"Ten more minutes, please," Gabby pleaded. "I'm comfortable, and I don't want to get up just yet."
"Ok, sure. I'm comfortable too. I just thought that we could drop by and grab some books about broom crafting from the quidditch store. I have to pick something up from there anyways."
"We're going to make our own brooms?" Gabby squealed. "Hold on, what is it that you have to pick up? We didn't order anything from there that I can remember."
With a mischievous smile, Harry gave Gabrielle a peck on the lips and rolled them both over, with him now on top. "My dear, Gabby. It's a surprise! I owled for it a few nights ago, just after you fell asleep."
"Oh, tell me what it is, please!" Gabby cried with desperation. Batting her eyelashes at him she gave him a wicked smile, "Come on, you know you want to," she said seductively.
The next thing Harry knew, as Gabby said these words, her aura that he had began to notice in the last few days went from a dazzling silver, to a glowing white that seemed to be pushing outwards at him. Strangely, he felt nothing. "Gabby, is that your veela allure?"
As sudden as it had happened, it stopped. Gabby's aura relapsed to its' normal state as her mouth dropped open in shock. "You're immune! Oh, I'm sorry Harry! Please, I wasn't trying to manipulate you; I just wanted to know what the surprise is. I'm not very good with surprises, the waiting drives me bonkers."
Harry laughed. "It's ok, Gabby. You're the one person that I would allow any control over me. Besides, I asked because your aura changed, and I was wondering what caused it. I've never seen the fabled veela allure up close, and yours seemed to be really powerful."
Getting up, Gabby began to get dressed, changing out of her nightgown and into some beautiful, baby blue robes, made from acromantula silk. Gabrielle had spotted them a couple days before as she and Harry passed the window to a shop, and she had fallen in love with them. Harry, who always seemed so eager to please her, or to just spoil her rotten, was very easy for her to convince to buy them for her. "What do you mean by my aura?"
Harry sat thoughtfully for a second, pulling up his black, dragon leather pants. "Your aura. Lately I guess I've been starting to get my abilities. Especially my aura reading and mage sight. Haven't you noticed how good my senses are now too? I can hear someone whisper from hundreds of feet away when I try. And my sense of smell. I'm just glad that I can focus and turn it off sometimes. My strength, speed, and stamina too. They are incredible, far beyond anything I have ever had before. Anyways, I like your aura. It's beautiful, bright, and silvery. Not like Dumbledore's. His is bright yellow and purple, a bit overwhelming to look at if you ask me. I can see the faint auras on magical objects and creatures too. Magic leaves a trace you know. It's all around us, and I can see it in the air, and in the ground. I can actually see and sense it enough that I can reach out my hand and feel it, and draw it into me. I've tried and done it. It was amazing. The raw power of magic, never having been channeled, was at my fingertips. I don't know if that makes me like one of the true sorcerers that lived so long ago, but it would make sense, I am their descendent. There's one more thing though. My aura, my magic. When I drew in the magic from around me, my own magic grew more powerful, and changed. My visible aura is usually emerald mixed with gold, but when I drew in the magic, it changed to a lightning blue and black."
"Wow," was all that Gabby could say as she listened to Harry. "All that is just fantastic, Harry. But you have to be careful. A lot of wizards and witches have been seduced by power before, and I couldn't bear to see that happen to you."
Stroking Gabby's cheek softly, Harry smiled at her. "It won't happen. I won't let it. I know I'm powerful, but I control my powers, not the other way around."
"I hope so," Gabby replied with a concerned look. "After all, very few wizards in history have had the power to sustain a visible aura. I doubt that anyone except Dumbledore, Grindelwald, and Voldemort have been able to do it in the last two hundred years. Except for you, I mean."
"I know. So, are you ready to go?"
"Yeah, I'm ready. Are you going to tell me what the surprise is?"
"Nope. You're just going to have to wait and see. By that, I mean that you won't find out until we get back from dinner tonight. I found a new restaurant that I think you will enjoy, after a movie too, if you want."
"Sure, I'd love that. But do I have to wait until then?"
"Yep."
"Damn. Oh well. A girl has to try doesn't she?"
Instead of answering, Harry just chuckled merrily and took Gabrielle softly around the waist. A silent 'pop' later, and they were gone.
Gringotts, Diagon Alley, London
An hour and a half later, Harry and Gabrielle found themselves being led to a private room, off the left hand side of the main hall at Gringotts.
Before they had arrived, Harry and Gabby stopped by a small breakfast parlor, and then headed to Quality Quidditch Supplies. Not long after, they emerged from the shop, with a long, wide package, that had been preshrunk and wrapped for them. Even after a few tries, Gabby was still persistent in trying to get a sneaky grip on one of the corners of the package, so that she could tear it a little to see what was inside, so Harry was forced to banish it to a small cubbyhole that he had made in a small room in their trunk. Gabby wasn't too happy about it, but in the end she resigned herself to having to wait and wonder what the surprise would be.
Once they entered Gringotts, Harry really shouldn't have been surprised, but none other than the headmaster Albus Dumbledore was there, obviously waiting on them.
"Harry, my boy," the wizened old headmaster began, eyes twinkling. Harry felt a slight nudge as something smoothed along his mental shields. "It is a distinct pleasure to see you both here today. I'll assume that you are both here for Sirius Black's will reading?"
"Yes, headmaster," Harry answered shortly as he raised his occlumency barriers up to full strength.
"Well then, shall we?" Dumbledore stepped aside and waved Harry and Gabrielle by, to a room off to the left side.
Harry and Gabrielle didn't move an inch. Instead, Harry fixed Dumbledore with a stare. "I didn't know that you would be here, Sir."
The tingle along Harry's mental shields was growing stronger by the second. Fortunately, Harry didn't have to worry about Gabby's mind being penetrated as veela were among the most powerful natural occlumens. "Yes, I happened to drop by and I heard some interesting news." The grandfatherly voice and twinkling eyes were going full blast.
"What would that be, Sir?" Harry asked.
"It has come to my attention that your godfather, Sirius Black, has a will that will be read this morning, and, no doubt, you are named in it."
Harry looked quizzically at Dumbledore. "How is any of this your concern, Headmaster?"
"As your magical guardian, it is my duty to be here, Harry. I do feel that you being here is unnecessary, seeing as I can stand in for you, but since you are both already here, there is no harm done. But I do need to speak with you both when we are done here. Since you are both underage, I have managed to find a suitable wizarding family that you will be staying with that will take care of you both, while you are not at Hogwarts. I am sure that you will find the Weasley's to be very kind people, and they are delighted to take you both in. Molly will probably be horrified at how skinny you both are."
Harry was enraged, and Gabrielle no less. There were blue sparks of fire dancing along her now silvery hair, and all down her arms and chest.
"Headmaster, you are overstepping your boundaries. I am a Head of House, and as such, you have no authority over me outside of Hogwarts. We are perfectly happy and safe where we are, and when we decide to find a permanent place to stay, we already have several options open to us. The Weasley's are great people, but how can they afford two more children? Do you think that I haven't noticed the money you transferred from my trust account to theirs? It's only because of my respect for them, and my knowing that they would never accept such charity, that I allowed you to continue your transactions. I have plenty to spare, and I have no problem helping them, but next time it will be my choice to do it, not yours. Stop meddling in our affairs. I won't be your weapon Dumbledore. I will face Voldemort, but on my terms, not his, and not yours. We won't be staying with them, as much as I would like it. I will not tolerate your spying on me and attempting to control my every move. Good day, Headmaster."
With that, Harry and Gabby both stormed by the stunned Headmaster, and headed for the room that they had been directed would be holding the will reading ceremony.
As they entered the room where the will would be read, Harry and Gabby both noticed, and both gave a small nod to, Ragnok and Griphook, who were at the head of a large, circular table that had chairs drawn up around the sides. The table's center had a pedestal that had been set on the floor and raised up through the whole in the center. On top of the pedestal was a crystal clear, blue orb.
"Harry, please sit here," Ragnok said as he ushered Harry and Gabrielle to two chairs right beside his own. "It is only fitting. The Head of House would normally take the seat of honor, so you should be as close to it as possible. Besides, I need to speak with you on a subject that came up very recently. It is very urgent and important that we deal with it as soon as time allows."
After helping Gabrielle to her seat, Harry took his own before turning to Ragnok with a questioning look. "What is it? Did something happen that I need to know about?"
"Indeed it did, Lord Potter. Before the others arrive please let me inform you that in occasions such as this, I must use formalities, as it shows respect for your family, your honor, and your position. We will discuss the matter after the will reading. I hope it does not offend you, Sir, but the others will be arriving shortly, and we do not have time to give the matter such thought and discussion as it will require."
Harry only nodded as he noticed a very familiar head of blonde hair, with a chin and nose stuck high in the air, enter the room. Draco Malfoy looked as arrogant as ever, followed in by his mother, who looked just as haughty. She gave a short glance to Harry and Gabby before taking her seat. If Harry wasn't mistaken, she walked with her nose turned up as if the smell beneath her nose was unbearable, and Harry obviously couldn't blame her. Having a ponce for a son and worse for a husband, should have given her a taste for the delightfully foul smells by now though. Harry did notice, though, the look of recognition in her eyes as she took in the sight of Harry and Gabby, before giving a quick, stinging glare to Gabby, who shrank back into Harry's side as Lucius Malfoy walked into the room and sat beside his wife. Noticing Harry and Gabrielle, Lucius Malfoy stared in cold, ruthless anger at Gabby, who was by now squeezing Harry's hand so hard that Harry was surprised it didn't break.
Squeezing her hand softly, Harry whispered in Gabby's ear. "It's okay, love. I remember what he did, and I promise I will never allow anyone to ever try that with you again. You have nothing to fear from him."
Fortunately, this seemed to cheer her up a little bit, as she gave him a tentative smile and loosened her grip on Harry's hand, but Harry was furious. "Lord Malfoy," he stated simply, his voice dripping with venom at every syllable.
"Do not speak to me child," Lucius spat back. "You and your pathetic tramp cost me thousands of galleons and a night in Azkaban. Do you not know what the punishment is for embarrassing such a powerful Lord? You should be thankful that I didn't press charges for the curse you shot at me. Far be it from me to know where you even learned such powerful, dark magic."
"You got no more or less than you deserved, you pathetic waste of a wizard. And I assure you that if you ever insult my Lady again, or even think to, I will destroy you. Do you remember your miserable, late master, who tried to kill me? Come on, you know the one, just remember whose feet you kissed and groveled at for so many years. He couldn't kill me, so what makes you think that you would stand even the slightest chance? If I hear even one word come from your lips today I will invoke a blood war between our houses, and I will annihilate you and your family. I will wipe the once proud, but now wretched and twisted name of Malfoy from existence."
Lucius paled with rage, but kept silent. Draco, however, was stupid enough not to hold his tongue. "So you are the famous Harry Potter. And this must be the little, French veela whore that landed my father in prison. It is a shame, Potter. You are stepping on the feet of the wrong wizarding family. My father is Lord Malfoy, and being the closest living heir, today I shall be named Lord Black. Not only can a current Head of House invoke a blood feud, but even if you managed it, being underage and all, you are the only Potter left. If you invoke a blood feud, we will have every right to kill you where you stand, and you wouldn't stand a chance. You haven't even begun your first year at Hogwarts yet. And still, if you survived long enough to escape you would have two of the most powerful families after you. You wouldn't live another three days."
"Listen once, and listen well, Draco. Do you see these rings on my finger?" Harry raised his hand and let his Head of House rings flash to the Malfoys. "And did you notice the Black Head of House ring there also? I am Lord Black, you slimy weasel. As for you all, I could take you all at once while blinded, body binded, and with one finger to use my wand. So give me just one reason to, I would love to watch the goblins clean you up off the floor."
Draco glared, "You wouldn't-." But he was cut off from saying more by his father, who had his hand on his shoulder and seemed to be squeezing pretty hard, judging by the younger Malfoy's wince. "Now is not the time or place, Draco. Keep quiet. Lord Black, please excuse my outburst. We seemed to start off on the wrong foot entirely and I have spoken only to have my son hold his tongue. I wish no war with you. Perhaps, we might even be able to have you both to dinner before you go to Hogwarts?"
"Perhaps, "Harry answered curtly. "I agree that perhaps we got off on the wrong foot, seeing as you were a roaring drunk, but let us not neglect the fact that you and your family have strong beliefs in blood purity and pureblood superiority, and I am against it. Blood does not determine a wizard's skill or power. In fact, the more magical blood is recycled through pureblood marriages, the less potent it becomes. To keep a wizarding line, an infusion of powerful, new, pure, and unrecycled magical blood is needed. That is one reason muggleborns are needed, seeing as they are the first in their line to have magic. The magic in them is new, and extremely potent. Not to mention that without muggleborns, wizards would have died out long ago, or would have intermarried to the point where they were all born as squibs. Haven't you realized the no muggleborn has ever produced a squib? Squibs tend to come from the oldest of pureblood ancestries. However, some of the most powerful wizards in the world are muggleborn. Even you would have to admit that. After all, you knew Tom Riddle in school, and you also knew the wizard he became. Lord Voldemort, quite possibly the most powerful half-blood in centuries."
"How do you know-?" Lucius began, but Harry cut him off.
"How I know is not important. But do see to it that you keep that diary that he gave you to yourself, at least until I come for it."
Eyes wide in shock, Lucius nodded in assurance that he would do exactly that.
"Now, that is better. Even enemies can remain civil at times," Ragnok said.
As Ragnok was speaking, Harry saw another familiar figure enter the room, looking a bit better than Harry was used to seeing him. In another few days though, when the full moon would shine brightly in the night sky of September 1st, Harry doubted that his health and appearance would remain in good shape. Harry gave Remus Lupin a smile as the man entered.
Lupin, who had no idea that Harry knew who he was, looked surprised. After all, he and Harry had never met, at least since he was a baby, but how could Harry possibly remember that?
Following Lupin into the room, and very nearly late, was Ted Tonks, leading a woman, no doubt his wife, and a young woman, who looked about 17 years of age.
"Harry," Ted exclaimed. "It is a pleasure to see you here. And you my Lady, Gabrielle. May I introduce my wife Andromeda?" Mrs. Tonks, who looked much like Narcissa, powerful and aristocratic, but with a kind smile, reached her hand forward so that Harry could kiss her hand, and shook hands with Gabby. "And our beautiful daughter Nymphadora?"
"Don't call me Nymphadora. It's Tonks, just Tonks."
Patting her daughter shoulder as Tonks shook hands with both Harry and Gabrielle. "Dear daughter, why is it that you hate your name so? I think that it is a beautiful name. And it suits you."
Tonks scowled at her mother before starting to take her seat, but instead tripping on the leg of the chair and falling forward, face first into Harry's chest.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Wotcher, Harry. I'm fine. I'm used to it. I'm dead clumsy, always have been." she replied as she got up and fixed her robes. "I should thank you for breaking my fall though," she said sexily. "You are really cute, and if you were a few years older, I might be able to thank you properly."
Harry blushed brightly as Andromeda shrieked, "Nymphadora!"
Harry glanced at Gabby who, by the look of it, remembered the contract, and was obviously thinking along the same lines as him, especially if that mischievous grin was any sign. Gabby whispered in his ear. "Oh Tonks, I'm so sorry. I'm already taken, but my gorgeous Lady Gabby agrees with me that you are, simply put, sexy as hell. It's a pity that you care about the age difference because we were thinking about your offer, and you do know that we have our own room and bed, right?"
The effect was instantaneous. Harry's face and neck were a brilliant red as he gave Tonks one of his most innocent smiles, and Gabby giggled hysterically at Tonks, who had gone as red as Harry, jaw dropped, speechless, and with her eyes popping out of their sockets. That wasn't all though as Tonks' hair and eyes were flashing through what had to be every shade of color that Harry could imagine, including a few that he could swear that he had never seen before. The final straw, at least for Gabby, was the pumpkin juice that sprayed from Tonks' mouth and nostrils and straight at her mother's robes. Gabby couldn't take it anymore. She broke down into completely insane laughter and Harry had to hold onto her tightly to keep her from rolling around on the floor.
Mrs. Tonks, however, was not quite as pleased. "Now, really!" she huffed.
Mr. Tonks, on the other hand, seemed to find the flirting hilarious, maybe because he thought it was innocent fun, but Harry didn't know, maybe it was. But the wink that Tonks gave them both when her parents weren't looking suggested otherwise. Harry and Gabrielle both gulped. They weren't quite ready for that, yet.
Out of the corner of his eye, Harry was shocked to see three more people enter, who he had definitely not been expecting to see here today. Nudging Gabby gently in the arm, he got her attention and nodded over to the three redheads. Harry had no idea why, but Arthur, Molly, and Bill Weasley had all just arrived, filling the last three chairs that were right beside Harry and Gabby.
As he helped Mrs. Weasley to her seat, Mr. Weasley gave the Malfoys a cold look. "Lucius," was all he said to acknowledge them.
Mr. Malfoy glanced once at Harry, possibly thinking of responding to Mr. Weasley's less than polite greeting, but wisely decided to keep silent.
"Hello, how are you two doing? My name is Arthur Weasley."
Mr. Weasley regarded Harry and Gabby carefully. Reaching across, Harry offered his hand. "Nice to meet you, Sir. My name is Harry, Harry Potter. And this beautiful girl beside me is my Lady Gabrielle Delacour."
Mr. Weasley broke out in a broad grin. "Are you really? That's fascinating! My oldest son Bill, he's sitting next to my wife Molly, told me that you might be here today. But I had no idea that you would have such a lovely little Lady to accompany you." As Mr. Weasley was speaking, he gestured towards Mrs. Weasley and Bill, who both nodded and smiled.
Harry smirked as Gabby's face grew red. Gabby might have taken being called a 'little' Lady a bit offensive, but she seemed to be getting over her shyness a little, Harry noted as he watched in amusement as Gabby blushed furiously at the compliment.
"I guess I should thank you for the compliment, Mr. Weasley. I don't think my fair Gabrielle can speak yet." Trying to prove Harry wrong, Gabby gave him a look, but was only able to squeak out a retort.
"Tell me, Harry. Is it true that you have been living with muggles all these years? Bill told me a little of what he has heard. He's a curse breaker at Gringotts, and you are big news with the goblins at the moment."
"I've been living with my relatives, but I haven't enjoyed it much. They treated me like a house elf most of the time when they actually got around to stop pretending that I don't exist. Fortunately I won't have to put up with that anymore. Gabby and I are going to look over my properties next summer and pick one out for us."
Mr. Weasley paled a bit. "For both of you, did you say? Aren't you both a bit young?"
"You have a point. We are still trying to get used to it ourselves, but there are extenuating circumstances that have provided us with a valid and indisputable reason not to worry about our ages. We are taking it slow, of course. Don't worry about that contract you and my dad signed. Gabrielle and I already know about it, so we can deal with that when we get to it."
Mr. Weasley looked at his wife and gulped. "And what contract would that be, Harry dear."
"Now Molly, I don't think...," Mr. Weasley began, but the glare of cold anger by his wife stopped him cold, and he shut his mouth with a snap.
"Don't try to put it off, Arthur. Now Harry, what kind of trouble did my husband get himself into this time? It's never good, but I knew your father, and if James Potter was in on this too, then Merlin help us."
Suddenly, a speck on the table became very interesting to Harry, as he kept his head down just staring. He shouldn't have mentioned that marriage contract. He really liked Mr. Weasley and he was regretting getting him into trouble with Mrs. Weasley. They were like the family he never had before he came back, and Harry knew her temper as well as anyone. You did not want to cross Molly Weasley. And hopefully, Ginny wouldn't have her fan girl attitude towards him this time around. He knew she wanted to marry the Boy-Who-Lived ever since she was a little girl, but he had no idea what effect the knowledge of a marriage contract between them since before his parents had died would have on her feelings and opinions about him.
"Harry, dear, it's okay to tell me. It's not you I will be angry with. But I need to know how long Arthur gets to sleep on the couch this time. But by the look in his eyes, and I know my husband, he will probably retreat to his shed for a month or so."
"Probably longer," Gabby giggled, smiling sweetly the whole time.
"What was that, dear?"
"Oh, it's nothing," Gabrielle replied. "But it really isn't something that we should talk about while we are here."
"Now that's a wonderful idea," Mr. Weasley interrupted.
"Hush, Arthur,"
"Yes, Love."
"So how about you both join us at the Burrow tonight for dinner and we can talk about it then? Would that work?"
Harry's head came up with a snap, his mouth watering. He loved Mrs. Weasley's cooking. Her meat pies, treacle tarts, and her fudge cakes were enough to make him drool. The smile he wore was all the answer Mrs. Weasley needed.
"I'll take that as a yes, then?"
"Of course!" Harry and Gabby both replied excitedly.
"Ahh, children. If there's one thing all kids love to do, it's eating," Mrs. Weasley said softly. "Although, Harry, I do think that I should warn you about our youngest. My daughter Ginny has been quite taken with you, at least the fairytales she has read of you, since she was very young."
"That's fine, Mrs. Weasley. I am sure that Gabby and I can handle Ginny."
Just then, the door to the room opened, and Ragnok reentered, followed by several armed goblins. "Now then people, we are ready to begin. All of you, please be seated and once I have your full attention, I will begin the reading of the will of Lord Sirius Orion Black.
As they all watched, Ragnok waved his hand towards the orb in the middle of the table, and the figure of Sirius rose into the air.
"Hey folks, if you are watching this, then I am still a guest of the dementors. It really is too bad that Crouch and Fudge still work for the ministry, eh? Maybe I can get a trial after somebody runs them off. I'd love to piss in the head Mugwump's face."
There was some odd noise from somewhere in the background.
Sirius turned his head, listening, and turned back to face them again. "Okay, getting back on subject. I, Lord Sirius (Yes Moony, I'm serious) Orion Black, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, being of sound mind and sexy body (No Jokes Moony!)," Lupin leaned back easily in his chair with a grin. "Of my own free will, do ordain this to be my last will and testament to be read and carried out in the summer before my godson's first year at Hogwarts. I declare all other wills before it to be null and void. Whether I am currently dead or alive, and I'm probably still kicking, this will is to be executed at this time in its' fullest entirety by the goblins of Gringotts bank, London branch."
"First off, to my old friend Remus Lupin, a.k.a. Moony, I hereby give 75 million galleons and #12, Grimmauld Place under the condition that you chuck your filthy robes, buy yourself some new ones, and by Merlin, get yourself a witch! And there's no point complaining about it, Moony. It's not charity, and the galleons have already been transferred to your account. Somebody, please catch him."
Sure enough, Lupin was white with shock, and had tipped over in his chair. Fortunately, Mr. Tonks was able to catch him before he hit the ground, and helped him back to his seat.
"Remus, you always have been, and always will be, my brother, in all ways that matter. We went through a lot together, and in the end, I deeply regret that I did not put my trust in you, and believed you a spy. I know that you would have died first, and I hope that you can accept my most heartfelt apologies. I know you never asked for anything, Moony, but please accept the money. Not as charity, but as a gift from a brother that can do no more for you."
Remus looked teary, and he slowly nodded his head.
"Secondly, to my dear cousin Narcissa, I leave 5 million galleons and the house you grew up in, under the condition that you ask the new Lord Black to annul your marriage to that inbred ponce, Lucius, and grant you a divorce. I know that you are still in the somewhere, Cissy. Under all those years of pain and abuse, you are still there, crying. Let the new Lord Black do this for you and take you under his wing, I beg you. If you fail to meet these conditions then you will be given 10 galleons and banished from the House of Black forever."
Draco's mother had a weird look in her eyes as she glanced towards Harry. Maybe Harry was kidding himself, but he thought he saw hope there.
"As for the young Draco, I hereby banish you from the House of Black. May your feet never darken the doorstep again. I leave you nothing, except a sound piece of advice. Do your best not to follow in your father's footsteps. He is a cruel man that believes that money and blood purity grants him superiority over everyone else. You would do well to disregard his beliefs, and take heed to the lessons learned from his mistakes. Look to the past, and you will see the path that these actions lead to. Do what is right, and make a new name for yourself. Maybe one day, if you are smart, you will drag the name Malfoy from the pits, and make it something to be proud of again."
"Oh, and Lucius, did you honestly think that I would make YOUR spawn, Lord Black? Don't hoodwink yourself, I have never met the boy, and if he is anything like you, I can't take that risk."
Draco and Lucius both looked furious, but looking at Harry, wisely kept silent.
"Now to Arthur and Molly Weasley. You were a part of the Order, and were always good friends with the Potters and myself. Molly, I remember how you and Lily used to cook for everyone, and how you would both yell at us. Your poor husbands and I. Merlin, I used to dread those tempers. What fire you both had! Your tongues weren't exactly dull, you know. Arthur, I remember how James and I used to call you mad for your obsession with muggles, have you gotten over that yet? You are a brilliant wizard, and a good man, a good friend. You always worked your hardest to take care of your family, but those above you denied you your due. I honestly hope that you don't blame me for their deaths; I would never do anything to hurt James and Lily, and especially Harry. I would have died before I betrayed them. If you still believe in me, can you do me a favor, for old time's sake? Take the 25 million galleons that I am giving you and keep an eye out for a certain rat that is now missing a toe. Arthur, you know the one. He's still alive and out there."
The Weasley's were all three pale and looking frantically at each other. Harry was able to catch what was on the forefronts of their minds using his passive Legilimency skills. "Mr. Weasley, it's alright. What you are thinking is true, but you are safe. As long as he doesn't fear that he has been compromised, he will stay in disguise. Please don't do anything to him yet, and don't let him know that you are on to him. I have plans to deal with the rat soon enough."
Arthur looked carefully at Harry for a few moments before nodding his head. "I have faith in you, Harry. I am placing the welfare of my family in your hands. Please don't let me down."
Harry grew solemn and a dark look dawned on his face. "Don't worry Mr. Weasley, I won't. Just act as you normally do, and very soon he will be dealt with. I do want my Godfather out of prison, you know."
"One more thing, Arthur. I hope for your sake that Molly isn't in the room, but if she is, everyone cover your ears after I say what I have to say. I mean it." Arthur's eyes bugged out of his head and he gulped, but Mrs. Weasley had a furious, but triumphant grin plastered all over her. Everyone else just carefully scooted their chairs away. "You might not remember it, being as wasted as we were, but I was there when you and James signed that marriage contract between Harry and Ginny. I know that you did it so that your little girl would be taken care of, and so that your families would always be joined, but think hard about it. Do you even know if they will be able to love each other? You have taken that choice away from them, just consider it."
Mr. Weasley, however, didn't look like he was able to consider much of anything as he cowered under Mrs. Weasley's righteous fury.
"ARTHUR WEASLEY, HOW DARE YOU!" she roared.
"-wobbles, please," he squeaked. Lucius and Draco were roaring with laughter.
"NO, DON'T YOU DARE!" she yelled in cold anger.
"It isn't what you think, Love."
"THEN WHAT EXACTLY IS IT, ARTHUR? OUR DAUGHTER! OUR ONLY DAUGHTER! OUR BABY GIRL! AND YOU SIGNED HER AWAY NOT EVEN MONTHS AFTER SHE WAS BORN! YOU WAIT UNTIL WE GET HOME. WE AREN'T FINISHED, NOT BY A LONG SHOT. SO YOU CAN JUST SIT THERE AND DREAD WHAT I AM GOING TO DO TO YOU. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO ASHAMED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! Harry, dear, I am so sorry. I had no idea or I wouldn't have let them do it."
"It's fine, Mrs. Weasley. Gabrielle and I already knew about it. We found out a few weeks ago. We wanted to talk to you about it, but not here."
"Can we get back to the will, please?" Ragnok interrupted. Seeing that he once again had everyone's full attention, he waved his hand, unpausing the figure of Sirius.
"Molly, if you are there, don't give your husband too hard of a time. I'm not condoning what he did, but talk to him about it. Hear his reasons and feelings on it. I have another surprise just for you. I know that you enjoy your home, and would probably refuse to move, so I have hired contractors, through the goblins, to renovate your home any way you like. You can even rebuild it and expand it. I know how much family means to you, so please, take these 2 million galleons that I have set aside for this sole purpose, and make the home of your dreams, where love and family makes it so warm and welcoming. I would feel better knowing that a good family is finally receiving what they deserve."
"Now we get to my favorite cousin, Andromeda and her darling daughter Nymphadora. I never did agree with my mother and what she did to you. So... pause for dramatic effect." Everyone except Lucius and Draco laughed. "I hereby reinstate you both to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, that is, if the new Lord Black agrees to it. I also give to each of you 100 million galleons."
"Finally, Harry. My godson. I have prayed every night since your parents died that I could have stopped it. I didn't betray them, but it may as well have been my fault. I convinced them to switch Secret Keepers to Peter, and I have no greater regrets than that. I don't know if you can, I wouldn't, but please try to find it in your heart to forgive me. I lost them that night too, so you are the only part of my best friend that I have left. You probably don't remember me, but I did, and still do love you and I wish that I could be free so that I could take care of you like a proper Godfather would do. Again, I am sorry. I was young and brash, just like your father, and when I found out what Peter had done, I went after him and cornered him. I should have been worried more about you then, but the betrayal was so fresh that I just went crazy. I know that there is nothing I can do to give back what my mistakes took from you, your parents and these years that I could have spent raising you as I should have and wished that I had done, but everything I have I give to you. I hereby give all other moneys, properties, assets and titles, including the title of Lord Black, with all authorities and responsibilities it holds, to my beloved Godson Harry James Potter. I wish that I could do more for you and I love you like my own son. I know that you will always make your parents and me proud. Just one more thing before I sign off. Harry, do not trust Albus Dumbledore. He could have given proof that would have made my innocence loud and very clear. I fear that he has been planning something these many years, but I don't know what it is. He is a brilliant wizard, with his heart in the right place, but his methods are certainly questionable. Albus Dumbledore, as much as he would like you to believe otherwise, thinks only of the big picture. In it, we are merely pawns in the grander scheme of things he calls the greater good, and he will not hesitate to sacrifice each and every person under his care to reach whatever his goals may be. And Harry, please uphold my decisions regarding Cissy, Andy, and Nymphadora. I know you don't have to, but it would mean a lot to this old dog if there was a little love and honor brought back into my family. Farewell and I hope one day to meet the great wizard that I know you will become. This is Lord Sirius Orion Black, signing off."
Harry leaned forward slightly, leaning over the table. Everyone's eyes were on him. For a few moments, the room was could hear the faint heartbeats of everyone in the room until the slight shuffling of the Malfoys leaving broke the silence.
"Lord Black," Ragnok started. "Will you reinstate Mrs. and Miss Tonks into the Black family?"
Harry stared blankly at them both and nodded.
"Very well, please sign the forms, and press your family seal onto the documents and it will be done."
Taking a quill from Griphook, who had sat in on the will reading, Harry signed his name to the documents and dipped his ring in some ink before pressing the seal onto the bottom next to his signature.
"Now, Lord Black please say it out loud, so that magic can confirm it," Ragnok said.
Harry looked around the room. Tonks and her mother were both wide-eyed, but Mr. Tonks was grinning like a mad man. If Tonks wasn't careful she was going to fall flat on her back, the way her chair was tilted. Gabby was obviously happy. She was standing beside Harry, squeezing his hand firmly.
"Harry," she whispered. "Do it."
That was all Harry needed.
"I, Lord Harry James Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, do reinstate Mrs. Andromeda Tonks-Black and Miss Nymphadora Tonks-Black back into the Black family."
The second the last word left Harry's mouth, a white flash of magic flared and a gold strand went out from Harry and connected to two silver strands that had come from Tonks' and her mother's chests. For a few seconds, everyone just stood there as the three caught their breaths.
Catching Harry's eye, Mrs. Tonks gave him a teary smile and mouthed thank you, just before a pink bullet nailed Harry in the chest, knocking him to the ground flat on his back.
"What the-," Harry started, but he was cut off by a squealing Tonks.
"Oh, Harry, thank you! You don't know how much this means to us," she said in between kissing him all over. Harry was bewildered, but Gabby had her hand over her mouth, and tears of mirth were coming from her eyes.
Getting up, Tonks reddened as she let Harry up and straightened herself out. "I'm sorry, Harry. I don't know what to say, I have no idea what came over me. It's just that... we can never repay you for this."
"It wasn't me," Harry replied. "You should thank Sirius."
"I know. But what you just did. It's like you made it to where it never happened. My mother never really speaks of it and acts like it doesn't bother her that she was disowned, but I know her. It has been like a stain of dishonor, of shame, all these years. And you just erased it, like it never happened. We just can't thank you enough," Tonks said softly.
In tears, Tonks threw herself into Harry's arms and just stood there crying on him while he looked awkwardly at everyone else in the room, especially Gabby, but she looked at him as if to say 'I'm a girl, too. Do you honestly expect me to save you?' Giving in, Harry shrugged and leaned up against the wall, with Tonks still attached and his arms around her.
"You're welcome," Harry answered quietly, patting Tonks reassuringly on the back. Looking at Mrs. Tonks and her husband beside her, smiled. "That goes for both of you. If there is ever anything else that I can do for you, owl me. You're family now."
Ragnok cleared his throat loudly, catching everyone by surprise. Obviously, Harry wasn't the only one who had failed to notice the goblins still in the room.
"Lor- Harry, are you forgetting one small detail?" he asked curtly.
Seeing looks of confusion all around the room, Ragnok continued. "There is the matter of the marriage contract that you are magically bound to fulfill to the first unwed daughter of the House of Black."
Tonks fainted dead away in Harry's arms, causing Harry to almost buckle under the unexpected weight.
Mrs. Tonks stared. "How... How is that possible?" she sputtered. "I know our family history as well as any Black, and there are no contracts left to be fulfilled by a daughter of Black."
Looking sternly at Mrs. Tonks, Ragnok replied. "You are mistaken, Mrs. Black. There is but one, an ancient contract between the Houses of Drakul and Black. Until now, either Drakul lacked a son, or Black lacked a daughter, but now we have both and they are magically bound to see the contract to fruition."
"That's not possible!" Mrs. Tonks spit out. "There are none from the House of Drakul left; they were all cursed to become vampires!"
"That is true, Mrs. Tonks," Ragnok answered quietly with a sneering grin. "However, young Harry is the only fully human descendent of the House of Drakul. The ancient blood that has lain dormant for centuries has shown itself in him, and that is enough for magic and for Gringotts. Harry was just as surprised at the news at first as you are, but there is no way out of it. If there was, I am quite sure that he and the Lady Gabrielle would have found it by now, seeing as he is obligated to fulfill several unbreakable marriage contracts."
Mrs. Weasley turned on her husband, raw fiery anger roaring in her eyes once more. "Tell me, Arthur. Please tell me that you and James Potter were not foolish... no stupid, enough to make that contract of yours unbreakable."
Mr. Weasley paled and gave his wife an innocent look. "No, of course not-," he started before Mrs. Weasley cut him off.
"ARTHUR WEASLEY, DON'T YOU DARE GIVE ME THAT LOOK. YOU DID DIDN'T YOU! HOW COULD YOU LET JAMES POTTER TALK YOU INTO SUCH A THING? A MAGICALLY BINDING, UNBREAKABLE MARRIAGE CONTRACT ON OUR BABY GIRL! YOU TOOK AWAY HER VERY RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHO SHE LOVES!" she roared while everyone else still in the room covered their ears.
"Actually, Love, I thought it would be a great idea," Mr. Weasley answered with a grin. "We were good friends with the Potters after all, and it would make sure that she was provided for and well taken care of. James just happened to agree, under the condition that for no reason would I tell Lily until James was ready."
Mrs. Weasley rounded on him. "And I bet that James was under a similar condition, Arthur?"
Mr. Weasley's eyes went wide and his mouth snapped shut. "I thought so," Mrs. Weasley said. "Well, Arthur, your intentions may have been honorable, but did you for once think of Ginny's feelings? Did you once consider that maybe she and Harry would not want each other?"
"Actually, dear, the contract helps all that. The magic involved helps bring them together and make them more compatible for each other. And you know how she has felt about the Boy-Who-Lived all her life. She has been obsessed with marrying the boy since she was young," Mr. Weasley replied simply.
"IN OTHER WORDS YOU TOOK AWAY HER FREE WILL!" Mrs. Weasley shrieked. "AND JUST BECAUSE SHE'S OBSESSED WITH A FAIRY TALE, DOESN'T GUARANTEE IN ANY SENSE THAT SHE WILL LOVE HARRY! NOW YOU WILL BE THE ONE TO TELL OUR DAUGHTER WHAT YOU DID AND WHY. YOU CAN EXPLAIN TO HER WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND, BESIDES FIREWHISKEY, WHEN YOU SIGNED AWAY HER LIFE!"
"Molly-," he started.
Mrs. Weasley rounded on him, veins pounding and her face red with rage. "Don't Molly me, Arthur. You don't have a choice in the matter because until you do, you will be sleeping on the couch, and once you do, your three months on the couch with no seconds for dinner will begin."
Mr. Weasley's froze in his spot instantly. He looked like a dog that had his favorite toy taken away, or a Malfoy who had just been told that he was bankrupt.
"I think I'm letting you off pretty easily, Arthur. But woe to you when your daughter learns a few hexes, but since she doesn't, any that she can think of, I will do for her. You deserve it. Your daughter deserves every hex, jinx, curse, and any other payback that she gives you, and you are going to let her. And when she is done, you are going to hold her and tell her that you are sorry and that you love her."
Gabby grinned evilly. "Mrs. Weasley, can I give you a better idea? After all, we are all in this together. Harry and I are bonded, and he has no choice but to fulfill every marriage contract that we are currently aware of."
Mrs. Weasley smiled softly at Gabby. "What are you thinking, dear?"
"Well," Gabrielle began with a devilish smile. "Since Harry is her husband-to-be, and as such it will be his job to protect her and defend her honor, how about we let him cast the jinxes and curses for Ginny? Harry's got quite a bit of power, and he and I can give her a few... how should I say it... interesting ideas."
Grinning broadly, Mrs. Weasley gave Gabby and Harry both big hugs. "You know, I think that is just what my husband deserves. I might even let him stay off the couch once you are through with him. Before we continue, may I ask how many marriage contracts Harry has to fulfill? Covens aren't unheard of, but there hasn't been one in centuries. I just want to know how many other Ladies Harry will have."
Harry's face darkened. "Too many," he answered, face downcast.
"Wotcher, Harry," Tonks said. "Can you act a little excited, at least? Tons of blokes would die to be in your position. Isn't it every bloke's wet dream to have more than one girl?"
"I'm eleven, Tonks," Harry replied shortly.
"What does that matter? You're still a bloke. Doesn't the idea turn you on in the faintest?"
"Of course it does," Harry spit out, growing redder by the second. "But that doesn't make it right."
Tonks and Gabby both sniggered. "Well, Harry, what if the girls want it that way? You are pretty cute, even though you are young. I think I can keep my hormones in check for a few years," Tonks said huskily, licking her lips. "Until you are ready, that is. That doesn't mean I'll keep my hands to myself though."
Harry watched Gabby and Tonks both walk sexily towards him, eyes bright, two sets of long legs and gorgeous swaying hips, "Oh gods."
Gabby and Tonks both giggled. "That goes for me too, Love." Gabrielle said as she wrapped her arms around him and planted a kiss firmly on his lips.
"Hey, I want one too!" Tonks shouted as she leapt forward to kiss Harry, but tripped on the end of her robe.
Fortunately Harry caught her before she hit the ground. "That's two I owe you, Lover boy," she said as she kissed him hard, moaning as her tongue swept across Harry's lips, begging entrance and getting it.
"Well now!" Mrs. Tonks exclaimed indignantly. "Have you no shame, Nymphadora?"
"Come on, Mother. You named me Nymph for a reason, didn't you? The way I have heard dad tell his navy mates, I'm not the only one in the house that likes to be kinky!"
Mrs. Tonks turned beet red as she gave her husband a furious glare.
"Come now, Andy," Mrs. Weasley said. "I remember you back in Hogwarts, and I have to say, your daughter is just like you were at that age. How about you all join us for dinner at the Burrow tonight? Some of the old crowd getting together to catch up. Harry and Gabrielle will be there too I expect. They have some business to take care of with Arthur. What do you say?"
Mrs. Tonks gave Mrs. Weasley a stern look and a smile. "Yes, I believe we can arrange that. I might even think of a punishment fit for my husband tonight as well."
"Great, we will be delighted to have more company!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed.
Right about then Harry noticed Remus slipping out of the room. Just before he made it through the door Harry called out to him. "Mr. Lupin, won't you join us? You were one of my dad's and Sirius' best friends, I've heard."
"Oh Morgana, Remus I'm so sorry. I failed to notice you, but you would of course be most welcome to join us," Mrs. Weasley said.
"No, Molly I'm sorry," Lupin answered in a hurry. "I really must be going. I have to meet up with someone to arrange for some... ahh... conveniences."
Mrs. Weasley looked confused; as did everyone else in the room, save for Harry and Gabrielle.
"Mr. Lupin," Harry began, but Remus cut him off.
"Harry, please call me Remus."
"Well, Remus," Harry answered. "If you think that I am going to let you slip away before I get the chance to speak with you, you're mistaken. You were one of their best friends, and I know that you are a good man. So here's what we are going to do. We are going to take you shopping, just you, Gabrielle and I. And we are going to get you some decent robes for dinner tonight. While we are at it, we can stop and grab my trunk. I know the full moon is in a few days on the night of September 1st, and I happen to have the ingredients for the Wolfsbane potion in my trunk. I can make it for you. Or even better, I've been working on improving the potion with a couple of extremely rare ingredients that can halt the transformation completely and prevent it if taken in the week up to and including during the full moon."
Remus looked stunned. "How do you know about my condition? And how could you possibly know how to improve, or even brew that particular potion?"
"Promise to join us for dinner and I may just have a story for you," Harry replied with a smirk.
Remus laughed. "You remind me of your father. You are a lot like him and your mother as a matter of fact. You look just like your father did, except for your eyes. You've got-"
"My mother's eyes. Yeah, I know. So will you come?"
"You've got yourself a wager, Harry," Remus replied with a chuckle.
"There's just one condition to hearing my story, though," Harry said.
Remus fixed him with a curious look. "Name it."
"Don't tell Albus Dumbledore anything I tell you. Give me your word on that."
"You have my word, Harry."
"I meant I want your word of honor, as the Marauder's Oath."
Remus' eyes went wide in shock, and his face went stark white as his knees collapsed and he leaned against the wall for support. "Obviously, Harry, you know a great deal more than I took you for. That secret has been kept for almost two decades. How do you know?"
"Do I have your Oath, Moony?" Harry asked.
Shaking from head to foot, Remus nodded and pointed his wand at his own heart. "I, Remus John Lupin, the Marauder known as Moony, do hereby give my Oath, swearing upon my life and magic, to Harry James Potter, son of Prongs, that I will disclose no information given to me by Harry from this point until he so releases me from my Oath, to Albus Dumbledore, unless Harry gives me leave to of his own free will. I so swear it."
"I accept your Oath, Moony. So mote it be."
A flare of magic, symbolizing that the Oath had been confirmed and accepted by magic, flashed briefly between Harry and Remus, briefly connecting the two before flashing out of existence.
"Well that's that," Mr. Weasley said, clapping his hands together. "Shall we go now?"
Taking his cue, everyone began filing out. Harry, Gabby, and Remus to do some shopping and preparing. And the rest on their way to the Burrow.
"Bye Harry, Gabby! We'll see you there tonight!" Tonks said excitedly.
Gabby giggled and nudged Harry in the arm. "You bet we will, and I'll make Harry spruce himself up a bit for you and Ginny."
"Thanks, Gabby. Later!" Tonks waved as she followed her mother and the Weasley's down the opposite end of Diagon Alley.
"Lord Potter!" Ragnok's voice came from behind them.
Surprised, Harry and Gabrielle both turned to see Ragnok walking briskly up to them.
"Ahh, I'm glad that I caught up to you both. I need to speak with you about an important matter, regarding your parents' will."
"What happened?" Gabby asked. Harry looked at her surprised. It was oddly straightforward for the normally shy and quiet Gabrielle.
"You know, Love," Harry whispered quietly in her ear. "You've surprised me a lot lately. You normally just stay quiet in the background, unless we are shopping, but today you've been different. I hope that means you are getting more comfortable."
"I have. How couldn't I, especially when I have such a wonderful bloke to take care of me and protect me?" Gabby whispered back.
Harry grinned. "You give me too much credit, Love. You have a wonderful mind, a pretty colorful personality, and a body that Morgana would give both her robes and her staff to have. I'm just glad to see you finally starting to enjoy yourself around people more."
Gabby blushed and pecked Harry on the lips, but Ragnok cleared his throat.
"As I was saying. We at Gringotts have recently been given evidence that Albus Dumbledore falsified your parents' will that he himself provided and executed shortly after their deaths. We have also been given a copy, via a memory, of your parents' true Will."
Harry's expression softened. "Is that it? Thanks, I thought it was something important."
Ragnok looked indignant. "How is this not important, Lord Potter? Albus Dumbledore broke several laws, both wizarding and goblin."
Harry smirked. "I am well aware of what Dumbledore did, and I already have plans on how to pay him back for it. No charges will be pressed, especially since I have him, quite literally, exactly where I want him."
"Are you positive, Lord Potter?" Ragnok asked, looking desperate for an excuse to get at the Headmaster.
"Quite," Harry replied curtly, but Gabby fixed him with a confused look. "Gabby, at Hogwarts I can keep an eye on him. Not to mention that he may be of some use to us, we are fighting on the same side, after all. And there is much that he may know, or can find out, that will be a great deal of help in the future. Besides, he doesn't know it yet, but at Hogwarts, I have the power, not him."
Catching on, Gabby's confused frown turned to a grin to match the one that Ragnok was now wearing.
"Indeed, Lord Potter! Very cunning! I must applaud you for your technique and wisdom to take heed the lessons the future may bring. However, I have a staff meeting, so I must be going quickly if I am to make it. I shall bid you both good day, Lord and Lady Potter."
"And to you," Gabby and Harry both replied before they turned and walked back out into Diagon Alley to meet back up with Remus and get ready for the night at the Burrow."
Author's Notes:
Sorry about the long update, peeps. My laptop crashed a while back, and I've been without internet ever since I stuck it in the shop. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy the next chapter. Don't worry; I plan on finishing this even if it kills me, especially since it took me so long to plan it all out. Anyways, all the way from my Blackberry, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and look forward to all those to come. Later!