INHERITANCE

APOV

The Potter-Weasley-Peverell-Rhoyne family sat around our dinner table, acutely aware that the day after tomorrow would mean a return to school for us younger members. Victoire had replaced madame Pomfrey as Hogwarts's doctor, so she would still be spending a large amount of time at the castle with the order. Thankfully she had agreed to help manage the ASP label and help me grow my musical career during her spare time. I looked over at Syl who sat quietly watching us like a cat. He had not been invited to the carnival, so i'd gone much of the summer without seeing him. His eyes flew up to meet mine the moment I had chanced a glance at the darkling boy. He smiled, his sharp canines showing brightly against the contrast of his ash grey skin. The only time we'd seen each other all month was in Niime's cave.

Katie, Louis and our two day elves had gone home, leaving the Potter Household in relative quiet.

We ate in rare silence, the events surrounding the carnival of the moon still fresh in everyones minds. I knew my dad was getting a deluge of concerned letters about the televised performance at the Valois palace. The muggle politicians were reeling from the terrorist attacks last month and now had had to contend with a supernatural light show erupting from the heart of Paris. The international statute of secrecy had somehow failed to shield Ashera's magic from the eyes of the muggles, causing panic across Europe and beyond. The BBC, CNN, TV5 MONDE and countless other news outlets had looped footage playing of the freak phenomenon on every station.

As I brought another spoonful of gazpacho to my mouth, a knock came unexpectedly at the front door. A few minutes later and I was surprised to see the most powerful member of the order trail into our dining room behind our permanent house elf Patches.

"The Warlock Aleksander Sorrenson, here to see Prince Peverell and Prince Albus of house Rhöyne, if it pleases the Minister for Magic."

"Patches, we've spoken about this. No need to be so formal with me." Harry corrected, rising to shake the warlock's hand. "To what do we owe this pleasure Lex? Come in to the study, we'll let my family finish their meal."

"How convenient, because you have a guest waiting in there already. And actually, if Albus might join us as well?" The swede inquired, his green necklace flashing in the light of the dining room. I brought my glass down from my mouth and wiped my lips delicately with my napkin out of habit.

"It's always some excitement with you" Lils shot from her chair beside me. She smiled as though amused.

I rose from my seat and lay a hand on Lily's shoulder, leaning in to tease her.

"You've got some salad in your teeth dear." I lied mischievously. I caught her withdrawing a small mirror to check even as I departed the table, leaving her annoyed.

I followed my father and the spymaster from the dining room and down the hall, not eager to deal with whatever new problem was waiting for me in the chamber at the end. We entered the large study where dad's red guards stood, to find a short fat man with nerdy glasses and a black mustache waiting. His hair was slicked back with pomade and he wore expensive formal clothes as though he'd arrived from a function, 'or was on his way to one' I corrected, looking at the clock on the wall.

"Harry, Albus, This is the Earl Hans Enix Holstadt, Curator for the German Royal Society. He wanted to be introduced as soon as possible."

"Your highness, what an absolute honor it is to meet the long lost Prince of the Rhoyne." He began in a posh drawl, moving to seize my hand elatedly. His skin was so sweaty that I almost pulled away in disgust on contact. I restrained myself admirably, not wanting to offend our guest even as a sickly rich cologne wafted thickly from his clothes. To my surprise it was he who had inadvertently offended us.

The uninvited caller had virtually ignored my father, his eyes and attention fixated completely on me with a twisted hunger that bordered on inappropriate. "My family has served as curators and custodians for generations in the Germanic Union."

He scanned my face and I had the disturbing sensation he was resisting the urge to lick his lips. At that I did finally retract my hand, a little put off by how long he'd held it.

"A pleasure to meet you Lord Holstadt. To what do we owe the pleasure?" I parroted, repeating my fathers earlier greeting. I had smiled sweetly, my eyes searching his, knowing my feigned interest would endear the sweaty man to me. I caught Sorrenson trying to hide a smirk.

'If he's a nonce, at least let me use his perversions against him.' I whispered into Sorrenson's head, using my Rhöynar magic to do it. 'and try not to look so pleased by the scene. I'm sure its serious… whatever your unannounced interruption is for…'

'He pulled strings to have me bring him here… of course it's serious. He is owed favors from many wizards across the continent.'

When my father failed to offer our guests a seat, I motioned for the two arrivals to sit myself, moving to the small bar cart that father rarely ever used. I unstoppered the crystal decanter of cognac and poured out a single glass. I was too young, Alex was on duty and would not partake while dad didn't drink. I handed the item politely to our visitor, a chill racing down my spine as his fingers grazed against mine during the exchange. 'He wants to eat me' I realized in distaste. 'at least fifty… not to mention fat and greasy' I thought examining him.

"Thank you Hoheit (German for highness). The Royal Society has chapters in many countries, i'm certain you will be hearing from them in due course as well."

"You could have scheduled an appointment for this Hans. I know what gifts you race to be first to bring my son, but surely we merited a firecall before you showed up at our door. Especially if you're using your connection to Sorrenson to force your way in during a family dinner…" My father exclaimed exasperatedly.

"It has been a while Prince Peverell."

For a moment the licentious perv shifted his greedy eyes to my father and I had the distinct impression that he had once looked at my father in the same creepy way he now hungered for me.

"I've missed something Dad, clearly."

"The Royal Society looks after a collection of magical artifacts, land, heirlooms and funds that belong to extinct or thought to be extinct magical families. When my Peverell Lineage was discovered, Hans and his colleagues rushed to introduce themselves to me, bringing me up to speed on the nature of the seven royal houses and a vast sum of wealth that had been held for the Peverells in trust. I was able to build up our family with those funds. Some I even used to help victims of Voldemort's war."

I was shocked. I understood immediately the true source of our wealth and how my father had come into possession of the incredible palace we now owned on Isle Avalon. It was not just mom's money from playing professional quidditch… nor Father's Potter inheritance…

"So then…You're here… for me?" I realized suddenly.

"The Principality of the Rhoyne is vast. There are several large estates across Europe and beyond, which are being used as museums at present. In truth, there is also raw land, heirlooms, art, and a colossal sum of gold that is now yours."

"You might have told me this yesterday." I whispered under my breath, annoyed at the bad timing. We had just put up the entire sum of money for the nightclub in Paris.

'I guess it will take time for construction to render the club fit to house the order… maybe one of these estates will serve in the meantime?' I asked silently of Sorrenson, watching him nod contemplatively off to the side.

"I see, well, thank you for apprising me of this development. I'll have my lawyers send requests for the appropriate documentation and review them when I have a chance. I return to school imminently so it may take some time to review the structure of my new holdings." I explained, standing up dismissively as though that might be the end of the meeting. I wasn't particularly in the mood for this conversation. And I figured the benefits of being a Prince meant I could be as dismissive as I now wanted.

To my disgust, the fat man grabbed my wrist firmly and I startled to feel how strong his grip was. Hans smiled, and suddenly I saw the strange Roman numeral XVI floating above his head… followed by the word XEnix…

"Not so fast Hoheit. Your estate is, as I said, exceedingly vast, and currently under my expert administration. There are historical institutions and legal trusts delicately balanced and wrapped up in a careful legal framework for your protection. Custodial transfers of such an enormous principality require… time… and… guidance. We will need to act as partners for a time in this task. Your father and I spent a great many hours together… trying to… untangle his own Peverell Estate. This was, oh, long before you were born."

'Back when he was younger and more your taste' I thought repulsed. Sorrenson laughed out loud, drawing attention to himself in the process.

My father almost shivered at the mention. "In the end your colleague had to come in and assist if I remember correctly. How is Lucilla? The Verbane family still run the Austrian Society am I correct?"

I sensed an annoyance jolt across the fat man's face at the reminder of some forgotten moment in their past. He feigned a smile and nodded, although the name Lucilla Verbane had clearly grated at him.

A vivid anger welled up inside of me as my eyes fell to my wrist. He had stopped my departure, fine, but what business did he have clinging to me so desperately? I used a silent spell to heat up my skin just as I had done once before to my dad. It got so hot within seconds that the German prig released me as if stung.

He surreptitiously moved his cold glass to his now burnt hand, looking at me with renewed interest. Nobody had realized what I had done but Hans Enix himself. To my further discomfort it looked like he had enjoyed the pain.

'Disgusting old man' I cursed over to Sorenson, who still looked amused by the whole affair.

"Well, sir, I am not an unschooled muggle born new to the ways of court and intrigue. I doubt I will be needing your… practiced… hands to help me administer what my lawyers will be more than capable of themselves."

My father looked at me as though impressed. For the first time I felt a little proud at my strength and the conviction I had in my own ability.

"Each country that houses your heirlooms, land, and property, has differing laws and customs regarding estate administration. You will find navigating this mess extremely… difficult… without me." He mused, a careful edge bordering the outline of the phrase. It sounded almost like a threat.

He didn't want to alienate me further with outright anger… although why I didn't understand. 'Does he receive fees or commissions to assist?' I wondered.

Dad wasn't explaining anything to me. Was he seeing how I would handled this? He had clearly dealt with these people before, so why not warn me? Explain this to me? In truth, he had greater need of his fortune back then though.

"Even your father doesn't yet have full access to the entirety of his Peverell funds or lands. It takes time to restore such complex—"

"—What is the significance of the number sixteen to you? Master Xenix?" I demanded, interrupting his obnoxiously sweet voice. The name and numerals hovered still above his head in a distracting dance that made concentrating on his droning impossible. Clearly nobody else could see what I could.

The glass of cognac slipped straight from his fingers, shattering to the floor as the man was frozen in panic. His face was as ice and that sudden fear only emboldened me.

"Patches! Could you help us in here." My father called out into the hall.

"I'm so sorry Harry. How clumsy of me." The man shot, bolting upright to step away from the mess on the carpet.

"No trouble. The elves will clean it."

I chanced a glance at Sorenson. 'What was that about?' his expression seemed to ask.

The fat man merely examined me once more. He leaned in ever so slightly to scrutinize me. As he did I flashed him my Slytherin red eyes, causing further panic to the German.

"It's Enix, Albus. Hans Enix." Dad corrected absently, not realizing what had even happened. "Although my son has a point. Is there a particular reason you want to help expedite this transfer personally? My son will be busy with school and his ministerial training. I wouldn't want you…. monopolizing his remaining free time with trusts and deeds and custodial transfers."

"Dad, i'm sorry to interrupt… but Xenix did not answer my question. What exactly is the significance of the number sixteen to you?"

He gulped noticeably as he observed me.

"Was bist du Dämon? (What are you demon?)" He asked in German, his eyes shifting yellow momentarily like a cats as he tried examining me more closely.

"Ich könnte ihnen die gleiche frage stellen. (I could ask you the very same question)" I repeated suspiciously. My dad and red guards didn't understand… but Sorrenson caught the exchange entirely. The handsome warlock spoke Swedish, German, Italian and English I recalled.

"Well… if his highness will indeed be as busy as you say? Perhaps your wife, Harry, might work with me to oversee the transfers?" Hans deflected, a sense of unease seeping into him. His meeting was not going at all the way he'd planned. Our elf squeaked at the sight of the mess but made no delay in spelling away the broken glass and amber stain upon the turkish rug.

"See dad. There's always an alternative. I thank you Lord Holstadt. You've brought me exceptional news. I'm certain I will delight at the use of my new properties and wealth. I expect a full account of my assets as soon as the Society can send over the records. So that I can ascertain that nothing gets… lost upon its return to me." I dismissed, nodding to Sorrenson as I departed the room. I almost used the word embezzled aloud but didn't want to be rude in front of dad.

My dad eventually made it back to the dinner table and I couldn't help but smile at his next words.

"I wish I could have dealt with him like that back when I first graduated. We were starting our family and rebuilding the country, I thought I needed every advantage, including the Peverell fortune. He was so creepy to me I could barely stand it." Dad explained. "I'm convinced he tried to drug me once… he'd always bring fancy wine for us to drink… this was before your mother moved into number 12."

"Gross. He looked like he wanted to eat me. Or worse honestly."

"That despicable german gremlin?" Mom asked knowingly, guessing who it had been. Dad nodded.

"Its weird. He hasn't aged a day in like seventeen years. Maybe he's a little fatter but I couldn't say for sure."

"Master Sorrenson left you this note your highness." Patches squeaked, handing me a folded piece of parchment.

—That was odd… i've never seen the creep so unnerved before. He's actually very powerful, despite his appearance. Retired warlock. Class 2. To see you scare him was a pleasure. I'll wait for an update from Rose if any of the estates end up being useful for the OJR.

"You and Aleksander have much occasion to interact?" My spy mother asked curiously when I burned the note. "You know I helped qualify him for warlock status when I worked for the ICW. He was my student ages ago."

"Who me? Hadn't you heard? I know everyone these days mom."

"What's this, creep? What's going on now?" James asked, cutting off another piece of his rarmite steak, finally interjecting when he had lost patience with being excluded.

Patches had outdone himself with the ashwinder pepper sauce. I was only just digging into my own steak.

"Your brother has inherited some castles and lands and Ashera knows what else came with the Rhoynar fortune. The overseer who runs the museums and artifacts came to tell Al in person that it will take a while to administer the more substantial pieces."

James and Lily balked.

"You're rich?" Lily inquired. "Well… I mean… richer?"

"James, if you and Katie want to borrow one of my castles for a romantic getaway, feel free."

"Thanks… I guess." There was an awkward silence as I alone continued to eat. "How much did you inherit? If you know?" James asked stupidly. I looked at dad, shocked at myself for the oversight.

"Honestly, I forgot to ask the cash value. Did he tell you after I left Dad?"

"We can discuss that later."

My dad always was awkward over the topic of money.

"Each of the Great principalities is worth at least a hundred million. Although judging by the way we live, Dad still has a long way to go before the Peverell Foundation finishes transferring his assets to him." I stated flatly, raising my glass of cloudberry juice back to my mouth. More than anything I missed the taste of the Valois wine. 'I'll have to wait until i'm legal again before I can drink.' I tsked to myself in annoyance. 'Unless I take another aging potion'

"So you're now worth… over a hundred million galleons?"

James looked disturbed as he finished the question. I eyed him suspiciously trying to read his thoughts in the way I used to.

"I'd wager at least three hundred, judging by how old and important the Röyne family was to the old kings of magic. Why, you want a new broom or something?" I asked casually, reaching for a brief to the right of my dad. He snatched the papers away from me before he realized I did actually have the clearance to read them. The minister for magic handed the documents back to me as I got up from my seat to grab a pitcher of juice from the fridge.

"Want some more Jamie?" I inquired, offering to pour him a new glass. He looked at me and nodded, thanking me when i'd finished. Mom appeared eager to change the subject as the silence grew heavier at the dinner table.

"Are you all excited to go back to school?"

Lily nodded enthusiastically, although I felt my brother had been the intended target of my mom's question.

"It's O.W.L.S. for me this year. I'm going to have to push hard if I'm going to join the Auror Program."

We all stopped, looking over to James who had never been serious about anything in his life before.

"Thats amazing Jamie, I think you'll do great if you put your mind to it." I offered sincerely. 'He'd make a decent auror at least' I thought to myself.

"Al and I were just saying at the Carnival that you'd be a great one." Dad added, looking over to me knowingly. 'You might be a conquerer, an explorer, anything you wanted… James could barely be an auror and that's if he worked as hard as could be…'

"You think I could do it twerp?"

I nodded quietly, hiding my mouth behind my glass of juice as I sipped on it. I so often gave away my thoughts that the prop was a welcome shield to hide a slytherin smile. I didn't want to hurt his feelings. Scor was the one who could hide his emotions behind a peerless mask with ease.

'Teddy and James' I thought to myself… they will side with dad and the ministry if it comes down to it…

I realized the outcome of that a little sadly, chancing a glance towards my older brother. He would have no trouble coming for me and Scor if ordered to by Mione…

We would be on opposite sides of a war most likely. If war comes from within. 'With any luck war will come from France and I won't have to fight my own family…'

"Maybe you can give me a few pointers at school then?"

I started to choke at that, juice descending the wrong pipe.

"You feeling alright James? I could have sworn you just asked a baby Slytherin for advice on your OWLS?"

"Nobody fights like you Al. You're the best student in your year, at almost everything really. You're probably on par with a few of the seventh years. It would be stupid to overlook that advantage. Isn't that what you'd tell me? Besides, you barely have to study for your perfect grades. You have more free time at Hogwarts than during the summer when you're interning at the ministry and doing your potions and music."

"They'll make a politician of you yet." Lils squeaked.

'I'll be training you all and building the order. He has no idea how busy I will be.' I complained into the beautiful ninja's mind, sharing my thoughts with her now that I knew how.

'Not to mention you'll be training your own enemy… unless you think you can get him to join the order?'

I shook my head. 'You think James will be involved in anything Scorpius has dealings with? He thinks Scor's an evil genius, manipulating me for his family's gain. Every time they see each other i get the sense a murder is about to take place.'

'You are as shrewd a tactical mind as Raven… and yet you refuse to deal with James or Hermione or Percy in any way. If the french don't end up being the problem… they will. You will never have control of Britain as long as you are allied with Scor and they remain on the board. But I think you know that…' she finished darkly, severing the link in our mind.

She flashed me a viper like stare and for a split second I got the sense she was trying to rouse the slytherin blood in her veins. She no longer had Voldemort's curse, however.

I had removed the spellwork from her not two weeks ago. 'And replaced it with a blessing instead' I reminded myself.

My fingers pressed against the bruise on my ribs, feeling pain swell out from where she struck me yesterday. I had told her first how much of my life energy I had sold to grant benedictions to the core members of the order. The younger members that is. The moment I had, she had me knocked to the floor, issuing several repeated strikes into my side. I thought she was going to beat me into unconsciousness.

'Maybe Scor will give me a massage when we get back to Hogwarts?' I mused to myself hopefully.