A Goblin's Proposition

Ragnok nodded, not surprised. "For your titles, through your father you gain three lordships. The Potter family is a direct descendant from the Peverells, which is a side branch of the Gryffindor family; all three come with votes on the Wizengamot, a seat on the Hogwarts Board of Directors, and a founder's seat on the board. As the last heir to all three families, you can claim the lordship from them along with the three votes."

"Your blood adopted godfather named you his heir, and through him you gain the Black family lordship and the Black family vote in the Wizengamot. The Slytherin lordship is more complicated; you gained the lordship through the right of conquest when you defeated the self named Lord Voldemort - from this you gain his vote in the Wizengamot and his founders seat the Hogwarts Board of Directors."

"Your final title is something of a legend that even we, the goblins of Gringotts, never thought would come to pass. You, Harry Potter, are the Master of Death."

Harry sat stunned, trying to take in what he had learnt. "What does that even mean?" he finally asked.

"It means, Mr. Potter, that you have done what was thought to be impossible. You have gained control of Death itself."

Harry blinked twice as he took in Ragnok's words. He opened his mouth to speak before closing it with a snap. He was speechless.

Ragnok let the silence fall before continuing, "What this entails even I do not know, but I would expect it to become clear to you in the coming days."

Harry listened but kept his silence.

"What is next is for you to formally claim your lordships."

"How would I go about doing that?" Harry asked. His voice coming out slightly higher than usual was the only indication of the strain he was feeling.

"The process is simple: all you have to do is place the lordship rings on your left hand. If they accept you they will bond to you and your magic, if not they will return to the lordship box held within the family vaults until such a time when they are claimed by the rightful heir." After he spoke he appeared to reach under the table and produced five boxes, all of which varied in age and wear.

"Do not worry about wearing multiple rings on the same hand, although never have we had a lord of so many titles, it is not so uncommon that somebody is the lord of two houses. Your rings, if they accept you, will combine into one when worn, creating a new design combined of the features from your houses. When needed, however, a specific family ring can show."

Harry nodded his head understanding and slowly reached for the closest box. It was black and fairly plain looking. Opening it up, Harry felt his insides freeze in horror and he visibly recoiled. Sitting nestled innocently in the box was the ring that once contained one of Voldemort's horcruxes.

"Wh-I mean-I don't-how?" Harry finally managed to ask.

"You have seen this ring before?" Ragnok questioned.

"Yes, this ring was one of Voldemort's—" Harry cut himself off, not wanting to share what it was Voldemort did to his soul. "I mean, I know this ring was destroyed."

"Ah," Ragnok said in understanding. "A lordship ring cannot truly be destroyed unless the family is dissolved. If damaged, the rings will return to their rightful family vaults."

"This ring was also once cursed," Harry said, staring at the ring warily. He remembered seeing Dumbledore's hand and the twisted, blackened flesh before another thought struck him and for a moment he wondered if this meant that Voldemort wasn't truly gone. A fluttering in his heart and a deep longing at that fleeting thought shocked him before he forced away those feelings. Voldemort was gone and the ring no longer had the overwhelming presence that Voldemort's horcrux once had.

"Any curse by the previous owner would have been removed," Ragnok said, "the ring's only properties are, if I remember correctly, protection against mind assaults, potions, influencing charms, and low level magical attacks. There should be a parchment somewhere in the vault explaining them."

Picking the box up again, Harry hesitantly picked up the ring. Placing it on his ring finger, he felt a sudden rush in his magic before it settled.

"Congratulations, Lord Slytherin," Ragnok said, smiling toothily.

Harry then claimed the rest of the lordships with no extra hidden shocks, the rings merging together into one on Harry's finger.

"Now that that is done Lord Potter, I believe it is time for us to speak about your debt to the goblin nation," Ragnok stated.

Harry drew his eyes away from his new ring and nodded his head in agreement. "You are correct, Chief Ragnok."

"The damage caused by the release of the dragon was immense, not only did it cause a breach in our stronghold but eight goblins were injured and over 200 muggles had to be obliviated."

Harry winced at the damage. "I know words are meaningless but I would like to apologise anyway before payment is given," Harry said. "The situation was grave and although my actions caused great damage, at the time I felt they were justified."

Ragnok narrowed his eyes. "Only at the time?" he questioned.

"I have now come to realise that my actions leading up to this day would scarcely count as being my own. Yes, it was me, but I had little control over myself with the amount of potions and charms I was under. Therefore I cannot say if they were justifiable. But what's done is done, and I will do my best to make reparations to you and your race."

"You are correct and that will be taken into account," Ragnok said sagely.

"My thanks," Harry said.

"The debt will be considered fulfilled if the payment of 10 million galleons is given," Ragnok said.

Harry felt his eyes widen slightly at the immense sum. He could afford it easily now, he knew that, but it was still a vast amount of money. However, considering the situation, Harry knew it would be in his best interest to accept. Yet, before he could agree, Ragnok spoke again.

"Alongside this, I, on behalf of the goblin nation, would like to offer you our hand in friendship."