Harry Potter - Tales of The Phoenix Incarnate

It made for a very strange sight for the denizens of Diagon Ally, to see the brood of Red heads, a young scrawny boy with impossibly black hair walking with the only girl of the red head family (and unaware that they had progressively been walking closer to each other, before noticing and putting some space back between them, only to start the cycle all over again much to the amusement of those who noticed), another young girl with bushy hair trying to explain the many magical shops and sights for all to see down the high-street to her confused and awestruck parents. All of which were being led by a grinning, ‘seemingly’ young man that walked with a quick, easy stride towards the Wizarding Bank of London. Long Emerald coat flapping slightly in his wake.

Many questions still rattled within the heads of the group following Logan down the street; Who was he really? How did he perform such powerful and impressive feats of magic (for what else could those abilities be?!?!) against the Malfoy’s earlier in the bookstore? What did he know of Harry’s parents and the night that they died? What did he know of this whole strange situation that involved a Mr. Black, and his perceived involvement in the Potter’s death?!

Logan had questioned whether any of them would betray family or their closest friends in such a way, and while many were still thinking through such a puzzle, they all came to the same all around understanding; if Sirius Black was truly as close to the Potter’s as Logan had implied, close enough to be named Harry’s Godfather, then why did he betray them? Some of the smarter or even paranoid of the bunch had even begun to question whether he actually betrayed them at all, willingly or otherwise? Others still thought he was simply following his Dark family’s long line. Confusion was abound regardless.

The biggest, and honestly most pressing question being asked though was why this strange man had hijacked their back-to-school shopping trip and was now escorting them to the bank of all places? Many a question to ask, and all the answers either lay inside wherever they were ultimately heading or within this stranger’s head. 

All they could hope for was that at the end of the day they could (hopefully) still hold onto some form of sanity. Molly and Arthur, no matter how friendly they were with him, and how much they seemed to know of this Logan character, and some of his history, did not hold out much hope of this, however.

As they drew closer, one of the security Goblins spotted the large group approaching, and almost turned away again with the a-typical thought for their race. Typical, arrogant, Wizard’s stupidly bring their gold for their superior safe keeping because they cannot trust their own kind not to swindle them blind. 

It almost made them give, what could be mistaken as, for a grin, until they noticed the man leading the large group towards their bank, and it made them stiffen. Not many Witches or Wizards are aware (or even care to know) but Goblins, along with a few other races of magical beings, are perceptive to the magic around them. Can sense the very Magic/Aura that radiates from many different species and creatures. It was helpful to them in knowing who to easily swindle from their gold and who to show what amounts as respect for their culture. Be it genuine or fake, so that they may stay in their good graces, to better part them from their Gold. 

This man however, leading the approaching group, was a different story all together. The Goblin guards could not only see and feel the type of Aura that they would normally expect from a Wizard, but whoever/whatever this man was also commanded an enormous amount of sheer, raw, unadulterated Power.

It was subtle to most, even they themselves would have missed it had they not been trained and took pride in being the absolute best at their jobs, better than any other species in the magical world. Of course, other Wizards and Witches recognised something about this man; notable in the way they subconsciously moved out of his and his groups way as they passed, without so much as batting an eye. 

The fools did not even realise that it wasn’t a coincidence that they moved or those that did feel this man’s power wasn’t even radiating that much magic, it was simply raw and untempered, though highly controlled, Power. More than any man or species should fathomably contain and yet noticeably not even the smallest fraction of what this man was capable of, and here he was walking calmly, yet briskly towards them. 

Now fully on edge, one set off a silent alarm to alert those inside (as if they could miss this man approaching, judging from the feel of him anyway) the other stepped forward, much to the shock of the rest of the group and many a passer-by, who typically never saw these guards move unless there was some issue to be dealt with, or a shift change. 

The Man however simply smiled politely and began to speak. If the guards were expecting this apparent human to speak in English however, they were even further surprised by the stranger instead speaking in fluent Gobbledegook, the language of the Goblins! Which, by and large, was already showing far more respect than any other wizard they have had dealings with in many, many months! Possibly even years. 

After a short conversation, of which none of the others could understand a word of, the Goblin guard to their left rushed into the bank to speak with his superiors whilst the other and Logan waited patiently. Not long after, they were allowed entry but instead of heading for one of the tellers (who were all giving them curious gazes at their desks whilst deftly dealing with their clients) were instead brought to a large ornate door, led through several corridors and to what could only be assumed was an office door belonging to an important individual of the bank. 

Upon knocking and being allowed entry, their group filed in only to see 3 Goblins standing around a large, exquisitely crafted oak desk, and large wing-backed, and admittedly comfortable looking dark red felt chair. Upon closer inspection, Harry recognised one of these Goblins. Griphook; the Goblin who showed him and Hagrid to his vault his very first visit to the Bank last year. 

Deciding to take a step forward and greet the creature, he said. “Hello, your Griphook aren’t you? You showed me to my vault last year?!” This, by and large, surprised all three Goblins in attendance, and put a rather smug grin on Logan’s face for some reason.

“Yes, I did Mister Potter! Are you saying that you remember me?” Asked the Goblin, shock and suspicion clear on his face and what Harry thought to be a touch of wonder in his voice, which confused the boy initially before replying. 

“Of course, why wouldn’t I? It was a rather memorable day for me that started here and ended with my pet owl, Hedwig!” After Harry had finished speaking the Older, and slightly taller of the 3 Goblin’s turned to the equally stunned guard, who still stood by the door, and asked in a serious tone. “Did you follow your orders? Did they speak at all before they were brought to this office?” Confusing many in the room. 

The Guard recovered at his superiors questioning gaze and replied. “No Sire, not a word was spoken, not by this man or even any of his associates! They all stayed silent and merely followed me here. If anything were passed along, I could not identify it!” The Older Goblin then turned his gaze to Logan, and stared at each other for many moments before the Elder began to chuckle, which turned into full on laughter, shocking many in attendance.

Once he had regained some breathe and control of himself, he looked to Logan and spoke. “It has been many a year since you so accurately guessed an introduction, and the subsequent reactions of all those in involved like that my old friend!” Moving over to Logan as he spoke, who knelt to be at eye level before offering each other their arms to shake, as though they were long lost brothers in arms.

To those who did not know their history, being the other Goblins in attendance, and/or didn’t know the significance of this peculiar form of greeting, for a Goblin to willingly do this with a human is to show that human an extremely high level of respect from those of the Goblin nation. And if one were to do so for any reason, from the lowest of Goblins to the very King of their race would be honour bound to show their respect, regardless of their own opinions on the matter. Made even more shocking to those in the know was the Goblin showing this respect was, in fact, their very own King. 

“Ragnok, you old bag of Spite and Sadism, it’s good to see you again! How’s the mate and younglings? I imagine young Snap-Jaw would be looking for a mate of his own sometime soon by now?” Logan asked with a bright smile on his face, earning a chuckle from the Goblin. 

“They are all well, thank you! And my eldest has already found a mate actually, which we are blessed and fortunate for. I will pass on your greetings to them for you, but now I believe we have other business.” As he stepped back, and before turning back around he gave a deadly glare that would cowl a lesser man, and many of the children stepped back in a slight fright. “And call me Old again, you conniving Bastard, and I’ll have your entrails strung-up!” They waited a beat before he and Logan chuckled again. 

As they were moving to the chairs set out for everyone, Harry asked. “Excuse me, I don’t mean to seem rude but what was all that about exactly? Did I do or say anything wrong?” Worried that he had inadvertently caused some kind of misunderstanding. 

What he received however, was another chuckle as the elderly Goblin responded. “Not at all Mr. Potter. Simply the results of an old, standing bet! As you arrived at our Bank, John here asked the guard to come and inform me an old friend of the Goblin race had come with some inquiries and a wager! If a member of his party were to cause a shock to all members of Our race in attendance, the usual terms of our typical wagers would apply, along with the stipulation that we were to believe every word they had to say as truth, and that it was a matter of lost honour and pride for the Goblin race! That we had let down one of our oldest clients. Which, to our race at least, is unacceptable and would be met with harsh consequences and retributions. So naturally our interests were peeked. I knew of only one man who would speak in our Tongue and who I personally have had wagers with in the past, let alone enough to have standard rules of engagement already in place. I asked for you all to be brought to my office here and for none of you to be allowed to speak a word to ensure no foul play was afoot. Colour me surprised when an old Friend to the Goblin Nation did indeed stepped into my office, and was further shocked, and impressed mind you, that you would address a member of my race with such respect and even remember his name!” Ragnok finished explaining as he sat heavily in his chair, drawing a concerned look from Logan, which was waved off by The Goblin. 

Feeling it was okay to voice his confusion, Harry once again asked. “I’m sorry sir, but I still don’t think I fully understand! Why would me remembering Griphook and speaking to him with respect be such a surprise?” Ragnok once again looked pleasantly surprised and once more looked to Logan.

“My, this young Wizard truly is a special one, isn’t he? Yes, I think we’ll get on quite well with Mr. Potter in the future, and will help you with whatever you need, both today, and anything else that is within our power from this day forwards!” Chuckling again, along with Logan.  

At this point Mr. Weasley stepped forward to finally field poor Harry’s questions. “If I may Lord Ragnok? John?” At their nods he turned to address Harry. “What you have to understand Harry, and to remember from your History of Magic Classes at school”

Here several of the boys, Harry included, blushed slightly and earned a huff from Hermione and a scowl from Mrs. Weasley at their lack of interest in their classes, along with some light-hearted chuckles from Ginny, Arthur, Logan and a few of the Goblins still present. 

“Yes well, what you have to remember is that Wizards and Goblins have had, well something of a difficult history let’s say, which I’m sure is safe to say and openly admit to mistakes on both sides of the table in that regards.” Arthur continued with a cautious and apologetic look to the Goblins, and whilst the Third Goblin seethed in quiet anger at this comment, Griphook and Ragnok simply gave a nod of agreement each, if slightly begrudgingly. 

Looking back to Harry, Arthur continued. “There have been many attempts at peace and/or alliances in the past along with many a betrayal, again on both sides. Ultimately it was agreed that the goblins, after many a negotiations and meetings, would manage the economic infrastructure of the Wizarding world and claim the resulting banks as Goblin territory. However, many a Wizard, in particular several of the Pure-blood obsessed families of old, have and still do show very little respect to the Goblins that manage their finances and protect their gold, further establishing a sense of mistrust between our two races.” 

Mr. Weasley continued to try and explain, noticing Harry’s continued confusion. “So, you see, for you; a young Wizard with your family being as old as it is to show the kind of respect you would show any human and to even remember the name of the first ever Goblin you met is to show a great deal of respect to a race that has had very little given from many other Witch’s or Wizard’s in the last several hundred years! It is an EXCEPTIONALLY good thing Harry so do not fret or think you’ve insulted someone unintentionally.”  

“An accurate explanation Master Weasley.” Complimented Ragnok, with a slight grin. 

After Arthur finished, and accepting the compliment for what it was, Harry felt better about the situation and was even smiling at the end, despite his slight blush from the praise (something that was noted as strange by some of the adults of both Races in the room) before another frown graced his features again as he asked. 

“Thank you for explaining Mr. Weasley, but something you just said has me confused on something else?!” Seeing Arthur’s curious gaze and nod that he was listening Harry continued. “Why would my family being old have anything to do with it being a surprise that I showed Griphook simple manners?” 

Whatever Harry’s perceived expectation to such a simple question was, he did not expect many of the reactions that he received. He expected to see the same confusion that he was feeling, which he did received from the likes of Hermione and her parents, being of those that were unaware of Wizarding history and customs that they were, it was indeed very confusing as to why Harry’s family history apparently played a part in his manners. 

On everyone else’s faces however, he did see surprise and confusion (though Harry suspected for entirely different reasons to his own) along with anger or sheer rage on the faces of all but 1 of the Goblins, causing him to believe he had said something wrong again.

That was until he looked in Logan’s direction and received a look of sympathy and understanding, which made Harry realise the anger was not directed at him (much to his relief) along with a look in his eye that made the boy think he knew more about Harry that he may be comfortable with anyone knowing.

Looking back to the Goblins again brought yet more confusion as both Griphook and Ragnok were all out glaring at the third, as yet unknown Goblin standing to the opposite side of the desk, starting to look nervous in the face of his co-worker’s and King’s building Rage, yet deciding to still remain defiant. 

In the silence this innocent question brought, Ragnok turned his glare from his subordinate back to Logan. “I see now, the warning you gave to our guards; that we have either an incompetent member of our staff or a traitor to our very race, was also correct my old friend! My thanks in bringing this over-site to my attention!” 

Logan merely gave a slight, polite nod of his head, simply stating. “Merely making up for my own mistakes and inaction my friend, glad to be of service.” Ragnok returned his nod, before turning to Harry once again, looking stern though warm, a unique look on a Goblin but currently not unwelcome. “Mr. Potter, from your question am I to infer that you have not been advised of your family accounts, holdings or titles that you are entitled to upon either emancipation or your coming of age for your Race?” 

Looking even more confused by this Harry shook his head indicating a no and replied “I’m sorry Mr. Ragnok but I…” Ragnok held up his hand briefly, quickly saying. “Please Mr. Potter, as will be explained soon enough, and with this GRIEVOUS over-site on the part of our staff!” Here he levelled another glare to the Third Goblin before continuing, “I think you may simply address me as Ragnok for now!” 

Smiling at the invitation Harry replied. “Okay, thank you Ragnok, but only if you call me Harry as well, simply to be fair!” Once again, this young Wizard has managed to place a look of surprise on the faces of the Goblin’s, and a broad smile on Logan’s face, to match the proud ones of the Weasley parents before Ragnok recovered and continued.

“Very well Harry, onto my question if we may though, time is apparently of the essence.” Remembering what he was about to say before, Harry continued. “Right, well I’m sorry Ragnok but I do not remember being told anything about other accounts or such other than my vault below.” 

Looking suspicious with the prior knowledge they have just been given Ragnok asked. “Forgive me Harry, but which vault are you referring to please?”

Further confused himself now, Harry answered. “My Vault number was 687, but I’m unsure on what you mean by which vault Ragnok, Sir?” Hoping for clarification.

If possible Ragnok and Griphook appeared to get even angrier. “Forgive me Mr. Potter” spoke Griphook for the first time since the beginning. “But after I left yourself and Mr. Hagrid after visiting your vault did another Goblin not hand you any Folders for you to read through, or even send you any owls with said Folders?” Sounding quite miffed in all honesty. As if the very idea that one of their race was ever negligent in their duties was a personal insult, and for all Harry knew, it was, so he tried to answer honestly. 

“I’m sorry Mr. Griphook, but I’m afraid I never received any folders! I do remember Hagrid looking around shortly before we left, but as he took the Philosophers stone out of the vault for Dumbledore that day, I figured he just didn’t want anyone to know he had it! I hope he won’t be in trouble for this, I’m sure Hagrid meant no harm!” Harry hurried to explain, not wanting his Giant friend to have any grief over what he saw as a slight oversight.

What no one expected, however, was for Griphook to turn and draw a long (for a Goblin) blade, seemingly as if from no-where, and attempt to lunge at the Third Goblin, only to be abruptly stopped.

Faster than anyone in the room could possibly fathom, with only the sound of a something akin to another Thunderclap and a Gust of wind rushing past suddenly (knocking several of those close by back a few paces, and several of the girls long hair and the stray papers from the desk to start flying around) and once more accompanied by the sound of something moving at a high velocity, Logan was suddenly standing directly behind Griphook, the tail-end of his coat flapping from his movement, had disarmed him of his sword with a deft strike to the Goblins wrist, and held his own dark metal, short and slightly curved dagger-like weapon (with a ring of similar colour/material at the end of the handle) to Griphook’s throat. 

All motion stopped in the room, frozen from pure shock. Even Ragnok, Molly and Arthur who seemed to know Logan better than the others, were shocked at what had just transpired in close to the blink of an eye. Logan leaned forward towards Griphook’s ear and spoke softly, but clearly.

“I understand your rage Master Griphook, and I would also like to see this one dealt with the same! BUT, there are quite a few reasons for me to stay your hand. The most important of reason being that there are younglings present, and I will not expose them to bloodshed unnecessarily, at least not yet!”

Once he said his piece, he slowly withdrew his blade and stepped back, and although Griphook still had that look of pure, unbridled rage on his face, none of it appeared to be directed to Logan, and he calmed himself to just shy of severe anger by the time Logan had fully stepped back. He looked to his superior and at Ragnok’s answering nod he fully stood down.

That situation dealt with, Ragnok gave a minute nod of thanks to Logan, silently admitting that bloodshed in front of the younglings, regardless of race, was not acceptable and was grateful Logan had stopped Griphook from giving into his combat-rage in front of the children. Turning back around he addressed Harry and the others once more. 

“My sincere apologies to you all, for both this over-site to yourself Harry, and for the display you all just bore-witness to. For those who are not already aware or have not gathered themselves; to be discovered as negligent of one’s duties and responsibilities, or out-right abandoning them, is SEVERELY frowned upon for our race, and seen as the ultimate insult for our kind and the family of the perpetrator! Often this will be dealt with in the immediate death of the guilty, and reparations given to the offended party. And with this insult being to your family in particular, Harry, makes this Filths in-action all the more insulting, and a greater infraction against a family, who by all rights and measures, have been honoured friends to the Goblin nation for well over a 1000 years or more.” The end of this statement brought with it a gasp from the Weasley parents and Percy, Fred and George (for once not joking around), with Ron, Ginny and Hermione and her parents looking just as confused as poor Harry. 

Seeing this, Logan decided to address him, kneeling in front of Harry once more as he spoke. “You see Harry. Many, many years ago, while Goblins and Wizards were once again acting hostile towards each other, a Wizard attempted to poison and kill the, at that time, King of the Goblin nation, Ragnok’s very ancestor.” Here he turned to allow Harry to look at Ragnok, and at his slight nod knew this to be true.

“Your ancestor however, a rather talented young man with a fair bit of power to his Magic and Name, much like yourself!” Earning a fair few chuckles at Harry’s blush, “Stood up to the other man, stopping his attempted murder of the Goblin King, and defended the King in front of the nation as though he were a member of the Kings own court. In the end your ancestor won and took the man back to his own people to hand him over for trying to sabotage the peace they were working towards.” This brought a sense of pride and a warmth to Harry; that a member of his family wouldn’t stand for such a thing to happen and not allow more lives to be lost gave him great pride in his Families past.

“Soon afterword’s your ancestor was once again called before the peace talks and was surprised when the King bowed to him. One of the first times this has happened in Wizarding history and proclaimed your ancestor a forever and true “Friend of the Goblin Nation”. This, to the Goblins Harry, is the absolute highest honour any Wizard has ever received from the Goblin race, basically calling the man, his Family and his future descendants, to basically be part of the offering Goblins family and kin, and under their protection. It is a title that is passed down the generations as long as there is a living relative of both families walking the Earth!” 

Logan stopped here, waiting for Harry to absorb the information and recover from the shock of all this, before continuing again.

“And because it was the King making the offer, your family was basically considered to the Goblins as being part of their main line! Add to that the King offering The Potter family a vault with the highest security possible on Goblin soil to forever protect his family's wealth and legacy, affectively starting the Gringotts Banking line, and your families later titles as being A Most Ancient and Most Noble House of the Wizarding Society.” Once again, upon seeing Harry’s confusion, Logan hastily added. “We’ll address that later, I promise!” 

Receiving a nod from Harry, he continued. “With the titles your family has and the connection to the Goblin Main Royal-line as 'Friend of the Goblin Nation’, for another Goblin to insult you by not giving you the information you needed to understand the new world you found yourself in is flat out UN-acceptable to the Goblins, and they are honour bound to punish the offending party accordingly. But with me halting Griphhook’s attempt, I have claimed the right to decide what happens to him, on your behalf, and ONLY after your input!”

Taking several moments to process all this, Harry looked up into Logans eyes. Brilliant Emerald Green meeting unfathomably deep pools of Amber; once again getting the feeling that Logan knew more about Harry’s past than anyone should (and for some reason not feeling that bad about the possibility), asked quietly. 

“So, it’s basically like the Dursley’s telling me my parents died in a car crash like a pair of drunken Bums!?” Harry had a slightly hurt and angry look in his eyes after asking this, and none of the others seemed to of heard but the Goblins did, and their own anger increased slightly, but at Logan’s stern glance instantly calmed, silently telling them that these Muggles will be dealt with in short order.

“Yes Harry, it’s very much like that, and don’t worry, we’ll be dealing with that little detail eventually as well!” Earning a surprised and slightly hopeful look from Harry before Logan stood again and addressed Ragnok, Griphook and the Third Goblin who now has two guards standing either side, restraining him from even trying to escape his coming punishment. 

“As I have disarmed Master Griphook in the midst of combat Lord Ragnok, I now claim my right to decide the fate of this traitor to his post and Race, what say you!?” Logan exclaimed formally. 

Taking no time at all to decide Ragnok gave his answer. “By right of combat I grant this. What is your verdict of this traitor?” Here Logan turned once more to Harry and began with.

“Harry this is Toe-Fang, the, up until this point, Potter Family account manager! It was his responsibility to ensure you were told about your titles, vaults and family history, and to answer any questions you may have had before starting school and entering the Wizarding World.” Once again kneeling in front of Harry he placed his hands on both his shoulders and looked deep into his eyes before continuing. “As well as your parents’ Will, Harry!”

This earned many gasps from all in the room, as well as an increase to the levels of sheer rage felt from everyone in the room, most particularly Molly and Arthur who felt their hands twitch towards their wands. Instead, the famous Weasley temper reared its head once more as Molly exploded. “DO YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT HARRY’S PARENTS HAD A WILL AND HE HASN’T EVER HEARD OF IT UNTIL NOW!? THAT ALL HE THINKS THEY LEFT HIM WAS MONEY IN A VAULT??!!” Arthur, though just as angry, was trying to calm an irate Molly (if even slightly) before something was done or said that they’d all regret, when they received a shock from one of their own brood.

This came from their only daughter, rounding on her parents and shouting with everything in her small frame, exclaiming loud and clear. “MUM! SHUT-UP!!!!!” Everybody stared in shock as she ignored them and turned to walk slowly to Harry, who everyone was realising was shaking slightly, and concern instantly gripped them all.

As Ginny came around and saw Harry’s face, Logan acknowledged her presence by lowering his hand on the side she came round from (not allowing his eyes to leave the boy in front of him for a moment) saw a heart wrenching sight as she did so; Harry had silent tears falling from his beautiful Green-eyes, staring unseeingly at Logan. 

Ginny raised her own hand and softly touched his cheek to try and wipe away some of his tears, speaking softly. “Harry…” Not receiving a verbal answer other than him startling slightly and finally breaking eye contact with Logan to look at her, she spoke again. “Harry, are you alright?” Her quiet voice full of worry and concern, barely any of her ever-present nerves were coming through, which she was thankful, and silently proud of herself for.

Before any could react, or try to understand Harry’s stuttered attempts at communicating he lunged forward and wrapped Ginny in a tight hug, one which, after a small amount of hesitation, did she return with equal force and quiet words of comfort.

After a few minutes to gather strength, Harry pulled back enough to look once more to Logan, who had not moved from his position, asked quietly. “Wh-when was the Will supposed to be read? Why wasn’t I told?…. Co-could things have been different had it…?” 

“Yes Harry, things would have been different! And the Will was supposed to have been read soon after James and Lily’s passing. I have suspicions as to why it wasn’t read, but we’ll get to that shortly, I promise!” Logan replied. Seeing the hesitation to his next question Logan beat him to it by saying.

“And before you even think it young man, yes your parents loved you, very much! From the moment they knew you were going to be born, past the day you came into this world and right up until the very end. Their love for you gave you the life you now have, and through the actions of others, or inactions in my case, as well as others...” 

Here Logan showed a look of pure guilt to Harry, though to his credit wouldn’t break his gaze, which spoke volumes of the man’s character for Harry. “I’ll admit it’s not been what it should have been. But NEVER let me catch you thinking for a second that Lily and James Potter did not love you with every ounce of magic and life they held within their bodies, and with all their hearts. You understand me!!?” 

Harry took some deep breaths, and, with a few more tears falling from his eyes nodded resolutely to Logan, gave a grateful (though bashful) and warm smile of gratitude to Ginny for her support as they separated, which earn a large blush from the Weaslette, but an answering smile that Harry found captivating for a moment. 

Recovering in full he turned to Logan and waiting for Logan to continue, which he did after a nod to Harry. “Now, I may have final say on this one’s fate for his part in this mess, but I ultimately look to your council on this matter, as it’s your Family that has been wronged and yourself that has suffered because of his negligence.”

Accepting the explanation he turned to Toe-Fang, assessing the creature in front of him. Now, let it not be mistaken that an EXCEPTIONALLY large part of Harry wanted this Goblin to pay for what he did to him, to get some form of pay-back and retribution for himself, with many in the room realising that this may be the young wizards train of thought and grew slightly concerned, as that was not the Harry that they knew and loved.

Ginny once more took the necessary (though unconscious to the wee-lass) action by stepping back up to Harry again and taking his hand, making him look to her and calm slightly. With that Ron and Hermione both walked over as well, showing their own support (and their own tears in Hermione’s case at her friend’s pain. Thus proving Arthur correct earlier when he said to the Grangers that their daughter would be needed for this meeting).

Thinking for a moment, and taking calming breaths, Harry asked a question of his own. “Is there a way for him to answer any question I ask truthfully, whether he wishes too or not!?” 

Seeing the slightly startled looks on the other Goblin’s faces he hurried to add. “I want answers, answers to why he didn’t do his job and failed to tell me of my parents’ Will. I would like honest answers but with everything else he’s done I do not trust him to answer me honestly!”

Ragnok looked somewhat uncomfortable and in deep thought before replying. “It is possible to make him speak only the truth Harry, as your kind are prone to the use of Veritserum; a form of Truth-serum, modified accordingly for Goblins would be affective! But the Goblin race is rather… adverse to resorting to such methods. We would normally call upon the Goblin’s family honour, but as you have just mentioned he has already turned his back on his own race, so we may have to resort to the potion to repay our debt to you!”

Though he was amendable to try and get answers for Harry, as he was curious as well to why a member of his bank would abandon their core beliefs in such a way, it was also plainly obvious to see that Ragnok was hesitant to go that far, despite his races honour being at stake.

“If the potion is frowned upon that much Ragnok then I won’t ask to use it without your full consent, and unless there is no other way, I promise!”

Harry begun before noticing another little smirk on Logans face, and with everything else that has happened today after that smirk made an appearance, he braced himself for what was to come next. (And privately he was beginning to like it when that smirked appeared as it seems in line with the twins’, causing all hell to break loose soon after.)

“Ragnok” Logan begun, addressing The Goblin Royal. “Can we not claim the right to a Life Debt from Toe-fang and his families very magic and demand answers honestly!?”

Speaking for the first time, Toe-Fang roared. “What rubbish is this!? I owe no human any debt, so none here can force me to answer this youngling, not even you, My Lord!” 

The Goblin said this last part with a heavy amount of distain dripping from his tongue. Before any could reply, Logan’s smirk turned practically sinister as he walked towards Toe-Fang and replied directly into his face. “Well, your half right arse-wipe, you don’t owe a human your life, but you do owe me?” Earning many confused looks from several in the room, but Logan continued unabated. 

“And as I have claimed Griphook’s right to decide your fate, in the process saving your life, I am well within my rights to make that decision. And you, your magic and your race would have no choice but to comply because of your own actions. All in all, sucks to be you Gob-Shite!” 

Without waiting to bask the Goblin's his shocked reaction he turned back to Ragnok. “But because of the many years of friendship we share Ragnok and because of Harry’s earlier statement of not wishing to force your race to go against their beliefs, this would be the only viable option left to us. What say you Your Highness?”

Ragnok’s only reaction to this question was to grace Harry with a look of deep gratitude and warmth (again, strange to see on the face of a Goblin, but not unwelcome), before addressing Logan again. “As Ruler of the Goblin Nation I hereby allow the Lords Potter and McCloud’s verdict to be carried out, through the will of the accused’s own Magic. So-Mote-It-Be!!” With that said, and a soft, mystical, light blue glow appeared around Toe-Fang, all knew that magic had seen to it that the Goblin will not lie to Harry’s questions.

Turning to Harry, Logan gave a firm nod, indicating that Harry can ask and would have his answers. Taking a deep breath, and stepping level with Logan, asked the questions practically burning in his mind. “Why did you not inform me of my parents Will? Why did you basically abandon your responsibilities to my family as their account manager!?”

Looking at the Goblin, all could see he was struggling to fight what was happening within him. When finally he spoke, it was strained and broken as if he was fighting his own tongue from speaking and failing miserably. 

“I-In regards to the Will, I was p-p-paid an obscene amount of Gold by t-t-two other Wizards, a-and a Witch wearing horrendous p-pink garments constantly giggling like a silly s-school girl, to s-s-suppress the Will and keep you in the d-dark about your inheritance, so that they may have more p-power than one of the most powerful Families in their world. The stupid Wizarding trash couldn’t even fathom that their plan was folly from the start as everything would have been revealed regardless when the boy was to reach majority, whether he be alive or not! But I certainly wasn’t going to give them free information. Let them suffer the folly of their own stupidity.” 

As his words echoed around the office chamber, first halted as he fought what was happening, then clearly as he enjoyed insulting the idiotic Wizards, many had to restrain themselves or others from attacking the Goblin. Even the many of his own race in attendance were struggling through a staggering use of will-power. 

Continuing, Toe-Fang said. “As to why I did not inform you or send the relevant documents!? Well, I was paid to keep you in the dark, and I was honouring that deal. And again, what matter is it to me and my kin the scrabbles you filthy Wizards have against each other, when we Goblin’s are far above your issues!? As long as you give us your gold and know your place in relying on us while we hold your own wealth over your heads, why should I care past doing my job of managing your finances!? If you did not ask for the information, I was not going to do you the service of telling you for free!” He finished with a large sneer that was soon taken away. 

Once again, within the blink of an eye, and without anyone knowing he moved past a bust of wind buffering everyone near by, Logan had appeared in front of the small, vile creature, once more cowled in Fire, only this time instead of simple wisps, he was all but cloaked in enough flames to put an Inferno and the accompanying heat to shame, steam and smoke rising from where his feet met the floor, and grabbing the Goblin around his neck, in a grip stronger than any Goblin-made steel Toe-Fang has ever known, and hoisted him into the air and left him dangling, as his eyes were bored into by a site that has cowered entities far older and more powerful than any mere Goblin. 

And as he struggled for breath, to escape this Man’s grip, he heard an even more frightening voice begin speaking, all the while having his very soul burned through from the piercing amber gaze caught aflame by sheer rage. This man’s eyes burned, not from his fire, but glowing a Deep red from the sheer heat just waiting to be let loose to melt his flesh from bone. And Toe-Fang could practically see smoke leaking from the corner of this man’s eyes, as well as his own clothes, from the sheer magnitude of the heat!

“You truly are lucky that I have given my word that these younglings shall not witness the bloodshed that is awaiting you Toe-Fang! Else I would administer far worse horrors than you are about to experience or could possibly fathom. By the time the sun sets on this day, you shall wish for death and then suffer far worse before you finally pass from this World, of that I can assure you!” 

And upon realising that the voice was tinged with so much raw power that it was stealing what little air he had in his lungs, along with the breath of many in the room, practically suffocating them even more with how oppressive and all-encompassing this Man’s very presence and rage seemed to have become, leaving no room for doubt that every word spoken of the Goblin’s coming fate would ultimately become reality VERY soon.

Before he could lose consciousness however, either from the heart stopping fear and searing pain from the burning flesh of his neck and hands (as he tried to free himself) or the lack of oxygen, a voice sounded through the room.

“STOP!! LET HIM GO!”

All turned to the source and were shocked to see Harry was the one that spoke, once more shielding Ginny from whatever harm may come from this display, and admittedly with more tears in his eyes and white as a sheet, but also with a look of steel behind those blazing Emeralds. 

Logan turned slowly to Harry, his eyes still glowing with heat and fire before it began to fade, and those ethereal Ambers were visible once more. After a lengthy stare-down between the two, in which Harry tried to maintain eye contact despite being well and truly frightened, Logan released his grip and allowed the Goblin to drop to the floor in a heap, gasping and spluttering for breath.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath in, the oppressiveness in the room vanished almost as soon as it appeared, bringing with it a light that no one had noticed had slowly begun fading from the room.

When Logan re-opened his eyes, the glow was no longer present, and the flames were gradually beginning to disperse. 

Facing Harry proper, he walked over and placed his hand upon the young man’s shoulder once more, with a small smile upon his face. “Thank you, Harry. Lost my temper a bit their didn’t I!?”

He said with a small chuckle, awkwardly scratching the back of his head as though embarrassed. The sight alone was comical enough to make Harry join in whilst wiping his tears, which quickly spread around the room, releasing much of the remaining tension. 

Turning back to Ragnok, he spoke once more. “My apologies Ragnok, it seems as though I made a small scene there, I hope I did not offend any of your court or race with my actions!?” Whilst giving a moderate bow of respect. 

Ragnok, after wiping his brow of the built up sweat, finished his own chuckle as Logan stopped talking and merely waved the issue off, (whilst trying to hide the remaining shake of his limbs) and simply said. “Think nothing of it my old friend, I’m merely disappointed you beat me to the punch! And besides, I have known you for quite a while now, I’m more thankful you kept to your own word and didn’t tear into this disgrace of Goblin skin in front of the younglings! And that I still have my building in one piece!”

As he turned now to Toe-Fang, he prepared to pass judgement, and put this embarrassment behind them all. “I, King Ragnok the Fifth, here by sentence this traitorous waste of Goblin flesh to 12 days of torture, a day for every year of Lord Potters life, in reparations of your actions. When these days are done you shall be put to death, guards…”

Before Ragnok could finish his sentence, the Goblin’s in his office and himself were once more given a surprise! Ragnok idly thought if this kept up, they would never get through the day at this rate.

“WAIT! Please? Despite everything he’s done against me and the betrayal to my Family, I don’t want his life taken in my name!” After Harry’s sudden outburst, he turned to Logan who broke the silence that followed, who once again had a knowing smirk on his face. 

“Well then Harry, what would you recommend should be his punishment for the crimes he’s committed against your Family name?” Feeling a little stunned to be asked this, and more than a little nervous from the pressure, he lowered his head slightly as he thought this through, eventually answering with.

“Um… I’m not too sure honestly! Could he not simply be fired from being my Family accountant and replaced, possibly watched to make sure he doesn’t do anything like this again to anyone else? Or forbidden from ever having a similar position ever again?” 

He raised his head after making this suggestion, and addressed Ragnok, in what he hoped was as much of a respectful manner as he could manage, very much aware he interrupted the Goblin-King earlier and did not want to be perceived as being rude in some way. 

Ragnok, for his part, merely looked at Harry for a few beats before letting out another round of chuckles before he calmed once more and addressed his guards. “So it shall be! As a special request from our Wizard Friend, it shall be honoured for our race’s transgression against his Family’s name! Please take away the accused and have him stripped of his office and station, hold him in a cell for 3 days. Under no harm!...” 

Here he levelled a stern glare to make sure the guards did not take liberties. “Before being brought before me again, where we shall decide where Toe-Fang shall be stationed for the rest of his days and the limitations he has brought upon his Clan!”

With a final wave of his hand towards the door, the guards began dragging the shocked and speechless Toe-Fang towards the door, but not without a parting shot being fired. 

“Oh and Toe-Fang, before I forget!” Ragnok called, causing said Goblin to turn his head to listen. “Now you can never claim that you do not owe your life to a Wizard youngling!” Ragnok pointed out to him, whilst wearing one of the most vicious, predatory smiles on his face everyone had seen on his face today.

With that the guards finally pulled the traitor out the doors, and as they shut behind them, everyone in the room noticed they’d had an unknown audience at some point during the madness of the last hour or more since they arrived in the Diagon Alley! 

Many of the red heads in the room recognised the newcomer as their Eldest brother; William ‘Bill’ Weasley, who was currently looking around the room with a bewildered expression on his face. Once the momentary shock wore off for the Weasley family, Ginny was the first to bolt for the door and leaped into Bill’s waiting arms.

“BILL! What are you doing here?” Ginny asked into his chest. Being one of her closet brothers, she had missed him immensely when he left for Egypt as part of his dream job as a Curse-breaker. After a few seconds of returning Ginny’s hug, which he noted was well on its way to becoming just as fierce as their Mothers (something he made a mental note to be weary of in the future), before receiving one from his Mother. Finally he took to answering her question.

“Hey there Spitfire. Hey Mum. To answer your question; I’m really not sure why I’m here! I received an urgent summons about 10-15 minutes ago and was told to report to Director Ragnok’s office. I originally thought it was to discuss an issue at our latest dig or some trouble I was in but then I walk in, I see the dark-haired lad over there I don’t quite recognise make a suggestion on the fate of a member of the bank and the Director laughing before agreeing with him. In all honesty I’m having a hard time wondering whether I’m suffering some kind of heatstroke-based hallucination or if I’ve been hit with some strange Curse in our most recent tomb excavation.” 

Taking a minute to shake his Father’s hand and greeting his brothers in turn with a smile, or ruffled hair in Ron’s case, before continuing. “Maybe it’s both, who knows?!” Which earned a chuckle from his family and some of the others in the room, surprisingly including Ragnok and the stranger standing with the boy he mentioned earlier, both standing by his boss’s desk.

“Though today has definitely been one interesting turn of events after another Master Weasley, I assure you it is neither an illusion nor are you at fault. I dare say from your review reports, you are shaping up to be one of our better, if not best Wizard Curse-Breakers in our employ to date.” Ragnok said after his chuckles died down again, earning a light blush from Bill and many a proud look from his parents and siblings in turn.

“Griphook, whilst we take a few minutes to bring young William up to speed, and await our last few guests, please go and fetch the Potter files from Toe-Fangs now former office and bring them here please!? We shall correct the injustice’s discovered today. Also, ask for some refreshments to be brought in for everyone as well!?” Ragnok spoke to his fellow Goblin, who nodded before departing to carry out his tasks.

Ginny took this chance to grab Bill’s wrist and drag him with surprising ease over to Logan, and in particularly towards Harry, who had been silently curious up till this point. Now however felt a sudden bout of nerves as the taller Wizard approached. A gentle hand on his shoulder made him start slightly before looking up at a supportive gaze from Logan before turning back to Ginny as she and Bill stopped in front of him.

“Bill, I’d like you to meet Harry, Harry this is my eldest brother Bill.” Ginny introduced, still with a light blush at addressing Harry, though feeling much more confident after the day’s events. Something that was noticed by her older brother with keen interest, before putting the pieces together from Ginny’s reactions and Harry’s general appearance from her favourite stories from when she was younger. 

Holding out his hand for Harry to shake, he had a hunch on who exactly he was about to speak with, though tried not to let the surprise and awe show on his face or in his voice, least he have his ears boxed in by his Mother and sister both for being rude.

“Pleasure to meet you Bill!” Harry said as they finished shaking hands. Bill smiled, seeing a little of Harry’s nerves and deciding to put the kids mind at ease a bit. “Hey there Harry, nice to meet you too! And I’m sorry if you’ve lost any of your sanity being around this lot at all!? Some of them really are an acquired taste but you do eventually build up a resistance to most things.” 

This had the desired affect when his brothers all shouted over each other with a loud “OI” at their brother’s jab, a light scowl from his Mother, his Father trying to suppress his chuckles alongside the Grangers, Harry and Logan, and finally Ginny whacking him rather firmly on his chest, causing him to flinch slightly. “Merlin Gin-Gin, I’ve only just lost the last bruise you gave me! I don’t need you giving me any more before I go back to Egypt!” 

This only brought his sisters temper to the forefront and made him pale slightly at his slip of the tongue, along with Logan taking a step back from any potential blow back and bringing Harry with him to safety (who for some reason couldn’t take his eyes off of an angry Ginny, finding it rather captivating, much to his confusion and silent embarrassment), remembering rather fondly (and he’d never admit to the slight trepidation and fear) of Lily Potter with an equally fierce expression many years ago.

Luckily (or unluckily based on your point of view) for Bill however, Ragnok decided to speak up. “Master Weasley, just so we are clear! I may have to take back my comment on you being one of our brightest Curse-breakers that we have after that comment!?” Much to Bill’s confusion. 

“That, young one, was certainly not the smartest thing you could have said to a young female, not to mention a red headed Magic user with no formal training as-of-yet! Especially as she is the youngest of your kin, and in my experience with my own children, and Grandchildren to boot, it is the youngest that tend to have the most blackmail material and/or vengeful ideas to use against their elder siblings. Plus, this one appears to have a temper worth fearing. One VERY reminiscent, or dare I say, matching that of Lady Lily Potter at her worst/err… I mean her Prime!” 

Ragnok finished with a grin that set Bill slightly on edge and proceeded to take a slight step back after glancing down at Ginny and noticing his sisters predatory gaze and vindictive smirk. This also, co-incidentally brought a slight smile to Harry’s face at the mention of his Mother (and what felt like some heat to his cheeks at Ginny being compared to his mother, though he still had no idea as to why that was!?)

Suddenly very nervous of his sister, Bill tried saving face by changing the subject rather quickly. “Um... have I said yet that I’ve always loved you the most, dear sister??” Seeing that this did not land he continued, looking to the other man. 

“Um…. Hi, the names Bill.” He said quickly, holding out his hand to the man. Showing a grin worthy of an insane man at the by-play between brother and sister (as well as from memories of Lily scolding James and their friends for doing something stupid…. Again), Logan took Bill’s hand in a firm shake. “John ‘Logan’ McCloud; but please call me Logan, for now.”

Bill was not as perceptive of the Magics around them as his Goblin co-workers, but he was more observant than most other wizards, and has picked up a few things on the job to boot. You don’t work as a Curse-breaker without picking up a feel for at least for some of what many of the other Magical creatures of the World naturally could, though it wasn’t as clear or as noticeable unless he focused.

Now however, as he assessed this stranger, Bill sensed that the Power radiating off this man, first felt not that long ago as he approached the Goblin Kings office, was truly immense. More than Bill had ever felt in his young life, and he could tell that while it had a similar feel, it was not solely Magic that this man was wielding. 

But at the same time, Bill got the feeling that something just as, or dare he even think more powerful than any Magic’s he had ever encountered and far above what anyone, least of all he, could fully fathom. All this was from a simple observation from when he came into the room and shook this man’s hands. Glancing quickly to his superior he received a knowing, and subtle nod of Ragnok’s head, telling Bill silently that he was correct in his observations and to keep quiet about them for the time being.

Recovering, he addressed this enigma of a man once more. “So, what exactly is the occasion here and why was myself and my family brought before the Director of Gringotts.” Before anyone could answer Arthur placed his hand on his eldest’s shoulder and spoke quickly and quietly, whilst the others were all sampling some of the food and beverages that had arrived in the room, leaving only Logan, Harry, Bill, Arthur and Ginny staying where they were. 

“We’ll explain more of what’s been happening today at home son, provided you are able to stay a while that is, but the reason we are here is because, after Logan introduced himself to Harry, and in the course of revealing that he knew his parents and their friends very well, along with your Mother and I, it was revealed that the Potter account manager took bribes, from 2 Wizards and a Witch it would seem, to suppress the Potter’s Will and keep their account information and Harry’s inheritance away from him!” Arthur explained, much to the shock of his son.

Whilst Bill took a few minutes to process this and work through his confusion and ire, and whilst the rest of his family and friends grabbed some food (with Mrs. Weasley putting some plates together for those still talking) everyone’s attention was soon taken by the office doors opening once more and admitting the final visitors to this little gathering.

Turning to the door, Harry was surprised to see his Head Master, his Head of House and, unfortunately for everyone who has ever suffered the man (either in the past or to this day in his classes) their Potions Professor, all file into the room.

Bringing up the rear was another man that many had never met before, and some of the others knew but hadn’t seen in many years. Looking slightly haggled and worn in clothing that had seen many a rip and then repaired, with prematurely greying hair and quite a few scars faintly visible on some of the exposed skin, most along his face and neck. Despite the rough look about the man, he had a friendly and gentle air to him, and a kind look in his eyes, though with the same confusion as the rest.

Whilst many gave a friendly greeting to the Professors (mainly Dumbledore and McGonagall, whilst Snape merely sneered at any who dared catch his eye) the scruffy looking Wizard was looking at all assembled and waiting his turn to greet Arthur and Molly (whom he remembered from their Order days), when he spied the small group still standing by the large desk at the head of the room. Before he could register any other individual in this group his eyes were drawn to a young boy that made him gasp softly and almost take a step backwards, though not looking away for fear the ghost he had just seen would vanish.

Blinking back the sudden tears threatening the corner of his eyes, he noticed that it was not his long-lost friend, as he originally thought/feared it was. Once his vision had cleared, he realised it couldn’t possibly be James, that it was in actuality young Harry that he was seeing, causing a different shock to take hold.

Coming out of his slight daze at how much Harry resembled his father, he made his way over slowly, realising the boy had a young girl standing close by, and that Molly Weasley had just finished handing them both plates of food. 

Drawing even with the three, he stopped a small distance away, so as to not to potentially frighten the children. After handing Ginny her plate Molly looked up at who was standing before them, before reacting with a start, hand flying to her chest in surprise. 

“Oh! Bless my soul, Remus Lupin! Oh, my goodness it’s been years, oh how are you dear? You still look far too peaky!” Molly asked, question on top of question to the poor man as she released him from yet another of her infamous hugs. The man looked for all the world like he was about to be snapped in two like a twig, causing a slight giggle to escape Ginny, in turn making Harry chuckle along, before they could stop themselves.

Finally drawing a breath, the now identified Remus answered Molly’s questions as well as he could before bringing his attention once more to the children as they recovered from their entertainment at his plight. When Harry realised this new man was now in front of and looking at him, he sobered quickly and listened as the man begun to speak. 

“Hello Harry, I'm not entirely sure if you’ll remember me or not, but my name is Remus Lupin. I went to school with both your parents!” As he finished his sentence Harry’s eyes opened slightly, shocked that he had met yet another, previously unknown man that was claiming to have some connection to his parents, before smiling slightly and extending his hand to the man. “It’s nice to meet you sir, and I’m sorry, but no, I don’t think I remember you.”

Chuckling slightly Remus replied. “No need for sorry’s Harry, you were only just a year old when I last saw you, before…. Well, it’s been quite a few years. And please no sir’s, your Mother and Father insisted that I was to be addressed as your ‘Uncle Moony’.” Causing himself and Molly to chuckle at the inside joke. “But I think simply Remus for now, hmm?” 

Getting an answering nod and smile from Harry, Remus turned his attention to the young girl standing by Harry, noticing first the striking red hair and instantly spotted the resemblance to Molly and the rest of her brood. “And if I were to hazard a guess you would be Ginevra?” At Ginny’s slightly surprised look he added. “I remember speaking with your Father some time before you were born and he told James and I that they were considering naming their daughter thus, and thought I’d hazard a guess.”

Turning to address Molly again to ask why Harry and her family were here and what this was all about, he spotted another standing near their small group, having finished a small conversation with the Goblin behind the desk, whom he realised was in-actuality the Director of the very building he stood in. Upon recognising this man, Remus’s already pale complexion got a bit whiter. “Merlin’s beard! John is that really you!?” 

Upon hearing his name Logan turned to address the speaker. “Remus, it's good to see another familiar face today.” After walking over and shaking his hand, Logan pulled Remus a bit closer than was strictly necessary, staring deep into Remus’ eyes, as though inspecting deep within Remus’ soul. (And with what little Harry and the others currently knew of this man, he very well might be) then proceeded to glare slightly before speaking once more. 

“You’ve still yet to tame your furry problem I see!? It’s been years now lad, and you are still making things harder on yourself instead of accepting and learning from what you’ve been through! Instead you fight what is basically a part of you at this point, essentially fighting yourself over and over again. We’ll be sorting that out some time soon, and don’t even try making excuses, or so help me I will pull a Lily Potter, understood?!”

Logan was quick to add when he saw Remus, who had paled even more at the mere thought of the tangents Lily used to get on, try to open his mouth to make said excuses. 

Finishing his conversation with Remus, and pointedly ignoring the children’s, Bill’s and the Grangers’ confused stares, Logan moved past the still pale man and walked towards the three Professors. 

Stopping in front of them all and turning his head in the direction of the Potions Master he greeted Minerva first, then Dumbledore whilst not removing his eyes from the man. 

“Minerva, looking as lovely as ever. I’m glad to see you still alive and well! We’ll catch up in a mo though, if you don’t mind?” Said woman (blushing mildly from the compliment, giving all a strange sight for those who knew her as the stern Head of Gryffindor House.) nodded, knowing Logan would register the gesture. 

“Albus, I believe the summons you received was for yourself, and IF POSSIBLE, Minerva! Why is he here?!” Logan spoke calmly, but those standing slightly to the side of the Professors could see his eyes (still locked firmly on Snape) had begun to glow a fierce Red once more, accompanied by a steely edge beginning to appear alongside the heat once more.

Speaking up, noticing the look entering Logan’s eyes, and looking to diffuse any hostility whilst he still could (an endeavour attempted many a time in the past whenever Logan was involved, and never, truly succeeding! Let it never be said that Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore wasn’t persistent in the face of failure) replied.

“Minerva and I were on our way here after Flooing into the Leaky Cauldron, and spotted Severus coming out of the Potions Apothecary on the High-street, and asked that he join us. And in our defence of this, the summons merely stated that we were called to the bank regarding one Harry Potter, and that attendance was mandatory and requested immediately. Fearing Harry was in some form of danger or trouble, I believed an additional wand would be beneficial.”

When Dumbledore finished, many in the room noticed how his body language and voice appeared slightly nervous, though what was causing this apart from standing before Logan was a bit concerning to those who knew of Dumbledore’s many, many accomplishments over the years.

Logan began nodding his head whilst still not taking his eyes off of Snape, who, much to the shock of all the in the room, (and slight enjoyment of quite a few of them) had begun fidgeting slightly, replied.

“Alright, that was a rational attitude and logic, and a valid point well presented. In hindsight I probably should have requested the Goblin sending that message for me to reassure you that there was no danger, just a matter of some importance that required immediate attention. Having said that though, Severus...” Speaking the mans name caused the Potion Master to stiffened further, all while attempting to keep his signature glare in place, and failing all things considered. 

“I’m afraid you were not invited to this little party, and Albus here has inadvertently wasted some of your time! You have my apologies!” Snape seemed to relax minutely as Logan spoke, until he saw the smug grin appearing on the man’s face begin to form. “As an apology for this, allow me to send you back to the castle so that no more of your, oh so precious time, is wasted any further.” 

Reaching forward quickly, eyes once more aglow in Golden Flames, before Snape could even form a reply or react, Logan pulled his middle finger behind his thumb and flicked Snape on his nose. Now, you see someone flicked on the nose, and it would seem funny in certain situations, and the fact it was Snape being flicked on the nose, many were too shocked to hold their mirth for long. This shock went a step further however when Snape blinked out of existence right before their very eyes. 

Hermione, ever the curious and inquisitive young mind that she was, was instantly asking rapid fire questions, hoping to learn what had just happened. 

“How did you do that?! Was that a Spell of some sort? Is it similar to a Portkey? If so, how did you send him away when Gringotts are supposed to be as difficult to Magically transport inside and out of as Hogwarts!? Where did you….” Logan raised his hands, still smiling and looking a little taken aback by the young Witch’s relentless barrage of questions, much to the amusement and fond exasperation to all those that have seen this from Hermione too many times to count.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy wee-Lass. You’ll need to breathe at some point here or you won’t be conscious to hear my answers!?” Receiving a round of sniggers and a rosey blush from Hermione, Logan continued. 

“In order though; I pulled my middle finger behind my thumb and flicked it forward into Severus’ greasy nose.” Demonstrating said action a few more times to emphasise! This earned an eye roll from Minerva, Molly and Hermione, along with a chuckle from many of the others, including her parents, but eventually she began to smile along as well at the man’s attempt at humour.

“It wasn’t soo much a spell as a particular offset of unique abilities I have access to. I did send him away, very astute of you!” Earning a slight blush from the Gryffindor girl. “No, it’s not similar to a Portkey, good guess though, and as I previously said it wasn’t so much a spell, and therefore the banks wards could not prevent me from sending Snape away. I could do the same to everyone here, myself included either in or out of this bank and Hogwarts both, and the wards around both would not even flicker in an attempt to stop me!” At everyone's confused looks another question began to circulate around the room, until, surprisingly, it was Ron who decided to ask the question. “So, where did you send him?”

Turning a wide grin to the boy he simply replied with. “As I stated young Ronald, I sent him back to Hogwarts grounds. I did not, however, specify where on the grounds I was sending him!” As he finished talking, he began to chuckle to himself, whilst everyone else stood mildly confused.

————————————————-—JLM——————————————————

Many miles away, somewhere in the hills of Scotland, hidden behind many Wards and enchantments to protect its many students and secrets, stands a mighty and imposing structure, known throughout the Wizarding world as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Considered by many as the best place in the world for young Witches and Wizards to learn their craft. And with it still being the holiday season, it was currently, unusually so (though not unwelcome to some) quiet and peaceful. If one were to be taking a walk around the grounds that lead towards the Black Lake, they would see a rather peculiar sight however, more so than the usual in these hallowed halls.

The peace and quiet of this day was shattered abruptly by a loud splash and medium sized displacement of the normally tranquil water. And soon after disturbed further by the louder exclamation and shouting of the individual that, for all intents and purposes, seemed to appear in mid-air, a fair distance in the sky, before plummeting into the frigid waters of the Lake. 

Finally gaining his bearings, and soon after swimming himself to the shoreline, cursing to himself at his long robes hindering him and the injustice of it all, when he finally made it back onto dry land, tired and cold he all but collapsed at the shore line and angrily glared at the sky, as if it was responsible for his current condition. 

And with the re-introduction of that absolute demon of a man back into his life (he didn’t bother including anyone else into his own private pity-party, as usual) he had the distinct feeling that his coming days were no longer going to be as pleasant (he says with a heavy dose of his usual drawling sarcasm). 

As he begrudgingly picked himself up off of the damp shoreline of the lake, he noticed his parcel of potions ingredients, the entire reason why he was out in that bloody market place to begin with (and got roped into yet more drama involving Potter’s infernal spawn) was laying on the ground with the packaging as wet as he was. 

Cursing yet again at how unfair life was in general he undid the packages binding to see how much could be salvaged only to receive a surprise.

None of the interior was even mildly damp, only the outer packaging. All his ingredients were in perfect condition and bone dry. Snape being who he is as a person (through his many years of regret and hatred) and with years of his poor attitude and mentality as his only and constant companion, had no basis as to why Logan did this for him after pulling such a stunt with the lake; for he was under no illusion that it was Logan's doing, as he himself did not place any protective enchantments on his purchases and neither does the apothecary.  

Deciding to think on it later in a warm set of robes, and a hot drink (and deep down he knew full well he will prefer to simply ignore the prospect of introspection on why someone did anything nice for him in the slightest, and continue with what he knows; the art of the Sulk), picked himself back up and trudge back up to the castle. 

———————————————————JLM——————————————— 

Back at the bank, as everyone tried to decipher what Logan truly meant by his last comment, the man himself turned to face Dumbledore. His look stern, while not unkind, was far from what you would give someone at a friendly greeting.

As both men stared at each other, one tall and slightly imposing, the other slightly taller and looking decidedly weary but ready and willing to accept whatever was about to happen next, no one could anticipate what came next, but all could feel the tension. 

After a few more minutes of silence Logan broke the silence first. “Hello again Albus, been well?” He said simply, Albus replied in kind. “Greetings John, I’m glad for your re….”

Dumbledore could not finish he sentence as he suddenly felt a blinding pain emanating from his face and dropped to the floor like a sack of spuds. From the outside looking in the only sound that could be heard over the shocked gasps and exclamations from the other occupants of the room was the undeniable crunching of bone and cartilage as Logan head-butted Dumbledore in the nose, otherwise well known as a ‘Glasgow Kiss’.

As his vision cleared, Dumbledore looked up into the repressed fury of Logan McCloud, and realised that it wasn’t over just yet. “NOPE!! You’ve lost the Bloody right to refer to me by my first name Albus! Depending on the outcome of this meeting today, and your actions going forward, you may just earn that right again, along with avoiding a serious beatin'. Time and my mercy will be the judge.” Logan finished, eyes never leaving the old man crumbled to the floor, even as Mcgonagall moved help her old friend and co-worker. 

Picking himself up off the floor, and mildly realising that his nose had been broken yet again in his long life, attempted to reply. “Very well Logan, I do hope to return to doing so soon. May I enquire, though, as to what it is I have done to earn your anger, this time?”

As Albus finished his sentence and regained his footing he was unceremoniously pulled towards the man who dropped him moments before, and suspended above the floor. Encased in another Fiery aura, looking into similarly blazing eyes, Logan spoke softly (for only he to hear thankfully) yet firmly. 

“For letting that damn ego of yours come before the well-fare of those who look to you for guidance and protection. I warned you against spreading yourself too thin, and I specifically told you not to delude yourself into thinking you know all and were infallible.” Being gently lowered to the floor, and the fiery aura dissipating, Albus at least had the good grace to look contrite (along with a healthy dose of shame) as he had indeed been warned, and been lapse in his judgement on more than one occasion, much to his great shame. 

Logan continued, louder this time as the fire left his eyes and Dumbledore was set fully onto the floor. “We will be continuing this discussion at a later time, daylight is wasting on us and we haven’t even addressed the key reasons we’re here for yet.” 

Albus lifted his head up once Logan had finished speaking, and said. “Very well, I sincerely hope I can atone for my mistakes in your eyes, and earn your trust again, someday. Now to what do we owe the pleasure of you returning to us my old friend?” 

Logan gave him the first sincere look since he entered the room and answered. “For your and everyone else’s sake Albus, I truly hope you do! But again, that entirely depends on the outcome of today and your answers and reasoning to questions I will be asking. And your own willingness to realise your short comings. But you're right, to business.”  

With that Logan moved past the old wizard and moved back towards the desk in the centre of the room, and as he walked past all noticed that the blood from Dumbledore’s nose, slowly staining his beard, instantly cleared away and his skewed nose was fixed much to the mans gratitude. 

Amongst the weary and confused gazes of everyone else in the room came. “What the bloody hell was that about!?” From an understandably shocked Ron, as Logan passed him and his brothers. Before Molly could scold her son for his language, Logan spoke over his shoulder.

“That Ronald is a prelude of what’s to come if a certain old goat gives me excuses instead of owning up to mistakes. Regardless let's move on shall we? As I said already, we’re burning daylight.” 

Retaking his place beside Ragnok’s desk, who whilst introductions and painful reacquaintance’s were being made was making some semblance of order out of the many documents and files that Griphook had brought in not too long ago, frustration building slightly as Toe-Fang’s betrayal of his people and position was made more obvious in how poorly he kept the Potter documentation ordered since the death of the previous Lord and Lady Potter. 

Upon seeing the frustration building, Logan walked up to the Goblin, looked at several documents and pulled out what he was looking for, speaking softly with Ragnok in his own language for a moment before addressing everyone else. 

“To those unaware of why you’ve been brought here it was discovered not too long ago that the account manager in charge of the Potter account was paid bribes to suppress the Potter Will and keep vital information away from Harry as long as possible. We won’t rehash everything again as we are short on time, just know the Goblin has been removed and, with Harry’s permission of course, will now read the Will in full.”

As the newcomers tried to quickly get over their shock as Logan finished, he expecting the look of shock and anger on their faces, and the disbelief and slight guilt on Albus’ at not realising to check into whether James and Lily had left a will and not just a vault or possessions for Harry, Logan looked to the boy in question, silently asking whether they had permission to open the last words from his parents. 

Harry looked down for a moment to think. Whilst he did (desperately so) want to know what his parents had written down in that Will, he also held a fear as to whether they left him anything or had some last parting words for him of love and encouragement. 

It was one thing to hear from the many adults, stranger and friend alike, that had known his parents, and to hear stories and comments of how his parents were and how much he resembled them both, it was entirely different to read words written down by his actual parents, in their own hands and in their own words and have any form of physical communication with them from beyond the grave.  

In all honesty he wasn’t sure how he really felt behind the nerves, and the slight fear that everything his relatives have said for years about his parents and him were right and that everyone else had merely tried to make him feel better or paint his parents in a better light. 

Feeling a firm but gentle pressure on his shoulder he raised his head, Emerald meeting Amber once again and seeing a supportive and understanding gaze looking back at him. Although Harry had only just today met this man, his warm gaze went a massive way to relieving the tension building within his body. 

His confidence was boosted further by feeling a delicate, small hand take his own, he broke eye contact with Logan and looked to Ginny, slight blush dusting her cheeks again and a supportive smile on her lips, despite her own eyes holding a deep concern for him. Warmth filling his own cheeks slightly, he smiled back in thanks for her support, seeing over her shoulder the supportive gazes of his friends and the others in the room, before turning once more to Logan and nodding firmly. 

Receiving a nod in return, with a proud and warm smile to boot, Logan stood and walked back to Ragnok, silently asking with his eyes for the honour of reading the Will. Giving consent easily the Goblin handed over the parchment, and with a delicate motion unrolled it whilst all in attendance took their seats with Harry front and centre, his friends on one side, Ginny and her mother on his other and Remus right behind him to offer whatever support the boy needed or would except from him. 

Finally after 12 long years of injustice, Logan broke the seal and opened the Will, activating the magic imbued in the parchment, causing it to glow and release a silvery mist, which coalesced into the spectral images of James and Lily Potter, much to Harry, Hermione and her parents surprise, unfamiliar as they were with Wizarding Wills and how they worked. 

“Here in lies the Last will at Testament of James Tiberius Potter and Lily Marie Potter nee’ Evans, we who are of sound mind and body, and free of any influence, be it magical or otherwise do proclaim this our final Will, and any previous documents are hereby declared obsolete and no longer valid!” Spoke James, his voice slightly echoed. 

“We came to realise at the start of our time in Godric’s Hollow, that even though we had hope that things would go as planned and that we could protect our son and ourselves from the Prophecy and Voldemort, we did not want to take the chance that our Harry, our baby boy, and to a slightly lesser extent the others we care deeply for, would be left with nothing to remember us by!”  

Lily continued, and even through this misty spectre you could see the sad but determined look in her eyes, so strikingly similar to her sons. “So therefore, and with the help of our close family friend and ally to the House of Potter, John ‘Logan’ McCloud, who helped bring us a representative from Gringotts, we wish to fill out this, our final Will, with the quiet hope it’ll never be needed, and prayer that if it is, those we leave behind will remain safe at the very least.”  

As James finished and Lily picked up where he left off, many gave small sounds of understanding as the Knut finally dropped on how Logan seemed so knowledgeable of how Harry’s inheritance hadn’t been fulfilled until now, he was present at the very beginning. 

“There is soo much we want to say, to all of those we leave behind, chief among them being our son, and soo much more we wish didn’t need to be explained through this parchment instead or in person. We may be in hiding but we still hear a fair bit from the outside world, and with the way things are going out there, and with Logan supporting our decision, we want to make sure our son has a fighting chance.”

Lily began, only for James to jump in quickly to add.“And if Albus is present for this reading, we’re sorry Sir, but we WILL give our son the tools to defend himself, and more than that to survive what’s coming. Even if it means going against what you believe is the best course of action! You know of are opinion and we respect your views and council but at the end of the day, Harry is OUR son, our responsibility! And we will make sure he lives as long a life as possible.”

Here many glanced at the Professor, wondering what the Potters were referring to and why Dumbledore looked resigned and remorseful all of a sudden. Turning back to the front as the Will continued, many noticed how Harry had not moved an inch, though if you looked closely enough would notice a slight shake of his shoulders, the only indication that hearing his parents voices for the first time was truly effecting him. 

Logan spared Harry a quick glance, a silent promise for more answers when they were finished and had the time, he prompted the will to continue.

“If this is eventually shown to Harry, and if no one has explained the contents of the Prophecy to him, I am so, soo very sorry sweetheart! From the moment we heard you may be involved in a Prophecy involving that monster we begged and prayed that it wouldn’t be about you, as awful as that makes us feel since the other it could refer to is the son of our dear friends the Longbottom’s. But something in our guts tells us that these prayers won’t be answered.” The image of Lily had silent tears running tracks down her cheeks as she spoke for the first time to her son.

Hearing the pain in Lily’s voice had similar tears running down the faces of many of the women listening, Remus and Harry right along with them, one for hearing from his longtime gone friends and the other for feeling the pain of his loss and a warmth at realising that his parents truly and deeply loved him and didn’t want to leave him. 

As James’ image wrapped his wife in his arms to give her comfort, and to give himself a moment to gather the strength to continue, he turned towards the room at large as he continued speaking. 

“There was a Prophecy given to Albus by one Sybil Trelawney, durning her interview for the Divination post at Hogwarts. After hearing it, Albus summoned us, and Frank and Alice Longbottom to the school to tell us it in full, and several aspects of it pointed to either of our soon to born children; it goes as follows ‘The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies...’  

“As you can imagine we were all highly disturbed by this, and as Lily and Alice let us know soon after so were the babies. With Lily and Alice heavily pregnant at this time, it was as if hearing the prophecy told in front of them had the babies wanting to move away and hide, and honestly I wouldn’t blame them as I felt like I was about to be sick myself!” James finished with a hard look in his eyes, and many were already beginning to put together the pieces, and coming to understand what it truly meant for the boy sitting in front of them. 

“When we all managed to calm down enough to continue Albus offered to cast the Fidelius Charm in order for us to hide ourselves and prevent Voldemort from finding and killing any of us, or the children.” Lily took up the narrative after pulling herself together a bit more. 

“Locations were decided, secret keepers were chosen. And Logan; who had been brought into the loop soon after, helped us cast the charm whilst Albus did the casting for Frank and Alice.” Lily looked to James next, obviously wanting him to go next. “What no one else knew other than us three was that we made a slight change of plans.” 

This peaked the interest of many, Dumbledore chief among them as this was new information to him. “It was originally decided that our friend, one of my brothers in all but blood; Sirius Black, was to be our Secret Keeper, but Sirius came to us before the spells were to be cast, with another friend; Peter Pettigrew, to take his place, as he thought, and Logan reluctantly admitted to being very valid points...”  

“James don’t leave out what Logan actually said!” Lily interrupted with a quiet chuckle, mirth dancing in her eyes as she recalled the scenario. “I think his actual reply went along the lines of ‘Wow, for once the mutt has a valid point!? James, brace him quickly I’m gonna check for a head injury, he might concussed….. Again!’ And to be frank Dear, he wasn’t exaggerating all that much.” Lily quipped, being rewarded with a chuckle from her husband, and, though she was unaware at the time, more than a fair few chuckles from the various people present for the reading. 

Remus’ and Harry’s being a little on the watery side with emotion clogging their throats, and in Harry’s case being glad to see how his parents actually got on and interacted with each other brought a sense of warmth to his heart. 

“Yeah, thank you for the correction Lil’s.” James replied good naturedly to his wife, mirth dancing in his own eyes along with the obvious love he had for the mother of his child, and a warm smile to match, before turning back to the crowd and continuing their tale. 

“Anyway, after Logan thought it over, he volunteered to use himself instead of Peter, claiming he would be the more secure option in the long run, but Lily brought up a slight problem with this; due to Logans…. unique circumstances so to speak, along with the fact he may be called away for one reason or another, it simply wasn’t viable for Logan to be the Secret Keeper, because if something were to happen, and anyone not in on the secret needed to know where we were the Keeper would need to be on hand. And if Logan did disappear again then that couldn’t happen. Recognising it to be our choice and decision, and respecting them as such, he agreed to not use himself as our keeper.”  

Almost everyone looked to Logan after that, seeing for the first time today he held a look of deep regret and pain etched into his eyes and face. His whole body language screaming regret and pain, making it plain to see that he wished more than anything at this moment that he insisted upon it more. 

Others were also beginning to realise a flaw in what they knew of the events surrounding the Potter’s and their tragedy. In particular, Albus and Minerva. Arthur and Molly’s minds were also going back to the conversation they all had at the ice-cream pallor earlier today and what Logan hinted at of Sirius not truly being responsible for the Potter’s fate. Dread beginning to fill each of their hearts.

“That’s when Pads pitched his idea. With his family history and hatred of their Dark arts beliefs, publicly turning away from their ways and how close he is with us he would be the most likely holder of the secret when they realised we had went into hiding. And even though he vowed to us on his magic that he would die before giving up our location, he knew of Dark spells and rituals; because of his family, that could potentially drag the information out of him no matter how hard he resisted! So we switched to Wormtail, who as far as we are aware isn’t even on the radar of any Death-Eater, and would be protected and would check in regularly with Sirius, and when he returns from his mission for Dumbledore (and vetted for his identity), Remus would join him in keeping Peter safe and in doing so protecting us, as opposed I still am of them risking their lives for us. Yes I know Lil’s, it's their choice and I would make the same choice in their place, doesn’t mean I have to like it!” James cut his wife off from correcting him, not unkindly, though it was clear the idea of someone else sacrificing for his family did not sit well with him.

With an understanding look between husband and wife, Lily merely nodded her head before turning back to the reading. “We can only hope and pray that it will be enough. But, now that we have explained our reasons for updating our will, at Logan’s insistence before we started this dictation, making a point of recording the details of, well, this cover up for lack of a better word, but that makes me feel like we’re in one of those cheesy muggle spy movies!” Earning more than one snigger or chuckle around the room at the sudden attempt to lift the mood. 

Getting his own chuckles under control James quickly sobered and continued. “Though I don’t want to believe it myself, I trust Logan’s skills, intelligence and abilities, not to mention his years of experience, better than any others, even my own!” Earning a snort from his wife at this and a quick. “Do you mind” in return for the interruption, earning a chuckle from his Wife before he continued. 

“Logan told us after they left that he had a bad feeling about using Peter. Well to be honest, he said quite a bit more than that, along the lines of how twitchy Peter could be, how easily he buckles under pressure, etc. To be fair they are valid points, which is why we will have Sirius and Remus guarding him, but I digress. All his points were valid and placed more than one seed of doubt in our minds. Add onto that his insistence he can sense something on the horizon that has set him on edge! If anyone present for this reading is familiar with the man you know that isn’t an easy thing to accomplish! Regardless though he had a point of making sure that we made a record of this, to protect more than one of our loved ones, and those we hold dear but do not yet know!” 

Earning confused glances from more than one person, and a sudden peaked interest from Dumbledore. “And most importantly, making sure our son has the best life possible!” James finished with a familiar, intense look appearing in his eyes for a moment, soo very similar to his sons, before softening again as Lily took over. 

“And now that we have that out of the way, we can finally get to the bequeathments” And strangely enough Lily actually looked eager to get to this point, earning a few more chuckles, if not slight confusion, from everyone. 

“We’ll start with the obvious; To Harry James Potter, our beloved son, if this is being read we know we weren’t there for you in the coming years, and for that we cannot apologise enough. We know items and possessions will never be a replacement to or take away the pain you must be feeling, and even admitting this is breaking my heart, but I hope that what we leave behind can help you live a long and wonderful life; and I don’t mean if you get past Voldemort, if you are chosen. You are a Potter and we know that if it is you (God forbid) that you will win Young Man, no questions asked, is that clear!?! How could you not when you are OUR son after all!”

Lily proclaimed her scolding yet simultaneously proud declaration, combined with a watery smile, brought many a chuckle and damp eye to many in the room. And looking to Harry you would be witness to a matching proud smile on his face, with his own tears silently falling from his eyes and shoulders shaking from emotion. Ginny, by this time, had taken Harry’s hand in her own again to offer him what support she could, with Remus placing his own on the boys shoulder, allowing both of them to share in the pain of losing these wonderful people.  

Giving Lily a chance to pull herself together, James took over the narration. “We leave our son the school vault we set up for when he starts Hogwarts, to be used for his school expenses, Hogsmeade visits and a few other small spendings. Everything in the Potter family vault’s, including multiple properties such as Potter Manor; the ancestral home of the Potters (though I should mention that only a chosen Potter with a matching Magical signature will be able to unlock this Manor, our family was attacked centuries ago and forced to flee, I know it was rebuilt and hidden further than before but it will only open for those whose very magic matches some preset requirements set into the Manor Keystone. It never recognised mine so I can only hope it does for Harry or any future generations) for him to choose from, that is if he doesn’t find a place of his own someday. Shares in the various Wizarding and Muggle companys and various other items and such are included in the Potter family ledgers, which I’m sure the Goblins at Gringotts, and whoever is still our account manager at the time will help explain to him in full. And if I’m truly not around anymore to explain this in full, there will be a letter placed in the Potter Vault explaining the family history in full and where to find the family genealogy. And Ragnok; the director of the Bank and a family friend, will know what it contains and can explain to Harry the history involved and what it will mean for Harry. Nothing bad Son, I promise, just a family secret that can’t be shared outside the family.” 

Earning curious and confused expressions from many in the room, few could understand the need to protect the family secrets, and many present made the silent promise not to pry for details from Harry. 

As they brought their attention back to the reading, they were in time to hear Lily continuing. “In short, we’re leaving Harry everything, except for what we leave the following people in this Will. Along with a request for our son, if he’s listening to this recording. Please Harry, live a long, happy life. No matter what life has you face, remember to love, be it finding true friends or that special someone you’ll one day spend the rest of your life with (and we’ll come back to that a little later).” 

More than a few were confused as to why Lily had brought particular attention to this, whilst Harry’s face burst in a massive blush. (And unbeknown to all but a few a matching blush graced Ginny’s face as well, though I’m sure they are unrelated....) but had no time to ponder further as Lily continued

“Enjoy as much of your life as you can, but if I see you before your an old and wrinkly prune of a man, older than Dumbledore even, I’ll tan your hide, do you understand me Young man?!”

Now, most of the women present had to stifle their laughter, be it full chuckles or simple snickers, at Lily’s demand at the end, most if not all of the men leant back slightly at the flash of anger from Lily Potter. 

It was worse for Remus, Albus (though he did have to stifle a chuckle at Lily’s comment, taking no offence what so ever), along with the Weasley men, as they were reminded of times where that anger was directed at them having known Lily in person, or were reminded of the similar temper of the Weasley Women. (Seriously, what is it with red heads and fiery temper!?) For Harry however, despite feeling a little fear at being at the receiving end of his Mothers temper for the very first time, couldn’t help a slightly wet chuckled at his mothers concern of moving on to meet his parents too soon.  

He could only hope that he made them both as proud as he possibly could before that time came. Taking over after getting his chuckles under control James continued by saying. 

“To Sirius Orion Black, we leave guardianship of our son, as is his right as Harry’s Godfather! And at his request; 5 Knuts, along with a slight amendment that he’ll just have to accept, as we’ll be making sure he can’t give it back to Harry; Pads we know as soon as the last of the Older members of your family passes on, and things with the war calms down slightly, you will want to take up the Black Family Lordship, and will have access to your families wealth for whatever you want. But again, in the interest of being prepared and in case you need it to support yourself and Harry, we bequeath to you 100,000 Galleons. If you do get the Lordship and accounts open to you, then fine use the money to make sure Moony gets his potions, we’ll be leaving him a message in a mo, but it’s in case he decides to be a stubborn old fur-ball. You know as well as I do that he’ll say something along the lines of ‘not spending the money on him when it belongs to you and Harry’, so don’t give him a choice. As a personal message; if something has happened to us Pads, don’t you dare blame yourself! You did all you could, did more than any man would normally be willingly to put themselves through in order to keep our family safe! I couldn’t ask for a better brother to meet on my first trip to Hogwarts. Take care of yourself Pads, and for gods sake find a good woman already. The bachelor life only works for soo long mate, time to settle down ay?! Maybe see if Bones would be willing to give the old dog a home huh?!” 

James finished with a cheeky grin on his face, which garnered more than one chuckle around the room and a fond shake of the head from Remus, somehow expecting that to be the last ever by-play between James and Sirius. After this was over and they get Sirius released they’ll have to bring him to see the reading himself, but that can be arranged at a later date. 

Lily took over next. “To Remus John Lupin; we leave the sum of 500,000 Galleons and any and all books he takes an interest in, in the Potter collection that Harry gives his consent to (or if Harry isn’t old enough to make the decision himself, Sirius can give him access instead), along with a personal request and message; Firstly, please help Sirius raise Harry, we all know that while Sirius CAN be serious once in a while (SHUT IT, MUTT!!!)" Confusing many, Harry included, on what she meant by calling Sirius a Mutt, but figured it would come up later! "But he is well and truly fun time all the time, we’ll be relying on you to make sure Harry knows the importance of hard work and using his full potential! He’s our son and we know in our bones that he will be as intelligent as we are, if not more so, so I better see good grades from my son, or there will be issues when I next see you and Sirius!” 

This earned more chuckles from everyone listening (at this point people should expect a chuckle after every bequeathment really) though Remus’s smile was more than a little bitter. Shame in himself welling up at not making more of an effort to check in on Harry after he went into hiding with his Muggle relatives. 

And he knew deep down that any excuse he were to give about not wanting Harry exposed to what he was would’ve fallen on deaf ears. He’ll gladly receive any beating James and Lily decide to give him when they next meet, and vowed to make up for lost time and actually be there for Harry from this day forwards. 

As people came back from either their thoughts or their laughter they realised Lily wasn’t quite finished with Remus just yet.

“And on a final note; Remus I don’t care what excuse you try to give to this, if I hear on the other side that you haven’t followed through with this I will personally find a way to get my wand back and hex your bits off! And with how many years you’ve known me you know damn well that I’m not joking when I say that!”  

Hearing Lily’s threat caused Remus to pale even further, knowing full well if anyone could carry out that threat it would be Lily Potter. Several of the other males in the room, Wizard and Goblin alike cringed at the threat, whilst many of the women had something of a proud look on their faces, making a note to remember that for the future, causing more dread to form subconsciously in all the males.  

Eventually, everyone’s attention turned back to Lily. “Remus for Merlin’s sake stop wallowing in self-pity and loneliness. Get your potions, use the money we’ve left you to get yourself some better clothes and a more comfortable life. You refused to let us help you with a place to live and clothing for years, and one of the few things that I will be thankful for the circumstances that will bring this Will to be read is that you can no longer deny our requests. Open yourself back up Remus, meet someone, anyone and give them a chance to prove to you, the same that James, Sirius and Peter once did, that the right person will not care about your ‘Furry Little problem’ and will care about you even more for what you’ve been through and not being broken by it.” 

James decided to throw in his 2 knuts as well. “You know she’s right Moony, the right woman won’t care, but you’ll never find out unless you open yourself up mate! I know that’s easier said than done but please at least try if the situation presents itself. Sirius, make sure he does as we ask, and if needs be enlist Harry to help, if he’s anything like his Mother I’m sure he’ll be happy to help his Uncle Moony. And if Remus still tries to be difficult, call in the big guns and sick Logan on him! That always does the trick!” James finished with a cheeky wink and a smile. 

A faint “Watch it Potter!” came from within the recording, that sounded distinctly like Logan's voice. That and the faint shaking and found, if sad, smile on said mans face proved he was in fact present when this was being dictated.

Remus barely registered this however as he was too busy trying to control his emotions and tears. It had been soo very long for Remus Lupin since his friends had been taken from him, and hearing this today has done nothing but open up those old wounds, and he would honestly say he was glad for it. 

Even though the pain has been made fresh again, he feels better having heard the last words of some of the closet friends he’s ever had. And with any luck he’ll regain another sometime soon if they can get the Ministry to listen to them, unlikely but they’ll cross that bridge when they come to it. 

Clearing his eyes some he looked to the young boy in front of him who looked so much like his parents it was honestly frightening. And whilst he could see similar pain to his own reflected in the boys eyes, he could also see a pinch of mirth as well (again, so very much like his father, full of mischief!) that told Remus all he needed to know.

Though they would have to build their relationship to what it should’ve been, there would be a fair few pranks heading his way, and most importantly, the son will be carrying on the mission his parents have set him in making sure Remus does as he’s been asked. 

Rolling his eyes and huffing quickly, though keeping a light smile on his face he accepted what was to come (and considering it part of his penance for being absent from the boys life for soo long) before turning back to the front as the reading continued. 

“To Albus, too-many-bloody-names-to-remember Dumbledore” James started, before stopping at the sudden whack to the back of his head from an irate Lily, plus her sudden shout of his name for being rude along with Logan’s quiet chuckling coming from within the recording. After rubbing his head James continued. “We realise you are the sort of man who will not wish for anything left to you like we have for the others, aside from a bloody pair of socks for some odd reason.”  

Here Harry and Albus both had a quiet laugh at the shared memory, whilst the others wondered what was so funny.

“We do have a few things to leave for you, some conditions to some of these bequeathments and some advice that we beg you to listen to and follow, if for nothing else than as a final request from two of your former students.”

Here Albus’ interests were peeked, and though he did not know what the conditions and request would be, he already had enough of a reminder today to vow to complete them all to the best of his ability. He owed all of the Potter family that much, and soo much more at least. 

“We leave the sum total of 150,000 Galleons to the school, asking that you update the brooms for the students, be it for the flying lessons or Quidditch Pitch for any student who cannot afford their own broom, and ask that they be at least the Comet Two Nineties that have recently come out if possible, or any model above this if its still affordable after our other conditions.” Those who knew of James Potter’s obsession and skill on a broom merely shook their heads in fond exasperation at his last comment, chuckling whilst they saw Lily give her husband the stink eye for adding that last bit in. 

Harry however was smiling warmly, if a little sad, at the common skill and love for the sport that he shared with his father. James continued unabated.

“Oh, and let's not forget the warmest pair of socks we’ve managed to find here in Godrick’s Hollow. They should be in the family vault and labelled with your name so they’ll be easy to find at least!” James finished with a cheeky grin, bringing a surprised but pleased look to Dumbledore’s face before he gave a soft chuckle. 

Taking over, after finishing her glare at her husband, Lily said. “Before all that however we would like for a few changes at the school to be made, and seeing as the Potter family has a seat on the Board of Governors, and the Wizengamot we can legally make these requests, which will make it easier for you to get authorisation for them. Firstly we’d like an update the Muggle studies course at the school, I’m sorry Albus but even when we were attending school the material was horribly outdated, if the students expect to maintain the Stature of Secrecy and not be the cause of the Muggle world finding out about the Wizarding world, then the course needs to be up to date to the current time, not to mention bring more of an awareness to the lack of a difference between a Magical or Muggle person other than one has magic and the other doesn’t. Use the first excuse if any of those Pure-Blood bigots decide to kick up a fuss, as well as the fact this is our last Will and Testament and by their own Wizarding Law, if they can find no legal reasons to deny our request then they must accept.” 

Lily finished with a triumphant smirk on her face, and many in the room held stunned or proud expressions themselves at the brilliance of Lily’s plan. This will force the Pure-blood elitists to administer the changes needed, bring more awareness and understanding to what Muggle culture is, and could possibly do for their society if only a little more understanding occurred between the two cultures, and at the very least stop so many supporters of the Muggle haters from falling into the same mindsets as their fore-fathers. 

Ohhhh, but Lily was far from finished yet!

“Also, we’d like for a little more added to the Defence Against the Dark Arts and Sports Course’s. Mainly physical exercises and routines to be carried out by ALL students, not just those playing on the Quidditch Teams. Now, before any of your students, or even any of you listening to this start moaning about having to do physical work (Oh the horror, honestly the injustice of it all) just hear our reasons. James has told me that when he joined the Auror Department they worked all of the trainees into the ground with physical training and exercises, learning to dodge and weave, etc.”  

“Bloody nightmare that was!” Interrupted James with a small shiver and a haunted look in his eye, only to receive a small pat on his hand from Lily. “Yes, yes dear, I remember, truly awful!” Was her only reply, voice practically dripping with patronising sarcasm. Once more many in the room were in stitches from the by-play and teasing between the late Potters, and Harry was sitting in rapt attention, loving seeing what his parents were actually like.

Once she was done coddling James’ ego a bit more Lily continued. “Anyway, as I was saying, after James finished his training, he made a small comment about how it's strange some of those exercises weren’t done at school. Typically, he mentioned how the Quidditch team could potentially improve their games if they were in slightly better shape. After we discussed how some schools in the Muggle world have their students take a class we Muggle-borns will recognise as P.E., or Physical Education. There are a variety of different games and sports, exercise routines and a whole lot of running around that if done regularly enough will improve the general strength and physical health of the students!” Here James decided to jump in and take over the explanation. 

“When Lily finished explaining all the different games and exercises that young children did on a regular basis, many of which match what the Auror Course had us do, all be it toned down for obvious reasons, I admit I found myself envious! If we had those kinda sports and exercises at Hogwarts in the years we were there, it wouldn’t have been so difficult for me in the course. And during many of our debates...”

“Rows!” Came the quick voice of Logan from the recording, causing a small chuckle from everyone watching. 

“Debates!! Thank you John” Lily continued after the comment was made, a slight scowl facing away from the reading, presumably towards where Logan was standing, then back to the Will being dictated. “… After we talked through the many different advantages and disadvantages between Muggle and Wizarding education, we decided, why not partition to the Governors to add some of these exercises to Hogwarts to improve the overall health and fitness of the students (obviously avoiding saying that they are done by Muggles to avoid the chagrin of the Pure-bloods), claiming that the added exercise should improve the students stamina when duelling, last longer when casting spells back to back, improve the general health of the students, and possibly improve their mental capacities as well as they will have added blood flowing to their brains and so on. That way, if any other students wish to go into the Auror course, then they won’t struggle as much as James and Sirius did, and can focus more on other areas instead, therefore making more competent Aurors, and future Witches and Wizards won’t be as lazy!” 

All through Lily’s explanation, and even as she continued to outline several of their ideas and rough plans that could be implemented at the school, Albus and Minerva had a quiet conference of their own, weighing the merits of such a plan and any potential obstacles they may face in getting them implemented. 

They knew they’d face some residence, particularly from some of the Pure-bloods fanatics such as the Malfoy’s! Though this time they had a strong footing to change things for the better at the school. Albus in particular vowed to see these plans carried out as one of his first steps at making up for many of his mistakes. Not like he had a choice in all honesty, even if he didn’t want to do as the Potter’s had asked, with Logan back in the picture change was coming to the World anyway. Might as well be in the calmer portion of the storm than those who will try to fight against it. 

Lily was still going strong so James decided he had to jump in. “Lil’s, honey... I’m sorry to be stopping you but this isn’t the time to make the pitch, this is the Will, so we really need to move on. Though if you like, and certainly so you don’t Hex me for interrupting, why don’t we write everything for the plan down and put it in the Vault, so that it can be passed on yeah!?”

Lily’s image had a slight darkening of her cheeks for getting too involved in explaining her idea, and some in the present turned their gaze to Hermione to lightly make fun of the fact that two people in Harry’s life was the clever academic, causing the poor girl to blush. 

“Alright James, thank you! Sorry for getting a little carried away there.” Lily thanked James with a quick kiss on his cheek before turning back to the reading. “Anyway, please use the money to buy whatever equipment and materials you’ll need for the new classes and to find and pay for a competent sports/exercise teacher for the school. With this, and a few other requests we’ll include in the letter, that covers our bequeathment and our request. Now comes our advice for you Albus, and please, regardless of whether you agree or think it too soon or don’t believe he’s ready, please, Albus, he’s OUR son, we should have the last say, be we alive or not!” 

Here Albus felt the guilt returning, the shame that these parents, two of his brightest and most loved students were practically begging him from beyond the grave to adhere to their wishes when he should have known what James and Lily wanted and done so, regardless of his own thoughts. 

Many in the room were also looking at Albus now, and in light of now knowing of the prophecy, and that Albus had known from the beginning, were beginning to put some pieces together. And whilst some could understand and sympathise with his desire to keep Harry from knowing too soon, also knew deep down that that final decisions rested with the boys parents, and not his Headmaster. 

James’ voice brought Albus out of his musing and self-pity, and he paid rapt attention, determined not to let these wonderful people down again. 

“Albus you're a brilliant man, a talented Wizard and a powerful force for the light! No one in their right mind would contest any of that. But we’ve noticed that you tend to put too much stock in believing all can change for the better. Be it the result of your long life or what you went through in your first war against Grindelwald, we don’t know and cannot say. And we know John has told you on more than one occasion over the years you’ve known each other to not think yourself infallible and all knowing. We want to add to that, in the event that we are not here any more, and Voldemort is still hunting for Harry. Please, no second, third, fourth chances for his followers or for that monster! The whole time we were in the order we’ve been merely reactionary and not doing anything to take down KNOWN Death eaters before they cause more damage and Voldemort has caused more pain than any of those Fuckers. I know you want to believe people can be changed for the better, and I will admit some actually can if you show them a better way, but the ones that enjoy the pain they inflict, need to be, Put. Down!! If nothing else Albus please, take away as many of Voldemort’s toys to make things easier for whoever is chosen in the Prophecy, be it our Harry, or little Neville. And regardless of who is chosen, and either us or Frank and Alice aren’t hear to tell them ourselves, if you or whoever is ever asked why we were killed, and why Voldemort came after us all, please tell the kids, don’t lie to them. They deserve to know and make the best decisions they can, not have the weight of the world thrown on their shoulders all at once. Even if they do panic or think their lives are over, yourself and those left behind can show them that the Prophecy does not have to define their lives, Lily told me a great quote by a Muggle author once that I think would apply great here; tell them that they are the Master's of their fate, not some stupid Prophecy! And yes I know I’m paraphrasing dear!!” 

Earning an approved nod from his wife for the admittance and another chuckle around the room.  

Many in the room were feeling rather inspired by James Potter’s impassioned speech, but many others however had tears in their eyes once again. Albus’ were from shame of his choices to keep the truth from Harry. Though his reasons were not malicious, they have now brought upon the very real possibility of loosing this remarkable young mans trust, something he never wants to have to experience. 

Albus also realises that the Potter’s have a valid point, no matter how much he wishes that they didn’t, he knows first hand how some people just cannot be swayed from their chosen path and are past the point of no return, that they would not offer the mercy he has blindly given in the past. It was this thinking that has given the Wizarding world the likes of Lucious Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange, and he has a part to play in that. Logan was once again right, no one is infallible, least of all himself. 

Harry and Remus’ tears were from the loss of these caring people, and the only family Harry ever wanted (and as a result of their pain, the tears of Mr and Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, Hermione, Mrs. Granger, Minerva and Bill). Whether they had tears in their eyes or not, all in the room could feel the emotions from the Potter’s, many seeing for the first time what brilliant and loving people they were and how amazing they would have been as Parents and friends. Much of the world still grieved for the loss of the Potter’s, and everyone in this room would do what they could to stand by their son, and make sure he see’s the other side of the monster known as Voldemort. 

Taking more than a fair few moments to gather themselves in the reading, James and Lily, clung to each other to gather their strength after that emotional plea. Logan took the opportunity to look to Harry and see how he was fairing, the young lad practically had permanent tear tracks running down his face, but did not look as emotional as Logan had anticipated. 

Normally this would bring a small sliver of concern to most. After what they just heard, you would think Harry would be feeling betrayed, and beyond emotionally drained after everything so far. And for all anyone knew he very well might later on.

Logan however, could practically read his mood and thoughts from just the look in his eyes alone, regardless of being able to ACTUALLY read minds. In Harry’s mind however, he had more important things to focus on for the moment.

His attention would not waver from the image of his parents, taking in every detail, every interaction, memorising as much of his parents as he could as though he were a drowning man in need of air. More so even than when he parked himself in front of the Mirror of Erised. His hand still firmly held in little-Ginny’s own, her eyes far from dry either, and Remus softly whispering to him from behind, offering what comfort he could. 

Harry’s eyes broke from his parents for but a moment and met Logan’s, and an almost imperceivable smile and nod were exchanged; Harry’s out of gratitude for making all of this possible, and Logan’s in acknowledgement, before both turned back to the viewing as the ghostly visuals of the Potter’s had finished pulling themselves back together to continue with the bequeathments. Logan braced himself for what was to come, if everyone here in the present thought there had been bombs dropped already then they hadn’t seen anything yet. 

“Sorry about that everyone, unless you yourselves are parents, and/or have a raving lunatic chasing you down, you won’t know just how much we fear Harry’s safety if anything were to happen to us both. Tends to make anyone a blubbering mess every now and again!” Lily explained with a watery chuckle, bringing quite a few others out from around the room and a fond smile from Logan, Harry and Remus.

Sniffing once more Lily continued. “Now that we have all that drama out the way we can move onto some lighter bits. To Minerva McGonagall, we leave a few of our school text books and journals, you had always expressed interest in and encouraged us to jot down some of our ideas for experiments and improvements to our spell work. Well you’ll be pleased to know that with nothing else to do while in hiding I finally managed to get James to sit down and do some homework, and, we conducted some small experiments on a variety of potions and spell work. And yes, Remus and Minerva, I know I was pregnant at the time, James already gave me the riot-act, thank you very much!” 

Lily effectively cut off the concern and incredulous looks that were beginning to form at the thought of a heavily pregnant Lily Potter experimenting with spells, especially as that has been known to kill more experienced witches and wizards. 

Minerva was also feeling stunned that these two decided to leave the world with a legacy other than their own son, and used their time effectively and efficiently. She felt immensely honoured and vowed to put the research they made to good use. As everyone continued to watch the projection they saw Lily with something of a coy smile as she looked over to her husband. 

“As it turns out, James is VERY good at following instructions with the proper motivation, so I had him do most of the work whilst I dictated, so again, no worries as I wasn’t involved in a lot of the practical fun!” Here James jumped in and tried to defend himself. “

Well, what sane man wants to sleep on the couch when his beautiful wife is upstairs in the comfy bed. Like I was gonna say no, plus it kept you and the baby safe from anything hazardous. But don’t let her paint herself as the little saint, Ladies and Gentleman, she still did some of the experiments, despite my best efforts. Though I can’t argue with the results. Always said Lily was the smartest and most powerful Witch of our age!” 

What began as a somewhat grumpy look changed into a loving, if embarrassed, blush on her lovely face. Those familiar with this back and forth knew James always knew how to get under Lily’s skin and sooth her temper all in one sentence. Well, the times he managed to sooth her anger anyway, the rest of the times he just braced for the fall out. 

But James wasn’t done however. “Plus, half of the notes and improvements we’ve made wouldn’t have been possible, I don’t think, if you hadn’t tried them whilst you were still pregnant with Harry. When I tried several of our thought up improvements to some of the spells, I’d barely get a reaction, which let us know that at least somethings were possible, but Lily decides to try it and she’s further along than I could ever hope to be!” Lily jumped in before James could paint the wrong impression, or embarrass her more, whichever was first. 

“Now James, I’ve told you already, I don’t think it was soo much me as it was Harry, in fact seeing what he’s done in just a year of life already with accidental magic, I’m almost inclined to think it was more so Harry than me! You have to understand everyone, sometimes, when a Witch is pregnant and the bond between parent and child is closer than normal, or the child is more susceptible to the latent magics of its parents, OR in what I believe to be Harry’s case, it may be possible for something of a pathway to be opened, not for long mind you as that would be dangerous for mother and child. With Harry however, I found that every spell I tried, be it a simple levitation charm, to something more complex, there was always more power behind them, sometimes what felt like 3 to 5 times more. It wasn’t till the experiments that James is referring to that we even began to think that Harry was letting me use some of his, for lack of a better term, spare magic to make things easier for his Mommy.” Lily finished with a soft and loving look on her face that did nothing to hide the excited and enthusiastic expression she also had at the prospect of such a rare occurrence. 

Everyone in attendance, from the Weasleys to Albus to Ragnok were in complete and utter shock at what they have just been told. Many knew that Harry had to be, or at least one day would be, a decent to highly powerful Wizard when he comes into his own. This however was painting a completely different picture. If Lily was to be believed, then Harry could be more powerful than they ever thought possible. 

Harry, confused as to why it had suddenly gotten very quiet (and even more disturbing to the young man was everyones eyes suddenly all pointing towards him), turned from the viewing for one of the first times since it began and looked to Remus, asking silently. “Um……… Uncle Moony, why exactly is everyone shocked by what Mum just said? Surely it’s not that big a deal is it?!” Momentarily stunned at what Harry had just called him, though he had a thought that Harry was that nervous he didn’t quite register it himself.  

Regardless it filled Remus with a warmth he’s sorely missed over the years, before shaking his head to address the young mans question and concern. “From what I know Harry, no it really isn’t!” 

Harry was still confused however. “But why is it that important, it’s like Mum said, we shared some of our magic from time to time, why does everyone look soo shocked.” To this Remus tried to explain a bit more.

“Well, firstly Harry, sharing magic isn’t really that common, very rarely is it possible, or even needed, such as with certain rituals for healing or to pool magic for larger spells or rituals to be successful, and as Lily explain, sometimes it is possible to share a small amount of magic between mother and child when a Witch is pregnant. But that would normally only lead to the occasional bout of accidental magic when the mother gets….. worked up over something, I suppose you could say!” Logan, having heard the quiet conversation and seeing that Harry still looked a little confused on why everyone seemed to be making such a big deal out of it, chose to pause the recording to address this quickly.  

“The reason everyones so shocked Harry is because it doesn’t happen as often as you think or Lily made it out to be, bless her modest wee-heart.” Earning a chuckle from those who remembered how Lily used to hate being the centre of attention, much in the same way Harry seemed to get. Just another thing this remarkable young man has inherited from his parents. 

“You see, the few times this has happened in the past, the children born have proven to be exceptionally powerful individuals. Now I don’t want you thinking it’s some scary thing or that you’re a danger to everyone around you. You are no more dangerous than any young Witch or Wizard. It doesn’t mean you're some SUPER wizard or anything of the like.” Logan continued, succeeding to pull a smile from Harry before continuing. 

“It simply means that you are more powerful than your average wizard. This doesn’t mean that you’ll instinctively know how to use this power, or that you’ll even realise this power, you may just plateau and be like any average or high level wizard. You will need to study and train, which is what you're at Hogwarts for anyway, to learn where your limits are just like any other magical child. You will just be a bit more powerful than the rest of your generation. Does that make a bit more sense!? And if it’s really that concerning for you, I can help you train a little bit at controlling your magic, and I’m sure Remus can help you as well. How does that sound!?” At Harry’s answering nod to both his questions, and the look Logan gave all of the adults in the room to curb the staring, he returned to the desk to continue the viewing. 

And all the adults knew, from that one look not to say a word to Harry about what else was implied by the boys mother. The kind of power Lily was describing would have gone well beyond what Logan had explained to Harry.

Albus himself knew of several individuals, throughout history, where similar tales were given around the time of their births, himself included! Yes, Harry Potter was well and truly an exceptionally powerful young man and we can expect a great many things in the future, and reminding himself of his recent vow to do all he can, to be there for him and make up for his mistakes. 

As everyone pulls their attention back to the front, they saw Logan begin the viewing where they left off.

“But then again with what happened later on, we are under no illusions that Harry truly is a special little boy. And no that is not the ramblings of a proud parent. But we’ll touch more on that in a moment, though!” This garnered many confused looks around the room, though they had no time to contemplate this new mystery as James soon took over after his wife finished.

“Regardless of that Minnie, we hope that you can put what we’ve found to good use. Share them with our son when you think he’s ready, and we hope that your Lion’s have made you proud one last time.”  

Once James finished speaking, Minerva, who had an exacerbated but fond look on her face at the reappearance of that blasted nickname soon had it morph into a watery smile with tears threatening to fall. Of all her Lion’s she was never any prouder of Lily and James, and their friends of course.

To think they worried about making her any prouder when they sacrificed themselves for the remarkable young man sitting in front of her. And with how he is shaping out to be the perfect blend of them both, without much of any guidance might she add, was ludicrous to Minerva. Here and now, she made her own vows to do all she could to support Harry in whatever he needed. 

They brought there attention back to the reading in time to hear Lily continue. “To Frank and Alice Longbottom, we know you’ve flat out refused us leaving you anything, as the Potter and Longbottom families have been life-long allies from the early days of our families. Instead, we have something of a special request in place of a bequeathment, though I’m sure they would prefer us there in person rather than leaving something material, as would you all! Alice, please, from one mother to another, and to a woman who considers you more of a sister than my own flesh and blood after I came the the Wizarding world. If we are the ones that are chosen and are gone, and as one of the few that will know what Harry will be facing, I beg of you to please be one of the Mother figures in his life, be the mother I can’t be, and show him a Mothers love. Frank help Harry grow into the confident young man we know he will one day be. As you know, we would do the same for your little Neville if our roles were reversed. You both know we’ve chosen Sirius to be Harry’s main Guardian and Godfather, but please help him and Remus raise Harry. Tell him stories of us both, set him right if he acts like a little toe-rag and deserves a spanking, and generally help be the family for him that we never can!?” 

Once again there were few dry eyes in attendance, both for how much love the young parents had for their infant son, and for the pain of realising that Frank and Alice couldn’t fulfil this request with the condition they were currently in. 

Albus in particular had both Logan’s and The Potter’s words from before of showing mercy to those that hold no remorse for their actions. He felt the weight of his inactions weigh down on him, and re-affirmed in his mind that he needed to let that part of his character go, or he would see the torture and deaths of more good people he cared deeply for. Most particularly the young man and his friends sitting in front of him. 

Harry, at this point, had more than one question going through his young mind. He decided to hold them back for now however, the look in Logan’s eyes earlier had been reassurance enough that answers will be given to any and all questions he had after the his parents Will was finished, so he resolved himself to soaking in as much of his parents as he could. 

Though the mention of the Longbottom’s raised a singular line of questions. Did Neville know of any of this, did the Longbottom’s not want to carry out his parents’ last wishes (before quickly correcting himself as he remembered that no one knew about the Will because of Toe-Fang and the ones who bribed him). This and many similar questions popped into and out of the young wizards head, and sharing another look with Logan told him that these would also be answered in time, he merely needed to be patient for now. 

Looking back up at the image of his parents, he noticed they seemed a little uneasy about whatever they planned to say next. It was James that started things off next. 

“I think that covers everyone we’d like to leave things to, we did try to leave something for Logan but he said if we even tried to slip something in here for him he’d know it and put us through the training Gauntlet again! ANYONE who has been through even a portion of one of his supposed ‘Training’ sessions know that we weren’t about to tempt fate. And, for good measure, he insisted on standing guard for us here at the house as we make up the Will. ‘Just as a precaution’ he says, more like not trusting us if you ask me.” James finished this whole sentence with either a scared, horrified look on his face (which, if the kids looked closely enough, they would see the same look on many of the faces of the adults, minus the Grangers obviously, around the room) as well as a cheeky, teasing grin whilst glancing to the side, presumably to the Logan of the past. 

Coughing away her own, slightly horrified expression, Lily continued. “‘He-hem’, yes well, he did tell us that the only thing that we are to leave him, if we must leave anything at all, is his oath that he made to us the day Harry was born; to do all he can for Harry, throughout all his life, for as long as Logan is able. We know and understand the position Logan is in, and know he can’t make us any iron-clad guarantees. But just that oath, that as long as he is here, in THIS world, he will do all he can to care for our son!? It lifts more off our shoulders than he could possibly imagine.” 

As Lily finished, many looked to Logan to see a deep sadness reflected on his face, and served to clear many of the questions as to why Logan suddenly popped in out of no-where and was trying to right as many of the wrongs made against Harry, as quickly as he can. 

He made an oath to two scared parents, and any who knew even a little of this man, knew full well that not only being a parent himself (we’ll touch more on this later) but also the type of man he was, that this oath was as good as an Unbreakable Vow between two Wizards, and Logan would fight the forces of Heaven and Hell, and still come out swinging to keep his word to the letter. 

As many came to terms with this realisation, and as young Harry himself felt a new wave of appreciation for the man, who has done more for him in the span of a few hours than anyone else has in his young life, their attention was once more taken up by the projection of the Potters, as James continued to speak. 

“Now comes the, well, let's just say the stranger portion of this Will.” This already peaking many interests. “You see, one night, I think it was what, one week ago for us? Two, Lily?” And at her answering nod he continued. “That something rather… strange happened.” Here he turned to Lily to explain.

“We were sound asleep in our bed, me still heavily pregnant, when I began to dream, or at the time what I believed to be a dream!? Anyway I saw a young man, maybe in his late teens early to mid 20’s or so, I can’t really be sure. He was a little shorter than James is now but, my god did he look so similar. But what stopped me from just assuming it was James was, as I said the height difference, and, more importantly were his eyes. Now anyone who met my mother knows there was only 2 possibilities for someone other than myself to have the kind of vividly green eyes as I do and that was my mother, and now my son. This young man in front of me.. had the EXACT same eyes. So, I drew the only conclusion I could… I was looking at the grown up image of my very own son. The perfect blend of me and James, right there in front of me.” 

That revelation had the entire audience in shock, with many holding their breathe, whilst the smarter of the group were already trying to pick apart what Lily had said soo far and decide whether it could possibly be true. Harry however sat transfixed to his seat, unsure of what to believe exactly, but massively curious all the same. 

“But it wasn’t just Harry that I saw, soon he was joined by a young woman. I’d say maybe, I don’t know, a year, maybe only slightly younger than him!? Vibrant red hair, I’d say a few shades lighter than my own, freckles all over her face, but not in an unflattering sense. Looked every bit as cute as a button but beautiful in an obvious way in all honesty, and deep chocolate brown eyes that held an air of confidence about her I’ve rarely seen in most young women I know of today.” 

Here, many of the Weasleys (even the few who were a bit slow on the uptake), many of the adults, Hermione and Harry, all turned to stare at the one person present, in this very room, that matched (or possibly would somewhere down the line) the description given by Lily Potter. Someone who, at this time had never met Lily and was silently freaking out a little bit. 

Little Ginny sat ramrod straight in shock, as she too came to the same conclusion, questioning just how it was that Harry’s mother could describe her so perfectly when she hadn’t even been born yet at this time. Noticing the eyes on her she became a little self-conscious, until she felt a hand take her own and laced their fingers together, a hand she’d taken a fair few times today herself and was beginning to like the feeling and warmth it brought very much. 

Looking up to the hands owner she met those striking, beautifully deep Emeralds again and her nerves and the self-consciousness began to kick up again, she was about to turn away when she noticed the look on Harry’s face.

It showed pure and utter wonder, along with a small blush of his own. Seeing her nerves and how the stares were unsettling her he attempted to smile to help her relax, and to show he was not blaming her for this in anyway. Ginny, (strangely) recognising what he was intending to do, smiled in return and they both turned back to the viewing, ignoring everyones stares, and gradually prompting everyone to do the same. 

Logan, having seen all their reactions, and paid the most attention to Harry and Ginny’s reaction (and noticed with no small amount of amusement that they did not let go of each others hands), turned back to the viewing again. The biggest news was soon to come, and he had to be ready to diffuse any tension that may come from it. 

Lily continued her explanation with. “Now before any start thinking I was merely dreaming, we later had the memory of the dream tested and it wasn’t so simple a dream. And no I’m not a Seer, never did believe in that non-sense bunk anyway. And yes, I know James, we currently have one hanging over our heads, I am well aware. It doesn’t mean I fully agree with the frauds and attention seekers out there, and I do not want lumped in with their ilk!!” 

Cutting her Husband off before he could start, and earning a much needed chuckle to relieve the brewing tension from before, she continued.

“That wasn’t even the strangest part of this vision however. As the young man and woman looked to each other, and grasped each others hands, just before they did, a, well what I can only describe as some form of flaming sphere of pure light appeared in the centre of each of their chests, and as their hands touched they grew even larger and brighter. When I could see a bit better they were leaning in, as if to kiss each other, where the two spheres merged into one and practically exploded, waking me up in the process. As you can imagine I was quite shaken and James was startled as well, as he woke to see if I was alright. The strangest thing though was that as I was trying to calm down, I could sense Little Harry! He was moving around softly and I could feel what he was feeling, and instead of fear as most little babies did at the unknown whilst still in the womb, he was at total peace! Almost ecstatically happy even. I couldn’t explain it, and as I tried to tell James, I had the sudden urge to call John over and tell him. I somehow knew he needed to know. And as it turns out, it was a good thing I did!” Now everyone in attendance was on the edge of their seats. What on earth happened to the Potter’s when they were simply supposed to be in hiding!?!?

James picked up from Lily to give her a break. “Understandably confused, I did as Lily asked and went to call Logan over, thankful he had given us a method of contacting him quickly in case of emergencies. By the time we got down the stairs to make the call though, me helping Lily as her legs were shaking by this point, Logan was already blitzing through the door at impossible speeds, eyes full of Fire and hands Ablaze in those weird Flames of his and ready for a fight, only to take one look at us, see that we were physically fine, look Lily over with those weird, glowing-etherial eyes of his and ask her what she saw!? This instantly cleared any doubt I had that it was simply a bad dream and, easing Lily into her chair by the fire (that Logan had restarted for us by this point) where she explained everything to us, slowly as per Logan’s request, giving as many details as she could remember, saying it could be vital. As she finished, he asked if he could look into her mind to see for himself, to confirm what he thinks it is she saw. Normally someone asks to invade your mind you hesitate, but Logan isn’t a normal person, and he wasn’t going to be using the Legilimency Spell either, so Lily had no problems letting Logan have a look around. When he was done he had a relaxed, if slightly worried look on his face, which by the way I still have no idea how he managed both at once.” 

James looked to Lily as he said this last piece, earning an eye roll and pat on his knee from his wife. 

By this time many were looking to Logan for some form of explanation, but all the man did was to give a cheeky grin and point back to the viewing, frustrating some and earning chuckles from others. Dutifully though, they all turn back to listen, and he exchanged a quick wink and grin with Harry, and somehow silently, implied that answers were coming and he will do what he can to help explain if needs be.

Nodding back gratefully to the man he was quickly coming to respect, solely cause he wasn’t holding back information and actually trusting him with the truth (and unable to decide how he got that impression from a wink of all things), he turned back to his parents to hear more, all while still not releasing Ginny’s hand, much to Logan’s continued amusement. 

“Logan explained to us that what I saw wasn’t my dream or vision, it was little Harry’s! As amazing as that sounds, just think back a moment to what we said about Harry sharing his magic with me on occasions! This is not normally possible except for extraordinarily powerful magical children, and it doesn’t simply shut off after a while either, it stays open, for the most part, and the night this vision came we were working later than usual trying to get something to work, and so hadn’t been in bed long before the vision arrived. When you take this into account, it makes sense that the reason I could see it was because my conscious mind filtered them out and allowed Harry to dream whilst mummy was up and about.” When Lily finished talking, Harry was once more on the receiving end of the stares, and this time it was Ginny who stepped up to offer a bit of comfort, which was gladly received and appreciated with another smile between the two. 

James took over next. “Logan explained it as an extremely rare phenomenon, one he didn’t think he’d see again for many years yet, and, stranger still, appears to happen in the same family line many thousands of generations apart. Again it’s too sensitive to talk about in this Will, but either Ragnok or Logan himself will be willing to explain when Harry asks and is ready!” Everyone's quick glance at the aforementioned Goblin showed (though shock too was obvious) an understanding look pass over his expression before they brought their rapt attention back to the Will as James went on. 

“Anyway, the way that John described it to us was that sometimes when two souls, very much connected, begin the process of joining us in this world, they cannot bare to be apart for longer than necessary, so the other will join them in the world within the year. And in the mean time, as young couples or lovers often do when separated by great distances, will send, ‘notes’ to each other, for lack of a better term, to keep the connection to each other strong until the other soul is born! The vision Lily saw that night is what this was, Harry and his, well soul mate for lack of a better term, exchanging messages of love to each other over the great distance between here, and wherever it is souls wait to be born. And sometime after Harry is born, there will be a little red haired girl born within a year or more after him that would be the soul-mate to our son. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, THE POTTER GENES LIVES ON!!” James exclaimed rather proudly. Making Moony and Minerva shake their heads in fond exasperation, whilst the others had no choice but to chuckle at the Late Potter’s antics. 

Once more shaking her head at James, Lily continued, with a slight, teasing look dancing behind her Emerald eyes. “More like the Potter curse you mean! Anyway that’s why we asked Logan to do some investigating for us, try and find who it was that would have a daughter soon after Harry was due that would be his other half. Took a bit of doing apparently, but close to the year mark and obviously after little Harry joined us, Logan had our answers! And we were delighted to know they were close friends of ours as well. Arthur and Molly Weasley are lovely people, with a family full of love, and we couldn’t be happier knowing how close we would all soon become. And if the fates be kind, or if Logan decides to butt his head in, and they and their little girl are present when Harry is watching this then we have a similar request to make of you that we did with Frank and Alice! Molly and Arthur, please be the parents to Harry that we can’t be if we don’t make it out of Godric’s Hollow!? And help Harry and your daughter understand and grow into whatever bond ends up forming between the two, we had Logan give us some research material and knowledge of what they may go through in the years to come and what to expect so that you’re not left unawares. And he’s promised to help as best he can, if he’s there at the time. We also know from our time as close friends you do not except charities of any kind, and we pray you do not think we our giving you any now.” 

Here, James explained. “From everything Logan’s explained to us, our kids will one day be joined in Marriage, and no I don’t mean when they are older and reach majority, I mean whenever this bond of theirs decides they’re ready, more than likely when they are both, BOTH mind you, around the age of 14-16 years old. And much like yourselves, that didn’t initially sit well with us, until Logan explained a few things, which I’m sure he will have already, or will do soon, with you as well! They are literally destined for each other in the truest sense, and this bond will make sure everything stays ‘age appropriate’ for lack of a better term, and at whatever ages they are at the time. It is a force of pure magic and will not allow either to be tainted in anyway easily, which according to Logan includes any form of malicious control of their minds, as they will literally have each other to help fight off attacks. As well as from doing anything that they consider and know to be ‘inappropriate’, so to speak. All this means is that these two will one day be Married, making yourselves a member of our family. And if you haven’t gathered by now we Potter’s take care of our own, be it blood or close friends. And in that sense we have left you everything in Vault number 126. Inside is roughly around 250,000 Galleons currently. I say currently because we’ve also included some shares from various businesses, Wizarding and Muggle, much like we have for Harry, meaning the investments and what-not will continue to grow in the years to come. The Goblins can help provide you with information and the best way to manage your shares, again all pre-arranged. Use the money, not as a charity, or a pity payment to care for our son, but to care for your family, as we would care for any and all of your own if they needed it! Through our son and your daughter we are family, and as you have both shown your children, and even the World everyday, Love is far more valuable than any amount of gold could ever hope to be!” 

At this point you would be forgiven for thinking that the Potter’s were trying to make everyone ball their eyes out. At the beginning of the explanation many were shocked and hesitant to believe any of the information they had just been told, and in truth many still were. Some were even denying the whole destined for each other parts (quick hint, one of these people rhyme with Perfect Percy and the other is his youngest brother), which Logan noticed and made a note to be mindful of and deal with in the future. 

But when they were speaking to the Weasley parents, explaining their reasons for leaving them anything at all, and their heartfelt plea to care for their son as if he were their own and help guide him and their daughter through what they will be facing next!? Arthur and Molly would have agreed on the spot even if they weren’t forewarned by Logan about all of this years before. 

Some time before Ginny was born, Molly experienced a similar dream whilst still pregnant as well, and when they came downstairs the next morning, intending to contact someone to make sense of things, Logan was already waiting for them, in their living room, a pot of Molly’s favourite tea already made and Arthurs favourite brand of Gingersnap biscuits sitting on two platters, fully expecting one or both of them to be fed to the the Mother's cravings! Asking them to sit and explain what she saw. 

He said he was glad he was right and explained everything to them the same as he did with the Potter’s, and helped them understand. This was why they never denied Ginny from hearing the stories made of Harry, or why they weren't planning on being anything but supportive of the young pair. Though Logan had warned them earlier today that there was something wrong that will need addressed before the end of the day, and were subsequently on the look out for what that might be.

Despite all that, once James had finished his explanation and the requests for the Weasley’s, Molly practically leapt from her chair and enveloped Harry in the most loving hug she could manage. Harry, who had been sat there in complete, stunned silence at this latest revelation could do nothing to prepare for the tight, but always welcome, contact from a woman he had already been coming to see as what he hoped his own mother would have been like, and returned the hug as best he could through his shock. 

Even through this shock he managed to hear Molly speak next to his ear. “The silly man didn’t need to even ask! Of course we’ll be looking after you. It wasn’t even up for debate to begin with!” Molly sobbed. 

Arthur came around as Molly continued to hug Harry, speaking softly to the obviously shocked and emotional young man. “It’s why we had no issues with you suddenly showing up and staying with us this summer Harry! Molly told me she recognised you the moment you asked how to get on the platform last year, and I did as well, the moment I saw you sitting at our table the other morning. James and Lily were truly wonderful people and we would be honoured to help raise and care for you. And because of this, we will except your parents’, our families, generous gift in the manner in which it was meant!” Arthurs kind smile, and the warm hand on his shoulder and the mans kind words, proved too much for the young lad and let the tears he didn’t even know were there, fall. 

By this time, everyone was paying attention to Harry and the Weasley parents, the kids all with happy, and in the case of the women in the room, watery smiles as they saw Harry release a little of what he had been holding in for years. Logan chose to pause the viewing, waiting for the inevitable questions that he knew where coming. 

And true to form, it was Harry that broke the emotional silence that followed. “Is it true!? About us being destined for each other?” He asked after getting to his feet and coming to face Logan, not looking to anyone else.  

Many would assume that Harry was merely asking about the bond out of curiosity. Logan however, who knew more than anyone what this young man has dealt with all his life (and suspecting something more sinister at play) knew what Harry was really asking. 

And he answered the concerned young man with honesty. “Yes Harry, it is! Never will you find anyone who was meant to complete you more than Ginny does and will. But you are not asking for the reason the others think you are, are you!” 

It was a statement, not a question. And seeing the slight panic in his eyes, Logan made to quickly reassure him, kneeling as he did so, to be eye level with him. “It’s alright, no one is blaming you for this Harry. You couldn’t have helped this, and you are not at fault here! It was simply meant to be, so it was!” Here Harry lowered his head, as though in shame at having been caught or in fear of repercussions. 

Many around the room were confused as to what Logan was saying, and to why would Harry believe he was somehow at fault. Many others were exchanging concerned glances. But little Ginny, she had other thoughts on her mind. 

If you were to ask her later what she was thinking at the time, or why she did what she was about to do, she may not be able to give you an accurate account of her actions past having this unexplainable understanding of what was really on Harry’s mind, but regardless she got up from her chair, came around to Harry’s side, used her hand to lift Harry’s head up and waited for his eyes to meet her own. 

And as they did it was as though a veil had been finally lifted. It was brief, and barely a moments insight, before they felt like something slammed a door in their faces, before she could get anymore than a general sense of his thoughts, but it was enough to know with a certainty (unfamiliar for one soo young) where Harry’s thoughts were taking him. 

Softly, but still in a firmer voice than any in her family remember her ever using before, she said. “You think you’ve trapped me in this don’t you?! That you're somehow responsible!?” Again Harry tried to lower his head, but Ginny’s hand wouldn’t let him, so he just averted his eyes instead. 

Upon hearing what Ginny had said, and seeing Harry’s reaction to it, many were shocked, and outraged, that Harry would ever think so lowly of himself, but were left wondering just what the hell he’s been through for that to be where his mind went after hearing something as incredible as this. 

A sharp look from Logan however, stopped them all cold once more, giving them all the impression of, ‘I know and it will be dealt with, don’t interfere for the moment!’. Once he saw that they all understood, he turned his attention back to the children in front of him as Harry began to reply to Ginny. 

“You didn’t have a choice in this Ginny, and now, from what we’re hearing, there’s no way out!?! I know what that’s like; to not be asked, to not be allowed an opinion, and you should have that choice, not be lumped in this mess with me. You could be with any other person better and less messed up than me, and it’s not fair for you to not have a choice like everyone else when your older…..”  

As Harry was getting himself worked up, Ginny took her chance to jump in once he took a breath. Seeing that Logan was taking a back seat for now, as if simply watching how this played out, made her feel like she would have the best chance of getting him to understand, and she would be damned if she let him spiral like this! 

“Harry, don’t you see?” Once she had his attention, and seeing the confusion in his eyes, she continued. “You don’t have a choice in this any more than I do! And you’ve just said you’re used to not receiving a choice in a lot of things in life, we’ll get back to that in a bit, but the important thing right now is this! Did you ask for this to happen, don’t think about me for moment, think about yourself for once, did you ask for this bond thing to happen to you on top of everything else?”  

“Well no but….” He never got to finish as Ginny jumped right in before he could dispute that thought. “Did you want to trap me or anyone else like this, say Hermione or someone else?” Again Harry answered. “No of course not, but why would that …..” Again she went on before he could think too much. “And that right there Harry, is why it is not and never will be you fault!” 

Seeing the confused expression (and in any other situation she would have thought it cute, marred only by seeing the pain in his eyes at a perceived wrong on his part) she pushed past her nerves and her innate-shyness and met his eyes head on as she spoke once more. “You didn’t ask for any of this, and you didn’t force me into this either. I didn’t ask for this, do you feel like I would force you into this?” 

At his quick, answering shake of his head, as though he’d never want her to think that, she smiled and continued. “Good, which means neither of us are at fault. From what I understand soo far this was meant to happen whether you were born Harry Potter or if I was born Ginny Weasley or two completely different people, just like some people were born with magic and Muggles weren’t, do you understand soo far?” 

And at his answering nod, along with the small light in his eyes showing that he was indeed beginning to believe it himself (even if he wasn’t sure whether to get his hopes up or not) she felt the confidence to say what she knew needed said, and hoped her nerves didn’t betray her. 

Taking a deep breath she went on to say. “And for the record, even if that wasn’t the case, I’d never feel like you’ve trapped me in something like this! I’d feel like the luckiest person in the world to be with someone with such a big heart. I know because of my GIT brothers...”

Here she levelled a quick glare at Fred, George and Ron, who all winced more than once with the sharp looks sent their way by every female in the room, they all correctly guessing what Ginny was about to say next, before she turned back to Harry’s eyes. 

“That you know of my…. M-my crush, of how I feel about you!” Here she felt her face, and Harry’s own as her hand was still along his chin and cheek, making sure he still looked at her, heat up at the reminder. Though her confidence bolstered slightly by the fact that Harry didn’t seem bothered, or dare she say opposed to the notion, if a little embarrassed, which given their audience was understandable, so she decided to forge ahead. 

“But that was never on the Legendary Harry Potter; hero from the story books! That was on the lonely little boy with lovely Green eyes, and during those stories I would always feel like there was some kind of connection to you. And then I happened to meet this small, lonely looking boy at the station whilst my brothers went to school and I noticed that when both our eyes met, I felt that connection again, that spark or rush of magic or whatever you wanna call it!? Maybe it was this bond thing?! I didn’t want to turn away, did you feel something similar?” She asked shyly, her courage apparently failing her finally.

Here, Harry, who had been staring at the girl in front of him in slight awe (seriously where was the girl who stuck her elbow in a butter dish and ran away from him a few days ago?), thought back to that day last year. And as he remembered looking at this girl, smaller than she was now, and remembered being captivated by her and DID feel something there. But it was as though it was through a fog and he struggled to identify what he was feeling, but knew deep down that the girl before him interested him in a way he was unfamiliar with, but not opposed to in any way (it was highly confusing to the young boy), and had intrigued him the last few days as well whilst he was staying with her family, like a puzzle he just couldn’t solve for some reason. 

After voicing these thoughts, confirming for Ginny that he did feel something that day, he just couldn’t tell what it was, and his confusion on why it was so difficult to remember the details (something that peaked the interest of all the adults, their minds instantly concerned and fearing nefarious causes), they were startled by Logan’s voice, bursting the small bubble they had created for themselves. 

And he truly did hate bursting it, they were almost there, he could see from the looks in their eyes, and sensing the slight pulses of magic rolling off of them both, as though their magic was trying to push past some form of block. Logan could now see the root of the problem had finally reared its head, and it was now time to cut the head off the snake! 

“I believe I know what you’re referring to Harry!” Seeing the blushes and sad looks at being brought back to reality, especially when Harry was just starting to feel better, Logan hurried to explain. “I think I know why you can’t focus on the moments you’ve shared with Ginny soo far, and a few other issues that I’ve noticed with the some of the others as well! Particularly Ron and Hermione, and something that’s building up in Ginny now, even as we speak!” 

Earning gasps from the parents in the room, moving to their children as though to check for themselves and see if anything was wrong, with Arthur, Molly and Remus coming to join Harry and Ginny respectfully. 

Albus came over to Logan, Harry and Ginny’s sides and waved his wand around them. Once he checked the readings he did the same to Ron and Hermione, and again didn’t look like he saw what he was looking for.  

Turning to Logan he asked the question on everyone's minds. “I cannot find anything out of the ordinary Logan, I would never doubt you in this, as I know your experiences trump anyone else’s here! I merely ask if you are sure the issues you speak of came from a magical source, or some other!?” Here Dumbledore gave Logan a significant look, confusing many in the room, but Logan obviously caught onto what he meant as though he expected the question, as he simply nodded and replied. 

“I’m sure Albus! And you haven’t found anything because you're looking in the wrong places. Harry can you come here for a moment please!?” Hesitating for the briefest of moments before moving closer to the man who had done soo much for him already today, finding Ginny had come with, not letting go of his hand. 

Anticipating this Logan brought up his hand as though to stop her. “Right there is fine Ginny, you don’t have to step away from Harry but I do need little space so I can do what I have to, alright? I promise, on my oath to his parents, he’ll be okay and once we’re done, things will be better, I just have to ask that you trust me alright!?” Harry turned and gave Ginny a reassuring smile before stepping closer again. 

Arthur stepped behind his daughter, placing his hands on her shoulders, not in a restraining manner but in support. Looking up at her father, then over to Remus, she asked softly. “Are you sure Harry will be okay?” Turning to the young girl Remus tried to reassure her. 

“Im sure you have gathered this already Miss Weasley, but Logan takes his promises deadly seriously, and his oaths even more so! For him to swear on the oath he made to James and Lily, he won’t ever break that promise, I assure you. Harry will be okay, I won’t, however, say that he won’t be hurt in some way though, but John will make sure Harry is okay by the end of this!” Both reassured and suddenly worried anew, Ginny turned back and watched on anxiously. 

While they had been talking Harry and Logan were discussing what was about to happen. “Now Harry, this will sound like a cliche but try and relax alright?” Logan started off with a joking grin, to try and ease Harry’s tension, receiving a slightly nervous grin in return, one that he was trying to use his Gryffindor courage for.

“Okay John!” Harry replied, trying to play along, despite the nerves building up, along with a slight pressure from his scar, as though it was trying to tell him to run as far away as he could. Logan smiled at the use of his first name, showing that Harry was beginning to trust him, before giving Harry a look to let him know that he’s aware of his discomfort.  

“Now try and clear your mind as best you can okay, I’m going to place my hand on your head, where I’ll try to clear away what’s blocking your thoughts, and my other will be placed in the centre of your chest, near where your magical core is located, to make things a little easier to control your magic. All that sound okay soo far!?” Logan moved both hands to hover just over both areas as he explain what he was going to do, and at Harry’s answering nod he closed his eyes to gather the needed energy to start. 

Seeing the concerned looks from the other adults and the children, Dumbledore decided to ask a few needed questions. “Logan, as you prepare, would you mind answering the question on all our minds please?” 

Without opening his eyes, or any outward indication that he even heard him, Logan replied regardless. “Sorry about that Albus, wanted to make sure Harry felt comfortable first and skipped a step. What I noticed when meeting Harry earlier today, and the other kids as well after a few minutes careful observation, is that they have had binds placed on them, primarily on their magic as well as on their minds! I can only guess that this was done to weaken Harry and any that are close to him, to make them weaker for any of Voldemort’s cronies in the years to come, and to hinder their ability to learn. Both together mean that it’ll take them longer to learn even moderately difficult spells, thus further weakening them for later abuse or capture.” As Logan finished explaining, his Etherial, Fiery glow returned and surround him, whilst still not opening his eyes. 

Molly, along the other parents of the affected children (all of whom were furious and rightfully worried) asked the next valid question. “But who did this to our children in the first place!? And what purpose could anyone have for doing something like this? And why are you including Ginny as one of the ones affected, she’s not been near anyone else but home and the Alley today. When would she have even been targeted!?” 

All valid points, but it would appear Logan had answers for her as he continued to build his energies. “The person who put the bind on them Molly, and for what purpose happens to tie together into one man; Voldemort!” Ignoring the signature flinch from many in the room, Logan went on to say.

“In this case, via the former Professor Quirrell. With Voldemort hi-jacking the back of his head in this lots last year at school, and with the amount of dark spells he knew, is it really a stretch that he knew of one to limit a persons magic and abilities to learn?” Many had to concede to this point. 

“That explains the how for the likes of Ron and Hermione here, and that won’t take more than overpowering the spells so they fall apart, they’ll be a bit dizzy and fatigued till tomorrow so we’ll hold off on releasing theirs so that they can simply go home and sleep. Harry though, has a little extra suppressing his mind from concentrating, something taking a large chunk of his magic to keep at bay, not unlike a virus with his body fighting the infection, and not leaving any of what Lily described earlier left for him to fully grow accustomed to, as well as working to stop Harry from fully realising the bond! Stopping it from fully forming between them both, all of which could be dangerous, and more likely fatal if left alone!” Logan explained, his Flames growing more intense as he spoke. 

It was Minerva who spoke next. “Dangerous, what do you mean dangerous? What will happen to Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley? And you still haven’t addressed why Miss Weasley is only now being affected?!” 

Logan somehow still didn’t even open his eyes in order to bat them at the Professors exclamation. “Dangerous as in it could permanently damage his magical core, limiting how powerful Harry will become as he matures, not to mention the danger of walking around with an unstable magical core to boot! Some rightfully claim it to be more dangerous than becoming an Obscurial. The mental aspect speaks for itself, and the reason all of this is starting to affect Ginny is because of the bond trying to form with how close in proximity they have been the last few days, and in particularly the last few hours. Her soul is trying to relieve some of the pressure and help its mate reach its full potential and reconnect with it. Its an aspect of the bond for them both to be HIGHLY protective of each other, as we saw earlier today when young Mr. Malfoy started in on Harry, then insulted Ginny!” As Logan finished, most realising that Logan was right, whilst those that didn’t realise were forced to wait for more answers later as Logan had apparently finished preparing. 

As his eyes opened, all saw the raging Inferno blazing within the sockets. Many took a step back, apart from Harry who was forced to stand extremely still with Logan’s hands pressed into his head and Chest. Many were worried that those flames would burn the boy, but Harry showed no signs of pain or even discomfort. 

That was until he began to feel a raising panic, as though something desperately wanted away from the light, fearful of it even, and trying to spread that desperation and fear through to the rest of him. He was about to give in when he heard a voice coming from everywhere at once. Looking up again he saw Logan (covered in even more flames than before, looking strikingly imposing) and heard the voice again. He registered, with more than a little shock that it was Logan’s voice, and noticed, particularly, that the mans lips did not move once! 

“Stay absolutely still Harry, I can sense the desire to run from what I’m doing, but these are not your own feelings! Resist it for now and stay perfectly still, it’ll all be over soon, alright!?” It was then that Harry realised what his parents alluded to before in the Will. Logan doesn’t use spells to force his way into another’s mind, he merely sees into a mind as Harry would see into his textbooks, and speak to that mind as one would speak to a friend.

Nodding his head to Logan (And to everyone else not privy to the private communication it appeared as though Harry just randomly nodded his head) Harry stood straighter and planted his feet firmer. Ignoring the sensations within him to back away (which also began to feel like someone was screaming at him to do as he was told) and waited to see what happened. He was placed in Gryffindor for a reason and he was going to prove it. 

Soon the flames from Logans hands began to spread over Harry, to his chest first, and after a few moments he felt something akin to a pane of glass shattering, and then a rush of warmth; similar to what he felt when he first held his Wand last year, and vaguely registering that this must have been his magic being released from the binding spells! Already he could feel just how much more power he had available and it was honestly unbelievable to Harry. He wasn’t about to begin boasting he was at Dumbledore’s level of course, but he still felt stronger. 

It was what happened next that truly became uncomfortable for him, as the flames over his chest joined those covering his head (somehow still allowing him the ability to see perfectly well), more specifically centred around his scar. He felt more than heard a high-pitched, almost hissing scream of pain and hatred, which lasted for several moments that, nearer the end, began to grow steadily more uncomfortable for him, when suddenly it stopped. 

It was soo strange for Harry, like having cotton buds in his ears, over his eyes, up his nose and lodge somewhere along his brain all being removed all at once and now he could hear more than ever before, see more of the world around him than ever, and his mind had never felt so clear.  

It was like a massive weight had been lifted off of his mind, and now it had the room to think and spark away as it should. It was a relief Harry didn’t know he needed, it was liberating, and in his exuberance and joy at feeling like this he did not realise he felt even stronger, magically, than he had mere minutes ago, to the point that a wave of magic radiated off of the young wizard once more like a physical wall, pushing away many in the vicinity; Ragnok and Griphook, Remus, Arthur and Molly, the other Weasley’s and the Grangers and Albus and Minerva were all included in the pile of bodies. The only ones unaffected were Logan, as he was releasing far more power than Harry was, only more controlled, so it simply washed over him, with the other being Ginny once again, even though she was physically closer to Harry than any of the others, she wasn’t even nudged an inch. 

Looking towards Logan brought Harry back to earth slightly however, seeing the writhing, hideous mass of pitch black, almost-mist like, substance he held in an orb of Flames the size of a Quaffle caused Harry to flinch away slightly and stare. Looking around a moment later, he noticed, and realised, that he must have knock everyone back again and sheepishly tried to reign it in, managing marginally better than he had anticipated. 

As Logan’s flames began to lessen and dissipate, he looked to the man for answers, only to receive a smirk from the man and have him jut his chin behind Harry’s back, turning to see what he was being pointed towards (and, truthfully, answering an almost buzzing call he had been feeling since Logan pulled that thing away) he turned to see what was soo funny, only for the breath to leave his lungs slightly. 

Because as he turned, it brought Ginny into view, and now he could definitely agree to Ginny’s earlier description of what they both felt at the station last year. It was so clear now, even as he drew nearer to her, realising for the first time that he was even walking. 

He was getting lost in her dark, almost chocolate brown eyes, just as his mother had described, her hair seemed to dance slightly in the lights of this office and from the lingering Flames released by Logan, and he had a sudden wonder what it would look like in the sun now that he could really notice and appreciate how pretty it made her look. And even that thought wasn’t as embarrassing as he would have thought it would be a few minutes ago. It simply felt natural, like he’d known her for years instead of one at best, and like he should’ve realised soo much sooner than now how he felt. 

“Hey” Harry said, wanting to break the silence between them, causing a small giggle to come from Ginny, who hadn’t been able to take her eyes off of Harry as he approached (his own eyes, if possible, looking an even deeper Emerald Green than before, if that was possible) even as she noticed her father and Remus standing back up and moving to help the others. 

“Hey yourself, things feeling any clearer now?” Even as she asked this, she got the impression she could almost feel how much lighter Harry felt, and she wasn’t sure, but she thought she felt a little lighter herself, as though she had more magic than before and could think a bit better, like there was less negativity to her thoughts. 

Later she would remember what Logan said about this Bond between them; her half was trying to relieve some of its other halves burden, what she was feeling now was her Harry (Wow, her Harry… that was a strangely instinctual and wonderful thought! This was gonna take some getting used to!) not feeling that strain anymore, so her own half of the Bond was lightened as well. 

“I feel soo many things right now that it's all a little confusing, but definitely, yeah! I feel soo much clearer. And to answer your questions from before, now that I actually can anyway, I definitely couldn’t take my eyes off of you either! I didn’t know why or what it was, but even as the train was pulling away I found you in the crowd almost instantly, chasing after the train. You looked quite pretty then too if I may say so!” Harry didn’t know why he added that last bit, or why he felt a small, cheeky grin form on his face either, but he was happy he did when he saw the slight blush and wide smile appear on Ginny’s face. 

Their little world was interrupted, once again, this time by Ginny’s parents and Remus, rushing over to check them and make sure they weren’t hurt. “Ginny dear, are you alright? Harry are you hurt at all? JOHN ‘LOGAN’ MCCLOUD, WHAT ON EARTH IS THAT THING!?!? Oh my dears are you sure your both okay??” Molly Weasley’s patented mother-bear mode had been engaged and was working overtime with two of her children (even if one was an honorary/future son-in-law……. You know what, to be decided later.) were in front of her, with some danger apparently present!

Logan, who had just finished allowing Dumbledore and Ragnok to inspect the now floating black mass as it tried to find a way out, only to be burnt as it touched the flaming sphere, turned to answer the Red-headed Mother. 

“That Molly, was something of a parasite, living off of Harry, and in turn re-enforcing the binding spells on Ron and Hermione with every consecutive minute they spent with him, and in turn trying to suppress Ginny as well.” Before Logan could even turn his head to address Harry and prevent him from blaming himself for this, they heard a raised voice from where the lad was standing. 

“Harry James Potter, don’t you dare start blaming yourself, you didn’t ask for that thing to be in your head and I won’t hear another word about it. None of this whole day has been your fault, so why would you think that the thing no one but John apparently had any idea about was!?”

Everyone had turned by then and found this came from Ginny, which shocked her family greatly as she sounded as though she was arguing with any of her brothers when they were being prats, only she was full on having a go at Harry of all people, and stranger still was Harry’s reaction to her words. 

“But Gin..” Here, her brothers tensed, as NO ONE got away with calling their sister anything but Ginny, this including Gin, Gin-Gin, Half-pint, Squirt, Ginevra or any combination therein. Expecting the explosion that would normally follow, yet receiving none, they could only watch in awe as Harry went on to say. 

“If they hadn’t been near me soo much, then maybe the binds would have loosened on their own and they could’ve done better, which I know Hermione would have preferred rather than being held back because of me!” This was, evidently, the wrong thing to say, as before Hermione could’ve voiced her objections on this herself, Ginny already had a comeback. 

“Harry, we’ll work on this self-esteem issue, I promise, but look me in the eye and tell me that you, hand on heart, disagree with me. And if you’d look around you’d see everyone else are thinking the same! That none of today, or that vile, evil little thing was ever your fault! Are you the focal point in this, yes I’ll agree with you there. But that’s solely because you’ve been made a target by a mad man your whole life. Things done to you levy no blame ON you!! I know what I’m asking is completely opposed to how you’ve normally thought about yourself, and all problems centred around you up till now, but please trust me, okay!?”  

At the end of her little speech Harry looked around, and practically everyone else was looking shocked at their little display, but none were looking at him in fear or anger. Logan simply had a pleased smile on his face, if not a little smug. As though he was suppressing the urge for full on laughter. Finally his gaze retuned to Ginny, and it appeared for all the world like the young man deflated and admitted defeat; something that shocked his friends as they knew Harry to be rather pig-headed when it came to feeling guilty about something he perceived as his fault. 

All eyes in the room turned their shocked expressions back to Logan, who, whilst still grinning like a loon, explained. “Alrighty then, in order, Molly, this thing is what’s known as a very shoddily made Horcrux!” When the man said its name, the Goblins and Bill looked violently ill and Dumbledore didn’t look that far behind them, everyone also noticed that Logan lost his smile for a moment and all instantly tensed. 

“It is a foul piece of Dark Magic, where one tears off a piece of their very soul and stores it within a container, and as long as this piece survives somewhere, the person it came from can never truly die. And yes Albus, it's Voldemort’s!” Amongst the flinching from many of the others, the Goblins, Bill and Dumbledore lost more of their colour, but managed to hold onto their food for now.  

“My guess is this sucker was torn off of Auld Snake-face the night he tried killing Harry, then latched on to the nearest living thing, in this case being baby-Harry. So yes, Harry.” Here Logan smiled warmly at Harry, looking to reassure him. “I agree with Ginny, this was never your fault, do you understand!?” 

As Ginny elbowed Harry repeatedly to playfully gloat, and whilst Harry rolled his eyes at her with a smile forming, he nodded to Logan, listening intently to what else he had to say. “It takes a truly evil soul to make one of these, because the only way a wizard could tear the soul enough to create a Horcrux is by committing cold blooded murder, through sheer rage and hatred! Basically the opposite of these two!” Chuckling as he pointed at the now blushing children, accepting their glares at him and not caring in the least whilst simply sticking out his tongue playfully. 

After the chuckles died down though, he went on to say. “And to the questions on what’s going on with these two, and why they seem so different all of a sudden, it’s because of this thing suppressing Harry’s end of their connection for all these years. As I’ve explain, Horcrux’s are made to thrive on pain and misery, and harmed by love, happiness and all the good things out under a rainbow!” Logan adopted a cheesy, overly-happy look as he said this, to try and alleviate some of the tension, earning some chuckles, before continuing. 

“And as I just mentioned, their bond is its exact opposite, so this slither of old snake-face here was doing all it could to stop Harry feeling any better about himself, or just about anything in his life. And what should have been the greatest amount of happiness in his young life? Completing the bond that their souls have been waiting years to do! Everyone with me soo far!?” 

Getting a couple of affirmative nods, and a few other, if hesitant nods, showing some were gonna need another go at having it explained to them later but were following along for now, Logan went on to say.

 “Well what happens when a drain or a damn is unblocked after being backed up for a while!? A sudden release of pressure and water! And this is what we are now witnessing with these two! They are rapidly experiencing several stages of the bond to catch up to where they are meant to be if the blockage was never there in the first place. One aspect is that they are smarter than your average kids their age, which makes sense since they share their magic and each others minds and memories…..” 

Small sniffles soon echoed around the room, and everyone turned to Ginny, only to see she’s nearly bursting with tears and looking at Harry in deep sorrow and sympathy. It took all of a minute for Harry to go from happy and content in general, to confused and concerned at what was wrong with Ginny, to realisation then regret, and finally remorse and shame himself. 

All these emotions flitter across Harry’s face so quickly, and Ginny’s reactions seemed to mirror his own as her tears finally broke free, before enveloping Harry in a huge hug, tears in his own eyes now and, the most surprising of all, the formation of a wide as it was tall Golden, Sparking Shield springing up out of no where and enveloping the two. Shocking everyone and causing a few to take a step back. 

“…Aaand seeing each one as though they were watching through the eyes of the other!... Bugger go Léir ('Bugger it all' in Irish/Gaelic)!! I’d hoped that wouldn’t happen for a while yet, but I guess I should’ve anticipated it happening sooner!” Logan says, now looking deeply remorseful as he gazes at the imposing dome of light in sympathy.  

Bill and Albus move to raise their wands, be it to investigate or get to the kids was never found out as they soon found their wrists grabbed and lowered by Logan, once more appearing out of no where with a burst of immense speed and but a gust of wind. 

“I really wouldn’t do that, either of you. That shield takes on similar properties to Goblin steel, it only takes in that which makes it stronger, and will aggressively try to protect them both from any attempt to breach it. I ‘think’ short of or including the Unforgivable’s, but I’m sure you’ll all agree I’d rather not find that out any time soon. Just give them a few minutes! Ginny is now seeing Harry’s memories first hand, and all in a rush to boot, and if none of you have gathered by now, they are less than pleasant. DON’T question them about it, and don’t bug them about it either. It’s a sensitive matter, and now a shared burden between them both, and if they want to talk, which I believe Ginny will probably try to convince Harry to do so with one of you, Arthur, Molly or Remus. And Sirius of course when he’s out and brought up to speed. Just... be ready to listen and help them through this when they’re ready alright!?” 

Recovering from the shock of it all, the mentioned adults all nodded their head in acceptance, promising to do whatever it took to help Harry work through the trauma of his past and move on. 

Moving back to the front, Logan calls over his shoulder. “And I’d avoid touching it as much as possible, unless you want to fly across the room and crack the wall behind you there!” Turning back, the other adults saw one of the Twins and Ron reaching forward as if to touch the dome, and quickly retract their hands at the warning, looking sheepish at the glare from their Parents. 

Reaching the front again Logan quickly grabbed everyone’s attention once more.

“Anyway, as I was saying, those two sound smarter and older because they basically are, sharing their brain power and experiences, meaning they have the intelligence of two people working on any problem at once, and one person walking around with the mental experience of someone who has lived twice their life spans. Which, by the way Albus, judging by how well Ginny does in classes, you may wanna work on a believable excuse for advancing her a year to join these three as a Second Year, otherwise she might as well be repeating a year!" At Albus' nod and contemplative look afterwards, Logan knew he was already thinking through several different scenarios already!

Nodding in return, Logan resumed speaking. "Soon though, and judging from their progress already, I wouldn’t be surprised if by the time that dome drops, they should be able to read and speak to each other through their own minds, bypassing the need for speech all together, sooner if not later! Judging from how quickly Harry was able to register that Ginny was upset and with how Ginny could tell that Harry was feeling guilty earlier on without even talking or seeing his face I’d say their awareness of each other has already increased! It can’t be stopped, now or ever, and it can’t be reversed. It is a natural part of their bond and the only reason it’s happening soo fast is because of this Feckin’ thing!” Here he levelled a glare that would have toppled Giants in its wake at the still floating orb of flames before turning back around to continue. 

“Also, as you can now see, when they feel scared or are in danger they will go to each other first and foremost for comfort. And when that happens, or if they are together and are in physical danger, then that dome will appear. That, for lack of a better term, is the physical manifestation of their Bond, baring its fangs and claws to protect itself and its treasured souls, so to speak. So again DO NOT touch it if you know what’s good for you! Or do, and suffer the consequences. Just don't ever say you weren't warned!” 

“One more thing I will mention before we leave it here and move on for now; Molly, Arthur this in particular relates to you, and is a reminder for you and Ginny. And Remus, you as well as Sirius, for Harry once we get him out of Azkaban. This bond of theirs is basically going to decide the pace of things for them. NOT you!! They will progress through things at their own pace, in their own time. You can do nothing to stop it. You cannot interfere, because if you do the other will get defensive for their Bond-mate and they will either raise their shield till they’re good and ready to deal with you or flat out leave! Harry may recognise any safe haven for them instinctively/magically from the Potter ledgers, even if he hasn’t seen it or doesn’t know of them, and take them both there to remain safe and protected before either realise what they’re doing. And yes, before you ask, it is a form of Apparition but it can’t be monitored or traced as it is a magic none on this planet, at this time, can recognise! Like I said before, they are FIERCELY protective of each other now. Work with them, not against them, Am. I. Clear!?” 

When Logan finished talking, he looked deep into each of the Weasley Parents and Remus’ eyes, daring any of them to challenge what he’s laid out, but also imploring them to get on with it and accept this from the start, it would save a lot of headaches and arguments down the line. (He’s dealt with enough Red-head tempers through the years, he’d rather head off any more if he can!) 

He got his reply almost instantly. “Crystal clear John, and thank you, for both the information and the reminder.” Arthur was the one to reply verbally, Molly, tears falling down her eyes at the pain Harry has obviously gone through and what her daughter is now experiencing, merely gave a firm nod, fire in her eyes for any who attempted to harm these two in the future. 

Remus spoke softly, but just as firmly. “For James and Lily, and to make up for my in-action. You better damn well believe it! Plus with everything we’ve already heard about this Bond, it sounds as though these two were practically made for each other, who are we to come between them.” 

Before anything else could be said, Molly stumbled back slightly. Looking down and seeing the top of her daughters head, but hearing her voice speaking to her made the shock pass quickly, and Molly later registered that her daughter came to her for a hug after comforting Harry just like Logan mentioned, which she enthusiastically returned and savoured! 

“Thank you Mum, Thanks Dad. It really means a lot to us both. We promise to listen to any concerns you have as best we can, if you promise to listen when we try and explain something that we’re feeling or experiencing okay!?” Ginny lifting her head from her mothers chest as she finished, tears very much still in her eyes, and causing her parents to realise just how much pain she’s just been witness to and instantly looked to Harry, who was standing a little further away from them looking sheepish and reluctant to intrude. 

Arthur soon rectified that by walking over to Harry, gently taking hold of his shoulder and bringing him to Molly for a hug, then motioning the rest of the family over for a group hug around the still blatantly emotional lad. 

Looking on, and seeing Harry was in good hands with the Weasleys, Hermione and her parents, and Remus, with the watchful, watery eyes of Minerva standing guard, he turned his attention to Ragnok and Dumbledore as they finished examining the Horcrux. 

“Both of you get what you need? I’d can’t tell you how much I’d LOVE to roast this thing.” Asked Logan, looking between the two expectantly. Ragnok nodded, indicating that he’d gotten his readings. But it was Dumbledore that replied verbally. 

“Yes, I believe we have enough readings now to successfully identify another Horcrux of Tom’s, should any more turn up, Merlin pray that no more ever do!”

This earned a condescending look from Logan. “What have I said about assuming your enemies plans, Albus!?” Dumbledore flinched slightly before replying. “Never assume anything of a foe, make them assume something of you instead and throw them off what you're actually planning. Divert their attention!”

“Duke Left. Strike Right!” Logan interrupted, summarising for the old man.

“Of course, you’re right! I apologise. Still trying to get back into my game.” The older wizard replied, somewhat sullenly. Looking towards Harry as the group hug dispersed. “Are they all right?”

Logan took a quick glance over his shoulder before addressing him again. “He’s getting there, and now that the bond is in place and healing nicely he has a better chance of moving forward and repairing what damage remains. But I’m not gonna lie, it’ll be a bit of a bumpy road for a while, I’ll stay near-by incase he needs to vent. I just have one question for you Albus?” 

Looking deep into Logan’s eyes, Dumbledore saw the Fire returning to those Amber depths, he swallowed thickly, but did not back away. He will face his recompense with whatever dignity he has left.

“Did you know any of what that boy has went through, and did nothing because of misplaced trust and belief? Or did you leave him with his Aunt, and not check on him out of sheer neglect? Fair warning, one of these answers will earn you a punch to the face, the other? I stab a random body part with my Kunai! Give me an answer that REALLY pisses me off, and I'll use my serrated Karambit!” The question was asked so quietly, yet Albus Dumbledore heard every word as though they were shouted. 

He knew his answer immediately and gave it, fully accepting whichever punishment he was about to receive. “I left him with his Aunt, hoping she would see past her jealousy and the hatred she harboured for her sister, and care for the last link to her she had, but left a strict warning that the boy would be monitored by spells. If he goes missing or is near death for whatever reason there would be consequences. I realise now that I put too much stock in human decency, that obviously was never there to begin with, even when the woman in question turned her back on her own sister and whose Husband was not a blood relative so was exempt from the wards rules, a loop hole I did not account for! As it stands I will have one more regret to add to my list when I move onto the next great adventure; that I did not send someone, or go myself to check on the boy before he was sent his acceptance letter.” After Dumbledore finished his long confession, he stood ready for whatever his punishment would be, deftly noticing they suddenly had an audience. 

Before he knew though, it he was once more on the floor with a flash of pain coursing through his face, looking up at a pissed, though at least partially accepting, Logan. “Good choice, reasons were explained well and you realised your mistakes! That will be your punishment. For now! After today, you get back on your game old man or we go training!! Understood?” 

Using his Wand to reset his nose this time, and clear the blood, Dumbledore replied with a simple. “Crystal!” Before accepting the hand up, looking to Harry to apologies to the boy, only for Logan to step in the way and block his view.

“Nope! Give him some space and time, then you can beg your forgiveness. Wait till at least he’s back at school. In the mean time, drop it for now, and start working on making it up to him and be ready for when he comes to collect his pound of flesh, whatever it ends up being. For now, let’s move on, we need to destroy this piece of Lord Snake-face and then finish the Will.” 

Nodding in acceptance and giving one apologetic look to Harry, which was only marginally returned, showing just how much trust he had lost today, before turning back to the orb. 

As all tried to settle the image of one of, if not the most powerful Wizard of their time dropped to the floor for the second time today, everyone gathered near the desk again, where the orb of flames that Logan had contained the Dark mist inside of was hovering and waiting patiently, even if the black mass still struggled to escape. At Logan’s raised hand they all stopped a fair distance away as he continued closer, his hands already incased in his Flames once more. 

As he drew even with the orb, the spectre within tried to re-double its efforts in finding an escape from its prison, but finding no such luck. Logan, who’s eyes had also began glowing again, raised his hands to either side of the orb, slowly placing them on the sides as he poured in more flames and raw power, that began licking at the mist, slowly burning it to ashes. 

Many of the onlookers had the notion that Logan was deliberately making them burn slower than they naturally should have, but as that was something of a vindictive thought to begin with, they made the wise choice to not think on it for too long. (Failing to realise, as they did, that they were completely right in this case!) 

As the flames ate away at the now decaying spectre, it began to wail an inhuman like scream throughout the room, making all (but Logan) flinch, if even a minuscule amount. A handful of moments of screaming went by until at last every scrap of the vial, evil, corrupted sliver of the self styled ‘Lord Voldemort’ was burned into ashes, then burned further by the flames of the orb that were previously containing it. As the orb final dissipates, finished in its task of incinerating every last atom of Voldemort from existence. 

Logan extinguished his Flames with a wave of his hand and turned to his captive audience, smiling almost manically. Cheerily rubbing his hands together he exclaimed “Welp, that’s dealt with! How about we finish this reading, go get some dinner and make some plans ay!? It’s getting on a bit.” 

This startled many in the room as they realised it had indeed been many hours now that they had been in this office, they had already had lunch provided for them by the Goblins earlier and many were finding they were actually beginning to feel their hunger returning, emphasised by Ronald’s ever bottomless pit choosing that moment to give off a rumble, and said boy blushing fiercely amongst the sniggers of his friends and many others in the room, and the scowl on his Mothers face. 

As they all settled again and moved back to their chairs, everyone returned their attention back to the almost forgotten Will, waiting to be finished, feeling as though they had almost forgotten one of the very reasons that brought everyone here today. 

Once all were in their seats, Logan picked the will back up off of Ragnok’s desk, looked around to be sure everyone was ready and paying attention, pleasantly noticing that Harry and Ginny were sitting much closer than before, with Ginny lightly leaning her head on Harry shoulder and Harry holder her hand, neither seeming to realise what they were doing. Smiling, he engaged the magic from the will again and restarted their viewing of the long gone Potter’s. 

James had just finished their request of the Weasley’s to help raise Harry, turning to Lily as he did so for her to continue as he took a drink of water from the table beside them. “We thank all those we leave behind for your many years of friendship, camaraderie and loyalty. We could never have prayed or hoped to have been soo lucky to know you all, and we are forever grateful to have been blessed by Magic itself for the chance’s we were given. I think that covers all we hoped to address, if there was anything that we missed, Logan has volunteered to field any questions or topics that we have missed.” Lily finished with a few new tears in her eyes. Looking to her husband, and accepting the glass of water he offered her as he took back narration. 

“The only thing we have left to dictate into this Will is the List of Guardians of our Son, for the public records. We know, even if this war wasn’t going on or this blasted prophecy hanging over all our heads that there will be many who will look to get Harry under their wings somehow so that they can manipulate and monopolise the Potter Lordship from Harry and our Family’s fortunes. This, we will never allow, primarily because we would never want any child manipulated like that, let alone our own. And secondly the Potter line will NEVER help those who would take advantage of others. Our family motto is all about Honour and Integrity, and we Potters will always keep our heads firmly in the Light.” 

After his emboldened speech, one that had Harry beaming in Pride in his Family, he and Lily share a look before proceeding with the Guardians, reading them from a list in Lily’s hand. 

“In descending order from and in order of succession should something happen to the person before them:” 

• Primary Guardian - 1st Godfather: Sirius Black. 
• 2nd Godfather - Remus Lupin. 
• 3rd Godfather and 1st Godmother - Frank and Alice Longbottom. 
• 4th Godfather and 2nd Godmother (Through the soul bonding of our children, incase any Pureblood manics attempt to deny their them right to be considered!) - Arthur and Molly Weasley. 
• Paternal God-Grandmother - Minerva McGonagall. As she was James' God Mother!
• Secondary Guardian/Godfather - John ‘Logan’ McCloud; With a special request that he does all he possibly can to protect our son for as much of his life that he can be a part of!” 

As Lily finished the list, James turned back to the viewing, after looking off to the side briefly, cheeky grin practically plastered to his face. Already worrying several people who recognised that look, all too well, on the face of one James Potter.

“As a final note, and we want to add this bit quickly now that Logan has left to check the perimeter of the House. If someone can pass this onto Harry, or if he’s watching; Son if you never do anything else for your old man, make this that one thing okay!!?? We want you to refer to John, or Logan if he gives his customary intro to people, as Uncle Logan as much as possible. That or Uncle John. In public, in private, whenever you have the opportunity, call him Uncle. For whatever reason it irritates the man when people look up to him like a wise old Uncle, despite his young appearance, so do so as often as you can!” 

By now, the Logan in front of them did a double take and stood gobsmacked, staring at the projection of James Potter, even as Lily’s image dissolved into a fits of hysteric laughter. And she wasn’t alone, Remus was struggling to contain his own, remembering James and Sirius constantly badgering of the man, just like this, and now it’s been passed onto the dead mans own son. The Prongs Marauder got one last prank in after all. 

Albus and Minerva were struggling to contain their own grins, Minerva’s shoulders shaking quite noticeably the only sign of her struggle, whilst the Weasley parents could be heard, loud and proud, failing entirely to contain their amusement. 

Harry and Ginny, along with the other children around the room, to varying degrees, were openly laughing at the look on the mans face. They’d all gotten the impression that this man does not often get fazed or tricked, and here was James Potter managing it from beyond the grave. They couldn’t help themselves but laugh, though tried to suppress just how funny they found the experience, if only marginally. 

The loudest of all however, to everyones great surprise, came from Ragnok himself, as he was full on belly laughing at his old friends expense, earning a light scowl from the man himself. It got soo bad that Griphook, whilst trying to control his own amusement, had to help the old Goblin stay in his chair, least he fall flat on his face so strong was his reaction to the scene.

Needless to say if James Potter hadn’t already passed, he soon would have if Logan had any choice in the matter. 

Looking into the crowd, he noticed (in particular) Harry, and as he contemplated the murder of a dead man another thought came to him. There was no way Harry wasn’t going to follow through with his fathers final request. ‘Great, juuussssst great’ thought Logan miserably. 

After giving everyone a chance to calm down, and after Lily had calmed down herself in the Will, she took back the conversation, much to Logan’s relief. “Okay… okay, I’m good now! Thank you sweetheart, I think I needed that before this next bit” Here she graced his cheek with a quick kiss before addressing her unknown audience again. 

“There is a final note I would like to add on here, if I may? Many who know us personally also know of my sister Petunia, who has a fierce hatred of Magic. I’m afraid it stems, simply, from the fact that I was born with Magic and she wasn’t.” Here Lily adopted a sad look in her eyes, one mirrored by her own son if anyone was paying attention, which Logan and Ginny were.  

“Despite this, I still love my sister. But that does not mean I will trust her to care for my son if anything were to happen to us, and so long as she is still married to Vernon Dursley, I’ll make it official in this Will; Under NO circumstances is Harry to be placed with my sister and her brutish, whale Bastard of a husband.” As lily continued to list off more…..colourful descriptions of one Vernon Dursley, the viewers were in various stages of shock.  

Few had ever seen or heard of Lily use such language and were honestly shocked she was this angry at the man, though those who knew of Vernon could not fault her in the slightest. 

Eventually James hesitantly jumped. “U-um… honey, firstly language!” This earning him a glare from his wife, the irony of the situation not lost on her in the slightest. 

“Secondly, I think they get it. Despite not wanting Harry to ever be placed with them however, we, after many talks, feel it prudent to at least offer a chance for Petunia to be apart of Harry’s life if she chooses and is amenable to certain conditions. These being that it’s only after she ever leaves Vernon, as he’s a poisonous man in general, or if she doesn’t and still does want to visit, Vernon is not to be with her. EVER!! These are non-negotiable and we’re counting on Sirius and Remus to enforce them! And failing that bring in Logan!!” James finished with a severe look upon his face, contrast to his joking demeanour from a moment ago. 

Harry was understandably VERY upset at this news; he was never meant to go to the Dursley’s!? Neither was he supposed to suffer their abuse and prejudice. And now that he knew of this, and unless someone gave him a life and death reasons as to why he had to, he’d be damned if he ever went back there again after today! He vaguely registered the fact that he had a Godfather that they would be trying to have released soon, and his Bond-mates family were all too willing to take him in. The likelihood of going back to those people was now slim-to-none, but did nothing to cool his growing anger.  

Albus, however was feeling the weight of his guilt eating at his gut. He had not even known of a Will before today, and had honestly placed the boy with his Aunt to protect him with the Blood Wards after Lily’s sacrifice. But now he was being shown just how much he had betrayed two of his greatest and closet friends and students not even a day after their deaths. Yes, he would be taking this regret to his grave one day, and he would also make sure he made up for this betrayal as much as he could before his time came. 

Understandably, the boy was almost viciously angry at hearing his parents say he was never meant to have gone near the Dursley’s, and many noticed small arcs of magical energy beginning to spark off of Harry as his temper grew. Some even noticed the cracking of the floor beneath him, and recognised the slight danger this brought now that Harry’s magic was far stronger than he was used to controlling.

Before any could react, his other hand was grabbed by Ginny to join the one she still held, seemingly unaffected by the raw magic coming from Harry. As they have shared memories now with the bond in full affect, she knew all too well what Harry had suffered at the hands of the Dursley’s; the neglect, the mental and often physical abuse, the loneliness, the vicious names and words, made to work more than any House-Elf and appreciated for it even less.  

She tried not to think too much of the abuse that either came too close to or equalling physical harm (they had promised each other, some time later down the line, to talk through it all and she was determined to make sure Harry knew he could trust her with anything, and eventually trust other adults to share all of this with as well), and instead focused on trying to calm Harry, before he looses all control. 

She was never more thankful for anything in her life than for the Bond at this moment, as her nerves had finally died around him, and for her mere presence to be such a comfort to him that just taking his hand and offering support calmed him down as significantly as it current was, was a great difference to what she was like before. 

As Harry began to calm, Molly gave Ginny a quick, proud smile at her being there for Harry the way she was. The Weasley Matriarch, as well as many of the others in the room, having come to the same conclusion based on what James and Lily just described, Albus’ remorseful expression and Harry’s visceral reaction to what they just heard, were now looking for blood. 

At Logan’s sharp gaze at each and everyone of them, however, they knew to back off for now, and to let him handle it. Moving to quickly check on Harry, and make sure he was okay to continue, Logan returned to the front and allowed the Will to proceed, as they were nearing the end. 

“We thank everyone in advance for all you will do for us and our son. We will most likely never meet again, or be able to repay you, such is the nature of Wills like this. But if there is anyway for us to do soo from beyond, we swear we will do it, no matter what. With this, we end the Last will and Testament of James and Lily Potter. We love you all, and look forward to seeing you all again someday! But please, not for many more years to come.” When Lily finished speaking, the mist from the reading dissipated and returned to the parchment, which Logan laid back down onto the desk gently. 

Silence was all that was heard for a few minutes, broken finally by Remus, voicing the thoughts and questions that had been on his mind for several minutes now. 

“Sirius was innocent, all these years! We need to get him released immediately, do we know anyone in the ministry we can trust? Everyone here knows Fudge would sooner pull his own teeth out of his head than admit to a mistake being made on his watch! And what of Peter? Lily and James practically declared it in the Will, seeing as Sirius was never their secret keeper, that it was Peter who betrayed us all in the end?! Logan do you have any ideas on where that little Rat-Bastard is? And how to get Sirius out?” As Remus finished speaking, all eyes turned back to the man. Seeing a rather vicious looking smirk, causing many to shiver slightly. 

“Oh we have a few markers I can call on to get Sirius pulled from Azakaban, and a few methods that we can use to stop the Minister from interfering. Its just a matter of which would be the quickest and most publicly humiliating to the Minister, firstly, to Barty Croach for his inability to do his job at the time, secondly, and adding more nails to Lucius’ coffin.” 

As he finished he received several different looks from around the room, confusion on who these other men they didn’t recognise were for the younger kids and Granger’s, to mild interest for those who held no love for the current Minister for Magic, and excitement on the part of those eager to see the Malfoy family taken down more than a few notches. 

“Firstly Albus, how soon can you organise a Wizengamot meeting?” Logan addressed the old wizard, who took a moment to think over the best timeframe. Finding his answer he replied.

“I believe the earliest we have scheduled would be in a week and a half! Though with how many times the Pure-blood Lords and Ladies have called an emergency meeting to moan about trivial matters only important to themselves, I believe I can turn matters around on them for a change and have a meeting called in about 2-3 days minimum, 4 at the most!” 

Here Dumbledore regained some of the usual twinkling in his Blue eyes, though somewhat dulled still from the lingering guilt from his mistakes that had been made abundantly clear to him today.  

However, the growing conviction and strength they could hear as he outlined his plan to stick it to the Pure-blood idiots spoke volumes of how committed he was to making amends, something that had many of who wished to lay into the supposedly ‘Greatest of them all’ for his many mistakes when it came to Harry, decide to leave the matter alone. For now!!

“Hmm, not as soon as I would hope, gives them time to prepare if word gets out of what we’ll be planning, but it can’t be helped. Those arseholes do tend to drag their feet when they aren’t the centre of attention!” This earned a round of mirthless chuckles from many in the room that have had to put up with these self entitled fools at the Ministry and the Board of Hogwarts.  

“Ragnok, I’ll have to ask for a copy of the Will to be made available when we get the trial underway, paper-wise of course and omitting some of the more…… sensitive information for these two. We will also need a member of the banks legal department on hand, someone you explicitly trust, my friend, for verification incase Fudge demands to see the physical Will and attempts to dismiss any copies as forgeries. If needs be have it be brought up on a member of the bank doing you all a disservice and that he was chosen to renew trust in Lord Potter.” 

Ragnok, (whilst agreeing to have his own Personal legal advisor be available, an old friend of his and a trustworthy Goblin, well respected in the Wizarding court for never failing to find forgeries slipped into court cases such as this) nodded in agreement and was also beginning to wonder why the Goblin nation had been agreeing to any relations with the Wizarding worlds current Government and political powers. And in truth had even begun contemplating a quiet withdrawal of support should Fudge and his ilk continue to be the ones running things. He was thankful, however, that his old friend had returned to shake up the world once more. 

“Okay, with that sorted, and with more time than I was anticipating, we can add it to planning and making sure they have no room to wiggle out of what’s coming. Not even if they attempt their usual bullshit’ery of buying their way out of things.” Happy they had a start to a plan to get Sirius out, Logan moved onto Remus’ other question about the rat. 

“As for Peter, Remus, I’ve actually been back for the last 2 weeks, and spending that time piecing together everything I could from the time after I left.” Logan showed a quick flash of remorse for that fact, and many were unsure why or were curious as to why he left in the first place and where he actually went. Many decided these questions were best left for later however. 

Shaking his head clear, Logan continued. “In that time, I managed to pick up his trail, and we’ll get to him, of that I promise, AND bring him to the trial as further proof of Sirius’ innocence. Albus, we’ll need you to also authorise the use of Veritaserum.” Dumbledore looked a little reluctant here, but not for the reason many thought, and Logan knew why. 

“Yes I know, many of those idiots won’t allow it to be freely used in courts and it will likely extend how long it’ll take to set a date for a trial. And, that the reason they don’t allow it is, as they claim, because it ‘run’s the risk of repeated convicts developing an immunity or someone developing a blocker’ blah blah, so on and so forth. Really its just an excuse for their own little secrets not to be brought to light.”  

Everyone was graced with the sight of this rather strange man devolving into a muttering frenzy of complaints and other, more colourful, descriptions of the many corrupted and/or idiotic, Pureblood, racist, egotistical……. Yeah you get the picture, needless to say Molly, Minerva and the Grangers were scowling and trying to cover Ginny and Harry’s ears, and the other children’s as well, whilst the likes of Fred and George were suitably impressed and taking notes. 

A few minutes of not so subtle grumbling later, he continues where he left off. “...Anyway, thats why I’ll be spreading a rumour, to several newspapers and magazine writers; Arthur, Molly I believe you know of one such magazine writer just shy of where you live, so I’ll be asking later for an intro if you wouldn’t mind?!” 

The married pair nodded, having guessed who he was referring to, as Logan went on to say. “And spreading a rather nasty story of the Ministry failing to offer inmates of Azkaban any trial what so ever from the days of the war, and that evidence has come to light of the night the Potter’s were killed and that the Ministry has committed crimes themselves by sentencing innocent people. This will also act as a smoke screen for what we’re planning and make it, hopefully, easier for you Albus to convince those idjits to allow you to use Veritaserum when we announce who it is we wish to be ‘Re-Trialed.’” 

Many in the room were looking suitably impressed with the general outlook of the plan and Dumbledore, having caught onto how well it’ll actually play out if he can time things AND play his cards right. They may actually be able to get rid of multiple thorns in their collective sides with one stones throw.

“‘Do not allow an enemy to manipulate and manoeuvre you. Instead use their fears and weaknesses to manoeuvre themselves for you and take them out when all are in one place!’ ‘Never assume what an enemy will do to win, make them assume what you will do and mislead them.’” Dumbledore quotes quietly, earning a nod of confirmation from Logan, and dare he even say it a touch of pride as well. Seems the old man can still remember his lessons after all. 

Having outlined all of that, whilst answering Remus’ other questions, Logan turns his attention to Harry and Ginny, who he noticed quite a while ago had not made more than a few sounds since he began outlining his plans, and knew Harry to be brimming with curiosity and questions. Not to mention trying to process everything that had happened since this morning. 

Logan gave him a few more minutes before walking over to him, kneeling in front of him again, waiting till their eyes met before speaking. “Harry, I can sense the confusion and turmoil in your mind, and Ginny’s own trying to offer comfort. I can’t promise to answer everything right now, as several pieces of information we need to discuss cannot be shared with everyone, and other pieces are best left until after Sirius is released and we have a bit more privacy. But I promise to answer what I can for you now, and any other questions you WILL have later on. Does that sound alright!?” 

Nodding his head to the question and taking a few minutes to organise the disordered mess the information-overload has made of his mind this day, and drawing some comfort and strength, readily and easily given by Ginny, to which he was very grateful (even if whatever they were to each other now was one of the many things they needed to sort out, though he secretly hoped that they would continue to grow closer), he chose to ask some of the more prominent questions on his mind.

 “Who, or what are you exactly John? And where is it that you’ve been all this time? If you were as devoted to protecting your friends as you and my parent, and everyone else here says you are, then why did you leave them unprotected!? I don’t mean any of that to sound as cruel or rude as it does, I’m just confused by what my parents mentioned about your unique circumstances and wonder why it took you soo far away that you had to spend around 2 weeks trying to catch back up on what you’ve missed if everything around that time is spoken about as much as it is today?!?” 

Logan, in fact did NOT take offence to the way Harry worded his questions, and understood where the young man was coming from. “Haaaaahh, unfortunately Harry a lot of those questions falls under the ‘can’t answer until we’re a little more secure’ or ‘until Sirius is with us’ categories! And don’t worry, I knew what you meant, but I’ll try to answer a few of these questions as simply as I can. Okay?” 

At Harry’s answering nod, Logan proceeded to explain. “Alright, let's see. Well to start off with what or who I am; again I can’t give a lot away right here and now, but I will say that I am a type of……well lets go with a type of Mythical being for now, we’ll define that more later. Anyway, I’m something of a rare commodity, and like most things, this comes with a few perks. One of which is that I am actually far older than I appear, even more so than Albus here!” 

At this shocking revelation many turned to look at said Wizard, who nodded in agreement before turning back to Logan as he went on. “Older, even, than the founders of your school, or even Merlin, if you wish to believe that. And as I’ve been around for all that time, I know a great many things; including many rules and traditions your society has based their whole belief structure off of, and how to use Magic in ways that have been long forgotten to time. And no, Magic’s got nothing to do with what you’ve seen me do today, again we’ll talk more about that later!” Here Harry nodded mutely, once again stunned by what they’ve just learned. 

“Part of being who, or WHAT I am means that I am responsible for a great many things. Things that, on occasion, mean that I will be….summoned I suppose is a good description to use!?! Now, I don’t mean by owl or someone requests my aid in some matter or other, I mean I’m literally summoned to another land on short notice, and I often have very little control of when and where it’ll happen, only that there is no other than myself that can help in those situations, except possibly my Wife, who you may meet at some point! Depends on if she can get some free time herself.” 

Add yet another shock for the poor boy, it was at this point he started to worry if his brain would start smoking sooner or later. A thought that caused Ginny to chuckle and a light, playful glare from Harry from sensing the direction of said thought in her mind. 

“Anyway, from what I’ve gathered, about 3 weeks before the night your parents were taken from us, I received one of these summons. And with the reassurances of your parents that they were perfectly safe and were due a check-in with Sirius and Peter in the next few days, I went to solve the problem, and tried to do so as soon as possible to get back to protecting them. Sadly complications arose that delayed me severely, and as I mentioned before, I’ve only recently made it back, and spent the time since then, firstly mourning my failure at keeping my word, and secondly trying to piece together exactly where things went wrong, and who to target for my Vengeance!” Logan finished this sentence with an almost apocalyptic rage behind his Amber eyes, but otherwise keeping his voice calm for the boy in front of him. 

Unable to stop the questions from coming, Harry rapidly asked. “But you seem to be soo powerful, so much more powerful than even Dumbledore! And I don’t know if it’s part of unlocking more of my magic or even the Bond with Ginny, but I can almost feel that you're holding back soo much more Power than we’ve already seen. What could have delayed you soo much? Why did it take you soo long to get back to my parents when you have all this power??” 

Many surrounding Harry, hearing him soo upset and desperate for answers, caused lumps to form in many a throat, and caused worry to bubble up in his friends, Mrs. Weasley, and particularly Ginny; as she could literally feel the turmoil of Harry’s emotions, many of which were beginning to affect her as well if the tears in her eyes were any indication. Whilst some, like Minerva and Albus were concerned about Harry’s focus on Power and feared for his mindset becoming too similar to Tom's.

Logan, having noticed Ginny’s state, and not wanting to deny the boy anymore than he already has been, gave the best answer that he could, knowing that however he worded this, it was going to be a painful lesson to learn, but one that was much needed for the boy to finally start gaining some closure. 

“You're partially right Harry! I am holding back a significantly Vast quantity of my Power. Enough of which that I could easily destroy everything in this room, this building, this country and much more by simply releasing it all, and revive them many times over if I had to!”

Upon seeing the boys shocked face and the slight gleam of hope after hearing that last piece of information, Logan hastened to add before any deluded ideas could sink in. 

“Theoretically of course Harry! I’m not saying I have the power to bring anyone I choose back, very few truly does. Saving someone close to death, maybe with the right conditions and with enough time, but that is a rarity and obviously something I was too late to do that night for your parents. You don’t recover from death once he’s claimed you, despite what Voldemort has tried, and he’ll eventually answer for that 100 fold when his time finally comes. If I’ve learned anything in my long life its that all you can do is make the best with what you have been given and fight with every breath to make it last as long, & make it as fun as you can possibly make it. All the power in the world will not exempt a person from the laws of nature. Your parents knew this, and accepted it fully. I know they did, because I’m looking at one of the main reasons they had for living, and the one they would lay down their lives for over and over again if it meant that you could live as long as possible. Love has a way of making martyr's of us all Harry, and those lucky enough to experience its joys and its sorrows wouldn’t have it any other way, even with the pain of its loss!”  

As Logan finished his mini-speech, the Boy-Who-Lived couldn’t hold it in anymore and leapt at the man in front of him, one of the last links to his parents, and finally, at long last let out all the pain he had been holding in these many years. Oh he would have more moments like this in the future, Logan was under no delusions of that, you don’t go through the years this young boy has and not need more than one release. But this was a favourable start to healing his wounded heart and soul. 

The other favourable start to his healing was slowly making her way over, tears of her own and for her Bond-mate pouring out her own eyes, and after laying a gentle hand on his shoulder was engulfed in a similar hug of desperation and seeking comfort. 

As Logan stood once more, showing only a slight amount of emotion (to which many knew he was trying to hide for the sake of the young man in front of him), and allowed the young Bond-mates to comfort each other, taking a slight step back before their new shield even began to spring to life, in response to Harry’s pain. Logan looked around the room and saw that many were in a similar state. 

Giving everyone a moment, he walked over to speak with Ragnok and Albus about a few more details of the trial they were to plan, and what would need prepared on Gringotts’ end. 

When he was done with this he turned again to the room at large to see that Harry and Ginny’s Shield had dropped and had separated slightly, but were still holding hands, with Ron and Hermione offering their own words of comfort to the boy, before he walked back over to Logan, and again gave the man another hug, which startled him for but a moment before returning it warmly. Stepping back Harry said. 

“Thank you for all you did for my parents! I know you did what you could and understand that it couldn’t be helped on your end. Just you being here now, willing to except blame proves you cared and that’s enough for me. Thank you, for telling me the truth, about everything.” 

Kneeling once more to be eye level with this extraordinary young lad, Logan spoke sincerely. “I made your parents the promise to always speak truthfully with them, I may hide things that are too dangerous to know, solely for the protection of others or to protect the secrets of others, but I will never out right lie to those I care about. That included you when your parents asked me to protect you to the best of my many abilities, and I never go back on my word. A friend of mine once had a saying similar to that, about sticking to his word, his way of life and never breaking a promise. It’s served me well for many years and I try to impart that same lesson onto others when I can.” Logan finished with a smile, one that was mirrored by Harry. 

That was until Harry’s smile turned impish, and Logan heard a repressed giggle coming from Ginny, and he suddenly became weary as he was reminded way too much of the same look appearing on James and Sirius’ faces for comfort. He got his answer with what Harry said next. “Thanks again….. Uncle Logan.” This caused laughter to circulate the room once more, and an irritated look to appear on Logan’s face, though he was attempting to hide his own mirth. 

“Watch the lip Potter, or I won’t hesitate to retaliate. If you thought the twins or your Father and his friends were good at pranking someone, you’ll be in for a…… startling surprise! Just ask Remus about the acidic slime and Griffon feathers fiasco!” Logan retaliated with a sinister smile now on his own face, even if the affect was dampened slightly by the warm look in the mans eyes, showing he wasn’t as annoyed as he let on. 

Harry, whilst slightly worried by the retaliatory look in Logan’s eyes, and the noticeable flinch he saw in his peripheral from Remus, smiled back as well before another thought occurred to Harry. “So what happens now? Are we done here or is there anything else?” 

Taking a moment to contemplate the answer, and exchanging a quick look with Ragnok, Logan replied. “Well, for the most part I think that’s everything that can be done here at the Bank, which means we don’t have to indispose Ragnok and Griphook any longer than we already have.” Here said Goblin king merely waved the concern and comment away with a bat of his hand, and Griphook merely nodded his head in thanks for the consideration, as this has taken him away from his usual tasks long enough for one day, as entertaining and enlightening as they had been for the Goblin. 

Turning back to the young lad, Logan continued with saying. “The only other thing I can think that needs addressed before we leave and I take everyone here for supper...” Peeking the interest of several of the Weasley boys at this comment, and a slight look of protest from Molly, before Logan powered on, effectively cutting her off. 

“...Is for you to decide on the new manager for your Family accounts, as Toe-Fang has now been removed, and you need someone to watch over your inheritance and finances for you until you come of age. When we get him out, and as your Godfather and legal guardian, Sirius can handle the decision making aspects for you, with your input of course, until your of age, but you’ll need a manager to watch over the day to day activities of your various shares and holdings, finances and so on. Understand soo far!?” 

He couldn’t help adding that question at the end upon seeing the confused look on Harry’s face. He had a feeling he knew why it was there, and it had nothing to do with the financial aspect of this topic. And as the young wizard began to speak he was proven right once more. 

“Oh yeah, all that makes sense, I don’t know how any of that works so it would make sense for Sirius or someone else who knows more to take care of things until I learn how myself. But I thought Griphook was here to BE my new account manager! That is if he’d be okay with that of course?”

Turning the question at the end to the once more shocked and awed Goblins, Ragnok made the executive decision to mark in the young Lord Potter’s file to any who is interacting with him to make sure they brace for any random shocks to their cores. As it is, the old Goblin doesn’t know how many more shocks like this he was going to be able to take before he croaks. 

Getting over his shock when he realised Harry had addressed the question as whether he would manage his family accounts for him or not, to him, and again feeling a shock run through him for that uncharacteristic gesture from a wizard of all things (even if they are Friends to the Goblin nation) Griphook shook off his surprise before addressing this unique young Wizard with curiosity and a slight suspicion (old habits die hard, as they say.)  

“You would ASK me to be the Manager for the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter? Why would you, firstly, assume that I was the one to replace that traitor? And, secondly, why would you want me to do this in the first place? You only know of me, Mr. Potter, from your first trip to your vault, that does not entitle me to be the next in line for the position!” 

Try as he might, some of his suspicious attitude crept into his questioning, earning a sharp look from Ragnok, one he knew would be discussed later for yet another of his staff members speaking rudely to one of their oldest clients, not to mention Friend to the Goblin Nation. But before he could even attempt to apologies for how that sounded, as he genially did not mean to insinuate such from this young wizard, he was apologised to instead. 

“I’m sorry if I’ve caused you some kind of offence Mr. Griphook, the only reason I made the assumption was because, as you said, you are one of the only other Goblin I currently know, so I trust you more than I would a stranger in this instance. Not to mention when Mr. Toe-Fang was exposed, you were the first to act in trying to deal with the him, which personally, I thought meant that you wouldn’t do anything like that to any of your clients. If you truly don’t want or think you have the time then that’s fully understandable. I’m sure Ragnok can introduce me to someone else!?” Harry finished, hoping to clear away any un-intentional insult he may have given to the Goblin.  

And yet again, in as many minutes, this young wizard has changed the preconceived notions and assumptions the fore-fathers of his race had begun and instilled in their future generations, and did so in the most naturally sounding way possible, as though it should always be that way. Yes this young man will warrant keeping an eye on in the future, well on his way as he is to rocking the magical world to its core when he comes into his own. 

Having recovered, and suitably collected his thoughts in light of this remarkable young man (AND trying to pointedly ignore Mr. McClouds smug grin) Griphook hurried to reassure the young man.

“I assure you Mr. Potter, you have given no offence, the fact remains that I’m starting to believe that it might actually be physically, or magically impossible for you to insult any person or race, intentionally or otherwise!” At seeing the young mans blush, many in the room laughed at the Goblins joking comment, and a warm and caring look from his Bond mate, before he regained his composure. 

“In regards to your desire for myself to become the Manger of your family accounts, I must ask; are you absolutely certain you wish for me to take over the responsibilities?” Looking directly into the Wizards eyes as he nodded his head firmly, and seeing that Harry was being 100% honest in his decision, Griphook continued.

“Then I Griphook; Son of Ramcor, here-by except the position of the Potter Account manager, from the recommendation of the current Last remaining Potter. Does this decision and my increased position meet your approval Your Highness; Lord Ragnok of the Goblin Nation?” Turning to address his nations King. 

Giving something of a regal nod of his own (even if you could plainly see him fighting to repress his amusement at the entire display he’s just been subjected to) and the deed was done. Turning to Logan once more he continued. “And shall I assume that you will be acting as the witness to this decision John?” 

Said man gave a cocky grin as his only answer before Ragnok gave his signature to the paperwork in front of him, describing and confirming what had just been decided and, upon remembering a particular clause in the contracts and agreements set about by the original Potter Friend to the Goblins (and giving his own smirk as he did so, which did nothing to reassure anyone else in the room. Seriously have you ever seen a Goblin smirk? I doesn’t settle your nerves in the slightest!!) saw no harm in sharing. 

“Coincidentally, there was an agreement written into the contract between the Goblins and your ancestor’s Harry; the Potter’s have always insisted that their be equal respect given between the Potter’s and whoever takes the position of managing, investing and protecting the gold and wealth of their family. As such, both the Potters and whichever Goblin was in charge at the time are required to use each others first names when not in full ceremonial or formal situations. I have the feeling that this won’t be a problem for you, Harry!?” After the young mans blush and the various chuckles had subsided, Ragnok turned his attention to Griphook. “But what say you Griphook?” 

The Goblin took a moment to process this information, once more being shocked at not only this young Wizard in front of him, but from his entire Family line. To say Griphook was humbled and surprised would be an understatement, though this entire day seems to have been following that pattern if he was being honest. 

As he raised his head to answer, Harry spoke up first. “If I may Ragnok, I’d like for things to be that way between us, but only if Griphook agrees by his own choice. I don’t want him to think he has to because of some contract terms or anything like that.” 

Griphook was beginning to wish he had put gold down on this exact situation happening, before chuckling and holding his hand up to stop Harry. “Thank you for the kind offer Harry, but if I may, it would have been my choice to do so either way. If it is, of course alright with you to simply call me Griphook?” At Harry’s bright smile and answering nod, the agreement was made. 

“Now, it’ll unfortunately take me a few days to review everything in these files, and investigate that nothing has been left out due to the traitors negligence!” Griphook gave a dark look at the mention of his nations shame, before shaking it off and continuing. 

“I will attempt to work as quickly as I can Harry, and send you a summons to return to the bank to discuss everything your parents left you, and what the Lordship will mean. Is that alright with you?” Harry gave a hesitant smile and nod, unsure how to feel about the coming info, but for now was happy to leave things in Griphook’s care. 

Seeing that things were wrapping up, and a plan was in motion for a later time, Logan took back over. “Right then, I think that about covers everything for today, and we’ve obviously got our plans in motion for the next few days. I suggest we adjourn for now and we allow the Goblins to get back to what we took them away from.” The Goblins gave appreciative nods of thanks to that. 

“And I take you all to that dinner that I promised earlier.” This earned many a loud rumble of stomachs. Apparently, everyone had lost track of time with all the excitement of the day. After gaining control of their chuckles or blushes at their stomachs grumbling, they all began giving their goodbyes to the Goblins, and in Harry’s case a deep and heartfelt thank you for their help, and shaking each of their hands, both for today and in the future as well, and started making their way back outside. 

As they all left Ragnok’s office door, with the Weasley parents leading the way with their brood, the Grangers, who had been trying to listen to everything going on today, and probably only understanding maybe a 1/10th of what was said (don’t judge them, they’re Muggles, their just happy to be included in some aspect of their daughters new and magical world.) 

Logan came next, discussing with Remus what will need done over the next few days, along with Albus and Minerva about what needed done in preparation for Sirius’ trial, with the Professor’s apologising for declining dinner and having to return to the school. 

With a quick wink from Logan, Harry and Ginny came out last, both blushing at the mans gesture, and also at the opportunity offered to them. Harry tentatively offered, and took Ginny’s hand into his own as they walked, increasing their blushes but bringing large (if shy) smiles to them both. 

Out of all the things that Harry learned today; from new information about his parents (something he had been yearning to hear for years) to discovering a family; both left behind by his parents and in the red headed family he found all on his own over a year ago. 

The discovery of what he shared with the amazing young girl walking beside him shocked Harry the most, and in the best way he could have imagined. Neither of them knew what would happen next, both still coming to terms with what it all meant and what they were now experiencing from the other, but both feeling more complete than they ever remember feeling in their lives, and couldn’t be happier than right now. 

They didn’t know what was in-store, and they didn’t know what to expect from this magical and newly discovered bond between them both, but knew as sure as the feelings they could feel from the other (even if they were both still too shy and/or young to fully comprehend it all) that they will face anything together, as that was the way they were always meant to be!