Harry Potter: World at War
Chapter 45: The Stag Party
Harry slowly forced his eyes open, taking in the dark figure looming over him. Thorfinn Rowle was dressed in Death Eater robes, but he was unmasked, his blond hair framing the cruel smile on his face. "You should have just given in," Rowle said darkly, his knuckles whitening around the handle of his wand. "Now I'll have to get the answer from you the hard way.
A piercing scream tore from Harry's throat as his battered body spasmed violently against the chains restraining him. Rowle only held the curse for a few moments, but Harry still slumped against his restraints as soon as the curse was lifted.
"Let's try this again," Rowle sneered, punctuating the statement with a jab of his wand. "After you killed him the first time, he was able to come back. Tell me how to do it!"
Harry forced himself to lift his head and meet Rowle's gaze, despite his protesting muscles. "Bite me."
A look of fury crossed Rowle's face, and his wand flicked, almost too fast for Harry to track. "Ictus!"
Harry grunted as the spell struck him across the left cheek. He could feel his skin swelling from the blow, and his glasses were knocked off, the frames skidding across the floor. His teeth cut into his tongue, and his mouth swiftly filled with the familiar taste of blood. Harry retched, spewing blood and bile across his cell, and slumped against his bonds, fighting to catch his breath.
"Don't play with me, Potter." Rowle growled, a manic gleam in his eye. "I have no qualms about torturing you until you give me what I want."
"I'm sure if Voldemort wanted to be brought back, he'd come find you." Harry spat. "Until then you should be on your best behavior. You don't want to go against your master's orders."
"Crucio!"
Harry screamed as Rowle's curse set in, and it was only moments before he slipped into unconsciousness.
*****HP: WAW*****
"Is he awake yet?"
"I'm not sure, we rennervated him. But your Stunner was pretty strong."
Harry's head pounded as he tried to make sense of the voices swimming above him. The first one was high and airy, and the second one was much deeper. Both were familiar, but Harry couldn't place them. His body was aching, and his heart beat faster as memories of the night before came back to him. Was he back with the Death Eaters?
"Well, it's not my fault!" The first voice complained. "Bellatrix had him distracted. I didn't expect him to land on his head!"
There was a pause. And then. "Do you think we can trust her? I know that Bill said that she's actually good. But still. . ."
"It'll be fine Neville," The airy voice said. "Harry trusts her. And Bill seems to. Besides, if she was going to hurt Harry, she would have done it instead of dropping him off here."
Neville? He wasn't a Death Eater. Harry forced his eyes open, and winced at the bright light streaming into the room. He reminded himself that there hadn't been any light in Rowle's dungeons, and tried to push the painful memories away.
"Harry! You're awake!"
Harry blinked rapidly, trying to adjust his vision as he took in the sight of his godbrother. "Nev?"
Neville Longbottom grinned widely. "That's right. Luna's here too."
"Hello Harry," Luna said, waving. "Sorry about Stunning you!"
Harry gingerly touched his forehead, and winced as he grazed the swollen bump. "That was you?"
"It's your stag party!" Luna said cheerily. "We wanted it to be a surprise, so we convinced Bellatrix to drop you off unexpectedly. The Stunner was just for added effect."
Harry closed his eyes, trying to process everything. "Luna. You know that stag parties are usually the day before the wedding. Mine isn't for another week."
"That's what makes it a surprise!" Luna said eagerly. "We didn't want you to know it was coming, so we decided to do it early."
"Do me a favor, and never do that again." Harry groaned, sitting up. He knew he hadn't actually been tortured, but his body trembled with a phantom pain. "I thought I was with the Death Eaters again."
A pained look crossed Neville's face. "Sorry Harry. We weren't thinking. How are you feeling?"
"Like hell," Harry said honestly. "It's hardly the first time I've dreamed about it. It. . .it wasn't pleasant."
"What did they do to you Harry?" Luna whispered, surprisingly lucidly.
Harry shook his head. "You don't want to know." He forced a smile, and climbed to his feet, taking in the area around him. He had been lying on a Conjured mattress, on the floor of a large warehouse. "Where are we?"
"A warehouse near the Muggle side of Ottery St. Catchpole." Neville explained. "Luna's dad owns it, and mentioned that we could use it occasionally. I'm not sure that this is what he had in mind, but it works."
"Daddy expected you to take me here and have your way with me," Luna said, wrapping an arm around Neville's waist.
Neville blushed crimson. "Wh-why would he think that?"
Luna waved him off. "He just likes to follow the old ways. Deflowering a virgin can have many positive benefits for a building. It strengthens wards, and helps drive away common pests, amongst other things."
Harry shook his head again, smiling despite himself. "So, if this is my stag party, what's the plan?"
"Well, the Veela missed their Portkey," Neville laughed. "So, we decided to do a smaller party instead. This is just a holding area so that we could surprise you."
"Next time, just skip the surprise part," Harry muttered.
Luna looked ashamed, and averted her eyes. Harry felt a small pang of guilt, but roughly shoved it aside.
"We've got a few stops planned," Neville said, interrupting the awkward silence. "But, today's on you, so we can leave whenever you're ready."
"Who all is coming with us?" Harry asked. He wasn't sure he was up to handling a large group of their classmates, especially after his abrupt start to the morning.
"Well, it was going to be a surprise," Neville said. "But, considering how everything went last night, we'll just go ahead and tell you."
"Thanks for that," Harry grunted. "What time is it anyway?"
"A little before 10:00." Neville answered. "You were out for hours. It scared the hell out of us."
"Me too," Harry said, his dream swimming back to the surface of his mind. "I thought I was back in Rowle Manor until I realized that it was light in here and saw you two."
"Sorry about that," Neville said again. "We just wanted to get the jump on you so we had a chance to set everything up. We didn't think that you would react quite like that."
"Try getting tortured by Death Eaters for a few days and see how you react to an ambush." Harry snapped. He sighed, and pushed his frustration and anger aside. "I'm sorry. The memories . . . they just caught me by surprise."
"Don't worry about it Harry," Luna said quietly. "It's our fault."
Neville nodded his agreement. "Absolutely. And it won't happen again."
A long pause stretched between them, until Neville spoke again. "So, we did invite a few of your friends, but we know you aren't a fan of large groups, so we wanted to keep it small. It'll be me, you, Bill and anyone else that you want to invite. Luna is helping Daphne with Pansy's hen party, so she'll be leaving in a few minutes."
"Honestly, that's probably everyone," Harry said, trying to think. "Unless Ron's behavior has changed?"
Neville hesitated. "I'm not sure. He hasn't said anything else about your . . . about you. I think he's worried that Mrs. Weasley will tear into him again. But, I'm not sure what he actually believes."
Harry sighed. Ron had been his first real friend, and he wanted to stay friends with the boy. Unfortunately, it seemed that Ron was determined to do differently. "What do you think Luna? You're usually very perceptive."
"Ronald is confused." Luna said after a moment's contemplation. "Confused and angry. And he's riddled with guilt. It is easier for him to blame you instead of accepting what happened to Hermione."
"Then I probably shouldn't invite him," Harry said reluctantly.
Luna nodded solemnly.
"Enough of this!" Neville said, with an obviously forced smile. "Today is a day of celebration. Let's get started."
Luna turned and kissed Neville, whispering something quietly in his ear. Harry stood back, awkwardly looking away. He felt like he was intruding on an intimate moment, and he was grateful that he couldn't hear what was being said. Luna and Neville kissed again, and then separated.
"Bill left us a Portkey to the first location." Neville said, his head held high despite the blush that had crept up his neck. He held out a silver baton, and Harry grasped the far end.
"Potter's Party!" Neville said firmly.
Harry braced himself as the Portkey activated. He felt the magic hook just behind his navel, and pull him forward in a howl of wind and swirling color. Harry squeezed his eyes shut, and gripped the baton tighter. He bent his knees as the pull lessened, and hit the ground with a grunt.
"Alright there Harry?" Neville asked.
Harry opened his eyes. "Merlin, I hate Portkeys." He groaned. "I never thought I'd say this, but I'd rather Apparate."
"Portkeys are like any other kind of travel," Neville shrugged. "You get used to them."
"Where are we anyway?" Harry asked, looking around. They were standing in a dark room with a low ceiling that was only a few centimeters above his head. There were no windows, and the rocky walls gave Harry the impression they were in a cavern. Aside from a few candles flickering in gold fixtures, the room was dark and full of shadows.
"I'll leave that to Bill," Neville said. He glanced down at his watch. "His Portkey was tied to ours, so it should be arriving any minute now."
Harry nodded, and glanced around the small room again. It was bare aside from the gold sconces, and there didn't seem to be a door, or even a path out of the room.
The air next to them started to shimmer, and Neville pointed at it. "That's Bill now."
After a brief moment, the area flashed with a multi-colored light, and Bill dropped onto the ground with a harsh grunt, a keyring clutched in between his fingers. "Good to see you Harry. You too Neville."
"Rough trip?" Harry asked, helping the redhead back to his feet.
"You could say that." Bill agreed, climbing back to his feet. "I nearly missed the Portkey, and had to dive for it right before it went off. Let's just say it would have been difficult to get here without it."
"Speaking of, where is here?" Harry asked.
"You don't recognize it?" Bill asked, a broad grin spreading across his face. "We're in Gringotts. Or rather under where Gringotts used to be. This is the goblin city of—" Bill's face contorted, and a harsh rasping sound escaped his lips. "It means "The Golden City"."
"Why are we in . . ." Harry paused, trying to replicate the sound Bill had made. After a moment, he gave up. "Why are we here?"
Bill clapped him on the shoulder. "It's your stag party! When I firecalled Ragnok to request today off, he offered to give us an experience that is almost unheard of. The Goblin Nation is hosting your stag party!"
Harry was floored, and he knew that his surprise was evident in his expression. "Ragnok offered to host us?"
"He did," Bill confirmed. "Today is actually a goblin holiday. They had a few events scheduled, and Ragnok invited us to attend. Well, he actually invited you. The rest of us were invited to tag along, but it was very clearly an invitation for you."
"I will make certain to thank Ragnok." Harry said quietly, still stunned by the revelation. "It's unexpected, but it is definitely an honor."
Bill nodded. "You may not realize quite how much of one it actually is. There hasn't been a wizard invited to a goblin holiday in . . . decades at least. I think Dumbledore might have gone to one in his youth, but I doubt many others have. You made quite an impression on Ragnok."
"Bill's right," Neville added. "This doesn't happen. Not to anyone. The goblins are incredibly private, and many of them do not like outsiders. Director Ragnok might be the only one that has the political clout needed to invite you in the first place."
"Well then, let's not keep them waiting any longer." Harry said, his stomach fluttering with nerves. "Where are we going?"
Bill walked over one of the walls, and ran his hand along it. "There should be a switch . . . aha! Here it is!"
"The welcoming chambers like this one usually require a blood sacrifice," Bill said, frowning. "It used to weed out those who are considered too "weak" to pay the price. Ragnok offered to bypass it for us, b—"
"No," Harry said firmly. "If he stuck his neck out this far, then we'll follow the goblin traditions. I don't want to make anything more difficult for him than it is already."
"That's exactly what I told him you'd say," Bill said, with a knowing smile. "We'll each need to cut our hand and press the blood to this rock." Bill tapped a small rock that was jutting out a little further than the rocks beside it.
"You'll need to use this," Bill added, drawing a gold dagger from the folds of his robes, and handing it to Harry.
Harry accepted the dagger wordlessly, and pulled it across his palm in a single smooth gesture. He didn't flinch as the cold metal bit into his skin; instead, he squeezed his hand together, forcing more blood out of the cut. He let it drip down his hand, and splatter against the rock that Bill had indicated. The blood steamed and hissed, and the rock briefly flashed a deep crimson, before returning to normal.
"It accepted you," Bill said quietly. "Neville?"
Harry passed Neville the dagger, and wandlessly healed his bleeding palm. The flesh knitted back together, leaving only a thin white line behind.
Neville slashed his hand with the dagger, and squeezed his fist together, letting a line of blood run down his hand, and onto the rock. The rock flashed crimson again, and Neville handed Bill the knife.
"Could you take care of this?" Neville asked sheepishly, holding his bleeding hand up. "I don't know any healing spells."
"I'll do yours and mine at the same time," Bill said, using the dagger to cut open his own palm. He pressed his bloody hand against the rock, and a low hum started to sound through the dark cavern.
Bill removed his hand from the crimson rock, and a large section of the wall slowly ground open, revealing a long tunnel. Bill waved his wand, and wordlessly healed both his cut and Neville's.
"Lead the way, Harry," Bill said, waving him ahead. "You're the one that they want to see."
Harry smiled wryly, and entered the tunnel. Candles lit as he passed, illuminating the tunnel and brightening the path. The ceiling was very low, and several times, he felt it brush against the top of his hair. The tunnel was sloping down, and Harry idly wondered how far below ground they were.
After a few minutes of walking, the tunnel opened out to a large rocky chamber. Ragnok was standing in the lobby, clad in thick golden armor. A sheathed sword hung at his waist, and he was framed by two hulking goblins, larger than any Harry had seen before. One had a wicked-looking battleaxe strapped to his back, and the other had two daggers sheathed on his side.
"Harry, it is a pleasure to meet with you again," Ragnok said, holding out his hand. "Welcome to the Golden City."
"You honor me with your invitation, Director," Harry said, striving to sound as formal as possible as he shook Ragnok's clawed hand. "Your generosity is unprecedented."
"We are honored to have you as our guest," Ragnok said, with a broad smile that revealed his teeth. "And please, continue to call me Ragnok."
"Certainly Ragnok," Harry agreed. He gestured towards the others. "You know Bill of course, and this is my godbrother, Neville Longbottom."
"Welcome, both of you," Ragnok said, shaking each of their hands in turn. "I am delighted that we could host you and your friends today, Harry. As Bill might have mentioned to you, today is one of the Nation's most important holidays. In the year 1247, a goblin by the name of Gringott ruled our people. One day, Gringott was approached by a wizard named Andrius who wanted to buy our land from us and start a new wizarding settlement. Gringott refused, and turned Andrius away."
Ragnok scowled. "In the middle of the night, Andrius and a small group of witches and wizards snuck into our settlement, and attempted to take our land by force. Gringott ordered the rest of our people to evacuate, while the guards held off the invaders."
"Gringott and his guards repelled Andrius' attack force, and suffered only one casualty." Ragnok continued. "Gringott himself. The youngest guard was a goblin named Earnuk, who had been ordered to evacuate with the others. Earnuk snuck back into the ranks to help defend his home, and in the heat of the battle, Andrius attempted to curse him. Gringott intercepted the curse, and killed Andrius himself, but was mortally wounded."
"We created a holiday to honor Gringott's sacrifice," Ragnok explained. "And when our bank was founded in 1474, we named it after Gringott. This is the most important holiday on the goblin calendar, and we celebrate it with a festival of goblin culture."
"Thank you for sharing the story of this holiday," Harry said. "I am sure that knowing the significance of the holiday will allow us to better enjoy the festivities that your people host."
Ragnok nodded his agreement, and turned around. "Follow me, the first event will be starting soon."
Harry and the others quickly fell into line behind Ragnok. His two guards silently led the way through another series of tunnels.
After a few moments, Harry spoke again. "What events do you have planned, Ragnok?"
"The vast majority of our festival will be running for the entire day," Ragnok said. "But the opening ceremony is a gladiator match between two of our finest warriors. It's our way of showing that Gringott's sacrifice led to a stronger Goblin Nation."
Harry heard Bill gasp behind him, but he didn't acknowledge it. "I am certain that it will be an enjoyable spectacle," Harry said.
"It will be," Ragnok confirmed, as they rounded another corner in the tunnel. "Bogluff and Argit are both incredible warriors, among the best in the Nation's history. They have been preparing for this event for much of the past year."
Ragnok lifted one short arm, and gestured ahead to a large pair of golden doors. "Our box is right here. Gorlus?"
The goblin nodded, and removed the large axe from his back. Gorlus slowly pushed open the golden doors, and entered the box, letting the door close behind him. After a moment, the doors swung open again, and Gorlus replaced his axe.
"The room is clear, my King," Gorlus growled, bowing low. "You are free to enter."
"Thank you, Gorlus," Ragnok said. "Please take Rodkor and escort Dartpike here as well. He is very much looking forward to attending the bout."
"As you wish, my King," Gorlus agreed. He and the other guard quickly took off down the tunnel.
"Dartpike is my mate," Ragnok explained as he led Harry and the others past the golden doors and into an ornate suite. "He is quite interested in meeting you Harry."
Harry didn't need Bill's shocked gasp to tell him that this was not a common offer. "I would be honored to speak with him," He said.
"He should be arriving shortly." Ragnok said, smiling broadly. He gestured around them. "In the meantime, please, make yourselves at home. This is my private box for events that take place in our arena. Before the festival begins, we will move out onto the alcove so that I may address the Nation."
Harry took a seat on a plush couch, and Neville sat beside him. Bill dropped into an armchair, staring blankly into the fireplace.
"Mr. Weasley, is everything alright?" Ragnok asked.
Bill started. "I'm doing just fine Director." He said hurriedly. "I'm just . . . surprised. I've worked among goblins for close to a decade, and I have never seen a human be accepted as easily as Harry is."
"I was wondering the same thing," Harry admitted, and Neville nodded his agreement.
Ragnok smiled. "Harry, I doubt you realize just how unique of a wizard you are. You've taken great care not to offend me or my people at every turn, you helped defend Gringotts when it was under attack, and most importantly, you treat us as your equals. Most humans, even the well-meaning ones, will treat a goblin much like they do a House-Elf. A sentient being certainly, but one that is below wizards."
"The prejudice is not one-sided," Ragnok admitted. "Many goblins harbor a resentment towards humans, even those that do treat us as equals. It is a bitterness that taints every interaction. But you, Harry, you see past our differences. You treat all sentient beings as your equal, and you have no problem doing so. When Mr. Weasley came to me requesting time off in order to help you celebrate your engagement, I seized the opportunity, and invited you along."
Harry started to speak, but Ragnok cut him off. "Please, you do not need to thank me. Your presence is as much an honor to us, as our invitation was to you."
The golden doors swung open, and Gorlus and Rodkor entered the room, with a cloaked figure trailing behind them.
"Thank you, Gorlus, Rodkor," The cloaked figure said, his voice deep and gravelly. "You may return to your stations."
The two guards both bowed, and silently swept out of the room. Ragnok stepped forward, and took the cloaked figure's hands. "It is good to see you Dartpike."
Dartpike shook his head, causing his hood to fall back. He was even shorter than Ragnok, and had the same clever face, pointed ears, and a long nose. The two goblins brushed their noses together, and Harry felt compelled to look away. It was unmistakably an intimate gesture for their kind.
"Dartpike, I'd like to introduce you to Lord Harry Potter-Black," Ragnok said, and Harry's eyes snapped back to the goblins.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Dartpike," Harry said, shaking his clawed hand.
"Likewise," Dartpike agreed. "Ragnok has told me much about you, Harry."
"This is Bill Weasley, one of our best curse-breakers," Ragnok said. "And Neville Longbottom, an associate of Harry."
Dartpike smiled, and greeted both of them in turn.
"The games are set to begin shortly my dear," Ragnok said, offering Dartpike his arm. "Could you do the honors for our guests?"
Dartpike clicked his fingers, and a blue spark danced on his fingertips. "Please hold out your right arms."
Harry complied, and Dartpike's hand closed around Harry's wrist. Harry clenched his teeth as the spark sank into his skin with a slight tingle.
Dartpike did the same to Neville, but Bill shook his head. "I already understand enough Gobbledygook for this," Bill explained. "I don't need the translator charm."
Dartpike nodded. "Then we're ready to go. Ragnok?"
Ragnok led Harry and the others through another pair of doors, and out onto a large alcove. There was a large ornate throne dominating the center of the platform, and four plush armchairs were placed on either side of it.
The scene below them reminded Harry of a Muggle sports stadium. There were rows and rows of bleachers surrounding a large pit that was sunk into the ground. Thousands of goblins were already seated, and when the doors swung open they rose up and began cheering.
Ragnok stood in front of the throne, and gestured for Harry and the others to take a seat. Slowly, the crowd subsided, and Ragnok began to speak, his voice magically-enhanced to echo throughout the arena.
"Welcome to the 543rd annual Gringott Day!"
It was an interesting experience to hear the guttural rasping of Gobbledygook, and then the soft translation a few moments later. Harry sat in rapt attention as Ragnok continued.
"The Nation is honored to give Lord Harry James Potter-Black and his friends the chance to attend our festivities today. They are truly friends of the Nation, and their presence is welcome on our most important holiday."
A hush fell over the crowd, and Harry could feel every eye on him. He swallowed nervously, and lifted one hand in a silent wave of acknowledgement.
Ragnok waited for Harry's hand to lower before he spoke again. "Today, we honor the sacrifice of our ancestor; without Gringott, the Nation would not exist! To start our festivities, two of our greatest warriors, Bogluff and Argit will host an exhibition match. For Gringotts and the Nation!"
"For Gringotts and the Nation!" The crowd roared back.
"Let the games begin!"
There was a loud grinding sound, and the two gates on either end of the pit rose up, revealing two long dark tunnels. There was a soft clatter that grew steadily louder, until two large shapes emerged from the tunnels, leaping into the pit with a blur of movement.
The crowd cheered loudly, and as the shapes crashed down onto the rocky floor, they finally slowed enough for Harry to get a good look at one. It was a massive boar, clad in ornate bronze armor, with an armored goblin mounted on its back. The goblin held a lengthy spear in one hand, and the other was tightly gripping the reigns. Harry also saw several other weapons strapped to the boar's side.
Bill leaned in closer to him. "The goblins import these boar from Africa. Each one weighs over 250 kilos. They're big enough for goblins to ride, even with all their armor, but I wouldn't recommend trying it. They can be very vicious."
The second boar was dressed in silver armor, and the goblin riding it carried a long halberd. Slowly, the two mounts started to circle one another, and the bronze rider lunged forward with his spear. It was easily deflected, and the silver rider pressed his advantage, taking a quick swipe with his halberd, severing the other goblin's reigns.
"Argit is the one in silver armor," Ragnok said, speaking in English. "That was a very clever move, without intact reigns, Bogluff won't be able to control his boar."
Ragnok's words proved prophetic, and suddenly the bronze boar was charging, closing the distance between the two riders in a matter of moments. Harry could see that Bogluff was shouting commands, but he couldn't make them out over the deafening sound of the crowd.
Suddenly, Bogluff was moving again, leaping off of his mount, a deadly look in his eye. A hollow clang sounded as Bogluff tackled Argit, knocking him off of the boar and onto the ground. Harry couldn't see what Bogluff was doing, but the crowd suddenly booed, and Bogluff stood back up, clutching Argit's silver halberd. The abandoned boar turned and fled back down the dark tunnels, leaving Bogluff looming over Argit.
Bogluff's arm drew back, and a sudden sharp whistle sounded, somehow piercing the din of the crowd. Argit's silver-armored boar charged, and Bogluff was sent skidding across the rocks, dropping the halberd. Argit dove for the abandoned weapon, scooping it up and rolling back to his feet in a single fluid motion.
The crowd cheered again, and Harry quickly realized that Argit was the fan-favorite, and that the vast majority of the crowd wanted him to win. Argit whistled again, and his boar backed off, letting Bogluff rise back to his feet, his abandoned spear still far out of reach.
Bogluff glanced at his spear, and then suddenly charged forward. Argit reacted instantly, slashing at the other goblin with his halberd. Bogluff blocked the blade with his forearm, sending sparks flying up across the golden gauntlet. At the same time, Bogluff's other hand reached for his waist, and there was suddenly a gleaming dagger clenched in his fist.
One clawed hand closed around Argit's halberd, keeping the deadly silver blade under control, and the other arm snapped forward in a blur of movement, opening up a thin wound on Argit's cheek, directly below his left eye. Argit grunted as the golden blade bit into his cheek, and a thin line of green blood oozed from the wound.
With a sudden display of force, Argit twisted the halberd free of Bogluff's grasp, and spun the weapon around, striking the other goblin's ribs with the halberd's shaft. Bogluff stumbled back, despite the protective armor, and Argit pressed forward, stabbing the pointed tip of his weapon into Bogluff's shoulder, the spike punching through the ornate armor with ease.
Argit pulled the halberd free, and swung it again, smashing the flat side of his blade on Bogluff's temple. The goblin dropped to the ground, and Argit proudly marched forward. He planted his silver boot on Bogluff's blood-stained chest, and lightly rested the halberd's spike against his throat.
It was suddenly silent, and Harry leaned in closer as Bogluff opened his mouth. "I yield."
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, and Argit stepped back, and took a deep bow, a broad grin stretched across his face. Slowly, Bogluff climbed back to his feet, and he held out his hand. Argit eyed the other goblin warily, and then stepped forward, shaking the golden goblin's hand as the crowd applauded.
Ragnok stood up from his throne. "Congratulations to Argit, son of Barkley for his triumph over Bogluff today. With our opening ceremony behind us, the festivities have officially begun! For Gringotts and the Nation!"
"For Gringotts and the Nation!" The crowd bellowed, led by Argit. Harry joined in, and he saw Ragnok's silent nod of approval.
"That was an incredible fight," Harry remarked as Ragnok stepped back and cancelled the spell on his voice.
"It truly was," Dartpike agreed. "One of the greatest in recent memory. We are grateful that you had the chance to attend."
"Just as we are grateful to you for inviting us," Harry said, nodding at Ragnok. "I'm sure that it wasn't an easy task convincing your people to accept us."
"It wasn't as difficult as you might think," Ragnok said, his eyes gleaming knowingly. "You've made it very easy to do. Every goblin you've interacted with has spoken highly of you, from Griphook on your first visit to Gringotts, all the way up to myself. The public as a whole has not had the chance to speak with you, and they didn't know that you had been invited until my announcement before the fight. But, in time, they will come to accept you too. I did not speak hastily Harry Potter. You are a true Friend to the Nation."
Harry wasn't sure how to respond, and Ragnok placed one hand on his shoulder. "We should head down to the festival. After all, your party hasn't even begun. Tell me: have you ever tasted goblin ale?"
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to reviewer Thermopyle who was the first amongst many to correctly guess that Bella was "kidnapping" Harry for his own stag party. Congratulations!
Some slight aspects of the goblin's culture were influenced by Robst's Harry Crow, so all credit for that must go to him. Additionally, there is a minor reference to another fantasy series in this chapter. The first person to correctly identify the series and the reference will earn a bonus chapter, redeemable at any time! Keep your eyes peeled!
We'll have a brief time skip before the next chapter, and jump straight to the wedding. Until next time! —BETA OUT!
