29 Gringotts

I called for Kreacher to dispose of the body and went to the bathroom. I stayed in the shower for a while afterwords. I don't regret what I did, but something's can't be unseen. I let the water drip down my body as I turned my brain off and just existed for a moment. Getting out I quickly dressed and made for my room to sleep and forget for a while. I wasn't expecting to see Sirius standing in the hall waiting for the bathroom. Our eyes met and I looked away. I hate the feeling that I've disappointed him and couldn't live up to his ideals, no matter how necessary my actions were.

Sirius spoke first, "I take it it's done."

"Yes." I murmur in a quiet voice. Sirius puts a hand on my shoulder and says, "It's ok, I'm sorry for not taking this threat as seriously as I should have. You were right when you said it needed to be done, it just took me a little bit to realize."

I sagged in relief. I try not to show how much I depend on Sirius, but if he were to turn me and Mother away after becoming so close to us, it would destroy us.

He gives me a nod and goes into the bathroom, and I decide to go check on another before bed. I head downstairs and find another half deep into a bottle of wine. I sigh as I sit down beside her and lean into her, just giving her a quiet comfort. Her body shakes for a minute before she breaks down and grabs me into a hug and we just hold each other while she whispers apology's for me having to do that. We drift off to sleep on the couch and dream of better things that night.

The next couple of days pass quickly and I find myself dressed and ready for our meeting with the Goblins of Gringotts. We take the floo to a private meeting room. Sirius sits me down and goes over our family's holdings one by one and I realize for the first time just how rich we are compared to the Malfoys.

The Malfoys weren't as old as most of the big family's but they were politically powerful and gained just as much status as one. They were new money who gained most of their money through back room deals. In comparison, the Black family had a hand in just about all the major businesses and that money has accumulated into a ridiculous sum.

Once I had gotten the layout, we talked future investments. Sirius wanted to invest in some newer broomsticks that were said to revolutionize the industry. I took a look at the title of the company and chuckled at the name. It looked like Harry's Firebolt was looking for investments. I quickly agreed with him on the choice and made a few picks in the muggle stock market. I bought some stocks in Apple and Microsoft, and an unknown company named Deskmate. It's purpose was to have better school supplies at cheaper prices. I just bought it to throw suspicions from me so it doesn't look like I only picked winners.

After the finances were handled Sirius made a motion to one of the Goblins and they cleared the room. He pulled out some files and laid them on the table before starting.

"I told you last year that I was looking into some of the things Albus had done as Harry's magical guardian and I hate that I was right to be suspicious." Sirius said with a grimace. I grabbed one of the files and opened it up. I shuddered at what was written,

Marriage Contract:

HARRY JAMES POTTER

GINERVA MOLLY WEASLEY

Signed by: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore and Molly Weasley 12/13/89

"Is this legally binding?" I ask with an undertone of anger. Harry had become something of a brother to me this summer and for Dumbledore to stoop this low to gain control over him is revolting.

"It was until I became a free man and was able to dissolve it, I brought it out as a reference. I've also seen some less than legal withdrawals taken before Harry had even been introduced into our world. I wanted to get your opinion of what to do. I'm of the opinion to reclaim all money and family heirlooms that were taken and let the Goblins sort it out." Sirius said with venom. I was half a mind to agree before another option made itself known. I close my mind and way out the options.

"If we do that then the Goblins will solve everything internally. We will get the money back but no one will ever know it happened, but we could take this through the Wizangamot. We might not get him any time with his influence, but we would ruin his reputation and maybe he would lose one of those positions he covets so much." I say with a feral grin at the thought of bringing Dumbledore through the ringer.

Sirius went back and forth in his mind and said, "It's a gamble, we aren't guaranteed anything in the courts, but we could definitely get Harry his money back if we let the Goblins handle it."

"And how much is he likely to miss that money? He's filthy rich with the Potter fortune and wouldn't be able to spend it all in 5 lifetimes. I think it's more prudent to use this as an attack on Dumbledore." I argue back.

Sirius concede that and says, "Let's table it for now and ask Harry on Yule break what he'd prefer."

I nod and we conclude our business at Gringotts. When we get home i through myself into my studies, not wanting to fall behind on my break. My suspension soon ended and I apostates back with Sirius to Hogwarts. Dumbledore is at the front gates waiting and said, "Hello Ares, Sirius, I hope this punishment was a learning experience for you."

"Oh headmaster, it was quite informative, I assure you." I say and follow him in. I can't wait to check in with everybody and see what's been happening since my departure.

I walk into the Great Hall and every eye turns on to me. I notice many looking at me with disgust and the Slytherins were looking ever more fearful of me. 'I suppose the rumor mill has run its course,' I thought cynically.

I take my seat next to Blaise and he welcomes me back with a grin. I look over to the others and narrow my eyes at Daphne she hadn't made one move to acknowledge me, not even glancing at my direction. I raise an eyebrow at Blaise and he shakes his head. I groan internally and brace myself for the inevitable conversation that would accompany that reaction. I dig into my food and think on to how to deal with Daphne. Dumbledore calls the Great Hall to attention as everyone finished eating.

"Everyone, let's all welcome back Ares Black," he pauses for applause and after 10 seconds of silence he continues, "Let's hope that he has learned his lesson and move forward to a better year!"

I snort at the little games he's playing. He basically just confirmed any and all rumors that I've done something wrong while looking like he was genuinely welcoming me back. I have to hand it to the goat, he sure bows how to play the game.

Something caught my eye as I glanced to the end of the table by the first years. Draco had many cuts and bruises covering his body and dark rings under his eyes. He looked like a zombie as he sat alone away from everyone. I fumed at the direct disobedience to my orders, I know for sure that I made it know that Draco wasn't to be touched again. It seems I have another problem to solve. I sigh at how shitty this year has been so far.

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