Chapter 6: The Reading

The next day Harry awoke early and sent a letter of to the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones, requesting she meet him at the Gringotts entrance to attend a meeting. This had been Remus' idea, to have her present when the Wills were read. Remus intended to join as well. Sirius would be coming along in his Grim form with Hermione, since he was hiding out at Hermione's pretending to be a stray dog that she has taken a liking too.

Harry had his breakfast, courtesy of Dobby, at nine then he got dressed and went down stairs. The Dursley's were in the kitchen eating breakfast that Petunia cooked. Dudley didn't seemed to please with his meal prepared by his mother. Harry wasn't surprised, Dudley had gotten used to eating Harry's cooking and Harry had always made their food exactly as they liked it since he would be punished if he messed it up. Dudley saw Harry enter and narrowed his eyes, "And where have you been?" the dumpy boy snarled, "Mum had to make breakfast because you didn't come down."

"Oh Dudley, did mummy and daddy not tell you?" Harry smiled, "That's not my job anymore. Get used to doing your own chores Dudders. I'll be leaving this house soon."

Dudley gaped, "He's lying right?" he looked at his parents with a worried expression.

"No, he'll be out of our house soon…you have to clean up after yourself Dudley." Vernon said.

Dudley looked horrified, his expression made Harry grin, "Anyway I'll be out for most of the day. See you all later." Harry said and walked out the door. He walked up to the corner and stuck out his wand summoning the Knight Bus. When he boarded he eyed Stan Shunpike, he remembered the idiot had been under the Imperius Curse when the Death Eaters attacked them when they fled Privet Drive on Harry's seventeenth birthday. "Leaky Cauldron please." He said as he passed the conductor his fair.

As the bus took off down the street at high speeds he smirked a little, "Nice to see you again Stan…how are things?" he asked the nineteen year old.

"Doin' good Potter." Stan said, "Ow bout you?"

"Could be worse." Harry replied, "Tell me Stan if You-Know-Who came back next year…would you join him?"

"What kinda bloody question is that?!" Stan exclaimed, "Why da hell would I wanna do dat?"

Harry smiled, "Just curious…I hope you remember what you just said later in the future. It could get you in a lot of trouble if you go spouting off at the mouth to look cool."

Stan looked confused, "Alright then." He said eyeing Harry with an odd expression.

They soon arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry stepped off the bus turning back to Stan, "Remember what I said Stanley. Mind your mouth in the future…you'll spare yourself a world of trouble." With that Harry walked inside the pub.

Once inside he quickly made his way to the back alley and tapped the bricks on the wall. He stepped through onto Diagon Alley then swiftly made his way to the marble building of Gringotts. Standing outside the doors was Amelia Bones, Harry recognized her from the hearing he had in his fifth year and the picture that had been in the Prophet his sixth year due to her untimely death. Beside her was Remus who was dressed fancier than usual, and Severus who was dressed in his usual black garb. Harry walked up to them, "Good morning." He told them, "Sorry I'm a bit late had to take the Knight Bus to get here." He said

"Knight Bus?" Amelia asked, "Your guardians didn't bring you?"

"My guardians are muggles Madam Bones…and they aren't big fans of magic. It takes an act of Parliament to get them to bring me to Kings Cross every year to catch the train to school."

She blinked, "Muggles?"

"Yes I remember his aunt from when we were children." Severus spoke up, "She always treated Lily like an abomination…of course that was after Dumbledore told her she couldn't go to Hogwarts."

Harry smirked, "I heard about that. I appreciate you both coming today." He then turned to Remus, "Thanks for coming as well Moony, Hermione should be here in a moment."

"Harry!" Hermione came running up waving as Sirius, in his Grim form, trotting up beside her.

"Hermione I beat you here, I'm surprised." Harry said.

"Well mum insisted Padfoot have a bath before we came." She chuckled, "The poor guy was not too happy about her washing him."

The dog laid down and cover his face with his paws as if he were embarrassed. Harry and Severus laughed, "Well as funny as that is lets head inside, Sir Ragnok is waiting." Harry said

The group nods and they head in. Harry walks inside and is immediately met by a smartly dressed goblin wearing a muggle looking suit that looked as if it had been shrunk to fit, "Mr. Potter?" the goblin said to him.

"Sir Ragnok?" Harry asked.

"Indeed." The goblin looked at the people behind Harry, "Are these people with you."

"Yes sir I hope you don't mind that they join us." Harry said.

"If you trust them with the information that will be shared today they are welcome to join us." The goblin said, when Harry nodded the goblin turned, "Very well please follow me." The goblin led them down a long hall until they reached a door that said, 'Head Account Manager Ragnok'. Ragnok showed them in. There were three plush chairs. Harry, Hermione and Amelia took the chairs, Remus stood behind Harry resting his hands on the chair. Severus stood behind Amelia leaning against the wall a bit while Sirius sat on the floor between Hermione and Harry.

Ragnok took his seat, "Now Mr. Potter before we begin I have one question for you." He looked at Harry with a serious expression, "Who was the goblin who took you to your trust vault when you came here on your eleventh birthday."

"Well sir." Harry began, "I came here with Rubeus Hagrid that day. He led me to a teller desk telling the goblin there 'Mr. Harry Potter would like to make a withdrawal' after that another goblin name Griphook led us too my trust vault."

Ragnok wrote something down, "Thank you for that information Mr. Potter I will be investigating this and a punishment will be handed down. No matter who you spoke with the moment they heard your last name you should have been brought directly to me. Obviously someone is meddling in your affairs, and one or more goblins are assisting them." Ragnok looked at Harry with a serious expression, "This will not be tolerated in Gringotts. We remain out of Wizard affairs and do not allow those to meddle with our oldest and most respected clients. The Potter family is one of first wizarding families that opened an account with us. They always respected our customs and our people so the sheer audacity of one of our own to meddled in the Potter families affairs is an act of the highest betrayal."

Amelia was taking notes during the conversation, "Harry do you have any idea who is behind this?" She asked.

"We are fairly certain the one responsible is the Headmaster of Hogwarts…Albus Dumbledore." Severus spoke up.

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise, "Really? Now I see why you invited me today."

Harry smiled then looked back to Ragnok, "Sir Ragnok I will do what ever I can in assisting you in your investigation."

"Thank you Mr. Potter." Ragnok said, "Now lets get to down to business." He pulls an old stone box, "Mr. Potter if you would please provide a drop of blood on this crest." He tapped the coat of arms on the box.

Harry stood seeing the emblem on the box. It was had a pair of stags standing on their hind legs one of their front legs extended, the hilt of a sword between the hooves the blade directed downward. "So it's a family thing." He mumbled. He then took the ceremonial blade the goblin offered him and pricked his finger. He held the bleeding finger over the coat of arms and watched as the blood fell on it. Harry felt a rush of magic as there was a clicking sound and the box's lid slid open a crack.

"Perfect, proof you are indeed a Potter." Ragnok said as Harry took his seat, "Now lets proceed to the reading of the Wills of the late Lord James Potter and his wife Lady Lily Potter nee Evans." He said as he pulled out three rolls of parchment.

Amelia gasped, "Is this why you actually called for me?" she asked Harry.

"Yes…some very important information will be revealed today." Harry said.

"I will be taking ample notes then." She pulled out her Dicto-Quill.

"I will proceed then." Ragnok said as he unrolled one of the parchments:

The Last Will and Testament of James Fleamont Potter

I, James Fleamont Potter, Lord of House Potter and House Peverell, being of sound mind, body, and free of all compulsion including the Imperius Curse, do hereby pen my Last Will and Testament. In the event of my death and I leave behind my wife Lily Jade Potter nee Evans I name her Regent to House Potter and House Peverell until our son Harry James Potter reaches his majority. Should both my wife and I pass at the same time. Which ever guardian from the list of guardians provided for our son Harry James Potter shall be named Regent of both Houses.

Under no circumstances should anyone not named under Harry's list of guardians be allowed to claim themselves Regent of House Potter or House Peverell.

Should I pass and my wife remain she will have control of all the Potter and Peverell Family assets until such time as our son reaches his majority.

Should we both pass the Potter and Peverell Family vaults shall be sealed until Harry James Potter reaches his majority. He will have a trust vault numbered 687 in place with 500,000 Galleons that will refill to that amount each year on his birthday from the main Potter family vault.

Upon reaching the age of eleven Harry James Potter will take up his titles as Heir for both the Potter and Peverell Houses. Until he reaches his majority were he will be name Lord to both Houses.

Signed James Fleamont Potter

Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter

Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell

Executor: Sir Ragnok VII

Witness: Albus Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

The room was silent as Harry clenched his fist, but remained quiet as the goblin pulled unrolled the other parchment and began reading:

Last Will and Testament of Lily Jade Potter nee Evans

I, Lily Jade Potter nee Evans, being of sound mind, body, and free of all compulsion including the Imperius Curse, do hereby pen my Last Will and Testament. In the event of my death and I leave behind my husband, James Fleamont Potter, I leave him control of all my assets until out son Harry James Potter reaches his majority.

Should my husband and myself both pass on one of the guardians named later will control said assets until Harry reaches his majority.

Under no circumstances should anyone aside from the guardians named for Harry be allowed to have access to the assets I've left behind.

Signed,

Lily Jade Potter nee Evans

Executor: Ragnok VII

Witness: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

Ragnok rolled back up the Lily's Will and unrolled the last parchment:

The list below is a list of guardians named for Harry James Potter in the event of one or both of his parents pass:

In the event of James Fleamont Potter's death, guardianship of Harry James Potter will be left to the child's mother Lily Jade Potter 'nee Evans.

In the event of Lily Jade Potter nee Evans' death, guardianship of Harry James Potter is left to the child's father James Fleamont Potter.

In the event of both James Fleamont Potter and Lily Jade Potter nee Evans deaths, below is a list of viable candidates for Harry James Potter's guardianship:

1. Sirius Orion Black, Harry's Godfather by Godfather Ritual. We know Sirius will love Harry as his own son and protect him with his life.

2. Alice Longbottom, Harry's Godmother by Godmother Ritual. We are sure you and Frank will love Harry like your own and he and Neville will grow up as brothers.

3. Remus John Lupin, Harry's honorary uncle. We believe even with your condition if Harry were to grow up with you, he would grow up happy and safe with a broad education.

4. Minerva McGonagall, James Fleamont Potter's Godmother by Godmother ritual and Harry's Honorary Grandmother. A lioness is the term we use to describe you and a lioness will always protect her cub. We know you will protect Harry he will not be without a proper education.

5. Lastly, Severus Tobias Snape, We have our differences this is true, but you are also Lily's oldest friend and you would never actually hurt her son.

Finally, we like to add, under absolutely no circumstances should Harry ever be placed in the custody of Petunia Dursley nee Evans and her husband Vernon Dursley. They are bigoted muggles who will only cause Harry pain. They will not love him, they will shun him he will grow up not knowing anything about who his family is, this is not how we want our son raised.

Signed,

Lord James Fleamont Potter and Lady Lily Jade Potter nee Evans

Executor: Ragnok VII

Witness: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

The room was silent for a while when suddenly Snape's fist smacking against the stone wall, "That bastard." Severus growled, "He knew…he really knew this entire time."

Amelia Bone's mouth was hanging open, "Black was Harry's godfather…by Godfather Ritual." She said.

"Um…" Hermione spoke up, "What exactly does that mean?"

"Hermione, when someone performs a Godparent Ritual they are basically swearing their life and magic to the child in question." Remus explained, "If they betray the child or the child's parents…they die."

"So then…that proves Sirius Black couldn't have betrayed the Potters to Voldemort." Hermione said stating clearly what she already knew.

"My god you're right." Amelia stood, "I need to find him quickly…before the dementors do…they have a kiss on sight order."

"Madam Bones, calm down please." Harry told her, "Sirius is safe."

She looks at Harry wide eyed, "You've come in contact with Black?"

"Yes…we all did actually, at Hogwarts. We learned the truth but Fudge wouldn't hear it." Remus said.

"Where is he now." Amelia asked firmly.

Harry looked to the large black dog, "Go on."

The dog nodded and in a matter of moments Sirius stood in the dogs place still dressed in in his prison garb, though he looked much healthier, "Hello Madam Bones." Amelia stood there wide eyed, "I assume with what you just heard I'll actually get a trail now?"

Amelia shook her head to snap herself out of her daze, "Wait, you never received a trial?!" she exclaimed.

"No, I was thrown into a cell in Azkaban without even seeing a court room." Sirius told her.

"Dear god…the press is going to have a field day when they hear this." She says as she slumps back into her chair holding her head in her hands. She mumbled to herself for a minute then snapped her head up, "Heir Potter may I please be given copies of the Wills and Guardianship documents."

"Of course but what for?" he asked in a curious tone.

"I'm going to force that idiot Fudge to hold a trial by this Friday or swear to take all this information to the press and drag him through the mud!" she said with a fierce look, "I will not stand for this kind of injustice!" she looked to Sirius, "Lord Black I expect you to stay nearby. I intend to have a trial set up for you as soon as possible. I'd take you in now, but seeing as we are in goblin territory my jurisdiction as Head of the DMLE does not extend here, and even if it did. I'm sure Fudge would try to have you Kissed before I can secure the trial."

"Very well." Sirius said.

"And do try to look more presentable by the day of the trial." She said, "I recommend getting a law wizard. Perhaps your cousin Andromeda's husband Edward Tonks. You may need some assistance in the court room."

"I'll write to him for you." Harry said to Sirius encouragingly.

"Thank you." Sirius smiled to Harry rubbing the boy's head.

"Give me a week Lord Black…" Amelia said, "You'll be a free man soon." She took the copies Ragnok had made and left swiftly.

"Well…she certainly has a fire lit under her." Severus smirks.

"I fear for Fudge…Amelia is about to put the fear of a god he doesn't even believe in into him." Remus chuckled.

The group laughed amongst themselves when Ragnok cleared his throat, "Lord Black, while it is a pleasure to see you again, however you've shown poor etiquette with that little stunt you just pulled."

"I apologize Sir Ragnok." Sirius bowed, "I would not have been able to enter this building had I walked up in my true form. I do hope you'll forgive me."

"I will let it slide this time given the circumstances." He said with a smirk, "Now I believe it is time Heir Potter claimed his birthright." The goblin said with as he stood and led them from the room.

Up Next: Harry claims his Heirships for both the Potter and Peverall Houses but then runs into a small snag which leads to a visit to Ollivanders.