Ch. 6 Poltergeist

I followed Manager Ruknar into a richly decorated office. Every wall was adorned with finely crafted tapestries and non-magical paintings. The office just oozed wealth.

The elderly goblin took the seat behind the desk, and I made myself comfortable in a plush armchair. Once settled, Manager Ruknar says, "Congratulations, Mr. Dovahkiin. You are now, well within, the top ten richest wizards in magical England."

Politely replying, "Thank you, Manager Ruknar." I sit back and wait for the goblin to get down to business.

"Well, time is money. If you desire to open a vault with Gringotts, I will be your account manager." The elderly goblin pulled several sheets of parchment out of this desk and pushed them across towards me. "As your account manager, I will be your liaison with Gringotts. My role mainly comprises of overseeing the transactions of your account. Both deposits and withdraws.

"If you acquire income-producing properties or businesses, I will ensure due payment is received. On the first of every month, I will send you the previous month's financial statements."

That is incredibly simple. I can't help but ask, "What about business operations or investments in the muggle world?"

Manager Ruknar lightly nods his head once before stating, "The Statue of Secrecy prevents us from having extensive dealings with the muggle world. Gringotts can introduce you to squibs that run successful operations in the muggle world for a small commission, of course. In addition to our established services, we also have goblins that you may employ to run the administrative side of any business you own, for a fee."

There go all plans for having the goblins make muggle investments for me. As far as the non-magical side of the world is concerned, I don't exist. I'll have to get fake papers or a front-man if I want to do business in the muggle world.

Putting those thoughts to the side, I pick up the parchments from the desk. I lean back in my chair to read them. There's no way I'm going to sign anything without reading it first.

The parchments describe the legal obligations Gringotts, and vault owners are to be held. It also lists the annual price for the various levels of protection for vaults.

Further into the contract, things get interesting. Gringotts offers no insurance policy for any fraudulent transactions against you or vault robberies. It does state they will 'spare no expense' to track down any thieves.

Along with their promise to hunt down thieves for 'potential' recovery, the contract describes a multitude of potential penalties and fees. There are severe penalties for defaulting on any payment. There are penalties for setting up magical defenses in your vault, and additional penalties for passing the vault to an heir when you die.

Nothing is mentioned about any restrictions on what items are stored in a vault. They won't even remove goblin-wrought silver items from a vault. Guess I made the right decision by not asking about the Horcrux.

In general, the contract heavily favors the goblins and their neutral stance.

Finished reading the contract, I can't help raising an eyebrow at Ruknar. The goblin returns my look with a predatory smile. "Few wizards ever read what is put in front of them. Arrogance or stupidity? You can decide."

I'm unsure if he's complimenting me or insulting wizards. Both, maybe?

Either way, if he thinks this has upset me, he's very wrong. Reading the contract gives me ideas on how to exploit the Lestrange vault. Putting those plans to the side, "I am not some common wizard."

The smile drops from Ruknar's face, and he takes on a contemplative look. Slightly shaking his head, "No. No, you are not a common wizard. We can sense something primal about you. If I may, what is your heritage?"

With a predatory smile of my own, I ask, "What is the method of making goblin-wrought silver?"

Ruknar barks a grating laugh at that. In a cheerful tone, "Well played. But we have business to finish. First, what level of security do you wish for your vault?"

"I will take a level five security vault. No additional defensive measures necessary." There are five levels of security, with five being their maximum. This should allow my vault to be near the Lestrange vault. I'll be able to get an idea of what is needed to break-in their vault.

Taking the quill from Ruknar's desk, I carefully write the desired security on the contract and sign my name.

Ruknar takes the contract and signs his name below mine. With a wave of his hand, a duplicate copy is made. Taking the offered duplicate, I store it in my subspace.

Putting the vault contract away, Ruknar pulls out a single parchment from a second drawer. "We can now discuss the purchase of a goblin-wrought dagger. Do you wish to purchase a pre-made dagger or custom?"

"A pre-made dagger is fine. Something simple will be perfect," I tell my account manager. It's going to be my Horcrux killer. It doesn't have to be pretty.

Ruknar opens the center drawer of his desk and pulls out three goblin-wrought weapons. Two knives and a dagger. "Will one of these meet your needs?"

I carefully look over each of the weapons. I point out a single-edged knife with a hand-sized blade. The entire thing was made of silver. The knife included a beautiful black scaled sheath. "That one will do just fine."

Putting the other two weapons away, "The purchase price for this goblin-wrought knife, is two thousand Galleons." Ruknar's tone implied there would be no negotiating.

While I knew it was a ridiculously high price, I didn't care. "I accept. You may withdraw the money from my vault."

Ruknar quickly wrote down the bill of sale and slid it to me. Quickly reading over the document, I catch the line about Ruknar being the true-owner of the knife. I am just paying to carry the goblin-wrought weapon for the duration of my life.

Having no problem with that, I sign my name and slid the contract back to Ruknar. After signing his name, he slides a duplicate copy and the knife back to me.

Once the knife and parchment are in my subspace, Ruknar stares at my hand for a moment. No doubt, he is wondering what spell I'm using.

Seeming to put the thought aside, Ruknar rings a small silver bell that was sitting on his desk. The office door quickly opens, and two younger goblins walk in. One is carrying a leather-bound portfolio and the other a single parchment.

Ruknar briefly talks to the goblins before he takes the two items, and the two goblins quickly retreat and close the door. The elderly goblin looks over the single sheet before passing it to me. A quick look reveals another bill of sale, this one for my gold bars. The total came to 2,432,928 Galleons, 5 Sickles, and 3 Knuts. Not bad for a single day's work.

After reviewing the statement, I look back to Ruknar. "Does Gringotts offer any other services not typically expected of a financial institution?"

Manager Ruknar studies me for a moment before he answers. "Gringotts Wizarding Bank is purely a financial institution, and does not offer services outside of a financial nature." The older goblin takes on a sly smile. "However, Clan Gringotts is capable of fulfilling a wide variety of contracts. That is, of course, if the individual qualifies. The amount of gold in your vault, is a qualifying factor."

Somehow, I'm not surprised by this. I can see the goblins charging the Wizarding Elite a small fortune to see to the darker side of affairs.

Nodding my head in acceptance, "I will keep that in mind. At present, I do not require anything from Clan Gringotts, but I'm sure that will change in time."

Ruknar nods his head. "This portfolio contains all the magical properties available for sale in Britain. The portfolio is set up for the more expensive properties in the back," Ruknar explains.

Setting the portfolio in my lap, I flipped to the middle and began looking over the properties. There are several pictures of each home, and a detailed description written below.

I find a large stone manor, near the back of the portfolio. The estate is three stories tall, with fifteen bedrooms and twenty bathrooms. The description even states the manor has an indoor and outdoor pool, ballroom, and a partially filled library. The grounds are a sprawling eight hundred acres near a small magical village. The entire estate comes mostly furnished, and ownership of the property will grant me the title of Lord.

Looking at Ruknar, I can't help asking, "Why is this manor only 950,000 Galleons?"

Ruknar doesn't even look at the page, "Haydenmoore Manor. It has remained empty and unsold for the past seventeen years, primarily due to the poltergeists inhabiting the residence. They are rather violent and have resisted all attempts to remove them. No one has been able to stay more than a week in the manor."

Poltergeists are just malevolent ghosts. I quickly review my Skyrim spells and find several that should banish even the most powerful of undead. If those fail, I have a spell that will teleport them to another realm. I don't think any ghosts will be able to return from that.

I was a bit curious how such a massive magical property is available for sale. Thinking about all the magical families killed by Grindlewald and Voldemort, it makes sense. The last two dark wizards lead to the extermination of several magical families.

Looking at the pictures of the manor again, I am very tempted. This is an amazing price, half of what I would expect it to be. The prospect of thousands of magical books published before the Ministry of Magic went ban-happy is also too good to pass up.

"I'll take it," I firmly tell my account manager.

Ruknar appears surprised for a second before he replies, "Very well. Allow me to gather the deed."

It takes thirty minutes to finalize all the paperwork. It would have been faster, but I purchased several additional enchantments to be placed on the property. The manor is now Unplottable and will soon receive an Anti-Apparate ward for all not of my blood. I also changed the name from Haydenmoore Manor to Dragonsreach.

The thought of the Whiterun brings up many fond memories, from both lives.

When the final page was signed, Ruknar handed me the deed and my vault key. With a slight smirk, "Congratulations, Lord Dovahkiin."

Taken aback, I asked, "Lord? I thought the title was just for social status?!"

Ruknar looks into my eyes before answering. "Oh, yes. Taking ownership of Dragonsreach puts the local magical village directly into your governorship. Thereby making you the Lord of the land. You may apply for the family title of Noble before the Wizengamot. But with you being a foreigner... You will have to bribe a great deal of houses for approval."

I can't help releasing a snort of disgust, "I have no need for the approval of bigots and racists. Good day, Ruknar. Trixie, it's time to hunt a few poltergeists."

The last thing I hear before Trixie Apparates us away is the raspy laugh of Ruknar.

I'll have to look into what is required of me to fulfill my responsibilities as the Lord of a village. I can't imagine it being too much, since the property has been vacant for so long.

Trixie Apparated us beside a large fountain in the front of Dragonsreach. It's hard to make out much this late in the night, but I quickly change that. With an overpowered Candlelight spell floating over my head, I begin lobbing balls of Magelight towards each window.

Finally being able to get a good look at my new residence, I can't help thing how impressive the manor looks. The amount of detail in the engravings and stonework is beautiful. It's hard to rationalize this being my new home.

As we approach the heavily engraved front doors, an eerie wail pierces my ears. It sounds like the ghostly residents are getting ready for my arrival.

Bringing both hands together, I gather a large amount of magic before releasing it beside me. A bellowing purple portal opens, and an imposing demonic being stepped out. Covered in black Deadric armor, the dark-skinned dremora lord sneers. "I smell weakness!"

I loudly command, "Search the grounds for any ghosts or beasts. Slay any you find. Avoid all contact with humans or elves. Once you have finished searching the immediate grounds, return to your realm." I don't want to risk the battle-hungry Daedra finding his way into the village.

With a single hand, the dremora lord pulls the Deadric great-sword from his back. Shouting as he runs into the dark, "Hiding will not save you now!"

Looking down at the accusing stare of Trixie, I helplessly shrug my shoulders. "What? He'll save us time."

Ignoring the tiny elf shaking her head, I resume my walk towards the manor. A wave of my hand unlocks and opens both doors. I lob several balls of Magelight around the entrance hall. The eerie wailing turned into screams after I entered the manor.

The furnishings appear to be in decent condition, despite the thick amount of dust and cobwebs. Taking a moment to survey the room, I'm pleased to note, Trixie is already showering the room with cleaning spells.

Entering into the east wing of the manor, I continue throwing balls of Magelight around. I'm only scanning each room for any signs of beasts or ghosts before moving on.

After clearing out the east wing, I return to the entrance hall. Before I can make my way up the grand staircase, I quickly cast Grand Ward. A moment later, I metal blur strikes the ward spell.

I'm both happy and surprised at my quick reaction. I guess spending so much time in the dungeons of Skyrim paid off.

Looking down at the broken candle holder, I look back up the staircase. "Cowardly little shits!"

A distorted cry loudly calls out, "Cowardly?! You have the nerve to think us cowardly?" Two transparent images begin taking form on the first landing of the staircase.

Before the gruesome visage of two bloody men finishes forming, I send two deep purple bolts slamming into their chests. The forms of the would-be poltergeists are instantly drawn in on themselves before completely disappearing.

A feminine squeak breaks the silence, "Wees think you're stupid too."

Stunned by the tiny elf's comment, I look over at Trixie. She's already resumed her cleaning and lightly humming to herself.

I can't help but smile with pride at my little servant. "Like a boss."