Hadrian Peverell: High Lord of Skagos

Chapter 1: Legacy of Lineage

Harry Potter stood nervously outside the massive, ornate doors of the Goblin King's chambers deep within Gringotts. The final battle against Voldemort had ended only a few days ago, but it already felt like a lifetime. He was tired, both physically and emotionally, but he knew he had to deal with this. When the summons from Gringotts had arrived, it was direct and clear. The Goblin King wanted to speak with him, and Harry suspected he knew why.

The heavy doors creaked open, and Harry was ushered inside by two goblin guards.

The chamber was grand, dimly lit by flickering torches that cast long shadows across the ancient stone walls. At the far end of the room sat the Goblin King, his throne elevated on a dais, surrounded by other goblins of high rank. The King's eyes, sharp and calculating, followed Harry as he approached.

"Harry Potter," the Goblin King began, his voice deep and resonant, echoing slightly in the vast chamber. "You stand before us as the vanquisher of the Dark Lord, but also as someone who has brought significant damage to Gringotts. I trust you understand the gravity of both these actions?"

Harry swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. "I do," he replied, meeting the Goblin King's gaze. "And I'm here to make things right, if that's possible."

The King leaned forward slightly, his long fingers drumming on the arm of his throne.

"The theft from Bellatrix Lestrange's vault, and the escape on one of our dragons, caused considerable destruction and humiliation for Gringotts. However," he added, before Harry could respond, "it also exposed a significant security breach—one that we were unaware of. You revealed that even within our ranks, there can be those who would betray the sanctity of Gringotts for personal gain."

Harry shifted uneasily, unsure how to respond. "It was never my intention to bring harm to Gringotts or to the goblins," he said sincerely. "We were desperate, trying to stop Voldemort. The Horcrux we took from the vault was a key part of that."

The Goblin King's expression remained unreadable. "Indeed, your actions were driven by a cause greater than your own. For that reason, I do not intend to charge you with any crimes, despite the severity of your transgressions."

Harry let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Thank you," he said, relief evident in his voice.

"But," the Goblin King continued, his tone still stern, "you must understand that trust between wizards and goblins is fragile, at best. What you have done... it cannot be easily forgotten."

"I understand," Harry nodded. "I don't expect forgiveness, but I want to do what I can to repair the damage."

The King considered Harry for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. We will consider this matter closed, for now. But be warned, Harry Potter, we will be watching. You would do well to tread carefully in the future."

"I will," Harry promised.

There was a pause before the Goblin King spoke again, this time in a different tone, almost as if he were changing the subject. "Then there is nothing else we need to discuss, you may leave."

Harry emerged from the imposing chambers of the Goblin King, still reeling from the intense, high-stakes meeting. The grandeur of the throne room had left him feeling a mix of awe and apprehension. As he walked through the grand, echoing corridors of Gringotts, he was escorted by one of the goblin guards to a more subdued and less intimidating part of the bank.

After a brief walk, they arrived at a smaller, less ornate office. The door was adorned with a simple bronze plaque bearing the name "Sharpclaw – Account Manager." The guard knocked softly before opening the door and gesturing for Harry to enter.