Chapter 41 – Greetings and Meetings

21 April, 2010 – 8:00 a.m.

Gringott's Wizarding Bank

Diagon Alley, London England

Hermione Granger

"Miss Granger, it's a pleasure seeing you. How my I be of service to you?" Ricbert asks. He seems a little irritated I'm here so early.

I smile, "I was hoping I could gain access to vault 1823, the vault left to me by Sirius Black. I was thinking of transferring it to Edward Remus Lupin, my godson."

He nods, "Follow me."

We head down to the vault and I use my key to open it. It appears to be 250,000 galleons in the vault and nothing else. I walk around the small vault and find two chests. I open the first chest and there is a letter as well as several small boxes. I open one box and it's an ornate emerald necklace. The second box is a black diamond pendant. I'm taken aback. Why would he leave me jewelry? I open the second chest and it appears to be the same kind of items.

I open the letter addressed to "Kitten."

17 May, 1996

My Dearest Hermione,

If you are reading this it means I didn't survive the war. This vault should have been Andromeda's dowry vault. I could have left it to her, but I know she is has plenty of financial security. I left you the majority of Black Family jewels in this vault. Don't wear anything until you have a curse breaker check everything. It's the jewelry that would have gone to the heir.

You are the closest I ever had to a daughter. If I were to ever be fortunate to have one, I'd hope she would be half as kind, intelligent, and beautiful as you are. You have brought me so much joy in the last couple of years. Teaching you and calling you a friend has been one of the most meaningful relationships I have ever had. Thank you for being a friend to an old dog like myself.

My hope is for you to find true happiness in life. I hope you find some absolute wanker to marry and worship you. I hope you pass down your kindness and intelligence to a whole litter of kittens, and show them the lion you have become.

With all my love,

Sirius

This letter was written a little over a month before he went through the Veil. I wipe the tears from my eyes. The Battle of the Ministries left me unconscious for three days. When I woke up I and realized Sirius had fallen through the Veil I was devastated. I could have warned him. I could have prevented it all if I hadn't been attacked. I fold the letter back up, and place it in my bag. I'll always miss him.

I find Ricbert at the entrance of the vault. "Ricbert there is a couple sizable chests in this vault. Can you have a curse breaker review the items and place them in vault 2007?"

He nods, "It will be done right away Miss Granger."

"Thank you. I would also like to transfer this vault to Mr. Edward Remus Lupin. He is my godson." We walk towards the cart to take us back to the main part of the bank.

It took a few minutes to transfer the vault to Teddy. I am going to meet him today after eleven years. I have written him monthly for his whole life. I think of him every time I travel somewhere new. I buy him three to four interesting books about the culture, history, or magic in the area. Remus would have loved those books, I just hope Teddy does too.

I leave the bank and go back to the Manor to get ready for the day. As I'm taking a shower, I begin to think of Draco.

Once we comforted each other, I asked him if he would come with me to Dagworth Castle's secret library. Inside was a great deal of family history. The Dagworth's started keeping records around 300 B.C., which is quite impressive. They were explorers, and traveled the globe looking for magical treasures. The items listed that they acquired didn't explain the contents in all my vaults. It explained a great deal of Vault 144, and why so many of the items are rare and magical. It didn't explain the treasures found in the three vaults that contain so many items. I'm curious if the Draupnir magically collects items of worth and stores them inside the vaults. There are some things that the Dagworths collected that weren't magical. They loved art and duplicated a great deal of it. They were very good with duplication magic, but not to the extent the vaults seem to reflect. In the vaults, which I didn't explore thoroughly, are various treasures lost throughout history. The crown jewels lost in 1216 by King John while crossing the The Wash are in one of my vaults. Bartholomew Dagworth caused a freakishly large and powerful tide in order to quickly steal the crown jewels. There was a record of Maximillian Dagworth stealing a good portion from looters when the Roman Empire fell. I am in possession of the missing Confederate gold from 1862, thanks to Thomas Dagworth. It still doesn't add up to the sheer volume of items in vaults 126 and 236. Those rooms were the size two American Football stadiums full of things of value. The Dagworth's, though very impressive, did not collect all the items in those vaults. I'm not even sure if they deserve the reputation they seem to have. It's very puzzling.

Draco and I read through the history. We also explored some of the texts in the library. There is a bookcase full of Grimoires. The legend of Grimoires, date back to the Egyptian empire. Magic contained in the Grimoires are specific to a certain type of magic. Historically they were used to master a certain type of magic. In the Dark Ages they were believed to be destroyed due to the amount of magic they contain. There was a Grimiore for every type of magic. Draco said they were typically used to enhanced family magic. I asked him what his family magic was and he said it was influence. They had a power to influence others to accept their will. It's a subtle form of the Imperius curse. We spent a while looking at the Grimoires. They were all acquired from other families. It was an interesting find, but would be dangerous because the Grimoires contain a great deal of power.

Draco was amazing and understanding. We just held each other for a couple of hours. Being in his arms again is like coming home. During dinner, he kept touching my leg. He had me on fire. I never understood how he could do that with a simple touch. I wonder if he knows the effect he has on me. It only solidified the fact I needed to try to reconcile with him.

I want him. When he left me, I thought sex was this incredibly mind blowing experience. I assumed it would be that intense every time. I had only had sex with him, and thought it would be as amazing with anyone as it was with him. In July of 2000 the month he was to marry Astoria fucking Greengrass, I ran into Diedrich Ryker at a bar. He was in my Charms classes at Harvard, and he was fit. He had smooth mocha skin, green eyes, and a perfect chiseled jawline. He was a little shy while we were in classes, but that night after a few drinks he began heavily flirting with me, so I decided I would have sex with him; massive mistake. It was lackluster at best. I was so thoroughly disappointed I spent the rest of the month eating copious amounts of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey and cried myself to sleep. It wasn't fair. I couldn't even enjoy sex. Sasha helped me out of that funk and banned ice cream from the house. I started running and finally found some peace by the time fall semester started back up. Every subsequent experience has been about the same. I had to became inventive to be able to orgasm, but it was never the earth shattering, mind numbing, magical experience it was with Draco. I discovered sex would never be what it was with Draco. I wondered if it was the bond, or if he was just that unfairly amazing in bed. After last night, I know it was the bond. I almost came just by him caressing my leg.

It pisses me off that he has that effect on me. I want to ask him if he has experienced the same shitty sex life I have for a decade, but if he hasn't, I'm not sure if I could handle the answer. The thought of him touching someone else makes me ill. I don't know if that's the bond or if I'm just a prude. I've never been one to accept a partner's past. The thought of them doing the things they have done to me makes me severely uncomfortable. Josh said it's because I'm a Virgo, the sign of the Virgin, therefore, I'm just a prude.

Today is the meeting with the Ministry. I'm not nervous about it. I received a text from Josh and they managed not to get arrested last night. He still pisses me off. They could've waited for the weekend. I finally finish up getting ready for the long day. After my meeting with Kings, I'm meeting Teddy. I'm looking forward to getting to know him. He writes me, but it's isn't the same. Afterward, I have a meeting at DG Potions. It's going to be another long day.

21 April, 2010 – 1:22 P.M.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Hogsmeade, Scotland, United Kingdom

Hermione Granger

"But wait, you're Hermione Granger?! My godmother is Mia Granger, she lives in America. Gran, you said I would get to meet Mia today!"

I laugh, "I thought, I supposed to meet Edward Remus Lupin, my godson. Where is he? Andromeda who is this Teddy person?"

Teddy scoffs, "Teddy is my informal name."

I point to myself, and say, "Her-My-A-Knee. Mia is my informal name as well."

His eyes bulge and he opens his mouth in shock. "Merlin, can you come to all my classes with me? No one will ever believe THE Hermione Granger is my godmother. They don't care about Harry, everyone knows Hermione Granger id the real hero and won the war for Harry. I'll be a legend!"

I huff and look at Minerva, "Theo did this?"

Minerva smirks, "Is it not true, Miss Granger?"

I look back to Teddy, and simply say, "Teddy, Harry defeated Tom Riddle. His brave actions won us the war. I was simply his friend."

Teddy, says, "That may be true, but everyone who talks about the war, says Hermione Granger was the brains behind the Golden Trio. Everyone knows it's not the fighter who is the real hero, but the General."

I smile at Teddy and say, "Then the real hero is none other than Remus John Lupin. He was the leader of the Order of the Phoenix the last year of the war."

Teddy smirks, "Nice try. Gran already told me the three of you went missing the last year of the war, my father didn't know where the Golden Trio was."

I gently say, "Teddy, Remus was one of my tutors, and taught me everything I know. Your father's intelligent mind taught me to be a critical thinker. Your brave, loyal, and quite clumsy mother taught me how to fight, and she saved my life. Teddy your parents are the true heroes of the war. I simply did what I needed to do to make sure Harry, the hero, lived. Now are you ready for presents?"

He hugs me, and I realize I made him cry and I feel like an asshole, "Thank you, Mia. Thank you for telling me about my mum and dad."

I lean out to face him, and wipe away his tears, "Oh Teddy. I'll always tell you anything you want to know. I know I've been away and we need to learn so much about each other, but I love you. You're my first godson. You come from two people who helped shaped me to be who I am. I owe them everything. I think once we get to know each other better, you and I will be great friends."

He smiles, "I guess we can be friends, but not until I'm older. Friends don't buy each other as many cool things godparents buy. Casper only gets me Cauldron Cakes and Sugar Quills. Hillary and Victiore only buy me Chocolate Frogs. My friends never give me awesome things like Broomsticks, magical warming gloves, or the miniature train set you bought me when I was little. Speaking of Chocolate Frogs, I have 10 Hermione Granger Cards. One day will you sign them? I bet a signed Hermione Granger card would get me awesome trades!"

I smile, "Teddy, I still buy nice gifts for my friends. I'm glad you like the gifts I send you. I'll sign your Chocolate Frog cards one day when you have them with you."

He smiles and asks, "There's a Hogsmeade weekend this weekend. First Years are allowed to go as long as they have good grades. Will you come to Hogsmeade on Saturday and meet me?"

I take his hand, "I would love nothing more. How about you and I meet at The Three Broomsticks at noon and I'll buy you Shepard's Pie and butterbeer?"

He smiles, "That will be amazing! Casper is my best friend, and he'll love to meet Hermione Granger too! Merlin, this is going to be amazing!"

Minerva interrupts, "Mr. Lupin, I allowed to come to my office to meet Miss Granger during your free time, however you have Charms in ten minutes."

Teddy frowns, and says, "Okay. Mia I have class. I'm glad we finally got to meet. I'll see you Saturday."

I give him a big hug, "I'll see you Saturday, Teddy. I'll give you your presents then."

Teddy takes his leave and Andromeda gives me a hug, "Oh Hermione, thank you. Hearing about Dora and Remus from you is so comforting. He loves the stories you send about them."

"I miss them. I think about them and Sirius everyday." I then pull out the vault key. "This is for Teddy. It's for vault 1823. Sirius left me a vault, and I thought I would forward it to Teddy."

She smirks, "How fitting, my dowry vault. Does it still have 250,000 galleons?"

I sheepishly smile and say, "It now contains two million galleons for Teddy. I didn't know if you would want him to have access to it now or when he comes of age."

She shakes her head, "You are too much like Ophelia. She told me she would give me five million galleons and left me twenty million. You and she were always so much alike, I'm surprised you didn't figure Viola out years ago. I'm so sorry for not visiting you in America. Ophelia, begged me not to."

I'm taken aback. Why would she do that, "I don't understand. Why would she care of you visited me?"

She smiles, "Because she was hoping you would give in and come back Home before now."

I sigh, "I don't understand why she wouldn't tell me. I know she couldn't because of the Death Eaters, and the promises she made on her magic, but she had years to tell me."

Andromeda takes my hand and says, "She didn't tell you because your father asked her not to."

I remember the memory of her taking to my father with the Resurrection Stone, "It still doesn't explain why she wouldn't tell me."

Andromeda smiles, "Ophelia loved your father more than anyone. She always respected him and his boundaries. Surely you noticed this about her in the memories you viewed." I nod and she continues, "She once told me she did anything he asked of her because she loved him so much. Didn't you see that about her in the memories?"

I nod. "She bought me two Abraxans when I was six months old and when she introduced me to them at the Castle she said I couldn't ride one until I was eighteen. In the memory I viewed, she did this because my father asked her to wait until I was eighteen. She bought me a tiara the day after I was born and she left it in a personal vault. My dad said she couldn't give it to me until I was 30. She left it in the vault and wrote in her note now that you are thirty, you may have it. I saw the memory of when he asked her to obliviate him and Mum. She did so without hesitation."

Andromeda smiles, "Even in his death she did everything he asked. She came to me that day a sobbing mess and told me she used the Resurrection Stone to ask him what to do. I didn't know she took it. She explained her relationship with Richard. She always felt guilty for his magical core being damaged and did everything he asked within reason, out of love for him."

I wipe my eyes. "Thank you for helping me understand."

Last Friday when I saw Andromeda at The Leaky Cauldron when I first arrived home, she had asked what made me change my mind in coming home. I told her about the memories Draco had brought me. We couldn't really talk then. I was a bit overwhelmed then.

Andromeda smiles, "Did you know she was on the Board of Governors for Hogwarts?"

I shake my head, "I didn't know, but it doesn't surprise me. Ophelia was on the board for St. Mungo's and ran an orphanage as well. Are you telling me those positions are mine now?"

Minerva says, "Miss Granger, the Dagworth's and the Granger's were part of the first graduating class at Hogwarts. The Dagworth-Granger's hold two seats and two votes for the Board of Governors. They went to Ophelia when her husband died, and they are yours if you choose to take them. I believe the same is true of St. Mungo's Hospital. The Grangers were largely responsible for it's existence and have been on the board since it was established in 1640. The wizarding world was preparing to separate from the muggles during that century. The Grangers put in a lot of money to help establish the hospital with exclusive rights to supplying them with Potions for 300 years. I believe they renewed the contract in 1940. Hermione, this your legacy. I know you ran away from everything here with good reason. It doesn't negate the fact that this will always be home. I carry so much guilt from what we put you through when you were so young and vulnerable. You deserved to be young while you were young. You carry the power to make sure Hogwarts is everything it needs to be for future generations. Our changes are fairly new, but I truly believe with you in a lead role in our society, the changes will be permanent. Most of your generation have already taken seats on the Board of Governors. Mr. Potter, Mr. Prewett-Weasley, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Longbottom, Miss Bones, and Mr. Pucey are the newer members to the Board. They are making great strides in our education system. Hogwarts M.A.S.T scores are on the rise. Andromeda is one of our many staff to the five through ten age group. The prejudices are almost eradicated in those ages. Our society will only improve. Please think about taking this role. Our society needs it's hero. I know you downplay your role, but Hermione you are the hero. Harry did defeat Lord Voldemort, but he would have never done so without you."

I sigh, "That's simply not true Minerva."

She smirks, "I have it on good authority it is." She reaches into her desk and pulls out an article dated 31 July, 2002. That reads,

" Happy Birthday to The Chosen One."

By: Theodore T. Nott

Today marks the 22nd birthday of Mr. Harry Potter. He's is a household name in wizarding Britain. Harry Potter defeated He-who-must-not-be-named four years ago on 2 May, 1998. He currently is protecting our citizens from dark wizards as an Auror for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He recently solved the case behind threats to our very own Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shackelbolt. Wizarding Society is once again in debt to our hero Harry Potter. Mr. Potter also serves the wizarding community by serving in his family seat on the Wizengamot.

The Daily Prophet (TDP) : Mr. Potter, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. I understand you have been reluctant in recent years to give interviews, can you tell me why?

Harry : I really am trying to move on from the celebrity of the Golden Trio. It was a very long time ago and I feel it's time to look forward to the amazing changes our society has been making.

TDP : Is it true you have lost touch with the other members of the Golden Trio in recent years?

Harry : Hermione, Ron and I were very good friends while in attendance at Hogwarts. Hermione Granger to my knowledge left the country. Ron Weasley and I have lunch at least once a month. He spends a great deal of time travelling. My duties as an Auror take up a great deal of my time. We get together when time permits.

TDP : Ronald Weasley's exploits have been well documented in magazines around Europe. You say, Hermione Granger left Great Britain. Have you kept in touch?

Harry : (Harry shifts uncomfortably) I have not been able to locate Hermione Granger since she went missing in August of 1999.

TDP : She is missing? Has there been missing persons investigation to find her whereabouts?

Harry : Yes. There is an open case with the DMLE, though I am not on the case as it's a conflict of interest.

TDP : Is it possible she left the country after the very public break-up with the very famous recluse Draco Malfoy?

Harry : [redacted] Hermione lost her entire family to Death Eaters. She sacrificed her adolescence to keep Ron and I safe by studying constantly. Hermione was very powerful, and fought dark wizards with knowledge and skills beyond my comprehension at the time. She is the only reason I survived the war.

TDP : I apologize for upsetting you. People called Hermione Granger the brains behind the Golden Trio, are you saying she was more than simply the brains?

Harry : Listen! You [redacted, I did not agree to this interview so [redacted]. Hermione Granger was the reason we won the war. Her brilliance, heart, and resourcefulness, are the only reasons we won the war. It was her courage and planning that lead us to ultimately defeating Tom Riddle. Everything I had done, everything I know, I own to Hermione Granger. This society used her and cast her out because she is a muggle-born. She was refused a Level 6 job with the Ministry because of her blood status. She was offered an Assistant Head for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures by our very own Minister of Magic Kingsley Shackelbolt. She would have made so many strides to help magical beings in the Department. The Ministry lost a treasure and the brilliance of Hermione Granger when they didn't allow her that position. She would have done so many things for the betterment of our society. She may not have been the Chosen One, but she is the real hero of the Golden Trio.

TDP : I'm not sure if that is entirely accurate. I have it on good authority you were head of a secret defense class in your Fifth Year at Hogwarts. Many people commend your abilities in teaching students from Third Years to N.E.W.T. level students in defense during that year. Surely a hero is someone who teaches other students to defend themselves, wouldn't you agree?

Harry : I do indeed agree. On Hermione's sixteenth birthday she asked me to lead the D.A. She feared no one would listen to her because she was a muggle-born. She had the entire plan laid out for us including a place to hold the meetings. She asked me to teach the plans she laid out and would practice with me on the day before the meetings to help me understand what I was teaching. It was all Hermione. She charmed the paper we had everyone sign to curse anyone who betrayed us. Hermione created coins with the protean charm to communicate with all the Defense Association members.

TDP : I thought you called yourselves Dumbledore's Army not the Defense Association.

Harry : It was originally suggested to call it Defense Association, but grew to Dumbledore's Army. In hindsight, it was never an army for Dumbledore. It was a way for students to get a practical education with defense and dueling.

TDP : Hermione Granger came up with this idea on her own?

Harry : Yes. She argued if I had to face Lord Voldemort, I needed to be apt in dueling and defense. She was the force that drove all of our decisions. She started brewing polyjuice in Second Year. It was perfected by the time we went on the run. It was her skills and planning that allowed us to infiltrate the Ministry and Gringott's to get the [redacted] to help us win the war. It was her intelligence and planning that allowed the Golden Trio to go on the run. I owe my life to Hermione Granger. She is my hero.

TDP : I guess the wizarding world owes a great debt to Miss Granger. What would you say to her if she were to read this?

Harry : I would say, "I miss you. You're my only family and I think about you every day. I hope you have found peace. I owe you my life. I love you so much."

TDP : Thank you. We do indeed owe a great deal to Hermione Granger. What does Harry Potter want for his birthday?

Harry : *Laughs* I believe my good friends are planning a nice dinner this evening. I'm not sure if they will get me presents, but being together is enough for me. We met last night for my friend Neville Longbottom's birthday. I expect the same kind of celebration; good friends, good food, and great conversation.

TDP : Excellent! For our lady readers, I must ask, is there a special lady in your life at the moment?

Harry : *laughs* Not at the moment. I work long hours and it doesn't seem to leave much room for dating. I have a great many friends to spend my free time with. Dating isn't a priority at this point in my life.

TDP : Well ladies you've read it here. Our Chosen One hasn't chosen any special lady, yet. There is still hope for you single witches. Harry one last question, what changes would you like to see the Wizengamot make in the next year?

Harry : I would like the archaic laws prohibiting muggle-born equal rights to be eradicated. It's time to embrace our differences and treat every magical person with justice and fairness. It's time to embrace magic for it's beauty in all witches and wizards.

TDP : It would be a shame to lose another brilliant citizen such as Hermione Granger again. Thank you taking the time out of your busy schedule to allow this interview. The Daily Prophet as well as a great many of our readers wish you a very happy birthday.

I hand the paper back to Minerva. I cannot believe this absolute shit was printed in The Daily Prophet. The whole interview seemed orchestrated. I will need to ask Harry about it. It doesn't make sense he would downplay his role. He lost just as much as I did, if not more. I grew up with loving, supportive parents. He was abused by his aunt and uncle.

I shake my head unable to talk. Andromeda and Minerva are watching me anticipating my answer. Coming back was a mistake. I haven't even been here a week and I'm being roped in by all of this responsibility. First it was The Magical Beings Council, which I still haven't taken the time to read all of the information I received yet. Then it was St. Mungo's when I was asked by the director, James Bonham, to join the Board when I donated the money for Ginny Weasley's surgery. Now it's to take my seat with the Board of Governors. I left here for a variety of reasons. I love America. I love the life I have created there and I do not understand why I am even contemplating taking all this responsibility I didn't sign up for.

I look at Minerva, "Are you going to tell me next I have seats with The Wizengamot too?"

Andromeda laughs, "Actually the Dagworths and the Grangers were original members of The Wizengamot, and should you petition with them, both of those seats are rightfully yours."

Of fucking course they were! Fuckity, fuck, fuck! I deadpan, "Right, of course."

Minerva comes around her desk and scoots an extra seat close to me. She takes my hand, "This one article, spurred a string of articles honoring you. The Wizarding Community gave testimony to the power of our muggle-borns. Hermione, Ophelia Dagworth-Granger was a lot of things, but the woman loved you fiercely. You do not have to take on any of these responsibilities. She didn't leave them to you in her will. She made it very clear to myself and Andromeda she wanted you to choose. If you do not want any of these positions, you do not have to take them. These boards may offer the seats to others that may apply to fill them. Ophelia asked Andromeda and I to talk to you about these positions to give you opportunity to take them if you wish. Little Hermione Granger may have identified as a muggle-born witch. However Mia Granger grew up into a successful, talented witch who fought and won a war. She deserves the right to have a say in the society she fought so hard to keep safe from evil. You don't have to make any decisions today or even in the next month. The decision however is yours. You have the option to still walk away."

I lean in and give her a hug, and say, "I'm just very overwhelmed right now. I haven't had a lot of time to process the many changes that have occurred. I completely underestimated the time it would take to settle her estate. I only found out a week ago that Ophelia was completely integrated in my life in ways I never knew before now. She moved in next door to my parent's house when I was a baby. She told us she was Wilhelmina Ward, her name meant protective guard. Then I find out she was Viola Davies. Where did that name come from?"

Minerva purses her lips together, then says, "I believe the name came from Augusta Longbottom's grandmother, whom was once good friends with Ophelia."

I laugh and shake my head, "That is why you were so curt with her the first day we met at Dagworth Castle."

Minerva purses her lips again, and says, "Indeed."

21 April, 2010 - 3:20 PM

DG Potions and Holdings

The Welland Valley, Northhamptonshire, England

Conference Room

Hermione Granger

I had a lovely time with Andromeda and Minerva this afternoon. We reminisced over stories of Ophelia. They both loved her a great deal. I'm still perturbed she manipulated Andromeda into not visiting me all these years. I missed out so much on Teddy's life because Andromeda felt a responsibility to Ophelia. I told them I would think about joining the Boards, but I had a great many things to handle first. They understood. If I did this it would be even more of my time I don't have. Being the Morrigan is only a one day a month commitment. The others are more complicated because I'd have to assist with fundraising.

I'm currently sitting in the conference room waiting for Draco and Theo. I'm about ten minutes early to our meeting. I notice a copy of today's Daily Prophet, and the Headline reads, "Alien Abduction? Rita Skeeter Returns." I roll my eyes then fold the paper back up, and toss it to the other side of the table.

The meeting with Kingsley went mostly well. There is however a very large hiccup. The teleportkey system is regulated by the I.C.W. They run the background checks and determine who is allowed to travel where. Some countries such as China do not allow the teleportkey system to be used to anyone outside of Chinese citizenship. Their teleporkeys are highly regulated. Where as Americans can pretty much use the system anywhere in the world, with few exceptions. Because this is regulated by the I.C.W., they are unlikely to be responsive to the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom or rather the Ministry of Magic own the I.C.W. over one billion galleons in back dated fines since the 1930's. They have been fined heavily for their continued prejudices of muggle-borns, for their lacking education system, and for multiple crimes, including the breaking the Statute of Secrecy multiple times during both wizarding wars. The fines did not completely stop until the Hermione Granger Act passed in early 2004. The Ministry of Magic has only managed to pay 50,000 galleons in back fines since 2004. Because these fines are so severe, the I.C.W. refuses to offer any assistance to the United Kingdom. It is why during both Wizarding Wars we didn't receive any assistance from the I.C.W. I have the money to pay the fines, but I resent having to do so. It really would take 20 years before I see any profits from this stupid rock.

My thoughts are interrupted by Draco coming in the room. I stand as he enters and he smiles. I walk over to him and give him a hug. His arms engulf me, and it's the most amazing feeling. I didn't realize I needed this. I hold him for a minute, and he pulls me closer.

He kisses my temple, "Hi Love. How did your meetings go today?"

I laugh, "They were quite interesting. Our team is going to start surveying the land. I just need to find or purchase some warehouses. The Ministry owes over one billion in fines to the I.C.W. so the teleportkey system is on hold indefinitely. I got to meet Teddy. I am meeting him in Hogsmeade this weekend."

He takes my hand. I look up at him, "I'll be happy to accompany you to Hogsmeade. I am yet to give Teddy his birthday presents."

How does he know Teddy? Oh, Andromeda has been in contact with her sister. "I didn't realize you were close to Teddy."

He laughs, "He's my second cousin Mia. I don't have much family, only Andromeda and Teddy. Unless I count Potter, who is my third cousin, which I don't."

I laugh. "He's still family, Draco. You're friends with him."

He scoffs, "We are acquaintances at best."

I giggle. I place my hand on his cheek and caress it with my thumb. "You absolutely suck at lying to me Draco Malfoy."

"Hey fuckers! You two are exhibiting an extremely unprofessional distance. I will have to contact H.R. immediately."

We look over and Theo and Sasha are taking their seats. "Hi. Sasha why are you here?"

Theo puts his arm around her and states, "She is my very intelligent, unpaid gorgeous business manager. I need her."

I laugh, "Fair enough. Sasha as my paid employee, just remember your loyalties."

She laughs, "I helped Theo with his plan, babe. Don't worry, you'll always be my first love." She says with a wink.

I shake my head. "Shall we begin?"

Theo stands up and presents us with a PowerPoint presentation on paper. "As you see I have divided the revenues of each of our portions of the business. The publishing companies and the Potions portion of the business generate the majority of the revenue for the company. Granger's portion is quite small considering she has 51% of the company. Her portion of the business pays salaries, but the majority of her profits go directly to her vaults. Mine and Draco's portion generate approximately 55 million galleons per year. I know Draco and myself would like to make major career changes while keeping our interests in the company. I propose the following. We hire the Singh's to act as Co-C.E.Os for the company as a whole…."

Theo suggested we combine all of or portions back into the business and draw salaries as controlling entities of the business. He suggested we hire a board of advisors who have no power in the company. Because the controlling bodies, Theo, Draco, and myself would still hold all of the interest in the company. The board would basically be the checks and balance of the C.E.O.s. I suggested we redirect profits of my portion back into the business for expansion and advertising. We would each be paid a salary of 5,000,000 a year as long as we continue or improve the current revenue. We would also get end of the year bonuses based on profits.

I ask, "Does anyone know the situation with the four quidditch teams I own?"

"They are the worst in the league. We would need to find out how they are managed. It might explain why they aren't doing as well. If the Singh's are the managers of the teams, they might not put as much priority on the teams as someone who is knowledgeable and loves quidditch. India has never been supporters of quidditch. Even the wizards from India prefer cricket over quidditch." Draco smiles and continues, "If you had someone knowledgeable about Quidditch, I'm sure the teams would thrive. I know a couple retired professional quidditch player who would be excellent managers of the teams. If you decide to go that route."

I nod, "I will take it into consideration. I like this idea. I don't think we need to split up the company. I would like to meet with the Singh's. Wait are these the Singhs married to Padma and Pavarti?"

Theo smiles, "Yes, and their father. They are honest, hardworking, and fair."

After further discussion we decide to meet again next week to finalize the business plan and meet with the Singhs. This meeting wasn't what I expected. Draco admitted he would like to further his research on potions. He has been tweaking some of the potions over the years. He said he would like to get a Mastery in Potions. Theo wants to be free to follow Sasha to the ends of the universe. I need to be able to run my company. We talked for an hour tossing out names for the advisory board, though the majority of names were friends.

As we are packing up and finishing the meeting Draco asks, "What are you plans this evening?"

Theo cuts in with, "Drake, how dare you! Wednesdays are sacred."

I must look confused, because Draco hugs me close to him and says, "I was only inquiring to make conversation."

I laugh, "Wednesdays are sacred, huh? Well don't worry your pretty head, I have a date with two gorgeous red heads."

His brow furrows, and he licks his bottom lip. Gods I want his tongue all over me. "Blokes night at The Leaky is tradition." He kisses my forehead and continues, "Remind Colton he is welcomed to join and give Freddie and Roxy a wonderful evening."

I giggle, he has me, "I certainly will."

He squeezes me closer to him and says, "Will you accompany me to dinner this Friday?"

He's so fucking beautiful, "I would love to."

He steps back an takes me hand, "I will pick you up at 7." He takes my hand and kisses it, "I'll see you then, love."

I smile, "I'll see you, Friday." I lean forward and kiss his cheek. Ugh. I want to lick his whole body. I apparate away to get ready for my night with Roxy and Freddie Prewitt.