Story Arc 5, Chapter 3, Part 2

At nine the next morning, Harry, Sirius, and Remus were in the bank waiting to see the Potter account manager. Harry was surprised when they were led to his account manager's office only to see Griphook sitting behind the desk.

"Griphook? You're the Potter account manager?" asked Harry.

"Yes, and I've been trying to get to you for years to talk to you. That oaf Hagrid wouldn't leave you alone long enough for me to tell you I needed to speak with you urgently. Every owl I've sent to you has returned with the letter. I'm assuming there is a mail ward around you which we will have to investigate. Interfering with Gringotts' business is a violation of the current treaty we have with the Ministry. Before we begin, I want to be sure you want these two wizards here as we discuss your inheritance. I understand Lord Black as your guardian, but I'm not sure what Mr. Lupin's relationship is."

While Sirius was about to speak, Harry beat him to it, "Remus is the Potter Steward. Sirius and I hired him yesterday to help us."

"Excellent. That is one item on my list that I can cross off. Before we go any further, I must do a full inheritance test to confirm you are, in fact, Harrison James Potter."

Harry looked at Sirius questioningly and asked, "Harrison?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Lily insisted on a formal name. While everyone called you Harry, you are Harrison James Potter, Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter and Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black," said Sirius.

Remus chimed in, "Your dad wanted to name you after his father, Fleamont, but Lily wouldn't hear of it. She said you'd be teased horribly and she didn't want to have to listen to people calling you 'Flea' or 'Monty' or something else even more ridiculous. She gave him the 'If you name him something else just as silly you will be sleeping on the sofa for a very long time' look and he quickly agreed that Harrison was a fine name."

Griphook said, "Shall we get started? Mr. Potter, please place three drops of blood in this potion vial. This test will use all of your blood and render it unsuitable for nefarious reasons."

Griphook passed over a sharp pin and Harry pricked his finger and let three drops of blood drip into the vial. Griphook corked the bottle and shook it three times, then poured it into a bowl. He took a black feather quill from his desk and let it soak up all of the potion. Laying a specially prepared sheet of parchment next to the bowl, he then removed the quill and set it on the parchment where it began to write.

"Let us give it a few minutes to complete its work before we continue. I'm assuming you want the full test including any special magics and abilities."

Sirius replied, "Of course."

The quill took about five minutes before it stopped writing, then burst into flames and was totally consumed. Harry looked at it in shock until Griphook explained, "Using blood for anything is frowned upon by the Ministry so we ensure all blood taken from someone is thoroughly destroyed so it can't be used against you in a variety of dark rituals."

Griphook studied the parchment for a minute before reading the results:

Harrison James Potter

Father: James Charlus Potter

Mother: Lily Jasmine Potter nee Evans

Godfather: Sirius Orion Black II

Godmother: Alice Grace Longbottom nee Fawley

Lord: Noble and Venerable House of Slytherin (by conquest)

Heir Apparent: Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter

Heir Apparent: Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

Heir Apparent: Noble and Venerable House of Peverell

Heir Apparent: Noble and Venerable House of Gryffindor

Abilities:

Parseltongue and Parselmagic

Metamorphmagus (partial)

Air Elemental

The three wizards sat there for a few minutes taking it all in, before Sirius asked, "How can Harry be the Lord of Slytherin? He's only thirteen, although he will be fourteen soon."

Griphook replied, "It says that it's by right of conquest. The last known Slytherin Heir was Tom Marvolo Riddle."

Harry spit out, "Voldemort!"

Griphook continued, "Exactly! To claim a family line through conquest, one must have defeated the family at least three times. I'm only aware of the one time, so can you tell me about the other times?"

Harry gave a brief explanation of his encounters with the shade of Voldemort in his first and second years. When Harry started explaining the diary, Griphook spit out something that must have been a goblin version of cursing before he asked where the diary was currently.

"I'm not sure. I didn't see it after it was given to Dobby by Mr. Malfoy. I can ask him."

Griphook made a motion for Harry to do so. A few minutes later, Dobby returned with the basilisk-killed diary. Griphook uttered several more words in his native language before explaining, "This hu-man thought he could escape death through these evil things. And from what you've told me, he's probably made more."

Harry asked innocently, "What are they?"

Griphook looked at Sirius for his permission to explain, "In ancient times, Pharaohs thought they could avoid death by placing a piece of their soul in a container of some sort - most used some type of gold holder such as an urn or a piece of jewelry. Once their original body died, they would be reborn to continue their life. We continue to find these in the tombs in Egypt."

"How can one split their soul? I'd think you only had one soul and it was all or nothing?" said Harry.

"There is a ritual, of which you do not need to know, that is used. We had thought the ritual was lost to time; however, it appears Mr. Riddle found it. Gringotts will have to put a team on it. We are oath-bound to destroy all forms of these abominations. If we only knew how many he made or if this was the only one."

Sirius said, "Oh, he definitely made at least one more. Harry, I apologize for not telling you this sooner, but you weren't ready to hear it. Do you know your scar? Albus is pretty sure it was one or if not a full one, the result of a botched ritual when he killed your parents."

Harry was horrified, "Get it out! Get it out of me now! I don't want that monster in me!" He started clawing at his forehead where he knew the scar to be. Sirius quickly grabbed him and held him close until he calmed down.

"It's okay, Harry. You took care of it with that basilisk fang a few weeks ago. That's the reason you survived. You killed the soul fragment instead."

Harry calmed down quickly after that. Still, he reflexively reached up and rubbed his scar.

Griphook continued, "Magic has decreed you to be the Lord of Slytherin and not the Heir, therefore once you assume your Lordship, you will automatically be eligible to claim your other ones, other than the Black Lordship. For it, you will still remain the Heir."

Harry looked at Sirius questioningly, "Pup, while you can hold off on assuming the Lordship, Magic has decreed it, so you are the current Lord with all of its responsibilities. I know you're young, but claiming them will offer you some protection. One of those is to remove the Trace from your wand so you are able to do magic regardless of where you are. However, you will need to appoint a proxy to your other houses on the Wizengamot. I am already your Potter Regent, but I think we need to look at others for your other three Houses."

"Yeah, one of the things we learned in Muggle history is that giving one person too much power ends up badly."

Sirius said under his breath, "Dumbledore."

"What do you think about Mr. Weasley for the Gryffindor seat?" Harry asked.

"I think he would be someone we could approach. What about Slytherin? That's the House we need to be most careful with."

"Well, what about Andromeda? She was a Slytherin and I think she would be a good person," said Harry.

"She would do well with that seat as well. That just leaves Peverell," said Sirius.

"I need to think about that. I don't know that many adults in the Wizarding world so can we talk about that one later?" replied Harry.

Sirius nodded in assent.

Griphook spoke, "Then it's agreed that he will assume the Slytherin Lordship and his other three now. I will send someone to get the rings and we will adjourn to the Ritual Room."

Harry looked again at Sirius and mouthed, "Ritual Room?"

"Each Lordship ring has different properties. Being in a Ritual Room will dampen any excessive magic that may result; kind of like when we released the bind on your magic. I assumed my Lordship in a Ritual Room. Some houses actually have assumption rituals and it's possible one of your new Houses will have one. This just makes it easier," Sirius replied.

After a bit of a trek, they arrived at the Ritual Room just as four other goblins arrived carrying ring boxes. Griphook took all four boxes and dismissed the others.

"Before we enter the Ritual Room, you must remove anything magical on your person. Ritual Magic can be quite unpredictable," said Griphook as he held out a box for their wands and anything else they might be carrying. As they were about to enter, another goblin arrived out of breath and said a few words to Griphook in their language. The look on Griphook's face indicated he was surprised by the message.

"I must beg for a moment of your time before we begin. It appears the Lord Ragnok has heard of the assumption ritual for not one, but two of the Hogwarts Founders and has decided he will preside over it, rather than the account manager as is normal," said Griphook.

Harry looked at Sirius and said, "Why is it always me these things happen to?"

Both Sirius and Remus couldn't help a small laugh escaping, "Oh pup, you are just going to have to accept that there is nothing normal about your life."

A few minutes later, an older goblin in the finest Acromantula silk suit arrived preceded by two guards. Additionally, there were three other goblins following. Griphook quickly fell to one knee and bowed his head, "Lord Ragnock, you honor us with your presence today."

"Rise, Senior Account Manager Griphook, son of Bladehook. You have done Gringotts a great service today by the activation of three previously dormant accounts."

Sirius, Harry, and Remus had bowed their heads but remained standing.

"Lord Black, I knew your grandfather well. Arcturus Black was well known within these halls as a shrewd businessman. I expect the same from his grandson," said Ragnok.

Sirius again bowed his head, "I am honored, Lord Ragnok. I know I have much to learn, but with the help of Ripjaw, I will do my best to return the House of Black to its former glory," said Sirius.

"Remus Lupin, I understand you are to become the Steward for the Houses of Potter and Black. Gringotts looks forward to what you will bring to these and the other Houses."

"Thank you, Lord Ragnok. I will do my best," replied Remus.

"Then let us begin," said Ragnok.

They all entered the Ritual Room and spread out evenly around the circular chamber. Griphook led Harry over to a spot in the middle and handed him the first box as well as a piece of paper, "This is the assumption ritual for the House of Slytherin. Please read it over and let me know when you are ready."

Harry read it quickly and then nodded his head that he was ready. Griphook opened the ring box and had Harry remove the enclosed ring.

Harry took a deep breath and then said, "I, Harrison James Potter, by right of conquest over the previous Heir of the Noble and Venerable House of Slytherin, do accept and assume the Lordship of the Noble and Venerable House of Slytherin." When Harry finished that, he then said something that nobody understood, but all knew to be in Parseltongue. When he completed that, he put the ring on.

There was a bright flash and then an apparition appeared who most assumed was Salazar Slytherin, "Who dares claim my house?"

Harry stood tall, "I do. Harrison James Potter."

"Potter? I don't remember any Potters. Prove you are my heir!"

"And how shall I do that? Your previous heir was an idiot who thought splitting his soul into pieces would make him immortal. So far, I've killed three of them," proclaimed Harry.

"Do you speak the noble tongue, young mage?"

Harry then spoke in Parseltongue, "Is this sufficient? Oh, and I also slew your basilisk."

Salazar laughed, "Then you are of my lineage! Welcome, Lord Slytherin! And you will tell me later how you found and killed Sasha. As you are still young, you must still be at Hogwarts. I assume that you are in my house."

Harry blushed, "No sir, I'm in Gryffindor, but the hat said I would do well in your house too."

"This is blasphemy that one who speaks the noble tongue is not in my house! As you are the new Lord Slytherin, you are automatically Head of my Hogwarts house, too. You may enter the common room at your leisure. If anyone tries to challenge you, all you need to do is speak the phrase, 'Lord Slytherin demands obedience from the members of my house' and the magic of the House will force them to acknowledge you. But do not abuse this power! You also have the responsibility to ensure the House has appropriate leadership until you are no longer a student. You must appoint a Head of House who can lead them based on the instructions you will find in my Chamber. Hogwarts will support you and your decision cannot be overridden by anyone else."

"Yes sir."

"As you have found Sasha, then you have found my Chamber. Once you are in the Chamber, stand in front of the statue and say, 'Lord Slytherin demands my Chamber return to its original form.' I think you will be well pleased with the results." And then he faded away.

"Well done, Lord Slytherin!" cried Ragnok, "Now let's see if the others are just as entertaining!"

Griphook handed Harry another slip of paper to read. Once Harry was familiar with the wording, he took the Peverell ring from Griphook.

"I, Harrison James Potter Slytherin, do accept and assume the Lordship of the Noble and Venerable House of Peverell as is my birthright."

Harry placed the Peverell ring on his finger and this time, he expected the bright light that flashed. This time three apparitions appeared.

The first one said, "Who are you that claims our House?"

"I am Harrison James Potter Slytherin. Lord of the Noble and Most Venerable House of Slytherin and Heir to others. To whom do I have the honor of meeting?"

The first said, "I am Antioch Peverell and these are my brothers Cadmus and Ignotus. A true Peverell would have found at least one of our Hallows. What is your wand made of, young Heir?"

"My original wand was holly with a phoenix feather core. I had to replace it so now I have one that is apple with a basilisk tongue and owl feather core."

"Then no, you have not found the family wand. And I sense the ring you have is not the true Peverell Family Ring but the one that was used prior to its creation. It will work, but not as well as the true ring. So perhaps you have found our cloak?"

Harry perked up at that, "Sir, I do have an invisibility cloak. I was told that it has been in my family for many generations."

Ignotus then spoke, "Ah, the young mage is of my lineage then."

The three brothers spoke together, "Welcome, Lord Peverell. May your life be long and prosperous," and then they also vanished.

Harry wondered if this was a thing or if it was just something happening to him. Griphook then gave him the words for the House of Gryffindor and then the ring.

"I, Harrison James Potter Slytherin Peverell, do accept and assume the Lordship of the Noble and Venerable House of Gryffindor as is my birthright."

As expected, the apparition of Godric Gryffindor appeared, "Who claims the House of Gryffindor?"

"I do. I am Harrison James Potter Slytherin Peverell."

"Well met, then, young mage. You look too young to be old enough to assume the Lordship. How old are you then?"

"Thirteen, sir, but I'll be fourteen soon," replied Harry.

"And your Hogwarts House then?"

"I am a Gryffindor."

"Very good! Now, do you have any other proof of claim to my house?"

Just as Harry was about to say 'no', Fawkes flamed in with the Sorting Hat. Having done this before, Harry reached inside the hat and drew out the Sword of Gryffindor.

"Is this sufficient proof, sir?" asked Harry with a cheeky grin.

Godric bellowed out a loud laugh, "More than sufficient! Well done, young mage. You are a true Gryffindor in both House and lineage. But you also claimed the Slytherin lordship. Having the claim to two Hogwarts Houses gives you some power over the school. You do not 'own' the school, per se, but she will respond to you in emergencies. You are also responsible for Gryffindor House. As you are still a student, it is your responsibility to appoint a Head who will guide and support the students. That should be their sole job."

Harry couldn't help laughing.

"What is so funny, my Heir?"

"Professor McGonagall is not only the Head of Gryffindor House, but she is also the Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration Professor. The prefects run the house."

"Impossible! It is one of the main requirements in the Charter that each Head of House have no other responsibilities. They have a suite of rooms just off the common room just for this reason. My suite of rooms is just down from the entrance to the Tower behind a picture of a legion of soldiers marching to battle. Alastair can show you."

"Alastair?"

The Sorting Hat answered, "That would be me, Lord Slytherin Gryffindor. Or do you prefer Gryffindor-Slytherin?"

"How about Harry?"

"Very well, Harry. Just ask your house elf friend to get me whenever you need me. It's good to see you again." And then Fawkes took the Sorting Hat and flamed out while the sword also blinked out.

"When you go to Hogwarts, and I hope it is soon, in my office you will find a portrait and it will advise you further about these requirements." And then he faded out.

Griphook handed him the final piece of paper and the Potter ring.

Harry read the slip of paper and then said, I, Harrison James Slytherin Peverell Gryffindor do accept and assume the Lordship of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter as is my birthright."

Once again, an apparition appeared, but this time it was James Potter who appeared, "Well done, my son! You have been through so much in your short life, but you have so much more to give. Your mother and I are proud of you. We want you to live a long and distinguished life filled with laughter and joy. As the last Potter, it will be up to you to remind the world that Potters aren't to be trifled with. You have Sirius and Remus now to help guide you. Griphook will make sure your financial wealth grows. While I know you now have some responsibility towards Hogwarts, I want you to remember that you're still just a teenager still in school. You have adults now you can trust. You don't have to do everything yourself. In the Potter vault, you'll find letters from your mother and I. Read them and follow the instructions we've left you and you will grow into a fine young man. I love you, son."

James then turned to Ragnok, "King Ragnok, I've been authorized to provide you the locations of the other soul jars. There is Ravenclaw's diadem hidden in the Come-And-Go Room of Hogwarts. The elves should be able to help you. The Peverell ring is in the old Gaunt shack in Little Hangleton. There are a multitude of curses and spells on the ring as well as the area itself. These include Parseltongue spells, so you may need Harry. Slytherin's locket is located in the London house of the Blacks. Sirius, Regulus lost his life trying to destroy it. Kreacher can help you. Be kind to him as the black magic in the locket has corrupted him. Hufflepuff's cup is in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault," at this, Ragnok said several things that probably weren't for younger ears if they'd been said in English. Rest assured it will be taken care of immediately.

"The final piece, the remnants of his soul left after he tried to kill Harry and that was also possessing Quirrell is in the Accursed Mountains in Albania. There's an area deep in the forest that is dead. Nothing will grow there. Peter has been working his way there but hasn't made it yet. You have, at most, two weeks before Peter will find Voldemort's spirit," and with those words, the apparition of James Potter faded away.

Ragnok turned to the others in the room, "Thank you for this unique experience. I must go and attend to this emergency. Lord Black, when can you make the Black House available to my cursebreakers?"

Sirius replied, "I am at your disposal. I do have one request, sir."

Ragnok motioned for Sirius to continue.

"I would like to disown Bellatrix Lestrange and reclaim her dowry first. Once that is complete, you are welcome to anything else in the vault."

"I believe that is agreeable. Ripjaw can draw the paperwork up today to make it happen," said Ragnok, looking at the Black account manager who quickly nodded his assent.

With that, Ragnok took his leave. Ripjaw then handed Sirius the Black Heir ring. Sirius turned to Harry and said, "Harrison James Slytherin Peverell Gryffindor Potter, godson of Sirius Orion Black, the Black of Black by ritual, I declare you my Heir Apparent until such time as I may have children of my own."

Harry accepted the ring and placed it with the others and said, "I, Harrison James Slytherin Peverell Gryffindor Potter, do accept your faith in me as the Heir Apparent."

With that completed, the small group remaining adjourned to the Account Manager's offices to complete the remaining bits of paperwork. One of those was to officially register Harry's new titles as well as the short title he would be known as more informally. While his full title was Harrison James, Lord of the Noble and Venerable House of Slytherin, the Noble and Venerable House of Peverell, the Noble and Venerable House of Gryffindor, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, colloquially he would be referred to as Lord Harrison James Slytherin Potter. Once Sirius signed the paperwork annulling Bellatrix's marriage, recalling the dowry, and then disowning her, they were done.

Before leaving, both Sirius and Harry acquired one of the newest offerings from Gringotts (in fact, they held the first and second ones issued), a Gringotts debit card. When used in wizarding areas, it had the Gringotts seal on it. When used in muggle areas, it appeared to be issued by Barclay's Bank. That saved them both from having to lug around galleons and pounds for the shopping they knew they would be doing.

It was time to go back to the Tonks' house and take a breather!