Just so you know, it was sunrise by the time Hedwig took off.

Chapter 05

Harry quickly learned the disadvantages of having a 19 year old female in his mind. Mostly when he showered or used the loo.

However, true to her word, Tashaneri began to sort out Harry's cluttered mind. It was a slow and disorienting process, as Harry would sometimes go into a daze or stumble about as certain important memories would be shifted around in his mind. Such as his motor skills.

There were some benefits though. Things were much quicker to come to mind than before, and Harry could recall information slightly faster than he normally would. His movements were starting to become less clumsy like a teenager, and more graceful like an adult. Tashaneri had decided to work on Harry's senses, seeing what she could do with them.

It had been a few days since Mad-Eye and Tonks came by the first time. They had visited once more, giving Harry his trunk and things back and had warned him about a letter from Dumbledore.

Said letter said:

Dear Harry,

It seems as if Gringotts has ignored my requests of leaving you alone. Why they insist on such formalities, I shall never know. You have surely received a letter from them concerning Sirius' will reading. I am afraid that, at the moment, you cannot go. It is too dangerous, and you surely won't put the wizarding world at risk by endangering yourself, would you?

I trust you will make the right decision.

Albus Dumbledore

To say the two souls were angry would be an understatement. For the first time in two years, Harry had accidental magic and completely incinerated the letter. He would later note on how easy it was to summon the magic.

How dare he! Harry fumed.

Write him a letter! Tashaneri agreed. Tell him what you think!

Stomping over to his desk, Harry whipped out a piece of parchment and after dipping his quill in ink, began to scribble furiously.

Headmaster,

While your advice is duly noted, I cannot help but raise some suspicions about them. If it is so 'dangerous' to go to a place second only in magical protection next to Hogwarts, then why must I stay put? You said it yourself that Gringotts' magic is extremely powerful, so should I not be safe within their walls?

I will also kindly remind you that Sirius is my guardian, not you. And since he now DEAD then what right do you have to tell me what to do? I am no more endangering myself by going to Gringotts than strolling around Hogwarts.

I am making the right decision; I am going to hear my godfather's final wishes. Do not write me again concerning this.

Harry Potter

Just then, Hedwig flew back in with a letter in her hand. Judging by the golden script, it was from Gringotts.

"Good girl!" Harry said with affection as Hedwig preened under his praise. "If you're up to it, I have another letter for you."

Hedwig hooted indignantly. "Okay, okay, here you go," Harry chuckled. "Deliver this to Dumbledore, don't wait for a reply okay?"

Hedwig nipped his finger and took the letter before flying off again.

Let's see what Gringotts says! Tashaneri said excitedly, putting aside her organizing for the moment.

Mr. Potter,

Since this reading is of utmost priority, we at Gringotts have decided to indulge you with a service not available to many. This letter is a charmed portkey that will activate upon the words 'Mr. Black' tomorrow for a window of precisely two minutes after 9AM. Be advised, a formal reading such as this requires dress robes to be worn. Fortunately, the reading begins at 10AM, so we have given you an hour to prepare yourself.

We are also delighted to hear that you would have appointed a non-human as your representative, many were thinking you would have chosen your self-instated magical guardian, Albus Dumbledore.

Concerning your vaults, you should have received a monthly statement for your trust account and family account since you had been reintroduced into the magical world. Gringotts bank has written to Albus Dumbledore, your financial advisor regarding this. Should his answer be unsatisfactory, we will revoke his position and you may choose a new advisor.

I have taken it upon myself to personally review your statements and have found many inconsistencies regarding withdrawals over the past 15 years. Since the security of a letter is not infallible, you and I shall have words after the will reading.

In your debt,

Ragnok the fortuitous

Gringotts Manager of Finances

"Whoa," Harry breathed out. "That's a mouthful. I can't say that I really understand it all, but it doesn't look that great concerning Dumbledore."

At least we get to go to the hearing! Tashaneri bubbled, going back to her work.

Harry grinned widely. Yeah we do! Wait, I have to get new dress robes!

What is it with men and clothes shopping? Tashaneri asked in annoyance. I'll help you out!

The next morning, Harry woke up at 8AM and quickly showered and dressed in some clothes that Mrs. Weasley had gotten for him, consisting of a Weasley-sewn shirt and some slacks that Mrs. Weasley bought using Harry's money. Tashaneri embarrassed him endlessly while he showered and by the time he grasped the Gringotts letter and muttered "Mr. Black!" the red in his cheeks had died down.

Harry appeared in what looked to be a massive office. The walls were lined with gold engravings and weapons adorned plaques and stands throughout. Hearing a polite cough, Harry turned around to face a massive ornate gold desk with a small goblin sitting behind it.

Said goblin was dressed in very regal red robes and his weathered old face bore no usual 'goblin hostility' as crinkled red eyes observed the young man before them

"Welcome to my office Mr. Potter," his deep voice said. "I am Ragnok, Manager and all that."

"Hello Mr. Ragnok," Harry said with a little head bow. "Thank you for all of your help."

Ragnok waved him off. "Consider it a small portion of Gringotts' debt to you Mr. Potter," he answered. "Please, have a seat."

He beckoned for Harry to sit in one of the deeply lacquered mahogany chairs that faced the desk. Sitting down on what looked to be silk cushions, Harry felt very comfortable.

Ragnok smiled, showing no teeth of course. "You like it?" he asked and Harry nodded. "I had them made in China. Wonderful carpenters there, you should look at them sometime."

Lacing his spindly fingers together, Ragnok took a deep breath. "However, now is not the time for such pleasantries," he sighed. "The will reading will be held precisely 57 minutes from now. Before you go off, do you have any questions?"

"Yes sir," Harry said. "I was wondering who else would be attending?"

Ragnok snapped his fingers and a long piece of parchment appeared in his hands.

"Including yourself, the Weasley family will be attending, one Hermione Granger, Andromeda Black-Tonks and family, Narcissa Black-Malfoy and family – well those that aren't incarcerated – one Remus John Lupin and one Albus Dumbledore."

Harry made a face at hearing Malfoy would be attending.

Well they sound like family, Tashaneri commented.

I know, but it's still Malfoy.

That prepubescent blonde kid?

Yes.

"Is there anything I should know about the will itself?" Harry asked politely.

Ragnok nodded. "Yes. It is currently being contested by Narcissa Black-Malfoy and the Ministry of Magic since in their eyes Sirius Black was an escaped convict. However, Gringotts bank does not recognize this contest since we have all legal paperwork proving that Sirius Black has never been convicted of a serious offense other then indecent exposure to muggles in 1978."

Indecent exposure? Two minds thought at once.

Ragnok looked flushed for once. "Something to do with celebrating the Potters' wedding and getting drunk in front of several young women," he muttered. "Ahem. So you see that the will cannot be stopped. There was also a contest from Albus Dumbledore."

Harry sat upright. "What?" he asked.

"It appears that our esteemed headmaster did not want the will to be read either. At first we at Gringotts did not know why, but – well – you will know why in 54 minutes' time. Go now, you must get properly dressed for the occasion. Might I suggest slate grey robes, with black trim?"

"Yes, I'll need to go to my vault to withdraw some Galleons then."

Ragnok just slid a small sack of coins to Harry across the desk. "It has already been done. There should be enough for some nice robes and a little extra, is that satisfactory?"

Harry smiled, being mindful not to show his teeth. "Thank you Mr. Ragnok, that sounds perfect!"

Ragnok smiled back at Harry, even showing a sliver of white teeth. "Please, call me Ragnok Mr. Potter."

"Only if you call me Harry."

"It is an accord."

Some minutes later, Harry was in Madame Malkin's Robes and was being fitted for the robes that Ragnok had suggested.

"Oh don't you look handsome!" Malkin gushed as Harry looked himself in the mirror. The grey robes really brought attention to his eyes and they fit him perfectly and snugly. He looked like royalty for once.

After paying for the robes, Harry asked Madame Malkin what time it was.

"It's 5 minutes to ten dearie."

After bolting across Daigon Alley, Harry made it into Ragnok's office with 2 minutes to spare.

The elderly goblin raised an eyebrow at the panting young human. "Perfect timing Harry, please, follow me."

Harry obediently stepped behind the manager as they exited the office. Once outside, they were suddenly flanked by a large group of goblins, who carried swords and spears. There were six goblins up front carrying spears, three on each side and four goblins flanked the left with swords, while another four flanked the right.

Ragnok answered Harry's unasked question. "I am the manager of this establishment Harry, such a position demands protection."

Walking through the main hall of Gringotts gathered much attention as many witches and wizards – and even goblins – stopped what they were doing to watch the heavily armed procession move to a set of massive iron doors.

"The hearing room," Ragnok explained. With a wave of his hand, they opened.