A/N: So, here's the next chapter. As promised, this one actually forwards the story. Hope you like it, I think it's the longest chapter I've written so far.
Chapter 4: Reforming the World
A few weeks later, an owl delivered Harry's and Draco's Hogwarts letters. Harry was very surprised to find that he only needed four books: Standard Book of Spells, Grade 3, Intermediate Transfiguration, The Monster Book of Monsters, and Numerology and Grammatica.
Draco, however, needed many more, as Ancient Runes required Ancient Runes Made Easy, Rune Dictionary, Magical Hieroglyphs and Logograms, and Spellman's Syllabary. Harry was very glad he had chosen Arithmancy instead.
As he looked at his book list again, something clicked. "Well, now I understand why Hagrid sent me that book. It's for my Care of Magical Creatures class. You know, so that I can actually read it, I think I'll send him an owl to find out how to open it."
"Harry, why do you keep up any form of relationship with that oaf? He's Dumbledork's man through and through."
Harry grinned at his cousin. "So imagine how great a victory it will be when I win him to our cause. Besides, he could be very useful."
Lucius nodded proudly. "That's very Slytherin of you, Harry. Draco, you should never discount someone. Especially when that someone has inside information or could deliver a major blow to your enemy."
"Yes, father," muttered Draco. He would have to think about this carefully. His childhood upbringing to look down on certain people was difficult to entirely overlook. However, he was aware that the Pureblood world was changing, and his lovely girlfriend was the cause.
Before Draco got carried away in his thoughts, Bella spoke up. "Now that we have your Hogwarts letters, we should do your school shopping. I'm sure you both need new robes, as you're several inches taller. I'm sure you need plenty of other things as well."
Draco and Harry nodded emphatically. "Mother," said Harry. "Could we invite Luna and Hermione to join us?"
"Of course, dearest. Why don't you two go send them letters? Let's plan on going Friday afternoon. " Draco and Harry ran off to their rooms and sent off the letters. Draco wished he had his own owl, and considered asking his father for one when they went shopping. Harry, however, was simply excited. Friday wouldn't get here soon enough.
***RotR***
At 1:00 PM on Friday, Harry and Draco eagerly took pinches of Floo powder from the jar on the mantle. Draco managed it just a moment faster, so he went first.
"Diagon Alley!"
As soon as the flames died down, Harry followed. "Diagon Alley!" As he stepped out of the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron, he saw Draco and Hermione embracing. He knew they would have done more if it wasn't for Mr. and Mrs. Granger standing a few feet away. He looked around and spotted Luna waiting with her father.
He raced to her. "Luna! It's so great to see you!" He caught her and gave her a little spin before setting her back down. Remembering his manners he turned to Xenophilius and offered a small bow. "Mr. Lovegood, it's nice to see you again as well, sir."
"Thank you, Harry." As Harry had been speaking with them, Lucius, Narcissa, and Bella had come through the Floo network as well. Lucius and Narcissa had joined Draco, Hermione, and the Grangers. Harry saw the worried look on Draco's face and knew he was thinking back to when he told his parents about officially dating Hermione.
***Flashback Draco's POV***
"Mia, I need to speak with you a moment."
"Ok, Draco."
"Mia, I spoke to your parents, and they've given me their permission to court you. Will you be my girlfriend?"
"You asked my parents?"
"Of course, I would never want to go against their wishes, and we are rather young." Unsure what to say, Hermione simply kissed him in answer. When they parted for breath, Draco grinned cheekily.
"So, is that a yes?"
"Draco Malfoy, if you think I'd kiss anyone like that other than the man I considered my boyfriend, you are sadly mistaken in my character." Draco picked her up and swung her around.
"You, my dear Mia, have made me a very happy Slytherin indeed. However, I think you had best join your parents. They must be anxious to see you again after such a long time. I'll owl you soon."
"Thanks, Draco. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Mia." Draco walked her over to her parents, and said good-bye to them once more before finding his own parents. His mother had been anxiously scanning the crowd for him, and, as she enveloped him in a hug, he wondered how he would go about telling his parents that he was now officially dating a muggleborn.
"Mother, father, it's good to see you both."
"It's good to see you as well, Son. You had us worried. What took you so long?" asked Lucius.
Draco swallowed nervously. "Well, I was saying good-bye to…to…my girlfriend." The last words came out as almost a whisper. He looked up and saw his parents' shocked faces. Lucius took hold of Draco's trunk and disappeared. Narcissa followed, taking Draco with her. As soon as they were within Malfoy Manor, they turned back to Draco.
"Who is this girlfriend?" asked Narcissa, trying very desperately to keep a steady voice.
"I think you both know. It's Hermione."
"You are dating a Muggleborn?" asked Lucius.
"Yes, I am. I don't see anything wrong with it. She's a better witch than most of the other girls in the school, and she definitely smarter than them all."
"But Draco, she's…"
"She's what, father? She Muggleborn? I'm not really seeing how that makes any difference in who she is, or how well she does. Just, just let me be happy." He walked out of the room before his parents had a chance to reply.
***End Flashback***
The two families were getting along pretty well. The Malfoys agreed that they had accepted Hermione before she was dating their son, and, as such, had no real reason not to accept her now.
Tom was the last one through the Floo. He spotted his wife and son with Luna and her father and joined them. Xenophilius looked at him worriedly.
"Xeno, old friend, it is wonderful to see you!"
As they shook hands, Xeno cast a worried look around the pub. "Tom, are you sure it's wise…"
Tom cut him off with a small chuckle. "Not to worry, Xeno." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "No one actually knows what I look like. That old man consistently portrays me as a snake-faced bald man. Of course, the couple of times I've seen him since he made that declaration, I have cast a glamour charm to look that way. Doing so gives me the freedom to go anywhere I want." Xeno nodded in understanding.
Harry stopped listening as their talk turned toward work and daily life. "Luna, what would you like to do first?"
"Why don't we start with our robes so we can pick up our other things while they are finished."
"Great suggestion, Luna," said Hermione, who had walked over to greet her other friends. They shared a quick hug before everyone, parents included, left the pub and entered Diagon Alley.
They all caught up with each other as they walked down to Madam Malkin's. The eleven of them crowded into the small shop and laughed and talked as the children were fitted for new uniforms. They were told their robes would be ready in about a half hour, and they could pay for them when they picked them up.
This reminded them all that a visit to Gringotts was in order, so the exited Madam Malkin's and headed toward the magnificent marble building. Harry led everyone up the steps to Gringotts. He bowed to each Goblin at the doors, earning him shocked looks. He then continued inside, marched straight up to an available Goblin and bowed again. He had read a bit about Goblin etiquette over the previous year, and, although there wasn't really much literary material, he knew the formal greeting.
"Pleasant day, Goblin. I hope your day has been profitable and your gold will always flow."
The Goblin looked over him carefully before inclining his head and responding in kind. "Pleasant day, Wizard. May your magic flow true."
"I would like to speak with my account manager, Goblin Ragnok, regarding my account, if I may."
The Goblin nodded. "Of course, please follow me, I shall direct you to Goblin Ragnok's office."
"Thank you." Harry followed the Goblin with his parents trailing behind him in case they were needed, as Harry was still underage. The others decided to stay behind and accomplish their own tasks. The Goblin stopped abruptly at the same ornately carved door Harry remembered from the year before. The Goblin knocked quickly.
From inside came a strong voice. "Enter!"
The Goblin opened the door and announced: "Wizards to see you regarding accounts, Goblin Ragnock."
"Thank you, Goblin Harnuk." The Goblin who had led them to the office bowed and left. Harry took this as a sign to enter the office, which he did.
Once again he greeted the Goblin formally. "Pleasant day, Goblin Ragnock. I hope your day has been profitable and your gold will always flow."
Ragnock was pleased by the effort Harry had obviously put forth to treating Goblins properly. He knew information about Goblin etiquette was difficult to find. "Pleasant day Wizard Riddle, may your magic flow true." He bowed to all three wizards before indicating that they should take a seat. "How may I assist you today."
Harry indicated his parents. "May I introduce Tom and Bellatrix Riddle, my biological parents." Nods and bows were exchanged. "I would like to make a quick check of my accounts, first, if that wouldn't be too much trouble."
"Nothing is too much trouble for one of our best customers, Wizard Riddle."
Harry smiled. "If you don't mind, Goblin Ragnock, please just call me Harry, there is no need for such formality during our meetings."
Ragnock offered the Goblin equivalent of a grin. He thanked the Great Overlords for having given him such a wonderful account to track. After all, he had been a lowly teller before meeting Harry Riddle. "Of course, Harry. You, may of course, be less formal as well. Now, allow me to retrieve a summary of your account records since the last time we met."
Ragnock left and returned a few moments later with a stack of papers. "I have been looking into the Potter vaults, and I believe there is a way for you to take full control of them before your seventeenth birthday. As you are considered an orphan, you become, by the Potters' own will, the de facto Lord Potter. Now, if you accept this title, you automatically gain full control of their wealth."
"Can this be disputed later?"
"Absolutely not, the Potters will states that you are to be the next Lord Potter."
"But what about when I reveal myself as Harry Riddle?"
"You will have already taken the title. You will simply gain an additional title someday. It is unlikely that anyone would wish to dispute a will, and if they so choose, Gringotts will help defend you."
"Thank you, Ragnock. I think I will claim the title."
"Very well, I had expected that. As such…" Ragnock produced a ring box and opened it for Harry to see. "This ring signifies that you are Lord Potter. Now, the title of Lord Potter gives you several privileges. I have listed them for you here, on this parchment." Ragnock handed Harry a foot-long parchment. Harry leaned back in his seat to read it so his parents may read it as well.
Holdings, Monetary Value, and Privileges of Lord Potter:
Holdings:
Potter Manor - England
Potter Villa - France
Potter House - England
Potter Castle - Spain
Family Vault: 832
Trust Vault: 687
Monetary Value (in Galleons)
Gold: 5,752,385
Real Estate: 6,323,900
Furniture: 873,412
Books: 1,008,539
Jewelry: 2,438,065
Other: 986,825
Total: 17,383,126
Accorded Privileges
Potter seat in Wizengamot (cannot be accessed, unless by proxy, until age seventeen)
"I always knew the Potters were wealthy, but I did not realize the extent. This is unbelievable." Harry agreed with his mother. He was speechless. He was sure he could put this money to good use. After all, his parents were quite wealthy in their own right; they had no need of extra money.
"Ragnock," asked Harry. "How much interest does this earn?"
Ragnock checked through his papers. "Vault 832 earned 575,238 Galleons last year. That vault, as one of our older vaults, earns 10% interest yearly. We deposit the interest monthly. Vault 682, as a trust vault, has a cap. The cap placed on it was 100,000 Galleons. It is refilled every year. Any interest earned is deposited into the trust vault as able, that which exceeds the cap is deposited into vault 832. Total interest earned on the trust vault last year was 7,348 Galleons."
"Thanks for your thoroughness, Ragnock. Very well, I shall formally assume the title of Lord Potter, what do I need to do?"
"Gringotts can file the forms with the Ministry. However, I will need you to sign three forms with a blood quill. Have you ever seen one?"
"No."
"Very well. They are not very pleasant, but they ensure that there is no forgery. The quill cuts into the back of your hand to sign with your blood. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. We do have essence of murtlap to ease the stinging afterword." Ragnock pulled out the three forms for Harry to sign. He also produced a blood red quill. Fitting, thought Harry.
Ragnock placed the first in front of Harry. "This is your formal acceptance of the title, it will be filed here at Gringotts, at the Ministry, and you will be provided with a copy." Harry signed it and felt the stinging sensation on his hand. He saw the cut instantly heal itself.
As soon as it was signed, the form created two duplicates, two of which disappeared in a puff of smoke. Ragnock set the third to the side and set another one in front of Harry. "This form officially transfers all Potter holdings to your name." Harry signed this one as well, gritting his teeth through the pain. Once again, the form created copies, which vanished.
Ragnock placed the final form in front of Harry. "You may or may not sign this form at this time. This is an acceptance of your Wizengamot seat. Do you have someone who will be able to take the seat by proxy, or would you like to wait?"
Harry grinned. "I do have someone in mind, but I think I had better wait."
"Very well. Then you do not need to sign this form yet." Ragnock took the form back and set it aside. He then produced a cloth soaked in a greenish liquid. "This is essence of murtlap. Touch it to your hand, and it will alleviate the pain." Harry did so, and was gratified to feel the stinging cease instantly. When he set aside the cloth, Ragnock held out the Potter ring, which Harry took and put on. He felt it instantly resize. He took a close look at it and saw that there was an ornately shaped "P" laid onto a flawless diamond, which was set into a circular setting. The ring itself was white gold. Harry was glad it wasn't Gryffindor colors.
"Ragnock, I have three more orders of business to discuss with you before I would like to visit vault 832."
"Very well, Harry, what would you like to discuss?"
"I hope, very soon, to be able to reveal my true identity. As such, I would like to have a plan in place to move all of the Potter assets either to a new Riddle vault, or to the existing Riddle vault. Would you be able to work on that plan? I would like to have them moved by next year, to prepare for any eventuality."
"Of course, Harry, I will begin that work forthwith."
"Thank you. Now, I would like to continue to improve my own, and my family's relationship with Gringotts. As such, I was wondering if it would be possible to learn more of Goblin etiquette. I would not wish to make a faux pas."
Ragnock stared at Harry in shock. Never, in all of his life, had he heard of such a request being made. "I will look into it, Harry. I honestly do not know at this point. Expect an owl from me in a few weeks."
"Thank you, Ragnock. That brings me to my final business. However, it is a delicate matter. I hope you will allow me to speak frankly without creating any misunderstandings." Ragnock nodded. He was very interested to hear what would come out of Harry's mouth next. "I wish to offer you a pay raise and a bonus for the excellent service you have provided me." Ragnock's eyes shot open. This was unheard of. "However, I am unsure as to what offer would be appropriate. As, such, I ask you to name your price."
It took several moments for Ragnock to recover. To ask a Goblin to name his own price showed an extraordinary amount of trust on the part of the wizard. Goblins were known to value money above all else. He hardly knew what to say. The first thought into his mind was to respond to Harry on a personal level. "Harry, I assure you, I already receive a fair…"
Harry cut him off. "Ragnock, I will not hear any denials. It is my money, and my account, and I feel you are assisting me in ways far beyond the norm. I sincerely desire you to take a raise, permanently, and a bonus for this meeting."
Ragnock swallowed. He did quick calculations in his head. Goblins did not require much money to live. Their houses were hollowed out of rock. Their furniture was often made by hand, and food was easily found or grown. Money, in general, was merely a way to gain status in the Goblin culture; the larger your hoard, the better your status. Your status also determined your career, as a Goblin with a larger hoard, could turn down opportunities more easily. Goblins with smaller hoards, as he had been when he started working for Gringotts, accepted what was offered.
As a teller, he made about two hundred Galleons a year. When he became an account manager, he was paid four hundred Galleons a year. Of that, three hundred came from Gringotts, and one hundred came from the account holder as the fee for having a manager. He had heard that branch managers often made as much as seven hundred Galleons a year.
Harry waited quietly as Ragnock thought. He wasn't sure if Ragnock realized he had started muttering. Harry heard the mention of branch managers' earnings and was surprised it was so low. He was willing to make an offer if Ragnock didn't make a decision soon. Money was no issue to him, and he greatly desired to have allies within Gringotts.
Ragnock finally came to a decision. He faced Harry. "Harry, I wish to thank you for your generosity. I am sure a raise of fifty Galleons a year will suffice. As to the bonus, I think that is for you to decide." It had taken every ounce of self-control to limit himself so much. However, Ragnock sensed that gaining this young man's trust would serve him well in the future.
Harry smiled. "I can see I have most definitely chosen the correct Goblin to run my accounts. I would like you to accept a three hundred Galleon a year pay raise, as well as a one thousand Galleon bonus."
Ragnock only just kept himself from falling off his chair. He couldn't wait to tell his mate what had happened today. "Wizard Potter, your generosity is…"
Harry waved away his thanks. "First, it's Harry, no reverting to Wizard Potter now. Second, I like to thank people accordingly. You have provided me a great service; I provide you a great reward. I think it is an even trade. Now, do I need to sign anything to make this official?"
Ragnock collected himself. "Yes, actually, thank you for reminding me. Allow me to bring my superior, you will need to file the forms with him." Ragnock left to go retrieve the Goblin in question.
"Harry," said Bella. "I hope you aren't planning on throwing away money like that all of the time."
"Mother, I'm securing a lasting ally with less than a month's interest on the main Potter vault. It isn't even really my money. And I know you and father don't actually need it."
Before Bella could reply, Tom spoke to his son. "I agree with you son. It was a very worthy expense. I am sure you have just secured Ragnock's loyalty. Very Slytherin of you, Harry, very Slytherin indeed to start at the world's money source." Harry smiled, glad his father had understood.
Moments later, Ragnock returned with another Goblin who was dressed in slightly more ceremonial garb. "Allow me to present my superior, Goblin Goobluck."
Harry stood and bowed. "Pleasant day, Goblin Goobluck. I hope your day has been profitable and your gold will always flow."
Goobluck was taken aback by the formal greeting. Only years of practice in formality enabled him to return the greeting. "Pleasant day, Wizard Potter. I hope your magic flows true." They all sat (except Ragnock, as Goobluck had taken his seat), and Goobluck continued the meeting.
"Lord Potter, I understand that you wish to formalize a pay raise for Goblin Ragnock."
Harry attempted to stay as formal as possible, realizing that this was a serious occasion for Goblins. "Yes, Goblin Goobluck. Goblin Ragnock has served me very well, I wish to reward that service."
Goobluck nodded. "Very well." He pulled a form from his coat. "You will need to complete this form." He set the form in front of Harry and pointed one of his long fingers at an already filled-in line. "This is Goblin Ragnock's current stipend from yourself. The line read one hundred Galleons. Harry continued reading along the line and realized that this was per year. He began to rethink his offer.
"Goblin Goobluck, forgive me if I ask an inappropriate question. I am, as yet, mostly unfamiliar with Goblin culture." Goobluck nodded, pleased that Harry had excused himself. "Is this the total recompense Goblin Ragnock receives for managing my accounts?" Harry silently thanked Hermione and her stellar vocabulary. He knew recompense sounded much smarter than getting paid.
Goobluck shock his head. "No, Lord Potter. He also receives three hundred Galleons from Gringotts as yearly recompense."
Harry nodded. His previous offer would stand. "Very well, Goblin Goobluck, please continue."
Goobluck pointed to another line. This one was blank. "Please indicate the amount of the yearly raise here." Harry quickly wrote three hundred Galleons. Goobluck worked very hard to keep his face expressionless. Such a raise was unheard of in Goblin-Wizard interactions. He would need to acquaint his superior with the actions of Lord Potter. He pointed out the last blank line. "Please sign here to complete the form."
Harry signed then looked up at Goobluck. "Goblin Goobluck, I also wished to provide Goblin Ragnock with a one-time bonus for his extra work this meeting." Goobluck looked at Harry, then looked sharply at Ragnock, sure he had misunderstood. Harry, misinterpreting the reaction, spoke to clear the air. "I assure you, Goblin Goobluck, this choice was entirely of my own thought. Goblin Ragnock did not influence my decision in the least.
Goobluck produced another form and placed it in front of Harry. It had only two blank lines. "Lord Potter, please indicate the amount to be awarded on the first line, and sign on the last." Harry did so and handed it back to Goobluck. This time Goobluck was unable to keep the shock off of his face.
Harry bit his cheek to keep from laughing. "Is that all Goblin Goobluck? Goblin Ragnock has also agreed to show me to my vault."
Goobluck gave himself a little shake to clear his head. He said a few words of Gobledegook to Ragnock before bowing and saying good-bye to Harry.
When Goobluck departed, Ragnock thanked Harry for his generosity once more. Harry waved the thanks away. He truly felt the money had been earned. He and his parents followed Ragnock to the mine carts, and took the wild ride to vault 832. They were amazed by just how much stuff was in the vault. Tom, especially, was amazed to see that there were several questionable artifacts contained within.
"Ragnock," asked Harry. "Is it possible to get an itemized listing of everything in this vault?"
"Of course, Harry. I shall include it in the letter I mentioned previously."
"Thank you. I think that concludes my business here." After another wild ride they were back in the Gringotts lobby. Harry bowed and offered the formal leave-taking response. "Goblin Ragnock, our business has proved profitable. May the Great Overlord bless your hoard."
Ragnock smiled and bowed. "Lord Potter, our business has indeed proven profitable. May Merlin ever keep your magic flowing."
Harry met back up with his friends and family, who had all been wondering what was taking so long. He filled them in and showed them his ring as they walked back to Madam Malkin's. It only took a few minutes to pay for their purchases, then they were back out on the street and heading for Flourish and Blotts.
Luckily, this year the store wasn't hosting an event, so they were able to get in an out without too much trouble. Predictably, Hermione bough a few extra books, so Bella helped her out by adding the featherweight charm to her bag. Hermione would have no trouble carrying her purchases now.
Their last stop of the day was the Magical Menagerie. Luna and Harry wanted to pick up a few varieties of treats for Neith and Hedwig to find out which they liked best. Hermione and Draco were both hoping to get an owl.
Harry and Luna were finished first, and went outside to join their parents. Eleven people couldn't possibly fit inside at once, so the parents had decided to wait outside until they were needed to pay.
Draco and Hermione searched the store together. They walked up and down the rows of owls, each hoping to find on that they liked. By the last row, they were feeling downhearted, but the very last owl suddenly whooed and jumped on Draco's shoulder.
"Oh, Draco, it's beautiful!" The owl was jet black and had enormous, piercing, green eyes.
The manager of the store had run toward them when the owl had moved. "Be careful of that one, she bites!"
"No," said Draco. "She's great. She beautiful, and very nice. How much?"
"I haven't been able to sell her. You can take her for three Galleons."
"I guess it's my lucky day. Let me get my father." While Draco went off to pay for the owl, Hermione looked sadly at the empty perch.
She sighed. "No pet for me, I guess."
"Meow!" Hermione looked down and saw a cat with thick and fluffy ginger fur. It started winding around her legs and purring.
"Aren't you gorgeous!" said Hermione, bending down to pick up the cat. It jumped into her arms before she had even reached its level. "Oh, you are definitely coming home with me." Hermione carried the cat up to the front desk and waved her parents inside.
"Hermione, I thought you wanted an owl?"
"I did, but this adorable cat chose me first."
"That's not a cat, miss," said the manager. "It's a cat-kneazle hybrid."
"Even better!" exclaimed Hermione. She quickly explained kneazles to her parents who were pleased with the outcome of the day. They quickly bought her what she would need, then joined the others outside.
Luna stepped forward to admire the cat, and was joined by Harry and Draco, who had named his new owl Iah. Iah even looked down from her perch on Draco's shoulder to inspect Hermione's new pet.
While the children were occupied, Lucius pulled Xenophilius aside. "Might I have a word, Xeno?"
"Of course, Lucius." The two men found a secluded corner, and Lucius quickly cast a few privacy charms.
"Forgive me for saying this, old friend, but I know that you have been having some problems with the Quibbler." Xeno's face went slightly red, but her merely nodded, interested in where this was going. "I would like to completely fund the Quibbler for the time being, until it really gets going. However, I would like you to print one story of my choosing with each issue."
"That's a very kind offer, Lucius, however, I think we are doing well enough."
"You don't understand me, Xeno. You are welcome to print anything else in the entire magazine. I merely wish one story. I know a few recent graduates of Hogwarts who would love to write, and would be a great help to you. I wish to begin using the Quibbler to assist Harry and destroy the old man's reputation. Will you help me, friend?"
Xeno realized that what Lucius was really doing was buying himself some media. He could work with that. Especially as it would only be one article per issue. And with some new writers, he could publish more often. If he played his cards right, the Quibbler could be as big as the Daily Prophet. "Very well, Lucius, I accept your offer. Shall we have our lawyers iron out the details?"
"I think that would be best. I do not wish this to affect our friendship in the least. Now, as to the articles, I have three I wish you to start with. You may print them in any order you wish, although I suggest you start with the story about the founders."
Lucius proceeded to discuss what he had learned about the founders of Hogwarts from Harry the previous year. He also mentioned the story of Hagrid's expulsion, and suggested running a story about Dumbledore's lack of notification of the students' parents about the attacks. He was especially concerned about the fact that Dumbledore had not notified Xeno or the Grangers that Luna and Hermione had actually been taken into the Chamber of Secrets.
They parted amicably as their families finished their shopping. Lucius promised to send the perspective journalists to Xeno for interviews. The journalists were swept from his mind, however, when he heard Bellatrix invite Hermione to Malfoy Manor the next morning.
Before he could say anything, Draco hugged his aunt. "Thanks Aunt Bella! That's awesome. Mr. and Mrs. Granger, please, can she come visit us?"
They smiled indulgently at the boy. "Of course, but only for the morning, we have plans for the afternoon."
"Thanks!"
"You're quite welcome, but we had best be going."
"Oh, ok, bye Mia. I'll see you tomorrow."
"I can't wait." Hermione turned and followed her parents out the front door to muggle London, as Harry and his parents, Draco and his parents, and Luna and her Father went through the Floo network.
***RotR***
The next morning after breakfast, Bella Apparated Hermione to Malfoy Manor. Bella's care for her child, and feelings toward those who had helped said child, far outweighed any negative feelings or prejudices she had once had against Muggleborns.
Originally, upon hearing about Hermione, she figured she must be a special case, or maybe she had been adopted. Of course, meeting the Grangers, and that blood magic test proved those theories wrong. The Grangers were lovely people, and their daughter was amazing. She had, single-handedly allowed Harry to visit Malfoy Manor by outsmarting Dumbledore, something that hadn't been done in decades.
Over the last couple of years, Hermione's vibrant personality and propensity to help Harry and Draco, and even Luna to some degree, had wormed her way into Bella's heart. She knew her sister and brother-in-law were getting to that point, but thought that spending more time with Hermione might help that along. After all, Draco was the one who had found Harry, and she wanted him to be happy, too.
When she arrived at the Granger house, Hermione was waiting for her with a notebook and pencil.
"What are those for, Hermione?"
"I'd like to ask Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy some questions to better understand feelings toward Muggleborns and Muggles. Perhaps my understanding where some of these feelings came from will help me to overcome them."
"That's a great idea, Hermione. Now, let's go." Bella promised that she would have Hermione home by noon, then disappeared with a small pop. Draco was waiting eagerly at the top of the steps, and ran down to meet Hermione when they arrived. After a quick kiss, and a thank you hug for his Aunt, Draco led Hermione into the sitting room. He knew that this meeting was more for his parents who were sitting on the sofa waiting for them. Draco and Hermione sat in the side-by-side armchairs across from the sofa.
Wasting no time, Hermione got right down to business. "Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, I was wondering if you would be willing to tell me where the prejudice against Muggleborns and Muggles originated. Did it start with the dreadful witch burnings back in the middle ages?"
Lucius and Narcissa traded a look. They knew that if they lied to Hermione, she would find out in the cross research she was sure to do. Lucius took a deep breath and gave the one answer no one ever wants to hear. "I'm not sure anyone truly remembers where it started Hermione. It may have been a family feud between Muggles and Wizards, it may have been a misunderstanding, it could have been anything; that has been lost to us now. Today, we merely know what the prejudices are, not where they came from."
Hermione nodded, having expected this. She decided to focus on specific questions instead. "Why, exactly, are Muggles viewed as inferior to Wizarding society? Is it simply because they do not have magic?"
Narcissa chose to answer. "Yes, that's pretty much it."
"But, then aren't all of the things Muggles have managed to do without magic just more amazing? They've developed things that the Wizarding world doesn't have, like telephones, and computers, and movies."
Slightly unwillingly, Narcissa agreed. "When you put it that way, I suppose you are right. But we have owls, and the Floo, and Pensieves." Hermione decided not to press the issue of Muggle things being better, at least not right now.
"So, if the only problem with Muggles is that they don't have magic, what is the problem with Muggleborns? We have magic?"
Lucius and Narcissa sighed. How would they ever describe it? "It isn't any one thing wrong with Muggleborns, it's just that they don't understand the Wizarding world. They don't know our customs, they don't have the same ideas we do, and they…" Lucius trailed off. He had been about to say that they were always questioning everything, but he didn't wish to insult Hermione.
"So, basically, we aren't one of you?" It could have sounded insulting, but the defeated way in which Hermione said it, made it heartbreaking. No one said anything as Hermione took notes. Her head suddenly shot up. "When is the cut-off to attend Hogwarts?"
"Excuse me?"
"What is the latest you can turn eleven and still attend Hogwarts the same year? I had to wait because my birthday is in September."
"Oh, I understand. It is July 31st I believe. That gives any one student a month to acquire their supplies and prepare themselves."
Hermione nodded. "Well, why isn't that first month used to teach Muggleborns about Wizarding society and what is expected of them, rather than treating them as scum and shunning them?" When no one answered, Hermione took a deep breath. "If the only thing wrong with my parents is that they don't have magic, then nothing should be wrong with me. So there should be no reason not to allow me to learn your ways entirely. Either the time between telling a Muggleborn about their magic and said Muggleborn starting at Hogwarts, or the first year at Hogwarts should be used to teach Wizarding culture and society. There is a Muggle studies class at Hogwarts, why not a Wizard studies? Honestly, the royal family has married commoners before!"
The Malfoys stared at Hermione, unable to truly refute her logic. They merely nodded for the time being. Hermione took this as a cue to continue. "In your eyes, are all Wizarding families equal? And do all Wizarding families know, and practice, the same manners and values?"
"Not at all!" huffed an indignant Narcissa. "There are families who haven't the slightest idea of how to act."
"Well," said Hermione. "Wouldn't that be even more reason to have a Wizarding studies or society class? The Wizard society is so small as a whole in comparison to the Muggle world that I think it would be far better for us all to stand together rather than attack ourselves over stupid prejudices."
"I agree with you, Mia," said Draco. It was an obviously genuine remark, and his parents looked at him, surprised.
Before he had a change to say anything else, Hermione asked her last questions. "Where did the term Mudblood come from, and what exactly are the blood prejudices?"
"Well, that term comes from the idea of dirty blood. Before it was discovered that magic resides within the soul, it was believed that magic resides in the blood. The 'blood status' of a person was determined by how much magic is in a person's blood. Muggleborns were thought to have only a small portion of magic in their blood. That is, the magic was diluted with inferior Muggle blood. 'Halfbloods' were thought to have about half magical blood and half Muggle blood. Now, between 'Halfbloods' and 'Purebloods' there was a bit of a hazy point. After all, when did one discount a Muggle relation?"
"But, doesn't every 'Pureblood' have a Muggle ancestor in their family tree? I mean, Magical people did not just sprout out of nothing. So is anyone actually 'pure'."
"I suppose that is true, but, as I mentioned, we have since learned that magic resides in the soul, not the blood. If you are magical, your soul as a magic core, if you are not, it doesn't." Lucius had a smug smile, thinking he had won.
"But then why does the 'Pureblood' society insist on continuing blood prejudices if they have been proven false and accepted as such?" Not one person had an answer to that. "Thank you for answering my questions, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. I think I know where to start with my goals now." Hermione stood and left the room with Draco following so they could spend some time together before she had to leave.
Lucius and Narcissa stayed behind, staring at each other in shock for several minutes. Narcissa recovered first. "Do you get the feeling that that girl is going to turn our world upside down?"
Lucius nodded. "And I think she will have help from Harry, Draco, and Luna. They might just be the leaders of the next generation of witches and wizards."
A/N 2: Well, there it is. I hope you liked it. Anyone have any ideas where the Pureblood prejudice against Muggles and Muggleborns came from?