Chapter 9: Chapter 8: Heritage and Secrets
Before leaving tge alley Gringotts, Harry visited gringotts again. "One more thing, Account Manager Gornuk. I'd like to inquire about my family's accounts... specifically, about any wills or inheritance matters regarding the Potter estate."
Gornuk's expression sharpened. "Interesting that you ask. Most peculiar that you haven't been informed already." The goblin pulled out a thick ledger, running one long finger down its index. "The Potter vaults are quite extensive. Ancient family. And yet..."
"Yet?" Harry prompted, his artist's instinct catching the goblin's subtle tone shift.
"The wills of James and Lily Potter were sealed. By order of the Wizengamot, specifically Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore, immediately after their deaths." Gornuk's eyes met Harry's. "Most unusual. Especially since you, as the last Potter, should have received at minimum a summary of your inheritance upon turning eleven."
Harry kept his face carefully neutral, though inside his mind was racing. "I see. And what exactly does 'sealed' mean in this context?"
"It means," Gornuk said deliberately, "that the contents cannot be revealed without approval from the Chief Warlock. However..." The goblin paused meaningfully. "There are certain... traditional rights that even the Wizengamot cannot override. Blood inheritance testing, for instance."
"Tell me more about that."
Gornuk produced a simple piece of parchment and a ceremonial silver knife. "Seven drops of blood. It will reveal any family lines you have claim to, and any unclaimed inheritance rights. The test itself is considered private banking business - outside Ministry jurisdiction."
Harry didn't hesitate. Seven drops of blood fell onto the parchment, spreading out in intricate patterns before forming into elegant script:
HADRIAN JAMES POTTER
Born: July 31, 1980
Heir Apparent to:
The Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter (by blood and magic)
The Most Ancient and Noble House of Peverell (by blood through Potter line)
The Most Ancient House of Black (named heir by current Lord Black)
Unclaimed Inheritance:
Potter Family Vaults (access restricted until age 17 or emancipation)
Potter Family Grimoire (accessible by blood right)
Multiple Properties (details sealed)
"This... is unexpected," Harry said carefully, studying the parchment. "Particularly the Black family connection. And what's this about a family grimoire?"
Gornuk's teeth gleamed. "Old families keep their magical knowledge private, passed down through generations. The Potter Grimoire would be in your family vault - which you cannot fully access yet, but..." The goblin paused. "The grimoire itself might recognize your blood right, regardless of age restrictions."
Harry nodded slowly. "And the properties?"
"Details are sealed with the wills. However..." Gornuk pulled out another document. "As your account manager, I can confirm that the Potter family owns multiple properties, including a manor house in Wales and several other residences. Their locations are protected by old magic, but they exist, and maintenance fees are still automatically drawn from the family vault."
Harry absorbed this information, thinking of his cupboard under the stairs. All this time, he had actual houses waiting for him. "What are my options here?"
"Limited, until you reach majority," Gornuk admitted. "However, knowing your rights is power, Mr. Potter. For instance, as the named heir of House Black, certain protections apply to you. And as the last Potter, you could petition for early emancipation at age 13, rather than waiting until 17."
"Who would know about this inheritance test?"
"Only myself and you. Client confidentiality is absolute in inheritance matters. Even the Ministry cannot compel us to reveal such information."
Harry carefully folded the parchment and placed it in his Inventory. "Thank you, Gornuk. I believe this is the beginning of a very productive relationship."
The goblin nodded. "Indeed. Though I would advise discretion. Those who seal wills often have reasons for wanting information... contained."
As Harry left the bank, his mind was already cataloging the implications. Dumbledore had sealed his parents' wills. Had placed him with the Dursleys despite his family owning multiple properties. Had prevented him from knowing about his heritage and rights.
The question was: why?
He thought about the Black family connection - another mystery to unravel. And the Potter Grimoire... family magic waiting to be reclaimed. But patience would be crucial. He had seven years at Hogwarts ahead of him. Seven years to learn, plan, and gradually take control of his inheritance.
For now, he would focus on his immediate plans - the supply business, his investments, establishing himself at Hogwarts. But in quiet moments, he would research inheritance law, bloodline magic, and the rights of heirs to Ancient and Noble Houses.
Sometimes the most valuable paintings took years to complete, each layer adding depth and meaning to the whole. Harry could wait. After all, he had experience with playing the long game - in this life and the last.