"Okay one of you has to explain what is going on because I'm pretty sure I've missed a very large chunk of this last part," Harry looked between the two others getting annoyed. "Obviously something delicate was just decided and I don't appreciate feeling like it was done without my input."
"Harry," Shiva said softly, "goblins view any items they make as belonging to the crafter and the crafter's descendents after they pass. In their view any items made for a witch or wizard are merely rented. When the owner passes, the period of rent is up and they expect the item returned to the crafter or his family. We don't agree with that. We feel we paid an extreme amount for a very finely made item and we own that item so we pass them along to our children."
"Okay," Harry looked between the two again. "So you thought I was cheating you by not giving the Sword back?"
"Correct, Mr. Potter," Snapfist nodded.
"So...what made you change your mind?"
"Two things. You claim the Right of Conquest and the Right of Bequeathment. The Right of Bequeathment is valid as you did not ask for the blade yet it was delivered to you all the same. You were chosen as a champion of Hogwarts. We respect that choice and the judgment of your abilities and character. The Right of Conquest is equally valid as you accomplished a feat many would die failing to perform in your place. A basilisk is no easy prey. This marks you and your ally..."
"Daphne Greengrass," Harry supplied after Shiva elbowed him.
"...Daphne Greengrass as Warriors in our eyes. A Warrior is entitled to the spoils of his kill as well as the instruments used to perform said kill. We recognize and respect your Claims, Harry Potter." Snapfist leaned forward. "But be wary, Warrior Potter. Goblin steel will imbibe that which will make it stronger. You say you punctured the venom of the basilisk? There are very few substances stronger or deadlier than that venom. The blade is likely infused with its properties. Take care not to cut yourself," the goblin finished with a sly grin.
Harry's eyes widened at the implication that he had wrapped up a blade that could kill with a nick in an old sweater and then tossed it into his trunk...a scabbard was immediately required. Above any other errand today. Shiva gulped besides him. 'Oh good. I'm not the only one mildly freaked out by this.'
"That concludes the business I had." Snapfist nodded at the two and then held out a piece of parchment to Shiva. "Ms. Babbling if you will please place a drop of blood on this parchment Gringotts will recognize Warrior Potter as your ward as well as give you access to his trust vault. Do you have anything else you require?"
Harry turned to Shiva who shook her head. "Nope. Thanks for your time and help, Snapfist. May your enemies fall before you."
"May their blood wet your blade."
Harry and Shiva left the office leaving an exhausted goblin behind. After composing himself, Snapfist left to meet with Director Ragnok. His liege had to be informed of the events surrounding the Potter Heir.
"Snapfist," Ragnok rumbled as he walked into the chamber. "So are the whispers true? Does the Potter child have honor?"
"My lord, Harry Potter is – to all appearances – as honorable as his mother before him." Snapfist's declaration was met with raised eyebrows. "He knew the appropriate greetings and dismissals and did not blame Gringotts for failings beyond our control. He treated the Goblin Nation as knowledgeable and fair. He has performed a feat justifying the label of Warrior but does not lord this fact as wizards are wont to do."
Ragnok considered before asking another question, "And how does the boy explain his lack of communication?"
"He claims his mail has been tampered with and that he has received no letters, my lord." Snapfist saw the expression on his liege's face darkening so he hurriedly continued. "I believe him, my lord. He seems to be operating under the assumption that Albus Dumbledore is the one who prevented his mail. It is possible this was not a malicious act however if true..."
"Yes, he would still have intercepted Gringotts business," Ragnok growled. "Investigate. Is Albus Dumbledore still the Potter magical guardian?"
"He is, my lord. We have been asked to inform Warrior Potter of any means of changing this situation if we determine one."
Ragnok laughed. "Oh so the child chafes at the bit. Did his companion seem capable?"
"She is his new guardian in the Muggle world, my lord. While not at the same standard as Warrior Potter she was more courteous than most."
Ragnok nodded. That had been expected from the reports received. "And the Sword?"
"He has claimed Right of Conquest and Right of Bequeathment, my lord." Snapfist bowed and nodded his head. "His Claims are valid. The blade was gifted to him by Hogwarts herself and he used it in the slaying of a basilisk. I recognized Harry Potter and his ally during the battle, Daphne Greengrass, as Warriors for this feat."
"Hmm a worthy predator," Ragnok thought for a few seconds before smiling. "In that case we would not be able to maintain a grip on the blade anyway even should we attempt to reclaim it. He could simply summon it back whenever he wished." Ragnok burst out laughing. "I am growing to like this child!"
"I feel the Nation would be well served by maintaining an amicable working relationship with Warrior Potter," Snapfist ventured.
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