Strings in Dumbledore’s Hands
Chapter 12: Strings in Dumbledore’s Hands
The parchment shimmered again, shifting as more text unraveled itself before Harry’s eyes.
Harry braced himself, his pulse pounding in his ears.
He had already learned that Dumbledore had stolen from his vaults. That he had ignored his parents' wills. That he had left him with the Dursleys despite explicit instructions never to do so.
What else had the man done to control him?
Ragnok traced a long, clawed finger over the parchment, his silver eyes gleaming in the dim torchlight.
"It seems," the goblin said smoothly, "that Albus Dumbledore did not merely seal your inheritance and family records. He placed magical restrictions on you as well."
Harry stiffened. "What?"
Cassia’s jaw clenched. "Explain," she demanded.
Ragnok flicked his fingers, and new lines of text appeared beneath Harry’s inheritance summary.
Restricted Magical Potential – Placed by: Albus Dumbledore
Status: Active (Removal Available) Effect: Suppressed overall magical power, blocking natural abilities.
Loyalty Charms – Placed by: Albus Dumbledore
Status: Active (Removal Required) Effect: Enforced subconscious loyalty to Albus Dumbledore and Hogwarts, making subject less likely to question authority or seek outside support.
Suppressed Occlumency Shields – Placed by: Albus Dumbledore
Status: Active (Removal Required) Effect: Blocked natural mental defenses, leaving subject vulnerable to external influence and mind manipulation.
Harry felt cold.
His fingers curled against the armrest of his chair, his nails pressing into the wood.
Cassia was deathly silent beside him.
Ragnok continued. "It is not uncommon for magical suppression blocks to be placed on young children with dangerous raw power. However, in your case, Lord Potter, these restrictions appear to have been placed for… less than noble reasons."
Harry’s throat felt tight. "What do you mean?"
Ragnok’s lip curled slightly. "The loyalty charm ensured that you would never question Dumbledore’s authority. That you would trust him implicitly, even if he made decisions against your best interests."
Harry’s breath hitched.
Cassia’s fingers clenched into fists. "That manipulative—" She cut herself off, inhaling sharply through her nose before looking at Ragnok. "How do we remove them?"
Ragnok nodded approvingly, as if she had asked the right question. "We can remove them immediately. However," he turned to Harry, "the process may be… uncomfortable. These blocks have been in place for most of your life. Once removed, you may experience a surge of power, resurfacing memories, or emotional instability."
Harry barely hesitated.
"Do it," he said firmly.
Ragnok nodded and retrieved a small obsidian dagger. He set it on the desk beside a shimmering golden rune, gesturing for Harry to extend his hand.
Cassia leaned forward. "Harry, are you sure?"
Harry exhaled shakily, then met her eyes.
"I need to know who I am without him controlling me."
Cassia studied him for a long moment. Then, finally, she gave a small nod.
"Alright."
Harry turned back to Ragnok and placed his hand over the rune.
The goblin tapped the dagger against the surface of the golden script, and suddenly—
Pain.
Not physical. Not sharp. But a deep, overwhelming pressure in his skull, like something was being peeled away from his very soul.
He gasped, squeezing his eyes shut as memories blurred in his mind—
—a moment of doubt at the Dursleys’ door, wondering why he felt a pull to stay when he hated it there—
—the sick, twisting guilt whenever he thought about questioning Dumbledore, the way the thought never quite formed—
—a conversation with Mrs. Figg, the strange sensation of forgetting something important the moment he turned away—
The magic around him snapped.
Harry gasped as something inside him uncoiled, as if invisible chains had just shattered.
The moment passed.
Harry blinked rapidly, feeling… clearer.
His mind felt lighter, his magic humming just beneath his skin.
Cassia was watching him carefully. "Harry?"
Harry let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.
"I’m… okay." He frowned. "I think."
Cassia’s lips pressed into a thin line. "You might not realize the full effects immediately," she said carefully. "You’ve been under these enchantments for years. Things might feel different now."
Harry wasn’t sure what to say to that.
He did feel different. Like a fog had been lifted.
Ragnok, meanwhile, set the dagger aside and studied him once more.
"There is one final matter."
Harry tensed. "More?"
Ragnok nodded. "It concerns a hidden bloodline connection. One that was never meant to be found."
Cassia’s head snapped toward the goblin, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean, hidden?"
Ragnok exhaled slowly. "I believe it is time you learned the truth about your mother’s lineage, Lord Potter."
Harry’s heart pounded.
Because somehow, he knew—
This was about to change everything.