AN: This chapter isn't all that exciting but the info here serves to set up a lot of the plot lines later. So, sorry if you don't like it, but it does get more exciting from here.

If you like this story please review. I'm still deciding on a few plot directions and I could always use your input.

Standard Disclaimer-I don't own Harry Potter. Just the stuff I make up about him.

Harry woke up the next day feeling somewhat refreshed. He could definitely feel an extra boost of power that seemed to accompany whatever was really happening to him. He supposed Griphook's story really did explain it all and he had to admit that the current possibilities for the future did seem to be favorable. Griphook had secured a meeting with the Goblin Council for 8pm that evening.

After an early dinner with all the current residents of the cottage he and Griphook were preparing to leave when Bill pulled him aside and spoke to him in a low volume. "Harry it sounds like there will be no problems, but it never hurts to be a little prepared. Goblins are very proud. They will show you respect if you give it to them in kind. They also abhor weakness. Don't let them see you sweat. If a goblin greets you or leaves you with a comment like 'May your gold flow freely' or something similar you respond with something about their vaults being filled by their enemies or some such. It's not the exact words but more the intent. Also should a goblin greet you or leave you with this type of comment it means you have done something correctly. It is a show of respect, you must respond in kind. Otherwise be yourself. Griphook seems to like you, and I expect most of them will as well, but they're a proud and vicious race. It can't hurt to be cautious."

"Thanks Bill. I appreciate it," and he honestly did. With that he joined Griphook in the sitting room and waited for instructions.

"We are going to use the floo to go to Gringott's. Both Shell Cottage and Gringott's are secure so there will be no problem there. The floo at Gringott's is located in a private anti-room and we can discreetly move off to one of the private conference rooms. You will not be seen, and once we step through that floo you will be under the protection of the goblins for the remainder of the trip. We will take care of your financials first at the bank then we will portkey to a secure location to meet the council. Is this to your satisfaction?"

"It is, thank you Griphook."

"Excellent. Let's proceed then." With that the shorter goblin stepped into the floo, stated their destination and disappeared. Harry repeated Griphook's actions exactly and soon found himself in a lavishly appointed anti-room with Griphook and two goblin guards waiting for him.

"Mr. Potter these guards will escort you to the conference room where I believe Rockfang and his assistant are already waiting," Griphook informed him as he stepped away from the floo. "I have to be going to prepare the council for your arrival. These same guards will escort you to the Portkey point when you are finished. Any questions before I go?"

"No Griphook. Thank you, you have been very helpful." Griphook left the room and the guards turned and led him through a second door, through a barely lit hallway and eventually into a conference room where two goblins were waiting.

"Ahh Mr. Potter. It's agreeable to finally meet you. My name is Rockfang and I am the manager of the Potter and Gryffindor accounts. I will also be overseeing the verification of the wills and the settling of any transactions that will occur today. Have a seat anywhere you like." Harry chose a cushy chair a few seats away from the two goblins and sat.

"The first order of business is the verification of blood," said Rockfang. As he said this, the second goblin approached him with a piece of parchment and a dagger and set them on the table in front of him. Rockfang continued, "if you would, place your blood on the parchment. It is enchanted to identify you immediately and is the first step to key you into any vaults that are rightfully yours." Harry picked up the dagger dragged the blade across his left palm and let the blood flow onto the parchment. The parchment glowed a bright white then disappeared. Harry pulled out his wand to heal his hand only to discover it was already healed. "Nice" he thought to himself.

"Excellent, now Mr. Potter, first things first. You are by verification of your blood the rightful heir of the Gryffindor accounts. Here is an accounting of the Gryffindor portfolio as it currently stands. All of the gold and valuables as well as the heirlooms have been placed in the primary Gryffindor Vault which is Vault number 6." The second little goblin who still hadn't spoken a word placed a piece of parchment in front of him. Harry's eyes bulged and he nearly passed out as read the information in front of him. 322,551,622 galleons! He didn't even know that many galleons existed let alone that they belonged to him. There was an extensive list of properties as well, most of them located in or around Hogsmeade. There was also a list of valuables and heirlooms near the bottom of the page. Rockfang continued as Harry looked up from the parchment. "The second item of business is the disclosure of your parents will. It has already been read and enacted naming you as the sole beneficiary upon your majority. The will has an amendment built in that can only be enacted by you. It has been sealed until today." The goblin assistant again placed a sealed parchment in front of him. He broke the seal and felt the magic wash over him and verify his identity.

I, James Charlus Potter, do hereby bequeath a sum of 15 million galleons to Remus John Lupin contingent upon his being found innocent of any wrong doing in my death and verification of this fact by my son and heir Harry James Potter. If this is in fact the case, a letter of apology written by my hand and contained within my vault is to be sent to him immediately.

Harry took out his wand and held it to his forehead. "I hereby swear on my life and magic that Remus John Lupin is innocent of any wrong doing in my parents death and has been loyal to their memory to this very day." The magic washed over him and then he lit his wand to prove his oath and handed Rockfang the parchment.

"Very well," stated Rockfang. "The appropriate letter will be sent and the transfer will be completed immediately. My assistant is now handing you an accounting of the Potter Vaults which have been consolidated into the primary vault which is Vault number 7."

Harry had to fight to keep his composure. 401,808,019 galleons! The list of properties and businesses was over a two feet long. It seemingly included half of Diagon Alley. But the thing that caught Harry's attention was the first item listed under residential properties.

Potter Manor, Brecon, Wales.

"Rockfang, is Potter Manor intact?"

"It was damaged and the wards were broken when your grandparents were killed in 1980, which is why your parents made their residence at your families second home in Godric's Hollow. Your father commissioned the house restored and the wards regenerated, but he went into hiding under the Fidelius Charm before the work was completed. It was completed in December of 1980 but your parents never got to see the final product. It is an immaculate home protected by the strongest wards a wizard can buy."

Harry looked at Rockfang with a considering eye. He decided the risk was worth the reward and went for broke. "And if I wasn't a wizard?" Rockfang eyed him suspiciously. "You said the strongest wards a wizard can buy. I'm wondering what would be available if I wasn't a wizard. Say I was a goblin. Would there be wards more powerful available?"

Rockfang considered him for a moment. "You are a perceptive and daring young man Mr. Potter. If you were a goblin, or perhaps…" and he paused for effect at this moment, "a sworn ally of the Goblin nation, there would be more effective wards available to you."

"Then let us finish our business here and move on to the meeting with the council. I am eager to prove myself to your people."

Rockfang watched him curiously for a moment more. "Very well Mr. Potter." The little goblin assistant approached with a piece of gold jewelry. "This is the Potter House ring. It is an emergency portkey to your ancestral home in Wales and is your proof of claim to the Potter seats on the Wizengamot. It also represents your status as Head of the House of Gryffindor and all the rights and privileges that entails." Harry then noticed a small Gryffindor lion in the bottom left corner of the ring face beneath the larger symbol of the ceramic vase with a stylized P.

Rockfang continued even as Harry was admiring his house ring. "We lastly have the Black estate. Again you have been named the sole benefactor by the previous head of House Black. Lord Black also left a missive to be given to you upon your majority." With this the little assistant again handed over a sealed parchment. Harry took it, broke the seal and opened it.

Pup, if you're reading this then I've likely bought it. I hope I went out fighting. I might be a bit childish at times, and some of that is just a defense, but I can tell you one thing pup. I loved your dad like a brother, and I love you just as much. I've failed you too many times. I'm sorry. You deserved better. But I gave you what I have to give, my friendship and family name. The House of Black has been corrupt and tainted for as long as anyone can remember. Reclaim it pup. Let your life and your goodness make the name Black great again. I know I'm not one who should be giving advice but for what it's worth here it is:

Live your life.

Don't let that snakefaced bastard define you. Enjoy your life, enjoy your friends, and love your family. Everything else is just the extra bits.

I know right. I actually sound like an adult, at least it sounds that way in my head as I'm writing this.

Now the last thing is that mangy wolf Remus. I intended to leave him ten million galleons. Unfortunately he made me promise not to give him anything in my will. So it's up to you. Give him the money and don't let him convince you he's fine or doesn't need help. He's bloody pig-headed and he should just let his friends help him. Take care of him. He's the last of the original Marauders. He needs you and you need him.

Alright pup. I'm sorry I'm not there with you, but I believe in you. You and your friends are gonna make our world a better place and if my rotten familiy's money helps you do that then bully for me.

I love you,

Padfoot

Harry had to wipe his eyes and take a few deep breaths after he finished reading the letter from Sirius. It had been almost 2 years since his Godfather had fallen through the veil and it still caused a pretty deep sadness. Harry composed himself and looked up expectantly at Rockfang.

"Well then, an accounting of the Black House financials is listed there" said Rockfang pointing to the table in front of Harry as the miniscule assistant once again produced a stack of parchment.

297,771,993 galleons and twelve different properties were again added to Harry's fortune and he resolved to lessen that total considerably. Before he could voice his thoughts Rockfang continued.

"The death of both Bellatrix Lestrange, and Narcissa Malfoy has been confirmed by both Gringott's and the Ministry. Upon their deaths the dowries of each were returned to the Black estate. The financials of both can be found on the 3rd and 5th pages respectively."

"Please tell me the totals of the Black financials already include these dowries" pleaded Harry.

"They do, and they have already been added to the Black family vault which is located in Vault 3."

"And the total of these two dowries comes to around 80 million galleons?"

"Correct," replied the businesslike goblin. "81,988,743 galleons to be exact, to go along with 4 different properties."

"Please have your people inventory the Black family vault for any dark objects and have them separated. I am specifically looking for any heirlooms that may have been owned by one of the founders. Even more specifically items once owned by Helga Hufflepuff or Rowena Ravenclaw. Please inform me immediately should any such items be found. Any other dark or cursed objects can be destroyed or melted down. Any financial benefit from their destruction can be assumed by Gringott's itself. Moreover, I would like the sum total of the property and galleons minus family heirlooms of both dowries to be transferred immediately to the Vault of Arthur and Molly Weasley. 25 million galleons should be transferred to the vault of Remus Lupin. 10 million galleons each should be transferred to Fred and George Weasley. 10 million galleons should be transferred to William and Fleur Weasley. 20 million should be set aside to open a vault for Ronald Weasley. 20 million should be set aside to open a vault for Hermione Granger. 10 million transferred to Charles Weasley, and 20 million set aside to open a vault for Ginevra Weasley. The rest of the Black fortune will be held in trust for the children of Remus and Nymphadora Lupin, whose oldest son, upon his birth will be named my heir for the House of Black. Please have all the necessary documents drawn up and the money moved as quickly as possible. Nymphadora Lupin is currently pregnant and will give birth any day now. Should that child be a male, I want all appropriate documentation to go through immediately."

"I will get to work immediately," replied an obviously impressed Rockfang. "Your House ring will now reflect all three family crests and I believe we are finished here. If you will follow Bloodspiller and Ironhand," he motioned towards the two larger guards. "They will take you to the Portkey chamber so you can be taken to meet with the Goblin Council. It has been pleasure Mr. Potter. May your enemies find ruin on your blade."

"Thank you Rockfang, and may your vault be filled to overflowing with the plunder of those who oppose you."

Rockfang looked intently into his eyes as Harry finished his farewell. To his credit the-boy-who-lived held the goblin's gaze until Rockfang nodded and left the room.