July 2nd 1997

The journey took the newcomers by surprise, as did their destination. Hermione, under no such handicap, greeted Ragnok with a cheerful smile and another curtsey, and was introducing her companions before they'd even had a chance to draw breath.

"Director Ragnok, may I introduce Lady Jennifer Black, Miss Addison McKinnon, Mr Draco Malfoy, Mr Harry Potter and Miss Ginevra Weasley."

Ginny didn't know much about the way Gringotts was run – she had always been far more interested in Bill's tales of tombs and adventure than intra-bank politics – but she still knew who Ragnok was; her curtsey was almost automatic as her mind spun.

Ragnok inclined his head in greeting and beckoned Hermione closer. "Lady Ravenclaw, may I assume that they are all here for banking formalities?"

Hermione nodded. "Harry and Draco need to access their vaults and Addie needs to discuss her accounts. Jen is Harry's legal guardian and he asked her to come with him, and Ginny is Draco's …" She hesitated. "He asked her to come."

"I see." Ragnok said, glancing at the door as it opened to reveal Griphook. "Enter."

Griphook hurried to the desk and bowed. "The information you requested, sir."

"Thank you." Ragnok took the offered parchment and scanned it. "Hmm. Griphook, escort Lady McKinnon, Mr Potter, and Mr Malfoy, and their companions to separate advisors."

"Certainly." Griphook said with another bow, then led the other five out of the room.

Draco took Ginny's hand almost automatically as they separated from the other three and were shown into another office.

The goblin at the desk stood and bowed to them. "Mr Malfoy, I am Hortnuk, the Malfoy accounts manager; how may I help you today."

Draco bowed as well. "Hortnuk, it is a pleasure; may our meeting prove profitable for both our families. This is Ginny Weasley; I wish for her to be present for at least the first part of our meeting."

Ginny thought she saw surprise in the goblin's expression, but it vanished as soon as it appeared.

Stop looking so tense. Draco told her, pulling out a chair for her. No one's going to eat you. Aloud, he said, "With my father incapacitated, I would like to enquire about taking control of the Malfoy assets."

Ginny started. Thanks for the warning!

I like to keep people on their toes.

"Well," Hortnuk said thoughtfully, "Lord Malfoy is in Azkaban for the time being and you are sixteen, there is no reason you can't take control of the family by proxy. Given the current circumstances, however, Gringotts and the goblin nation are aligning themselves against Tom Riddle, otherwise known as Lord Voldemort. There are some rules we cannot break, but since proxy-ships are generally assigned in the case of Lords too young for the responsibilities, we are enforcing new requirements for cases such as these."

"Of course." Draco said. "If I may draw my wand to make an oath?" The goblin indicated that it was alright, so he drew his wand from his waist. "I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, do swear on my magic and on my life that I do not support Tom Marvolo Riddle, otherwise known as Lord Voldemort, in any way, shape, or form, nor will I ever. So I speak, so mote be it."

"I think you covered everything." Ginny said dryly.

Hortnuk was now grinning widely. "In that case, sir, it is perfectly acceptable for you to take the mantle of Lord Malfoy by proxy until your father leaves Azkaban."

Draco nodded. Now how do I stop him regaining control when he gets out?

Can you cast him from the family? Ginny suggested. Disown him in some way?

Draco turned to her. "That, Gin, is a very good idea. Hortnuk, is it possible to disown my father, Lucius Malfoy?"

"Well, it is highly unusual." Hortnuk admitted, looking taken aback. "In this case, the family magic would need to allow you to do so and that can be a little finicky – it would definitely need grounds to do so."

Draco frowned. "Well, supporting the Dark Lord isn't going to cut it – family magic doesn't distinguish between good and bad alliances. It would need to be something …" His face brightened. "Treason. He hardly stopped the other Death Eaters trying to kill me at the Ministry."

"And you're his only child." Ginny added. "Which puts the family line in immediate danger."

Draco seemed to glow – literally, Ginny realised a second later – and when the glow vanished, there was a signet ring sitting on his right hand.

"The family magic has declared that an acceptable reason, my Lord." Hortnuk announced. "Your father will be informed of his new status when he is released from Azkaban. Now, if you would, add a small drop of blood to this parchment and your listings will be automatically updated."

Draco did as he was told, pricking his finger lightly with the offered pin. The blood absorbed into the parchment and Hortnuk read through it. "There are monthly instalments being taken from your vault by Tom Marvolo Riddle, am I right in saying …?"

"Stop him." Draco stated firmly. "All of them. Anyone who can access the vault aside from …" He froze. My mother. Ginny, what about my mother?

Ginny flinched. She hadn't even considered Narcissa. "We need to speak with Lady Black at the earliest convenience. She's with Harry Potter."

What's that going to do? Draco asked, as Hortnuk pressed the button again.

She's your mother's Head of House by proxy. She can dissolve the marriage between your parents and make your mother a Black again.

Gin, I don't know what I'd do without you.

Ginny turned a light shade of pink and then realised that Hortnuk was inexplicably following her instructions and making arrangements for Jen to join them. "Er, this is probably all confidential information; do you need me to leave?"

Hortnuk glanced up. "Not at all, Lady Malfoy; you are at perfect liberty to stay."


"Lady McKinnon?" Hermione repeated, sitting down. "I wasn't sure if she'd inherited the title, being supposedly dead and all."

"She is the oldest daughter and there was no other family." Ragnok explained. "The family vaults and titles have remained dormant, therefore she automatically inherits."

"There weren't any male relatives?" Hermione asked.

"Not close enough to be traced." Ragnok confirmed, shuffling the papers he'd just been given. "I am afraid this doesn't help us. All of Riddle's assets are tied up with his supporters." He gave her a cunning smile. "You understand, of course, that I cannot show you this parchment."

"Of course." Hermione said.

Ragnok set it down on his desk. "If, however, you were to see it while I was otherwise distracted, that would be an entirely different matter. Now, did I finish that report yesterday?" He gazed out of his window, apparently deep in thought.

Hermione grinned and pulled the parchment towards her, memorising the list of names. Most of the names there were not a surprise, nor was the fact that the Malfoy and Lestrange family were tied at the top spot.

"We're almost certain there's a Horcrux in the Lestrange vault." Hermione said, returning the parchment to its previous resting place. "We know that Riddle trusted Malfoy with one, but that's already been destroyed. I doubt Riddle trusted him with two."

"True." Ragnok agreed, turning back to her. "It is also unlikely that he wanted more than one in any one place. Still it cannot hurt to check – I do not want those things in my bank any longer. Follow me."

"You know," Hermione remarked, following him to one of the bookcases, "I was expecting this to be harder. Madam Bones was concerned we'd have to really fight for it."

"The Ministry suffers from an unfortunate handicap." Ragnok said. "They never consider the most obvious solution."

"What is the most obvious solution?" Hermione asked.

"Asking for help." Ragnok said simply. "They never bother." He chose one of his many books and ran a long finger down its spine. The bookcase shuddered and split down the middle, revealing a secret tunnel.

"Is this a direct passageway to the vaults?" Hermione asked.

"Only the top security vaults." Ragnok corrected, leading her through the opening.

It had definitely been built with goblins in mind rather than humans, as Hermione had to stoop and she wasn't very tall, especially compared to Ron, who seemed to tower above her. Even Draco and Harry were a good head above her now.

They emerged into a wider, taller tunnel, facing great iron-cast doors with various crests on them. Ragnok led her to the one that held the Lestrange crest and tapped out a sequence on the key-hole with his finger, whereupon the door swung open silently.

Hermione thought she had already been inside the Black Family vault, but it only hit her after the door opened that it must have been one of the personal vaults, probably one that Sirius had inherited given the protections, because this was about ten times as big, with several piles of gold, but mainly artefacts and portraits.

Ragnok's hand on her arm stopped her from entering. "My apologies, Lady Ravenclaw, but it is impossible to enter family vaults without the direct permission of the head of the family."

"Ah." Hermione said, frowning. "That might cause a bit of a hiccup."

"That is to say," Ragnok continued, "it is impossible for humans to enter family vaults without the direct permission of the head of the family."

Hermione smiled. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"It does make a change from paperwork." Ragnok conceded. "Do you know what Madam Lestrange had?"

"I don't think so." Hermione admitted, her eyes scanning the shelves from her vantage point in the doorway. "We're looking for something of Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. We think the last one is his snake and I'm fairly sure that's not in here. There!" She pointed at the very top shelf, where a little golden cup sat glinting in the dim light.

"Everything in this vault has been charmed with Germino and Flagrante Curses." Ragnok said. "So we need a way to destroy it without touching it."

Hermione reached into her cloak and pulled out a small bag, extracting from within it a single basilisk fang. "This should do it."

"Yes," Ragnok agreed. "I would imagine it would."

Hermione handed the fang to Ragnok with a bow and he took it gravely. Then, with a wiggle of his fingers, he floated up to the shelf where the cup sat. Without any hesitation, he plunged the fang into the cup and Hermione flinched, a dreadful scream echoing through the vault.

Serenely, Ragnok floated back to her and handed the fang back. "Well," he said, "I think it's safe to say that was one of them."


Jen and Harry were led to another room, where the Potter account manager was waiting, a goblin she knew well and greeted with a smile and a curtsey. "Barchoke, how wonderful to see you again."

Barchoke gave her a low bow. "Lady Black, as always, the pleasure is my own."

"Barchoke used to visit your grandfather at home." Jen explained to Harry. "Sirius and I were often there at the time."

"And Master Harry as well," Barchoke said, bowing to him as well. "I had begun to think you had no interest in the family accounts."

"He wasn't informed about them." Jen said crisply, ushering Harry into a seat after his rather awkward bow. "Someone who shall remain nameless decided he didn't need to know."

Barchoke scowled. "That someone may need to be reminded that inheritance is something that Gringotts and the Ministry of Magic actually agree on."

"That someone will receive a strong reminder in due course." Jen said. "In the meantime, could you kindly give Harry a rundown of the accounts please?"

"Certainly Lady Black." Barchoke said, a piece of parchment appearing in his hands. He duplicated it and handed one to Harry to examine.

The analysis was much as Jen had expected, given that no one had touched the accounts. Harry's trust fund was updated yearly, as per the custom, and the various investments seemed to be growing strong, with the exception of Gambol and Japes, who were slowly slipping.

"If I were you," Jen said, "I'd pull that investment and channel it into Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."

Harry frowned. "Is it a good idea to base investments on personal friendships?"

Jen gave him an approving smile. "Normally, no, you're right. However, I'm not basing that on personal friendships. I'm basing that on the fact that G&J are on the verge of going out of business and WWW are on-track to becoming a very successful business."

"I concur." Barchoke said. "It would be highly profitable to jump in now."

Harry nodded. "Alright, I'll do that then."

Barchoke snapped his fingers and the parchment updated. "There are no other outgoings, which is to be expected, given Lord and Lady Potters' predicament."

Harry's head snapped up. "Wait, you know?"

"Harry." Jen chided gently. "Manners. I assume that's the Will?"

"It is." Barchoke confirmed.

Harry frowned. "What Will?"

"Most Noble Families – and the Potters were definitely that – make their Will with Gringotts." Jen explained. "But it is sealed with a rather remarkable charm. It's tied to their life-force. As long as your parents live, the Will cannot be read."

"But then how does no one know?" Harry asked.

"Have a think, Harry." Jen said. "Why do you think?"

Harry was silent for a second, then his shoulders slumped. "Because no one would listen to the goblins."

Barchoke nodded, looking angry. "Professor Dumbledore did come for the Will but we informed him the charm was not broken. Imagine my surprise when I hear nothing about their survival and instead hear that the Wizengamot heard their Will read! I even – and I do not do this lightly, young man – I even went to the Ministry myself, but I could get no one to even speak to me, let alone listen."

Harry scowled. "You'd think that, given they all trust you with their money, they'd be a little nicer."

Barchoke gave him an approving smile. "Some do. Your Lady Mother, for example, was always exceptionally friendly."

"I think a lot of Muggle-borns are." Jen said. "They didn't grow up with the same prejudices. Now how does the family stand now, Barchoke?"

"Well," Barchoke said, "with Lord James still alive, Master Harry can take the responsibilities of Lord Potter by proxy, but regrettably, he cannot enter the family vault without Lord James's permission until he is 17."

Jen nodded. "That's pretty standard." She explained to Harry. "The family vault is where all the heirlooms are and generally young purebloods with no responsibility can be a little …"

"Irresponsible?" Harry suggested.

Jen laughed. "Well, quite."

There was a quiet knock at the door and Barchoke called for the visitor to enter.

A very young goblin slipped through the door and gave a very shaky bow. "Begging your pardon, my Lord and Lady, Manager Barchoke sir, but Lord Malfoy is requesting Lady Black's presence."

"Lord Malfoy?" Harry repeated in surprise.

Jen raised an eyebrow. "Draco must have taken control of the family by proxy as well. Harry, did you have any other questions?"

Harry thought for a second. "Just one."

Jen nodded and smiled kindly at the young goblin. "What's your name?"

The goblin gave another shaky bow. "I am Gornuk, my Lady."

"Gornuk, kindly inform Lord Malfoy that I will be with him in a few minutes, if you please."

Gornuk nodded hurriedly and, with one last bow, hurried from the room.

"Harry?" Jen prompted.

"How would I go about selling basilisk parts?" Harry asked.

"Well, now," Barchoke said thoughtfully, "I presume that is not a hypothetical question."

"No." Harry said, a little sheepishly. "I have a large basilisk that I don't need."

Jen coughed to cover her laugh. "It has all been harvested."

Barchoke nodded. "Well, then. What I suggest, Mr Potter – or will you be taking the Lordship by proxy?"

Harry looked faintly alarmed and Jen patted his hand. "You don't have to until you're seventeen," she said kindly. "As your legal guardian, I can handle any of the duties until then."

Harry nodded, looking relieved. "Yes, please."

"Well then, Mr Potter," Barchoke repeated, "what I suggest is that you mail the parts here to Gringotts, addressing it to myself. We will then sell the parts on your behalf. Would you like the proceeds to go into your trust vault, a personal vault or the family vault?"

Harry frowned. "I'm not sure. Can I think about it and let you know?"

"Certainly," Barchoke said. "Include it with the carcass and we shall endeavour to fulfil your request."

"Thank you," Harry said fervently.

"Thank you, Barchoke," Jen repeated, rising from her chair. "Now I should see what Draco wants." She led Harry from the room to where Gornuk was waiting outside. With another bow, he trotted off ahead of them.

"You'll need to wait outside, Harry," Jen cautioned as they arrived.

"Yeah, of course," Harry said, coming to a stop outside the door. "Do you think everything's okay?"

"I don't know," Jen admitted. "But we'll soon find out." She rapped sharply on the door and let herself in.

Draco's account manager had apparently stepped out to give them some privacy.

Ginny was perched on Draco's lap, her face buried in his neck. When Jen shut the door behind her, she raised her head just long enough for Jen to see the red rimming her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Jen asked urgently, crossing the floor to lay a hand on the girl's back.

"It turns out," Draco said, with false calm, "that in goblin culture, a soul bond is considered a legally binding marriage. As far as Gringotts is concerned, Ginny is now Lady Malfoy and she's a little bit overwhelmed."

"Just Ginny?" Jen asked automatically.

Draco gave a small shrug. "Well, I was already a Malfoy, it's not quite as bad."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Ginny asked in a small voice.

"I didn't know," Jen said, frowning. "I knew it used to be considered a legally binding marriage by the Wizengamot, but one too many pureblood heirs bonded with Muggle-borns, and the blood-snobs protested it. Did their children no good, of course. Most of them only just lived long enough to produce the next heir before the bond killed them. I didn't know Gringotts still abided by it."

"How?" Draco asked. "Didn't your bond form in your seventh year?"

"Well, yes, but …" Jen closed her eyes, the answer suddenly falling into place. "The Blacks are an Ancient and Noble Family. The goblins are very particular about status and hierarchy. I daresay that Narcissa would still have been Miss Black, even after she married, until Lucius became the head of the family. So they wouldn't have called me Mrs Lupin, because Miss Black has the higher status, you see?"

"This is all well and good," Ginny said a little shrilly. "But you and Remus are getting married tomorrow. Draco and I have been thrown in the deep end here!"

Ginny's mind was racing faster than Harry's Firebolt in a Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch Match.

Married? How could she be married? She didn't even turn fifteen until August, for Merlin's sake, how could she be …

Ginny? Are you still with us?

Ginny started, Draco's voice in her head effectively bringing her back to earth with a bump. Yeah. Sorry.

Draco gave her a smile that was close to a smirk, and turned back to Jen. "I've taken control of the Malfoy vaults and blocked my father."

Jen blinked, then broke into a smile. "Well done! How did you manage that?"

"He let the others try to kill me, family magic agreed," Draco said. "What about my mother?"

Jen hesitated, pursing her lips in thought. "Well … I would remove her access as well. I've set up an account for her to use, it's nowhere big enough for them to keep funding Voldemort, just enough for her to live on. If she has access, there's no telling what Lucius will do to get hold of it."

Draco grimaced. "The darker side of Slytherin. Hortnuk?"

The goblin reappeared from the adjoining room with a bow. "Yes, my Lord?"

"From now on, the only people who can access the Malfoy accounts are myself and …" Draco glanced down at Ginny "… Lady Malfoy."

Draco, you don't have to …

Now, now, Ginevra, Draco interrupted, it's only right.

Ginny glared at him, but before she could protest, the meeting was ending and they were leaving the office.

Not here, Draco told her, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. We'll talk later.

Harry stood up when they appeared, smoothing his robes down. "Everything sorted?" He asked Draco.

Draco nodded. "He's out, I'm in."

Ginny narrowed her eyes. Care to explain why Harry knew what you were planning and you didn't bother telling me?

He asked, Draco answered simply.

Jen led them back along the corridor to Ragnok's office, tapping once on the door and letting them in.

Addie had already returned and was talking to Hermione. Her eyes were a little red-rimmed, but Jen pretended not to notice.

"What happened?" Hermione asked immediately, looking straight at Ginny.

"Later," Ginny muttered.

Hermione frowned, but stood up. "Thank you so much for your help, Ragnok."

"The pleasure was all mine, Hermione," Ragnok said with a bow. "I should be thanking you for your assistance in removing that disgusting scourge from my bank."

Jen breathed a small sigh of relief. It sounded as though Hermione's mission had been successful.

"There is one last thing I need to ask you," Hermione said, a little reluctantly.

"No need, Hermione," Ragnok said with a goblin grin. "That pendant has one more trick. Tap it twice with your wand and it will allow you to send a message here to Gringotts. You have my word that you can count on our assistance should trouble arise."

Hermione gave a low curtsey. "Thank you."

Jen curtseyed as well, murmuring her own thanks, her knees a little wobbly. To have the Goblin Nation onside was a stroke of fortune she would have never dared hope for.

Hermione held out her hands and her five companions all made sure they were all holding on to some part of her. She muttered something under her breath and they were catapulted back to Potter Manor.