Chapter 133

Now, think about that name I wrote at the top of the previous paragraph. That's my true name with the diminutive of my first name included in quote marks. Now think of what name came out of the Goblet of Fire? See the issue? My real name did not come out of the Goblet. Therefore, I am not required to compete.

However, Albus Too-Many-Middle-Names Dumbledore, Igor Karkaroff, Olympe Maxime, Barty Crouch Sr and Ludo Bagman all said I had to compete. In that room at that time were also Cedric Diggory, Victor Krum, Fleur Delacour, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape and the one everyone thought was Alastor Moody, retired Master Auror - adults all. Of those, I know for fact Albus Dumbledore, Barty Crouch Sr, Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape all knew my real first name is Harrison, not Harry. I'm also pretty sure that Ludo Bagman also knew that and Karkaroff and Maxime probably did, too. And yet, not one of them said that, as the name was not Harrison Potter - or, better still, Harrison James Potter - the contract forcing me to compete was void.

Not one of them stepped forward to say something along the lines of, "Now, wait a minute. His name's not actually 'Harry Potter'."

Instead, something else happened that even I did not foresee at the time.

Albus Dumbledore had claimed 'magical guardianship' of me. We three, as do practically everyone else now, know that he actually wasn't - it was Sirius Black. However, Albus Dumbledore was registered at the Ministry as my magical guardian, legally; even though magically it was Sirius Black.

I now remind you of what Dumbledore said when he first announced the Tri-Wizard Tournament coming to Hogwarts on the evening of the 1st September. He said, in part, "Only those who are of-age are allowed to compete."

In that ante-chamber off the Great Hall after my alter-name came out, he said, "I'm sorry, Harry. But, I'm afraid you must compete."

He was then backed up by the others. Not one stepped forward to say, "No" - except Snape. When pressed, Ludo Bagman, Barty Crouch Sr, Igor Karkaroff and Olympe Maxime all individually agreed.

Therefore, on that night, the following legal entities all verbally and individually declared me of-age: My legally recognised magical guardian, the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Highmaster of Durmstrang Institute, the Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, the Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation of the Ministry of Magic and the Director of the Department of Magical Games and Sports of the Ministry of Magic.

Of all those, I actually only needed the first one to declare it and the third and fourth to agree. That they all resided inside the body of one wizard, Albus Dumbledore, is irrelevant. Because, legally, he is (was) four different people; three of whom each had the authority, with the backing of the other two. That all those others were there and agreed was, as the muggles say, 'icing on the cake'.

So, because I was declared of-age on that night, I instantly became a full adult under Wizarding Britain law; with all rights and responsibilities of an adult under law. I cannot even be considered to 'only' be an emancipated minor because of the legal definition of 'of-age'. As such, as the then Heir Apparent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, I also instantly became a Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House, One of the Seven.

In a written conversation with my account manager at Gringotts, carried out through letters carried back and forth for security and speed of travel by my loyal house elf, the Goblins agreed. Immediately on their agreement, I snuck out of the school - even though, as a supposed champion, I was lawfully allowed to come and go as I pleased - and went to Gringotts to complete the necessary parchmentwork, take up my Head of House ring and make a start on the massive backlog of House business parchmentwork that awaited me. A lot accumulates in almost fourteen years.

Now to bring you up-to-date with recent happenings.

I know some of this has been reported in the Daily Prophet, but I also know how much of a 'smotherer' your mother is when it comes to 'her kids' being kept up-to-date with what's going on in the wider world. I would also be very doubtful if you haven't read it since you've been home, anyway.

Sirius Black, aka my godfather, aka 'Padfoot', aka 'Snuffles', aka Lord Sirius Orion Black III of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, has taken up his Headship and, even though I no longer have any need of one, is now my Acting Regent. He and I are now 'catching up on lost opportunities'.

Hermione has informed me she has learned she was under a loyalty potion that dates back somewhere at either end of first year or the beginning of second year. It was keyed to Albus Dumbledore and your brother, Ronald. On learning of it she was at first shocked, then appalled, then furious. Now, she's joined what I'm sure is a very long list of individuals who, if they get the chance, will kill Albus Dumbledore. Little Miss 'You Must Respect Authority' Granger is gone; now, she's Miss 'Screw You! You Wrinkle-Arsed, Manipulative, Potion-Dosing Wanker!' Granger. Fair warning, guys: Don't piss her off.

While I no longer consider Ronald a friend, I do you two; so, you'd best let him know - or not. I've warned you, so I'm free of guilt if he falls afoul of her. The same sort of guilt Ronald should be feeling in not telling me a week in advance that I'd be facing a dragon in the First Task, as your brother Charlie bloody well told him to.

Sirius has also kept me apprised of what's happening at the school, as has Madam Bones.

Dumbledore has been ousted as Headmaster. As he holds tenure as a Professor, the only member of staff still there that does, they can't get rid of him completely until he does something so egregious against the school that they can terminate that tenure. But they could, and did, boot him all the way back to 'just' a Professor.

Lady Griselda Marchbanks has been appointed Headmistress. She's the lady that normally Heads the Wizarding Examinations Authority. She was once Acting Deputy Headmistress, before Minerva McGonagall ascended to that position. And was also Head of Ravenclaw House, before Filius Flitwick ascended to that position. She is not only this little thing who walks with a cane, she is a powerful little witch. Do not expect her to be as forgiving as Albus Dumbledore regarding your pranks. I have been informed she will not hesitate to hand you over to the DMLE if you harm someone with one or without. She's also not adverse to using that cane of hers as something the Irish call a 'shillelagh' - a long-handled cudgel. I've been told even sitting Lords have found themselves whacked across their shins with it when she felt they deserved it.

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