The Reading of the Will

The Reading of the Will

August 4^th

They were still several weeks away from the start of school. Letters had arrived, of course, their familiar green ink glistening against the parchment as if still wet. The crest on back reassured the students that they had a place to return to... A place to finish their most unusual education.

But then another letter had arrived. Harry hadn't really had much chance to speak with Dumbledore about what had happened at the end of the school year. That didn't mean that the experience had left his mind, though. The death of Sirius Black had affected him. He'd lost the only family who cared about him.

Dumbledore had been busy in regards to Sirius Black. Working with a newly convinced Cornelius Fudge, he'd arranged to have Black declared dead. They hadn't been able to clear his name, but at least no one would be spending time looking for a deceased ex-prisoner.

Then this letter had arrived for Harry. It was on classy gray parchment, in a bold black ink, and accompanied by a short note from Dumbledore in the classic Hogwarts green.

The note said simply, "I will retrieve you on August the 15^th at 8 in the morning."

Harry wondered what it meant, and spared no time in slipping open the letter that had come with it. This letter explained more, but was wrenching in its clinical explanation.

"Mr. Harry James Potter is directed to appear at the offices of Forrest and Wharburton, Solicitors, on the 15^th of August. Party is to be escorted by all legal and parental representatives on the occasion of the dispensation of the Estate of Sirius Black."

Although not quite as brilliant as Hermione, Harry still understood enough to realize that this likely had something to do with Sirius' will. He hadn't expected to be involved, hadn't known that Sirius had anything to cause involvement. If he'd thought about for any length of time, he would have realized that his Firebolt hadn't appeared from thin air and must have been purchased.

But rational thought was covered under the panic of wondering exactly what was meant by "all legal and parental representatives." Now that Sirius was dead, did that mean his Uncle Vernon? He spent a few moments in agony, wondering at his Uncle's reaction to being summoned to what most surely must be a wizarding law firm.

Then, with a shake of his head, he freed the thought. Dumbledore had sent him the note and had made no mention of the Dursley's. He recalled his resolution to trust a little better and went to his trunk to make sure he'd have properly clean wizarding clothes. His school uniform should do, lacking the Gryffindor tie and crested robe.

***

August 15^th

The Dursley's flinched at the sound of a knock and the door to the kitchen slammed as they hid behind it. Harry jumped up from his patient seat on the stairs to open it quickly. Standing before him, in the most somber attire he'd ever seen worn, was Dumbledore. With a quick smile for the boy, the older man stepped inside and swept his deep gray robes around the door.

Harry closed the door before too many of the neighbors witnessed the odd man and turned to his mentor. Dumbledore's normal twinkling glance was in full force, once again as if he knew a secret.

"Are you ready, Harry?"

Harry hesitated only a moment before nodding. At the nod, Dumbledore pulled a letter which matched the gray one Harry had received from the innards of his robe. Harry looked confused for a moment and Dumbledore patiently explained.

"The letters are Portkeys, Harry. They activate only for the intended participants, and will take us to the offices."

"Just a moment," Harry exclaimed, darting quickly up the stairs to retrieve the paper he hadn't know he would need. He had barely returned from his dash before Dumbledore, consulting a pocket watch, said, "It is time."

There was only a moment for the irrational fear of Portkeys to take hold of him before the jerking sensation from behind his navel.

***

As Harry opened his eyes, wincing at what might be in front of him, he was only vaguely relieved. Dumbledore was to his side, and Remus Lupin was in front of him. He smiled at Remus and continued to look around at the rather oddly formal waiting room.

"Really, Potter, haven't you ever seen a law office before?"

The sarcastic drawl from the side of the room interrupted Harry's perusal and he turned to see Draco and Narcissa Malfoy. Narcissa seemed slightly put out to have to share space with those present, but Draco just looked arrogant as always.

"What's the matter, Draco, feeling put out now that Daddy's all locked up?"

Draco scowled in answer to Harry's comment, and Dumbledore laid a restraining hand on his shoulder. Their small group was quickly met by a goblin who entered from behind them and stared to lead them on with a hurried, "This way, please, this way."

They followed as a group, Lupin first, then Harry. Dumbledore was the buffer between Harry and the Malfoys. It was entirely conceivable that they'd happily knife him in the back now that Lucius was imprisoned.

The goblin led to a small conference room. This was obviously a well to-do firm, as the conference table was a gleaming mahogany matched only by the six mahogany and gray silk chairs around it. They took seats, some more hesitantly than others, at the five that were arrayed to face the one. Shortly after, a short nondescript but serious looking man entered.

"Ah, Albus, what a pleasure."

As he hurried forward to shake Dumbledore's hand, the older wizard nodded politely, "Mr. Forrest, may I introduce Harry Potter."

The quick flick of the eyes to Harry's forehead was at least more subtle than the usual gaping. But then, Mr. Forrest expected Harry to be there. Harry was surprised though, to get an enthusiastic handshake.

"Ah, yes, Mr. Potter... A pleasure, truly. More so now that I've met one of our biggest clients."

Harry looked confused and glanced to Dumbledore. As Forrest moved onto the next, Lupin, Dumbledore simply said softly, "All will be explained later." Harry nodded, not much else he could do really, now that Mr. Forrest had moved on past the Malfoys and taken that final chair.

The man settled himself and drew a sheaf of papers seemingly out of the air, "Now, onto business. The dispensation of the Sirius Black estate."

Harry and Remus winced, though the Malfoys seemed to smirk only wider. Was a learned facial expression, or something in the Malfoy breeding? It was worth considering, at least.

"First, the matter of guardianship of Harry Potter."

Harry quickly came to attention. He hadn't considered that legally, in the wizarding world, Sirius would have the right to decide his next guardian.

"Lacking a living parent, Sirius Black had been granted guardianship of Harry Potter."

Draco looked both disgusted and intrigued. Not knowing the whole story, he probably got some joy in the idea that Potter would be sobbing later.

"In his directions, he stated that this guardianship would be passed to Albus Dumbledore. You confirm that you have accepted, Sir?"

That question was to Dumbledore, who nodded slightly. Harry just looked at the older man in shock. Now this was certainly a development.

"As to Sirius Black's portion of the Black Family Trust, currently at 10 %, but that must be confirmed with Gringott's, this passes to Remus Lupin."

Forrester handed a sealed envelope across the table.

"There is also a note, Sir, for you. As well as title to the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black. I presume the address is in the note, though not listed here."

Narcissa looked disgusted, but did not yet speak. There was the beginning of a slight red tinge to her cheeks. Forrest continued to read.

"To my darling Narcissa, since you share my mother's views on the world, may she keep you company." Forrest looked confused, "Included with the portrait is a square of wall approximately five feet on the side."

Narcissa looked extraordinarily disgusted, and Dumbledore's mouth twitched as if he was suppressing a smile. The most noted reaction came from Remus, who softly declared, "Thank you, Sirius." It seemed the Order would be spared the strident tones of the portrait from now on.

"And to the young Master Malfoy," Forrest continued, "I leave the sum of one Galleon, as well as the mounted heads of the Black family house elves. In seeing what we've done to our subordinates, I hope you make better choices than your father."

Forrest looked disgusted, and Draco was starting to look furious. However, Forrest bravely continued as there was only one more request to state. Harry, knowing that he was the only one not mentioned so far, paid a little closer attention.

"To my godson, Harry Potter, I leave all other monetary and worldly possessions. In addition, I make this statement. My death was surely of my own actions, the only thing that grieves me more than the passing of your parents is the idea that you would blame yourself for my passing. "

Forrest looked to the sixteen year old boy across from him, "Mr. Potter, I will have an itemized list available for you later, and instruct Gringott's to assign ownership of the other vaults to you. The keys will be delivered when they are ready."

Harry just stared numbly. It wasn't about the money. It was about the thoughtfulness of Sirius. He'd lost his godfather, and had engaged in some guilty moping... But, perhaps Sirius was right. Maybe it was time to focus on his life, and making sure he had one to live.

Draco had heard about enough though, "I get one Galleon and Potter gets everything else?" The incredulous tones were silenced by his mother, "Enough Draco. We're finished here."

With matching sneers, the Malfoy mother and child left the room, returning down the hallway that had led to this place originally.

Forrest noted the look on Harry's face and smiled kindly, "Disregard them, Mr. Potter. The Malfoys are not clients of our firm and we will defend your rights in the Will should they contest."

Harry still didn't quite know what to do, but Dumbledore spoke up, "Thank you, Mr. Forrest. I think it's time for us to be going now."

Forrest nodded and stood, "A pleasure to deal with you gentlemen."

After he'd left the room, Remus turned to Harry and Dumbledore, "I need to be getting back to that little task. Take care of yourself, Harry, I'll see you when school starts."

When Remus left, Harry turned to Dumbledore, "Sir, what does all this mean?"

With a smile, Dumbledore answered, "It means, Harry, that you are now the wealthiest student to attend Hogwarts in nearly three centuries."

Harry blanched, but Dumbledore continued, "Do not let it concern you. Consider it security, it would be rather hard to work a job while attempting to handle that pesky prophecy."

They stood and began to leave the room, Harry nodding slightly to himself.

"It's going to be another interesting year, isn't it Sir?"

"Yes, young Harry, I believe it will."