Chapter 9: Major Changes

After Harry looked over each file, he handed them down the line to Ginny, Remus, Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Minerva McGonagall, and finally Albus himself. Harry had many questions running through his head including what he was going to do with all this money.

After everyone had read through the documents Griphook spoke again, "Mr. Potter, as you can see the Black Family Estate is fairly straight forward. Mr. Black made a number of changes to the Estate after his…personal removal from Azkaban. As you might have seen, Number 93 Diagon Alley and the flat above it are leased to a Mr. F & G Weasley of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes; the rental contract on these properties was just signed a little over a month ago. With your soul bonding to Ms. Weasley, you can easy hand over the complete building to them if you wish."

Harry only nodded then a serious thought came to mind, "Griphook, will everyone know that I own all of this? I am a very private person and I don't want everyone to know about my business."

Griphook just smiled, which for a goblin was somewhat terrifying "That Mr. Potter leads me to the Potter/Gryffindor Estate. As you know, you are the last direct descendant of Lord Godric Gryffindor. Lord Gryffindor was some what of entrepreneur; his main home, Lionfire Hall, was a working farm. He also helped start the Gringotts Trading Company, that company is the parent company of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Not just this Gringotts Bank, but all of the banks throughout the world. In the interest of safety and privacy, Gringotts Trading Company, or one of its subsidiaries, handled all of his businesses except for Hogwarts and Lionfire Hall. Over the years, all of his descendants have used similar methods. The money in subbasement 2 is just a small portion of the money your family has earned."

Griphook sipped some tea and continued "You see Mr. Potter; the governing body for Gringotts bank is the board of directors. The board consists of 8 members, 4 chosen by the Gringott Clan, and four chosen by the Potter family. The chairman of the board is elected by the board members and serves a 7 year term; he can be re-elected as many times as he wishes.

"For the last 21 years, Mackrack has been the chairman of the board. He is not only the bank chairman, but he is also the Clan Leader of the Gringott Clan, and the current leader of the Goblin Nation. The board members selected by the Potter family have been in place since they were appointed by Harold Potter, your grandfather. They are Augusta Longbottom, Aberforth Dumbledore, Alastor Moody, and then his seat. According to his will, it was filled by Albus Dumbledore until James Potter came out of hiding. With his death, and with no executed Will, the Board was frozen until you came of age. You may change board members at any time you wish."

Harry turned towards Albus and looked at him good and hard. One of the benefits of merging his magic with Godric's was the he was now a level 12 Occlumens and Legilimens. Dumbledore and Voldemort were level 10's while Snape was a level 9. "Sir, have you made decisions while as a member of the board that serve in the best interest of the bank and all of wizard and goblin kind?"

Albus felt Harry press against his mind; he opened his mind to him so that he could see the truth. "Yes Harry, even though many times it was very difficult to walk the tight rope I was on, I did everything I could for the betterment of Gringotts and the world as a whole."

Harry pulled out of his mind and smiled, "Thank you sir, I appreciate it. However, I am going to replace the four of you as board members. I have other jobs for all of you." Albus bowed his head in acceptance.

In truth he never wanted a seat on the board of directors. He only took the position because Harold was his friend. He donated his salary from Gringotts, just like the other three human members of the board, to St. Mungo's.

Harry turned back to Griphook gave him a wicked grin. "Griphook, I hereby appoint myself, Arthur Weasley, William Weasley, and you to the Board of Directors for Gringotts Bank."

To say everyone was surprised was an understatement. Griphook fell out of his chair at the news. "Mr. Potter, thank you for considering me, but I must decline. I am already serving on the board."

Harry just nodded, "Ok then, I appoint Dobby, the Free House Elf to fill the remaining the seat on the board."

"Very well Mr. Potter, I shall prepare the appropriate forms for everyone to sign and shall have owls sent to them. If I am correct, Mr. William Weasley is an employee of ours. We will promote him to one of our Vice President positions and oversee our Security Division. This includes our Curse Breakers, Charm Breakers, Wardmasters, and our internal security forces. Of course this position is a large responsibility, so he will receive a substantial raise and an entire staff. Mr. Weasley senior's and Mr. Dobby's cover stories will be handled at a later date. Mr. Potter, you may keep an office here if you wish. It will be located on the third floor and will have a secure fireplace and floo service."

Harry was really happy with the changes he was making, but there were more changes he needed to make. Not only to defeat Voldemort, but also to secure the future he wanted for himself and his family.

"Excellent Master Griphook, you are a wealth of knowledge, thank you. Now I have some issues with what I have read in regards to the Hogwarts accounts; who was the manager for the account?"

Griphook looked through his files and grunted in disgust. He then motioned for one of his aides to take a note to someone. As the aid left, Griphook spoke up, "Sir, the Hogwarts accounts are a mess. 200 years ago the Hogwarts Board of Governors ordered the account manager at the time fired. They then appointed the Ministry of Magic's Goblin Liaison Officer to act as the account manager. Unfortunately they had every right to do this. I have just sent for Mackrack to help…sort out this mess. I would suggest we all take this opportunity to eat, he is a very busy goblin."

Everyone agreed and dug into a delicious dinner. Albus excused himself for a few minutes to check in with Hogwarts thru a secure fireplace that only allowed fire calls. Arthur Weasley approached Harry who had been talking with Remus about Lionfire Hall.

"Harry, could I have a moment of your time?" Harry nodded and followed him over to Molly and Ginny who were huddled together.

"Harry, first off thank you for appointing me to the board; I would normally decline, but Ginny told me that you would leave the seat vacant until I took it." Harry only nodded "Now, from what we have learned from your parent's will, you two are Soulmates and have become bonded, fairly recently if I am correct."

"Yes sir, from what I can tell, we became bonded when Albus removed a block on my magic. I guess it takes a certain power level for the bonding to actually happen. To be honest with all of you, sir, I like your daughter, I may even love her. I have no idea what love is because I was never shown love from my aunt and uncle. Mrs. Weasley gave me the first motherly hug I can remember after I saw Voldemort return. Hermione gave me the first hug I remember period."

Molly Ginny were both crying and took him into a large hug. Arthur had tears in his eyes; 'How could those muggles do that to such a nice boy?'

Harry then pulled back enough to look at Arthur right in the eyes, "If love feels like enduring hundreds of Cruciatus Curses when someone I love is hurt, or like I cannot exist until I see that person in the morning, and leaving that person is more depressing then Moaning Myrtle, then yes, I love your daughter very much. I do not know when this happened, but it did and I cannot think of anyone else I would rather love."

After Molly could speak again, she let Harry go "Now Harry, I want you to know that you are a member of this family and you always will be. Now I want you to do something for me, ok? Once you get over to your ancestral home, I want you to find that book your parents told us about and read it cover to cover; then give it to Ginny so that she can read it cover to cover. Then I would like to read it so that I know what is going on as well." Harry nodded and kissed Molly on the cheek.

After a few more minutes, 2 Goblins walked in. One was Griphook's aide; the other was dressed in impeccable dress robes. He walked over to Griphook to confer for a moment then made for way over to Harry.

"Lord Gryffindor, it is an honor to meet you. I am Mackrack, chairman of board of Gringotts Bank, and Leader of the Goblin Nation" Mackrack bowed slightly. "Griphook has informed me that you have some serious concerns regarding the Hogwarts accounts. I would be honored to discuss them with you."

Harry bowed slightly, "Thank you for coming so soon Chairman Mackrack, I understand your time is quite valuable; please call me Harry, all these titles get a little much."

Mackrack laughed and motioned for everyone to sit back down at the table. "Of course Harry, please call me Mackrack. Who do you have here with you today? I know a few of them."

"Of course, where are my manners; you know Albus Dumbledore, former member of the board of directors." Mackrack nodded "To his right is his mate, Minerva McGonagall-Dumbledore; to her right is Remus John Lupin, a friend of my parents and Uncle; to my right is Arthur Weasley, newly named member of the board of directors, and his wife Molly; and sitting here in my lap is my soulmate, Ms. Ginevra Weasley."

"Thank you, I have already seen the changes you have made to the board, so what can I do for you today?"

Once again Harry got that smirk that reminder Remus about when James and Sirius planned a prank. "Mackrack, for the last few years I have seen that the Ministry of Magic can't find its way out of a paper bag. I am also very unhappy with how my school has been run, though I do not completely blame the Headmaster. I believe that these two problems are related, that is why I am here. If the Headmaster's reactions to the Hogwarts account balance means anything, he is just as concerned as I am."

Albus spoke up, "Harry, in all my years as Headmaster, I have never seen any sort of balance sheet from Gringotts. I was given balance sheets from the Board of Governors that had no where near these numbers. I knew I had 'X' amount of money to cover everything. I do know for a fact that we have never spent the amounts of money that are on that balance sheet, except for the salaries."

It was just as Harry thought. The board of governors, and the ministry, had been stealing money from the school. "It's just what I thought. Mackrack, can you please tell me who had access to the vaults? I would also like to know who has been paid and for what over the last…let's try 10 years. Please include professors, board members, and anyone else who received money. I also want you to audit the needy student fund as well."

Mackrack smiled, "Of course Harry. When I learned of that an Heir of Hogwarts had claimed their birthright, I began to gather all the data I could regarding Hogwarts. Here are our findings." Mackrack passed Harry a huge tome that covered the last 200 years.

Harry motioned for Albus and Minerva to look at the tome with him. Mackrack continued, "Harry, if I may? I can give you the highlights of what is in there. The information contained is from both the records we have here and what I have discovered thru……other means." Harry nodded.

Mackrack filled his teacup and began to speak, "200 years ago, the Board of Governors was trying to do the right thing, it was not easy, but they did it anyway. Jonathan Potter, your many times great grandfather, was the chairman of the board of governors, and of Gringotts. There had been a number of unique charges against the Hogwarts accounts, so he ordered a full scale audit. Fearing that someone was after the school funds, he sealed the subbasement vault that the school used and made it disappear from the account ledgers. You see the vault was set up by Godric and Helga so that it could be used as collateral for the school if ever needed.

"He placed the real ledger and a description of what he did and why in the vault reserved for the Chairman of Gringotts. Shortly after this, he died under…mysterious circumstances, I believe he was poisoned. The new chairman of the board of governors, a Kar-El Malfoy, quickly ordered that the Ministry would control the finances from then on.

"They never discovered the subbasement vault and it has remained safe ever since. Since then the Board of Governors have spent huge amounts of money for no reason that is related to Hogwarts that I could find. 12 years ago one of the Slytherin representatives became the chairman. His name was Lucius Malfoy. He moved the Governors' offices into the Ministry of Magic building where they were paying a rather hefty price for rent. He also gave all the governors a rather large raise and hired other 'support staff' including a personal assistant that was just for the office of the chairman, plus his own assistant for him being a member of the board. He hired an official transcriber, even though one of the personal assistants took the notes. And their own personal chef, whom they never used, instead they used the Ministry's house elves. Now these positions, as far I know, had never been filled, but there were people paid for these duties.

"This board also had expensive dress robes made for them. From the invoices from Madam Maulkin's Robes for All Occasions, they were made from acromantula silk. Not a single one had any of the Hogwarts Emblems on them. Neither the school crest, nor any of the house crests. They all had their own family crests on them; even though they were charged to the Hogwarts account, which you saw on the balance sheet.

"However, what really threw my caution flags up were the following items: Rental charges for their office space, the Board's office supplies, and the category marked 'Other.' Last year the Board's rental charge was 100 galleons. I know this to be true because Percy Weasley handed the invoice to Griphook last week.

"When I began my investigation, I pulled all the invoices I could get my hands on. Normally these are all paid thru the Goblin Liaison Officer, but every once in a while a vendor would come to the bank directly. Unfortunately I had no idea what was going on with these accounts until last night. When you claimed Hogwarts, the magical contract between the Board of Governors and us was broken. Once I had access, I saw that millions of galleons were appropriated for rent, yet according to the invoices, the Ministry charged 100 galleons a month, just like the invoice we received from Mr. Weasley.

"After some careful research, I have discovered that many of these galleons have gone into the private accounts of Lucius Malfoy and C.O. Fudge. The same goes for a good amount appropriated for 'Other' expenses. The remaining money went into the accounts of D. Umbridge, W. Macnair, three of the other governors, and 4 other people who were sent to Azkaban as Death Eaters.

"To add insult to injury, Mr. Draco Malfoy, Mr. Vincent Crabbe, Mr. Gregory Goyle, Miss Pansy Parkinson, and Mr. Michael Corner's tuition was paid from the Needy Student fund, even though they all came from wealthy families. Because of this, certain members of the community donated money directly to Gringotts for Hogwarts Needy students. We paid the school directly and will be happy to hand over the money we collected as well as the names we have. However, the worse part of all is that Lucius Malfoy somehow appointed board members who had no association with the house that they represented."

Harry was seething, and by the looks of the others, they were too. Lucius and his ancestors had robbed Hogwarts and in doing so did serious damage to the Wizarding World. They would pay for what they did; Harry would make sure of it.

"Mackrack, when are the next salary payments due to go out?" Mackrack liked the way this human thought.

"Well since you have replaced the Board of Governors as the responsible party for Hogwarts, you can stop all payments including anything to do with the board of governors and a certain professor who looks like a toad."

Harry and the others laughed loudly. "Excellent, Mackrack and Griphook, I would like you to complete an audit on all the Hogwarts assets. Go back a thousand years if you need too. I also do not want a knut to be paid to anyone without my express permission. Also remove everyone's access to all Hogwarts assets controlled by Gringotts except for Albus, Minerva and myself. While you completing your audit, please create a report for the Ministry.

"In it, I want you to detail where all the money has gone, who authorized it, the official reason why they authorized it, where the money was supposed to go, where it actually went, the works. When you have it completed, I want you 'accidentally lose it' somewhere I will find it at.

"Of course I will pay you for your services and…discretion regarding this matter. Oh and once everything is cleared up, I would like you, Griphook, to continue to handle ALL of my accounts, including the Hogwarts accounts."

"Mr. Potter, I believe that we can arrange for this entire matter to be dealt, with swift and decisive action. As for our fee, it will be 1 galleon, Lord Gryffindor." Mackrack answered with a grin of his own to match Harry's. "Now, will there be anything else you require from us this evening?"

"Yes actually there are two additional matters, I know it is late, but do believe that these matters are of the utmost urgency. I would like to hire some of the Legendary Gringotts Warrior Goblins to defend a number of sites from Lord Voldemort and possibly the Ministry." Everyone was looking a Harry as if he had gone mad.

Remus voiced his concern, "Harry, are you insane? Do you know what kind of signal that will send to people? You're declaring war on the Ministry!! That's what they'll say!" Harry shot Remus a look that made the wolf inside him back down. Harry was the Alpha Male around here; Remus had no say in these decisions. He backed down and sunk into his chair.

"Thank you for your concern Remus, but it is misplaced. I have no intention of going to war with the Ministry of Magic; I will not fight innocent people, but I will take down Cornelius Fudge and his cronies. Now Mackrack, I need a Goblin Battalion to defend Hogwarts, and whatever is needed to defend The Burrow, Longbottom Manor, and Potter Manor. I also want three battalions on stand by, one will be used to secure and guard the Ministry itself, one will be for St. Mungo's, and the other will retake and secure Azkaban. The Azkaban battalion will also need to be able to run a prison for us. I also want some of your security people to protect a list of students and their immediate families; I will give you the list at a later date.

"They include muggleborn, halfbloods, and other supporters of the light. I would like Wardmasters to examine all the existing wards and add any that they feel are needed. I want you to take the money you need from subbasement vault 2."

To say Mackrack was shocked was an understatement. In all his years, he had never heard a wizard ask for so much help. Mackrack knew about the prophecy that tied Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort's fates together. But this was something different, Harry wanted to help raise goblins up and treat them like equals and he was doing it while trying to protect those who cannot defend themselves. It was an enormous task, but if anyone could do it, the High Lord of Hogwarts could.

"High Lord of Hogwarts, what you ask is…most difficult. But we are at our disposal." Griphook handed Mackrack a parchment, which he read then smiled, "It appears that we already have a squadron stationed at Longbottom Manor, so that will not be a problem. As for The Burrow and Potter Manor, I believe it would be best to have our new Vice President examine those properties have him report his recommendation to you, personally.

"Potter Manor, like all of your personal properties, is under an ancient variation of the Fidelius Charm which allows the Head of the Family to know where they are. You are not the secret keeper however. I believe the Headmaster and your current charms master at Hogwarts can answer any questions you may have on them.

"As for St. Mungo's and the Ministry of Magic, I can have a battalion to both locations in less then 30 minutes when needed. That leaves only Azkaban and Hogwarts. The securing and running of Azkaban will not be any trouble. We goblins once owned Azkaban Island and ran the prison for many years, until some wizard thought they could do it better. So the Ministry paid us a fortune and we left. Once we land we can have the prison ready for new tenants in less then 24 hours, providing we are allowed to…deal with the current guards."

Everyone laughed because they didn't like dementors anymore then the goblins do. "Please do us a favor and kill every single one of them. I'll even pay 500 galleons for every dementor that is killed."

"Excellent Harry, I know the soldiers will appreciate that. As for Hogwarts, we would be honored to once again defend the castle and aid in its repairs." Everyone looked confused, "You see Godric Gryffindor hired the Gringotts Trading Company to help build Hogwarts Castle and the lake. For 500 years we kept at least one squadron stationed there. At the one time we had two full battle battalions stationed there, ready to fight. I would recommend sending two battalions again along with a squadron of engineers; they will be able to help fix any damage that has occurred over the years."

Harry just smiled; this was even better then what had hoped for. "That is why I like working with you Mackrack; you know exactly what I need. Please make all the arrangements you need. I only ask the goblins remain out of sight, I don't want anyone else to know what we are doing, yet.

"As for my last piece of business here tonight, Mackrack I am forming a new advisory board for Hogwarts; it will be called the Hogwarts Advisory Council. Albus here will serve as its President. The purpose of the council will be to act as my advisors regarding the running of the school. This will include curriculum, student life, menus, etc. I would be honored if you and Griphook were to be members of this council. The other members I plan to have are Molly Weasley; Dobby and Winky, two free house elves; Madam Pomfrey; the Head Boy and Girl of the year; one representative from each year and from each house; six parents from various backgrounds, pureblood, halfblood, and muggleborn. I also want two alumni from each house. I know this is a rather large council, but I want every voice I can get."

Mackrack and Griphook both looked at each other and then stood up, "I, Mackrack, Leader of the Goblin Nation, accept your invitation to sit on the Hogwarts Advisory Council."

"I Griphook, from the Gringott Clan of the Goblin Nation, accept your invitation to sit on the Hogwarts Advisory Council."

"Thank you both; it is late, I believe it is time for us to return to Hogwarts. Please send the battalions to Hogwarts whenever you can." As the group all got up to head home Mackrack told Harry that they would be there by midday tomorrow.

Just as Harry, Albus, Ginny and Minerva were getting ready to walk through the portal, Griphook heard Harry ask Albus, "What are the chances of getting Madam Bones to the castle tomorrow?"

"With what you have planned Harry, I would say quite easily." A moment later they were gone, the two senior goblins then headed off to get the ball rolling on Lord Gryffindor's plan to change the world.