Ch. 7 Trip to Gringotts

It was a smart looking Harry that appeared with a soft +pop+ in an empty alleyway across from The Leaky Cauldron. A quick thought his clothes were transfigured into a casual, yet trendy muggle business attire. The clothing choice would give him the appearance of a muggleborn, or muggle raised half-blood.

A quick use of illusion magic, stronger than the usual glamours worn by wizards, gave Harry short blonde hair and blue two eyes. The eyepatch having been covered by the illusion too. Conjuring a mirror, Harry observed the changes with an approving smile. A wave of his hand dispelled the conjuring before Harry stepped out of the alley and quickly made his way across the street.

Harry entered the pub, taking a quick glance around, he strolled through the pub not stopping to chat with the regulars. His only goal upon opening the hidden alleyways' door to the magical shopping district was to reach his destination of Gringotts. Shoving his mixed emotions about being in the once happy place, at least for him, in tiny boxes behind his occlumency shields, Harry stepped into the alley.

The once busy alley was almost empty, which was strange at almost ten o'clock in the morning, and only eight shopping days left until the next Hogwarts schools year. Steeping into the alley, Harry, strolled along the pathway noticing the few shoppers scurrying about as if a dementor was after them. They hurried from one shop to another. The shop themselves had the windows boarded up and the shopkeepers who once happily sold their goods on the streets were missing to.

In all, the place had an uncheerful and ominous feel about the place. Harry noticed several pairs of wizards and witches wearing matching outer cloaks with badges noting them as magical law enforcement, Auror's. Harry made sure to keep an eye on them while steering clear.

A noticed a young witch in Auror robes with bright pink hair and her tall dark Auror partner were standing talking with Fred and George Weasley. The site of the twins laughing with beautiful young witch and her partner caused a pang of nostalgia to grip his heart, but he quickly shoved into to a box and refused to think about the feeling. Though he did note that the twins seemed to be doing well as he took note of their suits and the colorful store behind them.

In the window of the store, Harry noticed a plaque that read in memorial, Harry Potter, with his date of birth and death, the words to our silent founding partner…may you finally be at peace…we never doubt you, Harry. Harry didn't know what to think about the plaque. He'd like to say that he believed the twins words about never doubting him, but he would have to talk to them personally to discern the truth.

Though, right now he had more important matters to attend to, Harry gave a brief nod to the goblin guards as he entered the imposing snow white, multistoried building. Harry stepped into the vast marble lobby with its long counters stretching along its length and doors leading away to vaults and other places unknown. Stepping further into the lobby, Harry passed the long counters until he reached the end where he found the oldest goblin sitting at the highest counter.

Harry stepped up to the counter, he addressed the disinterested goblin. "I have two items with me that I was told from a reliable source that you would recognize anywhere, Lord High Goblin…"

The goblin sat down his quill, his beady black eyes never wavering from the wizard. "…And if I, don't you will need a very good reason for disturbing me wizard," he sneered in contempt.

Unintimidated by the goblin's threat Harry withdrew the scabbard from inside a hidden pocket in his cloak. He placed the scabbard on the counter and with his right hand, he withdrew the sword while making sure that the goblin saw the shiny pale metal and red engraved diamond that had the sigil of the dragon carved by magic in its center. The ring glowed brightly for a second as Harry, in a show, of strength, allowed his magic to flood the ring and sword.

The unnamed, yet goblin's eyes widen briefly in surprise before at the display of magical control. The goblin ran a finger reverently along the blade and scabbard.

An inhale of breath flooded the goblin, "in all my years, I never believed that I would witness this blade return," he spoke in a quiet whisper.

The goblin turned his beady black eyes to Harry an appraising looks upon his face… "Very well, Lord Emrys," he paused looking around the moderately busy lobby, he gave a brief nod, "I believe it would be best if we were to discuss business elsewhere."

Harry watched as the Head Goblin left his counter, using steps to reach the floor, "if you would follow me this way, mi' Lord."

Harry put the blade back in his scabbard and hid it in his cloak from prying eyes. He followed the goblin through an unassuming door at the back of the bank lobby.

Scene Change

Harry followed the goblin passed dozens of workstations manned by both wizards and goblins. Two of the human employees caught his eye, as he recognized the wizards with long red hair and earing as Bill Weasley. His companion, surprised him, as he made eye contact with the beautiful blonde, Fleur Delacour. Both employees watched him with rapt curiosity as the head goblin led his guest along the workspace. As far as they knew such occurrence never happened.

The goblin stooped to address another unnamed goblin; a whispered conversation took place. The goblin scurried away after being dismissed. The head goblin unlocked a door, show Harry inside, he shut the door to any on lookers.

Harry took not of the posh furnishings and artwork of battle scenes on the wall. The opposite was lined with floor to ceiling windows that overlooked Diagon Alley. The goblin took a seat behind the antique desk at the center of the room.

"Please, have a seat Lord Emyrs…" the goblin gestured to a comfortable looking chair that sat in front of the desk.

A calculating gaze followed him as he took the offered seat. "Now down to the business that has brought you here today Lord Emyrs…" a brief pause "…or should I say Mr. Potter?"

Harry looked startled by the admission of knowing is real identity…a toothy grin let Harry know that the goblin found his response amusing. "I assure you, Lord Emyrs, your identity here will be kept a strict goblin secret known only to us, goblins…no wizarding employee would be able to sense your unique magical signature…

…A witch, on the other hand, who has…shall we say is more adept at being able to read magical aura's or signatures could…theoretically recognize your unique magical signature through they would have to spend time you on a daily basis and such magical recognition is only taught by the older families and is kept strictly a witches secret…in days long passed witches would use such magical talents to find a wizard compatible enough to produce offspring…" The head goblin leered.

Leaning back in his chair… "But I don't suspect you need to worry Mr. Potter, to much, at least, your magical signature as changed since you first entered Gringotts at the age of eleven. You shouldn't be recognized by any witches who knew you previously…but I would warn you to keep your magic from flaring around any witch of childbearing years; especially, those that are the most compatible with you as you may find that your particularly strong brand of magic will have effects on the witch, almost like the allure of a Veela…"

"I'll remember your advice…"

"Gringott…the seventh," The goblin provided, "You may call me Gringott, Lord Emyrs, as we are of equal rank in our respective societies."

"Very well, Gringott," Harry aside, "Then feel free to call me Harry."

Just then there was a knock at the office door. "Enter quickly," Gringott said gruffly.

The door opened to find a goblin pushing a serving cart with a chilled wine and gold goblets. The goblin who brought the cart stepped to the side and stood quietly incase his liege needed him to retrieve anything else.

The was even a dish of assorted pastries. "We are not as uncivilized as the wizards would believe us to be, Harry." Gringott snapped his fingers, and the wine began to pour into the goblets.

"I never thought you were, Gringott," Harry replied, "Though the curriculum at Hogwarts would say that I learned otherwise."

"I'm sure it would…" Gringott used his magic to hand Harry a goblet of wine. "To your health Lord Emyrs." Ragnok toasted, took a quick sniff of the wine, before taking a mighty gulp of the wine.

"And to yours, Lord Gringott," Harry copied his host.

With the pleasantries out of the way, Gringott, turned his calculating gaze on his still glamoured guest. Harry matched his gaze stare for stare, Gringott broke the silence, "You are quite safe here, Harry, if you wish to drop the illusion."

The illusion faded after a moment; Harry reverted to his normal appearance. He watched as Gringott took in the eyepatch, scar, and older appearance. "Hmm, he seems that Queen Mab did not exaggerate in her missive…"

Harry was surprised to hear that Mab had sent a message to the goblin leader. A toothy smile answered his unspoken question. "Yes, it was a surprise to hear from the Queen of the Fae…No Goblin in my lifetime, nay, several lifetimes have had contact with any Fae not since they retreated to Avalon over a millennia ago…

…So, you must imagine the astonishment when a royal Fae messenger appeared quite early this morning with gracious tidings and a letter stating that Harry Potter was alive and had been living on Avalon for a number of their years…" Gringott paused to take another sip of wine.

"…Even more to our surprise was how she said told in the letter who brought you to their shores, why and the following years of training at the hands of master warriors and wizards…" Harry stayed silent as Gringott spoke.

"…the letter ended with a reminder of the alliance between Goblins and the Fae people and that as part of our treaty we are to give all assistance that we can to the Fae…" Gringott paused to drain the last bit of wine.

"…and it seems that includes you, Harry, as the queen made it known that she considers you a son in all but blood…so I ask you what you are plans and how can the goblins assist you." Gringott finished.

Harry leaned forward in his seat, "…well, Gringott, first order of business is to formally claim all titles that I am due. Second, would be to take an accounting of all my monies, lands, business, and other assets."

Gringott snapped his finger summoning the goblin assistant. "Your heard, Lord Emrys's request, get the Potter account goblin in here and bring a genealogy parchment and blood quill."

"It would also help to save time if you had a pensive," Harry spoke before the assistant could leave.

Gringott nodded his assent to the request and the goblin left to run the errands.

"Another goblet of wine, Harry," Harry held up his goblet as the wine container floated over to it and began to refill.

While they waited Harry showed Gringott the plans he had made for the new Evanshart castle on the largest Triad Island. The Goblin leader was impressed with plans and the general layout. The runic scheme carved into the foundation stones was very impressive and something that he was sure to barter with Harry for the knowledge and rights to use similar scheme in goblin construction projects.

Twenty minutes, after leaving on his errands, returned carrying a pensive, some parchment and leading another goblin who like the other two goblins was dressed smartly in business attire and carrying a large tome under his arm.

"Account Manager Bogrod, Lord Gringott," the newest goblin said with a bow.

"Bogrod, how long have you managed the Potter accounts," Gringott questioned.

"Fifty years, mi 'lord," Bogrod informed them, "Lord Charlus saw that I be elevated from my position as assistant account manager to the position upon the retirement of the previous manager."

"Hmm, then one would say you owe the Potter family a great debt, Bogrod…" Gringott said, "…it is unusual for one so young to be elevated to the position of an account manager for Noble and Most Ancient House, is it not?"

"It is mi' lord," Bogrod with defensive deference, "I have done everything in my power to protect and grow the profits of House of Potter's gold in my tenure."

"I'm sure you have done an admirable job, Accountant Bogrod," Harry interceded in the conversation.

The goblin in question turned his black eyes on the wizard. Said eyes widened in recognition, the resemblance to James Potter and his forefathers was uncanny. "Master Harry?"

Harry flashed the goblin a smile and let his magic flare. "Indeed, account manager Bogrod," the goblins black eyes widened in surprise of the magical display but yielded to the familiarity of the Potter family magic.

"It is good to see you alive and well, Lord Potter," Bogrod gave him a toothy grin. "I assume by your presence that you have come to formally claim your title as Lord Potter?"

"Among others," this statement confused Bogrod until he eyed the dragon sigil on the wizard's right hand.

A toothy grin graced his peach-colored face, his black eye alight at the thought of the havoc that his client would bring to his enemies and pleased that he would have a ring side seat to the festivities.

"I see you have caught on, account manager Bogrod," Gringott had seen the calculating look that Bogrod let surface at the sigil ring.

"Yes, mi' lord," Bogrod addressed the older goblin.

"Good, then let us get on with business," Gringott spoke as he placed a parchment sheet in front of Harry and a blood quill. "Just need you to sign your name, Harry. The quill will draw blood from you to use as ink. The parchment will absorb the ink and its magic will inform us in writing what houses you will be lord of…"

Harry did as instruct and picked up the blood red quill, he wrote his full name. The pain from the cut he received to give the quill ink was minimal as he did this Gringott ordered, "Ragnok, set the pensive on my desk."

Harry sat the quill on the desk when finished and watched the parchment absorb the blood. Words soon began to form…

Henry James Potter

Born July 31st, 1980.

Mother: Lily Potter nee Evans

Father: James Fleamont Potter

Lord of Houses….

"I will remind you, Bogrod, you are bound by oaths as the Potter account manager to keep his family secrets," Gringott met the other goblins eyes.

"Yes, Lord Gringott," he straightened as he replied.

"Ragnok," the goblin in question met his liege lord's glare. "Everything that has happened in this room and will happen in future that pertains to Lord Emyrs, and his identity is a goblin secret…"

"Understood, Lord Gringott," he replied.

Returning to sit at his desk, he addressed Ragnok again, "See to it that the Black family account manager, Gornuk, is in here in ten minutes with the Black family accounts. Have another goblin assist you in finding and bringing the account tomes for Houses Emrys, Evanshart, Gryffindor, Perevell, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Cuchulainn, and Flamel from the archives…"

A wide toothy grin adorned his peach-colored face. "I believe we have business to attend to and profits are to be made…"

Ragnok rushed from the office to inform Gornuk that his presence was requested and to find another goblin to help him find the tomes for the Houses requested.

"I believe this belongs to you Lord Potter," Bogrod handed a black velvet ring box with the Potter sigil on the top.

"Thank you, Bogrod," Harry took the box and opened the lid. He saw the Potter sigil of a rampant stag carved into the ruby gem surrounded a gold band.

Harry took the ring out of the and slid it on the same finger as his sigil ring. The rings touched, the magic within the rings met in a clash before the older more powerful ring absorbed the Potter house ring. Gold inlay swirled around the shiny silver metal in a complementing fashion. The ruby with rampant stag shrunk and appeared on the right side of the rings band.

"After your time comes to greet the next great adventure or if you choose to bestow a House Lordship onto an heir then the rings will separate, once again…" Gringott informed Harry how the rings worked.

"Now, I believe that you wished to show me some memories, Harry," Gringott prompted.

"Of course, Gringott," Harry said concentrating on the memories he wished to share.

He pulled the silvery blue shimmering memory strand from his mind and placed into the goblin made pensive. "Bogrod," the goblin in question looked to his client. "If it is alright with Gringott…I'd like you and Gornuk to also observe the memories. I need the account managers in charge of my accounts to know who they will be working for, what I've lived through and what I'm now capable of."

"Very well, Harry," Gringott agreed, "Bogrod if you'll join me, we will be gone only for a few minutes."

Harry gave a nod of ascent, and the two goblins touched a finger into the shimmering looked and disappeared.

Author's Note: I decided to end the chapter here. Highlights of the meeting between Harry and the Goblins will be seen in the next chapter but having everything discussed and planned in one meeting has been done plenty of times and has been something that I have become bored with reading in other fanfiction stories.