Dust-Bunnies chapter 6 by harlancarter69 draft 05/31/2018
"First, let us determine there is a real issue to be discussed. Lord Potter please ask Elmo to bring the substance he collected earlier for our inspection." Harry did so, the elf popped away and a second latter reappeared with the silvery substance. Elmo handed it to Harry, who showed it to Hermione and then handed it to the goblin. Kingmaker took the ¼ ounce of silvery floss and starred at it intently. "Lord Potter please ask the elf if this is a regular occurrence." Harry turned to the elf and asked, again the elf moved to Harry side and whispered his response. Harry stated "As regular as clockwork, ¼ ounce every hour, 6 ounces a day".
Hermione curiosity pushed through her patience "What is this substance?" The Goblin looked to Harry who nodded and the goblin stated "Mithril". Hermione looked to the elf, Harry and the goblin, "Tolkien's fantasy metal?" The goblin stiffened, and starring intently into Hermione's eyes, "Though his description does not do it justice, yes it is one and the same. A goblin secret let out into the mundane world. Many heads were lost by that betrayal".
Harry asked Elmo "You have been collecting this floss discretely, so we have a little over two pounds now? Only you collect it? Where do you store it? Elmo leaned to Harry's ear "No, Yes, Yes, in Potter Manor vault." Harry realized his 'Hermione's manner, and reviewed his questions to himself and the corresponding answers. Harry looked at Elmo, "You do get all of it, none has been misplaced or taken by others?" Elmo said "Yes."
Harry thoughtfully reviewed the revelations but was missing something. "Elmo, please explain the 'No' answer regarding the amount of floss accumulated." Elmo looked at Hermione and the goblin, leaned close to Harrys ear "The Potter Manor vault for the floss has tons of it accumulated over the centuries, but you and Hermione have contributed a large portion since your marriage. Some days when you two stay in bed all day there are pounds for me to collect. This is the best production in several Potter generations." As Harry digested this information he turned a deep red blush, and then moments latter burst into laughter.
The goblin and Hermione looked at the hysterical Harry, though the goblin had an idea what brought this on, Hermione was clueless. This would not stand. "Care to share the joke my Lord" said Hermione. This somewhat sobered Harry as he realized an explanation was expected/demanded. With a quick wit not usually had by Harry "Elmo collects the dust-bunnies from under our bed too". The goblin smiled. Hermione looked at Harry with a questioning look, then at the goblin, then at Elmo, paused for a few seconds,… "explain?"
Harry looked at Elmo and saw he would get no help there. The goblin slightly shook his head in the negative – coward thought Harry. And assumed a nervous grin, drawing a breath,.. "weproduceagreatervolumeofmithrilthanthedustbunniesfromourlovemaking" Harry blurted out. Hermione quickly broke down Harrys statement, her blush surpassed Harrys.
"How much?" inquired Hermione. "Some days there are pounds of mithril" replied Harry.
The goblin decided to redirect the conversation flow "A little history may help. Potters have been the main source of Mithril for a dozen centuries. We never determined how the family (mined) or from where. Many theories abound about there being mines on Potter properties. There are known gold mines on Potter properties in USA, South Africa, Peru, and Russia's Siberia. None ever recorded producing Mithril. Roughly every 80 years, the Potter Head will offer the Goblin Nation a quantity of Mithril in a negotiated exchange. The last was seventy years ago, Charles Potter in his first year as family head gave the goblins 750 pounds of mithril in exchange for 12 ton of gold. It took the Goblin Nation over two years to deliver the sum, though Charles let the goblins have the mithril in total up front. This was the largest ever exchange by a factor of more than 10. With the trust shown Charles was elevated to the status of member of the Goblin Nation. The honor is passed down through the family heads, only to be terminated by a disgraceful action by a member. Your father did not live to accept the honor. Charles stipulated you were not to be informed of this honor until you were over thirty years of age and/or the head of house for five years. You should go talk to his portrait for more family background."
The goblin looked at Harry "Now I have been allowed to learn of a Potter family secret. I need to make you comfortable with this. What can we agree to that will keep this safe and right?"
"First I recognize you as a member of the Goblin Nation. I will sponsor you to my governing body as soon as practical if you wish for this to be done. The Goblin Nation will be at your call for aid, protection and business to our mutual needs and secrets".
"Second I recognize Hermione to be your bound wife,.. and equal. This will be a precedent, well deserved and exciting in reactions throughout the wizarding and goblins society. I am familiar with her many ideas and campaigns over the past few years. She is a remarkable mind and free spirit that holds much promise important to a great future in our worlds."
"Third I recognize Elmo to be Elven Lord Elmo, Supreme Master of the Oder of the Latrine."
"This will be explained in due process as we negotiate the oaths of fealty, secrecy and faith to assure our mutual needs and safety."