The Last Will of The Potters
10:52 A.M. BST
Battle Magics Room, Department of Mysteries, London
2nd June, 1985.
Dhiraj Patel was waiting in his office for Albus Dumbledore. Why on earth would the Hogwarts headmaster want to visit him of all people was beyond him. As far as Dhiraj knew, Headmaster Dumbledore did not even know he existed. To specifically call for him through Gringotts was odd. He had two letters in his hand; one which Gringotts had sent him and the one Headmaster Dumbledore had sent him in reply of his request to choose the location and time of their meeting.
Flashback Scene Begin:
08:00 A.M. BST
Battle Magics Room, Department of Mysteries, London
2nd June, 1985.
In a room covered with pitch black walls with limited lighting, a man was moving and dodging spells as they came at him from an animated dummy. The dummy and the man were having an elemental battle.
Dhiraj casted, "Furor Ignis Condensatio! ". Four tigers in a bright orange flame erupted around him and charged towards the dummy. The dummy itself shouted, "Undam Aqua! " and a hemisphere of water formed around it and the tigers collided against the wall and were put out.
Slashing its wand, the dummy casted, "Testa Glacies! ". Ten shards of ice flew towards Dhiraj who started doding and breaking them. He dodged the first three, then the dummy slashed its wand and the remaining two shards went into a spiral motion closing in on Dhiraj with no place for him to dodge. He then sprung his wand up and casted, "Columna Terrae! " and a huge pillar of earth came up and stopped the ice shards.
He then jabbed his wand into the pillar and casted, "Resilio Terrae! ". The pillar shrunk into spheres of earth of size of basketballs that raced towards the dummy who arched it wand and casted, "Falx Aqua! ". The dummy casted scythes of water for every sphere of earth. While they were inteercepting the spheres, the dummy casted again, "Terebra Aqua! ". A drill made of water charged towards Dhiraj.
Dhiraj arched his wand and casted, "Illisus Fulgur! ". A beam of lightning charged out of his wand towards the dummy who casted, "Pario Inane!". The lightning reached near him and dissipated. Dhiraj thought, 'What? He created vacuum to intercept lightning? That's clever.' He was about to cast when an alarm went off in the room.
'The mailing ward went off. This only goes off when an outsider manages to send me a letter in the Department of Mysteries, let's see what it is', saying so, he proceeded to his mail box. Inside it was an envelope with the Gringotts seal on it.
'Gringotts? What do the goblins require of me?' Thinking so, he broke open the seal, took out the letter and a form and started reading the letter.
To,
Dhiraj Patel,
Dated: 02/06/1985
Greetings from Gringotts, wizard Patel. This is to inform that a person has reached us to contact you and we have provided him with a solution for the same for a small fee on our part. Kindly keep this letter as a validity of the use of our services concerning our mailing system. You may or may not provide us with a response to this letter, however, you must be able to produce this letter when it will be required.
The person trying to contact you is one Albus P.W.B. Dumbledore. Albus Dumbledore has requested an audience with you at the very earliest possible. He had not certified any other requirements on his part. You are free to choose the venue and time of your meeting, should you accept a meeting with him. If you want to use our meeting rooms with ensure privacy, you will see that we have attached an application form for the same. You can fill out the form and send it back to us.
With this, we conclude our business between us.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Gringotts
Dhiraj was confused. Why would Albus Dumbledore want to meet with him? Nevetheless, what he definitely knew was that Headmaster Dumbledore did not take things lightly and something must be really concerning that he decided to go to such lengths to have a meeting with him.
Hence employing common courtesy, he decided he would accept a meeting with Dumbledore. So he went to write a letter to Dumbledore.
Flashback Scene End.
Dhiraj had zoned out in his thoughts when an alarm went off. He sprang up to attention knowing Dumbledore has arrived. He went off to greet the headmaster.
"Hello Unspeakable Patel, I had wanted to talk to you about a matter. It is about the adoption of one Hadrian Potter. I wanted to know if Hadrian is facing any difficulties in the place where he resides and how Hadrian is doing. I had searched for him ever since the fateful night at Godric's Hollow but could not find even a trace of him in Britain. However the goblins have told me that custody has been given to you. So I wanted to meet you", said Dumbledore.
Dhiraj thought that why on earth would a headmaster of a school would want to know about Hadrian. Nevertheless, he gave an answer,"Hadrian is physically and mentally well, if that is your question, Headmaster Dumbledore. So far, he is not facing any difficulties save the ones he has in the classes he is taking. You and the goblins are right in the fact that custody has been given to me. If that will be all Headmaster?"
Dumbledore heard the only important word he considered in Dhiraj's reply. He asked, "Classes? He is going to a Muggle School?"
"No he is attending a magical school where mundane arts are taught suffiicient enough to make a good living in case the pass-out student decides to live in the non-magical world", answered Dhiraj.
Dumbledore was partly confused and partly concerned about the fact that Hadrian is in a magical school. 'There are no other magical schools in Britain other than Hogwarts. Has it been that there is one that managed to conceal its presence or maybe the fact that it teaches students from a young age and hence is not that well known? But that is not the crucial fact is it? Hadrian is receiving magical education? Just how much has he known till now and how will it affect my plans? I need Hadrian to be ignorant, but before that, I would have to bring Hadrian to me from wherever he is and guide him to be a hero of the Wizarding World.'
"There are no magical schools in Britain, Unspeakable Patel", stated Dumbledore.
"Whoever said Hadrian is in Britain?", stated Dhiraj in return.
'Hadrian is not in Britain? No wonder I could not find him. Now let me how I can get the custody from this man's grasp', thought Dumbledore.
"Unspeakable Patel, I know that as an Unspeakable, you are always busy with your work. For I have rarely seen any Unspeakable outside in Diagon Alley. I, for myself, do not think it is wise to handle the guardianship of Hadrian with one hand and your job on the other. I suggest transferring the guardianship to Lily's sister, Petunia Dursley, formerly Evans, who is a Muggle. I'm sure she will take care of Hadrian briliiantly because she is a housewife at home and is also a mother. Also, Hadrian is family to her. Added to the fact that Hadrian is in an outside place, don't you think it is better that Hadrian grows up close to his birth place?", asked Dumbledore.
Dhiraj looked at Dumbledore with a single raised eyebrow. While his mind was racing through thoughts. 'Dumbledore is asking custody to be transferred to a Non-Magical and that too to Petunia Dursley, the woman whose name I have heard on Lily's lips and she had no good words to say about her, although sometimes she would sympathise due to the fact Petunia's her older sister. Dumbledore wants Hadrian to be placed in a house where he is a perfect ingredient for jealousy and spite. But why? I can see he is trying to influence Hadrian's behaviour, no scratch that, he is attempting to mould Hadrian's behaviour. In the War, I have heard a fair few points about Dumbledore's short-comings and problems. This is one of them. Control. Dumbledore wants it. But he has come to cajole now, wearing a wise persona, to influence me. However, I have a promise to keep Dumbledore.'
"That will not be possible Headmaster. I had taken an Unbreakable Vow to train and protect Hadrian with the best of my abilities. By agreeing to your conditions, I will be shirking off my duties and breaking the Vow. Also Hadrian is behind powerful wards that dare I say cannot be broken even by the best of ward breakers and is in an atmosphere where he will grow to be a wonderful young wizard. And the fact that both Lord and Lady Potter entrusted their ward to me rather than anyone else consolidates my role as a guardian. So for the collective good for both Hadrian and me, I will decline the offer to transfer guardianship."
Dumbledore bristled inside. This was not going the way he wanted. He thought by sweet talking he could make Unspeakable Patel compliable. So back to underhanded tactics. He sighed. And then discreetly pointed a single finger at Dhiraj and spoke at the same time he hit him with a powerful wandless compulsion charm, "But I insist that the guardianship be transferred to Petunia. It would be for the Greater Good."
Dhiraj felt an intrusion, an aversion in his own mind. He localised the intrusion and decided to decipher and trace its magic. 'A compulsion? Dumbledore?! He attempted a Compulsion Charm on me for the guardianship? Well then Dumbledore, I will keep this in mind. For now I will keep low but firm in my decisions. You really should learn before antagonising someone.' He broke the compulsion and replied to Dumbledore.
"Well Headmaster, I insist back that the guardianship of Hadrian will not be transferred. Lord and Lady Potter allowed only me the guardianship and all those I approve. For now, Hadrian will be my ward. I hope you respect two dead person's wishes. Thank you for your time. I will take your leave", with that he pointed his hand towards the door.
Dumbledore stared stupidly. 'That did not work?! What kind of mental fortitude does he hold? Severus and I would have known if there are any Occlumens at that level. Even I genuinely believed that Unspeakables do not hold such power. I thought they only hold knowledge. This man is going to be a hindrance in my plans. But now, I cannot do anything since his claims are fully legal. I will wait for an opportunity to present itself.' And hence, dejectedly, Dumbledore walked out.
Dhiraj thought that Hadrian should be made aware of the wills and their contents before Dumbledore makes a move because they truly were now on the radar of Albus Dumbledore. He decided to talk to Hadrian after his shift in the Department of Mysteries end for the day.
02:00 P.M. BST
Gringotts Lounge, Gringotts
2nd June, 1985.
On the white marble floor of the magestic building of Gringotts, walked a little figure in tow with Unspeakable Patel. Hadrian Potter is walking on the soil of Britain in nearly four years. He felt a slight connection to this place. Maybe because of his mother and father being born and spending almost all of their life here? He would never know. But now is not the time to be thinking of such things. Māmā Dhiraj had asked him to hear the wills of the Potters. He also would get to know about his mother and father with this, however small it might be. So here he is, in the halls of Gringotts, walking up to the reception panel.
"Name and purpose for visiting Gringotts?", the goblin asked without looking up.
"Greetings, Broker Snapfist, may your rivers flow with the blood of your enemies. I am Hadrian James Potter, heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I, on request of my guardian, Dhiraj Patel, would like to read the wills of the late Lord and Lady Potter and would like a visit with the Potter Accounts Manager", spoke Hadrian in perfect Ghukliak.
The goblin was pleasantly surprised to see a young wizard such as he would take the time to learn their language . This elevated Hadrian's position in his eyes and the nearby goblins who heard Hadrian. He replied, "May your gold overflow your vaults, heir Potter. Kindly wait while we relay your message to Accountant Tarsaw." He then instructed a nearby goblin, "Guard Bloodtooth, please go to Accountant Tarsaw and tell him that heir Potter has arrived to hear the wills of the Potters."
After half an hour, the guard returned and said, "Accoutant Tarsaw has requested heir Potter to be taken to his office."
Nodding, Broker Snapfist appointed another guard, Guard Tnashik to accompany Hadrian along with Guard Bloodtooth. They traveled though a series of paths and finally reached their place. "Please touch the doors on the office", asked one of them.
Hadrian touched them and felt some sort of magic exmaining his magic. The other magic felt so similar, yet its intensity was far more huge than his own. After that, a soft blue glow emanated from the doors. The guards then opened them and asked him to enter.
02:20 P.M. BST
Potter Accounts Office, Gringotts
2nd June, 1985.
Hadrian entered and found Accountant Tarsaw seated in his chair. Behind him on the wall was a huge emblem. Hadrian surmised it probably was the Potter crest. A dragon going up spirally around a sword, and the family motto beneath "Audacis Fortuna Iuvat " meaning "Fortune Favours The Bold".
He looked up to Accountant Tarsaw and spoke, "Greetings, Accountant Tarsaw, may your challenges flee from the wrath of your determination. I would like to see the will of my parents."
Accountant Tarsaw looked up to Hadrian and had a small grin on his face. 'He already knows goblin greetings and is creative in his sentences. Also he speaks in fluent Ghukliak. I can see that heir Potter would rise to be quite one of the important icons in the political sphere.' Breaking out of his thoughts, he said, "Greetings Heir Potter, may your enemies tremble in sight of your sword. I will diclose the wills right away." Saying that, he waved his wand and two rolls of parchment along with two boxes flew onto his desk and laid out in front of Hadrian.
Hadrian first took his father's will and read:
Dated: 31/10/1981
This is the last will of James Fleamont Potter, Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I declare that I am of sound body and mind when I am writing this will.
First and foremost, I as Lord Potter appoint Dhiraj Patel to be the guardian of my son, Hadrian James Potter. To help fulfil his duty as a guardian, I leave behind 900,000 Galleons in the Trust Vault of Hadrian James Potter, whose vault key is to remain with only Dhiraj Patel and Hadrian James Potter. Should Dhiraj Patel be unable to do so, I request the guardianship to be given to the person mentioned below in order, in case of the precedent being unable to take up the guardianship.
Sirius Orion Black
Remus John Lupin
Frank C.J. Longbottom and Alice Longbottom
Andromeda Tonks née Black and Theodore Tonks
Second, I as Lord Potter hereby declare all other forms of guardianship, whether ministerial or personal, intentional or otherwise, as null and void.
Third, I will reveal a sensitive information about our situation in the War. Due to an unavoidable reason, we are going into hiding by use of a fidelius charm. The secret keeper of the charm was initially selected to be Sirius Orion Black, but will be switched to Peter Pettigrew. Should this will be read before Hadrian James Potter reaches the age of seventeen, this would mean we have been betrayed. I hope immediate actions would be taken against Peter Pettigrew for the same.
Fourth, I appoint Sirius Black as sworn Godfather and Alice Longbottom as sworn Godmother to Hadrian James Potter.
To Sirius Orion Black, I leave behind 900,000 Galleons, in case, he takes over Hadrian's guardianship and an additional 1,000,000 Galleons for his loyalty towards me as a friend.
To Remus John Lupin, I leave behind 900,000 Galleons, in case, he takes over Hadrian's guardianship and an additional 1,000,000 Galleons for his wisdom he provided me in my years at Hogwarts and to always be the voice of reason besides my wife, Lily Evans Potter, whenever I had been impulsive.
To all others, I leave behind 900,000 Galleons, should they take over Hadrian's guardianship.
Finally, to Hadrian James Potter, I leave behind all my possessions and assets of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter for his to use. I know Hadrian that you will grow up into a wonderful wizard and will triumph over all the difficulties life throws you in. No matter what you do son, we will always love you and will be in your heart forever. I also leave behind my set of memories of the time we have spent with you when you were a baby.
With this I conclude my will.
So mote it be.
Hadrian had tears in his eyes by the time he reached the end of the will. He controlled his emotions and reached for his mother's will.
Dated: 31/10/1981
This is the last will of Lily Evans Potter, Lady of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I declare that I am of sound body and mind when I am writing this will.
First and foremost, I as Lady Potter appoint Dhiraj Patel to be the guardian of my son, Hadrian James Potter. Should Dhiraj Patel be unable to do so, I request the guardianship to be given to the person mentioned below in order, in case of the precedent being unable to take up the guardianship.
Sirius Orion Black
Remus John Lupin
Frank C.J. Longbottom and Alice Longbottom
Andromeda Tonks née Black and Theodore Tonks
Second, I as Lady Potter hereby declare all forms of marriage contracts, unless made before the activation of this will and/or unbreakable, as null and void. The subsequent contracts created after Hadrian reads this will or the breakable contracts made before this will, will be solely at his discretion.
Third, I will reveal a sensitive information about our situation in the War. Due to an unavoidable reason, we are going into hiding by use of a fidelius charm. The secret keeper of the charm was initially selected to be Sirius Orion Black, but will be switched to Peter Pettigrew. Should this will be read before Hadrian James Potter reaches the age of seventeen, this would mean we have been betrayed. I hope immediate actions would be taken against Peter Pettigrew for the same.
Fourth, I appoint Sirius Black as sworn Godfather and Alice Longbottom as sworn Godmother to Hadrian James Potter.
Lastly, to Hadrian James Potter, I leave behind all my possessions and assets of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. Aside from what your father said, please keep yourself safe and find someone who will be with you at all times like your father and me. I also leave behind my set of memories of the time we have spent with you when you were a baby. Love you son.
With this, I conclude my will.
So mote it be.
Hadrian was unable to control his tears now. His parents had left behind memories! Their memories with him! This further consolidated the love he felt for his parents.
However now was not the time for this. He would see and cherish their memories at some other time. Now was the time for bringing justice to Sirius Black, his Godfather who was wrongly imprisoned in Azkaban. Māmā Dhiraj had told about the supposed betrayal when he came to learn about it.
They would have to talk about this to the present head of DMLE. Taking their leave, Hadrian and Dhiraj went to the Leaky Cauldron to rent a room for the night. Tomorrow morning, they would start taking measures for proving Sirius' innocence.