The Cupboard Series 5: United We Stand ...

Chapter 24

The instant that Harry stepped through the arch leading to Diagon Alley, he could see the difference. Where once the major hub of magical society teemed with people all casually shopping and socialising, the Alley was now near deserted. What few people there were there were all huddled together, rushing from one store to another, nervous glances being sent all about them and suspicious looks being shot at their fellow shoppers.

Shaking his head at the state of the Alley due to the war, Harry strode purposely towards Gringotts, his staff tapping on the cobblestones with every other step.

Really, it wasn't all that surprising how people were acting. While Death Eater attacks had petered off over the past couple of months – ever since the Azkaban breakout – they were still happening too often to ignore. Most attacks were random, hit and run affairs, confined to the muggleborns and squibs living on the edge of wizarding society.

Sirius and Amelia's best guess was that they were laying low until the 'big hitters' had recovered from their stay in the wizarding prison and then the war would really heat up, a sentiment that Harry couldn't help agreeing with.

The traditional two guards at the doors of the great bank had been doubled, Harry saw as he climbed the stairs; obviously, the goblins were reading the signs as well and had begun to take steps to secure their territory.

"I have an appointment with my Account Manager," Harry told the duty goblin.

The goblin with the longest, pointiest nose that Harry had ever seen, eyed him for a moment before consulting his ledger.

"You are on time, I see. Good. Griphook will escort you," the goblin stated.

Harry inclined his head before turning and following the familiar goblin through to the back offices of the bank. At the correct door, Harry thanked Griphook before knocking.

"Come," he heard Slipshard call.

Harry pushed the door open and nodded to the goblin before closing the door and making his way across the room. At Slipshard's gesture, he sat in front of the desk, laying his rowan staff across his lap as he did so.

"What can I do for you today, Lord Potter?" Slipshard asked.

Harry made a face at him. "You know that I prefer that you call me 'Harry', Slipshard."

The brief flash of sharp, pointed teeth, told Harry that the wily, old goblin was simply having a bit of fun with him.

"But it's about the 'Lord' stuff that I wanted to talk to you about," he continued.

Slipshard straightened slightly. "Indeed?"

Harry nodded before elaborating. "Specifically, the Head of Clan Lomas."

"It is a minor title and account," Slipshard noted. "What about it?"

"Well, I've been thinking about my family and I realised that I shouldn't be the Head," Harry said. "The Evans' are descended from the Lomas' and my grandfather was the younger of two brothers. So, shouldn't the Head of Clan be my cousin Mark?"

Slipshard sat back, his fingers steepled in front of him.

"Usually, you would be correct," Slipshard told him. "However, the rules change when a line has been dormant for some generations. Instead of the progression passing naturally through the bloodline, magic comes into play. A Line is reactivated by the first person with magical blood, regardless of their place on the family tree."

"My mother," Harry breathed.

"Indeed. The Lady Lily, if she had taken up the Head of Clan duties, she would have held that title," Slipshard nodded. "And regardless, you are older than your cousin, meaning that even without your mother, the title is yours."