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| author | Julian Blake Kongslie | 2013-07-30 22:30:32 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Julian Blake Kongslie | 2013-07-30 22:30:32 -0700 |
| commit | 395aeb38acbba92d6156f29e5028b41361f4bf01 (patch) | |
| tree | 534dd8cd79cba03d0f6754d256fa19971fcab73f /novellas/a-little-greed | |
| parent | Reflow text. (diff) | |
| download | writing-395aeb38acbba92d6156f29e5028b41361f4bf01.tar.xz | |
Reflow text.
Diffstat (limited to 'novellas/a-little-greed')
| -rw-r--r-- | novellas/a-little-greed/02-honor.mdwn | 308 |
1 files changed, 161 insertions, 147 deletions
diff --git a/novellas/a-little-greed/02-honor.mdwn b/novellas/a-little-greed/02-honor.mdwn index 66b9729..718ca52 100644 --- a/novellas/a-little-greed/02-honor.mdwn +++ b/novellas/a-little-greed/02-honor.mdwn | |||
| @@ -10,25 +10,25 @@ often than he lost; the boy had acquired a handsome collection of trophies. But | |||
| 10 | against his peers, his only hope was exploiting the environment and taking them | 10 | against his peers, his only hope was exploiting the environment and taking them |
| 11 | by surprise. | 11 | by surprise. |
| 12 | 12 | ||
| 13 | *Trickery,* that's what it was. He was good at it, but it wasn't the way battles | 13 | *Trickery,* that's what it was. He was good at it, but it wasn't the way |
| 14 | should be fought. Goblins wore their intentions on their sleeves, and Harry was | 14 | battles should be fought. Goblins wore their intentions on their sleeves, and |
| 15 | far more subtle than any other in his clan. | 15 | Harry was far more subtle than any other in his clan. |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| 17 | There was an old Goblin saying, «Every father learns his son is not a Warlord.» | 17 | There was an old Goblin saying, «Every father learns his son is not a Warlord.» |
| 18 | Sharpaxe, perhaps, learned this somewhat earlier than most. | 18 | Sharpaxe, perhaps, learned this somewhat earlier than most. |
| 19 | 19 | ||
| 20 | In other ways, however, Harry was a unique delight to raise. Goblins lived their | 20 | In other ways, however, Harry was a unique delight to raise. Goblins lived |
| 21 | lives quickly, and Sharpaxe had feared that Harry would not be able to complete | 21 | their lives quickly, and Sharpaxe had feared that Harry would not be able to |
| 22 | his education with his peers at the age of 8. But Harry was intelligent, and far | 22 | complete his education with his peers at the age of 8. But Harry was |
| 23 | more curious and inquisitive than any of his peers; he had easily risen to the | 23 | intelligent, and far more curious and inquisitive than any of his peers; he |
| 24 | challenge and excelled beyond any expectation. | 24 | had easily risen to the challenge and excelled beyond any expectation. |
| 25 | 25 | ||
| 26 | Under glamours to appear as a Goblin to the foolish wizards, he had already | 26 | Under glamours to appear as a Goblin to the foolish wizards, he had already |
| 27 | worked as a teller on the main floor of Gringotts, and spent time apprenticed in | 27 | worked as a teller on the main floor of Gringotts, and spent time apprenticed |
| 28 | several different departments. Sharpaxe held no doubt that he would make a fine | 28 | in several different departments. Sharpaxe held no doubt that he would make a |
| 29 | foreman or subchief someday, responsible for millions of galleons in assets. | 29 | fine foreman or subchief someday, responsible for millions of galleons in |
| 30 | With luck, and his longer lifespan, he could easily be a department Head. Harry | 30 | assets. With luck, and his longer lifespan, he could easily be a department |
| 31 | would certainly bring honor and glory to his clan. | 31 | Head. Harry would certainly bring honor and glory to his clan. |
| 32 | 32 | ||
| 33 | <hr /> | 33 | <hr /> |
| 34 | 34 | ||
| @@ -48,9 +48,9 @@ from lies? Unthinkable! | |||
| 48 | 48 | ||
| 49 | Ragnok quieted the assembly shortly, and demanded simply, «Explain!» | 49 | Ragnok quieted the assembly shortly, and demanded simply, «Explain!» |
| 50 | 50 | ||
| 51 | «We Goblins,» here Harry included himself, «do not lie. Our oaths are our honor. | 51 | «We Goblins,» here Harry included himself, «do not lie. Our oaths are our |
| 52 | Everyone knows this. But the Wizards do not trust in honor, and demand our oaths | 52 | honor. Everyone knows this. But the Wizards do not trust in honor, and demand |
| 53 | be contracts with magic.» | 53 | our oaths be contracts with magic.» |
| 54 | 54 | ||
| 55 | This was true. Amongst the Goblins, oaths were simple and direct; a common | 55 | This was true. Amongst the Goblins, oaths were simple and direct; a common |
| 56 | farewell was «On my honor, I have not betrayed you today.» But by treaty, any | 56 | farewell was «On my honor, I have not betrayed you today.» But by treaty, any |
| @@ -61,23 +61,23 @@ oath would ensure its truth; either the Goblin who swore it was truthful, or | |||
| 61 | they would die. Goblins universally resented such a slight against their honor; | 61 | they would die. Goblins universally resented such a slight against their honor; |
| 62 | no Goblin would willingly be called Oathbreaker! | 62 | no Goblin would willingly be called Oathbreaker! |
| 63 | 63 | ||
| 64 | Harry continued, «Lacksack's life is already forfeit. Instead of executing him, | 64 | Harry continued, «Lacksack's life is already forfeit. Instead of executing |
| 65 | use him to present a false contract to a wealthy client. The lazy wizard will | 65 | him, use him to present a false contract to a wealthy client. The lazy wizard |
| 66 | not read the contract, as they never do, Lacksack will swear on his blood, the | 66 | will not read the contract, as they never do, Lacksack will swear on his |
| 67 | wizard will sign, and Lacksack will be gone from the room before he dies. Goblin | 67 | blood, the wizard will sign, and Lacksack will be gone from the room before he |
| 68 | honor is retained; the oath is true, it is not our fault that the foolish wizard | 68 | dies. Goblin honor is retained; the oath is true, it is not our fault that the |
| 69 | will assume Lacksack would not willingly die.» | 69 | foolish wizard will assume Lacksack would not willingly die.» |
| 70 | 70 | ||
| 71 | A genuinely new idea to the Goblin mindset. There was little honor lost in lying | 71 | A genuinely new idea to the Goblin mindset. There was little honor lost in |
| 72 | to a wizard; they showed by their treaties and their laws that they had no honor | 72 | lying to a wizard; they showed by their treaties and their laws that they had |
| 73 | themselves. The mechanics of the treaties would seem to prevent such deception, | 73 | no honor themselves. The mechanics of the treaties would seem to prevent such |
| 74 | but Goblins knew a loophole when they saw one, and this was an interesting | 74 | deception, but Goblins knew a loophole when they saw one, and this was an |
| 75 | opportunity. | 75 | interesting opportunity. |
| 76 | 76 | ||
| 77 | Ragnok turned to Lacksack and pronounced, «You have shown yourself to be without | 77 | Ragnok turned to Lacksack and pronounced, «You have shown yourself to be |
| 78 | honor. You have brought shame and disgrace to your family and your clan. This | 78 | without honor. You have brought shame and disgrace to your family and your |
| 79 | child offers you an opportunity to die a warrior's death in service to your | 79 | clan. This child offers you an opportunity to die a warrior's death in service |
| 80 | Bank. Would you die this way?» | 80 | to your Bank. Would you die this way?» |
| 81 | 81 | ||
| 82 | The condemned needed little time to consider such an obvious question. «I would | 82 | The condemned needed little time to consider such an obvious question. «I would |
| 83 | die a warrior's death, and bring what little honor I can back to my name.» | 83 | die a warrior's death, and bring what little honor I can back to my name.» |
| @@ -91,8 +91,8 @@ Harry was proud to have found profit for his Bank. | |||
| 91 | 91 | ||
| 92 | Albus Dumbledore strode in to Gringotts bank early Saturday morning. He had to | 92 | Albus Dumbledore strode in to Gringotts bank early Saturday morning. He had to |
| 93 | renew the loans Hogwarts established for its incoming underprivileged students | 93 | renew the loans Hogwarts established for its incoming underprivileged students |
| 94 | and collect the various forms and monies needed to cover operating costs for the | 94 | and collect the various forms and monies needed to cover operating costs for |
| 95 | new term. | 95 | the new term. |
| 96 | 96 | ||
| 97 | The teller acknowledged his request to meet with Culthok, the Head of Hogwarts | 97 | The teller acknowledged his request to meet with Culthok, the Head of Hogwarts |
| 98 | Accounts, and directed him to a conference room. Shortly thereafter, Albus was | 98 | Accounts, and directed him to a conference room. Shortly thereafter, Albus was |
| @@ -100,68 +100,71 @@ mildly surprised to see a Goblin he did not recognize enter with his documents. | |||
| 100 | 100 | ||
| 101 | "Who are you? I was to meet with Culthok." | 101 | "Who are you? I was to meet with Culthok." |
| 102 | 102 | ||
| 103 | "My apologies, but Culthok is unavailable today because of an internal matter in | 103 | "My apologies, but Culthok is unavailable today because of an internal matter |
| 104 | the Bank. I am Lacksack, and I am authorized to handle your needs today." | 104 | in the Bank. I am Lacksack, and I am authorized to handle your needs today." |
| 105 | 105 | ||
| 106 | "Very well, I assume everything is just as it was previously arranged last | 106 | "Very well, I assume everything is just as it was previously arranged last |
| 107 | year?" | 107 | year?" |
| 108 | 108 | ||
| 109 | Goblins were conservative when scouting unknown territory; the changes in the | 109 | Goblins were conservative when scouting unknown territory; the changes in the |
| 110 | contract reflected this. A slight increase in interest rates on the loans, and a | 110 | contract reflected this. A slight increase in interest rates on the loans, and |
| 111 | single fee duplicated. Nothing that could not be blamed on incompetence in | 111 | a single fee duplicated. Nothing that could not be blamed on incompetence in |
| 112 | transcription on Lacksack's part should the deception be caught. | 112 | transcription on Lacksack's part should the deception be caught. |
| 113 | 113 | ||
| 114 | The briefest of scowls appeared on Lacksack's face, but he knew his duty to his | 114 | The briefest of scowls appeared on Lacksack's face, but he knew his duty to |
| 115 | Bank. He had failed once; never again. "Yes. Here are the contracts for you to | 115 | his Bank. He had failed once; never again. "Yes. Here are the contracts for |
| 116 | sign. I swear on my blood that I have not deceived you or I shall die within the | 116 | you to sign. I swear on my blood that I have not deceived you or I shall die |
| 117 | hour; so mote it be." A brief flash signaled magic's acceptance of the oath. | 117 | within the hour; so mote it be." A brief flash signaled magic's acceptance of |
| 118 | the oath. | ||
| 118 | 119 | ||
| 119 | Satisfied, Albus picked up the blood quill and signed each contract. Less than | 120 | Satisfied, Albus picked up the blood quill and signed each contract. Less than |
| 120 | ten minutes later he left the bank, pleased that the Goblins had not complained | 121 | ten minutes later he left the bank, pleased that the Goblins had not complained |
| 121 | about their lack of profit on the treaty-mandated Hogwarts loans. If only | 122 | about their lack of profit on the treaty-mandated Hogwarts loans. If only |
| 122 | Culthok could be unavailable more often! | 123 | Culthok could be unavailable more often! |
| 123 | 124 | ||
| 124 | Lacksack staggered as he exited the conference room, his blood already starting | 125 | Lacksack staggered as he exited the conference room, his blood already |
| 125 | to boil in his veins. Ragnok awaited him in the office across the hall, and | 126 | starting to boil in his veins. Ragnok awaited him in the office across the |
| 126 | presented a goblet of fine screechsnap wine, the traditional gift to a Goblin | 127 | hall, and presented a goblet of fine screechsnap wine, the traditional gift to |
| 127 | retiring from active duty in the bank. Lacksack drank, and sat to await his | 128 | a Goblin retiring from active duty in the bank. Lacksack drank, and sat to |
| 128 | death. He had regained his honor; the first Liar had brought profit to his Bank. | 129 | await his death. He had regained his honor; the first Liar had brought profit |
| 130 | to his Bank. | ||
| 129 | 131 | ||
| 130 | <hr /> | 132 | <hr /> |
| 131 | 133 | ||
| 132 | As Harry had predicted, the subtle changes were unnoticed, and Gringotts | 134 | As Harry had predicted, the subtle changes were unnoticed, and Gringotts |
| 133 | profited by the lie. A new weapon was added to their banking arsenal, to be used | 135 | profited by the lie. A new weapon was added to their banking arsenal, to be |
| 134 | only with care and restraint lest it be discovered. Only the largest and most | 136 | used only with care and restraint lest it be discovered. Only the largest and |
| 135 | bureaucratically enfeebled clients were targeted, and only meager gains were | 137 | most bureaucratically enfeebled clients were targeted, and only meager gains |
| 136 | sought. Even so, Gringotts profited. What few criminals there were in Goblin | 138 | were sought. Even so, Gringotts profited. What few criminals there were in |
| 137 | society soon found themselves in cells instead of bloody arenas, awaiting not | 139 | Goblin society soon found themselves in cells instead of bloody arenas, |
| 138 | execution but the opportunity to regain a little of their honor as Liars. None | 140 | awaiting not execution but the opportunity to regain a little of their honor |
| 139 | refused. | 141 | as Liars. None refused. |
| 140 | 142 | ||
| 141 | Harry, too, profited. In thanks for his service to the Bank, a very small | 143 | Harry, too, profited. In thanks for his service to the Bank, a very small |
| 142 | percentage of all Liar-derived profits was directed to his accounts. Sharpaxe | 144 | percentage of all Liar-derived profits was directed to his accounts. Sharpaxe |
| 143 | was pleased to be able to reward his son this way. Harry had shown he could use | 145 | was pleased to be able to reward his son this way. Harry had shown he could use |
| 144 | his uniquely Human perspective to bring profit to the Bank; such behaviour | 146 | his uniquely underhanded perspective to bring profit to the Bank; such |
| 145 | should be encouraged. | 147 | behaviour should be encouraged. |
| 146 | 148 | ||
| 147 | <hr /> | 149 | <hr /> |
| 148 | 150 | ||
| 149 | In other ways, Harry's curiosity was a burden on Sharpaxe. He deeply yearned to | 151 | In other ways, Harry's curiosity was a burden on Sharpaxe. He deeply yearned |
| 150 | learn the arts of warding and wardbreaking, but Goblin cursebreakers found his | 152 | to learn the arts of warding and wardbreaking, but Goblin cursebreakers found |
| 151 | magic unsuitable, and none of the Human cursebreakers were trusted with the | 153 | his magic unsuitable, and none of the Human cursebreakers were trusted with |
| 152 | knowledge of Harry's presence within the bank. There was little consensus on the | 154 | the knowledge of Harry's presence within the bank. There was little consensus |
| 153 | nature of Harry's magic; it was known that wizards did not train their young | 155 | on the nature of Harry's magic; it was known that wizards did not train their |
| 154 | until years later, so Sharpaxe could not say if Harry's inability to perform the | 156 | young until years later, so Sharpaxe could not say if Harry's inability to |
| 155 | Goblin wards was inherent to his species or merely a factor of age. Harry | 157 | perform the Goblin wards was inherent to his species or merely a factor of |
| 156 | stubbornly persisted in his attempts; determined to learn one way or the other | 158 | age. Harry stubbornly persisted in his attempts; determined to learn one way |
| 157 | whether he could perform the magic he envied in his peers. | 159 | or the other whether he could perform the magic he envied in his peers. |
| 158 | 160 | ||
| 159 | At the very late (by Goblin standards) age of 9, Harry was rewarded for his | 161 | At the very late (by Goblin standards) age of 9, Harry was rewarded for his |
| 160 | diligence by his first non-accidental magic. It was a weak anti-theft ward, | 162 | diligence by his first non-accidental magic. It was a weak anti-theft ward, |
| 161 | pitiful by Gringotts standards, but true Goblin magic nonetheless. Harry had | 163 | pitiful by Gringotts standards, but true Goblin magic nonetheless. Harry had |
| 162 | some 6 years to make up in his practical education in magic, but with the theory | 164 | some 6 years to make up in his practical education in magic, but with the |
| 163 | already behind him, he made rapid progress. Harry was ecstatic; he would not be | 165 | theory already behind him, he made rapid progress. Harry was ecstatic; he |
| 164 | some weakling wand-waver, but could wield magic on his own power alone! | 166 | would not be some weakling wand-waver, but could wield magic on his own power |
| 167 | alone! | ||
| 165 | 168 | ||
| 166 | For all his relative weakness, Harry had no less of the Goblin lust for battle. | 169 | For all his relative weakness, Harry had no less of the Goblin lust for battle. |
| 167 | He discovered at the age of 6 that he had the talent of speaking in | 170 | He discovered at the age of 6 that he had the talent of speaking in |
| @@ -178,59 +181,60 @@ that the 40-meter-long rockwyrm's name was most closely translated as «Bitey». | |||
| 178 | Harry was also a dutiful student of politics. He understood his role in the | 181 | Harry was also a dutiful student of politics. He understood his role in the |
| 179 | Goblin nation: assist the reputation of Gringotts with his fame, grow to be an | 182 | Goblin nation: assist the reputation of Gringotts with his fame, grow to be an |
| 180 | asset by becoming fully-trained as both a Goblin and a Wizard, assume his | 183 | asset by becoming fully-trained as both a Goblin and a Wizard, assume his |
| 181 | position as the Potter of Potter, claim his seat on the Wizengamot, and become a | 184 | position as the Potter of Potter, claim his seat on the Wizengamot, and become |
| 182 | voice for the Goblins in government. Along the way, he was to collect allies | 185 | a voice for the Goblins in government. Along the way, he was to collect allies |
| 183 | and, if possible, additional proxy votes or other forms of political power. | 186 | and, if possible, additional proxy votes or other forms of political power. |
| 184 | 187 | ||
| 185 | Unfortunately, Harry himself could not be present at Wizengamot meetings; he was | 188 | Unfortunately, Harry himself could not be present at Wizengamot meetings; he |
| 186 | too recognizable even without his scar glamour, and any attempt to more | 189 | was too recognizable even without his scar glamour, and any attempt to more |
| 187 | completely disguise his appearance risked detection by the Ministry wards. | 190 | completely disguise his appearance risked detection by the Ministry wards. |
| 188 | Harry's education would have to be completed by proxy; a muggle-born witch, | 191 | Harry's education would have to be completed by proxy; a muggle-born witch, |
| 189 | dissatisfied with her job opportunities and selected on the basis of being | 192 | dissatisfied with her job opportunities and selected on the basis of being |
| 190 | unlikely to betray the Bank, was hired to dress as a reporter and sit in on as | 193 | unlikely to betray the Bank, was hired to dress as a reporter and sit in on as |
| 191 | many Wizengamot sessions and Ministry meetings as she could, then extract her | 194 | many Wizengamot sessions and Ministry meetings as she could, then extract her |
| 192 | memories of the events at Gringotts. She knew she was something like a spy, of | 195 | memories of the events at Gringotts. She knew she was something like a spy, of |
| 193 | course, but the material she was collecting was technically public knowledge and | 196 | course, but the material she was collecting was technically public knowledge |
| 194 | the Goblins both paid well and never insulted her parentage. | 197 | and the Goblins both paid well and never insulted her parentage. |
| 195 | 198 | ||
| 196 | Eventually, other sources were acquired for Harry to consume. A promising new | 199 | Eventually, other sources were acquired for Harry to consume. A promising new |
| 197 | cursebreaker, one William Weasley, was asked to describe before a panel of young | 200 | cursebreaker, one William Weasley, was asked to describe before a panel of |
| 198 | Goblins (including one under very heavy glamours who asked the most remarkably | 201 | young Goblins (including one under very heavy glamours who asked the most |
| 199 | astute questions) everything he knew about the Ministry and the Ancient and | 202 | remarkably astute questions) everything he knew about the Ministry and the |
| 200 | Noble Houses. Bill enjoyed the experience completely, and agreed to talk to his | 203 | Ancient and Noble Houses. Bill enjoyed the experience completely, and agreed |
| 201 | old neighbors Xenophilius Lovegood and Daedelus Diggory about coming in to do | 204 | to talk to his old neighbors Xenophilius Lovegood and Daedelus Diggory about |
| 202 | the same, all in the name of interspecies relations, of course. | 205 | coming in to do the same, all in the name of interspecies relations, of course. |
| 203 | 206 | ||
| 204 | Harry spent many hours in the Potter family vaults, reading the lore and | 207 | Harry spent many hours in the Potter family vaults, reading the lore and |
| 205 | journals of his family. His mother's wand, recovered from the wreckage at | 208 | journals of his family. His mother's wand, recovered from the wreckage at |
| 206 | Godric's Hollow, was found to be an acceptable match and allowed him to begin | 209 | Godric's Hollow, was found to be an acceptable match and allowed him to begin |
| 207 | his wizarding studies early; Harry resented learning wand-magic, but was no less | 210 | his wizarding studies early; Harry resented learning wand-magic, but was no |
| 208 | skilled for all that, and reluctantly agreed that he was a better asset knowing | 211 | less skilled for all that, and reluctantly agreed that he was a better asset |
| 209 | both true magic and wand-waving. | 212 | knowing both true magic and wand-waving. |
| 210 | 213 | ||
| 211 | Memories donated by human cursebreakers proved to be excellent teaching aides, | 214 | Memories donated by human cursebreakers proved to be excellent teaching aides, |
| 212 | both for their content of magical education and the background context of life | 215 | both for their content of magical education and the background context of life |
| 213 | at Hogwarts, where Harry would eventually attend. Harry spent his free time | 216 | at Hogwarts, where Harry would eventually attend. Harry spent much of his free |
| 214 | devising methods to kill each of the professors who taught there. He felt it | 217 | time devising methods to kill each of the professors who taught there. He felt |
| 215 | unlikely to need such a thing, but contingency plans were better made and | 218 | it unlikely to require such a course of action, but contingency plans were |
| 216 | unneeded than unmade and needed. | 219 | better made and unneeded than unmade and needed. |
| 217 | 220 | ||
| 218 | <hr /> | 221 | <hr /> |
| 219 | 222 | ||
| 220 | While the Goblins wished to maintain Harry's persona as mythically isolated from | 223 | While the Goblins wished to maintain Harry's persona as mythically isolated |
| 221 | the wizarding world, it was still desirable to fan his fame with occasional | 224 | from the wizarding world, it was still desirable to fan his fame with |
| 222 | Potter sightings. As the story spread by Albus Dumbledore was that Harry was | 225 | occasional Potter sightings. As the story spread by Albus Dumbledore was that |
| 223 | safely hidden in the nonmagical world, Sharpaxe generally encouraged Harry to | 226 | Harry was safely hidden in the nonmagical world, Sharpaxe generally encouraged |
| 224 | explore nonmagical London, as long as he was suitably far from Diagon Alley. | 227 | Harry to explore nonmagical London, as long as he was suitably far from Diagon |
| 228 | Alley. | ||
| 225 | 229 | ||
| 226 | Harry greatly enjoyed the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, which he saw many | 230 | Harry greatly enjoyed the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, which he saw many |
| 227 | times. He watched Labyrinth once, and the resulting anger-induced accidental | 231 | times. He watched Labyrinth once, and the resulting anger-induced accidental |
| 228 | magic very nearly burned down the theatre. | 232 | magic very nearly burned down the theatre. |
| 229 | 233 | ||
| 230 | The Potter accounts were soon invested in the muggle film making industry, most | 234 | The Potter accounts were soon heavily invested in the muggle film making |
| 231 | notably Lucasfilm; investments that paid off quite well over the years. David | 235 | industry, most notably Lucasfilm; investments that paid off quite well over |
| 232 | Bowie received what he assumed was a very strange fan letter informing him that | 236 | the years. David Bowie received what he assumed was a very strange fan letter |
| 233 | he was now banned for life from the Goblin realm. | 237 | informing him that he was now banned for life from the Goblin realm. |
| 234 | 238 | ||
| 235 | Harry's visits to muggle London also served to widen the variety of food served | 239 | Harry's visits to muggle London also served to widen the variety of food served |
| 236 | within the mines of Gringotts. Goblin delicacies were largely inedible or | 240 | within the mines of Gringotts. Goblin delicacies were largely inedible or |
| @@ -249,20 +253,20 @@ somewhat endeared muggles to Ragnok, however, and he began to look at them in a | |||
| 249 | new light. | 253 | new light. |
| 250 | 254 | ||
| 251 | Certainly the muggleborn wand-wavers tended to be politer and more respectful | 255 | Certainly the muggleborn wand-wavers tended to be politer and more respectful |
| 252 | when in the bank. And the investments and culinary discoveries Harry had made in | 256 | when in the bank. And the investments and culinary discoveries Harry had made |
| 253 | London had proved worthwhile. Perhaps some old traditions of isolation deserved | 257 | in London had proved worthwhile. Perhaps some old traditions of isolation |
| 254 | reconsideration. | 258 | deserved reconsideration. |
| 255 | 259 | ||
| 256 | The muggle economy was *enormous* in comparison to that of wizarding Britain. In | 260 | The muggle economy was *enormous* in comparison to that of wizarding Britain. |
| 257 | London alone, more wealth changed hands in a day than all of Gringotts saw in a | 261 | In London alone, more wealth changed hands in a day than all of Gringotts saw |
| 258 | year. This was an opportunity for profit, and an opportunity for a degree more | 262 | in a year. This was an opportunity for profit, and an opportunity for a degree |
| 259 | independence from the foolish wand-wavers. | 263 | more independence from the foolish wand-wavers. |
| 260 | 264 | ||
| 261 | Gringotts made discreet inquiries towards squibs known to be working in muggle | 265 | Gringotts made discreet inquiries towards squibs known to be working in muggle |
| 262 | banking institutions, and gradually some informal partnerships were established. | 266 | banking institutions, and gradually some informal partnerships were |
| 263 | Gringotts would invest more and more heavily in the muggle world, in addition to | 267 | established. Gringotts would invest more and more heavily in the muggle world, |
| 264 | providing subtle security for their partners and acting as a mining concern and | 268 | in addition to providing subtle security for their partners and acting as a |
| 265 | provider of rare minerals. | 269 | mining concern and provider of rare minerals. |
| 266 | 270 | ||
| 267 | Approaches were made to the muggle Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. She was, | 271 | Approaches were made to the muggle Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. She was, |
| 268 | by treaty, aware of the wizarding world, and supposedly kept up-to-date on | 272 | by treaty, aware of the wizarding world, and supposedly kept up-to-date on |
| @@ -270,40 +274,41 @@ wizarding affairs by the Minister of Magic. In reality, she had never even been | |||
| 270 | introduced, and only knew Cornelius Fudge's name because of the very limited | 274 | introduced, and only knew Cornelius Fudge's name because of the very limited |
| 271 | profile compiled by her security teams. | 275 | profile compiled by her security teams. |
| 272 | 276 | ||
| 273 | Needless to say, she had a healthy dislike of wizards. Ragnok got along with her | 277 | Needless to say, she had a healthy dislike of wizards. Ragnok got along with |
| 274 | famously, and an agreement to allow the Goblins to make limited introductions | 278 | her famously, and an agreement to allow the Goblins to make limited |
| 275 | and integrate with the muggle economic machine. In return, Gringotts was happy | 279 | introductions and integrate with the muggle economic machine. In return, |
| 276 | to share some of its intelligence with the muggle government, and through use of | 280 | Gringotts was happy to share some of its intelligence with the muggle |
| 277 | glamours give the occasional MI5 official a tour of wizarding Britain, or give | 281 | government, and through use of glamours give the occasional MI5 official a |
| 278 | the occasional dignitary a dragon ride. | 282 | tour of wizarding Britain, or give the occasional dignitary a dragon ride. |
| 279 | 283 | ||
| 280 | In less than 10 years, Gringotts was on infinitely better terms with the Queen's | 284 | In less than 10 years, Gringotts was on infinitely better terms with the |
| 281 | government than the Ministry of Magic. | 285 | Queen's government than the Ministry of Magic. |
| 282 | 286 | ||
| 283 | Gradually, the wealth of Gringotts was diversified. No longer would it be tied | 287 | Gradually, the wealth of Gringotts was diversified. No longer would it be tied |
| 284 | to magnificent piles of gold and silver; Ragnok himself was instated as the 37th | 288 | to magnificent piles of gold and silver; Ragnok himself was instated as the |
| 285 | partner of the Baillie Gifford investment firm, which immediately began a | 289 | 37th partner of the Baillie Gifford investment firm, which immediately began a |
| 286 | progressive and strategic reappraisal of Bank assets and services. | 290 | progressive and strategic reappraisal of Bank assets and services. |
| 287 | 291 | ||
| 288 | By an old treaty with the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts was allowed to charge | 292 | By an old treaty with the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts was allowed to charge |
| 289 | different rates to purebloods and non-purebloods so long as "those of the most | 293 | different rates to purebloods and non-purebloods so long as "those of the most |
| 290 | noble bearing and lineage are not negatively affected." Obviously, this had been | 294 | noble bearing and lineage are not negatively affected." Obviously, this had |
| 291 | intended by the Wizengamot as a means to further disadvantage muggleborns and | 295 | been intended by the Wizengamot as a means to further disadvantage muggleborns |
| 292 | halfbloods. Gringotts' previous stance had been to not exercise this clause; the | 296 | and halfbloods. Gringotts' previous stance had been to not exercise this |
| 293 | Goblins were magnanimously equal in their dislike of all wizardkind. | 297 | clause; the Goblins were magnanimously equal in their dislike of all |
| 298 | wizardkind. | ||
| 294 | 299 | ||
| 295 | Now, Ragnok had decided to exercise that clause. The appropriate standard for | 300 | Now, Ragnok had decided to exercise that clause. The appropriate standard for |
| 296 | "most noble bearing and lineage" was chosen to be the inarguably qualified Queen | 301 | "most noble bearing and lineage" was chosen to be the inarguably qualified |
| 297 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Windsor | 302 | Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Windsor |
| 298 | (muggle). With a legal cause for discrimination against pureblood wizards now | 303 | (muggle). With a legal cause for discrimination against pureblood wizards now |
| 299 | established, Gringotts began a slow and systematic process of manipulating | 304 | established, Gringotts began a slow and systematic process of manipulating |
| 300 | exchange rates and loans to shuffle money away from the ruling oligarchy and | 305 | exchange rates and loans to shuffle money away from the ruling oligarchy and |
| 301 | towards the progressive and disenfranchised elements of wizarding society. | 306 | towards the progressive and disenfranchised elements of wizarding society. |
| 302 | 307 | ||
| 303 | By the time Harry Potter was to ascend to his seat in the Wizengamot, Gringotts | 308 | By the time Harry Potter was to ascend to his seat in the Wizengamot, |
| 304 | expected society to be well-prepared for him to enact sweeping reforms. If | 309 | Gringotts expected society to be well-prepared for him to enact sweeping |
| 305 | nothing else, the deflation they were causing among the conservatives would make | 310 | reforms. If nothing else, the deflation they were causing among the |
| 306 | bribes easier for any progressive faction. | 311 | conservatives would make bribes easier for any progressive faction. |
| 307 | 312 | ||
| 308 | <hr /> | 313 | <hr /> |
| 309 | 314 | ||
| @@ -313,17 +318,17 @@ age group. Harry was apprenticed to Healer Goldknife, it being felt that | |||
| 313 | experience with Human anatomy would be the most useful skill he could learn in | 318 | experience with Human anatomy would be the most useful skill he could learn in |
| 314 | his remaining time before Hogwarts. | 319 | his remaining time before Hogwarts. |
| 315 | 320 | ||
| 316 | The Ascension had other ramifications. As an officially-recognized adult member | 321 | The Ascension had other ramifications. As an officially-recognized adult |
| 317 | of Goblin society, Harry was now by treaty recognized as an adult in wizarding | 322 | member of Goblin society, Harry was now by treaty recognized as an adult in |
| 318 | society as well. He could not yet claim his seat on the Wizengamot, as that body | 323 | wizarding society as well. He could not yet claim his seat on the Wizengamot, |
| 319 | was specifically limited to persons at least 18 years of age, but his | 324 | as that body was specifically limited to persons at least 18 years of age, but |
| 320 | emancipated status did allow him to assign a voting proxy. | 325 | his emancipated status did allow him to assign a voting proxy. |
| 321 | 326 | ||
| 322 | A proxy that was currently filled by Albus Dumbledore, one of the most | 327 | A proxy that was currently filled by Albus Dumbledore, one of the most |
| 323 | conservative members. | 328 | conservative members. |
| 324 | 329 | ||
| 325 | Unfortunately, as two years still remained before Harry would be revealed to the | 330 | Unfortunately, as two years still remained before Harry would be revealed to |
| 326 | wizarding public as a Goblin, no attempt could be made to change the proxy | 331 | the wizarding public as a Goblin, no attempt could be made to change the proxy |
| 327 | without revealing far too much too soon. But in the mean time, preparations | 332 | without revealing far too much too soon. But in the mean time, preparations |
| 328 | could be taken so that an adequate proxy would be ready to claim the seat as | 333 | could be taken so that an adequate proxy would be ready to claim the seat as |
| 329 | soon as Harry entered Hogwarts. | 334 | soon as Harry entered Hogwarts. |
| @@ -335,6 +340,12 @@ as policy decisions and treaty obligations. Security would be needed, which the | |||
| 335 | Goblin nation would happily provide. As it happened, the biggest sticking point | 340 | Goblin nation would happily provide. As it happened, the biggest sticking point |
| 336 | would be the dress code. | 341 | would be the dress code. |
| 337 | 342 | ||
| 343 | Agent Bond of MI6 was reaching retirement age, anyway. A position on the | ||
| 344 | Wizengamot would be a good use of his political acumen and charm, and surely | ||
| 345 | being surrounded by armed pureblood wizards who hated him and wanted him dead | ||
| 346 | would be exciting enough to prevent him from complaining too much about his | ||
| 347 | new desk job. | ||
| 348 | |||
| 338 | <hr /> | 349 | <hr /> |
| 339 | 350 | ||
| 340 | Wand magic was not well-regarded by the Goblins, and Harry was no exception. | 351 | Wand magic was not well-regarded by the Goblins, and Harry was no exception. |
| @@ -345,17 +356,18 @@ him a better asset to the Bank, but he didn't have to enjoy it. Still, with | |||
| 345 | power comes opportunity, and there was one opportunity afforded to wand-wavers | 356 | power comes opportunity, and there was one opportunity afforded to wand-wavers |
| 346 | that *every* Goblin envied. | 357 | that *every* Goblin envied. |
| 347 | 358 | ||
| 348 | With a wand, you could create a horcrux. With a horcrux, you couldn't completely | 359 | With a wand, you could create a horcrux. With a horcrux, you couldn't |
| 349 | die. | 360 | completely die. |
| 350 | 361 | ||
| 351 | Harry had decided to pursue this priceless opportunity as soon as possible. | 362 | Harry had decided to pursue this priceless opportunity as soon as possible. |
| 352 | 363 | ||
| 353 | With permission from Ragnok, Harry had selected Wardstone Six as his potential | 364 | With permission from Ragnok, Harry had selected Wardstone Six as his potential |
| 354 | horcrux. Of all the 13 Great Wardstones which anchored Gringotts to the magical | 365 | horcrux. Of all the 13 Great Wardstones which anchored Gringotts to the |
| 355 | fabric, Harry had always felt a particular affinity towards Six; its particular | 366 | magical fabric, Harry had always felt a personal affinity towards Six; its |
| 356 | balance of magic seemed to call to him. The Great Wardstone was the closest an | 367 | particular balance of magic seemed to call to him. The Great Wardstone was the |
| 357 | object could be to invulnerable, and with part of Harry infused in it, the wards | 368 | closest an object could be to invulnerable, and with part of Harry infused in |
| 358 | it provided for the Bank would see a massive increase in strength. | 369 | it, the wards it provided for the Bank would see a massive increase in |
| 370 | strength. | ||
| 359 | 371 | ||
| 360 | To build a horcrux requires a sacrifice; something must be given up that is so | 372 | To build a horcrux requires a sacrifice; something must be given up that is so |
| 361 | fundamental to the wizard's soul that it strains to escape. Tom Riddle had used | 373 | fundamental to the wizard's soul that it strains to escape. Tom Riddle had used |
| @@ -365,8 +377,8 @@ and one that had probably driven him to insanity. | |||
| 365 | Harry, working with the very best of the Goblin cursebreakers, meticulously | 377 | Harry, working with the very best of the Goblin cursebreakers, meticulously |
| 366 | constructed the ritual circle he would require at the base of Wardstone Six. | 378 | constructed the ritual circle he would require at the base of Wardstone Six. |
| 367 | Stripping naked, Harry knelt at the center of the circle, with the glowing | 379 | Stripping naked, Harry knelt at the center of the circle, with the glowing |
| 368 | boulder of rune-covered obsidian held aloft above him by the massive currents of | 380 | boulder of rune-covered obsidian held aloft above him by the massive currents |
| 369 | magic that pulsed through the Bank. | 381 | of magic that pulsed through the Bank. |
| 370 | 382 | ||
| 371 | Sharpaxe approached. | 383 | Sharpaxe approached. |
| 372 | 384 | ||
| @@ -374,14 +386,16 @@ Sharpaxe approached. | |||
| 374 | you. How may Gringotts serve you today?» | 386 | you. How may Gringotts serve you today?» |
| 375 | 387 | ||
| 376 | Harry paused only briefly, contemplating what he was about to do. Pushing his | 388 | Harry paused only briefly, contemplating what he was about to do. Pushing his |
| 377 | magic through his birth mother's wand and into the ritual circle to complete the | 389 | magic through his birth mother's wand and into the ritual circle to complete |
| 378 | circuit, he spoke, «Donate half my assets to the British Red Cross.» | 390 | the circuit, he spoke, «Donate half my liquid assets to the British Red Cross.» |
| 379 | 391 | ||
| 380 | A dark flash tore across Harry's body, ripping a scream from his chest as he | 392 | A dark flash tore across Harry's body, ripping a scream from his chest as he |
| 381 | doubled over in pain. Simultaneously, Wardstone Six released a blinding light | 393 | doubled over in pain. Simultaneously, Wardstone Six released a blinding light |
| 382 | and an intense sense of greed filled the chamber. Goldknife approached to remove | 394 | and an intense sense of greed filled the chamber. Goldknife approached to |
| 383 | Harry's now-unconscious body for healing, while the other Goblins prepared to | 395 | remove Harry's now-unconscious body for healing, while the other Goblins |
| 384 | reseal the area. Harry had successfully created his horcrux. | 396 | prepared to reseal the area. Harry had successfully shattered his soul, and |
| 397 | created his horcrux. | ||
| 385 | 398 | ||
| 386 | That night, Harry cried himself to sleep. Not from the pain, but from the | 399 | That night, Harry cried himself to sleep. Not from the pain, but from the |
| 387 | knowledge that never again would gold feel quite as sweet in his hands. | 400 | knowledge that never again would gold feel quite as sweet in his hands. |
| 401 | Immortality demanded a steep price indeed. | ||
