Chapter 114: Chapter 114: "The Potter Encounter"
In the bustling lobby of Gringotts, Harry was almost out the door when he was spotted by the Potter family. The atmosphere shifted suddenly, charged with tension.
Harry had hoped to slip away unnoticed, but Lily Potter's voice, full of urgency, stopped him in his tracks.
"Harry? Is that you, Harry? Please wait. Don't leave," she called out across the quiet hall.
Her plea caught the attention of those around them. Onlookers, recognizing Charles, quickly deduced they were looking at the family of the Boy Who Lived. Whispers began to fill the air, and curious eyes turned toward Lily and Harry.
Harry stopped for a moment, considering his next move. He could have just walked away, continued on his path, and ignored the call. However, he realized it might be time to face what he had been avoiding. Avoiding this confrontation wasn't going to change anything and it was better to face them sooner than later.
Turning around, Harry faced his estranged parents.
Now, standing before them, Harry could really see how little they had changed since that night. Lily and James Potter looked similar to how they always had, except now they were dressed in more fashionable clothes compared to the battle-ready attire they wore during the war days.
Ignoring his parents for a moment, Harry observed his brother, Charles Potter, for the first time since many years ago. If one were to imagine the Harry from the books but a bit chubbier and well-fed, that would be Charles. Charles and James wore identical spectacles. Behind those spectacles he had his mother's green eyes and the characteristic Potter messy hair which Harry was all too glad to have left behind. There was also the famous wand scar on his forehead from that night which made him so well-known. Charles looked confused, not understanding why his mother was calling out to a stranger.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Potter," Harry greeted them formally, keeping his tone neutral.
James Potter frowned slightly. "Mr. and Mrs. Potter? Is that how you're going to address us? I know we've made mistakes, but holding a grudge for so long isn't right. You turned out fine, right? No lasting damage."
Harry's expression hardened. "No lasting damage? Is that really what you think? I'm here today because of luck and the help from some very kind people, not because you made sure I was okay." He paused, taking a deep breath to steady his voice. "Do you think this crowded place is the right spot to discuss our family issues? I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want our conversation to become tomorrow's front-page news."
James opened his mouth to respond, possibly to argue, but he stopped himself as he took in the surrounding crowd of onlookers. Realizing the privacy of their conversation was compromised, he gestured towards a private meeting room that Gringotts provided for confidential matters.
Understanding the need for discretion, they all moved towards the room, away from the curious eyes of the public.
Inside the quiet room, Lily made an attempt to mend their relationship. "Harry, we're really sorry. Can you forgive us and come back home with us?"
Harry firmly shook his head, his decision clear. "No, and no. Is that all? Can I go now?"
"Please, Harry," Lily implored, her eyes welling up with tears. "I regret what we did every single day. Give me a chance to make it right."
Harry's voice was cold as he responded, "I don't need you in my life anymore. I have a family now that's complete and makes me happy. When I needed you the most, you weren't there for me. Now, I simply don't need you anymore."
"But I need you, Harry. I want us to be a family again," Lily continued, her voice full of desperation.
Harry looked at her steadily, his expression firm. "You should put down those unrealistic expectations. You chose to abandon me then and now I'm choosing not to come back. I don't need parents anymore. Because of what you did—or didn't do—I've had to grow up quickly and take care of myself."
Seeing the desperate look on Lily's face, Harry sighed and continued, "But I really don't want you bothering me like this again. I'm too busy for your weak excuses. However, I'll give you one chance. I understand that the decision you made back then was under difficult circumstances, and maybe Dumbledore's influence pushed you too. That's somewhat understandable. But if you want me to even consider forgiving you, you'll need to show me that you cared about me after you sent me away. Show me any proof that you didn't just move on and forget about me. Prove that you tried to contact me, that you tried to convince Dumbledore or anyone else to let you bring me back. If you can show me that, then maybe I'll think about reconnecting."
Harry paused, letting his words sink in. He watched their faces fall as they realized the implications of what he was asking for. It was clear from their expressions that they hadn't done anything of the sort.
Seeing this, Harry added, "If you can't provide that proof, I'll give you another chance. I find it hard to believe that any parent could just give up on their child. Maybe you were manipulated into forgetting me or not caring, like having your memories erased or your emotions suppressed. If you can show me proof of something like that, I'll forgive you right away, because it would mean it wasn't really your fault. But if you can't, it just shows that you never really needed me in your life, and you'd probably just abandon me again for the 'greater good.' It's better if we just forget about fixing our family."
Lily began to cry, and James tried to comfort her, but their faces were filled with shame. They had no evidence to offer, nothing to say that could change the harsh truth Harry had laid out.
As Harry prepared to leave the room, the sound of his parents crying caught the attention of Charles, who had been quiet until now. Seeing his mother in tears made Charles visibly upset.
Just as Harry was about to exit, Charles's young voice broke through the heavy silence. "Who are you? Why are you making Mom cry?" he demanded, his tone filled with confusion and anger.
Harry turned to address him. "You heard them call me Harry. Do you know who I am?"
Charles looked puzzled. "Should I know you? I've never heard of any Harry."
"My name is Harry Potter," Harry stated plainly.
"Potter?" Charles turned to his father, bewildered. "Dad, didn't you say we don't have any relatives? Who is this guy?"
Harry asked softly, "Have they ever mentioned that you have an older brother?"
Charles's eyes widened in shock. "What? I have an older brother?"
Seeing the surprise and confusion on Charles's face, Harry looked back at his parents, his expression one of deep disappointment. "It seems I expected too much from you, Mr. and Mrs. Potter. You can forget about fixing things with me. He doesn't even know he has an older brother? You've hidden my existence from him to protect your image? Even after I returned to the wizarding world, you've kept this secret for over two years. This just shows that you don't really regret your actions. You're just trying to cover up your mistakes and ease your own guilt."
Lily tried to explain through her tears. "No, Harry, it's not like that. We care about you, but we didn't know how to tell Charles about you."
Harry responded coldly, "Just more excuses. You didn't want Charles to see you in a bad light, so you kept me a secret from him."
Lily protested weakly, "No, that's not it."
Lily's tears began to flow again, and James tried to soothe her. Harry watched them without feeling anything. At this moment, Charles, now visibly upset and wanting to protect his mother, pulled out his wand and pointed it at Harry.
"Leave, or I'll make you leave," Charles said, his voice firm.
Harry responded calmly, "You're a brave boy. You'll fit right in at Gryffindor with that kind of foolish bravery. But I don't have time for games right now. Goodbye, Potters. I've made my feelings clear. Please leave me alone from now on. Either show me proof, or don't contact me again."
With those final words, Harry left the room, casting one last glance at Charles's wand. He noticed that Charles had a very different wand, not the phoenix-feather wand that the Boy Who Lived was supposed to have, the one that was Voldemort's twin. Harry reasoned that it made sense; after all, Charles was not the child of prophecy, so there was no mystical reason for that wand to choose him. Besides, the life experiences and character of Tom Riddle and Charles Potter were so different that the phoenix wand wouldn't choose Charles based on those criteria alone.
Harry thought that the only possible way for Charles to have ended up with the phoenix wand would have been if Dumbledore had interfered in some way, but Harry doubted Dumbledore considered the twin wand important enough at this stage to manipulate its choice.
With that thought, Harry quickly returned to the main hall of Gringotts, not giving the Potters another look. He hoped this confrontation was the final closure. Harry was sure they didn't truly care about him, and he felt no need to give them another opportunity to seek his forgiveness.
Chapter 115: Chapter 115: "Countdown to Hogwarts"
As Harry stepped out of the private meeting room at Gringotts, relieved to distance himself from the awkward encounter with the Potter family, he noticed that Sirius and the others had returned from their respective visits to the family vault managers. It appeared they had been looking for him, puzzled by his absence at the bank's main entrance.
"Harry, where did you disappear to?" Sirius asked with a mix of concern and curiosity.
"I needed to have a private chat with some folks. I'll fill you in on everything later," Harry replied, wanting to avoid delving into the details in the crowded hall.
Before Sirius could probe further, Susan, Hannah, and Daphne excitedly approached Harry, eager to show off their new heir rings.
Each girl flaunted their new ring: Susan with the intricate Bones heir ring, Hannah sporting the Abbot heir ring, and Daphne proudly displaying the Greengrass heir ring. The rings were as detailed and significant as the Potter family ring, and the girls were thrilled to officially claim their heritage.
Amelia, seeing that Harry had rejoined the group and all business at Gringotts was concluded, shifted focus to the next item on their agenda. "Well, now that's sorted, all that's left is to pick up the wands. Are you girls ready?" she asked.
All three girls responded in unison, "Yes!" Their excitement was palpable as they hurried towards the exit of the bank, their parents quickly following behind them, eager to wrap up their day in Diagon Alley.
Walking down the bustling street, the group soon arrived at Ollivanders Wand Shop. The adults chose to wait outside, letting the girls go in by themselves to select their wands.
It was a tradition for young witches and wizards to choose their first wand alone, making the experience more memorable. For Susan, Hannah, and Daphne, going in together made the occasion even more significant, reinforcing the strong bond they shared.
As they waited outside the wand shop, Harry decided to open up about the intense meeting he had just had with his parents. Sirius listened carefully, his expression serious.
Sirius responded with a nod, "Well, good that eventual meeting is behind you now, and that's for the best," he said, his voice firm. "It was wise to give them a chance to prove themselves. Let them sort their thoughts out on their own. If this makes them reconsider their complete trust in Dumbledore, even better. The decision to leave you in the muggle world never made sense to me. Now that I have Aries, I can't imagine what they were thinking to abandon you like that. I could never do that to my child."
Harry nodded, clearly ready to steer the conversation away from the more somber topics of his past. "Let's change the subject. When is grandfather planning to pass the Black lordship to you? It feels like it's about time."
"Very soon," Sirius answered, a serious look on his face. "Grandfather is wrapping up some final matters—severing ties and recalling loans from families linked to the darker elements of our world. He knows I want nothing to do with those associated with Death Eaters, so he's making sure all of that is settled before he steps down. Once he's done, I'll take the test for the lordship. If I pass, I'll become the next Lord Black. Grandpa Arcturus thinks I'm ready."
"That's awesome, Sirius. Congratulations!" Harry said, smiling. "You'll be a great Lord Black, just like grandfather."
Sirius nodded, "I hope so. I also want people to fear crossing against me."
Harry reassured him, "You will. By the way, how's Nymphadora doing these days?"
Sirius laughed softly. "I'm still surprised she lets you use her first name."
Harry grinned back. "Well, I owe that to last year's DADA professor. His lack of skill pushed her to seek my help, and she agreed to let me call her Nymphadora in exchange for my tutoring."
"She definitely got the better end of the deal there," Sirius remarked with a chuckle. "She ended up getting the best grade in DADA in her year, thanks to you. No one else even came close to an Outstanding, the second best was an Exceeded Expectations grade. You know, you should really consider becoming a DADA professor one day. You have a knack for it."
Harry shook his head slightly. "I haven't really thought about that seriously. Maybe someday. So, is she still planning to join the Aurors?"
"Yes, she's very set on it," Sirius said with a nod. "Applications for the Auror training are down this year, so she'll likely get in even if she's a bit clumsy."
"I've been working on that with her," Harry replied. "She's gotten better, but she's still naturally a bit clumsy. Just make sure Amelia gets her training with Moody. He'll get her into shape quickly."
"That's exactly the plan," Sirius agreed. "Andromeda was only okay with Tonks pursuing a career as an Auror if she was trained under someone as capable as Moody. With his guidance and strict oversight, she'll be in the best hands."
Their conversation meandered through various topics as they continued to wait outside the wand shop.
After a while, Susan, Hannah, and Daphne finally emerged, their faces lit up with excitement as they showed off their new wands, eager to test them out.
The day ended on a high note, with everyone heading back to their homes happy to have finished the shopping in one day. Harry also returned to Black Castle, feeling relaxed and ready for more training.
---
The next day, Susan was really excited to start learning how to use her new wand. Unfortunately, Sirius and Amelia were busy with their jobs and weren't home. Amelia had even taken little Aries with her to the Ministry, where she worked. Everyone there was too respectful to comment on it.
Left without her guardians, Susan turned to Kreacher for help to take her to Harry.
She knew she couldn't start practicing magic spells by herself, and Kreacher, following Amelia's strict instructions, wouldn't let her experiment on her own.
Finding Harry in the library at the Black Castle, Susan approached him with her request to learn magic. Harry was busy but set aside his work to listen to her.
"You know, you can't use magic outside of Hogwarts without risking serious trouble," Harry informed her. "The Ministry of Magic keeps an eye on that, and you could even be expelled from school if they catch you."
Disappointment washed over Susan's face as she absorbed Harry's words.
Seeing her sad expression, Harry couldn't help but laugh gently before adding, "But actually, that rule only applies once you start at Hogwarts. Until then, you're not being watched by the Ministry."
Susan's eyes sparkled with sudden excitement. "Really? Why didn't anyone tell me sooner? I could have gotten my wand much earlier after my birthday and started practicing weeks ago!"
"What about the agreement with your friends then?" Harry asked, amused by her sudden change of plans.
"We could've just gone shopping together instead," Susan mused.
Laughing, Harry encouraged her, "Well, no point in worrying about what could have been. Let's use the time we have now."
Harry began by teaching Susan the Lumos spell, a basic yet essential spell that lights the tip of the wand. Susan managed to master it after just a few tries, impressing Harry with her quick learning.
Satisfied with her progress, he left her to practice the spell under Kreacher's watchful eye while he returned to his reading.
Considering it sufficient for the day, Harry thought about possibly teaching her more the next day if she was interested. If Susan was content with just Lumos, that would be fine too; it would give him more time to focus on his own studies.
However, the next day, Susan returned, eager to learn more. She wanted to learn spells that could impress Sirius and Amelia.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Harry decided to teach her a couple of more challenging beginner spells. First, he introduced her to a stinging hex—a spell that shoots small, harmless bursts to help her practice her aiming skills. Next, he taught her a prank spell that could change the color of people's hair. This spell was not only fun but also good for sharpening her concentration and creativity.
Harry chose these spells intentionally to lay a strong foundation for Susan, making it easier for her to pick up more complex spells in the future.
Their training sessions were relaxed and brief, just a few minutes here and there, but they were productive. Susan was quickly improving, and whenever Sirius found some free time after work, he joined in to assist with her training.
Together, they made sure Susan was well-prepared and confident in her magical abilities as she approached her start at Hogwarts.
The weeks passed quickly, and soon it was time for everyone to head back to Hogwarts. Harry felt more prepared than ever for the potentially dangerous year ahead. His fear of Voldemort had significantly diminished and Harry was confident enough to face any unexpected situations. The rigorous training and extensive magical studies had greatly enhanced his physical and magical abilities, giving him a new confidence.
Although Harry didn't know the full extent of Voldemort's power, he felt confident enough to face him, especially since Voldemort was weakened and attached to Quirrell's head. Harry doubted that Voldemort, in such a state, could harness much power.
Over the past year, Harry had made incredible progress in his magical training. He had reached a point where he could stand toe-to-toe with Sirius during their duels. Although Sirius still came out on top after intense and prolonged battles due to his more extensive combat experience, Harry's magical abilities had nearly caught up to his. Sirius was amazed by Harry's rapid development, playfully remarking that Harry was turning into a formidable wizard, almost like a monster in his strength and skills.
With this newfound power and confidence, Harry was genuinely excited for the school year. He was prepared for what might be his first real encounter with Voldemort.
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