Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I do own OC, non-canon and fictional magic.

A/N: I hope you like it :-). I will try to post before Christmas. Enjoy! Keep the reviews coming. Reviews = Motivation + Fast writing

Ch. XVI: Goblin Meeting

Ragnok stared at Sirius' permission slip written in perfect High Gobbledygook.

Dear Director Ragnok,

I accept your invitation and seek to warn you two things.

I am fluent in five languages. One of which is Gobbledygook. I tell you this based on the premise of good faith. Hide nothing from me.

Furthermore, I give you permission to use Kreacher in assisting my Heir in any way, shape or form. I am concerned Dobby will be taken to task by Dumbledore in the near future. Hogwarts bylaws do not dismiss House-bound House-Elves from assisting their Heirs. I suggest we use that loophole. I have included a few sections we can quote from directly should the need arise.

Sincerely,

Sirius,
Lord of the House of Black.

Ragnok burst out laughing. Well, I'll be damned. A threat, an offer and a partnership all rolled into one.

"I definitely look forward to meeting you on Saturday, Lord Black." He muttered. He immediately wrote to Deputy Headmistress Minerva Isobel McGonagall a warded missive and a Gringotts Eagle Owl flew down and retrieved it.

The Leader of the Goblin Nation placed the document with the others he specially marked for his team to peruse before turning back to his business.

Minerva sat down in her private chambers during the morning break as a Gringotts Eagle Owl flew in and dropped a warded missive next to her cup of tea.

Startled, she sternly glared at the Gringotts owl. Taking her letter-opener she pricked her thumb and placed it over the back of the envelope. The letter opened to reveal flourishing script.

Dear Mistress McGonagall,

We must discuss with Mr. Harry James Potter some business dealings with his guardian, Petunia Evans Dursley*. Below is a signed permission slip. We ask you to bring Mr. Potter to your office using this portkey to bring him here at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The portkey will activate when you say, 'Gringotts.'

Very respectfully yours,

Ragnok Beastkiller Axeblade
Director of Gringotts
Leader of the Goblin Nation

"Merlin," She murmured. She quickly penned an affirmative and sent it with the Gringotts owl.

"I hope it's nothing serious," she muttered. She crinkled her brow.

Earlier that morning she asked Dumbledore if Harry's grades were slipping and if that was the reason he went to see her lion cub.

As per usual, Albus dismissed it as a chance meeting. Minerva did not buy it for a second. Therefore, she felt she did not need to let Albus know anything regarding Mr. Potter's personal affairs. After all, he had signed permission from that awful Muggle.

"Springy*!" Minerva summoned a Hogwarts House-Elf. "Please locate Mr. Potter and ask him to come to my office immediately."

Minerva is a private witch. She did not want Harry's friends to become nosy when this is obviously a private business affair. Besides, any formal summons would need to bypass her anyway as Harry's House Head.

Satisfied, she drank her tea and waited for her young cub.

Harry was about to enter Herbology when a Hogwarts House-Elf appeared.

"Master Harry Potter must comes with Springy," she said, bobbing her head in her Hogwarts tea cozy. "Mistress McGonagall says for Master Harry Potter to come immediately."

Harry gulped and did not like everyone staring at him. His face blushing brightly. He gave a nervous glance at Ron and Hermione whom gave him a sympathetic and serious looks in return. "But what about missing Herbology?" Harry asked concerned.

"Master Harry Potter wills not be considered tardy." Springy answered. "Anytime a professor summons a student a note appears by the missed class' professor, sir."

Wordlessly, Harry nodded and took the small hand and she Apparated them to McGonagall's office.

Harry said quietly, "Did you need to speak with me, Professor?"

"Mr. Potter," she said calmly. "Please sit."

Gulping, Harry complied. He shifted Dudley's worn messenger bag over his side.

Minerva handed Harry the Gringotts letter.

"Oh," Harry said, barely containing his glee. Sirius!

"Indeed," she said briskly. "You will come here directly at 8:45 a.m. and I will send you promptly on your way to take care of this business."

Harry quickly assured her he would and immediately made his way to his classes. He grinned at his friends and said he would be going to Gringotts on Saturday.

Ron's red brows rose. "You're joking? How'd that be a good thing, mate?"

Harry shrugged. "I've no idea. But it might be nice to get out of the castle every once and awhile."

Throughout the rest of the week, Harry went about his normal routine. His glee harder to contain as Saturday morning came upon him.

Meanwhile, Sirius occupied himself on several levels.

He told his House-Witch he would be in the Training Room for a while and then they could do the Occlumency lesson with her as the Legilimens.

Much of what Sirius did in his Training Room involved throwing Dark curses, counter-curses and general calisthenics.

It only frustrated Sirius ad nauseam.

"You can't possibly believe you'd be brilliant like you were at 22 and free." Sirius self-chastised. Unfortunately, his body is still too weak due to his extended stay. However, Sirius found he needed to tire himself out physically so he could sleep at night with as few nightmares as possible.

Furthermore, it made him weaker to resist his House-Witch when she casted Legilimency on him.

Sirius quickly and painfully figured out his barriers are exceptionally frayed. He relived several memories associated with the Marauders jumbling together with the Azkaban horrors.

Sérephine quelled her anxiety. Her Master needed to patch his mental barriers. However, she is no Healer.

Curses? Vengeance? Destruction? Absolutely. Basic Healing? Sure.

Both stared at each other before Sirius swore in three languages. "Add a bloody Mind Healer to the chalkboard. I need this, Sérephine." He said desperately.

She nodded. "Lacie is an accomplished Healer, Lord Sirius."

Sighing, Sirius nodded before standing slowly. He made his way out the door.

He crinkled his nose. Ugh, you're a filthy dog. He thought at his stench. Although, not nearly as bad as 12 years' worth of filth.

Sirius took a quick bath and drank a Muscle Replenisher Potion* to not have any aches and pains as he made his way to the second floor toward his Study.

But first, Sirius thought as he opened the door and glared at the mess he made with his plotting.

Sirius...never wanted to feel unclean or disorganized ever again. Seeing documents strewn on every available surface angered him. Settle. He thought annoyed. There's much to accomplish. It's Saturday. I can see my baby again. Sirius grinned at that.

"Kreacher!" Sirius shouted.

"Yes, Lord Sirius?" Kreacher asked in his low, gravelly voice Apparating before him.

For several weeks, Kreacher cleaned and organized the House of Black. Much of the debris had to be destroyed by Kreacher's House-Magic since Sirius did not want to risk selling anything of remote value just in case someone put it together that the furniture had been a part of the Black Estate.

Besides, Sirius figured he could do with more firewood since the House is always cold.

"You will accompany me when I see the Goblins and meet Our Heir for the first time," Sirius said. "You will be loyal to him and protect and guide him since without him, I have no Heir―and the House is forfeit." His mercurial eyes flashed. "Have I made myself clear?"

"Crystal, milord." Kreacher muttered.

"Good," Sirius continued. "My child has been abused by Muggles and wizards." He knew for a fact his House-Elf heard only 'Muggles.'

Perfect. Sirius thought grimly. If there's one way to get his loyalty is to bad-mouth Muggles and throw in abuse. Nevermind my child has been abused by wizards, too!

"You will remain invisible wherever you go while at Hogwarts." Sirius said, kneeling down to Kreacher's level. "There is another House-Elf, by the name of Dobby, who is an immense help. However, I dare not have Dumbass," Kreacher smirked at Sirius' nickname for Dumbledore. Master Sirius was always good at words. "get close to him or punish him for helping my child. You and I both know Hogwarts has it written in the bylaws that House-Elves are permitted for Apparation and assistance for their Heirs."

Kreacher nodded. His sharp, pale blue eyes focusing on his Master.

"Therefore," Sirius said in his aristocratic manner. "You will protect my Heir, discreetly―with the Lady House of Black's powers behind you―against any who seek to harm him."

Sirius grimaced. "At some point in the future, you will Apparate me to the Dursleys' abode and," His mercurial eyes practically glowing, charcoal black hair adding a starting contrast. "I shall have a chat with those particular Muggles."

Kreacher grinned. He could sense Lord Sirius' rage and bloodlust behind his aristocratic mannerisms.

"With pleasure, Lord Sirius." He demurred.

Sirius nodded curtly. "My Lady?" He asked, his voice gentler than he used toward Kreacher, causing the House-Elf to watch his Master carefully.

"Yes, Lord Sirius?" The House-Witch asked. Her dark eyes focusing on their Master while stiffening at Kreacher.

"Both of you need to be on your best behavior," Sirius said calmly. "I'll be focused with Ragnok; but I want both of you to keep your eyes peeled and let me know of any threats to my child. He will be there and is in delicate condition as the reports indicated." Frowning, Sirius grimaced. "In fairness, I don't believe Harry thinks he's delicate at all." Scowling, Sirius said. "But he is too small, skinny and...hungry for his age and lineage. Don't scare him." He said pointedly to Kreacher. "Those reports...both of you have permission to look at them regarding Harry's health since I want him to live here and not with those awful Muggles. While I am away being Lord Black, I want him safe and his needs attended."

Kreacher and Sérephine looked at one another and curtly nodded. In this, they are a united front. Their Heir is too precious to risk due to their ignorance of his health. Nor their personal feelings regarding each other would get in the way since an Heir meant a House's survival.

What could be wrong with Our Heir? Kreacher wondered. He did not like the idea of a weak Heir. It never happened in his lifetime. Although, he conceded. Mama mentioned it happened periodically and nothing a little magic could not fix.

Straightening, the wizard grabbed his satchel filled with various legal documents and a slim black leather notebook along with his Lordship Quill. He put a long, black cloak on and hid his face in the cowl.

"Are we ready?" He asked softly.

The House-Witch wrapped her arms around Sirius' shoulders while Kreacher held onto her hem and silver-and-black swirls had them inside the Director's warded examination room.

Taking in his surroundings, he had to admit the Goblins outdid themselves.

The room is enchanted to look like a nursery complete with toys and whimsy to delight boy or girl. He stood behind the veiled window which acted as a wall.

«Greetings, Lord Sirius.» Ragnok said respectfully in High Gobbledygook. «Vlatifahn Potter will arrive at 9 a.m.»

«Greetings, Director Ragnok.» Sirius responded in kind. He slowly relaxed and removed his cowl. He had chosen his clothes carefully. He wore a subtle pairing of his House colors of black and silver. His clothes conveyed through its material his status and wealth as a Pureblood Lord. However, the cut and design are more a Martial Mage's ; allowing Sirius to easily defend himself and his Heir.

None of which went unnoticed by Ragnok.

«Enter Lacie.» Ragnok said.

The door opened to Sirius' left. He could sense his House-Witch near him; yet invisible. Kreacher remained behind guarding his Master's while looking deceptively at ease against the wall.

Sirius mentally cursed himself. He used to be very good at being alert without being obvious as he is now.

The half-Gobliness surprised Sirius. However, he could at least control his facial features. An expressionless face meant survival in Azkaban when his wizard jailers tormented him.

Thank Merlin for that. He thought grimly. He did not care what anyone looked like as long they helped him. He just did not want to be obvious or easily surprised.

Lacie eyed Lord Sirius warily as she held onto the Director's granddaughter, Fangscales.

Before she could say anything the little Gobliness grinned at Sirius.

«Vlatifahn Harry misses you lots.» She said pleased. «I can't wait for him to finally see you, Lord Black.»

At this, Sirius actually smiled, his handsome features alight. «As I him.» He answered, surprising the Goblinesses.

Ragnok directed them to a table and chairs.

«May I show you how we met?» Fangscales asked.

«Please and thank you.» He answered while eying Ragnok who nodded his head. He hesitantly took the little Gobliness' warm, clawed fingers and watched in awe as he caught up on her memory of meeting Harry.

Harry made his way to McGonagall's office at 8:45 a.m. precisely.

"Have you ever traveled by portkey, Mr. Potter?" Minerva asked.

"No Professor." Harry answered, staring at the stone she held.

"Hold this in your hand," She said passing off the stone to the child. The boy took it from her and looked at her expectantly. "You will feel disoriented when you arrive. Unfortunately, that's how it goes. Now then," she said sternly. "Say the password, 'Gringotts.'"

"Gringotts," Harry echoed as he lurched forward.

"Ahh!" Harry yelled as he arrived in a nursery and would have lost his footing completely, had not a strong arm wrapped around Harry's waist.

"Oh! Than―." Harry began and then did a double-take as he realized he saw the one person in the world he wanted to see appear before him. Harry's entire face beamed.

"Siri―Snuffles!" Harry gasped. He turned and wrapped his arms around his godfather's neck. His eyes filling with joyous tears.

"Hi kiddo," Sirius said gently. His tenderness reserved only for his child as his arms held his godson and Heir. He figured he owed the Goblins―particularly Fangscales―for allowing him the safe opportunity to be with his baby.

If Fawkes could smile like a human he would grin ear-to-ear. He purposefully flexed his wings to block the sight from Dumbledore as the wizened man scribbled away at his desk.

The globe trinket connected to Harry's vitals and core lit up with shining silver-and-golden light. There were quite a few trinkets interconnected to the globe previously dimmed. However, this loving connection strengthened the phoenix reserves on Harry's body enabling him to do damage control.

It's a start. The phoenix thought triumphantly.

References:

Springy: Has anyone else noticed that every House-Elf (except Kreacher) has an -y ending to their name? Personally, I think this is cute. So, I shall keep with the tradition.

Petunia Evans Dursley: I decided she could just keep her maiden name instead of imagining something pretty or honorable for her.

Muscle Replenisher Potion: OK, I am sure they had this in the Wizarding World. Something equivalent to a nutrient energy drink for post-workout sessions

I felt like we needed a 'happy times,' moment. Plotting, Healing, and Skirmishes to follow. Oh my!