Jewelry and Jam
Harry woke from an old nightmare and had to remind himself that he was at Hogwarts and not still living in the cupboard with the Dursley’s. It left him too awake to go back to sleep and too early in the morning to get up. Being one horcrux away from getting rid of the dork lord left him wondering what the fall out would be. There would still be high ranking death eaters in the Wizengamot still waiving their bigotry and effecting the law of the land to their benefit. Getting Umbitch out of the building had been one thing, but getting her hideous laws over turned and replaced with something more equitable was the challenge. Waiving a light on he reached for the parseltongue book beside the bed and decided to read until he fell asleep or it was time to venture out for breakfast.
Dressed and ready to face the day Harry was stuck by something he had over looked when speaking with Snape and decided to knock on the professors door.
Snape looked up from his paperwork and sighed. ‘What do you want now Potter?’
‘I had an idea about the easiest way for you to get the diary to Gringotts.’
Putting his quill aside he went to cast a privacy spell and found one already in place. ‘Yes?’
‘Kreacher.’
Harry waited for the house elf to appear, wondering how he would be dressed today.
‘Heir Black calls Kreacher?’
Snape could feel a headache building behind his eyes and opened his draw for one of the potions he’d taken to keeping on hand since the sorting at the start of term. The elf was dressed in a purple three piece suit with a bowler hat that would rival Fudges, also in a tasteful purple.
Harry nodded. ‘Nice, and the pocket watch is an excellent addition.’
‘Lord Black did not like the last hat.’
‘The top hat? I like that one. But I called you here to ask if you would come when Professor Snape calls once he has the last horcrux.’
‘To give to the goblins?’
‘Yes.’
‘Kreacher can be doing this. Then Master Regulus will be revenged.’ And vanished with a pop.
Snape’s head snapped up. ‘Regulus?’
‘Oh, that’s right. You don’t know.’ Harry debated finding a chair or going for a new record in figuring out the short version of Regulus Black’s story.
‘So the really short version is, Regulus realised the dork lord was an idiot and had made at least one horcrux. He died trying to destroy it.’
‘Oh you sweet fool Reggie.’ Snape sighed as he thought about his lost friend. ‘And the elf?’
‘Volde asked Regulus if he could borrow his elf, when Kreacher nearly died he worked it out and followed the Black family trend for revenge without a back up plan. Unlike his brother, he didn’t end up in Azkaban. And Kreacher was never quite the same.’
Snape nodded with a sigh. ‘Kreacher answering when I call makes it easier for me to deal with the diary. I might be tempted to set fire to it otherwise.’
‘You’ll need fiendfyre and if you do, let me know so I can check Gringotts has dealt with the rest of old Tommy’s black little soul.’ He checked the time. ‘I have to go, I’m meeting the others for breakfast.’
‘Must you do that at the Slytherin table?’
Harry grinned dispelling his privacy spell as he left the room.
Taking his usual seat Harry poured himself a cup of tea. Seeing Neville and Hermione approaching he added tea to the extra cups next to his.
‘Hello Harry.’
‘Morning Hermione, Nev.’
‘Hi Harry.’
‘Did your plant flower yesterday?’
‘Oh yes, Professor Sprout and I managed to take several pictures and collect seed pods.’
Blaise reached for the fourth cup Harry poured. ‘Do I want to know what you were talking pictures of?’
‘Heilflorus Rubrum, it doesn’t flower every year and when it does it only flowers for two days and that’s only when conditions are perfect.’
‘Shy plant.’ Blaise sipped his tea and waited for Theo to join them.
‘Has the Daily Prophet arrived yet?’ Hermione asked, having already heard all about the flowering heliflorus the day before.
Harry shook his head and considered what he wanted for breakfast. ‘It wont be too far away.’ He reached for the strawberry jam and hesitated when he felt one of his rings grow warm. His hand stopped above the jam and he tried to remember what the warning was for. Focusing on the rings the Potter Lordship ring became visible. Potions or poison then.
‘Are you finished with the jam?’
Harry looked to Hermione and shook his head. ‘No.’
‘I’d like some for my toast when you are.’
‘No.’
‘What?’
Neville looked up at Hermione’s tone and saw the lordship ring. ‘Someone put something in the jam then.’
She repeated her question. ‘What?’
Blaise watched Harry configure a bag to put the jam in as he responded to her question. ‘Most heir and lordship rings are layered with charms and spells to detect if anyone has potioned their food. Some detect poison or are specific to love potions.’
‘That’s a thing?’
‘There is a reason using love potions are considered line theft.’ Theo added as he finished his second cup of tea. ‘And most older houses are a touch paranoid about it for good reason.’
‘It should sound ridiculous, but I live in a castle with ghosts. What are you going to do with it?’
‘Give it to Snape to look at. Not that there is any way to know who the intended victim is, we don’t know it’s even directed at me.’
‘You would be the most likely target, you haven’t exactly been shy about some of your ideas.’ Theo pointed out.
‘You sit with me at most meals, and I don’t usually have jam on toast.’
‘No.’ Hermione said quietly. ‘But I do.’
Neville exchanged a look across the table with Harry and pulled the Ravenclaw next to him into a hug.
Harry nodded and rose to his feet, with a bang from his wand he got everyone’s attention. ‘I, Harry James Potter, Lord of House Potter, standing before Lady Magic, extend the protection of House Potter and any other house I am entitled to claim, over Hermione Jean Swan Granger and her line. I include her parents and any of her line she claims as her own. Any action taken against her is action taken against me and mine.’
‘Blimey mate.’ Ron swung into the seat next to Hermione. ‘What happened?’
Still standing Harry replied, and in the silence of the room no one had to try very hard to hear him. ‘My ring reacted to the jam Hermione usually has on her toast when she has breakfast with me.’
‘I didn’t know you liked jam on toast. Oi, Zabini, pass the bacon yeah.’
Harry watched as Professors Snape and Flitwick approached them and sat only when his head of house was present.
‘I do hope someone has explained to you what a vow like actually means, Potter.’
‘Oh I’m well aware Professor.’ He picked the bagged jam up and held it out to the potions master. ‘I would like to ask you, as Lord Potter, to confirm what has been placed in the jam.’
‘Your ring, what will it respond to?’
‘Potions and poison but no differentiation between the two. I also have an heir ring that picks up love potions but that didn’t react.’
‘Very well Lord Potter. I will see what I can find out.’ He gave a slight nod of his head in lieu of a bow before sweeping from the room. Just as well he’d already finished his breakfast.
Flitwick stood next to his Raven. ‘Are you quite alright Miss Granger?’
‘I’m not sure Professor. And I don’t really understand what Harry just did.’
Harry leaned across the table and reached for her hand. ‘I acknowledged our kinship in front of witnesses.’
‘He’s basically declared war on anyone who hurts you and will bring the full weight of his political, financial, magical and social standing to support you if needed.’ Blaise explained. ‘It doesn’t make you his vassel or anything like that, but it offers you the protection of his house. It’s like he’s made himself your godfather in the eyes of magic.’
‘So I can expect a really extravagant gift for Christmas and my birthdays then.’ She said with a small smile.
‘I can either give you an allowance or a tab at the bookshop of your choice.’
‘Really?’ She asked with raised eyebrows.
‘No.’ He laughed. ‘Not really, although it would be just as well I have a healthy vault balance if I did. No, it really just gives you a layer of protection in the wizarding world.’
‘That is ridiculous but thank you Harry.’
‘You are my Ravenclaw sister Hermione.’
‘This doesn’t mean you get to pick who I marry or anything like that does it?’ She watched as the five boys around her and her head of house laughed.
‘No Miss Granger. It does not give Lord Potter that sort of influence over you. It just means if you were to be attacked in any way he would be bound by honour and magic to defend you.’
‘Professor Flitwick, I will be sending a message to my account manager at Gringotts and would like to ask him to bring some things to the school for Hermione. Who do I need to speak with to arrange this?’
‘Normally your head of house and the headmaster. As the deputy head however, I can grant permission.’
‘I should probably ask my lawyer to visit as well.’
‘That will be fine Lord Potter. Just let me know when they are expected.’
‘Thank you, Professor Flitwick.’ Harry watched the diminutive wizard make his way back to the high table.
‘What do you mean about bringing things to the school for me Harry.’
‘It isn’t just a lordship ring that can detect potions in food, I have other pieces in the vault that you can choose from.’
‘You don’t have to do that you know.’
‘Oh no, he does.’ Neville explained. ‘I remember this because I was with Harry when my gran explained it.’
Hermione was torn between being horrified by what sort of items she was going to be presented with, and relieved that there was a way she could be sure her food wasn’t potioned. Her parents were financially comfortable but from what she understood, Harry was loaded. To the point he didn’t need to get a job when they left school and would still have more than enough money to provide for several generations of his children.
Once they finished their breakfast Harry rose to his feet and tucked his Daily Prophet under his arm to read later. ‘I have letters to write. Are you going to be okay Hermione? What are your plans for this morning?’
‘I was planning to go to the library.’
Theo looked up. ‘I don’t see any books.’
‘Oh, Harry got me a backpack like his bag, it’s got extension charms and a featherlite charm on it.’
Theo turned to Harry. ‘You know how I said I liked books.’
‘When you were dropping your subtle hints about a gift for Yule, I remember.’
‘If you wanted another option, I mean don’t feel obliged or anything.’
Across the table Ron snorted. ‘Just don’t make the mistake of thinking I like books mate.’
Harry laughed. ‘Duly noted. I shall head to my quarters and write some letters. If you have your notebook Hermione I will let you know where we are meeting my Gringotts chap.’
‘I’d say you don’t have to do that but apparently you do.’
Looking at his pile of books Theo sighed at thoughts of a bag that could carry them all. ‘I was headed to the Library myself if you would like company Hermione.’
‘You want to look at my notes from History of Magic.’
‘I would never have such a blatant ulterior motive.’ Theo gave her his most put upon look before following it up with a small smile.
Blaise shook his head. ‘I blame Potter, he’s a bad influence.’
---
In his quarters Harry wrote a letter for Andi explaining what happened and asking her to visit the school. He penned a shorter letter for Remus and Sirius to keep them informed. And one for his account manager with what he wanted brought to the school, for a fee of course, payable from his Black heir vault. He loved spending that gold on anything that embodied the antithesis of the darker values of the Black family. And a final letter for his favorite reporter before calling for Kreacher to deliver the letters.
---
Nymphadora, call me Tonks, was deep into her cornflakes when the house elf popped into the kitchen. ‘Mum, it’s for you.’
Andi walked into the room. ‘What are you trying to tell the neighbours?’ She looked around. ‘Oh, hello Kreacher.’ She took the letter he was holding out for her before he popped away.
‘Mum?’
‘Yes Dora?’
‘Was he wearing full evening dress, including tails? And was that actually a monocle?’
Andi sighed. ‘I have no idea. I would hazard a guess Harry said something about expecting the Black House Elf to be dressed appropriate to his station. And no doubt it annoys my cousin.’ She opened the envelope and rolled her eyes. ‘Harry, what have you done now.’ She shook her head.
‘Guess you aren’t coming to the movies with me and dad.’
‘I can probably make it if we go to the one that starts at 2pm depending on how this goes.’
‘Am I allowed to ask?’
‘He’s extended the protection of his houses to his muggle born friend after someone dosed the jam.’
Tonks put her spoon down and looked at her mother. ‘Did you say someone dosed jam?’
‘Snape is testing it to see what it was.’
‘He must have been pretty mad.’ They had met over summer and she liked the slightly odd boy.
‘Says he stood up in the Great Hall at breakfast and got everyone’s attention, so it wont take long for that to get out.’
Tonks shook her head and picked her spoon up. ‘Say wotcher for me.’
---
In Gringotts Hookfang took the letter from the elf and opened it, wondering what amusement Lord Potter had worked up this time. He looked up as his branch manager and clan leader joined him.
‘Lord Potter?’
Hookfang handed him the letter privately wondering if there wasn’t a ward alerting the branch manager when the Black house elf was on the premises. ‘I need to go to his vaults and he has asked me to attend him at the school.’
‘You want to ask for volunteers for a guard.’
‘We will be swamped if we do that, I might just take my brother and his team.’
‘It’s not like there will be another basilisk.’
‘You try telling the hoard that.’ Hookfang shook his head. ‘I am glad you find much amusement in dealing with this wizard.’
‘He has shown his worth to the hoard.’ Goldsword smiled. ‘He amuses me along with the gold he generates.’
---
Promptly at eleven Hermione and Harry were waiting with Professor Flitwick at the castle entrance. Looking at the approaching visitors Flitwick looked at Lord Potter.
‘You are a most unusual wizard.’
‘Is that because I’ve got Goblins making a house call Professor?’
‘That is unusual indeed, but it is also which Goblins are calling.’
Harry shrugged. ‘Apparently Goldsword finds me amusing, which I believe also translates to profitable.’
‘Oh it does indeed Lord Potter.’
Harry smiled as the Goblins reached the steps. He bowed in greeting. ‘May the gold of your enemies flow into your vaults.’
‘And may the blood of yours be spilled in honourable combat.’
‘Harry, my daughter said I had to say, wotcher.’
‘Cousin Andi, I don’t believe I have introduced you to my friend Hermione Granger.’
Andi smiled. ‘Hello Professor Flitwick, is there a classroom or an office we can use? We shouldn’t take too much of your time.’
‘Of course, if you will follow me.’ Flitwick pointed them to an empty classroom and left them to it.
Andi looked around and transfigured her chair to something more comfortable. ‘As your lawyer, Harry, I have to ask. Are you aware of the obligation you now hold towards Miss Granger and her family?’
‘I do indeed.’
‘Right, well I’m here to answer any questions you might have, either of you, Harry, Hermione. And I understand you asked for your branch manager from Gringotts to be here.’
Hookfang stepped forward and laid a case on the desk before Harry. ‘I have brought the selection of jewelry that will function as you have requested. I understand you have extended your protection of all your houses over Miss Granger and selected accordingly.’
‘I would also like you to do an inheritance test if you may.’
‘Harry, you can’t do that.’
‘Of course he can, it is not an unreasonable request that he pay for one in that he has extended his protection over you Miss Granger.’ Hookfang took the parchment for the inheritance test out and laid it with a small dagger on the desk. ‘Seven drops of blood in the box at the top of the parchment if you please.’
And with seven drops of blood Hermione’s world tilted.
‘You will need to come to Gringotts with your parents Miss Granger to formalise the results.’
‘I asked them to take me in December when we have our winter break.’
‘Please send us notification as we will need to perform an audit prior to see if there are any inactive vaults you are entitled to.’ He handed her the inheritance test with her new family tree.
Hermione handed the parchment to Harry who had Andromeda reading it over his shoulder. When she saw the name of the girls great, great grandfather on her father’s side she had to sit down as she laughed herself silly.
Harry grinned at his friend. ‘That doesn’t mean I need to be nice to your cousin does it.’
‘Not on my account. Besides, it doesn’t make us close cousins.’ She looked to Andromeda. ‘I’m not buying him a Christmas card.’
Andi shook her head once she stopped laughing. ‘Christmas cards aren’t really a thing in the wizarding world. And the Malfoy family would only claim the relationship if it benefited them. But you are closer in relation than you think, my nephew is your father’s first cousin.’ She looked back over the family tree now on the desk before her. ‘Your mother’s side however, is more likely to provide you with a vault. The Cygnet family has no current members but still has a chair in the Wizengamot, the last one to hold it was Julian Cygnet. He had a son who disappeared so was probably a squib. I would have to look them up, but you could pay for an inheritance test that covers more generations than this one. You will also need to find out if you meet the qualifiers for inheriting.’
‘I have to think about it, and it would explain why Swan is a family name. I think if Mr Hookfang does his audit that will give me an idea if I need to look further.’
Harry looked to his account manager. ‘My Black heir vault will pay for the audit. Can you please show Hermione the jewelry you have brought with you. And does anyone want tea or anything else?’
‘I wont turn down a Hogwarts tea and scones Harry.’ Andi spoke first.
A round of yes’s followed and Harry called for a Hogwarts house elf who soon had cups of tea and scones dispensed before vanishing again.
Hookfang rolled a black velvet cloth on the desk and laid out a collection of bracelets and necklaces. ‘The bracelets are all charmed to react to the presence of potions and poisons and are from the Potter collection.’
‘Are they charmed to not be able to be summoned?’
‘Of course Lord Potter.’ Hookfang pulled another tray out and set it next to the Potter collection. ‘These are from the Black heir vault as requested and carry the same charms.’
Hermione was picking up necklaces and found a sapphire pendant she picked up.
Hookfang grinned. ‘Most of the Potter jewellery has rubies as the main stone, but some of the wives had other preferences and commissioned pieces such as this one.’
It was a tear drop of celtic knotwork with a sapphire in the center and Hermione clearly liked it.
Harry looked over the jewelry and picked up the matching bracelet and handed it to her. It looked delicate with the knotwork and smaller sapphires woven though.
‘I can’t accept both Harry, that’s too much.’
‘But it’s a set, you can’t split them up.’ He looked to Hookfang. ‘What can you tell me?’
Hookfang checked the notes he had brought with him, including detailed drawings of both pieces. ‘They are both charmed to prevent being summoned and once put on can only be removed by the witch or wizard that put them on. Impervious to most liquids and have an embedded homing charm that will return them if lost or taken. They were commissioned by Lady Dorea Potter who also added a notice me not charm that acts like the ones on your rings.’
‘It’s too much Harry.’
‘No Hermione, I don’t want you afraid of strawberry jam, and I don’t want you to stop having breakfast with me.’
Armed with the spell to return the bracelet and necklace in the event they were lost Hermione reluctantly accepted them and the velvet bag they came in.
---
Harry knocked on the door to Snape’s office and entered when it opened.
‘Ah, Lord Potter, do be seated.’ Snape looked at the jar of jam and back to the child that was the reason for more than one bottle of fire whiskey to be emptied by the staff this year. Not that he’d expected any different with the child of James Potter. He handed him a sheet of parchment.
‘Based on my analysis of the jam and the ingredients used it was a potion designed to cause digestive discomfort.’
‘Not poison then.’
‘No. Socially embarrassing at most and an easy potion to brew and not beyond the capabilities of almost any student here.’
‘Any idea when the jam was dosed?’
Snape shook his head. ‘There is no discernible way to identify that.’
‘Or who the target was, unless.’ Harry shook his head. ‘It could have been a feint to see if anyone had anything charmed to identify it.’
He sighed softly. ‘I wonder how hard it is to learn French.’
‘With the correct ritual and enough gold it would be relatively easy Lord Potter.’
‘I couldn’t deprive Slytherin of my awesomeness, no, I’m here now Professor. You are all stuck with me.’
‘A fact I have lamented more than once. I did speak with the castle’s house elves and none of them put anything in the food so it was someone with access to the Slytherin table.’
Harry nodded. ‘Well I appreciate you looking into the matter. House Potter thanks you.’ He rose to his feet.
‘Potter.’
‘Professor?’
‘It is unenviable, the position you are in. Surrounded by the children of the supporters of the wizard who killed your parents.’
‘Yeah, I figured that out pretty quickly. At least this time around when the hat put me here, I knew what I was getting myself into. Apparently, I take after my grandmother, Dorea Black Potter. Maybe the house should be more worried about me.’
‘Indeed.’
He watched the boy walk away and closed the door with a flick of his wand. Knowing that magic herself had sent him back explained the edge to the boys aura. It was a burden he decided, to have the knowledge that there were people around him who had died. To have the ability and chore to stop it happening this time. Being in Slytherin wasn’t the only unenviable position Harry Potter was in.
But he wasn’t wrong, his house should be more concerned about the grandchild of Dorea Black. She had been a legend in her time in Slytherin.