Chapter 9
Preparations and Portraits
August 1st, 1991
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Albus Dumbledore rapped his knuckles on the door of the home that belonged to his old friend, Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody. He waited and waited, but did not dare knock again. He knew Alastor was home. The retired ex-Auror was simply being cautious.
"Reveal yourself!" the gruff voice of Alastor Moody said from the other side of the door. "Attempt to fool me and it be your head!"
"It is I, Albus Dumbledore, my old friend," Albus stated clearly, "I sent you a message via Patronus earlier announcing my arrival. I would never dare trod on your doorstep unannounced."
A grumbled muttering, followed by the mechanical clicking of locks was heard, and the door opened only slightly. Albus smiled when he saw the familiar bright-blue magical eye, rolling around in its socket; it was the only thing of his friend he could see through the doorway. Moody grunted again and opened the door some more, then jerked his head backward. Albus smiled and walked into the house. He followed Moody through the house and into a quaint looking sitting room. Amongst the usual furniture, Albus could see various contraptions that were perfect for the perpetually paranoid.
"Can I offer you anything?" Moody asked; the question came in a grunt as he sat down in a rocking chair and propped up his fake leg. .
"No thank you, Alastor," Albus said, as he sat down in a chair a few feet away, "I won't be long. I am here to ask you for a favor."
"A favor, eh?" Moody asked, "How many favors do we owe one another now? I lost count!"
"Sadly, so have I," Albus said, with a chuckle.
"What can I do for you then?" Moody asked.
"Harry Potter made his long-awaited return to the wizarding world yesterday," Albus said.
"Did he now?" Moody asked, with a lop-sided grin, "How old is the boy? Eleven, isn't he?"
"Aye," Albus, "His birthday was yesterday. He will begin his first year at Hogwarts come September." He gave a world-weary sigh. "That is, if he shows up to Hogwarts."
"You have doubts he will attend your school?" Moody asked, "Surely he would want to walk the same halls, and learn from the same Professors as his parents, in order to be closer to them in some way."
"That is not the issue, Alastor," Albus said, "You see, yesterday Rubeus Hagrid was supposed to escort the boy into Diagon Alley to take him shopping for school supplies. Hagrid and Harry got as far as Gringotts, and – well – as far as Hagrid remembers, that is all that happened."
"Drunk his short-term memory away temporarily, did he?" Moody asked, with a laugh, "Sounds like something Hagrid would do. Or... maybe you think someone compelled Hagrid to leave Harry at the bank and forget about him?"
"If that is so, then it brings on so many problems," Albus said, "First of all, Hagrid is half-giant, though not many people know that – most think he just has big bones."
Moody snorted. "Only because you tell them that! No ordinary human will ever grow Hagrid's size!"
"My point," Albus pressed on, "is that there aren't many spells that can work on half-giants. As you well know, they, along with the full-blooded giants are magic-resistant."
"Aye," Moody nodded. "That does present some problems. Whoever compelled Hagrid had to be pretty strong with their magic."
"Which brings me to my main point for visiting," Albus said, "I fear Harry Potter is missing, Alastor, that he has been kidnapped by someone with negative intentions toward the boy. He could have met just about anyone in Diagon Alley, and they could have offered to help him shop, then who knows what after that. There is a reason I wanted the boy to live in the Muggle world all these years. Nobody with evil intentions toward the boy would ever believe he would live with Muggles. With the Muggles, he is safe from the followers of Voldemort. I have seen to that. Unfortunately, those very wards I placed around Harry's house are wilting away. They will vanish by this coming Saturday at nightfall."
"So you decided to contact me," Moody said. "I see what you're thinking. Ol' Mad-Eye doesn't have anything better to do now that the Ministry gave him a forced retirement for a Christmas present. I may be a retired Auror, but I am still an Auror in heart, body, mind and spirit."
"Indeed," Albus said, "I have come for your skills, old friend. You are an excellent tracker; you were even before you lost your eye, and you're even better with that gift of yours. If anyone can find Harry Potter by Saturday night, it is you."
Moody stared at Albus with both eyes, a long stare that Albus recognized as one he used when he was thinking and contemplating silently.
"What does the boy look like?" Moody asked a full minute later. "Like James, I reckon?"
"I would say so," Albus said, with a nod.
"I'll do it, Albus," Moody said, "Merlin knows I need some entertainment in my life. But if – when I find him, you owe me for this. Big time."
"You'll receive a better Christmas present than the Ministry gave you last year," Albus said.
Moody snorted. "Not a difficult task. I don't reckon this task will be too difficult either. We know he must have spent quite a while in Diagon Alley. I'll start there."
"Good plan," Albus said.
"Am I getting any help on this?" Moody asked, "Members of the Order, perhaps?"
"Unfortunately not," Albus said, "If too many people find out that Harry Potter's whereabouts are unknown, word might get out to the public, and the newspapers, and the Ministry."
Moody grunted. "Alright. I'll work alone. It will just make it more difficult. Say, I thought you had some contraptions keeping an eye on Potter? And what about the Ministry? The boy must have a wand now, and is itching to try it out."
"Alas, my contraptions have all been mysteriously destroyed," Albus said, "As for the Ministry... it is highly possible the boy has a wand that does not have the Trace on it."
"The only reason Ollivander would remove the Trace from a wand," Moody said, "would be if the boy was Emancipated."
"A possibility," Albus said, "Another possibility is this: if the boy went shopping with some untrustworthy individuals, then they might have gone to Knockturn Alley. The wand-makers there remove the Trace from each and every wand, no matter the buyer's age, status of Emancipation, et cetera."
"That is a good point," Moody nodded. "This is hell in a hand-basket, Albus. But rest assured. By Saturday eve, Harry will be back with those Muggles of his."
Albus smiled. "I wish you the best of luck on a quick end to this mission, my old friend. If you need any of my assistance, do not hesitate to ask. I best be going now and let you get started."
The two old men stood, and Moody escorted Albus out of the house. After he said goodbye, Albus walked down the sidewalk, then Apparated directly into his office at Hogwarts. He made his way over to his desk and sat down. Popping a lemon drop in his mouth, he sucked on it and chuckled heartily. With Moody on the prowl for Harry Potter, Albus could focus on other things.
But first... lunch!
August 3rd, 1991
Friday afternoon found Ragnok The Sixth sitting in his office at Gringotts. He was working on some final preparations for what would be an eventful meeting the following day. Ever since Harry Potter walked into Gringotts, Ragnok had been quite busy, and he never felt better in his long life. The nigh-on ten years between the deaths of James and Lily Potter, and Harry Potter's return to the wizarding world were rather boring for the future King of the Goblins; at least compared to what he was doing now.
Ragnok, though he was the future King, did not find him better than any of his fellow Goblins. Therefore, he didn't take more than his share of the high-end Vaults to watch over. Most of the vaults he watched over were Minor houses, much smaller than the Potter Family Vault. Sure he had done his fair share of Inheritance Tests, and a couple of Wills here and there, but never did he have to deal with anything as exciting as what he had experienced with Lord Potter and Lady Ravenclaw. He was looking forward to working with them in the future.
At the moment, he was going through the notes regarding the funds stolen by Molly Weasley and Albus Dumbledore over the years. He had collaborated with the Keepers of the Prewett, Weasley and Dumbledore Vaults to collect information, all of which would help with the meeting the following day.
After the meeting tomorrow, he would be sending a letter to Albus Dumbledore that he had been planning on since Wednesday. The Dursleys investigation would begin then, but he had a feeling he would be working together with the Ministry on that particular one, something Gringotts rarely did.
A knock on the door made him look up from his notes. He grunted his approval for an audience, and the door opened. His assistant, Bogrod, and Axehandle, the Head of the Goblin Security walked into the room. He was expecting the latter, but was curious as to why Bogrod was there.
"What is it, Bogrod?" Ragnok asked.
"One of our human spies in Diagon Alley told me something particularly interesting," Bogrod said, "Alastor Moody was in the marketplace earlier this morning. Usually that isn't surprising, but why he was there is. Apparently he has been asking questions to the shopkeepers, wanting to know if any of them saw Harry Potter recently."
Ragnok raised an eyebrow. The human spies Bogrod referred to were some of the shopkeepers in Diagon and Knockturn Alley who needed assistance in help paying their rent for their shops. They had agreed to spy on anyone making particularly interesting purchases, or talking about interesting things.
"I assume our spy spoke to Moody?" Ragnok asked.
Bogrod nodded in affirmation. "The man was wondering who Lord Potter was shopping with. They told him nothing. Our spy asked around to the different shopkeepers, and none of them seemed to remember seeing Lord Potter in the marketplace."
"I believe I can be of some help here," Axehandle said, "I had a couple of my security team follow the Lord and Lady when they went shopping after their tasks here were finished; they were invisible, of course, the Lord and Lady didn't even know they were there. It was reported that Lady Ravenclaw used a glamor charm on Lord Potter to hide his identity. Only the wand-maker Ollivander could see through the glamor, and Madam Malkin discovered Lord Potter's identity due to the need for the Family Shields on the Lord's outfits. Both shopkeepers agreed to keep their identities a secret."
"Then I assume Alastor Moody found none of the information he was looking for?" Ragnok asked.
"As far as our spy could tell," Bogrod said, "Moody found out nothing."
"Hmm," Ragnok said, "I highly doubt Moody is looking for Lord Potter for his own reasons. Someone is wanting to find the young Lord for their own gains, someone who knows Moody well enough to ask for a favor like this. Probably Albus Dumbledore. The night he removed his package from one of our Vaults, he looked at me oddly, as if he wanted to speak to me. He probably realized I had spoken to Lord Potter. I will talk to Lord Potter about Alastor Moody tomorrow, Bogrod. Thank you. Do we have a room available for the Potter Will Reading tomorrow?"
"I will do that right now, Keeper Ragnok," Bogrod said, "By your leave."
He bowed slightly, then left the room.
"Axehandle, please tell me you have good news!" Ragnok said.
"I do, Keeper Ragnok," Axehandle said, "The long search for the Horcrux is over. Helga Hufflepuff's legendary goblet has been found. My best Goblin Curse Breakers are working on it now, and they assure me the artifact will go undamaged."
"I have a feeling that the Heir of Hufflepuff will be revealed soon, possibly as soon as tomorrow," Ragnok said. "Tell the Curse Breakers, that when the Horcrux is removed, they are to keep it safe until tomorrow in case the Heir is found. If the Heir is not found tomorrow, the goblet will go into the Hufflepuff Vault."
"Yes, Keeper Ragnok!" Axehandle said.
"Which Vault was it in?" Ragnok asked.
"The Lestrange Vault," Axehandle said.
Ragnok frowned. He could not believe it! The Horcrux had been in one of the largest Vaults all these years! The vault in question was only a few yards from the Potter Family Vault. To think, he, Lord Potter and Lady Ravenclaw had been only a few feet away from where the Horcrux was located!
"It is as we thought then," Ragnok said, "A Horcrux has been in our Vaults for at least nine years. The three Lestranges have been in Azkaban these nine years. The Vault hadn't been opened since before then."
"I retrieved the Goblet from the Vault myself," Axehandle said, "I'm not sure whether the Lestranges knew what the Goblet was cursed with, but they were guarding it well. There were Flagrante and Gemini Curses on all the objects in the Vault, including the Galleons, Sickles and Knuts, and the Cup itself as well. Easy to do away with, but most human wand-wielders would have a bit of trouble with it."
"One of Voldemort's followers dared to place this abomination in our Vaults," Ragnok said, "Probably from Voldemort's orders himself. We will punish them all for it, if only to give Voldemort and his followers more trouble if he should ever try to return to power. Axehandle, I have two jobs for you. On Sunday, I will need you and some Curse Breakers and Ward Breakers – both Goblin and Human – for a mission regarding another Horcrux. None of the humans are to know what we are looking for. All human volunteers must agree to having their memory of this mission wiped from their minds, but in turn they will be paid greatly."
"I will put together a team, Keeper Ragnok," Axehandle said. "And the second job?"
"On Monday, letters will go out to all of Voldemort's followers who are free," Ragnok said, "They will have twenty-four hours to empty their Vaults, or they will lose everything before their Vaults are closed. I am sure there will be some... upset customers... coming into the bank following this. Be sure your security is forewarned."
"It will be done," Axehandle said, "By your leave."
Ragnok nodded, and Axehandle turned and left the room. Ragnok relaxed in his chair and smiled to himself. Two of Voldemort's foul Horcruxes had been discovered and destroyed, and another would be found on Sunday. He did not know how many were still out there, but they needed to be destroyed. If Voldemort returned to the same, or worse, power he had during the human's Great War, then he knew both humans and Goblins would suffer. He would not allow that to happen!
He shook himself out of his reverie, and returned to his notes. Tomorrow would be quite eventful! He was pleased to be a part of it!
August 4th, 1991
Shortly after eight-o-clock Saturday morning, Harry Potter was standing in his bedroom at Potter Manor, in front of a body-length mirror. He admired the outfit he was in, with a smile.
He was wearing formal dress robes that was proper wear for a Lord on an occasion such as the one he was about to witness. His House crests, both the Griffin and Swords of Potter and the odd circle-triangle symbol of Peverell, were proudly worn on patches directly over his heart. Beneath the two patches was a smaller crest of the Minor House of Evans. Underneath the robes were Muggle appropriate clothing; he and Holly would be venturing into the Muggle world to shop after they were finished in Gringotts and Diagon Alley.
He brushed a hand over his hair, attempting to flatten it, but it was of no use. He then adjusted his eyeglasses, smiling at the thought that the blasted things would be gone after today – he was planning on buying a pair of magical contacts.
Deciding he looked proper enough, he strapped his wand-holster on his arm, stored his Holly wand inside it, and covered it with the sleeve of his robes. He then left his bedroom and walked through the Manor, searching for Holly. He heard her before he found her. It sounded like she was talking to someone. Curious, Harry walked into one of the few rooms he had not visited in the Manor before, and found that instead of a normal room, it resembled a hall of sorts.
Holly stood in the center of the hall, staring at a wall. She was wearing an outfit fit for a proper Lady, a vest which proudly shown the crest of the Minor House of Evans over her heart, and a skirt which went below her knees.
"Holly?" Harry asked.
Holly turned and smiled at Harry. "You're looking quite handsome."
Quelling his blush, Harry cleared his throat. "I heard you talking to someone."
"I am," Holly said, "Come... meet your grandparents."
Harry raised his eyebrows, thinking Holly may be going slightly mad. He walked forward into the hall-like room, an saw that it was adorned with many portraits of various people. On the plaques at the bottom of each portrait, there were names, all ending with the name Potter. Harry realized these portraits were depicting his ancestors! He jumped slightly when a portrait inhabitant, a man with short grey hair smiled and waved at him. Feeling slightly stupid, he waved back and smiled, then cleared his throat and walked toward Holly.
As he neared her, he saw two portraits directly in front of her on the wall. The portrait on the right was empty, the name below it read Dorea Potter (nee Black). The portrait to its left had two caricatures in it. The man – whose name, according to the plaque, was Charlus Potter – was quite tall, and had dark black hair, with flecks of grey dotted in his hair. Harry was a little surprised of how much the man resembled him, only a lot older. The woman had a kind face, and long, straight black hair that reached below her shoulders. Harry figured this was Dorea, and she had somehow leaped from her portrait to her husband's.
"Hello, young man," Charlus said, "You look so like my son, James, so I will assume you are Harry?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said, "You're... my grandparents?"
"Alas, we are only echoes of your grandparents," Charlus said, "But we are able and willing to have good discussions with you. You are currently standing in the Hall of Ancestors, where all the family portraits go once their real-life versions have passed."
"M-my parents?" Harry stammered.
"If they have portraits," Charlus said, "They are not here at Potter Manor."
"I have clear memories of James and Lily wanting to make portraits of themselves," Holly said, "I just don't know if they made them."
Holly looked angry at her self. Harry only frowned. Over the past couple of days, Holly had been having a bit of memory loss concerning some of his mother's old memories. While he saw Holly as a friend, and possibly a distant relation, he knew her memories of his mother were important in the long run. He hoped this memory loss wasn't permanent.
"I will assume that you are now the Lord of the Family, young Harry?" Charlus asked. "Ah yes, I can see the crests on your robes. How fitting for you!"
"Thank you, sir," Harry said.
"We were just talking with Holly here," Dorea said, "Apparently this meeting is a few days late. She was supposed to come see us when you first arrived here."
"We've been busy," Harry said, shrugging.
"You're so like your father and grandfather," Dorea said, with a smile as she shook her head. "Always making up excuses."
Harry blushed and looked down at the ground.
"Chin up, grandchild!" Dorea said, "I am not scolding you! It is nice to see the family traits pass through the generations. Even if some of them are more troublesome than others."
Harry smiled as he looked back at the portrait. He liked Dorea; he knew she must have been a great mother to his father.
"Holly was just telling us," Charlus said, "The two of you have an eventful day planned ahead of you."
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
"She says you are meeting a few people today," Charlus said, "Some of the names are quite promising. The Bones and Longbottom families are just two names, along with Potter, that were once part of the Great Alliance."
"The Great Alliance, sir?" Harry asked.
"Potter, Peverell, Longbottom, Bones, Abbot, Greengrass, MacMillan and Boot," Charlus said, "These eight names made up nearly forty-percent of the Voting Seats of the Wizengamot. There were also a couple minor Houses – Patil and Lovegood - who didn't have much of a say in Votes, but had their own voice just the same. For many years, the Alliance was infallible, whenever we wanted a law passed that we all agreed on, it passed easily. You see, the other sixty-percent of the available votes, they had their own alliances, but they were much smaller in number."
"I am confused, sir," Holly said, "Most of the names you mentioned are considered Light. However, Greengrass -"
"The House of Greengrass has always been neutral, yes," Charlus said, "But they have also yearned for power. While this trait could be considered more Dark than Light, they found our Alliance was the way to go. Light, Dark, Grey. It does not matter. If you wish to succeed in the Wizengamot, you must look through eyes that show only black and white. Now, I would not tell you to seek alliances with the Dark families, that will only lead you into danger and troubles. But the Grey, and the neutral – they could be shown the Light, so to speak. Now, grandchild! I will assume Holly is a good friend of yours?"
"My best friend," Harry said.
"Friends are the best allies, Harry," Charlus said, "And yet I do not see the Potter and Peverell crests on her outfit? That would make it official!"
"I guess I just didn't think to do that," Harry said.
"Or rather, you did not know how?" Charlus said, with a smile, "Listen to your ring, grandchild. It will guide you through many unanswered questions and mysteries!"
Harry stared at his ring, and suddenly heard the needed words in his mind. He summoned his wand from its holster, and raised it in front of him.
"I, Harry James Potter, Head of the Ancient and Noble Houses of Potter and Peverell," Harry said, clearly, "offer an Alliance to Holly of the Minor House of Evans. I offer my wand so that it may defend you as an Ally in the time of need, and my voice, so that it may assist and defend you in politics, debates and discussion."
Holly raised her eyebrows, looking rather impressed.
"I, Holly Marie Evans, of the Minor House of Evans," she replied, as she raised her own wand, "accept your offer of Alliance and offer my own. I accept your wand and voice, and offer my own in turn."
"I accept on all parts," Harry said, "So mote it be!"
"So mote it be," Holly agreed.
The tips of both wands glowed with a bright white light. Two small patches, with the crests of Potter and Peverell, appeared below the large patch directly over Holly's heart.
"An excellent show!" Charlus said, "If ever such title is promoted to something more in the future, such patches on your robes will change, but for now an Alliance is quite proper. While the Minor House of Evans does not have much say in the Wizengamot, your opinions will still be heard with open ears by anyone who is welcomed into your Alliance. Minor Houses, however, can be promoted in time if other Houses disappear from the Seats. Patil and Lovegood are two of the hopefuls in that area. Evans would be another."
"The house of Evans may not have much say in the Wizengamot," Holly said, "But in the future, the House of Ravenclaw will be returning to the Court."
"As will the houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin," Harry said, "The latter is right-by-conquest. And Hufflepuff may join us as well, if our luck goes the right way."
Charlus and Dorea both grinned, looking quite impressed, but also surprised.
"Joining the Founders with the Great Alliance is a wonderful possibility!" Charlus said, "That would give you about fifty percent of the votes, if successful!"
"We will yearn for that possibility," Harry said.
"Agreed," Holly said, "However, we must be going now. We need to be at Gringotts soon."
"We will be here whenever you need us," Charlus said.
"Or if you simply wish for a nice discussion," Dorea said.
"It was nice to meet you," Harry said.
"I echo the statement, grandson," Charlus said, "You will be a fine Head of House, if you remember to listen to your ring."
Harry nodded, and he and Holly said goodbye, then walked out of the room.
"Death wanted me to meet them," Holly explained, as they started off toward the bottom floor of the Manor, "I guess the information about the Alliance might have been one of the reasons."
"It is nice to have some family to talk to," Harry said, with a smile, "Even if they are echoes in portraits. Do you really think my parents have portraits?"
"It is possible," Holly said, with a shrug, "If they did, they must have been in the house at Godric's Hollow."
"But everything from there was sent to the Potter Family Vault," Harry said. "Maybe the portraits are there?"
"It can't hurt to check," Holly said.
Harry agreed. Soon they found Melina, and informed her they were ready to leave. Melina stood between them and took hold of one of their hands with each of hers. She counted down from five to one, and the three vanished from the spot, then instantly appeared in the Apparation-safe portion of the Leaky Cauldron.
"Thank you very much, Melina," Harry said, "I don't know when we will be back at the Manor. It may be late. Certainly not for lunch, but we will be there for dinner."
"It will be ready at seven as always," Melina said, "Have a good outing. Good luck."
She bowed slightly, and vanished from sight. Harry and Holly glanced at the spot the house-elf had been in, then at each other.
"Ready?" Holly asked.
Harry cleared his throat and nodded. He was quite nervous. It was going to be a busy day. If he was successful with all of his plans, so much would happen. He was hoping to make friends, but it was also possible he would be making some enemies today as well.
He smiled when he felt Holly take his hand in hers and his nerves all but vanished. He had known her less than a week, but what a few days it had been. He knew that with her by his side he could do anything with very few limits.
He was going to test those limits soon enough!
As Harry and Holly walked toward the alleyway in the back of the restaurant, they did not seen an old, scarred man sitting at a table in the restaurant. His magical blue eye was following their every move.
Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody's lips turned up in a scarred smile. Finally, after three days of searching, he had found his target. He gulped down what he was sure would only be his first glass of firewhiskey of the day. He knew that, by the end of the day, he would have one in celebration of a task well finished!
Decided to end it there! Thought I would get into at least the Will Reading in this chapter, but that didn't happen. It will take place next chapter along with a lot more!
This chapter, while it didn't get into what I wanted, and while some may call it filler, and certainly a tease for the next chapter, it was still quite important. The Great Alliance will play a big part in the political portion of the story, as well as a few future friends. Though there may be one or two traitors to the Alliance in the future, as well as some new Allies not named.
I hope you liked my caricatures of Charlus and Dorea. They will probably have more time in the story. James and Lily's portraits? We shall see. Also, Holly's "memory loss" will be explained in more detail soon enough. I'm not sure if we'll get into her PoV in the next chapter to explain it. We'll see.
Hope you liked this chapter! Sorry it was a bit shorter than my usual chapters for this story!
Chapter 10
The Will Reading
Note: The portion of this story when it comes to Holly/Lily is not completely over yet. I have a good way to make the whole thing considering them less confusing, and more believable, instead of a mid-story change that many people have suggested is happening. It has to do with Lily's portrait - as some reviewers guessed, the memory loss complication also has to do with this. Holly's sudden appearance with the gifts Death gave her totally caused a bit of a paradox that even Death didn't see coming. That is all I will say for now. Unfortunately, due to the storyline behind the portraits, it won't be answered for a while. But I assure you, there will be a good reason why things are happening this way with Holly/Lily. All I can ask is that you wait for those answers.
August 4th, 1991
As Harry walked down the cobbled walkway of Diagon Alley, still hand-in-hand with his best friend, he noticed Holly kept looking back over her shoulder every now and then. Harry looked over his shoulder and searched around for whatever might have caught Holly's eye.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, when he could see nothing suspicious.
"I don't know," Holly said, frowning, "I have this overwhelming feeling that we're being followed."
Harry frowned. "You placed the glamor and notice-me-not charm on me, didn't you?"
"Yeah," Holly said.
"Well, then nobody will recognize me," Harry said, "and to everyone, you're just a random shopper."
"Harry, the charms are not infallible," Holly said, "We learned that from Ollivander."
Harry sighed; he couldn't argue with that. "Come on. Once we get inside the bank, we'll be safe."
Holly smiled and squeezed Harry's hand. They walked, a little bit more speed in their step, past the shops and toward the majestic white building. Soon, they were inside the Atrium, and were immediately met by a Goblin.
"Lord Potter, Lady Ravenclaw," the Goblin said, softly so that only Harry and Holly heard him, "I am Bogrod, assistant to Keeper Ragnok. He is waiting for you. However, there is still some time before the Will Reading. You are the first of the expected guests. Is there anything you need? Drinks? Refreshments?"
"I am fine right now," Harry said, and Holly nodded in agreement with him.
"Very well," Bogrod said, "Follow me."
Still hand-in-hand with Holly, Harry followed Bogrod through the Atrium, and through a doorway into an adjoining corridor. The hall looked less like the Atrium and surrounding rooms, and more like the Vault tunnels. The floor was made of the same smooth stone that laid outside the Vaults. The walls were rocky with flaming torches providing the light, though the lighting was still brighter than Harry thought it would be. Bogrod stopped halfway down the corridor, turned around and motioned toward a door. A small blackboard on the door read Potter Will Reading – 9:00 AM. On the ground in the doorway, a thick golden line of light shone.
"This line is made of Goblin magic," Bogrod said, when he noticed Harry looking at it, "The only humans allowed to cross this line are those named by the Goblin who created it, in this case Keeper Ragnok. This is so the Reading will go uninterrupted. You two are welcomed, of course, and may cross into the room."
Harry took this as permission to enter, and he led Holly into the room. The room reminded Harry of the meeting room he and Holly had been in with Ragnok on his birthday, though it looked different. Like the corridor outside the room, the room's floor, walls and ceiling were smooth stone or rocky. Torches and lanterns lit up the room. Another difference was that there was no large table for the guests to sit around. Instead there were two rows of chairs sitting near a raised platform with a chair and small table. Ragnok was sitting at the table.
"Keeper Ragnok," Bogrod said, as he followed Harry and Holly into the room, "Lord Potter and Lady Ravenclaw have arrived."
"Greetings, my Friends!" Ragnok said, as he stood from his chair in respect. "Thank you for arriving early. I had planned a discussion with the two of you to prepare the events of today."
"Greetings, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said; Holly echoed him.
"Please, take a seat," Ragnok said.
Harry and Holly sat down in two chairs in the center of the front row. Bogrod walked over to Ragnok and whispered something in his ear. Ragnok frowned, then nodded and motioned for Bogrod to leave. The Goblin left the room, and Ragnok turned back to Harry and Holly.
"He is now waiting for our guests," he said. "While we wait, we will use our time wisely. Now, did you have any problems arriving here today?
Holly frowned and nodded. "As we were walking through Diagon Alley, I felt as if we were being watched, and maybe followed. I put glamors and a notice-me-not charm on Harry, so I doubt anyone recognized him. Maybe I was just being silly."
"Unfortunately, you were correct to begin with," Ragnok said, "Bogrod informed me that, according to one of our security that were keeping watch along the alley, you were indeed being followed. The man who was following you, his name is Alastor Moody." Holly gasped. Ragnok raised an eyebrow. "You've heard of him?"
"He is an Auror," Holly said. "One of their best. Highly paranoid, but it makes him more fierce. He has this magical eye, and – oh, no!"
"Yes," Ragnok said, "His magical eye could see through the charms on Harry. You are correct about that part. He is no longer an Auror, he was forced into retirement at the end of this previous year. I fear that he was here looking for Harry."
"And he found me," Harry said, "Why was he looking for me?"
"I can only guess," Ragnok said, "But I fear my guess is quite accurate. Once again, Albus Dumbledore is interfering in your life. He and Moody are old friends. Alastor Moody is highly skilled, especially as a tracker. I fear Dumbledore set him after you to find you."
Harry was about to repeat his last question, but Holly squeezed his hand.
"I think it is obvious why, Harry," she said. "Dumbledore does not know you are Emancipated. He does not know you opened your Will, and found the information in there. He probably expects you to be back at your relatives' house. Maybe he checked the house and found you weren't there. Obviously Hagrid informed him that he lost you at Gringotts on your birthday. Dumbledore has probably been searching for you since then."
"He expects me to go back to the Dursleys?" Harry asked; then he groaned. "Of course he does. He wants me alone and friendless, and hoping I seek him out as a mentor when I go to Hogwarts! He wants me to go back there – back to that!"
"I doubt that would be the reason he would voice," Holly said, "But yes, I am sure you are right."
"Well, that isn't going to happen," Harry said, "We have to stop this Moody guy!"
"Thankfully, I already have a plan for that, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "As the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Madam Amelia Bones was once his boss. She may still have some persuasion over him. You have a few topics to discuss with her. Just add this one to the agenda."
Harry nodded. "Probably the best idea we have. Thank you for the suggestion."
"You are welcome," Ragnok said. "Now, here is the expected schedule for this morning's events. Hopefully you won't be here as long as you were on your birthday. I expect the two of you have plans today. When our guests arrive, I will perform the Will Reading. There are only three names being read off today, so it shouldn't take very long. You will have plenty of time before and after to introduce yourselves to the guests. Please leave any long discussions until after the Reading, however.
"After the Will Reading, I will ask Augusta Longbottom and her grandson, Neville, to meet with their Vault Keeper, where Neville will take his Inheritance Test. If we are correct, the Heir of Hufflepuff will be revealed. During that ceremony, Neville will receive a special gift. Because you are involved with this particular portion, I do not feel any reasons not to give you this information. Neville will receive Helga Hufflepuff's ancient goblet. The goblet was found in one of our Vaults yesterday, and had the very same curse that lay in your scar, Lord Potter."
"You found another one then?" Holly asked.
"Yes," Ragnok said, with a smile, "And we will be hunting another one tomorrow."
"Excellent," Holly said.
Harry knew this was one of the secrets that Holly was keeping to herself for now. He was okay with this. He hadn't told her all of his secrets. They were both allowed to keep secrets as long as it didn't completely involve the other. He knew it had to do something with Voldemort, and that the man couldn't be defeated until these curses were destroyed, but Harry already had so much to deal with at the moment, he didn't need any more on his shoulders, as long as it was being dealt with somewhere else.
"Indeed," Ragnok said, "While Neville is taking his test, this will give you ample time to speak with Madame Bones. I know you have much to speak to her about."
"Yeah," Holly said, and Harry nodded.
"On the subject of Sirius Black," Ragnok said, "I will gladly, with your permission, reveal the information regarding Mr. Black and the godfather ritual to Amelia Bones."
"Whatever you need to do to help my godfather is alright with me," Harry said.
"Very well," Ragnok said. "When ten-o-clock approaches, we will go to a meeting room where Molly Weasley will join us. However, she will not immediately notice you. The room has a secret adjoining room, with a false wall. You will be able to stand in this room, and, through your side of the wall, watch the meeting with Molly Weasley take place. If you wish, I can call for you at an appropriate time to reveal yourself, if you have anything you need to say to her."
"You probably should plan on it," Harry said, "The meeting may bring up questions I want to ask."
"It will be done," Ragnok said. "Security Goblins will be on hand in case it gets rough."
"Do you expect it to get rough?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not in the physical sense," Ragnok said, "I fear it may get very verbal. Molly Prewett Weasley is known to be quite fierce with her tongue. It is only a precaution to have the Security there; with them in the room, we might be able to quell such reaction from her."
"Alright," Harry said, nodding.
"Now," Ragnok said, "On your birthday, you requested a list of everything in the Potter Family Vault."
He snapped his fingers, and a large box appeared. Harry recognized it as the same box he had seen during the initial meeting. Ragnok took out what resembled a journal.
"This book is unique in the sense that there are very few and that they were invented by Goblins," Ragnok said, "It is used for those customers who have large Vaults such as yours. It has two options to search for particular items in the Vault. The first is obvious, you can read through the book – a copy has been made specifically for you to take home, and only you can read it unless you give someone else permission. The second option is to give the name of a particular item. If such an item is in your Vault, it will appear in this book."
"Wow, that is quite handy," Harry said, "Thank you!"
They were interrupted by the odd sound of a Goblin clearing their throat. Harry and Holly turned and saw that Bogrod had returned.
"Introducing Xenophilius Lovegood, and his daughter, Luna," Bogrod said.
Harry and Holly both stood as two people walked into the room. The first was a gentleman in his mid-thirties or early forties. Xenophilius Lovegood had long blonde-hair, though there were touches of grey in it as well. He had a quirky expression on his face, almost as if he appeared to be permanently amused. He wore dress robes that were colored a deep golden.
The young girl beside him had a dreamy stare across her face and she seemed to be staring directly at him with a pleasant smile. She had bright-blonde hair that went down past her shoulders. She was wearing a yellow body-length dress with pink and blue flowers printed across the fabric. As she walked across the room toward Harry and Holly, he saw that she was wearing ear-rings that appeared to have some kind of small vegetable or fruit on them, possibly radishes. She also wore a necklace that had soda bottle caps lined down the front of it. When she approached Harry, she cocked her head to the side and looked at him.
"Hello Harry Potter," she said, "You don't look anything like the books describe you as. My friend will be quite disappointed."
"If you're talking about the books I think you're referring to," Harry said, "I'm afraid those are only fantasy. When I was a toddler, I definitely did not tackle a troll."
"Did you fall in love with a faerie?" Luna asked.
"Never met one," Harry said.
"Oh," Luna said, "I was kind of hoping your friend here was part-faerie."
"I don't think so," Holly said, "I'm Holly, by the way."
"I am Luna Lovegood," Luna said, she cocked her head back as her father approached, "And this is my Daddy, Xenophilius."
"Xeno for short, Mr. Potter," Xenophilius said, "Or is it Lord?"
"Just Harry," Harry said.
"Harry, then," Xenophilius said, "It is wonderful to meet a fellow Quester."
"A what?"
"We hunt for the Hallows of course," Xenophilius said, "Recognizable only to those who wear the mark, as is seen on your chest."
"This odd triangle and circle?" Harry asked, looking at the crest, "That is the crest of the House of Peverell, my ancestor."
Xenophilius looked gobsmacked. "Fantastic. A Descendant of the Three Brothers!"
"I'm sorry, sir," Harry said, "I only recently learned of my ancestry. I don't know anything about the Peverells."
"I assume you have a Library at your residence?" Xenophilius said; Harry nodded; "Search for The Tales of Beedle The Bard. A children's fairy-tale book, though it has some real stories in it. The Tale of the Three Brothers is a true story. If you do not have the book, buy it! Read the story, and learn about your ancestors! This is wonderful! It is a pleasure to meet an actual descendant of the Three! Proof that they truly existed!"
Xenophilius chuckled then walked over to a chair in the second row and sat down. Harry blinked, trying to figure out what had just happened, then looked back at Luna.
"Don't be too alarmed about Daddy," Luna said, "He has his quirks and obsessions. This is one of many, but one of his most important. Today is a good day for him. He doesn't have many these days. He has trouble adjusting to reality ever since Mum passed away."
"Oh, well, I am happy to help," Harry said. "I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I wish I could have met her."
"Oh, but you did meet her!" Luna said, "The same day we originally met. You don't remember?"
"Er... no I do not," Harry said, "When was this?"
"You were only a baby," Luna said, "I was in my mother's tummy. She introduced us."
Harry blinked. "I... I see. Well, I am happy to – err – reacquaint myself with you. I hope we can be good friends?"
Luna blinked dreamily, then smiled. "I'd like that very much, Harry Potter. And you as well, Holly."
She smiled, then walked over to her father and sat down with him. Holly turned back to Harry, after watching the odd girl.
"I have memories of her mother," Holly whispered to him, "She looks like Pandora, but she's very... odd. Pandora was... not."
"Her mother's death must have hit them both hard," Harry said, "Hopefully we can help."
Holly nodded, and was about to reply, but was interrupted once again by Bogrod clearing his throat. Harry turned back around.
"Introducing Madame Amelia Bones and her niece and ward, Susan," Ragnok said, "Introducing Lady Regent Augusta Longbottom and her grandson, Neville.
Amelia and Susan entered the room first. Amelia wore official looking robes, possibly something she usually wore during her job at the Ministry. She was a lot younger than Harry had expected the Head of a Department to be. She had dark red hair that ended at her neck, and a monocle sat over one eye. Susan was about as tall as Holly, and Harry realized she was one of their future classmates. She appeared to be quite shy – maybe because of him? He hoped she wasn't one of those girls who was going to immediately take a fancy to him because of the whole Boy-Who-Lived thing.
Following them were Augusta and Neville Longbottom. Augusta was a tall, elderly woman who appeared to be quite serious in manner and stature. She wore black formal robes, and a hat that – Harry had to double check to make sure – appeared to have a stuffed vulture on top of it. The young boy beside her looked quite the opposite of his grandmother. Neville was about the same height as Harry, and a bit pudgy around the middle. He looked timid and fearful, but Harry could tell he was trying to hide it, as if trying his best to appear brave. When Neville caught his eye, the boy's eyes widened.
Fortunately, Harry didn't react, because Amelia and Susan had approached him.
"Harry Potter," Amelia said, sizing him up, "You look so like your father. It is as if I am staring at the little boy I met on the Hogwarts Express all those years ago."
"It is nice to meet you, Madam Bones," Harry said, "I've already heard much about you. In fact, I wish to have a discussion with you after the Reading. As I mentioned in my letter, I have some very important topics I wish to discuss that we may both profit from. Your position may be of some help to me."
Amelia raised her eyebrows, looking rather curious. She then sobered up, and cleared her throat.
"Very well," she said, "This is my niece and ward, Susan. She will be your classmate come September."
Harry smiled at Susan, who blushed a deep red. "Nice to meet you, Susan."
"Hi!" Susan said, in a slightly squeaky voice, then she cleared her throat. "I mean... nice to meet you as well." She turned to Holly and frowned slightly; Harry didn't know what was going on there. "And you...?"
"Holly Evans," Holly said.
"Evans?" Amelia asked, then looked from Holly to Harry, "Any relation to...?"
"Distant, I think," Holly said, "Harry and I are of the same Minor House. I'm an orphan, however. My parents died when I was young."
"I see," Amelia said.
"Nice to meet both of you," Holly said.
Amelia smiled, and she and Susan walked over to a couple chairs and sat down. Augusta walked toward Harry, followed closely by Neville, though again he seemed timid to come near them.
"Harry Potter," Augusta said, "I will assume it is Lord Potter now?"
"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.
"Augusta Longbottom, at your service," Augusta said, "Madame Bones was quite correct. You resemble James very much so. Those eyes – shining bright, just like your mother's. My Frank's wife, Alice, was dear friends with your mother."
"I assumed so," Harry said, with a nod, "given that Mum made her my godmother."
"Tell me, Lord Potter," Augusta said, "Since your return to our community, what have you learned about your heritage and your family?"
"Not much as of yet," Harry said, "It has only been a few days. However, the portrait of my grandfather, Charlus, informed me of the Great Alliance."
Augusta raised her eyebrow, impressed and looking rather pleased. "Excellent. Yes, the Great Alliance was important to both of our families. In fact all adults present here today were quite involved with the Alliance."
"Yes, I was told," Harry said.
"We will speak more of such things at a later time," Augusta said, "May I introduce my grandson, Neville. He will be a fellow classmate of yours come September. Come, Neville, greet Lord Potter."
Augusta stepped to the side, revealing Neville. He was currently looking at the floor. He gulped and looked up at Harry.
"H-hello, Lord P-Potter," Neville said.
"It is Harry to friends and family," Harry said, "I have learned recently that you could be labeled as one of those, and hopefully both. If things were different, we may have grown up together. Our mothers were each other's godmother. So I guess that makes us brothers in a sense."
Neville's eyes widened and looked at his grandmother, who nodded.
"That's – ahem – brilliant," Neville said.
"Come Neville," August said, "The two of you can talk more later. I am sure Keeper Ragnok wishes to begin – he probably has many things he wants to be doing."
Neville nodded timidly, smiled at Harry, who returned the smile. They, along with Holly and Augusta sat down in the same row.
"I assume we can begin, Lord Potter?" Ragnok asked; he had been watching the greetings in silent observation.
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
"Very well," Ragnok said; he snapped his fingers, and two pieces of parchment Harry recognized as the Wills appeared in front of him. Ragnok looked up and raised an eyebrow. "I, Ragnok the Sixth, Keeper of the Vaults and accounts of House Potter officially open the Last Wills and Testaments of James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Evans for the Inheritance Reading. Yes, Madam Bones?"
Harry looked over his shoulder and noticed Amelia had her hand raised.
"Forgive the interruption, Keeper Ragnok," Amelia said, "But I had heard that the Potter's Wills had been opened shortly after their deaths. If so, then this Reading is long overdue."
Harry looked back at Ragnok, whose eyes were narrowed into slits.
"Shortly after the deaths of James and Lily Potter," Ragnok said, "There was rumors of their Will be read in the Ministry of Magic. This is incorrect. If the Wills had been read, they would have not been sealed these many years. If there was anything read back then concerning James and Lily Potter's wishes, they were unofficial – a false Will, you may say."
Harry looked back at Amelia, who looked quite thoughtful. Harry knew this was something she would look into.
"I know very well what was claimed to be in the false Will," Ragnok said. "It was said that Lord Potter was to be raised by the sister of his mother, one Petunia Dursley and her husband. And that his magical guardian would be one Albus Dumbledore. Both pieces of information were false."
Harry could feel the eyes of the guests around him staring at him, though he didn't look at them in return.
"According to the Wills of both James and Lily Potter," Ragnok said, "Lord Potter was never supposed to be raised by Petunia Dursley."
"But he has been there for nearly ten years, yes?" Amelia asked then looked at Harry, "Harry?"
"That is correct," Harry said.
"I will get to the bottom of this, Harry," Amelia said, "I promise you."
"I expect that is one of a number of topics you will discuss with him," Ragnok said, "Can we continue, Madam Bones?"
"Yes, my apologies, Keeper Ragnok," Amelia said.
"Since we are on the same topic," Ragnok said, "I will list the Guardians of Harry Potter in order. Take note that these Guardians are now to be considered Mentors only since Lord Potter is considered Emancipated as of his eleventh birthday. In order of James and Lily Potter's preference: Sirius Orion Black; Alice Longbottom and her husband Frank; Amelia Bones, Pandora Lovegood, and her husband Xenophilius; and Minerva McGonagall. Again, by no means was Lord Potter ever to be raised by Petunia Dursley.."
"Pardon my interruption again," Amelia said, "Sirius Black? He was the first choice for Guardian. But he -"
"Yes, Madam Bones," Ragnok said, "You may be interested in exactly what that particular section of the Will has to say. The Will expressly states: Sirius Black – Godfather by right of 'The Godfather Ritual'."
Amelia gasped sharply, and Harry was surprised to hear Augusta whisper a curse-word.
"Yes," Ragnok said, "As you probably are well aware of, the Godfather Ritual punishes betrayals toward the godchild or his parents through pain of death. Sirius Black would not even be available to be sent to Azkaban if he betrayed Lord Potter's parents. He would have been a corpse if he was the true betrayer. Again, Madam Bones, this can be discussed further with Lord Potter after the Reading."
"Oh, it definitely will," Amelia swore; her voice betrayed her, Harry could tell she was upset by this revelation, "Please continue, Keeper Ragnok."
"In the matter of Inheritance toward the guests today," Ragnok said, "James Potter's last Will and Testament states thus:
"To Amelia Susan Bones, I give three folders of confidential information I kept regarding the followers of he who calls himself Lord Voldemort -" Ragnok paused as a few of the guests gasped or whinged at the name. " – in hopes that such information will help take down the bastards who I had vowed to hunt down myself before I was forced to hide with my family. To Susan Bones, daughter of Edgar and Sara – your parents were good friends of mine and my family. I give you G25,000 in hope you will use it toward your education and your dreams, and a life you should have spent with your dear parents. I also hope you will help to continue the Great Alliance your father and grandfather were a part of, and continue their dream of changing our world for the better.
"Lily Potter's last Will and Testament states thus:
"To my dear friend Alice Longbottom, her husband Frank and son Neville, I give a copy of my Potions Journal. You were always jealous of my skill at Potions. I pass on this information in hopes that you will use it and give it to your son so that he may use it as well. The other copy will go to my own son. To Neville Longbottom, I give G15,000 to make up for the birthday presents I cannot give my godson in my absence. I hope that, whoever raises my son will do so with you close to his heart so that our young men may grow up knowing each other and becoming good friends as we were.
"To my best friend Pandora Lovegood, her husband Xenophilius and their child, who was not yet born at the time of this Will. I give G15,000 to your dear child for their education and their future, and I hope they can grow in a world far better than that which we have had to experience. I hope my son will get to know your child and became as close as we were."
"So concludes the Inheritance portion of the Reading," Ragnok finished, "Thank you for your attendance. You may pick up the physical items you have been given. To the three children, as of today, I have collaborated with the Keepers of your Family Vaults. Three separate Trust Vaults have been opened for each of you and the money received is currently in those Vaults. You may pick up keys from your Keepers. Augusta and Neville Longbottom, Keeper Breakfist is waiting for you for your expected meeting."
Augusta stood and Neville jumped from his chair as well. The young man's face was quite pale. He seemed rather shocked to be given these gifts. Harry smiled as he knew there was more to come for the young Heir Apparent of the Longbottoms. Augusta walked over to Ragnok, took the book that he handed her then walked back over to Harry.
"Lord Potter," she said, "Expect a letter from myself over the next couple of weeks. I personally invite you to Longbottom Manor for dinner one evening. We can exchange letters to decide which night is best."
"I look forward to it," Harry said, "Will your brother Algernon be in attendance?"
Augusta looked surprised. "Perhaps. I wasn't aware you knew Algie."
"I've heard of him," Harry said. "He may be important to something I am searching for. It is something involving his job."
Augusta raised her eyebrows. "I will get in touch with him and do my best to make such a meeting possible."
"Thank you, Madam Longbottom," Harry said.
Augusta nodded, then motioned to Neville and the pair left the room. Luna walked over to Harry next.
"Daddy feels as if I should thank you personally for the money your mother has given me," Luna said, "It is quite the gift. He says that with the money we can save up, he can plan many more holidays for the two of us. That is a better gift than the money I have received. Thank you, Harry Potter. And I thank your mother as well."
"You're welcome, Luna," Harry said. "I hope we can get to know each other better soon."
"Unfortunately I am not attending Hogwarts until next year," Luna said.
"That's alright," Harry said, "We still have a few weeks until Holly and I will be heading to Hogwarts. Perhaps you can visit my home."
"I look forward to it," Luna said, "I will keep watch for your owl. I spotted her when she sent your message earlier this week. She is very beautiful."
"She is," Harry agreed.
"Daddy and I must be going," Luna said, "I will see you soon, Harry Potter. And you as well, Holly. Take care of our friend, will you?"
"I can do that," Holly said. "It was a pleasure to meet you."
"I echo the sentiment," Luna said, "Farewell."
Xenophilius passed by Harry then paused and turned to him. "I feel as if you may have better luck than I as a Quester, Lord Peverell. But I believe you have earned it more than I. They are, after all, family heirlooms. Use them well. It was a pleasure to meet you, descendant."
He smiled and followed Luna out of the room. Harry stared at the spot Xenophilius had been at. He had a feeling he would never completely understand that man.
Madam Bones cleared her throat rather loudly and Harry jumped slightly in his chair, and turned to her.
"Well, then, Mr. Potter," she said, "It seems you and I have much to discuss."
Hmm... that seems like a good spot to end the chapter at, don't you think?
I had a few problems deciding exactly what to give as gifts for the inheritors. I knew I would give the children money. I didn't know what Lily might give Pandora. So I decided instead to just give Luna money. Fun fact: If Lily had been present at Luna's birth, Harry would have a godsister as well as a godbrother. Unfortunately, Lily was in hiding.
Next chapter: A very important and big discussion with Amelia Bones, Neville Longbottom gets a few shocks, and then the long-awaited meeting with Molly Weasley! Oh, and maybe something to do with Mad-Eye Moody... and maybe another cliffhanger.
Hope you liked this chapter!