Chapter 171 - – Grok Gringotts Ⅱ (2/2)

Grok startles at the old goblin vow, before staring at the glistening hand outstretched by the child before him. For a second he hesitates before spitting into his hand and waits for the child's reaction. No disgust nor revulsion flashed across the child's face as she patiently waited for her hand to be shaken.

Firmly clasping the child's hand, Grok swears, ”Should this deal be broken, may my gold wither away.”

Rowan nods in satisfaction as they both withdraw their hands and dry them on their clothes. And though, yes, a tad unsanitary, it would guarantee that the Goblins would hold their end of the bargain. As very few wizards were ever willing to swear such an oath and as such was seen by the goblins as a very serious matter.

Sitting back down, they waited for the goblin lawyer, Dulag to finish writing up the contract. Under such pressure, it is amazing how fast one can write. And Dulag's hand practically flew over the parchment as if under an enchantment. With a tired sigh, Dulag proudly held out the written contract for Grok to first read.

Grok carefully reads all the contract and clauses, before nodding in satisfaction. Handing the contract over to one his aides, the aides quickly run the contract over to Rowan sitting on the other side of the table.

Gingerly accepting the contract, Rowan begins to read every single word and phrase. After a moment, she frowns, ”Why am I being held liable for any incident or event that occurs to Gringotts that results in damage or any loss of finances? I am not the proprietor of Gringotts. This needs to be rewritten and stricken from the contract.”

Rowan rolled the contract back up and tossed it back across the table. Grok wolfishly grins as Dulag in embarrassment crosses out that portion and rewrites it again. ”I thought you'd miss that little clause,” Grok said with some satisfaction and disappointment.

”Our final practical exam for Gobbledegook was negotiations,” Rowan wryly stated.

Grok chuckled out loud, ”And as it should be. We goblins are rather good at stating exactly what we intend to do.”

Rowan doesn't respond as the contract is once more handed over back to her. She once more starts from the beginning to ensure that nothing else was added, when it was rewritten. Satisfied that the previous clause had been fixed she moved onwards.

”Nor will I pay for the festivities that will be held afterwards nor the hosting of any sort of exclusive party or that of any other festivity during the event. Gringotts will solely bear the cost as part of the contract as Gringotts is hosting the event on the premise!” Rowan hurled the contract back as Dulag flushed again at having been caught.

Grok snickers and says, ”Most wizards and witches skip reading that clause.”

”I can imagine,” Rowan growled as she shuddered to imagine the final cost. This continued for some time as she kept spotting tiny clauses like these over and over throughout the entire contract. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the contract was to her satisfaction.

Both arose to sign the contract, Grok signed first followed by Rowan and lastly by the two witnesses. Satisfied, Rowan watches Dulag roll up the contract and says, ”I'd very much like a copy of that.”

Dulag sheepishly mumbles something under his breath as Grok lets out a sharp bark of laughter.

”You would be amazed by how many wizards and witches forget to ask exactly for that,” Grok said with some pleasure. ”It was most enjoyable to meet you, Rowan Prince. I hope I have the sincere pleasure of meeting you again.”

”Likewise, Grok Gringotts,” Rowan said with a sincere bow. ”Thank you and may your gold always multiply.”

Grok offers a rare smile and says, ”May your gold always multiply, child.” It was a rather fond statement coming from a goblin especially that of Grok Gringotts. Gesturing to his entourage to follow him out as Grok leaves with his head held high.

Having finished making a copy, Dulag hands over the contract to Rowan, who rechecks it to his utter embarrassment. ”Lawyers,” Rowan huffs under her breath causing Dulag to flush that much brighter.

”Thank you, Miss Prince,” Ragnok said as he stepped forward to guide her back out into the main hall. ”It was an honor to witness such a transaction.”

”Likewise,” Gornuk said as he bowed to her at the door leading back outside into the great hall. Dulag wisely kept his eyes to himself as Rowan was tempted to punch the slimy, clever bastard! If not for Professor Flitwick's class and having the words engraved into her mind to read every single clause she would have fallen into countless pitfalls! No wonder, negotiations was seen as a life lesson by the purebloods. Even the proudest of foes would come out of that sorely beaten with their pride in tatters in the wind!