Chapter 51 Wait! You'll Pay Me?

Harry's POV

Ragnuk looked at the man-child, wondering how to approach this diplomatically. There were many things that could go wrong. The Boy-Who-Lived had great pull in the Wizarding World. Especially, after the first task of the games they had going on at Hogwarts. Everyone had seen his great feats of magic. He had taken down three people, two very important ones, and exposed a Death Eater, who he heard had died from his… injuries, the backlash, well the man was dead. The boy in front of him had done all that with a few waves of his hands. Plus, if Snarlfist was correct, he had also found a way into the vaults. Which was bad, even if nothing was stolen. It was his duty to make sure this hole in the defenses were plugged.

There was also the fact that the teen was suffering from memory loss. It could explain his lack of fear of goblins. The History of Magic classes taught at the school made sure that everyone leaving there had a healthy respect of the viciousness of the goblin nation. The many wars fought between goblins and wizards were bloody and costly. This boy didn't know that though, and judging from the short conversation they just had, he was also very hotheaded. Being the ruler of the nation, it was Ragnuk's responsibility to make sure that his people didn't suffer unless completely necessary, this was not one of those situations. Though, it could become one very fast, if not handled correctly. So, for now diplomacy will have to do, even if it meant being nice to a wizard. However, if the child's attitude didn't change then he was more then ready to gut the boy. A dead threat isn't a threat after all.

Keeping his face calm, the king said, "I apologize for the treatment you have suffered so far. It was not our intention to have you threatened. The bank merely wishes to protect its customers. If you would just promise that you will never rob Gringotts, that will be more than enough to satisfy this institute." He looked at the teen and hoped that would be enough to start. He then quickly added. "We will be more than happy to wave the fee for Mr. Black's change his identity. It is nothing more then a small ritual and a few papers signed."

Sirius looked to Harry, keeping his hand on the boy's robe. "That's not too much to ask," he said, hoping the boy wouldn't make a big issue of it.

"I'm not sure, I mean that bastard over there pointed a knife at me. That is not okay, at all," Harry stated, waving his hand at Snarlfist, who merely growled in return. "What's to say that the next time the king can't stop him. He might corner me in a dark alley or something for making him look bad." He didn't think that would happen, but he was mad at the goblin. "Besides, this is the second time I've come here and been treated like shite. That's not good business."

"Harry, you're just looking to fight," Sirius said, leaning over and whispering in his godson's ear and cutting a glance at the king, who was just watching calmly. "Be reasonable," he all but pleaded. "These guys can start a war. Do you really want that? Think of how many people could die. It's not something we can afford right now, not with You-Know-Who still lurking about."

Harry took a minute to debate that with his crew. Worf was all for battling their way out of the bank, but Data and Spock were trying to be logical. Picard wanted a peaceful solution, for future relations. They all talked for a quick second, then Harry started think about what was said among them. He knew he could get out of here, he knew that he could hold his own, but could the rest of the magical community. Did he care? Something from his past-self leaked through. That stupid 'saving people thing' Hermione had told him about. He snarled internally, pushing the overwhelming desire to just bend over and let these guys walk all over him. He glared at the king and said, "What else you got? I don't want to come back here and be treated this way again."

"I can offer you employment. That would give you enough prestige to not be unfairly treated. You would be then considered a valuable member for Gringotts," the king said, rubbing his chin in thought. It was actually a good idea. If this boy could do even the smallest bit of what was rumored, he would be a great asset to the bank. The wards would be stronger than they had ever been, and he would surpass everyone in curse-breaking. The profits would be enormous.

"Doing what?" the amnesiac asked, settling down at that thought. He didn't need for money, but an income would make his fortune swell. The memory of his first week on the streets will always propel him into keeping money in his pocket. He would never forget digging through trash bins for food, and something from his wisp of memories was telling him that that wasn't the first time he had been hungry. He can remember being in a dark place and a man yelling that he wouldn't get food for a week. He remember the gnawing feeling of his stomach trying to eat itself. They were vague and hard to grasp, and he wasn't sure if he wanted to remember that. Whatever it was, it drove him to want to earn a steady income.

"I could pay you a king's ransom to shore up the wards, and there's curse-breaking to consider. The money you would earn will put the Potter name on the top ten richest wizards in magical Britain," Ragnuk enticed, seeing the interest in the boy's eyes. Not quite greed, but the need to never be poor. He knew the difference, too many wizards were just plain greedy and would try to swindle their way to riches. Then there were those, like the Weasleys, who would work to survive. He knew the oldest son did what he could to send money to the family. It was only because that that he had used the man in some private dealings. Not many, but a few. Bill Weasley was a talented employee, and a great asset to the bank. Perhaps, he would consider taking this teen under his wing. If Potter could teach Weasley what he knew, and visa-versa, then Gringotts would be much richer for it.

"What about his education?" Sirius asked, not wanting Harry to be left without his OWLs and NEWTs if something happened and he couldn't work for the bank anymore. Gringotts was not a safe environment, what with the dragons and curse object. Any number of debilitating injuries could happen. The poor kid could wind up looking like Mad-eye Moody.

"We can provide that. Tutors are plentiful if you know where to look," Ragnuk stated, waving the concern away. The bounty of muggleborns that couldn't find work was one that Gringotts kept track of and used when they could. The muggleborns would work for the minimum of wages, and not push to be paid more.

"I wouldn't have to live here, right? I could do some work at home, maybe?" Harry asked, suddenly in a much better mood. He didn't want to return to Hogwarts, there were very few good memories of that place. His friends would understand. Wouldn't they?

"I am sure something to be arranged. The charging of the wards would be a once a year event. And cursed items could be done anywhere warded. So, no, I don't see an issue with that," the king goblin said thoughtfully, going over the logistics in his mind.

"I still don't like the way that idiot over there treats customers," Harry stated, pointing to Snarlfist, who stepped forward growling.

"You must understand a bit about goblins, before you take too much offence. We are a warrior nation, stuffed into a situation that does not appease our basic fighting instinct. We have adapted as best we could, but there is still that need to fight. After the bank was open, it was understood that the wizards would not challenge us, and we would not make war. It didn't always happen, wars were fought, treaties were signed, still tensions run very high. We don't trust wizards, and they don't trust us," Ragnuk explained, holding his hand to stop the advancing goblin.

"That's a stupid way to coexist," the dark-haired wizard stated, blowing out a huff of air.

"It has been this way for centuries. It is in a goblins nature to fight those he perceives as a threat," Ragnuk stated, with a 'what can you do' gesture.

"So, if I fight the arsehole and win, then he'll leave me alone?" Harry asked, thinking it would show his strength, not all of it, he wasn't that stupid, and he'd get some prestige.

"If that is what you wish," the king goblin said, wondering how the man-child knew that that strategy would work. "I am sure something could be arranged." He face broke out in a wicked grin.

Snarlfist sneered at the boy. There was no way this slip of a child could win in a fight.

"Sure, I think I'd like that," Harry sneered back, looking the small being up and down and measuring the threat.

"Harry," Sirius whined, not liking where this was going at all.

"Deal," Ragnuk said, getting up for the table and holding out his hand to the teen.

"Deal," Harry confirmed, shaking the hand.

"In two days' time you will meet here at Gringotts and settle this tension between you two. When that is done, win or lose, we can come up with a contract for your employment," the king said, shaking the hand one more time. "Until then, I suggest you practice. Goblins are not to be taken lightly, and you will not be allowed your wand," he added.

"Not a problem," Harry assured him.

With that they all broke up, and Sirius and Harry searched for Shockhorn's office, so the name change could take place.

Amelia's POV

It took Alastor ten minutes to get to her office. When he did, he stomped in, threw himself in a chair and said, "This better be important, Amelia. I was listening to a very interesting conversation." He was actually feeling better about himself, doing something productive. The dirt he was getting on those he wanted to have arrested, or taken down, was invaluable. So, he was frustrated that she called him away from that.

"You can get back to your spying soon," she assured him, then pointed to the box in the corner. "Potter and Black were just here and left us a present," she said with a sly grin.

Moody looked at the box with his enhanced eye. "It's full of doxies," he stated grimly, thinking she was playing a prank on him.

"Ah, but these doxies are different," she said with a smile. "They're sentient. I've already spoken with the queen, she is quite coherent."

"What does that have to do with us?" the grumpy man asked, eyeballing the box again.

"According to Potter, they've formed an army. He said the queen is willing to sign a treaty and patrol our tunnels. Can you image having dozens of little spies in the Ministry? I'm not sure if they can read, but they can listen and talk," she said seriously. Now that she was thinking about it, it would be a great boon to have an unseen spy network. If the wording of the treaty were good, they would be loyal only to the head of the DMLE. Finding criminals in the building would become much easier.

"What are you think, Amelia? I know you have something planned, or you wouldn't have called me," Alastor grumped, not liking were this was going. Spying was one thing, but training was a completely different type of spell.

Bones smiled. "Now, Alastor, I know you don't like retirement, so I'm going to offer you a job. I can pay as a consultant, it isn't much, but it'll give you a nice addition to your pension. That and this will protect the Ministry against the Death Eaters you've found. Think about how you can train them and get them to take out the enemy with no one being the wiser," she enticed, hoping to win the man over.

"Are you telling me you're giving me permission to 'take care of' the scum in this building?" Moody asked, perking up a bit. He never liked the namby-pamby way everyone handled the enemy. Leaving someone who is out to kill you at your back was just plan stupid. Look at what that got him. A wooden leg, and missing eye, and chunks of flesh gone. A dead enemy wasn't a threat.

"I can't do that, and you know that, Alastor. However, I can't control pest like doxies. If they were to accidently kill someone… well, pest control is not my department," she said with a smile. "I'm trusting you with this, Alastor. I don't want to have to arrest you for killing off the fools that run the Ministry. I can overlook some things, but not others. I'm sure you know which is which," she added harshly. She knew his views on fighting, so borders had to be set from the start.

Moody harrumphed, his eye going to the box once again. He could see now that they weren't just mindlessly flying around. There were conversations going on, drills being performed, and there were even games being played. It looked like this 'army' was bored. He delved further and could see the queen tending her eggs. There were helpers accompanying her, which was not unusual, but they seemed to be communicating with one another, which was. They were organized, he could work with that. "Alright," he said, turning to Bones, "I'll give it a go, but I want that treaty in place first. I don't want any 'accidents' happening to me. There's going to have to be some sort of binding to control them. They can't make a vow, like the goblins. Nothing too restrictive, but something."

"Wonderful. Potter said his lawyer's firm will draw up the paperwork, so I'll owl him and set it up. Why don't you come back tomorrow, and we'll see where it goes?" she said, almost clapping her hands like a schoolgirl.

"I'm going to finish looking around today," he countered, "I'll bring the map back a 5:30 sharp." He got up and stomped away, plans running through his head as he went to figure out good strategic points in the tunnels. He was also going over what wording the treat should have, and trying to figure out what the blasted doxies ate.

Neville's POV

After classes the group got together and went to the Shack. They were hoping Harry and the two Marauders were there, so they could go over the schoolwide prank they wanted to pull. Hopefully, they had a few ideas since the group was conflicted on what they wanted to do. Everyone of them had different ideas on what was funny. The twins had to regulate their usual gusto, because of the anti-bullying wards. Things that would cause mental trauma were a no-no, as well. So, some of their stuff they couldn't do. They all entered the tunnel and chatted about their day. When they got to the door, they were surprised to hear a loud thump on it. They raised their wands, and quickly opened the door.

"Come on, Harry, you're not even trying," Sirius said from the other side of the room, where Remus stood next to him grinning like a fool.

"I don't have fucking werewolf strength either," the teen grumbled as he picked himself off the floor.

"You're the one who picked a fight with the goblins," the glamored man said with a shake of his head. "Now, get up and take it like a man."

"Fuck you," Harry said good-naturedly, not really mad at the man.

"Come on, Harry, I'll be gentle with you," Remus stated, flexing his arms a bit.

"Fuck you, too," the teen said, still smiling. "I think we're done for now. Look, company," he said, gesturing to his friends.

"I'll leave you too it. I've got something I need to take care of," Remus said as he exited the room.

"Bye, Remus," all the teens chorused.

"What does he have to do?" Harry asked thoughtfully. They had already set up for the full moon.

"Something in the non-magical world," Sirius answered vaguely.

"And what brought about this madness?" Neville asked as the group made their way into the room. The furniture had all been moved to the walls and there was only carpets on the floor. As he walked he noticed the floor was spongy. He lifted his eyebrow to his dark-haired friend.

"I have to fight a goblin in two days, and these idiots are trying to teach me to fall," Harry answered with a shit-eating grin. He waved his hand and the furniture returned to its rightful spot. A tap of his foot had the floor hard again.

"And why do you have to fight a goblin?" Hermione asked, taking a seat on the couch.

"I didn't like his attitude," was the nonchalant answer. "I did get to meet the king, though. That was okay. Oh, and I got a job," he added still grinning like he had won a sweepstakes.

"What?" all the teens asked, except Luna, who was snuggling into Harry's side. She knew everything would be okay.

"Yeah, after my fight, win or lose, me and the bank are going to work out an employment agreement," Harry said, settling further into the couch.

"The bank and I," corrected Hermione, who only earned two finger salute for her effort.

"Do you know how hard it is to get employment with Gringotts?" Fred asked with awe, snagging one of the biscuits Winky had just put out.

"Yeah, it took Bill… what?... two years to get hired. He had to take a bunch of classes, since they said Hogwarts didn't teach him right," George added, also picking up a cookie.

"I didn't ask for a job, they offered it to me, so I wouldn't pull my account," Harry said a bit defensively.

"Your account isn't big enough to warrant that," Neville said, pick up the tea in front of him and taking a sip. "I mean the Potters are well-to-do, but not that well-to-do."

"Well," the amnesiac drawled, "I might have said I'd talk Sirius, who is now legally Reggie Sirius Grey, in to pulling his as well."

"That'll do it. One thing goblins hate is for someone as rich as the Blacks to take their money from the bank," the sandy-haired boy said with a nodding of his head.

Luna turned to Sirius and said, "Reggie is a good name to remember him by."

"I thought so too," he said in agreement.

"Remember who by?" Hermione asked as she sipped her tea.

"My brother. He was a Death Eater, and we," he indicated him and Harry, "think he defected. There was something of You-Know-Who's in my old house. From what the house elf we sent away said, it was to be destroyed. We don't know for sure, but that's our theory."

"Why don't you ask the house elf?" Neville asked as if it were obvious.

"I ordered him to never answer the call of a Black, before I sent him away," Sirius shrugged.

"I meant to ask you about that, isn't Mrs. Malfoy and Draco of Black blood? Doesn't that mean he won't answer them?" Harry asked, putting his empty cup on the table, only to watch as it filled up again.

"That's the beauty of it. That rotten elf can only do what Lucius tells him. So, they have an elf that is restricted," Sirius laughed at a well pulled prank, making the teens laugh with him.

"Won't they kill him," the dark-haired teen asked, sobering up at that thought.

"No," Neville answered. "Even the Malfoys won't kill a house elf. They might make him punish himself, but he's too valuable to kill."

"That's awful. Can't they negate the order?" the ever-inquisitive Hermione asked. She still knew so little about house elves, and she was always up to learning more. To learn that one was in the hands of Lucius Malfoy was distressful.

"Nope, once an order is given it must be fulfilled, which means that whatever Regulus told Kreacher to do, it will drive the elf batty. I think that's what happened to him anyway. He was crazy when I was a kid, but nothing like what we found," the dogman said thoughtfully. He could care less if Kreacher was told to punish himself, he hated that elf with every fiber of his being. Kreacher was a vile elf, who used to torture him when he was a kid. With or without orders. So, he didn't have the excuse that he was forced to. No, Kreacher was a bad seed, it's one of the reasons his mum had picked him in the first place.

"Not that I'm not happy to see you guys, but what brings you here today?" Harry asked, changing the subject before a debate broke out and looking around at his friends.

"We want to pull a prank, but we can't decide which one to do," Fred huffed, folding his arms over his chest. He had great plans in his mind.

"Why don't each of you do one, then get together before you pull them off, and coordinate. You have the magic to do a lot. So, make it seem like one big prank. I mean, you have Neville for plants, Luna for the bizarre, Hermione for the educational, and you guys for chaos. It'll be perfect," he advised, seeing the thoughtful looks on their faces as they glanced at one another.

"Yeah, perfect," the twins chimed.