A/N: Thanks to for the idea using the idea of working in the earth as a part of the parole procedure. Reviews can be seen again. Yay! Anyway …
The Greatest Minister for Magic in History Part 6
It was the 13th of August, and the Wizengamot would finally be voting on the Ministry Reorganization Bill he had submitted two days after becoming Minister.
He had worked long and hard and talked to many Wizengamot members. Allies had been secured, more detailed organization plans had been added, a budget to institute the change had been worked out, the Undersecretaries had been included as well as their willingness to accept the positions as named, and a set date for the changes to be implemented had been set – if the bill passed, September 22, the day after the Autumnal Equinox, three months after his own election, was the day that the Ministry would shift and the new organization would be in place.
Cornelius Fudge crossed his fingers.
If the bill passed, the Wizengamot would only hold one more meeting for the summer sessions and the entirety of the Ministry would be focused on the change. His Model Prisoner Parole Bill would be voted on in that session. Already there had been a few comments, most positive.
The idea of requiring those paroled to pay for their own cleansing ritual (now to be standard for those being released after being in Medium or High Security areas of Azkaban and recommended for those who had been incarcerated in Low Security) or to perform one year to 18 months of community service on a farm, in a greenhouse, or otherwise working with the land had been revolutionary. The included information from the Gringotts healer, as well as many Wizard-written books from centuries previous – some that many had never seen or had been legend – had convinced a fair few. The magical oath to not re-offend during the years that the parole included was controversial, but most considered it an acceptable price if a prisoner wanted one to ten years removed from their sentence.
The more traditional members had, as he had expected, latched onto the sheer cost savings of no longer having to feed or house these prisoners in Azkaban. The Chief Warlock always agreed with the idea of forgiveness and redemption, so his faction wasn't a hard sell, and the darker elements only objected to the compulsory requirement of submitting to Veritaserum and the giving of a magical oath to be eligible for parole.
It helped that most prisoners, given a choice of Azkaban or magical oath and truth serum, preferred the second option; and their statements attesting to that fact was also included in the bill research submitted. It wasn't as if they were losing rights for time that they would normally have been free anyway.
Cornelius had spoken to Healer Breakfist when he had visited to ensure the Ministry 10 percent, his own 1 percent and his account manager's one percent as well. The agreement was firmly in place for this law as well.
Breakfist had been satisfied with how his report had found itself entered into the Wizengamot record. Most wizards had focused on the research given from old Wizarding books and almost ignored the report from the goblin healer. The almost- unnoticed precedent of accepting the word of a goblin as a recognized expert did endear him further to Slipnose – and Ragnok.
The goblins were amused that the law could mean that the Ministry might pay for the ritual and then receive 10 percent of its own payment back as a fee. Cornelius suggested that pointing this out to wizards, some of whom already had trouble telling their left shoe from their right, was perhaps more complicated than it needed to be: Best just to charge a standard rate and deliver a standard percentage – less thought was needed. The Minister's comment did cause a few goblins to chuckle when they heard it.
The Minister sat back and watched as the Wizengamot was called to order. He then watched as each portion of the bill was quickly reviewed and it was closed to further modification – his own motion.
And then the voting began. As the numbers came in, the Minister was more and more relaxed. The final tally had shown how effectively he and the allies he gained had worked: 39 votes for, 9 votes against, 2 absent, 1 abstained (his own vote).
As the law was declared passed, Fudge raised in arms in triumph. A swell of applause followed around the chamber.
The hard work would now begin.
Fudge stood and spoke casually with three men and one woman he was with as he walked down Diagon Alley, his standard two guards following. Their destination: Gringotts Bank.
With him walked Matthias Greengrass, Senior Undersecretary for International Law; Arthur Weasley, Director of the Interior; Dirk Cresswell, Head of the Goblin Liasiion Office; and, Ashlee Attaberry, Deputy Interior Director for Muggle Affairs.
The young lady, newly graduated from Hogwarts, had been Minerva McGonagall's suggestion for a reliable source for all things Muggle when Arthur had asked. Arthur had returned from his month-long training period a much calmer and more confident man when talking about Muggles.
He still had a battery collection but everybody had to have a hobby.
The decision to hire her permanently had been the Minister's. When several pureblood had protested a Muggleborn being hired for such a high position, he defended it by pointing out: A) The position paid more than an assistant but only just, B) The position almost exclusively dealt with Muggles and with the Director of the Interior only and therefore kept them away from the regular employees from dealing with; and, C) Arthur's ability to shut up about Muggles was a direct result of her position and intervention.
The Minister was, at times, very practical in dealing with politics. He never mentioned this tidbit to Arthur.
Arthur had made a few changes as well. His dress was much closer to Muggle normal when needed. He also now had a telephone line in his shed, somewhat separated from normal activity at this home. His entire family had learned about it: How to use it, how to speak into it; how to answer it; what NOT to do with it; and a host of other things. It had taken his third son and youngest son the longest, but Ms. Attaberry had been patient.
Arthur's decision to get it and the reason for it reflected the Minister's decision to appoint him in charge of Muggles: Weasley felt that if he was to be responsible, than he had to have a way that Muggles in the know about their world could reached him if matters of his authority came up.
Arthur had plans to have a list of contact which included the Muggle Prime Minister, the Chiefs of Muggle Law Enforcement in the largest cities, and Muggleborn parents so that they had a place to call if there were accidental magical incidents which needed resolved but didn't rise to the level which tripped the Ministry's alarms.
The cost of a phone line for his shed (with an alarm magically tied to his watch if it rang – a tricky piece of magic which he had enlisted the help of Filius Flitwick to achieve) and the few phone lines into the Ministry had been one of the costs he had insisted on ensuring was in his Department's budget.
The group would be dealing with another matter that the Minister had insisted on being in the Department's budget.
Finally, the group approached Gringotts. Absently, the Minister said to his guards, "Ok, you two. Stay our here until we finish. It shouldn't be more than an hour – likely less."
He was about to enter the door that had been opened by the goblin guards when a voice spoke out in protest. "Minister!"
Surprised, the Minister stopped and turned. "What is it?"
"Ministry guidelines are that as the Minister for Magic you are protected at all times outside of your home and the Ministry."
Confused, the Minister asked, "What of it?"
"You can't go in there without protection. I mean, it's …." The man didn't want to speak further with the goblins in earshot.
The Minister's confusion abated but he took on a thoughtful look. "What's your name again?"
"Auror John Dawlish, newly assigned to Ministry Protective detail."
The Minister nodded and turned to the guards at the door. "Do you mind holding the door open for a few moments whilst I explain a thing or two to the man?" The senior guard on duty nodded shortly and adjusted his body's position to hold the door open while still having his weapons in comfortable reach. "Thank you."
The Minister turned back. "Auror Dawlish. What is my position and, in the simplest terms, what do I do? Describe it for me."
"Er. Minister for Magic. You run the Magical government."
The Minister nodded. "Good. Now watch this." The Minister walked across the threshold. "Once again: My position and my authority."
"Minister. In charge of the government."
"You see, there is your mistake. On this side," he walked back across the threshold, "I am the Minister for Magic. I oversee all government operations and ensure the safety and security of magical citizens everywhere. In simple terms, I AM the boss. Now on that side," he walked back over the threshold, "it's quite different. When I pass this point, I am no longer in charge of the government. I am known as, 'Customer.' Hopefully, 'Valued Customer.' Maybe, if I am lucky, 'Trusted Partner in Business.' And, if I am extremely lucky and don't cock it all up, I may eventually be known as 'Friend.' Not likely, but there it is. But one thing I am NOT is 'In Charge of the Government.' You see that position is held by a venerable goblin by the name of Ragnok. I believe he had to fight 22 challenges?" he looked over at the guard.
"24," the guard stoically said.
"Right. 24 challenges to reach his exalted position as well as demonstrate that he could, in all circumstances, turn a profit for the bank. Now, while I am not 'In charge' my security is a matter of treaty. And, should we wizards not violate such agreements, I am very certain of my continued security the moment I walk across this threshold: They have made solemn agreement. So, Ministry guidelines that I be protected at all times are being followed. Now, one other matter." The Minister walked across the threshold and up to the man.
"Auror Dawlish? I should tell you that, in the future, should you imply or outright state that the goblins of Gringotts in any way fall short in following the agreements that they have already made, and you do this within my earshot, without solid incontrovertible proof – and most especially do this on the very stoop of Gringotts – then I will ask that you be reassigned to Administrative Clerk for Prisoner Care at Azkaban Prison so that you can spend your time ensuring the prisoners are fed and clothed, such as they are. Do you understand me?"
Dawlish nodded. "Good. Now, we will be half an hour to an hour. Why don't you go and have a cuppa over at the Cauldron and contemplate this conversation and its implications while we complete our business. Alright?"
Without waiting for an answer, the Minister turned and walked back through the doors, the others with him following. The guards gave the tall Auror a hard look until he retreated nervously to follow the Minister's suggestion. The other member of the Minister's detail, one who had visited with the Minister before, said, "We'll be back in a bit. I think I'll go explain things to him – make certain he doesn't repeat the mistake. Have a good and quiet watch."
The two guards nodded at the other man as he waved and moved off to follow Dawlish.
The Minister, when the group was between the two sets of guards – inner and outer – quietly said, "That was political. I'll explain later," and then he moved quickly to enter the main lobby of the bank.
The people with the Minister glanced at each other and followed.
They finally arrived and followed as the Minister entered the queue that contained people waiting to be seen. Those with the Minister observed his casual stance, free of any tension, as he calmly waited like any other customer.
Soon, a well dressed goblin appeared and walked toward them. The Minister quietly said, "This is us," and moved to intercept the goblin. "Account Manager, Slipnose. Good business to you."
"Good Business to you as well; follow me." The goblin turned and led the group to his office.
Soon they were all within Slipnose's office.
"Account's Manager. These are the Ministry personnel that, according to our new organizational structure, are to be involved with relations between the Ministry and Gringotts. Let me introduce them to you."
The Minister named each wizard and each wizard greeted him courteously. The witch was also introduced and greetings were passed. Slipnose briefly interrupted to send a goblin off who returned with a few files.
"Now, is there any business Gringotts wishes to handle with these people before I get to the items I wanted to deal with?"
Slipnose nodded. "Mr. Greengrass. You current Accounts Manager is Rockcrusher?"
Matthias nodded. "Yes. For quite a number of years."
"You have no complaints with his management of your accounts?"
"None. He has always been efficient and effective."
"Good. We shall maintain that. Mr. Weasley, you have no current Accounts Manager."
Arthur blushed. "Never made enough to need one actually."
"True. But you are now paid as a Senior Department head, correct?"
"Yes. Quite a bump in my salary, actually."
"Yes. I will now be your Accounts Manager. Any service that you or your family needs from Gringotts, make an appointment and see me, or ask for me at the teller to find out if I am available."
"Er. Alright. Thank you."
The Manager looked at the Weasley's new file and said, "Do you wish me to ensure your children's tuition is paid from your accounts?"
Arthur was surprised. "You can do that?" He paused, embarrassed and said, "Of course you can. What I meant was, if you can, I would appreciate it. Just make certain that there's a hundred Galleons a month left over for current expenses. Otherwise, if the tuition is covered, manage the account however you decide is best."
Slipnose nodded. A wizard who let him do his job – this was good. "See me in three months to review the progress your accounts have made. There should be a quarterly meetings between us."
"Of course. I shall also inform my wife that you are the one to be seen about things. She has full access to the expense money." Slipnose noted that for his records. "Should I spend the money for another vault?" Slipnose looked at him curiously. Arthur explained, "If you put the expense money in our regular vault, the rest can be left for you to manage fully. As long as the tuition gets covered, I'll try to prevent any spending against the new vault. If the money isn't visible, we can avoid temptation."
Slipnose sat back and thought about it. "An investment vault." He nodded and rifled through his desk to retrieve a form. It took a moment to fill things out. When it was done Slipnose said, "I will place 100 Galleons a month from your salary, and an extra 100 Galleons on December 1st for expenses during your holiday period into your current vault. I shall vigorously manage the investment account, only ensuring there is enough to cover tuition when needed. Otherwise, you will let me have full authority and will not spend against the investment vault. We shall review expense levels every quarter to adjust them as needed. Is that correct?"
"Yes. That sounds right."
"If you follow this, I can build your accounts to a much more advantageous position within 6 months. Just ensure that you do not overspend."
The two shook hands in agreement.
Slipnose turned to Cresswell. "You normally deal with Blacktooth?"
"Yes. My account is with the same manager as the Ministry."
"We shall change this on a trial basis and I shall take over your account. If you avoid wasting my time, as many Ministry wizards have a tendency to do, this shall be made permanent. Blacktooth was specifically chosen to manage the Ministry's normal accounts as he is quite set in ensuring every detail of any level is rigorously dealt with. While such a modus operandi ultimately ensures complete and thorough record keeping, it is very time consuming. If you do not want to have your time unnecessarily wasted, you will ensure my time is not unnecessarily wasted. Do we have an agreement?"
Cresswell nodded. "That works for me." He had been quite unhappy with how long it normally took for every visit he made to Gringotts, both for his new position as well as for his accounts.
Slipnose finished his notes and set the files aside. "Now, Minister, what business do you have with Gringotts today?"
"First of all, thank you for your time. Now, the first item: The Ministry has budgeted an amount to ensure that those with me today and myself have proper attire to meet with Muggles as needed. Instead of going to a witch or wizard for these items, I want to have these things bought in a Muggle store to ensure it is truly Muggle friendly. These will be high end items, but definitely Muggle."
Slipnose nodded. "A worthy idea. Most Magicals have no sense of current Muggle fashion. Your idea matches how we accouter our agents who deal with Muggle banks as necessary."
Slipnose excused himself to get a few items.
Matthias looked at the Minister thoughtfully. "Every thing you do is political, isn't it? The way you've dealt with every matter today shows quite a bit of acumen with political image. Very Slytherin of you."
Cornelius chuckled. "Not Slytherin: Hufflepuff. I've worked hard to ensure my relationship with Gringotts is quite good, especially since I've become Minister. I wasn't all that upset with Dawlish – his attitude is not outside of the normal – but I wanted word to get back to Ragnok and Slipnose that I made certain their good name, and the reputation of Gringotts, is not impugned. It makes for much smoother relations."
The wizards chuckled while Ashlee watched in amazement – she was new to politics. "Still, I think Slytherin would approve," Matthias said.
Slipnose returned and sat down. He set a black card and the table. "This card has 2400 Galleons – 12,000 Pounds – available on it. It is accepted by most Muggle establishments. Who shall be entrusted with it?"
They each looked at each other. The Minister said, "Arthur, with Ms. Attaberry as a valid user. She will actually be helping us pick our Muggle wardrobe."
Slipnose nodded and keyed in the two named. He handed the card to Arthur. "Keep it safe. There is antitheft security on it, but if lost you must come here to get a new one and pay a fee for its replacement."
Arthur nodded. He handed it to his Deputy Director. "Hold onto that for today." She nodded and took the card.
He then put a wallet on the table. "This contains up to 100 Galleons – 500 Pounds – of Muggle money. It also has antitheft charms and can be set to be magically returned to a particular person so that it cannot be lost. Only one person can be made to open it. Anyone else will find it empty. Who shall it be keyed to?"
Arthur said, "Me again."
Slipnose nodded. He keyed Arthur in and handed him the wallet. "If you place the card within the wallet as most Muggles do, it will not be lost."
Arthur nodded and put it in his pocket. "When I get it back from Ashlee when we are finished today, I will do that. I'm going to let her handle it today as she is more knowledgeable."
Slipnose nodded. He really didn't care.
"Very well then. Minister? Any other business?"
He nodded and turned to Arthur's girl. "Ms. Attaberry. You are Muggleborn?"
"Yes, Minister," she replied with a self-conscious smile. "My family is Muggle."
"I see. Have you ever gotten a heritage test?"
She was confused. "Heritage test?"
"Yes. Gringotts charges 10 Galleons to see if you have any magicals in your family history. Have you ever had the test?"
"No, Minister. I've never heard of it!"
"Alright then." He turned back to Slipnose, pulling out his pouch as he did so. He withdrew 10 Galleons and pushed it across. "Ms. Attaberry will need a lineage test."
Slipnose nodded. He barked out a command and a goblin entered. The two spoke and then the second goblin left. Slipnose said to the witch, "Sit directly across from me."
She stood up and moved to trade places with the Minister, who genially moved to allow room. He sat where she had been sitting.
The second goblin returned and set down what he had brought.
The item was a slim stone tablet. Carved from the same stone, an inkwell protruded. It held a fresh quill. The four corners of the tablet also had protrusions – each was a shallow bowl which contained a shiny grey stone.
There was also a small bottle on ink and a piece of parchment on the tablet.
Slipnose removed the quill from the inkwell and poured the ink into it. He pulled a dagger out and pushed it across, along with a small bloodstone. "Make a small incision on a finger. Drop three drops of blood into the ink and then one on each hematite stone at the four corners. And then sit back. Put your cut finger on the bloodstone after and it will heal your cut. You may return the stone and dagger when the parchment is being filled."
She did as asked and made the cut. Three drops fell into the ink and then she dropped a single drop on the stones at the corners. She sat back and watched as Slipnose put the quill in the inkwell. He then made a few sounds and motions and then tapped the tablet. The four stones lit up as did the ink. Suddenly, the quill had emptied the inkwell and then rose and moved to the parchment. It began writing.
Ashlee, having finished with the bloodstone, pushed it and the dagger back, ensuring the tablet was not disturbed. Slipnose casually put these away as he watched the quill work. Soon, the quill stopped writing and dropped to the tablet. Slipnose picked it up and handed it to the waiting goblin. He moved to the fireplace and threw it in the fire.
Cornelius said to the woman with a smile, "Freely given blood is not something you want to leave around."
Slipnose almost chuckled as he nodded. "Quite right."
Slipnose carefully began reading the parchment and said, "Interesting." He looked up and said a few words to the other goblin, who then retreated from the room, carrying the tablet away but leaving the parchment.
"Ms. Attaberry. Your lineage is quite interesting. On your father's side, your name actually matches a name of a wizarding family that was thought to have died out three centuries ago but instead changed to squibs. While that is not strange in and of itself, what IS strange is that this parchment shows that your father and grandfather both were wizards who had their cores bound."
Cornelius considered that. "If their parents had refused their Hogwarts letter, they would have been obliviated and their magical core bound to prevent catastrophes."
Slipnose nodded. "This matches what I have found."
Ashlee had a surprised look. "My grandfather and his family are quite religious. They would never have accepted a family member with magic. My father broke away when I was found to be a witch so that I was not treated poorly. My younger brother is also a wizard attending Hogwarts. He's in his sixth year."
Slipnose nodded. "You are not, in fact muggleborn. You are at least a halfblood and possibly pureblood depending on how you look at it. Your mother's side is even more interesting, especially considering present company."
The magical looked at each other. Matthias asked, "What do you mean?"
Addressing Ashlee he said, "Your mother is a squib and there is a squib parent present at every step since they were magical – they never went completely Muggle. While you are related to a few magical families on your mother's side, your most direct relation is actually the Fudge family. You are 5th or 6th cousins with the Minister – it would take a small amount of time to verify the exact degree of relation."
The Minister turned to the young lady and said, "Well then. I certainly have no problem welcoming such a charming and intelligent young woman into my family. When we are away from the Ministry or not working on Ministry business, you should call me Uncle Cornelius. We shall have to make arrangements for me to meet the rest of the family."
Ashlee was a bit overcome and impulsively stood to embrace the Minister. Rather than being embarrassed, the Minister had a happy look. The watching Magicals also enjoyed the sight.
Slipnose just watched with a detached eye.
When Ashlee pulled away with some small embarrassment, the Minister turned to Arthur Weasley. "Arthur? Your Deputy is my family. When word gets out, she will be hounded by those looking for a politically convenient spouse. You'll keep an eye on her and make certain she is kept safe and no one takes advantage of her?"
Arthur nodded cheerfully. "That will be no problem, Minister. I will ensure she is treated with respect."
"Good, Good." He turned back. "Now, if anyone give you any trouble, you be certain to let me know so that I can take steps."
Quietly Ashlee replied, "Okay. Thank you … Uncle Cornelius."
The Minister beamed.
The second goblin returned with a file and the two standing sat back down.
"Ms. Attaberry. You qualify to inherit the vault that your family historically has kept at Gringotts. It contains a decent number of Galleons and a few heirlooms. If you like, I can take this account as well and help bring it to active status."
Ashlee was goggle-eyed. "Really? How much?"
"If you don't mind these knowing?" Slipnose asked.
She glanced around and then back. "I think they are trustworthy, especially my new Uncle."
"Quite. The vault contains approximately 77,000 Galleons." He pushed over the vault key. "When you have more time, you should inspect the vault and also make an appointment to meet with me as regards managing the account. With your father's core being bound at 11, your claim is the senior one. Do you wish to pay for your brother's final year at Hogwarts from the family vault?"
Ashlee was caught for a moment, not having thought of that. "Yes. Please do that. I will tell my parents later." She turned to the Minister and asked, "Can my father's core ever be unbound?"
Cornelius shrugged. "I'm not up enough on the law and I'm not a healer. When you aren't busy with work, you should consult with Arthur and perhaps Amelia Bones about the legality of it and St. Mungos or even a Gringotts healer as to the whether it is safe to be done. Not a decision to be made on the spur of the moment."
Ashlee nodded. "This is just so much different than how I expected my day to go."
The people in the room, except Slipnose, chuckled at that.
"Well," the minister said. "I have no more business today. Does anyone else?"
There were several sounds which all said basically, "No."
He stood up as did those with him. "Thank you, Slipnose, for your excellent service. Good Health and Wealth to you and your clan."
Slipnose stood and nodded back. "Good health and wealth to you and everyone here. I shall look forward to the increase in business in the future."
A/N: Not enough time for their adventures in shopping today. Maybe the next chapter.