HARRY POTTER IS BROKEN

I don't own Harry Potter. I do own the story and any original characters that I create. I seek no profit from my writings in the Harry Potter Universe. The rights are owned by J K Rowling and whoever happens to own Warner Bros.

Harry Potter returns to 4 Privet Drive a broken boy. He's seen another boy callously cut down in front of him, he's been forced to duel Voldemort, seen the ghosts of his parents and been told how proud they are of him. Then Dumbledore makes him return to Durzkaban, instead of spending the Summer with Sirius. Harry is emotionally exhausted.

At 15, Harry did not know a lot of things. He had no idea about the prophecy. He did not know about horcrux. He does not know why his scar hurts when he's around one. The prophecy is in one of James notes in his Journal. Sirius has been recuperating at a Health Spa his family owns in the South of France. It's not far from Beauxbatons and a fairly major Veela colony. Sirius still feels guilty that he was not the Secret Keeper.

Harry Potter went back in time again, starting as the 15-month-old toddler left on the Dursley doorstep. He's at Durmstrang, now, after his suspension from Hogwarts.

I have never stayed at the Sheraton on Times Square. Any connection to reality is entirely unintended. Barrelson and Partners at Law are ficticious, as far as I know, and do not have offices in the Twin Towers.

Harry Potter took the international floo to the Sheraton. He checked in. Everything went smoothly. He was shown to his suite. He checked the local clock. The date was the same, Saturday 21 December 1991. He had left magical Britain at 14:00. It was 09:00 in the US; well, on the east coast. He could eat breakfast, if he wanted. He'd given the bellhop 10$ as a tip. According to his essential guide to the US, he was on the stingy side. He was an unaccompanied minor. He could find himself assigned a guide. He did not want one. The Grangers would fulfil that role, but they did not arrive until 17:00 local.

Harry checked that breakfast was included. It was. He went down to the dining area and had a full English. Or what the Americans thought was full English. The portion sizes were twice as large as anything Harry had ever eaten. The Americans had decided that full English included the 'Continental' breakfast. Harry could not be sure, if that was all Americans or just the hotel. Harry felt as though he would not need to eat again that day.

He determined to visit Barrelson and Partners at Law, if he could find them. The local directory placed them in Tower A, 100 floors up, Twin Towers. The Hotel provided directions to the twin Towers. Harry could buy a book of 10 1$ tickets for 10$ at reception. That would be enough for 5 round trips. Harry did just that. It was 10:30 local, when Harry entered the lobby area of his Law firm. Harry walked up to the reception desk,

"Harry Potter to see Mr Barrelson or one of his partners," Harry said.

The receptionist looked at the young boy who looked like he was 9 or 10. The law firm did have a clientele that ranged from boys not much older than Harry Potter appeared to be to those nearing 100. She picked up a phone and rang one of the junior lawyers. A Mr Purfrock, all of 22 and fresh out of College. She told Harry to take a seat.

Harry waited, patiently, for five minutes, before Mr Purfrock walked up to him.

"Who are you boy and what do you want?"

Harry channelled his inner Draco Malfoy. "Do you make a habit of conducting confidential business in public lobbies? Harry just managed not to add 'wait 'til my father hears about this'.

Mr Purfrock directed Harry into his office. There were papers strewn all over the room. Harry sat down, on a chair he had cleared a piece of paper off.

"Get this office cleaned up," Harry ordered. Mr Purfrock looked as if harry had slapped him. "How long have you worked here?"

"Just a few months," Purfrock answered.

"If your bosses saw this mess, you'd be out on your ear before Christmas." Purfrock cleaned up his office, even sorted his papers into the correct order, where he could.

"It's a case that I am working on. I can't find out all the details. There is no one file that contains all the information. I have a contact who is listed as being c/o this office. You won't have heard of it; Potter Inc owned by Charlus Potter."

"I am in the right place, after all. I am Harry Potter and the last surviving heir of Charlus Potter. He was my Great Uncle. He died over 11 years ago." Harry did not mention that he was the last magical heir.

"Can you prove that?"

Harry sighed. He pulled out the card of Mr Cartwright. "If you call this law firm in England, you will have the proof you need."

Mr Purfrock did just that. He received, by fax, a copy of Harry's birth certificate and a solicitor's letter confirming Harry's identity.

"This birth certificate says Harrison."

It was that name. Harry said that he went by Harry as he did not like the name Harrison.

"There is the matter of inheritance. That's what this case is about. The managers are claiming that the company is theirs."

"Do you have enough to prove that I am the owner?" Harry asked.

"I do."

"That's encouraging."

"Monday is the court date. 10:00. Makew sure you are there."

"They're going to claim my age is a factor."

"That will not dispute ownership of the stock. We'll win this one. See you, here, at 09:00 on Monday, Mr Potter."

Harry was not pleased that his holiday was being disrupted, but it was his company to get back under control. Harry spent the rest of the day seeing the sights. The Statue of Liberty, Central Park and visit various museums completed Harry's day. Seeing paintings was not Harry's thing. Harry avoided visiting any bookstores. As Harry had walked along the streets, he had window shopped. Stores competed for the best window display. He enjoyed the Natural History Museum.

Harry was back in time to greet the Grangers. Harry helped them up to their room. That way, Harry knew exactly where they were. The Grangers were polite enough. They did not understand how an 11-year-old boy could afford a suite in New York. Harry explained. Hermione peppered Harry with questions about his day. He explained that he'd gone to his law firm in the US and had to be back there for 09:00 on Monday. He told them where he had been.

Harry expected to eat in the same restaurant as the Grangers. He did not. He had his own restaurant to dine in, with the other suite 'stayers'. Harry noticed that most of the 'stayers' were Japanese. There was only one other family with children about Harry's age. Most looked to be professionals. Perhaps they had won prizes from their firms, most successful salesman, most boring accountant or some such. Actually, Harry realised he was going to need an accountant. Somehow, he did not think he could afford one of these men.

Harry saw that the children, two of them were arguing about something. The parents looked like they were on different pages. Harry went over to their table.

"Hello, my name is Harry. My first day in the Big Apple. I had a great time in the Natural History Museum. If you like dinosaurs, you'll love the place."

The children stopped arguing and started asking Harry questions. Harry said he thought there were things to see out in Brooklyn. A Kid's Museum. Harry had to explain he'd come to see New York, not Brooklyn. He admitted that Art Museums and the Rockefeller Centre were not really his things, but they could check them out and form their own opinions. He said there were brochures in the rooms, but they might not be in Japanese.

The woman left with the children and the man explained that she was their nanny and did not speak much English. Harry complimented the man on his children's English. The man smiled/ He introduced himself. Harry did not understand the name and certainly could not remember it. He told the man that his name was Harry Potter and he was sorry but the man's name was strange to him and he could not remember it. The man wrote his name down. Harry promised to practice saying it.

After Harry had finished his own meal, he went looking for the Grangers. He found them in the salon. They talked about their plans for Sunday.

Sunday started with breakfast at a local tourist attraction. A pile of pancakes and syrup at tourist prices. The morning was spent in trips to the World trade Center, the Rockefeller Center and a walk around Central Park. Lunch at another well-known tourist destination. The afternoon was spent in the Natural History Museum. Harry spotted the Japanese family looking fairly lost. He picked up 4 guides in Japanese and handed them to the family. He was thanked.

Harry did not see the family at dinner. The other guests did not want to engage Harry in conversation beyond 'Hello'. Hermione joined Harry in his suite and rehearsed with him what he would say in Court on the morrow. Harry spent an hour before bed reading about House Potter.

Harry had breakfast. He had the full English, again. That set him up nicely for the day. He met up with the Grangers and they went to see Harry's lawyer on the 100th floor. Mr Purfrock took them across to the Court.

The Court Case began on time. It did not take long for the Judge to award the company to Harry and have all the stock the managers had awarded themselves revert back to Harry's control and ownership. The Japanese man was present. Harry learnt that he wanted to buy Potter Inc.

The Managers were in Court. Their lawyer claimed that Harry was not fit to run the company. Harry calmly responded that he was 11. He was no business prodigy. The law firm looked after the Potter Interests in Potter Inc and the managers were doing a good job. Harry was not looking to sell a business that his forebears had built up. Not even to as nice a man as Mr Sashagama was.

Mr Sashagama's accountant, another guest staying in a suite, said that the company would go out of business, if the deal did not go through. The Potter Inc accountant agreed with him. Harry fired him on the spot and removed the man's firm from dealing with Potter Inc ever again. Harry did suggest that their lawyers kept in contact with his lawyers. That earned him a smile from Mr Sashagama. One from the Judge, too. He ruled that Harry was competent.

The managers joined Harry and the Grangers in Mr Purfrock's office. Whilst the managers were not getting any stock options, they did keep their jobs and bonuses. Harry praised them for doubling the turnover in 11 years and building up a sizeable war chest. Harry did have 11 years of accounts. Mr Purfrock declined to audit them as he was no accountant. Harry said he wanted the assurance that the company had not been breaking any laws. Mr Purfrock could do that. Harry would need to hire an accountant. Harry would also have to visit the HQ of his company. Some holiday this was turning into.

The Grangers went off to do some sightseeing. Harry accompanied the managers back to his company's HQ. Harry spoke to the workers there. His speech seemed to go down well. The managers presented Harry with their plans, which included being taken over. Harry did not approve those plans. Harry asked about the budget for an accountant to help him with the books and to hire an accountancy firm to audit the company.

Armed with the figure for accountants hire, Harry went back to the hotel. He had his purchased books to read that afternoon. He had done this age three times now and he still knew diddly squat about the Potter family.

Officially House Potter was the House of the Potterer. See, Harry thought, he did not know that. Linfred had been the first to be ennobled by Edward III as the Noble and Most Ancient House of the Potterer. He founded the Mage Council. The Potter family had no silly rule about when you became Lord. Since Harry wore the Head of House Ring and had since he was 7, he knew about that. Sirius had blood-adopted him into House Black, making him the Heir. D'uh that was what the Heir ring of House Black meant. The Peverell ring had refused its summons. That did not matter. Harry was Lord Peverell and Lord Gaunt. That was by conquest. At least that was what Harry thought. The genealogy suggested that Harry was Lord Peverell by descent. Oh yeah, Harry thought, he was wearing the Peverell ring. He'd picked it up after wading through enough snakes to give anyone a had the three gifts of Death that Beedle the Bard had talked about: the Elder Wand, the resurrection stone and the Invisibility cloak. People said that made him Master of death; well, it would have been about him, had people known he had the three items. The items were in his Vault #687 and had stayed there, so far.

Harry had recovered all the Potter items that Dumbledore had taken. The most important was the Potter Grimoire. Closely followed by the blood. Harry's blood. The items were either in Harry's trust vault or his house in Godric's Hollow.

Neville Longbottom and Susan Bones had Regents, but Harry did not. The books Harry had bought on Hermione's recommendation all said that he and his mother had earned Order of Merlin, First Class awards for ridding the wizarding world of Lord Voldemort. Harry had a note that said he was now Grand Sorcerer. That meant he had to choose the five holders of the Order of Merlin, First Class who would hold seats in the Wizengamot. Harry had a meeting with the Society as soon as he returned from this trip.

Although Harry had saved Lord Arcturus Black, he had still passed away. Lucius Malfoy had pretended to be Abraxas Malfoy. He'd been slippery enough to slip away. He was now Lord Malfoy. Abraxas Malfoy was also dead.

Sirius Black, now Lord Black lived at 12 Grimauld Place, along with Cygnus, Druella and Cassandra Black. Remus Lupin, his friend from school, was Steward. He had recovered his family farm. Well, technically it was a Potter farm that had been re-acquired for him. As a werewolf he could not own property. Sirius also owned a property that his Uncle Alphard had left him, along with Vault 711. Harry did not know where that was. He thought he remembered Sirius telling him that it was in Devon, but he was not sure.

Harry was sure that all the properties that the Potters owned in the US would be lived in by the one of the 8 managers, rent free. That was without looking at the books. Harry found 10 properties listed. The 2 that were not occupied were listed as being in swamps. One in Louisiana and another in Florida.

Harry was one of two Directors. His law firm was the other Director. As far as he could tell, the law firm had 1 share, from Harry's 90% of the shares and the Japanese businessman Mr Sashagama had the other 10%. Harry's was a private company. The books told him nothing about the magical side of the business. Harry's retained funds had risen from $20m in 1980 to $145m in the year to date. The company retained funds totalled some $255. There was some $600m of work in progress. That was 4 times the amount in 1980. Harry thought that could not possibly be right.

Harry made sure that he dined at the same time as the rest of the suite staying guests. He made his bid for an accountant who would like $1000 to review some books that evening. Harry only had one taker, a Jeremiah Scurridge.

Jeremiah spent three hours in Harry's suite looking at the books, making fairly copious notes. He did not say anything. That was fine with Harry. He had his own books to read. At the end of three hours, Jeremiah told Harry what he had found. He was suspicious of the Work in progress figure. He called Harry, Lord Potter-Gaunt. Harry was very pleased to appoint Scurridge and Sons as the Potter Inc accountants. The firm also audited Black Holdings. Harry showed Jeremiah the Black Heir ring. That took care of that possible objection.

Harry called up Mr Purfrock. The man was working very late. Harry arranged a meeting in his office for 09:00 on the morrow with the managers to attend and appoint Scurridge and Sons as their accountants. Harry also wanted Mr Sashagama present. Mr Purfrock said he'd get it set up.

Harry used his 4th set of tickets on going up to the 100th floor of Tower A of the Twin Towers and back again. Back again would have to wait. First Harry made the 8 managers Directors by giving them 2 share each. Harry wanted to make Mr Sashagama a Director as the other significant stockholder. Harry almost surprised, when Mr Sashagama accepted his offer. Jeremiah Scurrdge signed his firm up as the accountants to Potter Inc and said he could get the audit done by Christmas. His was a large firm and they had finished the audit for Black Holdings early. Jeremiah did not want his people twiddling their thumbs.

The meeting broke up around midday. Harry had taken the position as Chairman of the Board and Mr Sashagama, President of the Board. The 8 could not agree on the positions each should hold. Harry said they should hold that over for the next meeting. Mr Purfrock said he'd get the information filed with City Hall and send out copies of the minutes.

Harry ate lunch at a quaint little café off the beaten track. The food was good. Harry thought he could have cooked better. It was nice not to have to, though. As Harry was leaving the building, Jeremiah handed him a letter asking him to check in with MACUSA.

That was his afternoon. Harry entered MACUSA. He was directed to the registration department. He was told that he should have registered. On arrival. Harry pointed out that the MACUSA liaison could have told him that. That got him some dirty looks. It turned out that Harry actually held US (and MACUSA) citizenship. He had not needed to register, anyway. He did have more documentation to sign for and get signed.

Harry did notice a very large portrait that moved of Esmeralda Potter, who'd also had emerald-coloured eyes, like Harry. She had been President of MACUSA for 50 years from 1840 – 1890. Harry hit the magical shopping alley. He entered through the Woolworth Building entrance. The place was huge. He found the largest bookstore he had ever been in. he had asked directions to it. He found the books he was looking for. Esmeralda the Great. He bought that. The Potters in the USA 1692-1922. He bought that, too. Potter Inc 1700 - the Present Day. That was another compulsory purchase. Only $65 for all 3. For another $15, Harry bought The Great Witch Hunt. How wizardkind survived. For $10 Harry bought The Ilvermorny Story- Abridged Version. Harry got a free bag to carry them in.

Today was Christmas Eve. Harry had been in the country for 4 days and he'd had his fill of it. He had not relaxed, at all. He did not see how Jeremiah was going to do an audit in half a day and right before Christmas. It was not his problem, yet here he was, worrying about it.

Harry stayed in his room. He used room service for his evening meal, tipping $20. He read. 5 books in 5 hours. He went from cover to cover for each book. He got the important points. He wondered what Lord Charlus' Will had said about the American holdings of the family. He'd inherited in 1922 after Grindelwald had murdered the last Potters in America.

The book about Potter Inc had said that Charlus had made 2 Wills in America. One covering Potter Inc and another with another Law firm for other property the Potters owned in America, but had not rolled into Potter Inc. Harry was just a tiny bit furious. This was going to be a magical law firm that probably had a small office somewhere in the no-Maj world. Finding a needle in a haystack would be easier. Harry would steer clear of work on December 25th and 26th. Harry crossed his fingers in muggle superstition mode as he thought that.

The Sheraton had a full schedule for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Everybody ate together. Breakfast was 7-9. Second breakfast was 10-11. Christmas Dinner was 1-4. Tea was 5-6. Supper was 8-9 and Mince Pies and brandy was at 11 sharp. Harry wondered if the owners were part hobbit.

Harry met up with the Grangers for breakfast. They chatted whilst they ate. The Grangers could tell that Harry was not in festive mood. All he'd done since getting here was work. He did see Jeremiah who told him that the audit was complete and that Mr Purfrock would contact him in the next few days. In response to Harry's question, Jeremiah told him the second Will was handled by Barratt and Sons, who were in the Main Mall.

Harry told the Grangers all about the books he had bought in London and New York. He did not bore the Grangers with intimate details. Harry was not looking at the Grangers, so missed the look Hermione and her parents shared.

Harry had yet to eat Bagels in New York. That is what he had for second breakfast. Bagels and chocolate. He had hot chocolate into which he dunked his cookies. Harry was going to go to his suite after he had finished eating, but Hermione had told him that he was too young to become a recluse. So Harry went up to the Grangers', again. They were not doing presents in the US. They would be opening their after they got back. Harry was invited. Hermione said he had to come. Harry agreed. Hermione's enthusiasm was catching.

The Sheraton had pulled out all the stops for Christmas lunch. It started tamely enough with a bread bun and garlic butter. It moved onto soup. A nice tomato soup that you could add parmesan cheese, if you wanted. Harry had not wanted. There was a nice fish course with an equally nice side salad. The meal came in individual plates covered with a top to keep the food hot. Harry had never seen a plate so full. The turkey came in light and dark meat. The potatoes came in boiled and roast. There was cranberry sauce and bread sauce. There were three types of stuffing. And gravy. There were five vegetables: carrots, parsnips, sprouts, peas and caulifower. Harry drank a glass of red wine. The Grangers were all drinking it, so Harry thought why not. Harry's food was not quite at the temperature he wanted. A silent, wandless warming charm did for that. Hermione followed suit and they both did one each of the Granger parents. Harry took his time with the food. The Ron Weasley he remembered from his previous times of existence would have polished the whole lot off, spraying food everywhere and then wanted more. Not in this life. Harry's fiendfyre had killed him.

Harry had a second and third glass of wine. He was feeling quite merry. Desert was a two stage process. The first serving was bread and butter pudding in bread sauce. Harry thought they were using up the bread and bread sauce they had left over. Christmas pudding with brandy sauce was then served. Harry thought the meal was over, but out came the cheeseboard and biscuits. Harry only had a couple of cheeses and biscuits. He was quite full. Finally, Harry had tea and a mint. The Grangers had coffee and a mint. Finally, cigars were brought out. Harry and the Grangers left. Harry had also had a couple of glasses of pudding wine with the two deserts.

Harry was now drunk. Not too drunk that he blurted things out or made a complete fool of himself. Harry drank a pot of tea at tea. The Christmas cake was delicious, Harry had two large slices. Supper was two courses. Harry was kinda glad. Beef with roast potatoes, beans and parsnips, with gravy was as much as Harry could manage. He could not resist another serving of Christmas pudding and brandy sauce. Harry just about had enough room for a couple of mince pies and a brandy. He apologised to the Grangers for stuffing his face and making a fool of himself. Then he took himself off to bed. He just collapsed on it. He had not even changed into his pjs.

Harry woke up intime to go down to breakfast. The Grangers were waiting for him. Breakfast was a more sedate meal than the day before. Harry had cereal, juice and tea. Second breakfast, Harry lived a little and had bagels, jam and tea. He was hoping the tea would chase his hangover away. Harry went up to his suite to change and have a shower and brush his teeth. When he was done, he heard a knock on his door. Sadly, it was not the Grangers. Mr Purfrock entered. He was there the brief Harry. The company was doing fine. Harry was relieved. 2 of their suppliers were not. Without $55m of investment to buy the firms and fix the problems, they would fail to meet their delivery date. Harry was surprised to learn that he could spend that amount of money with board approval. It was in the by-laws. Mr Purfrock promised to get a copy to Harry before he left. Harry approved the spending from the company retained funds. He also did not approve any dividends. Harry had not wanted to do any business, but there it was.

Harry knocked on the Grangers door. No answer. They had gone out. They were braver than Harry to brave the Boxing Day sales. They were in the dining hall, when Harry went down for lunch. It was a carbon copy of Christmas Day's main course, except there was no cauliflower. There were extra portions in everything there had been yesterday. Harry had another three glasses of red wine and two glasses of pudding wine. Harry tried a few more cheeses and more biscuit types. Once again, they left before the cigars were lit up.

Back up in the Granger rooms, the Grangers talked about inviting Harry to stay with them over the Easter holidays. Harry said he'd like that. The Grangers took that as settled. The conversation turned lighter. Harry was relaxed by the time they went down for tea. Mrs Granger had crumpets instead of Christmas cake. Harry had lamb for supper. Mince pies and a brandy was something Harry could get used to before going to bed. He wondered how a request like that would go down at Hogwarts.

Before Harry went up to his suite, he told the Grangers that he had to see a man about a second will. He did not know how long that would take. The Grangers nodded. Once again, Harry missed the looks of concern the Grangers exchanged.

Harry took the floo from the Sheraton to the Mall. He found Barratts and Sons. He entered. He made his way to reception. He gave his name and asked to see Mr Barratt or one of his sons. The receptionist jumped at the name. Five minutes later, Harry was ushered in to see Mr Barratt.

"You're a hard chap to find, Lord Potter. You've not responded to any of our letters."

"I was under a mail redirect set by Albus Dumbledore. After I killed him, I had to attend Durmstrang. I left the mail redirect active so as to not get mail there. I shall be removing it, on my return to magical Britain."

"Why did you attend Durmstrang? Why did you not come to Ilvermorny?"

"Why, Mr Barratt would I have come to Ilvermorny?"

"You own it, Lord Potter."

"I what?"

"Oh. You've been Dumbledored."

"That's a thing?"

"Sadly."

"I'd better hear Lord Charlus Potter's Will then, shouldn't I?"

"Bear in mind this Will does not include anything about Magical Britain nor the muggle portions of Potter Inc. It does deal with the items in MACUSA and the rest of the world. Are you sitting comfortably?"

"Oh yes," Harry said, feeling Anything but.

Mr Chester Barratt began the Will reading at 10:03. He finished 3 hours later. He took away from what he'd said that the Potters owned 15% of Black Holdings. Harry owned Salem Institute and Ilvermorny. A Seer had prophesied that Washington would be built in the District of Columbia. The Potters had bought up most of the land. It would probably surprise the US government to learn that the land on which the capital was built upon land that had expired leases. Matters were complicated by the fact that NACUSA had no relations with the US government.

The Potter landholdings had grown as the US and Canada had grown. Listening to Esmerelda Potter would have you believe that House Potter funded the entire Texas Independence War out of petty cash. They had land grants in the various homesteading states. Potters had been involved In the Gold Rushes in California, Alaska and the Yukon. They had land and money from them. Potters owned 7 of the 11 International Wizarding Schools. The Potters had pushed for the Manifest Destiny. They had not invested in stocks and shares or banks.

Charlus had consolidate Potter Inc out of 10 properties and around 100 companies. During the crash, the cash rich Potters had added another 100 companies. The Potters had followed the expansion of the muggle British Empire. A lot of US war bonds had been bought.

Charlus Potter became a recluse in 1950. In 1980 he had died. Holdings in countries that had become independent had not been claimed and their status was uncertain. Uncertain was a good way to describe what had happened to the Potters lands and companies in Hannover. Tax owed had not been paid. The same held true for death duties and inheritance taxes. Most of the money and property was tied up in trusts, exempt from tax. It was an extremely complicated position that would take a long time to unravel.

Chester and Harry had taken a break for morning drinks and lunch had been served. Harry thought that the holdings should be sorted into places where the title was clear and unclear. The first step whether title was clear or unclear was to notify the magical jurisdictions that Harrison James Potter had inherited the land and property or had become the sole beneficiary of the trust.

The afternoon session covered how the world was going to be covered by Barratt and Sons. There would be three lawyers assigned to the Americas: Canada, USA and Latin and South America, including the Caribbean. One each for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Another for Asia and one for Oceania. There was another one for the Arctic and another for Antarctica. Harry would be paying for ten lawyers. Harry did have an account that he could draw on. Harry pleased about that.

Chester had not wanted the session to end on a problem. However, there was one. The land on which Washington D.C would be built on had been purchased in 1740. In 1800, the government started leasing the land. It was a 150-year lease. It ended in 1950. The government carried on paying the money for the expired lease. MACUSA had been in Washington from 1777 until 1892. The building reverted to Charlus Potter in 1927. Now the lease had provision for carrying on after expiration and being renewed automatically 50 years after the original expiration. They had now notified the US government that they were paying money in an expired lease for 41 years. The US government wanted to exercise eminent domain, counting the money paid against the expired lease as part of the payment for the land. The problem as Chester explained was that the government had paid £20m in lease payments against land worth $5m. Harry would owe the government $15m. Harry did not want to sell. He certainly did not want to pay the US government $15m. Chester agreed to fight the case. He was not very hopeful of a good outcome for Harry.