July 25, 1991; 8:59am, Hellsing Headquarters, Office
'Sir Integra Hellsing,
Greetings. I am acting on behalf of one Harry James Potter, as he is not of legal age. I believe that you are fully aware of a contract that was signed by Jonathan Harker and Abraham Van Hellsing in regards to the Hellsing family's residence at your current location. Lord Potter, the last direct descendant of Jonathan Harker, has claimed his inheritance, including all properties under the Potter name. This is not to alarm you, as Lord Potter does not wish to displace you from your homestead. However situations have come to light which make it impossible for Lord Potter to stay with his as of now former guardians. Due to events which will be explained at Lord Potter's convenience, he finds it necessary to request that you take up the position of his legal guardian.
Lord Potter is fully aware of the true nature of your organization. He is also aware of the rather precarious position this arrangement would place you in, both personally and professionally. I assure you that his presence will not hinder your operation. Lord Potter is a wizard of school age, and will be starting his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this September. If you find the terms agreeable, his stay would endure for a maximum of only three and a half months out of each year. Lord Potter will provide his own food and clothing, as well as compensation for occasional use of one of your chauffeurs. As per the habitation agreement, Lord Potter's access to any location within the manor or grounds can not be forbidden. However he has agreed that if allowed to live in the manor as your ward he will do his utmost best to respect your wishes if for what ever reason you request he avoid certain areas.
Your cooperation in this matter would be highly appreciated. At your reply, the goblin whom delivered this letter has leave to provide you our contact information.
Sincerely,
Bloodclaw,
Head Goblin;
Chieftain of ClanFear
Lord Harry Potter,
Heir of Gryffindor;
Master of the Mire;
Chieftain of Wallach
Polite, straight to the point, and no room for refusal. The letter was rather well worded. Sir Integra Hellsing ground out her cigar in the crystal ashtray at the corner of her desk. Her hand shook minutely in spite of her attempts to show no emotion. She would dearly love to meet the person who wrote the letter, to congratulate them on a game well played and to empty a round of silver bullets into them. The simple fact that they mentioned the Harker – Hellsing arrangement at all meant she had no choice. A cleverly veiled threat.
They had also not been endearing themselves to her by sending a goblin to oversee her decision. All in the name of business, she forcefully reminded herself. She would have done the same. The last thing the organization needed was a child getting underfoot however. Alucard was difficult enough to deal with as it was.
There was also the issue of safety. Wizard or not, she knew of the laws in place to keep the untrained from using magic outside of school, even in self defense. Hellsing was a prime target of vampire attacks. Rare though they were, the guards were always on high alert. Training also occurred daily on the grounds. Her fists clenched and she bit her lip, glaring over the desk at the enforcer. There were just too many risks. She needed more information before she would even begin to seriously entertain the thought of accepting.
"Why is it that I am being requested to specifically become the boy's guardian? There are orphanages and foster homes for a reason."
"It is not my business to say, Sir. Head Goblin Bloodclaw merely stated that should you ask, I was to inform you that dire circumstance spurred Lord Potter to the decision.... I may be overstepping my bounds, Sir, but from talking with Lord Potter myself, he will be no trouble at all. Goblins have a keen sense for the worth of our business partners."
Had she possessed a modicum less of self control, she would have growled. While she knew of the reputation the goblins held, it did little to assure. The entire affair seemed rather dodgy. But again, despite her wishes to the contrary, it all came back to wording. The boy could waltz right in without leave if he so intended. Yet this letter was giving her the option of having a choice in the matter.
She turned her glare back to the missive. A voice suddenly spoke up, startling the goblin. Integra simply lifted an eyebrow at the new presence in her office.
"You should accept, Master. Having a wizard around would be interesting. It has been decades since I last encountered one, and I am intrigued pondering on what has become of the Harker line. The Potter name also seems familiar to me."
"It is your interest, vampire, which concerns me."
A dark chuckle resounded through the chamber. Shadows merged slowly behind her desk, forming into a tall, crimson clad figure. Sharp teeth flashed at the creature standing before the desk in a parody of a grin. The goblin cowered slightly but remained firm. Its show of bravado prompted another laugh.
"As amusing as this little display is. Where is Walter?"
Alucard bowed deeply, still grinning as he replied, "There was discord amongst the sheep. I believe the Angel of Death will return momentarily once they are all put back in their places."
Biting back another growl, Integra shook her head. There was no doubt in her mind that Alucard was the cause of said discord, for Walter to be called down to the barracks. Such antics were precisely the reason she did not need nor want a sniveling little brat traipsing about the place and getting himself shot. Any displays of magic around the men would make them edgy, and some of them were muggles ignorant of the wizard world.
A vein bulged in her neck from her frustration. Her thoughts were getting her nowhere. Action was needed. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she let out a slow breath, ignoring Alucard as he grinned down at her. Turning her attention once more to the goblin, she spoke in a commanding voice usually reserved for directing troops.
"Tell me how to contact this 'Lord' Potter."
Smirking nastily, the goblin held out a quill, and Integra knew that she'd been had.
"In order to properly complete the paperwork, you will have to travel to Gringotts. This portkey will take you there."
"What," She ground out through clenched teeth, "is the activation code?"
"'Ruby'. It will take you directly to one of the secure meeting rooms. You are expected."
The quill was deposited on the desk before the creature disappeared with a sharp crack. Silence pervaded for several moments. Finally, Integra let out the growl that had been wanting to get out since the goblin had appeared. Alucard leaned forward and read the message over her shoulder, letting out an appreciative whistle.
"Hoo. It seems you have no choice, Integra. The cunning of the goblins is admirable. As is the child's titles. It has been an age since last I saw the Wallach heritage displayed openly. No doubt they plan to recall the ring as well."
Leaning back in her chair, the blonde stared at the page contemplatively. "You of course realize what this means. If I have to, I will order you to behave yourself. That child has the power to expel us from this place. It is a danger which can not be risked by your usual antics."
"Why Master, I don't know what you mean. At most I would simply educate the boy on Hellsing politics."
That prompted a snort. She shot him a look out of the corner of her eye. "You know perfectly well what I am speaking of." Switching subjects suddenly, she tapped her fingers on the parchment.
"What do his titles mean? 'Lord' is obvious enough, but I've never heard of the others."
Leaning against the desk, Alucard tilted his head and his amused expression turned thoughtful. A voice, like a buzzing insect inside his head prompted him back to grinning. Ah yes. How could he have forgotten the Master of the Mire? The seals flared slightly as he banished the insect from his presence. Such a shame that none of Salazar's heirs had ever reached their true potential.
"This Potter is an heir of Slytherin.... Heh, Gryffindor too. Highly unusual...." He trailed off for a moment, "The Slytherin family was spawned from the mires of East Anglia. One area in particular is so infused with wild magic from the Slytherin family's tampering that it will only admit those of the bloodline to access the old keep. Or those powerful enough to simply slip in with the fog."
He smirked as he continued. "The family has a number of interesting and useful items hoarded away. Gryffindor likewise is a family from Wales, the polar opposites of the Slytherin family in most everything. I believe this mansion was the original home that Gryffindor built upon coming to England. There is also Godric's Hollow in south Wales, a quaint little village that once upon a time was solely inhabited by the Gryffindor family. As for Wallach...."
Here he was truly hesitant to explain. Integra picked up on it and narrowed her eyes warningly. Making the question an order would not trouble her in the slightest. Frowning, Alucard closed his eyes and sighed. As he spoke, more voices rose in a deafening clamor for his attention. It was near unbearable. The fabric of his coat shuddered as he battled internally.
"The Wallach were my people. Ignorant pissants now days imagine they were always gypsies and have forgotten their true nature. After my initial defeat at the hands of the Turks, my country was thrown into upheaval. Many cowards fled, others chose to convert to Islam or Catholicism and forsake me. However, a select few remained loyal to me, even as I slaughtered them with my newly awakened powers."
He could almost see it play out before his very eyes. The screams, the bloodshed, the bodies littering the tainted grass. Turk or Wallachian, it mattered not to him as he snuffed out and devoured every last living soul within range. Or so he had foolishly thought. Thirst rose within him at the memories, and he turned to face Integra with a sadistic grin.
"I murdered every last man, woman, and child in that forsaken capital! I rent flesh from bone, drank every last drop of blood even after the lust was sated, decapitated infants and strung them up on poles! All for the sake of doing the deed! The power! The energy that coursed through me, Integra! It was marvelous! And still, the few who survived the massacre bowed to me as their ruler! The warmongers, my soldiers, they saw my glorious feast and were hungered at the sight!"
Face split in an impossibly wide expression of delight at his Master's lack of visible reaction, he leaned down and spoke softly. The smile drew smaller but never died as he gazed into Integra's eyes, insane red into indifferent, cold blue.
"They bowed at my feet, kneeling in the blood and entrails of their wives, brothers, and children. They had marched to their deaths for me in life, and in death they would have thrown themselves on their own swords at my will. Wallachia was no more, and I had no use for such pitiful creatures, so I sent them on their path. Decades later, wandering the wilds of my homeland, I came across a band of gypsies camped under the moon. I intended to kill them, but imagine my surprise when I recognized one of my old generals leading them! And he still bowed to me even after all those years. In payment for his loyalty, I allowed he and his clan to live, and in exchange they pledged their undying allegiance to me.
"Over the centuries, our paths crossed several times and at each meeting they recognized me. It mattered not how long we strayed apart; the legend of the No Life King was never forgotten. Their lost heritage was carried on in name, each clansman honoring me in forsaking their father's name to take up that of Wallach. On a whim or fit of boredom, at one chance meeting, I allowed them to partake in my blood, finally repaying their never-wavering loyalty with substance. For years nothing ever came of it, until wizards were introduced into the clan. I admit, I do not know what effect the magic had on my blood, however I do know that it warped them, gave them abilities far greater than any human should have.
"That, my dear Integra, is what tickles my curiosity in regards to the wizard-child. If he is one of the descendants, my blood will still course through his veins just as strongly as it once did in his ancestors."
July 25, 1991; 12:00pm, Gringotts, Secure Meeting Room
Harry sat demurely in the same room as the previous day. His outward appearance showed none of his inner nerves at the situation. He was anxious to meet this Sir Hellsing and determine whether or not he would have a place to stay. Slight fear also ate away at him. What type of woman would Sir Hellsing be? Would she lock him away and starve him? Would she beat him like the Dursleys had? Never mind that she would have to sign a contract ensuring his continued safety and freedom under her care. Bloodclaw had assured him that she was an upstanding member of high society in the muggle world, but it did nothing to comfort.
Both Bloodclaw and Griphook were present, sitting on either side of him. Griphook murmured to him upon his arrival that four orcs were waiting outside the door in case things got out of hand. 'Orcs' were the specially bred warriors of goblin society, the two goblins explained quickly. They were both larger and stronger than normal goblins, trained to fight from birth. The lesser goblin hinted that Bloodclaw (and all head goblins) was one of the warriors. It made an odd sort of sense to Harry.
The group had been waiting for over an hour now, allowing Bloodclaw to explain his inheritance in fuller detail than the night before. According to the goblins, as explained the previous evening, the titles meant nothing of substance. The rings that went along with the titles were another matter. The rings themselves were mere symbols, yet held powerful enchantments on them, unique to the house and positions they represented.
Both the Potter house ring and Gryffindor Heir ring carried protection charms, shielding Harry from weak to moderate magical attacks, and deflecting physical attacks depending on the intent of the attacker. The charms would allow the blows to connect so long as they would not cause serious injury. The Slytherin family ring could detect poisons and dark magic; growing warm when poison was present in anything he touched, or glowing silver if an active dark spell was in his proximity. As with the actual lore, the Wallach rings power was not known with certainty. It was said that the chieftains of Wallach who wore the ring could summon wild animals to them.
They also informed him that all of his familial possessions had been transferred to their respective vaults, and the vaults themselves were unsealed. Bloodclaw had informed him that the Ministry knew of his claim, and laughed uproariously while Griphook explained that the Minister himself had shown up in the lobby looking green as a ripe skunk-fruit. He had been concerned that the Ministry may try barring him, but the goblins were quick to assure him that there was absolutely nothing legal they could do. The goblins guarded their investments jealously and vowed to respond with hostility if Harry experienced any illegal interference.
After the meeting Harry was planning on going down to the vaults to retrieve at least the Potter ring, deducting that since the enchantments on the Potter and Gryffindor rings were virtually the same, he would only need one. They all seemed like they could be useful to him, but Bloodclaw's warning regarding peoples reactions to the Master of the Mire stayed his hand. He also decided against using the Wallach ring until the goblins could do more research on it to see what it could actually do. Although, he was informed that the goblins could imbue spells on any of the rings to ensure people could not see it. He was still considering the proposal.
All thoughts on the matter ceased as a quiet pop heralded the arrival of Sir Hellsing and an older gentleman. Harry could not suppress a startled jerk and cringe at their sudden and close proximity. Everyone noted it. Uncomfortable silence hung in the air for a moment. Luckily Bloodclaw saved him. He took a few seconds composing himself once more as the goblins greeted and introduced the new arrivals. He watched cautiously as the woman shook Bloodclaw's hand without emotion.
"Sir Hellsing. I am Bloodclaw, Head Goblin and overseer of the Potter family affairs. This is Griphook, our witness. I fear I must apologize for the manner in which you were summoned here. Unforeseen events have occurred, as explain in the letter, and Lord Potter is in dire need of both a guardian and ample protection."
"Head Goblin Bloodclaw, this is my butler, Walter. He is here as my witness. After much thought, I have decided to accept your proposal. Let us be introduced to Mr. Potter and get the paper work in order. I have many arrangements that require overseeing back at the manor if the boy will be staying with us."
Though she offered no indication that she had even heard the goblin's apology, it did not seem to offend him. Harry stood from his seat at Griphook's urging and warily extended his hand to introduce himself. Cold blue eyes swept over him, taking in his over sized and dirty clothing, and the fact that they did not hide his obvious bout with starvation. They held no judgment even though it felt as if a heavy gavel were falling in his stomach at that look. Her grip was dry and firm in his small hand and offered no comfort to his quivering heart. Likewise, Mr. Walter simply nodded his head at Harry, eyes just as hard and assessing as Sir Integra's.
They all claimed seats around the table while the head goblin explained the adoption process to Harry and Integra. The affair was all rather simple. Everyone in the room would sign an official looking document proclaiming that Harry was now for all intents and purposes Integra's son. Less official, there was a separate blood contract which paraphrased the original letter to Integra, in addition to stating in no uncertain terms that all of Harry's needs would be met with Hellsing, including a paragraph expressly forbidding deliberate physical harm. At that section of the document, Integra had speared Harry with an unfathomable look, but signed both parchments without issue. The contracts circled the table collecting signatures, before Griphook literally disappeared from the room with them in hand.
"Now that business is out of the way, Lord Potter will need to collect his school supplies and visit his family vaults. Simply return here and a portkey will be waiting with Griphook to return you to the Potter-Hellsing Mansion. Mister Potter, you may wait in the lobby for Griphook if you wish, however filing your paper work may take some time. He will take you down to the vaults when he is finished. Let him know what you want done with the rings. I must take my leave. Good day."
Thus found Harry alone in the meeting room with two strangers. An awkward silence filled the air as the three regarded each other warily. Harry did not allow himself to fidget or his blank mask to fall. He would have to tread with caution around Sir Integra until he could get her measure. The contract was air tight where she was concerned, but that did not stop his worry. There were loopholes in everything, and though she would not be able to physically abuse him, there were other forms of torture. Startled, he jumped when Integra spoke up suddenly.
"We are on a tight schedule. Let us get your school things and wrap up our business here in London. Do you need to draw out money?"
"Er... no. I don't need to get any money, Sir."
"Good. Walter, please accompany him on his errands. I believe I will return to the manor and confirm the troop arrangements."
With that she exited the room, giving neither of them room for refusal. Walter motioned Harry to follow him, neither speaking until after they reached the outside. The old retainer paused on the steps of Gringotts and gave Harry a small smile. For some reason it caused a knot that had built in his chest to ease. Up until this point, neither of the Hellsing representatives had shown any emotion what so ever. Harry had feared they were uppity aristocrat types like the Dursleys had futilely attempted to emulate. His voice was well cultured, however it had a light friendliness as he addressed Harry, giving him his full attention.
"Have you your list of school things, Lord Potter?"
"Yes, sir. Only, please, call me Harry." He finally allowed himself a twitch to show his discomfort. All this 'Lord' business embarrassed him. He was Harry. Just Harry. It was nice to be addressed with such respect for once, however he was beginning to despise the formality. It was also unwise to advertise his last name to everyone in the street. Harry was a common enough name by itself. Thankfully Walter nodded.
"Very well, Harry, call me Walter in turn. Where would you like to go first?"
Harry thought for a moment before motioning towards one of the shops down past the Magical Menagerie. "I would like to get my wand first, please."
The man nodded his approval, "Of course. Lead the way, Harry."
So he did. Luckily he knew the way from his wanderings before Griphook had fetched him for the meeting earlier in the day. He had intended to go in, but the goblin must have spotted him down the lane as he exited Gringotts, as he had been waylaid just before entering. The cramped little shop was filled with wall-to-wall boxes that housed wands of infinite variety. Upon stepping in, they were assaulted by the dim lighting and musty odor. There appeared to be no one there at first glance. Movement in a shadowed corner immediately drew their attention, however. Harry was too paranoid, and Walter too well trained, to allow anyone to sneak up on them.
A man stepped into the faint light, allowing them a glimpse at his features. He was an older gentleman, hair a stark gray, wearing dark robes. His eyes were like luminous moons as he peered at them curiously. Those eyes unsettled Harry.
"Harry Potter, I have been expecting you. Your father's wand wasMahogany, 11 inches, pliable and excellent for Transfiguration. You mother, on the other hand, favored one more suited for charms work and delicate potions making; Willow, 10 ¼, swishy. And- oh my... Mr. Dornez. It has been an age since last I saw you in my shop. Oak, 9 and a half, whippy, with a single dragon heart string given from a mother dragon. I remember every wand I've ever sold."
The last said in response to Harry's incredulous look. He was rather soft spoken, with a mysterious air about him. Harry stepped forward at his bidding and held out his right arm as instructed. Mr. Ollivander took measurements for a moment before scurrying about the shop collecting wand boxes from the shelves. With a start, Harry realized the tape measure was still floating about him measuring all of his extremities. Even between his nostrils!
"Yes, I found it necessary to take up work outside of the wizarding world." Walter explained in response to Ollivander's query as he took a seat in a rickety old chair by the door.
"You were exiled as I heard tell. I suppose they snapped your wand. What a shame."
Glancing at the retainer curiously, Harry saw that he was clenching his jaw rather savagely. He flinched slightly at the look in his eyes. Eyes could say everything about a person, Harry had learned. The Dursleys had often been cruel to him by offering him rewards, only their eyes had given away their malice and true intent. Like the time Petunia had attempted to make him drink down anti-freeze by telling him it was a new type of beverage for 'dear children' such as himself. She had seemed so sincere at the time, save her eyes. Walter's eyes were veiled heavily with ire and sadness. When finally he spoke, his voice was cold and even.
"Yes. The Ministry accused me of being a Knight of Walpurgis, as I remember. Just after I had helped liberate Warsaw."
"Well you can hardly blame them. It was unjust, but they were doing what was right by them at the time. What were they to think? What with you keeping company with dark beasts such as Vlad, it's surprising they did not have you executed for treason. Mind you, this was also before Hellsing became an official branch of the Ministry."
Ollivander waved the tape measure away impatiently and handed Harry a length of wood. "Give it a wave, dear boy." He said absently as he gazed unblinkingly at Walter. Harry complied. When nothing happened, Ollivander snatched it from his grasp and gave him another. The process continued as the two adults held their conversation.
"That hardly warrants banishment. You know as well as I do that Veritaserum was being used in trials even back then. They could have questioned me under the influence and garnered the truth thusly."
"That is true. But you can not deny that you were regarded as a highly suspicious character back then. They should have questioned you under a truth serum given your age, but as you know it was in short supply back then. Suspected Knights were being dragged in left, right, and center. I remember quite keenly that many of the Ministry Potions Masters were fainting dead away over their cauldrons from exhaustion! Why, it was worse than the war with Voldemort in that regard."
Walter shook his head sharply. "The Ministry was simply looking for an easy target. A fourteen year old boy found in the company of a master vampire was a prime scapegoat. Never mind that we saved thousands of people from ghouls and lesser undead. There were even muggles vouching for me. They could have listened, but chose not to. But the past is past. Let us drop the matter."
The back and forth conversation made Harry feel slightly woozy. He understood that Walter had been banished from the wizarding world for saving people. The terminology confused him though. He noted to ask Walter about it later, once the man had calmed down. While he appeared composed and dispassionate, his words spoke loud and clear as to his current state of mind.
After nearly a half hour of futile wand waves and swishes, Ollivander seemed positively bursting with excitement. "A tricky customer! I wonder...."
He wandered into a back room briefly, reemerging carrying two wands. He stared at Harry curiously for several moments before carefully holding out both wands for him to try. Both hummed under his fingers as he held them awkwardly, one in his left hand, the other in his right. As he brought them up in a swish, they both emitted bursts of dazzling light. He squinted as it dissipated and stared down in amazement. Ollivander clapped his hands and bounced slightly while grinning. He looked like a child who had just received their heart's greatest wish.
"Wonderful, Mister Potter! Curious though.... Very curious."
Tilting his head, Harry lifted an eyebrow. "Sorry sir, but what's curious?"
"Mister Potter, never has there been a person who could possess two wands at a single time! Truly, a wizard normally can only have one wand at a time that works for them. Every wand chooses its master, not the other way around. And they have a habit of misfiring if used by someone that is not their master. It is curious that two wands would have chosen to work together for you, and even more curious that it is these two wands in particular that have chosen you." He seemed to hesitate before going on.
"The wand in your right hand is Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches. The phoenix who gave its tail feather for this wand gave only one other feather. Each wand is unique, never are any two wands ever alike. The wand which houses the other feather is the brother to this wand. It belonged to the man... who gave you that scar." Ollivander's hand crept up, just short of touching Harry's scar.
"I am sad to say, Mister Potter, that I am the one who sold the wand. For it to have been used for such evil things... evil... but great...."
He seemed to shake himself out of some sort of trance and he dropped his hand, gesturing to the wand in Harry's left hand. The news shocked Harry, as well as Ollivander's tone. He seemed to be in awe as he talked about the deeds of his parents' murderer. The next words broke his irritation though, giving way to intrigue.
"That, my boy, Is called the Elder Wand. Ebony and a single hair from a master vampire, twelve inches, whippy. It holds immense power. Do not use it unless you absolutely have to, and let no one know of its true nature. I came by the wand by chance, after a great battle was fought right here in the Alley. The two duelists were so preoccupied with each other that neither noticed when I switch this wand with one of lesser power. That wand is of a fickle sort. It never truly chooses anyone to be its master. Before now that is. Legend goes that anyone who defeats the one who currently possesses it will become its master. But you have just proven everyone wrong."
A pained look suddenly crossed his face. Harry was slightly alarmed by it. Ollivander's eyes looked impossibly wide as he gazed off into space. It was only by Walter's clearing of throat that the other man jolted back to attention. He gazed keenly at Harry as he explained quietly.
"I can say no more. Certain... contracts... restrict me. I hope you understand." Slightly louder this time, "The Holly wand is seven galleons, the other is free."
Harry suspected that Walter was just as glad to be out of the wand shop as he was. The conversations had been all too confusing, and Harry could feel a pounding headache forming behind his eyes. They were both silently lost in thought as they made their way from shop to shop collecting his supplies. First to a trunk shop for a magical storage unit to keep his things in, then the apothecary, next the bookstore. They spent a while perusing the numerous shelves; Harry grabbing several books on wizarding history and something called the 'dark arts' in addition to the required reading for school. Upon seeing his additional purchases, Walter had lifted an eyebrow at him but kept silent in lieu of his own purchase of a book titled, 'Dark Spells For Dark Times'.
It was only after he had gotten everything on his list that he paused, looking up at Walter with caution in his eyes. The older man glanced back at him with an odd sort of lopsided smile. Unused to speaking so much in a single day, and still unsure of the man, Harry's words came out small and hesitant. It felt extremely odd for Harry to be asking an adult for anything and he was afraid of the possible responses he would receive. However, to his relief, his query seemed to soften the man's severe features.
"Um, si- Walter? Would... Sir Integra allow me to have a pet?"
"Hmm?" Walter hummed in thought before answering. "I don't see why not. So long as you take care of it and it does not cause any trouble. We keep a number of guard dogs and one or two owls for... special occasions, so one or two more will not do any harm."
Harry's face lit up in a grin at that. He could not help himself. The Dursleys had never let him have a pet before, and Dudley had killed all of the ones Petunia had given as birthday and Christmas presents. The letter had said he could have an owl, a cat, or a toad. He rather fancied the thought of a cat, or even an owl. There was a slight spring to his step as he eagerly led the retainer towards the Magical Menagerie. He only hoped that the man would not change his mind, or that Sir Integra would not be angry once they got to the manor.
Upon entering the shop, Harry and Walter went their separate ways, Walter wandering over to the owl supply section, and Harry to the owls themselves. Several minutes were spent eying the various types of avian familiars, however none of the owls seemed appealing to him. He was about to give up and inform Walter that he was ready to leave, when a quiet squawk startled him. A great black shape swooped down from a shadowed corner of the shop and alighted on his shoulder. Blinking up at the thing, he was startled with the realization that it was a raven.
The shopkeeper made her way over and grinned like a loon at him. That look made him nervous, but he stood his ground and nodded quietly to her as she opened her mouth and began rattling off long and obscure facts about ravens. Only about half of what she said made sense to him, but he got the gist of it. Ravens were highly intelligent, and able to carry mail like regular owls, they were happy eating owl fare, and this one in particular had been around humans long enough to be able to mimic sounds and even a few words. He caught the word 'discount' in the jumble of cockney slang, and simply to get the woman to leave him alone, he agreed readily to purchasing the bird.
With much relief Harry stepped outside the shop, Walter at his side and raven perched primly on his shoulder. The bloody bird had put up such a fuss when he tried putting the raven in a cage that he had relented and left it free for the time being. Said 'bloody bird' in reference to the shop keeper and not the raven, who seemed just as content to sit silently and run its beak through his already unruly hair. The entire episode had greatly amused Walter, who even now sported a small grin in light of Harry's disgruntlement.
Extracting a pocket watch from his vest, Walter directed them back to Gringotts, informing him that they needed to be quick about going to his vaults so as to reach Hellsing manor in a timely fashion. Griphook was waiting outside one of the tunnels in the lobby and greeted them curtly. The cold response caused Harry to flinch. The thought immediately entered his mind that, what if goblins were just like humans? Both accompanying males did not miss the slip of emotion, and Griphook spoke again, more quietly.
"I apologize, Lord Potter. I did not mean for my temper to be directed at you. Dealing with the Ministry is extremely trying at times. Please follow me to your vaults; your pet will have to remain up here."
Without prompting, the bird ruffled its fathers and took off, circling the lobby twice, and settled itself merrily on top of a teller's pointed hat. Contrary to expectation, the goblin merely grumbled in irritation before going back to his work. The sight upped Harry's mood slightly, prompting a small twitch of the lips in a show of amusement. He and Walter followed their goblin guide down the tunnels, which slanted downward heavily before evening out before a small railroad track. Griphook gave a sharp whistle and a cart zoomed down the tracks, halting in front of them.
They climbed in with Griphook manning the lever controlling the carts speeds. He shot them a nasty grin before he jerked the lever down as far as it would go.
"Only one speed."
.
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Note: Thank you to Lego Land for your awesome review! I always liked the idea of different magical creatures having different cultures than what wizards are familiar with and always try to put some spin on Goblin culture when I can in my stories! Although, I borrowed some from Elder Scrolls and Tolkien to build my version of the Harry Potter goblins in this story. As for snakes, I love them both as animals and as potential sentient magical creatures; I decided to play on their real life habits as well as their HP canon reactions to speaking with a wizard. It seemed that even so-called 'muggle' boa constrictors were more intelligenct than anyone gave them credit for.