Note: Please see the author's note at the end

Chapter 18 - Holidays

"Pleasant day, Goblin. I hope your day has been profitable and your gold will always flow."

The Goblin stared down at Harry for a moment in shock before collecting himself and responding in kind. "Pleasant day, Wizard. May your magic flow true. How may I assist you?"

"I have an appointment with Goblin Ragnock regarding the Potter accounts."

"Of course, follow me." Harry and Tom followed the Goblin teller to the now familiar office belonging to Ragnock. They knew this meeting would be lengthy, so had scheduled an appointment with the account manager.

It had been decided when Harry and Draco got home for the holidays that they would go to Gringotts at Ragnock's earliest availability. So here they were, two days later, ready for an extremely important meeting.

Ragnock stood from his desk as they entered and greeted them formally. Harry and Tom responded in kind, knowing from the etiquette books that starting a meeting in such a way was a sign of respect. Both parties, however, quickly reverted to the more casual bearings they typically utilized to conduct business.

"Harry, Tom, your missive indicated you had much to discuss today. How may I be of assistance?"

Tom nodded to Harry. He wanted his son to become more comfortable with handling these types of affairs. He was, after all, Lord Potter now, and needed to learn the ins and outs of holding such a title.

Harry cleared his throat to help calm his nerves and began. "Let me begin with the most trivial matter. I will need to access Potter Place within the month. Do you know if it is livable?"

"That property houses two house elves. I am certain they have kept it in pristine condition. I will provide you with the location details..." He wrote a note on a form that vanished. "You will be granted admission and the loyalty of the house elves by virtue of your lordship ring. Anyone you personally admit will have lifelong access unless you bar them from entering. Once you have granted access, that person may, in turn, grant others one-time access. Anyone who does not have access to Potter Place will find the door permanently locked to them."

"Excellent, that is very good news. Now, onto the next order of business. I wish to have a new lordship ring commissioned. I wish it to contain not only the Potter crest, but the Riddle crest as well. I know Goblins are by far the best goldsmiths, therefore, I hope you can recommend someone for me to speak with."

Harry saw Ragnock swallow hard as an odd expression came over his face. "I hope you do not find me nepotic, but my nest-mate is a rather well-known and respected goldsmith. I am certain that you will find him suitable."

"Very well, and how may I contact your nest-mate?"

"If I may, Harry, he typically only works with Goblins. Allow me to apprise him of the situation and details, and I will have him contact you within the week."

"Thank you, Ragnock. Please let him know I am more than willing to compensate him handsomely."

"Of course, Harry."

Harry was grateful the talk had turned to money, as he could now more easily breach what had the potential to be a volatile subject. Still, he wished to cover himself. Just in case.

"Ragnock, I ask my next question on the understanding from the books you sent me that it is acceptable to do so. If that is not the case, do not feel obligated to answer, and please set me straight."

Ragnock nodded hesitantly. "Very well."

"How fares your Hoard?" Ragnock's instant change in demeanor told Harry the question was not only acceptable, it was welcomed. Ragnock sat straighter, and his eyes glowed with pride.

"It has reached 4,532 Galleons, Harry." Ragnock spoke as though of an accomplished child.

"I can make an assumption that that is a sizeable Hoard for a Goblin in your position, however, can you help me put it in perspective? What size Hoard would a Gringotts manager typically have?"

"Managers often accumulate between 5,000 and 8,000 Galleons before they are promoted. As I'm sure you read, the size of your Hoard has a direct correlation to your chances of receiving a promotion and career opportunities in general. Once promoted, as Director, a Goblin may grow their Hoard to 10,000 to 20,000 Galleons before they retire or pursue a different career, such as diamond dealing."

"Is there a requirement that a Goblin leave after their Hoard becomes a certain size?"

"Not at all. However, most Goblins only reach such a position, and by extension, such a sizeable Hoard, at an advanced age, and therefore choose to retire."

Harry leaned forward. His next words could seal his influence within Gringotts for years to come or earn him a lifelong enemy.

"I would like to offer you a 15,000 Galleon bonus to accomplish several extremely sensitive, extremely important tasks for me. I can assure you that none of them are illegal." Harry would have laughed at the look on Ragnock's face if he were not so worried about his reaction. He looked to his father who had, thus far, been sitting silently.

Tom gave Harry the merest of nods of encouragement before Ragnock recovered from his shock. "15,000 Galeons, Wizard Riddle?"

"Unsure if there was a reason for the return to formality, Harry nodded. "Yes, Goblin Ragnock. But please, I see no need for such formality."

Ragnock stood, and, unsure of what else to do, Harry mirrored his actions. "I am positive you are aware of what you are offering me." Ragnock held up his hand to silence Harry. "Regardless of what tasks you require of me, you are offering me, at the very least, a position as manager, perhaps even a position as Director. I could even, potentially, make it onto the Gringotts board of governors, something which is far out of reach to me with my current standing. You realize this, do you not, Wizard Riddle."

Harry swallowed hard. This was not sounding good for him. "Yes, I do realize this Goblin Ragnock. However, as I have said before, you have served me very well, far better than I expected, and I am certain you have gone far beyond required duties as well. And the tasks I would like you to complete for me will almost certainly be time consuming and require much delicate handling. I feel you will earn every Knut of this bonus, and I hope you will remember me, and perhaps even consent to continue being my account manager, after you are promoted."

Ragnock scrutinized Harry for a moment, staring directly into his eyes. Harry did his best not to blink. Without warning, Ragnock turned and walked out of his office, and Harry was certain he would be returning with guards to eject them from the bank forever.

He was incredibly surprised, therefore, when Ragnock returned with Goblin Goobluck. "Wizard Riddle, I am certain you recall Goblin Goobluck, my superior."

"Yes, of course, pleasant day, Goblin Goobluck. I hope your day has been profitable and your gold will always flow."

"Pleasant day, Wizard Riddle. May your magic flow true. I understand you wish to award Goblin Ragnock another bonus."

"I do indeed Goblin Goobluck. His service has been exemplary. I am incredibly satisfied."

"That is good to hear, Wizard Riddle." He placed a form on the desk in front of Harry. "You recall this form, I am sure."

"Yes, thank you." Harry signed his name first, then filled in the blank line. 15,000 Galleons.

"Fif...Fifteen Th...Thousand Galleons? Are you quite certain of the amount, Wizard Riddle?"

"Yes, I am. I feel Goblin Ragnock has more than earned said amount with his services."

"Very well." Goobluck picked up the form and bowed to Ragnock. Harry recognized the acknowledgment of one who has (or in this case, will soon have) a larger Hoard than your own. "Goblin Ragnock, I see your day has been profitable. May your gold always flow."

Ragnock grinned and inclined his head. "And to you as well, Goblin Goobluck." When Ragnock was positive Goobluck was out of earshot he turned to Harry with a grin. "I thank you, Harry. With any luck, I will be Goblin Goobluck's superior when you next visit. Never fear, until I find a Goblin worthy to be your account manager, I will continue my duties as such."

Harry offered his hand to Ragnock with a smile. "Thank you, Ragnock. I appreciate that." They shook hands, solidifying what Harry was sure would become a decades-long alliance. "Now, allow me to inform you of the tasks I would like accomplished."

"Yes, that would be helpful, Harry."

"I would like to gift Potter Manor to a Muggleborn friend of mine's parents at Christmas. Her name is Hermione Granger. It must be a complete surprise, however, I can give you any information you need to complete the transaction. It will be entirely their possession. I also wish to have the house elves recognize them as masters of the Manor. Furthermore, I need three reusable portkeys to the manor, two of which will need to be accessible to the Muggle adult Grangers. I would like the Floo to be completely active and usable by Mr. and Mrs. Granger. And finally, I would like the fireplace at the Granger's place of occupation to have limited access to the Floo, simply to allow them to Floo from Potter Manor to work and back every day. No further access is required. Please owl me the final proofs of ownership, the portkeys, and whatever is necessary for the Grangers to utilize the Floo at their place of business no later than the 22nd. I need to be able to deliver them to the Granger family on the 23rd."

Ragnock grinned. "I can see why you said your requests would be time consuming."

"That is not all, Ragnock. I also want to have all of the Potter Holdings moved to a new Riddle vault before the end of the school year. I think having a new vault will be easiest, as I can restrict access more completely that way."

"I have already been looking into the best way to consolidate the Potter wealth, so that should not be too difficult. The time frame is acceptable. Is there anything else?"

"No, Ragnock, I believe that is finally all. It was, as ever, a pleasure doing business with you."

"Thank you, Harry. This has proven to be the most interesting day of my employment at Gringotts, and somehow, I have a feeling there shall be more interesting days to come in the future." He lifted a sheet of paper from his desk. "Here are the location details to Potter Place. Be sure to wear your lordship ring when you visit the first time, or you will not be able to enter."

"Thank you again, Ragnock. Our business has proved profitable. May the Great Overlord bless your Hoard."

Ragnock could not contain his large smile as he bowed. "Harry, our business has proven more profitable than I could dream. May Merlin ever keep your magic flowing strong."

Once they were outside, and after a quick look to ensure no one was listening, Tom congratulated Harry on how he handled the meeting. "I think it is time that we have your Uncle tutor you on the idiosyncrasies of being a Lord. You are definitely ready."

"Thank you, father. We had best return home before mother begins to worry."

***SoaS***

Harry greatly enjoyed the party season. They were always glamorous nearly to the point of ostentatious, and he found them delightful. They were made even more special by the fact that Hermione and her parents were at every single one. They had, most certainly, been welcomed into the Pureblood circle with open arms.

Harry made sure to exchange gifts with his friends and housemates during the parties, leaving only his gifts to Luna and Hermione to send by Dobby. He wanted those to be special, to be under the Christmas tree when they woke up on Christmas Day.

At the Malfoy Christmas party on December 23rd, Harry asked to speak to all three Grangers in private. When they agreed, he led them to the sitting room as it was closest.

"Please, have a seat." Harry gestured the Grangers to the sofa, taking one of the facing armchairs for himself. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, as I'm sure you've noticed, you've been fully accepted into the Pureblood community. However, as you may or may not know, it is expected that you return the honor of an invitation with one of your own." He noticed the look of concern on the Grangers' faces and hoped that his gift would set them at ease. "I would like to make a gift to your family that would enable you to do this with ease. I understand that the gift will seem extravagant, however, as Hermione knows, and can explain to you in more detail, the Potters were ridiculously wealthy, and I can assure you that the gift I will be presenting you cost me very little in terms of my total wealth. Hermione has done so much for me, and has been such a wonderful friend, I hope you can accept my gift for what it is, a kind gesture from one friend to another, no strings attached."

Mr. Granger interrupted Harry before he could actually present the gift. "I must say, young man, your little speech has me rather worried."

"Nothing to worry about, Mr. Granger, I merely wished to give my gift some context. Dobby?"

Dobby popped into the sitting room and bowed. "How may I help you, Master Harry?"

"Please bring my gift for the Grangers."

"Of course, Master Harry." He popped away and returned a moment later with an envelope and a large wrapped gift.

"Thank you, Dobby, I appreciate it." Dobby grinned before popping back out.

Harry presented both the envelope and the box to the Grangers, saying as he did so, "I would suggest opening the box first, however, I leave it up to you."

The Grangers took Harry's advice, allowing Hermione to actually unwrap the box. She stared, perplexed, at the contents however. Within the box were a set of keys and three necklaces. "Harry, I don't quite understand."

"I suggest you open the envelope now, then I will answer any questions you may have."

"Alright, Harry."

Mrs. Granger opened the envelope and pulled out the sheaf of paper contained therein. After reading the top sheet, both her and her husband stared at Harry in disbelief. Hermione, ever curious, leaned over to read the paper as well, then turned to her friend.

"Harry, is this REALLY the deed to Potter Manor?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, it is. I'm giving it to your parents. It is now Granger Manor, unless, of course, you would like to name it something else. You can visit Gringotts if you'd like to change the name."

The Grangers had finally recovered their senses after their shock. "Harry, we can't possibly accept this. We can't take your house!"

"It's not my house, Mr. Granger. Malfoy Manor is my house, my home. And besides, the Potters owned, I own, another seven properties. Now, I've been receiving some tutoring regarding my place as Lord Potter, and I hope you'll allow me to assuage some potential fears. Granger Manor has been placed entirely in your names, you are co-owners. There are no taxes, as the Manor predates the start of taxation, and the Manor is entirely furnished.

"There are currently 6 house elves residing at Granger Manor that will care for the Manor and the grounds. I suppose you can think of them as servants. They have been told of the change in ownership and will respond to your call in the same way Dobby responds to mine. Their names and hierarchy are within the forms you hold, Mrs. Granger. The entire Manor is protected by countless wards, and is untraceable, which means Hermione will be able to use magic there.

"I have had the Goblins of Gringotts connect the fireplace at your office to the Floo at Granger Manor. As long as you are wearing those necklaces, you will be able to use the Floo to visit any other household connected to the Floo, as well as your office. I am sure Hermione can explain the benefits of that to you. From your office, you can only Floo to Granger Manor. I thought that if you decide to live at Granger Manor, you would need an easy way to get to work.

"Those necklaces also serve as portkeys. That means that from anywhere in the world, you can return to Granger Manor. You need only hold the pendant and speak the words "Granger Manor" and you will be transported to the entrance hall. I think that's everything of major importance regarding the manor. I can go with you all tomorrow to visit the manor and show you around, if you'd like."

The Grangers sat in stunned silence for a moment, contemplating everything Harry had told them. Hermione was the first to speak.

"So Harry, I can Floo here from Granger Manor to visit you and Draco? And I can Floo to Diagon Alley to purchase school supplies?"

"You could even Floo to the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer whenever you like."

Hermione launched herself at Harry and gave him a huge hug. "Oh thank you! Thank you, Harry, this is an excellent gift! And I'll be able to practice magic! And I remember that book you have saying there's even a potions laboratory and library!"

Harry laughed at Hermione's enthusiasm. "Yes, you remember correctly. And I've made sure the potions laboratory is fully stocked. There is also a wonderful conservatory, and the gardens are beautiful."

"Well, Harry, it seems we owe you a major thank you. Far more than I think we can ever express. I don't think tomorrow will work for us, however, I would greatly appreciate a tour on Boxing Day, if you're available."

"Of course, Mr. Granger. I'll be more than happy to introduce you to Granger Manor on Boxing Day. Do you have a time in mind?"

"I think one will work for us. Will that work for you?"

"I don't see why not. I'll have Dobby bring me to your house, and we can use the portkeys to get to Granger Manor. Now, I've kept you from the party long enough. Although I would like to speak with Hermione for just a moment more."

"Thank you again, Harry. We'll see you on Boxing Day."

As the elder Grangers left to make their way back to the party, Harry turned to Hermione. "Mia, I think the best day to test the Muggles is on the 28th, so I've got an advertisement in every major London paper on Boxing Day through the 28th. I visited Potter Place, and it looks great. It should be perfect for testing."

"Harry, one thing to consider is that we are testing Muggles. We'll need blood for this, and I don't think they'll be satisfied with pricking their fingers. We'll need to have their blood drawn the Muggle way."

Harry considered this for a moment. "What would you suggest?"

"I suppose we could ask my parents."

Harry nodded. "I'll make sure to do that when I see them again. For now, I think we'd best get back before Draco comes searching for you."

***SoaS***

On Christmas morning, Dobby woke Harry around 4am. Harry had purposely asked to be woken so early, as he wanted Dobby to take his presents for Hermione and Luna to them. Harry quickly grabbed the two gifts and handed them to Dobby.

"Dobby, please sneak these under their Christmas trees without anyone seeing you. This one is for Hermione, and these two are for Luna."

"I will take them now, Master Harry."

"Thank you, Dobby. I really appreciate it."

As he waited for his family to wake up, Harry imagined his friends' reactions to their gifts. He had given Hermione one of the communication necklaces the Weasley twins had finished at the end of term. He knew she would appreciate being able to speak to Draco face to face more often.

His gift to Luna had been even more special. The Weasley twins had amazed him by sending two completed communication journals to him a few nights ago. Their letter said that after the mirrors, the journals hadn't been too hard. They were currently working on creating an expanded network with different privacy settings for the messages as he had requested, but they had perfected a one-to-one messaging journal, which was what the set they had sent him was. He knew instantly he wanted to give one to Luna.

The journal had been an addition to his gift of another charm for her bracelet. He'd had a custom charm made: a miniature Quibbler magazine. It was the issue that featured Luna's article on the underage magic law. He hoped she liked it as much as the charm he had given her for her birthday. Then he had had a miniature version of her wand made. The mini wand would not, of course, be able to perform magic, but she had greatly enjoyed it nonetheless.

Harry decided to go back to sleep, knowing that Draco would wake him up again soon. Sure enough, just two hours later, his bedroom door slammed open and Draco was shaking him awake.

"Harry! It's Christmas! Come on, Harry. Wake up! We have presents to open!"

"I'm up, I'm up," mumbled Harry.

"I'll go wake up Mum and Dad, and Aunt Bella, and Uncle Tom." Harry sat up as Draco ran from the room. He was very fond of his cousin, but every once in a while he would dearly love to throttle him.

By the time Harry was dressed and downstairs, breakfast had been served in the parlor. He figured Draco must have ordered it, as a few minutes later, his parents and aunt and uncle walked in, still looking rather sleepy.

"Good morning Mother, Father, Aunt Cissy, Uncle Luc. Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas, Harry. Did you sleep well?"

"I did, thank you, Mother. And you?"

"Well enough, until Draco woke us."

"Perhaps next year we can tie him to his bed."

"Come now, Harry, that's not nice. You know you want to open your presents as much as I do. Look, here's one from Luna!" This got Harry to perk right up, and he and Draco turned pleading looks on their respective parents.

"Very well," said a laughing Tom, "Grab some breakfast, and we'll start opening gifts." This they did, with Harry and Draco taking turns handing everyone their gifts.

Draco enjoyed his communication mirror, even more so once he learned Hermione had one as well. Aunt Cissy greatly enjoyed her new hair ornament, and Uncle Luc seemed quite satisfied with his house crest tie pin.

Harry was most moved by his parents' reactions. He had spent many hours sorting through his childhood memories for anything that was pleasant. He'd managed to find a fair few: being congratulated at school for having the best grade on a test, finding a ten pound note on the floor of a store and buying himself his first ever toy, having a proper meal at Mrs. Figg's house.

His mother and father thanked him profusely, tears glistening in their eyes, and he knew the time spent dealing with the negative memories was well worth it.

Harry was rather pleased with his gifts as well. He received a new wand holster, plenty of clothes, a smattering of books, quite a bit of candy, and the second edition model dragon set that had four more dragons to complement those he had purchased on his birthday.

He left Luna's gift until last, wondering what could possibly be in the rather large package. He was rather surprised to find an elaborately decorated, leather bound book. There were gold corners, and a gold crest in the center. Harry assumed this was the Lovegood crest.

As he opened the front cover, he was met with a beautifully illustrated cover page declaring this book The Compiled Book of Discovered Creatures. As Harry thumbed through the first few pages, he found that it was a book of mythological creatures that Luna had been researching with her father. The entire thing was handwritten, making it absolutely precious in Harry's eyes.

Each creature contained a drawing followed by a name, then a description, then whatever facts were known about it. Harry stopped mid-way through the book to read an entry about Nargles, strange little creatures that liked mistletoe.

"Harry, dearest, you still have a few presents to open."

"Oh, of course mother, my apologies." Harry set aside the book, knowing he would be spending countless hours pouring over it. He realized there were still two gifts beneath the tree, both of which were for him.

Opening the first, he found a new cloak from his parents. It was a deep Slytherin green with a black clasp. He could tell just by the feel of it that it had built-in heating charms.

"Thank you, mother, father."

"Of course, son. We can't have you getting cold, now can we?"

Grinning, Harry picked up the last package. As he realized the shape and size of it, his heart sped up. He tried to tell himself it could be anything, because he didn't want to get his hopes up. Giving up on that, he ripped the paper off and opened the leather case.

Inside sat a Firebolt. Its handle glittered as he picked it up. He could feel it vibrating and let go; it hung in midair, unsupported, at exactly the right height for him to mount it. His eyes moved from the golden registration number at the top of the handle, right down to the perfectly smooth, streamlined birch twigs that made up the tail.

For a moment, all he could do was stare at it, then he let out a whoop of delight and ran to his parents.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you!" After a couple of seconds, he realized his parents weren't smiling. They also weren't returning his hug. Their eyes were solidly fixed on the broom still suspended in midair.

Misinterpreting their silence, Harry grinned sheepishly. "Oh, sorry. Let me put it back away."

"No, son, don't touch it. Who sent it to you?"

"Didn't you give it to me, Mother?"

"No, son. Lucius, if you would?"

"Of course, Bella."

"Harry, darling. Please don't be upset, but I worry that broom may have been sent to you by Sirius Black. We will check it for curses and jinxes before you may ride it."

"But, how could he possibly send it? He's a wanted fugitive. He couldn't just walk into a store and buy it." He knew he sounded whiny and angry, but he couldn't help it. He wanted his Firebolt.

"Harry!" His father's sharp shout gained his attention. "You, above everyone, should know how simple it is to look like someone else. How easy it is to fool people."

Harry looked down, admonished. "Yes, Father, you're right. I'm sorry. I can wait."

"Very well. This hasn't been the best end to a Christmas morning, but let us have lunch, and see if we can't make the day better."

So, I realize it has been nearly a year since I updated this story. A lot has happened. And a lot is still to happen. If you're interested in the story, check out my profile. As a short note, I'm going to work on keeping up my personal fan fiction website (rachelsstories (insert . here) weebly (insert . here) com) better. I'll be offering my completed stories as eBooks for those who want to read them on the go. I've also recently published the first in my series of books. If you want to know more, visit the website exaltedbloodlines (insert . here) com.

No matter what happens, I won't be abandoning this series. But life happens, and that means I don't always know when I'll be writing fan fiction. I'll try to get back into the groove of writing fan fiction, but when the mood strikes, I write, and when it doesn't, I don't, because the writing will suck. It's as simple as that. I do my best to respond to PMs and reviews that ask questions, so if you have any, feel free to contact me.