Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling and I do not own Harry Potter. I make no money from the writing of this fan fiction.
Chapter Thirteen
Kyle Stanton read over the financial records of Vernon and Petunia Dursley for a third time. Even taking into account the occasional raises Vernon Dursley would receive from his employer, it didn't explain the balance currently in the account. He rubbed his eyes, trying to focus. He knew he was missing something, but wasn't sure what it was. He needed more expert help, so gathering all of the paperwork that had been messengered to him back into its envelope, he went out to his assistant's desk.
"Deborah, I need to go to Gringotts about a case. I may be there for a while, so please cancel or reschedule the rest of my appointments for today."
"Of course, Mr. Stanton. Is there anything else you'd like me to do?"
"I need you to inform Brian Greengrass of where I'll be, and ask him if he has time to meet with me tomorrow."
"Yes sir. Good luck at Gringotts."
"Thank you, Deborah. Let's hope that helps," he joked, before leaving the office. He wanted someone like Krogund to look at the records. If anyone would be able to find hidden money, it would most likely be one of the goblins of Gringotts or one of their human employees who knew forensic accounting. It wouldn't take long to reach Gringotts, but he had no idea if Krogund was available.
Half an hour later, he was sitting in Krogund's office and doing his best to keep his face impassive. He knew the evidence was there, but didn't know how to find it himself. After a few more minutes, Krogund's eyes narrowed.
"Did you happen to make note of a large amount of money deposited into the account around December of 1979?"
"Yes, it was for approximately five thousand Galleons, or twenty-five thousand pounds. Do you think it was one large payment from Dumbledore to the Dursleys?"
"If it were from Albus Dumbledore, it wouldn't have the designation of 'Garden Financial Group' as the originator of the funds, Mr. Stanton. There also wouldn't be subsequent monthly transfers of funds from the Dursley account to Garden Financial Group beginning in January of 1980, and stopping in October of 1981. This looks more like a loan to me. And from the amounts of the payments, the loan was not fully repaid, and is now in default."
"So it isn't something connected to Dumbledore. Is there anything that can help in the case against them?"
"Possibly, but I want one of our human accountants to look it over. She's had training in addition to what she received at Gringotts in the muggle world. She's a forensic accountant, and a very good one. When she came to us with the description and parameters of this training, Gringotts funded her education in the field. She's been with us for three years since she finished that training, and I have yet to find a set of suspect financial records that she hasn't been able to unravel to find the truth."
"So similar to when a muggle tries to skimp on paying taxes to the Crown, and tries to create a false ledger if asked questions, am I understanding that correctly?"
"Not exactly like that, but the general idea is the same."
"How long do you think it would take for her to find anything?"
"It depends on what she uncovers, Mr. Stanton. It could be anywhere between two weeks and a month before she finishes her examination of the records."
"I understand, Krogund. Are you able to copy these records before giving them to her? I'd like to keep a copy in my records, since they are the financial records of Harry Potter's aunt and uncle."
"Yes, that is possible. And with the connection to Mr. Potter, I can tell this accountant this particular assignment is high priority."
"Please let me know when she finishes her investigation. I might need to have her called as a witness in the Dursleys' trials in the muggle world. Apparently they're attempting to claim a lack of adequate funds to explain the mistreatment and lack of care in regard to Mr. Potter."
"You're only making it more difficult for me to not go to that house in battle armor to avenge what they did to a child, Mr. Stanton. Harm to a child in any form is one of the most heinous crimes to the Nation."
"Krogund, if I didn't believe there wouldn't be anything left of them to have prosecuted, I would just tell you that you had my blessing, and ask if you needed assistance. Unfortunately, that isn't an option I can legally take."
"I understand completely."
"I need to get back to the office, so if you could copy the records, I won't take any more of your time. Will you please send the bill for the forensic accountant to my firm?"
Without a word, Krogund made the copy and handed the originals back to Kyle. His lips stretched in what was almost a grin.
"Happy hunting, Mr. Stanton. May all your enemies fall before you."
"And may the wealth of those who fall to your blade overflow your vaults, Krogund."
"Before you go, may I assume you are doing this for Mr. Potter for little to no fee, Mr. Stanton?"
"I paid Mr. Potter two pounds for helping me tidy my home after unpacking, and then allowed him to hire me for the same two pounds. Why do you ask?"
"The amount of work you have done on behalf of Mr. Potter would be charged a substantial fee if it were being done for another client. I'm curious who would be paying the fee for the forensic accountant."
"As he is the lad's guardian ad litem, I would be consulting with Lord Black on that matter. He may wish to pay for the service himself, but if he doesn't, I'll pay for it from my personal vault. Harry Potter's safety and well-being are what matter here in my opinion, so I'll be doing whatever I can to ensure that he stays safe, by legally cutting the legs out from under those who have done him harm in any form."
"And you will have whatever assistance that Gringotts can give you in this endeavor."
Standing and bowing respectfully, Kyle left the office.
I'll be damned, Krogund thought after Kyle left, if he hadn't been born human, Kyle Stanton would have made a DAMN fine goblin!
OOO
Lord Arcturus Black, Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black, sat in his study going over various parchments that needed his attention. The most troubling was of course, the latest report from Brian Greengrass. Apparently his grandson had taken a Wizard's Oath while in school, so information that might be needed to help him-whatever that information was-couldn't be revealed without Sirius losing his magic. At least he was now aware of the form a certain wizard who should be in Azkaban might be using if he was in fact, alive, and not dead as everyone believed.
He contemplated the-albeit short-list of those children that were invited to his ward's birthday celebration the next day. Most of the names, such as Longbottom, Greengrass, Malfoy, and Macmillan, had children around Mr. Potter's age, so there shouldn't be an issue with allowing those children to attend. His name fell on one particular name: Miss Hermione Granger. He ordinarily would have been wary of allowing her to attend; however, when he watched her walk with young Harry to the dining area at the summer program's facility, he'd noticed something about her, something that not everyone could have noticed. For the briefest of moments, his particular gift from the Black bloodline, mage sight, had activated, allowing him to see the shimmer in the aura surrounding the young girl; it was the shimmer of a still-developing magical gift. He wasn't able to see a developing magical core, but he was able to see if someone would likely be able to do magic later in life, even if it were as inconsequential a gift as seeing ghosts and other spirits. It was for this reason that Arcturus allowed the invitation to Hermione.
The next thing he needed to do was answer letters that had come in while he had been with Harry that morning and afternoon. The first one he opened had the Gringotts seal on the flap.
To Lord Arcturus Black, Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, Greetings:
Lord Black,
It has come to my attention that Albus Dumbledore had tried to access the Potter Family vaults earlier today. He was of course unsuccessful in his attempt, as he is not listed as the Magical Guardian of Harry Potter. You should also be aware sir, that he then attempted to gain access by claiming to need to withdraw funds for Harry Potter for a "grave injury" that allegedly young Mr. Potter required medical treatment to help. He made mention of his belief that he should be able to access the Potter Vaults, both Family and Trust Vaults, due to being the Executor of the Last Wills and Testaments of James and Lily Potter, and that part of what he was supposed to do was to ensure that Harry Potter remained safe, thus his alleged secondary attempt to gain access to the vaults.
He was then informed that Gringotts had no record of Albus Dumbledore being named Executor for the Potters, and he claimed he would be able to bring that proof to the bank. He has an appointment to do so on 1 August, at three p.m.
I would recommend that you bring Mr. Potter to the bank before that time so he may claim his Heir's ring. Although he is the last Potter, as I'm sure you are aware, Harry Potter may not claim his Head of House ring until he is of the age to obtain a wand. However, he is able to claim his Heir ring at any age from five on.
Sincerely,
Krogund Axeblade
Potter Family Account Manager
Arcturus narrowed his eyes as he read the letter, and then swiftly wrote a response.
To Krogund Axeblade, Potter Family Account Manager, Greetings:
As tomorrow is young Mr. Potter's birthday, are you able to see us this evening? I will also be bringing Mr. Potter's solicitor.
Please advise me if this is convenient, or if I should attempt to find time before the guests for Mr. Potter's birthday begin to arrive tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Lord Arcturus Black III
Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black
Folding the letter, he placed a seal on it, wrote a short letter to Kyle Stanton and sealed it, and called for a house elf.
"Jilly!"
A small pop signaled the house elf's arrival.
"Master calls Jilly? What can Jilly do for Master?"
"I want you to deliver these letters. Only drop off the letter for Mr. Stanton, and wait for a reply at Gringotts."
"Yes, Master. Jilly is happy to serve," she said, nodding her head before taking the letters and popping away.
Arcturus walked to the small bar and poured himself a small tumbler. He needed to calm down before Mr. Stanton arrived. Thinking some more, he went to the Floo and called Brian Greengrass.
"Lord Black, is everything all right? I was just about to leave the office."
"I've sent a letter to your partner Mr. Stanton asking him to come with me to Gringotts. I want you there as well. I've been asked to bring young Mr. Potter to the bank."
"So soon? I realize that Gringotts staff keep hours to accommodate their clients best, but it's Sunday, sir. What's happened?"
"Albus Dumbledore happened. I want my grandson to have his trial by the end of the week, am I clear?"
"Crystal, sir."
"In the morning, I want you to go to the Ministry and get me every report, file, affidavit, or scrap of parchment that has my grandson's name on it and bring it here. I'm aware of exactly how often the records are updated, so I'll be able to tell you if something has been made up out of whole cloth immediately. I'll be damned if I'll allow that manipulative old coot railroad any member of my House again. Salazar knows even the worst of the Death Eaters in the war received trials before being sent to Azkaban. And you're going to help me see to it that Albus Dumbledore pays for denying MY grandson even that basic right."
Brian nodded in acknowledgement, and after Kyle arrived, Arcturus gave him a brief summary before asking a house elf to bring Harry to the study. Just as Harry walked into the room, Jilly returned with the reply.
Lord Black,
I will expect you, young Mr. Potter, and your solicitors shortly.
Krogund
Potter Family Account Manager
Brian never thought he would see the day he actually pitied Albus Dumbledore.