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Chapter Fifteen At Least Something Good Came Out Of It

Harry made it down to the Black Lake for lunch to find Hermione waiting for him. He had stopped by the kitchen to get Dobby to pack a lunch for two and ended up with enough food for five.

"Harry!" Hermione practically shouted. "Did you put your name into the goblet?" she asked.

Harry shoulders began to sag and he said in a dejected voice. "I thought you knew me better than that Hermione."

I didn't think you would, but I had to ask." she said back sheepishly.

"So, do you believe I entered myself?" Harry asked, in a neutral tone.

"No Harry. I don't believe you entered yourself." She said with conviction.

"Ron does." replied Harry.

"Ron's just jealous. He'll get over it. He doesn't truly believe you would do it. He knows you better than that." Said Hermione.

"Whatever." Replied Harry, waiving off the comment about Ron.

"What are you going to do now?" asked Hermione. "Can Dumbledore get you out of the tournament? It's not fair that you have to compete with the older students."

"Yeah I talked to Dumbledore and he told me that I was obliged to compete or risk losing my magic." Said Harry.

"That's terrible." Responded Hermione. "That is so unfair."

"When has my life been fair?" Harry asked sarcastically.

At this Hermione gave him one of her bone crushing hugs, she pulled back and said. "We'll get through this Harry. You have my support, the first things we have to do is go to library and find out all we can about previous tournaments. Then we have to learn new spells, you have so much to catch up on with the other champions having three more years' experience than you. I'll start writing a schedule and we will start working on it right away."

"Hermione breathe." Said Harry. "I'm glad you believe me and I appreciate your help, but you have to calm yourself down. I am going to study and practice new spells but I going to do it on my own schedule. If you want to help me out that would be greatly appreciated, but this is my life on the line so I'm going to be doing things my way.

"But Harry, you need to take this seriously. I've heard that people have died in the tournament before." Said a flustered Hermione.

"I know Hermione, and that is probably why the bastard entered me into it, so I will get killed. I'm fully aware of what I have to do and I will do anything I need you to get through this in one piece." Said Harry

"Language Harry." Hermione automatically replied.

"Hermione, you're like a sister to me but you're not my mother. If you're going to be around me, and I hope you will be, you're going to be hearing much stronger language than bastard." Said Harry.

"Harry there's no reason to be impolite." Said Hermione.

"There's no reason to be polite either." said Harry.

"You'll lose points if teachers hear you speak like that." she said back.

"After my last discussion with Dumbledore I don't care what the teacher say." Replied Harry.

"What do you mean Harry? What did Dumbledore say to you?" asked Hermione.

"He gave me detention for what I did to Malfoy yesterday morning and I asked him what punishment Malfoy would get and he said that since he didn't make a threat it or draw his wand, there was nothing he could do." Said Harry.

"Well you did fire at Malfoy first." Said Hermione.

"And I will serve a detention because of that, but with Draco spouting off like that with no consequences proves that I will get no support from any of the teachers." Said Harry.

"That's not true Harry." she said.

"In all of your experience at Hogwarts, what makes you believe that?" he replied, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. Hermione had to think about that and had nothing to say, so Harry asked. "What do the Gryffindor girls say? Does anybody believe that I didn't enter my name into the goblet?"

"Nobody has said anything either way or I haven't pushed so I'm not sure. I don't think they believe you did it." Hermone replied.

"Let me know if you hear anything?" asked Harry.

"OK." replied Hermione.

They continued talking and eating the food that Dobby provided until it was time to go to their next class. Harry was glad that Hermione believed him and was willing to help them out. Hopefully his talk would curb some of her more bossy attributes. Time will tell.

Harry had dinner in the Great Hall that night. The responses were similar to breakfast the other day, if not a little more concerned about a violent reaction. He sat with Hermione and Neville, Ron was further down the table avoiding him. The twins sat down on the other side of the table from him and started with their twin speak.

"It's little Harrikin's…"

"…Youngest seeker of a century…"

"…Slayer of monsters…"

"…Savior of little girls…"

"…Scourge of Dementors…"

"…The Fourth champion…"

"…Doing Gryffindor proud." Finished the twins together.

"Don't forget shortest champion." Teased Hermione.

"Hey!" exclaimed Harry at this last one.

"So what's between you and little Ronnie? He keeps saying you're a liar and a cheat." Said who Harry thought was Fred.

"He doesn't believe that I didn't put my name into goblet and that I don't want to be in this damn tournament." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hermione flinch at his language, but was able to keep her mouth shut. Harry was proud of her. "Do you guys think I entered?"

Twin one replied. "Nah, we believe you Harry. If you say you didn't do it than we don't think you did it."

"Besides if we couldn't get in…"

"There was no way for you to get in."

"Thanks guys, I appreciate that, I think." Harry said.

"No problem Harrikins. Now that you're in the tournament do you think you're going to win?" said twin two.

"I just want to survive." answered Harry.

"I'm sure you can win." Said Neville.

"Thanks Nev." Replied Harry.

The rest of dinner was a quiet affair for Harry. Nobody really talked to him, and that was fine by him. The rest of the house tables kept sending angry glares towards him and most looked like they wanted to hex him, but did nothing. It looked like it was going to be another terribly year.

The next morning Harry received an owl from Barkaxe. There was a note and a silver ring in the envelope. The note said 'Need to see you about the tournament at 10 am today. Activation phrase is 'time is money'.' Harry figured he would spend the day normally then turn back time and leave from the Chamber of Secrets.

It was an extremely long day, it seemed like time moved slower than normal. Harry regretted not going to the goblins first then turning back time and repeating the day at Hogwarts. Finally the day ended and he made his way down to the chamber and used the Time Turner. Saying "time is money" he disappeared from Hogwarts and appeared in the familiar Portkey arrival room at Gringotts. He was led to Barkaxes office, who was waiting for him.

"Welcome Mr. Potter." Said Barkaxe when Harry entered his office. "Have a seat."

"I hope you have some good news for me?" asked Harry.

"Yes and no Mr. Potter," Said Barkaxe. "The bad news first. You are indeed required to compete in the Tri Wizard Tournament."

Harry interrupted him, "That was the one thing I don't want to happen."

"Understandable Mr. Potter. But there is some good that has happened because of your inclusion in the tournament." Said Barkaxe.

"What good could there be with me having to be in the tournament?" asked depressed Harry.

"Because of the wording of the contract, you are now considered an of age wizard." Said Barkaxe.

"What! What does that mean?" spluttered Harry.

"You now are Lord Potter, Head of the Potter family, and have access to all your vaults and are no longer affected by the restriction on underage sorcery. You also have a seat on the Wizengamot available to you now. You can sit yourself or choose a proxy to sit and vote for you while you are at school." Replied Barkaxe.

"Does this mean that Dumbledore is no longer my magical guardian? And who is the proxy for the Potter seat now?" asked Harry. "Wait, It's Dumbledore isn't it?"

"Yes, to both questions." Said Barkaxe.

"Does he know about my emancipation?" asked Harry.

"We found no reason to inform him of this, but if he has read the tournament rules closely he would be able to figure it out." Said Barkaxe.

'I wonder if Dumbledore will tell me about this? Probably not.' Harry thought. Out loud he said. "So he no longer has access to my vaults?"

Barkaxe answered. "Not anymore. We will deactivate any keys he might have in his possession. There is also another possible benefit to you in the contract, Mr. Potter."

"What is it?" asked Harry.

The way the contract is worded limits the tournament to one champion per school, but doesn't limit the number of schools that can participate." Said Barkaxe.

"What does that mean for me?" responded Harry.

Barkaxe said, "This means Mr. Potter, is that you as the fourth champion are no longer a student of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"I have to leave Hogwarts?" said a shocked Harry.

"No, Mr. Potter." Said Barkaxe. "The contract is worded so that any participating school, of which you are now considered from, can request living quarters, have unrestricted access to the library, and can attend any class of their choosing. You are also not limited to the school grounds."

Harry was shocked silent at this. Finally he asked. "How does this affect me? Do I have to do anything for my own school?"

"You can choose who you want to represent you on the judges panel. Other than that there is nothing for you to do but participate in any tournament events" Replied Barkaxe.

Harry sat silently deep in thought. 'Since I'm not a part of Hogwarts any more I don't have to follow the school rules or listen to any of the teachers. I'll be back next year so I better not burn too many bridges. No matter what Snape can suck it. Too bad Sirius is still a wanted man, he would've made an excellent headmaster. The biggest prank of his life, he would love it. Maybe I can get Remus to be the Headmaster of my school. That would sure piss off Snape. Yeah, that's what I'll do. Dumbledore has no power over me anymore!'

Barkaxe interrupted Harry's train of thought. "There is still some paperwork you have to complete before you are officially Head of House. Sign here, and here…" Harry signed several pieces of parchment that Barkaxe put in front of him. "The Potter family ring is in the Potter family vault. It is up to you if you want to collect it. It is not required to wear it, but it would make it easier to convince people that you are indeed emancipated. Would you like to visit the Potter family vault now Mr. Potter?"

"Yes I would." Replied Harry. "Barkaxe, you said when I first visited you that I have several properties?"

"That is correct Mr. Potter. I will compile a list and have it available to you when you get back from visiting your vault." Said Barkaxe.

It was a long and twisty trip down to the Potter Family vault, #33. Harry handed his key to the goblin who opened the vault and stood aside. The goblin said. "I will leave you now Mr. Potter. When you are done, activate this rune," He pointed to a rune carved in the wall just outside the vault door. "and a goblin will be by shortly to collect you. Do you need anything else before I go?"

"No thank you, I will be fine." Harry said. The goblin turned around and left on the cart, leaving Harry alone. Stepping into the Potter family vault was a wonder to Harry. Harry could barely see the back of the vault from the vault door. There was a huge pile of gold coins directly I front of the entrance, and a pile of trunks that Harry learned had an expansion charm on the inside, that were filled with Galleons. There were barrels filled with raw and cut gems and precious stones. There was also many glass display cases filled with all types of jewelry. Suits of armor, clothes, weapons, furniture and books filled most of the empty space of the vault.

The biggest treasure for Harry was all the pictures and portraits he found in the vault. Here were many pictures of his mother and father. He found quite a few of a couple that he learned were his grandfather and grandmother. There were pictures and portraits of Potters going back generations. Harry knew that the portraits needed to be tied into the ward scheme of a residence for them to 'come alive' or have a special rune set carved on the frame that draws ambient magical energy into it to power the magic of the portrait, so he had to wait until he got to one of his properties or carved the rune set himself before he could speak to them. His parents had no portraits but his grandparent did, he was a little disappointed at not being able to speak with even a shadow of his parents.

Harry spent the next couple of hours searching the vault. He expanded his trunk and put several things from the vault into it. Several portraits, His grandparents included, plus many of the pictures went into the trunk. Several books, weapons, clothes and a few gems and pieces of jewelry joined the growing pile of stuff he was going to take with him. He also grabbed the Potter Lord ring but couldn't make up his mind if he was going to wear it yet.

Harry didn't want to leave but realized that he would be able to return at any time. Stepping out of vault he pushed magic into the rune. The vault door closed and fifteen minutes later a cart arrived with a different goblin. Ten minutes later he was back in Barkaxes office.

"I have prepared the list of your properties Mr. Potter. I have split the list into two piles for you. The first list is your residential properties. They are listed by your own personal properties and current rented properties. The second list is property that are being used by business in both the Magical and Muggle world." Barkaxe said while handing Harry two pieces of parchment. "I also put together a list of stocks you own in both the Magical and Muggle world." Barkaxe said while handing Harry a third and fourth piece of parchment.

All three lists were surprisingly long. It turned out that he owned a house near Hyde Park in London, and a property on the Lancashire coast near Blackpool, another property in France inMontpelliernearPalavas-les-Flots, and a property in Italy near Praiano. It seemed that the Potters liked beach front properties. There was also a property in Hogsmeade and a flat in Diagon Alley. These were only Potter personal properties, It turned out that there was no property listed in Godrics Hollow. Harry was a little curious about this.

The rental properties were another matter. Harry recognized a few names of students at Hogwarts, but most of the other names he had no clue about. The list had over fifty properties listed. The list of business properties was even longer. There were quite a few in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Harry decided to examine the stock list later.

"How do I get to the properties in this list?" Harry asked, showing Barkaxe the Potter Property list. "And is there a way to have them fixed up and warded if they need it?"

"There might be Portkeys in your vault or we can provide a one time or permanent Portkeys to any of your properties, for a fee. We of course can fix any damage and ward any of your properties, for a fee. I would recommend acquiring a House Elf. They can travel to any property you own and can do most basic repairs and upkeep. Have it check out your properties and report back to you what needs to be done. Now that you are emancipated you can bond a House Elf."

'I wonder if Dobby will work for me? Of course he would. Maybe Winky will also work for me? I wonder what's involved with bonding a house elf?' Harry thought. "What do you recommend I do about the rental properties?" he asked Barkaxe.

Barkaxe responded. "I would have an assessment of current market value done for all your properties, personal, rental, and business, and adjust the rent to current rates. This is part of my normal duties so there will be no extra fee."

"Yes, do the assessment, but hold off on raising the rates until I have a chance to go over the information please Barkaxe." Said Harry.

"It will take a few days to complete Mr. Potter." Replied Barkaxe.

"No hurry. Is there anything else?" asked Harry.

"We have sold about ten percent of the Basilisk so far. 431,333 galleons 5 sickles, and 11 knuts have been deposited in your Sam Underhill vault." Said Barkaxe. "The cloaks and purse will still be a few weeks before they are ready because we have to cure the Basilisk skin before it can be used,"

'I'm never going to be able to spend all that money! Damn! Now that I'm an emancipated minor should I get rid of the Sam identity? No I can still use it to do things I don't want the Potter name involved with. Rons not getting a claok or a mirror anymore. Maybe… yeah, I'll give Rons cloak to Remus and still have an extra.' Harry thought. "That's fine. I was going to give them as Christmas gifts, so if they are ready by then it will be fine." He said. "Anything else?"

"We believe we are getting closer to utilizing the Horcrux to find the others. Our experts believe it will be accomplished in a few weeks." Said Barkaxe.

This brought Harrys excitement down a peg or two. "That's good. I should go. Will the Portkey take me back to the same place I left from?"

"Of course Mr. Potter. Have a good day, and congratulations on becoming a Lord." Barkaxe said, and then he called a goblin to escort Harry to the Portkey room.

He had a very important question to ask Dobby when he got back to Hogwarts, and a lot to tell Sirius. He had to look up what being a Lord meant in the wizarding world, is it different in the Muggle world? Is he a Lord in the Muggle world too? He had to train and get ready for the first task. He also had to figure out how he is going to handle Dumbledore and the teachers of Hogwarts. Look out Snape, Harry Potter is free