Dominus Mortis

6- Owl OR a Cat OR a Toad

A week later, Harry was awoken by a sharp tap at the windows. Checking that the door was closed, he opened the blinds letting the morning sunlight in and discovered an average looking owl with a letter in it's beak. He opened the window to let it in, gently removing the letter from where it was securely held. Grabbing a treat to reward it with, he rolled his eyes at Hedwig's indignant hoot at losing one of her treats to a strange owl. The owl settled down on the window sill, appearing to be fine with waiting for a response. Harry turned the letter over in his hands. With a rush of excitement he honestly hadn't been expecting, he saw the Hogwarts seal on the yellowish envelope. He carefully pried it open, already knowing what it would say but wanting to go through the motions for nostalgia's sake. 

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress

A grin spread across his face as he finished the letter. Also enclosed in the envelope was another sheet of paper which Harry knew would detail all the equipment necessary, but he didn't bother looking at that now. He found a spare piece of parchment and a quill and quickly penned a response. Waving his hand over himself, he cast a wordless glamour and checked the mirror to see a blue eyed, brown haired boy, before shoving the letter in his pocket, closing the shutters and blinds and walking out the room. He strolled down the stairs, walking past Cyrus (who looked confused at who the blond haired child was, before realisation spread across his face) with a smile, and strolled out onto the corner of Knockturn and Diagon. Mentally running through all the things he needed to do, Harry turned towards Gringotts and set off at a leisurely pace. 

He bowed to the goblins guarding the doors without breaking stride, smirking at the look of surprise on their faces. He strolled inside, went about two thirds of the way towards the head teller and stopped in front of Griphook, greeting him in goblin tongue. 

"Good morning, Griphook. I'd like to make a withdrawal from my vaults, please." Harry stated, bowing his head slightly. 

"Certainly, Harry. If this withdrawal is intended for spending over the school year, might I suggest you purchase one of our Bottomless Bags?"

"Bottomless Bag? Is that some sort of money pouch?" Harry wondered.

"Yes, it is. We at Gringotts currently sell the worlds best quality bags. A money pouch no larger than your fist, bottomless inside, with some of the highest grade wards over it. Once we key you in to the pouch, which is completed with your magical signature, only you will be able to retrieve more than 5 galleons. To do so, you need only upend the bag over your hand and concentrate on the precise amount of money you need. The money will fall into your hand, or, alternatively, onto any surface you hold it over. It costs 200 galleons." Griphook explained efficiently. "The large price tag is why it's not common knowledge; most people simply can't reasonably afford it." 

Harry nodded in understanding. "Yes, I think I would like one please Griphook. Thank you." 

"My pleasure, Harry. If money is all you'll be wanting from your vaults, we can have a goblin retrieve it for you."