Master of Death

Setting plans into motion

~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* CHAPTER X *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~

Harry giggled as he rubbed a wheezing Legolas' back. The Elf Prince did not like the mine cart. He nearly lost his breakfast thrice and was just glad to be back on solid ground once more. When he could breathe again, he slowly stood up and Harry smiled at him.

"It was quite fun!" He told him.

"You and I have varying ideas of fun, then, beloved..." He told him. Harry just shook his head and pulled out his holly and phoenix feather wand and with a simple wave and tap to Legolas' ears, he smiled at him. "There, you can now speak and understand English."

"Truly?" He startled at how strange his voice sounded, accented and slightly deeper. His tongue also felt a bit strange, but then again that's how it felt when he first learned Weston and the other languages of the Free People, in time he would become use to it.

"I have called for tea and cucumber sandwiches, shall we adjourn to my office?" Griphook asked.

"Lead the way, please... and forgive us if we delay you... it is our first time within Gringotts and it's lovely...." Harry apologized in advance knowing that he and Legolas were going to be distracted.

"We are most honored, Lord Potter." Griphook smirked, knowing it was Harry's first time back in his natural world.

They traveled through the halls which were all made of ivory and marble, inlaid with precious minerals either refined or raw. The colors mixing into murals of the Goblin wars, their culture, making peace. Murals of creatures and their cultures as well. Portraits of Goblin leaders hung on the walls at random intervals and much like all pictures and paintings in the Wizarding world, they moved and interacted with the living. Legolas startled, but also thought it was most amazing.

They made it to Griphook's office and walked into the red and a gold decorated room to see Severus, Tom, Remus, Sirius, and several Goblins waiting for them. They took the free seats as the Goblins stared in awe of the Devi, since Harry had yet to don his glamours or to shift back into his human state.

"First and foremost, welcome home, Lord Potter. We, the Goblin Nation, welcome you and your own as Goblin Friends, Warriors and Shield mates." Griphook stated. "We shall answer your call to arms, within reason of course."

"Of course." Harry agreed. "Thank you Griphook, I am pleased by this welcoming. Now then, shall we get to business, I do not wish to waste your time more than need be."

The other Goblins liked that Harry would not waste needless time, but they would do whatever they could to make sure the Devi was happy and satisfied. Many were most lucky to even see one, never mind speaking with one.

"Right away... as we have discussed in the past, many of your family vaults had been tampered with by Lord Dumbledore. The first time it was brought to our attention was by Lord Mors Himself the night you were orphaned. My cousin Gravelnook was responsible for this and was beheaded for it. Many others soon followed in his punishment. Several contracts had been made by Dumbledore to ensure that you would always remain under his thumb and control. Monies were taken and paid out to many others. Most of whom did not know that the monies they received were stolen from you." Griphook began.

"However not all were innocent. These guilty parties were fined and forced to pay back the full amount plus a 10% interest. For each year they failed to pay back the full interest, another 5% was tacked on. After five years, if they still did not pay it back, they would be forced to work off the debt in one of our Mines. Some of these 'victims' if you will, are those who are fully aware of who the real Dumbledore is and wholeheartedly support his mad designs. Not to mention that Lady Magic herself also punished them by either stripping away their magic or marking them in someway that has utterly destroyed their standing in our society." another Goblin continued.