Chapter 6 Gringott's
"Harry!" Harry jolted awake as he felt a small body crash into his. He looked around himself trying to orientate himself and found that he was still sleeping, or at least was, in Alex's bed. The small boy was now lying on top of him with a large goofy smile.
"Ugh, good morning Alex."
"Morning Harry!" Alex grinned giving Harry a large hug. "Kreacher and Winky have breakfast ready."
"How long have you been up?" Harry questioned.
"Only a little while. I laid here a little with you and looked at my books some while you slept. But I went and looked for Kreacher when I got hungry. It was so cool you should have seen it Harry, when Kreacher and Winky were making breakfast, they, they both used magic and the food and pans were moving around everywhere!" Alex babbled excitedly at Harry bouncing on the bed.
Harry smiled as the boy threw his arms around as he described how the elves had made breakfast. He was glad Alex was so happy, he had adapted to his change in surroundings surprisingly well.
"Hey Harry? What are we going to do today?" Alex questioned.
"Do you remember what we talked about last night? When I put you to bed?" Harry asked sitting up and moving Alex onto his lap. The boy hummed lightly and snuggled into Harry's side.
"You mean the story you told me? Are you going to finish telling me the story?"
"I will finish the story, but I was talking about the other thing I mentioned. Remember how I asked about doing a wizarding adoption, so that you would really be mine?" Harry asked Alex.
Alex blinked as if trying to remember the conversation.
"Oh! Yeah I remember! Are we going to do that today?" He asked excitedly.
"Sure," Harry said laughing. "Although I suggest getting dressed first since your still in your pj's. And we should probably go down and eat before Kreacher comes up here and yell at us."
Alex giggled as Harry lifted him up and flopped him on the bed tickling him.
"Now you get dressed and I'll go and do the same, if you need help call for either me or Winky, she'll be happy to help you." Harry said smoothing Alex's hair down.
"Why are we here Harry?" Alex asked after the finished apperation. Harry had taken them outside of the Leaky Cauldron instead of apperating them directly into the Alley.
"Remember what Muggles are?" Harry asked. Alex frowned and shook his head.
"I don't remember what that means." Alex replied with a pout.
"Muggles are people who don't have magic. Like your father. He couldn't do the things you and I can." Harry explained. He continued when he saw Alex's nod. "This pub here is the entrance to Diagon Alley, a wizarding shopping district here in London, in the back is a room used to go there. Once we enter the Alley we will go to the bank and figure out what we have to do for the adoption."
"And then I'll be your real son?" Alex asked with bright eyes.
"Yep, we'll be a family just like you were with your mommy and daddy before."
"You'll just be my new daddy!" Alex exclaimed jumping in the air.
Alex, happy with that response smiled and lifted up his arms. Smiling in return Harry picked him up and held him close. He drew the hood of his cloak that he had thrown on over his head and moved part of the cloak to cover Alex. He didn't want to get mobbed in the Alley with Alex. Thinking back on it he probably should had glamoured his face before coming out here. Maybe he would do that before they left the bank if the goblins would let him.
They entered the Leaky Cauldron and Harry made sure the both of them were covered as they made their way to the back. They got a few odd looks, and some suspicious glances, but thankfully nobody stopped them.
"Why are we covered Harry?" Alex asked when they got to the back room.
"Remember how I told you I helped win the war that was happening?"
"You're a hero, right?"
"To a lot of the people yes." Harry agreed. "But that means that they see the hero more than they see Harry. If I go out a lot of people will try to talk to me. I forgot to disguise us when we left, so we are hiding right now that way we aren't swarmed by other people on our way to the bank." Harry explained. Alex giggled and nodded in understanding.
"I'll help Harry!" Alex said and pulled the edge of the cloak closer to him covering himself so that only his eyes peeked out when he would turn to look.
"Alright, but make sure you pay attention to this." Harry whispered to Alex as he pulled out his wand and began to tap the wall. Alex giggled excitedly and watched intently as the wall opened up to the busy Alley way.
Alex kept asking Harry what each shop was as they passed by something interesting. He wanted to go in all the stores they passed and explore; see the robes that everyone around them wore, look at the strange potions ingredients, see what kind of books there were, look at the pet store, and they defiantly had to go and see the quidditch store with the cool flying brooms.
Harry promised as soon as they were done at the bank they would explore the Alley.
"Whoa!" Alex exclaimed as they walked up the steps of the bank. Harry flinched when he saw the inscription on the side of the bank warning off thief's.
This would actually be his first time coming back to the bank since May. It probably would have been a good idea to come in before now. He didn't know what the goblins might do to him now that he had returned.
As soon as they entered Harry found he was right to be cautious, about a dozen armed goblins surrounded him and Alex squeaked in fright gripping him tight. Harry placed a protective hand on the boys back holding him closer to his chest.
"We've been expecting you. follow us." The goblin in front of Harry demanded. He was thankful that they had not said his name because many of the banks patrons had turned to see what the commotion was all about.
Harry ran a comforting hand along Alex's back as they were led down a side corridor in the bank.
"Mr. Potter, we had been wondering when we might be seeing you again. Do you know who I am and why you are here?" the goblin that had appeared asked walking over to a desk and sitting behind it. Harry followed suit and tried to settle Alex.
"Yes, Head Goblin of Gringotts, though I do not have the honor of knowing your name sir. And I can guess as to why I am here, the events of May." Harry answered deciding that being as straightforward and honest with the goblin would be best.
"Goblin?" Alex asked poking his head out of the cloak and gazing at the Head. Harry tensed as Alex jumped off his lap and walked over to the desk and peering around it to look at the goblin.
The Head blinked in surprise and carefully regarded Alex. Harry was just glad Alex had taken so well with Winky and Kreacher, that he didn't make a fuss over seeing a new creature.
"Hello, my names Alex, it's nice to meet you." the boy smiled catching the Head off guard. Harry knew that it was rare for wizards to be polite to goblins, he had always made an effort to be honest and courteous with them. "Are you going to help us with the adoption?"
"Perhaps, but there is some pervious business that I must discuss with Mr. Potter before that." The Head replied gruffly gazing at Alex curiously.
"What's your name? You know ours." Alex asked.
"You may both call me Rocnar, I am in charge of the bank here." The Head, Rocnar replied surprising Harry that he had answered.
"It's nice to meet you Rock-na!" Alex exclaimed happily returning to Harry. Rocnar seemed amused at the boy's enthusiasm, despite the mispronunciation of his name.
"And you as well Alex, not many are as courteous to goblins as you are."
"What does that mean?"
"Polite, it means you were nice to him." Harry responded.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Alex asked confused. "Mommy said I have to always be nice to people so they are nice to me."
"Why indeed? Your mother seems like a smart woman. Mr. Potter, back to business, while I am curious as to how you came across this boy we have other things to discuss." Rocnar stated turning his attention to Harry.
"Yes, I noticed that repairs had been made to the building and I am assuming the tunnels as well." Harry commented wanting to complement the Goblins work. "Repairs were done splendidly."
"Yes, but do not think you can butter me up, compliments like that will not get you far when dealing with Goblins. You are lucky for now Mr. Potter. We released a statement that there was an attempt on a vault once things were finally able to calm down and people started questioning the disruption after the final battle. Do not think that this was a favor to you though, we have the interest of our customers and reputation to maintain. I wish to know the reasons you risked breaking into the bank before your fate is decided." Rocnar said coldly.
Harry tensed knowing that he was in rough waters and had to tread carefully with how he replied.
"Thank you for the discretion even though it is not directed at me. Only Ron, Hermione, and Kingsley Shaklebolt are aware that we came here for a purpose and succeed, the information was not widespread." Harry began thinking carefully.
"We had gained intelligence that a piece to defeating Voldemort was located within the Lestrange vaults."
"We gathered as much, what was the item?" Rocnar questioned leaning forward and folding his long fingers together.
"It was a horcurx, one of seven that Voldemort had created in his attempt to make himself immortal." Harry answered hoping the Goblin recognized the term. Rocnar tensed and frowned.
"It was unfortunate circumstances that you came to us. That is dark magic that not even we delve into. Whenever our curse breakers come across such an artifact we destroy it. That we were unaware of its existence within our depths is troubling." Rocnar mused. "We may have been unable to help destroy the artifact whilst he had control of the bank and most likely would not have helped you, however had circumstances been different we would have aided you for a price. The goblin nation does not respond well to oppression by wizards and did not take kindly to his attempt."
"That is reassuring to know. I wish I had been able to approach you before things resorted to the way it did. It was in no way my intention to cause damage to the bank and goblin nations in anyway." Harry replied truthfully. "One of your Goblins tried to help us, Griphook."
"Ah and I saw the results of that. Unfortunately, upon recent light of events, it was uncovered that Griphook was rather underhanded compared to most goblins. He would have betrayed you regardless of what price you paid him."
"That is unfortunate." Harry mused slightly troubled. "We came into a tentative possession of the sword of Gryffindor, which we were told was of Goblin origin. That was the bargained for price."
"Most unfortunate, especially for you Mr. Potter." Rocnar chuckled, choosing not to comment on the sword for the moment. Unlike many Goblins, he knew that with the magic imbedded in the sword it would always have the inclination to disappear from their possession and give its assistance to the school when needed. Now that it was found he could always work out something with the headmaster on how to handle the sword.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked bewildered.
"I mean that Griphook was in charge of the Potter vaults as well as all your other holdings once you came into them." Rocnar announced to Harry's shock.
Author Note: Sorry it's been so long since I updated this. I promise that I didn't forget about this story. Just other things in my life as well as other stories I was working on took over. Thanks for all of you who have been patiently waiting for this.
So, to reiterate from last chapter I want your opinions on Alex's middle name. Harry will have the opportunity in a few chapters to change Alex's name. he likes the name Sterling, but the name made him think that he wants to use the Black tradition of naming their children after stars. Harry's idea is going to be keep the S, but make it a star name. my problem is I can't decide what star name I want to give Alex. So that is where you my lovely readers come in. I will give you a few of the names I found and until we get to the chapter I will take your votes and tally them. Whichever names gets the most votes I will use.
Sirius- after his godfather, means scorching
Sarin- could not find a meaning for the star name, but is part of the Hercules constellation. Did find an Indian translation of the name though, means helpful, or hopeful
Saiph- pronounced SAFE, means sword
Scorpius- the scorpion
Tell me which you think sounds good with Alexander Potter.
The count stands as:
Sirius- five votes
Sarin- ten votes
Saiph- five votes
Scorpius- three vote
