Harry allowed very little part of his genuine happiness to show around people. However, he could not rein in his excitement at each new part of the magical Britain he discovered. Then the Gringotts, the bank run by hideous creatures which Harry was informed to be as goblins, dropped the greatest bomb.
Wertan, the ancient vault master of the House of Potter, was grinning with a mouth full of creepy sharp teeth upon the results of the genealogy test performed by the healers.
Name: Harry James Potter
Date of Birth: 31st of July, 1980
Paternal Lines
House of Peverell
House of Potter
House of Black
Maternal Lines
House of Slytherin
All these four houses combined would easily make Harry one of the richest people around the world, if not the richest. Moreover, as the last alive member of the said families -except the House of Black- Harry was considered the Head. Things were great in Harry's opinion but that was about to change.
The test had another section. The bondparents, the magically binding version of godparents. The thing that shocked Harry's overwhelmed companion, Professor McGonagall, not Madam upon her request, was that Sirius Black was his bondfather which apparently forbid him from causing any harm to his bondson directly or indirectly. According to McGonagall, this included also his betrayal and, eventually, the death of his parents.
Harry thought maybe he could pay a visit to his dear bondfather. That was another day's concern though, his innocence was still dubious in Harry's eyes.
Harry was yanked from his musings by the sudden jolt of the car. They were in front of his trust vault which was filled to several thousand galleons every year that according to Professor was much more than what was enough. The currency system was simply out of this world for Harry but it was not the first thing that seemed weird in magical Britain.
The prices at the shops made Harry realize that he was very wealthy indeed. Combined with the various properties around the worldwide, it was certain that he would be able to live without a care for many decades. However, he would rather die than leave his ambitions. No, the House of Potter was going to be remembered for centuries, nay, millennia to come.
While Harry was greedily dreaming about the future of his family, they arrived at the bookstore.
The most popular shelf in the store left Harry very displeased. There were rows of adventure books recounting his various journeys with dragons, werewolves and many other magical beasts. The reason of Harry's displeasure, however, was not due to someone using his name and fame for their own gain. He, in fact, liked the idea that someone was writing epic stories about him. However, the fact that he did not gain one single penny, knut from now on I guess, from them. He would have to see if there were any lawyers working for his family.
The rest of the shopping went without a hitch thanks to McGonagall's advices and tips, except the purchase of his wand. After trying many wands, Harry was fine with doing magic without a wand. He was already more than capable of using magic without a wand. However, the weird wandmaker Ollivander insisted on crafting a new wand for him. The result was a beautiful laurel wand with a Horned Serpent horn for its core. He gave vague answers to the curious questions of the Professor about the core of his wand.
The stern teacher, apparently tired from the many revelations she witnessed that day, bid farewell to Harry in a backstreet near the orphanage and disappeared.
It was a walk in the park to convince the matron about why he was not going to be residing in the orphanage anymore. With that done, he faded with his luggage and appeared in Wertan's office again.
The goblin was too old to notice the sudden appearance of the young wizard. An idea struck Harry.
"Master Wertan, greetings."
"Oh, young Mr. Potter. What is it now?"
Harry wondered how his sudden appearance did not concern the old goblin even a bit but it was not the strangest thing he saw that day.
"I have some questions and a couple of proposals. Now, I heard you value your time in Gringotts. So, first of all, is there a way for me to access the house in Vielle-Saint-Girons?"
"Of course, a specific portkey may be provided for a fee. The wards will accept you always if you are wearing the Potter ring."
"Thank you, please do so. Also, I gather that the house that was damaged in the attack was seized by the Ministry, is that correct?"
"Yes, Mr. Potter."
"Has Ministry paid any kind of compensation?"
A predatory grin appeared on the old goblin's face which was mirrored on the angelic face of the child.
"No, they have not."
"I see. Lastly, does Gringotts offer legal advice?"
"We do not, Mr. Potter, however, there are some names we are in contact with."
"Perfect, may I get a list of these firms?"
"Of course, anything else?"
"I have a proposal. If I may be so bold, you were in this position for a long time, I gather. I would hate to see that the accounts of the House of Potter were left without the supervision of an expert vault master. I propose you that you train the next vault master who will take over whenever you feel it is appropriate."
"It is correct that I am old. However, you realize that the apprentice and the training will cost more than my fee, right?"
"Of course, I am open to negotiate the terms." Never make the first offer in a place you do not know.
The old goblin did not seem to need time to make his offer though.
"I believe five percent of the profit made through any and all successful ventures and two percent for the apprentice would be enough. Also, a yearly safety payment of two thousand galleons in case the five percent of the profit is less than two thousand galleons."
In hindsight, Harry realized he really was out of his depth. He was negotiating with seemingly a creature from a very cutthroat nation in the creature's own grounds. However, he also knew his pride would not let him accept the offer without a counteroffer.
Therefore, the negotiation went on for almost an hour and both parties were sufficiently displeased with the conditions at the end, thus it was a win in Harry's books. After signing the contract as the last member of Potter family showing agreement of both on the negotiated terms for the next ten years, he felt his doubts about the contract recede slightly.
Taking the portkey and the list of the law firms, Harry wished a profitable day to Wertan. Upon saying the name of the property, Harry was yanked from his navel into what felt like a narrow tube. An excruciating minute later, Harry was standing in front of a beautiful cottage atop of a hill looking at the vast vineyard.
Warm summer breeze ruffled Harry's hair and he felt warmth inside for the first time in his life. The pleasant smile that was plastered to his face all day left its place to the vulnerable expression of a child. The tears followed it.
When Harry finally pulled himself together enough to check the house, the sun has already completed its journey on the sky and was painting the sky a beautiful orange. The moment he opened the ornate double door, a small creature appeared next to Harry and started bawling promptly. The creature had disproportionately big eyes and greyish green skin. It was wearing a black cloak with the Potter coat of arms.
"Master Harry is back. Remy is worried, Remy told others that Master Harry come back again one day and he came. What can Remy do for Master Harry?"
Harry was simply flabbergasted. Assuming that this little creature was named Remy, he spoke as calmly as he could.
"Hello, Remy. Firstly, if you don't mind me asking, what are you?"
"Remy is a Potter house elf, Master Harry. Every Potter property has a couple house elves. Vineyard is closed since Master Fleamy left."
"I see, what can house elves do, Remy? And would you please call or summon them here? Also, is Master Fleamy my grandfather?"
The elf started sobbing again. Harry uncomfortably patted the little creature's head.
"Of course, Master. House elves can do many things, Master. Clean the house, attend to young masters and mistresses, care for the gardens and stables. Mistress Phemy used to command us to follow and listen to the guests when they be talking sneakily."
The grin on Harry's could unsettle many. His grandmother truly sounded like a smart woman. Then, the foyer of the house that Harry did not have the chance to inspect was filled with almost two dozen house elves.
After a long session of consoling upset elves, he was a given a house tour. The house was impressive with various bedrooms and secret rooms unlocked only with the family rings. However, Harry's exploration had to be abandoned due to overwhelming exhaustion and hunger.
After eating a grand dinner prepared by the Potter cook house elves, he retreated to the master bedroom. It was everything Harry dreamed of. An ornate four-poster bed at the centre of the room. A huge window covered the outdoor wall. Harry idly thought how they kept the house at the ideal temperature and prevent it getting stuffy. The bathroom connected to the bedroom was left for the other day because the moment Harry laid on the bed, he was overcome with the exhaustion and succumbed to sleep.
The next month and half were spent with Harry learning about the magical world and magic. Even though it has not been long since Harry's reintroduction to magical Britain, he was already causing trouble.
First, with the help of one of the law firms Gringotts suggested, he got his bondfather free again upon the discovery of his status as Harry's bondfather and the fact that he was not trialled as the law mandated. The proper trial caused some heads to roll. The fat buffoon that called himself the Minister blamed it on his predecessor and the nosy old bastard that called himself the Headmaster blamed it on the martial law. Sirius Black was treated in St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries for the effects of Dementors and was in a magically induced coma.
The case regarding the Harry Potter adventure books was closed even before going to the court as the author was sufficiently cowed after a brief meeting with Harry. The retroactive payment was small compared to the Potter wealth but it was money nonetheless.
Moreover, he discovered two branches of magic that stoked the ambitious fire in Harry.
First one was runes. More precisely, the wide usage of runes. He was dazzled by how olden wizard and witches used runes for rituals, long-term spells and signcasting. While all three bore a high risk of fatal accidents, it was interesting to read the theory nonetheless.
The second one was the mind arts. He finally had a name for his favourite ability. He realized that he was already a very proficient Legilimens as he did not need the spell at all, so he focused primarily on occlumency. With occlumency, the books said, he could have greater ability to retain events and to focus which was a must for rituals and signcasting.
Also, Harry realised how the modern magical humans limited themselves with the usage of wands. He agreed that the wands made it easier to cast some spells, however, it could not create the same amount of control over the spells. A Potter named Alfred in the 17th century described it as using magic filtered out through one's wand.
Last but not least, Harry found his parents' trunks that they used for school. Both of them left Harry in tears. His father's trunk could only be described as organized chaos. The school supplies and clothes were spread in all compartments. There were a couple of priceless items. There was a piece of parchment that was filled with magic unlike normal parchments. As Harry opened it, as if it recognized Harry, the parchment started drawing some kind of a map showing every floor of Hogwarts and the very few people that were at the huge school. Then a short message appeared in the middle of the page.
Messrs. Prongs, Padfoot, Moony and Wormtail, greet the Heir of Prongs and wish success in his endeavours in causing plenty of mischief. May Snivellus not rest peacefully in this life and the next.
Snivellus according to his dad's journals was the annoying friend of gorgeous Lily Juliet Evans, Severus Snape. The first entry about him told how he jinxed James' shoes to slip as if they were on ice for hours after James tried flirting with Lily in Fourth Year. Then a petty prank war started between the four and Snivellus. Apparently, it ended towards the end of Sixth Year. After Sirius goaded Snape into the shabby shack outside of Hogsmeade during a full moon while Lupin was inside who was casually revealed to be a werewolf, Prongs managed to yank Snape at the last second from the entrance. The next day, Snape in his angsty state called Lily a mudblood. After a nasty prank including needles and Snape's pants, the four pranksters stopped pranking Snape upon McGonagall's order.
Lily Evans' trunk was the exact opposite of James Potter's. Everything was categorized according to their uses and sizes. The journals were filled with innovative theories about magic, especially about Charms and Potions. The foolish advances of James Fleamont Potter were interesting to read for Harry, however reading about how his mother crushed for other people and dating some of them was a bit too weird. According to the journals, his mother's last year and half at Hogwarts passed with flirting with James and getting to know Marlene McKinnon, Harry's deceased bondmother.
Both trunks had considerable amounts of magical photographs from their years at Hogwarts. Harry spent a whole day laughing and crying over these. Then with some help from the house elves, he arranged them in a magical album which could be transformed into a necklace. A necklace that he engraved antlers surrounded with lilies on. A necklace that he slept following nights holding it.
In short, Harry was very pleased with his summer. His reflection was interrupted by a blonde girl knocking on the door of his compartment. Not letting his irritation show on his face, he opened the door with a wave of his hand. The girl was shocked. After a minute, Harry started getting impatient so he spoke as politely as he could.
"Merry meet, I am Harry Potter. How can I help you?"
This caused a blush cover the pale cheeks of the girl.
"Merry meet, my name is Daphne Greengrass. Would it be okay if I sat here?"
Harry saw that the girl was feeling alone as she had no friends around her age. The idea of befriending the boy sitting alone. Then the books telling his adventures flashed in the girl's mind. Harry decided to entertain a fan.
"Of course, Ms. Greengrass. Would you like me to help you with your luggage?"
The girl nodded mutely. Harry levitated the trunk with a wave of hand without looking. Daphne calmly sat across Harry but Harry could feel the questions boiling inside her. Before letting her start her questioning, he spoke.
"Do you mind if I lock the door? I would rather like to avoid some unpleasant fans as I am sure you can understand."
The blush on the girl's face spread to her ears and neck. Harry was really enjoying teasing her.
"Sure." was Daphne's quick reply.
After locking the door, Harry sat back and returned to his book on runes.
He could see Daphne was fidgeting in her seat but at least she was respectful enough to rein herself. Harry thought he could save the girl from misery and maybe gain a friend meanwhile.
"If you wish to ask something, feel free to do so."
The blush on the girl's face seemed to be permanent now.
"How… how can you do wandless magic? Silent too?"
"I have always been able to do so."
Harry could see the plans forming on her mind to write about this to her father in the letter she was going to write that evening.
"Where were you in the last ten years? Is what they are saying true? Have you really killed dragons?"
The moment she finished her sentence she realized what she said and she was no longer able to look at Harry's eyes. Harry laughed at the girl's embarrassment.
"I see that you are a fan of my so-called adventures. If you wish, I can give an autograph. However, I will let you in on a little secret, Ms. Greengrass. Those books are all work of fiction. I have neither fought with a dragon nor met a sphinx."
The girl seemed to be already aware of the absurdity of the books' claims however as a smile appeared on her face. Harry could see the happiness to have a new friend in girl's mind.
"It is Daphne. Also, you have not answered my question about the last ten years."
"Thank you, Daphne, then it's Harry for you, we are friends after all." The girl's smile got even wider. "I was not in the magical world and I was made aware of the existence of it only a few months ago. However, as you may have seen in the news, I am now back as the head of my house."
The childish glee that he felt speaking those words was overshadowed by his immense pride.
It was crystal clear that the girl was being trained to be a perfect businesswoman who would inherit her father's potion business which according to the books on magical houses was pretty successful. The excitement over having the Head of House Potter as a friend would be a very big red flag for Harry if her excitement over having a new friend did not overcome it.
The rest of the train ride passed without any intrusion except the visit of the old lady selling various snacks and packed lunches. By the time Harry and Daphne got off the train, Harry strongly enforced the idea of his leadership in the ambitious girl's mind.
They were led by eight Sixth Year Prefects to the boats that they were going to use to cross the Black Lake. The castle truly deserved its fame with its grandeur which impressed Harry greatly.
Professor McGonagall greeted them at the other side of the lake. After thanking the Prefects, she spoke with a cold voice.
"Merry meet. Welcome to Hogwarts. When you pass these doors and get sorted, those houses will be your family for the duration of your education. While all four founders valued different things in their students, all cherished respect and honour greatly. If you are caught engaging in any kind of forbidden behaviour or in possession of an item that is banned in the school rules, you will be punished. These punishments may vary from house point deduction to expulsion. On the other hand, your exemplary behaviour will be rewarded. These rewards may vary from house points to Special Award Services for the School."
She left after telling Prefects to wait until she returned.
Meanwhile, Harry heard a blonde boy talking to other first years about how he was going to be a Slytherin as his whole family was. He then started talking about how Harry Potter must be a miserable squib as he failed to show up.
Daphne heard the boy apparently too and asked in a rushed whisper.
"Why are you letting that idiot speak that way about you?"
"Daphne, you surely can understand that shutting that sod up when he tries to approach me is more entertaining and satisfying."
Daphne did not respond, but the grin which formed on her face showed that she did understand indeed.
Before long, McGonagall arrived and led them to a huge hall. The walls were adorned with the flags with Hogwarts crest and the sky was showing a clear starry evening. The four long tables with the crests of each of the four houses were empty as only First Year students, Fifth-, and Sixth-Year Prefects arrived on the First of September. Rest of the students were going to arrive the next day and the lessons started on the third.
However, the faculty table that was on a raised platform was full. At the centre of the table, on his golden coloured quasi-throne sat Albus Dumbledore. The old man of the legend was serenely looking at the new students.
While Harry was examining the details of the Great Hall, the sorting started. Professor McGonagall was calling the students alphabetically.
"Greengrass, Daphne" Harry wondered where his first friend in magical Britain would go, although he had a vague idea based on what she said about her family. His guess was proven as the Hat shouted "Ravenclaw"
More students were called one by one.
"Owens, Jeremy" A couple of seconds later, the Hat bellowed "Hufflepuff"
Then Harry was called and with it, the whispers started.
"He IS here."
"Have you seen the scar?"
"He will be a Gryffindor, I am sure."
The rest was muffled as the brim of the Sorting Hat darkened Harry's world. A minute later Harry heard its voice.
"Let's see. A powerful wizard. Very powerful, indeed. Smart too. And arrogant. Where shall I put you, Mr. Potter?"
"You surely wouldn't separate me from my friend, would you Mr. …Hat?"
"Yes, that would indeed be a mistake. Then, better be, Ravenclaw."
The table adorned with bronze and royal blue cheered as the others politely applauded.
Daphne gave Harry a warm smile as she made room next to her. Harry gladly sat down and introduced himself to his classmates, even if that was greatly unnecessary. A polite first impression coupled with a subtle Legilimency probe went a long way.
The Great Hall fell silent as Dumbledore rose from his seat. The ancient man had a soft look in his eyes that made one wondered if this truly was the man who defeated Grindelwald.
Dumbledore welcomed all new and returning students and then proceeded with warning students about the Forbidden Forest and the third-floor corridor of the north wing. As if he did not light the curiosity of every student listening to him about a potentially deadly corridor, he wished everyone a joyful school year and with a wave of his hands, made food appear. The day long hunger made many forget the warning of the old man. However, a jet-black haired boy was wondering if everyone in the magical Britain was insane.
The feast following the sorting was simply magnificent. The weird pumpkin juice that Daphne insisted Harry on trying was somehow too bitter and too sweet at the same time. Julia Baker, one of the Fifth Year Prefects, told Harry that it was an acquired taste. Harry shrugged and decided it was not a taste he wanted to acquire soon.
After the feast, the First Year Ravens were led to the Ravenclaw tower by the Prefects. The prefects explained that the stone eagle protecting the entrance were a trick. The eagle asked a riddle every time, however, there was a specific password which changed biweekly. The trick was to ensure that the only Ravenclaws could access the tower. Harry found the misdirection useful but confusing at the same time, then waved it off as another quirk of magical Britain.
The Ravenclaw Counsellor was waiting for them in front of the lit fireplace that casted a blue light on the huge common room. Must be an expansion array thought Harry, remembering the section about permanent volumetric spells in his book. One wall was filled with books and had a door leading to what seemed like a more extensive library. The opposite wall had the statue of a beautiful woman who Harry assumed was Rowena Ravenclaw. On either side of the statue, two spiral staircases rose to higher levels of the tower. The other wall had several windows overlooking the vast fields of Hogwarts.
The counsellor was an unnaturally short man which according to a book on major sporting events of the first half of the twentieth century was because of his half-goblin ancestry. His black robes shone with a bluish sheen and his greying hair was neatly combed. A gentle warm smile and kind eyes were welcoming the children.
"Merry meet, my young Ravens. I welcome you to your new home, Hogwarts and Ravenclaw House. I am Professor Filius Flitwick and you will have Charms classes with me for your last three years. For the next seven years, most of your time within the walls of Hogwarts will be spent here in the Common House. You are tasked with displaying the honour and respect that being a student of this prestigious house requires. While most know our house as the house of wit and intelligence, do not forget that Rowena Ravenclaw valued acceptance and creativity equally. Therefore, during your seven years at Hogwarts learn, try, fail and try again." He moved towards the wall covered with the books.
"The books behind me are charmed to return to their place the moment they left the tower or when you tap their spine with your wand. The room that you can access going through the door between the shelves is an expanding study room. The tables are charmed to contain the sound of those who sat on the surrounding chairs. The door is also charmed to prevent the sound from the common room disturb those in the study room. The common room is a place for you to relax and have fun. You can find the announcements pertaining study groups, school events and password changes on the noticeboard next to me. If it is detected your grades are slipping, then you are obliged to attend to these study groups until your grades are at acceptable level once again. Finally, the staircase on the opposite wall leads to the dormitories. Girls' dormitory is through the left one, boys' is through the right one. Boys cannot use the left staircase and girls cannot use the right one. You are all given individual rooms and will use those rooms until the end of your time here. While they are cleaned routinely by the Hogwarts house elves, they are ordered not to clean exceptionally untidy rooms, so I suggest you not to make a mess. You will find your rooms on the third floor. I wish you a good night and joyful life at Hogwarts."
The first years, now full from the feast and thoroughly exhausted, climbed up the stairs. Harry found his room next to the bathroom and thanked his lucky star. After a brief night routine, he was fast asleep on his bed.