11 Gringotts

The business went well, and Madam Malkin agreed to work for Aphrodite. She was eager to start as soon as possible. I can't fault her; Veelas would be the best models that she could ask for. Not only they are beautiful, but their bodies are also splendorous.

After went out of Malkin's store, we passed by the three Dionysiu's stores. Besides the alcoholic drinks and candies, the Dionysiu's restaurant is selling not only popular Britain's Food, but also other countries' foods (primary French's food, as they are our majority production).

Finally, at the north side of Diagon Alley, we could see the Gringotts Wizarding Bank, a white building in the corner of the street with a dragon statue in its roof. I entered with Alfred.

Inside, the huge pillars of the bank were made of a refined stone and there was an extravagant chandelier on the ceiling (these greed goblins know how to like the goods stuffs. Well, I'm not to be the one to judge, after all, my mansion is even more luxurious – I put a giant Burke Coat of Arms in my live room, entirely made by gold). There is also a line of Wizards protecting the bank (we could see some using a 'Will of A' vest).

I read their slogan on the wall:

Enter, stranger, but take heed

Of what awaits the sin of greed,

For those who take, but do not earn,

Must pay most dearly in their turn.

So if you seek beneath our floors

A treasure that was never yours,

Thief, you have been warned, beware

Of finding more than treasure there.

"Interesting phrases. But I feel that they are challenging us…"

"Young Master, you are not thinking in steal the Gringotts, are you?" whispered Alfred

"No. It was only my thoughts. There are a lot of better ways to win money than risking a conflict against goblins. They are more valuable as allies, after all. 'Strength through loyalty' is the best motto that I could ask for the ones that are guarding our gold."

"But they are greed… and arrogant." Reply my butler

"So do us (wizards). But they know their limits"

After our little talk, we went straight to the goblin in charge

"Excuse me, I'd like to talk to the goblin in charge" Alfred said to the goblin that was in guarding the door.

"Who should I say wants to talk to him? You see, he is not someone who likes to waste time."

"Say that Alfred Stone and Ilan Burke are here" stated Alfred with an imposing tone

The goblin growled, but entered to inform the Director. He is not stupid to refute against someone he didn't know (that's something that I like about goblins, there are not so impulsive). When he came back, we could see that any displeasure that he might have, was erased.

"This way, please"

We entered in an office room

"Ah, Mr. Burke and Mr. Stone, this Ragnok is at your service" said the Gringotts Head Goblin

"With your polite speech, I can presume you know who we are." I reply

"I wouldn't be the Head if I didn't know, Mr. Burke. And it's been decades that a Gringotts produced more Galleons" smiled Ragnok

He didn't treat me like a child, point for him. As for galleons, these goblins can smell for miles. More than that, French's Gringotts is becoming stronger than Britain. No wonder he might have searched all my companies' information that was viable.

"I thought Gringotts keeps secret about personal information"

"We do. But this is some privileges that the Gringotts Head have. And I need to know our principal client, don't I?"

"Fair enough. Let's not waste time, we both don't like it. For others, I'm here for my inheritance. But we can do some business too" I passed him a few papers. He didn't seem to mind that a 10 years old boy is leading the conversation.

For the paper, it's explicit a partnership between Gringotts and Burke's family on Olympus Mall Company. Alfred and I discussed about the Mall Company, and concluded that goblins would be the best ally. Goblins would provide their expertise in construction (they are better forging weapons, but one can see that they are also great in building – the inside of this bank proves it), help with the costs (I'm not short of money. But to build in many countries, it would be preferred to have a strong partner) and the security (they have their one guards and some secret protection).

Furthermore, we would include them in the Order of Zeus. All CEOs agreed that having them on our side is the best choice (although it might cause some ruckus, having the ones that guard all wizard money, is worth it).

"Interesting, very interesting" said Ragnok. His eyes were burning with greed. One can see that he is already calculating the profit

" 'Strength through loyalty', I like your goblin motto. Let's see how our partnership works. Maybe the future can surprise us, maybe we could see goblins with wands"

Ragnok's eyes widened, after a moment, he laughed out and loud "HAHAHAHA, what an interesting human. Not in my wildest dream, I would have so incredible moment"

We finished our deal with magic contracts and many other securities. Alfred and I took the entire attractive objects that were in Burke's vault (mainly books). After went out of Gringotts, Alfred told me:

"That's was a bold move, Young Master."

"Yes. Sometimes we need that, we have been too cautious in some steps. And, with the society prospering, goblins would need to be stronger. Dividing power and money with a lot of people is a double-edged sword, but it's a necessary risk; we need this check and balance. Put too much power in pureblood, muggleborn or goblins, only will lead to stagnancy and rebellions."

"True enough. Now, we go to Hera Foundation?"

"Yes"