Chapter 47

When Bill got the notice from Gringotts to fetch his family, he felt nothing but worry. This sort of thing did not happen often and never for a good reason. Yet he was told to fetch them quickly. He knew their family was poor but doubted it was debt. They always had just enough to survive, and their family never borrowed or stole to make up the difference. Still, a summons as urgent as the one he was given, was never positive. "Bill your home early," Arthur stated, surprised. "Is something wrong?"

"We've been summoned to Gringotts," Bill stated knowing he had no time to be gentle with the summons. It was urgent and they had no time to wait.

Everyone in the room froze, "What," Arthur asked confused seeing the worry on his son's face. "What do you mean we have been summoned to Gringotts of all places."

"The bank was in a bit of an uproar, apparently something big is happening," Bill admitted, it was secretive though as not a single human employee had an idea of what was happening. "You, Charlie and I have been summoned to the bank. I do not know why but we have 45 minutes to get there, thirty-five minutes now."

Now all of them were worried. A time limited summons. "Why the hell would we be summoned to the bank," Charlie demanded. Especially them specifically.

"I don't know," Bill admitted, wishing he had answers. "But I was advised that we should wear our best formal robes. We have to arrive there, and we don't want to be late. It is clearly important."

Arthur nodded and they ignored the order who had overheard this, whatever business the order had, could wait. They needed to be ready. The worry was obvious, there as they prepared. Being summoned to Gringotts was never a good thing.

Dumbledore had started Order back again, he had with a great difficulty had gotten in touch with James and Sirius. He had begged them to join the order so that they could stop Voldemort but they had outright refused stating they themselves could fight Voldemort but Dumbledore argued that their Father and Grandfather were in Coma, Hence they did have the resources to fight him but they didn't have the information\intelligence needed and they were inexperienced compared to him who was the Chief Warlock for now atleast and had plenty of spies in ministry as well as in Voldemort's death eater's which of the end of the debate. James and Sirius reluctantly and grudgingly had agreed to join the order but they had some terms at which Dumbledore had to make a magical vow to abide by the terms placed by them.

The terms and conditions were as follow

1. He would not try his dirty tricks on them or on their family as he had done in the past.

would not force them to do anything against their will be it funding or anything else

3. He would not boss around them.

4. They would at no cost provide the order with their family magic.

5. He would be honest if he wanted them to fight Voldemort alongside him.

At which Dumbledore had with a great difficulty had agreed.

They managed to get ready in time, despite having minimal dress robes. Luckily, some from the order helped dress them for whatever was going on as they had had no reason to have the clothing present. They had no time to fuss over that either as they quickly rushed to the bank, luckily arriving before the time limit given.

Bill found on of the goblins he was on good terms with, hoping that he would explain since he was clearly coming to fetch them. "Gripclaw do you have any ideas why we are being summoned," Bill asked.

The goblin just grinned which was twice as worrisome. Goblins rarely grinned, "Wizard business. Follow me."

"Oh, this cannot be good," Charlie admitted in a quiet whisper as they stocked after the goblin.

"We have done nothing wrong," Arthur returned, hoping his voice did not show his unease and disbelief in what he was saying. "Relax, it's probably nothing big."

"Dad, summoned to the bank," Charlie returned. "I don't even use this bank but the one in Romania. There is no part of this that makes sense and even Bill is worried. I didn't know Bill could get worried."

Arthur could say nothing to that as they were led to a hall. Bill looked strangely at the area. They were headed to the ritual rooms. "Bill," Charlie asked.

"Ritual rooms," he returned quickly. This made no sense at all. Why on earth would they be led here. Was this some sort of humiliation thing?. Was something long since past being brought up to them. They had no reason at all to be brought here. "The ancient and noble ritual rooms to be exact."

"Why would they summon us," Charlie questioned, understanding very little of what was going on, except anything to do with the Ancient and Nobles, was not good. "We have not been members for over a hundred years."

Bill shook his head, "But we are still under ancient rules," he returned. "Just remember what you've been taught Charlie."

"Of course, you and dad drilled into my thick skull how to act around the ancient and noble families," Charlie said since the last thing their family needed was a blood feud being called because they broke some tradition.

They had no longer to discuss things as another goblin arrived giving a blunt order. "Enter," The goblin said, opening the door as they entered the room. The ancients stood and many of the families had the eldest heir of the family present. Any worry they had, increased at the presence of the heirs. This was clearly something big yet they had no idea what it would be.

"Arthur Weasley," Henry Rosier said coldly.

"Lord Rosier," He said, bowing deeply as was required. His voice was calm even if he was not.

"Are these your eldest two sons?"

"Yes, my eldest William, and my second eldest Charles," He stated without hesitation.

James looked them over, deciding to put them out of their misery and give answers to why they were here. "120 years ago, your Grandfather was cast out of the ancient nobles, his brother's actions so dishonorable, your entire family was banned from being acknowledged as an ancient and noble line. Given the titles blood traitors. He attacked a number of ancient and noble families, dishonored our lineage, and brought your family to ruin."

"Yes, Lord Potter," Arthur returned his voice cold at the reminder, their family could not be allowed to forget these actions. Was this just a reminder of the actions of their ancestors? To ensure that their family never forgot what had been done in the past?

"120 years have passed, a new judgment has been called," he stated, causing them all to freeze. Judgements were rare, the idea that they were to be judged once again, was terrifying. "House Potter welcomes House Weasley back amongst the ancients. You have been judged worthy of the title ancient and nobles. Make your family proud. For the family is your decree. The family of air mages, we welcome you back amongst our numbers." James bowed to him. None of the Weasleys knew how to react. All of them wondered if it was even possible to have heard right.

"House Black welcomes House Weasley back amongst the ancients.

"House Longbottom Welcomes House Weasley back amongst the ancients."

"House Greengrass welcomes House Weasley back amongst the ancients.

"House Nott welcomes House Weasley back amongst the ancients."

"House Bones welcomes House Weasley back amongst the ancients."

"House Rosier welcomes House Weasley back amongst the ancients."

"House Ollivander welcomes house Weasley back amongst the ancients."

The goblins came out carrying the box. "Arthur Weasley, your family's punishment has ended, do you accept your place amongst the ancient and noble families."

He said the words on instinct alone, as he could not believe what was occurring. "I do."

"Do you swear to bring honor to the families once again," James questioned.

"I do."

"This is the ring that has been sealed away for 120 years," James said, opening the box. "Declare your family oath, draw your blood and accept the ring of your family and your place amongst the ancient and nobles."

"Every breath we take our magic grows as does our family for without air, all would die," He declared, cutting his finger. The hippogriff of their family let out a loud call, flying through the room before crashing into him. He collapsed to his knees at the rush of magic.

"Welcome House Weasley," James said, not even bothering to hide his smile since he was glad the man who was a good friend to him, was given the recognition their family deserved. "To the ancient and nobles. Lord Weasley, it is an honor to have you amongst us in your rightful place," he said, helping him to his feet.

"Next we have house Prewett, the next Prewett lord is one of your sons, the eldest naturally is your heir, however the Prewett title passes to one of your children."

"Charlie," Bill said, finding his voice. "The Prewett family, the family of fire. My magic does not do well with fire however my brother wields it with ease. I step down from the running for lord as it is his rightful place."

"The family heir rings Lord Weasley," Sirius said.

Charlie looked at Bill, "are you sure." He asked quietly. Knowing that Bill, hopefully within the next fifty to a hundred years, would never inherit.

"The magic will never accept me," Bill returned. "You are the one who exemplifies the Prewett family magic. The rightful heir to the line."

"The same ritual as your father's heir Weasley," Sirius said as Bill took out the ring with shaking hands. He too was hit with a blast of magic, weaker than his fathers but a show of power and acceptance.

"Heir Prewett," Olivander said, opening the ring.

He completed the ritual, "The fire in our souls burn strong and mighty." The dragon appeared roaring in approval before crashing into him. Bill helped him to his feet as they welcomed him into the Ancients.

"Why, after so many years," Arthur asked, unable to hold back the question. There had never even been the slightest sign that they would ever be accepted amongst the Ancients again, and yet, suddenly without warning they were given a title thought lost to them.

Everyone looked to James as he was the one who had started this chain of events. "The ancient and nobles...we have been Two short for about a decade. It is time we renew the power we once had," James stated. "The Ancients once had power and respect. Yet without our numbers being whole, we would never again be as strong as we were in the past. With the coming battles, we need to stand together." Everyone nodded at this.

"No one can know of the results of this meeting until the next wizengamot section," Rosier declared, getting them back on track. "I believe Lord Potter wishes a show of power."

"The secrecy of the ritual chamber has been enacted," Edgar Bones stated. "Lord Potter.."

"We shall enter as our ancestors did once" he said lightly.

Sirius looked at him. "Of course, we shall," he replied, which had not been done in generations from his readings. It was a straight showing of power and prestige as well as a declaration that the Ancients were displeased.. "Because that's not declaring anything.'

After a bit more talk they went their separate ways. All but the Weasley, Potter, Blacks, Greengrass and Longbottom. They had much more to discuss.

Once everyone left, it still took a moment for the Weasleys to find their voices. Too much had happened to absorb all at once. "James...Lord Potter you've done a great favor to us. House Weasley will forever be in your debt"

"It is James Lord Weasley and don't mind it, you are my friend after all" James flashed them a smile.

Arthur smiled, though he had changed a lot, Arthur realized he was the same comrade with whom he had once fought death eaters "It is always Arthur to you James. As Arthur started to thank all his friends for their support and soon everyone settled down.

"A tailor will be meeting you three here to prepare you. I'm sure Heir William of house Weasley can assist you all in going to your family vaults." Sirius told them.

Arthur was even more confused wondering what the Black family Lord meant. "Our family vaults were emptied over a century ago," Arthur said. "We lost them in reparation from the previous generation's actions."

"Sealed, it seems that House Potter while voting for the disbanding with the other lords felt you could someday be redeemed, they with House Longbottom and Black ordered them sealed until such time that you have proven your familial debts paid," Cyrus stated. "Money would not be enough to repay the actions of the past however, they felt that removing them completely would be worthless. They wanted to have hope for the future of your family. It seems that hope was not misplaced."

Arthur's eyes widened, years he had struggled to take care of his family and in a moment, it had all changed. It was clear he was too overwhelmed to speak so Cyrus just continued, this time, looking to the newest Prewett Lord.

"You should also decide on an heir to house Prewett, to whom the magic best matches as it is a secondary house," Cyrus suggested. "While none of us like to think of potential deaths, having a declared heir presumptive is useful, even if merely on paper and no ring passing on. So, nothing can be questioned. I know you have no children, but a sibling will suffice."

Charlie nodded understanding why it would be needed but it brought to questions what he could do, reminding him of the split in the family, "The next in line would be my brother Percy as per lineage however he...is estranged from the family."

James for one, knew of how family being estranged caused long lasting conflicts. His family, while now together, but was split in such a way in the past he shuddered remembering those days.

"Perhaps reach out before the details are known or else you will never know if he returned to the family for new power or because he regrets the fight. Don't let war come between families," Sirius suggested. "Even if you do not always agree. Blood is blood. Don't follow the mistakes my family has made." Black family was not united from a long time until his Grandfather took control of the family before a decade

Arthur nodded realizing that the Lord was not as any expected, "I will take your advice into thought. Thank you for all you have done for my family."

"Well, old friend now all the bullshit is dealt with, your little ol brain would need time to process all the things and perhaps your Heir has a letter to write to France where a certain bird is waiting" Sirius winked at Bill. Everyone sighed, some things never change, while Arthur was glaring at his son who was covering under his glare.

James just grinned before looking back to the Weasleys. "Oh, and seeing as Nott and a bunch of Slytherins are going to react really badly to you guys regaining your lordship, I'd suggest beating protocol into the twins, Ron and Ginny's head. As well as some basic duel training because we are at war and you all are ancient and nobles. Some lesser families like the Yaxley's will take offense to you regaining your titles."

"All of them get basic what is known as pureblood lessons with their pre-Hogwarts schooling," Bill said, fully agreeing with the warning. It had crossed his mind but too much was happening too fast to make decisions. "However, I would agree with the idea. Dad gave Charlie and I the most extensive lessons as the eldest but as we have no...sorry, we had no title so we are all out of practice."

They were interrupted as a goblin led a man into the room. "Your fittings," A man said entering.

Knowing they had much to deal with, they decided it would be best to split up. They would not talk freely with the tailor present. "We will leave you to it," James said as he stood up to leave.

~SCENE CHANGE~

The Wizengamot had been called for september meeting, though a number of important prominent faces like Potter, Black, Greengrass, Longbottom , Malfoy, Lestrange and many other rich members were missing as the minister wanted to pass a bill by which he could take control of many rich families finances as the war was approaching because of which this was important, this was the reason given by the Minister so he had changed the timings of the meeting at the last moment of course informing only members who were loyal and Houses who had agreed to vote in his favor of course he had bribe them but the money which he was bribing was nothing compared to what he could get his hands on if he got the bill passed

"Close the doors, let us get this over with, seal the door," Fudge ordered.

"But many members like Potter, Blacks ,Longbottom etc are missing, we should wait for them" Edgar Bones stood up and said in an authoritative voice. When the meeting's timings was changed he had specified that Potter and their allies should not be informed, was what Minister had ordered but Bones was here it was because of that DMLE bitch if he was here then Minister had to seal the door asap

"Lord Bones this esteemed body can function without a few arrogant members who do not think it's necessary to be on time and think we all will wait till they can come and grace us let this be a lesson to everyone that each and every member no matter of the title should arrive on time" Fudge told

"Minister if I was you I would not accuse prominent members of our society to be arrogant, when you change the timings of the meeting at the last moment and do not consider it necessary to inform us" Lucious sneered as he entered the chamber

"Lord Malfoy i assure you i sent out the information regarding the change of timings it may have been a delay" Fudge rambled

"So that everyone is here, let's start the session. Seal the door we have already wasted 10 minutes" Fudge ordered the door's were sealed and soon angry voices could be heard at the other side of the door and auror came to fudge and told him that Lord Potter, Black, Greengrass and Longbottom have arrived and are demanding the entrance into the chamber

"Absolutely not they have arrived 15 minutes late please inform them that if they wish they can sit in the Visitors block (where people can sit and watch a normal session)" Minister ordered and in a few minutes James and his friends walked into the Visitors block and sat there as they glared daggers at Fudge. Fudge knew it was the end of his political career but after this bill is passed he would be filthy rich and he run from Britain to France or The USA and live a happy life there

"So as everyone knows before a few months Diagon alley was attacked by he who must not be named and in that clash our esteemed Lord Potter and Black got injured and are presently in coma I wish them a speedy recovery as the Minister of magical britain. Now that He-who-must-not-be-named has returned we should prepare for war and finish of the threat which has arrived at our doorstep and taking the first step to eliminate him I would like to introduce a new bill for financing this war by which the ministry will be granted the rights to access the wealth of all the citizens of our country who has more than enough money to lead his life, it may also be family wealth or individual wealth which required to future war which is at our doorstep." Minister stated and as expected there was a uproar in the chamber

Dumbledore banged his gravel as he said "order-order I will have order in this chamber or else you will thrown out" the room went silent as Lord Goldstein raised his wand indicating he wanted to talk as minister nodded his head he stood up and said

"Minister this is a direct threat to our rights as individuals. This is a democratic country and you have no right to force your power on us, like this and the money you are talking about is our hard earned money from generations our family has worked hard to earn that money and if you think you from a secondary house think that you could take it from us you are mistaken" He all but yelled at him

"Lord Goldstein you are talking to your minister mind your tone and this money which Ministry will be taking is not for me it's for the war we don't have enough money to fight the upcoming war our finances are in a bad state as it has not yet recovered from the previous war" Minister stated as turned towards the finance minister who nodded signaling him correct

"What have you been doing all these years?" Lord Macmillan asked

"You should ask for permission before speaking, Lord Macmillan as for what I was doing all these years was... " Minister was about to speak as he was interrupted from a voice from visitors block

"Sucking Nott's d!*$." Sirius yelled as everyone in the courtroom burst out laughing as Theodre Nott and Minister went red

"Sirius..Lord Black that would be 2000 galleons fine for unruly behavior" Dumbledore Chief Warlock started with a disapproving look

"Let's put it for vote" The still red Fudge stated

"Those in favor of the bill" Dumbledore stated

More than half raised their wands (They had been bribed heavily by Fudge) and to everyone's surprise even Lord Nott and a few members of Darker functions voted in favor of getting the bill passed.

James gritted his teeth it was all because of this bastard Nott, as he had known this bill would not have been brought to discussion until next session in December, this information was given to him by his spies. It was because of yesterday's Ancients meeting that caused this hurry, but the meeting's detail should not have went out of the room because of the privacy seals. Now it had flashed why Notts pocket had glowed when the secrecy seal was activated he was using contacting mirrors to let the minister know of all the developments happening there.

"Those not in favor"

Edgar Bones and few others raised their hand

"This bill has been passee..." Dumbledore was about to bang his gavel indicating the bill passed but, when as he saw Umbridge's chopped of head appearing in the center of the chamber out of nowhere and rest of her body appeared after it, but how could this happen she should have been in hogwarts having Mrs Greengrass serving detention with her as Minerva had told him about her schedule.

Minister was shocked and was angry as aurrors confirmed it was his undersecretary's body, she should have been in Hogwarts keeping track of Dumbledore's manipulations on kids until he could remove him from his post as Chief Warlock, which he was going to in a few hours but how could this happen to his beloved toad bitch ... (oops) his undersecretary.

"Wh...o ..whaa" Fudge stammered and stopped for few minutes to calm himself

"This is unbelievable, Who dare do this, I Minister of Magic of magical Britain order aurors to search for the murderer of my Undersecretary and present him to the court alive or dead" Fudge declared

"It might be him" One voice from council said trembling in fear

"No its not Dark Lord if he had killed he would not have sent her body and show that he killed her and mainly Dark Lord and his Death Eaters do not kill anyone like this, they would never use a sword to kill someone as it would be mugglish way of killing they would use the other and easier way and the one they have been using from long time the killing curse" Dumbledore said as he examined the body of pink bitch

"Whoever did this if you are here come forward and accept your crime" Dumbledore stated as he knew when the murderer could send the body in middle of session he would not hesitate to appear in front of everyone

Before anyone could point out Dumbledore's foolishness, A Person in a black cloak entered the chamber pushing the magnificent doors of the ancient chamber open, the cloak covered his head so no one could see who was wearing it though it had the crest of House long forgotten in time. Entering, it was also clear that he had a staff in hand, the staff bearing the symbols of the Thestral and The Black Dragon. he stomped the staff as he walked. Everyone looked in shock. As it had been Centuries since anyone had seen that crest it was of ...

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