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Chapter Text

If you asked almost anyone in Little Whinging about Harrison Potter, they would tell you that he was a charming, clever boy loved by all.

"He was such a quiet baby," their neighbor of ten years recalled. "Never cried. He would just look at you with intelligent eyes, and somehow, you'd know what he needed."

Harrison had grown to be quite a prodigy. He'd begun reading Shakespeare at three years old, and by the time he was eight, he had memorized 40 numbers of pi. He graciously agreed to tutor any child who was having trouble with their schoolwork. Including his cousin, which everyone thought to be quite good of Harrison.

The child also had many friends, who were all intelligent and talented in some way. Harrison seemed to only make friends with those who were ostracized in society, the loners, the friendless. Some people thought it was sweet of the boy.

They would tell you about a mysterious, scarred man who would show up once a month. All they knew was what Harrison had told them: he was Remus Lupin, a friend of his father's, and the scars came from a wolf attack when he was a child. He was a kind man, if a bit sad.

All in all, they would tell you that Harrison was a good boy and would never do anything wrong.

------

If you asked the Dursleys, they would tell you otherwise.

Harrison had showed up on their doorstep almost ten years earlier in a basket, with only a blanket to keep him warm. He'd woken up when Petunia let out a shriek at the sight of him. Instead of the emerald eyes she'd seen at his birth, he had eerie green eyes, filled with cold intelligence. She knew immediately that this child was a wizard.

Vernon had tried to beat the magic out of the child, but that had been a mistake. Harrison was nothing like his parents; he became cold and dangerous when he was alone. Vernon didn't dare lay a hand on the boy again after Harrison had used his magic to break every bone in his hand. Petunia didn't dare call the boy a freak when her hair had been yanked from her head without Harrison touching it. Dudley grew up terrified, but also awed, of Harrison, so he never hurt him.

If you asked the Dursleys, they would tell you that Harrison Potter was clever, cunning, and, most of all... dangerous.

Chapter Text

Harry Potter's life changed drastically when he was three years old.

(Some would argue that it changed when his parents were killed, but he knew better.)

Harry had only been a year and a half when he was dumped at the Dursleys and started performing accidental magic half a year later. Vernon Dursley would not have magic in his house, so on Harry's third birthday, he threw Harry into the cupboard under the stairs.

"Happy birthday, freak," Vernon sneered, and proceeded to beat Harry up so badly that he was unconscious for a week.

He was told later that his magic had healed his physical wounds in one day. However, the magical wounds took longer to heal.

In the process, Harry Potter died -- and Harrison Potter was born.

-------

Harrison heard the mail flap on the front door rattle and the sound of letters falling to the floor. "Dudley, go get the mail," he said absently, not looking up from the newspaper. His uncle, who was reading another copy of the newspaper, and aunt, who was cooking breakfast, flinched when he spoke.

Dudley immediately and eagerly obeyed. Which was, of course, not surprising -- it was his birthday, and all of his friends would have sent him letters. There were a few unopened gifts in the living room; Harrison had not yet given Dudley permission to open them.

"Put your cards with your gifts," Harrison called, setting down the newspaper.

"Yes, Harrison," Dudley responded instantly. "Oh -- Harrison, there's a letter to you from Mr. Lupin."

Harrison felt a flash of affection. "Bring it here."

Petunia brought the eggs, bacon, and toast over to the table as Dudley returned, dropping a majority of the mail with his presents. He handed Harrison the letter from Moony and the rest of the mail, which Harrison passed over to his uncle.

As Petunia dished up breakfast, Harrison opened Moony's letter.

Dear Cub,

You'll be getting your Hogwarts letter in about a week. Someone from the school should be coming down to escort you through Diagon, but given D's plans, he might not send anyone. Would you like me to take you to buy your school things? I know you usually do things on your own, but you are legally required to be accompanied by an adult in Diagon.

Nothing much has happened here; D still hasn't figured out that I've been writing to you.

Wish your cousin a happy birthday from me?

Moony

Harrison smiled a little and folded up the letter, setting it next to his plate. It would soon join the other letters from Moony, which he had been collecting since the first came on his third birthday (although he hadn't read it until a week later, since he'd been unconscious at the time).

-------

Dear Cub,

Happy third birthday. I don't know if you remember me, but I'm your Uncle Moony, or Uncle Remus if you prefer. I've been trying to send you letters for weeks, but they always came back unopened. Someone must have cancelled a mail ward today -- I'll explain later. But firstly, I want you to know -- if you need anything, just ask me. I would move the moon for you, cub.

The only thing I can't do is raise you, and that's because I'm a werewolf, and I legally cannot take care of a human child. I will be allowed to visit you, if you and your guardians agree.

Missing you,

Remus "Moony" Lupin

-------

My Dear Uncle Moony,

Of course, I would love to go to Diagon with you. (Although, you are correct that I'd prefer to go alone.) I adore spending time with you, Uncle. We'll go on July second; I want to give my aunt and uncle a few days to freak out.

Dudley thanks you for his birthday wishes. He's gotten a watch, a few books, and a new wrestling belt. I was bored the entire time, but one must let their servants celebrate their own birthdays, yes?

In other news, Mrs. Figg broke her leg; Dudley and I will go over to help her once we're back from the zoo.

Wishing you well,

Harrison

-------

Sure enough, on the first of July, Harrison received a letter from Hogwarts. Petunia shrieked and fainted, which Harrison found hilarious.

When Moony arrived the next day, Harrison opened the door to him greeting the (nosy) neighbors. He could see Mrs. Figg in her doorway on her crutches, squinting at Moony. Thank Merlin the Squib was blind, otherwise Dumbledore would have known Moony was visiting Harrison ages ago.

"Hello, Uncle," Harrison said warmly, smiling at Mr. Keene. "I'm ready to go."

"Where are you going?" Mr. Keene asked interestedly.

Harrison beamed. "I've been accepted to the illustrious private school my parents and Uncle went to! They have specific books and things I need to buy, and a very interesting dress code."

"Really!"

"Yes, but we really do need to go," Harrison said apologetically, turning to his Uncle Moony.

"The car's just around the corner," Remus said softly. They both gave Mr. Keene polite goodbyes and headed down the street.

Harrison fed the same story to the neighbors who came out to greet them. By the time they reached the alleyway they usually Disapparated in, Harrison was irritated.

"Nosy f*cking neighbors," he growled, rubbing his nose. "It's none of their business."

"You won't have to deal with them for long," Remus said. Harrison raised an eyebrow. Remus quickly set up a few Muggle-repelling charms and a Privacy Ward. "It was going to be a surprise, but -- I found someone who can share custody of you, take you during full moons."

"Who? When were you going to tell me?" Harrison demanded sharply.

The werewolf ducked his head a little. "On your birthday. Andromeda Tonks is... is Sirius' cousin." Remus' voice wobbled slightly on his mate's name "She married a Muggleborn, they have a half-blood child in their sixth year at Hogwarts. Andromeda is surprisingly sane for a Black, she has a very calm personality and is intelligent and cunning. She was a Slytherin, she now works as a solicitor. Edward "Ted" Tonks, her husband, works half-time as a Healer at St. Mungo's, he specializes in physical therapy and Chiropractics. Ted is good-natured and kind. He was a Hufflepuff, like his daughter. Their child, Nymphadora Tonks -- they prefer to be called Tonks-"

"I would too, with a name like that," Harrison muttered.

"-is mischievous, dramatic, and a tad clumsy. They want to be an Auror when they graduate."

Harrison tapped his chin. "Will I need to wear my masks around them?"

"Maybe one or two," Moony admitted. "They won't care about some of the darker stuff, but..."

"I will be able to be myself around you?" Harrison asked. Moony nodded. "Let me meet them, I'll decide before school starts."

Moony bowed his head in agreement. Then he removed the spells and took Harrison's arm.

-------

Harrison gagged when they reappeared in another alleyway. "Why must all forms of Wizarding Transportation be dangerous and dramatic?"

"Because wizards are dangerous and dramatic?" Moony joked. Harrison gave him an incredulous look, and werewolf laughed.

The two left the alleyway and emerged onto a quiet street featuring a few empty houses and a run-down bar. Remus glanced around sadly at the former Moonhavens -- a place where werewolves used to be allowed to stay rent-free -- before leading Harrison into the Sanguis Lunae.

"Why are we going through Knockturn instead of Diagon?" Harrison asked with a frown.

"Werewolves are no longer welcomed in Diagon," Remus said sourly, eyes flashing gold. Harrison snarled, his magic flaring, and Remus shuddered. "We can still get your school things in Knockturn, but you will need to stay close to me, if you're planning on keeping your 'innocent child' mask on."

Harrison curled his lip in response, then put on what he called a "respectable pureblood" mask. "Let's go."

Remus copied his cold, regal expression and led Harrison into the bar.

The door opened, releasing a blast of cold air and raucous laughter. It died down a bit when the two entered, several guests casting them curious looks -- usually purebloods, Dark or not, entered through the Leaky Cauldron. Remus and Harrison ignored them, heading towards the back of the bar, where there was a black iron door.

"Who're you?" asked a hag sitting close to them. Several of the occupants gave her incredulous looks; that was not how respectable magicals spoke to one another.

Remus and Harrison only responded with scathing expressions. The hag had the decency to look abashed and apologized under her breath.

Remus opened the door, revealing nothingness. Harrison frowned ever so slightly at the darkness but followed Remus through anyway.

It was like being doused with freezing cold water. Harrison stopped a yelp from escaping his mouth and stumbled upon emerging from the darkness. Remus caught him, chuckling under his breath.

"Rude," Harrison hissed at the man. Moony gave him an innocent look in response.

Rolling his eyes, Harrison put the pureblood mask back on. "Where are we going first, Uncle?"

Remus masked his expression as well. "Gringotts bank."

-------

"Fair eve, Mr. Lupin, Mr. Potter," the goblin teller greeted them.

"Fair eve, sir goblin," Harrison and Remus echoed.

"Teller Gornuk is waiting for you." Griphook appeared beside the teller, and the two of them followed Griphook to Gornuk's office.

Gornuk looked up when Remus and Harrison entered. "Fair eve, Remus, Harrison," he welcomed warmly.

"Fair eve, Gornuk," Harrison responded, smiling darkly. He never wore his masks around the goblins, as they saw through them all anyway.

Remus greeted Gornuk the same way, and he and Harrison sat down. Griphook shut the door and left.

"What can Gringotts do for you today?" Gornuk asked, getting straight to the point as usual.

"I am here to take my Heirships, and I would also like to take semi-control of my vaults," Harrison announced.

Gornuk reached into his desk and pulled out an empty golden folder and a pin. "Three drops of blood," he instructed.

Harrison picked up the needle and pricked his finger. He squeezed three drops of blood onto the folder. It immediately turned black, and papers filled the folder.

Remus and Gornuk frowned. "Obsidian is the color of the House of Merlin, not the House of Gryffindor," Gornuk stated. "The Potters are descended from Gryffindor," the goblin explained when Remus and Harrison looked surprised. "Let's look at your Heirships; the House of Merlin is said to be extinct."

Harrison opened the folder.

Heirships of Harrison James Potter-Riddle:

Heir to the Most Ancient and Respected House of Merlin (through J. F. P.)

Heir to the Most Ancient and Respected House of Peverell (through J. F. P. and T. M. R.)

Heir to the Throne of Pendragon (through L. P. Nee E.)

Heir to the Most Ancient House of Slytherin (through T. M. R.)

Heir to the Most Ancient House of Gryffindor (through J. F. P.)

Heir to the Most Ancient House of Ravenclaw (through S. T. P.)

Heir to the Most Ancient House of Hufflepuff (through R. J. L.)

Heir to the Ancient House of Black (through S. O. B. and J. F. P.)

Chapter Text

Harrison silently passed the folder to Gornuk, a little dazed. It wasn't often he was shocked speechless.

Gornuk took the folder and blanched. "Bladvac," he rasped. "GRIPHOOK!"

The door opened a moment later. Griphook looked at Gornuk expectantly.

"Fetch King Ragnok and Seer Yen now," Gornuk insisted. He said something in Gobbledygook, and Griphook immediately fled.

"What is it?" Harrison demanded sharply.

"It's not my place to explain," Gornuk insisted. He passed the folder to Remus. "Only the king and Lady Yen can."

Remus let out a yelp, then gave Harrison a look of awe.

"Very well," Harrison said darkly. "Is there a reason why my name is 'Potter-Riddle' instead of just 'Potter?'"

Gornuk started and glanced at the parchment again. "You will have to look at your Blood Test for that." he flipped the paper over to the left side of the folder, revealing the page beneath it. Harrison moved the folder so he and Remus could read it at the same time.

Blood Test for H. J. P.-R.:

Name: Harrison James Potter-Riddle

Titles: Heir Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Black, Boy-Who-Lived (subject of three prophecies)

D. o. B.: July 31, 1980

Mother: Lily Potter Nee Evans (deceased)

Father: James Fleamont Potter (deceased)

Adopted Through Magic: Tom Marvolo Riddle (living)

Godfather(s): Sirius Orion Black (living), Severus Tobias Prince (living)

Godmother: Andromeda Tonks Nee Black (living), Alice Longbottom Nee Selwyn (living)

Illegal Guardian(s): Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore (living), Petunia Dursley Nee Evans (living)

Legal Guardian(s): Sirius Orion Black (living), Remus John Lupin (living), Andromeda Tonks Nee Black (living)

"Who is Tom Marvolo Riddle?" Harrison asked with a frown, passing the folder back to Gornuk.

"That name is familiar," Remus said slowly.

Gornuk blinked. "That's because his title is Lord Voldemort," he said slowly. Remus' jaw dropped. "'Adopted Through Magic' could mean anything. It will most likely be answered with your Magical Aura Test." He flipped the Blood Test over to the other side of the folder.

Magical Aura Test for H. J. P.-R.:

Magic: Level Merlin

Core: Dark

Status: Dark Lord (chosen by Magic, will inherit full title at seventeen)

Powers: Necromancy (Mage), Blood Magic (Mage), Animagus (Dire Wolf), Occlumency, Legilimency, Charms, Transfiguration, Parselmagic (Mage)

Creature Inheritance (will inherit full abilities at fifteen):

1/4 Vampire (through J. F. P. and S. T. P.)

4/8 Drakoni (through J. F. P.)

1/4 Veela (through A. L. Nee S.)

Mate: Unknown

Compulsions (broken at magical inheritance at three years):

Fear Vernon Dursley (Unknown Caster, November 2, 1981)

Fear Petunia Dursley (Unknown Caster, November 2, 1981)

Fear Dudley Dursley (Unknown Caster, November 2, 1981)

Trust Arabella Figg (Unknown Caster, November 2, 1981)

Blocks (broken at magical inheritance at three years):

Magic (2%) (J. F. P. and L. P. Nee E., July 31, 1980)

Magic (48%) (Unknown Caster, November 2, 1981)

Magical Inheritance (70%) (Unknown Caster, November 2, 1981)

Creature Inheritance (100%) (Unknown Caster, November 2, 1981)

Other:

Blood Wards (L. P. Nee E., October 31, 1981) (Settled on Lupin Cottage)

Soul Piece (1.5%) (T. M. R., October 31, 1981)

Forced Magical Inheritance (July 31, 1982) (Core Requires Checkup)

Illegal Marriage Contract, Harry James Potter and Ginevra Molly Weasley (August 11, 1981) (A. P. W. B. D. and M. W.)

Harrison's magic exploded. Gornuk and Remus immediately cowered, the werewolf letting out a little whimper.

"~I'm going to kill Albus Dumbledore,~" Harrison raged.

"H-Harrison?" Gornuk managed. Harrison shoved the folder back at the goblin angrily, attempting to calm down.

The color slowly drained from Gornuk's face as he read. "Well," he rasped, "here's the reason you were adopted magically by Voldemort." He pointed at the words 'Soul Piece.'

"Harrison is a Horcrux?" Remus demanded, looking furious and horrified.

"Given that the soul piece is a very small percentage," Gornuk said quickly, "it does not have awareness or a conscience. It merely altered Harrison's DNA so that Voldemort was a third parent." He gave Remus the folder so he could read the Magical Aura Test.

Remus eyes turned gold. "Who put Compulsions and Blocks on my cub?" he growled.

"The magical signature of the caster was masked, so not even goblin magic can reveal it," Gornuk said darkly. "It no longer affects Harrison, however, because he had a magical inheritance when he was three."

"What's the difference between a magical inheritance and a creature inheritance?" Harrison asked stiffly.

"Wizards have two inheritances," Gornuk stated. "A magical inheritance can happen at any age, the younger the more powerful. It allows you access to Family Magics and inherited talents. The Potter Family magics are Transfiguration based, and the Gaunt Family magics -- Voldemort's mother's side of the family -- are Parsel based. Your mother is descended from King Arthur Pendragon, and his Family Magics were Blood Magic. The Peverell Family Magic is Necromancy based."

"What about Merlin?" Harrison asked.

"The Dark Lord Merlin did not have Family Magic," Gornuk said reverently. "But those descended from the Dark Lord Merlin occasionally inherit vampirism. Your father, his parents, and his grandparents did not inherit the vampire gene, so it's very likely that you will."

There was a knock on the door.

"Enter," Gornuk called.

The door opened, revealing Griphook and two unfamiliar goblins, one of which was wearing a crown.

"Your Majesty," Gornuk said reverently, bowing his head to King Ragnok. "This is Heir Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Black, and, I believe, the subject of the First Goblin Prophecy."

And apparently two others, Harrison thought, seeing Remus go slack with shock.

"Well met, Heir Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Black," King Ragnok stated. "I am King Ragnok III, son of King Ragnok II, and this is my cousin Seer Yen, daughter of Princess Herki. Well met, Mr. Lupin."

"Well met, King Ragnok," Harrison said respectfully. Remus echoed him hoarsely. "What is the First Goblin Prophecy?"

Ragnok sat down beside Harrison. To Harrison's confusion, Yen sat down on the floor instead of the chair. She winked at him, and he hid a snort.

"Technically," Yen began, "the First Goblin Prophecy was not spoken by a goblin, but by the Dark Lord Merlin. The goblin seer at the time accepted it into-"

"Yen," Ragnok grumbled, "enough with the history lesson."

Yen rolled her eyes. "Fine. This is the prophecy:

"There will be one born of four founders, a Dark Lord, a necromancer, and a Drakoni, who will marked with lightning, chosen by Magic to bring balance once more."

Chapter Text

Seeing as Harrison couldn't really do much regarding the prophecy, he decided to move on to other business. The goblin king and seer left, and Harrison started on accepting his Heirships and taking control of his vaults.

Which is how Gornuk discovered the thefts.

Apparently, Dumbledore had been stealing from Harrison's vaults -- all of them except the Slytherin Heir's.

"Who are the accountants for those vaults?" Hadrian seethed. Remus' eyes were gold.

"The accountant for the Merlin, Peverell, Pendragon, and Gryffindor vaults is Hookfang," Gornuk replied, flipping through the folder, "Nook is the Ravenclaw accountant... there is currently no Hufflepuff accountant, so I am unsure as to how Dumbledore was able to steal from those vaults... and Mildclaw is the Black accountant. Wait-" he stared at the page he was on. "This says Hookfang has been making withdrawals from the other accounts." His lips thinned.

"I want you to be the accountant for all of my vaults," Harrison growled.

Gornuk nodded quickly. "And I will have these accountants investigated. Hopefully Hookfang was the only one who..."

Harrison raised an eyebrow at the goblin.

"Nook is my husband," Gornuk admitted. "I know Nook would never violate his client's rights, and his client is Lord Ravenclaw -- Potions Master Severus Tobias Prince," he added when Remus looked confused. He changed the subject. "It says here that the Hufflepuff Lordship belongs to Remus, but you haven't taken it."

Remus looked startled. "Neither of my parents had a Lordship."

"Your mother is descended from Helga Hufflepuff's Squib granddaughter," Gornuk said distractedly, flipping through the folder again. He cursed in Gobbledygook. "Harrison, someone blocked your parents' wills from being read."

Harrison's magic flared again, and Remus' eyes turned gold.

-------

Fair Eve, Lord Ravenclaw.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Fair Eve, Lord Black.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Fair Eve, Mrs. Tonks, Mr. Tonks, Mx Tonks.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Fair Eve, Deputy Headmistress McGonagall.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Fair Eve, Mr. Pettigrew.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Fair Eve, Mr. Black.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Fair Eve, Heir Crouch.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Fair Eve, Mrs. Longbottom, Lord Longbottom, Lady Longbottom, Heir Longbottom.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Fair Eve, Mr. Lovegood, Heiress Lestrange.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Fair Eve, Mrs. Dursley.

You are summoned to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans on the twelfth of July. The wills were blocked by Albus Dumbledore, and we at Gringotts are working to rectify this and all other crimes Dumbledore has committed against our clients.

May the rivers run with the blood of your enemies,

Gornuk

Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Black Accountant

Nook

Ravenclaw Accountant

-------

Barty Crouch Senior stared in fury at the Gringotts summons. He hadn't gotten the Crouch Lordship, so why was his son listed as heir?!

It didn't matter, the boy wasn't going. No one could know his son was alive.

Winky, who was secretly bound to Barty Crouch Junior, decided she was going to take her master to the will reading anyway.

-------

The dark-haired man stared at the letter in fury and embarrassment. He'd forgotten that the goblins had ways of knowing whether their client was dead or not.

Well, if he was going, he needed to wear a glamour.

-------

The Burrow was in an uproar. A letter had been delivered to Scabbers, Ron's rat. And it was addressed to Peter Pettigrew, who was supposed to be dead.

The furious hurricane that was Molly Weasley sent Arthur Weasley to Floo call Madam Bones, who arrived just in time to see a supposed dead man tied up in the kitchen.

-------

Sirius was a little surprised when two Aurors arrived, looking angry. They were escorting him to James and Lily's will reading. Before they left, two more Aurors arrived, ranting about finding Peter Pettigrew in a burrow....

-------

Severus frowned at the Gringotts letter. Nook had never lied to him, so he doubted that he was lying now. Why had Dumbledore blocked Lily's will?

Well, at least the Mutt and Wolf wouldn't be there. The Mutt was in Azkaban and the Wolf had been missing for years.

Chapter Text

It was July twelfth. Those who had been invited to James' and Lily's will reading had gathered in a small room containing a few rows of chairs and a desk, where Gornuk and Nook were currently sitting.

Harrison and Remus sat on the first row all the way to the left. To Remus' right were four Aurors, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. The Aurors were stony-faced, and Peter looked terrified. Remus kept glancing at Peter with shock and anxiety.

The last chair on the front row contained a furious Potions Master. He was completely ignoring the others.

The second row contained two unfamiliar men; Harrison sensed they were wearing glamours. At the foot of the second man was an angry House-elf.

Next to the two unfamiliar men was the Tonks family. Andromeda and Ted looked sad, while Tonks looked bored. They winked at Harrison when they saw him looking, and their hair turned bright pink. Harrison smirked.

Heir Longbottom and his grandmother sat beside them. Neville looked a little nervous, while Mrs. Longbottom had a cold expression on her face.

The Lovegoods sat at the end of the second row, dreamy expressions on their faces. Heiress Lestrange, Xenophilius' daughter, gave Harrison a knowing expression.

On the last row sat Harrison's pale Muggle aunt and Professor McGonagall, who looked infuriated.

Gornuk cleared his throat, and silence fell. "Welcome to the will reading of James Fleamont Potter and Lily Potter Nee Evans. For those of you wondering why the will was not read nine and a half years ago, the goblin in charge of their vaults allowed Dumbledore to block the wills even though Dumbledore had no authority over the will and the vaults. If you have any questions, we will answer them after the will reading."

Nook pulled a clear glass disk from the desk and rubbed it.

White smoke erupted from the disk and formed into miniature people -- a redhead and a raven. Harrison recognized his parents.

James grinned. "Testing, testing-"

Lily swatted the back of his head. Soft laughter echoed through the room.

"Okay, okay, leave off, woman!"

Instead of scolding James, Lily cleared her throat. "I, Lily Potter Nee Evans, declare that I am sound of mind and magic."

James rolled his eyes and repeated her, using his own name instead.

"Since our wills were essentially the same," Lily continued, "we decided to combine them together."

"First," James said, "all of our stuff-"

"-our vaults, houses, and property," Lily corrected. Sirius laughed quietly.

"-goes to our son, Harrison James Potter, unless otherwise specified," James finished, ignoring Lily.

"In the event that James and I die before Harrison is of age," Lily said, "he will be taken in by Sirius Orion Black and Remus John Lupin, except for once a month, when Andromeda Tonks Nee Black and her husband will watch him."

"If any of these people are unavailable," James said, making a small face, "then these people, in order, will be our son's guardian: Severus Tobias Prince-" Prince looked angry and surprised "-Regulus Arcturus Black and Bartimaeus Crouch Junior, Alice Longbottom Nee Selwyn and Frank Longbottom, Agusta Longbottom, or Minnie McGee."

McGonagall let out a noise that was a mix between a laugh, a sob, and a sigh of irritation.

"Under no circumstances," Lily hissed, "will he be given to my sister, Petunia Dursley Nee Evans, or anyone Albus Dumbledore suggests. If he tries to take custody of my son, arrest him."

Petunia stared at her sister in shock.

"Okay, on to the... less terrifying part," James muttered, earning laughter and another swat from Lily. "What, you're terrifying!"

Lily ignored him. "To Sirius Orion Black and Remus John Lupin," she said calmly, "we leave Gryffindor Manor and 9K Galleons, which you will use to raise my son."

"To Peter Pettigrew," James added, "we leave nothing, because as our Secret Keeper, it'll be your fault if we die."

Peter blanched, and the other Aurors stared at Peter incredulously.

"Oh yeah!" James exclaimed. "Siri isn't our Secret Keeper. If Voldie kills us, arrest Peter and Dumbledore -- he cast the Fidelius Charm in the first place, so he would have been notified when the Secret Keeper changed."

Remus snarled loudly, eyes turning gold. The Auror to his left jumped and leaned away.

"To Severus Tobias Prince," Lily said, expression softening, "I leave my potions journals and..." she glanced at James wryly, "stuff."

Prince's eyes widened in shock. Sirius chuckled hoarsely.

"I would also like you to tutor my son in potions, Defense, Dueling, and Occlumency," Lily added. "I know Dumbledore is going to try to turn him into a weapon against Voldemort-" most of the humans in the room flinched "-and I refuse to have my son in danger." She turned to James expectantly.

James sighed. "I would like to extend my apologies to you, Snape. I know you didn't deserve the s**t that Sirius, Peter and I put you through. We were nothing more than bullies." He took a breath. "I'm sorry."

The Potions Master looked torn.

"I release Lord Severus Tobias Prince from the life debt he owes me," James added clearly. "It should be me who owes him."

There was a little pause, in which Prince looked stunned.

"To the Tonks family," Lily said with a little sigh, "we leave 5K Galleons, which is to be used to raise Harrison, and 3K Galleons, which you can use for whatever you like. I'd also like Andromeda and Ted to be Harrison's solicitor and Healer."

"I leave the little Tonks one of my prank journals," James added with a grin. Tonks grinned back, and her parents sighed exasperatedly. "Use it well, young padawan."

Tonks bowed mockingly.

Lily rolled her eyes. "To Regulus Arcturus Black and Bartimaeus Crouch Junior, we leave the wedding gifts we were going to give you at your wedding."

One of the two glamoured men turned bright red. The other one looked blank. Harrison noticed the faintly disgusted expression on Mrs. Longbottom's face, and he narrowed his eyes at her.

"You'll find them in Reg's personal vault."

"To the lovely Minnie McGee-" James began, then yelped when Lily swatted him again. McGonagall sighed. "Fine, okay, to Professor Minerva McGonagall, we leave a few journals. You'll find them in your personal vault."

"To Xenophilius Lovegood and his daughter, Heiress Luna Pandora Lestrange," Lily continued, "we leave some journals as well." Her eyes glittered. "They contain... interesting information for the Quibbler."

"And a prank journal for Little Moon," James grinned. Luna let out an ethereal laugh.

"To Agusta Longbottom, Alice Longbottom Nee Selwyn, Frank Longbottom, and Neville Frank Longbottom," Lily continued, "we leave our Herbology journals."

"And a prank journal for little Nev," James added, winking. Agusta sniffed.

"To my darling sister," Lily said icily, causing Petunia to turn stark white, "I leave a promise -- if you hurt my baby, I will find a way to destroy you from the afterlife."

Petunia fainted, falling off the chair to the floor. McGonagall made no move to help her, and neither did anyone else.

"Finally," James finished, "we leave our undying hatred and distrust to Alb*tch Pu**y Wussy B*tch Dumblef*ck." Sirius and Tonks almost fell out of their chairs, laughing.

"We know about the fake prophecy you created to turn Voldemort against our child and Neville," Lily snarled. She looked far angrier than James. The Aurors looked alarmed. "The b*tch who said the prophecy isn't descended from a Seer and isn't a Seer herself." Luna looked angry now, and for some reason she looked just as terrifying as Lily.

"Harrison, don't trust the old man!" James warned. "Moony, Padfoot, protect my Prongslet."

"Thus ends the will of Lily Potter Nee Evans-" Lily began.

"-and James Fleamont Potter," James finished.

The two smoky figures disappeared.

Chapter Text

Harrison was reading Dark Lords of Ages Past (glamoured to look like a book on magical schools around the world) when there was a knock on the door.

"Enter," Harrison said, marking his page and looking up.

A nervous-looking redhead opened the door. "Can I sit here?" he asked. "Everywhere else is full."

"Well met, sir wizard," Harrison said warmly, hiding his annoyance. "You may sit."

The redhead sat down, looking even more embarrassed. "Oh, yeah. Uh, well met, sir wizard. Sorry, it's been while since my pureblood lessons. I've got six siblings, it's a bit hard to keep track of who learned the pureblood greetings and who didn't. I'm Ronald Weasley."

"Harrison Potter-Riddle," Harrison replied, shaking the boy's hand. "My title is technically Heir Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Black-" he gave a shocked Ronald a mock exasperated look "-but that's a bit long, so you may call me Harrison."

"Uh. I don't have a title," Ronald admitted. "My great-grandfather on one side is Lord Weasley, and my great aunt on the other is Lady Prewett. You can call me Ron. Are you...?"

"Yes, I'm the Boy-Who-Lived," Harrison said with a sigh. "I don't agree with that title, given my mother was the one who defeated Lord Voldemort, not me."

Ron blinked. "That makes more sense. You were a baby; you didn't know any magic."

"Let alone any magic that would stop me from dying," Harrison agreed. "I don't like being reminded of my fame," he added quietly, pretending to be upset, "because it reminds me that my parents are dead and I'm not. Can we not talk about it?"

"Of course," Ron said quickly, embarrassed again. "Sorry. Um. Do you like Quidditch?"

Adorable. "I don't know, I've only heard of it," Harrison explained.

Ron gaped at him. Then he went on a rant about how amazing Quidditch was. Harrison had heard the basics, but he hadn't realized how dangerous it was.

"Sounds rather like the Muggle sport, basketball," Harrison hummed. "A little more dangerous, though."

"What's basketball?"

Harrison was about to explain when there was a timid knock. "Enter."

The door opened a little, revealing a chubby boy. Harrison recognized Neville Longbottom.

"Has anyone seen a toad?" the boy asked nervously. "I've lost mine."

"Have you spoken to a prefect?" Harrison asked when Ron shook his head, wrinkling his nose.

"N-no... why?"

"They have permission to use magic on the train," Harrison explained. "I'm sure if you ask them, they'll gladly find your toad for you."

The boy's eyes lit up. "Thank you."

"It's good to see you again, Heir Longbottom," Harrison added hintingly. Neville frowned a bit, and then his eyes widened.

"Oh! Heir Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Black! Sorry, I didn't recognize you," Neville admitted.

"You may call me Harrison," he told the nervous boy fondly. "That title is a bit long."

"You c- may call me Neville," Neville said shyly. "Well met, sir wizard," he mumbled to Ron.

"Well met, Heir Longbottom," Ron replied. "I'm Ronald Weasley. Just Ron's fine."

"Neville, then."

"Would you like us to help you find a prefect?" Harrison offered.

"My brother's a prefect this year," Ron said, snorting. When Harrison and Neville cast him curious looks, he said dryly, "He kept telling us all summer, it got a bit annoying."

"I'll look for another Weasley, then," Neville said with a little smile. "All I have to do is look for fiery-red hair."

"Which side has red hair?" Harrison asked Ron curiously when Neville had gone.

"There are rumors that the Prewetts are descended from Fire Mages," Ron explained, looking sour, "but because the Weasleys broke a marriage contract with the Malfoys way back when, they lost their ability to use any Family Magics. If the Malfoys hadn't cursed us, my family would be Dragon Friends and Fire Mages."

"Remind me who broke the marriage contract," Harrison said dryly.

Ron made a face. "Yeah, yeah, Baxter Weasley did, so the Weasleys got punished. I just don't think the entire family should suffer for one man's mistake."

"While that is true, you shouldn't blame the Malfoy family," Harrison pointed out. "The entire Malfoy family shouldn't suffer for their ancestor's decision to curse your family."

Ron looked thoughtful. "That makes sense. I'll do that."

The door burst open at that moment, revealing a bushy-haired girl. "Has anyone seen a toad, Neville's lost one," she said haughtily.

"Well met, lady witch," Harrison said calmly, before Ron could snap at her. "I told Neville to ask a prefect for help, as they and the Head Boy and Girl are the only ones allowed to do magic on the train. Did Neville give you permission to call him by his first name?"

The girl looked indignant. "In the Muggle world, all children call other children by their first names."

"It's a little different in the Wizarding World, lady witch," Harrison stated patiently. "We have specific rules and greetings, as well as different holidays. For example: we always knock on doors to rooms or train compartments and wait for permission to enter."

His voice was so patient (hiding the anger he really felt) that the girl realized her mistake and apologized.

"I didn't know that, I wasn't raised here," she explained.

"Weren't you given the Muggleborn book list, then?" Harrison asked curiously. Ron looked surprised.

"No, what Muggleborn book list?" she demanded.

Harrison pinched his nose. Dumbledore. "If you don't have them now, I suggest you owl-order them. Or ask another pureblood about them. Make sure that when you ask, you greet them with 'Well met, magical.'"

"You said 'lady witch,'" the girl pointed out.

Harrison blinked. "I apologize, I assumed your gender. 'Magical' is the word people use when they aren't sure what gender you are or the genders you identify as are a form of genderfluid or nonbinary. What pronouns do you prefer?"

"She/her," she answered automatically.

Harrison glanced at Ron, and he smiled a little and said, "He/him. I'm glad you support the queer community; my brother Charlie is trans male and ace."

"Interesting," Harrison hummed.

"What are your pronouns?" the girl questioned.

"He/him. Thank you for asking, and I'm sorry I didn't. My name is Harrison James Potter-Riddle, or Heir Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Black. This is Ronald Weasley."

"I don't have an heirship," Ron added when the girl's eyes widened in shock. "What's your name?"

"Hermione Granger," she said faintly. "You're really descended from Merlin?"

"I am."

"And Arthur Pendragon? The Muggle King? I thought he was a Muggle."

"Muggleborn," Harrison corrected.

Hermione swayed a little. "And you're descended from all of the Hogwarts founders?" she asked hysterically.

"Yes," Harrison said patiently. "Why don't you sit down, Miss Granger, you look a bit faint."

Hermione collapsed beside Ron, pale. Harrison was about to shut the door when Neville returned, followed by-

"Malfoy!" Ron exclaimed, then blushed and apologized. "Um, I mean, well met, Heir Malfoy."

Draco Malfoy gave Ron a bewildered look as Neville sat down beside Harrison, toad clutched in his hand. "I didn't think the Weasleys knew the pureblood greetings."

"Great Aunt Muriel taught me, my siblings, and my dad," Ron explained. "Dad's parents didn't teach him anything. My great-grandfather tried to, but my grandparents stopped him."

"Ah yes, Lord Ignatius Weasley. Well met, magicals," Draco added to Neville, Hermione, and Harrison. "I was told Harry Potter was in this compartment."

"Harrison-Potter-Riddle, or Heir Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Black," Harrison corrected. Draco's eyes widened.

"Heir Neville Longbottom," Neville offered.

"Hermione Granger," Hermione said. "I don't think I have a title, I'm a Muggleborn."

Draco sneered, but Harrison said quickly, "All Muggleborns are descended from Squibs, so you might have a title, maybe even from a family that's considered extinct."

Draco looked startled. "I thought Muggleborns stole magic."

"That is impossible, Heir Malfoy," Harrison scoffed. "The closest you can get is removing someone's magic."

"You may call me Draco," Draco said quickly.

"Harrison, then."

Ron and Neville gave permission for Draco to use their first names, and he graciously told them the same. Hermione didn't.

"What are Squibs?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Someone who has a magical core, but can't access it," Harrison explained. "They are always born of two pureblood parents whose families continue to practice incest, basically. This is why a lot of purebloods don't have access to their Family Magics."

Hermione looked shocked and disgusted. She glanced at Draco suspiciously.

Draco snorted. "Most people don't know this, but my great-great-great grandfather was a Muggleborn from France. It usually takes five generations for a family to be considered purebloods in Britain, but in France they don't have such distinctions, so my grandfather was able to convince everyone that the Malfoys are purebloods. We despise incest. The Malfoys have even taken to marrying foreign purebloods to avoid it."

"Still haven't married half-bloods, blood-traitors or Muggleborns, though," Ron muttered.

"Blood-traitors?" Hermione asked, frowning even further.

"They're purebloods who like Muggles," Ron said sourly.

"False," Harrison corrected sharply. Ron looked surprised, and Neville nodded. "To become a blood-traitor, one has to betray their family traditions and beliefs, reject wizarding holidays and ceremonies, and break the statute of secrecy. If you only betray your family's traditions and beliefs, you're just disowned. Rejecting the wizarding holidays and ceremonies and breaking the statute of secrecy, however, is a lot more dangerous. The former causes your magics and mental capacities to decline. The latter reveals magic to Muggles. I know some would be accepting," he added when Hermione looked confused. "But several would fear us and hate us. My Muggle relatives certainly hate and fear me."

He wasn't going to tell them why, though.

"Oh, Harrison," Hermione whispered.

"I didn't know," Ron said, looking sickened. "I haven't done any ceremonies or holidays, and I don't know my families' beliefs."

"I can help with that," Draco said automatically.

-------

"Potter-Riddle, Harrison!"

"SLYTHERIN!"

Chapter Text

"Potter-Riddle, Harrison!"

Whispers immediately started up.

"It's him!"

"I thought his name was Harry Potter?"

Harrison smiled reassuringly at McGonagall, who had gone a little pale at his name. For some reason, this made her more alarmed. He shrugged it off and went up to the stool. McGonagall lowered the Sorting Hat onto his head.

"Oho, what do we have here?" the Hat said interestedly. "Very interesting."

Hello, Harrison said politely.

"Hello, child," it replied. Then it sighed. "You have qualities from all four Houses: intelligence, cunning, ambition, a good work ethic, bravery... and you value all of these qualities. I am not sure where to sort you."

Harrison knew what House he wanted, but he also wanted to lay low, and being sorted into Slytherin was not a good way to lay low.

"Child, you're going to be noticed whichever House you're sorted into. You're the Boy-Who-Lived."

D*mn. How was he going to play this...

The Sorting Hat laughed, although the laugh sounded a bit wary. "Well, I know where to put you now.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Harrison pulled off the Hat as the Slytherin table yelled in glee. He smiled wearily at the other three Houses, of which some were applauding and some weren't. Neville smiled shyly at him from the Hufflepuff table, while Hermione cheered from the Ravenclaws. Ron waved a little at him, looking torn.

Harrison headed over to the Slytherin table, glancing up at the staff.

A majority of the teachers weren't looking at him, but at the students. However, three of the teachers were staring at him with mixed expressions.

The Headmaster looked faintly horrified behind a mask of grandfatherly disappointment. The dark-haired man beside him had a sour but pale expression, confusion and anger in his eyes. The man with the turban on his head had gone white, with a little bit of awe in his terrified expression.

Harrison nodded a little to himself as he sat down beside Draco. Parkinson sneered at him.

"Thomas, Dean," McGonagall called, her voice shaking a little.

A tall, black boy headed up to the Hat and sat down. There was a short pause, and then the Hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Lisa Turpin was sorted into Ravenclaw, and then Ron's name was called. Nervously, the redhead sat down on the stool.

The Hat was silent for a very long time, and then-

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Harrison and Draco applauded as Ron stood up, looking relieved, and joined the wildly cheering Gryffindors (Harrison sniggered at Ron's twin brothers, who were sobbing theatrically).

"Why are you cheering for a Gryffindor?" a third year asked Harrison. The rest of the table had remained completely silent.

"Weasley -- Ron's our friend," Draco explained. "He's not like the rest of his family. He knows the pureblood greetings and is interested in learning our traditions and holidays."

"Zabini, Blaise!"

Draco started and turned towards the Hat. "A Zabini?"

"SLYTHERIN!"

Harrison applauded the handsome black boy as he headed towards the Slytherins. He raised a questioning brow at Draco.

"They're basically Italian royalty," Draco explained. When Zabini sat down across from them, Draco said charmingly, "Well met, Heir Zabini. I'm Heir Malfoy and this is Heir Merlin-Peverell-Pendragon-Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Black."

"Well met, Heirs," Zabini said, raising a brow at Harrison, who looked resigned. Parksinson sighed dreamily a few seats down.

"Welcome!" Dumbledore said charmingly, and Harrison quickly turned to watch him. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!

"Thank you!"

Chapter Text

Dumbledore cleared his throat, and everyone fell silent. "Just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you.

"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils... and a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."

He shot Ron's older brothers, Fred and George, a twinkly-eyed look. The twins grinned innocently.

"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors.

"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."

Dumbledore glanced in Harrison's direction, and he felt a foreign bit of magic try and press into his mind. He threw it out, keeping his expression calm. A flicker of worry passed over Dumbledore's face before he smiled again and continued.

"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

Harrison stared incredulously at the man. If he had been more serious about the matter and had put up protective spells that would stop children from trying to enter the corridor, then that would stop curious children from trying to enter. Instead, several of the students laughed, while the Weasley twins began whispering to each other.

"Well, I know where I'm not going," Harrison drawled.

"I do wonder what's down there," Draco hummed.

"Stick to wondering and leave it at that. Even if what's down there doesn't kill you, it obviously will cause quite a bit of pain. Stay away."

He put a little bit of magic into his voice. Those within earshot went a bit glassy-eyed, except for a seventh year, whose eyes went wide. Blaise raised a brow at him.

"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" said Dumbledore brightly. Snape grimaced, earning quiet snickers from the Slytherins.

Dumbledore flicked his wand, and a long golden scroll flew out of it. Words appeared.

"Everyone pick your favorite tune," Dumbledore beamed, "and off we go!"

-------

"Welcome to Slytherin House," said the seventh-year prefect, Andrew Wiles, calmly. "You have heard many things about this House. Evil, Death Eater, Dark. Our House is often most targeted by bullies. Most teachers will remove more points from our House than the other Houses. As such, we have more rules than Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. If you want to keep out of detentions and minimize the points you lose, follow these rules.

"One: treat everyone with respect, including Muggleborns and Half-bloods, even if you don't like them.

"Two: do not rise to Gryffindors' taunts, but don't stay silent either. We are not weak.

"Three: if you have a disagreement with a fellow Slytherin, keep it in-House. We don't want other Houses capitalizing on inter-House arguments.

"Four: all Slytherins must travel in groups. A solo Slytherin is a targeted Slytherin.

"Five: if you must hex a student, either because they're blood-traitors, Half-bloods, Muggleborns, or they insulted you, your friends, or your family, make sure it doesn't point back to you. Slytherins do not get caught.

"Professor Snape, our Head of House, would like a few words with you."

Snape emerged from the shadows, making several people jump. Harrison twitched his lips in amusement.

"Welcome to Slytherin House," Snape whispered silkily. "I am Severus Snape, Potions Master, and your potions professor.

"I am sure all of you heard the Headmaster's warning about the third-floor corridor."

There were a few nods.

Snape curled his lip. "What he didn't mention was that there are several wards keeping children away, but if you happen to get past them, it houses a Cerberus."

"What!"

"A giant three-headed dog?"

"Why would they have that in a school?!!"

"Silence," Snape hissed. Immediately, everyone stopped talking. "If I catch you anywhere near the third-floor corridor, you will be expelled immediately. If I don't, you will be dead."

Several of the Slytherins paled. Draco leaned against Harrison, whispering, "My father will hear about this."

Harrison cocked his head a little. And interesting statement. Did Draco mean that he would tell his father, or that his father had people in the school that would tell him?

"I will see you in class," Snape said coolly. "Mr. Potter-Riddle, a word."

Harrison headed over to the man while Wiles directed the first years towards their dorm rooms. Snape led Harrison over to a corner, where he cast a few Anti-Eavesdropping charms and a spell Harrison had never heard of: Muffliato.

"What does that spell do?" Harrison asked with interest.

Snape gave him a faintly impressed look. "If any student were to attempt breaking the Anti-Eavesdropping charms, their ears would fill with an infernal buzzing noise, and not hear us anyway."

"I'd like to learn that spell, if you'd deign to teach me it, sir," Harrison said suavely.

The man shuddered a little. "Mr. Potter-Riddle... why do you look like the Dark Lord?"

"You're a Death Eater, then?" Harrison asked. Snape grimaced. "Interesting.

"How do I know you won't spill my secret? To anyone?"

Snape paled a little at the faint acid in Harrison's tone. Then he said, "I, Severus Tobias Snape, swear on my magic that I will keep Harrison Potter-Riddle's secrets, unless he gives permission for me to speak. So mote it be."

There was a flash of magic in the air, and Harrison smiled darkly. "Thank you, Professor.

"Have you heard of adoption through Magic?"

Snape went white.