There were times Albus Dumbledore hated holding so many roles in the wizarding world. He had missed the end of autumn term feast thereby missed the chance to wish his students a good holiday and regrettably the chance to have Harry overhear a conversation with Hagrid. He had spent the last three weeks stuck in Geneva with the ICW sorting out a tense situation between the Russians and the Chinese. What made the whole situation worse was he'd run out of lemon sherbets halfway through the crisis and hadn't been able to get more because it had been a closed session. Ah, here was his secret stash. Now to go through the mail that had accumulated, before readying himself for the Longbottom ball. What was this? Eight increasingly urgent messages from Elphias and Dedalus.
Albus hurried over to the floo. "Marchbanks, Doge, Diggle and Trent" He said as the flames turned green.
He stepped out. The receptionist ushered him immediately into Elphias' office. "What is this big emergency that you couldn't commit to paper?"
"The Potter wills have been opened, and we're facing a ruinous lawsuit. You have to do something Albus." Elphias said.
"How could that be? I distinctly recall shutting that down before I left. I know you filled nearly twenty injunctions alone."
"The Goblins forced it. They used the treaty and the Minister and the rest of the Wizengamot overruled your seal by a seventy percent margin, to uphold the treaty. The will was read the 20th, and on the 23rd multiple suits were filed against us and when I say us I mean both the firm and you, Albus." Dedalus joined them.
"Who would dare? I mean you said that since the end of August there has been trouble but you never said who was behind it."
"The claimants listed are Petunia Dursley, Lord Harry James Potter, and Gringott's bank, they're being represented by Davies, Corner, And Ogden."
"On what grounds?"
"Their claiming false representation, obstruction of due process, misuse of powers, invasion of privacy, failure to adequately represent and child endangerment. Albus if they win this it will destroy our standing in the wizarding world."
"I see, I guess I'll have to deal with this. I have an ace in the hole though. Go home enjoy the holiday Elphias, and Dedalus."
Albus headed back to Hogwarts, he hoped Minerva didn't throttle him when he told her. Petunia had served her purpose. Harry had stayed safe for the last ten years, but now she was creating a problem. Oh well he'd made it through trickier situations, he'd see a few people at tonight's ball and deal with the rest on the 27th when the Ministry reopened.
....
Harry stumbled slightly as he came through the floo at the Longbottoms wearing his green dress robes. Once he was steady he said "Libby." She appeared with his trunk, and the framed portrait of Neville.
Neville was there with his Gran. "Harry it's great you're here. Grandmother may I please introduce Lord Harry James Potter. Harry, my grandmother the Dowager Countess of Longbottom."
"Countess." Harry extended his hand for hers and did the expected. "Thank you for inviting me to be your guest for the holiday. I hope you find this token of my appreciation appropriate." He took the painting from Libby and gave it to her.
Augusta Longbottom had scheduled Lord Potter's arrival so she could spend more than just a few minutes with him. She'd been shocked when Neville got off the train. He had changed more than she thought possible in three months. While still obviously shy he didn't cringe away from everyone as he used to do. He stood a little straighter and moved with a touch more confidence and grace and he had finally shed some of his baby fat. She wished she knew whether it was him just finally coming into his own or if his friendship with Lord Potter was responsible. Looking at the young man in front of her she had her answer. He was fit as if he played quidditch and exuded confidence. She took the gift he offered and removed the tissue paper. Her breath caught, it was Neville as she had always wished to see him. She had noticed over the last few days the confidence Neville had come home with had seemed to be melting away but she was at a loss to explain why. Hopefully the presence of his friend would bring it back.
"It's a marvelous gift. Who is the painter?" Then she noticed the signature. "You painted this?"
"Yes. I thought perhaps you would wish to see Neville as I have seen him."
"You have a gift."
"Thank you."
....
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