Harry Potter: The Last Heiress of The White Family

As the grand clock struck ten, the great wooden doors of the Wizarding Court of the High Enclave swung open with a deep, echoing creak. A hush fell over the assembled audience as Albus Dumbledore, in his regal robes of deep sapphire, stepped into the chamber. Behind him followed Minister Cornelius Fudge, dressed in his official judicial vestments—robes trimmed in gold and a high-collared cloak denoting his authority for the day.

The audience rose slightly in respectful acknowledgment as other notable figures trailed in: the Malfoy family, proud and aloof as always; Augusta Longbottom, upright and formidable in her emerald green hat; Arthur Weasley, modest yet determined in posture; and others from the sacred and storied bloodlines—the Rosiers, the Greengrasses, and more—took their places in the grand marble gallery. Among them stood Madam Bones, calm and sharp-eyed, and a scribe from the Barty Crouch Sr., the Magical Legal Council, who silently prepared to document the hearing.

They settled into their seats, but not before several heads turned subtly toward a quiet figure seated confidently toward the left aisle. Eira sat there, her striking appearance—white hair woven through one another, eyes like jade embers—was impossible to miss. Her posture was calm, assured, far more collected than one might expect from a girl her age. She gazed forward with a quiet intensity, catching glances but never shrinking from them.

Dumbledore stepped forward to the Judicial Podium, his voice sonorous and clear as it echoed off the vaulted ceiling.

"As far as I see," he began, "most of the noble houses are represented. Even the some foreign delegates have arrived. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I hereby open today's hearing—brought forward by request of several Pure-blood families and approved by the Ministry of Magic."

He took a long pause, scanning the rows of robed figures.

"Today's matter concerns the Black family estate—its assets, vaults, properties, and holdings—left untended and unclaimed. With the tragic demise or disappearance of nearly all members of the Black line, and with Sirius Black, its last known heir, imprisoned for crimes against the wizarding world…"

A few murmurs echoed through the court. Dumbledore raised a hand, calming them.

"The Ministry of Magic has sanctioned a proposal to auction the Black estate to eligible bidders. As such, we have called this open hearing for statements, objections, and clarifications before any formal proceedings begin."

A voice rang out, firm and sharp.

"Before that happens, I have a question that must be answered."

All turned toward the source—it was Augusta Longbottom, now standing straight-backed, eyes fixed on the podium.

"If these properties are to be sold, who, precisely, are we paying? Who is the legal recipient of such a sale? If the Blacks have no heir, does the gold simply disappear into the Ministry's coffers?"

Before Dumbledore could reply, Minister Fudge stepped forward.

"If I may, Chief Warlock?"

Dumbledore gave a polite nod.

"Thank you," said Fudge, clearing his throat. "According to Article Five of the Magical Property Inheritance Law, should a wizarding bloodline come to an end—meaning no living heirs of direct or legally adopted lineage—all assets revert to the Ministry of Magic. The Ministry then holds full authority to allocate or auction said assets, provided the buyers are British citizens of the magical community. The funds, in accordance with law, are reinvested in the functioning and security of the magical world."

He clasped his hands behind his back and nodded formally.

"That, Madam Longbottom, is who you would be paying."

Dumbledore gently raised a hand.

"Any further questions?"

This time, Madam Amelia Bones stood. All eyes turned to her.

"Yes," she said calmly, her voice steady. "In fact, I do not believe the assumption that the Black family has no heir is entirely accurate."

Gasps and murmurs spread instantly through the chamber. A low tide of tension rolled across the courtroom. Dumbledore raised his brows, though his eyes twinkled faintly. Fudge narrowed his gaze.

"Please elaborate, Madam Bones," he said.

She turned to the assembled crowd.

"Under Clause 12 of the Heirship and Asset Continuance Act, the godchild of a legally recognized head of house—especially one declared in writing—may be considered a potential heir if the godparent holds the title and lacks direct issue."

The chamber waited in silence.

"As we all know, Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, is the godson of Sirius Black."

The chamber erupted. Gasps, whispering, even a few exclamations of disbelief echoed through the court.

Fudge looked stunned. "That's… that is unverified. Even if true—Sirius Black was disowned by his family! The assets were no longer his to pass!"

Dumbledore raised a hand again and spoke with calm clarity.

"Under the Inheritance Reclamation Act of 973, should all senior members of a house perish, even a disowned member may reclaim their birthright as the last scion. Disownment does not sever blood. It merely severs titles—until the family tree has no other branches. Sirius Black, despite imprisonment, is the last living male heir of House Black. Therefore, his legally named godson, Harry Potter, stands as rightful heir to all Black family properties."

Another wave of stunned conversation flowed across the room.

Then a colder, clipped voice rang out from the opposite side of the chamber.

"If that is to be the argument," said Lucius Malfoy, standing now, one pale hand resting on his cane, "then allow me to remind the court that my wife, Narcissa Malfoy, born Narcissa Black, is also of the Black bloodline. That makes my son, Draco, equally a descendant—and a legitimate contender for the family's inheritance."

He tilted his chin ever so slightly.

"Mr. Potter's connection is through godparental designation and a distant maternal ancestor. My son's lineage is far more direct. I would suggest the matter of heirship is far from settled."

Murmurs returned once again, louder this time—divided, speculative, heated.

Dumbledore raised both hands now, his expression grave but composed.

"Then let it be known," he said, "that this hearing must now consider a full legal review of the Black family's inheritance. Until such a determination is made—no auction shall proceed."

He turned to the scribe.

"Record these motions, and summon the Inheritance Tribunal for formal arbitration."