Clairvoyance: A Harry Potter Fan Fiction
Chapter 0: Introductions
-Narrated
The dream felt genuinely realistic. No, a better term would be how surreal this dream was. The house had this emanating feeling of... dread. Overgrowth looked like it was both blooming and dying at the same time within certain areas of the house. The damp, musty smell of wet wood, the bordered-up windows and disrepair of what seemed to be the walls of the house coined similar to what you would see inside a house set in an atypical horror genre flick movie. The walls seemed much taller that they seemed, the wood felt... slimy as the corridor lead to a set of stairs going upwards.
Wait... Am I a... snake? Looking side to side, my question was answered when I noticed my body had turned into that of a Reticulated Python. I definitely must have hit the alcohol really hard last night... Or was I just simply over-exhausted? Why was that whenever I seem to think, I can't seem to focus. Memories seemed foggy and trying to remember was like trying to find the last piece to solve the puzzle. All I could really think about was a driving need to find my master. Master? What kind of movie was I watching before I fell asleep?
A rumbling echo of a crackle of fire snapped my mind back. Instinct told me to go upstairs, revealing a long corridor. "Nagini" A voice rasped, echoing within the halls. Though it sounded like nails to a chalkboard, I embraced the order fully. I slid down the corridor, but a brief shadow caught my eye. A feral hiss came out of my mouth as I turned on instinct, finding an old man peering through the door. The old man's eyes popped in fright, his hands flying into the air as he attempted to cover his cries.
"It looks like Nagini has found us an unwelcome guest. Wormtail, bring the man here so I can look at him myself." Wormtail? Wait... Am I dreaming Harry Potter? I slithered my way across the floor, encircling myself at the base of a large, lounge chair as the man was forced to walk in.
"I-I-I don't know who you are but face me like a real man." The old man stated, his fear clearly thickened in his brazened attempt to look brave. The man named Wormtail cringed in disgust, a hand flying into the air as to ready a full-blown attack.
"How dare you say such filth!" Wormtail snarled as he began to bring down his hand on the old man.
"Wormtail! There is no need for such triviality. But move aside so he can see the body of a real man." The voice exasperated once more, the face of Wormtail turning from anger to complete glee. Wormtail looked at the man once more before moving aside as the two had a complete view of each other now. I watched as the man's facade of bravery turned into complete horror as he opened his mouth to scream.
"Avada Kedavra!" A bolt of bright, green beamed towards the old man, striking right in the dead centre of the body. The man's mouth opened, no words could be heard, as he crumbled with a loud thud to the floor as a booming after-effect of a whip crack brought me out of my dream.
I had contain myself from screaming out loud as my head lashed off the pillow I was sleeping on. I gave a soft hiss in pain as I clutched my forehead. It felt as if someone whacked me with a bag full of bricks as I massaged my temples in an attempt to massage the aching numbness away.
"Fuck me..." I muttered to myself, taking my other hand to rub my tired eyes as the throbbing in my forehead began to slowly cease. Glasses. I need my glasses. I thought to myself as my hands fumbled in the dimly-lit darkness. Only when I felt the frame did I quickly snatch them, quickly using the sheets to wipe any dirt off from the lens before putting them on. Blinking a couple times, my eyes adjusted to the dark of the room. The only light source shined from the window of which the morning sun began to rise.
Damn.. That dream felt way too real. The hell did I have last night. I tore the sheets off from me, swinging my feet off the bed as I propped myself up for a stretch. Stretching my arms and legs, I gave a soft, satisfied groan as my eyes came face to face with a curious look from a Snowy Owl.
"Oh hey Hedwig..." Wait... Hedwig. I stopped, frozen in space as my tired brain began its reboot back to reality. I took a few steps closer to Hedwig, my fingers reaching out to ensure I just wasn't hallucinating on... something. Fingers touching feathers ran a soft, plushy sensation through my arm as I moved my hand from her wings up to pet Hedwig's head. She didn't seem to mind, giving me a soft hoot in response as I couldn't help but giggle softly.
"Holy shit... This can't be a dream within a dream." Hedwig turned, her eyes squinted in a mixture of confusion and annoyance as she turned back to my fingers before taking a hard nip at my fingers. As if someone had driven a toothpick up my finger, I bit my tongue in pain as I shook my hand. "Ow! That hurts you know?!" Hedwig merely rolled her head, turning herself around as she began to groom the feathers that I had messed up.
Through the pain, reality was beginning to set in. But this wasn't my reality, was it? Inside 'my' room was a small TV set. Scrounging around the floor, I was able to locate a bulky remote. It looked like something you could get from the early 90s. Turning it on, I flipped channels onto a fell upon a news channel. I turned the volume slightly up, just enough that it came out to a whisper.
Good Morning England! Welcome to Channel 5 morning news! It is bright and sunny morning on July 14th, 1994 and we got a lot of news for you today! My name is...
The remote dropped from my hands. I can't believe it! Isn't it suppose to be 2016?! I shook my head. That shouldn't be right. I am 30 years old, born in Canada wasn't I? Attempting to remember my life seemed be blank out on me or very hazy at best. If this was the real, why couldn't I remember on how I got here? Why can't I remember? I know who I am! My name is...
"Harry Potter." I spoke loudly, for the first time. I could hear my breathing becoming more erratic. Bathroom was the location I needed to go as I opened the door, running my way towards the bathroom as I opened the door and flicked on the lights. The lights flickered, flashing on and off before illuminating the whole room. My eyes met a pristine mirror, looking at what was now my body's reflection.
In retrospect, I didn't realize how big the glasses were on me. Preferably, I would like to have a more rectangular-shaped lens frame rather than the big circular lens frame. Besides the glasses, it was quite weird knowing the body I now inhabit was that of Daniel Radcliffe. I ran my hands through the long, messy brown hair, feeling some of the hair that had become entangled. Hands caressed my new face, touching my eyes, ears and nose to make sure they weren't going to suddenly disappear and I was going to suddenly awaken back in my actual reality.
Inspecting my arms and legs, I could see how very little muscle was on 'Harry Potter'. For someone of this age, I was easily under the bar of the BMI to be called regularly toned for an 'average' person and more sided on the lines of being underweight. Vernon and Petunia really gave their money's worth on seeing how much they neglect they could dish out. The thought popped into mind as realization also unfolded. The house was awfully quiet for... 8:00am in the morning. And today was a Thursday so shouldn't people be up and about by now?
Another thought popped into mind. Didn't they tell me that they were going out to some Aunt's place for a few days and won't be back. My mind regressed back to pull that memory back.
"Boy! Come here! We are going out for a few days out to see Aunt Daisy! Bringing you along would be a complete hindrance to our visit... because of Aunt Marge...So! You are going to stay here! But I better not come back to any trouble or I'll..."I cut the memory short as my mind gave an internal dance of joy. Holy shit! I can remember what Harry Potter remembers?!
The room fell silent as I contemplated what was going on. The actuality of becoming THE Harry Potter was... exhilarating. My mind raced with a cacophony of feelings, just thinking of all the different possibilities! Wait… Then the dream about Voldermort was real... That would mean that I knew what is going to exactly happen! I read all the books and knew all the important events! I could literally change the world for the better! A manic laugh escaped my lips, light and hearty, as I leaned over the bathroom counter as I caught my breath.
"This is absolutely AMAZING!"
My stomach ached in hunger, grumbling in its full fury as I bent down, clutching my stomach in pain as I hissed out air. It felt as if I hadn't eaten breakfast in a few days and considering where I was living and who else inhabited this home, I shouldn't be too surprised. I walked back to my room, finding what seemed to be the equivalent of a brown wallet. It looked well used, although it looked as if it had taken a beating from every environment it has been placed. Stains and the peeling of leather showed the age of the wallet as I opened it up. Mostly filled with scrap paper and a small key nuzzled in one of the pouches, I found no luck finding any coins or bills. No money... I sighed loudly, pounding a frustrated fist onto my bed mattress. Great. I'm hungry and there is literally no place-...
The thought didn't cross my mind. "Gringotts" I muttered to myself. That would the issue of having no money, but getting to Leaky Cauldron now became the prime issue. It wasn't like I didn't know where the location was. I can't drive and there seems to be no public transit- The Knight Bus... A devilish smile drew upon my face. This day couldn't be any better. I'll get to become Harry Potter, go on the Knight Bus AND get to see Gringotts. What could make this day any better?
The Leaky Cauldron
-'Harry Potter'
"Nice seein' yew again, Neville! Hope ter see yew again!" The heavily cockney accented of Stan Shunpike told me as I carefully stepped off the Knight Bus. My brain felt as if it went through too many coaster corkscrews, my stomach made was still flipping with nausea and my legs felt as if they had been turned into gelatinous jelly.
"Yeah... Thanks Stan." I said grimly, giving a short wave as I didn't want to look back at the Conductor. My face was still probably green and right now, and throwing up felt like a very good idea. Ok... Maybe not riding the Knight bus would have made this day better... Riding the bus felt like a smaller version of Abu Dhabi's Formula Rossa except that it was driven by someone. Just thinking about the experience again took all my willpower to not simply keel over and throw up as he made his way past the door into the Leaky Cauldron.
Inside, the Leaky Cauldron had that similar distant feeling of a rustic, medieval European setting. Chandeliers filled with a circle of candles were fitted in inside of the normality of light bulbs. Portraits of history's past covered the walls as chairs seemed set on the tables. There also seemed to be very little patrons roaming around, although the early morning hours were most likely a high factor in the low patron turnout. I sighed, scanning left to right as I stood dumbfounded. I can't believe this...
"Harry?! What are you doing here?" A feminine voice spoke to me. Shit... I was really hoping to get by here without anyone noticing me. I turned, finding myself face to face with the light brown eyes of a girl. Her hair seemed to naturally curl around her shoulders, seemingly matching the color of her light, white skin. She was wearing a white, collared shirt and black dress pants, covered by a black apron that covered her whole body. My brain turned, taking a few moments to regain who she was as words seemingly appeared in my mouth.
Hannah Abbott? "Hannah...! What are you doing here?" My mouth sputtered out, hesitating seemed too natural whenever I spoke and having such habited shy reservations whenever I wanted to talk didn't help. Not saying that I was that kind of popular teenager who held exuberant charisma. I sided more with the introverted kids who made sure to literally 'stay-in-the-dark' when I was going through puberty... Then again, I wasn't scolded every single day of my childhood that I was a freak and no one would like me for being who I was.
"Oh! I work here during the Summer. Mom is usually off doing business so I usually stay here." Hannah stated, twirling her hair as she seemingly moved some used cups off the table, sorting them into a white dish bin. "So, what brings you down here?" She asked, moving herself to wipe down the table with the dirty mugs.
"Umm... Going to Diagon Alley… Need to pick up a few things." I hesitated as Hannah seemingly perked up, turning around with excitement as her face seem to light up.
"OHMYGOD! Are you going shopping?!" I couldn't help but flinch from the tidal wave of enthusiasm from her. It's been quite a while since I have seen or had to deal with a "teenage girl's need" of endlessly going shopping for hours on end. I'm probably stereotyping as it is, but seeing the same kind of attitude does bias people's notions. Didn't help that I never understood the excitement behind shopping… You pick up what you need and get out, but I guess some enjoyed the prospect of 'window shopping'.
"No.. well, not really. I have to go to Gringotts first and all..." I cursed myself for acting so blandly but that didn't seem to dent the excitement in Hannah's face as she threw the rag she was using into the dish bin.
"Eww. Boooorrring... Well, I'm meeting Susan Bones at Gringotts. Mind if I can accompany you before you do boring banking things?" Typical teenage attitude didn't surprise me but her affront of wanting to walk with me was a bit strange. At best, my knowledge of Harry was that he was mostly reclusive to his small hub of Hermione and Ron. It wasn't like he was the type to go out and meet new people on the dime. But again, I had no good reason to deny such a request.
"Uhh... Sure, I guess." I answered dumbly. Hannah seemed to jump for joy as she quickly lifted the bin off the table.
"I'll be back in a few! My shift is almost up and I just have to let Tom know I finished all the chores he set me!" She said ecstatically. Again, the energy that was oozing out of her was slightly overbearing for me... And I'm like 16 years older mentally than her. I watched as she ran back into what I presumed was the kitchen area, loud clanging of dishes and cups hitting a steel sink as I could her say something inaudible.
Few minutes later, she seemingly came out wearing a red dress, images of roses embroidered around the waist of her dress. It was clear she was wearing an undershirt and slip shorts that went down to her ankles underneath the red dress. It actually gave her quite a cute look and a much more voracious look of the dress outlined-... My face scrunched up in disgust at the thought I was thinking.
"What? Something you don't like?" Hannah asked, tilting her head to the side as I slapped myself internally. I raised both my hands in a subtle gesture of disagreement as I waved them from side to side.
"Oh... No! You look fantastic. I... uhh... just held back from sneezing..." I can't believe it. Was I just literally checking out an underage teenager? And I also used such a weak excuse... However, Hannah seemingly didn't notice as she clicked her tongue. Her face seemed to crest into a light frown of disappointment, as if I didn't notice or say something that she was hoping for me to see.
"Ah... Well, we should probably get going before Tom calls me back." Hannah said, changing whatever she was feeling away on a dime as she walked towards the rear of the pub. Giving her a few step lead, I followed suit as we made our way pass the receding wall into Diagon Alley. The bricks receded, similar to what the first movie showed us, but as if I was getting a First-Person Point of View. The brick wall fell into itself, giving us a wide, open entrance into the Alley as we both stepped in. You know that line when the actual Harry gets introduced and he wished for eight more eyes just to see everything... Now I completely understood why.
It was a wet dream for any Harry Potter Fanatic who wanted to be plopped right in the middle of Diagon Alley during a shopping rush hour. Different shops littered the streets selling different, miscellaneous magical objects. Shops seemingly focused on selling one particular set of items such as robes of all kinds, academic stationary and books, potion ingredients, broomsticks, wands, the list could keep going on and on. Even better was watching people intermingle with shops and even with cart vendors that sat strategically where traffic was always highest.
A sudden jab to my shoulder brought me out of my star-struck gaze as my eyes fell upon a very curious look from Hannah. It was like my reaction seemed foreign and it was when the thought struck me. Harry had been coming here for at least three years now and he wouldn't have reacted the same way I did. In all my excitement to see what new world I was in, I had also been as transparent as glass when it came to what I was feeling. Her face looked like she was wanting to question my actions, my mind racking on a quick excuse to give her quickly.
"Can never get the nostalgia out of me whenever I come to Diagon Alley." I made up, shrugging my shoulders to act as if she caught me as I threw my hands up. At first, her emotions stayed neutral for what felt like ages until I could see her lips crack into a smile as she danced on the spot with glee. I really was tempted to ask her what made her so happy, then I realized that sometimes ignorance is truly bliss especially when it came to teenage mind.
"I KNOOOOW, RIGHT! I can never get that same feeling out and every time I come here I just always feel excited. It was like the same time when I first..." I turned, pointing silently in the direction to lead the way towards the bank as she continued. I merely nodded and said a few quick words here and there but I never really partook in the conversation. I could easily notice that some of her actions was aimed to grab my attention but I just pretended as if I didn't notice. A part of me was expecting something more cliché but in all honesty, Hannah was just acting what you would expect from a teenage girl. I think that was accentuated by how much she loved to talk about all the little things in life and I guess that gave her that kind of bubbly, yet naive extroverted personality you see in most 'gossipy' girls.
"I used to help my mom in the garden lots so that's why I love Herbology and all..." My ears tuned in. A thought popped into my head and something in me wanted to speak before I had a chance to verbally internalize it first.
"I thought your mom is-" I cut myself off. A brief moment in which time seemed to slow as a realization came crashing down like a crystal chandelier. My excitement had blinded me to a simple fact that I had been ignoring ever since I got here. I had forgotten for all my knowledge and all my 'foresight' into the future, these were still events that are going to happen. My mind remembered how Cedric would die a year from now, how Sirius would die two years and the casualty count keep going. My face paled and it must have shown when I gave that small glance at Hannah at realizing that her mom was going to die in a few years. And, what was the worst part? I couldn't even tell her... How could I? I'm only a fourteen year old and saying stuff that might or will happen doesn't make me a psychic, it just makes me look completely psychotic.
"Hey... What seems to be the problem? You look awfully pale." Hannah said, her face forming into the first frown I must have seen her make as she stepped in front of me. My eyes seemed to dance as I had just realized we were standing in front of Gringotts Bank. I shook my head, attempting to focus on what was going on right now rather than dwelling on what might happen.
"Sorry... I meant to ask that you said your mom was on business." Hannah's eyes seemed to narrow and I could easily tell she wasn't buying what I was saying. Got to hate young people's intuition at times...
"I told you that she runs a potion ingredient courier service overseas... But you haven't told me why you look so pale." There was really no good excuse or answer I could spin to make her believe it. Yet, telling her the truth would end up going down the same path as the first. I sighed, rubbing my eyes as I looked away from where she was.
"It's... difficult to say but I been having some personal issues that I really don't want to discuss." I answered uncomfortably. It felt as if I was pretending but what I was saying was half true... I just wasn't telling her the whole thing. She didn't seem to say anything, the silence I took as an opportunity as I did my best theatrical work to change my feelings on a dime.
"Well... It was a pleasure walking with you, but you have more things to do then let me get you down. See you around or maybe at Hogwarts if I don't see you anytime soon." I said with faux cheeriness as I made my way through the door, using all my effort to not seem perturbed as I finally entered Gringotts.
-Narrated
Meanwhile...
Hannah looked on as she failed to string a quick set of words as she watched Harry walk into Gringotts. She couldn't believe how pretentious Harry was for not even waiting for a response and just leaving her on the spot so he could do boring banking things. A part of Hannah wanted to be furious at Harry for being such an emotional blockhead, not realizing why she worn a brand, new dress that her mom got for her to her attempts trying to cue Harry. She couldn't help but feel infuriated by Harry's awkward behavior.
Yet, she couldn't help but feel slightly conflicted. That small glimpse which Harry's face turned awfully pale stole words that could not even describe what she saw. Saying that his face had seen death seemed like a literal understatement and she was unsure whether she should be angry or concerned. She heard the rumors about her, being shallow and naive. It was something she fully knew and it was something she was constantly wanting to work on. Her mother had given her some books to help rectify her issues, but her mother seemed more happy that her own daughter was willing to look into self-improvement.
Thinking internally had distracted her and she had not realize that Susan was now standing in front of her. She was only waken from her thoughts from her whole body being shaken, her lips instinctively given a small yelp of surprise as she covered her mouth in embarrassment. Her eyes looked up, seeing the distinct red hair, stout nose and brown eyes that made up Susan's face. Susan's face seem to reflect a mischievous smile, a hint of pride knowing that she was able to sneak up on Hannah.
Hannah's eyes narrowed, a bit of anger seething from her face from Susan's untimely interruption. "Susan! Don't scare me like that!"
Susan's face immediately frown at the response. "Something happen because that is definitely not you..." Her voice trailed off, eyes gleamed with suspicion as Hannah sighed.
"Sorry Susan... I was just thinking and you almost made me yell in public." The answer sounded sincere, but the woes of being best of friends was that those close also could tell when something was up. Susan merely stepped closer to Hannah, taking an arm and leading her off as she gave a smile.
"Ooooo... Hannah got dreamy for a moment." Susan paused, looking down to see the red dress that Hannah was wearing. Her lips cracked into a devilish smile. "Was it a boy?"
Hannah's voice seem to hitch on air, coughing slightly at Susan's accusation as she felt her cheeks blush. "N-N-No. What gave you that idea?" Susan couldn't help but give a giggle in response.
"Come on Hannah. Don't tell me you forgot you only wear that dress to impress. So who was it? Cedric?" Susan pried as Hannah couldn't help but give a small giggle to her friend's obvious antics.
"Harry... I met with Harry." Hannah muttered softly, watching as Susan's mouth expanded into a huge 'O'. On prior knowledge, Hannah covered Susan's mouth, muffling whatever she was about to say as she gave a hushing sound. "We WILL talk about it privately but I don't want you yelling like a happy puppy or something." Hannah's rebuttal seemed to work, Susan giving a small nod of excitement as she removed Hannah's hand from her mouth.
"Oh! Come on now! Don't leave a girl hanging! At least tell me what he was like!" Susan exasperated in glee.
A frown creased for a moment on Hannah's face, thinking quickly as she thought about her interaction with Harry. "I don't know, it was kind of strange..." Hannah mused.
"Course, it would be a bit strange! You met Harry Potter!" She said, shaking her head at Hannah's comment.
"No, I mean that Harry was a bit strange." Hannah rebutted, Susan looking like she was thinking for a moment before quickly answering back.
"Well, he has been through some strange things and everyone knows he's reclusive as a clam." Susan stated.
"But, he seemed-." "I don't think you need to be so concerned with the guy who's titled 'The Chosen one', Hannah!" Susan interrupted, leaning into Hannah's ear. "Besides... I like to know how you can make that dress turn heads.
Hannah's cheeks lit up, her eyes looking around cautiously to see no one was currently around them to only give a deathly scorn at Susan, who seemingly was giving her deer eyes. Hannah knew that Susan was probably right. She was probably overreacting to Harry and he probably was just being a bit of dunderhead to not notice her cues. The two could only hold it for so long, falling into girly laughter as they caught their breath.
"Come on! Let's go shopping before you need to go back to that dreadful job!" Susan stated, Hannah playfully swatting Susan's shoulder.
"That dreadful job is the reason why we can go shopping." Hannah fired back, only to see Susan stick out her tongue as the two made their way to the shopping centre, delving into which stores to tackle first.
Gringotts Bank. Office of Riftmug.
-Harry Potter
When I really think about, Gringotts was literally the same as a modern bank. Sure, the medieval 17th century European aesthetics and the long row of wooden, polished desks were quite interesting to look at, but the atmosphere and the way they operated was exactly the same. Walk up to a desk, state the business you wish to attend to, and usually if the business is needed to be taken was much more private, you would be set up within a cushy office.
Offices seemed littered with bookcases, filled to the brim with books on various economic policy topic while balances, quills and scrolls of paper scattered on the desk. A large book seemed closed that sat centered of the desk as the desk was also elevated so that the person sitting was always looking down at the customer. A few lamps lit by candles held within and a chandelier finished off the office, giving it a dim light that covered the office. It had been 10 minutes since I had been sitting here, apparently the will of Harry Potter was a... complex matter.
The initial goblin I had talked to seem to look like he was wanting to blow me off, hearing words of not having a scheduled appointment and all. It was when the goblin looked up, that I watched his face change to a realization that I was Harry Potter and saw a total 180 of his attitude.
Now, this is where I was. Sitting in an office by myself and waiting for someone called Riftmug to help me. It didn't help I was also becoming more antsy. My brain kept going back to thinking about my behavior and how poorly I dealt with Hannah.
That moment had stinted my excitement. I had been so wrapped up in my delusions of grandeur that I had not taken a true moment to sit down and actually think it through. My arms naturally folded onto each other, as I leaned back into the chair I was sitting in. I just couldn't help shake off the naivety that had overtaken me this morning into thinking everything was fine. I couldn't help but slouch as my mind began to rack and assess two glaring problems.
The first problem was that I had an estimate of a month and a half before Harry's fourth year started, minus the fact that I also be going to the World Cup with the Weasley's in which I will be inevitably meeting death eaters. I probably had a couple of weeks, give or take, to figure out and implement a study ethic to catch up. What made this problem worse was that whenever I attempted to remember what Harry had previously learned had become as much as a blur similar to when I tried to remember my past life.
Which leads to the second problem…. Having a foggy memory was what led to have a lapse of ignorance to my situation. Given that I had just entered a fictitious reality that came from a book, most would crumple into a state of perpetual shock rather than jump for joy. Even if I was a diehard fan of whatever reality I had hop into, the aftershock would have lulled the euphoria. That shock transcended from being a reality away from the norms that I was used to, away from the connections and memories of friends and family which I had none of... And that is what scared me the most.
I don't know whether I wished to be sent here or not. And say if I was sent here, what would happen to my 'new' memories? It was a possibility that even if I was able to change everything, that my memories would deteriorate from a paradoxical future I could potentially make. I couldn't even remember when my actual birthday was or who was my family? Who was I in my past life? Was I a 'good' person? Or was I apathetic to everyone I knew? The saying that experiences forge who we are is something I didn't have the luxury of having. I was now facing a blank slate, in the body of Harry Potter and with what I could remember, I had to come to grips with that.
"Mr. Potter!" The starchy voice made my head snap up from slouching as it took all of my internal effort to make sure I didn't jump out of my chair. The voice came from stern, yet concerned look of the goblin who sat polar opposite of me. He had big, circular glasses, wearing what seemed to be a goblin equivalent of a black suit as his eyes stared at me for an answer. His skin looked deep peach and his long hair, stranding down to his shoulders branded a dirty, greyish color.
"M-my apologies." Stuttering a quick response, I forced myself to stop, taking a slow inhale of air. Take a deep breath and think about what you want to say.
"Forgive my rudeness. I didn't mean to daydream... Mr. Riftmug." I don't think the apology nor the switch from nervousness to showing a modicum of respect was what surprised the goblin, but I think it was my acknowledgement that brought a moment of surprise to Riftmug's face.
"No. The rudeness is mine, Mr. Potter. It was unnecessary to raise such a tone when you were clearly occupied at the time." The goblin stated as he seceded his moment of shock back into a neutral scowl.
"Is... This for me?" I asked, my finger just hovering over the folder. I faintly knew that goblins, in this version's reality, were fiercely traditionalist when it came to values and beliefs. It was in my best interest not to start off on the wrong foot of the people who held your money, so I rather look timid than brazen. I watched as Riftmug gave a short but curt nod as he wrapped his long fingers together.
"That is correct. If you can be so kind to open it... Mr. Potter." Though the answer was short, I could tell there was a bit of pride in his work. I gave a small glance, his eyes seemed to looking at what I was doing, a bit too keen into seeing what I would do or say. My hands slowly opened the folder, opening to find the appearance of what I asked. My mouth opened naturally, asking the next question was purely on instinct, yet it seemed Riftmug had anticipated it.
"The will and the bank statements as requested. The will-" Riftmug's fingers displaced the papers, spreading them out in a neatly ordered fashion as he pointed to the left-most paper first. "here has been left untouched, you are the last proprietor of the original copy..." His voice dissipated for a moment of pause, most likely giving me time to give a look as I lifted the will to read. A part of me was fully ecstatic that I was holding a real will of Harry potter but realizing that I was reading something extremely personal that shouldn't be meant for me mellowed the excitement as my eyes began to read the will.
The will was short, more precisely that both parents had wanted to keep it concise and to the point. It didn't hold much of fluff you would stereotypically get out of a will, though there were a few lines in which they had written which they hoped they would see their son grow up and all. Outside perspective wanted to say that those lines of sentiment were incredibly cheesy but, then again, I wasn't suppose to inhabit a fictional character's body.
It was when my eyes suddenly laid on the true meat of the will. The beneficiaries named in which the guardianship was listed in specific order. It had seemed that if Harry's parents were to die, that the responsibility of guardianship was Sirius Black. Obvious choice considering the relationship between Harry's father and Sirius. The second, most interestedly, was given to the Longbottom Family. My guess had to gander that the old Order of the Phoenix did draw some mutual respect between all members. The third and final choice was given to Albus Dumbledore. Why only three choices was beyond me but I felt as if it was certain policy behind the limit of people you can nominate the guardianship too.
What was also noted that if Harry was rendered homeless, his stay should be suited to the following order; Sirius, Longbottom Family and finally, Dursley Family. Dursleys? I thought to myself, only to remember that Lily was the sister of Petunia. I don't know what Harry's mom saw in Petunia but it was certainly enough to trust Petunia with her child. Guardianship rights seemed straightforward enough. Exercise authority in which the actions would benefit and not hinder the child's life until legal age.
My eyes drift, finding my vision now looking at what seemed to be a stringed together formed of papers. These papers had scribbles of numbers, my first impression was those of bank statements in which I laid the will back into the folder as I picked up what I could roughly estimate 10 sheets of parchment paper. Numbers seemed to be strewn across each of the parchment, scribbles sat next to some as to help with the identification and meaning of the numbers. However, the scribbles seemed to written with such haste that it was impossible to decipher what it said.
"Excuse me... Riftmug, do you mind telling me what this means?" I asked dumbly, pointing at the numbers on the sheet of parchment. Although, I could probably take a rough estimate to guess what the numbers meant, I still had to play a typical 14 year old and not one who was having to deal with a life crisis of who I really was. The goblin seemed to look at me with a hint of confusion, which I passed the paper over as I tapped over what I wanted to 'know'.
"Ah... These are all the transactions made during the time in which you have inherited it." Riftmug answered, moving his glasses closer to his eyes as he gave a sharp sniff of his nose. My eyes blinked for a moment. The first thought that came to my mind slipped through my lips, engaging my thoughts into open speech.
"Was it Professor Dumbledore who managed my finances?" I asked. The goblin gave a soft grunt of affirmation as he scratched behind his left ear.
"Indeed he was as he is your temporary guardian till you have reach the minimum adult wizard age."
"Would you mind telling me what he has done with my account so far?" My interest piqued, seemingly transparent as the goblin was also taken back by my request. That didn't stop from Riftmug's face to show a wide, toothy smile as if he found a hidden jackpot as he looked back at the paper.
"Most of the bank statements have been formed by a small stipend that is given to the Muggle family called Dursleys. As they were the choice of home, the fee is given to help pay for any unforeseen circumstances." Riftmug stated, pointing to what looked like to be a dense area of scribbles as he talked. The amount he was talking about was similar to what to the amount you get off a child benefits plan.
"The next, in which I must inform you, is that Dumbledore has also given you permanent status in regards to how you wish to deal with your investments." I held my tongue in silence. Papers slid in front of me as I finally began to take a look at what I had now inherited.
Harry Potter
4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging, Surrey
Current Banking Report
Total worth: Approx. 200,000 Galleons
Term Investment worth: Approx. 100,000 Galleons
-Gringrotts Trust Rate Plus GIC (Interest at 2.000%)
Mutual Funds: Approx. 100,000 Galleons
-Gringrotts Balanced Investment Plan
-Total Shares/Units owned: 374.7520
-Price of each share (Galleon): 266.8431
Numbers flew by the page, scribbled in each and every corner and surface area of the parchment as a final line drew my attention;
Summary of Total Savings: Including savings from Will and additional partied investments made by Potter's Guardian – 1.5 million Galleons
I couldn't help but choke on my own spit in sudden disbelief. Holy shit! The book only said 'small fortune', I didn't think that Harry was THAT loaded. Trying to voice my own thoughts came out as a jumbled mess as I stuttered over words, simply making up incoherent mumbling.
"Are you displeased? Mr. Potter?" Riftmug asked curiously as his eyes watched me like a hawk. I shook my head from side to side quickly to say a silent no as I looked back at the statements. "I apologize... Headmaster Dumbledore was the one to advice me to take such banking actions as your accountant. I believe he said that it was to not let your accounts get taxed if they are not used after a certain limit while also gives you a chance to expand your banking portfolio." Riftmug continued, scratching his chin as he placed the papers back into the respective folder. Leave it to Dumbledore to sort out Harry's financial life. I said internally as I gave the bank statements one last look.
"Yes, I appreciate your helpfulness. Is it alright if you could help me set up a withdrawal?" The goblin cracked that same, toothy smile he gave when I first asked about my accounts. I think he had taken a matter of pride to make sure that I had the best account being that he was accounting for THE Harry Potter.
"Why of course! I believe there is a new thing in the Muggle world called Credit Cards, something that our bank is wanting to experiment and would love you to join as one of our testers." Riftmug jumped, speaking eloquently as he began to shift through his drawers and shelves as he drew up stack after stack of papers. While he was doing so, the sudden re-occurrence of facing this reality had snagged my brain. But now it had become fully clear that I had to face the facts of what was going on. I watched as a final pile smacked the desk of Riftmug's table, a clear stack of about three piles of paper as he gave a small huff of air.
"What would you like to start, Mr. Harry Potter?" Riftmug asked, my face couldn't help but give a small smirk as I looked at the huffing goblin.
"Whatever is easiest to throw away first." I stated back as I watched Riftmug crack a small chuckle as he turned to the stack in the centre. The facts were clear and as we went through the ins-and-goings of starting a credit card and such, my mind began to formulate plan after plan of what I needed to do after I leave Gringrotts. Where could I go to catch up and get that 3-day crash course of what I need to know?
After all... I am Harry Potter.
A/N: I keep these part short. This is my official first HP fanfic though I have been tweaking my writing style for a while now. I rate stories M because it also helps with creative writing, especially scenes in which asked for more 'explicit' detail. I do hope that, lore-wise and all, it is kept within the standard of whatever most of you people use. Then again, lore isn't going to be pitch-perfect to what people want and like so I guess I'll pine to closest denominator which doesn't want to lynch me on a spike. Hope you enjoyed my writing and have a good day.
