Gringotts and Mother's Letters II

Magnus was walking through the corridors of Gringotts alongside Gornuk and Bogrod, the two elves who had been assigned to guide him to the meeting room. The corridors were dark, lit only by enchanted torches that cast long, dancing shadows on the stone walls. Magnus' every step echoed through the space, his gaze fixed straight ahead, without diverting his attention to the curious glances of other elves passing by.

When they reached the large iron door adorned with runic inscriptions, Gornuk knocked three times with his gloved hand. The door opened by itself, revealing a large circular room with a large obsidian table in the centre. Magnus entered and sat down in the chair reserved for him, while the goblins took their places on the other side of the table. Other high-ranking elves joined the meeting, taking their seats in an orderly fashion. In the centre of the table, a thick parchment rested next to a black quill.

Bogrod sniffled before beginning.

- Mr Riddle, before we begin, we would like to express our gratitude for your importance to the witch community and to this bank. Recent events have shown us that your presence is undoubtedly essential. Therefore, Gringotts wishes to formalise our alliance and ensure that your banking experience lives up to your greatness.

Magnus inclined his head slightly, indicating that the elf could proceed.

Gornuk opened a second parchment and began to read aloud:

- As a first point, we grant you complete immunity within Gringotes. No goblin can refuse you assistance, and any contempt against you will be severely punished. Furthermore, all services will always be at your disposal, without bureaucracy or delay.

Magnus arched an eyebrow, intrigued. This meant that he would have absolute power over any of the bank's services, something that few wizards in history could claim.

- Secondly, your vault number 12 will be expanded and your investments, managed by us, will guarantee substantial monthly returns. What's more, we've secured access to old vaults belonging to wizards who have lost their ownership rights.

That was interesting. Magnus knew that many wizards lost access to their fortunes over the centuries. Being able to obtain forgotten relics and riches could be extremely useful.

- As a third benefit, we offer you the chance to acquire exclusive property and resources. This includes land, gold, silver and gemstone mines managed by us, as well as the right to access rare materials such as goblin silver and cursed steel.

Magnus kept his expression neutral, but in his calculating mind, this advantage was even more interesting. He could use these resources for countless purposes.- 'The fourth point deals with trade and customised production,' continued Bogrod. - We can provide you with exclusive enchanted items, such as armour, jewellery and weapons made by our best craftsmen. You'll be able to commission unique creations such as secondary wands, protected grimoires and high-powered amulets. What's more, we'll ensure that your shop in Hogsmeade is given full priority within Gringotts.

At the mention of his shop, Magnus felt a pang of nostalgia. He had bought it a hundred years ago, but since then he hadn't had time to run it directly. This privilege would ensure that his commercial empire continued to grow.

- We also offer you special security and benefits, allowing you to store cursed objects without risk of confiscation and guaranteeing reinforced protection for your goods. If you wish, we can arrange special escorts for your safety.

This clause seemed more like a gesture of respect than a real necessity. Magnus knew he could protect himself on his own, but having the option of a goblin escort could be useful to reinforce his image of influence.

- 'Finally,' said Gornuk, closing the parchment, 'we grant you the status of Official Goblin Ally. No goblin can conspire against you and, if you wish, you can participate in the bank's economic and diplomatic decisions. If you wish, you can nominate people to receive special privileges within Gringotts.

Magnus remained silent for a few moments, absorbing all the information. These advantages were extraordinary. He knew that the goblins were doing this not just to please him, but because they recognised his importance and feared losing him as an ally.

With a slight smile on his lips, Magnus finally spoke:

- I'm impressed by Gringotts' generosity. These advantages will undoubtedly be very useful to me. However, before I formally accept, I would like you to investigate something for me.

Bogrod exchanged a glance with Gornuk before answering:

- What would you like to know, Mr Riddle?

Magnus crossed his fingers on the table, his gaze sharpening like blades.

- I want you to find out where Harry Potter is. We know he survived this Dark Lord's attack, but his whereabouts are still a mystery. As the last relative with Potter blood, and by right the temporary head of the family, I believe I have a right to know.

The goblins looked at each other. It wasn't a common request, but it wasn't impossible either.

- We'll do it,' replied Bogrod after a moment. - In a few days, we'll have precise information about the boy's whereabouts.

Magnus nodded and picked up the black quill on the table. Calmly, he signed the parchment, making his alliance with Gringotts official.

- Very well, then. We have an agreement.

The elves smiled with satisfaction, knowing that they had just sealed an alliance with one of the most influential wizards of their era.