As I am NOT the original author of the Harry Potter series, who as anyone should know is the wonderful JKR who lets us play with her world. I don't own a darn thing here. On with the story.
Chapter 36 Meet the Family
For the first time in a while Harry didn't stumble when he landed it might have been due to his being braced by two of the goblin guards as they landed outside the Granger estate front entrance with the door to the gate house bursting open as Mr. Limbu emerged armed with two long knives. He stopped when he saw Alan and Jane standing in the center of the odd individuals. "Alright there Bob?" He asked.
"We are fine Robert." Alan answered giving the countersign that told Mr. Limbu he was indeed alright.
"I heard the ward alarms go off and wasn't sure."
"I didn't mean to test them. Why don't you and your wife join us at the manor we have some things to tell you and a rather big surprise to celebrate." Alan said motioning everyone off the road and down the gravel drive to the manor.
"The wife's at the manor all ready." Mr. Limbu said joining the group noting how the six short cloaked individuals were in guard positions around the Granger's and Potter's effectively isolating him from the group.
Once there were in the house one of the cloaked individuals stopped just inside the door. Allowing the remaining individuals to proceed. "Dad, will you show him the kitchen door and the garden entrance while I go change out of this," Hermione said motioning to the fancy robes she wore.
"Right this way," Alan said leading off three of the cloaked figures.
Mr. Limbu joined them noting that the two left followed Hermione as she went up the stairs. "What's with the security?" He asked Alan as they entered the kitchen.
Alan hesitated for a moment trying to determine how much he was allowed to tell him. Suddenly a voice came from under the cloak nearest him. "What is your relationship to the Granger's?"
"I am their gardener." Mr. Limbu said sticking with his cover story.
"Tell them everything." Alan said.
A glance at Alan confirmed the direction then Mr. Limbu said, "I am also a body guard for the Granger family. Because of events in the families past there are groups that would seek to do them harm. I am also aware of Hermione's special abilities."
The hood moved as the figure looked him over then a question was asked, "Gurkha?"
Mr. Limbu seemed to straighten even further replying, "Rambahadur Limbu, formerly of the 10th Gurkha Rifles."
The figure bowed saying, "It is an honor to meet you. I have read of your exploits." Then a burst of sound that was obviously a language came from the figure causing the others join as they all lowered their hoods. "I am Sigtug and these are my men. We guard the Ambassador. If anything should happen leave her security to us."
Mr. Limbu looked up to Alan surprise evident on his face. "Hermione is the ambassador at large for the Goblin nation. We were going to tell you and Anna when everyone was together in a few minutes." Alan said explaining.
"And these are Goblin Guards." Mr. Limbu said nodding towards the goblins.
"The finest," Sigtug said.
"I meant no insult. When Hermione came back from her first visit to Diagon Alley she told me of the Bank and the Goblins that worked there. I am honored to meet you." Mr. Limbu replied.
"As you are the family's guard perhaps you would like to observe our daily exercise routine some time?"
"I would enjoy the opportunity."
"As would we. Some day you must tell me how you managed to take down a powerful wizard without being hit." Sigtug said before turning and motioning one of his goblins towards the outside door.
In the sitting room Jane looked at Harry asking, "How is school going?" while they were awaiting the return of everyone else.
"Fine, my grades have actually improved. Hermione's of course are still the highest." Harry said.
"No problems caused by you two being married?"
"A few but they were dealt with quickly. Nothing much since those were solved."
"What Harry isn't saying is he threatened the entire school including the professors if they messed with me." Hermione said from the doorway.
Jane Granger looked back at her son in law who had a sheepish grin on his face then returned her attention to her daughter saying, "I take it there is a story behind it."
"Harry?" Hermione asked.
"You started this. You get to tell the story."
"Alright, I wrote you they made Harry a full professor." Seeing her mother nod Hermione continued, "Because of that we have to eat at the head table where all the students can see us. The first morning there one of the more mouthy students asked how come I was up there. Harry informed them I was his wife and required to eat where he did. He then stared down the entire student body."
"Why would he do that?"
"Let me Hermione. Some of the words being used in the discussions at the tables were not complementary towards either my wife or myself. I got a little out of control and the students got the point that it was not a good idea to even think in those terms." Harry explained.
"How could one person do that?" Jane said all most to herself.
"Harry do you think you can show mom?"
"I'll try." Harry said standing up and gathering his magic and thinking of Bellatrix Lestrange before looking at his mother in law.
Alan arrived at the sitting room to notice his wife going white as a sheet. Following her gaze he saw Harry looking at her concerned he asked, "Jane what's wrong?"
Harry broke eye contact with Jane and turned to face Alan who quickly realized why his wife was white as the blood left his face. He wasn't sure what had caused Harry's look but he was sure he didn't want to know.
"Harry!" Hermione quickly snapped bringing Harry's attention back to her. "Calm down love." She said taking his hand before turning to face her father saying, "Mum couldn't understand how Harry was able to stare down the entire student body and asked for a demonstration which Harry was providing as you arrived."
"If that was just a demonstration." Alan said then shuddered.
"Sorry Mum," Harry said looking at Jane.
"No need to apologize I asked for it." Jane said waiving her hand at Harry.
Anna and her husband arrived and Alan motioned them to the open seats saying, "There has been some changes that you should be aware of, Hermione if you would explain."
"I was approached by the Goblins that run the banks in the wizarding world and asked to be their ambassador at large. I accepted and today was my first official day." Hermione said looking at her extended family.
"That's fantastic Hermione." Anna said.
"Yes it is. The down side is I now have full time goblin guards." Hermione replied motioning to where Sigtug stood.
Anna looked at her husband asking, "Ramun?"
"I have already been introduced to Sigtug, their leader, and he has asked me to witness some of their workouts when they are around." He replied easing his wife's mind as she realized he was comfortable with them being around.
"Sigtug do you have anything you wish to say?" Hermione said looking at the goblin.
The goblin lowered his hood, which he had raised on leaving the kitchen, before saying, "I believe it is necessary to let everyone know that in the event of a problem our first concern is your safety Ambassador. If we perceive that anyone and I do mean anyone is hindering your protection we will deal with them as if they are the problem. All I ask is that everyone let's us do our job."
"Sigtug is there any special dietary requirements or prohibitions that I should be aware of?" Anna asked.
Seeing Sigtug looking what he assumed was confused Alan said, "Anna Limbu is also our cook."
"There is no need we will bring our food with us."
"Sigtug there may be occasions where she would assist." Hermione said then turned to Anna saying, "Mrs. Limbu stick with meat and don't over cook it and they should be fine. Vegetables are not a high priority with them."
"Treat them like men and don't worry, got it." Anna replied a grin on her face.
"Hey," Alan and her husband both said.
"Don't either of you say anything or I'll feed you what I make for Jane and myself."
The two men looked at each other then turned to Harry looking for support as he said, "Don't look at me at least I admit I like meat," causing everyone one to break out in laughter.
The evening progressed from there. With not enough time to cook Anna found a quick order to a take away Chinese restaurant for meat on a stick and an order to their favorite Indian restaurant quickly had a meal suitable for both Goblins and Humans.
It was eight that evening when Harry looked at Hermione causing her to quickly say their goodbyes to her folks before the two students and the goblins stepped outside looping a string around the port key and taking up defensive positions before Harry activated it.
They arrived at their normal port key point just inside the Hogsmeade gate only to hear a second port key arrive just as the goblins were returning their strings to their belts. Two of the free goblins stepped in front of Hermione ready to fight.
A stream of Gobbledegook erupted from the one of the two figures that appeared causing Sigtug to take the lead and head towards Hogwarts.
"Mr. Potter I decided that I would accompany you two and your guards when you first met Dumbledore incase of problems. I also brought along your wife's aide." Gartogg the senior goblin in charge of security said as he walked beside Harry.
Harry thought Gartogg was being paranoid until they approached Hogwarts' front door and found four professors' arrayed against them with their wands out.
"What do you want here?" Dumbledore called out.
Hermione quickly noted that in addition to the headmaster, Professor's McGonagall, Flitwick, and Snape of course were facing them. "We just were returning to school." Harry said calmly.
"The wards registered a group of goblins approaching." Dumbledore said.
"I guess you were noticed." Harry said looking around smiling.
"Mr. Potter, what is the meaning of this?" McGonagall asked keeping her wand trained on the group.
"I believe Mrs. Potter has a letter that should explain everything," Gartogg said to the group facing them.
"Oh right," Hermione said reaching into her robes and pulling out the letter from the minister. As she started to walk over Sigtug held up a hand saying, "To insure your safety I can not permit you to leave this group."
Harry started to reach for the letter only to stop when Sigtug shook his head saying, "Nor you Mr. Potter."
"This is ridiculous." Snape said starting to walk over only to stop when one of the guards stepped forward and raised the pike that appeared in his hand. A few hand gestures later one of the guards delivered the letter to Snape who quickly made his way back to Dumbledore.
Using McGonagall's luminous charm both Dumbledore and McGonagall read the letter before passing it to Flitwick, who after reading it looked at Hermione with new interest.
"This it unbelievable, surely you will not allow this!" Snape said looking at Dumbledore.
"It seems I have no choice. To refuse would be an insult to the goblin nation at a time when we need all the allies we can get. How many of you will be staying?" Dumbledore asked looking at the group facing them as he asked the last question.
"There will be seven goblins staying with the Ambassador. She will have at lease one guard with her at all times when she it out of her quarters." Gartogg replied.
"Agreed but they will need to exercise caution. In some classes it might seem she is in danger but she will be protected as are all our students."
"Discuss those times in advance with Sigtug, the head of her protection detail, and he will brief the guards. In the interest of security you will also receive separate notification headmaster when the ambassador's presence is required else where. Thank you for your co-operation." Gartogg said before turning and leaving as the rest of the group started for the entrance.
"Surely you are not going to allow them entrance!" Snape sputtered.
"There is little else I can do Severus, The ministry has tied my hands in this matter. Mrs. Potter is the Ambassador at Large for the Goblin Nation. As such she is entitled to goblin guards. There is no provision in the agreement between our two communities to address this situation. Therefore I must allow it." Dumbledore said to Snape then he turned to Hermione and continued, "Ambassador Potter…"
"Mrs. Potter will do unless I am on official business." Hermione countered.
"In this case Ambassador Potter is correct then. I can not make provisions to accommodate your guards until tomorrow at the earliest. I am afraid they will need to stay at Gringotts until provisions can be made."
"That is not acceptable." Sigtug said firmly.
"Perhaps we can create some beds in the living room area and curtain them off. It will be crowded but who ever intends my wife harm will have to come through their sleeping area to do it." Harry offered.
"That is acceptable." Sigtug said.
"Then it is settled. Right this way." Dumbledore said.
"I know the way to my own rooms Headmaster. We will see you at breakfast. Oh and Professor Snape you might chose to inform certain members of your house that goblins have no sense of humor." Hermione said effectively dismissing those who betrothed to be a guard detail.
Professor McGonagall looked at Hermione a moment then said, "May I offer my services in transfiguration to create the necessary items for everyone's comfort?"
Hermione smiled replying. "Of course Professor I am sure everyone will appreciate you skills."
The humans and seven goblins quietly traveled the empty corridors coming to the painting of the young couple where Hermione said, "Five Iron."
"Are you sure Mrs. Potter?" Robert asked.
"Yes Robert these are my new guards. They will be coming and going. We will have to set up a special password for them."
"You can do that later. Why don't we get them settled in for the night?" Professor McGonagall said moving things along. She really didn't want anyone to come by with all seven goblins standing the hall. The potential for a misunderstanding was too great. Once they were inside she transfigured paperclips in to chairs, beds and dividers for the goblins. "Those should last for several days. That should give us enough time to arrange quarters for everyone." She said when she had finished.
"Thank you Professor. Do you think it would be possible for Sigtug and I to meet with you and Professor Dumbledore some time tomorrow to discuss their quarters? By then I should know much better just what will be needed." Hermione asked.
Professor McGonagall realized that Hermione was taking her new position quite seriously and decided then that she would offer all the assistance she could as the young woman in front of her balanced the responsibilities of wife, mother-to-be, and Ambassador a mixture that she was sure would drive most around the bend to use a muggle expression. "Of course, I will inform the Headmaster the Ambassador would like to discuss that with him." She said letting Hermione know that she understood which hat the young lady was wearing when she made the request before excusing herself and leaving them to their problems.
Hermione pulled out her wand and pointed at one bed levitating it through their room and into what would become the nursery returning she took a chair and motioned to a divider. "Harry get that would you?"
"May I ask what is going on?" Sigtug said.
"We are creating a place for Harhook. My sister will not sleep in the same room as males. I did not mention this to McGonagall because I did not want her to know one of you was female." Hermione said firmly.
Sigtug nodded his understanding turning and motioning one of the other goblins towards the door from the hall with a short spat of Gobbledegook.
At the same time in the Headmaster's office He and Professor McGonagall were sitting listening to Professor Snape rant on about allowing goblins in Hogwarts wondering if he would rundown soon. "Headmaster I can't believe you are allowing the ministry to dictate to Hogwarts. For the benefit of one student, one who has flaunted her respect for our traditions yet again. It is another example of why her kind should be educated at another school, preferably totally muggle, and not allowed in Hogwarts at all!" Snape ranted.
Dumbledore sat back in his over stuffed chair his fingers tented before him. He was appreciating just how close Snape could walk the line of acceptable statements. He wondered how Minerva was taking this but he didn't dare look in her direction for fear of being on the receiving end of one of her 'glares of death'. He realized the Snape's last statement would have earned any other Professor or student a warning so he held up a hand saying, "Severus I believe both of us realize your position on this, however I am the headmaster and it is my decision that this will be allowed. Now tomorrow I will be visiting the ministry to find out what they know about this. I caution you not to confront Mrs. Potter in any manner. She is the Ambassador and I assure you the goblins take her protection very seriously. Should you be injured by her guard I doubt even a pensive memory will be able to protect you from problems."
Snape looked at the Headmaster his expression hard then nodded and stormed out of the room his robes swirling behind him.
"Albus I don't know how you sat there and let me call for a separate school for muggle born students." Minerva McGonagall said from her seat at the side of his desk.
"I hoped to allow him to vent his frustration and calm down before an encounter between him and her guards caused problems."
"Still," McGonagall started to say only to stop when Dumbledore held up a hand.
"Actually I wish to discuss something else with you. Have you noticed the changes in Mrs. Potter?" Dumbledore asked.
Minerva knew exactly what he was talking about but she had promised Hermione that she would not discuss her pregnancy without her approval. Still there was the problem of how to deal with his question. "I have noticed many things but may I suggest that you talk with the young woman in question about your concerns."
"Yes that is probably best. I will announce her guards tomorrow at breakfast. I do hope Snape does nothing foolish in my absence tomorrow." Dumbledore said rising and escorting the deputy headmistress to the door before securing it for the night and adjourning to his quarters.