The aroma of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread wafted through the dining hall of the Dursley Mansion as the four of them sat down to have lunch. Vernon, who was seated at the head of the table, turned to Harry.
"So Harry, how was your visit to the Burrow? I hope it went well. You came back quite earlier than we had expected."
Petunia chimed in, pouring herself a glass of wine. "Yes, dear, you were so excited to go. But you came back quite early. Did something happen?"
Abigail bounced slightly in her seat, "What did you do, Harry? Did you play with them? Or see their gnomes?"
Harry sighed, "I didn't get to do much actually. Something unexpected happened." He looked up at their expectant faces.
"What happened?" Abigail asked, wide-eyed.
Harry hesitated for a moment, then began, "It turned out that the Weasley's pet rat, Scabbers, wasn't a rat at all. He was an animagus who had been hiding there from the world."
The glass in Petunia's hand slipped, shattering against the marble floor. She didn't seem to notice, her wide eyes locked on Harry. "Don't tell me… Harry… was that…?"
Harry nodded gravely. "Yes, Mum. It was Peter."
For a moment everyone was silent. Then Vernon's fork clattered onto his plate as he shot to his feet, his usual composed demeanor replaced by barely contained fury.
"That rat! That sniveling coward!" Vernon's deep voice reverberated through the room. "He's been alive all this time? Hiding like the vermin he is while Sirius—while your parents—" He stopped, his voice breaking slightly, then clenched his fists. "And the Ministry! Useless lot! They threw an innocent man in Azkaban without a trial while this piece of filth skulked away scot-free?"
Petunia stood as well, her face pale. "He… he's alive?" Her voice trembled with fury. "That thing—the one who is responsible for my sister's death—is still breathing?" She slammed her hands against the table, making Abigail flinch. "How dare he? How dare he live while Lily and James are gone? While Sirius—oh, Sirius!"
Harry held Abigail's hand to calm her down, "I found out at the Burrow," he said softly. "Scabbers—Peter—was hiding there as their Pet. Probably waiting for the slightest news of Voldemort's return. I have handed him over to Dumbledore and Amelia Bones. Dumbledore assured that Sirius will be out by tomorrow."
Petunia gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles white. "Clear Sirius's name?" she spat. "It should have been cleared years ago! Do you know how many times Vernon and I petitioned the Ministry? How many nights we stayed up, going through every shred of evidence to prove his innocence? And all this time, that murderer was hiding in plain sight?"
Vernon turned to Harry, his expression grim. "Sirius is a good man, Harry. He didn't deserve what happened to him. If those Ministry fools had done their jobs properly, Peter would have been rotting in Azkaban for decades."
Harry sighed, "I know that, Dad. But you have to understand that at that time, every evidence pointed towards Sirius. Now that we have Peter, his name will be cleared in no time."
Petunia's voice rose, sharp and trembling. "He stole Lily and James from us! He stole you from them!" Her gaze burned into Harry's. "And yet, he's still alive? Still breathing? Tell me he'll pay, Harry. Tell me they'll make him pay."
Harry's face turned emotionless, "Don't worry, Mum. The only reason I let him live is because I needed him to clear Sirius's name. If not, believe me, I would have made him pay."
Petunia's eyes widened slightly at Harry's cold tone, but the fire in her gaze didn't waver. "Good," she said, her voice ice-cold. "Because if the Ministry doesn't do what's right, I swear on Lily's memory, we will."
Vernon nodded firmly, his jaw set. "You're absolutely right, Petunia. That man doesn't deserve an ounce of mercy. Harry, you did the right thing... though I don't know how you had the restraint to leave him breathing after what he did."
Harry said quietly, "It wasn't easy."
Although they aren't my parents, this body still screamed for vengeance. It took everything I had to hold back.
Abigail, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of awe and fear, tugged on Harry's sleeve. "But... what will happen to Sirius now? Will he come here? Will we get to see him?"
Harry smiled, "Of course, Abby. We will see him once everything is sorted."
The family sat back down, and the conversation continued, with Harry recounting the details of what had transpired at the Burrow. Both Vernon and Petunia listened intently, their outrage simmering just beneath the surface as they absorbed every word.
Once lunch was finished, Vernon and Petunia rose from their seats, a determined air about them. "We're going to the Ministry," Vernon announced, his tone brooking no argument. "This is too important to leave in anyone else's hands. The Dursley name carries weight, and it's time we use it to ensure they don't drag their feet on this case."
Petunia nodded in agreement, her sharp features set with resolve. "We'll make sure Sirius is cleared of every false charge by tonight if we can help it."
Harry watched as Petunia and Vernon left the room. Turning to Abigail, he saw the curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"Well," Harry said with a small smile, "looks like it's just you and me for the afternoon. What do you want to do?"
Abigail's face lit up, the earlier tension fading away. "Can we practice spells? You promised to teach me that cool light one!"
Harry chuckled, nodding. "Alright, let's get started. Just remember: no setting anything on fire, okay?"
With that, the two headed off to the drawing room, the heavy mood gradually replaced by laughter and the glow of spell practice. Meanwhile, Vernon and Petunia's determined footsteps echoed through the halls of the Ministry, their influence already making waves in ensuring that everything proceeded fast.
The next morning Harry was again standing in the living room waiting for Abigail. He was going back to the Weasleys and taking Abigail with him this time. He had also gotten a large box of assorted sweets and chocolates from Sugarplums as an apology for the chaos he caused yesterday at their house.
Abigail bounced into the room, dressed and brimming with excitement. "Are we really going to the Burrow today, Harry? I want to see the gnomes!"
Harry smiled at her enthusiasm, securing the box with a ribbon. "Yes, we are. But remember, Abby, the sweets are for the Weasleys. It's an apology for all the trouble I caused yesterday."
She tilted her head. "You mean the rat-man thing?"
Harry chuckled, "Yes, the rat-man thing. Now, are you ready?"
Abigail bounced excitedly, "Yes."
Petunia handed Abigail a sun hat, her protective instincts kicking in. "Make sure she doesn't get into any trouble, Harry. And let Molly know I'll visit her soon."
Vernon patted Harry on the shoulder. "Have fun, son. And no more surprises this time, alright?"
Harry smirked, gripping the box of sweets tightly. "I'll try my best, Dad."
With that Harry grabbed hold of Abigail's hand and disapparated from the living room, appearing just outside the front door, in the garden at the Burrow.
Abigail gasped in awe, taking in the sight of the ramshackle but charming home and the wide garden bustling with chickens.
"This is so cool!" she exclaimed, shaking Harry's hand.
Harry smiled down at her as they walked to the door. "It's a bit chaotic, but it's homey. You'll like the Weasleys, Abby. Just stick close to me for now."
He raised his hand and knocked on the door. It opened almost immediately to reveal Ginny, her bright red hair slightly disheveled and her eyes widening as she spotted Harry.
"Harry!" she squeaked, her cheeks flushing a deep red. Without another word, she spun around and darted back inside, leaving the door wide open.
Harry chuckled softly, shaking his head. My supposedly future wife is rather cute, he thought with amusement. Abigail looked up at him curiously.
"Why did she run away?" Abigail asked, tilting her head.
"She's a bit shy," Harry replied, ruffling her hair lightly.
Before Abigail could ask more, Mrs. Weasley appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. Her face lit up as she spotted Harry.
"Harry, dear! Come in, come in!" she said warmly, stepping aside to welcome them in. Her eyes fell on Abigail, and her smile grew even softer. "And who's this lovely young lady?"
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley" Harry said, stepping inside with Abigail clinging to his side. He placed the large box of sweets on the table. "This is my sister, Abigail Dursley."
Mrs. Weasley's eyes went wide at the mention of the Dursley name, but her welcoming smile never faltered. "It's wonderful to meet you, Abigail. You're very welcome here."
Abigail offered a shy smile, sticking close to Harry.
The rest of the Weasley family began filtering into the room, curious to see who had arrived. Ron and the twins were the first to arrive, followed by Mr. Weasley, followed closely by Ginny, and finally Percy. They all were shocked to see Harry standing there again, this time with a small girl with auburn hair and blue eyes.
Before anyone could say more, Harry turned to address everyone. "I want to apologise for what happened yesterday. I didn't mean to cause such chaos, but I couldn't let that rat—Peter Pettigrew—stay hidden any longer. He was responsible for the death of my parents and my godfather's wrongful conviction."
Mr. Weasley stepped forward, shaking Harry's hand firmly. "Nonsense, Harry. You don't need to apologise. You did us a great service by exposing him. Merlin knows what kind of harm he might have caused if you hadn't acted."
Mrs. Weasley nodded, her expression grateful. "You're always welcome here, Harry. You've kept us safe, and we can't thank you enough."
Harry smiled, relieved. He gestured to the box of sweets on the table. "Still, I brought this as an apology… or maybe a peace offering. It's a mix of chocolates and sweets from Sugarplums. I hope you all enjoy it."
Fred and George were already eyeing the box with mischievous grins. "Blimey, Harry," Fred said. "You didn't have to bribe us, but we're not complaining."
Abigail giggled softly at their antics, still holding tightly to Harry's arm. GInny, who had slowly worked up the courage to rejoin the group, looked curiously at Abigail.
"Is she really your sister?" Ginny asked, her voice soft but curious.
Harry nodded, smiling fondly down at Abigail. "Yes, this is Abigail Dursley. She's my little sister."
Abigail, who was still clinging to Harry's side, blushed at the sudden attention but managed a small wave and a hi.
Surprisingly it was Percy who stepped forward, "Nice to meet you, Abigail. You are very welcome here at our house and don't worry, you'll get used to the madness here."
Abigail giggled again, her shyness melting slightly. "Thank you," she said softly.
Mrs. Weasley clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Well then, let's get some tea and biscuits. Abigail, dear, why don't you sit here next to Harry?"
After tea and a lot of talk, the boys(excluding Percy who went up to study) went outside, with Harry being dragged by the twins and Ron to teach him Quidditch. Abigail tagged along, holding Ginny's hand as the girls found a good spot to sit and watch.
Fred tossed an old broom to Harry, who caught it.
"You've flown before, right?" George asked, arching an eyebrow.
Harry nodded, adjusting his grip on the broom. "Yes, but I have never played Quidditch, though."
Fred whistled dramatically. "Oh, this is going to be fun. Alright, Harry, lesson one: Quidditch is the greatest wizarding sport in the world."
"Lesson two," George added, "don't let Fred bore you to death with the rules. Ron and I will show you how it's done."
Harry nodded and chuckled.
"Here's how it works," Ron explained. "You'll be a Chaser. Your job is to get the Quaffle past Fred—he's the Keeper—while George and I try to take it from you."
Fred leaned lazily against the pole marking the goal. "And try not to cry when you fail."
With that the boys mounted their brooms and Ginny tossed the Quaffle into the air, and the game began.
At first, Harry struggled to grasp the finer points of the game. Ron and George easily intercepted him a few times, and Fred blocked a couple of shots with loud cheers of victory. But as the minutes ticked by, Harry's natural affinity for flying began to shine through.
Fred and George exchanged incredulous looks. "Uh, did we forget to tell him he's not supposed to be a professional yet?" Fred muttered.
"Apparently," George replied, his voice laced with awe.
Down below, Abigail and Ginny gasped as Harry performed a sharp dive to retrieve the Quaffle Ron had dropped. Harry's movements were effortless, almost as though he could feel the air currents guiding him.
"Oi, Harry!" Ron called out, hovering uncertainly. "Where'd you learn to do that?"
Harry, gripping the Quaffle tightly, looked genuinely confused. "Do what? I'm just... flying."
Fred grinned, clearly excited now. "Alright then, let's see if you can keep that up when we're actually trying to stop you!"
The game resumed, but it wasn't long before Harry began pulling off maneuvers that left the Weasleys stunned.
He twisted midair to dodge George, who lunged for the Quaffle. Without thinking, Harry spiraled upward, the broomstick responding instantly to his lightest touch.
"Did he just—?" Ron stared as Harry pulled into a perfect Sloth Grip Roll, clinging upside down to the broom to evade George's swipe.
Fred nearly dropped his broom. "That's a professional move! No way he knows that!"
Harry straightened out, darting toward the goal. Fred moved to block him, but Harry executed a flawless Porskoff Ploy, feinting a throw to Ron before shooting the Quaffle clean through the hoop.
Fred gawked, completely frozen. "He's not even aiming. How is he doing that?"
George flew up beside him, shaking his head in disbelief. "Pure instinct. This bloke's got magic in his blood."
Ron, determined to at least stop Harry once, launched into a clumsy attempt at marking him, but Harry responded with a Wronski Feint so natural it could have fooled a seasoned Seeker. He plummeted toward the ground at breakneck speed, only to pull up at the last possible moment, leaving Ron grasping at air.
"THAT'S A SEEKER MOVE!" Ron bellowed, nearly tumbling off his broom in shock.
Harry, entirely oblivious, called out, "You alright, Ron? You looked like you were falling there."
Fred and George descended, their jaws slack as Harry scored yet another goal.
"That's it," Fred announced, tossing his broom aside as he landed. "I quit Quidditch. There's no point when an 11-year-old who's never played before can do moves that I've spent years practicing."
George clapped Harry on the back, shaking his head in wonder. "Mate, you've got talent pouring out of your ears. If you don't become the youngest Seeker in a century, I'll eat my broomstick."
Harry, still hovering, scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I don't even know what you're talking about. I just... did what felt right."
Ginny nodded, still starry-eyed. "You're amazing, Harry!"
Harry chuckled, embarrassed by the praise. "Thanks. I just wanted to learn the game."
Fred smirked. "Learn? Harry, you're ready to teach it."
The rest of the day was filled with laughter and lighthearted fun. After their impromptu Quidditch match, the Weasley boys and Harry spent time lounging in the garden, enjoying the warm sunshine. Abigail ran around chasing garden gnomes with Ginny, who seemed to have found a kindred spirit in the younger girl.
After lunch, Harry and Abigail returned home, and for the rest of the day, Abigail couldn't stop talking about their visit to the Burrow. Her excitement was infectious, and her admiration for Ginny was evident as she declared her "the coolest girl ever," a sentiment she repeated multiple times with unwavering enthusiasm.
After dinner, Harry excused himself and retreated to his room, pulling out the advanced Transfiguration book he had bought on his last trip to Diagon Alley. His mind, however, was only partially focused on the text.
Yesterday's events still lingered in his thoughts, especially the moment he had revealed Pettigrew's treachery. During Dumbledore's arrival at the Burrow, Harry had instinctively reached out with his magical senses and, to his astonishment, felt the Headmaster's magical energy compared to his own. The realization had hit him like a thunderbolt—raw power-wise, he surpassed even Albus Dumbledore.
Yet, despite this revelation and the fact that he had already mastered all the course material for Hogwarts' seven years of study, Harry knew there was more to magic than raw power or textbooks. Hogwarts held untapped potential for him—the vast library and the ancient wards that surrounded the castle.
Well for now he just concentrated on the book. He can always deal with other stuff as they come.
It was the morning of August 31st and Harry was sitting in the living room eating some mini apple pies Petunia had made—more like sneaking them, since they were supposed to be for dinner. Sirius was yet to visit them and honestly Harry couldn't blame the man for not visiting them already. He had been in Azkaban for 11 years. He would definitely need some time to unwind and get adjusted to the life outside. As he was thinking all this, there was a knock on the front door. He went to answer it and there stood Sirius Black. The man was dressed in a black suit, but looked incredibly pale and frail. Although his face was looking a bit well, it still had the tired look that rivaled one on Remus's face, but his eyes had a grieving, more sad and confused look to them. Harry was able to instantly recognise him as now he had started to feel magic around him instinctively, which helped him identify anything and anyone. How that worked, he had no idea but he wasn't complaining.
When Sirius saw who opened the door, he almost couldn't believe his eyes. It was James—a child James. His best friend. Then he looked at his eyes, emerald like Lily's. Harry. It was his godson. He could hardly hold back his tears as he saw him. He had spent years in Azkaban and couldn't even see his godson grow up.
"Harry, I am…" He began.
Before Sirius could finish his words, Harry smiled and said. "Welcome back, Sirius."
Sirius froze at Harry's words. The simple greeting struck him harder than he'd expected. His throat tightened, and he struggled to find the right response. All the guilt, grief, and longing he had bottled up during his years in Azkaban threatened to spill over in that moment.
Harry stepped aside, holding the door open. "Come in. You look like you could use a seat... and maybe some tea?" he said.
Sirius blinked rapidly and nodded, stepping into the house. It had been years since he had last visited the Dursley Mansion and he was hit with nostalgia as he entered. Harry led him to the living room, where there was a plate of mini apple pies and one half-eaten one. Harry smiled sheepishly as he quickly snatched up the half-eaten one from the plate.
By this time Petunia had come downstairs hearing voices in the living room. She came into the living room and saw Sirius standing there and Harry motioning him to sit down.
"Sirius…" She gasped as he hand flew to her mouth.
Sirius turned to see Petunia and smiled softly, "Petunia… Long time no see."
Petunia rushed in and hugged him, "Long time no see, you idiot…"
Sirius stiffened for a moment before relaxing into the hug, "Yes, I am an idiot." He said with tears in his eyes.
"You are," Petunia said firmly as she pulled back. "You have no idea how many times we tried to clear your name, Sirius. Vernon and I went through tens of petitions to the Ministry but we couldn't do anything."
The sound of heavy, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall before Vernon came barreling into the room. His eyes landed on Sirius, and a wide grin broke across his face.
"What's all this commotion, Petunia? Is it—" Vernon stopped mid-sentence as he entered the room and saw Sirius.
"Sirius!" Vernon exclaimed, his booming voice filled with joy. Without hesitation, he crossed the room and enveloped Sirius in a bear hug, lifting him slightly off the ground.
"Welcome back, old friend," he said gruffly, his voice betraying the emotion he tried to mask.
Sirius smiled, "It's good to see you too, Vernon. I wasn't sure if you'd want anything to do with me after everything."
"Don't be daft!" Vernon barked. "We've been trying to get you out of that godforsaken place for years! If I could've stormed Azkaban myself, I would have."
Petunia smirked, stepping beside her husband. "He's not exaggerating. He almost marched into the Ministry with a Howler the day we found out you'd been sent to Azkaban without a trial."
Sirius chuckled, a mix of gratitude and disbelief. "That does sound like you, Vernon. Charging in like a bull when something's not right."
"Damn right," Vernon said, clapping Sirius on the back. "No friend of mine gets left to rot like that, not while I'm around."
At that moment, a soft voice chimed in from the doorway. "Mummy, Daddy, who's that?"
Everyone turned to see Abigail standing there, her head tilted in curiosity. She had been reading upstairs and had come down when she heard voices.
Petunia's face lit up as she motioned for Abigail to come closer. "Abigail, sweetheart, this is Sirius Black. He's an old friend of ours, your and Harry's godfather."
Abigail's eyes widened in excitement as she stepped forward, her hand outstretched. "Hello, Mr. Black. I'm Abigail Dursley. Harry's sister!"
Sirius froze, his gaze darting between Abigail and the Dursleys. "Sister? I am the godfather of another child?" he repeated, his voice thick with shock.
Harry smirked from where he stood. "Long story. But yeah, Abigail's my little sister."
Vernon puffed up with pride. "Born two years after you were taken, Sirius. We thought you'd be around to meet her, but…" His voice trailed off.
Sirius slowly crouched down, his gray eyes locking with Abigail's blue ones. "Well, Abigail," he said softly, "it's wonderful to meet you. I didn't know I had another godchild to spoil."
Abigail giggled. "Are you going to tell me stories about Harry's parents? And about you and dad?"
Sirius's expression softened into a genuine smile. "If your parents don't mind, I'd be happy to."
Petunia laughed. "Go ahead, Sirius. Just leave out anything that'll give her ideas for mischief. Both brother and sister are already a handful."
Both Harry and Abigail protested at this. "Hey! I am not mischievous!" Both of them said at the same time, causing Sirius to snort.
Petunia rolled her eyes, "Sure you're not."
Sirius smiled at them and said, "I'll tell you stories later. Now I have to go visit Gringotts to settle some of my affairs, but I'll be back later."
Harry thought suddenly, since Sirius was going to Diagon Alley, maybe he could go with him. He still wanted to get some books before he was off to Hogwarts tomorrow.
"Mum, can I go with Sirius? I want to buy some more books before I'm off to Hogwarts tomorrow." He asked, turning to Petunia.
Sirius was taken aback at Harry calling Petunia Mum. Of all the things he'd expected to find when he escaped Azkaban, this was nowhere on the list.
Petunia, noticing Sirius's reaction, smiled softly. "He started calling me that recently," she explained. "We've raised him as our own, Sirius. Vernon and I love Harry just as much as Abigail."
Harry, slightly embarrassed, scratched the back of his neck. "Well, you and Dad are the only parents I've ever known," he said quietly, looking down at his shoes.
Sirius's heart clenched, but not in a bad way. Instead, he felt a strange mixture of relief and gratitude. Relief that Harry had been loved and cared for, and gratitude toward Petunia and Vernon for doing what he never could.
"That's... that's good," Sirius finally said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "You deserve a family who loves you, Harry."
Petunia cleared her throat gently, drawing attention back to the question at hand. "Of course, you can go, Harry. Just don't buy too many books, alright? Your trunk is already bursting at the seams."
Harry grinned. "Thanks, Mum. I'll behave. Promise."
Sirius, grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with his godson, smiled warmly. "It'll be good to have you along, Harry. We'll use the Floo. I'm not allowed to apparate with you, so it's the safest way."
Harry's grin widened into a smirk. "Oh, don't worry about that, Sirius. I'll see you in Diagon Alley."
Before Sirius could question what he meant, Harry disapparated without a sound, leaving Sirius gawking with his mouth open at the place Harry was standing.
Sirius froze, staring at the spot where Harry had just stood. "Did he just...?" he asked, his voice trailing off.
Petunia and Vernon both chuckled. Vernon clapped Sirius on the back, nearly knocking the wind out of him. "Impressive, isn't it? The boy's a natural. That's not even half of what he can do."
Sirius shook his head in disbelief. "He's not even started Hogwarts yet! James and I were still struggling with basic Disapparition at seventeen, and here he is, doing it soundlessly before his first year. Soundlessly, which is supposed to be impossible."
"Get used to it, Sirius," Vernon said with a grin. "That boy is full of surprises."
Sirius, still slightly dazed, disapparated to Diagon Alley. When he arrived he saw Harry waiting for him.
"You're late," Harry teased.
Sirius barked a laugh, his earlier shock replaced by pride and amusement. "You're going to give me a heart attack one day, kid."
Sirius and Harry strode into Gringotts, the imposing marble building gleaming in the sunlight. Goblins scurried about, their sharp, calculating eyes assessing every visitor. Sirius guided Harry toward one of the tellers, who glanced up with a bored expression.
"I have an appointment with Ragnok," Sirius said, his tone firm yet polite.
The goblin raised an eyebrow before nodding. "Follow me."
They were led through winding corridors until they reached a private room adorned with rich tapestries and faintly glowing runes etched into the walls. Sirius gestured for Harry to sit, but the boy chose to stand, his gaze curiously sweeping the room.
As they waited, Harry let his magic flow outward, exploring the layers of enchantments in Gringotts. His senses brushed against the powerful wards, tracing their intricate patterns. He could feel the strength of the protective waterfall and the ancient magic woven into the vaults. It was fascinating, unlike anything he had encountered before.
Suddenly, his connection snapped. A sharp voice interrupted his thoughts.
"We do not appreciate poking around, Mr. Potter," a goblin said, his tone crisp and laced with authority.
Harry turned to face the goblin, who had entered the room unnoticed. He was taller than most goblins, with piercing eyes that seemed to weigh Harry's every move.
Harry offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I was just checking the wards you have in place. They're... quite unique. Especially the waterfall—it's imbued with fascinating magic."
The goblin's expression softened slightly, though his curiosity remained. "Few have the ability to even perceive our wards, let alone analyze them. You are... intriguing, Mr. Potter."
Sirius, who had been watching the exchange with growing interest, chuckled. "That's Harry for you. Always surprising everyone."
The goblin nodded curtly before turning his attention to Sirius. "Let us proceed, Lord Black. There are matters of your family's estate that require discussion."
As the goblin began explaining the status of the Black Family fortune, Harry tried to keep his focus elsewhere, not wanting to intrude. However, a few words caught his attention despite himself.
"...Black Family's total assets are valued at approximately three hundred million galleons. Investments in both wizarding and Muggle industries continue to yield significant returns..."
Harry's eyes widened slightly, though he quickly schooled his expression. Three hundred million galleons? That's... a lot.
Sirius leaned back in his chair, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. "Three hundred million," he murmured, almost to himself. "And all of it stained with the blood of my family's misdeeds."
The goblin's tone remained neutral. "The wealth is yours now, Lord Black. What you choose to do with it is entirely your decision."
Harry spoke up, "Even if they are stained with the blood of your family's misdeeds, it's not important Sirius. What's important is what you do with it from now on. Having wealth is never a bad thing, after all."
The goblin regarded Harry with a curious expression, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Wise words for someone so young, Mr. Potter," he said, inclining his head. "You understand the nature of wealth better than most."
Harry gave a small smile, sensing the goblin's approval but not wanting to dwell on the compliment.
Sirius chuckled, the tension in his posture easing slightly. "Looks like I've got the smartest godson in the wizarding world."
The goblin nodded briskly. "If that concludes our business, Lord Black, I will have the required documents prepared. Is there anything else you require today?"
"Yes, I'd like to withdraw a few thousand galleons," Sirius said, standing.
The goblin gestured for Sirius to follow, leading him to a side chamber where the transaction could be completed. Harry waited patiently, his mind drifting to the list of books he wanted to purchase.
After a few moments, Sirius returned with a small, weighty bag of galleons. "All set," he said, grinning. "Now, let's head out of here."
As they exited the room, Harry suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Sirius, I should withdraw some money from my vault too. I left my pouch at home, and I'll need some for the books I'm planning to buy."
Sirius raised an eyebrow, smirking. "And what makes you think I'm going to let you pay for them?"
Harry blinked, caught off guard. "Well, they're my books—"
"Nonsense," Sirius interrupted, clapping Harry on the back. "Let me spoil my godson a little. What's the point of all this wealth if I can't spend it on family?"
Harry flushed, feeling both touched and a bit embarrassed. "You don't have to, Sirius. Really—"
"Don't argue, kid," Sirius said, grinning as he led Harry out of the bank. "It's settled. Today, everything's on me."
Harry sighed but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. As much as he disliked being fussed over, it felt nice to be cared for.