Chapter 8
After the successful ritual to neutralize the magical influences, Harry felt more confident and determined to handle his inheritance properly. He realized that the discovery of compulsions and blocks was just the beginning, and that he needed to fully understand the extent and contents of his inheritance in order to make informed decisions.
Harry decided to return to Gringotts to request a more detailed inheritance test. He wanted to ensure there were no other hidden enchantments or influences that needed to be addressed and to gain a clearer understanding of the full extent of his inheritance.
When he arrived at the bank, he was greeted by the same goblin assistant who had helped him before. He was escorted to Ragnok's office, where the goblin was reviewing some documents.
"Potter Heir," said Ragnok, "What can I do for you today?"
"I've returned because I'd like to request an additional inheritance test," Harry replied. "After a recent discovery, I need to ensure that all of my inheritance is free from external influences or enchantments that may have been placed upon me."
Ragnok looked at Harry with interest. "I understand. We can certainly perform an additional test to ensure your inheritance is complete and unrestricted. 20 Galleons."
Ragnok summoned a few of his assistants and gave them instructions regarding the necessary procedures. Harry was then escorted to a private testing room inside Gringotts, where magical preparations were made to examine and validate his inheritance.
While he waited, Harry reflected on what he had discovered so far. He was determined to uncover the truth and ensure his inheritance was used in the best possible way.
**Conducting the Inheritance Test**
Ragnok and his assistants carried out a series of spells and procedures to analyze Harry's inheritance. The process involved advanced charms to detect any hidden magical influences and confirm the integrity of the Potter family's assets and documents.
After some time, Ragnok returned to the room with a grave expression.
"Potter Heir," began Ragnok, "the test revealed something significant beyond the influences you had already identified. In addition to the enchantments and compulsions, we found something that should not be in you."
Harry frowned, concerned. "What is it?"
"During the analysis, we identified a Horcrux," Ragnok said solemnly. "The Horcrux is an object of great power and malice."
"Heir Potter" Ragnok continued, "we understand the gravity of the situation regarding the Horcrux. Our experience with powerful and dangerous artifacts is extensive. While we strongly recommend consulting specialists, we would like to offer an alternative."
Harry looked at Ragnok, intrigued yet apprehensive. "What is the alternative?"
"We goblins have the knowledge and means to deal with complex and dangerous artifacts," Ragnok explained. "We can perform the removal and neutralization of the Horcrux for you, using our own magic and advanced technology. We have the resources to ensure the process is done safely and efficiently."
Harry pondered the offer. He was aware of the goblins' competence when it came to handling magical objects and artifacts, but he also knew dealing with a Horcrux was an extremely delicate and dangerous task.
"What would the procedure be?" Harry asked, trying to better understand the offer.
Ragnok detailed the process:
Preparation of the Location: The goblins would prepare a safe and isolated room, equipped with magical protections to ensure the process wouldn't release any dangerous energy.
Artifact Analysis: Before any action was taken, the Horcrux would be carefully analyzed to understand its properties and prepare the appropriate measures for its neutralization.
Removal and Neutralization: Using advanced charms and special artifacts, the goblins would remove the Horcrux and then take steps to ensure the artifact was safely destroyed or neutralized.
Security and Confidentiality: The entire process would be carried out with complete discretion and security, minimizing any risks for Harry or the bank.
"This seems like a very safe and competent offer," Harry said, reflecting on the proposal. "However, how can I be sure the Horcrux will truly be destroyed and that there won’t be any unexpected consequences?"
"We have a proven track record of dealing with dangerous artifacts successfully," Ragnok stated. "Additionally, you may oversee the process if you wish, and we guarantee that the entire operation will be transparent and under your supervision."
The atmosphere was tense as the goblins worked. Harry watched attentively as the Horcrux was carefully analyzed and prepared for removal. The process involved a series of complex spells, and Harry noticed the precision and care involved.
Finally, after an intense period of work, Ragnok announced that the Horcrux had been successfully removed and neutralized. Harry felt immense relief knowing the dangerous artifact had been handled safely.
"Your artifact has been successfully destroyed," Ragnok said. "You can rest assured, as everything possible was done to ensure there are no risks or consequences."
Harry thanked the goblins for their work and assistance in the matter. He was now more focused and determined to continue his mission, with one less weight on his shoulders.
After the Horcrux was removed, Ragnok approached Harry with a new proposal.
"Heir Potter," Ragnok said, "As part of the verification and removal process of the Horcrux, our team noticed something interesting about your lineage. We would like to offer a detailed lineage test. This test may reveal additional information about your inheritance and any other relevant aspects that could have important implications for you."
Harry raised an eyebrow, curious. "What exactly does this lineage test involve? And what are the potential benefits?"
Ragnok explained:
Magical Lineage Verification:The test would confirm the purity and extent of your magical lineage. This would include checking for any significant magical ancestry or special properties associated with your family.
Discovery of Connections and Protections: The test could reveal any additional connections to other important magical houses or lineages, as well as any protections or enchantments that may be associated with your family.
Revelation of Hidden Legacies: It might bring to light any hidden legacies or magical items that were not immediately visible or identifiable.
Security and Accuracy: The test would be carried out with the same precision and safety as the inheritance test, ensuring all revealed information is accurate and protected.
Harry considered the offer. He had already learned that his inheritance and lineage were more complex than he had initially thought, and the lineage test could provide valuable information.
"This sounds interesting," Harry said. "If the lineage test can provide more information about my heritage and any additional protections or legacies, I’d like to proceed."
"Great," Ragnok responded. "We’ll begin the process immediately. The test will take some time, but it will provide a comprehensive view of your lineage and any additional aspects that may be relevant."
Ragnok then handed Harry a piece of parchment, a dagger, and instructed, "Seven drops of blood on the parchment, Heir Potter."
Harry made a small cut on his finger, feeling a slight pain, and let seven drops of blood fall onto the parchment. The surface glowed with a golden hue, and the runes around it began to shine with an intense light. Suddenly, the blood spread across the surface and began to form words in the air, as though a quill were writing in invisible ink.
Slowly, the words began to appear, each glowing in golden letters:
**Name:** Hadrian James Potter-Black
**Blood Status:** Half-blood
**Parents:** Lord James Fleamont Potter (father, deceased)
Lily Potter née Evans (mother, deceased)
**Adoptive Father:** Sirius Orion Black III
**Magical Guardian:** Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
**Lordships & Heirships:**
Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter
Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell
Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black
**Vaults:**
Potter (62, 63, 64)
Peverell (50, 51, 53)
Black (20, 21, 22)
"Hadrian? My name is... Hadrian?" Harry said, shocked as he read these words. The name "Hadrian" was what his parents had truly chosen for him.
"The test does not lie, Heir Potter," said Ragnok.
"Right. My whole life has been a lie. Even my name," Harry said, tears beginning to fall down his face as he sat down, struggling to process what he had just learned.
He thought about all the years he had spent living under a false identity, how his real name had been hidden even from himself. The idea that even his name, something so fundamental to his identity, was a lie made him feel betrayed and helpless.
Hadrian remembered the memories of his childhood, the wounds, and the abuse he had suffered, and how he had never been given the chance to know who he truly was. He wondered about all the choices he had made under the influence of the false identity and how that had affected his life and decisions.
As the tears continued to fall, he felt a mixture of sadness, anger, and frustration. The feeling that everything in his life had been manipulated to serve a purpose he still didn’t fully understand was overwhelming.
After an intense moment of reflection and crying, Hadrian Potter felt a renewed determination. The discovery that even his name had been a façade left him in pain, but it also made him more resolute in reclaiming his true identity and inheritance.
Ragnok went on to explain that as the Heir of Potter, Peverell, and Black, Hadrian was entitled to three heirlooms, each representing one of the houses.
The heirlooms were kept in distinct vaults within Gringotts. Harry was escorted by Ragnok to a secret room where the rings were stored. The room was softly lit with magical light, and each ring rested on an elegant velvet stand.
Ragnok opened the compartments one by one, revealing the rings:
Potter Ring – A solid gold ring with a large ruby at the center, surrounded by small gemstones with the inscription "Novissima autem inimica destruetur mors" (The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death).
Peverell Ring – A silver ring with intricate design, inscribed with "ut salutaret mortem veterem amicum" (To greet death like an old friend).
Black Ring – A platinum ring with a complex design of intertwined ravens, inscribed with "Toujours pur" (Always pure).
Ragnok handed each ring to Harry, who examined them carefully. The weight of the rings in his hands felt laden with immense history and responsibility.
"These rings are not just symbols of your inheritance," Ragnok explained. "They are also keys to access the vaults and properties associated with each House. Moreover, each one holds its own magical power, which can be activated by its rightful bearer."
Harry slipped the Potter Ring onto his finger, feeling an immediate connection with his family and the House it represented. The Peverell Ring, with its complexity, seemed to vibrate with ancient and powerful energy. Finally, the Black Ring brought a sense of duty and a reminder of the responsibility to uphold the Black legacy.
After the shock and revelation about his true identity and inheritance, Hadrian Potter decided it was time to face the physical consequences of the abuse he had suffered at the hands of the Dursleys.