Chapter Text
It was done, this war was over. Voldemort was dead. Harry walked back to the Great Hall. Hazily, he took a blurry glance of his surroundings. The wreckage of what he called home littered the ground.
The destruction increased as he approached the Great Hall and he couldn’t look at the old walls without a heavy heart. Eyes burning with unshed tears were closed tightly. He couldn’t do this, he couldn’t look at all the dead and wounded, all that he had lost today. He wasn’t that strong.
Without opening his eyes Harry turned towards the exit and apparated to Grimmauld Place.
The house, which had been gloomy and decaying while used by the Order, had been returned to its former glory. The light was entering through the polished windows, but he couldn't care less as the pain he'd felt in his body was getting worse at every moment.
The regret blocked his throat and the air became thin. Harry could finally be consumed by the pain of losing so many people important to him, even the only person who was supposed to be his other half. The soul mark seemed to burn his skin blaming him for not saving his mate. Merlin, how foolish of him to believe he would have more time to fix things up. Of course, even that wouldn't be spared.
He was distraught when he discovered in the Shrieking Shack that he -Severus-, of all people, had his mark. He had understood the Potions Master's actions regarding it, but understanding didn't stop the anger, frustration, and hopelessness from crushing his soul.
His eyes still burned and his head was spinning, making him sick when he got some hold on himself.
The stairs seemed too far for his heavy body, but he managed to drag himself to Sirius' room and climb on the covers. His legs were not yet on the bed when he fainted.
The air became suddenly cold and the window was blurred with thin ice as the shadows seemed to extend and become darker.
Grimmauld Place, 5th June 1998
A month later Harry had left Grimmauld Place as little as possible, away from the fame and irrational expectations of a terrified population. His mark, two wands tangled in a combination of green, grey, and gold, now had only shades of black. Gone was the colour that gave it life, just as Severus had gone.
The media still haunted him down and wrote ridiculous articles about him, from questioning his decision to donate funds to the reconstruction of Hogwarts to inventing absurd theories about whether he would continue his studies or go straight into the Auror Force and even creating questions about his soulmate's identity.
He was tired of everyone telling him what to do with his life, he needed a break after everything that had happened.
Harry let out a soft moan as he stood up, his back pop and crack in relief after hours in the same position. The book flew from his hand to its place on the shelf of the famous, or more precisely infamous, Black library.
When he first returned after the battle, he slept for 48 hours straight, and when he woke up he felt a little more human. Harry was surprised to see that there was no major war damage. He managed to save the most of what was in the house, and, with Kreacher, the house had once again become habitable. There were, of course, many things missing that were thrown away by Mrs. Weasley due to their ''dark'' affinity, but thanks to the Black family's hereditary paranoia the library and a few other rooms were spared from her cleaning.
Yawning after a full day of being stuffed in the Library, Harry walked to the kitchen. Kreacher appeared as soon as he set foot in the room.
-What can Kreacher do for Master Harry? - The old elf asked.
Harry let himself fall boneless on a chair.
-Can you heat up some leftovers? A cup of tea too, please.
Harry smiled softly as the little creature began the request mumbling about stubborn masters. He knew that Kreacher had taken it upon himself to ensure that the Great Master was properly cared for once he noticed his tendency not to do so.
Snuggling into his seat, Harry thought about everything that brought him to this point. In the days following the battle it was hard to communicate with the people around him. After the way he left Hogwarts that bloody day, the few members of the Order were always there, asking questions and guarding him, wanting to know everything he did. Even Hermione and Ron became cautious and would question what he was doing with suspicion when they met up again.
_______*******_______
Only almost a week after returning to Grimmauld Place, Harry was capable of visiting the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley had filled him with such a large amount of potions, to accelerate the process of cure that he felt as if he could sleep for a week.
-How are you, Harry? -Ginny came and sat next to him. Harry had kept himself isolated for most of the day, to try -even with occlumency- to get his head in some sort of order.
Shrugging, Harry tried to smile at the redhead, a little uncomfortable with her proximity to him. -I'll be fine. -he said in the end, seeing no point in lying.
Ginny bit her lip and his attention was drawn to her mouth without his consent. When he was younger he had believed she would be his soulmate, but now, looking at her, he couldn't feel anything.
Ginny noticed it, but didn't realise what was really going on in his mind, and smiled internally, leaned over him and kissed him. Harry wanted to pull away but his body wouldn't obey, as if something was pinning him to the couch, and when they were interrupted, only relief washed over him.
-I knew it! -Ron shouted from the doorway.
-Ron! -Ginny blushed, rubbing herself more against Harry, looking very satisfied with herself.
Harry, however, was in shock. The kiss made him sick with guilt, the feeling that he had betrayed his fated one, betrayed Severus -no matter if he had passed away- ,turned his stomach.
-So you’re finally together? -Ron took the seat in front of them with a smile.
-Of course, we are soulmates, we’re made for each other. -Ginny said, without giving Harry a chance to deny and explain that she was not his soulmate.
-Nice, that's great! - Ron said, looking strangely pleased.
-What's great? -Hermione asked as she entered the room, but smiled as she saw Ginny's position, almost on Harry's lap.
-Oh, I see you guys are finally together, I mean, it was obvious you would, everyone knew it. But this is perfect, just in time to go back to Hogwarts in September.
Harry finally managed to focus and step in.
-Hogwarts? -he asked. The hell he was going back to school after all the bullshit that had happened, he didn't want to go to Hogwarts knowing that Severus wouldn't be there as well, he couldn't. He was just going to take the Newts at the Ministry whenever he got the chance.
Hermione, sitting next to Rony, turned to glare at him. -And what about that, Harry? -she asked.
-I'm not going back to Hogwarts. -Harry said decisively, despite his disappointment with their reaction.
-What? -The girls shouted.
-But -but you have to! -Hermione added, trying to sound wise, but only managing to sound bossy.
-Why? -Harry questioned without patience. -After everything... I can't 'Mione. I can’t do that!
-And me? Are you going to leave your soulmate all alone? Are you going to abandon me for a whole year?! -Gina blasted.
-What? Gina, you're not my soulmate. -Harry said incredulously and confused by her claims.
-What about your Newts? You can't expect them to give you a job without the proper qualifications! Just defeating Voldemort doesn't give you that right, Harry. I thought better of you! -Hermione continued her lecture, acting disappointed.
By then, Harry was done with them and moved away from Ginny, who was still attached to him. He looked around angrily and said: -I'm not going back to Hogwarts, but that doesn't mean I’m expecting anything from anyone, Hermione. I thought you knew me better than that.
-Oh, Harry, I'm very sorry but-.
-That's enough! -Harry interrupted another lecturing session with anger. -I'm taking the Newts at the Ministry, alone.
Hermione interrupted again. -But you can't honestly believe you're going to do well! I mean...
-That's it! -Harry finally let his temper explode and a wave of magic rushed through the room. -It's my decision. And it's done. I'm not going back to Hogwarts, end of story.
Ron finally spoke up with eyes full of understanding (Merlin knew that he hadn't). -I get it! You're going to the Auror Force, aren't you?
Harry just shook his head in frustration. -No, Ron. I don't think that's what I want to do anymore. -He was so tired of fighting, that just the very thought of a lifetime of it depressed him.
-But- It's what we've always wanted. -Ron said with a red face.
-I'm tired, Ron, I just want some time. -Harry said in a calmer voice, looking into each one’s eyes, hoping they understood.
-Oh, Harry. -Hermione said, casting a glance at Ginny. The redhead, realizing the brunette's intention, nodded slightly and slowly approached Harry. -We understand. -Gina opened her arms to grab him in a hug. However, Harry dodged the touch and pulled his hair back. He did not understand Ginny's need to cling to him. This was getting too much.
-I'm going to say goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. -Harry advised. -It's time for me to leave.
-Leave? What do you mean, leave? You can't leave. To that house full of Dark magic and...And...-Ginny gasped.
Sighing for what seemed like the thousandth time in the day, Harry just shrugged and continued his way. -I just want some time and Grimmauld Place is-
-It's not safe Harry! -Hermione growled as she chased him into the kitchen.
-I'll be fine. -Harry assured tired. -The house has been repaired and new wards have been added.
-What's this about wards? -Mrs. Weasley asked when they entered the kitchen.
-Tell him Mum! -Gina shouted. -Harry wants to leave. Tell him he can't leave!
Molly frowned. -Harry darling, why do you want to leave? Don't you like staying here with us? I thought you and Gina were together now.
Sighing annoyed, Harry made Gina let go of him again saying: - It's not that, Mrs. Weasley -.
-Mum, darling.
Frustration began to seize him and Harry shook his head. -I think I just need some time to myself.
Molly exchanged a low-key glance with Ron and Hermione. -Are you sure? You're still recovering. -she argued against it.
-I'll be fine. -Harry insisted, -I really want some time to clear my head.
Molly frowned -But alone-.
-I'm not going to be alone,-Harry interrupted, sick of the discussion,-I have Kreacher. -As soon as he finished his sentence he regretted it.
-How could you, Harry?! -Hermione screamed -You have to release him this instant! Keeping a slave, I thought-!
Harry cast her an icy glance and just as he was about to start arguing, Kreacher made a dashed entrance, sent Harry a look of horror, and jumped at him. -Master Harry, -lamented the elf. -Please don't, Kreacher will be good!
Harry knelt to reassure the little creature. -I'm not sending you away Kreacher, it's all right.
The domestic elf nodded, ears flicking, looking nervous.
-Good. -Harry assured him again. -Very well Kreacher. I'll stay at Grimmauld Place, of course.
The elf's eyes sparkled with pleasure and he began to mumble. -Yes, yes. Master must remain in master’s house, Kreacher has been trying his best to keep the house good for Master.
Smiling, Harry stood up and looked around at the displeased faces of his friends. -I will continue in Grimmauld Place. -The determination in his voice dissuaded even Molly from arguing with him again, even if she doesn't looked pleased.
Grimmauld Place 5th June 1998
In the days following his stormy departure from the Burrow, Ginny, Ron, Hermione and even a persistent Mrs. Wesley chased after him. Harry grew tired of them and eventually cut the flu connection and closed the wards to keep them out. It was a shock when Kreacher told him that he could change the protections -he didn't even know the house was his -since he inherited the place from Sirius.
After eating, Harry stretched and thanked Kreacher -I think I'm going to bed. -he informed the little elf. Getting up Harry thought of making a quick visit to the Borrow, to let them see that he was all right. The letters were starting to get picky and he feared he was going to get Howlers next.
Kreacher looked pleased and shook his head in agreement.
As soon as he was leaving he heard a soft knock on the glass. Turning towards the sound, Harry was surprised to see a Gringotts eagle in the window.
Opening it with his wand Harry watched it dive to the table, claws clicking silently on the wood. Once the bird made no further movement, Harry approached cautiously. Despite all the protections to block malicious content he would not get complacent (Moody would be so proud). After using all the detection spells he knew, some of them from the Black library itself, Harry picked up the letter attached to the bird. The eagle chirped annoyed and flew off.
-I guess it's not supposed to send an answer then. -Harry muttered before opening the letter. He really wasn't expecting any contact from the Goblins after the situation with the dragon.
Sighing resignedly, intrigue filled him as he broke the seal and took out the letter:
Dear Lord H.J. Potter Black,
Gringotts would like to sincerely apologise to you for our unacceptable handling of your accounts and our failure at guarding your account from thieves.
We require your presence, as well, to settle matters of reparations and inheritance.
You should contact us as soon as possible so that the situation can be resolved without delay.
More information will be forthcoming if you come in person. This would be our preferred method of business, as it is both confidential and allows us to quickly eliminate misunderstandings.
May your gold always grow.
Head Goblin of Gringotts Bank Diagon Alley branch,
Lord Ragnarok
-Potter-Black? Inheritance? What the…? - Harry mumbled to himself in confusion before shaking his head and turn to Kreacher. -Looks like I'm going to Gringotts tomorrow.
Diagonal Alley, 6th June 1998
Harry made his way through the Leaky Cauldron under a heavy glamour to avoid attention. The charm had come from an old Black family book and was the best he'd ever seen, let alone used.
His hair had grown, making it easier to hide his scar and his eyes had changed to a light shade of grey. His face had stretched and his cheekbones had become more pronounced, and much to his delight, the charm had granted him a few centimeters so that he was now a respectable 1,85m. All the changes were based on family traits, just accentuating a few things that would normally be much more subtle, making it easier to keep.
As soon as he reached the large marble building that towered over the rest of the alley, he greeted the two guards, shocking the said goblins. It was hard to believe that the Gringotts goblins wouldn't be hostile towards him after he'd punched a hole through their roof. Harry supposed technically it was the dragon who'd punched the hole through the roof, but he didn't think the goblins would appreciate such technicalities.
As he stepped into the lobby, he pulled off his cloak theatrically, feeling slightly silly when he realised that the only ones there beside him were the goblins. It appeared that today was not a particularly busy day for Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Harry walked over to the teller and waited for him to finish fiddling and organising his papers before showing him the letter.
-Greetings Master Goblin. -Harry began. - I have recently received a letter from Gringotts asking for my presence the sooner I could.
The goblin stared at him for a few moments before standing up. -Follow me, Lord Potter, Lord Ragnarok wishes to handle this matter himself.
Harry tried to keep a neutral expression and followed the goblin as he was led down twisty passages along the bank. He was truly hopeful that he was not the only one who was blamed for the dragon. It was well known that goblins were proud of their security.
Stopping in front of large doors with a goblin on either side, Harry sighed and tried to prepare himself for whatever was coming. The goblin who accompanied him knocked lightly on the door before turning to the wizard.
-I'll leave you here, Lord Potter. -he said before turning to walk back.
Harry nodded, expressing his thanks, before continuing to speak. -Thank you. That your gold continues to grow.
The traditional goblin thanks surprised the goblins around. Harry didn't actually knew these sorts of traditions existed until he found some information in the Black Library, and he hoped his previous lack of knowledge wouldn't be used against him.
Giving a smile full of teeth, the goblin nodded. -And that your enemies fall at your feet, Lord Potter. -With that, he disappeared into the twisting passages. Before Harry had the chance to do anything else the office doors opened.
-Come in, Lord Potter. -he heard from inside the room.
Waving to the guards as he passed, Harry entered the office. Behind a large dark wooden desk stood a richly dressed, imposingly looking goblin.
-Good afternoon, Lord Potter. Please sit, we're very sorry for our unacceptable oversight in regard to your accounts and inheritance. Where would you like for me to start?
Harry had removed the glamour as soon as he entered the bank lobby -there was no point in being disrespectful to the goblins- so when the old goblin looked over his glasses, Ragnarok was slightly surprised at the young wizard standing in front of him. He thought that he looked very tired and the bags under his eyes were dark and heavy.
-Good afternoon, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Ragnarok. -Harry said bowing lightly to the goblin and sitting in a chair -I would like to begin with the first sentence of your letter. I don't understand why it refers to multiple accounts and why I'm addressed as Lord Potter Black. I also don't understand why this matter is so confidential that you could only share it in a personal meeting. -Harry asked confusedly, brandishing the letter. -And what do you mean with thieves?
Lord Ragnarok scowled and looked somewhat confused by this question. He took out a sheaf of paper and what looked like a ritual dagger. -It has recently come to our attention that you have yet to claim your lordship of both the Most Ancient and Noble houses of Potter and Black. Now it seems there is more to this than we thought, Lord Potter. We could get a more accurate reading if you place 7 drops of blood on the paper I've placed before you. That would show us your abilities, inheritances, soulmate if there is one, and surviving relatives if you have any.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise and he hesitated for a moment. -Forgive me Lord Ragnarok, but I am not aware of any Lordship or inheritance.
Ragnarok stared at the young wizard. -Lord Potter, are you telling me that you are not aware of your position in our society? Your role in the Wizarding World? -Harry looked at the goblin with confusion.
-That’s correct. - Harry replied.
-Lord Potter, until you reached the age of 17 you had a Magical Guardian to guide you. - Ragnarok advised.
-Magical Guardian? -Harry asked in shock.
-Indeed. -the goblin confirmed. -You're saying you had no knowledge of all of this?
-Correct. -Harry nodded stunned.
-Well, only one way to know. -Ragnarok said, holding the ritual dagger out.
Harry took the dagger hilt from the Lord Goblin. He sliced his middle finger and allowed seven drops of blood to hit the paper. Together, he and the goblin waited until the writing appeared.
After a few seconds, a medieval script of twining green started appearing on the paper and as soon as Harry read it, a burning fury took over him as every word in the long list got written.
Inheritance Test
Name: Hadrian James Potter-Black
Birthday: 31 July 1980
Blood Status: Half-Blood
Magical Core: Grey
Father: James Fleamont Potter (deceased)
Mother: Lily Anne Potter née Evan (deceased)
Blood-Adopted Father: Sirius Orion Black (deceased) - Adoption: 07 May 1994
Godfather(s): Sirius Orion Black (deceased), Remus Lupin (deceased), Peter Pettigrew (deceased)
Godmother(s): Alice Longbottom (unfit guardian)
Soulmate- Severus Tobias Snape (Blocked, Albus Dumbledore, November 1st 1981)
Titles:
Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter (Paternal)
Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black (Blood-Adoption)
Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Gryffindor (Paternal)
Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Slytherin (Blood-Adoption/ Conquer)
Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Peverell (Paternal)
Master of Death
Vaults:
Potter Trust Vault (Num. 11008) - 10,350 Galleons; 100 Sickles; 10 Knuts.
Potter Family Vault (Num. 135) - 50,436,868 Galleons; 869 Sickles; 620 Knuts; 192 Magical Artefacts and 1,062 Books.
Black Family Vault (Num. 105) - 109,578,051 Galleons; 752 Sickles; 291 Knuts; 623 Magical Artefacts and 1,478 Books.
Gryffindor Family Vault (Num. 3) - 203,348,017 Galleons; 930 Sickles; 17 Knuts; 1,734 Magical Artefacts and 1,842 Books.
Slytherin Family Vault (Num. 4) - 12,749,196 Galleons; 923 Sickles; 762 Knuts; 3,627 Magical Artefacts and 5,291 Books
Peverell Family Vault (Num. 1) - 206,687,512 Galleons; 121 Sickles; 73 Knuts; 1,011 Magical Artefacts and 1,918 Books.
Mortem Vault (Num. 0) - 3 Magical Artefacts; 1 Book
Properties:
Potter Manor (Oxfordshire; England)
Cottage Number 21 (Godric’s Hollow; England)
Potter Townhouse (London)
Potter Summer House (Mykonos, Greece)
Black Manor (Wiltshire, England)
12 Grimmauld Place (Unknown; somewhere in London, England)
Black Cottage (Chamonix, France)
Black Beach house (San Vito Lo Capo-Sicily, Italy)
Peverell Manor (Unknown)
Gryffindor Manor (Unknown)
Slytherin Manor (Unknown)
Slytherin Castle (Unknown)
Magical Abilities, Blocks, and Current Potion Effects:
Core Magic - Grey (80% Blocked: A.Dumbledore; Nov. 1º 1981)
Parseltongue - (Broken. 10% Block: A.Dumbledore; Nov. 1º 1981)
Parselmagic - (10% Broken. Blok: A.Dumbledore; Nov. 1º 1981)
Wandless Magic - (10% Broken. Blok: A.Dumbledore; Nov. 1º 1981)
Eidetic Memory (Blocked, A.Dumbledore; Nov. 1º 1981)
Hereditary Blood Magic (Blocked, A.Dumbledore; Nov. 1º 1981)
Blood Glamour: in the image of James Potter (Albus Dumbledore, November 1st 1981)
Loyalty Keyed to Albus Dumbledore, Gryffindor House, the Order of the Phoenix, Ronald Weasley, Ginevra Weasley, Molly Weasley (Albus Dumbledore, July 31st 1991)
Loyalty Keyed to Hermione Granger (Albus Dumbledore, October 31st 1991)
Distrust Keyed to Slytherin House, Severus Snape, Dark Magic (Albus Dumbledore, July 31st 1991)
Distrust Keyed to Draco Malfoy (Albus Dumbledore, September 3rd 1991)
Shame Compulsion Keyed to Domestic Life (Albus Dumbledore, July 31st 1991)
Recklessness, Anti-authority and Selflessness Charms (Albus Dumbledore, September 1st 1991)
Love Potion Keyed to Ginevra Weasley (Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley, Ginevra Weasley, September 1st 1995, reapplied at May 30th1998 )
Natural Occlumency (completely blocked)
Compulsion Charm leading to Personality Change (Laziness, Rashness)
Soulmate (completely blocked)
Contracts:
Marriage contract -to Ginevra Prewett- (signed by Albus Dumbledore, and Molly Prewett, 1986)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry wasn't sure how long he sat in shock as he tried to process what the paper in his hand said. He paled over the final section, as a sinking feeling settled in his gut. Could this possibly be true? Even if, did it matter? Ron, Hermione, and the Wesley’s had proven themselves thousand times over, and he didn't doubt they cared about him.
Ragnarok cleared his throat, forcing him back.
-Everything is as it should be, I assume. -Ragnarok said, wondering what had caused the wizard's reaction, as he had been in the same position for some time.
Harry blinked, anger beginning to cloud his mind. -No. I believe nothing is as it should be. -he said with a growl in his voice, handing the paper to Ragnarok, allowing him to peruse the contents. Ragnarok took the paper and started reading it, his eyes getting wider the more he read as shock reflected in their depths. He started distractedly cursing fiercely in Gobbledygook, the harsh, scraping sounds pulling Harry out of his half-meditative state.
Dumbledore has drugged and manipulated this young wizard his whole life! Among goblins, few wizards are ever considered worthy of mention, let alone respect. Albus Many names Dumbledore was one of those few. Lord Ragnarok had never doubted that Dumbledore had a good soul. Wounded, perhaps, but still wholeheartedly good. However, looking at the writing on the paper, he starts to wonder whether the goblins had placed their trust in the wrong person.
He leans back in his chair, steepling his long fingers and smooths his face back into a carefully neutral mask, careful not to let his thoughts reach the surface. He studies the hardened man (still a teenager, actually) sitting across the desk from him. It was a miracle that Lord Potter managed to survive with 80% of his core blocked. The only reason Dumbledore would ever do such a thing is if he intended that person to die.
-Lord Potter, it seems that you have been severely adulterated. -he stated. -What do you want to do?
Harry stared at the goblin with his eyes half-closed, his brain finally deciding to focus on the current situation rather than the vicious thoughts that flooded his mind.
-Can we remove all of the blocks? What the hell is this marriage contract? Was I stolen from whoever my real guardian was supposed to be?
-Lord Potter, we c-.
-Please call me Harry.
Ragnarok smiled toothily at the wizard, pleased that he had pulled himself together. - Call me Ragnarok, then. I cannot answer your last question right now, though there may be something in our records. Allow me to check.
With that, he stood up and walked through a door on the other side of the room that Harry swore wasn't there before. He returned a couple of minutes later, bearing a folder. After paging through for a couple of seconds, he pulled out a sheaf of paper and handed it to Harry.
-Here are the transactions made from the Potter accounts since your parents died. You may find something in there.
Harry ran his eyes over the paper. Money going towards Albus Dumbledore to act as his guardian, a sum of money going towards Arthur and Molly Weasley, another to Hermione Granger, and much more.
As he continued the list, he started shaking with rage and had to put the paper down to stop the thoughts of homicide and mutilation.
-And what about the marriage contract? I had a soulmate, for Merlin’s sake!
-It was made by Albus Dumbledore and Molly Weasley, presumably as a result of that money being sent to the Wesley’s. It would have gone into action this summer, but since it was not signed by a member of your family, it is null.
-Thanks, Merlin! - Harry sighed in relief. Dumbledore must have cast around for the first witch he could find close to Harry's age, and when Harry dragged Ginny out of the Chamber of Secrets in the second year, he also unwittingly set his future.
-I want everything back in my vaults, except for the money given to the Wesley’s - Harry said, remembering the state of the Wesley’s' vault. -I don't want innocents involved. How can I claim my inheritance, access my blocked skills, and resist the compulsions? - Harry asked.
A nasty and predatory grin flitted across Lord Ragnarok's face. -We will claim your inheritances first. Then we can proceed to give you a purging and block breaking ritual.
Harry clenched his eyes in suspicion. - Very well, but I know goblins don't do anything that doesn't benefit them. How much?
Ragnarok gave him another grin flitted, looking very pleased. -420 Galleons in total. - declared.
-Done. -Harry agreed with a nod, although the price was absurd, he apparently had plenty of money to spend.
The goblin walked through a different door, returning with five red velvet boxes, each engraved with a different golden crest. He carefully placed them on the desk in a semicircle around Harry, each containing a ring with their corresponding Family Crest.
Harry took a deep breath and began to take the inheritance, every ring that stayed on his finger made his Core warm, except for Slytherin, which made him feel a wave of ice in his Core.
When he had finished his task, the doors opened and a female goblin entered. Nodding her head to Ragnarok, she spoke briefly to him before turning to Harry, looking him up and down with narrowed eyes.
-I'm healer Azra and I’m in charge of your affairs today. -She stated.
-Greetings, Healer Azra. -said Harry, nodding respectfully.
Frowning at the young gentleman, she turned to leave. -You, Young Lord, will follow me to the ritual room, where you will be cleaned of all that dirt. -she ordered.
Harry was surprised by her exit and turned to look at Ragnarok, who did not seem bothered with her attitude at all.
-We will proceed at a later moment, Lord Potter. -Ragnarok said, dismissing Harry with a wave of his hand.
Harry walked after the healer, following her deep into the caves beneath Gringotts. Finally, after an extended walk, they stopped in front of a set of huge doors. The room beyond them was large and had a circle in the middle of it inscribed in runes.
-You will undress and lie down on the circle, Lord Potter. -Azra said, directing Harry's attention to her and starting instructing the goblins that entered the room.
Harry found himself blushing at her attitude and fumbled with the zip of his cloak. Azra, watching him, shook her head and found the young wizard a white sheet to wrap around his body. Harry nodded in thanks and finally took off his clothes quickly, wrapping the sheet around himself before sitting down in the circle.
-The process will be painful. -Warned Azra, watching as the mage finished undressing.
-I can handle the pain. -he affirmed, looking into her eyes and thinking of all the suffering he had gone through in his life. Even if this was painful, at least he would gain something, unlike all the times before, it appeared.
-We'll start by clearing the potions from your system before moving on to charms and compulsions. This part will be painless, but you will probably still feel uncomfortable. The blood glamour will then be removed and the more characteristics mutated, the higher the level of pain you will feel.
Finally, your magic blocks will be broken. That will hurt, as your magic is a very intimate part of you, and as that much of your magic has been blocked, it will take a while. Thankfully, I don't think you will be conscious all the time. -she told him.
Harry found himself nodding. -Thank you for explaining it to me, Healer Azra. -he said, trying to hide the nerves.
With one last glare, Azra nodded. -We are ready to begin, you must lie down.
Lying on the stone, Harry was surprised when he found himself petrified by the magic, unable to do anything.
-You will be tied down during the process to assure that you don't do any damage to yourself or interrupt us. - Azra told him when she saw him wide-eyed.
Harry, unable to nod, remained silent and closed his eyes. He didn't want to show his fear.
The feeling of magic filled the air and Harry found himself drifting off as the strangely relaxing sensation washed over him. Suddenly, however, Harry felt a shock in his head. The sensation reminded him of when Snape -Severus- tried to teach him Occlumency, unpleasant, but not unbearable. The sensation continued before it grew, the terrible feeling of having his head squeezed took over and Harry soon found it impossible to think. When it finally passed and the magic in the air seemed to freeze, he took a deep breath, only to feel it restarting. Harry, yet unable to concentrate, felt his skin begin to stretch and his bones crack in ways he knew they shouldn't.
Clenching his teeth against the overwhelming pain, Harry tried to breathe as his face began to change. Even his hair began to ache and it seemed as if every cell in his body contracted and broke repeatedly until it reached the shape it wanted to take.
A scream cut the air of the chamber as Harry felt his back crack and connect again slamming hard into the stone. Throughout it, all he could hear was the goblins' ritual, which seemed to get stronger and stronger. Harry, unable to think of anything but the pain burning and freezing him, felt as if his blood had turned lava. When he finally lost his senses, he welcomed the absence of pain.