Chapter Text
Harry received a surprise summons to the bank two weeks into November and to his absolute amazement it arrived with quite the fanfare. Harry was sat at breakfast with all of his friends on the Founder’s table when a troop of four goblins holding banners with the Gringotts emblems sewn in marched into the hall. Onyxfire was in the middle of the four guards and the whole room went silent as they entered and hundreds of students craned to see the goblins. “Goblin friends, I have to ask you to leave as this is private grounds...or at least tell me your reasoning for being here." Dumbledore bellowed as he stood from the teachers table, trying to put on his grandfatherly persona. Onyxfire simply ignore Dumbledore and walked straight to Harry’s table and bowed his head “Prince Harrison Potter-Black, I Prince Onyxfire come with a missive from my father King Ragnock IIII to a day within the Jaded Caverns for business propositions and tea...will you accept or send a reply?” Harry looked a bit bewildered at the whole conversation and when Draco nudged him to answer he stuttered out “Oh er...I Prince Harrison Potter-Black accept the invitation to the Jaded Caverns, when is the time and date?” Onyxfire smiled and handed Harry a box “Two days’ time at 8am, I shall await you in the lobby of Gringotts bank.” Harry simply nodded and with that Onyxfire left and the hall was silent as a graveyard, a spoon being heard as someone dropped it. “Well, that was entertaining, there will never be a normal week with Harrison in this school.” Severus drawled as he resumed eating. This seemed to pop the bubble as chaos broke loose, Harry using the chaos to escape the hall and towards the common room.
Harry hurried into his room and shut the door, a mild panic attack taking over as he sat on his bed. He had just been invited to basically converse and dine with royalty...one fuck up and he could be responsible for an entire goblin rebellion. Draco and Blaise burst through his door moments later and took in his panicked form before rushing to help. Blaise held Harry's hands as he ran through breathing exercises for Harry whilst Draco rubbed his back and whispered reassurances to the boy. Slowly all his friends trickled in with his godfathers last, having been held back to deal with the chaos of students and Remus was the first to crush Harry in a hug. “Pup...are you okay?” Remus quizzed, not sure how Harry truly felt in that moment. “I’m okay...just a little terrified as I don’t know what I’m doing formality wise.” Severus coughed to gain their attention “I am sure Fillius would be happy to help teach you how to behave...damn this is a big thing.” Harry simply nodded; it seems a trip to the charms professor would be needed. Many of his friends began excitedly chatting about the mornings events when Pansy gasped “Holy Circe!! We need to get you formal robes and like now...do you think we can head to one of the magical districts? France or Rome?” Draco smiled “Already sorted, Mother arrives in two hours with our tailor...robes will be put on a rush.” Harry hugged Draco tightly, grateful that his cousin thought ahead. “Okay, those that are non-Slytherin may stay for an hour but after that you are to return to the student areas or great hall please. I will send for Harrison when Narcissa gets here” Severus said as he guided Remus and Sirius out, practically pushing Remus. Many of Harry’s friends got comfy as they begun to talk strategy for the meeting.
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Harry sat in the empty charms classroom as Professor Flitwick pottered about getting a tea set “Now young Prince, to first meet with the Goblin King you will need a representative from your Court and a representative for the middle ground...preferably someone with Creature inheritance.” Harry hummed, taking notes quickly as the professor spoke. “As you are already aware you will need formal robes and the crown for your royal house...I assume Onyxfire was delivering your crown?” Harry nodded as he tapped the quill, making a tick beside it. “Perfect, now for etiquette.” And with this professor Flitwick went through all he would need to make sure he didn’t insult the Goblin King nor the entire nation. Harry spent an entire day being excused from lessons, as per the Hogwarts Charter, to attend Flitwick’s lessons as they were classed as royal protocol. Harry learnt the mannerisms needed, how to speak and what topics to avoid and sending letters out to those he wished to bring in as his representatives of which he'd chosen Lord Malfoy due to his Veela inheritance and Severus because the man was best at what he did and would help him remember. With that out of the way Harry begun trying to memories the key phrases to greet royalty and also how to walk properly and hold himself in public, practising with the Crown on his head.
Narcissa arrived part way through these lessons and with her tailor, a man who Harry found out was on most of the Lord and Ladies books, to get his robes designed for the meeting. Flitwick asked for more of a duelling style robe as many goblins desired battle prowess in their allies and the goblin King himself would be wearing his own armour. Soon the design, material and crests were decided and the tailor was rushed away to get them ready as soon as possible whilst Narcissa was happy to deliver the invitation to Lucius. Harry had chosen a fully black set of duelling robes made from the basilisk leather he had kept in reserve for himself and it was to have silver embroidered and the Emyrs and Pendragon crests on one side as they were the royal houses. Thankfully the goblins had chosen a Saturday for their meeting so Harry wasn’t missing out on much school work...not that it really mattered as he was breezing through second year work.
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It was two days later that saw Harry, Lucius and Severus stood on the steps to Gringotts bank at seven forty-five...gathering their thoughts and last minute nerves. Both men had adorned their finest outfits and Harry adjusted his collar and he simply nodded once and strode into the bank, head held high and face impassive. There was no wixen in the bank, it not officially open till eight and in the lobby as promised was Onyxfire who was adorning a crown of his own with seven armed goblins surrounding him. Harry bowed his head once “Well met Prince Onyxfire, may your jewels sing in the caverns silence.” Onyxfire beamed at the young man and bowed his head in respect too “Well met Prince Harrison, may your crown remain strong.” The formal greeting out of the way Prince Onyxfire gestured to the party to follow him and the group made their way down into the Jaded Caverns by elevator. The ride down was silent, most the group getting comfortable with one and another whilst Harry ran through every lesson Flitwick had given him. Severus smiled a little as he placed his hand on Harry's shoulder, reminding him he wasn’t alone in this and he could relax. Harry took a breath...he simply needed to be himself, everyone liked him as himself anyway so there was nothing to fear.
The elevator juddered to a stop and the party of goblin guards left the elevator first, making a path for Onyxfire and company to follow. The tunnels to the Throne Room were much the same as Harry's first trip here and Onyxfire made small talk with Harry about how his schooling was going and discussions about how to out Lockheart from his position. Soon they arrived at two very large oak doors that had leafy vine patterns crossing the wood and seemed to actually have gold in them. Two guards opened the door as Onyxfire was announced and then Harry's party. Sitting at one end of the room was a large goblin who wore the shiniest armour he’d seen and was the tallest out of every goblin in the room. He wore a crown of silver with a large emerald in the centre and Harry assumed this was Ragnock. Beside him on either side of his throne was four smaller throne like chairs, three already filled with goblins and the fourth one Harry assumed was for Onyxfire. The other three goblins were dressed in fine clothes with smaller crowns on and looked slightly bored at being there, each wearing a sash of different colours and a ring with a different precious gem in the centre.
Harry bowed at the waist as he had been taught with a clenched fist over his heart as he echoed “Well met King Ragnock IIII, may you family stay strong. With me today are my advisors Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy Lucius Abraxas Malfoy and the Lord to the Ancient and Noble House of Prince Severus Tobias Snape.” Both men had bowed the same as Harry and were waiting for the Kings approval. Ragnock placed his clenched fist over his heart “Rise Prince Harrison Potter-Black, Lord Lucius Malfoy and Lord Severus Snape. Thank you for agreeing to my meeting on such short notice, I would have given more notice but after your beautiful gift of Basilisk parts and a head for my wall I couldn’t resist. With me today are my sons, you already know my youngest Onyxfire, the second youngest is Silverjaw the second eldest is Flameopal and my heir and oldest son Goldmaw.” Harry bowed his head in respect of the four Princes who all bowed their heads as their names were mentioned. “Now come and sit, I cannot have my guests standing whilst we converse.” Harry took the seat opposite the Goblin King, in respect of his invite whilst Lucius and Severus sat either side in no specific order. “First your highness as a show of respect from my houses to yours I have acquired a gift to yourself in thanks for your invitation today.” Harry spoke clearly as Severus pulled the gift from a bag he had been carrying and handed the box to Harry. Harry handed the box to a guard goblin who checked it for malicious intent before handing it to his King. Ragnock opened the box to see a beautifully made crown and smiled, it was clearly goblin made and had been lost to the goblins for a long time. “I found this within Hogwarts your highness, in what is commonly known as the Come and Go room. It had apparently been stolen quite some time ago as plans were beside it in a bag with how to steal more gold from the caverns...I believe the person who created these plans is dead now and no family left.” Ragnock smiled “Thank you young Prince, this gift is much appreciated and will be rightfully returned to our sacred halls.”
Harry was handed some tea and as per royal protocol had Severus check for anything untoward before he drunk it and smiled at the Goblin King, who was doing the same. “Now young Prince Harrison, when you handed my son Onyxfire the Basilisk parts you not only peaked my interest but also prompted me to look a bit more closely at your account with us and I must first apologise for the mishandling of the funds and the actions of the goblin known as Griphook.” Harry smiled and placed the cup down carefully “I thank you for the apology King Ragnock, I would like it if you could drop my title from our conversation as I think it can be a bit of a mouthful at times...that goes for all the goblins here.” Ragnock smiled and nodded “Just call me Rags, it is what those I consider friends call me and it is kind of the point of today as I wish to induct you into what is known to the goblin nation as Goblin Friend...or Anarkzar in our language.” Harry was shocked, he had only read of three wizards receiving the blessing of Goblin Friend and even then, they had achieved something immensely helpful to the nation. “If I may be so bold, can I ask what has brought this on?” Ragnock chortled as he nudged his closest son Goldmaw “You young Harrison have done more for this nation in almost two years than any other wixen has in three hundred years. I have heard how you fought for our home in your Wizamagot, you have helped us finally start to gather evidence against the old wrinkly winding known as Dumbledore as he has had his hands in far too many vaults but we’ve been unable to punish nor pin anything on him and you have personally gifted me the last in a set of magical creature heads I have been collecting for so long and been unable to finish. This may seem so superficial to yourself young man but giving us those Basilisk eggs has given us another way to protect our home from intruders, the head has been mounted on my Wall of Beasts and the skin, bones, venom and other ingredients you gifted will all bring in such tidy profits for my series of banks that I cannot even fathom it.” Harry sat shocked at the explanation, not fully comprehending what he had actually done for the goblins, just thinking of how it would make an awesome gift for them.
Ragnock cleared his throat and motioned to Onyxfire “My son Onyxfire told me your tale when I was arranging the meeting, a boy thrust into a world he knew nothing about and abused by those wretches...we feel you will make an wonderful addition to our Hall of Friends and if you accept it would give you the goblin backing should you need finances, militant back up or even advice and explanations within the Court of Creatures.” Harry nodded “Then let it be known that although my inner court small...having not fully developed my circles and although we are young you will have my wands and skills at your disposal should you need it. In Wizamagot I will endeavour to do my best to make sure your home and sanctuary isn’t impeded by wixen kind any further than it is and as you may be aware I am toppling Dumbledore from his pedestal as we speak.” Ragnock nodded and smiled “It is much appreciated young one, the ritual to make you Goblin Friend is rather simple, we simply cut palms after our blood has been cleared for anything harmful and we shale hands, once done the whole Goblin Nation will see you as Anarkzar.” Harry nodded and passed the blade he had brought with him to the goblin guard to his left to check for anything harmful before it was passed back to Lucius who made a shallow cut across Harry's palm. Harry stood then and walked to the centre between his seat and the King's as Ragnock met him in the middle and Harry stuck out his palm to shake at the same time Ragnock did. Magic swirled around the room as glowing string twined around their clasped hands, making the connection to each other's kingdoms. Ragnock nodded as the light faded “Anarkzar Harrison, thank you for accepting, may your health never fade, your sword remains sharp and your vaults never empty.” Harry chuckled “Thank you for bestowing me this most illustrious title King Ragnock, may your heart beat strong, your enemies cower at your axe and your silver ever flow.” Harry returned to his seat and Severus went to heal his hand but Harry shook his head and placed his hand on his godfather’s arm, not letting him draw his wand, it could be taken as a slight and Harry would let it be fixed once they left.
“Now, I would hate to keep you from school any longer so I gift you this Harrison, it is a gold band that sits on your upper arm and can be used to call a goblin to you whenever you may need them. The words to speak as you touch the black opal in the centre are ‘Anarkzar Harrison requests the aid of the goblin nation’. It will send a small fraction out to aid you and call reinforcements should you need it.” Harry nodded and took the gift with careful hands, passing it to Severus to place in the bag. “Thank you Ragnock, it truly is a masterpiece of goblin craftsmanship and will be treasured by my family for years to come.” Onyxfire smirked from his position, clearly someone had given him instruction on how to act and what to say. “Now, as you know my son has taken the position as Account Manager for your accounts so should you need to have another meeting with me consider the bank your meeting place and send your invite through Onyxfire.” Harry bowed his head as he and his companions stood as well as Onyxfire. “Oh, and Harrison, we celebrate the Goblin New Year on March 23rd of your wixen calendar and would be honoured if you and your family came to celebrate with us.” Harry beamed “I would love to accept that invite your highness, I will be waiting in the lobby of the bank.” Ragnock nodded once before the meeting was called to an end and Onyxfire with guards led the wizards back out of the throne room and towards the lobby of the bank.
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Once they reached the lobby Onyxfire removed his crown and laughed “Well that was most certainly entertaining young Harrison, I must ask who tutored you on our customs because I will have to send them my thanks.” Harry smiled as he also removed his crown and placed it back into its box and handed it to Onyxfire for safekeeping “It was Professor Filius Flitwick, he managed to prepare me to not cause any slights and how to formally bow etcetera.” Onyxfire made a note of the name and simply smirked “Well it paid off, congratulations on becoming Anarkzar Harrison, it is a coveted position to us and means a lot to those wixen folk.” Harry hummed and shook Onyxfire’s hand “Thank you Onyxfire, may your gold continue to flow.” Onyxfire nodded his head and chortled “May your coin purse never grow empty Lord Potter-Black.” And with that Lucius, Severus and Harry left the bank, heading to the apparition point in Diagon Alley.
They were heading back to Potter Manor in order to tell his friends and family about the meeting and since it was the weekend all his classmates could join in the meeting. “Well...that was utterly nerve-wracking...give me your hand Harrison.” Severus all but whispered as he pulled out his wand and healed the cut along his palm. “I don’t think I want to hear another goblin laugh...honestly it is terrifying.” Lucius added as they walked briskly along, trying to avoid the early morning crowds. Harry looked at his palm where the cut was only now to see a strange crest on his palm which Professor Flitwick had explained was the mark of a Goblin Friend and would mean that anyone polyjuiced as Harry would be spotted as the mark couldn’t be replicated by spells, potions or glamour alike. Harry thought it was genius, Severus wasn’t best pleased it wouldn’t heal fully for a few days. Arriving back at the manor Harry was guided to the large parlour room where all his classmates, their parents plus his godfathers sat. Sirius was the first to reach him and hugged him tight as he scanned Harry for any injuries “How did it go pup? What did they want to discuss?” Remus had been just behind Sirius and also took his turn hugging Harry before he could reply with his own barrage of questions for him.
Harry begun explaining the meeting to all present and about his new title to the goblins and what that meant for him in the future. Many of the adults were in shock, the last-named Goblin Friend was Merlin himself after helping the goblin nation hide within England by gifting them a dragon for their bank’s protection and also a safe haven. Tea was served and many adults begun discussing the King’s words about Dumbledore and speculating just how much he had truly done to annoy them so much. Harry and his friends all discussed the Jaded Caverns and how beautiful it was even though Harry had only seen parts of it. “It sounds awesome! We need pensive memories of it definitely...I wonder how big it is?” Theo babbled as he had loved the books the library had on the history of the Jaded Caverns and Goblin Culture. Harry chuckled “I don’t know, they have been here before wixen entered London anyway...let’s just say its huge from what I’ve seen and I am guessing equally beautiful.” Blaise smiled “You are very lucky Harrison, many wixen have only dreamed of entering the Jaded Caverns and you have done so three times now. I know I am very jealous.” Harry playfully punched Blaise’s arm “No need to be jealous of me, maybe I can see of I can extend my invite to friends too.” Blaise beamed at the idea whilst the girls fawned over the gold band he had been given, saying how beautiful it was and how it would go with so many of his outfits.
Harry smiled as he looked around, it seemed he gained more allies today and it was time to start forming his own side in this cosmic chess game Dumbledore had set up.