Harry woke to sunlight streaming through actual curtains—not the darkness of a cupboard. For a moment, he panicked, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. Then memory returned, and he smiled.
[New Day Bonus: Full HP/MP Restored][Well Rested Buff: +10% to all experience gains for 8 hours][Nutrient Potion Effect: 1 day, 14 hours remaining]
The Gamer System really did treat his body like a game character. A full night's sleep had completely restored him, and he felt better than he ever had in his life.
Harry spent a few minutes reviewing his status, then pulled the Beginner's Guide to Magic from his Inventory. It was a thin book bound in blue leather.
[Beginner's Guide to Magic][Quality: Uncommon][Read to gain +1 INT, +1 WIS, and basic magical theory knowledge][Reading Time: 2 hours][Auto-Read Available: Would you like the System to instantly transfer this knowledge? YES/NO]
Harry's eyes widened. The System could just... download the book's contents into his brain?
YES!
The book glowed and vanished from his hands. Suddenly, Harry's mind flooded with information: basic magical theory, the nature of spells, wand movements, incantations, and fundamental principles. It wasn't perfect knowledge—he'd still need practice—but he now understood magical concepts he'd been completely ignorant of minutes ago.
[+1 INT, +1 WIS][Skill Gained: Basic Magical Theory - Level 1][You now understand fundamental magical principles]
Harry grinned. This was incredible! He could learn years of study in seconds!
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Harry? Yeh awake?" Hagrid's voice rumbled through the wood. "Got breakfast waiting!"
Downstairs, Tom the bartender had prepared a feast: eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, and pumpkin juice. Harry ate ravenously, and Hagrid matched him bite for bite.
"Sleep well?" Hagrid asked between mouthfuls.
"Better than I have in years," Harry said honestly. "Thank you for getting me out of there."
Hagrid's face softened. "Yeh should never have been there in the first place, if yeh ask me. But Dumbledore thought it was safest."
"Why?" Harry asked, his increased Wisdom helping him frame the question carefully. "Why was living with people who hated me safer than... anywhere else?"
Hagrid shifted uncomfortably. "Blood protection, he said. Yer mum's sacrifice—her love—left powerful magic in yer blood. Dumbledore believed that staying with yer mum's blood relatives would keep that protection active."
[Information Gained: Blood Protection Magic][Analysis: Protection likely real but questionable if benefit outweighed psychological damage][Note: Gamer's Body may interact strangely with blood magic]
"I see," Harry said neutrally, though his mind raced. So there was a reason, even if Harry questioned whether it justified fifteen years of abuse. "Should we head to Gringotts? The letter said it was urgent."
"Aye, let's go. Finish up that toast."
Ten minutes later, they stepped out the back of the Leaky Cauldron into a small walled courtyard with nothing but a trash can and a few weeds. Hagrid pulled out a pink umbrella (which Harry's new magical knowledge suggested was hiding a wand) and tapped the wall bricks in a specific pattern.
The bricks began to shift and rearrange, forming an archway into a bustling street beyond.
[Hidden Location Discovered: Diagon Alley][+100 XP]
Harry stepped through and stopped, staring in wonder.
Diagon Alley was unlike anything he'd ever seen. Shops lined both sides of the winding street, their windows filled with cauldrons, broomsticks, robes, and stranger things. Owls hooted from an Owl Emporium. A shop called Ollivanders proclaimed "Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC." Children pressed their faces against the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies, ogling the latest broomstick model.
And the people! Witches and wizards in every color of robe, some leading toads or cats, others carrying mysterious packages. A tiny man in a tall hat stood on a corner selling what looked like beetles. A sign advertised "Eeylops Owl Emporium."
Harry used [Observe] on everything, gaining small amounts of XP and information. His Intelligence had increased enough that he could process the flood of details without becoming overwhelmed.
"Amazing, innit?" Hagrid beamed. "Come on, Gringotts is this way."
They walked down the street toward a towering white building that rose above the other shops. Standing beside the burnished bronze doors, wearing a uniform of scarlet and gold, was a creature Harry had only seen in his newly-acquired magical knowledge: a goblin.
[Gringotts Guard][Level: 38][Race: Goblin][HP: 520/520][Description: Professional bank guard. Highly trained in combat and detection magic. Will not tolerate disrespect or theft. Values directness and strength.][Warning: Do not attempt to rob Gringotts. The consequences are severe.]
The goblin was about a head shorter than Harry, with a swarthy, clever face, pointed beard, and very long fingers and feet. He bowed as they approached.
"Good morning," Harry said politely, nodding back. His increased Charisma helped him instinctively understand this was proper etiquette.
The goblin's eyes widened slightly in surprise, then he smiled—an expression that showed far too many pointed teeth. "Good morning, young wizard. Welcome to Gringotts."
They passed through the bronze doors into a vast marble hall. About a hundred goblins sat on high stools behind a long counter, scribbling in ledgers, weighing coins on copper scales, examining precious stones through eyeglasses. Countless doors led off the hall to unknown areas.
Hagrid led Harry to a goblin at the main counter. "Morning. Harry Potter needs ter visit his vault. An' he received a letter from..." Hagrid squinted at the letter Harry showed him, "...Ragnok? About an urgent matter?"
The goblin's eyes snapped to Harry immediately. "Harry Potter? Ragnok has been expecting you. Please, follow me. Immediately."
The urgency in the goblin's voice made even Hagrid nervous. They followed the goblin through a door and down a corridor, passing numerous other goblins who stopped to stare at Harry. Whispers followed them.
"Is that really him?" "The Potter heir?" "Finally come to claim his inheritance?" "About time. The discrepancies were getting embarrassing."
They reached a door marked with gold lettering: RAGNOK - SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER - ANCIENT AND NOBLE HOUSES.
The goblin knocked twice and opened the door. "Director Ragnok, Harry Potter has arrived."
"Send him in!" a gravelly voice commanded.
Harry entered a spacious office lined with ledgers, magical artifacts, and what looked like security crystals. Behind a massive desk sat a goblin who radiated authority.
[Ragnok][Level: 67][Title: Senior Account Manager, Master of Gringotts Security][HP: 890/890][MP: 1,250/1,250][Relationship: Professional Interest (40/100) - Extremely curious about you, wants to resolve account issues][Description: One of the most powerful goblins in Britain. Highly intelligent, values honor and contracts above all. Has been frustrated by irregularities in Potter accounts for years. Respects competence and directness.][Threat Level: Extreme if angered, Minimal if respectful]
"Mr. Potter," Ragnok stood and bowed with surprising courtesy. "Thank you for coming so promptly. Please, sit. You as well, Hagrid, though this matter primarily concerns Mr. Potter."
Harry sat, meeting Ragnok's dark eyes directly. His Gamer's Mind kept him calm despite the intimidating presence. "Thank you for your letter, Director Ragnok. It contained some... disturbing information."
"Indeed." Ragnok's expression turned grim. "Mr. Potter, I will be direct, as is goblin custom. Your accounts have been grossly mismanaged. Assets have been frozen, access has been restricted, and you have been living in poverty while sitting atop one of the largest fortunes in the wizarding world."
Hagrid gasped. "What? But Dumbledore said—"
"Albus Dumbledore," Ragnok interrupted, his voice sharp, "used emergency wartime provisions to assume proxy control of the Potter estates in 1981. These provisions were meant to last until you reached magical majority at fifteen OR until he relinquished control. He has done neither."
"How much are we talking about?" Harry asked, his enhanced Intelligence demanding facts.
Ragnok pulled out a ledger. "Conservatively, excluding properties and business holdings? The Potter family vaults contain approximately 53,472,891,445 Galleons."
The silence was deafening.
"Fifty... three... BILLION?" Hagrid's face had gone pale. "That can't be right!"
"I assure you, our calculations are precise." Ragnok looked at Harry seriously. "The Potters are one of the oldest magical families in Britain. Your ancestors invested wisely in businesses, properties, and magical patents. Your family owns controlling shares in dozens of companies, including significant portions of the Daily Prophet, Quality Quidditch Supplies, and Flourish and Blotts, among others."
[Quest Update: Reclaim Your Heritage][New Information Revealed: Potter Fortune = 53+ Billion Galleons][New Information Revealed: Multiple Business Holdings]
Harry's mind raced, his increased Intelligence helping him process this absurdity. He was one of the wealthiest people in the magical world, yet he'd been wearing Dudley's cast-offs and living in a cupboard.
"What about the vault I've been using?" Harry asked, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil.
"Vault 687 is a trust vault established for your school expenses. It contains approximately 50,000 Galleons, which seems like a lot to a child but is a pittance compared to your actual wealth. It was meant for minor expenses while your true vaults remained sealed until your majority."
"Why did Dumbledore do this?" Harry asked, though he was beginning to form his own theories.
"That is not for me to speculate," Ragnok said carefully. "However, I can tell you that he has been withdrawing 'administrative fees' of 5,000 Galleons monthly from your trust vault. Over fifteen years, that is 900,000 Galleons."
Harry felt a cold fury building, but Gamer's Mind kept it controlled and focused. "What do I need to do to reclaim full control?"
Ragnok smiled, showing those pointed teeth again. "I like you, Mr. Potter. Direct and practical. First, we must conduct a full inheritance test. This will reveal all bloodlines, titles, and properties you are heir to. Then we will need to file legal challenges to Dumbledore's proxy control. With your permission, Gringotts will handle the legal proceedings—we are owed substantial fees for managing accounts we couldn't properly access, and it's in our interest to resolve this."
"Do it," Harry said immediately. "I want full control of everything that's mine."
"Excellent." Ragnok pulled out a crystal dagger and a piece of parchment covered in glowing runes. "Place seven drops of blood on this parchment. Your blood will reveal your heritage, titles, and properties."
Harry took the dagger and pricked his finger. The blade was so sharp he barely felt it. He let seven drops of blood fall onto the parchment.
The blood began to glow, spreading across the parchment in golden lines that formed words:
INHERITANCE TEST RESULTS
Name: Harry James Potter
Born: July 31st, 1980
Parents: James Charlus Potter (Deceased) & Lily Rose Potter née Evans (Deceased)
BLOODLINES:
Potter Family (Paternal) - Ancient and Noble House - DIRECT HEIR Peverell Family (Paternal) - Most Ancient and Noble House - HEIR BY BLOODLINE Gryffindor Family (Paternal - through Grandmother Dorea Potter née Black) - Founder Line - HEIR BY BLOODLINE Slytherin Family (Available by Right of Conquest) - Founder Line - CLAIMABLE Black Family (Paternal - through Grandmother) - Ancient and Noble House - SECONDARY HEIR (after Sirius Black) Evans Family (Maternal) - Muggleborn Line - SOLE HEIR
TITLES AVAILABLE:
Lord Potter (ACTIVE upon claiming) Lord Peverell (ACTIVE upon claiming) Heir of Gryffindor (ACTIVE upon claiming) Heir of Slytherin (Requires proof of conquest) Wizengamot Seats: 4 (Potter, Peverell, Gryffindor, Slytherin*)
PROPERTIES:
Potter Manor (Godric's Hollow) Potter Castle (Scotland) Peverell Estate (Wales) Gryffindor Keep (Hidden Location) Potter Beach House (Cornwall) Potter Townhouse (London) 47 additional properties and businesses (See Extended List)
VAULTS:
Potter Family Vault (Vault 1) - 45,892,447,821 Galleons Peverell Family Vault (Vault 3) - 7,580,443,624 Galleons Potter Trust Vault (Vault 687) - 47,253 Galleons (ACTIVE) Potter Business Holdings Account - Various Assets 12 Additional Vaults (See Extended List)
TOTAL LIQUID ASSETS: 53,472,891,445 Galleons (53.4 Billion)
BUSINESSES/ASSETS:
Daily Prophet (34% ownership) Quality Quidditch Supplies (51% ownership - Controlling) Flourish and Blotts (43% ownership) Slug and Jiggers Apothecary (67% ownership - Controlling) 89 additional businesses (See Extended List)
SPECIAL NOTATIONS:
Ancient Magic Detected - Bloodline shows markers for Ancient Magic perception (Rare) Parseltongue Detected - Likely from encounter with Dark Magic (Unusual) Master of Death Potential - Peverell bloodline grants affinity for Deathly Hallows
MAGICAL GUARDIAN: Albus Dumbledore (CONTESTED - Emergency Provisions Expired)
CURRENT STATUS: Rightful heir to multiple Ancient and Noble Houses. Entitled to immediate emancipation and full control of assets upon claiming Lordship.
The office was completely silent as Harry, Hagrid, and Ragnok stared at the parchment.
"Blimey," Hagrid whispered. "Harry... yer descended from TWO of the Founders?"
Harry couldn't speak. His mind was reeling despite Gamer's Mind's calming effect. He was heir to Gryffindor? And Peverell—he vaguely remembered that name from his magical theory book as one of the legendary Three Brothers from the tale of the Deathly Hallows.
[QUEST UPDATE: Reclaim Your Heritage][Objective Complete: Take Full Inheritance Test ✓][Objective Complete: Discover Hidden Bloodlines ✓][New Objectives Revealed!]
"Mr. Potter," Ragnok's voice was filled with respect now, "you are heir to four of the most powerful families in wizarding history. With proper claiming, you would control four Wizengamot votes—making you one of the most politically powerful individuals in Britain despite your age."
"What about the Ancient Magic notation?" Harry asked, focusing on that detail.
"Ah." Ragnok's eyes gleamed. "Ancient Magic is a rare gift that appears in certain bloodlines once in several generations. The last known wielder in Britain was in the 1890s—a student who saved Hogwarts from a goblin rebellion. Your Potter ancestors were connected to that student's line. The ability allows you to perceive and manipulate a form of magic that predates modern spellwork."
[SKILL REVEALED: Ancient Magic Perception - Legendary][Due to bloodline confirmation, this skill is now ACTIVE][You can now perceive Ancient Magic traces in the world]
Suddenly, Harry's vision shifted. He could see faint golden threads of magic running through Gringotts, ancient protections woven into the very stone. It was beautiful and overwhelming.
"I can see it," Harry breathed. "Golden light, woven through everything."
Ragnok nodded, impressed. "You have the gift, confirmed. This is extraordinarily valuable, Mr. Potter. I recommend you keep this information private—Ancient Magic wielders are rare enough to attract unwanted attention."
"Agreed," Harry said, blinking until his vision returned to normal. He'd need to learn to control that.
"Now," Ragnok continued, "we must discuss claiming your titles and vaults. Would you like to proceed today?"
"Yes," Harry said without hesitation. "I want to claim the Potter and Peverell Lordships immediately. What do I need to do?"
"Simply declare your intent and accept the responsibilities. As you are fifteen—the age of magical majority—you have the right. I will witness and register the claim."
Ragnok pulled out two rings from a secure drawer. One was gold with a lion crest (Potter), the other silver with a triangular symbol Harry recognized as the Deathly Hallows mark (Peverell).
"Place your hand on each ring and declare your claim."
Harry took a breath and placed his hand on the Potter ring first. "I, Harry James Potter, claim my birthright as Lord Potter, heir of an Ancient and Noble House. I accept the responsibilities and duties of this title."
The ring glowed brilliant gold and resized to fit his right ring finger perfectly. Power surged through Harry—not painful, but intense.
[TITLE GAINED: LORD POTTER][+10 to all stats][+2 Charisma when dealing with Pure-blood politics][Access Granted: Potter Family Magic][Wizengamot Seat Activated: Potter]
Harry gasped at the rush of power and knowledge. He suddenly understood things about politics, responsibilities, and family magic he hadn't known seconds before.
He reached for the Peverell ring. "I, Harry James Potter, claim my birthright as Lord Peverell, heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Peverell. I accept the responsibilities and duties of this title."
This surge was even more intense. The silver ring settled on his left ring finger.
[TITLE GAINED: LORD PEVERELL][+10 to all stats][+5 Wisdom for understanding ancient lore][Special Ability Unlocked: Affinity for Deathly Hallows][Wizengamot Seat Activated: Peverell][Note: You are now Master of Death's heir - the Hallows will respond to you]
[LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP!][You are now Level 10!][You have 35 unspent stat points!]
Harry swayed slightly from the power rush, but Gamer's Body stabilized him quickly. He looked at his hands, where the two rings now sat, glowing faintly with power.
Hagrid was staring at him with awe. "Yeh look different, Harry. More... regal."
Ragnok bowed deeply—a gesture of significant respect from a goblin. "Lord Potter-Peverell, it is an honor to serve your houses. Gringotts congratulates you on your ascension."
[Relationship Increased: Ragnok 40/100 → 75/100 - Deep Professional Respect]
"Thank you, Director Ragnok," Harry said, and was surprised by how natural the formal speech felt. The lordship titles had granted him instinctive understanding of proper protocols. "What's our next step?"
"We file legal challenges to remove Dumbledore's proxy control. This will take approximately one week. In the meantime, I can grant you emergency access to your vaults—say, ten million Galleons to start? Enough for your school shopping and any immediate needs?"
Ten million Galleons as a starting allowance. Harry would have laughed at the absurdity if he wasn't still processing everything else.
"That sounds reasonable. I'll also need information about all my properties and businesses so I can understand what I own."
"I'll have a complete portfolio prepared by tomorrow. For now, let me take you to your family vault. It's time you saw your true inheritance."
[QUEST OBJECTIVES UPDATED][Claim Potter Family Vault - In Progress]
They left the office, Hagrid still looking stunned, and headed toward the cart system that led deep into Gringotts. Harry's new Ancient Magic perception showed him security measures throughout the bank—curses, wards, and protective spells layered so thick it would be suicide to rob this place.
A goblin named Griphook took them down in a cart, plunging into the depths at breakneck speed. They passed waterfalls, chasms, and lakes in the underground passages. Finally, they stopped before a massive door marked with the number "1" and the Potter crest.
"Vault One," Griphook announced. "The oldest vault in Gringotts. Only the Potter Lord can open it."
Harry stepped forward and placed his hand on the door. His Lord Potter ring glowed, and the door swung open.
Nothing could have prepared Harry for what lay beyond.
The vault was the size of a cathedral. Mountains of gold Galleons reached to the ceiling. But it wasn't just gold—there were chests of precious gems, shelves of artifacts, ancient weapons, paintings, books, and items that glowed with magic.
"Bloody hell," Hagrid breathed.
Harry walked into his family's legacy, his Ancient Magic perception showing him that many of these items were ancient and powerful. He saw:
A shelf of books labeled "Potter Family Grimoires - Dark, Light, and Ancient Magic" A sword that hummed with power (Observe showed it as a Goblin-made blade from the 13th century) Armor sets from different eras A pensieve with hundreds of memory vials Chests marked "Deeds and Contracts" A section dedicated to magical research notes And gold. So much gold he couldn't count it.
[Location Discovered: Potter Family Vault][Quest Objective Complete: Claim Potter Family Vault ✓]
Harry turned to Ragnok. "Can I take items with me?"
"Everything here is yours, Lord Potter. Take whatever you wish."
Harry activated his Inventory and began storing items systematically. Family grimoires, the pensieve with important memories, bags of gold (the System helpfully tracked he'd stored 50,000 Galleons), important documents, and several artifacts his Ancient Magic perception marked as valuable.
[Items Stored: 47][Gold Stored: 50,000 Galleons][Rare Books Stored: 12][Artifacts Stored: 8]
When he finished, Harry turned back to Ragnok. "I think I have everything I need for now. Let's proceed with the legal actions against Dumbledore."
"It will be done, Lord Potter." Ragnok smiled that sharp-toothed smile. "Gringotts serves you."
As they rode the cart back up, Harry checked his quest log:
[QUEST: RECLAIM YOUR HERITAGE - MAJOR OBJECTIVES COMPLETE][Calculating Rewards...]
[REWARDS GRANTED:]
5,000 XP Title: Lord Potter (Active) Title: Lord Peverell (Active) Full Access to Potter/Peverell Vaults 10,000,000 Galleons available for immediate use Family Grimoires and Knowledge Political Power: 2 Wizengamot Seats Bonus Reward: Ancient Magic Perception Activated Bonus Reward: Property Portfolio (Complete List) Hidden Reward: Connection to Deathly Hallows Strengthened
[LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP!][You are now Level 15!][You have 60 unspent stat points!]
[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: From Rags to Riches - Go from poverty to billions in one day][ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: Ancient Legacy - Claim multiple ancient bloodlines][ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: Political Power - Gain multiple Wizengamot seats before attending school]
[TITLE GAINED: The Reformer - You have the power to change magical Britain]
Harry sat in the cart, surrounded by his new power, wealth, and responsibilities. His life had changed completely in a single morning.
And his Hogwarts education hadn't even started yet.
[Chapter 3 END]