36 Wealth Management

Harry was deeply impressed with the business acumen of his great-grandfather, hoping to follow in his footsteps. He had an idea already and was eager to see how it would work out.

"The three investments I want to suggest are an apothecary in a side alley of Diagon Alley, whose owner is a very competent witch on her way to gaining her mastery in potions. Currently, she sells high-quality ingredients and books essential for becoming a successful brewer. Slytherin house produces the best brewers, and there's a reason for that, besides their head of house being a bit biased against the other houses."

Harry continued, "She presented us with her business plan, and I checked it thoroughly. Once she achieves her mastery, likely in about two years at most, she plans to start selling potions that the average witch or wizard needs regularly—cough potions, pepper-up potions, headache potions, and the like—in her shop. These potions, while high quality, will be reasonably priced. On the side, she will take special orders for potions needed for unique purposes and prepare them at higher prices."

"As good Potions Masters are rare in Great Britain, she won't face much competition in that field. This addition to her normal range of products seems promising. Currently, her shop is somewhat of an insider tip, but we estimate a shift of customers from Jugg's & Sligger, the larger apothecary in Diagon Alley, to Miss Ranamis' shop by about twenty percent over the next four years."

"If you agree, I would like to invest six thousand galleons into her business, which would give you about thirty percent of the shares," Corpnik proposed, concluding his presentation and looking at Harry expectantly.

Harry took a moment to reflect on Corpnik's proposal. He recalled the professional atmosphere of Miss Ranamis's shop and her assistance in selecting additional books for his brewing skills.

After careful consideration, Harry nodded. "I agree, Corpnik. Let's go ahead with the investment. Miss Ranamis's shop has great potential, and I believe in supporting skilled individuals on their way to mastery."

"If she reached her mastery and was allowed to branch out from selling simple ingredients, she would manage to make good profit. On top, there was an empty store next door, which allowed for expansion if everything worked out like it should. So the investment wouldn't be limited to the current storage space the shop had," Corpnik explained.

"I know the shop and have met Miss Ranamis when I got my potions supplies. Rubeus Hagrid showed me the shop," Harry said. "I liked the professionalism she showed and the ratio between quality and prices of her goods. I agree with that investment, especially as the location still holds potential for expansion once she has her mastery."

Corpnik noted the agreement and proceeded to present two other ideas, one of which Harry approved, while the other he did not. The latter involved utilizing squibs for low wages while the owners focused on marketing. Harry expressed his disapproval, emphasizing the success of enterprises led by founders actively involved in building their business.

Corpnik acknowledged both responses and then shifted the discussion to his parents' will. It outlined the standard provisions, with custody arrangements and the option of emancipation at fourteen. He also learned about the potential guardians, realizing that the top choices were unavailable. The last option, Dorcas Meadowes, remained unknown to him.

Turning his attention to future inheritances, Harry discovered that at sixteen, he would inherit his father's title of Earl of Ceredigion, honored in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds. Contemplating the implications, he put the will down and took a few calming breaths. His parents had indeed tried to ensure he was well taken care of, but circumstances seemed to have diverged from their plans.

His thoughts turned to Sirius Black and the need to determine his innocence or guilt. While his parents had trusted Remus Lupin, the prejudice against werewolves might hinder his chances of obtaining custody. Considering making contact with Sirius, Harry believed he could learn valuable stories about his parents.

"Considering the investments and the gold in both your family and trust vault, you have a net value of 5,742,307 galleons," Corpnik informed him.

"About 800,000 are in galleons, sickles, and knuts. On average, the profits from the investments each year amount to about 40,000 galleons," Corpnik detailed as he continued to provide Harry with a thorough understanding of his financial standing.

"Ninety percent is reinvested in the businesses, while the remaining ten percent goes to the family vault. You're not the wealthiest wizard in Great Britain, but you're really well-to-do," he added, painting a clear picture of the family's financial landscape.

Corpnik went on, "The real estates have a total value of 2,530,500 galleons. The house in Godric's Hollow is not sellable as it's been made a national monument. Potter Manor in Ceredigion needs some repairs and a power boost for the wards, then it'll be livable."

He continued, "The house in Spain is in good condition and is regularly rented out to wizarding tourists, generating a profit every year. The same holds true for the houses in France and Italy. The hotel in the Dominican Republic is also thriving, and the flat in New York is rented out on a yearly basis."

Harry nodded, considering his options for future living arrangements. He leaned towards moving into the Manor, questioning the logic of keeping a manor without residing in it.

"Alright, that's all I need to know about my finances for now. I'll take the ledger to stay updated. Now, I think we need to discuss the possibilities a credit card system could offer your bank," Harry shifted the conversation.

"Yes, Griphook mentioned a few outlines, and I'm very interested to learn how that system works. We have a standard policy regarding profit-sharing," Corpnik acknowledged.

"I'll listen to your suggestion, and if I think Gringotts could profit from taking over the system, you'll be given a share of five percent of the profit," he offered.

Harry grinned, pushing for more, "Fifteen percent."

"Harry, five percent is more than generous for only delivering the idea," Corpnik responded.

But Harry stood firm, asserting, "I'm not only delivering the idea; I'm giving you the detailed working process of the system—the required equipment, the means to convince shops to accept payment, and even my name for marketing the product. I think fifteen percent is more than generous."

Corpnik, taken aback by Harry's negotiation stance, considered the offer. Wizards rarely bargained with goblins, thinking it beneath their station. However, Harry was unyielding. Corpnik knew he had some leeway from the board, and up to fifteen percent was an acceptable range.

"Perhaps you are right, but I can't agree to that share. I don't know yet if what you are promising to deliver is worth it," Corpnik countered, attempting to bring Harry down.

Harry, however, was prepared. "I'll give you an incentive to decide easier. I'll agree to ten percent of the profit if you make less than five thousand galleons in profit with the new system in the starting phase of six months after the marketing campaign has started."

He outlined his conditions confidently, "You'll place an advertisement in the Daily Prophet and all other daily publications, send out pamphlets to all wizarding households with accounts at Gringotts. Additionally, I'll get you the addresses of all the muggleborns that graduated in the last twenty years, as they'll probably be your most probable customers."

"If you make more than five thousand galleons in profit, I'll get my fifteen percent," Harry concluded, holding firm in his negotiation.

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