"Ah, now that's not how we do things, Rognuk," I said calmly, resting my hands on the desk between us. My tone was measured, but there was steel beneath it. "You've harmed my family's interests, toyed with my legacy, and just moments ago, tried to rattle me with threats. You really think tossing a few galleons at me will make that all vanish? No, no… that wouldn't be sincere, would it?"
The goblin's face twitched—just a flicker, but I saw it. Still, he kept his voice even. "Please, Lord Potter. Tell me what would appease you."
I exhaled slowly, feigning disappointment more than anger, as if his behavior had wounded me deeply. "Since you're asking so sincerely, I'll tell you the minimum compensation that might help mend my… wounded heart."
I reached into my robes and withdrew a parchment, sliding it across the desk. Rognuk took it gingerly, visibly relieved that my terms fit on a single sheet. That relief didn't last long. His eyes darted down the list, and his jaw tightened with every line he read.
The parchment contained ten conditions:
1. I will be the highest-tier VIP client in this branch; all my business takes absolute priority.
2. I will pay only the base cost plus ten percent profit on all ventures.
3. Every goblin handling my affairs must swear an unbreakable vow of secrecy.
4. Gringotts will provide me access to all their knowledge — laws, records, arcane research, even secrets gathered from clients — stored securely within a vault accessible only to me.
5. The bank will facilitate contact with any influential figure I require.
6. They will discreetly assist me in actions deemed illegal by the Ministry, provided no goblin laws are breached.
7. Gringotts shall forever ally with all future Lords bearing the special rings I will craft.
8. They will defend any member of my House from unjust treatment.
9. If any Potter heir remains unaware of these terms, Gringotts must inform them and bind them to secrecy.
10. No goblin law may ever be amended in a way that conflicts with the above.
"Lord Potter…" Rognuk's voice trembled slightly as he looked up. "These are… substantial demands."
"Rognuk," I replied smoothly, leaning back in the chair, "you and I both know I could've made truly outrageous ones — demands that would've left you clawing to save your life and career. But I'm not unreasonable. I understand that power seized through resentment breeds danger. And I prefer allies to enemies. Consider this," I gestured toward the parchment, "your opportunity to redeem yourself. Surely you won't wound my trust again… not twice in one day?"
His grimace was brief, but the sigh that followed was heavy with reluctant respect. "Alright, Lord Potter. I accept your terms. Let's draft the contract."
We both signed after ensuring every clause was airtight. I gave a slow, almost weary sigh. "Ah, who told me to be so merciful? Your actions hardly deserve forgiveness, but I am—fortunately for you—a magnanimous man."
"Thank you, Lord Potter," he ground out through clenched teeth. The resentment was there, buried beneath courtesy, but so was submission. He excused himself quickly, muttering something about fulfilling the terms immediately.
When the door closed, only Bogrod and I remained.
"Alright, Bogrod," I said, turning to him, "I have a few additional requests. First, gather information on Andromeda and Edward Tonks. Second, find me candidates—healers, law wizards, bodyguards, butlers, maids, personal secretaries—qualified in both magical and Muggle affairs. Third, arrange investments in the Muggle world. Fourth, locate rare magical beast eggs. Fifth, list the best enchanters for crafting magical trunks. Sixth, remove the trace from my wand. And lastly, I want the vault number where those books from Rognuk will be kept."
Bogrod blinked. "Wait—do you mean to say you can enter any of our vaults directly?"
It took every ounce of discipline not to smile. Hook, line, and sinker. Did they truly believe I'd trust them completely after one contract?
"Tell me, Bogrod," I said quietly, tilting my head, "when I vanished before your eyes and reappeared moments later… did you think I was playing a game of hide and seek?"
The goblin paled. "Lord Potter, please—wait here. I must fetch Manager Rognuk immediately!" He bolted from the room.
I folded my arms and allowed myself a slow, satisfied smirk. If not for the chance of hidden recorders, I might have laughed outright. True to his word, Rognuk returned in under a minute, breathless and anxious. How punctual.
A/N: So what do you guys think? What should Harry extort from the goblins?