Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Chapter Nine:

The Will of Sirius Black

The next morning Ron was looking quite a bit better. He had looked rather like a zombie the previous day and had gone immediately to bed after dinner. As they were getting dressed, Ron told Harry that he'd had a note from his mum and dad. "They must have come the other day when I had that reaction, but I was sleeping." Harry had nearly forgotten the owl he hurriedly sent them after the accident. "They must have been really worried to come right away like that," said Ron. "I'm to owl them how I'm doing."

"I'm sure they were worried, we all were. You looked like death. Why, Hermione even...." Harry began, then remembered he was not supposed to let on she had cried.

"Hermione did what?" asked Ron, trying to sound unconcerned.

"She was really worried, is all," said Harry trying to avoid looking at Ron.

Harry changed the subject, confiding in Ron that his scar had begun to hurt during the night, and that he expected the Daily Prophet to report new attacks.

"Never a dull moment, Huh?" said Ron glumly. "Did you get sick again, because I didn't hear anything."

"No, Mac's lessons seemed to have helped. I woke up and had the pain in my scar, but I could fight it off. Then I went to see Dumbledore."

In the common room they met Ginny and walked to breakfast with her. Hermione was already eating when they came into the Great Hall. Harry looked up at the ceiling which showed a bright blue cloudless sky. They all sat down across from Hermione just as an owl arrived with her newspaper. While Hermione was putting coins into the delivery owl's money pouch, Harry slid the paper toward himself and Ron, spinning it so they could read the headline. "Wizard Usage Fees For Floo Network Services To Increase. Eva Stoneskiss of the Department of Floo control has asked for, and received permission to increase fees for special temporary floo connections beginning in the new year. The fee increase will fund ..." Harry stopped reading and looked at Ron in confusion. He opened the paper, but could find nothing about attacks.

Ron shrugged. "Do you think they didn't hear about it yet?"

"Maybe," said Harry. "Maybe nothing really happened."

"Not likely, Harry," said Ron seriously. "It's happened too many times."

"What are you two on about?" asked Ginny, as she buttered some toast. Harry turned toward her.

"My scar hurt again in the night," said Harry at a whisper. "I was worried that there were more attacks. But there's nothing in The Prophet."

"Your scar hurt?" asked Hermione with concern. "Did you tell..."

"I got up and told Dumbledore straight away," Harry told her quickly.

Ginny looked at his scar in a thoughtful way. "It must be awful to have HIM jumping in and out of your head," Ginny said this very quietly, looked momentarily into his eyes, and then turned back to her breakfast. A sudden feeling of warmth spread through Harry. She understood.

The early breakfast crowd was already queuing up in the corridor near the entrance for the first Hogsmeade trip of the school year. Filch had them all at bay. Then, as Harry watched, he herded the entire group into the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore's pointy hat could be seen moving through the sea of students who were now grouped just inside the door. Once inside, he waved a hand and a wooden box appeared at his feet. He climbed upon it and raised his arms for silence.

"I am sorry to announce that we will not be able to allow students to go into Hogsmeade today. There are security issues. The Ministry has its hands full this morning and can not provide enough aurors for your protection. This means that I cannot allow students off grounds."

There was general moaning and sighs from the group, and they began to disburse. Filch stood guard at the doors as though renegade students were likely to make a break for it against Dumbledore's orders. The headmaster spotted Harry and motioned him over. Harry crossed the room and said "Yes, sir?"

"How are you today, Harry? Any lingering pain"

"No sir, I'm fine," said Harry, "...but, I mean...I thought there would be a story in the newspaper this morning, about last night."

"As did I Harry," said Dumbledore. "I believe the Ministry must have asked The Daily Prophet to keep the story under wraps as it were."

"What happened?" asked Harry.

"Death-eaters attacked a dozen more families. This time the choices seemed rather more political. They chose wizard families who never supported Voldemort."

"Were there any deaths?" Harry asked.

"I'm afraid so." Just then McGonagall came hurrying in and whispered to Dumbledore. "You located her then?" McGonagall nodded solemnly. "Very well." He turned to Harry. "I have to go now and inform another student of a family tragedy. And, again, Harry your warning did help. Take care."

Hermione, Ron and Ginny were watching him closely as he came back and sat at the table. He told them what Dumbledore had said, and the speculation began about who had lost a family member this time.

As they left to return to their common room Harry saw a thestral carriage pulled up near the entrance. A Ravenclaw girl that Harry did not know was weeping, as Professor Flitwick helped her into the carriage.

After another gloomy weekend, Monday classes were almost a relief. Care of Magical Creatures had been better this year than in previous years due to the lack of Draco Malfoy in class. Hagrid had moved on from the Fwooper and was now showing them Chizpurfle's. They were almost too tiny to see. They craved magical items which they would chew through if given the chance. Hagrid had them in sealed jars and warned against letting them out, lest they eat through someone's wand.

Theodore Nott proved to be an interesting character. Ron, Harry and Hermione had discussed his attitude on several occasions. Theodore generally stood off by himself unless he was required to pair up with someone. Then he came and stood near Harry and Ron. Sometimes he paired up with one of them, particularly Harry. He never appeared happy nor did he adopt the typical cocky Slytherin attitude. He just worked quietly.

On this day something different happened. Hagrid had assigned the students to feed the Chizpurfle's some left over potion that Snape was going to dispose of. "The lil devils love this sort a thing. Ya kin let em clean up most any magical mess, as it were," Hagrid explained.

Hermione and Ron took one jar and Harry took another. Theodore quietly asked to join him. As Harry shook the jar studying the little crab like creatures, Nott whispered, "Got some information for you, Potter." Harry looked up, thinking that he misheard.

"What did you say?" he asked

"The first Quidditch match where they're allowing spectators in... I think there'll be trouble at the train platform in Hogsmeade," said Nott, keeping his eyes on the next nearest pair of students.

"What kind of trouble," asked Harry.

"Don't know.....can't say."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I don't want to be thrown out of school, if Dumbledore decides to eliminate Slytherin house. The whole lot have this unreasonable hatred of muggles. I say, leave them alone and they'll leave you alone... "

"I don't think Professor Dumbledore would do that, throw out the Slytherins....I mean, why would he?"

"Maybe not, but I can't get into Gringotts as a curse breaker if I don't complete Hogwarts. My dad's already in Azkaban. I don't need any trouble."

He would say nothing more. Harry told Ron and Hermione the strange conversation on the way back to the castle. Hermione heartily agreed with Theodore's sentiments about staying in school. Harry rather felt she had missed the point. Ron did not miss the point, however. "Great, the match is open to the public, it's the first match of the year, we're playing Slytherin, and something bad is going to happen."

"Guess I'll have to tell someone what Theodore told me," sighed Harry.

Harry was a few minutes late for his first Potions lesson. Harry began apologizing to Mac as soon as he came through the door. Mac, far from being angry, said, "Forget about that boy, tell me about your scar hurting the other night."

"Oh!" Harry said. "Well as soon as I noticed it, I was able to stop it. It worked just like you showed me. Plus, I was able to go and tell Professor Dumbledore about it."

"That's fine!" commented Mac. "I went to see Albus to arrange for you to be tested by Snape, and he mentioned what had happened." Harry's face fell as he anticipated facing off again with the potions master. "No sour faces, young Harry. Professor Dumbledore wishes to be sure you are fully trained. You will do just fine. Simply remember to show no fear. Before you raise your wand, do two things. First, be ready to defend your mind with a spell that you choose ahead of time. Second, you are an open book, Harry. Snape will see your stag immediately so don't let him get that far before deciding to push him out."

Just then the classroom door opened again and Dumbledore entered with Snape behind him. Harry felt a chill run up his spine. "Ahh! Here we are then," said Mac. "I was just explaining to Harry that we want a small test, or quiz if you will, to see how much work he still requires in Occlumency."

Snape's face was stony as he tossed his head to relocate a strand of greasy black hair. "I hope that this is not another waste of time, MacNessa. I do have a class meeting now which I have had to leave in the hands of Madam Hooch." Harry's fear turned to anger. He gritted his teeth and planned his defense spell.

Dumbledore approached Harry and rested a hand upon his shoulder. "Harry, please look into MY eyes," said Dumbledore. "Try to deny me access to your thoughts." Harry felt no fear of Dumbledore and did as he was told. He felt Dumbledore begin to enter his mind and blocked him rather easily. He suspected that Dumbledore had not tried too hard. "I agree with Professor MacNessa that Harry is ready for a proper test, Severus."

"Very well, headmaster. How would you like me to proceed?"

"As you were accustomed to doing last year."

Snape turned toward Harry, "Step out into the room, Potter."

Harry's throat was dry, but he felt ready. He faced Snape and raised his wand. "On three then," said Snape. This time he actually counted to three, before shouting "Legilimens!"

The spell hit him like a shock wave but when his head cleared a bit Harry realized he was actually holding Snape off. Exerting an enormous effort, he forced Snape out. He was about to relax, having achieved the goal, when a fresh assault began. He heard himself shout "Impedimenta!" as he forced Snape out again. Harry staggered backwards. Snape had slammed into the wall. With an evil hiss Snape straightened and purposefully approached Harry again.

"Very good, Harry," said Dumbledore mildly, as he moved forward and lowered Snape's wand with his hand. "I believe you have passed the test. Come Severus, let's relieve Madam Hooch, shall we?"

Harry did not look at Snape as he and Dumbledore left the room. Instead he looked at Mac who was standing with his arms crossed and one hand covering his mouth. Harry could tell he was stifling a laugh. It was far from funny to Harry who was still seething from the second attack. "I fought him off, and then he went and attacked me again!" shouted Harry once Snape was out of ear shot.

"And you still beat him, didn't you?"

"Well, yes...but," Harry's voice trailed off. He had resisted Snape even though Snape tried to trick him. He had done ok.

Mac patted Harry on the back, laughing. "Harry, my boy, we need to begin potions this week. I want to set up a work area for our classes. Based on my discussions with Professor Dumbledore, we are not to call undue attention to this venture. My office is a bit cramped for potion making, so I will have to look around."

Harry immediately thought of the Room of Requirement. No one would be going there and it would provide everything they needed. He guessed that Dumbledore wouldn't mind. Harry explained the room to Mac, who smiled and shook his head. "This castle is quite amazing....full of interesting nooks and crannies." Harry agreed, although he could have done without visiting some of them, such as the Chamber of Secrets. Mac wanted to see the Room of Requirement immediately, so Harry led the way to the seventh floor hall. He checked to make sure the corridors were clear and then walked past three times wishing for a small potions classroom.

Harry opened the door and there was a nice sized room with a large wooden table and two stools. There was also a desk and shelves of potions books. Against the far wall were glass fronted cabinets filled with potions ingredients arranged alphabetically. On the table were two cauldrons, and various potions making tools, such as long handled spoons, a large mortar and pestle, and a brass scale with weights.

"Marvelous!" exclaimed Mac looking around. "This is it then! We'll plan to start tomorrow. Bring whatever you have here with you, your own cauldron, etc... and I will meet you here. In order to protect the secret of the room, we will start class 10 minutes late. That way the halls will be clear," said Mac. "I'll give you a pass so that other teachers don't bother you if you are spotted in the hall." Mac picked up a piece of parchment form the desk and penned a general note, saying Harry was on an errand for Mac and had permission to be in the hall. Harry folded it and put it in an inside pocket of his robes.

Harry had extra time, having been released before the end of class. He decided to do some homework in the common room before dinner. Up in his dormitory he stacked his books on the table next to his bed. It was then that he spotted the book Remus had given him for his birthday. He had yet to read it. It was lying on a low shelf under the table with a light layer of dust.

Harry picked it up and decided he would leaf through it. He owed Remus a letter and he reckoned it would be thoughtful to mention something about the book so Remus would know he really liked it. Harry carried it down to the common room and sunk into a comfortable chair. The book was called "Great Magical Battles". It had a drawing on the cover of two wizards dueling. Harry fanned the pages. Not too many pictures, he thought. So he turned to the table of contents and scanned the list. Many of the battles seemed to have occurred long ago. The Battle of the Brunswick Dragon and Urick the Sad, Goblins versus Giants-The war of 993, and so on. Then an entry caught his eye; The Defeat of Grindelwald the Necromancer. That was the dark wizard Dumbledore had defeated. He had never been told the story of the encounter and was very interested to read about it. Hermione had searched the archives and had been unable to discover a full account of the event to her vexation. She had commented on it several times. Harry made a mental note to show it to her later.

The author of the book first described the rise of Grindelwald. It seemed he was a wizard gifted in divination, drawing his power from the dead. He also raised the dead to be his servants. The book said Grindelwald charmed dead wizards into, what were now called, dementors. Once charmed, these dead beings required the warmth of human emotions to survive. Grindelwald raised 100 of them to serve him in his dark works.

Harry was shocked to learn that the dementors had arisen from Grindelwald. He read on: As Grindelwald grew in power, the Ministry of Magic made many unsuccessful attempts to capture and destroy him. One notable attempt involved an ambush organized by Galen Gadspeed who was the head of the aurors. The ambush was turned against the aurors when Grindelwald learned of the plans through an informant.

A young wizard, Conner MacNessa, who was attached to the attack squad, single-handedly saved ten of his fellow aurors from the violent death that Grindelwald had arranged for the group. Several of the ten were seriously wounded, including Magnus MacDonald, Harold Potter, and Montague Prewitt. MacNessa was later accused of being the informant.

In 1945, Albus Dumbledore, a teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had been working with some of the aurors, and others at the Ministry. There was a plan devised to capture Grindelwald, however, in the end, Grindelwald surprised Dumbledore on a promontory in the Scottish highlands near the school. It was said, although never confirmed, that Dumbledore had received a prophesy that called on him to vanquish Grindelwald. Albus Dumbledore has never recounted the details of the battle, however, it is known that Dumbledore was finally able to encase Grindelwald within a large standing stone. The stone has since been charmed to make it impenetrable in any way. The stone, called The Dagger at Midnight, is known to vibrate under a full moon.

After Grindelwald's capture, the dementors were leaderless and were rounded up. They were convinced to become the guards of Azkaban prison, where they proved useful servants of the Ministry of Magic.

Harry shut the book and stared into space as Gryffindors began to file in after their last class. He barely noticed as he considered what he had just read. It explained how the dementors had come about, and a bit about Dumbledore. However, Harry wondered about Mac knowing his grandfather, Harold Potter. He resolved to write Remus and to ask Mac to tell him more.

Harry used the charmed parchment to write a note to Remus.

Dear Remus,

Have you seen that the Quidditch match will be open to the public? Will you come? (Theodore Nott who is in Slytherin warned me that there might be trouble at the Hogsmeade train station the day of the match. I don't know him very well but he says he's worried about Hogwarts closing if there's trouble.)

I have been reading the book you gave me for my birthday. It is very interesting. (Professor MacNessa was in a battle with Grindelwald where lots of wizards were killed. It doesn't tell what happened after that. I think my grandfather was there too. Do you know anything?)

I got a good score on a quiz the other day. (I was able to keep Snape out of my mind using Occlumency. I even kept Professor Dumbledore out, but I don't think he fought me too hard.)

Write soon,

Harry

Harry reviewed what he had written and charmed the parchment to hide the parts he didn't want seen. Then he went to the owlry and attached the letter to Hedwig who immediately lifted up and winged toward the sunset.

The next morning Hedwig soared through the Great Hall during breakfast and landed gently on Harry's shoulder. Remus had replied to Harry's letter very promptly. It made Harry feel rather embarrassed that he was not writing more often. He retrieved Remus' letter and patted Hedwig's snowy feathers. She pecked his ear, affectionately and took off for the owlry. There was no sense reading the letter here. Harry would need to un-charm it first. So he deposited it into his bag.

Harry rushed through the remainder of his meal and then excused himself. He hurried off to the dormitory where he pried off the seal and opened the letter. Then he tapped it saying "I solemnly swear I am up to no good," and watched the text form on the page.

Hi Harry,

Yes, I heard about the open match. I wouldn't miss it! You know how much I love Quidditch. (Thanks for the tip about Hogsmeade station. It matches with other things we have picked up. We are very concerned about what made Fudge and Bagman decide on such a dangerous plan. They can't seem to make any progress catching the escaped death eaters, and the dementors are still at large. The Ministry is planning some extra security; we hope it will be enough.)

I'm glad you are enjoying the book. (I had forgotten MacNessa's connection to Grindelwald. MacNessa was accused of being the informant who was responsible for the ambush of the aurors. Instead of capturing Grindelwald, it turned into the largest massacre of aurors that ever occurred. I believe that more than 20 died.

The thing is, Harry, it was MacNessa who is credited with saving the remaining 10 wizards. He was wounded himself. I don't recall who else was a part of that maneuver. Your grandfather certainly could have been there. The story goes that Dumbledore spoke in MacNessa's favor before the Wizengamot and he was absolved of any wrong doing, but then he resigned anyway, and sort of disappeared. There were rumors that he was un-stable, however, his friends always speak highly of him. This could be half fact and half fiction. I'll try to find out more. If you have any problem with him, see Dumbledore at once, and write me.)

Great job on the quiz, keep up the good work.

Yours truly,

Remus

Dumbledore arranged to meet Harry in the entrance hall on Monday afternoon before Halloween. Harry was to be allowed to skip his afternoon classes to attend the reading of will at Gringotts bank in London.

How are we going to get to Diagon Alley?" asked Harry when Dumbledore joined him.

"I thought we would apparate. Here is your permit, Harry," handing him an official looking parchment with many seals and stamps affixed. "Under the terms of the permit, you must have a teacher with you. I believe the ministry will find me acceptable. Do you feel up to it?"

"Yes sir!" Harry said enthusiastically. He had not had chance to apparate since his last lesson and he was very keen to have a go.

"Let's go then," Dumbledore led the way to the Defense Against The Dark Arts classroom. "Harry, how is Quidditch coming this year?"

"We have a really good team this year..." Harry began.

Dumbledore indicated Mac's office, so Harry stepped inside. He figured that they were going to apparate from the workroom. "And what does the team think about the upcoming match?" asked Dumbledore as he shut the door.

"Umm...we decided to just practice the same as always," said Harry, taking up some floo powder.

"You first," said Dumbledore. Harry stepped into the fireplace and said "workroom". Dumbledore arrived in the workroom a moment after he did. "Wonderful room, this," said Dumbledore. Harry noticed that the furniture was arranged a bit differently now.

"Professor, where is this room?" Harry asked.

"Ahh! Harry," said Dumbledore, with sparkling eyes. "I can only tell you that it's come in quite handy on any number of occasions. I can not divulge its location."

"Did you use it last year, when Fudge made you leave the school?" asked Harry who was beginning to catch on.

"Very perceptive Harry," Dumbledore laughed, but said no more. "Please apparate over to the corner of the room and back just to make certain you are ready for the trip."

Harry did as he was told and received a "well done," from Dumbledore.

"Do you recall room eleven in the Leaky Cauldron, where you stayed three years ago before term began?"

"Yes sir."

"That will be our Apparition spot. I do not want any undue attention paid to our arrival, and you are not familiar with the regular apparition location for Diagon Alley; therefore, we will use room eleven which I have pre-arranged with Tom, the proprietor. Let's apparate on the count of three."

Within seconds Harry was choosing his landing spot near the fireplace in room eleven. Dumbledore was right next to him as he re-appeared.

"Good," said Dumbledore. "Now let's go find Remus."

At the bottom of the stairs, Remus was standing and chatting with Tom. At the sight of Dumbledore, Tom's eyes lit up. "Professor, how good to see you again, sir, and of, course, you too Mr. Potter." Dumbledore shook Tom's hand and then led the way into Diagon Alley.

As they walked along toward Gringotts, many witches and wizards nodded or tipped their hats to Dumbledore. Some stopped and spoke with him. For his part, Professor Dumbledore remarked on the various things displayed in the windows of the shops. "My, what an extraordinary hat, I wonder does it come in green?" , "I can't recall ever seeing a newt with spikes on its tail like that one." or "I must see about getting one of those planetary clocks everyone is raving about." In front of a sweets shop, Dumbledore spotted a display of various candies. Pointing in the general direction he remarked to Remus, "They still sell it. Perhaps we should revive the old signal." Harry was about to ask what Dumbledore meant but they had just reached the front steps of Gringotts Bank.

A goblin named Mr. Oddwerf was waiting in the lobby to greet them. He wore a tidy looking black velvet jacket and a grey striped tie. He had the black, beady, little eyes that seemed characteristic of goblins. He had an assistant who stood slightly behind him, holding a large pile of documents.

Everyone shook hands as Oddwerf explained that he was in charge of all the high profile accounts. Harry was not sure what that meant, but it did not seem the right time or place to ask. They were led to a separate room with a large table and chairs arranged around it. Mr. Oddwerf asked everyone to take their seats. "Any banking questions before we begin?" asked Oddwerf, rubbing his hands together.

Harry had a sudden thought. He tapped Dumbledore's arm. "Sir, I want to pay Dobby, but I don't know how to do it." Dumbledore smiled warmly at Harry.

"Mr. Oddwerf, please establish an account under the name "Dobby, house-elf" and please transfer, oh, say, two galleons per week from Mr. Potter's vault into that account." Dumbledore turned to Harry, "It should suffice, he will not take more, I've tried," he said with a smile.

"It's fine but could it be "house manager" instead of "house-elf"?"

"Certainly," said Dumbledore, looking to Oddwerf for his agreement.

"As you wish, Mr. Potter," said Oddwerf coolly. Harry thought perhaps Oddwerf was not very interested in such a small account. He did seem rather offended.

Harry felt uncomfortable. He was not sure how to act and he knew that he was about to hear will. As he felt he was responsible for death, it seemed wrong that he should benefit in some way from his death. Harry was roused from these thoughts by Mr. Oddwerf who seemed to be trying to engage him in friendly "chit-chat". "Who is your favorite Quidditch team, son?"

"Uhmm, I don't really have a favorite," replied Harry. He was becoming more and more depressed as the moment of the reading approached.

Mr. Oddwerf seemed to decide to dispense with further small talk and get down to business. "The purpose of this meeting is to lay out the terms and the codicils of the will of Sirius Black esquire. Mr. Sirius Black, drafted a will two years ago, under the standard wizard confederation rules, used an acceptable wizard witness, one Remus Lupin present here, and magically sealed the will in the prescribed way." Mr. Oddwerf, indicated a roll of parchment with several colored seals closing it. "I have the document here. Sirius Black died under questionable circumstances, but in front of a substantial number of witnesses, making it perfectly legal and proper. Based upon the sworn statements of Mr. Albus Dumbledore and Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mr. Sirius Black has been pronounced dead. According to standard convention, the will itself has remained sealed until now. We are, of course, aware that the parties to the will are assembled in this room. We have an inventory list with a designation of who will inherit because we were assigned by the terms of the codicil to make sure of the on-going management of said property. This reading is, then, simply a formality. I have taken the liberty to assemble lists of the known assets and relevant information here," he put his hand on a file. Harry was fairly confused about what was being said, however Dumbledore was sitting quietly with a benign look on his face, so Harry tried to relax. "I suggest we proceed with the reading of the will itself."

Staring at the sealed parchment scroll, Harry felt a good deal of anxiety. "Wands out then please," said Mr. Oddwerf. Remus brought out his wand and he nudged Harry who seemed not to understand. Remus whispered to Harry that he needed his wand too. Harry fumbled for his wand, laying it on the table. "Please touch the parchment with your wand and speak your name. Please, in unison." Oddwerf spoke very slowly and clearly. Once the three of them had spoken their names while touching the document, the scroll rose off the table, and in a shower of blue sparks, unrolled itself then drifted back down to the table.

Mr. Oddwerf picked up the document and began to read through the standard Latin text, which included declarations of validity, and rightness of mind, etc... Eventually he arrived at the key items. "As to the disbursement of property, the will reads thus: All my worldly goods, holdings, properties, and assets, at my death shall go to my godson, Harry James Potter. In the event that Harry James Potter is not of age at the time of my demise, I ask, and do appoint Mr. Remus Lupin and Mr. Albus Dumbledore as guardians of the estate."

"Finally I make the following statement for the benefit of Harry James Potter only." Mr. Oddwerf passed the document to Harry, who took it and tried to see Sirius' message. "Take your wand, boy, and touch the paper, just there," Mr. Oddwerf pointed. Harry did as he was told, and a small smoky figure swirled up out of the document and began to speak. The figure was that of Sirius Black.

"If you are accessing this message, Harry, it means that I am dead. All I can say is, I hope I went down killing death eaters and not stepping off a curb in London traffic." He laughed, with his old barking laugh, at his joke and then continued. "Harry, you are the finest young man I have ever met. I owe you my life...and not just the time I've had since you saved me from the dementor, but the quality of that life. You gave me a reason to want to live and to care about someone again. You do your parents credit in every way. Your father and mother loved you dearly, and gave their lives to protect you. I, in turn would do the same for you, in memory of my long friendship with your father. You've been dealt a devilishly bad hand Harry, and there's no denying it. With the terms of this will you should not want for anything in your lifetime, except perhaps the comfort of family. Harry, go out, fall in love, have a family of your own. I spent far too long alone. These past few years with you in my life were very special to me. I hope they were for you as well. So, it's goodbye my boy. See you on the other side."

The smoky image vanished, leaving Harry feeling shaky. He turned away from the men, trying to avoid the emotions that were welling up inside him. Mr. Oddwerf took the cue to talk for a few minutes until Harry could re-gain his composure. Harry wished he could simply be alone just now, but he wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his robe, and turned back toward the table.

"Mr. Potter, I will be providing you with a complete listing of assets." Harry nodded, not looking up. "You understand that Mr. Lupin here and Mr. Dumbledore will continue to manage your properties and gold until you are of age?" Harry nodded. Oddwerf was shuffling the papers in disgust. "Where has that boy put the lists?" he said to himself.

Mr. Oddwerf excused himself to find the missing documents. They were left to wait at the table. Harry sat there trying to steady his breathing as a new thought hit him. Blood was pounding in his ears. "Sir?" asked Harry, turning to Dumbledore, with the fear that comes from knowing the answer but hoping you are wrong, "Would my parents have had a will?" Harry didn't care a thing for the property or gold. He had far more than he could imagine at this moment, but he ached to have a talking message from his mother and father like the one Sirius left.

He saw clearly the look of pity and sorrow in the eyes of Dumbledore and Remus as he looked at each in turn. Dumbledore gave a sigh. "Harry, there was a will but it did not include a message such as you just saw. It was a simple statement of the distribution of property. You must understand that your parents were young and healthy and strong. They didn't anticipate dying together and leaving you alone." Dumbledore paused, "However, since we are at it, you may as well have those documents transferred to your vault. I will speak to Mr. Oddwerf." Dumbledore left the room, shutting the heavy door with a thud. Harry felt as though the air had been kicked out of him. He felt empty, alone and totally spent.

Then there was a hand upon his arm. Harry looked over at Remus but the man said nothing, just smiled weakly and shook his head. Really, what was there to say?

Mr. Oddwerf and Dumbledore returned in a few minutes. The goblin held a large bundle of papers which he deposited on the table. Some were old and dog-eared, some crisp and flat. There was one small bundle that was folded and tied with a soiled red ribbon. Mr. Oddwerf officiously sorted and restacked the pile, bringing order to chaos as they watched.

"Now then," he said "Here are the documents related to the Sirius Black will. I would suggest storing them in your vault." Harry now knew what was expected. He nodded. "This next lot is the accounting of the assets of Sirius Black which are to be transferred to you. Mr. Black left behind a house in London, location unknown... how inconvenient! And a manor house in Scotland. In addition, there was a large fortune in gold, slightly in excess of 500,000 galleons. Perhaps a slightly larger vault? One nearer a dragon?" asked Oddwerf.

Harry looked at him blankly. He began to open his mouth, but Remus spoke up. "I think the present one will do, don't you think?"

"Your vault is sufficient in size to house the gold and other items such as gems, but perhaps not all the miscellaneous magical effects that now pass to you. The property decree of Mr. Black recommended that the whole lot be destroyed. What is your preference? Shall we move them?" Harry nodded again, however Dumbledore put his hand on Harry's arm, "What magical items?"

"Here is an inventory we have produced," said Mr. Oddwerf sliding a piece of parchment to Dumbledore.

Dumbledore studied the list, occasionally saying "Hummm" and "Yes, I see" several times. "Harry, if you don't mind I would like Arthur and Remus to check these items before moving them to your vault. Some of these things could be rather dangerous. If I am not mistaken, this one is illegal," said Dumbledore, pointing out a line to Mr. Oddwerf. Mr. Oddwerf adopted a shocked expression which seemed more for show than anything else. "Why, I'm sure you will find all is perfectly in order, but should you need to dispose of anything....please let me know. Dragon fire will eliminate most problem items."

He looked back down at the piles. "This pile represents your parents will." Harry looked up with more interest this time. "It is a very standard, form document, which was made out here, at the bank, and signed by them." Harry took the document from Oddwerf carefully and lifted the corner of the parchment pages so he could see their signatures on the last page. He briefly ran his hand over the old dry ink.

"This is the listing of property and other assets, including gold which passed to you Mr. Potter, from your parents. From the estate of your parents, you have inherited two properties. The Potter family home and Godric's Hollow, newly rebuilt 15 years ago. Each is currently earning income, being in rent. There was also miscellaneous gold. From his paternal grandfather he had been bequeathed 20,000 Galleons per year from various on-going income producing investments."

"The value of the investments at sale is estimated at 500,000 galleons. Albus Dumbledore's signature indicates that the latest offer to purchase has been rejected. Smart move, really," said Mr. Oddwerf. "The boy has plenty of income and can decide when he is of age, how to handle the houses." Oddwerf slid the list to Harry. He glanced at the papers, not really seeing them. As he was about to push them back something caught his eye. "What is Godric's Hollow?" he asked.

"Harry, Godric's Hollow was your parents' house. It belongs to you. It was severely damaged the night Voldemort killed your parents. We had it repaired," said Dumbledore.

"It's where I got my scar then," asked Harry, staring at the table.

"Yes," responded Dumbledore.

"And finally," said Mr. Oddwerf trying to pick up the pace. "This is a bundle of correspondence that is part of the Sirius Black will." He slid a bundle, tied with the red ribbon, to Harry.

"I think it would be best to store all the other documents in Harry's vault," said Dumbledore. "Do you agree?" he looked at Harry who nodded again.

"Well then, thank you Mr. Oddwerf, and good day," said Dumbledore, rising and shaking the goblin's gnarled hand.

Harry followed suit putting the bundle of letters under his arm.

Harry walked along behind Remus and Dumbledore, through Diagon Alley in a fog: his thoughts, a messy blur of sadness, hopelessness and loss. How did possessions ever make up for losing someone you cared about? As he trailed along he turned the bundle of letters over in his hands. There appeared to be ten or twelve letters written in a variety of hands. He fanned through them absently. The last one made him halt. To: Sirius Black, From: Lily Potter. It was dated October 31, 1981. Harry realized that was the day his parents had died. He stuffed the bundle inside his robes and ran to catch up with Dumbledore and Remus. He wanted to get back to Hogwarts and find a quiet spot to read the letter his mum had written to his godfather on the day of her death.