Harry Potter Echoes of the Past.

Chapter 6: Departure and Discovery



The Dursleys' house was silent, save for the faint ticking of the clock in the hallway. Harry sat on his small, lumpy bed in the cupboard under the stairs.

Deek appeared with a soft pop beside him, holding a small sack and a worn cloak. "Deek has everything ready, Master Harry. The Dursleys will not notice your absence."

Harry glanced at the closed cupboard door. "Good. I'd rather leave without any confrontation."

Deek nodded solemnly. "Deek has placed a charm on their rooms. They will not wake until the sun rises, no matter what."

Harry smiled faintly. "You're brilliant, Deek. Let's get out of here."

Deek snapped his fingers, and the cupboard door swung open without a sound. Harry stepped out into the dimly lit hallway reaching for Deek's hand.

He wrapped the worn cloak around his shoulders and nodded to Deek. "Let's go."

Deek reached out his small hand, and Harry took it. With a sharp tug and a sensation like being squeezed through a tube, they apparated away.

Arrival at Diagon Alley

The bustling noise of Diagon Alley hit Harry like a wave. Wizards and witches moved about with purpose, their robes swishing as they darted in and out of shops. Harry blinked, adjusting to the vibrant scene. It was a stark contrast to the dull, lifeless streets of Little Whinging.

Deek led Harry through the crowd, his small hand gripping Harry's firmly. "Gringotts is just ahead, Master Harry. Deek will guide you."

As they approached the towering white building, Harry couldn't help but notice the engraved words above the entrance:

"Enter, stranger, but take heed

Of what awaits the sin of greed,

For those who take, but do not earn,

Must pay most dearly in their turn.

So if you seek beneath our floors

A treasure that was never yours,

Thief, you have been warned, beware

Of finding more than treasure there."

Harry paused, reading the inscription carefully. He glanced at Deek. "They're not joking, are they?"

Deek shook his head, his ears flopping. "Gringotts goblins are very serious about their treasures, Master Harry. But Deek has ensured everything will be fine for you."

They stepped inside, and Harry was immediately struck by the grandeur of the marble hall. Goblins were seated at high desks, scribbling furiously in ledgers or examining jewels. The air smelled faintly of ink and metal.

Deek approached one of the goblins, bowing low. "Deek has brought Master Harry Potter to access his family vaults."

The goblin raised a sharp eyebrow, peering down at Harry. "Identification?"

Harry stepped forward, trying to mask his nervousness. "I will have to do a bloodline test to verify my identity."

The goblin examined Harry for a moment, noticing the scar on his forehead. After a moment, he nodded. "Very well. Follow me, and I will lead you to Griphook he is the manager of the Potter family vaults."

Harry and Deek were led into a small room were a goblin was waiting for them. The first goblin introduced Harry to Griphook, and then showed himself out.

Harry bowed slightly, a gesture of respect he had learned from his previous life, and spoke in a calm, measured tone.

"Greetings, esteemed goblin. My name Harry James Potter, and I come to Gringotts seeking access to my family vaults, as well as to perform a bloodline ritual. I wish to do so with the upmost respect for your expertise and authority. I trust in the reputation of Gringotts and its keepers to assist me with my inquiries."

The goblin narrowed his sharp eyes at Harry, while he sized the young boy up, his narrow and sharp finger nails drumming on the desk. After a moment, he inclined his head slightly, a sign of acknowledgment.

"You show proper respect, Mr. Potter, which is a rare trait among wizards. I am Griphook, and I shall see to your request. But let me remind you, Gringotts is not a place for idle curiosity or deceit. Your presence here must have purpose, and you would do well to tread carefully. Let's begin."

Griphook pulled out a long ornate ritual dagger that was obviously incredibly sharp. He then pulled out a silver bowl with gems place around the rim. It was filled with a dark liquid.

"Hand me your arm Mr. Potter." Griphook said as he reached out for Harry.

Harry calm rolled up his sleeve and Griphook use the dagger to slice Harry's palm.

"Now let several drops of your blood fall into the bowl Mr. Potter."

Harry balled his fist as the blood fell into the bowl. The dark liquid began to react. It first showed the Potter family crest, then the Aurelius family crest, followed by the Pervell family crest.

"Ahh I see." Griphook said.

"It is my honor to serve you Heir Potter. You're the last remaining heir of the Potter, Aurelius, and Pervell family."

"What does this mean for me Griphook?

"You would have to pass trials to become the head of each family, however you can still access their vaults and act as the de-facto leader until you do so. Additionally you now have the power of multiples seats in the Wizengamot. The Aurelius family was never part of the sacred twenty eight, so you will have no additional authority due to that. But you will have access to their vast wealth and vault. They have one of the oldest and safest vaults in Gringotts. Once you gain the heir rings to each house you may merge the vaults and its collections into one if you so desire."

"Thank you Griphook" Harry said.

"I have an additional inquiry Griphook. Does Gringotts offer any medical services? I have been in the muggle world since the day my parents were murdered. I request a full check up to evaluate my current state."

Griphook nodded his head. "I will return soon with a physician employed by Gringotts. However it will cost you."

Harry nodded. "Whatever the cost remove it from one of my vaults, you can send me a receipt later."

After a round of evaluations. It was learned Harry was malnourished, he had never received his vaccines to common wizard ailments, they noticed something wrong with the scar on Harry's head, and the most alarming issue was there was a spell, a magical ward placed on Harry's magic. From what the goblins and wizard could tell him. It appeared to be a ward tied to the Dursley's home. Harry knew it must have been placed there by Dumbledore. It also allowed for someone to know Harry's location wherever he was. The issue was that it was constantly draining his magic and weakening his body, adding on to already difficulty he was having controlling his power.

Harry decided it was best to not merge the vaults for now. He just needed to access the Potter vault and see if there was anything there that could aid him. The Aurelius and Pervell vaults were ancient and he was concerned if was someone was monitoring them, like Ranrock had in his last life.

"Griphook take me to the Potter vault and then I will decide how to proceed."

Harry wanted to let the wizards heal his body but was concerned as to whom it would notify. Last thing he needed was Dumbledore coming to see why Harry wasn't at the Dursleys.

The Potter Vault

The goblin led them through winding passages and down a rickety cart that sped deeper into the vaults. The ride was rough, but Harry's excitement kept him from complaining. When they finally stopped, the goblin gestured toward a large, ornate door.

"The Potter family vault," the goblin announced, holding out his hand expectantly.

Griphook pulled a small golden key, which the goblin inserted into the lock. The heavy door groaned as it swung open, revealing a room filled with gold, jewels, and ancient artifacts.

Harry stepped inside, awestruck. This was more wealth than he'd ever imagined, but his attention was drawn to something else, a large portrait hanging on the far wall.

It depicted an elderly wizard with sharp features and a mane of silvery hair. He was seated in a grand armchair, his piercing eyes seeming to follow Harry as he moved closer.

"Hardwin Potter," the goblin said, noticing Harry's gaze. "Your paternal grandfather."

The portrait stirred, and the figure inside it turned his head to look at Harry. "So, you're James's son, I presume?"

Harry returned the elder wizards gaze. "Yes. I'm Harry."

Hardwirn's eyes narrowed slightly, as if evaluating him. "You look like your father, but there's something different about you... Something more."

Harry swallowed hard. "I need help. I need to find the Potter manor."

The portrait's expression softened. "Then you've come to the right place. But first, there's something you should know. The Potter vault contains more than gold. It holds secrets, legacies, and burdens. Are you prepared to face them?"

Harry nodded firmly. "I am."

Hardwirn's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he smiled faintly. "Very well. I will guide you, There is a key on the shelf to your right. It is a portkey. It will take you to the potter manor. For now, take what you need. We will speak more when you arrive, and remember, Harry, the Potter name carries weight. Use it wisely."

Harry then turned to Griphook. "Take me back to the medical wizards."

Harry had them remove the ward and completely inoculate him from any illnesses. It took some time, but Harry instantly felt the burden the wards had placed on him lift. After that he returned to Potter vault and grabbed the portkey. It was time for him to officially start his new life.

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