Author's Note: Sorry for how long this took. I needed a bit of a break, and frankly this chapter fought me a little. I only finished it a couple minutes ago. So no betas again. I'll do a run through and see about putting up a fixed version soon. BTW I'm seriously thinking of replacing cyber hamster. Suggestions?
Chapter 26: Meeting the Family...again
Hermione stepped smartly aside as she regained her feet. Just in time to avoid Harry who was exiting the floo behind her. With his usual level of poise and speed. Meaning he just barely avoided smashing into the table legs as he slid under the piece of furniture half way across the pub.
She hurried over to him, shaking her head fondly. Harry did not travel well, he never had and in all likelihood never would. As near as she could tell he wasn't doing anything wrong when he entered a floo. The entire system just seemed to hate him and always saw to it that he was tossed out the other end like a ball from a cannon.
There was rueful chuckling from those gathered around them as she bent to help him to his feet. Unfortunately for Harry's dignity this included a fair number of people he knew.
Dumbledore had made the last minute executive decision, that the entirety of the Defence Study group be allowed to attend the trip to Diagon Alley. A not entirely unappreciated gesture.
Unfortunately it came with the caveat that they be accompanied by a large escort. Not just teachers, such as had originally been intended but by "Volunteers" as he had called them.
This basically appeared to include the entirety of the Order of the Phoenix. Which had apparently inducted a couple new members since they'd last seen them gather. Harry and Hermione blinked in surprise as the usually fairly restrained Greengrass girls rushed forward with a whoop of joy to meet their parents. Unexpected additions to the proceedings.
They padded over cautiously once they were certain the family's greetings seemed to have ended. Harry bent slightly at the waist. "Greetings Lord Greengrass." He bowed a little more deeply to the lady standing beside the familiar lord. "Milday Greengrass."
Matthias Greengrass smiled slightly. "Lord Potter."
Lady Greengrass tilted her head deferentially "Greetings Lord Potter. We have not had occasion to meet prior to today have we?"
Harry shook his head smiling. "No Milady. Though a family friend speaks very fondly of you." He noted.
She cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? And who might that be?" She asked curious.
"Remus Lupin."
She blinked in surprise, then pinked slightly chuckling. Her husband smiling fondly at her. The girl for there part seemed confused and looked to her curiously. "Oh my," She laughed. "It's been a vert long time since I've seen dear Remus…" She noted ruefully. "How is he?"
Harry shrugged, but smiled. "He's managing." Harry glanced about. "Actually, considering this crowd…I'd be surprised if he doesn't show some time today."
She nodded, Astoria cocked her head at her mother. "You know mum?"
She bobbed her head in agreement. "Yes. Quite well in fact…" She looked to Harry questioningly. "I wasn't aware he was part of this little group of Dumbledore's…"
Harry snorted slightly. "Yeah he is. I admit I'm surprised to find you here, though maybe I shouldn't be considering your daughters are here?" He asked probingly.
Lord Greengrass scowled slightly before schooling his features. "Yes, Dumbledore…approached us and presented his case for supporting his war effort. As you are…working with him too, we felt this might be a good show of support while also helping to protect our family from reprisals…"
To anyone not so familiar with Harry they would not be able to tell. But Hermione could see Harry was irritated Dumbledore had used him to secure the Greengrasses support. But he hid it well. "Dumbledore always did know how to make the most of a situation…" he agreed casting his eyes about. "Uh— I hope you don't mind but before everyone starts wandering off maybe I should handle somethings. I'll be back in a moment." Harry moved off to start talking with others who were still milling about the dingy little pub. She was about to follow when Lord Greengrass spoke to her. "Ah yes, my apologies for neglecting you my dear, and you would be Lady Granger then?" He greeted.
"Um…What?" Was her confused reply.
He chuckled knowingly. "Your soul bond elevated you to nobility dear girl. Congratulations I suppose?"
She blushed slightly. "I um—I still haven't gotten used to the idea actually" She admitted sheepishly.
He nodded affably. "Indeed. Imagine it might be a bit of a change in how you think of yourself?"
She shrugged. "Well….yes, I suppose I mean, I didn't suddenly get wealthier, and my house didn't suddenly expand to my knowledge." She offered with a wry smile. "And nobodies invited me to a fancy party yet…" She admitted feigning offence theatrically.
He smiled and chuckled. "Yes that is what those who revel in nobility seem to do isn't it?" He paused considering her. "I hope you realize your good fortune?"
She cocked her head curiously and he explained. "Lord Potter is not only a good man from what I can tell but one of significant standing…"
She grimaced. "I was his friend for years before this…"
She could tell she'd passed some sort of test with him when he smiled. "Indeed, and I can attest to the value of marrying your friend. That along is a better prize than all the wealth in England I assure you." He offered. She had to admit, at least to herself that she was surprised to hear him say so. Not that she dared say that aloud.
"You and Lady Greengrass were friends then? Before getting together I mean?" She asked as she observed the too smiling fondly at eachother.
Matthias nodded. "Yes. For many years. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately as the case may be, her relationship with another fell through and she started spending more time with me. Things went from there…"
His daughters seemed very surprised he was confiding this much in her. He offered a wry smile. "I am, as I have heard Muggles refer to it. The rebound guy."
His wife rolled her eyes and swatted his arms playfully before smiling at him " Oh, don't be like that. I love you, you're not second best to me."
He nodded agreeably. "I know. But it is how we met. Had…he not missed out he and you might have that relationship…"
"Wait!" Yelped Daphne, Hermione could practically see the torch lighting over her head. "Mum's boyfriend before you was Uncle Remmy…Are you saying Remus Lupin is Remmy?"
Her mother chuckled ruefully, and looked to Hermione knowingly "The curse of intelligent children you know?" She turned her eyes back to Daphne. "Yes dear, me and were dating for a period. We broke up because of the fuss your grandparents made when they found out about his condition. He didn't want to cause me undo strain with my family…" She said sounding regretful.
Hermione had to admit watching Daphne goggle at her mother so was highly entertaining to say the least. "Why didn't you tell us when he was our teacher?"
Lady Greengrass shrugged. "He didn't introduce himself to you. I decided he desired his privacy for one reason or another."
"Oohhhhh," groaned Astoria. "But think of all the stories he could have told about you!"
Lady Greengrass pinked again, likely remembering something which wasn't for her daughter's ears.
"Only the most complimentary ones I assure you." interrupted a quiet and polite voice she recognized. They turned and there was Lupin, with a grinning Sirius Black at his shoulder. Lady Greengrass' eyes widened and she smiled brightly before hurrying forward "Remmy!" She greeted and hugged the Werewolf warmly. "It's been too long."
"Hello Laurel. It's good to see you. Matthias" Lupin greeted each in turn.
"Remus." Matthias offered smiling.
Lady Greengrass pulled back to arms length and looked him over and tutted knowingly. "Damn it Remmy, you need to take better care of yourself. Look at you!"
He smiled shyly. "I am trying Laurel, you know how it is."
She smiled wanly in return "That I do, don't I?" She considered him. "How are you managing with that?"
He smiled slightly. "Better, since the potion was invented." he reported. "Still…it's hard to find permanent work"
She nodded understandingly. It was indeed hard for a wizard to find much work with Lycanthropy on their record. She waved to the pub around them. "Dumbledore didn't mention you were part of…this!"
He chuckled "Yes, he always was a bit cagey…"
"Hey Remus" greeted Harry finally returning. "Sirius." He gave his god father a hug. "Sorry for running off like that." He said apologetically to the Greengrasses. "I was just talking with the rest of the study group…"
"What about?" Daphne asked.
"Well, and this extends to you two as well, though I'd be surprised if you need it." He noted scratching his chin idly. "I asked everyone to stop by Ollivander's and get a backup. I told them that if they honestly couldn't afford it I'd cover it."
"Very generous lord Potter." Matthias noted.
Harry shrugged. "It's always been an issue in fights I've been in. Always having a reliable backup is a big help." He assured them.
"Well, why don't you girls go do that and then come back here after hmm? Allow your mother and I time to catch up with Remus?" The lord suggested.
"Okay Father" Astoria agreed, bouncing a little in anticipation.
"Yes Father" Daphne agreed significantly more restrained. They wandered off together with the others hurrying out into the alley. Harry notes Hestia moved to follow at a discrete distance.
"They'll be watched properly?" Lord Greengrass asked worriedly.
"Absolutely. The entire Order's here near as I can tell." Sirius noted happily.
Hermione glanced around. He was right, save Hagrid, nobody else was missing that she could tell. There's was a jangle at the door and Tonks wandered back into the pub tailed by her parents who look a bit wide eyed.
"Found these two wandering around outside. Seems they couldn't find the pub without you there Hermione." She noted chuckling.
Hermione gasped. "Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't think of that!"
"These would be your parents then?" Laurel Greengrass asked pleasantly.
Hermione blushed. "Yes. Um—Mum, Dad this is Lord and Lady Greengrass. We go to school with their daughters. And this is Professor Lupin."
"I'm not a professor any more Hermione" Corrected Lupin smiling none-the-less.
"Right sorry."
Dan considered the pair across from him. "The Wizarding world seems to have a lot of nobility floating around." He noted cautiously.
Matthias just chuckled. "That we do."
"So. Honey, we're here, and we figured we'd better talk." Emma noted to Hermione.
"Er…yeah. I suppose we should." She agreed weakly.
"Harry?" She asked hopefully.
"Yeah I'm right here. I was thinking though…Why don't we do the little things we were hoping to do first, and then we can get a table for lunch or something and talk it all out?" He suggested.
Her parents considered that then nodded, "Okay we're okay with that."
"Actually…Why doesn't Emma keep the girls company and I'll have go with Harry" Dan suggested. "Perhaps Sirius can join us?"
"We can meet at the bank and go from there in say an hour?" Harry offered.
Kara who had sauntered back over spoke up. "Luna wants to go to Ollivanders and get that feather made into a wand." She noted, then glanced to Harry. "You still…"
"Yeah, I'm sure." He agreed, Hermione wondered what about.
"Thanks Harry, that's real nice of you." She noted then paced off.
Hermione cocked an eyebrow at him. "I'm paying for Luna's wand. I gave Kara the money." Harry nodded.
Harry turned to Dan smiling then made a show of looking over him cautiously "You packing? Should I be worried?"
Dan chuckled. "You know it. But I promise it's not because of you." He said shaking his head smiling.
"I understand." Harry agreed.
"Packing?" Hermione asked curiously.
Dan glanced around then pulled his coat aside slightly, revealing his gun and holster. Her eyes widened.
"What is that?" Asked Lady Greengras curious about the reaction it had garnered.
"It's a muggle firearm dear" Lord Greengrass noted soberly.
"Oh…." She didn't seem to know what to say to that.
"I imagine considering Harry's relationship with the Grangers, I assume he informed them of the current political climate. And how most of You-Know-Who's supporters wouldn't know what one looks like."
"Alright…" She said looking a little more certain.
Harry led the men out into the alley. Hermione overheard a bit before the door closed behind them. "So Harry where are we going?" Dan asked.
"Uh—Well, honestly my only plans were for the bank, otherwise I was going to follow Hermione around…" Admitted a sheepish sounding Harry.
Dan laughed.
—
"So….How did it go" Emma asked knowingly.
Hermione rolled her eyes sighing. Her mother had been positively vibrating with anticipation for the last ten minutes since they parted from Harry and the other girls. Tonks had trotted off following Harry at a discrete distance. Likely giving him time to chat with Sirius and her father.
"How was what?" She asked pretending confusion. Her mother swatted her for that.
"You know what. How did you two figure it out?" She demanded eagerly.
She smiled, she couldn't help it. Her mother always was a sucker for a happy story.
"Well….I decided to take Lavenders advice." She offered coyly.
Emma rolled her eyes. Knowing perfectly well to what she was referring. "No you didn't! Stop playing with me and gimme the details!"
She snorted trying to contain her laughter. Her mother was like a kid at christmas. "Alright, alright. We'd sort of been dancing around each other as you know…" She began as they stepped into a clothing store. "And apparently we both decided we needed to say something about it to the other. But we weren't sure when." She admitted.
She shrugged. "Anyways one evening we were practicing occlumency"
"Which is what?" Her mother asked curiously.
"The art of protecting your mind from external intrusion" Hermione dutifully relayed.
"Wizards can do that? Oh wait you mentioned that back during summer break didn't you?" Emma remembered
"Only some. But yes. Which is why I won't tell you some things because if you ever meet Dumbledore. Nosy busybody that he is he might take a peek." She noted dryly.
"And they let this man teach children?" Emma grumped.
Hermione shook her head. "Back on point. Me and Harry were practicing this and Harry's wandering around my mindscape, and he's being super careful not to touch anything." She explained. "He's just so respectful you know… And I got to thinking. About the various things I liked about him."
"And I got thinking about how he respected me and how love, the real thing is partially based on mutual respect and care for one another." She admitted. "I realized that me and Harry already had this even if we didn't realize it. Even if we didn't call it love yet."
Emma was watching her closely. "Anyways. We left my mind a short while later, and I decided to tell him that I thought a lot of him and would always be there for him."
"Ooohhh honey you need to be more direct than that when speaking with blokes…" Her mother noted shaking her head.
Hermione snickered. "So I found out. He appreciated the sentiment though." She argued. "And I told him I was there for him in whatever context he needed me. And he was like okay…"why are you acting so strange," not that he said that." She noted a touch ruefully. "But he said that he was glad to have me as a friend"
She sighed. "At this point I realized I'd need to be blunt, and I'm super scared, and I just tell him you know?"
"And what did he say." Asked Emma.
Hermione blushed. "Uh—He didn't get a chance for a while because I kept babbling….I er…may have said too much?" She admitted weakly.
"How so?" Emma asked worriedly.
"Er…well he took it excellently and was very happy. But I sort of said, that I wanted to be his friend."
"Good" Emma agreed.
"Confidant"
"Still good" Emma decided.
"Girlfriend"
"I'm not seeing the problem here…" Her mother noted.
"Maybe someday his lover" Hermione offered weakly.
"Okay…that's a little…" Her mother noted blinking.
"Wife"
"Oh…" Her mother winced.
"And mother of his children"
At this point Emma couldn't help it. "Oh dear…." she said snickering.
"Don't laugh!" Protested Hermione irately.
"But he took it well?" Emma asked once she regained control.
"Yes. He kissed me before saying anything" Hermione agreed.
"Ooohhh good move!" Emma agreed.
"Then he told me he would love that to be a reality" Hermione noted happily. "That he wanted those things too." She turned a bit glassy eyed as she remembered. "And we kept kissing and when we opened our eyes we were surrounded by a glow"
"That common in…?" Emma asked a touch worried.
She shook her head."No. It's very special mum."
"What did it mean?"
"It meant we are soul mates." She admitted.
"Soul mates are really a thing then…You mentioned it on the mirror." Emma noted dryly.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, they are. No one's as surprised as me let me tell you." She added chuckling. "And he's thrilled, because he knew what it meant. And he told me that our minds must think alike because he'd been planning on telling me too."
"Awww" her mother offered happily.
"That he couldn't see a future without me at his side. And that he wanted me to be his girlfriend. And someday his wife." Hermione reported.
Her mother barked a laugh. "Wow. You two don't do anything part way do you?"
She snorted wryly. "No, apparently not."
"I imagine it was mostly kissing after that" Her mother noted laughing.
"Yes." The girl admitted blushing. They walked in silence for a time changing stores before they spoke again.
"You know…this is serious right?" Hermione asked worriedly.
Emma sighed, "yes I know." She agreed. "I just wish it had maybe come along more slowly and gently…"
Hermione smiled fondly. "I know. But I couldn't be happier. I'm just worried…"
"About what?" Her mother asked.
"You…and dad." She admitted. "I know what I'm in for mum, and I accept it happily." She sighed. 'But…my life isn't going to be simple you know that right?"
"I kinda figured honey…"
Hermione shook her head. "No. I mean….Really complicated…and dangerous" She added reluctantly.
Her mother is silent for a time. Then shook her head. "Yes, we know Harry's stuck in this war one way or another. And yes we know you are going to follow him. One way or another…"
"Are you guys okay with that?" Her daughter asked curious.
"We know we can't keep you from it. We know we can't leave you to it. So we'll be there for you through it instead." Emma offered tiredly.
"Thank you." Hermione offered softly.
"Just how bad is it?"
"The danger or the complicated part? Because both are doozies." Hermione noted darkly.
"Doozies? "
Hermione shrugged embarrassed. "I don't know I think I've been spending too much time around Kara."
"The danger….and then the complicated." Emma decided.
Hermione shrugged. "It's a war mum. Strictly speaking the tide could turn against us at any minute and we'd be gone tomorrow." She tried to comfort her mother. "For now it's relatively quiet…."
She sighed, now came the hard part. "As for the complicated…Well you know Harry's a Lord right?"
Her mother chuckled. "Yes. Hard to imagine considering the way he used to dress…"
"Well it turns out…that he's the heir to not one, but three wizarding noble lines. Potter, Peverell and Slytherin." Hermione explained.
Emma nodded knowingly. "Lots of responsibilities then?"
Hermione grimaced, shaking her head. "Not so much actually. Aside from House Potter, which mostly made it's living making wards. The other two lines have been all but extinct for centuries…." She hesitated. "And I am now heir of the Granger line. Surprise by the way…"
Her mother gave her a confused look then shook her head. "Okay, explain that later…"
"Problem is that these lines are basically legendary." Hermione explained getting back on track. "He can't let them die out."
"So lots of children then…" Emma asked, partially understanding.
"One for each line if we want them to continue." Hermione agreed.
"But there's a problem."
Emma considered her. "Neither of you want four kids?"
"Actually I think we'd both be fine with that." Hermione noted thinking about that. She wanted kids…someday. And Harry desperately needed family.
"But…." Emma asked dubiously.
"But Wizarding Britain has an inbreeding problem" Hermione admitted dreading what she had to explain.
"Meaning?"
That to have four lines all sharing common genetics would worsen the situation over the next couple generations…" Hermione explained hurriedly.
"Okay…."
So…Unless we want the wizarding public going nutters because we allowed noble lines to go extinct…"
"Uh oh…." Emma murmured as it began to dawn on her.
"Harry needs a second wife….at least." Hermione finished delivering the death blow.
Her mother cradled her head "Oi…." She offered weakly.
"On the plus side. Harry's all for letting the wizarding world riot and telling them to shove it…." She stopped and shook her head ruefully. "Again I've been spending too much time with Kara." She muttered
"But how do you feel?" Emma asked looking up at her.
"He's mine mum." Hermione growled. "I don't want to share…"
"but…"
She sighed. "But. Neither do I want our lives to be made difficult by people who expect too much…"
Emma considered her then shook her head. "I think we need to talk to your father about this…"
"Yeah." Hermione agreed weakly. "He's going to go nuts isn't he?"
"Possibly." Agreed her mother grimly.
"Great…."
—
It was indeed close to an hour later that when they all gathered again in the lobby of Gringotts. Dan Granger sidled up beside Emma as the kids got caught up a little ways away. He tried to ignore the fact that a being half his height was mad dogging him from the sidelines while carrying a very nasty looking spear.
"So, how'd it go?" He asked.
Emma shook her head and smiled weakly. "You're going to loose your rag dear."
"That bad?" He asked skeptically.
She bobbed her head. "Yes."
"Shit…."
She nodded agreement with his crudely. "Problem is it's neither of their faults."
"You gonna tell me what it is?"
"Not here, the guards might object to you screaming…and maybe it's better if Hermione tells you."
He shook his head.
"Well you two look somber." Tonks noted walking up.
"Just some rough news Tonks." Emma offered.
"Any thing I can help with." The Auror offered helpfully.
"Maybe…we'll talk about it later."
"Okay." The Auror agreed easily.
Meanwhile Harry, oblivious to the likely looming storm, had made his way up to a counter but stopped when he saw a familiar Goblin wandering across the hall, under the escort of a pair of guards.
Not wanting to startle them Harry moved cautiously to intercept them. He bowed slightly as the small entourage slowed upon noticing him. "Greetings Ragnok, it is good to see you again." He greeted.
"Ah, Harry, how delightful to see you again, I did not know Hogwarts students could come visit us this time of year." Ragnok greeted.
"Good to see you too sir. I got a special dispensation from Dumbledore today, and I thought I'd tend to some business while I was out." Harry explained shaking the goblins hand. He turned to the ladies and made introductions. "Ladies, this is Director Ragnok, and as I have been recently informed King of the Goblin Nation of Great Britain." Harry said formally. The girls all hurried to bow or curtsy.
"And what business might we help you with today?" Asked the goblin cheerfully enough.
"I'd like to talk with you about one of the properties I own. But I'm also looking to secure a contract between me and another." Harry said and waved to a seat. "May we go somewhere more private?" He requested.
"Of course. I was just headed back to my office. May I ask who your companions are?" The goblin requested. Harry flushed a little at his oversight.
"I apologize, I should have made introductions. This is Kara Smith of Newark Independant, Hermione Granger of London, and Luna Lovegood of Ottery ST Catchpol." He said pointing out each in turn.
"I pleasure to meet you all." The goblin said. he led them through the halls to his office. Where they were all dully seated. "Wonderful, now that just leaves me with the property question?" he asked turning back to Harry as he seated himself behind his desk.
"Yes, it concerns Caer Whitewall." Harry explained. "As you know I asked that it be repaired, you sent a survey team out and I got the report,"
"Yes, of course. A bit dilapidated now, but once a fine property dating back thousands of years, in one form or another." The Goblin noted making notes.
Harry turned to the girls and explained a little. "Caer Whitewall, was at least at one time, my families fortress. A castle built on a small island off of Sark in the channel islands. As I was saying I ordered some repairs, but I have decided I would like to have a place which could, in times of need, shelter any and all of my friends and colleagues if need be, as well as function as a home which would be of my making." He elaborated. The girls were nodding understanding, and he explained a little more. "It wouldn't be home if my friends couldn't call it such too." They blinked owlishly at him.
"You want us to live with you?" Hermione asked.
Harry smiled cheekily. "In some capacity at the very least yes, I know, moving in together is sort of a big step…" He smiled wider when she chuckled at that.
He turned back to Ragnok. "I would like to request it be rebuilt to the specifications I agreed upon with the builders you arranged for me to meet, and brought up to modern standards, both Muggle, and Magical. By this I mean, repaired, and wired for current muggle tech, self sufficient power wise, as well as warded properly, and suitable for a magic user to live in. I was wondering if I might use Gringotts as a middleman for any work that needs to be done? I am aware this will likely increase the expenditure however I am confident Gringotts and the goblins, will know the finest craftsman for what we require." He said smoothly.
The Goblin grinned pleased, "Indeed we do Harry, and we'd be pleased to do this work for you. I can provide you with the details for such things. Anything else I should know?" He asked.
Harry considered "A moment Director," He turned to the others. "Firstly I want to ask you girls what you think I should make room for in the planning. I hope to have you accessing it whenever you feel like it as well. Suggestions?" He asked.
The girls sat stunned for a moment. "Uh," Stammered Kara recovering first, "I always thought a castle should have an armoury and training room in it?" She said casting about for an idea. Harry nodded in satisfaction. "I uh, maybe a small chapel or knave?" She asked after a moments thought.
"Of course, just for you." Harry agreed, solemnly.
Hermione was considering furiously, "Perhaps an unplottable ward?" Hermione speculated. "And remember that any electrical work would have to be specifically shielded to allow for it to work." She reminded. "U'm…Well of course it should also have a library,"
"You will all be designing your own rooms, which will be kept special, just for you," Harry offered making an executive decision.
They turned to Luna who was smiling blissfully. "A menagerie, would you make room in it for a Crumple Horned Snorkack Harry?" She asked dreamily.
"Uh, sure, any other critters as well, if you want, I think I'll need to assign one of the house elves to help run a menagerie on a permanent basis." He noted thoughtfully.
"Thank you Harry," She said happily. "I'd like my room's walls white please, I'd like to paint them myself…" She offered shyly. Harry smiled, remembering her painting she would make at her own home, featuring her and those she considered friends.
Harry turned back to a slightly vexed looking Ragnok. "Uh, she goes on expeditions looking for Snorkacks. We're hopeful she'll find one soon…" He said a little lamely, unsure how to explain it to him, without sounding crazy.
"Indeed? Hmmm." The Goblin noted, and wrote down everything said so far in his notes. "It will take a little time to get a hold of the foreman needed for such a venture. When do you require it completed" Ragnok asked handing off a note to a teller.
"Probably not any time soon. Not that I wouldn't appreciate having it completed sooner…" Harry said quickly. "Uh, however fast it can be done while still being done as well as possible" He suggested and the Goblin nodded. "One further question who would be the expert on upgrading fortifications of such a place?" Harry asked. It wasn't like people went around making fortresses much anymore…
The Goblin soured a little, but made an admission. "That would be the Dwarves, we currently have a peace treaty with the ones living in, or rather under Britain." He explained. It was well known, even to Harry, that Dwarves and Goblins seldom got along. "But we will hire them if that is what is required to do the best job possible." Ragnok promised. "Now If you would wait here I need to check on something Harry." Ragnok said a little distractedly.
They waited in silence for a minute or two. Ragnok returned and spoke from the doorway "Harry, could I borrow you for a moment, if the ladies would wait out in the lobby?" He requested. Luna in particular looked loathe to leave Harry's company. Only Kara had noticed that she had been getting more tense the longer she was away from him.
"I'll be right along." Harry promised the others and took off after the goblin. Ragnok led him down pair of side passages. To an elevator with a brass grate pulled across it.
"I meant to tell you, it was wonderful meeting Herida…" Harry offered uncertainly. He didn't know Goblin protocol on such things. "She's very knowledgable and utterly professional, I've never met a Goblin female before." He admitted.
"In fact you likely have, you just didn't realize it, half the soldiers in her detail were female, and many of the guards we have here are as well, you just can't tell under all that armour." Ragnok noted. "But thank you for your praise, she does me proud in so many ways." He noted surprised at the compliment from a human.
A rumbled echoed up the elevator shaft. 'Now, one moment, I have someone you should speak to ." The goblin said smiling, or maybe sneering. It was hard to tell with goblins. They waited for a moment and the elevator arrived depositing a goblin male with an odd creature cradled in his arms.
The beast could be described as Badger like, in fact it almost was a badger in many ways, though significantly smaller, if a bit fuzzier, with six legs with dexterous little pudgy fingered paws. It also, he noticed, had a prehensile tail, furry, but flat like a beaver's. Its head, slightly more triangular, and had a plate of bone on its forehead following up along the bridge of it's muzzle, and a quartet of horns. Two were attached to the ridged brow plate similar to a musk ox's except more geometric and somewhat ram-like in the way they curled before sloping back over its shoulders, the other two were corkscrewing and sharp like an Ibex's curving low over its back and then up. Harry stared at the creature in question. He turned to Ragnok who explained. "You said your companion went on expeditions looking for Snorkacks? They are almost extinct outside goblin menageries, and you never saw them on the surface at all…" The director noted cocking his head.
"Uh, yes, to be fair I'm not sure what kind of tracker Xenophilius Lovegood is. Luna I believe is simply enthusiastic about the creatures." Harry said numbly as the little critter snuffled gently at the chin of its carrier.
"Would you be interested in purchasing this specimen for your companion? We rarely part with them." Ragnok asked cautiously. He would not be making this offer usually, but Lord Potter was rapidly proving to be a valuable and though he was surprised to admit it of a human, a fondly thought of acquaintance.
"Uh, I don't even know what they eat…" Harry stumbled. While his brain screamed. It's a bloody Snorkack! Of course you should get it. And talk to Ragnok about buying Space Llama insurance!
"Anything really, they're omnivores." Ventured the one holding the little creature, which turned round, liquid brown eyes, on Harry snuffling gently.
"Uh, then yes, I'd be interested in purchasing…him?" He asked.
"Her, actually, She'll need some exercise occasionally, but otherwise is perfectly docile, we'll provide you with a ward collar. We don't want any harm coming to it. I'd part with her for a thousand Galleons?" The Goblin said a little tentatively.
Harry smiled at the goblin, and the little creature in his arms. "Because you're throwing in the collar, and because of just how much I appreciate this I'll make it two thousand." He explained at their surprised expressions. "Seriously you have no idea how perfect this is." He said happily, and the Goblin nodded appreciation and hesitated.
"Uh one other thing…" The keeper said slowly
Luna had been redirected to a small office just off the main hall with the other two girls. She stared happily at the lovely scrollwork done with the wood around the room, it gave her ideas for a painting she was wanting to start. Harry finally showed up again a minute or two after they were shuffled in here. It soothed her nerves to no end seeing him again. He approached her looking pleased with himself about something. He knelt in front of her for a moment and smiled brightly. "Hey, Luna, it's been a bit of a roller coaster lately hasn't it?" He noted and she nodded agreement.
She didn't know precisely what a roller coaster was, but could understand well enough from the context. "It's been mostly good Harry." She said happily.
"True, but you've been through a lot, and I arranged for a bit of therapy for you…" He started and her eyes widened in concern. He hurried on. "Oh don't worry, nothing like that. Just… Well it's better to show you." He said still smiling, "Keeper Hargrave?" He called, and a moment later a Goblin enter the room trailed on a leash by what to Luna's shock and awe could only be a Crumple Horned Snorkack. She shot out of her chair pointing excitedly
"Harry is that what I think it is?" Asked Hermione skeptically from the sidelines.
He was smiling a little maniacally "Yeah, it turns out that Snorkacks are actually subterranean, and a bit endangered, You rarely see them outside of Goblin Menageries." Harry explained. He turned to Luna who was staring at the little creature as it snuffled about. "And I managed to convince this one's owner to part with her. She's yours now Luna." He said and she turned, and hurled herself squealing excitedly at him wrapping him in a hug.
"Oh, thank you Harry!" She said excitedly already teary.
He held her happily for a short while, "A couple quick things about her. First she's an omnivore, so she can eat virtually anything you could eat. Second, He paused here significantly. "she's got a litter on the way." He said and she goggled at him beyond amazed.
"You got me a pregnant Snorkack?" She asked shocked beyond words.
"Yes," He said and hugged her happily.
"You're amazing Harry Potter." She said sniffling as she extricated her self and approached the little creature cautiously. "Hello little one, my name is Luna," She cooed.
—
Elsewhere.
"This certainly isn't our usual…venue for meeting Shadow" Hill noted dryly leaning against the dilapidated wall outside a warehouse.
Shadow nodded easily. "Apologies sir."
"With everything going on today…this was more convenient than our usual."
Hill waved it off easily. "No matter. You desired to report?"
Shadow nodded pacing slightly. "Yes sir. I'm fairly secure in my situation at Hogwarts. But as I've mentioned in my dead drops the boy has begun gathering a small group for study purposes…"
"And this is worthy of note because…" Hill asked gesturing for Shadow to continue.
"He's training them sir. And from what I'm hearing equipping them too." Shadow shrugged. "It's like he's building an Army…"
"Something to worry about?" The director asked tilting his head.
Shadow considered for a good minute before shaking it's head. "Not yet. He doesn't appear to be building it around himself or his personality as it were. Instead he's forming it around the interest of self defence."
Shadow resumed pacing. "But still—the rumours are flying among the staff and Dumbledore has been…oddly quiet during all this."
"Well up until now that is." Shadow continued dryly. "He allowed so many of the group to join those leaving the castle today…" The agent paused. "You are aware sir that your daughter is involved in all this?"
Hill chuckled. "Yes. I am aware Shadow…Anything else to report?"
"the boy has found a mate, but you know that sir…" Shadow offered with a shrug.
He nodded. "Indeed. A very odd turn of events." He agreed.
Shadow seemed uncertain. "Sir the boy is already proving fairly formidable…What will this mean for that?"
The director considered. "He'll be stronger," he allowed. "But not significantly, I anticipate most of the benefit he will receive will be mental."
He stopped then pointed a finger at the agent. "However she will be bolstered by his strength. She won't be his equal magically… But she will be much closer."
"Two powerful magicals in one generation, and they're mated…" Shadow speculated.
Hill chuckled. "exciting isn't it?"
—-
"Fuck!" Dan Granger said thumping his head on the table.
"Dad!" Hermione protested.
"Yup, lots of that!" Sirius agreed happily.
"Fuck!" Thump again.
"Daniel honestly…" Emma chastised.
"Like bunnies in fact!" The Dog Father continued happily.
"Fuck!" A final thump.
"Sirius you're not helping" Harry growled.
"I think I am. Look at him, he's practically unconscious already!" Sirius noted happily.
Dan sat up and surveyed those gathered at the table around him. "So you're telling me, Harry here. The boy my daughter wants to marry is likely to be required by you folks to have some kind of Harem?" Dan asked. They had gathered in a private room in one of the Alley's restaurants to eat. The were very grateful for the private venue now.
Harry winced at the term. "Hey I don't want any of that. I just want to be with Hermione!" He protested.
Dan nodded, rubbing his aching forehead. "Yes, which is why I'm not trying to shoot you right now." He agreed. "But it sounds like you might not be given a choice…"
"I've told the wizarding world to shove it before sir…" Harry offered weakly.
"Not like this." Sirius noted dryly.
"I take it this is what had you two so somber when I talked with you earlier?" Tonks asked taking a seat.
"Yes." Agreed Emma.
"Did either of you know about this?" Dan asked looking from Sirius to Tonks.
Tonks shrugged. "I know such things have happened in the past. It honestly never occurred to me that it could happen with Harry."
"It could only happen to Harry…" grumbled Hermione.
"I keep telling you, I don't go looking for this stuff to happen." He protested.
She nodded agreement. "True, but it always happens to you anyway."
"You have no idea just how true that is." Kara noted to the table.
Harry, and Hermione winced at that. If anyone knew how…bad, Harry's luck was it was Kara. Luna just sat in the corner playing with the Snorkack and so appeared not to notice.
"Right, so what do we do about it?" Dan asked.
"Nothing we can do about it right now." Sirius noted. "In a few years, Harry might have enough good will he can get away with not doing something like that. But right now?"
"Seriously son, how is it that you find yourself in these situations?" Dan asked.
"It's called Harry Potter syndrome." Luna piped up from the corner, as she cuddled the little animal. Hermione noted it looked the epitome of smug as it surveyed them.
"What?" Harry asked vexed.
"That's what the other students call it." Luna explained. "Any situation in the vicinity of Harry Potter will become multiplied to greater and greater degrees the more involved he is. Usually it will then become as humiliating or frustrating as physically possible as well." She noted smiling.
"Are you serious?" Hermione asked.
"Of course. The only reason you haven't heard of it is that you and he are the subjects of the bet." She explained happily.
"The bet?" Hermione asked thoroughly vexed.
"Yes, Harry knows about it. Parvati made fifty galleons when the two of you ended up together. I'm still in because I bet on a group." Luna noted cheekily.
The others stared in mute fascination and horror at the girl as she returned to the Snorkack. This about set the tone for the rest of Harry's day.
—-
Author's Note: There may be a delay between now and the next chapter. lots of planning to do. SO PLEASE rate, review, comment, subscribe, and tell your friends.