Chapter Text
When Harry walked into the great hall, everything went silent. With Dumbledore beside him, Harry looked over all the faces staring at him.
Dumbledore said, “Welcome His Royal Highness, the Lord of Wands, Duke of Godric’s Hallow and London, Order of Merlin First Class, High Lord of Magic, Crown Prince Harry, third of his name.”
There was a burst of applause. Two red head boys at the table under the red banner shouted, “Long live the king!”
“Lord Harry will take the heir’s suite while he studies at Hogwarts, until his coronation on his fifteenth birthday. As is tradition, Lord Harry will attend classes with all the houses, and eat where he pleases. Know that it is a high crime to harm the heir apparent in any way, including by prank.” With that, Dumbledore looked at the red head boys.
After the feast, Harry met Dumbledore in his office, with the four heads of house. All five adults bowed to him.
“Can I be honest?” asked Harry. “This is weird.”
Dumbledore smiled. “I assume it would be weird to be treated as a king would, especially at your age.”
“Yeah, that,” Harry agreed, “but also, just… magic. I still can’t believe this is real.”
The tall black haired man furthest from the fireplace said, “You did not know of magic before?”
“No. Aunt Petunia didn’t say anything about it.”
“Petunia?” the man questioned Dumbledore. “You sent the crown prince to live with Petunia Evans?”
Dumbledore adjusted his glasses. “I did. However, I did not think she would keep the boy’s heritage from him.” The old man looked at Harry. “Truly, my Lord. That was a grievous oversight on my part.”
“It’s okay,” Harry said, uncomfortable. “Why did you want to see me?”
“Please, sit,” Dumbledore said. The nice everyone was seated and a house elf delivered drinks, the Headmaster continued. “Well, Lord Harry, we have anticipated your arrival since you were a small boy. Hagrid informed me you did not know much of your family history, so I would like to provide you some insight. For your forebearers are known far and wide in the wizarding world. It is only right you should know your own history. So, your father was King James Potter, fifth of his name. He attended Hogwarts when he was crown prince, where he met your mother, Lily Evans. When they married, she became crown princess. King Charlus, James’s father, died when James was 20. As is law, James immediately became King, and his wife Queen. They had you shortly after.”
Dumbledore went on to explain the monarchy, it’s relationship to Hogwarts and the Ministry.
Harry would become King on his fifteenth birthday, and he would have absolutely authority over all magical people and beings in Scotland, England, Wales, and parts of Australia. He would be able to issues decrees, order or stay executions, and start wars. That felt like a lot of responsibility to Harry.
“Wow,” said Harry. Then he grinned. “Can I imprison the Dursleys?”
“Whyever would you want to, my Lord?” asked McGonagall.
“Because they’re awful, and they hurt me, and they should be in prison.”
“They hurt you?” Snape, whose ire was already high, turned to Dumbledore. “They hurt him?”
“Severus, why don’t you go speak to Petunia?” suggested Dumbledore, whose face had gone ashen. If word got out a family of muggles had hurt the crown prince, he didn’t think anything would stop retaliation. “Lord Harry, the other heads of house will be advisors to you during your time here. Minerva will be able to catch you up in Wizard history and customs. Pomona can teach you the social niceties. Filius will instruct you in Royal magic, and Severus will instruct you in your mothers family.”
“Neat,” Harry said. “Is there anything else I should know? Is there a sword I need to pull from a stone?”
Dumbledore smiled. “I will instruct you in your duties as monarch. I have been acting as Regent in addition to my duties as Headmaster. I look forward to your coronation more than most, and I have been through three already.”
“Three?”
“Yes, your father, King James. His father, King Charlus. And his father, King Daveus. His father, King Earlen, was King when I was born.”
“My great-great grandfather was King when you were born? How old are you?” Harry’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, that’s rude.”
“Not at all, my Lord. Wizards are not as sensitive about their age as muggles. I am 110 years old.”
“Wow.” Harry tilted his head. “I… I really like history. Muggle history, I guess. Do you know anything about it?”
“Certainly. I participated in the Great War, what muggles call World War II.”
“Wow! Would you be willing to talk about it?”
“Of course.”
“This is the best day of my life.”
Dumbledore smiled. “I’m glad. It is late. Shall I show you to your quarters?”
“Yes, that would be great.”
The heads of house dispersed, bowing to Harry once more. When they were gone, Harry turned to Dumbledore. “Is, uh, everyone going to do that?“
“Yes,” Dumbledore said. “For the rest of your life.”
“It’s just so weird. Last week, I was just Harry, living in a cupboard and eating table scraps.”
Dumbledore took a deep breath. “I’m very sorry, my Lord. The Council and I thought it would be the best option. However, Petunia forbid contact. She said her family did not want the drama associated with the monarchy.”
“She knew?“
“Of course. We contacted her and explained the situation thoroughly.” Dumbledore gently placed a hand on his shoulder. “Again, I am very sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Harry said. “You couldn’t have known. I never have to go back, right?”
“Never. You will spend your breaks at Castle Ironwood.”
“What is that?”
“The ancestral home of the monarch.”
“An entire castle?”
“Indeed.”
“Wow.”
They walked to a tower guarded by two suits of armor. Dumbledore did a spell for the guards to recognize Harry. He asked and found out the guards would protect him up to and including killing intruders.
Once they were in, Harry looked around. He was shocked by the size. There was a sitting room, a dining room, a library, a bedroom suite, two bathrooms, a study, and a floo room.
“Your porter will fill your wardrobe. He will also get your preference for books and décor.”
“Décor,” Harry said slowly. “I don’t know if I have preferences.”
Dumbledore smiled. “I’m sure Lester will be able to help.” He gestured to the seats near the small fireplace, and they sat. “I must warn you, as you are not accustomed to the attention you will receive going forward. Many of the other children will want to be your friend, but a good number of them will be directed by their parents to get close to you. There’s been a lot of political instability since we lost King James. Many people will want to get into your good graces.”
“So I shouldn’t make friends?”
Dumbledore chuckled. “Oh, not at all. Make plenty of friends. I will let you know if any may have alterier motives.” The old man paused for a moment, then straightened his robe. “The monarch is also expected to maintain and informal council.”
“What do you mean?” Harry asked.
“Your father, for instance, had a small group of people he trusted above all else, who would tell him the truth in all matters. Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, Frank Longbottom, and Andrea Goldsmith.”
“Can I meet them?”
“Well, let’s se. Frank was… cursed, the evening after your father’s passing. He is in St. Mungos, the magical hospital. Peter was slain the same evening. Remus and Andrea are alive and well, and I can arrange a meeting.”
“And Sirius?”
“Sirius is imprisoned for life for high crimes against the monarchy. He was found guilty of conspiring with the Dark Wizard Voldemort, who did commit regicide against your parents.”
“I want to meet him.”
“Ah,” Dumbledore stalled waiting for the words to arrive in his mind. “I am not sure you would want to do that. You would need to travel to Azkaban prison, my lord. A vile place, not fit for the future King.”
“Would I be safe?”
“Of course. As Regent, I would be by your side the entire time. However, the guards of Azkaban are dementors; beings who draw all the happiness out of all they encounter. Given leave, they will remove the very soul from a wizard.”
“I want to meet Sirius.
“Then I will arrange it.” Dumbledore snapped his fingers, and a small house elf in fresh pressed robes appeared between them. “My lord, this is Dally. He is the offspring of your father’s personal house elf, and so he shall be for you. He is well trained in caring for royals, and he is at your service at any time. You need only say his name and ask.”
“That’s… okay.”
“I will leave you for now, my Lord,” Dumbledore said. “It is late, and I am old. However, Dally would likely be thrilled to provide you with a bedside snack. Or anything really.”
Dumbledore bowed and left the suite.
Harry found himself alone, with the house elf, who bowed to him. “Can I get anything for your Highness?”
Tilting his head, Harry said, “Tea would be nice.”