There won't be much fluff for a while, but I do have some more shippy (mostly) feel good shorts under the collection I Will Not Explain. I will warn you there is competition meta junk before each story which I know bugs some people. The pairings mostly center around Cedric, Viktor, and Hermione. If you want to find specifics I have pairings and prompts listed as the chapter titles. You may ask "why not post them as separate stories?" and the answer is "I'm lazy."
"You're picking up on this fast," said Robbie after their rehearsal. "I bet the judges will think we've been doing this for months."
Hermione sipped her water. "That's good."
"You know, our chemistry has gotten way better," said Robbie. "But I bet you're picturing your boyfriend when we dance. What does he think about all this?"
"I don't know, nor do I care," she lied, keeping her voice cool. "We split a few months ago."
"I'm sorry to hear that." He stood. "Anyway, think about what you want for breakfast."
Hermione waved and went to shower and change. It was eccentric toy maker day, so she was outfitted in slacks and a vest that were a lovely shade of orange. She paired it with a white bishop-sleeve blouse and a shiny blue bow tie. She couldn't do the spell that would style her hair, but it still looked good pulled back.
"Well, that's quite an outfit," said Robbie when she stepped out. "Now I feel underdressed."
"I have a meeting today," she said. "An important one. Besides, my cousin went overboard making me outfits and it seems a waste not to wear them."
"I suppose you're right," he said.
They stepped out and Hermione turned to the Order member tailing her so Cecilia wouldn't have to run herself ragged. She waved at them.
"Who's that?" asked Robbie.
"My bodyguard."
He laughed. "Good one." He paused. "Wait, you don't joke. Why do you have a bodyguard?"
"Some guy tried to kill me and he hasn't been captured yet," she said. "My parents are only giving me this much freedom with the condition that I have a chaperone."
"So I guess dating is out of the question," he said and his cheeks turned pink. "Not that I'm implying— I mean— the thought crossed my mind— I mean—"
Why were the boys falling over her? Was she just that pretty now? Or did they sense when a girl was emotionally vulnerable and jump in? At this point, Hermione wasn't sure if she was accepting dates out of desperation or spite. Probably spite. He dated half the girls in school, why shouldn't she casually date too?
"I mean, if you're alright with chaperones tailing behind us, I'd be game," she said. "But don't expect anything serious or long term. I'm going back to school in September and I don't do long distance."
His jaw dropped. "Wait, seriously?!"
Perhaps it was revenge.
"Yes."
He laughed. "Okay. Er, starting now?"
"Starting now. I still have things I'm working on, but I'm free a few days a week, so we can just go out after rehearsals."
"Great, um, the teen dance clubs open at four, maybe we can do that this weekend."
"Sounds fun. Dancing is my favorite." Smiling came easier now.
She was fine. She wasn't falling apart. She was out here living her best life.
Breakfast felt like it always did. Robbie seemed shy and uncertain like she'd laugh and say, "just kidding!" The thought crossed her mind. But it was just for a couple weeks. They'd split when she went back to school. Happy for the experience, not hurt. And they'd go their separate ways to their separate lives.
"What's it like?" asked Robbie. "Having magic?"
"Well… most people don't even realize they have it," she said, pushing her scrambled eggs around her plate. "The kids at school, they treat it as if it's just some dumb thing they have to learn like maths or reading."
"And you?"
"I'm constantly aware of it," she said. "I always feel it. Coursing through my veins. Magic was so important for me to learn because I thought I wouldn't be alone." She lifted her head. "And I'm not. I have some of the best friends I'll ever have thanks to magic. Cool and interesting people, many who thought they were alone, too."
He hummed. "If I had magic… do you think we would've been friends at school?"
"Most likely," she said and thumped his foot with the tip of her shoe. "Assuming you didn't find me too much trouble. I have a penchant for shaking things up, you know?"
"I can see that about you," he said. "Let me guess… activism club?"
"That's right. Well, it's more like a society with three hundred members in Brazil, Britain, and Bulgaria. I'm starting with the B's first and working my way around."
"Strange places. Why Bulgaria?"
"My cousin's boyfriend was one of the first members and that's where he lives." She tipped her head. "You were sending choreography to Hogwarts. If you knew the whole time about magic, why didn't you say anything before? I would have told you anything you wanted to know."
"Magic was just something my dad did," he said. "I didn't have the ability, so why obsess over something I can't have? Mum just wanted me to know my heritage."
"That's fair," she said.
"You don't seem surprised that I know."
"When I mentioned Castelobruxo, you and your mum flinched. I never sensed magic in either of you so I assumed family member."
"My uncle works there," said Robbie. "You probably don't know him. João Luna."
"Señor Luna?" said Hermione. "He was my den mother!"
"Really?"
"Yes! I liked him, he was nice."
"I've only met him a couple times. Small world, eh?"
"Super small."
"What are we talking about?" Sirius asked, sitting down.
"What a small world it is," said Hermione. "Hello Sirius. Nice outfit."
He wore long black slacks and a purple satin shirt. His hair was piled up on his head and the whole look made him look younger rather than the haggard appearance he normally had.
"Thank you. I found a trunk of old clothes in the attic and I liked these gloves," he said, holding up his hands to show a pair of lace driving gloves. "I look incredible."
"Those are cute," she said. "I have a pair just like them except they're fingerless. They kinda make you feel like a villain in a period drama."
Sirius picked up the teapot. "Care for some tea?" he added in a whisper, "It's poison."
Hermione cracked up. "Oh, I should have worn my goth outfit so we would match." She looked at Robbie. "Oh, we're being rude. Sirius, this is Robbie my dance partner, Robbie this is Sirius, my foster brother's godfather."
"Pleasure to meet you," he said. "Look, if you need to go ahead to your meeting I can wait for the check."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Alright, see you." She got up and followed Sirius out. They kept their pace and apparated to Grimmauld Place.
"You didn't have to come pick me up," she said. "I would have made it here just fine."
"I know," he said. "I just wished to be witnessed. I spent too long in grubby clothes, I needed a change."
"Well, that's quite a look Nia," said Ginny as they entered the room with the floo fireplace.
"I know right?" she said, striking a pose.
They floo'd from there into Fred and George's apartment above Weasley Wizard Wheezes. Hermione stepped out to find George and Lee waiting, Fred no doubt watching the shop downstairs. Hermione paused and stared at Lee.
"Well, one of us has to change," she said.
He was wearing a vibrant orange suit, though this was paired with the same lime green shirt George was wearing with his magenta suit. Lee looked between them and laughed.
"I told you that was quite a look," said Ginny.
"I make it work," she replied.
"Biscuit?" said George, holding up the plate.
Hermione picked one up, found no spell, and took a bite. She was sure her pupils doubled.
"Blueberry jam? Inside lemon poppy seed cookies?" She stuffed the rest in her mouth. "Mm! Genius!"
"I'll be sure to tell Fred you like them. We've been learning how to cook and bake so we don't bug Mum all the time."
"I think she'd appreciate it if you sent a batch to her," said Hermione, snagging another one for the road.
"Good idea."
"Diagon Alley has gotten pretty dangerous these days," said Sirius as they took the stairs down to the street. "I think you should have gone goth instead of something bright and colorful. It's almost screaming, 'attack me!'"
They stepped out and the same peddler from earlier in the week took one look at Hermione and screamed, leaving behind his wares.
"I stand corrected," said Sirius.
"I never ask to be attacked, but if anyone thinks they've got an invitation then they soon find out they're mistaken," said Hermione.
Still, they hurried down the street to the Antique shop. It was a little hole in the wall, easily blending in with the dull buildings on either side. A couple torn down posters revealed the paint to be faded green. Sirius opened the door for Hermione and she stepped in. The entire place looked like the Lost and Found at Hogwarts except everything was fixed and arranged in some sort of order. There was hardly any room in the shop to move around. Hermione could tell that most of the items had no magic. There was a tall cabinet in the center of the shop that held knick-knacks and tchotchkes, many of which were magical, but on a very basic, non-threatening level. It seemed strange no one had come to the door yet.
Hermione looked down and picked up a set of bells that had fallen to the floor, jingling them.
"I'll be right with you!"
She was shocked at who rounded the corner. Draco Malfoy. He was stretched and thin like he'd been through a taffy puller. He wore a simple uniform of black slacks, a white button down, and an apron. Grasped in his hands was a broom. Oh no… Harry was right. He had a dark mark. Hermione was ready to build up her fire spell when his nostrils flared.
"What do you think you're doing here?! And what the hell are you wearing?"
"Now, now Draco," came a cool voice. "Is that anyway to talk to a customer?"
Narcissa Black entered the room from the office behind the counter. Her clothes were much simpler now, though she still made them look elegant with the way she carried herself. She did seem a little ragged though. She had dark circles under her eyes and kept a hand on the counter in case she needed to lean heavily.
"That's not a customer, Mother, that's Granger."
"We're a shop, Draco, we have to be polite even to those we do not like. Now, Miss Granger is an understanding person and I imagine she will not hold it against you if you try again. What do we say?"
Draco sighed heavily and said through gritted teeth, "Welcome to Antiquities and Oddities, how can I help you today?"
If he was actually a Death Eater surely she'd be dead where she stood. Or was it because she had Sirius with her?
"I… I'm here for a meeting."
"Hello, Cissy," said Sirius. "How's business?"
"Well, we make enough to feed and clothe ourselves," she said. "I think part of that is due to Andy. She swears up and down that she needs chairs for her office or a new couch for the parlor because Nymphadora made a mess on the old one."
"What happened to you?" Draco hissed.
"I got a sense of style," said Hermione. "You should get one."
He turned pink. "I meant your hand, stupid."
"Oh, you care?"
"No, I want to congratulate the guy who did it."
"Draco!"
"It's alright, Ms. Black, it's just friendly banter," said Hermione. "If you must know, the bloke that did this had to be hospitalized, so there's no way to meet him. Anyway, Sirius tells me you can help me find the location of choice items, Ms. Black?"
"Yes, I can locate, but acquiring them might be difficult."
"For now, the location will do."
"Well then, step into my office. Sirius, feel free to look around. If you see anything you like, Draco will be more than happy to assist you."
"Thank you, Cissy. Material objects bring me joy, so I'm sure I will leave with something."
Hermione followed Ms. Black to her office.
"Would you like some tea, Miss Granger?"
"Am I in danger?"
"We are all in danger."
"Well, it's just…" Hermione tapped her left forearm and Ms. Black paled.
"That… is an unfortunate accident," she said tightly. "Please, keep this between us."
"I won't tell if you won't," said Hermione, making an X over her heart.
Ms. Black nodded and crossed her own, the x-mark flashing briefly. "Now, the items?"
Hermione took out the list and gave it to her. She spent a while compiling it. Ms. Black scanned the items. If she was surprised, she didn't let on.
"Some of these haven't been seen in centuries," she said. "I'm surprised you haven't asked me to find Slytherin's locket as well. The Dark Lord was proud of being a direct descendant."
Hermione quirked an eyebrow and removed it from her hair, turning it back. Ms. Black's eyes widened as she dangled it in front of her.
"Is that real?" she whispered.
"Sure is. Would you like to examine it for authenticity?"
"Yes…" Ms. Black put on a pair of white gloves and brought the item over to a table, which had been fixed up with a piece of glass for backlighting and magnifiers. Ms. Black set the locket down and studied it, asking Hermione to open it, while also checking the magic. "How on earth did this get into your possession?"
"By accident," she said. "It really is important we keep this a secret. I mean, I already showed it to Sirius, Professor Lupin, Kreacher the house-elf, my curse-breaking professor, Viktor, Esperanza, Alejandro, Cássia, Márcia, Quripuma, Bernice, Noa, Bembe, Bianca, Paula, Emilia, Abril…" She made a face. "Mm… I really need to get better at keeping secrets."
"Probably."
"I don't think he'd check for its whereabouts in Brazil though," said Hermione. Good thing she at least thought to edit the footage to make it difficult to tell what the vessel for the horcrux was and she had asked that Professor Cotilla-Gallo not say either. "If he's looking for it at all."
"Best not to give him false hope," said Ms. Black. "Well, clearly this is a fake and I cannot believe you would bring such rubbish into my shop."
Hermione took the locket back and returned it to her hair.
"The other items?"
Ms. Black hesitated. "If these items are related to that one… it might be dangerous for me to go looking for them at all."
"What do you want in return?"
"My son has been given a task," said Ms. Black. "If you help him without getting him in trouble…"
"What's the task?"
The door flung open and Draco stomped in.
"Don't bring her into this Mother!"
"Draco, what have I said about eavesdropping on important meetings?"
"Mother, if Granger knew about this she would bring it straight to Dumbledore!"
"No, I wouldn't," said Hermione. "I don't trust Dumbledore farther than I can throw him. Look, I'll just leave you with the list and if you hear anything then call me. Okay?"
"Miss Granger… if you help my son, I will do more than find those items, I will procure them. Whatever it takes."
"I'll keep you posted," she replied. "This is a lovely place, mind if I look around for a birthday gift for my mum?"
"Very well. Ring the bell on the counter when you're ready."
Leaving Draco and Ms. Black to their frantic whispering, Hermione found Sirius staring up at the numerous chandeliers and lamps hanging from the ceiling. He had several items in his arms.
"Ready to go?" he asked.
"No, I was going to buy something for my mum," she said. "Give them a chance to finish their argument."
She poked through the smaller items and went back to the counter with some dust collector her mum would find adorable. Ms. Black and Draco were standing at the register wearing equally icy expressions.
"I'll take this, please," said Hermione. "Gift wrapped."
"Certainly. Sirius, did you find what you were looking for?"
"Absolutely."
"Are those Grandmama's gloves you're wearing?"
"Of course."
"Granger," said Draco. "If you say anything—"
"Why do you have one?" she demanded. "Why shouldn't I report you?"
"He was tricked!" Ms. Black cried. "He has to—"
"Sst!" Hermione waved her hand. "Don't tell unless you plan to involve me and I won't get involved unless Draco consents."
"I do not!" he snapped.
"Then our deal stands. I leave you with that list and if you hear anything, call me." She picked up her bag and walked out of the store. "Did you know?"
"Yes," Sirius murmured. "Narcissa came to me in tears, hoping that I could help, but it's impossible to remove. All I could do was have Kingsley assign an Auror to keep an eye on her. I also gave her an escape route in case of emergency."
"Not to…"
"No. The Burrow. I bought the place. Turned it into backup Headquarters. Keeping it ready for Molly when and if she's ready."
"Okay. You think Draco is a danger?"
"Nah. He's no Death Eater. He didn't even call you the M-word."
That was true.
"Anyway, Remus and Snape will be keeping an eye on him."
They did the rest of her back to school shopping. Sirius insisted on paying for everything and she didn't argue. Once everything was stored safely away in her bag, they went back to the joke shop. Even now there was a steady stream of customers. A disgruntled Ron was carrying a box of inventory to the front.
"Ooh, put to work?" she said.
"Well, apparently someone suggested that if I can't afford the merchandise then I can work for it," he said sourly.
"That sounds reasonable."
Ron lifted the product out and furrowed his brow.
"Well, this isn't right," he said, comparing it to the item on the shelf.
What he held looked like those old perfume bottles with the squeeze thing. He examined it.
"No label." He held it at eye level to look at the liquid inside.
"WAIT RON!" George yelled.
Ron jumped, squeezing the pump, and spritzed the contents right into Hermione's face. She squeaked and covered her eyes.
"Agh! It burns!"
"That's a dud product," said Fred. "Urgh, I thought we relabeled everything."
"Did we do it with the joke label maker prototype that swaps labels?" asked George.
"… shit."
"You shouldn't sell that," said Hermione, rubbing her eyes. "If someone uses it for medications, you could kill someone."
"Yeah, fair."
"What does this prank do?" Ron squawked. "Did I just blind her?"
"No, this was a Wonder Witch product," said George. "It's supposed to measure how much a person is attracted to you, but we can't get it to work right."
Hermione lowered her hands and blinked. There was a rosy glow around Ron. Had he always been that handsome? Oh, she loved him! She loved him so much she could just sing!
"SUGAR PIE HONEY BUNCH!" she belted.
"Er… what?"
She practically floated over to him. "You know that I love you, I can't help myself. I love you and nobody else. Ohh…"
Why was he running away? Maybe she should sing louder! Doing so, she jumped onto him and hugged him tightly.
"I thought you said it was faulty!" Ron shouted above her serenade.
"It is. See, it's supposed to tell you how attracted someone is to you, but we ran into the problem that the more attracted you are to someone, the more hateful you get rather than, you know, blurting out your feelings. This is meant to give couples who already like each other a little… push."
"So what does this mean?"
"That you have a snowball's chance in hell with her once she sobers up."
"No matter how I try, my love I cannot hide— Oh! SUGAR PIE HONEY BUNCH!"
"Make her stop!" Ron begged.
"What's the matter, Ronniekins?" asked Fred. "I thought you were in love with her."
"Yeah, know what? I change my mind. Get her off me!"
"Is it the song?" asked Hermione. "I can sing another one you'd like better, darling!"
"Okay, I can't watch this." George picked Hermione up and carried her to the store room under his arm like a carpet bag.
"I CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING ANYMORE!"
"You used to be a good singer, Nia," he grumbled.
"Take me back to Ron!" she cried.
"He'll meet you right in this closet. In you go!"
She giggled and bounced in. The door shut. What should she do while she waited to see her darling Ron again? Oh! She should sing some more. A song came to mind.
"Here I am. Here I am. And the light is dying." She leaned against the door. "Where are you? Where are you?"
Something didn't feel quite right. She was trying to picture Ron, but all she could see was raven hair and stormy grey eyes.
Eventually, the rose fog cleared from her vision and a headache set in. She leaned against the wall and smacked her lips. Coconut. It was always coconut. She kicked the door.
"You can let me out. I'm good."
The door unlatched and Ron answered looking ready to push her back into the closet the second she showed any attraction.
"Thanks, mate," she said, tapping her brace against his chest.
"Yeah, well, turns out I liked you better when you were repulsed by me."
She snorted and rolled her eyes. "Come on, let's bounce. I gotta get some rest. I have rehearsal in the morning."
"Rehearsal for what?" asked Harry.
"Dance competition. Favor for Robbie. You all should come. It's on the 31st of August."
"Is Robbie your latest fling?" George teased.
"Sort of." She ignored the flinches. "He asked me out, but he knows we're splitting when school starts. Really, we've been dance partners for ten years now. Took a break for a couple years, but his partner broke her leg and you don't necessarily need hands to dance. Unless you use props or you're finger-tutting."
"Nia, there are children here!" said Fred, clapping his hands over Ginny's ears.
"It's a dance-style, lolo. You make abstract shapes with your fingers to hip-hop beats. I'd demonstrate but I'm afraid the only shape I can make right now is tumbleweed."
"I'll be there," said Ginny, smacking her brother away. "Will you be doing the same dancing like you did at the Yule Ball?"
"Yes."
~o0o~
Three days before the dance competition, Hermione received a letter from Gringotts summoning her. It didn't specify what for but there was a vague implication that there was an issue with her vault. Perhaps to cover up the real reason she was summoned from prying eyes.
After rehearsal, she showered and changed into her dark academia outfit. She already had a party outfit to change into for her last date with Robbie at the teen dance club. Their first date they went to the movies while half her family sat three rows back, and the second date they hung around the park watching the b-boys dance battle. Hermione had fun, jumping in and was complimented on her fusion style.
"Nia."
She looked over at Ms. Esparza.
"Yes? Did you need another fitting?"
"No. Your costume is finished." She shifted from foot to foot. "How are things in the magic world? My brother-in-law lives in Brazil so… and, well, those of us without magic have a difficult time keeping up with the news."
"It's not good," said Hermione. "All these mysterious deaths and disasters? They're caused by dark wizards who see anyone who isn't them as inferior. I didn't tell Robbie any of this and he didn't ask."
"He never did pay much attention. He wants nothing to do with anything that isn't dancing."
"Hm. Well, I have missed all this. Competing. Dancing."
"Perhaps when you graduate you could come back to it. If Robbie doesn't get scouted by a company or agent, then you two could continue in the ballroom circuit while he auditions the old fashioned way."
"Maybe. I don't know what will happen though."
Ms. Esparza nodded. "Well. Be safe out there and… don't worry about breaking Robbie's heart."
"Thanks," Hermione said and left the studio.
The space shifted sideways and she appeared in the side room of Gringotts that held apparition platforms and fireplaces. Guess the magic in this place made it so you couldn't apparate anywhere else.
"Oh, wow!"
She looked over at a soot-covered man.
"Are you new here?" he asked, flustered. "Do you need someone to show you around?"
"Keep on steppin'," she snarled.
He paled and scurried off. Hermione jumped down from the platform and strode into the main area. Once again, she approached Griphook. She didn't even need to show the letter, he pointed to the corridor and she nodded, heading that way. He met her at the barrier and let her through.
"How are you today, sir?" she asked.
"About as well as one can be when the world is falling apart."
"I know how that is."
Griphook opened the door for her and waved her in. Once again, the council was gathered. Set up on the table were a simple case, a chest, and a box.
"Good morning," said Hermione. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting long."
"Not at all," said Ragnok, warmer towards her than he had ever been. "You did stay true to your word, Miss Sanchez-Granger. The goblins we sent over to Kilokilo are learning much from Mr. Lim. An opportunity like this hasn't been available to us in a long time and, on behalf of Gringotts, we thank you for arranging this."
"Of course," she said. "I'm glad it's working out."
"To thank you, we made you something that will give you the use of your hands back. Goblins are prone to gnarls, so we make special splints."
The goblin to his right held up her hands to show shining silver rings. Hermione opened the box in front of her to find a full set of ring splints. They were beautiful and finer than anything she'd ever owned in her life. Glimmering in little swirls were some of the troll crystals.
"Oh! Oh, how beautiful," she gasped and removed her brace.
As soon as she lowered her hands to them, they jumped up and slid on. She hissed in pain as her bones and fingers straightened out in both hands, but it soon subsided. Only one section on each splint was not silver and those were the plates against her thumbs. That was smooth and shimmering and she realized that it was the Qirin horn.
"Those books were most helpful," said Ragnok. "You should have no trouble using them as a channel for your magic."
Hermione wiggled her fingers and laughed. Her hands didn't hurt anymore! Her excitement built up and she flapped her hands creating sparks and whirls of color.
"Oh! This is the most wonderful— I don't know what to say except thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
The corner of Ragnok's mouth twitched. "Go on and look at your commission. I hope they are to your liking. Due to the powerful nature of the stones and the venom, we used a rarer type of metal. It seemed a shame to let it continue to collect dust anyhow."
Hermione opened up the case to find three objects. She picked up the rod and held it out, clicking the button on the side. It collapsed into a full scythe that crackled with energy. It had the stone Biggs gave her and she could see a sparkling silver vein running through the black blade. That must have been the venom. She spun the scythe once, minding not to scratch the floor with either sharp end before collapsing it and placing it back. She unsheathed the dagger which also had black metal and a vein of silver. The handle was a white gold studded with tiny gems and the handle was made from an orange stone.
"Beautiful," she whispered and picked up the last.
It was a khopesh, wickedly curved and beautiful. The handle was leather-wrapped gold and there was a vein of gold along the blade on one side and a line of green gems on the other.
"Wow…" she whispered. "This is beyond my expectations. Brilliant."
She sheathed it, placed it away, and closed the case. She brought the chest closer and opened it. Inside were the cut and polished remains of the crystals along with half a vial of basilisk venom.
"Yes, the stones were most interesting to work with," said Ragnok. "We made the dagger and then we couldn't stop. It is nice to craft new wonders with new materials. It was tempting to use all of them."
Hermione looked back at the gems and plucked out one of each. She rolled them around in her hand and pocketed them along with the vial of venom before closing the chest and sliding it over to Ragnok.
"Keep the rest," she said. "We'll call it a gratuity."
He seemed surprised at this, resting his fingers on the lid almost reverently.
"Are you certain you're willing to part with them?"
"Yeah, I mean, with me all they would do is sit on the shelf and collect dust. You can appreciate them for their potential and so, barring the specimens I'm keeping for sentimental purposes, I think you're better off with them. Besides, if I want more I can always go to the Hearthstone and win some more. I'm also friends with the head of crystal production. Know what? Why don't I give you their contact information?"
She summoned a pen and paper and was thrilled to find that even writing didn't hurt.
"Just tell them you're friends of Nia the Dragon," she said.
"How did you come across that name?" asked Griphook.
"I can belch flames better than any troll."
They didn't seem to know how to react to that and decided to move on.
"Well, I hope you find the tools we have made for you useful," said Ragnok. "We will send updates about our kin at Kilokilo. Now, I recommend you practice with those. If you accidentally cut yourself, aside from bleeding quite a bit, you won't face serious harm. The metal is only stronger than the venom. You could drip the rest of that vial on it and all it would do is absorb. We have also forged them in Greek Fire, which is stronger than fiendfyre and only marginally more controllable."
"I'll be sure to practice," she said and bowed. "Thank you for helping me and for giving me my hands back."
He nodded and Griphook escorted her out. She asked to go to her vault and he obliged. There, she took every single copy of every book in Mr. Puckle's vault.
"Please, make additional copies," she said. "I don't want to take anymore from my brother's school fund, so just transfer the cost from my vault in Latin America. It's under Herminia Lotulelei-Sanchez y Granger."
"We'll handle that as soon as possible," said Griphook. "Miss Sanchez-Granger… if you could return the Sword of Gryffindor… would you?"
"You know, I think I would," she said. "It's been such a riff between our communities. What of the tools you crafted for me? Should I write in my will that they go to you?"
"Under normal circumstances we would ask them to be returned to us," he said. "However, given that you have helped by providing materials, they're as much yours as they are ours. Though they are among the best we've ever crafted, we do not claim ownership. You may bequeath them to whomever you wish. However, the best tools are the ones that can be shared by all."
Hermione nodded in agreement.