AN: Well, here's the next chapter! It's slightly longer than most of the others so far, but I hope it still keeps everyone entertained. This story also has an inheritance test, but it's a little different than the one I used in Taking his life back.

"It's a shame that you can't teach this at Hogwarts," Harry said after another completed lesson the next day. He was becoming more and more fascinated with the subject and to say the Hogwarts lessons were lacking was an understatement. "I don't understand why Professor Babbling only discusses the transcription aspect and not the magics that go into it," Barty frowned at that, a thoughtful look crossing his features.

"I can't say that I'm too surprised. Bathsheda has always been known for favoring the light, and you know how they are."

"Yeah," Harry agreed, realizing where this was going. "If they deem something dark, they refuse to teach it. All sorts of magic go into runes-so they're too afraid to teach that part of the subject."

"Exactly. Dumbledore has been limiting the classes over the years, but it's never been this bad. He's purposefully making your generation struggle. Merlin only knows what half of your class will do once they graduate."

"I wouldn't be surprised if most of the muggleborns return to the muggle world," Harry said sadly, shaking his head. "They aren't taught the customs of this world when they come and are forced to figure out for themselves after Hogwarts," He sighed at that, wishing there was more unity within their worlds. He understood why there were separations, but that didn't mean the muggleborns had to suffer for it.

"And for the older pure-blood children, they will most likely get involved with the ministry and its politics," The older wizard spoke, knowledge in his words. Harry sighed at that, giving a nod in agreement.

"It's something, at least," Harry mumbled, almost dejectedly. "I still have no idea what I want to do," It was hard to admit that, but he finally confessed, looking displeased with himself.

"That's not your fault though," Barty was quick to defend the younger, a small frown on his face. "For someone who hasn't been in this world long, you're doing well for yourself. You can't be blamed for Hogwarts lacking not only the classes you need, but they wait until your fifth years to offer you career advice," Ironically, he had been in Harry's shoes at one point, not knowing what he wanted to do with his life. There were two things he knew for certain back then; that he didn't want to follow in his father's footsteps and the Dark Lord was going to fix things, for the betterment of magic.

"Why do they wait so long? I mean…is there even higher education here?" At the look Barty sent him, Harry chuckled. "Universities?" He explained instead, making the older hum.

"Yes and no. There are trade schools that offer more education, as well as apprenticeships, but nothing like a University," Barty wished that weren't the case, but there wasn't much that could be done about it. "Why?"

"I don't know. I've always found it hard to believe that getting an important job immediately after Hogwarts is practical. I know that healers and Aurors receive loads of training, but I don't see how joining the ministry is such a good idea. There are important roles there that require more education. Like law. You don't learn that in Hogwarts,"

"No, you don't." Barty instantly agreed, something flashing in his eyes. "It's obvious that it's lacking, considering what they did to a lot of the Death Eaters, and Sirius Black. There are some of the departments that require the leaders to have more education and experience, such as the department of magical law enforcement. Although," He soon sighed, running a hand through his hair as he took a moment, "they often look past the lack of education and focus on their so-called experience. From what I've witnessed, I refuse to believe that the current minister has the required education." Harry snorted at that, nodding in agreement.

"I also don't understand why so many people view Dumbledore as some sort of powerful leader. Ever since I came here, people have been singing his praises and all for defeating Grindelwald. Not to say it wasn't important, but it's not a reason to give a single person so much political power, especially when they weren't the only one to fight." Many had been killed in that war, as well as the one that had occurred around sixteen years ago.

"His political power has been a more recent development." Harry was surprised at that, having assumed that Dumbledore had this sort of power for a while. Sensing the surprise, the Death Eater smirked. "I know. Surprising, isn't it? He became the Headmaster in 1965 and that was around the time he started to manipulate those around him,"

"You seem to know a lot about this," Harry commented.

"Well, the Dark Lord has always hated that man," Barty said with a laugh that made the younger wizard smile. "My father, horrible as he was, recognized that there was something suspicious about Dumbledore. He would always rant about him and his secret organization that wasn't a well-kept secret,"

"The Order of the Phoenix." Harry supplied, making the other wizard nod.

"I don't think you know this, but his organization was technically illegal during the first war. Besides the actual Aurors that were taking part, the other members had no right to get involved in the fighting. A law was passed after the war with Grindelwald that forbade civilian intervention. No one could do anything because there was no concrete evidence that Dumbledore was the leader, but everyone knew the truth."

"I…I had no idea it was technically illegal," Harry mumbled, more than a little surprised.

"Then after the most recent war, he gained more support. I suppose it has to do with people who thought he was a true hero for not only being a headmaster but being part of an organization that was willing to fight the Dark Lord. Of course, the supporters are mostly the fanatical light side," Harry nodded at that, thinking of how that was a huge possibility.

"Surely the light side doesn't hold that much political power?"

"Not as much these days," Barty agreed. "My Lord told me a lot has changed over the past five years. Word easily got out to the more noble families about the petrification incident two years ago, so he's been losing credibility. Lucius Malfoy wasn't pleased and tried everything in his power to get Dumbledore fired that year. It sadly didn't work, but ever since his popularity had declined."

"You know quite a bit," Harry chuckled, surprised but pleased at the same time.

"My father would often rant about things, even if he didn't outright acknowledge I was there. I also got a lot of information from the Dark Lord and Lucius himself. I like having information about the enemy," Harry smirked at that, nodding in agreement.

"Fair point. It makes things easier." Harry personally liked having information as well. "It's also nice having information that they don't have or assume you don't have," Harry spoke with a smirk that made Barty snicker.

"One of the main contributors to his downfall that will occur soon." His voice had a sort of glee to it that made Harry lighten up, grinning along with him. "Not only does he put too much faith in his illegal order, but those members have their issues. I doubt Sirius Black appreciated being locked away in Azkaban without a fair trial, like me." The younger sighed at that, shaking his head.

"I wish there was something we could do about that. You both deserve a fair trial-" Harry stopped talking as soon he noticed the smirk that formed on his friends' lips. "Okay, you know something I don't."

"I've been in contact with The Dark Lord, and he wants to work on that. He is planning on creating a fake alias that will allow him to rejoin the wizarding world. One of his main goals is to exonerate the innocent death eaters by making a fool of the ministry." Harry smirked at that, chuckling.

"Oh, that won't be hard at all. As you said, Minster Fudge is a complete idiot. I had the misfortune of meeting him last year." From the moment Harry saw him, he hadn't been impressed. He paused for a moment as an idea popped into his head. It was quiet for a while as Harry was seemingly deep in thought. Eventually, he spoke up in an excited voice.

"He could exonerate Sirius too!" There was a light that had entered Harry's eyes as he said that and Barty smiled a bit. "I could even provide the testimony and all that," Harry started mumbling, deep in thought. "Or, Tom and I could use each other as proxies.." Barty finally snorted.

"You've been researching Wizengamot, haven't you?" Harry grinned and that and nodded.

"Yeah. I've been keeping in contact with Tom thanks to the mind link, and he explained that I should head to Gringotts soon and claim my heir rings and lordship rings," Barty hummed, always so interested in the mind link Harry talked about.

"How often do you talk with him?" Harry paused at that, thinking.

"Not every day, but often enough. I was talking to him a few moments ago. When I went silent," He explained, watching the way Barty lit up in surprise. "That's why I mentioned Wizengamot and the seats. Since Tom and I are related, we were thinking about passing off his new alias as being a guardian to me in some way. I am technically his heir now," Even if they were cousins, Tom had wanted to make Harry his heir because of the age difference. That, and he didn't want kids. "The only thing that poses as an issue is Dumbledore, but Tom has made it clear to me that because I'm legally an adult, he can't question my lordships or heirships."

"He's right," Barty nodded. "It's a great disrespect to question someone's family ties." He easily explained. "As well as question guardianships too. It's not uncommon for a family to realize they have a descendant of some sort and take them in. From what I can tell you, there would have been many families that would have immediately taken you in."

"I figured that a long time ago. I know for a fact that the Weasleys would have taken me, even if they don't have a lot." It still made him smile to know that Molly wanted to take him in. She had always been like a mother to him and he would always appreciate it. "Instead, Dumbledore forced me to live with the Dursleys, who he knew hated magic and sent Hagrid to explain that I was a Wizard." Barty hadn't known about that and made a disgruntled face.

"Hagrid? He sent Hagrid?" When Harry nodded, the once Ravenclaw ran a hand down his face. "Merlin, Harry. Hagrid doesn't have the authority to do that," Barty explained. "It's McGonagall's job to explain Hogwarts to the Muggleborns and what they are." He looked disturbed by what Harry had told him. "And," he added, licking his bottom lip. "Most muggleborns get a visit before their letters. The ministry notices the accidental magic and sends people to investigate, and if they realize it's a muggleborn child, the child gets told about what they are." Harry frowned at that, shaking his head.

"I never got that. As I said, I only learned that I was a wizard when Dumbledore sent Hagrid to explain. I mean, I knew I wasn't normal. I could do things that other kids couldn't, but I was told by Petunia and Vernon that it was because I was a freak." Barty felt his magic heat up at the word, setting in his chest. "Even when I got all my things, I was still behind that summer. They locked all my books away and I couldn't do any of the reading required of me,"

"I'm going to murder them," Barty growled and Harry's eyes widened a bit. "I hate the way they treated you, Harry. You deserved so much better,"

"If you do end up killing them, please don't hurt Dudley. He did torment me growing up, but it's not his fault that his parents encouraged him. He's still got a lot of growing up to do, but I know he can be a better person in the future." Barty was looking at him with a strange expression, eventually giving in and sighing.

"I'm not one for hurting kids," The death eater reluctantly admitted. "The only person I've killed is my father and Alastor Moody, but…I would kill those monsters for hurting you," Harry was unable to stop the barely-there flush that tainted his cheeks, his core warming up at the protectiveness of his friend.

"Thank you," Harry coughed, face still a very light shade of pink. "I've been let down by a lot of adults in my life, but you're one of the few that haven't." He grinned a bit, feeling a little embarrassed by admitting that. "It means a lot to me, actually. That you let me live here. I don't even know how to properly thank you for al this," Barty shook his head, laying a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder as he spoke up.

"You don't need to thank me for anything, I promise. I would have done anything to make sure you wouldn't be sent back." The Death Eater confessed, offering a small smile. He knew what abuse was like and he would have done everything in his power to make sure it stopped. "And, now I have an excuse to teach you dark spells," Harry had lit up like a Christmas tree at that. "We'll need to stop by Gringotts and Ollivanders first, of course."

"Ollivanders?" Harry inquired, curious.

"Well," Barty began, almost sheepishly. "I don't have a wand of my own right now. The one I used to kill Moody was my fathers, and I'd rather not continue to use that one." He admitted. "And, we need to get you a new one too. Even if the trace is gone from your current wand, the Ministry still has the ability to use it to figure out the spells you've been casting until you turn seventeen."

"I forgot about your lack of a wand. I assume they snapped it after your trial?" Harry felt stupid for forgetting such an important detail.

"Sadly. I took the liberty of snapping Moody's during the fight," Albus has been too busy blocking the other curses to realize what he had done.

"I know Gringotts is neutral, but what about-" Barty smirked at the cleverness of the other Wizard.

"He's not affiliated with any side either. His sole passion is wand creation and the study of it. It makes no difference to him who he sells too, as long as the wand is the right match," Sighing in relief, Harry spoke up.

"That's good to know. He didn't seem the type to follow the light blindly, but I had to make sure," Harry explained with ease.

"You can never be too cautious," Barty agreed, standing up. It was still rather early in the morning. It seemed that both he and Harry were early risers and after they had a light breakfast, they had moved straight to lessons. Noon wasn't until another two hours-so it might as well have been a good time to do what they needed to. "Why don't we go ahead and do all of this? I'm ready to start teaching you some real magic." Barty crackled at the excited gleam in Harry's eyes as the younger stood up with a nod.

"Are we going to do apparition?" Harry had only done it a few times, mostly on accident.

"Side-along. I'm not letting you do that by yourself," He moved closer, stopping when Harry placed a hand on his arm, shaking his head.

"Would you like to practice with my wand?" Harry must have realized that Barty was terribly confused and quickly continued. "I know you don't like using your father's wand. You could use mine to get us there. That way you don't have to use that one."

Something tightened in his chest as Harry spoke, a lump forming. Not only was the younger considering him, but he was even offering his wand so that he wouldn't feel uncomfortable.

"That would be nice," Barty agreed, letting Harry hand him his wand. He was surprised to feel the familiarity of the magic, the way it pulsed warmly in his hand caused a soft sigh to escape. "This should work." Using a glamour charm, he grinned when everything came out perfectly. "Okay. Grab my-" Arm, he was going to say. Harry seemed to have another idea as he wrapped his arm around Barty's waist.

"My balance is already horrible, but after apparition...I'll fall on my arse if I do this any other way," Barty snorted at the bluntness and quickly apparated to Diagon Alley.

Funnily enough, Harry's statement about horrible balance was quite an understatement. As soon as they landed, Barty was helping him from falling over, resisting the urge to outright laugh.

"You weren't kidding," He smirked at the look the younger sent him, keeping him balanced for a moment before slowly pulling away. "Where to first?" He asked, unconsciously moving hair from the younger wizards face.

"How about Gringotts? I can grab some more money while we're there. You've done a lot for me, so I'd like to buy your wand for you," Harry smiled at him, causing Barty to huff.

"Sometimes I feel like you could have done well in any house," The older mumbled fondly as they made their way to the bank. Harry fidgeted with his hair, making sure to hide his scar. It was easier now thanks to his long hair, which was becoming more unruly as the weeks passed. Noticing the fidgeting, Barty cleared his throat. "Worried about being recognized?" The death eater had placed a privacy spell around them as Harry nodded.

"I know it's something I need to get used to, but I still struggle with it. People recognize me, thanks to the scar and the glasses. They come up to me sometimes and ask invasive questions, and considering I'm now the youngest Hogwarts champion who tied in the tournament…" Barty grimaced at that.

"Sorry about that, again."

"It's fine. I'm happy that you did it. It's helped me gain control over my life for the most part." Harry shot him a playful grin. "It's not like he was trying to kill me anyway, and you knew that," He grinned more as Barty glanced to him. "Would you have done it if he-"

"No." He immediately said, swallowing hard. "If the Dark Lord had been planning on killing you after the ritual, I would have never put your name in the goblet." The words were spoken with such conviction that Harry momentarily forgot to breathe.

The rest of the walk was quiet until they finally reached the bank. Barty lowered the privacy shield he had cast, knowing it would have disappeared the moment they stepped in anyway.

"Do you know how to deal with the Goblins?" Barty questioned outside the bank. Harry nodded, flashing him a small smile.

"Yeah. That was one thing Hagrid made sure I understood as soon as I entered this world. He told me to always say 'May your gold forever flow' at the end of a meeting," Barty smirked at that, giving the younger a look of pride.

"Not bad." He admitted as they walked in, heading to the Goblin at the front desk, who soon looked up at the approaching wizards.

"What can I do for you?" Glancing to the nameplate, Harry made sure to remember his name.

"I've come to take an inheritance test and claim the potential lordships," Harry explained kindly to Lagnuff, a polite smile on his face. The Goblin stood up and motioned for them to follow, taking them into a meeting room.

"Please wait here." Lagnuff disappeared into another room, later returning with another Goblin who carried the enchanted dagger and paper. "Your hand, please." Obeying the other, Harry held out his hand for the Goblin to cut, the blood dripping onto the paper.

It wasn't long until the paper shimmered and started to glow brightly, finally dimming enough for the words to start appearing. Lagnuff waved his hand at the process finished, the paper no longer glowing.

"You are free to take it," Lagnuff smirked as Harry hesitated before the young wizard finally took ahold of the paper and read the contents for himself.

His eyes widened immediately upon reading it, heart sinking into the pit of his stomach as he paled considerably. Barty noticed and frowned, gently touching his shoulder.

"Harry?" He questioned, seeing the pure betrayal in Harry's eyes. Wordlessly, the younger handed him the paper, shaking his head. Frowning more, the Death Eater read it for himself.

Name: Hadrian "Harry" James Potter

Birth: 31st July 1980

Blood status: Half-Blood

Parents:

Father: James Charlus Potter (Deceased)

Blood status: Pureblood

Mother: Lily Jasmine Potter. Nee Gaunt. Adopted by the Evans Family. (Deceased)

Blood Status: Half-Blood

Godparents:

Godfathers: Sirius Orion Black and Remus John Lupin

Godmother: Narcissa Cassiopeia Malfoy. Nee Black

Inheritance:

Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter (Paternal)(Last in bloodline)

Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black (Paternal)(Heir by Sirius Black)

Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell (Paternal and Maternal)

Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Gaunt (Maternal)(Heir by Thomas Riddle Jr.)

Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Gryffindor (Paternal)

Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin (Maternal)(Heir by Thomas Riddle Jr.)

Harry barely paid attention to the list of family titles, instead choosing to focus on the information about his mother. He had assumed that the Evans family had been part of a squib line, but the truth hurt even more.

His mother had been adopted by the Evans family. Not only was she not a muggleborn, but she was a Gaunt. She shared no blood with the Evans family.

Even if he hadn't been related to Tom, the house wouldn't have provided any protection. His aunt was only an aunt by adoption. Not by blood.

Not to mention, his godmother was Narcissa Malfoy. Wasn't he supposed to go to her if he couldn't go anywhere else? Nothing was adding up.

"He knew," Harry mumbled weakly, catching Barty by surprise. "That was his excuse that he used every summer. That I would be safe because of the blood wards. Yet, they weren't even my family. My…my mom was adopted." He sat there numbly, unaware that Barty was seething right beside him. "He made me go back to the abuse for nothing. I constantly told him what they put me through when I was younger, but he kept sending me back,"

"Mr. Potter?" Harry looked up as Lagnuff called his name, surprised when he was the concern in the Goblins eyes. "Were you placed with the Dursleys?" At the question, Harry furrowed his brows in confusion. How in the name of Merlin did he know that?

"Yes. I…how do you know that?" Harry inquired, watching as Lagnuff slowly stood, his eyes thundering.

"Not long after your parents died, there was a reading of their will. I was in charge of helping them create it," He explained, tapping his claws on the table. "Your mother was very adamant about you never being left at the Dursleys. She stated that if you had nowhere else to go, then they were to put you in the orphanage," Harry stared at him in shock, mind racing.

"Until now, I only thought Sirius was my godfather. I didn't know about Remus Lupin or Narcissa Malfoy," The Goblin growled at that, eyes burning like freshly melted gold. "Albus Dumbledore forced me to live at the Dursleys."

"That fool," Lagnuff was seething along with Barty. "By doing this, he has disrespected magic itself, and brought dishonor upon himself," Confused now more than ever, he turned to Barty, who was still seething.

"When a witch or wizard deliberately goes against the wishes of those who have passed away, it is essentially like spitting on their magics." The Death Eater explained, eyes harsh. "The dishonor of such an act disgraces the person who did it, whether they realize it or not. People have many words for it, but the main word we use is called a curse."

"A good explanation, Lord Crouch," Lagnuff had calmed down, still displeased at what Albus Dumbledore had done. He turned to Harry, clasping his hands together as he heaved a sigh. "There are many things you can do regarding this, Mr. Potter. In Goblin culture and Wizard culture, this is a serious action."

"What would you recommend, Lagnuff? I trust and value your opinion on this," The Goblin was a little surprised by the words but gave a toothy smile.

"There are two things that will make Dumbledore suffer. For disregarding and disobeying the wishes of dead wizards, he can have his Order of Merlin revoked publicly," Harry and Barty both shared an evil grin at this. "And, you can charge him for it. Take every single last knut from his vaults,"

Barty smirked as Harry leaned forwards.

"Let's do it,"

Lagnuff offered another toothy smile, pulling out two papers that would make Albus Dumbledore suffer for a very long time. Not only would he be losing most of his money but he would be publicly humiliated in front of the wizarding world.

"When the charges are pressed and the fine goes through, what would you like to do with the money?" Harry smiled, knowing he had more than enough money thanks to all his family titles.

"I'd like half to go to the Crouch vault," He heard Barty huff fondly beside him. "And for the other half to go to Gringotts," Lagnuff nodded, respecting the young wizard in front of him.

"Before we file this to remove the Order of Merlin, how would you prefer to go about this, Lord Potter? You can go about it yourself publicly, or Gringotts could do it." Harry pondered for a moment, humming.

"Gringotts, if you don't mind. This was where the will was read. By disrespecting my parent's wishes, I feel as if he has also disrespected the bank and the Goblin nation. You may go about his public humiliation in the way you find the most suitable,"

Lagnuff had a spark in his eyes now, a certain fondness for the wizard growing.

"In that case, Lord Potter, Lord Crouch, you won't be disappointed,"

The two wizards smirked darkly.

For those that are wondering, Harry's grandad in this story is Charlus Potter, who was married to Dorea Black. Because of this, he is related to the Black family by blood.

Also, for those who are wondering about Lily, her biological mother was a squib who was placed in an orphanage for being, you know, a squib.