Harry turned his head to look at the speaker, feeling Hermione's arm tighten around his as he did. Narcissia Malfoy stood before him, but unlike how he'd seen her at the Quidditch World Cup, she didn't have her nose in the air, projecting a superior, snobbish air. Instead she seemed nervous, afraid. Instead of neat and immaculate, she was careworn, her hair partly disarrayed, dark bags under her eyes. There were no signs of makeup either.
And just over her shoulder was her sister... Bellatrix.
Pure hate and anger surged through him, all directed at the still hooded older woman. Some of his emotions must have been visible in his eyes as both women stepped back, alarm and fear on both their faces.
That made Harry pause. Bellatrix, afraid? Mrs Malfoy seemed to use his pause to summon her courage once more.
"Mr Potter... we need to discuss certain topics, now that you are to be the next Lord Black." She paused, before pressing on. "Please, my lord. You're our only hope." She half-whispered.
Harry's eyes darted between the two older women, furiously thinking. What was their agenda? This was Malfoy's mom and Bellatrix, Sirius' murderer! But... they were acting totally not like he had expected of them. And just what was up with Bellatrix? If anything she looked even more worn out and tired than her sister. The marks of her years at Azkaban were never clearer. It was then he noticed her eyes... there wasn't the maniacal gleam from before. Instead they showed... fear? Regret? Pain? His gut was telling him to at least listen, but...
Narcissa, seeing the indecision in his face, reached into her pocket slowly, and drew out her wand with two fingers, before offering him it... handle first. "If it helps, you many have our wands while we talk."
Wordlessly Bellatrix copied her actions, and Harry found the wand that had killed his godfather offered to him... by the one who had cast the spell that killed him.
Hermione, watching his face with one eye, saw that he was going to listen. While part of her was pleased at his mature reaction, a larger part - the emotional part - was screaming that this was stupid. "Not without me here you're not." She muttered loudly enough to be heard.
"Or me." Lily echoed the sentiment. "You may be a Hero Harry, but you are still my son, and not yet of age."
Harry just smiled over his shoulder. "Thanks mum." He said warmly. Lily smiled back. They both knew that she was not yet back to fighting form, but the sisters didn't know that. Turning to face them again, Harry reached and took both wands. As he did he noticed that the others had gathered around, clearly interested in this. Remus and Tonks both looked murderous, while Daphne was openly curious. Behind the sisters was their third sister, Tonk's mother Andromeda. She looked conflicted between anger and hope. Harry looked up into the recess where Ragnok was sat. "High King, I hate to impose..."
"Say nothing more Mr Potter." Ragnok said as he straightened. "You may use this room for as long as you need." After a hand gesture, the other goblins exited, Goldbag closing the door behind him.
Harry turned back to the sisters, a hard expression on his face. "Okay. Now, talk."
Narcissa looked around at the frankly intimidating array of witches and wizards gathered around them. Seeing that there was no sympathy for either of them, Narcissa hesitated.
"Tell them 'Cissa." Bella said softly.
Narcissa sighed before starting to speak. "Mr Potter... we... we both beg you to annul our marriages, as Si... Sirius..." A sob of grief escaped her throat, while Bella's eyes closed as she bowed her head. After a moment, Narcissa regained her composure. "We also wish for you to... use your Status as Head of the Black Family to grant us... sanctuary. From The Dark Lord and his followers."
Harry had not expected that. "Run that by me again." He asked slowly. Around him everyone else appeared to be surprised as well. "You wish to leave Voldemort, and are asking me to protect you?"
Naricssa nodded. "It's not safe... for either of us. I... I can't stand my husband anymore! The sick bastards taken the one thing I achieved in my life, and twisted and corrupted it into a pale copy of himself!" The cool, level tone in her voice had been replaced with anger and pain. "When I was contracted to him, I hoped that I could grow to love him, even though he wasn't the one I really wanted..."
Hermione felt a shiver run up her spine. She had had similar thoughts towards the end of last year regarding herself and Ron, back when she feared that Harry would never return her feelings for him. Though lately she had wondered if potions had been involved...
Lady Malfoy continued to speak. "Mister Potter... I beg of you to release me from my sham of a marriage." She slowly sunk to her knees. "I offer my services, in any way you chose. Please, my Lord!"
From the gasps that came from Daphne and Mrs Tonks, Harry guessed that what Mrs Malfoy had said meant what he thought he meant. Looking down at the blonde however, Harry was still only seeing Malfoy's mum. "Why now? Why not try and leave before? Why should I trust you?"
Narcissa shivered before answering. "Because my Lord, until now there has not been a legal Lord Black who could annual my marriage. The previous Lord, Sirius's father, would never have considered it, while Sirius... his fugitive status prevented him from doing so. And I could not just walk away... Lucius would not have let me." A deep shudder passed through her frame. "You have no idea how, creative, he got with his punishment when I 'defied' him."
Harry winced, and he saw Hermione blanch out of the corner of his eye. Knowing what Draco was like, and the abuse of Dobby, he could imagine that Malfoy Senior was capable of anything.
"Also my lord... I see clearly what the Dark Lord has become. A monster! Utterly deranged! He'll destroy everything in his mad desire for power! Even work with old monsters..." The last she half muttered.
"Explain."
"I offer this information freely. The Dark Lord has gained a new ally..." She appeared to take a moment to steel herself. "A former officer of the Magische Schutzstaffel... an officer that followed Grindelwald. Plus his elite guard."
Sharp intakes of breath resounded around them. Mrs Tonks strangled "Oh Morgana!" told Harry, who had only an inkling of how bad such a person could be, that this was very bad.
He refocused his attention on her. "What about your mark?"
Narcissa shivered before she pushed up her left sleeve, exposing nearly white skin, unblemished. "I never took the Dark Mark my lord."
Harry nodded slowly before turning to the still standing Bellatrix. "What about yourself?" His tone was harsh, questioning.
Bellatrix seemed to fold in on herself. "Mister Potter... I... I wish to atone for my actions. I know that I can't ever be forgiven, but..." Tears ran down her gaunt cheeks. Taking a shaky breath, she started to speak haltingly.
"I... don't know exactly what happened, or why. When he got back from the ministry... that night... The Dark Lord was in a terrible rage. His anger was far, far worse than I've ever seen." She shuddered, clearly at some memory of that time. "In the course of his rage, I... my Mark was damaged."
Everyone's eyes were on her arm as she bared it. The Dark Mark was there, yet also torn, slashed and broken. The Mark itself was also faded, much like an old muggle tattoo. The skin around it also appeared to have been burnt recently.
"A week later, a little over three ago... something happened. I felt incredible pain through my Mark. White hot, intense pain. It... overwhelmed me."
Hermione's eyes had gone wide at Bellatrix's words, and she shared a look with Susan and Daphne. That had been when they had 'Cured' Harry. The timing was too coincidental. Had their 'Cure', which they now knew had driven out the fragment of Riddle's soul from Harry, also been responsible for this?
Bellatrix shuddered, clearly struggling to continue. "When I awoke, after... I didn't remember myself. I... had no idea where I was. I was... shocked when I saw my image in the mirror. It was only when I saw... this." She shook her left arm. "...That I remembered. Everything that happened to me. Everything... I... did."
She broke down at the last word, dropping to her knees before him, sobs wracking her body. Narcissa reached across and wrapped her into a hug, trying to sooth her. Surprisingly, Mrs Tonks stepped forwards before kneeling on Bellatrix's free side, offering more support and comfort. Narcissa looked at their older sister in shock, the question clear in her eyes.
"Despite everything she's done, she's still my sister." Andromeda Tonks said. "As are you."
Harry shuffled on his feet, uncomfortable with the display before him. It had been so much easier when he could simply hate her, blame her for Sirius's death. But now, after hearing her story... he felt sorry for her. It was clear that there was more she was not saying.
Harry waited until her sobs had faded. "So why are you coming to me? Surely you should just turn yourself in to the Aurors?"
Bellatrix snorted. "That would just sign my death warrant!" She slowly sat back up, but remained on her knees. "I know I deserve death for what I've done, but I want... I want..." She had to draw in a deep breath before she managed to continue. "I want to try and make up for what I've done. Hopeless, I know, but..."
She trailed off as Harry continued to look at her, his face impassive. She nervously swallowed, hoping, praying, that he would give her a chance. While she still had no respect for Dumbledore, surely some of his nature would have rubbed off on the boy?
From his seat across the room the old wizard watched the scene closely. Would Harry forgive, or would he turn her away, stepping down the path to Darkness? He was about to speak up, to urge Harry to forgive and accept both ladies offers... but then he remembered the hostility that Harry and the others around him had displayed towards him.
For almost a minute Harry stood there, his expression unreadable, saying nothing. Every set of eyes jumped between him and the two older witches kneeling before him. Both Narcissa and Bellatrix found dread clawing at their hearts...
At last he spoke. "Susan, could you alert the Goblins that I have a request of their High King?"
A confused Susan nodded before walking over the doors leading out. Opening them enough to stick her head out, she found Goldbag standing just a few feet away, hands clasped behind his back, clearly waiting.
"Er... could you send word to High King Ragnok that Harry would like to speak with him?" She asked nervously.
Goldbag nodded slowly. Susan didn't notice, but as she drew back into the chamber a small smile began to form on the Goblins face.
Susan had just re-joined the group when the sound of a door opening drew eyes to the darkened ledge where Ragnok had been. A dark form became visible. "Of what do you wish to discuss, Mister Potter?"
Harry breathed deeply. "High King... I wish to request a dispensation on the use of wizarding magic within Gringotts."
"For what purpose?"
"I intend to grant both Narcissa and... Bellatrix's, wishes, and grant them sanctuary." Gasps rose from all around him as he looked at the two older witches. Both were looking up at him with hope in their eyes, jaws open in shock. "But... I need them to swear oaths of loyalty before I will do so."
Ragnok was silent for a long time, looking over the scene before him. Young Mister Potter stood proud and tall, surrounded by his supporters. On their knees before him were the two sisters...both who had nervous looks in their eyes now.
Finally he spoke. "You may proceed. Provided that Gringotts employees act as the sisters Bonders."
Harry nodded, before looking once more at the sisters. Wordlessly he held out their wands. With shaky hands they both reclaimed their wands before slowly lifting them to point straight up, ready to swear their oaths.
Ragnok leaned to one side, gesturing with one hand. The Captain of his Guard stepped silently forward.
"Send for Breaker Weasley and his assistant Miss Delacour. Inform Breaker Weasley that he is reinstated to active duty." The Captain nodded before stepping back to speak with one of the guards.
Down on the floor Harry looked between the two older witches. "Listen carefully." Harry started to speak, his tone firm. "Dumbledore may give out chance after chance, but I do not! This is your only chance. Betray me or my friends, and that's it! The Dementors would be kinder than I will!" Shivers ran down everyone's spines who heard this. The seriousness in his voice was crystal clear. His words were not a threat, but a promise.
The doors to the rear opened, prompting eyes to jump to them. Bill and Fleur stepped in... and stopped, stunned at the sight before them. Bill turned his gaze towards the ledge were Ragnok stood, awaiting his command. Fleur had to strain to get her eyes off Harry... power was rolling off him in waves that threatened to send her over the edge!
Once he had both their attentions Ragnok spoke. "Breaker Weasley, Miss Delacour... you are to act as Bonders to the Oaths that the soon to be former Mrs Malfoy and Mrs LeStrange will make to one Mister Potter." Both started at the names mentioned, Bill having to restrain himself from attacking the kneeling form of Bellatrix. Drawing in shaky breaths, they moved to stand either side of the sisters, Andromeda moving aside to give them room. Bill stood at Narcissa's side, while Fleur was by Bellatrix. Breathing deeply to steady themselves, they drew their wands before nodding to Harry, letting him know they were ready. Having been drilled on the way Oaths were made - as they were part of the signing of the Alliances that had been formed, and which both Madam Bones and Erikson Greengrass had filed with the Ministry by now - Harry held out his hands, palm down. The sisters griped his hands in their free ones.
"Now, you must vow to never knowingly lie to myself or anyone connected to my House..."
"...Defend myself, my Family and my Friends with your lives if need be..."
"...Offer any and all assistance you can possibly give..."
"...Reveal any information you know about The Dark Lord, aka Voldemort aka Tom Riddle..."
'...Provide a list of every single Death Eater you know of, plus those you suspect..."
'...Have no contact with any of your former colleagues, except when I expressly grant it..."
"...Follow any order I give you, regardless of the outcome to yourselves..."
"...Treat anyone associated with myself as you would me..."
"...and list every crime you, your spouses or other related individuals have committed that you know of."
One by one, both Narcissa and Bellatrix swore the tenets of Harry's Oath. Each time, long thin strands of flame shot out of Bill's or Fleur's wands and curled around the clasped hands Harry shared with each one. Each strand wove itself in with the others, forming a complex chain of strands that linked the clasped hands together. At points he got odd looks from the others, but his face remained stony. It was clear Harry was not going to compromise on anything here.
"Now, in addition..." Harry's gaze settled on Narcissa. "...You, Mrs Malfoy, must publicly renounce your son Draco, and offer a public apology to Hermione Granger, for all the pain he has caused her over the last five years."
"Harry, she doesn't..." Hermione started to protest.
"I may not have noticed everything Hermione..." Harry's tone was soft and gentle as he spoke to her, the warmth in his eyes cutting off any protest she could make. "... But I could see how his words hurt you. You deserve at least some recompense."
In any other setting Hermione would have wrapped him in the tightest hug she could have. But here in Gringotts, while they were doing this, was not the time.
But oh boy was he getting lucky tonight!
Harry's expression turned hard once more as he refocused his attention on Bellatrix. He had to swallow to drive down the hate and anger that surged through him at the sight of Sirius's murderer. While she claimed remorse, the pain for opportunities lost still hurt...
"As for you Mrs LeStrange... You have to apologise to Neville Longbottom, and allow him to take whatever revenge he desires."
Bellatrix shuddered in fear as the others looked between themselves nervously. She knew what she had done to the boys' parents... his rage and pain had to be at least as bad as Harry's. And he would have full rights to kill her there and then.
But if she wanted to escape the Dark Lord... shakily she agreed to Harry's terms.
Harry looked between them both. "One last thing. You must both cast off any notions of Blood Purity, Bigotry or prejudice that you have. I will NOT allow anyone in my house to be discriminated against! Muggle, Magical, Goblin, Werewolf, whatever! ALL ARE EQUAL IN HOUSE POTTER!" He all but yelled the last, his force of will imprinting itself on everyone around him, causing eyes to widen, for a range of reasons. For most it was a glimpse of the Harry Potter who stood toe-to-toe with the Darkest Lord in centuries, who would take on a thousand year old Basilisk just to save a life. It hinted at the man that he could become.
Behind them all Ragnok's eyebrow rose even as a tiny smile flickered at the corner of his mouth. 'I must keep an eye on this one...'
Lily beamed with pride as she looked over her son. While he physically was still a little undersized, his morals and honour stood like giants.
Fleur shivered as her desire for Harry nearly took her over the edge once more. Those words were everything that she desired and dreamed off: a world without bigotry. A tiny gasp escaped her mouth as she felt a trickle run down the inside of her leg, and she clamped her thighs together. She had to approach Harry and the others soon, before she dragged him to the floor and shagged him where he was!
A tear ran down Remus's cheek as he marvelled at how James son had grown. He truly was coming into both his own and his parent's legacy. He had the drive from both, Lily's compassion and James determination. Harry was the future.
Just then, a scent came to his nose, making it twitch. His inner wolf growled lustily, and Remus found his eyes drifting to Miss Delacour. His eyes narrowed as he took in her flushed features, the strained way she stood, the rapid breathing as she looked at Harry. From the scent rolling off her, he could tell that the part-Veela was highly aroused. Though anyone even looking at her could have guessed that was the case. His inner wolf howled, knowing that there was an aroused, sexually attractive female present, but he ruthlessly reined it in. She was too young, too beautiful for him. To be honest, the same was true of Tonks, but Remus knew that she desired him. Fleur however, was clearly lusting after Harry. He realised that he had to talk with Harry, quickly. From the look in her eyes, Fleur was not going to restrain herself much longer.
The only one not outwardly affected by Harry's words was Dumbledore, still sat in his seat, eyes fixed with a glazed expression ahead. His mind registered what Harry had said, though his conscious thoughts didn't.
The bindings between Harry and the two older witches was almost blinding now, their hands totally hidden by the threads of magic. Throughout the vow Harry's expression hadn't shifted one bit from the stern, foreboding expression he had started with. Both sisters had glanced up at him, and both had felt chilled to the bone: they knew that if they broke the trust that Potter was putting in them, he would be after them with fiery, relentless vengeance.
"Do you swear, on your magic, to uphold this vow?"
Bellatrix gulped. While at first glance Potter was letting them off lightly, not asking for their lives if they broke the vow. But she realised the other side of this. They had both grown up as witches: their magic was part of who they were. Without that, who were they? She could not imagine living without magic, not after her time in Azkaban. It terrified her: she'd rather die than live without magic.
But even more frightening was returning to the Dark Lord.
"I swear." She answered him quietly.
Harry turned his gaze onto her sister.
Narcissa's thoughts echoed her sisters, only the thought of no longer having magic was even more terrifying to her. She'd never had to make do without her magic to do... well, everything. The thought of being reduced to a squib... Narcissa was grateful that she hadn't been able to eat anything that morning: the churning of her stomach would surely have brought it back over Potter's shoes.
"As do I... I mean, I swear."
"As the Heir to the Potter and Black Family lines, I accept your vows. So mote it be!" Harry intoned solemnly, the coaching of the previous week showing in his manner. The bright threads that bound his hands to the sisters glowed brilliantly before seeming to sink into their flesh. Both kneeling witch shuddered slightly as they felt the raw power of Harry binding the oaths to them. It was then that they realised that this young man was the one who could stand up to the Dark Lord.
Letting go of their hands Harry stepped back a touch, a half smile on his face. "It won't be official until the thirty-first, but welcome back to the Black Family." His expression hardened once more. "Don't make me regret this."
Narcissa had almost collapsed with relief: only Andromeda's support kept her up. Bellatrix now bowed to the point her forehead almost touched the floor. "Thank you my Lord."
Harry grimaced. "Look, just call me Harry. And there's no need to bow or kneel or anything like that..." After a moment of encouragement both sisters stood. Bellatrix's eyes however remained on the floor before his feet.
"My Lord, as proof of my new loyalties, I offer this: Early on in his first rise to power, The Dark Lord gave me something, a cup, that he bade me to keep safe, whatever the cost." The pale skinned, dark-haired witch shivered. "It was a couple of days later that I realised what it was."
Harry shared a look with his mom. "What was it, and what did you do with it?"
Bellatrix sighed. "It was the fabled cup of Helga Hufflepuff, but..." Dumbledore looked up at that, his eyes wide. "...he'd corrupted it! He's used it to house a fragment of his black soul!"
"A Horcrux?" Susan asked, aghast at the sacrilege.
Bellatrix and Dumbledore started, before she replied. "Yes. I knew, even as I was then, that it was too dangerous to keep around people. So I..." She looked nervously towards the ledge where Ragnok sat. "Well... I placed it in the LeStrange Family Vault here at Gringotts. Then, for added security, I placed curses on nearly all the treasure and items within the vault."
The tension in the air skyrocketed. For a moment there was silence, then everyone heard clearly the sounds of the Goblin High King standing up once more.
"Do you mean to say that you, Bellatrix LeStrange, knowingly placed such an abomination within the walls of this institution?" Ragnok's voice was brimming with anger and power. "And you used magic without permission?"
Bellatrix was shaking on the spot, but was determined to make amends. Forcing herself to stand tall, she faced the High King before answering. "Yes. Gringotts is known as the safest and most secure place in the whole Magical World. In my deranged state, I figured that no-one would ever even think about trying to steal something from here. The curses I added were a final insurance, just in case there was someone as crazy as I was."
For several long seconds no one spoke, awaiting the Goblins High Kings response, but he said nothing. Bellatrix shivered under the gaze she could not see but could feel.
At last he spoke. "Very well. Before you leave today, you will remove that offence to all magical beings from the LeStrange vault. And you with remove the curses. A hefty fine will be levelled on the LeStrange family. If none of these things are done before the end of today... the consequences will be... most dire."
Bellatrix's tension escaped in a deep sigh. "It shall be as you command, High King."
Ragnok's outline nodded. "We are pleased that you considered our institution the most secure place in our world. That compliment will not be forgotten. But note this: We would be perfectly in our rights to kill you where you stand. Your actions as Mrs LeStrange are unforgivable. You are only getting this chance to walk away because of your vow to Mister Potter. A young man who... interests me. And has proven to be a most honest individual. But any more crimes against our nation will be met with swift and lethal response."
Bellatrix bowed to the shadow. "Thank you for your generosity, High King." The relief was clear in her tone. She looked towards Harry... though once more not quite meeting his eyes.
Harry nodded. "Let's go get that now. Unless there's anything else?"
Surprisingly, someone who Harry was not expecting spoke up.
"Um... 'Arry?" He turned to look at Fleur Delacour in surprise. The older Veela still looked flushed, but now her expression was more one of embarrassment... and regret?
"Yes Fleur?" Hermione answered for them both, concern edging into her voice.
"I... I 'ave to ask... c'est très difficile..." She dropped her eyes to the dark stone floor for a moment before visibly taking a deep breath. "I need to ask a favour of toi 'Erminone."
The surprise was clear in Hermione's reply. "Me?"
Fleur nodded. "Oui. It is clear to moi 'zat you 'ill be 'zer next Lady Potter..."
The two of them looked at each other for a moment. "You're right Fleur. We filed in the betrothal contract..." Her distaste was clear. "...in this morning. But... we hope to keep this quiet for now."
Fleur nodded in understanding. "Bon. Make's sense. 'owever... are you aware of zer... other options, being zer lord of two wealthy families gives toi?" She hesitated before pressing on. "In regard to... d'autres épouses... other partners?"
"Are you referring to Consorts?" Hermione asked as her eyes narrowed.
Fleur's figure relaxed slightly. "Yes."
Harry however was puzzled. "What are you hinting at Fleur? I thought you and Bill were happy together?"
Fleur shared a long look with Bill Weasley, who Harry noted looked downcast but resolute. He nodded slowly towards the beautiful French witch.
"First 'Arry, I must explain some truth's about Vella..." She quickly spoke of the true nature of the often misunderstood Veela, how their powers were a mixture of fire and passion. How they were sensitive to feelings and moods. And magical auras. "All being's 'ave an aura 'Arry. A true, full-blood Veela can read much 'bout a person from zer aura. As only a quarter-veela, my habilités... my skills, are more limited. But I can still sense..." She shifted uncomfortably.
"Go on." Hermione encouraged her, all hostility and suspicion gone from her tone. Susan and Daphne had moved up to either side of Harry while Hermione had moved to wrap an arm around Fleur. Lily watched on from one side, an idea of what Fleur was going to say in her mind.
Fluer smiled at Hermione, feeling the honest support coming from the younger witch. She could feel the bonds between her and Harry, and the other two young witches that flanked him. Her inner Veela longed for such bonds of love and companionship, and so she took a deep breath.
"You are aware of 'ze idea of a 'Soul Mate'?" At Harry's nod, she pressed on. "I do not know if 'eet is true of ozzers, but for Veela it iz. For every witch with Veela blood, 'zer is one man in the world whose a perfect match. Most never find him, but meet one whose a... a... semblable... a good match." Fleur scowled lightly at her own stumbling over her English words. It always happened when she got nervous. She lifted her eyes to Harry's incredulous ones. "When we first met, I sensed a écho... a... possibility, that you might be 'ze one. But... 'zer was 'zom thing... dark, that was clinging to toi. It... repulsed me. It stank of Death and Hate. Things 'zat, as a part-veela, are... poison, to me. So I looked elsewhere. Bill..." She looked once more at the older red-head, who smiled softly but sadly at her. "...He is a good match, a very good match..." Fleur blushed slightly before a tear ran down her cheek.
"I was looking forward to living out my life with him. I 'zought that I had found my man. It was not ideal: papa would have had to ensure a suitable match for Gabrielle, or have 'za family name die out."
Harry swallowed nervously. He was starting to get an idea of where things were going.
Fleur shivered. "Zen 'zer was the barbeque... 'za party. As soon as I saw you Harry, I saw..." Fleur licked her dry lips. "The darkness, 'zat knot of hate was gone from your aura. I... I sensed your true Aura then." Another tear ran down her cheek.
"Let me guess: your 'Perfect Partner'?" Harry groaned.
Fleur nodded sadly. "Yes. My inner self... it locked onto you. I tried... 'ord knows I tried to resist, tried to ignore... but I can't! My inner self cries out for you 'Arry. I can't love another again, not like this." A sob escaped her throat. "I know 'zis is not what you want to hear..."
"Oh Fleur..." Hermione now wrapped her arms around the now crying Veela, holding her close. Within her, Hermione decided then and there that Fleur would be welcome into their growing family. Maybe she could be the next Lady Black? No, she realised, as she reviewed what she had read about the Black Families conditions and past. A clause in the Line of Succession stated that only those from fully human couples would be accepted. Muggleborns and anything with even a fraction of non-human blood - such as Veela - could not inherit the Line, nor could their children. If Fleur became Lady Black, then Sirius's legacy would default back to Draco, despite Sirius's Will. Harry would have to find another, at least a Half-blood, to maintain control of the Black Family.
Wordlessly she looked towards Susan, then Daphne. Both looked at her, saw the thought in her eyes, and nodded, agreeing. Both had been touched at Fleur's tale, understanding that she was skimming over much in the interests of time. They could get all the details later. Right now though, they had to make a decision. While all three had concerns and reservations, could they really turn her away?
Harry, seeing the looks they shared, sighed. "I guess we had better have the Tonk's draw up another Consort Contract..." He sighed. Truthfully he was not totally against this: what red-blooded male would? Fleur was, in the eyes of just about every male, stunningly beautiful. Pure sexiness on legs. But more than just that, Harry could see that behind the fabulous figure and flawless features, there was a determined, intelligent young woman craving acceptance, one who was likely to share much with him. He had girls eyeing him like he was a bar of chocolate, because of his fame. While list year his reputation in the Prophet and his general surliness -which he now regretted - had kept them away, he could now see many had been contemplating trying to get close to him. But how many would have done so to get to know him, and how many would have done so simply because he was 'Harry Potter'? Ginny had been an extreme, but far from singular, example.
Now that he thought about it, Fleur would likely have had similar issues. With her stunning figure, men would have falling over themselves to have her on their arm. And likely would kill to hold her close. How many times had she been approached, he wondered, by those just wanting to be able to say they had been with a Veela? How many had looked beyond, to see Fleur Delacour herself?
Fleur looked up now, an expression of hope beginning to form on her face. "Really? Tu would do that?"
Harry nodded as Hermione answered. "We're your friends first Fleur. Friends help each other out." Her eyes jumped to Susan and Daphne as she said that, her lip twitching as they smiled back at her.
Fleur looked between them all now, allowing her full senses to expand and encompass them. The bonds of affection, love and trust that linked them shone brilliantly, the balance equal. Yet... she noticed that Harry's aura linked with them all, and allowed them to link with each other. But there was areas on all of them that were not linked, but which she could just feel that she could match equally as well. It had been her greatest fear about revealing all of this to them, that while she would get her Mate, the other women would resent her, shun her. But she could feel how together she, Harry, and the others could form a whole far greater than the sum of their parts. Together, they could achieve things that many thought impossible.
Her happiness and joy bubbled over. "Zank You!" She almost yelled, wrapping her arms around Hermione, almost dancing with her before she kissed her on both cheeks several times. Fleur paused for a heat beat, then decided to forge ahead with what she felt would happen in the future. Shifting her hands from Hermione's shoulders to her cheeks, she quickly kissed the younger woman on the lips.
Hermione's eyes widened dramatically as the French beauty kissed her. This was not at all what she expected! Her brain shut down, overwhelmed with the sensations.
Harry found himself fighting a chuckle at Hermione's expression, before he spied Bill's face over Fleur's shoulder. The eldest Weasley son looked so forlorn, so despondent, that Harry felt like the bad guy. Gently disengaging from Susan and Daphne - both of whom were still focusing on Hermione and Fleur - he walked over to the older man. "Bill?" He asked softly.
Bill shook himself before refocusing his attention on Harry. "Hey Harry."
Harry looked up at him. "Bill, I'm sorry..." He began, but he was waved off.
"It's not your fault Harry. I don't blame you. I don't even blame Fleur. She told me about the possibility of this when we first hooked up. I just never..." He trailed off, taking a deep, long breath. "It was tearing her apart from within, you know, fighting her own nature." He refocused his eyes on his former girlfriend, who was currently in a group hug with Susan and Daphne. "I just... want her to be happy now." His voice hinted at the pain that Harry could see in his eyes. It was clear that despite his words, Bill was suffering. But equally as clear was that deep down, Bill was telling the truth: he did not hold Harry responsible.
Harry half smiled, relieved that there was no hard feelings between them. Ron's anger issues had left their mark on him. "Would you like to visit some time, to catch up with her, make sure she's happy?" He asked nervously.
Bill smiled at him. "Maybe not right away... need to sort out my own feelings really. But sometime, maybe..." He sighed deeply. "I hope you have a big place to stay Harry. Four wives?" There was a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Harry groaned and rolled his eyes. "It'll be five soon. I'll need to find someone willing to be Mrs Black as well."
"Ouch." Bill shook his head. "I don't envy you."
A small smirk touched Harry's lips. "It has its up sides."
Bill grinned in reply.
"I bet it does."
"Four stunning women draped around you all the time?"
"Sounds like paradise."
Both Harry and Bill turned to regard the Weasleys twins who had moved up to join them.
"Tough luck Bill."
"But you know..."
"...Harry here..."
"...Trumps everyone."
"Even when he's not trying."
"All right, enough guys." Harry admonished them lightly. The two just grinned at him. Then they turned serious.
"Just wanted to let you know Harry..."
"...The girls have almost finished working on your order."
"Alicia reckoned they'll be done by this evening."
Harry nodded slowly. "Good. Call for Dobby when they're done. He'll collect them." Harry's eyes drifted to Fleur. "I'll need another couple of sets..."
"Say no more Harry."
"Anything you want, we'll do."
"We owe you, big time." In their eyes, Harry could see the pain and shame from their mother's actions.
"Just stay alive, that's all I ask." Harry looked between them, before his eyes drifted to the girls, then to Bill. "I want all of us to survive this."
The twins nodded before looking over his shoulder, their eyes widening slightly. When Harry looked himself. He smiled happily.
Lily Potter had stepped around the others and was walking towards him. No longer needing to hide her identity, she had allowed the robes she wore to fall open, revealing the smart, figure hugging grey suit she was wearing underneath. Harry had to admit: his mom was hot.
"Eye's back in your heads boys." She said lightly, a smile dancing at the corners of her mouth. "I'm technically old enough to be your own mother." She redirected her attention to her son as the twins choked a little. "Harry, the reading is over. We should head down to the vaults."
Harry nodded, glancing towards where the Black sisters stood. The three of them were talking between each other; it looked like both Bellatrix and Narcissa were apologising to Andromeda. "Yes. We can't leave that horcrux down there."
Bill shuddered at the word. "Horrible things, Horcruxes. Encountered a couple while I was in Egypt. Nearly lost a team member once."
Harry's eyes snapped to the Curse Breaker. "You know about them? In detail?" At Bills nod, Harry pressed on. "How to destroy them?"
"Yes. Part of the standard training as a Gringott's Curse Breaker." Bill replied, a little concerned at this line of questioning. "This is about You-... Voldemort?"
Harry nodded. "We could really do with your help Bill. We're sure he made several of those things; it's the only thing that makes sense with him still alive. If you could help..."
Bill thought for a moment, while a part of him was still reeling from the mere idea that anyone would make more than one of those abominations. "I don't know if I can find the time..."
"You will have the time Breaker Weasley." High King Ragnok's voice startled them all, and they all turned to see him stood just to one side. His Captain of Guards was just over one shoulder, while the pair were flanked by four more armoured, spear and shield wielding Goblin Warriors. Harry took one look at them... and was instantly very glad that the goblins were not on Voldemort's side.
Bill dropped to one knee. "Sire?"
"In light of the revelations concerning the one known as Voldemort, as well as the personal developments of Mister Potter..." Those dark, deep eyes snapped to Harry for a moment, before jumping to where Fleur was. "...I am reassigning both yourself Breaker Weasley and Miss Delacour. You will be Gringott's envoy to Mister Potter's Alliance. Provide him with any and all assistance you can. The resources of the Goblin Nation will be on call, if needed."
Harry blinked in confusion, but it was clear that the others weren't by the gasps that escaped their throats. "Sire?" Bill asked once again, his voice higher pitched.
"This... Voldemort is bad for business. Bad business means less profit." Ragnok explained. He turned to face Harry. "We cannot openly align ourselves with you Mister Potter. To do so would cause damage to Gringott's image of neutrality, and thus our Business. But know that we desire the removal of this blight on the magical world."
Harry bowed low to the Goblin King, only just biting back his own feelings. He didn't like the Goblins self-centred outlook, but Daphne's lessons on protocol and diplomacy at least allowed him to understand. "Thank you, High King. Be assured that I am dedicated to the destruction of Voldemort, and his ideology."
A silver eyebrow rose. "An ambitious objective. May you succeed in you quest." As one the six goblins turned and walked out.
It fell to the twins to break the sudden silence.
"Wicked!"
"I forgot how much I hated these things..."
Chuckles rose from around Lily Potter as she unsteadily stepped out of the mine cart that had ferried them all down to the Potters Family Vault. Harry, who had ridden up front with Susan, was beaming along with the younger redhead. The pair of them had enjoyed the ride down the tracks immensely, Harry whooping with laughter while Susan had cheered, her long red hair streaming out behind her... and nearly snapping in Daphne's face. Fortunately for the blond, Daphne had been sat back in the second cart, next to Fleur Delacour. The two had just sat back and watched their future husband with fond smiles, often sharing a glance. Although no words had been exchanged during the ride, the two had already formed a connection.
Lily had been in the next row, with Hermione next to her. She didn't like the cart ride any more than Lily had, and they had both clung to each other the whole time. Lily was certain that Hermione had muttered "I really don't like the look of this..." just before the cart had plunged into the shaft. Lily's hand had nearly lost all blood circulation from Hermione's grip. Then again Hermione's was in the same boat.
The third cart had the Black Sisters in the front row, with the Weasley twins behind them. During the whole ride, which Bellatrix had enjoyed while her sister had shivered, neither of the two red-heads had taken their eyes off the older witches. Harry had asked them to keep an eye on them, and they would not fail him. They owed him far too much, and had both already volunteered to follow him wherever he went.
They had already stopped off at the LeStrange Vault, where Bellatrix, under the intense scrutiny of a half dozen goblin warriors and the goblin Captain of the Guard, had undone all the curses and spells she had left on the contents of the vault. Shivers had passed through the frames of the older members of their party as she lifted each curse, and even Harry had felt worried; some of those curses sounded really nasty. At last it was done, and Bellatrix had stepped aside to allow the goblins in. They had moved methodically through the contents, valuing everything and identifying many cursed and illegal items. Most, Harry was given to understand, would be destroyed, the costs added to the fine the LeStrange family was suffering for Bellatrix's... ideas. With that plus the transfer to Harry - as compensation for the murder of his Godfather - the LeStrange brothers would be all but bankrupt. Something, Bellatrix had assured them, would drive the two snobbish, conceited sods mad. They had led a privileged life. Now they would lose the means to fund one... if they ever got out of Azkaban again.
Bellatrix had only taken one item from the vault: the cup she had spoken of. It was a small thing, but clearly worth a lot to the right people. And it seemed, somehow, to exude a sense of dread, of darkness. Fleur had noticeably backed away from it, and Harry had shivers running up his back. He wanted no contact with it. After sealing it away in a specially lined box, in the custody of Bill, the party had climbed back into the carts for the descent down to the Potter's vault, which was in the most secure part of Gringotts and amongst only a few other, prominent names. Most were defunct, the lines having ended long ago, but the vaults remained, reminders of the past.
The last cart had brought Bill, Remus and Tonks, all three of which had been given the task of watching the box containing the goblet... and each other. No one was taking any chances with it. If it truly was another of Voldemorts Horcruxes, then Harry knew from bitter experience that it would be high seductive and very dangerous. He wanted it destroyed as soon as possible; keeping the thing around was just plain stupid, in Harry's opinion. Even Bellatrix the loyal follower of the madman himself had felt the danger.
Once they were all alighted their goblin guide stepped over to the door, the Potter Family Key Lily had handed over in his hand. Stopping before the door, he raised his free hand before speaking goblin, chanting something it sounded like, while drawing a long finger down just an inch from the featureless door. After several long seconds the image of the Potter coat-of-arms faded into view on the imposing slab of stone, along with a keyhole. The goblin inserted the key, turned it a quarter turn, spoke another phrase, and then finished turning the key. Several heavy clunking sounds echoed around them, and a thin seam formed around the slab. Slowly it sank into the floor.
"Please wait here for a moment." He said before stepping forwards. Harry frowned as he looked through the door. Where were the contents? All he saw was a short corridor...
"This is one of their highest security vaults Harry." Lily said softly, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. "Trust me; you don't want to set off the guard." Harry looked at her in confusion as the goblins muffled voice came faintly from ahead. Those watching him saw the goblin straighten and turn back to face them.
"You may enter." He called as he scooped up something from a bowl to one side.
The group entered... only to freeze in shock when they exited the corridor. Where the goblin was stood there was a chamber bigger than Hogwarts Great Hall, with a gold inlaid door on the far side, which had the Potter Crest clearly defined on it. But what drew the eye - and stole their breath - was the strange dragon that was between them and it.
From what Harry could see, this was unlike the Horntail he'd tangled with in Fourth Year. This dragon was mostly a barrel-like body and a long, spiked tail. The wings appeared to have been clipped, but that was a secondary concern. What was of concern was the 'front' end of the body. The dragon had no visible neck or separate head. Instead the head and body appeared to have unified into one... and the whole front end appeared to be able to open up into one massive, round mouth capable of swallowing the Hogwarts Express without the locomotive touching the sides. Two small legs held the body off the ground, while a pair of burly goblins pulled on chains to draw the beast to one side.
"Please wait until the Thunderdrum's handlers give the all clear before you advance." Like any of them were going to go near something like that!
Once the tail had gone from their sight they all moved as a group to the doors. Their goblin guide approached with... with the vault key in his hand once more. Harry frowned then looked back at the other door they had entered through. It had closed behind them. The thought of being trapped in this place with that dragon had him swallowing nervously as the goblin inserted the key into a more standard lock on the door, which must be the actual vault door. At last the vault opened, and the goblin stepped to one side, allowing them to see within.
Harry slowly walked in, jaw hanging low. The vault was way larger than his trust vault. It was divided into two regions. To the left were several great mounds of coins, nearly all golden Galleons. It was a stunning amount of coinage. Harry stared at the great mounds for a moment, his mind boggling. He'd once heard that it was possible to be so rich that money became irreverent. Now, he saw the proof. He didn't know just how much there was there... and right now, he couldn't process it. Shutting the image from his mind, he turned to regard the other wall.
The area to the right had an eclectic mix of items in no discernable order or groupings. It was as if people had just dumped stuff down wherever they could find room. A set of shelves were along the wall itself, with books, ornaments and other curios intermingled along them. The floor had chests, boxes, trunks of items mixed in with may free standing items. Most, if not all, looked to be in good, if worn and old, condition. Clearly, the Potters of Old had use the Vault as storage space for items that were not needed often or of extreme value. The near end of the shelves however ended in a set of cabinets, and this area was a little tidier. Just inside the vault door were half a dozen large, bulky looking trunks, latched closed.
The goblin assistant stepped inside, resting one hand on the trunks. "Lady Potter, after the attack on yourself and Lord Potter, Gringotts employees, under charter from the remain household of House Potter, collected everything of note from the cottage in Godric's Hollow. Personal effects, clothing, it is all here. Anything that was significantly damaged is in the lower two trunks."
Lily sighed as she stepped forwards, laying one hand on the trunks. "My thanks... for doing that." A sniff escaped her composure. The pain of losing James was still sharp within her heart. While for everyone else around her he had been gone nearly fifteen years, for her... Time had had very little meaning to her while she'd been a passenger in Harry's head. The event of that Halloween was still in recent memory. Pushing aside the grief and pain, she slowly straightened. "Over here Harry." She said softly, stepping towards the cabinets. Curious, the girls followed the pair of them.
Lily opened the doors reverently, to reveal a stack of shallow trays. Glints of light came from the narrow spaces between each one. Running a finger down the stack Lily nodded before taking a grip of one and pulling.
The girls all gasped together. For as she drew the tray out dozens upon dozens of gleaming rings were revealed, all gleaming precious metals and gemstones. Gold, silver, bronze, sapphires, rubies, diamonds, emeralds... just about any kind of precious metal or gem was in there somewhere. The tray was fully extracted now, halting before swinging down to about thirty degrees, allowing them all to look over the entire collection with ease. And what a collection! Daphne's eyes were threatening to fall out of her head as she mentally tried to calculate the net value of everything she could see before her.
"From what James told me, it has been a tradition that the next Lady Potter would first look over the Family collection for her engagement and wedding rings. If nothing struck her fancy, then a new set was made." Lily explained, a small smile on her lips. "When that Lady passed on, the rings were added to the collection, to await another's hand."
Harry, amazed and bewildered, allowed his eyes roam over the contents... and paused when he saw there was a gap. The rows were set out in sets. A single ring was to the far left, then a pair of plain, but matching rings together, then a number of rings more ornate than the pair, but less than the singular one on the far left. The gap he saw was missing the lonely, singular ring and the pair. "Mum... there's a couple missing." He said softly.
Lily took a long moment to reply, prompting all of them to look at her. The expression on her face was clearly one of grief and pain. "No Harry, they're not missing... just, in use." She answered softly. Slowly she lifted her hand from a pocket on her dress. A plain band of intermingled gold and silver was held between her fingertips as she set it down into the space were the pair would have been. A tear ran down her check as she stilled, before bringing her other hand up. She stared at her left hand... at her left ring finger Susan realised. Then with a sob she brought her right hand down and closed it around that finger...
It was then Harry realised what his mother was doing. As quick as he was during a Quidditch match his hand shot out and covered her own, halting her progress to remove the wedding band and engagement ring from her finger. Stilled, she looked at him, the query plain in her grief filled eyes.
"Keep them on mum. They belong to you now." Harry said softly. "They belong there." Slowly he reached out with his free hand and picked up the other half of the wedding bands. A small shiver ran down his back as he did so, the knowledge that this had been his father's flirting across his mind. He offered it to his mum. "I may not know much about him, but I'm sure he would have wanted you to keep this with you always."
Lily looked between him and the ring he still held out, before smiling softly. Once he lifted his hand away, Lily stopped trying to remove the rings already on her hand and took back the other wedding band. For several seconds she looked at the plain, unadorned band of metal, before clasping it in her hand tightly, eyes closing as more tears tracked down her cheeks.
Hermione looked between the elder witch and the still open tray. "Come on, let's leave this for another day..."
Lily visibly pulled herself together. "No... it's all right. You should do this now." She waved her and the others forward.
All four young women were allowing their eyes to wander over the rows of rings, the gleaming gems reflecting in their eyes. It was Fleur who asked the question that they were all thinking. "Thesse... 'ther rings. What are they for?" Her hand waved over the more numerous rings in each row.
Lily chuckled as she tucked James wedding band away once more. "Consort rings, to match the lady's." Was all she said.
The four looked at each other, eyes connecting. Of course, now that it had been stated it seemed obvious. But Hermione began to feel guilty. She'd already picked out the ring that she would have chosen, but she knew that her choice would not be the other's choice. And the Consort rings were a lot plainer than the Lady's. Had could she force her choice on the others? They each had different builds, looks, personalities... what would look good on her would not always look good on the others.
Harry however was frowning. This system implied that the Lady was above the consorts. In a way that was true, but to Harry, it was also unacceptable.
"You mentioned getting new sets made mum..." He asked slowly.
Lily nodded, her eyes sharpening. "What are you thinking of Harry?"
Harry looked between the rings and the four young women that were already dear to his heart. He knew that the original three had planned for everything to be equal between them... and he expected that they would extend that offer to Fleur and the future Lady Black. For him, there was only one course that fitted... "Each of you, pick your own engagement ring." He said slowly, stepping to one side. "And later, we'll have a set of six identical wedding rings made."
All four beamed happily at him, then wrapped him in a tight group hug. Harry's face turned scarlet as he was enveloped in warm, soft female figures. Fleur placed a kiss to his forehead before the hug broke up, the four of them crowding round the tray.
Lily smiled as she laid a hand on his shoulder. "Very noble of you Harry." She said softly. He looked back her warmly, seeing the approval in her eyes.
"Er... Harry?" Hermione called them both over. They saw that while she had a ring in her grasp, it was not coming away from the tray. Stuck.
"Sorry. Only a Potter can remove the rings."
Harry sighed before stepped between Hermione and Fleur. Tracing the oldest witches arm first, he gently lifted the ring from its slot. The fine silvery ring was light and airy, with a central pearl flanked by diamonds. He turned to the French beauty.
"Fleur... I know that we don't know each other that well, but what I do know is that you are much, much more than what others see. You are more than a beautiful woman. You have strength all of your own." He held up the ring between his fingers. "I don't fully understand the forces that have bound us together, but maybe, just maybe, this is Fates way of making up for all the hardships I've had to suffer." He now looked into her blue-grey eyes. "Will you be my wife-consort?"
Fleur smiled. "Oui, Harry." She replied as she held out her left hand, fingers spread. Once he had slid the ring onto her finger she leaned forwards and kissed him fully, throwing everything she had into it. Harry was frozen as he felt the passion that the older witch was feeling, and staggered for a moment when she finally released him, prompting a musical giggle to escape her lips.
After a couple of moments to regain his balance Harry turned and pulled out the next ring down, the one Susan had selected. He turned to the buxom red-head. "Susan, I saw during our DA sessions that you worked hard, but never allowed others to fall behind. Since then I've learned about your humour, your courage and steadfastness. In the fights ahead, I know that with you by my side, our chances have jumped from slim to good." As she was already holding her hand out, he just smiled and slid the ring, with its central ruby gem gleaming, onto her finger.
The darker gold ring with a blazing sapphire was next. "Daphne, I regret that we never had a chance to talk in all the years until now. For you are truly one of a kind. Grace and intellect. You risked everything to help me. I could not ask for more."
Finally he turned to Hermione. "You've always been at my side, helping me, encouraging me. Not once have you faltered in you support, your devotion. I was blind to not see that which was beside me all this time." He dropped to one knee, ring raised. 'Hermione...'
"Oh just put it on already Harry. You already know my answer." Hermione cut him off gently, a warm, happy smile on her lips.
Once the emerald in its setting of pale gold was on her finger Harry looked between the four them. "I know that what we have here is... strange. Maybe be even uncomfortable right now." The way he shifted as he said this revealed that he certainly was. They all nodded slowly; each knew that not everyone was totally happy with this multi-marriage. Hermione for instance knew her parents were deeply worried that she would be either lost in the group or would be favoured, thus causing resentment in the others. They had buried those fears and feelings, for her sake and Harry's, but Hermione could just tell what they were thinking. Susan and her aunt had resigned themselves to a situation like this years ago, as had Daphne and her family, but both had always hoped to be a singular wife, not one of many. Fleur knew that her parents would not be pleased at all; her papa had not been pleased that she'd fallen for an English wizard. Her mother, who as a half-veela herself understood that side of her, had also been upset, though Fleur suspected it had more to do with having Mrs Weasley as an in-law than anything else.
Oblivious to their thoughts, Harry pressed on. "The way my life has been, I fear there will be many rough patches ahead. But... I want us all to go through them together. No matter what happens, we stand by each other. All happy."
Daphne smiled. "That is so incredibly naïve Harry."
"But so very romantic." Susan chipped in.
"Leave it to us Harry." Hermione said softly. "You focus on just being you, and we'll handle the rest."
Lily smiled at the group hug that followed, allowing a tear to run down her cheek. Her boy, so long without love or companionship, was finally getting everything that he was owed.