Early Afternoon, Potter Accounts, Gringotts, Diagon Alley - May 15, 1995

  Harry leaned back, not eating nearly half the volume he was used to yet still thoroughly satisfied. “First time I’ve ever eaten Dragon Steak before Ragnok, my compliments.”

  “I’m glad you appreciate it, Heir Potter. Wizards have forgotten the Olde ways when it comes to training and expanding your magical abilities.” The goblin leader smirked with a sense of superiority.

  “However, now we have supped, I believe it is time to attend to your matters today.” Two quick snaps of his fingers and the Apprentice hurried over to Harry. Presenting a small box which held two rings within.

  “Take the smaller ring and wear it, while swearing an oath to uphold your House's honour and claim your position as Heir.”

  “Sounds easy enough, though I do have a question.” Harry paused, unsure whether this would be a wise decision. Shaking his head he firmed his heart and went through with it anyway. “As we’ve seen from the records, my real name is actually Hadrian James Potter. So named by my mother, Hadrian. In honour of my father, James. And finally in honour of my ancestors, Potter.”

  “However, this is a name that is cursed in my eyes. So I was wondering if there was a way to change my name by magic.” Harry abruptly announced.

  This shocked Snape, if anything he thought that he would wish to claim his original name and be closer to his parents. Not cast off the name and seek his own. It made no sense to his mind, seeking to clarify things he softly asked a few questions. “Mr. Potter… Harry, why would you seek to distance yourself from your name?”

  A long pause followed, “Like I said Professor, it’s a curse. I never knew I had one, it was Freak originally. I discovered it when I first attended muggle school, and it wasn’t even my real name. It was Harry, not Hadrian.”

  Trying to calm himself he took a breath before continuing, “I wish to choose a name for myself, so that the people who matter to me, will be the only ones to know this truth. No one else. Everyone else who calls me by my cursed name? Well, it will be a reminder that people don’t know the real me.”

  Stunned to silence, Snape thought over everything Harry said. With his shallow understanding of the young man he couldn’t help but admire him. This was a passive, yet efficient, way of dealing with his aversion to fame. It would be like a constant reminder that he shouldn’t ‘sweat’ the attention he gets when people call him Harry, or if they realise his real name, Hadrian.

  Quite ingenious.

  “I do not object, after all this is your life to live. I assume you wish to add a single name then?”

  Nodding in the affirmative Harry continued, “If that was OK, yes. That was the plan. I want to read the Potter memoirs and pick a name suitable for my ancient heritage. One that honours my family, my heritage and our magic.”

  “It’s also why I am asking before I swear any oaths. I wasn’t sure if adding a name would change anything or just affect my Oaths, like the claiming of my position as Heir.” Harry shrugs.

  “Well reasoned Mr. Potter.”

  “To answer your question, yes, it would affect your oaths. You would have to reswear them in fact. The heir ring would still recognise you, but the ministry and goblin magics would not. So I assume you would like the Potter Memoirs?”

  “If you wouldn’t mind Ragnok. I don’t want to choose a name without meaning to myself or my heritage. This will go a long way to prove that.”

  “Well then, fetch the requested item, a banking bag and ledger for the Potter Trust vault and the Potter Main Vault respectively.” Two snaps, and the apprentice was off running once more. “Now, before we move further, lets get the inheritance test out of the way. That way I can get started on preparing you an information packet for your next visit.”

  Nodding his acquiescence, Harry stood and walked to the table. Ragnok was swift, grabbing an ancient looking parchment and a silver blade. “Cut your finger, and place the bleeding appendage on the marked circle.” He informed Harry quickly.

  Following the instructions was easy, watching the spider web of lines spread through the page was enchanting. Showing many a familial connection to much of the Noble purebloods in the country. Though what truly interested Harry was the side panel of the parchment.

  A small biography was forming, showing what links Harry has to various houses and even what vaults those houses had available. Though there was an odd discrepancy, one inherited vault to, Evan Meadows.

  When Snape caught wind of this he smiled with tears in his eyes. “There, that’s what I was looking for, Harry. Get it? Lily Evans. Evan Meadows.”

  Harry looked up to the professor and nodded sadly. “Could you please get me a list of assets linked to this vault? And a small selection of things I can invest in please.”

  “Good decision Mr. Potter, we have to get you a few things from Diagon still and the afternoon is passing quickly.” Snape said, nodding his approval.

  “Not a problem Mr. Potter. Please have a look at these lower end investment opportunities in our books at your leisure.”

  While they waited for the runner to return with the requested items, Harry looked through a couple of the investments. Quickly making a note of the companies that interested him. Marking them thoughtfully with a quill that was made available to him.

  The main investment that caught his eye was an ‘Enchanted Mirror’ company. A muggleborn was attempting to recreate muggle mobile phones using enchanted mirrors. The other was ‘Bolt Brooms’ an up and coming broom making company with a very interesting reputation. Both of which he earmarked for a meeting during the summer.

  Snape also took note and mentioned a few of the Potions and Herb based businesses. Assisting Harry with some low risk investments, particularly the Herb farming industry. Something that he as a Potion Master had a great knowledge of.

  Diversifying his investments would be smart, picking up two herb gardeners that were using ‘experimental’ crop farming techniques and a potion manufacturer who wished to research a new herb found in a ‘Forbidden’ zone in the Magical Isles. He noticed its incredible healing properties, and if they found a use for it he wished to further research the herb and see if it was easily ‘cultivated and domesticated’. Surprisingly, this was found deeper in the Snowdonia mountain range, in between a Welsh Green dragon reserve and an area known to frequent a migrating Thestral herd.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  He did wish to invest in both of his previous choices but they were noted as being high risk high reward scenarios. So he offered half investment with a meeting for both during the summer. If they could prove a worthy line of research or output then Harry would heavily invest in them for a larger share of the company. Bypassing the current deal that was offered.

  This was aggressive business but his magic agreed that these two ideas had a great deal of merit. Looking up to Snape to check his thoughts, they had a swift conversation discussing his opinions on the matter. In point of fact, Snape even thoughtfully offered to split the cost, so at least the risk was mitigated for Harry, whilst taking none of the benefit.

  “I wish to encourage you to take smart risks, and do not wish to see you shy away from such financial investments if they turn into mishaps.”

  Which was enough reasoning for Harry to trust him, as long as he got it in writing of course. Ragnok sat there quietly, listening to the young Warrior’s reasoning behind his choices. All of which were sound if tactically questionable so early in one's investment career.

  Ragnok further recommended that Snape explain to the young Heir to eventually find reliable Herbologists to run such fields and experimental development solely funded by him and his house. Using such investments as ‘tests’ to see which have real potential in the field. This was a ‘grassroots’ way of developing talent. It required careful monitoring, but required only quarterly checks. As long as inventory was not being mishandled, it was a good investment and method for recruiting some hidden talents.

  Happy with his decisions and the advice of the people around him, he stared at the ring in his hand. “I think I will delay claiming my Heir position. Once I read some of the Memoirs… I can make a decision on my name change. Would it need to be done here in Gringotts?”

  “I would recommend it. Wizards have lost much of their skill and understanding of even simple ritual magic. Ever since the Ministry of Magic has declared such practices as ‘Dark magic’ you have seen a severe decline in people skilled in these things.” Ragnok said quietly.

  “Perfect, I can follow up with you on all the banking matters at the same time then. Oh!” Harry perked up, “I forgot to mention I would like an experienced curse and or cursebreaker to be present for my health check up in Hogwarts in two days time. I assume I can purchase such a service?”

  “For a friend of the Goblin Nation this won’t be an issue, Warrior Potter. Could I ask why?” Ragnok asked politely.

  “Well, the healers have said I still have an alarming amount of dark magic emanating from my scar, so we’re consulting with specialists. It seems to feed off of my magic, and may be one of the reasons why I have not been developing and growing as I should. Ever since the injection of Magic from the Hunter Rite, I have been feeling much better but I started noticing the aches and pains around my eyes and scalp. The source of the pain I believe as the healers do, is my scar.”

  “Hmm, if you had time I would insist you get that seen today. Since you’ve already made arrangements, we can help. In fact I believe I insist on it.” Ragnok stated firmly. A hint of suspicion filled his gaze. “I will inform my best ritual healer and cursebreaker of my suspicions. Just to confirm though, is this the same scar from when Voldemort struck you?”

  Nodding in an affirmative the young Heir sat patiently, waiting for his Bag and Ledgers. Staccato footsteps were heard outside the door. “Ah, here they come now. Any further banking information will now be sent to you directly Warrior Potter. The in depth analysis of your inheritance and blood ritual claims as well. I hope this has put your mind at ease with the Goblin Nation and our services?”

  Standing, the pair of wizards agreed while performing the ritual farewell. Harry collected his items before making a quick exit from the bank.

  xOxOx

  Mid Afternoon, Diagon Alley- May 15, 1995

  The unlikely pair sat at Florean Fortescue's ice cream parlour. Enjoying a quiet snack and treat after the drama filled morning in Gringotts. They had barely said a word for the past thirty minutes other than to decide what to do next.

  “You handled yourself well today, Mr. Potter. There were few moments where I was truly needed. Your mother would be proud of you.” Snape said quietly.

  “Thank you professor, that…actually means a lot.” Harry responded quietly, tears filled his eyes as he thought of a woman with piercing green eyes and fiery hair.

  Nodding quietly to him as if to be sure he understood his sincerity, he followed up with a quick question, “Now that the afternoon is halfway over, we’re running a little short on time for relaxed shopping. So, I recommend we come at this with a plan. Firstly, after we had a brief look at your accounts, we definitely need to improve your wardrobe. There’s absolutely no reason for you to be looking like you are. Not that it is your fault, just that you should feel shiny, like a galleon. Valuable and confident because of it.”

  “Can’t beat a first impression right sir?” Harry said.

  “Exactly Heir Potter. I would also recommend that we upgrade the cloth of your material. If you were feeling particularly paranoid I would even recommend that you line your clothes with dragon hide. At least for the first set, you’re getting the basilisk hide overclothes from what Amelia mentioned to the staff. We’ve been given strict instructions to not call you out for the breach in uniform code.”

  Raising one eyebrow, Harry turned to scoff at Snape, “Could you blame me? Really?”

  “Of course not”, he scoffed. Snape saw his expression and chuckled. “You remind me of your mother with that look. Apart from the clothes, is there anything in particular you need immediately?”

  “I was thinking of an extended bag and a multi compartment trunk. Maybe some books on my electives next year, even if I’m not coming back. I don’t fancy taking Divination or Muggle studies. So I thought it would be best to be prepared. Hope you can help me there.” Harry asked.

  Snape smiled, “Of course Harry, that’s what I’m here for.”

  Almost jumping out of his seat, Harry said “Oh! And a wand holster, I learned the hard way that losing your wand can be tantamount to suicide. It's even chipped and heavily damaged now, see?” He showed the professor his wand, it wasn’t damaged to the extent that Ron’s was earlier in the year. After their unfortunate crash into the Whomping Willow, but it would now show a lessened ability to channel his magic.

  “Ahh, now I understand why you focused on wand parts in your negotiations with the Goblins…they do say there is something special about wands that are made from a creature you have hunted yourself.” Snape remarked.

  “That’s the wondrous thing about magic,” Harry responded. “There’s a lot of logic involved, and a lot of symbolism. Sometimes you just have to feel the links in the world, Magic talks to you, if you’re willing to listen.” Harry said quietly.

  “Astute observation Mr. Potter, though to get a good wand holster, Hit Wizard grade, I would recommend a quick trip into Knockturn alley. Why don’t you let me get that one for you? It’s technically illegal to own unless you’re an Auror or Hit Wizard. I can do so while you get measured for clothes.” Snape pointed out.

  “Great! That will save us some time.”

  “With the new potions you’re on, stick to the essentials, once your body slows its growth you can get a more complete set. I recommend Acromantula silk, it offers some mild protection, and don’t forget your house crest as seen on your ledger. Shouldn’t set you back an amount you would deem significant. Just don’t forget some exercise clothes and shoes, alright?”

  “Ok, I won’t forget. Oh what about where you can get enchanted glasses here, Professor?” Harry asked.

  “Ahh, yes. That’s a good idea, get two pairs for normal, and one more prestigious.” He said, "It's just next door to Madame Malkins, ask her and she can point it out to you.”

  “Aye aye Prof!” Harry saluted towards Snape as they headed off to finish their shopping as quickly as possible.