Gringotts Part 2
Carmilla watched Ironfang as he barked demands at his aids, her grip tight on the parchment that had torn her world apart. Everything she'd ever learned of her parents, everything she'd been told about her father, was a lie.
But did it matter? She never knew her parents, so learning that James wasn't her father wasn't as painful. She had no attachment to him; he was a stranger.
Still, there was an emptiness now, though it was nowhere near the abyss of rage within her.
She hated the world, it's expectations of her, and she had a feeling that it would only increase as Ironfang finished his work.
"Lady Kimblee?" the goblin's voice sounded, drawing her attention.
"Yes, Sir?"
Ironfang motioned for her to approach his desk, holding a black quill in his hand.
"This is the document to change your name legally, and that of the Potters from now on, to Kimblee. This quill is something that is only legally allowed for the most important of documents, like this."
"Why is that?"
"It is called the Black Quill, often nicknamed the Blood Quill as it writes in the user's blood. It will also carve the words written into the back of your opposite hand temporarily. It is a class 10 dark artifact do to this, and legally only allowed to be used by the Nation for documents such as this."
Carmilla nodded, but didn't take the quill, "I would first like to do a full audit, Sir, to ensure that we don't make a mistake by using this too early." she explained at his raised brow, making the goblin smirk.
"Wise decision, most wouldn't think of such a thing. Now, as you not of age, but are the last of the Potters, you can claim limited lordship." Ironfang informed the child, who pinched her brows together.
"Lordship?"
"Yes, the families you are heiress to are all noble, save for the Kimblee and Evans. This means that you have votes in the witenagemot amongst things. But, as you are underage, it would be prudent to name proxies to vote in your place."
"Since I plan on leaving, I agree. But that can wait, as we need to look into all of this mess first. Is that my parents' will?" she asked, pointing to a file on the desk.
"Yes, would you like to read it or have me read it aloud? There are also letters addressed to you from both Lord and Lady Potter. They are in the file as well."
"I would like to read it alone. Please," Carmilla requested, taking the file gently from him.
"Of course, the door to your left is for will reading, take your time. I will begin the audit while you do."
Carmilla entered the small room and shut the door behind her, leaning against it as she gathers her thoughts.
In the span of just a few hours, her life has been completely derailed. She'd expected that but to this extent?
Shaking her head, she headed over to the provided desk before tieing her long black hair up with a ribbon to keep it out of her face.
"I think I should read the will first," she muttered, opening the file and setting the letters aside.
This is the will of
James Potter and Lilly Evans-Potter
I, James Charles Potter, declare this to be my last testament of sound mind and body
I, Lillian Ann Evans-Potter, declare this to be my last testament of sound mind and body
any other Wills are henceforth invalid by our oath of magic
First, to our daughter Carmilla, we are so sorry, sweetheart, that we are dead, and if our fears are correct, we died before we got to see you become the beautiful young woman we know you will be.
If this is the case, then we would like the goblins to ensure that our will is carried out to its full extent and that the following events have occurred:
- Our daughter is not, under any circumstances, to be placed with Petunia Dursley, even if all other candidates are unavailable. She is to be placed with one of the following, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin (the werewolf laws be damned Moony), Frank and Alice Longbottom, or Severus Snape.
- If they are not available, she is to go to someone of the mentioned's choosing.
- Albus Dumbledore is NEVER to be her guardian in any way, shape, or form; he is not to be trusted.
- Reveal that Petter Pettigrew is our secret keeper, not Sirius!
Now that's out of the way, moving on.
To Remus Lupin, we leave 6,000 galleons; you will always be our friend and family. Take care of yourself, and be there for Carmilla.
To Sirius Black, we leave 6,000 galleons and task you to take care of our little girl.
To Severus Snape, a letter from both of us, release from the life debt, and 10,000 galleons, be the Potions Master we know you are.
To Albus Dumbledore, nothing, we're on to you, you asshole.
To anyone loyal to Dumbledore, again, NOTHING.
To our beloved Carmilla, we leave everything, and two letters, one from both of us, and knowledge that we love you no matter what you choose.
This is the end of the Testament of James and Lilly Potter.
Carmilla felt a tear run down her face, staring at the proof that Dumbledore was trying to use her for something.
'He'll pay, they'll all pay.' she vowed as she picked up the letter from James.
Dear Prongslet,
I pray that you are reading this after I reached a great age, but more than likely, I didn't. When you claim your lordship, the goblins will have preformed an inheritance test that reveals I am not your father by blood. Hopefully, I would have had the chance to tell you this myself, but it will never change the fact that you are my daughter, and I love you.
I knew from the beginning that you were never mine Carmilla, I was rendered sterile during a battle with some of Voldemort's elite. I kept this a secret from everyone but your mother. And I never cared that you weren't mine, because you were my Lilly's and that was enough. I have ensured that you will inherit everything that is rightfully yours, blood or not and that no one will be able to deny you your birthright.
I don't know what kind of man your birth father is, only that he is a Major in the military of his country, Amestris, where your mother's family came from. She'll explain everything in her letter.
I love you, Prongslet, more than life itself, and if I died protecting you and your mother, then I died the happiest man on Earth. Follow your heart, do what you believe in, and I will always be proud.
With love
James
Carmilla smiled at the letter, it may not have been long, but got his point across, and while she still couldn't feel grief for his death, she loved him for his words.
Picking up her mother's thicker letter, she took a deep breath and opened it.
Carmilla, my dear
I am not nearly as optimistic as James; I know we are dead and killed early on in your life. By now, you know James isn't your father and that he didn't care either way.
James, if you read his letter first, will have mentioned that my family and your father hailed from another country known as Amestris and that it isn't on any map of the world.
This is because it is on the other side of the Gate. We came from a parallel reality, and while my sister is unaware of this fact, I was. We made a deal with the Guardian, the Overseer of the Gate, to come here centuries ago, and we tried keeping the memory of our origin as best as possible.
When I graduated Hogwarts, and before I married James, I looked into a way back, using diagrams of the transmutation circle used to bring our family here, and succeeded. I met with the Guardian, who warned me that going back would be unwise, that I would have to pay a toll, but I went anyway. My fee ended up being one of my lungs, no one but James knows this. I was also told that because it wasn't a large enough payment, I would only be able to stay for a short few months.
That was fine for me, because at that time I met your father, Zolf, and he gave me you. I never intended for the affair, but...you probably don't want to hear about how you came about. Let's just say he's an excellent smooth talker, and that we were both drunk, he was heading off on an assignment for the military.
But never think you were a mistake, I didn't get to tell Zolf of the pregnancy, and it was for the best. He was a State Alchemist, and it was his title that gave you your name. His full title was The Crimson Lotus Alchemist, Zolf J Kimblee, often just called the Crimson Alchemist, and was a Major in the Amestrian Military.
I wasn't able to stay, and he had work.
Sounds stupid looking at this, but what else can I say.
If you seek to escape to Amestris, don't worry about the toll, I have it covered.
You see, shortly after your father and I went our separate ways, I ran into the very being who helped us escape from Amestris in the first place, a man by the name of Van Hohenheim. How was he still alive you ask, that is his secret to tell, but I told him of my plight, and he gave me what you will need to pay the toll.
A Philosopher's Stone, and unlike the one from our world, this one is very powerful and challenging to make. I honestly hate the idea of using it, but if it saves you, then do it.
Philosopher Stones, you see, are made by sacrificing Human Life, hundreds of them, thousands even.
The Guardian will accept it as the toll, I have set up everything in Potter Castle, and warned the elves to never, ever, mess with the room or allow anyone but you into it.
Carmilla, we love you so much, and it pains me to think that I'll never see you grow, but I have faith in you and know I always will be proud.
With love
Lilly
PS, tell Severus I forgave him long ago, will you? Before you go.
Carmilla stared at the letter, mind blank, for what seemed like an eternity.
Her eyes were burning, but her tears wouldn't, couldn't fall. She refused to let them because then she'd be insulting their sacrifices, they died for her and she will live for them.
Hearing a knock on the door, she called out, "What is it?"
"Lady Kimblee, may I enter?" Ironfang's voice called out, causing her to wipe at her face before standing.
"No need, I'm done and coming out, Sir."
Opening the door, she was grateful that the goblin didn't comment on her reddish eyes, the file in her hands held out to him.
"I am keeping the letters on my person, and do not enact the will until I leave for my father's homeland." She requested, her voice weary as she joined the goblin back at his desk.
"Homeland, Lady Kimblee?" he inquired, brow raised with suspicion.
Carmilla looked at him for a few moments before answering, the goblin feeling judged by her too old eyes, "Do you remember what my test said, the True Alchemy? Has the Nation heard of the Gate?"
Ironfang froze at her question, one of his aid squeaking; there was only one 'gate' that was referred to with the apparent capitalization of the word.
Something that the Nation preferred to forget existed, the Gate of Truth, where the Being above All resides.
"Your father is there?"
The goblin muttered, nearly paling at her swift nod.
"Yes, and my mother has ensured I have a way there. But before I go, I need to take care of things here. So please, what did you find while I was reading?"
Carmila questioned, having noticed the large stack of papers on the desk before her.
Ironfang frowned as he looked to the papers, "These are reports of your finances, the Potters have invested in many companies, mostly mundane, and thus you will need to review them. Unless you approve of a proxy to do so for you."
Carmilla glanced at the stack and groaned, she had no clue on what to do with them.
"Can I name you, as the Potter Account manager, my proxy, not only for my finances but as my voting proxy as well? I haven't a damn clue what to do, and to be honest, I wish to leave this country as soon as possible," she asked, hoping she could.
"You can, but are you sure you wish to name a Goblin as your proxy?" Ironfang stared at the child who glared at him, smiling at her response.
"I could care less if you were 20 feet tall and had six heads, I don't trust humans Ironfang, and while it may not be the wisest idea to trust your people, if I were biased like the morons, you have done nothing to harm me. So yes, I'd like for you to be my proxy, and it would give your people a say in the world wouldn't it? At least, more than you probably do now. And I could always reclaim my place later can I not? If things go well with Mr. Kimblee, he may be able to help me too."
This child was entertaining, to say the least, Ironfang had to admit.
"Indeed you can,"
"Then where do I sign, and is there anything I need to sign before changing my name so we can get that bit out of the way?"
"No, we can change your name now, sign here."
Carmilla stood and walked over, taking the quill from the goblin and going to sign her name before pausing, "Quick question, those books and anything that uses my name for profit, what happens to them?" she asked with a wicked gleam in her eyes.
Ironfang matched it with his smile, "They can no longer use your name, they will be aware of your old name of coarse."
This caused her to frown.
"Then I'll need to be quick, is there a way for my house elf to 1, transport me straight to Potter Castle, and 2, assist you in maintaining my properties?"
Dobby appeared with a pop beside her, eyeing the goblins carefully.
"Withs permission from the Nation, I can apparate you straight the Castle, and I's be fully trained by the Malfoy elves to handle finances so long as you tell me what rules to follow." the elf informed her making her nod and sign the papers to change her name.
"Ironfang, I would like for you and Dobby to work together on the finances, but you have full reign alone on the voting bit. So long as it improves life for everyone, human and non-human I can care less what you vote on. And as for getting my money back with interest, said interest goes to the Nation for its troubles. Dobby, you may not be able to come with me to my birth father's homeland, so I'll be counting on you to hold down the fort."
Carmilla ordered as she looked to the elf, who nodded back.
"You can count on me, Miss Carmilla!" he declared before standing behind her chair.
"Very well Lady Kimblee, the name change will take two days to register with the Ministry, now, here are the rings of your families," Ironfang informed, pulling out a box and opening it to reveal five rings.
"Do I have to wear all five? Or do they merge into one?" she asked, eyeing the large rings.
"They merge and resize, when you put the Potter ring on and it accepts you, the blocks will be removed. When you want to sign a document using the signet say the family name." the goblin chuckled, handing her a silver ring with a stag on it.
"A stag for the signet, I expected a lion," Carmilla joked, "which hand to I place it on, I'm left-handed, but trained myself to be ambidextrous. For some reason, everyone seemed to think I'm right-handed, never bothered to correct them."
"Place it on your left hand then, as for the Stag, the Potter's value truth and nobility."
Carmilla did as told and heard the sound of breaking glass in her mind as she shuddered, feeling like a weight lifted from her as the ring resized to fit.
"The ring has accepted you, now for the Black ring," the ring was platinum with opal, with two greyhounds supporting the coat of arms etched into it, "if it accepts you, then your mind will never be invaded, not that it could as a natural occlumencist"
"And that means?" she asked as she put the ring on, though it didn't resize or merge with the Potter ring. "And what about this?"
Ironfang smiled at the question.
"The ring still sees your godfather as the Head of House, as according to the will, he is innocent of the crime of betraying your parents to Voldemort. He never had a trial and thus is innocent in the eyes of magic. As for the Occlumencist, occlumency is the art of defending one's mind from being read."
Carmilla's eyes narrowed at that.
"No trial? Can you do something about that, after I'm gone? Also, inform him that I will be fine, and not to seek me out as I wish for nothing to do with Wizards again if I can?"
Ironfang's grin widened at that, nodding.
"Indeed we can, I will claim that you, in mourning for your parents, want to know why he did it but found he'd had no trial," he said, handing her a gold band with a bisected circle inside of a triangle that was also bisected by the same line carved into an amethyst.
Once she put in on, the ring hummed slightly and merged with the Potter ring.
"Which was that, Ironfang?"
"The Peverell ring, this is the Gryffindor ring", which was gold with a griffin on it, rubies set in the eyes, which immediately merged with the others, the eyes glowing for a moment.
"Do the last two do anything?"
"The Gryffindor ring will deflect curses placed on objects. The Peverell ring's protections are unknown as it has not been worn in over a hundred years. This is the last, the Slytherin ring, which will prevent potions from being used on you without your knowledge, as it will make the tainted food or drink glow red of varying shades depending on the danger."
Carmilla nodded as she put the silver ring with a basilisk and emeralds for the eyes on, a chill running up her spine as the ring merged.
"Congratulations Lady Kimblee-Evans-Gryffindor-Peverell-Slytherin, all that is left is to perform another test done by the healers to assess if all the blocks have been removed, update your medical files, and look to see if there is anything that would not be registered by the inheritance test affecting your person," Ironfang informed.
"Very well, can we do that now? And about my relatives and Dumbledore, I want you to do everything you can to make them suffer."
Ironfang grinned, "That is why we are heading to the healers."