Discoveries
Waking up the next morning Harry felt good. He had received his first present ever. As he got up and got dressed into the hand-me down clothes of his cousin in expectation of a standard day his thoughts returning slowly from yesterday. After getting dressed he went over to check the book and look it over. Pulling it out from under his pillow to examine it carefully to see if there was any damage shown he had lucked out and the book was fine. He had regretted throwing his present and realized he needed to take better care of any gifts he ever received in the future.
Morning had always been his favorite time of day. Even with living with his relatives the young magical had always been able to enjoy the mornings. Having to cook for them had made getting up early both necessary and enjoyable. Making the morning meal meant food guaranteed. An improvement for a growing boy's health considering his infrequent meals prior to being forced to cook. More importantly Petunia would sleep in a bit more knowing she could rely on the boy to get things done for breakfast.
Harry took a moment and thought about Petunia's cooking as he headed to the kitchen after stashing the book once again. She had always been proficient in the kitchen from what Harry had eaten in the past; she just didn't enjoy it like he does. Moving around the kitchen in and easy manner showed his comfort at the task commanded of him. It must have been his good mood but instead of the normal fair of scrambled eggs Harry decided make omelets today. Normally he would not bother making food they could not care for outside of the normal routine. But today he was in a really good mood. He got out the vegetables and meats he knew each liked.
Laughing with the awareness Aunt Petunia was going to be the only one who would actually enjoy the food while the males would simply just eat it. Beginning to chop the mushrooms and other vegetables up his mind began to drift. His last related cooking thought was deciding what all he needed to put in the folded eggs and what else to make. The automatic nature of cooking at this point allowed him to start forming a plan for the day.
It was not long before the smells and alarm clocks woke the household. Dragging themselves from their morning stupor the family sat at the table grumpily. Harry did not smile once they arrived. No need to start a pleasant day off with getting yelled at for being cheery this early.
"Get my coffee boy."
"Yes uncle."
"Go fetch the paper. Do I have to tell you everything?"
"Yes uncle."
"Watch your tone boy!"
"Yes uncle."
Once the Dursley's had been fed and watered it was time to leave even before Vernon headed out for work. Making his way out the front door was simply easy as they were in a content state with the extra effort Harry had put into the meal. Having seen the food gets consumed with mostly lack of concern for the flavor unless brought to their attention the young wizard made sure they noticed it today. Food truly was one way to soothe the savage Dursley.
"Time to head to the swings and slide for a bit." A smile graced his face as he thought of playing in the nearby park. "Maybe this day will be special too."
Harry spent a few hours in the park. He didn't care that a few of the closer neighbors kept their children away from him. A few other children did play with him in a mighty contest for who could swing the highest and fastest. And like true children each thought they won. Harry won in his mind just getting to feel the rush of wind. Yep, the swings were definitely his favorite equipment.
"Bye." Harry said to the swing competitors he had met that morning not really expecting a reply as he left.
If he was right by looking at the Sun it was past time for the library to open. Paul had been so helpful to Harry. The man seemed really knowledgeable on many books. After a month of going there on a regular basis Paul had gently shown Harry other sections of the library and not to look like he was forcing Harry to branch out. By the time the "Flying Swing King" had arrived at the library it was not only open but busy.
"Hey Paul" Harry greeted, "what is going on?"
"Morning Harry, how are you today little bookworm?" Paul teased him.
"I am great. I was definitely the best on the swings today. Most of the boys could not fly as high as I could and the girls would not try. So I won."
"Congratulations then oh mighty Flying Swing King," Paul gleefully said to the proud boy regardless of how silly he thought the self-imposed title sounded "but to answer your question we are changing things around a bit. Seems the money for the computer section finally got approved and the workmen are here to add a few outlets today."
Now Harry knew that Paul didn't really like computers. Why he didn't know. Although Paul seems happy about the money coming in for the place he did not expect to see him happy about the machines.
"But you said 'those silly machines are a waste' why are you so happy?"
"I knew you would remember that." Paul chuckled "Now what I told you was true and I have a gift for you Harry. Now correct me if I am wrong but yesterday was your birthday was it not?"
Harry was shocked. Not only did Paul know his birthday he had a gift for Harry. "Yes."
"Good. Head over to my office get the present off my desk while I check on the electricians" Paul said walking away.
Harry all but ran to Paul's office. The only thing restraining him from sprinting was Paul's distaste of running in the library. Paul however, just watched Harry with a great deal of amusement. Hopefully the gift would not scare Harry too much. "Oh well, it is long overdue for him to learn about magic."
Harry stood in front of Paul's Desk and saw an envelope with his name on it. Opening it he pulled out two pieces of paper. One white and the other colored more yellow and did not feel the same as the white paper.
Reading the white one first it said:
Harry James Potter,
I think it is time you learned of your family and heritage. While I cannot say I knew your parents I can hopefully help you by being a mentor to you. To that end I have decided to start your training if you wish. This is my gift to you. While I will teach you a bit different from local standards I will teach you a method most in this area could not even understand.
Harry paused in his reading. Looking out of the office, Paul looked to be talking with the workmen on the other side of the building. He was confused and excited. What was he going to be taught? Wait is my whole name was Harry James Potter? Harry was told before starting school he was to answer to Harry Potter. But no one had mentioned his middle name. He returned to the letter.
Unofficially I have started your training already. But to make it official I need to set a few things in order for both of us. Before I get into that the second sheet contains both a letter for me and a transport for you. Please read it and follow the directions I will see you upon your return.
Awaiting your return,
Paul
Harry read the letter several times to make sure he had it all memorized. Putting it aside on the desk with the envelope he looked at the second one. He noticed upon looking at it that had some symbol with all kinds of detail on it at the top. Ignoring the symbol with Gringotts on a banner above it he quickly moved to the words clearly and neatly written below.
To Paul Thomas,
Sir, your request for a meeting for your charge, one Harry James Potter, has been accepted. Your desire to not accompany said charge leaves us in an unusual position. While it is accepted you are not the official guardian allowing a minor into our establishment unescorted is both unusual and ill advised. We understand he will have a lack of understanding in the proper manners and etiquette. You are to inform him that all breaches of acceptable decorum will result in fines directly removed from his vaults without prior warning.
The arrangements for the meeting have been set and wait his arrival. The fees for one time two way relocation will be gladly charged to his account upon return to point of origin after said meeting is completed.
Inform your charge of the activation words: "Time is galleons" for the first and "Meeting Adjourned" for the return.
Reap galleons from fallen foes.
Junior accountant trainee: 2nd class,
Skullshaker
Now Harry was totally confused. What has Paul done and who were these people he was to meet? What fines was he going to get and what are vaults? And there was more than one vault? Activation words, how does that work? As confusion gave way to curiousness and a bit of excitement Harry read the letter again just knowing this was important somehow. One thing going through his mind constantly, this is a gift somehow and needs to be treated with care. He would not make the mistake he had with the book. He needed to be careful.
Missed by most would be the fact Harry was showing wisdom beyond his years by standing there thinking things over before acting. Meanwhile, standing outside his office door Paul watched discretely. Hoping the young one passed this first test without incident. He had a great deal of faith in Harry but also a large about of trepidation about the events following. Waiting is such a pain in the ass he thought. Turning goes to check on the work being done.
"Time is money." Harry announced. A pop signaled Paul as Harry was teleported away. Wishing him luck and a safe journey Paul just needed to stay busy now.
The young Potter crashed into the floor hard. Landing on his knees and then hands in short order on a cold hard floor he whimpered. Taking a few seconds to wonder why he was suddenly on the floor and in pain. Sitting up he looked around and trying not to cry from the hurt. Looking around he noticed the marble room he was in with a couple chairs around a table nearby. Getting up and moving to the chair he sat down.
Rubbing his hands then his knees until the pain stopped He waited to see what would happen next today. Potter would not argue that he was scared of all this happening around him. Fear was losing out to his curiosity once again. So many things have happened already. All manner of thoughts ran through his head. Where was he? What is this place? Who was he to meet? Is he going to be alright? A whirlwind of questions continued. His imagination was starting in on more outrageous scenarios.
What he didn't expect was who, or more precisely what, came into the room from the large door to his left that be had barely noticed earlier. A goblin entered wearing a suit. It was a nice suit Potter just didn't know how to take it that the creature in front of him was wearing a suit. Not really understanding what to do he stood and approached the goblin. The small pointy ears, long crooked nose and elongated fingers that ended in sharp claws screamed a vicious creature from nightmares. Being just less than 4' tall was giving Harry that whole monster under his bed feel. The only thing disrupting this whole scenario is the pinstripe suit.
The goblin in question stared back at Harry wondering about the young wizard. The silently observing goblin watched with mildly impressed satisfaction. Without out fail, human children screamed, trembled, cried, or at the very least hide from goblins on the first run in with the race. Until now. Once Harry was close enough raised his hand towards the goblin.
"Hello, I am Harry Potter" said with a noticeable amount of nervousness.
"Are you?" the goblin tested.
"Excuse me?"
"As you are new to us you have no real proof of your line. The purpose of these meetings will be three fold. We will of course begin with verification. Follow me." Turning and leaving the room Harry quickly followed.
As they walked Harry attempted to as a question, "How will you ver-"
"How else, with magic and blood." goblin answered sounding annoyed at having to speak.
Harry was wondering how magic would be used since he was pretty sure it was not supposed to exist. But being a child he readily accepted magic most likely did exist. Blood he knew was a more concerning thought. Silently he followed the goblin. Upon arriving at a new door Harry did not seem to notice any other doors on the way there. Looking around he saw several doors he did not remember passing.
"Inside now child" commanded the goblin.
"Yes, Sir" glancing at the door opened by the goblin it read:
Office of Legitimacy
Spikehammer
Sitting behind a desk with granite looking top was an old goblin. The only fact truly giving this away was the sparse white hair. Currently engrossed in some reading as Harry entered he remained quiet. The goblin raised up its bespectacled head looking first at the human then the other goblin inquisitorially. Waiting for an answer to the unspoken question the look became a glare at the goblin.
"Well? Speak, you inane deficient!"
"Master Diviner Spikehammer, this human requires and requests verification of lineage." Spoke the escort. Spikehammer looked back at the boy. Seeing some obvious traits of Harry's family already he stood up from the desk and let the paper fall flat on the desk. The paper seemed to fade into the desk. Harry's eyes widened at that a bit.
Gesturing to a seat at a side of the room, "You will go. Human sits there." A simple wooden table with one plain chair on the opposite side of the room awaited Harry.
"Harry."
"What?"
"My name is Harry, and I will not have you keep calling me human!"
Neither goblin moved for a moment. Harry's declaration caught their attention. Both goblins considered the statement by this human. Thoughts on the matter of how to address a human were some of the more amusing jokes among goblins. Professionally speaking, business demanded a certain manner to get your claws on their gold. The irritated escort was affronted. Speaking out like that to goblins of a higher station was grounds almost for beheading. This was Gringotts territory all goblins were higher than humans. Spikehammer however, was amused. He chuckled, bewildering the escort and surprising Harry.
"You remind me more of Charles than James."
"Who are they Sir?"
"Indeed, who are they to you? As you don't seem to know then that proves your need to be here." Spikehammer turned to the escort, "Your still here why?"
"Master Diviner he insulted you. He should be punished."
"Oh so you now determine when I am insulted?" Questioned Spikehammer
Panicking the escort responded with, "He is a human speaking out of turn."
"Name and station" Barked Spikehammer
Harry wondered what was going on but was suddenly scared of the older goblin staring at the escort. Knowing he had somehow started this made Harry terrified of what was going to happen to him after the old goblin was done.
"Gnarl: 4th class teller of the Rocksniff clan." The recently named Gnarl announced while standing straight and stiff.
Diviner Spikehammer looked fierce like he was ready to hurt someone from the point of view of the only human in the room. "Tell me. How does a bloodless little piece of dragon dung like yourself earn the right to escort clients around if you have so little understanding of business? Did your mother whore herself out to a better clan? Where you then tossed out of that clan when they had no more need of entertainment from her? Learn your place youngling or lose more than your gold. Maybe your desire to honor your clan as just another unused dripping from your mother should have been granted."
Spikehammer turned back to the young human with a spine. "Now small progeny. . ."
Suddenly things began to slow down as Harry saw events unfold. Gnarl pulled a dagger while staring at Spikehammer's back his intent clear and moved to Spikehammer. With no thought of how to proceed Harry's eyes widened. Spikehammer saw the reaction. Attempting to side step the attack his age betrayed him and received a wound to the left side where his upper lung was located. Something in Harry reacted without conscious thought.
Gnarl was blasted away from Spikehammer and into the wall. Spikehammer fell to the ground and slid into the same wall as Gnarl from the glance blow of Harry's attack and coughing up blood onto the floor. Gnarl was slow to get up and shake his head from disorientation looking to Harry teeth bared. The enraged goblin ignored any pain and charged at Harry claws extended as part of the attack not knowing or caring when he had lost the blade. Harry feeling drained and barely aware of the alarm sounding trying to keep his eyes opened. Gnarl landed on Harry driving the child to his back moments after instinct brought up Harry's arms in defense of his face. Harry felt pain as claws sunk into his shoulders.
Knocking the human down and hearing it scream was good. Gnarl would have been content with just killing Spikehammer for his remarks concerning Gnarl's family. Having a human hear it and attack him could not go unanswered. Pulling back its right claw and knocking away the weak child's defense, Gnarl lunged for the throat of his victim. Unbridled terror in Harry's eyes was the last thing Gnarl saw.
Suddenly the head of Gnarl was pulled away from Harry's throat. The teeth had just started to penetrate as life ebbed from Gnarl. Harry could taste copper in his mouth and the last thing he saw was Spikehammer kneeling over him shouting off to one side as he tossed Gnarl aside with the dagger sunk into the back of the skull.
Waking up confused and sore Harry looked around. He didn't have much energy to do anything but look. Looking around showed a small room with two chairs next to his bed. The bed he was in was softer than what he slept on and had a passing thought about asking where he could get one like it.
Then the last memories returned to him. Gnarl's backstab of Spikehammer. The chaos and weakness Harry felt. He was not sure how it happened but he knew he had knocked Gnarl back. Then it dawned on him, he used magic. Magic was cool. Magic was … exhausting.
As if knowing he was awake in came four goblins. The first if Harry had to make a guess was female. The Second was Spikehammer. Third entering was another goblin with a gold ring on each pointy finger wearing a black suit. The last and probably scariest to the resting wizard was the armored goblin with sharp weapons and well used leather and steel armor.
The female was thinner and wearing what could best be described as a full length wool dress covering her from neck to booted feet. Brown and itchy looking to Harry's mind he could not imagine wearing something like that with only his head and hands uncovered like she was doing. She approached and spoke to him in a language he could not understand. The confused look gave away his lack of understanding to her and she turned to the others.
Spikehammer spoke in her place. "Good morning, Harry. The healer would like to run another scan on you if you don't mind. It won't hurt before you ask." Harry only replied with a nod of his head to her.
All was quiet for a couple minutes and the healer chanted and moved glowing clawed hands around his body. He became much more nervous as they swept towards his head.
The goblins all noticed this and it was the armored one who spoke in a rough and serious voice to Harry. "Stay calm boy," for a moment Harry looked hard at the goblin and it seemed to amuse him. Laughing out loud the armored goblin continued.
"He really does have some stones on him!"
This statement seemed to relax Harry and make Spikehammer and his companion smile. Moments later the healer bowed to Harry and made a report to the goblin in black before leaving at a dismissal of his hand. The suited goblins took the chairs next to the bed. The armored one moved next to the bed with an easy grace and quieter than the suits.
Spikehammer started the conversation off. "Harry let me introduce you to my companions. The armored one is Captain Ralg of the 1st shift guard."
Ralg nodded in Harry's direction before Spikehammer continued.
"Next to me is 1st shift Director of business affairs for Gringotts. He is as you would say my boss." Harry sat up in bed. Not without some dizziness. Choosing to lean on the cool wall the bed was up against.
"Am I in trouble?"
"No youngling. We are here to talk to you and as you have recovered from your misadventure we choose to come to you to expedite the process."
"Oh" responded Harry. "Have I been fined then?" Remembering the letter and believing that must be why they are here.
Ralg let out a hardy laugh. "By the Stone Father he has to have goblin blood in him."
The other two just smiled before continuing.
"Harry we need to complete our business with you. Interruptions aside let us proceed. First since you were kind enough to get blood all over our floor we used some of it to check your identity. As you are already aware you are Harry James Potter. Now, the rest you may not know so I advise listening closely as I, well no goblin likes to repeat anything."
Harry nodded and became very attentive. This drew approval of all the goblins present. Seeing the boy's attention focused on him Spikehammer continued.
"Your father, James Charles Potter, and mother, Lily Evans Potter, died in combat against Lord Voldemort on October 31, 1981. You were subsequently moved to your only living relatives the Dursley's on the eve of November 1, 1981. These relatives unwillingly took you into their care. Their words not mine. Living in there house since your tragic loss. If I am correct until a couple days ago you had no knowledge of magic existing as a factual force?"
Again all Harry did was nod; tears beginning to form this time.
"We had come to the same conclusion considering your reaction the other day. Harry we will precede to the second order of business: entitlements. Firstly, please understand several factors have occurred that affect your past, present, and most definitely your future. Let us concern ourselves with monetary issues first. One, upon their death your family has left everything to you directly or indirectly. More details on that in a moment. Two, your access to all inheritance items is limited due to age and laws. Thirdly, once you reach your first majority you will receive access to 1% of the overall inheritance.
Secondly, if you wish to according to your grandfather's will you may move into the family estate that James was cut off from. There are however stipulations that have to be met for that to transpire. If you wish to discuss that further we can after covering the rest.
Now the last order of business to make you aware of before getting into specifics is your Family investments and debts owed. After verifying your identity we began to update all files concerning your now active accounts in conjunction with the wishes of your assumed master."
"What?" Spikehammer smiled at this response from the child.
"We were informed that one Paul Thomas has taken you to be his apprentice. Are you saying you don't want to be his apprentice?" the goblin in the black suit was smiling now having spoken for the first time.
"No! I mean. Yes! I mean. I don't know what that is so how can I answer you." Harry struggled to answer.
Captain Ralg laughed again, and Harry thought his laugh was starting to scare him.
Spikehammer sighed before continuing. "Mr. Thomas approached Gringotts as we are an international institution. Being a foreigner it only made sense. He asked us about who was training you in magic. Apparently, when he first met you, your aura was very bright and hurt his eyes momentarily. When we investigated the matter we noticed quickly the lack of training. Relaying this information allowed him to start certain traditions from his homeland."
Harry was listening but not sure what they were talking about and it must have shown.
"Let me continue Harry maybe that will clear it up. Magic is a varied thing in this world. Some magic users can call on it directly, some use instruments to ease the process, and some are required to use instruments or have no access to it. You will find most European and Asian magic users perform with instruments like wands and staves or even drawings on the ground. Africa and South and Central America tend to use staves, chanting, and dance. North America, most noticeably the United States, is more of a combination of all types. These are just generalities though there are always exceptions.
Anyway, Mr. Thomas has claimed apprenticeship rights with you if you accept them. If you accept Mr. Thomas will become your teacher and instruct you in a way of doing magic. It is important to note that you will learn only from him to remain his student unless he authorizes others to accept you as an apprentice. If you choose him you're representing him when you do magic." Spikehammer finished.
"This is real important isn't it?" Harry asked.
"To some Harry it is very important. For the most part apprenticeship has fallen by the wayside with magical schools around now." The black suited goblin stated.
"With that out of the way let us finish up with Mr. Thomas' actions regarding you. If you accept Mr. Thomas as your Master and become his student, Harry?" Spikehammer questioned him. Harry thought is sounded cool to have personal teacher for magic and nodded with a smile.
Standing and facing Harry the goblins had Harry's complete attention as they continued. "Very well, acknowledgement of your acceptance of Paul Gregory Thomas as master, trainer, and caretaker grants access to only Paul Gregory Thomas to any and all monies and property in your stead until released from service of your master. Witnesses to this are Captain Ralg of the goblin guard, Senior Master Diviner Spikehammer, and I, Daytime director of Gringotts floor Grug."
Pulling out a glowing set of paperwork from his inside jacket pocket Grug handed it first to the Captain. The captain bit his thumb and smeared blood on one line of the paperwork. Handing it to Spikehammer he repeated the process followed by Grug. When Grug handed the paperwork to Harry the goblin directed him to three places to sign. Harry also noticed where there should be blood smears were signatures of the three. The captain offered a knife to the child and he paled. The captain laughed again and Grug gave him a blood quill and explained how it worked.
Once the paperwork was signed Grug and Galg left leaving Spikehammer to talk privately with Harry. "Harry, I need to apologize."
"You don't have to."
"Youngling when a goblin apologizes to a human it is a big deal and you will be silent!" Harry wisely sat quietly. Spikehammer took a deep breath and then began. "Harry I endangered your life yesterday. My clan and gnarl's have a history of fighting and feuding. I will also tell you that goblins in general can be vicious, and not just in business. For dragging you into that I am sorry. It was also decided that your actions saved my life. Which means nothing as far as human law is concerned. Goblin law is different. Let me explain.
The Rocksniff clan was once a strong clan. But times change and they have declined over the centuries. They saw the decline and took aggressive steps to try and stop it. All it did for them was cause feuds with other clans. One of those was my clan. We are the Nightstalker clan. Due to yesterday when you were hurt we not only guarded you for saving me but attacked the Rocksniff clan. We wiped them out. We had planned it for a while and merely needed an excuse. I gave us one yesterday. Where you come into this is simple you saved me by getting Gnarl off of me before he could do more damage than he had already inflicted. Even your unintentional warning aided me. So, this brings us to my clan owing you for saving one of its elders. " Spikehammer could see that most of this was over Harry.
"Harry get dressed we need to go to one of your vaults and get you home soon." Spikehammer waited for Harry to get dressed before leaving the room guiding Harry around. The cart ride seemed to energize Harry regardless of how drained he was feeling. Shortly they were in front of vault 1313.
The goblin running the cart opened it and went back to the cart to wait. "Harry, can I enter your mother's vault with you?"
Hearing it was his mother's instantly got his attention. "Yes." Entering it even as he answered having no idea what to expect mattered little to the wizard. Wanting only to see whatever belonged to his mother.
Getting inside and seeing only a trunk might have bothered most. Not Harry though he wanted to open the trunk. Ignoring the warning from Spikehammer to wait he grabbed the lid. As he tried to lift the lid he got a nasty surprise. A gelatin like substance sprayed out and onto Harry. Instantly it hardened like ice and was covering Harry in a pink color. What annoyed Harry was the perfume like smell.
Spikehammer just laughed at pink perfumed immobile Harry. He tried to glare at the goblin. The goblin laughed harder. Going as far as to relay the information to the cart driver and requesting a curse breaker to be brought in hoping to avoid ending up like Harry.
"Once the cart driver was gone Spikehammer looked around and requesting the immobile Potter's undivided attention. "Harry, before anyone comes back I need to tell you something. When you leave Gringotts today stay away until your eleventh birthday."
"Why?"
"Harry, it was impossible to hide the events of yesterday. Not everything is known about the events, but enough is known to cause trouble for you for a while. Let me explain, a human helped kill a goblin on goblin soil. An offense that can alone get you put in jail for your lifetime at minimum. But that is not all. That event led to a goblin clan getting exterminated. Goblins killing goblins is one thing. Add humans to that mix and it is bad."
Spikehammer did not want to mention to a young child that some goblins where calling for his blood already. Mr. Thomas had been informed to take protective measures concerning his charge. He also didn't want to mention too much about owing his life to the wizard. Not yet at least. Spikehammer wants to use that at a later date to the benefit his clan and Harry. But for now several things would be hidden from Potter and Thomas. Nightstalker clan was a very cunning even by goblin standards. And here stood Harry Potter. With the right training Harry would be most useful to them.
"I'm sorry." Harry started crying.
Spikehammer pulled from his thoughts moved to Harry and freeing him while trying not to breathe through his nose. "No Harry, look at me. Goblins don't show kindness outside the family, but I want you to listen to me. If I could I would make you family. You will never apologize for saving me or anyone else ever again understand?" Spikehammer was going to hug Harry but that smell really was potent to a hunter clan.
"Yes."
"Good. Now let us talk about your parents for a bit." Harry begged him to start after asking if he knew them.
"No. I did not have the pleasure. In fact most goblins hated your parents." Surprise covered the boy's face instantly. "Didn't expect that did you? Well, it breaks down like this your father caught a goblin trying to word a contract heavily in goblin favor and stopped using Gringotts services. To make matters worse he informed most of the wizarding world of how it happened. Usually such matters would be kept between the interested parties. However, you father was young and a bit reckless.
Several things can be said about your father both good and bad. I am sure you didn't know this but it is known to us he was quite a prankster and fervently loyal to his friends. He was also a fool when it came to your mother. Thank whatever deities you pray to Harry that your mother loved him back just as much. It was obvious to everyone how much he loved her. She could have destroyed him emotionally, financially, and every other way you can think of and he would have come back to her over and over again.
Now you mother was a different beast altogether from your father. Your mother was intelligent, cunning, and detail oriented. Everything a banker doesn't want. Her haggling skills were something feared by the bank's bottom line. Your mother worked summer holidays for Gringotts as a potion brewer. She started at the lowest level and worked her way up improving some potions. She even created a couple that only she holds the rights too. She had her mastery in Potions before graduating. Gringotts was set to hire her. She turned us down wanting to work on Charms we believe."
He was not going to tell Harry that one of the reasons he wanted in the vault was to maybe get a peek at some of the work that was supposed to be in the trunk in front of him. Maybe even try and buy them. Hopefully getting closer to the boy now would net them big benefits later.
The cart returned with a human cursebreaker. He listened to what happened then cast a few spells on the trunk. The gray haired wizard turned to Harry and asked if he wanted to know how to open it or just break open the protections. He explained how this would ruin the trunk. Harry immediately chose unlock not break option.
"On top of the chest is magic and blood test. A needle comes out and takes a drop of blood once you push magic into the square on top. Next I recommend you be alone. There is a detection runic array built into the front lock. Before you ask, no vault like key is needed for the front. That is just a distraction. Good day too you." He proceeded to start leaving and stopped. "I almost forgot it is weightless and responds to the owner's verbal commands to shrink and enlarge." He then left.
Spikehammer was not too happy about this development. Lily was protecting her secrets even from the grave. One more project to work on with her son culminating in profit.
Harry approached the sealed trunk and put his hand on the top thinking he already stank what else could it do to him. Putting his right hand on the square he simply waited for a minute. Nothing happened so he tried concentrating on making magic do something.
"Trying thinking of reaching out with happy or love emotions from your heart to the chest Harry." Mr. Thomas called out from the entrance to the vault. Harry instantly smiled at his friend. Refocusing while touching the chest Harry believed it was good to see Paul. Feeding the feeling down his arm it touched the chest. The trunk bound Harry to the top while examining the magic signature.
"Focus on your feelings Harry. By the way Spikehammer you need to leave the vault or were you not listening to your own cursebreaker?" Spikehammer left vault and waited by the cart.
"Harry, I am going to close the vault so that you're alone with the chest. You can come out anytime you want to and only I will be able to get in to you. I will give you 30 minutes before coming back."
"Ok."
Once the door closed a torch in each corner lit allowing harry to see what was going on with the trunk. A beam of red light came out of the top of Harry's hand and swept the entire room. After covering it twice changed to green and shut off. A stab into his palm for the blood requirement to be satisfied and finally his hand was released. An image of a red headed woman emerged from the trunk square on top.
"Name?" it questioned.
"Harry James Potter," he had no idea if it needed his whole name or not.
The trunk image of his mother which was twelve inches tall finally responded after a minute.
"Hello son. You can ask my trunk some questions I updated routinely. Last update was April 23, 1980. All information after that is beyond it."
Harry really only had one question but could not ask it yet. "What is in the trunk?"
Giggles from the redhead were music to his ears. "What is your present location?"
"I am in your Gringotts vault."
"Head back to you godfather's house with the trunk to get that answer. I have long suspected goblins get into vaults whenever they feel like looking around. I might just be paranoid though."
"Who is my godfather?" The image began to flicker instantly. Two small vials popped up from the right front top of the lid.
"Harry, drink the left vial and wait for further instructions." Harry trusted his mother. Even if it was only just a small image of her and drank the contents of the vial. The liquid made him feel light headed.
"Harry, where to you live currently?"
"#4 Privet Drive. I have my own bedroom and everything. I want a new bed though. I slept in a good one today." The image flickered again.
"Harry what does the name Sirius Black mean to you?"
"Nothing" The image flickered again for two minutes straight.
"Harry, drink the second vials contents. I will be enacting protocol 86 until further notice."
"What is that?" Harry liked the taste of the second potion much better than the first.
"Protocol 86 is activated after Harry informs me of living with Petunia and having no idea who his godfather is or where he can be found. Instructions for Harry are as follows: go to your trust vault. Remove 1000 galleons into a weightless bag purchased from Gringotts have the goblins blood bind it to you only. Specifically request nothing else added to the expanded, weightless, blood bound bag. Then have the goblins convert for you 150 additional galleons in mundane local currency and insert it in the bag. Go to vault 1004 pick up the rucksack and leave the vault. Finally, take this trunk and insert it into right side lower pouch of rucksack. "
"Why do I have to do all that?" Harry whined.
"Something has gone horribly wrong. You were never supposed to live with Petunia in the event of our deaths."