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Chapter 66 - The Surprise Of The Last Will And Testament Of Sirius Black

Dimension: 563 - Earth
Date: 8th September 2001 AD
Country: Britain - London
Location: Diagon Alley - Gringotts Wizard Bank
Time: Afternoon

As they finished collecting from their various vaults and exited the cart on the Ground Floor the Head Goblin called to Harry.

"Mr Potter?"

"Yes."

"Mr Harry James Potter, son of the late Lily and James Potter who resided at Godrics Hollow?"

"Yes."

"Would you please come into the back room Mr Potter, there is a private matter that needs to be discussed."

"What private matter?"

The Goblin looked around then leaned in and whispered.

"The will reading of the late Sirius Black." Harry visibly flinched at the name "Many of those with you also need to attend as we stated in our summons but most people like to keep their attendance of will readings private."

"We will wait here Arry?" smiled Fleur.

Harry nodded as he, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Draco, Tonks, Remus and Dumbledore followed after the Goblin.

The Head Goblin led the group into a private room, it contained a human sized desk with several chairs lined up in front of it, the room already had several occupants including Mr and Mrs Weasley, the rest of the younger Weasley generation, bar Percy, a short man whom Harry guessed was representing Bellatrix (her criminal record preventing her from attending in person, but someone had to represent her), Minister Fudge and his two Auror guards and lastly two tall and elegant women, one blond and one with black hair and a single blond strand running down the right side of her face, Harry guessed they were Narcissa Malfoy and Andromeda Tonks, his suspicions were confirmed moments later.

"Mother."

"Draco," replied Narcissa, her expression not changing.

"Nymphadora." Smiled her sister.

"Mother." Replied Tonks with a twitch at the use of her given name.

"Ron, Ginny." Beamed Molly.

"Children, Harry, Hermione." Added Arthur.

"Mom, dad." Replied Ginny.

"Mr Weasley." Greeted Harry and Hermione.

"Good summer Harry." Beamed the twins as the various other Weasley's greeted the newcomers until Molly turned to Harry.

"Harry, how could you go and leave the Dursley's like that, we have been worried sick about you, it was extremely rec...."

"Mrs Weasley, please be so kind as to remain quiet." Interrupted Harry, shocking most in the room into silence "You are talking of things you do not understand and despite what you may like to think, you are not my mother or my Guardian and after the arrival of that letter last week I doubt I will ever consider you to be either ever again. I am emancipated, I am aristocracy, I am rich, I can take care or myself and you have no right to lecture me so please remain quiet unless you have something constructive to say."

"Harry how dare y...."

"I asked you to remain silent and as the primary beneficiary of this will reading I can ask you to leave or be removed for all parts of the will that do not involve you."

Molly went to speak again but was stopped by Arthur who seemed to understand Harry a lot better than his wife, he could obviously see that Harry had grown up over the summer and did not need telling off.

Turning around Harry looked to the Black sisters.

"Mrs Tonks, Mrs Malfoy, a pleasure to meet you both."

"Lord Potter." Replied Mrs Malfoy with a short nod, though not making her phrasing sound in anyway unpleasant, she was aware that in public they had to treat each other politely, her acting skills made it impossible to tell if she wanted to curse him or kiss him.

"Remus, it is nice to see you once again."

"Narcissa," Replied the Werewolf "Andromeda."

"Hello Remus. Mr Potter a pleasure to finally meet you," Smiled Mrs Tonks "Please call me Andromeda, my daughter talks of you often."

"Only if you call me Harry." He smiled back before his expression turned series as he looked at Fudge "Minister, why are you here?"

"Not that it is any business of yours Harry, but I am here for the will reading." Replied the Minister forcefully, completely certain of his own superiority "As a former criminal, as the will is that of a Major British House and as several Major British Houses stand to inherit it is only right that there should be a Ministry representative here."

"There are already two in this room Minister."

"Ah, but they are beneficiaries Harry." Returned Fudge "An impartially observer is needed."

Harry turned to the Goblin.

"Is the Minister or the Ministry a beneficiary of the will?"

"No Mr Potter." Replied the Goblin sending a toothy grin at him as he replied, realising what was about to happen "Neither is there any rule, law, tradition or custom that states that a Ministry representative must be present."

Harry turned back to Fudge.

"Minister as the primary beneficiary I ask you to leave."

"What, now see here Harry...."

"I have the right to ask you to leave and I just did, please leave Minister. If I have to ask you a third time the Goblins are obliged to remove you by force."

"Now Harry, let us be reasonable."

"Minister I demand that you vacate this room immediately." said Harry finally, turning away from the Minister.

As he spoke the door opened and two Goblin guards walked in and took the Minister by his coat, them being unable to reach his arms.

The Minister turned to his Auror's.

"Well don't just stand there, do something."

"He is entitled to ask you to leave Minister," replied the older of the two Auror's, he was obviously not a fan of the Minister and was well acquainted with the law "As you are only being removed from the room there is absolutely nothing we can legally do."

The Minister wore a look that said he was going to get back at the Auror for that.

"Harry you will regret this." Called the Minister as he was escorted out, followed by his guards, the door shutting behind him.

"That was thoroughly enjoyable." Commented Harry as almost everyone in the room grinned or smiled at the Minister's plight. Narcissa retained her look but did for a second look amused, only Dumbledore looked on worriedly, the Minister would try to make Harry pay for that and the embarrassment from the Great Hall.

Clearing his throat, the Goblin behind the desk prepared to began.

"This is the reading of the last will and testament of Sirius Black, there are two major and many minor beneficiaries to the will, I shall start with the minor." The Goblin turned to Bellatrix's lawyer "Firstly as per Wizarding law the deceased gives the minimum possible amount to his cousin Bellatrix Lestrange, one galleon, one sickle and one knut, thus concludes Bellatrix Lestrange's inheritance."

Bellatrix's lawyer stood and nodded before leaving the room, once the door had closed the Goblin continued.

"Secondly the deceased gives to Andromeda Tonks and her daughter whose name the deceased has stated that I am to read out in her presence, Nymphadora Tonks,"

Tonks growled at Sirius's sense of humour, while others covered up smiles.

"Are each to receive a million galleons from the Black Vaults, as well as certain labelled jewellery from aforementioned vault. Additional jewellery also goes to Narcissa Malfoy along with the following message 'Come back to the light Cissa'."

Mrs Malfoy flinched slightly as the message was read out but regained her composure very quickly.

"If Narcissa Malfoy 'Comes back to the light' to the satisfaction of her sister Andromeda then she is two receive an additional one million galleons. The son of Narcissa Malfoy; Draco Malfoy is to receive the same amount as his aunt Bellatrix."

Draco grumbled under his breath but said nothing as the Goblin continued.

"Bill, Charlie, Arthur and Molly Weasley each get half a million galleons. Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Ginny Weasley each get three quarters of a million galleons, in addition Hermione Granger gets an additional ten thousand galleons which can, and I quote 'Only be used on fiction related literature or on items that Ron Weasley, Harry Potter or Ginny Weasley consider to be non-educational'."

Ron, Harry and Ginny exchanged grins at Hermione's worried look.

"Once at least five percent of said ten thousand galleons has been spent and enjoyed to aforementioned judges satisfaction, Hermione Granger is to have free access to the entire Black family library at all Black properties throughout the United Kingdom."

Hermione's jaw almost hit the floor in shock.

"There is an attached comment, 'And if that does not convince Hermione to put down her books for a bit, nothing will'." Several of the rooms inhabitants chuckled at the comment as the Goblin turned to the twins "Fred and George Weasley are each to receive half a million galleons as well as two million for their company and all my old prank books."

The twins saluted their fellow prankster before grinning widely at the thought of all the material in the books.

"Albus Dumbledore is to receive a total of two million galleons for what ever 'Orderly' activities he sees fit. An extra million is to go to Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry to either get qualified staff hired to train the pupils in defence or for whatever other reason Dumbledore sees fit. This ends the Minor beneficiaries list."

Harry gulped if millions of galleons counted as minor, what on earth counted as major, he knew the Black family was very old but how much money could they actually have.

"Half of the Black family fortuned is to go to Remus Lupin; at least ten thousand galleons of which is to go on new clothes only, of which ten percent has to be spent within the next two months or the entire inheritance will all be withheld until said money is spent, there is an attached comment, 'Take care of yourself Mooney'."

Remus bowed his head as the Goblin finished reading out his section of the will.

"Lastly, everything else goes to Sirius Black's godson Harry James Potter, including the rest of the Black fortune, the various properties, title and shares."

Harry's chin hit the floor.

"Thus concludes the will of Sirius Black, there is an ending statement. 'Mischief Managed'."

No one was able to say anything in the silence that followed.

Rolling up the document the Goblin continued.

"I will be happy to explain any parts of the will that are not understood or go into greater detail as regards parts of the will you wish to hear again, but if you have no questions you may now depart."

Narcissa stood and turned to Harry.

"A pleasure to meet you Lord Potter. Professor Dumbledore, Remus, sister, Draco." with that she turned and seemed to glide out of the room.

Andromeda also stood.

"I hope to see you again soon Harry. Nymphadora, Remus, Dumbledore." She smiled before heading out of the room with the same smoothness and sophistication as her sister.

"I am guessing you have questions Mr Potter." Said the Goblin.

Harry nodded.

"In estates, you receive the Black London residence which has a concealed location; do you know the address or know of someone who does?"

He nodded, still shocked by what he had heard turning to Dumbledore "e said "You can continue to use it for....'recreational' purposes Professor."

"Thank you My Lord." the Headmaster smiled, pleased that Harry didn't totally hate him, or at least not enough to cause disruption to Order business.

Harry turned back to the Goblin.

"Is that everything?"

"Not quite Mr Potter, we also need to discuss the ownership of Castle Black."

"Castle Black!" Harry exclaimed straightening up in his chair.

From the looks of those in the room, including Dumbledore but not, surprisingly, Tonks and Remus no one else was aware of its existence.

"Sirius had a castle?"

"Officially Mr Potter no, but before I continue I must ask everyone else to leave the room as what I am about to tell you is confidential."

The others nodded before reluctantly filtering out, confusingly though Tonks sent him an apprehensive look as she went, once when they were alone the Goblin continued.

"Before I speak about the confidential matter Viscount I have your new House Ring for you." Explained the Goblin, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing said ring.

Taking it out of the Goblins hands, Harry examined the ring; unlike his own house ring the main band was a dull grey colour so Harry wasn't sure of the metal, the face had a black background with the Black family crest highlighted in silver.

"In addition Mr Potter we found this in your family faults," explained the Goblin, handing him another ring.

Taking it as well Harry examined it curiously, having no idea what house the ring could belong to, like the Potter Ring was a gold band but on top was a red background with a gold lion atop it, the eye of the lion was a tiny ruby.

"The Gryffindor Crest?" asked Harry.

"As the direct Gryffindor line is now extinct and you are the nearest member of the extended family, you now own this ring that represents their seat on the Wizengamot, meaning you now control the Potter, Black and Gryffindor seats."

Harry nodded before looking at his hands and wondering which fingers to use for these two rings.

"House Rings can time share Viscount, slide them on top of your Potter Ring, you will then be able to will which if any are visible."

Nodding slid the other rings onto his finger alongside his own House Ring and watched as they slid into each other before his Potter Ring returned to the forefront.

"Now for the confidential matter." Began the Goblin "As I am sure you are aware, as a Major British House the Black family has a different set of rules governing it, including laws regarding the imprisonment of criminals...."

Harry literally growled at his use of the word.

"Or suspected criminals." the Goblin added hastily "When a member of a Major House is arrested, any property worth over a certain amount is confiscated until the suspect is proven innocent or otherwise, if innocent the property is returned to them, but if the suspect is found guilty then the estate or properties are permanently removed from their possession and they would have been passed onto the nearest living relative. In the case of Sirius Black, as both his parents and brother are dead they could not take possession of the estate, which meant that the castle would be passed onto the nearest living relative, which in this case was one of the three Black sisters now known as Narcissa Black Malfoy, Bellatrix Black Lestrange and Andromeda Black Tonks."

"In the Wizarding world among Major Houses, males always come first and in age order, but women are not given the same priority by age as men are. Under the laws governing the Major British Houses in an ownership situations where equal claims for siblings are involved, the claims of those who already have sizable estates would come second to those who do not. Bellatrix Black Lestrange already had a sizable estate until she was convicted of being a Death Eater so her estate was transferred to Narcissa Black Malfoy's ownership."

"Mrs Malfoy, owning the Lestrange estate and living on another large estate that has since become hers as well since her husband's conviction, results in her claim also being reduced. This leaves Andromeda Black Tonks, she has no estate of her own other than a small Muggle house in Central London. Her husband had a large house of his own but this did not fall under the laws of the Wizarding World as he owned the mansion not her and it would revert, in the event of his death, which has since occurred, to his Muggle relatives. Thusly she has been in possession of the castle since his incarceration, but since Sirius Black has now been proved innocent, his will with the recent alterations made last year have now been reinstated and the estate now belongs to you."

The Goblin paused to take a breath.

"What I am about to tell you is the reason why I asked the room to be emptied. Although Mrs Tonks had ownership of the castle, she never once set foot in it, which has caused her and her daughter problems because of technicalities regarding Mr Tonks will. On Mr Tonks death all his monetary worth that were held my Muggle banks reverted back to his Muggle relatives whom Mrs Tonks and her daughter are not on good terms with. Communication with Miss Tonks prior to this will reading informed me that since her father's death they have been in a very bad situation as regards money, for five years now she and her mother have remained at the small London House that they own, but living there has become increasingly difficult as regards finances."

"Why did they not simply move into the castle?" asked Harry

"I asked the same question and was informed that Mrs Tonks believed her cousin to be innocent and that when he was proved as such he would want his property returned to him. From what Miss Tonks told me her financial situation is now desperate and they have recently been evicted from the London House and are now renting a small flat barely big enough for both of them. Normally this situation would have forced Mrs Tonks to use the castle but you are now the owner."

The Goblin stopped for another breath.

"Miss Tonks asked me to ask you if, with your permission of course, if she and Mrs Tonks could move, temporarily at least, into Castle Black, as unfortunately the money that Sirius Black left her and her mother needs to go to pay off several large loans with us that her mother took out for the upkeep of their London residence and to pay of several debts that her father had in the Wizarding World which unfortunately did not revert to his Muggle relatives. Normally we would not loan so much to one person but as we knew that eventually the Black fortune and the loans would come to the same person they would eventually be paid off. Paying back the debts will almost completely exhaust the inheritance of both of the ladies and only Miss Tonks wages have been keeping them housed and any repayment of the loans possible up until this point. Miss Tonks knows her mother would be too proud to ask for help and she would not want her daughter to ask either, thusly she asked me to ask you in her place and if you agree, could you arrange it so that you offer the family castle to her as a place to stay as they are some of Mr Blacks last relatives, that way her mother would never know that she asked."

Harry nodded to the Goblin immediately; if Tonks and her mother needed help then they would have it.

"They can move in immediately."

The Goblin nodded before continuing on another subject.

"In addition to the properties mentioned already the Black family has a large number of properties which are permanently rented out all over Wizarding Britain, in addition there are a large number of shares in many companies, almost all of which were acquired a long very long time ago and are now worth an awfully large amount of money."

"How....how much are the shares worth?" Harry asked tentatively as he was in shock at most of what he was hearing.

"On average around...." The Goblin began examining a second sheet of parchment "Seven million galleons per annum."

You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed.

"Se....se....seven....million....galleons per year?" Harry stuttered.

"Indeed, some of theses shares were bought centuries ago and are thusly worth a very large amount now. Added to the shares you already own from your parents, the rents you receive and the interest on all the above you have a total income of just over ten million galleons per annum."

"How much!" Harry exclaimed, he had never got around to examining his parents finances so the revelation was quiet a surprise.

Harry's mind was in shock, trying to take in all he was hearing, he would never be able to spend it all, not on his own.

In that moment an idea occurred to Harry.

"Can I give the shares to others?" he asked.

"Yes Viscount." Nodded the Goblin.

"Ok then, give Nymphadora and her mother each the number of shares currently closest in value to half a million galleons, I would also like to create accounts for and transfer three million galleons cash as well as a quarter of a millions worth of share each to Miss. Hermione Granger, Mr. Ronald Weasley, Miss Ginny Weasley, Colette Fontaine, she wont need an account setting up." Harry paused for a moment before adding "And Miss. Buffy Summers. In addition can you transfer two million galleons into the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes account. All expenses and opening costs coming from my account."

"Certainly Viscount," the Goblin said jotting down the names and amounts, he looked positively ecstatic at the prospect of transferring all that money "The people in question will have to sign to agree to the transfers, is there anything else sir?"

Harry thought for a minute.

"Yes, I would like a card and pouch for all the people who are getting an annual percentage of the shares and lastly I want Fleur Delacour to have complete access to my vaults with all the rights and privileges I have."

The Goblin looked like Christmas had come early "Excellent I will get on that right away Viscount, after you have signed to agree to the transfers could you sent those who are outside in so they can sign for the transfers as well as the acceptance of their money bags and cards."

Harry signed quickly but paused before he reached the door.

"I know Gringotts has been managing my shares for years now, how much do I need to pay for you to continue to do so?"

The Goblin smiled.

"If anyone else said that Viscount, I would be shocked, you do not have to pay us anything extra as we arrange a percentage of the profits as payment, that way we can guarantee to you that we want your shares to be profitable, with your permission we will increase our control over your shares so that we can buy and sell in such a way as to make you as much money as possible."

"Certainly, I haven't got a clue about shares, so I will leave it to the Professionals."

"Thank you Viscount, oh, one last thing, I was negligent, I should have mentioned this earlier, the location of Castle Black. Now that you are the owner, no one who knew of the castles location will remember. The castle itself is thousands of years old and was originally built by the first Black's, as such the protections surrounding it are strong and ancient. As an important customer to Gringotts and given the magical leanings of the Black family as a whole, we have already sent Goblins to the Castle to remove any dangerous charms protecting the estate."

The Goblin withdrew a scroll of parchment from his coat and handed it to Harry.

Unrolling the parchment, Harry began to read:

Harry James Potter, you are the only person able to read the wording on this parchment.

Castle Black, now the property of Harry James Potter can be found on a small concealed island ten miles of the North West coast of Scotland.

Harry James Potter, Master of Castle Black can reach the Castle by Fireplace by following the usual Fire system and saying the words.

"I Harry James Potter, Master of Castle Black demand admittance to my estate."

Doing so will allow anyone else to Floo to the Castle from said Fireplace for exactly three minutes.

Alternatively Harry James Potter can say the words above then attempt to Apparate to any location; if Apparating you can take others with you by ensuring that they have skin contact with you when you say the above words.

Once there, activate the main fireplace inside and say a password in any language of you're choosing.

Upon doing this, you can permit anyone to see Castle Black by reading the words below to the person in question; this will allow them to travel there with you.

"I Harry James Potter, Master of Castle Black grant admittance to (insert name/names) to my residence on Black Island."

To allow them independent travel simply say their name followed by the password in the language chosen and the person will be able to travel to the location by following the usual fireplace procedure and saying the password, the password must also be said before taking a portkey in or when flying or sailing up to the island.

Knowledge of the password also allows the use of magic on the island by the person in question, everyone who hears the password will hear something different so that only they will be able to get in using the password they heard and they will not be able to tell others the password accurately.

The password can be changed by Harry James Potter activating the main fireplace at Castle Black and saying the following.

"I Harry James Potter change the password of my residence to (insert new password)"

The password will automatically be changed in the minds of all who know it, to disallow admission to a person/persons add

"...Disallow admittance to (insert name/names)"

This will make the person/persons in question forget the password.

Harry James Potter congratulations on receiving ownership of Castle Black.

Harry rolled the parchment back up before turning back to the Goblin.

"I understand Goblins are very good at warding, how much would it cost me to ward Godrics Hollow, the Black House in London, Potter Estate and Castle Black?"

"That would depend on what strength of wards you wanted."

"The strongest possible, the full works."

"An awful lot," replied the Goblin, before bringing his left into view, a Bronze Alliance ring was on his third finger "But in light of other business between the Goblins and yourself, will do it for free."

Harry leaned back in shock.

"Are you sure, if it's going to cost that much...."

"The money we have received from the Potter and Black shares over the years easily make up the cost."

"Oh, ok then." Nodded Harry "I think that's everything except for accepting my friends at Castle Black and transferring the money and shares."

"If you wish to grant them access now, I will vacate the room." Explained the Goblin getting down from his desk.

The pair walked out of the door to where everyone else was waiting.

"Fleur, Colette, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Buffy, Tonks, Remus, Adam, Fred and George, can you join me inside for a minute?"

Those mentioned looked at him confused but walked back into the room, he sent Tonks a short nod as she walked past him which earned him a large beaming smile, he could tell she was trying very hard not to hug him hard in thanks.

When the door closed Harry turned to the group.

"I Harry James Potter Master of Castle Black grant admittance to Fleur Delacour, Colette Fontaine, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, Ginevra Weasley, Fredric Weasley, George Weasley, Buffy Summers, Nymphadora Tonks, Remus Lupin and Adam Berio-Megiltura to my residence on Black Island."

There was a short flash and a beam of magic flew from Harry and passed through all those whose names Harry had said.

"I am honoured Harry." Bowed Adam.

"Err....Harry," Ron asked looking at his midsection where the beam of light had connected "What was that?"

"That was me allowing all of you to see Castle Black and as soon as I sort out a password you will be able to go there too, remind me to add Neville, Luna and Andromeda later, there are a few documents that all of you except Remus and Adam need also to sign."

He did not give them the chance to ask questions before he walked to the door and the goblin re-entered.

After about thirty seconds the twins were heard shouting.

"BLOODY HELL."

Followed by a short thud.

A few more seconds passed before a shocked looking Buffy poked her head round the door.

"What was the noise Professor?" asked Dumbledore.

"That was Ron passing out."

Draco couldn't help but snort, but what was stranger for those around them was that Harry couldn't help but snort with him.

After a minute the group emerged, Ron looked like he was trying to stop himself from passing out again, Ginny and Buffy just looked plain shocked, but Hermione looked positively fuming.

"Harry....have you gone completely insane....so far today you have given away nineteen million galleons and over two million a year average income....WHY?"

"Because I can," Harry answered "Because it means instead of ruining lives maybe I can help someone for once, think about it Hermione, I have only spent a fraction of what's in my vault and if I have had around ten million galleons a year coming in to the Black and Potter vaults, that's at least one hundred and fifty million galleons I've got stored so far, not including what my parents stored during their lives."

Hermione wanted to complain but Harry continued.

"Hermione, take the money I don't need it and by the time we leave school you will have received an additional one million galleons, which is easily enough to get yourself a house, which is something else I now have too many of, Hermione please accept, it take it as an early Christmas present or something, please take it....for me."

Hermione sighed and nodded.

"Ok Harry we'll take it."


AUTHORS NOTE 1: Firstly, Sorry this one took so long but my email has been a bit hazy of late not to mention I am trying to read Book 7 at the moment. This chapter I am currently not to happy with, as I said above my emails been a bit dodgy and I have been having trouble contacting those people who volunteered to beta for me, but I thought you deserved an update so I will post this now and once I get in contact with my new beta's I will update this chapter ok.

AUTHOR NOTE 2: I hope the three people who volunteered to beta for me are reading this; I won't say their names as I know at least one wanted to remain anonymous, I managed to contact one of you outside of the sites this story is posted on but another (the one who wants to remain anonymous) when I tried to contact them, the email bounced so can I ask all free of you to contact me on the below address so we can talk:

adamjamestait (at) hot mail (dot) co (dot) uk

I know some sites don't let you post email addresses so it's easier this way, if this does not work, leave a review and I will respond when I post the next chapter.