Harry climbed up the steps to the Astronomy Tower. Sirius had just left Hogwarts. It was quite late, so they couldn't meet with their solicitors at this time. Tomorrow morning they would know what was to be done. Reaching the top of the stairs, he walked to the edge; it was a long way down. Putting his legs over the railing, he looked up at the sky and closed his eyes. It was raining heavily now, the raindrops falling on his body, soaking him. Taking a deep breath, Harry jumped.
He was falling fast, the ground was getting closer and the air was rushing to his face. When he was about ten feet from the ground, he twisted in mid-air. The large golden eagle didn't even scrape the ground as it ascended to the clouds. Flapping its wings, the eagle glided through the air, rain lashing against its powerful wings. An hour later, the eagle landed in the Astronomy Tower and transformed back into Harry Potter.
Harry sighed in relief as the warming and drying charms activated on his clothes. Flying always calmed him down. Turning around, he saw a blur and was attacked by two figures. He grunted on impact but hugged them back.
"How did you two find me?" asked Harry, confused.
"Map," muttered Dylan. "It was in your trunk."
"Ah."
"Harry, what happened tonight?" asked Daphne, looking worried.
"I don't know," Harry exhaled. He collapsed against a wall as he explained the situation to them. Both of them looked pale.
Daphne was soon pacing as she tried to think things through while Dylan argued with Harry. "But it is possible, right?" he asked earnestly. "If you are emancipated, the contract should recognise you as an adult."
"This is a magical contract, Dylan," explained Harry. "It is not just a piece of paper on which one signs like how Muggles do. If there is ever a situation like this where the contract itself contradicts itself, the will of magic would come into effect. This is a separate field of study under Magical Law. I will be speaking to experts on this matter tomorrow. If this theory does work, Sirius would immediately declare me emancipated, legally and magically. As the Minister of Magic, he does have the authority."
"It will work," said Dylan, more to himself than to Harry. "It has to work. Nothing will happen to you."
Harry looked at the two of them and smiled fondly. Putting an arm around each of them, he brought them to his chest, hugging them tightly. Somehow, the burden seemed to lessen as long as he had people who cared about him.
He would win. He was Harry Potter. He had survived after taking an Avada Kedavra to the face at the age of one! He would not let a magical contract do this to him.
...
"Mr Crouch was right, Minister," said Mr Martin, going through the file in front of him. "The magical contract being at odds with itself can be rectified by emancipating Mr Potter. Once he is declared of age, he will become an adult citizen with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it."
Sirius breathed a sigh of relief. "What about the tournament?"
"That is something which is not possible to get out of," said the lawyer grimly. "This contract is authorised by the Goblet of Fire, an ancient magical artefact. It may have been tricked, but the magic behind it is legitimate. Mr Potter has to compete in all three tasks as any other champion or risk violating the terms of the contract."
"We were also discussing another theory," said Mrs Whittier. "Mr Potter might have already been recognised as an adult by the Goblet of Fire when it spat out his name. If that theory is right, it wouldn't affect him at all since he is already recognised as an adult. Of course, there is no way to prove this, which is why magically and legally emancipating him is a better option."
Sirius nodded. "Do you have the papers?"
Several files with formal looking sheets of parchment were given to Sirius and Harry for them to sign. One was Sirius authorising the emancipation as his guardian and Minister of Magic; another was Harry being declared an adult citizen, giving him the right to vote amongst other things. The others were business matters with Sirius no longer acting as his guardian. Harry would now be Lord Potter and be addressed as such. The regency on the Wizengamot which Sirius held until he became Minister, which was then transferred to Lord Cyrus Greengrass would now be void. Instead, Harry would appoint Cyrus as his proxy.
Once Sirius signed the emancipation form, Harry was now magically and legally an adult. Harry then signed in several forms as 'Lord Harry James Potter.'
"There is another Lordship for which I need to appoint a proxy," said Harry quietly.
"Another?" asked Mr Martin sharply. Harry simply flashed his Slytherin ring. The man's eyes widened. He looked at his daughter who was gaping at the ring too. They both recognised it instantly. They had worn that very same crest on their uniforms for seven years, after all.
"I am Lord Slytherin," Harry explained, "but as you can imagine, this is going to cause plenty of chaos. Everyone thinks Voldemort is the Heir of Slytherin, but they're wrong. He certainly is the descendant of Salazar, but not the heir. That title belonged to my mother, and after her death, it belongs to me. I will be claiming my seat during the winter session of the Wizengamot, so please have the papers ready and prepared."
"Of course, Lord Potter," said Mr Martin, mentally dancing in joy. His client was the Lord of the Potter, Gryffindor and Slytherin families, not to mention the other important client was Lord Black who was also the Minister of Magic. He could already taste the new clients coming his way.
"Contact Obscurus Books and let them know that Godric's journal would be released on the first of December. I have also included a personal letter from Salazar himself in that book. That should take care of any pesky problems from those questioning my position."
"No one can question you, Harry," said Sirius frowning. "The Department of Mysteries would ensure that you are indeed wearing the real signet ring and not anything fake."
"Still, that won't stop people from accusing me of line-theft, especially those who support Voldemort," said Harry, smirking. "This way, they'll know the truth a week before I claim the Lordship."
"It shall be done, Lord Potter," said Mrs Whittier.
....
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