Chapter Two
The DA meeting had come and gone and Harry was still no closer to figuring out how to get Malfoy on his side than he had been when the idea had crossed his mind. He had mentioned the idea to Ron and Hermione that same night, as well as the DA as a whole at the meeting, and everyone had agreed it would benefit the war effort to have some of the Slytherins on their side. That didn’t mean everybody had been happy about it. The idea of forming a teenage army to finish what the adults had started and take down Voldemort and his followers for the last time had been met with, in Harry’s opinion at least, a little too much enthusiasm. There had been some hesitation as to how they would go about doing that, exactly, but ideas had been tossed around and generally everyone had been on board. The response had been a bit more mixed when Harry brought up his idea to recruit the Slytherins. Mostly from the Gryffindor students. While it was generally understood that the Slytherins, and any information they could provide, would benefit the war effort, the almost instinctive prejudice against the snakes was still going strong.
Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly if you knew him well enough, Neville had been the most vocal supporter of integrating Slytherins into the DA.
“You don’t get to pick your family.” Neville had said, when everyone had turned to look at him in shock for agreeing to recruit Slytherin students. “I’m not saying there aren’t some truly bad people in Slytherin, there are, but the same could be said of any of the houses, just look at Peter Pettigrew, he was a Gryffindor!” This had made some of the others wince or shift uncomfortably in their seats. “Most of the Slytherins didn’t really get a choice though. Like Malfoy, a lot of them were born into Death Eater families. I’ve met a few of the more… outspoken ones before, at parties and political events my Gran has dragged me too. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if some of them would willing kill their own child, rather than allow said child to renounce the family beliefs. In all honesty, most of them are probably only following in their parent’s footsteps or siding with the Death Eaters because it’s the only way they know how to survive.” Neville shrugged, glancing around the room. “I’m pretty sure, up until now, if a Slytherin came up to anyone in this room and said they needed help deflecting to our side because they didn’t want to follow Voldemort,” Most of the room flinched at the name, “they would have gotten hexed into the Hospital Wing. It’s not a secret the Slytherins aren’t all that trusted or well-liked by the other houses.”
Luna spoke up then, saying in her usual dream-like manner, “I wonder what that must be like for the first-years. Arriving excitedly to Hogwarts only to learn on their first night here that the rest of the school already hates them simply because of the dorm they're sleeping in.”
This statement had caused quite a bit of guilt, particularly among the Gryffindor’s and Hufflepuff’s, though no one seemed willing to acknowledge it.
The meeting had ended not long after that. It had only been a couple of days, but already the DA members were treating the first- and second-year Slytherin students better than they had. It wasn’t anywhere near fixed, no it would be quite some time before the attitude towards Slytherin would change, but it was a start.
Though that still didn’t help him with Malfoy.
Harry was sitting between Ron and Hermione, chatting amicably with Neville about their most recent Herbology lesson, when a small grey owl flew down and landed in front of him. It carried a letter bearing the Gringotts seal.
“What’cha got Harry?” Ron asked, stuffing another biscuit in his mouth as Hermione rolled hers eyes at him. “Honestly Ron, would it kill you to at least chew your food every once in a while?”
Ignoring them. Harry opened the letter with no small amount of trepidation.
Harry James Potter
Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House Potter
Heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House Black
Your presence has been requested at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Diagon Ally, London for Sunday at 11am. This request has been made in accordance with the Reading of the Will of one,
Lord Sirius Orion Black, of the Noble and Most Ancient House Black.
In accordance with the will of Lord Black, you may attend the Reading alone, or with one guest.
If you wish to attend, this letter will act as an automatic portkey. It will activate fifteen minutes to eleven. You, and a guest should you choose to bring one, must be holding the letter at that time, as the letter will act as your invitation once you have reached Gringotts. A goblin will be awaiting your arrival in the lobby to escort you to the room where the Will shall be read.
I offer my condolences in your time of grief.
Rigeurd, Head Goblin of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, London Branch
After reading the letter through one time himself, Harry read it aloud, confusion clear in his voice. “What do they mean by Lord Potter? Heir to the House of Black?”
It was Neville who answered. “The Potters and Blacks were both pureblood families. All the heads of a Pureblood family are referred to as Lord or Lady when they inherit the position as head of the family. The reason the letter refers to them as Noble and Most Ancient houses is because both families belong to the Court of Merlin.” Neville smiled slightly at the look of utter confusion on Harry’s face.
“What’s the Court of Merlin?” Hermione asked, leaning forward slightly, as if to better hear Neville’s explanation.
Neville shrugged. “It doesn’t actually mean a whole lot these days. The Court of Merlin refers to the Twenty-Seven pureblood wizarding families who received or inherited Royal titles and served in the Royal Court of England before the Statute of Secrecy was put in place. It’s like a ranking system. In the wizarding world, squibs are at the bottom of the ladder. Muggle-borne are above squibs, Half-bloods are above Muggle-borne, Purebloods are above Half-bloods. Then the Pureblood class is divided into Lesser and Greater Purebloods. The Greater Purebloods are the families that make up the Court of Merlin and the Lesser Purebloods are all the other pureblood families that didn’t make it into the Court.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Hermione exclaimed. “Why, that’s practically medieval!”
Neville shrugged again, spreading his hands in a ‘what can you do’ gesture. “It is what it is. I’m not saying it’s ok, it’s not, but it’s not something that can be fixed in a year or two. Anyway, the Court doesn’t actually have all that much power these days. They used to have a lot more influence in politics and social trends. These days, influence depends more on money and connections than titles.”
“How do you know so much about it?” Harry asked.
“Because the Longbottoms are one of the Twenty-Seven.” Ron answered before Neville could. Neville sent him an apologetic glance, but Ron just shrugged as if to say it wasn’t a big deal. “Mom’s family, the Prewetts, were part of it too. They aren’t anymore, Mom’s the last of her family, and she can’t inherit the title of Lady Prewett because she married Dad. The Weasely’s are a Lesser family so Mom forfeited her right to Inherit by marrying beneath her station. Neville probably knows all about this stuff because he’s the Heir to his family.”
Neville nodded in agreement. “Gran started training me to take over the Lordship the summer after first-year. I normally have lessons during the summer. It’s a lot of politics and social etiquette, managing money and businesses, as well as memorizing a bunch of obscure laws. The only real advantage the Court gives you these days is an automatic seat on the Wizengamot and on the Hogwarts’ Board of Governors, so I have to memorize a ton of policies, protocols, and laws.” He gestured to the letter that was still in Harry’s hand with his fork. “You’re the last living Potter, so you automatically inherit the Lordship. You can use the title now, but you probably won’t have to take up any of the responsibilities involved until you come of age. Sirius was your godfather, wasn’t he?” When Harry nodded, Neville continued, “He didn’t have any kids of his own, so he probably named you his Heir to prevent the family titles, lands, and fortunes going to one of his cousins.”
“Cousins? You mean Andromeda?” Hermione asked.
“Why wouldn’t Sirius want Andromeda or Tonks to Inherit? He seemed to like them both well enough.” Harry pointed out.
Neville shook his head. “No, she wouldn’t have been able too. Andromeda Black was disowned for marrying a muggle. She’s not eligible to receive an inheritance, though the Head of the family does have the power to reinstate her into House Black. Sirius probably didn’t want one of her sisters to inherit.”
“Sisters?!” The exclamation came from all three of them. Neville had figured Harry and Hermione might not know, but he gave Ron an odd look.
“I figured Ron would know about it at least. You don’t really pay attention to the other pureblood families, do you?”
Ron shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. “Not really.”
Neville shook his head in bemusement, but turned to face Harry and Hermione again. “Andromeda was one of three girls. Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy are her sisters. They were born Bellatrix and Narcissa Black.”
Hermione gasped in surprise but all Harry could do was freeze. Andromeda had been Sirius’ cousin. That would mean both Bellatrix and Narcissa were his cousins too. Which would mean Sirius was directly related to Draco. As that realization crossed his mind Harry wondered if there was a way he could that knowledge to get Draco to work with them.
“Neville.” Harry asked, breaking his silence and startling Hermione, who had begun to pester Neville for more information on pureblood families and traditions. “The letter said I could bring a guest. Would you go with me? I’ll probably need someone there who can explain things to me.” Harry briefly thought of his parents and what his life would have been like with them, how he probably would have already known all of this.
Neville smiled somewhat sadly, guessing where Harry’s thoughts had gone. “I’d be honored.”
With that decided, the four of them returned to finishing their breakfast. As Ron, Hermione, and Neville chatted amicably about various topics (predominantly Quidditch and Herbology), Harry ate in silence, his thoughts still stuck on the letter and the implications of his new connection to Draco.
The next morning Harry dressed in his best-fitting shirt and trousers, pulling on his dress robes from the Yule Ball over top of them. The bottle-green robes went surprisingly well with his grey trousers and white button-up. Rather than wear a tie, he simply left the top two buttons of his shirt undone.
Harry went down to the common room to meet Neville, who had gotten up before him. The other boy being something of an early bird. When he made it down the stairs Harry spotted Neville immediately, as he was the only other person in the common room. Like Harry, Neville had chosen to dress nicely for the occasion, slate-grey robes over black trousers and a royal purple button-up.
Harry walked up to his friend, calling out a greeting. “Hey Neville.”
Neville glanced up from the worn gold pocket watch he had been fiddling with, sliding it into his pocket as he smiled at the other boy. “Hey Harry. Are you ready for this?” Neville asked, his voiced slightly concerned.
Harry sighed. “Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.”
He pulled the letter from Gringotts out of his pocket, reading over it once more. Neville, sensing Harry was falling into another bout of melancholy, reached out and laid his hand on Harry’s shoulder. When Harry looked up, Neville gave him an understanding smile. “It’ll be all right Harry. I know it’s tough, and I know you don’t really want to hear it right now, but it will get better.”
Harry smiled back, giving a short, somewhat self-deprecating laugh. “Thanks Nev.” A glint of light off metal caught Harry’s eye as Neville moved his hand from Harry’s shoulder. Harry turned to look, catching sight of a ring on Neville’s right hand. “What’s that?”
Neville’s brow furrowed in confusion for a moment before he realized what it was Harry was looking at. “Oh. That’s my Heir’s ring.” He moved his hand so Harry could see the ring on his right ring finger more clearly. “It’s the signet ring for the Heir of House Longbottom. When I take up the Lordship at seventeen I’ll receive a different ring signifying my ascension to the title, and this ring will go back into the Heir Vault at Gringotts for when I have a child.”
“Signet ring?”
“It identifies me as the Heir. Rings like this are charmed to reject anyone who isn’t the Heir or Head of the family. They normally have charms and curses on them to ensure only the intended recipients can wear them. It even detects polyjuice potion. Places like Gringotts often use signet rings as proof of identification. You would need one to access the Potter family vaults.”
Harry shook his head. “Hagrid took me to Gringotts before first-year and I only needed a key.”
Neville sighed. “No one’s explained any of this, huh? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, I know you live with muggle relatives when you aren’t here, though I figured Dumbledore or McGonagall would have taken the time to tell you some of this.”
“What do you mean?”
“The vault Hagrid took you too, what did he say about it?”
Harry took a moment to recall what Hagrid had said that day. “He said my parents had left it to me, and that it was meant to last me through my time at Hogwarts.”
“Then it was a school fund vault. A lot of pureblood parents set up vaults like that, with a predetermined amount of money in it for their kids to use while at school. It’s meant to pay for school supplies and to give the child a sense of independence because they can buy things without having to seek permission first. Vaults like that are normally separate from the rest of the family vaults, so they don’t need an identification like a signet ring. Which is a good thing, as most Heirs don’t inherit the official position until they turn seventeen, unless they’re an only child or, like us, in a position to inherit the Lordship by the time we come of age.”
“Oh.” Harry said, blinking somewhat dumbly at his friend. Neville just gave him an encouraging smile.
“Since the letter addressed you as Lord Potter and Heir Black, you’ll probably receive the Potter Lordship ring and the Black Heir ring at the Will reading.”
Harry took a deep breath. “And here I thought my life couldn’t get any stranger.”
“That’s why you’ve got friends Harry.”
“Thanks Neville.” Harry smiled gratefully. He glanced quickly at the clock on the mantle above the fireplace. “it’s just about time for the portkey to activate.” He turned back to Neville and held the letter out between them. “Guess we should hold on.”
Neville nodded, grabbing hold of the letter. A few seconds later, the paper grew warm in their hands and Harry felt the familiar tug at his navel. They were sucked into the vortex of the portkey and a few short moments later both boys landed within the lobby of Gringotts. They both wobbled a bit, though thankfully neither one managed to fall.
Before either one of them had time to react they were approached by an older looking goblin who introduced himself as Diurok. “Lord Potter and his guest?”
“Yes sir.” Harry responded automatically. The goblin’s eyes widened in surprise at being called ‘sir’ by a wizard, and a Lord at that, but he made no comment. Harry and Neville were lead out of the lobby, through a long hallway, and down a flight of stairs to a conference room, or what Harry assumed was a conference room.
The room had dark-brown wood paneling on the walls, matching the heavy dark-brown furniture, and a cherry-red carpet. The room was windowless, lit only by a black wrought-iron crystal chandelier hanging from the sealing. The room had three antique, Victorian-era sofas with wrought-iron frames and dark-red cushions in a semi-circle around a low table. There was a coat rack by the door, also wrought-iron, and several paintings of landscapes on the walls, but the room was otherwise empty.
Diurok gestured to the sofas and suggested they be seated. “You are the first to arrive.” He stated. “The other inheritors of the Will should be arriving shortly.”
“Thank you, Diurok.” Harry said, dipping his head to the goblin. He figured it was better to be polite than risk offending the goblins. Having already turned around to sit down, Harry missed the gob smacked look on the goblin’s face, as well as Neville’s fondly exasperated head shake. One wasn’t normally so polite to a goblin, particularly if one was a Lord, but it was just like Harry not to realize he had broken social etiquette. Not that Neville thought he was wrong to have done so, he believed in treating all sentient beings as equals, it was just something that wasn’t normally done.
Still, taking the cue from his friend, Neville also inclined his head to Diurok and murmured his thanks as he went to take a seat beside Harry, leaving the poor goblin with his jaw nearly on the floor. It took several moments for Diurok to collect himself enough to leave, so that he might escort the others who would be arriving for the meeting.
A few short moments later, moments spent in contemplating silence, the door opened once more, and Andromeda walked through with her daughter right behind her.
“Wotcher Harry.” Tonks immediately greeted him, smiling. Both harry and Neville stood to greet the new arrivals. As they were speaking the door opened again, this time allowing entrance to Narcissa Malfoy and her son Draco.
Draco sneered when he caught sight of Harry, but Narcissa regarded him with calculated disinterest. Harry could discern nothing from her expression, not even as she exchanged a brief, and somewhat stunted, greeting with her sister.
Shortly after the arrival of Narcissa and Draco, an elderly goblin entered the room with a somewhat younger goblin trailing behind him. They took a stance on the other side of the room, facing the three antique sofas. At the goblins arrival, the witches and wizards present all took a seat, the room falling into a tense silence.
The elderly goblin took a moment to survey the room before clearing his throat and beginning to speak. “Good day. I am Rigeurd, Head of Gringotts and the one who has called you here as per the wishes of the late Lord Black. If there is anyone present who does not wish to hear the Reading of the Will, or who wishes to forfeit their inheritance at this time, please speak now.”
The room remained silent.
“Very well. I shall begin by reading the Will as written by the Late Lord Black. I shall then explain the details of the inheritances stated in the Will in greater depth. I ask that all inquiries be held until such time as I have finished expanding upon the greater details of the Will.”
Rigeurd turned to the goblin next to him, who handed him an envelope. Rigeurd opened the envelope and removed the paper from within. Clearing his throat once more, he began to speak, reading straight from the page.
“Last Will and Testament,
I, Lord Sirius Orion Black of the Noble and most Ancient House Black, hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. This parchment has been charmed so that should I not be of sound body and mind, nothing I write beyond this paragraph shall appear. I ask the goblin reading this Will perform the necessary examination to prove this document has not been tampered with.”
As Rigeurd finished the sentence, the goblin beside him quickly performed a series of spells. Once all the spells had been cast, he nodded to Rigeurd, who resumed his Reading of the Will.
“If you are reading this, then this document has indeed not been altered, and I have been proven to be of sound body and mind. Therefore, any and all information contained within is accurate and the inheritances distributed exactly as I have intended.
To Andromeda Black-Tonks I leave the vault which should have been her dowry by birthright, which has already been designated in Gringotts’ records, and the blue-and-gold antique china tea set, once belonging to our Grandmother, which she favored as a child.
To Nymphadora Tonks I leave the Lesser Vault containing an amount of Two Million Galleons, a small bronze chest of antique jewelry, a pink-and-green full china set, and a pair of Topaz-encrusted silver daggers to be designated as her dowry. I also leave to her a Lesser Vault containing an amount of Five Hundred Thousand Galleons to be accessed by Nymphadora Tonks without restriction.”
At this point, Andromeda was openly crying, handkerchief pressed to her mouth in an attempt to muffle her sobs, and Tonks sat in pale-faced shock, tightly gripping her mother’s free hand.
“To My Cousin Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, I leave a Lesser Vault of Four Million Galleons, a medium-sized bronze chest of family jewelry, and an Emerald-encrusted claidheamh beag. Under no circumstance is Narcissa Malfoy nee Black’s husband, Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy to obtain access to this Vault, even should Narcissa Malfoy nee Black give permission for her husband to be granted access.
To Draco Lucius Malfoy, I grant a Lesser Vault containing an amount of Two Million Galleons, an Emerald-encrusted Rapier and accompanying Main-gauche, an antique Borosilicate Glass potions set, and a store of both rare and common potions ingredients with an independent worth of One Million Galleons. The potions set, potions ingredients, and Rapier-dagger set may be accessed as soon as all officials matters of inheritance and legal importance are concluded, but the money is to be accessible only once Draco Lucius Malfoy has come of age. As with his mother’s Vault, no access to the Vault of Draco Lucius Malfoy is to be granted to his father, Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, even should Draco Lucius Malfoy give permission for access to be granted.”
The only reaction Narcissa showed to the inheritance her late cousin left her was a subtle tightening off her fingers where they rested in her lap. Draco, on the other hand, was openly smirking.
“To Remus Lupin, I leave a Lesser Vault worth an amount of One Million Galleons, the Cottage in County Durham, a previously agreed upon list of books from various libraries belonging to the Black Family, which has been entrusted to Rigeurd along with this Will, and a pair of gold Bonding Rings with the inscription Cordis Leonis lupi morsus, for the wedding we never got to have. An account of Remus Lupin’s inheritance is to be delivered by Lord Harry James Potter, along with a personal letter from myself to Lupin, as soon as possible.
To Lord Harry James Potter,
I name you my Heir and the Rightful Successor to the Title of Lord Black of the Noble and Most Ancient House Black. At the conclusion of the Reading of this Will, you will henceforth be legally named Lord Harry James Potter-Black, and are to receive the Black Family Heirship signet ring. Though you shall not inherit the full lordship of House Black until you come of age I, Lord Sirius Orion Black, as the Godfather of Lord Harry James Potter and ward of the Late Henry Percival Potter, do declare that you are to receive the Potter Lordship signet ring and assume the full responsibilities of said Lordship. In order to do so, you must be legally emancipated. Documentation has already been prepared and left with Rigeurd, Head Goblin of Gringotts, London Branch, to be completed after the Reading of this Will. The emancipation must occur for Lord Harry James Potter to receive his inheritance and his claim to the Black Lordship.
In claiming the Black Lordship, Lord Harry James Potter will inherit a total of Thirty-Seven Vaults amounting to Five Billion Galleons, several million galleons worth of jewelry, a pair of Silver Bonding Rings embedded with Sapphires and Emeralds traditionally used by the Head of the Family, and any other items residing in the Black Family Vaults. The inheritance also includes several properties such as, Grimmauld Place, Black Manor, Castle Blackthorne, and any properties with deeds bearing the Black Family name or which were purchased in the Black Family Name, as well as any and all objects and artifacts residing within.
Should Lord Harry James Potter renounce his claim as Heir to House Black, the Heirship shall pass to Nymphadora Tonks, in which case the Emancipation Clause will become null and void.”
At this, Rigeurd stopped reading once more to regard Harry. “Do you intend to accept the claim to the Heirship?” He asked.
Harry nodded, but Neville shook his head and leaned over to whisper, “You’ve got to verbally respond. Say that you do intend to claim the Heirship.”
“Oh.” Harry, who had spent the last several minutes in utter shock, swallowed nervously and took a deep breath. “I do intend to claim the Heirship.” He stated, only barely able to keep his voice from cracking.
Rigeurd nodded his acceptance of Harry’s statement. “Then you and your guest must remain once the Reading has concluded.” He waited for Harry to nod in understanding before continuing on to the last of the Will.
“In addition, a second clause is to be put on the Vaults of Narcissa Malfoy nee Black and Draco Lucius Malfoy. In order to access their vaults once all matters of legal recourse have been concluded either Narcissa Malfoy nee Black or her son Draco Lucius Malfoy must swear fealty to Lord Harry James Potter-Black. Though both may swear fealty if they so desire, only ONE is required to do so for both to receive the inheritance stated above. Should the Heirship be relegated to Nymphadora Tonks, then fealty should be sworn to her instead.
The swearing of Fealty must include an Unbreakable Vow that the one swearing will not, in any way, aid or serve Lord Voldemort, nor will they impede the efforts of Lord Harry James Potter-Black and/or his comrades in their efforts to defeat Lord Voldemort. This includes passing on information to any and all Death Eaters, including Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy.
Upon the swear of said Unbreakable Vow, Lord Harry James Potter will be required to provide Sanctuary for the one who has sworn Fealty to him. This includes protection from Lord Voldemort, Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, any and all True Death Eaters, as well as protection from those on the side of the Light who will not believe and/or accept one or both previously stated individuals changing allegiance.
Should either Narcissa Malfoy nee Black or Draco Lucius Malfoy, or both, choose to denounce their inheritance in favor of remaining loyal to Lord Voldemort, both are to be bitten by the werewolf Fenrir Greyback and stripped of their wands.
It is signed by the Late Lord Black and bears the Official Seal of House Black.”
At this Draco, who had been getting progressively paler and paler as Rigeurd had spoken, jumped up from his seat, shouting, “That cannot possibly be legal! The Ministry would never allow such a thing!”
Rigeurd simply raised an eyebrow at the interruption, as Narcissa forcefully yanked her son back onto the sofa. “Unfortunately, My Dragon, it is legal. In order to avoid conflict of interest all Last will and Testaments of Lords and Ladies of Houses belonging to the Court of Merlin are handled exclusively by the Goblins. It is illegal for the ministry to interfere, and the goblins are required to obey such Wills to the letter. That is why one must be so careful when writing one’s Will. Lack of clarification can cause complications. If the Will states that we are to be turned for choosing not to claim our inheritance and have one of us swear fealty to Lord Potter-Black, and the Will has been proven legitimate, then the goblins are perfectly within their rights to carry out such actions.” Throughout her explanation, Narcissa’s voice remained perfectly even and controlled. The only sign of her distress was the white-knuckled grip she had on her son’s cloak.
Draco collapsed in his seat, looking utterly distraught. Harry, shocked, horrified, and disgusted that his godfather could have suggested such a thing, turned to Neville, as if the other Gryffindor could tell him that Lady Malfoy was wrong. Neville could only shake his head, the shock and disgust on his face showing his own dislike for such an underhanded method. Harry clenched his fist as he struggled to come to terms with what he had just heard. He could understand Sirius wanting to save his cousin and his cousin’s son from Voldemort, especially after losing his brother to the Death Eater lifestyle, but to threaten them with Fenrir Greyback was unnecessarily cruel! Though Harry suspected Draco and Narcissa’s fear lay with werewolves in general and the taint on their blood, Harry was far more upset with his godfather’s choice of Greyback and his decision to use fear to get them to change sides in the first place.
“Surely something can be done to circumvent the punishment without having them swear fealty to me?” The disgust at the idea was clear in Harry’s voice.
“What, don’t enjoy the idea of me as your slave Potter?” Draco sneered, though his voice lacked its usual bite.
Harry gritted his teeth and took a calming breath. “First of all, according to the Will, the Vow would only guarantee you would be unable to serve Voldemort or sabotage me, while I would be required to protect you. That would hardly make you a slave Draco.” Harry pointedly used the blonde’s first name. “Second, I’m not at all comfortable with Sirius’ decision to try and control your life, or your mother’s, particularly through fear. I might not like your choice to serve a madman like Voldemort, but I respect that it is your choice to make, however much I might not understand it.” Harry’s mind flashed back to the previous school year and the brief moments he had been under Barty Crouch Jr.-disguised-as-Mad-Eye-Moody’s Imperius Curse, and to the Prophecy he had learned of only a couple of weeks ago, “No one deserves to be stripped of their free will, of their ability to choose their own path in life.”
While Draco stared at Harry in undisguised shock, Narcissa regarded the boy with calculating eyes. “A wise and considerate stance for one so young Lord Potter.” She commented, voice flat.
Harry chuckled self-deprecatingly. “Let’s just say I know a bit about having your future decided for you with no way out.”
Rigeurd chose that moment to clear his throat, reminding everyone that he and the other goblin were still present. “I am afraid there is no way around the clause Lord Potter-Black. The Will is very clear on the matter.” He gestured towards Andromeda and Nymphadora. Harry winced, realizing he had forgotten they were even in the room. “If the two of you will follow Diurok to the lobby complete the legalities necessary for you to receive your inheritance. The rest of you must remain here, so that the conditions of the Will may be met.”
Andromeda and Tonks were escorted from the room (though Tonks managed to lay an encouraging hand on Harry’s shoulder) by the goblin who had led them all down to the room earlier. Once the door was shut, Rigeurd’s companion, whom Harry realized had never been introduced, handed Rigeurd a parchment.
“Lord Potter-Black, if you would sign this document in the places I indicate we can finish the process of having you emancipated.” Rigeurd removed a quill from his pocket and his assistant handed him a bottle of ink. (Harry wasn’t quite sure where the goblin was keeping any of the stuff he had given Rigeurd, as he hadn’t appeared to be carrying anything but the Will.)
Harry hesitated for a moment before approaching the table and accepting the quill. The process was fairly easy, the document had been mostly completed, and someone had marked all the places he was supposed to sign, so it only took a moment. As soon as he signed his name for the last time the paper disappeared. His surprise must have shown on his face, because Rigeurd explained that the paper had been automatically filed at the ministry.
Harry groaned. “It’ll be all over the news by tomorrow.” He really hated having everything he did reported on, especially by people like Skeeter.
“At least you won’t have to stay with your muggle relatives over the summer anymore. You’re a legal adult now, you can live wherever you want.” Neville pointed out, trying to be encouraging.
“Oh, come on, I will admit I think all muggles are awful, but it couldn’t have been that bad.” Draco sighed dramatically, as if Neville was being ridiculous.
“You have no idea.” Harry muttered under his breath. Turning to Draco and his mother he asked, a bit uneasily, “Do you want some time to discuss the…clause?”
Draco began to speak but Narcissa beat him to it. “Yes, Lord Potter-Black, I would like to discuss the matter with my son, thank you.”
Harry shrugged, still uncomfortable with the situation. Sure, he had wanted to get Malfoy’s help, but he hadn’t wanted to do it like this! “Uh, you’re welcome. And you don’t have to call me Lord Potter-Black,” He cringed at the use of his title, “really, just Harry is fine, or Mr. Potter if you aren’t comfortable using my first name.”
Harry wasn’t looking at her, so he missed Narcissa’s expression softening just a bit. “Very well…Harry. Please excuse Draco and I for a moment.”
As she walked back to Draco, harry turned to Neville. “So, what is an Unbreakable Vow anyway?”
“It’s a Vow sworn between two people, using the magic of a third, the Bonder, to, well, bind them. If the person accepting the terms of the Vow, in this case one of the Malfoy’s, breaks the terms once the Vow has been completed, then they will die.”
Harry felt as if his stomach had turned into stone at Neville’s explanation. “That’s insane.”
Neville nodded. “That’s why it’s only used on rare occasion, usually in extreme circumstances. The whole death aspect made it pretty unpopular. Still, at least you’ll know that whichever one swears the Vow won’t be able to turn on you later.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Harry murmured, feeling slightly sick. Sure he had wanted to recruit Malfoy, but he hadn’t wanted it to happen like this!
Rather than leave the room as Harry figured they would, Narcissa simply dragged her son into a corner. “I will swear the Unbreakable Vow.” She stated, holding up her hand to stop her son’s protests. “Do not argue with me on this, My Dragon. It is my choice and I have made my decision.”
“Then - Then I’ll be your go-between! The clause says you can’t relay information to Father or to a Death Eater, but I haven’t taken the Mark, so you can tell me and I can pass it on to Father.” Draco whispered fervently, just soft enough that Harry and Neville, on the other side of the room, could not make out the words.
Narcissa sighed, brushing a hand through her son’s hair and smiling sadly at him. “Oh, My Dragon, I never wished this life for you. No matter how much your Father has tried to deny it, I know you were not meant for the life of a Death Eater. Cunning and Ambitious you might be, but never cruel. Not in the true sense of the word.” She placed a kiss on his forehead and whispered, “No my son, you shall not play the role of messenger. I will not have you end up like your Father.”
She stepped back and crossed the room to stand in front of Harry before Draco had time to protest. “Lo- Harry?”
“Yes Mrs. Malfoy?” Harry asked, turning away from Neville, who had been trying to convince him the Vow wouldn’t be as terrible as it seemed.
She smiled slightly at the uncertain tone in his voice. Standing before her was Lord Potter-Black, the Boy-Who-Lived, arguably one of the most powerful wizards of their time, and yet, as she looked at him, all she could see was a boy like her Dragon, forced by others into a role he did not want, but which he accepted. Rising to shoulder a burden no one so young should ever have to bear.
“I have decided that I shall be the one to swear the Unbreakable Vow in fealty to you. However, I do have a favor to ask of you.”
“Of course, If it’s within my power to then I will grant it.”
“I ask you to grant my son the same protection the Vow will require you to give to me. I doubt you will believe me, but life as a Death Eater was never the future I wanted for my son. If I am to betray my husband and his cause, then I shall do everything I possibly can to protect my child.”
Harry’s eyes widened in surprise, though realization quickly replaced it. “You were never a supporter of Voldemort, were you?” Neville sharply sucked in a breath and Draco furrowed his brow in confusion at Harry’s inquiry, only to drop his jaw at his mother’s reply.
“No, I never truly supported the Dark Lord or his cause, but my husband did, and I supported him, as a wife should. Unfortunately, by the time I realized Lucius’ allegiances placed my son in danger, I was unable to escape the hole I had dug for myself.” She laughed derisively. “I may not appreciate my late cousin’s particular choice of ultimatum, but I can appreciate the opportunity he has given me to provide a better future for Draco.”
Harry studied her for a moment. Though his mind told him that Narcissa Malfoy had been a Slytherin and the wife of a high-ranking Death Eater, and was more than likely a very accomplished liar, his instincts told him she had spoken only the truth, and Harry trusted his instincts, they had saved his life more than once.
‘They also got Sirius killed' A voice in his head whispered. Harry disregarded it and smiled at Narcissa. “I can do that. It might be a bit of a problem while we’re at school, we aren’t in all of the same classes, not to mention the dorms, but I’ll do what I can to look out for Ma-Draco.” Harry stuttered over the blonde boy’s name, wincing lightly, and hoping Narcissa didn’t take offense.
“Thank you.” Was all she said, turning to Rigeurd and his assistant. “Shall we commence with the Vow?”
Harry and Narcissa knelt in the center of the room, facing one another, right arms out in front of them, clasping on to one another. As goblins are unable to perform the magic necessary for an Unbreakable Vow (the magic required is specific to witches and wizards) Neville, who had learned the incantation during Heirship lessons with his grandmother, performed the spell.
Ribbons of fire flowed form Neville’s wand to wrap around their arms, binding them.
Harry hesitated only for a second before speaking the first Vow. “Do you Vow to denounce any and all allegiance to Lord Voldemort and his True Death Eaters?”
“I do.” A new ribbon of fire joined the ones on their arms.
“Do you Vow not to aide Voldemort and/or his True Death Eaters in any of their endeavors?”
“I do.” Another ribbon of fire.
This continued on for several minutes as they ran through all the terms Sirius had stated in his Will, ensuring that Narcissa would not be able to help her husband, Voldemort, or any of his loyal Death Eaters, as well as ensuring she couldn’t sabotage Harry or any of his plans, though he made no mention of the Order of the Phoenix, without dying.
With the conclusion of the Vow, having been witnessed by the goblins, Draco and Narcissa were asked to wait just outside the room. Once they had stepped out, Rigeurd handed Harry a letter, Remus’ name the only thing written on the envelope. He then produced two ring boxes. The first held the Heir Signet Ring for House Black, a silver band with the Black Family Crest etched into it in blue. Somehow, the skull and the crows looked more sinister than ever, embedded in metal. The second box held the Potter Lordship Ring, a wide gold band with the Potter Family Crest etched into it in black. Three five-pointed flowers on a triangular shield with a knight’s helmet at the top.
After receiving the rings, Harry was given a sealed parchment, which Rigeurd told him held an account of all the Vaults and Properties owned by the Potter Lordship. He was being given the account to peruse at his leisure. The last two items he was given signified the Potter seat on the Wizengamot and the Potter seat on the Hogwarts Board of Governors, two shield-shaped pendants, one bronze with the circular Wizengamot seal etched into it, the other silver with the Hogwarts Crest etched in black, the word ‘Board’ above the crest, and the words ‘of Governors’ below it.
“The pendants mean you’re an active member of both committees and can attend meetings. Right now, you only have the Potter Family seats because Sirius made it so you can’t official be Lord Black until you turn seventeen, but once you do, you’ll have the Black Family seats as well.” Neville explained as Harry examined the pendants. “Being an active member means you can attend any meetings they have, and you have a say in any decisions they make. You don’t have to attend, of course, and you can appoint someone to act as proxy, casting votes for you, but it means you have a say in how the school is run and what happens at a trial.”
Slipping the rings onto his right ring finger as Neville had shown him, Black ring first than Potter, and slipping the pendants over his head, tucking them into his shirt, Harry decided to ask Hermione to research the Wizengamot and the Board of Governors, before he made any decisions concerning his participation.
Saying goodbye to the goblins, Harry and Neville exited the room to find Draco and Narcissa still waiting for them. It was Neville who suggested the two return to Malfoy Manor to gather their belongings, as well as suggesting he and Harry use the floo in the Leaky Cauldron to head to Grimmauld Place and make sure the Order wasn’t using it, so Narcissa would have somewhere to go, now that she couldn’t support her husband’s ideology. Upon leaving the bank, the group split up, agreeing to meet at the Leaky Cauldron in two hours’ time.