Last Time - - - - - - - -

"We are going to apparate again Harry, please hold my hand again. Nymphadora take you father and go first. Be sure to get out of the way this time."

Nym stuck her tongue out at her mother, gave a wink to Harry then apparated away.

"Ready to go home Harry?" Andromeda asked.

"Yes, of course. Home" Harry smiled brightly up at her.

Harry took Andromeda's hand and they were off.

Now - - - - - - - - -

The trip was quick, apparation does that. Luckily Nym did manage to get out of the way this time. Harry's first look at the Tonks home was, stunning. A large two story house surrounded by a large garden including a waist high hedge that with a stone archway providing a wide path through the hedges. Behind the house there is a stretch of woods that goes into the distance. There are also a few buildings placed here and there on the property, two sheds and a barn.

"Wow"

Andromeda chuckled "Come along Harry dear, we need to get you settled into a room before I make dinner."

"You mean I make dinner, Andy dear." Ted cut in, he then turned to Harry "Remember Harry if you ever see one of the ladies in the kitchen run, run fast. OWW." Yep Andromeda just stomped on Ted's does with her heels.

Andromeda continued on the path, ignoring the possible broken toes of her husband. Ted was kneeling down rubbing his sore foot pouting.

"Come along Harry"

"Yes, mam"

Harry hurried to catch up with Ted limping behind.

As Nym entered the door Andromeda called out. "Nymphadora, let's show Harry around. Seeing how your father insists on cooking we are now free to give Harry a proper tour."

"Sure mom, and don't call me that."

"We can even let Harry pick out his own room, I have his trunk with me so all we have to do is go shopping tomorrow to get him bedding and clothes."

At that moment Harry felt something land on his shoulder with a hoot. Looking up he saw that Hedwig had arrived and was now using him as a perch.

"Of course we will need to get a proper perch for Hedwig so she can stay in his room as well."

The tour was a quick affair, the gardens were Harry's favorite place, he always did enjoy the gardening as a chore at the Dursley house. Andromeda shocked Harry at this point.

"Actually I am not a fan of gardening; my little Nymphadora is the green thumb of the family. She looks so cute when she is out here."

"My head of house is the herbology professor, of course gardening goes along with that." Nym defended with her arms crossed and a blush on her face.

"Hmm, how does that explain the non-magical plants, and the fact you started gardening when you were four. Or that adorable blush."

Nym simply turned away with a huff. Harry decided to intervene on her behalf.

"I think it is brilliant, gardening was the one chore that I enjoyed at my Aunt and Uncles house."

Nym smiled at Harry "Thank you Harry, and if you tell anyone about my gardening, I will castrate you with a rusty spoon." And with that threat she turned and walked back into the house.

Harry found a room to his liking. It was on the other side of the hall from Nymphadora's room and was a modest size. Hedwig flew over to the window and looked back at Harry with what could be described as an impatient look. After opening the window Andromeda informed him of the charms in place that would keep out rain, bugs, and other things so he didn't have to close it except in the winter.

Nymphadora and Andromeda let Harry get his remaining things settled into his room. When he was done he decided to look have a look at the Beginners Guide to Runes: Volume 1that he bought at the recommendation of Radnorack. He didn't get very far into it when Nym came and told him dinner was done.

"Starting already Harry, you might get through all the books if you work at it, if you need a new book there is an order system for Flourish and Blotts."

"Ya I got the form from them when I was there earlier today. The runes book I bought is interesting though I can sort of understand why it is third year material. Much of it I didn't understand."

"Oh don't worry about it. Just read Magical theory Volume 1 and much of the material will translate into the other classes, including runes. In fact reading Volume 2 would help as well though only one is needed to start to get into the basics."

"Thanks for the advice; I will focus on that then. At least then I could start to work on the rest."

"You also may want to at least skim over the other courses, especially potions. Professor Snape can be quite prickly about students not knowing their course books. Luckily we have a month to look into them."

Dinner was a simple affair, Harry comparing it to heaven in his mind. Harry tried to help with dishes when the meal was done but Andromeda laughed and simply cast a charm to clean them.

After dinner Nymphadora showed Harry to the library where she began to finish her own homework while he started on the book Nym suggested. Later in the evening Andromeda and Ted stopped by to tell them that they were headed to bed.

"You should head to bed as well Harry."

"Yes ma'am"

Marking his page, Harry headed to bed. As he lay in his new bed he began to think about the day. The best day of his life. He discovered his parents will, found out he had more money than he could ever use, got a new family, never had to see the Dursley's again, and learned more about his parents.

Harry sat up abruptly; he had forgotten to read the letters in the day's hurry. He laid back down deciding to read them before the meeting at Gringotts tomorrow.

. . . . . . .

Albus Dumbledore was a busy man. He was also a happy man. With three high positions with challenges associated with each, this stole much of his free time. Recently he was working on bills for the Wizengamot, mediating international disputes with the ICW, and most recently preparing for the eventual arrival of the young witches and wizards of Magical Britain as the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

Albus was sitting in his office at Hogwarts, just dismissing the most recent staff meeting. Nothing new or exciting had really happened over this summer. Quirinus Quirrell had returned from his trip and was now prepared to do his best at the Defense position he had taken. There seemed to be a dark presence hanging off him recently, though Albus doubted any of his staff had taken notice. The gauntlet was in the final stages of preparation and there were no issues with what had be placed there, though Quirinus still needed to add his own obstacle.

The arrival of the new students was what got him excited the most. The arrival of so many heirs to powerful families would excite any Headmaster. Though one student in particular, was the focus of his glee. Harry Potter would finally be making his debut in the magical world. The short appearance at Diagon Alley went as planned. Hagrid was a good man to introduce Harry to his new world, Minerva would have done it if he would have asked. However Hagrid's loyalty and simple nature were the perfect introduction for the young Harry, giving him a new trustworthy friend instead of merely meeting one of his teachers. And His future Head of House if Albus had read Hagrids admirations of the boy correctly.

Harry seems to have grown up exactly as Albus predicted. Though maybe a little more worn than he had originally planned, at least according to Hagrids descriptions of the boy and his family. Harry was humble due to his upbringing and was in awe of magic and the half-giant who saved him. Hagrid even lead the way for Albus by telling Harry that it was the headmaster himself who sent out Hagrid to deliver the letter.

It was a horrible thing to leave him out of the loop with the magical world, but it was necessary. He needed to see Hogwarts as an escape, his new friends as his family worth protecting. And most importantly he needed to see the aged headmaster as a figure of inspiration and respect so that when the time comes he would seek out Albus for advice.

Some would call this manipulation of young Harry, though these people simply didn't see the bigger picture, didn't know what he knew. Albus had been to the Department of Mysteries prophecy room, the orb was still lit. Harry destiny was written, and Albus Dumbledore knew what that meant. Albus would do what was necessary for the greater good, as only he was prepared to do. Everything was going according to the plans Albus had implemented.

It was while contemplating the future of the young unknown lord Potter that the Gringotts letter arrived on his desk. Nothing new he received such letters concerning his budget regularly. 'Goblins such useful creatures' Ablus chuckled as he opened his newest letter.

Albus P. Dumbledore

This is a notification sent for the immediate return of several family heirlooms and artifacts that have been previously loaned to your person from the Potter family. The last will and testament of James Potter and Lily Potter has demanded these items be returned post-haste. A list of the aforementioned items is attached to this document. These items must be returned within thirteen days of the opening of this document. If the previously mentioned items are not returned, Gringotts has been pre-authorized to repossess the items using any and all means available to our bank.

The items must all be returned within thirteen days of this notification. If more time is needed to collect these items, provide written notice and documentation by Gringotts Bank standards no later than twenty hours from the day this letter was opened.

Signed Account Manager

Radnorack Steelclaw

….

The following parchment was a list of the various items that were loaned. Albus could only stare at the document in shock. In his shocked presence of mind only one thought surfaced.

'What happened?'

Then another thought followed as his aged brain started to work again.

'I need to fix this.'

. . . . . . .

Harry woke up early, as he usually did.

He started his morning ritual getting dressed cleaning his cub- - - . He wasn't in his cupboard. It came back to him. The previous day, the Tonks family, his new family everything came rushing back to the forefront of his mind. He sat there not believing the dream had come true. He was away from his relatives and he would never have to see them again. He simply smiled at the thought, as he got ready for his day.

He searched through his trunk and found his parents letters. The letters were simply more emotional versions of the will he had already read. There were some confusing parts that he decided to speak to both Andromeda and Radnorack at Gringotts the next day. Nym entered the room and told Harry that breakfast was ready.

After breakfast the elder Tonks left for their day.

Ted was apparently an executive with an office in the nearby town. Andromeda was actually a solicitor in high rate firm, which explains the ease that the custody process was, though her work was mainly as a contract solicitor between goblins and their clients.

Nym gave Harry a grand tour of the grounds before they both settled in the library to finish her homework and Harry wanted to get further into Magical Theory, taking simple notes in a notepad along the way.

Harry was allowed to help ted with dinner, bringing a smile to Harry's face. Not only being able to eat as much as he wanted, but also wanting to cook for his new family.

Everyone went to bed early to be rested for the appointment with Radnorack the next day.

The next day

Albus believed that he would be able to resolve the issue quickly. However that would not be the case.

Albus first tried to go to the Dursley's home. Upon arrival he realized immediately something was wrong. As he crossed onto the property he realized what it was. The wards around the home were less than before. The blood wards had been removed. The owl wards, and such were still in place but the powerful blood wards were gone without a trace.

Quickly he realized that there was no trace of them, meaning that they had dissolved naturally not broken. But that just worried Albus more, as this was another of his plans torn asunder for

the future of young Harry as the wards could not be replaced if there was no trace to build from.

The Dursley's were less than happy to see Albus. They spoke quickly and frankly about the fact that Harry was gone. Using silent legilimens, Albus learned that the Dursley's didn't remember the names of the ones who took Harry, just that they convinced them to sign over custody quickly and that they were a magical family. He did learn that one was familiar with muggles so Albus concluded that the man was a muggleborn/raised or a muggle himself.

Without using a more direct and illegal approach Albus could learn no more. However he did know that they had filled out Magical documents for custody of Harry meaning that they would need to go to the Ministry to file them. He set off immediately, best case he finds them before they finish the filing, worst he uses his status as Magical Guardian to find who took Harry.

He quickly deduced that the ones who took custody of Harry were already through with the process. This was a surprise as usually these things take a great deal of time. Also the worker present was being, less than helpful with the ancient Headmaster.

"I am sorry Professor; I cannot give out private information about minors without guardian consent."

"It is quite alright my dear, I am his magical guardian and was not informed of this change of custody and need to know who took Mister Potter."

"And as I already stated Professor Dumbledore, there is no documentation that you were ever entrusted with Guardianship over Harry Potter. And due to this I cannot give out the information."

"Yes but as Headmaster I am declared Magical Guardian of all minors without a magical as either a parent or guardian."

"Yes but that only applies to students who arrive at Hogwarts on the first of September. And according to the records there is already a magical as a part of his new guardian family so he will not be placed under your care as Magical Guardian. Again meaning I cannot give out the information on Mister Potter without the consent of his new guardians. If you wish I could send a formal request to the family to open the information to you."

Albus was maintaining a calm exterior but was less than pleased. What made it worse was that he could not dispute anything that the ministry employee was saying. He had intentionally not taken the title Magical Guardian those years ago in order to separate himself from the potential backlash the Dursley's would bring down due to the treatment of Harry. He used old vague laws to prevent anyone from immediately trying to claim Harry and placed him with his only blood relatives, something that no court would dare try to touch.

In the end he decided to leave a formal message requesting to speak with the mystery family and head to Gringotts. He had a decent relationship with them and knew that they were the only ones with an available will, meaning that Harry must have received it from them. He hoped that they would tell him at least the family that took Mister Potter. He knew he would have to get an appointment with the Goblin, Radnorack he believed.

After setting the appointment for the next day mid-afternoon, Albus had let the contents of the Gringotts letter slip from his mind as unimportant. This was an error in judgment, deeming a Gringotts letter unimportant was a mistake one does not make while making a request of the Goblins.

. . . . . . .

Andromeda woke Harry up early reminding him that they had an appointment with Radnorack.

During breakfast Andromeda informed Harry and Nymphadora that they would be meeting with the Greengrass family that weekend for a lunch at the Greengrass estate. Also she wanted to head out to the Potter properties the next day. Harry was happy to hear that he would get to see some of his properties, and hopefully meet more kids his own age.

After breakfast Andromeda, Nymphadora, and Harry headed back to Diagon Alley.

They arrived early and told the teller that Harry and company were there to speak to Radnorack. After a short wait they were led to his office.

Radnorack entered the room and addressed Harry and the Tonks. "Good day Mr Potter. We have much to discuss today so let us get started."

"Good day to you too sir. Yes let's get started."

Radnorack activated a rune cluster on his desk, catching Harry's eye but Radnorack didn't give him time to ask his questions.

"First off Mr Potter, I am glad to inform you I have located the identities of the three keys you left in my possession."

"Really that is great."

"What keys, I thought harry had his three keys?" Asked Andromeda.

"I did but there were three more keys that did not belong to the Potter vaults, Radnorack graciously offered to find the vaults they belonged to." Andromeda nodded to Harry's explanation while Nym just looked thoughtful, and a little bored.

"And find them I did. First, this key here is actually a descendant vault key." Radnorack pointed at one of the keys he had placed on the desk.

"It is the vault for the Peverel Descendant vault. The Peverel family is one of the most famous family's said to be descendants of Merlin. I believe the house of Gryffindor has also been merged with this vault as there are artifacts and accountant notes to justify that belief."

"Wait, Harry is a descendant of not only the Peverel's of the three brothers but also Godrick Gryffindor himself." Exclaimed Nymphadora, rather shocked at the news.

"Yes to both my dear. Specifically Harry is descended from the youngest Peverel who gained all his brothers titles as they died off rather quickly, while the Potter family has long been believed to be related to the Gryffindor family, this provides proof of such claims."

"Why didn't you already know? You were my parents vault manager as well. Wouldn't you have known when my father was given his key?" Asked Harry with a confused tilt of his head.

"No Mr. Potter. Your father already had access to all his families' keys when he became Lord Potter. Or so he believed. As such he did not use the device you used yesterday."

"Oh" Harry and company nodded in understanding.

"There is some assets in the vault, but much of the contents are heirlooms, scrolls, and books. I suggest looking through these inventory lists here."

Radnorack handed Harry a folder.

"Moving on, this second key is actual a little mysterious. Not where it goes but the circumstances behind it."

A knock at the door interrupted Radnorack.

"Vault Keeper Radnorack, Vault Keeper Silvertooth is here for the appointment." The voice came through the door, though it seemed to be off somehow. Almost like it was coming from a schools loud speaker.

Radnorack triggered another rune cluster and the door unlocked.

A goblin dressed similar to Radnorack stepped in.

"Is this Mr. Potter here Radnorack? Who are the others?"

Radnorack frowned at the disrespect that even the humans in the room could see. "Yes Silvertooth this is Mr. Potter and these are Andromeda Tonks and Nymphadora Tonks."

"Let's get on with this then, I have other meetings today."

"Fine, I was just getting to that key which would have introduced your presence anyway."

Radnorack focused back on Harry's party.

"Now as I was saying this second key is actually the key to a trust vault." Surprising the party in front of him.

"The key is actually for the Black family that Andromeda used to belong to."

"What? How is that possible?" Asked Andromeda with a calm demeanor.

"That will be explained by my associate Silvertooth here." Radnorack looked to the other goblin to take over the talks.

"It seems that Mr. Potter was declared the heir of one Sirius Black less than ten days after his birth. These documents state that Harry will be declared heir as Mr. Black neither had a child nor was he in a relationship to gain one. At the time he was the godfather of Mr. Potter and put the documentation in place should the worst come to pass on his person due to the risk of his job and the war occurring at the time."

"When the documentation was drafted Mr. Black was merely the Heir of House Black, even though he himself did not know it at the time. He and most others believed that he had been removed from the family as young Andromeda had been. Though this was proven incorrect as his father who was Head of House never removed him, making him the head of his house when Orion passed almost eight and a half years ago."

Andromeda spoke up at the last statement. "Wait, he shouldn't have been made head of house after he was sent to Azkaban. The law states one cannot receive the Title while in Azkaban after being convicted of a crime."

"Too true Mrs. Tonks. However, Sirius Black was never convicted of a crime, nor was ever even officially charged. As such the law does not apply and he now is Lord Black of his Most Ancient and Noble House. Despite what the magical world thinks Sirius was never convicted of betraying the Potters or Killing Mr. Pettigrew or the muggles that night."

Andromeda was stunned. Not receiving a trial was bad enough, but if it got out that a heir of the House Black was tossed in Azkaban without a trial it would be bad news. It also creates a horrible precedent, allowing the ministry to all but throw anyone they wished into prison for no reason. Though that would probably never be the case, still it had happened and could happen again.

However Harry focused on another aspect of the statement.

"Wait, what do you mean betraying my parents?"

Andromeda looked at Harry. "Sirius was the secret keeper for your family, they wouldn't have been found if not for him. Plus when Peter Pettigrew chased him, he destroyed Peter and killed a dozen muggles at the same time."

"But my parents will said that Peter Pettigrew was the Secret Keeper, even that he should get 30 silver for betraying them."

"It is true Mrs. Tonks; it was in the will yesterday, the same one that gave cause to summon you here to obtain custody of Mr. Potter. I suggest you investigate this matter further, Mr. Black is innocent of betraying the Potters, but he still killed not only the traitor Pettigrew but also a dozen innocents in his revenge."

"Yes I will be investigating this matter. Pettigrew got an Order of Merlin when he himself was a traitor, perhaps Sirius sentence can be reduced depending on the circumstances."

Silvertooth brought out some paperwork. "Now I am here to have Mr. Potter to sign these documents here. These will ensure that the title of heir cannot be contested from ANY legal stand point."

Andromeda looked over the documents before handing them to Harry to sign.

"Thank you Heir Potter-Black. In seven days' time I will send notification of the main Black vault's being put into your care. You will need to return to be given the keys to these vaults, and we can discuss the various stocks and properties at that time. Good Day"

Silvertooth left after that saying no more.

Radnorack shook his head and resumed with the meeting.

"Now on to the last key, and let me tell you this one is the most interesting. There will also be some documentation for this key as well due to it being another trust key. Luckily the vault has not been used in quite some time so there is no other manager for it so I can handle the vault for you Mr. Potter." Radnorack pulled out a set of paperwork from his desk.

"This key is actually the oddest due to how you now possess it Mr. Potter. This key was not passed to you by the previous owner and you have little blood ties either. No this key is a right of conquest to the house of Slytherin."

Radnorack smirked when Andromeda and Nym gasped. Harry simply had confused look on his face.

"How is that possible, Harry has never dueled anyone and simply cannot fill out the requirements for such a thing."

"Really Mrs. Tonks, the proof of his victory is carved into his very head is it not?"

Harry touched his scar while the others glanced at him with wide eyes.

"When He-who-must-not-be-named killed Lord Potter first, followed by Lady Potter who was defending her child he set into motion the events of this keys placement with Mr. Potter. When he challenged and infant who could not defend himself after killing his only champions he created the vulnerability to having his house stolen from him. If he had succeeded in killing Mr. Potter then nothing would have happened, however when he was defeated, magic itself saw fit to award Mr. Potter with the rights of conquest. That is what is written in the blood books of Gringotts any case. There are some heirlooms in the vaults but little money or properties as they have been squandered since Lord Salazar Slytherin."

"This means that Harry Potter is now Heir Black, Lord Apparent Potter, and now Lord Apparent Slytherin."

Harry was shocked, the Tonks family was shocked. Radnorack simply smiled at the expressions the humans had on their faces. He then turned serious.

"Mr. Potter I understand that these new titles may be overwhelming. The good news is that besides assigning a regent to hold your votes on the Wizengamot there are only minor business aspects that need to be taken care of. I suggest talking with your guardian Mrs. Tonks on how to proceed. It is a great benefit that she was once a part of House Black and will be invaluable for managing the necessities of your houses."

Andromeda cupped Harry's hand and smiled "We can figure this out, there is plenty of time. I will help any way I can."

"Me too Harry we are family now right" Nym smiled at Harry as well.

Harry simply returned the smiles and nodded then signed the paperwork on the desk.

Radnorack nodded at the exchange "Now same as the paperwork with the House of Black you will be sent a missive in a week's time to return to claim both the Black Key's and the Slytherin Key's. I would recommend keeping the vault separate, or you could lose some of the rights to your government seats."

"Now before you head into any of the vaults I would recommend having a check done for any potentially dangerous traps, or even enchantments that may have gotten weak over the many years they have been in the vaults."

Harry nodded "can I hire a Gringotts team to do this?"

"I wouldn't hire anyone but Gringotts to check your vault Harry, the ministry couldn't be trusted to examine the vault. They might even try to force the items from the Peverel and Slytherin vaults to be given up as historical artifacts." Andromeda's frown told Harry the seriousness of her statement.

"I would like to hire a Gringotts team to check the vaults Sir."

"Of course Mr. Potter, I will ensure integrity and confidentiality agreements are signed and filed before anyone steps. . . . "

A knock at the door interrupted Radnorack once again. Radnorack opened the door with the rune.

"Excuse me Vault Keeper and valued guests."

The goblin approached Radnorack and whispered in his ear while Radnorack scowled.

"Send him to room 3, I will be there when I am done with my current meeting."

"As you say Vault Keeper." The goblin left quickly and shut to door quietly.

"As I was saying, no one but yourself will enter your vaults without the best of security against any outside influence."

"Now seeing as you will be returning in a week to get your new keys, perhaps we can table any further discussion until then? In order to give Mr. Potter a chance to adjust and process the new information. The vaults will be checked and secure before you return."

Everyone nodded and proceeded to leave.

"Eventful day huh Harry" Asked Nym.

"Yep, and tomorrow I get to see my houses. After that will we talk over the businesses' Andromeda?"

"Of course Harry, though I had hoped some of the business deals could be done with the Greengrass family. Merlin knows that they would love to get out of Malfoy and his 'favorable deals'. If that is what you want of course."

"If that is what you think is best. I know nothing about what business we would be even discussing let alone who to sell to or buy from."

"The Potter properties lie on areas that have large concentrations of forests with a good few grassy plains. This is good for your businesses which are primarily sales from mass produced potion ingredients. You actually own a small island with various flying creatures on it that have been left untouched for years. There are numerous people who would want those ingredients as well as offering jobs for people to collect the ingredients as well."

"There are quite a few rare plants and magical animals who make your properties home and the greenhouses there might still be functioning to some degree."

"Wow really. How can they still be Ok after all this time."

Plus if we play this right, we can get quite a few allies who are sick of paying the rates are being forced on them without your families' rather large supply. I know Malfoy and his 'friends' have been squeezing every Knut out of market for their 'elite' goods. And the properties can be accesed by the house elves that are employed there."

"House elves?"

"Tomorrow Harry."

Harry nodded, and then smiled.

"Well we might as well get started, that faster we get up and running the faster we can help our soon to be allies."

Andromeda chuckled "yes Harry, though you need to remember. These are your businesses and your money. You need to do what you need to do to make sure your fortune grows, be wary of those who would take advantage of your good nature."

"Don't worry, I don't like being taken advantage of, had enough of that with the Dursley's. Plus I trust you, I know you wouldn't let me get into trouble or do something silly. Besides, you and Ted know a lot more about business than I do."

Andromeda smiled. "You understand that it will take more than a single day or even most of the remaining summer to get the details done right?"

"Yep but Nym said she would help me with studying up for potions tonight so tomorrow is as good a day to start as any right?"

Nym laughed "yup we need to make sure you make a good first impression with professor Snape if you want to get far into potions. He is brilliant with potions, but doesn't respond well to those who slack in his class."

Andromeda frowned at the mention of the potions professor. But she put it out of mind.

"We also have some prep to do, the traveling tomorrow, the Greengrass's this weekend, and the vault issues next week. That doesn't even include all the pre-studying you will need to do or the work to getting your businesses' up and running."

Andromeda looked to Harry and her daughter and smiled warmly, "Lets head home Ted might be there already."

Andromeda decided not to inform Harry of the biggest revelation this trip had, at least to her. The fact that Harry was now the Lord of two Most Ancient and Noble houses, and one Founders House, meaning Harry would be required to provide heirs for each house; that would be an interesting conversation.