Harry Potter and the Tails of Change

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, nor do I own any of the settings that JKR created in Harry's world.  Any resemblance to anyone; living, dead, or imagined, is purely coincidental, and not intended on my part.

A/N: This is a work of fiction, and I have altered reality from how JKR wrote things.  First off, Nymphadora Tonks is a 6th year when Harry is in his first.  Second, this story starts off in the summer between Harry's third and fourth years, so he has met Sirius, and knows he's innocent.  Third, I'm having Harry be just a wee bit more intelligent, and have something more of a backbone by this time in his life.  This story may include relations between two consenting females, so if that doesn't float your boat, you have been warned here, and can take appropriate action.

Chapter 5: Knowledge is Power

	Entering the room revealed, Harry paused just long enough for his eyes to adjust to the lighting within.  When he finally sees the room, he is thunderstruck by just how incredible it looks, without looking over done.  Seated behind a massive desk, which could serve as a launch platform for RC planes, is a powerful looking Goblin, who seems to be taller than those around him, even seated.

	Harry pauses just before the rug covered section of the floor and addresses Griphook, “Would you do me the honor of introducing me, Griphook?  I don't want to step on anyone's toes by not acknowledging any protocols which I would inadvertently trample by the simple expediency of not knowing they exist?”  He then feels 'Dora take hold of his left arm, so he looks to her, and whispers, “I know I just used quite a few big words there, but since I'd rather be on the Goblin's good side, I'd rather err on the side of caution and respect.”

	'Dora nods, then kisses Harry's cheek, whispering, “Your instincts are leading you in the right direction, beloved.  How you treat others is going to influence so many things in your future, it's amazing just how short sighted those who don't get how interconnected things are.”

	Griphook, who blinks a bit at Harry's request, then nods as he comes to terms with just how different Harry was.  He then paces up to the desk and bows to Ragnok, “Sir, Lord Potter is here at your request, and he wishes to let you know that he awaits the pleasure of you spending your valuable time to deal with his situation,” is said quickly and fluidly in the Goblin tongue.

	Lord Ragnok nods, then looks up, blinking as he sees Harry waiting patiently at the edge of the carpet, he then looks to Griphook, “He is not like most wizards, barging in here and demanding to be dealt with.  I like him, so far, and I like how he holds himself.”  Switching to English, he smiles, “Lord Potter, Lady Potter, please come join us while we figure out why several of our most ancient and most secure vaults are acting the way they are.”

	Bowing in response, “As you wish, Lord Ragnok.  If it is possible, could I please be addressed as 'Harry', unless it would cause issues that I am unaware of.  I am so new to the title that it feels unnatural at this time.  I do acknowledge the fact that I will eventually have to use the title, but again, I'm not used to the title yet.”  He then leads Dora to a chair, seating her first before gesturing to Griphook to sit, before taking his own, “My lovely lady has given me some possibilities for why I was called here today, and knowing how Fate herself seems to like using me as her personal chew toy, I would much appreciate knowing what's going on.”

	Ragnok blinks again, then shakes his head sadly, “For the majority of what we have to discuss, Lord Potter, the magic itself requires for your title to be used, in some cases the full title, with all the intricacies within, must be used, in order for magic itself to acknowledge the transaction.  If this were simply a meeting to discuss investments, I would feel quite happy to be less formal.”

	Harry nods, “I was afraid of that.  Now, Lord Ragnok, as I know your time is at a premium, shall we buckle down and get down to revealing what is hidden from us all?”

	The elder goblin nods, “Yes, Lord Potter, we shall.”  He then gets out a small granite basin, which is inscribed with what appear to be multitudes of runes that have been inlayed with silver, “To begin, we require a sample of your blood, which is dropped into the Tchock Basin.  Once that's done, a scroll will appear, listing off what the Basin reveals.”

	Griphook offers Harry the use of one of his knives, which the young Wizard accepts with a bow, “Thank you, Griphook, for the use of your blade.”  Harry then slices a small cut in the end of his index finger.  Seven drops of blood splatter the bottom of the Tchock Basin before Harry's finger heals itself.

	Once the final drop hits the bottom, the runes within it glow an eerie green, though not an unhealthy color.  Slowly the basin seems to fill with more of Harry's blood, before the contents swirl around, small motes of magic glowing within the liquid showing just how swift the current is.  Suddenly the entire basin glows gold, and the liquid drains into the middle of the basin, seemingly leaving it dry.

	With a 'pop', a thick scroll appears in mid air over the basin, which is quickly caught by Harry's incredible reflexes.  He then blinks, “Should I have gotten this?”

	Ragnok shakes his head before laughing, “Lord Potter, normally the scroll falls into the Basin, and it is retrieved by one of the Goblins within the room, but that's mostly due to the fact that most Wizards don't see the need to exert themselves beyond what's needed to keep them happy.”

	Harry nods, “Shall we see what's on this scroll?”  He then lets Dora hold one end as he unrolls it, the final length seeming to be similar to one of Hermione's shorter essays.

~~ ~~ ~~
Name: Harry James Potter
D.O.B.: June 31, 1981
Father: James Charlus Potter (Deceased)
Mother: Lilly Marie Potter nee Evans (Deceased)
Grandfather, Paternal: Charlus Xavier Potter (Deceased)
Grandmother, Paternal: Dorea Augustine Potter nee Black (Deceased)
Grandfather, Maternal: Gregory Evans (Deceased)
Grandmother, Maternal: Dorothy Evans nee Wyngate (Deceased)
~~ ~~ ~~
Magical Inheritances
Potions: Prodigy (Blocked – APBWD) – Maternal Legacy
Transfiguration: Prodigy (Blocked – APBWD) – Paternal Legacy
Charms: Prodigy (Blocked – APBWD) – Maternal Legacy
DADA: Prodigy (Block partially broken – APBWD) – Paternal / Maternal Legacy
Ancient Runes: Achievable – Maternal Legacy
Arithmancy: Achievable – Maternal Legacy

Note: Block appears to be of a type that is placed to limit accidental magic, and should have been removed when first attending Hogwarts.

Family Inheritances
Potter – Paternal Legacy
Peverell – Paternal Legacy
Evans – Maternal Legacy
Ravenclaw – Maternal Legacy
Gryffindor – Paternal Legacy
Slitheryn – Conquest Legacy
Black – Heir Apparent

Soul Bond with Nymphadora Potter nee Tonks
Soul Bond with -Unknown-

Abilities
Parsletongue – Through Conquest Legacy
Animagus – Maternal / Paternal Legacy
Metamorphmagus – Soul Bond
Flying – Natural, Instinctual

Further magics may become active once second Soul Bond is finalized.
~~ ~~ ~~

	As Harry read over the scroll, he felt Dora looking over his shoulder, grumbling under his breath as he reads the families he's the head of, “What does this mean, Lord Ragnok?”

	Looking over the scroll himself, Ragnok is startled, “Well, you are apparently the sole remaining Heir to several families though long vanished.  We will need to do audits on the three Founder's Vaults, as they've been simply earning interest for longer than any Goblin's memory.  You inherited the Slitheryn Vault due to not only your initial defeat of the former Heir, but in your continual wins against him in his quest to return.”

	Dora blinks at this, “Are you saying that Voldemort isn't dead?”  She goes quite white at this, which is saying something as the effect made her look like an albino.

	Ragnok looks to Dora, “I regret to inform you that, yes, the being known to you as Voldemort does still exist, even if he's not fully human any more.” The Goblin then checks something, “Lord Potter, it appears that there's a portion of Evil Magic behind your scar.  The magical signature that it's giving off is similar to that of the being known as Voldemort.  We Goblins can remove it, as it appears to be leaching off a goodly portion of your available Magic.  This will also coincide with our removal of the blocks on your Magic, which appear to be cast when your parents were alive, most likely to minimize your Accidental Magic.”

	Harry mentally rolls his eyes at the news, “Whatever the cost, I will gladly pay what is required to remove said Magic.  Can you tell me what percent of my Magic was available for me to use, Lord Ragnok?”

	The stately Goblin smiles, with a set of teeth that would give a shark pause, “First off, be cautious when saying such things in the future, Lord Potter, but what our tests have revealed causes us to charge the minimal charge required to remove a Dark Curse from a person or object.  This is simply because what we think the Evil Magic is, is an affront to all nature, and we Goblins will defend nature first and foremost.  Secondly, from what our scans have told us, you normally operate with approximately twenty five percent of your available Magic, unless stressed, where it goes up to seventy five percent.”

	Both Harry and Dora blink at that, Harry speaking first, “So, you're saying that I drove dozens of Dementors off, with a single Patronus, while likely only having access to a maximum of seventy five percent of my total magic?”

	Dora turns to Harry, “Harry, hon, you drove off every single Dementor that was on detail at Hogwarts, which was the full compliment minus six who were left at Azkaban.  That number was One Hundred Twenty … and the Aurors who were on duty to keep them under control said that several showed signs of damage, something which they had never observed before.”

	Both Harry and Ragnok blink at this, “Lord Potter, when we remove the blocks, we will be able to get an idea as to the Magical power you possess.”

	Harry nods, “How soon can that be done, Lord Ragnok?  I would like to be able to practice my spells, and get used to the new power behind them.”  He then turns to look at Dora, “And I bet my lovely Wife will be glad to help me find my new 'normal'.”

	Ragnok looked to Griphook, “How soon could the ritual room be ready?”  The younger Goblin gave a grin, “Sire, it's already ready … When the Healers got a look at the young Lord here, they began to get things together.”

	Harry mumbled several choice curse words, “What is it with Healers?”  He then looked to Griphook and Ragnok, “Well, it seems like the time is right, shall we get this over and done with?”

	Ragnok nodded, “Griphook will lead you there, Lord Potter.  I, myself, will start the audits on all the vaults you now control.”

	Harry got up and bowed, with respect, “I thank you for your time, Lord Ragnok, may those who oppose you find your blades sharper than their wit.”

	The elder Goblin returned the bow, “May those who underestimate you never realize the folly of their mistake until it's too late.”

	Griphook then gestured to Harry, “Lord Potter, Lady Potter, if you would be so kind as to follow me?”  He then led them in a totally different direction from the one they entered from, quickly coming to a room done up in what at first looks to be white marble, but then Harry sees that what at first seemed to be just random marbleizations of the rock were in fact ancient runes that covered not only the floor, walls, and ceiling, but any and every light fixture that happened to be in the room.  Griphook paused as the Goblin Healers entered, bowing with respect to their role in Goblin society, “I have brought Lord Potter as asked, Healer Moledechai.  His Bonded, Lady Potter is here as well.  I shall leave them in your tender care?”

	The Goblin Healer, Moledechai, nods, “Thank you, Chief Teller Griphook, may the gold you tend to only multiply.”

	Harry studies the Healer closely, and comes to the conclusion that this may be a female Goblin, simply from the differences in shape and color, “Healer Moledechai, it is an honor to be seen by someone of your skill and knowledge.”

	The Goblin healer looks up at Harry, blinking briefly, and then smiles, “It has been a long time since someone has spoken to me thusly, young Lord.”

	Harry looks to 'Dora, then whispers, “I wish I knew where all this knowledge was coming from.  How to address these people correctly...”

	'Dora smiles, then whispers back, “I know I was taught a lot of this, as a child, so I suspect that this is part of the Soul Bond.  I know we need to do more reading on what it entails. Especially since I feel that once we find our missing third, more things like this will happen.”

	Harry nods, then looks to the Goblin Healer, “I admit to being slightly worried as to what this will entail, but I feel that I need to get this done, so I can become the person that I am meant to be.  Any other titles that come after 'Harry' are just additional facets to the jewel that is me.”

	Moledechai nods, “What we intend to do is release the binds that are upon your magic, then transfer the Evil Magic behind your scar to another object, typically a pig or some other food type animal, size depending on how nasty the Evil Magic is.  We are using this room, as it provides protection against the magic that will be unleashed as we unseal the binds, and any rush of magic that happens when we sever the connection between you and the Evil Magic.”

	Harry nods, “Healer Moledechai, let us get this done, in as efficacious a fashion as is possible.”

	The Goblin Healer nods, then gestures to Dora, “Lady Potter, if you could stand in the semi-circle over there?” pointing to an area lined with runes, the center blank, “It is set up so you can be here, but will shield you from any chance that the Evil Magic will latch onto you.”

	'Dora nods and, with a soft kiss to Harry's lips, moves to the indicated area.

	Moledechai nods, then says, “Lord Potter, if you wouldn't mind, could you leave as much clothing as you're comfortable taking off right by the doorway you came in?  The less clothing you have on, the less time this will take.”

	Harry nods, then lifting an eyebrow at his Bonded, he quickly divests himself of everything he has on, save a pair of Gryffindor red speedos, which allow just enough detail to make 'Dora think: Damn, I'm going to be a happy woman once we complete the Bond.

	The Goblin Healer nods, “Move to the center of the room, if you would, Lord Potter?  Then lay in the circle that's inscribed therein.”

	Harry does this with alacrity, lying down so he can see 'Dora, thinking: I do hope this isn't going to be as painful as I think it may be.

	Moledechai claps her hands, causing the doors to close with a loud 'Bang', a green glow along the edges signifying that they're now sealed from the inside, several clicks, clunks, whirrs, and thuds signifying that methods beyond simple magic were keeping the doors secure.  She then begins to chant, using a language that, while similar to normal Goblin tongue, was more ancient, and full of deeper meanings.

	A deep blue ring snaps into existence around Harry, slowly spreading to envelop him in a dome of said color.  Several arcs of what appear to be plasma strike the young Wizard as the chant increases.  Harry doesn't seem too worried by this, seeming to take this in stride.

	As the chant becomes more complex, a second dome, this time of yellow energy, forms around Harry, its diameter 10% larger than the blue one.  Instead of arcs of plasma, this dome seems to emit waves of Healing energy, which coat Harry, erasing the majority of the signs of abuse that he suffered from the Dursleys.

	As 'Dora witnesses this, a third dome, this one pure white, forms around the other two, it's diameter 20% greater than either of those that it encircles, yet still not endangering her or the Healer.

	There is a deep 'Gong' sound as the chant comes to a crescendo, a beam of the blackest light imaginable rockets upwards from where Harry is, funneled into a small tunnel which, one must assume, leads to where the target animal waits, ready to be slaughtered once it is confirmed that the Evil Magic has been transferred completely and successfully.

	There is a deep groan from where Harry lays upon the floor, then he asks the room, “Did someone get the tag off that lorry that ran me over?”  The young Wizard then sits up and does a quick inventory: Ten toes, check; two feet, check; two legs, check; 'important bits', check; torso, check, two arms, check; going through the list to make sure nothing's missing.  He then looks to Dora, who is just staring at him, love and lust evident in her gaze, “Healing did a lot of good, hmm my wife?”

	'Dora nods, then blinks, “Harry, I loved you before, but now you're more of a hunk than I truly could have imagined.”

	Harry blushes, then stands up, blinking as he realizes the reasoning for 'Dora's words.  Whereas before he would have had trouble topping five foot, he is now a comfortable five foot two inches tall, and while still thin, his body shows a lot more definition than before, being muscled rather than malnourished, he can now look 'Dora right in the eyes, unlike before where she was the taller of the two, “I can't wait for them to get a load of the 'new' Harry at Hogwarts.  And, perhaps now we can explore our Bond as we date more seriously?”

	Dora looks to the Healer, “Is it all right if I move?”

	Healer Moledechai nods, “Yes, Lady Potter, it is.”

	Harry turns to the Goblin Healer, “Before my lady pounces me, I wish to thank you for your skill and your magic, Healer Moledechai.  Name a boon, and if it is within my power, I shall try and see about getting it for you.”  He then stumbles back a pace as 'Dora embraces him, after running over, the young Trainee Auror saying, “I'd even consider adding her name to one of our children, Harry, if it is acceptable.”

	The Goblin Healer blinks at this, “”It is good that I, like my Uncle, Lord Ragnok, am not the greedy sort, Lord Potter.  Any boon you choose to bestow upon me is enough, for giving me a chance to exercise skills I don't normally get to use.”  Moledechai then laughs at 'Dora's words, “As a middle name only, Lady Potter, for use in letting said child know when they're in deep trouble.”

	She then turns her attention back to Harry, “Lord Potter, the releasing of these binds may affect some of your magic.  Especially if you've started special magics such as Animagus.”

	Harry turns to Moledechai, “Affect how, Healer Moledechai?  I have recently started changing into my first form, but my second I couldn't find enough information on to find out what animal it was.”

	The Goblin Healer nods, “It shouldn't do too much to your first form, especially if you've nearly finished the transformation, at most a color change would be evidenced.  The second form, however, being so nebulous, could change form to something else entirely.  You may need to talk to your Transfiguration professor about how to discover what it has become.”

	Harry bows, in respect, “Thank you, again, Healer Moledechai, for your time and your skills.  I think my wife now wishes to take me shopping, to find me clothing that's better suited my new self.”

	Healer Moledechai nods, then rings a bell, which unseals the doors, and brings Griphook shortly thereafter, “Chief Teller Griphook, would you mind leading Lord and Lady Potter to the exit?  I believe they've finished with all the transactions that'll be done today.”

	Griphook nods, then looks to Harry, “Are you ready, Lord Potter?”

	Harry nods, “All I really need is either enough Galleons to do the shopping I need, or a method that will allow me to use my Vault Key to make deductions.  Though a couple thousand in Mundane Pounds wouldn't be a bad thing either, to find me clothing appropriate for the Mundane world.”

	Griphook nods, then offers Harry a small leather wallet, which appeared to be empty, “Within the Magical World, you can make purchases with your Vault Key, and we thought that you might be going out into the Mundane world, so we put together this wallet, which holds three thousand Mundane Pounds, though is charmed to appear empty, to stave off those who might try and steal from you.”

	Harry blinked, then took the wallet, then quickly re-clothed himself in the clothing he came in, despite it now being a couple sizes too small … a new sensation for him, to say the least, “Thank you, Chief Teller.  May your Gold never lose interest, and may your coffers never run dry.”

~~ ~~ ~~
Next Chapter: Shopping!  ((Don’t worry, I won't describe everything.))