Hadrian Romanoff and the Beginning

Chapter 23

Albus waited somewhat impatiently in line at Gringotts. He normally could have gotten ushered straight to the front of the line but he had chosen a day that would have the bank especially busy for a reason. The wizarding world tended to have a problem with leaving things to the last minute and preparing for their children's return to Hogwarts was no exception. He tended to have his business done beforehand so as not to have to deal with it but if he didn't then he wouldn't have the cover being in plain sight it would offer. Making a show of having important business as he was wont to do wouldn't be good for keeping this visit relatively low profile.

Finally after the people in front of him were served, one a braggart of a woman who made quite the show of pulling out a large sum of galleons, Albus reached the front of the line.

"Good day to you, Mr. Kilsharp," Albus greeted genially, knowing how much the goblins hated to be disrespected. It was a shame the teller sneered at him despite his politeness. "I would like to request the good company of one of your wizard workers, a Mr. Shaun Morgan."

Kilsharp snarled quite harshly at what Albus considered to be quite an easy request, especially among all the no doubt demanding ones brought on by the stress of school restarting. The teller turned and spoke in low, clipped tones to one of the free goblins before turning back to face Albus.

"Worker Morgan is free at the moment. Step aside and wait for an escort." Kilsharp dismissed.

Albus chuckled. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Kilsharp," He paid no mind to the guttural growl that followed after him as he walked away.

Returning a few of the happy greetings sent his way by former students, Albus made his way to the side of the bank to wait for one of the lower goblins to escort him to the room where their human colleagues were stationed. It was really a shame that humans employed by Gringotts weren't allowed their own personal offices like that of the goblins workers but Albus supposed that it was petty attempt on their part to get back at the disrespect and restrictions they were given. No matter, all cubicles in the shared room were equipped with privacy wards so that one's business would not be overheard by another. He would add a few of his own charms, of course, in case the goblin magic was not quite enough. His business with young Shaun was of the utmost importance and it wouldn't do if it were to be leaked to the public that he needed to ask for information on the Potter vaults when he should have all he needed to know as Harry Potter's magical guardian.

"Ah, Professor Dumbledore!" A widely grinning man with the most unassuming air about him appeared in front of Albus. "What a wonderful chance of fate!"

Albus smiled at the man, who seemed to be another grateful former student of his, though he could not recall the man's name.

"Jame Evanson," The man offered. "I wouldn't have figured you would've remembered me personally, what with the war going on in my years and all. I was a few years ahead of James and Lily Potter, you know. Wasn't the best student I could've been but I managed to survive with my nose intact." Jame laughed lightly at his own joke, inviting Albus to do the same.

"It does warm my heart to see that not all of the good students of Hogwarts were lost during the war."

Jame nodded his head sagely. "Too right there, sir. Well, it warms my heart to know that my own little Harold will be able to experience the wonders of Hogwarts under your special brand of guidance."

Albus paused. "Harold, you say?"

"Yes, sir. Little Harold Evanson, set to start Hogwarts next year. Hopefully by then those new wards everyone has been blabbing about will be in place. After all, there's no such thing as too much protection." Jame continued, not noticing that Albus' mind had stopped and restarted in quick succession. "Well, I should be going. Have lots to do for the missus. It was nice meeting you, Professor Dumbledore."