Chapter 2

The last few days had defiantly been the best. The Manor sat on one thousand two hundred eighty acres of land giving me two square miles of fields and woods that were completely warded. The second day we even went to the ward stone in the main study to reconfigure the last of those allowed in. It would all those of course invited for like a ball but no one without invite could enter without notice.

Sirius had started on my lord training the next day. We went over the basics for now until we could get the books. There were four levels to the Lord system. Noble families were the lowest of the lords being newer the rest of the families. Plain Noble did not have access to any family magic as they were not old enough but had money and power. Occasional a family would lose this status and be replaced. Their family crests were always cast in steel on there pins when they would be worn by the members and there was currently thirty of these families. Then you had Ancient families were far older then Noble ones but they were not descended from noble families of old. These families did not have family magic but had specific skills and crafts unique to there family. The Olivander's were part of this class. Their crest were cast in bronze and there were twenty families. Then you had the Ancient and Noble Families. They did have family magic and were descendants of old nobility. The Malfoy's were one of these families even though in France they were higher but when a branch member started a line here it was lowered. They had silver crests to designated them and only fifteen families. The last class was my own and was the highest as the Most Noble and Ancient house. There was a total of seven left and we wore gold crests. We were all descendants of members of the original round table of Camelot. There had been more families of course but they were either confirmed dead or had unknown heirs. It was really a lot to take in but I was working on it.

As for Gringotts Sirius had made an appointment and we heard back the next day. Today we would be heading to meet with Ragnok, who was my account manager. He had sent a disk that was to act as our portkey that would activate at eleven sharp.

"You ready pup?" Sirius said putting on the best robes he could find. He did not have much for clothes but thankfully dad had not throw out grandpa's as Sirius was closer to his build. For myself I did not have any wizard cloths so I wore by school trousers and white dress shirt.

"As I will ever," I said knowing full well I was likely to face plant. We grabbed the disk together and in a swirl we left the manor. I had been right as I landed on the hard floor.

"Guess you got your mothers lack of wizard travel skills," he said helping me up.

"You think,"

"We will work on it," he said with a smile.

"I see you are right on time," we both turned to see a goblin at the desk. "As Lord Black knows I am Master Ragnok. I am the head manager of all the Most Noble and Ancient family accounts. I am glad to finally see you Heir Potter. We have tried to reach you many times over the years."

"I am sorry for not responding Master Ragnok," I said "It seems my mail has been diverted since 1981. We are not sure the full reason at this time as of why it was not at least changed since my return to the wizarding world three years ago."

"It shall be investigated," he said "Griphook wished to divert you on your first visit but Hagrid said you would return with your guardian. I am sure the man meant well but it should not have been delayed. Now that you are here though you can claim your heir title. Once done we can establish Lord Black officially as well. Follow we to the ceremony chamber,"

We followed along into and opulent chamber. In the center of the chamber was a stone that stood at about and height. The stone was carved with channels and runes. On the top it was concave to collect blood, as Sirius told me, in a well before running into the channels.

"This is the Blood Stone," Ragnok said "It has determined the proper line since Merlin himself. If you are indeed the rightful heir to any noble house. You will take the dagger and slice your palm. The blood will drip until the runes glow. Once they glow your crest or crests will appear on the wall behind me. If multiple crests appear one is normally larger then the others it being your main title. Smaller ones may appear below showing you as heir to a line. If you wish to merge line to one magic must agree and a crest be presented for the new house. Understood?"

"Yes Master Ragnok," both Sirius and I said. Sirius was first to go showing me how it was done. He stood over the bowl slicing his palm and letting blood freely drip into the well. It did not take long for the runes to start glowing. One crest large crest appeared.

"You seem to be only eligible for the Black lordship," Ragnok said then looked to a paper that had appeared. "You have several other house married in but it is expected from your blood line. None of those lines though you are eligible for. Now the oath,"

"I, Sirius Orion Black, do hereby take up the tile of Lord Black," he said "I promise to protect those under my house from threats within and outside of the family. I shall make choices not only for the good of myself but of the family. I shall on reliquish my title to my rightful heir. So it be said so it be mote"

The crest glowed bright as he took the oath. From the crest came an ornate ring that slid itself on to his right hand. The center was the crest that appeared on the wall with the ravens bade of black stone.

"Magic has accepted your claim as true heir," Ragnok said. "Mr. Potter,"

I stepped forward as Ragnok cleared the blood. Ragnok handed me the blade and I did the same as Sirius. One large crest appeared and it looked strange but simple. A triangle in the center with a skeletal winged horse on either side rearing up. On the bottom of the of the triangle it read "Novissima Autem Inimica Destruetur Mors Omnia Enim" which seemed Latin but I was unsure its meeting. Below the main crest was a smaller one which was the same as Sirius's.

"You are indeed the Potters only heir," he said reading the paper that appeared. "Seems Lord Black made you his heir should he not produce children only months after your birth,"

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"If I die with no children then not only are you Lord Potter but Lord Black," Sirius said explaining to me "The Most Ancient and Noble houses have four votes each which means you would have eight."

"Actually according to this sixteen," Ragnok said

"What?" Sirius turned to look at Ragnok

"Though the founders of Hogwarts never had a title the Wizengamot gave there decedents or champion four votes," Ragnok said "Each founder set requirements for one not their descendant to claim these votes. Hufflepuff seat is claimed by the Smith family after about a two hundred years ago a thought to be muggle-born was tested and found the claim. Ravenclaw has no known descendants so it has sat empty as no family has claimed it. The ghost of Ravenclaw along with her Rowena's portrait has been tasked with testing those thought to be worth. Salazar had descendant who as well claimed an Ancient and Noble seat at one time giving them seven votes. That family has sense died and the only heir lost his claim to conquest to Heir Potter here not only in 1981 but again when his test was defeated. Salazar wished for a way that should his descendants stray from his way that another could take the title. This test was completed in 1993. As for Godric well he had no children having been rendered unable to early in life. He made it so only a true Gryffindor could take the seat and the family would then claim his votes only to lose them should the no longer be worthy."

"The sword was the test!" I said

"The sword?" Sirius said. "The lost sword of Gryffindor! How in the world did you find that?"

"Actually it came to me," I said "Fawkes brought me the sorting hat in the Chamber of Secret. The sword was in the hat and I used it to kill the Basilisk."

"The hat was once Godric's and was given the task to find his champion," Ragnok said "The Basilisk was Salazar's test. After this I might speak with you about harvesting the beast. It has been a year but Basilisks are slow to decay. The meat would be no good but the rest will be usable."

"So you are saying that the Potter Family has rights to not only their own votes but are considered by the founder seats as champion to two seats." Sirius said.

"Yes," he said "Should Heir Potter produce two sons I would suggest split the titles if he does indeed get your title. The Potter lord be champion to one and the Black lord champion to another. Keeping to much power in one line makes targets it is why family's fully merge in many cases."

"Well I don't see myself having an heir," Sirius said "It is one of the reasons I made the blood claim on Harry,"

"Your still young Sirius and once we get you free,"

"Harry not only might it be impossible due to being around dementors but I am also gay," he said the last part somberly.

"Oh," I said "Ok then maybe not,"

"Your alright with that," Sirius said a little surprised "Being raised in a muggle house I thought…,"

"Oh Uncle Vernon talked shit about that and hatted it but no I see no problem," I said "There was a nice couple a few houses down that were always kind when Uncle Vernon sent me doing the neighbors lawns. They always gave me lunch and stuff when I helped them. Eventually Uncle Vernon stopped when he realized they were, I quote, "Poofers". It might not have helped that they called the police on Uncle Vernon once when I broke my arm."

"You may talk of this later," Ragnok said "Heir Potter still must claim his titles and you wished to both be evaluated by our healers,"

"Oh yes sorry Master Ragnok," Sirius said "Go ahead Harry and remember full legal name. The oath is the as we practiced except you will say heir of house Potter and Black."

"I, Harrison James Sirius Potter, do hereby take up the tile of Heir to house Potter and Black," I said "I promise to protect those under my house from threats within and outside of the family. I shall make choices not only for the good of myself but of the family. I shall only relinquish my title should one have more right then I or I come of age to be lord. So it said so it be mote,"

The crest glowed bright as I took the oath. From the crest came two simple gold rings that slid themselves on to my right hand, merging into one. The first ring that slid on was the Black ring which had the crest my no jewels like the Lord ring. The second bore the Potter crest also no jewels.

"The rings that is needs to be shown will show," Ragnok said "Should you need to present both at once the Black ring will switch to your left middle finger. Now why don't we go see the healers and well then look you over we can speak."

"Very well Master Ragnok," Sirius said with a smile and we followed Ragnok out of the chamber. We were lead to a private room with two hospital beds. There two female goblins waited and as soon as we sat started looking us over.

"Now I was able to do a cursory review of both accounts," Ragnok said "Yours Lord Black was not touched when you were sent away. The Ministry tried to claim it but as you listed Harry your heir they could not. Surprisingly they have not made inquiry since your escape. Your funds have grown well since you were sent away as well as your investments had done well though I advise selling your Gambol and Japes as they have gotten less business since Zonko's opened in Hogsmead. We also have an inquirer form some young wizards via their brother of opening a new shop here. From what their brother says these young wizards are quite good at inventing new things that neither Zonko's or Gambol have thought of,"

"Would these wizards happen to be twins?" I inquired

"That they would," Ragnok said with a smile "Should they inquire themselves should I say I have clients interested."

"Yes," I said.

"I will leave that one for Harry," Sirius said "I will sell that stock now though and advise Remus and Harry here to do the same,"

"I have some?"

"Yes we will get to yours though I was going to advise it," Ragnok said "Heir Potter your accounts I am sorry to say have been tampered with."

"How so?"

"We at Gringotts wish to apologize and I personally as well for this," he said "I have used other lower goblins to assist in my accounts. This is our policy and I had one assigned to yours who was young, he also wishes to apologize as well. He went to his supervisor and was told that Dumbledore had rights to your vault as he was your assigned as your magical guardian. This supervisor has since been removed on the discovery and will be placed on trial as it seems Dumbledore had bought him off with the promise of artifacts."

"What was affected?" Sirius asked.

"Vault 688 mostly," Ragnok said. "Thankfully vault 132 and vault 7 require to be related by blood to enter or true magical guardian. He could not enter those vaults and only tried once. He has taken from 688 multiple times stating it was for care of Heir Potter. When he took larger amounts starting in 1991 stating it was for damage and care during school. He also had the supervisor make the young goblin set up two other accounts. One labeled Scholarship which formed in 1983 and according to records he said was a wish of James and Lily so students who could not afford their supplies could get them. The second one is labeled Dowry which was made in 1986,"

"Dowry? Why would I need that?" I asked

"Well not done often arranged marriages or contracts are made in older houses," Sirius said "Even if a couple loves each other and chose a contract is written after they agree to terms. The terms could range from money exchanged to the number of children that must result. Some even had years of marriage required meaning when the contact was up they could part ways or renew. As a male though and that of a Most Noble and Ancient line you would not pay a dowry. Typically if a male did it was because he was moving up the class not his bride so he had to pay for her hand,"

"Sounds like a mix between old world stuff and prenups," I said

"Pretty much and we did it first," he said "Why is their a Dowry account set aside for Harry?"

"It is not set aside but claimed," Ragnok said.

"What!?"

"It seems Dumbledore went to the contract division and had a betrothal contract drawn up," he said before summoning it. "Dumbledore though seems unaware that you out rank his magical claim of guardianship and can cancel any contract he had drawn up."

"Who is it to?" I asked

"One Ginevra Molly Weasley," Sirius said

"I barely talk to her," I said looking at him "She is Ron's little sister. She had a huge crush on me before I saved her in the Chamber of Secrets. She never even approached me last year. What they hell did they try to give them?"

"104,000 Galleons," Ragnok said "Money was taken from vault 688 and set aside to be given to the family on the eve after the wedding which was to be shortly after her fifteenth birthday. Contract stipulated that on the wedding night you both were to take fertility potions to secure an heir. This would continue until an heir was confirmed."

"That is ridiculous," Sirius said. "The contract is to be annulled at immediately and the money to be placed back into vault 688,"

"Very well," Ragnok said with a smile and the contract burst into flames.

"This Scholarship vault is it being run properly?" I asked "From what I have heard it would be something they would have wanted."

"You are right pup," Sirius said "They had talked about having one to be set up but not from that account. Lily had it planed out and James agreed that it would be funded with the Potter family money. It was to sponsor one muggle-born in every year. There was to be some funds available to other students as they could apply should their family not be able to afford supplies. James called this the Remus fund jokingly as it was in mind for students like Remus who came from a low income family."

"I don't believe it is so Lord Black," Ragnok said. "Only one family has had access to this fund since it was made. Though they would class for Lord James assistance fund you speak of they are not muggle-born but again the Weasley family."

"But how they never have new things only hand me downs. Ron even had his brothers old wand until last year," I said.

"It has shown money taken out every year since September 1983 by Molly Weasley," Ragnok said looking at the records.

"Never Arthur though?" Sirius asked.

"No only Molly," Ragnok said "She took the whole 5,000 galleons each year."

"What do you want to do pup?"

"Close that account," I said after thinking for a few minutes. "I want the true scholarship set up and ready for this fall. I am sure Professor McGonagall will have a list of which students could use it. Have a list of Muggle-borns sent to me and with some info on each. As for the assistance fund that can be ready for next year as then students will know about it."

"Very well Heir Potter," Ragnok said "As for Molly Weasley we are unsure if she knows were this money comes from truly."

"Have it investigated,"

"Very well," he said "As for your assets would you like me to read them off well they finish their scans,"

"Yes Master Ragnok,"

"Vault 687- Total worth 2,000 Galleons to be refiled to 3,500 August 1st," Ragnok said "Vault 688- 169,068 Galleons currently with trunks of Lily and James Potter held within. These trunks hold items listed for you if they were to die. Vault 132- Items within full estimated worth 9,876,254 Galleons. Items list available and last inventoried October 25th 1981. Vault 7- 6,256,358,689 Galleons Items inside estimated worth 250,368,587 Galleons or more as some have no measurable value."

"I am…,"

"One of the richest wizards in the world and with a little fix to some of the stocks can be richer," Ragnok said "Now to Stocks, Businesses, and Properties. Lets start with your stock shares which are 10% Gumbol and Japes, 15% Three Broomsticks, 10% Nimbus Racing Broom Company, 15% Elerby and Spudmore, 5% Olivanders Wand, 25% Slug and Jiggers Apothecary, 5% Dogweed and Deathcap Herbology shop, 10% Quibbler, and 20% Daily Prophet. As for Businesses you have say in two as your family founded them. Sleekeazy's which now has a variety of beauty products and Potter Imports and Potions which imports rare potion ingredients along with makes supplies of potions originally made by the Potters such as Skele-grow."

"Wow that's a lot,"

"And we still have properties," he said before continuing. "You know of Potter Manor and Godric's Hollow. There is also a 100 acre vineyard in France with a home on it. Potter Island which is currently used by Newt Scamander as a reserve for magical beasts. Black Forest estate in Germany. 100 acres of crop land in Spain used for potion ingredients, there is a small home there. Dover Cottage in Dover England. A flat in Dublin's wizard district. Potter Penthouse in New York City. Vacation Villa in the Bermuda. Dragon Cottage in Romania. Marauders flat in London. The building and 4 acres of land known as the shrieking shack in Hogsmead Scotland. Lastly 93 Diagon Ally an unused store front and apartment. This also includes nineteen, three being elflings, house-elfs that care for properties. Total estimated worth 75,236,587 Galleons."

"Holy Merlin," I said

"That does not include the holding of Gryffindor and Slytherin though Slytherin had his elsewhere I will be looking at the Gryffindor account later," Ragnok said.

"Master Ragnok," one of the healers said handing him two sheets of paper.

"Well Lord Black with time and proper meals you should heal nicely," he said "Your assumption of fertility was correct as well it seems your chances are only at five percent of you were to try. Though you will not suffer from dysfunctions other then fertility in that department. Your magical core has some damage but it is already on the mend."

"Great news then," Sirius said with a smile. Ragnok then looked at the other paper and his face dropped. With a snap of his fingers Sirius was bound. "What in the name of Merlin is this for?"

"I am sorry Lord Black but to keep you calm I feel this is a must. Heir Potter will need you if this report is true," Ragnok said before looking to me. "Heir Potter has anyone ever treated you in the magical world?"

"Madam Pomfrey a few times at school," I said "Other then that no."

"Master Ragnok Madam Pomfrey is not one to neglect reports on a child," the healer said.

"You are right which throws into question these," Ragnok said. "Our reports show older injures and if they were healed correctly. This is something done to my knowledge to many muggle-born or raised students as it is harder to get the muggle files transferred. I am seeing that you have not had any of the required magical malady vaccination potions and there is evidence of abuse,"

"Abuse!" Sirius yelled.

"Yes Lord Black," Ragnok said "Starting around the age of three I see malnutrition which was slightly corrected at age eleven. My guess someone snuck nutrition potions in his meals at Hogwarts. I see evidence of fractures that did not heal properly and some major injures that were magically healed around the age of eight or nine. The beatings seemed to become less intense after that."

"Harry?" Sirius looked at me pleading with me.

"Uncle Vernon," I said knowing he needed to know. "He did not like when I did freak things. When I was eight I made my self appear on my schools roof well running form my cousin. It was near enough to the end of the year that they suspended until the following year. I don't remember it much of it after the third swing. I woke up in the hospital like two weeks later."

"It seems you had a fractured skull, five broken ribs, broken right arm and left leg, bruising to your liver, spleen, and one kidney," Ragnok said. "There is signs they were the most healed injuries and were done by magic so someone intervened. Likely warning the horrid man off after that."

"Dumbledore," Sirius said with a growl.

"Likely but that is not all our scans read," Ragnok. "Heir Potter has multiple bindings on his core placed by Albus Dumbledore. Not only that there is a dark curse that is in his scar that reduces his magic he does have access to as it feeds off it. Thankfully the curse has not seeped into the brain which may allow us to take care of it more easily. We will need to evaluate more though so I believe we should do a more in depth look now. Healer Sharpclaw why don't you call for the senior curse breaker and bring them to the ritual room."

"Yes sir," the healer said before running off.

"Now let us move along to the ritual room," Ragnok said. He released Sirius and lead us to a stone room. There waited another goblin and a red haired man.

"Harry?" the man said

"Do I know you?" I asked.

"I guess we have not met," he said "I am Bill, Rons oldest brother."

"Oh," I said

"Don't worry Heir Potter," Ragnok said "Heir Weasley can not speak of anything that pertains to you unless given permission. Now lay on the alter so the curse breakers can look."

With a nod I did as instructed. Both the goblin and Bill started chanting out a spell. It felt as if it was taking forever before a sharp pain radiated from my scar. When they released their magic I was panting from holding back the scream.

"I have never heard of one in a living person," Bill said in amazement.

"That would be due to the fact this is not a true one," the goblin said "Likely created due to damage he had already caused."

"Can you clue the rest of us in please," I heard Sirius say.

"The boy has a Horcrux in his scar," the goblin said bluntly.

"No…," Sirius said in disbelief. "It can't be,"

"It is true," the goblin replied. "As it does not have the effects of a true Horcrux on those around it I believe it is not fully functioning. It has shown signs of growing in strength greatly since late 1991 I would say."

"What is a Horcrux?" I asked.

"A Horcrux is a dark piece of magic," Ragnok explained. "It is created by splitting ones soul and placing a portion in an item to become immortal. We goblins have seen it a few times over the years."

"Looking at yours I believe it to be unintentionally created," the goblin said. "Voldemort must have created many more damaging his soul. When he cast the killing curse and it hit what ever spell your mother placed a portion latched on to your scar. It does not effect those around you though but if it grows anymore powerful it will start to effect you more in a traditional way. For now it has effected your eyes,"

"His eyes?"

"Yes the damage done was from the soul fragment feeding of his magic which inadvertently has injured the optic nerves. This can be repaired over time thankfully once the piece is removed."

"Get it out then," I said "I do not want or need a piece of that bastard in me!"

"We can do that but there are risks Harry," Bill said "The piece likely will defend itself from us. This could harm you by either attacking the eyes which are already damaged, attacking the brain, or just kill you. The spells we use to get rid of the Horcux from objects have never been used on a person and the other methods would kill you outright."

"It is something that should be done before unbinding your magic," the goblin said "By the looks of it it is feeding off a portion and if we released those bindings now it would be more of a risk as it would grow stronger."

"Sirius," I said looking at him. He was clearly scared of the outcomes but then again so was I but I knew it had to be done. "I got to try,"

"I know pup but..,"

"If it works should the Dark Lord return he would have a better chance," Ragnok said. "With it gone he would need a few days before he would be strong enough to have the other bindings off."

"If I don't do it Voldemort could use the soul piece then,"

"Know that he had to have damage soul for this I would expect he is not dead now but weak," the goblin said. "If he returned using another horcrux or a dark ritual he could use it by knowing what you know or controlling you. It is still weak enough were the reward out weighs the risk."

"Can it be done today?" I asked

"Harry," Sirius said.

"No it needs to get done quickly," I said

"It can be done but I suggest that you have affairs set before hand," Ragnok said. "Just in case."

"Very well," I said before turning to Sirius. "You go get Moony and I will get things set."

"Moony," he said

"Yea I don't want you to be alone well you wait," I said and he nodded saying he would be back. Ragnok then got to work with me.