Chapter 3

Master Potter

When Harry asked for normalcy, Molly initially protested. But then she thought about it. Paired up with Ron, fresh air and sunshine likey the best medicine for Harry. Farm chores with the Weasleys were far different than working under the Dursleys. Here, he was working with Ron, and today Arthur, not alone while others did nothing. Here, Ron and his Dad were talking, sometimes, actually joking. Harry was included and welcome, but obviously, he was quiet. The Weasleys were able to elicit a few smiles from him throughout the day. Arthur considered that a win.

Dinner was ready shortly after Fred and George flamed in. Molly announced that Bill would be working late that night, so time to gather around. A table full of shepard's pie, fresh bread, and an assortment of veg. The Twins were quite happy to see Harry around the table, but quickly did notice the subdued atmosphere. They were confused to say the least.

Arthur noticed the difference immediately and after a knowing glance from Molly. he tapped his glass just to get everyone's attention. "Alright, alright. Let's just clear the air a bit. Yes, Harry has come to stay for a bit, and that is a good thing." Looking directly at him, sat with Ron on right and Ginny on his left. "You have been, and always will be, welcome."

Directing to his children at large. "He's been here often, so that's not unusual. He's early this year. Well when have any of my children minded getting a treat early? He is here for different reasons, but those reasons are personal. Each and everyone of you has needed some sort of alone time and private chats with your mother and I before. This is Harry's turn."

"Now, some of you are closer to each other," his eyes to Ron and Ginny, "and THAT is good. In the near future, I imagine over the next few days we may all be having some… uncomfortable conversations. That's life. But every damn one of us here is going to be supportive of the rest. But I would hope that would be the normalcy of my family. There is enough understanding and I dare say grace at this table for everyone. So, no walking on eggshells. No fear of saying the wrong thing. We're all family here, so let's all just be normal. That is exactly what we need right now. What do you think, Harry?"

Granted, for an instant, Harry did feel a slight pressure of being singled out. It was quickly overshadowed by Arthur giving the warmest look of acceptance that Harry had ever seen. Ron, already nodding his head agreement, of course with his mouth full. Under the table Ginny had rested her hand on Harry's knee in support, and gave a kind smile to him.

"Normalcy would be brilliant,sir."

A sigh of relief was had around the entire table.

But with such a set up, Ron couldn't let it pass. With a hearty clasp to Harry's shoulder, Ron looked him dead in the eyes and answered, "No guarantees mate." Harry did smile.

"Ronald Weasley!" Molly corrected, then started to grin once she saw all five of her children laugh. She let it go. It was the right joke at the right time, perfect for Ron. She looked over to Arthur, who was already sipping his butterbeer. They exchanged knowing looks, they were going to be alright, all of them.

Supper and the evening returned to something in the realm of normal. Ron took Harry to the chess board, and thoroughly beat him, but Harry wouldn't have had it any other way. It also helped a lot that one could spend lengths of time quietly planning their move and no one would think it odd. While they were playing Fred and George both came over.

"Don't know, don't need to know." Fred said and he laid a cold butterbeer with Harry.

"But it's a rare day that one of these don't help." George finished, laying down a second.

Both of them gave Harry a firm clasp to opposite shoulders before they went off to discuss shop business. Harry passed one beer off to his friend. As he noticed Ginny catch the Twins on the stairs, she gave a passing glance to Harry as she whispered to Fred and George as they climbed up. "You got a nice family, Ron."

"You heard Dad. It's your family too." he smiled as he cracked the drink open. "Now shut up and move." Harry managed a chuckle.

Shortly thereafter, Molly entered. "Harry, your owl arrived," she smiled as she opened the window. Hedwig flew in and landed on the arm of the chair. He seemed to watch the game pieces intently.

At the end of that round, Harry relented. "If you don't mind, I think I'll write a letter. Do you have any paper and stuff."

"Shelf right over there." Ron gestured. "I'll head upstairs. You take your time."

Harry sat and looked at the page. Mostly he didn't want Hermonie finding out second hand. She'd been too good a friend for that. But how the hell do you write a letter like that? He tried though.

Hermonie,

Hi, it's been a long couple of days for me. Today was the longest and worst, but in the end I am hopeful it will turn out for the better. Mostly, I want to let you know I'm over at the Weasleys now. Yes, this early. There's a lot to go over but I'd rather when we are in person. Suffice to say, I am done with the Dursleys. I know this sounds like a lot, because it is. But I am okay-ish? At the very least I think here is a better place to get okay.

I do hope you are having a good summer. Feel free to write back. Even if you don't know what to say it's nice to know you were thinking of me.

-Harry

Breakfast was a faster affair, as so many of the Weasleys had things to do for the day. Fred, George, and Ginny off to the shop, left Ron to help Molly with chores, as Arthur and Harry were gone. Several glasses of pumpkin juice and toast of the fly, and in a wizard house many of them literally. Arthur kissed Molly good-bye and looked over to Harry. "Ready? Got your pack, wand, and key?" he asked.

"Yes, sir." he replied. "Thank you again, Mrs. Weasley."

"Harry, you are welcome. And you are coming back later today," she reassured. "You boys take care of what you need."

He waited til they had flamed to Diagon Alley to start asking his questions. "Mr. Weasley?"

"Yes, Harry."

"What are we doing here? You make it sound like it's more than just a withdrawal."

"I don't plan on making any withdrawal, Harry."

"Okay, so what are we doing?"

Arthur smiled. "Well, Harry, call me crazy but you are no longer an 11 year old boy."

Harry, snickered. "No, sir. I'm not."

"I've noticed. But I am afraid I may be the only one who did. Quite simply," he turned to look Harry in the eyes, "and through no fault of yours, there are quite a few questions that I fear have not been asked. There are things you should know. But because, no one…" and he grabbed Harry by the shoulders, "... no one has taken the privilege of seeing the young man you have grown into, they haven't told you. And you don't even know the questions to ask to get those answers. So… I will."

Harry only understood the first half of what Arthur said, but it did warm his hear. "Thank you, sir."

The pair made their way to Gringotts, a sight that still impressed Harry. Arthur smiled only in mild appreciation at the spectacle that the goblin bank was, but long ago learned the lesson about all that glitters. They took their turn in cue, and when they reached the teller, Arthur smiled widely. "Hello," he said cheerfully.

The goblin looked at him with disdain. "How can I help you?"

Still cheery, "Yes, Master Harry Potter would like a Statement of Accounts please." Arthur plainly asked as he presented Harry.

Feeling very reminiscent to one of Ron or Hermonie's plans he tried his best to hide his shock. Fortunately, the last day worth of frustration had train him to a rather long expression anyway. He did his best to hold that.

"And… " Arthur asked with a finger in the air. "He will very likely have some questions. Including, why he has not received one in.." turning to Harry, "how long has it been sir? Five years."

"Ten, more likely," Harry corrected.

"Fifteen actually, yes fifteen years without accounting. I imagine the Master will have quite a few questions. Would you like us to wait here? Or would you rather show us some place so your patrons aren't delayed?" Arthur continued to smile.

The goblin eyed both of them closely. "Wand for identification please." Harry drew his out and held it as the goblin waved his own wand over it.

"One moment," he replied as he climbed down from his station.

In a hushed whisper, Harry tried to fight a panic. "Mr. Weasley, what are we doing?"

Arthur put a reassuring arm around Harry's shoulders. "Harry, relax. We're doing nothing wrong. You're entitled to know what has and is happening with your estate."

"I know I'm rich.. I don't really care."

Smiling even wider. "And that is one of the reasons I love you, Harry. But 'rich' is not a number. You deserve the number. You deserve many numbers and many answers. And I intend to get as many as I can for you."

Still whispering, "But why did you call me 'master'."

Arthur looked at Harry, almost doting on him. More like thinking out loud Arthur just observed. "Everyone has been so damned focused on your education, no one has thought to actually raise you and teach you anything. Oh well, we will get that sorted too."

Returning to actually speaking to the young man. "Harry, you are the last descendant of a great and long wizard family, and in little over a year you will be the legal adult in control of it. You are absolutely the Master of House Potter."

Arthur saw an older goblin in a better suit clearly walking towards them. "And I think it is high time you started to learn what that entails."

"Master Potter, I am Rockup, Manager of Accounting." he greeted in a low and gravely voice.

Harry nodded in respect. "Hello sir, and thank you for your time today."

Courtesy caught him off guard. Bur Rockup continued. "I understand you would like an accounting and review of our communications. Come to my office please." as he turned and walked away.

Now Arthur leaned into Harry's ear, "Whatever these numbers are, it would be best to remain calm, bored even."

"Right."

Rockup lead them down a side hall and to the first door on the left to a door bearing the same name and title. He gestured to a pair of chairs in front of his desk. As the pair sat the goblin passed them a page titled Harry James Potter Trust. Rockup explained, "These figures are accurate as of the end of the second quarter. You will find the present balance, both in holdings and in available allowances."

Harry looked at the page. He recognized the numbers. He was grateful that Arthur prepared him to keep calm. But as many of the terms were new to him, he realized he didn't understand the full meaning of the sheet.

Arthur however, read intently. "Yes, this will suffice nicely…. for his educational account."

Harry looked up from the page to Arthur.

Arthur continued, "Master Potter is doing advanced planning of his coming of age. He would like a full Statement of Account for all assets of House Potter under this establishment's management… please." Arthur clarified, still smiling.

Rockup, slightly grumbled. "One moment." he left his chair and left the office.

"Mr. Weasley, what's going on?" Harry whispered.

"Banking Harry, modern goblin banking." Arthur sighed.

A few moments later Rockup returned with a leather bound ledger with the emblem of a black shield and with a knights helmet over it. The goblin opened the pages closer to the back and turned it around for the visiting pair to read. "Again, these figures are accurate as of the close of the second quarter. I apologize, but this copy must stay here as it is the master file. If you would grant me some time I can have a copy made for you. Or perhaps next time if you were to make an appointment."

Arthur nodded. "A very good point, my apologies, Master Potter."

In the most uncomfortable sentence Harry had ever said, he played along, "Don't let it happen again."

The numbers in the House Potter estate dwarfed Harry's education trust.

"I will remind you that while you have every right to the records, House Potter finances are not accessible until Master Potter's 17th birthday."

"Understood," Arthur nodded. "And yes, Master Potter would like a copy drawn up for his records to keep. But we can stop by.." he looked at Harry."

"I believe I can make Monday work… Arthur."

Rockup nodded. "Monday will be fine. Ask for me when you arrive," He looked plainly at the pair. "Anything else?"

Arthur continued to smile. "I am afraid so. You see this entire trip would not have been necessary had Master Potter been receiving his quarterly statements. We would like to investigate why he has not, and rectify that."

Rockup grunted again. He turned the pages back in the Master Ledger. "Due to Master Potter's age at the beginning of the estate, all communication would have been sent to his legal wizard guardian…. Sirius Black."

"Who was unavailable due to incarceration at Azkaban Prison, and more recently has died." Arthur said as he looked over to Harry. He could see a knee bouncing in nerves, but other than that, he was doing quite well.

"In fact," Harry added, jabbing his finger onto the goblin's table. "That is largely why we are here today."

Rockup looked at both of the humans before him. "Are you reporting the death of Sirius Black to me?"

"If you were otherwise unaware of it, then yes." Arthur continued to keep his smile on his face.

"One moment," Rockup said again as he departed.

"How are you doing, Harry?"

"I'm fine. I don't mind talking about Sirius. And right now my head is kind of spinning."

"You are a good lad Harry, don't worry. Just keep it up."

Soon Rockup returned with an envelope and a second ledger. Harry recognized the crest on this leger and something Sirius had on a ring. Rockup signed as he read through what was labeled 'Last Will and Testament.' First, I must say Gringotts will need to verify your claim of the passing of Master Black."

"Of course, check with the Ministry, 27th of June.''' Arthur nodded in understanding.

"Thank you," Rockup replied, taking a quill and noting that down. "Provided verification is received then, yes the sole beneficiary of House Black, is Master Potter."

He turned the ledger around so both of them could review it. Its figures were similar to that of Harry's family.

Arthur started to open his mouth, but Rockup got ahead of him. "I will have copies available for you on Monday as well."

"Bless you," Arthur replied. "But now, back to the communication of future statements?"

Rockup read through the documents. "Hmm, I am sorry, Master Potter, I do not see where Master Black appointed anyone as your representative in the event of his passing."

This time Harry replied, "Well I guess it is a good thing I've learned to read then isn't it?"

He looked coldly at the goblin.

Arthur continued to smile.

"Again, you will not have access to the Black estate until Gringotts can verify the passing of Master Black. You will not have access to the Potter estate until your 17th birthday. But I will have the next quarter's correspondence regarding all three accounts sent to you." Rockup summarized as he slid a form and quill in front of Harry. Rockup pointed as he explained, "Name address, signature, wand press, and signet ring."

Arthur corrected, "All future correspondence, in perpetuity"

Rockup looked at the smiling redhead. "Of course," he replied.

Harry looked over to Arthur who nodded approvingly. "I apologize but I've not yet had my signet ring made."

Rockup took a moment to study the pair again. He opened the Potter ledger again and read through it. "The signet ring of James Potter is included in your family vault. With the likey activity the Black Estate will have soon and the minimal time with have left before your 17th birthday, I am willing to release the ring to your possession. It will be available Monday."

"Along with all papers to all of Master Potters assets, and he will have all access rights to all of his accounts as soon possible."

"So be it."

"Well Master Potter, I think that does it and another appointment waits."

"Quite." Harry replied as he rose.

"Until Monday gentlemen," Rockup rose and came around the table, stopping Arthur with his hand. "Good sir, well fought."

Harry maintained his composure until Arthur and he calmly walked out of the bank, but as soon as they did, he let out a breath he had been holding. Arthur was unfazed. "Mr. Weasley, I'm sorry if I went too far."

"Hmm? Whatever do you mean lad? You were perfect there." he answered with a gentle pat to Harry's back.

"I called you Arthur."

"That's my name, Harry."

"But you're an adult."

"And you are becoming one too. Especially, considering the circumstances you did fabulous. Fancy a coffee?" Arthur asked as he led Harry into a corner cafe. He took a corner table and ordered two coffees, and waiting for them to have a moment of privacy.

"So why did Rockup say, 'Well fought.' What all happened there? "

"Well Harry, I will put this in terms you will understand. Essentially, we dueled a goblin, and won."

Arthur could tell from the perplexed expression that Harry didn't understand.

"Goblins in general and Gringotts in particular are…" paused thinking of the right word, "shrewd, cunning, and clever. They never lie. They don't need to. Most of the time most individuals don't pay attention enough to realize they have left themselves open to being taken advantage of. Always mind the details Harry, either the devil or god is in the details but you have to mind them to know which you have."

"Yes, sir," Harry nodded reflexively.

"Let's start with the lack of your statements being sent. They were absolutely correct. With Sirius as your legal guardian, he should have been receiving them but obviously couldn't. BUT, nothing specifically told them to do anything in that event… so they didn't."

"Why?"

"So you wouldn't know. Or forget if you did know. Now, I don't know the specific timeframes, I know that if you leave your accounts unattended long enough, it becomes their property."

"So, they were trying to rob me?"

"In a technical and realistic sense, yes. But, in the slowest and most legal way possible."

Starting to realize the scope of what Arthur was doing, Harry sat back in his chair. "Mr. Weasley, thank you."

"Just doing my duty." he summed up with a pay to Harry's hand. "So I believe you understand the delay of your House Potter account until you are of age."

"Yes sir. You said I was going to do advanced planning?"

"Well, I imagined you would want to do something with it. To plan anything you need to know the numbers. Now you do, now you can plan."

"Were you aware of the Black Estate?" Arthur asked gently.

Harry sighed, "No, Though Sirius and I, we were growing quite close and talking about things, so it makes sense."

"And again, my condolences, Harry, but I'm glad you learned about it."

"Because if they could Gringotts would try to slow steal that too."

"Harry, that's their standard business model. They treat everyone fairly… by trying to take advantage of everyone."

"Mr. Weasley, how do you know all this?"

Arthur smiled. "Well remember, I have a good twenty years on you. But mostly goblins and I speak the same language."

"You speak goblin?"

"No!" Arthur laughed, "I work for the Ministry! I speak bureaucracy."

They both laughed at his joke.

"So he mentioned my father's signet ring?

"I imagine it will be nice having something personal like that from your father. That was an added bonus I am happy we found for you."

"What's it for? Besides sentiment."

"Your signet ring is your House signature. Your mark of approval. You will use it for legal transactions and business dealings of larger amounts. You'll need it to take official possession of Sirius's estate."

With all the talk of estates and masters, an unsettling thought came to his mind. One that a week ago he wouldn't have had the nerve to say to Arthur..

"Mr Weasley… I don't want to be like the Malfoy's."

Arthur smiled warmly. "Then don't be. Harry, having the money doesn't make someone bad. It's when money has them, their focus, their heart, their obsession, that's what makes monsters."

Arthur sat forward. "Harry, you have lost so much. Your parents, Sirius, your childhood. I don't want you to lose anything more. So this is my first intervention to ensure you have choices. In a little over a year, this is one of them. If you choose to leave it all in the vault, so be it. Give it a decade, leave it to your kids, give to charity… the point is you are making the decisions, building your life… because you darn well deserve it."

Harry's head was spinning and heart ached. In the span of a single morning Mr. Weasley had spoken more kindness and care than the Dursley's had in his whole life.

"Harry" Arthur continued, "I wasn't there, so describe to me what you remember of your prior withdrawals from the bank."

Thinking back, "Well, the first time was my first year in school. Hagrid brought me straight from the Dursleys. We spoke with one of the Goblins. Hagred gave me my vault key. We went down. I took a handful of galleons. There was a stop at a second vault for the school but, I'm sure you've heard about that."

"The years following weren't much different except 2nd year, Mrs. Weasley took me down. I have done the trip a couple times by myself."

"Hagrid just gave you the key?" Arthur sighed. "Simple child logic," as he shook his head. "And don't misunderstand me Harry, I have no disrespect to Hagrid. I am sure he was just doing what he was told. Now I agree, there was no need to bog down an 11 year old with," gesturing to the sheet from the bank, "this, but sometime between then and now conversations should have been had with you."

Arthur laid it so Harry could read it. Pointing to it line by line. "This is the total in your trust vault, that basically is your school account. Harry, were you aware you had a monthly allowance?"

"Like, I'm allowed so much each month?"

"Exactly!" Arthur said. "See you would understand all this fine, someone just needs to sit down and tell you."

"It looks like you were allotted 500 Galleons a month from when you started the first year. As you only have been making withdrawals once a year for school you have the vast majority of that open to you, totaled here," he pointed.

"And here are recent deposits made from one Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Looks like the memo on it is, "Profit sharing." Arthur's cheerful smile turned to a sly grin.

"Mr. Weasley, I-I-I…" Harry stammered.

"Harry, it's alright." Arthur's smile returned. Molly and I found out a while back. Never you mind how. It was after the fact, so little point in arguing it. And when it comes down to it, you are at least helping your friends, which is all we can try to do in life. If anything, I am rather pleased to see my boys being responsible enough to respect your investment and pay you your due." He paused to raise a finger. "I will ask you not to make a habit of this."

A relieved Harry replied, "Yes, sir."

Arthur led them back to the Leaky Cauldron floo and flamed back to the Burrow. After a quick lunch, Arthur told Harry, "Put your stuff away and come on out to the barn. Something else I want to show you."

By the time Harry was up, down, and out to the barn, Arthur had swept the out from the corner. "Grab that tarp over there. Help me stretch this out." Harry did as told, including grabbing a trunk from the loft and bringing it down.

Arthur took a knee. "Now Harry, As you know this family is a quidditch loving family. But in my youth I did flirt with another sport. You grew up with the muggles. Tell me," He opened the trunk and pulled out a pair of worn leather gloves. "What do you know about boxing?" he asked with a grin.

"Um, next to nothing, sir."

"Well, this should be fun. Hop up to the loft and next to where the chest was you should see what looks like a duffel bag but made of leather." Harry brought it down and helped hag it over the center of the tarp floor they had laid.

"Hold your hands out. I'll help you strap these on."

He was confused but Harry followed along. Arthur took a breath. "Harry, be honest with me. How angry have you been?"

Harry raised his hand in surrender. "Sir! Never, you've been brilliant!"

"No, no, no, not with me or us," pointing to the farm. "With life. Any single tragedy you've suffered would be grounds for being pissed off. You've suffered them all. Don't tell me you're not."

The young man started getting choked with guilt and Arthur could see it. "This isn't a guilt trip, Harry… This is therapy. This is a vent. I know for a fact that you have rage. Against your relatives, against You-Know-Who, against fate itself, you have every reason to be angry. And frankly, my greatest concern is all that anger is going to burn you up from the inside. You've had so damn many things happen to you, and then you have your relatives literally pack you in a box. Punch the bag."

Harry did, barely.

"Oh, you can do better than that. You're not going to break it. This is literally what it's here for. Punch the bag."

Harry put more force into.

"Getting there," Arthur nodded in approval. "But I could do better. Put some energy into it."

Harry slowly started getting into a flow with Arthur circling, watching, and coaching. "You are a strapping fifteen year old man at the height of his prime. Beat the hell out of it. Imagine their faces on the bag. Give 'em what they deserve. Yell at them. Scream at them. Tell them what you really think of them. GET IT OUT Harry!"

Harry's form was absolutely horrible. But Arthur didn't care. He could see the young man going faster and harder. He started quiet but once he realized he wasn't getting in trouble, Harry finally let the damn break. Harry swung wildly, he screamed, he swore, he roared at the injustices he'd felt. And with every single one Arthur nodded approvingly.

Ten minutes went by, then twenty, around thirty minutes Harry started sucking wind. After 45 minutes of screaming and beating the hell out of memories he had broken down to a blubbering mess. One that Arthur literally caught as he slid off the punching bag in tears. "There, there, let it out, Harry. You're fine man. You're a good man, Harry let it go." the father comforted as he just held the lad. Till Harry had nothing left.

Then Arthur grabbed a haybale and pulled it over to sit on. He kept an arm patting Harry's back as Harry hunched over with his knees on his elbows. "How do you feel?"

Still catching his breath, he just got out, "Better… lighter."

"Good." Arthur agreed with a strong pat to the back. "This corner of the barn is yours. We're leaving that bag up. Whenever it gets to you. Whenever the frustrations are bad. You come out here. You beat the hell out of that bag. We'll let you get some muscle built up, then we'll start working on form."

He let Harry catch his breath, and take his gloves off. "Alright then, now the legs." Arthur said. He led Harry back outside. "See that fenceline?" He pointed to a moss covered stone wall hip high.

"Yes sir,"

"That's the property line. Keep to the right of it, and you're still on the Burrow. Fence goes all the way back behind the orchard around it and the pond and back. It's a good mile. A lot larger than a cupboard under the stairs, filled with sunshine and fresh air. Give it a run. When you get back, come get washed up. We should be ready for supper."

"Yes sir," Harry nodded as he started running. Arthur watched him as while he could, till he was 'round a bend, then walked back inside. There a waiting Molly was standing in the doorway filled with a very loving expression.

"You're a good man, Arthur Weasley," she greeted him with a kiss