Chapter 3
Snape hadn't immediately let him return to the Dursleys. He had first given him strict instructions on what to do when he did return.
"You will not have to worry about your physical wounds, because they will be healed when you awaken. However, your blocks can only be removed by a goblin Healer. Take the Knight Bus to Gringotts and ask for a private and anonymous meeting with Accountant Scythestrike. No one will know you are there.
"Ask for a Blood Test. It will tell you your lordships and heirships, your magical level and core, and, among other things, what blocks the old man put on you. There may also be a love potion.
"You will need to, once the goblins have removed any harmful magic, take your lordships and heirships, as well as any seats on the Wizengamot you may have. Or, if you prefer, to ask someone else to vote in your place. The longer we keep Dumbledore from discovering your newfound knowledge and power, the better.
"The goblins may also give you a list of books to read. You were never given the Muggleborn list."
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Harry woke abruptly. There was also a heavy black book lying on his chest, emitting faint black mist. Harry sat up and took a look at it.
%A Guide to Being Death's Apprentice%
What the-
Language.
Harry jumped and almost knocked the book to the floor. WHAT THE-
Ten points from Gryffindor.
I'm not even at school! Harry complained. How are you in my head?
I am not. I am communicating to you via your mind. I cannot do this at all times. I only came to tell you that if you need me, call out with your magic and I will be here.
Harry felt something stir in his chest at that. Snape was obviously trying to make up for his past behavior, even if it had been fake. And he also cared for Harry.
...how do I do that?
You will know. I have souls to collect and lessons to plan, Harry, so I will see you atHogwarts.
And then he was gone. Harry pinched his nose, both amused and annoyed. For all Snape's changes, he was still Snape.
With a sigh, Harry got up.
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"What do you want?" the goblin teller asked coolly.
"I'd like an anonymous and private meeting with Accountant Scythestrike, please, sir," Harry said quietly.
The goblin stared at him incredulously. "I don't know what you're on about, human, but-" he suddenly choked.
"I suggest you obey him, unless you want to face mywrath," Harry heard his father hiss. No one but the teller had reacted.
The goblin cleared his throat, looking pale. "Ah, yes. Er..." He snapped his fingers, and another goblin appeared. "Take this young wizard to -- to Scythestrike."
The new goblin gave Harry an awed, terrified look, and beckoned to him. Harry quickly followed.
Instead of tunnels, he found himself in a hall of offices. The two of them walked a long way, almost to the end of the hall, and stopped in front of a looming black door. The runner goblin knocked.
The door opened slowly, silently, revealing a small room. It looked like a regular office, but the walls, floor, and ceiling were black, and there was a shelf of various animal skulls behind the door.
The goblin behind the desk looked up and smiled eerily. "Ah, Heir Mortem. I wondered when I would see you."
The teller fainted dead away.