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The World Through Emerald Eyes

Chapter Four

Harrison stared at the rickety... cart dubiously. He didn't think it looked stable enough to carry one person, let alone three. But when Dumbledore easily got in after the goblin, Harrison joined hesitantly. While it creaked loudly, it held. He took a shaky breath. Was it really safe?

As it turned out, he didn't get to ask since almost immediately the cart took off at neck-breaking speed through the hallway. Part of him was terrified and his hands shot out to hold onto the sides of the cart for dear life. But another part was reminded of the roller coasters he and Dudley would ride at the amusement parks during Summer. He didn't release his death grip , but a small smile made itself known on his lips.

His eyes were wide open at the sights that passed. He noticed the exact moment when expensive walls gave way to rock and the air around him grew colder. Suddenly, lights appeared on the cart and revealed exactly that – expansive space that appeared to be a cave. Or a mountain, if the amount of space was any indication.

A loud sound caught his attention to his left and when he glanced over, he saw another cart veering out of nowhere. He screamed in fear of a collision, but right before they made contact, he was jerked sharpy left and felt himself drop with the cart as it descended into what appeared to be a tunnel. It was then that he saw the tracks the cart seemed to be attached to. The tunnel gave way to another part of open space and he saw dozens of tracks with fast moving carts sliding around just as his was.

Before he could wonder about the safety of the situation, he let out a sharp, "Umph!" when the cart halted unexpectedly and tossed him against its front. He groaned in pain and looked up when the goblin exited the cart with a lamp in his hands. Exactly how was he capable of moving after a ride like that?!

Dumbledore followed with a small smile that never seemed to leave his face and Harrison had no choice but to join them. His legs felt like jelly under him and his stomach twisted itself in knots. He should be glad he didn't have anything in his stomach at the moment because he was sure he would have tossed it that moment.

"Key, please," the high voice suddenly spoke, and Harrison watched as Dumbledore took it from his robes and handed it to the creature.

Pursing his lips in irritation, Harrison fought his sickness and stepped up beside the elder man to watch the creature approach a large steel door. "Where are we?" he found himself asking, looking at the old door curiously.

"We're in back of Gringotts," Dumbledore replied easily with a grin down at him. "Each account is held in the mountain they protect."

So he had been right. It really was a mountain. "This seems so... unbelievable," he muttered to himself.

Dumbledore heard him and gave a light laugh. "I thought the same thing upon hearing about how a muggle bank worked. Computers? Electronic money?" He shook his head. "Ingenious!"

Harrison frowned and cast another glance at the door. "So you mean..." He took in the carved '687' above the door. He started again. "You're saying that each of these... doors is an account?"

The man hummed in agreement. "There are thousands of vaults," he corrected the word, "and each hold the money of the family or person. Some don't even have money, but are used to hold and protect precious items or anything of value."

Harrison's jaw dropped when the goblin reached over and seemed to move something from the door which revealed a keyhole. All his trust money was actually inside that door? All of it? He was no stranger to how things worked in a normal bank. He knew that most money was actually in computers and the amount of 'cash' money or coin that banks handed out was only a percentage of what was actually totaled. If every person in the world was to withdraw all they money from every bank, there would be enough to be handed out. And to think that every ounce of currency of every family was actually represented sort of boggled his mind.

The goblin removed the key after turning it and handed it back to them. Right as Dumbledore reached for it, Harrison easily rushed forward and grabbed it from the creature's hand. "Thank you," he replied, hiding his shudder at the feel of the wrinkled skin that made contact with his own.

Dumbledore frowned. "Harry, I think I should hold onto your key. If you lost it, your accounts would be frozen until they could locate it or make a new one and change your lock and the charms on your vault."

Harrison pocket the key defiantly and met the man's stare cooly. "I think I can handle it, sir," he commended, fighting the urge to cross his arms. "I've had a bank account I can access for a year already. Responsibility is something I have in spades." Mainly because he didn't trust anyone but his family with his money. No way in hell was he going to allow this stranger who already had control of his life hold the access to his money.

The door swung open before the man could reply, though by the disapproving look the man sent him, he knew it probably wouldn't be the last he would hear of it. He ignored him and turned to the sight revealed and his mouth fell open.

Gold. Actual gold. Piles and piles of it. Bloody hell.

Harrison stepped up cautiously to the entrance and took in the immense about of money he had. Upon closer inspection, he noted that there were also columns of silver coins and heaps of bronze looking ones as well. "What is this?" he asked.

"The gold ones are Galleons," Dumbledore explained. "Seventeen silver Sickles to a Galleon and twenty-nine Knuts to a Sickle. The Knuts are the smaller ones."

Yeah, he could have guessed that. Harrison mentally rolled his eyes, but let it go. His emerald eyes glanced around the decently sized room that was lined with money. "Is that real gold?" he asked softly, picking up a gold coin hesitantly. It felt heavy in his hand.

The higher voice of the goblin answered, sounding offended. "Of course it is real!"

Harrison glanced at the creature, seeing him frowning and looking somewhat murderous. Wow. He hadn't expected that reaction. But then again, he had been warmed about their attitude. He cast a glance at Dumbledore before he swallowed. "I apologize," he grudgingly replied, reminding himself to be respectful. It had won him points with the goblin upstairs, so he didn't think it could hurt here. "I meant, is it the same kind of gold as we- er, muggles- use?"

The goblin glared at him, but the heated emotion in his eyes seemed to cool slightly. "The exchange rate for wizarding currency to muggle is different," he acknowledged. "One bronze Knut is about two cents, a silver Sickle is fifty-seven cents, and a gold Galleon is nine dollars and seventy-five cents."

Harrison tilted his head, doing the math. It was obvious that the worth here wasn't as much as it would be in the muggle world. If he actually took a gold coin to the muggle world and sold it, it would be worth much more. He mentally shrugged his shoulders. So the question was how much money did he have here?

He turned to face Dumbledore who still stood outside the vault door. While he was glad the man didn't have the audacity to enter a room full of his money, he wondered if it was out of curtsey – not bloody likely – or if it were the charms the man mentioned earlier. He scoffed to himself. It was probably the later.

"How much is school, sir?" He imagined the the most prestigious school in the Wizarding World would cost a lot.

Dumbledore smiled. "Not to worry Harry. Your schooling was already paid for by your parents upon your birth. We're just here to collect money for your supplies."

Harrison narrowed his eyes, but let it go. Better his parents take the money out than have to let the man standing before him have his hands on it, he supposed. "Okay. How much should I bring?"

The goblin walked over to one of the walls before the man answered. He grabbed a small bag that sat unassuming in the corner on a stand Harrison hadn't noticed before. "This is an enchanted bag that allows you to pull out the amount of money you need at any time. As long as you have it in your vault, it will be available. Every transaction is traced and noted in our archives." He handed the bag to Harrison who picked it up delicately. "It is charmed to only be usable to a Potter and if it is lost or taken, it disappears and reappears here in your vault."

Harrison found himself awed despite himself. That was incredibly convenient. He didn't think it would have been possible to lug a large amount of coins around with him every day or that he would have to go back to the bank for more money every time he ran out. The bag was small and could easily fit in his pocket which he did while admiring the incredibly soft material is was made of. It wasn't normal silk, that was sure. And the black color was incredibly dark.

He took a deep breath, feeling it sit lightly in his pocket, but also keenly aware of something freakish so close to him. The weight of it in his mind was much worse. "Thank you," he told the goblin with a nod.

The creature simply nodded and together they exited the vault which closed behind them, locking with a resounding and satisfying click. He swiftly entered the cart and ignored the man who kept staring at him with disapproval. Really, it was getting on his nerves.

There next stop was vault 713 which Harrison had forgotten about until the quick trip jerked him to a stop in front of it.

Dumbledore stood. "No need to join me here, Harry. I just need to collect something." He smiled easily and followed the goblin who held up a hand suddenly.

"Stand back!" he demanded harshly before dragging a claw down the middle of the door. A series of clicks could be heard before it opens slowly.

From where he sat, Harrison got a glance of a dark room with a table in the middle. The only other thing he saw was a small wrapped package sitting on top. That was it. He frowned, curious.

Dumbledore entered and easily picked it up and slipped it into his jacket. He left the room immediately and rejoined Harrison right after. "No need to mention this extra stop to anyone," he said with a smile. "It will be our secret, yes?"

While curious, Harrison scowled. "Why would I tell people things that aren't my business in the first place?" he replied, insulted.

The man clearly didn't pick up on his tone and simply nodded. "True, true," was all he said.

Harrison's scowl remained for the entirety of their return trip to the surface and he was eager to leave the man's presence. He was surprised to find he wasn't sick anymore, but decided not to question it, thankful.

The walk back to the entrance hall was too long for Harrison who was ready for the day to be over already. Having to hide his dislike for both the goblin and the headmaster was frustrating and he just wanted to fall onto his bed and forget about this nightmare of a day.

A small part of his mind reminded him that there were something he had enjoyed, but he resolutely ignored it.

When Harrison entered the familiar room, he was surprised to see a... giant of a man who looked as unkempt as he did stupid. He sat idly on a chair that looked to be a bench originally made for several people. Figuring they would pass him by, Harrison was annoyed to find Dumbledore approaching him instead.

Harrison let out a deep sigh and rubbed his eyes behind his glasses. Really? Really?

They greeted each other cheerfully and Dumbledore gestured for him to come over, his smile bigger and more sincere than before. Good to know.

He reluctantly walked over and jumped at the sudden, "'Arry!" that escaped the man's mouth excitedly. "'Aven't seen yeh since yeh were a baby! But yeh look just like James did." His smile was wide and his large hand came to rest heavily on his shoulder.

Harrison scrunched up his nose at the man's obvious accent, but otherwise let it go. "I've been told once, yes." He nodded. "Though I have my mother's eyes."

The large man nodded. "Tha' yeh do!" He smiled. "Name's Hagrid. Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts."

Harrison nodded again. "Nice to meet you," he replied automatically.

"Harry," Dumbledore spoke, gaining his attention. "I have some business to take care of that seems to have come up." He gestured to the man beside him. "Hagrid will escort you from here to get your things." He smiled, but it lost some brightness at Harrison's look of horror. "You'll be fine with him, I promise you that." He patted Harrison's shoulder twice quickly. "I look forward to seeing you on September first, my boy!"

Harrison watched the crazy man go with shock. Was he seriously going to leave him here with a stranger? He swallowed his irritation and a bit of fear before glancing up at the large man. Wasn't he just going to draw attention to them? "I thought the intention of going today was to avoid people seeing me."

Hagrid smiled down at him. "Don' yeh worry 'bout nothin', 'Arry. People don' take much notice of meh."

Harrison snorted before he could help himself. He saw people already casting curious glances their way. "I find that hard to believe," he muttered harshly.

Hagrid apparently didn't have Dumbledore's keen hearing as he didn't hear his words and instead made to turn. "Lots ter buy today! Best be off!" Right as he reached down to place a hand on Harrison's shoulder, no doubt to escort him the rest of the way, Harrison dodged away from him.

"Actually, I'm not done yet. I need to speak to my account manager." He hoped the term was the same here as it was in his world. It would make things much easier.

The man frowned. "Why would yeh need ter do tha'?"

Harrison frowned right back. "That's none of your business, I think." Why did everyone want to know his business? He shook his head. "I'll be back," he said and turned without a blink. He ignored the giant man's call for him to come back and made for Castiron's desk once more. He had a right to his things. Everyone needed to stop acting like they did too.

He huffed and rolled his eyes when he was sure no one was looking. If the... thing – because really, could he be called a man? – wanted to wait while he was finishing his business, that was his prerogative.

Harrison approached the desk, once more finding it without customers, and stood before the goblin. He was prepared to wait a minute, but almost at once, the creature's eyes flickered up to see him.

Setting aside his writing utensil and sitting back, the goblin smiled darkly down at him. "Ah, Mr. Potter. Finished your visit?" His words were harsh, but they held a smug or amused tint to them that Harrison didn't understand.

He nodded. "For the most part, yes. Thank you." He saw the smile falter slightly and inwardly smirked as it loosened enough to look more like a frown. "However, I was wondering if I could speak to an account manager?" he phrased it like a question.

The goblin glared and sat up straight. "Is there something wrong?" he demanded to know.

Harrison was startled, but he couldn't help liking how they reacted to possible issues or infractions. He added another appreciative though at having goblins watch his money. "Not that I am aware of," he responded with a shake. "But I am unaware of my current balance and was hoping to speak with someone."

"You haven't been getting your reports?"

Harrison blinked. "What reports?"

The goblin sneered, but not at him. "We send monthly reports to all families whose vaults we oversee. The fact that you haven't received any is quite concerning." His nails dug into the wood at his desk absentmindedly in his fury and Harrison stared as they made long grooves in the polish.

"Griphook!" Castiron suddenly called. The now familiar goblin rushed to his side.

"Sir?"

"Get Metalbite immediately. He is to meet Mr. Potter in room 235." Griphook nodded and ran off.

Castiron stood and left his station. He disappeared for a moment before appearing from behind the desk, now several feet closer to the ground. "Follow me," he demanded curtly and immediately started walking.

Harrison was quick to follow and was brought to a large door with the number 235 displayed above it. "Please wait in here. Your account manager will be with you shortly and we will have this matter dealt with immediately."

Harrison could tell the creature took him not receiving his reports personally. "Thank you," he said again, this time actually sincere. "I appreciate your timely response."

The goblin eyed him. "It is our job. No one interferes with Gringotts business."

He watched the goblin walk off before turning and entering the room. He was taken aback at the sheer size of it all, but he was guessing that the lavish and ostentatious appearance was just Gringotts fashion. He didn't have time to walk around because a goblin swept into the room right behind him, a large book and several papers held in tight fists.

"Mr. Potter," the goblin greeted upon seeing him. He placed the items on a table between two seats and nodded in his direction.

"Metalbite, I assume," Harrison responded, biting the inside of his cheek as he held out his hand in offering.

Like Castiron before him, Metalbite seemed taken aback at his politeness, but reached out and shook his hand nevertheless. He gestured to one of the chairs. "Please sit," he requested, taking the other and sorting his papers.

Harrison did so easily, finding the chair comfortable. Not surprising with how expensive it looked. He sat straight and crossed his legs in an imitation of a proper gentleman.

"To get right to the point, Mr. Potter, it is alarming that you haven't received your reports. When was the last time you received one?"

"Never," Harrison replied after a moment. "I wasn't aware I even had an account – or vault, I should say – with Gringotts until today when Headmaster Dumbledore brought me."

"Hmm." Metalbite noted something down. "That's curious. Your godparents should have received them and shared them with you. Usually children under the care of others would become active in their vault transaction by age ten so they can begin to understand how to handle things when they reach seventeen."

Harrison shook his head. "My Godfather is in prison and my Godmother, as I was told, is unable to take care of me. I've been staying with my muggle relatives. Could that be why?"

The goblin didn't seem surprised at the news about his godparents, only at where he currently was. "Muggles?" He moved some papers around and grabbed one closer to the bottom of the pile. "The will of your parents doesn't mention any muggle relatives as acceptable to take care of you."

Harrison jerked forward. "My parents had a will?" He had to stop himself from snapping it out of the creature's hand. He hadn't known that.

"They did," he said. "Everything was left to you. The official will is kept in our archives, but I have a copy here for you." He didn't hand it over, but instead continued. "Being in the care of muggles wouldn't stop our reports, but we should have been notified of the change." His lips pursed as he stared down at the information in front of him. "It says here that your reports are sent to your magical guardian."

"Augusta?" Harrison guessed, scowling.

"No. Albus Dumbledore."

Hello everyone! I apologize for the long wait. I'm working more hours a week now and college starts in a month so I haven't been writing much (at all) but here chapter five is. I hope you like it! Please review!