Chapter 14: Anord
Anger is an emotion that is difficult to control. No matter how level-headed a person may usually be, anger is such a base reaction, such a reflex, that it takes a lot to prevent explosive reactions. The battered elves remaining at Malfoy tended to agree. It had taken them hours to right the living room after Voldemort had his temper tantrum. To the aged elves, that was what it was, a temper tantrum like a toddler would have, except toddlers usually had an excuse. This creature did not. The elves no longer saw Voldemort as a human. To them, he was a wraith. A strange creature of darkness, an entity. They avoided it whenever possible.
The elves had found that the creature was leeching off their masters through their elves' cores. No wonder they felt so exhausted. They still didn't know how he was doing it, but they could feel it. It was subtle but ever-present. None of them felt they could tell their masters without being severely punished and so they tried to eat a few more magical herbs, and while they did help, the drain was always there. They wanted to leave, but their oaths to serve would kill them.
Lord Chang was pacing. He had done a lot of that since he got to the island. He was trying to figure out a sound strategy to put the Anger part of the plan in motion intentionally. He was sure Voldemort was plenty furious already. Potter and his people had managed to save Chyou and sweet Luna literally from under his nose (or lack thereof). Money! We must take their money! He needed to talk to Mr. Lupin and to Lord Black. The sooner they got reinforcements, the better. His friends could get here in about a week once they had found someone to fill in for them in their usual responsibilities, but they needed to start making more progress and for that, they needed the goblins. If they managed to get help from the goblins, they had a high chance to see it through.
After a late talk with Remus the night before, Jing now knew that at least 2 packs of 6 werewolves had joined Voldemort. That was terrible news. Twelve werewolves could fight like three strong men each. It wasn't just that they were strong. They were fast, extremely durable, and resistant to many spells. They also had sharper senses so they could find people under cloaks and recognize them by scents regardless of glamours. Worse still, werewolves didn't believe Remus when he said Harry would fight for their rights in the Wizengamot and he couldn't blame them. They had been lied to and used as pawns for many years.
When he created the mirrors, Remus suggested to Harry that they should send a mirror to Ragnok. Harry and Hermione had been with him, helping him write the notes to their new –hopefully- friends in the east, and the kids agreed. They had a call then.
FLASHBACK
"Ragnok, we need to talk to your leader," Remus said this in his most neutral tone.
This elicited several minutes of goblin laughter which was terrifying because of their sharp teeth. "You want to talk to our leader! That is hilarious!"
The deadpanned look in the men confused the goblin. "Oh... You are serious?"
"Yes. Can you put him on?"
"P-Put him on?! Do you even know who you are talking about?! Our leader is a female!" Ragnok exclaimed with a red face. He then sputtered something that sounded like "These uncultured weaklings!"
"Even better, put her on," Remus replied non-pulsed.
"You are talking about our Queen. One does not simply waltz into her chamber and 'put her on'! She is the Queen of the Goblin Nation around the world! Prime Ministers and Presidents around the globe wait for months to receive a simple letter back!" Ragnok was shocked at the audacity of the humans. "She has never been a fan of wizard gimmicks. This mirror alone could send her into a rage!"
"Somehow, I doubt that. Goblins value good fighting skills and business. The faster you can conduct your business the more gold you earn, and mirrors like this could help with that," Lord Chang frowned. "Tell her that Harry Potter wants to talk to her."
"Why isn't Lord Potter with you, then?"
"Because he is busy. I am sure she can understand. Please tell the queen it is urgent," Remus replied.
"Queen Anord is NOT at your beck and call, humans, but I will tell her."
Sirius pressed, "Please do so right away."
Ragnok rolled his eyes. I am an account manager, not a house elf! He huffed in his mind. Ragnok left the mirror on his desk, and they were treated to 5 long minutes of staring at the ceiling. After that time, a very pale Ragnok reappeared in his mirror.
"The Queen will speak to Lord Potter and Ms. Granger alone."
"Alone?" Sirius blinked perplexed.
Ragnok shrugged, "Alone. It is non-negotiable. She says that she wants to talk to your leader."
"Wouldn't that be Harry, as far as she is concerned?" Remus asked.
"Don't underestimate Queen Anord. She has ways of knowing things..." Ragnok said, mysteriously.
"Ooookay, then, what time?" Lord Chang replied.
"Tomorrow. Your noon," Ragnok replied and closed the connection.
"They will be there," Lord Chang nodded.
"Why did you agree to them talking to her alone? They are going to freak out!" Sirius exclaimed.
"Why didn't you say anything if you disagreed?" Jing asked.
"You said we needed to present a strong front that is in complete agreement with one another!" Sirius threw his hands up in exasperation.
Jing took a deep breath, "I did, and I meant it. We. Need. Gringotts."
Remus sighed, "They can handle it."
"Remus! We need our kids healthy and at peace!" Sirius snapped.
"So?" Jing frowned. He was missing something.
"Have you met them? They have less than 24 hours to prepare to be the first witch and wizard since Merlin knows when to speak to the goblin leader directly and what happens in that meeting will determine the future of this whole fucking war. Need I say that Hermione will want both your heads on a platter!?" Sirius exclaimed.
"One of you tell her. I have a mission that starts before dawn tomorrow," Remus smirked.
"Oh, hell no! Jing agreed, so, he will tell her!" Sirius shook his head.
"I know she's a formidable witch, but why is everyone so scared of her?"
"Scared?" Sirius asked in disbelief.
Remus added, "We are not scared."
The Marauders corrected in unison, "We are terrified."
Jing frowned. "Fine. I will do it."
"May you survive to see the day after tomorrow," Lupin chuckled and left. He needed to get at least a few hours of sleep.
END OF FLASHBACK
On the island, Harry and Hermione collapsed next to Dudley, drenched in sweat as they had never been before. Dudley had thrown up twice and still looked quite green. Right now, they were trying to remind their lungs how to breathe as Sirius finished his last exercise barely alive. Sirius had been punished by their tortu- Ahem... trainer because since he had been berated for how slow his first lap had been, so he had decided to be a smartass and turn into Padfoot for the second lap, but Longwei saw him. He was exhausted already so he couldn't morph back fast enough. When Longwei finally counted 50 to the pushups that Sirius was doing with gritted teeth -and on arms that were shaking like jello- the man collapsed with a grunt.
"You… arsehole!" Sirius panted.
"Don't ever try to trick me again, Black... Now, are you ladies going to need wheelchairs to reach your showers or can you walk?"
"As the only lady here... I have to say, respectfully, sir, fuck you!" Hermione groaned as she stood in one smooth motion, although she did make a pained grimace as her legs stretched. Harry looked at her in pure adoration. Something about Hermione cursing made her even cuter to him.
Longwei chuckled. "Lucky me that you said respectfully... that softened the blow."
"What she said," Harry agreed. He closed his eyes and concentrated and suddenly a zooming sound could be heard as Hermione held out her hands to both boys who took them and stood on shaky legs. "Lucky for me... I don't need to walk."
A brand new Firebolt XT came to hover in front of Harry. The broom seemed to feel that Harry would not be able to lift his leg over it, so it got in between his legs. Harry offered his hand to Hermione who took it as a reflex. She was shocked that Harry had been able to summon his broom without any wand at all. It appeared their trainer was equally stunned because he couldn't even speak. Harry winked and left once he made sure Hermione was comfortable.
Sirius couldn't have kept his jaw in the right position if he wanted. That kind of wandless magic was the stuff of legends... legends like Merlin. His godson should have been too exhausted for normal spells with a wand. For him to be able to casually and non-verbally summon a broom from God knows where in the house was insane. His reverie was stopped by Kreacher who popped to the training area with a huff.
"Kreacher thinks trainer is trying to kill my master… Trainer should remember who prepares his meals," the elf said this with a dangerous glint.
Longwei paled a bit at this, and he stepped away from Sirius.
"Kreacher… do my ears deceive me or did you just defend me?" Sirius asked with teary eyes.
"Don't let it go to your head, master," Kreacher popped them away. He then came back to pop Dudley to his tent and appeared next to Longwei again to hand the man a tall cup of coffee. "An energizing refreshment, sir?"
"Thank you, Kreacher," Longwei smiled and took the cup. Kreacher vanished. The young military man emptied the cup on the sand and covered it with more sand. He would have to watch and check everything he drank or ate now. Kreacher could be a terrifying opponent. Longwei smirked. He would have to run some things by the elf. Kreacher could have interesting ideas. After all, fear of retaliation was sometimes worse than actual retaliation.
"When did you get this broom?" Hermione asked as she closed her eyes and held tightly to Harry's waist.
"Dobby brought it two days ago. I didn't have a chance to use it until now," Harry replied. He was trying to keep the broom from speeding because he didn't want to scare Hermione.
"It's different than the Firebolt, right?"
"Kind of... It's the new model, Firebolt XT," Harry smiled.
"Thank you for not pushing the broom," Hermione smiled against his shoulder. "I know you love your speed."
I love you more. The thought came to his head so fast and so naturally that he almost spoke it out loud.
"Of course," Harry got them into her room through the open balcony doors and put her down in the bathroom which was also open. Hermione gasped. There was a prepared bath waiting for her with fragrant, steamy, bubble-covered water.
"How?"
"I asked Kreacher to run you a bath. I wanted to make sure you could rest your sore muscles," Harry smiled as he got off his broom.
Hermione turned and hugged him tight. "Thank you. That is so thoughtful."
"You deserve to soak the pain away," Harry kissed her sweaty brow and left dragging his shaky legs to his room. He was so exhausted that he didn't even notice the vanishing cabinet in her bedroom.
"You are so sweet, Harry," she sighed, closed the bathroom door and gave herself an hour to soak in the delicious water.
Harry found that Kreacher had also run him a bath. Apparently, every guest bathroom had an optional bath feature that Harry hadn't discovered yet. Whatever the reason, he was glad. He lowered himself to the tub with great difficulty and pain, but once the water covered his aching body, he let out a contented sigh. Longwei wanted to kill them. No, this is what I need. I need to get stronger. He may be a brute, but he is our brute. I will have to tell him not to push Hermione so much. She needs to mend completely from the months of deprivation first. Kreacher came into the bathroom looking pointedly away from Harry's body and handed him 2 vials.
"For your muscle pain and for energy, sir. Mistress Hermione had hers already. Breakfast will be ready for you in 15 minutes," Kreacher informed him.
"Thank you, Kreacher. For the bath and for this. You are doing really good work and I am grateful for all your help," Harry smiled at the elf. "Hermione is really proud of how you have taken to instructing the other elves and running this house."
"Mistress is most kind. Kreacher lives to serve, future master," the elf left with what Harry would have sworn was a blush.
"He's finally warming up to us," Harry chuckled. "Take that Walburga! You thought you had ruined him forever, but he's one of us now!"
"And he summoned his freaking broom from his room!" Longwei exclaimed as he cut his bacon.
"With no wand!?" Chyou asked with wide eyes.
Their parents looked at Longwei expectantly.
"He didn't have a wand and he did it non-verbally! It was so cool!" Longwei replied.
"How is that possible?" Lady Chang asked with wide eyes.
"I am starting to think few things are impossible for Lord Potter," Lord Chang smiled into his coffee. He then felt a bit scared. He still had to tell them about the meeting with the queen. Shit.
Lady Chang lowered her teacup. "But my love... he had just finished leg day. And according to the healer, both him and Hermione are healing from months of deprivation. He shouldn't have been able to do that."
"And yet he did, I would love to study his core. I bet it's fascinating," Lord Chang sighed. If he survived breaking the news, he would have a celebratory cocktail.
"Good morning," Sirius walked into the dining room slowly. "I don't mean you," he narrowed his eyes at the trainer who just chuckled.
"Is my son treating you horribly?" Lady Chang patted Sirius' hand with a commiserating smile when he finally sat down.
"Yes," he pouted, hoping she would tell her son off.
Her face transformed and she smirked. "Good. Sometimes I worry he's getting soft."
Sirius spluttered and Chyou laughed, "Your face, sir!"
"I was hoping for some empathy! Do NOT encourage him!" Sirius exclaimed indignantly.
"Good morning," Hermione walked in.
"You know, Hermione, I have high hopes for you," Longwei smiled.
The witch frowned and narrowed her eyes, "If you did, you wouldn't try to murder me!"
"But you take it so well!" Longwei laughed. "You have a lot of athletic potential. You should have seen her high kicks. Graceful but strong and very fast!"
"I saw her from afar. I thought none of you had any martial arts training," Lord Chang said as he peeled an orange.
"We don't," Harry replied deadpanned as he sat down with a pained grimace.
"I did ballet for several years and I guess my body remembers," Hermione served herself generous helpings of eggs and bacon and did the same for Harry.
"Easy on the bacon," Longwei warned.
"We have bacon two times a week. We just burned enough calories to power an appliance, Longwei. We will eat this bacon. You don't have to like it. You will learn to live with it," Hermione raised a brow at their trainer.
"Yes, ma'am," Longwei replied throwing his hands up in a clear yielding gesture.
"Ha! Finally, someone shut him up!" Sirius sniggered.
"He knows he's only the boss in the training area..." Harry smiled sheepishly.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Hermione asked as she poured herself some tea.
"You are the boss, Hermione," Chyou shrugged with a smile.
"Huh?" Hermione frowned.
"You are Lord Potter's boss and therefore... you are everybody's boss," Lady Chang replied. "Didn't you know that already?" she asked curiously.
"I am not- I- how? Harry!" Hermione sputtered indignantly as Harry laughed.
"It's true. You are my boss."
"I am not trying to be anyone's boss!"
"You are quite bossy..." Sirius laughed and ducked as Hermione threw a piece of toast at him.
"You know what, Sirius? I don't have to hear anything from you... If I was a man, you would just say I have good leadership skills!" Hermione exclaimed with a huff.
"She's right, Lord Black" Chyou agreed.
"It's like I told my cousin, Mione. People think I am some sort of hero and that she's my sidekick, but honestly, it's the other way around. I am your sidekick."
"Harry... You said that to Dudley?" Hermione stopped mid-motion as she added milk to her tea
"Yes."
"Is that why he always looks like he's scared I'll get mad at him or kill him or something?" Hermione's eyes widened.
"No. That's because I told him that if he so much as looked at you in a way you didn't like I would pour a block of cement on his feet and feed him to the sharks," Harry smirked.
"Is that a muggle thing?" Chyou asked, blinking repeatedly. It sounded horrible and excessive.
"Yes. Some criminals used to kill traitors in their ranks by pouring cement on their feet so that when they were dumped in a body of water they would sink," Harry replied in between bites.
Hermione added, "Exactly. Had they known a bit of anatomy, they would have known that all they needed to do was puncture the lungs and the bodies would go down," Hermione replied nonchalantly as she buttered a piece of toast.
Longwei had a coughing fit as she choked on his orange juice. "WHAT?!"
Around the table, everyone looked at Hermione with wide eyes.
"Yeah. They were wasting cement, honestly. Bodies float because of the lungs' capacity to preserve air inside. If you puncture the lungs properly, they will fill with water and the body will plunge into the dark abyss," Hermione bit her toast with a mischievous expression.
"You are brilliant," Chyou smiled proudly.
"But scary!" Longwei added.
Hermione laughed while Harry just stared at her in awe.
"Something tells me that is not the first time Hermione has been called that, is it?" Lord Chang asked as he saw the amusement in Harry's eyes.
"Nope... I mean, you saw my memories, but you should see hers... She set a professor on fire in her first year and it was glorious!" Harry laughed.
The Chang family gasped, and Sirius looked very interested.
"HEY! I did that to save your ass!"
"Which professor!?" Chyou asked with wide eyes.
"Snape!" Harry exclaimed as Hermione blushed furiously.
Sirius let out a loud squeal. He rushed around the table to kneel next to Hermione and held onto her hand, kissing the back of it. "We are not worthy! I hereby extend a formal invitation to become a part of the Marauders! Please! We need you!"
Hermione laughed but rolled her eyes, "Sirius... that's a boys' club."
"Pleeeeeeease!" He pouted and pulled the human version of puppy eyes.
"Ugh... Fine! Your jokes probably need updating, anyway," Hermione patted his head.
"YES!" Sirius grabbed his plate and cup and left. He stared down Longwei, "I have planning to do!"
"I am already scared of what he's thinking," Harry groaned.
"Longwei is the one who should be scared!"
"Me? Why? What are the Marauders?"
"A club of pranksters. Remus, Sirius, and my dad created it with someone they thought was their friend."
"Thought?" Chyou asked.
"He was the Secret Keeper for Harry's parents' location in the previous war. He went dark and told Voldemort. That's how he managed to get to the Potters, murder them, and then try to end Harry's life," Hermione replied.
"That's horrible. I shouldn't have asked, sorry," Chyou blushed.
"Actually, now that we are talking, we wanted to apologize to you..." Hermione replied.
"Me? Why?"
"We've been pronouncing your name wrong since we know you!" Hermione blushed.
"OH! That's ok... I realized quickly that English speakers found it easier to pronounce it as Cho," the girl shrugged.
"We have ridiculous names in English too... like mine... I would have tried hard to pronounce it correctly," Hermione replied.
"I know, Hermione. Thank you, but no hard feelings. You too Harry, it's fine," she smiled.
Hermione was reading on wand core properties in a book she borrowed from Mr. Ollivander. Harry was reading The Art of War. He was fascinated by all the wisdom within. Jing Chang knocked on the door to the library and waited.
"Yes?"
"I need to talk to you," Lord Chang requested.
Harry wished for the door to open, and it did, "Come in, sir."
"I must tell you something. Before you freak out, know that you have all our trust. You are quite smart and well-informed. Plus, you have good manners and a good heart," Jing smiled at them.
"But? Because there's a catch somewhere, right?" Hermione asked, lifting one eyebrow.
"No catch... However, we managed to secure a meeting with Queen Anord, the monarch of golbins. She will speak to you at noon via mirror," Jing winced. He almost expected Hermione to throw the lamp next to her at him. He knew that she wouldn't throw a book. Harry's blank expression told him he was safe from the young man.
In a low tone, Hermione addressed him, "I know you didn't just say you want Harry to meet with Queen Anord in two hours when we have been awake since dawn, and I could have been preparing Harry for the most important meeting of his life!" Hermione's eyes had an angry glint to them.
"Ms. Granger, I am sorry. We didn't think she would agree to such a short timeframe. Ragnok told us that world leaders have to wait months for a reply, but he told the queen Harry wanted to speak to her and she demanded to speak with both of you," Jing replied.
"ME!? Why would she want to talk to me?" Hermione was flabbergasted.
"She seems to somehow know both of you are the leaders here."
"Shit. Kreacher, two calming draughts please," Harry requested when the elf popped in. Kreacher came back and handed both of them a vial. They drank it without a word.
"Ok, Hermione. We got this. Tell me what you know about Queen Anord, Mione. We can't blow this up."
"Well, that went better than I expected," Jing smiled as he walked away.
"We can hear you. It's not that we don't want to kick your ass, sir. We just don't have the time to do so... now," Hermione said loudly through gritted teeth.
Jing's hand hovered over the doorknob, he looked ready to say something.
"You heard her. If you know what is good for you, walk away, sir."
Lord Chang felt a twinge of fear at Harry's cold tone. He left in a hurry.
Garrick sat for five minutes staring out the window. Could it really be? Could these kids have linked cores? But that would mean... No, they are too young, much too young. How could it have happened? Ollivander found himself wishing to know more about the two friends. They had been through hell together and that was a bonding experience but there had to be more. They were clearly in love with each other and loved one another a lot. They moved in sync in a way that people who have been married for long did. They anticipated each other's movements and needs. They knew each other's minds probably better than they knew their own. Garrick sighed. He hoped both kids survived the war so they could enjoy such a special bond. Ollivander took the large package that had been delivered early today. He felt his chest fill with strong resolution.
"I will make you two excellent wands if it's the last thing I do! I will figure out your cores and their needs! No Elder Wand is needed here!"
By the time noon was five minutes away, Hermione had given Harry general information on goblins, their etiquette, their history, their monarch, and most importantly, what angered them so they could avoid angering the queen. Worrying about Remus and Dobby's mission wasn't helping their need to focus. Hermione had been staring at a page in a book on goblin wars.
"Hermione," Harry called for the third time.
"WHAT?!" She snapped and immediately looked embarrassed and apologetic. "I am sorry..."
"Come here," he pulled her up and hugged her fiercely. "You are too tense. Take a deep breath. I got you. No one here could do a better job at this meeting than you."
Hermione melted into his hug, "If I mess up-"
"Mione, do be serious. If anyone messes up, it will be me. We will do this successfully," he said with a pretend confident tone.
Hermione could read him like a book, "Fake it til we make it?"
"Yes, as per usual," Harry smiled and kissed the top of her head. "I've been meaning to tell you something. Hermione, I-"
"Yes?"
The mirror vibrated on the table. Both teens stared at it with hatred but then they saw the clock on the wall. Noon. Showtime.
Harry took the mirror and greeted Ragnok. "Thank you for doing this, Ragnok. I appreciate all the help."
"Lord Potter of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter and Hermione Granger, Your Majesty," Ragnok introduced them and handed his queen the enlarged mirror.
"How does this even work? Do I put it close to my mouth or-?" Queen Aro
"You can just place it at arm's length from your face. That way you can see us, and we can see you," Harry replied. Hermione looked at him, alarmed. Her words came back to him: "You don't address the queen directly until after she talks to you."
"Ragnok, please leave," Queen Anord said as she placed the mirror on her desk. "Lord Potter, Miss Granger, your reputation precedes you," the queen said with a neutral expression. Her voice was deep but strangely velvety. She looked to be younger than they expected. She had several scars and was dressed in dragonhide. There was an intricate gold crown on her head. Hermione's eyes widened. The crown had the Deathly Hallows high up and centered.
"And yours precedes you. May your gold multiply and your enemies fall dead at your feet," Harry replied.
"I have heard much about you," the queen smirked.
"Good things or bad things?" Harry smiled despite himself.
"Just things. I will not classify them until I hear your side of the story."
Harry was stunned. Most people judged him right away. "I appreciate that, Your Majesty."
"Ms. Granger, if I have been informed correctly, you probably wondered as to why I wanted to speak with you too."
Hermione nodded.
"Goblins live in a matriarchal society. I am their queen, yes. But above that, I am the Mother of the Nation. I represent the Mother Land, the future of our race. I am the hand that nurtures and the hand that exterminates."
"Exterminates?" Harry asked. He felt the room grow cold at her tone.
"That filth known as Vold-"
"Your Majesty, no! It's taboo!" Hermione exclaimed and then looked ready to chastise herself.
"The taboo doesn't apply to Gringotts, Ms. Granger. We are... outside of their jurisdiction."
Hermione blushed, "Pardon my interruption."
"That filth known as Voldemort is a plague. It needs to be exterminated as such. We do not believe that males, especially human males, have what it takes to end this. Women do. Lord Potter, as much as I sympathize with your plight, and I really do... I wouldn't have met with you if it wasn't for Ms. Granger's central role in your life and battle," Queen Anord said slowly.
"We appreciate your candor and your decision to meet with us. We were not expecting for you to agree to talk to us right away. We apologize in advance if our ignorance offends you. We are not used to this," Harry smiled at the queen with a blush.
"Worry not. I can see you are quite young, but I would like to know... how old are you?"
"Seventeen," Harry replied.
"Eighteen," Hermione said.
"Dear Diarasi! You are babies."
Harry looked at Hermione to find her as embarrassed as he was. Who is Diarasi? Both assumed it was a goblin deity and didn't ask.
"No need to feel shame. You cannot help your age. I will be frank, Ms. Granger. If it wasn't for you, the goblin nation would remain out of this. Lord Potter, with the respect that I owe you as a fellow warrior, you are not the most strategic of fighters. I grant you that you have significant natural talent and considerable magical power. That is notable for someone your age. However, you tend to be too noble for your own good, and your tendencies to self-sacrifice when you are the key to ending this nightmare is stupid at best and negligent at worst."
Harry looked down and took a deep breath. He had said he appreciated her honesty. Now he had to take it. He was glad the queen spoke to him without a care for his feelings or self-esteem. Everyone on the island seemed to not want to be rude and except for when he made Hermione cry, no one had been rough with him.
Goblins are all about strategy. It was strategy alone that helped us decimate wizards in our war. That is why the wizarding community in England is so small."
Both teens shuddered. "Yes, we read about the war in History for Magic," Hermione replied.
"Ms. Granger, the reason I wanted to talk to you is that I know you are the brains of this operation and I know you have sacrificed a lot for this cause. Your parents would be proud."
Hermione paled, "How do you-?"
"Ms. Granger, we have been watching you. Ever since you managed to solve the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets, we realized we needed to keep an eye on you. Before you ask, we know about that little jewel because Albus Dumbledore tried to sell the carcass of the basilisk in his name to get the profits."
Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Did that amount to a lot? I never even thought of selling it. I mean... I was 12 years old."
"I thought you requested ledgers, Lord Potter," the queen frowned.
"Yes, I did. I have only been able to catch up on what happened before I started Hogwarts. It is a lot. I had no idea my parents had so many businesses or stock. I also looked at the totals so we would know exactly how much we can spend on this war," Harry replied.
"I see. To us goblins, if you kill it, it is yours. When our team went to gather the carcass, we read the magical signatures in the room and as such, the money was placed in your family's vault, Lord Potter. Dumbledore was most upset," the queen retold with a smirk. "In any case, Ms. Granger, you are strategical, logical, and ruthless. As a nation, we respect that. From one warrior to another, I bow to you. I know no one who could have gone through the things you have gone through or gotten him through and made it out like you have, with dignity and grace."
"Your Majesty, you honor me with your words," Hermione's eyes filled with tears.
"I am just calling it as I see it. I hope you both know that I have had to think long and hard about this. Goblins do not meddle in human affairs. Not since the peace treaty. Us, coming to your aid will be seen by many as an aggression. History will write that we threw in the first punch. However, if we do not do this, there will be no one left to write anything, true or not," Queen Anord sighed. "We will stand with House of Potter and its allies if we can expect the same."
Harry felt this was huge. Hermione's astounded expression told him he was right. "We will stand with you and the goblin nation, Queen Anord."
"This will cost blood, limbs, lives, and sanities," the queen pressed to see if either teen looked unsure. They didn't react. Good.
"We know," Hermione nodded.
"What has been done and where are we going, Ms. Granger?" the Queen inquired. "I saw The Prophet and your response in The Quibbler. Quite smart to make them unable to move freely."
"We have a group of supporters in Hogwarts. We fear for their ability to leave the school if push comes to shove."
"The leader of the group is Neville Longbottom-" Harry began.
"Scion to his house," Hermione added.
"Yes. He is smart enough to make sure the group does not attack Snape regardless of how much money is promised. But we are concerned that older students or maybe even faculty could try to capture him," Harry continued.
"So, your first request is a safe passage out of Hogwarts? You do understand that Hogwarts is its own autonomous territory, right?" the queen asked.
"Autonomous territory?" Hermione blanched. "We had no idea. That doesn't appear in Hogwarts A History."
"It wouldn't. The statutes and laws to create Hogwarts are quite old," the queen explained with a frown. I am most perplexed by you. I don't know if you are admirable or shortsighted."
"Why Your Majesty?" Hermione asked, holding on to her seat.
"You have me, the Queen of Goblins, here, offering assistance and you ask nothing for yourselves. No protection, no asylum or sanctuary, no gold, no weapons, no warriors..." the queen trailed off.
"Your Majesty, with all due respect, we only want to correspond to their loyalty and sacrifice. It would be most unfair of us to ask for anything more than we already have. First, we are in a safe location. Second, we have enough money to go by very comfortably. People have lost their businesses... Their families. We have no reason to complain. Other than hard physical combat training... But we will be fine."
"You are currently in Potter Island, correct?" the queen asked.
Harry and Hermione shared a look and decided to trust the monarch, "Yes."
"Who is training you? Who is helping you choose your next moves?"
"Longwei Chang, scion of House of Chang is our trainer. He has a military background."
"I am aware, yes. He is known to be strict but efficient. Good choice. His family has traded in war for generations."
Hermione nodded, not knowing how to feel about that statement.
"Lord and Lady Chang are here as is their daughter, who we got out of-"
"Malfoy Manor, I know. That was brave if a bit reckless since it amplified the target on Ms. Granger's back. How many people are residing with you?"
"Nineteen, including three house elves," Hermione replied.
"And a werewolf..." the Queen said in a questioning tone.
Harry frowned. "Yes, why?" he bristled. He was sick and tired of the prejudice.
"You misunderstand me, Lord Potter. Having a werewolf is great for your own protection. However, I need to know for sure because he is out of commission during the full moon and that must be considered in planning. That is all. Remus Lupin is respected by the goblin nation. He is a good wizard and a kind man, I am told," the queen replied.
"He is like a father to me," Harry nodded.
"Good. You have been needing one of those for a while," the queen said offhandedly.
Hermione's eyes widened and she had to grab Harry and dig her nails into his thigh for him not to reply to that.
"As for safe passage, if things are to get too dangerous at Hogwarts, your supporters will be welcomed here. I shall inform account managers that you can use our floo. However, getting from Hogwarts to the bank is on you. There is a system of tunnels in Hogsmeade that hasn't really been used for decades. That was how we used to move gold from businesses to the bank. However, many passages are blocked. They would have to be reopened by hand because any spells could make them collapse and the floor above would sink."
"That is great. We will look into it. Thank you so much, Your Majesty. This means a lot to us and to our friends," Hermione smiled.
"It is but a small favor. However, if blood is spilled within Gringotts by Death Eaters or anyone else, this favor will not be repeated, and you will be on your own."
"We understand," Harry nodded.
"Now, what can I do for you?"
"We have reason to believe that there could be a horcrux or maybe more within your vaults."
"A Horcrux?! How did you learn about that?"
"How much time do you have?"
"I will make the time. Tell me everything you know. If anyone is keeping that abomination in Gringotts we will freeze their accounts and the DMLE will get involved, not to mention that they will be banned for life from our banks," the queen replied. "Scribe! Clear my schedule for the next two hours."
Someone they could not see replied, "But Your Majesty, the Australian Branch Leader has been waiting for his audience for months."
"This is more important! Tell him I will contact him as soon as I am out of this meeting," Queen Anord replied. "Go ahead."
Harry and Hermione shared a look. "It all started when Professor Quirrell was hired in our first year at Hogwarts."
Luna and Draco were down on the beach. Andromeda had asked the girl to take Draco outside for some sun. Xenophilius was exploring the island only after Draco and Dudley promised they would take care of Luna. Dudley was still rearranging the workout equipment from the morning, so Luna was sitting next to Draco.
"How are you doing blondie?"
"Much better. Just having my daddy here is very helpful," Luna smiled serenely. "I was so scared they would hurt him..."
A thought struck Draco. He called for their elf and had her bring hair care stuff.
"Come here," Draco motioned for Luna to sit between his legs in front of the wheelchair. "I am going to fix your hair."
"Do you think it can even be fixed?" Luna asked looking at her knotted ends. She had given up on her hair. She liked it long, but it had no shape and at times it felt heavy.
"The Malfoys have yet to meet a head of hair they cannot tame," Draco smirked. "Maybe Potter's hair would be beyond my skill set but yours is definitely not."
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Luna looked genuinely surprised.
"Yes. But if me touching you makes you uncomfortable, I understand."
"No, I think it's okay," she plopped down.
Draco gathered half her hair –there was a lot of it- and applied a spray that Narcissa begged Andromeda to make her. It was perfect for detangling, and it was a staple to the Malfoy hair care routine. He began to undo the small knots and tangled strands on the ends of her hair with his fingers first. Draco noted two things: one, her hair was thick and strong, and two, it was soft like silk. His own hair was silky too, but this was something else. He worked on her hair gently and slowly, making sure she still wanted to keep going every ten minutes or so. By the time he finished detangling, her hair looked shiny, and her ends were starting to curl. He had applied a pomade that revealed her hair texture to be soft loose waves. The more he did her hair, the more he was sure the waves would go all the way up to her roots. But that would take several treatments. Draco handed her a mirror.
"Can I do something else?"
"Yes," Luna whispered, touching her hair disbelievingly.
"I think you would look even more beautiful with braids."
Luna gasped. "You think I am beautiful?"
"Of course."
She turned and hugged his uninjured leg as she cried over his knee.
Fuck. "Blondie, I'm sorry. I didn't want to make you cry... I shouldn't have said anything," Draco stopped as she looked up with a smile. "I suck at this...!"
"No, it's o-okay. It's not your fault... I just... I thought no one would think I am beautiful after... McLaggen... I thought everyone would just see me as the girl he abused... You know... used goods."
Draco felt as if someone had punched him in his stomach. He wanted to strangle McLaggen with his bare hands. He stood with a bit of difficulty and sat down on the warm sand with his legs on each side of the girl. He turned her face to him.
"NEVER say that again, Luna. Never even think that again."
"It's true, though," Luna shrugged.
"No. It isn't. You are not a broom or a cauldron to be used, blondie. You are a survivor. You are badass. You are the kind of woman very few men deserve. Okay? I... Fuck... I am really bad at pep talks... I think this is my first one ever... Look, Luna... McLaggen will pay for what he did to you. You just wait," Draco said with conviction. Luna snuggled into his chest. Draco forced himself to not be weird and hug her. "Blondie, you are so beautiful both inside and out. Longbottom is a lucky man."
She looked up, "How do you-?"
"Well, you haven't taken off his sweater since you got it. I figured there's a reason," Draco chuckled.
"Yes, but I don't know how things will be... After... this," she sighed.
"My guess is that they will be the same or even better. Longbottom is not a superficial asshat. Granted, we are not friends, but he is smart and responsible. He is still loyal to Potter so... He's a good guy. If he truly loves you, and I think he does, all this will do is make him more protective and loving with you. However, if it doesn't, you tell me and once my leg is healed, I will kick his ass."
Luna's laugh was muffled by his t-shirt. "Thank you, Draco. You really are much nicer than you want people to think you are."
"Shhhhh! Blondie, they'll hear you. I have an image to maintain!" Draco whisper shouted.
"You are a good brother, Draco," Luna patted his cheek and kissed it with a smile. Draco blinked perplexed. That felt way better than it should have for him who had a strict don't touch me policy. She turned away and he began to braid her hair. After parting it to the side, he braided her long locks in a French style. He had her hold the right side while he worked on the left. Once that side reached the other, he braided both sides together. When he reached the end, he took the hairband his elf had brought and secured it. He lifted the mirror again.
"Oh! This is so pretty! I love it!" Luna's eyes watered again but she didn't stop smiling.
Except, after a few seconds, her expression changed. She went still in his arms and her expression and eyes went blank, like she was far away. Her pupils dilated and she grew pale. Draco shook her and called her name to no avail.
"Blondie! Don't do this to me... Luna..."
Just as suddenly, as she went away, she blinked and shook her head. "Oh no! This is bad! This is REALLY bad! I need to talk to Harry and Hermione, right now!"
Draco gasped. "Did you just see something?"
"Yes! I... I am sorry Draco but... Daphne is in danger!" Luna got up and called for Kreacher. "I hope they believe me."
"Wait! What? In danger how?!" He panicked and reached up. Luna pulled him up and threw his arm around her shoulder.
Kreacher popped them both back to the house.
A/N: Thank you for reading. The plot thickens. Anord is chaos in Irish. Need I say more? -Lux-