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 46 Back to School
The Neville and Ginny that returned after Christmas break were different from the two individuals that had left for that same break, Neville was growing in confidence every day and Ginny just blossomed, she could be heard giggling and was always near Neville whenever possible. Hermione picked up on this quickly and soon cornered her one evening in the library. After casting privacy charms she asked, "So how was Neville?"
"What do you mean?"
"Come on Ginny your glowing and he's so confident he's almost strutting."
Ginny debated for a moment she'd wanted to tell someone and this was her chance. She knew unlike the girls in the Gryffindor tower Hermione would keep her secrets. "He was fantastic. It actually started out by accident Neville invited me over the day after we got home to see his greenhouse and mum thought it would be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other a bit better. After verifying his Grandmother was going to be there to supervise us she agreed I could go. Well when his Gram was called to the ministry we ended up knowing each other a bit more than my mother would approve of."
"Go on I know you want to tell someone."
"She'd been gone for a few minutes when Neville took the opportunity to kiss me. I didn't object at all I mean we've been snogging regularly since the summer. But then we lost our balance and fell into a pile of dirt and stuff. Neville apologized left and right but we were still dirty. I knew it would not be good to be found like this so we took off our outer robes passing them to the house elf to clean. I wanted to be comfortable so I wasn't wearing a whole lot under the robes and as it turned out neither was Neville. With their house elf off cleaning our robes we started snogging again. This time there was a lot more flesh-to-flesh contact and I loved it. Not much later he noticed we'd managed to get each other covered in dirt in places that would cause questions should someone find us. We hadn't washed our hands and faces since falling down and we had spread the dirt rather well. I suggested he take a shower and I'd have the house elf clean what he was wearing. Once I heard the water start I dropped my things with his and called the house elf then climbed into the shower with him."
"You didn't?"
"Well not in the shower but his bed was nearby and quite comfortable."
"So that's why."
"Yea but you haven't heard the best part."
"Which is?"
Mrs. Longbottom contacted my folks and the day before we came back a betrothal contract was signed between Neville and I,"
"Oh my! Congratulations." Hermione exclaimed.
Ginny smiled saying, "Thank you, by the way Neville has noticed you walking around pregnant, just the other day he looked at me asking if he was a bad person for sometimes wishing we'd forgotten to use the contraceptive charm so I'd be pregnant."
Hermione's eyes widened at the revelation. She hadn't thought she'd be viewed as someone to be envied. "What did you tell him?" she asked knowing Ginny's answer would have a big impact on Neville's emotional health.
"I told him anytime he wanted to start a family with me I was willing."
"Really?"
Ginny glanced down at Hermione's growing body before replying, "Oh yes, I nearly jumped him right then. But tell me honestly how is carrying a baby."
"Uncomfortable, annoying, it's starting to become difficult to dress myself, but knowing that this is Harry's and Mine, that more than makes up for any problems. I'm scared about becoming a mother but I can't wait. Then there are the times when Harry puts his arms around me or his hand on the twins, Ginny I can't tell you just how that feels great, wonderful, those words just don't convey the feeling. It is incredible."
"A cold shower, I definitely need a cold shower or else I'm going to get Neville to do the deed tonight. Wonder what mum would think if I came home this summer and told her Neville and I had to get married or else she'd have an unwed mother on her hands? I could manage it celebrating the end of OWL's. I'd only be three months along at best," Ginny said muttering to herself.
"Ginevra Weasley, I can't believe what I'm hearing." Hermione said.
"Believe it, now that's it is known married couples get their own rooms I am willing to bet there are a number of married couples next year."
"Really?"
"Oh yea, I've overheard several of the sixth year couples discussing getting married over the summer and Neville and I are not the only mixed year coupled discussing it. I think Seamus and Natalie have even talked it over."
"But she's only a third year." Hermione exclaimed.
"Yes, but she is a very willing third year and she's not alone."
"What have I started?" Hermione asked glancing down at the twins growing within her.
"Don't think it's all caused by you. I know I've been thinking about it ever since Neville and I did the deed and I don't think there is a person alive that could tell Natalie what to do and that includes Seamus." Ginny countered stopping as Hermione chuckled for a brief instant. "What got you to chuckle, the thought of Seamus trying to tell Natalie what to do?"
"No the thought of what their children would sound like."
"Their kids would have an accent so thick they'd have to come to Hogwarts with their own translator."
"Professor McGonagall would understand them." Ginny said.
Hermione nodded then added, "Have you heard her after she's talked to Natalie? McGonagall's brogue is a lot thicker."
"Good thing I don't have class with her after the forth years." Ginny chuckled.
"Ginny thanks, I was starting to feel down and you got me laughing."
"Hey what are girlfriends for if not to pick up each others spirits."
Dumbledore approached the Potter's quarters working intently to school his features into bland neutrality. The thought of a student dismissing his summons out of hand then requiring him to approach a goblin, hat in hand just to talk with her and to top it off she was just a bloody female! He slowed his pace allowing him additional time to work on his occlumency it wouldn't due to loose his control in the coming meeting, 'You are a calm grandfatherly type' he told himself for what seemed the hundredth time this morning.
Hermione also schooled her features as Dumbledore was escorted well aware she'd upset him by refusing to meet him in his office.
"Mrs. Potter." Dumbledore started only to stop at a glare from the head of the goblin guard detail arrayed around the room. "Forgive an old man Ambassador," He said realizing his need to regroup starting over he said, "I wish access to the body of the wizard identified as Tom Riddle. I have an obligation to verify both his identity and confirm his demise."
"Do you not trust the nation's identification?"
"I am sure your husband informed you of just who this wizard is. Just as I'm sure you can understand my need to personally confirm his demise."
"Am I talking with the Headmaster of Hogwarts, The Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, The Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, or just Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore?" Hermione asked intently.
Dumbledore was confused. He was all of those individuals but he realized if there was anyone who would dare play word games with him it would be this witch. Knowing he had already been refused access as the head of the Wizengamot he decided to go with the most impressive of his titles, "You are speaking with The Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards." He said in a self-important tone.
Hermione smiled as if she'd just won a bet, which she had, before replying, "In that case please have your office submit a request to Gringotts international stating fully the reasons you wish to view the body while offering what you feel would be suitable compensation to Gringotts for the slight on the nation for not believing our word."
"But that will take weeks surely there is another way."
"Not for the Supreme Mugwump." Hermione said concluding with, "Now if you don't mind my Husband and I have a load of school work that requires our attention," effectively dismissing Albus Dumbledore. Her guards encircling him and herding him to the door insured he understood the dismissal.
Harry waited until they were alone before raising an eyebrow in question.
Hermione smiled at him saying, "If he had approached me as Albus Dumbledore wanting one last look at a friend. Or if he had approached me as the Headmaster of Hogwarts wanting to say goodbye to a former head boy I could have allowed him access. However he chose first to approach the night watch as the Head of the Wizengamot then me as the Supreme Mugwump. In the first case he would be seen as head of government and in my case as the head of an international governing body. In both cases the approval for those visits are made above my level although I might be the one to inform him and escort him it would only occur when a higher authority gave the go-ahead. So I was forced to refer him to the proper people. It's not my job to train him how to approach Goblins that's his ambassador's job."
"I don't know how you manage it love. The goblins would have been forced to take my head months ago if I'd been in your position." Harry said hugging her.
'That's probably why I ended up with this job and not you' Hermione thought relaxing in to the comfort of her lover's embrace.
While things quickly settled into a routine for the Longbottoms thing were a bit more hectic for the Potters. In addition to teaching for Harry, classes and studying for both of them Hermione found herself acting as the primary ambassador for the Goblins. Monday just over three weeks after the battle of Gringotts The Wizengamot summoned the Goblin Ambassador to appear the following afternoon. After a quick exchange of notes between her and the Goblin Council concerning the inability of Narnok to appear at the ministry found Hermione donning her Ambassadors robes, which had expanded to cover her increasing girth caused by the twins she was carrying around, with Harry along with all but two of her goblin guards at her side used a Goblin Portkey to Gringotts Bank. The two junior ones remaining behind to insure their rooms stayed secure.
An short but intensive meeting later she emerged with a packet of information and with a contingent of goblin guards made her way to the Wizarding entrance to the Ministry of Magic. With one guard and her husband as her escorts Hermione made her way to the Wizengamot chambers.
After being ushered in she stood with her guard while Harry took his place in the Potter family seat. "Miss Granger do you know why you've been summoned to appear before the Wizengamot?" the assistant to the Minister for Magic began.
Hermione didn't reply choosing instead to look around the chamber with a look of confusion on her face.
"Miss Granger!" the assistant tried again staring directly at her his annoyance obvious to all while Hermione continued to scan the room.
Finally the Wizengamot scribe said, "Ambassador I believe he is attempting to address you," causing the Assistant to turn even redder in the face.
"Then why does he not use my correct name and title for that matter?"
"I was using your name you bloody…" The assistant to the Minister started only slow to a stop at the glare from several members of the Wizengamot.
"For your future reference the correct form of address when I am wearing my robes of office is Ambassador Dager Hermione Potter or Ambassador Dager Potter, either will do. Should I not be wearing these robes I am Hermione Potter or for more formal occasions Mrs. Harry Potter." Hermione stated firmly staring the man down.
"As you wish then, Ambassador Potter are you," the assistant started again only to stop at the thumping of a spear shaft on the floor. "Ambassador please control your guard." The Minister said speaking up.
Hermione turned and spoke in Gobbledegook getting an answer from the guard before turning back to the Minister saying, "He is upset at the incorrect form of address would you address a Lord in this formal setting without using his title? I think not. As I stated mere moments ago Ambassador Dager Potter is the correct form of address."
At a motion from the Minister for Magic the assistant tried again "Very well, Ambassador Dager Potter do you know why you've been summoned to appear before the Wizengamot?" he asked sneering the Dager with obvious contempt.
'Oh he isn't going to like his next visit to Gringotts' Harry though listening to the proceedings while he was busy keeping an eye on the entire chamber for any threats to his wife.
"No."
"I would think it would be obvious seeing as Gringotts is currently holding a number of prominent wizards hostage," The assistant countered.
"The only individuals currently in Gringotts custody are those that attempted to rob Gringotts Bank on the Winter Solstice. Your ministry has been provided their names and summaries of their statements made under questioning by our guards. Under the treaty of 1192 it is within Gringotts province to deal with any beings attempting to rob Gringotts," Hermione replied calmly.
"They are not beings they are wizards!" the assistant bellowed.
Hermione waited calmly for quiet to restore before replying, "According to the treaty's attached definitions beings are defined as anything living as capable of reasoning and communication. Wizards communicate and I believe a majority are capable of reasoning therefore they are covered by the treaty."
"What's to prevent us from taking you hostage and exchanging you for the Wizards the goblins are holding. There's far more of us than you have guards." a voice called out from the visitor's gallery.
"Precisely," the minister's attack stooge commented.
Hermione debated how to answer this for a moment as the crowd increasingly thought this hostage rescue thing was a good idea. Finally she spoke up saying, "Not necessarily in order, there are the following points; one if you try to capture me I'm sure someone will be hurt badly by my guard, two to do so would risk a war with Gringotts."
At that point the voice called out, "It's them who are risking the war we just want our friends and family back!"
"I understand that but for whatever reason they did attempt to invade not only Gringotts bank proper but also were the goblins who work at Gringotts live with their families. If we had decided to attack your manor I expect you would wish the attackers were held accountable by your government. In accordance with the treaty between our nations that is what we are doing. All the actions Gringotts has taken are legal by treaty, but you interrupted me, which on a personal level is impolite and rude. To do so to an ambassador speaking before another government could be considered insulting by the government I represent and their citizens. To finish my last point I doubt my husband who is standing at his families seat would allow it." Hermione said smirking as the man in the visitor's gallery looked to his right to see an irate Harry Potter magic leaking off him like water over a spillway after a heavy rain.
"Bah, he's just a school boy with an over inflated opinion of himself which you evidently share."
"That school boy defeated a professor possessed by Voldemort at the age of eleven. Killed a basilisk that was over sixty feet long at the age of twelve, cast a fully corporal Patronus at the age of 13. Won your Triwizard tournament, which he was forcible enter into against his wishes, at the age of fourteen, despite being three years younger than any of the other competitors. Within the last month he assisted Gringotts in repelling a force of attackers lead by Voldemort even though he is only fifteen. If you wish to fight him, well it's your life, just let someone know who your next of kin is," Hermione stated drawing a frown from Harry at having his history laid out like that. Of course for Harry that frown only increased his already substantial intimidation factor.
The Minister of Magic looked up audibly gulped and said, "I think that's a bad idea all around. Ambassador would it be possible for a committee from this body to review the evidence?"
"I brought up this very point with my government. After some difficult discussions it was agreed we would accept a small, select group, I believe around seven members was suggested. To insure there are no lingering problems from this event I would also suggest it be headed by either your Minister for Magic, The Head of this body, or at the minimum a very high ranking member of one of the two bodies. The group would be allowed to review the testimony from both sides and the relevant tests preformed on the individuals currently being held.
I am afraid a complete accounting for those who perished during the attack is not possible, not that we do now wish to do so, however body identification for those on both sides of the battle was in multiple cases impossible. However I will note the listing of Wizarding family rings removed from the deceased has already been provided to your ministry. We have chosen to allow them to compassionately notify the affected families as we have been reliably informed our methods are. . . let us say, a bit lacking in that area. A point I hope to improve on during my time in this position." Hermione stated looking over the group as she spoke.
"That is acceptable. I will notify Gringotts when the committee has been chosen and is ready to meet." The Minister for Magic stated.
"Seeing as I am done I will take my leave. I leave you with this advice. Chose your committee wisely it would not do to have an individual on it who would exacerbate the current situation, Good day," Hermione finished before returning to Gringotts.
At Gringotts Hermione was immediately escorted in to a meeting with Ragnok, Ambassador Narnok and Maalhook. Depositing the memory of her visit to the Wizengamot. Hermione watch them enter her memory knowing their reactions upon leaving would be interesting.
No sooner had Ragnok exited the memory that he hissed out "They dare," in his own tongue. Turning to Maalhook he said, "Find out the account manager of that officious clerk along with the one who suggested kidnapping our ambassador. I wish to see them upon the completion of this meeting."
Turning to the remaining goblin he asked, "Ambassador Narnok are you able to deal with meeting this committee?"
"Yes Ragnok, although my reduced mobility will not allow me to travel far. If we keep it to a conference room I should be fine."
"Good if they insist on going somewhere I'm sure the safety of the area might not currently allow visitors." Ragnok said before turning to face Hermione.
"Ambassador Dager Potter, Hermione you performed beyond all my hopes. I will need to keep this memory to show our governing council. However I also realize this has been an exceedingly difficult period of time for you. Return to Hogwarts with your guard and rest I know the arrival of your young will be a taxing and overwhelming time. If we require your assistance we will contact you. Although as my spouse has mentioned more that once in recent days if you were in our normal workforce you would already have been removed from work until several months after the birth of you children."
"Thank her for me but as we are all aware things have been anything but normal. Ragnok, Ambassador, I will take my leave. This day has been long and combined with these two I am worn out," Hermione replied placing her hand on her twins.