Disclaimer: All charcters and world concepts are property of J. .
Disclaimer: This is not the work of CNG25 but that of Lilausty, originally published on .
Chapter 2: I Own What Now?
Harry stealthily crept down the stairs, being careful not to step on the one that had a tendency to creak. Making it to the front door without anyone hearing him he smiled, and quickly opened the front door.
Two days previously, he had called Dobby, half expecting the little elf to ignore him. However, he was pleasantly surprised when he immediately appeared. The elf had begged forgiveness for not getting back to Harry, but he said that he had been forbidden to come to Harry again. Harry was concerned, hoping that by calling Dobby to him, he hadn't gotten him in trouble.
The little elf had simply given a sly smile, and said that the Order had said nothing about Harry calling Dobby, and Dobby answering.
Harry had then gotten Dobby to magically shrink all of his possessions, and to make them feather light, which the elf had done immediately. Harry then informed him that he was going away, but not to let the Order know unless ordered to. The elf was very sad, but understanding, wishing Harry all of the best.
Swinging his invisibility cloak around him, Harry peered out into the darkness, looking for any signs of life.
Seeing none, he quickly mounted his broomstick, still under the cloak, and took off, speeding towards London with all haste. As triumphant as he was, Harry didn't lessen his focus on his surroundings, as at any moment he expected to be intercepted by either the Order or, even worse, by Voldemort and his cronies.
It took him several hours to fly to London, but eventually he saw the large expanse of lights that signalled reaching the large city. Frowning slightly, Harry tried to remember where the Leaky Cauldron was, since it had been several years since he took the front entrance.
Flying in low over the city, he got his bearings and spotted where he needed to go. Landing gently, he walked to the pub, continuing to stay under his invisibility cloak. On more then one occasion, he had to dodge a slightly intoxicated individual who couldn't walk in a straight line.
He finally arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, just as the sun was starting rise. He congratulated himself, on a mission so far successful, and pushed the door open. No one was inside, as it was very early, so he carefully proceeded to the back, and made his way into the alley.
He was surprised and saddened to see the condition of the magical shopping district. It had gotten even worse since the last time he had been there. Before, shops were still open, and people still wandered the streets. Now, however, the majority of the shops were boarded up, or else completely destroyed by fire.
One store still maintained its bright and inviting atmosphere, even when shut. Harry gave a slight smile as he saw the lurid green sign of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. He could see that Fred and George were obviously still doing well, even in the current climate.
Slowly reaching the end of the street, Harry stared up in awe at the massive white building that rose up in front of him. Every time he saw Gringotts, Harry couldn't help but be impressed. The towering white pillars seemed to glow red in the morning light, their odd angles throwing eerie shadows on the ground.
He quickly walked up to the door, and looking around carefully, knocked three times on the closed doors. He waited for a moment and the door cracked open and a scowling face peered through.
'We aren't open yet! Go away!' the small goblin snarled at Harry, not recognising him immediately.
Harry raised his eyebrows and said, 'I-I know, but I need some help, please.' He raised the hair on his scar to show the goblin who he was.
Immediately the goblin gasped, and opened the door, ushering Harry inside. 'Please forgive me Mr Potter, right this way.' He then led Harry through the waiting area and into a small but elaborately decorated room. Giving Harry a small bow, the goblin said, 'Please wait here, I will fetch Lord Lardol.'
Harry interrupted, 'Lord? I, I don't think I need any special treatment sir!'
The goblin gave a small smile, which was unusual for the species, 'Sir, I have my orders saying that if you were to come to Gringotts, that you would be served by the manager himself.' With that, he bowed and left Harry by himself.
Walking around, Harry examined the beautiful gold and oak carvings that decorated the walls, marvelling at the beauty and talent that was exhibited around him.
Hearing the door open behind him, he turned around quickly, immediately on edge as he saw the fancily dressed goblin that was making his way into the room.
Not exactly sure how he should greet this important figure, Harry started to bow awkwardly, but the goblin quickly raised his hands and smiled, 'Please Mr Potter, such formalities are not necessary.'
'Oh, I'm sorry' he hastily started to say, only to be interrupted by a gently laugh.
'Apologies are not necessary either, though you are most gracious to offer them.' The goblin replied. Seeing that Harry was looking most awkward, he graciously said, 'Please, Mr Potter, do sit down and we can discuss your position.'
Harry obeyed quickly saying 'Position sir? I-I only came to get some money out.'
The goblin looked shocked, 'Good gracious, you mean you aren't here in regards to our letter?'
'What letter?' Harry asked, very confused.
'Mmm, well that explains the lack of answer' the goblin muttered to himself before clearing his throat, 'I sent you a letter several weeks ago asking you to come in at your convenience so that we could go through Albus Dumbledore's Will.
A deafening silence met this proclamation.
After a moment, the goblin spoke again, 'We had sent it to Professor McGonagall, who according to Professor Dumbledore, was to be in charge of distributing all letters regarding his will. All of the other individuals who received something have come in, so we know that the letters got delivered.'
'Except for me.' Harry muttered to himself, getting quite angry, 'I guess she didn't want me to hear the will without someone looking over my shoulder at what I was to get!' he said, somewhat sarcastically.
'Yes well, this setback has now been rectified as you are here. I take it you would like to hear the will then?' Lord Lardol said, looking closely at Harry who nodded enthusiastically. 'Very well, I shall call in your lawyer and we can proceed.'
'Lawyer? I don't have a lawyer! Do I?' Harry replied.
The goblin cocked his head to the side, 'Of course you have a lawyer! Your family lawyer, Mr Romix, and by extension his family, have been looking after the Potter family for generations. He is responsible for your legal matters, finances and any personal issues that you want dealt with.'
Harry was amazed, 'Then where was he when I was on trial for underage magic?'
'Albus Dumbledore requested that he be allowed to take charge of the situation. Given his reputation we agreed, knowing that if he couldn't get you off the charges, then Mr Romix certainly wouldn't have been able to.' Lord Lardol replied.
Harry nodded in agreement, 'Well that is true I guess. You mentioned finances, and while my vault certainly has a lot of gold in it, I wouldn't think it required that much organisation, what does he do?'
A look of confusion passed over the goblin lord's face, 'what do you mean Mr Potter? Have you actually visited your vault?'
Harry nodded, 'Of course! Hagrid took me to it before first year, and I have seen it several times since then.'
The goblin's eyebrows rose, 'Oh dear me! No, Mr Potter, that was your trust fund allocated to you for your school years by your parents.'
Harry was even more confused, 'So you mean that there is more?'
'Oh a great deal more! You are after all the sole heir to the Potter fortune which includes various other family fortunes as well!' the goblin exclaimed.
Harry's eyes narrowed, 'Whose fortunes?'
The goblin hesitated, 'Perhaps I should call Mr Romix in, after all, he is better suited to explain the situation to you then I am.' At Harry's nod, he walked over to the fireplace, threw some powder into it and leaned in, shouting muffled words.
He pulled out and waited a few seconds. The fireplace burst into green flames and another goblin appeared, hurrying forward with a large smile on his face. Before today Harry had never seen a goblin smile, and now he had seen three all in one day.
'Mr Potter! It is an honour to finally meet you!' Mr Romix said enthusiastically, shaking Harry's hand.
Harry gave a shy smile, 'Likewise sir.'
'Oh please, call me Rom, it will make this much easier.' He said.
Harry nodded, 'Very well, but only if you call me Harry. Mr Potter is far too formal a title for me.'
Rom's eyebrows rose slightly and he gave a wry smile, 'Well then I suppose when you turn 17 you won't be wanting to take up the title Lord Potter?'
Harry, who had started to take a drink of some water, started choking and coughing, making the two goblins grin. Surfacing red faced he stammered, 'L-L-Lord! How? Why?'
Before Rom could explain, Lord Lardol spoke, 'Perhaps we should get Dumbledore's will out of the way, and then you can explain to your client all about his heritage after I have left, mmm?'
The other two nodded, and Lord Lardol brought forward a piece of parchment which contained Dumbledore's familiar slanted writing. He passed it to Harry saying, 'Perhaps you would like to read it yourself, as there are some personal issues in there.'
Harry nodded gratefully, as he started to read the letter of his dear Headmaster, who was like a grandfather.
Dear Harry,
If you are reading this then I have am embarking on my next great adventure. I am sorry that I could not stay with you, to help you through your trials but believe me, I have not abandoned you! As long as you can think of me, I will be with you.
Trust in yourself, that is the single most important piece of advice that I can give. I cannot tell you that the future ahead of you will be easy, but as long as you keep believing, and holding onto the hope that it will get better, then you will succeed.
You already know of your greatest strength, so play to it! Love your friends dearly, but most importantly, let them help you!
I have left instructions with the Gringotts goblins regarding my will and Minerva will see it done. If you can, trust in her as you did me, for she has the strength of a lioness, and the loyalty of a badger!
Finally, I wish to reiterate a comment I made many years ago, Help will ALWAYS be given to those at Hogwarts when they ask for it!
I made many mistakes with you Harry, and for that I am truly sorry, but you were truly like the grandson that I never had, and I cared for you deeply. Your parents would be more than proud at the man that you have become.
With all a grandfather's love
Albus Dumbledore
By the time Harry had finished, he had tears running down his cheek which he wiped away hurriedly before looking at the goblins. Both of them were staring at him sympathetically as he took a shaky breath, 'Thank you for showing me that. Um, could we hear the will please?' He asked.
'Of course.' Lord Lardol said, pulling out another piece of parchment, and saying, I will only be reading out the section that relates to you, as the other parts are confidential. Does this make sense to you?'
Harry nodded and the goblin started to read out loud the contents of the will.
'To Mr Harry Potter, I leave my collection of memories and my pensive in the hope that they will aid him in his endeavour. I leave Harry the remainder of the Dumbledore fortune, including the mansion by the sea. Enclosed is the key as well as the various spells to disable the security system. Finally, if he consents, I leave Fawkes in the care of Harry, who I know will treat him with the respect and dignity that he deserves.
By the time the goblin lord had finished reading the will, Harry's jaw was hanging freely. Finally he stammered, 'He left me Fawkes?'
'Not exactly.' Lord Lardol replied, 'You see, phoenixes are magical creatures obviously, but they are also sentient. It isn't like being left a pet, Fawkes must choose you as his next carer.'
'So why did Dumbledore put it in his will at all then?' Harry asked confused.
The goblin smiled, 'Mainly so that everyone, including Fawkes, realise that you were his first choice.'
Harry nodded, trying to keep the tears from welling up in his eyes again. The goblin gave him a sympathetic glance before continuing, 'If you accept the will, and do not wish to challenge it, please sign on this line.'
Harry looked almost shocked that anyone would want to challenge Albus Dumbledore's will, and quickly signed his name, his hand shaking slightly. Turning business like, Lord Lardol stood up, 'Thank you for your time Mr Potter, I now leave you in Rom's capable hands, and he will explain to you your copious assets.' Bowing to Harry slightly he then walked out of the room, leaving Harry with his lawyer.
There was a moments silence as Harry looked down at his shoes, trying to process the information that he had just been given. Since Dumbledore's death, Harry had been slipping further and further into despair. After all, he was as close as Harry had to family having been there for many years, and was a constant source of comfort, even when he made mistakes. Now, Harry was by himself, without anyone to tell him what to do, or help him with his task.
Now, it seemed, that Dumbledore had anticipated Harry's attitude, and had potentially left him something that would help fill that gap in his heart. Smiling slightly, Harry imagined the beautiful phoenix flying in and making him feel better, as the magnificent bird always managed to do.
Hearing a clearing of a throat, Harry looked up, startled, before relaxing slightly, seeing his lawyer pull out a large folder.
"Mr Potter, I assume that you wish to know about your assets?" Rom said gently, fingering the folder slightly. At Harry's nod, the goblin opened the folder and started to run through a list of statistics that blew Harry away.
"Well, since I must assume you know nothing about your heritage, I will start from the very beginning. You, Mr Potter are the single richest wizard in the world, having vaults from five wizarding families. These families are: the Potters, the Blacks, the Austins, the Kinders and now the Dumbledores."
Harry's jaw hit the floor, "Wh-What? How did I get all that? I mean, I knew about the Potters and Blacks, but who are the Austins and Kinders?"
The goblin smiled kindly, "Over time, the older wizarding families tend to be assimilated into other familie. The Austins were a family that could be traced back to the time of the founders, unfortunately, their descendants withered, and the last one was a woman, who married your great-grandfather, Anthony Potter. The Kinders followed a similar pattern, except they died out only 2 generations ago, as she married your grandfather's brother. They never had children, so the fortune fell to your father instead."
Harry nodded slowly, "Ok, that makes sense I suppose."
"Yes well, because of your immense wealth, your great-grandfather hired the services of my family to take care of the Potter fortune. It has been my family's greatest honour to see to the Potter's needs and to make sure that their interests are always put first."
Harry couldn't help but interrupt, "Yeah? Then where were you when I was placed with the Dursley's?"
Grimacing slightly, the goblin sighed, "As they were your only living family, we had no legal say in the matter."
Harry frowned, "How could they be my only living family? You can't tell me that out of the entire Potter family I am the only one left! I mean, how could such an entire fortune be amassed, and still only have one descendant! It doesn't make sense to me."
The goblin shrugged, "well, remember what I said about families assimilating. During the 1700's, the Potters had very few male heirs. The majority were women, and married into other families, I think that only a single male heir was born each generation for around 100 years."
Harry nodded in exasperation, "Yes I understand that there may not be any Potters. But what about the descendants of those women? Surely they haven't all died out?"
The goblin licked his bottom lip, considering the young man in front of him before replying slowly as if afraid of his answer, "There were two reasons, the first and foremost was that Albus Dumbledore asked us not to dig to deeply into your family tree to find the next closest family, since you should by rights have been placed with the Dursley's anyway. The second, was that we already knew of several members that you were directly related to, but they would have killed you on the spot rather than raise you."
"What? What do you mean?" Harry burst out, looking shocked.
Rom sighed, "As you know, it is considered a great honour to marry within a pure-blood family, and the Potter's were one such family. Therefore, most other pure-blood families were always happy to marry their sons off to any woman carrying the Potter name. Unfortunately, over time, most pure-blood families became corrupted by either lusting after power, or more wealth. Your living relatives are descendants of these families. Some of them include the Malfoys, Averys and Zabinis."
At Harry's shocked and appalled look the goblin said, "As you can see, we had a terrible decision to make. Let Dumbledore do with you as he wished, or potentially hand you over to be murdered. I-I did as I thought was best, and I do sincerely apologise for any suffering that you withstood because of my decision."
After a moment, where Harry was clearly struggling to come to a decision, he sighed, and replied, "I do not blame you Rom and neither do I hold any animosity towards Dumbledore. He had good reason to place me with my Aunt, even if they did treat me like a slave." He composed himself before smiling, "I am sorry to have interrupted you, please continue."
The goblin lawyer looked a little surprise at Harry's politeness, considering that he just found out that his suffering during his childhood years were a direct result of his decision 16 years earlier. Shuffling his notes quickly he swallowed the small lump appearing in his throat, "Very well Mr P-Harry, I have a full list of what is in your vaults, which you can view at your own pleasure but in summary you have: 18 billion galleons, the deeds to 4 castles, 8 mansions and many other properties that are scattered around the world. You have various magical artefacts including swords, clothing, jewellery and miscellaneous items. You also have investments in several of the world's largest and most successful companies, both magical and muggle. Like I said, that is only a summary, but I think it covers most of your important assets. Do you have any questions?"
He looked at Harry and was amused to see the boy was goggle eyed, with his jaw on the floor as he struggled to digest all of the information being thrown his way.
"How-how much does it all equal to?" he finally asked, curiosity lacing his voice.
The goblin flipped through the folder, pulling out one of the last sheets. Reading the figure at the bottom of the page he said, "All up, around 34 billion galleons, though the exact value cannot be calculated due to the continual change in exchange rate between galleons and muggle money."
Harry nodded in understanding before giving the goblin a serious look, "Who knows about my families fortune? That you know of I mean."
Rom considered the question before answering, "Well, I think that there is a fair chance that your father's friend Remus Lupin was aware of it, and of course Dumbledore was. Other than that, I honestly wouldn't know. I wouldn't put it past Alastor Moody to have done a complete analysis on everyone around him, so he would know that you are rich, if not exactly how much. Remember Harry, your assets are confidential, and only myself and the Potter family are able to disclose the assets of the vault. There is a magical contract that automatically binds every person that finds out, so they can't just go and blurt it out to the world."
"What about my relatives? I mean the other magical ones, the ones that want to kill me?"
Harry asked, sarcasm encasing the comment.
The goblin inclined his head slightly, "Whilst I doubt they know, they could find out if they wished, because they do have ties to the Potter family. But there must be a direct blood relation for this to happen, they can't just be related by marriage. Do you understand?"
Harry nodded, sighing slightly, "Well, let's just hope they don't get it into their heads to find out, otherwise there will be just one more reason for them to hunt me down and kill me."
The goblin gave a dry laugh, "What? You don't think being at the top of the Dark Lord's list is enough for them?"
Harry gave him a startled look, after all, this was the first magical creature that he had ever heard make a joke with Voldemort in the same sentence. After a moment he grinned, the first real smile since Dumbledore's death, "You never know, money can do things to a person's mind. I know, cause it's making mine spin!"
The goblin laughed again, before turning serious again and patting Harry gently on the back, "Harry, I have to say this, I was always honoured to serve your family, simply because it brought honour to my own family. But now after meeting you, I am honoured for an entirely different reason. You have suffered so much in your life that you should by all rights turn evil. Yet I have never met a kinder soul towards all people other than perhaps Albus Dumbledore. You are truly a great wizard, and if you don't mind me saying so, Tom Riddle doesn't stand a chance!"
Harry gave an extremely embarrassed and shy smile, "Thank you very much. It is unbelievable high praise to be compared to Professor Dumbledore." He turned sad again, "I honestly don't know how I am going to go on without his guidance. He was always there, keeping my head above water when I felt I was drowning. Now, I don't know where I am, or where I am going. I have a task to complete, and I don't even know where to start!"
Giving him a sympathetic glance, the goblin clicked his fingers twice. All at once and trunk appeared with an envelope on it. Harry jumped slightly and Rom hastily said "Sorry Harry, I didn't wish to startle you. I hope you don't mind, but I think this may help you get yourself started. I know that you feel that you are on your own at the moment, but perhaps this may help."
Harry gave him a confused glance before lifting the envelope up and emptying its contents into his hand. A large beautifully adorned key fell into his hand, it was covered in gold with ruby and emerald jewels encrusting the outside of it. "What is this to? And what is the trunk for? After all I have one already." He asked.
"The key is to Potter Castle which is on the western coast of Wales. The trunk is actually a portal; when you climb down inside of it, you will find yourself in your vault here at Gringotts. It saves you having to make a trip to Diagon Alley to collect any money or asset that you may need. These trunks are quite rare, and are only given to those who are considered Lords among the goblins." Rom replied.
Harry frowned, "Lord? You mentioned that before, what do you mean by it?"
The lawyer nodded, "You, Harry Potter, when you turn 17 will be classified as a lord, in the magical world as well as the muggle one. You see your families, all of them, at one time or another held great power and titles in the land during the last millennia or so. These titles have never been disbanded, and they automatically transfer to you, once you reach adult age."
Harry's eyes rose, "The muggle world as well? How does that work? I mean, wouldn't they need to see me or something?"
The goblin grinned again, "While my family has always taken care of the magical side of your assets, there are several high ranking muggle lawyers that take care of the non-magical side. They are aware of your, somewhat different nature, and keep it under wraps. While most muggle lords are required to attend certain functions, any magical lord has a representative that casts their vote in their place. It is an old spell that allows the magical lords to come and go as they please without the muggles noticing the change in person."
Harry blurted out, "So my representative for all this time has been casting votes on decisions that I know nothing about? What happens if he voted a way that I wouldn't have?"
The goblin held up his arm to placate him, "In the case when the magical lord is unable to contact their muggle representative, for whatever reason, the muggle will cast a neutral vote.
Harry nodded in understanding, settling back down in his seat, "Ok, that makes sense."
The goblin cocked his head to the side, "Did you wish to know your full title Mr Potter?"
Harry looked at him, confused, "I thought you said I was going to be a lord? Wouldn't that just make me Lord Potter?"
Rom laughed, "Oh, dear me no! No you are a lord, because you hold a position of authority, but your title is something different. It says how much power you hold; you see you are an earl Harry, the Earl of Stockholm to be exact."
Harry's eyes grew wide, "B-but…doesn't that title belong to someone else?"
The goblin laughed again, "I take it you do not know what the date that the earl claimed his title was?"
Harry shook his head, looking slightly apprehensive. Rom smiled, "It was in 1984, two years after your parents death. I assume you do not know, but it takes two years for the title to be officially passed from the deceased earl to the next heir in today's legal system. Your father died in 1982 did he not?"
Harry sighed, "Yes he did. It all fits I suppose, it's just a shock to find out that I am one of the, the nobility of Great Britain!"
Rom nodded his head, "Yes I can only imagine, still, at least there are no more secrets about your family now. At least none that I am aware of."
Harry gave the goblin a kind smile, "Thank you so much for what you have done for me. I…"
At that moment, there was a great flash of fire, and Harry was aware of a weight pressing down on his shoulder.
There was a gasp then a chuckle from Rom, "It would seem that Fawkes has taken Dumbledore's will to heart."
Harry looked up, startled, and sure enough, there on his shoulder was the magnificent phoenix blinking his beautiful black and sunset eyes at Harry. He reached up to stroke the bird, but as soon as his hand touched the head, he nearly blacked out, as an incredibly strong wave of emotion ran through his body.
After a moment, he ran a shaky hand across his eyes blinking hard to try and clear away the spots that were dancing in front of them.
Suddenly he felt rather than heard a stream of words coursing through his brain, "Hello Harry, I have been watching you since my friend's death. I am aware of his last wish, as he had conveyed it to me personally before he died. Having seen the cruelty of your family and your own despair as well as your kindness and good of heart through it all, I have decided that you are in need of my care as I am of yours. I have agreed with Dumbledore, and am now bonded to you."
Harry blinked twice again, before stammering, "Um, ah, th..thank you!"
Again the words soared through his head, this time containing mirth, "you need not say anything aloud to me, I will hear your thoughts young Harry."
Harry nodded and was about to reply when Rom interrupted, "I take it he has bonded to you then? That is indeed encouraging! It is an unbelievable honour for a phoenix to bond to you!"
Harry nodded, smiling proudly, if still a little shyly at the goblin who was beaming back at him. After a moment's consideration he came to a decision, "Rom, I-I think that I am going to go to Potter Castle like you suggested. I will stay there until I turn 17 and then return to the wizarding world. I must ask that you do not tell anyone where I have gone. I know that they will be frantically searching for me, but, they have betrayed me worse then I realised, and I-I can't deal with them right now. I will return when I have healed, ok?"
The goblin nodded his head emphatically, "Yes indeed Harry, I will do as you ask. If you have any need of me, just use your portal to come to Gringotts. The goblins here will of course call for me as soon as you identify yourself."
Harry replied, "Thank you so much for your kindness Rom."
He chuckled, "Ah dear Harry, I and all magical creatures should be thanking you! Your kindess and belief in equality is legendary! How will you get to Potter Castle may I ask?"
Harry was about to reply when Fawkes said, "If you tell me the location of the Castle, I will take us there. It will be much quicker than flying on your broom, and much safer too."
Harry nodded to the bird before turning back to his lawyer, "Fawkes says that he will take us, as it will be quick and safe."
The goblin smiled, "Very well, then I wish you all the best until we meet again Harry Potter!"
Harry shook his hand and then took the trunk with him, Fawkes still perched on his shoulder, and walked out of Gringotts, deciding that he wanted one last look at Diagon Alley before heading off.
The sun had truly risen, and there were some signs of life, though mostly in the shape of scared shoppers rushing desperately around, trying to stay to the sides of the street.
"Beware Harry! The Order approaches!" Fawkes suddenly said, his head inclined towards several adults running quickly to Gringotts.
Harry caught sight of McGonagall, Moody, Shacklebolt and Mr Weasley, but didn't even stop to think as he read the location of the castle and gave it to Fawkes.
In a flash of fire they were gone.