Hermione could practically feel the nerves and anticipation thickening the air of the floo room as they waited for the clock to tick over to eleven o'clock. She shifted nervously, wishing that she'd managed to bring Mordred's sword back through time with her. It was frustratingly unpredictable; she'd brought her own battle robes and crown with her in both directions, as well as her combs, wand, her ring and any notes she put in her pockets when she went to bed. A set of Herr Lintzen's battle robes had managed to come forwards for Harry, along with her finished ball gown and the gifts she had acquired for the goblins, but they wouldn't go back and Mordred's sword, her books and every other item of clothing from the past wouldn't come forwards.
Her party were dressed impeccably with the exception of Harry's hair which was as wild as always. The boy-who-lived looked far more at ease in the battle robes than he had in dress robes and the crimson and gold was close enough to his own family colours that they could be passed off as actually belonging to him. He wore a black leather coat beneath the sleeveless crimson robe which laced tightly across his chest to give him a pronounced, masculine figure before falling away behind him like a tail coat to his ankles and leaving his leather-clad legs free to move. Theodore looked dashing in his own battle robes - obviously only worn once or twice, they were more decorative than functional, unlike the heavily warded ones that Hermione wore. The collar was so heavily embroidered that it almost appeared silver and whilst the long loincloth and surcoat-style split skirts allowed for more heavy embroidery, they would almost certainly tangle around his legs should he ever need to actually duel in the outfit. His father wore the same battle robes he had worn when she first arrived; their plain functionality a remarkable contrast to his son.
Hermione adjusted her own battlerobes, the impossibly light yet tough fabric swirling around her soft leather boots and the comfortingly tight leather breastplate that moulded to her body perfectly, charmed to flex despite the thickness of the protective layer. Her fingers ran over the familiar embossed patterns as they had done hundreds of times before. Her robes had had a hard life and the pattern had softened to become almost invisible to the eye and there were several scars in the leather that glistened where they'd been magically repaired.
'Time to go.' Theo announced, a moment before the clock chimed. Both boys quickly picked up their gifts, carefully concealed beneath embroidered cloths and fell in behind Hermione. Lord Nott went first, throwing down a handful of floo powder and whizzing away to "Gringotts, London." Hermione waited a moment, then took her place in the fire. She nodded solemnly to her two year mates, forcing her chin up to project false confidence.
She too disappeared in a whirl of green flames. Floo travel was busier in Britain than it was in Germany; very few fireplaces were connected, mostly because of how unsafe floo travel was in times of unrest, particularly when most places had portals nearby. In Britain, she whizzed past hundreds of fireplaces, most hung with stockings and many allowing glimpses into family gatherings.
A second later she stepped out of a massive fireplace in a room that could only be described as golden. Everything was gold, from the glittering veins that ran through the polished marble floor to the ornately worked chandelier that lit the room and the decorative panels that covered the walls.
The doors were closed but two golden uniformed goblin guards stood at either hinge, each wielded massive, viciously jagged spear that was hung with a snowy white pennant depicting a golden tusked boar. Lord Nott stepped up beside her as the boys tumbled through, both pausing to blink rapidly at the startling brightness of such a metallic room.
With everyone assembled, they made their way down the room to the doors which swung open in perfect synchrony to reveal what was unmistakably the royal party.
These goblins were dressed like something out of a Renaissance painting; bright, jewel toned velvet doublets and thick, lacy ruffs. Every member of the party wore some kind of metal circlet of a different colour and they all had an ornate, ceremonial looking hammer at their belts. To her surprise, the armoured guards were all female. Fine plate armour covered long, slender limbs and they too wore metal circlets on their brows from which fine mail hung, obscuring their faces. Glittering earrings trimmed the bottom edge of their long, pointed ears and delicate beaded chains wove through thick braids of hair. They all bore swords, each carved with a set of Futhark runes, and a quick glance at the closest suggested it was the name of the weapon.
'May I present the High King of the United Goblin Nations, King Ragnuk the Fearless, seventh of his name.' A goblin with a silver circlet announced, bowing deeply and stepping aside with a sweep of his arm to allow a direct view of the goblin Hermione presumed was Ragnuk. His circlet was heavily bejewelled and the white doublet he wore was embroidered with the golden tusked boar she'd seen earlier on the pennants. He was surrounded by six other goblins whom all wore golden circlets, each with a different coloured gemstone set over their brow. Hermione's party bowed to the Goblin King and she inclined her head.
'May I present High Priestess Hermione Granger of Gorlois, ward of House Grindelwald.' Lord Nott introduced her smoothly. All of the goblins bowed deeply until she could see only their receding hairlines.
'Well met, High King Ragnuk.' She greeted, carefully enunciating the gobbledegook words. 'May I present to you this gift, crafted by the fey.'
She beckoned to Harry who stepped forwards and knelt, holding out the heavy box beneath it's cloth covering. Ragnuk stepped forwards and lifted the cloth carefully, running his hands along the ivory inlaid box. His long, bony fingers found the hidden clasp and he flicked it open, lifting the bow from its soft cushion. Acromantula silk bowstring glistened in the light of the chandeliers and the scrolling metal grip shone only slightly brighter than the lovingly oiled wood. Ragnuk purred in delight.
'And may I present this gift to your nation, that you may know the truth.'
The box that Theo carried was much smaller and he quickly took Harry's place on the floor, kneeling with his arms held out. Ragnuk lifted the cloth to reveal a strange, black stone cube that was barely bigger than a pot of ink. The ogham runes carved deeply into the six sides made the purpose of the device clear - like a sneakoscope, the stone allowed the bearer to detect dishonesty, although it was far more sensitive and could specify precisely who or what was being dishonest. It had taken her hours to make under the strict guidance of one of the carvings of her ancestors in the barrow's library. Again, Ragnuk purred and Hermione barely hid her relieved smile.
'Well met, High Priestess.' King Ragnuk replied in a gravelly voice and she was relieved when he then switched to English. 'You are indeed generous. May I present to this gift to your family, that you may slay your enemies with ease.'
Ragnuk gestured to one of the silver circlet goblins who stepped forwards bearing a long, thin object beneath a blue silk cloth. She knew what it was having already expected this to be the gift bestowed onto her personally. Excitement thrummed as she stepped forwards and gently lifted the cloth. The sheath was plain, but the craftsmanship was exquisite. It was made of Gorlois-blue leather, white metal protecting the tip and wrapping around in delicate bands every couple of inches. More delicate metalwork formed the loop that would allow her to carry the weapon and a single clear diamond hung where the amber luck charm hung off Mordred's. The hilt was made of the same white metal and wrapped in more blue leather. The cross guard was plain, but the pommel was shaped like a howling grim, a large sapphire nestled between it's jaws. The workmanship was incredibly detailed - she could see every hair on the grim, each individual fang in its mouth.
Hermione wrapped her hand around the hilt, drawing the blade with a slight rasp of metal against the reinforced rim. Her magic hummed in pleasure, flowing through the blade as if it were a wand. As she angled the blade this way and that, she realised that there was something other than metal at the centre - ivory or perhaps...
'Bone?' She asked curiously and Ragnuk grinned savagely.
'Dragon bone. The Goblin Nation studied the bonding of magical cores to metal many centuries ago, when wizards were our allies. Our smiths aimed to create a weapon that could channel magic like a stave or wand, yet was sharp enough to harm that which cannot be harmed by magic.'
'They have performed an admirable job.' Hermione informed him, sliding the sword back into the sheath with practiced movements.
'May I also present this gift to you, that none may mistake your court.'
This gift was in a delicately crafted box, about a foot across in either direction and two inches deep. She flicked open the clasp and lifted the lid to see about thirty rings nestled into a plush blue velvet pillow. She lifted one out, holding it up to the light to inspect the silver band. Black stone had been inlaid into the surface, highlighting where the silver had been left in to form a clever Celtic knot. They were like coven bands, she decided, then she realised that the knot was actually tiny, intricate runes. She was ready to bet that wards could be designed to allow access to specific runic combinations and that the rings were essentially magical keys. Exquisite, subtle magical keys, especially if they contained the same enchantments as family rings which meant they couldn't be forcefully removed.
There was little difference between the rings, so she slipped the one she already held over the middle finger on her left hand. It magically resized to fit and she admired the reflection of the light on the concealed runes. Then, she shut the lid with a snap and passed both gifts to Theo.
'To business, High Priestess. If you would follow, a room has been prepared.' Ragnuk turned and Hermione fell in beside him, their two groups merging. Lord Nott pinned himself to her side, his hand continuously twitching towards his wand as he eyed up the closest goblin woman.
Like the room they had arrived in, the corridors were clearly built to impress. There was less gold, replaced by white marble and mighty chandeliers. They were led beneath three of them before turning left into a massive conference room. More gold-streaked marble decorated this room, sparkling in the light that streamed through a massive window looking out onto the alley. It was framed by two massive columns and she assumed that meant they were at the front face of the bank, perhaps above the doors.
Hermione and Ragnuk took the two throne-like chairs at the head of the table. Hermione's party took seats down the right side of the table whilst six goblins with gold circlets sat on the left. One goblin pulled out a long scroll of parchment whilst the armoured women took positions near the doors and windows. Everyone else was shut outside.
'Orthak will take records, if you have no objections, High Priestess?' Ragnuk asked, reaching for a pitcher and pouring himself a goblet of water. Hermione had no objections and they quickly introduced the members of their parties to one another. The six goblins at the table turned out to be the kings of each nation, represented by the different coloured gemstones in their circlets.
The first matter that was discussed was the goblin items possessed by her family that needed to be returned to the possession of the nation that crafted them. Hermione agreed instantly, much to the surprise of the two purebloods in the room. She had no attachment to anything the goblins would want, and Mordred had informed her that the goblins were incredibly generous to their allies. If she gave back the gifts that had been given to individuals, she would probably receive that value back again as gifts to her family that could be kept.
She promised that any items that she came across would be returned to them, but that she had yet to visit many of her family strongholds. Apologetically she explained that many of the artefacts may have been lost over time. Ragnuk waved his hand dismissively, stating that the nation understood the unusual situation and would be content to receive items as they were discovered.
The next thing to be addressed was the wealth the nation still held on behalf of the Gorlois family. Hermione had had no clue that such a thing existed but she accepted the inventory sheet anyway. Most of the list, Ragnuk explained, was gifts to individuals that needed to be returned to her family. The monetary value was tithe, paid by goblins that mined two of the Gorlois properties. It hadn't been managed and so was not as valuable as it could have been but it was still enough that she would never have to work, particularly if her patents from self-inking quills were still earning money in her personal account.
Lord Nott was kind enough to offer to collate her family finances so that she could focus on her schoolwork and the goblins agreed to open a high security vault for her family. There was a brief squabble between the six goblin kings as to which nation's section of the bank would receive the "honour" of protecting and managing her gold which Ragnuk settled by delegating responsibility for different sections to each nation, with the exception of the green-gem adorned king, whose security had recently been breached. The singled out king flushed a deep mauve and folded his arms sulkily, glaring around the room.
'Now, there is the matter of Avalon.' Ragnuk said. The six goblin kings stirred in anticipation. Hermione's brows drew together. She was familiar with the name from the tales she'd heard in the muggle world, but she had never heard the place referred to by anyone in the wizarding world.
'Avalon was lost when Morgana's court died.' Lord Nott informed the room at large. Hermione chewed at her lip, wishing someone had thought to tell her that the mythical island actually existed.
'The nations hoped that the secret to its location might still be known to the Gorlois family, it was their magic which protected its many secrets.'
Every eye turned to Hermione and she shook her head.
'My family has many secrets. I haven't even been told of Avalon.'
'It is a magical nexus, like Orkney and Salisbury Plain. Avalon had much to offer, more than either Orkney or Salisbury, so the Gorlois family placed powerful magical protections upon it. Upon Morgana's death, the island suddenly vanished. The knowledge of its location was torn from the minds of our people, it faded from the maps and the writings which described how one might reach it became garbled, little better than nonsense.' Ragnuk explained and Lord Nott looked troubled.
'It sounds like some kind of Fidelius Charm but usually when the secret keeper dies, all who know the secret become it's keepers.' The old wizard pondered, drumming his fingers against his arm.
'They wouldn't have had wands then.' Theo pointed out, garnering nods from both Hermione and his father.
'Perhaps the knowledge of the island died with her?' Harry asked. 'That charm you just mentioned, maybe the secret keeper just didn't change.'
'Perhaps, but that wouldn't explain why those who knew the secret forgot it. Its almost as though the charm was recast after her death...' He was still tapping his arm.
'What if the position of secret keeper was hereditary - designed to pass on to someone else when Morgana died?' Theo asked.
'Then someone else would be the secret keeper now. We would just need to find out who she would have left the position to.' Lord Nott confirmed.
'Mordred knows nothing.' Hermione added. 'Morgause gave the position to Morgana who gave it to Mordred. He was the last to hold the position, even if his sons still held the title. Orkney was too war torn for them to complete the ritual. Mordred would have told me about it if it existed.
There was a moment of quiet, then Hermione turned back to the Goblins.
'I will look into the family records and see if I can find anything. That is the best I can promise. Before we conclude, I do have one issue to resolve with you, or perhaps the bank. I hope that we might be able to act in confidence. We do not want word of our questions to reach certain ears.'
The goblins eyes sharpened.
'The goblin nation holds the security and reputation of the bank above all else, High Priestess. We ask you not to beg us compromise it.' Ragnuk warned darkly and Hermione shook her head fiercely.
'No, no. Our questions are completely legal, we jut have reason to believe that powerful individuals are attempting to obstruct the inheritance laws.'
'I almost believed that was par for the course with wizards.' Ragnuk scoffed and Hermione frowned.
'Not in this way.' She assured. 'Harry Potter wishes to see his parent's will.'
The goblins shared confused looks.
'This is not an irregular request.' One of the kings said, puzzled.
'No, but Harry has not been given his seal, either as heir or patriarch. We are concerned that something has gone amiss with the stewardship and do not want to alert whomever is his guardian to the issue.' She explained. The goblins closed together, croaking to one another in gobbledegook that was too fast for Hermione translate. After several long seconds of conference, they drew apart again.
'Your request is certainly acceptable. Orthak will misplace this page of his records, and fetch the will of the late patriarch Potter.' Ragnuk announced on behalf of the goblins. Hermione smiled gratefully. Orthak stood and hurried out of the room as Theo reached out and took the top page of his stack of parchment. Both parties confirmed that it was the correct page, then Hermione set it alight with a touch and allowed the sheet to crumble to ash. A moment later, Ragnuk swept the powder off the table with his velvet sleeve and any record was gone.
It took Orthak a long time to fetch the will and the two parties sat in awkward silence. There was very little distraction in the room, so Hermione observed the two female goblins that flanked the window instead. All the females in the room wore gold circlets, which she suspected meant that they were the wives of the six kings. There was no corresponding female for Ragnuk and she found herself incredibly curious. Unfortunately, this was probably not the correct scenario to be expressing any lack of knowledge about their society and customs. She would have to find more resources for research later; perhaps ones less biased than the history of magic text that they had been assigned for school.
'The last will and testament of James Potter, Patriarch of the House of Potter and his wife, Lily Potter.' Orthak announced when he returned, bearing a thick, creamy coloured scroll. The seal was broken, presumably at the time of the initial reading, but Hermione could clearly make out the impression of a duelling lion and stag imprinted on either side of a complex shield. The goblin passed the scroll to Harry, followed by a set of weights to hold down the four corners once he had unrolled it across the table.
It was not very long at all. The first line gave everything to Lily, and the second said that if she didn't survive either, everything would go to Harry except for 'The Saab 900' which was to go to Sirius. Sirius Black was also named as Harry's guardian, explicitly and clearly, followed by someone called Remus Lupin, then finally Peter Pettigrew.
'Sirius Black is in Azkaban.' Lord Nott said, pointing to the name on the page. 'He was arrested for the murder of Peter Pettigrew and thirteen muggles only days after the Dark Lord disappeared. Remus Lupin was, I believe, a werewolf. In the eyes of the law, none of them are eligible to be his guardian. Magically however... I imagine it would be Sirius Black.'
'So Black would have the ring?' Theo confirmed but one of the goblins shook his head.
'Black may have never received it, in which case Lupin would have it. Or, Black may have received it, then given it to someone else at the time of his arrest.' The purple jewelled goblin explained.
'Very well, we thank you for your assistance.'
'The nations thank you for meeting with us, High Priestess.' Ragnuk said, closing the meeting.
'May your hammers hit true.' She said in confident gobbledegook, having practiced the parting phrase hundreds of times.
'And may your blade stay sharp.' Ragnuk replied, his eyes glinting.
They left through the same way they had arrived - the two boys went first carrying the gifts Hermione had been given, followed by Hermione and then Lord Nott.
'They were too friendly.' Thoros Nott announced as soon as the green flames spat him out of the fireplace in his own manor.
'They looked ridiculous in those ruffs.' Theodore snickered, far more concerned by the sword Hermione had been gifted. 'This is wicked.'
'It is.' She said, taking it from his hands and sliding the blade out with a hiss. The blade was lighter than Mordred's but otherwise of very similar style and dimensions. She swung it a couple of times, experimentally slashing as an invisible enemy in the air. Her magic flowed with the weapon, flickering tongues of white fire licking along the razor edges of the blade. 'I can't wait to go up against Mordred with this!' She declared.
'It's still weird that you learned with a sword like that instead of a foil.' Theo remarked as she twisted and stabbed in a graceful, practiced movement.
She hummed in agreement, then sheathed the sword and Theo called an elf for her so that the gifts could be taken up to her room. She turned back to Lord Nott, and after a moment the elderly wizard wiped the dazed expression from his face and led them up to his office. She had spent a fair amount of time in this room since her arrival, teaching all three modern wizards about the rituals that had been ingrained in Gellert and Berg at birth.
'So what's the next step in tracking down Harry's seal?' Theo began as soon as they were seated in large, conjured wooden chairs around the massive desk.
'We need to speak to Sirius Black.' Harry said decisively. 'Find out if he picked up the seal.'
'Are you able to organise that?' Hermione asked Lord Nott. The elderly wizard shifted awkwardly, his fingers shifting to drum at his arm again. Theo too looked uncomfortable with the question and Hermione wondered what secret they were keeping. She'd have to be an idiot not to notice anything, but she let it slide. She would be told at some point and forcing the matter would get her nowhere.
'I very much doubt it.' Lord Nott finally said. 'Sirius Black is a very high security prisoner. He was convicted of the murder of Peter Pettigrew and thirteen muggles.'
'Can anyone get to him?' Hermione asked, frustrated. 'There must be a way to ask questions? A letter?'
'Perhaps if the request came from you, Mr. Potter.' Lord Nott turned to Harry. 'Sirius Black was best friends with your parents all through school and must have remained that way even after your birth if he was named as your guardian, then he allegedly was the one to betray them to the Dark Lord. I imagine if The-Boy-Who-Lived were to request a meeting to demand answers... well, you'd certainly have more success than a member of the sacred twenty-eight trying to speak to another, particularly in the current political climate.'
'Okay, who do I need to owl?' Harry said decisively.
'I would suggest Madam Amelia Bones. I'm sure the High Priestess will be able to help you compose an appropriate letter and I would be more than willing to review it.'
'Thanks... you don't know... did he actually betray my parents to Voldemort?'
Lord Nott's fingers whitened around his arm and his breath wheezed as he became suddenly pale. Theo's complexion matched his father but he remained composed enough to hiss at Harry to stop using his name!
'I very much doubt it.' Lord Nott eventually said. Harry relaxed slightly and Hermione couldn't tell if he was relieved or upset by the answer.
'Come on, let's write this letter. Theodore, may I borrow your owl? I'm going to see if I can owl my family for our records.' Harry and Theo jumped up to follow her out of the room. The two boys bowed at the door and Hermione nodded her head, receiving a deeper nod in return. 'Thank you for your assistance, I will not forget.' She added quietly before leaving.