- UL-LATHROK GITH -

10:19am - August 6th, 1976 - Diagon Alley, London - Earth - Universe Designation: 1.638.2

A crisp summer breeze followed Harry, Rose, Fleamont, Euphemia, James, and Sirius as they apparated into Diagon Alley. Rose held onto Harry, James to Fleamont, and Sirius to Euphemia. The three weren't recognized as adults in the magical world, and thus weren't yet allowed to apparate, especially without a license. The morning crowd had yet to reach its midday bustle, leaving the cobblestone streets relatively calm. Harry had decided it would be best in the morning to unveil the established Vitae vaults. Three consolidated vaults that now represented the combined wealth of Houses Potter, Black, Peverell, and Gryffindor.

In the days following his meeting with the other professors and his talk with Albus and Minerva, Harry had decided to spend some much needed time with his family. He spoke often with Fleamont and Euphemia, discussing his plans for the Wizengamot and the Ministry as a whole. He had cast several transfiguration and concealment charms on Rose's Nimbus 2002, ensuring it looked like a broom from this time. She had then spent the next two days using it to annihilate James and Sirius in their mock Quidditch matches held in the backyard.

Sirus ran a hand through his dark hair, scanning the shops and alleys with curious eyes. Rose adjusted her green robes, straightening a silver clasp at her shoulder. James bounced slightly on his heels, energetic as always, while Fleamont and Euphemia Potter followed behind with a dignified grace befitting the heads of House Potter. Harry, dressed in green robes similar to Rose's, led them inside Gringotts, nodding to the goblins at the door. They recognized him at once, offering a curt bow. Harry returned it with a respectful incline of his head. Inside, the vast marble hall stretched along polished floors, carved pillars, and a hundred goblins perched at their counting desks.

"I've arranged a private viewing of the Vitae vaults," Harry said softly to the others. "I want all of you to see what we've consolidated. House Potter, House Black, House Peverell, House Gryffindor, and a number of other Houses I claimed after my ten hours of hunting. Resources combined into a new set of holdings. This should give us unparalleled leverage in the Wizengamot and beyond,"

Fleamont nodded slowly, meeting Euphemia's gaze. He had been considering the new structure of titles and responsibilities for days now. "Yes, it's time," he said, voice steady. "I wanted to talk about the future of House Potter and our roles within it. Harry, you've taken on so many responsibilities in such short time - lordships and alliances - that we need to ensure our immediate family is prepared to share the load,"

"Dad?" James raised a brow, curious. Sirius hovered close by, his curiosity also piqued. Rose watched Fleamont and Euphemia quietly, suspecting something significant. After all, they all remembered the conversation held days earlier discussing James and Rose's possible titles and positions in House Potter. Torvik, their account manager, approached them, leading them behind a heavy wooden door into his private office away from prying ears. Harry cast a mild privacy charm. Once inside, Torvik unlocked a grand tome and showed them the ledgers and documentation of the Vitae vaults.

As Harry had instructed, three vaults had been created. The Vitae Treasury, holding the combined gold from all the Houses he had claimed lordship over. A staggeringly large sum. The Vitae Ancestral Vault, housing priceless heirlooms, grimoires, and artifacts of historic and magical significance from each House dating back centuries. And the Vitae Investment Vault, contained stocks and investments in wizarding and non-wizarding businesses, foreign trade contracts, precious metals, and gemstones.

While Fleamont skimmed through the ledger pages Torvik had displayed, he drew a deep breath. "I've given it much thought," he said. "James, our son, and Rose, our beloved daughter, I want to formalize your positions in the family. James, as the Heir Apparent, I name you a Duke of House Potter. This grants you more direct influence and access to House Potter's resources and decisions. Rose, I name you a Marquess of House Potter, giving you authority in diplomatic and cultural matters. You both have shown you can handle more responsibilities. We need to be prepared for the new world Harry and this family are building,"

James' eyes went wide. "A Duke? That means I can officially represent the family, right? At Wizengamot sessions when you or Harry can't attend?"

Fleamont nodded. "Exactly. You will train in political maneuvering, estate management, and House alliances. Rose, your title as Marquess will allow you to engage in negotiations, host events, and represent the family's interests diplomatically. You two are old enough to learn these skills now,"

Rose offered a small, grateful smile. "Thank you," she said softly to both Fleamont and Harry. "I won't let you down,"

Euphemia placed a hand on Fleamont's arm, nodding her agreement and pride. Harry placed an arm around his doppelganger and 'sister', producing a wider smile from the girl. Harry's gaze fell on Sirius. "Sirius. As Lord of House Black alongside your grandfather, Arcturus Black III, I too have a decision to make. In acknowledgement of your beliefs, your worth, your loyalty, and your growth, I name you Duke of House Black and Hier Apparent. You will be next in line, the future Heir of the Black family holdings under this new Vitae structure,"

Sirius blinked, surprise and a touch of worry mixing in his gaze. "Duke of House Black?" His voice was quieter than usual. "I never imagined I'd hold any Black title willingly,"

Harry nodded. "I know your feelings about your family's history and their legacy are complicated. But we have the chance to reshape House Black into something honorable. I trust you to help steer it the right way. You and I will share this burden, but you'll be the day-to-day face of House Black's future, once you're ready,"

Sirius swallowed and forced a grin, trying to mask his apprehension. "I won't let you down, mate,"

Torvik cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to the ledgers. "Lord Potter. There is a matter regarding the Black sub-accounts. Regulus, Narcissa, Andromeda, and Bellatrix Black maintain certain limited accesses to funds within the Vitae vaults. Trusts set by family traditions for all young members of the House. They are teenagers now, some nearly of age, others younger,"

Sirius' face darkend. "They still have access? Why let them keep it? Most of them are aligned with...well, their families weren't outspoken against You-Know-Who. And they definitely won't support the changes we're making,"

Harry raised a hand gently. "Sirius, they're still teenagers. Removing their access now would be a show of unnecessary hostility. They might not have chosen their paths yet. Let's give them the chance to come of age and decide their loyalties as adults. If we cut them off now, we force them into opposition. It's better that they see what we're building and choose to join us - or at least not fight us - when they are old enough to understand the stakes,"

Sirius pressed his lips together. He hated the idea of Bellatrix or Narcissa having any stake in these funds. Bellatrix had always been fanatical, Narcissa aloof, Andromeda uncertain, and Regulus conflicted. Not to mention Bellatrix's ties to Rodolphus Lestrange and Narcissa's contract with Lucius Malfoy. But perhaps Harry had a point. "Fine," Sirius said through gritted teeth. "But the moment any of them come of age and prove treacherous, I reserve the right to cut them off,"

Harry nodded. "Agreed. But let's hope it doesn't come to that. Hopefully without Voldemort's influence and with a stable system, they might be less inclined to follow dark paths. We need to give people room to change," A murmur from Fleamont and Euphemia signaled their approval. James and Rose glanced at each other. They realized that not every enemy was set in stone. Some could be turned or at least neutralized by mercy and good governance.

As the family examined the Vitae ledgers, Harry introduced another idea. "Ragnok and I have discussed a concept. A card system. Inspired by the muggle credit and debit cards, the cards would be magically tied to a persons holdings. Instead of needing to travel to your vault to retrieve gold, businesses would be outfitted with runic readers that can access your account at Gringotts through the card. You swipe the card, the runes record the transactions, and funds transfer from the personal to business accounts. It's secure and efficient. No more lugging around expanded bags of galleons,"

James whistled low. "That's revolutionary. Wizards are used to old ways, but this could save so much time,"

Rose frowned thoughtfully. "Won't some traditionalists balk at it?"

Harry nodded. "Some will, but many will most likely welcome the convenience. Merchants will love not needing to handle so much physical coin. It'll also reduce robbery risk. If the card is stolen, the runes can be depowered remotely and a new card can be issued to the rightful owner. If Ragnok and his goblins implement it carefully, it could enhance Gringotts' power and make commerce smoother,"

Sirius smirked. "And here I thought today was only about vaults and titles. You're upending the entire financial system, Harry,"

Harry shrugged lightly, a grin touching his lips. "I remember how it works in the muggle world. Muggles manage just fine without hauling sacks of cash everywhere. If it can work there, we can adapt it here with magic," He turned to Torvik. "Please inform Ragnok that I'd like to move forward with trials of this card system in a few select businesses. We can start small. Build trust in the method,"

Torvik nodded, intrigued. "This is unprecedented, but Ragnok inclined his ear when you first mentioned it. He values innovation if it strengthens Gringotts' position. I will relay your request," With that, the family made their way out of the private office, returning to the main hall of Gringotts. As they stepped back into the bustle, Harry felt a presence gnawing at the corner of his attention. He glanced around and spotted a bald lady standinbg near a pillar, cloaked in simple robes. Her eyes met Harry's for a fraction of a second. Something about her felt ancient, wise, and utterly alien.

He tried to focus on her features. Was she smiling? The moment he blinked, she was gone. Disappearing as if she had never stood there. Harry frowned. You couldn't apparate in and out of Gringotts. Not unless you were as powerful as Harry, who could smash through the wards with ease. This only piqued his curiosity. Who was she? His enhanced senses gained from the Domus Mortis told him that she was no ordinary witch. But given she was no immediate threat, he filed it way to consider later.

Before he could dwell on it, a loud voice drew his attention. "We can't accept it, we never asked for it!" Harry turned to see Arthur and Molley Weasley - both younger than he had ever seen them - standing before a goblin account manager. Molly was visibly pregnant, being only a few weeks away from giving birth to Percy Weasley. Their two youngest sons were with them. Charlie, who was two, had his arms around his mothers neck as he clung to her. Bill, roughly six, tugged lightly at his fathers sleeves.

The account manager flipped through a ledger, unimpressed by their protests. "I'm sorry, Mr. Weasley, but the fifty thousand Galleons were deposited anonymously and lawfully into your vault. It is yours to do with as you please. We cannot return it to the unnamed donor,"

Arthur looked distraught, running a hand through his thinning red hair. "We never wanted such a sum. We -"

Molly shook her head emphatically. "We have enough to get by. Someone is playing a prank or trying to put us in debt of gratitude we never asked for,"

Harry realized that this was the donation he had quietly arranged from the Gryffindor vaults. The Weasley's would become a crucial family in the future he envisioned. Steadfast, kind, open-minded. This gift was meant to ensure they never faced poverty or were forced into desparate measures. He had expected resistance to accepting 'charity' but he felt it was still the right thing to do. He moved closer, ensuring his voice wouldn't carry far. "Mr and Mrs. Weasley," Harry said softly, inclining his head. "I couldn't help but overhear. Is somethinmg wrong,"

Arthur turned, startled. Molly looked a bit embarrassed. "We...someone deposited fifty thousand galleons into our account. We don't know who, and we can't return it. We don't feel right keeping it,"

Harry offered are gentle smile. "Perhaps its a gift. The world is changing and maybe someone wanted to ensure a good family like yours had a stable foundation. You could use it for your children's educations, or invest it in something that helps you become less stressed financially. There's no law against refusing to spend it, but consider that it might have been given in good faith,"

Molly's eyes welled slightly. "But why us? We're no one special,"

Shaking his head, Harry's smile widened. "You matter more than you know, Mrs. Weasley. The kindness you give to others, the integrity you pass to your children...it deserves support. If you truly can't stand it, donate some of it to a worthy cause. But keep enough to ensure you family's comfort. Consider it a seed for the future,"

Arthur exchanged a glance with Molly, who bit her lip. Bill looked curious, as children often do when adults discuss mysteries. Charlie mumbled something incoherent into his mother's hair. Finally, Arthur sighed. "We'll think about it. It still feels strange, but maybe we can do some good with it,"

Harry nodded. "That's all anyone can ask. Take your time making your choice,"

The two thanked him quietly and led their children away, still murmuring about what to do. Harry watched them go, glad to see they would consider the gift rather than reject it outright. Fleamont and Euphemia joined Harry, having waited a respecful distance away. James and Rose stood by Sirius, who was scanning the hall for the mysterious bald lady Harry had mentioned. She was nowhere to be seen.

"I have to depart for the north soon," Harry said to his family. "There's an important meeting I need to attend. I'm sorry I can't elaborate more right now, but know that everything I do is to secure our future. And not just ours...everyone's,"

Euphemia touched his arm gently. "We trust you, Harry. You've proven that you have the family's best interests at heart. Go do what needs to be done,"

Fleamont nodded. "Duke James, Marquess Rose, Duke Sirius. Your new titles are not just honors. They are responsibilities. We stand on the cusp of great change. Support Harry, uphold the values of our Houses, and we will emerge stronger," James tried to maintain a serious face, but excitement danced in his eyes. Rose bowed her head, taking her new role to heart. Sirius forced a grin, still a bit uneasy about being a Duke of House Black, but was determined to make the best of it.

"Thank you," Harry said, his voice warm. With that, Harry guided them out of the main hall. They would remain in Diagon Alley for a while while Harry traveled north for his meeting with the High Council. Fleamont and Euphemia had errands. James and Rose wanted to explore a few shops. Sirius considered visiting Arcturus Black III, who was probably lurking somewhere, annoyed he hadn't been told of these changes in person.

As if on cue, Arcturus Black III appeared near the entrance. He wore traditional Black family robes and bore a disapproving frown. Harry, Sirius, and the Potter's approached the elderly man, though Sirius lingered bhind. "So..." Arcturus began, voice low and cutting as he examined Harry. "I received a letter from Fleamont explaining your origins. Both yours and your sister Rose,"

James grabbed hold of Sirius' arm, dragging him out of Gringotts and away from the entrance. Sirius did his best to shake himself free, but James was successful in dragging him out of earshot. Sirius still wasn't in the know, and they didn't need Arcturus dropping it onto Sirius in a public place. Harry decided to throw a few concealment charms around their general area as Arcturus continued. "Another universe. Immense powers. Slaying Voldemort using impossible abilities. While I am not angered by your claim to lordship or by Sirius' promotion to Duke. I am annoyed that you did not inform me face to face. I am family too, am I not?"

Harry met Arcturus' gaze calmly. "You are, and I apologize for the oversight. Everything has been happening quickly. I planned to speak with you, but events forced my hand. Now that you know, I hope you understand that I do what I need to to ensure stability. I have a plan for House Black that I hope will redeem its name. Sirius will help lead it,"

Arcturus' expression softened slightly. "I can tolerate your methods as long as the outcome is worthy. I will remain on the sidelines for now, observing how you manage these titles and alliances. Do not mistake my patience for indifference. I'll be watching carefully,"

Harry nodded. "Understood. Your wisdom may be needed if we face unexpected challenges,"

Arcturus inclined his head and drifted away down to the main alley to speak with Sirius privately, probably to lecture him about the duties of a Duke and the gravity of carrying the Black legacy forward. With that settled, Harry stepped outside, bidding farewell to his family for now. He would depart for Scotland soon, to meet the High Council deep beneath the earth. As his family separated to go about their business, Harry made his way out of the alley and into London. With the turn of his heel and a CRACK! of black smoke, he left for the High Council.

11:02am - August 6th, 1976 - Scotland - Earth - Universe Designation: 1.638.2

Harry stood in front of a mirror he had conjured for himself in the chamber he now stood. Ragnok was deeper in the cave system, speaking with the High Council to ensure they were prepared. Harry, meanwhile, examined his attire. He had chosen robes of dark green velvet trimmed in silver and charcoal. This meeting was going to be different then the ones he had had thus far. This was the High Council of the Goblin Nation. They were not bankers or tradesmen. These were ancient overseers, guardians of old pacts, and arbiters of alliances more enduring than castles.

His heart thumped steadily. He had staked a lot on forging a true bond with goblinkind, hoping to reshape wizarding Britain's future. But he knew their wariness. Wizards had lied, cheated, and stolen from goblins for centuries. To gain their trust, he would have to give more than words or gold. He would have to reveal secrets that weighed heavily on him. The Domus Mortis. His extraterrestrial augmentations, the truth of his origins. He would no doubt hve to undergo a trial that would test his sincerity and resolve.

After a moment, the doors leading further into the caves opened inward. Two goblin guards stepped forward. They wore boiled leather armor reinfored with bronze plates, and their eyes held no warmth. Only measured caution. "Harrek Jaemes Pottar?" one guard asked in Grimnash.

Harry nodded, stepping forward. "I am. I come at the High Council's summons,"

The guards exchanged a look, then motioned for Harry to follow. It was clear they had never seen a human visitor in these caves. The three descended into the earth, the passage narrowing until only torchlit corridors of limestone and granite remained. They went deeper and deeper, footsteps echoing in silent halls. Eventually, the passages widened into cavernous spaces connected by carved stone bridges over underground streams. After nearly an hour of walking, they reached a broad cavern lit by greenish torches. Ragnok waited there, dressed in ceremonial armor etched with runic symbols, flanked by Torvik and two other goblins Harry didn't recognized. Ragnok inclined his head slightly.

"Harrek Jaemes Pottar," Ragnok said, voice low but clear in Grimnash. "You have come as requested. The High Council awaits. They have heard your requests for alliance but demand proof of your sincerity. Are you prepared?"

Harry exhaled slightly. "I am. I bring gifts, truth, and whatever trial they deem necessary,"

Ragnok nodded. "Good. Follow me,"

They passed through a set of iron doors into a vast cavern. Stalactites hung from above like teeth, and a ring of massive pillars formed a rough circle at the center. At the top of each pillar sat a goblin councilor, twenty-one in total, clad in armor of dark metals and bearing symbols of old clans. Each pillar rose about teen feet above the cavern floor, forming a raised ampitheater. The floor itself was covered in runes that shimmered under the torchlight. It reminded Harry of the Wizengamot chambers.

Morgthul, the eldest councilor of the High Council, sat on the central pillar. He wore black iron armor, with runes of silver across his chest. His eyes were deep-set and suspicious. To his left was Threvnik, a female goblin with a staff capped by a rough emerald, her eyes keen and predatory. "Harrek Jaemes Pottar," Morgthul's voice echoed in the cavern, captured and amplified by subtle acoustic charms. "You seek alliance with goblinkind. Wizards have promised us much before in hopes of our help. Many have lied. We cannot trust words alone. We demand more,"

Harry stepped into the center of the ring, carefully placing the cloth-wrapped goblin-forged blades on a low stone alter that lay at the center. He also reached into a pouch on his belt, carefully removing the object he had retrieved while in Hogwarts two days prior. The goblin's all watched as Harry removed the Sword of Gryffindor itself before placing it on the altar next to the blades. "I return these stolen artifacts freely. Two goblin made blades stolen in the 14th century. And the Sword of Gryffindor, a goblin-made sword taken from your kind by Godric Gryffindor's son. I return it to you now as a show of good will,"

A murmur ran through the council. One councilor, Grathul, spat to the side. "A start, but not enough. Artifacts can be replaced. Trust cannot be bought so easily,"

Harry inclined his head. "I offer more than objects. I offer my own blood, my secrets, and my future bound to yours,"

Threvnik narrowed her eyes. "Secrets, wizard? What secrets could you hold that would matter to us?"

Harry took a deep breath. This was the moment. "I am not just a Potter of this world. I come from another universe. Another life. In that life, I was Harry Potter, son of James and Lily Potter. The Boy-Who-Lived. I fought Voldemort and witnessed his return in my fourth year at Hogwarts. But before my sixth year at Hogwarts, I was taken by a multiversal entity known as the Domus Mortis. An oppressive coalition made up of an endless number of Harry Potters. They destroyed my universe and forced me to fight for them. When I refused, they broke me in ways I had never thought possible. I was augmented, granted powers beyond normal wizarding limits. Immense strength, superhuman endurance and durability, the ability to fly, and extreme adaptability. After what felt like years I escaped that hellish place and arrived here. It was then that I decided to shape a better future,"

Silence fell over them like a heavy blanket. The goblins stared at him, some disbelieving, some intrigued. Morgthul raised a hand for continued silence. "You claim powers from beyond our world. But these words are cheap. Show us truth or we shall dismiss this as a deceiver's tale,"

Harry nodded. He expected this. With mastered ease, Harry lifted off of the ground. His eyes glowed a bright emerald green. After a single moment, two bright beams of energy shot from his eyes into the stone wall a distance away. Taking a quick breath, he exhaled, watching as the floor below him crystalized in ice. Harry then dropped to the ground, his fists digging into the ground. Once he had straightened his robes, Harry spoke. "I killed Voldemort and his Death Eaters with my own hands. Without magic," he said quietly. "Without these powers, I could never have eradicated them so completely and swiftly. I do not boast, I state fact. I have changed the course of this universe's history,"

A ripple of astonishment moved through the council. Threvnik tapped her staff. "If what you say is true, you are more dangerous than any wizard we have met. Why should we trust a being with such power?"

Harry looked up at them, his eyes earnest. "Because I choose not to rule through fear. I want to forge a world where goblins, humans, and other magical creatures can cooperate. Where I use my influence to grant you equal standing in trade, property rights, and craftsmanship. I do not seek to conquer. I seek partners who can help me ensure the stability and fairness I never saw in other worlds. I plan to change the world the right way. Hiding my origins and powers is part of that future,"

Morgthul's gaze hardened. "You ask for much. You want us to help conceal your past from outsiders. No mention of the Domus Mortis or your true origins. You want our curse-breakers, runesmiths, agriculturists, engineers. Specialists to aid in your plans. In return, you say you will fight for our rights, return our treasures, and stand with us in war if needed,"

Grathul snorted. "Words, words. We can ink a treaty, but we have seen treaties broken. We need absolute assurance. If you betray us -"

Ragnok stepped forward, producing a scroll bound in iron. "The Council has demanded a blood accord, more binding than any wizard oath. Should either side break the terms, a dire fate awaits. For you, Harrek Jaemes Pottar, if you betray this accord, all who bear the name Potter shall perish, and we shall seize every asset you own. For us, if the goblin nation betrays these terms, each member of this High Council will forfeit their head. Do you accept such stakes?"

Harry's stomach twisted slightly, but he raised his chin. "I accept. The price of betrayal on both sides is clear and brutal. That means we must not fail,"

Morgthul nodded slowly. "Before we seal this accord, we demand a trial. A test of sincerity. You must face a ritual of truth and intention. Will you submit?"

Harry nodded. "Yes,"

With that, Harry was led from the main cavern through a narrow tunnel into another chamber. This one was smaller, lit by a single torch of green flame. The High Council followed in silence, forming a circle around Harry. Torvik held the scroll tightly. Morgthul produced a blade thin and needle-like, etched with runes too small to read. Threvnik placed a large stone bowl at Harry's feet, carved with grimacing goblin faces.

"Kargath Harrek Jaemes Pottar," Morgthul said in Grimnash, his vouce sonorous. "Before we sign, you must prove your truth. In this ritual, you will offer your blood and your secrets. If you lie or hold back, the runes will devour your soul. If you are honest, you shall pass unscathed,"

Harry nodded once more, his heart pounding. "I understand,"

Threvnik raised her staff, and a web of runic lines shimmered on the cavern floor. "Tell us why you truly seek this alliance. Speak your origins in detail. Confirm your willingness to suffer the penalty of betrayal,"

Harry drew a deep breath. "I was born Harry James Potter in a universe not dissimilar to this one. Lord Voldemort killed my parents James and Lily Potter. I survived by a miracle. I fought him as a child, but I never got the chance to defeat him. Before my sixth year at Hogwarts, the Domus Mortis arrived, destroying my universe while kidnapping me for their own gain. The made me a gladiator. Forced to decide the fate of universes across the multiverse. There, I lost limbs, lost my will to live,"

"Eventually, I gained powers from alien species through DNA augmentation and escaped when I was strong enough to challenge them. I found myself here, in a new universe with my doppelganger Rose, where Voldemort still lived. I used my powers to destroy him and his followers. Now I hold multiple lordships by right of conquest, allowing me to steer wizarding law,"

He pressed his thumb against the rune-lined bowl, and Morgthul picked it with the needle-like blade. A drop of Harry's blood fell into the bowl, the runes glowing crimson. "I seek an alliance because I know goblins have been wronged for centuries," Harry continued. "I want a stable, just society. I cannot achieve this alone. You have crafts, knowledge, and the perspective I need. In return, I give you my oath to fight for your rights, to return stolen treasures, and stand wih you if threats arise. I will defend you in the Wizengamot, share wealth and influence, and defend you from your enemies. In exchange, you help me maintain my cover story, provide specialists I may need, and help me strengthen my holdings and enforce reforms,"

Threvnik watched him closely. "And what if we fail you? What if the goblin nation betrays these terms?"

Harry's expression hardened. "Then your High Council's heads are forfeit. If I betray you, every Potter dies and my assets become yours. The penalty is balanced to ensure neither side dare lie or betray the other,"

The runes in the bowl flared bright blue, then settled. Morgthul examined the bowl's contents, a swirl of blood and glowing runes, and nodded. "He speaks the truth. Or at least he believes every word he says,"

Grathul sneered. "Belief is one thing. But will he stand by it when challenged?"

Morgthul raised a hand. "He has passed the test. Now, the Trial of Sincerity," Harry tensed. Another trial? Morgthul continued. "We have regressive and angered goblin clans in mainland Europe. They reject all alliances with wizards, preferring raids and hoarding. They destabilize our efforts. If you truly mean to help goblinkind's future, you must prove you will handle threats not only from wizards but from our own kind. Will you use your powers to bring these clans in line or remove their leaders if needed?"

Harry hesitated. "You ask me to fight goblins?"

Threvnik's eyes bored into him. "Not slaughter innocents. But these clans are ruthless. They sabotage trade, murder emissaries, fan old hatreds. If you want a stable future, you must show that you can and will neutralize threats to goblinkind's progress. Even if they are goblins. Will you do it?"

Harry considered the moral weight. He had never wanted to be anyone's enforcer. But if these clans threatened what he was building - mutual prosperity - then removing them might be akin to removing Death Eater remnants. He was not committing to mass murder, he told himself, just to handling aggression. Perhaps negotiation first, but he must be prepared for violence if they refused reason. "I agree, with conditions," Harry said slowly. "I will first attempt to negotiate. If they prove utterly hostile and threaten the accords we forge, I will use my powers to subdue or remove their leadership. I will not become a butcher. But I will not allow them to sabotage our alliance either,"

Morgthul smiled grimly. "A measured response. That will do. Understand, we do not relish spilling goblin blood. But the future demands unity. If they cannot be reasoned with, they must be dealt with,"

A soft hum filled the cavern as Threvnik tapped her staff. The runes on the floor dimmed. Morgthul dipped his finger into the bowl of blood and rune-light. "The trial is complete. You have spoken the truth, and you have accepted the burden of dealing with enemies not just outside our kind but within. That is sincerity,"

Torvik stepped forward, holding the iron-bound scroll. He unrolled it on a flat stone surface. On the parchment, lines were inscribed in both English and Grimnash, deatailing the terms. Harry would continue to conceal his origins and powers from outsiders. The goblin nation would help maintain the secret. Harry would fight for goblin rights in the Wizengamot and return stolen artifcats. Goblins would provide specialists to strengthen Harry's holdings and support his reforms. Both would stand together against external threats. Harry would handle regressive goblin clans in Europe if they threatened the alliance's future. If Harry betrayed these terms, all Potters would die and his assets would be seized by goblinkind. If goblinkind betrayed these terms, every member of the High Council would lose their head. The penalties were stark and cruel, ensuring no party dared deceive the other.

Morgthul took the thin blade again and nicked Harry's thumb. Harry let three drops of blood fall onto the parchment's seal. The runes flared emerald. Each councilor did likewise, adding a drop of their blood. The runes absorbed the blood, weaving magic binding them. Harry then signed his name. Harrek Jaemes Pottar in the Grimnish script and Harry James Potter in English. Morgthul and the councilors added their sigils. A cold wind seemed to blow through the cavern, though no wind could exist so far underground. The runes on the pillars shimmered, acknowledging the accord. Harry felt a weight settle on his shoulders.

"It is done," Morgthul said quietly.

"So we stand together now," Harry said. "I will not fail you. May our alliance usher in an era of cooperation,"

Threvnik studied him. "We shall see, wizard. You have great power and unusual origins. Use them wisely. We will guide you in managing your assets and influence. In return, ensure you do not shy from your promises, including dealing with those who challenge the new order we seek,"

Grathul growled softly. "I remain cautious. But the trial does not lie. You are sincere. I will accept this for now," Ragnok placed a hand on Harry's arm, discreet pride in his eyes. He had facilitated this meeting. Had put his reputation on the line. Harry's success also redeemed Ragnok's faith in him.

With the signing complete, the High Council rose from their pillars. Morgthul gave a final command, and the goblins began dispersing. Threvnik lingered to hand Harry a small runic token, a carved piece of obsidian etched with a miniature version of their alliance sigil. "This token will grant you passage and credibility among goblin specialists. Show it to curse-breakers, runesmiths, and the like. They will know you come with our authority,"

Harry bowed slightly. "I am grateful. I will put their skills to good use, ensuring our mutual prosperity,"

Morgthul approched one last time. "Remember, Harrek Jaemes Pottar, we hold your line and fortune in the balance, as you hold our heads. This forces honesty. Build upon that honesty with actual good deeds, and in time, trust may follow,"

Harry's voice was steady. "I understand. I will not let it come to betrayal. I want a stable, just future. This is our best chance," With that, the councilors vanished into shadowed tunnels, leaving Harry with Ragnok, Torvik, and two guards who had escorted him earlier. Torvik carefully stored the signed accord in a rune-locked chest. The distant drip of water from stalactites punctuated the silence.

Ragnok guided Harry back through the maze of tunnels. As they walked, Ragnok spoke softly. "You have done what no wizard has. Bound yourself and the High Council under equal threat. It is wise you accept goblin aid in specialties such as curse-breaking and runes. You will need every advantage to reshape wizarding law,"

Harry nodded. "I can't do it alone. With goblin specialists, I can shore up my estates, ensure magical resources are properly managed, and gain economic leverage. With that, I can influence votes in the Wizengamot more effectively. Step by step, we'll open the path to recognizing goblin rights, ending old prejudices,"

Ragnok's lips twitched into a rare smile. "And let us not forget the regressive clans in Europe. They will test your resolve. Are you truly prepared to face them?"

Harry hesitated. "I must be. If their actions threaten everything we're building, I won't let them tear it down. I'll try peaceful talks first, but if they strike at us, I will respond in kind. My powers make me capable of defending this alliance,"

Ragnok patted his arm. "You have steel in your soul, wizard. Just remember that violence must serve a purpose, not become an addiction. We value cunning and craft over brute force. Use your might as a scalpel, not a hammer,"

Eventually, they reached the hidden exit. The guards who had guided Harry initially stepped aside, letting him out into the sunlit cliffs. The transition from torchlit caverns to bright daylight was almost shocking. Birds sang in the distance and a breeze stirred the heather. Harry took a long, cleansing breath, allowing the sunlight to fuel his power. He drank it all in, thinking about the complex alliance that he had formed that stood to change history.

Ragnok and Torvik did not follow him outside. They had their own tasks underground. Harry stood alone by the runic boulder. He tapped the runes as instructed, sealing the passage once more. The hillside seemed ordinary again, just another Scottish knoll, hiding a labyrinth of halls, forges, and council chambers beneath its roots. He considered apparating straight to Potter Manor, but decided first to linger.

The price of this alliance weighed on his body. If he betrayed them, all the Potters would die. That include James, Euphemia, Fleamont, and Rose. He would never let that happen. If goblins betrayed him, the High Council would lose their heads. Equal terror, forcing sincerity.

Yet fear alone would not sustain an alliance. He had shown them truth. His powers, his origins, and his willingness to do what was necessary. Now he would follow through with tangible benefits. He needed to help pass laws that recognized goblin property rights, ensure fair terms for trade, and return stolen heirlooms. Harry needed to integrate goblin artisans and experts into his estates, strengthening his economic base and political leverage. And he needed to handle the regressive goblin clans in Europe, ensuring internal peace with goblinkind.

With a Crack! Harry apparated to the edge of Potter Manor's wards, immediately flying up to the balcony of his bedroom. Once inside his room he dropped the small runic token Threvnik had given him onto his desk. Harry then took a moment to write a letter to Edgar Bones. The letter was short and simple, indicating Harry's new position as a Lord of House Potter - due to a technicality with the goblins - and that he would be there to support Edgar in the Wizengamot and as a Minister. He was vague, of course, indicating forthcoming stability, resources, and the fact that certain reforms would find unexpected support in Wizengamot sessions.

He wrote another letter to Ragnok, requesting a list of recommended goblin specialists he could employ. Curse-breakers to secure and rearrange his vaults, runesmiths to enhance wards, agriculturists to improve the manor's grounds for sustainable potions ingredients, and engineers to develop infrastructure that might impress even the stiffest members of wizard aristocracy. If he showed results - profits, stability, and efficiency - he could sway more votes in the Wizengamot. Once he had folded his letters and sent them out his windows like the Ministry memo planes, he turned back to his bedroom. Harry needed to refine his Defense curriculum, draft his proposals for subtle legislative changes, and plan a careful approach to those regressive goblin clains abroad. It was going to be a long day.

Updated: 3/6/2025