Chapter 23: Daily Prophet
Bellatrix appeared with a small pop just down the street from Gringotts in Diagon Alley. She quickly put her wand in its holder that was on the inside of her cloak. It's twin was in a sheath on her wrist.
She quickly blended in with the crowd and made her way to the bank. Upon entering, she went to the nearest goblin she could find. Mustering all the kindness she could, she spoke. "Would you be kind enough to show me to the Chief Financial Advisor's office?"
"Yes, ma'am." the goblin answer, immediately leading the way down a broad hall and into an office.
The goblin in the office stood and bowed. "My name his Holdhook. How may I be of service?"
"I need to make some purchases and acquire holdings in some rather large companies. Your advice would be of the utmost usefulness to me." Bellatrix answered, sitting down at a chair in front of the desk.
"Do you have an account with us?"
"Polairix." Bellatrix said simply.
The goblins eyes widened and he looked at Bellatrix's ring closely because her face wasn't available for scrutiny. "I see, my lady." He snapped at the goblin who had led her in. "Get me the Polairix file immediately."
The goblin returned only a second later, clearly out of breath. He handed the thick file to Holdhook and left the room, closing the door behind him. Holdhook then opened the file and drew out several papers.
"Vault numbers one through seven. The first initial transfer to Gringotts came from North Gringotts. The current balance, including the Potter and Black estates, comes to. . . eight hundred and ninety six billion galleons in cash. Approximately two hundred million in real estate. I imagine that the bulk of your fortune is managed by North Gringotts however." Holdhook summarized for Bellatrix's benefit. "You and your husband, are without a doubt, our biggest customers."
"Is there any interest associated with all that?" Bellatrix asked faintly. She had not know that Harry was that rich. Well. . . it was her money through marriage as well, but she couldn't help but feel that it was Harry's more than hers.
"Of course." Holdhook replied. "What did you want to do today?"
"I wish to obtain managing control of the Daily Prophet and, if possible, full ownership." she announced. "For this piece of my business, cost is of no concern."
Holdhook steepled his fingers thoughtfully. "I believe that the Daily Prophet is owned by about five or six shareholders. If you can buy out at least four of them, you probably won't have any trouble at all when it comes to managing control. Buying them out will probably require you offering triple the value of their shares, but it can be done."
"Offer whatever you must to get them all." Bellatrix decided. "Try to keep the business strictly secret though."
"I can get you control of the paper by next week I think." Holdhook declared, making some notes on a piece of parchment. "What else did you wish to do?"
Bellatrix thought over her next move again. This could go well, or it could go bad. "I would like to invest in Gringotts." she said slowly. "The House of Polairix would be honored if the goblins were to be our allies."
Holdhook was even more surprised than before. "Your account with us is more than a significant investment, which is nothing strange, but allies?"
"Yes, we would like you to be our allies. Hard times are coming. The Ministry is incompetent and Voldemort is on the rise. The House of Polairix intends to play a significant part in Britain's future." Bellatrix declared.
"I have no authority to do something like that." Holdhook admitted. "Would it be suitable if the Head of Gringotts called on you and Lord Polairix tomorrow?"
Bellatrix nodded happily. "That would be wonderful. I'm sure that Lord Polairix could come to you here at Gringotts, however."
"We would be honored." Holdhook said. "Extremely honored. What time should we expect Lord Polairix?"
"Ten, I think." Bellatrix answered thoughtfully. Harry could probably get most of his work done early and then be back from Gringotts in time for his afternoon training.
Holdhook nodded excitedly and made a note. "We'll be expecting you then. Any other business?"
"Yes, lots more." Bellatrix said. "I would like to obtain managing control of St. Mungos, but not ownership." That hospital needed big improvements and expansions for the coming war. It would help if she could make sure they happened.
The goblin made the appropriate notations and they continued with Bellatrix's requests. Several hours later, the House of Polairix was slated up for some major investments in nearly every industry and company in the wizarding world. If they went through, Harry would be able to virtually control the economy by next week.
As Bellatrix left Gringotts, she changed her cloak to a light blue color and did some self-transfiguration. It was time for phase two of her plan.
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