Chapter 12: How the Mighty Have Fallen
Sharpooth sat at his desk, taking a deep breath. Things could get very ugly, very soon. He had taken precautions, of course. His best generals had been briefed on the situation. All messages were keyed to the person's blood. They required their blood and a wizards oath on their life and magic that they were who they said they were. Sharpshoot knew that extracting Dumbledore out of Hogwarts was a highly complex task. The goblin nation had special secret task forces that gathered their best soldiers. He wished he had enough influence to be able to procure one of those. After Tonks and Black left his office, he was notified that their Goblin King, Nagkrat the Conqueror, was expecting him immediately.
The conversation had been short. Nagkrat had told him to send his most trusted personal guard to bring Dumbledore to the will reading. Nagkrat feared Aurors would be too starstruck to really be as rough as necessary to bring The Deceiver to Gringotts. The King also requested for Sharptooth to share what he could regarding the reading of the will. The Potters did not mark their will as confidential. Therefore, he told his majesty all that had happened. Sharptooth was surprised to see the King smile when he said Lily Potter had named him as a potential guardian for the Potter heir. Nagkrat had met the woman several times. He considered her a friend.
The King had reviewed the section she wrote on goblins within her Law. Originally, he had dismissed the idea of meeting with a wand carrier to discuss the state of their rights and duties in comparison to those of wizards and witches. She requested audiences several times. He refused. He found the notion of changing the law in such a bigoted, prejudiced society laughable. The fact that a female wand carrier thought she could change things was hilarious. Goblins had an egalitarian society. They respected and cherished their females. Female goblins had the same rights as male goblins. In Wizarding Society, they still thought men were better than women. Marriages still had bride prices. Women, with very few exceptions, could not impact society at all. They were relegated to the role of housewife and mother. Nagkrat felt there was absolutely nothing wrong with a female choosing to do those things, provided that it was their desire and choice. Wizards did not like the idea of losing any of their privileges, and they knew that once women had purchasing power, they could leave their husbands if they wanted to. Lily Potter was not an average witch. The King still remembered the first time he met her.
Flashback
There was a knock on his door. He called for the knocker to enter, believing it was security bringing him his meal. Instead, a young wand carrier came in. She had fiery red hair and green eyes. She was wearing the Potter crest embroidered on her robes. She did something which wand carriers hadn't done for decades. She threw her wand at his feet, laid down on her stomach, and waited for him to approach. It took a few seconds for him to react. He walked over and ordered her to stand up.
"Your Majesty," Lily said with a bow. "I apologize for intruding"
"How did you manage to get here?"
"Planning, sir. I studied the guard changes, the schedules, your eating habits, and with a bit of charm, I am here"
"Charm? You charmed goblin guards?"
"I can be very compelling… or so I am told."
"What do you want with me?"
"I know you have refused meeting with me many times. I also know you are a very important and busy goblin. However, my father-in-law, Charlus Potter, thinks that you may be convinced to read my section on goblins and provide feedback."
"Why should I waste my time? We both know that no one will listen to you," he said with a lifted brow.
Lily smirked. "I would not be so sure, your Grace"
"Why?" he asked with genuine interest.
"Lord Potter has read my bill and he supports it provided that the Leaders of all Sentient Magical Beings involved approve their sections. Your majesty, if you and the other leaders approve this and sign an agreement, Charlus has met with several other Ancient and Noble Houses and they are willing to support the bill in the Wizengamot. I do not like my time wasted and I wouldn't waste yours," she finished with a smile.
Nagkrat sat on his throne. This woman was something else. "And pray tell, which leaders have you met with? Has anyone approved this or did you hope that my approval would help sway others?"
Lily chuckled. "Your majesty, with all due respect, do not underestimate my intelligence and my knowledge of the goblin ways. I know that you despise to be pawns. I have met with all leaders already. They have made the minimal changes they thought were necessary and have given me their support," she opened a bag she was carrying. She took out a muggle folder and gave it to him.
He opened it to find that indeed, all other leaders had agreed with the bill and supported it. His eyes widened and he gaped.
"Mrs. Potter, it was not my intention to underestimate your intellect. Clearly, you have reasons to be proud. I will be honored to read your law and suggest any changes I think are necessary," the goblin smiled.
Lily Potter was glad she had listened to her in-laws. "Thank you, your majesty. You will not regret this! When do you think you will finish?"
"How many pages are we talking about?"
"One hundred."
"Total?!"
"No, sir. The goblin section only," she said with a smile.
His eyebrows shot up. "Would you like me to look at the entire bill?"
Lily was ecstatic! "I would be honored to have your feedback, Your Grace. Here is your copy," she engorgioed the thick tome. "I would appreciate it if you could recommend some Gobbledegook translators so that the final version is available to your nation in their own language," she couldn't stop smiling.
"Mrs. Potter, you are a most peculiar witch. Your family must be very proud of you. Give me a month to review this. I will owl you about the translators. Tell Charlus I would like to meet with you, House Potter, and all the other supporting Houses once we have the final version."
"We are honored, your majesty. May I be excused? I need to share this good news with Neesy and Firenze."
He looked at her questioningly. Those were not human names.
"Neesy is the Potter Head House-Elf and my close friend, Firenze is my astronomy mentor and my close friend as well."
He nodded, hiding a smile. "You are excused. Mrs. Potter, it has been a pleasure. I look forward to our next meeting."
"So do I, your Grace," she said bowing with a smile.
She left and pulled the door behind her. However, the door didn't close all the way, and he was able to see her jumping up and down and dancing to no music. He faintly heard a "We did it, Harry!" The King had not noticed she was pregnant until she said that and rubbed her belly. The robes kept her condition concealed. Nagkrat smiled. Perhaps there was hope for a better, more equal future, after all.
End Flashback
Nagkrat was pleasantly surprised at what Sharptooth told him. He offered the Manager his best guard to get The Deceiver into Goblin Territory. Once the fool was in Gringotts, all chances of him leaving, or at least leaving alive, were up in the air. Nagkrat was aware of some strange activity in certain accounts. He now needed proof. The Potters' will would help significantly. Maybe, he wouldn't even need to make an appearance at the reading. All the wand carriers named in the will had enough reasons to want to give Dumbledore a slow, painful, torturous death. Nagkrat would pay a good amount of gold bars to watch, but he preferred to participate. The evil smirk that now adorned his scarred face would be nightmare fuel to the bravest wizards and witches.
Dan was holding Hermione, and Emma was holding Harry. They were sitting down in the left corner of the room. The same sofa Sirius was the only one meant to be visible, but only when the time was right. Amelia Bones had left his wand with Sharptooth, and it was now in his pocket. Sharptooth had reorganized his office to have enough chairs for all those involved. There were healers on stand-by in case things got heated. Four guards were invisible in each corner of the room. One of them was standing next to the Grangers in case they needed protection.
Dan Granger had his favorite knives in discreet holders under his clothes. His wife was packing a handgun. They had agreed to keep the kids out of harm's way no matter the cost. Sharptooth gave them a portkey, a little paperweight which they had to shake two times and it would take them to DMLE headquarters if things got ugly. Harry and Hermione were nervous. They were going to meet a lot of new adults. Harry, especially, was still hesitant to trust most adults. He had made significant strides with the help of his psychologist and with the love and support of his new family, but he was still reluctant.
Before long, the doors opened. Ted Tonks and his wife Andromeda Tonks, walked in early. They bowed at the goblin, and Ted spoke.
"Could you lock the doors for a moment? I had to drag my wife here without telling her anything to give her a surprise," Ted requested. Sharptooth waved his hand at the doors. Everyone inside could hear the doors lock.
Sirius canceled the disillusionment charm when he was directly behind Andromeda.
"There's my favorite Black!" he exclaimed in her ear. She gasped.
"Sirius!" she jumped into his arms and wrapped her own around his neck tightly.
"Andy! You are a sight for sore eyes! I have missed you so much! How is my little girl?"
"We missed you too. She's not so little anymore. She's in her second year. I feel a bit old, to be honest! Ed! How could you hide him from me? You know I've been frantic with worry!"
"I would have spoiled the surprise!" Ted said, smiling.
"Well, you may feel old, but you look wonderful!"
"So do you! Looking handsome, smelling divine, who did this to you? Where have you been?"
"Thank you, Andy. I feel great. I will tell you everything soon. Just know that Dumbledore is not to be trusted… I have to disillusion myself again. Sharptooth, could you?"
The goblin waved his hand up and down Sirius, and he vanished. To everyone but the Grangers and Harry. Andromeda sat down next to her husband, and immediately, they held hands. Sharptooth unlocked the doors. Everyone heard footsteps approaching.
The doors opened and a formidable-looking witch came in. She was dressed in a deep green robe. Her hair was starting to gray and was tied up in a simple bun. She gave her wand to the goblin guard at the door. She was wearing glasses and looked very stern. She bowed to Sharptooth. Professor McGonagall was quite shocked at the summons. All the secrecy, the blood request, the oath request, the mentions of a possible mole made her wary. She was very uncomfortable with surrendering her wand, but she understood that under goblin territory, she had to abide by their rules. She noticed she wasn't the first one to get to the office.
"Andromeda? Mr. Tonks?" the witch asked, approaching the couple.
"Professor? You were summoned too?" Andromeda shook the woman's hand.
"Yes, surprisingly. I was very fond of both of them, but I have no clue as to what I am doing here," Minerva replied with a frown.
"Well, we will find out soon enough. I think you are underestimating your influence in their lives," Ted replied with a lopsided grin.
The next person to come in was an older lady. She was wearing very antiquated robes, a hat with a decorative vulture, and was using a cane to help her walk. She opened the top of her cane and surrendered her wand. She bowed slightly because her back would not allow more bending. She walked to her seat.
"Minerva?"
"Augusta."
"What are we doing here?"
"I wish I knew, dear."
"Andy? Is that you?" Augusta asked, squinting her eyes.
"Yes, Lady Longbottom, it is good to see you."
"Is that your husband?" the Lady enquired looking at him up and down, slowly.
Andromeda felt defensive. She was used at people looking down on her husband because he was a muggle. "Yes, why?"
"Oh, no reason, dear. I understand now why you gave up magic," the old lady winked at her. She had been looking up and down at the man appreciatively not judgementally "If I were around 50 years younger, you would have to worry!"
Andromeda gaped and blushed. Ted chuckled, blushed, and replied in her stead. "Um… T-Thank you, Lady Longbottom."
Augusta sat next to a mortified McGonagall. Minerva had hoped that the years had tamed Augusta a bit, but no. She was still the same brazen woman. Minerva had eyes and she had noticed Andromeda's luck, but she knew better than to point it out so unashamedly as she was a respectable widow. The nerve!
Sirius wanted to run towards Minnie and twirl her around. She seemed well but aged by worry and loneliness. Even Augusta seemed to be much older than her age, but some things didn't change. Augusta was still her coquettish self. He smirked at Andy's reaction. He would have to tease her about that later. Still, Sirius noticed that his leg was shaking in nervousness.
The doors swung open again. A haggard man with medium-length, wavy, sandy hair walked in. His robes looked pretty tattered. He seemed skinny and pale. His face had a few reddish scars which seemed recent. His amber eyes, however, shone even in the dark. He gave his wand to the soldier and bowed to Sharptooth. Minerva gasped. What had happened to Remus? He was one of her most gifted students and had a very promising future. He looked like a shell of a man. She could even smell the sobering potion he had just had.
"Professor, Lady Longbottom," the man said in a raspy voice. He bowed over their hands.
"Remus," they replied with tentative smiles. Minerva needed to talk to her pupil as soon as they were done. Augusta felt bad for the man. She had gotten to know him as Frank and Alice grew closer to the Potters. He was a good person, a loyal friend. He turned around when he felt a feminine hand in his shoulder. He knew her by smell.
"Andy," he whispered. He turned around to be engulfed in a hug. He winced. The full moon had ended a couple of days ago, and his body was still too tender. As he smelled her, his nose picked up other smells that were coming from a corner of the room, but no one was there. He even detected a hint of his scent. No, it was impossible. He was on the loose. He couldn't be here. Yet, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up in anticipation.
"Moony! Where have you been? We missed you!" she said, pulling away to have a good look at him. She didn't like what she saw.
Before either could say anything else, the doors swung open violently.
A man came in dressed in black from head to toe. His cape waved behind him as he walked briskly. He surrendered his wand. Then, he looked at the other occupants, and ignoring them, he sat down. Sharptooth bared his teeth for a second. He was somehow used to disrespect, but he thought that Snape would at least pretend to be civil for the sake of the people in the room.
"Severus," Remus began with a lifted brow. "as polite as always, I see."
"Shut up, Lupin."
"Very mature too. Some things never change, isn't that right professor?"
"Do not call me professor, luckily I never had to teach the likes of you!" Shape shot back.
Lupin laughed sarcastically, "I was referring to the only professor here worthy of the name. Professor McGonagall, Severus."
"Sod off!" Severus crossed his arms, faced away from Lupin, and reassumed his haughty expression.
"Moony, we can't really expect much from a Death Eater, can we?" Andromeda said with a lifted brow.
"Do not dare, you blood traitor. Your sister is entirely disgusted at you and this… filth you married," Severus sneered. Ted caressed his thigh. He had his gun there. They had a will to hear, so he took a deep breath and pulled his wife to their seats. She didn't move.
Andromeda laughed sardonically. "Blood traitor and proud! In any case, stop playing the blood card you half-blood! I abandoned magic for love. And I would do it again every single day! You betrayed the only person you ever loved for power! And now you have nothing!"
Sharptooth waved both hands, and the chairs moved, forcing the people in the room to sit before things escalated further. Ted kissed his wife's hand. Everyone looked at Sharptooth expectantly.
Sirius had to hold on to the chair he was sitting on when he saw Remus. What had happened to him? Moony looked like he had done as much time in Azkaban as Padfoot. His skin looked pale. He had terrible dark circles. His hair was covering his eyes and unkempt. His clothes made him seem like a beggar. He had lost a significant amount of weight. His cheeks were sunken in. Sirius could smell the sobering up potion. Moony, he sighed. He must have tried to drown his pain. He must hate me. God, I want to hug him! I need to know he will forgive me. When he noticed Remus smelling the air and looking his way his heart stopped. He knew that the disillusionment was keyed to the people there specifically. Still, he felt as if Remus could see him.
The door barely opened to reveal a tiny house elf wearing a uniform the Potter family crest. The uniform had definitely seen better days. She seemed confused and scared. She looked around to see if she recognized anyone. She bowed to the goblin behind the desk.
"Neesy?" Remus asked, approaching the elf.
"Master Moony!" the little elf jumped in joy. Her ears flapped. "You is alive!"
"Of course I am alive, Neesy," he smiled, giving the elf a hug. The elf hugged the man back tightly. Snape sneered in disgust.
"Where is you all this time? Neesy is being scared for you, master. Neesy is to take care of master and master be disappearing!" she replied with a slight frown.
"I'm sorry Neesy. I needed time to come to terms with losing them," he looked away with misty eyes.
"You is not okay. I can sense it. You smell of medicine," the elf insisted.
"Later, Neesy. We can talk about that later," Remus blushed.
"Professor Minnie!" the elf bowed.
"It is great to see you again, Neesy," Minerva smiled. That was a rare occurrence. The sight warmed Remus' heart.
"Lady Longybottoms!" the elf bowed. Augusta chuckled and nodded at the elf. "Mistress Andy! Master Ted!" the elf bowed again.
Sirius smiled at Neesy. She was such a good elf. She could have found another family to bond to, but she remained loyal. From the look of her uniform, she wasn't having an easy time. Harry moved over to sit on Sirius' lap. The boy saw he was distressed and he noticed that when his godfather was holding him, he would calm down. The man kissed the top of the boy's head and smelled his hair. It calmed him. It was a great thing that Harry went over when he did because nothing else would have prevented Sirius from tackling and choking the next person who came in with his bare hands.
The doors swung open as wide as they would go. A furious Albus Dumbledore was pushed inside by the goblin guard's shield. He had his hands behind his back bound by goblin handcuffs which restrained his arms and his magic. The guard had an evil smile on his face. Behind him, Amelia Bones, and Aurors Tobias Greengrass, and Auror Andrei Voskoboynikov surrendered their wands.
"Manager Sharptooth, here he is. We interrupted Madame Bones as she was arresting him for charges brought forward by muggle police. She was kind enough to allow us to have him here for the reading of the will," the guard said bowing. Everyone in the room was gaping at the old wizard.
"Excellent job, soldier, the King will be pleased," Sharptooth smiled evilly at Dumbledore who blanched. The King never concerned himself with human matters. The Deceiver swallowed thickly.
Andromeda looked in surprise at the bound Dumbledore and thought: How the mighty have fallen! In her view, it was about time that he did. Nymphadora told her things about Hogwarts that had her convinced that Dumbledore needed to retire. His inefficiency in getting a trial for Sirius had her irate. He kept ignoring her letters and even her howlers.
"I will wait by the door, manager," the guard said, turning on his heel.
"Now that everyone involved is here, we will proceed to -finally- read the will of Lady Lily Potter nee Evans and Lord James Charlus Potter," Sharptooth said opening the box which contained the will.
The silence which followed that statement was loud. Sharptooth cleared his throat and unrolled the scroll. Everyone present was at the edge of their seats.
A/N: This is a finished story. Guest Reviews that are unnecessarily rude will be deleted. Users who attack me personally for something they do not like in MY story will be blocked right away. You are entitled not to like or read it. You are not entitled to mess with me. Don't like? Don't read. Period. -Lux-
