- Rating:
- PG-13
- House:
- Schnoogle
- Ships:
- Draco Malfoy/Original Female Witch Harry Potter/Nymphadora Tonks Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley Original Female Witch/Severus Snape
- Characters:
- Draco Malfoy Albus Dumbledore Harry Potter Original Female Witch Severus Snape Lord Voldemort
- Genres:
- Drama General
- Era:
- The Harry Potter at Hogwarts Years
- Spoilers:
- Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Order of the Phoenix Half-Blood Prince Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them J.K. Rowling Interviews or Website
- Stats:
-
Published: 06/09/2003Updated: 03/09/2006Words: 246,177Chapters: 39Hits: 170,449
The Awakening of a Magus
the-dreamer
- Story Summary:
- In the summer after the Triwizard Tournament, Harry suddenly awakens to new powers and a new look. However, the powers of a Magus aren't so easy to control, and they don't make life easy. Voldemort is much more powerful than ever. Some new characters come into the picture, some old characters will not survive, and other old characters will learn a new outlook. No slash, O/C but no Mary-Sue, light R/Hr ship, possible other light ships, lite Harry/Tonks
Chapter 56
- Chapter Summary:
- In the summer after the Triwizard Tournament, Harry suddenly awakens to new powers and a new look. However, the powers of a Magus aren't so easy to control, and they don't make life easy. Voldemort is much more powerful than ever. Some new characters come into the picture, some old characters will not survive, and other old characters will learn a new outlook. No slash, O/C but no Mary-Sue, light R/Hr ship, other light ships, some Harry/Tonks.
- Posted:
- 10/22/2005
- Hits:
- 7,414
- Author's Note:
- Author Notes and Local Canon (spells and characters of the 'Harry Magus' universe added to the 'Harry Potter' universe) can be found on website helena.whitaker.name . (warning ... local spoilers on website.)
The Awakening of a Magus
Chapter 56 - Fri, Aug 11 - Day 22
Assassins and Aristocrats
Ragnok was not the leader of his people for nothing. He knew that the mind and power that had flowed through him was far beyond even what his friend Dumbledore could have accomplished. "Rise youngling. There was need and I take no offense. It was, after all, on my behalf. Unless Novice Griphook asks for more, your apology and healing should be sufficient compensation." As Harry stood, gesturing his acceptance and gratitude for the goblin's decision, Ragnok's face shifted into a rather frightening grin. With a penetrating glance into the slightly glowing emerald eyes of The-Boy-Who-Lived, he said, "Before we face the enemy, you would do well to take your other form, Darius. That is, if you wish to keep your secrets a little while longer."
Harry was stunned for a moment, then glared at Dumbledore, who was laughing harder than Harry had ever seen him. "Fine, laugh. Just be glad I cast a privacy charm when we arrived, or the game would be over with those imposters out there." Looking thoughtfully at the Goblin leader, he nodded, this time unconsciously in the manner of equals. The next moment, Darius stood in Harry's place, then bowed saying, "I am at your service, High One. What are your orders in this matter?"
Ragnok smiled in acknowledgement. "I am grateful for your alliance, Lord Magus," startling Harry with the honor paid. "Though you have managed to refrain from asking how I guessed, I will quickly explain. Goblin-kind is totally immune to human magic affecting the mind: the Imperius, Obliviate, Legilimency, Veritaserum, none work on a goblin. For mental contact to occur between a human and goblin requires that both be very powerful and requires extensive preparation and cooperation. It is impossible for a human, or even another goblin, to make mental contact as you did. There was only one answer ... the epitome of impossibility, a Magus. But now, we plan," he concluded with finality.
The three sat to quickly discuss the situation. When Ragnok suggested mental consultation via Justus and Griphook to include Snorlax, Dumbledore warned Ragnok that Justus Clearwater did not yet know Harry's secret. With a glance at Darius giving him leave to listen, Ragnok sent a careful message to Griphook. /- Caution, Griphook. Deductions regarding Potter? -/
Griphook's eyes widened, and he asked for a private word with Snorlax. Speaking softly in Gobbledegook, and hiding their gestures from Clearwater, they agreed that the powers that Potter demonstrated were beyond any wizard they had known ... the mind-contact, bypassing the wards ... Griphook responded only a few moments later. /- Magus power. Potter Magus or false Potter? -/
/- Potter Magus. Secret from human. Prime secret, -/ ordered the Goblin leader. "Lord Magus, I ask for a temporary mindspeech link, if you are able, among the six of us for the duration of this incident."
Both Dumbledore and Darius were shocked at the level of trust this request implied. Darius began by initializing a short-range link between Dumbledore and Ragnok, with only slight shuffling to adjust the link to handle the mix of human and goblin. The next step was contacting Clearwater, shifting his mental voice so he seemed different from Harry Potter. Clearwater then verbally warned Griphook and Snorlax of Ragnok's request, whereupon the two goblins were added to the unprecedented mindspeech circuit of three humans and three goblins. The planning proceeded at high speed among the linked beings.
They decided that the outer office should be carefully cleared of all but the two imposters, and that a guard should be placed outside the suite to direct people away. Currently, besides the fake Dumbledore and Bagman, the outer office held Ragnok's secretary, a young witch, and two goblins. While Dumbledore and Darius hid invisibly, Ragnok summoned his secretary into the inner office.
When Longaxe rose to answer his leader's summons, he had to turn back to the overanxious humans, saying in English "Not yet. Soon." Closing the connecting door at his leader's signal, he bowed as usual, shifting to his native language. "Your orders, High One?" His eyes widened as he took in Ragnok's battle garb and Ragnok's gesture, which signaled 'Battle Alert'.
Ragnok quickly explained the situation, signaling Dumbledore and Darius to reappear. Longaxe was instructed to escort the goblins out of the office, telling the humans that Ragnok would be out very shortly. "Be cautious, but it is likely the imposters will only understand speech and not gesture. Darius has confirmed they are using a Translation Charm." Longaxe was also instructed to meet with Snorlax, who was on his way to Ragnok's office, surveying the facility and engaging alerts and alarms as he progressed.
Griphook was supposedly escorting Clearwater to Goblin Legal Affairs, but was actually trying to find Cragmire. They had decided that the traitorous goblin would likely remain at the bank so as not to arouse suspicion. Once he was found, they would decide what action to take, based on where he was found and his behavior.
Darius contacted Bill Weasley and actually Apparated him from the lower levels of the bank to just outside Ragnok's office. It was arranged that he would lead away the young witch, who was waiting for a final job interview with Ragnok as a curse-breaker. Bill had met the woman earlier in the interview process, so he should be able to convince her of some last minute change in the schedule. Bill would then station himself outside Ragnok's office to direct everyone away.
Thirteen minutes after Cragmire had announced the two disguised wizards, the outer office had only two occupants, the connecting door opened, and Ragnok's voice was heard in Gobbledegook, "I am ready for you, gentlemen. Shall we conclude our business?"
The false Dumbledore was quite adept at mimicking the headmaster's mannerisms and voice, though even Polyjuice Potion couldn't duplicate the trademark twinkle. He answered in the Goblin tongue, but was unaware of Goblin gestures, something that would have given him away then and there if his charade hadn't already been known. "Greetings, High One. I have brought someone that I believe you have been searching for." He had one hand on the false Bagman's arm. Both wizards had their free hand in their robe pockets, which held quite an assortment of dangerous toys; their wands were in forearm holsters waiting for the right moment. They were totally shocked when the apparently empty doorway flared with a purple light, preventing their entrance. Then they heard the familiar voice of the Hogwarts Headmaster coming from Ragnok's office.
"Harris Richards, I believe? I will admit that your acting gifts are quite as good as ever. But, I am surprised that a Ravenclaw such as yourself would make not one, but two serious errors ... no, make that three. You failed to ascertain the location of the person you were impersonating, you failed to learn the gestures associated with the Goblin language, and you accepted an assignment from an employer with a reputation for detesting wizards." Dumbledore's voice held an icy edge to its almost-casual tone. He appeared to be unarmed as he stepped into view, though Ragnok was anything but unarmed, standing in classic Goblin battle armor, long knife drawn, and several other weapons fastened about his small but powerful frame.
The moment the two heard Dumbledore's voice, they knew they were in trouble. They drew their wands in one hand, and fumbled in their pockets among the devices for the portkeys Cragmire had provided.
Another voice came from behind them, a silky baritone, soft but clear. "If you value your lives, you won't try to use those sabotaged portkeys." With a gesture, Darius summoned the portkeys toward him, but did not touch either one. He let one drop to a side table, the other onto a chair. Once he was sure the two wizards were watching, he invoked them with the triggering word he had found in their surface thoughts, "Crucible." With a sputtering sound, light appeared to warp around the two pieces of furniture, then half of each disappeared, leaving the remainder twisted beyond recognition. "Cragmire hates humans, you know, and he didn't want any witnesses to his involvement in an attempted assassination."
Fake-Dumbledore snarled, an expression Darius had never seen on the face of the original wizard. He sent a wordless curse at Darius and with his other hand, tossed several snitch-sized metal objects with the trigger-word "Firefight!"
Darius had already put up powerful shields in the outer office. He absorbed the wanded curse and threw up a shield to surround the cluster of Curse Grenades. These were 'simple' high explosives, which detonated within the purple orb that now contained them. Even contained, the shock-waves from the explosions rattled the entire office and, surprisingly, seemed to rattle the two assassins. "Ah, I see. You didn't know just how damaging they were, did you? Perhaps your supplier didn't want to see you return after this mission."
Fake-Bagman had sent a remarkably powerful set of curses at the doorway, trying to attack Dumbledore and Ragnok. He, in turn, tossed a different set of Curse Grenades with the key word "Decimate," hoping the shield would only block magic, and not the ingeniously shielded devices. The Curse Grenades did not trigger dark detectors because they were simply metal containers with a passive shielding spell. They were voice-activated, using Muggle technology, to open and release the dark magic stored within. The 'Firefight' grenades were simple destructive explosives; however, the 'Decimate' grenades were much more devious, more lethal. They released a combination of a fast-spreading, contagious curse plus a lethal gaseous potion ... lethal only to goblins. They caused no damage to any other race, or to anything non-living.
Though the assassins didn't realize, these weapons were designed to not only kill one Goblin leader, they were meant to kill half the goblins currently present in Gringotts. The two fools had been caught in the middle of something much bigger than they knew. Cragmire did not mean for them to survive, and their weapons supplier set them up to cause tremendous destruction to both the Gringotts facility and the Goblin race, destruction they would likely not survive.
The false Bagman's spells were absorbed by the Magus shield in the doorway. The Curse Grenades bounced off at various angles. The moment they opened, Darius was horrified at the contents. He quickly sent a thought-burst to Dumbledore and Ragnok with his Scan results. Dumbledore erected his most powerful shield around Ragnok, going so far as to carefully draw through the Mentor bond from the energy reserves of the Magus to sustain the shield. Wand at the ready, Dumbledore stalked through the doorway as though the shield didn't exist, his aura blazing with anger that few had ever seen and lived to tell about. As Darius focused all his tremendous powers on containing and neutralizing the lethal contents of the Curse Grenades, Dumbledore disarmed, silenced, and immobilized the two assassins. He summoned any remaining weapons from within their robes with a generic Accio, finding several more of both types of devices, which he encased in a combination protection spell and privacy charm to prevent further voice-activation.
Darius had contained the lethal contents of the devices, but was still examining the magic in order to properly counteract them. He heard Ragnok's mind-voice ask /- Weapons contained? -/ in the short-speech used in Goblin mental communications. Remembering then that normal conversation was possible within a Magus linkage, he continued, / - Do we evacuate, Lord Magus? -/
/- The curses are contained, but not yet disabled. Evacuation will not be necessary. If I can't totally counteract them very soon, I'll take the lot to a secluded area, and deal with them there, -/ answered the Magus, struggling to control his fury and outrage so he could focus on the task at hand. "Wait, I think I have part of it," he muttered in English. First, the metallic containers dissolved into silvery dust, which then faded to nothingness. Then the sickly-green sparks representing the contagious curse flared, shifting to bright white before dissipating within the faintly-purple transparent shielding. The red-orange gas remained unaffected for a few moments, then began swirling furiously. It condensed into blood-red droplets that gave the impression of being a powerful acid. As the droplets fell to the bottom of the spherical shielding, they sizzled as they splashed onto the solid-energy, finally being absorbed completely. Darius suddenly realized he had hardly been breathing while he worked, and took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself, or at least control himself. It would be too easy to torture or destroy them with a thought. Not only would that be wrong of me, but we need information from them. They planned a 'simple' assassination ... they didn't realize they were meant to begin a genocide.
Though Darius was thinking to himself, his Mentor overheard, and Dumbledore's own fury at the assassins and their weapons supplier was tempered by the overwhelming pride he felt as his heart-child successfully struggled to do what was right, not what was easy ... all too easy for such a powerful man. Now that the danger was over, Dumbledore released the protections around Ragnok and his power tap to the Magus.
As the shielding in the doorway also faded, Ragnok strode out to face the assassins, speaking in English to ensure they understood. "Chief Warlock, Lord Magus, I ask that all spells be removed from these two. I would see the true faces of my enemies. It is one thing to wish to assassinate me ... such things are a part of leadership among my people and can be expected and understood, even when not ... appreciated. But to endanger Gringotts and my people as a whole, that is totally unacceptable." He waited as Dumbledore released his spells (though keeping their wands) and Darius countered the Polyjuice Potion and the Translation Charm. Ragnok sent a mental message to Snorlax, who had just arrived outside the office.
Snorlax, Longaxe, and Bill Weasley entered, all giving warrior greetings to the Goblin leader and awaiting his instructions. Bill glanced at Darius and Dumbledore, then noticed that he recognized one of the prisoners. "Moustafa? Graduated to assassination, have you," he stated with disgust. At the questioning looks he received, he explained. "I ran across this one, Ahmed Moustafa when I was working in Egypt. He and his sister, Aziza used to run scams on the human Gringotts employees. They hate goblins with a passion, and 'goblin-collaborators' only a little less, whether fellow-Egyptians or foreigners."
"Well, these two, and their colleagues when we track them down, will be subject to Goblin justice for their crimes," stated Dumbledore with all the authority of his positions as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards.
Richards, the former fake-Dumbledore, seemed panicked. "What do you mean? Just call the Aurors ... we'll cut a deal, we were just doing a job, nothing personal ... what do you want to know? I'm a British Wizard and demand to be in the custody of the Ministry."
"Oh, that's not an option, Richards," commented the Magus with an uncharacteristic vengeful smirk, seeing that they had no remorse over the genocidal weapons they had used. "You never paid attention to Wizarding-Goblin Treaties, apparently." At Dumbledore's faint smile and raised eyebrow, he sent, /- Yeah, well I may have slept through most of Binns' lectures, but some of it sank in, Hermione made us study, and I've been researching quite a lot lately. -/ "First, we have attempted murder within Gringotts. This facility and all Gringotts branches are considered Goblin territory. The Goblin people have first right of prosecution for any crimes committed here. In addition, you used racially-specific weapons, which were first banned by a treaty, oh, about fifteen hundred years ago. Every Wizarding-Goblin treaty since has reiterated the ban on racially-specific weapons, which I think was first introduced to protect humans, but also protects the goblins. So, we have a major treaty violation and diplomatic incident on our hands. The Ministry might be called in after Ragnok and his people are finished with you ... if there's anything left of you to deal with. Oh, and that information you wanted to cut a deal with? I've already read both your surface thoughts and all memories related to this mission. Aziza's husband, Hussein al Azad will be found and detained for producing those Curse Grenades that Moustafa used ... your brother-in-law must be very mad at you for some reason, Ahmed ... you were set up. You have nothing to negotiate with, and I, for one, am not inclined to petition Ragnok for mercy on your behalf."
The sound of struggles could be heard outside the partly open outer office door. The door was pushed aside by an alert, wand-holding Justus Clearwater, allowing Griphook to drag in a furious and terrified, bound and gagged Cragmire. A bruised Griphook threw the traitorous Cragmire to the floor at the feet of their High One. The justifiably proud Novice Warrior bowed and gestured to his Supreme Commander and the First of the Diamond Cohort, reporting quickly in Gobbledegook on the capture of "he who has dishonored his name and bloodline."
Ragnok looked with disgust at the cowering goblin. "I would probe your mind for all the details of your treason, but I have no wish to experience the lingering mental contact with such as you." Pausing a moment, he asked, "Lord Magus, would you be able to sever the contact when I finish?"
"Yes, or I could perform the examination on your behalf," answered Darius formally.
"No, your examination would be painless," Ragnok answered with a terrifying smile. "He deserves the pain that my examination will produce." Deliberately making no attempt to be gentle, the chief goblin, then and there, sent a crushing mental probe into the prisoner's mind. The wizards present were stunned to witness the rare scene of a goblin shrieking and convulsing in agony. It was reminiscent of the effects of the Cruciatus Curse on a wizard, for those who had knowledge of that sight. Ragnok suddenly broke eye contact, kicking the prisoner away from him. "Your associates will face the same," he snarled. Ragnok met the eyes of the Magus, locking his gaze with the powerful wizard. After a few moments, he relaxed with a sigh of relief as his connection to Cragmire was dissolved, then gestured his gratitude to an honored equal.
The Goblin Security Squad that had arrived during Cragmire's interrogation had remained impassive, guarding the two Wizarding prisoners. As they took custody of Cragmire, they were startled at the honor their leader paid to those humans they had been instructed were allies. Before departing with the prisoners for the detention area deep within the Gringotts tunnels, they awaited dismissal by their commanders. Receiving their orders, they took their leave with precisely appropriate gestures and phrases, followed by respectful leavetaking directed at the human allies.
Ragnok ordered Snorlax, "Diamond First, the prisoners can wait. Remain here. Longaxe, reschedule the disrupted appointments beginning one hour from now. The rest of you, a debriefing in my office, if you will."
/- Lord Magus, -/ sent Ragnok to Darius in particular, /- according to Novice Griphook, your advisor acquitted himself well on behalf of my people. May I recommend that he be taken into your confidence? He is, I believe, the only one present who is not aware of your identity. -/
/- Well, from the way he is looking at me, he suspects something, -/ acknowledged Darius. /- He is quite intelligent, observant, and an expert in human body language. I sense that Albus agrees with you. Thank you for your recommendation, High One. -/
"I can see that my secrets will not be secret for much longer," sighed Darius, glancing with a smile at Justus Clearwater. "I keep finding myself in these ... situations, and am not really very good at deception. Mr. Clearwater, I sense your suspicions, and will confirm for you that you are correct." A moment later, Harry Potter sat where Darius had just been, bringing a soft smile of satisfaction to the solicitor's face. Addressing Ragnok, he continued, "Shall I disengage the mindspeech linkage now that the incident is concluded?" At Ragnok's nod and gesture, the wizard-goblin mindspeech circuit was dissolved. As it faded, so too did the remnants of the connection between Ragnok and Griphook. The earlier link among Harry, Dumbledore, and Clearwater remained.
Slipping back into Gobbledegook, there was a short discussion in which each person present reported the details of their part of the 'operation'. Bill Weasley was dismissed back to his normal duties, with a promise of a bonus for going above and beyond banking duties to assist in a warrior operation. Ragnok then expressed his gratitude to a surprised Clearwater for the man's cooperation and assistance, naming him Goblin Ally. Then, with meticulous formality, Ragnok asked, "Lord Magus, Chief Warlock, Honored Ally, will you stand witness for what is to come?" The three wizards solemnly accepted and stood to face the goblins, waiting with barely concealed curiosity.
Ragnok signaled Snorlax who stood and directed Griphook to kneel. "Novice Griphook, your service today has been exemplary, your actions and achievements beyond the expectations of your duty and rank." Snorlax gestured with his long knife in a complicated pattern around the surprised and happy young goblin before him. Griphook glanced between the other goblins and a narrow gold band that had appeared on his left wrist, displaying a single tiny but perfect diamond. The First of the Diamond Cohort announced, "Rise Apprentice Warrior Griphook. I will be notifying Junior Trainer Talmark of the Diamonds that you will be assigned to his unit as of today."
The High One of the Goblin people, Supreme Commander of the Goblin warriors, smiled proudly at the young goblin, saying, "Congratulations Apprentice. You have my personal gratitude for your dedication, initiative, judgment, and cooperation with an important ally. Well done. Report to your trainer at sunset; you are relieved of all duties until then."
As Griphook prepared to depart, Harry gestured, requesting permission to speak. At Ragnok's consent, Harry said, "Apprentice Warrior Griphook, I offer recompense for intruding on your mind without your consent. Though I believe that circumstances required it, it still represents a violation."
The young goblin was at first surprised, then recalled his earlier impressions of this wizard. "You do me honor, Lord Magus. I require nothing of you. Your earlier apology and your healing of my mind and body were more than enough. It is accepted that during a crisis, there is no time for requests, only orders. I am pleased I could be of service to you and the High One." Having seen how Ragnok had treated Harry earlier, Griphook bowed and gestured with deepest respect to the Magus, only a hairsbreadth less than what he had offered to the High One. Then he left for his well-deserved break, his long fingers absently checking that his new wristband, signifying his apprenticeship with the Diamond Cohort, was really there.
Ragnok relaxed in his seat, signaling the wizards and Snorlax to do the same. With a few moments of concentration, a muttered phrase and several abrupt gestures, both Ragnok and Snorlax were suddenly dressed again as bankers, rather than warriors. "I regret that matters of state have interrupted your business with Senior Snorlax. Are you able to remain to finish that business, or shall we reschedule your appointment?"
Checking the time with a muttered spell, Dumbledore answered, "Harry has about 20 minutes before he is expected at Hogwarts for up to an hour. Assuming Mr. Clearwater is still available," he glanced at Justus, who nodded, "I suggest we attempt to finish those matters that can be conducted in the office, then return after Harry's other duties to visit the vaults in question."
Snorlax answered, "My time is yours." He glanced at the Gringotts president and gestured in question, Prime client? receiving an acknowledgement back. "Lord Potter of Gryffindor, you may consider me, or another goblin of your choice as your personal banking representative for all your financial needs, including coordination with your other advisors, at our minimal Prime Client rates, with no fees assessed until next month."
Clearwater managed to hide his surprise and pleasure at this development. The status of Prime Client was rare and sought-after. He believed that Dumbledore and perhaps two others in the world currently enjoyed that status. It ensured complete cooperation of any goblin for any business needs, any time, anywhere in the world. It wasn't based on how wealthy the client was, though usually Prime Clients were fairly wealthy. It was based on the respect that the goblins had for the client as an individual. As the advisor of a Prime Client, the level of cooperation might even extend to business transactions he negotiated on behalf of others as well.
As the three wizards and Snorlax headed back to Estate Transfers, Justus asked Snorlax how he might arrange training in the complete Goblin language, so that he could communicate properly on behalf of his client. This pleased the goblin, who was about to promise to investigate material and an instructor for the wizard. Harry quietly offered to take care of the matter himself, since he was able to mentally convey large amounts of information. He did ask both Dumbledore and Snorlax to offer feedback on both the effectiveness of his training and his own 'performance', which they agreed to with some amusement. Finally they all were seated again around a desk full of half-signed paperwork.
"Since your time at the moment is limited, permit me to jump ahead to discussion of your mother's estate, Lord Potter ... Harry," Snorlax corrected himself before Harry could do so. "As before, I will ask what you already know of the heritage and estate of Lily Evans Potter."
Harry began. "Until I received your letter, I believed my mother to be simply a Muggle-born witch. At that time, some friends and I were discussing what we little we knew of my mother's family. By chance, some information came out that suggested that my grandmother may not have been a Muggle, but a Squib descended from the last Baron Thorne. Some cursory research by my advisor," he glanced at Clearwater, "seems to confirm the possibility."
"Again, you surprise me, my young friend," smiled Snorlax, in turn surprising the wizards with his relaxed and friendly attitude. Snorlax reached into a drawer, removing a small box and passing it over to Harry. "Lily Evans Potter was indeed the custodian of the Thorne estate. Violet Rosewood's line was required to produce a magical male heir in your mother's or your generation, or the estate would revert to her brother's line. With your coming of age, that requirement has been satisfied. That," indicating the box, "is the signet ring of the Barons Thorne, a title you may now claim as Sir Harry Potter, Baron Thorne. This title takes precedence over your title as Harry, Lord Potter of Gryffindor, unless of course, you are accepted by the Gryffindor signet currently in the Potter vault. You are permitted to insist on being addressed by the Thorne title even outside formal occasions."
Harry raised an eyebrow at the last comment, clearly indicating by his expression that he was unlikely to use his title unless the situation demanded. He carefully opened the ring box to see the Thorne family artifact. The band was of heavy white gold, with a flat square of pure black onyx as a background to a stylized silver 'T' wrapped by a prickly-looking vine formed of clusters of tiny emeralds which were a perfect match for the color of his and Lily's eyes. When he flashed a questioning glance at Snorlax, then Dumbledore, both nodded that he should wear the ring. He hesitated over which finger should display the ring, letting his hands hover over the box. He almost put the ring on his left ring finger, then suddenly placed it on his left pinky. The emeralds flashed with their own light for several moments, as the band adjusted to fit his hand. He sensed immediately that he would rarely, if ever, remove the ring.
"If you require any assistance in contacting your Thorne relations," Snorlax offered with a decidedly wicked grin, "I will be more than willing to provide meeting space here at Gringotts. Mr. Clearwater, at your convenience, you may send a schedule of possible meeting times during the next week. A combined meeting or a series of individual meetings is expected between the new Baron and his magical relations. Notifying your Squib relations is not necessary, but neither is it forbidden."
Harry wondered about notifying Petunia and Dudley that he was now a titled Baron by way of Petunia's magical grandmother ... Vernon would have a stroke! "I'll have to think about the Squib side of the family. Mr. Clearwater, please pick several times next week ... at this point I can work around whatever works for you, the bank, and the relations. I'd prefer to get it over with in one meeting, I think. Are we looking at anyone besides Sequoia Rosewood and the Parkinsons?" Snorlax mentioned that Rosewood had a younger, unmarried daughter Iris, who had not been involved in the legal arguments and, rumor had it, was out of favor with the rest of the family. "Hmm, in that case, if she wishes, I'll see Iris separately, before the rest of them. If only we could just say that the new Baron Thorne wishes to consult with his relatives, without telling them who I am," he commented with a wicked gleam in his eyes. "But after the Memorial today, that secret will be out."
It was time for Harry to play the Sorting Brat for awhile. The wizards took their leave of Snorlax, saying they would return in approximately an hour to complete the paperwork and quickly check out the Potter and Thorne vaults, though Harry mentioned his prior commitment to attend the Malfoy Memorial. Dumbledore and Harry left Clearwater just outside Gringotts. Now that Justus knew about Darius, Harry extended the mindspeech link so they could stay in touch long-range. Harry and Dumbledore Apparated directly to the staff dining room off the Hogwarts Great Hall. Just before going in to deal with the next group of new students, Harry commented, "As bad as the Dursleys were, I'm glad you didn't know about my other blood relations, Albus. The thought that I could have been raised with Pansy Parkinson is enough to make a bloke want to sick up."
186 Translation Charms, 239 sorted students, and four dozen estate documents later, Snorlax was personally escorting Harry, Dumbledore, and Clearwater down to vault 369, which contained the Potter family assets, including those passed down from Broderick and Duncan Gryffindor. As they approached the heavy metal door, Snorlax explained, "Now that the paperwork has been signed, your magical signature is registered with this vault. Otherwise we would require three senior bank officials to pass through this entrance. You must personally grant access before anyone else is allowed to enter. Place your wand hand on the door and state your name and title as the Potter heir."
As Harry complied, a silver disk about twice the diameter of his hand appeared between his hand and the iron door. "I am Harry James Potter, Lord Potter of the line of Gryffindor," he said in a quiet but clear voice. "I hereby grant access to Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Lord Dumbledore of the line of Gryffindor, and to Justus Clearwater, Potter family legal advisor." Stepping back, Harry gestured that each man should step forward and be identified by the vault. Both Dumbledore and Clearwater placed their hands on the silver disk, stating their names. Once they had finished, Harry placed his hand on the disk again, saying, "Open." The heavy barrier suddenly separated into four triangles, retreating outward into the surrounding walls and floor. "Oh, I'm sorry, Snorlax. Did I need to name you as well?"
"Since I am a senior banking official, identifying me to the vault is only a matter of verbally granting me access as an individual, if that is your wish." Harry nodded, stating that Senior Snorlax of Gringotts bank was granted access to the Potter vault. Snorlax then led the wizards past the huge piles of gold, silver, and bronze, around some elegant-looking antiques, and past a weapons display to a glass-enclosed cabinet. "On the middle shelf you will find the Gryffindor artifacts. Please begin with the ring first, Lord Magus."
Harry was surprised that the goblin had resumed using a formal title, but nodded his agreement, as Dumbledore and Clearwater held their breaths. Harry carefully opened the ring box to reveal a yellow gold ring with a flat, blood-red gemstone of some sort, oval in shape, backdrop for an exquisitely-detailed golden Gryffindor lion in relief, with chips of ruby for eyes and chips of diamond for claws.
He glanced at Dumbledore. "Yes, Harry, I've seen the ring once before. When I came of age, I was brought to this vault to see if the ring would accept me as Heir, as have all with Gryffindor blood for the past 170 years to no avail. It is as strikingly beautiful now as it was then. Anyone without Gryffindor blood would experience extreme pain until it was removed. Those of Gryffindor blood that are not the Heir will experience nothing, or a sensation of increasing cold until it is removed. It is said that the Heir will experience a pleasantly warm sensation, the jewels will light up, and the ring will remain in place for life, though it can be hidden if desired. Place it on the ring finger of your left hand, Harry."
His right hand shook slightly as he removed the ring from the box, and slowly put the ring on. Nothing seemed to happen at first, then he felt a tickling sensation in his mind, as though he were being judged; a shiver in the core of his magic, as though he were being evaluated; finally a warm sensation on his hand and a fleeting sense of smiling approval that faded almost before he noticed it. In a panic at yet more recognition, more responsibility, he pulled at the ring, but it refused to come off. The others saw the deer-in-the-headlights look in Harry's eyes, then watched it fade as the new Lord Gryffindor reluctantly accepted yet another burden.
Before his courage failed him, he reached for the beautifully carved ebony box that held his ancestor's wand. As he opened the box, Dumbledore softly explained, "This, Harry, is the first and most powerful compound core wand ever produced by Tiberius Ollivander in 962. It is considered his finest work. Octavius is the first of his family to rediscover the precise method he used to produce a compound core. As you can see, this wand is unique in another way. It is fashioned of 15 inches of polished ebony. Four strands of absolutely pure goblin-wrought silver, two straight, two spiraling the length of the wand from the handle to the tip, act as a magical conductor and energy focus. The compound core consists of the heartstring of the last known Imperial Horntail Dragon," Dumbledore slightly emphasized that last with a significant glance at Harry, "plus phoenix tears from Gryffindor's own animagus form. To date, any descendent who has tried the wand either has had no reaction whatsoever, or has received a strong shock. As you are currently without a wand, you may as well see if this will serve as a replacement," Dumbledore commented casually, but with a particularly high-voltage twinkle in his eyes.
Unable to delay any longer, Harry gingerly reached for the perfectly preserved work of art. As his fingers wrapped around the handle, he felt a tingle in his heart and a burning in his eyes. The ebony began to glow with a black light, sparks seemed to travel up and down along the embedded silver threads, and a momentary echo of phoenix song could be heard echoing throughout the vault. After nearly 1000 years of waiting, Gryffindor's wand had chosen.
"Harry, come on," nagged Nymphadora Tonks. "Draco wanted us to arrive early for moral support." She was gentle about her nagging, though. After learning of the morning Harry had gone through, she understood why he was still a bit dazed. "Over here, loverboy," she teased, making him sit down while she quickly pulled back his long thick locks, tying a velvet ribbon around the bundle. She adjusted the collar on his shirt, the black fabric shimmering with the silvery-gray highlights of the finest acromantula silk, clinging deliciously to his body. Black leather trousers and knee-high black boots were then partly covered by one of Amethyst Malkin's marvelously-tailored, black cape/robe hybrids, lined in an emerald-green satin that perfectly matched his eyes and the gems in his Thorne family ring, with threads of silver and green in a dragon motif at collar, cuffs, and hem. "There," concluded the young Auror, "you look every inch the aristocrat you need to be today, and no one will notice the wand holster with your new toy. Hey, quit hiding the Gryffindor ring, Harry. It's time to play the Gentry Games. You've escaped for far too long."
"Dora," he whispered, "I don't know what I'm doing here, you know, I'm Muggle-raised."
"Harry, you have quite a few advisors available on the Circle link, you know," assured Tonks. "I'll be with you most of the time, and I've had to learn all this rot for my other Doppelganger, you know. I haven't been caught out yet. Then there's Draco, Dumbledore, Snape, Sirius ... need I go on?"
"Sirius will be there? Of course, Narcissa was a Black," Harry was babbling and he knew it. "Ludicrous, isn't it? I can deal with Dementors and assassins, but I'm a quivering mass of jelly when it comes to a formal social event where I'll need to announce myself to the world as a lofty member of the Wizarding aristocracy."
Shaking her head, Tonks finally reached up, pulled Harry's face toward hers, and gave him a long, gentle, reassuring kiss. When she pulled back, Harry was smiling softly as he seemed to be looking at her carefully for the first time that afternoon. She was very close to her natural form, tall, gorgeous figure, though instead of her real hair color, she wore a cascade of wavy black hair, falling to the waist of the elegant charcoal-gray brocade robes Harry had bought for her. Her large, expressive eyes were a match for Harry's in color. Her face was unmistakably hers to anyone who knew her. "Shall we venture out to face the beasts, my Lord?" she asked playfully as she put her arm in his.
"As you wish, my Lady," he answered as he Apparated them to the grounds of the Malfoy country estate.
Draco had been grateful that the Death Eaters hadn't destroyed the country estate as they had Malfoy Manor. Though the cabin (well, more like hunting lodge) didn't mean that much to him, the loss of his childhood hideaway, the clearing in the trees beside the narrow but lively creek, that would have hurt. Before today, he had only brought Darius to see this spot, but now he shared it with his guardian, training master, and fellow blood-Slytherin. Dark, snarky Severus Snape had understood the rare beauty of the place, and together they quietly absorbed the peaceful atmosphere as they prepared themselves for the probable battles of the day.
Draco suddenly laughed softly. Snape glanced in his direction, one eyebrow raised in question. "I was thinking about Harry. I have never imagined that anyone could be so reluctant to claim a highborn heritage."
Snape tried to explain. "I think that he puts such titles in the same category as his Boy-Who-Lived label ... something that he feels he did nothing to deserve, and that defines him in people's eyes in ways that usually bear no relation to the person believes himself to be: Baron Thorne, Lord Gryffindor," /- Lord Magus -/ he added. "He doesn't recognize that some of the unfounded expectations people have of him are not that far off from the man he is beneath it all, a man most of us never recognized before this summer."
"At least he's agreed that there is a time and place to capitalize on such things," commented Draco. "I can't wait to see those rings. Better yet, I can't wait to see what happens when everyone else sees those rings," he sniggered, more like his old self.
/- Draco? We're here, -/ sent Harry from the vicinity of the main building.
/- Come on down, you two. We're by the creek, -/ sent Draco.
"Wotcher, Draco, Severus," chirped Tonks. "Whoa, you were right, Harry. This spot is absolutely lovely! Thanks for letting us join you, cuz."
"Any time, lovely lady," Draco answered with an exaggerated leer at her sexy appearance.
"Sorry, Draco. No poaching allowed," smiled Harry.
"Be that way," Draco pouted, then grabbed at Harry's left hand. "Show me those rings, then, Mr. Nothing-but-the-Best. Sorry, make that, My Lord Nothing-but-the Best."
"Honestly Draco," said Tonks sweetly. "You're acting like a girl who just has to see another girl's engagement ring."
Draco glared at her in horror while Snape made a gagging noise. "That was a low blow, cousin. Let's see, as punishment I declare that I'm going to ... call you Nymphadora at least three times in public this afternoon."
"Arggh!" she cowered behind raised hands. "I'm sorry, I apologize. Uncle!" Then she lowered her hands and glared. "Do that and you're toast!"
"Ok then, how about 'Nymph' ... you look the part today," teased Draco.
"But Draco, this is how she really looks, except for her hair and eye color," said Harry, ducking a swat from Tonks, who muttered, "You weren't supposed to tell."
Both Draco and Snape glanced appreciatively at the way her expensive robes swirled about, giving them a rather good idea of just how curvy the beautiful young Auror really was. "Well, if you don't admit to it, you'll be getting catty remarks about why you look so good," commented Draco.
"Draco," drawled Snape, "no matter what she says, a woman with her looks is going to draw catty remarks. It comes with the territory."
Hearing the snarky Slytherin make such a comment had them all laughing. Draco finally made a broad gesture back towards the lodge. "We need to prepare for my guests. After you, Lord Gryffindor," he smirked, thinking to himself, So, this is what it's like to have friends and family that care about you.
Purebloods, politicians and the press had been arriving for almost an hour. Draco had played his part as the new Malfoy lord in a masterful balancing act. He had been gratified at the sickly looks from his father's old associates as they saw, not a grief-stricken boy to be manipulated, but a mature, self-possessed young aristocrat with remarkably powerful new allies: the interim Minister of Magic, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot (Dumbledore had set aside his barmy headmaster persona for the day), and a shockingly well-titled Harry Potter.
Though he never mentioned his rank unless questioned, Potter artfully allowed his family rings to be seen, soliciting those very questions. The surprisingly mature young lord's constant companion turned out to be Narcissa's niece, the half-blood Auror. They made a stunning couple. Both were far more poised and quietly intimidating than those present could believe.
Eurydice Clearwater had kept an eye out for the elder Malfoy's advisors. Seeing them arrive like predators searching for fresh prey, she made a beeline to intercept them, signaling Potter and Snape to converge on the young Malfoy. Draco's backup arrived just as the new arrivals began to speak.
"Mr. Malfoy, we have been trying to reach you all week," said the eldest of the three wizards. "We are ... "
"Yes, yes," Draco answered in a bored tone. "Harry, Severus, Cousin, these are my late father's legal advisors," he said. "Messrs Dewey, Cheetum, and Howe. Gentlemen," Draco drawled with just the slightest undercurrent of sarcasm, "may I present you to Sir Harry Potter, Baron Thorne and Lord Gryffindor; my guardian and training master, Severus, Lord Snape of Slytherin; my cousin, Miss Nymphadora Tonks, /- Sorry Dora, -/ and I believe you have had the pleasure of having dealings with my legal advisor, Madam Eurydice Boggs Clearwater."
"But Mr. Malfoy, your father arranged that we ..." began Elway S. Cheetum.
"I am not bound by my father's arrangements, as you well know, sir," Draco answered coldly. "Now, this is hardly the time and place for such business matters, as you should well know. I will deal with your firm once, and once only as my late father's affairs are turned over to me later this afternoon at Gringotts. Until then, I urge you not to try my patience. Incidentally, in future you will address me in a manner more befitting my rank as Draco, Lord Malfoy of Slytherin." Draco turned his back on them abruptly in a move that in both Muggle and Wizarding aristocratic circles was termed 'the cut direct'. A moment later, in unison, the others in Draco's company turned as well, and began conversing about trivialities as though the three humiliated solicitors didn't exist.
Dumbledore, who with Amelia Bones had been watching the encounter, smiled, saying, "Oh, well executed, Draco! Quite the victorious skirmish that was, wouldn't you say, Amelia?"
"The lad has backbone, I'll say that for him, and though he wouldn't thank me for it, his father's polish and sense of timing," Bones commented with something approaching a cackle. "Glad to know this Malfoy's on our side, Albus."
The press anxiously awaited the statement that would be made by the Malfoy heir just prior to consigning his parents' remains to the fire ... a magical fire that ensured that no dark rituals could be performed using those remains, and which released the residual magic in their bodies back to the pool of raw magical energy that permeated existence.
"Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy paid a heavy price for their choices, for their loyalties ... misplaced loyalties that caused their deaths, my father at the hand of his master, my mother at the hand of a long-time family 'friend'. I very nearly joined them, but for people far more deserving of loyalty to whom I had not yet even pledged." Draco continued for a short time along the same lines, referring eloquently, obliquely yet obviously to the intended alliances of the newest Lord Malfoy.
There were shocked murmurs throughout the crowd. In spite of the media coverage showing the Dark Mark over Malfoy Manor, those who knew or suspected Lucius Malfoy's true loyalties had assumed the couple's death was actually at the hands of Aurors or the so-called Order of the Phoenix. Draco was telling them that Voldemort himself was responsible. And what was this 'not yet pledged' ... he was stating as clearly as political speech could exactly where the new Lord Malfoy now pledged his loyalties ... it should have been obvious all afternoon by those whose company he had been keeping the most. A pureblood Malfoy had thrown in his lot against the Dark Lord and firmly on the side of the Light, with Dumbledore and Potter and a potentially new and relatively uncorrupted Ministry. Stop the presses! Double the printing run ... we have us a story!
And Harry flinched at a sudden pain in his scar. With a grim smile, he welcomed the evidence that a certain Lord Voldemort was not a happy camper right now.
to be continued