Harry Potter and the Unexpected Inheritance

Chapter 1

The Fire Call

A blast of ice cold water hit Harry Potter in the chest almost knocking him backward. He looked up at his best friend with annoyance. Ron Weasley moved the stream of water to Harry's face.

Harry lifted his arms to cover his head. Still the flow of water streamed over him. He heard Ron's soft laughter.

"Damn it, Ron," said Harry. "I had to teach you how to use that hose."

Ron laughed again. "I think I have the hang of it now," said Ron as he continued to spray Harry with water.

The 16-year-old wizards were the best of friends. The Muggle (non magic people) water hose was new to Ron, but not to Harry who had been raised by his Muggle Aunt and Uncle who hated him and, in fact, had treated him like a slave (or at the very least, a house elf). But Harry had a better life now. He lived with his godfather now, his parents' best friend. And Sirius loved him. Harry was still getting used to having a real home and a family.

Harry had been having the best summer of his life. Just listening to Sirius talk to him, playing Quidditch with the Weasleys in the hidden clearing, being able to do his homework in the cool office that he and Sirius shared. Letting their house elves spoil them, which Dobby and Winky did.

He had no Dursleys to make his life miserable and more importantly, no Voldemort breathing down his neck, trying to manipulate Harry into-

Harry pushed the thoughts out of his mind. Voldemort was in Azkaban, awaiting execution. He didn't have to deal with him anymore - not yet anyway. Voldemort had filed a stay of execution using his right to see his subjugator before being put to death. Harry, being hailed as said subjugator, was in no rush to pay Voldemort a social call in Azkaban.

Another blast of cold water in his face snapped Harry out of his thoughts. He reached down into the bucket at his feet and pulled out a soap filled sponge. He hurled it at Ron. It hit Ron in the face and the water stream hitting Harry stopped.

"HARRY! RON!"

Harry turned his dripping head towards the open front door of La Casa Black; his home, and saw Sirius, his godfather, standing on the front porch of the three-story house.

"You're supposed to be washing my bike, not drowning each other," said Sirius.

"Sorry, Sirius," said both Harry and Ron together.

Sirius looked like he was trying to keep himself from laughing. "Yeah right," said Sirius and he turned and went back into the house.

Harry and Ron looked at each other and they both laughed.

Ron threw the sponge back at Harry. Harry caught it but Ron held up the hose.

"Oh, no," said Harry, raising his free hand. "Expelliarmus!"

The hose flew from Ron's hand into Harry's.

"Oh, not fair!" yelled Ron.

But Harry opened the nozzle full blast on Ron.

Since Harry didn't need to use a wand to do magic, his magic wasn't detected by the Department of Underage Misuse of Magic.

Once Ron was as soaked as Harry, they got around to washing Sirius' flying motorcycle. Once it was cleaned and dried, they even waxed it.

"You staying for dinner, Ron?" said Harry, wiping his hands on his jeans.

"Can't," said Ron as they started moving the buckets and hose back to the carport. "Love to but Mum said to make sure everyone was home tonight."

"Why?"

"Don't know," said Ron.

Ron grabbed Harry's wrist and pulled out his wand. "What should I be doing?" said Ron after tapping Harry's watch with his wand.

"You're late! Get home." Flashed the watch.

Harry laughed as Ron said goodbye and raced across the field between La Casa Black and The Burrow (Ron's home). Harry knew that the hand on the Weasley's clock now showed Ron as "in transit". They had added several things to that magical clock when he and Sirius had moved next door. Harry had been floored when he saw they had added a hand with his name on it - they could only do this because they had adopted him as part of the family. And they had added a place - La Casa Black.

Reminded of dinner, Harry pushed Sirius motorcycle off the stand and pushed it up to the carport. Harry looked down at the bike, threw his leg over it and sat down. Just last week Harry had sat in front of Sirius as Sirius taught him to drive it. Sirius wouldn't let Harry fly it yet, but Harry could drive it.

The bike had some features that even Sirius didn't know what they did. Harry studied the controls between the handlebars. Starting it, he looked down at a curious lever and threw it.

A calm serenity fell over him, as if Rowan, his phoenix, was singing to him. He closed his eyes.

Harry, didn't last year teach you anything about controlling that curiosity of yours?

It was his father's voice. Harry only knew it from his memories.

Then a small jolt erupted from the bike. The charge of power threw Harry off the bike to the ground. The motorcycle shut itself off and Harry stared at it.

Harry heard a soft laugh. "All right, Harry?" said Sirius.

Harry had to laugh then too. "Yeah," said Harry dragging himself off the ground. He looked at the bike. "My dad just yelled at me."

"Well serves you right," said Sirius but he threw an arm around Harry's shoulders.

"I know, I know," said Harry. "I should do as I'm told."

"Harry," said Sirius, "You're a good kid, you know that don't you?"

"I guess," said Harry. "Unless you ask Snape."

Sirius laughed. They walked back to the house and as they entered, the phone rang. Sirius had gotten the phone for Harry so Hermione could call him but Aunt Petunia had called once, which had shocked the hell out of Harry. She had spoken to Sirius but it still surprised Harry.

"You stay here," ordered Sirius as he moved to the kitchen to get the phone. "I don't need you tracking mud through the house. Dobby would demand a raise."

Harry smirked. Dobby would do no such thing, but Harry didn't want to put more work on their house elves so he stood there in the hall. He heard a pop from the living room and poked his head inside.

Mr. Weasley's head sat in the flames of their fireplace.

"Ah, Hello, Harry," said Mr. Weasley. "I see you look as bad as Ron."

Harry grinned and shrugged. "It was just a little water fight," said Harry. "Ron started it."

"Yes, of course," said Ron's father. "And I'm sure you did your best to stop him."

Harry continued to grin at him. "'Course I did."

"Harry, that was- Oh, hello Arthur," said Sirius as he entered the room

"Hello, Sirius," said Mr. Weasley. He glanced at Harry then turned back to Sirius. "Do you have a moment?"

"Yes," said Sirius and he looked at Harry. "That was Hermione on the phone. Go get dried off and changed. She would like a call back."

Harry nodded at Sirius. He recognized a dismissal when he heard one. "See you later, Mr. Weasley."

"Bye, Harry."

Harry went to his room and took a quick shower. Still toweling his hair, he came back down the stairs. Sirius was still in front of the fire.

"I told Arthur, Minister" Sirius said, sounding frustrated. "I don't think he's ready."

"Sirius, he has to be ready," said the face in the fire, which Harry didn't recognize. "The world is waiting - demanding - this execution and it can't happen until Harry talks to him."

"Sirius?" said Harry, looking from the fire to his godfather.

"Oh, very good," said the stranger in the fire. "Harry, my name is Stephen Goodhue. I am the new Minister of Magic."

"Nice to meet you," said Harry. "What's going on?"

"Minister, I beg-"

"Harry," said the Minister. "Did your guardian tell you about the 'stay of execution'?"

"Yes," said Harry. He looked at Sirius. "I have to see him?"

"Yes," said Mr. Goodhue.

Harry looked back to the fire. Pay up time. Harry took a breath. "So, what's the problem?" said Harry. "I'll go whenever you want me too."

"Excellent," said the Minister with a broad grin.

"Harry," said Sirius. "I don't think you're ready."

"Sirius," said Harry. "I've never been afraid to face Voldemort in my life. I won't start now when he is locked up and about to be executed."

And it was true. Why then was Harry's stomach starting to knot?

"All right Harry," said Sirius. "Have something to eat. I'll be back in a little bit."

"Where are you going?" said Harry, trying not to sound panicked.

"I'm just going to see Moony for a few minutes."

"Remus?" said Harry. "But-"

Sirius disapparated before Harry could finish his sentence.

Harry's stomach growled but he knew he wouldn't be able to eat.

"Sorry, Dobby," said Harry as he almost knocked over their House-Elf, who held a plate of food, on his way to the kitchen.

Picking up the receiver, Harry dialed Hermione's number and managed a pleasant conversation with Mrs. Granger as he waited for Hermione to pick up the phone.

She was breathless when she got on the line.

"Harry, are you all right?"

"Yes. What-"

"I've had phone calls from everyone in Gryffindor with a phone asking about you."

Which meant anyone Muggle born or half Muggle born.

"Herm-"

"What did he say?" said Hermione.

"What did who say?"

Hermione was silent for a moment. "Voldemort, of course."

"Voldemort?" said Harry.

"Yes, Harry," said Hermione sounding frustrated. "Remember him-"

"I haven't-"

"Wait a minute. You haven't seen him, yet?"

"No," said Harry. "They only asked me ten minutes ago. What's going on?"

"Harry, he scheduled to be executed the day after tomorrow. It's all over the papers," said Hermione. "Everyone's assumed you've already seen him."

"What?"

"You didn't know?"

"No," said Harry crossly. "You know no one ever tells me anything."

Except Voldemort.

Harry ignored it.

"I guess Sirius will be taking you tomorrow," said Hermione.

"I guess."

"It'll be all right, Harry. I know it," said Hermione a lot more confident than Harry felt. "He can't hurt you."

"I know," said Harry.

"All you have to do is talk to him," Hermione went on with what now sounded like a pep talk. "You've talked to him dozens of times."

"I know," said Harry.

"Harry," Sirius' voice called from the hall.

"I've got to go, Hermione," said Harry.

"I'll talk to you soon, Harry. Call me after you talk to him if you want to."

Harry said goodbye and hung up then he turned to his godfather as he came in.

"When were you going to tell me about the execution?" said Harry, crossing his arms.

"Doesn't matter," said Sirius with an expression of sternness and determination. "You are not going."

Harry sighed. He guessed Sirius was right. It didn't matter and Harry really didn't want to go anyway.

"Get some sleep," said Sirius. "We leave first thing in the morning."

Chapter 2

The Execution

Harry waited as the guards unlocked the gate before him.

"There aren't any Dementors in there, are there?" Harry whispered to Sirius.

"No, Harry," said Sirius. "Not in this section. Voldemort was their ally."

"So what do I do?" Harry's stomach was acting up again. He should have passed on breakfast.

"Just go to his cell and talk to him," said Sirius. "He is the only one in this section. There are four guards by his cell, although he wants to talk to you alone but that is up to you."

"How long do I have to talk to him?" said Harry.

"That is up to you too," said Sirius.

Harry nodded as he and Sirius entered another corridor. Another gate was opened for them.

"Does he know I'm coming?" said Harry.

"No, Harry. He doesn't."

Harry stared at the last gate. Sirius wouldn't be coming through this gate with him. He could see the wizards down the hall, standing by one particular cell.

"Harry," said Sirius. "You don't have to do this."

Harry looked at the floor. "Yes, I do. You know I do." He turned to Sirius as the barred gate was closed between them.

"Don't get too close to the cell, Harry," said Sirius. "If he touches you..."

Sirius left the statement open and Harry nodded and turned. He walked silently down the hall. The guards didn't even acknowledge as he approached but they did back away. Harry kept to the wall on the other side of Voldemort's cell. Harry's head was already hurting.

When he glimpsed the cell, he was surprised. There was a comfy armchair inside facing the bars (with Voldemort reclined in it) and a desk strewn with parchment and ink and quills. Voldemort looked totally at ease. His eyes were closed.

He appeared the same as the last time Harry had seen him. His black hair was longer but still streaked with a large amount of gray and his face was pale and gaunt although not skeletally thin as it once was.

Harry leaned against the wall across the hall from Voldemort's cell and crossed his arms. Voldemort didn't move. Harry had never seen Voldemort in such a state of relaxation. Was he meditating? Was he asleep?

"Is it meal time again?" said Voldemort without opening his eyes. "I tire of the mundane schedule you people keep."

Harry had to give him that. He didn't know it was Harry, but Voldemort knew someone was there. Harry put his hand to his scar. Voldemort.

Harry had never seen Voldemort get up so fast.

Harry's eyes met Voldemort's red gaze. "Did I sneak up on you, Voldemort?" said Harry.

Voldemort laughed with open delight. "Oh, Harry, how I have missed you." He moved to the bars. "So they have finally let you come to see me?"

"I'm here, aren't I," said Harry.

"I heard you were unconscious for three weeks."

"Fighting the strongest dark wizard of the century takes a lot out of a person," said Harry. "Even famous Harry Potter."

Voldemort chuckled. "Always the cynic, my Harry."

Harry straightened off the wall. "So what do you want?"

"Still cautious but curious, Harry?"

"Sort fuse, not stupid, remember," said Harry.

"Hmm, yes, Harry, I remember," said Voldemort. "You've grown. Come here, so I can look at you."

"I don't think so," said Harry. "And you can't make me."

Voldemort frowned. "No? Very well. You'll have to wait until the execution to see." He settled back into his large chair.

Harry shrugged. "I'm not going to the execution."

Voldemort looked up. "But you must."

Harry frowned at him. He seemed just too insistent. "Why?"

"How will you know if I am dead if you do not come?" said Voldemort.

"Sirius didn't want me to come today," said Harry. "He won't let me go to the execution."

"Sirius won't let you go see the wizard who killed your parents die?" said Voldemort with mock horror.

Harry smirked at him. "No," he said, but Harry was curious at Voldemort's expression.

"Well that complicates things," said Voldemort.

Harry stared at him. "Why?"

Voldemort smiled. "Ah, that curiosity of yours."

"I'm asking," said Harry. "Why?"

"Come here and I will tell you," said Voldemort.

Harry took a step toward the cell.

"NO, HARRY!" shouted Sirius from down the hall.

Harry's eyes were on Voldemort.

"It's the connection between us," said Voldemort.

"What about it?" said Harry, taking another step.

"Harry, I've already taken measures to insure that I won't die," said Voldemort. "Yet there will be a wizard who will be strong enough to destroy me."

Harry took another step toward the cell.

"Harry, stop!!!" shouted Sirius.

One more step and Harry would be in the flinch zone. "Me?" said Harry cautiously.

"Yes, Harry." Voldemort rose from his chair and stepped toward the bars between them. Harry flinched.

"Their executioner will not be able to kill me," said Voldemort. "As soon as he tries, I will be free of my bonds and you will be the one who suffers."

"Me?" said Harry, confused. He took the last step and rested a hand on the bars between them. "I don't understand."

"HARRY."

Harry's gaze was locked in Voldemort's though. He didn't hear Sirius.

"Our connection, Harry," said Voldemort. "They will try to kill me but they can't. Only you can kill me. Once they try, you will be the one that suffers. That is why you have to be there. They have to see you so they can stop it."

"And you will get away?" said Harry.

"Yes, Harry."

"Why are you telling me?"

Voldemort chuckled. "Oh, Harry, don't you remember anything I have taught you?"

Harry glared at him. "Sirius and Dumbledore will believe me."

"But you won't tell them."

Harry looked at the floor and reality hit him. "It doesn't matter," said Harry.

"Why," quizzed Voldemort.

Harry looked up at him. "The Ministry is screaming for this execution. Nothing anyone says will stop them from trying to destroy you."

"Very good, Harry," said Voldemort. "I have taught you well. And you will come with me."

Harry stared at him and slowly shook his head. "No, Voldemort. I won't."

Voldemort reached through the bars and grasped Harry's chin. Harry sank to his knees.

"NO!" screamed Sirius. "Open the gate, damn it!"

"Harry, I don't give up easily," said Voldemort. He studied Harry's face closely. "Yes, my boy. Everything is working out exactly the way I planned it. I'm very pleased."

There was nothing Harry could say. He heard Sirius' foot steps pounding up the corridor and Voldemort let go of Harry's face.

"Oh, relax, Sirius," said Voldemort. "The boy is all right."

Sirius ignored him and pulled Harry away from Voldemort's cage.

"I'm OK," sail Harry.

"Make sure he comes to the execution, Sirius. You especially won't want him to miss it."

Harry wove through people, careful not to touch them. Sirius had remained adamant that Harry stay home but Harry had a Firebolt and an Invisibility Cloak. He had to go. Sirius would probably ground Harry for life but Harry had to see if Voldemort was telling the truth. Voldemort rarely lied to Harry and Harry had a feeling he wasn't lying now either.

Voldemort was tied to a - a stake - and he was searching the crowd with is gaze.

They were going to burn him? Harry was horrified. Not that it was Voldemort, just that they still did that.

Voldemort didn't look worried about his impending death however as he scanned the crowd assembled.

"Sirius, where is Harry?" shouted Voldemort.

"He's not coming, Voldemort."

Voldemort didn't look happy. "So you will let him die alone?"

"What are you talking about?" said Sirius.

"As soon as they light this, I'll be free and Harry will burn for me," said Voldemort. "Do you want Harry to burn?"

Sirius gasped. "I don't believe you," said Sirius.

Harry inched closer. He had a clear view of the stake now. Voldemort was still looking around but now he looked concerned.

"Go and get him, Sirius," said Voldemort. "He has to be here."

Voldemort wanted Harry to be there. Was he afraid for Harry?

Harry touched his scar. Voldemort.

Harry saw Voldemort's head rise sharply and he searched the crowd again. He knew Harry was there.

Voldemort smiled. "He's here, Sirius," said Voldemort. "He listened to me. He knows I always tell him the truth."

The executioner approached the stake and read the charges - which were extensive. Then he addressed the crowd who became enthusiastic with death chants. He picked up the torch and the crowd went nuts.

Harry watched in horrified fascination. No one deserved this more than Voldemort but the crowd's blood lust was like nothing Harry had ever seen.

The executioner touched the torch to the kindling and the stake erupted in flames. Harry watched in sort of numb state of fascination. The larger pieces of wood caught and the flames grew hotter.

Heat converged on Harry. He was sweating.

Voldemort was looking around. The flames around him didn't seem to effect him. When his face disappeared through smoke and flames, Harry felt himself choking.

His lungs hurt and he coughed. The heat was unbearable. He threw off the cloak, falling to the ground. He couldn't breathe. His skin felt like he had the worst sunburn of his life. His hands were blistering.

I'm burning.

Harry screamed.

"STOP," screamed Sirius. "PUT IT OUT."

People were rushing around Harry, but all Harry could feel was his skin burning. He screamed again. He felt water being dumped on him. He screamed again.

A blanket was wrapped around him and someone was holding him tightly around the chest.

"Harry?"

Harry heard Sirius voice and let his head fall into his chest. "I'm sorry, Sirius."

Harry was shaking badly. He couldn't feel Sirius' arms around him and wondered why. He didn't want to move. Didn't want to think. Just wanted to lie there on Sirius' chest.

An explosion erupted and people started screaming. Harry tried to reach up an arm to clutch Sirius, but Sirius was pulled, wretched, ripped, away from Harry and Harry felt excruciating pain as another arm wrapped around his chest and pulled him to his feet.

"The truth is so much more satisfying," said Voldemort. "Isn't it, Harry?"

Harry heard another explosion and more screaming.

"Focus on me, Harry," said Voldemort.