doors.
"Because it was left to me by the last living Black before he…before he died." Narcissa's eyes slowly widened.
"I suppose in a strange way it does make sense," she murmured "they were rather close during school. I just never would have expected him to leave you…" Narcissa trailed off quietly, lost in thought.
"The vault? I didn't expect it either. I was expecting the Potter heritage obviously, but not the Black."
Draco threw his hands up into the air with a cry "Merlin! Will someone please explain to me why Potter has possession of the Black vault!"
Harry turned to Draco with a sad smile "I inherited it from my godfather, Sirius Black. He left it to me in his will."
Draco froze "Sirius Black?" Harry nodded "As in Azkaban Sirius Black?" Harry let out an exasperated sigh and nodded again "He was your godfather! And he left you the vault!" Draco all but screamed. "How is that even legal? It should've gone to mother or Aunt Andromeda!"
"Hush Draco, this attitude is unbecoming of you," she put a hand on his shoulder "it's perfectly legal Draconis. Since neither Anne nor I are Black's anymore, that left Sirius as the only Black, giving him ultimate control over the vault. Legally he could've done whatever he wanted to with the vault, he was perfectly within his rights in leaving it to Harry. He is his godson after all." Harry wandered off as mother and son continued to talk. The vault was considerably larger than his parents, expected of one of the oldest pureblood lines. Harry didn't even bother guessing how much money there was, there was mountains of it; he had thought his parents had had a lot, but obviously he was wrong. Jewels and riches of all shapes and sizes were strewn amongst the piles, glittering in the low light. There were cabinets and cupboards lining almost every wall, containing what could only be described as dark objects. Chests, trunks and tables were scattered about the room, all overflowing with assorted items. He was somewhat shaken to find a stack of black coffins in one section of the room. On one of the few spare walls was a line of paintings, all covered up with a fabric that looked similar to the coverings of Mrs Black in Grimmauld Place. Going from experiences with the unpleasant painting, Harry decided they would be best left for another time and place.
Grabbing a few extra handfuls of gallons just in case, Harry went back to the entrance. Standing by the door was a small table Harry had failed to notice on his entrance. It was a small pine table, identical to the one in the Potter vault. Atop of this one however lay a single book, a small glass box and a letter. Harry walked over and just as he was about to reach for the letter, it sprang to life and floated in front of his face. The envelope opened slightly to form a mouth – even though he knew it was unlikely; Harry prayed it wasn't a howler.
"Harry," Sirius's warm voice flowed through his ears "how's my favourite cub? Doing well know probably – you're stinking rich now kiddo!" he laughed, the barking sound bringing a smile to Harry's lips "God James would be ticked if he knew I left you the Black fortune, he hated being outdone. Though what was I supposed to do? Leave it to Cissy? HAH! Not likely. You seemed like the best choice cub. Now by the time you get this I may be out of hiding. I doubt it; I'm probably still hiding in some dark hole with Buckbeak." Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw Draco's jaw drop, the two were evidently listening in. "That reminds me, thanks for saving me cub, and thank the Granger girl too. If it weren't for the both of you I would've received the Dementors kiss that night. You saved my life that night kiddo, consider yourself an honorary Marauder." Harry could practically feel the two pairs of eyes boring into his back. "Harry, there are two things I would like you specifically to have. They are on the table; ones the Black family ring," both Malfoy's gasped "and the other is a journal we – the Marauder's – all kept during the time we became animagi. I figure it will help you on your way to becoming one." There was another barking laugh "You better be something cool too when you finally get there! Like a dog. Dogs are cool." Harry smiled; he could practically hear Sirius's grin "I leave you on your way now cub, I can't talk forever – though Remus would disagree. I'll be seeing you soon cub!"
Harry smiled sadly as the letter closed and floated down into Harry's hands. Harry could feel the tears prickling at his eyes. He knew the Malfoy's were watching, so he wiped his hand across his eyes and brushed away the threatening liquid.
Reaching out, Harry opened the small glass box and pulled out the silver ring. It was similar to the Potter ring in that it was heavy and seemed to fit perfectly on his thumb; although that was probably due to some form of charm. The ring was pure silver and without fault. The Black family crest was pressed into the top.
Harry picked up the journal and flipped it over in his hands. It was bound in what Harry could only guess to be Dragon hide. There was a golden inscription on the cover that read 'The Adventures of the Marauders'. Harry shrunk the book down and slid it into his pocket with the velvet box and his mole skin money pouch. Harry brushed his finger over the table gently before turning back to the unreadable faces of Draco and Narcissa.
"Well that's me done here, ready to go?" Not waiting for their reply Harry walked over and into the cart where Bogrod was already waiting. Shaking her head with a sigh, Narcissa climbed in after Harry, with Draco trailing behind her.

After retrieving his keys from the unfriendly goblin Harry made a point of leaving Gringotts as hastily as possible; eager to escape the eyes of the unforgiving goblins. The doors swung shut and Harry stood on the steps of Gringotts, fingering the rings on his hand.
"You certainly are full of surprises aren't you Potter. Heir and Lord of the Black fortune, saviour of beasts, plunderer of Gringotts and accomplice to one of the most notorious murders of all time, that's quite the list." Harry whirled around strode over to Draco, grabbing him by the front of his robes. Draco's eyes widened with fear as Harry's silver orbs threw daggers into his. Harry pulled Draco closer, so that their noses were touching. Harry never took his silver, gleaming eyes off Draco as he breathed angry puffs of air into his face.
"Never-insult-my-godfather." Harry snarled out the biting words at Draco, making sure every word count "Understand?" Draco was so close to Harry that he could just see the slivers of green left in his eyes, and the small blue sparks that threatened to fall from the tips of his hair and eyelashes. Draco had never seen Harry like this – aside from the Hedwig incident. Draco had tormented Harry over the years, he had made Harry feel profuse anger before, but Draco had never seen him come even close to blows. Draco recognised the look in Harry's eyes, he had seen it in his father's eyes too many times for comfort. Add that emotion to Veela tendencies…Draco knew he had to tread carefully.
"Understood." Draco tried to slip his stoic mask back into place, but he simply couldn't; Potter's gaze was captivating. Eventually Harry's eye softened back to emerald and his hands loosened from Draco's collar, resting gently on his collarbone. Harry slowly closed his eyes and let out a shaky breath dropping his hands. Draco barely suppressed the shudder he felt as Harry's hands slowly slid down his chest and off his lithe body.
Harry raked a nervous hand though his free-flowing hair "Sorry Draco. Didn't mean to do that."
Draco sniffed and pushed his nose into the air "Of course you didn't Potter, you seem to have a habit of letting your more primal instincts run rampant."
Draco stepped to the side to walk down the steps, only to have Harry cut him off. Harry stood in front of him and peered at Draco with a hard glare.
"What is it now Potter? Going to assault me again? Looks like the Black's criminal habits have rubbed off on you Potter."
Harry's eye turned to slits – Draco was thankful they were remaining green "I'll let that last one slide Draco, but I meant what I said. Insult Sirius's memory again, and I will let my more primal instincts run rampant." Side stepping the speechless blonde, Harry turned to Narcissa. "Off to the Magical Menagerie then?"
Deciding it would be best to simply ignore the boys latest squabble, Narcissa began her descent with a sigh "Not just yet Harry, there's something I want to do before we fetch you your owl." Harry quirked a brow; Narcissa found it rather amusing at how quickly the boy had picked up that trait in the small time that he had lived with them. "Your wardrobe – or lack of one – is atrocious. I can't let myself be seen with someone wearing clothes I wouldn't give to a house elf. We," she paused for effect "are going to buy you a new wardrobe Harry."
Draco practically squealed with delight; not that he would ever admit it of course.

Harry had never seen so much money spent in one store in his entire life. Narcissa had refused to go to Madame Malkin's on the précis that despite the hype, she was only good for school robes. She and Draco had dragged Harry into Twilfit and Tatting's for a full 4 hours, buying him everything that fit. He really doubted he would ever wear it all as it seemed to Harry there were more clothes in his bag than days in a year! He had everything from new robes to new shoes of the finest quality; Narcissa refused to buy anything if it was not top of the range. Draco rather seemed to enjoy himself as well, he had bustled about the shop, ladling his arms with clothes upon clothes, before thrusting them at Harry, demanding he try them all on. It was a difficult situation for Harry as he had never really had any money ever spent on him, and he didn't really know how to handle the Malfoy's pushy generosity. He found the simplest method was just to agree with whatever they said. By the end of the whole process found himself with a small shopping bag; it was charmed to fit all the apparel that Narcissa had bought him and to nullify almost all of the weight. He was incredibly glad of this as the thought of walking down Diagon Alley with his arms laden with clothes bags like some girl, chilled him to the bone.
On the way to the Magical Menagerie Harry stated his thanks a many times to Narcissa, who brushed off the thanks deeming her acts were more community service than anything. Harry was somewhat offended until he noticed her sly smile. He made a note to himself to later charm the obtuse amounts to green clothing she had bought him into a more fitting Gryffindor colour scheme.
"Here we are Harry, the Magical Menagerie." Narcissa pushed open the glass door and the tinkle of a small bell resided over their heads. Harry wandered into the store after Draco as Narcissa held the door open for them.
"Welcome, what would – Oh, Mrs Malfoy. To what to I owe this pleasure." It was obvious to any simpleton that this was no pleasure at all for the stout man behind the counter. He wasn't the good looking sort, with wide eyes and a spotted complexion and hair like a rat's nest; Harry couldn't help but think the man was a relative of Pettigrew's. This instantly increased Harry's dislike of him.
"We are just browsing for the moment, thank you." Harry quipped. Harry steered the duo off to look at the animals, drawing them away from the unscrupulous glare of the store manager. They perused the assortment of owls for a short while, before one particular fowl caught Harry's eye. He didn't know exactly what breed it was, or its name, but it enraptured Harry none the less. Its eyes were like the sea after a storm, a clear and glistening blue that stared straight into your soul. Silky, midnight black plumage covered its well-built body. He was a fine bird. Harry reached out an elegant hand to brush the feathers before a voice called out "I wouldn't do that if I were you!" The Pettigrew look-alike shouted "He bites."
Harry's hand hesitated for a moment, staring straight into the eyes of the bird. The black owl met his gaze evenly, unwavering. Going with his better instincts, Harry reached out to the bird. The midnight black owl leaned into the touch, rubbing against his palm, taking to Harry like a cat to cream.
"Well I'll be…he's bitten every customer that's come even close to him before now. Ezekial seems to of taken a liking to you Mr Potter." Called the man from the front of the store.
"Ezekial…" Harry ran his fingers over Ezekial's shiny plumage "so that's what you're called. Would you like to come home with me?" He hooted loudly in response, jumping from his perch onto Harry's shoulder.
Narcissa chuckled "I don't think you have much of a choice; he seems rather attached." Harry picked up a small cage and a bag of owl treats and headed towards the cashier.
~It'sss alwaysss the owlsss.~
Harry stopped in his tracks, half way to the front desk and looked for the strange voice. He saw that aside from the rat-man, Narcissa, himself and Draco, there was no one else in the store.
~I really don't sssee the appeal…all thossse limbsss mussst get in the way.~
Harry's gaze was drawn to a seemingly empty glass case. It was filled with grainy sand, a hollow log and a heat lamp shining from above. A small green head protruded from the hollow of the log, black beady eyes looking straight at Harry and Ezekial. A moderately sized Boomslang snake stared at Harry, its patterned scales gleaming under the light. It was a rich green colour with dark, emerald stripes adorning his back. His belly – which could only just be seen – was a pastel green; which contrasted beautifully with his flickering deep red tongue.
The snake noticed that Harry had started to stare, and reared his head. ~Sssilly humansss, will they ever learn ressspect! It isss rude to ssstare!~
~I apologissse, it'sss just I have not heard a sssnake ssspeak for quite a while.~ Harry was slightly shocked when the Parsletounge slipped as easily from his lips as English would. He half expected that certain talent to disappear when the portion of Voldemort's soul was stripped from his being. He was pleasantly surprised to find his speculations to be incorrect.
The snake made a strange hissing sound; Harry could only assume it was the closest thing a snake could get to gasping.
~You ssspeak our tongue boy!~
~Yesss, it isss a pleasssure to meet you. My name isss Harry.~ Harry knelt down in front of the glass case, Ezekial still on his shoulder.
~You may call me Sssseptimusss.~ Septimus gave the bird on Harry's shoulder a foul look ~Why do you asssssociate yourssself with creaturessss asss lowly asss a common fowl?~
~It isss a requirement for my sssschool, I mussst have one for delivering my mail.~
Septimus nodded his head ~That makesss more sssenssse, I can't ssssee why sssomeone would ssssubject themselvessss to the company of an owl.~
Harry looked around at the surrounding glass cases to find them all empty. ~Are you on your own here?~ Harry asked quietly.
The snake nodded his head ~Yesss. All of my friendsss have been taken, I am all that isss left.~ Septimus bared his fangs ~And I have to put up with the gigantic rat conssstantly. It issss unpleassssant to sssay the leassst.~ Harry laughed.
~I tell you what, how about you come with me? Like you ssssaid, I'm sssure you are better company than Ezekial here…though I didn't tell you that.~
Septimus cocked his head sideways, as if pondering the thought. He soon looked up and, looked Harry in the eyes.
~I deem that to be acceptable. You ssseem to posssesss ssssome intelligence and you look like you can hold a decent conversssation; which issss more than I can say for the oversssized rat. You may be my human if you ssso wissssh.~
~Yesss, I have been known to hossst a good conversssation now and again.~ he smiled ~It'ssss ssssettled then…you can come home with me.~
Harry turned around to the slightly fearful faces of Narcissa and the shop keeper, along with enigmatic look on Draco's. Harry could have sworn Draco mutter the word 'show off' before his mother spoke.
"Draco had told me that you were a Parsletounge, though I never quite believed it." She shook her head "How you made it into Gryffindor I will never know."
Harry turned to the rat-man "I would like to buy Septimus as well."
"Septimus?"
"The Boomslang snake, it's his name, he told me." Harry walked to the front desk and placed and cage and treats on the counter and walked briskly back to the group "I don't suppose that will be too big of a problem?"
The shop keeper opened his mouth to reply but Narcissa cut him off "Harry, you are only allowed one pet as a student at Hogwarts. I don't think that the Headmistress will approve of you having both a snake and an owl, especially considering you are already taking Hedwig along with you." She noticed the look on Harry's face "Though if you are adamant that you want him, I suppose you could keep him at the Manor and I can have the house elves feed him." Harry quickly hissed the suggestion to Septimus.
~No. That will not do. I refussse to be kept asss ssssome common pet, I will not be kept in a cassse for any longer. And you need not repeat them child, though they cannot understand me, I can understand them…why humans have never mastered more than one language I will never know…~ He stared at the group mercilessly, he was not going to settle for anything less than what he wanted.
"He said that won't do, he doesn't want to live in a cage any longer. I don't think he would take too kindly to being locked up at the Manor."
"Well unless you leave Ezekial here and use a school owl instead, im afraid you will have to leave the snake here." The regretful tone was obvious in Narcissa's tone.
"I'll buy him for you." A voice piped up. All heads swivelled to look at Draco who immediately scowled, in an attempt to hide the blush he could feel crawling up his neck "Not like that! I just figured that if I buy it for you – as a gift – McGonagall can't say no to you keeping it, as it would be a gift. After all Potter, it's not like you have a home to keep it at, you would have to take it to school with you." His lips rose into a sneer "And by the looks of it Potter, it's going to be the closest thing you have to a friend."
"Draco…thank-" Harry stopped short as Draco shot him a scathing glare.
"Don't even think about thanking me Potter, I'm not doing this for you. This is for me." Harry's brow shot up to his hair line "Don't be daft Potter; I owe you for what you did in the room of requirement. This is my way of repaying you." He sniffed and turned his nose to the air "The Malfoy lineage – and myself for that matter – would not be able to handle a debt to you."
Both Harry and Narcissa struggled to hide their smiles, Harry more so than the older Malfoy. This did not go unseen by Draco. He 'harrumphed' and turned on his heel, striding to the counter quickly, hoping that his present company would not notice the rose colour adorning his neck and cheeks. "Hurry up then Potter! Bring that blasted snake over here, I want to go home!"
Shaking his head with a smile, Harry stuck his hand into the case and let Septimus slither up his hand to entwine himself around Harry's forearm. Harry followed closely behind Narcissa and the shop keeper with Septimus and Ezekial with a soft smile on his lips.
'Maybe the Ice Prince does have a heart after all.'

TBC