Speaking Of Money - Harry's

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 186865

---  "wildirishrose" <wildirishrose at ...> wrote:
>
> While there is talk of how the Malfoy's made their money, I remember reading somewhere (of course I've forgot) there was a question how James made his money, considering he spent some time in hiding.  It was suggested that he was independently wealthy, and all went to Harry. Which would make Harry a very rich young man.  But wouldn't the money earned interest sitting all those years in Gringotts?
> 
> Yet, Harry had to remind himself that he couldn't get the Firebolt and several items.  He had 5 more years to go at Hogwarts.  Maybe Harry didn't realize how well off he was?  I'm assuming Harry was in sole control of his money.  If that was the case, he was very frugal.  While they were on the summer long camping trip in DH, would Harry would have thought to bring along some money, be it muggle or wizarding.
> 
> I know.  I'm sure this has already been discussed before, but again I'm very new to these discussions.  I just joined in the middle of DH reading - the first time.
> 
> Lots of questions.
> 
> Marianne
> 

bboyminn:

I don't think it is a question of how James made his money,
the money was already there. So the real question is how James
parent made all that money they left to him. 

And I think they make there money in a fashion similar to 
Lucius, just on a smaller scale. Again, in the age that 
wizards seem to live in, relative to a similar age in 
muggle history, facilitating business and/or being a land
owner were the primary forms of wealth.

There is however, one other possibility, that James parents
were somehow business owners similar to Olivander or
Fortescue. Though what business they would have been in, I'm
not sure. Business owners of this type would be more middle 
class than wealthy. But if it was a successful business or
if Mr. Potter invented something, then he could have
accumulated a fair amount of wealth to leave to his children.

I did find it odd that there was no ancestral home and
accompanying land for the Potters, nor a business to be
carried on. I have speculated that at some point in the
first Voldemort war that they cashed everything out, sold
all their holding, on the assumption, that in bad times,
cash is never a bad thing.

As to Harry, I agree Harry showed massive restraint. An 11
year old with a vault full of gold, you would think he would
spend like crazy. But on the other hand, people who lived
through the Great Depression, we both very successful and
very furgal with their money. They knew what hard times were
and spend their lives guarding against it.

Harry certainly knew what hard times were, and I suspect that
kept him from getting carried away with his cash.

As to Harry pulling some money for the long trip in the
final book, I don't think so. Both Harry and Ron have
gotten lazy about working out details. They are so used to
having Hermione to do that for them, they don't even think
about it. But considering how much money Harry has, it 
would have been nice if he had brought a little and considered
converting a certain amount of it to muggle money. 

The Grangers, who are muggles, seem to be able to buy what
ever Hermione needs, so certainly that bank can do muggle
to wizard, and wizard to muggle money exchange. It was 
very short sighted of Harry in my opinion. Hermione cashed
out all her savings account, every penny she had in the
world, meanwhile Harry is sitting on a vault full of gold.

Again, very short sighted of Harry, but also very typical of
him and Ron to leave that to Hermione to work out. 

When they were finally on the run, it was a little late for
a trip to Gringotts. 

Steve/bboyminn
P