Gold and Anxiety
Constantly looking over one's shoulder is a fairly common occurrence for those who find themselves on the run, and for Regulus, it seems like second nature. So, appearing calm and totally relaxed while in the middle of Diagon Alley, children run past him with candy spilling out of their hands while parents yell and chase after them. Colors flow in and out of stores like car lights at night in downtown London. Watching as people debate and succumb to the pressure of shiny brooms, shrinking chests, and newly released bejeweled robes, Regulus began to calm down slightly. Being around people only if absolutely necessary made him forget the most simple facts. Humans are inherently selfish, and because of this, things often need to be screamed from the heavens to really matter. Thank the gods.
He can finally see Gringotts coming into view, and his pace picks up. Looking down at Harry, who is so obviously trying not to hold Regulus back with the pace while simultaneously trying to engrain everything going around him in his memory forever, he notices a slight sheen on his forehead. Regulus feels a pang of guilt. He decided to refrain from telling Harry if they would be able to return soon or not out of fear that it may become impossible because of unforeseen circumstances, such as Dumbledore's and the Prophet's tendency to interfere, especially when unwanted.
However, looking at Harry, Regulus begins to bloom with pride. Harry never strayed. He kept tight hold of Regulus' hand and held himself in a manner befitting his inevitable status in the world. Even without knowing exactly who this little beautiful boy is, anyone can tell how polite, well-mannered, and brilliant he is.
Stopping them and turning Harry around to look back at the line of shops. Regulus drowns out Harry's protest,
"Harry, darling?" He bends down level with Harry's ear. "Is there any store you just have to visit? One you really really want to go see?" Harry stared up at him for a minute, eyes questioning. He wanted to play his role of a little pureblood heir so perfectly. Regulus smiled at him, "We have time for one store before our appointment. Which one do you want to go to? We can get whatever you want."
At that, his face brightened up like a star had been born. Regulus will not steal a childhood from him, as many pureblood families did. After all, he didn't have a Sirius Black to bring those moments of joy, so Regulus stays determined to get him even a fraction of that joy before Siri can do it himself.
"That one, Reggie. The stuff looks so cool and gross." he points towards the Apothecary. Regulus can feel surprise on his face.
"The Apothecary? Do you want to make a potion?"
Harry jumps out of Regulus' hold and spins towards him.
"Yes! Reggie makes them all the time. I want to try and make even grosser potions than you do, and then when you get sick, you have to drink them just like me." A gargled laugh escapes Regulus. This boy is absolutely ridiculous.
"Alright. We can get a beginner potion set and make just the grossest of gross potions." laughs, amused. He tickles Harry's sides, and as he squirms and laughs for Regulus to stop, they go back towards the new and improved Apothecary.
"Can I really get whatever I want?"
"yes, as long as it's not overly dangerous and you promise to learn how to use everything properly first." Regulus gives him a meaningful look, knowing for a fact Harry is most definitely not listening to a word he's saying.
The bell of the store rings as they walk through it. Regulus doesn't realize he has been holding his breath until the stench physically assaults his senses as they walk in. This is the moment someone recognizes them. Close quarters, only one escape route, and almost nowhere to hide. He knows the point of this hip is to no longer hide; the literal point is to bring Harry back into society, but the alarms they had temporarily ignored were now too loud to do so. They were going to get caught before they even made it to Gringotts. Fucking hell. What is he thinking-
A tug on his sleeve breaks him out of his trance.
"Reggie? Why did your face go blank?" He blinks down at Harry. How—"You shouldn't do that, Reggie. It scares me, and plus, if you blank out, you'll miss everything, and then you'll be really sad." "I—" He feels like he's having deja vu.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize. I'm okay; it won't happen again." But he couldn't wipe the worry off his face fast enough.
"Well, even if it does, there's no need to worry," Harry states knowingly while placing his hands on his hips. I'll make sure to remember everything and tell you all about it. I won't let you miss anything."
"You promise?" Regulus asks with a smile. Holding out his pinky.
Harry giggles and locks his pinky. "Of course."
"Alright then. How about we get you some super gross stuff then." With a fervent nod, Regulus sets his shoulders; he couldn't very well let Harry be the braver one in this scenario.
Together, they walk through the store. Harry points at almost everything in sight, asking questions upon questions, and Regulus thanks whatever education spirits exist that Slughorn was actually a competent teacher. He grabs a beginners' potion set, secretly hoping Harry will become a potion genius just like he was in school.
"Reggie! I think I got everything I want." An innocent smile plastered on his face while holding at least 500 Galeons of equipment and ingredients. Chuckling to himself and shaking his head. "Alright, let's get it all and go then. We still have to go to Gringotts and get your line test." Harry nods, grabs the money pouch out of Regulus's offering hands, and heads towards the register.
"Does he not look familiar to you?" The whispers make him stop, and his breathing becomes shallower.
"I swear I've seen him somewhere in the papers."
"Well I swear he looks a little like Sirius Black."
His legs start moving before he registers doing so. He grabs the bags of items Harry just bought and steers him out the door, saying a half-hearted thank you to the shopkeeper. His eyes only on the door. They just need to get to Gringotts, and they will be okay; the tests will prove what he knows, and then he will be ready. Harry and he will be alright together. He can hear Harry asking what's wrong, he can hear the bell ring as two blondes walk through the door, and he can see their faces, one of curiosity and the other of utter shock. But Regulus acknowledges none of this and firmly guides Harry and himself out the door.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. They're gonna take him away. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Over and over again. Never ending.
Reggie is worried—really, really worried and scared. He's never been one to rush anything, especially not himself, even more so when it goes against proper etiquette. Yet, as he pushes them both through the busy Alley towards the white marble of Gringotts, all Harry can think about is how they are going to successfully free Uncle Sirius if Reggie keeps being so scared of people knowing.
As they rush towards the back, Reggie bumps into many witches and wizards, who make put-out noises and nasty comments, all very much fueling the panic spreading across Reggie’s face.
“Reggie I-”
“We’re almost there. It’ll be fine.”
“Reggie I know, but we're drawing more attention this way. Someone will recognize you, and they’ll be waiting when we get out.” Reggie stops abruptly, his grip on Harry's hand tightening. His breathing is again a little erratic, his eyes darting nervously around the crowded Alley.
“I’m sorry Harry. I’m so sor-”
“Stop Reggie.” Harry goes to grab his hand. “I won’t let anyone take me away from you. I won’t go.” Harry watches as Reggie’s face breaks.
“I’m supposed to be the one protecting you Harry. I’m the one who promised-”
“Don’t do that,” Harry states with more force this time. “Don’t call me that. I don’t like it. I’m not Harry to you; I’m Harry Potter to everyone else, but not you.” The pout he puts on is genuinely atrocious.
Regulus stares at him. Silently collecting himself, they both continue to walk together calmly this time. “I’m sorry, my little sun. You’re right.” Harry notices that while Reggie’s hands are still clammy with sweat, they’re warmer than before. “I’ve been acting completely insane and beneath both myself and you.”
Harry squeezes his guardian’s hand for both Reggie and himself.
“The world doesn’t know either of us. Not really.” They make it to the top of the stairs of Gringotts, and Reggie kneels down at eye level with Harry. Grey meets green. “I need to be brave. Brave like you beautiful boy.” Harry smiles at the comment. “Let’s show them we are so much more than the names they gave us, yes?”
Harry nods.
“You are brave Reggie. That’s why we’re here.”
At that, Reggie stands, trying to hide the emotion on his face.
“Let’s go then.”
Inside Gringotts, Harry’s jaw almost drops to the floor. It’s like gold dripped from the ceilings and molded into intricate patterns. The goblins, with their sharp features and quick movements, are even more jaw-dropping; they work at lightning speed, and the galleons, sickles, and knuts flow through their fingers faster than Harry can even catch sight of the money at all. Regulus leads them through the hall to what looks like the main desk, occupied by a goblin Harry assumes to be the oldest one in the room.
“Good day. I would like to request some assistance with a line test.” Harry notices Reggie has switched to his serious voice and tries to stand up straighter. He knows it's just as important for him to look poised as it is for Reggie.
“And who will this line test be for exactly?” The goblin's voice rakes over him, and Harry can feel the magic imbued in his words. When the goblin makes eye contact with him, he feels like he's being read like a book, a children’s book at that. The glint in the goblin's eye as he takes Harry in makes it seem as though he already knows who they are.
“Harry James Potter.” Reggie’s voice cuts through the air, sharp and clear. The room falls silent, and Harry can feel the weight of their gazes, the anticipation for him to turn around. He and Reggie stand, unyielding, staring straight ahead, waiting for the goblin's reaction. The silence in the room is almost alive.
“Very well. However, I must ask for your identification as well sir.”
Harry watches Reggie’s shoulders tighten just slightly, a visible sign of his fear, stress, and nervousness. Harry squeezes his hand, hoping even a little support will help him.
“Regulus Arcturus Black.” Reggie says firmly while passing his wand to the goblin to be verified.
That was when he heard it. The slight gasp startles through the silence, initiating the whispers. Reggie had already warned Harry about the whispers; the moment they came out of hiding and into the world, they would follow him everywhere, maybe even forever. While Harry initially thought nothing of it because, honestly, he always really enjoyed telling Reggie a secret whispered into his ear like he had something to hide, but this whispering is different. It came with harshness he never did, with lies and harsh words tainted by assumptions and bad feelings. Harry is already unsure of whether he will be able to endure it for another couple of minutes, much less forever.
His hand tightened around Reggie’s fingers, this time for his own benefit. Thankfully, the goblin returned with Reggie’s wand.
“Welcome Heir Regulus Black of The Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. Would you like me to request the presence of the Black account keeper?”
“Yes, along with the Potter account keeper as well. I am sure there are things to go over in both.” The goblin motioned for them to follow him as he headed through the doors behind him and into long, winding halls.
“That there is Master Black, that there is.” the goblin talked in a low voice that sent shivers down Harry’s forearms. This didn’t bode well for a quick and easy escape as Reggie might have been hoping for.
The Goblin leads them to a well-decorated office where two other goblins sit behind a desk waiting for them, both wearing excited looks on their faces and a glint in their eyes that looks mischievous to Harry, if he's being honest. They were going to have fun, and they both knew it. Reggie tried to explain to Harry the details of his position, as well as how it had been manipulated by those in power, both dark and light wizards. The story of Dumbledore and Voldemort is something Reggie had never shied away from Harry. He knew of the source. There were parts of his and Reggie’s story his guardian hadn’t told him yet, but he knew enough to know one thing- the magic someone carries has nothing to do with the quality of their character. Harry knows he is a dark wizard, and Reggie is as well, but while the history books would name him a hero, they would also name him a villain if they really knew. Dumbledore is a great wizard in the eyes of everyone, not because he’s a good person; it is simply a result of something he nor anyone else has control over. At the same time, there are those driven to madness and violence because of a society that assumes and labels with no consideration of the choices someone actually makes.
Harry is not and never has been the savior Dumbledore told the world he is, and because of that, he feels a need to prove it all wrong. He is not a hero, he is not a light wizard, he is not a pawn, and he isn’t even that nice—well, to anyone but Reggie—and this test will be the first step in making his story his own. A sly little smile creeps up on his face. He is going to have so much fun.
“Welcome, Heir Black and Mr. Potter. May your coffers be ever full.” one of the two goblins says while both slightly bow.
Harry and Reggie respond with a bow of their own, followed by, “And may your sword always swing true.” Harry looks up at Reggie, who responds with a slight nod and a look of pride barely noticeable in the gleaming in his eyes. Harry’s chin goes up just slightly. He’d done it correctly—his first actual wizard greeting, and Regulus approved. He is internally jumping for joy.
“I am Gorlac, in charge of the House Black’s account; it is very nice to meet you finally, Heir Black. I have been waiting for your return for some time now.” Regulus gave Gorlac a curious look with a slight tilt of his head.
“And I am Rintor,” his voice drags Harry’s gaze away from Reggie,“ in charge of the House Potter’s accounts. It is also a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter. I understand you are here to take a line test, correct?”
“Pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Rintor. And yes, that's correct.”
“Very well.” A shiny piece of parchment appeared on the desk in front of him, along with a small knife. Three drops of blood should do.”
Harry grabs the knife and carefully slices a tiny cut into his thumb. They all watch as the drops fall onto the page, flowing and morphing into an intricate tree, and below each branch, names, and right at the bottom, His name appears.
Harry James Potter
Half-Blood
Blood Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter
Blood Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Pevrell
Chosen Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin
Father - Lord James Fleamont Potter of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter Pureblood
Mother - Lady Lily Jean Potter Muggleborn
The tree continued past them, but Harry’s eyes couldn’t help but go back to the House of Slytherin. Is he the chosen Heir? And who are the Peverells? He quickly turned towards Reggie, ignoring the rest of the worst forming past that. His confusion met with concern written across the grownup’s pale face.
“Reggie what-”
Harry stops at the light curse emitted from one of the Goblins. He watches as Reggie reads the rest of the parchment, and pure unrestrained anger burns in his eyes, turning them a molten silver. Harry returns to the page where an entire list of transactions, spells, contracts, and bonds made and unmade are getting worse and more damaging to Harry’s entire magical core. And all of them were under the authority of one man.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.
“I’m going to tear that right piece of shit bastard into a million pieces.” Harry has never heard so much rage in Reggie’s voice before. It isn’t big or aggressive, but calm, unmoving, and focused, which is so much worse from the look on the Goblin's face. But none of that compares to the anger raging inside himself. All of these restraints, on his magic, on his personality, they all were signed to begin when he turned eleven. Dumbledore is trying to groom him to be a compliant, eager-to-please, pro-light tool to wield around and yell savior and freedom and then toss into the fire when Voldemort comes to kill him again! His mind whirls; how could someone do all of this, all this damage to a child, someone they never even met. And all in the name of being good.
NO.
He refused, clenching his fists and sending a bolt of unfiltered, raw magic flying towards the wall, slicing it in half and exploding the next room. He is going to kill Albus Dumbledore for ruining his life, for running Reggie’s life and Sirius' life, and for disgracing and walking all over the legacy his parents left him.
“Heir Potter! I need you to stop! Please stop releasing magic or I will have no choice but to force you.” Rintor screams at him. It feels like he is hundreds of meters away.
“Harry!” Reggie’s voice seems much closer. Harry turns and sees Reggie on his knees, at eye level with him. It's then that Harry realizes he has tears streaming down his face.
“He used me. He uses me still. He’s causing you so much pain and worry.” Harry is screaming. He sees wind blowing around them, picking up objects and throwing them.
“I know, darling. I know.” A hand grabs his.
“How is it fair.” Harry cries. “Who is he to decide who I am, who I will be, who I will love?!”
“He doesn’t, my love.” Reggie's hands come up to his face. There's sadness in his eyes. More sadness, and it's all Dumbledore's fault. “You get to choose Harry; none of it matters anymore because you can make your own choices. Please, Harry, I need you to stop the magic. Please.” the wind lessened as Harry reached out to grab Reggie’s shoulders.
“He uses them too, Mum and Papa. He uses their memory, their love against me for himself.” A sob wrecks through him. Regulus is holding him now. The magic slowly dims around them.
“He has made enemies of us, darling, and for that, he will feel the wrath unimaginable to anyone who attempts to stop us. You have my word.” He holds up his pinky, and slowly, Harry links his together.
“We will fix all of this. And then-”
“We’ll tear it all down.”
A smirk slowly grows on Reggie’s face.
“Now, are you ready to continue?” Harry nods, and they turn back towards the desk, which has now been righted and neatly put back together. The goblins, however, continue to eye them with both wariness and intrigue.
The weight of what just occurred hen dawns on Harry. He lost control. It isn’t the first time it’s happened, but it’s been a while since it was this bad.
He lowers his head, “My sincerest apologies Mr. Gorlac and Mr. Rintor. I lost control, and for that, I can not say sorry enough. If there is any debt I can give or pay I will.” The goblins look at each other, and Rintor Speaks up.
“That will not be necessary Heir Potter. You have shown us your great deal of power, and that is an honor unto itself. In addition, considering the contents of this parchment, I would say a justified reaction.” Harry looks up at him in surprise. “However, I must caution you. That amount of dark magic released anywhere else will come with severe punishment and resentment from your world. You must learn to control it soon. However, we may have a way to help you with that.” Reggie squeezes his hand. “These many harms are done to your magical core, well, some of them are quite severe and will take time to remove, however, some we can remove today if you wish. This process will allow you to gain more control and awareness of your magical core, even as young as you are. With more tests and rituals run we will see how severe all of them are and we can make a plan of action to rid you of all ailments.”
“What exactly would that all entail?” Harry sat slightly confused. Did it really matter how? It should be fine if they get rid of it all. “I don’t want any damage done. We can wait until he’s older for some of them if need be.”
“What? Why? I want it out of me now, Reggie.” He knows he sounds like a brat, but he truly can not bring himself to care.
“Darling.” A warning tone in Reggie’s voice hints that Harry is pushing it. They had both already pretty much failed the whole ‘keep it together, nice and composed thing’, but they still needed to keep it within some bounds.
Harry looks down at his feet and whispers, “I don’t want to be controlled by anyone.”
A finger lifts his chin up, and Reggie’s eyes are so full of love, and he smiles, “I won’t let anyone control you. And if anyone tries again, I will kill them.” Simple. There's no room for any doubt. “Well then, what can we do right now?” As he turns back to the Goblins.
“We will perform a diagnostic ritual and then anything we deem safe to remove right now we will do so. In order to trace the magic, we will store it and seal it, and you may use it later as evidence of tampering with Mr. Potter’s magical core if you are so inclined to press charges against the assailant.” Reggie nods. “While Mr. Potter does this so we can go over what you would like to do regarding the financial transactions done by Albus Dumbledore. Over the past four years, he has taken quite the sum from the Potter and Peverell accounts.”
“Do you know what he’s been using it for?”
“Not all of it, but some to fund his interests in the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Weasley and Pritchet.” Harry hears Reggie swear under his breath.
“I would assume that's the same family he had falsely bound Harry to through marriage.”
Harry’s face bursts into flames. He’s bound to be married?!
“What?! To who?” he could feel the anger bubbling up again.
“A Ms. Ginerva Weasley, but not to worry, Mr. Potter, it is a falsely made contract as you were not present to sign or agree.”
A question then dawned on him, and Reggie beat him to it.
“When did he do all of this? He hasn’t seen Harry since his parents were alive. Harry would need to be present for these to be placed correct?”
“We will have to see during the tests, but most likely he did them before that night.”
A pounding had started in his head. He is so confused. How could he have known to do it if Voldemort hadn’t tried to kill him yet? He didn’t understand any of this. There is so much anger and sadness coursing through him, and he doesn’t really have anything to aim it at except the idea of Albus Dumbledore, the man who has ruined everything for him and the people he loves most.
“Now, Mr. Potter, do you aim to make Mr. Black here your guardian, as your current one is incapable of doing so? This would mean he would be in charge of your financials and eligible to take up your seats in the Wizengamot.”
Harry nods. “Yes, I want to make Reggie in charge.”
“Very well. Additionally, while you are completely the rituals, is there anything from your vault you want me to bring up?”
“I don’t know what's in them, so I don’t know.”
Regulus steps closer to him, puts a hand on his shoulder, and announces, “We will come back very soon and go down there and visit. For now, just bring his Heirship ring, and we will establish credit. I would also like to lock Albus Dumbledore out of all of his accounts. I will take care of taking over the seats in the future. Thank you.”
“Understood. Now Mr. Potter if you would follow me. We will perform the ritual now.” Harry moves to follow him, but the grip on his shoulder tightens, and he looks back up.
“I’ll be okay, Reggie. Besides, when I return, I’ll be more me than ever, right?” Reggie’s face holds so much emotion that he can’t read it all.
“Be careful.” and he lets him go.
It would all be okay.