Getting Sirius to the bank was easy as the man was willing to do anything for Harry. Borrowing a cloak with a hood, the two of them managed the summer crowds easily, keeping their identities hidden.
"So, how did you become so well respected by the goblins?" Sirius asked after seeing the door guards nod to Harry.
Harry considered telling the truth, but knew know wasn't the time, so he retold the same lie which he had told Remus. About re-entering the world and having Ragnok already dealing with the Potter accounts - not a technical lie, just not the truth. He added, "I think my respect for them helps. I didn't grow up thinking less of them like a lot of wizarding children and, unlike the muggleborns, I do not fear things that are different as I know what it's like to be hated and feared for being different."
Sirius nodded. "How bad was your treatment, really? Are you talking the odd slap or real beatings?" he whispered as they walked past the crowds at the bank and through the side door leading to Ragnok's office.
"Beatings. My uncle was of the belief that, if he hit me hard enough, my magic would disappear - or so I believe," Harry said.
Sirius seemed to freeze for a second after hearing that and growled slightly, reminding harry of his animagus form.
"You will explain everything to me after this is done," he told Harry.
Harry nodded his head, not annoyed with the demand as he knew how confused and overwhelmed the man must be. Hell, he was surprised Sirius had managed to come to Gringotts today; Harry had expected him to eat and sleep for a few days after the ordeal of being in Azkaban.
Harry reached Ragnok's door and knocked.
Sirius followed him as he entered and watched as Harry and Ragnok greeted each other.
"Mr. Black, it is a pleasure to meet you," Ragnok said.
Sirius startled slightly as he had never been greeted so politely by a goblin. "Chief Ragnok, the honour is mine," he recited, his mind and body remembering the manners his parents had instilled in him years ago.
"Harry has told me a lot about you," Ragnok continued.
"He speaks fondly of you also," Sirius said.
Turning to Harry, Ragnok spoke, "He knows about the compulsions?"
"Yes, I informed him about everything I told Remus. Sirius is here to be cleansed - and maybe healed, if you're willing," Harry said.
Ragnok nodded, acknowledging the limitations of Sirius' knowledge. "The damage for dementor exposure is extensive, but we should be able to help - for a price, of course."
"Of course," Harry acknowledged.
"And any compulsions will be removed, along with blocks and potions," Ragnok said.
"And the price?" Harry asked.
"90 galleons," Ragnok said.
Harry smirked at the higher price. Ragnok had obviously enjoyed their last haggling match.
"60."
"75."
"70," Harry said.
"Deal," Ragnok replied.
Sirius watched this in shocked silence; he didn't know people argued money with goblins and had been worried when Harry had started to bargain.
Ragnok clicked his fingers, sending for Mauve Harry assumed, before he turned to Sirius.
"Mr. Back. Are you aware that your Lordship is currently unclaimed?" he asked, not beating around the bush.
Sirius was confused. He had thought being a convict would strip him of his title.
"No," he said honestly. "But I thought…?"
"The old conviction laws were overturned at the end of the last war. You are still able to claim your title and I would recommend you do so," Ragnok informed him.
Sirius nodded his head. "Okay. I just need to put on the ring and see if it accepts me, right?" he asked more than stated.
"Correct," Ragnok said.
"Should I do it now or after?" he asked.
Just then Healer Mauve entered. Seeing Harry, she smirked. "Are you going to be bringing every wizard in Britain to me to be cleansed, Little Lord?" she asked.
"My lady, I shall only bring those who deserve the best," he said, bowing slightly to the female goblin.
Mauve let out a low chuckle before she looked at Sirius. "The dementors have been having a feast from you," she said.
Sirius nodded. "Ten years," he said.
Mauve tsked and shook her head. "I can't make you perfect in one go, but I can make you better. You will follow me," she said.
Sirius looked bewildered as the female moved towards the door.
Harry smiled. "She does that - you should follow her. I will be here waiting when you're done. I'll have your ring brought up," Harry said.
Sirius nodded and walked to Harry, kissing his head before he darted after the healer.
After Sirius had gone, Harry turned to Ragnok.
He recited everything that happened in during and after the trial and watched as the goblin took in the information. Ragnok sat in silence as he spoke, digesting the words and thinking about the actions of all those involved.
"Did you actually send a letter?" he asked Harry.
Harry smirked. "Yes, I sent it after I left Remus here. I thought it would be a good thing to have if I was ever questioned."
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