Chapter 5: The Meeting an Old Friend
The next day Remus submitted a request for a year long sabbatical. Severus had kept his mouth shut this time at Harry's request, but they still needed the fake Moody here next year, so Remus submitted the request and Dumbledore obliged. Harry decided to look into this supposed curse Riddle put on the DADA position 'I need to break it so when Remus comes back in fifth year he won't get affected by it.' He thought.
Later that week Harry took the test for Ancient Ruins and passed with flying colors thanks to Hermione. "I've noticed you like to study now Harry is that something you developed in the future?" she asked as they sat in the library.
"Actually no, I think its because I don't have that loyalty potion to Ron in my system." He replied, "The potion made me want to do what Ron wanted to do since I was loyal to him, and he wanted too goof off."
"So your saying you would've been a bookworm like me had you never met Ronald Weasley?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
"Most likely. I remember before I got here I was so eager to learn, but then after meeting Ron I started slacking off just because he wanted to take it easy." He says, "I mean even before I came to Hogwarts I was a good student. I purposely kept my grades average because if I out did Dudley my Aunt and Uncle would get pissed. I'm mean I'm Lily Evan's son, former Head Girl of Hogwarts, and my dad James Potter was right behind her and Severus in grades. However in my last life I, the son of two very intelligent people, had no drive to be anything more than a passable student. Doesn't that sound odd?" He asks her.
"Now that you put it like that yes it does…extremely odd." Hermione says.
"See!" Harry says smiling, "Now remember to be wary of any food or drink Dumbledore, Ron, or his mother gives you." Hermione nodded firmly.
Soon it came time for them to head home for the summer holidays. Harry and Hermione actually slipped away from Ron and found a compartment with a lone blonde Ravenclaw girl. Harry recognized her immediately as Luna Lovegood. "Hermione, lets sit here." He says smiling.
Hermione looked at Harry curiously, "Do we know her?"
Harry smiled, "She becomes a very good friend in fifth year…she's a year younger than us and were she in our grade she's be battling you for top spot…though she is a little…eccentric."
"Alright then." Hermione opens the compartment, "Hello there may we join you?" she says to the girl.
Luna looked up from her copy of the Quibbler. She smiled, "I've been waiting for you. Harry…Hermione."
Harry raised an eyebrow as they walked in and closed the door before casting privacy and Notice-Me-Not charms then took a seat, "What do you mean you've been waiting for us?" he asked.
"Well I went the whole year all alone with no friends but on June fourth I dreamed about the two of you talking to me while on the train. I'm Luna Lovegood, but you already know that." Luna looked at them with her dreamy smile, "So how does it feel to be thirteen years old again Harry?"
Harry's eyes widened, "What do you…" he suddenly started to get scared.
"Don't worry…Death won't punish you…see he can't since I am a child of Fate." The blonde says.
"A child of Fate…" Hermione began thinking and her eyes widened, "You're a seer!"
Luna smiled, "Exactly, true seers are considered children of Fate since we can see Fate's designs."
"I wonder why you never said anything in my last life." Harry said curiously.
"Well I would assume the me you used to know wasn't sure whether you'd understand, but now that you've met Fate and Death and you remember the encounter you're much more receptive to the truth." Luna smiled.
"Well I'm now very glad I decided to have us sit with you." Harry smiled.
"But does that mean Trelawney is a child of Fate?" Hermione asked.
"Mmm yes and no." Luna said, "She is more of a receptacle than a true child of Fate. Fate uses her briefly to share prophecies while a child of Fate, like me, can see Fate's design all at times."
"Fascinating." Hermione said quietly.
"Says the girl who believes Divinations is bollocks." Harry teased.
"No, I think Trelawney's method of teaching it is rubbish." Hermione defended herself, "I don't doubt what Luna has told us because she new the truth about you without you telling her."
Luna giggles, "You two are definitely soulmates."
Harry looked at Luna and shook his head vigorously when Hermione glared at him, "What are you talking about Luna?"
"Harry didn't tell you?" Luna asked, "I'm sure Fate told him that you and Harry are destined to be."
"Luna." Harry whispered trying to get her to stop.
"Harry James Potter when were you planning to tell me this?" Hermione was now facing him with a fierce look.
"Ummm…I uh…I thought it was unnecessary." He said looking away, "I didn't want you to feel pressured to follow some 'destiny' someone else planned for you…" he looked a bit sad, "I thought you'd prefer it that way."
"That's not for you to decide Harry!" Hermione barked, "I'm sure being your soulmate would be better than being Ronald Weasley's potioned wife." She growled.
Harry sighed, "Look, I'm not expecting you to suddenly be in love with me Hermione. That would be ridiculous. Though I will admit that after Fate told me about it and without having any potions in me…I didn't hate the idea…" he mumbled the last part.
Hermione's face reddened a bit as she looked away, "Is that so?" she said, "I don't really mind either." She said that last part extremely quietly.
"Pardon?" Harry asked.
"Nothing." She immediately said.
Luna watched the encounter and giggled a bit, "Your two are adorable." She said between her chuckles. When she calmed herself she smiled, "I'll be sure to let you know if any ill willed plots are directed your way this time."
"That would actually be very helpful." Hermione said.
Luna smiled then looked to Harry, "By the way Harry you should take that artifact along with you when you go to see the goblins." She was looking at Harry's bag, "They will be able to take care of it for you without destroying the artifact itself."
"Hmmm, but I kind of promised Helena I'd destroy it." He said as he started to think quietly.
"Truly, Helena just wants to insure it can never be misused again." Luna said, "You could preserve it and lock it within the Potter family vault. Then you'll be fulling her wishes without destroy such an ancient artifact."
Harry smiled, "That's great advise Luna…I appreciate it."
She smiled, "Glad to help." Luna smiled.
Hermione nudged Harry with her elbow, "We'll talk about this soulmate business later you understand me." She mumbled.
He chuckled nervously, "As you wish." He said back.
The three of them rode the rest of the way having pleasant conversations. They noticed they were getting close to the platform and Harry sighed, "Geez now I have to go put up with those disgusting relatives of mine."
"I'd still like to murder those bastards myself." Hermione said, "I mean they killed you…twice."
Harry smiled, "I won't be there for long. If all goes as planned I'll be living with Sirius by the time of the World Cup."
"Harry just so you know..." Luna began, "The Potter family owns sixty five percent of the shares in the Daily Prophet…you should use that to your advantage."
Harry grinned, "That would have been nice to know in my last life. That Skeeter hag will be much easier to handle next term."
"Skeeter?" Hermione asked, "The columnist from the Daily Prophet?"
"Yea. My last go around she repeatedly wrote damning articles about me. She got scoops about private conversations. Turns out she is an unregistered animagus, a beetle. She used it to spy on people." He had a wicked grin on his face, "I think I'll offer her an olive branch…well more of an ultimatum."
"Oh my, I see Madam Skeeter having a hard time very soon." Luna giggled.
"You're definitely a seer." Harry smiled at her, "Rita is definitely in for a lot of trouble if I have anything to say about it."
The group laughed heartily at his joke as they pulled into the station. Luna stood up gathering her things before heading to the door, "I do hope the both of you will write to me this summer it'd be great to have friends to write to."
"Of course we will Luna." Harry said, "Right Hermione?"
"Yes of course." Hermione smiled.
"I look forward to our correspondence together." Luna smiled and made her exit.
Harry and Hermione stepped onto the platform and they were immediately approached by Ron, "Where have you two been?" he growled.
"What do you mean Ron we save you a seat you never showed up." Harry said through a fake smile.
"What?!" he growled, "I looked all over for you!"
"Well then that's your fault." Hermione spoke up, "We waited the entire ride and you never showed. We rode the hole way with a second year Ravenclaw girl."
Ron looked as if she had just slapped him, "Seriously?" he exclaimed, "That ridiculous Harry you should have come to find me?"
"Uh, why would I do that? I'm not your keeper Ron." Harry said.
Again Ron gaped at them, "Wh…wha…you'd rather sit alone with Hermione and some random girl than to come find me?"
"As I said Ron…" Harry looked at him, "It's not my responsibility to keep track of you."
"Why are you being like this?" Ron asked in an accusatory tone.
"What are you talking about Ron?" Harry asked, "I don't get why you think I should make tracking you down my highest priority."
"Because your supposed to-" the red head started but he was quickly interrupted.
"Ron what are you doing?" Came the kind motherly voice of Molly Weasley.
"Hello Mrs. Weasley." Harry said smiling his fake smile.
"Harry dear lovely to see you, and Hermione look at you, you've grown so lovely." Molly said to her and Harry could swear he could hear a bit of disdain in her voice when she spoke to Hermione.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley." Hermione said.
"Now what's keeping you?" The Weasley matriarch asked.
"Oh Ron was just telling us why its my job to go looking for him when he didn't show up in our compartment." Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Well Harry and I found a compartment and waited for Ron to join us." Hermione told the red headed woman, "but Ron never showed. So we ended up riding the whole way with a second year Ravenclaw. We made a new friend though."
Mrs. Weasley had a concerned look on her face, "And you didn't go looking for Ronald, Harry?"
"Well that's what we were just discussing Mrs. Weasley." Harry replied, "Ron is under the impression its my job to keep track of him. I don't understand his reasoning."
"Well he's your friend Harry, don't you want to enjoy your trip together." Ron's mother asked.
"Sure, but it's not my responsibility to make sure he joins us." Harry said, "If he was so worried about enjoying the ride with us he should have found us himself."
Mrs. Weasley looked absolutely shocked for a moment then smiled, "Well I guess your right. Come along now Ronald I have to go get dinner ready. We look forward to seeing you this summer Harry." She then pulled Ron away quickly as she joined her other children.
Harry turned to Hermione, "We better go I'm sure your parents are waiting on the other side." Harry said as they gathered their trolleys and moved through the platform barrier.
On the other side were Hermione's parents waiting with smiles. Harry didn't even have a chance to offer them a greeting when his uncle Vernon's cranky voice shouted, "Boy! Don't keep me waiting!"
"I'll see you later Hermione. Don't worry I'll deal with them." Harry whispered in her ear before pushing his trolley over towards his uncle.
When Harry got back to Number Four Privet Drive he started pulling out his things. Harry moved his stuff into the house a smile on his face. When they got inside Vernon snarled, "What are you smirking about? Put your school things in the cupboard."
"Yea that's not going to happen Vernon." Harry said smiling.
Vernon's face immediately went red with anger as he whipped around, "What the hell did you just say to me boy?"
Harry smiled, "I said I'm not putting my things in the cupboard. Did you go deaf while I was away?"
Vernon Dursley looked ready to punch Harry but before he could approach Harry's wand slipped into his hand almost immediately, "As I told you when I turned your sister into a blimp last summer, 'Try me'."
Vernon immediately went pale, "What do you plan to do then? Run away?"
"No not at all. Actually your greatest wish will be coming true in a few weeks." Harry told him, "A new guardian to take me in will be coming forward soon I'll be out of your house in about two to three weeks. Until then I will take my things to my room so I can complete my homework on time and study for next year. I will not be waiting on you hand a foot. Do your own chores from now on, I won't be here for much longer so better get used to it."
Vernon and Petunia, who had come in midway through Harry's speech, both looked god-smacked, "You're serious?" Vernon said growling.
"Yes, Sirius is the name of my new guardian actually." Harry smiled and looked to Petunia.
"Y…you mean…Sirius Black…but he's a murderer!" Petunia squealed.
"Oh he was framed and I have the proof. I will be submitting it to the Ministry of Magic and then he will get a proper trial and be exonerated. However while he is innocent of murder, my godfather has been known to lose his temper. If I tell him about all the things you've done to me…well, he may just become a murder." Harry was grinning as his aunt and uncle looked terrified, "I assume you understand our new arrangement?"
"Perfectly." Vernon said, "You'll just stay in your room then."
"Yes," Harry said, "You don't even have to bother feeding me. I know you hate wasting your precious food on a 'freak' like me. You leave me alone I'll leave you alone, and when I leave I promise not to tell my godfather of all your…misdeeds."
"Very well." Vernon snapped, "Off with you then."
Harry smiled and took his things up stairs, 'That went better than I planned.' He thought as he set down his things. He looked around his room, "Dobby," he called.
There was a POP and the elf stood before him, "Master Harry calls Dobby?" the elf says.
"Hey buddy can you do me a favor?" Harry asks.
"Of course Master it is Dobby's pleasure to assist you." The elf bowed a bit.
"I'll need you to bring me meals from the Hogwarts kitchen for the next few weeks until I leave this place." Harry told him.
"Consider it done Master Harry." The elf told him.
"Thank you, you can bring breakfast around eight or nine in the morning, lunch around one or two in the afternoon, and dinner around six or seven at night."
"Very well sir Dobby will go get your dinner prepared then." The elf said and snapped away.
Harry flopped on his bed and sighed, "Well that'll make life fairly easy for now."
Deep within Gringotts, in the Head Account Manager's office, the goblin named Ragnok VII was looking over the letter he received from Heir Potter:
Sir Ragnok VII,
Thank you sincerely for your letter. I am as shocked as you to learn I was supposed to meet with you on my eleventh birthday. I am currently at Hogwarts but the term will be ending shortly. I shall make plans to visit the day after I return on the Hogwarts Express. I will try to be there by Eleven O'clock in the morning. I request you meet me in the lobby to avoid anyone trying to block our meeting. I hope you will be patience with me if I show up a little late since I live with muggles. It may be hard to be there exactly at Eleven, but I will do my best.
May your vault over flow,
Harry James Potter
The goblin grinned, "Mister Potter is quiet intelligent. He is aware someone is attempting to thwart our meetings. I hope he remembers which goblin was the one who showed him to his trust vault two years ago…I'll behead that traitor." He laid the letter aside, "I look forward to meeting you…Harry Potter." The goblin smiled.
Up Next: Harry and the gang meet up at Gringotts for the reading of his parent's Wills, but he invited a spectator.
Chapter 6: The Reading
The next day Harry awoke early and sent a letter of to the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones, requesting she meet him at the Gringotts entrance to attend a meeting.
This had been Remus's idea, to have her present when the Wills were read. Remus intended to join as well. Sirius would be coming along in his Grim form with Hermione, since he was hiding out at Hermione's pretending to be a stray dog that she has taken a liking too.
Harry had his breakfast, courtesy of Dobby, at nine then he got dressed and went down stairs. The Dursley's were in the kitchen eating breakfast that Petunia cooked. Dudley didn't seemed to please with his meal prepared by his mother. Harry wasn't surprised, Dudley had gotten used to eating Harry's cooking and Harry had always made their food exactly as they liked it since he would be punished if he messed it up.
Dudley saw Harry enter and narrowed his eyes, "And where have you been?" the dumpy boy snarled, "Mum had to make breakfast because you didn't come down."
"Oh Dudley, did mummy and daddy not tell you?" Harry smiled, "That's not my job anymore. Get used to doing your own chores Dudders. I'll be leaving this house soon."
Dudley gaped, "He's lying right?" he looked at his parents with a worried expression.
"No, he'll be out of our house soon…you have to clean up after yourself Dudley." Vernon said.
Dudley looked horrified, his expression made Harry grin, "Anyway I'll be out for most of the day. See you all later." Harry said and walked out the door.
He walked up to the corner and stuck out his wand summoning the Knight Bus. When he boarded he eyed Stan Shunpike, he remembered the idiot had been under the Imperius Curse when the Death Eaters attacked them when they fled Privet Drive on Harry's seventeenth birthday. "Leaky Cauldron please." He said as he passed the conductor his fair.
As the bus took off down the street at high speeds he smirked a little, "Nice to see you again Stan…how are things?" he asked the nineteen year old.
"Doin' good Potter." Stan said, "`Ow bout you?"
"Could be worse." Harry replied, "Tell me Stan if You-Know-Who came back next year…would you join him?"
"What kinda bloody question is that?!" Stan exclaimed, "Why da hell would I wanna do dat?"
Harry smiled, "Just curious…I hope you remember what you just said later in the future. It could get you in a lot of trouble if you go spouting off at the mouth to look cool."
Stan looked confused, "Alright then." He said eyeing Harry with an odd expression.
They soon arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry stepped off the bus turning back to Stan, "Remember what I said Stanley. Mind your mouth in the future…you'll spare yourself a world of trouble." With that Harry walked inside the pub.
Once inside he quickly made his way to the back alley and tapped the bricks on the wall. He stepped through onto Diagon Alley then swiftly made his way to the marble building of Gringotts.
Standing outside the doors was Amelia Bones, Harry recognized her from the hearing he had in his fifth year and the picture that had been in the Prophet his sixth year due to her untimely death. Beside her was Remus who was dressed fancier than usual, and Severus who was dressed in his usual black garb.
Harry walked up to them, "Good morning." He told them, "Sorry I'm a bit late had to take the Knight Bus to get here." He said
"Knight Bus?" Amelia asked, "Your guardians didn't bring you?"
"My guardians are muggles Madam Bones…and they aren't big fans of magic. It takes an act of Parliament to get them to bring me to Kings Cross every year to catch the train to school."
She blinked, "Muggles?"
"Yes, I remember his aunt from when we were children." Severus spoke up, "She always treated Lily like an abomination…of course that was after Dumbledore told her she couldn't go to Hogwarts."
Harry smirked, "I heard about that. I appreciate you both coming today." He then turned to Remus, "Thanks for coming as well Moony, Hermione should be here in a moment."
"Harry!" Hermione came running up waving as Sirius, in his Grim form, trotting up beside her.
"Hermione I beat you here, I'm surprised." Harry said.
"Well mum insisted Padfoot have a bath before we came." She chuckled, "The poor guy was not too happy about her washing him."
The dog laid down and cover his face with his paws as if he were embarrassed. Harry and Severus laughed, "Well as funny as that is, lets head inside, Sir Ragnok is waiting." Harry said
The group nods and they head in.
Harry walks inside and is immediately met by a smartly dressed goblin wearing a muggle looking suit that looked as if it had been shrunk to fit, "Mr. Potter?" the goblin said to him.
"Sir Ragnok?" Harry asked.
"Indeed." The goblin looked at the people behind Harry, "Are these people with you."
"Yes sir, I hope you don't mind that they join us." Harry said.
"If you trust them with the information that will be shared today they are welcome to join us." The goblin said, when Harry nodded the goblin turned, "Very well please follow me."
The goblin led them down a long hall until they reached a door that said, 'Head Account Manager Ragnok'. Ragnok showed them in, inside were three plush chairs.
Harry, Hermione, and Amelia took the chairs, Remus stood behind Harry resting his hands on the chair. Severus stood behind Amelia leaning against the wall a bit while Sirius sat on the floor between Hermione and Harry.
Ragnok took his seat, "Now Mr. Potter, before we begin I have one question for you." He looked at Harry with a serious expression, "Who was the goblin who took you to your trust vault when you came here on your eleventh birthday."
"Well sir." Harry began, "I came here with Rubeus Hagrid that day. He led me to a teller desk telling the goblin there 'Mr. Harry Potter would like to make a withdrawal' after that another goblin named Griphook led us too my trust vault."
Ragnok wrote something down, "Thank you for that information Mr. Potter I will be investigating this and a punishment will be handed down. No matter who you spoke with the moment they heard your last name you should have been brought directly to me. Obviously someone is meddling in your affairs, and one or more goblins are assisting them." Ragnok looked at Harry with a serious expression, "This will not be tolerated in Gringotts. We remain out of Wizard affairs and do not allow those to meddle with our oldest and most respected clients. The Potter family is one of first wizarding families that opened an account with us. They always respected our customs and our people so the sheer audacity of one of our own to meddled in the Potter families affairs is an act of the highest betrayal."
Amelia was taking notes during the conversation, "Harry do you have any idea who is behind this?" She asked.
"We are fairly certain the one responsible is the Headmaster of Hogwarts…Albus Dumbledore." Severus spoke up.
Amelia's eyes widened in surprise, "Really? Now I see why you invited me today."
Harry smiled then looked back to Ragnok, "Sir Ragnok I will do whatever I can in assisting you in your investigation."
"Thank you Mr. Potter." Ragnok said, "Now lets get to down to business." He pulls an old stone box, "Mr. Potter if you would please provide a drop of blood on this crest." He tapped the coat of arms on the box.
Harry stood seeing the emblem on the box.
It was had a pair of stags standing on their hind legs one of their front legs extended, the hilt of a sword between the hooves the blade directed downward.
"So it's a family thing." He mumbled.
He then took the ceremonial blade the goblin offered him and pricked his finger. He held the bleeding finger over the coat of arms and watched as the blood fell on it. Harry felt a rush of magic as there was a clicking sound and the box's lid slid open a crack.
"Perfect, proof you are indeed a Potter." Ragnok said as Harry retook his seat, "Now lets proceed to the reading of the Wills of the late Lord James Potter and his wife Lady Lily Potter `nee Evans." He said as he pulled out three rolls of parchment.
Amelia gasped, "Is this why you actually called for me?" she asked Harry.
"Yes…some very important information will be revealed today." Harry said.
"I will be taking ample notes then." She pulled out her Dicto-Quill.
"I will proceed then." Ragnok said as he unrolled one of the parchments:
The Last Will and Testament of James Fleamont Potter
I, James Fleamont Potter, Lord of House Potter and House Peverell, being of sound mind, body, and free of all compulsion including the Imperius Curse, do hereby pen my Last Will and Testament.
In the event of my death and I leave behind my wife Lily Jade Potter `nee Evans I name her Regent to House Potter and House Peverell until our son Harry James Potter reaches his majority. Should both my wife and I pass at the same time. Which ever guardian from the list of guardians provided for our son Harry James Potter shall be named Regent of both Houses.
Under no circumstances should anyone not named under Harry's list of guardians be allowed to claim themselves Regent of House Potter or House Peverell.
Should I pass and my wife remain she will have control of all the Potter and Peverell Family assets until such time as our son reaches his majority.
Should we both pass the Potter and Peverell Family vaults shall be sealed until Harry James Potter reaches his majority. He will have a trust vault numbered 687 in place with 500,000 Galleons that will refill to that amount each year on his birthday from the main Potter family vault.
Upon reaching the age of eleven Harry James Potter will take up his titles as Heir for both the Potter and Peverell Houses. Until he reaches his majority were he will be named Lord to both Houses.
Signed James Fleamont Potter
Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter
Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell
Executor: Sir Ragnok VII
Witness: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
The room was silent as Harry clenched his fist, but remained quiet as the goblin unrolled another parchment and began reading:
Last Will and Testament of Lily Jade Potter `nee Evans
I, Lily Jade Potter `nee Evans, being of sound mind, body, and free of all compulsion including the Imperius Curse, do hereby pen my Last Will and Testament.
In the event of my death and I leave behind my husband, James Fleamont Potter, I leave him control of all my assets until our son Harry James Potter reaches his majority.
Should my husband and myself both pass on one of the guardians named later will control said assets until Harry reaches his majority.
Under no circumstances should anyone aside from the guardians named for Harry be allowed to have access to the assets I've left behind.
Signed,
Lily Jade Potter `nee Evans
Executor: Ragnok VII
Witness: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Ragnok rolled back up the Lily's Will and unrolled the last parchment:
The list below is a list of guardians named for Harry James Potter in the event of one or both of his parents pass:
In the event of James Fleamont Potter's death, guardianship of Harry James Potter will be left to the child's mother Lily Jade Potter 'nee Evans.
In the event of Lily Jade Potter `nee Evans' death, guardianship of Harry James Potter is left to the child's father James Fleamont Potter.
In the event of both James Fleamont Potter and Lily Jade Potter `nee Evans deaths, below is a list of viable candidates for Harry James Potter's guardianship:
Sirius Orion Black, Harry's Godfather by Godfather Ritual. We know Sirius will love Harry as his own son and protect him with his life.
Alice Longbottom, Harry's Godmother by Godmother Ritual. We are sure you and Frank will love Harry like your own and he and Neville will grow up as brothers.
Remus John Lupin, Harry's honorary uncle. We believe even with your condition if Harry were to grow up with you, he would grow up happy and safe with a broad education.
Minerva McGonagall, James Fleamont Potter's Godmother by Godmother ritual and Harry's Honorary Grandmother. A lioness is the term we use to describe you and a lioness will always protect her cub. We know you will protect Harry he will not be without a proper education.
Lastly, Severus Tobias Snape, We have our differences this is true, but you are also Lily's oldest friend and you would never actually hurt her son.
Finally, we like to add, under absolutely no circumstances should Harry ever be placed in the custody of Petunia Dursley `nee Evans and her husband Vernon Dursley. They are bigoted muggles who will only cause Harry pain. They will not love him, they will shun him he will grow up not knowing anything about who his family is, this is not how we want our son raised.
Signed,
Lord James Fleamont Potter and Lady Lily Jade Potter `nee Evans
Executor: Ragnok VII
Witness: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
The room was silent for a while when suddenly Snape's fist smacked against the stone wall, "That bastard." Severus growled, "He knew…he really knew this entire time."
Amelia Bones' mouth was hanging open, "Black was Harry's godfather…by Godfather Ritual." She said.
"Um…" Hermione spoke up, "What exactly does that mean?"
"Hermione, when someone performs a Godparent Ritual they are basically swearing their life and magic to the child in question." Remus explained, "If they betray the child or the child's parents…they die."
"So then…that proves Sirius Black couldn't have betrayed the Potters to Voldemort." Hermione said stating clearly what she already knew.
"My god you're right." Amelia stood, "I need to find him quickly…before the dementors do…they have a Kiss on sight order."
"Madam Bones, calm down please." Harry told her, "Sirius is safe."
She looks at Harry wide eyed, "You've come in contact with Black?"
"Yes…we all did actually, at Hogwarts. We learned the truth but Fudge wouldn't hear it." Remus said.
"Where is he now." Amelia asked firmly.
Harry looked to the large black dog, "Go on."
The dog nodded and in a matter of moments Sirius stood in the dogs place still dressed in in his prison garb, though he looked much cleaner, "Hello Madam Bones." Amelia stood there wide eyed, "I assume with what you just heard I'll actually get a trail now?"
Amelia shook her head to snap herself out of her daze, "Wait, you never received a trial?!" she exclaimed.
"No, I was thrown into a cell in Azkaban without even seeing a court room." Sirius told her.
"Sweet Merlin…the press is going to have a field day when they hear this." She says as she slumps back into her chair holding her head in her hands. She mumbled to herself for a minute then snapped her head up, "Heir Potter may I please be given copies of the Wills and Guardianship documents."
"Of course but what for?" he asked in a curious tone.
"I'm going to force that idiot Fudge to hold a trial by this Friday or swear to take all this information to the press and drag him through the mud!" she said with a fierce look, "I will not stand for this kind of injustice!" she looked to Sirius, "Lord Black I expect you to stay nearby. I intend to have a trial set up for you as soon as possible. I'd take you in now, but seeing as we are in goblin territory my jurisdiction as Head of the DMLE does not extend here, and even if it did. I'm sure Fudge would try to have you Kissed before I can secure the trial."
"Very well." Sirius said.
"And do try to look more presentable by the day of the trial." She said, "I recommend getting a law wizard. Perhaps your cousin Andromeda's husband, Edward Tonks. You may need some assistance in the court room."
"I'll write to him for you." Harry said to Sirius encouragingly.
"Thank you." Sirius smiled to Harry rubbing the boy's head.
"Give me a week Lord Black…" Amelia said, "You'll be a free man soon." She took the copies Ragnok had made and left swiftly.
"Well…she certainly has a fire lit under her." Severus smirks.
"I fear for Fudge…Amelia is about to put the fear of a god he doesn't even believe in into him." Remus chuckled.
The group laughed amongst themselves when Ragnok cleared his throat, "Lord Black, while it is a pleasure to see you again, however you've shown poor etiquette with that little stunt you just pulled."
"I apologize Sir Ragnok." Sirius bowed, "I would not have been able to enter this building had I walked up in my true form. I do hope you'll forgive me."
"I will let it slide this time given the circumstances." He said with a smirk, "Now I believe it is time Heir Potter claimed his birthright." The goblin said as he stood and led them from the room.
Up Next: Harry claims his Heirships for both the Potter and Peverall Houses, but then runs into a small snag which leads to a visit to Ollivander's.
Chapter 7: Family Magic
The goblin leads the group to the railway cart and they all boarded.
This trip was much longer than the one Harry had to get to his trust vault. It felt as if they had been riding for nearly an hour when the cart finally came to a stop. "Vaults Five and Six." Ragnok said.
"Two vaults?" Harry inquired.
"Yes Heir Potter, the Vaults for House Potter and House Peverell. Coincidently the two vaults were opened side by side. It was only later that the families merged."
Hermione wobbly got off the cart, "You said Vaults Five and Six. Just how deep are we?"
The goblin smiled, "I'll put it to you this way Miss Granger…stay very close…if you get lost…the likelihood of you ever getting out is Nil." Hermione's face blanched and she quickly took Harry's arm squeezing it tightly.
Harry blushed for a moment as he was getting smirks from Sirius and Remus while Severus simply rolled his eyes.
Ragnok led them to the first vault where Harry watched the goblin do as he had seen Griphook do when they broke into Bellatrix's vault. The doors swung opened inside they saw three separate sealed golden doors. The goblin walked in over to the center of the room. "Harry James Potter has come to claim his birthright as Heir to House Potter." Ragnok said loudly in a commanding tone.
The room seemed to suddenly come alive with magic. The other's backed away from Harry as the magic seem to circle him.
Harry felt as if he was being examined by invisible warm hands, then finally the magic subsided. Just as it did, a stone pillar began rising from the floor at Harry's feet. It stopped just at his chest before the crest of the Potter Family appeared in the stone, "More blood?" Harry asked the goblin who nodded in response as he passed Harry the ceremonial dagger again.
Harry pricked his finger as before and dropped the blood on the crest. It shimmered crimson for a moment then the crest split apart revealing a hole, Harry slipped his finger in and pulled out a silver ring.
It was a elaborate ring with an engraving of a stag on each side. A modest ruby was embedded into it, "That is the ring given to the Heir of the Potter House. Put it on." Ragnok told him.
Harry slipped it onto his right middle finger as he did the ring shrunk to fit his hand perfectly. "Wow." He said just before he felt a rush of magic course through him. "What was that?" he asked looking to Sirius and the other adults.
"The Potter Family magic settling in to its rightful place." Sirius said, "With the connection to your family magic you may notice your spells are…stronger…being that you are the last of the Potters and there is no one you are sharing that family magic with…it maybe more…potent." The scruffy man explained.
"You know a lot about family magic Black." Severus mused.
"I assume since you used my last name you are aware of the family I hail from." Sirius retorted, "I was the Heir to the Black Family before I got thrown in Azkaban, Severus."
Severus's mouth gaped a bit, mostly due to Sirius using his first name and not the annoying nickname from their school days, "Is that so?" he said as he regained his composure.
"Gentleman…" Ragnok cleared his throat then looked to Harry, "Heir Potter that ring gives you the right to claim the Potter seat once you reach your majority. As stipulated in your father's will…until you claim the Lord's ring these doors will remained sealed." He gestures to the three golden doors around them. Now…lets pop over to the Peverell vault."
They went over to vault six and went through the same process. The Peverell Heir ring was golden with a phoenix engraved into it, and an emerald gem that matched Harry's eyes. Harry slipped that Heir ring on his left middle finger and felt the same rush of magic.
"I'm definitely going to need to practice before I use any magic…I might blow something up with all this family magic." He jokes aloud.
"That is if your wand itself doesn't explode." Ragnok suddenly spoke up.
Harry whipped his head in the goblins direction, "My wand might explode?!"
"Indeed, Mr. Potter you got that wand on your eleventh birthday, the day you were supposed to come here and accept your Heirships. However you were kept from doing so, which prevented you from being accepted by your family magic, that wand currently in your possession has only chosen your personal magic…it may be best to get it refitted with Mr. Ollivander before you use it. Worst case? You may need a custom wand made."
Harry blinked, 'Is that why I got the brother to Voldemort's wand? Since my personal magic is intertwined with his?' he thought.
"Now with that taken care of, I believe we should head back up." Ragnok started towards the door.
"Uh sir Ragnok one more thing." Harry said as he began plundering into his messenger bag. He pulls out the bound velvet box that held the Diadem and held it out to the goblin.
Ragnok flinched from it, "Heir Potter, what is that?! It has a foul magic!" he hissed.
"I apologize but I recently discovered Voldemort created a number of…Horcruxes." Harry said.
The goblin gawked, "And what's in that is one of them?"
Harry nodded then looked to Severus who drew his wand, "May I?" he asked the goblin who nodded. Severus tapped the box and Harry's bindings came undone. Harry then opened it slowly revealing the Diadem.
Ragnok's fearful face twisted into rage, "How dare he corrupt a goblin made artifact! That was made for Lady Ravenclaw by the goblins centuries ago! He dared to defile my ancestors work!"
"I understand your fury Sir Ragnok. He took liberties with a number of the Hogwarts founders artifacts...that were goblin made." Harry said, "Another of which I have reason to believe is currently in one of your vaults."
Ragnok's rage escalated, "He hid a defiled goblin made item in one of our own vaults?! Do you know who's?"
"Well if my suspicions are correct. I'm fairly certain it will be in one of those within his inner circle…Bellatrix Lestrange perhaps?" Harry said feigning ignorance.
"We'll start with her vault and search every known Death Eaters vault…However heir Potter should we find nothing I will have to fine you for wasting Gringotts time." He looked at Harry sternly.
Harry bowed his head gently, "I will accept your punishment should it be necessary, as for this…" he held out the Diadem, "I have been informed you can remove the vile soul without destroying the artifact. I was hoping you could assist me in this."
Ragnok flicked his wrist and the box was quickly incased in a sphere like bubble, "It would be my pleasure, afterward I shall gift it back to you for allowing me the honor to protect my ancestors craftsmanship."
"Personally I'd rather you lock it in the Potter family vault. So it may never be misused again." Harry said to him.
"Very well." Ragnok said, "Now, let us return to the surface."
Once they arrived back to the top Sirius returned to his Grim form and trotted at Harry's side. Ragnok dismissed them and they left the marble building. Hermione immediately went off to Flourish and Blotts, accompanied by Remus, while Harry went with Severus to Ollivander's.
The wand maker was shocked to see Harry but even more surprised at Harry's wand, that seemed to be rejecting him. Harry gave the wand maker a brief explanation of recent events and swearing him to secrecy. He took the wand and told them the core was no longer a match.
Harry smirked at this, 'So Dumbledore's familiar doesn't match with my family magic…its almost as if he knew this and purposely kept me from becoming the heir to my families just so I'd end up with the matching wand to Voldemort. ' Harry thought to himself getting slightly angry which caused his newly acquired Family magic to start rolling off him in waves.
Severus watched this in awe the display he was witnessing reminding him of Lily when she would get angry, "Careful…Potter." He said calmly to the boy who immediately calmed down.
"Mr. Potter with this new information I believe I will have to make you a custom wand. Would you mind joining me in the back please." Ollivander gestured to the back area, and Harry followed him.
The room was wall to wall shelves filled with different wood types and wand cores. Mr. Ollivander led Harry to a table in the center of the room, "Please, place your hands on this table, then close your eyes and focus your magic. Allow it to reach out to the materials in this room to find the ones most suitable to you." The old man then stepped away putting distance between them, while Severus watched from the doorway with a look of curiosity on his face.
Harry stood there with his eyes closed his magic spilling from him slowly. Harry felt his magic licking at the different materials throughout the room this continued until he felt his magic tug on something and there was a clatter on the table in front of him. Harry kept his eyes closed and continued until there was another tug then a shuffle on the table, another tug and clatter.
Finally Harry's magic calmed down and he heard the shuffling of Mr. Ollivander's feet as the man made his way back to the table, "Merlin's beard!" the old man exclaimed.
Harry opened his eyes and looked down seeing four different things on the table in front of him, "What are all these sir?" Harry asked the wand maker.
The man lifts two pieces of wood, "Never have I seen two wand woods chosen." He looked down at them, "Acacia wood and Ash Wood a wand made with both of these woods will never bend to another wielder's will. It will be unyielding to anyone but you." He looked at Harry with mystical expression.
"Will you be able to use two woods?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes…" the old man said, "It will be difficult but I will succeed rest assured." He set the woods down and moved to what appeared to be a golden antler, "The antler of an Eikthyr. A mystical stag, the first was rumored to be the child of Fate and Death. The creature was said to be a sign of good luck for any who earned its blessing would have their fate changed to that of a prosperous one. However, evil people began to hunt them to drink their blood or make jewelry of their horns. The last one was seen was by my father…the creature gifted this to him, or so his journal said, telling him to make the wand of the master of Fate and Death…my father could never find anything compatible with it…" he looked up to Harry with a wary look, "Master of Fate and Death…is that who you are now Mr. Potter?"
"More like old friends." Harry smirked.
The old man then picked up a phoenix feather and held it close to the horn, "This feather came from the familiar of a very powerful wizard…Ignotus Peverell…he offered it to my great grandfather saying it will only welcome a true descendent of his line…Mr. Potter…some very interesting things are coming to light today."
Harry kept a straight face, "Will you be able to make a wand with two wood types and two cores?" he asked.
"Oh yes…as I said before, it will be difficult. I will have to consult my father's old notes, but I should have it ready for you in about two weeks." He laid the core materials back down, "Until then we'll need to find you a temporary wand I'm afraid if you tried using your current wand in anyway, it will be disastrous."
The old man plundered his shelves giving Harry wand after wand but none seemed to fit correctly. Finally they settled on a wand that allowed Harry to do basic spells, but nothing more, "This will do I won't be able to use magic over the Holidays anyways." Harry said.
"Very well," Mr. Ollivander says, "I will get started on your custom wand Mr. Potter once its finished I shall I owl you?"
"Actually, could you send word to Professor Snape here." Harry gestured to Severus, "I'm afraid my mail is being watched…this is a matter of the utmost secrecy sir."
"I understand." He gave Harry a bow.
Harry turned to Severus, "Shall we catch up with Remus and Hermione?" he asked.
"Indeed." Severus said still looking at Harry with a curious expression, 'After everything I've seen and heard today…I pity Voldemort…this boy is a force to be reckoned with…otherwise Fate would likely not favor him so much.' Severus thought.
The two left the wand shop and rejoined a waiting Sirius, in his animagus form, who's tail wagged at the sight of Harry. Next they went into Flourish and Blotts where Hermione had Remus standing at the register with a pile of books in his arms, 'Same old Hermione.' Harry thought with a smile as he joined her to look over the books she had gathered for her research.
Up Next: Sirius's long overdue trial finally takes place revealing multiple secrets to the public.
Chapter 8: The Exoneration
Amelia Bones marched through the Ministry with a look of fierce determination on her face.
She was headed to the Minister of Magic's office and nothing was getting in her way. She walked right past the secretary who tried to say something but was silenced in and instance with a fierce glare.
She opened the door to find Minister Fudge sitting at his desk, the two seats across from him were filled by Lucius Malfoy and the pink toad of a woman, Delores Umbridge, "Amelia, what the devil?" Fudge croaked.
"I have a highly sensitive matter to discuss with you Cornelius…" she looked at the other two, "Everyone else…out." She said firmly.
"Surely that's not necessary." Umbridge said is her sickeningly sweet tone, "Whatever you have to say to Cornelius surely cannot be so important it must be kept from his Senior Undersecretary and his most generous benefactor."
Cornelius looked to Amelia with a hopeful expression.
Her face however became even more stern, "I said out!" she repeated herself even more resolute than before, "Should you refuse me again I will charge both of you with obstructing the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Now leave."
Lucius immediately rose, "Very well." He said as he picked up the cane that concealed his wand, "Cornelius, I'll see you at the World Cup." The blonde immediately made his way out.
Delores on the other had continued to sit there scowling at Amelia. "If I have to tell you again Delores I will have you in a Detention cell for the next seventy-two hours. Leave!"
"Cornelius are you really going to sit there and let her order me around in YOUR office." Umbridge looked to the Minister.
Cornelius had a fearful expression on his face however not even a hint of defiance, "Delores dear please, do as she says." Umbridge gaped at him then stood up in a huff making her way out of the room glaring at Amelia as she passed.
As soon as she left Amelia pointed her wand to the door closing and locking it, she then cast multiple charms to detect eavesdropping spells and once she disabled them she added protections against them.
Once that was done she whipped around to Fudge her stern expression now completely focused on him, "Call back the dementors immediately." She ordered.
"I bed your pardon? What are you talking about?" Fudge looked absolutely livid now, "The dementors are hunting for Black, he has to be caught."
"Cornelius shut up and listen to me!" She slammed her hands on his desk hard making him jump, "Black is innocent and I have the proof."
His eyes widened, "What proof could you possibly have that would exonerate him?"
"The Last Will and Testament of the late Lord and Lady Potter." She said smugly.
"WHAT?!" Cornelius exclaimed, "Impossible, Dumbledore said their wasn't one that why he is Harry Potter's Guardian."
"Albus lied Cornelius." Amelia said, as she pulled the copies she had received from Gringotts from her robes, "Two nights ago I received a owl from Harry Potter himself requesting my presence at Gringotts. I arrived to find Remus Lupin, and Severus Snape waiting for him as well. We were joined by Potter and his friend Hermione Granger and went to the Head Account Manager's office. Coincidently this account manager was also the Potter Family's account manager and he was not happy."
"And why is that?" Fudge asked.
"Because Harry Potter was supposed to have come seen him on his eleventh birthday to receive his Heir title and read his parents Wills, however when the day arrived Harry never showed." She went on, "Harry Potter assures he was there on his eleventh birthday escorted by Rubeus Hagrid. The goblin is opening his own investigation as to why Harry was not directed to him that day and he has insured a swift punishment to those responsible. But that has nothing to do with us, this however," she hold up the Wills and Guardianship registration, "This does." She passed them to the Minister.
Fudge unrolled the parchments and read them one by one. For the first two he didn't find anything that proved Sirius's innocence, but when he got to the last page his face grew paler and paler and his eyes widened, "G…go…Godfather Ritual…then…" he looks up to Amelia who was grinning.
"Exactly, Black couldn't have ever betrayed the Potters." She said flatly, "Not without dying on the spot."
"But what about Pettigrew…Black killed him!" Fudge claimed.
"Did he?" she asked as she pulled out a file and slapped it onto Fudge's desk, "The report from Black's arrest, I combed this over thoroughly and I'm appalled by the lack of information. It seemed the only thing the Aurors during that debacle were interested in was wiping the muggle's memory. None of them actually checked Black's wand to see its most recent spells. It states Pettigrew was killed by a blasting curse yet the only thing found was a finger…no additional remains…no blood, bone…tell me Minister have you seen a blasting curse in action on a human…it's extremely messy and yet there wasn't a single drop of blood at the scene."
Fudges face blanched, "Merlin's beard…" he mumbled.
"That's not all Cornelius..." she said. Fudge looks at her nervously. "Are you aware that Sirius Black was, at the time of his arrest, Heir to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black?"
"I heard rumors…" he then looked to Amelia, "Its true?"
"Indeed and since the last Head of House Black died in 1991, Sirius Black is the Lord of House Black…" She said, "And finally what do you think the Pureblood fanatic families would do if they discovered that a Lord of an Ancient and Most Noble family was chucked into Azkaban without ever being given a trial."
Fudge was white as a ghost, "He never went to trial?!"
"No…it appears former Minister Bagnold, Albus Dumbledore, and Bartimus Crouch Sr. opted to simply throw him in a cell with no trial." She place her hands on the desk and looked at the Minister sternly, "So I tell you once again…call back the dementors and set up a trial as soon as possible."
"Yes…you're right the dementors should be called back." Fudge began thinking hard, "But how will we get Black to come to the trial? He's on the run."
"I'll send word through Harry Potter I'm sure Black is keeping an eye on him." She said holding back a smirk.
"Very well then, but how do we deal with Dumbledore?" Fudge asked, "He put Black away without trial for a reason. He is the Chief Warlock."
"Well ask him to recuse himself since he seems to have a connection to this case." Amelia said, "And with him stepped down YOU will be acting Chief Warlock during the trial."
Fudge's color had returned to his face, "Your right, and when Black is acquitted it will make it look as if I'm correcting the mistakes of my predecessor."
Amelia smirked, 'Hook, Line, and Sinker.' She thought, 'The fool will do what ever it takes to ensure his reelection." She nodded at his assessment, "Very true Minister. Now until the trial is set I expect you to keep this matter between us." She looked at him sternly, "If I catch wind of you passing this information to anyone including your benefactor or Madam Undersecretary I will file charges of conspiracy against you. Am I clear?"
Fudge's face paled a bit and he nodded, "Crystal."
"Excellent. Now lets hammer out the details." She sat down and pulled out her Dicto-quill.
A week later Harry Potter was sitting in Courtroom Eight.
He smirked as he watched Dumbledore be recused from his position. It didn't take longer than an hour thanks to Edward 'Ted' Tonks, the law wizard who plowed thought the evidence presented to him in a few short hours.
He and his wife had been livid when they learn Sirius was never given a trial, and when the Guardianship document was read Andromeda Tonks 'Nee Black, sobbed when she learned of the ritual Sirius had done. Ted assured them that alone would be sufficient evidence to prove his innocence. Since if the Potters truly made Pettigrew their Secret Keeper killing him would have been a betrayal of them as well which would have resulted in Sirius death.
Once the Tonks' agreed to help Sirius revealed himself, having been in his animagus form the entire time. Andromeda hugged her cousin hard before fretting over how he looked. Within minutes she was making him chug Nourishment Potions, giving him a hair cut, and feeding him a proper hot meal. By the time the retired Mediwitch was done Sirius looked ten years younger and a few pounds fatter.
When they received Amelia's letter about the trial Ted immediately got to work preparing their case. When the day finally arrived, Harry sat himself in a seat close to Sirius.
Dumbledore had been surprised when he was called in for a session, then when he saw Sirius in the defendant's seat the twinkle he usually had in his eye suddenly vanished. The old man was not pleased when he was recused for this case and Fudge took his place since now he could only watch as his plan was unraveled.
Dumbledore's shock did not end there however, the first piece of evidence Ted pulled was the Last Will and Testament of the late Potters. The Headmaster looked as if someone had smacked him as the Wills were read and he was listed as a witness. All eyes were on him, many of which were glares or sneers.
Shortly after that, Sirius willingly gave a testimony while under Veritaserum and explained in detail what happen the morning of November 1st, 1981.
He told them after he found the Potters and let Hagrid take Harry, he then went after Pettigrew, the Potter's true secret keeper. He told them how Peter caught him off guard and blasted the street before cutting off his finger and transforming into a rat. The questions move to his escape Sirius told them how Fudge had been visiting and gave him a paper it was there he saw the rat who was sitting on the shoulder of Ronald Weasley. He knew the Weasley boy was at Hogwarts and so was Harry. So he broke out because he had to protect his Godson.
When the interrogation ended no one could refute a thing, and to put the cherry on top Ted called Harry to the stand. Harry smiled and stood. Dumbledore gawked a bit, he hadn't even notice Harry until his name was called. Harry took the stand and offered the memory of the night he first met Sirius Black, from his previous life. A projector pensive was brought in and the entire Wizengamot watched all the way up to the point Harry lost consciousness at the pond. They all gasped when they watch the rat transform into Pettigrew.
When the memory ended Amelia Bones stood up, "Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot I believe we've all seen enough now shall we vote?" there were murmured nods throughout the hall, "All in favor of conviction?" Only a few wands went up most of them were the Death Eaters who escaped Azkaban including Lucius Malfoy and Delores Umbridge who was scowling a bit as she looked around the room, "All in favor of clearing the accused of all charges?" Amelia said as she raised her own wand. Every wand that didn't go up before was now in the air.
Fudge banged his gavel, "Cleared of all charges." He said. Those who voted for the exoneration began applauding, "Sirius Black shall be awarded 12,000 galleons as compensation for his wrongful imprisonment by the previous administration. His wand will be returned, and should he chose to he may return to his post as Senior Auror in the Auror Department."
"Excuse me Minister…" Ted Tonks called out, "There is another matter we would like to bring before you today." He called out loudly for the entire Wizengamot to hear. The room immediately went quiet.
"Proceed." Fudge told him.
"The matter we like to bring before you all is the custody of one Harry James Potter." Ted said. There were many gasps but Ted continued, "As stated in the his parents Wills, Sirius Black was the first choice as their son's guardian. We would like to petition for his rights as Harry's guardian to go into effect immediately."
"Objection!" Albus stood, "Sirius has been in Azkaban for twelve years. I'm sure he isn't mentally prepared to take over guardianship of Harry at this time."
Ted turned to Dumbledore and smirked, "First of all Albus, I believe you recused yourself from this trial, you have no right to object to anything, but I will allow that objection to go through and I will ask you…Who is Harry's current guardian?"
Albus's eyes narrowed, "I am…" he said quietly.
"Hmmm funny, I don't believe you were named as a guardian in his parents Wills." Ted said looking as if he were thinking, "So I assume Harry lives with you?" Albus didn't reply. Ted turned to Harry who was still sitting on the stand, "Harry, do you live with Albus Dumbledore?"
"No sir, I live with my muggle aunt and uncle." Harry said flatly.
The entire hall gasped and an uproar began, "Lords and Ladies, I believe we all just heard what Heir Potter just said," Ted called out, "and I'm sure you remember the Wills that were previously read, the guardianship section explicitly stated Harry was to NEVER be place with his mother's sister and her husband." He turned back to Harry, "Harry do you have a happy life living with your aunt and uncle?"
"I'm treated like a slave Mr. Tonks." Harry said, "From the time I was old enough to stand I was made to cook their meals. If I burnt a single piece of bacon I was beaten. If I had any displays of accidental magic I was locked in a cupboard under the stairs for a week and not allowed to eat. That same cupboard was my bedroom up until the time I got my first Hogwarts letter. The only reason they moved me was they were afraid someone was watching. If it would please the court I'll provide a few memories." He said calmly.
The court room demanded to see this and Harry offered three memories; the first was when he was four years old. Young Harry was standing at the stove on a stool cooking while wearing clothes that were clearly too big for him. His uncle Vernon walked up and started yelling saying he wasn't cooking the eggs right. His uncle then grabbed a nearby pan and smacked Harry in the head with it sending the boy to the ground sobbing.
The next memory showed his aunt holding a fistful of his hair as she sloppily cut his unruly hair then locked him in the cupboard, the next morning young Harry's hair had grown back he was immediately beaten then dragged to the cupboard and locked in. The last memory was of ten year old Harry running from his cousin and the fat boy's friends. When they finally caught him the boys proceeded to kick and punch skinny little Harry.
"I believe we've seen enough!" Albus called out.
"I agree." Ted said turning to Albus, "Not only did you illegally take custody of Harry, you placed him in a home where he was subjected to abuse worse than most house elves had ever received. Clearly the one not fit to be a guardian is you Albus Dumbledore. How you're allowed to be Headmaster to a school full of children baffles me." Ted said flatly before turning back to Cornelius, "Once again I move to allow Sirius Black to take up his role as Harry's guardian by the rite of the Godfather ritual."
"All in favor of granting Sirius Black guardianship of Heir Potter?" Cornelius asked. Almost every wand was in the air, "All opposed?" he asked. Lucius Malfoy and Delores Umbridge along with three others wands were in the air. "Motion granted!" Cornelius banged his gavel, "Harry Potter's guardianship is hence forth transferred to Sirius Orion Black."
Harry had the largest grin on his face as he hopped down and ran to Sirius hugging him tightly. Sirius hugged him back "Lets go home Prongslet." Sirius said as he held the boy close.
"Alright…but we seriously have to remodel Grimmauld Place that place is a disaster zone." Harry whispered.
"I know, I know come on lets go." He chuckled and wrapped an arm around Harry's neck and guided him out of the hall neither of them paying attention to the death glares they were receiving from Dumbledore.
Up Next: While Dumbledore frets over his plans falling apart, Harry and Sirius get settled into Grimmauld Place. Sirius decides to follow Harry's advice and has a heart to heart with Severus.