Disclaimer I don't own Harry Potter. All rights to the characters and universe the story belongs in belong to JK Rowling

Chapter 6 - Dealing with Goblins

'Morning Bill'

'Morning Harry, you all set?'

'Yeah it'll be a relief to get this over with.'

Bill smiled knowingly at him. 'Yeah I know, I think they might surprise you though.'

Harry wasn't so sure 'We'll see I can't see them being happy with me. I take it they didn't take sides during the war.'

'No they didn't, that doesn't mean they were fans of Voldemort. He killed goblins too. Anyway lets go.' Bill led Harry away from his office in Gringotts and they walked down the corridor and caught the lift to the next level.

Bill walked him into a meeting room and grabbed them both a coffee. They were only waiting for a minute or two when two Goblins arrived.

'Good Morning Mr Potter, Mr Weasley' said the older, most grumpy looking of the two, as they took their seats. 'My name is Gluktick, I am the head of security here, and my colleague is Raknak, he is the head of our Wills department.'

'It's nice to meet you' said Harry as he and Bill shook the hands of the two.

'Thank you for coming Mr Potter and we are sorry for delaying this meeting so long. However, there is quite a lot we would like to discuss with you. Has Mr Weasley had chance to mention what those might be?' asked Gluktick.

'Please it's Harry, yeah we spoke about you wanting to talk about my inheritance as well as the break in.'

Gluktick nodded 'There is one more thing as well which we will leave until last. First of all though would you care to explain why you broke into Gringotts?'

Harry's curiosity was burning about what else they wanted to talk about however he knew that pestering them would get him nowhere. 'We needed an object that was in one of the vaults. It was a Cup that belonged to Helga Hufflepuff, we needed to destroy it in order to kill Voldemort.'

'Why?' asked Gluktick.

Harry looked questioningly at Bill. 'It's Ok Harry you can tell them, as I'm sure you know goblins are famed for secrecy.' Bill reassured. This seemed to intrigue the Goblins as they both leaned forward.

Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably 'This needs to stay secret.' He gave them both a stern glare, they nodded for him to continue.

'It was a Horcrux, which is'

'It's Ok Harry we know what they are. I can accept that reason, and I must say I am impressed that you didn't try to take anything else. That is also helping your cause. How did you get into the vault?'

Harry told them the story of the break in and the plan that was concocted. When he told them about the imperious curse on one of their Goblins they stiffened but kept their faces neutral. When he was finished Harry waited for their verdict keenly aware that he was being scrutinised in every way.

Bill smiled encouragingly at him. Then Gluktick broke the silence 'Very well I can't say I'm pleased about you imperising a Goblin'

'I didn't mean him any harm, I just couldn't risk our cover being blown.'

'I understand that, I would also like to mention the sword. What would you say if I were of the opinion the deal you made with Griphook was uneven, as the sword can materialize for any Gryffindor?'

Harry frowned 'Griphook made the deal knowingly. The swords been around for Centuries and I'm certain Griphook would have known about that power. As far as I'm concerned, he got the sword in the condition that the deal was made in.'

'I agree with Harry. I knew Griphook he would have known about the swords powers.' Piped in Bill.

The old Goblin thought about it then nodded 'Very well. Thank you for telling your account and telling it honestly. It is the decision of the bank not to press charges however we would like you to help pay for some of the damage you caused. Is that acceptable?'

'Yes it is. How much would you like? Also is there a fund for the families of the Goblins and humans that were killed during the war? I would like to make a donation.'

Raknak spoke for the first time, his voice was raspy 'That would be very kind of you Mr Potter. I'm sure we can arrange something. The figure we would require for the damages is 1,000 Galleons.'

Harry's face fell 'I'm not sure I've got that much. Is there a payment scheme we can set up?'

'That brings me to our next order of business.' Rasped Raknak, taking in Harry's furrowed brow he added 'Your inheritance. You see when you turned of age, access to the Potter family vault was released to you as was the rest of the contents of the Black family vault.' He slid two pieces of paper over to Harry.

Reading the paper Harry was stunned 'This can't be real' he said in disbelief.

'It is Mr Potter. The first page is the total in each vault that belongs to you, your old vault is not on that list because everything has been moved to the Potter vault. The second sheet is a list of properties you own. We are running the renting scheme for you and they are all making decent profit. If you like we can set up a meeting with the real estate department and they will talk you through it.'

Harry was still numb with shock. Pulling himself back together he manged to speak 'Leave the rents as they are for now. They are running fine, although I should still try to get to grips with it in the future. Are there any properties that are empty?'

'Yes there a few on there which are empty and not included in the scheme. They are marked with an asterisk.'

Harry nodded, he never knew he had been left so much. It was with a twinge of sadness that he remembered who had left him it all. I'd give it all back for them to be here.

Bill placed a hand on his shoulder 'You OK Harry?'

'Yeah, it's just I'd rather them be here.'

'I know, that doesn't mean that they wouldn't want you to have it.'

Harry smiled weakly at him. 'I'm at least going to put it to good use.' Readdressing the goblins he continued 'Can you take the money for the rebuilding and a donation to the families of the same amount from the Black Vault please?'

Raknak nodded 'We'll do that straight away. Thank you for your kindness Mr Potter. We'll let the families know who donated.'

'No please, I would like to remain anonymous. I get enough attention as it is.'

Gluktick looked at him strangely for a moment 'You are a most unusual wizard Harry Potter.'

Harry laughed 'Griphook said the same thing.'

'Mmm well now it's time for our final order of business. We would like to offer you a job either in security or as a curse breaker.'

Harry almost fell off his chair. 'Really?'

'Yes Harry, as the only person to ever break in to Gringotts and succeed in taking something, we would like your help to improve security. However, we can also see how your skills could be turned to that of a curse breaker so we thought we would offer you both roles. Take your time to think, you don't need to answer now.'

'It's not that, and they are both great offers, unfortunately I've already accepted a role in the Auror training academy. So, I won't be able to accept.' Harry said apologetically.

'Ah I see we are too late. You will make a fine Auror Mr Potter however, if you ever want a change, the job offer remains open.'

'Thankyou'

'Well unless there is anything else I believe we are done.' Said Raknak

'Actually there is. Being an Auror is apparently quite dangerous' Bill and even the Goblins laughed 'Do you mind if we make a will or would you like me to make another appointment?'

'Certainly, we can do that now, it shouldn't take too long.'

'I'll leave you to it then Harry.' Bill stood up to leave 'If I'm not in the office when you head back, I'll see you Saturday'

Harry stood too and shook his hand 'Thanks for your help with this Bill.'

'Anytime Harry.'

'I'll leave you two to it as well' said Gluktick shaking Harry's hand. 'It was nice to meet you Mr Potter. I trust you won't try to break in again?'

Harry laughed 'I won't I promise. It was nice to meet you to.' Once those two had left Harry and Raknak turned their attention to his Will.

That Saturday, dinner at the Burrow was a lively affair with all of the family present to wish Ron and Hermione well on their trip to Australia. They were leaving on the Monday morning. When the meal was over Mr Weasley pulled Harry to one side.

'Harry do you mind if I have a word?'

Knowing what was coming (he had already had this talk with Bill before tea) he simply nodded saying 'Sure.'

They walked out the back door and Mr Weasley turned to face him with a crooked smile 'You know the other day someone anonymously sent 1,000,000 Galleons to our account and paid of our mortgage.' He said as if this was an everyday occurrence. 'You wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?'

Harry gulped 'I might yeah.'

Mr Weasley rolled his eyes 'Right' he dragged the word out. 'Why didn't you speak to me before or after?'

Harry sighed 'I didn't tell you before because I didn't know what I was walking into with the Goblins. So I didn't know I was going to do it until then.'

'And After?'

'I knew you wouldn't be happy about it so I put it off. I figured you would want me to take the money back.'

'You're right me and Molly both agree that it is far too much but a nice gesture all the same. I really must insist you take it back.'

'I can't do that Mr Weasley' The older man tried to interrupt so Harry ploughed on 'My inheritance is rather substantial. I could have given you a hundred times that much and still never have to work again.'

'That doesn't mean I have to except charity Harry.'

'It's not charity Mr Weasley, it's a thankyou. You are the only family I've ever had it's only right I should share this with you all.' He shifted on his feet nervously as he spoke.

Mr Weasley pulled him into a hug 'You'll always be family Harry even without this.'

'I know' he mumbled.

Mr Weasley released him 'Come on, now for the hard part.'

Harry raised his eyebrows 'We have to tell Molly.'

Harry's eyes widened in horror 'She's going to kill me isn't she.'

Mr Weasley chuckled 'Who's going to kill you?' asked someone from behind them.

'I believe my dear Molly that you are about to kill both of us.'

She put her hands on her hips as an indicator of the danger they were in 'And just why is that.' She glared at them. Hers eyes are exactly the same colour as Ginny's.

That's brilliant Romeo maybe notice stuff like that when she's not going to hex you.

'We've decided that we should indeed accept Harry's gift.'

'Oh really' She goes red like Ginny when she's angry too.

Keep your head in the game!

'Well I'm sorry to say, that is not happening.'

'Please Mrs W…'

'No, I won't hear another word of it Harry Potter. You will take that money back immediately. It's yours.'

'I'm sorry I can't take it back. You're my family I should share this with you.' She wilted at this.

'Of course your family Harry, you always will be.' She exasperated. 'We still shouldn't accept this we always get by.'

'I know, that's the reason, you shouldn't have to just get by when I can help. Trust me, there's still plenty to go on. To be honest I probably don't have to work a day in my life.'

She rushed forwards and pulled him into a hug 'Thankyou Harry dear.'

'It's no problem Mrs Weasley.'

'Yes about that' she said going stern again 'None of this Mr and Mrs Weasley nonsense, either Arthur and Molly or mom and dad.'

Harry grinned at them 'This isn't an argument I'm going to win is it?'

They both smiled and replied simultaneously 'No.'

The next night saw Harry in the Leaky Cauldron with Ron and Hermione. He was pleased to note that the circus around him had started to die down again as people got used to him being out in public. There were still reporters but they didn't hang around for too long.

'So are you two all set for tomorrow?'

'Yeah we are. Are you sure you're going to be OK on your own?' asked Hermione concerned.

'I'll be fine I'm a big boy now.' He replied sarcastically.

'You sure? it must be awkward living in the same house as your ex.' Chimed in Ron, twirling his pint of Butterbeer in his hand.

'I don't know Ron' said Hermione innocently 'They are spending a lot of time together.'

'We're friends of course we are.'

'Come on mate we all know you're not just friends. You need to do something before she goes back to Hogwarts though, I mean you'll be out here with all the witches in the world. She might think you've moved on.'

'Yes, and to think she'll be at Hogwarts with all those boys running around. I bet Dean is going back this year.' Harry choked on Butterbeer, the grins he got from his two best friends were evil.

'Ginny can kiss whoever she likes.' He said with as much dignity he could muster. 'Look can we drop this.' He pleaded.

They took pity on him 'Have you sorted out a meeting with Robards yet?' asked Ron.

Grateful for the change in subject Harry jumped on it 'No not yet. I was hoping to set one up soon. I'm getting to point where I would like to start.'

'Yeah I understand. To be honest that's why I started working at the shop. I was going to wait until we got back. I'm surprised there hasn't been more news on the Death Eaters that got away. I would have thought they would want revenge or something.' Ron mused.

'They're frightened, they just lost their leader and a lot of his most loyal supporters were killed or arrested at Hogwarts. The only one that could really have led them after Voldemort's death was Bellatrix but thanks to your mom she's not a problem.'

'Yeah I think you're right Harry. Last time a lot of them went to ground or feigned innocence, they probably wouldn't get away with the latter this time around. My biggest fear is they are just waiting for someone else to come up.' Said Hermione.

'I agree, I can't believe how quickly they've vanished. The prophet has only accounted for the arrest of a few lesser ranked Death Eaters since the battle. Someone must be helping them.'

'Do you think they could have left the country?' Asked Ron.

'It's possible, I'll have to wait until I start to find out I suppose.'

'They would have to be very clever. International travel is heavily restricted, it's been a nightmare organising getting to Australia.' Stated Hermione.

'How are you getting there?'

'We're getting an international portkey to Dubai. Then after an hour break, we travel on to Australia.'

'Well it's quicker than a plane.'

Ron face fell 'I know we have to fly on the way back. Dad's ecstatic about it, I'm not so sure I fancy being cramped in a tin for that long.'

'Oh, Ron you'll be alright.' Admonished Hermione 'I told you, there will be a film to watch on the flight.'

'How are you travelling the country? Australia's pretty big.'

'We're going to be apparating. I've had to memorize each of the safe points in the larger towns and cities. I figure they'll be in a place where they can start up their own practice.'

Harry nodded in agreement. 'We got time for another?'

Ron downed his pint and just passed his empty glass to him. Harry chuckled 'I'll take that as a yes.'