Wills and Old Secrets
Petunia experienced a tumultuous blend of relief and profound loss settling in the pit of her stomach. Relief surged through her as she reclaimed her identity as Petunia Evans, yet a deep sense of mourning accompanied the realization that she no longer recognized the man she had once married. She swallowed her trepidation as she affixed her signature to the divorce decree. Once completed, the goblin took the document and began to speak.
“I shall summon Ironthorn for the reading of the Will; please follow me,” the goblin announced, rising from his seat.
They exited the room, trailing behind Griphook, who paused to whisper something to another goblin before leading them into a spacious chamber adorned with white marble. A large table occupied the center of the room, where they were instructed to take a seat. They were informed that they would need to wait for the other beneficiaries of the will to arrive.
An uncomfortable and silent hour and a half passed before individuals began to fill the room—none of whom Petunia recognized aside from Dumbledore. Among the newcomers, one woman stood out, dressed in an eccentric manner, complete with an equally peculiar hat that complemented her strange attire. Another woman, characterized by a pointed face and fiery red hair, seemed perpetually distracted, frequently urging her husband to silence himself. She reminded Petunia of the way she had been before her sister's tragic death, and she could almost hear Snape’s derisive remark: “A Weasley, of course.”
Beside the redhead was a blonde woman who appeared to have shed many tears, accompanied by a long-haired man who seemed to be offering her comfort, all the while attempting to maintain an air of aloofness.
Two goblins entered after the arrival of the final guests, engaged in an argument that suggested they might soon come to blows, before positioning themselves next to Griphook.
“Shut your trap, Wormwood,” one of the goblins hissed.
“Don’t tell me what to do, Ironthorn!” the goblin Wormwood retorted sharply.
“Both of you, be silent. Ironthorn, if you would do us the honor of opening Lord Potter’s Will first, I shall attend to Lady Potter’s afterward,” Griphook commanded, his tone authoritative. Ironthorn grumbled but complied, making his way to the head of the table and beginning to speak in a tone of evident boredom.
“Today, we are gathered to read the Wills of the late Lord and Lady Potter. I, Ironthorn, shall unveil the last will of Lord Potter, which was drafted on July 7th, 1981.” He broke the red wax seal on an envelope, and suddenly, James Potter’s voice filled the room.
“I, Jamison Fleamont Potter, Lord of the ancient and Noble House of Potter, hereby declare my last Will and Testament on July 7th, 1981.
I am sound in body, mind, and spirit and have undergone the cleansing ritual provided by Gringotts to facilitate the writing of this document.
To my wife, should she outlive me, I bequeath all my fortune and our son, Hadrian Jamison Potter-Black-Prince. Please care for him and ensure you locate Severus.
To my beloved Severus Snape-Prince, in the event that both my wife and I pass away, I leave you the entirety of the remaining Potter fortune and your godson, Hadrian Jamison Potter-Black-Prince. If my wife should outlive me, I implore you to look after her as you did during our time at Hogwarts. I entrust my son, Hadrian Jamison Potter-Black-Prince, to your care. There are several documents and other valuables stored in my vault, which I leave in your charge.
To my cousin, Narcissa Malfoy, née Black, and her husband, I bequeath 5,000 Galleons and my collection of Muggle therapy books. I know both of you will find them useful, especially with your own little tiger running about.
To my other cousin, Sirius Black, and his husband, Remus Black, née Lupin, I leave you 5,000 Galleons and the cottage in Scotland.
To Peter Pettigrew, I leave nothing but a lifetime in Azkaban, you traitor! Let it be known that he was our secret keeper, the sole reason for my demise.
To the Longbottoms, I leave you 5,000 Galleons and Neville’s birthday presents, which are contained in a trunk with the goblins.
To Arthur Weasley, I leave you 3,000 Galleons and two Heritage Potions. You know well what to do with them.
To the Weasley twins, I leave a trunk filled with pranks. I trust they will know how to make use of them!
To Albus Dumbledore, I leave you nothing. You and your Order of the Flaming Chickens may go fry yourselves.”
As the will concluded, Ironthorn turned to Griphook, who nodded and took his place at the head of the table. Petunia felt as though the world around her had lost all sense of coherence.
“I, Lilith Rosalind Potter, née Evans,
Lady of the ancient and Noble House of Potter, hereby declare my last Will and Testament on July 7th, 1981.
I am sound in body, mind, and spirit and have undergone the cleansing ritual provided by Gringotts to facilitate the writing of this document.
To my husband, should he outlive me, I bequeath all my belongings, with the exception of vault 547. Please ensure that Haridan never forgets how deeply I love him, and bring Severus back to where he rightfully belongs.
To Alice Longbottom, I leave my collection of Muggle comic books. Let my godson grow without barriers. I also bequeath all my charms books and notes to you; you know what to do with them.
To Narcissa Malfoy, née Black, I leave you the jewels contained in the small doll box. I know your husband ensures you want for nothing, but I hope these serve as a keepsake to remember me by. May your little dragon and my little angel become friends, albeit not in the manner we did!
To Sirius Black and Remus Black, née Lupin, thank you for being the friends you were. My husband could not have asked for better companions. I leave you the books on prank potions that Severus and I created during our time at Hogwarts. Please, do not cause him too much grief!
Let it be known that Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper of our home.
To Molly Weasley, I leave you a book on parenting. I am certain you know how to open one, at the very least.
To Arthur Weasley, I leave you the book I had to read to keep James and Sirius in line. I hope your twins do not create too much mischief! I also leave your children some books on dragons, wards, and politics.
To Albus Dumbledore, I leave a book of moral stories. Please read it each night before bed, Headmaster; it will do you some good.”
As the envelope ceased its movement, a parchment materialized from within it before anyone could utter a word.
“This portion of the will activates should my husband have passed before me.
As I am certain he would have forgotten, I hereby list the following individuals as guardians for my son, in order of preference:
Severus Snape-Prince (as godfather and bond-father)
Sirius Black (as godfather)
Alice Longbottom (as godmother)
Narcissa Malfoy (as family)
If none of the aforementioned individuals are able to care for my son, Haridan shall be entrusted to any Neutral Family. Under no circumstances is Albus Dumbledore to be involved in this decision, nor does he hold any authority regarding where my son may be placed.”
At long last, the reading of the will came to an end. The room fell into an enveloping silence, a palpable stillness settling over the gathered individuals as they absorbed the weight of the revelations.