In Servitude of the Dark: The Hand That Guides Me | By : xXxLuckyxXx Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Voldemort Views: 74965 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 6 |
Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to JK Rowling and her publishers. I just play in her world. |
A/N : I would like to give a special thanks to Chiakaiyuki. I got a rather unpleasant review on FF.net about my Snape characterization. Apparently, this reviewer (which I will not name) disliked my Snape so much that he/she said he/she skipped the entire section in Chapter 8, without offering any advice on how to improve my character. Chiakaiyuki sent me a review of encouragement and a very good rationalization on why my Snape is the way he is. I know there are worse flamers out there, but as a newbie writer, every nonconstructive review that basically says 'your writing is bad and I won't read your story anymore' hurts deeply. I was ready to start over to "fix" my Snape, but thanks to Chiakaiyuki, my faith and confidence is mostly restored. I was also reminded that many other people liked my characterization, so in gratitude for Chiakaiyuki and my other supporters that have kept me going, I am posting this chapter earlier than I planned…
Enjoy!
Chapter 15 – Where There's a Will – December 27, 1993
Harry literally fell off his chair in surprise when a burst of flames erupted over Hermione's rune notes. He had an aquamenti on the tip of his wand when Marvolo stopped him.
"I don't think the phoenix would forgive you for it," Marvolo said in amusement.
Harry shot him a glare before turning it on Fawkes. "And 'Moine won't forgive me if her notes get singed, even if it was Dumble's who sent you," he added to the bird.
The bird turned its beak up at Harry in indignation before dropping a piece of paper in front of Harry.
"Well, let's see what he wants," Harry muttered, reading the note.
Please come to my office at your earliest convenience.
By the way, I am in the mood for Lemon Truffles.
"I can't say I am surprised," Marvolo commented. "Considering your parent's will reading is tomorrow morning."
"Do you think he's going to try and stop me?" Harry worried.
"There's only one way to find out."
Harry agreed and turned to Fawkes. "Tell your master I'll be up in a few moments," he said.
Fawkes gave a trill before disappearing in a flash of fire.
Harry took a few moments to pack up all of Hermione's notes and his collection of rune stones. Even though he was nervous about being with the Headmaster by himself, at least this time he had his occlumency shields and Marvolo was going to be there with him. When he got there, however, all his worry was for naught because he could hear the rambunctious sounds of a particular red headed family.
When Harry opened the door, he was immediately engulfed by a pair of arms and pressed against a very well endowed woman's chest. Unprepared, Harry had stiffened and shot a glance at Marvolo who actually shuddered for Harry in sympathy.
"Mom!" Ron shouted. "You're suffocating him."
"Oh, Harry!" the Weasley Matron cried. "How are you doing, honey? When I heard that awful Black had broken into your dorm, I was ready to storm up here and knock him out with my rolling pin, I was."
Harry, who took a big gulp of air after being released, didn't think Sirius Black could be chased off by a Weasley rolling pin. "Um, I'm fine Mrs. Weasley," Harry mumbled, taking a large step away from her reach, just in case.
"Of course, of course," she said, nodding. "You are such a strong boy. And how many times have I asked you to call me Molly?"
Harry gave a weak shrug before looking around her ample frame to see who else was in the room. Obviously Dumbledore and Ron were here, but so was Hermione, Ginny, and Mr. Weasley. "So what are we all doing here?" Harry asked curiously.
"The Headmaster was kind enough to invite us to see our children today," Mrs. Weasley answered for everyone.
"Isn't it great?" Ron asked, clearly happy to have his family close.
"But that still doesn't…" Harry was interrupted by another knock on the door. Logic said that it was the Weasley Twins.
"Come in!" Dumbledore called.
Harry stepped aside, clearing the way, but it wasn't who they expected. "Professor Lupin, what are you doing here?" Harry asked.
Judging by the look in Lupin's eyes, he too was surprised at the crowded room. "I had a guess, but now I'm not certain," he admitted, holding up a similar note as Harry's. "I was only told to come here at my earliest convenience."
Harry glanced at Marvolo questioningly, who was studying Dumbledore with a frown.
"He's planning something to keep you from going tomorrow," was all Marvolo could say, but it was enough to get Harry's guard back up again. Suddenly, he wished he'd taken the time to swing by the dungeons and ask Snape to come with him.
"Please, come on in," Dumbledore waved the two new comers in and gestured to the two chairs. "Lemon drop? Tea?"
Harry shook his head, though Lupin accepted the offer of tea. "Ummm sir, why did you ask us here?" He gestured to him and Lupin and then to half of the Weasley family who also looked on in interest.
"Oh, they are just visiting," Dumbledore said carelessly. "But I received a most interesting summons yesterday, from Gringotts no less!" He twinkled merrily, an action that Harry believed was designed to draw the unsuspecting eye to make contact. "Would you know anything about that, my boy?"
Harry quickly rearranged his occlumency shield to only reveal mundane memories, if the Headmaster managed to make eye contact. "Well, I asked Gringotts to find my parent's will…"
"Your parent's will was lost?" Mrs. Weasley gasped and the others shared her surprise. "How horrible!"
Harry suppressed his irritation. "Would it be okay to have this discussion in private?" he asked softly. "It is a rather personal issue."
"Nonsense, my boy," Dumbledore waved him off. "I have always trusted the Weasley family."
"Oh Harry, you know I've always considered you a son," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Yeah mate, you're like a brother to me," Ron added.
Harry glanced at the others, Hermione and Mr. Weasley, noting their uncomfortable looks. At least those two knew something strange was going on. Ginny Weasley, on the other hand…Harry winced at the star-struck look in her worshiping eyes. He still had nightmares from her singing valentine cards last year and could only hope she didn't plan anything similar for this year. Then those lashes fluttered and Harry had to look away before he actually cringed.
"I also received a summons for the reading of the will tomorrow," Lupin spoke up. Harry tried to read Lupin's expression, but admitted he didn't know the man well enough. "I'm assuming you did as well, Albus?"
Dumbledore nodded, but kept on looking at Harry. "I'm afraid I can't let you go tomorrow, Harry," he said, sounding both regretful and apologetic. Seeing Harry's eyes widen, he quickly held up a hand. "It is far too dangerous for you, with Mr. Black waiting just outside these wards, no doubt."
"But I have to go!" Harry protested. He wasn't afraid the Headmaster could keep him here, because nothing would keep him from that reading. But, he was angry that the Old Man would try. "What if they have something important to tell me?"
"Then Professor Lupin and myself will be able to relay that for you," Dumbledore said in conciliation. "Surely you must see that Mr. Black is just waiting for a careless moment like this."
"Do you have any information on Sirius' whereabouts?" Lupin asked, the glow of his eyes betraying his tempestuous emotions.
"Alas he has been laying low, but fear not," Dumbledore said, misreading the source of the werewolf's anger. "If Harry stays here, then nothing will happen to him."
Have we already forgotten about Halloween, Harry was tempted to say, but that was just being childish. "I have a right to listen to my parent's will," he repeated.
"Don't worry, we'll keep you company," Mrs. Weasley volunteered brightly. "We are going to stay overnight in the guest wing anyway. Right Arthur?" she turned to her husband, nudging him with an elbow.
"I believe Harry does have a right to listen to his parent's will, but these are dangerous times," Mr. Weasley answered reluctantly. "Perhaps you should stay. We'll be happy to share our holiday with you. You are part of the family, after all."
"And this is why they were invited over," Marvolo said darkly. "What an oblivious flock of sheep."
Harry resisted the urge to snort. "If you are worried about my safety," Harry said, bringing them back to the subject at hand. "Then you'll be pleased to know that I've decided to ask Professor Snape to chaperone me, and also Andromeda Tonks as my lawyer. So you see, I'll be perfectly safe with them." He ignored the very canine growl beside him and all the surprised looks, well except for Ron and Hermione. They knew how close Snape and he had become.
"I see," Dumbledore said, leaning back on his chair, either unhappy or disturbed by Harry's admission. It was hard to tell.
"Would you like us to come as well?" Hermione asked quietly. "I know we've just started talking again, but this will probably be a very emotional moment and you'll need your friends close by."
Harry hesitated. The only people he needed for support were Marvolo and Snape.
Seeing Harry's hesitation, Ron quickly spoke up. "We promise, not one word about the reading will come out of us."
"I won't even nag you," Hermione added. "We'll support you all the way, and if you need to talk or something, we'll be here."
Harry sighed. It wasn't a matter of secrecy, not with both Lupin and Dumbledore attending the reading too. So, Harry finally nodded. "Alright," he relented and smirked when Ron punched the air and Hermione tried her best not to join him.
"I suppose this matter is complete then," Dumbledore said, his eyes lacking a distinct twinkle, and Harry resisted the urge to gloat.
"He's clearly losing his touch," Marvolo said, though he didn't bother hiding his smug look.
Harry didn't think it was Dumbledore who lost his touch, but it was Harry who had gotten more Slytherin and was able to see through this emotional ploy. A year ago, he would've latched onto Lupin like a pitiful puppy begging for scraps of his parent's lives. A year ago, he would've trusted Lupin or even Dumbledore to attend this reading in his stead, trusting that they would tell him what he needed to know. And a year ago, he would've been happy to spend a day with the Weasleys as if they really were his family.
But meeting Marvolo had changed all that. Even his reconciliation with Snape gave him some measure of independence from the Headmaster.
It was clearly a dismissal, but as everyone shuffled out of the room, Remus stayed behind.
"You look troubled. Is there something on your mind, dear boy?" Albus asked after the door closed.
Remus took a deep breathe. "I know you have done a lot for me over the years," he began, haltingly. "And I can't repay you enough for the acceptance of my…furry little problem. Especially after that incident with Severus."
Dumbledore nodded, looking as if he had all the time in the world to listen. "Think nothing of it. It was the right thing to do."
"Right. You've always tried to do right by me and my friends."
"You're wondering about Sirius Black?" Dumbledore guessed.
Remus let out a whoosh of air. He didn't think it be this hard asking for the truth. "Yes. Or rather why didn't Sirius get a trial all those years ago?"
"Ah," Dumbledore said softly in understanding. "And how did you come to this information?"
"Harry and I had that talk," Remus explained, looking down a little shame faced. "He had a lot of unflattering things to say to me. One of them was why I left him with the Dursleys where he was abused?" Remus looked at his old mentor questioningly.
"Harry has had a difficult couple of years," Dumbledore began. "His first year, he was forced to save the Sorcerer's stone from Voldemort himself. His second year, he'd been ostracized for being a parselmouth. And now this year, he learns his parents had been betrayed by a close family friend. He has reasons to feel angry at the world, and is lashing out. I too have suffered the bite of his sharp tongue."
"But child abuse, Albus?" Remus asked. "He said he'd been worked like a house elf, beaten up by his cousin, and was told James and Lily died in a car accident of all things!"
Dumbledore looked sadden to hear this news, but not surprised. "When I placed the boy in Lily's sister's care, I had hoped that Petunia had gotten over her jealousy of her sister. I had hoped she'd cherish Harry like the miracle he was, as being a part of Lily. It was to be her redemption, a way for her love to overcome her bitterness, but alas that was not so."
"Then why not take Harry away from there if you knew how bad it was?"
"It wasn't the most loving home, but I do not think it was as bad as all Harry said," Dumbledore answered. "You know boys rough house and wrestle. And a little extra chore here and there never hurt anyone. Indeed it builds character. Far better for Harry to have grown up with discipline in his life than get big headed over an act that he doesn't even remember."
"Sure if that were so," Remus persisted. "But did you have anyone check on him? Make sure he was alright?"
"Of course, my boy!" Dumbledore looked scandalized. "I would not leave a child where I could not ensure his safety. In fact, you remember Arabella? Mrs. Figg from the Old Crowd? I placed her just across the street from Harry. I am told she even baby sits him from time to time."
Remus slumped in relief. "So apparently Harry had just been exaggerating a little."
"Exaggeration or not," Dumbledore continued. "I had placed him there for a specific reason. When Lily gave up her life to save her son, she also gave him her sacrificial protection. It was very Old Magick at work and a waste if I did not use it to keep Little Harry safe from the rest of Voldemort's followers. That protection is linked to Lily's blood, and as long as Harry calls that place home than it is enough to keep the wards charging."
Remus nodded in understanding. "I knew you hadn't placed him there for no good reason." He felt like a burden had been lifted off his shoulders. At least Harry had been well cared for.
"Was there anything else on your mind?" Dumbledore asked. "You still look world weary."
"Yes, my original question," Remus said. Now that his faith in Albus was restored, he was more optimistic about his next question. "I was wondering why Sirius didn't get a trial all those years ago."
"Was this also something Harry told you?"
"Yes," Remus admitted. "He said he'd tried to pull up the court records only to find out that Sirius never had a trial in the first place."
"I know how this ugly business with Sirius' escape has plagued you so," Albus began. "But he had confessed, while in the holding cell, that he'd killed James and Lily Potter. You must remember how chaotic it had been at the time. We had Death Eaters coming out of the woodwork like ants, and neighbors accusing each other of supporting Voldemort. A temporary martial law was enforced to keep the cogs of the justice system moving. And so, those who voluntarily confessed were taken at their word. We had Death Eater trials scheduled back to back for months, so with Sirius' confession and the witness reports of him actually laughing after the homicidal acts, it was enough to put him away for good." Albus paused a moment to let Remus fully digest his words. And then he put an old wrinkled hand on top of the werewolf's as a gesture of comfort. "Know that it wasn't a decision made lightly, my boy. It had pained me more than you know to learn it was Sirius who had been the spy all along. You know that I consider the four of you, five including Lily, as my children."
Remus rubbed at a tear stung eye and nodded in acceptance. "Thank you so much, Albus. You don't know how much I needed to hear this. And forgive me for even doubting you."
"I understand on the surface it did not show me in a good light," Dumbledore admitted. "But no doubt you've noticed that Harry and his friends consider themselves as a sort of amateur detectives. Unfortunately, the information they tend to dig up is incomplete or taken out of context, so it is easy to leap to the wrong conclusions. I just ask you to not take Harry's anger too personally and consider their conspiracy theories with a grain of salt."
Remus chuckled. "Of course. I remember how it was like. Everything was an adventure, and a mystery that had to be solved. Thank you for this talk, Albus."
"Any time, my boy. I am happy to put your mind back at ease."
With that, Albus watched the last of the Marauders leave his office with a lighter step. It seemed with Harry' newfound independence, he had also discovered a silver tongue. First had been Minerva who's heart had gone out to her lion cub, and now Remus had come to him with suspicions and accusations. Remus had been far harder to convince, but Albus had been at this game for a long time, and everything he had said was true. In Sirius' grief struck mind, he had babbled that it was all his fault, that he'd killed his best friends. But Dumbledore suspected it was more along the lines of 'I as good as killed them,' than an outright confession. But it had been convenient, since he needed Sirius out of the way to ensure that Harry was raised the way Dumbledore needed him to. So, he'd made sure the 'confession' was documented in the arresting report. Even if one day Sirius was found innocent, he wouldn't be implicated.
But now, it seems all his machinations were colliding together. Harry had done a superb job of bringing all those carefully kept secrets to light. At first, Albus thought the brains behind all this was Severus, but he remembered Harry had acted more guarded long before their stunning reconciliation, maybe even as far back as the end of second year. And that brought him to ruminate over what exactly had happened down there in the Chamber.
Unfortunately, without the boy's help, he could not break in, even after knowing where the entrance was. Salazar Slytherin's protections were formidable, and he feared an out right attack would sooner collapse the entire chamber than gain him entrance. So he left it alone, but now he wished he'd investigated or pushed harder for answers. It had been obvious to him that Harry hadn't told him the complete truth. And now, whenever he tried to initiate a conversation with the boy, all he received back was cool contempt and guarded suspicions. He needed a way back into the walls that Harry had built around himself before his Savior was out of his grasp for good.
The question was how.
O o 0 O 0 o O o 0 O 0 o O o 0 O 0 o O
December 28, 1993
The next morning, the reunited Golden Trio polished off their breakfasts as fast as they could. Each beneficiary received a one-time Gringotts portkey, so Ron and Hermione were going straight there with Lupin and the Headmaster, while Harry and Snape flooed to Andromeda Tonk's place to activate their portkey there. To Harry's surprise, Snape had also received a Gringotts summons.
"It would be your father's last laugh if he left me a dungbomb or something similar," Snape had grumbled when he showed Harry the invitation.
Harry laughed, but silently agreed.
The portkey dropped them off in a receiving room of Gringotts were a goblin welcomed them and confirmed their identities.
"She's my legal representative," Harry said when the goblin complained Andromeda wasn't on the list.
He gave a grouchy grunt before escorting them to a large office where the others were already waiting. Harry glanced around the room, not surprised by the gathering, before heading to the one goblin he recognized.
"Good day Battleborn. May our business together prove fruitful," he greeted.
"And to you as well, Mr. Potter," Battleborn returned before he addressed the group. "Now that our last guests have arrived, everyone please have a seat so we may get started." He waited a moment for everyone to get settled. "I am Battleborn, the Potter's account manager. To start with, I will now announce the beneficiaries listed," he said. "Harry James Potter. Sirius Orion Black. Petter Pettigrew. Remus Lupin. Severus Snape. Albus Dumbledore. Frank and Alice Longbottom. Let it be noted that for obvious reasons, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and the Longbottoms are not in attendance."
The goblin on the side nodded, making sure he recorded the minutes of the meeting correctly.
"And now," Battleborn said, withdrawing a small crystal ball that reminded Harry of Neville's remembrall, only it was white. "I present you the last will and testament of James and Lily Potter." Suddenly the ball glowed.
Hello everyone!
Hello friends and family.
Harry gave a slight gasp at the sounds of his parent's voices. For the first time in his life, he could actually hear them and not in nightmares or faded memories. "Mom, Dad…" He felt Marvolo's hand squeeze his shoulder, while Hermione took his other hand. He gave them both brief nods before focusing completely on the voices.
The date is April 1st 1980, the voice of James Potter continued. We are preparing to go into hiding, and in my wife's infinite wisdom, she has pushed me to make out our wills, so here we are.
I, James Thomas Potter, being of sound mind and body and not acting under duress or undue influence, do hereby make and declare this recording to be my Last Will and Testament, and do hereby revoke any and all previous wills made by me.
I, Lily Evans Potter, being of sound mind and body and not acting under duress or undue influence, do hereby make and declare this recording to be my Last Will and Testament, and do hereby revoke any and all other wills made by me.
Now that that's out of the way, James' voice continued. Our first order of business is who gets little Prongslet after we die…
James! Lily's voice hissed. Remember people will be hearing this.
Oh, fine, James said, and they could all imagine him rolling his eyes. Our first order of business is to name the persons who will raise, care for, and teach our, as of yet unborn son, Harry James Potter, upon our untimely demise.
Much better, James, Lily said. We have chosen people to whom we trust with our most precious child.
We name Sirius Orion Black as Harry's godfather, James said. We know you will raise him to be a strong Gyffindor one day, and more importantly in the spirit of the Marauders.
If in the event that Sirius cannot or is unable to raise Harry, Lily continued. I choose Severus Snape as next in line…
Harry straightened in surprise and darted a glance at his teacher, who had also gone ramrod straight. That was until James' voice interrupted.
What! Snivellus? But he's a you-know-what! James' voice interrupted hotly, and no one dared to look in Snape's direction. I thought we agreed on…
No, we didn't. You did. Lily overrode him. And we've discussed this. I have full faith that Severus will raise him with good strong morals, and you will raise him and love him as if he were your own son.
"Oh dear Lily," Snape whispered in soft bitter sweetness.
Fine then, James' voice huffed. If Sniv…
James… Lily growled warningly
Sorry, sorry. If Severus Snape cannot or will not or is unable to raise our son, then we choose Albus Dumbledore…
Harry froze hearing this, and a glance told him Dumbledore was clearly pleased by his parent's decision.
…We know as Headmaster of a school of wizarding children and as Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock you are a very busy man. But you have always told us that you thought of us as your children and so Harry as your grandchild. We are certain that Harry will be happy and well cared for, even if he'll develop an addiction to lemon drops.
Everyone in the room, save for Harry and Snape, chuckled at that.
And now for the rest of our assets, James said, his voice sounding like he was reading off of a paper. To my son, Harry James Potter, a trust vault has been set up for you by my father. This is assessable right away, and when you reach the age of 15 years, 20% of the Potter Family vault will be yours. So don't worry, son. You will be able to buy the latest racing broom on the market. If you do not make it on the Quidditch team, I will be forever disappointed…just kidding! But really, try to make it on the team, alright kiddo?
Next, 50% of my retainer vault goes to Peter Pettigrew, and the other 50% will go to Remus Lupin upon my death. Live well and be happy, my friends. I didn't put you down, Sirius, because you're already filthy rich, and you've already got my first born. What more could you want?
Harry scowled at the careless attitude his father took in regards to him. Of course it was all fun and games to him. He didn't realize his best friend was going to be wrongly imprisoned for 13 years and that his only son was going to be sentence to life as a house-elf.
To Severus Snape, Lily took over. I know you have your own wealth that you've inherited from your mother's side, even though you won't use it, but I'd like to turn over the deed to #4 Privet Drive to you. There are some keepsakes stored in the attic that may bring a smile to your lips on a rainy day. As for the house, you may do as you wish with it, let Tuny keep it if you want.
To Frank and Alice Longbottom, our dear friends, Lily continued. We would like to gift you 10% of the Potter Family vault. Consider this as the start of Neville's Hogwarts fund.
And finally, to Albus Dumbledore, James said. For your wise guidance and leadership of the Light, I would like to bequeath the rest of the Potter Family vault, 70%, in the war effort against the dark and He-who-must-not-be-named. Kill that bastard for us and win this war so our son does not have to.
Alright, so I guess that's it…
No wait! Lily said quickly. We forgot one more thing, the most important. If, for some unthinkable reason, our son cannot be raised by our chosen friends, then he must not-I repeat-must not under any circumstances go to my sister, Petunia Evan Dursley. She absolutely abhors magic, and I fear she will take it out on little Harry.
And now this concludes the Last Will and Testament of James and Lily Potter. With Magic's blessing and under the dominion of Merlin the Great Lord, So mote it be.
The orb grew dim again and disappeared with a snap of Battleborn's clawed fingers. "We will have a short recess and reconvene so you may receive your bequests."
At those words, Harry headed straight for his teacher. The normally stoic man still looked slightly shell shocked and dare he say even breakable. "Professor?" Harry asked timidly, not even sure what he was asking about. Was he okay? Was hearing his mother's voice really that awful? Did he want Harry as a pseudo-son… So many questions. Unfortunately, Dumbledore swept up between them, and Harry lost his chance.
"I would like to discuss Harry's guardianship with you, Severus," Dumbledore said before turning to Harry. "If you'll excuse us?"
Harry's face paled so quickly that he became dizzy. Was Dumbledore actually going to fight Severus for his guardianship? Harry turned panicked eyes towards his teacher, who had rose to his feet by Dumbledore's abrupt question.
"There is nothing to discuss, Albus," Severus said, in that cool tone of his, and Harry breathed a sigh of relief. His sharp witted, Slytherin minded, teacher was back. "You know I'd take any requests of Lily's very seriously. You can rest assure that I will not mistreat your Golden Boy."
"Of course not, of course not," Dumbledore said in an amiable tone. "I would never suggest such a thing…" He gently, but insistently steered the Potion's Master away and towards an isolated corner of the room. Harry gritted his teeth when he felt powerful privacy wards erected.
"I can't believe your dad just gave away 70% of the Potter wealth to the Headmaster," Ron muttered.
Harry turned around to find Ron right behind him, and the other people had discreetly gravitated towards him too.
Hermione shook her head. "Headmaster Dumbledore wouldn't take it," she said with certainty.
"Dumbledore does encourage donations," Lupin put in. "We were all proud to donate our time and wands, but in the last war, Sirius and James were big contributors, financially."
Hermione looked put out by this, and Ron still looked indignant on Harry's behalf.
Harry gave them all a smug grin. "There's a stipulation placed on the Potter vault," he said cryptically. "I don't want to ruin the surprise, but it would be a shame if you miss the look on Dumbledore's face when he finds out."
Just then, Battleborn returned, signaling Snape and Dumbledore from the corner. The tight look on Snape's face made Harry worry, but Dumbledore didn't look like he got what he wanted either. So it was still unresolved. But as Snape passed by, he gave Harry a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, letting Harry know that he was going to keep fighting for him. Harry shot him a grateful smile before Battleborn cleared his throat, regaining everyone's attention.
"The first bequest is the guardianship of Harry James Potter," Battleborn began. "As Sirius Black is unable to assume his duties, the guardianship goes to Severus Snape. Do you accept, Mr. Snape?"
Snape shot a pointed look towards Dumbledore before standing. "I would be honored to," he answered and sat down again.
Harry stared in admiration of his teacher's poise and confidence.
"Very good then. The appropriate paper work will be owled to you in due time," Battleborn informed him. "The next bequest goes to Remus Lupin, 50% of James Potter's retainer vault. At the time the will was recorded, vault 366 contained 1,266,248 galleons. Unfortunately, due to poor financial planning and ill-advised donations, his vault was emptied out and left a debt of 110,125 galleons. Fortunately for you, Harry Potter had volunteered to pay off."
Everyone grew quiet and stared at Remus, who shook his head and sighed. "Oh, Prongs. You never could think far ahead," he said softly, before nodding to the goblin in acceptance.
"And finally, the last bequest, 70% of the Potter vault." Battleborn glared at Dumbledore. "It was never James Potter's vault to give away, and so it cannot be bequeathed. And therefore, remains in the hands of the one true Potter Heir."
For the first time in recent memory Dumbledore was actually at a loss for words, opening and closing his mouth.
"Patronus moment," Harry side whispered to Marvolo, who was watching with glee.
"I apologize, goblin," Dumbledore said, finally snapping out of his shock. "But how can the Potter Family vault not belong to James?"
This time, Battleborn looked as gleeful as Marvolo. "Because Charles Potter, as Lord and Patriarch, revoked his son's Heir rights and powers after a series of foolish and financially devastating donations."
"They were not foolish!" Dumbledore stood up and raised his voice, finally showing the mettle that earned him the title of Chief Warlock. "War is not cheap, you know this. That money had saved hundreds of lives on our side. It bought us soldiers, medi-potions, weapons, safe houses…The war would have been lost without it."
"But the war is over now," Harry returned, tired of hearing his self-righteous speech. "So what do you need my family's money for?"
"Harry, my boy," Dumbledore said sadly. "You know the threat of Voldemort is still out there. Your first year showed you that." Then his eyes turned kind, twinkling. "Your family's money will be used for the good of the wizarding world. Just as this money was used to win the last war, so too will it be used to save our future. It is the honorable and noble thing to do, my boy, and something your father would have wanted."
Everyone in the room turned to Harry, wondering what he'd say. And indeed, Harry knew if he outright refused the Old Man, he would look like a spoiled and selfish little boy who didn't understand the ways of war. And if the Old Man had pulled this kind of stunt a year ago, Harry knew he would have been so filled with guilt for even thinking about withholding such a resource from the side of the Light. After all, this would save lives and it was his father's dying wish.
But Harry wasn't that naïve little boy anymore and emotional blackmail only made him mad. So he smiled, a cold smile that would make a wolf proud. "Professor, did you say my family's money was used to win the last war?"
Dumbledore nodded, eyes still looking grandfatherly. "Of course, Harry. Every single knut of it."
"Don't you think you are asking too much of me, of the Potter Family?"
"I am not sure what you mean," Dumbledore replied. "Your parents fought for what they believed in. They were honored to be able to play such a central role in pushing the Dark army back."
"If you don't know what I mean, then let me lay it out for you, Headmaster," Harry said and when he spoke again, his voice was as cold as his smile. "I vanquished the dark lord for you, Headmaster, and because of you, I lost my childhood. My parents died for your war, and my father in his misguided youth gave up all of his money for you!" Harry's voice grew sharper. "And now you ask for the rest of my Family's money." Harry shook his head angrily, like an agitated colt, chest heaving in deep puffs of breath. "Next thing you'll ask me is to give up my life for you too."
Strangely, Dumbledore's eyes widened in alarm, but a second later it was replaced by a look of great sadness. The change was so quick that you'd miss it if you weren't paying attention. And, while most of the room was staring at Harry in shock for his outburst, Harry, Marvolo, and Snape had been paying attention, very close attention.
"I am sorry to hear such anger coming from you, my boy," Dumbledore said softly. "You must not harbor such dark and negative emotions. It will only end badly for you."
Harry's jaw dropped, staring at the Old Man in incredulity. It was almost like Dumbledore hadn't heard a word he said or swept it aside as if it were merely a childish tantrum.
"I believe everyone has made their thoughts clear on this matter," Snape said, putting a solid hand on Harry's shoulder. He could feel the minute quivering of a too-thin shoulder beneath his palm.
"I agree," Andromeda also stood up. "You have no legal standing to make such demands of my client, and I would ask you to refrain from employing such pitiful emotional blackmail again." She turned sharply to Battleborn, who's eyes glittered in battle lust. "Is there any more business that cannot wait for my client's personal attention? If not, we shall be off."
Battleborn shook his head. "Nothing that can't wait."
"I suppose it has been an emotionally charged day," Albus said in reconciliation. "Perhaps we may speak on this subject a little later, when all of our heads are more clear."
"At which time, I shall be present," Andromeda said firmly, before guiding her little client out the door, followed by Snape.
A/N: I know, I know…Sorry this is another Gringott's scene, but Harry's guardianship issues are important because it will tie in with the Sirius Black stuff later, and I didn't automatically emancipate Harry back in chapter 4. Hope it wasn't too cliché or boring. Also, a couple of you have asked about the Grimoire. Don't worry, I didn't forget about it. It will make an appearance later.
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