Narcissa had pondered this meeting for such time, she was sitting across from lord Pierce who was looking far too smug for an ageing man. His home was quaint, his wife Belinda was pouring the tea before she left, closing the pocket doors, and leaving them in the study.

"Thank you, my lady, for agreeing to see me, I shall not let suspense wait any further." He had smiled, "I believe that our new minister, is doing a just job, with the ministry and internal affairs. Some truly cannot believe it." Narcissa smiled, she believed she knew where this was going. "With Mr. Weasley at the helm, he has done wonders. The clean up was a success and now Merlins alley is fantastic, with the ministry also clambering down on other less important tasks, we are finally seeing a small resurgence."

Narcissa noticed that he was looking far too comfortable, as he continued.

"We wish to make Mr. Weasley a Lord once again."

Narcissa frowned, this was not what she had expected. Were the Weasleys in a position to take the helm of an ancient and noble house again. No other family had seriously worked there out, Arthur was a good man. She had forgot that Harrison had asked her about it, and truthfully, she had as well. "Do you believe that the Weasley family has done itself any great favours, yes my son is good friends, Arthur is a good man, but we both know that doesn't remove the stain of one's family." It was a bitter thought; she did believe that Arthur did deserve more recognition for his accomplishments as Lord Pierce chuckled.

"Nevertheless, my Lady, the Black family is not shunned because of their previous allegiances."

Narcissa nodded, it was the crux of the matter. "No, my Lord, Lord Potter has seen to that."

"Exactly" he said, with a gleam in his eyes. "The days that one person could destroy a family are over. Too much blood has been spilt on all sides for their beliefs and it was why I asked for you." Narcissa noticed he took another sip of his tea before glancing out the window. "I shall not lie, I once believed that the muggleborn would destroy what we hold dear, yet I do however believe that we need to change." This was it as Narcissa waited for him to finish. "Do we make first contact with the muggle born at the first signs of accidental magic, do we let Hogwarts perish as an afterthought of history, do we strengthen our ties to the ever-changing world."

Narcissa paused for only a moment, "You heard of the next mission of Arthur then?" she knew there were already ramblings of it, and she believed that Harrison had mentioned it in correspondence with Arthur several times. She noted the nod as she sighed. "I cannot say Lord Peirce, Harrison did however mention that it would protect the secrecy of our world more. That muggles cannot and would not understand without certain proof, and in some cases stop the abuse."

Lord Peirce sat back in his chair, "They are strong arguments, I would imagine that many would vote in favour."

Narcissa tilted her head, placing the cup on the saucer before she looked directly at the man. "However, it does not imply Arthur should receive his Lordship." She did not expect the man to scoff, frowning she continued. "What is the real reason Lord Pierce, do not take me for a fool."

"No, I guess not." The man mused, "The minister and Arthur have done wonders and cemented any opposition for some time. We wish to curry a favour, or a meeting to look at overhaul of our tax system. The conservatives have continued to put pressures on the muggleborn and half-blood population. Without been an ancient and noble house, you are expected to pay thirty percent of your income in tax. My friends, and allies have pressured me now to fix this unjust system. We need to do more, and as thanks for Arthur and his family it would not be amiss to right a wrong." He began to tap his fingers as Narcissa noticed the change of pace as the conversation turned uncomfortable. "Do you not think that Arthur as an ally, or do you still believe that the Weasleys are blood traitors."

"That is uncalled for" Narcissa said, "to be honest Harrison would give it back in a hart beat, and I shall bring this to his attention post haste, but do you believe that Lord Potter has not had more pressing matters to address."

Lord Pierce nodded, smiling. "Yes, I am sure he has, it is not a blight upon you. Only a fleeting time ago I would not have pressed that Arthurs titles been restored."

Narcissa nodded, it was the truth as Lord Pierce had finished with politics before he invited his wife back in.

Narcissa was surprised with the small gleam in his eyes, "Now I wish to speak to Headmistress Black, about next year for several children?"

Narcissa relaxed, sighing as she took another sip of tea before smiling. "What are their ages?" she was informed that there was four first years, three third years, and twins in owl year. Belinda had asked about the school.

"Marauders Academy is a school that begins at nine, classes sit for the morning and a break at twelve. Usually, one practical class in the afternoons, followed by self-study." the grandparents nodded, "Professor Black has charmed a set of schoolbooks for each class, no essays unless it is an assignment. The first years is a far more practical foundation than others. We find that there is no misconception to magic at an early age, so bad habits are not developed we continue to build upon the fundamentals. Our unorthodox methods are approved, as we have managed to cram several more subjects into a year."

Belinda asked about the firth year students,

"Owl year is important; we shall endeavour to let the students come to the correct answers of their own terms. To branch out their thinking and to see if they understand the work than copying the work."

Lord Pierce frowned, "So no twelve-foot essays, or pointless note taking." Narcissa shook her head as the man was irked, "I wish to ask for my own money back from Hogwarts."

Narcissa laughed, "Yes, the school fees are four thousand gallons, everything bar uniform and other small items will be provided."

Belinda could not help but be surprised, "And I hear that you offer excursions?"

Narcissa nodded, "Yes, our students have been to a quidditch game, the dragon reserve and our next excursion is to Gringotts, we also have several guest lectures on all types of industries, and theory."

(Break)

It was an impromptu meeting that saw Narcissa sitting down with Remus and Sirius, the school year was going well. The students were currently having a guest lecture by a goblin, who was sent to highlight proper etiquette as their school trip neared. Narcissa herself poured the tea as Remus thanked her and Sirius simply nodded his head, she asked in manner if anything needed addressing.

Sirius nodded, "We have a small problem, Harrison and the rest could pass owls tomorrow."

Remus nodded, "the charmed workbooks have done wonders, and I do wonder have we set the bar too low?"

Narcissa frowned, as Remus explained.

"We are used to a certain style of teaching, and our classes highlight this. The students understand the theory, managing to get spells in a few short goes. There education is fixed, they are focused and not on pointless essays just simply on magic itself."

Sirius decided to give his friend a reprieve as Narcissa sat back to listen.

"What moony is trying to say, is our course work is not challenging. We either think freely more than we are, and I do know how this will sound. Give them a mastery course work."

Narcissa nodded frowning, would it work, would their students pass owls and newts and be able to think and cast at mastery levels. Even Neville had got potions, working his way to catch up to the twins, she began to ponder everyone single child they had and their weakest class, would they be able too. "Firstly gentlemen, the idea has merit." They nodded, "I shall have to speak to the ICW education board, we have little over a month to teach the children Newt, we shall do the last years exams, and see if it has any merit."

Both men nodded as the bell rang, leaving to supervise the students as Narcissa waited for the Goblin. The creature bowed towards her, "Headmistress Black, I only managed to sneer once." As his teeth shone as Narcissa smiled.

"Thank you Sharptooth, I do hope that they behaved, please sit down."

The goblin did, taking the refreshment in his hands, "The rules were over quickly as they began asking questions on Goblin culture, our history, and other important dates. Your son, Lord Potter, had asked a question of services available." Narcissa frowned as the Goblin laughed, "Do not fret, it is not a common question, many people believe we simply are a bank in the crudest terms possible. Lord Potter asked about investments, and other things like share markets. It was an illuminating conversation."

"I see" Narcissa said, "And how many questions did you answer."

The goblin smiled, the pointy teeth glimmering in the light. "Not enough, which brings me to a conversation that would be difficult." Narcissa eyebrows were raised. "Goblins cannot work outside Gringotts, but some can be placed on retainer." Narcissa now new where this was going. "I would like to be a professor, teaching finances, economics, estate management and to top it off, add a culture class."

Narcissa nodded, it would do very well to have a goblin, politics aside, many wizards were rude to them, it would do wonders knowing how to navigate a goblin inside Gringotts. "I shall discuss this my fellow professors, but I do not hold any promises Sharptooth." The goblin nodded, bowing before he took the floo back to Gringotts, leaving Narcissa sitting at the table in shock. After a few moments, she stood. She alerted Remus that she would go to the Ministry and speak to the ICW.

(Break)

Narcissa had arrived back home, from her outings to the ministry. It had gone well, as they were looking forward to seeing how far they could and would push the students, and in Narcissa's opinion hopefully without breaking them. As she sat down and accepted the tea from Dobby, she recalled there previous night's conversation, discussing the issues of having a goblin as a professor. Harrison had no problem; she was proud of that fact and neither did Remus. Narcissa believed it was because both had suffered stigma and racism, as she had predicated Sirius was against the move, his argument was well thought out, clear and concise and she made a remark pointing out that Sirius was correct, Politics and the wealthy families could make there lives harder, Harrison had opted for the more brutal take, simply to not care. While Narcissa believed he might be right, it was a stalemate.

"Have you decided to bring Sharptooth on" Harrison asked, as he ate.

Narcissa tilted her head, "I do believe it needs more thought, Harrison."

Harrison smiled ruefully, "Politics aside, we learnt a lot."

"And there lies the problem." Narcissa answered as Sirius looked over the paper.

"Harrison, the goblins are tricky people to interpret. Politics cannot simply be aside." There was no joy in his eyes, as Harrison huffed.

"What, do you believe there will be another rebellion?" sneered Harrison, "Or that a Goblin minister for magic?" Narcissa sat back, watching the debate been played out. "It's not like Sharptooth said every rebellion was wizards' fault, he pointed to three that the goblins were responsible for, I do not believe a goblin who wishes to teach about there culture, business and finance wants anything else at the present time."

Sirius shook his head, "You have to think long term."

Narcissa nodded, as Harrison simply waited. "Harrison" Narcissa said gently. "We know not of Goblins, no-where, even the more liberal magical world does a goblin teach."

Harrison nodded, "Have we not pushed the boundaries of magic, have we not pushed for a new curriculum. Do we continue holding a grudge, or do we push ourselves into uncomfortable situations. You cannot have it both ways, it is one way or the other." He stopped as calmed himself. "We should try, and I mean we all must put our differences aside."

Remus for the first time spoke. "I agree" as Sirius huffed. "No Padfoot, Harrison is right. The Goblins for all their faults are creatures as am I. Do you not have the curtesy at least to try and have a good relationship with a fellow professor?" Narcissa knew that they had lost the argument, they would have a goblin starting next year. "Anyway, Sharptooth is most likely to be having the same conversation right now. They might not be ready either."

Narcissa nodded, "True, we must wait. But tell me, are we ready for our first parent teacher interviews?"

Harrison smiled at the change of conversation. "I believe so, Tracey and Daphne are putting on the final changes on their potions. The twins are ready, as well as I."

Narcissa smiled, the projects would be unveiled tomorrow evening. They were opening the manor; the parents would arrive early as tea would be provided. She believed that it would be an illuminating evening.