Chapter 28: Chapter 28: “A Visit to Gringotts Part - 2”
Harry had never seen an office like this before. It was a strange blend of comfort and a kind of sternness that made one feel both welcomed and slightly on edge. The walls were decorated with an assortment of weapons and shields, each probably holding stories of ancient goblin battles. In one corner of the office stood a large filing cabinet, its drawers bulging with parchments and documents that seemed to contain the many secrets and dealings of Barchoke.
Behind a large desk cluttered with various items sat Barchoke. He was an older goblin, his face marked with the lines of many years, each wrinkle telling a story of wisdom, experience, and perhaps, a certain strictness that goblins were known for. His keen eyes flickered with recognition as he appraised Harry.
"Welcome, Master Potter. Before we proceed with anything, we must first verify your identity," Barchoke said, his voice carrying a tone of formality.
He produced a small dagger, a standard tool for such procedures, and gently pricked Harry's finger. A drop of blood fell onto a piece of parchment waiting on the desk.
The parchment reacted almost immediately, shimmering as if touched by magic itself. Words started forming, confirming Harry's identity: 'Hadrian Ignotus Potter – Son of James Dorea Potter.' This simple act confirmed Harry's lineage and right to be sitting across from Barchoke.
"Now, Master Potter, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today? I was under the impression that family matters were usually handled by your father, James Potter," Barchoke inquired. His tone was neutral, displaying professional curiosity without prying too deeply into family dynamics.
Harry just said that their relationship was strained and requested to view the wills of his grandparents.
Understanding the delicate family situation, Barchoke nodded and retrieved a beautifully crafted case containing two wills. He explained that the full contents were reserved for the Heir or Lord Potter but proceeded to read the parts relevant to Harry.
Listening intently, Harry learned of his grandfather's provision: a trust vault that accrued 1,000 galleons annually. It was a generous amount, indicative of the family's wealth, but it was his grandmother's will that brought a significant surprise. She had left Harry the remainder of her vault, which, after various bequests to close friends and family, contained about 50,000 galleons. However, due to a twist of fate and the precise wording of the will, Harry was about to receive far more than he anticipated.
Barchoke revealed that, following Voldemort's defeat, the Ministry awarded a bounty of 200,000 galleons for the contribution to his downfall. This entire amount had been added to her vault. And now, because of the way the will was worded, all of it was transferred to Harry.
The money was good but it was a personal note from his grandmother that deeply touched Harry. Written in her hand, it read:
"My dear Harry, I must confess, you are my favorite person in this world. Knowing you and your character, which differs greatly from your father's, I foresaw potential conflicts. Unlike James, you are determined and focused, not given to frivolity or blind worship. Anticipating a rift, much like Sirius and his family, I prepared a haven for you. A house in the mountains, a place of peace and beauty, where you can find solace and strength. It was your grandfather's and my favorite retreat. Use it well, perhaps even to entertain future companions. We have high hopes for you, dear Harry, to carry on the Potter legacy. Our dreams of a strong, thriving family rest on your shoulders."
Wiping away a tear, Harry chuckled at the last line, touched by his grandmother's foresight and care. The property was now his, a gift from a grandmother who had understood him better than he realized.
Barchoke, observing Harry's reaction, cleared his throat and handed him a small, intricately designed locket. "This," he explained, "is a portkey to your new property in the mountains. Your grandmother seemed quite fond of this place."
Harry held the locket in his hand, feeling the weight of his family's legacy. He was eager to see this sanctuary that had been lovingly prepared for him.
Before leaving, Harry inquired about the state of his vaults. Barchoke provided him with detailed records, showing only the recent withdrawals made by Mira for his necessities. Harry was impressed by the security and thoroughness of Gringotts.
Before leaving, Harry expressed his concern about keeping his visit confidential. "I'd appreciate it if my visit today remained between us," he said.
"Your visit shall remain undisclosed unless directly inquired by James Potter," Barchoke assured him. Harry felt a sense of relief, knowing his father was unlikely to probe into his financial affairs.
Satisfied, Harry thanked Barchoke and left the office.
Emerging from the grandeur of Gringotts, Harry felt an urge to explore the wonders of Diagon Alley. However, the need for security and maintaining secrecy weighed heavily on his mind. Reluctantly, Harry decided to postpone his exploration of Diagon Alley, setting his sights on a day in the future, perhaps when he received his Hogwarts letter at the age of 11. By then, he reassured himself, he would be sufficiently strong to defend himself and navigate this magical world with confidence.
With a heavy heart yet a mind full of plans, Harry made his way out of the bustling streets of Diagon Alley. Exiting the Leaky Cauldron into the muggle world, he slipped into a hidden alley, away from the prying eyes of the magical community.
In the seclusion of the alley, Harry called for Mira. The faithful house-elf appeared with a soft pop, her eyes bright with anticipation. Together, they prepared to activate the portkey. Harry held onto the locket tightly, a symbol of his new beginning and the freedom it represented. With a final glance at the ordinary world around him, he braced himself for the journey ahead.
With a twist of magic and a sense of being pulled through space, Harry and Mira were whisked away by the portkey. Harry Potter was ready to embark on a new chapter of his life, one filled with independence and discovery, away from the shadows of his past.
Chapter 29: Chapter 29: “The Sanctuary on the Hill”
The portkey's magic subsided, leaving Harry standing at the entrance of a yard that belonged to his new home. He found himself in the rural heart of England, surrounded by the serene beauty of rolling hills and verdant fields. The sky was a tapestry of orange and pink hues, painting a picturesque sunset. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of earth and wildflowers, a stark contrast to the city's hustle and bustle.
Before him stood a quaint house, reminiscent of the one belonging to Bill Weasley in the wizarding world's lore. Its exterior, charming and rustic, was adorned with climbing ivy and blooming flowers. The structure, built with a blend of magic and traditional architecture, stood harmoniously with its natural surroundings. It was as if the house had grown from the earth itself, rooted in the land's magic and history.
Harry approached the house, his steps echoing with a sense of purpose. The wooden door, engraved with subtle magical runes, opened into a cozy interior, a welcoming embrace from the cold evening air. The house, though small, was meticulously designed, each space utilized to its fullest potential.
The living room was warm and inviting, with a fireplace crackling in the hearth. Comfortable armchairs and a sofa were arranged around a low table, perfect for evenings of relaxation and contemplation. Soft, enchanted light filled the room, casting a gentle glow on the walls adorned with pictures of landscapes and abstract magical motifs.
Adjacent to the living room was a small but functional kitchen, equipped with magical and mundane appliances. It was clear that the house, while rooted in wizarding traditions, had adaptations for someone familiar with the Muggle world.
Harry's exploration led him to the two bedrooms. Each room was furnished simply but comfortably, with beds that promised restful sleep and windows that offered views of the starlit sky. But it was the library that truly captured Harry's attention.
The library in Harry's new home was a haven of knowledge, a meticulously curated collection that reflected the foresight and care of Euphemia Potter. Each shelf, each book, was a testament to her desire to equip Harry with the tools necessary for an exceptional education in the wizarding world.
As Harry perused the shelves, he was struck by the breadth and depth of the collection. Here were the standard textbooks required for Hogwarts, meticulously arranged in order of year and subject. "A History of Magic" by Bathilda Bagshot, "Magical Theory" by Adalbert Waffling, "A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration" by Emeric Switch – these and many others stood ready to guide him through his academic journey.
For his first year, he found "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi" by Phyllida Spore, "Magical Drafts and Potions" by Arsenius Jigger, and "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by Newt Scamander. There was also "The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection" by Quentin Trimble, and the first of Miranda Goshawk's "The Standard Book of Spells" series.
As he progressed through the library, he discovered subsequent years' texts: "The Monster Book of Monsters" for Care of Magical Creatures, "Unfogging the Future" by Cassandra Vablatsky for Divination studies, and "Defensive Magical Theory" by Wilbert Slinkhard. The collection continued with advanced texts like "Advanced Potion Making" by Libatius Borage and a complete series of "The Standard Book of Spells" up to Grade 7.
Beyond the standard curriculum, the library offered more. There were books on magical laws, modern history, and even a guide to magical etiquette, ensuring that Harry would be well-versed in the broader aspects of wizarding society. Storybooks like "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" promised lighter reading, while "Quidditch Through the Ages" by Kennilworthy Whisp offered insight into the wizarding world's favorite sport.
Euphemia had also included texts on more specialized subjects like mind magics and magical theory, anticipating Harry's potential interests and academic pursuits.
Each book was a gateway to knowledge, a resource that would empower Harry to excel academically. Euphemia's foresight in assembling this library spoke of her deep understanding of the educational needs of a young wizard. She had ensured that Harry would not only pass his courses but excel with Outstanding grades.
Settling into an armchair in the library, Harry began to plan his future. He was acutely aware of the limitations his body faced due to malnutrition and the ongoing magical block. Starting a rigorous training regime was out of the question until he had fully recovered, both physically and magically.
Harry realized the importance of rebuilding his body, but he was at a loss regarding the best approach. His knowledge of exercise was limited to basic cardio and bodybuilding routines from his past life, but he was uncertain if these were suitable for a six-year-old child, especially one recovering from severe neglect and malnutrition.
Harry figured he'd need someone who really knew about these things to help him out, but getting into a gym as a kid, especially without an adult saying it was okay, wasn't going to happen. He had plenty of money, but that wasn't the issue. Cordelia Fawley could be convinced to accompany him, but that would have to wait until his next visit.
For the time being, Harry decided to focus on what he could control. A nutritious diet was the first step towards physical recovery. He planned to utilize the well-equipped kitchen in his new home to prepare healthy meals with the help of Mira, ensuring his body received the necessary nutrients to heal and strengthen.
Mental well-being was another area that required attention. The years of neglect and bullying at the Dursleys had left their mark, and Harry recognized the need to address these issues. The emotions left behind if not addressed would not bode well for him in the future and could lead to him going evil.
Without access to a psychologist for counseling, meditation appeared to be his best option to fix this. Through meditation, he hoped to work through the emotional scars, finding peace and resilience within his own mind.
The Dursleys' treatment of Harry was harsh and uncaring, yet Harry didn't label them as evil. They rarely harmed him physically and, out of fear of Dumbledore and other wizards, they allowed him to stay in their home. Despite these slight concessions, Harry couldn't find it in himself to forgive them for the years of neglect and emotional pain they inflicted on him. He harbored no desire for revenge, but he firmly believed in the principle that actions have consequences.
Harry understood that the Dursleys would eventually face the repercussions of their mistreatment, without him needing to lift a finger. The fabricated story of his 'death' and how they acted afterward were bound to raise suspicions. When neighbors and Harry's school noticed his abrupt absence, questions would inevitably lead to an official inquiry. Such an investigation was bound to bring the Dursleys' neglect and abuse to light.
In Harry's mind, the wheels of justice were already in motion. The Dursleys, who had tried to hide their abusive behavior, would soon find themselves under scrutiny. The legal ramifications of their actions would be unavoidable, and they would have to answer for the harm they had caused. As for the driver involved in the accident, although his role was minor, he too would face some form of accountability.
As the night deepened, Harry experienced a profound sense of tranquility in his new residence. This haven, perched atop a hill, symbolized more than just a physical dwelling; it represented the dawn of a fresh chapter in Harry's life. A chapter where he could chart his own course and make decisions for himself, away from the shadows of his past. Here, in the quiet of the countryside, Harry Potter began the journey of rediscovering himself and preparing for the future.
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