AN: Rewritten to improve the quality.

Disclaimer: I own some of the concepts but most... not so much.

Gringotts was a lot like a swan; serenity on the surface while underneath lay frantic activity. Behind the public face of the bank teams of heavily armed goblins searched the access tunnels and secret passages. The manager was furious. A nearly successful break in, a kidnapping nd a death all in one day.

Not a single sign had shown up on any of their wards. None of their wizard traps had gone off, despite the fact that the thief was definitely a wizard. All the investigating officers had to go on was the word of Gornuk. The problem was that Gornuk's eyes had gotten older and the tunnel had been dark, not to mention any spells the man may have cast to cover his face. Basically, they only knew the man was wounded and that he was English. Not much to go on. At least the knife wouldn't let the wound be healed using magic.

Afe was exhausted. His team had been guarding one of the exits for hours, crossbows at the ready, knives at their belts. "When do you think we'll be let off?" asked Brakbarb, a young man who carried a number of extra weapons, including a pickaxe and rock hammer.

"Hell if I know," replied Afe, looking around the tunnel. "Say, have you ever seen a lizard that big down here?" the large creature was perched on a ledge, looking down on them.

"Not a regular tunnel lizard." Brakbarb looked closer, before paling and aiming his crossbow at the thing. "Gringott's gonads, that's a damn big lizard. I'm going to shoot it. It might be dangerous."

"Sure you don't want it for your trophy wall?" asked Afe, smirking.

"Oh shut up," snarled Brakbarb, glaring at Afe. "Hey! Where did it go?"

"Who cares?" asked Bellwen, stretching. "It's just a lizard." He watched quietly as a large lizard scampered away. Bellwen didn't think the scaly beast deserved a bolt to the head. He hoped it would avoid any other trigger happy idiots, though why anyone would want a reptile on his mantle astounded him. "By the lord I wish I had a pipe."

HPHPHP

"Mr Gornuk, what is your opinion of the boy?" The manager of Gringotts leaned forwards in her chair, staring at him from beady little eyes.

Gornuk stood in front of the council next to Afe Senior, feeling incredibly out of his depth. He'd only just been called in to the council chamber and had not been informed of what this was about. "Harry Potter, Ma'am? The boy is brave, that much is for certain. He's also underfed and small for his age. I asked the half-giant. The boy's guardians told him nothing of who he is and they still take the money the account sends for the boy's care."

"Concerning facts," stated Rafgor Senior dispassionately. "I suppose you can only tell us of his financial affairs. That is after all, all you know of him, is that correct?"

Gornuk glared slightly. "Yes Sir. I also know that Albus Dumbledore has blocked all attempts to expand his wealth. Seems the old man believes that Harry has enough." The contempt in Gornuk's tone was palpable.

"Who's to say he doesn't?" said Rafgor viciously. "What concern is the boy of ours?"

"He saved my life," growled out Gornuk. He glanced at his old mentor Bogrod for support. That the man still worked full time at Gringotts and held a council seat amazed him. Gornuk was already feeling his age and he barely half Bogrod's."Surely that counts for something? Anyway, why am I here?"

"Indeed," said Bogrod, smiling slightly. "Mr Gornuk, this council is gathered to determine the fate of Griphook's family name."

"So... why do you need me?" asked Gornuk in confusion. "And why were you interested in Potter. I know he met Griphook, but it was only briefly."

"Because Mr Griphook was stealing from Mr Potter's accounts." There was a quite growl from Rafgor, which Bogrod pointedly ignored. "Griphook's motivation was not clear. In fact, Griphook did not even need the money. No matter the man's reasons, we are considering Griphook's will null and void. By law, all Griphook's money should go Mr Potter, but that would require Harry to gain a goblin name."

Rafgor looked furious. It was well known that Griphook had been his youngest son's godfather. Gornuk could see why he was here now. They wanted to know Harry's morals before they passed anything on to him. "Mr Potter would certainly deserve the name. An eleven year old with no wand who defeats a man who snuck past all of our wards. The Griphooks were warriors and it seems Mr Potter has the makings of one." He glanced around the chamber. "And it would ensure that the Griphook name would not die out."

The councillors glanced amongst one another, grudgingly nodding. "Very well," said the manager, straightening in her chair. "Mr Potter shall be given the Griphook name in repayment for the thefts against him. He however, no-one else outside of Gringotts will know this. Gornuk, as he saved your life, we feel you would be best to manage his accounts from now on. You seem to have a certain interest in the boy's well being already and the commission is prestigious. Congratulations."

"Yes Ma'am. Thank you Ma'am." Gornuk felt a little stunned. He hadn't expected that. Neither had Afe apparently, whose mouth was hanging slightly open.

"You may leave Mr Gornuk," said Rafgor bitterly. "Mr Afe, please step forward." Gornuk walked out of the chamber to the sound of the heavy doors slamming. He felt it was high time to meet his saviour.

HPHPHP

Gornuk held the flickering blue gas lamp up as he stepped into the darkened room. The boy lay asleep in the bed, shifting restlessly. He was so small. He was still taller than Gornuk, that was true, but for a human... Gornuk took a moment to consider the lad. Messy black hair, large clothing, pallid skin and a gaunt face. His appearance spoke of hardship, nothing that would break him, but plenty that would have made him brittle. Harry's face scrunched up at the light as Gornuk stepped closer. Slowly, the boy opened his eyes.

"Where am I? Where's Hagrid?" Harry stared around wildly before his eyes fixed on Gornuk's lamp. He tried to sit up, but Gornuk placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Try to relax Mr Potter. You're in Gringotts, remember? Your friend can't remember anything, but aside from that he's fine. How are you feeling?" Gornuk smiled down at the boy encouragingly.

"Err... sore sir. My scar hurts a lot. Has ever since the attack." The boy looked embarrassed, like he was ashamed to admit to the pain, but Gornuk gestured for him to go on. "It usually hurts only after dreams of that night. You know... the night my parents..."

Gornuk swallowed nervously. "Well, it is a curse scar inflicted by an evil man Mr Potter. I'm sure that might explain some of it." He'd have to get someone to look into it. Gornuk doubted his relatives would had ever done anything about it, even if they had understood. Actually, something needed to be done about those... people. Gornuk would have to see what he could come up with.

"Excuse me, but who are you sir? If you don't mind me asking." The boy looked at him cautiously and Gornuk found he had to admire the boy. His head was still in the game despite everything.

"I'm Willan Monard Gornuk. You saved my life down in the tunnels?" Gornuk pulled a chair over and sat down facing Harry. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, I guess," Harry said awkwardly. "But please don't think you owe me. I only did what I should have."

"Well thank you all the same." Gornuk grinned at the boy's modesty. He seriously doubted any normal wizard would have had the guts to do what Harry had done. "I've got a request from my employers Harry. I know this may seem strange, but we'd like you to not mention any of this. The break in, the attack, the death of Griphook." Gornuk leant forwards as Harry's brow furrowed. "You see, Gringotts is Goblin territory. Think of an embassy; its basically a little piece of another country inside England, understand." Harry nodded. "If this got out it would harm our reputation. Our relations with the average wizard aren't fantastic as it is. If they thought we couldn't protect their gold..." Gornuk let the statement hang, watching Harry's face.

"Okaaay... I guess I can understand. This isn't illegal, right?"

"No Mr Potter." Gornuk looked at Harry carefully. "As for me owing you, I'm afraid you don't have a choice. I've made up my mind to help you in any way I can." Gornuk had opted not to mention the Griphook accounts to Harry. He was after all, still a child. But the boy needed to learn about the society he was entering.

"You don't-"

"Oh, but I want to help you Mr Potter. You saved my life. Even if goblins don't have life debts like wizards,we still have our honour. I doubt you're used to help, but I still want you to accept it."

"Yes sir."

Gornuk stood up, picking his lamp up from the bedside table. "Excellent. I'll leave you to rest. When you're feeling up to it, I'll send you home with Ted Tonks. He'll explain everything to your relatives, then pick you up tomorrow. Don't worry Mr Potter. Ted's a sort of all purpose problem solver. The man regularly deals with politicians and bankers. He won't have any problem dealing with them. I'll see you tomorrow Mr Potter."

The boy settled back into the narrow bed without a hint of discomfort. "Thank you. This means a lot to me sir."

It means a lot to me too Mr Potter. It really does. "Goodbye Mr Potter."