The Bonds That Tie
It took no time to get from Malfoy Manor to the Leaky Cauldron, then onto Diagon Alley. Narcissa and Draco went right off to shop while Severus said he was grabbing some supplies and would meet Harry and Lucius outside the bank afterwards to take Harry to get his trunk from his muggle relatives, not that Harry saw them as family. It was strange to be considered a Malfoy now, but he was still who he was before that and even before becoming a vampire. Yes, Harry had a lot of anger since his become a creature of the undead and dark, but he was still himself. He, after all, never touched Pettigrew earlier. He only made the man resort to his rat form, and let Nagini take care of the rest. Technically, Nagini killed Peter Pettigrew, not Harry Potter. And no one except those watching knew the truth. It was weird to be living in the same house as Voldemort and all his death eaters because Harry knew that the Malfoy's offered up as a headquarters, or so Draco informed Harry of why they were always there. Voldemort and the death eaters inhabited the bedrooms of the third floor where family inhabited the second and everything else was on the first. Harry and Lucius had made it inside the bank and were walking up to the main goblin, something Harry recalled from his first time there with Hagrid.
"May I help you, Lord Malfoy?" The goblin asked.
"We need an urgent meeting with goblin in charge of the Potter accounts, if you would?" Lucius said formally.
"And does Mr. Harry Potter have his key to act as proof that he is who he appears?" The goblin asked. "We received disturbing news that Mr. Harry Potter perished, though an investigation has been launched to determine if the boy is alive or not. Word around is that Harry Potter as become a creature of the undead. Not that it matters any to me, I just need to know that is who stands beside you, Lord Malfoy," He explained.
"Do you have your key, Harry?" Lucius asked.
"I haven't seen my key since first year, sir. And Hagrid had it." Harry informed.
"Another antic of Dumbledore's no doubt," Lucius faced the goblin once more. "Mr. Potter will agree to an inheritance test to prove he is who he says." Lucius stated.
"Very well. Right this way," The goblin hopped down and led Lucius and Harry to a room in the back. "I will fetch the goblin in charge of the Potter accounts, wait here, please." Then he left.
"Sir, what is an inheritance test?" Harry questioned.
"It's merely a charmed piece of parchment that you will give a single drop of blood to and it reveals not only who you are, but everything tied to your line. It is what the goblins use in the event a key is lost or stolen." Lucius explained. "It is good we didn't waste time. Dumbledore seems to have already begun the process of having you declared dead so that your vault contents end up with your next of kin. If we'd not done the blood adoption, which will come up on the parchment, would go to your muggle relatives."
"I can't wait to get back at Dumbledore for all this…" Harry growled.
"Calm yourself, Harry. It will do no good to get angry here," Lucius advised.
"Sorry…Due to feed," He admitted, hanging his head low.
"Will you be alright to do this without feeding?" Lucius asked.
"I should be okay to get through this, sir," Harry replied with a nod.
"And you do not have to call me, Sir or Mr. Malfoy, Harry. I adopted you, so you may call me Lucius. I don't expect you to call me father," Lucius stated.
"Maybe one day I might; everything is just new…" Harry replied honestly.
"There is no requirement of such titles." Lucius told him.
It was only a moment later when a goblin entered the room. "Lord Malfoy. Mr. Potter…It is my honor to serve you today. My name is Griphook, appointed manager to the Potter accounts. First, I must ensure this young lad is Harry Potter." He grabbed a sheet with a symbol at the top of the paper; it was centered. The next thing put down was a silver dagger. "Just a spot of blood on the marker, if you please?"
Harry grabbed the blade and pricked his finger, then brought it over the marker to allow a drop to hit perfectly before he sat back while the paper levitated on its own; words beginning to write themselves.
Inheritance Verification Test
Birth Name: Harry James Potter(Black/Malfoy)
Date of Birth: July 31, 1980
Species: Wizard(Half-Blood)/Vampire(Turned August 1, 1995)
Parents: James Potter(Father-Deceased) & Lily Potter née Evans(Mother-Deceased)
Other Family: Petunia Dursley née Evans(Maternal Aunt-Muggle), Vernon Dursley(Uncle-Muggle), Dudley Dursley(Cousin-Muggle)
Godparents: Sirius Orion Black(Deceased)
Remus John Lupin(Eligible) – Passed on by Sirius Black at incarceration in October 1981 and at death in June 1996
Adoptions:
Blood Adoption into the Black Family on October 31st, 1981-Accepted
Adoptive Father: Sirius Orion Black via Blood Adoption
Current Guardianship & Custody:
Lucius Malfoy the Second & Narcissa Malfoy née Black via Blood Adoption
Blood Adoption into the Malfoy Family on August 30, 1996 - Accepted
Adoptive Father: Lucius Malfoy the Second
Adoptive Mother: Narcissa Malfoy née Black
Adoptive Brother: Draco Lucius Malfoy
Adoptive Aunt: Bellatrix Lestrange née Black
Adoptive Uncle(Via marriage): Rodolphus Lestrange
Adoptive Uncle(In-Law via marriage): Rabastan Lestrange
Heirs To: Potter Family. Slytherin(Won In Battle). Black Family(Through Adoption). Peverell Family. Malfoy Family(Through Adoption).
Lordships: Potter, Black, Slytherin
Vaults in Possession: Potter, Black, Peverell, Slytherin
Test Initiated by: Griphook, Goblin Account Manager for the Potter and Black families
Harry just stared at the sheet in front of him, not sure how to take it all. "Calm yourself, Harry," Lucius patted his shoulder. "I know it's a lot, but we'll work everything out."
"I'm just…Most of it I get, but some I'd never even heard of." Harry replied. "I knew Bellatrix and Narcissa were Black's before marriage. And I know I just got adopted by your family. I know Bellatrix is married to Rodolphus. Draco told me all that. I even expected it would tell me I was a half-blooded wizard and vampire. I knew it would tell me Remus was my guardian after Sirius died. What doesn't make sense is why it says Eligible."
"It means that Mr. Lupin is eligible to take over the godfather duties after Mr. Black's death. Custody and Guardianship were granted as soon as Mr. Black's death was reported." Griphook explained.
"I was told he was ineligible because of him being a werewolf…" Harry remarked.
"We do not discriminate based on species. We have a letter from Mr. Black stating with Albus Dumbledore as witness that Mr. Remus Lupin is a model citizen to the wizarding world, member to the Order of the Phoenix and his werewolf tendencies would not disrupt taking care of Harry Potter, and he was medicated with Wolfsbane Potion. That's all we needed." Griphook stated.
"That lying bastard." Harry's eye flashed red. "I'm going to kill that bloody lying old fool!" Harry narrowed his eyes.
"Harry…" Lucius tried.
"He lied to my face about Remus!" Harry seethed.
"And he will get what's coming to him, Harry. I promise you…For now, you must settle down if we're to get through everything here." Lucius informed.
Harry took a few deep breaths, closing his eyes and managing to relax himself. "What is the heirs and lordships thing?" Harry asked. "I don't even recognize the Peverell name…And Slytherin? You can be heir to a house at Hogwarts?" He inquired.
"When you are born into a family, Harry, you become an heir to its line. As your parents had no other children, you are the sole heir to the Potter line and with them gone now; you've assumed eligibility to become Lord of the Potter house. Like how I am Lord Malfoy, as you heard the goblin before address me. Draco is my heir and one day, he'll become Lord Malfoy when I retire, or pass. It would seem that through the adoption Sirius petitioned on your first birthday, and it passed after your parents died; Sirius had legally adopted you as his son and so that has made you the Black family heir, and with him gone; you can take up lordship of the Black house too." Lucius explained. "It makes you head of house and family, Harry."
"Like how Aunt Muriel Weasley is head of the Weasley family and can make all those decisions for anyone carrying the Weasley name, and those married into? She took over it after her husband died." Harry mentioned.
"Yes, exactly that." Lucius nodded to him. "There are no other Potter's until you have an heir yourself…But as Lord Black, as it would be; you have control over anyone born into the Black family, even those who have married. It goes by the blood connections at birth." He continued.
"Okay, but…Peverell and Slytherin?" Harry asked curiously.
"It is in your family history, Harry Potter," Griphook informed as he brought a large sheet towards them and laid it out on the desk. "This is your family tree going back to the Peverell brothers. You descend from Ignotus Peverell." Griphook pointed to the name.
Harry looked over the sheet, venturing to the other Peverell brothers, Antioch and Cadmus. Antioch didn't interest him much…But Cadmus? There were names on there that stuck out. Salazar Slytherin and further down was the Gaunt and Riddle names. Harry's eyes widened. "I'm related to Tom Riddle?!" Lucius leaned over and looked.
"It would appear so. You and the dark lord seem to be very distant cousins through the Peverell brothers." Lucius confirmed. "And there's your answer to the heir of Slytherin too. Salazar Slytherin was on Cadmus Peverell's side of the family."
"But I'm just a cousin, wouldn't a son be the heir?" Harry questioned.
"Your inheritance test reveals that your won your heir position, and by rights, the lordship in battle." Griphook reminded. "You defeated the previous heir on multiple occasions, Mr. Potter. Allegiance can change."
"I've never defeated Voldemort, though…" Harry said.
"But you did, Harry. Maybe you haven't killed him, but you beat him in many battles." Lucius informed. "When you were a baby. First, second, fourth, and fifth years too."
"I didn't really stop him last year…" Harry remarked.
"You stopped him from taking over you through possession, it counts." Lucius mentioned.
"May I ask something, Griphook…" Harry looked at the Goblin.
"Proceed," Griphook invited.
"Albus Dumbledore told me he was my magical guardian, and could decide everything for me…He even set up a marriage contract with another family for me to marry their daughter…Is he any kind of guardian to me? Can he do that?" Harry questioned.
"Your magical guardian is the ones who have custody and guardianship of you. Albus Dumbledore has never been such to you. It was your parents, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and now, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy." Griphook enlightened.
"I will kill him…" Harry tightened his hands to fists.
"And as Lord Potter-Black and Slytherin…You cannot be set under a marriage contract unless it is by your own decision. Your guardians can set one up, but on your allowances to it." Griphook informed. "So the contract Albus Dumbledore has set up is void. You became eligible for your lordships at the age of sixteen."
"But I stopped aging at fifteen, that's when I was turned." Harry replied.
"That was your old life's aging, Mr. Potter. You may look fifteen, but your birthday still passed last month and it recognizes that you've become sixteen. If you were not eligible; they would not have appeared to you." Griphook explained. "Would you like to take your lordships now? I can retrieve them from their vaults."
Harry looked at Lucius, who nodded to him. "I guess I'll take them," Harry told Griphook.
"Excellent. I'll send someone to retrieve those from their vaults. Is there anything else you need, Mr. Potter?" Griphook inquired.
"Yes, we'd like a summary of all accounts. We want to know if anything has been removed from them in the time of Harry inheriting to now." Lucius stated calmly.
"I will get those in the works as well." Griphook nodded.
"Please?" Lucius replied.
"Would it be easier to have everything set into one vault, Lucius?" Harry questioned.
"It could be. I combined everything into one when I became lord to my house. I do have two side vaults, one for Draco's and Narcissa for their own spending." Lucius responded.
"Then I'd like to put everything into one, but separated; if possible and makes sense? Please?" Harry asked gently.
"It will be done, young lord," Griphook bowed his head. "If you'll wait here for your rings, they'll be along soon." He stepped out a moment to talk to another goblin, then returned to the room. "It will take some time to move everything into one vault and then get the summaries accounted for. Shall I send a summons to return to the bank for those, or just send them by mail to your home, Lord Malfoy?"
"Let's not take the risk of anything being intercepted. We'll send a house elf to retrieve things…Who can I use?" Lucius thought.
"We can use Dobby; he's ever faithful to me, sir. And if I'm to be living with you…He'll be coming too. Right now, he's in the Hogwarts kitchens but has asked to be my elf when I get out of my muggle relatives home." Harry hoped.
"Very well then, Harry," Lucius replied. "Call him now so we can get that bond underway."
"Dobby," Harry said aloud.
There was a pop as Dobby appeared in the office. "Harry Potter has called for Dobby?"
"Hello again, Dobby," Harry smiled.
"Dobby is pleased to see Harry Potter is alright. The Order is worried and searching for Harry Potter. Shall I tell them you're found?" Dobby asked.
"No. Absolutely not, Dobby. No one is to know where I am. Secret to guard with your life." Harry insisted.
"Dobby shall protect Harry Potter and his secrets until his death." Dobby bowed.
"Thank you," Harry said gently. "Now…Dobby, do you still want to bond with me?"
"Oh, Dobby would love to be Harry Potter's elf!" Dobby nodded quickly.
"I'm finally out of the Dursley's house…But Dobby, before you agree…Know that I've been adopted by the Malfoy family and will be residing there from now on. Are you still alright with that?" Harry questioned.
"Is old master going to hurt Dobby or Harry Potter?" Dobby asked.
"No harm will come to you or Harry Potter, Dobby. I vow such." Lucius said. "You'll likely get along well with the others there."
"Then Dobby accepts bonding with Harry Potter as his master." Dobby smiled. "When will we bond?"
"Later on back home," Harry told his friend. "You're still my friend, Dobby. And you don't have to call me master, ever…"
"A gracious master Harry Potter is," Dobby said.
"When things are ready, Mr. Potter, will I summon your elf or you?" Griphook asked.
"Call for Dobby." Harry said.
"It will be done," Griphook nodded.
"I'll call you when we get back the house, Dobby. And remember…Tell no one you've seen or talked to me." Harry reminded.
"Dobby has not seen or talked to Harry Potter." Dobby vowed before he vanished with the snap of his fingers.
"You made his day," Lucius chuckled slightly.
About ten minutes later, there was a knock on the door as Griphook told the goblin on the other side to come in.
"The rings for Harry Potter," The goblin informed, dropping the objects into Griphook's hand before leaving the room to fulfill the other orders Griphook gave him.
Griphook faced Harry and opened his palm to set the rings down on the desk carefully. "Your rings seem to have sensed that three may be too many and condensed themselves," Griphook said. "This one seems to be the combined version of the Potter and Slytherin rings. P for Potter, then the green gem and snake icon for Slytherin. Quite ironic if you ask me. And this…Would be the Black ring." Griphook handed it to Harry.
"Thank you, Griphook," Harry said.
"Aren't you gonna put them on?" Lucius asked.
"When we get home…" Harry muttered. "I need to feed," He jerked a little.
"Then let's be on our way out." Lucius stated. "We appreciate all your assistance today, Griphook. You manage things well, if interested; I'd like to hire you as the Malfoy account manager."
"I accept, Lord Malfoy." Griphook bowed his head. "I look forward to our next meeting."
"I as well." Lucius stated.
Harry got up with Lucius as they prepared to leave, but then he stopped once Lucius reached the door. "Griphook. Before I leave…I'd like to ask for copies of my parents and Sirius's will, please." Harry asked. "I never saw them, but I know Sirius left everything to me…I feel I should see them." Griphook summoned over three folders and duplicated them sending the copies to Harry. "Thank you."
Lucius led Harry out of the office, then the bank. Narcissa and Draco were waiting with Severus. "There you are." Narcissa greeted. "Everything set?"
"Oh, yes and Dumbledore is going to be in a world of trouble. I had to get Harry to relax three times as information was revealed." Lucius sighed.
"Is he alright?" Draco inquired.
"He needs to feed; he told me earlier when we arrived and just now." Lucius informed.
"Then let's get home." Narcissa suggested.
"No, I want to get my stuff first…" Harry asked.
"Are you going to be alright to wait on feeding, dear?" Narcissa inquired.
"It's not awful, I just know it's time to." Harry replied.
"Then we will return home and be waiting for you and Severus to come. Why don't you let me take your things for you that we got at the bank, Harry?" Lucius suggested.
Harry handed over the rings and the folders. "Let's go, Professor," Harry told Severus.
"This way to the apparition point," Severus led Harry away.
Once they got there, Harry held onto Severus's arm and they were gone in a flash.
. . .
Harry and Severus landed in Little Whinging, Surrey in a spot just a small walk to the house. It was secluded so no one would have seen them and the two walked to number four on Privet Drive. Harry took a breath and knocked on the door. It opened a moment later as Harry set eyes on his aunt.
"What do you want, Potter?" Petunia asked.
"I just need my things for school, Aunt Petunia. I'm not staying, nor ever returning." Harry informed.
"Finally." Petunia allowed Harry inside.
"I'll wait here," Severus stated.
Harry nodded and went inside the house as Petunia eyed the man curiously. "You were Lily's little friend from Cokeworth, weren't you?" She asked.
"Indeed." Severus remarked. Petunia closed the door softly and went over to pass by Harry, knocking into him and not caring.
"Vernon, I need the key to the cupboard to get the boy's things out. He's leaving, for good." Petunia informed.
"About time. Keep those bloody freaks away…Always coming here to ask where you've been." Vernon got up to get his keys and then open the cupboard. "Don't forget anything, you won't be allowed back." He said in a rough tone.
Harry pulled out his trunk and opened it to ensure everything was there in place. Harry did run upstairs to the room he had been using over the years since leaving the cupboard and double checked that he had everything from there too. Harry stuffed the things he grabbed from the room into his trunk. "I'll be leaving now."
"Good riddance." Vernon remarked.
Dudley shoved Harry back as he hit the wall. "Since we won't see you again, should get in one more."
"Back off, Dudley…" Harry warned. "I'm not in the mood."
"You dare sass him, boy!" Vernon's hand made contact with Harry's cheek before Harry could say anything else. It didn't hurt as much as it used to and Harry suspected that came from being a vampire now. Vernon slammed Harry against the wall, then threw him down and kicked his midsection. Harry winced and then Vernon pulled his belt off and snapped it. Dudley managed to get Harry's shirt up and was kneeling on his hands. Vernon whipped at Harry's back six times with the buckle to leave cuts and welts.
The door opened open. "What is all the noise-," Severus stopped when he saw Harry on the ground, back exposed and bleeding. These people dared to harm Harry Potter? Severus pulled his wand and held it on Vernon. "Back away from him…Now…" Severus warned. Vernon backed off and so did Dudley. The three got against the opposite wall as Severus knelt down to help Harry. "Are you alright?"
"Nothing I'm not used to…" Harry hissed.
"Come on." Severus shrunk down Harry's trunk and put it in his pocket, then helped Harry up as they left the house and stood outside. "Let's get across the way and I can apparate us." He told Harry, who only nodded. "Harry, answer me honestly…Have those people done this to you before?"
"More times than I care to count right now…" Harry replied, his eyes cast downward.
"Severus! Wonderful, you've found him!" Came an excited voice. Severus looked over to see Remus and Nymphadora with Alastor coming closer. "Dumbledore has ordered us to meet at headquarters and since we have Harry, he is to come too."
"Harry, can you handle this right now?" Severus whispered.
"Let's just get it over with…You should send word to Lucius, though…" Harry replied.
"Take Harry. He's weak from his relatives beating him…" Severus informed.
"What?..." Remus asked, stunned and anger rising.
Severus set his wand to his lips and whispered a short message, then he set the wand to his dark mark on his left forearm and sent the message to Voldemort. It was all he could do at this moment to pass one alone. "Let's be on our way." Severus told the other three. It was moments later that they were gone through apparition to Grimmauld Place.