What comes next?
Chapter Two – What comes next?
July 31st 1993
"Shite"
Harry didn't know what to think, how could he be a Lord? the wizarding world made no sense sometimes.
Dumbledore let a little laugh, "Lord Potter such language is unbecoming of someone in your position. Although giving the shocking events it does appear to be a fair reaction"
"Professor I don't understand what any of this means".
"I am not surprised, I had planned to wait until you turned 14 before I introduced you to what it meant to be an Heir and Lord, had I been aware of your parent's stipulations I would have done it sooner, although based off your last two years I'm not sure when we would have had the time".
Dumbledore adjusted his glasses and continued, "Simply put Harry, you are now in charge of the Potter Household and all that that entitles. You have access to your seat on the Wizengamot and may propose new laws as well as presiding over trials that require their full attention," He went on to elaborate, "And as you are a Lord.
A thought came to Harry that filled him with joy. "But this is brilliant! I'm free from the Dursley's control and there's nothing they can do about it!"
He looked at the Goblin who had a smirk and was nodding along; Dumbledore on the other hand looked slightly pale, Harry had a sense of what would be said next.
"I am sorry, but I truly must protest." He said, sounding genuinely sincere yet forceful, "As I have mentioned to you in the past, it is imperative to your safety that you return to your relatives' home until you are seventeen. There is nowhere safer for you then there, especially with the threat of Sirius Black being free" he had the audacity to smile at Harry after saying it.
"You have no-" Harry's argument was interrupted by Sharpclaw.
"Actually Chief Warlock, Lord Potter has a number of heavily warded properties that offer protection" Harry perked up, Dumbledore looked intrigued. "Contrary to popular belief Potter Manor was never destroyed by the Death Eaters in the last War, and remains standing and protected to this day, although all the house-elves are likely to have passed."
Harry smiled; he had a bleedin manor that he could live in whilst they were stuck in Privet Drive. Although he did feel slightly sad at the thought of the dead house-elves it made him think of Dobby and what he was up to.
Seeing Dumbledore looking thoughtful Harry started, "I know you think you are doing what is best for me and keeping me safe, but I will not be returning to that hell hole of a place you like to call my home!" he continued "I have gone through enough there, treated like a worthless servant for as long as I can remember and yet you honestly believe I would go back there? They can hang for all I care. They are nothing to me".
Dumbledore's eyes seemed to grow misty "They truly mean that little to you?"
"My Hogwarts letter was addressed to 'The Cupboard Under the Stairs' professor. You may have thought you were protecting me from outsiders who wished me harm, but nothing prevented those who I lived with. Does that answer your question sir?" Harry told the man who had unknowingly condemned to such a life.
Clearing his throat of emotion, the aged wizard conceded, "I have caused you much suffering Harry and till my dying day I hope you know I am truly and truthfully sorry for my actions. I was so blinded by my beliefs on family and love that it caused you more pain than joy".
Harry just nodded, he could not forgive the man nor forget what he had done, but at least he had admitted he was wrong.
"May I ask then Harry", he stopped, "Oh my I forgot myself, how would you like me to address you Lord Potter, by your title? Or perhaps Hadrian?"
"Err Harry is fine professor" What a weird day this was.
Dumbledore nodded, "As I was saying Harry, although you are under no obligation to please let me know how you are settling in at your new home and if there is anything I can do to help."
Knowledge. That was what he needed. He had been sheltered from the Wizarding world for too long and knew next to nothing about modern wizarding Britain. "Could you recommend me some books on being a Lord? and how the Wizengamot works?"
Dumbledore beamed at the request, starting to write down a few books that he deemed most helpful. "I would also like to offer to help prepare you for the Wizengamot if you would like Harry? Although the books are fairly good they are just general information"
Harry considered it before deciding to accept, after all who better to teach him than the head of the body itself.
"Very well Harry, with that I shall take my leave. I do believe your Hogwarts letter will be arriving tomorrow so make sure you send back your list of elective choices as well, I will write you later in the week to decide when we will meet" He then looked at Sharpclaw who had been surprisingly patient throughout the exchange, "You have my thanks Sharpclaw" both bowed their heads to each other in respect.
And with that, Dumbledore left the room.
Harry tried to process what had happened so far, so much information had been given over such a short period of time that his thoughts were all jumbled and confused.
"Now then" Said Sharpclaw causing Harry to twitch in surprise at the sudden intrusion to his thoughts. "Now that Dumbledore has had his say, let us get down to business Lord Potter and discuss your finances and what is to be done about your parent's will".
"I'm surprised he didn't fight more to be honest, it's like there was a switch in how he treated me…" Harry said, more to himself than Sharpclaw yet the Goblin responded anyways.
He let out a derisive snort, "The Chief Warlock is certainly a persistent man, but even he respects the rights afforded to you".
He pushed a leather-bound folder towards Harry, "These are your vault summaries Lord Potter, as you are only the Heir to the Black family that is the only Black vault you currently have in your possession".
"How come I am not Lord Black? I would've thought that since I have been recognised as Lord Potter then the Heir Black ring would've changed as well?"
"Well as Sirius Black is supposed to be the current Lord Black perhaps it has still deemed him worthy despite his actions against your family, or perhaps the Black Family Magic does not yet recognise you as a suitable Lord of the family yet" he explained.
Nodding he carried on reading his financial state:
Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter:
Potter Family Vault:
522 490 597 Galleons
The Potter Grimoire
Various Weapons, Jewels, Books, and Artefacts
Heir Potter Vault:
50 000 Galleons
Dowager Potter Vault:
1 000 000 Galleons + a yearly stipend of 5000 Galleons
James Potter Vault:
678 809 Galleons
1 letter
Various Artefacts and Clothes
Lilly Potter Vault:
4900 Galleons
2 Letters
Properties:
Potter Manor – Kent, England
Potter Chateau- Paris, France
Potter Villa- Rome, Italy
Most Ancient and Noble House of Black
Heir Black Vault:
650 090 Galleons
Various Books
Harry let out a long whistle, safe to say he was pretty damn rich.
Seeing he was done, Sharpclaw informed Harry that "the only Potter items you do not have access to is the letters in your parents' personal vault as according to their will they are to be bequeathed onto others."
"In regard to your parents' will, we have summoned the benefactors to arrive tomorrow at one PM and you are required to be there to authorise and oversee the reading. Particularly in the case of the Longbottom Family as Dowager Augusta Longbottom will be accepting on behalf of her son and daughter in law due to her position as regent."
"In that case I will be back tomorrow to go through my vaults after the will reading".
"Very good Lord Potter, the meeting will be in this same room. Simply walk in and show your ring if any Goblin tries to tell you to line up" He explained.
"Do you know how I can find Potter Manor? After I get my things from the Dursley's I plan to never go back" Harry asked.
"Your Lord's ring acts as a portkey, a method of transportation that takes you to the Manor, simply rub the ring and state "Home", the portkeys to your other properties will likely be in the Family Vault. Furthermore, if you sign here then we can create a new vault for you that links to a moleskin pouch that you can withdraw money from. The standard capacity is 1500 Galleons, it is so our wealthier customers need not travel in each time they wish to make smaller purchases."
Harry liked the idea of it and so signed the parchment, Sharpclaw then stamped the form and handed him what looked to be a small brown pouch. "It will be active within 10 minutes, and you just need to think of a value for it to appear."
"Are there any other items you require my help with today?" Sharpclaw asked.
"Could you combine all other vaults into the Potter Family vault?"
"Whilst we can dissolve your parent's vaults back into the main one, I should inform you the Dowager and Heir vault have been open for centuries now instead of closing and reopening them, that way when a Potter takes up one of the roles the vault is simply passed on to them. However, I can close them if you wish."
"Best leave it then, just dissolve my parent's vaults into the main one please" responded Harry.
Sharpclaw nodded and gave him a form to sign. Harry thanked the Goblin and took his leave, it felt as if he had been in there for hours yet glancing at the large clock in the Gringotts Lobby it showed that only fifty minutes had passed.
He walked out in a slight daze as he headed through the Leaky Cauldron to call the Knight Bus again. The difference this time was when he handed over the money to pay for his journey and Stan noticed his ring, he lost the joker persona he had before saying "Apologies milord for by behaviour" with a slightly bowed head. Harry just nodded at him and mumbled thanks, unsure how to respond. This time Stan waited for Harry to sit down before the bus took off.
Arriving at the Dursley's household he quickly packed all his things in his trunk and activated the shrinking charm on it, before writing them a quick letter, it would be hours before they would return home.
To my supposed Family,
Today just so happens to be your lucky day, my time in this hellish prison you call a home is over and you never have to see me again. Screw you all.
Harry
P.S. Dudley does your mum know about the Porno mags you have hidden under your bed? Or the fact you steal money out of her purse to buy them ?
Harry took one more look around the Kitchen, and with a smile he placed the shrunken trunk in his pocket, rubbed the ring on his finger and whispered:
'Home'
Why on earth did Wizards have to invent travel that caused bodily harm?, Harry thought to himself. The Portkey felt as if a fishhook caught him within his navel and pulled him in all different directions in the air before he finally stopped when he was slammed into the ground.
Groaning and stretching, he took a look around where he landed.
He must have been in the entry hall for Potter Manor, the high ceilings and columns of the entry hall towered above him, directly ahead of him was a large staircase leading up to the second floor. The columns had banners of red and gold with the Potter family crest on them, a soaring dragon with a singular indistinguishable man beneath it.
It was all a bit gaudy, but it was his.
Walking around it took a good 15 minutes for him to walk around the ground floor having a quick look at everything, and a further hour looking at the rest of the manor and its grounds.
The inside of Potter Manor hosted a number of rooms including a potions laboratory. One side of the room had rows of rotting ingredients in dusty jars, the other side had rusty and unkempt Cauldrons and equipment with a small bookshelf alongside it. There was a large floor to ceiling arched window with what seemed to be runes carved along the outline. Although his knowledge of runes was limited to the small leaflet given to them by McGonagall at the end of last year.
There were seemingly twelve large bedrooms, a sitting room, a billiards room, a large kitchen, a large dining room, a smaller dining room, an even smaller dining room, a grand ballroom with a chandelier in the middle that looked like it could fall at any moment. The best room was the library he found that took up half of the second floor. It was nowhere near the size of the one at Hogwarts, but it had dark wooden bookshelves that were full of books. Even if they were covered in dust.
When he headed outside he noticed a small river on the north most corner of the property heading east and what seemed to be a couple of Greenhouses to the West. He had to run out as soon as he opened the door to the first one as the smell of the decaying plants was vile. There was a large, wooded area surrounding most of the property but he was unsure how far it went. He could see the gate in the distance at the end of a long winding path, the sound of church bells meant that there had to be a small village or town nearby, somewhere he could go shopping tomorrow to get food.
He walked back inside and sat in the living room, pondering what to do next. It was odd how silent it was, in Privet Drive he was constantly surrounded by noise, be it Dudley's tv or Uncle Vernon's heavy breathing or the general noise of where they lived, cars driving, the hum of the streetlights and police sirens. The silence was rather unnerving.
He grabbed one of the pillows, placed it down of the coffee table and put his feet up but that only served to send up more dust into the air.
'How on earth am I even gonna clean this place' he muttered. It wasn't too bad; it was mainly just dust and the rotting potions lab and greenhouses; the sheer size of the manor was the issue.
He sat there for a few minutes more wondering what to do when a small smile slipped onto his face, he sat up and mentally prepared himself.
"DOBBY!" he said rather loudly, hoping it would work.
A second later and a soft POP was heard around the manor, before Harry saw a blob sprinting towards him which jumped to hug him around the neck.
"Mister Harry Potter Sir!" the little elf squeaked, "Dobby is so happy you summons him!" Harry smiled and patted the elf on the back. Although the elf was annoying, and his attempts at saving him had done more harm than good, after seeing his treatment by Lucius Malfoy it was better for Harry to let it go.
Dobby let go and started to look around "You haves a nice house Mister Potter" he noticed the dust and started to speak but stopped, looking rather sad.
"What is it Dobby?"
"It's the dust Sir, the house-elf magic that kept the place clean started to go recently. The Potter elves must've cast them before they died." Dobby's ears drooped and he muttered something that sounded a different language and banged his fist to his chest three times, it must have been a sort of form of respect, Harry thought.
Dobby turned to look at him and spoke in his excitable voice once more "What can Dobby help you with?"
"Well I know you only just left the Malfoy family, but I was wondering if you would like to become my-"
He was interrupted by Dobby once more hugging him, looking into his eyes. "I, Dobby accepts Harry Potter as my master. So mote it be."
'Well that went well' he thought to himself.
"Great! Are you sure you can clean this whole Manor? Do you know any elves who can look after the land as well?"
"Dobby is knowing of three elves who are unbound, should I call for them?"
"Please, I'll explain what will need doing and see if they wish to bond"?
Dobby went silent and a few seconds later there were three simultaneous POPS signifying their arrival "Master Potter these be, Mipsy, Effy and Mellie" they all bowed slightly towards him.
"Now Dobby here tells me you are currently without a bond" The elf on the left, Mellie, let out a small whimper, he continued in a softer tone "It would appear to me that the work needed to maintain the manor is too much for one elf to do. I need help with cleaning, maintaining the garden and land, and washing clothes. Does that sound okay?"
The elves perked up, finally happy to have a master once more. They repeated the oath Dobby made, but without the hug. "Before you start. I order you to never harm yourselves or punish yourselves, if you make a mistake just let me know and we can discuss it. Understood?" they all nodded.
"Dobby is in charge of the Manor" at this the elf stood up even straighter and Harry ignored the tears leaking out of the Elf's eyes. "Dobby will assign you your duties unless there is anything specific that needs doing. For now I'd like you to focus on cleaning the house of dust and getting it into shape if you could start with the Master bedroom and Library that would be great. Please." The elves all nodded eagerly and popped away.
Unshrinking his trunk, he decided to write a thank you letter to Hermione for his birthday gift, a yearly planner and a copy of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. When Hermione found out Harry liked to read muggle fiction but was never allowed to go the library to get books, never mind buy any, she had promised to start introducing him to 'classics' as she called them.
Ron was in Egypt so he would thank him in person when he next saw him. Pulling out a piece of parchment and a self-inking quill he wrote:
Mione!
How was Paris? And thanks for the presents - if Jane Eyre isn't good you're not allowed to
I have so much to tell you when we next meet! Turns out I'm a Lord, like and actual Lord and Harry isn't even my full name! Dumbledore met me at Gringotts, and my parents Will was read, for some reason Mum left Snape 5000 Galleons and a letter, wonder what that's about? Anyways Ron is meant to be back in just over a week so meet then and we can shop and discuss what the fuck has been going on!
Harry
He folded it and would send it when Hedwig arrived, he had sent his faithful owl ahead knowing she would be able to find him.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"Master Potter" a soft voice broke him out of his thoughts, he was trying to plan his day tomorrow: he had the meeting at Gringotts at one, he wanted to explore his surroundings and potentially do some food shopping and then magical shopping after the meeting.
"Yes?" he questioned Mipsy, prompting her to continue.
"So sorry Master Potter but there be a room on the third floor that Mipsy cannot open" the elf said nervously.
"Mipsy there is nothing to apologise for, show me where and I will investigate."
The small elf led him up the stairs to the third floor to a room with large double wooden doors. Around the edges he noticed the same engravings that the Potter ring had. Instinctively he pressed the ring against the door and heard an audible click. A quick glance at Mipsy showed the elf looking excited, well at least that's what harry interpreted the raised clasped hands and wide-eyed look to be showing.
He pushed open the door. The room was a large office with a dark ornate desk that had papers still on it and a dried-out quill. The wall opposite the door had two large windows that faced the river as well as the gate. He was about to continue inspecting the office when to his shock her heard a female voice calling out "James? Finally, you returned!"
He turned around quickly at the sound of the voice pulling out his wand and aiming it at the source, until he faltered. The sound came from a portrait hanging above the fire, she looked around fifty and had a kind face. She was in an armchair with a collection of books behind her. The woman looked taken aback at his actions until she looked in his eyes. "Oh not James, I just thought…, you must be my Grandson Hadrian then? Oh but that means..." The portrait went silent seeming lost in her thoughts. One of the biggest shocks of coming into the wizarding world was finding out that not only could pictures move, but portraits could talk.
"I'm guessing you must be Dorea then?" he couldn't think what else to say, he hated emotional stuff like this, how was he meant to act?
"Yes that's right!? If you are the last Potter-" at this she choked up and raised the book and pressed it against her chest, Harry imagined that if she had been painted with the ability to cry then she would be.
It was awkward. He wasn't the biggest fan of emotions like that, ever since he was young he learnt that crying and being sad at the Dursleys' would be ignored and lead to punishment. It was a sign of being weak.
She sat up straighter in the chair "Harry go over to the bookshelf by the desk and pick up the book with the Dragon engravings, the symbol of the Potter family. It is the ward book and will give you control of the protections on the manor and allow you to control who may enter".
He did as instruct and picked up the book. There was a large rush of magic in the air as he felt connected to the manor. It was his to protect, and it was to protect him as well. Opening the first page he saw a list of names, worryingly he saw the name Sirius Black written amongst the list:
Cygnus Black
Edgar Bones
Albus Dumbledore
Eileen Entwistle
Douglas Entwistle
Charles Ogden
Minerva McGonagall
Griselda Marchbanks
Augusta Longbottom
Andromeda Tonks
Remus Lupin
Peter Pettigrew
"How do I get rid of the names and forbid them access?" He wanted Sirius Black removed as soon as possible.
"Run your ring over the names you wish to remove, to add one you just write down the name".
He removed them all, but after some consideration added Dumbledore back to the list. Flipping through the book he noticed a few pages were dedicated to what seemed to be specific wards, some were in green ink which Dorea told him meant they were active, and the others were red meaning they were inactive.
He went to the cupboard behind the desk and found two keys hanging with the labels for his other properties under them and a random word, they must've been the portkeys he had been told about, although they were not in the family vault as suggested. He was tempted to go this summer but decided he had too much to do and learn in the short month that was left before school started.
Hearing a tapping on the window he saw Hedwig had arrived. He let her in and stroked her feathers.
"I know you just got here girl, but do you mind taking this to Hermione?" Hedwig hooted as if insulted that he even had to ask, and a short while later she was flying off, letter attached.
He felt drained and headed off to find a bedroom to sleep in, Effy directed him to the master bedroom, and after assuring him the sheets had been washed and dried during his time in the study. He stripped to his boxers, climbed into bed and fell asleep.
August 1st, 1993
Harry woke up the next morning feeling extremely hungry, he rolled out of bed and headed downstairs wondering how he could get some food. He was shocked to see that Dobby was there making what seemed to be a batch of pancake batter.
"Dobby, where did you get the ingredients?"
"Dobby saw there was no food in the pantry so went to Wizard's Market to stock up. If Master goes to the dining room Dobby will bring him his food"
"Ahh thank you Dobby… wait, where did you get the money?" Harry asked, puzzled.
Dobby started to lightly tug at his ears and let out a nervous laugh.
Of course he stole it.
Harry couldn't help but laugh, "I will leave a chest of money in one of the rooms which you can use to get what supplies you need okay? Although I noticed a village near us which I want to check out if there are local food suppliers we will just use their goods".
Harry left the kitchen to sit down at the head of the table in the smallest dining room and saw a letter laid down next to the Daily Prophet saying:
Mr. H Potter
Potter Manor
Kent
Dear Mr Potter,
Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross Station, platform nine and three-quarters, at eleven o'clock.
Third years are permitted to visit the village of Hogsmeade at certain weekends. Please give the enclosed permission form to your parent or guardian to sign.
A list of books for next year is enclosed.
Please fill in the form to select your electives, you may choose at least two with a maximum of three.
Yours sincerely,
Professor M. McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry looked at the form quickly filling out his options, placing a tick next to "Ancient Runes", "Arithmancy" and "Care of Magical Creatures".
Ron had tried to get him to take Divination with COMC as they were easy passes according to his older brothers, but Harry didn't think Divination was as interesting as Runes and Arithmancy. Plus, it would be beneficial for Harry to understand Runes as they linked to warding, a vital piece of knowledge considering he now had total control over the powerful wards and protections of his family.
He knew Hermione wouldn't be happy with only being allowed to take three at the most as she had tried to ask to be allowed to take them all, but McGonagall had firmly refuted the idea.
Finishing his breakfast, he went upstairs to have a wash then dressed, he took a look at the too big clothes and resolved to get some new robes and everyday wizarding wear, and some muggle too.
Effy had informed him that he could take the Floo in the drawing room to get to Gringotts, the only ones who could Floo to Potter Manor was himself and Dumbledore.
Making sure his pronunciation was clear, he did not want a repetition of the events last year where he ended up in Knockturn Alley, he flooed to Gringotts and headed to the meeting room he was at yesterday.
Walking into the room he saw Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall sitting there, both stood when he entered smiling at him.
"Mr Pot- my apologies Lord Potter, it is good to see you" Professor McGonagall greeted him.
He felt a slight awkwardness, "You don't need to call me Lord, Professor".
She let a small smile show.
"I brought my options with me if that's okay? thought it'd be easier than sending Hedwig when I knew I'd be seeing you today."
"That's fine Potter" she took a look at the list she handed him, muttering "Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures" before putting the letter in her bag.
"Very good Potter, I took the same when I was in Hogwarts – as did your mother in fact. Your father however took Divination instead of Arithmancy" the emphasis on divination indicated she had very particular feelings about that subject.
Dumbledore chortled, "Now Professor McGonagall, Divination is a perfectly valid art and subject. In fact I once met a seer who claimed I would be scarred by a goat, the very next day I saw my brother and that very goat-"
"Now now Headmaster, I'm sure Potter doesn't need to hear this story after all he is still thirteen" she stared him down as she interrupted him before rolling her eyes.
"But what happened?" Harry asked, bemused.
"Nothing to concern yourself with Mister Potter" she said even louder when Dumbledore opened his mouth again.
Harry just looked at them in amused confusion before shaking his head, "By the way Professor, Hermione might try and sign up for all subjects just to prewarn you".
McGonagall's expression flickered for a moment as she once again looked to Dumbledore, before a small smile appeared on her face. "Don't you worry Potter I am quite adept at managing Miss Granger".
Professor Dumbledore then offered his hand to Harry to shake, which was odd.
"In formal meetings and events like this, proper procedure must be followed, for example although you have told Minerva to not call you Lord, in this situation when the others arrive she must, as you will have to refer to me as "Chief Warlock" and me to you as "Lord Potter"." He explained.
He nodded in understanding.
Dumbledore continued, "I'm guessing you have not yet had a chance to peruse any of the books yet? No? Well, when Dowager Longbottom enters it is proper decorum to greet her with a kiss on her ring hand".
"Why all the formality?"
"It is a sign of respect amongst people in the wizarding world, although some choose to ignore it".
Seeing Harry's nod, he continued "In regard to the lessons I have offered would the fourth be acceptable for our first one at my office in Hogwarts?" He passed Harry a piece of paper with the floo address on which he slipped into his pocket. This worked well for Harry as it gave him time to start reading the texts recommended.
"Lord Potter" he heard a voice call and turned to see Sharpclaw entering the room.
"Sharpclaw" he bowed his head to the Goblin slightly who nodded in return.
Gesturing to Harry to walk to the opposite end of the room he informed him that "I received a letter today my Lord, when you ascended to your status of heir then lord the fees to the law firm your family have on retainer resumed, thus they have sent a letter to Gringotts to pass on to you" he handed it over:
Lord Potter,
Lord Potter, as payment to keep our law firm 'Greengrass and Associates' as retainer for your Most Ancient and Noble House have resumed, you have full access to our services and may write or visit us if you require any legal assistance.
To write to us address letters to:
201 Banker Avenue
London
England
Our Floo address is simply:
201 Banker Avenue
Lord Cyrus Greengrass.
"Greengrass? I recognise that name".
Professor McGonagall spoke "His daughter Daphne is in your year, in Slytherin"
An image of a haughty looking girl with blonde hair flashed through his mind.
Harry went and took a seat, maybe it would be beneficial to meet the lawyer at some point in the future.
Over the next ten minutes the others mentioned in the will arrived, save for Pettigrew and Black. First up Augusta and Neville arrived, he greeted her as taught as she bowed her head in turn to him, she had requested that they would be able to meet one day this summer to discuss business between their families. He spoke briefly with Neville but even still he was shy, it made no sense to Harry, how could Neville eventually be the Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom when he was so shy?
Professor Flitwick entered soon after, giving Harry a smile and going to converse with Sharpclaw. After him a tired looking man entered wearing shabby robes and looking quite grey, this must be Lupin the one Dorea said was a werewolf friend of his parents. Before he could think more on it the bastard known as Snape entered, he nodded at Dumbledore and looked at Harry, opening his mouth in an attempt to say some withering remark no doubt. Until he saw Harry's ring that is, his face went red with rage, and he sat down glaring at him, Harry glared right back.
Sharpclaw started to speak "Now we are all here, I will read the will of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter nee Evans".
He read the will handing out letters to those who had been left them and informing them that the money had been transferred to their vaults, "Now Lord Potter do you authorise the representation of Dowager Longbottom as the benefactor for Frank and Alice Longbottom".
"I do"
"Then we have no more business to be done".
Harry was eager to leave, the shabby looking man had been looking at him when he thought Harry didn't notice but he could feel the man's eyes boring into him.
"I'll see you at school, Potter" she had a sad smile on her face as she patted him on the shoulder.
He asked Sharpclaw if he could purchase a small money chest from Gringotts, and the Goblin quickly had one brought to him with five hundred galleons in. He thanked him and flooed back to his home, he was not good at flooing but it was better than being slammed into the ground to the portkey. He left the chest with Dobby before travelling back to the Leaky Cauldron so he could go shopping in the Alley.
His first stop was Madame Malkins to get his uniform and other clothes. She was rather excited by the number of clothes he was talking about and slightly confused until she saw the Lord's ring on his finger and hurried to close the shop to the public. She spent around an hour discussing clothes with him before finally taking his measurements so she could create a whole wardrobe for him. She walked him to the door with the promise that the clothes would be available to collect in a couple of days.
His next stop was Flourish and Blotts where he found the section on the Wizengamot and picked up the ones recommended. He would get his school shopping when he met Ron and Hermione, but for now picked up an introductory text for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, as well as a book about Warding.
He took his time browsing the books, the last two times he'd been there he'd either been in a rush with Hagrid or trying to break up a brawl between Mister Weasley and Lucius Malfoy.
What took him slightly by surprise was the shelf dedicated to him! Someone had published books about him going on fictional adventures during his childhood, he was sure Ron had mentioned that Ginny used to listen to stories about him all the time as a child but he didn't think that they actually meant real books. He spotted at least a dozen different titles, grabbing one "Harry Potter and the Disastrous Dragon" he flipped to the front page, in a small print at the bottom it said, "Approved by the Potter Estate".
Who on earth was Andrew Oxfield, and why was he trying to make money off Harry's name.
He headed to the Leaky Cauldron after calling Dobby to take his purchases back to the manor.
Grabbing some Floo powder he threw it in the fire and stated '201 Banker Avenue' before stepping in.
He exited the fire into a well-lit atrium, he walked over to the desk to gain the attention of the receptionist.
"Hello, Sir, how may I help you today" she said looking up from her typewriter.
"I'm here to see Lord Greengrass if he is available".
She opened her book, 'Do you have an appointment Mr …?'
"Lord Potter" he told her, figuring he was more likely to get one by using his title, "and no I don't have an appointment, but I have a legal issue I need to discuss with him".
"One moment, my Lord" she got up and walked to a door down the corridor, soon a tall man with dark hair came striding out with her following him trying to keep up with his speed.
"Well met Lord Potter, welcome to Greengrass and Associates" he said holding out his hand which Harry shook confidently.
"Well met Lord Greengrass, I know this is rather soon considering I only received your letter today but an issue has come to my attention that I require your services for" He took the Andrew Oxfield book out of his bag and passed it to him.
"Of course Lord Potter, Stephanie please send Lawyer Tonks to Meeting Room one immediately" he told her.
"I must say I was quite surprised when our head accountant notified me that we had received payment from your accounts after being inactive for so long, since the year I joined my father here as an associate."
"It was just as much as a surprise for me Lord Greengrass" he didn't really want to explain the details, he had nothing to hide he just didn't know the man.
After making some small talk about the upcoming school year, Lord Greengrass said his daughter Daphne would be taking the same electives as him and his other daughter Astoria would be going into her first year.
The pulsing of one of his rings was the first indication that someone was walking through the door. A woman with dark hair who seemed to be in her mid-thirties walked through the door, and Harry stood up to meet her.
He could hear a whisper of something in his mind but he wasn't quite sure what it was.
Harry offered his hand to shake. "Well met Lawyer Tonks".
"Well met Lord Potter" she responded with a firm shake, as his hand grasped hers the Black ring felt like it was vibrating even more intensely, although it was not visibly doing so.
Greengrass spoke as she took her seat, "This is Andromeda Tonks, I've brought her in so we can discuss your issue. As I am a Lord of an Ancient and Noble house there will be times when I may not be able to act as your lawyer in case it was something that would hinder my own house. Lawyer Tonks is not bound by such restrictions which is why she is here."
He gestured to Andromeda who took over.
"Firstly Lord Potter, Do you consent to this conversation being recorded via a Dicta-Quill, we will keep a secure copy for our own records as well as providing you with a copy."
"I consent" he nodded.
She took out her wand and with a flick a stack of parchment and a quill appeared.
"The date is August 1st, 1993, time 14:57. Present is Lord Cyrus Greengrass, Lawyer Andromeda Tonks and the client Lord Harry Potter" The quill wrote down everything she said.
"Lord Potter, could you please explain how we can help you?" she asked with small smile.
So Harry explained what he had found, the numerous books published by a man who had claimed he had permission to do so.
They then discussed a general plan and what his expectations were. He obviously wanted the author to stop publishing about him, but did he want to claim a portion of the proceeds? Did he want to sue the man into financial ruin? That was something Lawyer Tonks was a particular advocate for.
He left the office with a promise that he would receive a copy of the transcript soon and that he would receive updates when they had any.
It was only after he had got home, had his dinner and settled in to read 'Our Sacred Eight' by Blisstle Tudor that he realised where he recognised the name Andromeda Tonks.
It was one of the names in the Ward book.
She knew his family.