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.