Harry Potter and the Power of Time

Chapter 3 – Within the Bowels of Gringotts

Stepping into the Leaky Cauldron so early in the morning, it was virtually empty. Harry could see Tom standing behind the bar polishing a few goblets with a dishtowel, and just a handful of patrons sitting around two back tables. Harry guessed it was still early, but didn't know the exact time because he still hadn't replaced his watch from after the second task in the Tri-Wizard tournament. Purchasing a new watch was only one item on his very long list for the day. But first stop, Gringotts.

Hurrying across the tavern so as not to be seen, with Hedwig on his shoulder, Harry entered the back alleyway and tapped the few bricks that allowed entrance into Diagon Alley. "Three down, two across," Harry muttered to himself as he remembered the correct combination. He hadn't been to Diagon Alley since the summer before his third year, and it was a wonder he could still remember. The archway opened up, and Harry almost ran through, so eager to begin the day's purchases. The tall white columns of Gringotts loomed in the distance, and Harry quickly made his way through both sets of massive front doors. Harry recalled the fright he felt at passing the goblin guards on that first trip with Hagrid.

Approaching a teller's desk, Harry stood on line waiting his turn. To make sure he wasn't seen, he kept his hood up, and his head down. Finally it was his turn, and Harry approached the counter. "I'd like access to my vault please," Harry said as he slid his key across the desk. "I also would like to inquire about exchanging some funds into muggle money. That's new to me, so I have a few questions."

The goblin sitting high above Harry gave his key an intense look, but didn't ask for an ID confirmation. Harry wondered if the goblin knew he was trying to hide his identity. But then again, with all the dealing they must do with dark wizards and such, Harry guessed that as long as they got paid, goblins must not really care. Finally he spoke after almost a minute of examining Harry's vault key. "Please step to the right and tell the goblin at the service cart you wish to visit your vault sir. He'll escort you there. As to your other request, you can inquire about a transfer of funds at the Muggle Exchange Information Desk on your return. There are a few different options, so listen well. Good day, sir."

Harry nodded a thanks, took back his vault key, and exited the line to the right, walking towards the goblin already waiting in a mine cart. Harry climbed over the side, and was glad Hedwig had decided to wait outside as the mine cart began to speed away.

"Vault 1295 please!" Harry yelled to the driver over the noise of the cart.

"Yes Mr. Potter, we'll be there shortly," replied the goblin.

Harry wondered how the goblin knew his name, and took a closer look at him. Although Harry was behind him, and faced the goblin's back, Harry soon recognized the tiny form of Griphook, the same goblin who escorted him to his vault all those years ago. Harry only though it'd be polite, so he said, "Thank you Griphook. It's good to see you again."

His response caused Griphook to turn around and look at Harry queerly, but he said nothing. A few minutes later, after a many dips and twists, the mine cart came to a stop, and Griphook quickly climbed out followed by Harry.

"Lantern please," Griphook ordered and asked Harry, and Harry bent into the cart to lift the light, not surprised by the request in the slightest. He handed it to Griphook, and watched the little man scurry to the vault's huge doors. The next request came as no shock to Harry either. "Key please." Harry handed Griphook his vault key and stepped back, watching as the doors opened wide. Griphook handed Harry back his key and stood by the vault doors, waiting for Harry to conduct his business.

Harry stepped into his vault, still amazed at the large piles of golden galleons, silver sickles, and bronze knuts that heaped high off the ground. Harry couldn't even tell that he'd been taking money out of his vault for the past five years. While he'd never spent an extreme amount of money in the past, he still spent a fair amount over the years on Christmas presents, visits to Hogsmeade, and his yearly school supplies.

"Griphook," Harry asked, "is there a way you can tell me the current amount of money I have?"

"Yes sir," he replied. "Begging your pardon sir, but how do you know me?"

Harry was confused by the question, but answered it anyways. "Well, you may not remember, but you once showed me to my vault before, a few years ago. Honestly, I was quite surprised to see you again. I'm sure there must be hundreds of goblins working at Gringotts, and I've seen you twice now. Why do you ask?"

Griphook was careful in his reply, and took a moment to answer. "I do remember your previous visit, it's just odd for a wizard, and one so young at that, to remember a goblin's name. To most a goblin is simply a goblin. I can't even remember the last time I was addressed by name."

"Well," Harry declared, "I'm not like most wizards I've found out. In the few years I've been around, I've had friendly run ins with a dragon, a hippogriff, a werewolf, two giants, a few house elves, and a handful of centaurs. I guess it's from my muggle upraising, but I find most wizard attitudes quite discriminating towards other magical beings. It's one of the things I find most unpleasant about the wizarding world. But with an idiot as Minister, what can I expect?" Harry realized he was beginning to ramble, and stopped there.

"Very well, sir. As to you inquiry about your total funds, there should be an enchanted parchment towards the back somewhere that lists this vault's total assets. It magically updates itself with each deposit and withdrawal you make. If you wish, you may take it with you, as it's just a copy of the original. For a complete list of your other assets, you'll have to see a bank manager." Griphook was most helpful in his reply.

Harry began to climb over a mountain of knuts even before Griphook finished his answer. In the back left corner of the room, indeed there was a small podium with a parchment on the top. But before Harry reached it, Griphook's final statement sent him tumbling. "Other assets!" Harry yelled behind him. "What do you mean other assets?"

Griphook looked very uncomfortable, but answered nonetheless. "It's not normally my place to say sir, but I believe you have access to another larger vault on one of the lower, high security levels. This vault simply houses the trust fund that has been set up for you. The other vault, if I were to make a guess, is the Potter family vault. Most pureblood families have them."

Harry was shocked beyond belief. He always knew that he was wealthy, and that his father had come from a pureblood line, but he'd always assumed that this was his only vault. He couldn't even imagine what might be in a larger, high security vault. At least this would make his next decision a little easier, especially if he didn't have to rely on his trust fund for the rest on his life. Harry regained his composure and climbed the rest of the way to the pedestal in the rear. The parchment atop was a simple enough document. It had his full name on the top; Harry James Potter; and a total sum of funds on the bottom lines. Between the two was a record of the last fifteen withdrawals he, or Mrs. Weasley on his behalf, had made. Over the past five years, Harry quickly added, he had withdrawn a total amount of four hundred seventeen galleons, three sickles, and twenty three knuts.

Looking back down at the bottom line again, it was no wonder that Harry couldn't see a difference in the piles of money from year to year. According to the parchment, which Griphook assured Harry was accurate; Harry had access to a fortune. More precisely, about 2,792,461 galleons! "Whoa," Harry thought, "and this is just my trust fund? What the hell's in the other vault?"

It took him a few moments to remember the reason he was here in the first place, but after a spell, Harry tucked the enchanted parchment into a robe pocket, and withdrew a letter he had written the night before. Opening the envelope and taking out the letter, Harry reread it one last time.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Weasley,

I want to thank you both for all the love and support you've offered over the years. The past few months have been hard on me, but I think I've finally gotten past my grief, and have accepted my role as I see it. This may not make sense to you now, but one day soon it probably will. Anyways, I've decided to become a little more independent after the events of the past school year, and one of the first decisions I've made is to repay your kindness the only way I can. The money I've deposited to your account is only a small token of the thanks I can give for accepting me into your family.

If you're anything like Ron, or Ginny, or Fred or George, or the rest of your clan, I know that you'll want to refuse this money. I've left instructions for Gringotts not to allow you to be able to deposit money into my account, ever. Please let me do this for you. You and your family are such wonderful people, and have given me what I so desperately have needed. Let me return your kindness. Don't think of it as money; just think of it as I do, currency. You're family is rich with kindness and love, and I happen to be rich with galleons and sickles.

I know it may be painful for you to remember, but do you recall last summer when you (Mrs. Weasley) encountered that boggart, and saw each member of your family die? I know it was your greatest fear, but for me, to see myself included in your family was one of my happiest moments. I'm sure you know, I never knew what love was until I left the Dursleys' for Hogwarts, and met kind people like you.

So please enjoy this gift. Buy new clothes, a few broomsticks, add a room or two to the Burrow. Mr. Weasley, you can even go out and buy plugs and batteries to your heart's content. Or maybe replace that car of yours I had a hand in ruining. And don't worry about me, I won't mention any figures, but I have plenty more funds where this came from. In fact, I hardly will notice it's missing.

I don't expect you to find this letter till at least the middle of the summer, so if all goes as planned, you won't see me, and get the chance to throttle me until you seriously consider my words, and how much this means to me. It's not an act of charity, it's simply an act of love. Muggles, in situations like this have a wonderful saying....What's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine.

So thank you once again, and enjoy. I'll understand if you don't want to mention this to your children (I happen to know Ron's a bit prone to jealousy), or if you don't want to mention it again even to myself. No thanks are needed.

With all my love and thanks,

Harry

'Yes, that will do quite nicely,' Harry thought. He'd always felt guilty when his friends had to purchase used books, or wear hand me down robes. Harry wore Dudley's hand me downs, and he absolutely hated them. He'd been wanting to do this for a long time, but whenever he'd come to Gringotts, Molly Weasley was always hovering over him like the mother hen she was. He'd never had the chance. Now he could.

Last night when Harry had written the letter, he hadn't an exact amount of money in mind to give, but figured it would be a few thousand galleons. However, after knowing he was far wealthier than he thought, Harry decided to increase the amount. Even if he only had access to the 2,792,461 galleons in this vault alone, he could easily last a few decades. He did plan to spend a lot with all the shopping he had planned on today, but Harry couldn't imagine spending more than five or ten thousand galleons at the most.

"Griphook," Harry asked, "if I wish to make a deposit to another vault which I don't own, is that allowed? And more importantly, will anyone else besides the two of us know about it?"

Griphook became nervous again; he obviously didn't hide his emotions very well. "Sir, you are allowed to do with your money as you see fit, including transferring it into another account. As to your other question, I'm not supposed to say."

Harry had suspected this. After all, Dumbledore and the Order had controlled so much of his life already, why stop now? Deciding to take a gamble, Harry approached the tiny goblin slowly and stared directly into his eyes. "Griphook, do you report my actions down here to anyone? I just think it's odd to see only you each time I come to visit my vault. I don't wish to get you in trouble, and I swear that I won't repeat what you tell me to others, but I'm asking you man to man. What is Albus Dumbledore informed of? He's controlled my actions for far too long, and I'm not surprised to learn he's messing in my affairs here as well. Please tell me, what is he informed of?"

Griphook clearly didn't want to answer, but he did, and Harry thought it was a good thing he remembered the goblin's name after all this time. The conversation he had earlier obviously persuaded Griphook to either trust or like Harry enough to go against Dumbledore's orders.

"Sir," Griphook began, "yes I'm afraid I do report your actions to my superior. Please understand I'm under strict orders to do so. I happen to find you most honorable and polite, so I'll tell you what I must report." Griphook by no accident hinted to Harry. "Although I don't know about all the details, what I do know is this. You have free reign of the funds in this vault to do with as you please. However, a letter is sent to Mr. Dumbledore by my direct superior if you make any single withdrawal over one thousand galleons, or a total withdrawal of twenty thousand galleons in a single month. These instructions do not pertain to transfers of funds to other accounts, as they are not considered withdrawals. Being under age however, you are unable to open new accounts for yourself. You are also not allowed to make any withdrawals from the family vault I mentioned earlier, unless accompanied by your guardian."

Griphook almost seemed to stop there, but continued in a strained voice. "Between you and me sir, a little known loophole in that law is that, although you are unable to make withdrawals from that account being under age, you are still allowed access to it. It's not just money that resides in many family vaults, but personal items of importance, titles and deeds to properties, and other legal documents of the like. As your family vault has been closed for many years, and interest rates have fluctuated in the time that has passed, I don't think anyone really has an accurate account of its exact contents."

So Harry's suspicions were confirmed, Dumbledore was watching what Harry spent money on. It's a good thing Griphook let him know this, because Harry planned on spending a lot of money today.

"Thank you for being honest, I appreciate it," Harry told the little man. "I have a few things to ask of you. Please transfer 300,000 galleons to Arthur and Molly Weasley's family vault, along with this letter. Do not inform them of the transfer; please let them discover it on their own. And can you please set it up so that they're not allowed to deposit money back into my accounts? I also wish to withdrawal exactly one thousand galleons, so as not to arouse any unneeded attention. And I would like to visit my family vault, to asses its value. Do any of these actions require you to make a report to your superior?"

Griphook couldn't help but smirk as he shook his head and said, "No sir, not at all."

And so Griphook helped Harry count out exactly one thousand galleons to put in his moneybag, which grew very heavy. He also helped count out a pile of 300,000 galleons on the far side of the vault, to be transferred over to the Weasleys' later that day. That took some time. Harry's letter was placed atop the large pile, the vault doors were closed, and a few minutes later, after a longer rollercoaster ride than he expected, Harry was deeper under London than he'd ever been before. Apparently when Griphook said one of the lower vaults, he really meant it. Instead of the vaults he normally saw, the Potter family vault, number thirty seven, was in a far different place than Harry'd seen before. He'd always heard rumors of dragons and such guarding the vaults of Gringotts, but Harry had never seen anything close to that level of security before, so didn't hold the rumors true. Now he could say he was wrong. He was in a vast cavern so large Harry couldn't see the ceiling from where he sat in the darkness. The tracks below him were supported by a very narrow rock ledge, surrounded by a deep chasm. Harry peered over the side of the mine cart, and like the ceiling, couldn't find a bottom either. And yes; there were dragons. Ten by Harry's count, smaller than the ones he'd encountered before and of an unknown species, but dangerous none the less. They perched on stone outcroppings along the walls at intervals, keeping a careful watch over the entire cavern.

"Griphook?" Harry was dying to know the answer to this question. "How are those dragons restrained? And are all family vaults under such protection?"

Harry wasn't sure, because he'd never heard a goblin do so before, but he could have sworn he heard Griphook give a short laugh. "Sir, the dragons remain unrestrained to deter unwanted visitors. They are a special species breed only by goblins, and attack anyone not accompanied by a Gringott's employee such as myself, who has clearance. And no, not all family vaults are located on this level. The first hundred vaults in Gringotts are the oldest, and therefore belong to the oldest of the pureblood wizarding families, such as yours. It is rumored, you might like to know, that vaults one through four originally belonged to the families of the four founders of Hogwarts. There's no proof of course, and now the vaults belong to other families, but it is believed by many."

"That is interesting, thanks." Harry couldn't help but be impressed with Griphook's knowledge.

As they slowly rode along the tracks, Harry couldn't help but notice some familiar names on the vaults as they passed by. Snape, Longbottom, Turpin, Nott, Vector, Abbott....the names kept rolling by. Harry even noticed to his horror the name Malfoy, but on closer inspection he laughed out loud as he noticed their vault was number ninety nine. "Pretty close Draco," Harry muttered, "only two vaults away from not being as pureblooded as you'd have us believe." Harry filed this information away to maybe taunt Draco with later, as the mine cart slowed to a stop.

"Here we are sir, vault number thirty seven, Potter family vault." Griphook repeated the procedure asking for the lantern all over again, and approached doors easily as large as those in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. And again, as he'd done before on vault 713 five years ago, he ran his long, boney finger along the seam of the doors in front of him, until a loud click could be heard, but the doors didn't open. Then Griphook stepped back, and turned to address Harry. "Please sir, place the palm of your hand within the designated circle, and clearly speak your full name. It is the last security measure in place to allow access to your vault."

And so Harry did. He stepped forward, placed his right hand where Griphook pointed, and spoke in a clear voice, "Harry James Potter." The doors opened outward, and Harry stepped into his family's vault in utter shock.

He didn't know what to expect of course. Harry had not speculated about the size of the Potter vault during his long ride there, but he never expected this. The room was huge! At least ten times larger than his other vault, probably more. And it wasn't just the piles of money. There was so much more. Jewels, books, furniture, portraits, weapons. Anything you could think of was all right in front of him. Add an icebox and stove, one could even live within the so called "vault."

"Griphook," Harry began, "is it just me, or is all this just unbelievable?"

Again Harry swore Griphook laughed before returning, "I have been in just a few family vaults on this level, and am not able to tell you what I've seen in them, but I would have to agree with you, this is most impressive. The money and jewels and such are normal, but the furnishings, weapons, and books are most unusual. Normally I believe, they'd be placed within a home. For some reason, your family decided to keep many of their possessions here. If you'd like to look around, please do, but remember, no money from this vault must pass these doors. If that happens, one of the bank managers will become alerted to an illegal withdrawal, and you'll get a far closer look at those dragons you were so interested in before."

Harry could only nod in compliance as he began to walk around. The piles of gold and silver were pretty self explanatory, as were the jewels and other valuables. Although in very large quantities, Harry walked right past them and headed straight for the rear of the room. Books, of all shapes and sizes, were everywhere. Piled high on the furniture, placed in massive bookshelves, even piled on the floor. 'If Hermione were here, she'd never leave,' Harry thought. The artwork was also impressive. Most was wrapped carefully, but a few pieces were opened, and Harry could glimpse the portraits of what must be his relatives.

To the right of the books and furniture, attached to the walls, were the weapons Griphook had previously mentioned. It seemed a whole armory was stockpiled here. Swords, daggers, crossbows, spears, and suits of armor....the list was endless. And on closer inspection, some of the weapons seemed to glow with a strange light. 'Of course,' Harry thought, 'some of these weapons must be magical. I wonder what properties they might have?'

Working his way back up to the front of the vault, Harry looked at the boxes lined against the walls. These were the most out of place of all the items in the vault, for they were simple muggle packing crates. Harry counted there were six in all, placed one on top of the other in a pyramid fashion. Not worrying about how much time he was taking, Harry walked to the top most box and made to open it, but a dusty ancient looking envelope sat alone on the top box. One word was written on it. Harry.

Slowly, Harry opened the letter addressed to him, and tears leaked from his eyes as he read the letter written to him almost fifteen years ago; from his parents.

Our Dearest Harry,

If you're reading this letter, than we apologize, for it means that we have died, and you have lived. We've known for awhile now that Lord Voldemort has been after us, and apparently he succeeded. We do not know what type of world you've grown up in, but hopefully Voldemort is no more and you've led a happy life with Sirius Black, your godfather. It was our wish that he look out for you if anything should happen, and he's a good man. If Sirius did not survive, which we hope is not the case, than we've placed you in the care of Albus Dumbledore, whom we know is slightly batty, but a kind and gentle man. He'll place you in a home where you're safe and loved, and look after you as you grow up.

If things go as planned, and you're with Sirius, you're thirteen now, and happy birthday! It was our wish to give you back your rightful possessions, which are within the walls of this vault. If things with Sirius did not work out, which we hope never comes to pass, than you'll be informed by Gringott's goblins on the eve of your seventeenth birthday, as you become an adult. Or if you're anything like you father, a true troublemaker, you'll be reading this letter way before you're supposed to.

You may question why this vault contains so many objects that have no right being in a bank vault, and that reason is simple. My parents (this is your Dad speaking now, and I mean the Potters) have known for some time that Voldemort has been after my family for years now, as frontrunners in the resistance against him. Years ago, while I was still at school, my family fled our ancestral home for a safer, more secure location. Giving up our home hurt a great deal, but was necessary to ensure our safety. So it wasn't a total loss, Potter Manner was virtually emptied of its valuables, and its contents brought here. We fear the manner has long since been destroyed, but if it has not, it will belong to you once more when you reach adulthood. My family unfortunately did not find safety where we hid, and both my parents lost their lives when I was in my fifth year at Hogwarts. History seems to be repeating itself now, as your mother and I are about to go into hiding ourselves, with you our infant son. We're going to hide at our summer cottage at Godric's Hollow, and if that too survives the war, it now belongs to you as well.

The crates this letter was placed on contains all the legal documents, explaining the many holdings our family owns, as well as a complete inventory of all things brought here from Potter Manner. Although we don't like to brag, the Potter line is very old and most distinguished, and our ancestors have been very wise in the investments they've made throughout the years. Needless to say, you've just become a very wealthy young man, based on property value alone. The actual money of course is subject to interest rates, which have hopefully been kind over the years.

The small trust fund we've set up separately for you was intended for your use during your school years. If Voldemort has not yet been defeated, there should be enough to last you at least until you graduate, and are able to secure employment. If as we hope, and Voldemort is dead, than we daresay the kind interest rates that should follow will turn your trust fund into a small fortune of its own. Feel free to add any remaining money back to this vault, or keep it separate as you wish.

Just so you know, in case your father is right and you get in here far earlier than you're supposed to, until you are a legal adult, or are allowed to by your guardian (Sirius only), you are not permitted to spend any money within these walls. However, the furniture, books, papers within these crates, etc. are free for you to take. Just hands off the money! We hope you'll have a nice home one day to furnish with our possessions, and until you do, please keep our family's belongings safely in the Potter vault.

Once again, please believe how much we love you, and know that we died fighting for a world in which we wanted for our son. We could have run, or given in to Voldemort like so many others, but we would never have forgiven ourselves. The world we know now is no world we want you to grow up in. Goodbye Harry, there's not much more to say, and I'm sure over the years you've had all your questions about us answered by Sirius, Remus, and Peter. Once again, we love you, and hope you continue to lead a very happy and joyful life.

With love from beyond,

Mom and Dad

Harry still wept openly as he carefully refolded the letter, and slipped it into a pocket of his robes. He never thought he could be so happy and yet so sad at the same time, yet that's just how Harry felt at the moment.

Happy because now he knew his parents loved him implicitly. Sure, it had been implied before, but Harry had never had any actual proof, it was always just the dreams of a small child, frightened, locked in a small cupboard. But this letter was evidence, proof, that his parents had died not by accident, but all for Harry. And they died to protect him, from the very horrors of Voldemort that again plagued the wizarding world. Reading his parent's letter, Harry had become more determined in his convictions than ever to stand up and fight Voldemort and his Death Eaters. If the cause was good enough for his parents to die for, to protect their son from, then that cause was good enough for Harry. And not just for some future child he may have one day if extremely lucky, but for every child that should never know the terrible childhood Harry had had, growing up without parents, without love, and without hope.

Yet he was also sad, and rightly so. Obviously his parents wished him to grow up with Sirius, and not only did this not happen, but Sirius was now dead, and the letter brought back painful feelings of guilt Harry had thought he'd already dismissed. Harry was also sad because his parents placed their trust in Dumbledore, which he had obviously betrayed just like he did to Harry. Harry may have been placed in a home that was safe, but there was definitely no love. And nowhere in the letter did his parents once mention that damn prophecy. This meant that Dumbledore never told them, a right he never had. His parents never knew why Voldemort was after them, and if they had known, maybe something could have been done differently. Harry had felt himself a pawn of Dumbledore's before, but never more then right at that moment. How could a man not tell the parents of a child; loving, caring parents, that it was their child's destiny to destroy such an evil man?

Harry thought about all these things as he made his way back out the vault's doors, taking only his parent's letter with him. He may come back later to collect some books perhaps, but not now. Not only did he have nowhere to put them, but Harry didn't feel like digging through more of his dead parents' belongings at the moment.

"Griphook, I'd like to go back now please," Harry whispered.

"Yes sir, right away." Griphook seemed to sense Harry's mood, and said no more.

The ride back to Gringotts' lobby was just as long and adventurous as the ride he'd had earlier, but Harry didn't notice. He took the time to collect himself. He still had a lot to do today, and he was more convinced than ever it had to be done. As much as Harry would like to crawl into bed and cry, that would have to wait for now.

The mine cart, twenty minutes later, came to a stop back in the lobby, and Harry crawled out. Before he made his way across the room to the Muggle Exchange Information Desk, he turned to Griphook and kneeled before him. "Griphook, this has been a very emotional and important day for me. Thank you for being honest and for all your help. If there's anything I can ever do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. I know goblin/wizard relations aren't normally that good, but please look beyond that. Thanks."

Griphook looked flabbergasted and just nodded as Harry stood and walked away slowly. He still had more business in Gringotts, and there was no time like the present. Harry once again went to wait at the end of a line, and soon looked up at a different goblin behind another high desk.

"Can I help you sir?" The goblin asked.

Harry, who had put his sunglasses back on upon entering the lobby once more, tilted his cloak covered head up to the goblin in response. "Yes. I plan on making many purchases in the muggle world in the next few weeks, and need to convert a large amount of galleons into muggle money. I've never converted a large amount before, and was wondering if there's a different exchange rate, or if Gringotts takes a different percent commission on large quantities?"

"Good of you to inquire sir," replied the goblin. "Though exchange rates always stay the same, the normal commission rate of eleven percent drops one percent for amounts over one hundred galleons, and three percent for amounts over one thousand galleons."

"Very good, thank you," said Harry, "but my business in the muggle world will be requiring me to be making purchases far more expensive. Are there any other options?"

The goblin's eyes grew wide at Harry's statement. Harry was talking about a lot of money, and everyone knew that goblins were greedy little devils. "Yes sir, and might I say, very smart of you to ask. There is another, lesser known option that most wizards don't choose because they don't fully understand. Tell me sir, do you know what a credit card is?"

Harry almost laughed at the goblin's question. Although he rarely saw his aunt or uncle use one, as he never was allowed to go shopping, Harry of course knew what a credit card was. He almost laughed because if the goblin was saying what he think he was saying, he could almost imagine some befuddled pureblood wizard, holding a small piece of plastic, and trying to figure out where the money came from.

"Yes, I'm familiar with credit cards," Harry answered.

"Very good," the goblin continued. "The last option I'm referring to issues a standard muggle credit card in your name, but the bill comes here to us. We convert your purchase amounts into wizarding money using standard exchange rates, and withdraw the amount from your vault. The line of credit offered is always half the amount of gold in the vault in question, and the commission rate that Gringotts implements differ slightly. Instead of a straight percentage made off the amount you spend, Gringotts will deduct a flat rate of fifty galleons per month. That's about the amount we'd take through normal commission rates for you exchanging 6,000 galleons. You can cancel the credit card at any time, but any partial months in service are billed the full fifty galleons."

Harry was ecstatic. It was exactly what he needed; a way to spend muggle money without having to carry around a large amount of cash. And he never had to visit Gringotts again in person if he didn't want to. "Yes, I like that option," Harry informed the goblin. "Is there a similar option offered for dealing with wizarding currency?" Harry figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

"Yes sir!" Again the goblin's eyes grew wide. "We offer an enchanted money pouch that offers a direct link to your vault. Only your hand can take money out, but anyone can make deposits. Simply speak aloud the amount you wish to withdrawal, reach in your hand, and the correct amount of galleons will be inside. Normally we offer this moneybag for the price of three hundred galleons, but for such a fine customer as yourself, I'll lower the price to two hundred."

Harry inwardly laughed again. Had he known of it before, he would have paid four hundred galleons for such an easy way to access his vault. But he held in the smile that threatened his face, because he knew what type of creatures goblins were. Not all of them were as honest as Griphook. "I'll tell you what," he told the goblin, "lower the price of the money pouch to one hundred fifty galleons, and I'll take that, plus the credit card with the guarantee I won't cancel for at least a year. Do we have a deal?" Harry supposed to some people, like the Weasleys, the four hundred fifty galleons Harry was about to spend was a great deal of money. But taking into consideration the two million odd galleons in his trust fund, not to mention his family's fortune he'd have access to in about a year, Harry had no quarrels about spending the money.

Obviously the goblin fell in line with the Weasley way of thinking, and didn't even try to haggle over the price. "Deal!" He yelled out. "Please step inside my office sir to fill out the appropriate paperwork, and we'll have you on your way in no time. Would you like some tea?" Harry wasn't too surprised that the goblin agreed as quickly as he did, but when he put a closed sign on his desk, in front of a line of at least ten people, Harry was mildly shocked.

Still, he liked the quick results, politely declined the offer of tea, and entered the goblin's office. Once in a semblance of privacy, Harry once again exchanged the sunglasses he'd been wearing for his normal ones, so he could properly read the paperwork. It all looked very standard, and he had no problems signing the papers, but Harry knew he once again had to resolve the problem of Dumbledore.

"Excuse me sir?" Harry addressed the goblin. "Everything seems to be in order, and I've filled out all the information required, but I do have an inquiry which may influence my final decision." Harry noticed the goblins ears peak up at this statement. Obviously he didn't want to lose such a profitable opportunity.

"I've come to understand some certain unorthodox security precautions have been placed on my accounts. I know that Mr. Albus Dumbledore is notified if certain criteria are met. It is my understanding that by signing these documents, I'm no way meeting these criteria that will inform Mr. Dumbledore of my actions. I'd like your assurance that I'm correct in my assumptions, and a truthful answer either way would be very profitable for Gringotts."

The goblin looked oddly at Harry, and began to speak. "Sir, I'm not sure which security precautions you speak of, but be sure that all our business dealings are quite confidential. If you'd like more assurances...." The goblin stopped speaking once Harry had lowered his hood and removed his ski cap. Scar and blazing green eyes visible, there was no question the Goblin had recognized him now.

"Mr. Pott-tter!" The goblin stuttered. "I must say what an honor it is to be doing business with a person such as yourself. Yes, now I understand your inquires. If I may be so bold? Is it your desire to keep the matters we discussed away from the attention of Mr. Dumbledore?"

"Yes," answered Harry, "it is."

"Well then sir, as long as no conditions are breached that require a bank manager to inform Mr. Dumbledore of your actions, all your business is kept quite confidential. No one else need know. However, while I assume guidelines have been agreed upon by the bank managers and Mr. Dumbledore, I personally have no idea what they might be. I could always ask, but that would lead to the bank managers becoming aware of such inquires. But if I may, paperwork related to the Muggle Exchange Department usually stays within it. I think you'll probably be safe as long as you adhere to whatever guidelines have been set down."

Again, a goblin told Harry exactly what he needed to know. As long as he never made a withdrawal or purchase in excess of one thousand galleons, or twenty thousand within one month, Dumbledore will never know. Credit card or not, enchanted money pouch or not. Harry only had a small amount of experience dealing with goblins, but already he could appreciate them. Very strict and confidential, they would abide by rules and laws to the letter. But any loophole that may exist would not bother the goblins, and they themselves probably took advantage of a few cleverly written laws.

"Very good sir! I think we have a deal then." Harry handed the paperwork back to the goblin. "And I thank you for your honesty and guidance. I trust that our conversation and my presence here today can stay between ourselves?"

Again the goblin smiled. "Yes, absolutely Mr. Potter. It's been a pleasure doing business with you." Harry couldn't help but think the goblin's smile was caused by the topmost paper, which was the purchase slip for the enchanted moneybag. The price had been filled in at three hundred galleons. Apparently, Harry had forgotten his good customer discount.

And so with that, fifteen minutes later, Harry walked out of Gringotts, into the bright light of midday. Having once again donned his sunglasses and ski cap, Harry looked up at the sun and estimated the time to be about eleven am. He'd probably spent close to four hours in Gringotts, and still had much to do that day. So with his new credit card in wallet, and enchanted money pouch in pocket, Harry set out to do some serious spending.

AUTHOR NOTES:

I've been getting a lot of good responses, so I decided to post this chapter early. I have the first 5 written already, and wanted to releases them at about week apart, but the first two were kind of boring. This provides a taste of what the next three chapters will be like. I know it's cliché to make Harry rich, but I figured he had to be, coming from such an old family line. I did however only make him a millionaire, and only added two comas to his net value. I read one story once (I think it was written by Muhahahaha) where Harry had like 46,762,223,456,483,439,120 galleons in the bank, plus owned half the wizarding world, including Hogwarts. Not too realistic, so I tried to tone it down. For anyone interested in the muggle money exchange rate, I've decided to make one up. I don't know if it's accurate or not, but for the rest of my story, 1 galleon4 pounds6 dollars, roughly. Like I said in my bio, chapters 3-8 will be a lot of guilty pleasures, but they do serve a purpose, explaining where Harry gets all the stuff he'll be using the rest of the story. If you like the tone I've taken so far, stick around, you'll the love the action picking up around Ch. 10 (just a hint, but there will be a major confrontation before the end of the summer.) Thanks again.

Updated 11/18/04

I know originally my grammar and spelling could have been better, so I've gone through (I had to for the Schnoogle version anyway) and corrected all that I could find. This is the final version, folks! If you would like to reread the entire fic, there's also other stuff I changed to, besides the spelling. Nothing that will confuse a reader if they don't, but just enough to clean up some edges, and fix some mistakes in the mythology I made. Later all!

Ross