Unknown Information
Orion stepped out of the fireplace and into the receiving room of the leaky cauldron. As much as he hated that mode of transport, he would admit it was one of the quicker ways to get where you needed. Looking around he couldn’t help the very ungentlemanly snort that escaped. Tom really needed to update the place. He waved his hand and felt the ash disappear. He didn’t have to wait long for his family to join him.
The journey through the pub was an interesting one to say the least. They entered the room and watched as the whole place become devoid of noise. Passing the bar, he lowered his head to tom, who seemed very shocked to see him. Making their way into the courtyard, Orion touched the brinks with wand and stood back. He watched as Diagon ally was revealed. He turned his head and chuckled lightly at the expressions on the three faces next to him. It was always an experience going for the first time. Moving forward, it didn’t take long for the occupants to notice them. It was quite comical to Orion, watching as witches and wizards, leaned in closer to one another and start frantically whispering. One wizard walked into a store sign. The staring continued as they made their way further into the ally.
"Why is everyone staring Gramps?" Phoenix asked. He was starting to get anxious. Bowie must have sensed his anxiety and moved closer, her hand slipping into his. He looked down and gave his sisters hand a squeeze. He wasn’t ashamed of how close he was to his family, especially his sister, they were his safe place, his home.
Orion chuckled as he turned to the young man. "It's because I look good for a dead man" there was no mistaking him. He used to be very involved with the Wizengamot. Something he was hoping to start again.
"Oh, ok Mr vanity" Bowie scoffed “Is that why you spend so long on your hair in the morning? I mean Aly and I are both girls and even we don’t spend that much time on our hair. Trying to recapture your youth?” She said, teasing her gramps, she was trying really hard not to just bust out and laugh at the look on his face.
“I am insulted. Are you saying that you’re poor old, frail gramps would waste his precious time on such trivial a thing such as hair!” he said with a hurt look thrown in for good measure. he did spend a good amount of time on his hair, so he knew she was right.
“Pfft. You poor and frail? Please. Now you’re not only vain but delusional” Alya threw in.
“Oh, so I’m just old then?” He did enjoy the easy banter he had with them. Kept their days interesting. “I’m not even middle aged yet!”
“Gramps… is that a grey hair I see?” Phoenix said with a faux look of concern. They all laughed as Orion’s hand went to his hair. They laughed even harder when he turned to the nearest window and checked.
“Oh, HA HA very funny. That was just downright cruel” He finally turned back to the laughing trio and huffed. Bloody kids.
“Sorry gramps but that was fair game, and you know it” phoenix, still laughing, said to his disgruntled gramps… That did not help his fit and just made them all laugh more.
“Still cruel” Orion mumbled. He turned and started walking towards the large white building at the end of the ally. Gringotts truly was a spectacular piece of architecture.
The laughing trio followed his lead, still giggling, and made their way to Gringotts. Bowie made a personal note to ask about curse breaking. She could put her masters to good use with that kind of work. She had Four under her metaphorical belt. That was one of the great things about Drumstrang, if you showed tremendous promise in the classes, you had the option of training under the professors as an apprentice. She just happened to show it in four of those classes. The dark arts, defence, spell crafting and warding. It was hard work with almost no time for her other studies, but she did it. And loved every second of it. She hoped they could help Alya to, she was a wicked healer and potions mistress to boot.
Stopping at the door, Phoenix took one look at the building in front of them and grinned. As amazing as the dwarfs were, they lacked this kind of flare when it came to their buildings. He took note of the tiny details in the craftsmanship and loved what he saw. He took in the tiny creatures that were carved into the stone so flawlessly, they seemed to move. The delicate wings on the fairies, the way the sphinx’s stood, chests out in pride, the dragons with their heads turned towards the sky, their flames reaching for the unknown. There was so many he could spend hours just looking at it. He wondered if they were handcrafted or created by more magical means. Before he could enter the bank, he saw a sign, a warning to be more accurate.
For those who take, but do not earn, must pay most dearly in their turn, so if you seek beneath our floors. A treasure that was never yours, Thief, you have been warned, beware.
“Who would be stupid enough to try and steal from the goblins? I mean honestly, they’re some of the first beings blessed by lady magic herself, their magic alone could tear our world apart. Imagine what they would do if someone actually stole from them.” Phoenix said shaking his head. He looked up and saw the Guards giving him a very toothy smile. It was rather unnerving.
“You know more then most youngling, how is that?” the guard on the left asked, head tilted to the side as he watched the young wizard.
“I like history. And in other parts of the UK, it is easy to access. Plus, Drumstrang had a goblin representative come for some lectures three years ago. I learnt a lot.” Knowledge was power after all.
“Ah yes, Spiketongue yes? He was very impressed that the classes he held were respected. We do not see that much here, if at all. I am Lockjaw and my comrade is old lankylegs” Lockjaw snickered
“That is not my name you pompous old windbag. My name is Silvertooth youngling. Ignore that fool, he finds himself funny.” Silvertooth grumbled.
Orion stood back floored. His grandson was having a rather strange conversation with goblins. GOBLINS. He watched as the three conversed back and forth for a few minutes before Phoenix bowed to each of them with a ‘may your battles be bloody, and your blade never dull’ to which the goblins bowed back with a ‘may your coffers never empty and your gold be pure’. He smiled as phoenix reached him. His grandson had a thirst for knowledge, being able to talk to the goblins would have just about made his month.
“That was a rather interesting conversation you had going on” Orion placed his arm around his grandson’s shoulders and squeezed.
“It was brilliant” Phoenix’s face lit up.” I hope I can come back another time and continue but that will be up to their chieftain. Goblin protocol and all that.” He really hoped he could. The history he could cover was enough to leave him in a very happy daydream. Orion just laughed and shook his head. Just like his papa.
Making their way forwards, they came up to a teller. “Good morning master Griphook, may your battles be bloody, and your blade never dull”
“Good morning, may your coffers never empty and your gold be pure, how can the Goblins of Gringotts help you today?” Griphook grinned. It wasn’t often a wizard used their greetings but when they did, they were treated with respect. Respect was given so respect was returned… until proved otherwise.
“I wish to speak with the Black family account manager, Ragnar. I need to clear up a few inaccuracies and check over my estate. I do not have an appointment and I am prepared to wait.” He stated. He knew getting right to the point was one of the ways to get them going. Goblins hated wasting time, time was money.
“Of course, sir, may I ask a name so I can inform the chieftain?” Oh, Griphook knew who this wizard was. He was only an apprentice when he came in with three young children all those years ago, now young adults if they were who he thought, asking for help. Lord Black had always been respectful to the goblin nation, so they helped him, for a fee of course.
“Lord Orion Arcturus Black, master Griphook. And thank you” Orion wondered how long Ragnar had been Chieftain but he knew that information was not likely to be gained. No matter how friendly he was with them.
“I will take you straight to him, although you will have to preform an identity test if you are agreeable” Griphook placed a ‘closed’ sign on the desk in front of him and stood.
“Of course. Will you be needing one from all of us today?”
“If you’re all agreeable, then that will be best, protocol and all that” To which he gained verbal consent from the four wizards and witches. “Then please follow me.” Griphook turned on his heel and marched towards a side corridor. The small group followed silently through halls of obsidian and marble. It truly was spectacular.
Ten minutes later Griphook stopped and asked them to wait. Knocking on the door, he waited.
“Enter” a low gravely voice sounded through the closed door.
“Chief, Lord black to see you sir” Griphook bowed and motioned for the others to enter the room, each bowing to the chieftain in turn.
“Thank you master Griphook. You may go.” Ragnar dismissed the other goblin before looking at the small group. It had been Fourteen years since he last laid eyes on them all.
“Good morning and congratulations chieftain. I hope the battle was bloody” Orion knew the goblins were a warrior race. They loved their battles, the more bloodshed the better.
"Thank you, lord Black. It was indeed a good battle. Now how can I help you? It's been a long time since you have entered our halls." Ragnar stated. He was curious as to what had brought the lord back to Britain.
"As you will remember, I left some objects, letters and a few other bits and pieces in an account under the name Falco Noir. I would like the letters brought to me so I can correct a few and burn the others, I would also like to go over my estate and amend some inaccuracies" Orion spoke with confidence. He has delt with the Goblins many times in the past.
“Of course. Do you all consent to an identity test?” Ragnar knew they had, but he had to ask. It was protocol. He started pulling out four pieces of blank parchment and four ceremonial knives when he gained their consent. “Now all you need to do is place a small cut on your thumb, then press it into the parchment. The knives have been spelled to place a numbing charm on the cut, then it will heal itself once you have finished.” Ragnar stated, mostly for the younglings.
Orion took up one of the knives and motioned for the others to follow. Giving his thumb a small cut, he quickly placed it on to the parchment. He watched as the words started spreading across the surface. He looked over to the others as they did the same thing. After a few minutes he took up his test and gave it a quick read. He felt himself pale as he read on.
Name - Orion Arcturus Black
Parents - Arcturus Sirius Black
- Alya Regan Black nee Fawley
Age -66
Marital status - Widowed husband of Walburga Druella Black nee Black
Children - Sirius Orion Lupin-Black - Heir Black
- Regulus Arcturus Potter-Black - Lord consort potter
- Alya Athena Black
Living relatives-
Sirius Orion Lupin-Black (illegally held in Azkaban prison, currently in hiding)
Remus John Lupin-Black
Regulus Arcturus Potter-Black (compromised)
James Fleamont Potter-Black (compromised)
Alya Athena Black
Bowie Narcissa Lupin-Black
Phoenix Regulus Lupin-Black
Hades Charlus Orion Potter-Black (known as Harry James potter)
Bellatrix Cedrella Black (illegally held in Azkaban prison)
Andromeda Alya Tonks nee Black
Edward Jameson Tonks
Nymphadora Helena Tonks
Narcissa Athena Malfoy nee Black
Lucius Abraxas Malfoy
Draco Lucius Malfoy
Potions/compulsions
Loyalty potion – Walburga Druella Black (weakened over a 15 year period)
Indifference potion – Walburga Druella Black (weakened over a 15 year period)
Lust potion – Walburga Druella Black (administered 40 times over a 20 year period)
Orion stared at the parchment in front of him. His Reggie was married to James potter? They had a son? How did he not know this?
“Lord black, is everything alright?” Ragnar watched as all colour faded from the lord’s face.
“Married…Regulus…potter…What” how the fuck did he not know this? Oh merlin. He had another grandson out there somewhere. He, like everyone else in their world, knew of the boy. Didn’t he just compete in the tournament?
“What? Reggie was married to James Potter? …Dad?” Alya came up and crouched in front of her father. She took the test out of his hands and read it. “Oh merlin. I have another nephew. Why does this say Reggie and James are compromised? I thought James died, that’s what everyone has been saying, he and his wife. Not husband.” there was only one potter they knew of still alive. And he was her nephew apparently.
Ragnar took the test Alya handed to him and then swore in Gobbledygook. He stood and marched to the door, flinging it open and yelled down the hall. He turned and made his way back to his desk and took up the other tests. Giving them a second look, he placed them in separate files and put them in the cabinet next to the desk.
The group sat in silence for a few minutes, letting the information sink in. after five minutes there was a knock on the door.
“Enter” Ragnar growled.
“You asked to see me chief?” a tall red headed man stepped into the room. Nicely muscled, long hair pulled back in a low ponytail, fang earring, handsome face and shining blue eyes. Alya took all of it in. even in the tense environment. He was very handsome.
When bill made eye contact with the young woman, his heart literally skipped a beat. She was beautiful. Dark hair, pale skin, storm grey eyes on top of everything else. He gave her a smile, which she returned, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. He noticed the other young woman had also noticed and watched as a wolf like smirk pulled at her lips. She threw him a wink, then turned to the boy next to her and whispered in his ear. The boy then returned the same smirk. Bill looked away and gave his attention back to the chieftain. What did she say to the boy?
“Yes Mr Weasley. I would like you to access the potter accounts. I will inform Griphook that he is to help you. We need to find the wills of the late lord and lady potter. Also check where heir potter’s bank statements and letters are being sent. We have been trying to get the boy in since he re-entered the wizarding world, but he has never shown up. Do this quickly please.” Ragnar was writing out his note to Griphook as he spoke. When he was done, he took the piece of parchment and threw it in the air. The others watched as it disappeared.
“Is Harry, ok? I could collect him from the station and bring him here when they arrive?” Now that got bills attention. Was harry alright? Why was he ignoring the summons? No one ignores summons from Gringotts.
“You know my Grandson Mr...” Orion snapped out of his daze and turned stormy grey eyes onto the young man near the door.
“William Weasley sir” Bill held himself straighter and narrowed his eyes at the man. “And I’m sorry if this comes across as rude, but I thought Harry’s grandparents passed away before he was even born” He wasn’t about to let some guy come in and try to claim his brother in all but blood. The kids been through to much… but if its true.
“Mr Weasley, they have preformed the identity test, he speaks the truth. Now please go and quickly. I want this information as soon as possible.” Ragnar spat.
“Of course, chief. My apologies to you all” Bill gave a swift bow, exited the room and went looking for Griphook. It was only 11am but he knew it was going to be a long day. With that thought he sighed and continued on.
“Lord Black why don’t you and the younglings go and get something to eat and drink? I can have someone fetch you when we have the information you need.” Ragnar was sure that a quick bite to eat would help them, it did for him anyway and he definitely needed something.
“That sounds like a good idea gramps, why don’t we head home?” Phoenix was up and out of his chair and walked over to his gramps, side hugging him. “We won’t be much help here”
“The youngling is right, Lord Black. You may use my private floo, if you wish”
“Thank you, chief Ragnar? is there anything I can do to help? Anything at all.? If he really is my grandson, then I have severely let the boy down. What about my son and James?” Guilt was racing through him. How could he not know his Reggie had a son? Where has he been? What the hell does it mean by compromised? The same questions turning over and over in his mind.
“I’m afraid not Lord Black, but I assure you if we find anything, anything at all, we will contact you. I think this takes priority over your estate. We can sort that out at a later date. But the letters are here, if you would quickly go through them and let me know what to destroy then please by all means, do so.” There wasn’t much to do with the estate anyway. Lady Malfoy had been very diligent when it came to its handling. She made good investments which in turn made more gold. He handed the letters over to the still pale lord.
“These you may burn, I will send these off once we return to Grimmauld. Thank you for your time today chief” came the robotic reply. Orion was going to need something stronger than tea when they got back. “I appreciate the effort you’re putting into this” the goblins didn’t often help the wixens they shared their world with, and in less than fifteen years, they had helped him twice. He was going to have to pay them back, maybe he could let them go through the vaults and take back the goblin made items.
“No need for thanks lord black. We goblins take some of the responsibility for this situation. If we had, had the boy in earlier this could have been cleared up quicker.” Ragnar would have to track down the old potter account manager. Something was off and it smelt of treason. If that was the case, then his head will roll.
“Thank you, Chief Ragnar, all the same. When you find something, we can be found at 12 Grimmauld place, Islington” Alya stated, they needed to get home. she stood and wrapped her hands around her fathers. “Come on dad, let’s go and hopefully we get news soon.” With phoenix’s help, they pulled Orion to his feet.
Bowie was already by the fireplace, head down talking quietly to the chieftain. She stood back up and looked over. When the others reached the fireplace, she threw in a fist full of floo powder and yelled out the destination. Phoenix helped their gramps through and was quickly followed by Alya. Bowie was stopped before she could enter.
“Miss Lupin-Black, a quick word please” Ragnar motioned for her to sit.
“Of course, what can I help you with?” and why only stop her.
“Before your departure fourteen years ago, your father’s came in. They left memory spheres that they asked for you specifically to return them. I have a feeling they knew your grandfather would agree to help and wanted a backup in case his charms backfired.” Ragnar pulled out two spheres and held them out to Bowie. “Don’t worry you cannot break them, only those they are for can.”
Bowie reached out for them and pulled them close. In the past she felt abandoned by the two men, feelings of inadequacy constantly warring with her. But then she remembered all they had done and sacrificed to keep their children safe. This just another example.
“Thank you chief, I will personally see they receive them. Is there anything else?” she just wanted to get home and hug her gramps.
“That is all, we will keep you informed of any new information”
“Again, thank you, I hope to hear from you soon” standing from the chair, Bowie then made her way to the fireplace. With one last bow, she flooed home.
When she arrived in the front parlour, Alya was waiting.
“Is everything alright? Did they find something? Do they know where they all are” Alya bombarded her.
“Aly, calm down yeah? No, it was nothing to do with that. He gave me some memory spheres that my dad’s left with him, as a backup if Gramp’s charms failed.” She explained, holding out said spheres.
Alya closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Dad and phoenix are in the library, apparently there maybe a ritual in there that could help find Reggie, possibly James to, depending on the ceremony they used for their marriage. We already know where Hades is right now. But you know what my dad is like. Backup plans are a must. He was a Slytherin for a reason.” Opening her eyes, she looked at the memory spheres. “And it looks like my brother has a little Slytherin, in him also.” They were impressive pieces of magic.
“Nah, papa was also in Gryffindor. You know that” Bowie couldn’t help herself. She got a smack to the arm and a glare from her aunt. “Come on let’s go give them a hand. Who were the letters for by the way?”
“One was for andromeda, the others were for Sirius, Remus and Uncle Corvin. But the last one wasn’t from the bank, he was just letting him know that we had arrived safely and letting him know what happened.”
Bowie just nodded as they made their way to the library. What they found was two very busy men going through books at a speed no one could have without the use magic. The girls shared a look and entered the room.
“Need any help here?” Alya was looking around at the other discarded books that littered the floor and table. It had only been twenty minutes.
Phoenix’s head snapped up so fast that he gave the girls whiplash just from watching. “I’m not sure. GRAMPS, THE GIRLS WANT TO HELP” He yelled out, Head buried back in the book.
“Please don’t yell Phoenix, we’re looking for the ‘quod perierat reditus ad locum tuum’ ritual. It should be in one of these books.”
For five hours all that was heard was the turning of pages and thumping of discarded books. No mention of the ritual in any of them. There was soft popping sound making Orion look up from his book.
“What is it kreatcher?” Orion resumed his reading, whatever it was, it could wait. He needed to find the ritual.
“Kreatcher did what master asked. would master bes wanting kreatcher to prepare for the new guests?” Orion’s head shot up, checked his wand and swore.
“Thank you Kreatcher. Have all confirmed?” He stood up and dusted of the invisible dust.
“Missy dromada bes coming with her’s family. Master mutt bes bringing his wolf but his not being happy.” Kreatcher grumbled. Orion sighed. He wasn’t going to even try and correct him. Somethings would never change and unfortunately the elf was just too old to correct his ways.
“Then yes, you may start. Bo you might want to floo to the platform. The train will be arriving soon. Don’t say anything until your home, ok?” Orion had a feeling tonight was going to be a long one.
“Oh, before I forget, which technically I already did, but Ragnar gave me some memory spheres. Apparently, my dad’s left them with him before coming to you. Backup plan should your charm work fail. Might help if dad is going to be hostile.” She knew she forgot something. At least she remembered now and not months from now.
“You can give them back to them when everyone is here. They can decide if they want to use them.” Shaking his head, always forgetting something. “Now run along, the train! Remember?”
“Oh, right. Bye” he watched as Bo raced out of the library. Sighing to himself, he rubbed his thumb and forefinger against his nose.
“Ok, go relax you two. We’re going to be in for a long night I believe.” He was definitely in need of some before this reunion. He really had no idea as to what was going to happen. He could only hope it went well.