Harry's POV
It is a cold and dark night when a solitary figure steps out of the shadow behind a line of bushes. With his dark, maroon cloak billowing, Harry lifts his legs purposefully over piles of rubble and series of muddy puddles that have been left behind by a fleeting rain shower. Just three hours before, he escaped from Privet Drive Number 4 due to the arrival of an unexpected owl; and since then, he has traversed across London for the Leaky Cauldron- a bar that only magical folks can see and enter. Weaving his way through the shops of Diagon Alley, Harry arrives at Gringotts, the only Wizarding Bank in all of Britain. Now, he is standing on the cobbled doorsteps of Gringotts, gazing at the fortress that looms ahead with miles and miles of vaults underground.
Flashback
Harry Potter, the 15 years old Boy-Who-Lived, was brooding on his bed in his dark and dingy room. The sight of his dear godfather Sirius falling through the veil left the young orphan feeling once again lost and alone in this great big world- with no family to love him. Although the Weasley family had been like a second family to him, he still felt like an outsider; so the loss of Sirius hit him hard like a bullet piercing through his already fragile and tattered heart.
Tap, tap, tap
Suddenly, the tapping sound from the window startled Harry from his brooding. When he raised his head and turned toward the window, a fluttering, brown barn- owl with a long eagle-like beak met his sight. This strange owl made him knit his eyebrows. With hesitating steps, Harry gingerly walked across the room, opened the window, and retrieved the letter from the owl's eager leg. Before Harry could ask the own any questions- as if the owl would answer him-the owl flew away without a second glance for the confused boy, who was left behind to balk at the content of the letter.
Dear Mr. Potter,
Firstly, Gringotts offers its deepest condolences to your recent loss of a godfather, Sirius Black. Yes, we Gringotts knew Mr. Black was innocent, but regrettably, we goblins don't have the power to interfere with ministry affairs. However, we are authorized to settle Mr. Black's financial issues in case of death.
In light of a will made by Mr. Black, we Gringotts require your presence here at the will meeting that will take place on July 5, 9 o' clock p.m. Furthermore, since Mr. Black had requested your emancipation, you must come to Gringotts for the needed paperwork and other traditional procedures that will be explained in due times.
This letter will act as a portkey scheduled three hours before the time of the will meeting. It will transport you to a seclude spot near Gringott in Diagon Alley. We patiently- but eagerly- await your presence with us.
Sincerely,
Ragnok
Head of the Magical Inheritance Department
End of Flashback
The letter he received from the goblins is peculiar to him because he has never warranted any business with these creatures who only associate with money. Thus, with an addled mind, Harry pushes open the heavy, bronze doors and enters into the threshold, making sounds of shoes hitting the marble white floor. Right when he steps into this Goblin establishment, his miserable life will forever change for the better.