One Tin Soldier

Chapter 5: Buried Deep Beneath a Stone

The trio were up very early the next morning. Harry was told to wear the school clothes that were in his trunk as they were the only clothing that fit him decently. Ichigo then loaned him one of his hoodies, so they could sneak into Diagon Alley and make their way to Gringotts unnoticed. Once inside they found there were not many wizards around to notice that Harry Potter was among them.

A short time later found them deep under Gringotts in the office of Flintlock, the Potter Account Manager.

"Good to see you again Account Holder Potter," Flintlock said as the meeting opened. "And these are?"

"Dr. Isshin Kurosaki and his son, Ichigo, Account Manager," Harry introduced. "They are distantly related to me through my mum. They came in answer to the letter I sent them before the third task."

"Ah yes," Flintlock said as he pilled out a file. "You may not be aware of it Dr. Kurosaki, but Account Holder Potter was recently emancipated in the Wizarding World. This is due to his having been forced to compete in that twice be-damned Tournament. Also, the fact that in a few days, he will turn fifteen, the age at which the last of an Ancient and Noble House may claim majority. However, that does not translate into the Muggle World. He will now need a new guardian in both worlds. His current ones do not meet their responsibilities, and his 'magical guardian' will fight to keep things as they are."

Isshin pulled out the paperwork he'd had the Dursleys sign last night. "Would this help? It is only temporary, but I am sure you would be able to make it permanent?"

Flintlock nodded. "Yes, indeed. How did you manage this?"

Isshin shrugged. "When a boy of fourteen contacts complete strangers asking if he could visit and discuss possible living arrangements; it usually sets off warning bells. I am a doctor. I am trained to notice them. Plus, I had a friend who also has connections do a little research on Harry-kun. I didn't like what he found out."

"Indeed," the goblin said. "This makes things much easier."

Harry sighed. Things were finally happening for the better. "Account Manager Flintlock, were you able to do as I asked?"

"Yes, Account Holder Potter. Your vaults show some unauthorized transactions. We were able to recover most of the funds, plus interest, as we had discussed. The only ones we were holding off on were your muggle relatives."

"I see," Harry said, leaning back in his chair with a relieved sigh. "Go ahead with that. I refuse to go back to the Dursleys. And Flintlock?"

The goblin looked up from his files as Harry gave him an evil smile. "Remember our deal. I get one percent of all interest of the monies recovered the rest goes to you to waive any fees that might accrue. Stick it to the Dursleys as much as you can!"

The goblin responded with a predatory grin. "You should've be born a goblin for brokering that deal, Account Holder."

Harry turned to the confused Japanese men. "Goblins are a lot like Ferengi. Their rules of acquisition are very similar."

Ichigo smirked. "Like, 'Greed is eternal, and profit is its own reward'?"

Harry grinned as Flintlock held up a small, well-thumber paperback. "Indeed. When Account Holder Potter first came to my office last winter, he gifted this to me. It has been most educational."

Ichigo snorted as he read the book title: "Ferengi's Rules of Acquisition." It had a Star Trek logo on it. Isshin gave a thumbs up.

"We will need a passport for Harry-kun, as well as official papers. Also a translation spell for us as well," Isshin said, rubbing his chin.