Chapter 3: Magical Alleys and Goblins
"That's it?" Harry asked sounding very unimpressed as he held a man's fist with ease.
The guy opposite Harry was shocked by this turnout. He looked again to his three friends laying on the ground defeated. They had thought they would show this guy for daring to walk through side alleys and back ways. They'd also show his very beautiful girlfriend what real men were like.
Their mistake…
Harry used his hold on the man's fist to painfully twist his arm. He then gave the guy a jab to the stomach as he let go of him. The guy doubled over and Harry gave him a kick. The guy then knew only black.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised really," Harry said aloud in thought.
"It seems the inhabitants of this world are rather weak. You weren't too excessive, were you?" Ranni asked. She hadn't needed Harry's help, but she liked that he took care of these fools himself. Her powers might have been far worse for the thugs.
Harry frowned in thought. "Not intentionally. They're still alive and will only feel some pain once they come around. I was barely using any strength on them," he said.
Ranni hummed in thought. It seemed they both might have underestimated just how powerful they were compared to the inhabitants of this world. They would have to be careful going forward.
Harry was surprised by this encounter, not that the four thugs were a problem even if he could tell they were stronger than average. He just expected more. He wouldn't say magicals were physically weak or anything, but he had always thought muggles were stronger physically than most magicals.
He thought this because muggles generally used their muscles more than wizards and witches. Magicals just didn't need to in many cases. Waving a wand while saying a couple of words did a whole lot. Their natural internal magic usually kept them… at least not completely unhealthy. Even surprisingly sturdy in some ways.
He looked to his hand in thought and closed it into a fist. "In a way, it makes sense," he started. "I wasn't really fond of using fist weapons, but I did usually lug around large weapons and I used Bloodhound's Fang with one hand a lot. I also quickly learned how to actually fight." He wouldn't have accomplished much if he hadn't done that.
Harry then shrugged. He next looked through the guys' wallets and took some bills from each. He realized what he had done but blew it off. They did need immediate funds and well… he was used to looting after winning a fight. It was pretty much an automatic reflex to him. "I'll have to be careful of that," he thought to himself.
At least he was smart about it, he didn't take their cards. Those he knew could be tracked or at least cancelled. He heard his uncle and aunt discussing it after watching a news story one time. He also left the guys a little bit of their money. Perhaps he was fine with all of this because he knew they weren't innocent victims.
"I do not get why they acted in such a fashion if they were that weak. At least in the Lands Between, the populace had little in the ways of sanity due to the crushing influence of The Greater Will and the aftermath of The Shattering," Ranni said as she and Harry left the alleyway.
Harry gave her a smile as he said, "Men have a tendency to act foolish around beautiful women, such as yourself."
Ranni blushed a little to that and smiled. "Be careful not to spend all thine flatteries and charms so quickly, My Lord Eternal," she said.
Harry gave a chuckle. "I assure you there are plenty more reserved for you," he said. Ranni smiled to that. "How about we go and grab something to eat and 'A spot of tea' as they say. This lot was very apologetic for their mistake. It would be a pity not to make use of their apology funds," Harry suggested.
Ranni couldn't help but laugh to that. "I suppose that is one way to put it. Hopefully this won't be a regular occurrence though. It would be rather bothersome if it was," she said.
"No argument here," Harry replied.
[-] [-] [-]
"The food here is far more appetizing than I thought it would be," Ranni said as she and Harry left a restaurant together. Harry nodded in agreement. The Lands Between didn't exactly have numerous culinary options readily available.
"I can understand this British fascination with tea. The aromas, the pleasant warmth of the liquid, and the many flavors. I trust we will partake often of it while here?" Ranni asked in a manner that brokered no argument.
Harry chuckled to himself. "Naturally. I am British. I feel it only makes sense to enjoy tea plenty," Harry replied to her.
"Good to hear. I might have started to question thine worth as Elden Lord if thou said otherwise," Ranni replied with the air of a Lunar Princess.
"As would I," Harry chuckled.
"I believe our next destination is this Leaky Cauldron place. Is it not?" Ranni asked.
"It is. We aren't too far from it either. I think we should use magic to keep ourselves from being noticed too much though. I'm not sure how much has changed in this time, but I was seen as more than a hero for being born and something I didn't even remember by the magical population. For the time being, I'd prefer to keep a low profile. If possible," Harry said.
"Understood, My Love Eternal. I always thought it foolish how people could act just because someone was born. It is part of the reason why I did all I could to stand out on my own when I was younger and was eager to learn much," Ranni said. She was every bit the princess she should be, but she was not the spoiled type.
Ranni held her staff for a moment as the stone in it brighten briefly. Harry then blinked as he felt the magic take hold. "Handy," he said to her as they walked onward.
[-] [-] [-]
"They have magic in this world and this is how they decorate their buildings? I can appreciate historical sites, but this is not at all maintained," Ranni said as the well-known magical building came into view.
"It's even worse on the inside. The only reason muggles don't recognize it is all of the magic protections it has," Harry said as he stepped forward. Without those, it would probably be the seediest of seedy bars in the area and everyone would know it by reputation.
The pub was the same as always on the inside. Purposefully dingy, dark and smoky. The owner of the place was different at least. Instead of the stooped barman Tom, there was an attractive blonde woman about Harry's age. He wouldn't be surprised if he knew who she was, but it had been over a decade. He wasn't about to instantly recognize everyone he saw from his time at Hogwarts, brief as it was.
"You were right about this place," Ranni said as she frowned. "I know rustic is a style of sorts, but this seems excessive," she finished.
"Probably one of those things you grow a taste for. Which usually means forcing yourself to like it. Luckily, we aren't stopping here," he said and led her to the back alley.
Ranni wrinkled her nose at the little back alley. It stank in a very unpleasant manner and she wouldn't at all be surprised if it served as a toilet on busy nights. Harry touched the magical brick in the wall.
"This is where it gets better at least," he said as the bricks started to move.
Ranni's blue eyes widened a little as an archway appeared in the back wall. "That's rather impressive," she admitted. It wasn't as grand as the Academy's entrances, but she liked the bricks magically making an archway on their own.
And then she saw the alleyway itself. "That is a sight to behold," she said.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley," Harry said with a grin. It was no wonder Hagrid loved that part of their trip back before Harry's first year. It was a lot of fun getting to see someone's first reaction to seeing the alley.
The buildings in the Diagon Alley were even more haphazard than when Harry was last here. Numerous more shops of varying architecture seemed to have grown in over the years. There was still very much a charm to the place though. This place screamed magic in an interesting way to Ranni. It was obvious, but not very grandiose. Showy, but not overbearing and yet still excessively magical. Ranni really couldn't quite put into words her thoughts about the place.
"So many stores…" Ranni said in wonder as she looked them over. The stores all sounded very interesting too, far more than the muggle ones they saw on the way here. There were stores for potion ingredients, stores for flying broomsticks. "I will have to get one of those," Ranni said more to herself as she looked at a display of brooms. Harry chuckled overhearing her. She looked to him in question.
"Sorry. That was my first thought when I came here as well. Never got the chance to ride the broom I was supposed to get," Harry said to her. He was supposed to get a Nimbus 2000 back in his first year, because he joined the House Quidditch team. That was before the incident. Before he went to the Lands Between.
"That would have been really handy to have there," Harry couldn't help but think out loud. He could've have just flown above pretty much everything. Then again, he wouldn't have become the accomplished warrior and Elden Lord he was, if that was the case. He also might have lost it to one of the many dragons, spells, birds, dragonflies or various weapon arts in the Lands Between.
Okay, maybe he would have ended up losing it rather quickly after all and it wouldn't have made any difference.
Harry paused as he looked to Eyelopes Emporium. He was hit by a sudden sense of loss looking at the place. He had only known Hedwig for a short time, but he loved her. She was the first and only pet he ever had. "We should probably get an owl sometime as well. They're used to send messages back and forth… or were," he explained as Ranni looked over the storefront owls.
Harry had to again keep in mind this was a very different Magical Britain. He could say it at least seemed owls were still popular as pets if nothing else. He would admit something like a cellphone would be better though. Then owls wouldn't have to take long and possibly dangerous journeys just to send someone's mum and dad a three-sentence letter. That was the typical length of Ron's letters home, since his mom insisted, he write them plenty.
"Before that though," Harry started getting Ranni's attention and keeping himself from deciding to look at owls instead. "We need to visit Gringotts'." They wouldn't be able to get anything at the moment anyways without funds.
"I'm curious what a bank run by goblins is like. The ones here are much different from the ones I knew," she said.
"I guess I'll have to take that blood test I overheard someone mention in the Leaky Cauldron on our way here," Harry said.
"I'm surprised you heard anything in that short period of time," Ranni admitted.
"If I wasn't able to pay close attention to my surroundings, I wouldn't have survived my first dungeon trip," Harry explained.
"That's a proper Elden Lord for you," Ranni said in approval.
[-] [-] [-]
Life as a goblin in Gringotts was… tedious. Profitable and plenty of opportunity for more profit, but tedious. Especially when you were just a teller. Cracked Tusk was just such a goblin.
He was young for a goblin, but that only meant he had far too much ambition for his nerves to handle according to the older goblins. He knew his work was very important but also low level. The only source of amusement he got was intentionally driving overly self-important witches and wizards crazy with Gringotts' amble amounts of red tape.
That only lasted for the first few customers of the day though.
After that, it became annoying and even more tedious. Things of interest rarely happened in the main lobby of Gringotts' Wizarding Bank. That was for the best, since any real business happened in the offices. Usually if something interesting was to happen in the main lobby it was a bad thing. It meant business was being interrupted.
Goblins hated that.
Cracked Tusk mentally laughed as he saw a young witch cling to her mother's leg when she thought one of the guards looked at her. That could provide some brief amusement. It was well known if you stared at a goblin for too long, they might see it as a challenge and want to test your mettle as a warrior. It made sense given the guards were some of the most talented and skilled Goblin Warriors. Their position was one of honor earned through trials of combat and rigorous training.
Being posted as a Gringotts' Guard didn't have the financial growth potential of other positions, but they were still wealthy to a point and respected by all Goblins. Which is why Cracked Tusk found it both odd and troubling when he saw the way they were reacting to the young man and woman approaching his desk next. The guards seemed like they were the ones hoping not to be challenged. Admittedly Cracked Tusk could sense something in these two, but he didn't have anywhere near the warrior's instinct a guard did.
"How may I help you?" Cracked Tusk asked neutrally.
"I was wanting to take a blood test," the man replied easily.
"You do not look to be muggleborn or just starting at Hogwarts," Cracked Tusk couldn't help but point out.
"I've been away for a long time and learned a number of things. I understand such a test can be requested," the man said.
"You can, but you will be held responsible for any and all accounts you have claim to. This includes, but is not limited to, accounts in poor standing," Cracked Tusk explained.
When a muggleborn took the test to find out if they were instead a Lost Blood, the last part was handled differently. When a witch or wizard asked for the test, they had to take responsibility even if Gringotts' worked with them on the matter. This was why few dared ask for such a test. Too many feared they would get stuck with an account in very poor standing. Given the lengthy history of Gringotts there were numerous of such accounts.
"I am aware. I also wish to know more regarding Gringotts' asset liquidation services," Harry replied.
Cracked Tusk was glad to see a wizard who seemed to at least partly realize what he was doing. "Does your companion have any business this day as well?" he asked.
"I do not wish nor require to take the test or any business at this time," Ranni replied.
"Have a seat over there. A Goblin will be with you when available," Cracked Tusk said as the two nodded in understanding and sat on the bench.
Cracked Tusk made sure to note the guards' reaction in the memo he would send on this matter. He also added there was something else that seemed to be of importance regarding the young man. He seemed… not familiar exactly, but there was something there.
[-] [-] [-]
As Harry sat next to Ranni he looked over the main lobby of Gringotts. He remembered when Hagrid warned him about the goblin guards during his first visit. Hagrid told him not to look into a goblin's eyes too long. That they would see it as a challenge. Back then, Harry was nervous around them and constantly trying to get a glimpse without being noticed or caught in a manner they might consider staring.
Now, Harry looked them over in a manner which dared them to challenge him. Harry felt a goblin warrior could possibly provide a decent challenge and measure of his ability. It seemed the goblins could at least sense his strength though and weren't hungry enough for that level of a challenge.
Harry felt a mix of honor and disappointment at this. He wouldn't get that challenge, but it was good to be passively acknowledged in such a way. Harry relaxed. If they were respecting him in this way, he would respect them in return and not keep pressuring them.
"This building is impressive. These fashions are very… different," Ranni said as she looked around the lobby and at the people doing business after deciding to put on her hat again. She felt it would fit right in with the styles she was seeing. Plus, she knew many people liked it when she wore her hat. She hoped that included Harry.
"It seems robes aren't the only acceptable clothing choice now," Harry said as he smiled seeing Ranni in her hat again. There was something wonderful about seeing her wear it. He loved how large it was and it worked well with how lovely Ranni was. Harry decided to join Ranni in studying the fashions of everyone in the bank. They did need to know what to wear in Magical Britain, especially since it seemed fashion had changed so much from his time before.
[-] [-] [-]
Diamond Crush was a bit perplexed by the memo he got. He had no problem with the blood test or providing information on their many other services. However, he didn't know what to make of the additional notes in the memo. This is why he decided not to have himself another cup of tea or three before meeting the customer. It was always good fun to make wizards wait extra-long. The way they would get in a huff over such things was far too entertaining. However, this situation easily called for more prompt action.
If someone was getting the guards to act in such a manner, they deserved extra attention and care. Luckily, the other customers weren't acting in alarming manners. That would have meant trouble. Really bad trouble. The kind of trouble that halted business.
The first thing Diamond Crush noticed when he looked to the bench was the young woman's large hat. He could tell it was made of fine fabric. There was even some kind of stylized intricate metal band around it as well. He then looked to the man sitting next to her. Crush could instantly see why it was the guards acted the way they did.
He didn't have the keen senses a Gringotts' Guard did, but he could tell this was someone of immense strength and experience. The warrior's air around this man dwarfed even many goblins. He could not think of anyone, except maybe the warriors of yore, who would have the same feel to them among humans. He also better placed the young man's features.
"That can't be…" Diamond Crush thought to himself. Part of his mind teased him with the idea this was Harry Potter. But Potter disappeared over a decade ago. He soon regained his composure and came back to his senses. It didn't matter. He would know soon enough. The blood test would tell all.
Diamond walked up to the two. "Follow me if you will," he said to the man. He then turned to the lady and was about to say she needed to wait. Something deep inside told him to say otherwise. She too had a certain air about her. Something much different, but at least just as important and powerful as the man. Maybe even more so.
"We usually don't allow others to be present, unless they have permission from the one undergoing the test, or if they are a guardian," he explained.
"I shall come then," Ranni said.
Harry gave her a smile and said, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
[-] [-] [-]
As the group made their way to a testing office, many other goblins took notice of them just as the guards did. Goblins were very much all about business, but they could all sense there was something very different about this day and these two. Harry was half tempted to do something about it, but let it be aside from a slight glance here and there. This action sent a message none the less. The goblins remained curious but grabbed hold of themselves and acted in a more befitting manner with much less gawking.
"It seems we are making quite the impression," Ranni commented.
"I have a feeling that impression will only grow stronger before the end of the day," Harry said to her quietly.
Diamond Crush led them into an office and spoke. "While you seem to be aware of what the test means. I am still required to explain it to you. You are about to take a blood test. You will have to take any and all accounts and titles regardless of standing. This does mean you might have to take more than one wife, if certain inheritances require it. You will have to take any debts for accounts in poor standing. However, Gringotts will assist you in such matters."
Harry nodded to this. He was pretty sure the Potter Family fortune was vast. He also had a feeling many of the extra spoils of victory he came across in the Lands Between would prove very valuable, even the simple rainbow stones.
Harry recognized they were precious stones of varying quality. Precious stones in this world at least. Children's toys, depth gauges and trail markers in The Lands Between. He could even craft more if he wanted. He would possibly experiment with that later.
"Do you understand this?" Crush asked.
"I understand the weight of this choice," Harry replied.
Diamond Crush nodded and got out the tools he needed. He was actually eager this time. That feeling this might be Harry Potter really bugged him. He also found himself excited to see if there were any other titles and accounts belonging to Most-Likely-Harry-Potter.
Diamond Crush had the ceremonial bowl and ritual knife ready. "Now then…" he started.
However, Harry already seemed to know what to do as his eyes seemed to glow for a moment. He took the knife and easily cut his hand so some blood could pour into the bowl. Crush blinked his eyes in shock at that. The ease at which he did it was further proof this man was a true and pure warrior.
The bowl then glowed in a fashion that could only be described as dark moon. "Interesting…" Crush muttered under his breath. The bowl could glow in many ways and they each meant something different. This was a glow he only read about during his studies as a Blood Tester.
Soon there was a puff of smoke and a scroll appeared in Diamond Crush's hands. He sat down at his desk to read the scroll. As he expected, this was Harry James Potter. Surprisingly, that was the least aweing part of the scroll.
"God Slayer… Elden Lord?" Crush said to himself. He shook his head. He wasn't sure what they meant, but the test never lied and could not be tricked. "Explains the guards' behavior at least," he said again to himself.
"I'm surprised those titles were mentioned here," Harry said.
"Indeed, My Love Eternal. However, I doubt they can truly understand them here," Ranni said as she snuggled in closer to Harry.
Harry's titles weren't done yet though. Head of House Peverell was interesting and powerful. Diamond then let out a low whistle as he read, "Ascendant of Wraithright. That is a very old name… A very powerful name."
Diamond Crush had a feeling Lily Potter would have been seen as a Lost Blood by today's standards. House Potter had no links to the Wraithrights. Very few did. House Potter also had a long and well established history so any links would have been known.
"What does that title mean?" Harry asked.
"Wraithright was an ancient and very powerful family. That is why they use the title Ascendant instead of Head. Your birth order in the family meant little. You had to earn the title Ascendant. Earn the right to lead the family. Of course, an easy way to do that was to eliminate the competition. There were other ways they handled such matters usually. Given it is a lost family, you are probably the only one alive who can take up the position of Ascendant," the goblin shared.
Harry hummed in thought. It seemed he would be doing more than just continuing the Potter Family Line.
"They accomplished many marvels of magic, even by modern standards. This however led to a number of untimely deaths, not by the hand of another. Few went the elimination route, even if some did. When it comes to continuing that line, you need not worry about taking another wife. You will need more than one child though and they will have to prove themselves worthy of taking on the title. When you are ready to pass it on that is," Crush said further.
Harry did have a number of family titles he would need to take. Luckily, there were ways to work around the whole extra wives thing with most of them should Harry choose to do so. Crush had a feeling the lovely lady next to him would not be too pleased if he took too many extra wives. Harry's accountant would have to look further into such matters though.
Crush chuckled to that thought.
Many saw the Potter Account as an easy job after Harry's supposed disappearance, even if the goblin in charge was very respectable, talented and gifted. It seemed the Potter Accountant's prestige would skyrocket in the coming years though. This might even earn him an entire team, only the highest level of accounts got a team. Crush could only think of two such accounts off the top of his head, the Blacks and the Malfoys.
Crush's eyes widened in surprise again as he was jarred from his side thoughts. "Lord of Blood. Ancient Dragon Champion?! Protector of the Haligtree?!" Diamond Crush almost shouted the last one. Luckily, sound wouldn't escape his office. Blood Test results were very confidential. These titles were getting crazy… and more recognizable though.
"Protector of the Haligtree?" Harry asked looking to Ranni.
"You did defeat Malenia. You essentially inherited the title through trial by combat. This… We shall discuss more on it later," Ranni said. She was very conflicted here.
Harry could go to the Haligtree whenever he wanted and it was essentially his now, including the forces there. It also could mean some other things. It was a very good thing with lots of potential… and that is why she was conflicted.
They could do a lot that could probably really help The Lands Between. But they were gods now to that world. Influencing it, even with the best of intentions, went against her whole belief and new order. There may still be some things they could do without going against her oath.
Harry nodded to her in understanding. He then asked, "What does Ancient Dragon Champion mean here?"
"An ancient title that should be impossible to acquire. It means you killed a dragon, an ancient and powerful dragon. It goes far back to a time when dragons were seen as a challenge and even a threat. Muggle, Wizard, Witch, Goblin and Dwarf alike could earn such a title. Dragons in that era had a much higher level of intelligence and even spoke to each other. When magicals started protecting dragons, they did something to lower their intelligence to the point they are now. No one knows if it was done so intentionally or not," he said.
He looked to the names by the title. The names belonged to dragons of high enough level to earn the title. He didn't recognize them. It seemed Harry went very far away… Dragonlord Placidusax? Lichdragon Fortissax? Diamond had never heard of such dragons, but he really didn't like the sound of their names.
Again though, the blood test never lied. It never could be tricked. Whatever it was Harry Potter got up too… Diamond Crush would have to share these results with Goblin King Ragorn. He was most curious about one of these titles which only appeared in Goblin Mythology. Wizards would have it in their mythology as well, but they were very forgetful, when compared to a goblin at least.
Harry was in thought on how to handle some of these new titles. He could only think to buy some time. "I trust Gringotts will handle this matter with the utmost discretion. Am I right?" he asked.
Diamond Crush paused for a moment and nodded. "Of course. We are not so easily swayed to reveal client secrets," he said.
"Good. I'm not sure what to make of some of these titles. I do accept all which I agreed to when asking for this test. I just don't know how to approach this information becoming public yet," Harry said.
"Gringotts are not the ones who would make this public. That would be the Ministry's doing, but mostly when it came to Lost Blood status. That is not an issue here," Diamond said.
Harry nodded in thought. "Good to hear. My schedule is rather open for any matters in need of my attention," he said.
"We will need time to fully look into the state of all these titles and accounts. There are more than just the ones I mentioned. You can acquire a copy of this scroll tomorrow. We will still be looking over these accounts for a while yet. Some of them are very old..." Crush said.
Harry nodded. "Do you foresee any issues currently?" he asked.
Diamond Crush was in thought. "I am not an accountant. However, I do believe you have little to worry about regarding any debts owed Gringotts. The Potter Family Vault is old and very wealthy. For more details, you need to meet your family's accountant. You can do that starting tomorrow as well. This needs to process, especially with all you have here," he said.
"I am in need of some funds currently," Harry started.
"Ah yes. Asset Liquidation services. Tell me the nature of the assets you currently wish to look into. It can't be anything in the Vault yet," Crush explained.
"I have some weapons, garments and others on hand. I wish to hopefully sell some. Is there a particular department for such matters?" Harry asked.
Diamond Crush wasn't sure what to make of this. Usually, he would say they were likely of very little value, but they can be sold. Given the bizarre nature of Harry's visit though... That might not be the case.
The goblin nodded. "There is. I can show you the way. It just so happens the correct department is on the way to my next destination," he said as he headed to the door.
This would indeed be a very stand out day in Goblin History. It would probably also be a well-known day regarding wizarding history as well. A part of Diamond Crush took some pride that he was truly the first to know of Harry Potter's Return.
He would most definitely not be the last.
A/N: I feel I must say this. Unlike Harry, I know fist weapons are amazing and lots of fun in Elden Ring. One of my favorite characters used fist weapons. Spiked Caestus with a frost infusion was truly glorious to behold. That run was so much fun and so awesome in many ways! And I don't even do the whole "Buff Routine" stuff before every fight.
I would easily say Malenia was the only boss that gave me any trouble that run. It was mostly because of her long reach and how she could easily jump across the entire boss arena. The tall stone gargoyles were also annoying though, small and stupid hit boxes. Luckily I had the Black Flame incantation for such fights. Nothing more. Just felt I had to speak up for all fist weapon users in Elden Ring.