Chapter Two, Inheritance and Betrayals

After a relaxing herbal bath healing her from the events of the night before and helping the injuries left over from the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, Gwen felt free, relaxed even. Despite being depressed and grieving for her father Sirius she felt closer to her family surrounded by the Ancient Potter Family Magicks. Every time she felt like she was drowning in grief the family Magicks would cocoon her, leaving her feeling like she was being embraced by her parents and grandparents; as if she was loved, cherished and safe. Leaving her room dressed in a plum lace dress with a black leather belt, black ankle boots and a black jacket.

Her hair down with a single braid, her nails painted a matte plum colour to match her dress and finally, her makeup was done in a shimmery silver eyeshadow framed in the crease by a soft plum, black mascara and dark burgundy lipstick, Heiress rings adorned her right middle finger and her empty wand holster was strapped to her right inner forearm. Upon entering the small dining room Gwen noticed one end of the table was ladened down by parcels and letters of various shapes and sizes, three large portfolios of House Potter, Peverell and Black and the Daily Prophet. At the other end of the table the head seat closest to the door a tray was set out with a bowl of piping hot porridge, a bowl of cut up fruit containing bananas, apples, kiwi and raisins, a glass of orange juice and a pot of tea, a jug of milk and a small jar of honey.

Beside the pot of tea stood a number of potions that Gwen had to take, there were; Nerve Regenerator, Nutrition potion, Blood Replenisher, Muscle Relaxer, potions for Calcium, iron and magnesium, Pain Relief potion level ten and a Stomach Soother, she also had to take a Bone Strengthening potion and Scar Salve just before bed. The assortment of potions was due to the abuse she'd suffered at the hands of her so-called relatives, the torture wrought upon her by Umbridge throughout the previous school year, the test the Old Coot had made her go through each and every year, and the aftermath of the battle a few weeks ago. Not wanting to think too much on it, Gwen quickly downed the Stomach Soother and Nutrition potion, a small grimace flitting across her face at the horrible taste.

Grasping for the orange juice she took two large gulps reducing it to half a glass before she took her seat at the head of the table.
Once Gwen had finished with breakfast and had washed away her potions with the rest of the orange juice she turned her attention to the mail, occasionally sipping at her tea. The few letters were statements from Gringotts, statements from various businesses informing her of her shares in said businesses and how it was fairing; a statement from the manager of her grandfather's potion business which she was CEO of; and a statement from the twins and WWW which she was a silent partner for with a note attached saying a present would follow.

The other letters were birthday cards from Bill, Charlie and Mr Weasley; Viktor Krum, Fleur and her sister Gabrielle Delacour, and Hagrid, all of which had sent a small gift. From Bill he had sent some obscure books on DADA, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Curse Breaking; from Charlie a book on Magical Creatures abroad; from Mr Weasley a windup jewellery box with a note on how fascinating Muggles were; Viktor had sent a top of the range Broom and Wand Care Kit; from Fleur and Gabrielle a diamond jewellery set; and from Hagrid a hand-whittled apple wood perch for Hedwig.

Feeling a tad overwhelmed but touched nonetheless, she paused in opening the horde of gifts (seems her Dad Sirius, Remus, Draco and Aunt Cassiopeia had made good on their promise to spoil her this year, she thought with a fond roll of her eyes knowing it was pointless to argue with them). Having made herself a cup of tea to get her emotions in order. Once she was back under control, Gwen opened the rest of the presents, shocked at all she'd received; there would be a lot of thank you notes to write later.

From Ron there was a gift box of Honeydukes finest (dark Chocolate Frogs, dark chocolate Fizzing Whizbees, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, dark chocolate Fudge Flies and dark chocolate Peppermint Toads); from Hermione she was was given a book box set titled 'Red Queen' and its sequels 'Glass Sword', 'King's Cage', and 'War Storm'.

From Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode, Gwen had receive a large package containing a top of the range, large makeup box in a a cream and pink colour containing top of the range makeup fit for a Lady of an Ancient House, a long emerald green velvet bejewelled dress with black heels, a green dress with black lace overlay, a black cloak, a snake platinum ring with emerald eyes and black boots made from the shedded scales gifted by a Herbidean Black dragon.

From Blaise and Theo, (no doubt having help from the girls - but no less cherished or appreciated - were two luxury spa and pedicure hampers from each respectively. In Blaise's gift hamper were a Ylang Ylang room dispenser, Almond Rose soap, Kumkumadi face wash soap, Lemongrass essential oil, Aloe Beauty cream, and Jojoba oil hair conditioner; all of which relaxes the mind, magic, body and soul while improving the condition of your hair, improves skin complexion, and aids sleep.

While Theo's box catered more to the face, body, hands, feet and nails. The box contained: Defiant Beauty Cleanse and Moisture Balm, Defiant Beauty Cool and Refresh Spritz, Beauty Serum, Intensive Serum, Lip Balm, smooth skin oil, itchy skin oil, Healing hand balm, mild mint foot balm and nail oil. She knew the Slytherin girls (who she'd become friends with at the Yule Ball, Luna who she'd become friends with during the Chamber fiasco and perhaps Hermione would help her make good use out of these boxes).

Setting the boxes aside for the time being Gwen moved onto the next which was from her Godbrother Neville and his grandmother Augusta - who had become like a grandmother to her in the last five years. Carefully ripping off the paper tears came to her eyes as she spotted the expensive and rare book box set of Potion books (she wanted to follow in her grandfather's footsteps and create new Potions for her business, but she wasn't sure whether to do something with Ancient Runes as well), a Pearl bracelet with a calla Lily charm in platinum attached, and a potted white calla Lily from Neville. Tears spring to her eyes due to the meaning and thought gone into it, for calla lilies mean the idea of life, fertility and are also the symbol of death.

"Thanks Nev." Gwen whispered, brushing away her tears. Her sweet but strong and brave brother knew how much her Dad had meant to her and how much his death had broken her. Pouring herself yet another cup of tea, Gwen moved onto the rest knowing Dobby, Tally and the others knew her well enough to know where she'd like her gifts put without having to tell them first. The next gift was another joint one from Pansy, Daphne and Astoria in a grey velvety box that automatically expanded to three times its original size once the wrapping was removed.

Inside were four ball gowns, one an emerald green with a sweetheart neckline with green heels, snake earrings and an emerald necklace to go with it. The next was a black silk gown in an off-the-shoulder style, black and gold heels, an obsidian ring with matching earrings and a diamond necklace. The third was another black silk down but this was a v-neck halter style with black heels, and an emerald and diamond jewellery set. The fourth and final gown was a two-tone dress with a silver bodice and an emerald skirt (the top was made of sequins and the skirt of Acromantula silk dyed an emerald green) there were also silver heels and diamond earrings to go with it.

Gwen had always been amazed at her fashion conscious friends, and although she wasn't terrible at fashion she wasn't as mad as them about it, however, she loved them as much as everything else she'd received so far. After returning everything to the box so it could be moved to her closet Gwen moved onto the next which was from Fred and George who had given her items from their shop which would help her if and when she needed it.

From Luna and her father, Gwen received a pink blazer with an interesting multicoloured pattern on the inside, a platinum ring shaped like the Spectrespecs, the mark of the Deathly Hallows in a necklace form (not many knew that Xeno was practiced in making jewellery), and a framed note (made by Luna) with a crescent moon and the Dog Star beside the message which read, 'Being different isn't a bad thing. It means you're brave enough to be yourself. Love Luna.'
Gwen loved it and would hang it in pride of place in the living room where she'd always see it and be able to think and act on her friend's wise words.

Aunt Cassiopeia had gifted her two black silk dresses; a cream pant suit with a white and dark cream blazer, cream heels, a cream handbag and gold earrings; a dark grey jumpsuit, a light grey coat, a pale pink handbag and pale pink heels; and a theatre ticket for herself, Remus and Aunt Cassie to attend the theatre in a France, The Regina Hall, to watch The Amāns, which was about a Princess and her lover who stood against all she'd been taught only to have to go against the depths of time to achieve said love.

Aunt Andromeda, Uncle Ted and cousin Dora had brought her a black dress with white heels, black gloves and a green coat; a two tone white and green dress, and green heels; a dark green almost black dress with back heels and obsidian jewellery; and finally, a green and black lace ball gown. Arriving at Draco's present after opening a present from Narcissa, a happy smile appeared on her lips as love surged through her as she read the note within her birthday card.

Dear my darling,

I know this year will be exceedingly hard for you and I'm so sorry my family has played a part in that, but know I'm always here for you and I love you. Happy birthday and I can't wait to see you soon.

Love, Your Dragon xxxx

P.S. To my one and only, my favourite eyes to look into are yours. My favourite person to spend time with is you. My favourite place to be is by your side. I still look at you with the same adoration I had when I realised I love you.

I love you, forever and always.

As happy tears coursed down her cheeks Gwen set the card aside and opened the two grey velvet boxes to reveal two beautiful necklaces, one had two hearts intertwined while the other was a Celtic symbol of trust made of gold inside a heart of diamonds. Setting the second one aside and the first one around her neck Gwen moved onto the last present which was from Remus and by far the largest, which was explained in his card.

Happy Birthday Cub,

I hope you have a wonderful day! I will be joining you today at lunch along with your Aunt Cassie. I would love nothing more than to be with you now but as the full moon was last night I'm going to catch a few hours so I don't fall asleep on your special day.

Now, in this box are your presents from me (I hope you like them), also your Aunt and I will be taking you to France tomorrow, and there are also presents from Sirius, James and Lily (they had purchased them in advance and entrusted them to me to give to you on your sixteenth birthday). They wanted you to have something from them on your special day.

They loved you so much, Cub, more than their own lives, and so do I. But I'll always be with you and they are with you and I in our hearts.

With lots of love,

Love Uncle Remus xxxx

Gwen gasped for breath as violent sobs wracked her small frame, tears pouring down her cheeks like a turbulent waterfall.
"Mistress Gwen, are you hurt? Are you alright?" Tally and Dobby panicked. Tally had just returned to the dining room with a letter from Gringotts in her hands, and Dobby had returned to gather more presents to put away.
"I'm okay." Gwen said in a choked voice. "I - I just have something from my parents." An understanding look passed over Tally's and Dobby's faces.

"Masters James and Sirius and Mistress Lily loved you so much. Tally heard them say you were their 'Light in the darkness'." Tally explained softly.
"Master Dogfather loved yous so much Mistress, he'd do anything for you as Dobby would." Dobby declared hugging Gwen tightly.
"Thank you Tally, thank you Dobby. Tally, would you be able to tell me some stories about them, please?" Gwen asked uncertainly.
"Of course Mistress." Tally promised. "You have a letter from Gringotts to open after your presents." She informed Gwen, setting the letter on top of the portfolios.

Despite having so much to organise, they'll have to be pushed back for it was never good nor wise to keep a goblin waiting.
"Thank you." Gwen cried happily, drying her tears she turned back to the remaining gifts. She had received a book box set titled 'Bridgerton' that contained four books and a dark Chocolate Frog from Remus; from her Daddy Sirius she'd received an outfit, a sapphire necklace and earring set surrounded by diamonds, and a gold pocket watch that had an inscription in black cursive writing on the lid's face, 'To my daughter never forget that I love you forever. I hope you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.'

Tears poured down her cheeks for the third time as she grasped the last three presents in shaking hands that happened to be from both her Daddy James and her Mummy. Picking up the one from both her parents first, Gwen opened it to reveal a blue velvet box that had a diamond bracelet that she slipped onto her left wrist; from her mother was a rose gold necklace with two circles (one diamond and the other white gold) with an inscription on the lid of the velvet green box, 'Mother and daughter linked for a lifetime!'

The gift from her Daddy James was a platinum and diamond double infinity necklace inside a red velvet box with a note inside it which read, 'To my beautiful daughter, wear this necklace as a reminder of how much I love you. Keep your head up, stand proud and tall, be brave, have courage, and I know you will never fall. With much love, Daddy.'

"I love you Dad, Daddy and Mummy. I miss all three of you so, so much." Gwen whispered tearfully, clasping both necklaces around her neck after reading the card from her Dad and from both her parents where both her Mum and Dad had written a similar message as her Daddy James. After a few minutes, Gwen gathered herself, wiped and cleaned her face, and fixed her makeup before reading the letter from the Goblin King, who had eased her mind by informing her that Griphook had in fact banned Dumbledore from the bank after he once again tried to access her vault. He also asked her to come to the bank at her earliest convenience.

"Dobby." Gwen called.
"Mistress called Dobby?" Dobby asked bowing once he'd arrived.
"I've been called to Gringotts, the letter is a Portkey to my account manager's office, I'll be back soon. I shall most likely get my new wand as well." Gwen informed him.
"Okay mistress, call for Dobby when you've finished and Dobby will come get you. In the meantime, Dobby will put all your presents away and pack for your trip to France for my kind Mistress Gwen." Dobby stated adoringly.
"Thank you Dobby." Gwen thanked before activating the Portkey within the letter. "Time is money."

***

"Ahh Heiress Potter-Black-Peverell thank you for coming so quickly." King Blood-claw stated pleased, once the Portkey within the letter had deposited Gwen within the office, bowing to the powerful young woman. "May your enemies fall at your feet and your vaults overflow with gold."
"Thank you King Blood-claw, Lord Griphook, may both your enemies fall at your feet and your station rise and excel within the might of the Goblin Nation." Gwen greeted, bowing to the two goblins, before she took her seat in front of the desk.
"Now, your letter greatly troubles us and we would like to perform a test to see who had placed the blocks on your magic and if there is any left to be removed." King Blood-claw stated, getting down to business as after all, time is money to a goblin.

"After which you will accept the Ladyship rings to your three Houses." Griphook informed the young Heiress. "All you have to do is slice your palm with this athame and allow seven drops to fall on this parchment, the wound will automatically heal itself once all seven drops have fallen onto the parchment."
"Okay." Gwen muttered, following their instructions with only a minute hiss as she sliced her palm. A moment later the blood that had been absorbed into the parchment reappeared in red tinted black cursive writing.

Title: Lady
Name: Guinevere Lily Potter-Black-Peverell.

Parents: Lord James Hamish Potter (birth father). Lady Liliana Rose Evans Potter (birth mother). Lord Sirius Orion Black III (blood adopted father and Sworn Godfather).

Mate: Heir Draconis Lucius Malfoy.
Blood status: Pureblood (through birth and adoption. Mother was from a Squib branch of the Montague family (cousin to Heir Montague). ).

Magic level: Submissive. Mage (Merlin level).
Core: Dark Grey almost Black from Peverell Death Magick.
Abilities: Ward sense, Death Magick and Parceltongue.

Vaults:
*687 (Trust Vault).
*750 (Black Family vault.
*790 (Potter Family vault).
*900 (Peverell family vault).

Properties:
*Potter Manor (Scottish Highlands). *Potter Cottage (Godric's Hollow, reclaimed from the Ministry now belonging to the rightful family).
*Black Manor (Wales).
*Black TownHouse (12 Grimmauld Place, reclaimed, in the process of being cleaned out, and Order of the Phoenix removed, activated by Late Lord Black).
*Peverell Castle (Norway, Finland).
*Potter Château (Paris, France).
*Black Villa (Tuscany, Italy).
*Peverell Villa (Santorini, Greece).

Monetary (all vaults added together): G90,000,000,000. S45,868,546,000. K23,500,868,000

Potions:
*Compulsion Potion (magicked into stomach, 5th June 1996 by Albus Dumbledore). (Broken by inheritance on 31st July 1996).
*Loyalty Potion (magicked into stomach, 5th June 1996 by Albus Dumbledore). (Broken by inheritance on 31st July 1996).

Spells:
*Loyalty Spells (cast on 5th June 1996 by Albus Dumbledore). (Broken by inheritance on 31st July 1996).
*Compulsion Spells (cast on 5th June 1996 by Albus Dumbledore). (Broken by inheritance on 31st July 1996).
*Hate spells (keyed to hate Draco Malfoy and all Slytherins. Cast on 5th June 1996 by Albus Dumbledore). (Broken by inheritance on 31st July 1996).

Other:
*Horcrux (created 31st October 1981, created by backfiring Killing Curse cast by Tom Riddle aka Lord Voldemort). (Destroyed on 15th June 1993 by Basilisk venom).

"Thankfully your inheritance broke all the spells and potions on you so there's nothing to be concerned about at the present moment. But we will make a note of this and add it against the file we are documenting against Albus Dumbledore and send it to Lady Amelia Bones Head of the Department of the Magical Law Enforcement." King Blood-claw stated with barely concealed fury.
"We shall notify Lord Montague about you and your late mother, so I should expect an owl within the next few days. But for now, it's time to accept your rings. Please remove your Heiress rings and replace them in their designated boxes and replace them with the Ladyship rings." Griphook instructed.

The Ladyship rings replaced the Heiress rings that had adorned her right middle finger (dark fire Opal surrounded by diamonds for House of Potter with a Griffin emblem, dark sapphire for House of Peverell with the triangle eye, and a oval shaped obsidian surrounded by crescent moons for House of Black with a small version of the Canis Major as an emblem), the three ring bands had merged together to become a mixture of white and rose gold that merged into the other beautifully.
"Lord Griphook, King Blood-claw, as Lady Potter-Black-Peverell I would like to declare publicly that Albus Dumbledore is an enemy of the Houses of Potter, Black and Peverell. As Lady Black I would like to welcome back Andromeda Black Tonks and her daughter Nymphadora Vulpecia Tonks into the Black family.

I would also like you to suggest the best business to invest in, of course you will get ten percent of the profits for each new investment for all of my Houses, I would also like the Gringotts platinum card that I know all Lords and Ladies have to allow me ease to purchase by purchases as I need a new wand as mine exploded after my inheritance." Gwen commanded.
"It shall be done Lady Potter-Black-Peverell." Griphook said with a bloodthirsty smirk as King Blood-claw produced the blank platinum card from one of the many draws within the room.
"Allow three drops of blood to fall on the card and it will link to your main family vaults and be linked to your blood so no one other than yourself may use nor steal it.

To welcome back family members into the fold your magic will guide you." King Blood-claw explained, watching shrewdly as Gwen followed his instructions to the letter.
As soon as the last drop of blood hit the card Gwen watched fascinated as it was absorbed into the card and a moment later her name, title and nine card numbers and serial number appeared on the card. Satisfied Gwen slipped the card into her purse, followed her magic to welcome her Aunt and cousin Dora into the Black family, and bid the goblins farewell (after paying them handsomely for their service), she made her way to first Twilfit and Tattings putting in an order for clothes relating to her new standing and once she'd finished she headed to Ollivander's for her new wand and maybe a second wand.

"What can I do for you Lady Potter-Black-Peverell?" Mr Ollivander asked as Gwen pushed open the shop door, the tiny bell above the door announcing her arrival.
"My wand exploded upon my inheritance last night." Gwen explained, holding up her bandaged hand.
"Ah, I see." Mr Ollivander mused slowly. "So you've come to get a new wand." He stated rather than ask, turning on his heel he turned deeper into his shop selecting wands that had several inches of thick dust covering them, as they'd likely been there since his grandfather had made them.
"Yes." Gwen agreed, once the wandmaker had come back with several wands in his arms. "But I would like to get a second - or in this case - a third wand also, and the relevant wand holsters."

"Of course. You know what to do." Mr Ollivander gestured to the wand boxes lying on the counter. Stepping forwards Gwen started the long process of finding a new first wand and a second wand, while Mr Ollivander was off searching his wand holster collection searching for the most appropriate holster that a young Lady of three Ancient Houses would require. Much like the first time Gwen had been within this shop, the tried wands were mounting up as destruction was wrought upon the shop; thankful for magic that could easily correct the damage down otherwise there would be a rather hefty bill in damages to pay otherwise.
Finally, after an hour and a half Gwen found two perfect wands that matched her far better than the holly wand ever had.

"I knew the first time I met you Lady Potter-Black-Peverell that we would and could expect great things from you and these wands validate my claim even more so." Mr Ollivander said giddily, watching as Gwen attached a green holster from a Norwegian Ridgeback to her right forearm before attaching the black holster from Hungarian Horntail (both freely given shedded skin) to her left thigh. "Your first wand," he continued, handing her a wand in reddish black wood with bumps down the length and a spiral at the end in reddish brown. "Is unique in two ways, it is made from both rowan and elder woods and is also made from duo cores; a horn from a Horned Serpent and a tail hair from a protective Thestral mare, it is 12 and 1/2 inches in length and highly faithful to its first and true owner."

Once the first wand was in the new green holster (she had to get a new wand holster as both her new wands were longer than her holly wand and wouldn't fit in the old holster which she'd given back to Mr Ollivander as Expandable Charms couldn't be cast on wand holsters.
"Now, your second wand is just as unique as your first." He continued handing her an ornate greyish brown wand. "It is made from Aspen and is 12 3/4 inches in length, reasonably pliant and the core is exceedingly rare as it's a tail feather from a Thunderbird. Both your holsters have anti-Summoning charms and concealable charms on them.

Now, Thestral hair core wands can produce powerful magic, but only when the wielder understands themselves. When they achieve this the wand can create very strong spells and works well for Charms, Defence and Transfiguration and is very temperamental. Thunderbird feather core wands are powerful but difficult to master. They are excellent for Transfiguration, can cast spells on their own and can sense danger just like the bird itself. As for the Horned Serpent, it creates exceptionally powerful wands sensitive to Parseltongue. It vibrates when Parseltongue is being spoken, and can warn their owner of danger by emitting a low musical tone. As for the woods themselves.

Elder wands accept a highly unusual person with a powerful affinity especially those chosen by rowan which is ironic as the second wand wood for your first wand is rowan which is very protective and defensive of their owner and only accept a protective, defensive person but one that is pure-hearted and clear headed. I have no doubt you'll be able to handle both these wands to perfection and create some truly wonderful magic." Mr Ollivander declared.
"Thank you sir." Gwen muttered bashfully, handing over her Gringotts card when he stated the required amount. "Dobby." Gwen called, the moment her card was safely tucked away in her purse and her wands secured on her person.

"Let's go home." She announced, the second Dobby had appeared. Grasping Dobby's hand as they disappeared from the shop.
"Oh, yes. You will definitely shake the foundations of the Wizarding World Lady Potter-Black-Peverell." Mr Ollivander announced to the still air of his shop, an excited grin upon his face as he bustled about his shop for the rest of the day. The rest of the Wizarding world better watch out as Guinevere Potter was no longer messing about and she will set the world on fire for those who'd taken her parents from her.
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Latin to English translations:

*Amāns = lover.
*Regina = Princess.