"Merlin, this is going to be so fun"
"Pops, this place is massive. I don't think I have seen a place this big outside of books," Teddy said as they stood just inside the gates to the massive property. It was a castle that's for sure but it wasn't as big as Hogwarts. It was also far bigger than Malfoy Manor or even Potter Manor could hope to be. Teddy had never seen any of those places though. Teddy had basically only ever seen Andy's home and then Grimmauld Place. Harry often forgot that Teddy was very isolated from the world because of the way that it was. Harry swore he would never have to live that way again.
"Yeah, Kid. It is pretty massive. Not as big as Hogwarts mind you but it is pretty massive. It is definitely going to impress. Now, what do you say we head inside. We have a lot to accomplish before we can rest," Harry stated and then they strode together up the pathway to the massive front door. Before he could reach to open it, the door swung open on its own, and a house elf in a black silk pillowcase with the Gryffindor crest on it.
"Welcome home, Master Gryffindor and Young Master Gryffindor. We have been waiting a long time for you," The little elf waved them inside. Once again Harry was shocked at how well-spoken the elf was. So apparently not all House-elves had bad language skills. Harry and Teddy stepped into the house and the doors closed behind them. The elf was quiet for a moment to let the two of them take in the entryway they had stepped into. It was massive and decorated beautifully. Axeclaw had been right the house was very well maintained and didn't look at all like it had not been in use for centuries.
"The place looks amazing. You all have done a magnificent job in maintaining it," Harry said to the little elf who stood just a little taller with pride. "I have a list of elves that are employed here from the bank but I was told that it might not be accurate. Would you look at it and adjust it accordingly for me?"
"I would be very happy to, Master Gryffindor," The house elf stated and took the parchment that Harry held out it. She snapped her fingers and Harry saw names and positions as well as the number adjust accordingly. Then she handed it back. Harry looked it over and counted. Twenty, there were twenty elves employed at the castle.
"While I am Master Gryffindor, I am not using that name. I have many Titles and my son and I are using Peverell as our surname. But please call me Hadrian and this is Teddy. This is double the amount I had been told about. How is that possible if there has been no master to bind them?" Harry asked curiously.
"There have been two of the older elves that passed on to the next world since our last master. The other new names on the list are children of the elves who are still employed here. They are not bound to the house but have stayed anyway because they are our children. It will be your decision, Master if they are allowed to stay or must find a new family to serve. I am Tandy. I am the head elf of Gryffindor Castle," The elf introduced herself.
"Thank you, for helping Tandy. Are all of the positions that the elves are in necessary positions?" Harry asked. He wanted to know if they were given duties just because they were there or if they were truly doing things that were productive.
"Most of them are doing necessary jobs, Master. There are only three that were given positions just to keep them here. But now that there are new Masters in the house there will be a need for them. I can show you how they will need to be shifted around if it pleases you, Master," Tandy explained.
"Thank you for your honesty, Tandy. Is there currently food or tea in the house?" He asked that would be the first thing on their agenda.
"There is nothing in the kitchens that Masters should eat. I can send someone to the market to stock the kitchens again. Will it only be the two of you?" Tandy asked.
"For now. But you will be informed before another moves into the home. There will be at least three more hopefully in the near future. For now, though let us discuss the list and positions then we will summon the elves.
"Yes, Master. If you will follow me, I will show you to the closest sitting room," Tandy said and then led them down the hall only a short distance to a beautifully furnished and decorated sitting room.
"This place is unreal, Pops," Teddy said with a grin. He was literally vibrating with repressed energy. Harry chuckled.
"Why don't you go exploring while I do this? I can manage it on my own I will give you the finished list so that you know which elves are responsible for what in the house," Harry suggested to the excited teen. Harry swore if he had a tail it would be wagging. Teddy hugged him tightly in thanks and then took off out of the room. Harry sat down as Tandy lit the fire and then the two of them sat down to discuss the elves and duties to see where adjustments or cuts needed to be made.
When they had finally finished, they had managed to keep all twenty elves. It was a large castle and with people finally moving in and planning to host parties and gatherings he would need them for proper guest coverage. Harry figured he would need to do the same thing at each property that he owned to make sure that there were not too many elves in attendance in homes that were not being used.
"Alright, Tandy. Please gather the elves so that we can do the binding," Harry said after about thirty minutes. Tandy popped away and when she returned she was accompanied by nineteen other elves. One by one he bound them to the family and gave them their official jobs most of them had already been doing those jobs but now it would be official.
"Do you Tandy agree to bind yourself in magic to the House of Gryffindor for all of your days? To take the mantel of Head Elf? Until you are dead or released from duty?" Harry asked speaking the official binding words. He held out his hand and the small elf grasped his hand.
"Tandy agrees to take on the mantel of Head Elf and to serve the House of Gryffindor for all her days or until released from service," She snapped her fingers and Harry felt when the bond snapped into place. He repeated the process with each of the elves. Harry looked over the list again before he copied it for Teddy.
List of House Elves and Positions
Tandy (Female) - Head Elf
Goldy (Female) - Kitchen Head
Lonpy (Male) - Kitchen Assistant
Codby (Male) - 1st and 2nd Floor Cleaning
Jibly (Female) - 3rd and 4th Floor Cleaning
Hodrey (Male) - 5th and 6th Floor Cleaning
Cipky (Female) - Laundry Head
Nipsy (Female) - Laundry Assistant
Mardy (Male) - Garden Head
Jodby (Male) - Greenhouse Head
Barney (Male) - Lawn Head
Sandy (Female) - Lawn Assistant
Rindy (Male) - Lawn Assistant
Vippy (Female) - Library
Dodky (Male) - Harry's Personal Elf
Vakney (Male) - Teddy's Person Elf
Jimly (Female) - Personal Elf/Shopping
Tessy (Female) - Personal Elf/Garden Assistant
Fobry (Male) - Personal Elf/Greenhouse Assistant
Looky (Male) - Personal Elf/Lawn Assistant
He knew that most of them were flexible and would be available to cook and serve when the time came to be a proper host. He had also been assured by Tandy that quite a few of them had also trained to be proper nannies. For when he was ready to find a mate and have another child. Harry had flushed a bit at that though. He was both embarrassed and a bit excited about that thought. Though there would be no talk or plans of children until after things had been settled to either avoid the war or win it.
Once they were done with the binding, Tandy and a few of the other elves had left the house to do quite a bit of shopping. They apparently wanted to replace all of the linen in the castle and update some of the outdated furniture and linens like the curtains. They wanted him to be ready to host a party next month if that is what he desired. Which he was actually planning on doing so that was a good thing. It was currently the beginning of July and he wanted to host a ball next month, before school started back that would include all of the current Lords and Ladies as well as their heirs. Important Ministry officials and a majority of those who sat on the Wizengamot.
Harry wanted to make sure that he and Teddy had a proper pureblood introduction into Wixen society. He had a plan, and he was going to follow it as closely as he could. He looked over the blueprints of the house and made his way up to the office that was designated for the Lord of the House. It was a massive office with a large desk. Shelves of books covered one whole wall and then there was a very large fireplace that had glass-covered shelves on either side that held many knick-knacks and what Harry assumed were family heirlooms. Hanging over the mantle was a massive portrait of who Harry assumed with Godric Gryffindor. On an opposite wall, hanging over a small sitting area was a massive blueprint of Hogwarts. Probably from when it was first being built and designed.
"It has been a long time since someone occupied this home," The portrait said with a smile. "Tell me about you."
"I am Duke Hadrian Mors Peverell. My son and I are the last of your Noble line. We only just claimed our titles and chose your home to reside in. I went to Hogwarts and was sorted Gryffindor. If my son had gone, I am pretty sure he would have been a Hufflepuff. I am here to take Magical Britain by storm and right many wrongs before they can happen. I am here to be a champion of Creature Kind in the Wixen world. I am a Drake just like you," Harry said proudly.
"You look like you have seen many battles, Son. You look like a warrior worthy of being my heir," Godric said just as proudly. Harry bowed his head.
"I have seen many battles. I am sure I will see many more before I have accomplished my goals," Harry insisted. Just then Teddy burst into the grinning. He launched himself at Harry who braced himself and caught the excited werewolf.
"Pops, this place is amazing. There is a massive garden that has like every kind of ingredient you will want for your potions. The greenhouses have the prettiest plants in them. There is a Potion lab in the basement that is ten times bigger than the one back home. You are going to love the library and your room. Best of all, there is a huge dueling room on the third floor...." Teddy prattled on and Harry just let him. Godric chuckled and Teddy stopped and turned toward the portrait smiling brightly.
"Hufflepuff indeed," Godric said with what Harry could only describe as fondness. "I am Godric the founder of Gryffindor."
"I am Teddy. Pops always said I would have definitely been sorted Hufflepuff. It is nice to meet you," Teddy said just as excitedly. He wiggled for Harry to let him go. "Are you going to be a bit busy for a while?"
"Yeah, Kid. I gotta get our wardrobes settled and start getting things ready for us to properly fit in here. I have to arrange tutors to make sure you are ready to take your NEWTS. I need to arrange for etiquette lessons for both of us. We do not want to make fools of ourselves. As Lord Gryffindor and Slytherin, I was thinking about insinuating myself onto the board of governors. Plus, I need to catch up on all current events in the Wizengamot. There is a lot to prepare for. I mean I know proper Wizengamot protocol, but it never hurts to brush up. On top of all of that I am going to be preparing to host a ball next month to serve as our official introduction," Harry listed off.
"Glad you have to deal with all of that instead of me. Good luck with that, Pops. I am going to keep exploring and pick a room," Teddy said with a cheeky grin. Harry held out the parchment he had written out earlier.
"The list of house elves and their duties so that you know who to call on for what. I would suggest calling on your personal elf rather soon so that the two of you can become acquainted. He is bound to the House of Gryffindor, but he needs to be bound to your personally. I wrote the words on the paper for you so that you don't forget. You have today to slack off. Tomorrow you will have fittings and other things to be present for hopefully. Enjoy your free time," Harry told him. "Oh, and Teddy make sure your room is on the same floor as the master suite. I am sure there is a room that is already designated as the Heir's Room. Find it first and see if you like it."
"You got it, Pops. See you later," Teddy said and dashed back out of the room.
"That is quite the load of work," Godric commented. Harry nodded with a sigh and sat down at the desk. He opened the drawers to find that the desk was fully stocked with parchment, ink, and quills.
"Yeah, I have a lot that needs to be handled in a very short amount of time," Harry agreed and then pulled out the folder that he had gotten from the goblins. It was time to start preparing. His first letter was to a very expensive and popular seamstress. Axeclaw said that she didn't own a shop because she was the wife of a prominent pureblood family and she worked from home. She mainly only took work from those of high status. Harry figured he qualified.
Dear Lady Shafiq,
My name is Duke Hadrian Peverell. I am returning to Britain and find that I am in need of a proper wardrobe befitting my station. Money is not an issue. I was told that you are the best Lady for the job that I need doing. That you only take commissions from the highborn of society. This is what I am looking for. High-quality material and the latest fashions. My son and I will need a full wardrobe from the ground up. I would like to meet with you at your earliest convenience for fittings and a full discussion of what I am looking for. Thank you for your time. I do hope you accept my commission.
Deepest regards,
Duke Hadrian Mors Peverell-Gryffindor-Slytherin-Gaunt-Sayre
Harry looked down at his signature and snorted it was quite the mouthful he was glad that he was not required to actually use his full title all of the time. He was using it now to get what he wanted. He was not above using his status to get people to do what he wanted. The next thing he did was pen four letters to the top four tutors on the list that the goblins had given him. These were the four most qualified to get Teddy prepared to take his NEWTS. Harry and the creatures that had come and gone from Grimmauld had all educated Teddy as much as they could Harry had made sure to get all of the current book lists for each year and required Teddy to spend at least half of every day in the study doing school work.
He was pretty sure that Teddy would just need brushing up to get where he needed to be. The next letters he sent out were for tutors for himself as well as Teddy. They would need proper help on what was expected of them as five times named title holders. Harry had hired someone before to help him navigate the world of Lords and Politics a few decades back but it had been someone that Hermione had chosen, and he didn't trust her judgment at all. As for the other Wizengamot and School board things he was hoping to acquaint himself with Lucius properly and let the man be his guide. He figured that would give him the perfect opportunity to start truly getting to know his mate. Lucius would be his ticket to Severus and Tom.
"Dodky," Harry called for his personal elf. The elf popped in moments later and bowed low.
"Master Hadrian has called?" Dodky asked. "What can Dodky do for, Master?" Harry held out the many letters.
"I need these owled out. I know we have an owlery, do we own any owls?" Harry asked. Dodky nodded.
"Yes, Master. There are currently ten owls in the Owlery. Though only six are trained properly. The other four are hatchlings. Dodky would suggest selling them to an Owl Handler so that they can be properly trained before they are too old," Dodky suggested.
"That is a very good idea. Send the letter addressed to Lady Shafiq alone with our fastest owl as it is the most important. Then split the other letters up between the remaining five. I will look into Handlers for the other four owls," Harry instructed.
"It will be done as you say, Master. Tandy and the others are back from the shopping and Dodky will be making sure that the Master's room is ready for Master to make use of it this evening. Also, Goldy wants Master to know that Dinner will be ready at six in the family dining room," Dodky informed Harry.
"Thank you, Dodky. I appreciate all of the quick work you are all putting in to make sure our home is ready for use. If there is nothing else you may go," Harry dismissed the small elf. Dodky shook his head no and then popped away. Moments later a tray with tea and snacks appeared on the table near the fire. Harry decided that now was as good a time as any to relax a bit and read over the book that Lady Death had given him until it was time for dinner.
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Albus was sitting in his office at the school when suddenly his little device that was connected to Harry began to sound an alarm. He jumped from his desk and pulled it from the shelf. There must be some kind of issue with the charm. There was no way that it was reading correctly. He silenced the alarm and placed the trinket on his desk. Then he threw floo powder into his fire.
"What can I do for you, Albus?" Severus asked as Albus stuck his head into the flames.
"Unfortunately, I have need of you, Severus. Will you please step through?" Albus asked. Though they both knew it wasn't a request. Severus knew better than to refuse him.
"Of course. I was brewing but I can put it under stasis. Give me five minutes, Albus," Severus stated. Albus nodded pulled back out of the flames and returned to his desk. Not even five minutes later Severus swept into the room and took the seat across from the Headmaster.
"As you know, I have devices that monitor Mr. Potter and the blood wards around his house. This is so that I can ensure his continued good health while he is hidden away in the muggle world. Minutes ago, those devices showed something concerning. This shows that Harry's heart has stopped, and this one shows the blood wards dissipating. I am sure that it is only a fluke or weakening of the charm, but I would feel much better if you would take the time now to check on the boy and make sure that he is truly fine," Albus requested with his twinkling eye. Once again, they both knew it was not a request, but an order. Severus sighed and glowered at him.
"Is it not enough that I have to suffer his presence during the school year but now you are asking that I see to him during the summer? Couldn't you send Arthur? His boy is the brat's best friend. I am sure that he would be more than happy to go. The damnable boy has probably done something stupid that has disrupted your charms. I am sure that he is fine," Severus snapped out. He didn't want to spend any more time around James Potter's spawn than he had to. Albus just 'tsked' and shook his head sadly.
"I had hoped that your opinion of the boy would change through the year. He is a good boy, Severus. I am asking you to go because you are the one who has given a vow to keep him safe. This is not something I want to cause panic over and you are most suited to handling the situation whatever it may turn out to be. You are the best choice, My Boy. It must be you," Albus insisted. Severus sighed again. Albus didn't want the Weasleys anywhere near the Dursley's home. Albus knew exactly what went on in that house. He had turned a blind eye to it for a decade. This was the best option for the greater good. He knew Severus, because of his hatred would also turn a blind eye to the abuse because he would see it as retribution for the way that James had treated him.
"Fine. I will go. Give me the coordinates," Severus grumbled. He knew he would end up going but it was worth a try to see if Albus would consider anyone else. Severus took the paper that was handed to him and then headed to his private room to change into a set of muggle clothes. He didn't want to draw attention to himself. Once he was changed into a pair of black slacks and a black button-down shirt, he pulled his hair back into a low ponytail and then headed out of the gates to the apparition area.
He arrived in a boring neighborhood with rows of identical houses. It was still just before lunch when he walked up the stairs and knocked on the door to number four. He was surprised and then enraged to see who answered the door. The woman was smiling until she realized who was at her door and sneered at him.
"What are you doing here, Freak?" She nearly spat out. Severus just sneered right back.
"Hello, Tuney. I am here to check on your nephew. Show him to me so that I can ensure that he has not met his end so that I may go," Severus said hatefully. He did not want to be around this woman. Albus and others were wrong about his relationship with Lily. He had never loved Lily as more than a friend. She had been his best friend in the world, but Severus was not interested in women, so it had never gone beyond that. It was a fight the two of them had a few times. She had wanted him to be her boyfriend and he had refused many times. Finally, she had given up and chosen the one person that Severus had hated the most. He was still pretty sure she had only dated James Potter to spite him.
"You are not welcome here. I don't have to show you anything or allow you into my home," Petunia said making sure that she was blocking his path into the house. Severus glared at her.
"You will show me the boy, or I will curse you so badly that your husband and child will never recognize you. Do you understand me, Tuney? I am not a boy afraid to break the rules. I am a grown man with the power to get what I want," Severus promised her darkly. He grinned when her face paled, and she stepped aside. She shut the door behind him and then led him up the stairs. Severus frowned when he saw not one picture of Harry around the house. His frown deepened when Petunia pulled out a ring of keys and headed for a door that had six locks on it and a cat flap at the bottom.
"Is the boy in that room?" Severus growled out. Petunia nodded but did not look afraid or guilty.
"We told that headmaster that we didn't want the freak child in this home around our perfect normal family. But he didn't listen. The boy is disturbed and dangerous. We don't want him infecting our home with his oddness. We never wanted him," Petunia said firmly. Still, there was no sign of guilt or a lie of any sort. Merlin, what had these people done to the child? Albus has sworn that he was in a loving home. That he was being spoiled and cared for by good people. This was definitely not that. Severus seethed in anger as he waited for Petunia to finish unlocking the door. Severus was rethinking every interaction he had ever had with the boy.
When she finally opened the door Severus gasped in horror. The boy was lying on the floor in a pile of cooled congealed blood. It was obvious that it had been there for a while. His too-thin body was unmoving. Severus was afraid to touch him. Afraid that his body would be cold underneath all of the lacerations, bruises, and scars. This was not a spoil, loved child. This was a badly beaten, starved, and broken boy. Severus finally moved and knelt down next to Harry and confirmed what he had seen with his eyes. There was no breath in his body. No pulse present at his pulse points. No life in his open unseeing eyes. He cast a spell to confirm and then bowed his head in shame and regret. He had failed Lily again.
Harry Potter was dead. He had never made it to his twelfth birthday. His young life was over before it had even begun. He pulled the dirty sheet off of the rotted mattress and covered the body. He took a deep breath and turned dull eyes up to the horrible woman who was standing in the doorway with a look that Severus hated. It was not shame, or regret. It was not horror at what had been done. It was not devastation caused by the death of her nephew. No, she looked unbothered and nonchalant. As if the death of her only nephew meant nothing. It was just a bother to have to deal with. Then she confirmed it.
"Get it out of my home. We are happy to finally be rid of him. If your headmaster had listened to us ten years ago this wouldn't have happened. I have to prepare dinner for my family," With those spiteful, unbothered words, Petunia turned and headed back downstairs. Severus was shocked. How could someone be so callous and cruel? What had Albus been thinking by leaving the boy here? Severus knew for a fact that Albus knew how awful of a person Lily's sister was. He had been present for many conversations that Lily herself had with the headmaster back when they were in school. He also knew that there was a whole list of people, himself included that had been chosen as guardians for her son. Petunia was not on that list.
Severus sent a message to Albus with his patronus and sat on the floor in the hall and waited. While he waited, he thought back. He realized that he had ignored so many obvious signs of abuse because of his resentment. He recalled seeing the boy flinch at raised voices or when anyone, including his friends, touched him. He didn't hug people or touch others. He overate at meals and hid food for later. All signs of beatings and starvation. He realized that in all of the instances that he had accused the boy of arrogance, he had been missing the signs. The boy was trying to hide behind a mask so that no one would know the truth about the way he was raised.
The boy wore shoes with holes in them and his casual clothes were all worn and three sizes too big. Lily's child had suffered for a decade and Severus had refused to see the signs. He had ignored the boy and all of the signs because it allowed him to take out his anger and resentment at James on him. How could he have failed the boy so badly? Somehow this was all Albus' fault. He was a manipulative old bastard and treated everyone around him like a pawn to be sacrificed in his game of war. Severus' vow ended the moment that the boy's heart stopped beating. He was free of his obligation to Albus and his order. Albus had failed both people that Severus had begged him to save. Both of them were dead and Severus felt no loyalty or need to serve the one who had failed them.
He stood when he heard the front door bang open. Severus called for Albus when he stepped into the house followed by two Aurors. So, he wasn't going to hide the boy's death. Severus was surprised. Albus was up the stairs first and vanished the locks and flap from the door as well as the bars from the window. He changed the room with a wave of his hand so that it looked like a proper room. So, he was going to cover up his mistakes in this. Severus said nothing and just stepped to the side as the Aurors stepped into the room.
"I will leave the two of you to your investigation. I am going to go and speak to his poor aunt," Albus said with sadness in his voice. Severus didn't believe him for a moment. It was all a show for the Aurors. Albus disappeared down the stairs as Severus answered questions from the Aurors as vaguely as possible. He didn't know what storyline the old bastard had decided to go with. Albus returned upstairs a few minutes later with a heartbroken look on his face.
"It was Death Eaters, I am afraid. Based on what Petunia has described. There was a knock at the door and when she answered masked men forced their way into the home. They tied her up and left her downstairs and she heard screaming and commotion up here and then the screaming stopped, and they untied her and left. She ran up to check on the poor boy and apparently was in shock and wasn't thinking properly enough to make a call for help. When she did finally snap out of it, she called Severus. He is a childhood friend of Lily Potter. Then when he arrived, he called for me," Albus spun his web of lies.
"This is devastating, Headmaster. The poor boy was so young. He was the Boy Who Lived, he should have had more protection than one muggle woman," The Auror accused.
"I am afraid you are right. I thought he was hidden and that no one would be able to find him. His unfortunate and devastating murder is my failure to bear. I have failed him," Albus said softly, and Severus had to fight not to roll his eyes when a tear actually slid down his face. Severus saw how quickly the Aurors fell for his grandfatherly old man act. He just stood to the side and let them do their job. Harry's body was wrapped and then transferred to the morgue at St. Mungos. Severus of course was required to join Albus in his office.
What was the old man up to now?
"It is time to call an Order Meeting. Truths must be told, and the board must be reset. We cannot let this unfortunate situation ruin all of our good work. We still must prepare for the return of Voldemort," Albus said. Then he sent off his patronus and they waited. This was going to be a long and exhausting day of listening to the master manipulator weave a web of lies so intricate and confusing that no one would dare doubt him. Twenty minutes later the order began to arrive.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I have truly sad and unfortunate news to share with all of you. And afterward, I must reveal an untruth that you have been told. This is a sad day for us indeed," Albus sat behind his desk and said those solemn words as he looked at those gathered in his office. Severus was standing in a corner at the back of the room. He wanted to stay out of all of this as much as possible.
Albus was giving quite the performance, he was appropriately sad and had everyone hanging on to his every word.
"What has happened, Headmaster?" Molly spoke up when Albus paused. It was what he had been waiting for. Albus looked at her with terribly sad eyes.
"Earlier this evening, Severus received a call from an old childhood friend of his. When he investigated the frantic call, he learned that Death Eaters had found the protected and hidden home of Harry Potter," Albus paused as there were gasps of horror and a few shouted questions of what happened.
"Is Mr. Potter, OK, Albus?" Minerva demanded. She apparently had as little tolerance for his theatrics as Severus did.
"No, Minerva. I am afraid he is not. There was nothing his poor aunt could do to defend the home. It was supposed to be protected by blood wards. The Death Eaters invaded their home and brutally beat Harry to death before taunting her with his death and leaving again. They didn't even use magic that could be traced to them," Albus said remorsefully and hung his head as he allowed another tear to trail down his cheek for the benefit of those in the room. Severus looked to see many different reactions.
Molly and Minerva were openly weeping. Arthur and a few others looked terribly sad. Then there were those like Moody that looked ready to murder someone. Severus had to give it to the old man. He sure did know how to push all of the right buttons. Albus allowed them their moments to grieve the loss of Harry. Finally, the silence was broken.
"What does that mean for the rest of us and the return of you know who?" Diggle asked. Albus lifted his head and seemed to visibly shed his sadness. Now he looked regretful and shamefaced.
"I am ashamed and a bit happy to reveal to you a deception on my part. It was done just in case something like this very thing happened. I was hoping that it would never be necessary but unfortunately, it has proven that I was right to make the choice that I did," Albus informed those in the room. Severus perked up now. This right here was when Albus started to weave his web of lies.
"What have you done, Albus?" Moody asked in his gruff angry voice.
"I am afraid that I lied to everyone. As you all know two children fit the description of the child of the prophecy. We sent two families into hiding and two families were attacked that horrible Halloween night. The Potters and The Longbottoms. You see the Potters were not the family attacked and chosen by Voldemort. Harry was a half-blood, and he didn't deem him worthy of his time. The Lestranges were responsible for the torture and death of the Potter family. The scar on his head was not from the killing curse but where Bellatrix cut him before they left them all to die," Albus wove his tale of misdirection like a pro.
Which Severus guessed he was. The others in the room hung on to his every word as if their very lives depended on it. And I guess to them it probably did. They were hoping he was going to tell them that all wasn't lost. That the boy who lived hadn't died. That there was still hope for them all.
"Voldemort chose young Neville. He tortured Alice and Frank so badly it drove them insane. As you all know they currently reside in St. Mungos in the Janus Thickey Ward. Young Neville is the true Boy Who Lived. It was Neville who survived the killing curse from Voldemort. Neville who defeated The Dark Lord that night. I decided that he needed to be kept safe. That his identity must be kept secret for his own safety and for the greater good. So, I made a plan to let the world believe that Harry was the Chosen One so that Neville, our one true hope of surviving when Voldemort rises again, had another layer of protection. I know that it was wrong and immoral, but it did exactly what I needed it to do. It protected our true savoir when the Death Eaters decided to attack," Albus finished with a flare.
Severus was pretty sure that Albus was not getting the reactions of gratitude that he was hoping for. Arthur, Minerva, Moody, and a few others looked disgusted that Albus would use children that way. Only Molly and others like her who blindly followed Albus looked relieved and grateful for his falsehood.
"You have saved us again, Headmaster. This is why you are the Leader of the Light. We will win this war because you have paved the way. You have truly thought of everything and once again saved us all," Molly declared. Albus smiled kindly at her.
"I am just very sad to have been proven right that the deception was the right choice. I am just devastated at the loss of young Harry Potter. He was a good boy and a good student. He will be missed greatly. We will hold a memorial for him when the students return to school this year. It will be a grand thing and will honor him and his sacrifice for the greater good. So that Neville the true boy who lived will be able to safely train out of the limelight to destroy the Dark Lord when he returns," Albus replied. Severus just rolled his eyes. He would never cease to be amazed at how willing some people were to just blindly follow others.
They talked about a few more things that Albus considered important and then they were finally dismissed. Severus was one of the first out of the room. He couldn't stand even a few more moments in the man's room. He thought he might actually lose his mind. He retreated to his dungeon rooms to think and stew in his thoughts. He was so regretful and needed to mourn his lost best friend and beg her forgiveness for her now-lost son.
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"Headmaster, what does this mean for me and my family? You have made promises. Promises of money and marriage. Do you still intend to stick to your word?" Molly demanded once everyone else was gone. Dumbledore simply offered her tea and snacks. She did not accept.
"This changes nothing about our arrangements. Harry was the last of his line and I was his magical guardian. That means by default everything that was his is now mine. I still have access to all of his vaults and properties. I am essentially the new Lord Potter. I simply need to pop over to the bank in the next few days to claim it officially. You and yours will still be taken care of but now you will shift your attention to Neville. Ginny will marry Neville. Hermione and Ron will befriend him to ensure his cooperation. You will mother him since his grandmother is not the nurturing type. He is a sad lonely boy and having attention from you and your family will ensure he feels grateful to you lot," Albus reassured her.
"Well, that is good then. He isn't as well off as Potter was, but he is a proper Pureblood boy. What will you do with Harry's titles and properties?" Molly asked.
"I will name heirs and some of your children will be among them. So that when I pass into the next life your family will be set for life. It will also ensure those lines do not fade away with the last of their blood," Albus answered her. Molly puffed up with self-importance. Albus knew all the greedy woman was concerned about was the money and prestige that would come with the titles. He knew how to get Molly Weasley to fall in line. Her husband and older children were another story and not so easy to manipulate but Molly and her two youngest were Albus' to manipulate through money and fame.
"My family is most honored that you think so highly of us. Well, I must get home to get dinner started. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me, Albus. Have a good rest of your day," Molly said and flooed away.
Albus sat back and rubbed his eyes now that he was finally alone for the first since Harry had been discovered. This was not a good thing at all, but it could be worked around. For all he knew the prophecy was about Neville and not Harry. There was still a way to defeat Voldemort. All was not lost he would just have to train Neville to win. Creating the boy who lived out of Neville would be different than doing it with Harry. Harry held a piece of Voldemort inside of him. He needed to be beaten down so that he was grateful to the wizarding world. Grateful enough to sacrifice himself for them all.
Neville did not carry a piece of Voldemort. He could be treated like a proper hero. It would give him the confidence that he currently lacks. Dumbledore just had to figure out how he was going to spin this for the public. He wouldn't be surprised if Harry's death would be in the evening edition of the paper. He didn't have time to dawdle right now. He needed to go to the bank and claim all of Harry's titles and vaults. He needed to speak with Madame Longbottom and Neville. Then he needed to schedule a press conference. It all needed to be done quickly so that he could get ahead of the panic that was sure to happen once Harry's death was reported.
On top of all of that, he needed to do some research. He had woken this morning to discover that The Elder Wand was missing. Neither the wards, portraits, or Fawkes had reported an intruder of any kind or anything strange. But the wand was gone, nonetheless. He was currently using his old wand that he had gotten at eleven. The wand that had been his before he had taken the Elder Wand from Grindelwald. So, he needed to do some proper research to see if there were any instances of it ever disappearing before. He needed that wand if he was going to help Neville succeed.
"Well, on to the bank, I suppose," Albus mumbled to himself. He stood and flooed to The Leaky Cauldron before making his way to the bank. His day did not get easier from there.
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Harry and Teddy shared a laugh the next morning when Harry opened the letter from Axeclaw stating that Dumbledore had been by the bank and is pissed off that Griphook has been removed and that he cannot access Harry's accounts. Axeclaw detailed how Dumbledore had pitched a fit and called the ministry to try and force them to release them to him. That Harry was the last of his family and that he was entitled to Harry's things as his magical guardian.
"This is hilarious, Pops. I bet that nasty old man was furious when he left the bank," Teddy said as he chewed on his bacon. Harry grinned.
"Oh according to this he was. The ministry official and Axeclaw kicked him out of the room to discuss us privately. He was so mad that he started threatening the goblins. They of course told the Official that their records showed a living relative that had a right to claim the title before it was passed to Dumbledore. The Law states that we have a week to respond to the summons before the titles are reverted to Dumbledore. Which clearly won't be an issue. We will go this evening," Harry told him.
"This is going to be so fun, Pops. I used to get so bored sitting at the house all day. Life isn't going to be boring anymore, is it?" Teddy exclaimed. Harry just chuckled and ruffled his hair.
"No, Kid. It isn't going to be boring anymore. This looks like the response from Lady Shafiq. Hopefully, she will be coming today to get us fitted for a proper wardrobe," Harry said as he opened the letter.
"We can still go shopping for muggle clothes, right? I like jeans and T-shirts, Pops. I don't wanna stop wearing them completely," Teddy whined.
"We don't have to give up our muggle clothes. We can still wear them at home and when we train or duel. I like my muggle clothes too, Kid. Don't whine," Harry said absently as he read the letter.
Dear Duke Peverell,
It would be my honor to provide a full wardrobe for you and your son. You are quite lucky that you asked before I started making robes for school. I am available to attend you and your son today. I can be there by ten. I instructed my owl to stick around for your response. She is very fast. Since you are asking for quite a bit to be done as quickly as possible, I will be bringing along a friend of mine who is also quite the seamstress to help me out. We await your response.
Lady Mahreen Shafiq
"Looks like she is available today. So be prepared to be fussed over all day," Harry informed his now pouting son. He chuckled again and rubbed his chest before stretching. He was still uncomfortable in his own skin right now. The second soul had not had time to settle yet. He had been hoping to get a little bit of dueling in. He figured the physical activities would help him feel better. But it didn't look like he was going to be getting to do that.
"Well, there goes my plans of flying around the quidditch pitch," Teddy said with a sigh. Harry looked at him sharply.
"You are not to use the brooms that are already here. There is no telling how old they are and the safety spells on them are probably outdated. We will purchase new brooms on the Alley today. I mean it, Ted," Harry said seriously. Teddy just held his hands up and shrugged.
"No need to get so serious about it. I promise not to use the brooms here, Dad. Ok?" Teddy said just as seriously. Harry nodded and ruffled his hair again. Teddy only ever called him Dad when he was sick or serious. Which let Harry know he was taking him seriously.
"Good boy, Ted. Now I need to send a response. You are free to roam until she arrives. Then I expect you to be available and compliant without whining. Women of high society are the most gossipy sort of people. After they leave here, I can promise you that every one of their friends and as a result, their Lord husbands will know about everything that happened here. So best posh behavior, Ted. This will be people's first impressions of us and how their curiosity will be peaked," Harry insisted.
"I understand, Dad. I won't let you down. I promise," Teddy insisted. Harry smiled at him as he stood up from the table.
"I know you won't, Kid. You could never let me down. Even if you messed up, you wouldn't let me down. Understand?" Harry replied. Teddy just smiled up at him and nodded. Harry nuzzled his face gently and then headed out of the room to his office. He wrote out a response informing Lady Shafiq that she was welcome to arrive any time after she received this response but please before noon. They had important things to do in the evening. He gave her the password that she would need to be able to access his floo then he called Dodky to send off the letter.
"Tandy," Harry called softly. The Head Elf popped into the room. "We will be having guests soon. The Lady Shafiq will be here to work on our wardrobe. She is bringing an assistant to help her. I would like the sitting room just down the hall from the reception room to be prepared. Please make sure there is tea and snacks available throughout their stay."
"Tandy will not let you down, Master Hades. Everything will be prepared properly for your guests. Tandy knows how to set up for a seamstress. It will be handled," Tandy insisted.
"Thank you, Tandy. Please have someone standing by to receive them when they arrive so that they are not left to wait or wander," Harry added. Tandy bowed.
"It will be done, Master," Tandy said and then popped out of the room. Harry penned a quick letter to Axeclaw about beginning the search for his parents and godfather. He also wrote to him about the steps needed to release Sirius from prison the proper way and find Remus. There were a lot of things that needed to be done. He also needed to gather the remaining soul pieces of his mate. The one inside Hogwarts was going to be difficult but not impossible. The others would all be much simpler. Nagini wasn't a Horcrux until after Voldemort had been resurrected so that one wasn't an issue. He just needed to retrieve the diary, ring, diadem, cup, and locket.
The Goblins could retrieve the cup when he was ready for it. He was going to get the diary right after Lucius slipped it into Ginny's cauldron next month. The locket would have to wait until he had Sirius or Regulus to let him into Grimmauld. He was either going to have to Imperio a staff member or student to get the Diadem for him or risk going for it himself. The ring was going to be the easiest for him to retrieve.
Harry was flipping through the book on Drake that Viktor had given him when Tandy popped in to let him know that his guests had arrived. They were waiting for him in the sitting room. Harry made his way to the sitting room and was glad he had perfected occlumency many years ago. Or he would have been gaping in shock at the sight of Narcissa and Draco Malfoy sitting in his house drinking tea. He had not been ready to come across them yet. The three guests rose when he walked into the room. The two ladies curtsied politely, and Draco gave a small bow.
"Duke Peverell, it is so nice to meet you. I am Lady Shafiq but please call me Mahreen. This is Lady Narcissa Malfoy and her son Heir Draco Malfoy," Mahreen said with elegance and poise. Harry smiled at them all. He knew from experience that if he didn't smile people found him frightening. He was very tall and muscular. His scars made him look like exactly what he was, a fighter. It was very off-putting for some people. He tried not to smirk when he noticed Draco gaping at him. His mother gently admonished him for staring.
"It is lovely to meet you all. Please call me Hadrian. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice. My son and I only arrived in Britain yesterday. However, we do plan to make it our permanent home. I received a summons from the bank and was informed that my distant cousin had been murdered and that I was the next in line to take his title," Harry said solemnly. Narcissa raised a shocked hand to her chest and gave him sympathetic eyes.
"You must mean Harry Potter. I am so sorry for your loss, My Lord. He was such a young boy it is horrible what the papers are saying happened," Narcissa said softly.
"Thank you, Lady Malfoy. It is always sad when one loses a family member. Though I did not know him at all. My son and I traveled a lot and didn't really have roots settled anywhere. So, I didn't truly know anything about him. My boy and I are tired of wandering now and discussed making Britain our permanent home. I will be making an appearance in the Wizengamot at the next meeting. I have many seats to claim and am eager to dive in," Harry said with a grin.
"Please, call me Narcissa. I hope you don't mind that I brought Draco with me. He had been bored and was ready to get out of the house. When I heard you had a son as well, I figured it might be nice to introduce them," Narcissa said as she took her seat again.
"I am sure if she gets Ted fitted quickly then he would be much happier showing Draco around than being fussed over. He should be here any moment," Harry insisted. Then as if conjured by Harry talking about him, he came striding into the room grinning.
"Sorry, Dad. I was out in the greenhouse," Teddy said with a wide smile. The other three were instantly less tense. Harry didn't mind that people were wary of him. It meant that people didn't underestimate him. Teddy always made people feel more at ease around him. They figured if someone like Teddy wasn't afraid of him then he must not be so bad. Harry smiled at him and waved him further into the room. He placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"This is my son and Heir, Edward Peverell," Harry managed to get out before Teddy interrupted.
"I prefer Ted or Teddy. Edward is too old sounding," Teddy said quickly. Harry smirked at him when he realized what he did and flushed a bright pink. Then his hair followed suit like it always did and turned a bubblegum pink. Lady Mahreen chuckled and Narcissa smiled gently.
"Deep breath, Kid," Harry said quietly just for Teddy. He knew the boy was just nervous. This was his very first interaction with proper Ladies. Teddy looked up at him gratefully and took a deep breath. His hair and eyes changing to match Harry's perfectly. "As I was saying this is Ted. He is eighteen and has been raised with just me as his only role model, unfortunately. We are sometimes a little less proper than we should be. It is a by-product of traveling I am afraid. We are looking into tutors to make sure we are up to par," Harry told them with a smile.
"He is lovely, Hadrian. No need to apologize. You are both doing wonderfully," Lady Mahreen replied. Harry inclined his head at her.
"Ted this is Lady Mahreen Shafiq. She is the seamstress that we sent for. This is her friend who has come to help Lady Narcissa Malfoy and her son Heir Draco Malfoy," Harry introduced the three guests.
"It is very nice to meet you all," Teddy said and bowed properly to them all. Mahreen stepped forward.
"Why don't we get your measurements, Edward, and then you and Draco can run along and do something more fun while the three of us discuss what exactly your father wants for the two of you. How does that sound?" Mahreen asked. Teddy and Draco both perked up at that. Teddy looked up at Harry. He really didn't want to be stuck in this room all day. He did not care if Draco was only twelve there were still things they could do that was a lot more fun than this.
"That sounds like a plan, Lady Mahreen," Harry said and then encouraged Teddy to step up onto the small platform that had been placed in the room. There were also mirrors partially surrounding it. Mahreen directed Teddy to hold his arms out and stand still while she took his measurements. Then she had him change into a pair of slacks, shirt, and robes so that she could adjust them appropriately. Then he was allowed to change back into his clothes.
"I have everything I need from him to do what I need to do. The boys are free to flee the room," Lady Mahreen stated. Draco looked up at his mother who nodded.
"Mind your manners," Narcissa said simply as the two of them fled. Harry assured them that Teddy would keep him occupied. Then they got down to business.
"So if I am understanding correctly, you are in need of an entire wardrobe from head to toe for both of you," Mahreen stated as she made her list.
"That is correct. Everything that we currently own is unacceptable for proper society. As I said before money is not an issue and we want the finest materials. Besides a basic wardrobe, I need a few sets of formal robes for both of us as well as something fit for a ball. I plan on hosting a ball next month before school starts back as a formal introduction for both Ted and myself," Harry casually dropped into the conversation.
"Oh, a ball? That sounds lovely. Do you already have a planner lined up or a guest list made out?" Narcissa asked him. She was the perfect hostess. Harry knew that from experience. No one ever threw a ball or party better than Narcissa.
"Unfortunately, I don't even know where to truly begin with it," Harry said sheepishly.
"That isn't an issue for you anymore," Mahreen insisted. "You are in luck. I happen to have brought the best organizer for balls or gatherings among the elite. Narcissa is amazing at that sort of thing." Narcissa flushed lightly.
"Truly? Would you be interested in helping? I would give you free rein to do whatever you fancy and once again, the cost is no problem," Harry insisted.
"I would love to. I have been considering asking my husband to allow me to throw one this summer just to have something to occupy my time. This saves me from doing that," Narcissa agreed. Perfect. This was exactly what Harry wanted.
"You are truly a lifesaver, Lady Narcissa. Your husband won't mind my taking up your time that way?" Harry asked. He already knew the kind of relationship that Narcissa and Lucius had between them, but it never hurt to make sure. He wouldn't be considered a home wrecker.
"Of course not, he will be glad that I am busy and not pestering him about hosting one," Narcissa stated simply. "My husband is not a jealous man. While we are a solid unit, ours was an arranged marriage. There is only friendship between the two of us. It is very common amongst most pureblood families. Not all of us can be as lucky as Mahreen and find a true love match. Her husband went against tradition and broke the arrangement that his parents had chosen for him in order to marry the woman he had fallen in love with."
Harry smiled when Mahreen blushed and politely hushed Narcissa. Then she stood and clapped her hands together.
"Alright, let us get down to business. Narcissa will charm that dummy with your Ted's measurements and begin working on a few things that will work up quickly. We will only do a few things while we are here and then we will work on the rest and deliver by the end of next week. How does that sound?" Mahreen asked. Harry stood on the platform that was indicated.
"That sounds great. We need something to wear to the bank this evening for sure and I will need something for the Wizengamot this weekend. Those are the most urgent things," Harry informed her. She agreed and made a note of it. She took his measurements and then had him try on a few different things before having him choose materials. Once that was all finished up, she assured him that they would continue to work on his things for a few more hours. That he was free to leave them on their own.
"This is Fobry and Tessy. Please call on them if you need anything. If you ladies plan on being here through lunch they will take care of you. Please don't hesitate to bother me if you need anything. I am going to check in on the boys before I busy myself elsewhere," Harry instructed them.
"You are most gracious, Hadrian," Narcissa replied and then Harry headed out to see what the boys had gotten up to. Vakney told him that the boys were in the dueling room. So that was where he went. He stood in the doorway and watched as Teddy taught Draco a few disarming and shielding spells that Harry had taught him when he was eleven. He watched as Draco interact with Teddy with no hint of his pureblood snobbish attitude that had caused so many fights between the two of them growing up. Draco watched Teddy the way that Harry used to watch the older Weasleys.
"Hey, Pops," Teddy called when he finally noticed Harry in the doorway. Draco looked up at him like he was worried he would get in trouble for acting so casually. Teddy just laughed and bumped him. "Don't worry. He isn't stuffy or strict." Draco seemed to take Teddy at his word and relaxed.
"Teddy said you wouldn't mind if he taught me a few spells. My Father doesn't let me in the dueling room at home yet. He wants me to have a proper tutor," Draco told him. Harry smiled and ruffled Teddy's hair as he walked past the boys and to the other side of the room where the dummies were standing.
"I don't mind. I have been teaching Teddy to duel since he was younger than you are now. Teddy knows what he is doing and knows how to be safe. Wanna watch me kick his ass?" Harry asked. "I have been set free from the Ladies as well, finally. I haven't had a good duel in a few days." Teddy bounced and rolled his shoulders with both excitement and resignation. He was going to get his ass kicked.
"You are going to let me watch you duel?" Draco asked excitedly.
"Yeah, we were due for a day of training anyway. Don't want Ted to get lazy," Harry said with a grin. "Just take a seat over there and I will activate the barrier. It will keep you safe from any stray spells. It can get intense sometimes." Draco nodded.
"Yes, Sir. Thank you," Draco said quickly and practically ran to the area where he had been instructed to go. Harry lifted the barrier and then he and Teddy got in their places. They drew their wands and started slow. Draco watched in fascination as they used their wands to cast curses and their hands to cast shields. At first, all of the spells were what the ministry considered 'Light' spells. Then as they got more and more into the duel the spells got darker and more dangerous. At some point, his mother and Mahreen joined him in the barrier section. The three of them watched in awe as Harry and Teddy dueled intensely. It was something that Draco would never forget. His Godfather was a Master Duelist and he had never even seen him duel like this.
Finally, Harry got the best of Teddy who ended up panting and laughing lying face up on the ground. Harry laughed out loud and then strode forward to help Teddy to his feet. Teddy leaned against him.
"One of these days, Pops. I am going to win. You just wait and see," Teddy promised. Harry pressed a kiss to his head. Their audience was completely forgotten.
"You are getting faster, Kid. I am sure if you keep at it, you might best me before you are twenty-one," Harry teased. Teddy scowled up at him. They looked up sheepishly when Draco started clapping.
"That was amazing. I don't even think my godfather Severus is that fast. I have never even heard of some of those spells," Draco said excitedly. Narcissa placed a calming hand on his shoulder, and he took a deep breath and calmed himself down. Back to the epitome of a pureblood heir.
"It was a very impressive show, Hadrian. You and your son are quite skilled," Narcissa praised him. They both gave a small bow.
"Thank you, Lady Narcissa," Harry said genuinely. Harry had always liked Narcissa. He would never forget the fact that she had lied to Voldemort for him. She was a mother, and she loved her son deeply. Even after the war they had stayed in touch, and he grew to like her very much and had even become friends with Draco. Draco was a Veela and when the ministry had found out about it, they had hunted him down. Narcissa had fled to the Americas with him. They were his contacts who helped him smuggle creatures out of Britain.
He also knew from conversations with Draco that it was common practice for Malfoys to put a clause in their marriage contracts that should they find their true mates, their marriage would be dissolved so they could be together. It had been in Draco's contract with Astoria and Lucius' with Narcissa. It was a clause that Harry didn't truly appreciate until recently.
"We have completed a few things for the two of you to get you through until the rest can be delivered sometime next week," Mahreen told him. "Would you like to come and inspect them before we head out?"
"Oh, that won't be necessary. I am sure that you have done an exemplary job. You came very highly recommended," Harry insisted. Mahreen flushed slightly at the praise.
"You are too kind, My Lord," Mahreen replied with a small curtsy. "Well, we really must be going. I am so grateful for this opportunity."
"I will put a list of guests together and an outline of ideas for your ball. I will send you an owl when I am ready to present it to you," Narcissa told him. Harry walked them to the reception room.
"That sounds like a great plan, Lady Narcissa," Harry agreed. Draco gave him a small bow and a smile.
"Thank you for allowing me to visit with your son and for allowing me to watch you duel. You have a lovely home, Lord Hadrian," Draco said. Harry could only smile at how proper and posh he sounded. It used to irritate the piss out of him when he was a child now it was just a bit adorable.
"So proper, your father is no doubt very proud. You are welcome to visit anytime your parents allow it. Teddy would love the company. If you like to fly, we have a full-sized quidditch pitch out back as well. I am going to be purchasing a few brooms in town today," Harry offered. Draco's whole face lit up. Harry knew it would. Draco had always loved to fly.
"That is a lovely idea. Draco loves to fly. We have a lot of space for him to fly at home, but we don't have a quidditch pitch. I will discuss it with Lucius. We wouldn't want him to be a bother," Narcissa insisted.
"He wouldn't be a bother. Like I said I know there is a few years difference in their ages, but Teddy doesn't mind," Harry insisted.
"No, ma'am. I don't mind at all," Teddy interjected. Draco smiled up at his mother. Mahreen was simply grinning in the background. She knew that Draco would get what he wanted. His parents spoiled him ridiculously.
"Thank you. I will discuss it with his father. I will have him write to you. I think it might be beneficial for you to speak with him. He is on the Wizengamot after all and he could offer you a bit of advice before the meeting this weekend," Narcissa offered. Harry inclined his head.
"Lady Mahreen, does your husband have a seat on the Wizengamot as well?" Harry asked and she nodded with a smile. "Perhaps the three of us could get together before this weekend and they could catch me up on current events."
"That would be great. They won't steer you wrong. They will tell you who to watch out for and who usually votes where," Mahreen replied. "Well, we really must be going now. It was very lovely to meet you, Duke Peverell. I will send a missive when your order is finished."
"It was lovely to meet all of you as well," Harry replied. He and Teddy both bowed and then the three of them were flooing away. Teddy sighed and Harry ran his fingers through his hair.
"Socializing is complicated," Teddy said with a grin. Harry pushed him gently and laughed.
"Get used to it. We are going to have to do a lot of it," Harry told him as they walked out of the room. Tandy popped up in front of them.
"Tandy has instructed Dodky and Vakney to put your new clothes away. They have also laid out your robes for the bank this evening. Best to go and get showered and dressed now, Masters," Tandy instructed. Guess he was taking orders from a house elf now.
"Thank you, Tandy. We will do that now," Harry agreed. Teddy chuckled as they headed up the stairs.
"So we take orders from house elves now?" He asked exactly what Harry had been thinking.
"Guess so, Kid. Someone has to keep us in line," Harry accepted. Teddy just shrugged.
"That is true. Otherwise, you would make me stay in the dueling room all the time and never have any fun," Teddy agreed. He was silent for a moment. "It was weird seeing Aunt Cissy and Drake like that. Drake was a cute kid and Aunt Cissy seems so much more at ease now."
"That is because they haven't been affected by war yet. And they never will be if I can help it. Go take a shower and get dressed. Meet you downstairs in an hour," Harry said and the two of them went to their separate rooms.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ready?" Harry asked right before the two of them walked into The Leaky Cauldron. Teddy nodded and made sure his robes were wrinkle-free and sitting right. He had to admit that Mahreen and Narcissa had done a great job. The material was the softest he had ever felt and fit him perfectly. He looked up at his dad. Harry looked dangerous and expensive at the same time. He was wearing nice black slacks with a black shirt tucked into it. It was tight enough to show his muscles but not tight enough to be obscene. The robes he was wearing over them were black on the outside with a silver trim. The inside was an emerald that matched his eyes. He looked really good.
Both of them had the Peverell crest on their chest. They made quite a pair if the stares were anything to go by. Teddy walked proudly next to his dad and knew this was going to be great. Axeclaw had warned them that Albus was lingering in town and had been since yesterday to see if anyone showed up to claim the Potter Lordship. Harry spotted him sitting at the ice cream parlor. He was watching them intently.
Harry ignored him and kept walking until they reached the bank. Harry and Teddy waited in line for the next available teller and Harry saw when Dumbledore entered the bank and stood off to the side watching them. He worked really hard to keep the smirk off his face.
"Next," The goblin in front of them called. Harry and Teddy stepped forward. Harry pulled out the letter Axeclaw had given him to use for this very purpose.
"I am Hadrian Peverell, and this is my son Edward Peverell. I received this letter informing me that my cousin had unfortunately passed away and that as his last living blood relatives, the line falls to me," Harry informed the goblin loud enough for Dumbledore to hear. He watched the old man frown and then head out of the bank. The goblin led Harry and Teddy to Axeclaw's office. They barely made it into the room before Harry dissolved into laughter. Teddy looked at him like he was crazy.
"Pops? Hey Dad, did you finally lose it?" Teddy asked concerned. "Nothing funny happened," Teddy told Axeclaw.
"Dumbledore was following us. He looked so pissed," Harry finally wheezed out. Axeclaw chuckled as well as Teddy. Finally, Harry calmed down.
"Merlin this is going to be so fun," Harry said with a grin.