Morgaine watched with interest as a new goblin dressed all in white entered the room. It had been some time since she had been in the presence of one of their priestesses. In the small goblin's hands was a gold box. Reverently setting it down on the table, the priestess stepped back and bowed.
Now intrigued, she noticed that Ragnok motioned for her to open it. Obviously, it held something of importance, but why a goblin artifact would have anything to do with her, she didn't know.
She felt the magic of the chest swirl around here, then a hidden lock clicked. So surprised to find a familiar document at the bottom of the box, she didn't notice the awed reactions of the goblins around her. Nor did Morgaine see the guards tense when she reached into the box to pull it out and set it on the table.
A contract, no, 'The Contract' she set up with the goblins before the Battle of Camlann. Reading through it again, the terms were simple—gold for the safety of the healers, herself, and her possessions. Morgaine had sent off her remaining warriors to fight with her brother, but she didn't want to leave the healers undefended.
She placed a finger on the contract and pushed her magic into it, and the document glowed; Morgaine Sorcerer's raven seal shone brightly.
"Its is still active," she whispered, not quite understanding what happened but still amazed.
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Director Ragnok replied in awe.
The former Queen of Rheged looked up startled, then smiled sadly. "That was a long time ago, Director. I no longer sit on a throne as neither Rheged nor my brother's kingdom remains. And from my appearance, you can tell I am not quite the same person who signed this but tell me, how is this possible?"
"You never released us from our task."
"I see," Morgaine murmured, closing her eyes. Much like her connection with Breuddwydion, the contract with the goblins somehow remained valid—another mystery.
"Much like my father, Arthur achieved a great victory against the Westessex kings; however, it came at a great cost. And with my brother and nephew dead, the Damnonīī and the Bodunnī were already at each other's throats; the Corieltauvī who remained wanted me to take up Arthur's throne. But I was so tired. However, I knew my duty. I proclaimed that I would return after I rested in my sanctuary, but I only opened my eyes three days ago."
Raising her hand, her familiar appeared and settled on her shoulder. "There is much I do not understand, Director. However, what I do know, is that I still have a connection to the Otherworld; my magic is strong, and a true Sorcerer's mark cannot be counterfeited. Magic tells me that I am Morgaine, daughter of Igraine and Gorlois, grand Sorceress of Briton. Still, in a way, I am also, or was, a young witch who lived with her non-magical relatives in Surrey."
She then went on to tell the story of her other life. Living with the Dursleys, her dreams, which she now knew were memories, but also a feeling like something was missing. The end-of-school overnight trip to Cornwall, her wandering around the ruins outside the sanctuary and its familiarity. Finally, falling and waking up on the floor, and her search for magicals.
Director Ragnok announced, "Three days ago, the seals adorning the Contract Chest shone brightly. We did not understand its significance until you entered the bank today. Do you remember the name of this young witch you mentioned? From what it sounds like, she was a Muggleborn."
"Muggleborn?" Morgaine asked, not knowing the word.
"A witch or wizard who has non-magical parents."
"Strange name," she said, then answered, "Rose Potter, that's what I have been called these last ten years. But don't worry; she won't be missed."
Ragnok leaned back in shock. "The Girl Who Lived."
"The girl who what?"
It was then Morgaine's turn to listen to the story of the Blood War. Of James and Lily Potter and their daughter Rose, how the Dark Lord Voldemort came to their home in Godric's Hollow, and what happened afterward.
"And on Samhain no less, fool," she growled. "He could not kill me, Ragnok, because part of me still slept inside my sanctuary. But even so, what a ridiculous name. I am guessing it holds some significance in the wizarding world."
The Director grinned at the trouble this was going to cause. "It does; there are even books written about you."
Morgaine stopped herself from childishly rolling her eyes. "Probably containing as much truth as those written about Morgan le Fay. The stories told in the mundane world about her are also believed in the wizarding world?"
The Director frowned. "Yes, Your Majesty. Unfortunately, the wizards care little for the truth. They are convinced King Arthur holds the contract and will one day return."
"Once and Future King," she murmured. "I buried my brother and his son on the Isles of Apples, Director, so his return is unlikely. Can't say I am surprised, though; the followers of Merzhin, or Merlin as you now call him now, must have been pleased to hear of my vilification. Those wand wavers never believed or appreciated the mysteries."
"Wand wavers? You don't own one, Your Majesty?"
Morgaine smiled as a wand appeared in her hand. Then with a wave, it vanished.
"Merzhin crafted it for me. And it's not that it doesn't have its use. No, it's the mindset of the majority who own a wand. For them, magic is nothing more than a tool, something that can easily be controlled: no awe, no wonder, no respect. I blame the Romans, really, and their need to dominate the world around them. Even after they burned our groves and killed our priests, their magicals scoffed that there would be consequences. That magic didn't have the ability to take its due. Atlantis fell for less, fools they were. But those are old arguments, and you have other questions, Director."
"Do you still believe yourself to be Rose Potter?" Ragnok asked.
The sorceress sighed. "Now, that's a complicated one. I am, but then again, I am not. Magic tells me I am Morgaine, daughter of Igraine, but I also have memories of Rose, daughter of Lily. However, the Blood Charm cast on my old home believes me to be nothing more than a relative. So perhaps, not so much Rose anymore."
The Director looked thoughtful, then motioned to one of the goblins before stating, "The ownership of the Potter vault will not change, Griphook."
The former queen smiled, listening to the two goblins' discussion, and said, "Most of Rheged treasury remains hidden away in my sanctuary, so I have little need for gold. However, I would like to look through what is stored in the vaults. Besides the Potter's, I assume my brother's possessions are still held by you. There are a few personal items I would like to retrieve."
"Yes, your Majesty, they are and are yours to do with as you see fit," Ragnok replied, then added, "And perhaps the two of us can discuss moving the rest of that treasury into your vault."
Morgaine gave a small laugh. "That's fine, although what would you like to do about this contract?"
Sitting back, Ragnok placed his hands on his lap. "Your Majesty, may I explain how Gringotts came about? Uggras, my honored ancestor with whom you signed the contract, refused to turn over King Arthur's or your possessions. As long as it was active, we were honored bound to hold them until you returned. Throughout the centuries, the wizards did war upon us to retrieve what we guarded; however, eventually, they decided that if we goblins were trusted enough to guard the royal treasury of Briton, we should guard their family's gold as well."
Morgaine smiled warmly. "So, your people became honored bankers."
She then sat straighter, looking every bit a young queen, and announced, "Ragnok, you and your people have done us a great service. We are humbled by your dedication and perseverance to keep our possessions out of the hands of those who wish to claim what is ours. How could we not continue to place our faith in your clan."
