Chapter Text
Gringotts
October 1983
Late Evening
Director Ragnok Winterkill's Office was lit with only a few enchanted lights that reflected off the smooth stone walls. Ragnok sat behind a massive desk carved with intricate runes that kept him safe and warned him of approaching threats. He glanced up at the knock on his door.
"Come in," he called. This late, he had no assistant to screen his visitors. Although this late, he would only be disturbed for an emergency.
Bordak Ledgeraxe, one of Gringotts's senior auditors, came in carrying an account book. Bordak had a reputation as being meticulous in the extreme. From the expression on his face, Ragnok could surmise this probably was not going to enhance his evening.
"Why are you here this late?" Ragnok asked, smiling with all his teeth. If this was not an emergency, there would be a price to be paid for disturbing him.
Bordak stepped forward, placing the ledger on Ragnok's desk. "Sir, I have come across an egregious oversight. The Potter will has not been executed, and yet, the funds meant for the care of the Potter heir have been paid out, but the receipts showing how the galleons are being spent are completely unaccounted for. Further investigation reveals that Albus Dumbledore has unlawfully declared himself the boy's magical guardian. This was not done through the Wizengamot because we received no parchmentwork from them."
Well, this was a problem, Ragnok thought as he tapped his fingers lightly against the desk. "Dumbledore?" he asked contemptuously. Albus Dumbledore was one of his least favorite humans. That was saying a lot since he was not fond of most humans. They were rude in general and thought they were entitled to things that they were not. "Are you saying that he is controlling the Potter Estate without proper documentation?"
Bordak nodded. "Yes, sir. From what we can tell, he sealed the Potter's will. This should never have been allowed to happen. It is against their laws as well as against our laws. The funds released to the child's supposed guardians have no documentation at all."
Ragnok leaned back in his chair and considered the information for a moment, tamping down his glee that Dumbledore had finally made a mistake big enough to be prosecuted on. "It is possible the guardians were not given a proper explanation of how the funds they received should be documented. Do we know who the guardians are?"
"Harry Potter's Muggle relations. The Dursleys," Bordak said. "All we have is their name and a routing code for a muggle bank."
"That is troubling, in and of itself," Ragnok said. It was also profoundly annoying. "The Potter family entrusted us to carry out their wishes. This is not merely an error. It is a breach of our duty." He glanced at Bordak. "We must pursue this matter immediately. Amelia Bones must be informed –"
"Excuse me, sir," Bordak said. "Why would we tell the head of the Magical Law Enforcement Office and not the Minister?"
Because the ministry was corrupt and the director of the MLE was not. But Ragnok was not going to say that out loud just yet. "We do not need to involve the Minister in this," Ragnok told him. "This is a matter that should have been handled two years ago when the Potters were murdered. The Potters' will must be unsealed and executed without further delay. We will ensure that justice is served, and those who overstep their bounds will learn the consequences of disregarding Goblin law."
With a deep bow, Bordak turned to leave. After he exited his office, Ragnok sat in silence. It was clear that Gringotts was going to have to step in and do something about what had happened. The repercussions could be severe. Dealing with most humans was problematic at the best of times, and just a few years after their war amongst themselves was not the best of times. Ragnok could only hope it would turn out well for the Goblin Nation.
Amelia Bones' Office
The Following Morning
Amelia Bones stood up from her desk as Ragnok, Director of Gringotts, entered her office. She knew enough about Goblin culture to know that their family names came first, emphasizing heritage and lineage. This was followed by a given name, which she did not know, awarded before maturity by a teacher or parent based on a skill or characteristic.
His armor gleamed under the magical lights, and his expression was severe. Before he even said a word, it was clear to Amelia that Ragnok's presence in her office first thing in the morning meant that there was a problem of epic proportions and that he was about to drop it on her desk.
"Good morning to you, Director Ragnok," she said politely. She'd learned a long time ago that being polite was key to cooperation, not just with the goblins but with anyone. Many Wizards never figured that out and could not understand why they got such cryptic service at the bank.
"Good morning, Madam Bones," Ragnok said, bowing slightly.
Amelia gestured to the chair in front of her desk. "This is an unexpected visit. Can I offer you tea or coffee?"
"No, thank you," he said, sitting down. "I find human coffee to be weaker than I prefer it."
Amelia had heard that goblins drank their coffee so strong it would take the varnish off wood. "Then what can I do for you this morning?" she asked, leaning forward.
Ragnok placed the thick, leather-bound ledger he was holding on her desk. "There is a matter of critical importance involving the welfare of Harry Potter. As I am sure you are aware, the Potter Estate is in our care. Some disturbing inconsistencies have been discovered, and they point to a broader failure involving his guardianship."
He paused and met her eyes. "Specifically, we have discovered that the Potter will has never been executed, and funds disbursed for their heir's care have gone undocumented. Additionally, as far as we can tell, Albus Dumbledore has taken control of the boy's guardianship without any legal authority to do so."
This was worse than she had imagined. Amelia took the ledger from Ragnok and flipped through the pages. "Are you telling me," she asked, keeping her tone neutral or as neutral as she could, given the shock she had just had. "That Harry Potter, the last scion of the Potter family, has had his rightful inheritance kept from him and has not been protected per his parents' wishes?"
"That is exactly what I am telling you, Madam Bones," Ragnok confirmed.
Amelia closed the ledger slowly and pushed it back on her desk. "These are serious allegations, Director Ragnok." She leaned back, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. "But if what you are saying is true, this is an unforgivable failure on multiple levels. Obviously, I will need time to review these records fully before I can proceed. Rest assured, if it is as you say, I will see that it is taken to the Wizengamot immediately."
Ragnok inclined his head as he stood and moved towards the door. "Gringotts trusts your integrity, Madam Bones. We will not rest until the Potter will is read and the boy's future has been safeguarded according to his parents' wishes."
Hours later, the office was dim with the setting sun when Amelia finally finished her review of the documents that Ragnok had provided. There were interruptions, of course, and meetings she could not put off, but everything else was put off until tomorrow or the next day. This took precedence over everything else.
The parchments and ledger that covered her desk contained every detail of the Potter estate. The lack of execution of the will was deliberate, not an oversight.
She could not believe the level of manipulation that existed surrounding one young boy. Harry Potter should have been protected and should have had the comfort and care that any child who was a member of their society was due. But instead, he had been shunted away by someone who did not have the right to do so. It had been allowed because no one thought to question Albus Dumbledore's authority in the first place.
This could not stand.
With a flick of her wand, she summoned her Patronus, a glowing silver lynx. She sent it out with an urgent message to all the members of the Wizengamot: "A matter of grave importance has been discovered, and it requires immediate attention. The Wizengamot must meet tomorrow morning at 9:00 am."
Wizengamot Chambers
The Next Day
As the members filed into the Wizengamot chamber, anticipation seemed to buzz through the room. Everyone present was no doubt wondering what had happened to require an emergency session.
Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock, sat at the highest podium, his long silver beard brushing the front of his bright green and lemon yellow robes. He had a look of composed curiosity on his face as he nodded to the clerk of the court.
"The Wizengamot is now in session," the clerk announced. "Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock, presiding."
"I have to say," Dumbledore started with a twinkle in his eyes and sounding amused. "I have no idea why we were all called here this morning."
Amelia rose from her seat, "If I may, Chief Warlock," she asked formally.
"You have the floor, Madam Bones," Dumbledore said, looking a little more curious now.
As Amelia turned to address the chamber, she squared her shoulders, knowing that her authority would command the attention of those in the room. She glanced up and saw that Director Ragnok, flanked by Bordak, sat in the visitor section, both with an unreadable expression on their faces. Ragnok nodded to her.
"I have called this emergency session to address a failure in the execution of wizarding law, one that involves the late James and Lily Potter and the future of their son, Harry Potter," Amelia spoke out clearly so that she could not be misunderstood.
A murmur ran through the chamber. As Amelia watched him, Dumbledore's brow furrowed ever so slightly, and a hint of unease started to show on his face, just behind his usually calm expression. Amelia was sure it would get worse as the morning wore on.
"The Potters' will, which should have been executed immediately upon their passing, has been sealed unlawfully," Amelia announced. "Furthermore, evidence provided by Gringotts reveals that Albus Dumbledore assumed guardianship of Harry Potter without legal basis to do so. Because of both of these actions, Harry Potter's inheritance and all of the protections he should have had as a child of our wizarding society and as the child of an Ancient and Noble house have been disregarded."
Dumbledore rose. "Madam Bones, I assure you that my actions have always been in the best interest of the boy. To ensure his safety above all else. There are matters of security that you may not fully understand," his voice carrying across the chamber with his usual authority and not without a little bit of contempt for her daring to challenge him.
Amelia met his gaze. She was not impressed with his argument. Nor was she fooled by this play. Indeed, she'd expected it from him. Albus Dumbledore might act like a grandfatherly hero to many, but she'd never believed it. Most times, he skated just inside the law.
"This is not about what you believe to be best, Chief Warlock. This is about the law. Harry Potter is the last surviving member of an Ancient and Noble House. His parents had every right to expect their wishes to not only be respected but adhered to immediately upon their death, exactly as they specified in their will. The Potters' will must be unsealed, and the guardianship must be formally decided according to the explicit terms of the will set down by James and Lily Potter. You do not have the authority to make decisions about anything having to do with him."
A ripple of agreement passed through the chamber. Members from both light, gray, and dark families leaned forward, their expressions ranging from curiosity to indignation.
Lord Theros Nott, an older wizard whom Amelia knew was dark-leaning, was the first to speak up. "This is an outrage. That an Ancient and Noble House's will has been disregarded in such a manner is beyond the pale," Nott said, his anger apparent. "The Potters were an influential family, regardless of their alliances. To ignore their will is an affront to all of us who value the sanctity of our lineage."
"I agree with Lord Nott," Lord Jonathan MacLachlan said. He was a light-leaning wizard, but he was also friendly with Lord Nott. Rumor had it that, as unlikely as it seemed, Nott was a member of MacLachlan's conclave. The conclave was semi-secret since all other conclaves had been disbanded one way or another by Dumbledore.
MacLachlan glanced towards Dumbledore with some disdain on his face. "Those of us with children or a legacy to pass down, need to be assured that no one has the ability to supersede our wishes for their own desires. No matter what their stated reasons are."
Dumbledore tried again, his eyes flickering around the room, seemingly quite irritated by anyone questioning his authority. "The Dumbledore family has always acted in the interest of the greater good –"
Augusta Longbottom, the proxy for her son Frank, scowled at him. "The Dumbledore family lost its standing in the Wizengamot when your father was imprisoned in Azkaban for the murder of a Muggle, Albus. Whatever respect remains is not enough to justify disregarding the law of our people," she said sternly as if she were scolding him.
That tone, which only someone of a certain age could achieve, amused Amelia quite a lot. Soon, more people rose to speak from both the light and dark factions. They all were saying one thing, that Harry Potter's fate could not be decided by one man's perception of the greater good.
After several more minutes of debate, Amelia thought the point was made. "We will vote on unsealing the Potters' will."
"I second the motion," Lord Nott called.
"Third," Madam Longbottom said.
Without recourse, Dumbledore looked furious. "The motion is up for a vote. Please raise your wands for Yay."
A ripple passed through the room as wands were raised in agreement. A powerful surge of magic followed as the Wizengamot voted nearly unanimously.
"The Potters' will must be read immediately," Amelia announced. She turned to Dumbledore, glaring at him. "Chief Warlock, as Harry Potter's supposed magical guardian, you are required to provide the Potters' Will."
Dumbledore hesitated, his lips thinning. The tension was palpable throughout the chamber. "I do not have it," he admitted, barely above a whisper.
A gasp went through the assembly. Amelia glanced up at the visitors' gallery. Ragnok had a grim smile on his face. He stood, nodding to Bordak, who produced a scroll with an unbroken Gringotts seal.
"Gringotts," Ragnok said with noticeable satisfaction. "Has an official copy of the Potters' will, as per our agreements with all noble wizarding families."
Amelia took the scroll from Ragnok and then met Dumbledore's eyes across the room. It was hard not to smirk at him, but she thought she'd managed it. "Let us proceed," she said without inflection. "The Potters' will shall be read immediately."
Dumbledore sank back into his chair, his face pale with his obvious fury.
Amelia sat down, gazing around the Wizengamot chamber.
The chamber itself took charge of the will and would read it aloud without intervention from anyone. All the members fell silent as the seal was broken and the magical parchment was unfurled, floating before them.
"We, James Potter and Lily Potter, being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare..."
Amelia listened to the legalities, and since it was a joint will, they declared that if one predeceased the other, the surviving spouse would have complete control of all assets and galleons. That was expected. Then the will started on Harry's guardianship.
"Sirius Black is the sworn godfather, and Alice Longbottom is the sworn godmother of our son, Harry James Potter," echoed through the hall.
Amelia's gut tightened unpleasantly after that announcement. How in Merlin's name could Sirius Black still be alive if he were named as the most trusted guardian of Harry Potter. If Black was Harry Potter's sworn godfather, then there was no possible way for him to have murdered James and Lily Potter. It would have killed him before he could violate that oath.
Before she could even contemplate the repercussions of that revelation, the will went on without pause. "And Peter Pettigrew was our Secret Keeper."
Peter Pettigrew? Amelia immediately realized the implications. Everything the entire Wizarding World had thought, everything she had assumed, had just crumbled into dust. She and everyone else believed what they had been told. And they had been lied to.
There was no time to contemplate that either. The will went on to list the people James and Lily wanted to raise Harry if anything happened to them. Sirius Black and Alice Longbottom came first, of course. Then, surprisingly, Andromeda Tonks, Minerva McGonagall, and herself, as well as others. It also stated explicitly that Harry was never to go to Lily's sister, Petunia Dursley, for any reason.
Amelia glanced back to Dumbledore. Why had he ignored the will? Dumbledore had been the will's executor and had overseen everything. He knew what was in it, what the Potters wanted, and had disregarded their wishes. There could be no excuse for what he'd done. It was unconscionable.
By the time the will reading ended, Amelia was furious. Although she remained still, not saying anything for the moment. She probably was not going to have to say anything since she could see the rage on the faces of those present.
As soon as the reading ended, the Wizengamot chamber exploded into a chaos of different discussions on what had just been revealed. Amelia let it go on for a few minutes. "Albus Dumbledore," she demanded, her anger barely suppressed. "Where is Harry Potter?"
Dumbledore stood and seemed composed, but there was a flicker of rage in his eyes. "For his safety, I will not tell anyone that information. And in fact, no one other than me knows," he said, his tone saying he would brook no arguments about it.
That attitude was not going to be tolerated by Amelia and, by the look of it, anyone else. She stood, straightening to her full height, and glared at him. "Safety?" she asked quietly. "You knew what his parents' wishes were. You were the executor of their will, and yet you placed their child somewhere without discussion or consent. This amounts to kidnapping, and I could arrest you for that."
"No, I do not think you can do that, Amelia. You do not have the authority to do that," he replied condescendingly.
Which did not endear him to Amelia, not at all. She smiled coldly at him. "Oh yes, I do. Do I need to remind you that I am the head of Magical Law Enforcement, and you are merely the head teacher at a school that Harry Potter might attend in the future? You are without standing in this courtroom. And you have no right to determine what is done to a child of an Ancient and Noble house. Especially against the stated will of his parents."
"I am the Leader of The Light," Dumbledore said. "That gives me authority in war to –"
"The war ended two years ago. Whatever authority you took to do as you pleased ended then," Amelia said through her clenched teeth. "You will tell me where you placed Harry Potter, or I will call a vote on your competence to remain as Chief Warlock. Then, after you are unseated, I will arrest you for kidnapping."
The chamber fell silent again. She could feel the eyes of everyone on her, but she did not let her attention waiver from Dumbledore. Amelia could see him weighing his options. He had already lost on the reading of the will. If she called a vote, she was sure she would have no trouble winning the majority of those assembled. She had standing in the Wizengamot as she was the sole representative of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones. He knew that.
"I placed him with his muggle relatives, the Dursleys. I also placed blood wards on the house. He needed to be protected and raised in the muggle world where no one knew him. It was done for the greater good."
"Whose good," she asked, glaring at him, not quite believing he had the audacity to say that out loud. "Certainly not Harry Potter's good."
"There are more things at play here than just one child's –"
"That was not your decision to make," Augusta Longbottom's voice boomed across the room, and several people nodded in agreement with her.
He glared at her. "Amelia, the blood wards that protect Harry –"
"Enough!" she said, cutting him off. She was done with this farce. How dare Dumbledore even think he could get away with assuming this much power over a child not in his care. But she knew the answer too well. "We are not here to discuss theory or speculation. We are here to discuss the law. And the law has been broken."
This was an outrage. To allow an innocent child to suffer, and she knew that Harry had suffered, even without seeing him. What was worse was that she knew that Dumbledore knew it and clearly did not care. She glanced around and saw more anger on the faces of the Wizengamot members. They knew it, too.
A murmur of agreement ran through the room. Amelia knew this would cause a fracture because there were some who would follow Dumbledore blindly. But she could see that enough of the factions were as outraged by this as she was.
"I call for a vote," Nott announced with a smirk in Dumbledore's direction. "To remove Albus Dumbledore as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot for his failure to uphold the law and honor the Potters' will, thus completely disregarding an Ancient and Noble family's trust."
His words sent the room into chaos. There were cries of protest but also many more nods of approval.
"I second the motion," Augusta Longbottom called.
Amelia had nothing to add to this. She hadn't had to do it, although it was not unexpected that someone else would. It was evident that Dumbledore knew that as well. This wasn't about political power. This was about justice.
The vote went as she'd expected, and Dumbledore was removed from the Chief Warlock position. There was a secondary vote to appoint a temporary Chief Warlock or Witch until a permanent replacement could be decided upon. Lady Griselda Marchbanks, who was from a light-leaning family, was named temporary Chief Witch. She would have to serve until the Wizengamot elected a permanent replacement, which should not be more than ninety days.