*I do not Own Harry Potter.
Chapter Four
Harry grasped his backboard to his chest tightly, and paid strict attention to the speed, pace, and direction Master Ironclaw and Lord Malfoy were walking in. He did not want to be too close, but he also did not want to appear to dawdle, two things that had been known to set his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia off. Although these two adults had yet to act threatening to him, he knew that could change.
They were led to an organized office, that seemed to produce a business like atmosphere and at the same time discourage minds from drifting. Mr. Malfoy and Harry were directed to seats while Ironclaw bustled over to a file cabinet, picked his thumb with one of his long nails, and pressing the digit to the handle first opened the draw and selected a number of files and two pieces of paper from another file, and a third paper from yet another file before closing the door and heading to his side of the desk, where he set everything down.
"Now then first things first." began Ironclaw, "Gringotts, Lordling Potter, and Lord Malfoy, is a Legal banking and business operation. Our clients are our priority, and so is their anonymity, or in other words Lordling Potter, the right for their business transactions to remain private. However in the Lobby, you and Lord Malfoy indicated you wish to conduct business together. A) So he can help you with purchases for schooling. And B) so Lord Malfoy may show you how to conduct your own future business transactions. Did I get that right gentleman?"
Harry wrote yes on his blackboard, and Lucius Malfoy answered in the affirmative verbally. Ironclaw nodded once sharply and set the three single pieces of paper in front of them. "These are contracts stating that what you learn here today, about each others affairs and transactions do not leave this room, without express permission from the other involved. The single parchment is for you both to sign, stating that you do not mind and won't sue Gringotts at a later time...or ever...for conducting business with both of you in the same room. These papers are just to protect everyone involved, and I myself will sign in blood to signal that Gringotts itself will not reveal the proceedings to an outside party at anytime, unless all parties are in agreement." They signed and the papers disappeared into the desk. This time Ironclaw asked, "Which file would you like to view first?" Mr. Malfoy seeing the child would not make a suggestion spoke up. "I believe we should go over Harry's first as his will take the most time."
When they were done going over Harry's file, he felt overwhelmed. He according to Ironclaw's file was the owner of several estates, and had stocks and bonds in a few businesses as well. One of those was the muggle run company Macy's. Plus he found out his Aunt and Uncle had received a thousand pounds each month for his care. He wasn't sure weather or not to bring attention to fact they clearly were not using it on him or for him, because as far as he knew he had nowhere to go, but back to them. Although, Lord Malfoy had said he was related to him, and was helping him sort thorough everything, it did not mean that Lord Malfoy would want him to live with him. He was also the heir to the ancient and noble house of Black. And since the current head of house was in prison, it was up to him to decided what happened to their investments and estates as well. When he questioned why Lord Black was in jail, Ironclaw spoke up before Mr. Malfoy. "Gringotts cannot truthfully say what Lord Black has done to warrant a prison sentence as we never received the trail transcripts, so we could freeze the accounts until you came of age to deal with them. And since they have not been frozen you have to deal with them now." Harry scribbled frantic on his blackboard, 'You mean he was never given a trail? That's legal? But he's a Lord! You said so! Does that mean I could go to jail without a trail too?!' "I will look into this matter if you agree Harry. It is not legal you are correct. Now I would like to ask, why you are wearing such clothes, if your relatives are receiving payment for your upkeep?" Lucius spoke, his voice even, he did not want to upset the child, but if he was to help him...even though it was obvious to anyone that the child was abused...Harry had to admit it, or his hands were tied.
Harry bit his lip and looked at his blackboard, running his finger over it slowly. Silently he decided one more chance. Just one. Maybe this time he would get the help he so desperately needed. But he would have to come clean about his hissing. What if because he couldn't speak normally his relatives were in the right about the way they treated him? He felt sure that if that was the case these two adults would be blunt about it.
* And I will end this chapter here. Not quiet sure what I want to happen next.
