Albus Dumbledore was tired. Dealing with Tora Greengrass was nerve-wracking to say the least. Then there was the pressure of Harry Potter being missing. It had been a week since both students vanished and Albus was quite surprised that such news hadn't made the front page of the Daily Prophet yet.

Suddenly his floo flared, the Minister's face appearing.

"Albus, are you there?" The Minister called

"Ah Cornelius, please step through." Albus replied

The Minister's face disappeared before the fire flared larger emmiting a short rotund man. Green bowler hat in hand the man dusted the soot of his shoulders before turning to address the Headmaster further.

"Albus, what's this news I hear about Harry Potter being missing?"

Before he could answer a knock sounded at his office door.

"Enter." He called

Door swinging open, Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape entered the office. Both briefly acknowledged that the Minister Cornelius Fudge was standing in the room before returning their attention to the Headmaster.

"The patrols have come up empty yet again Headmaster." Snape drawled

"I'm telling you Albus it's time to involve the Ministry. Inform the Aurors, let them conduct the search. The fact that the Minister is here is proof enough that we've done all we can." Minerva implored

"Very well, I do believe you are correct Minerva. That being said you heard correctly Cornelius. Harry Potter is indeed missing. Shortly after the first task it seems. Him along with another student, Ms. Daphne Greengrass have both vanished from Hogwarts grounds without a trace."

"How in the name of Merlin's beard did two students go missing from Hogwarts. Do you have any idea how bad this makes us look to the French and Bulgarians. Especially after the 'Black Incident' last year." Cornelius ranted

"Yes Cornelius, I'm very well aware of the political ramifications that these events pose. But all we know for certain is that both students have vanished without a trace." Dumbledore replied exasperation evident in his voice

"Very well Albus, I'll be informing Amelia about this. No doubt she'll be by later today." Cornelius said floo flaring with his departure.

"Minerva if I may ask you to handle any questions Amelia may have. I have to go meet with the Triwizard contingent regarding our Yule celebration."

"Very well"

With that both professors left leaving Albus alone in his office. With a deep breath he massaged the bridge of his nose. Being old sucked. Maybe he really should just retire. Foist off his postions and their subsequent responsibilities to others. Minerva could make a great Headmistress.

-TGE-

Goldaxe was sat in his office when a knock sounded at his door.

"Enter." He called

In walked the bank manager Ragnok, following him was a phalanx of nine armored Hoplites. Hoplites were goblins that were chosen to be the king's personal guard. They were bigger and stronger than normal goblins. To be chosen as a hoplite was considered one of the highest honor a goblin could achieve. To be made a Centurion was the only thing considered a higher honor. Centurions were captains of their phalanx.

Among the Hoplites was the king of the horde himself. Arktis the Backbreaker. The king was massive and that was saying something considering Goldaxe's own stature. The king standing at a whopping five feet tall.

Goldaxe dropped into salute upon the king enter his office. Kneeling on his right knee, his fist over his heart Goldaxe spoke.

"Horde King Arktis, how many I be of service?" He asked

"Relax old friend. I've come to inquire about the boy you've sponsored." Arktis said in a rather silky voice for a goblin

Seating himself in front of the desk Arktis motioned for his guard to relax and for Goldaxe to retake his seat. Ragnok was dismissed and returned to his duties.

"Now I've read your filed reports on the dealings with Mr. Potter. But no matter how many reports I read it won't tell me a thing about the boy himself. Of course I'm sure you're no doubt ready to defend and debate your choices. So please tell me why you offered use of our runic time chamber." Arktis said

Goldaxe took a second to gather his thoughts. Arktus and him were old friends. They fought in the last 3 goblin rebellions together. Goldaxe seconded Arktis when he challenged the previous Horde King for the throne. He knew that Arktis was asking this as a king looking out for his people. Goldaxe knew how much his friend trusted him but both knew Arktis would always put the horde first at anybody's expense.

"I know you're worried about Horde secrets falling into unsavory hands. And it is a justified concern. But that boy is not like normal wizards. Something about him is special. It reminds me of when you challenged Skörgrim for the throne. You changed the horde for the better thay day. Come let me show you some memories he's provided for me. It'll help you understand what I'm saying." Goldaxe explained

Arktis rose to watch the Harry's memories of fighting the basilisk, using his patronus to repel the dementor horde, and his fight with the elder horntail. Immediately Arktis could see what Goldaxe spoke of. The boy had a will stonger than goblin forged steel. And he seemed to have no problem spilling blood should the need arise.

"I see what you mean, the boy is indeed special. Continue your efforts Goldaxe, though be warned any more spillage of horde secrets won'tbe excused lightly."

With that Arktis left the office his guard in tow. Goldaxe let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Revealing horde secrets as serious as the runic time chamber was a dangerous gamble. If Arktis viewed it as treason or anything similar there's no doubt Goldaxe would be finding himself in the pit by tonight at the latest.

AN: so the Minister and by extension the Ministry are now aware of Harry and Daphne being missing. The DMLE will be more involved next chapter. Also the goblins while technically helping Harry arent going to be super friendly as a whole. This wont be some friend of the goblins wank fic. Goldaxe respects Harry because what he has done. Arktis doesnt necessary respect Harry but he respects Goldaxe enough to leave it be. Plus Harry has to pay for everything. Other goblins will have minimal story time and are more background pieces such as the hoplites.

Also next chapter will cover harry and daphne replying to the letters they recieved.