Chapter 34
Chapter 34
'The Prewett vaults have been locked for years. Muriel has her properties and her annual allowance but nothing else. The gobins do not have it on record that the current Lord Prewetts have perished but they are willing to grant interim Lord status until such time as the missing Lords are proven alive or dead.'
‘What do you mean you have no proof they are dead? It's been nearly 30 years.’
‘We understand that but their personal vaults have not passed on to you or any other family members. We believe that they are being held captive somewhere.’
Charlie and Arthur are stunned. They sit in silence for several moments before the goblin clears his throat. ‘Place your hand on this stack of parchments and feed your magic into them. This will conclude the Lordship transfer. You now have access to the family vaults and your personal vault.’
‘I need a full accounting of everything I have access to.’
‘Return in 2 hours time and we will have everything ready for review. Thank you.’
Arthur suggests lunch to discuss more about what Charlie needs to know. When they return to the bank they are immediately escorted to an office where there are many large stacks of papers waiting for them.
‘Thank you for returning. When we were compiling our information we came across some interesting information regarding Mrs. Molly Weasley. In anticipation of the outcome of that information we also compiled all documents pertaining to your house Lord Weasley.’
‘What did y--’
Arthur cut his son off. You respect the goblins and thank them before you inquire so as not to be rude. This method cuts down on the fees they charge annually. To most it is not noticeable but the Weasley’s do not need that kind of penalty over their accounts.
‘Thank you for gathering my house information. You didn't have to but I will take this opportunity to review everything. Will you share with us the interesting thing first?’
‘Your wife has 3 vaults. One labeled Weasley, one labeled Prewett and a third with her middle name listed as the surname.’
‘That is curious news. Thank you for informing me. As her current head of house and her former house’s head we both needed to be aware of this information. Are the contents substantial?’
‘In the third vault, yes. In the other two it is dismal.’
‘Alright. Please take a finders fee out of the third vault for your efforts. May we have some time to review these documents?’
‘Of course. I think I will gather my finders fee and take my lunch. Let the goblin at the door know if you need anything before I return.’
‘Thank you.’
After the goblin left, Arthur turned to his son. ‘I know you have questions about what just happened but now is not the time or place. Let's look through these like we planned and I promise I will answer your questions later.’
‘Alright.’ Arthur pulled the nearest stick toward Charlie.
‘As Lord Prewett you can decide if I am allowed to look at anything in these piles. If you chose not to, I will not be offended. You can also decide if you want an advocate to help you learn all the ramifications of being a Lord. I offer you my services. But as I am not in your house you can request someone else. Your Aunt Muriel would be helpful in answering your questions either way. At this time I don't recommend Molly as she clearly had no intention of letting you know of your heritage.’
‘I formally request your assistance in house matters father.’
‘I would be honored to help you son. Let's get started.’
They spend the next hour sifting through documents detailing properties and items stored in the family vaults. There is an inventory of the missing Lord Prewetts vaults but access is not permitted. Charlie may not be overly rich but he will be able to live comfortably for his lifetime as well as keep family comfortable as well if needed.
‘Why did mum keep this from me? I could have helped with everyone's Hogwarts tuition. We all knew you were struggling and wanted to help.’
‘I have no idea. We can ask her when we return to England. Now I am going to go through my stuff. You are welcome to observe and ask any questions you think of.’
Arthur pulls his stack to him and Charlie realizes how badly his father has struggled. They barely covered tuition the last 3 years. And with the war it's getting harder to work extra hours.
‘Everything is in order except for that other account. I have no idea where she got all that money.’ The door to the room opens and the goblin returns. ‘Ah hello again. We were just finishing up.’
‘Is everything in order?’
‘Almost everything, yes. If it is not too much trouble can you gain the records on the entirety of this account? We need to know that everything was obtained legally.’
‘I actually got that on my way back here. Does it look legal?’
Glancing through the new documents Arthur frowns. ‘I'm not sure if it is but I want to look into it further before assuming anything. Please take another finder's fee and we never discussed this account nor have I seen these documents.’
‘Of course. Those are all your personal copies. Would you like to take them with you? Or we can store them for you. No added fee this time.’
‘Store them in a new personal vault that only I am able to access.’
‘Of course. It will be set up immediately.’
‘Lord Prewett, are there any concerns with vaults?’
‘Not at this time. Please follow the instructions on this note after we leave. Take the fee from my personal vault.’ Arthur looks at his son, wondering what could possibly be on a note that he would not want to say out loud.
‘Of course.’ A moment later as they are escorted to the main lobby, Charlie gasps.
‘I almost forgot. I need to make a withdrawal.’
‘Right this way and we can arrange that for you.’ Charlie removes enough to cover the expenses for the week and they leave the bank.
When they apparate to Charlie's place he turns to his father.
‘Did I almost offend the goblin?’
‘Never ask anything outright. Always start with pleasantries. As a Lord they will hold your actions against your entire house. Your behavior will dictate the amount of taxes and fees your house will pay, per vault, and any other time they feel like charging you. I had this talk with Bill but I didn't think any of the rest of my children would have to face being a Lord. I apologize for the oversight.’
‘It's alright I knew they were sensitive. I have a Mastery in magical creatures after all. I just didn't realize that particular nuance. Sometimes it's hard to remember to discuss nuances. I understand.’
*.*
‘Blay, Why are you reading when I am right here. Normally we are already kissing.
‘Go away,’ he whispers, ‘I’m busy.’
‘You’re always busy lately.’ she pouts.
‘I thought you might be able to take a hint.’ His eyes never leave the book. ‘Clearly you have not. I’m not interested, please leave.’
‘Blay, don’t be like that. We have had so much fun together.’ She places her arms around him in a hug. Blaise raises his arm to push her away and catches sight of Lyra.
‘Hey I didn’t see you there.’ He stands quickly and the Hufflepuff pulls away with a look of disgust.
‘Is she why you won't touch me anymore? Are you serious? What could she possibly have that I don't.’
‘You need to leave now, we are going to study. Right Lyra? Blaise asks.
‘Oh yes I was about to study but I was interrupted by her ramblings. I had to see who was being
that loud in the library. If you don’t leave I will give you detention for interfering in others studies.’
‘You bitch. I will not be talked to this way no matter who you are.’
‘Vane? Lyra asks Blaise.
He nods. ‘Elle vane 7th year puff. Her twin is in my house.’
‘Ah and their sister’s in mine. I suppose I will have to discuss this with your head of house. Blaise walk me there?’
‘You can’t!!’
‘Oh? And why not?’
‘I was just trying to relax, this is my last term.’
‘Try to relax elsewhere then. You might also find someone interested in your pursuits.’
Without another word Miss Vane storms off towards the library exit.
‘Thank you. Lyra.’
‘Why is this not the first time I have found you ignoring a female?’
‘I’m trying to change into someone worth dating.’
‘Ah for this mystery girl. Tell me about her?’
‘I —can’t. I— I’m not ready.’
‘Alright no rush. I’ll just go—’
‘No I really was trying to study. Join me?’
‘Sure. Let me grab some books off the shelves.’
*.*
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Hey, everyone sorry for the long wait, my computer got some water damage. I learned that I can link a bluetooth keyboard to my phone. That is a fun experience. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. With luck there will be more soon.