AUTHOR NOTE: If you are reading this, thank you. I am a first time author for Harry Potter Fanfic. I do apppriciate reviews and suggestions during the process of this story. It will also by a Harmony story but it will take time for both characters to fall for each other fully to give the story some real depth. A bit of Ron bashing but not too bad and most of the story line will be changed to fit with what I would have loved it to be. The story will begin during the summer before 5th year and will end more than likely 3 years after the War of Hogwarts. Disclaimer: The original story and it's caharacters belong and are sole property of JK Rowling. M for Mature content.
- CHAPTER 1 -
The Dursley home was quiet and rather dark. There was no Dursleys around as they had all decided to go on an extended summer vacation leaving Harry behind as they always did when they took trips. Harry was up in Dudley's room, using the weights laying around the boy's room to get rid of the tension he had been feeling since he left Hogwarts. He had started working out since the Dursley's had left, taking advantage that having the place fully to himself for a while and getting his frustrations out with weight training.
As he finished his last rep and put all the weights away, he went over to his room to grab his shower towel. A nice bath was a huge welcome after a two hour work out. As he was turning, he saw Hedwig flay through the open window and land on the shabby dresser. She dropped some envelopes for him before digging into some water.
"The same mail today, girl?" he asked his familiar as he looked over the letters he got from both Ron and Hermione, he skimmed over them, trying to get something useful but still nothing. Just the same as every time they wrote. Almost like they didn't care that he was left on his own. A nagging voice behind his head kept saying they were hiding something from him. He figured it might be under Dumbledore's orders after everything that happened last year during the Tri Wizard Cup, he did not want anyone to bother him.
But it still surprised him, no one was talking to him, not even his two best friends, the letters he had gotten were all one sentence long. A "how you doing?" or something boring along those lines. Harry would always reply with full paragraphs and try to get his friends to send him more information but he could not break their walls of secrets. After their letters, was a letter from Gringotts. Once Harry opened the letter a small piece of parchment fell out, once he picked it up, he noticed it held his name on it and next to it the word portkey was written. He then read the actual letter inside;
'Dear Lord Potter,
As per request of James Emmett Potter and Lily Marie Potter nee Evans's Last Will and Testament, your attendance is required for the reading of their will. The potrkey inclosed will activate at 9am on the 12th day of the month of July. Please be aware that this reading may take most of your day so please plan accordingly and arrive promptly.
Regards,
Potter Family Estate Accountant'
Harry stared at the paper a bit, not understanding as he was never told there was a Will left by his parents and to hear about it now, 14 years after their death, it was baffling. He put the letter on his shabby, second hand, desk. Shaking his head of all the questions that he had no answers to and made his way to the bathroom to soak in a hot bath.
On the twelfth, Harry got up bright and early, not wanting to over sleep and miss the important time the portkey would become active. Harry looked for his best clothes he had, he would have worn his school slacks and dress shirt but they no longer fit him. Harry noticed he grew quite a bit since the end of his fourth year and he had also gained muscle from working out everyday. He no longer was super skinny and malnourished, he finally looked his age, maybe older. He had noticed hair growing on his lip but it was faint.
He went to Dudley's room and found some newer clothes that Petunia bought him but never wore. It was a nice pair of black slacks and a light grey button down. He then grabbed Dudley's church dress shoes as Harry's school shoes no longer fit him either. 'I'm going to have to buy new clothes soon. Maybe Mrs. Weasley can help me out with that.' Harry thought as he got dressed.
Once he had everything completely on, he noticed that it all fit him nicely and perfectly. The slacks, though a bit tight around the waist by like a size, held his legs nicely while the dress shirt molded around his defined muscles. He rolled up the sleeves as it was still hot outside and he combed his hair as best he could but it was still a bit long from last year and he needed it cut. The shoes fit perfectly and finished his outfit perfectly.
Harry looked over at the clock by his bed, it read 8:45am. He decided to quickly write a letter to Hermione, knowing that she should at least know that he was leaving the house for the first time since he had gotten back.
'Hermione,
I know, or having a feeling you can't tell me much of what your doing. Or if you are just distancing yourself from me due to what happened in the Tournament. But I just wanted to write and let you know that I am doing okay. The Dursleys are still on their vacation so I have been able to leave my room to eat and enjoy this horrid house. I have even started to excerise. The tournament made me feel so out of shape! Today I am actually heading to Gringotts, it seems my parent's had a will and it needs to be read off to me.. I honestly don't know how I feel about all of this but I wanted you to know.. Please write soon, want to know what you are up to.
Much Love,
Harry'
He finished the letter and headed over to Hedwig that was sleeping on his dresser. Harry ruffled her feathers gently waking her up. Hedwig hooted at him and affectionately nipped his fingers making Harry smile. "Girl, could you take this to Hermione then stay with her til she replies?" Harry asked his snowy owl as he tied the letter to her leg. Once it was secure, he went over to the window and opened it wide for her.
She hooted at him one last time and then took off. Harry looked at her little form for a moment til closing the windows and looking at the clock once more. 8:58am it read. Harry quickly made sure he had everything he needed. 'Key, Money Pouch and Letter.' He ticked off mentally. He held the portkey in his hand and as soon as the clock struck 9am, he felt the familiar pull and with a pop he vanished. This was to be the last time Harry was going to be at the Dursley home.
Harry was suddenly standing infront of the Gringotts's steps. The sun was blazing high as he made his way up, a bit nauseous from the portkey trip.
Once he walked through the big bank doors, he went to the nearest open teller.
"How can I help you sir?" Answered the goblin teller. "I am here on request per the letter I received." Harry explained and handed the goblin the said letter. Once he skimmed it over, his eyes went wide and then place a 'closed' sign on his desk. "My lord, come with me."
'Lord?' Harry thought then shook his head, he would have his questions answered soon. He walked behind the goblin as it led the way to a hallway off to the side of the main lobby. They went through many halls, each with a house or family name next to the door. Some names Harry recognized from students at his school. He notice the goblin stop infront of a oak door, next to it a plaque read 'Potter Family Estate Accountant – Alfilian Jav'.
"Go on in, My Lord." The goblin said to Harry as he opened the door. The Office was warm and inviting. May bookshelves and filing cabinets where against the wall. In the center there was comfy seating sofas and chairs. Near the back was a huge desk and sitting right behind it was a small goblin and from what Harry could tell but how it's suit hugged it's body, the Goblin was female. A first for Harry as he had only ever seen male goblins.
"Harry Potter! At long last we meet!" Explained the goblin, her sharp teeth making her smile seem cruel even though her voice was warm and honest. "Please, come take a sit. We have much to go over today."
Harry rushed to the empty office chair infront of her desk. "My name is Alfilian Jav, but my friends call me Effie." She extended her long fingered goblin hand to Harry. He took it without hesitation and shook it gently. "Nice to meet you, Effie."
"Like wise my Lord." Effie stated as she took a formal looking envelope from her drawer. "Let's get to it, shall we?" She stated, taking a long parchment from the envelope and setting it on the desk. Harry nodded and gave her his undivided attention. Effie cleared her throat and began reading aloud. "Today, July 12th of 1996 we are to witness and hear the Last Will and Testament of James Emmett Potter and Lily Marie Potter nee Evans." She paused then continued after a second, "Per request of both James and Lily, their son Harry James Potter is in attendance. Firstly they would like their letter to their only surviving son to be read per muggle recording." Effie then stopped and leaned down, picked up a small tape recorder and set it down on the desk between her and Harry. She clicked on a silver button and soon Lily's voice was heard.
"Harry,
If you are hearing this, it means have sadly passed on to our next adventure. I want you to know that both your father and I loved you so very much. We just wanted to be able to love and protect you til the every end. Please know that you were our greatest gift in life and want you to take care of yourself going forward. We, Lily and James Potter, hereby emancipate you at the age of 14 years. You are to be recognized as a full fleshed adult in the eyes of the Wizarding and Muggle communities and give you full right to all the Potter assets and stock. You are also to be named head of House Potter as the last remaining heir to the Potter line. Remember, with all this comes great responsibility and I know you will hold this title with great honor. I love you, my son." Harry's mother's voice got quiet and suddenly a voice, close to his own, came on. His father.
"Harry… oh how I have wished to have seen your grown into a fine young man! Sirius must have his hands full with you!" He let out a barking laugh before it died down. "I want you know that Potter Manor is your home and will be waiting for you to take over as lord. Dipsey, the head of the house elves will be so happy to see you again. She was devastated when we had to leave to Godric's Hallow… Please take good care of them. They are much your family as we were to them." There was some quiet then suddenly James started talking again, "Harry we leave you everything, including our wedding rings. Please find someone you love and hold onto her or him close. Never take for granted the love you feel for others. And if you would not mind, if he is still around, please tell Snape I am sorry and provide him with my vial with some memories from your mother and I. It will explain everything to him there… I love you son, we will see you in the next life."
James's voice died and the recording stopped. Harry was wiping his tears with the small handkerchief Effie had handed him while he was listening to the recording. "Would you like to keep going, my Lord?" Effie asked. Harry nodded, the sooner this was done with, the sooner he would be able to head to his real home. Potter Manor.