Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light
Chapter 13
Previously
Sirius latched onto the small boy and held him tightly. "I will kill them," he promised.
Harry shook his head. "Killing the ones who hurt you doesn't work automatically," he said, thinking about Hermione for a moment. "Or, at least, it doesn't make you feel instantly better. However, I won't stop you. I will even help," Harry promised, making Remus laugh as he thought Harry was joking.
Sirius smiled lightly as well, however he picked up the slight tension in Harry's body as he promised. "I think I need to visit the goblins," he said.
"I think that's a good idea," Harry agreed, still in his arms.
Getting Sirius to the bank was easy as the man was willing to do anything for Harry. Borrowing a cloak with a hood, the two of them managed the summer crowds easily, keeping their identities hidden.
"So, how did you become so well respected by the goblins?" Sirius asked after seeing the door guards nod to Harry.
Harry considered telling the truth, but knew know wasn't the time, so he retold the same lie which he had told Remus. About re-entering the world and having Ragnok already dealing with the Potter accounts - not a technical lie, just not the truth. He added, "I think my respect for them helps. I didn't grow up thinking less of them like a lot of wizarding children and, unlike the muggleborns, I do not fear things that are different as I know what it's like to be hated and feared for being different."
Sirius nodded. "How bad was your treatment, really? Are you talking the odd slap or real beatings?" he whispered as they walked past the crowds at the bank and through the side door leading to Ragnok's office.
"Beatings. My uncle was of the belief that, if he hit me hard enough, my magic would disappear - or so I believe," Harry said.
Sirius seemed to freeze for a second after hearing that and growled slightly, reminding harry of his animagus form.
"You will explain everything to me after this is done," he told Harry.
Harry nodded his head, not annoyed with the demand as he knew how confused and overwhelmed the man must be. Hell, he was surprised Sirius had managed to come to Gringotts today; Harry had expected him to eat and sleep for a few days after the ordeal of being in Azkaban.
Harry reached Ragnok's door and knocked.
Sirius followed him as he entered and watched as Harry and Ragnok greeted each other.
"Mr. Black, it is a pleasure to meet you," Ragnok said.
Sirius startled slightly as he had never been greeted so politely by a goblin. "Chief Ragnok, the honour is mine," he recited, his mind and body remembering the manners his parents had instilled in him years ago.
"Harry has told me a lot about you," Ragnok continued.
"He speaks fondly of you also," Sirius said.
Turning to Harry, Ragnok spoke, "He knows about the compulsions?"
"Yes, I informed him about everything I told Remus. Sirius is here to be cleansed - and maybe healed, if you're willing," Harry said.
Ragnok nodded, acknowledging the limitations of Sirius' knowledge. "The damage for dementor exposure is extensive, but we should be able to help - for a price, of course."
"Of course," Harry acknowledged.
"And any compulsions will be removed, along with blocks and potions," Ragnok said.
"And the price?" Harry asked.
"90 galleons," Ragnok said.
Harry smirked at the higher price. Ragnok had obviously enjoyed their last haggling match.
"60."
"75."
"70," Harry said.
"Deal," Ragnok replied.
Sirius watched this in shocked silence; he didn't know people argued money with goblins and had been worried when Harry had started to bargain.
Ragnok clicked his fingers, sending for Mauve Harry assumed, before he turned to Sirius.
"Mr. Back. Are you aware that your Lordship is currently unclaimed?" he asked, not beating around the bush.
Sirius was confused. He had thought being a convict would strip him of his title.
"No," he said honestly. "But I thought…?"
"The old conviction laws were overturned at the end of the last war. You are still able to claim your title and I would recommend you do so," Ragnok informed him.
Sirius nodded his head. "Okay. I just need to put on the ring and see if it accepts me, right?" he asked more than stated.
"Correct," Ragnok said.
"Should I do it now or after?" he asked.
Just then Healer Mauve entered. Seeing Harry, she smirked. "Are you going to be bringing every wizard in Britain to me to be cleansed, Little Lord?" she asked.
"My lady, I shall only bring those who deserve the best," he said, bowing slightly to the female goblin.
Mauve let out a low chuckle before she looked at Sirius. "The dementors have been having a feast from you," she said.
Sirius nodded. "Ten years," he said.
Mauve tsked and shook her head. "I can't make you perfect in one go, but I can make you better. You will follow me," she said.
Sirius looked bewildered as the female moved towards the door.
Harry smiled. "She does that - you should follow her. I will be here waiting when you're done. I'll have your ring brought up," Harry said.
Sirius nodded and walked to Harry, kissing his head before he darted after the healer.
After Sirius had gone, Harry turned to Ragnok.
He recited everything that happened in during and after the trial and watched as the goblin took in the information. Ragnok sat in silence as he spoke, digesting the words and thinking about the actions of all those involved.
"Did you actually send a letter?" he asked Harry.
Harry smirked. "Yes, I sent it after I left Remus here. I thought it would be a good thing to have if I was ever questioned."
July 18th 1992, The Leaky Cauldron
Harry picked up a piece of parchment and grabbed an ink pot. Placing them on the table, he began to write.
Dear Aunt Petunia,
I know you asked to never be written to or bothered by the wizarding world again, but I thought I should inform you that I planned on staying in the wizarding world for the summer with friends of my parents and my own school friends.
If you are worried, I can be reached by owl if it is addressed to me.
Yours,
Harry Potter
The letter he received back, Harry had opened with glee. He had the letter in his trunk, waiting to be used as evidence.
Stop using such a barbaric means of communication!
We do not care what you do, just leave us alone. You can get hit by lightning for all we care.
Do not contact us again! We are good, normal people.
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon and Petunia Dursley
July 23rd 1992, Gringotts London
"You have the letter?" Ragnok asked after Harry had told him what it said.
"Yes, in my trunk," Harry confirmed.
"Excellent. Now, what are you going to do about the meeting tomorrow?" Ragnok asked.
Harry considered what to do for a few moments before speaking. "Sirius will be at St. Mungo's, so I'll take Remus. I want to report my relatives for abuse. Amelia knows about it anyway, so really it's just providing evidence now. She is also looking into Dumbledore for me, according to Susan."
"Speaking of your young friends, have you spoken to them?" Ragnok asked.
Harry winced. They would not be pleased when they found out Harry had been hiding Sirius. "No, I plan on asking them to meet me in the Alley the day Lockhart has his book signing. I have business that day," Harry said.
"Very good," Ragnok said. "What about your other plans?"
"I have ideas, but nothing yet solid. I need to destroy Dumbledore's fan base - people need to see him for what he is…." As Harry spoke, an idea hit him and his smile turned devious.
"You have an idea," Ragnok said rather than asked.
"I do. Tell me, what do you know about a reporter named Rita Skeeter?" Harry asked.
Ragnok's eyes widened at the thought of using the famous gossip journalist. "Her stories never say what you want them to - she's unreliable."
"Ah, but I know how to make her do exactly what I want," Harry said, smirking.
"Blackmail?" Ragnok asked, a smirk curling his own mouth.
"I'd prefer 'persuasive handling'," Harry said.
"If you can get her under control, then you're in business. She has the largest and widest following in the UK. You will just have to be careful; some will discount her because she usually just sprouts gossip."
"But her gossip is always surprisingly true, if not just twisted," Harry said.
"You want to use her to spread your web of disheartenment about Dumbledore."
"Yes," Harry said. "With her, I can gain a control of the media. Not total, but enough to keep what I want in the cycle."
Ragnok smiled toothily. "And have you had any other success with your bonded?"
Harry felt his smile fade slightly. "No. I know there is an answer out there, but I have yet to find it," he said.
Ragnok nodded his head in a show of support. "I can ask around in discrete circles," he offered.
"That would be appreciated. I plan on scouring the Black library once Sirius reclaims his homes," Harry admitted.
"A wise idea," Ragnok said.
A knock at the door sounded then and Harry felt an odd, familial pull as Sirius entered. The sensation was completely new to him.
Seeing Harry's face, Healer Mauve explained to him, "Your godfather bond is now open. The bond being blocked on either side makes it impossible for the other to feel it, as it's not an overwhelming bond like, say, a soul bond as it is created, not intrinsic."
"Oh," Harry said dumbly. "Will it always feel like this?"
"It should fade and settle; it's just pronounced now as it had been blocked," Mauve said.
Seeing Sirius pacing in the doorway, Harry stood and approached him. Trying to send a sense of calm through the bond, something he had never tried before, but had read about in his mind magic books.
"Siri, calm down. I need you to be calm right now," Harry pleaded, hoping Sirius' need to be there for Harry would get through to him.
It worked immediately: Sirius paused and grabbed Harry, pulling the small boy into his arms and hugging him. Harry noticed Sirius looked a lot better, more like the man he remembered. His hair and skin looked healthier and his magic, although agitated, felt stronger.
Pulling free from the hug, Harry pulled Sirius down to the chairs and made him sit.
Ragnok nodded at them. "First, I believe you should claim your Lordship, Mr. Black, before we discuss your healers report. As a Lord, you have more power and protection," the goblin said.
Sirius let out a breath. "I agree," he said formally, surprising Harry. A formal Sirius was something completely new and a little foreign to the younger man.
Ragnok seemed to reach under his desk and pulled out a box Harry recognised from when he claimed his Lordships in his last life. "If the magic accepts you, the ring will remain and provide you with protections. If your Lordship doesn't take, it will return to the Black family vault for Heir Black to claim it," Ragnok said.
Sirius turned to Harry when Ragnok said Heir Black and Harry nodded, letting him know he was said Heir Black. "I understand," Sirius said, picking up the ring box and opening it.
Harry watched as he placed the ring on his finger and waited to see if it would accept him. His Sirius had never claimed the Lordship once he had escaped. Reaching out with his magic, Harry felt the moment Sirius became Lord Black; the magic seemed to hum in harmony and Harry felt a moment of bliss.
"Lord Black," Ragnok said, inclining his head to Sirius, who smirked.
"Thank you," Sirius said.
"The next area of business we have to discuss is Dumbledore. As you saw earlier today, he has taken an unusual amount of interest in Harry," Ragnok said.
Harry saw Sirius clench his fists. "I had compulsions and charms all over me, making me reject my family and hate Slytherins and Dark magic - to act reckless and disregard rules," Sirius said in a controlled voice. "I also had my bond with you blocked, Harry, and compulsions placed the night your parents died to make me irrational."
Harry wasn't surprised and he realised a lot of the adults in his life probably had compulsions of some kind on them. Remus, being a werewolf, Dumbledore would have wanted to control and manipulate and Sirius, being from a well-known Dark family.
Harry held Sirius' hand in a show of support. "He's my magical guardian; he named himself such when you went to Azkaban. He then placed his blocks on me and left me with the Dursleys to be abused. They have hinted that he told them to abuse me to 'make me normal'. He's also been stealing from my family vaults," Harry said.
Sirius stood up and swore, making Harry wonder if it was a Black family trait.
"How-how can we stop him?!" Sirius asked when he finally calmed enough to sit.
Harry shared a look with Ragnok. "We first have to get me away from him - not out of school obviously, as I have no desire to go to Beauxbatons or Durmstrang - but no longer his ward. Then we can start to dissolve his image," Harry said.
Sirius looked at the innocent looking boy with surprise. "Maybe you got a few more Black family traits, that sounds practically Slytherin, pup," he said.
Harry smirked. "I do a very good impersonation of a Slytherin. I can also do a disturbingly good Gryffindor if I have to," Harry joked, making Ragnok snort.
"How do we get custody? I mean, would I even get it?" Sirius asked.
"Lord Black, we have been preparing for this since Harry told us of his plans to free you," Ragnok said. "With your new status, you are one of the richest wizards in Britain. Although the Black family was not a prestigious one in recent generations, your ancestors were not foolish. If you pick a suitable home and prove that you're retaining your former health, then your claim would be without any real concern," Ragnok said.
"What properties do I have that would be suitable?" Sirius asked. He didn't want to return to Grimmauld Place as he had bad memories tied to each room in the house.
Harry knew why he was asking and sent Ragnok a look, hoping he would answer how Harry wanted. The goblin apparently picked up on the look and spoke, "Although the Blacks do own a number of establishments, the most suitable would be the London town house. It is the most recently vacated, therefore in the best condition. It can be cleansed and redecorated quickly for the right price."
Sirius nodded. "That's fine," he said, hoping the refurbishment would help him bury his anger.
"If you would like, I could send a team of young goblins not yet suitable for other work over and they can begin the cleaning process now," Ragnok said.
"Yes," Sirius immediately agreed.
Harry shook his head slightly. "For what price?" Harry asked
"A galleon each," Ragnok said.
"A galleon for three workers, with each gaining an extra two sickles when the job is done," Harry bargained.
"A galleon for two and three sickles," Ragnok replied.
"Agreed."
Ragnok smirked and turned to the new Lord. "You should always know what price is being asked before you agree," he warned.
Sirius nodded his head. "I shall try to remember that," he acknowledged.
"Anyway, Harry, have you thought more on how much you're willing to use the abuse in order to win the custody case?" Ragnok asked. Harry knew he already had the answer, so he was guessing the goblin wanted Sirius to know
"Dodge can use it all. I'm officially reporting them tomorrow with Remus, so it will all come out anyway. Therefore, I don't mind," Harry said.
Sirius squeezed Harry's hand. "Pup, you don't have to do that," he offered.
"I don't mind, Siri, I'm not ashamed. I think I could also help us if we did an interview tomorrow afternoon. When we're both free," Harry said, shocking Sirius as he hadn't realised how much Harry had planned or how mature and independent the boy was.
"An interview?" he asked.
Harry nodded. "I have a contact: Rita Skeeter. She'll write whatever we tell her," Harry said.
Sirius snorted and spoke with disdain, "Even I know that she writes whatever she wants and I've been in jail for ten years."
Harry smirked. "Trust me, she will do what I want," he promised, slightly darkly.
Sirius looked at that smirk and shook his head. "Sometimes I see so much of your mother in you and sometimes it's your father - but that right there? That was pure Black family."
Harry smirked even wider. "What can I say? I like variety."
July 23rd 1992, The Leaky Cauldron.
After leaving the bank, Sirius and Harry returned to the pub and went upstairs. Remus was waiting anxiously for them to return and practically pounced when they closed the door.
"How did it go?" he asked.
"You're looking at the new Lord Black," Sirius said, holding out his arms and spinning on the spot so that his robes billowed slightly.
Harry shook his head at his antics but smiled. "It was as we expected. Dumbledore had him dosed, but they've been removed. By becoming Lord Black, Sirius is protected - we should look at getting you something for that," he said to Remus.
"The goblins also think I should be able to get custody of Harry easily, I just have to move back to Grimmauld," Sirius said.
"And get treatment," Harry reminded the animagus.
Remus smiled at their easy dynamic. "You look better, Pads," he said.
Sirius smiled. "I'm not, but I will be," he said.
Harry sighed. "Right, tomorrow we will have a busy day. Sirius, you need to go to your appointment at St. Mungo's; I don't really want you going alone, but Remus and I are needed at the DMLE. Afterwards, we should meet back here for the interview I'm about to set up. It's best if we get out ahead of this and tell the world the truth in our own words," Harry said to the men.
Remus chuckled at Sirius' bewildered face. "Yeah, he does that," he told his friend.
"He's not a normal child, is he?" the animagus asked the wolf.
"No, not at all," the wolf whispered back, "but he's Harry."
"He can also hear you," Harry said back to the men. "I don't think I'm missing anything, so does anybody have anything to add?"
"Who's interviewing you?" Remus asked, making Harry groan as he had had to explain the situation twice.
After they had all made their solid plans, Harry went about writing several letters. First to Rita Skeeter, getting her to come tomorrow. Harry knew he would have to entice her.
Miss Skeeter,
My name is Harrison Potter, I am writing to you as I believe I have a story that you would be perfect for.
I'm offering you the exclusive as well as a chance to interview myself and another influential member of our society.
If you're interested, please be at the Leaky Cauldron at 3 o'clock tomorrow.
Yours,
Harrison J Potter
Heir Potter
Next, Harry had to write to his friends; he started with Susan, who he knew was probably writing to him already.
Dear Susan,
Now, before you plan where to bury my body, please know the only reason I didn't tell you guys was because I was worried and didn't even know if Sirius would get a trial.
So, please, don't be mad. I didn't want to involve you if Dumbledore got involved and made things difficult.
Ask your aunt if you don't believe me - Dumbledore has a very unhealthy interest in me. However, I am seeing her tomorrow about my relatives, so you don't have to worry about them anymore.
I promise I will explain everything properly when I see you! Which will be soon! I want us all to meet up in Diagon Alley on the 1st.
We can do our school shopping as our school list should be here later this week.
Please forgive me, Susie!
Your loving and very worthy of forgiveness friend,
Harry
Harry's letter to Hannah was slightly less pleading, but still followed a similar pattern as he knew the girls were neighbours and what one knew, the other was bound to find out.
Dear Hannah,
I'm sure you've been told but, if not, here goes: I helped get Sirius Black freed from Azkaban. Now, before you freak out, he's innocent. He never had a trial.
The only reason I didn't tell you guys was because I didn't want you all to worry and get involved, especially if Dumbledore got involved. I'm sorry!
I promise I will explain properly when I see you! Which will be soon! I want us all to meet up in Diagon Alley on the 1st.
We can do our school shopping as our school list should be here later this week.
Your loving and very worthy of forgiveness friend,
Harry
Neville's letter was less begging as Harry felt his relationship with the other boy was, not necessarily stronger, but Neville seemed to always understand why Harry did things. However, he didn't want to risk it so he did ask for forgiveness.
Nev,
You probably won't find out until tomorrow's papers, but I thought you should hear it from me first.
I helped get Sirius Black freed from Azkaban. Now, before you freak out, he's innocent. He never had a trial. He's my godfather and I wanted to help him.
The only reason I didn't tell you guys was because I didn't want you all to worry and get involved, especially if Dumbledore got involved. I'm sorry!
The girls will probably already know because Susie's aunt Amelia oversaw the trial, but I wanted you to know, too.
I promise I will explain properly when I see you! Which will be soon! I want us all to meet up in Diagon Alley on the 1st.
We can do our school shopping as our school list should be here later this week.
Your loving and very worthy of forgiveness friend,
Harry
With the letters written, Harry attached them to Hedwig, making sure to tell her to deliver Rita's letter last as he wouldn't put it past her to look through the rest. The white bird was excited for her task and jumped on Harry's shoulder for a moment to nuzzle his hair, before she took flight.
"She's a sweet bird," Sirius commented.
"Hedwig is great - she was my first friend," Harry said. Although he was not as close with this version of her, Harry still held a lot of love for his snowy owl.
"I need to look at getting an owl and a wand," Sirius said, coming to sit by Harry.
"We can look to see if there are any family wands in the Black vault," Harry said.
"I tried that when I was younger; they didn't work," Sirius said sadly.
"Getting a new wand made could also work, if Ollivanders doesn't have what you need," Harry said.
Sirius frowned. "But Ollivander doesn't make wands for people, he just makes them and you find a match," Sirius said.
"There's a wand show in Knockturn Alley which makes wands; you pick the wood and core that you react best with," Harry said.
Sirius frowned. "How do you know what's in Knockturn?" he asked, worried about the thought of the small boy wandering the streets of Knockturn without an adult - even with an adult it was dangerous.
Harry shrugged. "I like to investigate," he hedged.
Sirius sighed. "I know you've never had an adult you could depend on, or who worried, but please, for me, don't go to Knockturn Alley," he said, then seeing Harry's frown, he added, "or at least, don't go without telling me so I can come with you."
"I think I can agree to that - for now," Harry said.
"So, this wand shop - you think I will be able to get a match?" Sirius asked. He would no longer deny something just for being Dark and, if Harry trusted the shop, Sirius would consider it.
"You should be able to. It's where people go to get second wands made as the wands created will always work, just maybe not as well as original wands," Harry warned with a wince. Sirius had, in his last life, bemoaned the loss of his wand when it had been snapped while he was in Azkaban.
Sirius held back the pang he felt and Harry sympathised. Although his holly wand was his, he had loved having the elder wand. That wand had made his magic sing and surge. He couldn't wait to obtain it again.
"Think we will have time to go tomorrow?" Sirius asked, anxious to get a wand back.
"We should be able to fit it in before the interview. If not, the shops in Knockturn stay open later," Harry said, making Sirius realise just how much time the boy must have spent down the darker Alley. His family had always been Dark and, growing up, he had tried to distance himself from that. As soon as he got his Hogwarts letter he had fought to be everything they weren't: Light, Gryffindor, and good.
Having had his blood inheritance results and being cleansed, Sirius realised now that most of his behaviour was influenced by his Hogwarts letter and the compulsions placed on it; not that his family wasn't awful, but they were not awful because of their magical classification. They were just awful people in general - well, most of them.
Sirius though, he had denied his own magic and forced himself to become something he was not. He was a Dark wizard. Not a bad person or a sadist, but his magic was naturally Dark. Forcing himself to only do Light magic and become a Light wizard was unnatural for him; it had made him weaker. He would be dammed if he would force Harry to be anything other than who he was and, in the short time he had been with the boy, he suspected the boy was Dark. How Dark, he didn't know, but he would support his godson no matter what.
Harry had given Sirius back his freedom, both from Azkaban and from Dumbledore. He would do anything for him now.
AN: Big thank you to my Beta reader miisticalwrites for taking the time to check this for me!
Remember people that reviews are always appreciated but I won't hold the story to ransom for them.
Updates should come every few days and like usual this is being posed on Ao3 under the same name.
Hope you enjoy reading
~ Annie