Disclimer: Don't smoke, it's bad for your health.

Chapter 8: Meetings

Griphook was enjoying the calm of early morning. He had always been an early riser, first during his youth to see his brothers leave, then at the time of his service (10 years of uniform, weapon training and discipline), and finally during his nearly twenty years of work at Gringotts. It wasn't good to be late when you're in red on the black-list. Even on his vacation he couldn't sleep late anymore, it was too much integrated into him.

Taking a sip of his Bendog juice, he casually walked toward the small garden at the back of his house. The sun was rising and he had half a mind to go and enjoy the view. Kagnass knew he didn't have the opportunity watch the sun for a very long time. He was already imagining himself seated in an armchair when swearing sounds stopped all his hopes of a calm morning.

Sighing he looked through the window. Sure enough Harry was outside, the garden lit by the light of eight torches. He was there with his dog and owl. D'Argo had never left the man's side so it wasn't surprising to find him there but the owl was another case altogether. Harry had had to buy her back after more than ten years apart. He had even done a ritual to re-establish their broken Familiar Bond. Since then, she refused to leave his side except for letters and even then, she was the fastest owl ever.

Griphook remembered very well Harry's slumber, and more vividly, the screams after the ritual. Kagnass! He thought there were Banshees in the neighborhood. The young wizard had stayed catatonic for three days.

…And then he had woken up, like if nothing had happened. He refused to say what occurred but, from that moment he spent nearly all his waking time very nervous, very angry, and constantly training.

The whole goblin community was alarmed. An angry wizard was learning every curses, hexes, and jinxes possible on their land? Learning to perform them silently and/or without movements? A lot of them didn't like that very much. Furthermore they had seen Harry training with a wooden stick like it was a sword and, truth be told, he wield it like a master. One that Koran, the goblin Sword Master, would be hard pressed to beat in a fair match.

Taking a deep breath Griphook exited the house. He had a wonderful news to tell but wasn't sure of the reception he would have.

"Harry?"

The wizard didn't even answer. Griphook advanced toward him but his way was blocked by D'Argo who pushed him against a wall. He glared at the dog then at Harry, but it was no use. His eyes were banded, sweat was falling from his brow. His goblin made shirt was soaked.

In his right hand he held his wand and, in the left, the heavy stick he used as a sword. Trance-like, and with out a sound, he started moving. With heavy pushes he slashed, kicked, and killed imaginary opponents with his sword while making the wand movements (but not the actual curses, Kagnass be blessed!) for dozens of painful, maiming, and killing Curses. He contortioned his body in abnormal ways, most that shouldn't have be possible without magic.

He then tried a back flip, but landed painfully on his face, the dirt staining his face, shirt, and pants. All in all it was a sight Griphook found very amusing and he found himself unable to stop the full blowing laughter that escaped from his mouth.

Harry got up and tore the bandage away, revealing angry eyes searching the source of the offending noise.

"IT'S NOT FUNNY!"

"He he he, you've got to admit that from my point of view it is…" Griphook replied difficultly containing his laugh.

Harry grunted as he made his way to a small table were a pitcher of water and a towel were laid.

"What was that?" Griphook inquired.

"What?"

"I dunno, this kind of fake fighting or something." The goblin shrugged.

"Oh, that? That was the Dance of the Wands number three." Harry answered inattentively as he was wiping his face.

"The Dance of the Wands? What is it?"

"A series of movements designed to avoid a majority of curses and inflict maximum damage in a fight against multiple opponents." Harry explained, as if he were a teacher.

"Can you teach me?" asked Griphook, eagerness in his voice.

"What for?"

"Well…" Griphook nervously gave a kick in a small stone. "You know that the goblin society is a warrior society. Even though we are at peace with the Wizarding world, it might not last forever and-"

"Not a chance, mate. I can understand your concern but that would be like giving a nuclear weapon to a country when the others are still learning to use fire." Harry answered firmly. "I might not be a fanatical supporter of the Ministry at the moment, but I don't think that it would be fair to innocent people."

"But it would just be in case… Like a preventive preparation." Griphook argued weakly.

"Oh, I know that. Until a particularly cocky goblin decides that he is better than his peers and can kick some pureblood asses because they were sneering at him.

Then what? Then there would be a faction of wizards who'll want to exterminate the nasty goblins. Another faction will be willing to wipe out the arrogant wizards. It would create a war that would eventually won by the goblins because they'll be able to attack hand to hand. Eventually the wizards would find something to protect themselves like Proximity and Repulsion Wards coupled together and always active.

Then what?"

Griphook didn't reply. He knew that Harry was right. It was just that…

"I'll tell you what:" Harry continued. "Then one of my major assets to survive this bloody war will be lost. It might take me years to kick Voldemort's scaly ass. I cannot afford to loose this advantage for a might be reason. Furthermore, it would probably hasten another war.

No, really Griphook, I wish I could. You're a friend and the person I would most likely teach it, but I just can't. I'm sorry, the answer is final." Harry finished sincerely.

Griphook nodded. "I understand Harry. It's just that… Well, I've had a very good new yesterday and I had hoped that your teaching would heighten it."

"What is it?" Harry asked his curiosity pricked up. Damn Gryffindor curiosity he mused.

Griphook put his hand inside his jacket, "You know of our society's stratification and culture, right?" Harry nodded.

"Well I received this letter yesterday." The goblin produced a folded envelop. "It was delivered by a soldier. As you know there are three person allowed to used military men to deliver notices. The General," Here Griphook made the gesture of pulling out a sword and holding it high in the air. "Gorian the Hundel and the Matriarch." Griphook bowed.

"And who sent it?"

"Gorian, as Chief Sorcerer Goblin he is the one forwarding any Gali letter. This one was signed by two Fifth Rank Galif." Griphook explained then sighed.

Harry read the letter and exclaimed "That's great! You're going to be mated!", but in front of his friend's face he asked "No?... I mean… It's what you wanted right?"

"Yes, yes. It's just that my sister is a Fifth Rank herself and if I were to mate in this rank she would be lowered."

"Why?" Harry wondered.

"Well because I gained money, power and prestige in Gringotts. If I were to mate a Fifth rank, it would be because of my accomplishments, not my birth. She hasn't done anything yet, therefore she'd be lowered to give my fulfillments a weight. And I don't want that." Griphook explained sadly.

"So basically you are telling me that you've increased your personal value in the eyes of the Galif and therefore would lower your sister's in comparison, right?" Harry asked.

Griphook nodded and said a weak "Yep".

"And what does your father says?"

"That it's not my fault if my fifty-six-years-old-sister didn't manage to do anything for herself."

"He's right you know. Furthermore, you haven't seen her more than twice a year for the first thirty years of your life. You haven't seen her since, so maybe she did something for herself and increased her status."

Griphook gave a bitter laugh. "I don't think so. It's even the opposite. She was a Fourth Rank until she tried something for herself." He spat the last word as if it was an insult. "It's only the fact that my father mated a Fourth Rank that year that she didn't get degraded to more than Fifth. Even though, I checked yesterday afternoon. She's still a Fifth Rank, but at the first step out of the line she's a Sixth."

Harry nodded. "I understand your concern, but it's not your fault if she becomes a Sixth Rank."

"Harry! My birth alone gave me the right to a Fifteenth Rank's mate! She didn't do anything and even embarrassed herself a couple of times! She'd be retrograded to Sixteenth Rank!" Griphok cried alarmed. "If not Seventeenth" he added with a shiver.

Harry didn't ask. He knew that Seventeenth Rank Galif were considered improper for mating and were the worst of the goblin's society with the few men unable to fight (born crippled as those crippled in fights were honored as living gods).

"Listen mate. I understand that you being able to teach the Dance of the Wands would increase your value and enable you to go for a Fourth Rank, but I can't."

Griphook lowered his head at this statement. "But we might find something." Griphook perked up.

"Really?"

"Well, I've got my meeting with Rodolph, the Vampire Master today. As you know, these guys are impossible to meet, but well, I got lucky. Anyway, he'll give me some rights and some information. If you were to act with me on these, you'll be able to increase your status… again." Harry explained as he put a new shirt.

"What kind of action?" Griphook asked. Hope rose in his voice and dread filled his eyes (he was a family guy but knew Harry better than anyone on Earth and that scared him shitless).

Harry shrugged and smiled sinisterly. "Nothing too extreme, just a bit of hunting." Harry walked back into the house, Hedwig perched on his arm, and D'Argo following him.

Watching his friend's retreating back, Griphook sighed. "That's what scares me."

..ooOoo..

Dear Kisarra,

Yesterday morning I received a missive from two of your Rank mates.

As you know it's a one time opportunity for me. Thus I'm thinking of accepting, but there is no way that a potential mating would degrade you to one of the lowest Ranks. I believe we should discuss it face to face.

I have news that could solve our problem but I can't divulge it in a letter as Harry hasn't told me what it entails yet. Yes, him again! I really put all my eggs in the same basket, but he's a friend and we owe each other to much to leave the other when he's in need.

Please answer with permission and a meeting date as soon as you possibly can.

Your brother,

Griphook

..ooOoo..

Dear Griphook,

I was very pleased with your message. At first I was angry you didn't write me straight away, but I'm very glad now that, I understand, you tried to find a solution to this problem.

I was very distressed, and I could not ask you to refuse such an honor. Some of my less-than-friendly acquaintances already pointed to me that my file would destine me to Fifteenth Rank at best and Seventeen at worst.

I've been given a favor by the Matriarch: free time until your mating. Like hell it's a favor! I spend all my time gnawing at my nails! Anyway, you can come and visit me anytime you want. I included a permission slip and will be waiting for you.

Your sister,

Fifth Rank Gali,

Kisarra

P.S. I don't know how long I'll be able to keep using this title.

Kisarra sealed the letter and brought it herself to the Chief Sorcerer Goblin. As usual Gorian was very friendly with her and they drank a Bendog juice before she returned to her room. She hardly had the time to change into more suitable clothes that she was notified of her brother's presence.

Griphook had changed since the last time she saw him. He was more discreet but also more noticeable because he was more in control and more powerful and he knew it. His eyes were reflecting his intelligence, his ability to take chances, and win against all odds. Something he had inherited from his father, a heredity trait in a sense that she didn't receive.

"Hello Griphook."

He bowed deeply, much more than her status required, and gave the greeting words reserved to the elite of the Galif.

"You don't have to flatter me, dear brother. We both know that I'll never reach one of these Ranks." She replied; flattered, and at the same time sadden by the reality of life.

"Maybe not from others, but to me you deserve such a greeting."

She laughed. "Always the charmer?"

"I try." Griphook replied with a smile.

"Walk with me brother."

Griphook nodded and followed her in the garden reserved for Galif. An infinity of flowers, a lot of them considered to be extinct, were starting to blossom. They were pleasing to the eye and gave them the sensation of being lost in a pool of colors.

"So, Griphook, tell me. What did Harry come up with this time?" Kisarra inquired.

"You don't like him." Griphook said. It wasn't a question, more like a realization he had gotten used to hearing.

"You're right, I don't like him. He has too much power over you. That man could ruin you if he wanted." She said in a harsh tone.

"I see, so you'd want me to separate myself from him?"

Kisarra didn't say anything, but she didn't need too. Both knew she wanted him to do exactly that.

"Too bad, 'Cause I won't do that. Whatever you want or for whatever silly reason you have he is a friend, my friend, and as such he has my support when he needs it and not when I want something in return." Griphook returned.

His tone was firm, not aggressive or harsh as his sister's. It was just another statement. A don't-meddle-in-things-that-are-not-your-concern notice. Kisarra understood and dropped the subject. However Griphook didn't; he even said something that could have be considered heresy. His biggest bet ever and against the worst odds in the world. Something that could of gottten him executed if he was wrong, and he said it in the middle of the Galif's garden!

"I think that if he keeps on his path and stays around, he'll make some much needed changes and might be mated too."

Lots of little screams punctuated his sentence, the statement was heard by half a dozen Galif

"Griphook! Are you crazy? That will ruin your chances of mating and probably get you killed!" Kisarra exclaimed tears in her eyes.

There she saw who he really was when he smirked and answered. "Probably, but they all know I'm a gambler. They won't do anything until Harry gets either killed, disgraced, or mated. Thus, they'll keep the flirting, but will drag out time in hope that this will be solved before the mating. Anyway, now they'll leave us alone in fear to hear any other choking news. Therefore I can tell you what Harry came up with to increase my status and, at the same time, secure yours."

She laughed at his smirk. "Go on, oh master of manipulations."

Griphook smiled and sat on a bench where she quickly joined him.

"As you know, Harry has been staying with us for a little than a month now." He started.

"Bit difficult not to know, he's all they" she indicated the Galif's living quarters. "ever talk about. The human here, the human there. I think I'm the only one to be aware he's Harry Potter and not some common boy found in a gutter."

"Could you please let me tell the story?" He interrupted, his hand on his heart in a fake hurt expression. She motioned him to do so.

"Right, two weeks ago we went to an auction at the zoo." In front of his sister's puzzled expression he explained. "All the familiars of arrested people and/or those whose assets have been seized were sent to the zoo for years. For so long actually that in the end they had trouble to keep them all and decided to sell some of them."

"Harry wanted to go there. Why I don't know, but he bought back his own owl, cost him a fortune but it's his owl. He wanted it, that's his choice. But he also bought a bat and antagonized a couple of vampires. Apparently they were in charge of buying their Master's pet back and he beat them at it. How he knew who they were, why they were there, and how much they could afford, I don't know either. But that's Harry for you."

"Anyway, the two vampires, Harry, and I had a drink. He gave back the bat but locked its cage. He said he wouldn't unlock it until he met the Master. Rodolph his named. He had a meeting yesterday and we went just after I sent you the letter. We took a portkey to Gringotts and went to Knockturn Alley…"

..ooOoo..

Harry was swearing as he fastened his belt. "Why do I have to do that again?"

"Because people remember you. You killed a Death Eater, ruined their attack, kicked the 'Red Fury's' ass, and tamed two vampires in a minute thanks to D'Argo. People want to see you and it will keep us safe as nobody will try to get at you. You are associated to this belt, with its Gladius, dagger and throwing knife, so your wearing them." Griphook explained patiently.

"Right" Harry snarled. "Doesn't mean I like it and this Alley is bloody depressing!"

"That it is my friend, that it is." Griphook acknowledged. "So which bar is it?"

"A vampire bar." Harry grunted.

"No shit Merlin!" Griphook exclaimed. "But which one? The Bloody Mary?"

"Nope, and it's not a bar for vampires. With a title like that any blood sucker would get busted by the Aurors."

"The Full moon?"

"Werewolves' bar."

"The Moonlight?"

"Nope."

"Come on! What is it? And what is it with you today?" Griphook asked clearly exasperated.

"I need a smoke. And the bar is apparently Rodolph's new hobby." Harry answered in a gloomy voice. Then with a bright smile he said. "The Sunshine! What a fucking name is that for a vampires' bar anyway?"

Griphook nodded, agreeing with the statement.

"Hey mate?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Mmm?"

"Can you wait here while I pop up to a tobacconist?"

Griphook turned around and stared at the young wizard. "Here? You want me to wait here? In the middle of Knocturn Alley? Where there are no aurors? Where the dregs of Wizarding society act in all impunity? Are you mad or just daft? I wouldn't survive more than a minute!"

"Hey, calm down" Harry said as he put his hand on his friend's shoulders. "It was just an idea. I really need a smoke. I know there is a tobacconist just outside the Leaky Cauldron, next to the record shop. I wouldn't be long and I would leave D'Argo with you."

"And how are you going to pay smart ass?" Griphook snarled.

With a soft smile Harry brandished his wallet.

"I knew I should never have given you a two-way wallet" Griphook growled.

"Come on! It's brilliant! Galleons directly from my vault on one side and pounds the other. It's great. You were right to give me that." Harry argued.

"Yeah… And now you are going to leave me alone in a street where I'll probably get my throat cut in a second!" Griphook grumbled.

In a pleading voice, with puppy eyes Harry added "Please? I know I'm a bastard. I just need a smoke…Please?"

Reluctantly the goblin agreed. "Ok. But you leave your dog and the sword with me and you have three minutes. Not that you can have much more with your meeting… Just hurry."

Harry grinned, handed him his sword and disappeared. Leaving D'Argo behind who sat at Griphook's feet and looked around. Shit this dog is too clever! He didn't have to tell him anything and his already guarding my butt.

Griphook's contemplations were fast ended by the sound he dreaded. The sound of human voices.

"Hey guys. Look what we have here." A first voice full of alcohol said. Kagnass' balls! It's only eleven in the morning!

"You're right. And look at that he has a tooth pick to defend himself!" A second added, his voice as impregnated than the first.

"Ummm guys? He also as a big and mean looking dog with him…" A third and more cautious one interjected.

"Never mind that" the second answered. "We kill the dog, steal the goblin's money, then kidnap him, and ask Gringotts for a ransom."

"You're right, that's a good plan" the first one agreed. "Let's do it."

The men approached Griphook. "Hello, hello, small being" One said in a sickening voice, as if he was talking to a moron or a kid.

Griphook sneered. "What do you want good-for-nothings?"

"Ah but that's not a way to speak to your betters little being." The man replied in the same condescending tone.

"Better? Don't make me laugh!" Griphook bit back with more bravado than he felt.

"That's it! I'm done here" The first man yelled as he unsheathed his wand. The two others followed suite.

The first one pointed his wand at D'Argo growling muzzle and yelled "Avada Kedavra – Stupefy – Diffindo – Petrificus Totalus - Incarcerous."

The dog dodged, the first curse, let the second impact but didn't even stubble as he jumped out of reach of the cutting curse to be caught unaware by the last curse, binding him like a sausage.

The three men grinned as they trailed their wands on Griphook who was already in fighting stance, the sword in front of him, ready to pounce like a feline and chop the head of the closest wizard.

A fourth voice broke the silence. "You attacked my dog."

Griphook's attackers turned around and were met the sight of Harry, hood up, lighting a cigarette with a silver Zippo. The flam was reflected in his vivid green eyes, an Obscuring Charm hiding his other features.

"What did you say?" the first one snarled.

"I said: 'You attacked my dog'. Now I'll have to bring him to be checked by a Healer. It will cost me money. I want that money."

"Go away mudblood. We aren't going to give you anything but a long and painful death if you don't leave now." The same man answered with a sneer, revealing yellow teeth.

His two friends nodded vigorously, supporting their 'leader'. But they stopped soon as all of sudden Harry had his wand in hand and muttered "Acer".

Three metal arrows exited the tip of his wand at lighting speed and logged themselves in the first man's eyes and mouth, pinning him to the sign of a shop. Another Acer and both remaining wizards were holding only half of their wands.

"So? Where were we? Ah yes! Who's going to pay for my dog's visit to the Healer?"

Both men drop their wands (well, what they still held from them anyway) and threw him their gold bags. Harry quickly checked them.

"Thirty-five galleons? That's very nice of you to insure a good treatment to my familiar and a good drink to my friend you just bothered."

Harry smiled at the two wizards (more like under-muggles as they don't have wands…). "Now run along" he threatened as he launched half a dozen fire balls at them. Both men disappeared in a loud pop without asking their rest.

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO LEAVE ME! BUT DID YOU LISTEN? NOOO, MISTER HAD TO GO AND LEAVE ME HERE! YOU REALLY SUCK!" Griphook nicely said…

"Come on mate. It's past, no harm done" Harry said gently.

"OH YES? AND WHAT IF YOU HADN'T ARRIVED IN TIME?"

"Then D'Argo would have been on a diet for the next week." Harry calmly explained, still smoking his cigarette.

"IS THAT SO? AND TELL ME NOW, HOW CAN HE ACCOMPLISH THAT BINDED LIKE A SAUSAGE?"

"Like that: D'Argo, we're leaving."

In front of Griphook's astonished eyes, D'Argo got up and the ropes disappeared.

"How did he do that?" He asked while running to catch on Harry.

"He's part griffin and phoenix, mate. He only got touched because I asked him to let himself be bounded." Harry said, throwing his filter away. After thinking he added "As you know, the newspapers have made the correlation between the wizard in Diagon Alley, the one at the zoo Auction and the one in the Hog's Head, but nobody saw me really fight. Those were easy to scare and I was in a good position. I disabled their Proximity Ward without a sweat, placed a strong Notice-Me-Not Charm on my right hand, and Voilà! Now the rumor will spread and we'll be left in peace. At least in this part of the shopping center… I believe that in Diagon Alley we will have an Auror in every bush trying to get us for something. But hey! You can't have both. I need to survive and the Aurors aren't the one dangerous right now."

Griphook was ready to answer but Harry abruptly stopped. "Sunshine. We're here. Damn! One minute late!"

Harry pushed the door and entered. Griphook, D'Argo, Hedwig still on her wizard's shoulder and said wizard found themselves in a booth with a second door that refused to open as long as the first wasn't totally closed. Finally they entered the bar. It was lit with torches darkening the walls. The floor was of dirty flooring, full of alcohol and spits stains. The tables in crude wood where able to hold ten people and had handcuffs on them. Probably to tie up the victims Harry figured.

Griphook and Harry stepped in the bar. The few patrons stopped talking and looked at them with loathing. They reached the counter easily enough, with a dozen of trips and some threatening sounds, but D'Argo's growl and Harry's Melting Bone Hexes convinced the vampires that these beings weren't preys but predators too. And you don't fight a predator unless you know for sure you can kill him fast and sure.

"What d'ya want?" the bartender growled.

"The boss" Harry answered.

The bartender gave him a sneer and opened his mouth. Before he could even utter a sound, Harry caught his head and crashed it into the counter.

"He's here and he's waiting for me. So you'd better shut up and tell him I've got the rune, unless you want to win a tanning session." Harry threatened.

To prove his point he pointed his wand at the wall. A very small bean shot out of its tip and pierced the wood without a sound. A ray of sun entered the place.

"Hurry up now. I think I found a game I like. The longer you take the worst it will be for you" Harry added, releasing the bartender and making another hole in the wood.

The vampire ran up the stairs at the corner of his bar as Harry kept on making small holes everywhere from his position at the counter. He turned toward Griphook who was shaking his head.

"The guy will hate me and his job at the end of the day… He will be bathing in sunlight!"

"He already hates you mate." Griphook answered with a sigh. How can an intimidating, powerful, smoking wizard be only seventeen in his head? That's beyond me.

A soft but powerful voice vibrated in the silence that followed Harry's performance. "That's enough."

Harry turned around and saw a tall man. He had a white skin (not pale like most vampires, just white), long and smooth dark hair that reached his shoulders blades and dark blue eyes. A small smile was appearing at the corner of his red lips, uncovering the tip of a canine. Dressed in a black silk shirt with bluish reflections, his pants and boots made of a shining Chinese Fireball hide, the man went down the stairs and looked at Harry.

"I'm Rodolph as I'm sure you already know. I believe we have business to discuss."

Harry nodded.

"Even though I don't have anything against my own bar, I believe we should go to a more private place, my office maybe?" Rodolph continued pleasantly.

"Your companions can stay here or join us. In any case they won't be bothered or harmed." The vampire punctuated his statement by lighting his eyes and surveying the crowd.

He didn't show it but Harry was in awe. He looked at Rodolph with a blank mask (not that it changed anything within his hood) and his Occlumency walls at the highest point he could keep them without exhausting himself. How the hell does he light his eyes like that? I'll have to make him teach me. "Very well. We are all coming. Please lead the way High Master Rodolph." He answered nicely. No need to antagonize this guy.

..ooOoo..

"So, let me get this straight. You will only give the three runes, not the rune as I thought, in exchange for teaching you how to do the eyes thing I did downstairs, the right to hunt and kill my subjects, that is to say every single vampire in London and suburbs, and my indications on the location of three vampires wanted by our community not yours, preferably three Master, but not less that one Master and two Lessers. Am I correst?"

They were seated in the Vampire's office, drinking a butterbeer each, while the High Master was eyeing them suspiciously.

"Not exactly." Harry answered with the insolence of youth. "I want that trick, the locations and the right to hunt for both of us." Harry indicated Griphook and him.

"What indication do I have that you won't try to kill every single vampire in sight?" Rodolph asked, clearly amused by the wizard's nerves.

"None. Except that I only want three of them. And I didn't kill any of those downstairs something I could have easily done." Harry replied, taking a sip of his drink. He frowned "There is also the fact that you put a mild Truth Serum in our drinks, which would have forced me to tell you the truth if I wasn't an Occlumen. But then again, it wouldn't matter because my answer would be the same: no indication whatsoever."

Harry paused for a moment. "I do not have any intention to start a hunting business and run to the Ministry to get a team of vampire hunters. I will kill vampires if they get in my way, yes. I will leave those who mind their own business as long as I don't see them hunting or feeding. If I inadvertently cross the way of one of your friends and he doesn't abide to my rules, then yes, I'll kill him or her like any other vampire; but I don't have the will, nor the resources or energy to go after all the vampires, thus the information I asked."

Harry shut up after having spoken so calmly, and without a trace of emotion, something that scared Griphook but seemed to please Rodolph.

"And what if I decided to give you a fake authorization or wrong indications?" the vampire asked with a smirk.

Harry laughed quietly before replying. "Aaah, but High Master, I'm a Master of Runes. I will give you a rune for each secured information and location. If one of them happened to be fake, I might make a slight mistake in my rune, resetting the sequence or worst killing your pet. Besides, I know every single steps of the Vampire Right Process, even for human."

Harry and Rodolph stared at each other for a few minutes. To Griphook it looked like a glaring contest until he saw breads of sweat falling from their temples. Finally the vampire averted his eyes.

"You are quite the Occlumen. Congratulations." Rodolph said. "May I inquire how many centuries old you are? I know you're not human, I've been practicing for the last three hundred years and nobody younger than that can beat me."

"Oh I'm human alright. I'm not even thirty if you want to know; but we're not here to discuss my age, are we?" Harry answered coolly.

Rodolph's eyes widened when he herd Harry's age, and even though he was fast to hide his shock, both Harry and Griphook saw it.

"I'm not sure I can trust someone as young as you with such power, sir." The vampire finally said evenly.

"Take the offer Rodolph. It's a good deal. I could duplicate the number of runes until you wouldn't be able to stroke your pet ever again" Harry said in a cold voice that shocked everybody, including the guard in the ante-chamber listening to the discussion. "Unfortunately for you, 'ever' wouldn't be long."

The threat was clear and evident. Griphook swore inwardly, insulting Harry. We are in a goddam vampire bar, with a bloody High Master and he can't find anything better to do than threaten the guy! He really has a death wish!

..ooOoo..

Kisarra gasped. "How did you get out of there alive?"

Griphook smiled and pulled out his left sleeve, revealing a blood-red rune representing a sun; inside of it, there was a flying bat holding an axe in one paw and a wand in the other.

"Oh my… Kagnass! Is that what I think it is?" Kisarra asked.

"And what do you think it is?" her brother replied.

"The… It's the… The Vampire Equality Rune?" she said in a whisper.

Griphook smiled and hid the mark. "Yes it is. Once we'll have gotten to the three masters Rodolph wants out of the picture, he will turn the inside of the sun dark, meaning we'll be able to make business with vampires without getting against the rules of any Vampire High Master."

Kisarra looked pensive for a moment then her eyes widened. "Vampires always refused to deal with Gringotts because there aren't any goblin they consider worthy enough to talk to."

Griphook nodded "and this is going to change very soon my dear sister, very soon indeed." He smirked. "When it will be done, I'll be either dead, something that can't happen with Harry by my side, or much more respected and wealthy than I currently am. Meaning I already refused to meet the Fifth Rank Galif, thus you are safe in your position."

Kisarra jumped and hugged her brother while screaming of joy. Suddenly she stopped and held him by the shoulders. "But what about your declaration earlier? You might end up decapitated!" she screamed, tears in her eyes.

Griphook smiled again and patted her on the back. "Do you really think I would be executed if I bring in the vampires' fortunes?"

She furiously wiped her tears. "You're right, but still, it wouldn't be very good for you. Be careful dear brother."

"I will" Griphook answered as he bowed in front of her and said the parting formulas. As she watched her brother's retreating back Kisarra good only pray that this 'new' Harry Potter was going to bring fortune to her family and not the downfall everybody predicted since his first step on goblin's soil.

..ooOoo..

Meanwhile Harry was bored. After a month out of Azkaban he still stayed restless if he wasn't doing anything. He had gone to see Klag the blacksmith and had readjusted his training gear, but now didn't have anything else to do. He decided to venture in a part of the goblin city he didn't know. He was kind of lost but knew that Hedwig and D'Argo would always find their way back.

He passed in front of the windows of a shop he didn't know. Granted he didn't need to, it was a funeral home. He wondered about its location and was ready to ask a passing goblin when he heard the sounds of fighting. No alarm had been sounded so Harry knew it wasn't an invasion and brawls were very rare, especially during the day, due to the Matriarch's harsh dealings with instigators.

He followed the sounds and soon found himself in front of a big building with a big tag "Academy". Griphook had spoken a couple of times about it, but for the life of it Harry couldn't place what had been said about it. Is it where they learn how to work for Gringotts or is it the school for those who don't want to be bankers? He wondered. Shrugging Harry decided to enter the masonry. He was a bit surprised to see two guards, and he knew there weren't any Gali around. What clearly astonished him was that they didn't try to stop him at all, contrary to their custom when he had tried to get passed one.

Harry arrived in a big court-yard. Dozens of young goblins were practicing archery and magical accuracy against targets moved far away. Another group was training in sword fighting while another was running and handling spears twice their size.

Harry was staring at the sight when a voice spoke. "I see you finally discovered our training ground. You certainly took your time."

Harry looked at his right to see a very burly goblin. "The name is Jutran. I am the Military Instructor."

"Harry Potter"

"I know that. As I said, your early training has disturbed a lot of your neighbors. They appealed to the Matriarch. She must think highly of you or one of her personal stargazer must have found something."

"Probably the latter" Harry mumbled.

Jutran nodded and kept on going. "Anyway, I was supposed to come and see you tomorrow, but as you're here it's not necessary. You are… what did she say again? Ah yes… You are pleasantly asked if it wouldn't too much trouble to effectuate your training drills in here instead of Kilag's garden."

Harry stared at the goblin.

"Hey, I didn't write the text! One of the Matriarch's scribes did it! Anyway, I'm allowed to attack you if you refuse…" Jutran finished with a toothy smile as he fingered his sword's pommel.

Harry burst in a laugh. "Don't you worry" he said to the goblin who looked offended. "I was wondering how I could gain the authorization to practice in here."

"Oh" Jutran relaxed. "Well it's settled then. I'll see you tomorrow morning." The goblin returned to a group of cadets who were taking an unauthorized break.

Harry left as his stomach growled, praying that D'Argo knew the way back, he wasn't to queen on missing dinner. Damn, I'm sounding like Ron he thought fondly.

Hello everybody, I'd like to thanks Berreta Pakin Mailmanwho has agreed to be my beta. I hope this will help those who thought my grammar and syntax sucked 5well then still suck, but now it's going to be hidden...)

Ok guys, for now the votes are definitively going for the vampires (followed closely by Centaures). Harry will make an alliance with them in the next chapters (note the s).

Next chapter Training and swords forging.