Chapter 6
It took a long time for Harry to calm down. But once he did, he was whisked off to the goblin healers to get the blocks removed. The only way they could get rid of the Horcrux, however, was if Harry died, and the only way he could die was if he, himself, decided to. (This prompted questions about Voldemort, Quirrell, and the basilisk, which led to his father snarling threats in Parseltongue.)
Once he had been healed magically, Harry took his Lordships and Heirships. It was a simple but long process of vowing to uphold the values and traditions of his title, Lord Mortem.
(If one has more than one Lordship, they will take the name of the most ancient and most powerful. Given that Mortem was the Lordship for a literal god, that was the most ancient and powerful of the titles.)
"There are two more items of business we need to take care of," Scythe told Harry once he'd finished putting on his Lord/Heirship rings. "Once that's completed, I will answer any questions you have and you may withdraw some money, if you wish."
Harry swallowed back an irritated complaint and waited.
Scythe handed him yet another blank piece of parchment and the needle. "While you are an adult in the eyes of Magic and most laws, I recall one law that states that until your body reaches the age of seventeen, you will need a guardian of at least twenty years old. This Blood Test will tell us what magicals are available to be your guardian."
Blood Test for Hadrian Severus Prince:
Mother: Lily Potter Nee Evans (dead)
Father: Severus Tobias Prince, alias(es) DEATH (available)
Godparent(s): Sirius Orion Black, alias(es) Lord Black (available); Lucius Abraxas Malfoy (available); Alice Longbottom Nee Selwyn (unavailable); Narcissa Malfoy Nee Black (available)
Potential Guardians (As Listed in Lord/Lady Gryffindor's Wills): Sirius Orion Black AND Remus John Lupin (available); Andromeda Tonks Nee Black (available); Severus Tobias Prince, alias(es) DEATH (available); Amelia Bones (available)
Magical Guardian (ILLEGAL): Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore (unavailable)
Harry almost said that he wanted to live with Sirius and Lupin, but then he remembered in a panic that Sirius hated his real father. (There was also a worry that, given that Sirius had accidentally called him 'James' many times, that the man only cared about him because he thought he was James' son.)
"Harry," his father asked quietly. "What is it?"
Harry handed him the test. "I want to live with Sirius and Lupin, but... he hates you." Scythe looked mildly indignant at that.
Don't think I didn't hear your worries about Black. "While Black is a petty child," his father said stiffly, rolling his eyes, "he adores you-" No matter who your father is "-and Lupin will make sure he is... well, more responsible." Harry snorted. "They will also easily be swayed against the stupid old fool."
"How?" Harry asked.
"The headmaster knew that Lord Black was innocent when he was arrested, and he did nothing," Scythe answered calmly. Harry bristled. "And, if what your father says is true, he will be infuriated at what Dumbledore has done to you."
"The Ministry still think he's guilty," Harry said, feeling a glimmer of hope. "How do we change that?"
Scythe grinned. "A simple letter."
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Sirius Black Innocent! A Hunt for Peter Pettigrew Begins