Fruits of Perseverance

Warning:There will be some cussing in this chapter.

Disclaimer:I do not own Harry Potter or any related works or sources such as Pottermore or any other guide to the Harry Potter Universe.

Chapter 05: Recovery of Body and Mind

Harry sighs at the people around him. Apparently, Director Ragnok heard of the attack that took place in his domain and closed the bank down to get a few Aurors out here as soon as possible. The illusion Harry uses to hide his scars is down and the Aurors are looking like kicked puppies, especially Arthur. The goblins have stripped him of everything but his boxers to have better access to clean up the wounds and treat them properly. The Aurors have been called in to figure out how the scars came to be as almost all of them are years old.

Arthur walks over to him as another team is asking about the attack. He has been excluded from that investigation team since he has relations to both Ron and Hermione. Harry looks up at him; Arthur has been like a second father for him just like Sirius was. Arthur has tears in his eyes as he sits next to the bed only to get nasty glares from the goblins. Arthur gently clasps his hand as he whispers. "I was told that you knew and approved of most of the stuff being secret. I didn't know about the compulsions... I bet the betrothal contract was faked as well." He gives a sorrowful laugh as he sees the astonishment on Harry's face.

"What Betrothal Contract?" Arthur sobs as he nods to him.

"Molly said that both you and Dumbledore signed for you to marry Ginny. She said that since your magic was in the signature that you wouldn't be able to back out. So I'll change that. I cancel the contract between our families and pass Ginny's magics to you." A nearby goblin yells loudly as a surge of magic caresses Harry. Harry sits up and grabs Arthur before the goblins can drag him away. The goblins freeze as they look between them for a few moments before Harry hugs Arthur.

"I don't blame you for what Molly and the rest did. I'm sure that she lied to you to keep you from interfering just as I'm sure it is illegal to forge signatures. Although I'm sure that only Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Molly are involved. I doubt any of the others would do anything like that. Percy has always defended me from others while at Hogwarts and the twins literally went to war against anyone who said a bad thing about me via use of pranks, the two eldest men often tried to console me when I needed advice or had trouble... And you have always just seemed the most genuine out of your whole family. You don't have to apologize for anything at all." Harry says as he releases him. The aurors are nearby watching closely in case Arthur tries anything, not that he will.

"I still can't help think that I should have noticed the signs. I should have realized that you were being abused." Arthur says as Harry wipes his tears away. He sobs again and Harry knows that it must be hard on him. "I loved her, then she had to die in the final battle and I have to be alone without answers when the truth comes out. I don't want this! I didn't want any of this heartache!" Harry pulls him in for another hug as he starts bawling in sorrow. Harry cradles him, rocking him gently, as he cries out at the loss. After several minutes, he slows his tears. He sits up and looks at Harry with determination in his eyes. Harry freezes as he recognizes the look as something that Remus had when he lost everything and gave up. "I hereby devote the Linage of Prewett and Weasley to Harry James Potter. We are forever his indentured servants. So mote it be." A soft glow engulfs him as many people in the room gape at him with astonishment.

Harry sighs tiredly. He didn't want this to happen but apparently Arthur thinks it is the right thing to do. Before he can even think about it a weird collar appears around Arthur's neck and he feels nine people's magic attach to his own. They literally belong to him now. Taking a deep breath, he looks around and a nearby goblin steps forward. "I will be replacing Lurnott until he is healed. Feel free to call me Kargus." The noble looking goblin says with an inclined head.

Harry smiles weakly at him. "Alright, I'm sure that Lurnott will be able to do some things remotely so you will be making reports to him to ensure that the papers are accurate according to what we have spoken about. If you do well according to Lurnott's standards I will consider hiring you as an Assistant Accountant to the Potter Linage. For now, I need you to look on the files of my various estates and figure out which one is the current safest one with the best wards." Kargus nods with a bored look on his face.

Harry grins as an exciting idea that he might find more favorable pops into mind. "After that please send a team to look around the entire selection of estates for any lifeforms, sentient or not, that may need care. If they are willing to bargain ask them what they want though I'll need the list of things they want and need. Some, like acromantula, can stay if they make a contract between their 'colony' and me for food-silk trades. Later on a few of the Weasley Clan might be looking for you to try to help if they think that they will be able to do so well." Kargus' eyes look slightly interested in the prospect. He nods as he writes down the tasks in his journal before pausing and looking back up at Harry.

"Would you truly hire me as an extra?" He inquires causing everyone to look between the two of them cautiously.

Harry doesn't know why he asked so he decides to be honest with him. "Well for starters I'm probably going to need a whole bunch of help with numerous things. I wasn't raised by wizards so there are also going to be some etiquette lessons involved and I figure that since your people have the most resources that you would be the best ones to ask of these things. Oh, and I'm pretty sure that the numerous estates will need a supervisor. Somehow I inherited an assortment of places from the Death Eaters. Do you know why that is?" Harry looks at Kargus with curiosity in his eyes barely noticing the respect in their depths.

"First of all Magic herself decides when a person inherits more than they should. Magic has often been seen as being generous to those who help all of her peoples. Apparently she deemed it fit to reward you by looking into your heart and figuring out what needs to be done with the 'loot of war' so to speak." Kargus says with a polite tone. Harry frowns as he realizes that he could have gotten a whole lot more that he has now. Thinking about it for a second he grins widely at a new thought.

"Thank you for explaining it to me." Harry turns his grin into a respectful smile of gratitude.

"It is an honor to help you, Lord Potter. Is there anything else you wish to ask?" Harry blinks at the response as he hadn't expected for any goblin to say anything close to that to a human. He has noticed several times that the majority of goblins hold high disdain for humans after all.

Mentally shrugging the question off him nods his head at the offer. "Yes, can I get a list of what went where? I'm just curious about it and I want to make sure that everything will be taken care of as some of the homes from death eaters might hold cursed objects." The goblin freezes at the thought before cursing at the goblins' lack of thought.

"Rest assured that the list will be given to you soon. As for now I ask to be dismissed to ensure the safety of the people and groups who gained from the war." Harry nods to him and motions for him to leave. The goblin hurries out of the room and several nearby aurors begin making their way over to him.

Turning toward Arthur he smiles weakly, "Can you go inform and bring the rest of your family here?" Arthur nods as he makes a bee-line toward the door. As soon as the aurors are next to him they begin asking questions and he does his best to answer them.

/.-.-.-.\

Harry sighs as he stretches his arms and legs out. The Goblin Director also thought it would be wise to give Harry a suite of his own to use while he recovers within the bank. Looking around the room as Kreacher serves him some tea he smiles fondly at the little fellow. Thankfully Kreacher had vanished during the fight to get the guards there pronto since he didn't have a wide assortment of skills in battle. With him being the only house elf the little guy knows who will help him better than an elf alone can and Harry is rather glad he did that.

"Kreacher I don't know what I would do without you." Harry says honestly to him as he serves him the lavender tea.

Kreacher attempts to smile back at him letting him letting him know that he is glad to serve him. "Kreacher just knew that the three could hold them long enough for Kreacher to fetch help. Kreacher fetched the Guards and the Medics to tend Harry Potter Sir. Kreacher feels that Kreacher is in debt to Harry Sir since he has allowed Kreacher to honor his Regulas like he wished to so Kreacher has dedicated his life to Harry Sir." Kreacher takes the cup off the desk and pours the drink after his words of gratitude. Harry simply nods, house elves will always think that they owe you if they find you being kind to them.

"Either way I still wish to thank you for your quick thinking. Is there any treats that you would like?" Harry asks cautiously knowing the elf might go into a fanatic mode on him.

To his surprise Kreacher yelps as he spills the hot tea on his hand. Harry takes the pot and puts it on the table before using a little magic to heal the burn. Kreacher is almost glaring at him for some reason before he sighs. "Kreacher likes Sushi a whole lot and former Master Regulas often had Kreacher to cook a bunch for the two of them. Kreacher would like to make some and share them with Master Harry."

Harry smiles at him as he isn't going completely hyper like he expected for him to. "Ask the Goblins if you can borrow a kitchen, unless there is one in this suite. Cook as many types as you can and we will share them. Okay?" Kreacher nods as he picks the pot back up and heads toward the next room.

Harry turns back toward the desk he is working at to look over the places with the best security. Apparently five of them are about equal in what he needs. Besides that three of them have huge libraries and two of those have gorgeous gardens. Right now he is trying to pick between the Mordred Estates and the Potter Estates. He can't decide as both lineages had been part of his ancestry somehow and he wanted to live in an ancestral home. Hearing a knock at the suite entry he stands to greet the unknown goblin and walks over toward the door in time to see Kreacher guiding Kargus and a younger goblin towards him.

Harry smiles gently at the smaller timid goblin before he notices something he hadn't before: the goblin appears to be a female. Looking up at Kargus he nods to him respectfully and he returns the gesture. "What seems to be the trouble?" Harry asks with a tad bit of worry.

Kargus grimaces at his excellent detection skills. "This is a relative of mine, her name is Gringol. She has an idea that may benefit you a little more and I offered to allow her to ask you about it." Kargus says as he gives the timid girl an encouraging look. Harry being polite instantly conjures a seat for the two of them using his wand. They both sit next to him and the girl shyly gives him some paperwork.

Harry smiles warmly at her as he takes the offered file and begins flipping through it. She apparently wanted him to promote the Being's Council of Europe so that they could help those beings who have been enslaved. As he reads onward he begins to grip the edges of the paper tightly before he places the parchment on the table. He looks at her carefully before taking a calming breath.

"I will promote this. If I can I will buy a few of them so your council can take custody of them and make sure they are healthy. But know this, most of them have probably been born into slavery… This work that they do for any master is probably all that they know. If that is the case I will take care of them on my estates for the rest of their lives while trying to teach them to care for themselves. I wish I could offer more for this idea but I cannot currently think of anything." Harry pauses when he sees the shimmer of tears in her eyes. He tries to think of what made her sad before she hugs him for comfort of all things. He gingerly hugs her back and she sniffles some as she cuddles into his chest. Harry looks at Kargus questioningly and sees a look of high respect directed towards him.

Harry pulls her into his lap and gently starts rocking her in efforts to calm her. "Hey, don't cry. Everything is going to be alright. Hush hon, you should be happy, you just got something to help your people as well as a group of people who might be able to befriend you. Sh, if I hum a lullaby for you will you calm down?" She sniffles some before nodding into his chest. Harry begins humming a soothing lullaby as he continues rocking her in his lap. He continues the humming even going as far as to repeat the tune several times until she has calmed down. When she stops sniffling she slowly gets off of his lap and looks him in the eyes with misty eyes again.

"Thank you, Lord Potter." She whispers with creaky voice. Harry is startled by the croak like sound but still manages to smile at her.

"It is nothing. I've been told I've got a 'saving people' thing and I... I'd feel horrid if I left anybody to be sold into slavery. That would just be horrible. I know what it is like to be treated like a slave. My childhood caretakers often treated me like one because they were muggles who hated magic. They knew I couldn't control it and they still beat me for every little thing I did or said that reminded them of magic. Since you actually care about them and have brought such a thing to my attention I might need to pay you for it... How much would you like to have a new owl of your own?" She gasps as she begins twitching with what appears to be glee. She nods eagerly like she isn't able to speak at the moment and Harry smiles gently at her. "Do you like snowy owls?" She gains a bright glint in her eyes as she nods much, much more vigorously.

Harry grins at her, she will love Hedwig. Humming thoughtfully Harry turns toward Kargus with a thoughtful look on his face. To his surprise he sees a tinge of amazement in the goblin's eyes. "Lord Potter, you do realize that most wizards triple the price of an owl when it comes to us goblins and some of the 'lesser' races as we are called." Harry scowls at the thought before he gets a glint in his eyes.

"What do you know about any owls being on my properties?" Harry asks as a plan starts forming in his mind. Going back over to the desk he pulls out an inkpot and an automatic quill.

Kargus raises an eyebrow as Harry instructs the quill to take some short but efficient notes. "For starters there could be hundreds of owls on your properties. If you wish we can seek out a 'living things owned test' to figure out what you have." Harry nods to him before turning toward the adorably wide eyed child who is giving him a small smile of appreciation.

"Madam, please leave your name with Kargus and post this note where others can see it. Let the quill write it out first." She nods and begins shuffling eager to get gone for the task.

Kargus snorts, "What exactly are you up to?" He asks Harry politely.

Harry shrugs at him as he turns toward the quill and gives it an order. "New sheet of parchment, write word for word with some lists." The quill flies over to a blank parchment and gives a 'nodding' motion and Harry begins speaking. "Announcement. Lord Potter will be taking ideas provided and rewarding folk for them. Anything is negotiable and the rewards will range. All personnel who give an idea will receive an owl of their choice depending on what Lord Potter has in stock. If you have certain jobs that you need new material for you might be interested in giving an idea."

Harry waits for the quill to catch up and after a few moments he continues. "The rewards will range from pets, some familiars, some books, cookery, potions ingredients, potions, and whatever else that is requested and Lord Potter has either in stock or on one of his properties. Each idea will have an 'appropriate' reward being paid as if everyone was human and no judgment will be against any person no matter their race, gender, or home country."

Harry looks at Kargus for some suggestions. The goblin steps forward and ponders about it for a moment. Suddenly he grins and begins speaking, "If someone provides noteworthy and highly productive ideas that produce money for a long term they will receive a certain amount of goods regularly until the idea runs out." Harry grins at him and nods eagerly. The page is full early and Harry takes a regular quill and Kargus gently taps his shoulder before he could sign it. Peeking over his shoulder at the goblin he winces, a blood quill is being handed to him.

Taking the blood quill he shudders as he eyes the quill dubiously. Shrugging he signs the parchment with care to make sure that he doesn't scar his hand again. Sighing in relief when it is done he hands it to the girl, Gringol he believes, and smiles gently at her. She bows to him and scurries out of the room.

Harry turns toward Kargus and smiles at him as Gringol exits the room. "Alright, I guess we need to sort all of my vaults. Can you get me a team of house elves from Diagon Alley? I'll pay for them but I need at least ten of them plus they are really cute in behavior most of the time." Harry says as he thinks about Dobby, his first elf friend. Kargus simply stares at him before nodding.

"I will get with it soon. For now we need to sign off for turning one of your homes into an orphanage for magical beings and another for magical humans." Harry look at him happy with his completed hard work and takes the file and briefly scans the first page. While there are some things that are odd he knows it might be needed for the magical beings. Signing it he turns to the next document. Going over the first three pages he signs it too.

"Good job, Kargus. Did Lurnott help?" Kargus nods to him with a curious look in his eyes and a raised eyebrow. "Then I wish for you to inform Lurnott that he is doing good despite the wounds. Besides that will you tell him to make sure that he gets better before starting to do too much? I wouldn't want him to hurt himself while trying to complete his job." Harry frowns at the thought as imaginary images of the goblin being hurt fills his mind. Turning toward Kargus he hears the rustling of parchment. He sees the files for both houses before Kargus grins.

"I would choose Mordred Estates; they have a far longer history." Harry smiles at him grateful that he ended the problem of deciding where to go. Whistling sharply Harry is surprised to see Hedwig fly into the room using 'sails' attached to either wing. She lands on his shoulder and carefully folds the sails before she hoots at Harry. Harry rubs her beak lovingly earning a nibble on his ear. "She has been doing well with her therapy for learning to use those sails. Ragnok wanted to surprise you with her being able to fly." Harry mutely nods before Kargus gently pats his shoulder knowing that he is happy she is 'alive' so to speak.

They get back to settling paperwork immediately.