Chapter 5 – Healing and Lordships
A/N Thank you to everyone for reading, as always enjoy and please leave a review.
Harry POV:
Lying on a stone slab in the middle of the room was one thing. Lying on said stone slab, full of written and magically developed runes, which were properly highly reactive, was another thing for Harry. Yet lying on the runic slab, basically naked while a female goblin called Bone-culler about to remove several curses and enchantments on you, in a freaky sort of healer/dominatrix style of dungeon cavern, was definitely the last thing I could properly handle. I honestly nearly cried as she smiled at me and told me to lie down, of course then I didn't know I was stuck totally unable to move an inch. It freaked me out! What can I say, it would freak out anyone! It would have helped if she told me I was spell bound to stop myself moving and hurting myself during the procedure, but I guess she wanted me to be scared, at least a little bit.
During the process, I felt some of the wards heat up underneath my skin, reacting with the magic being chanted by the healer, a pressure slowly started to creep up my body making me feel sick as it hit my stomach and nearly scream when it hit my brain. After a while of the mounting pressure, the chanting slowly came to a stop, the pressure and runes slowly easing the tension stuck in my body during the process. Bone-culler gave me a quick glance as I started to move my body again, shaking out the aches and pains, while the healer just turned and started writing on some parchment before handing it to me.
"This is everything that has been done to you Mr. Potter. Along with the price of breaking each one, through this process the goblin healing will ensure the proper removal and breaking of each one and would take no more than 3-4 hours, depending when you regain consciousness. A copy of the list would be taken to your account managers in order to pay the appropriate amount, would you like to proceed?" Bone-culler was so calm in her deliverance. I almost missed the look of rage and anger, seeing her eyes slightly drift to the parchment I followed, curious as to what would affect the goblin healer so much.
List of: Potions, compulsions, charms, curses, and bindings placed on one: Harry James Potter
Potions include:
Loyalty Potions to; Albus Dumbledore, Ronald Weasley, Ginevra Weasley, Gryffindor House, and The Order of the Phoenix.
Love and Lust Potions to; Ginevra Weasley
Enraging potion against Draco Malfoy
All brewed by Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley and Severus Snape – full removal estimated at 230 galleons
Compulsions include:
Trust compulsion to; Albus Dumbledore, Ginevra Weasley, Ronald Weasley.
Distrust compulsion against; Severus Snape, Slytherin House, Draco Malfoy
Hatred compulsion to; Vernon Dursley, Severus Snape, Lord Voldemort/Riddle
All cast by Albus Dumbledore – removal price 200 galleons
Charms include:
Anti-Apparition charm – 4 Privet Drive
Anti-Mail charm – 4 Privet Drive
Familiar Blood Wards – eroded through abuse
Tracking charm – glasses, wand, several robes
Magic dampener charm – wand and magical core
All cast by Albus Dumbledore – Removal price estimated 180 galleons
Curses include:
Enraging Muggle Aura – affecting Vernon, Petunia and Dudley Dursley.
Dark Aura Attraction – attracting dark creatures and magical signatures.
Senses Reduction – limits sense perception
All cast by Albus Dumbledore - full removal price – 160 galleons
Bindings include
Magic core reduction – limited by 83%
Natural Mind Arts – natural defensive and offensive mind magic
Beast Speech – ability to speak and understand animals
Intelligence blocker – reduced to 40%
Metamorphmagus and Animagus form
Multiple family and branches of magic limitations – severally limits the use of family magics include Light and Dark magic by 74%
All cast by Albus Dumbledore – Full removal estimated at 340 galleons
Total: 1120 galleons
"I have that many restrictions on me? What the fuck is Dumbledore playing at?" I let loose, not going to lie I didn't even try to hold that one in. I saw the shocked look however on Bone-cullers' face, but before I could say anything she simply replied, "My thoughts exactly, that many bindings is harmful to your magic and body, it would have eventually led to you losing your magic and dying at a rapid and painful rate." She finished watching me expression morph from confusion at Dumbledores' actions and anger that he would do this to me. I sat still on the slab for a few minutes, before looking up to Bone-culler and asking for the parchment to sign and pay for the treatments.
"The process shouldn't take that long, depending on how your body reacts as your magic swells and re-resettles in your core. After the procedure you should find it much easier to catch larger and more complex spell casting, including the stamina to cast spells continuously in any event you need to." Bone-culler told me the process again, "Again lie back and you will be spell bound to prevent damage you could do to yourself, you will feel several breakings in your body that will feel like broken bones, these are the bindings breaking. Do not be alarmed: you will feel pain, as the bonds break and your magic swells, after waking up you will find your magic and appearance may have changed." Bone-culler finished and pushed me back down on the slab, I felt myself lock in place, and heard a different incantation begin with the runes heating again, only this time I think it was the whole table that was burning behind me.
After what seemed like hours to me, filled with the agonising burn of the runes and the breaking of multiple bonds on my body, my magic starting to soar in a sense, as is free from a cage it had been trapped in constantly. I screamed. The pain was agonising. Although I soon passed out from the immense pain and pressure all around my body, I saw Bone-culler give a wide eye look at me, then the blackness just consumed me. What I found when I woke up would definitely be worth it.
About 3 hours passed, since we had begun the ritual and I shortly passed out after, or as some of Dudley's friends I heard say; 'I clapped out, goodnight.' Weird, I know but that's British slag. I opened my eyes and instantly felt the change I have went through, my eyes were much better quality, letting me see without glasses for once! 'Win in my book' I thought. As well as my other senses, my hearing and such as much better, heightened to make my previous senses seem non-existent. I heard Bone-culler and looked over to see her as she came forward with an armful of several potions.
"These are for you to take over the next few month, though I have healed and broken the many bonds and enchantments on your person, I cannot heal the full extent of the damage already done over the several years you clearly suffered in." Bone-culler handed me the potions with a small frown, as if disappointed because she couldn't heal my previous abuse. "Don't worry Bone-culler, this result is more impressive and effective than I could have ever hoped for. I thank you for everything you have done for me, it means a lot and I promise to not forget the debt I now owe to you and the goblin nation." I spoke with a deeper and pronounced voice, it was quite soothing, and a little intimidating I guess when I wanted it to be, totally different from my mildly normal pitch I was used too.
Bone-culler looked at me in shock with clear wide eyes before speaking, "I- I thank you Heir Potter-Black, the work was challenging and I'm sure the debt will efficiently be paid in full. It's quite shocking to hear a wizard admit their debt and give thanks to goblins, you are different to them. Maybe that is why Chief Ragnok would like to speak to you, when you are comfortable to resume the meeting." She finished and looked at me as my eye raised, I was confused why the Chief of Gringotts might want me. "Come." She added, before quickly spinning on her feet towards the exit, I jumped up to follow and was halfway out the door before I realised, I was barely covered with the small towel I had on.
Blushing, I quickly slipped back into the room to put back on my clothes, while the goblin guards and Bone-culler grinned at my forgetfulness. Shoving the clothes on me, I followed Bone-culler back to the meeting room, anxious that I would now be meeting both my account mangers and the Chief himself - as well as achy as my body and magic resettled and expanded itself. Soon we came to the doors and opened them after the usual, "Enter," and my new eyesight crossed over the room to land on three new goblins at the expanded table.
"Healer Bone-culler, what is the findings and results of your investigation?" A tall figure for goblin standards, well-dressed and powerful looking goblin had asked Bone-culler, as we reached the table and took our seats.
"My investigation proved successful in identifying the various and multiple blocks, bonds and enchantments on the Heir Potter-Black, Chief Ragnok, a total list has been provided showing the extend and the approved upon price for removal. I can report the removal was a success with the results drastically taking place, however an unknown variable was found while in the process." Bone-culler spoke effortlessly to her superiors and offered them the list and we watched as they quickly went through, seeing the anger raging from each and every one of them. Before they could ask what, this variable was, Bone-culler continued to explain.
"I have identified the hidden variable, and it is a piece of unspeakable dark magic, the blackest of dark." She paused for a moment and I have to saw completely built up the tension in the room. Even I was sitting on the edge of my chair wondering what else could have been done to me, with a slight fear of this it could be. "It is a Horcrux." Bone-culler spat out with a sour look on her face, similar to the reactions of the other goblins, who gasped before looking beyond enraged.
"How does the magic affect me?" I asked from the side, gaining the looks of each goblin, before the one I presumed was Chief Ragnok spoke. "Well Heir Potter-Black, the magic affects you just by being a result of a dark magical ritual, it can give you qualities or even a link into the caster's mind, and therefore a way into your own." Ragnok warned, looking me over. I watched as he now looked at my scar with a different kind of glare than I was normally used to.
"Thank you, Chief Ragnok, for your explanation and please call me Harry, as well as everyone else, I'm not used to titles, other than the horrible surviving one I am also cursed with." I spoke with a small smile at the Chief, hoping I hadn't offended with my offer, but instead he just smiled and stood to shake my hand. "Very well Harry, please call me Ragnok. Skullsmasher has told me how different a wizard you are, to show me and my race respect I never usually receives." He spoke looking me in the eye and shaking my hand, I felt a small boost in my confidence knowing my relationship with goblins was growing.
"I can also confirm that my Chief, He-Harry, is most respectful after I completed my healing ritual, he has offered a debt to me and the goblin nation for our service." Bone-culler looked quite proud announcing this, while the others looked quite impressed with the offer, I had given them. I sat back not refuting the matter; yes, I know what refuting means my intelligence just got increased, and looked at both Bone-culler and Ragnok, waiting for them to offer what they wanted to repay the debt. Bone-culler just looked over to her Chief waiting to hear how he would use the debt she had offered to the nation.
"Well this is most considerate, Harry, if you are willing, I'm sure Healer Bone-culler may benefit from studying any particular healing tomes your family Vaults may contain, if she may?" He paused, awaiting my response to what would be considered unimaginable to any other pure-blood wizarding family. "Of course, I will see what there is soon enough, I believe, anything else Chief Ragnok?" I offered, with a last show of respect of the debt I owed.
Ragnok smirked at me while the others quickly closed their mouths which had fallen open. I smirked back and listened as he continued with his request of the debt, "Harry you are most peculiar, never would a witch or wizard consider allowing goblins to look over specific familiar magic, including the most beneficial one of healing. I would like you to become the representative of the Goblin race when you assume the roles of Lordship, this would mean you try and always find a beneficial outcome to any situation for the Goblins, including against your own Ministry laws pertaining us. If you agree to this large debt, however, I offer to name you Friend of the Goblins, as well as a seat on the Goblin Council; a feat never before accomplished by any other wizard." He finished, once again offering his hand, as the other goblins became what I would describe as shell-shocked, they literally froze with the shock on their face. After I grinned and shook Ragnok by the hand, they snapped out of it just as quick looking between me and Ragnok like a tennis match.
"My Chief, this honour is unheard of, but one clearly well thought out and beneficial to the People." Skullsmasher jumped in, shaking his shock out of his features again as Ragnok spoke, "It is one I have firmly decided on, and believe it to be a wise and great decision for our People. My word is law, it is official, Heir Harry Potter-Black is a friend of the People." He finished, coldly and officially as the leader of the goblins. "Thank you, Chief Ragnok for this honour and the chance to benefit the People." I spoke clearly, officially part of the Goblin Nation.
"Now onto matters, as to why I have decided to join your meeting Harry, I was curious at the new Heir of the Vaults and his apparent honourable attitude to the People. Onto the matter of claiming your Lordship rings." The Chief began, I was offered again the ring boxes and told to claim them in order of pronouncement. Picking up the Potter ring I put it on as it shrunk to fit my finger and felt the increase of power building in my core, as well as my mind becoming sharper and better defended. Overall, it was a rush and a half! Quickly picking up the Black ring I felt it tug to be on the same finger and the Potter ring, following the instinct I put it on and watched in amazement as the rings merged into one, sharing the family crests much like Hogwarts does. The similar push of magic into my core and my mind become clearer felt amazing, as if half my mind were constantly dulling like having a hangover. Butterbeer and fire-whiskey is all I'm going to say.
"Congratulations Lord Potter-Black, you are now the Lord and Head of your Houses. Before we move onto the matters of each house, this is Bloodfang, the account manager for House Potter," Ragnok offered, pointing a hand to a much younger goblin than Skullsmasher, "And this is, Malock, the account manager of House Black." Identifying the remaining goblin to me, who was quite serious in his mannerisms. "The rings have now accepted you, and can only be removed by yourself, if you are worried about them being seen or need to use a particular one, just focus on the House and ring will appear. If you wish we can also create a silver enchanted goblin chain to add them to, which can protect you naturally against werewolves and anti-theft and curse protections are added, for a tidy sum of 150 galleons, shall we say?"
'I may not know much about goblins', I thought but I do know when someone wants to barter. With a grin we entered negotiations, "90 and a similar goblin wristband to hold the same charms and have room for more." I bargained, thinking about Luna's gift. "110 galleons or 125 and a magical muggle bank card including an enchanted moneybag." Ragnok smirked as he challenged back, I grinned and accepted the whole 125 deal offer. Pricey but properly worth it. The clear look on his face at my willing attitude to dare bargain with him was something I would never let myself forget.
"Now before the family matters, we shall deal with the horcrux." He said with a frown, "We can use a specific ritual to take out the horcrux without harm to you. We could then use another ritual to reattach the soul to the caster or in this instance, the most particular used method, for a case like this, a destroying ritual which will break and banish the soul to the other side. Effectively the castor wouldn't even notice the missing part of the soul." Ragnok spoke, the other goblins who were yet to be introduced spoke up.
"My Chief, through the Will and memories Mr. Black has provided, including the location and items holding the horcrux, we can start an investigation into the recovery and destroying of said items, one such has already been identified in the Lestrange Vault." The goblin spoke to Ragnok, who bellowed out causing at least me to jump, "Guards! Sent a notice to the Lestrange account manage. Tell him his client has been dissolved from Gringotts and their possessions seized, under my order and the Wizarding Laws of Goblin Claim 1389, for the storage and possession of a horcrux in Goblin territory. As a result, I bequeath the seized vault and everything into the closest living male relative, Lord Potter-Black, through Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black, as her Lord and house head." Ragnok, I'm sure, swore in Gobbledygook – the language of goblins.
He looked at me and offered a small apology for his behaviour, stating he cannot believe the horcrux had been overlooked in his territory. I understood, clearly, he didn't like being out of the loop, just like me.
After a goblin guard came up to Ragnok and told him the vault was securely frozen and a team had been sent to collect the horcrux, we began to talk about dealing with them. "The best option for either method you wish to proceed, Harry is to collect all the remaining horcruxes to be destroyed or re-joined together at once." Bone-culler announced as we began. What seemed like two hours had passed before we came up with a plan to find and store the horcruxes till it was time to end old no-nose. By this time, it was well after two in the afternoon and it had been a long and efficient meeting for both me and the goblins, so we decided to call it a day and arranged that tomorrow I would come back to sort out some family business and if I was lucky, check some of the vaults out.
Signing the parchment to pay for my treatment before I left, withdrawing a quick sum of 250 galleons placed in my new bag; as well as the arrangements we had made for the debt I offered. I left the office and decided I at least wanted to get some properly fitting muggle clothes. I was so sick of the oversized, baggy clothes from Dudley. Walking out of Gringotts, I actually felt like a totally different person, but maybe that was because I basically was. I wasn't just Harry Potter now, the Boy-Who-Lived, I was Lord Potter-Black, a totally different person. I moved through Diagon Alley as the people still ignored me, not noticing who I was yet subconsciously moving out of my way, as I continued into Madame Malkins, I was shocked at the person looking back at me in the mirror.
The person had the same facial features of me, although highly developed and more natural looking, while the figure was bulkier, as if the muscles had finally accepted to become developed. Gaining a few inches, I guessed I know stood at 6'2 tall, instead of the lousy 5'7 I had earlier today. What this even me? I grinned at myself in the mirror the same smirk grinning back as the eyes showed a stronger, deeper green than before. 'I think I look hot.' I thought to myself, seeing the powerful eyes I had mixed with how well it went with my blackened hair; 'magic,' I thought, wonderful effect it had on me.
As I got over my newly defined changes in my look, I decided to just grab some quick sets of muggle clothes for now until I had checked the whole inventory of my inheritance. For all I knew, there would be jewellery and properly ancient sets of clothes down there, along with the books and gold, of course. Scanning through the racks quickly, I discovered a comfortable looking grey overhead hoodie, that went well with some blue jeans and white t-shirt. I also grabbed a set of navy and black jumpers and a pair of black jeans to alternate for now with. Coming up to the counter I set the clothes down and flashed Madame Malkin my smile with my new face, as my hair hid my scar. To say the effects works, would be an understatement. The blood that rushed to her cheeks and the way she quickly avoided looking into my eyes, let me know my smile was defiantly classed as Charm worthy.
Avoiding my gaze, Madame Malkin asked me, "Anything else I can get you sir?" She asked with a clear voice. "No thank you, Madame. That will be all." I replied before adding in a deeper tone, "For now." It was safe to say the effect I was hoping for, was more than achieved. I could see her eyes glaze over, burning with desire as a slight hint of arousal filled the air. "That will be 26 galleons and 4 sickles, please." She replied, barely keeping her professional attitude up. I smirked, knowing exactly what I had done and handed her 30 galleons, telling her to keep her hand earned tip. I'm sure than comment alone made her day, as the temperature increased, never mind the money but I left the store without saying anything further and decided to head into Flourish and Bolts for a look for some books.
In the store, I was stunned at the sight of the store, booking hanging on the floor and being flown into the air, until of course I heard the great Draco Malfoy utter his motto; "My father will hear about this!" I actually snickered at that before turning my back to him as he walked out the door. As he left the owner sighed and pulled out his wand to start repairing the damage, and realising I could help since I was emancipated, I could cast the same charms. In a few minutes we had slowly worked to restore the shop back to its order, and the owner was stunned at my appearance and being able to do magic, gratefully thanked me for my help. "Thank you, sir, your help is appreciated, now please feel free to browse for your books, I must try and find a way to minimise the worst of damage that cannot be repaired." With a faint smile the shopkeeper, went through the back, holding arms of damaged books.
Looking around the shop I saw a few titles that were useful and interesting, I quickly picked out a book about the Wizengamot and its laws, including a recent development of the notable Houses in the wizard world. Then I picked up a title on Metamorphosis and Animagus, their abilities, training and unlocking guide, remembering my newly unlocked talents, this was perfect right now. Further down the line I saw a complex selection of Transfiguration, Potions, Charms and even a cool Herbology book, that would go further and deeper into the branches than just Hogwarts level. As I was finishing up looking at titles, about to head to check out my books, I saw a small but decently thick book on the back of a shelf, it caused my attention and I wasn't really sure why, but picking it up I realised exactly who this was perfect for.
Heading to the counter, the shopkeeper or owner whatever he was, looked at me gratefully again before becoming shocked at the number of titles and expensive books I wanted. Before he could say anything though I quickly set down the books, and asked "How bad was the damage Malfoy caused sir, is it repairable or replaceable?" I asked, my plan already forming in my head as to how this situation, Malfoy had caused, could be used for a slight advantage.
"Unfortunately, sir, the damage is too great, because of the actions of that young wizard, several pieces of rare and magical texts were damaged and therefore unsellable. While I can get copies of the texts eventually, he's caused me to lose out on a quite a lot of galleons from their lack of sale." His eyes dimmed as he spoke, clearly upset with the loss of business and more importantly for him, the damage the books had received. He continued, "The damage is just too much of a cost to repair, they wouldn't be worth selling anymore if I fixed them." My plan may work, I pressed a little deeper.
"Well sir, you said they were quite rare and interesting texts on magic, perhaps I could provide the cost to have them repaired? Of course, we could add the price you are willing to sell them at as well, for your profit." I offered with a smile, weirdly enough the smile seemed to have an effect on him too. Although older and male, he looked shocked at the smile I flashed and quickly looked down at my books and offered me a deal.
"Sir, the total price of those book you have there is 87 galleons and 14 knuts, and the cost of repair and sale of the rare manuscripts would be 143 galleons, but because you helped me clean up the store and are offering to take them off my hands, after all this trouble, I'll gladly set the price to 175 galleons, acceptable?" The hope in his eyes that I could afford this was clear, I think he expected me to ask for a little lower from my age, but I doubt he could go any lower without losing his own money. Grateful that my own plan had worked I smiled and accepted and reached forward to pay with the Gringotts Bank Card, using the newly obtained Potter family vault for the first time. I left the shop with the promise of a nice discount whenever I entered from the shopkeeper. Right now, though my bags were heavy containing my potions, muggle clothes and books: the weight of gold galleons had suddenly lost most of its weight, thankfully, I had finished shopping for today at least. I decided to grab a quick treat at the Ice Cream Parlour and sat down to write a letter I could send off when I got back to Privet Drive.
Dear Hermione,
I have a lot of things to tell you, most of them you probably won't believe, and yes even after everything else we've already went through. This is totally the cake topper. Anyways don't worry it would be easier to explain when I see you to get school supplies. Make sure you definitely see me when you go to Diagon Alley. I recently got you a gift and can't wait to see your face when you get it, hope your safe and enjoying the summer.
Love Harry
I thought about what Sirius had said about being manipulated with all the enchantments on me, clearly, he was right, and now my mind was stuck on what he said about Hermione being the same. The worry was just slowly building the more I thought about it, after a while I decided she should be okay until I sort out my Houses and meet up with her for the school supply run. I would then take her to Gringotts and break the news as well as the enchantments, then I could give her that gift I mentioned. Finishing up my ice cream I left a nice tip like always and left re-entering Gringotts to use the Portkey room and go back to Privet Drive. Shopping could always wait till another day, as I appeared back into the room and lay down on my bed. Thinking about everything that had happened over the last few days, the blood adoption, the will reading, the lies and manipulations. It was a lot to think about, so I did and started to brew up some plans.
