Chapter 2

The ride to the Leaky Cauldren just as terrifyingly brilliant as last year. Harry laughed and stumbled out like a drunk man, waving Stan and the blue monstrosity away. He received a few looks as he walked to the alley entrance, though it was more because he was still giggling. Harry stared at the wall for a moment, then smiled and tapped the correct bricks. Diagon Alley opened up to him in all its glory. Humming the Birthday song he leisurely strolled down and window shopped as he headed for the bank. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so good. His good mood even had him bowing slightly to the Goblin guards as he passed, stunning both of them. Harry went to the shortest line and waited patiently until it was his turn.

'How can I help you?'

'I'd like to withdraw some money please. I've got my key here' Harry replied politely, taking the key from round his neck. The Goblin glanced up in surprise. Not many Wizards were polite to his kind. He pered at the young boy, seeing right through the glamour. His eyes widened slightly. They'd been trying to get in touch with this one for a while now.

'Of course Sir. Come this way please'.

Tilting his head slightly Harry watched the Goblin place a closed sign on his desk and hop down. This didn't happen the last few times he was here. Shrugging to himself he nodded and followed the little being.

'I'm glad you were able to come, Mr Potter. We've been trying to reach you since you turned eleven'.

Harry frowned. He didn't bother wondering how the Goblin recognised him.

'Reach me. Is there something wrong?'

The Goblin stopped at a large oak door and knocked.

'Everything will be explained by your account manager'.

A call came from inside and he opened the door.

'Barrok, Mr Potter is here to see you'.

Harry was ushered in and the first Goblin left the room, closing the door behind him. Well this was becoming a strange day.

'Mr Potter, please have a seat. My name is Barrok. I have been the Potter account manager for many years. You are proving to be a difficult customer'.

'Oh. Um, I'm sorry' Harry replied.

The large Goblin waved him off and brought out some paperwork.

'I'm sure by now your magical guardian has told you of your duties. We merely wish to go over them and see to a few details'.

'Duties? Magical guardian? I'm afraid I don't understand' Harry replied in confusion.

Barrok leaned over and peered at the young man.

'Do you mean to tell me, Mr Potter, that you haven't been told of your duties?'

'No Sir' Harry answered.

What came next was a string of what appeared to be foul language. Not that Harry was an expert on Goblin tongue.

'My apologies Mr Potter. That a member of a house as old as yours has not been given information regarding that house… This is worse than I thought'.

'Sir?'

Barrok looked at Harry.

'The Potter family is what Wizards call a Noble and Ancient House. They have been around practically since magic first appeared. When a child of such a house turns eleven, they are to be shown their duties to give them a head start for when they come of age. These duties normally involve an in depth look at your finances and an introduction to the Wizengamot'.

Harry's head was spinning.

'Wizengamot? Finances? Noble and Anciant House?! Forgive me but I have no idea what your talking about! I can't see me needing this for just one vault'.

Barrok cursed again.

'Mr Potter you have more than one vault. Your trust fund was set up to cover school costs. The Potter family vaults should have been made available to you when you turned eleven. Normally this would wait until you turn of age, but as you are the last in the line it is allowed. Your mother also opened her own vault'.

Harry tried to speak, but nothing came out. Someone hadn't told him about this! He had no idea who his magical guardian was, but already he was not happy with the person.

'So… Could I see these vaults?' he finally squeaked out.

Barrok grinned.

'Of course. We have a lot to cover today. Your guardian has a lot to answer for'.

'Do you know who it is?' Harry asked.

The grin became feral.

'Indeed I do, Mr Potter. We have many names for him, but I believe you know him, as Albus Dumbledore'.