A/N: Thanks everyone for follow, favourite and reviews for the last chapter. But I want more reviews since we are entering into the crucial part of the story. If you can read, surely you can leave a review.
Again apologies for any unintended mistakes in English and do feel free to correct me.
Now moving to the acknowledgments:
François Pierre Guillaume Guizot was a French historian, orator, and statesman. He was a dominant figure in French politics prior to the Revolution of 1848 and also served as the French prime minister.
The description of Abraxan flying horses and Beauxbatons was taken from Harry Potter wiki.
The Symbolism of Reed means purpose, protection and purification in Celtic books.
It was stated in Harry Potter wiki that goblins of Gringotts used vault 712 for eating and dancing purpose so I took the idea from there.
The Reed dancing is a ceremony seen in Swaziland, Africa that happens in September.
Ancestry of Filius Flitwick was taken from fifth Harry Potter book.
The concept of Suicide salt was taken from Chinese tradition where wealthy aristocrats consumed 1kg salt to commit suicide. The salt basically thickened the blood and caused electrolyte disorder.
Roe is fresh and unpasteurized eggs of Sturgeon fish. It is mixed with some salt to prepare caviar which the most expensive food in the world. (The name of this chapter basically means caviar)
The original fresco of 'The last supper' is in Milan, Italy.
Well I guess that's all. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: The copyright to Harry Potter characters belong to J. K. Rowling. Any other characters are purely work of fiction and any resemblance is co-incidental.
Chapter 21: Roe and Salt.
Alexis Delacour stared out of his office window and sighed. He was supposed to be in Brussels two hours ago but the Minister of Magic, François Guizot, had called him for a meeting at the last moment and he had to oblige.
He had seen Hermione yesterday as she and Adrian returned from Adrian's orientation class at St. Joan's. She had told them how Adrian had used a kids broom to claim his cone from the decorated tree at the traditional ceremony. Alexis has watched as Adrian opened his delicately wrapped package in front of them and found his new books, crayons and an Everlasting Water flask, a flask charmed so that water never ran out while drinking from it. Everyone at home was exceptionally happy afterwards and Alexis preferred to keep it that way. Especially for Hermione, who had already suffered enough in her life and shouldn't be disturbed anymore.
Alexis eyed his wrist watch. It was five minutes to eleven and according to minister's secretary Peggy, Draco Malfoy would be visiting Minister François Guizot exactly at eleven o' clock on Tuesday morning. The Senior undersecretary being away at Bulgaria, the minister had asked for Junior undersecretary Alexis's presence during this visit since he couldn't trust the British Malfoys for their famed association with the Dark Lord.
Alexis looked at his vague reflection on the window and smoothed his robes confidently. This would the first time he would be facing Draco Malfoy and he couldn't deny that he was feeling curious about it too. He wanted to see that man by himself; the man he knew had caused so much pain to Hermione Jean Granger. He wanted to assess his personality, weigh his potentials, calculate his shrewdness and defy his arrogance. He wanted Draco Malfoy to understand that not everything revolved around Malfoys and their dirty money.
Alexis strode out of his office to an empty corridor and opened the door of the one opposite to him that bore a shiny sign on it:
François Pierre Guillaume Guizot
Minister for Magic
The French Republic
The Minister's office was a spacious and luxurious one. The room features three large south-facing windows behind the minister's desk, and a fireplace at the north end. It had four doors: the east door opened to the corridor leading to his office; the west door lead to a private smaller study and dining room; the northwest door opened onto the main corridor of the West Wing where he met his special foreign delegates; and the northeast door opened to the office of the minister's secretary, Peggy Sarkozi.
Presently the Minister of Magic was reading a file and he looked up before silently motioning Alexis to sit.
No sooner had Alexis taken his seat; Peggy entered the office closely followed by two men. Alexis didn't turn his head to see who they could be. He already knew one of them would be Draco Malfoy.
Surely enough when the men greeted the minister and seated themselves comfortably, he identified that one of them was Julian Malfoy and the other unmistakably was the one and only Draco Malfoy.
Alexis was astonished at the similarity between Adrian Granger and Draco Malfoy. Adrian had the same grey eyes, pointed nose and chin, pale flawless skin and silvery blonde hair that Draco proudly sported. The only differences between their features were that while Adrian's features were innocent and angelic, Draco's were sinful and devilish. Alexis noticed as his cold grey eyes lingered over him and he smirked before turning to address the Minister.
"Thank you very much for your valuable time Minister Guizot." Draco Malfoy drawled and smiled slightly at the Minister, "I have been told already by my cousin Julian…" he motioned at his cousin sitting beside him, "..that you are a very busy man and I have no intention of wasting more time than necessary." He informed them. He then reached inside the black robe he was wearing and took out a roll of sealed parchment which he placed in front of Minister, "I am here on behalf of my mother Narcissa Malfoy to invite you, Minister Guizot, to the dinner party she has arranged this Friday and we humbly request your kind presence there." He finished with a flourish.
The Minister eyed the unopened roll of parchment cautiously and Alexis could tell what he was thinking. When the man couldn't bear to stand Draco Malfoy at his own office alone and there was no chance that he would be attending their party on Friday. Alexis was confident that the minister was going to decline the invitation when he suddenly took the roll and broke seal to open it.
Everyone remained silent as the minister read the invitation letter and Alexis noticed from the corner of his eyes that Draco was staring at him. He returned the stare with one of his own and noticed that Draco's curious look turned to amusement and then to immense smugness. It was unnerving the way Draco was staring at him, as if he was considering him with extra care. Alexis decided to feign irritation and frowned at him before returning to the minister again.
"Well, I must admit that it would be rude if I deny the invitation from Lady Malfoy." The minister remarked after putting down the parchment and Alexis frowned even deeper. 'Was he going then?' he asked himself.
"Mother would be immensely pleased to hear that, Minister, I assure you." Draco proclaimed proudly and stood up, "You must have more important works to attend to and I will not delay you any longer." He said and after extended his hand to the minister.
The minister stood up and they shook hands. Alexis was amazed when Draco extended his hand to him next. He had been expecting him to ignore him. Feeling confident and irritated at the same time he extended his right hand and gripped Malfoy's one tightly.
His hand was exceptionally cold and strong as if made of steel. Alexis looked up and met Malfoy's cold grey eyes that resembled liquid steel. He narrowed them mysteriously at him and gave his hand a rough shake.
"As the Minister's undersecretary, Monsieur Delacour, you are also invited at the party." He said gripping Alexis's hand tightly, "I have made some special arrangements for the Minister and his companions and you surely are included in the luxuries." He informed Alexis.
Alexis mirrored the smirk Malfoy had bestowed him earlier, "I am a very simple man, Monsieur Malfoy." He said, "I prefer simple but significant pleasures over extravagant luxuries. Will your party be able to provide me with that?" he asked indignantly.
Malfoy gave him a mysterious smile and released his hand, "The Malfoys belief in hospitality and excellence, Monsieur Delacour. If you prefer it that way, I'll personally make sure that your simple pleasures are taken care of." He said proudly and turned to leave.
Alexis eyed the Malfoys as they left the Minister's office and looked at the Minister Guizot.
"Minister, I thought you would decline his invitation." He spoke his mind.
The minister, however, twirled the roll of parchment and bit his lip.
"Read it yourself," he said offering Alexis the roll.
Alexis took the roll and unfolded it before settling on his chair. The letter read:
Minister François Guizot,
With great honour, we, the Malfoys would like to request for your kind presence on coming Friday, 3rd September at seven o' clock in the evening for a dinner party.
The venue for the said event will be at the Hotel Rochés and dress code will be black formal attire.
We are expecting that you will manage time from your busy schedule to be present on the party and give us the honour of serving you.
Hoping to meet you in the venue.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy
"They are arranging the party at the Rochés Hotel, not at the Château? Why?" Alexis asked incredulously, looking up from the letter.
The minister gave Alexis a grave look and sighed, "That's the same question I want to be answered and there is only one way to have it: attend their party."
"Are you suspecting that the Dark Lord's surviving supporters are making a get together party?" Alexis voiced his worst suspicion.
"We can't be sure unless we go and see them by ourselves." The minister opined, "Arrange for a meeting with the Head of the Magical Law Enforcement, Delacour."
"Yes minister" Alexis said curtly to the minister and left his office. He was immensely irritated at the sudden turn of events. He wanted to go to Brussels but he was stuck with the minister until the meeting was over. He decided to leave for Brussels directly from his office to save some time.
However his irritation turned to surprise upon entering his office when he found Hermione sitting on one of the chairs before his desk.
"What a pleasant surprise!" Alexis exclaimed, feeling curious and elated simultaneously. Hermione had never visited his office at the ministry and there must be some reason for doing so this morning.
"Mother told me that you are leaving for Brussels." She said looking tense, "I hope it's not something about that Portkey, Alexis?" she enquired to him.
Alexis was rendered speechless at how accurate her guess was but he chose not to display it.
"Of course not, Jean." Alexis overcame his shock and lied smoothly, "I am being sent there to attend an official meeting with the Belgian undersecretary about issues regarding their foreign students." He informed her. "I am sorry that I couldn't apply for the Portkey report but the minister has been keeping me very busy lately." He apologized looking as sincere as possible.
Hermione smiled at him, looking relieved, "It's alright, Alexis. I am so sorry to disturb you like this." She said and stood up, "I'll leave you with your work, you must have preparations to make for your meeting." She offered.
Alexis did not feel like responding to her query and moved closer to Hermione. It was his first time since they were alone outside the Delacour residence and the sight of the adorable witch in her navy blue robes, messy brown curls and shiny chocolate brown eyes, was making him lose his mind. Before he knew what he was doing he pulled her on a tight embrace and kissed her on the mouth.
The feel of her succulent soft lips on his was the most enchanting, enthralling and mind numbing sensation that had ever coursed through his veins. Alexis did not know that he had been so eager for this small but divine touch that united them at that moment and he felt like never letting go. His eyes had closed the moment he had kissed her and he opened them now only to stare at her pair which sported numerous emotions at once: surprise, delight, assurance and eagerness. He noticed with elated amazement as she closed her eyes and kissed him back.
Alexis couldn't tell for how long they shared that divine moment. At last when they broke apart, though no one could tell who did it first, Hermione was blushing so red that her heat was reaching Alexis too.
"I am sorry, Jean." Alexis said softly, feeling ashamed but delighted and still embracing her, "I don't know what happened to me suddenly. I …. I lost control…" he started but Hermione stopped her by placing a soft finger on his wet lips.
"It was the most wonderful thing that happened to me since Adrian was born, Alexis." She whispered at him, "I have never been kissed like this; like being loved, cared and protected." She said with a genuine smile, "I never thought I would be able to tell this to anyone ever again after I rejected Ron, Alexis but I feel so good when you are around. I feel safe and happy. I feel home." She said before closing her eyes and embracing him tightly.
Alexis felt his heart fill with an unknown yet very fulfilling sensation as Hermione leaned on to him. He felt as if she was starving for a bit of romantic touch on her life and promised himself to fulfill her every need whether physical or spiritual.
"I think the Belgian undersecretary will comment severely on the French sense of punctuality if I keep you entangled here any longer." Hermione said and released him at last.
"Who cares about an ugly undersecretary when a pretty witch is embracing a man?" Alexis said winking at her.
"Careful, Alexis! What if the undersecretary turns out to an even prettier witch?" Hermione said playfully.
"His name is Henri De Man and he certainly is not a witch, Jean." Alexis affirmed smiling at her jibe.
"Are you coming home before you leave or you'll leave from here?" Hermione enquired looking somewhat serious.
"I am already late because of yo… minister." Alexis corrected himself hastily and Hermione laughed, "I'll be leaving from my office." he informed her.
"When will you come back?" she asked him after regaining her breath.
"Possibly, day after tomorrow. But if my work gets finished earlier, I'll return sooner than that." Alexis replied, smiling.
"Take good care of my Alexis. Hm!" she instructed him pompously.
Alexis bowed elegantly before her and replied, "As my lady wishes."
Hermione left soon afterwards as Alexis kept wondering about the peculiar turn of events. He had been visited by two most unlikely people in the same morning: the perpetrator Draco Malfoy and his victim Hermione Jean Granger.
•••••
Twelve gigantic and extremely powerful Abraxan winged horses pulled the pastel-blue coach through the clouds and Audré relaxed on her seat thinking that she would be in Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in next twenty minutes. The life-size grand carriage was fitted with all the magical modern amenities and was decorated in details with cherubs, garlands and painted panels exclusively designed by French master designer François Bouchard.
Her urgent letter written last evening, asking to meet the Beauxbatons headmistress Madame Olympe Maxime was replied this morning when the giant carriage landed on the vast grounds of the Château to escort her to the school palace. The Wizarding School was located in 'Palace of Beauxbatons' in the Pyrenees in the southern France. A trip from her Château to Beauxbatons palace was a maximum of forty minutes when the giant carriage was used and Audré being one of the members of the board of school governors and Olympe Maxime's close friend was privileged with the special service.
Another fifteen minutes passed as Audré watched the beautiful white clouds that streaked past the window and then she was awarded with view that always rendered her speechless: her old school palace from the clouds.
Beauxbatons palace was a beautiful Château surrounded by lush gardens and large fountains magically created out of surrounding mountains. It had stood over for seven hundred years majestically and yet the place looked marvelous and grand as ever. The school accepted students from France, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. British students in the premises of Beauxbatons were unheard of and yet Jean Granger had made it possible successfully, something that made Audré more curious about the young mother.
Audré watched her school in awe while contemplating about different ways to question Madame Maxime about Jean Granger without raising any suspicion, until the carriage descended and landed safely on one of the school gardens. It came to a halt before the main entrance of the palace and Audré noticed Madame Maxime waiting for her at the entrance.
She came down from the regal carriage and approached her host and dear friend Olympe who was waiting with extended arms and wide smile.
"My dear, Audré!" She engulfed Audré in a bone crashing hug, "I have been waiting to see you for so long!" She exclaimed, "Last time we met was almost two years ago during the Christmas banquet here and since then you haven't visited except for the official meetings that are held in the palace." Madame Maxime chided her friend fondly.
"Oh, Olympe, I am so sorry for not being able to visit more frequently!" Audré said as she hugged back the half-giantess, her head barely reaching her chest, "I always wanted to come and stay for a few days, my dear, but I have nobody to take care of the Château during that time. It is a big place and can't be left solely on House Elves since Lillian still isn't competent enough to run it alone." she released her friend, "So tell me how are you doing? I believe I find you healthy and well?" She asked examining Madame Maxime's features.
Her friend, who was elegant and graceful despite her size, looked handsome with shiny olive skinned complexion, huge black eyes and sleek hair drawn into a bun. She was dressed in a pale blue robe of finest satin and sapphire jewelry. She welcomed her graciously into the palace and led Audré to her office.
"I must admit that I was surprised when I received your letter by the urgent owl post, Audré." She said as they walked through the empty corridors, "You never write like that, my dear." She said shaking her head, "That's why I sent my own carriage to bring you here. Is everything alright?" she asked as they reached her office concealed behind a wall of flowing water and entered it.
The office of the head of the school was as one of the finest rooms in Beauxbatons palace and a magnificent example of sumptuousness in decoration. It was a large room divided into bays by giant Corinthian columns with a symphony of blue flock wallpaper, white velvet curtains and figured-silk wall hangings. The Corinthian columns were painted with beautiful portraits while a few portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses hanged from a corner wall.
Madame Maxime took her friend to her private study and motioned her to take a seat. She ordered the castle elves to bring them some refreshments and settled down before her friend.
"So, tell me how is everything going in Château? Has Julian found himself a suitable woman?" she asked Audré, "Last time we talked about him, you told me that he is a complete workaholic and is not interested in anything outside it." she said looking amused.
Audré nodded, "Well, I must admit that Julian is completely like his father, Morpheus, when work is concerned." She said fondly, "I still don't know how he fell for me thirty years ago when the only thing that kept him going was work, work and more work." She said skeptically.
"No dear, you are wrong there," Madame Maxime contradicted her friend, "I have known Morpheus since we both started working at the Ministry and I know that work only kept Morpheus distracted from his horrible past. But it was you who kept him going, dear." She said with a genuine smile, "Your love, your care, your dedication for him, kept him alive and sane for all those years. He wouldn't have lasted that long without you, Audré." She stated thoughtfully and Audré sighed.
"I still can't get over his death, Olympe!" she admitted bitterly, "Even after nine years, I can't sleep peacefully at night thinking about what he had been through when he lived." She said in a sad voice, "And his death was basically due to all those mental pressures he had to go through in the face of those horrible rumours that the Rochés spread about him." Audré shook her head and closed her eyes.
Olympe Maxime reached out and took her friend's hands in her larger ones, "They will get their due punishment, Audré my friend, don't worry about that." she assured her friend, "The Rochés are powerful but from what I have heard, I can tell that the Minister is very suspicious about their recent activities." She informed her, "I have some friends who are close to the Minister and they told me that François Guizot is just waiting to catch them red handed and then the Rochés are done for." She commented looking smug and confident.
Audré opened her eyes and smiled serenely at her friend, "Yes, Olympe. I hope that too." she said with an air of satisfaction at the thought.
"So, tell me why did you want to visit me so suddenly, Audré?" Madame Maxime asked her while offering her some madeleines and tea, "Not that I have complaints about it but I am curious to know what brought you out of your sanctuary." She confessed.
"Before I go on that topic, Olympe, let me thank you for suggesting me Fleur Delacour during my visit to England." Audré said to her friend sipping her tea, "She is a wonderful woman. I knew her father Gustave Delacour since he was a member of 'Order of the Fleur-de-lis' but I never met her before. She had been very helpful." She acknowledged.
Madame Maxime looked proudly at her friend, "Fleur is one of my favourites, Audré. She was one of the Triwizard Champions in last tournament. She is very brave, talented and kind. And I trust her and her judgments completely." She said smugly, "By the way, where did you stay in England? At Malfoy Manor?" Olympe asked looking curious and took a sip from her cup.
Audré was waiting for the question since she brought Fleur's topic and prepared to answer. It was the only way to know how much Madame Maxime knew about Draco.
"No" she replied, "I stayed at a hotel named Rosings. It was a good one." She said, "True that Lucius Malfoy is dead and I have no liking for that place, Olympe, but I couldn't visit it since Draco and his mother Narcissa are currently at France and they are staying at our Château." She said waiting to see Olympe's reaction.
Madame Maxime's expression however remained neutral and Audré felt relieved internally. Maxime didn't seem to know about Jean's perpetrator and it meant she could go according to her original plan.
"So, the families are reuniting at last?" Olympe gave her a snide remark.
Audré snorted, "Not that way, Olympe, the bitterness is still there." She lied and started executing her plan, "After Lucius died, Narcissa and Draco had no relatives left. The Lestranges were done for and there was no Black family anymore." She informed her friend, "So when Narcissa wrote me a letter that she would be visiting France and wanted to stay with us, I thought it was rude to decline her offer." She confessed, "I know you may think that is crazy of me let Lucius's family stay with us after what he did to Morpheus but had Morpheus been alive, Olympe, he would have done the same. He cared about Draco." She stated modestly.
Olympe smiled genuinely at her friend, "I don't think you are crazy, Audré. You are a great woman." She said firmly, "Not every wife can help her husband's tormentors." She commented wisely.
'I have my own reasons for that, Olympe.' Audré thought and smiled at her friend. "Well now to the topic of my visit. Well, Olympe I need your help to find someone."Audré replied deciding to tell as much truth as possible. She did not feel like cheating her dear friend.
"Who is it and how can I help you there?" Madame Maxime asked her looking mildly surprised.
Audré looked directly at Madame Maxime's eyes, "Her name is Jean Granger and she's one of your ex-students." She said evenly, "She's originally an English woman who studied her first six years at Hogwarts but then she moved here six years ago to complete her education. She played a very important role in the second Wizarding war against Lord Voldemort and in the process lost her parents. When she arrived here she was pregnant and afterwards she gave birth to a boy." She stated as much truth as she could before switching to lie, "During my visit in England I came to know about a plot that some long lost supporters of the Lord Voldemort are looking for her and that her life is in danger. At that time I was only told that her name is Hermione Granger and that she is missing for six years since she left England. They told me that she might be in France and asked me to look for her here. So when I came back, I looked for her using her first name and it yielded no positive results. Until yesterday when one of Lillian's friends told me that there was a Granger in her class who studied in Beauxbatons only on her seventh year. She told me that her name was Jean Granger and she was from England too. That's why I wrote the letter to meet you to see if you can help me in finding her." Audré explained looking calm and composed.
Madame Maxime was beside herself at her words, "I must admit, Audré that whatever I expected you to tell me, was not this." She said and then became grave and tense, "You are looking for Jean, someone whom I have closely guarded for all these years. She was an exceptionally talented witch. In fact it was Fleur who recommended her to us. She was tortured during the war and that's why she left the country. I wouldn't want her to be tortured again. Do you know who are after her?" she asked looking concerned.
"I have no idea." Audré declined though she knew the truth, "I need to find this woman and see how I can protect her from possible attack. That's why I came here urgently. I hope I am not already late." She said looking grave.
"I sincerely hope not, Audré." Madame Maxime prayed too, "Jean stays at Paris with the Delacours." she informed Audré, "She is the Chief Curse Breaker in Gringotts. Do you want me to write and tell her about possible attack?" she asked.
"No" Audré shook her head knowing her friend would suggest that, "If you write to her like that, she will be scared and may leave her secured home in haste. That way she may fall into further danger." She explained, "Since I have not read about any attack on Gringotts Chief Curse Breaker recently, I hope she is still unharmed." She said narrowing her eyes, "I will talk to her in my own way and offer her protection so that she doesn't have to leave the country again. Besides, Julian is second-in-command in the 'Department of Magical Law Enforcement' and we will use it to catch the attackers too." Audré offered.
Madame Maxime looked relieved at her friend's proposal and smiled, "Thanks my dear." She said, "I guess Jean is in safe hands now. After all, you and Morpheus were right hand men of Albus Dumbledore in France." She commented.
Audré looked at the ring she wearing in her right hand.
Julian had given her, her blue diamond ring this morning at breakfast and informed her that it was carrying a slow poisoning curse which had been curse broken by Gringotts Chief Curse Breaker.
'That means that Jean already knows about Draco and his mother moving here in France. After all it's the Chief Curse Breaker who makes the first inventory.' She thought and rubbed her temple.
Perhaps it was finally time to reveal about Draco's intentions to her. Because Draco was going to stop at nothing, Audré was sure about that.
•••••
"Hey Jean!" Claudia's voice echoed across the dimly lit underground corridor and Hermione stopped on her tracks, "Aren't you coming to the vault 712?" she heard her intern ask her.
Hermione turned around and saw an anxious looking Claudia rapidly walking towards her, "No need to worry, Claudia." She assured her understanding her fear to attend the Goblin's ceremony alone, "I am coming." She said.
Claudia let out a breath of relief, "It is my first time, Jean and I am damn nervous." She admitted to Hermione, "I have heard that those dancing goblins sometimes turn very nasty. It is true?" she asked looking pale.
Hermione took Claudia's hand and squeezed it gently. Her intern still needed time to feel comfortable around the goblins which in truth was quite hard. Even she had had hard time for first two years dealing with the mischievous creatures in Gringotts and now after being promoted to Chief Curse Breaker she could feel sure that they wouldn't dare to play tricks on her.
"Don't worry." She said to a nervous looking Claudia, "They won't do anything to you. They know humans will be attending their dancing ceremony and they'll behave accordingly." She comforted her.
"I tried to reject the offer this morning, Jean but Head Goblin Geccemp was insistent about us attending their damn dancing ceremony." Claudia informed Hermione bitterly, "He said the Reed dancing happens once a year in September and everyone in Gringotts should attend it. But why do they do this…dancing?" she asked looking incredulous; "I never knew goblins could dance. I thought they only knew how to forge metalwork and count coins." She said looking irritated.
"Don't be so severe on them, they also need their share of fun." Hermione tried to make Claudia comfortable, "Besides I have attended the ceremony for last four years and it's hell of an entertainment." She said smiling brightly.
"Really?" Claudia asked looking nonplussed.
"Really." Hermione replied firmly and led her intern to a cart where one of the goblins was waiting to take them to vault 712.
One wild cart ride later Hermione and Claudia stood hand on hand before vault 712. Sensing Claudia's reluctance to enter the vault, Hermione tugged her hand and entered the vault.
Vault 712, which was used by the goblins for their eating and annual dancing purpose, was a high ceiling Rib Vault with no center pillar to support the weight of the ceiling. The arched stone ribs rose from the side of the vault and intersected one another in the center of the ceiling while leaving a spacious cavern below for the goblins to use as they liked. Currently a group of fifty goblins were sporting long sharp Reeds and dancing around a merrily cackling fire to mark their Annual Reed Dancing Festival.
Hermione looked around and saw Geccemp sitting in a corner and singing something in goblin language Gobbledegook.
Claudia's hand was squirming under Hermione's grasp and she looked at her intern.
"Honestly, Jean, this is your idea of fun?" she asked looking horrorstruck at the dancing goblins, "Tell Geccemp that I came and that I left because I had some urgent works to attend to." She requested her and hurriedly left before Hermione could protest.
Hermione rolled her eyes. That girl was not going make a good Curse Breaker if she was scared of goblins in the first place. Curse Breaking was not about dealing with cursed objects only; it was also about cleverness and foresight to deal with the goblins, who were always trying to trick the humans. She approached Geccemp and took the seat across her boss.
"Bonjour Geccemp, sir." She greeted him.
"Bonjour Curse Breaker Jean," he lulled and greeted back, "Why did Intern Claudia left so hastily?" he asked looking amused.
"She suddenly remembered about an important assignment and left to do it." Hermione offered the lie Claudia had provided her, "How is the dance going?" she looked at the dancing goblins that were carrying the Reeds and gave a hearty laugh noticing their weird dance steps.
"Oh, it's just fine, Jean" Geccemp assured her, "Remember first Wednesday of every September is for Reed dancing and it is all about three P's : purpose, protection and purification. According to Celtic Oghams, old wizards used Reed for their hidden magical properties and we goblins being miners, adopted it from them and used it serve our purpose." He said wisely.
"No offence Geccemp, but I used to think goblins were grotesque creatures who were tricky and mischievous. Well most of them are like that." Hermione admitted, "But there are two other who are completely opposite. The first is my Charms professor Filius Flitwick. He was a part Goblin but he was the most knowledgeable Charms master I have ever seen and an accomplished dueler too. He also had good taste since he decorated the Christmas trees for Great Hall and he was a very caring teacher." She said with pride, "The second is you, since you are very well mannered towards us humans. Both of you are exceptions in the name of goblins. Had I not met you two, I would have thought goblins are incapable of merriment." She said and observed the dancing.
Geccemp gave her a mysterious smile, "Have you ever wondered Jean, why of all the candidates for the post of Chief Curse Breaker, I chose you?" he asked her suddenly looking rather serious, "I mean I knew you are talented, patient and brave but you are also a woman and there has never been a female Curse Breaker in the history of French Gringotts." He stated, "Why do you think I broke the tradition?" he asked her again.
Hermione remained silent at Geccemp's query. It was a question that had been nagging in her mind ever she got her promotion but she dared not to voice it. She had grown up on her mother's believe that she ought to beat her opponents in order to achieve her rightful place and her current position as the Chief Curse Breaker was something that she truly deserved. Had she asked Geccemp that why he had chosen a female over so many male candidates, it would have contradicted her own beliefs.
"Though Bill Weasley recommended highly of you, I contacted Filius right after you applied for the post, Jean and he told me that there is none better than you for the job." Geccemp told her simply.
Hermione gasped in surprise, "You….you know Professor Flitwick?" she stammered.
Geccemp smiled serenely and scratched his chin with his long fingers, "I do. His goblin ancestry comes from my family, Jean. We are basically from England. I moved to France with my family fifty years ago when I joined Gringotts." He informed her, "He's two years younger than me. I am seventy one and he's sixty nine." He said looking amused at Hermione's surprise.
"You are seventy one years old?" Hermione asked incredulously and broke into a laugh, "You hardly look fifty." She shook her head in disbelief.
Geccemp looked pleased at her compliment "We goblins age slowly." He told her looking smug.
Hermione was about to retort when another stuff goblin approached Geccemp and leaned down beside him before whispering something in his ear. Geccemp's features immediately turned grave.
"There is no way she can meet her. I have given my word on that matter." He said to his subordinate while eyeing Hermione sharply.
Hermione suddenly felt odd under his intense gaze.
'Was Geccemp talking about me?' she thought.
However before she could ask him about it, Geccemp had left his place and vanished behind the high arched doors. Feeling curious, Hermione followed him immediately. She could tell for certain now that something had happened and she was related to it.
She took the first cart and told the goblin to take her to main corridor that led to Geccemp's office. Her mind was whirling. What was wrong? Why did Geccemp look at her like that? Is it about the cursed object she had dealt? Was the curse not properly removed?
Thousands of questions probed her mind as Hermione descended from cart when it stopped at the main corridor. She walked fast at the direction of her boss's office but before she could reach she heard two voices that seemed to be arguing.
"Madame, I am very sorry, but it is against the Gringotts law to reveal the identity of it's employees." She heard Geccemp's silky voice and stopped on track just before a corner. She carefully peeped and saw the back of an elegantly dressed woman and Geccemp who was looking up at her.
"But it is about my ring, Head Goblin." The woman said in a graceful manner, "Can I still not meet her?" she asked Geccemp showing her ring.
Hermione gasped.
That's the blue diamond ring she curse broke just two days ago.
It was Audré Chombrun Malfoy!
Just at that moment the woman turned and Hermione's eyes fell on her full feature.
She staggered.
It was the woman who was one of the judges at Brussels Drawing Competition.
She was Audré Chombrun Malfoy?
Draco Malfoy's aunt?
What was she doing here?
Clutching her heart and trembling Hermione returned to her office.
'Had she come to enquire about her son Adrian?' Hermione thought her throat completely dry,
'Had Draco Malfoy sent her?' she slumped on her chair.
Hermione closed her eyes in horror and took several breaths.
'Of course not, Hermione Granger!' she chided herself for being so coward when finally her logical part overcame her fear, 'That's highly unlikely. No one knew about Adrian except for Fleur and Bill and she trusted them. They would never tell anything about her and her son to anybody, let alone Malfoy.' She thought and felt slightly relieved.
'You are a Gryffindor Hermione and you can't afford to break down like this.' She whispered and took several calming breaths, 'She probably came to enquire about her ring. In fact she said so. So why am I being so hysteric about it?' she asked herself, 'Besides, Geccemp did not allow her to meet me using official protocol as an excuse.' She remembered what the goblin had said to Audré Chombrun, 'That settles the matter.' She looked up determinedly.
Now that Malfoy and his mother are staying in France such occurrences might happen occasionally. But Hermione Granger was not going to be afraid of such petty issues. She had faced bigger and survived. She had faced Voldemort herself and she had still survived.
She was afraid of no one.
•••••
Alexis Delacour drummed his fingers impatiently as the Belgian ministry official flipped through the files. It was Thursday morning and he was sitting at the office of 'Department for Maintenance of foreign population' in Brussels.
It was a rule to present oneself at the ministry when one travelled to a foreign country so that the ministry could keep a record of the number of visiting foreigner wizards and witches in their land. It also ensured that they received protection and diplomatic help should any need arise. Alexis had declared himself earlier this morning and then asked for the information regarding Draco Malfoy's visit using his designation as Junior undersecretary to French Minister of Magic.
The officer retrieved a piece of parchment at last, "Here, this is the declaration form filled by Draco Malfoy." He said handing him the parchment.
Alexis took the form and read it thoroughly. Everything was alright except for the name of the hotel that he had filled in. It said:
'La Trone Royale – the Palace Hotel' Alexis read and bit his lips.
That's where Jean had stayed with Adrian and her friends during her stay in Brussels!
It might be a coincidence that they both had stayed in the same hotel completely oblivious of each other's presence there; but it was a disturbing coincidence. Alexis returned the form to the ministry officer and thanked him before leaving.
He was sure Jean would have informed them had she seen Draco Malfoy at the hotel or anywhere near the vicinity of the hotel. But she hadn't and that meant she didn't know that he was there. Besides, the biggest proof that Malfoy himself hadn't seen them there was that Jean and Adrian both were alive and safe. Had he known of their presence, Alexis was sure both would have been gravely injured or worse: dead.
Alexis left the Ministry building and stepped on the alley that led out of magical part of Brussels. He had seen Draco Malfoy the day before yesterday and by the look of it he was a very proud and stubborn man. Alexis had noticed the wedding band in his left ring finger and that meant he was already married. He might even have children of his own.
'No, he doesn't know about Adrian.' Alexis muttered to himself and kept walking absent mindedly. 'There is no evidence that suggests he knows, because if he knew he would never stop until Adrian was dead.' He sighed, 'Jean was right! That bigot would do anything to keep his bloodline pure.' Alexis thought and felt somewhat relieved.
He would visit the Palace Hotel in an attempt to find more information but he knew it would be in vain. Those kinds of hotels never provided information about their guests unless the person was a convicted criminal and unfortunately even with the designation of Junior Undersecretary Alexis had no proof that suggested that Malfoy was a criminal.
Alexis stopped and looked up at the sky. There was no way he would tell about his investigation to Jean. His results were inconclusive and based on assumptions. It would only scare her.
The only reasonable solution was to keep a close eye on that bigot until he left France for good. Tomorrow's party could be good excuse for Alexis to start that again.
"A Malfoy and a Rochés!" Alexis said gravely, "Tomorrow's party is going to be a deadly combination."
•••••
Draco scrutinized the magical copy of the famous Muggle fresco that covered the east wall of the grand ball room in the Hotel Rochés.
'The last supper' by Leonardo da Vinci.
Though he drew well, Draco had never invested his talents on that field. But now that his only son Adrian was showing excellence in it, he felt compelled to start drawing again. Draco was planning to draw his version of the 'The last supper' where he would portray Auguste Rochés taking his last supper.
He looked around the ballroom and smirked. His mother's party was roaring and from the look of it, it was going to be a grand success. Draco smiled internally, if his plans went well this party would make it to the history!
He eyed his mother Narcissa Malfoy who was talking to the French Minister of Magic and directed his gaze to the man standing beside him – Alexis Delacour. That man too needed to be taught some lessons but his first priority being the Rochés he had to leave him for the time being. That special potion was for Minister only, otherwise he would have added some in his caviar too.
That reminded Draco of the foods that were yet to be served. His mother had been true to her promise and included caviar as the appetizers. The rest was Draco's doing, he had Imperiused one of the waiters to add the potion in Minister's caviar and serve it to him in a separate platter.
Draco looked at the guests and smiled contentedly. The party was full of ministry officials especially from the 'Magical Law Enforcement'. The Head of the 'Department of Magical Law Enforcement' was attending the party too, something that he had made sure through his cousin Julian. He was talking to other guests completely oblivious of what was about to happen.
The idea had struck him the moment he was informed that the Rochés marketed their own brand of sturgeon caviar in whole France. He had read about 'Suicide Salt' in 'Moste Potente Potions' back in his sixth year at Hogwarts when he had been looking for different ways to kill Dumbledore in Voldemort's order. He had even considered brewing the salt then but there was no way it could be mixed in the Headmaster's food since they were prepared and served by Hogwarts house elves. Besides the ingredients used there were very rare, something Draco managed to obtain this time through the black market in Ruelle Les Halles, while at that time it was impossible to obtain them by breaking into Professor Snape's private store since he was keeping an eye on Draco.
But he had had his opportunity now and the 'Suicide Salt' that he had brewed would be mixed with Minister's caviar and he would consume it inadvertently.
Feeling elated, Draco moved across the Grand Ball Room in proud steps and halted beside his aunt. She was looking beautiful in her emerald green dress robes. Clearly she had chosen to honour the occasion by wearing her husband's Slytherin colour.
"Should I tell them to serve the food, aunt?" Draco asked impatiently.
Audré looked at her watch and shook her head, "It's only eight o' clock, Draco. Let's not make haste." She chided him, "I know you are waiting to take some revenge but let's savour it slowly." She said mischievously, "I have heard that vengeance is sweet." She smiled and winked at him.
Draco smirked at his aunt. 'She is truly a gifted witch' he thought with admiration. He was thankful that his uncle chose such a wonderful woman as his life partner and thus linked him to her as her nephew.
It was half past nine when the dinner was served and it started with the appetizers. Draco watched in anticipation as his Imperiused servant approached Auguste Rochés with the platter containing the spiked caviars.
"Master! Can I have a moment please?" he said inside his head and the waiter voiced them to Auguste Rochés in French.
Rochés was talking to another wizard and he excused himself before turning to his employee.
"What's it?" he almost barked at the waiter, clearly irritated at the intrusion.
"Sir, I was told that you wanted to serve the caviar to Minister yourself." The waiter said nonchalantly and offered him the platter with the spiked caviars.
Draco knew that it was a complete lie that Rochés wanted to serve caviar to minister but he knew that if the idea was presented to him by someone he would never decline it. The man was extremely proud and liked to show off his wealth and influence. His presumptions became true as a moment later Auguste Rochés snatched the crystal platter from waiter's hand and approached the minister in proud gait.
'And the game begins!' Draco whispered to himself.
The minister who was laughing heartily at Narcissa's comment on something looked at Monsieur Rochés when he offered him the platter. "Can I tempt you with some caviar, Minister?" Rochés asked opening the small lid and revealing the contents."
The Minister eyed Rochés with interest and gave him a calculating smile, "Why not Monsieur Rochés?" he asked back and took one caviar crusted cracker before stuffing it whole inside his mouth.
'Easy minister, easy.' Draco thought with immense smugness, 'Caviar should be consumed in amounts smaller than a tablespoon. It is traditional etiquette to eat caviar in small bites, and if you're just learning to eat it, small bites will help you experience the flavor more completely without becoming overwhelmed by the flavor or texture.' He said enjoying the sight.
He knew that the salty taste of the potion would blend seamlessly with the delicate flavour of the sturgeon roe and one of the effects of a properly brewed potion was to make one compelled to eat the poisoned food more.
Surely enough, the minister emptied his platter of crackers and Russian Blini pancakes in five minutes. Draco looked at his mother who was gaping at the minister for his graceless way of eating.
'It's show time!' Draco whispered triumphantly eyeing the Minister and Rochés duo. He could tell that the minister was feeling odd because after ten minutes as he suddenly became grave and his face fell. He eyed his companions suspiciously and excused himself before moving at the direction of the balcony.
Draco knew what he was about to do. The balcony was fifty feet above the ground and he motioned Julian to come towards him.
"What's it, cousin?" Julian asked him once he reached Draco.
Draco looked at the direction of the balcony, "I think you should go and check if the minister is alright." He said, "I don't want any occurrence in my mother's party." He warned him.
Julian nodded at him silently and left immediately to call his Head of the Department. He appeared minutes later with a severe looking wizard and left for the balcony where minister would be standing.
Draco motioned his aunt to a corner and waited for the desired effect. Within five minutes there were loud screams coming from the balcony as someone swore loudly and then two or more bodies hit the floor as jets of red sparks flew inside the Ball Room.
The whole crowd rushed to the source of commotion immediately and Draco followed them feigning concern. When he reached and peaked through horrified crowd he saw Minister of Magic struggling under the combined pressure of Julian and his Head of Department, Monsieur Sergeant.
"Give me my wand, Malfoy." The minister demanded angrily at Julian who was holding a wand high in the air.
"Sir, you won't have it back until you explain why you tried to commit suicide!" Sergeant demanded back.
"Suicide! The Minister tried to commit 'Suicide'?" the crowd gasped and started talking excitedly.
"I see no reason to explain it to you, Sergeant!" the Minister shot back, "Give my wand back this instant!" he demanded and tried hard to wriggle himself free.
"No, sir." Julian said trying hard to keep minister still, "We are sure you are not in your right mind." he said firmly, "Vipond, go and fetch a Healer immediately." He ordered an officer, "Plourde, check for the last thing, minister ate." He ordered another of his men.
"He took some caviar offered by Monsieur Rochés!" Draco heard his mother blurt out suddenly from her place beside the struggling minister.
Draco looked at Auguste Rochés who had turned horrorstruck and ashen faced at the proclamation.
'That was the last nail on your coffin, Pureblood Rochés.' Draco thought with immense pleasure, 'Now I'll see who bullies my son?' he asked in his head arching an eyebrow.
The officer named Vipond returned within a minute accompanying the Hotel's personal Healer who examined the struggling minister and then force fed him some strong sleeping potion. Draco moved carefully behind Rochés as he saw the other officer named Plourde approach Monsieur Sergeant holding the platter in which the caviar was served.
"Here, sir." He said handing the platter to Sergeant, "Monsieur Rochés served minister some of their own caviar in it." he informed his superior.
Sergeant left the limp body of sleeping minister on the ground and stood up. He examined the platter and approached Rochés.
Draco actually saw Rochés gulp and with immense difficulty hid his smirk.
"Monsieur Rochés you are under arrest for the suspicion of poisoning the Minister with unknown substance." Sergeant said pointing his wand at the Hotel owner, "You have right to defend yourself at the court of law and ask for your own lawyer." He said through gritted teeth. He then turned to the officer named Plourde again.
"Plourde, go and issue a search and an arrest warrant. I think we have our man at last." He proclaimed determinedly.
As the minister was levitated to a stretcher and carried away from the balcony, Draco turned and left the place. He would come back for Rochés later. Right now the man was under joint interrogation of ministry and his mother Narcissa Malfoy who was furious.
He saw his aunt who was standing in a corner eyeing the fresco 'The Last Supper' and moved towards her. She looked completely disinterested to the whole affair.
"Are you feeling okay, aunt?" Draco asked her curiously, once reaching there.
Audré looked at him and gave him a sweet smile before wiping her eyes.
"I am fine, Draco. I am free." She said in a determined voice, eyeing Monsieur Rochés.