Chapter 18: Goblins and House Elves
Harry stepped into a shop on the very edge of the Rust District. The shop was unofficially part of the Street Knights. It was unofficially part of their organization, because the nature of its side business required them to be impartial. That didn't mean the workers here would ever turn their backs on the Street Knights though.
"Welcome to Gold and Ruby Jewelers. How can I help you?" a pretty attendant said in greeting. The woman was in her early twenties with hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair ending just above her shoulders.
"Oh? Harry?" she asked in surprise.
"I didn't think you would know my name," Harry admitted in his own surprise.
"Even here we know about one of the youngest Knights, who is always spending time around Jett," she said with a knowing smile.
"I guess that makes sense. That will probably make things a bit easier," he said.
"My name's Cheryl by the way. How can I help you?" she asked.
"Nice to meet you, Cheryl. I'd like to speak with The Goldsmith," Harry said.
Cheryl blinked at that, but nodded for him to follow her. She led him to a back room that was mostly dark apart from some very bright adjustable lights around a workbench. There was a man in his early forties wearing Jeweler's headgear as he examined a diamond set in an intricately crafted rose gold ring.
Harry and Cheryl waited a moment as the man finished what he was doing. He placed the ring down and raised the headgear he wore before looking up. "Oh? What does the little Boss want?" he asked with a smile.
"Little Boss?" Harry asked.
The man chuckled. "Some call you that at times. It's because everyone is pretty sure Jett's planning on having you succeed him. Even if it is years down the line yet," he said.
"I'll leave you two alone," Cheryl said.
"Thanks, Cheryl," Harry called to her.
"Everything going alright in the store front?" the man asked her quickly.
"It is, Mr. Gold. Customers will probably start to trickle in about now," Cheryl replied as she left. The store was called Gold and Ruby Jewelers because Mr. Gold and a woman named Ruby started it.
"So, Little Boss?" Harry asked again.
"Yeah. That's what some call you. It does seem appropriate considering," Mr. Gold said.
"Maybe that was Boss' plan at one time, but now I think I'm due to follow a different path in my life. I will always be a Knight though," Harry said.
"Some will be disappointed hearing that. I suppose that is how it goes though. So, what can I do for you? I doubt you're here to ask for a custom piece of jewelry," Mr. Gold said.
"True. This is a request regarding your other profession," Harry said.
"Hoh?! This ought to be interesting," Mr. Gold stated, not hiding his excitement and interest.
He was known as The Goldsmith because he crafted jewelry and he was good at following finical transactions of less than appropriate natures. He was a specialist in tracking precious stones, precious metals, jewelry pieces and coins of all types as well.
Harry hoped his skills would come into play regarding galleons, sickles, and knuts and businesses dealing with them in the muggle world. There should be a way to track them if his hunch was right, and Harry was pretty sure it was. Otherwise it would be far too easy for someone in the magical world to disrupt the cash flow of Death Eaters, especially during the last war.
"It will likely be exceptionally challenging. I want you to look into the trails of coins, probably even harder to find than some of the rarest in our world," Harry said.
"I'm liking the sound of this. Can I get others involved?" he asked.
"If you are very careful and would trust them with what you hold most precious," Harry said.
Mr. Gold nodded his understanding. He would try to keep any help he involved to those who were Knights or strongly loyal to them.
"This could even be a bit dangerous to look into, so I understand if you can't find anything easily," Harry said.
Mr. Gold grinned. He had a sense of adventure in him. That was part of why he was so good at both his jobs. He got a lot of inspiration for his Jewelry pieces from ancient ruins of the world. The best way to get true inspiration was to go to the places. This adventure sense of his had played out well for him. He was seen as an expert in ancient jewelry despite his relatively young age compared to his peers in the field.
Harry pulled out the three coins. "I'm not sure how helpful these will be, but they are the key to what I hope you will find. See if there are any businesses familiar with such coins, but be discreet about it. Any businesses dealing with them will be as most subtle as possible. It might also be good to look for banks or investment companies that have dodgy reputations regarding how they maintain their business and wealth, even considering illegal sources. Like I said, this is possibly very dangerous," Harry said.
Mr. Gold looked over the three coins and whistled. They were well crafted. Exceptionally crafted. He had not really seen them much that he could recall, though he did have a vague sense of déjà vu when examining them. "What else can you tell me?" he asked. He was very interested in this opportunity.
"I'm hoping that's a positive answer," Harry said with a smile.
"I've been feeling a little cooped up lately. My inspiration needs a bit of a break and a restart," Mr. Gold said with a knowing smile.
Harry nodded and started explaining further details he was sure didn't break the Statute of Secrecy. He tried to explain how to find answers from what might not be there as well. It was difficult to fully explain everything, but he did so carefully. This was important.
"I don't expect results too quickly, but when you have something. Anything. Let me know. I'll give you more details as I figure them out," Harry said once he finished explaining it all.
"I'll do what I can. Whatever your path may be, I get the feeling you will always be important around here, Harry. And Loyalty to those who deserve it," Mr. Gold said.
"And we never forget that," Harry replied with a nod. It was an unofficial exchange between Knights and allies when they finished business.
[-] [-] [-]
A pair of large lamp-like eyes on a creature with long bat-like ears, blinked a few times again as it frowned from inside a bush. He didn't understand it. He had done it right. It was a huge risk for him to do so, but it was important. His master would make him punish himself for doing such a thing as this if it was noticed, but this was important. He had come here several days now and still had nothing.
Dobby was a House Elf. A magical creature bound to a family who served them so his magic would work. It was bad for House elves to not have a family or belong to an extremely magical place. Most were extremely grateful to have a family. Dobby was one of the unfortunate House Elves to be bound to a bad wizard family. He did not like his family and would prefer freedom and all the good and bad that came with it.
To Dobby, and many other House Elves, Harry Potter was a great and wonderful wizard. He was important to House Elves and Dobby would protect Great Harry Potter Sir. Dobby was finding ways to check up on him and hopefully convince Harry not to return to Hogwarts. Dobby's bad master had bad plans for Hogwarts. Great Harry Potter Sir needed to be kept safe.
This was why Dobby came to a boring house in an equally boring muggle neighborhood. "Theys don't even paint houses different colors. Dobby would paints house pink and blue checkerboard!" the house elf thought to himself. Dobby had come here looking for Great Harry Potter sir. Instead, he found a family with a long necked unpleasant woman, a fat and mustached annoying man and an equally fat son.
"These muggles be the kinds bad master claims all muggles is likes," Dobby thought to himself. Dobby knew otherwise though. All House Elves did. They were born with many skills and knowledge, which included some things about muggles and muggleborns. Dobby did not like these muggles.
The man and woman were extra loud while showing off fat man's company car. The long-necked woman spent all her time eavesdropping on neighbors to learn gossip while tending her boring garden. The fat son was always grumbling as he worked outside on chores. Dobby heard him carrying on about not being fat, but being big boned and more. Dobby wasn't really paying attention. Dobby only wanted to find Great Harry Potter Sir.
He was at a dead end though. He would have to try more magics to try and find Great Harry Potter Sir. Dobby wasn't looking forward to the risks this would force him to take. He would really have to punish himself later most likely. Dobby wished he had a good family he was with instead of bad master. Dobby loved working, as did any good House Elf, but working for bad master wasn't fun.
"Dobby wishes he had master like he's sure Great Harry Potter Sir must be," Dobby thought as he left boring old Privet Drive for the last time. He had other plans in case he couldn't find Harry Potter, but he hoped to find him before resorting to them. That one plan might get Dobby in trouble with more than just his bad master, but if he had no other choice, he would do it to save Harry Potter.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry looked around as he waited in the Leaky Cauldron. He had business here today, but he wouldn't be alone. He gave a smile as a girl with bushy brown hair came over to him smiling widely.
"I've missed you so much already!" Hermione said as she gave Harry a tight hug and recharged what she called her Harry Battery. She continued to hug him tightly. She really liked how strong and solid he was in her arms. She felt good here with him, especially with her magic buzzing excitedly around her.
"I've missed you too, Hermione," Harry said with a smile as he hugged her in return. He took in an inhale of her scent. It was nice seeing her again. He wasn't lonely or anything like that, but he found himself really missing the magical world and his Hufflepuff friends. Letters weren't enough.
"I'm still a bit surprised you wanted to meet today though," Harry admitted.
"Why wouldn't I?" Hermione asked.
"I'll be busy most of it probably. I've been told it will take time in Gringotts," he answered.
Hermione frowned to him. "I still get to see you now. I'm also sure you'll at least get a break for lunch for an hour or two while they take care of things. I need to open my own account anyways," she said.
"Okay. But I hope you don't spend all of your free time sitting in the bank afterwards doing nothing," Harry said.
"I plan on looking around near the bank if that is the case. Besides… it beats sitting around home doing nothing," she barely mumbled the last part.
"Let's get to it then. Shall we? I'm sure you're right about lunch," Harry said with a smile.
He hated hearing how alone she was. He supposed it made sense given both her parents' work. She was at least very responsible and capable of taking care of herself. He still didn't like it. Hermione feeling lonely made him really sad, especially since she got along so well at Hogwarts with their house.
As they walked, both couldn't help but hold the other's hand. They each assured themselves it was just so they didn't get split up in the crowd and nothing more. Any red cheeks or such were clearly because of how hot it was, being summer and all. It was not from holding the other's hand.
Hermione was worried she would be scared coming to Diagon Alley without her parents. It was probably still a little scary, but she felt safe being with Harry. It was worth sort of guilting her parents into letting her make this trip. She heard about a bus service while at Hogwarts called the Knight Bus.
The Knight Bus was really something to look at. It was a triple decker purple bus! The ride it offered left much to be desired. It was at least fast and very convenient. All magicals any age could ride it, so long as they had a wand. It required no magic usage and muggles didn't notice when it appeared. Hermione did have some wizard money with her still, but the bus took muggle currency as well. The bus was how she got here safely on her own.
Hermione couldn't help but look around Gringotts once she entered. There was something both extra magical and extra impressive about it. It was also a sign of the magical world. That was something she found herself missing while at home for the summer so far.
This was further proof to her she would one day be leaving the muggle world mostly behind. Even with all of the problems it had, she still felt she belonged more in the magical world than the muggle world. She was thinking all muggleborns felt this way eventually.
"I guess this is where we part ways temporarily," Harry said getting her attention.
Hermione nodded. "I'll see you later," she said and got in line for a section of the bank specifically designated for opening accounts. There wasn't too much of a wait, since most of the magical world already did business with the goblin bank.
"Next," a goblin called in a no-nonsense voice.
"I would like to open a new account," Hermione said.
"What currency will you be opening with?" the goblin asked.
"British Pounds," Hermione replied.
The Goblin handed her a sheet of paper. "Hold on to this and take a seat over there. Someone will be with you in a moment," he said.
"Thank you," Hermione replied as she went to sit down and wait. She missed the goblin almost smiling in response. Working with muggleborns was always fun in his opinion. They were either terrified of you, as all magicals should be of the warrior race. Or they were polite and business focused, something goblins really appreciated.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry had to wait longer than Hermione did for a teller to be open. She had just walked off with a goblin, who was fairly young, when he was finally called.
"Next," the goblin behind a tall desk demanded.
"I wish to speak with the Potter Family Accountant," Harry said.
A couple of goblins nearby paused for a moment to look over at him briefly. They soon went back to work though. Interesting it may be someone was asking for the Potter Family Accountant, but even if it really was Harry Potter, they still had plenty of work and business to do.
"I am required to say you will have to take a few tests to assure your identity. You and your family will be fined if you aren't connected to the Potter Family," the goblin said to Harry in warning.
"Understood. I still wish to speak with the Potter Family Accountant," Harry replied.
The goblin looked him over briefly and nodded. "Wait over there and a representative will be with you in a moment to escort you," he said in dismissal.
"Thank you, sir," Harry said with a quick but slight incline of his head. The goblin hoped his respectful attitude would continue after he grew up. It usually didn't when it came to witches and wizards.
It wasn't long until Harry was following a goblin through a number of halls to the office of his family's accountant. The goblin knocked on a large fancy oak double door. "Enter!" a goblin called from inside as the doors opened on their own.
The office on the other side was fancy, but not too fancy. It was clear the goblin's office was designed to reflect he was affluent and too busy making money for frivolous spending on decorating it more than it was. The goblin in the office sat behind a large mahogany desk with a large chair that wasn't too comfy. It was still comfy and fancy enough to show his status.
The goblin himself was slightly taller than most goblins and looked a mix of both business man and warrior. He was strong looking, but it was clear he could indulge himself when he desired. He was that high up in their hierarchy and successful in business.
The goblin nodded to Harry's escort and the younger goblin left. "Before we can discuss anything, you must prove you are in fact a Potter, or at least have access to their vaults. Take up this knife and use it to prick yourself. Your blood will tell us who you are and if there is more than just natural magic in you," the goblin said.
Harry nodded and made his way over. He took the knife and pricked a finger without flinching. The goblin was impressed by this, even if he would never admit it. Most wizards gulped or flinched at such a thing. The blood dripped into a fancy bowl with several runes on it. Harry's finger soon healed and the magic bowl glowed.
Seconds later, a roll of parchment appeared in the goblin's hands. The goblin looked it over and nodded. He placed it down and spoke to Harry. "What brings you to me today, Mr. Potter. You are not yet old enough to take full control of your vaults, even if you are the last of your family."
"I was told it would be a good idea to meet with you regardless. I would have last summer, but didn't have the time," Harry said.
The goblin nodded. "My name is Goldbite. I am the Potter Family Account Manager. It is good to meet you, even if it is earlier than expected. It was still a good idea to meet like this," he said.
"I'm Harry Potter," he greeted in return. It was only natural to him, even if the goblin already knew his name.
"Since you are here. Let us get to business. There is still plenty we can do and I'm sure you have many questions," Goldbite said.
"Where do we start first, Account Manager Goldbite?" Harry asked.
"We should start with an inheritance test," Goldbite said. He then waved his hand over the bowl and some of the runes changed. "It is done in a similar manner to the affirmation test you just took," he explained.
Harry once again took up the knife and pricked his finger. Again, he didn't flinch. Goldbite mentally grinned at the boy's tenacity. The bowl once more glowed and later a new roll of parchment appeared in front of the goblin who read it over.
"Well well. This is interesting. It seems you are in fact the heir to two houses. One of them is very ancient, even if it has been frozen waiting for an heir to claim it. I did have some dealings with your father after he was acknowledged as Heir Potter. It seems he did not wish to take up both houses," Goldbite said.
"I don't have to either, then?" Harry asked a little hopeful. He was prepared to be Lord to House Potter, but not so keen on being Lord to two houses.
"Sadly for you, that isn't the case. Your father didn't have to take both of them up, but because of that, you do. Too many of your family, for whatever reason, didn't take up both lordships, so now you have no choice," the goblin answered.
"What are the houses?" Harry asked.
"You are the heir to both House Potter and House Peverell. You may not be familiar with it, given your situation, but the Peverell family is ancient. One of the oldest. It was thought to have died out, but it seems it lives on in the Potter family bloodline," Goldbite said.
"What all does this mean?" Harry asked.
"It means many things… This is probably going to take some time. I hope you don't have plans," Goldbite said.
"I was planning on having lunch with my friend. I was expecting this to take some time, but still hoping I could spend time with her later," Harry said.
"I too have lunch plans, so that isn't a problem. However, the rest might not work out. Speaking of girls…" Goldbite said as he started to explain things to Harry.
[-] [-] [-]
Hermione gave a sigh as she waited in the Gringotts Lobby. This was better than being at home alone, but it was only barely better. She really hoped Harry would come out so they could have lunch together already.
Opening herself an account went really well at least. The Goblin she worked with was surprisingly helpful she thought. She was also thankful for her parents putting money into a bank account for her when she was much younger. They put a decent bit in there, but it was still just a savings account. It had built up decently over the years at least.
Hermione was pleasantly surprised this made opening her Gringotts account easier. They did do some business with select muggle banks and the one her family used happened to be such a bank. Half of her muggle account was transferred over to Gringotts. She also found this gave her more options with her account. She couldn't do too much with it, but she had options for growing it by going through the goblin she opened the account with.
The bushy haired girl gave a stretch just as Harry walked over to her. He looked troubled by something. Hermione frowned to that and quickly came over to him. "What's wrong?" she asked in concern.
Harry gave a sigh as he thought over something. He then gave another sigh. "It seems the wizarding world has some really archaic laws when it comes to ancient and noble houses… I can see why my father never took up both houses," he started.
"You're heir to two houses?!" Hermione asked in surprise.
"Three possibly… The third is tricky though and only a maybe. I'm second or third in line for it… I am heir for two houses though. Since too many of my family only took up House Potter, I have to take up both so the second doesn't actually die out," he said.
"What is the second one?" she asked.
"House Peverell…" Harry said quietly.
"What?!" Hermione almost shouted.
"I guess it shouldn't be surprising you've heard of it," Harry commented with a small smile.
"I've read about it. In what amounts to wizard fairy tales… The tales of Beedle and Bard. One of them is about the three brothers of House Peverell. They came across Death who pretended to be impressed by them crossing a river that would have killed them. He offered them gifts claiming they had bested him and should be rewarded," she started.
"One asked for a wand that can never be defeated. One asked for a way to call back the dead and further insult Death. The youngest asked for a special cloak so he could hide from even Death himself…" Hermione's voice trailed off and her eyes widened suddenly.
"If that tale is true… Then that means the cloak you got… Is the one in the story!" Hermione said in quiet awe.
Harry's eyes widened to that. "No way… That has to be just a coincidence. Susan said there are other invisibility cloaks, even if they are rare," Harry said.
Hermione was still in awe, but decided to agree with him. It seemed too crazy these artifacts of Death were real. If one was, it meant the others might be as well. It was even more far-fetched her friend and crush had what was literally Death's cloak. "Y-Y-You're probably right… They are just stories for wizarding children, even if the family is real," she said.
The two then took calming breaths. "What were you going to say?" Hermione asked after a moment.
Harry almost wished they continued their discussion about him possibly having Death's cloak. He was pretty sure that was a safer conversation then what he was about to say, but he wouldn't keep this from Hermione. She was his closest friend. If this ended their friendship, then it was best they got it over with now. Harry still sighed again. "It seems. I will have to marry two women at least…" he said.
"What?!" Hermione shouted this time. Luckily, they were outside by this time so people just gave them glares or shook their heads and marched off on their own business.
"I know… I don't like it. I would blame my father, but we aren't supposed to speak ill of the dead," Harry said.
Hermione huffed in annoyance at the idea her best friend and crush couldn't be kept to herself. If Harry wasn't Harry and the whole magic calling thing didn't exist, she'd toss any ideas of crushing on him out the window. "At least he isn't too pleased about having two wives," she thought to herself. Out loud she asked, "Why?"
"From what I was told, it is to keep the line going without fighting between children. It is also supposedly to keep the lines separate to a degree when possible. They don't want Potter-Peverells. They want Potters and Peverells. Apparently, this is only an issue with houses of certain status. It also isn't too common for too many wizards to walk around with multiple wives. Such a situation usually lasts for just one generation at a time," Harry said.
"So… If you end up the heir of this other house. You would have to marry three?" Hermione asked incredulously.
"Yep. I wouldn't have the option to turn it down," Harry said.
"Is it possible you would have more wives?" she asked only a little dangerously.
"Only if I were to marry a girl who was the last of her line as well. She would keep her name and only children she had could carry it on. I was told that is even rarer to happen though. Usually a girl in such a situation would marry a man who was far down the line of secession for his own family, or didn't belong to a significant House at all. She would also have to be the last of her own family," Harry said.
"That means Susan is currently in such a situation," Hermione said looking Harry over carefully.
Harry didn't really respond to her comment. He liked Susan and she was cute, but that didn't mean he was going after her or anything. "So. What do you want to do for lunch? I have an hour left until I need to meet with my family's account manager again," Harry said changing subjects.
Hermione knew what he was doing, but she couldn't really be angry with him for doing so. The fact they had a limited time also spurred her into action. She would bring this up with him again later, but for now she wanted to enjoy the time she could with him for today.
"I actually have a place in mind. I saw it when I came shopping last year with my parents. We didn't eat there since we weren't sure about magic restaurants and food apart from The Leaky Cauldron. After going to Hogwarts, I think I'm ready for such a place. And you're paying this time," Hermione said brightly.
Harry raised an eyebrow at her in silent question.
"I put all of the money I had with me in my new account… I didn't realize I wouldn't have access to it until tomorrow," Hermione explained as she blushed. She also sort of felt Harry owed it to her after telling her she had to share him with some other girl.
Well… she only had to share him if she stayed with him and tried that kind of a relationship. She had thought about that a lot though and wasn't willing to give up on that dream just yet. She promised herself she would make it up to him another time.
[-] [-] [-]
Despite the earlier bombshell, lunch was still very pleasant and enjoyable. The restaurant Hermione picked served Wizard cuisine from around the magical world. Both Hufflepuffs noticed there was some overlap between wizarding dishes and muggle dishes. There were also plenty of dishes that were clearly only found and served in the magical world.
Harry sighed as he stretched once he paid and they left. He made a point of ignoring the waitresses commenting on how cute it was to see such young love on a date. Hermione was blushing, but it wasn't out of embarrassment of what the women said. She was really happy to realize they had essentially been on a date in a roundabout way. It wasn't an intentional date, but it was still a date pretty much.
She looked to Harry and worried a little. "What's wrong now?" she asked after he sighed.
"Not really looking forward to meeting with Goldbite again for possibly the rest of the day. What will you do?" he asked her.
"Is it wrong part of me wants to wait? Hoping we can actually have more fun together? Even if only for supper?" she asked in a small voice.
"I get what you mean. I wanted us to do more than just lunch. I think waiting until supper would be bad though. Who knows how long the rest of the day will take. I wouldn't want your parents worrying about you," Harry said.
"I suppose so…" Hermione said with a frown. Her parents had partly agreed to her solo-trip because they would be busy until late tonight with the business aspects of their practice. They said she'd probably have to make supper herself, have leftovers, or order delivery. She doubted they would notice if she stayed until supper or even afterwards in Diagon Alley.
She didn't want to say that to Harry though. She didn't want him feeling sorry for her considering he didn't have parents. She also kind of liked how people usually figured she had a perfectly wonderful home life.
Her parents didn't treat her badly or anything and she had them both, which was good. She really had it well off compared to many others. She knew this, but still felt rather lonely at times anyways.
The two gave each other good bye hugs before they parted company again. Harry went to Gringotts and Hermione decided she would look around some of the shops before heading home. She really wanted to be out of the house and she wasn't counting the backyard today.
They did at least decide to meet again this summer and hopefully soon. When they met again, it would just be for fun and seeing each other. They wouldn't have to worry about any business dealings with goblins. Hopefully…
[-] [-] [-]
"Before we continue, do you wish to ask anything?" Goldbite asked Harry as they got ready to continue their business.
"I do actually. Why is it Dumbledore had my trust vault key?" Harry asked.
"Ah. I probably should have covered that earlier. There was a lot we had to discuss though and it isn't that big of a deal. He had your key because he's your Magical Guardian," Goldbite said.
"That sounds like a rather big deal to me," Harry said more pointedly than he meant to speak.
"It isn't really. I think you're misunderstanding what it means. A magical guardian is not the same as a parental guardian or the muggle concept of guardianship," Goldbite said.
"What does it mean then?" Harry asked.
"Professor Dumbledore is the Magical Guardian for all Muggleborns and others like you. He does not really have any power over you or anything. He was holding your trust vault key because it had to be held for you until you received it, since it is a magical object. He could not access any of your money and can't really control your life or anything like that. So, don't worry about such things," the goblin said.
"Why is a magical guardian needed then?" Harry asked.
"That's because of wizarding politics at its finest. A group of individuals wanted to make it so muggleborns weren't allowed to attend Hogwarts. Some still want that now, but they also want to kick out muggleborns altogether. The group I'm talking about just wanted them out of Hogwarts."
"They passed a law that forbade muggleborns from going to Hogwarts. To get the bill passed and to pretty it up, they worded it so it boiled down to you had to have a magical representative to attend Hogwarts. That would allow wizards in your situation to still attend by giving them such representation," Goldbite said.
The goblin grinned as he continued, "But the wording left open a loophole. The opposing party, who wanted to have muggleborns attend Hogwarts, took advantage of that loophole. They did so in a rather marvelous way, if I say so myself."
"They declared the Headmaster or Headmistress of Hogwarts would be considered the magical guardian for all muggleborns or muggle raised witches and wizards. They also worded it in a way to show they were doing the magical community a favor. They wouldn't have to worry about finding magical representation for all of the children who needed it after tracking them down. Hogwarts would handle that."
He was a goblin. They had their dislike of witches and wizards, but they would admit wizards really did make politics juicy and interesting. They had made it into almost an art-form, similar to how goblins did so with greed and business.
"That was well played," Harry had to admit.
"Now then. Shall we discuss your parents' Will?" Goldbite asked.
Harry frowned. "I wasn't aware they had one," he said.
"Understandable. I have paperwork here that says your parents' Will was sealed by Albus Dumbledore," Goldbite started.
Harry frowned to that. It seemed despite his supposedly limited power over Harry's life, Dumbledore had done a lot to influence it. Harry glared at that thought for a moment, but then sighed. "I think I know why he did. I didn't think he could though," Harry admitted.
"He had to bend the rules a little and use a favor or two probably. We can execute it here, since your parents gave us a copy as well. We're considered to technically be an independent nation. I am not sure what influence opening it here would have when it comes to the Ministry of Magic. We can… levy fees against Dumbledore for interfering with the reading of James' and Lily's Last Will and Testament if you want," Goldbite said.
Harry thought about it for a moment and shook his head. "I know why he did it. He is wrong to have done so, but I would rather not have him notice we have executed it here. Would Gringotts be able to fulfill it?" he asked.
"We could in many ways. When it comes to guardianship though… No, we can't," the goblin said.
"I believe that may work for the best," Harry said.
"Why do you think Dumbledore sealed it? If I may ask," Goldbite said.
"He is under the false impression my mother, in her last moments of life, used a blood ward to give me extra protection. He knows enough my mother and her sister never got along. My aunt would not be listed as a potential guardian, but her being a blood relative was needed for the blood ward. This protection my mother gave me keeps those in the magical world, who would wish me harm, from finding me and doing so. It also keeps me out of politics before I am ready," Harry said.
"That does sound like a good reason. But false impression?" Goldbite asked.
Harry nodded. "Yes. I haven't been living with my Aunt and Uncle since I was eight years old. I prefer my current living situation to anything Dumbledore might think up supposedly for my own good. He may legally have limited influence over my life, but I can see him willingly bending more rules and laws, claiming it is for my own good and the good of the magical world at large, or something like that," Harry said.
"And sadly the wizarding world would side with him on such matters," Goldbite said in agreement.
"That's what I believe. I would rather not have Dumbledore actively working against me. I haven't been bothered by him all this time. I wish to keep it that way. My mother's protection still works exactly as he explained to me at the end of this last school year," Harry said.
"Do you still wish to hear it?" Goldbite asked referring to the will.
"Yes. I do," Harry said.
[-] [-] [-]
Once Harry was finally finished with Gringotts business for the day, it was early evening. He thought back on all he learned. It turned out he actually had a number of people he was to have possibly gone to in the event of his parents' deaths. Harry begrudgingly admitted Dumbledore's interference seemed to have worked out for the best in many ways. Unintentional on Dumbledore's part, he was sure though.
Harry could have gone to the Longbottoms, but he knew that wouldn't have ended well. Alice Longbottom was his Godmother, but Goldbite informed him she was in St. Mungo's Mental Ward permanently along with her husband. That meant at best Harry would have been with Neville and his Gran. At worst, who knew what would have happened.
The one thing that was very curious was his Godfather's situation. Both his Godparents underwent a Godparent Ritual. This meant there was no way they could have betrayed him without endangering their own magic and life. What was really odd was how Goldbite informed Harry everyone was under the impression Sirius Black was responsible for his parents' deaths. The will proved that wasn't the case, but he was still in Azkaban for killing them anyways.
Harry asked if there was anything that could be done about this and Goldbite told him it was minimal. The Goblins could have someone look into it in the wizarding world, but that was about it. The matter would have to be handled with the Ministry of Magic and that would be tricky, especially depending on how Sirius was thrown into Azkaban in the first place.
This explained why Harry was in line for the Black Family. It also meant there was a very good chance Harry would have to find a third wife. His Godfather was unlikely to sire an heir while in Azkaban. Goldbite assured Harry, due to the inheritance test, he was the next in line after Sirius if the man had no children of his own.
The Heir for two families, possibly three, quickly realized after that there was indeed a lot of paperwork in the magical world. He found this surprising to an extent. There weren't receipts for most purchases, but for a lot of things there was a huge amount of paperwork.
"The British Ministry of Magic's love of bureaucracy is second only to Gringotts," Goldbite jokingly told Harry while flashing him an unsettling goblin grin. Harry was proud he didn't too noticeably flinch at the sight.
Harry felt exhausted after everything that happened that day. There was still more that had to be handled with Gringotts, but that would have to be on another visit. The goblins had to work out some matters first. Harry was informed he would receive a notice once they were ready for him to meet the Account Manger again. He was looking forward to finally going to bed that night as he arrived home.
However… There was an odd creature standing on his bed with large eyes.
"Dobby finally finds Great Mister Harry Potter sir!" the small creature said with joy as he bounced on his tiny feet.
Harry sighed to himself and hoped this wouldn't be too much trouble. He had a feeling he shouldn't count on that fleeting hope.