Hermiones choice 16
As always, I only own my imagination and give thanks that the magnanimous JK lets us play with her creations.
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The morning after the heritage tests Hermione Granger was a girl on a mission. While having breakfast sitting at the Gryffindor table in the Great hall she was watching the door closely. When Draco Malfoy entered she rose and walked over to him.
"Heir Malfoy, a word if you please." She asked politely.
"What do you want you filthy mu… muggleborn?" Draco spat.
"For you to remember that the heritage tests have proven that there is no such thing as a muggleborn?" She asked innocently. Several nearby students laughed at that. "Heir Malfoy, you, as Heir of House Malfoy, are responsible for the debt that is long outstanding from your House to my House, Dagworth-Granger. As such I would like this rectified at the earliest possible time."
"What debt? If you want payment for something, talk to my father!" Draco said, knowing that his father would never give her so much as a knut.
"This matter was contractually set between the Heir's of Houses Malfoy and Dagworth-Granger. It can only be rectified by the two of us. If you are unable or unwilling to do so, I will be forced to hand the matter over to the Gringotts debt resolution service." Hermione said sternly.
Draco went pale. That was something that no one ever wanted to deal with. He had learnt that the muggles said that the Spanish Inquisition was so terrible but they had nothing on the Gringotts debt collectors!
"Or we can come to terms between us. The choice is yours." Hermione finished.
Draco smirked. He knew how business was meant to be done in the magical world, his father had trained him well in the subject, and knew that due to his training he had the advantage over someone like… 'her', he mentally sneered.
"Very well. What is this debt?" He asked snobbishly.
"The debt is from the year 1792 and it is a loan that your former heir, Ablutine Malfoy asked for from Hodijah Dagworth-Granger, then heir to my family, for five hundred galleons."
"Fine, I will have it transferred to you next time I am in Gringotts." Draco said pompously.
"I am afraid that it is not quite that simple. The contract states that if the money was not repaid within one year then interest and penalties would be applied. The interest rate is fifteen percent, simple interest per annum, and the penalties are set in the contract." She said as she handed him a certified copy of the contract. "After the first century of non-payment the Malfoy family owed eight thousand galleons. That is when the interest rate changed to fifty percent, compound interest, per annum. This is payable at any time you see fit. The Goblins have calculated that you currently owe me so many galleons that there were SEVEN commas in the number! How and when would you like to settle this?" Hermione asked as Draco looked ready to swoon.
"I… I… I need to consult my Father." He eventually stammered. He didn't think that there was enough money in the world to cover what he apparently owed. "Co… could we please meet tomorrow to arrange terms?"
"Very well. Tomorrow at nine am? We can discuss the other penalties then too." Hermione suggested. "Oh, and since you are in such severe debt to me, please hold out your arm." Draco, still obviously in shock, did so without thinking. Hermione snapped a rune incrusted bracelet around his wrist. "This is a tracking talisman. It can only be removed by me. If you try to run away from your debt, as several of your ancestors have done in the past, I will send the Goblins to find you and THEY will deal with you then!" She finished firmly. She then smiled sweetly and said "Have a lovely day Draco." And skipped back to the Gryffindor table.
Draco looked at his arm in dread. His life, as he knew it, was over. If She (he shuddered. He couldn't even think her name) didn't kill him, his father would. He had better write to his father quickly.
XXXXX
That afternoon was the weekly Wizengamot meeting.
"Is there any other new business by members or the public today?" Albus Dumbledore asked as he prepared to end the meeting.
In the public balcony Lucius Malfoy stood. "I would like to raise an issue. It has come to my attention that the students of Hogwarts are being forced to learn how to live like muggles. They are being denied access to their heritage and being told that they MUST become muggles to survive. I, personally, have nothing against those that choose to live this way but I am wishing to register my most strong disapproval of this… travesty being forced on young minds!"
"Mr. Malfoy, I can assure you that none of the students are being forced to become muggles. They are being given the opportunity to learn how to blend into the muggle world and to better protect themselves, and our world's secrets, if they do enter the non-magical world. What they do with the information given is entirely up to them. Were you also aware that the students of muggle background are being taught OUR traditions? So that they can better integrate with our world?" Dumbledore replied.
"I have nothing against those of… lesser… heritage being taught our ways. But what is to stop them from destroying our core beliefs and traditions by bastardizing these sacred rites, mixing them with their 'celebrations' more than they already have? We no longer can celebrate Yule, it has to be Christmas, or Samhain, it is now Halloween. I can continue but for the sake of brevity I will not."
Augusta Longbottom stood. "If I may speak, Chief Warlock?" she asked politely.
"Certainly, Madam Longbottom." Dumbledore replied.
"I can assure Mr. Malfoy, and any others that may be concerned, that the old ways and rites are still being taught. Just a few weeks ago I personally led the Samhain Rites at Hogwarts. It is optional for all students if they want to participate or witness them. All students and teachers are welcome as long as they come with an open mind."
Madam Marchbanks stood and added "I led the autumnal equinox rites this year, and that was before all the changes at Hogwarts. I have been doing this for many years, even when you were a student Lucius Malfoy! And I hope to continue to do so for many years to come."
"Does that satisfy you Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked.
"Thank you. I can see that I was in error." Lucius said with a nod. He knew better than to cross those two old witches!
"Is there any other business? Mr. Malfoy, you are free to be seated." Dumbledore asked reaching for the gavel.
"Actually, Chief Warlock, I have one more piece of business for this court."
"Very well. Proceed." Dumbledore sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"While, like many, I have been celebrating that so many Families and Houses are being reestablished thanks to Gringotts bank's assistance in finding missing or unknown family members, unfortunately this also means that there has been a sudden glut of people demanding payment of historical debts and contracts, some of which date back centuries and should have died with the parties involved."
"You mean like the debt that your heir owes to the Dagworth-Grangers?" Sirius Black called.
"Well… I was not going to mention my families' personal difficulties specifically, but yes! These demands are that are being made are ludicrous and I move that the Wizengamot make such actions illegal! These people are bringing forth 'contracts' that were written centuries ago for what is now considered small amounts of money and these… people… are doing everything in their powers to strip good and noble families of their hard earned wealth. For the contract that affects my family, my son has informed me that the original amount borrowed was five hundred galleons. With the contractual interest applied it has become the largest number I have ever seen." Lucius said passionately.
"Heir Dagworth-Granger is a close friend of my godson and heir and has approached me for advice on this matter, Mr. Malfoy. I believe she called the number a 'sextillion' and that it was twenty-one numbers in line." Sirius clarified.
People started whispering to their neighbors. Was there really that much money in the world?
Sirius continued "I am also aware that Heir Dagworth-Granger has asked for a meeting tomorrow to discuss terms between herself and Heir Malfoy. To my knowledge, she is not asking for the full amount but is seeking a fair and just resolution for all parties. Mr. Malfoy, how is this 'stripping wealth' from anyone?"
Dumbledore struck his gavel. "Thank you for that clarification, Lord Black. Mr. Malfoy, the matter of private loans is not one for this court to decide. According to the Treaty of 1847 between the Wizarding populace and the Goblin Nation, we, the Wizengamot, have no jurisdiction over any private financial matters. Gringotts Bank has a department that anyone can talk to about negotiating these matters if you wish to use them. And as to the 'sudden glut' that you referred to, it has only been one day since these people learnt of their heritage. I doubt that many of them have even looked into historic debts, owed to or owing by them. Is there any other business?"
Lucius sat down, defeated. Since the annulment of his marriage he barely had a roof over his head and so little left in his vault that he knew that he could not afford Gringotts services even if he wanted to! Lord Black had taken so much that he had barely left him with a pot to piss in let alone enough to help his son repay the loan. He had been successful, so far, in keeping the information about his new situation private but he also knew that it was only a matter of time before his decline in circumstances became public knowledge.
XXXXX
The following morning Lord Sirius Black met Heir Hermione Granger in the entrance hall to help her through the coming negotiations. They sat in the meeting room to discuss what Hermione wanted to achieve.
"I was thinking that I could offer to reduce the amount to one million and see what they will counter with."
"That sounds reasonable. Personally, I would ask for two million and let them talk you down to one. It will make you look even more reasonable to the other families but not stupid either. What about the other penalties?"
"Well… I don't believe in slavery so taking the Heir as an indentured servant is out. And truthfully, I don't think I could stand to have a Malfoy that near me for long."
"From what I have heard I don't blame you. So what are you thinking instead?"
"I thought that I would wait and see what types of attitudes they bring and base it from there." Hermione said. "If they try and get too snooty with me, I can always up the penalties, but here is a list of possibilities." She handed Sirius a list and he started to laugh.
There was an impatient knock at the door.
"Enter." Hermione called primly.
Lucius strode in, acting as if he was in charge of the situation. Draco followed his father and gave a small bow. "Good morning Heir Dagworth-Granger, Lord Black." Draco said quietly.
"Good morning Heir Malfoy." Hermione replied cheerfully. "And good day to you Mr. Malfoy."
"Morning Draco, Lucius." Sirius said politely.
Lucius sniffed disdainfully and sat, uninvited. Draco stood humbly behind him.
"Please be seated Heir Malfoy." Hermione invited. As Draco sat Hermione looked at Lucius. "Mr. Malfoy, please be aware that you are only here in an advisory capacity. All decisions are to be made by Draco and myself without undue influence or duress. Lord Black has kindly offered his own assistance and council to me if I feel I should need it and, like yourself, will not be influencing the outcome of this meeting. Should either you or Lord Black breach this, I will have the offender removed."
Lucius did not look pleased but nodded reluctantly.
"To begin then. I think that we can all agree that the amount owed is a little ridiculous." Hermione said "As such I…" Lucius interrupted.
"Yes, yes and we are prepared to offer the sum of ten thousand galleons. That is all you will get from us!" Lucius snapped.
"No, that is not acceptable." Herrmione said calmly. "And if you cannot be quiet while Draco and I talk then you will be removed. I will not remind you again."
Hermione handed Draco the list of penalties.
"Heir Malfoy, as you can see, the penalties listed are rather substantial and all are punitive to a greater or lesser degree. I do not wish to see you fail in your life because of this but some of them may be enacted if we cannot come to terms today."
Draco silently nodded as he read. This was not going to be pleasant.
"My wish is for us to agree on a set amount that you will have to repay and then…" Lucius interrupted Hermione again.
"You refused our offer so we will not be giving you a knut, you worthless whor…" Lucius yelled, rising from his seat.
Sirius jumped to his feet and pointed his wand between Lucius's eyes. "Be silent!" Sirius thundered. "You are in breach of the terms of this meeting and you will show some decorum!"
Stepping between Lucius and Hermione without lowering his wand, Sirius continued speaking. "I know that you think that you can run roughshod over a young girl that is trying to be reasonable and help your heir in this matter. But you will not get away with this behavior! Hemione? What do you want to do about this?"
"Thank you Lord Black. Mr. Malfoy. As you refuse to listen to me I am invoking the interference penalties in the contract!" Hermione snapped as she held the contract in her hand. "As you are interfering, without cause, on the matter between your heir and myself I am implementing that penalty. You, Lucius Malfoy, are to formally name ME as Heir to the family Malfoy until such time as the loan has been repaid. You are also to pay for ALL of my educational needs, school fees and all books, writing supplies and uniform needs, until the loan is repaid. This is in accordance with the penalties set in the contract." Hermione finished shakily as the contact flashed brightly, indicating that the penalty had been magically enforced. "You may leave now, sir."
"You cannot do this!" Lucius screamed. "You are trying to ruin me! I will not let you do this!"
"Then I will inform the Goblins to begin their own proceedings against you. Good day." Hermione turned to Draco. "I am trying to…"
"You are ruininig me! My family! My…" Lucius continued to screech.
"MR. MALFOY! If you truly want to blame someone for this, go dig up your ancestor and yell at him! Yell at your ancestors who failed to pay this loan. I tried to do the right thing by your family, but you couldn't possibly understand that." Hermione mocked. "I tried to offer an alternative but you refused to listen. Now I tell you that this IS the way this will be settled and there is nothing more for me to say to you."
Pointing imperiously at the door she said "There is the exit, Mr. Malfoy. You may use it immediately!"
Sirius grabbed Lucius by the arm and propelled him from the room calling "Be back in a few minutes' kids!" over his shoulder "I believe that you have an appointment with Gringotts Lucy." was heard before the door closed behind the two men.
Hermione and Draco both slumped in their chairs. They both took several deep breaths and looked at each other.
"Well… That was unexpected." Hermione said with a shuddering sigh.
"Not really. Father has had a bad week." Draco said softly, appalled at his father's behavior. "There is more going on that you don't know about. Among other things, my parent's marriage has been dissolved and Father is a little… distressed."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything that I can help you with?" Hermione asked compassionately.
"No, but thank you for offering." Draco took a deep breath. "After seeing my father acting like an absolute buffoon… I have to wonder what else he has done or taught me that was so wrong. I know that I do not want to be like him going forward. So, I am not going to play games. I am just going to ask, what do you want from me?"
"The contract states that I must ask for both money and for a penalty to be given. I am afraid that this is not negotiable. I was going to ask for two million galleons, the loss of your personal possessions until the debt is repaid and for you to sign a contract to modify your behavior and language until I was happy with them." Hermione said thoughtfully.
Draco winced but replied "That is reasonable. More reasonable than my father or his friends would have been in your place. I accept your offer. I don't have that much available to me but..."
Hermione interrupted "The fact that you are willing to talk to me reasonably and that you can see how bad your fathers' behavior was makes me reconsider."
"Why? No-one I know would do that without wanting something else." Draco asked, puzzled.
"Because it is the right thing to do." Hermione said simply. "I am going to ask for one million galleons, and all personal possession of value that may or may not be returned at my pleasure after you have finished repaying me. Is this acceptable to you?"
"Yes! I mean, yes thank you. This is far better than I…" Draco babbled. Obviously pulling himself together Draco said formally "Thank you for your generosity, Heir Dagworth-Granger. I will make a list of my personal possessions of value for your perusal."
"Thank you. And how would you like to arrange payment?"
"I only have access to my trust vault. I will see what I have there and have it transferred to you. Other than that… I don't know." Draco couldn't think what else he could do.
Sirius had quietly entered the room after throwing Lucius through the floo to Gringotts, and, hearing how lost Draco was, gently asked "If I may make a suggestion?"
"Yes please, my Lord." Draco said gratefully.
"What about a part time job? I can arrange for Draco to work here at Hogwarts, helping Hagrid or Filch with their tasks after classes or on weekends. The pay would go toward the debt and the limited hours would allow you to continue your studies as well." Sirius recommended, planning to quietly pay the boy's wages himself if necessary.
"Work? Me? I…" Draco stopped to think. The goblin Smoothwick's words came back to him. 'Do not be like your father'. If he refused the offer, like his father would have, he would be in serious trouble but if he showed that he was trying to pay off his debt then he could claim that he was working to restore his families name and honor. A new beginning for him and his future, Draco smiled to himself.
"Thank you Lord Black. I would be most grateful for your help in obtaining employment. Heir Dagworth-Granger, would this be suitable to you?"
"I believe that it will be Heir Malfoy. And my name is Hermione." Hermione said with a smile.
"Mine is Draco." Draco replied smiling and holding out his hand to shake.