It was obvious Chrys and Harry had an aversion to crowds the moment they entered Diagon Alley. Both Potters instantly hid behind Severus, clinging to his robes with vice-like grips. The sight was concerning for Mattheo and the Malfoy boys, but downright heartbreaking for the adults, who knew the gory details.
"Would you two be more comfortable holding my hands?" Severus offered.
After seeing no hint of trickery, Chrys timidly took one of the proffered hands with Harry imitating her actions. They stuck close to Severus, assured that he would keep them safe as they ventured into the streets of Diagon.
"Father?" Abraxus piped up quietly, eyeing the Potter siblings with confused concern.
Lucius raised a brow, "Yes, son?"
"Why do they behave so oddly?" the Malfoy Heir asked, Draco and Mattheo listening attentively for Lucius' answer. Lord Malfoy sighed warily, "You know how children are cherished in our society?"
"Yes."
"Muggles are not the same." Lucius stated, "If a child is different or if the parent is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will harm their children. Those two are victims of such treatment, so be nice to them. Understand?"
"Yes, father." Abraxus nodded. He and Mattheo felt even worse for scaring Hadrien, they silently agreed to make it up to the younger boy.
Lucius nodded approvingly.
After an uncomfortable walk, they arrived at Gringott's. Severus, noticing the attention their group was garnering, gently ushered Chrys and Harry into Gringott's. Thankfully there weren't as many people inside at the moment, so Chrys and Harry could relax, even if it was only a bit.
Severus led them to a stand without a line where the Goblin was counting coins and writing in his ledger. They waited patiently for the teller to finish and look up at them before the Potions Master spoke up, "Well met, Teller Goblin we are here for inheritance tests for Chrysanthemum and Hadrien Potter."
The goblin narrowed his beady eyes at Severus, then looked to the two timid children clinging to the man's robes. Upon noticing the Lichtenberg figures marring Harry's forehead and Chrys' left cheek and neck, the goblin nodded and called to another goblin in a language Chrys had never heard before. The second goblin bowed to them, "Well met, I shall be taking you to Potter Account Manager Silverfang."
"Much appreciated." Severus nodded to both goblins before following the second out of the Atrium, the Potters hot on his heels. The Malfoy's and Mattheo split off to visit their vaults.
Severus, Chrys, and Harry were led to an ornate mahogany door with filigree designs framed the door in gold, curling around a plaque that had 'Potter' engraved into it in fancy calligraphy. It was very fancy and mildly over the top. Severus was reminded heavily of Chrys and Harry's father.
He was quickly drawn from his thoughts by the door opening. Severus nodded to the goblin in thanks as he lightly ushered the children inside. The two flinched as the door was shut behind them.
"Well met, Potions Master Snape, Heiress Potter, Mr. Potter. I am Silverfang and I understand you require inheritance tests today?"
"That is correct, Account Manager Silverfang." Severus confirmed, "You may draw the fee from the Prince account."
Silverfang nodded, "Very well." He produced two sheets of parchment and a small dagger. The children flinched at the sight of the blade, but Severus, having done this himself, knew the dagger was necessary.
"I know it's scary." Severus said softly, "But I promise it doesn't hurt a bit. Just prick your finger and let five drops of blood fall onto the parchment. Can you do that?"
Chrys knew Severus wouldn't have them do it if it wasn't important, so she nodded. Although she didn't look nor feel too confident about it, especially when she picked up the dagger. Taking a deep breath, she pressed the blade against her finger and swiped down, painlessly breaking the skin and drawing blood. She set the dagger aside and let the blood drip a bit before Severus healed the cut. Harry, hesitantly, did the same.
"While we're waiting, is there anything else I can help you with?" Silverfang inquired
"Did... did our parents leave behind a will or letter for us?" the ginger asked timidly, playing with the sleeves of her jumper to ease her nervousness. The goblin's beady black eyes were calculating as he stared at the young witch.
"Indeed, the late Lord and Lady Potter each left a will. It was sealed upon their deaths after it's first reading." he explained, "As the last living Potters, you are able to have it unsealed and read, if you so desire."
Chrys nodded slowly, then paused, "You said 'after it's first reading'. Who was present during that?"
Silverfang's expression twisted into a sharp grin, as if releasing this bit of information brought him imense pleasure. "Only one, Heiress Potter. Albus Dumbledore." he stated, "Would you like me to unseal it?"
Though a bit putoff by the goblin's behavior, Chrys remained polite, "Yes sir, please."
Nodding approvingly, Silverfang procured a piece of parchment and wrote out a short note before setting it aflame. "They will be brought up soon." he assured, looking pleased as he noticed the slight twitch of Severus' brow.
"I-If it wouldn't be too much trouble..." Chrys piped up, "I would like to see the bank statements for my vaults from o-our parents d.. deaths till now."
"No trouble at all, Heiress Potter." Silverfang assured, "Would you like to look them over now? If not I can make copies you can take home."
Chrys shook her head, feeling a bit more comfortable, "Now is fine. I-I want to address any problems, if any, as soon as possible."
The goblin nodded once more as he turned in his chair to reach one of the many filing cabinets. He opened one, pulled out a thick binder, and closed it before turning back to them. His smile was less sharp, borderline friendly, as he held it out to Chrys. She returned it with a smile of her own as she accepted it, settling comfortably in her chair before she opened it.
Severus and Silverfang watched Chrys as she squinted her eyes and traced her finger along the words and numbers. That, and the slight lean she made to look closer, told Severus her eyesight was as bad, or possibly worse than her brother and father's. He had also noticed how they'd both flinch in pain or avoided bright lights. Clearly, they both suffered some form of photophobia. He suspected it was from extended period of time in the cupboard they slept in growing up.
"Um... Silverfang, sir?" Chrys spoke up, her tone clearly confused, "Are we related to anyone with the last name 'Weasley'? Cause I see Molly Weasley's and large transactions a lot, but I don't know anyone by that name."
"No, and I don't recall her being close enough to your parents to have access to your vaults. I will investigate this immediately. Is there any more strange names appearing?" Silverfang answered, now sitting straight with a dark gleam in his eyes.
Chrys squinted again, "Yeah, Albus Dumbledore shows up a lot too."
Silverfang nodded, "He shall be investigated as well. Untill said investigation is complete, the Weasley, Prewitt, and Dumbledore accounts will be suspended and any and all keys they have will be destroyed until the investigation is over."
Chrys relaxed, "I appreciate it, sir."
The goblin smiled kindly, "You're very welcome, Heiress Potter."
