Chapter 26: The downfall of House Malfoy P1

Snapclaw faced the two shifty looking wizards grinning wickedly. If these two thought they could walk in undetected into Gringotts they were in for a rude awakening. He could smell the illusionary magic woven around the two wizards. Wizards always hold a high opinion of themselves. Just because they can use magic using wands they think they are the gift of nature. They strut around as if they own the whole world.

In truth, wizarding magic had nothing on Goblins. All the senses of his people were heightened to detect magic in its most basic form. Very few magic could escape the senses of a Goblin warrior and he is a proud Goblin warrior bred to be the very best.

Oh, he hoped these two were thieves. His axe has not seen the blood of a wizard for a long time. It's been a while since he properly unwinded himself and he was itching to crush the skulls of these two wizards.

"You two requested a closed-door meeting wizards. Know that you are charged a standard fee of five gallons per half an hour. Now, what do you want?" Snapclaw sneered, secretly taking his battle-axe from underneath the table.

He imagined having the skulls of these two fools mounted on the wall of his office. The prestige alone incurred to him and his family would be quite useful in the long run. Perhaps Master Riptooth would assign him more accounts under his supervision.

All of his daydreams however crashed and burned when the two wizards of their own volition dismissed the illusion magic. This left him in disappointment thinking of opportunities lost and glories taken away all because these wizards behaved properly. Gritting his teeth he took in the true appearance of the two wizards and his annoyance was brought down a notch when he identified the two.

"Mr Black, Mr Potter. What do you two want?" he snapped, masking his interest with disinterest and annoyance.

After all, it's not every day he gets a visit from Britain's most wanted criminal and teen celebrity. Not to mention these two were valuable customers of Gringotts.

"Master Snapclaw, we have a unique proposition in regards to the Black vaults and the siphoning of the funds by Lucius Malfoy." said Potter.

Snapclaw could practically taste the ill intent hanging in the air. He could also see that in Harry Potter's eyes. He chanced a look at Sirius Black and he could see the same wicked look on Black's face.

"I see. Let's hear it then." He said, showing lukewarm interest on the outside, while on the inside curious what these two were up to.

"We understand that Mr Malfoy took loans out of the Black vaults in significant amount of Galleons posing as the guardian of the heir of House Black."

"He was the guardian. In the absence of all suitable male Blacks the lordship and thus the ownership would have transferred to Draco Malfoy who's the son of Narcissa Black." he said, frowning at both Potter and Black.

"True. But, Sirius is no longer in Azkaban. He is not excluded from the inheritance like Andromeda Tonks. Hence, it is my understanding that Lord Black can redefine the terms of his vaults. It is his prerogative, yes?" asked young Mr Potter.

Snapclaw thought it over in his mind and slowly nodded.

"If he wants to do so, it's his property by right."

"Good." Harry Potter smiled and that smile put Snapclaw on edge as it was filled with malice. "Since, Sirius was not present when the loans were taken he intends to chart out the terms regarding the funds Lucius Malfoy took from the Black Vaults."

Now, Snapclaw was getting a vague idea of what these two wizards were up to.

"These are the updated terms of the contract by which Mr Lucius Malfoy must abide by, effective immediately." said Harry Potter, presenting Snapclaw with a stack of parchments.

Snapclaw went through the updated terms of the contract drawn by a prestigious legal firm among the wizardkind. He brushed his magic against the seal of the barrister, one Ted Tonks, and the result came authentic.

Then he went through the finer points of the document. It was quite cutthroat and he grinned at the terms outlined.

The total amount taken from the Black accounts will be considered as a single withdrawal and the interest rate has been fixed to the percentage amounting to 1000. It is also outlined that the interest will be calculated from the day of first withdrawal and Snapclaw was quite curious when it began. Then there is the time limit of one week given for Mr Malfoy to pay up the accumulated interest. There was also the penalty of an additional 100 percent of the loaned amount if the total interest is not paid within one week. Then there is also the Principal amount that ought to be paid within two weeks once the document comes into effect.

Getting curious about how this document will kick into effect on Lucius Malfoy's holdings he asked for his assistant Sniptooth to procure the transactions of Black family vaults. While Mr Potter and Mr Black waited he went through the current position of the Black Vaults. After a detailed study, he looked at the two wizards and grinned.

"Would you like to know how much Lucius Malfoy owes you Mr Black?" he asked, feeling giddy all of a sudden.

"We are eager to know Master Snapclaw." said Sirius Black, grinning from ear to ear.

"Mr Malfoy took a total of 50,00,000 Galleons. That means you are owed 64,50,00,000 Galleons in interest for the past thirteen years when this document is applied. Combining the Principal amount, you are owed 65,00,00,000 Galleons. Of course, Gringotts will be owed a substantial fee for a transaction like this." Snapclaw said, his mouth watering at the prospect of handling a lucrative transaction like this one.

"How much does Gringotts charge?" asked Harry Potter.

"Nothing much. We only charge 3% of interests gained in the recovery of private loans plus a 5% service charge." said Snapclaw.

"What if I told you we are willing to give Gringotts 10% in exchange for joining me on an exclusive in the Daily Prophet?" asked Harry Potter.

"I'd say we have a deal Mr Potter." said Snapclaw, his grin widening bordering on taking the feral quality.

It turns out, these two wizards just made his day. He was still disappointed he didn't have a skull but it was quite possible Mr Malfoy's head might just decorate his wall in the future. The Daily Prophet meeting was also to the bank's advantage. The foolish wizards paid the bank an extra 5% when he'd have done the press meet for free. After the break-in three years back, Gringotts' security was under question. This was an opportunity to regain some confidence from their overseas investors.

XXXXXXXXX

"Lumos."

White bright light rushed into Harry's eyes making him shield his eyes and turn away.

"Ow. That's too much magic for a simple light spell Neville." said Harry, keeping his eyes shielded.

"Sorry. I'm just a bit excited, that's all." said Neville, jumping from one foot to another giddy that his new wand was letting Neville explore his magic to its fullest.

"Hey, try the summoning charm. You had trouble with the charm but with a new wand, you never know." Harry suggested.

Neville nodded and raised his wand with a frown on his face.

Harry observed his friend who was struggling with confidence all along. With a brand new wand from Mr Ollivander Neville seems to be regaining his confidence step by step. He was happy that Neville was slowly coming out of his shell.

"Accio." Neville jabbed his wand towards the ground.

To Harry's and Neville's surprise, a swarm of pebbles, sand and even the football, Will Turner, a fifth-year Hufflepuff student was about to kick into the goal post rushed towards Neville. Harry had the presence of mind to hastily put up the shield charm which made all the rushing objects bounce off harmlessly against the magical shield.

"Whoa!" Neville squeaked and dropped his wand.

"Oi! What're you two playing at?" Turner shouted at them, incensed to see his chance to score the goal being cruelly ripped away.

"Sorry, Turner. Just a spell that went out of hand." Harry explained dismissing the protego charm.

The pebbles all turned to dust while the football remained intact. Harry wondered why the shield didn't try to turn the football into dust. Either way, he was thankful the ball remained intact lest he incurs wrath from the players nearby. After kicking the football towards the players in the distance Harry turned his attention to Neville who picked up his wand and was looking at the piece of wood in wonder. The wand was seven inches long made of dark red Cheery wood and the core was Unicorn hair.

"Did you see that?" Neville asked breathlessly.

"Oh, yes." said Harry, cautiously moving towards Neville who looked a bit flustered. "I think you need to calm down a bit and channel less magic into the wand while casting spells."

"Yes, that's right. I need less magic." Neville said almost absentmindedly.

Harry could actually see the wonder sparkling in Neville's eyes at the very notion. It was quite understandable really. A day ago, Neville was struggling to squeeze out an iota of magic but now he's been told to use less magic. Quite the U-turn if he ever saw one.

"Oye, Potter. Switch for me will you?" said Justin, stepping out of the court giving Harry a chance in the attacking midfielder position.

"A moment mate." he called back before turning to face Neville. "You alright Neville?"

"Yeah, I'm fine Harry. More than fine. And thank you for...you know...everything."

Seeing Neville struggling to formulate his emotions Harry patted him on the shoulder.

"Tell you what I'll help you out with the magic stuff tonight. We can go over some basic spells and work our way up. How does that sound?" Harry pitched the idea, not just for helping Neville but also for improving himself. He often found that teaching someone helps in acquiring a deeper understanding of the subject. It was true for his physics major so it should be also true for magic.

"I'd like that. Thanks, Harry." Neville smiled brightly.

Harry enjoyed an evening with good old football with some of the resident Muggleborns and Half-bloods. The game was not just a hobby for him now but an essential part of his physical recovery. Madam Pomfrey did give him quite a lot of potions for his physical development. As per her advice, since he last checked up with her, she noted his body was fast replenishing nutrition and gaining more bone density as well as muscle mass. According to Madam Pomfrey, his body was burning through all the additional medication she was providing at an accelerating pace. Harry attributed this to his regular swimming, body training and weekend football games.

When night came to the Gryffindor tower Harry lay awake in his bed tired after an enthusiastic session of magic exploration. He spent the better part of the evening and night helping Neville try out first-year spells. They concentrated on charms like tickling charm, colour changing charm, tempus charm and other basic tier spells. Neville's enthusiasm to use his magic seems to have imbued Neville with some much-needed confidence.

Harry was seriously considering including Neville in his training sessions. With Sirius's trial just a week away he was going to lose Sirius as a training partner. The outcome of the trial would hopefully be in Sirius's favour. His latest stint with the Daily Prophet should put a speedy end to Lucius Malfoy's financial holdings. He was promised the full story will be printed on Monday morning. Malfoy will be forced to borrow or even outright sell his valuables to pay back, if he ever can, the total amount owed to House Black.

Anyway, the plan outlined by Damien Greengrass was positively smashing. It was going to kick into Malfoy's financial dealings from multiple angles. Now that he has done his part it was now Mr Greengrass' time to play his part. The man should be having some hasty meetings with the investors of Daily Prophet and other businesses to ensure Malfoy's fall would be a long way down, straight to hell. Not only did Harry remove a threat to Sirius' trial, but he'd also be dealing a blow to Voldemort's second rise. Malfoy would have become the financial backer of Voldemort but now, Malfoy would be lucky if he has a Knut to his name after everything that's about to happen.

The next day Harry was the first to wake up and as per his routine, he practised for the second task in the Room of Requirement. Then he went for a run inside the room and finished his morning with a brief swim. Finishing the daily routine he sneaked back into the Gryffindor Tower to prepare for the day.

After dressing in his robes Harry waited with his backpack near the entrance hall waiting for Hermione.

"Hey, Harry."

"Seamus." he acknowledged the Irish boy who was a dab hand at blowing things up.

"Ye reckon what's wrong with Neville? He's been acting...odd."

"Odd? Odd how?" Harry asked.

"He seems sprier this morning. Did something happen?" Seamus asked, making sure no one overheard their conversation.

"He's been getting good with magic lately. Maybe, that's why." Harry answered, opting not to disclose the truth without Neville's permission.

"Harry, Seamus. What are we waiting for? Professor Flitwick must be waiting for us in the Charms class." Neville said, excitement shining in his eyes while patting both Harry and Seamus on the back before proceeding to rush out of the entrance.

"Neville. We have breakfast in the Great Hall." Harry called after Neville but the entrance door holding the Fat Lady's portrait closed before his words would have any effect.

"See... He's behaving oddly." Seamus said, amusedly looking at the closed entrance door.

"Reckon we should go after him?" asked Harry.

"Yeah let's do that. Unless Neville's got his Remembrall with him?" Seamus said with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't think so. He forgot to bring the Remembrall this year." said Harry, opening the entrance door.

"Ha! Hahaha..." Seamus' laughter echoed through the castle as they rushed after Neville.

It took them quite some time but finally, Harry and Seamus managed to track down Neville and bring the guy to the Great Hall. As usual, the Great Hall was abuzz with chatter. Harry could hear the Weasley twins explaining their new prank based on a modified catnip that could change Mrs Norris' colour to Lee Jordan. Angelina was discussing some Quidditch tactics for Chasers with Alicia and Katie.

Harry was reminded of the fact that he was asked to participate in some training sessions with the Gryffindor Quidditch team after the Second Task is completed. Somehow, Angelina managed to take permission from McGonagall. He got the exemption till now since he was preparing for the Tournament. But, he was required to attend at least two or three practice sessions before the Task is completed in February.

Owls began swooping in delivering the mail in the usual fashion. Harry looked for Hedwig while chewing on a piece of bread dipped in tomato sauce. His trusted snowy owl dived down and delivered him a copy of the Prophet. Seeing as he was about to be a proud owner of some ten percent shares in the paper within a few days he thought a daily subscription should be considered.

Harry switched his attention from the food on the table to the Prophet that was conveniently dropped into his waiting arms by Hedwig. Hedwig settled near his right arm and looked at the bacon on his plate.

"Have at it girl."

Hedwig let out a hoot before gorging herself on a slice of bacon remaining on his plate. With that out of the way, he peered at the front page of the Prophet. Rita Skeeter didn't disappoint as the headlines themselves put a smile on his face.

"The Downfall of House Malfoy."

"House Black strikes back!"

"The thievery of Lucius Malfoy comes to light!"

"Lucius Malfoy, a Pauper!"

The incessant scream from the Slytherin table was something that he expected. He was not surprised the shrill scream came from none other than Draco Malfoy. The nteresting bit was Parkinson also joined in on the fun by openly crying sharing the burden of the news with Draco. Harry's eyes met the blue eyes belonging to Daphne. She subtly raised her glass in his direction before going back to concentrate on the food on her plate.

"What's with Malfoy?" Neville asked frowning at all the ruckus.

Harry offered his copy of the Prophet.

The word began spreading in Hogwarts like wildfire and Harry was confident the same was happening in the British wizarding world.

It was going to be an interesting week for a Malfoy. That much he was absolutely sure.

AN:

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