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authorJulian Blake Kongslie2013-07-30 22:30:32 -0700
committerJulian Blake Kongslie2013-07-30 22:30:32 -0700
commit395aeb38acbba92d6156f29e5028b41361f4bf01 (patch)
tree534dd8cd79cba03d0f6754d256fa19971fcab73f /novellas
parentReflow text. (diff)
downloadwriting-395aeb38acbba92d6156f29e5028b41361f4bf01.tar.xz
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@@ -10,25 +10,25 @@ often than he lost; the boy had acquired a handsome collection of trophies. But
10against his peers, his only hope was exploiting the environment and taking them 10against his peers, his only hope was exploiting the environment and taking them
11by surprise. 11by 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
14should be fought. Goblins wore their intentions on their sleeves, and Harry was 14battles should be fought. Goblins wore their intentions on their sleeves, and
15far more subtle than any other in his clan. 15Harry was far more subtle than any other in his clan.
16 16
17There was an old Goblin saying, «Every father learns his son is not a Warlord.» 17There was an old Goblin saying, «Every father learns his son is not a Warlord.»
18Sharpaxe, perhaps, learned this somewhat earlier than most. 18Sharpaxe, perhaps, learned this somewhat earlier than most.
19 19
20In other ways, however, Harry was a unique delight to raise. Goblins lived their 20In other ways, however, Harry was a unique delight to raise. Goblins lived
21lives quickly, and Sharpaxe had feared that Harry would not be able to complete 21their lives quickly, and Sharpaxe had feared that Harry would not be able to
22his education with his peers at the age of 8. But Harry was intelligent, and far 22complete his education with his peers at the age of 8. But Harry was
23more curious and inquisitive than any of his peers; he had easily risen to the 23intelligent, and far more curious and inquisitive than any of his peers; he
24challenge and excelled beyond any expectation. 24had easily risen to the challenge and excelled beyond any expectation.
25 25
26Under glamours to appear as a Goblin to the foolish wizards, he had already 26Under glamours to appear as a Goblin to the foolish wizards, he had already
27worked as a teller on the main floor of Gringotts, and spent time apprenticed in 27worked as a teller on the main floor of Gringotts, and spent time apprenticed
28several different departments. Sharpaxe held no doubt that he would make a fine 28in several different departments. Sharpaxe held no doubt that he would make a
29foreman or subchief someday, responsible for millions of galleons in assets. 29fine foreman or subchief someday, responsible for millions of galleons in
30With luck, and his longer lifespan, he could easily be a department Head. Harry 30assets. With luck, and his longer lifespan, he could easily be a department
31would certainly bring honor and glory to his clan. 31Head. 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
49Ragnok quieted the assembly shortly, and demanded simply, «Explain!» 49Ragnok 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
52Everyone knows this. But the Wizards do not trust in honor, and demand our oaths 52honor. Everyone knows this. But the Wizards do not trust in honor, and demand
53be contracts with magic.» 53our oaths be contracts with magic.»
54 54
55This was true. Amongst the Goblins, oaths were simple and direct; a common 55This was true. Amongst the Goblins, oaths were simple and direct; a common
56farewell was «On my honor, I have not betrayed you today.» But by treaty, any 56farewell 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
61they would die. Goblins universally resented such a slight against their honor; 61they would die. Goblins universally resented such a slight against their honor;
62no Goblin would willingly be called Oathbreaker! 62no Goblin would willingly be called Oathbreaker!
63 63
64Harry continued, «Lacksack's life is already forfeit. Instead of executing him, 64Harry continued, «Lacksack's life is already forfeit. Instead of executing
65use him to present a false contract to a wealthy client. The lazy wizard will 65him, use him to present a false contract to a wealthy client. The lazy wizard
66not read the contract, as they never do, Lacksack will swear on his blood, the 66will not read the contract, as they never do, Lacksack will swear on his
67wizard will sign, and Lacksack will be gone from the room before he dies. Goblin 67blood, the wizard will sign, and Lacksack will be gone from the room before he
68honor is retained; the oath is true, it is not our fault that the foolish wizard 68dies. Goblin honor is retained; the oath is true, it is not our fault that the
69will assume Lacksack would not willingly die.» 69foolish wizard will assume Lacksack would not willingly die.»
70 70
71A genuinely new idea to the Goblin mindset. There was little honor lost in lying 71A genuinely new idea to the Goblin mindset. There was little honor lost in
72to a wizard; they showed by their treaties and their laws that they had no honor 72lying to a wizard; they showed by their treaties and their laws that they had
73themselves. The mechanics of the treaties would seem to prevent such deception, 73no honor themselves. The mechanics of the treaties would seem to prevent such
74but Goblins knew a loophole when they saw one, and this was an interesting 74deception, but Goblins knew a loophole when they saw one, and this was an
75opportunity. 75interesting opportunity.
76 76
77Ragnok turned to Lacksack and pronounced, «You have shown yourself to be without 77Ragnok turned to Lacksack and pronounced, «You have shown yourself to be
78honor. You have brought shame and disgrace to your family and your clan. This 78without honor. You have brought shame and disgrace to your family and your
79child offers you an opportunity to die a warrior's death in service to your 79clan. This child offers you an opportunity to die a warrior's death in service
80Bank. Would you die this way?» 80to your Bank. Would you die this way?»
81 81
82The condemned needed little time to consider such an obvious question. «I would 82The condemned needed little time to consider such an obvious question. «I would
83die a warrior's death, and bring what little honor I can back to my name.» 83die 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
92Albus Dumbledore strode in to Gringotts bank early Saturday morning. He had to 92Albus Dumbledore strode in to Gringotts bank early Saturday morning. He had to
93renew the loans Hogwarts established for its incoming underprivileged students 93renew the loans Hogwarts established for its incoming underprivileged students
94and collect the various forms and monies needed to cover operating costs for the 94and collect the various forms and monies needed to cover operating costs for
95new term. 95the new term.
96 96
97The teller acknowledged his request to meet with Culthok, the Head of Hogwarts 97The teller acknowledged his request to meet with Culthok, the Head of Hogwarts
98Accounts, and directed him to a conference room. Shortly thereafter, Albus was 98Accounts, 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
104the Bank. I am Lacksack, and I am authorized to handle your needs today." 104in 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
107year?" 107year?"
108 108
109Goblins were conservative when scouting unknown territory; the changes in the 109Goblins were conservative when scouting unknown territory; the changes in the
110contract reflected this. A slight increase in interest rates on the loans, and a 110contract reflected this. A slight increase in interest rates on the loans, and
111single fee duplicated. Nothing that could not be blamed on incompetence in 111a single fee duplicated. Nothing that could not be blamed on incompetence in
112transcription on Lacksack's part should the deception be caught. 112transcription on Lacksack's part should the deception be caught.
113 113
114The briefest of scowls appeared on Lacksack's face, but he knew his duty to his 114The briefest of scowls appeared on Lacksack's face, but he knew his duty to
115Bank. He had failed once; never again. "Yes. Here are the contracts for you to 115his Bank. He had failed once; never again. "Yes. Here are the contracts for
116sign. I swear on my blood that I have not deceived you or I shall die within the 116you to sign. I swear on my blood that I have not deceived you or I shall die
117hour; so mote it be." A brief flash signaled magic's acceptance of the oath. 117within the hour; so mote it be." A brief flash signaled magic's acceptance of
118the oath.
118 119
119Satisfied, Albus picked up the blood quill and signed each contract. Less than 120Satisfied, Albus picked up the blood quill and signed each contract. Less than
120ten minutes later he left the bank, pleased that the Goblins had not complained 121ten minutes later he left the bank, pleased that the Goblins had not complained
121about their lack of profit on the treaty-mandated Hogwarts loans. If only 122about their lack of profit on the treaty-mandated Hogwarts loans. If only
122Culthok could be unavailable more often! 123Culthok could be unavailable more often!
123 124
124Lacksack staggered as he exited the conference room, his blood already starting 125Lacksack staggered as he exited the conference room, his blood already
125to boil in his veins. Ragnok awaited him in the office across the hall, and 126starting to boil in his veins. Ragnok awaited him in the office across the
126presented a goblet of fine screechsnap wine, the traditional gift to a Goblin 127hall, and presented a goblet of fine screechsnap wine, the traditional gift to
127retiring from active duty in the bank. Lacksack drank, and sat to await his 128a Goblin retiring from active duty in the bank. Lacksack drank, and sat to
128death. He had regained his honor; the first Liar had brought profit to his Bank. 129await his death. He had regained his honor; the first Liar had brought profit
130to his Bank.
129 131
130<hr /> 132<hr />
131 133
132As Harry had predicted, the subtle changes were unnoticed, and Gringotts 134As Harry had predicted, the subtle changes were unnoticed, and Gringotts
133profited by the lie. A new weapon was added to their banking arsenal, to be used 135profited by the lie. A new weapon was added to their banking arsenal, to be
134only with care and restraint lest it be discovered. Only the largest and most 136used only with care and restraint lest it be discovered. Only the largest and
135bureaucratically enfeebled clients were targeted, and only meager gains were 137most bureaucratically enfeebled clients were targeted, and only meager gains
136sought. Even so, Gringotts profited. What few criminals there were in Goblin 138were sought. Even so, Gringotts profited. What few criminals there were in
137society soon found themselves in cells instead of bloody arenas, awaiting not 139Goblin society soon found themselves in cells instead of bloody arenas,
138execution but the opportunity to regain a little of their honor as Liars. None 140awaiting not execution but the opportunity to regain a little of their honor
139refused. 141as Liars. None refused.
140 142
141Harry, too, profited. In thanks for his service to the Bank, a very small 143Harry, too, profited. In thanks for his service to the Bank, a very small
142percentage of all Liar-derived profits was directed to his accounts. Sharpaxe 144percentage of all Liar-derived profits was directed to his accounts. Sharpaxe
143was pleased to be able to reward his son this way. Harry had shown he could use 145was pleased to be able to reward his son this way. Harry had shown he could use
144his uniquely Human perspective to bring profit to the Bank; such behaviour 146his uniquely underhanded perspective to bring profit to the Bank; such
145should be encouraged. 147behaviour should be encouraged.
146 148
147<hr /> 149<hr />
148 150
149In other ways, Harry's curiosity was a burden on Sharpaxe. He deeply yearned to 151In other ways, Harry's curiosity was a burden on Sharpaxe. He deeply yearned
150learn the arts of warding and wardbreaking, but Goblin cursebreakers found his 152to learn the arts of warding and wardbreaking, but Goblin cursebreakers found
151magic unsuitable, and none of the Human cursebreakers were trusted with the 153his magic unsuitable, and none of the Human cursebreakers were trusted with
152knowledge of Harry's presence within the bank. There was little consensus on the 154the knowledge of Harry's presence within the bank. There was little consensus
153nature of Harry's magic; it was known that wizards did not train their young 155on the nature of Harry's magic; it was known that wizards did not train their
154until years later, so Sharpaxe could not say if Harry's inability to perform the 156young until years later, so Sharpaxe could not say if Harry's inability to
155Goblin wards was inherent to his species or merely a factor of age. Harry 157perform the Goblin wards was inherent to his species or merely a factor of
156stubbornly persisted in his attempts; determined to learn one way or the other 158age. Harry stubbornly persisted in his attempts; determined to learn one way
157whether he could perform the magic he envied in his peers. 159or the other whether he could perform the magic he envied in his peers.
158 160
159At the very late (by Goblin standards) age of 9, Harry was rewarded for his 161At the very late (by Goblin standards) age of 9, Harry was rewarded for his
160diligence by his first non-accidental magic. It was a weak anti-theft ward, 162diligence by his first non-accidental magic. It was a weak anti-theft ward,
161pitiful by Gringotts standards, but true Goblin magic nonetheless. Harry had 163pitiful by Gringotts standards, but true Goblin magic nonetheless. Harry had
162some 6 years to make up in his practical education in magic, but with the theory 164some 6 years to make up in his practical education in magic, but with the
163already behind him, he made rapid progress. Harry was ecstatic; he would not be 165theory already behind him, he made rapid progress. Harry was ecstatic; he
164some weakling wand-waver, but could wield magic on his own power alone! 166would not be some weakling wand-waver, but could wield magic on his own power
167alone!
165 168
166For all his relative weakness, Harry had no less of the Goblin lust for battle. 169For all his relative weakness, Harry had no less of the Goblin lust for battle.
167He discovered at the age of 6 that he had the talent of speaking in 170He 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».
178Harry was also a dutiful student of politics. He understood his role in the 181Harry was also a dutiful student of politics. He understood his role in the
179Goblin nation: assist the reputation of Gringotts with his fame, grow to be an 182Goblin nation: assist the reputation of Gringotts with his fame, grow to be an
180asset by becoming fully-trained as both a Goblin and a Wizard, assume his 183asset by becoming fully-trained as both a Goblin and a Wizard, assume his
181position as the Potter of Potter, claim his seat on the Wizengamot, and become a 184position as the Potter of Potter, claim his seat on the Wizengamot, and become
182voice for the Goblins in government. Along the way, he was to collect allies 185a voice for the Goblins in government. Along the way, he was to collect allies
183and, if possible, additional proxy votes or other forms of political power. 186and, if possible, additional proxy votes or other forms of political power.
184 187
185Unfortunately, Harry himself could not be present at Wizengamot meetings; he was 188Unfortunately, Harry himself could not be present at Wizengamot meetings; he
186too recognizable even without his scar glamour, and any attempt to more 189was too recognizable even without his scar glamour, and any attempt to more
187completely disguise his appearance risked detection by the Ministry wards. 190completely disguise his appearance risked detection by the Ministry wards.
188Harry's education would have to be completed by proxy; a muggle-born witch, 191Harry's education would have to be completed by proxy; a muggle-born witch,
189dissatisfied with her job opportunities and selected on the basis of being 192dissatisfied with her job opportunities and selected on the basis of being
190unlikely to betray the Bank, was hired to dress as a reporter and sit in on as 193unlikely to betray the Bank, was hired to dress as a reporter and sit in on as
191many Wizengamot sessions and Ministry meetings as she could, then extract her 194many Wizengamot sessions and Ministry meetings as she could, then extract her
192memories of the events at Gringotts. She knew she was something like a spy, of 195memories of the events at Gringotts. She knew she was something like a spy, of
193course, but the material she was collecting was technically public knowledge and 196course, but the material she was collecting was technically public knowledge
194the Goblins both paid well and never insulted her parentage. 197and the Goblins both paid well and never insulted her parentage.
195 198
196Eventually, other sources were acquired for Harry to consume. A promising new 199Eventually, other sources were acquired for Harry to consume. A promising new
197cursebreaker, one William Weasley, was asked to describe before a panel of young 200cursebreaker, one William Weasley, was asked to describe before a panel of
198Goblins (including one under very heavy glamours who asked the most remarkably 201young Goblins (including one under very heavy glamours who asked the most
199astute questions) everything he knew about the Ministry and the Ancient and 202remarkably astute questions) everything he knew about the Ministry and the
200Noble Houses. Bill enjoyed the experience completely, and agreed to talk to his 203Ancient and Noble Houses. Bill enjoyed the experience completely, and agreed
201old neighbors Xenophilius Lovegood and Daedelus Diggory about coming in to do 204to talk to his old neighbors Xenophilius Lovegood and Daedelus Diggory about
202the same, all in the name of interspecies relations, of course. 205coming in to do the same, all in the name of interspecies relations, of course.
203 206
204Harry spent many hours in the Potter family vaults, reading the lore and 207Harry spent many hours in the Potter family vaults, reading the lore and
205journals of his family. His mother's wand, recovered from the wreckage at 208journals of his family. His mother's wand, recovered from the wreckage at
206Godric's Hollow, was found to be an acceptable match and allowed him to begin 209Godric's Hollow, was found to be an acceptable match and allowed him to begin
207his wizarding studies early; Harry resented learning wand-magic, but was no less 210his wizarding studies early; Harry resented learning wand-magic, but was no
208skilled for all that, and reluctantly agreed that he was a better asset knowing 211less skilled for all that, and reluctantly agreed that he was a better asset
209both true magic and wand-waving. 212knowing both true magic and wand-waving.
210 213
211Memories donated by human cursebreakers proved to be excellent teaching aides, 214Memories donated by human cursebreakers proved to be excellent teaching aides,
212both for their content of magical education and the background context of life 215both for their content of magical education and the background context of life
213at Hogwarts, where Harry would eventually attend. Harry spent his free time 216at Hogwarts, where Harry would eventually attend. Harry spent much of his free
214devising methods to kill each of the professors who taught there. He felt it 217time devising methods to kill each of the professors who taught there. He felt
215unlikely to need such a thing, but contingency plans were better made and 218it unlikely to require such a course of action, but contingency plans were
216unneeded than unmade and needed. 219better made and unneeded than unmade and needed.
217 220
218<hr /> 221<hr />
219 222
220While the Goblins wished to maintain Harry's persona as mythically isolated from 223While the Goblins wished to maintain Harry's persona as mythically isolated
221the wizarding world, it was still desirable to fan his fame with occasional 224from the wizarding world, it was still desirable to fan his fame with
222Potter sightings. As the story spread by Albus Dumbledore was that Harry was 225occasional Potter sightings. As the story spread by Albus Dumbledore was that
223safely hidden in the nonmagical world, Sharpaxe generally encouraged Harry to 226Harry was safely hidden in the nonmagical world, Sharpaxe generally encouraged
224explore nonmagical London, as long as he was suitably far from Diagon Alley. 227Harry to explore nonmagical London, as long as he was suitably far from Diagon
228Alley.
225 229
226Harry greatly enjoyed the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, which he saw many 230Harry greatly enjoyed the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, which he saw many
227times. He watched Labyrinth once, and the resulting anger-induced accidental 231times. He watched Labyrinth once, and the resulting anger-induced accidental
228magic very nearly burned down the theatre. 232magic very nearly burned down the theatre.
229 233
230The Potter accounts were soon invested in the muggle film making industry, most 234The Potter accounts were soon heavily invested in the muggle film making
231notably Lucasfilm; investments that paid off quite well over the years. David 235industry, most notably Lucasfilm; investments that paid off quite well over
232Bowie received what he assumed was a very strange fan letter informing him that 236the years. David Bowie received what he assumed was a very strange fan letter
233he was now banned for life from the Goblin realm. 237informing him that he was now banned for life from the Goblin realm.
234 238
235Harry's visits to muggle London also served to widen the variety of food served 239Harry's visits to muggle London also served to widen the variety of food served
236within the mines of Gringotts. Goblin delicacies were largely inedible or 240within 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
249new light. 253new light.
250 254
251Certainly the muggleborn wand-wavers tended to be politer and more respectful 255Certainly the muggleborn wand-wavers tended to be politer and more respectful
252when in the bank. And the investments and culinary discoveries Harry had made in 256when in the bank. And the investments and culinary discoveries Harry had made
253London had proved worthwhile. Perhaps some old traditions of isolation deserved 257in London had proved worthwhile. Perhaps some old traditions of isolation
254reconsideration. 258deserved reconsideration.
255 259
256The muggle economy was *enormous* in comparison to that of wizarding Britain. In 260The muggle economy was *enormous* in comparison to that of wizarding Britain.
257London alone, more wealth changed hands in a day than all of Gringotts saw in a 261In London alone, more wealth changed hands in a day than all of Gringotts saw
258year. This was an opportunity for profit, and an opportunity for a degree more 262in a year. This was an opportunity for profit, and an opportunity for a degree
259independence from the foolish wand-wavers. 263more independence from the foolish wand-wavers.
260 264
261Gringotts made discreet inquiries towards squibs known to be working in muggle 265Gringotts made discreet inquiries towards squibs known to be working in muggle
262banking institutions, and gradually some informal partnerships were established. 266banking institutions, and gradually some informal partnerships were
263Gringotts would invest more and more heavily in the muggle world, in addition to 267established. Gringotts would invest more and more heavily in the muggle world,
264providing subtle security for their partners and acting as a mining concern and 268in addition to providing subtle security for their partners and acting as a
265provider of rare minerals. 269mining concern and provider of rare minerals.
266 270
267Approaches were made to the muggle Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. She was, 271Approaches were made to the muggle Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. She was,
268by treaty, aware of the wizarding world, and supposedly kept up-to-date on 272by 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
270introduced, and only knew Cornelius Fudge's name because of the very limited 274introduced, and only knew Cornelius Fudge's name because of the very limited
271profile compiled by her security teams. 275profile compiled by her security teams.
272 276
273Needless to say, she had a healthy dislike of wizards. Ragnok got along with her 277Needless to say, she had a healthy dislike of wizards. Ragnok got along with
274famously, and an agreement to allow the Goblins to make limited introductions 278her famously, and an agreement to allow the Goblins to make limited
275and integrate with the muggle economic machine. In return, Gringotts was happy 279introductions and integrate with the muggle economic machine. In return,
276to share some of its intelligence with the muggle government, and through use of 280Gringotts was happy to share some of its intelligence with the muggle
277glamours give the occasional MI5 official a tour of wizarding Britain, or give 281government, and through use of glamours give the occasional MI5 official a
278the occasional dignitary a dragon ride. 282tour of wizarding Britain, or give the occasional dignitary a dragon ride.
279 283
280In less than 10 years, Gringotts was on infinitely better terms with the Queen's 284In less than 10 years, Gringotts was on infinitely better terms with the
281government than the Ministry of Magic. 285Queen's government than the Ministry of Magic.
282 286
283Gradually, the wealth of Gringotts was diversified. No longer would it be tied 287Gradually, the wealth of Gringotts was diversified. No longer would it be tied
284to magnificent piles of gold and silver; Ragnok himself was instated as the 37th 288to magnificent piles of gold and silver; Ragnok himself was instated as the
285partner of the Baillie Gifford investment firm, which immediately began a 28937th partner of the Baillie Gifford investment firm, which immediately began a
286progressive and strategic reappraisal of Bank assets and services. 290progressive and strategic reappraisal of Bank assets and services.
287 291
288By an old treaty with the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts was allowed to charge 292By an old treaty with the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts was allowed to charge
289different rates to purebloods and non-purebloods so long as "those of the most 293different rates to purebloods and non-purebloods so long as "those of the most
290noble bearing and lineage are not negatively affected." Obviously, this had been 294noble bearing and lineage are not negatively affected." Obviously, this had
291intended by the Wizengamot as a means to further disadvantage muggleborns and 295been intended by the Wizengamot as a means to further disadvantage muggleborns
292halfbloods. Gringotts' previous stance had been to not exercise this clause; the 296and halfbloods. Gringotts' previous stance had been to not exercise this
293Goblins were magnanimously equal in their dislike of all wizardkind. 297clause; the Goblins were magnanimously equal in their dislike of all
298wizardkind.
294 299
295Now, Ragnok had decided to exercise that clause. The appropriate standard for 300Now, 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
297Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Windsor 302Queen 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
299established, Gringotts began a slow and systematic process of manipulating 304established, Gringotts began a slow and systematic process of manipulating
300exchange rates and loans to shuffle money away from the ruling oligarchy and 305exchange rates and loans to shuffle money away from the ruling oligarchy and
301towards the progressive and disenfranchised elements of wizarding society. 306towards the progressive and disenfranchised elements of wizarding society.
302 307
303By the time Harry Potter was to ascend to his seat in the Wizengamot, Gringotts 308By the time Harry Potter was to ascend to his seat in the Wizengamot,
304expected society to be well-prepared for him to enact sweeping reforms. If 309Gringotts expected society to be well-prepared for him to enact sweeping
305nothing else, the deflation they were causing among the conservatives would make 310reforms. If nothing else, the deflation they were causing among the
306bribes easier for any progressive faction. 311conservatives 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
313experience with Human anatomy would be the most useful skill he could learn in 318experience with Human anatomy would be the most useful skill he could learn in
314his remaining time before Hogwarts. 319his remaining time before Hogwarts.
315 320
316The Ascension had other ramifications. As an officially-recognized adult member 321The Ascension had other ramifications. As an officially-recognized adult
317of Goblin society, Harry was now by treaty recognized as an adult in wizarding 322member of Goblin society, Harry was now by treaty recognized as an adult in
318society as well. He could not yet claim his seat on the Wizengamot, as that body 323wizarding society as well. He could not yet claim his seat on the Wizengamot,
319was specifically limited to persons at least 18 years of age, but his 324as that body was specifically limited to persons at least 18 years of age, but
320emancipated status did allow him to assign a voting proxy. 325his emancipated status did allow him to assign a voting proxy.
321 326
322A proxy that was currently filled by Albus Dumbledore, one of the most 327A proxy that was currently filled by Albus Dumbledore, one of the most
323conservative members. 328conservative members.
324 329
325Unfortunately, as two years still remained before Harry would be revealed to the 330Unfortunately, as two years still remained before Harry would be revealed to
326wizarding public as a Goblin, no attempt could be made to change the proxy 331the wizarding public as a Goblin, no attempt could be made to change the proxy
327without revealing far too much too soon. But in the mean time, preparations 332without revealing far too much too soon. But in the mean time, preparations
328could be taken so that an adequate proxy would be ready to claim the seat as 333could be taken so that an adequate proxy would be ready to claim the seat as
329soon as Harry entered Hogwarts. 334soon as Harry entered Hogwarts.
@@ -335,6 +340,12 @@ as policy decisions and treaty obligations. Security would be needed, which the
335Goblin nation would happily provide. As it happened, the biggest sticking point 340Goblin nation would happily provide. As it happened, the biggest sticking point
336would be the dress code. 341would be the dress code.
337 342
343Agent Bond of MI6 was reaching retirement age, anyway. A position on the
344Wizengamot would be a good use of his political acumen and charm, and surely
345being surrounded by armed pureblood wizards who hated him and wanted him dead
346would be exciting enough to prevent him from complaining too much about his
347new desk job.
348
338<hr /> 349<hr />
339 350
340Wand magic was not well-regarded by the Goblins, and Harry was no exception. 351Wand 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
345power comes opportunity, and there was one opportunity afforded to wand-wavers 356power comes opportunity, and there was one opportunity afforded to wand-wavers
346that *every* Goblin envied. 357that *every* Goblin envied.
347 358
348With a wand, you could create a horcrux. With a horcrux, you couldn't completely 359With a wand, you could create a horcrux. With a horcrux, you couldn't
349die. 360completely die.
350 361
351Harry had decided to pursue this priceless opportunity as soon as possible. 362Harry had decided to pursue this priceless opportunity as soon as possible.
352 363
353With permission from Ragnok, Harry had selected Wardstone Six as his potential 364With permission from Ragnok, Harry had selected Wardstone Six as his potential
354horcrux. Of all the 13 Great Wardstones which anchored Gringotts to the magical 365horcrux. Of all the 13 Great Wardstones which anchored Gringotts to the
355fabric, Harry had always felt a particular affinity towards Six; its particular 366magical fabric, Harry had always felt a personal affinity towards Six; its
356balance of magic seemed to call to him. The Great Wardstone was the closest an 367particular balance of magic seemed to call to him. The Great Wardstone was the
357object could be to invulnerable, and with part of Harry infused in it, the wards 368closest an object could be to invulnerable, and with part of Harry infused in
358it provided for the Bank would see a massive increase in strength. 369it, the wards it provided for the Bank would see a massive increase in
370strength.
359 371
360To build a horcrux requires a sacrifice; something must be given up that is so 372To build a horcrux requires a sacrifice; something must be given up that is so
361fundamental to the wizard's soul that it strains to escape. Tom Riddle had used 373fundamental 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.
365Harry, working with the very best of the Goblin cursebreakers, meticulously 377Harry, working with the very best of the Goblin cursebreakers, meticulously
366constructed the ritual circle he would require at the base of Wardstone Six. 378constructed the ritual circle he would require at the base of Wardstone Six.
367Stripping naked, Harry knelt at the center of the circle, with the glowing 379Stripping naked, Harry knelt at the center of the circle, with the glowing
368boulder of rune-covered obsidian held aloft above him by the massive currents of 380boulder of rune-covered obsidian held aloft above him by the massive currents
369magic that pulsed through the Bank. 381of magic that pulsed through the Bank.
370 382
371Sharpaxe approached. 383Sharpaxe approached.
372 384
@@ -374,14 +386,16 @@ Sharpaxe approached.
374you. How may Gringotts serve you today?» 386you. How may Gringotts serve you today?»
375 387
376Harry paused only briefly, contemplating what he was about to do. Pushing his 388Harry paused only briefly, contemplating what he was about to do. Pushing his
377magic through his birth mother's wand and into the ritual circle to complete the 389magic through his birth mother's wand and into the ritual circle to complete
378circuit, he spoke, «Donate half my assets to the British Red Cross.» 390the circuit, he spoke, «Donate half my liquid assets to the British Red Cross.»
379 391
380A dark flash tore across Harry's body, ripping a scream from his chest as he 392A dark flash tore across Harry's body, ripping a scream from his chest as he
381doubled over in pain. Simultaneously, Wardstone Six released a blinding light 393doubled over in pain. Simultaneously, Wardstone Six released a blinding light
382and an intense sense of greed filled the chamber. Goldknife approached to remove 394and an intense sense of greed filled the chamber. Goldknife approached to
383Harry's now-unconscious body for healing, while the other Goblins prepared to 395remove Harry's now-unconscious body for healing, while the other Goblins
384reseal the area. Harry had successfully created his horcrux. 396prepared to reseal the area. Harry had successfully shattered his soul, and
397created his horcrux.
385 398
386That night, Harry cried himself to sleep. Not from the pain, but from the 399That night, Harry cried himself to sleep. Not from the pain, but from the
387knowledge that never again would gold feel quite as sweet in his hands. 400knowledge that never again would gold feel quite as sweet in his hands.
401Immortality demanded a steep price indeed.