As Raven Potter stepped out of Gringotts bank alongside her Aunt Andromeda, the warm sun shining down upon her face, Raven couldn't help but smile victoriously at how well her meeting with the Potter accounts manager had gone. At first, the goblin, a dour little fellow named Rangrok, had refused to believe that such an erroneous oversight could have possibly gone on for so long under his very nose; the very idea that Dumbledore had managed to pilfer nearly a million galleons from the Potter fortune, all without Gringotts being the wiser, was almost laughably implausible, at least as far as Rangrok was concerned.

But after carefully looking over the audit that Raven's uncle Ted had performed, and then having it verified by two other goblins, Rangrok was left with no other option but to agree that Dumbledore had, indeed, stolen a great portion of the wealth that belonged to Raven and her little brother. Needless to say, Rangrok was nearly apoplectic in his rage, and the level of vitriol that he leveled against Dumbledore left both Andromeda and Raven amused at how violent and imaginative goblins could be with their threats against those who had wronged them.

*Flashback*

"On behalf of Gringotts bank," Rangrok growled, "Let me be the first to apologize for this gross crime against your family, Lady Potter. Rest assured that Gringotts will bring this matter before the Wizengamot immediately and will ensure that the thief is sufficiently punished for their stupid belief that they could steal from us and get away with it. I will understand, of course, if you decide to have another goblin placed in charge of your accounts; this was done under my purview, after all."

"That will not be necessary, Master Rangrok," Raven replied at once, "I'm sure you had no knowledge of Dumbledore's actions, and will greatly endeavor to ensure such a thing doesn't happen again."

"You have my word on that, Lady Potter," Rangrok nodded, "I will make sure that every galleon is reclaimed and that your account is kept safe from further acts of theft. I thank you for giving me this chance to redeem myself. If there's anything Gringotts can do in the meantime, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Actually, there is," Raven replied, a small smirk appearing on her face as the goblin walked right into the trap that Raven had laid.

It had been Raven's Aunt Andromeda who had cleverly thought of it, to be honest; at first, Raven was against the idea, stating that the Potter family had more wealth than it knew what to do with, so why would she need outside investors to build Potter Enterprises. Andromeda had patiently explained to her niece that while it was true that the Potter vaults had more gold than could possibly be spent in ten lifetimes, Raven would still need help if she wanted to bring the magical world into the 21st century by way of introducing the myriad of innovations that Raven had planned.

Despite the progress that had been made in the last few years, most of the Magical World was still under the control of Pureblood families who wouldn't hesitate to stop her from introducing new innovations and ways of thinking, if they thought that Raven's innovations sought to limit the power that they coveted with such ferocity. Due to the fact they had been made the protectors of the Magical World's gold, the goblin nation, and thereby Gringotts as a whole, held an extreme level of influence over nearly every Magical country on earth, Andromeda continued to explain. If Raven wanted to avoid a plethora of headaches and roadblocks in the future, when her company was finally ready to operate, having Gringotts invest early in the company would go a long way toward opening the way, and keeping the Magical governments from interfering too much.

Loathe though she was to admit it, Raven could see the truth in her Aunt's words and had reluctantly acquiesced. But then, another problem reared its head; how would they convince the goblins to invest in Potter Enterprises? The goblin nation had spent nearly its entire existence concerning itself with only two things: war and money. After thousands of years, the goblins had gained a fierce reputation as incredibly ruthless warriors and an even greater reputation as shrewd businessmen and would never willingly invest in anything that, at least to them, didn't seem like a sure bet.

However, they also viewed honor as worth more than gold, and if Raven were to bring them evidence that Dumbledore had stolen from them, all without them noticing, they would be so enraged at this, that they would no doubt agree to whatever Raven asked, in order to avoid further dishonor. Or worse, having Raven decide that her family's gold was no longer safe in Gringotts and deciding to withdraw it in its entirety. As Raven nodded at her Aunt, who seemed to be trying desperately not to smile at their plan's success, Andromeda pulled a large stack of paperwork from her briefcase and handed them over to the confused goblin.

"As I'm sure you're no doubt aware, Master Rangrok," Raven continued, "The Magical World is in terrible danger. For over a hundred years now, technological advancement has all but stagnated. While the rest of the world has moved ahead by leaps and bounds, even going so far as to explore the vast unknown of space, the Magical World believes that muggles still use dirigibles to fly, and the most advanced piece of technology we have is the locomotive. Despite its best efforts to remain hidden, I would wager that the Magical World will be discovered within a decade, and that is being very modest, in my opinion. If we are not prepared, we may end up facing a world that many will have no idea how to survive in."

"Interesting…" Rangrok replied softly as he looked over the paperwork with a fine eye, "And you would seek to rectify this?"

"I would," Raven nodded, "Recently, a close friend of mine has discovered a way to make muggle technology and magic operate side-by-side without one canceling out the other."

Rangrok's eyes drew up from the paperwork at that and widened in disbelief; while goblins had been silently investing in muggle companies for decades, helping the muggles advance their world while making the goblins even wealthier than they already were, they had never truly been able to help their own world due to the fact that magic and muggle technology would always cancel each other out. If Lady Potter had discovered a way to end that, it would bring the entirety of the Magical World into a new age, and such a technological marvel would undoubtedly be worth an entire generation's weight in gold. As Rangrok visibly fought not to lick his lips greedily at the prospect, Raven couldn't help but smirk slightly; she had him; now she just needed to reel him in.

"I've already conducted several of my own experiments to ensure that the product works, one of which was seeing if my little brother could play his electric guitar within the walls of Hogwarts, itself, which I'm sure you know is saturated in nearly one thousand years of magic. Another was to install speakers within the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch and see if a muggle stereo could operate while surrounded by magic; this experiment was also a success. All of the experiments that were conducted and were successful can be found in the paperwork my Aunt gave you.

Rangrok instantly began shuffling through the papers as he searched for the one in question, his eyes racing across it once he found it; as Raven continued to watch, a grin began to spread across the goblin's face as he saw the potential profits that could come from allying with Raven.

"This is astounding…" Rangrok growled in awe before looking up at the smirking girl responsible, "You understand, of course, that Gringotts will need to conduct our own investigation into the validity of your devices."

"Of course," Raven nodded, "Potter Enterprises is still being built. However, I can have some of the products that my company will produce in the future for your representative to examine for your satisfaction."

"After they've signed an NDA, of course," Andromeda added, "A Magical one. My niece needs to protect her product, after all."

"Of course, I'd expect nothing less." Rangrok nodded as if it were the most common thing in the world, "I assume, based on this, that you wish for Gringotts to enter into an investment agreement with Potter Enterprises?"

"That is correct," Raven nodded, "I'm sure that I don't need to tell you that my company's future is limitless, and the money to be made from it equally so."

"Indeed. If even half of what I'm seeing is correct, your company stands to be one of the most powerful in existence within a mere decade. Yet, your family is quite wealthy, Lady Potter. Why ask for Gringotts to invest, when we both know you have no need for investors?"

"My company will change the world, Master Rangrok," Raven replied easily, "We both know it. But there are those who would rather see that change never happen, who would rather the Magical World remain forever trapped in the dark ages. You're right that my family's wealth could very easily fund my company for centuries without outside investment; however, as much as I find it loathsome to admit, I lack the required political power to ensure my company can do the good it is meant to. Gringotts, on the other hand? With but a word, you could ensure every innovation that my company produces is released to the Magical World without issue."

"Interesting…" Rangrok replied softly, running his clawed hand under his chin in thought, "And as recompense for Gringotts considerable influence, the bank would receive what, exactly?"

"Fifteen percent of all profits that Potter Enterprises receives," Raven replied at once,

"Fifteen?" Rangrok chuckled nastily, "My dear girl, surely you can do better than that? You're asking quite a lot from Gringotts, after all. Fifty percent."

"Ten." Raven countered, causing Rangrok's eyes to widen in shock; Andromeda looked almost proud of her niece as she spoke again in the same monotone. "I won't barter my company like some Knockturn Alley street walker selling her wares, Rangrok. I am offering you and your people the chance to be a part of the future that I wish to bring into being, but if you'd rather test my patience, then I can happily wait until I DO have the political power necessary to do it on my own."

"That could take years!" Rangrok argued, causing Raven to smirk,

" Indeed it could. But I've no doubt that such a day WILL come. And when it does, Gringotts will gain nothing. I wonder, how will you explain such a predicament to your king when he finds out you turned me down…?"

Rangrok paled at that; if the king ever found out that Rangrok had let such an amazing deal slip through his fingers… Well, let's just say that Rangrok's death would not be pleasant, or quick.

"Fifteen is agreeable…" Rangrok growled, causing Raven and Andromeda to smirk at him, "When can we expect to see this product of yours?"

"I will have my husband draw up the NDA immediately," Andromeda replied, "Once you have it, you can pass it along to your king, and we can set up a date for you to verify that we are being honest about what Potter Enterprises can do."

"I look forward to it, then," Rangrok replied, already visualizing the incredible wealth this deal would bring Gringotts.

*End Flashback*

"I'm very proud of you, Raven," Andromeda said softly as she and Raven descended the stairs of Gringotts bank, "And I know your parents would be, as well. When Gringotts sees what your company is capable of, they'll leap at the chance to invest."

"I hope so," Raven replied as the two made their way toward Diagon Alley, "Their aid will go a long way towards ensuring Potter Enterprises innovations make their way to every Magical household on earth. Which is exactly what I want. I wasn't lying in there, Aunt Andromeda, when I said that sooner or later, the muggles are going to find out about us. And the Magical world needs to be ready when it does, or it could prove disastrous."

"I know…" Andromeda replied softly, "I saw what the muggles are capable of. I doubt I'll ever forget what I saw in Jump City…"

Raven said nothing at that, her own mind flashing back to the nightmare that had razed her home to the ground and cost Harry his best friend.

"What do you think the goblins will do with Dumbledore?"

"Oh, I'm sure they'll demand an immediate trial," Andromeda replied darkly, "If there's one thing that Gringotts hates above all things, it's a thief."

"So, what do we do now?" Raven asked as the two stopped in front of a shop selling Potions ingredients, "Do we have enough evidence to ensure that Dumbledore is properly punished?"

"We will." Andromeda responded, "Your uncle is already working himself into an early grave, compiling everything he's discovered. It's quite impressive, and it reminds me of when he first started as a lawyer. I think Ted will have earned a very long holiday when this is all over."

"Agreed," Raven smirked, "Just pick the destination, and I'll make sure you both have the best one money can buy."

"You don't need to do that, Raven," Andromeda replied easily, "We're quite capable of paying for our own holiday."

"I know that, Aunt Andromeda," Raven replied softly, "But, at the same time, I would like to pay you both back for everything you've done for me and Harry. I would have had no idea about any of this if it hadn't been for Uncle Ted, and you have ensured that House Potter's political future is secure. It's not humility that makes me say that I had no idea how Wizengamot operates, and if not for your aid, House Potter would undoubtedly be in much worse shape than it already was. So, just let me do this to say thank you…. Please?"

Andromeda smiled warmly down at her niece for a moment, seeing the vulnerability there that Raven only showed to a handful of people; to be perfectly honest, Andromeda would have done everything she had, all over again, for no other reason than the love she had for the small girl who she had viewed for years as her niece.

Even now, when Andromeda looked at the beautiful young woman standing before her, she could still see the shy little girl who used to tackle Andromeda every time she visited the Potters before dragging the poor woman away to play tea party with her. When poor James and Lily died, Raven and her brother should have come to Andromeda and Ted, and it was only due to Dumbledore's machinations that had prevented that from occurring; that alone had sparked an eternal enmity within Andromeda towards the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

Raven and Harry should have grown up alongside Dora, happy and well. Raven would have gone to Hogwarts, and Harry would have joined her a few years later. Instead, the two had been ripped apart for years, and both had suffered untold horrors as a result, all because Dumbledore thought he knew better than everyone else.

"Oh, very well then…" Andromeda huffed in faux annoyance, making Raven smile warmly at her, "But I expect somewhere warm! With copious amounts of alcohol and unlimited room service!"

"Of course," Raven laughed, "You're the proxy for House Potter, and Uncle Ted is House Potter's official lawyer; it wouldn't do to send you both on some cheap vacation, now, would it?"

"Indeed," Andromeda laughed back, before adding with a wink, "Perhaps we could even stop by Madam Martell's and find me a bathing suit that will act as another reward to your Uncle."

Raven blushed slightly at that as her Aunt grinned wickedly; Madam Martell's was a relatively new shop, the owner having just arrived earlier that year from France and bought a premier location in Diagon Alley. Since opening her doors, Madam Martell had been inundated by customers, mostly witches, and had seen her shop become one of the most successful in the Alley. Catering primarily to witches, the shop sold swimwear and night clothing that dangerously bordered on scandalous and sent many a prudish witch or wizard sneering in disgust, only for them to try and sneak back later and see what the shop had.

"Aunt Andromeda!" Raven cried out in mock embarrassment, making the witch burst out in laughter.

"What? It's not like your uncle and I are too old for such things, after all."

"Can we please stop talking?" Raven begged, "I would really prefer not to imagine my aunt and uncle's sex lives…"

Andromeda cackled with laughter again before wiping a stray tear from her eye as the two continued to lazily walk down the Alley.

"And what of you?" Andromeda asked, "Is there some gentleman in your life?"

"No," Raven said at once, "I don't have time for that sort of nonsense."

"Nonsense? Come now, Raven, there's no need to say such things. You're a beautiful woman, and many an eligible bachelor has noticed it."

"They have?" Raven asked in shock,

"Indeed," Andromeda smiled, "I've already received quite a few letters suggesting courtship."

"I hope you burned them…" Raven growled, even as her face blushed scarlet, "I've no interest in being tied to someone who only wants to marry me so they can control House Potter. Besides, even if I was interested in such frivolities, which I can assure you I'm not, building Potter Enterprises takes up too much of my time for romantic pursuits. "

Andromeda smiled sadly at her niece, before placing a warm hand on her shoulder, causing Raven to stop and turn to her with a confused expression.

"Raven, I know how much you want to better the Magical world, and it is a noble aspiration that has made me incredibly proud of you, just as I know your parents would be. But you shouldn't be so focused on helping others that you let your own life pass you by. You have so much love to give, my girl, and any man would be lucky to court you."

Raven said nothing, choosing instead to duck her head as a blush began to spread up her neck and across her face; while she wasn't vain by any stretch of the imagination, Raven knew that she was quite attractive to the eyes. Yet, her own personal demons, as well as the multitude of traumas that she had experienced throughout her life, had ensured that any chance of her trying to pursue any type of relationship beyond friendship was almost nonexistent. Even more so now that she had Harry to look after.

"Lucky for you, I've already made plans to help you a little further along in your love life," Andromeda smiled, causing Raven's head to whip up in alarm at whatever her Aunt may be planning.

"What do you mean?!" Raven demanded, suddenly nervous yet not understanding why, "What have you done?!"

"I may be the proxy for House Potter, but you are its Lady," Andromeda smiled wickedly, "And as such, you are required to perform certain duties, chief among them is holding an occasional ball to showcase the power and majesty of your house. Propriety dictates that you should already have had such a ball upon your thirteenth birthday as your 'coming out' celebration, orchestrated by your father. We may be a tad late to the game, so to speak, but I think it's high time you were given your due."

Raven was rendered speechless at that moment, and Andromeda smiled conspiringly at her before using Raven's shocked silence to continue speaking.

"And seeing as how your mother and father are no longer with us, it falls to your next living relative to organize your coming out ball and ensure that it is one that is remembered, which is why I have taken the liberty of getting the ball rolling, so to speak."

"But… But I have no idea what to do at such an event!" Raven cried out in shock, "I mean, I've been to a few parties in the muggle world, but this is completely different! What if I make a fool of myself!?"

"You won't," Andromeda said at once, placing both hands on Raven's shoulders and slowly calming the frantic girl down, "I won't allow it. We have a few weeks before I plan to send out invitations; that'll give us both time to prepare you and plan accordingly. I dare say that your parents would rise up from the grave to haunt me if I allowed you to embarrass yourself at something so important in a young woman's life. Trust me, Raven. This will be a night that you will never forget."

Without another word, Andromeda pulled Raven into a warm hug; after a few more moments of panic, Raven finally began to calm herself and gently hugged her Aunt back as Andromeda began to lightly chuckle.

"You would think that someone who fights criminals for a living wouldn't come undone so easily at the thought of being forced to dance with a few boys…"

As Raven pulled away from her Aunt, she stuck her tongue out at the woman, causing Andromeda to guffaw for a moment before she looped an arm around Raven's.

"Now, what do you say we go have a spot of tea while we discuss what color your dress should be? I was thinking blue, like that robe you enjoy wearing so much."

XXXX

Author's Note:

Ooh a ball! Will Raven meet a handsome gentleman there? We'll see~

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and if not, let me know what I could do differently, as it helps me become a better writer for you all. Not gonna lie, I was kinda worried about the last chapter, I didn't know if everyone would like it, but I'm glad I was proven wrong. Until next time!