Chapter 8: MORE SECRETS
The third time this day Harry was reminded of a beehive. However this one's several times bigger not to say huge. Gringott's was crowded. I took them a little eternity to get their entrance passes and another while to reach the large board were all upcoming events were displayed.
"Do you want to go somewhere special or just look around." Mr. Weasley asked.
"We want to hear Mr. Guyblumghe" all four of them answered at once.
"Well, that was easy. I remind you to stay together all the time. I want no one to get lost accidentally or intentionally. Is that clear?" Mr. Weasley said. Harry had never seen him being so stern. They all nodded.
Arthur studied the display closely. "Ah, here it is. Christian Guyblumghe. Important Magic Artefacts in the Course of History. We are well in time, it starts in about 10 minutes. Room IV. This way children, let's go"
Large guideposts were pointing the way and enchanted knight's armour helped visitors which had got lost. Mr. Weasley knew their way and led them through an entanglement of corridors and halls until reaching room number four. Mr. Guyblumghe had been right. The room was not full at all. They got some seats right in front of the speakers podium, but Mr. Weasley wouldn't sit down. He was standing at the side casting an observant look around the room. Suddenly his face lit up and he waved his hand.
"Girls, boys. Stay here, I want to greet an old fellow from school." They had no objections and turned forwards as someone began to speak.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, friends and worshipped colleagues. Thank you for coming...!" It wasn't a Binns' class but Ron passed out few sentences later. Harry and Ginny got more of it, but had a hard time keep up concentration. Only Hermione seemed to really enjoy the lecture. Ron glanced sideways at her, shaking his head in wonder.
One and a half hour later he was startled out of his reverie by clapping and looked up. Mr. Guyblumghe bowed and helped elf Tinka from her seat beside him. They made their way down the podium to greet some people. Harry and the others remained seated unsure what to do. Most of the auditors filed out quickly and soon there weren't many people left. Mr. Weasley was talking to his colleague in the back.
Ron was up before anyone else. "Trust Ron to sleep through a whole lecture, but be the first if it's about for some action." Hermione laughed and everyone followed.
"Ah, there you are young colleagues. Do you mind if I sit down my feet are hurting a little" he sat down on the edge of the podium and observed them intently. "Well, what would four young students have to do with that particular archway?" No one knew where to begin. "So silent now?!"
"Everyone who's gone behind the veil is said to be dead, but we think that must not necessarily be right." Ron blurted out.
"Ron!" Hermione hissed fiercely.
"What? Am I not right?"
"I see" Mr. Guyblumghe interrupted "But that doesn't answer what YOU have got to do with it, carry on.
"You don't think we're crazy?" Hermione asked doubtfully.
"Let's say he's sort of really open-minded here" a deep voice said from behind.
The four jumped round. "A little jumpy, aren't you! Arthur told me to watch over you until he's back. Sweet Fudge has called for him"
Guyblumghe laughed and got up to hug the man "Hello, John. It's good to see you."
"You too, muggle-hubby" he replied grinning, then shook the elf's tine hand "Hi Tinka, how are you"
"Muggle-hubby?" Hermione repeated disbelieving. "Sounds like a cuss." John Penchanter laughed nervously.
"Nothing to get your tempers risen here, my dear. It's an old joke between me and my brother-in-law. May I introduce John Penchanter, brother and best friend."
Hermione and Ginny weren't satisfied "So this means your muggle born?" Ginny asked.
Mr. Guyblumghe just nodded uneasy. Tinka scooted nearer to him, suspiciously observed by Hermione.
"Could we get back to the original topic" Harry said impatiently. "Fact is, and Hermione I don't care if you think I shouldn't tell too much" he said sideways Hermione closed her mouth again. "Fact is, some time ago we were in trouble at the Ministry of Magic. People came to help us. One of them happened to stumble through the archway.
Harry choked "The one was my godfather. I heard whispers behind the veil. There had been someone behind, and I want to know for sure whether I have been mistaken or not"
"Where have I heard this before." John Penchanter said ironically.
His friend glared at him. "To answer your question, Miss Granger, isn't it! I don't think you're crazy at least not more than I am." He sighed "You see, my wife Elizabeth and I are both Historians. She was particularly interested in the archway. One day she got to nosy and careless. I was there when she fell trough it."
He paused blinking away some tears. "Since that day I have tried to find the same answers you want."
"How far did you get" Harry asked anxiously.
"It's not easy. Rarely anyone believed what I said. It's even harder to get information when people think you're sort of insane. It doesn't help that I'm...well, I had my problems. Every step has to be set carefully not to rise anyone's suspicions. There's no one who wishes more than I to accelerate my progress."
"But what DO you know?!" this time Ginny asked impatiently.
"Quite much, just small details. Not making real sense alone or put together, for now. The real jackpot was a man that claimed to have come back from behind the veil." Four people drew in a deep breath all tensed up.
"Now don't get to happy and hear me out. I even got to talk to him, but he had been already very old, confused and the worst of it hurt. Got the same problem we have, nobody believed him. They made fun of him, taunted him until he shut himself out of the world, being all cynical and angry."
"It took me long to get him to trust me a little bit. Before I really could find out more he died. However he mentioned to have written down everything he knew as sort of a fairytale, that can actually be found in a book. He had been very cryptic and wouldn't tell me where though. He called it his revenge."
"He called the story revenge or his doing?" Harry asked.
"Hard to say, I'm still looking for it. You see for once I've got everything and nothing."
"We." Tinka peeped. "We have got everything and nothing."
"Yes, sorry Tinka."
"Very right." Hermione said determined "And now WE are six to look for it."
Christian smiled "That we are. We should exchange what we know and adjust our research. I can give you a copy about everything I know so far. Tinka would you be so kind."
The elf snipped and at once carried a stack of parchment nearly as big as herself, which she handed to a very happy Hermione.
"That's wonderful, but I'm afraid we might not have anything in return. I think, that what we've got you will know already."
"Don't mind! Go through it and update me on everything new."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Guyblumghe. We will, I promise"
Ron snickered.
"What is it?" Hermione asked irritated.
"Nothing, its just the name Guyblumghe. Sorry, it is funny and did you know it could nearly be an anagram of muggle-hubby."
Mr. Guyblumghe's ears turned pink and John Penchanter laughed. "Actually it is, well would be if Christian's spelling wouldn't be so bad."
"I thought it would be easier to change my name after all the difficulties I had when Elizabeth was gone, but apparently I forgot a B." Christian explained rather embarrassed.
"What is it with these wordplays in the Wizarding world?!" Harry said shaking his head.
All of a sudden it dawned on Hermione. A wide smile, she always got when she found a clue, spread on her face. She turned to Christian Guyblumghe "You are a muggle!"
"Of course" Ginny exclaimed in agreement smacking her forehead.
Mr. Guyblumghe was taken aback. Harry and Ron watched the girls quizzically.
"Two smart ladies you've got here." John Penchanter stated.
Christian sighed defeated. "Yes, you're right. I'm no wizard. Without my clever Tinka here" he patted the elf's head "I would have probably not survived, in many ways. Tinka and Elizabeth grew up together. They have always been friends. She decided to stay with me and help me. It's not easy for a muggle just to live here, let alone do research or earn money"
"That's how you got into the elevator" Harry suddenly said.
Now it was the girls turn to look stunned.
"How do you know" Guyblumghe asked.
"A friend told me a story this summer, about a man that refused to leave the Wizarding world after his wife. his wife you know. And that he had some troubles living here, like that incident with a magical elevator. She also said he disappeared eventually."
"I haven't been watching for minute and he got in trouble!" Tinka said she giggled and added "I took about a day to get him out. Good that the Techmagics weren't that inquisitive. They simply believed he had forgotten his wand."
Everyone smiled at the unusual pair. It was so nice to see how they cared for and looked after each other.
"I trust you not to mention anything we talked about" Guyblumghe whispered as Mr. Weasley came up behind them.
"Well, folks what to do next! I've got a programme for you"
Harry wanted nothing more than to go home, but they had argued that it would be so important and interesting that they had to go. The friends gathered in made up enthusiasm looking at the programme.
"What about Historic Or Hysteric - New Opinions Old Highlights" Hermione suggested without great interest. Nobody disagreed, nobody agreed.
"I would like to hear Tales Of The First Medi-Witches and -Wizards." Ginny said.
"It's at the next room and about to begin. I think that's good." Hermione agreed.
"One's as good as the other" Ron muffled.
"Settled than, let's go"
They said their goodbyes and headed for room number five.
"Smaller room, more people. Guyblumghe and this guy should have traded places." Ron sighed.
"Why don't sit down in front of the chairs on the floor, like some of the others." Mr. Weasley suggested.
They settled down while Mr. Weasley stood at the side. Hermione sat down Ron close behind holding her in both arms. Harry watched the envied him. He longed to do the same with another person sitting in front of himself. The lecturer kept them waiting and still people were coming in searching for a place. With every minute they had to move closer.
"Ouch!" Ginny exclaimed time and again when somebody stepped on her toes.
"Watch out!" Ron snarled at a passer-by "Ginny move back, those gits are so careless."
Ginny tried to jiggle backwards without much success until Harry slipped one arm round her waist and pulled her close.
"Better" he said more than asked looking very content.
"Much better!" Ginny smiled turning her head "Thanks Harry"
Harry's stomach did several flip-flops "You're welcome." He didn't bother with pulling back his arm. It rested much to comfortably around Ginny covered in a fold of her robe. And it felt like Ginny wouldn't bother either. She leaned back, just a little, her at first quick breathing calming down more and more. 'Please don't let this lecture end any time to soon.' Harry prayed inwardly. Hermione skimmed trough the sheets on her lap, Ron's chin resting on her shoulder.
Now and then she nodded and murmured "Got that. Ah something new. And that - never heard of it. Ginny have you read something from Jo Hawkins?."
"Show me" Hermione handed her the parchment "I don't think so. Did you Harry?"
Harry leaned forward he could in order to look. He could just shake his head. Every nerve of his body was concentrated on the small figure cuddled in his arms. He felt warm and secure. It seemed there was no world outside the cosy bubble the four of them were in.
By and by he strengthened and loosened up at the same time. Hermione talked about letting the twins in on their plan. That it would be easier and safer to keep in touch with Guyblumghe with their help.
"Good idea, Hermione" Harry said happily "I think we are on the right path. It had been a good day, hasn't it."
"Yes Harry, it has been a good day" she said sighing and sank back pulling Ron's arms tighter around her. She felt relieved 'Harry's healing. He's getting stronger. He will be happy. I know.'
The third time this day Harry was reminded of a beehive. However this one's several times bigger not to say huge. Gringott's was crowded. I took them a little eternity to get their entrance passes and another while to reach the large board were all upcoming events were displayed.
"Do you want to go somewhere special or just look around." Mr. Weasley asked.
"We want to hear Mr. Guyblumghe" all four of them answered at once.
"Well, that was easy. I remind you to stay together all the time. I want no one to get lost accidentally or intentionally. Is that clear?" Mr. Weasley said. Harry had never seen him being so stern. They all nodded.
Arthur studied the display closely. "Ah, here it is. Christian Guyblumghe. Important Magic Artefacts in the Course of History. We are well in time, it starts in about 10 minutes. Room IV. This way children, let's go"
Large guideposts were pointing the way and enchanted knight's armour helped visitors which had got lost. Mr. Weasley knew their way and led them through an entanglement of corridors and halls until reaching room number four. Mr. Guyblumghe had been right. The room was not full at all. They got some seats right in front of the speakers podium, but Mr. Weasley wouldn't sit down. He was standing at the side casting an observant look around the room. Suddenly his face lit up and he waved his hand.
"Girls, boys. Stay here, I want to greet an old fellow from school." They had no objections and turned forwards as someone began to speak.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, friends and worshipped colleagues. Thank you for coming...!" It wasn't a Binns' class but Ron passed out few sentences later. Harry and Ginny got more of it, but had a hard time keep up concentration. Only Hermione seemed to really enjoy the lecture. Ron glanced sideways at her, shaking his head in wonder.
One and a half hour later he was startled out of his reverie by clapping and looked up. Mr. Guyblumghe bowed and helped elf Tinka from her seat beside him. They made their way down the podium to greet some people. Harry and the others remained seated unsure what to do. Most of the auditors filed out quickly and soon there weren't many people left. Mr. Weasley was talking to his colleague in the back.
Ron was up before anyone else. "Trust Ron to sleep through a whole lecture, but be the first if it's about for some action." Hermione laughed and everyone followed.
"Ah, there you are young colleagues. Do you mind if I sit down my feet are hurting a little" he sat down on the edge of the podium and observed them intently. "Well, what would four young students have to do with that particular archway?" No one knew where to begin. "So silent now?!"
"Everyone who's gone behind the veil is said to be dead, but we think that must not necessarily be right." Ron blurted out.
"Ron!" Hermione hissed fiercely.
"What? Am I not right?"
"I see" Mr. Guyblumghe interrupted "But that doesn't answer what YOU have got to do with it, carry on.
"You don't think we're crazy?" Hermione asked doubtfully.
"Let's say he's sort of really open-minded here" a deep voice said from behind.
The four jumped round. "A little jumpy, aren't you! Arthur told me to watch over you until he's back. Sweet Fudge has called for him"
Guyblumghe laughed and got up to hug the man "Hello, John. It's good to see you."
"You too, muggle-hubby" he replied grinning, then shook the elf's tine hand "Hi Tinka, how are you"
"Muggle-hubby?" Hermione repeated disbelieving. "Sounds like a cuss." John Penchanter laughed nervously.
"Nothing to get your tempers risen here, my dear. It's an old joke between me and my brother-in-law. May I introduce John Penchanter, brother and best friend."
Hermione and Ginny weren't satisfied "So this means your muggle born?" Ginny asked.
Mr. Guyblumghe just nodded uneasy. Tinka scooted nearer to him, suspiciously observed by Hermione.
"Could we get back to the original topic" Harry said impatiently. "Fact is, and Hermione I don't care if you think I shouldn't tell too much" he said sideways Hermione closed her mouth again. "Fact is, some time ago we were in trouble at the Ministry of Magic. People came to help us. One of them happened to stumble through the archway.
Harry choked "The one was my godfather. I heard whispers behind the veil. There had been someone behind, and I want to know for sure whether I have been mistaken or not"
"Where have I heard this before." John Penchanter said ironically.
His friend glared at him. "To answer your question, Miss Granger, isn't it! I don't think you're crazy at least not more than I am." He sighed "You see, my wife Elizabeth and I are both Historians. She was particularly interested in the archway. One day she got to nosy and careless. I was there when she fell trough it."
He paused blinking away some tears. "Since that day I have tried to find the same answers you want."
"How far did you get" Harry asked anxiously.
"It's not easy. Rarely anyone believed what I said. It's even harder to get information when people think you're sort of insane. It doesn't help that I'm...well, I had my problems. Every step has to be set carefully not to rise anyone's suspicions. There's no one who wishes more than I to accelerate my progress."
"But what DO you know?!" this time Ginny asked impatiently.
"Quite much, just small details. Not making real sense alone or put together, for now. The real jackpot was a man that claimed to have come back from behind the veil." Four people drew in a deep breath all tensed up.
"Now don't get to happy and hear me out. I even got to talk to him, but he had been already very old, confused and the worst of it hurt. Got the same problem we have, nobody believed him. They made fun of him, taunted him until he shut himself out of the world, being all cynical and angry."
"It took me long to get him to trust me a little bit. Before I really could find out more he died. However he mentioned to have written down everything he knew as sort of a fairytale, that can actually be found in a book. He had been very cryptic and wouldn't tell me where though. He called it his revenge."
"He called the story revenge or his doing?" Harry asked.
"Hard to say, I'm still looking for it. You see for once I've got everything and nothing."
"We." Tinka peeped. "We have got everything and nothing."
"Yes, sorry Tinka."
"Very right." Hermione said determined "And now WE are six to look for it."
Christian smiled "That we are. We should exchange what we know and adjust our research. I can give you a copy about everything I know so far. Tinka would you be so kind."
The elf snipped and at once carried a stack of parchment nearly as big as herself, which she handed to a very happy Hermione.
"That's wonderful, but I'm afraid we might not have anything in return. I think, that what we've got you will know already."
"Don't mind! Go through it and update me on everything new."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Guyblumghe. We will, I promise"
Ron snickered.
"What is it?" Hermione asked irritated.
"Nothing, its just the name Guyblumghe. Sorry, it is funny and did you know it could nearly be an anagram of muggle-hubby."
Mr. Guyblumghe's ears turned pink and John Penchanter laughed. "Actually it is, well would be if Christian's spelling wouldn't be so bad."
"I thought it would be easier to change my name after all the difficulties I had when Elizabeth was gone, but apparently I forgot a B." Christian explained rather embarrassed.
"What is it with these wordplays in the Wizarding world?!" Harry said shaking his head.
All of a sudden it dawned on Hermione. A wide smile, she always got when she found a clue, spread on her face. She turned to Christian Guyblumghe "You are a muggle!"
"Of course" Ginny exclaimed in agreement smacking her forehead.
Mr. Guyblumghe was taken aback. Harry and Ron watched the girls quizzically.
"Two smart ladies you've got here." John Penchanter stated.
Christian sighed defeated. "Yes, you're right. I'm no wizard. Without my clever Tinka here" he patted the elf's head "I would have probably not survived, in many ways. Tinka and Elizabeth grew up together. They have always been friends. She decided to stay with me and help me. It's not easy for a muggle just to live here, let alone do research or earn money"
"That's how you got into the elevator" Harry suddenly said.
Now it was the girls turn to look stunned.
"How do you know" Guyblumghe asked.
"A friend told me a story this summer, about a man that refused to leave the Wizarding world after his wife. his wife you know. And that he had some troubles living here, like that incident with a magical elevator. She also said he disappeared eventually."
"I haven't been watching for minute and he got in trouble!" Tinka said she giggled and added "I took about a day to get him out. Good that the Techmagics weren't that inquisitive. They simply believed he had forgotten his wand."
Everyone smiled at the unusual pair. It was so nice to see how they cared for and looked after each other.
"I trust you not to mention anything we talked about" Guyblumghe whispered as Mr. Weasley came up behind them.
"Well, folks what to do next! I've got a programme for you"
Harry wanted nothing more than to go home, but they had argued that it would be so important and interesting that they had to go. The friends gathered in made up enthusiasm looking at the programme.
"What about Historic Or Hysteric - New Opinions Old Highlights" Hermione suggested without great interest. Nobody disagreed, nobody agreed.
"I would like to hear Tales Of The First Medi-Witches and -Wizards." Ginny said.
"It's at the next room and about to begin. I think that's good." Hermione agreed.
"One's as good as the other" Ron muffled.
"Settled than, let's go"
They said their goodbyes and headed for room number five.
"Smaller room, more people. Guyblumghe and this guy should have traded places." Ron sighed.
"Why don't sit down in front of the chairs on the floor, like some of the others." Mr. Weasley suggested.
They settled down while Mr. Weasley stood at the side. Hermione sat down Ron close behind holding her in both arms. Harry watched the envied him. He longed to do the same with another person sitting in front of himself. The lecturer kept them waiting and still people were coming in searching for a place. With every minute they had to move closer.
"Ouch!" Ginny exclaimed time and again when somebody stepped on her toes.
"Watch out!" Ron snarled at a passer-by "Ginny move back, those gits are so careless."
Ginny tried to jiggle backwards without much success until Harry slipped one arm round her waist and pulled her close.
"Better" he said more than asked looking very content.
"Much better!" Ginny smiled turning her head "Thanks Harry"
Harry's stomach did several flip-flops "You're welcome." He didn't bother with pulling back his arm. It rested much to comfortably around Ginny covered in a fold of her robe. And it felt like Ginny wouldn't bother either. She leaned back, just a little, her at first quick breathing calming down more and more. 'Please don't let this lecture end any time to soon.' Harry prayed inwardly. Hermione skimmed trough the sheets on her lap, Ron's chin resting on her shoulder.
Now and then she nodded and murmured "Got that. Ah something new. And that - never heard of it. Ginny have you read something from Jo Hawkins?."
"Show me" Hermione handed her the parchment "I don't think so. Did you Harry?"
Harry leaned forward he could in order to look. He could just shake his head. Every nerve of his body was concentrated on the small figure cuddled in his arms. He felt warm and secure. It seemed there was no world outside the cosy bubble the four of them were in.
By and by he strengthened and loosened up at the same time. Hermione talked about letting the twins in on their plan. That it would be easier and safer to keep in touch with Guyblumghe with their help.
"Good idea, Hermione" Harry said happily "I think we are on the right path. It had been a good day, hasn't it."
"Yes Harry, it has been a good day" she said sighing and sank back pulling Ron's arms tighter around her. She felt relieved 'Harry's healing. He's getting stronger. He will be happy. I know.'
