17 THE GOBLIN'S DEAL
CHAPTER : 17THE GOBLIN'S DEAL
One evening, after successfully brewing a complex Draught of Peace, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The potion shimmered softly in its cauldron, the soft blue liquid swirling with calming energy. "Perfect," I muttered to myself, carefully bottling the potion.
As I cleaned up my workspace, I couldn’t help but imagine the look on Snape’s face when he realized I wasn’t just another student to be intimidated. Potions class was going to be very interesting indeed.
During this time, I also didn't slack off on my wandless magic training or physical conditioning. I knew that simply being able to brew potions wasn't enough—I needed to be prepared for anything, especially after everything I had been through. So, I continued to push myself, practicing spells that I could manage without breaking or damaging anything around me. I focused on the basics: conjuring water with Aguamenti, starting fires with Incendio, casting Lumos for light, and mastering the locking and unlocking charms, Alohomora and Colloportus.
The real challenge came with the more advanced spells. I spent hours honing my skills in summoning and banishing objects with Accio and Depulso, focusing intensely on protection spells like Protego. One day, I even attempted to Disillusion myself, hoping to blend into the background. Unfortunately, that one didn’t go as planned—I ended up half-visible, with a strange shimmering outline that was more conspicuous than being fully visible. But all in all, my efforts paid off as I felt my magic control and abilities steadily improving.
And then there was the Phoenix. Did you know that Phoenix tears are incredibly rare and valuable? I hadn’t fully grasped the significance until I found myself in possession of one. It all started when I noticed my Phoenix, a beautiful creature with vibrant scarlet and gold feathers, had a particular fondness for magical plants. As luck would have it, I grew plenty of those myself in my Herbology garden.
One day, after a particularly trying day of lessons, I decided to see if I could persuade my Phoenix to part with one of her tears in exchange for her favorite treats. I spent hours negotiating with her, offering the finest plants I could cultivate—Gillyweed, Mandrakes, and even some rare Venomous Tentacula leaves. To my surprise, after a bit of coaxing and extra care, she agreed. Every two weeks or so, she would gift me a single tear, a shimmering droplet of pure magic.
The realization hit me like a thunderbolt—these tears were not only valuable for their healing properties but could also be sold for a significant amount of gold. I figured out a way to sell them discreetly, using the profits to invest in other ventures and slowly begin accumulating wealth. But my ambitions didn’t stop there. About a year and a half ago, I decided to act upon a plan that had been forming in my mind—a plan involving Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
Remember when I mentioned how difficult it was to calm Tilly down after I gave her that expanded pouch? Well, I managed to do it by convincing her to take me to Gringotts one day. Of course, I had to make some promises to Susan to keep her quiet about my little excursion—promises involving bribes from Sugarplum's Sweets Shop, which she eagerly accepted.
We had visited Diagon Alley before, but this was my first time heading to Gringotts itself. When Tilly apparated us in front of the imposing building, I couldn’t help but be awed by its grandeur. The structure was truly magnificent, built from snowy white marble that gleamed in the sunlight, towering over the other shops as if to proclaim its superiority. The golden letters above the door boldly announced its name—Gringotts Bank.
As we approached, I couldn’t help but notice the famous warning etched in silver on the bronze doors. It was a reminder of the bank's formidable security and the dangers of attempting to steal from it. The warning was as much a deterrent as it was a statement of the goblins' power.
Tilly gave me a reassuring smile as we stepped inside, the cool air of the bank's interior washing over us. "Don’t worry, Master Ares," she whispered. "Tilly will take good care of you."
I nodded, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I knew that what I was about to do was risky, but the potential rewards were too great to pass up. With Tilly by my side, I felt a surge of confidence. Together, we made our way towards one of the goblin tellers, ready to set my plan in motion.
The goblin looked up as we approached, his sharp eyes narrowing as he assessed me. "What business do you have at Gringotts today?" he asked, his voice as cold as the marble walls.
I took a deep breath and met his gaze. "I’d like to discuss an investment," I replied, my voice steady. "And I believe we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."
The goblin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Very well," he said, gesturing for us to follow him. "Let’s see what you have in mind."
As we continued deeper into the bank, the anticipation in my chest grew stronger. This was the beginning of something big—something that could change everything.
The goblin’s voice recited a verse I had read about before but now felt more ominous in person:
"Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there."
The warning echoed in my mind as I stepped through the massive doors. We ascended a short flight of stairs and entered a vast marble hall that was as grand as it was intimidating. Long counters stretched across the hall’s length, with numerous doors leading off to the vault passageways. Around a hundred goblins sat at the counters, busy with their work, though I couldn’t help but notice a few glances cast my way—some curious, others more intense, particularly from the guards stationed strategically throughout the hall. Their gazes were sharp, but I took them in stride, maintaining the steady demeanor I knew was necessary in this place.
Approaching the head teller, I stood patiently, waiting for him to acknowledge me. After a minute, the goblin finally looked up, his sharp-toothed smile unsettling in the dim light.
"Welcome to Gringotts Bank, little warrior. How may we be of service?" His voice was grating, like stones scraping against each other, yet there was a strange respect in his tone.
His words caught me off guard, but I quickly composed myself. "I have a business proposition worth quite a few galleons, and I would like to request a private room to discuss it further." I paused before asking, "Also, what's this about being a warrior?"
The goblin’s eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and amusement as he leaned slightly forward. "It's in your walk—the way you move steadily and with confidence. Your eyes, they scan your surroundings with purpose. Your body language—it’s ready to explode into action at a moment’s notice. And your overall presence, it’s... unmistakable. Every goblin has experience as a fighter, even if we are not guards," he explained with a hint of pride in his voice.
I nodded, appreciating the insight into how I was being perceived, but I knew I had to focus on the task at hand. "I see. But why, pray tell, would you need a private room, young one?" he asked, his tone shifting to a more businesslike manner.
I met his gaze directly, knowing that in this place, any sign of hesitation could be seen as weakness. "Because what I’m proposing isn’t just a simple transaction. It’s an investment opportunity—one that could benefit both parties significantly. But it’s also sensitive information, and I believe it’s in our mutual interest to discuss it privately."
The goblin considered my words for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a nod, he motioned for another goblin to approach. "Very well," he said. "Follow Griphook here. He will lead you to a private room where we can continue our discussion."
I followed the goblin named Griphook, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. This was it—the moment where all my planning and careful preparation would be put to the test. As we walked through the winding corridors of Gringotts, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the ancient walls around me, steeped in history and power.
We soon arrived at a small, dimly lit room, furnished with a simple table and chairs. The atmosphere was heavy with the scent of old parchment and ink. Griphook gestured for me to take a seat, and I did so, carefully laying out the documents I had brought with me.
The head teller took his place across from me, his eyes narrowing with interest as he saw the seriousness in my demeanor. "Now, young warrior," he said, leaning forward slightly. "Tell me more about this business proposition of yours. What exactly are you offering, and what do you seek in return?"
I took a deep breath, ready to present my plan. "I have access to a rare and valuable resource—Phoenix tears," I began, watching as his eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. "And I’m looking to establish a steady line of profit through a discreet partnership with Gringotts."
The goblin's sharp eyes remained fixed on mine, his expression revealing a blend of curiosity and shrewd calculation. I could tell he was weighing my words carefully, assessing not just the proposal but also the person making it. This was more than just a business transaction—it was a test of my resolve, my ability to navigate the intricate and often perilous world of wizarding finance.
"Follow me, young warrior," the goblin said, his sharp-toothed smile widening as he rose from his seat. "It seems you do have some business with Gringotts."
He led me down a series of narrow, dimly lit corridors, the air heavy with the scent of ancient stone and the faint, metallic tang of gold. The deeper we went, the more the bank's true nature revealed itself—this was a place of power, of secrets, and of wealth beyond imagination. Finally, we arrived at his office, a small but well-appointed room with walls lined with ledgers and parchments. He took his place behind a sturdy oak desk, and I settled into the chair across from him.
"Well then," he began, folding his hands on the desk and fixing me with a piercing gaze. "Tell me what you wish to accomplish here."
I met his gaze steadily, knowing that this moment was crucial. "I wish to sign a few contracts with your bank. I’ll provide samples of what I’m offering to sell—Phoenix tears—and in return, Gringotts will take a percentage of the sales. I also want my information to remain confidential, completely hidden from both buyers and other interested parties."
The goblin’s expression didn’t change, but I could see the gears turning in his mind. "An interesting proposition, young warrior. And what do you believe will make our bank agree to such an arrangement?" His tone was probing, testing my confidence and my understanding of the value I brought to the table.
"Ten percent of the final selling price for every unit," I replied, my voice steady. "That’s a substantial cut, one that reflects the rarity and value of what I’m offering. And while Gringotts is the most reputable and secure option, I do have alternatives. Selling through other channels, while more cumbersome, is certainly possible."
The goblin’s eyes gleamed with approval, a low chuckle escaping his lips. "You do know your stuff, don't you, little warrior?"
He leaned back slightly, considering my offer with a shrewd look. "I think we can arrange a suitable deal for that much," he finally said, reaching for a piece of parchment. He began to write, the quill moving swiftly and precisely across the page. When he was finished, he slid the parchment across the desk to me.
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"This contract states that I, Ragnok, Head Teller of Gringotts Bank, am to serve as the intermediary in the sale of Phoenix tears provided by—here you will add your name—in return for ten percent of each unit’s final sale price. Additionally, all information about the seller and the buyers shall remain strictly confidential. The contract becomes binding upon the signatures and the addition of a few drops of blood from both parties."
I took the parchment and read it carefully, my heart pounding slightly as I absorbed the weight of what I was about to do. This was no ordinary agreement—this was a pact sealed in blood, with the most powerful bank in the wizarding world. It was a significant step, one that would set the course for my future dealings. But it was also a risk, one that I had to be sure I was ready to take.
Satisfied with the terms, I looked up at Ragnok and nodded. "This is acceptable."
Ragnok handed me a quill, his sharp eyes watching closely as I signed my name with steady hand. He then took the quill back, signing his own name with a flourish before pricking his finger with a small, sharp blade. A drop of blood fell onto the parchment, followed by one from my own finger. As the blood touched the ink, the contract glowed faintly for a moment before the glow faded, leaving the parchment looking as ordinary as it had before.
"The contract is now sealed," Ragnok said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "You may bring your samples to Gringotts at your convenience, and we will begin the process of finding suitable buyers."
I nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment mingled with the weight of the responsibility I had just taken on. "Thank you, Ragnok. I look forward to a successful partnership."
"As do I," the goblin replied, his tone one of satisfaction. "You have proven yourself to be a worthy negotiator, young warrior. I have no doubt that this will be the start of a profitable relationship."
As I left Gringotts, the weight of my decisions settled on me. No longer just a young wizard in training, I was now a participant in a much larger and more complex game. The stakes were high, but the potential rewards were even greater. I stepped out into Diagon Alley, feeling a surge of confidence. Whatever challenges awaited me, I was prepared to face them head-on.
Tilly, who had accompanied me, received the contract I had just signed. I wanted to be sure there was no hidden magic, and her silent nod reassured me that everything was in order.
I signed the contract with my name and followed the required procedure, allowing a few drops of my blood to seal the deal. Ragnok did the same, and with a flash of blue flame, the contract disappeared, marking the beginning of our agreement.
"Now that everything is in order," I began, reaching into my pouch and pulling out the collection of Phoenix tears I had accumulated. "I'd like to do two more things at Gringotts: open a new vault under my name for these earnings and discuss the possibility of investing in a few muggle businesses."
Ragnok's surprise was evident, but so was the greed in his eyes. "Opening the vault is straightforward—some paperwork, a bit of blood, a contract, and a new key. But we'll need to discuss this investing of yours," he replied, his curiosity piqued.
"I plan to convert most of my earnings into Pounds and invest in several overseas companies. I have four in mind that I believe will be highly successful. In return, Gringotts will receive 5% of the investment amount and 5% of the profits, with no involvement in any losses. It's a win-win situation," I proposed confidently.
Ragnok laughed heartily, clearly pleased with the offer. "You certainly know how to tempt us, young master Bones. You've got yourself a deal. Which companies are you looking to invest in?"
"Microsoft, Apple, Nike, and Walmart," I answered without hesitation.
After another hour of paperwork, everything was finalized. I left Gringotts feeling like I had taken a significant step forward. I stopped by Sugarplum's Sweets Shop to pick up some treats for Susan, as promised, before heading back home.
As I reflected on the events of the past few years, an owl arrived, interrupting my thoughts. The letter it carried was sure to bring the next chapter of my journey into focus.