Written In The Body
Poetheather
A/N: You guys are awesome for sticking with me. I hope you enjoy this little bit of story, as it does lead somewhere.
A/N 2: Happy Birthday Emma Watson!
Still not JKR.
Twenty-two
The rest of the weekend had gone swimmingly and Hermione felt like she was on top of the world. The potions were helping her do better and had gotten her back to how she had been before, which was both a good and bad thing. Good for her in terms of health, bad in terms of Ginny needing to leave her room and move downstairs with the rest of the girls in her year. Hermione was not really a big fan of that plan as she had gotten used to sleeping cuddled up to her Ginny and the notion of being apart sucked. Where else was she going to find such a lovely heater that was so soft and cuddly?
The schoolwork was easy so far, but given that it had only been two days of classes it was no surprise, though the review assignments were pretty terrifying for other people. And because of how simple things seemed, she was moving forward in Moony's Journals, trying to get as far as she could while she could. The reading was fascinating and giving her more and more ideas for pranks as well as ways to modify her casting for greater efficiency and effect. The simple idea that they had of trying to think of all the ways you could use a given spell outside of the obvious was radical and giving her some tremendous ideas. There were even a few simple Marauder creations that she had already come across that looked intriguing. When she had more time she was going to have to dig into the other sections of the trunk and see if there were copies already in there. If not, it wasn't like they would be difficult to make.
She was also falling more and more under the spell of Ginny's lips. It was magnificent. Kissing Ginny was so much better than kissing Ron had ever been for a number of different reasons. Her lips were softer and she was not as rough as Ron had been and that just did something for her. It wasn't even that Ron had been a particularly bad kisser. He was better than Victor and certainly far superior than that slobbery thing McLaggen had attempted to pass off on her when she hadn't been quick enough to get out of his clutches in sixth year. But no, Ginny had soft lips and took her time, seeming to know exactly what Hermione wanted with her kisses. It was absolutely heavenly and she was drunk with the pleasure of it. Life really could not be getting any better.
Tuesday was double History and double Herbology. She was looking forward to getting back into the greenhouses and only wished she was as good with plants as Neville was. She knew he had an absolute gift with them whereas she was just very well read and studied a lot. It was something she wanted to correct, to sort of learn to work with the plants better. There were a lot of things she wanted to do better, now that her focus wasn't split between school and fighting a madman.
She was sitting in class, taking notes while Binns was in the front, droning on when something he said caught her attention and started a chain of thoughts cascading through her brain in an avalanche of thought that got her more and more distraught. Everything was lining up and she had to be wrong, she just had to be. Knowing that Ginny was still taking notes she went back over what she had just written down and thought about what the Professor had said. When she saw what was written there when coupled with the information in her memory made all color in her face leave and she muttered, "Bloody hell."
Ginny looked over worriedly, having caught the tone if nothing else, her brown eyes a bit narrowed. "What is it?"
"I… I've got to go and… and check on something in the Library. I may have to leave if I am right and I really hope I'm not. Oh Merlin, please let me be wrong. I so want to be wrong. I will leave a message whatever happens so you know. Bye." Hermione leaned in and kissed Ginny on the cheek before she grabbed her things, shoving them in the bag rather haphazardly, and bolted out of the classroom, drawing all eyes after her except for Professor Binns who kept lecturing to the class as if she had not even moved.
As she raced upstairs to the Library she kept muttering to herself, in a voice that was increasing in tension and worry, "Please be wrong, please be wrong."
Madame Pince rather shocked as Hermione slammed the doors to the Library open barely slowing down as she moved, making a beeline right towards the history section, utterly focused on her task. She grabbed her favorite book on the various goblin wars and revolts, ignoring everything that was being yelled at her from one of her favorite staff members in the school and flipped through the book, towards the section that she recalled having the most pertinent information to what she was thinking about. After some brief but frantic flipping, she read the section and blanched, the weight of her memory being correct falling on her making her sit heavily onto the floor, the strength in her legs failing her.
Hermione scrunched her eyes, fighting back tears that threatened to overwhelm her and she clenched one hand, the other being occupied with a book. Why did her memory have to be so good? Why did she have to be right in this case? Why couldn't things just move forward peacefully? Why were they stuck with this legacy from the bloody War? She was quite aware that this was still all theoretical at this point but given their damnable luck there really could only be one bloody answer to this. Her thoughts had to be right and that made her stomach lurch.
Cursing about fate and Bellatrix and idiot wizards, she stood and left the Library at a run, taking the book with her, yet again ignoring Madame Pince who's chiding of her had not stopped. She really admired and respected the woman, but right now there was no time to really dicker with her over things like needing a book now and not being able to afford the time to get it checked out, as if she was going to hurt it. Besides she was only going to take it with her since she needed to see the Headmistress.
She raced through the halls, the good shape she had gotten into running from Snatchers clearly helping at this moment. It would be no problem for her to run the distance to the where she needed to go and since class was in session she would not have to dodge much in the way of students. It brought back some memories of doing something similar earlier in the year through rubble filled halls but she pushed it back. After a quick run, she reached the Gargoyle and said the current password, tapping her foot impatiently for it to move. Once she could get onto the stairs she did for all the good it did and it rose at the same speed it always did. It was turning way to slow for her but she also knew that there was no way for her to speed the thing up. This was the way things were and she would just have to deal with it, like she was discovering. Finally the stairs stopped going up and before she could knock on the door, Headmistress McGonnagall called out, "Come in."
Hermione hustled in, "Headmistress, I need to go to the Ministry right now and then probably to Gringotts. It is vitally important and it cannot wait"
McGonnagall smiled at her and raised an eyebrow, trying to figure out what the flushed girl was talking about as she said, "And what is it Miss Granger, that is so vital that you need to leave school to accomplish it?"
"Stopping a possible Goblin Wizard war." Her voice was flat when she said this, with no hint of amusement.
The Headmistress's eyes nearly bugged out at that statement, recognizing the tone for what it was and she glared at Hermione, clearly disbelieving what she was hearing. Gone was the kindly face that she tended to wear as Headmistress and the usual face Hermione had grown used to had returned. "Explain yourself right now."
Hermione groaned at this delay even though she could understand it. If McGonnagall did not understand what she was doing there was no way she would let her leave, regardless of who she was. She looked towards the ceiling and then back down to lock eyes with her. "Well… you know how terrible the Ministry had been treating the goblins for the past year, since Voldemort and Umbridge were in charge of things. That sort of set the stage for what followed. You see, we dropped into that mess and just made things worse. Harry, Ron and I had to break into Gringotts to get the Cup. Following?"
McGonnagall nodded, clearly following along with what Hermione was saying, based off the increasingly dour expression on her face.
"Well, without a doubt there is a good deal more that went into it but from what I remember about various treaties, if the three of us don't get there as soon as possible to fix this mess somehow, the Goblins have more than enough justification to go to war with the Wizarding populace over treaty violation, actually several treaty violations. They really do have more than just cause to do this if you look at it from their point of view. And with everything we have been through this spring there is no way we could stop them from doing whatever they wanted and possibly conquering the Ministry." Hermione looked like she was ready to cry.
The Headmistress blinked a few times and swallowed heavily before saying, "So what is it that you wanted?"
"The best I can think of right now is that I need to speak with the Minister and then get Ron and Harry and head on over to Gringotts to see if we can head this thing off. I pray that I am just wrong about this and am simply overreacting, but if I am not then doing nothing would be a tremendous mistake." stated Hermione, her voice shaking a little as her emotions started to spill out.
"Right, you convinced me. Let's not dillydally." Headmistress McGonnagall stood and quickly sent out her Patronus with a message, the silvery cat vanishing through a wall. Hermione did something similar, sending hers with a message for Ginny letting her know that she had gone to the Ministry. With a toss of Floo Powder and a rush of green flames, the Headmistress called out, "Ministry of Magic!"
The two were soon striding on their way up the atrium, people scampering out of their way as if sensing their urgency, especially once the two of them were recognized. As soon as they were properly signed in they headed directly for the office in question. After the elevator reached the correct floor they hustled down the hall and waited for the secretary to announce them, both with a growing impatience built on an awareness of how potentially bad this could become. Hermione fought the urge to scratch the scar, as it wouldn't help matters. To say that Minister Shacklebolt was surprised to see them would be an understatement. He actually came to the door of his office and looked out, quite confused, "Minerva? Hermione? What are you doing here?"
Headmistress McGonnagall let Hermione take the lead, since she seemed to know what was going on. "Minister Shacklebolt…"
"Hermione, we have fought together several times, please call me Kingsley." He said as he waved them inside his office, sensing that this might require confidentiality.
She blushed at the request for more familiarity. In short order they were inside and he gestured for them to sit. Hermione took a breath and then got right to it, "Right… uh… Kingsley, I was in History of Magic when I realized something. Because of the aggravation caused to them and the deaths incurred by Lord Voldemort, when Harry, Ron and I broke in to Gringotts to get the horrcrux from the Lestrange vault, that act could easily count as a treaty violation and could instigate another war. To the best of my knowledge the only way to stop this would be for the three of us to go talk to them or perhaps face their champions. I'm not exactly sure which it is. The books I've been able to read are a bit vague on that part."
Kingsley nodded, looking thoughtful, clearly processing what he had just heard. He stood and went to the door, opening it to say, "Gretchen, could you get me the head of the Department of Magical Creatures and the Goblin Liaison Office head immediately. Also see if someone in Auror training can locate Trainee Weasley and send him here."
Hermione meanwhile, sensing what the Minister was up to, sent her Patronus off to Harry with her message, stressing the urgency. She knew that would get Harry here in no time as he was usually good at that sort of thing. When Kingsley came back over and sat down he looked far more serious and severe than she had ever seen him before. "Right that's taken care of. Now Hermione, based off your analysis, do you really think they might go to war over this?"
Hermione looked fretful and a bit irritated, as if he was questioning her truthfulness. This was outside of her knowledge base and she hated guessing to this degree, "Well, you see, that's why I'm so worried. I am fairly certain that the answer is yes, given the way that goblins usually react to various issues. If you look at things historically, Wizards treat them poorly at the best of times, giving them no real reason not to go to war over this. Honestly, it might actually be in their best interest to go to war with us. I mean seriously, they are classified as Magical Creatures when they are intelligent beings with a culture and everything. Wouldn't that piss you off if we were treated that way?"
"Miss Granger." chided Headmistress McGonnagall.
"Sorry Headmistress, but it's true. We have given the goblins no reason to side with us or support us. Wizards constantly hold themselves above all other beings and I know that some of them are tired of it. This whole thing is just ridiculous." Her frustration was almost palpable.
Kingsley shared a look with McGonnagall and then turned back to Hermione, leaning forward, elbows on his desk. "Then what would you do if you were in my position?"
"Well for starters, I would unilaterally move the Goblin Liaison Office from where it is and put it with the other Embassies where it belongs. I wouldn't ask for anything at all. The goblins are a sovereign nation and should be treated as such, not as a group of really well trained animals who carry out tasks for us. What is being done now is reprehensible, not to mention what has been done to them. It doesn't matter if they give us anything or not, just giving them that should show that you are extremely serious about changing things for the better. After that… well I guess it depends on what Harry, Ron and I can come up with and what we will have to do to make amends. I figure it might turn on Griphook and the Sword of Griffindor but that's a guess." mused Hermione, quieting after she had briefly ranted. She had gone from grousing about the injustice and was now actively problem solving. This was beyond her knowledge base but she was willing to throw her naive two knuts in. "But between the treating them as a sovereign nation and being willing to deal with them over the sword, perhaps those two things together with an apology might surprise the goblins enough that it might allow us to get the foothold we need so that we can defuse any potential hostilities that are building."
"And you are sure that…" A knock at the door interrupted his sentence and he sat back some before calling out. "In!"
Two gentlemen walked in, one dressed better than the other. The eldest of which said, "You wanted to see us Minister."
Kingsley sat back and said, "Yes, thank you for getting here so quickly. It seems as if we may have missed a potential crisis that was brewing while we were so busy dealing with other pressing issues. First off, Mr. Stewards, I need to know, what has been the mood of the goblins lately?"
"Uhm… actually Minister, they have been a bit more surly than usual in any correspondence. There has even been some outright antagonism and conversation has been deteriorating as time has gone on ever since I took over the office mid-May. I have been getting worried and have been trying to settle things, but I figured that this might be a transitionary period issue after such a Ministry shakeup. I wish Mr. Cresswell was still here. He and the goblins got along well together and he was very good at reading them and their moods." The man fidgeted a little as he spoke, looking a few times towards his nominal superior for support.
Kingsley pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. This was obviously not what he had wanted to hear. "Thank you for that. Miss Granger, once again I find that the Wizarding populace is in your debt. You figured out this problem before any of my people even noticed more than the first stirrings of this issue. Albrecht, I need you to help ensure that the GLO gets moved to floor five without any problems, do you think you can manage that without any hassle. Today would be preferable. I know it is a good bit radical but Miss Granger here suspects that due to the events of last year, coupled with their robbery it may have pushed the Goblins towards revolt."
This got a very substantial reaction from the two men who almost looked like they had been slapped. The Goblin Liason Office head, began muttering to himself, as if he could see dots connecting himself. "Mr. Stewards, you are now going to be working out of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. This isn't really a promotion per se, more of a lateral change but you may end up with the title of Ambassador by the end. I don't know. There are clearly details that still need to be worked out. We're trying to come up with a viable olive branch to keep this from escalating. I will get all the approval for the move taken care of with the Wizengamot after we are done, if there are any issues. From now on, it is the position of this government to treat the goblins as a separate nation rather as creatures, is that clear?"
Mr. Stewards actually looked relieved to hear that. "Thank you sir. That was actually one of Mr. Cresswell's dreams for the Office. I think that will help matters with the goblins greatly. That has been one of their biggest issues with the wizarding world for quite a while now, at least over a hundred years if not more. Doing this just for doing it will take them aback, and make them wonder what we have in mind, but again it should buy us time."
"Good. Miss Granger is planning on going to Gringotts with her friends as soon as we can get them here." said Kingsley. "That should help things deescalate."
"Are you sure that's a good idea sir? They might be considered thieves and that is liable to get them attacked upon entry. They did break into a vault and steal a dragon."
"And that is why you will be going with them as the official Ministry representative, to ensure that they know that what she says is what we are saying and to keep the three of them safe. I want to make sure that we can manage this without things ending poorly. Are we clear?" Kingsley's gaze was rather intense.
Mr. Stewards nodded, frowning as he said, "Clear."
"Right. Miss Granger, you might as well wait for your friends and brief them before you head on over. I think if you three and Mister Stewards are all on the same page than you might actually make it through this. And he can fill in whatever gaps you have about the treaties and goblin customs. Maybe between the two of you working together, this whole thing might just be dealt with and nothing bad happens. Thank you for realizing this and bringing it to my attention. That would not have been a good start to my time as Minister. I just hope this will actually fix the problem." Minister Shacklebolt smiled at her.
"I hope so as well." replied Hermione, glad to know that this was being taken care of in the right way.
As they walked out into the outer office, Mr. Stewards said, "I'll be right back. I need to grab a few things so I can reference them while we talk. I want to hear your plan so we can see if it will actually work or needs to be modified in some way."
Soon the first two to arrive were alone in the corridor before the Minister's office and Headmistress McGonnagall turned to her, saying, "I am quite impressed Miss Granger. You might be able to do something that not many people have been able to do and actually avert a war. I am sure you three will be able to pull this off since you have Ministry support. I am very proud of you Hermione. This is a very practical example of why history is important."
Hermione blushed under the praise. Getting that sort of praise from her favorite teacher really was heady. "Thank you. I just want to make sure that the three of us can clean up our mess before it spills over onto other people. I would hate it if something we did started a war."
"Have you thought about doing something like this as a career?"
"I… I'm not sure. I was planning on talking to you about all of this later since I have some concerns with my original plans for my future. So much has happened since fifth year that I'm not sure what I originally planned is what really fits. I am sure this will be a part of that discussion." Hermione looked down, a bit embarrassed about all of this.
McGonnagall smiled at her fondly, "You know my door is always open for you Hermione. I will be more than happy to talk to you about your ideas for your future. I am positive that you will excel at anything you choose to do."
The rest of their conversation was about inconsequentials until they spotted Ron heading their way. He looked to be in better shape than when she had last seen him and his hair was shorter as well. He actually looked good and she could appreciate that. When he arrived at where they were he looked a touched confused and thus sounded a touch snippy. "Hermione? Professor McGonnagall? What's going on? I got called out of training and told to come here."
With a sigh, having forgotten how Ron got at times like this, Hermione said rather calmly, in the same manner she used when they had been back at school to explain things. She had become rather good at Ron control over the years. "We need to wait for Harry and then I can explain what I need to. I also want to wait until he is here before we go into the conference room."
"Go where? You still haven't told me anything." He furrowed his brows and tried to get an answer from the Headmistress, who just looked at him calmly. He turned away, knowing better than to push it there.
"Ron, just relax and wait. I don't want to have to explain all of this more than once. Now it is good to see you. I take it that your training has been going well?" Hermione tried to change the subject onto something that seemed to glorify Ron, knowing that it would make him feel better, puff up his ego a touch. She really wanted him to get over his inferiority complex over his brothers accomplishments. He was a bloody hero, who had fought against Voldemort for years, which was more than any of the others had done. Honestly.
Ron gave in, knowing better than to go against Hermione in an argument, especially with McGonnagall standing right there. Besides she was sure he caught the look in her eyes that told him that she was not joking. He had gotten good at reading her over the years as well. They caught up on things, trying to rebuild some of their friendship which had been strained over the summer. After about ten minutes Harry hustled in, looking a bit flushed, "Yes? What?"
Mr. Stewards followed him in, his arms holding several thick books that looked like they had seen better days, smiling some at Harry panting. "Ah, I arrived just in time, excellent. Carry on Miss Granger."
Hermione sighed and led them all into the conference room that Minister Shacklebolt had indicated they should use. They all took seats and Hermione smiled at them nervously. Harry and Ron looked at each other and then at the other gentleman and then back at each other before turning to look at Hermione with the questions clearly writ on their faces. Her cheeks colored as she tried to keep her composure. "Right so, Harry, Ron… let me finish what I have to say before you freak out. You see, when we stole Hufflepuff's Cup from Gringotts I think we may have inadvertently started a war."
Harry dropped his head to the table with a loud thump while Ron leapt to his feet, propelling his chair backwards, yelling, "What!?"
Hermione quickly explained this situation as she saw it, based off all the things the boys had slept through in History of Magic, as evidenced by their slightly glassed over eyes. Even Mr. Stewards looked a bit impressed by the time she was finished with her recap of all the pertinent treaties and ceasefires that could have precedence on this specific situation. She then outlined her rough plan, giving each of them their marching orders, including things they were supposed to remember to say.
With a groan Harry said, "You know Hermione, our plans never go well, right?"
"Harry, I am aware of that. That is why we are using one of my plans." She pointed out.
"Yes, but you are counting on Ron and I to carry it out. Therefore it falls under the usual rule when we are involved. And besides, a lot of our plans were made by you." He counterpointed.
Headmistress McGonnagall started laughing, getting everyone's attention before she said, "I was really missing you three."
The three young adults blushed at that and the two adults chuckled. Mr. Stewards nodded and said, "That is not a bad plan all things considered but there are several weak points that I can see. I gather that you haven't really studied goblin culture in depth, which is where your few issues are. I have a few comments on it, if I may. I figure we want the strongest plan we can manage."
HGHGHGHGHG
"Are we ready?"
"Sure, I mean if we're already heading towards a war it's not like we can make it any worse." commented Ron dryly.
"Absolutely," said Harry. "I love going into a battle zone with only a half-baked plan and vague goals. That's better than we usually have."
"Shut it you two." Said Hermione, fighting a smile despite how serious this whole situation was.
Walking into Gringotts, Hermione thought about what Ron and Harry had said and it did not make her feel any better. She had been able to get a lot done that summer without having to go to the bank, figuring that she might be a bit unwelcome. That and the last time she had been there she had been polyjuiced to look like Bellatrix. That thought alone made her left forearm itch and she felt a bit jumpy. This situation seemed to prove that her caution was probably warranted.
Unwelcome was an understatement. After the Trio cleared the doors and were clearly spotted, armed guards quickly moved towards them, drawing their weapons. Before the three of them were able to draw their wands and for things to completely degenerate, Mr. Stewards stepped in front of them, demanding loudly, "I am the Goblin Liaison Officer and we demand to see the Head Goblin of Gringotts."
That stopped things, as customers and goblins froze and looked at them. The guards edged closer, eying them warily but not taking any overtly aggressive moves. The four of them stood back to back, defensively, ready to fight their way out if they had to, though Hermione was sure that they really would rather not. An older looking goblin came from behind the counters and headed their way, calling out, "Ah… Mr. Stewards, you say that you need to speak with Director Ragnok?"
"Yes, my entire party does, all four of us here, on behalf of the Ministry, if you would Nerblod. It is rather urgent business. That won't be a problem, will it?" The head of the Goblin Liaison Office looked the goblin right in the eye and smiled politely, showing plenty of teeth.
For a long moment, nobody said a word before Nerblod bowed his head slightly and said in a rough voice, "Very well. Follow me."
The guards withdrew to their original stations but eyed them warily. The group went deeper into the bank, and the trio grew more nervous, well aware of how badly their last visit had gone. They recognized the danger they were in and it was far too clear on just how impossible it might be to get out of here again without the intervention of a handy dragon. Hermione rubbed at her arm, feeling the muscles in her back tighten from the stress. They paused before a door when their guide held up a hand. Nerblod then knocked loudly and opened the door slightly, speaking to the person inside in gobbledegook. The door was opened more and they were quickly ushered inside to face the Director of Gringotts, a rather large and strong looking Goblin who looked up from a collection of ledgers a sneer on his face. "What does the Ministry want? Why are these thieves here?"
Hermione realized that the situation was perhaps worse than she had feared and she nudged Harry. They needed to get this show on the road or there might not be a road left for them. He stepped forward, trying to remember what his part was, looking the goblin right in the eyes. "Director Ragnok, thank you for your valuable time. I am Harry James Potter, conqueror of the Death Eaters and slayer of Voldemort. I speak for me and my companions when I say we would like to apologize to you for breaking into your bank,… uh, violating the trust others put into Gringotts and for damaging your facility. We also regret any pain your people suffered after we left due to the actions of Voldemort. We would like to… uh… fix this problem if we can."
Ragnok's eyes bored into Harry's and then scanned over Ron and Hermione, clearly weighing them. Hermione suppressed a shudder as this was a very dangerous individual before them. He clearly had power as well as strength and that was disconcerting. She knew she would never willingly want to fight him. His eyes then briefly flicked over Mr. Stewards before returning to them. "Tell me, Mister Potter, why should I not just have you and your companions killed for your gross violations of goblin territory?"
Hermione stepped forward, knowing that this was her cue to take up the conversation. She was after all the face that pulled this next part off and therefore the best one to speak to it. "You are aware that despite what we did we took but one object from the Lestrange Family vault, correct? A gold cup that once belonged to Helga Hufflepuff?"
Ragnok's eyes cut over to her, trying to skewer her into place. "I am aware."
Harry then asked, "Were you also aware that the cup in question was a Horrcrux for Voldemort and he was depending on the safety and security of your bank to ensure that he could never die, being able to torment all at will? The safety and security of your bank was ensuring his reign of terror."
Ragnok looked a bit taken aback by that. Clearly this was not something he had expected to hear. "Explain."
Harry and Hermione then proceeded to explain how Voldemort had used seven Horrcruxes to ensure that he would never die, including the fact that Harry himself had been one. They then explained their actions over the last few years in relation to those objects to provide the proper context so that Ragnok was able to follow. Ron chimed in at this point, following along with the agreed upon plan, "So you see Director Ragnok, we did this act not for self-gain or fame or to make your bank look bad but in order to protect our people and your own."
"And I am supposed to believe this how?" challenged Ragnok, not giving any ground, despite what he had already heard from the three of them.
Hermione asked almost as an aside, "Did Griphook happen to present you with the Sword of Ragnuk the First after we left?"
Ragnok narrowed his eyes. It was obvious that he was not pleased by this new development and turn to the conversation. "You seem well informed."
"We ought to be on this matter, he got the sword from us after all. We told him that once we were done using the sword to destroy these things we would turn it over, knowing how you viewed these objects due to words of Bill Weasley. He made sure we knew how important such a thing was. We made a deal, the sword for the cup, to be delivered once we were able to destroy the Horcruxes, as the sword was primed for that thanks to the Basilisk venom it had absorbed. Griphook apparently doubted our word and took the sword before our deal was complete. Besides, I think you just might find that the sword is missing from wherever you had it stored." She replied, knowing that she had to be able to turn this if they had any hope of walking out of here alive. It was going to be a neat trick. She was very glad that Mr. Stewards was behind them to step in should things really begin to deteriorate. He was the one most skilled at dealing with goblins.
Ragnok looked surprised and then uttered a command to one of his guards, who hustled out of the room. They all waited there patiently as Ragnok seemed to be pondering all of this. Shortly the guard ran back in, and answered the Director. He turned his eyes on them and asked somewhat angrily, "How did you do this?"
Harry grinned slightly and said, "At this time, regardless of whose sword it was, the sword comes to the aid of true Gryffindors. It came to my aid in my second year at school when I fought a roughly 60 foot basilisk and it came to Neville Longbottom in May before he killed the last Horrcrux, allowing me to finally kill Voldemort. I believe that the sword is currently in the Headmistress's office at Hogwarts."
Hermione replied calmly, "It is."
"So we know that what we did was wrong and could lead to war between our peoples. We do not want this so we wish to make amends for all of this somehow. Just to let you know how serious we are about making amends, Miss Granger, of her own initiative, worked with the Ministry and arranged for the Goblin Liaison Office to be moved to a different section of the Ministry. That office is now lodged under International Magical Cooperation all thanks to her and her desire to make amends." Harry grinned as he said that.
Ragnok turned his attention from the Trio to look at Mr. Stewards. "Is this true?"
Mr. Stewards smiled, clearly pleased by how things were progressing. "It is Director Ragnok. The Minister made it happened this morning after speaking to Miss Granger and is going to make the Wizengamot go along with it. As I understand it, I will have a different office before I make it back to the Ministry today."
The Director sat back in his seat, looking somewhat surprised at these developments. It was clear to Heamione that he clearly did not seem like he had expected anything of this nature to occur during this discussion and he seemed thrown. Harry continued, trying to press the advantage, "We would also like to return the Sword of Ragnuk the First to you, with the understanding that it will probably come to the aid of any true Gryffindor who needs it. But we will ensure that it is known that the blade must be returned to you and your people afterwards, going back to its rightful place. We do not want war between our peoples. We want peace between you and us. Do these actions our part count as sufficient amends towards Gringotts, Director Ragnok?"
Ragnok looked at the group standing there, as if trying to weigh them, trying to weigh the value of their proposal versus the other needs of the Bank. Hermione was holding her breath, her heart racing. This was it. This was the moment where everything turned. They had played their hand and hoped that this would be a strong enough deal to fix everything and then some. If not, then the three of them would have, at a bare minimum, banking troubles forever, that is of course if they made it outside alive.
"Harry Potter, what you and your friends have done and propose are amends far in excess of what damage you have done. This is quite sufficient. I thank you for your work in aid of the goblin nation." Ragnok stood and bowed to them.
The trio bowed back. "You are welcome Director Ragnok."
"Director Ragnok, as soon as I know more about the nature of the changes that this will bring between our peoples I will get in touch so we can make some of the changes Mr. Cresswell desired. The Minister is very interested in improving the relationship between our peoples." Mr. Stewards grinned, clearly pleased at this outcome.
"That sounds like a plan. I look forward to our further conversations."
As they walked out of the bank, Hermione felt her tension drain and she wobbled on her feet a bit. Ron beat Harry to her side and supported her. With one arm around her waist for support, he said, "I've got you. Let's go."
Harry nodded. "Let's go get lunch. I could use a cup of tea to calm my nerves after that. The last thing I wanted to happen was for us to have to fight our way out of there. And I know that McGonnagall was planning to meet us there so let's do that."
"Blimey Hermione, you mean you figured all that out in Binns' class?" said Ron, sounding impressed.
"Miss Granger, thank you. If you need anything, anything at all, let me or my office know and I will be happy to help you in any way I can. Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley it has been an honor to meet you both." Mr. Stewards shook their hands and headed off, disapparating with a pop.
Once they were seated in the Leaky Cauldron, Hermione sagged even more as she felt so drained. She had been running on nerves and adrenalin this whole time and it had clearly taken its toll. They waited shortly until McGonnagall came in and handed her a Pepper-up Potion. "I saw you coming up the street and figured that might help."
The potion perked her up and she sighed, "Thank you Headmistress."
Ron looked over at her a bit worriedly and asked, "Feeling better?"
"Yes, a bit. Thank you." She smiled at him, glad that things were less awkward now then they had been.
"You are bloody brilliant. Absolutely bloody brilliant Hermione. What did I say, scary and brilliant. I'm buying you lunch, since I have a job and everything. You just sit back and relax." He grinned at her. "Anything you want. That was amazing."