Reading Time: 124 Minutes
Title: Birth of the Serpent King
Author: Keira Marcos
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Genre: Romance, Alternate Universe
Rating: R (sexual situations and violence)
Word Count: 105,062
Betas: Chris King & Ladyholder (all remaining mistakes are the author’s fault)
Warnings: Written by an American author who attempted to use every cliché she could think of, habitual abuse of canon characterizations and events AND under aged consensual sexual contact.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Entertainment purposes only. No infringement intended. If I owned Harry Potter—I’d live in a castle in Scotland with several beautiful younger men to cater to my every wish.
Author’s Note: My thanks to the HP Fandom for entertaining me thoroughly while I was broken and laid up wishing death and mayhem on my neighbors.
Summary: What if Lucius Malfoy had interfered and saved Harry Potter’s life during the third task? The Harry that returns to Hogwarts after the resurrection of Voldemort has been tempered by fire, the Potter Family legacy, and a relationship he couldn’t have ever expected. In the wake of his father’s redemption—Draco Malfoy finds everything he could have ever wanted in the man that was once his enemy.
* * * *
Chapter One
The letter he’d written to the Malfoys was the only one Hedwig had been able to actually deliver. The others—to Ron, Hermione, and even Sirius had been impossible. The wards around the house on Privet Drive wouldn’t let her leave with them. Harry knew to blame Dumbledore for that and after a few tries he stopped upsetting Hedwig with tasks she couldn’t complete.
The surprise came a few days after he had sent the letter to the Malfoys—the regal black bird who was perched on his window sill stunned him. For a minute, he held his breath because he’d been alone for weeks and it was obvious that no one was coming to see him or get him. The hurt that had festered in his chest lessened a little and he carefully retrieved the letter from the owl. He offered a treat and the bird took it with a little nip at his fingers before leaving.
There were two letters folded together.
Mr. Potter,
Thank you. I know that your experiences with my husband were trying at best and you have no reason to speak kindly of him even after death. Your condolences and your explanations regarding his death have done my son and I great service.
I must apologize that your beautiful owl had to wait for so long at our gate. We were not expecting any communication from you and our wards refused her. We treated her with great care upon discovery and made sure she had a good meal before she returned to you. She will not be relegated to the front gates should you chose to communicate with us again.
I am deeply saddened by his death but relieved to know that in his final moments my Lucius redeemed himself. I know it doesn’t erase or even make up for his prior bad acts. He told me once, after meeting you, that he believed you held great power within you and that one day you would defeat the Dark Lord. He believed with his very soul and perhaps that is why he chose to do as he did that night. I am honored with his choice to fight for you so that you may have the chance to grow up and to learn all that you need to know to defeat our mutual enemy.
With respect,
Narcissa Malfoy
The House of Malfoy
Harry took a deep breath and closed his eyes briefly. He didn’t like to think about what had happened with Lucius Malfoy but somehow it paled in comparison to how he had been treated by the ministry after his return with Cedric. He frowned and took a deep breath. He’d recovered physically and mentally from the interrogation he’d suffered at Fudge’s demands but he was furious over the treatment.
He folded Lady Malfoy’s letter and then stared for a few seconds at the one beneath it. That Draco Malfoy had chosen to write him personally was something of a surprise.
Harry,
Thank you for your kind words and the honesty in your choices regarding the death of my father. I realize he treated you cruelly (and that in the past I was no different) so your bravery in the face of the Ministry regarding his actions the night the Dark Lord returned has caused me think about what has transpired between us in the past and the future that is front of us.
My mother and I were both subjected to questioning by the Ministry. I do hope they treated you better than we were treated during that process. Fortunately, my mother never took the Dark Mark. We have warded our estate against him and anyone associated with Dark Mark except for my godfather, Severus Snape.
Thank you for providing my mother and I with some measure of peace regarding the death of my father.
I heard that you were confined to the Muggle world again this summer. Mother and I are going to Diagon Ally this week—is there anything I can send to you?
Sincerely,
Lord Draco Malfoy
The House of Malfoy
Harry blinked and then sat back to stare at the two letters. The only communication he’d received in the month he’d been home and it came from two people he would have thought… well he’d figured what he’d revealed about his father would make Draco hate him even more.
He took the two letters and tucked them carefully into a charmed section of his trunk. Then he pulled out paper and his quill. After a few minutes of indecision, he began.
Draco,
My father was an Animagus. Unfortunately all of the books on the subject at school are in the restricted section and I’ve been repeatedly denied access to the material. I attempted to order it last year but was rebuffed and when I tried to purchase it in Hogsmeade, I was informed that it wasn’t on the list of books approved by the Ministry underage wizards to purchase.
Additionally, I was unable to procure a set of books called “Legilimency & Occlumency by Amelia Snodgrass”.
I would very much appreciate any reading material you could provide on these three subjects and will of course compensate you upon our return to Hogwarts.
Sincerely,
Harry Potter
* * * *
Draco frowned and then put the letter down next to his plate. He offered the white owl some bacon from his plate and she hooted gently. “He calls you Hedwig, I believe.” She hooted again and fluttered gently when he offered her a piece of his scone. “You are certainly a gorgeous creature.”
“Yes,” Narcissa agreed and then glanced at the letter. “May I see it or was it personal?”
Draco offered her the letter and watched her read it. He wasn’t surprised by the frown that drifted over her beautiful features. “I know. I’m very surprised.”
“I wasn’t aware that the Ministry had started preventing the purchase of certain books…” Narcissa took a deep breath. “I have to wonder how and what Fudge is up and just how ignorant he would prefer your generation to be. Combine a list of banned books with the less than stellar defense education you received from Hogwarts and I’m left wondering if perhaps he isn’t a Death Eater himself. I don’t understand how Headmaster Dumbledore would allow Potter to be so poorly educated.”
“Did you notice his signature?”
Narcissa nodded. “Is he just modest or does he not understand his place in our world?”
“I’m left to believe no one explained it to him. There were times in the past that I made him so angry that I can’t imagine how he wouldn’t have rubbed his status in my face if he’d known. Harry’s had little to no education regarding our social structure in school and it isn’t like Granger would know anything about it either. Weasley… I don’t know why he wouldn’t tell him. Perhaps he was ordered not to by Dumbledore or his mother?”
“Or perhaps, he simply doesn’t know,” Narcissa said gently. “It’s not as if the Weasley family has access to the records regarding the Potter family. It is entirely possible that they’ve been kept in the dark regarding the Potter estates and his responsibilities.”
“What should I do?”
“Go to the library and pick out the books he requires and anything else you think he should have but probably doesn’t. I don’t want to purchase him a set from Diagon Alley because it might draw undue attention to us if they are watching such purchases. It would irritate me greatly if the books were marked for tracking. I will contact your Aunt in France about purchasing him a set for him to keep. For now he can borrow from us. Also, I will provide him with a portkey he can use to come to the Manor and then return to the Muggles at his leisure.” She frowned. “If they will not educate the boy regarding such matters, then I certainly will. It is the least of what I owe Lily Potter.”
“I…” Draco paused. “I don’t understand.”
Narcissa paused and pushed aside her plate. “You are several months older than Harry.”
“Yes.” Draco nodded. “He has his birthday at the end of July.”
“Lily Potter was six months pregnant with Harry when she… saved me. The Dark Lord had called your father to his side and he was gone for several weeks. Aurors had searched the Manor several times looking for your father or Dark Artifacts they could use against him but found nothing. One of them was ill-tempered and rude and I was terribly young. My magic had been subdued by the pregnancy and I was very heavy with you. I couldn’t even perform basic charms because it made me so ill I would pass out almost immediately. Lucius believed that you would be a very strong wizard.” She paused and smiled. “He was not wrong.”
Draco flushed at the praise and then reached out to settle his hand over his mother’s. “You’re shaking.”
“Lily Potter and her husband were not part of the team investigating the manor but their friend, Lord Sirius Black, my cousin was. He treated me with respect and kindness but the others weren’t so… kind. They were ordered leave by the Head Auror when they didn’t find anything but one of them, his name was Michael Castor returned.”
“Did he hurt you?”
“He tried. He said he wanted to see what it was like to be with a noble woman…” Narcissa shook her head. “I won’t repeat his exact words to you but it was vile and I was defenseless against him. Then, she was there. The duel was horrible. I could hardly believe he was treating a fellow Auror that way—I don’t know what he was thinking but she ended up severing his wand hand just beneath the elbow. Then her husband arrived and it was a horrific scene. I went into labor with you.”
“Oh.”
“Lily Potter delivered you, Draco. She held you first in this world and her eyes were so beautiful with the joy of it as she laid you on my chest and told me I had a son.”
“What happened to Michael Castor?” Draco demanded.
“He bled to death in the foyer while were you being born in the parlor,” Narcissa admitted. “Sirius Black stood over him while it happened. Lily was special to him, and well, her husband was enraged.”
“Lily Potter delivered me.” Draco repeated with a frown. “You always tell everyone I was born in France and that the labor lasted for hours and that’s why you never had another child.”
Narcissa laughed sadly. “It seemed the only story to tell. I couldn’t very well tell everyone that your father refused to give me another child because he didn’t want me to ever be that defenseless again.”
“I don’t blame him,” Draco snapped and then sat back in his chair. Hedwig suddenly hopped forward and landed gently on his shoulder. She nuzzled against his hair and he sighed. “Potter has the oddest bird.”
“I think she’s charming and beautiful.”
He petted Hedwig’s until the owl had decided he’d been comforted enough and then she flew to sit on the perch next to his own owl. “He probably won’t trust us enough to use a portkey.”
“We’ll send him a few books, the portkey, and an invitation.” Narcissa raised an eyebrow. “What?”
Draco took a deep breath. “Did Father interfere the night the Dark Lord was born because he felt he owed the Potter’s a debt?”
“Lily Potter defended, protected, and then delivered his only son at the risk of herself and own child. I think you know the answer to that question, Draco.”
“Right.”
* * * *
Harry raised an eyebrow at the package that Hedwig carried. He hadn’t expected anything from the Malfoys that night or maybe not even ever. Asking for the books had been a long shot at the very least. He retrieved the package carefully and then gave Hedwig a treat.
The box held four books, one of which was the title he’d specifically asked for. The second one was on Animagus transformation and transfiguration of the body for the purpose of disguise. The other two were separate texts on Leglimency and Occlumency. They all had the Malfoy family crest on them.
There was also a small jewelry box in the box and two more folded letters. He eyed the jewelry box and opened the first letter—breaking the wax seal with an amused smile. He’d seen seals like it at school from other parents and wasn’t at all surprised to see that Draco was taking his place as Lord Malfoy so seriously. The over-pretty git was all about appearances after all. He flushed at the thought but then shook his head.
Harry,
Mother and I are frankly appalled by the ministry’s recent treatment of you in the press but not entirely surprised considering the current leadership. Minister Fudge is not a man YOU can trust. I hope you know that. Never trust him and never allow yourself to be alone with him.
I’ve included four titles – Mother believed it would be a bad idea to buy the books on our trip next week because the Ministry might be watching for the purchases of those books. She will have my father’s sister in France purchase you a set for your own keeping at a later date but for now you may use the ones from our library. I do wonder why you didn’t visit your own library—surely, the Potter Manor has an extensive collection of books?
At any rate, we wish to send Hedwig back to you before it grows too late and Mother has sent you something as well.
All the best,
Lord Draco Malfoy
The House of Malfoy
Harry lined the books up in a stack on his desk and smiled briefly. A part of him did wonder if Draco could be trusted but he was willing to give him a chance in an effort to somehow honor the sacrifice Lucius Malfoy had made. He picked up the second letter and unfolded it carefully.
Mr. Potter,
I was irritated but not surprised to learn of the issues regarding your education and the Ministry’s interference. Animagus Transfiguration, Legilimency, & Occlumency are not Dark Arts but they are the craft of very talented wizards. I suppose it would not do for you to appear accomplished and well educated in the face of the Minister’s accusations regarding your actions during the third task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
He has painted you with a nasty brush over the past few weeks regarding your public statement regarding the return of the Dark Lord. If you were my son, I would be suing the Daily Prophet and Minister Fudge personally for his misuse of your name and the maligning of your character regarding this situation.
It was brought to my attention by my son that you might not be aware of your position in our Wizarding society. You are the heir of the Potter House and all of its holdings. On your 15th birthday, you will be allowed to claim your father’s title, his signet ring, and his place in our society as Lord Harry James Potter because you are the last of your line.
Due to this change in your status, you will be considered an adult with all the legal and social responsibilities thereof. If you are aware of this, please forgive my presumption, but if you are not aware and would like to be instructed in the role you will be required to take in our society—I would be pleased to teach you all you must learn.
The box I sent you contains a special bracelet. It was a gift to me when I was little more than a child but after I married Lucius—it became difficult to wear and I placed it in my personal vault. I removed it recently with the sole purpose of giving it to you. I’ve come to believe that it was always my destiny to give you this gift. I realize you have very few reasons to trust my son or me but I swear on the soul of my husband and my own magic that you have nothing to fear from either of us.
I’ve charmed the bracelet to temporarily respond to the word “Sanctuary”. If you touch the bracelet and say this word, you will be brought to Malfoy Manor. I chose this word because I wish to be your sanctuary from what you’ve already suffered this year. Your mother was a strong, valiant woman and I certainly cannot take her place—but it would honor me if you would I would consider it an honor if you allowed me to protect you as much as I can in the coming months and years.
Sincerely,
Narcissa Malfoy
The House of Malfoy
PS—I believe you will have no problems communicating with the bracelet and changing the method by which the portkey works.
Harry opened the box carefully and stared at the bracelet inside. It was a man’s bracelet, appeared to be made of platinum or a similar metal, and it was fashioned like a snake. That didn’t surprise Harry at all. With a smile, he picked up the bracelet and the snake animated immediately. He almost dropped it.
The silver snake slithered over his fingers and around his hand until it secured itself to his wrist with a little hiss of contentment. “Hello.”
Emerald eyes centered on him. “Hello, young one. I belong to you. I can be charmed to allow for five portkey destinations. Currently I will bring you to this Muggle shack when you say the words “Privet Drive” and to Malfoy Manor when you say “Sanctuary”. I will also go to a place called “The Burrow” and a place called “Hogwarts”. Finally, I can take you to the front steps of Gringotts if you say the word “Galleon”. My former mistress believed these would be your most visited destinations. Additionally, I will protect your mind from intrusions and curses. I am pleased to have a new owner who speaks my language.”
Harry grinned. “Can you speak English?”
“It is troublesome,” the snake admitted. “But I learned for Narcissa’s sake when she was a child. She has given me to you and with you, I will stay. I am called Mehen.”
“I am called Harry Potter.”
Mehen recoiled around his wrist. “Sleep Harry Potter and I will keep you safe.”
“Can you activate and portkey me if I’m unconscious?” Harry questioned.
“Only if you are injured or incapable of speech during a dangerous situation.”
“Thank you Mehen, you’re a grand gift.” Harry touched the snake’s head gently. “I should be worried about you but I’m not.”
“I was made with the purest of magic many thousands of years ago in a place far from here, Harry Potter; I cannot be used for Dark purposes. Your magic is strong and it tells you that I can be trusted. My loyalty to you is absolute. As you grow you will learn to trust and even interact with your magic far more than you do now.”
“Why is your loyalty absolute?”
“Because we are kindred. Because I have not known anyone in many thousands of years with such a powerful connection to the magic that makes me.” Mehen’s tongue flicked out briefly. “Sleep, Harry, it is late.”
* * * *
Diagon Ally was the same as it always had been and for Draco that seemed odd and even cruel. The world was apparently no different to anyone else but him and his mother. Well, maybe the people that his Father had used to his own advantage felt a measure of freedom due to his death but perhaps not much. Such people would be and probably were being used by others.
Harry had sent another letter to the manor but only one for his mother. Draco had strived not to be too disappointed and then was somewhat relieved when he’d discovered that it was business and not really a personal missive. He’d been right; of course, Harry didn’t know a damn thing about his estate or his lordship. He didn’t even know who the family solicitor was for the Potter Estate.
They entered the offices of Riser, Mills & Coats quickly and the young witch at the desk stood. “Mrs. Malfoy, Lord Malfoy. Mr. Riser is expecting you.”
Draco gave the witch a nod as he followed his mother and wondered when he’d get used to carrying his father’s title. It seemed wrong to have it now, wrong and completely unacceptable. He knew he’d never be able to truthfully say that his father had been a good man but that didn’t change the agony that stirred in him at the loss of one of his parents.
“Good morning, Mr. Riser. I’ve come on behalf of Harry Potter.” Narcissa sat down in the chair offered and stared hard at the man. “You will tell me why you’ve failed to keep that young man informed of his estates since he re-entered the our world.”
Riser frowned and set aside his quill. “You are not his magical guardian, Mrs. Malfoy. I don’t believe I should…”
“The young man knows nothing of his estate, Mr. Riser. He doesn’t know he’s to receive his father’s title on his coming birthday. He believes he has a relatively healthy trust fund that will see him through his education. He doesn’t know where Potter Manor is. He knows nothing of his family history, his ancestors, nor is he aware of his responsibilities as a peer. I blame you.”
Riser paled. “I… Mrs. Malfoy, he was… he has no idea?”
“None. I imagine it will be quite a shock to him for him to learn but he has asked me to instruct him in his role and to help him as much as I can. His birthday is in one week and he will be 15. As he is the heir to the Potter Family, he will be an adult at 15 rather than the traditional seventeen. He is completely unprepared to handle his financial and social responsibilities. The question is, of course, what do you intend to do about it?”
“His magical guardian assured me that… such matters should wait until after the boy has…” Riser took a deep breath. “But if Mr. Potter wants to accept his father’s title on his 15th birthday then legally no one can oppose him on the matter.”
“Additionally, he’d like to know why you haven’t intervened on his behalf regarding the Daily Prophet.”
“His magical guardian has not given us permission to pursue legal action against the paper or the Minister for the slanderous statements,” Riser admitted gruffly. “And I was rebuffed when I protested his participation in the Tri-Wizard Cup last year. He should have never been allowed…”
“Who is his magical guardian?”
Riser blinked in surprise. “Mr. Potter is unaware of this as well?”
“Yes.”
Riser sighed, clearly frustrated. “I see. Is Mr. Potter staying with his Muggle relatives this summer?”
“Yes.”
“I will go there this afternoon and inform Mr. Potter of his entire situation, Mrs. Malfoy. I assure you that I will rectify this situation to Mr. Potter’s benefit as soon as humanly possible. And anyone who has abused his trust or his estate will pay for it.”
* * * *
“Boy!”
Harry sighed and closed the book he was reading. He tucked it into his trunk and locked it up. He didn’t want Dudley to damage his things while he was downstairs and the whale was bound to if he was given the opportunity.
Harry trudged down the hall but forced himself to straighten as he went down the stairs. The man in the foyer was clearly a wizard despite the fact that he was wearing stylish Muggle clothing. That he’d gotten past the wards and hadn’t managed to hex his Uncle Vernon indicated that Harry could probably trust him.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Potter, I am Cecil Riser, the Third with Riser, Mills, & Coats.”
Vernon snorted. “I told him if you are being sued that I won’t be paying any settlements for your freakish behavior.”
Harry flushed and bit down on his lip. “Thank you for not hexing him, Mr. Riser.”
Riser’s gaze flicked briefly towards Vernon who had paled before speaking. “I have had many years to study and learn the ways of Muggles, Mr. Potter. I haven’t hexed one for being ignorant in nearly twenty years.”
Vernon went red in the face. “I won’t have another freak in my house!”
“I am willing to make an exception in your case, Mr. Dursley, if you can’t be civil. I learned to hex at the hands of five very terrible brothers.” Riser put down his brief case and took off his coat with ease. “Mr. Potter, we must speak about several legal matters regarding your family estate and your status as a minor. This cannot wait.”
“Mrs. Malfoy visited you this morning then?”
“Yes.” Riser’s gaze hardened. “I was unaware of your problems or I would have made myself known to you sooner. My family and our law firm have been on retainer for your family for nearly two hundred years. I’ve failed in my duty to you and as such, I believe I owe you a great debt. I will do everything required make amends.”
Harry blinked in surprise but ignored his Uncle’s sputtering. “Why wasn’t I introduced to you before?”
“Your magical guardian informed me you wanted nothing to do with the matters of your title or estate until you reached the age of majority.” Riser paused. “Despite the fact that you’d be able to claim adult status at 15 due to the demands of your title.”
“What is this nonsense?” Vernon demanded. “This little freak doesn’t have a title.”
Riser’s gaze flicked over Vernon. “I assure you, sir, he does in fact have a title. In six days, with his consent, that title will be conferred on him. He is a landed, wealthy noble from an established and powerful house within the Wizarding world.”
“He doesn’t have any money!”
“We’ll be discussing his trust fund today as well.” Riser looked over at Harry’s clothes and then glared at Vernon. “Upon the death of his parents you were given access to a trust fund to take care of their child—to see that he was appropriately clothed, fed, and educated until he could rejoin our world and attend Hogwarts. I can only be thankful that you didn’t have access to the rest of his money seeing as how you abused, mismanaged, and absconded with the trust fund you did have access to.”
Harry glared at Vernon briefly and then focused on Riser. “We can talk in the dining room.” He held up a hand when Vernon started to talk. “Uncle Vernon, I may not be able to perform magic right now but I assure he is not restricted in that way. It would be best if you controlled your temper.”
Riser allowed himself to be escorted into the dining room where he took out a series of parchments and a large account book from his slim case. Harry sat down across from him but didn’t say anything while Vernon prodded his wife into the kitchen. Fortunately, Dudley was gone for the day.
“Very well,” Riser began. “To start I should tell you that due to the incarceration of your godfather, Lord Sirius Black, your magical guardian is Albus Dumbledore. I believe you were never told that formally.”
“I suspected after I found out I had one,” Harry admitted dryly.
Riser nodded. “You have three magical family properties as well as interests in many magical and non-magical businesses. At one time, there were over one hundred properties but your father sold much of that shortly after he came into the title. He kept the ancestral property in Godric’s Hollow, the Potter Manor, which is unplottable, and a country house in Scotland. As I said The Potter Family has stock in a variety of Muggle and Wizarding companies that my firm has managed for four generations with the help of your account manager at Gringotts and an a wizard accountant who has been directed by your account manager since the death of your parents. Your father was actually the one to suggest some of the Muggle investments—your mother’s influence—and I must say the investments have done very well.”
Harry nodded. “Okay. So, I’m solvent?”
Riser offered him a small smile. “Yes, you are very solvent. You’ll never have to work a day in your long life unless you wish to. You are heir to a fortune, Mr. Potter.”
Harry winced at the outraged gasps from his Aunt and Uncle. “I see. How much was in my Muggle trust fund?”
“Your parents were generous of course. They wanted only the best for you, 250,000 pounds. Additionally, there was a provision for more should you prove to be a squib.” Riser paused. “But that was certainly not the case.” He unrolled one scroll and passed it to Harry. “I believe you will notice that your Aunt and Uncle paid off their house, bought a new car, and redecorated their home shortly after they received access to your trust fund. The rest of it appears to be paying for their son’s private education.”
Harry glanced over the parchment without looking at his Aunt and Uncle and then frowned. The sheer amount of money at his disposal was obscene and it slapped at him—reminding him that he had it all because he was the last of his family. “I see. Very well, transfer another 250,000 pounds into the account for them.”
“If you are sure?”
“I am.” Harry handed the scroll back. “We’ll just consider it combat pay, shall we?” He spared them a glance and found his aunt pale and his uncle looking at him as if he might be attacked at any minute. “I didn’t mean combat with me!” He huffed and focused on Riser. “Do I need to do anything about the businesses or the stock?”
“Not at this moment. You will start receiving stock reports and the like from both your account manager at Gringotts and the wizard that oversees your Muggle investments. I trust that you will be taking the title on your birthday?”
“Yes.” Harry nodded. “Do I have any living relatives?”
“You are distantly related to many of the pure blood families you have heard about at school. I believe your closest living relative is Augusta Longbottom, she is a third cousin. You go to school with her grandson, your fifth cousin. You are very distantly related to both the Blacks and the Weasleys. There are spells and rituals that can be done after your Family Magic settles to find out more about your distant relatives.”
Harry nodded. “Okay.”
“You own several rental properties in Diagon Ally including a series of townhouses. Gringotts handles the rental agreements so that’s nothing for you to bother with unless you wish to. Your estate manages itself Mr. Potter but you can be involved as much as you want now and when you get older. Granted, experience has taught those involved with your family that Potters have a unique ability to make money. Your input will be considered important by both the dverger and your business partners based on that fact alone. Most nobles your age are content receive reports, make more money than they spend, and educate themselves.”
“Do I have any employees?”
“All three of your personal properties are maintained by house elves,” Riser admitted. “They travel from property to property handling cleaning and maintenance. Currently they are at Potter Manor because they believed that would be your first stop after you claimed your title.”
“How will I get there if it is unplottable?”
“Your Head elf, Willaby, will make himself available at your leisure, sir. We can meet my office to claim your title unless you’d prefer elsewhere?”
“All things considered, Gringotts might be a better choice.”
Riser paused and then nodded. “Agreed. I have wards but nothing like what you have here at the house or what the dverger have at the bank.” He placed a book in front of Harry. “This is your family grimoire, Mr. Potter. I thought you might like to have it. It is self-updating so you will find several chapters about your own adventures relayed in the most dry, brutally honest manner imaginable. To be honest, I live in fear of ever meeting the dead ancestor of yours that conjured that particular book into existence.”
Harry laughed but his hands curled around the books edges gently. “Thank you, Mr. Riser. This has been an enlightening conversation. I will owl you about the meeting for my birthday.”
“Of course.” Riser stood and then paused briefly. “I must say you have a fierce and determined benefactor in Mrs. Malfoy. She was quite incensed on your behalf.”
“I find myself with new friends lately,” Harry admitted.
“I believe.” Riser paused and then seemed to consider his words carefully. “I believe that in the wake of her husband’s death, that our world will find Narcissa Malfoy to be something else entirely when it comes to her actions and intentions.”
“I agree.”
Harry made quick work of showing the lawyer to the door and wasn’t surprised to find his Aunt and Uncle still hovering in the kitchen. He picked up his book and made of show of straightening the tablecloth. “I’ll not hear another word from either of you the entire time I’m here. You won’t call me ‘boy’. I won’t be doing any chores for you or cooking any of your meals. You won’t talk to me at all. I will probably have to stay here the rest of the summer unless I can trust other arrangements but once I leave for school in the fall I will do my level best to never set eyes on you again. I would be relieved if you’d make the same effort.”
* * * *
Mrs. Malfoy,
Thank you for the help regarding my legal status. Mr. Riser was a great help and I would be pleased if you and Lord Malfoy would meet with me in Gringotts on July 31st to witness my acceptance of my father’s title. Mr. Riser will contact you with a time. I’m told that having another noble witness my claim is the thing to do and it would be an honor if Lord Malfoy would stand as my witness.
All the best,
Harry James Potter, Heir Regent
The House of Potter
PS- Thank you very much for Mehen, he is an interesting and very smart accessory in my life. I find his wisdom on certain matters helpful and he’s very funny.
Narcissa handed the second letter to her son without reading it. “Mr. Riser has given young Harry all the information he needs regarding his legal status and you’ve been invited to Witness his acceptance of the Potter title on the 31st.”
“That’s his birthday, I think.” Draco fingered the edges of his unopened letter. “You know the oath I took over father’s grave.”
Narcissa nodded. “I do.”
“I’d like to make another on behalf of our entire family.”
“To Harry himself, I take it.”
“I want him to trust me, Mother.” Draco looked away from her. “I want his trust more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. Father gave his life for Potter and Diggory. In order for me to honor his sacrifice… I want to swear a Liege Oath to Harry Potter.”
Narcissa nodded. “Very well, you are the Head of our family, Draco and your will be shall done. You do realize that your father’s younger siblings have never had any part in the Dark Lord’s dealings. You should write a small, succinct missive outlining your decision and I will see that it is distributed throughout the Family. No one will publically disagree with your decision and they will be honor bound by the oldest of magics to adhere to it.” Narcissa paused and closed her eyes. “I owed Lily Potter a Life Debt, Draco, and I was never able to satisfy it. The night the Dark Lord found the Potters—I begged your father to intervene, to help them but he would not go against… he feared for our safety if he defied the Dark Lord.”
“I understand.” Draco stood from the table. “I’d like to write Harry a response after I read his letter. Will you be sending one as well?”
Narcissa shook her head. “No. I will, however, be sending the child some help. Mr. Riser informed me that Harry was very thin and pale. I must speak with Dobby!”
The elf appeared in a flash and clapped excitedly. “Mistress Malfoy!”
Narcissa smiled briefly and then frowned. “Dobby, did I not give your Oath of Service to Harry Potter? Are you not his elf?”
Dobby’s ears quivered and his eyes grew wide. “Headmaster Dumbles says I is not to visit Harry Potter this summer because he could be in grave danger if I do. I is scared for Harry Potter, Mistress.”
Narcissa propped her chin on her hand and regarded the elf for several seconds. “Dobby, you belong to Harry Potter not to Albus Dumbledore. I realize the deception we’ve asked of you bothers you but it was necessary when we gave your Oath to Harry. We had to make amends for what he suffered in the Chamber of Secrets. As such, Headmaster Dumbledore’s orders are not yours to follow. Your Harry Potter is very lonely, eats very little every day, and no one is taking care of him. Is that what you want?”
Fat tears rolled down the elf’s face and Draco winced. He knew exactly how Dobby felt—no one could lay on guilt and horror so gently as his mother. “Dobby, I believe you can make up for this matter by going to Harry Potter immediately and seeing to his needs.”
“Yes! Dobby go save his Harry Potter right now!”
Narcissa chuckled when Dobby popped away. “Harry might not thank us.”
“At least he’ll be taken care of,” Draco growled. “I can’t believe Dumbledore would… it’s like he wants Harry to suffer as much as possible in life so he won’t care if he has to die…” He closed his eyes. “That’s it, right? That’s what Dumbledore wants—he’s creating a situation where Harry has nothing and no one to live for, not even himself. But at the same time giving him every reason to sacrifice himself for the rest of us.”
* * * *
Harry shot up straight in the bed at Dobby’s appearance, startled by the sobbing elf. “Dobby!”
“Master Harry!” Dobby buried his face in the thin blanket on Harry’s bed. “Yous suffers and I isn’t here to take care of you!” He wailed and slapped the back of his own head for several seconds before Harry grabbed his hands to stop him.
“It’s okay, Dobby.” Harry patted the elf awkwardly until he stopped crying. “Why are you here now?”
“Mistress Narcissa be telling me that your no good Muggles starve you!” Dobby patted his arm. “I will take care of this. We will get you potions to heal you, make you better.”
“Not from Hogwarts,” Harry murmured. “I don’t want to get the Headmaster’s attention—he hasn’t been all that interested in how bad off I am after a summer here.”
Dobby reached and wrapped one hand around Harry’s wrist. A soft glow grew between them briefly and tears welled in his eyes again. “I see, Master, I see very well.”
Harry was quite afraid he did. “You mustn’t tell anyone, Dobby.”
“I would never betray Master Harry’s trust that way!” Dobby released his wrist. “I will arrange for you to visit a private healer in a very, very safe place, Master Harry. It will be done.”
“I’m not your Master, Dobby.” Harry frowned at the horror that flash over the elf’s face. “What’s wrong?”
“You is my master. Mistress Malfoy gave you to me in service. Lord Lucius helped make it happen. He makes Dobby the happiest elf ever! I serve you! I was bad! Never will I listen to anyone else! I is at your side, Master Harry from now on. I promise.”
Harry took a deep breath. “He really was a Slytherin to the very core. I thought I freed you, Dobby.”
“Oh no,” Dobby shook his head. “It would be such a bad thing—so horrible to be freed. I is good elf, from a long line of good elfs. Master Lucius Malfoy cared very much for my mother.”
“So he wouldn’t have dishonored her son,” Harry murmured. “I see and he pretended to treat you badly…” He frowned. “What about Winky?”
“Mr. Crouch was very mean to Winky, Master Harry! Very mean! She is a good elf. He made her do bad things for him.”
Harry nodded and frowned. “Dobby, on the 31st I will accept my title as Lord of the Potter House.”
“Oh.” Dobby’s eyes widened. “It is a Noble house, sir. Very Noble and long established.”
Harry nodded. “I will call for you on that day as I wish for you to bear Witness.”
Tears welled in Dobby’s eyes. “I am honored, sir. So honored!”
Harry smiled and slid out of his bed. “I have a letter for my godfather but the wards around the house won’t let Hedwig leave with it. Will you deliver it? You must do it so that no one else sees him receive the letter.”
“I will.”
* * * *
Dear Sirius,
I realize your situation is difficult and that you are under the watchful eye of many. I try to understand Headmaster Dumbledore’s insistence on my isolation this summer but I resent it. It’s as if he doesn’t care what I suffered that night—like he doesn’t want to understand how much I need to talk about it with someone who will care.
My Muggle relatives are hateful, greedy, and abusive but at least I know exactly what to expect from them. I find I can’t say the same about anyone else in my life. It is true that we barely know each other and that is something I also blame Dumbledore for. I can’t for the life of me fathom how he allowed you to be put in prison without a trial except for the fact that I would have lived a much nicer life with you if you hadn’t. I wouldn’t have been starved, kept in a cupboard like a house elf, and made to work like a slave in what should have been my home.
I find that I do not trust most of the Wizarding world and for that, I also blame him. I am so weary of his games and his puzzles and his mysteries. I tired of the secrets and the ambition and the knowledge that I’m expected to fight and defend myself with the least amount of information possible.
It’s as if he means for me to die.
Love,
Harry
Sirius sat back in the chair and stared at the fire in front of him for several minutes before focusing on the elf that had brought the letter. “You serve Harry Potter?”
“Yes.”
“You are bound to him?”
“Yes, Lord Black.”
Sirius nodded. “What does he need?”
“I is taking care of his needs. Yous to write him a letter. He’s lonely!” Dobby glared at Sirius briefly and then looked around the room. “Kreacher keeps a poor house.”
Sirius snorted. “Yes, he does but he is old.”
“Unfilled,” Dobby corrected. “And lazy.”
“I will write Harry a letter. You may return in one hour for it.”
* * * *
Harry,
I am overwhelmed. It was always my belief that you were in a secure and loving home. Had I known… or ever even suspected that was not the case I would have escaped long before I did. I was angry and I admit I never fought for myself. James and Lily were my best friends and Peter’s betrayal cut so deep I could barely function for months.
In fact, I was Padfoot for most of my imprisonment. Losing myself in my Animagus form might have served to protect me but it did you grievous harm. I can’t imagine how I will ever make up for it.
Albus has refused to listen to me about the Dursleys. Just as he has everyone else in the Order regarding your so-called family.
I am unsure of Albus’ plans but I will tell you that he has called upon us to revitalize a special rebellion force called the Order of the Phoenix to fight Voldemort. He doesn’t want you to know about it. I was, in fact, ordered to tell you nothing. I didn’t agree with the plan but Molly Weasley has convinced everyone that you are too young to be involved.
At this point, Dumbledore has requested that I do nothing in a bid to see myself free. He believes it will lead to undue attention and perhaps attract Voldemort. I don’t agree but it’s not like I have a choice—the man has the power to see me returned to prison if I go against him.
With love,
Lord Sirius Black
The House of Black
* * * *
Draco,
Thank you for the books. I appreciate the time you took to find exactly what I needed. I’m afraid that I don’t understand much of it and that is pretty frustrating. Even using my textbooks from Hogwarts as a guide, I feel as if I’m lost on some of this merely for due to the fact that I was raised by Muggles. I barely understand the origin of my own magic and I could scream!
I look forward to seeing you on the 31st. I have to admit it is odd since you’ve always been such an utter prat to me. When I look back on our history—every moment we’ve spent making each other miserable and brewing hate between us I’m ashamed because I don’t think that’s the kind of man my mother would want me to be. My dad, apparently, had his moments on that front but my mother was different and I would much prefer to be like her despite how much I look like him.
Your mother is a force of nature and her kindness in the face of her own loss is humbling. I feel that I owe your family a debt for the sacrifice your father made on my behalf. In part to repay that debt, I’m going to do everything I can make myself a worthy, honorable friend to you—even if you don’t agree.
Sincerely,
Harry Potter, Heir Regent
The House of Potter
* * * *
Harry,
While it is not in my nature to be forgiving, in the face of my father’s sacrifice and your unrelenting honesty in relating those events despite the wishes of Minister Fudge I find myself unwilling and unable to be anything less than your devoted friend. You may come to regret it but that’s hardly my problem.
I look forward to seeing you on the 31st.
Sincerely,
Lord Draco Malfoy
The House of Malfoy
Chapter Two
Harry woke on his birthday with a sense of purpose he’d rarely known in his young life. He was going to take care of his future and by the time he finished a few people were going to be answering to him. He was half-dressed when the door to his room was thrown open and Dudley leaned in the doorway.
“We’re going on a trip and you aren’t invited.”
Harry finished buttoning his shirt before tucking it into the fitted black slacks. It was one of the few Wizarding outfits he owned that wasn’t a school uniform. He would fix that, too. He’d always been very careful about his spending but now that he knew he was richer than the Queen he planned to at least update his wardrobe.
He pulled a box from his trunk and took out the ruby cuff links he’d bought for the Yule Ball. “I’m kind of busy, Dudley. Didn’t your parents tell you that I’d prefer you never speak to me again?”
Dudley huffed. “Since when do I listen to them?”
“Right.” Harry nodded and shook out his formal robes. He frowned at the wrinkles. Then sighed. “Dobby.”
Dobby appeared abruptly be his side. “Yes, Master Harry?”
“My robes are wrinkled and I don’t want to risk doing using my own magic until after the meeting today.”
“Is my job to takes care of the robes, Master Harry,” Dobby admonished and took the robes. He carefully laid them out carefully on the bed and then threw a series of charms at them. “Theys too short, sir. I added a tailoring charm. Should I do this with all of your clothes?”
“Just the Wizarding stuff, Dobby. Throw out the Muggle clothes. I won’t need that crap anymore. I want to buy some new stuff.”
“Of course.” Dobby practically dove into the trunk and started to make two piles.
Harry rescued his boots and looked at Dudley who was staring at Dobby in a mixture of fascination and horror. “What?”
“What is he?”
“He is a house elf and my bonded servant. He’s also capable of powerful magic so I don’t advise you mess with him.” Harry pushed his feet into his boots and frowned when Dobby immediately came to help him button them up. “Remind me to get some boots that don’t have buttons, Dobby.”
“Yes, Master Harry.” Dobby went back to the trunk, flicked his hands over the Muggle clothes and they disappeared. “Will yous be returning to this no good Muggle place, Master Harry?”
“Not if I have a single thing to say about it.” He glanced towards Dudley who was frowning now. “What?”
Dudley started. “I heard my Dad say you’re really rich.”
“What of it?”
“If you’re really rich why have we been living in this house instead of a mansion like we deserve?” Dudley demanded.
“Because your parents couldn’t get to my money—else I probably wouldn’t have a pound to my name. They already stole the trust fund that was supposed to support me until I reached the age to go to Hogwarts. And I’m paying for that trip you were just bragging about.” Harry picked up his robes and put them on with practiced ease. “Dudley, go away before I have Dobby castrate you.”
Dobby looked up hopefully. “I needs the practice.”
Harry laughed softly as Dudley darted away as fast as his chubby frame would allow. He looked down at his trunk and frowned. “Dobby, can you shrink this so I can put it in my pocket? I don’t want to leave it here with them.”
“Yes, Dobby can!”
Harry watched the trunk shrink with a blink of light and smiled. He picked up the tiny box and slid it into his trouser pocket. “Can wizards do wandless magic, Dobby?”
Dobby inclined his head. “Only the very powerful, Harry Potter.” He paused. “Like you.”
“I’m not that powerful, Dobby.”
“Yous very powerful, Harry Potter. Very powerful, indeed.”
Harry glanced towards the alarm clock on the small nightstand beside his bed and then went to Hedwig. He opened the window and offered her his arm. “Okay, girl, if I have my way I’m not coming back here but I don’t know where I’ll be staying at the moment. Can you go to Hogwarts for a few days until Dobby comes for you?” She nipped his finger in reply and then flew away. Harry watched her for a moment. “Dobby, please make sure she eats well while she’s there.”
“Of course, Master Harry.”
Harry nodded and then lifted his wrist so he could stroke Mehen. In Parseltongue, he hissed, “Galleon.” The tug at his naval was his only warning before he left Privet Drive behind.
Dobby appeared at his side in front of the bank and steadied him before he could fall. Mr. Riser was waiting on the steps and moved to stand with him.
“Lord Malfoy and his mother are already within. They were attracting a rather large amount of attention.” Riser guided him into the bank with a spare glance at Dobby. “Do you intend to make this house elf your Vassal?”
Harry paused. “I’m afraid I don’t understand the question.”
Riser made an impatient sound and then flushed when Harry stepped away from him. “Pardon me, Mr. Potter, I’m not angry with you. I am, however, extremely irritated that you haven’t been educated in the customs and traditions of your place in our society. Albus Dumbledore has much to answer for in that respect. A Vassal within the Wizarding community is almost like a manservant in the Muggle world. House elves are bondservants but to elevate one to the status of Vassal is… well… an honor and creates a protective magical bond between you and the Vassal.”
“I can protect him better with this?” Harry questioned and blushed when Riser’s mouth dropped open and Dobby started to sniffle loudly. “What’s wrong with him?”
Riser’s teeth clicked together briefly. “I believe your humble and honest affection for those around you is just too much for a house elf, Mr. Potter. The status of Vassal would give Dobby leave to enter into combat on your behalf and on behalf of your children should you choose to have them. It’s an honor rarely given to elves in this day and age. It would protect him legally as he could do defensive magic that he’s normally prevented from doing in your defense.”
“Ah.” Harry considered that for a moment. “But I could order him from a situation if I felt it were too dangerous for him?”
“Of course.”
“Then, yes, that is exactly what I’d like to do. I brought Dobby here to witness my title being conferred.” Harry blushed when Riser raised an eyebrow. “He seemed thrilled… is that wrong?”
“No, Mr. Potter, it merely speaks to your incredible character.” Riser prodded him across the large marble lobby of the bank and towards a large dverger. “We’ll be meeting with Director Ragnok today. I realize you probably didn’t have a lot of time to brush up your etiquette skills with the text I provided—but do be careful with your words. It is terribly unwise to cross a dverger or to anger one on purpose.”
“Understood and I did read the chapter on dverger last night before I went to sleep,” Harry muttered under his breath just before they crossed under a doorway and the rest of the bank disappeared behind them.
He glanced back briefly but managed to keep his astonishment at bay. Magical places, even after years at Hogwarts, simply amazed him. He glanced down at Dobby and was relieved to find him looking a little awed as well. Harry figured Dobby had rarely been allowed to see much of Gringotts before.
When they entered the office, Narcissa and Draco Malfoy were already settled in with tea. Ragnok was ranting about Fudge in such a way that Harry couldn’t help but smile warmly at the dverger . He buried the smile quickly and schooled his expression so neutral it felt unnatural as Ragnok trailed off and gestured wildly with his tea cup.
“Mr. Potter.” Ragnok stood and set aside his tea cup. “I was just informing Lord Malfoy of my position on Minister Fudge’s job performance.”
“It is extremely poor and he is very foolish,” Harry agreed and bowed slightly. “It is my honor to meet you, sir. May your gold always flow like the Nile and your enemies die wretched painful deaths at your feet.”
“So mote it be.” Ragnok returned the bow and then motioned him to sit. “Mr. Riser has done much of the work in preparation for the conferring of your title, Lord Potter. In fact, all that remains is to present you with your ancestral ring and sign your name. Lord Malfoy is ready and prepared to act as your Noble Witness.” The dverger paused. “And then we have another matter to attend to at the behest of Lord Malfoy.”
Harry nodded and glanced briefly at Draco before he began to review the parchment in front of him. “I currently do not have an heir.” He noticed the empty spot for the naming of his heir on the document and lifted his head. “I believe that Neville Longbottom is my closest living male relative?”
“Yes, this was verified this morning,” Ragnok confirmed. “When you sign the parchment, magic will fill in the name of your heir and the document will update automatically when you claim your first male child.”
“Understood.” Harry accepted the quill when it was offered and signed his name. Beside him, Mr. Riser opened a small box and revealed his Family Seal. He melted the end of a narrow block of black wax and then pressed it under Harry’s signature before offering the Seal to him. Harry took a deep breath and pressed the Seal into place. It had taken only a few minutes the night before to realize that his Seal was actually just as important as his legal signature when it came to magical contracts. Both were required due to his title. A bright white light swept briefly over the document and Harry moved out of the way so that Draco could complete his part.
He tried to avoid paying too much attention to the other boy but it was exceedingly difficult. At 15, Draco was already four inches taller than Harry and taking on the lean form of an athlete. He was dressed stylishly with the finest robes that Harry had ever seen. The Slytherin was always well turned out so it wasn’t a surprise. A soft gold light flashed over the document as Draco applied his own Seal and then stepped back.
Ragnok placed a polished wooden box on top of the parchment. “It’ll only open for you, Mr. Potter. Upon the death of your father, the Family signet ring was shrouded in this box and returned to your Family vault.” The dverger paused. “I’m afraid I don’t know the condition of the ring and considering how your father lost his life…”
“Yes.” Harry swallowed hard and picked up the box. “What are the possibilities that the ring was cursed by Voldemort before it could be returned to the vault?”
The dverger stilled at Harry’s casual use of the Dark Lord’s name and then shook his head. “Family rings such as this are impervious to such things. Your ring has protective charms and blood magic wards on it from at least ten generations. It won’t be cursed.”
“Blood magic,” Harry murmured. “Do all pure blood families practice what most would consider Dark Arts?”
“Yes,” Draco admitted roughly. “Even your Weasleys, Harry. I’ve heard they have some of the strongest wards possible around their… home.”
Harry nodded. “Bill’s work. They even have wards built with dverger magic.” The box unsealed with audible pop and he relaxed. The lid flipped open easily revealing a platinum ring set with a large emerald. The Potter crest was on one side, and the other side was blank. “What will…?” He sighed and rubbed his face with one hand in a show of frustration.
“In most circumstances, a witch or wizard waits until they are seventeen years old to receive their Family magic. This happens during their magical maturation,” Narcissa began. “In taking the ring early, your Family magic will settle on you and more over—the role of Patriarch of your Family magic will be yours to bear as well. It can be seen both as a burden and an honor.”
Harry nodded. “The last scion of the House of Potter.”
“Indeed.” She touched his shoulder carefully. “You will accept the full brunt of your Family magic but you are a strong wizard and I believe it will serve you well in the years to come.”
“It will start my magical maturation?”
“No.” Narcissa shook her head. “You’ll still go through a maturation period after your seventeenth birthday but since your Family magic will have already settled—it won’t be as dramatic as it might have been otherwise. Draco experienced much the same when he accepted the lordship ring shortly after we buried his father.”
“Your name will appear on the blank side when you put it on,” Draco murmured. He held out his hand and smiled when Harry put the box in his hand. “I’ve grown past the point where I believe that blood or magical ability can create equals, Harry. I also realize that part of you simply has no idea what this ring represents. It’s not the fact that you’ll wear this ring that makes you my peer, my equal in all matters – it is the fact that you would choose this responsibility without hesitation. That you accept your station in the Wizarding world regardless of the wishes of others is rather awe inspiring.”
Harry flushed. “If you get down on one knee and ask me to marry you, Draco, I’m going to be put out.”
Draco laughed. “Why?”
“Because frankly, it would be rather cheap of you to use my own ring to do it,” Harry said dryly. “I entirely certain I’d be entitled to something new with lots of diamonds.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Draco cleared his throat. “Take the ring, Harry.”
Harry plucked the ring easily from the box and slid it into place on his right hand. The ring vibrated against his skin, lit with silver light, shrank to fit, and the light washed over him from head to foot.
“Do you, Harry James Potter, solemnly swear to hold the honor of your Family in the highest of esteem regardless of personal strife or peril as long as you breathe?”
“I do.” Harry swallowed hard considering all of the people who had come before him—his parents specifically.
“Now, the Oath,” Draco prodded softly.
“I, Lord Harry James Potter, swear on my magic to act with honor and conduct myself as a peer of the Wizarding realm in all matters.”
Draco closed the box gently. “May I be the first to greet the new Lord Potter properly.” He held out his hand and Harry took it without hesitation. He glanced down at Dobby who was clapping cheerfully and smiled indulgently. “Only you, Potter.”
“He likes this kind of thing,” Harry defended with a small laugh. He reluctantly released Malfoy’s hand and stepped back. Then he shot another look at Dobby and frowned. “Your clothes…”
“It is a measure of your esteem,” Ragnok murmured. “House elves dress as well as their bonded Masters wish them to within the confines of the House Elf Accord.”
Dobby’s outfit was clearly made out of pillow cases, except for the socks and sturdy shoes. The pants and shirt were sharply pressed and black. The Potter crest was on one pocket. Dobby patted himself briefly and smiled brightly at Harry.
“You look quite smart, Dobby.” Narcissa offered him a little smile and inclined her head towards the chair that Draco had abandoned. “Come join me. We have ring side seats for the next part.”
“What next part?” Riser questioned. “Lord Harry’s duties are fulfilled here.”
“I beg your indulgence, Mr. Riser,” Draco fiddled with the sleeve of his robe briefly. “I’ve requested a favor from Director Ragnok and he has granted it.”
Harry raised an eyebrow. “I told you, Malfoy, I expect diamonds.”
Draco laughed softly and relaxed. “I didn’t even know you had that tone in you, Potter.” He turned to Ragnok. “Sir?”
Ragnok inclined his head. “There are many sorts of Oaths a magical being may make on behalf of himself or in some cases his entire Family. Some can be done without the assistance of another but others require the magical power of a magical being such as myself. Lord Draco Malfoy has requested that I oversee a Liege Oath on behalf of his family, Lord Potter.”
“What is a Liege Oath?” Harry questioned, hesitating only briefly to reveal his ignorance on the matter.
“It is ancient magic but it is not Dark,” Ragnok assured. “Lord Malfoy wishes to swear the loyalty of his entire Family to you.”
Harry’s eyes widened briefly. “Draco.”
“Your trust is required and I realize that while my father may have sacrificed his life for you, Harry, that I’ve truly done nothing in the years that we’ve known each other to inspire your trust or your regard. The next few months will be difficult for you and Merlin knows how you plan to survive the next few years now that the Dark Lord has returned.” Draco took a deep breath. “In order that I may be at your side, your trust in me must be absolute.”
“What about your trust in me?” Harry questioned. “How am I to earn your trust?”
Draco eyes darkened. “You will have to take it on faith.”
“No.” Harry shook his head and looked away. “I can’t accept such an uneven arrangement, Draco. It’s…”
“Our way,” Draco returned dryly. “It is the way of our people, Harry. I am a Death Eater’s son—this is the only way most people will ever accept me at your side.”
Harry offered him a mild glare and would have continued had Mehen not tightened on his wrist and started hissing at him. He held up his wrist and stroked the snake’s head thoughtfully. “Mehen?”
Mehen hissed his response. “It is foolish to refuse such an offer of friendship and support. He is sincere. Stop thinking like a Muggle.”
Harry blushed furiously and responded in Parseltongue. “Is it anything like what Voldemort requests of his followers?”
“No, he won’t be your slave—not in thought nor in body. He won’t bow to mindlessly your wishes or agree with you when he thinks you’re wrong.” Mehen slid over the top of Harry’s hand. “The dverger wishes to examine me but doesn’t want to admit to the curiosity.”
Harry turned his hand slowly and let Mehen pool into his hand. “Very well.” He turned to Draco and found the blond looking at him stunned. “What?” He asked in English.
“I realize you might not have ever heard this from your Gryffindor buddies but being a Parselmouth is really sexy.”
“Hear, hear,” Narcissa said with a laugh. “But perhaps that is just our House pride talking, Draco.”
“Perhaps,” Draco admitted.
Harry flushed and wondered if he should admit that he’d been known to hiss when he got really excited. He figured the room wasn’t quite the appropriate one for that comment so he turned slightly and let Mehen slide onto Ragnok’s desk. “Ragnok, may I introduce you to Mehen? He wishes to interact with you.”
Ragnok stared at the silver snake as it slithered across his empty blotter and coiled up in front of him. “It would be my pleasure but I do not speak his tongue.”
Mehen hissed out his consent to be examined in Parseltongue and Harry was surprised that he hadn’t switched to English but he kept it to himself. “He has consented to be examined by your magic.”
Ragnok held out one large, bony finger and Mehen curled around it and raced up his hand without hesitation. The dverger’s gaze widened briefly. “Fascinating. I’ve never seen anything like this. He is… crafted from pure wild magic, you realize?”
“He said as much,” Harry admitted.
After a few silent minutes, Ragnok lowered his hand and let Mehen return to the desk and then watched carefully as the snake returned to Harry’s fingers eagerly. “May I ask where you purchased it?”
“Mehen was a gift,” Harry murmured and glanced at Narcissa. “From an old family friend.” He focused on Draco then. “I will accept your Liege Oath but I want you to understand that I would never ask anything from you or anyone who shares your blood that I wouldn’t readily do myself.”
“I know. You’re entirely too Gryffindor for your own good.”
Harry smirked. “Then it might interest you to know that the Sorting Hat wanted to put me in Slytherin.” He laughed when Draco’s mouth dropped open.
“Lord Malfoy, Lord Potter—if you will join me here by the fire.” Ragnok motioned towards the prepared space and said nothing until both wizards nodded and took the places he pointed them to.
Harry knelt as Draco did with one glance in Riser’s direction who nodded encouragingly. “I hate to admit it but I’m not entirely sure…”
“Mr. Riser did inform me that Dumbledore has neglected your education on certain matters,” Ragnok acknowledged. “It is hardly surprising—he’s not educating you for life, he has been educating you for war.”
Draco flushed with anger and lowered his gaze briefly. “Harry, you will offer me the hand you wear your ring on and I will touch the stone of the ring with my wand while I speak the Oath. Ragnok will seal the Oath with dverger magic. This oath will be unbreakable—stronger than any vow or oath a wizard could create on his own.”
“Why do you want to do it this way?” Harry questioned.
“Because you deserve someone you can trust implicitly,” Draco said simply. “And if I make this oath to you in this way with dverger magic… the Dark Lord will be unable to force me or anyone in my family to act against you or accept his Mark as long as you live.”
Harry stared for a few seconds and then nodded. He held out his hand and presented his ring. “Lord Malfoy, at your leisure.”
Draco withdrew his wand and took a steadying breath before he began. “On the blood and magic of my Family, I, Lord Draco Lucian Malfoy, solemnly swear I will be to Lord Harry James Potter faithful in my duty, and I will respect all that he loves, and shun all that he shuns, his battles will be my battles, his enemies will be my enemies, and according to the Wizard Principles, I will never by will nor by force, by hand nor by wand, by word nor by work, by willful ignorance or with knowledge do him harm. I, without stipulation, pledge the loyalty of every living soul who shares my Family magic and those who would call themselves my Family now and in the future to him and him alone. So mote it be.”
Harry gasped as they were both enveloped in a dark green light so heavy with magic that it was hard to breathe. Then it was done—the room smacked back into place and Draco was steadying him with both hands.
“Don’t you dare faint, Potter. I would sincerely hate to make fun of you.”
Harry laughed and closed his eyes briefly. “That was really intense.”
“Yes.” Ragnok agreed. “Your magical signatures are uniquely compatible and it allowed for the creation of a strong Liege bond. Do not be surprised if you find that you can sense when the other has found himself in a difficult situation as you both grow and mature into this bond.”
* * * *
Harry accepted the tea that Narcissa offered as he was prodded into a chair. “I have an appointment in an hour.” He glanced towards the door that Ragnok and Riser had disappeared through and then frowned into his tea. “I’m considering suing the Minister of Magic for slander.”
Narcissa laughed and set aside her cup. “I see.”
“Do you believe it is a poor choice?”
“I would be thrilled to see him sued for his slander of you,” Narcissa admitted. “But it would require proving that you… we could have you questioned by the dverger Court under Veritaserum and a variety of Truth Spells that most wizards have a difficult time surviving with their magic intact. They would provide an account of the interrogation and certify your honesty. No one would dare question your honesty after it was done. The dverger would publish it widely and the Ministry couldn’t stop it.”
Harry nodded. “I’ll think about it. I don’t want anyone to doubt what your husband did for me. I know he was a Death Eater but he made an incredible sacrifice for me and Cedric and I. I won’t ever forget it and neither will Cedric if he ever wakes up.” He paused and cleared his throat. “I think Fudge is responsible, somehow, for Cedric’s continued condition. I’d like to see him put in a private hospital out of the Ministry’s reach but… the Diggorys don’t have a great deal of money and they refused to take my winnings from the Tri-Wizard Tournament. I don’t know that they would take money from me even now.”
“I will see to the matter,” Narcissa murmured. “I don’t disagree with you and I believe I can convince his parents to transfer him to a clinic which specializes in spell damage like his.”
“I would like to contribute financially, if only in secret.”
“Because you feel guilty?” Draco asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Because he’s just seventeen and he’s brilliant and he’s stupidly brave and he’s beautiful and doesn’t deserve to spend the rest of his life the way he currently is,” Harry murmured and then took a deep breath. “And yes because I feel guilty. It was my idea for us to both to grab the trophy. I was just trying to be fair. I never should have been forced to participate in that tournament to begin with. I didn’t submit my own name to the goblet but… Dumbledore made it seem as if I had no choice.”
“You can’t seem to catch a break,” Draco muttered. “Every year—you’re faced with one seemingly impossible to survive situation after another.”
Harry shrugged. “Ragnok said I was being prepared for war.” He set aside his tea and looked at Dobby who was standing just to his left staring at a piece of art on the wall. “Dobby.”
The elf moved quickly to his side. “Yes, Master Harry?”
“Were you paying attention when Mr. Riser and I were talking about Vassals?”
Dobby averted his gaze. “I would never presume to earn such a place in your service, Master Harry.”
Harry grinned because the little house elf was practically vibrating with excitement. “If I were to be interested in offering you such a thing—how would it work?”
“You would present your ring,” Draco murmured and then paused when Harry did as instructed. He almost laughed at Dobby’s shivery reaction. “And he would place one finger on the stone… then you would say the words ‘On the magic of your Ancestors and mine, I grant you the place of Vassal’.”
Harry watched Dobby place a trembling finger on the emerald of his ring. “Dobby, on the magic of your Ancestors and mine, I grant you the place of Vassal.”
Dobby’s ears quivered. “Lord Harry Potter, on the magic of your Ancestors and mine I swear fealty in peace and war. So mote it be.”
“So mote it be.” Harry felt his magic gather, his eyes fluttered shut, and then it was released. When he opened his eyes, Dobby was standing in front of him dressed in robes much like his own made of the same material of a tea towel. “Oh.”
Dobby patted his robes with excited hands. “No elf in my family has ever had such honor granted to them by a wizard.”
“He’s going to brag for the next century,” Draco murmured and then reached out to straighten Harry’s collar. “You take any opportunity to get mussed, Potter.”
“So, do you think Dumbledore is here?” Harry questioned.
Narcissa inclined her head. “If you were his magical ward he would have felt the shift in his guardianship the moment your title settled. He was probably also alerted to your escape from your Muggle relatives. The wards around the home would have told him of your portkey assisted exit.” She glanced towards his left wrist and he held out his hand. She smiled and stroked the bracelet. “Did I choose well for you, Mehen?”
Mehen tightened around Harry’s wrist briefly and answered in English, “Yes, Beautiful One, you did well.”
Narcissa blushed and patted the little snake’s head before settling back in her chair. “Good.”
* * * *
Harry reluctantly followed Mr. Riser out of the private area of Gringotts after speaking briefly with Ragnok about a dverger court hearing on his behalf. Dumbledore and Molly Weasley were waiting for him. He’d be warned in advance but wasn’t exactly prepared for the worry, and concern and irritation both of them were putting off. He figured that Dumbledore had brought Molly along to manage him and heap guilt on him for whatever worry anxiety he might have caused.
Harry held out a hand when Dumbledore started to speak. “I believe that we’d all be better served to have this conversation in private, sir.”
“Yes, my boy, of course.” Dumbledore glanced briefly at Riser. “Unfortunately, you’ll have to part ways with your solicitor at this time.”
Harry checked his watch and then sighed. He turned to Dobby and pulled out his vault key. “Dobby, please retrieve the following things from the Family vault.” He handed him a rolled up list. “There should be a charmed pouch within the vault for you to use but if there isn’t, ask Griphook about purchasing one from the bank. I need 30 minutes with Professor Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley and then we’ll go to our next appointment.”
“Of course, Master Harry.” Dobby glanced briefly at Dumbledore and Molly before bowing slightly and leaving.
“Harry, I must insist you come with me,” Dumbledore said with a small frown.
“Lord Potter is not required to go with anyone,” Cecil Riser said dryly and lifted an eyebrow at Dumbledore’s obvious shock. “Good. You understand that the matter has already been fully settled. Director Ragnok has provided us with a private, warded office for a brief discussion. As Lord Potter as another appointment this afternoon that he cannot miss… 30 minutes is all he can give you at this time.”
Harry said nothing as Riser prodded them all into the small office. He realized part of it was so that Draco and his mother could leave without Dumbledore seeing them. Harry leaned against the desk and offered Molly a smile. “It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Weasley. How’s Ron?”
“He’s good. He’s looking forward to seeing you,” Molly sat down in the chair closest to Harry. “We’d hope to retrieve you this evening but Headmaster Dumbledore has insisted we wait another week which means you’re birthday celebration will be delayed.” Molly frowned down at her hands. “Harry… I’m not certain what has happened here?”
“I claimed my father’s title,” Harry explained gently. “The Potter House is Noble.”
“Yes.” Molly nodded. “But you’re just 15. That is just too much responsibility for you.”
“And entitled to claim his father’s title on his 15th birthday,” Riser explained. “This was not forced on him, Mrs. Weasley, the old magic that governs such things make force impossible. This was entirely his choice and it is an honorable one.”
Molly sighed and frowned. “I’ve never doubted Harry’s ability to act with honesty and honor no matter what some might say.”
“This was a mistake, Harry,” Dumbledore finally said, his tone firm. “You don’t have the time or the resources to deal with such matters. You’re also required to live with your Aunt Petunia under the blood wards at least until you’re seventeen.”
“Those blood wards don’t protect me,” Harry interrupted. “They might have protected me before Voldemort returned but they’ll be useless now. If and when he finds me—the only thing that will protect me is knowledge and ability.”
“Harry…”
“He used my blood to resurrect himself!” Harry snapped. “My magic, my blood—it’s in him and that means those blood wards are useless against him. It might protect me from Death Eaters but then most protective wards would but they’ll be useless against that monster.”
Molly paled. “Harry.”
“I realize it is difficult, Mrs. Weasley… but these are my circumstances. You didn’t see that thing rise up… I did. Voldemort isn’t even remotely human anymore.”
“Be that as it may, I believe you’ll be safest with your relatives,” Dumbledore said. His firm tone left little doubt in Harry’s mind that he would try to force the issue.
“I’ve never been safe with them,” Harry returned evenly. “The only reason I’m alive today is because of my own magic. I was three years old the first time my Uncle beat me and thirteen the last time. I’ve lived on one small meal a day for the past month and I was fed even less than that last year. They hate me and they have told me my entire life that I’m a freak.”
Riser was barely able to keep Dumbledore on his feet long enough to prod him into a chair. “Would you like some tea, Albus?”
“No, Cecil.” The elderly wizard shook his head. “I… Harry… why didn’t you ever tell me?”
“I was ashamed of it,” Harry admitted and averted his gaze. “Besides I figured you knew. After all you knew I lived in the cupboard under the stairs for the first eleven years of my life.”
“I did not!” Dumbledore exclaimed. “What makes you think…”
“My letter for Hogwarts was addressed to The Cupboard Under the Stairs.”
Dumbledore took off his glasses and shook his head. “The house elves handle that correspondence as it’s not particularly personal. I never knew…”
“You should have,” Harry murmured. “You were my magical guardian after all. You should have known about the starvation, the physical abuse, the broken bones, and the verbal hatred they threw all over me at every opportunity. You left me alone with them and they spent ten years trying to beat the magic out of me. Frankly, you’re fortunate that I’m as powerful as I am considering the malnutrition and abuse. It’s a surprise they didn’t kill me with neglect.”
Molly turned and glared at Dumbledore. “Albus!”
“She is Lily’s sister! How could I have anticipated…”
“You might have realized that my Aunt Petunia resented her sister for being magical and that Vernon Dursley thinks magical people should be destroyed,” Harry said dryly. “Instead of threatening her and forcing her to accept the guardianship of me when she clearly didn’t want it. They told me my parents died in a car crash and that my father was jobless alcoholic.” He checked his watch. “I need to go, I have an appointment.” He stood away from the desk. “I’m not going back to them, Headmaster and frankly you can’t make me. Mr. Riser has assured me that your magical guardianship over me has ended and while I may have to follow your instructions when I’m in school—I’m not currently in school and I am prepared to find an alternate educational situation if you I find you can’t respect my independence.”
“Harry.” Molly shifted forward in her chair. “May I go with you? And then when we’re done we can visit with the family and have a birthday dinner with Padfoot.”
“That sounds good actually.” He went to the door. “I have to go rescue the dverger from Dobby’s enthusiasm and then we’ll be ready to leave.”
* * * *
The Healer was an older man who greeted Dobby with a warm smile. “Lord Potter, it is an honor. I am Adam Daniels. I’ve already given a privacy oath to your Dobby before he would divulge his Master’s name.”
Harry smiled. “Yes, he informed me, Healer Daniels but I hope you won’t be offended that I ask you to take a Wizard’s Oath with me regarding my private medical information.”
“It is my privilege to do so,” the man pulled out his wand and recited his oath quickly without hesitation. “Now, how may I assist you.”
“I believe if you do a full medical diagnostic you will answer your own question.” Harry glanced towards Molly and then opened his robes with a blush. Dobby immediately took the robes, leaving Harry clothed in dress slacks and a simple button down black silk shirt. He sat down where he was instructed and tried not to flinch over much when the Healer started running diagnostics.
The man’s quick smile faded so quickly that it made Harry’s stomach go tight with anxiety. He noted that Molly had taken a seat abruptly and he wondered how much of the diagnostic she understood. Harry figured she knew a few of the charms just in by being the mother of the twins. George and Fred must’ve made getting hurt or broken an art form as children.
Healer Daniels sat down in a chair in front of Harry and took a deep breath. “I see. I will need to repair the bone and organ damage caused by the malnourishment. You’re also suffering from the after effects of the Cruciatus Curse and you’ll will need a series of nutrient potions for the next year. And your curse scar… you do realize that you’ve spell damage from a Dark… the Killing Curse. There is a shadow on your magical core. I’ve never seen anything like it. That will require more work than I can do today. I will need to seek out another Healer, a specialist in such matters. It will be anonymous research until I can find a Healer to help us—then we’ll have to require them take an Oath as well. The spell damage is beyond my ability to repair.”
Dobby made a small sound of distress.
Harry bit down on his lip. “Healer Daniels, if you would provide that list of potions now I could send Dobby out to retrieve them for me.”
“Certainly,” Daniels said immediately and stood. He went to his desk and made a list that Dobby snatched the moment he could.
Dobby reviewed it and frowned and then stared at the Healer. “His magics need healing, too!”
Daniels flushed and took the list which he read and then hastily added to it. “You’re right, of course.”
Harry shared a look with Molly and then laughed softly. “Dobby, come here.” The elf immediately came to him and Harry made of show of straightening his collar and brushing off the shoulders of his robes. “First, I want you to glamour your appearance to hide my family crest and change your face. I would prefer that no one know who you are buying these potions for. Second, buy enough to get me through the summer and I will ask Professor Snape to brew more for me once I return to Hogwarts. Third, I would like you to ask the Beautiful One which apothecary you should purchase the potions from.”
“Yes, Master Harry.” Dobby disappeared with a barely audible pop.
Daniels returned to sit in front of Harry. “I’d like to repair your vision first, Lord Potter. It is a complex and expensive procedure but your status requires a certain appearance.”
“So I’ve been told and please call me Harry.” Harry pulled of his glasses with no regret and dropped them into his shirt pocket. “Your bills can be sent to my solicitor, Mr. Cecil Riser.”
“Yes, I was already informed of the financial procedure. Your Dobby left very little to doubt.”
Chapter Three
“Mr. Potter has claimed his title.” Dumbledore sat back in his chair and watched the members of the Order adjust to this news. “And he has refused to return to his Aunt’s house citing previously unreported abuse and neglect.”
“You said you’d make sure he couldn’t claim his title,” Moody groused. “It’s not safe for him to be asserting his independence.”
“I would have, as his magical guardian, been able to seal his title until his seventeenth birthday, unfortunately the law required that I wait forty-eight hours after his 15th birthday to do so. He met with his a solicitor and claimed his title this morning before I could intervene. It is done.” Dumbledore shrugged. “His Family magic is already beginning to settle on him.” He pulled off his glasses to clean them and regarded the rest of the room. “Sirius, were you aware of his plans?”
“No.” Sirius was focused on the table in front of him. “I can’t say I would have told you if he had seen fit to confide in me. I did receive a letter from him through his house elf. He is very unhappy living with the Muggles. I can’t say I blame him. Petunia has never been particularly tolerant and she hated James. I can’t imagine she ever treated Harry the way a decent person would have. Lily would roll over in her grave if she knew you’d placed her precious boy with her sister.”
“It wasn’t like I had a choice,” Dumbledore reminded. “You were the only other legal option and you were in prison.”
“Yes, where I sat for ten years without a trial,” Sirius snapped.
“Sirius,” Remus murmured and put his hand on his friend’s arm. “Right now we should concentrate on how to earn Harry’s trust.”
“Earn it?” Arthur questioned. “I’m certain the boy trusts me.”
“Did he tell you what he planned to do?”
“No.” Arthur shook his head. “But he did allow Molly to remain with him today after he dismissed the Headmaster and that has to mean something about his level of trust for in my family. As he has claimed his title, he is an adult and can’t be ordered around as if he were not.”
“He’s a child,” Dumbledore argued.
“Perhaps you should have considered that before you forced him to participate in the Tri-Wizard Tournament,” Remus murmured and frowned deeply before continuing. “You cannot continue to force Harry into situations with adult dangers and responsibilities while also treating him like a child. It’s irresponsible and frankly abusive—everyone knew that Harry didn’t put his own name in the goblet. If anyone could have gotten past the age line it would have been the Weasley twins and even they weren’t successful. Yet, he was still forced to participate as if he had actually volunteered. As if he were, in fact, old enough to participate.”
“We had no choice.”
“Oh, there were plenty of different choices that could have been made,” Remus argued. “They weren’t made and Moody wasn’t the only one to pay the price for it. I’ve spent the last three weeks lingering on the edge of the wards of Privet Drive—unable to actually enter the yard because of my furry problem, listening to Harry scream himself awake every night. I told you Albus, more than once that he wasn’t receiving the help he needed from his relatives and you ignored me.”
* * * *
Healer Daniels offered Harry a potion. “This will give you the energy required to get home, young man, but I believe you will find yourself sleeping ten to twelve hours daily for the next several weeks. Your body will recover quite rapidly now and you will go through a growth spurt. The last of the spell work we did today will fade by the time you return to school and you’ll be on a normal growth schedule for your age group.” Daniels shared a glance with Mrs. Weasley. “I’ll write down some instructions and then I believe you’ll be ready to go home for some rest.”
Harry finished the potion with a grimace and set aside the empty vial. “Thank you, Healer Daniels. If you will make a copy of what you’ve done for my medical records at Hogwarts, that would be appreciated.”
Daniels nodded. “I will deliver it to Poppy personally. Additionally, I will make sure she understands as your Healer that I am on call for you if you are injured or become ill at school. I would prefer to handle all of your medical issues from this point forward unless it is unavoidable due to the amount of spell work I’ve done to repair your bone and organ health and the spell damage I have been unable to repair.”
“I have no problems with that. If she protests, please let me know.” Harry fastened his robes with slightly shaking hands. “I’m exhausted.”
“It’s to be expected dear,” Molly murmured as she gathered the instructions and helped him straighten himself out. “Will Dobby know how to find you?”
“Yes.”
* * * *
Harry stumbled as they exited the fire place. He’d said nothing as Molly Weasley had taken him first to the Burrow and then to a place called Headquarters. The only reason he didn’t fall flat on his face as he exited the second fire place was due to being swept up into a strong embrace.
“Sirius.” He sighed and patted his godfather. “I’m so tired.”
Sirius frowned and tightened his grip on him. “Molly?”
Molly Weasley frowned but nodded. “He should be put to bed, Sirius. I will wait for you in the kitchen.”
Sirius managed to get Harry onto a bed with his shoes off before the kid was completely asleep. He covered him with a blanket and stood there for a few minutes staring at his thin face. The glasses were missing and he looked impossibly young in that moment. After a while, he forced himself to leave and return to the kitchen to get some answers.
Molly was seated at the table with a cup of tea in one hand and her husband’s hand gripped tight in the other. “Please sit, Sirius, it is a difficult thing what I have to say.”
He sat, shaken by the soft tone of her voice and the sadness written all over her expressive face. “Okay.”
“Harry did grant me permission to discuss his health with the four of you,” Molly took a deep breath. “I apologize for running the rest of the Order off, Albus.”
“Harry is our most pressing concern at the moment, Molly.” Dumbledore folded his hands on the table in front of him. “Where did you go?”
“To a Healer. A specialist who deals almost exclusively with spell damage. Dobby arranged for the appointment. Harry required that the man take a Wizard’s Oath to ensure his privacy. I monitored the oath and it was properly executed.” She turned the tea cup in front of her and nodded when Arthur put a sandwich on a plate beside her. “Harry has extensive bone and organ damage due to neglect and malnutrition. He admitted to Healer Daniels that he was rarely fed more than one meal a day unless he was in school—his Muggle school always fed him breakfast and lunch.”
“That bastard!” Sirius snapped. “Harry had a trust fund to take care of him. He should have wanted for nothing.”
Molly nodded. “Yes. There was evidence of broken and fractured bones starting when he was as small as three years old. One of his shoulders has been dislocated several times and Harry admitted he remembered his Uncle jerking him hard by the arm and dislocating the shoulder when he was five. His jaw and cheekbone have had multiple fractures over the years before he ever came to Hogwarts. All of these injuries were healed by his own magic and he’s never been vaccinated against Muggle diseases. Not that those vaccines would have been beneficial due to his magical blood. But it does indicate that he’s never been to see a Muggle healer and that the first time he received any kind of medical care was at Hogwarts.” Molly flushed when Remus began to curse. “Harry was very blunt in his delivery of the facts.”
“The weight of his Family magic will change him,” Sirius admitted. “When I accepted my title—the differences were subtle at first but as the days passed my goals changed. Harry will go through changes—it is the nature of accepting his title. You will all find him very different in the days, weeks, and months to come.”
“It is one of the many reasons why I didn’t want him to claim his title,” Dumbledore murmured.
Sirius frowned at him. He knew that the main reason that Albus didn’t want Harry to claim his title was because it altered the power in their relationship. He rubbed his thumb over his own ring—when the Ministry had thrown him in a cell they’d been unable to remove his ring. One of the bastards had even tried to cut off his finger only to have the ring throw him halfway across the room. It should have been a clue to them, even then.
He stood and cleared his throat. “Molly, perhaps we could arrange to have a dinner for Harry’s birthday tomorrow? He appeared to be quite exhausted.”
“Yes, of course. Ron would like… Ron has requested to join Harry here.”
“I think Harry would like that. He was quite upset to realize he couldn’t send letters to his friends this summer.” Sirius looked at Dumbledore. “I believe you would be welcome, Albus, but I must insist that you not antagonize Harry on the matter of his independence or title. It could lead to him leaving and we would have no recourse then. I don’t have to remind you that he has more money that most of the pure blood families put together, very few personal ties, and he’s angry.”
“I understand, Sirius. I believe I will send him a gift but let him have just his family for his birthday. The space would do us good.”
* * * *
Harry woke with a tray of breakfast being settled on the large bed next to him and a series of potions lined up beside his favorite foods. “Dobby.”
“Sir.” Dobby levitated the tray and settled it over Harry’s lap. “I tells Lord Black you would eat breakfast here.”
Harry frowned, aware that he would have preferred to eat with Sirius and Remus. “Why?”
Dobby glanced over the tray and focused on the potions. “Strangers here for breakfast. Full kitchen.”
Harry trailed his fingers over the single dosage vials that Dobby had prepared for him with a frown. “I see. Thank you Dobby for keeping my secrets.”
“Is Dobby’s place to keeps Master Harry’s secrets.” He pointed to the vials. “Takes them in order—left to right.”
Harry nodded and picked up the first vial. “I woke up a few times last night.”
Dobby nodded. “I know.”
“I wrote a letter for Draco. Would you please deliver it? It’s on the desk.” Harry sighed. “Also, if you would ask my godfather if he could identify a room in the house I can use for an office. I have a lot of business to handle in the next few weeks and I’ll probably need the space.”
“Takes potions before you eat,” Dobby instructed and then picked up Draco’s letter before blinking away.
* * * *
Draco,
I had a nightmare tonight. I put up a silencing charm just after my godfather left so fortunately no one heard anything. I know I should probably tell them, maybe especially Dumbledore, about the dreams but it has occurred to me that the confidences have been one-way for quite a while. I expose myself continuously and it’s all been used against me time and time again.
Ragnok said we might have a connection now because of the Liege Oath so I hope that my nightmare didn’t wake you. Do you have a book on Liege Oaths? I’d prefer that no one ask why I’m interested so I haven’t looked in the library of the house I’m currently visiting.
I want to force the Daily Prophet to be honest which makes me think I need to buy it. However, I don’t believe I should do it on my own because others might say I’m suppressing them. I believe it would serve us, you and I, to buy them under a shell company together.
Your thoughts?
With Trust,
Lord Harry James Potter
The House of Potter
Draco’s mouth quirked in a small smile before he pulled out a piece of parchment. He glanced at Dobby who was standing in front of his desk in his little formal robes. “How is he, Dobby? He seemed quite ill yesterday.”
“He visited a Healer,” Dobby admitted. “I say no more.”
Draco nodded. “I don’t expect you to. I do, however, expect you to take care of him and to take your duties as Vassal very seriously.” He inclined his head. “He wants a book on Liege Oaths and also I’d like you to pull the History of House Elves from the library and take that to him as well. He’ll need it to deal with Miss Granger when she finds out he’s taken you as a Vassal.”
“Miss Grangy has very Muggle ideas.” Dobby’s ears quivered. “She makes elves in Hogwarts uncomfortable.”
Draco chuckled. “It was good of you all to indulge her and run in fear of the clothing she kept hiding but I think it would be better if you were honest with her about her efforts and how they won’t work. If it was that easy to free a House Elf—laundry would be a real problem in the Wizarding world.”
Dobby’s eyes sparkled. “I lets Head Elf Gracy know but she’s amused by Miss Grangy.”
Draco nodded. “Can you return in two hours? I’ll have my response ready by then.”
“Yes, Lord Draco. I is getting the books for Master Harry now and let him know yous writing a reply.”
“Thanks,” Draco murmured distracted. He let his fingers trail over the wax of Harry’s Seal and smiled softly. He stood and went to search for his mother. He found her in her salon reading. He leaned in the doorframe and cleared his throat. She turned to look at him. “Harry wants to buy the Daily Prophet with me.”
Narcissa smirked. “I don’t think the Wizarding world is ready for Lord Harry Potter.”
Draco chuckled. “No, I don’t think we are but it is sure to be entertaining. I will contact my solicitor and let him know to expect a visit from Harry’s solicitor. We’re going to form a company together and buy the Prophet.”
“Whatever will you call it?”
Draco laughed. “I was thinking Serpent & Dragon, Inc.”
She smirked. “I’m sure he’ll be just as amused as you are.”
* * * *
Harry checked the titles that Dobby had handed him and chuckled. “Hermione will be excited. Hopefully she’ll be staying here the rest of the summer.”
Dobby nodded. “Lord Malfoy will calls me when his letter is ready.”
He watched the elf hurry away to do whatever else he might do around the House of Black. Harry knew that Dobby wasn’t thrilled with the condition of the house and if he could have gotten away with it—he would have brought in more elves to clean up Headquarters. He ran his fingers along the spine of one of the books and took a deep breath.
Thinking about Draco Malfoy made his blood rush—the idea of him was intoxicating and a small part of him was worried about it. Despite the worry, he was intrigued by the attraction that he felt for the Patriarch of the Malfoy Family. He was entirely certain that it was the last thing anyone would want for him. Sirius was probably the one person in his life he could count on to support him and that would just be automatic. His godfather was just as starved as Harry was himself for love and family. He figured if he wasn’t already practically grown up that Sirius would spoil him absolutely rotten. Harry figured he might let Sirius spoil him a little anyways. Maybe they both needed it.
There was a sharp knock on the door and he called out for his visitor to enter as he set aside the books. He relaxed when the door opened under Sirius’ hand and the older man leaned against the doorframe. “How do you feel?”
“Better.” Harry looked down at his half-finished meal. “Dobby keeps trying to stuff me like a little piglet.”
Sirius glanced at the plate and then sighed. “I want… will you talk to me about what happened with the Dursleys?”
Harry sighed. “It won’t change anything.”
“No, it won’t.”
He smirked suddenly. “They haven’t laid a hand on me since they found out about you. Your reputation was quite the deterrent.”
Sirius smiled briefly. “Then at least I was good for something.” His smile fell away. “I don’t… I can’t apologize enough for leaving you on your own the way I did. It wasn’t what I promised James and Lily when they made me your godfather. They both died thinking that I would take care of you—I failed them and you.”
“The circumstances were beyond your control, Sirius.”
“No, they weren’t. I let my temper rule me. I hunted down Peter instead of staying and protecting you. I chose revenge over you, Harry.” Sirius took a steadying breath and then shoved his hands into his pockets. “It’s easy to look back and see all the mistakes I made. It was my idea to make Peter the Secret Keeper.”
“It wasn’t a bad idea,” Harry responded. “It made the most sense and no one would have ever suspected that Peter was the one with the secret if he hadn’t told. It’s not your fault that he had no honor—that he chose his own life instead over doing what was right. I’d say he did what was easy but I don’t see anything easy about serving Voldemort.”
“No.” Sirius agreed. “I can’t see how it would be easy either. I do blame myself for Peter’s betrayal. Tell me about the Dursleys.”
“I don’t remember…” Harry paused and then huffed in frustration. “I don’t remember ever being hugged when I was little. My aunt ignored me as much as possible while managing to keep me alive. I remember being cold a lot at night—in the cupboard where they made me sleep. My clothes were always ragged or way too big for me.”
“Your parents left money…” Sirius growled under his breath and walked into the room. He dropped down onto the bay window and scowled out at the street. “I suppose they spent that money on that fat cousin of yours?”
Harry laughed softly. “Yeah, you name it—Dudley got it. Of course, I didn’t know about the money. They always told me how much of their money they had to waste on me. My uncle never missed an opportunity to tell me how unwanted I was and how much of a burden I was. He called me Freak. I knew it wasn’t my name but…” He trailed off when Sirius swore viciously. “I didn’t have anyone call me Harry until I started school.”
“And the abuse?”
“I remember breaking a vase when I was three and my uncle hit me until it hurt to breathe. He threw me into my cupboard and I stayed in there for days before my aunt decided to retrieve me. She said I was making her house stink. I don’t know why that memory is so vivid when everything else during that time is so indistinct.” Harry paused and then stood up. He walked to the bay window and dropped down on the opposite end across from Sirius. “He broke my arm but I don’t remember when exactly. My aunt tried to take me to the hospital when that happened but he wouldn’t let her.”
“It healed on its own?”
“I guess my magic healed me,” Harry murmured. “I don’t remember it hurting the day after. It probably healed badly because I broke it during my second year during a quidditch match. That arse, Lockhart, vanished the bones in my arm and I had to regrow it.”
“So, he was good for something.” Sirius laughed briefly and returned his attention to the street outside. “Go on.”
“I don’t remember getting a lot to eat except for when I was in school. I always was able to eat breakfast and lunch at school. At first, my uncle tried to not give me money to eat at school but the third time he did it—the school sent home an application for me to eat free and my aunt was mortified that anyone might think they were poor. After that, I always had money to eat both breakfast and lunch. Though, during the school year I was never able to eat dinner at home. Vernon said I wasted enough of his money eating at school.”
“I could murder him,” Sirius murmured.
“Then you’d never be free.” Harry swallowed hard. “I know you don’t believe you’ll be free again, Sirius, but I have to believe you will be. I have to have faith that your name will be cleared and everyone will know that you’re innocent.”
“Why?” Sirius questioned.
“Because if I can’t believe that the innocent will have justice in this world—this world that pulls at me like a greedy child—I’m not sure I would have it in me to fight for them. All of known of the magical world is lies and deceit and pain. They demand so much from me and offer me nothing but pain and humiliation in return. If I can’t trust the magical world to give the innocent justice…” He trailed off and sighed.
“Did he ever do anything sexual?” Sirius questioned, his voice so soft that Harry almost missed it.
“No. Never.” Harry shuddered. “What a horrific thought. The only time Vernon ever got near me was to hit me and he did that often enough before Hogwarts. He didn’t do it much over the summers after I started Hogwarts unless he was really angry and lost control of himself. He was afraid that Dumbledore would send Hagrid to the house again.”
“Petunia never tried to help you?”
“Not often and never when he was around. I think she’s always known that if she did that he would turn on her. I was to blame for everything that went wrong in his life and he hardly needed to be reminded that she was the reason I was there to begin with.” Harry rubbed the seam of his slacks with his thumb. “Once I threw him across the room with accidental magic. At the time, I didn’t know what had happened but I when I look back on it—it’s obvious that my magic had enough and pushed him away.”
“Did you get punished for it?”
“I didn’t eat for a week,” Harry admitted. “My aunt let me out of the cupboard once a day to use the bathroom. When they finally let me out, Vernon punched me in the face. He said if he couldn’t beat the freak out of me—he’d work it out of me. After that, I had chores from the moment I got up until I went to bed unless there was school. I had to make sure to do as much of my homework as possible at school because I wouldn’t get time to do it at home.”
“Petunia should be ashamed of herself,” Sirius whispered, his voice broke near the end and he abruptly cleared his throat. “I don’t know how to make this up to you, Harry.”
“You weren’t the one who put me there. You weren’t the one that left me there,” Harry said and then laughed bitterly. “And you aren’t the one that wants to send me back there.”
“You won’t… I won’t let him…” Sirius growled. “Merlin, I hate being so bloody helpless!” He rubbed his face with both hands. “If Dumbledore tries to force you to do something you don’t want—I want you to run. Legally, he has no ground to stand on but you and I both know he’s too powerful to fight off. There are several Potter properties and the three that James left are all unplottable. Each property had a different Secret Keeper but they would have all transferred to the Head Elf when James died.”
Harry nodded. “I was told at Gringotts that my Head Elf would be able to give me access to the last of the properties.”
Sirius cleared his throat as he stood. “Okay, I’m going to head downstairs and see who Dumbledore has left in my house and then check on Buckbeak. If you need anything—just let Kreacher know.”
“I have Dobby,” Harry reminded. “I think he’d be mortally insulted if I asked Kreacher for anything.”
Sirius laughed but nodded his agreement. “Right.”
* * * *
Hermione sat back abruptly and stared at Dumbledore in what looked like pure horror. “You were going to… why would you disrespect Harry that way?”
Dumbledore sat back stunned by the incredulous tone. “Miss Granger, it was in an effort to protect Harry.”
She looked down at the tea she’d accepted from Mrs. Weasley. “I don’t… Harry aches for family. He dreams of acceptance for what he is and you thought to deny him his father’s legacy for your own purposes. Just like last year when you forced him to be in the tournament. It never should’ve been allowed. He could’ve been killed, he was kidnapped and forced to participate in a Dark ritual.” Tears welled and fell down her cheeks. “No, I’m sorry but I won’t try to get Harry to change his mind and renounce his title. He’s finally claimed a part of himself in the Wizarding world and I won’t say he shouldn’t keep it.”
Ron patted her and then pushed a napkin into her hand. “I agree. Harry doesn’t ask for much, you know. He just wants acceptance and respect. I don’t think that’s too much to ask either.”
* * * *
Harry shoved his hands into pockets and leaned in the doorway of the kitchen. Sirius and Remus were at the table playing chess and there were two other people in the room. He figured they must be some of the strangers that Dobby had been leery of at breakfast. “Hi.”
Sirius stood immediately. “Harry, we were just discussing having some tea. You’ll join us?”
“Sure.” Harry let himself be pulled into the room.
“This is Kingsley Shacklebolt and my cousin Nymphadora Tonks—they are both Aurors and members of the Order.”
Kingsley immediately offered his hand. “Lord Potter, it’s a pleasure.”
“Auror Shacklebolt,” Harry said accepting his hand. “I apologize for not attending breakfast. Dobby is new in his role as Vassal and I guess I’m letting him boss me around a little.”
Kingsley laughed. “He didn’t let us touch your food, you know.”
Harry blushed as the Auror released his hand. “I hope you weren’t insulted.”
“No, not at all. It is a relief to know that someone is taking such serious notice of the most common kinds of threats. Moody was impressed.”
Harry flinched minutely at the mention of Moody. It was hard to reconcile what had happened at Hogwarts with the real man who had been held prisoner for months. “Has anyone figured out when Crouch replaced Moody at Hogwarts?”
“Moody’s memories were obliviated,” Sirius murmured. “We’ll never know.”
“Auror Tonks,” Harry held out his hand and the young woman took it with a broad smile.
“Lord Potter.”
“Harry is fine,” he said as he pulled his hand free and let Sirius push him into a chair. “Are you here to keep an eye on Sirius or me?” He laughed when they both looked uncomfortable. “Perhaps both then. Well, he’s the trouble maker around here.”
Sirius laughed. “Sure I am.”
Harry shrugged and sighed as he was presented with tea and a plate of biscuits. “Well, maybe we’re equal on that front.”
Dobby appeared abruptly at his side with an armful of parchments. “Dobby has retrieved your mail, Master Harry. Hedwig is mad!”
Harry laughed softly and pulled the mail out of Dobby’s arms. “Hedwig is not crazy.”
“She collects your mails on your old bed at Hogwarts,” Dobby exclaimed. “And chase me away many times.”
Harry grinned. “Why don’t you take her my letter to Mr. Riser and let her deliver it. He’ll send her back to me with a response and I’ll house her here.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Dobby, Ministry owls are charmed against spells and attacks, correct?”
“Yes, they have charmed amulets.” Dobby paused. “Yous have one in the Potter vault. Should I get it for Hedwig?”
“Yes, please.” He broke the seal on the first letter open and scrunched up his nose. “Minister Fudge is requesting a meeting with me.” He put it back on the table with a frown. “I should probably make an appointment with Mr. Riser, Dobby.”
“You shouldn’t meet with the Minister alone,” Sirius cautioned.
“No, I agree.” He opened another letter and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I need to authorize a transfer of funds for the Diggory family. His father has agreed to let me help move Cedric to a private hospital. We’ll want to hire them private security as well. The Beautiful One found a clinic and a specialist.” He pulled out the second page of the official document and glanced over it . “I need ink and a quill, Dobby.”
“You’re going to pay for…” Shacklebolt began and then stopped. “That is generous. The Diggorys are a good family.”
“Their son is a really great person,” Harry murmured. “What happened to him shouldn’t have happened and I want him to get the best of care. I don’t think that’s possible under the watchful eye of the Minister. He currently has a vested interest in making sure no one of good standing is able to agree with me in public.” Harry accepted the quill and ink from Dobby silently. Reviewing the document again, he signed off on the transfer of funds into the medical trust that Narcissa Malfoy had set up. He started to open his mouth only to have Dobby put the box holding his Seal on the table beside him.
Harry sighed and Dobby offered him a wide smile. “It occurs to me that I would be better served to send you to etiquette class instead of arranging my own tutor on the subject.” He used his wand to melt the end of wax stub in the Seal kit and applied his house Seal to the document. “Take this to Ragnok at Gringotts. He’s waiting on it and get Hedwig’s amulet while you’re there.”
Dobby disappeared in a blink and Harry grabbed a biscuit from the plate in front of him absently. “Is there a library here, Sirius?”
“Yes, on the second floor. I gave Dobby leave to create an office space for you in there actually.” Sirius leaned back in his chair and watched Harry sort the rest of his mail. “What are you planning?”
“Nothing until Cedric Diggory is safe,” Harry said absently. “I failed him once… I won’t do so again.” He opened an envelope and pulled out another letter. “But once he’s safe I figure I’ll make Fudge’s life a living hell.”
Tonks laughed. “Can I play?”
Harry quirked an eyebrow. “You’d probably get fired. I don’t plan to play nice. It occurred to me recently that’s it not quite fair that he gets to say whatever he wants in public and to the press about me and I don’t get to return the favor.”
Sirius leaned forward and put his chin on his hand. “You look like you’re father but suddenly you are your mother remade. It is a startling revelation.”
Harry smiled at that thought and then set aside another letter. “Should I meet with my official heir now or wait until we return to school? We actually share a room.”
“You shared a room last year,” Remus murmured. “You’ll be housed separately next year. Titled Nobles don’t share rooms with other students, Harry.”
Harry flushed. “Oh.” He frowned and then sighed. “Right. Well, I guess I’ll need the space for Dobby and I’ll have business matters…” Harry took a deep breath and shoved a whole biscuit in his mouth.
Sirius snorted. “You look pretty disgruntled, kid.”
“It’s… just Ron and I had a pretty hard time of it last year and now this thing with the title and the separate room.” Harry blushed. “He’s the first friend I’ve ever had, you know.”
“I…” Sirius frowned. “You didn’t have friends in your Muggle school?”
“No, my cousin Dudley bullied anyone who might have tried to be my friend and the one time I did make what I thought was a friend—I had an accident with my magic. I didn’t know what it was at the time but it freaked him out and it was obvious he thought I was mental. He complained to the teacher. I was moved to a different class room after that and the school… well it pretty obvious by that point that something was wrong with me from their point of view.” Harry ran his fingers through his hair. “I’d like to go back and hex most of the adults I encountered as a little kid. I can’t see how they missed the fact that I looked like a refugee from a third world country.”
Dobby popped back into the room with four more pieces of correspondence. “Master Harry, yous desk is ready in the library and Mr. Riser sends you research you requested.”
“Good, thank you.” Harry picked up another biscuit. “Did you eat this morning?”
“Yes, Master Harry, while you sleeps.”
Harry nodded as he opened one of the new envelopes. “Don’t ever skip your own meals, Dobby. I won’t like it.”
“Yes, Master Harry.”
“Hmm.” Harry frowned. “Seamus sends his congratulations on my title.”
“It would have been announced in every major paper,” Remus murmured. “When a Noble assumes a title… it’s a big deal.”
“Right.” Harry frowned. “Dobby, can you pick up my stationary order today? I’ll want to respond to anyone from a Noble House on the stationary, right?”
“Yes, Master Harry. I picks up the stationary whiles I was out this morning.” Dobby nodded. “I makes a list of Nobles Houses for you with names and heirs.”
“Thanks,” Harry murmured and opened up another letter and then flushed scarlet. “Merlin.”
“What?” Sirius asked, amused by the expression on his godson’s face.
“Marriage proposal,” Harry muttered. He tossed it towards Sirius who picked it up with a little grin.
Sirius read it over quickly. “At least she’s willing to wait until you leave Hogwarts.”
“Right.”
“And it’s nice that she’s willing to overlook your associations with commoners and your Muggle-born mother.” Sirius nodded thoughtfully, amusement practically dancing in his eyes.
Harry rolled his eyes and turned to Dobby. “Put that on my desk and remind me to write a snotty but polite rejection later on this evening.”
“Of course, Master Harry, yous should mention her cheap perfume.” Dobby rubbed his nose. “Makes me sneeze.”
Harry grinned. “Thanks, Dobby, that’ll be all for now. Mrs. Weasley wants to have a birthday dinner tonight for me. I expect you to be back in time to help me celebrate if at all possible.”
“Of course, Master Harry.” Dobby bowed and popped out of the room.
“How is he getting past the wards?” Tonks asked with a small frown.
“He’s my bonded Vassal and Sirius is my godfather by magic.” Harry gathered up all of this opened email as well as the two pieces he hadn’t opened. “I have some reading to do and I want to write a few letters.”
“We’ll come get you for lunch,” Remus reminded.
Harry offered him a smile and left the room.
Sirius relaxed back in his chair and prodded one of his pieces on the chess board when it started fussing at him. “I… Dumbledore is right. His Family magic is settling fast.”
“Very fast,” Shacklebolt murmured. “I don’t think Fudge even knows what he’s going to get the next time he crosses Potter.”
Remus laughed. “He’s clearly up to something.”
“Fudge or Potter?”
“Both.” Sirius frowned. “I wonder who the Beautiful One is?”
Remus shrugged. “A girlfriend at school?”
“No, I don’t think so. Why would he be talking to a girl his age about funds for Cedric Diggory?” Sirius frowned. “Should we tell Dumbledore?”
“Wouldn’t do much good without information on who he was referring to and besides… the kid deserves to have some privacy in his life.” Tonks cleaned off the table with a flick of her wand.
* * * *
Harry,
I would adore owning the Daily Prophet. I’ll contact my solicitor and he’ll contact yours about creating a company we can use to hide the ownership. We can seal the corporation through Gringotts and keep it from being publically known.
I propose we call our company Serpent & Dragon, Inc.
I wanted to let you know that I’ve ended my betrothal to Pansy Parkinson. It was a union arranged at her birth but her father is a Death Eater and I’ve decided to make a clean break from such relationships. I don’t know why I feel compelled to tell you this, exactly, truthfully many of my so-called friends will not understand and many in my House will refuse to support me on this matter and many other matters in the future.
It’s not to say that everyone in Slytherin is a Death Eater in the making, in fact I would say that most aren’t, but my circle of friends has always been narrow. I suppose I will simply have to make new friends. I’ve already started to reach out to others in my house—feathering my nest with like minds if you get my meaning.
It occurs to me that I did not remark on your birthday yesterday. So please accept my congratulations on managing to survive for 15 years no matter how hard you try to accomplish the exact opposite. Dobby tells me you will have a birthday party this afternoon so I will send your gift with him. My name won’t be on it as I imagine you haven’t figured out how to tell your friends and foster family how to explain our new epic friendship.
Ever Loyal,
Lord Draco Malfoy
The House of Malfoy
Harry blushed and slid Draco’s letter into the letter box Dobby had charmed for him to open and reveal its contents only to him. It had all of his correspondence from his lawyer and Draco in it. There were different slots and it was magically expanded on the inside.
He opened up the box of stationary and ran his fingers over the raised monogram. Harry really hadn’t known what to ask for and had suggested that Dobby asked Draco’s advice. The result was a both pleasing and distinctive set of stationary.
He quickly wrote several letters—one to his lawyer, one to a very annoying French woman, and then one to Draco. He wished he could invite the other boy to his birthday party but he just didn’t want to deal with the drama it would cause. His stomach tightened at the thought.
Chapter Four
The Burrow was bustling people and Harry found himself pushed into place between Ron and Hermione without much of a pause in the conversations that were already going on when he had arrived with Remus and Padfoot. He was surprised that even Percy had shown up. Since Percy Weasley had been apparently stuck up Fudge’s arse all summer, Harry didn’t expect anything pleasant from him.
“Minister Fudge mentioned to me that he’d invited you to the Ministry for a discussion about your estate now that you’ve claimed your title.”
Harry inclined his head and nodded when Hermione waved the pitcher of pumpkin juice. “I did receive a letter from him, yes. I fail to see how an elected official such as himself could possibly be in a position to offer me advice on how to handle the responsibilities of my title or my estate. I make more money in a day than he makes in a year. I can’t imagine he even has a frame of reference.”
Remus choked on his tea.
Percy stiffened noticeably which is something else considering how rigid he already was. “He is a public figure.”
“I’ve been a public figure since I was one. Perhaps he means to ask my advice,” Harry mused and turned to Ron. “What do you think?”
“I think he could use all help he can get,” Ron muttered and then grinned when Percy sputtered.
“It is obvious, Harry, that you could use some refinement,” Percy snapped. “And a few lessons on politics.”
Harry shrugged and ignored the rest of the table. “It’s Lord Potter to you, Mr. Weasley. As for the other issues—Minister Fudge could use a lesson or two in personal responsibility and honesty.”
“Fudge wouldn’t know honesty if it slapped him on the arse and introduced itself,” Fred muttered and George snickered.
“Do you plan to ignore the Minister, Lord Potter?”
“Of course not,” Harry pushed aside his plate with a sigh. “I already responded to his high-handed and thoughtless summons but I imagine he won’t like my answer.”
“And what was your answer?”
“That I am not nor will I ever be at the beck and call of the Minister of Magic. I am recovering from a traumatic and emotionally taxing experience. I’m not especially in the mood to spend time with a man who has spent the last two months telling everyone that I’m mental because he is unable to face reality.”
Padfoot growled when Percy stood up abruptly from the table. “I see that you won’t be helped. The Minister is trying to make an effort to save your reputation.”
“More likely he’s trying to get me alone so he can obliviate me,” Harry returned dryly and bit down on his lip when Percy huffed and stormed to the fireplace. When he was gone, Harry slumped a little. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t, Harry, it’s your birthday dinner and Percival was being very difficult,” Bill Weasley shook his head and grinned before drinking from his coffee cup. “That Lord Potter thing was very funny though.” He wiggled an eyebrow. “Should I call you Lord Potter, too?”
Harry laughed and then was quite horrified when he blushed. “No, just Percy and other prats who try to boss me around.”
“It is clearly time for presents!” George said grandly. He walked over to the floo and sealed it with a flick of his wand. “And for Sirius to make an appearance.”
Molly cleared the table with her wand and an assortment of gifts appeared in front of Harry. “There we are, Harry and I made your favorite dessert as well.”
Harry stared for a moment and then took a deep breath. The pile was outrageous to him—he’d rarely gotten more than three or four gifts at a time after he’d entered the Wizarding world and none that he could remember before then. He touched one precisely wrapped present hesitantly—obviously from Hermione.
There was some shuffling around him and Sirius slid into Ron’s place. He plucked up Harry’s shaking hand and held it in both of his. “On your first birthday, I bought you a toy broom. Your father was thrilled and your mother was horrified.”
Harry took a deep breath. “Did I like it?”
“You were barely walking—in fact you did far more scooting around on your arse than walking but you crawled onto that broom and zoomed around the yard within minutes of opening it. You loved it. Harry, you were a quiet baby. Lily used to say you were an old soul and perhaps that’s true. I certainly don’t see a child when I look in your eyes. But then your mother had that same look about her. Mature beyond her years. James always used to say it was a wonder she ever gave him the time of day. She was beautiful and powerful and smart—and far too mature to fall in love with a man who’s life’s ambition was to play professional quidditch.”
“I’d quite like that myself,” Harry murmured. “But it’s crossed my mind recently that I’m probably not going to survive the war that is coming. Not with men like Fudge in power. Not when Dumbledore keeps secrets from me the way he does. I don’t know how he can expect me to fight year after year without giving me the information I need to survive.”
Hermione’s breath caught beside him and she made a little hitching sound. “Harry.”
“Sometimes you have to make sacrifices,” Harry murmured. “I think I’ve known for a while that Dumbledore has it in his mind that I am to be his sacrifice in this battle with Voldemort.” He snorted when everyone but Hermione flinched. “It’s a name! It’s not even his name for fuck’s sake!”
“Language,” Remus admonished. “I understand your frustration, Harry, at least part of it but I don’t want to believe that Dumbledore would sacrifice your life.”
“Really?” Harry questioned. “If you were to know for certain that Voldemort would never come again—that he would never kill again—that thousands of lives could be saved if you took out your wand and killed me where I sat, wouldn’t you be at all tempted?”
Bill Weasley swore softly. “Harry, that is a wretched thing…” He trailed off. “Open your presents like a good lad.”
Harry grinned suddenly and picked up Hermione’s box. “I’ll try to keep the depressing questions to a minimum then.” He flipped the box over a few times in his hands and laughed softly. “It’s almost too pretty to unwrap, Hermione.”
She blushed and leaned on him. “Stop being a prat before you have to start referring to yourself in third person, Harry.”
He opened the package on one end and then used his nail to slice through the tape. “My Muggle relatives didn’t tell me my birthday, you know. I found out by breaking into Uncle Vernon’s office and stealing my birth certificate when I was nine. Of course, I didn’t know my full name until I started primary school.” He glanced towards Sirius when the older man growled. “It’s okay, it’s actually better that I didn’t know sooner about my birthday. At least I had no way of knowing which day they were ignoring for all of those years. Dudley enjoyed it when he realized I did know. He always asked for something special that week—dinner out, trips to the zoo or whatever.”
He blinked at the sleek leather wallet. The Potter crest was prominently displayed. He opened it and then it sort of expanded in his hands. “Oh.”
“It’s a wallet made especially for Nobles—so you can carry your Seal and stuff like that.” Hermione waved a hand. “The lady said it would be the perfect gift for you. She looked up your crest and charmed it for you. There are some instructions about keying it to your magical signature so no one but you can open it. It’s also got a charm so you can always find it once it bonds with you.”
Harry laughed. “It must be a girl thing—always getting the perfect thing.”
He opened up the rest of the gifts—books, a pair of dragon skinned boots that Draco was probably going to be green over, and a subscription to Quidditch Weekly before Dobby popped into the room. He turned to Dobby with a frown.
“Where have you been? Did someone bother you?”
Dobby’s ears dropped a little and he sighed. “Dobby is very tired, Master Harry. I had to hunt all over Hogsmeade for Winky and sober her up.”
Harry sighed. “Did you take her to Madam Pomfrey? Is she okay?”
“Yes, Master Harry. Winky is very sad.” Dobby pulled two packages from his robes. “I is sorry I am late.”
“It’s quite alright,” Harry assured. “Did you eat dinner?”
“Yes, with Winky.” Dobby tucked his hands behind his back. “The blue one is from me, Master Harry. The green one was with your mail. I checked it over for bad magics. It is safe.”
He opened the blue one first and for a moment stared completely startled. “Dobby.”
Dobby moved closer. “Is Vassal’s place, Lord Harry, to always be within your reach. This watch is of my magic.”
Harry pulled the watch from the box so people in the room can see it. “You made it with your magic?”
“Powerful elf magic,” Dobby murmured. “When you wear it—you will always know where I am.”
He pulled his old watch off and put it in the box. Then slid on the new one. He felt the sizzle of Dobby’s magic immediately and he nodded. “I see. Thank you, Dobby. It is beautiful and will always be special to me.”
He patted the elf when tears welled up in his eyes before picking up the green package. Leave it to Draco to wrap his present in Slytherin green. He unwrapped it a little less carefully than he had others and opened the box to reveal a pair of emerald snake cuff links.
Harry grinned briefly as he pulled out the note.
For Harry—on his 15th birthday. I saw these and thought of you. I refuse to say more– Ever Loyal.
“You’re blushing,” Ron said with a laugh. “Can I see?”
Harry handed the note to his best mate and sighed when Ron snickered. “Shut it.”
“Looks like someone has a crush on you.” He picked up the box and blinked in surprise. “Why would someone send you snake cuff links, mate?”
“Well, he is a Parselmouth,” Bill murmured. “They often have an affinity for snakes.”
“I do like them,” Harry admitted. “I enjoy their sly nature and find them quite clever.” He plucked the box gently from Ron’s hand and closed it. “They don’t normally have anything kind to say about humans though.”
Bill laughed. “Not really a surprise considering how we encroach on them at every turn and kill them with very little provocation.”
Harry grinned. “Dobby, would you please take my presents and put them in my room at Headquarters and check on Hedwig, she’s surely to have returned from Mr. Riser’s by now. Then come back for cake.”
“Yes, Master Harry.” Dobby waved a hand and gathered the gifts easily before popping away.
“Harry.” Hermione frowned. “What’s a Vassal?”
Harry lowered his head to the table and banged it there several times while Sirius and Remus laughed. “Hermione…” He sighed. “A Vassal is a bond servant to a titled Noble. It is an elevation above a simple house elf.”
“You made Dobby your house elf?” She demanded. “He was free!”
“No.” Harry shook his head. “He was never free. If he’d been free… he would be a raging little alcoholic just like Winky. It’s a dishonor and a true abuse of power to free a house elf without an extreme reason. Their lives and sanity depend on service.”
“Right. I’m sure wizards have been saying that since they made the elves slaves!”
“Hermione,” Bill began and then frowned. “You do realize that mature house elves can only be bonded because they chose to be, right? The magic that bonds Master and servant is old and very special. Elves were a dying race when a wizard named Victor Winscott came upon a solution to save them. Their magic is powerful and it must be used. If it isn’t—it rots in them, corrupts their personalities, and eventually it kills them. It might surprise you to know that Dobby is probably close to two hundred years old. He will stay young, fit, and active as long as he is properly occupied for as much as five hundred years.”
“Oh.” Hermione bit down on her bottom lip.
“Relax,” Harry murmured. “I found you a book. It’s at Sirius’ house. It’s true that some wizards abuse house elves but most are very happy in service.”
She relaxed. “Really? Is it a complete history of the problem?”
“Dobby seemed to think so,” Harry explained. “As for a Vassal—I have elevated Dobby into a position so that he can use his magic in the defense of myself or anyone in my Family without having to worry about breaking the laws that govern the use of elf magic. It’s a protection for us both and it also made him feel really special so it’s what I did.”
Hermione smiled hesitantly. “He looks cute in his little robes.” She leaned in and whispered, “Like Yoda.”
Harry started laughing.
* * * *
Harry settled in at his desk and flipped open the box that held the cuff links from Draco. Mehen immediately shifted on his wrist and then slid off to coil on the desk. “Pretty, huh?”
“Very,” Mehen hissed. “Do you really like snakes?”
“Yeah, I do.” Harry stroked Mehen carefully. “I think they are beautiful.”
Mehen hissed without actually speaking and then slithered back onto Harry’s wrist. “They will match me very well. Your dragon has superior taste.”
“He’s not my dragon,” Harry murmured.
“You wish he were,” Mehen returned.
Harry flushed. “How do I change one of your destinations? I’d like to remove Privet Drive and replace it with this place.”
“What would you have the activation word be?”
“Padfoot,” Harry hissed and then smiled when Mehen’s eyes flashed briefly. “That’s brilliant.”
He looked up as Mehen went solid and dormant on his wrist and raised an eyebrow when Bill Weasley entered with Sirius, and Remus. “Is this about Percy?”
Bill laughed. “He did send a rather pointed note to mum about us not defending him but I don’t know why he’s surprised. He’s been an utter snot all summer.” He sat down and stared at Harry. “I realize… that many people in your life don’t treat you with honesty or respect. I hope you’ve come to see in our past associations that I’m not one of those people.”
“You’ve always treated me kindly,” Harry acknowledged. “Your whole family, with the exception of Percy, has always been fair and honest with me.”
Bill snorted. “Well, Ron has his moments.”
Harry nodded and his gaze dropped to the surface of the desk. “Ron is… special to me and as such he’ll probably always get away with things that I would never tolerate from someone else. He doesn’t look at me and see the Boy Who Lived. That meant a great a deal to me when we met and even more so now.”
“Right.” Bill nodded and leaned forward. “Harry, when you came into the Burrow this afternoon—I felt something radiating off of you. Something powerful and ancient. At first, I thought it might be your Family magic settling. The Potter House has always been powerful and your ancestors were made of pretty stern stuff but this is something different.”
Harry frowned and sat back in his chair. “Surely you realize if I had something that was dangerous to me or Dark that Dobby would have already told me.”
“Yes, I realize how protective he is of you,” Bill murmured. “I didn’t say it was Dark. In fact, upon reflection I would say is it the exact opposite of Dark.”
Harry carefully pushed back his sleeve and prodded Mehen’s head. He hissed out, “Bill wishes to meet you, Mehen.”
Mehen shifted and raced rapidly around Harry’s wrist before coiling on the top of Harry’s hand and raising straight up. His head flared revealing him to be a cobra. In English he spoke, “I am Mehen.”
Bill took a deep, shocked breath. “Where… did you come from Mehen?”
“I was created with wild magic in Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs by the wizard Ramses II. He too spoke the language of snakes. He was very young—not much older than my new Master—when he created me to serve as his companion and advisor.”
“I see.” Bill cleared his throat. “May I cast on you and see the magics you hold within?”
“As you seek only the best for my Master—yes, you may cast on me.”
Harry lowered his hand and let Mehen slide onto the desk. “Ragnok already did this at Gringotts.”
“Thank you both for indulging me,” Bill murmured dryly as he raised his wand. His gaze went distant as he worked and he said nothing for over ten minutes. Finally, he lowered his wand and shook his head with a small smile. “That is a unique and amazing gift, Harry.”
“Yes,” Harry agreed. He held out his hand and Mehen returned to him.
“What does…” Sirius began. “Bill? If you would detail what you learned from the artifact I would appreciate it.”
“Mehen has a variety of protective charms and would help Harry repel a variety of curses. No one would be able to obliviate, confound, or even use the Imperious curse on Harry while he’s wearing Mehen. I imagine his creator was concerned that someone might try to alter his mind. Mehen is also a portkey with up to five destinations and while he speaks English he will only accept commands in Parseltongue from his current owner. If he has had other owners in the past—they’re magical signatures are gone from him.”
“Where did you get him?” Remus questioned.
Harry took a deep breath. “He was a gift from the same family that sent me the snake cuff links.”
“The Malfoys,” Bill guessed. “It’s good that you’re cultivating a relationship with the younger Lord Malfoy – perhaps it will keep him on the side of the Light. His father’s sacrifice for you must have had a positive effect on him.”
Harry nodded and focused on Sirius. “What do you think?”
“I think you have excellent instincts and while you have the ability to act rashly—it’s never without heart,” Sirius murmured. “And Bill is right—fostering a friendship with Draco Malfoy could work in your favor in the future. He has a lot of political and financial power despite his age. His Father was a powerful man and once his sacrifice for you is widely accepted—he will be honored as a war hero.”
Harry nodded and sighed. “I want to testify in front of the dverger court on what happened with Voldemort that night and widely publish the results.”
“That’ll piss Fudge off,” Bill warned and then grinned. “Sounds like a good choice.”
Harry laughed and sighed. “I need… I think I need private security. I realize that Headmaster Dumbledore has plans for me and he would have me make different choices than I have and probably will in the future.” He glanced towards the window as Hedwig entered through the magic glass. She landed on his desk and offered her leg. “How do the neighbors not see her disappearing into the wards?”
“Magical owls aren’t visible to Muggles unless they are aware of their existence,” Bill explained and then sighed. “What exactly do they teach you at Hogwarts, Harry?”
Harry laughed. “Not much apparently. I know little to nothing about magical history, I’ve only had one year of real Defense Against the Dark Arts training, and while Snape is brilliant—he takes his hatred for my father out on me so I learn nothing in Potions. Charms and Transfiguration are a hundred times better but…” He trailed off. “To be honest, I haven’t tried all that hard academically. When I first went to Hogwarts I was so overwhelmed by the world I was suddenly living in that I was easily distracted and then over the past few years—it’s been one distraction after another. I pass my classes, of course, but it’s never been more than that.”
“This year is your OWLs,” Sirius reminded. “We can tutor you throughout the year for anything you might need.” He inclined his head. “Do you think you’re an Animagus? Your Family magic has almost completely settled—your Father had the gift though he had to train it extensively.”
Harry frowned. “I believe, I am, yes but I haven’t tested it. I wasn’t sure if I could leave the form if I tried on my own and I didn’t want to freak my Muggle relatives out. I’ve been having dreams for the last two months—sometimes nightmares but sometimes not. I was confusing the nightmares with the other dreams for a while.”
“Why?” Remus questioned, leaning forward.
“I’ve been having nightmares since Voldemort returned and in my dreams I see things through his eyes. They’ve been horrible. Lucius Malfoy’s betrayal and his murder have featured heavily. Voldemort raged for weeks after that night. He was depending on Malfoy’s financial support and something about the Malfoy Family magic. He needed it… it was important. I think he uses the magic of his followers—drains it from them through the Dark Mark.”
“Then we need to make sure he never has the chance to mark Draco Malfoy,” Remus murmured.
“That’s taken care of,” Harry said offhand and then sighed. “At least as long as I’m alive. At any rate, I’ve been dreaming for weeks and sometimes I’m in Voldemort—seeing things through his eyes and other times I’m moving around in the Forbidden Forest. It was so foreign at first that it scared me.”
“You think it’s your Animagus form?” Bill questioned. “That’s not a surprise, actually. It’s common to come into such gifts between the ages of 15 and twenty. Hogwarts will give you the opportunity to study the spell and attempt it in your seventh year.”
“If I wanted to keep it a secret?”
“Minerva surely won’t force a change—that spell is considered terribly rude by most and it requires a great deal more power than she can gather on her own to force an entire classroom full of students to transform against their will,” Sirius murmured. “Why do you want to keep it a secret, Pup?”
Harry laughed suddenly. “Oh, Sirius, if only I were a pup it would be so much easier. When I found out my Dad was an Animagus—I really wanted to be his form or maybe something like yours. I never expected…” He took a deep breath and pushed back from the desk. “I’ve read a small book on the subject—it was heavy on academics. I know the spell to do it but like I said I’m just worried that I won’t be able to come back without help.”
“Go ahead, kid, show me what you got.” Sirius waved a hand and leaned back in his chair. “If you look like Peter, I’ll do my best not to hunt you through the house.”
Harry smiled briefly and then stood. Hedwig jumped to his offered arm and he took her to the owl stand near the window. “There’s my pretty girl.” He stroked her gently as he put her on the perch. “You’re going to see me do something pretty strange and I would much prefer that you not decide to take a bite out of me.” He gave her a treat as she settled.
He stepped back from her and closed his eyes. “It’s…”
“Just relax,” Sirius murmured. “Picture yourself in your Animagus form. It’s a silent spell and the easiest to perform wandless. Take a deep breath and let go. I’ll be here to catch you if you make a mistake, Harry.”
He let go, the sensual tug of his Animagus form pulled him away from his human body and then the movement was fluid and free. The color of the carpet and curtains were suddenly less vivid.
Sirius blinked in surprise and then relaxed with a sigh of relief. He should have known why Harry had been so nervous about revealing it. He stood and then squatted down in front of the largest boa constrictor he’d seen outside of a Muggle zoo and then stroked his godson’s head, taking in the shiny, black scales that covered him. “Well, look at you.”
Harry lifted and coiled elegantly. He tucked his head into his coils and trembled.
“This is a rare form, Harry but not all surprising considering your other gifts.” Sirius slid down to his knees. “So, six feet at least, huh?” Harry shifted and started to move—stretching out in front of him.
“Six and a half feet, then,” Remus said as he stood. “Thick as my forearm. Bill, do you want to check his form to see if he still has Mehen’s protection.
“I think he does,” Sirius murmured and then traced the thin line of silver scales that encircled Harry’s snake body just after the head. “I wonder if they can still communicate in this form.”
“The protections are still in place,” Bill murmured as he walked around Harry. “I must say, Harry, this is gorgeous.” He laughed. “Like the kid wasn’t pretty enough on his own.”
Harry flowed immediately into his human form and glared at Bill. “Pretty?”
He laughed. “Yeah, very pretty. Don’t glare at me, kid, it makes me want to forget you’re just 15. Your ancestral magic settling on you isn’t helping at all. You’re going to catch hell at school from the boys and the girls.”
Harry blushed furiously and went back to his chair. He slouched down in the leather chair and frowned at the desk. “Is that… with Muggles it’s quite a bad idea to get involved with members of the same sex.” He winced when every wizard in the room turned to stare at him in shock.
“No, that’s not a problem for most at least in Britain. There are issues in the Americas even among the magical communities but for the most part it is accepted and understood. You can hardly help how you are born.” Sirius sat back down. “Is that something you would disapprove of, Pup?”
“No, I’m quite comfortable with it. I think two of my roommates became involved during second term last year but I wasn’t for certain and didn’t want to ask.” Harry nudged this box of stationary in a small sign of frustration. “The snake thing freaked me out once I realized what it really was—what my magic was telling me. I really don’t want many people to know.”
Sirius was silent for a few seconds and then he leaned forward earnestly and said, “Never tell a lover about your Animagus form unless you’re entirely positive that they won’t request something sexual while you’re transformed. If they might, make sure you’re comfortable doing it.”
Harry’s mouth dropped open and then started to laugh. “Sirius.”
“French wizards and witches are sometimes mental, Harry.” Sirius slouched down in his chair. “Completely mental.”
“About your private security,” Bill began. “Why do you think… will you tell us why you want to hire security rather than use members of the Order to protect you?”
“The Order answers to Headmaster Dumbledore and he plays political games with Fudge. I realize he wouldn’t purposefully put me in harm’s way but they’ve both proven to be less than careful with me in the past.” Harry took a deep breath. “Even when it came to Sirius—when they thought he was out to kill me. Hogwarts wasn’t even warded properly against him. He came and went at will. If it had been his intent to kill me—I wouldn’t be sitting here right now. I killed a basilisk when I was twelve and had to out fly a dragon at fourteen to win a tournament I didn’t even want to participate in.”
“Harry,” Remus murmured and then sighed.
“You know I’m right. Let’s not forget the latest incident with having a polyjuiced Death Eater in the school teaching and the trophy that portkeyed me to a cemetery in the middle of nowhere where I was forced to participate in a resurrection ritual for the so-called Dark Lord himself.”
“So you don’t trust Dumbledore anymore,” Bill murmured. “I can’t really blame you, Harry. I haven’t joined the Order, yet. I only arrived yesterday and he hasn’t had time to talk to me. Of course, I will eventually join because the rest of my family has but currently I’m at loose ends.”
Harry paused to consider that. “What about your work with Gringotts?”
“I requested a three month leave and it was granted. I’m on call for emergencies and I assume you’d only need me when you travel until school starts.”
“Yes. I have a lot of business to complete between now and September 1st. I have several appointments with a Healer, my solicitor, and I need to travel to all three of my properties. Unfortunately, Sirius can’t leave the house or be with me in public and I’m going to assume that Remus will be sent on a mission within the next few days.” Harry raised an eyebrow when Remus laughed. “Already received the assignment, then?”
“Yes, I leave tomorrow.”
* * * *
Draco,
Thank you for cuff links, I only have one other set and I’m sure you think that’s a tragedy. Mehen likes them, too. I realize I need a wardrobe but I’m loathe to actually go shopping myself. Ideas?
I’m staying in a safe place (not with the Muggles) but not out of the grasp of Dumbledore as I’m sure you must have guessed. He was rather irritated that I had accepted my title. It’s a little disconcerting that he didn’t want me to fully claim my Family magic but perhaps he thought it was a good trade off for keeping me under his thumb until I was seventeen?
I would like to visit with you for the day before we return to school. We haven’t really had a chance to talk and I believe it would be good to meet face to face before we return to the place that has been our battleground since we met.
I have confirmed my Animagus form and have successfully transformed several times (the first time with supervision, so don’t fuss). Ron and Hermione are joining me in my location tomorrow. I’m nervous about showing them my form even though I’ve been assured it’s not bad. It’s a snake—a boa constrictor. I’m mostly black with a thin strip of red down my belly and when I’m wearing Mehen, I have a circle of silver scales behind my head.
With Trust,
Lord Harry Potter
The House of Potter
* * * *
Harry rubbed his face as he entered in the library. Dobby had arranged for his breakfast at the desk because there were still guests in the house. He knew that Molly and Charlie were scheduled to take a shift today. They would be bringing Hermione and Ron with them. He’d heard that Ginny had returned from her friend’s house and wanted to come, too. He sincerely hoped that wasn’t the case. Her crush on him wasn’t something he was really in the mood to deal with. That made him feel like an arse but that was neither near nor there.
He looked up as he settled and found Sirius leaning in the door way. “Good morning. Did you want to eat with me?”
“I ate with our guests,” Sirius murmured. “Why does Dobby insist on you eating breakfast separately from everyone, Harry?”
Harry motioned towards the six vials of single dose potions. “He’s protecting my privacy. I have to take them with my first meal of the day. Healer Daniels wants me to take most of them for a full year—to help correct the problems I have due to my Muggle relatives. It’s just private that’s all.”
Sirius nodded. “Did you need to meet with your solicitor today?”
“No, I had set aside today to be with Ron and Hermione. I figure she’ll make us study for a few hours.” He grinned when Sirius laughed. “Why?”
“The Black Family solicitor has been handling my estate since I was put in prison but I haven’t been able to do much in the way of management. I wasn’t allowed visitors.”
“Yes, it wouldn’t do for it to get out that you were imprisoned without a trial and absolutely no real evidence,” Harry muttered and then sat back. “Okay, did you want me to speak with your solicitor or something?”
“No, he and I have already had several conversations. He has a couple things in place for me and I wanted you to know that I’ve named you my Heir Regent. Your solicitor has probably already gotten the paper work for it. I just didn’t want it to be a surprise to you.”
Harry nodded and arranged his plate. “Come sit, please. What are my responsibilities as your Heir?”
“In normal circumstances, you would just live off the trust I would have settled on you and party like any teenager would with that much money at your disposal. Unfortunately, we don’t have normal circumstances. Officially, because I’m a wanted felon—you’re in charge of the estate as my Heir Regent. Most of my family is dead. I have a few cousins—Narcissa Malfoy being one of them. For appearances sake, my solicitor will tell people that you are managing my estate in my absence and that you were granted that status automatically upon the claiming of your own title. You’ll receive monthly statements of activities so if anyone asks you’ll be able to answer questions.”
“Sounds good.” Harry grimaced as he finished the last of his potions. “Why do they taste nasty?”
“Because Potion Masters are evil,” Sirius said without a trace of a smile. “Pure evil.”
Harry grinned and then inclined his head as he set the vials aside. “Dobby.”
Dobby appeared immediately. “Yes, Master Harry?”
“Where is that book on House Elf history? Hermione will be here today.” He grinned when Dobby’s ears quivered. “Don’t worry—I won’t let her browbeat me into freeing you, I promise.” He motioned towards a stack of mail. “Is that all for me?”
“Yes, you received your supply list for Hogwarts.” Dobby curled one hand around the edge of the desk as he spoke. “Would you like me to pick up your school supplies?”
“No, not yet.” Harry shook his head. He pulled a sealed letter from his correspondence box. “Take this to Draco and wait for a response.” He grinned then. “Make sure to pay attention to his face—I’m interested in his reactions while he’s reading it.”
“Yes, Master Harry.”
* * * *
Draco folded Harry’s letter and shifted in his chair aware that the idea of the other boy as a snake had his mind reeling in a very interesting way. He hazarded a glance at Dobby and found the elf eyeing him critically. “Yes, well, I must ask my mother about your Master’s options for shopping for clothes. Your tailoring charms are up to par, I assume?”
“Of course, Lord Malfoy.” Dobby paused. “Master Harry requests a response.”
Draco smirked. “Go and tell him I think snakes are dead sexy and then come back in an hour for my formal response.”
* * * *
Dobby popped into place in front of Harry’s desk just as Hermione and Ron settled into chairs in front of him. “Master Harry, I’m to tell you that he thinks snakes are dead sexy. I is to return in one hour for formal response.”
Harry blushed furiously and Dobby giggled. “Very well.” He tried to frown and rested back in his chair. “Close the door and set the privacy ward, I want to talk to Ron and Hermione without having to worry about people listening in.”
Dobby immediately moved to do as instructed and Hermione and Ron exchange a significant look.
Ron bit down on his lip but as soon as the ward settled, he blurted out, “Dumbledore asked us to try to convince you to give your title to someone else.”
Harry lifted an eyebrow but nodded. “I’m not surprised. Neville is currently my official Heir and the last thing the Headmaster wanted was me to have any kind of independence. Did you agree to do it?”
“No.” Hermione frowned at him. “We told him it was a bad idea to even ask you to do such a thing.”
Harry grinned then. “It would have been okay if you’d agreed. You certainly wouldn’t have been successful but I wouldn’t hold it against you.” He held up a thin book and handed it to Hermione. “House Elf History and the House Elf Magical Accord.” She snatched it immediately. “I received my letter for supplies. Did you get yours?”
“Yes, Mrs. Weasley offered to take me with everyone else on the 15th,” Hermione looked around the library. “Can I pick out some books to read?”
“Yeah, Sirius said his library is your library.” He shared a smile with Ron when Hermione launched herself out of the chair and started looking at titles. “I wanted to tell you that I’ve… reached a few decisions about my future.”
Ron frowned. “Like what?”
“I’ve evaluated my life and what I’ve allowed to happen to me over the last year and I’ve decided to take a more proactive role in the decisions that get made. Headmaster Dumbledore hasn’t always made the best decisions for me over the years. I don’t think his intentions were ever cruel or that he meant me harm but his focus is very broad. I’ve suffered because of his bad decisions.”
“Yeah,” Ron nodded. “I understand that. So?”
“It’s one reason why I claimed my title. I have all the rights of an adult but due to my age—I also have some protections from being under the age of majority. I can practice magic outside of school which was one of the main things—I needed to be able to defend myself without the fear of losing my wand. It isn’t like I can trust Fudge or Dumbledore to look out for me on that front. Just look at the way they’ve allowed the Daily Prophet to…” He trailed off. “I need to control my image.”
“I agree,” Hermione murmured as she began stacking books on the table that Dobby had set up for her and Ron to share. “You should do an interview and maybe arrange some kind of party to launch yourself as a titled Noble. Maybe at Christmas this year.”
“Probably should get another family to do it,” Ron muttered as he unwrapped a chocolate frog. “The Malfoys, maybe. I heard his mum always throws really good parties for that kind of thing.”
“That would be… I’m kind of surprised, Ron.”
Ron shrugged. “He’s a prat, but she does charity work and she has a lot of social clout. Besides, her husband died for you. I guess I can overlook Draco being a prat for a few years based on that.”
“I wanted to attend his funeral.”
“We did,” Ron said. “All of us—there was a big turnout but most of it was private. Mrs. Malfoy put his casket in the crypt herself and Draco was like a statue throughout the entire thing. They conferred his title on him in front of the Family crypt. I spoke to him briefly and he asked about you.”
“What did he ask?”
“He wanted to make sure you were okay and safe,” Ron murmured. “I said you were.” Ron slouched further in his chair. “I guess I feel sorry for him… you know he found his Dad’s… parts.”
Harry swallowed hard. “Yeah, I know. I can’t imagine what it must have been like. Voldemort was furious.” He tapped his fingers on the desk. “I have something to show you. I’ve known since before the third task that I was probably an Animagus. The thing is that I wasn’t sure of the magical theory and the spell in our Transfiguration text isn’t explained in detail so I had to wait until I could get a book. I tried to order one but… Minister Fudge apparently put out an unofficial list of books that I’m not allowed to buy. Just before my birthday I did get a book on the process.”
“Wow.” Hermione bit down on her lip. “Can I read it?”
“Yeah, it’s in my room. I’ll get it for you later. At any rate, I was able to determine that I am, in fact, an Animagus and after my Family magic started to settle I had the magical strength to accomplish it.”
“Family magic.” Hermione frowned. “What does that mean?”
“Wizarding families have ancestral magic—that settles on a wizard during the year of their majority. Usually it coincides with our magical maturation. Since Harry was the Heir to a Noble House—his ancestral magic has been settling for the past few months and it probably went into overdrive when his title was conferred,” Ron explained. “We’ll learn about ancestral magic next year in Charms and Transfiguration.”
“Oh.” She frowned and ran her fingers over the edges of one of the books she’d pulled off the shelf. “So that doesn’t happen to Muggle borns then.”
“Of course it will, Hermione.” Ron looked at her like she might be mental. “You had to come from somewhere, after all. It isn’t like magic happens in a Muggle family by accident. You have a squib or even a wizard or witch in your family tree somewhere. You’re powerful for a Muggle-born so it stands to reason that one of your grandparents was magical. Do you have any living great-grandparents?”
“No.” Hermione paused. “Well, I don’t know. My mother was adopted.” She dropped down in a chair. “Oh.”
“Right.” Ron nodded. “You can have it researched you know. The dverger will do it.”
“My mother’s biological mother died in childbirth and there was no father evident. She was adopted within a few weeks of birth.” Hermione frowned. “But why wouldn’t my mum… I guess she must be a squib.”
“Perhaps her mother was Muggle and her father a wizard. If her mother had been a witch, I can’t see why she would have gone to a Muggle hospital to deliver her baby,” Ron said and watched Hermione nervously rearrange books. “Most Muggle borns get the chance to research their Family magic in their seventh year but I bet if you asked, you could do it this year. I mean, if you’re worried.”
Hermione nodded abruptly and then focused on Harry. “Are you going to show us?”
“It’s… just I don’t want you to freak out.”
Ron snorted. “Mate, we watched you out fly a dragon last year. I think we’re pretty much ready for whatever you might want to throw at us.”
“Right.” Harry stood and then from their point of view disappeared. He slid under the desk and would have laughed if he could have when Ron screamed and Hermione climbed on the table.
He coiled around the leg of Ron’s chair before slithering across the floor and then used the leg of the table to climb up it and then he coiled up right in front of Hermione. She stared at him wide-eyed for a few seconds and then laughed a little breathless. “Harry, this is amazing!”
Harry flicked his tongue at her and then left the table. He resumed his human form with ease and shrugged. “So, I’d like to keep it a secret.”
“Right,” Ron muttered and lowered his feet to the floor. “You arse! Some warning would have been nice.”
* * * *
Harry,
You are a source of wonder. I can’t wait to see your Animagus form! Also, I would enjoy a private visit but I can see how it might be difficult for you to get away without it becoming a hassle. If you’re going to Diagon Alley for school supplies, I would like to be included in the outing. I don’t think you’ll have an easy time of it and would like to provide as much of a buffer as I can.
Cedric is settled in the new clinic and his parents send their thanks. I have a letter for you on their behalf. I promised that I would deliver it to you personally so it will have to wait until we can see each other. His new Healer seemed very confused by his state and that makes me think you were right about him being not being treated at St. Mungo’s.
At this point, I’m sure you’ve had an invitation to tea from the Minister. I received one two days after my title was conferred. I informed him I was secluding myself as much as possible to help my mother in her grief. He seemed to take that without much of a problem. You’ll probably be justified in being very rude to him since he’s quite willingly to paint you a complete nutter in the press.
Ever Loyal,
Lord Draco Malfoy
The House of Malfoy
PS – You really should sue him.
Harry tucked Draco’s letter into his correspondence box just as Dumbledore appeared in the open doorway of the library. Ron and Hermione were at the table working on one of the summer assignments that Harry had finished in a blind rush during his first two weeks with the Dursleys.
“Headmaster, here for tea?”
“The Minister has called on me to influence you into a meeting with him,” Albus admitted ruefully. “Apparently he’s quite irritated by the message you relayed through Percy Weasley.”
“I see.” Harry sighed. “When?”
“This afternoon at 3:00.”
Harry nodded. “Dobby.” The House Elf appeared immediately at his side. “Please go ask Bill if he is able to escort me to an appointment this afternoon with the Minister. It’s at 3:00.”
“Yes, Master Harry.” He sat a package down in front of Harry. “From the Beautiful One.”
“Bill Weasley?” Dumbledore questioned as Dobby popped away, he glanced briefly at the package. “He’s not a member of the Order, Harry.”
“Yes, I know. He is working for me until I return to school as private security.” Harry hazarded a glance at Ron but found his best mate was unfazed by the news. “He’s powerful and adept at side-along apparition. Since I don’t have a license to apparate—it seemed like a good idea to have someone in my employ who could handle that for me.”
He plucked the package up and unwrapped it as Dumbledore made himself at home in front of Harry’s desk. “If you’d like I can have Kreacher bring you some tea, Headmaster.”
“I had tea with Sirius and Remus before I came up,” Albus admitted and watched with interest as Harry pulled several magazines from the box and a folded letter. “I wasn’t aware that you had a girlfriend.”
Harry lifted an eyebrow and then grinned. “I’ve had sixteen marriage proposals since my title was conferred but this is from a family friend, not a girlfriend. I am in need of a Wizarding wardrobe and she was kind enough to give me some advice about how to get it without going shopping.” He scanned the letter quickly and then slid it into his correspondence box so Dumbledore couldn’t pick it up.
Mehen tightened briefly on his wrist and Harry’s gaze jerked to Dumbledore. The older wizard’s eyes widened briefly and Harry lifted an eyebrow at him. “I believe you’ll find my mind is no longer an open book, Headmaster.”
“Very good, my boy, very good indeed. Your Family magic has provided you with a series of useful skills then?”
“You could say that,” Harry agreed and used his thumb to stroke Mehen before pulling out a piece of stationary. He penned a quick thank you note to Narcissa and called Hedwig to his desk. The owl landed on the small perch built into the desk and offered her leg. “How’s my favorite girl?” He pulled the amulet out the box it had been sitting in. “Dobby retrieved something just for you from the Potter vault.”
Hedwig hooted softly and fluttered her wings.
“It’ll keep you safe,” Harry murmured as he slipped the chain of the amulet over her head. It immediately lit up and then seemed to sink into her feathers until it appeared to be embedded in her chest. He touched it after it was finished and the amulet gave him a little jolt of goodwill. She preened briefly and then hopped off the perch to get closer to him. She rubbed her head against his cheek and then offered her leg for the note.
Hermione was standing beside the desk by the time Hedwig flew away. “What does the amulet do?”
“Prevents someone from interfering with her deliveries and it protects her against most spells excluding the Unforgiveables. It’s dverger-made. They are very difficult and expensive to make. Unfortunately they don’t seem to work for wizards—just magical creatures like owls. They were designed to protect familiars and I don’t see… well I don’t see any animal in my life replacing Hedwig so I doubt I’d ever have a familiar.”
“Why put it on her?” She questioned. “Are owls really a target for that kind of thing?”
“Hedwig is distinctive,” Albus offered in a way of explanation. “Most of the Wizarding world knows that Mr. Potter has a snowy owl and yes, plenty would attempt to interfere with her given half a chance. The amulets, as Harry said, are very expensive.”
Harry nodded. “Dobby informed me that I could sell it for as much twenty thousand galleons if I chose but I had a nightmare that Hedwig was killed by a Death Eater.” He glanced towards the window. “My paternal grandfather’s dreams came true.”
“How… do you know that?” Hermione questioned.
“I have a book on my family history of all of the Potters. The thing automatically updates, so it has a timeline for me, too. It’s pretty dry.” He paused. “For instance, for the last task of the Tri-Wizard tournament it said, ‘Harry James Potter, kidnapped by a rogue faction working for Tom Riddle aka The Dark Lord aka Voldemort and forced to participate in a Dark resurrection ritual. Survived.’” Harry shrugged when Hermione laughed abruptly and then looked horrified. “Oh, I laughed, too.”
“Can I see it?”
Harry shook his head. “No, I’m sorry – it’s charmed to only open for members of the Potter Family and the estate solicitor. I can’t even use it to prove Sirius is innocent.”
Hermione sighed dramatically and then went back to her homework. “That’s horrible but I guess there are things in there you probably wouldn’t want anyone to know.”
Harry blushed. Right because he wasn’t all that interested in having his meager love life on display for the world. The grimoire wasn’t exactly good for one’s ego. It hadn’t been kind about his crush on Cho or the fact that he’d lost her to Cedric. It also had recently updated with a note about Draco and the Liege Oath.
Mehen tightened again and he felt Dumbledore pushing against the edge of his mind. Harry shot the elderly wizard a glance and laughed a little when the Headmaster just looked at him with twinkling eyes. The truth was he didn’t think that Dumbledore meant him harm or that he had set out to see him harmed—the old man was just a little touched and a tad more manipulative than most people thought.
At that point, Bill entered with a sweep of very elegant robes. Harry grinned. It was nice to see his money put to good use. He’d insisted on paying Bill in advance and it wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that he’d given most if it to his parents. Ron had a new school trunk and he’d shown off new dress robes when Harry had been watching him settle into a room near his on the second floor.
“The Minister, huh?” Bill sat down beside Headmaster Dumbledore with a brief nod. “Hello, Albus.”
“Bill, it is a pleasure to see you. How is your job at Gringotts?”
“Good. I recently participated in the opening of a tomb in Egypt that held a great many artifacts. It was a stunning discovery and I received 15 percent of the value due to my work on it.” Bill shared a glance with Harry and Harry realized that was the story he’d given his parents about the large sum of money he had.
* * * *
Bill released his arm gently as they appeared in front of the Ministry. Harry really didn’t like the look of the place and had to be prodded forward. The looks they were receiving told Harry all he needed to know about the public’s perception of him due to Fudge’s lies. It made him furious and it hurt far more than he wanted to admit.
Most of the people in the ministry building averted their gazes as they passed. He knew that Fudge had painted Dumbledore as an old fool and a liar as well in the press. Harry was of the opinion that he was only one that got to criticize Albus Dumbledore for how he was treated and Fudge had made more than one mistake on that front—blaming the Headmaster for Harry’s deteriorating mental state repeatedly.
They were immediately shown into the Minister’s office and Harry took note of Percy’s placement in the room and a woman he’d only seen in papers. Delores Umbridge. She’d helped pass a few werewolf regulations that made Harry furious. Those rules had cost Remus his job at Hogwarts.
“Mr. Weasley, I wasn’t aware that you would be coming,” Fudge smiled. “You can wait outside.”
Harry touched Bill’s arm when he started to move away. “He’s my personal security and will stay with me.”
Fudge blinked in surprise as Bill took a seat beside Harry. “Surely you trust me, Harry.”
“Lord Potter,” Dumbledore corrected with a small smile. “And I’m sure Lord Potter trusts you to be exactly who you are, Minister.”
Harry ignored the tea cup that was placed in front of him by the woman and stroked Mehen absently with his thumb. He frowned intensely and focused on Umbridge. “If you want to read my mind, Madame, you’re going to have to brush up on your skills as a Legilimens.”
She flushed with anger and sat down abruptly. “We haven’t met, I’m Delores Umbridge. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m very aware of who you are and the pleasure is all yours,” Harry murmured and glanced down at the tea she’d poured him. He picked it up and Bill stayed his hand. “I know she put a potion in it.” He sniffed it and frowned. “Doesn’t smell familiar.”
He passed the cup to Bill who sniffed it as well and then set it far away from Harry. “A mild Subliminal Suggestion Draught. I suppose one or both of them meant to give you a few suggestions about your future behavior.”
Umbridge sputtered. “I did no such thing.”
“Right,” Harry agreed. “I’m sure it was a mistake.”
“Now, Harry…”
“Lord Potter,” Harry corrected and stared hard at the Minister. “As Headmaster Dumbledore already made clear to you. Disrespecting my title and Family isn’t exactly the best way to begin a conversation, Minister Fudge.”
“Yes, about that,” Fudge began and rubbed at the sleeve of his robe. “The thing is that people are beginning to question how you were able to have your title conferred on you considering the Ministry’s official position about the incident with the third task.”
“You mean, people can’t figure out how I was able to keep my magic, put on an ancient Family ring, and claim my nobility if I’m the complete nutter and liar you’ve painted me to be,” Harry responded coolly. “That does put you in a difficult position.”
“We want you to recant your story about the Dark Lord,” Fudge pressed on.
“No,” Harry said without a moment’s hesitation. “It would be unethical and such a lie would cast a stain on my House. I might be the only Potter but I will not taint my ancestors, my Heir, or any future children I may have with such a deception.” He watched fury cross over Fudge’s face and then he settled back in his chair. “My place in the Wizarding world is not decided by a popularity contest, Minister Fudge. It’s a right of blood that gives me a title and a place on the Wizengamot. It must, however, be difficult for you to be at the mercy of the whims of the public.”
Fudge took an exaggerated breath. “I must insist you…”
“You insist?” Harry questioned softly and then laughed. “The only thing you’re in a position to do, Minister Fudge, is to beg me not to sue you for the blatant character assassination you’ve been engaged in for the last several months.”
