"Albus, this has gone far enough, you need to stop this madness," McGonagall, in a bout of uncharacteristic rage, ranted. "How can we allow students to immune themselves against our punishments? How can we discipline them if they will declare any punishment we deal void? This is unacceptable, you need to do something!"
Dumbledore tiredly sighed. As soon as an official resolution of the School Council had been delivered to the staff and announced throughout the school, he received a constant stream of disgruntled teachers, all demanding that he do something about this law. Somehow they wouldn't accept that he had no power to do anything.
"I can't do anything, Minerva. I've tried to impress upon the students the importance of repelling this resolution, but they all but ignored me. The only hope is that the Board of Governors will convene and repeal this; I have already contacted them and asked for a meeting, but, to be honest, I don't have much hope that this will happen, I can't see them vote unanimously."
"What do we do, then?"
"We hope they have some common sense."
===#^#===
Dear Madame Bones,
I am writing to you in my capacity as an heir apparent of the Potter House. It has come to my attention that an oversight of the most serious kind might have occurred twelve years ago with one Sirius Orion Black. Mister Black, then heir apparent of House Black, and now Lord Black, has been accused of thirteen counts of murder and conspiracy to commit a murder, but, what is most unordinary, Lord Black has not received a criminal trial. According to the law, it is illegal to hold a person imprisoned for more than thirty days without giving them a trial.
The Wizengamot Charter allows that an heir apparent of a noble house, provided that there is no Lord or Lady of said house, might invoke certain rights of the Lord of the House if it is necessary to uphold the rule of law. As it is, I demand that the trial for Lord Black be held as soon as possible, no later than in a month's time.
Wishing you a great day,
Yours Faithfully,
Hadrian Potter
Heir Apparent to the House Potter
===#^#===
"Potter, I need to talk to you."
Hadrian scowled, seeing that it was Granger.
"What the hell do you want?"
"I told you. I need to talk to you."
"What about?"
"You'll see. Meet me in the lavatory, you know which one, in an hour. Be there."
#^#
Hadrian entered the toilet cautiously, with a wand and a shield spell ready to cast. He vividly remembered how badly the last time he was here ended; he didn't want it repeated. This time, however, there was no red beam; instead, Granger stood next to a sink, impatient.
"So what do you want?" Hadrian asked, keeping what he perceived to be a safe distance from the girl.
"Do you remember the diary?" Granger asked in turn.
"What about it?"
"Do you want it?"
"Why would I want it?"
"Why do we use only questions?"
Hadrian paused, and then smirked. Indeed, they were.
"I don't know. Perhaps because we have many questions and not enough answers."
"..."
"..."
"Okay. So here's the thing. I need to get rid of this diary. While I can resist it possessing me, I can feel it changing me," Granger admitted. "I thought it was all me, but recently I wasn't touching the diary as often as earlier and I realized that I would never have done this ritual on my own. Don't get me wrong, I'm not regretting it, it's just that... I don't want it anymore. But it taught me a lot, and you are the only one that knows it's still intact. Do you want it, or should I destroy it?"
"And how would you go about destroying it?"
"Basilisk venom. I have a small vial."
Hadrian pondered this. Did he want to be taught by a diary, by Tom? Did he want to risk that it would try possessing him? On the other hand, could he allow it be destroyed? Would he allow it?
"Destroy it, I don't need it."
The girl nodded, as if she has expected this, and then took the vial of acidic green liquid.
"Stand back." She warned, and then emptied the vial on the book.
As soon as the first drop touched it, the book shuddered, and emitted shrieks. A black cloud rose from it, getting bigger and bigger, and then exploded with a deafening roar, sending both students sprawling on the floor.
"This changes nothing between us." Hadrian said as they both stood up, and then quickly left.
===#^#===
"We have met to decide the fate of George and Fred Weasley, accused of disruptive behavior and foul language in a potion's classroom by Professor Snape. They have been given a punishment of two weeks' detention each, and fifty points from Gryffindor, again, each. They decided to appeal, and are here today. Let it be noted that Professor Snape decided not to appear before this body, opting instead to threaten me personally with 'grave repercussions' should we nullify this punishment. Messrs Weasley, the floor is yours."
"Thank you! We know that we do not have a crystal reputation here in this fine school institution," one of them began.
"But this time we are not guilty, what happened on that day was an unfortunate accident. You see," the second one continued, pausing just in time for the first one to continue.
"It was normal double Potions period. We were brewing a Yorkshire Potion, you know, the one that requires a powdered rats' tails." And so it continued, each twin saying a sentence or two, letting the other pick the story up.
"On that day we were in an unusual hurry, because we had some things that needed our attention immediately after the class, so we made a mistake..."
"...and used mice tails instead. As some of you know..."
"The result of such action is an explosion."
"So that's how we received the punishment for the disruptive behaviour..."
"Enough," Hadrian called, clearly annoyed. "Are you trying to make a mockery of this Council or what? I want one of you to tell us the whole story, if I wanted to watch a tennis match, I'd have gone back to muggle world." The twins looked at him with bafflement. Usually people were slightly annoyed at their twin-speech, but also amused; it was a rare person who demanded that they stop. Still, as Hadrian was one of the people that could decide their fate, they acquiesced.
"We protested that it is not fair. We didn't use any foul language, we were polite and never even raised our voices. But you know how Professor Snape is, the only result of our protest was another week of detention and loss of even more points." One of the twins finished the tale, looking earnestly.
"Very well, thank you. Would anyone like to ask or say something?" Cedric looked around the hall.
"I do," Hermione Granger stood up. "Messrs Weasley, would you be willing to show us your memories of this incident?"
After just a short moment, in which the twins had what probably could be called a silent mind conversation, they nodded their consent.
"Good," Granger continued. "Then please do so, there is a pensieve near the lectern."
They did what she asked, and soon the whole Council, and a good portion of other houses that came to observe the first trial could see that, indeed, the twins told the truth.
"Thank you. I believe it's time to vote, yes? I shall remind the rules. If at least sixteen of the Council members vote in your favour, your punishment will be nullified. If it will be fifteen, but no less than eleven, nothing changes for you. If it is ten or less, your punishment will be automatically changed to a month of detention, and a further fifty points each will be deducted. The voting process is the same as in other cases, except now you only need to touch the proper stone, without revealing your vote publicly. Please do so now; if you think the Weasleys should be cleared, press the white stone, if you believe they are guilty, press the black one."
Fred and George looked slightly nervous; they were wondering what would happen, and if it wasn't perhaps a huge mistake, coming here.
"Okay, the voting is done. The results are as follows: twenty in favour of clearing you, one against. Congratulations gentlemen, you are free men." Cedric finished, winking at them.
#^#
"Potter, Greengrass, Malfoy, Flint, Farley, in my office, now!" roared the angriest Head of Slytherin they have ever seen.
#^#
"What. The. Hell. Is. This. Supposed. To. Mean!" Snape hissed angrily, almost shaking. "When I punish someone I mean it. It's bad enough that this farce of a council is going on, but to learn that at least four of my own are openly against me? What do you have to say for yourselves?" He demanded furiously.
"We have nothing to say, sir. The vote was confidential," Gemma Farley said quietly, making Snape snarl.
"Detention! You will not undermine my position, is this understood? I will make your lives hell if you force me."
"With all due respect, sir," surprisingly it was Flint who decided to speak. "You cannot punish us, as we have an immunity. We are within our rights, we broke no rules, and we do not have to answer to you."
"How dare you! You insolent brat," Snape was loosing control. "You forgot your place, it seems. You will do as I say or else."
"Or else... what?" Hadrian decided he has had enough. "Just what exactly are you threatening us with, sir? You can hardly take any disciplinary action against us; you can't expel us; you can't besmirch us. So I ask again, what exactly are you going to do?"
#^#
"What are you going to do, headmaster?" Snape demanded angrily. He was publicly humiliated, more so that his own house took part in this. He wouldn't leave it, he was on a warpath and they would all be sorry.
"I'm sorry Severus, but I can't do anything," Dumbledore said sadly. "You can try asking them to take away the immunity from your house, but I can honestly not see this happening. I've tried to be an advisor to them, but the power went to their heads way too quickly. They feel powerful and they won't listen. I tried to find a way to get rid of this whole Council, but it seems that, unless I sacrifice my magic or find two heirs to the founders, I can do nothing."
#^#
"Potter, what is this supposed to be?" Severus Snape took an offered vial with distrust.
"A heart-calming draught, sir," Hadrian replied. He was, as always, one of the first to finish the assigned classwork.
"I see. This will be a zero, Potter, for cheating. Your third time this month. Keep this up and you will fail this subject and be out of Hogwarts by the end of the year," Snape said, a vengeful gleam in his eyes. So what if he couldn't punish them? He had other means to make their lives miserable.
#^#
"Professor Severus Snape, it's good you could make it," Dowager Longbottom said officially. "You are here because we have received a series of complaints about your behaviour. While we have been assured by the headmaster that they were all exaggerated, we were forced to take an action by the resolution of the School Council. We have been provided with several memories of representatives to the Council, and it is obvious that you are abusing your power as a teacher. Is there anything you would like to say in your defence?"
Snape stood there fuming, silently. He knew that if he tried to say anything, he would probably give them all an epic dressing down, and, consequently, be out of Hogwarts the moment he finished.
"Very well. For your appalling behaviour we have no other choice but to launch a full investigation into your methods of teaching. You can expect our representative to visit your lessons, and we will recommence in a month to discuss our findings."
===#^#===
"Welcome to the third session of the School Council. I have been asked by several teachers to allow them to speak in front of this body, but I have learned since that they all want to talk about the same thing, so I'd kindly ask you, professors, that you choose one person that will speak on your behalf. Once you are ready, please do let me know and I will allow it. But for now we will start with three petitions that have been submitted, all of them from the students. Firstly, there is a petition from the Gryffindor, to ban teaching about dark magic, no matter the form. I must admit, I'm not exactly sure if this proposal is legal; the way I see it, it's headmaster's exclusive prerogative to decide the curriculum. So, that is a no for now, I'll consult the legality of it later. The second petition comes from a different set of Gryffindor, to, and I quote, sack Snape as soon as possible."
Several laughs were heard throughout the hall, mostly from the audience, but an occasional representative could also be seen smirking.
"This petition must also be dismissed, as we have no power over the teachers. We have, however, petitioned the Board of Governors about Professor Snape, and I have it on a good authority that he is being investigated.
The last petition comes from a mixed group of students, they ask that we ban the usage of a word 'mudblood'. If a representative decides to sponsor this, and then we pass this resolution, it will be added to Hogwarts' list of punishable offences. Is there anyone willing to sponsor this proposal?"
Silent murmurs filled the hall, various factions' members discussing pros and cons. In the end, to the surprise of no one, Hermione Granger declared that she would be the sponsor.
"Very well. In this case we will discuss this proposal on our next session. Now, professors, have you decided who will be your speaker?"
"We have, and I will," said professor McGonagall, approaching the lectern. "I have come before you to ask that you limit yourselves, namely, decide that you will no longer rule if a punishment is to be upheld. From the moment this body was reformed, our authority has plummeted, as no one takes our punishments seriously, knowing they can always appeal, and, probably, be cleared. It is very harmful to a general discipline and school in the whole. I do understand why you feel that this right is important, and so do we, that's why we decided to suggest creating an institution, sort of an ombudsman, spokesperson of a student community, that could intervene if a student believes he has been treated unfairly. We propose that such person be professor Flitwick, as he is universally liked and respected. Thank you."
"Thank you Professor McGonagall. I open the discussion. Representative Zake, you might start." Diggory nodded towards the boy, seeing that he was willing to talk.
"Thank you, Chairman Diggory. While Professor McGonagall raised many valid points..."
#^#
Cedric was just finishing reading the agreed Council's opinion, trying not to look at the teacher's faces. Some were resigned, some agitated, but two of them were standing out. Quirrell, who seemed to be amused by this whole situation, and Snape, who looked positively murderous.
"Conclusively, we must stress that it is not possible for us to waive this prerogative, as it is not only our right to perform a judiciary function, but also it is our duty. We do, however, encourage the staff to create a post of ombudsman, and will do everything in our power to help them in their duties."
===#^#===
Heir Potter,
According to your wishes, a trial has been scheduled for December the Seventeenth, at 9 AM. As you are not a witness, Lord of Wizengamot or otherwise involved, normally you wouldn't be allowed access to the trial. However, seeing that it is you on whose wishes we are acting, we are willing to give you a status of DMLE guest so that you can attend.
Please do let me know if you wish to do so as soon as you can, no later than by December the Fifth.
Yours faithfully,
Amelia Bones
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
===#^#===
"Come in, mister Potter," Dumbledore called in, as always before Hadrian could knock on the door. He knew that most people were baffled by the headmaster's seemingly prophetic abilities, but he was not; he was well aware of identification wards, and even that only if one completely disregarded the fact that it was a magical castle with multiple paintings, all reporting to Dumbledore, and a magical statue guarding the stairs to his office.
"Headmaster," Hadrian slightly bowed. "You asked to see me?"
"That I have, mister Potter. I've just learned that you have been asked to attend a yet unspecified trial in two weeks time as a special DMLE guest. May I inquire as to why is that so?"
"I'm afraid not, Headmaster, this is a personal matter." Hadrian answered, refusing to tell the man anything. Ever since he learned of the man's manipulations, he was wary. Just because it didn't look like he was currently manipulating anything or anyone didn't mean, that he wasn't doing so; the most effective manipulations were often the subtlest.
Dumbledore's face fell, and he sighed in disappointment.
"I wish that you put more trust in me, Hadrian. It's not a bad thing to trust adults, you know."
"Thank you for your advice Headmaster," the boy commented evenly. "Is that all? Can I go?"
"You may. On the set date, please meet me here at half past eight, we will travel using my floo. Have a good day mister Potter."
"You too, headmaster."
Finally, not overly familiar.
===#^#===
"I call this court to order," Amelia Bones begun. "We have commenced here today to give a trial, as is our duty. A duty that has been neglected for over twelve years now..."
#^#
Suddenly, Albus Dumbledore had a bad feeling.
#^#
"...A Lord of this very body..."
#^#
What the hell? Minister Fudge thought. How is such an oversight even possible?
#^#
"...It has been brought to our attention by an heir apparent to one of the Noble Houses..."
#^#
Dumbledore's eyes widened. Harry?
#^#
"...Today we will decide the fate of one Sirius Orion Black."
It was pure chaos. Shouting, swearing, obscenities directed at Madame Bones, waving hands and even wands. When after two minutes the hall still didn't calm down, Madame Bones decided to intervene, and fired a loud bang, instantly demanding attention.
"Now, that you all know who is going to be tried, we need to appoint judges. Ipso jure everyone that has been somehow involved in the case is ineligible, so the following are to go to the audience seats: Albus Dumbledore, Bartemius Crouch, Cornelius Fudge. If I'm not mistaken no other member of Wizengamot has been involved, but please let me know immediately if I missed someone."
Seeing that there were none, Madame Bones started drawing names from the huge goblet in the middle of the chamber, immediately reading them aloud. When twelve members were chosen, she got back to her place.
"Very well, we have twelve judges. I'll be acting as a prosecution; Lord Black was informed of his right to get a witness for defense, but denied, opting instead to take Veritaserum."
Murmurs were heard. It wasn't often that an accused decided to testify under veritaserum. The truth serum was uncontainable, and the one under its influence would speak the truth no matter what his intentions were and how hard he tried to lie. It would be much easier for the DMLE if its usage was mandatory, at least for a certain types of crimes, but alas, lords of Wizengamot were too afraid to be on the receiving end someday.
#^#
"Did you kill Peter Petigrew?"
"Yes."
"Did you kill twelve muggles?"
"No."
"Elaborate."
"It was Peter. He used a blasting hex, trying to get away. He cut off his finger and wanted to escape in his animagus form, as a rat, but I was prepared and managed to hit him with a severing curse."
"Did you betray the Potters?"
"No."
"Elaborate."
"In the beginning, the plan was to make me a secret keeper but then we decided to switch secretly to someone less obvious. Security through obscurity, James called it. The Potters chose Pettigrew, and it was him that betrayed them."
"Was this the reason why you confronted Pettigrew?"
"Yes."
"How did you know about Pettigrew's animagus form?"
"We all had one. I was, am, a dog, James was a stag and Petigrew was a rat. We learnt it to keep our friend company, during his transformations."
"What are you talking about?"
"Remus Lupin has lycanthropy."
"Are you a Death Eater, or have you ever been one?"
"No, never."
#^#
"Sirius Orion Black, the judges have agreed upon a verdict. You have been found guilty of murder of Peter Pettigrew. We do however recognize that this act has been committed in affect, and partially in self-defense. For this we sentence you to a one-year imprisonment in the low security Azkaban wing. You have also been found not guilty of all other charges. Given that you have stayed for over twelve years in Azkaban medium security wing, it is hereby declared that your sentence has been served in full. Moreover, we award you twelve thousand Galleons for every year spent in Azkaban wrongfully, totaling at one hundred and twenty-one thousand Galleons, and two thousand Galleons for the one year spent in higher security level than necessary. This case is hereby concluded."
===#^#===
"Hadrian, what the hell?" Daphne asked, showing him the newest Daily Prophet. There, on the front page, a huge photo of Sirius Black was plastered, along with a title that read 'SIRIUS BLACK NOT GUILTY OF BETRAYAL' and 'BLACK SET FREE, COMPENSATED FOR UNLAWFUL IMPRISONMENT".
"Ah, that..." Hadrian looked sheepish.
"Yes, that. Why didn't you tell us? What did you know?"
"It was during the summer. I've been reading some history, and found a mention of him in one of the books. I knew, of course, that he was accused of betraying my family, but only then did I learn that he was thrown to Azkaban without any trial. I forgot about this for a few months, but then I was reading law books, and I've found that as an heir apparent I could demand that he be tried and I did." He shrugged, as if it was the most mundane thing in the world.
"He is your godfather, isn't he?" Daphne silently asked. "Are you planning on living with him?"
"I... I don't know," The boy admitted. "I haven't met him yet; I was told he is rather unstable after several years of Azkaban. Healers are supposed to let me know when it is safe to write to him; I doubt he will be good enough before summer though."
===#^#===
"Honourable representatives, I stand before you with a proposal to petition the Board of Governors to take action to immediately terminate contract with our current Defense teacher, Remus Lupin. As you all know, it has been revealed that Mister Lupin is a werewolf, a dark magical creature capable of infecting others with his ailment. Having him in this school, in the vicinity of children is not only short-sighted, but also plainly stupid. Thank you," Lisa Turpin finished. Immediately, Ronald Weasley stood up.
"Plainly stupid is this proposal," he snarled. "Remus Lupin is the best teacher we've had so far, and he is as human as they get most of the month. His state might be compared to some women that are almost disabled few days a month," he pontificated, causing outraged cries from several young women present. "I was assured by Professor Dumbledore himself that Professor Lupin is not dangerous, as during full moons, he stays in his warded quarters under the influence of Wolfsbane Potion."
"The fact remains, he is classified as a five X creature and should be nowhere close to us," Cho Chang argued.
"Representative Chang, you make it sound as if it was concern for a safety speaking through you, while I believe it is just a simple prejudice," Gemma Farley stood. "It is true that a werewolf during the full moon is very dangerous. However, I cannot say the same for the werewolf under Wolfsbane potion, as it drastically lowers their blood thirst and aggression, at the same time strengthening their mental capabilities. Add a warded room, and it doesn't get much safer."
"So you say that a much more intelligent werewolf is something good?" Chang exclaimed.
"Yes," Gemma said exasperated. "A werewolf that isn't aggressive, with capability to think will know not to fight the wards, thus even further reducing any possibility of an incident."
"So you admit, that there is a possibility of an incident!"
#^#
The debate about Remus Lupin was possibly the longest and most - verbally - violent to date. Finally, a vote has been called. At the last moment, Hadrian Potter decided to propose an amendment; those voting in favour of petitioning the board were also voting for supporting eventual vote of the board in favour of dismissing Lupin, while those against - in the event that Lupin's case was discussed either way, even without their petition - would also be voting to be against any action against the teacher.
#^#
"The result of the vote is six for petitioning the board to terminate Lupin's contract and fifteen against. I know we were supposed to discuss the law on banning 'mudblood' word, but I think, after this lengthy debate, it's a good idea to adjourn and cool down, yes? Let us meet again on Friday."
#^#
"I ask that you reconsider your decision," Dumbledore implored. "Remus Lupin is a great teacher, is universally respected and well liked by students and staff alike."
"Be that as it may, Dumbledore, we will now take a vote," Lord Malfoy dismissed the headmaster. "Who is in favour of terminating Remus Lupin's contract? Thank you. Who is against? Thank you. Let it be noted, that I have received," he wrinkled his nose as if he was keeping something smelly, "a resolution of the School Council. They remind us that they have two votes, and they cast them against dismissing Remus Lupin from his post. Taking this into consideration, the results are as follows: six votes against the proposal, seven in favour. Headmaster Dumbledore, you need to look for a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."
#^#
"Professor Quirrell, I was wondering if you had a minute..." Dumbledore's head appeared in Quirinus' fireplace.
===#^#===
"Professor Dumbledore, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Hadrian. I understand you are aware that Sirius Black is your godfather."
Hadrian kept silent, as there was no question. Seeing that the boy wouldn't speak, headmaster continued.
"I understand you might want to go and live with him. However, I'm afraid, he is in no state to take care of you. He will have to undergo an extensive treatment, both physical and psychological before he is deemed fit to raise children, and it won't happen at least for another year. So you understand, Hadrian, that you must go back to your aunt, don't you?"
"Headmaster," Hadrian cautiously formulated his answer. "I believe we've been over this once. I still don't understand why you try to usurp yourself a power of deciding what I do and what I don't during the summer. I still have no intention of discussing my summer plans with you, and it won't change. Is there anything else, preferably related to my school work, that you would like to talk about?"
"Actually, there is. I was meaning to suggest it before, but it's still not too late. Why don't you join divination? I believe the workload added wouldn't be too great, and you would have another interesting subject to explore."
Hadrian stared. Just what the heck was this about?
"I've read a little about divination," he admitted reluctantly. "Most authors agree that a magical gift is required to properly use divination techniques. I doubt that I possess it."
"Well, there is no harm in trying, is there?" Dumbledore smiled invitingly.
"I suppose..." The boy trailed, trying to guess what could Dumbledore's agenda be.
"I suggest you visit a lesson or two, and then decide, how about this?"
"Very well, headmaster, I can do that. However, if you don't mind, I'd rather do so next year, as the exams are coming fast and I need all the time I can get to prepare."
"Of course," Dumbledore nodded, humming happily.
===#^#===
"Hadrian?"
"Yes, Daphne?"
"I'd like to invite you over during the summer. You could spend some time with me and Trace, Blaise and Theo will also be visiting."
"Aha!" Hadrian explained triumphantly. "So you are looking for a tryst with me, I knew it!"
Daphne scowled.
"Actually never mind that, I made a mistake, you are not invited... you prat," she smirked, to which Hadrian pouted.
===#^#===
"...And so, it is my great pleasure to congratulate the proud house of Slytherin for their remarkable victory. The cup is yours, and with it, all the privileges for a year. Enjoy the feast, sleep well, and have a great summer!" Dumbledore finished to a deafening applause.
===#^#===
"Who are you writing to?" Draco asked curiously, seeing that Hadrian was going in the direction of Owlery with an envelope in hand.
"Always proper behaviour, huh Draco?" Hadrian laughed, making Draco flush. His curiosity was the one part of him that he couldn't tame, no matter how hard he tried. "It's a letter to my aunt and uncle."
"Aren't you going to see them tomorrow?"
"Hopefully not, I just wrote to let them know not to come."
"Oh, and where..."
"I think you already know too much," Hadrian smiled slightly, and shook his head. He couldn't tell him what he was about to do; Draco still wasn't his friend. A friendly acquaintance, yes, but not a real friend, yet.
===#^#===
After saying goodbyes to his friends, Hadrian called for a cab.
#^#
"Greetings, I'd like to talk with Griphook," Hadrian politely asked the teller. The goblin grumbled, but then took a bell and rang twice.
#^#
"How can I help you, mister Potter?"
"Am I correct in my belief, that whatever I tell you, stays between me and the bank?"
"Absolutely."
"Good. Griphook, what would you suggest I do with a dragon egg?"
The only sign that the goblin was surprised was a slight widening of his eyes.
"Am I to understand it's not quite legal, as you are not an owner of Dragon's reserve?"
"...Perhaps."
"Then, I believe you'd best sell it to us. This way you can eliminate the middleman or two, as well as lessen the risk substantially."
"How much will you pay?"
Griphook scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"That would depend on the species. The most common Welsh Green would go for five thousand Galleons, and the rarest, almost extinct Red Australian Ridgeback would sell for over three hundred thousand."
"I see," Hadrian said evenly, doing his best to avoid showing emotions. Five thousand Galleons, this would be more than enough to live the summer, and few more to come, on his own. "I've got the egg with me. Would you like to see it?"
"Ah. I am not qualified enough. Please wait mister Potter, while I call for one of our dragon handlers." He wrote something on a piece of paper, which he then crumpled and threw in the fire. Not a minute later, a much bigger, obviously battle-hardened goblin entered the office.
"This is Gnohkelb. He will tell us what do you have."
Hadrian didn't loose anymore time, taking the egg out of his trunk. He put it on Griphook's desk, close to Gnohkelb, so that the big goblin could see it well. Gnohkelb scrutinized the egg.
"Norwegian Ridgeback," he grunted finally. "We can give you thirty-three thousand Galleons for this. Take it or leave it."
"Well, Mister Potter?"
"I accept."
===#^#===
A/N: And with this chapter we have the scene set, so to speak, and starting with the next one the flow will be less abrupt and chaotic, as we are finally reaching the main part of the story. From now on, I'll try to avoid writing monstrous 10k+ chapters, aiming at about 5k+ tops, if even that.
A/N2: I'm not sure if you've already noticed, but you can follow my writing progress on my profile page.