52Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Twins POV
After they followed the goblin out of the room, they were shown to a different smaller office. An elder goblin sat behind a large wooden desk. "Misters Fred and George Weasley, welcome. I believe you have a letter for me." They both nodded and George handed over Harry's later. They each took a seat in one of the two large chairs sitting opposite of the desk. They watched the goblin for a few minutes while he read over the later.
Then he stood up. "If you will give me a few moments I will get the correct documents."
When he was gone, Fred looked over at George. "What do you think Harry is looking for?"
His brother looked back at him. "Thefts? If I thought someone else had access to our vault that's what I would be looking for." They both sighed.
"What are we going to do about Ron?" George growled.
"First we need to see if it's just him," his brother said quietly, not liking the idea of doubting their family. George groaned. "You don't think dad, or Bill? And I know Charlie wouldn't, he doesn't even really know Harry. Percy hasn't been around-"
"Mum and Ginny," his brother added.
"We start with Charlie," Fred said confidently. "He is the least likely to have been involved in anything involving Dumbledore, he doesn't like the headmaster. Always said something was off about him," George nodded. "Then Bill, he likes Harry, I'm sure of it." They sighed together and added in sync, "then father."
The office door opened before they could discuss it anymore and in walked the same elder goblin as before, only this time he carried a large black box and a frown.
They looked at each other, questioning what could make the goblin look like that, but neither voiced it in fear of upsetting the goblin.
"I'm afraid I have found something troubling," the goblin said, placing the box on his desk and taking the lid off. He took out two aged white envelopes and placed them on the desk, frowning at them.
"What are they?" Fred asked, tempted to stand and grab one, just to see.
"James Potter and Lily Evans wills," the goblin said.
Both twins looked at each other then the goblin confused, why was that a bad thing?
"We don't understand," they said together.
The goblin heaved a heavy sigh, "they have never been read."
"But…"
"That's..."
"Not..."
"Possible."
The goblin nodded, not seeming bothered by their twin speak. "I had assumed that young Mister Potter, would have read them years ago. Or perhaps his guardian. It is most strange that they have not."
"I don't think Harry knows," George said.
"He would have read them," Fred added.
"Well," the goblin looked at them. "Mister Potter has given you both permissions to look at, read, and make adjustments should you see fit of all things pertaining to his account and vaults. That includes these." He waved his hand over the letters.
.
Again, they looked at each other. They were here to see if anyone had been in Harry's vaults. Not see something so personal.
Fred looked back at the goblin and was about to tell him to leave the will's for Harry, but the goblin held up his hand.
"You are thinking of saying no." They nodded. "I would advise against it. Wills can hold important, prudent, information."
They both understood what the goblin was saying, but it still felt wrong. Fred looked over at George. "Should we?" he asked. His twin looked at the envelopes. "If it's as important as it sounds,'' George said with a sigh, "Then I think Harry would be okay with it. As long as we can give them to him later?" The last bit was said to the goblin who nodded.
Fred reached over to the desk and took the first envelope; his hands shook as he opened it.
The last Will and Testament of James Potter.
I know this is supposed to be straightforward and all proper, but if this is my last chance to talk to you, then I will do this my way. Harry James Potter, you have been a blessing and no matter what happens son, please know I loved you very much. Now for the will in which I leave you, my son, four properties and both our family vaults. One vault is like all old families, full things of monetary value, but the other is more sentimental, photos, books, old toys, things that may not be worth much to many but might be to you. I know these will not replace me (and heaven forbid your mother, if something happened to us both) but I hope I leave you with a home to build a family with and some things to remember me by.
Potter Manor. My Grandfather did not like Potter Manor, he said it was too big and too empty. So, he and my grandmother bought Potter Cottage, where my father and me were raised. I asked my father once why he never returned to the Manor and he said the cottage felt like a home, where as the manor felt like a house. I never visited the Manor, though I had plans to. Perhaps you will go see it for the both of us.
A house in Hogsmeade. It has No Title, as it was bought as a wedding gift to my parents and they never moved in. I tried to convince Moony to take it and the stubborn man didn't talk to me for a month. Maybe he will listen to you.
My family home, which I was raised and now the place your mother and I must return to.
Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow
And finally, the home we bought for ourselves and hope/hoped to raise you in, Liliana Cottage just outside Tinworth village. We only got a short while here, never even long enough to invite Sirius or Remus to visit. I had hopes that after the war we would return, but with how things are going, we may never get the chance.
I also leave you my cloak, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. (Your mother isn't too happy about this one, she thinks you shouldn't get it until you are out of school.)
For the hardest part, if the worse comes to pass, and should you my son lose not just me but your mother, I name Sirius Black as your Godfather. If he too should perish, then I name Remus Lupin, in his place. You are both great men, and the best friends I could have asked for. Look after my boy.
-James Potter.
Fred wiped a tear from his cheek and turned to hand the letter to his brother, who in return looked stunned over the one he was reading. When George finished, they exchanged letters and now he found himself reading over Lily's Will.
The last Will and Testament of Lily Evans Potter.
Harry,
I pray you only read this when you are a man. Maybe after you have already started a family of your own and I have gotten to play with my grandchildren. Though I fear that is unlikely. This war has taken so much and to many, I know it will take more still. My only hope is that you are not alone when you read this. Hopefully your father is by your side and if not him then one of those silly idiots he calls his best friends.
I think I will make this simple, as I have not the heart to make it long and drawn out. I, Lily Evans Potter, nameSirius Black as Harry James Potter's Godfather, and with him I know Remus Lupin will be there like always saving his friend from his own stupidity, and I know James will name Remus as well, but I feel that with this war and all of our roles in it, that I should name another just to be safe, and if James is reading this I pray you understand my choice. If Sirius Black should be unable, I name Severus Snape to take his place.
Whether he is placed with Sirius, Remus, or Severus, he is to have nothing to do with my Sister Petunia Dursley. She hates magic and anything associated with our world, I fear for how she would treat him.
Harry, I do not know what the future holds. I don't know how you will be raised or by who, and I hope with everything that I am, that me or your father are there, but if not, I know that Sirius and Remus love you almost as much as we do. As for Severus, I wish I had fixed what was broken long ago. He is a good man, though I fear he was and still is a little lost. I have no doubt if asked, he would protect you and care for you. I just hope he can forgive me for the mistakes of a confused and angry young girl. Know this my son, that you are loved. Live well and be happy.
-Lily
"Snape," he muttered and looked over at George, now understanding the stunned look completely.
"Should we tell him?" His brother looked back at him, just as confused.
"Maybe that should be Harry's choice?" George said with a shrug.
"Now, for the rest." the goblin said.
They both sighed.
"These are signed documents from Albus Dumbledore with withdrawals from Mister Potter's vault. On them he has signed as Guardian, but from the Wills you both have read. He is not in fact, Mister Potter's Guardian." George went to say something but the goblin held up his hand, "There are also large money transfers to Petunia Dursley, Vernon Dursley, Molly Weasley, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. All signed off on by Dumbledore. There a few couple of smaller transfers in the names of Ginny Weasley and Dudley Dursley." The goblin handed them a small stack of papers.
"I do not believe that Albus Dumbledore was aware of Mister Potter second vault as he never received a key for it. So, all of Mister Potter family's person belongs are still intact." The goblin stood up and walked around his desk to stand in front of them.
"I also have a denial of custody form signed by Albus Dumbledore towards one Remus Lupin." Fred felt a wave of sorrow for Harry and Remus, they had been denied a chance at a few happy years all because of the headmaster.
"One for a second tracer spell on Potter's wand," The goblin went on, "several requests for curse breakers for Potter Manor, though it appears the familial wards kept them out, no matter how many times Albus tried." George winced, wondering if the curse breakers were okay, trying to break through familial wards was dangerous.
"Two requests to claim the Potter family seats in the Wizengamot, both denied. An arranged marriage agreement between Harry James Potter and Ginevra Weasley signed by both Molly Weasley and Albus Dumbledore."
"What!" they both shouted jumping to their feet. George held out his hand for the paper, the goblin handed it over. They both looked down at it, and it was true and he wanted to rip it to pieces and from George's grip on the paper so did he. Fred couldn't believe their mother and it explained Ginny's obsession with Harry. They had both tried talking to her over the years but she kept telling them that Harry and her were meant to be. He sighed and looked at his brother, this was all their mother's fault.
Before either brother could rip apart the paper, the goblin took it from George's hands.
Fred cleared his throat, "anything else?"
The goblin nodded and moved back towards the box, he pulled out two smaller boxes and handed one to each twin.
They opened them in sync, both gasping at what was inside.
"The Potter and Peverell, family rings," the goblin said. "Mister Potter is the last heir to both. As far as I can gather Dumbledore knows of the Potter family ring, but also knows he has no claim, even if he was Potter's guardian, I do not believe he knows of the Peverell ring, as Potter's trustees, I leave them in your hands to return to their proper owner when he returns."
After that they placed everything back into the black box, and carried it with them as they left.
The next morning, they sat home the black box on top of their work table, them on their couch with a bottle of fire whiskey.
"Where do we start?" George asked as he sipped his glass.
Fred groaned dropping back against the couch. With his eyes closed he muttered, "Charlie. We still have some of the Veritaserum left over from the Truth or Dare potions."
"You want to slip him Veritaserum?" George asked.
Fred frowned. "What if we ask him to take it? He is our brother he should trust us." George snorted. Fred opened his eyes and grinned. "Okay, so must of the time he shouldn't trust us, but if we tell him it's important. He will." His twin nodded.
"I'll fire call him," George said standing up and walking into their bed room were the fireplace was.
Fred tried to hold back the nervous energy that seared through him, but by the time George walked back into their living room, he was sitting up, foot bouncing on the ground. George gave him a look and turned towards the kitchen. He appeared several minutes later with three cups of tea.
Not long after that Charlie walked out of their bedroom.
"Okay, what's up?" their older brother asked, crossing his arms over his chest and narrowing his eyes at them.
George stood first. "We need a favor?" he said.
"What kind of favor?" Charlie asked looking at George suspiciously. Fred snorted.
"That cup," his twin said, pointing at the third cup on their small coffee table. "Has two drops of Veritaserum in it. We need you to trust us and drink it." Charlie lifted his eyebrows surprised. Then he looked back and forth between them. He must have seen how serious they were because he walked over to the table, picked up the cup, and downed it in one long drink.
Both twins let out a sigh of relief.
"What do you think about Harry?" Fred asked standing up to join his twin.
Charlie gave them a 'what the hell look,' clearly not expecting that.
"I feel bad for him. He's had a hard life and the pressure the world puts on him is wrong. He's a kid." Their brother lowered his head. Fred looked at George, wondering which of them was going to ask the next question. He could tell George really didn't want to, so he took a deep breath and asked.
"Did you know mum has been stealing from him?"
Charlie's head shot back up. "She what?" he almost shouted.
"Or that Ron hates him?" George asked finding courage in his brother's outrage.
Charlie's eyes went wide. "He wouldn't, they're best mates."
Fred shook his head, "him and Hermione have been lyin'."
"Why?" Charlie asked, moving past them to drop down on their couch. Their brother looked much like they had when they found out. Full of disbelief, hurt, and anger.
"Money," Fred said dropping down next to him.
"Power," George added, dropping down on the other side.
"Dumbledore," they said together.
Charlie let out a choked sound. "You have proof?" he asked them.
Fred used his wand to summon all the papers and floated them to his brother's lap. Him and George sat there quietly as Charlie read over them.
"Why does he want into the Manor so bad?" he asked about a half hour later.
"What do you mean?" George asked.
"Five attempts to use curse breakers to get in, and no telling how many times he tried without them. What could be in there that he wants so badly?" Both twins shook their heads.
"Okay, you guys have to tell me what's going on?" he said handing the papers to George.
The twins looked at each other. "We can't. We can tell you about this, but not about what's going on with Harry right now. Sorry." Charlie studied them. Then nodded in understanding.
"Alright, what about Bill?" his voice broke as he asked.
"Asked you first," the twins said together. Charlie shook his head with a smile. "Not sure if that's a compliment or not." They grinned at him.
Then George sighed, "I'll call him. The Veritaserum is in the kitchen."
Fred got up and walked into the kitchen Charlie following behind him. As he reached for a cup Charlie spoke, "you okay?"
Fred put the cup down on the counter and reached for the kettle. "I don't know. Our family, Mum, Ginny." His brother gasped. "Ron. they have been using Harry. and he trusted them. Trusted us. How could we not have seen it?" He looked at his older brother for help, he just didn't understand it.
He poured the tea and picked up the small potion bottle. He tried to pour it but his hands shook.
"I don't think we will understand until we can talk to them about it," Charlie said reaching out to take his trembling hand. Then his brother took the potion and dripped two tiny drops into the cup, he put the top on it and took the cup from the counter.
"Fred." He looked up at Charlie, not realizing he has been staring down at the counter top. "Bill is good. He wouldn't betray anyone. I promise." Fred looked up and tried to give his brother a smile, it was weak at best, But he just didn't have it in him. Charlie sighed and walked out of the kitchen.
He just couldn't believe that he was at a point in his life he was having to doubt his family. The very people he had never doubted. Sure, in recent years Percy has become an arse, but he still thought he could trust him. The fact that his mother and Ron had been doing something so horrible behind their backs to someone he and George viewed as family, it was breaking his heart, and he wasn't sure what he would do if his father had known. He closed his eyes and tried to clear away the tears he could feel building in his eyes.
He hadn't heard George walk in, but suddenly he was wrapped in a warm hug and he dropped his head against his brother's shoulder. He could feel George shaking just as badly as him. They stood there long enough that they heard Bill come in. They didn't move when they heard Charlie greet him. They didn't move until they heard Charlie call them.
"Ready?" he muttered against George's shoulder. His brother shook his head, but pulled away. They took a second to clean their faces, then they walked out to great their oldest brother.
"Hey Bill," they said together faking smiles. Though he didn't look like he bought it because concern spread across his face and he looked over at Charlie, who dropped his head.
"What's happened?" Bill asked stepping towards them worry and fear in his voice.
"Bill," Charlie said, pushing off the couch. "We need you to drink Veritaserum," he said evenly as he picked up the cup and handed it to his brother. Bill looked confusedly at the cup then back at the three of them.
"Why?" he asked, though George felt relieved that his brother hadn't out right said no.
"We can't…" Fred started,
"Tell you." George finished.
Their brother sighed and shook his head, then lifted the cup up and like Charlie finished it all in one drink.
"How do you…"
"Feel about Harry?"
Bill gave them a confused look. "He's a nice kid, a little reckless but brave." They grinned at each other.
"Did you know Ron has been faking his friendship with him?" Charlie asked. Bill shook his head. "No. Why?" he asked, Charlie shrugged. "Probably the same reason mum has been taking money from him."
Bill froze. "What?" he asked in disbelief.
"Her and Ron," Fred said. Bill looked at all of them.
"This has to do with Dumbledore doesn't it?' he asked, with a heavy sigh.
"What do you mean?" George asked.
"A couple of months ago," Bill started, "I caught Mum and Ron talking at an Order meeting. He was complaining about something and asked her if Dumbledore would fix it. She saw me walking in and shushed him. I tried later to ask him what it was about but he just shrugged me off." Bill frowned. "It gave me a weird feeling."
Before they could say more, there was a knock at the door. The twins winced. They had forgotten who they had invited over. George pulled out his wand and summoned all the bank documents. Then ushered both his older brothers into his bedroom, while Fred went to answer the door.
He smirked when he opened it to find Blaise Zabini, standing there.
"Well Hello," he said cheerfully. The younger Slytherin blushed, "Hey."
In their bedroom George had shoved both his brothers towards the fire place, picked up floo powder and said, "Shell Cottage."
"What the hell George?" Bill asked as he stumbled into his home.
"Sorry, we...umm…well when we found about this stuff." He shook the papers. "We also learned some other stuff, but there was a Truth Circle involved, so..." he shrugged, "and there were others. We invited them over today to talk about it all. You guys can't be there. Sorry." He took a breath to stop his rambling, not used to doing all the talking. "But I can leave these with you, and you guys can come up with a plan. We need to find a way to undo what the Headmaster has done." He looked back towards the floo. "Maybe see if one of the houses is safe? I know Harry hates his Aunt and Uncle. I think it would do him good to have somewhere to go that Dumbles and our mum or Ron or the ministry-"
"That no one knows about," Charlie said cutting him off, a smirk on his face. George nodded.
The two older Weasley's looked at each other.
"I would also like to talk to a few of the Curse-breakers see if I can learn anything about what Dumbledore wants from Potter Manor." George wasn't sure. "What if someone tells him?" he asks.
His brother rolled his eyes, "I'll be careful. Promise."
"Now go!" Charlie said, shoving him back towards the fireplace, "and George," He looked at his brother an eyebrow raised. "You two be careful too."
He smiled. "You know us." Then he spun around and grabbed the floo powder as he called out his home, he heard his brother mutter, "I know that's what worries me." He smiled as entered his bedroom.
He hadn't been gone long but when he walked into his living room, Blaise was sitting in the middle of the couch, Professor Snape to his right and Fred to the left. From the playful grin on his brother's face he was having fun teasing the olive skinned Slytherin.
"What'd I miss?" he asked.