Escape to Gringotts
October 2, 1989
Harry awoke with a yawn and grabbed his glasses before looking at the clock. It was 5am, he was so used to waking up early to make breakfast. That Harry woke up at that time every morning for as long as he could remember. A grin spread across his face as he realized today was the day! He'd finished packing Dudley's duffel bag last night. Moving into the hallway Harry opened the cupboard and pulled out the bags.
Going upstairs with his backpack Harry went to Dudley's room. Inspecting the dresser Harry saw that Loki hadn't emptied it entirely. He took two polo shirts in blue and red, three pairs of socks, two pairs of underwear, and two pairs of jeans. He carefully packed them into the bag, between the clothes and the two books there wasn't much room left. Snagging a white t-shirt, a grey button up sweater, and another pair of pants. Harry carried his bag and clothes into the hallway.
He took a quick shower and got dressed. Yes, Harry had always dressed in Dudley's castoffs. But this time Harry was taking the decent clothes for his trip to London. Besides his aunt had money from the Potter accounts. So really if Harry thought about it, how much in this house was bought with his money? How many of Dudley's toys and clothes were purchased with Harry's money? If anything, Harry was just taking what was owed to him.
Going downstairs Harry brought his backpack into the kitchen. He grabbed two water bottles, four packages of peanut butter crackers, two bags of chips, and a pack of carrots. After zipping up his bag he placed it on top of the duffel. Going back to the kitchen Harry made toast and fried hashbrowns. Setting the table for himself, Harry went back to the kitchen. There was three days' worth of dirty dishes on the counter. Putting the stopper in the sink Harry loaded it up. Harry wasn't cleaning a single damn thing. But he had one last present to leave for his dear relatives...well two.
He took the secondary stopper and placed in the other side. Grinning Harry grabbed some cauliflower and returned to the dining room. He activated Percival's box and waited as it glowed. Percival came into view.
"Hello Harry, are you ready for today?" Percival asked.
Harry nodded enthusiastically.
"Yup, both bags are packed and ready. I have those galleons, knuts, and sickles in my sweater pocket. And I have the Pounds stuffed into a side pocket of the duffel. I'm even ready to go for the trip myself." Harry said.
He chewed on his toast slowly.
"Good, I put my wand in Loki's pouch you'll need it to get into Diagon Alley. But someone has been unusually tired recently. No, doubt from all the mischief he's been up to." Percival replied, chuckling.
Loki had just poked his head out and was yawning in a full body stretch. Harry giggled at Loki's antics and waved a chunk of cauliflower around. Loki jumped through the mirror and grabbed onto the bottom of the cauliflower. Percival chuckled as Harry sat the dangling niffler on his butt.
"Okay Harry, repeat our plan to me." Percival said.
Harry finished his hash and sipped some tea.
"I'm going to leave the house around the same time I would for school. I will then head in the direction of school, but I will change direction halfway there. There's a train station five blocks from school. I will buy a ticket to London to specifically stop at King's Cross Station. If anyone asks, I'm meeting my mother at a restaurant in London to visit family. From the station I will head a block away to the Leaky Cauldron. Where I will ask Tom to open the doorway to Diagon. Then I will head straight to Gringotts and ask for an inheritance test." Harry recited.
"That's good, remember to wear that hat you found. It'll cover that scar on your forehead. It's very noticeable and might draw attention to you. Remember to keep to yourself, be aware of your surroundings, and don't act suspicious. You want them to overlook you and be just normal enough that they forget you." Percival replied.
"Don't worry I've plenty of practice moving around unnoticed. Dudley and his friends made sure of that. They had this game called "Harry Hunting", where they'd chase me around. I got really good at hiding. I got really good at hiding in large crowds as well. The results were never pretty if they caught me." Harry said, flinching.
Percival glared hard.
"There are no words foul enough to express what I think of your relatives. I have never wished for anybody to have an unfortunate accident before. But these people... I am beyond caring. I'm actually hoping they get eaten by something vicious." Percival muttered.
Harry giggled. He saw Loki finish his breakfast and tried to sneak off. Harry grabbed his scruff before the he could bolt.
"Where do you think your going little mister? I need what's in your pouch." Harry said.
He fished Dudley's gold money clip from his pocket. Harry hung Loki by his feet and tickled him. Percival's wand fell out of Loki's pouch, paying it no mind Harry clutched Loki close. He gave Loki the money clip. Then quickly sent Loki back through the mirror. Harry wasn't going to waste time catching Loki if he got loose. Besides Harry had other things to do with what little time he had. School started at 8:30...the first train Harry could catch arrived at 9:00am. It was 7:45 now, so Harry had enough time to do a little bit more mischief before leaving at 8:00am. Of course, Harry wasn't going to tell Percival about it. There was no need to do so this was just something Harry had to do.
He picked up Percival's wand and felt how warm it was. It was made out of some kind of shiny wood.
"It's thirteen inches Ebony wood firm, which is suited for Transfiguration and combative magic. Additionally Ebony wood favors those who have the courage to be themselves. To fight for what they believe in. They never sway from their purpose. Ebony is for those who are strong willed and are natural leaders. It has the core of a Thunderbird feather, which can sense danger near its caster. It's very good for Transfiguration and it's a quick draw for curses. I've ended up firing curses without a single thought before. Thunderbird wasn't common in my time for wands. Unlike the British, anyone from the States would get their wand at school. Some still choose to purchase pre-made wands rather than go through the ritual. Ilvermorny has two sorting processes, one for wands and one for whichever house you end up in. Each wand is custom made for each student. If you went to Hogwarts, you'd likely purchase a pre-made wand. While those wands aren't bad per se... they just aren't the same." Percival said.
Harry nodded. This tracked with everything he knew about Percival so far. The more Harry heard about Ilvermorny the more he wanted to go.
"Cool, it's almost time to leave Percival. I will see you at Gringotts later." Harry said.
"Be careful Harry, I can't help you being in this box." Percival warned.
The box clicked shut and the glow ceased. Now it was time to get his last 'kicks' in. In the living room Harry found the house phone. He made a quick call to animal control reporting Marge Dursley. She had a four-room apartment, and eight bulldogs stuffed in with her. She'd lied to the landlord about only have two dogs. Either way the apartment was too small for that many inhabitants. That and she'd sent her dogs after Harry multiple times. He'd been bitten a few times too. Harry didn't blame the dogs they had been taught to act that way. Afterwards he looked up the number for the complex Marge stayed in. He promptly told him that she'd been lying and even added that her dogs 'may' have damaged the apartment.
It wasn't a complete lie in the sense that Marge's own lies led to some neglect. If she only had two dogs, then she could only take them out two at a time. Meaning some accidents happened. After being forced to clean her wooden floors on one visit. Well, those floor rugs covered up a good number of stains. Anytime those rugs were moved the smell alone was disgusting. If anything, he was doing those animals a favor. Harry was getting his freedom and those dogs needed to be free too. He silently wished Marge would get arrested too.
Taking Percival's box, he stored it in the duffel and went upstairs. In the bathroom he put the stopper in the sink and tub. Grabbing the three hand towels on the rack he dropped them in the toilet. After turning on the faucets as high as they could go. He flushed the toilet and made his way downstairs. In the kitchen he turned the faucets on and walked away. He slung his bags over his right shoulder. They were incredibly light despite their contents. He walked out the back door as water from the kitchen sink ran over. Dropping his bags he grabbed the outside hose and walked over to the bed of Daffodils. They were his aunt's favorite flowers, and she prized them over all the others. He decided to dig a small hole with the trowel he'd left out last time. After making sure the hose was deep enough not to fall out. He turned on the outside spigot and grabbed his bags.
Nothing killed flowers faster than over watering them, right? He hoped every damn flower died, even if they didn't, they'd die with Harry gone. There was a reason why he did all of the gardening. His Aunt could kill just about anything plant related. Looking around casually Harry walked down the road down his usual route. The air was crisp and warmer than normal for October. When he hit the end of Victoria Lane. He turned down High Street, which was more like a side alley than a street really. So far, he hadn't seen very many people, but it was still a little early. Even so shouldn't there have been more people? School for the younger years started around 8:30am. But then those kids probably got dropped off he thought bitterly.
He vaguely wondered if wizarding streets looked the same or if they were different? Did they dress differently? If so, he'd stick out like sore thumb in a crowd, there. He'd be wearing strange clothes to them. Harry shook his head he'd worry about it when he was there. He finally turned down Station Street, which ended with a large parking lot, a train platform, and the Station building. He pulled out Dudley's red cap and adjusted the fringe of his hair to make sure the scar was covered. After weaving through the parked cars Harry made it into the station building.
He saw the line to get tickets and joined the end of it. It moved rather fast though it wasn't surprising. The next train to London was at nine, and there was only a scant ten minutes. Three minutes later Harry made it to the counter.
"Hello little love where are you going alone?" The woman asked.
She was an older blond woman with her hair pinned up. She had long pink fingernails and a nice smile.
"Going to visit my Mum in London. They recently split up and... well neither of them wants to see each other. But they both agreed that I was plenty old enough to take the train." Harry said.
Her eyes turned soft as she clicked her tongue.
"Well, that's some nasty business. It'll be nine pounds for a child's ticket." She said.
Harry fished out a few of the pounds he'd put in his pocket for this reason. He didn't want anyone to know how much he was carrying. She took the money and gave him a ticket from below the counter.
"Good luck little cutie. Safe travels." She said.
He nodded and headed through the doors out onto the platform. Harry looked around and saw a nice-looking couple standing near the loading area. He decided to walk over and stay close to them. Harry had never travelled anywhere before that wasn't the grocery store, school, or the library. So, he really wasn't sure what to expect out here. It felt like people were watching him and yet nobody was looking at him. He was never so happy to see the train slowly pull into the station. After handing his ticket to an attendant Harry selected a seat in the middle of the car. He didn't want to be near the front. He felt like people might notice him more. But he didn't want to be in the back either. Harry sat close to the window on the right-hand side. His duffel was on the seat next to him. His backpack was on the floor, he fished out a book and a pack of crackers.
Harry settled in to read 'The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe'. They were supposed to read it for class at one point. But his uncle hadn't reacted well to that discovery. They had each been given a copy to borrow. Harry had lied and said that he'd left his at school. For once Vernon had been angry with someone else besides Harry. So, he'd confiscated Dudley's copy, and the next day went to the school. His Uncle had made such a seen over the 'trash' as he called it. Saying he didn't want his son's head to be filled with lies and fancies of magic. It was also the first time Harry had ever seen an adult tell him off. Mrs. White verbally shredded his uncle and threatened to call the cops on him. She actually said he should be ashamed of himself.
Needless to say, Mrs. White had become his favorite teacher. And no one had questioned where Harry's copy had gone. It was actually one of his favorite books.
Sometime Later....
The speakers in the ceiling announced their arrival to King's Cross station. Harry looked up from his book surprised. He had no idea how much time had passed at all. Stuffing his book back into his bag. Harry then double checked that Percival's wand was still where he'd put. He also briefly glanced at the box. The runes weren't lit up at all, but he had to double check. Loki was a mischievous little thing. He wouldn't put it past the little guy to figure it out. He also checked his pockets to make sure he had Percival's money.
Gathering his bags Harry got into the congested line that was off loading on the platform. He followed a woman out of the front doors and stopped. Harry breathed deeply as it finally struck him. He was here...he was free... Now Harry just had to make sure he stayed free. Going down the steps quickly he turned right down the street. He hoped Percival's directions were still valid. Fear gripped him for the briefest moment. What if he never found the magical entrance? What would he do? Choking down his panic he turned another corner dodging around people. He nearly cried when he saw the Leaky Cauldron. Making it across the street he looked around before entering the bar.
Harry walked in and noticed that it was pretty much empty. Which it was 11am, so that wasn't surprising really. A man was behind the main counter and was staring at him curiously. Harry went towards the bar.
"Are you Tom?" Harry asked.
"Aye, the only Tom to work here. How can I help you kid?" Tom asked, drying a mug.
"I need to go into the Alley, I'm meeting my mother there. I just came from my father's house, and he doesn't like magic. So, I have to travel the muggle way to see my Mum." Harry said, nervously.
Or at least that was what Percival told him to say. He said it was less suspicious to adults if Harry was meeting 'family' or 'parents'. And if they questioned further Harry was to tell them he didn't know. That he was a muggleborn raised the muggle way. Or as Percival had phrased it the no-maj way.
"Ah, married a muggle that couldn't accept our world. That's a shame kid, yeah I'll let you through." Tom replied.
He watched Tom closely as he tapped the brick wall behind him. Excitement bubbled in his chest as he watched the bricks slowly part in front of them.
"See you around kid." Tom said.
Tom walked back into the bar leaving Harry alone. Walking through the arch he stepped into the Alley. The streets were packed with people wearing strange clothes. Was that an actual pointed hat? Knowing that he'd stick out in the crowd Harry stuck to the sides. Harry stopped a couple of times to see the shop windows. Brooms were floating in a window for a Quidditch shop. What was Quidditch? After stopping one more time and pushing through the crowds. Harry saw Gringotts just beyond the mass of people. He climbed the steps two at a time until he reached the door. Harry saw goblins for the first time. They were short with pointy ears and scowling faces. They stood on either side of the door their sharp eyes looking around.
Panic crawled up his chest.... what if they didn't let him in? Before he could panic more Harry walked to the door. The goblins didn't stop him at all which was a great relief. Inside Harry stopped simply looking around in awe. This place was huge! Seeing lines for the tellers Harry got in line. When he reached the desk Harry wasn't sure what to say. Did he just ask or was there something else he needed? He'd never been to a bank before!
"My name is Jaggedtooth. What is your business here today?" Jaggedtooth asked.
Harry blinked his eyes wide.
"I need an inheritance test please." Harry asked.
"Inheritance tests cost 5 galleons, 7 sickles, and three knuts." Jaggedtooth replied, tersely.
Harry pulled Percival's money out. Percival said the gold ones were galleons, silver was sickles, and copper was knuts. But Percival didn't have any Knuts, so Harry gave the goblin an extra sickle. Harry had long since written down how much money Percival gave him. No matter what he would pay the man back one day. It was because of Percival that Harry was free.
"Follow me." Jaggedtooth huffed.
Jaggedtooth led him through a door behind the desks. After going through several rooms and a few turns. Harry was left outside of a set of large wooden doors. He knocked hesitantly before a sharp 'enter' was heard from within. Harry opened the door to see another goblin dressed in a suit. He had a long-jagged scar that bisected his left eye. The goblin must've been very lucky as his eye was still intact. A name plate on the desk said: Master Goblin Goldaxe.
"Well, child, are you going to stand there all day? Or are you going to sit down and tell me what you want?" Goldaxe asked, a sneer on his lips.
Harry left his bags on the floor near the door and fished out Percival's box. He took a seat in one of the monstrous stuffed red chairs.
"I'm here for an inheritance test. Jaggedtooth brought me here." Harry replied, politely.
"I need to gather something first. Touch absolutely nothing!" Goldaxe snarled.
Harry sat back in his chair trying not to flinch at the goblin's voice. Percival said that the goblins were a race of warrior creatures. They were extremely good at finances and other select services. They were vicious to anyone who was a thief. Percival had said that they disliked wizards a lot. So, if they were rude and angry towards him not to take it personally. Most wizards won't say anything to the goblins. Something about not pissing off the creatures that have your money. The door behind Goldaxe's desk banged open as he brought in an ornate bronze bowl. He sat it on the desk as well as a small knife. Goldaxe also produced a sheet of parchment paper. Harry could feel the magic coming off of the paper from his chair. Harry clutched Percival's box closer to his chest. He activated the box and sat it next to him in the chair.
Percival appeared in the mirror as he always did. Harry looked back at Goldaxe who was now eyeing Harry with a strange look.
"For this procedure you will take the knife and pierce a finger. Three drops of blood will land on parchment. While the paper's magic does it's work you're going to add some blood to this bowl." Goldaxe said.
"And will any excess blood be destroyed?" Percival asked, his eyes narrowed.
"If I had been allowed to finish you would know. After adding the extra blood, the knife is thrown in the bowl. Fire will cleanse and burn the blood and when it dissipates. Any heir or lord rings you're eligible for. Will be in the center of the bowl afterwards." Goldaxe replied, with a growl.
"It's okay Harry. Blood has a lot of power in the magical world. If someone gets a hold of your hair or blood. They can do horrible things with it. There's Polyjuice, dark magic rituals, and anything involving blood magic. Polyjuice is a potion that changes your physical appearance. All it takes is the hair of the intended victim. And if they have your blood, it would be all too easy to walk into here and steal from you. Or they could curse you with any number of dark magics. Not all dark magic is bad, but the ones that need blood, hair, or Merlin forbid seamen are very bad. The seamen alone could lead to line theft. And that's just the bare minimum of what someone could do." Percival replied.
Harry had no idea what seamen was exactly. But other than that, he understood the rest of it. So never leave out combs and brushes. And never allow anyone to take his blood. He'd have to ask Percival about that other one. Goldaxe sneered at Percival before glaring at Harry expectantly. He picked up the knife and pierced his left thumb. He put the knife in his lap and massaged out three drops. They hit the parchment in shades of dark red splotches. Remembering he still had to add some to the bowl. Harry was startled to see his thumb had healed up already. So, he had to pierce it again and add the required drops. As soon as he dropped the knife into the bowl white flames engulfed it. Harry reared back in his chair surprised.
Checking his thumb again he notices that it was healed up again. Maybe a magic knife? Percival said that there were a lot of magical things. But he never went into detail about just what kind of items. Maybe there were just too many to mention. Or maybe he doesn't know all of them. He'd been in that box for sixty-three years. If wizards were like the no-majs then they were bound to make new discoveries. He kept watching the flames as he had never seen fire that color. As the flames slowly parted and died down something was happening to the bottom of the bowl. It was like it was bubbling...almost like something was trying to push through. It stopped suddenly leaving behind four rings. Three were small with thin bands. And the third was larger in size with an odd design.
Goldaxe cleared his throat and nodded towards the parchment. The entire parchment was now covered in writing.
Harold "Harry" James Potter
Born: July 31st 1980
Father: James Fleamont Potter (alive)
Mother: Lily Jane Potter (alive)
Godfather: Sirius Orion Black lll (incarcerated; innocent)
Godmother: Alice Longbottom (incapacitated)
Paternal Grandparents: Dorea Delphine Potter-Black (deceased), Charlus Aberdeen Potter (deceased)
Maternal Grandparents: Mrs. Jean Annette Evans (deceased), Mr. Alexander John Evans (deceased)
Muggle relatives: Mrs. Petunia Violet Dursley (alive), Mr. Vernon Algernon Dursley (alive), Dudley Bertrand Dursley (alive)
Magical Guardian: Albus Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Potential Line Inheritance: Potter, Black, Peverell, Slytherin
Potential Magical Inheritance: Animagi, Necromancy, Death magic, Parsel-magic, mage sight
Vaults: #1 Mortis Vault, #3 Peverell Vault, #5 Secondary Peverell Vault, #12 Black Trust Vault, #132 Potter Family Vault, #136 Potter Trust Vault.
1 Prophecy (department of mysteries)
Medical Issues: Malnourishment, bad eyesight, Rickets, Vitamin D deficiency, Horcrux (Thomas Marvolo Riddle)
Harry sat there in stunned disbelief...they were alive??? His parents were alive??
"Are you sure this is correct master Goldaxe?" Harry asked, desperately.
Percival gave Harry a sad look as he turned fierce eyes on Goldaxe. Goldaxe for his part looked vaguely insulted.
"All of our tests are a hundred percent accurate! Especially the ones done using a client's blood! They literally can't be wrong little wizard." Goldaxe said, his teeth bared.
"Oh, Harry I'm so sorry..." Percival trailed off.
"It's okay Percival they clearly didn't want me. My Aunt told me they died in a car accident. And that stupid letter says that they died in an attack. All these lies...why? What were they all for? I ended up living with horrible people! They demeaned me, starved me, and hurt me! Meanwhile, my parents are living some perfect life without me! How could they? I...I...I hate them!" Harry sobbed.
Harry rubbed away the oncoming tears. He turned misty eyes to Goldaxe.
"Who is Albus Dumbledore? Harry demanded.
Percival had given him however little information he knew. Why was this man his magical guardian? And what did that mean for Harry specifically?
Goldaxe gave him a surprised look.
"You don't know? How can you not know? Goldaxe asked, surprised.
Harry gritted his teeth angrily.
"I just learned I was magical a few weeks ago! I don't know what you're talking about! Nor do I know who this Albus Dumbledore is!" Harry exclaimed, frustrated.
Why did this creature assume Harry knew who this man was?
"Well, maybe I should start from the very beginning. On October 31st, 1981, a man named Thomas Marvolo Riddle aka Lord Voldemort came after you. According to Dumbledore the dark lord was after you specifically. The prophecy listed in your inheritance test was made. It named a child with your birthday as his vanquisher. Supposedly your parents died protecting you that night. As the dark lord turned his wand on you. The killing curse backfired killing him and leaving you alive. That was the night you became famous." Goldaxe replied.
"What kind of monster tries to murder a baby? And if this dark lord died who spread the story around afterwards? If my parents faked their deaths who told the events of that night?" Harry asked, furiously.
It was a valid question. If his parents were playing dead, they couldn't be the ones spread rumors. Also, why would anyone talk about it? Why would Harry specifically be famous? Why not his parents?
"Dumbledore was the one to tell the tale as it were. Soon after the attack Sirius Black came upon the scene. He reportedly handed you to Rebeus Hagrid and went after Peter Pettigrew. Pettigrew was one of your parent's closest friends. The wizarding world assumed that Black was your parent's secret keeper. In reality Pettigrew was made secret keeper to throw the dark lord off. He was the only one who knew where your parents were hiding. And he gave that information to the dark lord. We know the truth as all properties put under Fidelus charms are kept at Gringotts. We have to know due to inheritance issues. As well as knowing who swore what. Most wizards don't know that once a Fidelus is sworn. A magically produced document lists the participants. Then gets filed away into the respective person's vault. " Goldaxe finished.
Well, that answered the mystery of the mysterious attack on his parents. But left so many more in its wake.
"So, everyone just took the word of a man who wasn't even there? Are people really that daft here? I assume there is more?" Harry asked.
"Yes. Black cornered Pettigrew and during the confrontation thirteen muggles died. Supposedly Pettigrew died too though he is very much alive. Or so according to Gringotts's records he is. The entire wizarding world believes your godfather is guilty. He has had no trial...there isn't even a record of Auror's questioning him. They just locked him up and left him to rot. You disappeared from public sight. And the legend of the boy who lived was born. You Mr. Potter are the only person to survive a killing curse." Goldaxe finished.
Greeeeeat. That was all he needed famous on top of being abandoned. More importantly what was wrong with wizarding law? Was this a common occurrence?
"So, Pettigrew frames Black for murdering muggles and my parents. And my very alive parents just left him to rot in prison? My parents must be truly despicable people to leave their friend in prison. He committed no crimes and yet he's locked up and disgraced. That's just great...and without godparents I ended up at the Dursley's. I always had this picture in my head about what they'd be like. But the more I'm hearing and the more magic reveals. I... I just can't...just why? Enough of that for now you never fully answered my question. Who is Albus Dumbledore to me specifically?" Harry asked, frustrated.
Today was just a kaleidoscope of emotions that gave Harry whiplash. He'd allowed himself to feel a modicum of happiness on finding his parents alive. Right before cold reality clawed through him tearing his expectations down. They were alive and he'd been left with his monster relatives. Why didn't they want him? And why would they leave their friend in prison? Harry had more questions than answers. And he was beginning to have a headache as well. Pain....and anger...so much anger at his parents...at Dumbledore. Harry looked into Percival's dark eyes. The man had been silent this whole time listening. Percival gave him a reassuring look as Harry sucked in a rushed breath.
"As your magical guardian he is technically responsible for you. He is supposed to check on you regularly if you don't live with him. Dumbledore was tasked with your safety and he clearly failed at it. Dumbledore was supposed to manage your accounts as your guardian. But with your parents living, he more than likely doesn't have access to the vaults." Goldaxe stated.
And just when Harry thought it couldn't possibly be any worse. The man was actually responsible for him? And yet...Harry was left with those monsters. Dumbledore was just yet another person who didn't want him. Was he really such a freak that nobody wanted him?
"Percival what do I do?" Harry asked.
Harry had thought nothing could ruin how he felt about this day. How naïve Harry had been to think that.
"Is Harry able to get free of Dumbledore's guardianship?" Percival asked, thoughtfully.
"Well, if he accepts a lordship, it won't matter how old he is. If lady magic deems him fit enough, he would be considered an adult. Out of all the possible inheritance's there is only one that is a lordship. Though it's never named a Potter lord." Goldaxe said.
Harry bit his lip.
"I want to try." Harry said, determination shining in his eyes.
Whatever was going on with his parents and Dumbledore. Well, Harry wanted nothing to do with any of it. Goldaxe fished the largest ring from inside the bowl. His bony fingers offered it to Harry impatiently. A shiver went down Harry's spine as he looked at the ring. Carefully he wrapped his fingers around the ring taking it from Goldaxe. It felt so...so cold. It had a gold band and a large square cut black gem. But the most eye-catching part of the ring was the silver lines. They were inside the gem rather than being marred by etchings. It was a triangle, inside a circle with a line bisecting it. Harry thought it looked like an eye...almost like a slitted cat's eye. Harry's hand shook as the ring radiated coldness. He slipped it on his right ring finger. Harry gasped as the cold seeped into his bones. The prickling fiery cold spread up his arm and through his body.
In that moment Harry could've sworn he heard a chuckle. Then he heard....
"My Little master."
That whisper sent shivers through his small frame. And as suddenly as the cold had encased him it was gone. Warmth spread throughout him as Harry stroked the gem on his finger.
"Congratulations Lord Peverell. Now is there anything else I can assist you with?" Goldaxe asked.
"Yes, he needs a gold pouch attached to his vaults and a portfolio of all his holdings." Percival said.
Goldaxe left the office for a few minutes. In that time Harry struggled with hurt and frustration.
"Harry are you alright?" Percival asked.
Wow, that was a loaded question after everything that happened.
"No...no I'm not. How could they Percival? Was I not worth sticking around for?" Harry asked, brokenly.
"I'm so sorry Harry. I really don't know why they did what they did. But it's their loss Harry can't you see that. You're a wonderful child who deserved far more than what you got." Percival replied.
Harry smiled at his friend weakly. Goldaxe came back in with a heavy looking portfolio and placed it in front of Harry. A small emerald-green pouch was on top of it. Another question bubbled to the surface from earlier.
"About your other three rings, the heir rings do you want them?" Goldaxe asked.
He looked down at the Potter, Slytherin, and Black heir rings. Harry shook his head and pushed the bowl away from him. He had no intentions to claim the Potter ring ever. And the Black ring would draw attention. As would the Slytherin heirship. Sighing he decided to ask another question instead.
"Hey Goldaxe what's a Horcrux? And can it be removed?" Harry asked.
Percival sucked in a harsh breath next to him.
"A Horcrux is a vile form of twisted soul magic. The dark lord severed a piece of his soul off, and it ended up in your scar. The good news is that it can be removed but it is rather dangerous. Depending on how large the soul piece is. Will depend on how hard you will have to fight for your soul and body. If it doesn't possess and take your body, it will try to kill you instead." Goldaxe said, gravely.
He paled at the thought...soul piece??? Panic clawed its way up his throat choking him. Harry sucked in a paralyzing breath as the panic rode him. Slowly he opened his eyes and narrowed them with determination. Harry would be free... from all of them.
"I want it out! But more than even that I don't want them either! If my parents didn't want me than I don't want them!" Harry said, his jaw stubbornly set.
"Of course, we can arrange a time for tomorrow to remove the Horcrux. As for your desire to rid yourself of your parents it is a possibility. You wouldn't just be giving up the Potter name and legacy. You'd also lose the Potter family magic and any inheritance rights. You still have the Black and Peverell magic's so you wouldn't make yourself a squib. But it will change you in ways that will be unforeseen. It could be your appearance, the way your magic feels, it can also be something more subtle. Like it could change the way you express emotions. Or even a subtle personality shift though it's rare. You should consider changing your name as well. It's too well known in the magical world, and many may seek to bind you using your name. It's not uncommon for people to have more than one name. They have the name they tell everyone. And then they have the magically binding name. But I think you should wait until tomorrow. One shouldn't make life altering choices while upset." Goldaxe said.
Harry wanted to yell and scream his anger and pain. He wanted to demand the short creature destroy his connection to them immediately!
"Harry he's right this is too big to decide right now. I think we should just find a place to stay for the night. You need to think about this...really think about it. Because once it's done it can't be undone. You're basically magically disowning yourself. And in doing so removing some of the family magic you were born with." Percival said, his voice low and soothing.
It was like Percival had thrown cold water on him. Suddenly Harry just felt tired...so tired.
"Where's the closest inn?" Harry asked, tiredly.
"The Leaky Cauldron rents rooms. They are the closest and less questionable of establishments." Goldaxe replied.
Harry shut Percival's box without preamble. He stuffed the box and his portfolio into his bag. After hefting both bags onto his shoulder Harry made for the door. He turned back to Goldaxe.
"May your gold never stop flowing and your enemies bleed." Harry said.
The office door banged shut as Harry left. Jaggedtooth had come back to escort him back out into the lobby. Harry barely remembered his trip back to the Leaky Cauldron. He gave Tom the name of one of his schoolmates. And was registered for room #8. Once inside he locked the door and unceremoniously dumped his bags on the floor. He took Percival's box out and kicked off his shoes as he went. After perching the box up on the nightstand, he activated it. After taking off his glasses Harry listened to Percival's comforting words.
But it wasn't enough as a sob ripped from his throat. Harry curled into himself and just let everything he'd been holding in go.
Percival-
Percival watched feeling helpless as Harry broke in front of him. The sobs broke his heart...and there was nothing he could do. Loki popped his head out of Percival's pocket. He cursed as Loki evaded his hands deftly. The little Niffler wiggled trough the mirror before Percival could stop him. Loki came out and jumped on the bed near Harry. Harry didn't even move from his position. He was laying on his side his head pillowed in his arms. Cautiously Loki moved closer to Harry. Loki snuffled at Harry's hand with his snout. A distressed squeak left Loki as he placed a paw on Harry's face.
Harry grabbed Loki and cuddled him close burying his face in Loki's fur. Percival was never so happy to have his furry roommate as he was in that moment.