The three others in the room didn't hesitate but quickly gave their oaths.
"I'm a parselmouth. I'm not completely sure how that happened. I'm betting You-know-who's attack on me is why. Cassandra, that's your task for this year. I've heard of a dark spell that allows for family magics to be stolen if the caster ends a family line. I think he intended to steal the Potter family magics but when I or my mum did whatever we- she did, it backfired and I got the Slytherin magics instead. I want you to find out what you can about the spell HE used and since I seem to have gained the Slytherin magics I also need you to find out what they are besides the obvious that is."
"Got it." Cassandra said.
"So that's how they got into the Chamber, and why you got an additional ten percent." Felicia said.
"Yes."
"How come we, I mean your trustees, weren't consulted? You took a risk. A basilisk isn't a crup."
"I didn't think about that, and I doubt Dumbledore thought about it. I went down with Dumbledore, the Hogwarts Heads of Houses, the defense professor and half a dozen goblins. Rarely was I in the front of the group and I came up with protection in the form of mirrored sunglasses that kept us from being in danger of dying. As it was only one person even got petrified." Harry smirked slightly as he thought of the proud, stiff-necked, deputy headmistress in her petrified state. "So it really wasn't a big deal. I just hope I get access to the books we found."
"Books?" Cassandra queried.
"Yes, Cassandra, about ten crates of them, including things by the founders themselves." Harry smirked as Cassandra's eyes glimmered and her jaw dropped slightly. He noticed Felicia too looked intrigued.
"How many books, Harry?" Barchok asked.
"Um, probably seven hundred or so. Didn't the other goblins say anything?"
"Different department," said Barchok.
Felicia looked at Harry, "They wouldn't have found them without your help?"
"Yes, before I told them I was a parselmouth, they were going to brick over the entrance to that bathroom."
"Well, I think I will be able to guarantee that you will get access." Felicia said, already planning on what arguments the firm could use.
Harry smiled. he didn't put stock in prophecy. But if Dumbledore was right and Voldemort put stock in prophecy; knowing what the older wizard knew might be key in defeating him. "Thanks. Now can we get back to the statement?"
They went over the rest of his statement which reflected the changes in his stock portfolio. Harry was pleased to see a five percent increase in his ownership of wizarding media. Half an hour later Barchok finished with "An overall increase in value of 75 % counting the basilisk parts and all investments are now showing a return."
"I am pleased, Barchok. Felicia, any comments or questions you would like to make?"
"About the finances, no, Barchok, you and Gringotts have done your usual thorough job. However Harry, I do have something to say to you. If you ever-"
"Risk myself? Felicia, calm down take a deep breath. Yes, I took a risk but knowing I could speak to snakes, knowing I had a plan to disrupt the snake's gaze, knowing who I took with me to the chamber do you really believe I took a foolish risk?
"You get out of bed in the morning; it's a risk. Who knows? You might slip and fall on the stairs and break your neck. Is it likely? Not really, but the risk is still there. Does it stop you from getting out of bed in the morning? No, because you judge the risk to be an acceptable one. This is the same thing. I knew the risks. I did what I could to minimize the risks and went forward. I am sorry if you aren't comfortable with that but I did what I thought was correct."
Since his revelation it had slowly sunk into Felicia Corner what Harry had done. Now she wanted to cuff Harry the way she would her own son, for taking such a risk. She took a deep breath. On reflection she supposed Harry was correct, living life involved risks. At least he hadn't gone into the situation without thinking. He had made plans to reduce the risks involved in the undertaking and he had carried them out. She supposed the old adage it is better to apologize than to ask permission applied to the situation as well. Finally though, she gave in to her emotions and gave him a cuff to the side of his head. "That is for risking yourself. If I hear of you doing something like this again, I will turn you over my knee, is that understood, young man?"
"Ow! That hurt! Fine. Understood. Gees!"
Barchok was smirking as the four of them rose to their feet and gathered themselves to leave the room. He dropped the privacy wards. Then he watched as the three humans left Gringotts.
Felicia returned to the office. Cassandra and Harry went to The Leaky Cauldron where they had engaged a private room for lunch.
After they ordered and their lunches were delivered Cassandra started to talk."How much of the dossiers have you had a chance to read?"
"Not much. I've skimmed about half the ministry files I started with the thin ones mostly because I've had only five minutes here and there."
"That's fine. Be sure and leave yourself an hour or four when you get to Dumbledore's. Minister Fudge's is pretty thick too."
"Dirt?"