Authors note: I'm sorry there isn't too much going on in this chapter; this is sort of like the calm before the storm. I also really like writing Harry's anger, and his spiral to the dark. It'll start to get pretty crazy from this chapter on. I just didn't think with my writer's block I could satisfy and change the flow of this chapter without starting it over… again. Thanks to the wonderful suggestion of AriadneVenegas, who helped my creative juices flowing we will be meeting the first of Harry's mates; I plan on using that idea for sure. Thanks for all the love dearies, I'm done with school so updates will be coming much more often now for all of my stories! -Rose

Chapter Three: Gringotts (Part I)

Harry had never experienced such a smooth apparation in his life. For once, be it because of Cernunnos' touch or because of his creature inheritance, he did not hit the ground. Actually, much to his surprise, he didn't even stumble! He was almost overjoyed that he didn't hit the ground, he lived for days that he could prevent himself from developing more bruise, he had enough from the Dursleys. He still dusted himself off though, a pinched smile on his face, he was pleased, but he was so very worried about what they would uncover at Gringotts.

He looked at his surroundings, slightly confused as to where they were. The hustle and bustle was muted from Diagon Alley, and he felt as though he was surrounded by old yellowing stone walls. He felt Cernunnos place a hand on his shoulder and turn him until he was facing the opening of what appeared to be a small alley way. With a careful hand on his back Harry was guided into the bustle of shopping families, and a mass of Wizards and Witches doing their shopping. He was actually quite surprised to see it so busy; it was still a few weeks until Hogwarts started so he wondered what the rush was.

Apparently the alley was nestled between Eeylopes Owl Emporium and the Magical Instruments shop, an alley that he had never personally seen before, but guessed had been hiding from site. He briefly wondered if perhaps it was an alley that only gods knew about, but he wasn't about to ask Cernunnos. The man was teaching him the basics of Gobbledygook, just a few words to get him through the first introduction, knowing that trying to shove anything more than a few sentences in Harry's brain would end up with an overloaded mind. He was already slightly nervous, terrified even, if he was willing to admit it. Whatever he would find within Gringotts would change his life; it would also change the person he would become in the future, and it would show if he could truly adjust to the task of providing for his mates.

Harry was also slightly shocked to notice that no one was even looking at Cernunnos or himself, namely Cernunnos, who still had a full rack of antlers (At least as far as Harry could see) and was still wearing very little clothes. He noticed some Wizards would glance at him with odd expressions, (Harry could almost bet it was the outfit), and then go back to their shopping as if nothing else was out of the ordinary. It was no wonder people were so thoughtless when it came to Voldemort, they couldn't even feel the power radiating off of Cernunnos, they had no idea that they were walking in the presence of a god, as well as his vessel. Harry cherished the thought that for some reason the wizards in the alley didn't recognize him, and decided not to think about it, know that eventually Cernunnos would tell him why.

Walking up the stairs to the entrance of Gringotts had to have been one of the worst experiences of his life. Each step toward the white stone structures caused Harry's throat to constrict just a little more. He felt as though he would pass out before he even reached the top step, but Cernunnos' steady hand and gentle murmuring was keeping him from falling completely into his worry. He was practically thrumming with nervous energy, his magic was at a slight simmer just under his skin, and he had to say he was frightened at what would happen if it decided to burst, especially with his new creature inheritance.

They slipped into Gringotts with little to no fanfare, Harry so distracted he barely glanced at the poem on the door, just stepping through the threshold behind Cernunnos. He tried drawing as little attention to them as physically possible; he walked with confidence and with a serious air, even if he was quivering on the inside.

They strode with purpose down the center of the black and white marble hall. Their eyes gazing at everything, anything just to ensure that nothing was out of place. Their destination was a very stern looking Goblin, with very proper looking dark dress robe, and a white silk shirt that was just barely peeking out of the collar of the robes. He had a deep brow with thick wrinkles over the majority of his skin. His ears stretched out much like Harry's though where his were more delicate and softly pointed; the Goblins were a bit fatter, with sharp tips and uneven widths in some places. He had rather fine hair that was going silver in a few places, and a very thin pair of golden glasses upon his nose.

The approached the desk with caution, taking note that every other desk accept the desk which held the Front Manager. The goblin was identified by a black marble plate that stated "Wiretooth, Front Desk Manager". The goblin was scribbling something down into a thick leather bound ledger that looked like it held very important data, even though it looked like it had seen better days.

"Greetings, Manager Wiretooth, may your piles of gold match the piles of the corpses of your enemies." Cernunnos said with a firm yet quiet voice, noticing that the others in the bank were still thankfully oblivious to their presence. He bowed his head slightly, his right fist clenched over his heart as he addressed the goblin with a traditional greeting, one that Harry hastily repeated after Cernunnos hoping that he wouldn't offend Wiretooth. It wouldn't be a good start to offend one of the Goblins who would hopefully be helping him within the next few moments.

"Greetings, Master Wizard, may your gold grow along with your power." The Goblin said, obviously slightly shocked to be addressed in Gobbledygook and with such respect as well. It was a greeting he had not experienced outside of the Goblin realm since before the Goblin wars of old. "How may we at Gringotts assist you today?" He said his tone was brisk, but his dark eyes and thick arched eyebrow held interest, as well as a bit of respect deep within them.

"I have an appointment with Head Goblin Ragnok." Harry said softly, his voice quivered slightly, but his eyes held a determination that obviously would not be quenched until the day was done, and the deed was done.

His determination obviously impressed the Goblin as well; the creature raised its brow and stared at him long and hard before giving a slightly hostile smile to the young male. Yes, Wiretooth was very impressed; it wasn't often that young Wizards had enough nerve to announce themselves to Goblins.

"Ah yes, please follow me." It wasn't often that one so young was even allowed to talk to them, but this little one seemed so nervous. The Goblin considered him for a moment longer, eyes drifting to his horned companion before nodding. He stood with an odd grace and slowly walked down the few steps to the ground level, being as graceful as a Goblin could be before motioning for the Wizards to follow him.

He took them behind the main counter, down four extremely curving halls that seemed to lead downward. The trudged down two steep staircases, around a large fountain that had a small mass of Goblins by it and across a bridge over a large vast pit. There were Goblins and Wizards everywhere. Some held paperwork as the bustled around, some were talking strict business in Gobbledygook. There were more fantastic things to look at than even Harry could spare to look at; taking in every detail that he possibly could so he could lock it away in a memory for later.

By the time that Harry's mind settled down they were sitting in a small comfortable waiting room, with the instructions not to touch anything. That was especially hard for Harry because there were just so many things, little crafts and weapons from across the globe, always something interesting to look at, always and something more to worry about. By the time the office door opened again to call Harry and Cernunnos in, Harry had almost worked him into a fit again, for some reason he was having a hard time adjusting to not having Gaul around, which was giving him a bad feeling for when School started.

He couldn't help himself from popping up, nearly smacking Cernunnos with his antlers in the process, causing the god to sigh softly and shake his head. With gentle movements The Horned God placed a hand on Harry's lower back and led him towards the small room where the head Goblin was waiting with a stern look on his face. Before the creature could get off a word Harry bowed with a fist clenched at his heart, careful to stop a safe distance so he didn't accidently take out the goblin and let out a wobbling greeting in Gobbledygook.

"G-Greetings Head Goblin," He said softly with an audible gulp, "May your gold flow in rivers like the blood of your foes!" He exclaimed excitably as he was clearly proud of himself for remembering Cernunnos' teaching from that morning.

"Greetings young Chosen," The gravel voice of the goblin Harry had yet to get an eyeful said in kind. "May your foe fall at your feet, and your vaults never empty." It was obvious by the Goblin's tone that he was impressed by the young one. It wasn't often that the Goblins received any respect from Wizards, let alone those of higher class and standard. But seeing someone as high as a God's Chosen give such respect (even if it was something they all deserved) made the Head Goblin a little less on edge. "Please follow me into my office, we'll get settled in with drinks and get to our business."

Five minutes later Harry found himself sitting nested on a pillow on the floor alongside the Horned God for their comfort. After being informed that Goblins, especially took great pride in the comfort of their creature guests. It had been awkwardly quiet and the Goblin had gathered paperwork and obviously gathered his thoughts on the subject that they would be brushing. He handed both Cernunnos and Harry a thick folder with the instructions of not opening it. Knowing that an apology would likely be the first subject breached Harry immediately jolted to attention when the goblin finally let out a great sigh and sat up straight. The elder creature cleared his throat, drawing the Horned God's attention as well before he started on.

"I must say Mr. Potter; I am very much ashamed of the lack of action on behalf of the goblins."

The Head Goblin, Ragnok, began as he pushed a small finely crafted pair of glasses further atop his long beak like nose. His skin was a light earth tone, wrinkled with age and obviously thick due to his skin texture. He had patches of thinning black hair on the sides and atop his head, but two rather impressive bald patches that separated everything. He had large sunken black eyes that took up the majority of his face, and frightfully sharp teeth that clearly could be used for more than eating. He was dressed in a very fine set of custom robes, and clearly looked like he meant business if the large pile of papers on his desk was anything to go by.

"Going over the paperwork now I am unsure how we missed all the happenings of your account, but I assure you that any and all involved in this scandal will be found and dealt with in the most… unpleasant manner." Harry wasn't sure how he felt at this, he knew those responsible needed punished, but he almost felt that he should be the one to do it. A wave of simmering anger flushed through his body, it was a feeling he really wasn't all that used to. Normally he was able to hold himself back in situations like this, but for some reason (perhaps his creature inheritance) he was filled with anger towards the Goblins.

"With all due respect sir, perhaps Lord Cernunnos and I could hear the wrong doings first hand?" Harry suggested, hoping he wasn't speaking out of term, but wanting the Head Goblin to understand that this was serious, "I feel that punishment should be discussed and executed after the crimes committed are brought to light?" He felt he got his point across; punishment should be talked about after he found out what was really going on with his vaults.

Cernunnos had mentioned earlier that it was normal to get owls monthly from the Goblins with updates on what was going on with his money, but not once in his life had he received such missives. Obviously something was amiss, and Harry wasn't completely sure it was totally the Goblins fault.

"Of course Mr. Potter, If you and Lord Cernunnos would please open and read through the folder I have supplied," He said, gesturing to the bulging folder in front of them, "I feel that you may need to read it, I'll walk you through it when you are finished." With that he turned back to his own paper work with a nod and started signing papers once more.

And with that dismissal, Harry and Cernunnos went to work.

TBC