Harry Potter: Eclipse. Chapter 8:

Harry drew his eyes away from his new ring and nodded his head in agreent. "You are correct, Chief Ragnok."

"The damage caused by the release of the dragon was imnse, not only did it cause a breach in our stronghold but eight goblins were injured and over 200 muggles had to be obliviated."

Harry winced at the damage. "I know words are aningless but I would like to apologise anyway before paynt is given," Harry said. "The situation was grave and although my actions caused great damage, at the ti I felt they were justified."

Ragnok narrowed his eyes. "Only at the ti?" he questioned.

"I have now co to realise that my actions leading up to this day would scarcely count as being my own. Yes, it was , but I had little control over myself with the amount of potions and charms I was under. Therefore I cannot say if they were justifiable. But what's done is done, and I will do my best to make reparations to you and your race."

"You are correct and that will be taken into account," Ragnok said sagely.

"My thanks," Harry said.

"The debt will be considered fulfilled if the paynt of 10 million galleons is given," Ragnok said.

Harry felt his eyes widen slightly at the imnse sum. He could afford it easily now, he knew that, but it was still a vast amount of money. However, considering the situation, Harry knew it would be in his best interest to accept. Yet, before he could agree, Ragnok spoke again.

"Alongside this, I, on behalf of the goblin nation, would like to offer you our hand in friendship."

At this Harry didn't even try to mask his shock. Being nad a goblin friend was a great honour not bestowed on many; Harry could hardly think of the last ti it had happened. Only the most powerful and influential wizards or witches were ever nad and even then only ones that the goblins respected.

"I thank you for such a great honour Chief Ragnok, and I accept the terms of fulfilling my debt," Harry said. "However, I must ask: why ?"

"Why you, Lord Potter?"

"Why am I being honoured in such a way? I have done nothing for you yet you are willing to na a goblin friend."

"It is not what you have done, Lord Potter, but what you will co to do." Ragnok began to explain, "There are few people in this world that truly have a chance at shaping it, and I, alongside the other leaders of the goblin race, believe that you will be one of these people."

Harry was stunned. He didn't know how to reply to that, he didn't feel worthy of such praise.

"If I might make a suggestion Lord Potter, now that our business is done," Ragnok said after the silence had stretched a mont.

"Please, if I am to be a goblin friend, then call Harry," Harry said.

"Harry then, I would recomnd that you take a few days to think about what it is you wish to do with your new found power - not just your magical power but your political influence as well. You have never had a chance to really be yourself, to think for yourself."

Harry closed his eyes in pain when he realised that Ragnok was correct. If he believed the blood test, which he did, then Dumbledore and who knows who else had been controlling him and manipulating him for his entire life. He had forced himself not to think about it since the discovery, focusing on everything else but now that he was, he felt betrayed and angry. It wasn't a fiery rage like he usually experienced but a quiet, white-hot rage.

Opening his eyes, Harry didn't realise that they were almost glowing with power or that the very air around him seed to vibrate with suppressed magic. "I think you are correct Ragnok," Harry said, his voice coming out deceptively soft.

Ragnok suppressed a shiver at the amount of power the wizard before him possessed and stood. "You are free to use one of our floo systems to return to your current residence if you would prefer, instead of going through the alley."

Harry considered this but decided the walk would help to clear his mind. "I thank you, but I require a few things," he said, standing and following the goblin out through the maze of tunnels until they ca to a set of doors.

"If you wish to put a glamour up, now would be the ti," Ragnok advised. "Though you do look quite different, your eyes are still rather well known in this world."

Harry nodded, flicking his wrist so his wand appeared in hand. Concentrating on what he wanted to change, Harry felt a tingling over his eyes. Opening them, he looked at Ragnok and asked, "What do you think?"

"Although similar to the appearance you are known for, with the change in eye colour you should be able to go about your business easily as long as you keep the scar covered," Ragnok said. With blue eyes and the removal of the blood glamour, the wizard did look different enough that people should let him pass without comnt.

Harry smiled slightly, "I thank you for your aid, Ragnok. May your gold overflow and benefit you."

"And may your enemies cower at your na, Harry," Ragnok said, before opening the doors for Harry to exit into the main floor of the bank.

With one last nod, Harry lifted his hood and made his way through the crowd, his walk becoming more graceful as he got used to his true form. He didn't realise that every goblin at one point looked up and stared as he passed, that his aura even masked as it was still called out to them, warning them of his power. That to them, his graceful walk appeared almost magical, like a predator in the night.