Minerva sat at her desk reading through her latest statement from Gringotts for Minerva's Heart. She was somewhat suprised at the amount of wealth in her foundation vault. Now what do I do with it?
A knock sounded and she bid them entrance. Filius had arrived as she had previously asked. She smiled and offered him a seat. "You wanted to speak with me? Any problems I need to be made aware of?" he asked.
Minerva nodded her head. "I did," she started. "I find myself with a large sum of galleons and am working on ways to use it. Harry started a foundation with all of the royalties from his books and gifted it to me for Christmas. I have an idea that I have toyed with for months but I want your council on it."
"Very well," he squeked. "What is floating around in your mind?"
Minerva smiled and then spoke, "Ignorance is one of the main reasons fear is allowed to take root. We are in an unique situation in which to stomp out some of the ignorance that has run rampant for centuries. We have began to sort the differences between muggle and wizarding customs. Now I aim to work on equality for magic beings."
Filius raised an eyebrow and looked suprised. "How are you proposing to do that?"
Minerva smiled then answered, "I propose we bring in Gringotts Bank to perform heritage tests on all muggle raised children as part of their first year class requirement. I also propose we help all first year students start a vault solely theirs if they do not already have one. We shall add a galleon to each vault. If the student already has a vault of their own then we add a galleon so they are not left out."
"That will cost a small fortune," Filius said in wonder. "If you would allow me to do so, I could speak to the Goblin nation about your plans and see if they will waive or reduce their normal fees."
"That would be very much appreciated," Minerva said. "This year I would also like to do heritage tests for all muggle raised students as well as start those vaults for all current students."
"That sounds like a marvelous idea," Filius praised. "The students will see the Goblin nation in a different prospective than the current one. I see one flaw though. Binns is still teaching History of Magic."
Minerva laughed before responding, "Professor Binns moved on this morning. Augusta Longbottom is going to fill in for the remainder of the year and hopefully we will have someone to fill that position come September 1st."
"That's wonderful," the small professor said. "I shall request a meeting with the Head Goblin and make our plans known. Hopefully he will offer a reduced price if not just waive the fees. The positive press alone would make it worth it to the Goblin nation."
Minerva looked thoughtful for a moment before opening her drawer and pulling out a book. "These books will be included in next year's curriculum in History of Magic," she said. The Untold Story of a Free House Elf by Hermione Granger was one title. The Feared Werewolf: Misconceptions About My Beloved Uncle and Others Like Him by Harry Potter was the other title. Filius raised his eyebrows in astonishment. "Offer the Goblin nation a similar book written either by Hermione, Harry or myself. We will gladly meet with any goblin that has knowledge of the Goblin nation that should be included in the publication. This is an offer based solely on equality for magical beings. Make sure the Goblin nation is aware the book will be written and included in Hogwarts curriculum regardless if they agree to the heritage tests or reduced fees."
Filius lost his battle with his emotions at that. "Do you realize what this will mean to the Goblin nation? What it means to me? If my mum could of seen this moment, it would of saved her a lot of worrying for me. You only see a fraction of the belittlement I receive for being a mixed race. Wizarding folk are ignorant whereas some of the Goblin nation see me as turning my back on my heritage. They never realized I straddled both worlds and felt a need to prove myself in both. Thank you for allowing me to make this offer!"
"You are most welcome my friend," the Headmistress said as she tried to control her pregnant driven hormones. She knew it was a losing battle.
Harry smiled at Minerva as he walked into their living quarters. He pressed a kiss to her lips before handing her a package. "One would think we have become full-time authors at this rate," he joked.
How I became a Friend of the Goblin Nation by Harry Potter and Hermione Granger had a lovely bright cover and a picture of Harry with the Head Goblin drinking tea while the Calum, Ainslie and Lilly sat on a rug in the floor playing with goblin children. The cover picture had been Hermione's idea and Minerva hadn't seen Hermione's logic until now. What better endorsement for the Goblin Nation than the Current Wizarding World Savior bringing his children for a play date with Goblin children?. Hermione really is a genius!
Minerva smiled before opening the book and reading. Harry just smiled. Minerva loved books, plain and simple. Her need to read a book increased when she personally knew the author. "I will leave you to it," he said. "I plan to take Calum and Ainslie to the lake to see the squid. We may stop and play with Lilly before we come home. Have fun reading."
"Thanks my love," she replied and kissed his cheek. She was already reading by the time he left the room.
The Daily Prophet soared into the Great Hall the next morning. Minerva opened her paper and was surprised at the headline. Gryffindor Golden Girl: 1st Muggleborn to become a Best Selling Author! The front page picture was of Hermione at a book signing in Diagon Alley. She was smiling brilliantly and waving to the camera.
"Front page news again Mione," Harry teased and then whistled. "It's starting to become a habit for you."
The staff near them at the Head table snorted in amusement. "Are you responsible for this article too," Hermione asked with a frown.
"Not this time," he answered. "I suggest you read the article. Your husband gave them a statement."
Hermione turned wide-eyed to Neville before turning back and reading the article. Does it bother me my wife doesn't use my family name? Are you barking mad? Hermione is an amazingly powerful witch who happens to be rather brilliant. She doesn't need the Longbottom name, money or prestige to accomplish anything. She has an astounding work ethic, is amazingly inclusive and has a heart of gold. I am proud of my wife and the legacy she is making. I hope she uses Hermione Granger for all professional projects henceforth. I want my daughter to know that she will not succeed in life just because of her last name. Those days are gone and I say good riddance. It's time we start looking towards a person's merits rather than their blood status. Neville was rather startled when Hermione snogged him right there at the Head table in the Great Hall.
Minerva snorted in amusement and cast a notice me not spell on the couple and muted them as well. "I hope she refrains from snogging me when she realizes I shared the story and picture rather than Neville," Minerva said jokingly. The Head table erupted in laughter!
"How did you manage to get it a front page story," Filius Flitwick asked curiously.
Minerva smiled before answering, "Harry bought 30 percent of the business."
"Did the owner of the other 70 percent object," he asked.
"It just so happens Neville purchased 30 percent as well," Minerva said with a grin. "The editor had no qualms with printing a front page story when I reminded him who owned a controlling portion of the paper."
"I do believe Mr. Potter is a terrible influence on you," Filius said with a grin. Minerva just laughed.