Chapter 11
“Pup. Thats impossible. Horcruxes are Class X Dark Artifacts. Gringotts wouldn’t allow such a thing into their vaults. Plus the vaults are regularly inspected for Dark Artifacts. The only way such a thing would be possible would be if the goblins have a traitor.” Sirius explained.
“Fleur, you work at the bank. What are the chances, something like that was overlooked?” Hermione asked.
“Non. The goblins are hoarders. They see the wizard gold as their own. The Vaults are theirs to do as they please. They lower vaults are controlled by individual clans, to a whole clan would have to be against the Head Goblin for such a thing to have happened.” Fleur explained.
“Ok. So what are the chances of that being a possibility?” Tonks asked.
“Unfortunately quite high. Clans are always looking to gain some type of advantage against rival clans. Goblins are a warring race afterall.” Fleur sighed while leaning back in the chair.
“Damn. So Regardless, we won’t know unless we go to Gringotts.” Remus said.
“Yeah. But the question remains, how do we get in?” Harry asked. “I’m not sure I will be able to just casually walk in and ask them to show me to the Lestrange Vaults.”
“You would need a Lord of a Most Ancient and Noble House to bring you down to those levels and have an armed escort.” Sirius spoke up.
The room went silent for a few minutes. Each person was clearly thinking of some way to be able to enter the bank. Then Hermione who was in thought the longest, perked up.
“Hey Sirius. You’re the last remaining male of the Black family right?”
“Yeah.”
“And what was the status of the House of Black again?” Hermione asked with a smirk.
“Most Ancient and Noble.” Sirius answered with apprehension leaking into his voice. He had a feeling, he was not going to enjoy where this conversation was going.
“Well if I remember correctly, the Ancient House Rules and Conduct, written in 1108. States that the last remaining male of a line was allowed to take up lordship even if removed from the House. It was a magical failsafe in the event of losing a line. So that means that you are by right and technicality Lord Black.” Hermione smiled mischievously.
“NOPE! Not going to happen. Harry’s my Heir. He can have it.” Sirius said panicked. He even started shaking like a dog.
“Harry is only considered Heir to Sirius Black. Not Lord Black.” Hermione replied. “Besides, according to the same book, the Lordship would then fall to the next closest male blood line, and since Harry is only the grandson of one Dorea Potter nee Black, he would not qualify. Currently according to your family tree, closest in line is one Draco Malfoy. I’m sure you’ll be thrilled to see the Black Family Vaults go to him.”
“Merlin’s Saggy Balls, Hermione. You sure do know how to go for the throat.” Sirius cried. The poor mutt was sitting in defeat, head on the table. “I’ll take up the Lordship. Harry’s my Heir, and one of you can have the next Lord Black afterwards, preferably you, Dora, though Family Magics won’t allow me to bring you back in, it will accept you if you marry in.”
“Nope not going to happen. You can keep me and your crazy arse family seperate.” Tonks exclaimed.
“Well that’s too bad. If I got to be Lord Black, you can have the Heir’s Heir. Or face the wrath of your mother. Kreacher! Bring me the Lord’s Ring!” Sirius cried with firmness and seriousness expected of a Lord.
POP!
The old elf popped into the kitchen and held a ancient, embroidered pillow. Encased in gems. At the center of the pillow, floating in midair, was a silver ring with a black onyx jewel.
“Filthy Master. Here is the Ring of the House of Black. Kreacher is happy to see ungrateful master, remember his place in the family.” The old elf raised the pillow up and lowered his head. Offering up the ring for Sirius to take.
“Damn it!” Sirius roared. He grabbed the ring and shoved it onto his finger. “By right of blood and laws of magic, I, Sirius Orion Padfoot Black, claim this Lordship as my right. So mote it be!”
As he finished speaking, the ring lit up with a dark glow and pulsed outward. Cementing and acknowledging Sirius as Lord of House Black.
“I, Lord Black, announce and judge, Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black, traitor to House Black may she be stripped of Family Magiks.” Pulse
“I, Lord Black, announce and judge, Draco Malfoy, Heir of House Malfoy, to be removed from the Line of Succession.” Pulse
“I, Lord Black, announce and judge, Harry James Potter, Heir of House Black, should Lady Magic deem him worthy.” Pulse.
PULSE
As Sirius finished speaking, the lights dimmed back to how they once were and the ring stopped glowing.
“Son of -! Another ring? Give me a break already!” Harry exclaimed. As he jumped up, the girls could see a ring similar to Sirius’s on his hand. Unfortunately, for Harry that is, the Heir Ring was not removable.
“Deal with it, Harry.” Sirius laughed. “If I got to be Lord Black, you can enjoy it as well.”
“Damn you Padfoot. At least, warn me first. What is it with rings popping on to my fingers lately. This is two in less than a week.”
“Only you Harry.” Hermione chuckled softly. As everyone burst out laughing, as Harry hit his head on the table.
AN: As promised to those who voted in the poll. One chapter of the Unexpected Vow. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. See you next week.