Chapter 38.
"I've just come from a meeting about you." said Bill, as Harry closed the door behind him. They were in Bill's office; it was moderately sized in comparison to Fierceclaws but comfortable nonetheless.
"Order meeting?" asked Harry, though it was more of a statement.
"Yes…I got there late but the gist was you'd vanished and needed to be found and brought back to Headquarters, I was barely there a minute before I walked out…a few other Order members looked like they might as well." said Bill, reassuringly.
"That's good to know…" said Harry.
"Oh…some of them were blue, know anything about that?" grinned Bill, as he opened a bottle of Oak Matured Mead and took two glasses from a drawer in his desk.
"Little prank curse, needed something to distract them as I retrieved the Portkey that Fierceclaw prepared just in casesomething like that did happen." said Harry, sitting in the chair opposite Bill.
"I heard Neville and Hermione helped out?" asked Bill, handing Harry a glass half full of Mead.
"They did, but division amongst ourselves is the last thing we need." answered Harry, draining the glass in one heavy swig, warmth spread through his body as sighed aloud.
"It's hard when Dumbledore expects everyone to drop what they're doing for a pointless meeting in the middle of the day, it's not like we're actually doing something either, just monitoring and keeping an ear out." it sounded like Bill was almost bored and mocking the strategy.
"How is the new job?" asked Harry, they had owled each other a couple of times while Harry was at Hogwarts but it was hardly a subsidiary for face to face conversations and proper interactions.
"It's brilliant, a Cursebreaking position in England would have been enough but I'm learning Warding from some of the best in the business, the most advanced weaving and research into Wards happens at Gringotts, in the last month I've been sent to sites all over the country…former Nordic settlements from hundreds of years ago, some rich Scandinavian wizard thinks his ancestors buried their treasure when they invaded and he's paying us a lot of gold to investigate." said Bill, a smile on his face though it was more from the sense of adventure than the gold.
"I need to talk to Fierceclaw about a career at Gringotts…" muttered Harry, handing his glass for a re-fill.
"If you like adventure, thrills and learning obscure fields of magic whilst getting paid for it, Cursebreaking at Gringotts is the place for you." laughed Bill.
"You should be in charge of the career pamphlets." joked Harry, taking a sip from his glass.
"Funny, it is demanding work though…I sleep in my office most nights." said Bill, finishing his second glass of Mead.
"Most nights?" questioned Harry, raising an eyebrow.
"Alright…I've started seeing a girl I met, it was right after I got my new job...remember Fleur Delacour?" asked Bill, looking at Harry. Her face sprang to his mind, Beauxbatons champion at the Triwizard Tournament…he wrenched his mind before he started thinking about the graveyard and Cedric.
"I remember her…" said Harry, forcing cheer into his voice as the emotions of that night plagued him.
"Well whenever I'm not here at the bank, I'm probably at her place." muttered Bill, a small smile on his lips as his cheeks reddened ever so slightly.
"Why didn't you tell me in one of the letters?" asked Harry, stretching his arms as he talked,
"I don't know really, I only told my mum the other week and I didn't know the situation with you and Ron and Ginny…I wanted to tell them because Ginny always gets a bit weird when I've had girlfriends because she thinks I'm abandoning the family." said Bill, rolling his eyes in fake despair.
"We don't talk too much, after everything that happened…" muttered Harry, they had discussed the behaviour on the train and the events that had transpired thereafter in letter but this had been the first time they had seen each other in months.
"I know mum and dad were furious about the whole thing, I think at one point they seriously considered taking him out of Hogwarts…asked me if I would help teach him if they chose to home-school him." said Bill, a bewildered tone in his voice.
"What did you say?" asked Harry, taking another mouthful of Mead.
"I said between working at my new job and everything I would struggle, then mum asked why I didn't return to my desk job…we had an argument about the whole thing, that she barely saw me anymore and I should stop my 'silly ambition and get a proper job' wants me to get a job working at the Goblin Liaison Office at the Ministry…" grumbled Bill, spitting the last words out like they put a sour taste in his mouth.
"I couldn't go to a desk job for the rest of my life, people should do what makes them happy…" said Harry, as though offering advice.
"And treasure-hunting and learning fascinating genres of magic is what makes me happy, anyone that has the slightest amount of independence is terrifying for her, I had to move to Egypt and Charlie went to Romania just to get away for a few years." laughed Bill, but his voice had undertones of seriousness in it.
"How is Charlie?" asked Harry, politely.
"Still in Romania, I keep updating him about everything that's been going on…he wanted to come home and have a word with Ron…but his idea of a word would probably be to drag him back to Romania and make him shovel dragon dung for a month." laughed Bill, Harry supressed a snort of laughter as Bill poured himself another glass of mead.
"I guess Charlie and I have always been the adventurous type. Growing up at The Burrow was chaotic at times, mum tried to control everything so we'd always wreak havoc…must have stuck with us into our careers, and now that overbearing and overprotective nature has kicked into hyper-drive...wants the whole family back under one roof…" said Bill, relaxing into his chair.
"And of course, the more she tries the more likely she is going to push you away." said Harry, letting out a deep sigh.
"Exactly, and because she's failing with me and Charlie…she's turning to you, following Dumbledore's instructions to bring you to Grimmauld Place by force, I mean…that's kidnap!" exclaimed Bill.
"Dumbledore has been doing it all my life, controlling where I live and everything…I think he is trying to protect me but I don't think he can see past what I mean to the Wizarding World, I do respect him…but his judgment is clouded about me." said Harry, swirling the mead around his glass.
Harry and Bill spent the remainder of the evening drinking more and more glasses of fine mead, the conversation picked up about trivial matters, which for Harry were refreshing. For the first time in months he wasn't talking about duels, or classwork, or what was happening outside of Hogwarts like Voldemort and the Death Eaters, or the Ministry of Magic…It was a welcome break, and they sat and talked until the early hours of the morning, eventually both falling asleep in Bill's office with no idea about what they would wake up to.
...
"…Harry…Harry wake up!" Harry stirred as he woke from a dreamless sleep, immediately he felt as though something was wrong. The mild undertones of panic in Bill's voice didn't help as hurried footsteps could be constantly heard outside of the office.
"What's happened?" asked Harry, the charmed window behind Bill's desk was clouded as though a storm was brewing.
"I'm not quite sure, goblins gave me the day off on account of something 'big' happening at the bank, I've been advised to tune into the Wizarding Wireless Network for some emergency broadcast about an attack." replied Bill, he sounded out of breath as he worked an aged looking radio that wouldn't look out of place in some nineteenth century lounge.
Muttering a Sobering Charm on himself to rid the after-effects of the alcohol, Harry stood up and walked over to the contraption Bill was trying to fix and pointed his wand at it.
"Reparo Magicka Sahko" said Harry, circling his wand neatly as he cast the spell. Pieces flew back together as thedevice began making a soft whirring noise before sputtering into life.
"What was that?" asked Bill, picking up the radio and placing it on his desk.
"Little Marauder trick to help magical and electrical items function." replied Harry, putting his wand back into his holster and sitting down. Bill turned the radio up slightly as a song by The Cackling Stumps finished.
"…now we take you live to the Ministry of Magic where our reporter, Lanett Twine is live and awaiting the arrival of Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones…" The radio went quiet for a moment before a very official sounding woman started speaking.
"Thank you Georgia, the Ministry of Magic is bustling full of witches and wizards who are just as confused as the rest of us but from what I understand, You-Know-Who and his forces have apparently let their force be known for the first time in some months. The specifics are not clear as of yet, and we are waiting for Minster Bones to arrive at a press release that had been scheduled for some weeks…I've spoken to several Ministry employees and they aren't aware of anything either, a couple of high profile personalities have been spotted but have been unavailable for comment." as the reporter spoke, Harry and Bill shared a look as if to say 'what the fuck has happened'.
"I can tell you that the Minister arrived a few minutes ago and is thought to be preparing her announcement, security is very tight at the moment and all Floo connections are turned off…we are just waiting for Minister Bones to take the stage." said the reporter, trying to fill the empty airwaves with something.
"Lanett, the news that some kind of attack had happened only reached news desks an hour or so ago, do you think that might have any relevance in this?" asked Georgia.
"The Daily Prophet delayed their usual morning paper to learn more about the situation in order to print something concrete in a special evening edition later on, I've seen a few columnists and fellow journalists waiting just like I am so think an attack on news and media outlets is unlikely…" the reporter was drowned out by noise, evidently Minister of Magic Amelia Bones had took the stage. It was over a minute before everyone had quietened down; Harry and Bill leaned closer to the radio as they waited for someone to start talking.
"I can confirm, late last night and up until the early hour of this morning…He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his forces, carried out a series of attacks across the country. It is with great sadness to tell you all, that every occupant of each household has been confirmed deceased." Bones had a forced sense of calm in her voice, but it was clear she was shaken.
"Can you confirm the identities?" a voice spouted over the radio.
"I had been advised against revealing the identities until family members have been informed, however I fear I must go against their wishes…those who have been killed today shared a common trait, they are all well-respected and well-known members of the magical community…they are the following; Millicent Bagnold and his wife, Patricia Bagnold…Millicent of course was a former Minister of Magic and in contention for a place on the Wizengamot…Balfour Bane and his family…Balfour was working with the Ministry in an Experimental Charms position to design a set of standard wardsto be installed for every household free of charge, his loss is a huge blow to the Ministry…Tony Bell, Charlotte Bell and their daughter, Katie Bell…Tony Bell was a highly respected Potions Maker and his wife openly rallied against the oppression and terror You-Know-Who was causing, they will be sorely missed…Montague Knightley, famed Chess player and assisting the Magical Law Enforcement in Tactical Transfiguration Projects…Simon Pritchard and his family, Simon was a Ministry Employee who helped maintain and update Transportation systems, it is thought he refused to help You-Know-Who, his bravery can never be repaid…and finally, Wilhelm Wigworthy noted specialist on MuggleSociety…" Madam Bones began listing the achievements and attributions the victims had made to the Wizarding World, it went on for quite a while before Bill finally spoke up.
"Merlin that's a lot of people…Harry…you alright mate?" asked Bill, the eldest Weasley looked over at his friend.
"I was…kind of dating Katie Bell…" muttered Harry, feeling something he hadn't wanted to feel ever again...the feeling of utter devastation and emptiness, his mind had gone blank at the news and he had half-stopped listening after hearing her name. Somewhere inside, he felt that rage…that uncontrollable anger that had temporarily taken over when he had seen Sirius fly though the veil. The feeling quelled after a few seconds and silence descended amongst the pair, no words needed to be said and so they listened to Amelia Bones through the ancient radio, her voice never wavering and her words giving a final dignity to the deceased.
"…these actions will not go unpunished, for too long You-Know-Who and his forces have not suffered repercussions from their despicable actions. This will change…it is obvious time spent in Azkaban and Ministry holding cells is not enough for some, imprisonment is supposed rehabilitate those that break the law and instead, when freed they return back to a life of crime. That is not an option anymore, Death Eaters convicted or proven to have committed murder, will be sentenced to death…in these times, compassion is something we cannot afford. In addition to this, I have granted the rights Magical Law Enforcement Officers and Aurors have in field duty to be extended, the specifics will be releasedat a later date…And finally, I have also ordered the termination and closure of accounts known Death Eaters hold withGringotts Wizarding Bank, the Ministry of Magic and Goblin Nation are currently negotiating the division of the accounts, but rest assured that the owners will not see a single knut or item in their vaults ever again." Cheers and applause could be heard from the assembled crowd over the radio as the speech ended and Bill turned off the radio.
"Come on, let's go for a walk." said Bill, not letting silence dwell. Patting Harry on the shoulder as he walked past him to retrieve his coat, Harry closed his eyes for a moment before standing up and walking through the maze of offices and back to the foyer of Gringotts. The chilly winter air could be felt before they reached Diagon Alley, Harry zipped up his hoodie and buried his chin into his chest as walked with Bill. They left Diagon Alley all together and entered MuggleLondon, where Bill bought him a hot chocolate and they began slowly walking the streets of Muggle London. Amongst a crowd of who bustled around shopping for Christmas and New Year's, unaware of the atrocities that had happened in the Magical World.
Neither Bill nor Harry had spoken since leaving Gringotts; it was a weird mixture of slightly awkward and contemplative quietness. Harry had expected Bill to start talking to him about Katie and the attacks, everyone else he knew probably would have…Bill treated him like an adult, and not many people had done that over the years, so when the Weasleysibling asked him about a scarf in the window of a store they had stopped outside of, Harry smiled and chuckled to himself.
"Thanks…" said Harry, glancing up at Bill.
"If you want to talk about it, that's cool…but you've got enough people in your life trying to force you to do things, I don't like it and I wouldn't want it done to me." replied Bill, a small smile appearing on his face.
"She was great…a bit like you actually, didn't care about who I was or what I'd done…she just liked me for me…" said Harry softly, recalling his brief relationship to his mind as he and Bill walked. They continued to walk around MuggleLondon, the conversation moved on to the other people that had lost their lives today. Snow began to fall and eventually got so heavy, Bill and Harry opted to return to Gringotts and back to Bill's office, however when they walked into the back offices of Gringotts, they found several aggravated looking goblins, witches and wizards, with a couple more in the middle of some heated arguments.
"…May I remind you these orders come directly from the Minister of Magic herself." said a wizard, barely taller than the goblin he was arguing with.
"The Ministry has no jurisdiction here, you had no right whatsoever to make such demands public before discussing them with us first." snapped the goblin, fury in his eyes.
"The Goblin Liaison Office was tasked with negotiations…" started the wizard.
"Which were ignored because they were deemed insulting!" retorted the goblin.
"Bloody self-righteous goblin…" muttered the wizard, perhaps louder than he intended.
"Hey!" said Harry and Bill at the same time, as a look of fury crossed all the goblins present. The wizard turned to face Harry and Bill, either not seeing or ignoring the various threatening gazes from the goblins.
"What?" asked the wizard, sneering at them.
"How about not being so insulting for a start." said Bill, stepping forward and closer to the man.
"Sorry, who are you?" asked the wizard.
"This is Bill Weasley, experienced Curse Breaker and Warding Apprentice here at Gringotts." said the goblin, introducing Bill.
"What do you want?" asked the wizard, in a demeaning tone.
"First of all, start treating others with respect…obviously you're not from the Goblin Liaison Office otherwise you would have known insulting a goblin inside Gringotts is a very bad idea. Who are you?" asked Bill, looking down at the small wizard.
"Timothy Pogott, Senior Member of the Ministry for Magic Support Staff…" he stopped for a moment as though Bill was supposed to recognise the name.
"…I'm here representing the Ministry to negotiate the termination and division of known Death Eater accounts." saidPogotts, smugly.
"Why isn't Dirk Cresswell here?" asked Bill.
"Mr Cresswell isn't required." answered a witch sitting down in the corner.
"Well I think as Head of the Goblin Liaison Office he is, you should probably call for the Minister as well, negotiations of this scale and importance should be between the heads of both relevant departments and states." said Bill, looking at the witch coolly.
"And why should we do that?" asked Pogott.
"Because obviously you don't realise the importance of what you're actually doing, successful negotiations between the Ministry of Magic and Goblin Nation wouldn't just mean dividing accounts and vaults, it would represent the Goblins taking a side in the war." said Bill, as though the answer was obvious. Silence fell around everyone at the announcement, Bill and Pogott kept staring at each other until the latter finally spoke up and muttered to the witch behind him.
"Tomorrow, we can arrange for Mr Cresswell and Minister Bones presence then." said Pogott, straightening his striped tie before leaving; the other witches and wizards followed his leave.
"Thank you, Bill." said one of the goblins.
"You're welcome, Splitknife." replied Bill.
"I will make sure Ragnuk the Eighth is aware of the service that you have done for our kind today, I'm sure he will appreciate your dedication to Gringotts and the goblins." said the same goblin, Bill had a look of surprise in his eyes for a moment before giving a slight nod, the goblins dispersed, leaving Bill and Harry alone.
I've got to go to, have a couple things that need to be done…thanks for today." muttered Harry, avoiding eye contact at the last part.
"Don't mention it, any time." replied Bill, they shared a brief glance before Harry opened the door to exit into theGringotts foyer, before turning around and looking at Bill who was stood still.
"Hey…Isn't Ragnuk the Eighth the leader of the goblins?" asked Harry, after wracking his brain for why the name had sounded familiar.
"He is…as if the Ministry actually listened…to me of all people." said Bill, looking slightly bewildered.
"Obviously both sides thought you were qualified to speak on their behalf, otherwise they would have stopped you. You grew up in a Wizarding environment and you've worked at Gringotts and with goblins for the past couple of years, easy to see why they listened to you." surmised Harry.
"I guess…" said Bill, though he still sounded unsure of himself.
"Bill, you did good today…for me, the goblins and the Ministry. You're a great wizard." said Harry, although he wasn't just saying it to Bill, he was telling him.
"Coming from you that means a lot." smiled Bill, making Harry chuckle slightly before walking in to the Gringotts foyer and onto another day.
.
(Scene Break)
Later that evening…
.
"Evening would any of you like something to eat?" asked Mrs Weasley, as Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Emmeline Vance walked into the kitchen of Grimmauld Place.
"Already eaten." said Emmeline, as Tonks and Kingsley politely declined. Mad Eye, Mr Weasley and Sturgis Podmorewere already at the table, a meeting for the Order was made merely minutes after the announcement on the WizardingWireless Network. After a short while, nearly everyone was present and waited on Snape, Remus and Dumbledore, who all walked in mere seconds apart. Dumbledore began speaking the moment he entered the kitchen, accepting a hot mug of tea from Mrs Weasley as sat down at the top of the table.
"Evening, I'm sure you are all aware of why we are here…first I think a moments silence is in order, in respect of the memory of those lost today." Silence fell for a few seconds before Dumbledore spoke again.
"The losses sustained today will impact the magical community more than their physical presence; undoubtedly it will inject fear back into the hearts of witches and wizards throughout the country. Voldemort knows this, his inactivity was a ploy…we just didn't know what it was." said Dumbledore, taking a sip from his mug.
"Why didn't we know about it?" asked Mad-Eye, both eyes looking over to Snape where several other members of the Order had directed their gaze.
"As I've mentioned before, my role within the Dark Lords is complicated. I am not privy to certain information, if I start asking about topics that are not relevant to my position…it would guarantee my death." said Snape, a slight mocking tone in his voice.
"Maybe if you were a little more inquisitive people wouldn't have died today." exclaimed Mr Weasley.
"Exactly, Weasley…maybe…it certainly wouldn't have been a guarantee." replied Snape.
"People died! If there was a chance you could have stopped it from happening, you should have taken it!" said MrWeasley, his face going red with anger.
"I have already sacrificed more than you can comprehend! And there was no indication an attack of this magnitude was going to happen, which solidifies my point that I am not fully trusted amongst the Dark Lords ranks." snapped Snape, looking over at Dumbledore.
"You have made that clear, Severus. However your value as a spy within Voldemort's ranks is too high, I have trust in your abilities." said Dumbledore, in a calm voice.
"I don't know about the MLE Department, the Auror office has been swamped from the press about what the Minister meant by extending our rights in the field." announced Kingsley, in a low voice.
"What does that mean exactly?" asked Sturgis Podmore.
"Probably means less authorisation will required for raids and checks, maybe even clearing the use of lethal force in certain situations, but I'm just as in the dark as everyone else." replied Kingsley.
"Where is Bill? I had hoped to ask him about the goblins reaction." said Dumbledore, watching people look around the room in the hopes another might have an explanation.
"He's probably just late, his job is so demanding…they ask too much of him…" said Mrs Weasley, appearing slightly flustered.
"Goblins have remained neutral for centuries, agreeing to dividing Death Eater gold and property would amount to taking a side in Voldemort's eyes. Amelia has taken quite a risk…" said Dumbledore, a look of worry in his eyes.
"Risk?" asked Mr Weasley, looking confused.
"I think it was a little presumptuous for the Minister to announce something so controversial to the public when all details haven't been confirmed. It could easily backfire." said Dumbledore, resting his head on his fingertips.
"What makes you think all the details of the negotiations haven't been confirmed?" asked Mr Weasley.
"I would have been made aware of the situation." said Dumbledore, as though it were simple.
"Goblins are cunning, they won't agree to anything unless they get what they want." grumbled Mad-Eye, eyeing a plate of biscuits on the table with suspicion.
"But they're also clever, I think the goblins have realised they won't be able to stay neutral this time. You-Know-Who either wants someone to serve him, or wants them dead. Goblins are too proud to be told what to do, an alliance would help both sides." said Tonks, putting her opinion forward.
"The attacks have also shown us something else… that is Harry Potter is not safe with Voldemort so active and destructive." quipped Dumbledore, as though trying to make subtle reminder to the fact Harry was still missing. The kitchen went awkwardly quiet, the last time this subject had been brought up some Order members had walked out.
"He isn't as vulnerable and immature as you think, Albus. After what has happened today, don't you think we should focus our priorities on something else." said Remus, looking slightly more worn than usual due to the upcoming full moon.
"I wouldn't normally agree with, Lupin…nobody is aware to the fact that the boy is missing, he is under the impression that Potter is here, any mention that his whereabouts are unknown would alert the Dark Lord and provoke a manhunt to find him…He has evaded your attempts to locate him, Albus…not to mention the efforts of some Order members, our resources would be much better spent on something else." mumbled Snape, in a bored tone.
"But Harry's at risk, he's too young to be out there on his own." cried Mrs Weasley.
"Potter managed to outwit half a dozen Order members with nothing more than Granger and Longbottom as his accomplices." sniffed Snape, as though it were a throwaway comment. Though the mocking undertones were perfectly clear as the Order members the Potions Master mentioned glared at him, though he merely sneered at the reactions.
"Severus…" muttered Dumbledore, warningly.
"Why do you portray Harry as such a reckless, childish person? I think he has more than earned his right to a little freedom." snapped Remus, looking at Dumbledore angrily.
"I only want Harry to be here so I can guarantee his safety, and I can only ensure that under my protection." counteredDumbledore.
"Have you stopped to think what Harry wants?" asked Tonks, her question seemed to come from out of the blue as everyone either stopped to think or look at Tonks, surprised she would question Dumbledore.
"He is just a boy…" started Mrs Weasley.
"Harry has got more experience dealing with Death Eaters than most of the Order, he has faced You-Know-Who more times than anyone else…I think he can protect himself." said Tonks, looking around the faces of the Order to see what they thought.
"I think he can…" said Remus, after a few seconds of silence. A couple other members murmured their agreement, with a couple more silently thinking the same thing.
"Harry has much to learn, he has yet to understand his role in this war…" said Dumbledore, in a seemingly omniscient tone.
"If Voldemort doesn't know Potter is missing then he'll be alright, the boys smart Albus, and a damned good wizard…you should let him be his own man for a while if you want him to listen to you." said Mad-Eye, both eyes focused on the aged warlock.
"I can see the Order is still divided on this matter, perhaps we should end things here before we have a repeat of how the last meeting ended." said Dumbledore, who without another word stood up and left.
"I can't believe Dumbledore thinks Harry is this unstable time-bomb, like he's out there looking for Death Eaters or something." said Remus, exasperated.
"That'd be a headline maker…Harry Potter – Death Eater Bounty Hunter…" laughed Fred, his comment making a few people smile.
"Nobody can hide from The-Boy-Who-Lived…" said George, putting on a dark, scary voice to add to the effect.
"That's quite enough you two…it's not something to joke about." snapped Mrs Weasley.
"Sorry…" said Fred and George in unison, standing up to leave.
"Where are you going?" asked Mrs Weasley.
"We need to get measured for robes and pick out a wreath, for Katie's funeral…" said Fred, sombrely. The pair turned and walked out before Mrs Weasley could form a response.
.
Meanwhile, across the country and miles out at sea…
.
"I am sure all of you will be aware about the 'repercussions' of last night's attacks, the Minister of Magic is being very bold…my sources have informed me that this peace deal between the Ministry and goblins has not been reached, though Gringotts has agreed to suspend the accounts of known Death Eaters…I can see that this displeases some of you, perhaps it casts a doubt on your decision to fight for our cause, Malfoy?" said Voldemort, in his high-pitched voice.
"Not at all, my Lord…" replied Lucius Malfoy, almost instantaneously.
"Good…Minister Bones thinks that hitting our finances will cease our desire to eradicate the filth and mudbloods from our world, if Bones wants to waste time on an alliance with lesser beings like goblins then she is more foolish than I thought. She thinks threats of lethal force will make you think twice about being in my service…prove her wrong or suffer my wrath." snarled Voldemort, eyes narrowing and flashing red as he stood in the middle of the assembled circle of Death Eaters.
"You have noticed, we have some additions to our ranks…they assisted in the attacks with several of the inner circle and have proved their loyalty to me…step forward and raise your sleeves gentleman…" seconds later, screams could be heard echoing around the halls of Azkaban…
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Scene Break
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Harry had got back from Godrics Hollow village, although it inhabited several wizarding families it was still primarily amuggle village. He cast several self-transfiguration charms on himself just in case someone did recognise him, and spent the afternoon walking around the village itself and around the surrounding countryside, he had a freedom to bealone with his thoughts that he had never known and found that he like it a great deal.
After wandering around for a good few hours, he returned to the village and bought a stack of food and drink that he could place Stasis Charms on and eat over the holidays, assuring the friendly checkout assistant he could carry it all himself, walked out of the store and around the corner so he would be out of sight and could shrink and cast a Feather Light Charm on it all. After a hearty supper and packing everything away, Harry decided to call it a night and went to bed, falling asleep seconds after his head hit the pillow.
He woke up rather early the next day to a rather unpleasant sound; an owl was rampantly pecking the bedroom window. Harry hurried over to open it and was hooted at quite angrily from the regal looking Tawny. The parchment had the wax seal of Gringotts, which made sense as Fierceclaw was the only person that could write to him at the moment. The protections added to the house meant only people Harry told his address to could send him mail, and even then the letters would be screened extensively to get rid of cursed mail or unwanted portkey.
Mr Potter,
Bill Weasley arrived at my office this morning to ask if I would be so kind to send a letter on his behalf to you, it is a matter of urgency and after checking the letter myself as a precaution, I agreed to forward the mail.
Fierceclaw
Harry felt his stomach clench at the word 'urgency' and flicked over to the second piece of parchment.
Harry,
Sorry if this has woken you up but it's quite important. Ragnuk the Eighth was told about my involvement in yesterday's negotiations and apparently is quite impressed. He's asked that I appear with the goblins to represent them as a kind of ambassador; it's kind of unheard of… Anyway, I requested for someone appear with me because I'm completely out of my depth and after yesterday I thought who better than someone who has the same moral principles as me, I talked to Fierceclaw and he agreed that you'd be the best person for it. So can I ask a huge favour and can you come to Gringotts and help me out. Meetings at 11:00AM, wear something smart.
Thanks, Bill.
Harry was half-smiling and half-shocked at the letter, of course he would help out Bill but he was surprised all the same. He checked the clock and saw he had more than enough time to have a run and a big breakfast.
And an hour and a half later, Harry was walking into the Gringotts foyer. No photographers or reporters were outside, so the negotiations had obviously been kept secret as it seemed like an ordinary day. He was met by a nervous looking Bill, who was wearing dark grey dress-robes that had none of the splendour or hideousness that could be associated with past dress-robes Weasley's wore.
"Thanks, Harry…Knew you'd come…" said Bill, his voice had a forced calmness to it.
"Bill, chill out." muttered Harry, walking with Bill into the back of Gringotts, taking a completely new path through the maze of halls to wherever the negotiations were scheduled to happen.
"In ten minutes, the most powerful witches and wizards in the Ministry and the most powerful goblins in the Goblin Nation are due to meet in a historic encounter to negotiate a treaty that generations have been unable to solve, with me and you acting as ambassadors." whispered Bill, his face going pale.
"Well when you put it like that you can make anything sound dramatic." said Harry, though he also felt slightly anxious now. They walked in silence before reaching a corridor that had a row of doors on either side with professional, business looking boardrooms; they kept on walking before stopping at the final one and entered.
It was empty inside; the table was made out of some dark metallic material, with marble floors and a series of crystal chandeliers floating in the air. Golden statues were in every corner, all were abstracts that had small plaques underneath them.
"Fancy…" commented Harry, looking at Bill who had a look on his face hat seemed to say 'get serious'.
"Come one, Bill…if you start kissing up to anyone, I will wandlessly vanish all your clothes." threatened Harry.
"You wouldn't dare…" said Bill, though he looked slightly afraid.
"Just be yourself, that's what you were yesterday and that's what got you here, you act differently than you look like an idiot." said Harry, his words seemed to calm Bill down and as everyone arrived and chatted informally, was soon back to his normal self.
"Mr Potter, I was told to expect your presence." said a voice behind him.
"Minister Bones, nice to see you." smiled Harry, turning around and offering the hand that the Minister had put forward.
"You also, I'm sorry to hear about your schoolmates…such a tragedy." muttered Bones, giving him a consoling look.
"Thank you, I hope everything goes smoothly today." said Harry, looking over at a pair of goblins that seemed to besquabbling over the seating arrangements.
"As do I, though I must ask…how did Bill Weasley and yourself get involved, not that I am objecting of course, from what I hear my representatives were being inconsiderate to say the least." said Bones, annoyance on her face.
"I'd say more idiotic than inconsiderate…Bill and I had gone for a walk around Muggle London after hearing the news, when we came back we walked into bedlam and Bill diffused the situation." replied Harry, watching Bill shake hands with one of the goblins.
"So Bill and yourself are good friends?" asked Bones.
"Very good friends, Minister." smiled Harry, bowing his head slightly as proceedings looked to begin.
"Good afternoon everyone, Minister Bones and associates…I welcome you to Gringotts on behalf of the Goblin Nation, may today be the starting point to a long a fruitful friendship." said the goblin, smiling toothily.
"Ragnuk the Eighth asks for everyone to be seated for his arrival." said the other goblin; Harry sat down in his indicated seat which was directly across from Bill They sat directly in the middle, with goblins on the right hand side, Ministry officials on the left. Harry did a mental headcount and saw each side would have five representatives.
The Ministry had the Minister for Magic, Head of the Goblin Liaison Office, and three unknown wizards that Harry guessed were either Advisors or other Heads of Departments. Harry only recognised Fierceclaw on the goblin side, with three other goblins of unknown status and an empty seat for Ragnuk which was soon filled as Ragnuk the Eighth entered. He was the oldest looking goblin Harry had ever seen; he moved slowly but with grace and commanded respect.
"Shall we get started?" Bill asked the question to the room after Ragnuk had sat down and the silence had gone on for too long.
Harry soon stopped trying to remember everything he could about goblins he had learnt in History of Magic and just concentrated on staying polite and as well-spoken as he could. He would never truly understand what is role ever was, but kept on task in reminding everyone to be respectful and reasonable. He was asked how goblins would fare in aVoldemort controlled regime, his opinion on the outlook of the war and if goblins could stay neutral in the wizarding war.
Bill turned out to be something of an expert in Goblin history and Ministry politics, building up a rapport with DirkCresswell and Minister Bones, as well as Ragnuk the Eighth who seemed particularly impressed with Bill's historical knowledge.
Essentially the negotiations would boil down to dividing the gold in the vaults, goblin rights and implementing plans for witches, wizards and goblins to fight side by side when the time came. All of which were agreed upon by mid-afternoon,in the event that someone who was not at all sympathetic to Voldemort could not be found, all gold would be split by half between the Ministry and Goblin Nation, with all properties and heirlooms sold at auction and the amount split evenly also. All goblin-made items would go to the Goblin Nation, and all items crafted by witches and wizards would also go to the Ministry. Goblins would receive extra rights, with those who wished to have a career in the Ministry able to pursue it, in exchange for the number of positions a witch or wizard could hold at Gringotts increased. After that it was all talk about wizard/goblin battalions and training Goblins in more magic, and witches and wizards being trained in Goblin warfare.
It had been a long day and after the goodbyes, Harry and Bill left together.
"You owe me." said Harry, ignoring the rumbling in his stomach.
"We just helped make history…" exclaimed Bill, though the look on Harry's face didn't share Bill's jubilation.
"Fine, Dinner this weekend, with me and Fleur. She really wants to 'catch up'…her words not mine." laughed Bill, undoing his tie and top button.
"Okay, owl me the details…for now I need to have something to eat and sleep." laughed Harry, bidding Bill farewell and exited the bank, Flooing home for a late lunch and a nap.
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End of Chapter
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Apologies for the delay, been battling with some personal issues and problems. Really debated about some of the content in this chapter, hope you all like it.
AbolishedPenguinWriter.