As I am NOT the original author of the Harry Potter series, who as anyone should know is the wonderful JKR who lets us play with her world. I don't own a darn thing here. On with the story.
Chapter 33 Meet the Ambassador
Friday Harry, Hermione and Bill Weasley again left the Hogwarts after classes. "Dumbledore was reluctant to let you go again so soon." Bill said as they walked to the Hogsmeade gate.
"So what did you tell him?"
"Not much other than Ragnok requested your presence. It is amazing how much power that name has."
"I can believe that. Tick off the head banker then try and get your money quickly. He is in a position to make life difficult for anyone should he choose." Harry said.
The three portkeyed to Gringotts entering through the side door just as they had the first time Bill brought them. The board room was the same but every seat but two was filled and the chairs around the side held the over flow. Evidently everyone that was entitled to be in the room made sure they were there for the historic moment.
Ragnok motioned them to the open seats then formally said, "Mr. Potter we have asked your mate to be our Ambassador at Large to the Wizarding and Muggle world. What is her answer?"
"Ragnok I mean no offense but My wife speaks for herself." Harry said nodding towards Hermione.
"Ragnok pending my review of the oath required of me I accept the position."
"A wise decision." Ragnok said passing Hermione and Harry each a sheet of parchment with their oaths on them. Harry quickly read his then held it out for Hermione to read.
After reading her own and Harry's oaths, Hermione asked, "I am surprised these oaths are nothing like I expected. Would you mind if I had Bill Weasley look them over?"
"Not at all, Mr. Weasley you are directed by me to give an honest evaluation of those oaths. Now what about the oaths trouble you?" Ragnok asked motioning Bill over from his normal position by the door.
Hermione passed the oath parchments to Bill replying, "There is no trouble the oaths are far less restrictive that I expected."
Ragnok's expression changed to what could be considered a smile as he replied, "I understand, it was thought best to allow you freedom to act as you see fit to advance our cause."
"Hermione I don't see anything in here that would cause you problems. They are very straight forward," Bill said passing her the oaths back.
"Thanks." Hermione said taking the oath sheets and passing Harry his. She then pulled out her wand as she read, "I Lady Hermione Granger Potter-Black promise on my magic that I will keep what I learn in this position about goblin culture a secret only telling Lord Harry James Potter-Black unless given permission by the head of the local Gringotts bank. I also promise on my magic to deal honestly with Gringotts in all business related to my position as Ambassador at Large for the Goblins. This is the end of my magical promises."
Harry was ready when she finished saying, "I Lord Harry James Potter-Black promise on my magic that I will keep everything I learn from Lady Hermione Granger Potter-Black or my own observations about goblin culture during the time she is an Ambassador a secret only sharing my knowledge with Lady Hermione Granger Potter-Black. Unless given permission by the head of the local Gringotts bank. This is the end of my magical promise."
As the light that flashed around them died down Ragnok said. "Gartogg escort our Ambassador to the room where she will be fitted with her robes."
Gartogg ushered her into a side room then shut the door leaving her by herself. As she was looking around a door opened and in walked a figure in a concealing cloak. After a glance around the individual lowered the cloak saying, "We are alone."
"Yes, I'm Hermione Potter."
"I know, I am Harhook your goblin aide."
"Oh you are the female goblin that they assigned to me." Hermione replied.
The goblin looked at her for a moment before replying, "No, I am the female goblin who volunteered for this dishonor."
Hermione was surprised at the answer and the tone in which it was given.
"I can see by your expression you are confused. It is a disgrace for a female to be seen by someone other than her family. A goblin husband may lift his bride's veil only after they are married. Before then she is hidden from all others sight including his."
"Then why did you volunteer for this?"
"I have just finished my training to be a translator of human speech and writing. My brother said this would be a great opportunity for me to advance in my profession. Against my better judgment I let his argument sway me. Now I find myself standing here fitting a human for goblin robes." Harhook replied obviously disgusted.
Hermione thought for a moment before replying, "I am honored that you have volunteered to teach me."
"Teach you?"
"It is obvious that Ragnok is concerned that I will make a mistake that will cause him problems. It was wise of him to allow me such a skilled individual to teach me the various pitfalls I should avoid, such as the one I just made with you."
Harhook just looked at Hermione before she proceeded to take the necessary measurements for the goblin robe and cloak to be made. "I will suggest that we just make the one robe for now. I doubt there will be much need for more before you change sizes again."
"That is wise. May I inquire as to your brother's name?"
"I doubt it will mean much to you. His name in your tongue is Griphook."
"I met him this summer. Your brother has assisted my husband several times and my husband speaks quite highly of him." Hermione replied trying to remember everything the books said about goblin culture.
"You and your mate surprise me that you both remember a goblin."
"My mate is a remarkable man. Are you traveling to Hogwarts with the guard?"
The goblin's face again took on the look of that Hermione quickly associated with disgust, "Yes, all though I will be required to travel back and forth as needed. Given the wards that are up here and at your school I will obviously been seen far more than is appropriate."
Hermione thought a moment before replying, "We should be able to minimize those trips by using Dobby to carry what is needed. Where would you prefer to stay here or at Hogwarts with me?"
"I would prefer not to move at all but I should be with you if, as you say, I am to teach you our customs. I have everything that is needed I will see you on Wednesday." Harhook said slipping her cloak over her head before leaving through the door she entered from.
Hermione re-entered the conference room to hear Ragnok say, "We are done until next Wednesday when Narnok, our Ambassador, will escort you to the ministry where you will present your formal paperwork to the Minister of Magic."
Bill offered to see them back but Harry said, "It's just a short trip we'll be outside the wards for only a minute or so. Go see Fleur and give her our regards."
Harry had just taken Hermione's hand after arriving and they had begun walking the path back to Hogwarts when a sickly looking yellow/greenish curse streaked out of the bushes headed for Hermione. Harry pushed his wife to the ground with his off hand while pulling his wand and firing a spread of stunning curses in the direction of the curse's origin. Hermione had landed roughly and was still gathering herself when Harry flung himself to the ground beside her saying, "Stay down it looks like there's more than one of them." Just as several green colored curses flew over them.
"They are playing for keeps Harry." Hermione cautioned.
"I don't intend to fool around." Harry said looking at Hermione his face set in determination to protect his family as a second set of curses flew over them.
Harry lay beside his wife for a moment gathering himself and his magic until it started to leak out arching to the ground. Watching the next set of spells come closer to him and his wife he knew he had a short time to act. "This ends now." He said rising slightly and aiming his wand towards the source of the spell fire he called out "Reducto," feeling his hand buck slightly as the spell left his sweeping wand.
Hermione watched in amazement as a spell fatter and longer than she had ever scene streaked from Harry towards the woods where their attackers were hidden. When the spell hit the first tree there was an explosion that sounded like several strings of large firecrackers were set off together. Taking a chance and raising her head slightly she shook her head in disbelief. The first ten meters of the forest were gone. Where there had been a stand of trees now stood broken apart stumps and the entire floor of the area was littered with splinters of wood with very few pieces in the meter long range. It looked like someone had dropped a lot of large loads of toothpicks on the area. "Did you get them?"
"Don't know, but no spells are flying." Harry replied in a shaky voice. In truth the destruction astonished even him. His practice sessions with Dumbledore or Bill had always taken place in a hidden and shielded room in Hogwarts subbasement.
A pop sounded and two wands were pointed at the source it was the fractions of a second hesitation that they still had as students that saved Bill Weasley. Seeing the two lying on the ground he said, "Hey you two have a nice bed just up the path."
"Bill what the bloody hell are you doing here I nearly cursed you." Harry spat out.
The "What are you talking about?" died on the way to Bill's lips as he took in the destruction of the forest beside the path. Instead what came out was, "What happened?"
"We port keyed in and spells began flying. Harry saved us." Hermione said in firm voice.
Bill looked around assessing the situation. It would only take less than a minute but safety was paramount. "You two touch the port key. We are going back to Gringotts." He announced.
Harry and Hermione exchanged looks then put their hands on the port key. Back in the alley it took slightly longer for someone to answer the side door to Gringotts but in less than two minutes all three were inside and a minute later Bill was in discussion with Gartogg about the incident. "Mr. and Mrs. Potter, I will deal with this. Griphook take them both to where we discussed." Gartogg said followed by a string of Gobbledegook that had several Goblins running.
Harry standing fast for a moment asked Bill, "What is going to happen?"
"The goblins are going to put up a ward to keep people away from the area. While they determine just what happened."
Hermione spoke up saying, "Tomorrow is a Hogsmeade Saturday."
Bill looked to Gartogg who nodded in understanding. "Don't worry about it. I need you two to go with Griphook."
Harry looked like he wanted to stay and observe but Hermione's tug on his arm caused him to look at her. Harry realized where his priority lay and wrapping an arm around his wife he looked at Griphook saying, "Lead on, we will follow you."
Harry had his arm wrapped around his wife as they followed Griphook through the catacomb passages that made up the private area of Gringotts. Several times Griphook waited for them to catch up and reached back holding Harry's hand as the threesome walked slowly forward while Harry and Hermione felt like a thousand insects were crawling on their skin. Finally the trio reached an open aired garden area surrounded by small homes. Griphook lead them to down a path that ended at one of the well kept homes. He knocked at the door and an elderly looking goblin opened it. "Father in the Name of Ragnok I request refuge for Lord and Lady Potter-Black."
"We will be honored to provide refuge." The elderly goblin said opening the door and motioning everyone inside.
"Thank you, we don't want to impose If you could show us a corner where we could lie down we will do our best to stay out of your family's way tonight." Harry said slightly unsure of how to address the goblin.
The elderly goblin looked him and Hermione over before saying, "I am called Maalhook. Griphook and Harhook speak highly of you two. Ragnok had asked me to provide you with shelter this summer while you were studying the goblin culture, something to which I agreed. I will treat this as your arriving early. In order for you to study our culture I suggested that immersion would be your quickest way to understanding. You will however need to accept adoption by a Goblin."
Harry and Hermione exchanged looks they'd been talking about this since Wednesday when she received the offer. Nodding towards Harry Hermione prompted him, "You are our family's head."
"We have discussed this and were unsure if a goblin family would be willing to accept us." Harry said.
"I will adopt both of you seeing as you are married. Do you have a preference for you names?"
Seeing the confusion on both of the human's faces Griphook spoke up saying, "It would be structured like mine and my sisters. Perhaps Jameshook for Harry."
Harry shook his head while Hermione appeared deep in thought before she quickly said, "Jimhook and I could be Janehook."
"Jimhook and Janehook, I take it these have meaning to both of you?" Maalhook asked.
"Jim is the short form of James and my middle name is Jane like Harry's is James." Hermione explained.
"Those names are acceptable. A alaac o akuun ghec dhalkel'dec." He announced the last formally then added, "I will file the papers first thing. That also addresses one of our problems while you were not family Harry could not be around Harhook without her being covered. Now that he is family you can see her."
"What was that he said?" Harry asked looking at Griphook.
"It was the formal announcement of adoption. It is also used when a goblin brings home a wife. Only in that case it is said by the mother."
"What happens if she doesn't say it?" Hermione asked all ready in learning mode.
"Then the goblin and his mate must leave that household and start their own." Griphook said.
"Griphook show your brother and sister the room we were in the process of preparing for them. They can use it tonight and we will finish it up tomorrow." Maalhook said.
"We don't mean to impose." Hermione said feeling bad for all the trouble this family was going through.
"Nonsense, you are members of this family now, there is no imposition by family." Maalhook replied firmly ending any possible discussion.
Harry and Hermione followed their 'brother' Griphook down a flight of stairs to a corridor lined with about six doors. "Your room is at the end." Griphook said walking to the last door on the left and opening it.
Hermione looked in noting the room was completely furnished in slightly dark tones favoring the reds and golds. It had a large bed and ample bureaus and closets. "I can't imagine what Maalhook meant when he said these needed to be completed." Hermione noted.
"There is no escape tunnel. All goblin bedroom rooms have escape tunnels to allow us to avoid attacks. That is one of the reasons our bedrooms are always below ground level. A tunnel suitable for you will be finished tomorrow. The existence of these tunnels is covered by your oath." Griphook replied reminding them as he did of the need to keep goblin's secrets.
"We are honored by all you have done for us." Harry said holding out his hand to Griphook who looked at it for a moment before he closed it into a fist then hit it with his own fist.
"You are goblin Jimhook. You need to learn how to greet and part as goblins do," he said leaving them alone.
Hermione looked at Harry a slight smile on her face. "Our first lesson in Goblin culture."
"The first of many." Harry replied then glancing between the bed and Hermione he asked, "Fancy checking out how goblin beds are different?"
"Harry don't ever change." Hermione said slipping her robes off.
Dumbledore had just finished breakfast the next morning and was settling in for a relaxing morning in his book lined study when a house elf appeared in front of him. "What is the problem?"
The house elf looked scared to death but with her hands gripped wringing in front of her said, "The Potters have not returned Winky is worried."
It took only seconds for Dumbledore's mind to process all he knew and step to the fireplace and toss in a bit of floo powder while calling out, "Petite Burrow" as the flames rose Dumbledore put his head in them looking out on to a nicely appointed living room. "Bill Weasley!" he called out.
"I am sorry Bill is sleeping." A French accented voice replied as the individual entered the room.
"Fleur I must speak with Him the Potters are missing,"
"No, he had a long night." She replied.
"But I must find the Potters."
"They are safe and will be in touch."
"But where are they? I must know so I can insure their safety." Dumbledore pleaded with his eyes twinkling like mad.
"I am not one of your students Dumbleeedore. I have told you I will not wake B'll. I've told you Har'e an Hermoney are safe. Good Day."
"But Miss Delacour I must insist." Dumbledore said before quickly withdrawing his head as she drew her wand. Unfortunately for him he was getting old and she was in prime fighting shape. Once he was totally back in his study he turned and knocked one entire shelf of books to the floor before he realized which spell she cast. It then took him several tries before his nose stopped growing and returned to normal.
Morning the Potters awoke to normal morning sounds of a household waking up, showers, the sounds of the goblins around them getting up and ready for the day. "Harry." Hermione said shaking her husband's shoulder.
"Mumph," the ever articulate Harry responded.
Hermione rolled out of bed leaving Harry to wake on his own. She looked around suddenly realizing several things at once; she didn't know where to clean up, something she needed to do after their evening activities; they did not have clean clothes to wear; and finally she was starving. Looking around the room she notice one of the wardrobes had been opened, checking it she found fresh robes for them along with the necessary undergarments piled at the bottom. On top of the robes was a note that read:
"Janehook,
If you are in need of something try pushing on the wall next to the wardrobe.
Harhook."
Puzzled Hermione did as directed. The wall moved revealing a large bathroom area with a shower which she quickly made use of after gathering up her things from the wardrobe. Half way through her shower she heard the door swing open and Harry ask, "Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all I'm just about done." She called back deciding to forgo washing her hair. It was more of a passing of the shower than the two showering together leaving Harry slightly disappointed. "I'll wait for you in the bedroom." Hermione called out after a quick glance revealed she who ever had supplied their garments had not thought to send her beauty supplies. Being muggle born Hermione preferred to use cosmetics rather than spells. The thought of what a 'Finite Incantatem' would do to the looks of several of her prior dorm mates was enough to send shivers down the back of most girls.
Harry rushed through his shower before joining Hermione and leaving their room together. They ascended the stairs at the end of the hall to be greeted by a strange goblin who jumped in surprise before asking in a strong voice, "Jimhook & mate?"
"Yes." Harry replied.
"I am Deklhook, Maalhook's mate. I was attending to family business when you arrived and didn't return until you had retired for the night. "
"It is an honor to meet our Goblin mother." Hermione said as she came up to stand beside Harry.
"Janehook, I was told you were far more outspoken than even I was prepared for. It is good to see my mate did not exaggerate."
"I did not mean to mis-speak." Hermione said bowing her head as she spoke to their adoptive mother.
Deklhook's face took on a look children would recognize regardless of culture. "No my child, I did not mean to insult you. I meant that a female mate of the Hook clan would never speak before her male had given his approval for her to do so. The fact you spoke without that approval is what I was commenting on. Now come and eat breakfast. Griphook has assured me this would be acceptable to you."
Hermione sat with Harry as Deklhook placed two plates on the table looking at the plate noting it was mostly cooked meat. She carefully set about eating while Harry dove into his breakfast. "What should we call you?" Harry asked after a few minutes.
"Deklhook, just as you will call my mate Maalhook."
Harry turned his attention to Hermione having a conversation with her in his mind before asking, "Deklhook, do you know what the plan is for today?"
"Griphook will be returning shortly to take you to work at Gringotts for the day. Janehook will be staying with Harhook and I to learn while we fit her with a proper cloak."
"I brought one with me." Hermione/Janehook offered.
"That is a witches cloak. If you are going to live with us you will need a proper goblin cloak with the necessary charms to hide you. Harhook has passed your measurements on to the one's making your formal robes. Once they know you are here they will be by to check the fitting."
"I am with child I don't want you to spend effort on something that will only fit a short time." Hermione said placing her hand on the growing bulge that was the twins.
"Congratulations, it seems that I will be a grandmother from my adopted children before my blood children manage the task." Deklhook said turning to face Harhook as she walked in.
"It is difficult to find one's mate when one is walking in your footsteps." Harhook responded.
Hermione looked confused as she looked back and forth between the two female goblins.
"My mother is also in charge of our translators of human speech and writing."
Seeing the knowing smile starting to grace Hermione's face Deklhook said, "Yes that is why I am so proficient in your language."
"We look forward to learning from you." Harry said.
"You have had several lessons all ready. Here is one more for both of you. You will need to develop a method of communicating without speech. When you are among us and she is not in her Ambassador robes Janehook will be expected to be silent unless she is in all female company. Jimhook will have all questions addressed to him, including ones that would be addressed to her in your culture. Additionally any social error she makes will be treated as if Jimhook made it. In that instance Jimhook should apologize as if he made it. Otherwise he will be seen as weak and that is a very bad thing."
"What if I make a mistake when in my Ambassador robes?"
"Then it will be as if Ragnok made the error for he appointed you."
"That is unfair." Hermione commented
"To a point you are correct, the one out Ragnok has is he can refute you and demote one of the individuals on the governing council. That transfers the responsibility from him to the one demoted absolving him of any blame. Of course to do so lowers his standing in the council."
"It seems like we are between two drop offs any mistake and we fall." Harry said disheartened.
"No it is not that bad. Socially you will be forgiven mistakes provided you learn from them. I would suggest care with your statements as Ambassador though, Depending on who you are talking to the results of a mistake could vary widely." Griphook said joining the conversation.
"How was your morning?"
"Productive mother. I have come to take Jimhook with me for the afternoon's job." Griphook replied.
"What are we doing?" Harry asked finishing up the last of his breakfast.
"Drilling down for a new series of vaults."
"Sounds like fun. I don't know any spells for drilling though."
"Not to worry, we have the second series. There will be about half an hour for you to learn the goblin spells." Griphook said with a grin.
"I'm ready." Harry announced pushing away from the table.
"Then we will be off."
Harry leaned over whispering, "Have a good day Janehook," into Hermione ear before grabbing a cloak and following Griphook as he lead the way through the maze of tunnels back to the lower levels of Gringotts.