Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

The Marauders Vanguard	By : fantasyra Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 1974 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I dont own anything Harry Potter, just the story idea and plot. No profit is being made by me in anyway shape or form with this fic.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Ye Old Disclaimer: Harry
Potter and associated milieu, characters, and situations are owned by J.K.
Rowling and her licensees. This is a work of fan fiction, produced solely for
enjoyment. No infringement of rights is intended. J.K. Rowling owns it all, I am
just playing with the Story. No money is being made in any way shape or form.

Quick thoughts from my reviews.

Jennifer: Not sure if you got the email I sent but if not,
just send me a message and I will give you more detail. Thanks again.

Special thanks to my Betas, flynhghr and Polegara, who have
been absolutely awesome in their support and help. It�s thanks to them that
most if not all of my grammar and spelling errors, or in some cases not getting
terms correct, have been fixed in the prior chapters and hopeful they will
continue with me. Thanks again!

Now, on with the story�

Chapter 4: The Will of Black

It was close to five in the morning
when Harry found himself rolling up to the Point.� The Point was one of a few meeting places in the normal world he
had discovered in the last few weeks of camping and traveling around
England.� However, this one was his
favorite so far.�

He had discovered it by accident
while looking for a place to set camp last week.� Due to the darkness of the area, he did not know about the view
until the next morning when he went looking for some water to make
breakfast.� It was when he emerged from
his tent late in the morning, he saw the view his little campsite offered.� It was breath taking.�

When he was looking for a campsite,
he had no idea he would have such a view of the Atlantic Ocean from his little
hideaway. The salty air from the crashing waves, the booms echoing of them
crashing on the rocks below, and the virginally pristine condition of the
mountain coast visible from the cliff made him realize how tiny he was in the
scheme of things.� He sat for hours just
looking before he could move from the scene.�
As Harry rumbled along the road, retracing his steps from his last
visit, he remembered how hard it was to leave the last time.� He definitely never regretted getting lost in
that area

He simply called it �The Point�,
and it was one of three places where he met with his contacts, Ripples and
Two-Mauls.� He had sent Hedwig to
Ripples with a letter the day he left here to tell her about it.� Using Legilimency, (which she was not
supposed to know and therefore didn�t according to her) she pulled the location
from his owl and could bring Two-Mauls here.

Harry had just rounded a corner,
and in the half-light of the new day, he saw a figure standing at the cliff
over looking the ocean.� He turned as
Harry pulled to a stop sporting a stupefied expression on his face.� Harry did not blame him. He spent hours
doing what he was doing and understood.

Harry killed the engine to the
bike, kicking the stand out and climbed off.�
He only got a few steps before he was face to face with the young man
who was waiting for him.� They spent a
few moments looking at each other before he spoke.

�Name the spell Hermione used
against you in first year when we tried to leave?�� Harry kept his voice neutral.�

�Petrificus
Totalus.� What did you tell me
when I asked Ginny to the Ball Fourth Year?��
His voice was just as neutral.

�Have a good time but hurt her, and
I would break you in half.� After you
started breathing again, I then asked you if you felt sufficiently threatened
yet.� It took us most of the day to stop
laughing at each other.�� Harry had a
smile on his face, knowing he was who he looked like, his paranoia abated
somewhat.

Satisfied with each other�s answer
they grabbed each other in a manly hug, smiling.� Harry was the first to speak.

�Damn, it�s good to see you
Neville.� Are things good on your
end?�� Harry moved to take a seat on
fallen tree next the cliff.� Neville sat
down, laughing, opposite on an old stump before answering.

�Same to you Harry.� Yeah, things are alright.� A bit boring, until yesterday.�� Harry nodded at his friend�s answer.

�Where�s Tonks?�

He was a bit surprised by Neville�s
laughter.� �Said it was too bloody early
in the morning and took off looking for coffee.� She said that if we are going to be stuck in the middle of
nowhere she wasn�t doing it without coffee and a pastry.�� After his explanation, Harry joined him in
his laughter.� Tonks never had been a
morning person. Sirius had exploited that fact many times last year during
summer and Christmas throughout his prank war against the Order.

They talked of small things while
waiting for Tonks to return with the promised coffee and pastries, occasionally
looking over to at the impressive view before them.� It was twenty minutes before she showed up, and once they proved
their identities, he got his greeting from her.

�I hate you, Harry.� You know that right?�� Harry smiled at her.� Her eyes were puffy from lack of sleep, and
she was somewhat groggy as she walked over to sit next to him, handing out the
sweet breads and coffees.� No one talked
for a while, as each of them was taken in by the raising sun before them. Harry
found himself taken in again by the sense of peace that was so rare in his
life.� It was little moments like these,
he decided, that made everything worth it.�
Peace, however, does not last and Harry had too many things going
on.� He broke the enchanted silence.

�Who does Dumbledore have looking for me at Gringotts
Nym?�� The metamorphmagus raised her
head from his shoulder and stretched while thinking.

�Mad-Eye, Vance, and Carpenter, I think.� Mad-Eye does the day shift, mostly.� What�s up?��
Harry did not see her turn to look at him once she straightened out on
the old log.� His eyes were on the scene
before him while his mind on his problem.�
Mad-Eye would be a massive problem and he needed to get into the bank.

�I am running a bit low on
cash.� The gaudy Black heirlooms I
pawned did not net as much as I was hoping for, and I need to get into my
vault.� On top of that, I have been
wondering if their might be a vault with the Potter heirlooms in it.� I can�t believe everything was lost that
night, and I don�t remember seeing anything in my vault the last time I was
there, other than coins.�� His voice was
distant, lost in his own thoughts.

�Yeah, you would need the goblins
then.� Do you have any idea how you are
going to get past Mad-Eye?�

I might have to send Jessica in.� Harry thought but did not answer right
away.� �Maybe.� Anyone posted in the Lobby?�

�Not that I know of, there�s no
point, and it would make the goblins nervous.�
Just around the doorways outside, so they can see who is going in or
coming out.�

He was quite for sometime
thinking.� He would need to get Jessica
some wizarding robes.� All of her
things, in the tent, were Muggle.� �I
think I will need you to do some shopping for me since I can�t go into Diagon
Alley without getting caught.� I just
need a set of woman�s robes.� Nothing
flashy though, I don�t want attention directed at her.�

Harry was brought out of his
thoughts when Neville started chuckling.�
�Damn Harry, I had no idea you were that way.� I mean, you think you know a guy and find out he swings for the
other team.�

Shocked, Harry sputtered,
�What?� No, not for ME!� For Jessica, you arse!�� His clarification though just caused Tonks
to laugh at him with Neville.

�So, when do we get to meet this
mysterious Jesscia, Harry?�� Tonks had
been on to him for some time about meeting her, but Harry had always made an excuse
to avoid it.�

Never.� �It�s better if you guys don�t.� Her greatest protection is to never be associated with anyone I
know.�� Not to mention, no one would
understand anyways.

Tonks pouted at him for a moment
after he spoke, but Harry went back to his thoughts.� Jesscia could walk in find a room or something and summon him
with no suspicions.� Once he finished
with the goblins, he can go, and she can walk out.� It was as close to perfect as he was likely to get, all things
considered.

�Yeah, I can give you Jessica�s
measurements and you can get her a set of robes so she will not be noticeable
in the Alley.� All she has now is Muggle
Wear, so she will need the robes as mine won�t fit right and draw attention.� Can you do that for me Ripples?�� Harry was hoping using her Marauder name
would overcome any more comments involving Jessica.� He was wrong though.

�And just how do you know what her
measurements are, Harry?� You�re getting
quite cozy with your new lady friend.��
Harry groaned at the playful look in her eye.� He had explained before that it was not like that, but she still
insisted on taking the Mickey out of him every time she got the chance.

�Nym�� Harry pleaded.

Tonks rolled her eyes and huffed ,
she said she would do it and hand them over in a few days at �The Wood�. It was
another of the places they could meet safely.�
The Wood was not even a forest, but an old lightening struck tree
standing alone on a grassy hillside in the Scottish Highlands.� Tonks chose the location, as she grew up not
too far from there before her mum and dad moved to London after Mr. Tonks got a
promotion in the company he worked for.

With that taken care of, Harry
switched tracks in his mind to other things he wanted to go over.� It was rare that he got to talk to them in
person and wanted to cover as much as possible before they had to go their
separate ways.�

�Neville, anything from your Gran
about Fudge or the Ministry?�� Before
they had left Hogwarts, Neville had promised he would talk to his Gran to see if
she could keep tabs on the goings on.�
Harry was grateful for the help. He was sick of the Ministry and their
bigoted crock-pot ways.

�Not much. Fudge wants a meet with
you and has been bugging the Headmaster about it.� Gran does not know much about it other than they both leave
peeved after their meetings.�� Neville
thought for a moment. �Madam Bones wanted a word with you.� She�s head of the Department of Magical Law
Enforcement and Susan�s Aunt.� Gran said
that she had some questions about our fight in the Department of Mysteries and
wanted her to know and pass on that she is not interested in causing you grief
over it.� Nor is she a supporter of
Fudge or the Ministry�s tactics that they used against you last year.� Gran likes her and mentioned to me yesterday
that Madam Bones fought hard against the ministry bashing you but was blocked
on several counts.�

Harry nodded remembering her from
his trial earlier last year.� �I
remember her. She was the first to support throwing the charges against me
out.� What do you think Tonks?�

�She�s a good boss.� Tough but fair and in the ministry, that�s a
big deal.� I don�t think she would turn
you in to Dumbledore if you paid her a visit, especially as he has been keeping
your absence quite hoping to capture you before school starts.�

Harry allowed his mind to turn the
information over for a bit while looking at the view offered below the steep
cliff next to them.� He had to admit she
would make a great ally and he had FEW of them in the Ministry.� He was also curious on what she could
want.� Maybe Susan said something
about the old DA.� Nothing for it I
guess, not going to know until I talk to her.

�Anything else, Nev?�

�No, not really.� Fudge is on the way out, but that was in the
Prophet the other day.� People have been
screaming for his removal since You-Know-Who came out into the open.� Gran did mention, once, that if you wanted
front row seats she would send word and sneak you in to watch.�� A smile grew across his face that matched
Neville�s.� Both boys knew that Madam
Longbottom had a vindictive streak in her when she gets riled.� It would almost be worth the risk.� The look on his face would be Patronus
worthy.� His smile grew, and his
mood lightened at the thought of Fudge getting the proverbial boot.

After a few moments, Harry stood up
stretching.� �Sounds good.� Let me know, I think I might actually show
up for it if your Gran can get me in unnoticed.� I get any post Tonks?�

Tonks was one of the few who knew
he had been making plans to disappear and had taken steps to forward his post
to her place since he had placed a charm on him to prevent any owl but Hedwig
finding him.� Well, to be honest,
Bill placed the charm.� I really need to
figure out a way to bring my skill level up.�
�Couple of letters from Dumbledore that where actually Portkeys to
bring you back.� Other than that, you
got one from someone named Luna Lovegood asking after you.�

Harry nodded.� Hermione had been ill, and Ron was never one
for letters.� Besides, Dumbledore would
have told him to not write to him like last year.� Tonks and Neville had access to him through the watches and
Hedwig.� That pretty much summed up
everyone who would write to him.� The
letter from Luna surprised him since they did not get to know each other until
last year.� He wondered if the odd
Ravenclaw was alright.� Maybe I�ll
write to her later.�

Harry was brought out of his
thoughts of Luna by Neville�s question.�
�How�s Hermione?�

His memoires from the healing blew
through his mind with the strength of a minor hurricane.� Staring off into the scenery again, he said
softly.� �She�ll be fine in a few
days.� Soreness and aches are common
according to my translations from the book.�
I left instructions with Jake and Ellena to watch for coughing and such
as her body is in a weakened state at the moment.� The spell worked perfectly, just like the translation said it
would.�

He felt a hand placed on his
shoulder but did not see or hear Tonks stand behind him.� �What about you?� I remember some of your translations before you left
Hogwarts.� How are you coping?�

His voice was a barely above a
whisper when he replied.� �I�ll be okay
in a few days.� The effects of the spell
on me were strangely like the Cruciatus curse.�
It took a few days for the aches in my bones to go away the last time I
was hit by it, so I imagine these would fade in time as well.� It helps to know that Hermione is healed
though, and that makes it worth it to me.��
An uneasy silence settled on the little group as Harry fought to regain
control of his emotions.� His mind was
occupied with replaying scenes from his fight with Riddle in the graveyard and
his visitor later that night.

In truth, the spell Hands of the
Martyr had almost killed him.� He did
not know how long it took the spell to run its course, but it felt like years
of pain bursting from every nerve ending in his body.� He understood why it was an unpracticed branch of magic. It was
easy to understand why it had fallen out of use ages ago until everyone forgot
it existed, even if he could not deny the results.� If I had to replay it all over again nothing would
change.� No price was too great.� Not for her.

Tonks placed a hand tenderly on his
cheek to bring his eyes to hers.� He
could see the concern and commitment in her face.� �You need me to stay with you for a few days?�� Harry had told her what happened that night
in the Hospital Wing, and other than Katie and him, she was the only one who
knew.� If not for that, he honestly
thought he would have broken from everything that had happened.� He sighed.

Bringing himself out of painful
memories he shook his head, replying softly so only Tonks could hear him.� �I am stronger than I was then, and I could
not ask that of you Nym.� Never.�� Tonks nodded and engulfed him in a light hug
that held a wealth of meaning to him.

They broke apart a few moments
later and Harry pulled himself together.�
He noticed that Neville was blushing from their private moment, but
thankfully, he did not say anything.�
Harry knew that Tonks was only offering comfort, but from Nevilles point
of view, it could have looked a lot different.�
He cleared his throat to bring an end to their visit.

�Time to break loose.� Let me know about the sacking Nev, and I
will see you in a few days Nym.� If you
see Moony, let him know I am thinking of him.�
Let me know if the Old Goat sets up a detail watching Hermione�s.� Jake and Ellena wanted me to stop by later
in the week and I am thinking of going.��
They said their goodbyes, and with a pop and a roar, the two apparated
away leaving Harry to ride off back onto the road.

xxxxxx

The Brick wall separating Diagon
Alley and the Leaky Cauldron slowly peeled to the side.� The cloaked figure who opened the way took a
steadying breath before walking through.�
Even cloaked, and wearing robes that did nothing for her figure, she
still caught a few eyes.� The looks made
her shiver. She hoped she could make it to Gringotts without being stopped.

Despite the fact Tonks had gotten
her a set of plain robes, her figure was still eye catching.� She stood about 5�3 and was mostly leg. This
attracted the eyes of many of the young males going about their day.� Fair skinned, almost an alabaster shade,
with dark auburn hair gave her an exotic appearance, which she knew from
traveling in the normal world made it almost impossible to blend in.� No matter what I wear�

Thankfully, the robe did a fine job
of concealing her breasts.� Her wasp
shaped waist and pert bum, unfortunately, came into definition with every step
and roll of her hips, and that was bad enough without every bloke in the Alley
staring at her C cups.� She never liked
attention, and the stares of the guys eyeing her up and down made her skin
crawl.� She was not use to being in
public like this.� Her normal paranoia
spiked to new levels.

She tried to focus on putting one
foot in front of the other in a measured walk, and she hoped it did not come
across as too hasty.� It worked for
awhile, allowing her to make it just past the halfway point before she felt a
tug on her left ear, and she felt a hand grasp her shoulder.� Bugger.

She stopped and turned to see a man
dressed in Auror robes, looking in her intently.� She did not know him, but she felt tug on the small jade stud in
his direction.� Well, the good news
is that the Rune Scheme works, bad news is he is either a Death Eater or under
the Imperius Curse.� Fuck!

�I don�t recognize you, Miss.� Who are you?�� His voice was commanding and rude.�

Meekly she replied.� �Jessica��

�Jessica��

�Evans.�

He was silent for a moment, and her
mind scrambled for a way out of this situation.� Of all the shite things that could go wrong, I get a Death
Eater in disguise stopping me.� How the
hell am I going to get out of this?�
Her eyes darted around taking in the light crowds wondering how much of
a scene she could get away with.� Too
many people for him to try and haul me off.�
Maybe I can talk my way out of this.� She had only just noticed she was the only one walking the alley
alone.�

�Is there something I can help you
with?� Why did you stop me?�� She cursed in her mind when she saw his lips
twitch at her questions.� The feeling it
generated within her was not a good one as her own conclusions rushed through
her mind.

He opened his mouth to say
something, when she heard a voice she did recognize.� �Jason, get your arse back on patrol.� You can chat her up later. Right now, you have work to do.�� Her eyes darted to see Kingsley Shacklebolt
walking towards them.� No sooner than
when Jason released her, she backed away keeping her eyes down and made for
Gringotts at a slightly faster pace.� Shack,
I owe you one.� After a few steps
she felt the tug on her earring stop and lay back down.� His eyes were clear. So, he was not
Imperiused.� It might be the Dark Mark,
or he could have been carrying something dangerous.� Not likely while on patrol in the alley.� Unless, he confiscated something from
someone.� Not likely either.� If he did, he would have dropped it off at
the Department of Mysteries for study or identification.� Better go with Death Eater, just to play it
safe.� I�ll have to send word to Tonks
later letting her know about that bloke Jason.

Fortunately she had no more
encounters with anyone and made it to the doors of Gringotts and past
Mad-eye.� Okay, made the bank. Now,
time to get Harry�Let�s see�there.�
Nodding to herself, she walked across the lobby not paying attention to
anyone and walked into one of the public waiting rooms.� She gave a quick check to make sure no one
was watching and moved into the room locking it.� She could feel her heart hammering in her chest as she leaned
against the door trying to calm down.� Okay,
showtime.

xxxxxx

A few minutes later, Harry walked
out of the conference room alone. He lifted the hood of his cloak up to,
hopefully, obscure his face.� He spent a
few moments looking around at all the tellers before choosing one with the
shortest line to wait.� He was standing
there for some time, but the line moved slowly, and Harry was getting twitchy
with the wait until he saw the one goblin he recognized.

Leaving the line to make his way
toward him Harry quickly tried to go over all of the proper etiquette Bill
tried to drill into his head in regards to goblins.� It couldn�t hurt to show them respect in their own fashion, and
it might allow him to complete his business here quicker and get the hell
out.� The problem came from which
traditional greeting to use as Bill mentioned that there were two primary
types. There were the banker�s greetings and the warrior�s greetings.� As he made the last few steps to the goblin,
his mind drew a blank as to how to identify which was which, since he was still
unfamiliar with the rank markings located on his sleeve.�

Harry decided to play it safe and
go with the Bankers Greeting, since he was in the main lobby.� �Greetings Griphook, I trust your profits
continue to grow?�� The goblin in
question froze on his path, looking up at the human who addressed him and
smiled toothily at him.� I mean NEVER
smile at a goblin and show your teeth Harry.�
It�s a mortal insult and a cause for a blood duel.� Smiling is fine but for heavens sake don�t
show your teeth!� You won�t like what
happens after you do.� Bill�s words
echoed through his head as he allowed a smile to grow on his face keeping his
mouth shut all the wile.

�Mr. Po�� Harry hissed looking around to see if anyone heard him.� Griphook, however, nodded to himself after
narrowing his eyes seemingly to understand.�
�You are right on time.� Follow
me, and I will take you to Thakthor, your account manager.�

�Harry followed the goblin thorough a series of doors, and after a
great amount of time, they finally stopped at one.� �Account of Potter-Black� was in a bold print on a plaque that
was a shiny gold instead of the surrounding dulled brass.� He gave Griphook a confused look which was
ignored when he opened the door showing him in.

The room, much to Harry�s internal
horror, was decorated in body parts.�
Goblin fingers, a few heads, and in one case an arm were all stuffed and
mounted on one wall.� Bill did say
they took trophies from their battles, at least the upper echelon did.� Harry shivered.� The rest of the office could have come from anywhere in the
Muggle business world.� The stone walls
were decorated with swords, shields, of obvious goblin origin.� The desk was old, maybe a couple of hundred
of years by the look of it, but was in such good condition it could have been
made yesterday.� Stitting at the desk
was an older goblin who was speaking Gobbledygook with Griphook.

�Greetings my Lord Potter-Black,
may your bloodline carry on through the ages.��
It was the traditional greeting for a Head of House, and it gave Harry
pause for just a moment, scrambling like before for which greeting to use.� This time, he decided to go for the
warriors� greeting.� I doubt you�ll
ever have to deal with it Harry, but in the curse-breaking world, you never
know, but just keep in mind that Account Managers are the elite of their
society.� Think upper nobility, the
bloodthirsty, ruthless kind.� They gain
and hold their positions ONLY through force of arms, assassination, battle, and
death.� They are still bankers, the best
actually, but they are warriors first.�
I have gotten contracts from a few of them, and they would love nothing
more than to get a reason to kill a human.�
Silently thanking Bill for the instruction and tips, Harry spoke.

�Account Manager Thakthor, may your
enemies see you coming and quake in that knowledge.�� The older goblin smiled evilly at him.

�I was under the impression you
would not be able to make today�s meeting my Lord.�

Harry frowned.� He knew nothing about a meeting today.� �I am here now.� If you could remind me what our meeting was about today?�

�It concerned your inheritance and
the reading of the Will of Black, my Lord.�
It is scheduled to take place in a few hours.� Our letters were sent earlier this month to inform you of the
time and place, and we received a response from your solicitor Albus Dumbledore
that you would be unable to make it.��
The old goblin raised his eyebrow and Harry saw a dark glint in his beady
eye.� �Were we mistaken my Lord?�

MY WHAT!� Harry�s mind whirled with thoughts, and he
sat silent for a moment longer than he should have trying to make sense of what
was going on.� He had only came to
Gringotts for an exchange so that he can carry on his summer plans now things
were going sideways.� If I had known
about any of this, I would have brought Neville with me.� �No Account Manager, you were not
mistaken.� However I managed make myself
available, and it seems I have business to settle other than what I came for
originally.�� Harry though a moment then
decided to take things one step at a time.�
�Maybe we should start with the first order of business?� I don�t believe that I will have time to
attend the public reading.� Is there a
way for us to take care of it now?�

Harry knew he was fooling no one by
the look in Thakthor�s eye.� �Of course,
my Lord. As you say, first order of business.�
The Will of Black.� Lord Black
passed along several things to you, some material goods, some of other importance.�� The goblin started going through paperwork,
organizing himself for their meeting.�
Harry had almost forgotten Griphook, until he saw him fidget in the
corner.

It took him a while to get
everything to his liking, and Harry felt his eyes wander about.� His eyes eventually fell on the one thing he
was trying to avoid, the Goblin head mounted to his left.� He was momentary distracted by the words on
the plaque below his pain filled expression.�
Undar of the house of Krill.�
Potter Account Manager.� Harry
felt that queasy feeling descend upon him again.� Bill never told him anything about how accounts merged, but he
was getting an idea that Thakthor was not the sharing type.

�First thing to handle would be the
merging of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter and the Ancient and Most Noble
House of Black.� Your father, Lord James
Potter, held the title of Knight.� Lord
Sirius Black held the title of Baron.�
Since Lord Black�s title is greater than Lord James�, your name was
hyphenated as Potter-Black until such time as you name one of your heirs as the
new Lord Black, as according to your people�s customs.� Of course, you can choose to not separate
the houses and continue on with them merged creating the Ancient and Most Noble
House of Potter-Black.� Your primary
heir would of course inherit the title of Baron, with your secondary heir
taking the Knighthood.�

Harry was barely following but
nodded.� Bill gave him a crash course in
goblin ettiquette, but his knowledge of pureblood traditions had come from Neville.� He had mentioned some of this when they
had�talked after the disaster at the Department of Mysteries.� Harry remembered that day with crystal
clarity, it was the day Neville almost killed him.

Flashback

Harry found himself walking down
a random corridor of Hogwarts, lost in thoughts.� Hermione�s fall was replaying over and over in his mind when
Neville appeared and started walking with him silently.

Harry for his part only grunted
in greeting, receiving a similar grunt in exchange.� After the D.O.M. nothing really need to be said.� Plans were shifting in his mind and Harry
was laying his options out, not liking the paths open to him.� However, there was one thing Harry did need
to do, and he might as well start with Neville.�

Harry�s steps took on a specific
direction, and Harry led them to the third floor corridor and by sheer
coincidence, into the room where Fluffy had almost ate them in first year.� Once inside the old room Harry sat on an old
desk looking at Neville, steeling himself for what he was about to do.

�Thanks for your help,
mate.� I couldn�t have done it without
you.�

Neville, for his part, was
looking at Harry strangely.� After the
battle, Neville had a strange look in his eyes. Said look was now being
directed at Harry.� �There was no way I
was not going to live up to my House Duties.�
It was my honor to stand with you.��
His voice was off from the normal Neville, oddly formal, but Harry was
lost in his thoughts and did not notice it right away.� The incident in question was barely a few
hours old, and both teens were still riding the high from the battle.� Harry was about to say something but Neville
beat him to it.� �So Harry, what do we
do now?�

Harry lost his train of thought
with the question.� �We are not doing
anything Neville.� I have�things to
do.� Dumbledore,� Harry almost spat his
name, �has told me things that change everything.� It�s not your place to walk this path.��

The last thing Harry expected
was for Neville to get angry.� His face
flushed with emotion, and he stormed at a surprised Harry grabbing, him by the
front of his robes and slinging him into the wall before getting into his
face.� �How DARE YOU say that to
me!� How DARE YOU tell me to forsake our
House�s Alliance!�� Harry was stunned
for a moment and stuttered, stupidly.

�What?� What the fuck are you talking about?�

Harry, confused, looked Neville
in the eye and realized what that look was. He had seen it in himself from time
to time, but this was the first time seeing it in Neville.� It was the hidden Gryffindor within
him.� It gave him strong air, almost
frightening.

�Our House Alliance!�� At Harry�s continued confused expression
Neville started calming down.� �How is
it you don�t know?� Our Houses have been
allies for generations!� It�s been our
legacy since the time of Gryffindor himself!�

Harry had no idea what he was
talking about and told him so.�
Neville�s confused look was growing more and more by the moment.� �You don�t know?� How CAN�T you know?�� His
voice was uncertain as if he was having trouble believing what he was hearing.

�KNOW WHAT!� What the hell are you talking about
Neville?�

��

Neville was quite for a moment
though with a thoughtful look on his face.�
�In the days before the school was built, long before the magical
population walked away from the Muggles, things were coming to a head between
the Crown and some of her Lords.�
Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin were the most powerful
Magical persons of the Crown during that time and in order to protect their
secrets they founded this school.� There
were two major reasons for this. The first was to make knowledge available to
all, and the second was to make the magical population stronger.� It caused minor strife with the crown and
led the way for the �Parting of the Ways� as it was called later when Magicals
separated themselves from the Muggles.

Our families, the Potters and
Longbottoms were a few of the Familiy Retainers to Lord Gryiffindor.� When he left, our Houses went with him.� Our houses ALWAYS went into battle together.� Never in the history of our world will you
find a battle fought by either house where the other was not there, back to
back.� Our houses are the last of the
Retainers to Gryffindor.� My Gran has
told me the stories of our history for as long as I have had memoires.� I know all of our family history by rote,
and I can tell you that NEVER has a Potter gone to war without a Longbottom at
his back or vice versa.� NEVER.� During the times before the Wizengamot, when
House Vendettas were common, no one dared to call one on either house.� Gran told me once that the House of
Marino� called one on the Longbottoms,
and the Head of House Potter called one to the 5^th generation.�
(Harry remembered the term from History of Magic.� A vendetta to the 5^th was a call to wipe out the house
ending all lines effectively destroying utterly any and all aspects of it.� It was House genocide.)�

�During the war with
You-Know-Who, your dad took arms against him, my dad quit the Aurors and joined
him without being asked or having been called upon.�

Harry stood against the wall
taking in all he was told.� �Why didn�t
you say something before now?�

Neville�s stern expression never
wavered.� �I thought you knew.� I, like everyone else, thought you were
seeking a new alliance with Clan Weasley.�
Its not uncommon for House Alliances to shift from time to time, ours
being the longest held in our history, and the only to still hold.� It was clear that you and Ron were best
mates from almost day one, and Ginny fancied you for a while.� Fred and George always had your back, and
you were one of few they did not favor with their pranks.� The Weasley clan has Dumbledore�s favor, and
most likely will attain House status by the end of the year now that�he�is out
in the open and Dumbledore has his favor back.� He took a deep breath and
shuddered slightly before drawing himself out of deep thought.

�More importantly, I was not
much more than a squib when I arrived here.�
It made sense considering my lack of ability for you to seek a better
ally in your battles.�

Harry�s mind was whirling in a
thousand directions, but one thought was prominent.� �What else do I not know��
His thoughts turned a bit darker, �What else have I not been told�� One
thing was for sure, Harry had made a decision then and there.� After what Neville said regarding their
families part of the prophecy made more sense. It could have been either of
them. Harry decided to give Neville the choice he was denied back in 81�.� Harry told him everything, letting Neville
make his choice.�

End Flashback

The memories flashed through his
mind while Harry sat wondering how to play this.� A large part of him liked the idea of carrying on with Sirius
name. He never knew his father, but when he thought of what a real one would be
like, he thought of Sirius.� �Merge the
Families.�� Not that it mattered in the
long run, really. Harry would be the only and last Potter-Black.� Both lines would end when Riddle finished
what he started long ago. Harry only hoped he could take the Riddle line with
him.

Thakthor nodded his head and pushed
a small mountain of paperwork for Harry to sign handing him a blood quill.� Harry frowned when he saw it, but knew from
Bill that no contract was ever signed without one in the Bank.� Blood documents made everything binding and
unbreakable.� With a sigh, he began
signing his name to where it was marked trying not to overlook any details and
understand everything, but he knew he would just have to take copies to Neville
to have them explained later.

Once he was finished, Thakthor
started talking again.� �Excellent Lord
Potter-Black. Now you are the Head of your House, and as such, with no heirs
nor any other close family available to you, I can authorize your emancipation
in your world.� It�s an old law that we
rarely see, but between your status as House Head and your titles, it�s a
simple matter.� Sign here�very
good.� Now, we have paperwork listing
you as having Muggle relatives, but they do not have any say in our world. If
you wish for adult status in the Muggle world you will need to have them fill
out the appropriate paperwork with the Muggle government.�

For one great moment, Harry was as
happy as he could ever remember being.�
However, that moment did not last long.�
His eyes looked at the paperwork that would forever free him from being
controlled by Dumbledore, and a thought intruded, What is the likelihood
that he will find a way to lose that paperwork or have it buried.� Too likely.�
Harry had no faith in the ministry to do right by him.� Still, there was merit in the idea of
getting his Uncle to sign off on his emancipation. It would guarantee him never
to have to return.� Then again, he
would most likely deny me that just to deny me something I want.� It was looking like a no win situation.�

He was brought out of his thoughts
by Thakthor, when he rustled some parchments to get his attention.� �My Lord, here is a listing of properties
and such you were assigned to inherit from the Black line.� Feel free to go over them, and I will answer
your questions as best as I can.�

Harry took the parchments and tried
to look like he understood what was in front of him.� He was given the Old Dog House, Kreacher, and some gold.� �What�s the converstion rate between pounds
and Galleons again?�

�Five Pounds to One Galleon.�

Harry nodded, going over the
figures.� Sirius left him about�just
shy of one million pounds.� Holy shite
that will go along way�if I am careful with it.� A lot of his projects required some fairly expensive items in
order for him to test whether they would pan out.� It was a lot of money, but it would go fast unless he was
careful.� Hmm, what to do about
Kreacher�could always order him to hump the Goat�s leg for eternity�Naw, not
even Kreacher deserved that.� Stupid
deranged Elf.

The likelihood that Grimmauld place
would ever actually fall to him was non-existent with the Fidelius charm over
it.� He was not the secret keeper, so
it�s not like he could hire Bill and a host of Curse-breakers to help him break
it.� Lost cause there. Oh well, at least
I don�t have to feel bad about hawking the Black jewelry now.

His thoughts were interrupted by
Thakthor, �Since you are merging your houses, It will take a few months for
your family ring to be recast.�� Harry
barely heard him but nodded.� He would deal
with it later.

�Is that all Account Manager
Thakthor?�� Harry�s eyes never left the
parchments while his mind whirled with possibilities and revisions to his
plans.

�Not quite, my Lord.� Now that you are technically an adult we can
go over the Potter side of your inheritance.�
If you are ready, that is?��
Harry nodded but looked up surprised.�
It seemed he was going to get answers he originally came looking for.

�Very good then, as the last living
heir to that family line you have inherited the following as we have already
gone over the title and emancipation issue.�
Here you are�� Harry took the
papers and started looking though them.

He had inherited an heirloom
vault.� That answers that one.� He would have to have a look inside before
he left.� His trust vault was also
listed, twenty thousand galleons there.�
His parents also had an investment vault with the proceeds replenishing
the galleons from his trust or being deposited into the main money vault.� Christ�a million galleons.� That would go along way.� Holy shite.� He saw the deed for Godric�s Hollow listed and felt a pang in his
heart.� It seemed to capture his
attention for several moments, and it took all his will to continue reading.

A second property was listed, but
no details were given on it.� He looked
up puzzled and noticed the Goblin seemed to be waiting for it.� �Yes, we have no idea where that one is or
what it is.� According to the ledgers in
your account, no one in your family has admitted it even exists, except for
that reference.�� Harry blinked.� Deal with it later. I don�t need anymore
mysteries right now.

That was about it, the heirloom
vault was last opened on the first of November 1981 for a deposit.� He would definitely have to see what was in
there.�

�Alright�so I ah�talk to you if I
want certain things done right?��
Thakthor nodded.� �Okay, I was
wondering what the exchange rate for galleons into pounds would be like�say the
entire vault of Black?��

The goblin was appraising him for a
moment before answering.� �Keep in mind
my Lord we do not normally store great amounts of currency from the Muggle
world as it is difficult for us to negociate with them.� But, I am sure you are aware, we do have
some on hand.�� He looked through his
copies of the parchments.� �Since the
exchange rate going into gold, we can do it at four pounds to one galleon minus
our fee for the service which is ten percent.�

Harry blinked.� That�s SHITE!� Hermione said when they exchange for galleons they have to pay
eight pounds per galleon with a twelve percent fee!� Harry then heard a voice in his head that sounded like
Bill.� Goblins Harry, they love
gold.� Make no mistake. They are the
only species in the world that could bleed the proverbial turnip.� Harry was no savvy business man to be
negotiating with the goblins, and reluctantly nodded at the robbery.�

Thakthor smiled toothily at him
giving his figures, �Very good then Lord Potter-Black, that will come to�just
over seven hundred thousand pounds.� We
can have a trunk ready for you before you leave today with the funds
inside.� Will there be anything else?�

I lost almost a quarter of a
million in that exchange. It�s no wonder wizards ignore the Muggle world.� Still, that is an arse load of money and
will go a ways.� Maybe.� Considering the robbery he had just
undergone, he acted on an idea that would stop the goblins from profiting from
at least one of his friends.

�I would like a trust vault set up
for Hermione Granger, twenty thousand galleons from the Black Vault before you
do the conversions.�� I can work the
details out with Jake and Ellena later, but I guarantee they will save far more
money through me than they will at this bank.�
All the more reason to start moving away from Gringotts, and bank, or,
hide my money elsewhere.� It just cost
too much here, and I have way too many things that require funds to simply be
beholden to one place. especially a place that robs you blind.

�Very good Sir, that will lower
your exchange allowance to�six hundred thousand in pounds.�� Harry nodded it was fine.� �Excellent, and will you be delivering her
key, or would you like us to have it delivered?�

�You can do it. That is fine.�

�Now, you are aware that there is a
thousand galleon fee for opening a vault, and a yearly fee of fifty galleons
correct? �And then, of course, the ten
galleon fee for sending the key securely.��
Harry did not know but it was not surprising.� Bleed little veggie BLEED!

�Go ahead.�� It was still worth it to him.� �Have the fee come out of the investment
Vault please.�� At least this way the
Grangers would actually get what was there for them, he figured.�

A few moments were spent with Harry
listing to the scratching of the quill as Thakthor made his notes and adjusted
the balances on his ledgers.� �Any other
matters of business Gringotts can help you with my Lord?�

Yeah, you can give me a fair
rate you thieving bastards.� Harry
took a deep breath to purge himself from his anger and anxiety.� �Actually, there are two other things.� One of them is that I want to restore two members
to the family of Black.� Can you gather
the paperwork here for me and summon Nymphdora Tonks?��

It was one of the things they had
talked about the first summer of their friendship.� She talked to him a great length about how much being stricken
from the Black family had hurt her, and what it was like growing up with the
stigma.� He knew from Neville that as
the Head of the House of Black, he had the ability to restore them to the
family and remove that stigma, as well as give Mrs. Tonks some peace. �He knew from Sirius that because of the
stigma, and a few old laws, he was banned from leaving either of them something
and had plans, which he outlined to Thakthor, to leave them their share.� Sirius wanted to leave them fifty thousand,
if he remembered right, so Harry set up Vaults for both Nym and her mother in
those amounts taking them from the Potter Vault.�

Time was passing quickly and
Thakthor was hurrying to get it all done before the Will was read before the
other inheritors from Sirius Will.� While
signing and overlooking the paperwork, he also arranged for admittance so that
Jessica could watch how things played out.�
I want to know what the looks on their faces are when they find out
that I have already been here, collected, and gone.� Harry was not normally a vindictive person
but it would be priceless.� He smiled. I
am not a Marauder for nothing.� Time for
them to get a taste of being manipulated and out done.� Looking at his watch, he realized he would
have to send Jessica to look at the heirloom vault with Ripples after the
reading.� Time was just passing too
quickly for his needs, and the last thing he needed was to get caught now.

xxxxxx

Jessica stood to the side of the
lobby watching the arrivals for the Will.�
The only difference from when she came in was that she was now wearing
Harry�s cloak to hide her identity, not that anyone here would ever recognize
her.� She watched passively when Arthur
and Molly Weasley walked through the door, along with the entire Weasley clan
bar Charlie who was still in Romaina and did not know Sirius at all.

Dumbledore walked in, not too long
after them, dressed in his usual eye catching spangled robes.� Jessica almost hissed when she saw him.� Manipulative old bastard.� A Wizard she did not know was followed by a
Witch she had heard about from Sirius, and it brought a very small smile to her
face.� Good for you Padfoot.� The witch in question was teary eyed and
solemn.� Which made sense to her, she
was close to old Padfoot.� Just before
they called for the will party, Remus walked in with a stumbling Tonks who
looked rushed to get there.� Jessica was
just about to move from the wall when Hermione walked in with her parents,
escorted by a few Order members who were close to Sirius.� After a few moments of greetings, everyone
was called into one of the conference rooms for the reading of the Will.� Jesscia took this moment to add herself to
the party walking close to Tonks.

�Wotcher Ripples.� Tonks, surprised
to be addressed in such a fashion by someone she did not know, immediately fell
to the floor, tripping on air.�
Chuckling she helped her to stand fighting a bit from the intense gaze
directed at her from the wild eyed Metamorphmagus.

They continued on their way.� �How do you know that name�� She hissed at
her.

�I am Harry�s Jessica.� We need you for a few things, now and after
the will.� Busy?�� Like Tonks she kept her own voice down.

Tonks sized her up for a bit before
she spoke again.� �Prove it.�

��

Jessica thought a moment before
replying.� �Harry has not told you a lot
about me�other than I exist.� However, I
know about you.� As an example, I know
you have a small mark just over your�you know, in the shape of��

�Stop!�� Tonks hissed with wide eyes.�
It was the only thing on her body she could not change and her greatest
embarrassment.� Only mum knew about it,
the boy she lost her virginity to, aside from Harry, and now Jessica.� �He told YOU?�

�It was the only thing he could
think of that would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt I am who I say I am. �I don�t like crowds or anything public, but
Harry wanted someone here who could report on the proceedings.� And just so you know, he�s already been and
gone.�

They had to stop their quite
conversation as they grabbed seats around the table to await Thakthor�s
arrival. The Weasleys took one side to themselves with the others arrayed on
the other.� Jessica noticed that the
Grangers sat with the Weasleys, with Hermione sitting next to Ron.� She felt her right eye twitch.

Thankfully, Tonks sat next to her,
and she sat as close to the door as she could get. They only had to wait for a
moment before Thakthor arrived dressed in solemn robes befitting the occassion.
Jessica barely had time to look about the room before the older goblin walked
in carrying the great scroll that was the will.

�We are gathered here on this day
for the Reading of the Will of Lord Sirius Orion Black.� Thakthor began barely
looking around the room at the assembled.�
�Before we begin, are there any questions?�

�Where�s Harry?�� Jessica looked up to see the Grangers
nodding at Hermione�s question.�

��

�Harry is currently unavailable at
the moment Miss Granger,� stated the Headmaster.� �He was quite close to Sirius, and I thought it best if he sat
this one out as it would cause undue stress to the young man.�

Jessica watched almost everyone nod
in understanding, except for the Grangers, Tonks, and Moony, who all knew the
truth.� She was startled though when the
Headmaster looked at her and said, �But I am curious as to who you are Miss�?�

Stuck for it now that she was
called on she answered.� �Jessica
Evans.�

The old man�s eyes narrowed a bit,
and Remus jumped at the name.�
Hermione�s eyes widened a bit as well.�
Shite and bugger fuck.

�Miss Evans.� And you are here because��

Jessica remained stoic and
concentrated on the meditation techniques that would allow her to shield her
thoughts from the Headmaster.� A long
moment passed in which she was stared at, and she kept her mouth shut shuffling
memories of nothing around in her mind.

�She is here at Lord Potter-Blacks
request.� Are there any other
questions?�� A few seconds passed while
everyone sat shocked at Thakthors statement.�
�No?� Very well, let us move
along then.�

The goblin cleared his throat and
began reading the Will.� �I, Lord Sirius
Orion Black, here by being of sound mind (Shut your maw MOONY!) and apparently
separated from my body, declare this to be my last will and testament.

I hope all of you are alive and
well, if not we can sit side by side together, but, and no offense if I don�t
see any of you for a long time.�
Hopefully, my death was in an epic battle of good versus evil where I
heroically fell taking many of those evil wankers with me.� I think I probably did something worthy of a
song in a tavern one day.� Failing that,
I had better have died being caught by a jealous husband in bed with his wife
and sisters after a great many hours of sexually exhausting them into
silliness. After which, I died of heart failure in surprise from my weakened
condition.

If by some strange chance I died in
some other means, can you guys spread one of those stories anyways?� Cheers!

First, in order of how much I like
you, kidding�sort of, Remus Lupin. I hereby bequeath to you the sum of fifty
thousand galleons with the provision you buy some damn robes.� You�re a disgrace to the name Marauder
walking around in rags.� Besides, I
happen to know a certain cousin of mine who would love nothing more than to drag
your sorry pelt for some shopping and it would give you an excuse to actually
SAY SOMETHING TO HER!� Idiot.� Jessica
smiled noticing that Tonks had shyly taken his hand, keeping her eyes down.
Remus had tears trailing down his face but a small smile when he looked at her.

�Next, to Hermione Granger, I leave
to you the sum of five thousand galleons.�
I would have loved to give you the Black Library since Harry always
spoke of your love for learning, but I can�t.�
However, I specifically request you do not spend more than half on new
books of your own and buy something nice for yourself.�� Hermione started crying and Ms. Granger
pulled her into a hug to hold her.�

�Now, to Roland Saberhagen, you old
bastard.� I will never forget all the
help you were to me after I got back to the world.� I leave to you the sum of fifty thousand galleons with the hope
that you will not spend it all on Firewhiskey. Feel free to spend it on women
though.� Cheers Mate.�� The older wizard smiled.

�To Marilee Santos, nothing I can
leave you would compare to what you gave me while alive. In case I was too
cowardly to say so while alive, I love you. I leave you with fifty thousand
Galleons to do with as you will.� I look
forward to seeing you again my love, but take your time coming. I will wait for
as long as it takes.�� The witch in
question broke out in tears and was mostly incoherent but Jessica did managed
to hear her say, �I will miss you, fiercely, you old dog.�

�Arthur and Molly Weasley. You took
care of Harry while I was locked away though he was not your own.� You have my gratitude even if we did not see
eye to eye on all things.� I leave to
you fifty thousand galleons with the hope that if you are still alive, you
continue to watch over him BUT remember he is not a child.� Do not patronize him or belittle him.� Harry has never had a childhood, nor will he
ever.� He needs love and support but do
not over mother him.�� Arthur had tears
falling down but stoically sat there holding his wife who was inconsolable at
that moment.�

�Fred and George Weasley.� I leave you Vault 845.� All will become clear when you enter
it.� Take care you incorrigible
pranksters.�� Jessica nodded at
that.� Sirius and Harry had talked at
great length about that vault.� It might
be time to get them started on some things, hopefully Sirius left instructions
for �Forge� as they called them.

�To Bill Weasley.� You know why I am thankful. Take care of
Harry.� I leave you the Black Grimore on
wards.� Hopefully it will keep you alive
while working for the Goblins.�� She was
happy for Bill.� He had been salivating
all over that book since the day Sirius mentioned it.�

�To Ronald and Ginevera
Weasley.� I leave to both of you the sum
of five thousand galleons of your own.�
Ron, you have money now, don�t let it go to your head, and for the sake
of Merlin, grow up some.� Ginny, I think
its time to move on.� You know what I am
talking about.�

Last to Albus Dumbledore, I leave
you with your prick in your hand.� If my
bet is right Harry would have disappeared long before this will is read, and if
I know my godson, you will never find him until he is ready to be found.� I look forward to seeing you on this side of
the veil. We have scores to settle you and I.

Last, everything else goes to Harry
Potter.� I leave to you the title of
Lord Black, the Dog House, Kreacher, and anything left over. Promise me one
thing though Harry. When the war is over and you�ve won, burn down the Dog
House and piss over all the ashes. Make sure the picture of my Mum has front
row for the barbeque.� Bring steaks,
toast a marshmallow like we did on that first ride.� Remember son, I have always loved you. I will tell James all of
our stories and pass on your love to him and Lily. Take care and kill that
bastard for me.

Do not mourn the passing of this
old dog.� Throw a party and laugh at my
antics.� I know I would like that, to go
out in a laugh, not in tears.� See you
on the other side.�

Jessica sat stone still as Sirius
parting words washed over her.� She
could feel tears trekking down her face but she did not give into the emotions
playing across her, now was not the time.�

Thakthor handed keys to those who
acquired funds but did not have vaults of their own, and handed Hermione her
key which contained the monies Harry had set for her.� That cost ten galleons?�
I am growing to hate goblins.�
Pricks.� People started to
talk amongst themselves but Jessica noticed that Dumbledore had started making
his way to her. Come ON! She scooted closer to Tonks.

�Miss Evans, I would like to know
if you have seen Mr. Potter.� His voice was as grandfatherly as normal, but with
a hint of steel. He had also kept his voice down so only Tonks, who was talking
to Remus, and Jessica heard.

�No Mister, I haven�t.�� Her own voice was very small and meek.
Talking to the Headmaster was NOT something she wanted to do. Thankfully, Tonks
came to her rescue.�

�Come Jess, I know you need to stop
at your vault, and then we can go shopping.��
Thankful for the out, she rose from her seat and made her way with Tonks
feeling the eyes of the Headmaster watching her the whole time.

The cart ride, and getting away
from everyone did the trick for her in getting herself under control.� Tonks herself shouted and screamed in joy
the whole ride enjoying it immensely. She listened to Tonks all the way to the
doors of the Potter Vault. She climbed out of the cart and made her way to the
doors waiting for the goblin to open the door. Inside took her breath away.

Inside were various items dating
all the way through the ages. It was like walking into a museum. She saw racks
of dresses, robes, and other garments from a variety of ages, paintings adorned
the walls and watched her as she made her way through the vault taking a mental
inventory of the various items. It really started to hit her that everything
here represented the family history of the Potters, in material form.

xxxxxx

Harry knocked on the door to the
Granger residence but did not wait long before the door was opened by Hermione.

�I could really use a friend right
now�� He stated with his haunted voice. Not saying anything, but everything with
her eyes she raised her arms taking him into her embrace as Harry sobbed into
her shoulder.

Authors
Note:

I
am interested in thoughts on the Will scene, I have read a few fics that had
will readings so It would be interesting to read thoughts on my take.�

Please Read and Review. Hope everyone enjoys the story.
- 3
- 4
- 5
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Marauders Vanguard

Chapter 4: The Will of Black

Flashback

End Flashback