Chapter Twenty-Nine
Harry's sixth birthday passed with another huge (to Remus' laughter when he saw what Sirius had done) pile of presents. There were more toys and board games, both magical and Muggle, as well as a new computer and many games for it. Harry now had so many toys, an entire new compartment was made into Harry's playroom. Dee had made the new compartment, as well as a few others. Since Dee or another elf was now staying with them more often to make sure that, even if he stayed in the trunk, Harry was never alone with the Dursleys. After an incident with Dudley, they now had an elf watching him invisibly whenever he was not with them or at home. So they made one compartment into elf quarters so that a few elves could stay with them perminently.
They had also started to take him to parks all over. They made sure never to be seen with Harry anywhere near Privet Drive, they did go to many playgrounds. They also went to the zoo and several theme parks, as well as having a two week vacation on Potter Island.
One of his biggest presents, and the trip he looked forward to most, was planned for a week before school started. Sirius and Remus were going to take Harry on his first trip to Diagon Alley, They were all going to Polyjuice themselves or do Glamor Charms on all three of them and see the shops. They also planned to visit Gringotts as Harry's account manager had requested to meet the boy. As Gringotts was emphatic about the confidentiality of their clients, they felt that going as themselves instead of withdrawing money beforehand was alright and would not risk anything. When Sirius had mentioned this to Sharpclaw, the Potter family account manager, he had received permission to offer them a Portkey directly to the bank and to allow them to perform the magic to disguise them inside when they were finished.
They would leave at 7:45am to make their appointment at 8. Harry was very excited to see the Diagon Alley he had heard so many stories about. He couldn't wait to see all the magical shops, and maybe even meet some magical kids. He liked his friends at school, but he wanted friends he could share everything with. So many times when he'd tried something new about the Wizarding world, (especially the candy) he would think that this friend or that would love it, only to remember that you weren't allowed to tell about magic.
The night before the big trip, Harry was so excited he couldn't sleep. After some begging and some serious puppy eyes, he was allowed to stay up much later than usual. In the hope of tiring him out, he was allowed to fly his broom, and even played tag with Padfoot.
When he finally went to sleep, Sirius dropped onto the couch with a huff, "I think I'm more tired than he was," he said.
Remus smiled, "then we'd better get to bed now," he shot a grin at Sirius, "I just know he's going to come in and bounce on you tomorrow."
Sirius stuck his tongue out, "not funny Moony."
Remus stood up and put out a hand to help Sirius, "but it is, " he said with a grin, "and you know when he's a moody teenager, you'll groan and lament the days when he used to bounce you awake."
Sirius took his hand stood up and grinned, "I know."
Slinging arms around each other's waists, the last two Marauders went to bed, still grinning.
…..
Harry bounced them both awake at 5am, (Remus had taken to sleeping in a bit once the elves came to stay with them)
"Wake up! Wake up!" he cried, bouncing excitedly.
Remus' eyes popped open as Sirius groaned.
Dee popped in with cups of coffee and tea, "young Master must bes getting washed and dressed," she said.
Harry bounced again until Sirius started tickling him, with Remus soon joining in. "I will!" he said giggling.
Once Harry had run off, Sirius sipped his coffee while Remus headed for the shower. Sirius grinned, drained his coffee, and joined him.
Once breakfast was eaten, Sirius and Remus joined Harry in building with his now extensive collection of Legos.
At 7:40, they gathered in the living room to take their portkey to Gringotts. Harry stood between Remus and Sirius and gripped the rope that was the portkey tightly.
"Why are we waiting?" asked Harry, "don't you just say the word like for Potter Island?"
"No," said Remus, "this one is different. It's set to activate at a certain time, rather than with a word."
"Oh," said Harry, "thanks Uncle Moony."
Remus reached out and ruffled his hair, "anytime cub."
Just then they felt the hook behind the navel and Harry was once again mesmerized by the swirling colors. This time however, he remembered to walk sooner, and didn't even wobble on landing.
"Well done pup," said Sirius ruffling Harry's hair, "and only your second time, too!"
"Yes Mr. Potter, very well done indeed," said a voice in the corner of the room.
Harry turned to look at where the voice came from and got his first look at a goblin. The being in front of him was only a foot or so taller than he was. His skin was a bit grey and leathery looking, but Harry saw he had a small smile on his face and his black eyes were dancing slightly.
"Hello, young Mr. Potter," said the goblin, moving toward them, "my name is Griphook, and I have been sent to meet you and take you to Sharpclaw's office."
"Hello Mr. Griphook," said Harry politely, holding out his hand, "it's nice to meet you."
Griphook's smile widened slightly as he shook Harry's hand, "it's nice to meet you too Mr. Potter."
After Sirius and Remus introduced themselves, Griphook took them down a few halls to a door with a large, elaborate crest carved into it. The crest featured a griffin reared up and holding a sword in its front talons. Griphook knocked on the door, and was given permission to enter.
The room was large and lined with shelves holding many books and parchment scrolls. A large ornate desk made of a dark polished wood sat in the middle of the wall directly in front of them.
A much older goblin than Griphook sat behind the desk, he rose as they entered the room.
"Hello again Sirius," he said, "and hello Mr. Lupin and Mr. Potter. I am Sharpclaw, manager in charge of the Potter accounts."
"Accounts?" squeaked Harry eyes wide.
Sharpclaw smiled as Sirius ruffled his hair, "yes pup, accounts," said Sirius, "I told you your dad's family was an old one."
"Wow," said Harry, wide eyed with wonder.
Sharpclaw smiled gently at the boy, 'wow indeed. Have you started reading your Family History yet, young Lord Potter?"
Harry shifted slightly, "umm I read some of my mum and dad's journals. And can you call me Harry?"
"Very well Harry," Sharpclaw smiled, "while it's good that you have those, your Family History is actually a number of volumes. It starts from the journals of the first Potter and continues for your entire family's history."
Harry's eyes grew, if anything, wider, along with his smile, "wow! I can't wait to start reading about my family! Can I start today?"
Sharpclaw nodded, "of course, I can give you the first few volumes before you leave."
Harry smiled.
Sharpclaw smiled once more, then drew back and looked at Sirius and Remus, "I asked you to bring Harry here for several reasons. One being that I wished to meet the young man I would be working with someday. Another being that after hearing from you about the irregularities concerning the main Potter vaults, I took a look at the trust vault."
"Isn't it all the same thing?" asked Harry curiously.
"No,' said Sharpclaw, "The Potter vaults are just that. The vaults that contain a family's money, history, books, and heirlooms. A trust vault is simply a vault given to and Heir or other child of the House to learn how to manage their own money. It is filled once a year from the main vault but is otherwise not attached. The person owning the trust vault will receive monthly and quarterly statements and be able to make small investments with it."
"Oh," said Harry, "I never got any statements."
Sharpclaw nodded, "after hearing from Lord Black, I ran a check. All statements show as being delivered to your then magical guardian, one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
"Is that bad?" asked Harry, "I mean, if he was my guardian…"
Shapclaw's smile was now quite feral, causing Harry to move closer to Remus and Sirius. Noticing this, Sharpclaw smiled more gently at him, "yes," he said, "it's very …bad."
"Why?" asked Harry
Sirius put his hand on Harry's shoulder, "because he was never supposed to be your guardian, pup."
Sharpclaw nodded, "he made himself your guardian illegally. Even if the guardianship had been legal, however, he should not be getting your statements because they are meant for you only. The fact that the were redirected to him is both illegal and concerning. Tell me, Harry have you ever received and magical mail?"
Harry shook his head, "I didn't know magic was real til I found my parents' trunk."
Sharpclaw's eyes flashed absolute fury to such a degree that Harry backed up again. The goblin's eyes softened at this, "I am not angry at you Harry," he said, "and no goblin would ever hurt a child in any case."
Harry nodded, "what does it mean that I didn't get any mail?" he asked.
Sharpclaw stroked his chin, "it means that you probably have something called a mail redirection ward on you. What concerns me is that there might be more wards and possibly spells on you."
"Albus said he was protected by blood wards," said Remus, "he told me that Harry needed to stay with his aunt because 'he is protected as long as he calls home the place where his mother's blood dwells.'"
Sharpclaw's eyes again flashed pure fury, "nonsense! I know very well that Lady Potter's sister was a muggle! Blood wards cannot be attached to anyone who is not magical!"
Both Sirius and Remus' eyes widened, "but then how is Harry being protected?" Remus asked.
Sirius nodded, "the only reason we agreed to stay there was the blood protection Dumbledore said was there."
Sharpclaw nodded, "our healers can examine him and see what the old man has done."
Sirius nodded, "thank you Sharpclaw, we would like this done as soon as possible."
Sharpclaw nodded and stood up, "this way please."
