Chapter 10
The Obligatory Gringotts Visit
Author's Note: Can you believe, according to canon, it took an hour – an hour! – for Harry to get from the One-Eyed Witch to Hogsmeade using the secret passage? What? That's mental.
Warning: Dumbledore and Molly Weasley Bashing; A chapter chock-full of Helpful Goblins; Emancipation; Lords and Ladies; Ancient and Noble Houses; and illegal Contracts!
(Sunday, December 13th, 1994)
"Candy Canes," Minerva McGonagall stated to the Gargoyle standing in front of the entrance to the Headmaster's Office.
The gargoyle nodded, then stepped aside, and the Lioness of Gryffindor started off up the circular staircase that led to the Headmaster's Office.
The previous evening at the end of the Dancing Lessons, Minerva, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger had planned how to get to Diagon Alley, without Dumbledore knowing the couple had left the castle. As had been discussed, Minerva would inform the Headmaster that the couple were remaining in their Quarters, or their Private Common Room for much of the morning, to work on homework and spend time together.
Then they would be leaving Hogwarts, but not through the front door. Minerva had been rather disgruntled when she heard about the One-Eyed Witch Passage, and how exactly Mr. Potter had known about it. Mr. Potter was quite sheepish when he told her how he had snuck into Hogsmeade through the passageway the previous year. McGonagall had lectured him about this, but hadn't taken away points, hadn't given him a punishment, because it had happened the previous year. But in the end, she agreed that they would use the passageway – at least until it got them past the Hogwarts Wards. Then she would Apparate the couple to Diagon Alley.
The aforementioned pair were currently getting ready for their visit to Diagon Alley, before they would make their way to the One-Eyed Witch.
Minerva made her way to the door leading to Albus' office. She inhaled and exhaled, knocked on the door, then opened it and stepped inside. Albus Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, working on paperwork and humming to himself. Fawkes the Phoenix was sitting on his perch, humming along with the Headmaster.
Albus looked up and smiled. "Minerva. An unexpected visit. What may I do for you this morning?"
"I am leaving the castle for a few hours," Minerva said, beginning her ready-made story, "One of my older Lions – a sixth year Muggleborn - came to me yesterday. She was shaking, she was so scared. She told me believed she was pregnant, you see."
"Did you advise her to go to Madam Pomfrey?" Albus asked.
"I did, but she declined," Minerva said. "Said if she did, her friends would find out and ask her why she was in the Hospital. She asked me if I could help her. As you know, I know the necessary spells to detect such things. With her permission, I used the charms. She was not pregnant. However, the poor girl was terrified over the pregnancy scare. I asked her what she wanted to do. She said she wanted to tell her parents about this, but she didn't want to go to them herself. She and her parents are very close, and she wanted them to know what was going on with her. But she didn't want to tell them herself. She asked me if I could do it."
This story was actually not something she had made up. She had experienced the same scenario several years ago with another student. She was simply using a real story for an excuse.
"Is that necessary?" Albus asked, "She is not with child, after all."
"The poor girl is terrified, Albus," Minerva said, "She needs comfort from her parents. However, she is so terrified, she doesn't want to go herself. I am to give her parents a letter, explain to them what happened, then bring a response back."
Albus removed his glasses and pinched his nose. "Is this supposed to be your new attempt at trying to bring back the Sex Education Lectures, Minerva? I am not amused."
"This is about a student, Albus!" Minerva growled.
Albus sighed and returned his glasses to his face. "Fine. Will you be back by lunchtime?"
"Probably not," Minerva said, as she considered how long the visit might be.
"You will not give me this student's name?" Albus asked.
"I deemed it necessary to keep the situation private, Albus," Minerva said. "I do not want it getting out into the gossip mills around here. It is the same reason she did not go to the Hospital Wing, after all."
Albus sighed and nodded. "Perhaps that is wise. Fine. I will see you when you return."
"One more thing I need to tell you," Minerva said. "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger have told me they are spending much of today in their Quarters and their Private Common Room. This is the first chance as a couple for them to spend the day with each other, without being bothered by others. They will be working on their homework and simply spending time together. I am only telling you this, in case they are missing from the Great Hall for lunch."
Albus raised his eyebrows. "The weekends are meant to be free time for the students. They can do whatever they want. I will not object to the two students keeping to themselves – as long as they are not getting up to anything they should not be."
"There are enchantments in the rooms they are staying in," Minerva said, "that would prevent any – coupling – from taking place."
"I suppose that makes me feel better," Albus muttered. "Very well. I will not object to the new couple spending time together to deepen their relationship."
"That is very unexpected of you, Albus," Minerva said.
Albus hummed. "Perhaps you misread my intentions after I interrupted their public display of affection in the Great Hall a few days ago? I have decided I am going to fully support Mr. Potter and Miss Granger as a couple, Minerva. I find they remind me of another Potter and his Muggleborn love. Makes me reminisce on happier times. I believe we all could use such a thing at the moment. Mr. Potter needs as much support as he can get whilst in participating in this Tournament. If he cannot get it from his house-mates, then whom better to get it from than his new girlfriend? Love – after all – is the most powerful weapon the Light has to offer."
Minerva raised her eyebrows. She wasn't sure if she wanted to believe this hippogriff shite. Was Albus supporting the couple for now – simply because he wanted to make sure Miss Granger was whom Mr. Potter would sorely miss?Yes, she was sure of it. He supported it now, because he believed he wouldn't need to support the relationship after the Second Task was over.
What an absolute monster! Minerva thought with a huff.
"Wonderful sentiments, Albus," Minerva said, "I happily agree with you. Well, then, I best be off. I will see you later."
"Good luck with the Muggles, Minerva," Albus said, "Safe journeys."
Minerva nodded, then made her way out of the Headmaster's Office. She immediately cast her wand over herself, checking herself for various Charms such as Trackers. She sighed in relief when there was none.
"Wouldn't put it past you, old man," she huffed.
She made a note to check Mr. Potter and Miss Granger for Tracking Charms before they left the Wards. Wouldn't do to have Albus discover the couple was at Gringotts or the Daily Prophet Headquarters, when they were supposed to be holed up in the Lion's Den.
(A few minutes later…)
Harry and Hermione made their way through the corridors on the third floor until they reached the One-Eyed Witch passageway. Professor McGonagall was already standing near the statue when they arrived.
"Do the honors, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said.
He took his wand from his pocket, and pointed it at the statue. "Dissendium."
The statue slid to the left revealing a hole, with a ladder. McGonagall glanced at it, then glanced at Harry.
"You first," she said.
Harry nodded, then made his way down the ladder. Hermione followed, then finally McGonagall.
"Mr. Potter, how long did it take to get from here to Hogsmeade?" McGonagall asked.
"Nearly an hour, Professor," Harry said. "But I was going rather slowly. I didn't know exactly where the passage was going. Didn't know if I'd run into anything or anybody. So I was going rather slow and cautiously."
McGonagall raised an eyebrow, then huffed. "Hopefully it will take half that time or less to get past the Wards. We best be going then. One moment, before we begin the journey."
She took her wand out and waved it toward Harry. She made a sound of annoyance, then waved her wand in more complicated movements. She conjured two glasses, then pointed her wand at one of them. The same happened with Hermione. She finished by pointing her wand at the second glass. Then she called for Mallory, and the elf appeared.
"Take these glasses to the Private Common Room in the Lion's Den," McGonagall instructed the elf. "Put them on the coffee table, and keep them there. Then please remain at Hogwarts. Dobby will come with Mr. Potter, Miss Granger and myself. You, Mallory, will remain and tell me if the Headmaster decides to search for these two."
"Yes, Mistress," Mallory said.
Mallory took the two glasses, then vanished with a crack! McGonagall pointed down the dark passageway, lit her wand with the Lumos Charm, then started off. Harry and Hermione did the same with their wands, then followed the Professor.
"That old goat," McGonagall muttered, as they started the long journey, "My apologies, you two. You had Tracking Charms on your persons. Quite a few of them. If they remained, the Headmaster would know you would soon be at Gringotts and the Daily Prophet offices. Our missions today would be revealed before we want that to take place."
"I suppose the enchantments around the Den makes these Tracking Charms inert?" Hermione asked.
"Indeed, thankfully," McGonagall said, "Otherwise, the Headmaster would know you reside in the Den. At the moment, the Headmaster believes the two of you are remaining in your Quarters or Private Common Room for much of the day. We should do our best to make sure he doesn't believe otherwise.
"Which means we must make haste. We'll get past the Wards quicker if we focus and not get distracted with conversation. Let's get going then."
Twenty-five minutes passed as Harry, Hermione and the Lioness of Gryffindor walked through the tunnel. Twenty-five very boring minutes. The only sounds were footsteps and water droplets dripping from the ceiling of the passageway. McGonagall wasn't interested in talking, and Harry and Hermione wasn't about to start any discussion so as to not risk the Professor's ire. Thankfully, the passage wasn't too narrow, so the couple could hold hands, while their other hands held their lit wands. Every five minutes or so, they had to relight their wands when the light dimmed down.
Finally, McGonagall held up her free hand to stop the two students.
"We're at the Wards," she said. "The two of you will walk a few paces ahead, one at a time. I will keep attuned to the wards, to make sure they're not alerting the Headmaster to you two crossing them. As Deputy, I am given limited control over the Wards. Much to the Headmaster's ire, of course. Go on, Mr. Potter."
Harry inhaled and exhaled then walked ahead a few steps. Hermione followed him soon after. Minerva gave an audible sigh of relief, then walked forward.
"It didn't pick up anything strange," Minerva said. "We can now Apparate to Diagon Alley. Have either of you traveled by Apparation?"
She quickly explained what that meant. Hermione shook her head. Harry frowned, then he nodded.
"I think I have," Harry said, "Once in Primary School, I was being chased by my cousin and his friends. I jumped behind a rubbish bin, and found myself on top of the school roof. Got in terrible trouble for it."
"Apparation without a wand and at such a young age," McGonagall said. "Impressive."
"Wasn't that accidental magic?" Hermione asked.
McGonagall shook her head. "It would be difficult to achieve Apparation with accidental magic, Miss Granger. I simply believe Mr. Potter wanted to be anywhere else at that moment, and it was the Determination – an important step for Apparation – that placed him on that roof. Apparation without a wand is very difficult. Most impressive."
Harry felt his cheeks go warm, and was thankful the tunnel was so dark that the Professor couldn't see it. But it made him feel better that he might be able to Apparate by himself in the future, if he could remember the way he felt at that moment so many years ago.
"Today we will be doing Side-Along Apparation," McGonagall said. "Basically I will hold one of your hands, and we will Apparate to the alley between The Leaky Cauldron and the entrance to Diagon Alley. Dobby?"
Dobby appeared. "Yes, Professor Kitty?"
"You will take Mr. Potter while I will take Miss Granger," McGonagall said, "I'd take both of them, but I need my wand in one hand. I don't know if I could Apparate back into this tunnel, so I need your help, Dobby."
"Dobby be happy to help, Professor Kitty," Dobby said.
Following McGonagall's instructions, Hermione took her hand, while Harry took one of Dobby's. McGonagall counted down and they Apparated. While Hermione felt quite breathless, as if all oxygen escaped her lungs, as she moved through what felt like a straw, Harry didn't feel any of that. He simply vanished from the dark tunnel, and appeared in the Alley between the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley. His eyes had to adjust to the sunlight, but otherwise he was quite fine. Hermione, however, was gasping, panting and coughing as she stood next to McGonagall. She also looked rather green.
"Very good, Miss Granger," McGonagall said, "Most people vomit the first – ahh, yes. There it is."
Hermione had vomited onto the ground in the middle of McGonagall's statement. McGonagall turned up her nose at the stench, then waved her wand, vanishing the vomit.
"How do you look so… calm, Harry?!" Hermione demanded, once she had sorted herself out.
"House-Elf Travel is different from Apparation, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "I'm sure Mr. Potter simply felt as if he was at one place one moment, then here the next."
Hermione huffed when Harry nodded. "I'll use that form of travel next time."
Harry grinned, and Hermione playfully glared at him.
"Dobby?" McGonagall said to the elf, who was still standing near Harry, "Inform Harry's Account Manager we will be in Gringotts in less than fifteen minutes. We would appreciate if he met us when we arrived, but we would also be agreeable to the usual process if necessary."
"Yes, Professor Kitty," Dobby said.
Dobby vanished. McGonagall turned to Harry and Hermione.
"What do you know about conversing with Goblins, Mr. Potter?" she asked.
"Not much, ma'am," Harry said, sheepishly.
McGonagall sighed. "Goblins do not like to waste time. They believe wasting time means wasting money. They do not appreciate either. I expect you, both of you, to show respect to the Goblins, and answer any question they ask honestly. Think before you speak, and do not let your temper allow itself to take control over you. Try to remain calm, no matter what information or revelation we might hear today. Do not ever attempt to reach for your wand while on Gringotts soil.
"Address Keeper Ragnok by his title and name, unless he says otherwise. He is like Royalty in the Goblin community. By Muggle standards, he is a Prince, but do not refer to him as such. Keeper is his proper title, and the title he probably respects most. While it might embarrass the both of you, I must request, Mr. Potter, you address Miss Granger as your 'mate' on Goblin soil. That will allow Keeper Ragnok to know exactly how you feel about each other. Refer to me as 'Professor McGonagall, your advisor' when introducing me. Refer to the two of us in trustworthy tones, otherwise neither of us will be allowed to attend the expected meeting.
"Miss Granger, unless spoken to or addressed, do not speak up at all. You are neither Harry's advisor, nor do you have any other foreseen business in this expected meeting aside from being there for Harry for comfort. Speaking of comfort, do not be too amorous with each other whilst in Gringotts. The Goblins will not appreciate it. Is this all understood?"
"Yes, Professor," Harry and Hermione said, in unison.
"There is a real possibility Keeper Ragnok will decide to be friendly toward you, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "I believe he and his forefathers have known the Potters for many, many years. So do not expect him to be hostile toward you for too long. Once he realizes you had nothing to do with the lack of communication between yourself, Keeper Ragnok and Gringotts in general, I believe he will not be hostile or angry toward you. I even suspect he already knows who is truly behind your lack of communication with Gringotts. Do not act guilty, but do not act defensive. You'll come out of this just fine – and maybe even much better equipped with various pieces of information - if you remember all of this."
"That makes me feel better," Harry said.
"Then we shall not waste any more time," McGonagall said.
She walked over to the brick wall and tapped her wand on several bricks in the familiar pattern Harry had once seen Hagrid perform. The bricks changed and shaped themselves into an archway. Harry smiled widely as they stepped into Diagon Alley. He had never been in Diagon Alley during this time of the year. Christmas decorations, such as fairy lights and strands of holly, hung everywhere along the outsides of the shops and around Diagon Alley. There were several Christmas Trees placed at various spots around the Alley, complete with various decorations and fake gift boxes laid out underneath them. It looked wonderful.
This made Harry realize he hadn't thought of a Christmas present for Hermione, nor anyone else, yet. He would have to think about this later.
It took more than five minutes to get to the large doors of Gringotts, simply because it took time to shuffle between the crowds. The marketplace was quite crowded that very few took more than a second glance at the odd sight of a Professor and two students away from Hogwarts. But nobody approached the pair as they were being escorted by the stern Lioness of Gryffindor.
The two spear-wielding Goblins guarding the doors of Gringotts only glanced at the elder witch and the two teens once as the three passed by them and stepped into the bank's Atrium. Before the three new arrivals could move forward too much, a Goblin stepped forward.
"Mr. Potter?" the Goblin asked.
"Yes… sir?" Harry asked, calmly as he could.
"I am Keeper Ragnok the Sixth," the Goblin said, "The Account Manager for the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. Do you trust these two women with you?"
"Hermione Granger, here, is my mate," Harry said, remembering McGonagall's advice, "And Professor Minerva McGonagall is my advisor. I trust them with any information I will receive today. If they weren't attending with me, I'd likely tell them everything anyway."
"That is satisfactory enough," Ragnok said, "Your mate and advisor may join us. Follow me, please."
Harry, Hermione and McGonagall followed Ragnok across the Atrium, as the Goblin led them to a door on the right of the large room. Harry soon found himself in a narrow cavern-like corridor, in which the floor, walls and ceiling were made of different types of stone. Several iron doors were seen etched into the walls on either side of the corridor. Ragnok led the three humans toward one particular door, and opened it. At Ragnok's stare in his direction, Harry stepped through the door, followed by Hermione, McGonagall and Ragnok coming in last.
The room they entered was made of the same stuff as the corridor on the other side of the door. It was almost empty, aside from a wooden table and four wooden chairs – three chairs on the nearest side, and one on the farther side. Ragnok walked ahead of them, and sat in the lone chair, then motioned to the three chairs on the other side of the table. Harry sat in the center chair, while Hermione sat on his right, and McGonagall on his left.
Ragnok snapped his fingers, and three clay squares - which resembled coasters used to place cups or mugs on – appeared, one in front of each human.
"Place your index finger in the center of the square in front of you," Ragnok instructed. "This is an Identity Test and will verify your identities. You will feel a slight pinprick. Once you do, you may lift your hand."
Harry and Hermione were cautious at first, until McGonagall did as was instructed. Then Harry and Hermione repeated the process. Harry winced at the pinprick sensation, then he lifted his hand, as did Hermione and McGonagall. The coasters transformed into three pieces of parchment, which Ragnok summoned. He looked at each of them, and whatever was on Hermione's piece of parchment made him raise an eyebrow.
"Hmm," Ragnok said, "Well, all three of you are whom you say you are. But this is most interesting. Miss Granger, have you ever taken an Inheritance Test during a visit at Gringotts?"
"No, Keeper Ragnok," Hermione said, "I don't know what that is, and nobody told me about such a thing before now."
"Is this the first time you've volunteered a drop of your blood while on Gringotts soil?" Ragnok asked.
"Yes, Keeper Ragnok," Hermione said.
"I see," Ragnok said. "Miss Granger, have you ever heard of Hector Dagworth-Granger? He is a rather famous name in your society. He founded the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers."
Professor McGonagall made the lightest of gasps and glanced out of the corner of her eyes in Hermione's direction.
Hermione blinked. "Yes, Keeper Ragnok. But, I've never thought I might be connected to him in any way."
"Interesting," Ragnok said, "You see, Miss Granger. According to this, you are the only surviving Heiress of the Noble House of Dagworth-Granger. It was originally simply 'Dagworth', before Hector became so famous, and he changed his House's name to Dagworth-Granger. Your father, of course, is related to him, but you, Miss Granger, are Hector's only living magical descendant."
Hermione blinked. "I had no idea, Keeper Ragnok. I am Muggleborn, you see."
"Yes," Ragnok muttered, "Because of your society's unfortunate outlook toward Muggleborn – at least in Great Britain – very few Muggleborn are encouraged to take Inheritance Tests. Even fewer Muggleborn realize that they are likely descended from a Squib, who in turn was descended from wizards and witches. Unless said Muggleborn takes an Identity Test, or requests an Inheritance Test, the Goblin Nation is forbidden – as part of the latest treaty between us and your Ministry of Magic – from offering Muggleborn Inheritance Tests, unless requested of us first.
"By coincidence, I am actually the current Vault Keeper and Account Manager for the House of Dagworth-Granger. Heiress Dagworth-Granger, after I finish my business with Mr. Potter, I would be interested in speaking to you about your new Account here at Gringotts. You will not need your parents present for this meeting, as they are not magical."
"What about her Magical Guardian, Keeper Ragnok?" McGonagall asked.
"If you are her advisor, Lady McGonagall," Ragnok said, "You would be allowed to assist her."
"Very well," McGonagall said.
Hermione cleared her throat. "I would be most interested in such a meeting, Keeper Ragnok."
"Very well," Ragnok said, then he turned to Harry, who gulped. "Mr. Potter, I believe I may already know the answer to this question, but I must ask. When was the last time you received any type of communication via mail from Gringotts?"
"Never, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said.
Ragnok's mouth turned up in a snarl. "Do you currently know where your Vault Key is, Mr. Potter?"
Harry groaned. "I allowed Molly Weasley to use it to get my stuff for this school year at the end of August. I don't think she gave it back."
Ragnok muttered in his native language, before returning to English. "And I believe the first time you entered these grounds, one Rubeus Hagrid was owner of your Key, although it is assumed he had received it from Albus Dumbledore. You have been poorly advised about your behavior whilst interacting with Gringotts in the past, Mr. Potter. But it is not your fault. I do not lay any blame on you. Fortunately, this can be easily remedied. When we are finished meeting here, I will perform an audit on your Account, Mr. Potter. I will see how much money was taken out on various dates, and figure out what it was used for. Then I will send you a list for you to confirm these transactions.
"This is necessary, because I have reason to believe Albus Dumbledore and one Molly Weasley might have stolen from you, Mr. Potter. Molly Weasley is suspected of manipulating you into allowing her to steal from you. However, that is only the case of this most recent summer, as you say. I have reason to believe she, as well as Albus Dumbledore, stole from you before you even returned to the wizarding world."
"How is this possible, Keeper Ragnok?" McGonagall asked.
"Albus Dumbledore incorrectly believed he was named Magical Guardian of one Harry James Potter," Ragnok said, "And therefore, he named himself such. Soon, you will know who exactly Mr. Potter's Magical Guardian is. But there are things we must do first. What I am about to show you, Mr. Potter, was illegally penned between Albus Dumbledore and Molly Weasley. The only reason it is in my possession, is because I wanted you to be the one who decides whether or not to destroy it."
Ragnok snapped his fingers and a piece of parchment appeared in front of Harry. He read the contents:
Betrothal Contract:
Date Of Creation: 5 November 1981
Wizard: Harry James Potter
Date Of Birth: 31 July 1980
Parents: James Charlus Potter (deceased) and Lily Rose Potter 'nee Evans (deceased)
Witch: Ginevra Molly Weasley
Date Of Birth: 11 August 1981
Parents: Arthur Septimus Weasley and Molly Matilda Weasley 'nee Prewett
Witnesses:
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Molly Matilda Weasley 'nee Prewett
Harry narrowed his eyes and grimaced, then remembered McGonagall's advice to keep his temper calm. He closed his eyes and counted down from ten. He needed all ten.
"Keeper Ragnok, you said this is an illegal Contract?" Harry asked.
"For several reasons, Mr. Potter," Ragnok said, "The most important is that it was penned by someone not permitted to be your Magical Guardian. Albus Dumbledore's various titles does not permit him to pen a Contract such as this. Second reason, there is no known Goblin Witness. Neither the Weasley, Prewett or Dumbledore Account Managers knew anything about this Contract. Likely due to the fact that the Goblins would all know it was illegally penned. Third, there is no provisos. No bride price, no date of wedding, no number of required children from said union. Nothing. While the latter reason isn't too important, this may be one of the very few Contracts without those provisos."
"Which tends to mean it was made without the actual Betrothed in mind," McGonagall said. "Aside from attempting to pair off the two together. It is as if they were doing this, so they could use it as a tool to Mr. Potter here that only Ginny Weasley qualified as his future bride."
"Quite possible," Ragnok agreed. "For example, Albus Dumbledore could have lied to Mr. Potter here and said his parents had approved of this union before their deaths. But because they were in hiding, they could not pen a Contract, and he did it in their stead."
"I… I might have believed him if he said that," Harry said, "If I didn't know about any nefarious intentions or motives he might have."
"Fortunately, we were able to prevent such a manipulation," Ragnok said, "Mr. Potter, do you give me permission to destroy this Contract?"
"Wait, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, "Are there any other known copies, Keeper Ragnok?"
Ragnok waved a hand over the parchment, and he grimaced. "Two Contracts, unknown locations."
"We must assume they are in possession of Molly Weasley and Albus Dumbledore," McGonagall said, "We must also assume they would discover if the Contract was destroyed. Mr. Potter, I would advise you to request a copy of this Contract, so that you may present it to the Headmaster or Molly Weasley at some point in the future, informing them that you know about it. If that copy is destroyed, all copies would be destroyed."
"I agree with my advisor, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said.
Ragnok grinned. "Excellent advice. I can give you a copy that would, indeed, destroy the others if yours was destroyed. Do you wish me to do so?"
"I do, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said.
Ragnok waved his hand, and an identical version of the Contract appeared next to original. Ragnok took the original, while Harry kept his in front of him.
"When you wish to destroy this Contract," Ragnok said, "Simply state your name, and that you order it and all copies, to be destroyed. No incantation needed. Because your name is on it, you can destroy it."
"Brilliant!" Harry exclaimed.
"Now that that unfortunate bit of blasphemy is finished," Ragnok said, "It is time to reveal who Mr. Potter's Magical Guardian is."
"Who is it, Keeper Ragnok?" Harry asked.
"Simple," Ragnok said, then grinned, "You do not have one."
"Pardon me, Keeper Ragnok?" McGonagall asked.
"Quite easy to explain, Lady McGonagall," Ragnok said. "On October 31st of this year, representatives of Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic, and the Wizengamot, as well as Magic itself, recognized one Harry James Potter as an Emancipated Minor – then they did not care to immediately clue him in on said information."
Hermione let out a light gasp. McGonagall's gasp was louder.
"The Goblet of Fire?" she asked.
"Before the Goblet of Fire was lit," Ragnok said, "It was decided between Albus Dumbledore – both Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and various representatives of the Ministry of Magic, including Ludovic Bagman and Bartemius Crouch, the elder, that all Champions of the Triwizard Tournament were required to be of legal age.
"When Albus Dumbledore, Bartemius Crouch the elder, and Ludovic Bagman all agreed that Harry James Potter would have to be the unplanned Fourth Champion, they all – whether aware of it or not – agreed that Mr. Potter was now of legal age. The Goblet of Fire – a representative of Magic – agreed as well. Therefore, Harry James Potter – by agreement of Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic, the Wizengamot and Magic – is an Emancipated Minor.
"We here at Gringotts – and especially me as the House Potter Account Manager – were immediately notified of this agreement. I immediately sent a letter to Mr. Potter informing him of his Emancipation and requested him to meet with me as soon as possible. Clarify this for me, Mr. Potter, you did not receive any notifications or letters from Gringotts?"
"No, Keeper Ragnok, I did not," Harry said, "I never have."
"There is only one person who is closely connected to you, Mr. Potter, who is capable of blocking communication from Gringotts, thus blocking Goblin magic ," Ragnok said, "Albus Dumbledore. Mr. Potter, I am going to be presumptuous here. Forgive me. You are seen as a celebrity in your society, ever since that fateful and tragic Halloween in 1981?"
"I am, though I do not appreciate it," Harry said.
"And you have never received any communications humans refer to as… fan-mail?" Ragnok asked, "Communication, letters, from the various witches and wizards – young and old – around the British Wizarding Society?"
"Never," Harry said.
"That seems to be an impossibility to me, Mr. Potter," Ragnok said. "You probably should have received letters and gifts every year on your birthday, Yule, and possibly even Halloween – as well as any other normal day – from various individuals thanking you for what they presume you did. And you did not. Why?"
"Because someone – Dumbledore, I assume – has placed Mail Prevention Wards on Mr. Potter," McGonagall answered, "It must be Dumbledore, because I can see him permitting what types of mail Harry would be allowed to receive."
Hermione, knowing she wasn't allowed to speak up without being addressed, whispered in Harry's ear.
"What about the predicted mail you warned me about yesterday morning?" Harry asked Hermione's question.
McGonagall pursed her lips. "He could easily turn off the enchantment when he feels necessary. Such as when it would be predictable for you to receive such letters. He could key the enchantment to a trinket of his, and turn it off and on."
"It would certainly explain everything concerning the mail and communication problem," Ragnok said, with a nod, "Mr. Potter, I have suspected Albus Dumbledore of keeping you from communicating with me, and vice-versa, since your very first visit here. Rubeus Hagrid is a known firm supporter of Albus Dumbledore. Hagrid, the very man who escorted you into this bank, where you spent less than half-an-hour here, and was only allowed to collect a bit of gold from your Vault. Griphook was punished most severely for that. He spent one Goblin calendar year – two human years – scooping up dragon dung, for not advising you to meet with me that day. He is… fortunate… to still be living on this very day. I wanted to personally fight him to the death for that crime. But my father, the Goblin Chief here at Gringotts, convince me to allow him to live. If Griphook still lives when I take my father's place – he is a dead Goblin, and his brethren will be lucky if they are allowed to remain in the London branch of Gringotts.
"When you leave Gringotts today, I will be meeting with my father to request him to ban Albus Dumbledore from Goblin soil for the foreseeable future. Once I audit your Account, Molly Weasley may also be banned if my suspicions of her crimes are confirmed."
With that grim statement in the minds of the three human guests, Ragnok snapped his finger and a metal box appeared on the table with a clunk!
"Now, Mr. Potter," Ragnok continued, "Now that you are aware you are an Emancipated Minor, it is time for you to claim what is rightfully yours. The Lordship and control over the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter."
Ragnok grinned as he stared at Harry. "And the first step to removing yourself from the manipulations and plans of one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
And he will be doing exactly that! The second part of the Gringotts Visit continues next chapter!
I know I'm going to hear this theory now. No, McGonagall's story she used as a lie to Dumbledore did not have to do with Lily Evans!
Also Next Chapter: Harry receives an Inheritance Test, reads his parents' Final Will and Testament, and a Blood Test, in which he discovers some abilities that have been blocked. Hermione takes Inheritance and Blood Tests too.
This story will not have Hogwarts Heirs, so Harry won't be Heir of Slytherin or Gryffindor, and Hermione won't be Heiress of Ravenclaw. Sorry. Harry will be Lord of Multiple Houses (Two Primary, one second-in-line), but he will NOT have to marry separate witches to continue those lines. He can give the Titles to different children, as can Hermione as Lady Dagworth-Granger.