Harry, Ron and Hermione waited nervously in the waiting room of the underground mansion, glancing at the rather gory décor. Severed heads were mounted on one wall, bloodied weapons along another. The receptionist, Nugget, sat at the desk, filing her (?) nails.
The Golden Trio were waiting to see the Goblin King, hoping to sign a peace treaty with him. They didn't want to risk another Dark Lord rising, especially so soon after vanquishing Voldemort, and having the Goblins targeted as potential allies to the Dark. So, here they were, waiting in the underground waiting room to see the infamous Goblin King.
And it was boring!
Finally, an hour of waiting later, a representative came through the double doors leading out of the foyer.
"His Majesty will see you now," he announced imperiously. "Follow me."
So they did.
They followed him (?) up and up and up. Then down again. They came to a stop somewhere in the middle, out of breath.
"Wait here. I'll announce you," he (?) said before leaving them once more.
Looking at each other, still trying to catch their breath, the Trio stood, looking around the dimly lit corridor. They tried listening, but could hear nothing from beyond the large doors.
Finally! The doors opened once more. The representative bade them to follow again.
Apparently, they were in the throne room.
The king was seated on a gold throne, raised on a dais in the middle of the room, surrounded by fierce Goblin bodyguards.
"Bow before our king, Humans!" the rep demanded. So, they obliged, bowing awkwardly, waiting for the king to speak first.
"Harry Potter," the rather young-looking Goblin greeted, "and your sidekicks…" at this, Ron and Hermione shared an incredulous look, but kept silent. The king rose and strode towards them. He stuck his hand out. "Hi. I'm Larry," he introduced himself, shaking Ron and Hermione's hands as well. He beckoned them to follow him to an antechamber and grinned as they sat down.
"What do the saviours of the magical world want with us?" he gestured to a dish on a coffee table, "Blood rock?"
"Er… no, thanks. We're here to ask you to sign a peace treaty with the Ministry. We don't want another Voldemort to rise," said Harry.
"Oh. Right. Of course! I'll have my guy write up a draft and have it sent to you."
"… Great! Thanks! You made that easier than I thought."
"I'm in the process of a new regime. I became king two days ago."
"Oh… I'm sorry. Your father died?" Harry asked.
"No, no," Larry chuckled, "I killed King Ragnarok. I didn't like his name."
"… Oh. Congratulations?" The king nodded.
"I intend to integrate Goblinkind with Humans… Wizards, anyway. We're stuck in the dark ages. If another Dark Lord does arise, it won't be good for us. We'd have wars between Goblindoms, as well as with wizards. I know you, of all people, have the power to help me. So I'll sign your treaty." He smiled. "So, if that's all? I have a princess to wed – consummate the kingship etc; you know, politics; tradition…"
"Right. Well… thanks, Larry."
"Any time." He showed them out of the door across from the one they'd entered.
They found themselves in the foyer, where they'd waited an hour.
Ron exploded. "Son of a bitch!" Hermione just looked like she'd had an aneurism.
Harry just laughed.
