Summer Shocks
" " - talk
' ' - thoughts
: : - parseltongue
Summary: It's the summer before third year and Harry is alone, staying at the Leaky Cauldron. Minister Fudge told him he could explore the alley to his heart's content. Harry's whole world changes with a visit to Gringotts. Turns out his headmaster has been keeping secrets from not only him but his true father as well.
Chapter 1: Surprise at Gringotts
Harry hadn't meant to blow up Aunt Marge but he couldn't let her say those horrible things about his parents. The only good thing about this incident is he now has a Dursley free summer. Minister Fudge said he could explore the alley all he wants but he can't just venture into the muggle world. 'That's an easy promise to keep. Why would I want to leave the magical world?!' thought Harry.
Before he could look in any of the stores he had to go to Gringotts. He wouldn't take out too much money since he had to be responsible with the money his parents left in his vault but maybe some clothes that actually fit him would be nice. It was a little early for the back to school rush so the alley had a peaceful aura on this sunny day. As Harry stepped in the goblin run bank he couldn't help but shake his head as he started thinking back to his first visit to the bank. 'Man I was terrified when Hagrid told me there were actual goblins. I can't believe I thought the goblins would be the scariest creatures I encounter in the wizarding world.' Harry walked to the first available counter and smiled at the goblin, " Hello Griphook. How are you? I need to make a withdrawal from my account." The Goblin stared at the messy haired teenager in front of him in shock but quickly schooled his features. "Mr. Potter, you know my name?" Those bright green eyes showed compassion and confusion. "Of course Griphook! You were the first goblin to take me to my vault when I came to the alley with Hagrid."
"Mr. Potter you are a most unusual wizard. To others we are just nameless creatures who keep track of their money. Well, would you like to visit your family vault or your trust vault."
"Griphook, you must be mistaken, I only have one vault that my parents left me to get through school."
Griphook eyed the young wizard before him. The boy-who-lived truly didn't know of the Potter wealth which made the goblin angry that someone was not following Gringotts protocol. Something wasn't right and Griphook vowed to get to the bottom of it. "Mr. Potter please follow me. There seems to be some confusion over your account." Harry followed Griphook down many hallways that made him feel like he was in a maze and he was unsure if he would be able to find his way back to the lobby. Finally Griphook stopped in front of the most ornate doors Harry had ever seen. It was almost as if the door told a story. "Mr. Potter these doors are the doors to the Potter family conference room and the design tells a little of the family history." Griphook noticed the boy admiring the door and wanted to give him all the information he could on the Potter family as he could sense Harry knew nothing about his family. The two sat around a long conference table and Harry noticed a ceremonial bowl, a jeweled jagger, and a blank piece of parchment. "Now, Mr. Potter before we talk I need to ask you to prick your finger with the jagger, let 3 drops of blood drip into the bowl, place your wand in the bowl and say magicae familiae. When you are done with that, pour the bowl over the parchment."
"Excuse me Mr. Griphook but what will all that do? And please call me Harry as I feel we will be working together many times in the future."
"Sorry Mr.-Harry, I forgot you are muggle-raised. This parchment will tell us your genealogy, any magical abilities you have, and any blocks or compulsions on you."
Harry was nervous about what this parchment would tell him. What if he was related to someone on Voldemort's side or what if he had compulsions on him. 'Am I a Gryffindor or not? I can do something as simple as pricking my finger and doing a little magic.' thought Harry. He took a deep breath, pricked his finger and after the blood dropped into the bowl he said "magicae familiae". As he poured the blood on the parchment he saw a golden glow engulf the parchment. Griphook took the parchment, looked at it and his eyes got wide. 'How is this possible?' the goblin thought as he handed the parchment to Mr. Pot… 'no not Mr. Potter' Griphook thought to himself. Harry wondered what the parchment said to get the look of surprise on Griphook's face and as soon as he read it thought 'no this has to be a mistake.'
*magicae familiae: latin for Magic of the family