Professor Flitwick was quite annoyed. Over two weeks had passed since he had last been able to meet for a special study session with young Mr. Potter because one of the first-year Ravenclaws had suddenly decided that curfew was unnecessary. When asked what took precedence over a good night's sleep, the child would say only that some things were worth a detention. Oh well, nothing for it. Time for detention - Harry Potter's 16th detention this month.
"Mr. Potter, must you keep your silence? I am certain that if what you are doing is as necessary as you claim, I would be quite willing to help you. Perhaps working together, we could come up with a method that doesn't force you to break curfew. Why all the secrecy, lad?"
"Professor, with all due respect - and despite my recent rule breaking, I do respect you - the work I am currently involved in is extremely delicate and something only I can do. Scratch that. I'm the only person who sees it as necessary. Unfortunately, when I work on this isn't something I can control. On the bright side, I should be done in a few more days. Shall we schedule me for a week's worth of detentions and then get back to our old meeting schedule?"
Professor Flitwick was speechless at the boy's cheek. He merely pointed at the desk where Potter would write lines and hoped this nightmare really would disappear by the week's end.
-DE-
Somehow, walking to the Headmaster's office never really got easier. It didn't matter that he hadn't been a student for decades. It never lost its intimidation factor. Given the events of the last few months, Filius wasn't surprised in the least to discover that Albus wanted to see him about Harry Potter. The reason, however, that was quite the curiosity.
"Ah Filius, thank you for taking a moment to see me. Lemon drop?" Unlike most of his colleagues, Filius actually enjoyed the muggle sweet that so delighted Albus and happily grabbed a few.
"I'm sure you are curious as to why I asked you to come. I had a most curious meeting with young Mr. Potter yesterday afternoon, the result of which will likely have far-reaching consequences. It seems that your young Ravenclaw is not content with current Hogwarts policy and has used his recent popularity as a result of Halloween to make changes to it. The boy has requested and received permission by both myself and his parents to attend to some business at Gringotts this Saturday during which he will finalize certain steps which we have discussed in detail. His parents have hinted that whoever escorts Mr. Potter should have some degree of familiarity with goblin culture or, as his father put it, "keep their trap shut". While normally myself or Minerva would accompany the lad, I was hoping that you would be willing to escort him, and act as a representative of Hogwarts to sign whatever is required. Frankly, James Potter's expression makes me rather hesitant to send anyone but you on this task. I also believe that certain inquiries that have plagued you concerning our young charge may be answered at that time. Well?"
Interest piqued, Flitwick immediately agreed and asked if there was anything he should keep in mind concerning the "representative of Hogwarts" aspect. The twinkle in Albus' eye was slightly off-putting; his reassurance that anything mentioned would have most assuredly been covered during his discussion with an eleven-year-old was moreso. Nonetheless, Filius slept well that evening excited about Saturday's arrival.
Filius Flitwick raised an eyebrow when he noted that Mr. Potter was using what appeared to be a notice-me-not charm. In response to the look, Harry explained that over the years he had discovered that what was appropriate on Goblin territory did not always elicit a positive response in the Alley and that using magic to help him blend in took care of the problem quite nicely. Filius did not comment on the supposed difficulty of the charm, nor on the legality of practicing magic while underage without a teacher present. Over the months, he had become quite used to such from the young Ravenclaw. He did ask if the charm could be altered such that he, at least, would not lose Harry in the crowd. He was unsure of what, precisely, the child could have to wear that would be "appropriate" on Goblin territory but not elsewhere. It was impressive really, that he managed to avoid reacting to the boy's garb. Now he understood what Harry had meant. Harry was dressed quite appropriately - for a young goblin.
Every goblin is trained from a young age for both peace and war. They learn of honor and dishonor; how to achieve one's goals both with words and the sword. They spend hours in the smithy to discover the value of metal. Before one can train for battle, respect for the sword is taught by making one's own. This weapon and those that follow are alternatively cursed during training and worn with pride by the young. Seeing Harry in the ceremonial armor a goblin youth would wear to a formal engagement was jarring though it shouldn't have been. Filius had not forgotten seeing the boy use the sword at his side against a fully-grown mountain troll. Before his rebellion forced a stop to their meetings, it was not uncommon for Harry to slip into the goblin tongue. He knew that the boy was educated in goblin ways - his clothing choice just proved the extent of it.
Professor Flitwick gazed at his own robe, his wand sticking out of the pocket. He had thought that he would be going to Gringotts as a representative of Hogwarts who was familiar enough with custom to not give insult. It was now clear that he would be escorting Harry to the Goblin Nation for a purpose he could hardly fathom. Filius Flitwick excused himself. A wardrobe change was in order.
-DE-
It quickly became clear that Flitwick had made the right choice in changing. Filius had originally assumed that the meeting would be with the Potter Account Manager. After a 20-minute cart ride into the depths of Gringotts and what seemed to be hours walking through a winding passageway, he started to get a hint of where they were going. As the walls changed from Gringotts' cultured marble to drab grays and browns, he became sure. Eventually, their walk opened into a wide space; they were officially out of Gringotts and in the heart of the Goblin Nation, the city of Gar'nash't'kin. Filius' eyes widened as they entered the capital city.
He had visited occasionally, of course, to see his mother's relatives. What surprised the wizened old professor was the complete sense of ease that Harry Potter exuded. All business with wizards was conducted within Gringotts. Even the Minister of Magic would not be permitted this far into Goblin territory. Of course, the Minister wasn't fluent in the Goblin tongue. Harry, on the other hand, was expertly twisting his mouth around the gutturals that Gobdekul (often called by the bastardized term of 'Gobbledegook' by wizards) was known for. Apparently, he knew their guide personally and was catching up on the going-ons of mutual friends.
Harry: "Tuun Kakuush man dhekal'dec Huukhaac ghagel?" (So Rainclaw has mated? With Sharphook right?)
Guide: "On. Ac ogaagukaan an orlaar duun muul or or oguur. Daagaan an ghon huuch duun rhaan duuc!" (Yep. And everyone is eager to know of your exploits. There is much gold to be won!)
Harry: "O hon taac duul duun ghon delkaan rhaakhec oc 'ghec oguur'. Togaal'dec daagaan agaan ghuugaan huuklekhakaan dan duun taac or delkaan." (You have way too much interest in 'my exploits'. Surely, the Honorable Nation's brightest can think of more profitable ways to spend their time.)
Guide: "Ar an okec akuuklekhakaan ar A rhaar duuc. Rhaarerthaan, or dreruulkuur an mach daan dhoc. Tach daan tar aklaar or rhorekaan an shuulkaakhaan?" (It is only unprofitable if we bet wrong. Besides, your discomfort is half the fun. Shall we spar after your business is complete?)
Harry: "Togaan!" (Sure!)
Yeah, Flitwick was pretty sure his eyebrows couldn't get any higher. At least this confirmed that he was trained with a group of young goblins. Filius noted the looks Harry and his friend were throwing him. They seemed amused by his expression. With some difficulty, he schooled his face and resolved to take the rest of this bizarre trip in stride. Nothing would surprise him!
And then he saw where they were walking to. By this time, they had passed the business district and several moderately wealthy clan dwellings. Straight ahead, however, was a place all goblins (or half-goblins) recognized. The large structure was the home of Ragnok VIII, Dagar t'Kan - The Warrior's Refuge. They were going to meet Ragnok?
The surreal feeling most definitively did not die as they entered the regal building. The boys walked in as though they stopped by for Enyukiot every day. His presence for the moment was ignored as some of Ragnok's children and grandchildren suddenly swarmed Harry. The boy laughed freely and picked up the youngest of the lot who proceeded to lavish messy kisses on his cheek. The face he made was obviously exaggerated for the benefit of the others. What was Harry involved in to cause this reaction to his presence?
Their guide, who had disappeared in the confusion, returned. Flitwick was numb as he noted the royal crest he now wore and the adult following him. He quickly bowed to the King of the Goblins and was relieved to see Harry do the same, completely at ease.
The rough, gravelly voice held a teasing note to it when it questioned if Potter had been corrupted by Hogwarts yet. Abruptly remembering a recent meeting in Harry's club where he had given lessons on good etiquette to use at Gringotts, a snort escaped from Flitwick. If anything, he was corrupting Hogwarts!
Ragnok's sharp gaze was one of the most terrifying things he had ever seen though their eyes only met for a moment before the king declared enough of pleasantries and that they should retire to his office for business.
The monarch chuckled to see Flitwick's discomfort. It was clear that he had not been expecting to meet a king today.
"Harry, Harry, Harry...did you not think to give your professor some warning? I've not seen such an expression of shock since I met your father!"
"I warned him! Well, sorta...we have Enyukiot during study sessions, and he may have seen a memory of me battling a troll?" Harry trailed off sheepishly when Ragnok just raised an eyebrow.
"So he was aware that your important meeting, the topic of which I am still somewhat unclear on, was to take place outside of Gringotts, at my home, Dagar t'Kan?"
"Ummm...Mum and Dad warned the Headmaster who warned Professor Flitwick that he was the best for the job because he was familiar with Goblins...Does that count?"
Ragnok just tapped his long fingers on the desk. Sometimes being king was difficult, very difficult. Must not grin. Must not grin. Laughing is not an appropriate response, Ragnok. Kings do not laugh.
Thankfully for Ragnok's reputation, the three were interrupted by the abrupt entrance of Ranook and Grimhook literally tumbling into the room.
Their twin exclamations of "He did it!" had the surprising consequence of Flitwick forgetting whose office he was in.
"Oh, my! It's as though I never left the castle. Have you boys happened to meet the Weasley Twins by any chance?"
"Weasley Twins… Weasley Twins… hey Harry, aren't those the blokes you told us about? If I remember correctly, their inventions were quite genius. We were thinking of providing the startup if they agreed to open a goblin branch!"
Secretly agreeing with the assessment but feeling an obligation to forewarn the only other adult in the room, Flitwick dramatically exclaimed, "No, no! Goblin and humankind will never be the same! Your Majesty, you must put a stop to this."
Whatever chance Ragnok had to remain straight-faced before collapsed in the face of Flitwick's production.
When he was once again capable of speech, Ragnok simply responded that goblinkind was irreversibly changed five years ago when he innocently asked what boon he could provide for a little boy.
The levity in the room seemed to be sucked out when Harry proceeded to solemnly prostrate himself before the King.
Ghec Mec, my king, your kindness five years ago has given me tools of immeasurable value. Since I last entered Warrior's Refuge, my battle training permitted me to survive a confrontation with one who would have gladly taken my life. My blade has tasted the blood of a troll in my adversary's control. Training in the art of healing aided in my being able to save a true innocent. Finally, the numerous lectures on diplomatic training off the battlefield gave me the means to prevent an injustice from being committed against a friend and to make important changes in my new home. These skills combined are what brings me here today. I owe you a debt, yet I find myself at a loss concerning what boon I may be able to provide you in turn."
"Child, you know our ways. You know of the proverb 'Dhec dhuur haalaan ac or rhakec't druul del'daan dakec mel duun dhec dhuur haalaan ac daan druul or men shel'daac'. When I agreed for you to join my son in his lessons, I did so with that in mind. I don't wish these trials on you, but training without the expectation that the skills learned may have real-world application is foolishness. I am glad that your time in our world has benefited you. Mark my words - no debt lies between our clans, nor is any boon sought after for this. The world would be a poorer place for your absence in it."
(Rough translation of proverb: Fight for peace to exist in your infant's lifetime while training him to fight for peace in the day of his children)
Harry nodded and hid his face. The others sought to give him a moment, pretending not to notice the impact Ragnok's words had on him. Nonetheless, Ranook and Grimhook were among his closest friends, and they could see that their friend was deeply troubled by something. Hopefully, this meeting would help ease some of his concerns.
Realizing that something was needed to lighten the tension in the room, Ranook (who had been Flitwick and Harry's guide to Dagar t'Kan) casually reminded Harry that there were bets to be won concerning his first few months at Hogwarts. Details were required post-haste!