Serpent Lies in Crimson – Chapter 6: Gringotts
Despite that Harry should be more worried about the issue with the Chamber of Secrets. He wasn't, he was more focused on his conversation with Blaise a week ago.
And it had been a long and agonizing week. Harry knew that Blaise wasn't just going to start talking to him everyday like three of the boys in Gryffindor seemed to. Like it was to make up for the missing two years of friendship. Ron still wasn't talking to him, he wasn't sure if it was because his pride was wounded or if he was still serious about thinking that he was a murderer or not.
Harry swore he saw a flash of his eyes burning with anger when he was talking to Dean in the Common Room. Dean had been speculating on who could be the heir if it wasn't Malfoy. Like to everyone else, the identity of the mysterious heir was a mystery. Even Hermione couldn't figure out who it would be, but she didn't take a break from researching what the monster could be.
Hence, Harry had started worrying about her. Hermione was a muggle-born and possibly the next target for the monster. He wasn't quite sure if Ron still thought Hermione as his friend. As Harry hadn't seen them speak since apparently, she slapped the red-head. They already had a few people petrified, the exception being Mrs. Norris. But that didn't make the threat less real to any of Gryffindor house.
That brought Harry to where he was sitting in the Great Hall with the rest of his house. He had glanced nervously with Hermione as she gave him a gentle smile. They didn't talk much during Lunch, but that didn't stop Harry from searching for Blaise at the Slytherin table. To his disappointment, Blaise was focusing on his meal. The young Gryffindor was hoping for any indication that Blaise would speak with him again. But he knew better than creating a direct confrontation with the young Italian, last thing he needed was to lose someone who was willing to help him.
And it so happened it was another week before he was having their current conversation.
"And why would the Chamber of Secrets have anything to do with what I'm telling you," Blaise asked.
"Nothing, that I know of," Harry mumbled.
"Exactly, the point. I'm not here to educate you about the Chamber. You can ask all your brainless Gryffindors for speculation if you're so desperate on that," Blaise drawled. "Why are you so worried about the Chamber, it's not like you're the Heir?"
"You actually believe me about that," Harry gapped.
"Please, anyone with a brain could see you weren't the Heir. It's the same with about being a Slytherin. We're known for being evil and our families follow the Dark Lord. You see that ever effecting a single student? No. And it may be a surprise to you Gryffindors, but not everyone in my house supports the Dark Lord," Blaise griped.
"Sorry," Harry muttered.
Blaise raised an eyebrow as if in disbelief, "what are you sorry about?"
Harry twisted his fingers around, "thinking all Slytherins are evil and believe everything I'm told. Here you are wanting to help me and all I've given you is distrust. I'm sorry."
Blaise looked at Potter thoughtfully, "it's not like we gave you much reason to trust us. I'll admit you do need to think for yourself and not run into everything like a brainless fool.
"Thanks," Harry muttered. "What exactly is Azkaban?"
Blaise looked back up at Harry at his question, that wasn't a question he expected. He was expecting to continue from their last conversation when Potter had asked about Ancient and Noble houses.
"Azkaban is the worst prison for our world. The place is surrounded by the sea and nobody in record has ever escaped. And the place is guarded by Dementors, one of the foulest creatures to roam this earth.
Harry had gone silent for a minute, his first question that came to mind was, what was a Dementor and why were they feared so much and responsible for guarding Azkaban.
"What exactly is a Dementor?"
The Slytherin studied Potter for a moment, "Dementors have the ability to suck the happiness out of a person and bring forth their worst fears and memories. But what makes them worse, is they can give what's called the Dementor's Kiss. It literally takes a person's soul and left lifeless. It is the worst sentence the Ministry can place on a wizard."
Harry just stared at Blaise, like he couldn't believe such a creature could exist. So that was the sentence that his apparent godfather dealt with. A sentence at Azkaban guarded by those creatures. Now the only question regarding the topic was to find out his name. Something he doubted even Blaise knew.
It was Harry's next question that was more hesitant, "You mentioned something about special houses or something."
Blaise almost sighed in annoyance, 'was there not a single person who thought to explain anything to this Gryffindor?'
"For one, it's not called a 'special house,' the term is an Ancient and Noble house. A Noble house is a family of a Pureblood bloodline. But it's not old enough to be considered an Ancient House. Your name line has to last beyond decades to hold that honor, centuries even. There are several houses that are of a Noble House, but to find an Ancient House is rare and far between. The Potter House is a noble House, and yet your line goes far enough back to earn the title of an Ancient House. Something even the Malfoy family can't claim.
Harry didn't know if he could breath for a minute. Sure, he knew his last name was from a wizarding family, as his mum and dad both went to Hogwarts. But to the knowledge that his family name was that old was hard to grasp. And he didn't even know the influence his last name provided him.
Blaise's eyes darkened for a moment. "It's despicable that nobody bothered to tell you a hint of your ancestry. Every half-blood and Pureblood are familiar of their ancestry and the families that surround theirs. And the fact that not one single person would at least reference you to the traditions of your lineage, that's a crime in itself."
Harry was shocked for a good five minutes. Was this really happening, a pureblood Slytherin was getting mad over his behalf. Or least majorly annoyed by his peers.
"Thank you," Harry's voice was barely audible.
What probably shocked Harry more was the small smile and nod Zabini gave him.
"Tell me this, Potter… Are you aware of the Potter crest?"
"A what? Crest… What do you mean?"
The answer to Blaise's question almost made the Italian want to curse every Gryffindor he saw. The sigh escaped his lips that time. Something he knew that Harry noticed.
"Every noble family has a crest to represent their name. Especially Ancient families. Are you sure a goblin never asked you anything about this? Blaise's question was insistent.
"Why would a goblin ask me about any of that?" Was Harry incredulous question.
Blaise almost had to wince at the confused and maybe hopelessness in Harry's voice. 'If anyone had a right to feel betrayed, it was Potter.' The Slytherin tried to image himself in Harry's situation and found his rage building. He probably doesn't even know his family fortune and artifacts are located in other vaults, not just a Trust Vault.
"At Gringotts, any esteemed account has a goblin Account Manager who's responsible over your fortune. It's a high honor, especially if the family is an Ancient or Noble House. They are required to inform you about your accounts. One of which details about you being an Heir, even Lord. Because in one of your family vaults, is kept an Heir ring or Lord ring, if the previous Lord has passed. There is a test that the Goblins can perform to verify who you are. Was there anyone with you when you first visited Gringotts?"
"Hagrid, he was the one who gave me my letter and took me to Gringotts. And all of Diagon Alley," Harry's voice went from frantic to calm. Despite the situation, Zabini was calm about the whole ordeal, something he knew other Purebloods would have been mocking, especially Malfoy.
"That explains it," Blaise's voice became grave. "The Goblins are not a fan of Dumbledore, at all. He's actually making it worse for them. If Dumbledore asked, this friend of yours, Hagrid. He will worship the ground the Headmaster walks on. I honestly wouldn't trust him, he's too close to Dumbledore for my liking. But, because you were with a supporter of Dumbledore, they won't ask at all. Those family accounts are very private and will never be discussed openly. There is a reason why most wizards trust goblins with their money. They can be vile creatures if they feel a client has been insulted or even disrespected, being stolen from. Despite that they are creatures, they have a lot of influence. But Goblins are very prideful creatures and there's wizards who forget who manages their fortune and insult them because of their race. It's why it's important for Purebloods and anyone who deals at Gringotts, to be respectful who handle our money. Especially Heirs and Lords of their respectful family.
Harry listened silently as Blaise almost never paused for a breath as the explanation continued on.
"You need to get into contact with the Head Goblin. I would advise in person because if you send a letter, it won't be taken seriously without your crest as a seal, which your signet ring will have." Blaise suddenly smirked, "Expect for the goblin at the desk to try to dismiss you."
Blaise's voice was then almost harsh. "Do not let them, you are an Heir. Ask for the Head Goblin. If you so choose, you can get the other goblin in trouble. I would personally recommend Yule, but that has already passed. I would try going around the muggle holiday, Easter, you have a chance to go then." Blaise grew a thoughtful look. "You would fare better if you learned more about being an Heir first. As there's a certain way to ask for information while in the presence of the Head Goblin."
"Yule?" Was the only question that stood out to Harry.
Blaise gave Harry a perplexed look. "Of all things to ask, Yule?" Blaise never got a verbal except a nod. 'How was it, that this Gryffindor seemed so easy to please. No wonder it was so easy for Dumbledore to manipulate him.'
"Yule has always been important to the Magical World, but its traditions are disappearing and being replaced by muggle holidays. In order to not offend and appease the Muggleborns. Yule, or more importantly the Winter Solstice. There are certain periods around the year where wizards or witches can be more in touch with their magic. It is a ritual and yet it's not considered evil or dark. Something the Ministry of Magic will argue against, as will Dumbledore."
Seeing Harry's confused looked, Blaise quickly elaborated, "the government for our world."
"Why are you telling me all of this," Harry asked suddenly.
The only response was a blank look. Harry had a nervous urge to explain himself. "Helping me, explaining all of this. Malfoy would have used this against me, probably would humiliate me as well."
Blaise's eyes narrowed for a split second, before looking bored, "Malfoy has an ego perplex. His world is focused on an immature rivalry and his father. He only sees you as a Gryffindor and Dumbledore's golden boy. He doesn't see you as a half-blood and potential Heir and Lord. You're nothing but a Mudblood to him. That's not to say every Pureblood or Slytherin thinks that. My opinion, Malfoy is an immature child that any other Pureblood would have outgrown that thinking and seen you as a potential ally."
"You see me as an ally?" Harry sounded bewildered.
"Potter, your magic is powerful, especially with the aura you give off. What is the sense of driving off someone with that kind of power and have them as an enemy instead of a friend or ally? And the fact you haven't gained access to your House power or energy. It will make your will and magic even stronger. It's similar to if a person has a block on their magic to make them weaker and it was suddenly unblocked. And suddenly you have full access to that magic instead of partial."
Blaise could almost sign in relief, Potter was catching into the vital information fast. The Slytherin was surprised by the lack of questions, the boy was as clueless as a Mudblood. 'Well he did ask about the Houses, it could be worse.' He assumed it was because it hasn't quite sunk in what Blaise had told him. Though Blaise already knew there no reliable books about being an Heir or Lord, it was taught by experience. Even if a person to find a book on the subject, it was near impossible to find one that wasn't biased or restricted. It was then it occurred to Blaise to check the time, no doubt the weasel and Mudblood would have noticed their 'friend's' absence by now.
And the few interactions with Gryffindors was a better alternative and avoid prejudice about his house and Mudbloods. Yet Potter wasn't viewed as either, if it wasn't for the Gryffindor robes. Potter could pass for a Slytherin, once his knowledge improved and the exposure to Weasleys' were nonexistent. With the gift of speaking in their greatest founder's ancient tongue. Had Potter even been a Mudblood, the gift of Parseltongue would give the young boy eternal respect. Despite Malfoy's claims that Potter could never be the Heir of Slytherin, he held the gift which would disprove the idea. Yet Potter was far too emotionally open and so to speak innocent. Concerning the Chamber of Secrets, the young Potter could never have the nerve to open it and sanely possess the knowledge to be killing or petrifying Mudbloods while in Dumbledore's clutches with star-struck eyes that the old foot could do no wrong. It was typically Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs that had such strong trust in their Headmaster, making those houses more vulnerable to be manipulated. It surprised Blaise that Potter was so distrusting of the Headmaster, it was his impression that Potter was so tightly in his grasp, he would jump if asked to.
Harry could see that Zabini was pondering something for a few minutes before making himself jump by the Slytherin next sudden words.
Zabini snickered softly at catching Harry off guard which earned a glare. "Back to the matter at hand. You need to go back to Gryffindor Tower." The Slytherin raised his hand to prevent the Potter Heir from interrupting.
Harry had started to protest before holding his tongue. Was Zabini just going to leave himself in the dark about everything else. It was almost cruel, to have partial information and grasping at the threads by each string.
"You're easy to read like a book. Turn off your thoughts, you are overthinking. We will continue this discussion. I don't feel like being interrogated by brash Gryffindors on why I kidnapped Harry Potter. Also, its already suspicious enough to find you in the library, even in this secret room. It's known that you only go to the library if forced by your Mudblood friend." Blaise's words were blunt and to the point.
Harry had the decency to blush at the truth of his words.
Blaise's next words were just as sharp, "Expect a confrontation. Gryffindors are notorious to jump into situations without processing beforehand. Including thinking of ideas beyond common beliefs and accusations. But I assure you that they have noticed you've been absent for too long to go undetected."
Blaise almost smirked at the nervous look Harry adapted to his features. The Slytherin's tone grew mocking, "Don't tell me a Gryffindor is afraid of a Mudblood and blood traitor?"
"You don't have to live and be surrounded by them," Harry glared back.
"Strange, I expected you to protest when saying 'blood traitor.' After all, one of them is supposedly your friend." Blaise noted verbally.
"Key word, 'supposedly.' Though, you make it sound offensive, but you're not Malfoy. So, you have to have a certain reason why unlike he would," Harry's response was honest.
Blaise looked thoughtful for a moment, "One would think you're a mindless Gryffindor. Yet you are more perceptive than I originally thought."
Harry premed for a minute.
"Don't let it go to your head. Now a Bloodtraitor can be determined by several factors. One of the main ones is rejecting pureblood traditions and loss of their pureblood standing in society. Their social status means nothing if not less. Social status depends on several factors; wealth, Lordships, titles, and the influence they hold at the Ministry in Wizengomot. Don't ask Potter, it will be elaborated at a later date." Blaise explained as he internally smirked.
"You're stalling, Potter. Almost a Slytherin move if one was to observe."
Harry had been listening to Blaise's every word. Yet at the end he wasn't surprised that the Slytherin caught onto what he had attempted to do. Seeing as Zabini was a Slytherin himself and Gryffindors weren't as adapt at being evasive. While the Italian boy humored his request, he still called out his maneuver on it.
"It's not like they would actually notice much," Harry grumbled.
Blaise simply raised an eyebrow.
"Why, would my house care where I'm at, they already think I'm the Heir of Slytherin anyways. It's not like I got anybody on my side," Harry almost snarled.
Blaise snorted, "I'm not surprised. Gryffindors are notorious for being brash and not thinking things through. Blaming a third party is much simpler than the actual issue."
"Sounds about right," Harry muttered.
"Even if you weren't friends with them, there are others who would have your back. I've noticed Finnigan, Longbottom, and Thomas following after you. Looks like you basically lost the bloodtraitor," Blaise observed.
"He accused me of being a murderer…" Harry trailed off.
The Slytherin simply raised an eyebrow in question, "even I'm not that stupid. There isn't anything in you that would hurt something."
"How would you know that?" Harry asked surprised.
"You're a Gryffindor. And you wear your emotions on your sleeve. It's not hard to notice, least to anyone that's observant."
"Uhhh… thanks," Harry mumbled. "About visiting Gringotts and the Crest, can you come with me for that. I really don't want to mess that up and what I have to say."
Blaise studied Harry for a moment, "that wouldn't be a problem. I can have a Portkey mailed to me from my mother, so it doesn't arouse any suspicion."
"Really?" Harry was surprised almost excited. "I thought that stuff was private and stuff."
"To outsiders," Blaise corrected. "I'm heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Zabini in Italy. We are aware of the tests and procedures done by Goblins. Now if information pertaining to how much fortune you have and properties. That is a bit more private. But you have the right to have me there if you wish."
Harry just gapped at the heir in front of him. "Thank you…" he managed.
Blaise gave him a small smile, "you're welcome."
