I do not own anything from the harry potter universe, unfortunately.
"Normal Talking"
'Thoughts'
"Parseltongue"
It had been quite some time since Harry had been inside Ollivander's wand shop. It was still as chaotic as ever a perfect representation of the man that ran the establishment. Piles of wand boxes built high and looked like they should've toppled long ago. Shelves stuffed full of similar boxes just waiting for the right Witch or Wizard to pick them up.
Harry had nothing but love for this store, in truth to him this store represents the moment that he stepped away from the muggle world and came into the world of magic truly. Looking down at the cloth wrap that held the shattered remains of his old wand Harry felt like it weighed a thousand pounds in his hands.
Taking a deep breath he came up to the counter and laid the wrap down. He knocked a bit on the wood loud enough to be heard.
"Be right with you!" Olivander's familiar voice came out from the back accompanied by the sound of falling boxes. Quickly the wandmaker came around the corner and up to the counter. Upon seeing Harry he smiled his eyes shining.
"Mister Potter! What a pleasure to see you, alive and well." Ollivander said and Harry nodded to the man.
"I agree, being alive is much better than dead."
"Indeed, what do you need from me today?" Ollivander asked as Harry sobered up and pushed the wrap forward. Ollivander looked down before unfolding the cloth and once he had he sighed sadly seeing its contents.
"How dreadful." He said grasping the handle and holding it up showing that it stretched for a few centimeters and then broke off with only a few strands of the inner phoenix feather that had lost its luster. Ollivander ran his fingers across the broken piece rolling it between his fingers before he shook his head.
"I am sorry, but the wand is irreparable. Perhaps if it had been brought to me quickly... but I am afraid that it's for not now." Olivander said placing the broken wand back onto the cloth.
"I thought so, though I should still get your opinion. So it looks like I'll need a new wand then." A glimmer returned to the wandmaker's eyes as he cracked a smile.
"Yes, of course!" He said and with renewed vigor, he went over to the shelves and began to finger through the boxes. "Let us see, let us see..." He said tracing down the shelves before he found a box and withdrew it from the stock leaving a perfect hole in its place. Blowing it off Ollivander took off the cap and examined the wand before returning to Harry.
"Here we are let's try this. Ashwood, ten inches, with a dragon heartstring core." Olivander said handing Harry the wand and Harry couldn't help but crack a smile remembering the first time he went through this. Even all this time later it was still exciting. Harry tried to levitate a box but instead, it went sailing to a pile of wand boxes sending them all toppling.
"Not this one then?" Harry asked and Ollivander shook his head.
"Certainly not." He answered and took the wand back and placed it back into its box. He then went back to perusing the shelves before looking towards the fallen pile and rummaging through it and fishing out a box from the mess. "Perhaps." He said opening the box and extracting the wand.
"Perhaps another wand of Holly. eight and a half inches, flexible with again a dragon heartstring core." Ollivander said handing off the wand and Harry took it. He didn't feel anything but gave it a wave anyway causing a lamp to burst.
"Perhaps not." Ollivander shook his head and took the wand back. He turned and instead of walking to his shelves he scanned the rows for a moment before waving his hand and a ladder came rolling over and he climbed to a higher shelf. Taking a box from there he slid back down and opened it.
"How about a wand of redwood, eleven inches and slightly rigid. With the core being a tail feather of a Thunderbird. American made." Ollivander said and Harry took it in his hand and he felt something like a hum but it wasn't all the way there. Harry tried casting Lumos and it appeared but flickered out after a moment.
"Almost but not quite," Ollivander said taking the wand back. He stood there clasping his hands together and took to tapping his lips with his index fingers as he thought. He did this for a few moments before looking at Harry his eyes glinting.
"You are a Parselmouth yes?"
"Yes sir, I am."
"Then perhaps... could it be possible...?" Ollivander said and began to make his way to the back of his shop and leaving Harry's sigh. Harry could still hear him though. He heard the sound of heavy thuds and the shuffling of papers. Then he heard what sounded like the metallic door being opened and again shuffling. After about a minute Ollivander came back with a black leather-bound box unlike anything else in the shop.
"Mister Potter, this establishment is old and there are seldom few wands from the times of my ancestors. From the infancy of this place, what I have here is one such relic, for there is no other way I could describe this wand." Ollivander said as he unboxed the wand and raised it for Harry to see.
The wand had a beautifully carved handle that appeared to be two serpents entangled together in a spiral and at the base, a single black gem of some kind that Harry guessed might have been onyx. The handle and the shaft were separated by the tails of the carved serpents carved in the wood and the shaft itself was straight and smooth overall the wand was black in color with only hints of what he would guess was some form of silver paint along its length forming an intricate damascus design on the wood.
"Here we have a wand made of ancient yew, reasonably flexible and twelve inches exactly. The core is what makes this truly special, only a seldom few wands were made with this core. Within this wand lies a fang of a great Greek Hyrda. A very powerful and temperamental wand, it is said that those chosen by a wand imbued with a Hydra fang core shall hear its great roar if chosen." Ollivander said as he held the wand out and it was only now that Harry noticed he was wearing gloves.
Looking at the wand Harry hesitantly reached forward and as his fingers closed around the textured handle he heard it. Something like a hiss and screech mixed together that rung through his head and sent a feeling like lightning shooting down his spine.
Suddenly a wind whipped around him as he was enveloped in a light that wasn't golden but instead was green like emerald. Rolling the wand in his hand he smiled feeling that familiar warm feeling that accompanied being chosen by the wand.
"Incredible mister Potter. Truly, that wand rejected even Salazar Slytherin himself. The bond is strong, stronger than even your old wand from what I can tell. I know not what this wand shall be capable of, Hydra's are mysterious and powerful creatures and I do not doubt that your wand shall emulate that now. Wield it well." Ollivander said as Harry paid for the wand and took the box it belonged to.
"So what will happen to my old wand?" Harry asked looking at his old partner. Ollivander followed his gaze and sighed.
"There is no hope for it, if you would like I will lay it to rest," Ollivander said pulling out his wand and Harry nodded. With a flick, the broken remains of Harry's old wand were enveloped with a golden-tinged flame and the remains were reduced to ash.
"A good wand to be sure, I am sorry Harry but I hope that your new wand leads you to great things yet," Ollivander said and Harry thanked him before walking out of the store. Waiting outside was Hermione, Susan, and Daphne along with Sirius. Upon seeing him they came up to him.
"So?" Daphne asked and Harry smiled holding up his new wand.
"Wow, you know when Jones sees that she's going to start calling you a Dark Lord again." Susan joked and Harry chuckled.
"Probably, it's yew wood with a Hydra fang core."
"Hydra fang?" Susan asked.
"I think I've read about that, it's very rare isn't it?" Hermione said and Daphne playfully rolled her eyes.
"Hermione I think you can skip the whole I've read about that part of your statements. If you know something we'll just assume you've read about it." Daphne teased and Hermione pouted.
"Good for you pup. Up next is Gringotts then we got to head home and get everything packed. You didn't leave anything at the Dursleys right?" Sirius asked and Harry shook his head.
"I never do."
"Good, anything else before we go?" Sirius asked and they all shook their heads.
"Just remember that I need to go home and talk with my parents." Hermione said a tone of slight dread in her voice.
"I'm sure they'll be understanding." Harry said.
"Let's hope." Hermione said right back and he chuckled a bit.
"We could always kidnap you." Daphne suggested and Hermione sighed.
"Tempting but no, no kidnapping me."
"Damn, next time maybe?"
"Maybe," Hermione answered as the two giggled at their exchange. The group went off after that making their way down Diagon alley, a few Wizards and Witchs were going around and most were staring at Harry. Not that he could blame them even if he wanted to. You see after Harry came back from the grave Rita couldn't help herself and published a story the next day.
She kept to their agreement and had nothing but good things to say and she had given him a new title. Harry Potter The Immortal, he would admit that it sounded much better than the Boy-Who-Lived but it was still annoying that people had taken to staring at him again. It was just like when he first entered the Wizarding world. People had just gotten used to seeing him around and now they were back to ogling him.
Harry noticed that an older witch maybe in her late twenties walked with a little more sway to her hips as she passed in front of him.
"Skank." Daphne hissed out and Susan nodded, she wasn't usually one for name-calling but that had been the tenth witch today trying to catch Harry's eye.
"Come on, you three are more beautiful than any other woman on the planet." Harry said earning him a kiss from Daphne.
"Good." She said and it was a few minutes before they reached Gringotts. Upon entering they made their way to the desk where the clerk Goblin was waiting.
"Hello, I would like to see the Goblin charged with the care of the Potter vaults." Harry said keeping his voice firm but respectful and making sure that if he smiled he did not show his teeth. Goblins took the act of smiling with teeth as an insult for them it was the same as baring fangs which could be seen as a challenge. The Goblin at the desk looked over the rim of its glasses observing Harry.
"Mister Potter, what is the nature of this visit?" The Goblin asked.
"I wish to discuss the details pertaining to the security of my wealth among other possible inquiries that are mine to know." Harry said, Daphne and Susan had given him a small crash course on how to talk to Goblins. They are a straightforward people and did not like to mince words so it was always better to be upfront and keep implications to a minimum.
"Very well, your account manager is Saurfang if memory serves. Take a seat and he shall be with you shortly." The Goblin said as he wrote a note and rolled it up into a capsule sending it down a chute next to his chair. They didn't have to wait long as a well-dressed elderly Goblin entered the room. He was slightly taller than his fellow Goblins and quite burly as well from what Harry could tell. He had greying hair which was braided into three rows over his head and fell down to his shoulders. He also had what appeared to be vicious-looking spiked piercings along the length of his left ear.
Taking a look around and spotted Harry with his group and briskly made his way forward.
"Mister Potter, How kind of you to finally take an interest in your family's wealth beyond your trust vault." The Goblin said bluntly his voice deep and holding a certain air of power to it.
"I would've taken an interest sooner if not for certain elements impairing my knowledge of such," Harry answered and Saurfang growled.
"Trust that Dumbledore has been properly fined for his actions against your house. But it would be better to talk about this in a more private setting. Will the rest come or stay?"
"They come with me, I trust them with my life."
"Let's hope that they do not squander that trust then." Saurfang said and turned and led the group out of the main room into a meeting room and on either side were two Goblin guards each fitted with Goblin armor and holding twin Halberds.
"Take a seat." Saurfang said taking a seat himself at a desk in the room.
"I'll get straight to the point then, what did Dumbledore do with his access to my Vaults if anything?" Harry asked and Saurfang grunted pulling out a stack of papers from the desk.
"Quite a bit to his shame. None of your gold, but your artifacts. I would say that is much worse as many relics of your family is now in the wind. If you wish, we can begin a hunt for these artifacts and charge Dumbledore for their retrieval."
"That would be agreeable," Harry said.
"Do you know what was taken?" Sirius asked and Saurfang regarded the man for a moment before returning his attention to Harry.
"I wish to know that answer to his question." Harry said.
"Your family has had a deep history of Druidic customs, to name a few items, a collection of staffs were taken, several books detailing your family's rituals, as well as several pieces of heirloom jewelry. I believe all the jewelry was housing certain Druidic powers such as the ability to shapeshift."
"Shapeshift? Like Animagi?"
"The very same, your family were the creators of the ritual of the Animagus. Your ancestors imbued this power into objects allowing anyone to be able to shift their shape as long as they bore the regalia." Saurfang explained.
"Items like that would be priceless. You can track them down?"
"With certainty Mister Potter."
"Very good."
"There is something else Mister Potter, I would recommend you to take up a place in the Wizengamot with haste. The longer you wait the longer others can use your absence to their advantage. Your seat has remained empty for a long time and your vote was awarded to Dumbledore as your magical guardian. Seeing as he is no longer holding this position your vote is null and void. Certain parties could use this to affect you and your family's position."
"What about Sirius shouldn't he get my vote now since he is my Godfather?"
"That is the standard procedure, however as I said your vote is null and void right now. Without appointing him directly as your proxy for House Potter then he will have to go through much to receive the vote. Dumbledore was able to attain it easily not just due to his status as your Guardian but also due to his positions as well as his access to your family's affairs." Saurfang explained.
"Also, no offense Sirius, but you don't exactly have the political sway for the Wizengamot," Daphne said
"Hey!"
"It's true, you've never shown interest in the affairs of the Wizengamot, and from what my auntie said you spent more time being a menace than going to your grandfather for lessons." Susan said and Sirius couldn't argue with that.
"Could I appoint Amelia as my proxy?" Harry asked but Susan shook her head.
"No, remember that she is running for Minister now, she will be eligible for her vote alone. As Minister, she wouldn't be able to hold more than one vote which is our family vote for the House of Bones."
"Then why can someone like Sirius have more than one vote?" Hermione asked.
"The position of Minister is meant to be a neutral leadership position where the Minister does the best for the people. At least in principle that is what it's supposed to be, with that in mind, the Minister is only allowed one vote, either their own family vote or if their Muggleborn or do not have a position on the Wizengamot they are awarded a vote for their position as Minister." Daphne explained.
"Indeed, I would think that you would like to have a more active say in the Ministry given the rise of the Dark Lord. We remember how he had the Ministry in shambles last time." Saurfang stated.
"You don't support Voldemort?" Harry asked, he would expect that any chaos to fall on the wizarding world would be welcomed by the Goblins.
"Better the enemy you know than the one you don't. We know how to deal with you Wizards and Witches as you are now, Voldemort is unsavory. But this is just my advice, is there anything else you wish for me to see pertaining to your Family's account?" Saurfang asked.
"Do the blood test." Daphne said and Harry nodded remembering her mentioning something like that. He figured he might as well since he was here.
"Yes, I would like to have a blood test done, to see if I hold any other houses besides my own." Harry didn't think anything would come of it but he entertained the idea nonetheless. The goblin pulled out a simple parchment and a letter opener.
"Prick your finger and allow the blood to fall. Any houses you are eligible to inherit shall appear on the parchment." Saurfang instructed and Harry did so letting a few drops hit the parchment. It remained there for a moment before the blood began to spread and begin to shape itself into words like some invisible force was using it as ink.
At the top of the page, Potter appeared, and below that, the name of Black did as well. That was to be expected as Harry was Sirius's Godson and he had gone ahead and named him his heir. Then Harry saw another name show up and he didn't think it would. The name of Grindelwald appeared under Black which caused the stoic Saurfang eyes to widen. Then a final name appeared under Grindelwald, a name Harry didn't recognize, Peverell.
"You are the Heirs of House Potter and House Black, as was expected. But you also apparently have a claim to an unnamed house and House Peverell." The group knew what the unnamed house was as only they were privy to the information of Harry accepting Grindelwald's name and it would seem the magic that hid the book also hid the name on this blood test. Saurfang didn't look pleased with that but didn't comment on it thankfully.
"Peverell? Is this right?" Sirius asked but Saurfang didn't answer making the man scowl.
"Is it?" Harry asked and he nodded.
"It is, the test is full proof. The names you see are the houses you have a claim of. Of course, if one house wishes to remain unknown then I can not see it. I expect you can as for the others Houses to my memory, none but the name of Black can be contested though I doubt they will be able to hold it."
"Why is the Black contested?"
"To start with, you are a named heir but not a blood heir. Your culture places more value on blood. the most eligible inheritor for the name of Black would be Draco Lucius Malfoy by way of his blood relations from his Mother Narcissa Malfoy nee Black. However, given your recent exploits and show of power and skill, I would say that none would support his claim."
"And the house of Peverell?"
"A very old house, one of the oldest. I believe you wizards and witches have even made a story around the family."
"Yes, the tale of the Three Brothers." Susan said.
"What is that?" Harry asked.
"A story for another time I am sure, as for your account your gold was untouched thankfully and we shall track down your family artifacts which won't cost you anything personally. Is there anything else?" Saurfang asked.
"Well, if I lay claim to the House of Peverell then what would I stand to inherit?" Harry asked and Saurfang shook his head.
"Until you accept the claim to the House of Peverell I will not divulge any of its account information to you." Harry nodded at that, he was eligible to inherit the House but wasn't a true heir until he claimed it. And he couldn't lay claim to it until he accepted his position as Head of House Potter which would also mean he would have to reveal his Inherhetance of the Grindelwald name. So he would let it rest for now, but he still had a question that he wanted to ask.
"You said you do not support Voldemort, would you aid us against him?" Harry asked getting surprised looks from everyone except Saurfang who merely narrowed his eyes.
"I've stated it's better to stay with the enemy you know but we, the Goblin Nation, have no say in your affairs except your finances. Regardless the choice does not rest with me but with his Majesty Galakahn."
"How would I get in contact with him?"
"You do not simply request an audience with his Majesty. However, given your claims to three very old houses and one house which I assume must be just as ancient perhaps he would entertain the idea. Your Minister would give you a better chance if she wins her bid for the seat." Saufang said and Harry nodded.
"Harry, you said you'd leave it to Aunty for now." Susan said and Harry nodded.
"You're right, but maybe you could let your aunt know?" He asked and Susan sighed but nodded. "I believe that concludes our business Saurfang. May your coffers overflow and your enemies bleed." Harry said it was a common form of goodbye by the Goblins that Daphne told him about. Saurfang regarded him for a moment before he smirked not showing his teeth and nodded.
"And may your enemies know fear and your allies prosperity Mister Potter." Saurfang said rising and so did Harry and the others. They left Gringotts after that and Sirius sneered.
"So it wasn't enough that he ruined your childhood and life but he was also stealing from you." He said as they made their way through the streets.
"I don't think he stole them. Dumbledore is a bastard and a control freak, if he wanted money he would've just taken the gold. He took the Artifacts for a reason, probably to win favor with certain people."
"Right, because it's not a bribe if it's a gift." Daphne said and Harry nodded.
"Still it shouldn't have happened." Hermione said shaking her head.
"No, but Saurfang will take care of it, you have your own thing to worry about remember?" Harry said as Hermione looked a bit hesitant.
"I suppose the longer I wait the worse it will be. The last letter I got back from my parents just said that we'll discuss it at home." Hermione shivered a bit and Harry wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.
"It'll be fine." Harry said kissing her lightly on the cheek. Hermione nodded and they spent the rest of their day going through some of the shops. Visiting Florean Fortescue and enjoyed some ice cream but they couldn't spend all day in the alley. Eventually, they had to make their way to Kings cross where Hermione's parents would be waiting.
It was good that McGonagall had given them early leave from the school. It was also good for the other students as without Harry around they wouldn't be so distracted by constantly bombarding him with questions about what happened with the final task. They stuck around only long enough to see the other school leave to finish out the year at their home institutions.
Krum, Fleur had bid Harry a fond farewell and gave him an address to write. They also not so subtly hinted at being behind him whenever Harry might need them should anything arise. He was grateful for that and he found he would miss his fellow champions Cedric was still around of course and he kept a good relationship with Harry.
It was nice, and the rest of Harry's friends were staying to finish out the year but he would be sure to keep in touch with all of them. Except for Jones, she had requested to take her NEWTS early and McGonagall allowed it. She passed with flying colors and now she worked with Amelia, unofficially of course.
She was proving her competence in spades at the moment. True to her word Fudge didn't last a week after Amelia was through with him and he was voted out of office almost unanimously. After that the powers that be fell to Chief Warlock Augusta Longbottom who would be an interim Minister until the votes were held for a new one.
Amelia was easily winning the public vote her recent exploits in outing Dumbledore for his crimes had earned her that plus a good word from Harry through Rita Skeeter didn't hurt either. Jones had been instrumental as to start with there were eight people who wanted to run for the Minister position. Harry wasn't quite sure all that went on but after Jones got through with them eight became three surprisingly quick.
Now all that was left was Amelia herself, a man named Pius Thicknesse, and surprisingly Cedric's dad Amos Diggory. His entry came as a surprise but Jones was able to sniff out that he was just a puppet. It would appear that Dumbledore had wormed his way into contact with Amos and had convinced him to become one of his yes-men.
Harry didn't think Amos was a bad man, he might've had only met him for a brief moment at the world cup but he could tell the man was one of the honest ones. Dumbledore could be tricky, though it didn't matter. As good of a man Amos was he didn't have the charisma to sway the vote. This was a desperate attempt by Dumbledore to get his fingers back into this game but it wouldn't work.
So, in reality, it was only Amelia and Pius, and unfortunately, he was proving a more difficult individual to dig up dirt on. To help out Harry had told Rita to help Jones with anything she needed so hopefully it wouldn't be long before Amelia had this vote in the bag.
In a brilliant move, Amelia had taken the same memory she used to oust Fudge and had given it to the public through Rita. Now people were even more likely to vote for her as they would want someone they trusted and with proper fighting experience to protect them from the big bad Dark Lord.
Harry didn't know where Voldemort was at the moment but he must've been absolutely livid. Not only had he failed to kill Harry a second time but now Amelia had gotten rid of an incompetent Minister and was well on her way to taking his place which would make Voldemort's goal even harder.
This other man Pius was most likely part of Voldemort's plan, he was too clean not to be. However, if all went according to plan then Pius wouldn't be an issue and Amelia would come out on top. They had to stay on top of it though if they got lax at all then Voldemort would capitalize on it.
Shaking his head Harry cleared his head of the thoughts as they arrived at Kings Cross and began to look around for Hermione's parents. It didn't take long to spot them as Hermione pointed them out where they usually waited for her. Walking up their eyes met and Hermione's father's eyes narrowed while her mother smiled politely.
"Hermione." Her mother greeted pulling her daughter into a hug.
"Hi, mum... hi dad," Hermione said looking nervously at her father. Her father looked toward his daughter and his stare softened somewhat before he nodded.
"Hey, there gummy bear."
"Dad!" Hermione exclaimed getting chuckles from her parents.
"You must be Harry then?" Harry nodded to the man.
"Yes sir." Nice and polite that was the best way to go right now. "And this is Daphne and Susan, and this is Sirius." Harry introduced. Hermione's parents nodded politely, though they looked a bit confused and worried when Sirius was introduced but didn't comment.
"Nice to meet you, I am Emma Granger, and my Husband is Daniel Granger. I hate to break you up but we better get home." Emma said.
"I'll owl you, do you have an address, Sirius?" Hermione asked and Sirius nodded.
"Yup, Twelve Grimmauld Place."
"You can just call Dobby it would be quicker and he can bring you straight to us."
"Got it. See you later, bye Harry." Hermione said and kissed him then remembered that her parents and gained a slight blush on her cheeks and her mother smirked a bit but her father looked like he swallowed something sour. After that Sirius led them to a closed room and side-along apparated them in front of Grimmauld Place.
It was a tall house that was comfortably snugged between two other muggle buildings though Harry was sure that neither muggle side had any idea it was actually there.
"You girls are free to use the Floo to gather your things." Sirius said and Susan and Daphne nodded.
"We'll do that, it shouldn't take too long." Daphne said as they entered the house and it was clear that it had not been cared for as well as it should have and it was very dark.
"Home horrid home." Sirius grumbled.
"You could spruce the place up you know. Dobby would love it." Harry said.
"Sure, that is if Kreacher doesn't chase him out first."
"Is Kreacher the Black's family elf?" Daphne asked and Sirius nodded.
"Why hasn't he kept this place clean then?" Daphne asked.
"My house-elf isn't like yours, he's a wretch," Sirius said with no attempt to hide his distaste.
"Ah, disgraced Master has returned. With more filth to slug around in this great house of Black." A gravelly voice stated as an old house Elf appeared with a pop.
"Kreacher," Sirius said with a warning tone.
"Harry Potter, the named heir for the noble house of Black. How far to fall to let a friend of Mudbloods and Bloodtraitors carry the great name."
"That's enough out of you! Begone!" Sirius yelled out and Kreacher glared at Sirius but still turned away.
"Wait, Kreacher." Harry said and the Elf turned back with a scowl. "This is the great house belonging to the House of Black?"
"Of course, to be the Heir and not even know of such things."
"Then why does it look like a run-down shack?" Harry challenged and Kreacher now glared fiercely at Harry. "You say that this is a great house and yet you do not care for it? Why?" Harry asked.
"Disgraced master-"
"This has nothing to do with Sirius, why is this house belonging to the ancient and noble House of Black in its current run-down state? Were you not required to take care of it?" Harry demanded being firm in his words.
"I was... but the disgraced master has-"
"Then listen to the named heir for the House of Black! This house needs to be cleaned! Its current state is a disgrace and not worthy of the name of Black. Do you disagree?" Harry said as Kreacher looked like he wanted to scowl but took a look around the dark and depressing house. Memories flashed in his mind of when the old family spent their time here and everything was pristine and worthy of praise.
"What would the young master demand of Kreacher?" Kreacher asked his head bowed slightly.
"I ask that you clean this place up and make it presentable. I will call in my own Elf to help you. You will let him help you understood?" Kreacher hissed but said nothing to object.
"Dobby!" Harry called and with a pop, Dobby appeared in front of Harry.
"Yes Master Harry?" the excitable elf asked eyes wide and practically glittering.
"I was hoping you wouldn't mind helping Kreacher to clean this place up a bit," Harry asked and Dobby looked around and his eyes if possible got wider and wider.
"Oh! Great and Wonderful Master Harry Potter gives Dobby the best giftsies!" Dobby cheered and Harry chuckled.
"Kreacher please show Dobby your cleaning supplies." Kreacher mumbled but did as he was told. Soon both Elves popped away to proceed with their tasks.
"Not bad Harry, my family elves never act like that." Susan said comparing Kreacher to the elves that took.
"I don't think I've ever seen him follow an order from anyone but my Family except for me of course." Sirius said.
"He's not going to be able to keep up with that attitude when Hermione visits," Daphne said.
"I'm sure he'll keep his thoughts to himself. I'll tell him too." Harry said.
"Right, well you girls should get your things all packed up and you are more than welcome to spend the night here. We leave in the morning."
Sirius said as Daphne and Susan made their way to the Floo fireplace and each went to their respective homes.
"I'm already packed up so..."
"I'll show you your room." Sirius said excitedly to show off what he had set up for Harry. Following him up the stairs he was led to the second door from the right and opened it to show off the room. Harry was immediately assaulted with the bright reds and golds of the Gryffindor house colors decorating the room with warm-colored wood and furniture. On top of the dresser was a picture of James and Lilly dancing around them in their wedding outfits. Lily was just like how Harry saw her in the veil despite the lack of color in the photo he could still see her scarlet hair and those green eyes that were just like his. Then there was James, he certainly did look a lot like his dad but he could see the differences. He had the same black hair and he was pretty sure their noses were the same.
But Harry could see where his mom's genes took over like his cheeks were just a little higher than what he saw in his dad's face. He got the best of both as far as he was concerned.
"What do you think?" Sirius asked expectantly.
"I would've preferred Slytherin colors, they match my eyes better." Harry joked as Sirius grasped his chest.
"Ah! My heart! He's been corrupted James, Lilly I failed!" He exclaimed sinking to the floor like he had been stabbed. Harry laughed and shook his head and Sirius got back to his feet.
"I love it, thank you, Sirius." Sirius smiled and nodded.
"Always pup, now I got to go pack, make yourself comfortable," Sirius said and closed the door leaving Harry alone in his new room. Though Sirius didn't go to his room, instead of making his way to the study, he had kept it locked and as he got closer he drew his wand and waved it over the lock and heard a series of clicks.
Something about what Daphne and Susan had pointed out at Gringotts stuck with him. He wanted to help Harry as best as he could and even though the thought of serving on the Wizengamot filled him with dread he would power through it. For Harry.
Opening the door he entered the room which was filled with books and at the back of the room, he saw a large dark wood desk complete with silver finery and desk utensils. Waving his wand the lamps in the room flared to life revealing a square fabric covering a portrait behind the desk. Steeling himself Sirius strode forward and closed the door behind him.
Coming up on the portrait he grasped the fabric at the edges and with a deep breath he yanked it off. It billowed to the ground and revealed the picture of Sirius's grandfather, Arcturus Black the Third, the last Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black. Black hair just like the rest of his family despite his old age and a long but well-kept beard and a scarred face. Being uncovered seemed to rouse the portrait from his slumber as his eyes slowly opened and even this simple act was intimidating to Sirius as he gulped down his nervousness as his stormy grey eyes seemed to flicker in the portrait.
"Grandfather," Sirius said bowing his head slightly like he would when he was a boy.
"Sirius... seems that you are not a man of your word. I believe you said I would never see you again and that I would hang in this room alone until you burned this house to the ground. Or is my memory failing me?" Arcturus said his tone deep and firm just like how Sirius remembered. His words might've given someone the impression of surprise but his tone and posture showed no such surprise. Almost like he expected this.
"That was fifteen years ago and things have changed," Sirius said.
"Changed how?"
"I need to protect someone, but I can't do that without being able to navigate the Wizengamot." Arcturus was silent for a moment before he laughed. It wasn't warm but it was a strong laugh.
"Navigate the Wizengamot? Bah! I did not Navigate, no true Black navigates! We command! We forge a path where none exists and we don't ask for permission! You either command respect and remind them why they all should shut their traps when you enter the room or don't bother to even leave the house!" Arcturus bellowed Sirius couldn't help but think back to when he still lived here as a child and Arcturus tried to give the same speech to his son Orion.
Orion never had the true wit that Arcturus was looking for in an heir which is probably the reason he took an interest in both Sirius and Regulus hoping one of them would take on the head position.
"It matters not anymore, our family is ruined anyway. Narcissa married that idiotic greedy ferret of a man. Bellatrix is mad, Andromeda has abandoned us. Regulus is dead and all that's left is you." Arcturus said rubbing his brow. Sirius scowled at that.
"Well sorry, I'm not your first choice." He said.
"You were my first choice," Arcturus replied and Sirius was a bit taken aback by that.
"What?"
"You were my first choice, but you were never interested in the position. You ran and hid with the Potters, Charlus was kind enough to house you at my request."
"James offered me a home," Sirius said with a shake of his head.
"Yes, but I asked the proper Lord of that house and he accepted. I wasn't about to ask him to take in my runaway grandson for free." Sirius didn't expect that, he didn't expect any of this.
"Why did you do that?" Sirius asked.
"Because Sirius, whether you like it or not, out of everyone that lived in this house you were the only one that showed true Black spirit."
"I went against the Family."
"You forged your own path where everyone else fell into the expected role they had to play. Besides you perhaps Andromeda, but she left us entirely and cast away her name of Black. You never did, despite wanting nothing to do with us at the time. And despite her ornery nature, your mother is not the voice of this house. I am." Arcturus said firmly. Sirius took a moment to digest that he wouldn't have guessed that his running away would've been seen as something positive in the eyes of his Grandfather.
"That being said, you forged your own path like a true Black but you must also recognize the needs of the Family. To keep the Black name alive. You need to find the balance between your own life and the prosperity of the Family. You can't do that."
"Why not!?"
"Again, you said you were going to burn this house down remember? You obviously don't care about the family name, you don't even have an heir." Arcturus dismissed.
"I do have an heir," Sirius said and this got Arcturus to raise an eyebrow.
"Bullshit, no way any woman was able to make an honest man of you." Arcturus said dismissively.
"He's my Godson, Harry Potter." For the first time since their conversation, Arcturus showed genuine surprise as he started to laugh boisterously.
"Chalrus's grandkid? That fucking wanker! He's laughing in the great beyond mark my words. A Potter named as the heir to the Black family name." Arcturus laughed out with an amused shake of his head. "So this is why you have this sudden interest in politics. This boy?"
"Yes Grandfather, Voldemort has returned and I need to give him every advantage I can."
"That sack of snake shit? Let me guess the Ministry is completely unprepared and refusing to believe that there is a legitimate threat."
"No, we got rid of the current Minister and we are working to replace him with someone who will do something."
"Truly? Not bad... tell me how is this Harry? What is he like?"
"He looks like James, but he's found Lilly's spirit."
"Does he take shit from anyone?"
"No, at least not anymore. He's come into his own."
"Is he interested in the role of Head of Family or is he more like you were?"
"He's better than I was, he's not running from his problems, he's facing them head-on. Grandfather, I'm leaving for a while tomorrow, I need an answer now."
"Tomorrow? Then you have time today." Arcturus said and nudged his chin forward and the chair behind the desk whipped around to face the portrait.
"So sit, and let us talk for today."
While Sirius was facing his Grandfather Hermione had to deal with her parents. Her mother was trying to be comforting but her father was having a hard time swallowing what she told them in her last letter. The ride back to her house was long and quiet. Usually, her parents couldn't stop asking questions about what happened during the school year but now it just felt weird to bring anything up.
Once they reacher her very big house she put her things away in her room and came back down to find her parents waiting for her in the living room. Taking a deep breath she took her place on the opposite sofa from her parents as they took a moment to sit in silence that eventually her mother broke.
"So, Hermione... there's no easy way to start this is there?"
"I'll start, is it consensual or is it some old-timey wizarding tradition that you didn't tell us about?" Daniel said leaning forward and Hermione's eyes widened.
"No! No of course not."
"You say of course not like that should be obvious but there is nothing obvious about this." Daniel said and Emma gripped her husband's hand to calm him.
"Hermione, we just want to understand. Is it a common practice over there? To have multiple partners?" Emma asked gently and Hermione shook her head.
"It's not common, but it's not unheard of or illegal from what I've read."
"Did he approach you with this?" Daniel asked.
"No, we approached him."
"It was your idea!?" Daniel exclaimed.
"No... well not entirely."
"So it was those other girls then."
"Technically yes, but it's not like what you think."
"Then what am I supposed to think Hermione."
"Daniel, Let her explain." Emma cut in to get the situation back under control.
"Please do." Daniel said looking at Hermione and she couldn't help the narrowing of her eyes even if it was slight.
"It was just... it's hard to explain, but I became closer to Harry this year, especially at the beginning of the school year. I just knew I didn't want to lose him and Daphne and Susan helped me realize that... that I love him. I didn't want to compete with them, I didn't think I could win and I didn't want to lose him so I decided to go with their idea to... you know."
"So it was peer pressure," Daniel said fiercely.
"No! No it wasn't, I know how it sounds but I promise it wasn't," Hermione answered, and before Daniel could say anything Emma stopped him,
"First of all why wouldn't you think you could compete? You are a very beautiful girl Hermione."
"Not at first I wasn't."
"Hermione! You shouldn't think of yourself like that." Emma said sternly.
"It's true, I had buck teeth, my hair was a mess and I put no care into how I looked. All I cared about was studying. But Daphne and Susan helped me realize that I am beautiful and every time Harry looks at me he proves it to me every day. I know it's dumb but it's true I feel prettier now than I ever have. Daphne and Susan have even been showing me how to apply makeup."
"I've wanted to teach you that for years now!" Emma said a playful pout to her lips.
"I know mum, I just never been interested in it until recently."
"So you feel the need to doll yourself up now?" Daniel asked and Hermione shook her head.
"No, I did at first but I've learned to be more confident in my looks without the makeup. Look dad I know that it's weird and you don't understand it. But you know that I would never let myself get pushed into something that I did not want to do. I love Harry and I care about Susan and Daphne. Even if you don't understand can you at least trust me?" Hermione said and Emma looked to her Husband who was deep in thought.
"You are right, I don't get it and I can't help but feel... uncertain with your decision. But it is your decision and I will trust you, but understand that if he hurts you if any of them hurt you, I don't care if I'm just a muggle I'll teach them why they should worry about my twelve gauge." Daniel said seriously.
"Daddy!" Hermione exclaimed and Emma laughed.
"Now now dear, let's not scare them just yet," Emma said and Hermione looked between her two parents.
"So, does this mean that I can go on the trip with Harry?" Hermione asked and Daniel pursed his lips.
"I'm guessing that Susan and Daphne are going too but who else will be there?"
"Harry's godfather, Sirius."
"Right, the man from the station I thought he was a wanted criminal?" Emma asked and Hermione winced they wouldn't have gotten the news and she was so worried about her relationship that she had forgotten to mention it.
"He was falsely imprisoned and proven innocent beyond a doubt. He's a good man and trustworthy I promise."
"Is he going to be the only adult there?" Daniel asked and Hermione nodded. Daniel looked to Emma who simply smiled and nodded and he sighed.
"Fine, but your taking your phone and your calling us understood?" Daniel said and Hermione hopped to her feet.
"Yes! Thank you, daddy!" She said crossing the space between them to plant a kiss on his cheek.
"Hey I'm here too!" Emma said with a pout.
"I love you too Mum!" Hermione said and kissed her cheek as well before going upstairs to pack her things and get ready to call Dobby. It wouldn't take long given she could just magic her bags to pack themselves. Susan and Daphne didn't have any trouble either as they flooed back into Grimmauld place.
"Harry," Daphne called out putting her shrunken baggage on the table along with Susan. They heard the sound of descending steps and soon Harry came around the corner to greet them.
"Hey, everything go alright?" Harry asked and they nodded.
"Astoria was a bit miffed that she wasn't invited but mum will make up for it for me."
"I let Aunty know about your discussion with the Goblins and she will look into getting an audience with the King. She said if we can secure a proper alliance with the Goblins and lock out the Deatheaters from their funds that would be a huge boon for us." Susan said and Harry smiled as she came up and embraced her his arms circling her waist and drawing her close and she snaked her arms over his neck.
"I know you just want to let this go at least for a little while but we have to stay ahead of curve. I promise when we're on vacation it will be kept to a minimum."
"Thank you, Harry, I understand but it still scares me," Susan said and Harry gave her a light kiss.
"I know me too. But we'll make it through this." Harry said and Daphne came behind Harry and pressed herself against his back and reached around to embrace him.
"We all will," Daphne said into his ear gently pecking his neck. They stood there for a moment before separating with smiles on their faces.
"Have I mentioned how much I love you girls?" Harry asked and they giggled.
"You can stand to mention it some more, but you should wait for Hermione," Daphne said.
"You think her parents will let her come?" Susan asked.
"Definitely, Hermione can argue a pretty good point when she wants to," Harry said and the other two nodded.
"What about Sirius?" Daphne asked not seeing the man.
"He should be done packing by now." Harry said going over to the foot of the stairs and looking up. "Sirius!" He yelled up and waited a few moments but got no reply.
"I guess he's busy, it's fine though." Harry said and then all three of them heard a pop and looked to the entrance to see Hermione standing there with shrunken luggage and Dobby holding her hand.
"Missus Hermione called for Dobby and Dobby has brought her to Master Harry Potters's great home."
"Thank you, Dobby your the best." Harry said and Dobby beamed.
"The great Harry Potter praises Dobby! Dobby be going back to cleaning now!" Dobby cheered and popped away.
"So I guess everything went well?" Harry asked and Hermione nodded.
"A bit bumpy and my dad is not fully on board but he trusts me enough."
"He'll come around." Harry said as he took her bags from her and placed them on the table along with Susans and Daphnes. "I wanted to ask, what do you know about the Peverell family?" Harry asked and Daphne answered.
"Most people only know of them through the bedtime story of the Deathly Hallows. But I know that the Peverell family is very old easily tracing its roots to the time of Hogwarts foundations and possibly even beyond. Unfortunately not much is known about this family as it was thought to have gone extinct almost three centuries ago." Daphne explained and Susan nodded.
"Right, now all that's left that we know of them is the bedtime story. It claims that the three Peverell brothers cheated death and he tricked them by giving them three objects that would attract death to them in one way or the other. The Elder wand drew in death of violence born of jealousy, anger, or greed. The resurrection stone drew in death of depression which is brought on by regret or grief. The cloak of invisibility is the last one and is the most peaceful since the brother who requested this was a humble and kind man. Supposedly the cloak draws in death of peace which is caused by old age. Largely fanciful but beyond that, you would have to dig deep to find any information on the family." Susan said giving a short version of the story.
"So if I make my claim to the Peverell line I would be claiming it blindly." Harry said.
"Looks like that."
"What about the risks? Can you think of anything?" Harry asked and Daphne thought for a moment.
"Worst case scenario you inherit a name and an empty vault. But given how old the Peverell name is there is no way they have an empty vault. If not gold then it should be filled with ancient relics." Daphne guessed and Harry nodded.
"That name would get me another vote on the Wizengamot right?" Harry asked.
"With how old the house is most definitely."
"Then maybe I should claim it, even if all I inherited is the name." Harry reasoned and the girls nodded agreeing. Harry already had more than enough funds with his inheritance of the Black vaults not to mention the Potter vaults which Saurfang was in the process of retrieving the artifacts that Dumbledore gave away. So accepting any other title or name would not be about the monetary value but rather the political power he could grab.
The Ministry needed to be strong and the more votes they had on their side the better. Harry took a deep breath and smiled.
"Well, either way, I would like for Amelia to be Minister before I start claiming titles left and right. It would make the process smoother." Harry said and Susan nodded.
"Yes, so Hawaii?" Susan asked with a grin that they all matched after a moment.
"Hawaii!" They cheered together and for the time being, they let the stresses of this conflict melt away and got ready for a long-deserved break in the madness.
_SCENE_
Here it is chapter 24, I've decided to just make this one long story instead of breaking it up into parts. This chapter has a bit of set up for future things such as the Peverell line as well as the what lies in the Potter vault. Hope Y'all enjoyed and let me know what you think. Sorry for the late upload but you know how it is with school especially in the summer. I will try to keep on top of it though so until next time this has been your Average, Ordinary, Everyday Fallen Angel.