Chapter 11
Tests and Testaments
Author's Note: As per usual in my stories, James Potter's parents are Charlus and Dorea (Black) Potter in this story. Fleamont and Euphemia are James' grandparents.
Near the beginning of this chapter, the PoV switches momentarily from Harry to Hermione, for her Tests, then goes back to Harry.
Warning: Dumbledore and Molly Weasley Bashing; A chapter chock-full of Helpful Goblins; Emancipation; Lords and Ladies; Ancient and Noble Houses, Illegal Bindings and Bound Abilities
(Sunday, December 13th, 1994)
Ragnok snapped his finger and a metal box appeared on the table with a clunk!
"Now, Mr. Potter," he continued, "Now that you are aware you are an Emancipated Minor, it is time for you to claim what is rightfully yours. The Lordship and control over the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter."
Ragnok grinned as he stared at Harry. "And the first step to removing yourself from the manipulations and plans of one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Shall we continue?"
"Yes, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said.
"We will begin with your Inheritance and Blood Test, Mr. Potter," Ragnok said, "Then we will open your parents' Final Will and Testament, which should have happened on your eleventh birthday. Then you will receive your Lordship Rings. Then you will receive an updated financial list, which will tell you how – shall we say – rich you are monetary-wise. It will also tell you how many Residences you own, businesses you have some percentage of ownership of, as well as other various investments. We will do the Inheritance and Blood Tests first. Would this be suitable for you, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said.
"Heiress Dagworth-Granger," Ragnok said, "At this time, as Mr. Potter is going through the same process, you may also go through an Inheritance Test, and Blood Test, if you so desire."
Hermione looked at Professor McGonagall, who merely raised an eyebrow. It was Hermione's decision.
"Yes, Keeper Ragnok," Hermione said, "But, forgive me, I have a question. What is a Blood Test? How is it different from an Inheritance Test?"
"A Blood Test will tell you whether you are a Muggleborn, or of… purer blood," Ragnok said, sneering as he said the phrase 'purer blood'. "And also any health problems you may have. If you have any blocks on your magical core, that will also be discovered."
"I would advise doing so, Miss Granger, and you as well, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, "It would probably reveal a lot more than my Healer friend could."
"If there are any problems," Ragnok said, "Gringotts offers its own Healing Service that would do a great deal of remedying any problems the Blood Test may show. It would be free of charge. The Muggles aren't the only beings in Great Britain with great health benefits, after all."
"I will accept the Blood Test and any assistance the Gringotts Healing Service may give if necessary, Keeper Ragnok," Hermione said.
Harry verbally agreed with his girlfriend.
Ragnok snapped his fingers and four more clay square 'coasters' appeared, one of each in front of Harry and Hermione. However, these were colored differently than the first Harry had experienced. The Inheritance Test coaster was gold, while the Blood Test coaster was red.
"Much like you did with the Identity Test," Ragnok said, "A simple pinprick will be required on each of these. They will transform into separate tests: Inheritance and Blood Tests, respectively."
Harry and Hermione repeated the same process they had done earlier, placing an index finger on each coaster. Two pinpricks later, and the coasters transfigured into two pieces of parchment for each.
Harry read the Inheritance Test first, while Hermione did the same.
Inheritance Test – Harry James Potter
Date Of Birth: 31 July 1980
Parents: James Charlus Potter (deceased) and Lily Rose Potter 'nee Evans (deceased)
Official Titles of Lineage:
Ancient and Noble Houses:
House Potter – direct descendant - father
House Peverell – direct descendant – father
House Black – second-in-line – father
Minor House:
House Evans – direct descendant – mother – second generation
NOTE: Harry James Potter is an Emancipated Minor as of 31 October 1994, therefore qualifies for titles Lord Potter of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, and Lord Peverell of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell.
Inheritance Test – Hermione Jean Granger
Date of Birth: 19 September 1979
Parents: Daniel Richard Granger and Emma Jean Granger 'nee Puckle
Official Title of Lineage:
Noble House:
Dagworth-Granger – direct descendant – father
NOTE: Hermione Jean Granger is Heiress Dagworth-Granger of the Noble House of Dagworth-Granger until 19 September 1996, or date of Emancipation, when Hermione Jean Granger will qualify for Lady Dagworth-Granger of the Noble House of Dagworth-Granger.
Harry's eyes widened as he looked at the third House. He was second-in-line to House Black, presumably behind Sirius. But it was the second House which confused him.
"Pardon me," Harry said, "But what is House Peverell?"
"Do you wish to inform your pupil of this one,, Lady McGonagall?" Ragnok asked.
McGonagall nodded once, then turned to Harry. "The Peverell Family is a very old and very famous family in wizarding society, Mr. Potter - or should I say, Lord Potter. Have you ever read the book The Tales of Beedle The Bard?"
Harry shook his head, but Hermione gasped and nodded.
"Perhaps Heiress Dagworth-Granger may know then," McGonagall said. "There is a story in that book called The Tale Of The Three Brothers. It is a retelling of the story of the three famous Peverell Brothers – Antioch, Cadmus, and Ignotus Peverell. Technically, you are related to all three Brothers, as you are related to their father. However, you are a direct descendant of the youngest brother, Ignotus. He is buried in the same graveyard your parents are buried in, in Godric's Hollow."
"You would have been second-in-line, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "But you technically killed the original direct descendant on that Halloween in 1981."
"Voldemort?" Harry asked; McGonagall gasped whether at the name or the revelation.
"Do you know his real name, Lord Potter?" Ragnok asked.
"Tom Marvolo Riddle, Junior," Harry said; McGonagall gasped again, and went pale. Obviously she didn't know this before now.
"Half-Blood Son of a Muggle father and Squib mother, Merope Gaunt," Ragnok said, "Grandson of Marvolo Gaunt. The Gaunts were descended from the eldest Peverell brother. When you defeated him
that Halloween, you became the direct descendant and Heir of Peverell House. Today, you become Lord Peverell. You will receive your Lord's Rings after the Will is read. Now, if you will, please look at your Blood Tests."
Harry and Hermione did as asked.
Blood Test – Harry James Potter
Date Of Birth: 31 July, 1980
Parents: James Charlus Potter (deceased) and Lily Rose Potter 'nee Evans (deceased)
Blood-Type: Half-Blood
Abilities:
Natural Occlumency: BLOCKED
Natural Legilimency: BLOCKED
Eidetic Memory/Perfect Recall: BLOCKED
Metamorphmagus: 75% BLOCKED; LIMITED to Hair Length
Animagus: Shadow Panther – Ability to Learn Talent: BLOCKED
Beast Speaker: LIMITED to Snakes; Other Abilities: BLOCKED
Owl Post/Mail: LIMITED
Bindings:
Magical Core: 50% Bound – 2 Bindings
Willpower: 50% Bound - Motivation Inhibitor
Libido: 50% - Lust/Intimacy Inhibitors
Imperius Curse Resistance: 10% (formerly 75%) – Experimental Inhibitor
Potions Dosing:
Loyalty Potion: Present (Former)
Albus Dumbledore: .5% (50%)
Molly Weasley: .5% (50%)
Ron Weasley .5% (50%)
Ginny Weasley .5% (50%)
Revulsion Potion:
Hermione Granger: 0% (10- 50% Fluctuating)
Draco Malfoy: 75%
Severus Snape: 75%
There were several other names under Revulsion Potion. Many Slytherins, like Malfoy, also had 75% Revulsion. Other students had 25-50%.
Infatuation Potion:
Ginny Weasley 0% (10-25% Fluctuating)
Other Issues: Mixture of Basilisk Venom and Phoenix Tears in blood (Unknown Effects as a Result of mixture); Multiple Cases of Obliviation; Moderately Weak Bones from multiple breaks; Low To Moderate Malnutrition from Past History of Moderate to Heavy Malnutrition;
Harry narrowed his eyes as he looked through the various blocks and bindings. He was a Natural Occlumens and Legilimens? He could have an Eidetic Memory! And what was a Metamorphmagus? A Shadow Panther Animagus sounded awesome, but his ability to learn it was blocked? He wasn't a Parselmouth, instead he was a Beast Speaker, and limited to Snakes – which obviously made people believe he was a Parselmouth.
Then there were all those Potions. To think he had been dosed to be loyal to Dumbledore and the Weasleys! Infatuation – which he guessed was the beginning stages of Love and Lust Potions? – to Ginny, and a Revulsion Potion to Hermione – and several other students! No wonder he couldn't make too many friends! He wondered why the Potions were at such low percent now. Then he realized, as he noticed the 0% next to Hermione's name under Revulsion. Had something as simple as kissing, or falling in love with Hermione, lowered these Potion doses to next to nothing?!
Maybe it had to do with his Mother's Love – which he found odd that it was not listed in the abilities.
And those Bindings! Not just his Magical Core, but his Intelligence and Willpower? Libido? And his Imperius Resistance had been so highly bound… until he was able to break it, perhaps?
And then there was the multiple Obliviations. That almost made his temper blow. What had he been made to forget?!
Meanwhile, Hermione was having her own surprises.
Blood Test – Hermione Jean Granger
Date of Birth: 19 September 1979
Parents: Daniel Richard Granger and Emma Jean Granger 'nee Puckle
Blood-Type: Muggleborn – Descendant of Pureblood
Abilities:
Natural Occlumency: BLOCKED
Natural Legilimency: BLOCKED
Eidetic Memory/Perfect Recall: 50% Blocked
Animagus: Lioness – Ability to Learn Talent: BLOCKED
Owl Post/Mail: 25% Blocked
Bindings:
Magical Core: 25% Bound – 1 Binding
Libido: 25% - Lust/Intimacy Inhibitors
Imperius Curse Resistance: 75% – Experimental Inhibitor
Potions Dosing:
Loyalty Potion: Present (Former)
Albus Dumbledore: .5% (85%)
Molly Weasley: .5% (50%)
Ron Weasley .5% (50%)
Ginny Weasley .5% (50%)
Revulsion Potion:
Harry Potter: 0% (10- 50% Fluctuating)
Draco Malfoy: 50%
Severus Snape: 50%
Like Harry, there were several other names under Revulsion Potion. Many Slytherins, like Malfoy, also had 50-75% Revulsion. Other students had 10-30%.
Infatuation Potion:
Ron Weasley: 0% (35-65% Fluctuating)
Other Issues: Multiple Cases of Obliviation; History of Health Issues Due to Long-Term Usage of Time Turner and Short-Term Petrification via Basilisk.
Hermione was just as furious as Harry. Natural Occlumens and Legilimens - Blocked?! Eidetic Memory?! She always wanted an Eidetic Memory! The fact that it was half-blocked was understandable, since she had a good memory. But to have a perfect memory? Sure, she heard it could be a curse, but it was also very useful! And with Occlumency, she could store and arrange memories, so Perfect Recall wouldn't be too much of a bother!
The fact that her Magical Core had a binding on it. Not surprising – Dumbledore probably did something to her. Lust inhibitor? Sure, so she wouldn't feel her attraction to Harry… until she was able to kiss him, and it overpowered the bindings? Imperius Resistance blocked! That could only mean… Hermione suddenly had a bad feeling. The history of Obliviations made that feeling worse!
The various Potions made perfect sense, especially the Infatuation Potion. How could she otherwise fancy a disgusting pig like Ron Weasley?
"May I look at the results of your Blood Tests?" McGonagall requested.
Harry and Hermione both nodded, and handed the tests to Professor McGonagall. The Lioness of Gryffindor read through each of them, her lips pursed and eyebrows narrowed.
"Unfortunately, I had suspected much of this," McGonagall said. "Especially the Blocks and Potions. Obliviations were also a risk. It would seem the recent events of the two of you becoming a couple did a lot of good for you. Albus is right about one thing, after all. Love is a powerful Light Magic. It probably purged you of much of these Potions. The fact that you are Natural Occlumens and Legilimens is surprising, but also excellent. Means you won't have to be taught those, after they blocks are released – aside from, perhaps, teaching you how to control both abilities. Eidetic Memory is also a true gift.
"And your Animagus forms! Lioness suits you, Heiress Dagworth-Granger. But this Shadow Panther?!"
"What's wrong, Professor?" Harry asked.
"A Shadow Panther is a Magical Creature of Legend," McGonagall said. "Magical Creatures are notoriously impossible to gain an Animagus of. But a legendary creature? This is simply incredible, Lord Potter!"
Harry blushed and smiled, as Hermione beamed at him.
"These bindings are worrying," McGonagall said. "Magical Core bindings are predictable. But the fact that you have two, Lord Potter? That's… maddening! You won't possibly be able to be free of both without repercussions. One should be enough. Libido, well… that might explain why the two of you only became a couple recently. Your attraction for each other was minimized, and even more so due to the Revulsion Potions toward each other and Infatuation Potions keyed to the Weasleys. But this Willpower Block? Lord Potter, tell me, how was your education before you came to Hogwarts?"
Harry shrugged. "I was pretty intelligent, I suppose. But the Dursleys would – erm – well, they didn't like it if I had better grades than my cousin. So I had to dumb myself down."
"Something you wouldn't have to do at Hogwarts," McGonagall said, "Because your magic-hating relatives wouldn't really care, would they? So these Inhibitors to lower your Willpower and Motivation to learn? I suspect it was put on you sometime in the days after you started your First Year."
"Couldn't have me perform so much better than Ron," Harry said, with a snort. "His jealousy would have shown itself a lot sooner, because I was so much smarter. So I'm sure Dumbledore wanted me to dumb down to Ron's levels."
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said, "I'm sorry. If I had known…"
Harry shrugged and gave her a soft smile.
"Fortunately," Ragnok said, "Most of these issues can be remedied through our Health Services. Free of charge, of course. After we are finished here, I will escort the both of you to our Hospital Wing. They will aide you in removing most of those annoying issues. Though I must agree with your advisor, Lord Potter. Only one binding around your core is to be removed at the moment. I would suggest coming back next summer to remove the last. That is… if it doesn't release on its own."
"Can that happen?" Hermione asked, interestedly.
"Indeed it can, Heiress Dagworth-Granger," Ragnok said, "Perhaps you know how, Lady McGonagall?"
"A traumatic event," McGonagall said, with a grimace. "But only if you have one binding. Your emotions could overload the binding and your core will strengthen to one-hundred percent. The blowback is unpredictable for each wizard or witch."
"Our Healers are skilled at removing bindings so that there is no risk of blowback," Ragnok said, "But even they won't risk releasing both of yours at the same time, Lord Potter."
"I understand," Harry said.
"Well, if there is nothing more about those Tests," Ragnok said, "We will move on to James and Lily Potter's Final Will and Testament. There are several Inheritors in this Will, Lord Potter. But because you are the Primary Inheritor, you are allowed to know who is listed in the Will as Inheritors."
Harry nodded, indicating he understood.
Ragnok snapped his fingers, and what appeared to be a large metal contraption that resembled a rolling pin, appeared in his hand. He set it in front of Harry.
"Place one finger on the container," he instructed, "You will feel a light pinprick. I assure you it is not dangerous. It will remove a dollop of your blood, then you will be healed straight away."
Harry shivered slightly, hesitated for a moment, then pressed a finger on one container. He winced lightly at the pinprick. The container made a metallic grinding noise as it rolled backward toward Ragnok. The container formed into a scroll of parchment, which rolled flat onto the table. Ragnok cleared his throat and stated:
"I, Ragnok The Sixth, the Vault Keeper of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. am witness to the Reading of the Last Will and Testament of James Charlus Potter and Lily Rose Potter nee Evans which they collaborated on together. Mr. Potter, as the last heir of the Ancient Line, so proven by your blood, make your choice. Do you wish the Reading to be by voice or by your own eyes?"
"I will read it myself," Harry said. "And allow Hermione and my advisor, Professor McGonagall to do the same."
"I will provide temporary copies for Heiress Dagworth-Granger and Lady McGonagall to read," Ragnok said; then did just as he said, as two copies of the Will appeared in front of Hermione and Professor McGonagall respectively. "They will vanish when you are finished reading them."
Ragnok relaxed in his chair, and motioned for Harry to read the Will. Harry leaned forward and began to read to himself, as did Hermione and Professor McGonagall.
We, James Charlus Potter, and Lily Rose Potter nee Evans of able bodies and minds, claim this, our Final Will and Testament.
If James is no longer of this Earth, and Lily survives him, he leaves the contents of this Will, other than the gifts for friends listed below, to her until their son, Harry James Potter, reaches his age of majority.
If Lily Rose Potter is no longer of this Earth, at the time of this Reading, we leave these various items to the following:
Sirius Black: Our son's primary guardian, per the Godfather Ritual. We lend you Potter Manor in Northampton until Harry comes of age. We know you don't need money, but we give you 250,000 Galleons in assistance to help raise Harry. You can find our portraits in Potter Manor. I am sure they – we – will help you raise Harry if you need assistance, and they will be able to talk to Harry and help him learn all about us as he grows up. Sirius, I, James Potter, also name you Leader of the Great Alliance until Harry comes of age, takes his titles, and can sit in his seat. I also name you Proxy for the Potter and Peverell seats. We love you, Padfoot, and trust you with our son's life.
Harry's eyes widened. Manor? He owned a Manor! And his parents had portraits there?! Portraits that could talk to him! He could talk to his parents – well, an echo, but it was better than he ever dreamed of!
And what was that about a Great Alliance?
Remus Lupin: 150,000 Galleons. You can't give it back, so you best keep it! Get a new wardrobe, buy a great house, or maybe you can live with Sirius and help raise little Prongslet with him! Either way, we know you'll be around Harry for as long as you live.
Peter Pettigrew: If we are dead, Peter Pettigrew is guilty of betraying us. He was our Secret Keeper at the time of our death. We made everyone believe it was Sirius, so Peter wouldn't be targeted. Wormtail, you rat, we give you 30 Sickles. Buy a ferry to Azkaban, you traitor.
Harry recognized several familiar names listed there, including parents of his classmates and friends. Several thousands of Galleons were given as gifts, as well as a few other items.
When Harry reaches the age of eleven, and he opens this Will, we officially name him Lord Potter, the Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. We also request an official Inheritance Test for Harry so he may discover any and all titles to his name. As Lord Potter, he will gain access to the Potter Vaults, Fortunes and other Assets.
Harry scowled. He should have been Emancipated at eleven?
If we are no longer of this Earth, we name these individuals below Harry's Official and Magical Guardians.
(In order of preference – if individual is no longer of this Earth, the next name in line becomes Guardian)
Sirius Black – Godfather, per the Godfather Ritual, family friend and ally.
Alice Longbottom, and her husband, Frank – Godmother, per the Godmother Ritual, Family friends and allies.
Pandora Lovegood and her husband, Xenophilius – family friends and allies.
Andromeda and Edward "Ted" Tonks – family friends and allies.
Castor and Illiana Greengrass – family friends and allies
Minerva McGonagall – family friend.
Amelia Bones – family friend and ally.
Remus Lupin – family friend and ally.
Under no circumstances should Harry Potter be raised by Petunia Dursley nee Evans and her husband Vernon.
Under no circumstances is Albus Dumbledore allowed to become Harry Potter's Magical Guardian, or given access to the Potter Vaults. Nor is he allowed to use the Potter or Peverell votes in the Wizengamot.
Harry growled under his breath. He was never meant to be placed with the Dursleys! Remus had mentioned it and here was proof! These witches and wizards – people he knew, people who were apparently friends of his parents – were supposed to be his guardians. He could have grown up with Neville, Susan Bones, who was a ward of Amelia Bones, or even Luna or Daphne! Even Professor McGonagall could have raised him!
By signing this Final Will and Testament, we vow that everything said here is true and honest,
James Charlus Potter and Lily Rose Potter
Witness: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Gringotts Official Witness: Ragnok The Sixth, Potter Family Vault Keeper
"Godfather Ritual?!" McGonagall exclaimed; she spoke in that Scotland Gaelic dialect Harry recalled hearing muffled through a wall, and knew it might have been swearing. "Curse you, Albus Dumbledore! Here is proof that Albus knew Black was innocent, and should have been given a trial! Here is proof Pettigrew was the Secret Keeper!"
"Can I have a Copy of this Will, Keeper Ragnok?" Harry asked. "We probably won't have time today, Professor McGonagall, but if we can find an opportunity to give the Will to someone who can do something about this. It might help Sirius."
"It certainly would help him," McGonagall agreed. "But we must be careful. Sirius is safe behind a Fidelius Charm at the moment. We must wait to contact the DMLE – specifically Director Amelia Bones – until we can arrange to contact your godfather."
Harry agreed with the Lioness of Gryffindor.
"Lord Potter, you are the only one permitted a Copy of this Will – aside from Gringotts and the Ministry," Ragnok said. "Nobody who isn't listed in this Will, will hear of it from us. When we get your permission, we will contact the various names here so we can give them their Inheritances, which has actually been sitting in a Vault your parents rented upon the Will's creation. It has simply been sitting there, while a thousand Galleons a year are taken from your Vaults to keep the rent up. The Will at the Ministry is sealed under the order of the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot."
"Dumbledore," Harry muttered.
"Indeed, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "So if I were to give you a copy, you must protect it. Otherwise anyone could take it and read it. I can't place Goblin Magic on it because of the treaty between Gringotts and the Ministry of Magic. So you must protect it."
"I will assist you in protecting it until we can use it, Lord Potter," McGonagall said.
"Thank you," Harry said, "I will take a Copy."
Ragnok snapped his fingers, and an identical copy of the will appeared, then rolled up into that metallic scroll.
"To open it," Ragnok said, "Simply press the button on one end of the scroll. Anyone can do this, Lord Potter, so you know."
Harry nodded. "I'll be cautious."
"Very well," Ragnok said, "Any more questions pertaining to the Will?"
"Yes," Harry said, "Under Sirius' inheritance, it says something about the Great Alliance. What is this?"
Professor McGonagall's eyes fluttered open and closed and Harry and Hermione looked at her in alarm.
"Don't be alarmed, young ones," Ragnok said, "It seems when you said 'Great Alliance', Lord Potter, you lifted a massive enchantment of some kind. If this is the same enchantment I believe it is, several witches and wizards who once knew about your family's involvement in the Great Alliance would have forgotten that when the enchantment was placed."
McGonagall gasped and cursed. "Curse you, Dumbledore! That enchantment is illegal and you know it! It is illegal, because it takes so much power to do it, and a huge risk to use it too. It could exhaust your magic for several days. Albus Dumbledore could do the enchantment, but he wouldn't do it very often. Multiple uses could ultimately turn him into a Squib."
"What is this Great Alliance?" Harry asked, "Why is it so important that Dumbledore blocked anyone from mentioning it around me?"
"How did you know it did that, Lord Potter?" Ragnok asked. "I never said that."
"Neville Longbottom, Padma Patil, and Luna Lovegood," Harry said, "Their family names are listed in the Will. They referred to each other as Allies, but could never speak about this Alliance around me."
"The Alliance they refer to is the Great Alliance!" Hermione gasped.
"Yes, families Longbottom, Patil and Lovegood are associated with the Great Alliance," McGonagall said, "Along with Potter, Peverell, Black, Bones, Abbot, Greengrass, Boot, MacMillan and Tonks. And there was one more as well. House McGonagall. Yes, my House.
"The Great Alliance, Lord Potter, was a political powerhouse during your grandfather and father's time. Charlus Potter created it. The Great Alliance was nigh-on unstoppable in its time. The combination of all these houses – Patil, Lovegood and Tonks were not on the Wizengamot, however, as they were not Noble Houses – piled up the votes to a point where they could approve of any Bill they wanted, and deny any they did not approve of. Of course, it helped that the rest of the Light Alliance, and some of the Neutral Alliance would vote too for much of these Bills. But even when a small minority of the Light or Neutral Alliance voted, the Great Alliance would either win or defeat any Bill they voted for or against.
"You see, the Peverell House is the highest-level House in the Wizengamot. Most Ancient and Most Noble. If the Hogwarts Houses still had Heirs, they would have been the highest, even above Peverell, as Founding Houses. But Peverell is even above the Sacred Twenty-Eight, the modern founding families, who revolutionized the Wizengamot. As Most Ancient and Most Noble, Peverell has eight votes. Compare that to Ancient and Most Noble, which has four, or the Noble Houses which has two. The Ministry Department Heads all have one vote. Of all the families who were a part of the Great Alliance, all of those who sat on the Wizengamot were at least Ancient and Most Noble. All had at least four votes. Therefore, you can see the power they have.
"After James Potter passed, and Sirius Black was arrested, the Great Alliance lost a lot of its influence. Fourteen votes were lost in a day. That certainly neutered the Great Alliance's power. Albus Dumbledore attempted to gain the Proxies for these three Houses, but the Seats never accepted him. I am guessing because of this, he used the enchantment to make people forget about your family's involvement in the Great Alliance. With your return – you can assign Proxies to an ally of the Great Alliance, and that legendary power the Great Alliance once had, will return."
McGonagall grinned. "Especially if you include the Noble House of Dagworth-Granger, giving the Great Alliance two more votes."
Hermione blushed and smiled. "I think that would be doable."
"Looks like I'm going to have to meet with the Heirs and Heiresses of these Houses," Harry said.
"Also known as the Children of the Great Alliance," McGonagall said.
Harry nodded. "No more questions, Keeper Ragnok."
Neither McGonagall nor Hermione had questions. Ragnok snapped his fingers and two mahogany boxes appeared on the table. He opened the first, and it revealed a pair of rings.
"This box, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "was taken directly from your Family Vault. These two rings are Signet Rings. There are many of these rings that have been said to speak to their heirs through voices of their ancestors."
"You mean... my father will talk to me through the ring?" Harry asked.
The Goblin only shrugged. "You may hear your father's voice, but I doubt you will be able to have too many meaningful conversations. Mostly the rings are meant to give you advice concerning your title of Head of your House. The rings also signify your seat in the Wizengamot at the Ministry, as you know. "You can make the two rings blend into one or keep them as they are. Then when you need to show the ring to someone, just summon the ring to your finger. If you don't wish to let anyone see the rings, you can ask them to vanish from view."
"Alright," Harry said.
He picked up the Potter Family ring, and placed it on his ring finger, then placed the Peverell Ring on the next finger, and studied them. The Peverell ring had an odd triangular shape on it, and the Potter Ring had a Griffin spreading its wings above two swords, which were pointing to the left and right of the ring. With a single thought, the two rings merged together in a flash of bright white light. Suddenly, Harry heard a voice in his head.
"Welcome, Harry James Potter, Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter."
Harry gasped. He recognized that voice. It belonged to his father, James Potter.
"You were right, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said, "When I placed the ring on my finger, I heard my father's voice."
"Excellent," Ragnok said, "It is rare when it happens. Not all Signet Rings will speak to the wearer, but several do. It depends on the magic in their bloodline."
"Is there anything else I should know?" Harry asked.
"Such as what?" Ragnok asked.
"Do I – will I have to marry more than one wife?" Harry asked. "To pass on the titles to different Heirs?"
Hermione squeaked, then glared at Harry.
"Relax, Heiress Dagworth-Granger," McGonagall said, "Lord Potter, I don't know who told you that, but it is not true. If you and Heiress Dagworth-Granger marry, she will become Lady Potter. Then if you have three children, you can assign each one of them the Heir or Heiress to families Potter, Peverell, and Dagworth-Granger."
Harry scowled. "Should have known Ron was wrong. He said he wanted to become Lord Weasley and Lord Prewett, so he could marry two witches and have an Heiress from each of them to pass on the names."
McGonagall huffed. "Ronald Weasley is sixth in line for Lord Weasley, and several spots below for Lord Prewett. He can't even be called an Heir, merely a Scion. It would take a terrible tragedy for him to gain those titles."
"Makes sense," Harry said, nodding, then glanced at Hermione. "Sorry, love. You know you're the only woman for me."
Hermione blushed and smiled. "You're forgiven. As long as you keep that in mind."
"Now, Heiress Dagworth-Granger," Ragnok said, "It is your turn. This box –" he motioned to the other box which had been set aside, "comes from the Dagworth-Granger Vault, which had been frozen before you were revealed as the Heiress this morning. The Heir's ring – or Heiress', in this case - has no real abilities, unfortunately. But it would identify you as the Heiress of the House of Dagworth-Granger."
He placed the box in front of Hermione. She opened it, and her eyes widened in amazement at the ring in front of her. Harry glanced at it, and smiled as he looked at it. It was simplistic in design, but beautiful in its own right. It was a Cauldron with the end of a mixing spoon sticking out was the design. Hermione picked it up and placed it on her ring finger. Her eyes misted as she looked at it.
"Guess this means it is true then," Hermione said, "I'm an Heiress. A Muggleborn Heiress of a Pureblood House."
"Congratulations, you two," McGonagall said, "This is very big news, I assure you."
"Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "Something I should have mentioned earlier. Now that you are Emancipated, you no longer have the Trace on your person. You no longer are restricted from using magic outside of Hogwarts, as long as you do not do magic around ignorant Muggles."
"That's great!" Harry said, then glanced at Hermione, "There isn't any way Hermione can be rid of the Trace, is there?"
McGonagall's eyes widened, then she smiled. "There is, Lord Potter. And it might be exactly what we need for some of our recent problems that have been dealt to us. Tell me, Lord Potter, do you know what a Vassal is?"
Yep. Visit Gringotts isn't done yet! One more Gringotts chapter to go!
Yep! I'm bringing Vassals back from Vanishing Cabinet of Time!
For those who have read Ilvermorny Champion, I'm sure you recognize the Shadow Panther Animagus. I loved it so much I've brought it back. I don't know when Animagus training will happen, but Harry and Hermione will get around to it sometime.
Yes, Harry is a Metamorphmagus. No, it won't have a lot of importance in the story. It simply explains why he was able to change his hair-length as a child. He'll find some uses for it, but it won't be as extreme as my past stories.
Did you notice something missing from "Other Issues" on Harry's Blood Test results? If you did, it isn't a mistake. It will be revealed why next chapter.
So much revealed in this chapter! Hope you enjoyed it all!
Next Chapter: When it is discovered being a Heiress won't protect Hermione from the Second Task, she becomes a Potter Vassal, which gives her more security. Harry discovers exactly how wealthy House Potter is. Harry makes a controversial decision that will give him even more freedom in the near future. Then he and Hermione go to the Gringotts Hospital Wing. We discover Ragnok is keeping a secret from Harry (for his own good?). Finally! The Gringotts visit ends!