Chapter 8- Trip to Gringotts

Sirius had been aware that Harry had not told everything to Dumbledore and decided to give Harry enough space and time to decide when he wanted to talk to him about it.

Sometime later Harry had asked Sirius, if he could talk to him. Sirius took Harry to Amelia's study for the discussion. When they had reached the study and Harry was seated in the comfortable couch in the study, Sirius immediately setup the privacy wards and Harry proceeded to explain in greater detail about his time in Afterlife realm.

He started with the revelation about Charlus Potter telling him to get the journal on battle magic for mages (which was presumably written by a mage in Black bloodline) in Potter vault. Sirius was shocked that Charlus had access to the journal written by his ancestor, which had been considered as a lost relic. Since James had only been to Potter vault only a couple of time, he had not had a chance to look for many things, he may have missed it. But another question was, why Charlus had never mentioned it to James.

He then remembered that Dorea Black Potter had seer capabilities, and it could now only be speculated that she had somehow acquired the journal from Black vault and kept it hidden in Potter vault for Harry to get it when he receive access to the vault (only certain key items and not the gold) when he is eleven.

Harry asked Sirius, "who was Licorus Black?"

Sirius explained, "Harry, Licorus was one of the earliest known ancestors of Black family. Not much is known about him, but it is said that he was an extremely powerful wizard and was the one to setup the 'Most Ancient and Noble House of Blacks'. From whatever I have ever heard of him, which unfortunately is not much, he was a very successful businessman, married to a pure blood witch Magenta Tripe, and at the time had a great influence in Britain. He was also one of the founder members of Wizongamot. But why do you ask about Licorus Black?"

Harry said, "because Charlus during his talks with me, had commented that the journal was written by Licorus Black."

Sirius remembered that, Licorus had been a mage himself and to be precise a battle mage who are rare. Even Dumbledore or Lord Voldemort were not at that level. Why would a journal written by him may be useful to Harry?"

Harry said, "Please ensure that what I am about to tell you doesn't leave this room." He hesitated, but he had complete trust in Sirius and by extension in Amelia, so he told them, "I am a high mage and therefore I can learn battle mage magic to advance further."

He further told them, that he had complete knowledge and memories of whatever Voldemort had known at time when he tried to kill Harry and that he also had absorbed the magic from his soul fragment residing in his scar. He told them that he would still need to practice the magic continuously to be able to use it in a practical situation.

He sheepishly also admitted that at times he had felt him losing control of his magic and needed help with control of his magical powers and develop the ones he needs to know still.

Harry then proceeded to tell them about his discussion with Merlin and Hogwarts founders. He also explained how they had imparted him important ancient magics of that time and that Harry claim Merlin's staff. He said that at the moment he might have knowledge of more arcane magics than even Dumbledore or Voldemort, but both had decades of experience over knowledge that was in his head, which seemed to amaze Sirius even further. To change the subject, he told Sirius about him being the heir of Merlin and the founders.

He also told Sirius about what he had learned from founders about Salazar Slytherin. He also explained about the basilisk residing in the chamber built by Salazar. Sirius during his time at Hogwarts had heard of the mythical 'Chamber of Secrets' but had always believed it to be a rumour to create more mystery about Slytherin. He was clearly shocked to learn that it was real.

On hearing about basilisk Sirius started to curse Salazar on his stupidity about keeping a beast at a castle full of children all the time. Harry stopped his rant midway and explained how the beast was supposed to be a defence for castle and that it can only be called upon by Slytherin's heirs. Voldemort being out of picture and Harry knowing what to do with the beast when he will encounter it, Hogwarts was very much safe for a while.

On hearing these revelations and with permission from Harry Sirius had floo called both Amelia and Remus to discuss further about their conversation. They had been shocked to hear that all four founders as well as Merlin had decided to declare Harry as their heir. What was more shocking was Harry's revelation that Salazar was not a villain has he been painted by so many. He was a master of dark arts of that time which to some aspects was darker than today, but definitely he was not an evil sorcerer as he had been depicted.

Harry also explained to them about Peverell family vault now being available to him and how he shall be owner of the Deathly Hallows. Though Sirius, Remus and Amelia had heard about the Hallows but like most wizards had always though them to be a myth. Sirius now understood what Albus meant when he said about the wand and cloak, so only 2 hallows were available as of now and both in safe custody with Dumbledore. He had remembered how James had owned an invisibility cloak. He was shocked that they had used such a priceless relic for their pranks and after curfew excursions.

These revelations were enough to keep Sirius, Remus and Amelia gaping at Harry who was now embarrassed by the look he was receiving from his godfather, uncle and Amelia who he had started to trust and had known how they looked at each other and he had considered her to be good match for Sirius even if both were stubborn not to do anything about it. Both Amelia and Sirius blushed and Harry realized that he may have expressed his thoughts out loud.

Recovering from her blush, Amelia told Sirius, "Wow!, with the combined vaults from all the wizards and his own family vault, Harry must be the richest wizard alive. He is cute too and someday will be a great catch for any young witch. I wish he finds love and friendship that he deserves."

Sirius pulled her closer and said, "He will Amelia, he already has found his first friends in Neville and Susan, and he will find a cute red-head girlfriend one day."

Amelia asked confused, "a red-head?"

Sirius replied grinning, "it's a Potter curse. All male Potters have a tendency to fall for a red-headed cute but fiery woman." Amelia smiled with an understanding. James had fallen for Lily who had Red hair, and so had Dorea Black Potter. She said, "I think we will need to keep an eye on any red haired witch of his age that we come across and I'd hope whichever of them has the honor of becoming Lady Potter, shall better be smart loving and scary enough to keep him in line. He is son of a marauder after all, and godson to another."

Sirius flinched, "Well then, I wish the boy a lot of luck. If he is anything like James, he will surely need it."

Though Amelia's thoughts have gone towards Susan who also had similar Red hair but both readily agreed that Susan was more of a sibling to Harry.

During the earlier week, tired of Harry wearing Dudley's cast offs, Sirius and Remus had taken Harry for a shopping trip first to Muggle London and then proceeded to Diagon Alley, and had bought him an entire wardrobe with both muggle and wizarding clothing including t-shirts and jeans, trousers and shirts, and some slacks and undergarments along with wizarding robes both for casual and formal wear. He now had some exercise clothes as well as multiple pair of shoes.

As per discussion with Harry and learning on how Merlin had wanted Harry to get his ring when he would return to Living realm, Sirius had immediately requested a meeting with Potter account manager at Gringotts, which had been setup at 10:00 AM sharp on next day.

Next day, both Harry and Sirius were ready in their formal robes to go to Diagon Alley. When they had reached Leaky Cauldron through Floo from Bones Manor, Sirius had pressed some bricks in back wall in a fixed pattern, and an arch had appeared. Harry still was amazed by the magic and to see the alley beyond the arch.

When they stepped out in the alley Harry was very excited to see the various magical wares at the shops and would often stop to admire them. Thankfully, the alley was not crowded and he was not recognized, else there would have been a crowd just to see him and shake his hands.

Dumbledore had insisted that, to avoid being mobbed and his life put at risk, Harry shall stay away from the wizarding society as long as possible till he is eleven, when he will go to Hogwarts for his first year and he will be required to get his supplies from Diagon Alley. At that point the wizarding world will expect to see him and he will make an appropriate appearance then.

Sirius reminded Harry, that they needed to reach Gringotts, the wizarding bank and it will not be a good sign to be late. Both rushed to the only grand building in Diagon Alley, which had been made with the white marble.

When they reached the bank Sirius asked for Grukgok, who was Potter family account manager. When the teller found that he was speaking to Harry Potter, he immediately called a goblin and to take them to the office of Ragnok. Sirius was surprised that they were to meet Ragnok, who never would usually take out time to meet a wizard including the Minister of Magic. He was the head of Gringotts and unknown to many also the head of Goblin nation. Meeting Ragnok was a rare feat, but he had learnt that Harry was special and there will be many such rare occasions to come.

The goblin asked them to follow him. He took them to Ragnok's office and opened the door to admit them. Once they had entered the office, they found a formally dressed Goblin with the clothes with golden embroidery was sitting behind a polished teak wooden table. Ragnok introduced himself and both Harry and Sirius shook hands with the goblin. A goblin with a tray full of tea, cookies and sandwiches entered Ragnok's office and proceeded to pour the tea for Ragnok, Harry and Sirius.

Ragnok, thanked the goblin who then left. Sirius sipped his tea and found that it was a rare blend. Both Harry and Sirius and thanked Ragnok for his hospitality. Once they had finished their tea, Ragnok told both Sirius and Harry, why instead of being taken to the Potter family account manager, they had been brought to his office.

He said, "Mr. Potter, we have had a very unique position some months ago. There are 6 vaults in the lowest regions of Gringotts in Diagon Alley, which became active and 6 letters with official Seals of their owners magically appeared at my office, with only one common theme.

You."

Sirius was outraged but asked politely, "Lord Ragnok, I am not sure, that I am following this. Could you please be clearer about this and how does this concern my godson?"

Before Ragnok could respond, Harry spoke, "Sirius, I think I am aware what Lord Ragnok is referring to.

"Lord Ragnok, did this happen on 5th June?"

Ragnok was intrigued with Harry's response, however he continued, "Yes, Mr. Potter."

Harry said, "Am I correct to say that the vaults you are referring to belonged to Hogwarts founders, Peverell's and Merlin? And, to second part, what is common is that I am the heir nominated in all letters besides certain bequests?"

Ragnok was now really captivated with Harry's knowledge about something that even highest officer bearers in Goblin nation were not aware of. But he responded with a simple, "Yes, Mr. Potter. You are correct on both counts."

He continued, "However, this is not even known to most high-ranking goblins. How are you aware of something like this?"

Harry smiled and responded, "because I was there with them when they declared me their heir."

Ragnok was shocked and asked Harry with a questioning glare, "it is not possible Mr. Potter. All of the 6 individuals named herein are dead. You could not have been with them when this happened, unless…"

"Oh Merlin, you were in Afterlife realm Mr. Potter? But how is it possible? You are well and alive."

Harry with a sad smile responded, "Lord Ragnok, I almost died. I was there for close to 72 hours, which were like 3 months here, post which Death herself came and kicked me out to the realm of the Living. I am the rightful heir to Most Ancient and Noble Houses of Potter, Black, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Peverell and Merlin. I am willing to provide my blood for an inheritance test.

Ragnok nodded and called a goblin, who came back with a bowl made of stone similar to marble, but covered with various carved out Runes, which he understood as blood, lineage, inheritance, and blood status, and a magical dagger similarly carved with Runes. Goblin who Ragnok had called explained to Harry how the dagger was required to be used and how many exact drops were to be dropped in the bowl and then left the room.

Harry slashed his hand with the dagger exactly as explained and dropped exact thirteen drops of his blood into the bowl, which immediately vanished and his hand healed itself without any scarring. A large parchment at Ragnok's desk started to glow and name Harry James Potter, weaving through various families was clearly visible. In about 5 minutes the family tree was completed.

It clearly showed Harry as Potter and Black heir as Sirius had named Harry as his official heir. He also showed clearly as the heir of 6 other long lost most ancient and noble families besides being connected to multiple other wizarding families. Ragnok was looking at Harry in awe. Sirius, however wanted to smirk but just smiled, as he was already aware of this as per their conversation from yesterday.

Ragnok also then smiled and said, "Welcome to Goblin Nation Mr. Potter."

"As per our treaty with Merlin who had helped save goblins from evil wizards who had enslaved them and used in mining and crafting the weapons and later helped form Gringotts bank, his heir when he walks into the magical world will automatically become a 40% share partner in the bank."

"Looks like you would need bigger vaults Mr. Potter as the share of your profit in bank has earned over the years, a large amount which will be transferred to a new vault."

Harry asked Ragnok that he had enough money and did not need anymore, but Ragnok politely conveyed that the terms of treaty are binding on Goblin Nation and goblins being an honorable race will honor the treaty. Also, it meant that now the whole goblin nation stood behind him.

Sirius and Harry conveyed that all this information was required to be kept confidential and away from the Ministry of Magic as well as Dumbledore. Harry had made peace with Dumbledore on Dursleys but he was yet to forgive him for letting his innocent godfather go to a prison like Azkaban.

Harry told Ragnok that he needed to visit Potter family vault as well as Merlin's family vaults, which was immediately arranged for. When Harry walked with the goblin named Griphook towards the cart to go to the vault, he felt a sense of respect from the goblin.

Griphook took Sirius and Harry to the Potter vault first. The vault was in deep parts of Gringotts and had no door. Griphook told him to put his hand on the Griffin which was visible in the middle of where doors should normally be. As Harry put his hand on the Griffin, he flet his hand getting pricked and that the Potter magic judged him. He thought that it was a hallucination as only he saw the Griffin wake up and said "Welcome Lord Potter. The family magic of house of Potters welcome you. You, your family including your spouse and children and your Regent only can enter this vault. He told Sirius that in this vault both Harry and Sirius could enter as Harry was now Lord Potter and had shown the Familial Ring of Lord Potter on his right hand, Sirius was the Regent for Potters. Sirius was aware of the process as Blacks had similar vault which he had been to when he had collected his Familial ring. In that vault only Sirius and Harry could enter as Harry was his Heir.

Both Harry and Sirius entered Potter vault. Harry was amazed to see the amount of gold in the vault. He had been told that his family was rich but to see it amazed him still. He moved away from the mountains of Galleons, sickles and knuts which were explained to him by Sirius and saw multiple rooms which had various items therein including furniture, gems, weaponry and even books which could fill a whole library. However, Harry only picked up letters from his parents, their will as well as journals from his parents and Licorus Black's journal from the vault. Sirius promised to bring him later to have a look at what was in the vault. When they emerged from the vault, Griphook waved his hand and the wall as before appeared where the door would have been.

Then they left for Merlin's vault into which only Harry could enter as his heir. From the vault he picked Merlin's staff as per his instructions. As soon Harry had touched the staff, it turned into a ring with a green emerald and a ruby crusted thereon which immediately adjusted to his right hand's ring finger. Then Harry just wished if the Ring was not visible to anyone else, it just seemed to vanish before it re-appeared, but Harry understood that it was now invisible to everyone else. He also thought of creating a very comfortable chair and it appeared next to him exactly as visualized by him.

Harry then removed the ring and focused on creating the similar chair and was able to get exactly same results. He smiled as he was now capable to do magic, both wandless and with staff of Merlin. He also tried certain other tricks which brought the same results. He seemed to have inherited the power same as Merlin and ability of wandless and wordless magics from Gryffindor. Once satisfied he returned from Merlin's vault. He had decided that he will visit the other vaults too during his next visit.

Griphook then returned them to Ragnok's office. Harry thanked Griphook, which pleased the goblin.

Sirius and Harry the thanked Ragnok who told Sirius that he was aware of the search for the property, which will now be a priority one for Gringotts and the warding will be done by Goblins and other curse breaker with a meagre charge to their vaults. Sirius thanked again to Ragnok and returned with Harry to Diagon Alley from where they went to see his uncle Remus.