Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I do own any non-canon characters, AU and made-up magic.
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Ch. III: Goblin Discussion
Lacie Thaxton is an accomplished healer in both the Goblin and Wizarding magics.
She is just feeling frustrated.
A few weeks had passed since she had rekindled her friendship with the Weasley family and submitted a report to the Goblin Healer Child Services network. She did not dare do it for the Wizarding side. Not with so famous a child as one Harry James Potter.
Lacie inwardly sighed. Damn politics. What frustrated Lacie was the radio silence from the Gobin end.
Doubt percolated her brain. Don't be daft, woman. She chided as she perused a few reports in the St. Mungo's Pediatric Ward.
An owl arrived and she absently gave the owl a piece of an uneaten crumpet, before taking the letter.
Eyebrows raised, she opened it, pricking her thumb. The letter was a formal summons written in High Gobbledygook concerning Vlatifahn Potter.
Lacie beamed. Her fangs making an appearance.
"Carla," She said to the secretary.
"Yes ma'am?"
"Will you reschedule any appointments I have?" Lacie asked politely. "I have urgent business to attend." She saw the secretary note the fancy Gringotts parchment.
"Yes ma'am." Carla answered quickly.
Lacie immediately Flooed to the Director's office and was showed in.
«Healer Lacie Fistbiter Thaxton at your service, Director.» Lacie greeted formally in Gobbledygook. She half-curtsied toward the esteemed gentleman. Her fangs carefully hidden and black eyes watchful. To show one's fangs belied anxiety or challenge. Neither of which she needed to portray if she were to be taken seriously.
«Prompt as always, Healer Thaxton.» The Director answered, inclining his head toward the Gobliness. «Please, be seated. We have much to discuss.» Ragnok snapped his longer, clawlike fingers together. Tea and crumpets appeared on solid gold-filigree china.
Lacie composed herself awaiting the Director's command. She politely sipped her hot tea.
«Lacie,» Ragnok said matter-of-factly. «We have a real situation here. As you've been made aware―I sanctioned Harry James Potter to have Vlatifahn status.» Lacie nodded. She listened carefully to Ragnok's explanation of how the young boy saved his granddaughter. Lacie hid her smile. She was very proud of Harry. She read him correctly. He would be a good friend and valuable business and political asset if they played their cards right.
Ragnok grinned at her, showcasing full fangs, knowing the exact moment she understood. «Then, I get your letter. Would you care to explain?»
Lacie spoke at length concerning the child's injuries and the aftermath of her visit.
«Sir,» Lacie said without preamble. «It is my belief both professionally and personally that the child is being abused by his Muggle relatives―and I believe it is covered up by Albus Dumbledore. I suggest we use everything the child has at his disposal. His inheritance would be showing different numbers for his lodging with his relatives if they took him in legally―it would be a modest sum...but it doesn't add up when you look at him.» Lacie frowned. «He wears rags unbefitting even the poorest wizarding child...and he is starving for both nutrition and love.»
The Goblin stared at her for a moment. «I believe you're onto something, Lacie.» Lacie internally began to relax. «My granddaughter said something akin to your assessment.»
Lacie nodded. «If I may be so bold as to suggest, Director...the child needs protection. I believe we could use his owl, Hedwig, as an invaluable source to track his health...»
Ragnok arched his eyebrow. «A true familiar?» He queried, sipping his beverage. It is uncommon knowledge that a Hogwarts pet could become a familiar where the animal would bond with the witch or wizard in question. They could channel traits like farsightedness and strength from the animal to the witch/wizard or magical energies to the animal from the witch/wizard*.
«Yes, sir.» Lacie answered. «She has come to my office on her own.» Ragnok stared at her. Despite Lacie's mixed heritage, she is more Gobliness. She would be disallowed from having a pet when she went to Hogwarts. Animals naturally shied from Goblins―except Dragons and Unicorns.
«I approve. I'll leave you to it make the necessary accommodations, Lacie. Use the full weight of Gringotts if you have to in order to protect Vlatifahn Potter―I should think this goes without saying,» He said calmly. «You must use discretion. I think we need to tread carefully with Dumbledore.» Ragnok continued. «That rascal is truly Slytherin in his dealings with the Bank. I'll have my associates I trust become privy to this conversation―?» He asked. Lacie quickly assented, waiving her privacy rights to Harry's involvement. Her accounts would be searched to see if she has any conflict of interest. «Good. We shall keep you abreast of our involvement as well. As per usual, you are bound as an official Goblin Healer to maintain the privacy of your patient, Vlatifahn Harry James Potter. Otherwise, you will be stripped of all privileges associated with the Bank, etc.»
«Understood, Director.» Lacie set her teacup down and curtsied, recognizing the dismissal for what it was.
Exiting through the Floo she closed her office door for a moment to catch her breath.
Incredible. She thought amazed. She beamed at her window. Her fangs rapidly protruding.
She almost danced. Lacie added to her agenda to gather the necessary materials and documents for her task.
Perhaps...she would get to use her Goblin warrior training after all. She eyed her claws, fully intending to scratch Dumbledore across the face. The bastard.
Meanwhile, Harry James Potter enjoyed lunch with the Weasleys and thought about his godfather.
References: I chose to create Harry having a 'true' familiar. I felt like the canon only glimpsed at the potential with Hedwig. Therefore, I am making up familiar lore in this FanFiction as part of my AU.