Unveiled
Plans are meant to fail; that’s why people make backup plans, right? Regulus has always been aware of Albus Dumbledore's manipulations and blind belief in a morality he didn’t possess; however, what has been done to Harry is beyond anything he imagined. He has always suspected the thieving of Harry’s funds; while annoying, it is really of no consequence to Harry personally as he has enough sources of income to last him hundreds of lives. But the magic siphoning, along with the dampening of what he didn’t take, well, that. That is his death sentence.
“Mr. Gorlac, how is it that Dumbledore is allowed and able to get into Harry’s vault?”
“He has the key Sir.” Gorlac answers as though it should be obvious.
“But Harry’s guardianship as well as his financials were given to Sirius Black were they not?” James could not have been stupid enough to give it to that man. He is sure of it. Gorlac nods.
“If I remember the will well enough, yes, the key and all abilities to access the vaults were given to Mr. Black before the Potters died.” a spark of hope. If Dumbledore stole the key, they can prove it with Sirius’ memories after his trial and add it to the evidence against Dumbledore. “However, Mr. Black, the Potters’ will does involve Albus Dumbledore.” Gorlac flicks his wrist, and a piece of parchment appears before Regulus; he looks down and reads.
Here lies the last will and testament of Lord James Fleamont Potter and Lady Lily Jean Potter of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. To Harry, our dearest and darling boy, we are so very sorry to have left you in this world too soon. We both love you-
Regulus stops.
This. This belongs to Harry. For whenever he decides he's ready. Skimming down, he finds the address to Sirius.
To Sirius Orion Black, As Harry's Godfather and legal guardian, should we be unable to care for him, we leave our assets under your charge; this includes our investments, properties, and finances, along with with the key to access our vault in case of emergency or discretion. This also applies to any heirships or assets Harry may come to possess until he is of age. Take care of our Son, as there is no one alive we trust more.
However, in case of emergency or unforeseen circumstances, we allow Harry to change his financial and title representative if he feels the need to do so. This will be under word and intent detection done by Mr. Rintor. If Harry deems and also wants another to take this position, we give him the ability to do so under Goblin Law and magic.
Thank you, Sirius, for everything you have given us and all you will provide our son. We love you.
Regulus scans the Rest of the document, trying to ignore the tears trying to form in his eyes.
"There is no mention of Albus Dumbledore in this will."
"Not in the will, Mr. Black." He looks up in confusion. "But involved with the will." Gorlac's finger moves down the page to a concise list of names responsible for sealing the document; well, really, it is a list of just one person with many names.
Sealed on November 1st, 1981, at 2:00 in the morning by one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.
Regulus is really beginning to truly hate the name.
"How was he able to seal this."
"We believe it was done while Dumbledore was still acting as the Potter's magical keeper for the fidelius charm they placed on one of their properties, Godric's Hollow."
Fucking Unbelievable.
This man had thought through all of it. Gaining the trust of Lily and James, then placing a target on their heads caused by a prophecy only he ever heard, sealing their will, doing nothing to help Sirius, stealing the key, and using the legend of the Boy-Who-Lived to secure his own place, all while depleting and siphoning that very same boy's magic from the time he was an infant.
He should have noticed. Why? Why did it take him so long to muster up any semblance of courage? Harry has been suffering, drained for years of his magic. A vital part of himself. What if there were side effects, irregularities later in life, or with his magic resulting from this?
How is he supposed to fix this? He calls himself Harry’s guardian but he can't even notice when there’s something wrong with his magic, one of the most important things to a wizard.
"Mr. Black," Regulus looks up from his shaking hands. "You should not blame yourself. Only very complicated magic or Goblin magic could have detected this level of tampering with Mr. Potter's magical core. There was no way for you to have known before this."
Regulus shakes his head.
"I should've brought him sooner. I should not have allowed myself to cower in hiding."
"We all do things out of fear," Rintor states, Regulus scoffs, "especially out of fear for the ones we love."
There is no mocking or pity in the Goblin's eyes, only honesty and maybe even the slightest bit of pain.
"what can I do to protect him?" Regulus' voice comes out strained.
"Mr. Black, I can not counsel you on matters unless they involve your inheritance and those you proxy." Regulus nods; he really is losing his shit today. "What I would recommend is you take up your seats on the Wizengamot as well as Mr. Potter's while also furthering your financial interests, which I will have the best options for by end of day, and finally, I recommend arming yourself against Albus Dumbledore." the intensity in which he says the last words sends chills down Regulus' back. "He is a dangerous man the wizarding world sees as a symbol of light, but you and I both know light and dark magic do not mean good and evil. The great denial of dark magic will lead to the wizarding world as we know its demise. You and Mr. Harry Potter both hold strong ties with the mother and together, you will endure. Of course, I tell you this from a purely financial standpoint as we do not want to have to lock up all that great revenue, of course."
Regulus smirks at the twinkle in his eyes.
“Of course. The Goblin Nation prides themselves on staying out of Wizards dealings other than in coin, after all.” Gorlac nods, but there is intent. Maybe an ally. Someone Regulus can trust in the future to help him. Within bounds, of course.
“Now Mr. Black, I know there is much to discuss and work through, but some can not be done until a later time. However, the financial situation and the properties associated with your Houses are, to be honest, rather lacking. May we see to those? Especially if you and Mr. Potter aim to claim one of your estates to live.”
“Yes, Mr. Gorlac. That would be best. Thank you.”
The anger and the fear will have to be saved for later. He needs a safe place for Harry, and then they can begin.
It has been almost two hours since Gorlac started talking, nearly two hours since Harry left, and Regulus is still listening to Gorlac talk about finances and investments. It’s possible he thought of every single thing possible while he’s been waiting. It feels like not a single stone has been left unturned.
“-Mr. Black, in regards to the summer home in southern France, I would say,” a loud click, or maybe it is just a normal volume click, but it is heaven to Regulus’ ears, especially when Harry walks through the door. Regulus stands and rushes over, grabbing Harry’s face and checking him over. Ignoring by pleas of embarrassment or ‘I’m fines.’ His messy black hair, darker skin, even more so because of the morning spent out in the sun, his eyes still the sparkling color green, maybe even more so now, it almost seems as if clouds have been lifted and now allow more stars to shine. Regulus’ eye catches on his scar; the daring thing laying across his forehead moving down slightly past his eye; it appears as a lightning strike across his right side; it always looks as if it just happened, but now it is even more so. It seems as if someone has been pulling at it for hours, re-opening it, and then closing it again.
“What happened to his scar? Why does it look worse?” Regulus turns towards Rintor, who has been whispering to his colleague.
Clearing his voice, Rintor begins, “Mr. Potter possesses an abnormally powerful magical core, given to him by his own power along with his connections to his other lineages, but something else is living within him. We can not tell you what it is-”
“Wh-” Regulus’ starts.
“For we do not know what it is. We have taken an example of its magical signature and will have our most trusted and most discreet curse breakers look into it. Along with this, we have removed any inhibitors and siphons on Mr. Potter’s core. Albus Dumbledore, the perpetrator of these spells, will no longer have access to his power. However, we recommend you continue with caution, Mr. Potter.” Harry stiffens. “The amount of latent magic within you was quite a lot, and your body is not used to it. You must give yourself time to adjust, especially because you have not begun to learn how to control your magic except in theory, I presume. With all of this, there is now nothing wrong or harmful within your body caused by Albus Dumbledore.”
“Will he know he no longer can access Harry’s power?” Regulus asks.
“Only if he tries to draw on it, and even then, it might be unlikely. It will continue to seem as though it lays dormant inside Dumbledore. It would take someone of great talent and dedication to fully sense their magical core and where the magic is coming from, and most light-wielders never learn, and so lack the capabilities to do so. For now, Mr. Potter, you should be safe from detection.” They both nod. There is relief, perhaps the first of the day. For now, Harry is as safe as he can be.
Harry takes a step away from Regulus. His hands fall from the boy's shoulders.
“Thank you, Mr. Rintor, Mr. Gorlac, and thank you to the Goblin Nation. You all have done a great service for me and for Reggie. I will not forget your kindness and helpfulness.” Harry bows towards the Goblins, who look a little slack-jawed if Regulus can believe it. This is probably the first time a wizard has bowed to them out of gratitude. Most wizards believe themselves above and the goblins unworthy of their awe and thanks. This boy is truly a wonder, a one-of-a-kind.
“I, too, would like to thank you and will soon be in touch about any further business. We will be back soon to visit the vaults. Thank you. Both of you for everything.” Regulus bows with Harry. He is truly an inspiration, his little sun.
“May your gold ever flow.”
“And may your sword always strike true.”
They don’t have anything to say at first as they both exited the office. Regulus keeps looking down at Harry. So much has happened, and so much more is going to happen. The weight of the world is starting to feel increasingly too heavy, even for two.
“Reggie?”
“Yes, darling?”
“Will we have our own home now?” Regulus stops and turns to Harry to look at him.
“Would you like that? To have your own home? No more moving?” He nods. “Very well. It's a good thing we have plenty to choose from now.”
Harry laughs, the high comforting sound washes be him, and Regulus will give anything to make sure it happens again and again and again.
“Which one did you pick, Reggie?”
“I think you’ll like it. It was always my favorite to visit when I was younger.” The sounds of laughter from years ago ring in his ears. The days of stargazing and flower-picking feel like they belong entirely to somebody else.
“Then I am sure it will be the best home ever.” Harry smiles up at him, slipping his hand into Regulus'.
“Yes. I think so too.”
They make their way to the entrance hall towards the exit when Regulus hears a familiar sound. A high-pitched, distinct, unforgettable sound rings through the air. Regulus freezes again.
“Regulus Arcturus Black, it really is you?”
They turn. And there she is, standing in all her rich and powerful glory. Her gown made of light blue silk, along with her elegant velvet black robes embossed with stars, and her hair tied up in a tight knot at the base of her neck. Narcissa Black or Malfoy now. His favorite cousin walks toward him all while shooting daggers into his head with her grey-blue eyes that match his own.
“I thought you were dead.”
He gulps. A small shadow appears behind her, a flash of pale hair.
“I was.”