Disclaimer: All Characters belong to JKR. I just play around with them for personal amusement. No profit whatsoever.

A/N: Yes, it's been a long time since the last update. I know. I had to take care of some personal things and that didn't leave me with much time. But, I truly do regret the delay. So very sorry guys! But, to make up for it, I've made this chapter extra extra long. I also promise that I'll give you the next one within four, five days max. I hope that makes up for the wait.

I just want to thank the readers that took the time to review the last chapter. Thank you very much, lady edgecombe; Nienna Earfalas2; and jj227.

And LGBTGirl, thanks for your input. I'll see what I can do.

Now, I'll just give you the next chapter without further blubbering. So, go ahead and read! And don't fail to tell me what you think!

Chapter 3: From Harry to Harry Potter.

Harry walked out of Gringotts, his head buzzing with all the information he had been given. He knew he had much more to learn and his favorite saying always had been 'Knowledge is Power'. He took a deep breath and thought about what he had to do. First, he would go to the book shop and get some more books that will help him learn more about the Wizarding World. Having so decided, he proceeded to do just that. When he had visited with Hagrid earlier, he had just gotten his first year books from the clerk at the counter and there had been no time to properly look around. Now, Harry was waltzing through the aisles looking at anything and everything that attracted his fancy. He had never been allowed his own books and this was a dream come true. The solemn boy who had exited Gringotts earlier had transformed into an excited kid. He had already picked out 5 books that dealt briefly with Wizarding History, Customs and Practices, and the different types and branches of magic. Now, he was looking more into the subjects he was going to learn in his first year at Hogwarts.

It was when he was looking more into Defense against the Dark Arts that he came across a book that first had him gaping with disbelief. It was a tome titled, The Great Triumph: Harry Potter against the Dark. He stood there, mouth hanging open until his brain restarted and he snapped his mouth shut. Harry first couldn't believe that there was a book written about him. Him, the orphan boy who had to live off his relatives' hand-outs until the day before. He had learned that he was famous here, but it just sunk in exactly how famous he was. He grabbed the book and went up to a clerk.

"Excuse me? Are there any more books about Harry Potter?"

The young woman smiled at him. "First year, are you? No wonder you all want books about Harry Potter. He would be going to school with you after all."

Harry blinked. "There have been others looking for books about m.., um.., about him?"

"Of course, dearie. You didn't think you are the only one, do you?" She smiled patronizingly and continued. "Now, we usually have about 6 titles that specifically deal with the boy-who-lived. Unfortunately, 2 of those are unavailable right now. Sales have gone up the roof this year and we are out of stock. We are almost run out of others as well. Those should be over there."

She pointed to a shelf and Harry quickly went up to collect them. He thanked the Goblins with all his heart for providing him a way to walk around unnoticed. It was unsettling to say the least to learn that people, particularly, students who he was going to have to go to school with were buying books about him. Any thoughts of further browsing for interesting subjects flew out of his head and he quickly paid for the books he had collected thus far and left.

Harry returned to the Leaky Cauldron and went in search of the innkeeper, Tom, who assured him that his privacy would be very valued and that no one would know he was staying there. He proceeded to tell him that he had personally seen to that Harry was placed in 'the best rooms he had', while falling over him to make sure that he had everything he needed. Harry found the entire display too much and he was dismayed when he realized that there may be other people who would treat him like that. He would have seriously worried whether Tom would keep his stay a secret if SharpClaw had not assured him otherwise. He felt emotionally drained after the information overload but he realized that this was only the beginning of a very busy few days. He sighed and decided to rest for an hour or so. Then he would begin reading.

It was almost midnight and Harry was still wide awake. In fact, he was more alert than usual and he was frantically looking through the books he had bought just that morning. However, he could not find any information whatsoever on Sirius Black's whereabouts and he finally gave it up as an exercise in futility. He felt simultaneously exhausted as well as geared up. He had begun by reading the Portfolios that SharpClaw had given him, which contained a detailed and exhaustive review of everything he owned. To anyone who could have been watching him, his face would have very plainly shown whatever emotions he was feeling underneath. Fortunately, he was holed up in his room. At first he looked thoroughly overwhelmed on seeing the sheer amount of galleons he had, then his eyes had narrowed and he looked ready to blow his top when he read about the monthly deductions from his trust fund, and finally he settled into a completely confused but curious state on seeing the accounting of the Black family vaults in his file. He could not wait to go back to meet SharpClaw as his head literally buzzed with so many hows and whys. He had then continued on to the books that the goblin had given him and finally, fell into a disturbed sleep dreaming about sharp-toothed smiles; creepy old men; big, black dogs and a curtain of long, red hair.

The next morning, he woke up extremely early despite the late night he had. He quickly finished getting ready, his experience at the Dursleys making him extraordinarily efficient. After finishing his breakfast, he selected a book that looked promising and entered Diagon Alley. He made a beeline towards the ice-cream parlor as soon as it opened and carefully chose a place from which he could relatively read in peace as well as watch the ongoing of the street with considerable ease. He first ate the biggest sundae he had ever had, enjoying it immensely while striking up a conversation with the owner, Florean Fortescue. He turned out to be a portly man with an easy disposition and a wicked sense of humor. But the thing that made Harry like the man all the much more was the fact that he wasn't one of those mindless worshippers of the tale of the boy-who-lived. Florean, turned out, had lost his wife and brother to the Death Eaters and was vehemently opposed to anything they stood for but was otherwise a peaceful man. He did not profess to be in awe of a baby who had allegedly banished the Dark Lord, but was rather compassionate about a child that was made an orphan. When Harry questioned him about what he thought had happened that night in Godric's Hollow, Florean had merely stated that he did not know. He also added that he would never deign to believe anything just because somebody said so.

"No one can possibly know exactly what happened, child. But they can speculate all they want and that is what they did." So saying, he turned to deal with a gaggle of children that had entered his shop. By the time Florean was again free; Harry had ensconced himself comfortably and was very absorbed in his book, which turned out to be on the list for his recommended reading on Potions. And much to Harry's surprise, Florean turned out to be interested in Potions and was quite knowledgeable on the subject. It was he who told Harry about the different materials and kits available in the Apothecary.

"But why? If there were better products available, why would Hogwarts standard kit not have them?"

"It's a matter of cost. Not everyone would be able to afford the better quality ones. The Hogwarts ones are quite cheap, while the quality is adequate."

"So, I can't get the better ones?"

"Oh no, Henry." he said to Harry, for Harry had introduced himself as Henry Charlus, which was actually the names of his grandparents on either side. "You could, of course, buy them privately. How do you think I know about the substandard quality of the Hogwarts kit? Students come in here after they finished shopping and I've heard the more snobby ones being very vocal about buying better..umm..everything, I suppose."

"So you're saying that only rich people get good materials. But, that wouldn't be fair on other students, would it?"

Florean looked at him hard, which made Harry squirm. "No, not fair. But if you get good things for yourself because you have a genuine interest in the subject, then no one would blame you. And you shouldn't as well. But I must say, it's been a while since I've had a kid like you in here. Most just think me a jolly dim fellow who sells ice creams."

"But you're not. I find you very interesting and you are anything but dim Mr. Fortescue." Harry smiled sweetly at him which made him laugh.

"Thank you, I suppose. Now, one more? I don't think it would spoil your appetite for lunch much. It's still a bit early."

"Umm..Chocolate, I think."

This was how Harry spent the first few hours of the day until it was time to meet SharpClaw, which Harry did promptly.

When Harry showed up at Gringotts, he was immediately escorted to SharpClaw's office without having to wait around at all.

"Good morning Harry. I trust you had an enlightening evening?"

"Good morning and yes, I did. I understand I am the last Potter heir but why am I also getting the Black family vaults?"

"Straight onto the topic, I see. Very well. The Blacks are also one of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses in Britain, just like the Potters. But the family, in the recent past, has fell onto hard times and there are only very few members left. The current Lord Black is Sirius Black but he is currently unable to take on any of his responsibilities. All his accounts and assets passes on to the next possible member, in this case, it is you."

"How? I saw the family tree in the books you gave me. I'm not the next in line. Mr. Black has a cousin called Malfoy. He should be the one."

"That would be the case if Sirius Black had not made other arrangements. He is still alive so his Will cannot be accessed yet. But he had made other arrangements at the bank regarding his finances, just like your parents. He had named you, his godson, as the sole benefactor of all his accounts and properties, regardless of whether he is alive or dead. He had given you, and only you, complete access to all the Black funds, also irrespective of your status as either a minor or an adult."

Harry thought through what SharpClaw had told him for a few minutes.

"So, I get access to all the family funds but Malfoy is the next in line to the title. Is that right?"

"Yes."

"I am sorry. I don't understand how that can work? Shouldn't he get a say?"

"Do you know the Malfoys Harry?"

"No."

"Perhaps you would like to hear more about them?"

"Umm..sure. But I first want to know how this..him being the next heir..and me being..I don't know..getting everything without being the heir..works?"

"Actually, we are not sure if he is the Heir since Sirius Black's Will has not been read. Until then, as per his instructions, you will be responsible for his family finances."

"Wait..wait. You think I'm his heir, don't you?"

"I cannot certainly say that."

"But you do guess that?"

"Don't you?"

Harry stared at SharpClaw without blinking, thinking over each word carefully.

"What happened to ? You said I'm his godson. If so, why had he never come to meet me? He gave me all his money, yes. But, I don't want money. I wanted a family. Why did he leave me?"

Harry's voice had cracked at the last and he looked every inch an abandoned and hurt child. SharpClaw breathed deeply.

"Listen, Harry. You cannot let your emotions run wild. This is very important. Sirius Black has been incarcerated in Azkaban, which is the Wizard prison since 1981."

Harry almost gasped. "Why?"

"He allegedly betrayed your parents to You-Know-Who, leading to their deaths. He was also accused of mass murder."

"What?" Harry had trouble breathing and he felt as though someone had punched him. "He is the reason they're dead?" he asked very quietly.

"That was the charge." SharpClaw stressed and stared at Harry pointedly. Harry went from shocked and angry to cautious and calculating.

"What?" he asked.

"You need to think calmly Harry." Harry looked bewildered for a few moments trying to puzzle out what he was missing. Then it clicked and his face morphed into disbelief.

"He was accused, but you never actually said it was proven. In fact..", he looked incredulously at SharpClaw, "it sounds as if he didn't do it. Did he?" Harry thought for a moment more and when he spoke again, he sounded completely sure of himself. "He didn't do it. If he did betray my parents, he definitely wouldn't have given me everything he owned. He made me his heir, I think, which means he would never have turned against my parents. Am I right?"

"I believe you are."

"Then why is he still imprisoned? How could they send an innocent man to prison even after finding him not guilty?"

"They never found him anything because he was not given a trial."

"That's..they can't just dump him in prison."

"Unfortunately, they did."

Harry looked livid. "Well then, how do I get him out?"

"You can't."

"What?" He nearly shouted. "I am not leaving my godfather in prison. I have to get him out."

"I am not asking you to not do anything. I am simply telling you that there is nothing you can just do."

"You mean.." Harry trailed off biting his lip. "What do you think I should do to enable my godfather's release?" Harry asked clearly.

"If that is what you want to do, I suggest not rushing in without a plan, especially since your 'current' magical guardian is not aware of any of your recent activities and I advise that it continues to be so."

Harry had actually forgotten about Albus Dumbledore at this point but now, he grimaced thinking about his soon-to-be Headmaster.

"Of course, SharpClaw. Please continue."

"Next, I suggest seeking legal counsel. If I may, Mr. Theodore Tonks is a successful lawyer, as I understand. Although he does not specialize in criminal law, his particular relationship with your godfather would be useful in this matter, as it requires utmost discretion."

"Mr. Tonks?"

"Andromeda Tonks, his wife, was born a Black."

"Of course, my godfather's cousin."

"Yes. You have everything you required now?"

"Almost. You said you would tell me about the Malfoys?"

"The Malfoys are an Ancient and Noble House, unlike the Blacks and the Potters. Also, their family tree does not trace back as far as your family. Coupled with the fact that they are actually from France, who have crossed the channel only some 600 years ago, marks their status much lower than the original Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Wizarding Britain. Although they currently occupy a position of power due to the vacuum provided by the absence of otherwise influential families, it is only a matter of time before the illusion shatters." SharpClaw showed his teeth in a fearsome manner.

Harry looked at SharpClaw thoughtfully. "I get that the social hierarchy is a bit rigid here. But I think that I didn't imagine the tone of distinct dislike you possessed when talking about the Malfoys."

SharpClaw didn't even blink. "It is not my position to like or dislike any wizards."

"Obviously. But it is your position to safeguard mine and my family's interests. So, ..what have the Malfoys done against me and mine?"

SharpClaw looked predatory as he smiled. "I'm not sure what you are asking Harry. But if you mean whether Lucius Malfoy had already deemed that his son would be the next Lord Black and had taken it upon himself to put the Black seat on the Wizengamot to his personal use, I assure you that it is perfectly well within his rights. At least until the Will of the present Lord Black can be read. But if you are referring to the fact that Lucius Malfoy was a Death Eater, he has had his trial and he was found not guilty. So, I assure you I cannot think of one single instant when the Malfoys have acted against your interest."

Harry looked dumfounded. "Well, that clears it up then. But, if he has the Black seats, would he not know then that all other vaults and properties are not under his control?"

"He does. When your godfather was incarcerated initially, he was not the Lord Black. He was only the heir. His grandfather, the then Lord Black, definitely did not give Lucius Malfoy any access to the Black finances than that was his due as the husband of Narcissa Black, namely the property and vault that was given to her on her marriage. When he died and your godfather became Lord Black, Malfoy knew he would not get anything as there was no love lost between the two. He did initially inquire as to the state of the family vaults and other investments at the bank. The Goblin in charge of the Black estate was very courteous when he informed Lucius Malfoy that the Malfoys were not in any way beneficiaries and hence, had no business regarding Black finances. Even Lucius Malfoy did not dare to try and dig up any further information. But the Wizengamot seat does not fall under the purview of the Goblin Nation, nor does the usage of the Black name in the Wizarding community. So, he is perfectly fine to flaunt it while it lasts."

"You sound very sure that he would not get his hands on the Black fortune. You are also sure that I would be the heir." Harry said making it sound like a question.

"I never expressed anything of such nature, merely stated facts." SharpClaw seemed to be smirking, which made Harry scoff. The goblin continued, "But it is my responsibility to see that your finances are handled properly and I do not take kindly to the fact that anyone would try to steal from what is entitled to a child, especially if the child is one I'm duty-bound to protect." SharpClaw ended with a growl.

Harry looked touched and his eyes were suspiciously bright. After a moment, he cleared his throat and said, "I really appreciate the sentiment SharpClaw. Not many people have cared for me and it means a lot."

"About that.."SharpClaw seemed to hesitate for a moment but then he ploughed on, "Certain statements you've made have definitely made me wonder Harry, about your aunt and uncle and your life with them." He noted that Harry's face had become shuttered but he didn't stop. "I understand that you might be a bit reluctant to speak but I can say with certainty that your stay with them has been less than satisfactory from what I've gathered from you as well as some discreet enquiries I've made."

"You looked into it?" Harry looked a curious mixture of desperate hope mixed with defiance.

"I did Harry. I confess I was always a bit leery of your placement with them but I had no basis for any complaints. That all changed yesterday when I met you. I'm sure you've noticed that there quite a sum removed monthly for your expenses?"

Harry nodded. "Well, I had confirmed yesterday that that amount certainly did not go towards your well-being."

When Harry looked up questioningly at that, SharpClaw continued, "I was not expecting a very thin boy with hand-me-downs and an old, broken pair of glasses. What amount was removed was more than enough to see to your needs and some. Seeing even such basic things had been neglected only highlighted the misconduct."

Harry looked red in his face with embarrassment yet he seemed to recoup and spoke quite clearly, "Albus Dumbledore was the one who accessed my trust vault. I was going to bring it up but there were more important matters to discuss. But, I was not aware that the Dursleys received anything. Did they?"

SharpClaw looked very serious while he answered, "I had always tried to believe that despite Dumbledore's unconventional and frankly inadequate handling of your affairs, he provided you with, if not the happy upbringing your parents wanted, at least a considerably sufficient one. That is what the money removed was going to, or so I wrongly assumed. I should have demanded a full accounting but I did not, much to my shame, for even I did not believe he would dare not to give the Potter heir the life he deserved." SharpClaw's face looked truly fear inspiring as he looked utterly angry. "I tracked the money he removed after you had left yesterday. He had transferred half of it to the Dursley's account in a muggle bank, every month."

"Half?" Harry questioned.

"Yes." SharpClaw snarled. "The other half looks to be retained in his account and then used for other purposes, including payment of various individuals. Whether they know the origin of the money remains to be seen."

Harry looked completely stumped. "Why would he do this? Why would they do this?" His voice sounded forlorn and lost. SharpClaw remained silent and let Harry come to terms with what he had learnt, which he did quite quickly. He seemed to steel himself and he said, "How do you suggest we proceed?"

"There are limited options at this point. Dumbledore's intentions are quite unclear now. And I would suggest he remain in the dark until we can exactly be sure of what it is that he intends. And if things remain unchanged, you might have to endure the Dursleys next summer. For now, we cannot overtly challenge anyone. As you know, Dumbledore has high influence in the Ministry. So, our best option is to monitor and record your trust fund."

"That's all?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I'm not saying to not do anything at all but we need to be smart about this."

Harry breathed deeply and looked deep in thought. Then he said, "I understand. For now, I need to concentrate on my godfather's case."

"Exactly. Let the rest sort itself out when it can. But by then, we would have sufficient evidence."

"I hope so."

"I'll keep you informed of any progress Harry."

"Thank you SharpClaw. You've been extremely helpful."

"I was only doing my duty." SharpClaw's smile was very warm.

"One other thing. Who is in charge of the Black family vaults?"

"A goblin named RazerTooth."

"Thank you. I just wanted to thank him personally as well."

"Of course. I can arrange for a meeting when you want."

"Actually, I was hoping to come back here tomorrow to discuss Mr. Tonks' opinion on Mr. Black's case. I was planning to go straight from here to meet him. And if possible, I want to meet RazerTooth then."

"Very well. I would ask him to keep his office open for you tomorrow."

"If it's not much trouble, I want you to attend my meeting with him and of course, if it's not considered rude."

SharpClaw showed all his teeth and smiled. "Of course."

Harry shortly left thereafter and went straight to Leaky Cauldron to finish his lunch. He then left in search of the address that SharpClaw had given him.

Harry soon found himself in front of a moderately sized office building and he let himself in to find a young blonde witch at the front desk.

"Can I help you?"

"I'm here looking for Mr. Tonks."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Uh..no"

"Unfortunately, without an appointment.."

Harry cut in before she could finish her sentence. "Can you please tell him it's a family matter?"

"I don't think.."

Harry cut in again. "Black family matter. He would want to see me. Please just tell him a Mr. Charlus is here."

The witch looked unsure but did comply and then let him into a room, where he saw a tall, striking man with graying hair. He looked stern but he did seem a bit taken aback when he first came across Harry.

"Mr. Tonks?" Harry asked a bit unsurely to which the man just nodded. His expression seemed closed off and he did not look the least bit friendly, which unnerved Harry a bit.

"I assure you I am not in the habit of being spoken to about any Black family business. And I certainly do not know a Mr. Charlus, particularly one who is so young."

Harry swallowed and spoke, "I have no intention of wasting your time, Mr. Tonks. But the matter which I want to discuss with you requires utmost discretion. I hope you can understand."

The man looked thoughtful for a moment. "If I am going to be discussing anything with you, young man, I suggest you stop beating around the bush. I am also not in the habit of breaking confidences and if it is legal help you require, what is discussed between the two of us will stay between the two of us. Furthermore, I can recognize a fake name when I hear one. Who are you and what do you have to do with the Black family?"

Harry breathed deeply and then took off the goblin ring that he had. He slowly looked up to find the man quite close to gaping at him.

"My name is Harry Potter, and I do require your help."

The man looked flabbergasted for a few minutes. He finally addressed Harry.

"Mr. Potter, this is certainly quite unexpected. What is it that you want to discuss?"

"Sirius Black."

Tonks looked at Harry like he had grown two heads. "What about him?"

"I was told that you are married to his cousin."

Harry hadn't quite finished that sentence before Tonks' face hardened and so, Harry hurried to get the words out. "I assure you that I mean no offence, Mr. Tonks. I only request that you listen to everything I have to say before you come to a decision. Please!"

When the man gave his acquiescence, Harry told him everything he had learned quickly. When he explained that Sirius Black did not have a trial and that he might actually be innocent, Tonks goggled at him, unable to keep a straight face.

"Are you sure, Mr. Potter?"

"Just Harry sir, and yes, I am very sure."

"You can call me Ted, Harry. I confess this is….I actually don't know quite what to say. This is a lot to take in."

Harry quietly waited while Tonks tried to digest the information. He still looked out of sorts but he looked at Harry sharply suddenly.

"You are staying at the Leaky, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Would you consent to come around for dinner tonight?"

"Sir?"

"Dinner, Harry. I'm sure my wife would love to meet you."

"Oh..yes, sir." Harry looked up shyly which made Tonks grin.

"Excellent. I'll pick you up at the Leaky around 6?" When Harry nodded, Tonks continued, "Rest for a bit, kid. You've been running around since morning."

Harry soon left with the promise of being ready for dinner. Since this was the first time he had actually been invited to somebody's home, he was quite nervous. He went back straight to his room, ditching the idea of popping into the Alley to shop. He picked out his best clothes, which were still quite worn out. But they were clean and he straightened them out as best as he could. He paced in his room, tried to take a short nap which didn't work out since he continuously worried that he might oversleep and then, he finally settled down to read so that he can calm down. He got ready an hour before he actually had to be ready, tried to tame his hair and polish his glasses. He finally couldn't stop bouncing as he was anxious and thrilled. So, he decided to go down and wait instead of in his room.

As Harry was seated in an obscure corner at the pub, he noticed someone. A tall, dark-haired man with a hook-like nose dressed entirely in black sat in another corner reading and eating. For some inexplicable reason, Harry's eyes were drawn to that man. Harry noticed that the man was reading a Potions journal. He couldn't help but feel that he had already seen the man somewhere. It was like a niggling sensation and he felt like there was something important about the man that he was forgetting. While he was busy staring, the dark-haired stranger looked up as if he had felt eyes on him. Harry's eyes met the man's and widened. He immediately looked away. The stranger merely sneered and went back to reading. Harry's cheeks had reddened and he resolved to know who the man was. He quietly got up and approached the innkeeper. His questions resulted in a name but by the time he looked around, the stranger was gone. He breathed out the stranger's name and somehow, it came out reverently which startled even Harry himself.

By the time Ted Tonks showed up, Harry was still obsessing over the man in black. But when he saw Tonks, the idea of the impending visit drove away every other thought from his mind and he became the scared, shy little boy again.

A/N: Well, that's that. I definitely want to hear what you guys think about this chapter. So don't forget to review! And of course, please do add this story to your follows/favorites if this is to your liking.

Now, I got a question for you guys! Where do you think Harry remembers Snape from? Got any ideas, PM me!

And yes, that was Snape for any of you who have not worked it out. The clues were quite obvious, I should think.