Chapter Ten
Devlin
Wednesday August 16
They got up early the next day. Dan had picked up the phone to have Amy, their ever-friendly receptionist cancel the appointments for the day, when Hermione pointed out, "It's just London; you can get there and be back in ten seconds. Let's see how mum is. Harry or I could stay with her if she wants someone with her."
They left at seven and went to the shop. Harry noticed that there was a new(er) coat of paint on the walls and that the floors smelled of disinfectant. He gave Emma's portkey watch to Hermione to give back to her mum.
As they went out the front, their gaze was held in fascinated horror as at the corner closest to the Gringotts steps were two heads on ten foot tall pikes. Dan pointed out "Recidivism must be pretty low with goblin justice."
They walked in and saw Emma sitting next to Gumeye. She saw them at the same time and with a bit of effort stood up. Harry was first to gently hug her. He was far too familiar to receiving Hermione's crushing hugs while still healing. He whispered, "Are you in pain?"
In a soft voice she replied, "Not really, just stiff. Healer Windsong is a miracle healer. Apparently I'd snapped my neck from getting pushed into the table. The guards brought me to their infirmary, where I was diagnosed, treated and was in recovery within an hour! I can't quite describe it, but I feel different."
Harry gave her a gentle squeeze, let her go and reminded his girlfriend, "Go easy."
After a few minutes, they thanked Gumeye and slowly walked down the stairs. Dan said, "I'll take you home where..."
Emma shook her head and replied, "I'll stay in one of the comfy chairs with the kids. If you wouldn't mind, pick up some takeaway for dinner. We'll see you at six. You've got a full day and I'll be happier here."
They got Emma settled into one of the lazyboy chairs and got her a cup of coffee. With a devious smile on her face, she said, "Show me some of your new wands; I'll give you my expert opinion."
Harry happily complied. "These are thestral, this one has hippogriff hair, this one is maple but needs shellac."
She picked it up and noticed that the glue had been applied with more finesse than their first attempts in Salem. She commented, "Nice. It has a good feel to it."
"Hermione made these," he said, showing her a dozen wands that reminded her of conductor batons.
She picked up her coffee and replied, "Time for work, you two. I'll keep in eye on things in here."
When he left, Dobby and Winky came up to her carrying a light breakfast in a tray. Winky was shaking in fear. In his most sincere voice, Dobby announced, "We are glads that Dr. Emma is well again. Winky has something to be telling you."
In between sobs, she said, "I is sorry, Dr. Emma. We was having a tree from swamp alder... delivered from goblins yesterday and Dobby was making big mess from slicing... Winky be so sorry..."
Emma pulled the two of them to sit on either side of her in the big chair. "It's OK."
"No. Winky is a horrible elf... Winky forgets to lock..." Emma pulled the two distraught beings into a gentle comforting hug.
They sat there for a few minutes as little Winky slowly calmed down. Emma softly repeated, "It's OK... It's all right," as she gently rocked the two beside her. "It's OK... It's all right."
… - …
Hours before, Barchoke and Ragnok were enraged at the attack on what they viewed as (despite the wording of the contract) their venture. They both wanted their pound of flesh and viewed the two heads freshly set on pikes as a very weak down-payment. It didn't take the normally stoic Ragnok more than a minute to state, "Send a message to Flitwick. I want their building burned to the ground by sunrise."
… - …
As the schedule called for the Aurors to receive their wands in a few hours, the half-goblin received the message and got right to work. At four in the morning, he'd arrived at the bank and stealthily made his way through Knockturn Alley. As he expected, the protective wards and charms had largely faded around the shop. Not wanting to take Ragnok's anger out on the rest of the alley, he placed protective charms on the adjacent buildings. He quickly cast another charm to verify the the shop was unoccupied; then in quick succession, fired three rounds into the shop from a conjured flare gun. By the time he'd returned to Hogwarts, the shop was fully engulfed in flames.
… - …
Hermione looked into the break room, intending to call to her mum to ask her if she wanted more coffee. Instead, she saw her sleeping there, still hugging the now sleeping Dobby and Winky. The three of them looked completely at peace.
She quietly closed the door, found Harry and said, "I'll help you do the fittings today. Mum's in the break room sleeping with the elves."
They put out their wand samples for the morning then told Blackeye that they were ready tor the first two fittings. Hermione had Alastor Gumboil while Nymphadora Tonks started to sit down in front of, "Merlin's pants, you're Harry Potter."
Thinking that the healers had been so much easier to work with, Harry replied, "Welcome to our shop. Please have a seat. What size was your old wand? I need your signed card and five galleons."
"You're Harry; mum's going to be..."
"Try this one, Miss. There are a lot of people in line."
"Oh, right... Oh my. This one works great. Thank you."
Harry nodded and looked over at Hermione. It seemed that Gumboil wanted to try every wand that was on display. He offered her a sympathetic look as he finally left and Michelle Wood and Nick Straighthand came in. Nick walked to Hermione's table, card and galleons in hand, which he neatly set in front to her. Michelle sat down in front of Harry and said, "It's a change to see you not on your broomstick. Oliver's my brother."
"Puddlemere? How's he doing?"
"With luck, he'll start this fall. He's pretty pumped up over that."
Harry didn't mention his conversation with Devlin. Instead he replied, "I bet. What size was your old wand?"
"Twelve and a quarter."
"Try this one."
She gave it a wave, saw the reaction and replied, "I like it. Thank you."
"Please say hi from me."
"I'll have him send you tickets." She gave her wand another wave, smiled and said, "This is nice. Thanks again." Looking over and sizing up the situation, she said, "Time to go, Nick. They have a schedule to keep too."
Five trainees later, Hermione had a tall black man with a largish hoop earring sit down while Harry was helping an interesting witch named Connie Hammer."
As Hammer was leaving, she mentioned, "You had a break-in last night."
In an uncharacteristically cold voice, Hermione replied, "Two men broke in to steal our wands and broke my mother's neck."
"I hadn't heard that. I'm sorry for your..."
"The Nation's healer was able to help her. She's in the break room sleeping."
"Not St. Mungo's?"
"We're on Goblin territory and under their protection. My Mum keeps the books for our business and was working last night."
Kingsley gently observed, "Connie, there are twenty-five people in line."
Hammer handed Hermione her business card and asked, "Could you have her call me when's she's feeling better?"
Hermione nodded and replied, "I'll give it to her. She's supposed to rest for a few days."
When they left, Harry saw that his girlfriend was breathing hard from the emotional stress of the conversation and suggested, "How about if you take a break for twenty minutes and check on Emma?"
… - …
Hermione walked in and had the surprise of her life. Her mum was levitating the other wands while Dobby and Winky were looking on in delight. She suppressed a gasp when she saw that Emma was using one of Harry's rod-style wands to direct their flight. This wasn't accidental magic, it was intentionally wielded.
"How?"
"When we were working with Daryl, I was able to get a weak light from a few of the wands. I didn't say anything at the time." Hermione nodded.
"When Healer Windsong was checking me over again before she released me, she mentioned breaking an old bind. Honestly, I was pretty groggy at the time and assumed that she was referring to a ligament."
Hermione remembered Ragnok's earlier conversation about binding magic of muggle-borns and muttered, "Those bastards."
Emma replied, "Don't dwell on it. I've enjoyed my life so far."
"I've got to mention it to Barchoke."
"Not right now. It's interesting but certainly not urgent. Go on now. Winky and Dobby are keeping me company and I could use another nap."
She glued and put another set of wands into the clamp blocks, and told Harry, "I'll be back in twenty minutes."
"OK."
She marched up the stairs, walked into the lobby and asked to see Barchoke. Three minutes later he welcomed her into his office and ask, "How is your mother, Miss Granger?"
"Much better, thank you. Mum told me that Healer Windsong mentioned undoing a binding. Would it be possible to see if she was listed in The Book of Magical Births?"
Barchoke nodded and replied, "Interesting idea. Certainly." He pressed one of the runes on his desk and a moment later, Gumeye opened the door.
Barchoke directed, "Miss Granger would like you to check The Book of Magical Births for Emma..."
"Olifson, born September 1, 1950."
Barchoke added, "Check carefully, there may be notations."
When Gumeye had left, Barchoke clarified, "I believe we'll find her listed, then delisted if her magic was bound as you suspect, then relisted last night."
Five minutes later, Gumeye dashed in and confirmed their suspicions.
Barchoke dismissed Gumeye and announced, "Let me think on this and do some research. I will contact you later this afternoon."
Recognizing vast cultural differences, she resisted the urge hug him; instead she nodded and simply replied, "Thank you."
… - …
When Hermione stormed back to their shop just before noon, she barely noticed that there were three people still in line. She checked in on her mum who was sleeping again for a moment and sat back at the table. Blackeye motioned another person to enter just as Harry had finished with his person.
The tall, satuesque blonde momentarily looked disappointed at getting Hermione when she remembered who was behind her. She announced "Randi Eastling-Bell," handed over her card and five galleons.
Hermione asked, "Are you Katie's sister?"
Surprised that someone who didn't play quidditch would make the connection, she replied, "Yes. She's four years younger. Do you know her?"
"Her birthday is a month before mine. We've studied runes together a lot. How long was your old wand?"
Amelia walked in, set her signed card on the table with her five galleons and said, "Amelia Bones."
Harry smiled and asked, "Good morning, Minister. How is Susan getting on this summer?"
"She and her friend Hannah Abbott are making the most out of the good weather, thank you. She's at the Abbotts for another week. How's your mother, Miss Granger?"
"Much better. Healer Windsong is the best I've ever met. She's sleeping in the other room."
Randi pronounced, "This one is fantastic. Thank you very much."
Amelia said, "Randi, I'll be back in the office in an hour."
After she left, Amelia cast anti-listening charms and said, "Thank you, Mr. Potter and Miss Granger. You've done so much to help us."
Harry replied, "Ragnok set this up."
"I wasn't speaking so much of your wandcrafting as of the events of June 24."
"I only did what I had to do."
"You did what no one else was able, or willing to attempt. Someday, I'd love to see a memory of it?"
"Like Ragnok did?"
"Similar, I expect. That said, what can I do for you?"
Without hesitation, he replied, "Help Hagrid."
Surprised, she asked, "Hagrid?"
"Hagrid who works at Hogwarts."
"I know who he is."
He explained, "Tom Riddle - AKA Voldemort, framed him when he was a third year student. They unjustly snapped his wand."
She asked, "Do you want to make him a new one?"
"With your permission."
"That would be very nice of you. I'll personally take care of it tomorrow morning when I go up to the castle."
"Thank you."
Hermione wisely chose not to say anything about her mother's magic being bound.
… - ...
Shortly after Amelia left, Blackeye ducked in and announced, "The Director is coming."
Four guards holding pikes walked in and looked around a bit. One took a step back and nodded. In the meanwhile, the first two stepped away to let the Director through. He walked in and motioned for the four guards to wait outside with the others.
Harry said, "Please come in. May we show you around?"
"Please, but first I must personally apologize for the attack on Miss Granger's mother. I have tripled the guard."
Hermione replied, "Ragnok, there's nothing to apologize for but thank you. My mother is in the next room. Please let Harry show you around for a few minutes and I'll see if she's awake."
As they walked and Harry described the steps of wandmaking, he added. "There is nothing to forgive. We accidentally left the back door unlocked after a delivery yesterday. Emma was here last night helping with the record keeping."
"I'm glad there was an explanation that can easily be remedied. I will see to it that they verify that the doors are properly sealed after you close for the day. As for increasing the size of the guard crew, a little extra intimidation can go a long way. They are better served out here than standing in an empty hallway off of the lobby. From my discussions with the Account Managers, we believe that things will get much worse before they get better. Much of the wizards' assets are frozen at this time, thanks to your brave actions. We intend to keep them frozen until we can properly investigate the heirs. Is the procedure for wand distribution going smoothly from your perspective?"
Harry replied, "Yes. We have the capacity to make many more than our current distribution schedule."
"Are you asking to raise the daily distribution numbers?"
"Not yet. I completely agree with how the current schedule fits in with the other plans. I'm simply observing that we would be in a position to accommodate, should you hear from other countries and feel that it would be in the best interests of the Nation to offer assistance. The true advantage that we possess is the availability of an almost unlimited wand core supply."
Ragnok reflected, "The best things that a business can possess are the ability to have a vision beyond what is currently known, a truly reliable bookkeeper and a competitive advantage. It is good that you recognize what you have."
Hermione walked over and said, "Mum is awake and would love to see you."
They walked over to the break room. Hermione said, "Please enjoy one of the chairs. They're quite comfortable. Can I get you a water, or ice tea, or a soda?"
He saw Harry with a bottle of Orange Crush and said, "I would like to try one of those, if I may. Dr. Granger, how are you?"
"Much better, thanks to the remarkable skills of Healer Windsong. How can I contact her? I'd love to thank her again and visit with her some day."
"I will happily tell her. I expect that she would enjoy visiting with you as well."
He accepted the bottle that Hermione offered and remarked, "It is very cold. Is it your custom?"
"Something that Daryl Whitehorn from Salem introduced us to. Try it."
It was fruity and sweet and bubbly. He nodded. "Thank you."
Emma said, "When you spoke earlier about the Department of Education, were you referring to the Board of School Governors or a department within the ministry?"
"The actual ministry."
"Windsong released a bind that I must have had since I was a toddler." She held up her wand and levitated Harry's empty soda bottle and put it onto the rack. She said, "I was pregnant with Hermione's brother when someone arranged a car accident. I was never able to have more children after that. They had no right."
Ragnok muttered something under his breath. Now it is personal. He replied, "I will take care of it."
He stood to leave and added, "I will convey your message to Healer Windsong. She has put me back together a few times as well and is remarkably skilled. Thank you for the tour and the enlightening conversation... If I might ask, why didn't you use your portkey when you saw the intruders?"
Emma admitted, "I'd been washing my hands and didn't want to damage it."
"My mate had the same habit. Please believe that I'd rather replace the watch fifty times than see you get hurt."
She promised, "I won't take it off again."
"Thank you. I hope to see you again soon." They each had something to think about.
… - ...
Thursday August 17
Thursday morning, Barchoke stopped by shortly after Harry and Hermione had arrived. They heard him walk in and rushed out of the break room with guilty looks on their faces. Barchoke remembered being a young goblin, a long time ago, smiled and asked if it would be acceptable if he watched the wand fittings for a while.
"We love having you here," replied Hermione. "Can I get you a water, coffee or a soda?"
"Water would be fine, thank you."
She handed him a cup and he replied, "Thank you. Which group is in today?"
"A few more people from the Aurors, the magical transportation people and the human Gringotts employees."
Barchoke observed, "It will be good when people can travel easily again. Diagon Alley has had a quiet summer."
The first people came in. Both had their Wand Purchase Permit card in hand along with their five galleons. For only having done their new jobs for a few days, Barchoke was impressed with the practiced ease that they both exhibited – verification of paperwork, a sentence of banter, the question about their previous wand, the suggestion that they try the one presented, confirmation that it works, a final sentence of banter and an indication that the next person in line is ready.
Harry had a dozen people fitted when a witch walked in, announced herself as Michelle Edgecombe, placed her signed card and five galleons on the table. After looking through the employee rosters, Wick had pointed to her as a likely candidate. Barchoke glanced at his watch and said, "I need to return for a meeting. Thank you both for the tour and hospitality." Hermione gave a quick wave and went back to her fitting as Harry bent down to get another wand. Neither noticed Barchoke flick a finger at Edgecombe's back as he walked by to go to the door. Hermione's customer left and the wizard who she recognized as the engineer from the Hogwarts Express sat at her table. Ernie Prang the knight bus driver with coke-bottle thick eyeglasses sat down at Harry's table, Wand Purchase Permit card in one hand, five galleons in the other.
Bill Weasley was next at Hermione's table. They didn't recognize each other but Bill traded nods with Harry on his way out. He had been at Hogwarts the evening of the third task with his parents but had left shortly after the Great Wandout to report in to his superiors.
… - …
Saturday August 19
There were two legitimate second hand shops in Diagon Alley - Alix's Gently Used Children's and School Items bought and sold children's clothing, Hogwarts uniforms and the standard textbooks. They stopped buying DADA books after getting stuck with hundreds of Lockhart's fantasy novels.
The other shop was Glenn's Young Household Turn-Around. It also specialized in Children's furniture – cribs, bassinets, changing tables and the like. Not surprisingly – Alix and Glenn were married.
Along came the Great Wandout. At first, Glenn was a bit annoyed since he wasn't able to perform permanent repairs with his skill at enchanting. Within a few days, their shops were full – of sellers. They collectively had no more gold to purchase items and hardly anyone was buying. To make ends meet, Glenn closed his shop and took a job managing a nonmagical second-hand shop.
It wasn't long before Alix was the shop's best customer. The gently used items that she brought in (largely from Glenn's shop) literally did look as good as the day that they originally left the factory. The only problem was, without his wand, Glenn was unable to make his permanent repairs and within a month they had run out of items to sell to the nonmagical shop.
When Malfalda Hopkirk came in, they were again without funds to purchase her charmed silver service sets and Glenn couldn't suggest that she take it to the nonmagical shop. Without their wands, they literally couldn't help her.
… - ...
As the afternoon wore on, they had finished with all of their fittings for the day and had set up another batch of wands on the glue table, Harry said, "I'm going to call Daryl's nephew."
Hermione was working on another batch of indents after checking in with her mum who was snuggled into the chair with Dobby and Winky.
Harry called the number. After a ring, a man answered, "Devlin Whitehorn."
Harry said, "This is Harry Potter. I have a wand for you at the Wand Shop next to Gringotts."
Whitehorn replied, "I'm just over at Fortescue's. I'll be right over."
Harry went to the break room and softly announced, "Daryl's nephew is on his way over. He made a wand for him and asked me to give it to him. Dobby, can you put two hundred feet of acrumantula strand in a box or on a reel for him?"
"Yes, Harry Potter. I have one with that much on a reel that you can be giving him."
Blackeye announced, "There is a Mr. Whitehorn here to see you."
"Please let him in."
Harry walked to the door and greeted their guest, "Devlin, I'm Harry potter. Welcome to our shop."
Recognition appeared on his face. "This looks like my uncle's shop in Salem. Did he make me a wand?"
"Yes," replied Harry. "Please follow me." Devlin walked into the break room, saw the refrigerator and said, "Let me guess, Orange Crush?"
Harry asked, "Exactly. Would you like one?"
"Please. I have an uncle in the States who's a wandcrafter. I should have thought of getting one from him."
Harry replied, He told me that they'd sold their entire available supply to Newfoundland. I expect everyone's searching for core. We spent a month with him. This is my partner, Hermione Granger."
She said, "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Whitehorn."
"Just Devlin."
She smiled and mentioned, "That's almost exactly what he said." There was a family resemblance but Devlin looked older. She recalled her dad saying, It's not the years, it's the mileage. Perhaps the miles had been far kinder to Daryl living in Salem than for Daryl, fighting Voldemort in the '70s.
Harry handed him a wand and said, "This should look familiar."
He replied, "It has a familiar feel to it. Thank you very much. Can you give me the five sickle tour?"
They walked around a bit. Devlin remarked, "Aside from all of the glue benches with the serious clamps, this looks a lot like my shop. What are you using for cores?"
"Acromantula strand mostly. It's not as powerful as some but the compatibility is fantastic. We have quite a bit of it. Actually we have a reel that we were hoping that you could try out, maybe for something in the comet 260 class that could be used at Hogwarts, both for flying class as well as leveling the playing field between the teams?"
Devlin remarked, "I'd be happy to make a few. The strand wouldn't be suitable for the Firebolt but for school brooms – yea. How many would they need?"
"Thirty. Seven players per team, one for Hooch and a spare."
"Do you have enough strand? I'd need nearly a hundred feet."
Dobby handed Harry the reel who gave it to Devlin and said, "Here's two hundred feet. What did you use for the core on the firebolt? It was a great broom."
"You had one?"
"Yes, about a year and a half."
"With the black finish? I only made a few of those before I switched to dark crimson.".
Harry replied, "Yes, it was a Christmas gift from my Godfather."
"I hope he's well?"
"He was when I saw him late in June. I've pretty much been gone since then."
Devlin said, "Well, to answer you question, I used powdered snake bone as the core."
Harry remarked, "Come November, I could help you out with that."
"I use an ounce or so per broom. Can you get that much?"
Harry replied, "That wouldn't be a problem."
"This has proven to be my lucky day. I can get a start on the school brooms in a month."
"That would be fantastic. I expect that she'd prefer that they get delivered in January, as they have new classes for fall term. Let me know when and how much I can pay you and I'll be happy to settle up."
Devlin replied, "OK. Thank you, for everything. If I might forget about this when I walk out the door; can you call me in a month?"
"I'd be glad to. It was good to meet you."
… - …
Minerva opened yet another envelope. Like Molly Weasley, it seemed that every parent felt that their input regarding the fall semester had been requested or was going to be acted on. This one was different.
Dear Headmistress McGonagall,
I'm writing in regards to the schooling options available to my betrothed, Cho Chang. She will be two months pregnant when term begins. Our first preference would be that she could live in Hogsmeade and attend as a day student. I should mention that neither of us have wands yet. It is my hope that we will soon be able to purchase them in accordance with the ministry purchase police that Gringotts is administering.
If this would be acceptable, or other similar arrangements could be made, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Cedric Diggory
She considered his request when an idea came to her. They would have need for a Physical Education instructor. She didn't as yet have one and wondered if he could be persuaded to find some non-magical books on the subject and some team sports equipment. Perhaps he could teach the subject on a probationary basis in exchange for room and board for the two of them.
She decided to get Filius and Pomona's opinion and see if he was interested, He hadn't mentioned working in a position.
An hour later she was writing an offer letter.
… - …
A/N
First and foremost, a very special thanks to Alix33. Those of you who are fortunate enough to have had her read your stories are better for the experience. Besides her remarkable skill, she is a wonderful person. I think that rates an O/C. Cheers.
I've had a printed copy of the words to Mr. Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone taped to my wall as I started drafting the outline for this tale. There are some interesting comparisons.
It always bugged me that no one righted the wrongs that had been done to Hagrid. He deserved better.
Writers - I added a challenge of sorts up in my profile for you to consider. If you start posting yours before I'm done posting the chapters for my tale, I'll be happy to reference your story.
Thanks for reading.
… - ...
