Hermione studied the parchment in front of her, her eyes wide and startled.
HERMIONE ISOBEL SNAPE-URQUART (9 January 1960 – )
Mother – Eileen Marigold Prince(1 March 1929 – )
Father – Tobias Anthony Snape (28 June 1926 – )
Mother (Blood Adopted – 31 July 1985) – Minerva Isobel McGonagall (4 October 1935 -)
Father (Blood Adopted – 31 July 1985) – Elphinstone Oakley Urquart(12 May 1927– 16 February 1985)
TITLES –
Enthwaite – Heir (blood – mother)
Ravenclaw (Magic – Diligence, Wisdom, Analysis)
VAULTS –
242 – Ravenclaw. ʛalleons, sickles, knuts, books, artefacts, portraits, jewellery
607 – Enthwaite. ʛalleons, sickles, knuts, books, artefacts, portraits, jewellery, property
697 – Trust – Enthwaite. ʛalleons, sickles, knuts, books, jewellery, letters
251 – Trust – Ravenclaw. ʛalleons, sickles, knuts, books, jewellery, letters
BEQUESTS
Enthwaite – ʛ100000, δ10000, κ5000, 1325 books, 231 artefacts, 12 portraits, 1 house, 341 pieces jewellery
Ravenclaw - ʛ5000, δ1000, κ1000, 47302 books, 106 artefacts, 5 portraits, 1 house, 213 pieces jewellery
"Um… Somebody want to explain this? The Enthwaite title, I can understand… maybe. But the Ravenclaw title? And the adoption dates? Someone? Anyone?"
"The adoption dates are the simplest, that was the date consent was given, the potion created and the donor's blood added. As for the other? It appears that Lady Magic likes you. Harry got both Gryffindor and Slytherin's titles and now, you have Ravenclaw's. As for the Enthwaite title, the current holder is 91 years old. Lady Mariella Enthwaite. If you like we can complete a family tree for you?"
Hermione thought about that. "No… That won't be necessary, I did a genealogy class when I was 9. My mother's grandmother was Lucinda Rose Enthwaite, who married William Anthony Gordon in February, 1932." Something tugged at her memory. "Mariella Griselda Enthwaite is the older sister of Lucinda." No, that wasn't it, was it? No, it was something else that hung on the edge of her mind, something she couldn't quite remember. Eh, she'd focus on that later.
"Ah, that answers a lot. Having Enthwaite blood even before the masking adoption, would have boosted the potency of their donation and ensured that the Heir-ship stayed attached to your blood. The Enthwaite family also have an interesting history. One generation, they have powerful wizards, the next mediocre, the third and fourth are squibs. Then the cycle repeats, unless they marry a half-blood or squib and then, depending on the generation, their children remain at that level. There are only two Enthwaite witches alive currently, neither have married or have children and the current Lady Enthwaite is not the… brightest of witches, she's quite competent in her field, but by no means a prodigy. It might be worth while, to notify her of your claim to the title, I do think that she will be pleased to meet with you."
"Later. After things settle down." Hermione conceded.
"Of course, Miss Snape-Urquart. Now, I need to know, will you be claiming both Enthwaite Heir-ship and the Ravenclaw title?" At Hermione's nod, he continued. "Very good. Both your brothers set up their vaults one for each title, one for artefacts, one for primary finances and the last as a spending vault, this they linked a coin pouch and a signet ring to. The ring is locked to your magical signature and the pouch must be blooded and locked to a vault. Would you like the same?" Hermione nodded again. "Very good, I'll have someone check for the signet rings in your Enthwaite vault and other family vaults, set up a new vault for spending and bring the Heir and Head of House Rings, as well as a link-pouch, perhaps something to match those of your brothers'? That leaves us with only your schooling and Masteries. As a Charms Mistress, I would assume that you are aware of the script copying charm? Good, please copy your OWLs and NEWTs to these pages, don't forget to change the name to match you current identity." Ragnok made a few notes on a parchment and slid it into a message pod and sent it on it's way. "Changing your name on all of your official documents is something that Gringotts does, automatically, after a Blood Adoption."
Hermione retrieved a wand from where she'd jammed it into her sleeve and muttered the Latin words needed, she tapped her wand against each page and held it there until the writing settled.
ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESULTS
Pass Grades
Outstanding (O), Exceeds Expectations (E), Acceptable (A)
Fail Grades
Poor (P), Dreadful (D), Troll (T)
HERMIONE ISOBEL SNAPE-URQUARTHas Achieved
Ancient Runes O
Arithmancy O
Astronomy E
Care of Magical Creatures E
Charms O
Defence Against the Dark Arts O
Herbology E
History of Magic O
Muggle Studies O
Potions O
Transfiguration O
11 OWLs Granted
NASTY EXHAUSTING WIZARDING TEST
Pass Grades
Outstanding (O), Exceeds Expectations (E), Acceptable (A)
Fail Grades
Poor (P), Dreadful (D), Troll (T)
HERMIONE ISOBEL SNAPE-URQUARTHas Achieved
Ancient Runes O
Arithmancy O
Care of Magical Creatures E
Charms O
Defence Against the Dark Arts O
Herbology E
Magical Theory O
Muggle Studies O
Potions O
Transfiguration O
10 OWLs Granted
"I think Harry was right, you are an over achiever." Minerva smiled as she read the list of results.
Hermione snorted, but said nothing.
"Very good. I have notices Apprenticeship for Ancient Runes and History of Magic. As well as notices of Mastery examinations for Ancient Runes Charms, DADA, History of Magic, Magical Theory and Potions. Over the course of the day, we will gather together appropriate pensieve memories of the two Mistresses that your documents state you sat your apprenticeships under, along with those that tested you for your Masteries. Harry will be able to share some, Benjamin Fenwick is listed as his master and as your examiner in DADA. For potions, both of you were tested by Gringotts Potion Master Tinwit. All will be well labelled and there's no need to return them, we have a way of copying pensieve memories."
There was a tapping at the door and it opened without delay to admit Bogrod. He blinked when he saw the group.
"Oh, good. I don't need to send you a message." He said in relief, before he frowned in thought. "I'm unaware of the young lady, would someone provide introductions? And is the lady aware of our current business?"
Harry laughed, but let Severus do the introduction. "Bogrod, this is Hermione Snape-Urquart. Once upon a time she was Harry Potter's surrogate sister, now she rounds out the Snape-Urquart triplets."
"Tripl-" He gaped. "When did that happen?!" He'd only been gone for a few hours, for Merlin's sake!
"The young lady arrived perhaps 15 minutes after you left, Bogrod." Ragnok answered. "And yes, she is well aware of our current business. Hence the triplets. Harry speculates that because he has considered Hermione a sister for a number of years and was missing his sister, that Wild Magic has brought her to his side."
"And Gringotts has provided the necessary potions and paperwork to ensure that she is now his sister, in all ways." Minerva added.
"Ah." Bogrod replied.
"It also provides extra camouflage, Dumbledore would never expect two time travellers, even if he suspected one. Having the two of them, together? No, Dumbledore wouldn't be expecting that." Remus joined the conversation.
"In almost 160 cases of Accidental Time Travel, the Department of Mysteries and the Unspeakables have found no cases of multiple travellers to the one time in time, or travellers that were known to each other." Hermione explained, after seeing the look of confusion on Bogrod's face.
"I see. Additional security is always good to have." Bogrod replied. "I was asking, as my meeting with Lord Black has provided another, possible, instance against Dumbledore."
"Another?" Harry asked.
"Yes. Apparently Lord Black and his Heir visited Hogwarts a few weeks prior to Sirius starting in 1971. Whilst in the headmaster's office Sirius was left unattended for a few minutes and he placed the sorting hat on his head, when his father and Dumbledore retuned, Sirius was pale and quiet. Some years later, when the Potter's went into hiding, there was a rumour that Sirius was marked by the Dark Lord, when Lord Black asked point-blank, Sirius replied by telling him that the sorting hat had told him that he was destined for Slytherin, this scared the boy to the point that he retreated from everything that House Black stood for. The thought of going into Slytherin and having to deal with his violent cousin, Bellatrix, terrified him. But of course, come sorting and Sirius went into Gryffindor, in less than four weeks the sorting hat declared Sirius no longer best suited for Slytherin. Suspicious, yes? Lord Black wants to have the sorting Hat tested by the Unspeakables when the case against Dumbledore is brought before the Wizengamot, he suspects that Dumbledore may extended his manipulations to the Founder's Voice of Hogwarts."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other for a few seconds. "That's how you and I ended up in Gryffindor. Ron… might not have been better suited anywhere else, but you and me? Slytherin to the bone, you are. Humph." Hermione snorted. "I'm so Ravenclaw I ended up with the title, no way I should have gone to Gryffindor."
Harry just nodded.
"Lord Black would also like to meet you,-" Bogrod held up a hand. "Wait! I simply told him that there were a few people that were researching this and that it was they that brought the matter to Gringotts and requested us, to take it the rest of the way."
There were six sighs in response.
"Well, that's a relief. Maybe after Dumbledore is dealt with, but certainly not before. It's enough that we will be meeting with Lord Prince on Monday. Lord Black can wait until Sirius is out of Azkaban and Dumbledore is in St Mungo's." Harry muttered.
"Certainly, Harry. Now, Lord Black is more than happy to front the Wizengamot on Tuesday's session. He has suggested that he use the premise that, he came to us intending to remove Sirius legally and we informed him that Lady Magic still considers Sirius to be Heir and that we raised the subject of Dumbledore's involvement. He would then add that we are investigating more than 50 cases against Dumbledore involving more than 20 individuals and 2 institutes. Cases of failure to act, failure to notify, improper actions, illegal actions, endangerment of lives, etc." Bogrod told them.
"50?!" Hermione squawked. "Bloody hell. I didn't think it was that bad."
"It is. And it only gets worse from here. He has to be stopped, Mione. How many died During the Battle? How many before it? Do we even know?" Harry whispered.
"Oh, Harry." Hermione put her arms around Harry and petted his hair. "I know. Or… I know a minimum count, but it could as high as twice the documented loss, given how many were muggles and muggleborns."
"Tell me, Mione." Harry's voice was hard, that commanding tone back.
"During the Battle itself, there were 112 bodies accounted for, within Hogwarts' grounds, not including marked Death-Eaters. During the War, there's 602 accounted for, but there's at least another 200 missing. Many of them were muggleborns with muggle families and like me, some of them would have sent their families to possible safety overseas. There were also over 2500 muggles killed, between when he came back and the Battle, on the 2nd of May 1998. The ministry estimates that for the, almost, four years that Voldy was back, over 4000 humans and roughly 1000 non-humans died." Hermione spoke in a blunt impersonal voice, that of a lecturer reciting details from a book that bears no importance.
It was a voice that equalled Harry's commanding voice, in it's contrast. It served as a brutal reminder that these two had been through something horrific, something that changed their lives and almost a decade later, still dominated their minds. The blank look on Hermione's face told of pain and sadness.
That sadness forced Severus and Remus, both to act. Without a word between them, the two wizards stood and wrapped their arms around the other two. Severus had never felt the need to offer comfort, as he did now and Remus just wanted to drive the sadness away from the pair.
"We are not going to let that happen." Ragnok's voice was just as hard and as commanding as Harry's. "Not even if we have to take action and call Dumbledore before our own courts. Believe me, Gringotts will not let this go. The Goblin Horde will see the children of the future protected." He stated formally.
Harry nodded. "House Peverell extends it's gratitude. As does House Harrington. House Gryffindor and House Slytherin will support the Horde." He spoke just as formally.
"House Winterbourne would relay it's thanks to Gringotts and it's goblins." Severus said, bowing to Ragnok.
"House of Ravenclaw supports the Horde." Hermione curtsied, remembering at the last second, where to place her hands to show her desire for peace.
"House McGonagall, also thanks Gringotts." Minerva did her best to copy Hermione's curtsy.
"There is no House of Lupin, but the Family Lupin stands with Houses Peverell, Harrington, Winterbourne and McGonagall." Remus bowed as formally as he knew how.
"We of Gringotts are honoured to have your recognition and support." Ragnok bowed back.
A tapping at the door broke the sobriety of the moment.
"Come." Ragnok ordered and the door opened to admit Blordak. The young goblin was carrying a tray, on which there were two silk pouches, one black with sliver and gold fittings and the second was green with silver and gold fittings. Also on the tray were a number of ring boxes, 5 in total.
"Sire. I bear the Ravenclaw Ring and the Enthwaite Heir's Ring. In addition, I also carry signets of Houses Enthwaite, Ravenclaw, Prince, Urquart and McGonagall." The young goblin bowed laid the tray on the table in front of Ragnok.
"Thank you, Blordak. Would you ask Philledia to pop in? We have another misfiling to do. Home-schooling, OWLs, NEWTs, Apparition licence, two apprenticeship acceptances and multiple Masteries examinations. We'll need vaccination records from Tinrilla, confirmation of Blood Adoption and a name alteration. And a suitable folio for Miss Snape-Urquart, too, please?" Ragnok requested.
"Yes, sire." Blordak bowed and left.
"Miss Hermione? The Ravenclaw Ring goes on your right hand, the Lordship or Head of House Rings respond to the wearer's magic and only the wearer can remove them. Also they appear or not, as per the wearer's intent. The Heir Ring goes on your left hand and they respond to the wearer's magic and to that of the Head of House." Bogrod explained as he handed over the ring boxes. "All Lordship, Head of House and Heir Rings resize to fit the wearer."
Hermione hummed in thought as she placed the Ravenclaw Ring on her right pinkie and watched as it shrunk to fit and then faded from sight.
"I'll leave it hidden for the present, there's no need to alert Dumbledore." She smirked, as she slid the Enthwaite Heir Ring onto her left forefinger, it shimmered and shrunk to fit, but stayed visible.
"Of course not. Now, as Blordak said, these are signets of Houses Enthwaite, Ravenclaw, Prince, Urquart and McGonagall. You have the right to wear any of them, which you choose is your choice. Once you've chosen, simply place it on your left pinkie. I'll have it linked to your spending vault before you can leave the bank. As for the pouch, choose the one you like, place a single drop of blood on the clasp and state the vault number it is to be linked to." Bogrod continued.
"I've had vault 1122 set up as your spending vault, Miss Hermione." Ragnok added.
"Thank you, Ragnok, Bogrod." Hermione picked up the black pouch with silver and gold fittings, she tapped her wand against her fingertip and waited until there was a glistening bead of blood almost ready to fall. Lifting the pouch with her other hand she placed the clasp under the bead and watched as it smeared the metal. "Vault 1122." She said clearly. The blood seemed to be absorbed into the clasp and within a few seconds there was no trace of it. Then she reached out and picked up signet bearing the Prince Family crest, that she slid onto her left pinkie and watched as it, too, resized to fit her slender finger.
"Very good. It may be best for you to do you shopping and come back for Miss Hermione's folio, it will take Philledia a few minutes to transfer the details to the official parchments. If the subject is raised, before you get back, inform whomever of the Blood Adoption and that Gringotts have your folio, as we are currently altering your records, accordingly." Ragnok suggested.
"Thank you, Ragnok." Hermione smiled.
"Not at all, Miss Hermione. I look forward to watching the next few weeks excitement. Harry, I've spoken with Tinrilla and she is inquiring if there is any specific position you wish the golem's body to be placed into, prior to cutting it loose?" Ragnok turned from Hermione to Harry.
"Most of the bruises and injuries were to my back, but… I want the impression that he's been curled into a small space, so whatever she needs to do to get that result." Harry replied.
"We shall see to it. Between 10am and 10.15 am, yes?"
"Yes, please."
"Very well. Ladies, gentlemen, enjoy your shopping, Bogrod will assist you on your return. I bid you good day." Ragnok stood, bowed and left the room.
"Is there anything else, other than Miss Hermione's folio?" Bogrod asked.
"No, Bogrod. Until we fetch the other Horcruxes or Ron gets here, that's it." Harry said.
"Fair enough, if you'll drop back in, after you've finished your shopping, Miss Hermione's folio will be ready and waiting with Blordak." Bogrod bowed and gestured to the door. "I'll get started on the paperwork, immediately."
There were a round of thanks from the magical humans, as they too stood and with bows left Bogrod's office. As a group they made their way through the bank, ignoring the speculative glances and outright curious looks thrown their way.
This group, right now, were only interested in each other. As the day before, Remus walked at Minerva's side, with the now-trio in front of them.
"If we thought people looked at two of them…? What in Merlin's name is it going to be like, with three of them?" The werewolf whispered to the witch.
"I have… no idea and I don't want to know. They're mine and I'm not giving them up without a fight." Minerva began with a whine and ended on a snarl.
"So… Gladrags first." Harry said firmly.
"But Harry…" Hermione whined. "Can't I ju-"
"No." Harry's voice was quiet, calm and polite, but it stopped Hermione mid-word.
"Yes, Harry." She spoke contritely, she knew she'd pushed him as far as she could, she also felt his rising irritation through the sibling link, she was close to angering him.
Harry had a number of levels of anger, starting at the bottom, and the least dangerous, with irritation, irritation tended to come out as a cold voice, sometimes as snarks, snarls, glares and on the odd occasion, with a growl. Then there was annoyance, that got most people hexed or jinxed. Anger? That caused jinxes, hexes, maybe a low-level curse or two, but it also brought out the marauder and that tended to be very visible. Mad was curses and hexes, mid to high level, pranks that verged on being dangerous, but missed it by a hair's breadth and were laid in parseltongue, to ensure they stayed visible. Rage? Seeing Harry in a rage was frightening and Hermione thanked her lucky stars, individually and by name, that it didn't happen often. She tilted her head in thought, as they walked, funny but it wasn't Voldy that brought out Harry's rage the first time, no, that honour was left to Dumbledore. She snorted in recollection, at the scene of destruction Harry had left the Headmaster's office in after the Battle, the only thing still standing was the pensieve, that was surrounded by a dust covered, physical shield of magic, but the rest of the office resembled the viaduct courtyard, there wasn't a single item recognisable as timber, let alone furniture. All because Dumbledore admitted to Harry, what he'd done and that if he was given the same information, he'd do it again.
An angry Harry was a very dangerous and very unpredictable Harry. Not something that Hermione wanted in Diagon Alley.
She sighed as Harry held the shop door open and glanced in her direction. Yes, she sighed, but she didn't hesitate to enter the store.
"Welcome to-… Masters Snape-Urquart? Welcome back, how can Gladrags help you today?" The witch paused and frowned. "I thought we went through the entire men's catalogue yesterday?"
"We did, Mrs Thimbling. Unfortunately, our sister wasn't able to join us yesterday and as we weren't sure when she could, we didn't say anything about returning. Thankfully, she here now and I've managed to blackmail her in spending a small amount of time shopping with us."
"Ah… one of those is she?"
"Hates fashion and clothes shopping, with a passion. I've been the one doing her shopping for the last decade. Can we get her measured and fitted? I've only managed to get an hour out of her and we'll need to visit Twilfit and Tattings for formal robes and Luximbell's for potions and duelling robes."
"Of course, Master Snape-Urquart. This way Miss Snape-Urquart." Mrs Thimbling held out a hand to Hermione and guided her into a partitioned off dressing area. "Strip down to your underwear and we'll get it over with, dear."
"Hermione, please, Mrs Thimbling." Hermione had been well educated on the appropriate behaviour for a lady of standing after the Battle, thanks to Narcissa Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass.
"Thank you, Hermione. I'll do what I can to make this as quick and as painless as possible." The older lady smiled.
"I would appreciate that. Harry and I made a deal, earlier, I get to choose my underwear and shoes, he gets to choose the rest and I only have to do this for an hour, anything else he'll order from a catalogue."
"Well, my dear, given what he picked out yesterday, for himself, your brother and for Mr Lupin, I doubt you'll have any cause for concern."
"Oh, no. Harry's got impeccable taste, I'll never worry about that. It's just… would you help me choose some suitable underwear, I don't really want to ask Harry, but I know he's going to whinge, if I don't have some really nice stuff, as well as the practical and training wear." Hermione stood still as the charmed tape-measure slid around her, from her waist, to her ankle to her neck and everywhere in between.
"Of course, dear, that's what I'm here for." Mr Thimbling tapped her wand against a poster on the back of the partition, one of a witch standing her underwear, the poster enlarged and covered the entire partition. "Now, shall we start? What about something like this?" The image that expanded was a young-ish witch wearing a foundation garment that covered her from neck to halfway down her thighs.
"No! Gods, no. That's… Urgh. That's something my grandmother would wear. No, I want the Wizarding version of modern muggle underwear, please?" Hermione nearly screamed at the image, it quickly shrunk back to postcard size.
"Sorry, have to ask. Some of our clients prefer the… traditional styles. And what your brothers chose yesterday was…"
"Practical, Mrs Thimbling. Harry would have choose practical things. Yes, for he and Sev, that may look a little more traditional, but comfort and practicality come first, then he'll look to design and cut. I don't doubt that anything he chooses for me will look fabulous, but I'll have a full range of movement and, if need be, I'll be able to fight in it, without being restricted."
"Fight?" Mr Thimbling asked, slightly alarmed.
"All three of us have our DADA Mastery, Mr Thimbling, Harry insisted. He said that no woman should be unable to defend herself, maybe she shouldn't have to, but she should be able to."
"Oh, that's…" Mrs Thimbling was charmed at the thought.
"That's Harry." Hermione smiled.
"All right. What about these?" The older witch tapped another image.
"Oh my." Hermione blushed. "I don't think that's quite… appropriate." She struggled with finding a word to describe the risqué outfit.
"Hmm…" Mrs Thimbling tapped the image and swapped it for another.
"Oh, yes, that's more like it." Still a little more old-fashioned than she liked but much better. "What else?"
Mrs Thimbling tapped and circled her wand around a number of images and they enlarged as a group.
"Hmm…" Hermione hummed and began to point to various images. "That one, bra only. That one, in sets. That one brief only. That set, that set, that set and that set. Colours?" She asked and Mrs Thimbling tapped a rainbow-like bubble on Hermione's chosen designs. "Plum, pale pink, emerald green, teal green, pale blue, black, bone and that green trimmed in silver. For all of them."
"Very good choices, Hermione." Mrs Thimbling smiled.
"Great, now I need sports wear…"
Out in the main shop area, Harry and Minerva were debating the choices of colours that Harry had picked.
"No, not red. Plums, greens, dark blues, yes, but not red." Harry said for the fourth time.
"Why not?" Minerva finally snarled.
Harry didn't answer, he just conjured an image of Hermione and held the red robe against it.
"Oh…" Was all Minerva could say.
"Exactly." He swapped the red for a deep blue, then a forest green, an emerald green, a plum, silver, black and even a gold robe. "Now you understand? Red is not going to work with Hermione's colouring.
Minerva sighed. "Yes, Harry. But… why this cut?"
"Movement. Yes, it shows off her legs and arms, but it also gives her full movement. This robe won't restrict her if she has to fight and the moment she stops, she looks beautiful. Win-win, I say."
"Huh." That was something that Minerva had never considered before, if she had to fight, she fought, if she had to look good, she looked good, but looking good while she fought? She'd never thought about that before. "Harry will you choose a couple of robes for me?" She hesitated but still asked.
"Of course, Máthair." Harry flicked through the poster catalogue again, tapped a few different images as he went. "There, that will give you an idea, we can get a take-home catalogue and go through it more later, I still want to get Hermione through, Twilfit and Tattings as well as Luximbell's, yet."
"We must be running out of time, Harry."
"It's ticking, yes, but if Mrs Thimbling gives us a copy of Hermione's measurements, we don't have to go through the whole thing again, just hand over her measurements and choose a few items, I should be able to be done in maybe ten minutes in each store. If we ask, I'm sure that Mrs Thimbling will customise Hermione's clothes while we go to the other stores and we can always have the outfits from them delivered, via post box. Oh… Máthair? Do you have a post box?"
"Yes, Harry. Box 1442." Minerva answered.
"Great, problem solved." Harry grinned.
"We should get some trunks, too." Remus said. "If you're going to Hogwarts, you're going to need to transport your stuff."
"Hmm…" Harry bit his bottom lip in thought. "I wonder…"
"Oh, my…" Severus' eyes popped and Hermione's laugh echoed in the brothers' minds.
"What?" Remus grimaced.
"Do Wiseacres sell multi-compartment trunks?"
"No, but TerrorTours have just opened a luggage and travel accessory store, Traveller's Trunks. They might. What are you looking for?"
"I want a multi-compartment trunk, minimum of four compartments, I'd prefer them to be linked, compartment to compartment and linkable, trunk to trunk. They must be blood lockable, have expansion capabilities, shrinking charms, feather-light charms and be weather proof."
Remus and Minerva blinked at Harry a few times.
"And you think you can get all that in one trunk?" Severus asked.
"If not, I'll have to start from scratch and build my own." In response to the blank stares, he added. "Done it before, I can do it again. But it's easier to work with a partially established product."
"Huh." Minerva huffed. Just the thought of the runic bases needed to lay that sort of spell-work was enough to give her a headache.
"We can only look." Remus said.
"Look at what?" Hermione asked as she emerged from the dressing area.
"Harry wants some multi-compartment trunks." Severus smiled at his new sister.
"Oh, yes please. Linked ones?"
"Of course. I have plans." Harry smirked.
"How many do we need?" Minerva asked.
"Better have a few, if I have to alter them. If they're ready to go, then I only need one." Harry answered.
"Because we know the spell to duplicate the trunk and it's charms." Hermione added.
"There you are, dearies." Mrs Thimbling joined them. "I'm assuming you want these ready as soon as we can do them?"
"Oh, yes, please, Mrs Thimbling." Harry smiled. "We'll drop back on our way out, anything that's done, we'll take with us, the rest, could you send it via post box?"
"Of course, Master Snape-Urquart, of course. Now, Hermione's paid via signet-impression, if we encounter any additional costs, I'll include an invoice sent via post box." She paused, with the parchment list of Hermione and Harry's choices in her hand. "What box number am I sending to? And under whose name?"
"Minerva McGonagall, Owl Post Box 1442." Minerva replied.
"Would you also include self-updating catalogues, both men's and ladies?" Harry asked. "I can pretty much guarantee that we will have forgotten something."
"Most certainly." Mrs Thimbling smiled. "You'd best get to the rest of your shopping and I'll have what I can finished for when you return. Have a pleasant afternoon."
Harry and Severus both bowed to Mr Thimbling, while Hermione gave her a pretty curtsey, Minerva and Remus hastily following suit as the three siblings headed back into the Alley. As the two followed and watched the triplets, Remus spoke to Minerva.
"You know… I never expected to get a social etiquette education from Prongs' son." Minerva smothered her laughter, but Remus wasn't finished. "I wonder how Sirius is going to react that?" That was too much and the witch's laughter broke through her well-renowned control.
"Oh gods, oh gods." She put one hand over her mouth and the other wrapped around her ribs. "You utter bastard, Remus, you would say something like that, here." She continued to smother her laughter while they waited at Twilfit and Tattings, then while they were in Luximbell's, Remus added to her mirth, again.
"Then again, I wonder how Prongs is going to react?"
Tears hung on the edge of her eyes, but Minerva held onto her control by the slimmest of margins, as she watched Harry browbeat Hermione into trying a pair of the weirdest looking wand holsters the older witch had ever seen.
"Harry, what am I supposed to do with these?" The young witch asked.
Harry heaved a sigh. "You wear them, Hermione. Look, like this." He placed the cuff on his wrist and secured it, then slid his wand into the tiny expansion pocket, the wand disappearing more and more, until just the handle was visible over the back of his wrist.
"Oh…" She said, her eyes lighting up. "Oh I like that."
"I thought you might, there's two different sorts, leather and metal. Sev and I have leather ones. They're the same sort as the Aurors and dueller's use." He placed a few different styles on the counter beside her. "You can't have jewelled, though. Trimmed in silver or gold, yes, jewels, no. Metal ones are, as you can see, a series of interlinking plates, they still can't be jewelled. If you like, we can get some plain ones, I have an idea for using tiny gems chips, pressed into softened gold or silver as the runes are laid, that may let me set the same type of gem in and around the runes." He frowned. "Depends on if I can get the metal-to-gem depth-ratio right, it'll vary from gem to gem and metal to metal." He sighed.
"Later, Harry." Hermione requested, but watched without comment as Severus picked through the selection.
A half dozen silver and a half dozen gold holstered were dropped on the counter, along with a pair of plain leather holsters.
"We're here, now, Hermione." Severus corrected. "Picking them up now saves having to do another trip at a later point. We can store them, until Harry wants to experiment on them."
"I suppose so." She sighed. "What else is there? I'm beginning to run out of pepper-up."
"Just the trunks." Harry replied. "Would you like to go back to Gringotts and wait? I'm sure Remus and Sev will keep you company, if you like?"
Hermione studied Harry carefully for a moment. "That would be good, Harry. Sev, Remus? If you don't mind, of course?" The last thing she needed right now, was Harry to decide to play matchmaker, he was just too damn good at it.
"Not at all, Hermione." Remus replied.
Severus said nothing but extended an arm for Hermione to link hers through.
"Thank you, Sev." She smiled softly.
"Máthair? Can I interest you in a jaunt through the luggage shops?" Harry's cheeky grin made his eyes gleam.
"I think you just might, Harry, but we do have a limited amount of time left. It's ten til four and Wiseacre's shuts at 4pm and TerrorTours at 5pm. I have no idea about their luggage shop."
"Well, shall we find out?" He bowed extravagantly and offered his arm to the witch.
It took the two a bare minute to walk the length of the Alley and enter Wiseacre's. They were met by the elderly wizard himself, Bromley Wiseacre.
"Ah, Miss McGonagall, to what do I owe the… pleasure?" That it was anything but a pleasure, was clear from the tone of the old man's voice and his body language.
"Professor McGonagall was telling me that you, sir, would possibly carry the style of trunk that I desire… but I now hesitate to bother…" Harry wasn't a senior Auror for nothing, he knew how to read people and he knew how to get what he wanted from them, this… man would bluster, but he would fold easily enough.
"Sir?" The old wizard spluttered.
"I require two trunks, both the same. Five or more compartments. One compartment is to be an accommodation unit, that offers access to the other compartments and both trunks must be able to be linked together with floo access." Harry's voice was firm and just a little bored.
"Sir? I'm… I'm sorry, sir, but that type of trunk doesn't exist. But I can-"
"Then I require a trunk with a single accommodation unit and a second trunk with an infinite expansion compartment, single or multiple is unimportant. It seems that I will once again have to make my own. Blast Seamus for not controlling his pyromaniac tendencies." The last sentences were muttered just loud enough for Wiseacre to hear.
"I have… I have accommodation trunks, sir, fine ones. One, two and three bedroom units. Or if you prefer, we have a multi-configuration trunk. It allows for the owner to create a number of rooms, all opening off of a central corridor, up to five rooms. There's also a multi-configuration trunk, that opens into a large central room, it allows up to a dozen rooms." The old man rattled off quickly, not wanting a sale to walk out the door.
"Show me." Was all Harry said.
"Of course, sir. This way, sir." Wiseacre lead the way to a darkened corner. "This trunk is the five room, multi-configuration trunk, sir. And this one is the larger version."
"What other features do they have?"
"Features, sir? No other features, sir. Both are blank slates, waiting to be drawn on."
"No features? Not blood security? No expansion capabilities? No shrinking charms? Not feather-light? Not weather proof?"
"…no, sir…" Wiseacre's voice trailed off.
Harry huffed. "Well, that's hardly useful. Hmm… Maybe… I… No. Neither of them are suitable, but if I can't find something closer, I'll be back in the morning. Thank you for your time." Harry nodded politely, but turned and escorted Minerva from the shop.
"Well, that was a bust." He said, once they were out of earshot. "TerrorTours? Or… what was the trunk shop in Nocturn Alley? The one that sold tents as well trunks?"
"Oh, do you mean Expedition and Extras?" Minerva asked in reply.
"I think so. I'm inclined to go straight there, they certainly had the largest selection when Padfoot was camping."
"Then we shall try there, first. It's only a few minutes past four, now, we can always head back to TerrorTours if we need to." The witch added.
Harry nodded and headed for the dingy Alley, patting Minerva's hand absently, before twitching his wrist to loosen his wand in it's holster. Just in case.
But there was no need. Harry had no idea the image he presented. He wasn't exceptionally tall, just under the 6" mark, but it was the way he held himself, that caused most denizens of the less desirable Alley to keep their distance. Harry moved not with the arrogance of a pureblood or the hesitation of a half-blood. No, Harry moved with the simple surety of a wizard in his own home, no hesitation, no arrogance, no fear. He owned the space around him and it showed.
He held the bright red door to the tent and trunk shop open for Minerva and stepped in on her heals. His eyes flicking around the well lit space and until they found the trunk section.
"Good afternoon, sir, madam. May I assist you?" The tired young witch asked.
"I want multi-compartment trunks, minimum of four compartments, one to be an accommodation unit. I'd prefer linked, compartment to compartment and trunk to trunk. They must have blood security, have expansion capabilities, shrinking charms, feather-light charms and be weather proof."
The witch blinked. "I'm not sure we can do all that, sir, not in one trunk. Some of it, certainly, but not all. Multi-compartment, yes, but not with an accommodation unit."
"What can you match?"
"The accommodation trunks, linked trunk to trunk. One, three and six bedroom. Mu-"
"Six?"
"Single person, small and large, sir. We do have the ability to order an even larger version."
"I'll keep that in mind. What else?"
"Single compartment, linked trunk to trunk. Multi-compartment, linked trunk to trunk. Plus all our trunks have blood security, multiple person, multiple blood identifiers. The non-accommodation trunks all have expansion capabilities. Only the accommodation and single compartment trunks have weatherproof charms. All our trunks come in a range of colours and styles with feather-light and shrinking charms. All have the additional feature of not being able to be moved once a person is inside them and they also have a return to blood-bonded, if stolen, they will return to the last person whose blood was added to the security symbol that used the correct password."
"Hmm… that could work." Harry twisted his lips in thought. "Alright. I want to be able to increase the outer size of the trunk so that I can turn it on it's end and use it as a door."
"Yes, sir we have a number of vertical styles."
"Can your single compartment trunks link to a accommodation trunk?"
"Yes, sir?" The witch couldn't see where the handsome wizard was going with this.
"Can a number of trunks link to one accommodation trunk?"
"Ah… No, sir, a maximum of two."
"And the maximum for a single compartment trunk?"
"I'm uncertain, sir, we stopped trying once we'd reached a dozen."
Harry squinted and hummed, completely unaware that the young witch was studying him closely, and liking what she saw, very much.
"Very well. Ten single compartment trunks, two multi-compartment… How many compartments per trunk?"
"We have two, three, seven, ten, twelve and twenty, sir."
"And the larger accommodation sizes?"
"We can order ten, fifteen and twenty room trunks." This was interesting, she still had no real idea what this was about, but the more questions he asked the longer he was here and the longer she could look at him. And the better the chances of a significant sale.
"Can we add more trunks to the link to a single compartment at a later date or does it have to happen at purchase point?"
"Oh, no, sir. With each trunk there is a feature that allows a blood-bonded owner to add trunks at any point."
"Good, good." Harry tilted his head in thought and Minerva watched in amusement as the witch watched Harry's hair fall across his eyes. A huff and he blew it away, causing the witch to glance away from his face. "Alright I want ten single compartment trunks, two multi-compartment, order in a fifteen room trunk… The multi-compartment? Can I set what use they are, later or does that have to happen, now?"
"No, sir. Some of the trunks have a optional selection, where the owner can choose what each compartment will be. With each trunk comes a selection sheet, on the inside of the lid, where you can make your selection."
"Can I increase the size of a compartment and if so, what is the maximum?"
"Yes, you can. Maximum is 1000 yards in any one direction."
"1000 yards? Nice. Ten single compartment, two twenty compartment, order in a fifteen room unit and I'll also have a tent. Just a standard family tent, six rooms will be fine."
"Of course, sir. Will you be returning for your order?" She smiled as sweetly as she could. "Or will we be sending it by owl or post box?" The smile fell.
"I'll take what you have in stock, today. The accommodation trunk can be send via post box." Harry was beginning to get restless, he needed to get back to Sev and Hermione.
"Of course, sir." Just her luck. "Any particular colours and styles?"
Harry's jaw clenched in frustration. "Black dragon-hide with brass trim, vertical opening. Metal fittings on the inside."
"Certainly, sir. One moment and I'll get started on your order."
The witch moved over to a trunk that stood upright against the wall, she opened it and vanished into it's depths, only to emerge a few minutes later carrying a tray with shrunken trunks.
"Here we are. Ten single compartments, as you can see, they have the appropriate labels, when the trunks are enlarged the tags will remain the size they are, currently. Two twenty compartment trunks and a six room tent." She pushed a clipboard towards Harry. "If you'll fill in the pertinent details, sir, we can order the accommodation trunk today and have it delivered by post box on Monday."
Harry smiled. "Excellent." He picked up the quill and began writing, while the sales-witch parcelled up his purchase, transferring the details of each trunk to an invoice as she went. "Would you also include an updating catalogue, too, please?"
"Certainly, sir."
"May I ask a question?" Minerva asked.
"Of course, madam." The younger witch thought she knew the older witch but wasn't sure where from.
"The accommodation trunk? How many bathrooms?"
"Oh… I'm sorry, I forgot to clarify that. The one and three bedroom trunks have two bathrooms, the six has three. The special orders have the option to nominate the number required."
"What do you think, Máthair? Fifteen or…?" Harry asked.
"No, Harry. I think we should have one per bedroom and two from the living areas." Minerva corrected.
"A large kitchen, a separate dining room and a large central living room?" Harry was ticking boxes on the order form as he went.
"A library and an office, as well please." Minerva added.
"And a large pantry, I think." Harry concluded. "That should be enough. If not we can always order a second one at a later date."
The sale-witch blinked, did this man have any idea how expensive a fifteen bedroom accommodation trunk was going to be, with the things he'd added to it?
"Sir? Might I recommend erring on the side of caution? Accommodation trunks are quite expensive, it will be unlikely that you'd find a buyer for such a large trunk, on the second-hand market."
Harry looked at the young witch and she froze under his hard stare.
"Not an issue at this point in time, Miss." His voice was cold. "If I decide it's unsuitable or not large enough, I know exactly where it's going. Please process the order and allow me to pay for it so that I may return to my family."
"Yes, sir." She squeaked. She quickly totalled the cost of the accommodation trunk and added it to his invoice. "Sir? The total cost of thirteen trunks and one tent is ʛ16,250, including delivery of a special order."
"Huh. Right, I'll pay for the accommodation trunk by signet-impression and I'll sign a payment slip for the rest." Harry kicked himself, he should have told Bogrod that he'd need a larger amount in his spending vault. Dammit.
"No, love. I'll pay for the rest." Minerva offered.
"Máthair…"
"Harry." She was firm. "I will pay for the rest. I can pretty much guarantee that Severus, Remus and Hermione will want to reimburse you."
Harry sighed. "Yeah, they will."
"Never mind, love, I won't tell them how much it really cost." Minerva knew Harry wanted to protect his new family.
"Thanks, Máthair." Harry grinned at his mother, turning back to the sales-witch. "We're going to split it up, sorry."
"Not at all, sir, just give me a moment and I'll separate the order from the purchases." She tapped her wand against the order and moved it to a new invoice. "There we are, all ready for payment." She moved the invoice for the trunks over in front of Minerva and left the order invoice in front of Harry.
Mother and son pressed their signet rings to the payment section of each invoice and waited until the Gringotts symbol appeared.
"All done, sir, madam." The young witch handed over a small bag containing the dozen shrunken trunks and tent. "The order will be complete by midday on Monday and will be forwarded to you by Owl Post Box, to box number…" she paused while double-checking the box number. "Box number 1442."
"Thank you, Miss." Harry gave the woman a small bow.
"You're very welcome, sir." She attempted a curtsey in reply. "You have a good afternoon, sir, madam." She was very happy with her sales for the day. 23 trunks, 3 tents and 4 orders.
"And you, Miss." Harry held the door open and gestured for Minerva to lead the way. Once outside the shop, he tucked the bag into a pocket on the inside of his robe and offered Minerva his arm. "Shall we re-join our family, Máthair?"
"We shall."