Chapter 43 - Rewards
Arthur looked at Grishnack for several seconds and then looked around at all the goblins. He sighed and shook his head sadly before saying, "No. We Weasleys have made a commitment to Winky. She wanted a family and we adopted her. She is now a Weasley. We would no more turn her out than we would reject our own children, or others we consider as our own (he smiled at Harry and Hermione). I am truly sorry, but if rejecting a family member is the price of the office, I must decline."
If Harry had felt envy for Arthur Weasley before, it was nothing compared to the admiration that welled up in him. But he was then surprised to realize that an enormous cheer had gone up amongst the goblins.
"That," said Grishnack enthusiastically, "is the sort of Minister we can support – one who keeps his commitments and properly values family, one who does not consider any other beings to be disposable. We would be happy to put goblin support behind Arthur Weasley, and with him we can work out alliance."
Madam Bones smiled and shook his hand. "We are happy with that as well. It will take some months togo through the approvals properly, but I know the sense of the membership and we can make him acting Minister of Magic this afternoon."
"We have some other business to address," said Grishnack. "These two have taken the very forefront in saving we goblins of Hogwarts, and they must be rewarded. First you, Potter: how can we reward you?"
"I didn't come here for any reward, Grishnack, but because fellow beings were being wrongly attacked. You have already pledged what I would want - the friendship and loyalty of Hogwarts' goblins. I am afraid I may have need of those before this war is over, but I know that the goblins will be as good as their word."
"We look forward to proving it, Potter, sunlight allowing."
"Sunlight allowing," agreed Harry.
Now then," Grishnack continued, "This eloquent elf has fought bravely and was crucial to saving our homes. He too must be rewarded. Dobby, what would you have?"
"Pardon, Grishnack, but what Dobby wants is to be accepted as a goblin."
The murmuring swelled instantaneously.
"I can say that you fought as bravely and fiercely as any goblin, and I know that you will always be welcome in Gringotts, but calling you a goblin does not make it so."
"Pardon, Grishnack," said Flitwick, "but I believe he is."
"Glorfindel, what do you mean?"
"Do you remember that there was always one goblet unaccounted for after Voldemort exterminated the hullabaloo to get at Merlin's trove? I believe this is that young goblin, caught partway between his goblin character and partway toward becoming an elf by being raised by a Death Eater family at that time."
Professor Flitwick then related the whole history and the indications that Dobby was that goblin.
Another glamdring spoke up. "But elf mothers have large eyes, too, and anyone raised among Death Eaters should have nightmares of the killing curse. Do you have any proof?"
"I think I do," said Hermione, "if I may speak."
The glamdring she responded to looked shocked. "A witch-child?"
Harry spoke up. "She came here to fight to protect the goblins as well. That ought to count for something."
"Go ahead, girl," said Grishnack.
"Thank you, sir," Hermione began nervously. She hesitated when she saw him scowl at the use of the word 'sir.' She looked down at Harry who mouthed the name 'Grishnack.'
"Pardon me, Grishnack. I don't know enough of goblin customs yet. But Dobby's proof is right at hand. The vault of that hullabaloo is right here, number 717. It may be opened by a Gringotts' goblin, which Dobby clearly is not. It may also be opened by the rightful owner. If Glorfindel is right, then it will open for Dobby. Please let Dobby try."
"Excellent reasoning: are you sure you are not part goblin?" said Grishnack. Hermione tried to smile at what was intended to be a compliment, but found she had trouble taking it entirely positively; Harry could see the conflict written on her face and stifled laughter.
Grishnack continued. "Give us your proof then, Dobby."
Dobby approached the vault and looked at it. He then looked nervously over his shoulder at Harry.
"Go on, Dobby. Melony told us how the vault is opened."
Grishnack prompted him. "Just start your finger down here, and run it along the edge."
Dobby placed his finger at the lower edge and ran it all along the seam. The seam began to glow and then the whole door disappeared.
"Well, then, the proof cannot be denied," said Grishnack. "Goblin you be, though a frightfully strange one. Welcome, brother."
All the goblins cheered.
"It's time you saw what was rightfully yours," said Grishnack.
They walked in and there were heaps of gold and silver and all manner of ancient objects. Dobby saw one in particular and picked up a small old wooden box. He handed it to Dumbledore.
"Please, great Master Dumbledore, it seems that this is what all this destruction and fighting was about today. It would be safer with you."
Dumbledore smiled and looked inside the box.
"For safekeeping only – I believe soon we must take this and find what is in the site it opens."
"That can be done," said Grishnack. "Our custom is for the proceeds in such cases to go one half to those who own the site and one half to those who provide the key, since both are equally necessary. I understand, however, that this site may hold a message of some sort which might tip the War one way or the other. I believe our counterparts in Egypt will agree to entrust this information to you, Dumbledore."
"Thank you, Grishnack," said Dumbledore. "I believe that is a wise decision."
"Now, Dobby, or rather Gargamel, for that is your rightful name, you still have only claimed what already belonged to you. What reward may we give you?"
Dobby looked down shyly, then looked up again and said, "I am all there is left of my hullabaloo. That is a sad and lonely arrangement. A hullabaloo needs more than just one. I wants the most precious thing in all of Gringotts – will you allow me to ask Melony if she will marry me?"
"It is time she was wed. You are a most peculiar being, but you have proven yourself brave, loyal, honest and resourceful. Whatever your nature truly is, you will make a good glamdring for her, if she will have you. When she has better recovered, you may ask her."
Then Dumbledore said, "I believe we have then resolved our pressing issues. You need to tend to your dead and wounded, as do we. I believe Melony's recovery would be hastened were her suitor allowed to hold her hand in recovery, as she did for him, nine months ago. Galadriel might even be willing to act as a chaperone again today, if you deem it proper."
"Indeed I would," said Flitwick.
"Both are excellent suggestions," said Grishnack. "I'll bring you to her, Gargamel, Glorfindel. And I hope you will both plan on staying for the battle feast we will have once our dead and wounded have been tended to."
Flitwick and Dobby accepted the invitations with smiles and bows.
Dumbledore then addressed the other members of the Wizengamot. "You know I will support Arthur, but I must insist on him serving out the year for our students. Arthur, it's just as well that you have this new position, as I am sure I would be forced to sack you for leading students into a battle."
"Oh, certainly," said Harry. "The Headmaster would never let his students go into any dangerous situations."
"I detect some sarcasm there, Harry," said Dumbledore with a grin. "Anyway, we must get you back to Madam Pomfrey."
"Before I go, may I ask something?"
"Certainly."
"I was here when Hagrid removed the Philosophers Stone from Vault 713. There was nothing else in there. Has anything else been put in there?"
"Not that I have been told of. Why do you ask?"
Harry paused thoughtfully, debating whether he wanted to say anything.
"That's where Shacklebolt is."
"Well, we must certainly see to him then. Grishnack, when is the vault next scheduled for inspection?"
"Not for two more years, Dumbledore."
"Well, let me know when it is to occur. I would like to be present at that time."
Dumbledore picked up the stiletto from the floor and pulled out his wand. "Harry, I'd like to send you directly to the Hospital Wing, so Apparation won't do. Does the Ministry object to my making a portkey? – No? Alright then – Portus! Miss Granger, I think it best if you accompany Harry. On the count of three – one, two, three!"
