Disclaimer: I own nothing.
When Harry returned to Gringotts the next day, he was surprised to see a man standing in Director Ragnok's office. From his appearance, Harry guessed this was Remus Lupin, but he looked far older than Harry expected. If he was the same age as Harry's parents, then he should be in his early thirties. Remus seemed to be going gray early and, overall, looked very tired but pleased to see Harry.
"Ah, here he is now. Welcome back, Mr. Potter." Ragnok nodded towards Harry.
Harry simply nodded as well, taking a step towards Remus. They were basically total strangers and Harry had no idea what to say... Luckily, Remus spoke first.
"Hello, Harry... Ragnok told me you saw a few of James and Lily's memories, but I'm sure you don't remember much about me." He said.
Harry looked sheepish as he shook his head.
"Sorry sir- er, Remus... should I call you Remus?" He asked.
The older man smiled and nodded.
"I would like that. Ragnok also told me you wanted to make me your guardian?"
Harry, again, looked sheepish.
"Well, you seemed like good friends with mum and dad in their memories and your name was on the list so..." He shrugged. "It seemed logical."
Remus chuckled.
"You sound just like your mother. With her wits, I'm surprised she wasn't sorted into Ravenclaw. Sirius once made a joke about her being sorted into Slytherin-" He stopped abruptly, his smile instantly fading.
Harry felt sympathy for the man. It was clear he and Sirius were close friends, maybe even closer than they were with his father.
"I'm sorry Sirius ended up in... in that horrible place." Harry consoled him.
"I don't think he deserves to be there." Remus sighed. "But there's nothing I can do to help him."
Suddenly, Harry had an idea. He turned to Ragnok.
"You said Sirius never had a trial?" He asked.
Ragnok nodded. "Or, at the very least, not a fair one. His judgment was passed rather quickly. Unfortunately, I don't know much more than that. You would need to speak to the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"And who's that?" Harry asked.
"Amelia Bones." Remus answered, looking at Harry with a bit of hope now.
"Is there any way I could arrange a meeting with her?" Harry asked.
Ragnok cocked an eyebrow, his mutter of 'You certainly are ambitious' not going unheard by Remus.
"That would fall on your legal guardian to file a formal complaint. We here at Gringotts only get involved with legal proceedings when they involve financial problems." Ragnok answered.
Harry looked at Remus expectantly. Remus felt a sudden surge of pride as he turned to Ragnok.
"I believe I have some papers to sign, Director." He said.
Ragnok gave a toothy grin.
"That you do, Mr. Lupin."
Harry sat back and watched as Remus signed several different documents. Ragnok briefly explained each of them, though they mostly said the same thing. Remus would be taking custody of Harry, provide housing and protection, and from this day forward would be considered his legal and magical guardian until death or until Harry came of age. However, the question came up of who would look after Harry should something happen to Remus.
"Sirius' cousin Andromeda would probably be the best decision." Remus decided. "She has a daughter who recently graduated from Hogwarts and should be able to look after Harry."
After that was settled, it was now Harry's turn to fill out paperwork. More or less, he filled out the same thing Remus had, declaring Remus his guardian and approving everything. Next, Ragnok pulled out a large stack of papers.
"After looking into Mr. Potter's inheritances, I've filed everything here for him. All that's left is for him to decide what to do with it." Ragnok said.
Harry looked at the giant stack and grew slightly woozy.
"Director Ragnok, do I have to fill ALL of this out?" Harry asked meekly.
Ragnok gave a sly grin, plucking a piece of paper from the top and placing it in front of Harry.
"Of course not, that would be cruel. This is a short summary of your assets. If you wish to see a more detailed list, I have that as well. Signing this just means you accept your inheritance and will receive any benefits forthwith, including protections, properties, as well as stocks and bonds." Ragnok explained.
Harry obviously looked a little overwhelmed.
"S-so... do I need to do anything other than sign?" Harry asked.
"At the moment, no. Everything else will be taken care of, I assure you." Ragnok reassured him.
Harry seemed to relax at that, giving his signature. After giving the ink a moment to dry, Ragnok rolled up the scroll and handed it to Ripfang, who in turn handed a small, wooden box to Ragnok. He placed the box in front of Harry and opened it, revealing two rings. One had a golden lion circled around a ruby, and the other had golden wings around an emerald.
"These are the rings for the House of Gryffindor and House of Potter. You can accept both or neither, and they will offer you protection as well." Ragnok said.
Harry looked to Remus, who was staring wide-eyed at the rings.
"Harry, I... you're related to Godric Gryffindor?" Remus asked, befuddled.
"I guess so... a long bloodline." He replied, rubbing the back of his head.
"Are you still planning to attend Hogwarts, Harry?" Remus asked.
"Well, I did get a letter... can I go somewhere else?" Harry asked.
"You could, but Hogwarts would be easiest." Remus replied thoughtfully.
"If I may," Ragnok spoke up, "The headmaster of Hogwarts is Albus Dumbledore."
Harry felt anger rising in him at the name.
"Is that a problem?" Remus questioned.
"Dumbledore put me with the Dursleys." Harry growled.
"He what?!" Remus exclaimed, shocked. "That's where you've been all these years?"
Harry nodded, trying to get his emotions under control. Remus just shook his head. He just couldn't believe Dumbledore would leave Harry with those... poor excuses for human beings.
"I suppose that's why Dumbledore always blocked me from seeing you." Remus lamented.
Harry looked to Remus.
"You... tried to see me?"
Remus just nodded solemnly, glancing to Harry.
"All he ever told me was that you were safe. I see it's a lie now, but... fighting against Dumbledore is like running through mud."
"Indeed." Ragnok grumbled. "I have no love for Dumbledore, he always thinks he knows best."
"I can't go to school with Dumbledore running it." Harry shook his head. "I won't do it."
"I don't blame you." Remus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "So, what should we do?"
"Couldn't you teach me, Remus? You went to Hogwarts." Harry said.
"Defense and maybe a few charms, but... you need more than that." Remus replied.
Harry pondered for a moment before looking to Ragnok. However, Ragnok was one step ahead of him.
"While I would enjoy teaching you, wizard magic is very different from goblin magic." He said.
"You said I could go somewhere else. What are my options?" Harry asked.
"Beauxbatons, but that's an all-girls school. And Durmstrang is... it's more of a military academy than a school." Remus answered.
Harry slumped in his chair. Wasn't there anywhere he could go in England? Wasn't there anything he could do? He suddenly sat up straight again.
"I could hire private tutors." He said.
"What?" Remus glanced at him, caught off-guard.
"Petunia got them for Dudley all the time because he kept failing at his private school! I could hire tutors to train me." Harry seemed excited.
Remus thought for a moment.
"Yes, I suppose that could work... But what about meeting students your own age? If I hadn't gone to Hogwarts, I never would have met Lily and James." Remus replied.
"If you advertise Harry Potter looking for private tutors, you may get dangerous individuals trying to get close." Ragnok spoke up.
"Didn't you say my inheritances gave me protection?" Harry asked.
"Yes, to a certain extent. But most of those security measures would be rendered useless if you invite any wizard to train you." Ragnok replied.
"Well, then we hire the good ones. Surely you know some, Director? Remus?" Harry asked.
Ragnok sneered a bit. "Unfortunately, I do not have the pleasure of dealing with many 'good' wizards."
Harry turned to Remus.
"The best ones I know are teaching at Hogwarts..." He sighed. "And they're probably loyal to Dumbledore, too."
Harry groaned in frustration. "Why is this so hard to figure out?!"
A silence fell over the room for a moment. They were all jarred from their thoughts at a sudden knock on the door. Ripfang hurriedly answered it, exchanging whispers with the goblin on the other side. Ripfang turned back to address the Director.
"Sir, it seems a muggle family is trying to open an account?" He said.
Ragnok raised an eyebrow and sighed. "If you two gentlemen will excuse me, I will return shortly."
He pushed out his chair, his swift step showing his agitation as he left the room, leaving Remus and Harry alone with Ripfang. After another moment of silence, Harry spoke again.
"I guess I don't have a choice... but if I'm going to Hogwarts, I want to be prepared."
Remus gave him a curious look. "What do you mean?"
"I mean I don't want Dumbledore getting any ideas about taking me back to the Dursleys. So, I need protection from him." He answered.
Remus was a bit surprised at his reply. Though, if Dumbledore had placed Remus with those people at such a young age, he wouldn't forgive the old man either. A minute passed before Ragnok returned.
"My apologies, a muggle family with a magical daughter needed to open an account." He explained as he returned to his chair.
"Oh, I've been wanting to ask... muggle means they don't have magic, right?" Harry asked, receiving a nod from both Remus and Ragnok.
"I didn't know you could be born with magic if your parents didn't have any..." He pondered.
"Magic works in mysterious ways, Mr. Potter." Ragnok replied. "Unfortunately, many wizards believe if both parents are full wizards- purebloods, as they call it- anything less than that should be treated as lesser beings."
"That's terrible." Harry said, distaste clear in his voice.
"Indeed. And many goblins are treated worse than that." Ragnok said, eyes narrowed.
"I won't treat you like that, sir. Nor anyone else." Harry said confidently.
Ragnok grinned a bit.
"You have my thanks, Mr. Potter."
"Um... pardon me if this is rude, but... could you just call me Harry? Mr. Potter feels weird..." he trailed off, embarrassed.
Ragnok gave a hearty laugh, though it sounded much more like he was choking.
"I say, you must be the most surprising wizard I've met! Very well, Harry, you may call me Ragnok."
Harry immediately felt relieved and smiled.
"Oh! Ragnok, do I have anything in my vaults that can protect me from Dumbledore?" He asked. "If I have to go to Hogwarts, I want to be prepared."
Ragnok nodded.
"There are several items that offer protection, these rings included." He gestured to them.
Harry nodded slightly reaching forward to put them on. As soon as he slid them on his hand, they glowed faintly and resized to fit him perfectly.
"Those are likely the most powerful items in terms of shielding your mind and body from spells and magical influence." He explained.
With a snap of his fingers, several other items appeared on the table. He went over them one at a time.
"This vest is made from Dragonhide. It will protect you from dragon's fire, as well as anything that may pierce your skin. Though, it obviously stands out. This cloak allows the wearer to become invisible. Very useful for hiding from foes or getting the drop on them. These spectacles enhance your sight and should allow you to see in the dark, as well as see the heat their body emits. This mokeskin pouch is useful for preventing theft. And finally, gloves made from the hair of an Abraxan. These winged horses are famous for drinking only single-malt whiskey, so the result of wearing these always keeps you warm." Ragnok finished, chuckling slightly.
Harry looked over the items, mouth ajar. He had always thought dragons were myths, and yet Ragnok mentioned them as though mentioning a common breed of dog! He found his voice after a moment.
"Is... is there a way to disguise these items? Or hide them in plain sight?" He asked.
"That would be the Disillusionment or Notice-me-Not charms." Remus answered. "They're considered fifth year spells, so they might be difficult to learn. Until then, I can apply them for you."
Harry looked exceedingly grateful, then he realized what Remus said. "Wait, does that mean you're coming to Hogwarts with me?"
Remus nodded. "I want to keep an eye on you. And I hear Dumbledore is hiring for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Let's just hope he hasn't hired anyone yet."
Harry couldn't stop himself from leaping from his chair and cheering, though he quickly settled down, blushing from embarrassment. Both Remus and Ragnok chuckled.
"Of course, these items are yours." Ragnok said, placing them all in a bag and handing them to Harry. "Though you will need a few more things before attending Hogwarts."
"That's right. Ready to go shopping, Harry?" Remus asked.
Now that everything was sorted, Harry felt things were looking up for him. He smiled and nodded, eagerly thanking Ragnok for his help before leaving with Remus.
"First things first... I think we should get you new clothes." Remus pointed out.
Harry heartily agreed, more than happy to get out of his cousin's hand-me-downs. They made their way to Madame Malkin's first, stepping in to get him fitted for his robes, while Remus went browsing for clothes that would fit Harry.
"Going to Hogwarts, dear?" Madame Malkin greeted him pleasantly.
He nodded, suddenly feeling shy with the attention.
"Don't worry, got the lot here. A young woman being fitted up just now, in fact." She said.
Harry simply nodded, letting her get to work with her measuring. It only took a minute, and Harry soon stepped down, going to look for Remus. As he stepped around a corner, he narrowly avoided running into someone.
"Oh, I'm so sorry-"
"Sorry about that, I-"
Two voices spoke at once and suddenly stopped. The girl with brown, bushy hair had spoken first, stopping in surprise at the response. Harry stopped talking when he realized this must be the girl Madame Malkin mentioned.
"Are you going to Hogwarts, too?" Harry asked.
She smiled, revealing her slightly-buck teeth as she gestured to her new robes.
"Yes, I just got my robes fitted. I'm Hermione Granger, and you are?" She asked.
Harry briefly wondered if he should give her a false name. After all, he was apparently really famous... he didn't want a lot of attention. He decided no, he wasn't going to lie.
"I'm Harry Potter." He grinned and shook her hand.
Hermione seemed mildly shocked, with her jaw hanging open, but she quickly shut it and returned the handshake.
"Well, um... it's nice to meet you." She shifted a bit, suddenly feeling nervous.
Harry felt a little nervous, too. "Yeah, uh... you too." He replied.
Both stood there, staring at each other awkwardly for a moment.
"I need to-"
"I should probably-"
They spoke at the same time, both laughing a bit at the mistake.
"See you later?" Hermione offered.
"I hope so." Harry agreed with a nod.
They each waved and went on their way, both happy that they had made a new friend. Or at least, that's what they hoped.