Disclaimer- It's not mine, it's JKR's

Chapter Three-Willing Collaborators

Gringotts-Diagon Alley
Friday, July 12, 1996
9:55 AM

Harry still had a rather bemused smile on his face as he, along with Andromeda, Dora, Hermione and Luna, appeared in the private portkey entry chamber in Gringotts Bank. He had quite enjoyed the novel experience of waking up with three warm, soft, and delightfully nude witches in bed with him. He'd had a few panicked moments when he first woke and realized where his hands were, but that feeling had soon faded when it was made abundantly clear to him that the other parties involved had no problem with his hands roaming where they willed. While such matters had not progressed too far, there had been enough touching, exploring, and kissing to make up quite a few Patronus-worthy memories.

He let go of the silk cord Andromeda had made into a portkey and looked around. . The walls of the room they had arrived in were stone, and seemed to have been carved out of solid rock. A deep scarlet rug covered the floor, but otherwise the room was bare. The only exit was a heavy wooden door on one wall; no other doors or windows were to be seen.

Andromeda turned to Harry, having noticed him examining the room. "We're far beneath Gringotts, at the level of the deeper vaults. This room is reserved for the thirteen Most Ancient and Noble Families, two of which are the Blacks and the Potters. The room is warded against most transportational magicks and only accessible by portkey. Once you arrive, that door is the only way out. It's a portal—goblin magick. You place your hand on the door and announce your destination. If you're expected, the door opens to that location. If you're not, well, I imagine that the results are less than pleasant. It's not even possible to portkey back out until you've passed through into Gringotts and the wards are reset to allow exit. Quite a complex system, but the goblins have a mastery of wards that no wizard can match, and their defensive magicks are brutal and effective."

She walked over to the door, rested her hand on it, and said, "Bonecrusher's office." The door glowed for a second, and then opened. Andromeda motioned to Harry, who passed through the door, followed by Dora, Hermione, and Luna. Andromeda brought up the rear, closing the door behind her.

Bonecrusher, a dignified-looking goblin, was sitting behind his desk where a number of crystal orbs were beside a pile of folders and two small boxes. In front of the desk sat Remus J. Lupin. He had been informed via owl the previous evening that his presence was required at Gringotts to clear up some financial matters, but had not been told what they were. He had also been strictly instructed to tell no one of the summons. He had followed the directions, even though he had been sorely tempted to talk over the matter with Albus Dumbledore. As he saw Harry entering the room, he wondered if he'd been wrong not to.

"Harry, what are you doing here?" He jumped up and crossed the room to the arriving group. "I thought you were at Privet Drive? Are you supposed to be here? Does Professor Dumbledore know about this? What about protection; you could be at great risk." He was cut off by Andromeda before he could continue.

"Hello, Remus."

Lupin looked away from Harry to see who had followed him into the room. His eyes rested first on Dora, then Hermione, Luna, Andromeda, and finally returned to Harry. He opened his mouth then closed it again as he gazed intently at each member of the group and then at Bonecrusher. Harry could almost see the wheels turning in his head. He understood now why Sirius had always claimed that Moony was the brains behind the Marauders; he could see Remus making connections and drawing conclusions.

At last, Remus turned back to Andromeda and returned her greeting, "Hello, Andy. It's been a while. I assume Sirius is behind this little gathering? It has all the hallmarks of one of his patented "let's turn the world on its ear" schemes."

Andromeda grinned. "Well, we are here because of Siri; it's true. As for the rest, I've no doubt that some of what happens today will upset certain peoples' plans. Whether that's a bad thing or not will likely depend on your point of view. I'm simply following the instructions left to me by my little "brother," and my Lord."

Remus' eyes widened, the significance of Andy's last word was not lost on him. "But Harry…" he started, when he was interrupted yet again.

At that moment, Harry broke in. He was more than a little annoyed to have people, once again, talking about him as if he wasn't there. "Harry is here, and more than capable of speaking for himself," he said rather sharply.

Remus turned to him, a bit surprised at the harshness in the boy's voice. He looked carefully into Harry's face for a moment, and then his shoulders slumped. His voice, when he spoke, was much more subdued. "I'm sorry, Cub. I wasn't trying to ignore or insult you," he said, "I was just surprised to see you, and, frankly I was worried for you. I guess I overreacted," he added his voice trailing off.

Harry's expression softened. He could see that Remus looked tired and stretched. It came to him then that Sirius' death had been a tragedy for more than just Dora and him. He'd lost a godfather he'd known for several years, and Dora a close cousin, but Remus had lost a life-long friend—almost a brother—and that this was the second time he had lost him.

He stepped forward and placed a hand on Remus' shoulder. "I'm sorry too, Professor. I didn't mean to snap at you. Dumbledore," he said, startling Remus with the venom in his voice, "is a bit of a sore subject for me right now. The old fool's inability to accept that my life and actions are mine to dictate, not his, has cost far too much for too many."

Despite Harry's obvious anger at the Headmaster, Remus felt the need to defend the man. "Harry," he said gently, "obviously you're upset with him, and I'm certain you have your reasons. But I'm equally sure that Professor Dumbledore has never meant to hurt anyone, particularly anyone like you that he cares about—only protect them."

Harry barked a laugh. "If this is how he protects the people he cares about, then the gods help anyone he wants to hurt. No," he brushed off Remus' attempt to break in, "I don't want to hear it! He insisted my parents go into hiding, and they died. He claimed to be protecting Sirius, yet he was more a prisoner in Grimmauld Place than he was in Azkaban! And the result, death, again. As for me, well, how did he put it? Oh yes, 'Five years ago you arrived at Hogwarts, Harry, safe and whole, as I had planned and intended. Well—not quite whole. You had suffered. I knew you would when I left you on your aunt and uncle's doorstep. I knew I was condemning you to ten dark and difficult years.' He knew what life with the Dursleys would be like before he sent me there, and he did it anyway, and he's sent me back every summer for five years. So spare me the platitudes about Dumbledore's good intentions. He paved a road to Hell with them, but condemned me to walk down it."

Harry turned away and walked back to the girls. Dora and Hermione each laid a hand on his shoulders, and Luna wrapped her arms around him from behind. Remus just stared wordlessly as Andromeda stepped up beside him.

"He has a right to every bitter feeling he's expressed to you, Remus, and more that he hasn't. The Wizarding world as a whole has failed Harry James Potter, but none more so than Albus Dumbledore. I need an oath from you now, before another word is said. A wizard's oath that you will reveal nothing you learn here to anyone, not even Dumbledore."

Remus turned to face her, his eyes haunted. "Andy, I don't know if I can. I've made promises…"

She looked back at him implacably. "I understand that, Remus, but it's not me asking you. It's Siri. He told me the words to use. 'Marauder's Vow, Moony. The last of our pack needs your support.' That's what he told me to say to you when this day came."

Remus stared at her for a moment and then looked deep inside himself. He was deeply conflicted. The promises he had made to the Order of the Phoenix and those he had made to Lily, James and Sirius were at odds in a way he had never thought they would be. Which promises should he keep? The answer, oddly enough, came from the last quarter he would have expected. The wolf deep in his soul spoke to him, not in words, but feelings. The wolf's care and loyalty were for his pack as they had always been. Now the pack was dead, all but the last cub who must be cared for above everything. In the end, there was no choice to make—it had been made long ago. He raised his wand, "I, Remus John Lupin, swear to divulge nothing that I learn here, upon my life and magick."

Andy smiled then and led him back over to Bonecrusher's desk. The others had already taken seats on a sofa facing the goblin: Harry in the middle, Dora on the left, Hermione on the right, and Luna sitting on the floor with her legs curled under her like a cat, while she leaned back against Harry's legs. Remus and Andy settled themselves in chairs next to them, and they all turned their attention to Bonecrusher.

Bonecrusher smiled, a somewhat disturbing expression on a Goblin, if one was not used to it. "We are here for an informal hearing of the last wishes of Sirius Orion, Lord Black, his passing having been confirmed as per the Protocols of Albion. For those who are not familiar with these matters, a set of enchanted gems is maintained by the Wills and Inheritances Department of Gringotts, one for each of the thirteen Noble Houses. These gems are charmed to glow with an inner fire. Upon the death of one of the Lords of the Houses, the gem goes dark until the next Lord takes office. At the same time, the House ring returns to Gringotts' care. These two events occurred for House Black approximately seven weeks ago, with the ring returning to my office," he gestured towards one of the small boxes on the desk, "and the Black gem, an obsidian sphere, fading to a dim glow. As the light was not completely extinguished, I presume that a Regent was appointed by the last Lord?"

Andromeda raised her right hand, the silver and onyx ring appearing on her finger. "I was sworn to that position, by the hand, will, and magick of Sirius, Lord Black."

Bonecrusher's disturbing smile reappeared. "Very good. You will be required to take the Black Seat on the Warlock's Council for the Lughnasadh meeting of the Wizengamot on August 1, where the formal will reading will take place. This is acceptable to you?"

Andromeda nodded her agreement.

Bonecrusher clapped his hands together, and reached for one of the crystals on his desk. "Then let us hear the will and wishes of Lord Black."

He tapped the crystal, and a pure tone rang out. A mist swirled in the center of the crystal, and then poured out, forming a cloud above it. The cloud slowly resolved into the face of Sirius Black. The face opened its eyes, and grinned wildly.

"Well, this message is being played, so I suppose I'm officially an ex-Padfoot. Now, to do this properly; I, Sirius Orion, Lord Black, being of sound mind and body. We'll pause here for a moment, and allow Moony to get himself under control after the "sound mind" comment." There was a brief snicker from the direction of Remus' chair. "And really, sound body? Who came up with that? I'm dead; your body can't really get much less sound than that. So, more accurately, I, Sirius Orion, Lord Black, being of totally unsound mind and conspicuously absent body, do declare these to be my last wishes. There, doesn't that sound more like me?"

In spite of themselves, everyone in the room was smiling. It was hard to remain gloomy in the face of Sirius' mad exuberance, even when it was only a recording.

"That should have broken you all out of the funk you are no doubt in, owing to the lack of my glorious presence." The face's expression became more serious. "All joking aside, mourn me if you will, but don't lose yourselves in the grief. I've known this was coming for a while; ask Andy if you want the details. I had the chance to make my peace with it, and I'm looking forward to seeing Prongs and Tiger-Lily again. Now, on to the fun part, giving away goodies and generally pissing off the people who bothered me in life!"

"First of all, to my old friend and fellow Marauder, Remus John Lupin. Moony my friend, you'd never take a Knut from me while I lived, scorning it as charity. Well guess what, I'm dead now and you can't stop me! I've transferred two million galleons to your vault, as well as the deed for the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade. I've had it completely renovated, including a secure room in the cellar for dealing with your furry little problem each month. Please, Moony, stay there and help Harry any way he'll let you. I've failed him too often, and though it's not fair, I'm asking you, brother to brother, help redeem my mistakes."

Remus choked back a sob, and nodded his head, as Andromeda laid a hand on his shoulder. "I will, Padfoot. Grace to you in the Summerlands, my pack-brother."

"Next, to my cousin Andromeda and her husband. I leave you five million galleons, and title to the Dower House, whose location I can't mention here courtesy of a certain irritating Headmaster, but you know where I mean. You can invoke your ownership inside the house using the Regent's ring I gave you, which will empower the Family wards and remove all other enchantments. Feel free to let the Order of the Phlaming Pheasant continue to use it for their clubhouse if you like, but you'll need the money to refurbish the old wreck. I also leave you ownership of one psychotic house-elf, and one equally psychotic portrait. Do as you will with Kreacher, but give the bitch one last metaphorical black eye for me. Hah, Moony, betcha didn't know I knew words that big, huh?"

"Along with the House and the money, I leave you one other thing that my grandfather wanted to give you, but never found the opportunity. I must say I agree enthusiastically. Discuss it with Ted, and if he's willing, style yourselves Theodore and Andromeda Black. As Lord Black I recognize your marriage in the sight of House and Blood, and name your daughter Nymphadora Cassiopeia Black as heir tertius to the Ancient and Noble House of Black. I charge you as Regent with the guardianship of my godson, Harry James Potter, and ask that you help restore our Family name from the cesspit the last generation dragged it into."

Andromeda smiled at her cousin's image through mixed tears of grief and pride. "I will, Siri, on my life."

"Dora, Hermione, Luna, forgive me if I skip over you for now; you'll understand why you're all here shortly. Finally, to my godson Harry James Potter, I leave the balance of the Black Estate, including the Trust, all other properties, assets, and honours, among them the title of Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Pup, when I became your godfather, your parents allowed me to conduct an ancient blood adoption ritual making you my heir secundus. Basically, this means that only the first-born child of my body would take precedence over you. My second-born would be third to you, and so on. Since I never had any children, Azkaban being a rather poor place to meet eligible witches, the whole mess is your problem now. Bonecrusher, if you'll please invest Harry with the House ring now?"

Bonecrusher tapped Sirius' sphere, picked up a small box off of his desk and handed it to Harry. Opening it, he found a massive silver ring set with an onyx stone, with a cameo of a Grim carved into the stone. Looking to Andromeda, who nodded her approval, he slipped the ring onto his right forefinger. Waves of coruscating energy poured out from the ring, formed an aura around his body for a brief moment, and then faded. Bonecrusher then tapped the sphere once more, and the recording continued.

"Since Bonecrusher has continued this recording, rather than switching to another sphere, it means that the Black Family magick has accepted you, Harry. This makes you Lord of the Family in your own right, as the Black Family held to the oldest traditions. While this is not emancipation per se, it does give you some adult rights reserved to underaged Lords of the Noble Families. Your restrictions against underage magick are removed. You have a voice in the Wizengamot and the Warlock's Council, though you cannot personally exercise your vote until you turn seventeen. You can however name a representative to vote for you, both there and on the Hogwarts Board of Governors, where the Black Family also has a seat. And finally, you are recognized as being of age for the purpose of receiving any and all inheritances. "

Sirius paused for a moment, and then spoke again. "Pup, I have one more thing to tell you about, but I think it's important that you hear some other things else first." The image turned to face Bonecrusher. "Bonecrusher, I, Sirius Orion Black, named guardian to Harry James Potter by James and Lily Potter, do charge you to play the last wills and testaments of James and Lily Potter now for Harry James Potter, my designated successor as his guardian, Andromeda Black, and any others that they agree should be present." Bonecrusher tapped the sphere once more, and Sirius' image froze.

Bonecrusher reached onto his desk and moved two more spheres forward. "Mr. Potter…"

Harry interrupted, "Please, sir, call me Harry."

The goblin's eyes widened, "Very well, Harry, but please address me as Bonecrusher, not sir. Goblins put more stock in our names and deeds than in assumed titles or honorifics. I say this as instruction only, not from any offense. Now, do either you or the Regent object to the presence of the others for this hearing, or wish anyone else to attend?"

Harry shook his head. "No, Bonecrusher. I trust everyone here, and don't have anyone else I need here." He dropped his head for a moment, muttering, "Only have to deal with his damned jealousy if Ron was here anyway." No one but Hermione heard him clearly, but she gave his hand a sympathetic squeeze.

Bonecrusher turned to Andromeda, who also shook her head. "Everyone here is either sworn to Harry's protection, or would lay down their lives for him regardless. And I think the closer we hold certain information, the better." She saw Remus wince slightly at that, clearly he understood that Dumbledore was one of the people she preferred to keep in the dark.

Bonecrusher nodded, and turned back to Harry. "I'll be playing your father's will first, followed by your mother's. Since she survived him, if only by a few minutes, his provisions came into effect first, followed by hers."

Seeing that everyone understood, he tapped the first sphere. Again, a cloud of smoke arose from the sphere, coalescing into a face. James Potter much resembled an older Harry, save that the messy hair was longer. Harry leaned forward in anticipation, as this would be one of the few times within memory that he had ever heard his father's voice.

"I, James Harold Potter, do declare that this is my last will and testament as of October 23, 1981. Should my wife, Lily Evans Potter, survive me, she is to have the use of fifty percent of all interest from any of my family monies, and permanent residence at any of our family properties, until the day of her death. Use of the remaining interest goes to our son Harry James Potter, and all interest and ownership of family monies and properties shall go to him upon his mother's death."

"Harry, if you're listening to this now, then I didn't make it through this damned war with Voldemort. Hopefully, your mother is sitting next to you holding your hand, or failing that, Sirius has raised you as per our wishes. War is always uncertain, which I why I'm making this will before your mother and I go into hiding. If I didn't survive, then my grandfather's titles will fall to you. The Potters are one of the thirteen Ancient and Noble Families, as such you will hold a seat on the Warlock's Council. If you're underage, appoint your mother as your representative, I can think of no finer choice. Whatever I have become, however I have grown, is owed to her. Before I met her I was little more than a pampered brat. Her willingness to believe in me inspired me to reach beyond myself, to become someone she could be proud of. I hope I succeeded."

"Harry, the day you were born and your mother handed you to me was one of the two finest moments of my life, matched only by that moment that your mother said "I do." You and your Mum are the best and most important parts of my life. If I died to protect you both, then I am well content."

"Son, one of the duties of the Ancient and Noble Houses is to perpetuate themselves. I would be remiss in my duties as Lord of House Potter if I did not provide for this with you. At the same time, having had your mother in my life I know the value of love in a marriage. So, I'm hedging my bets."

"The day after you were born Ted and Andy Tonks brought their daughter Nymphadora to see you. I was in the back of the room when Lily put you in Dora's lap. A white and gold aura flashed around the two of you for a moment, then vanished. I think Lily and I were the only ones to see it. The only thing known to cause that aura is the formation of a Soul Bond. A Soul Bond links individuals together for this life, and beyond. It does not necessarily mean romantic love, but it does mean a level of closeness that you can literally trust with your life and your soul. The Soul Bonded cannot betray one another."

Needless to say, your Mum and I watched you and Dora together carefully after that. Whenever you were most upset, you wanted your "Nymphy". She could calm you when even Lily and I couldn't. Your first steps weren't to us, but toddling after her. And I can safely say that she returned your love in full measure."

"I hope that the two of you have had the opportunity to grow up together, and build on that Bond. I've negotiated a formal Betrothal between you and Nymphadora with Andy Tonks. If I didn't survive, get her to explain the system to you, she'll understand it better than your mother, no matter how much she's read. It's the best chance I see for you to know the kind of love I have. Consider a last gift from your father."

"If you've had to listen to this will, then I didn't survive to be there for you, and for that I'm sorry. If I had to die, I hope that my death helped to protect you from growing up under the shadow of war that I did. I love you, son, never doubt that."

The playback ended, the figure disappeared. Harry seemed to cave in on himself a bit as the sound of his father's voice faded, and immediately the three girls wrapped themselves around him, giving him their silent love and support. Dora, in particular, held him close to her. They sat like that for some minutes as Harry tried to deal with the grief that welled up in him as he thought of his father and what might have been. Once he felt able to go on, he looked up and nodded to Bonecrusher to continue. Bonecrusher tapped the next sphere, and slowly the face of Lily Potter appeared above it.

"I, Lily Amelia Evans Potter, being in peril of death, do hereby declare this to be my last will and testament. All that I die possessed of I bequeath to my son and heir Harry James Potter."

"Harry, my darling boy, as much as I wish that you will never see this, I am almost certain that you will. I can't begin to describe the pain I feel knowing that we will probably not be there to see you grow into the fine man I know you will become. I carried you under my heart for nine months; the power and warmth I felt then told me all I needed to know about the kind of person my son would be. And nothing you've shown me in the past fifteen months would ever change that opinion."

"I trust that your father has explained the Potter Legacy in his will, and what it will mean to you. James is writing his will as an expedient, and to humour me, I'm afraid. My reason is more direct. I do not have the Gift of Sight, but my best friend Lorelei Ollivander Lovegood does. The Ollivanders are one of the oldest families in Clan Ravenclaw, and their power of Sight is eclipsed by few."

"Lee and I met on our first train ride to Hogwarts. We were sorted into Ravenclaw together, and for seven years shared our rooms, our books, our lives, and until I married James and she Edmund, our beds as well. In our fifth year we swore a blood-bound oath, which made us more than lovers, more than sisters. Thus were born Fire and Ice, even more notorious than the Marauders in some regards. Ask Sirius, Remus, or Peter if you want the sordid details."

"Anyway, my point in telling you all this is that just a few days ago I had two visits. The first was Eleanor, James' grandmother. She was very ill, and her visit was unexpected. She gave me a bronze and lapis ring and told me to try it on. I think she was honestly amazed when the magical aura flared and settled over me. She then explained that she was, as she put it, tidying up loose ends, as her illness was terminal. Unknown to James or I, she was the only surviving daughter of the Morrigan family, and thus Lady Morrigan, as well as Matriarch of Clan Ravenclaw. The ring she gave me marked me as Regent for my future daughter, since James' mother was now deceased, and he has no sisters. If I have no daughter, then the Regency shall pass to your wife, in trust for the next generation."

"The second arrival, shortly after Eleanor left, was Lee with her three-month old daughter Luna. We put the two of you down to nap together and sat talking in the next room. She told me many things she'd been Seeing lately: death, destruction, betrayal, much of it circling around symbols she took to represent our extended group of family and friends. She stressed that these were only possible futures, but she'd seen much more bad than good. Then, to our mutual surprise, she turned out to be Prophet as well as Seer. This is the Prophecy she made to me:

Child of the Lion and the Raven,

He has come, the heir to Lyonesse' power,

Marked with the power of the coming storm,

He will be the axis on which the future shall turn

Three shall ground him, three shall guard him,

Of sanguine whole, and half, and none.

When the once-fallen Shadow rises again,

And darkness is seen to cover Albion's land,

Then must his wings be spread and his roar be heard,

Else Light's return become naught but a dream.

The Faithful must allow the First Vaults to be opened,

The three must follow the Raven's flight,

Three must call three at the citadel of knowledge,

The guardian completes the circle of power.

Thirteen and one to bond in the old ways,

The caller of spirits must take up his crown,

If Darkness' spread is to be denied,

And Albion saved from the final fall.

"Harry, there are only a few things I can tell you about this prophecy. Lee and I were certain that you are the Child spoken of in the first verse, particularly given Eleanor's revelation. Lee was sure that 'the three' are three witches who will be very important in your life. She only saw two of them with any clarity. The first must be Dora Tonks; there can't be two who match her description. The second we thought sounded like Lee herself. The third she could get no clear vision of, all she received was an impression that 'she'll be more your daughter, Lily, than any you could ever bear.' I hope that description will be of some help to you."

"Our assumption about the second witch's identity was shattered shortly thereafter. We heard giggling from the other room where we'd left you and Luna napping and went to check. When we got there, we found the two of you wrapped in a white and gold aura, with stuffed toys flying around you like orbiting planets."

"I remembered what James told me about Soul Bonds after the incident with you and Dora, and discussed the matter with Lee. Under the circumstances, we agreed to a Betrothal bond between you and Luna. Don't panic, love. Yes, you are Betrothed to both Dora and Luna, but that doesn't have to mean more than you want it to. Besides, as Lord of both the Potter and Morrigan families, you will be expected to produce heirs from two different mothers, to keep the bloodlines from intermingling. Another one of those charming old pureblood dictates that makes little sense to muggleborn me. Ah well, as I'm sure your father will have suggested, seek advice. Either Dora's mother Andromeda or Lorelei will be able to help you if we can't be there to do so."

"The third witch I must leave to fate, my darling son. I've told all of this to Sirius, since if James and I are gone, he as your Godfather will be there to protect you. A copy of our custodial arrangements is going to Gringotts along with our wills, and another copy will be given to our witness, Albus Dumbledore. This is all we can do for you, Harry, except to assure you of our love, now and forever."

Lily's face dissolved into a formless cloud of smoke and was gone. Once again, Harry found himself wrapped in the arms of three young witches, simply holding him as the sobs wracked his body—mourning for a mother he could not even remember knowing. Andromeda and Remus, grieving themselves for friends long gone, sat silently while Harry wept. Luna crooned softly as she held him and Hermione rubbed his back gently. Dora simply laid her head on Harry's shoulder as tears coursed down her cheeks. Minutes passed until the four were calm once more and Harry's weeping came to an end. Once he stopped, Bonecrusher spoke up.

"As you may or may not know, your father's parents had died some years before your birth, in the 1978 Beltain Massacre. Your great-grandfather passed on immediately after the death of his wife, shortly after your parents went into hiding; his will was read at the Samhain Wizengamot meeting on November 1, 1981. As your father was also deceased, all holdings and titles passed to your name, to be held in Trust by Gringotts until you reached your majority. However, as you have inherited the Black Lordship and its privileges and duties, you are also eligible to receive the Potter inheritance as well."

Bonecrusher picked up another small box from the desk and handed it to Harry. Opening it, Harry found another ring, this one made of gold inset with a cabochon-cut ruby, with lions carved into the gold around the gem. Placing this ring on the forefinger of his left hand, he was once again briefly surrounded by a magickal aura. When the aura faded, Bonecrusher continued.

"As with the Black Family, you inherit a seat on the Warlock's Council of the Wizengamot, as well as one on the Hogwarts Board of Governors. There are a number of other inheritances, the details of which we will need to go into at a later date. We will also need to perform a magickal blood test to affirm your mother's testament as to the inheritance regarding the Morrigan Family, and it will take us some time to review the inheritances of that title, should it be confirmed."

At Harry's nod of understanding, Bonecrusher once more tapped Sirius' orb. The image unfroze, and Sirius' will continued.

"OK, pup, I think you've probably had just about all the surprises you want to deal with today, based on what I can guess was in the wills James and Tiger-Lily left for you. So believe me when I'm sorry to say that I've got one more to drop on you. If all the people I requested to attend are with you at this hearing, then you've all probably got a very good idea where this is going."

"Harry, your mum told me about Lee's visions before she went into hiding with Prongs. When I met you and your friends at the end of your third year, I was fairly certain who the third witch in her prophecy was, just from watching the two of you work together. Last Christmas, which was, by the way, the best Christmas I've ever had, any doubts I had vanished. There's only one young witch I know who has never doubted you, who's always been by your side, and who is no doubt sitting beside you right now clutching your hand, aren't you Hermione?"

They all looked over at the couch and started laughing, because Hermione was indeed holding tightly to Harry's right hand, blushing furiously. After a moment, both she and Harry joined in the good-natured laughter.

"As Hermione's parents are Muggles, I could not negotiate a formal Betrothal contract with them, the laws governing them are unfortunately archaic in the extreme. I was however able to use a loophole in the old laws to file an Arrangement-Of- Intent between the two of you. This was intended for situations where there were no surviving kin of one of the intended, but there's nothing specific in the laws that would prevent it for being used for Muggleborns. It has most of the effects of a Betrothal, the only difference being that it must be formalized by a Handfasting by your sixteenth birthday, Harry, as you are the younger of the two. If not, it is considered dissolved by mutual agreement. As the heir to three of the Noble Houses, you're entitled, almost required, to have three wives. Pardon me while I bite back my feelings of envy."

"Seriously though, I'm so sorry that I couldn't do more for you, Harry, and that I wasn't there for you as you deserved and your parents intended. I blame my own impulsiveness first and interfering old men second. Start making your own decisions, but don't be afraid to ask for advice and help from those who care about you. I know you don't know her, but if you trust me at all, learn from Andy as much as you can. What Cissy aspires to be, and Trixie is too bloody nutters to be, Andy was born and bred to be. From what little Dumbledore told your parents and me of the other Prophecy, you will have "the power to vanquish the Dark Lord." Just remember, magick is only one kind of power, there are many others, and Andy is expert in more than you might guess."

"One last favor for your old godfather, Pup; look after the wolf for me. He's the last of the Marauders, and you're the closest thing to family he has left. You may not remember, but 'Unca Mooey' was your favourite storyteller when you were a baby. Lean on each other while you grieve, and you'll make an old mutt very happy."

"Lastly, live your life, love often, kiss those three pretty witches and name your handsomest son after me, and if I see you up here before you're older than Griselda Marchbanks, I'll do the cruelest thing I can think of—I won't protect you from your mum! This is Padfoot from the great beyond, signing off."

Once again a face dissipated into a cloud of smoke. This time, however, there was no emotional collapse. Everyone sat silently, each lost in their own thoughts about what they had heard and their memories of the man who had been the prime mover in this day's events. After a time, Bonecrusher shook himself and looked over at Harry.

"Harry, we need to perform the magickal blood test I spoke of." He handed a small silver knife to Harry, and placed a blank sheet of parchment in front of him. "If you will please put three drops of your blood on this sheet, we can conclude this quickly."

Harry used the knife to prick his left forefinger, and dripped three blood drops onto the parchment. They waited for several minutes, until writing began to appear on the parchment. Once the writing had stabilized, they looked it over.

Harry James Potter

Lord of House Potter (paternal inheritance)

Lord-Consort of House Morrigan (paternal inheritance)

Lord of House Black (blood-binding inheritance)

Patriarch of Clan Gryffindor (paternal inheritance)

Patriarch of Clan Slytherin (blood-binding inheritance)

Heir-Sanguinus to Matriarch of Clan Ravenclaw (paternal inheritance)

Stunned, they all stood there staring at the results of the test, no one seeming to know what to say. After a few minutes, Andromeda looked up at Bonecrusher, realizing that no one else was going to speak.

"I presume that Gringotts will require some time to confirm this information and to gather the necessary information regarding holdings and inheritance?" At Bonecrusher's rather shaken nod, she clapped her hands sharply. "Very well, then I would suggest that we agree to re-convene here in say, five days time. That should provide Gringotts with sufficient time, as well as giving all parties a chance to come to grips with today's discoveries. Is that agreeable to you, my Lord?"

It took a moment for Harry to realize that she was speaking to him. He swallowed a gulp, squeezed Hermione and Dora's hands tightly, and nodded, unable to bring himself to speak. Andromeda accepted this assent, and began to finalize arrangements with Bonecrusher. As they were finishing, Harry walked up to the desk.

"Bonecrusher, my mother said in her will that she was enclosing a copy of the arrangements that they made for my custody, could I see it please?"

"Certainly," Bonecrusher said and pulled a piece of parchment from one of the files which he handed to Harry.

Harry looked down at the document and began to read. After a moment, his hands started to shake. Luna, noticing this, hurried over and put her arms around him. As she did, he crumpled the parchment and threw it down with a cry of "Damn him to the Pit!" Then, turning in her arms, he buried his face against Luna and began cursing, crying, and shaking with rage.

Remus picked up the parchment, smoothed it out, and read it as Andy looked over his shoulder.

Custodial Arrangements—Harry James Potter

Sirius Black- Godfather

Lorelei and Edmund Lovegood- Godmother

Andromeda and Ted Tonks- Family Friends

Frank and Alice Longbottom- Family Friends

Madame Amelia Bones- Family Friend

Minerva McGonagall and Poppy Pomfrey- Family Friends

On no account is Harry to be placed in the custody of Petunia and Vernon Dursley, as we are well aware of their hatred of anything magickal

Signed,

James Potter

Lily Potter

Witnessed

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

Peter Pettigrew

Remus just stared at the listing in disbelief. After a moment, he began to speak, his voice shaky.

"I don't understand. This said that Harry was never to be sent to the Dursleys. Is it possible that Professor Dumbledore didn't have a copy after all?"

Andy just shook her head. "Remus, he signed it as one of the witnesses. This is the original document; his magickal signature will be embedded. He knew what James and Lily wanted; he just chose to act against those wishes. Legally, Harry should have been surrendered to Sirius immediately, as he was not under any official suspicion. Barring that, he should have been taken to a neutral safe location, cared for, and the persons on the custodial list summoned for a meeting. Dumbledore did none of this, he never even told me our names were on the list—this is the first I knew of it and I've been trying to get the information ever since Sirius named me as Regent. He placed Harry in direct opposition to his parents' wishes, and did it as quickly and subtly as he could, trying to avoid controversy, and using his reputation as a lever to get away with it."

Andy turned slightly to look Remus in the eye. "It worked, he got away with it. But the violations of Harry's legal rights, not to mention his unethical actions, put it on a level with Bartemius Crouch' imprisonment of Sirius."

Remus jerked as if he'd just been struck. He was clearly uncomfortable with Dumbledore's actions being equated with Crouch's, a man he hated.

"But, isn't it possible that Dumbledore just overreacted to the circumstances? With Voldemort missing or dead, and his followers disordered, perhaps he was just looking to secure Harry's immediate safety."

Andy just shook her head again. "I wish it were just that Remus, honestly I do. When you look at his actions, though, that view is just not supported. If he was concerned about Harry's immediate safety, he could have had Fawkes take him to Godric's Hollow, collected Harry, and brought him back to Hogwarts and secured him there. Once he was safe, the custodial parties could have been notified and a meeting set. That meeting would have been the place for him to lay out his case for the Dursleys' home being safest for Harry, and why."

"Instead, he chose to send Professor McGonagall to watch the Dursley house, and sent Hagrid to collect Harry and take him there. Hagrid is fiercely loyal to Dumbledore, and would have fought to the death to carry out his orders. Even Sirius wouldn't want to go toe-to-toe with a half-giant. From what I've been able to put together it went like this: Harry arrived at the Dursleys, Minerva expressed her fears for his well-being, and Dumbledore fobbed her off with his typical "I know best and can bury you in reasons why." Minerva, in shock from the day's events, was in no shape to put up her usual resistance, and Harry was left there."

"What's more, if you do a little digging at the Child Welfare Bureau in the Ministry, which I did, you find that the following day Dumbledore placed an Executive Lock on Harry's file by fiat, preventing anyone from getting into it without mustering a ¾ vote from the Wizengamot to open it, as there was no Potter Regent on the Warlock's Council. No Remus, this was a well thought out and carefully executed series of events, designed to get and keep Harry where Professor Dumbledore wanted him."

"But, if that's where he would be safest…"

Andy's response was harsh and correct. "The fact remains he had no authority, legal or moral, to make that choice. He was only a witness to the custodial arrangements; he had no control over them, no voice in the decision process. He may be the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, but that authority only extends so far. I suspect that if we asked Minerva and Poppy, he never even told them that they did have a say in the matter, far more so than he. His choices were a blatant violation of James and Lily's choices. They knew the threat from the Death Eaters, their custodial choices could have been made aware of the risks, Ted and I certainly would have been; it was not his place to override it."

Remus and Andy stopped talking when they saw Harry had pulled his face away from Luna's body and looked at Bonecrusher. Dora and Hermione had come over and joined the hug, providing what support they could.

"One last question, Bonecrusher. Sirius indicated in his will that there are provisions made for the only heir of one of the Noble Families claiming his title while still underage. Would those apply to House Potter as well, and if so, how?"

Bonecrusher nodded. "Yes, they would apply to House Potter. You should have been informed of this on your fourteenth birthday, by the laws governing inheritances." Bonecrusher picked up a file and looked over the contents. "According to the files, since your location during the summer was Unplottable, information was sent to your Wizarding contact…"

Harry interrupted, "Don't tell me; just let me guess. Albus Dumbledore?" Bonecrusher nodded. "Well, that explains a lot," said Harry. "I guess that now I know one of the reasons that Mrs. Weasley was sent to get our books the last two summers. After all, if I didn't go to Gringotts, there was no need to worry about me finding out about this. Headquarters would be unreachable under the Fidelius, and I'll bet that Dumbledore had a similar ward blocking unapproved owls at the Dursleys. Probably at the Burrow too, at least for our fourth summer. I wonder if he's done the same with my mail at Hogwarts? No reason to believe otherwise. Interfering, meddling old bastard!"

Hermione looked up, a worried expression on her face. "Harry, you don't think that Mrs. Weasley was a part of this, do you?"

Harry thought about it for a moment, then shook his head. "I doubt it, Hermione. She's always been fiercely protective of me, to the point of being smothering. All Dumbledore would have to do is point out how risky it was for me to go out with Voldemort back, which was true, and she'd do whatever he suggested. I don't think he'd risk telling her any other reason. If there's one thing the Weasleys are horrid at, with the possible exception of Fred and George, it's lying."

Harry threw himself back down onto the sofa. The girls sat down with him, continuing to hold him. Harry sat in silence, until he was startled out of his reverie by a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to find Remus standing above him, looking at him nervously.

"Harry, cub, I don't know what to say to you. It's clear that I was wrong, and you have some real grievances where Albus is concerned. It's just… I didn't want to believe it. He's done so much for me; I couldn't accept that he meant to hurt you." Remus' voice trailed off.

"I understand Remus. For what it's worth I don't think that he ever meant to hurt me. I'm just not sure how much he could see me beyond the pawn he needed to use in his fight against Voldemort." Harry looked over at Andromeda, whose hand motions clearly said, 'your choice, Harry'. "If you'll give me your promise that you'll keep my secrets, I want you to come with us when we leave. There are some things that I need to show some other people that I think might be good for you to see as well."

Remus nodded. "I promise, Harry. Marauders honor."

Harry smiled and took him by the arm. "All right, come on then." He led Remus over to the portal door in Bonecrusher's office. Andromeda opened the door and entered, followed by Harry, Remus, Hermione, Luna, and Dora. As the door closed behind them, a hidden door behind Bonecrusher's desk opened. A tall, strongly-muscled Goblin entered. Bonecrusher rose and made a bow to him.

"Ragnok, Battle-Lord, strength to your arms."

"And to yours, Bonecrusher, and glory to your line. So, are the Seers right? Is the time of storms at hand?"

"I think so, My Lord," Bonecrusher replied. "Lord Potter's mother and her Seer spoke of the Faithful, and the opening of the oldest vaults. Our Seers tell us that those are portents of the coming of storms, and the human child who will point the way to the future. And this is what the blood test showed." He handed the parchment to Ragnok.

"So, he is heir to the Lion, the Raven, and the Snake." Ragnok nodded and set the parchment back on Bonecrusher's desk. "I will convene the Council, and ask that the Seers attend us. In the mean time, you have authority to perform the research needed to validate these findings, and to collect all necessary information on the holdings and inheritances. Use whatever resources you require; you speak with my voice."

Bonecrusher bowed once more. "As you command, Battle-Lord."

HPatWC HPatWC HPatWC HPatWC HPatWC HPatWC HPatWC HPatWC

Authors Note-Wolf:

Sorry about the long delay but, as I said in my profile, this chapter has been giving me hell. I went through a large number of drafts until I got one I could live with. This isn't the ideal place for the chapter break, as the day is only partly over, but the next section will probably take me another couple of weeks to write, and I didn't want to wait that long to post an update. I expect time within the story to move fairly slowly up until August 1, and then things will speed up to the beginning of the next year at Hogwarts.

By the way, because I know someone will bring it up, I'm aware that JKR has Lily in Gryffindor, not Ravenclaw. Ravenclaw works better for this story, so that's what I'm going with. Besides, the two smartest witches in two successive generations, and neither of them in Ravenclaw? I have a hard time buying that one.