Minerva took the opportunity during her walk to the Hogwarts gates to lose her legendary composure for the second time since Halloween. The first time was at Albus's audacity in thinking she would believe that he couldn't get Harry Potter out of participating in the farce that was the Triwizard Tournament. Why he believed now was the time to agree with the Ministry on anything was beyond her. 'International cooperation' pffft. It was clearly a last ditch attempt by Cornelius Fudge to save his plummeting numbers after the disaster that was the Quidditch World Cup.
After speaking with Harry and Hermione in private on September 1st, she'd thought long and hard about following Albus Dumbledore without question. She'd made lists - all the tasks she could remember being given from the time the Potters went into hiding to the time Harry was left on those dreadful Muggles doorstep. She'd never forgotten the day she spent following the Dursley family around, observing the man and woman interacting with their already oversized infant son. She didn't agree with Dumbledore that Lily Potter's sister would love the boy simply because he was all she had left of her family.
And now she was being sent out to fetch Mr. Lupin and his Goblin escort like a…well like a house elf. She was going to offend the Goblins no matter what she said or did because they were clearly here for Albus and he was blowing them off. And she highly doubted that in her role as escort she was going to be privy of anything that went on after they were shown into the Headmaster's office.
Her lion cubs were a house divided and Albus's only advice or rather insistence was to let them work through it themselves. It would build character for Harry and it was essential for Harry to learn to forgive his friends and housemates' transgressions and let their comments roll off his shoulders. In her mind no fourteen year old should have to deal with what he and Miss Granger were dealing with. But each time she tried to punish a student for casting a hex at them or pushing them in the hallways, Albus found out and changed the detentions into a single "talk" with him about the rules for composing oneself and not reflecting poorly on Hogwarts in front of their guests. Which she knew would only make the pranks nastier and better hidden.
Schooling her face into her usual mask, Minerva stopped at the gate and greeted her guests.
"Mr. Lupin, Padfoot," she bowed slightly, "Welcome to Hogwarts Master Goblins."
Remus smiled. He didn't think Dumbledore would greet them personally but was pleased he sent Minerva rather than Snape.
"Hello, Professor McGonagall. May I introduce you to Ironfist, account manager for the Black and Potter accounts and his guard."
The taller of the Goblins and the only one not openly carrying an axe stepped forward and inclined his head.
"Professor. I have heard stories about you from our mutual friends."
Minerva couldn't help her lips twitching as she glanced down at the shaggy dog trotting beside them. "I'm sure most of what the old hound told was all lies to make him look more intelligent than he is."
Ironfist laughed. "I like you. I'm hoping you will be included in our discussions this evening? I am told Dumbledore has done little in the way of assisting young Mr Potter in this Tournament. Indeed it sounds as if he is hindering him at this point in time?"
Sighing, Minerva agreed. "He is refusing to allow any of us to tutor him one on one as we cannot do the same for Cedric Diggory - even though he is a sixth year. He is doing little to stop the abuse the boy and his friend are beginning to experience from the other students - in fact he views it as character building."
"That's why we're here, Minerva. Harry and Hermione wrote to Padfoot and I asking for help. Hermione also had some very…original ideas about the origins of the Goblet of Fire that we ran by our Goblin friends here and they are willing to help her get a closer look at it if she is willing to work with their assistance."
Ironfist nodded. "We've followed Miss Granger's progress thus far and are very impressed with her. We would be most interested in both her and Mr. Potter, since they seem to come as a very powerful pair, after graduation."
Minerva's eyebrow shot up. To have the Goblins seek out a witch or wizard was almost unheard of. She knew the Department of Mysteries and the Unspeakables were already looking at the two but with Miss Granger being a Muggle-born the job opportunities there were limited to entry level positions. Or would be if the ministry remained on it's current path.
"I'm sure both would be very excited to hear about that. While Mr. Potter will find his fame opens doors for him - regardless of his talent, the opposite will prove true for Miss Granger. Albus is waiting for everyone in his office."
Remus sighed and nodded. It wasn't ideal but it was expected. Albus would want to keep things as much on his own turf as he could. It would be up to them to make certain things moved in the right direction.
Indeed, as soon as the group entered the Headmaster's domain, the goblin warriors took up defensive positions by the doors and windows, axe blades glowing blue as they chanted in the goblin tongue.
Curious, the magical humans in the room watched as the portraits froze in place and several areas of the room glowed first red, then green. With each red flare, Dumbledore grew paler.
Ironfist spoke at last. "Albus Dumbledore. Now that the room is more secure, I would like to discuss the participation of young Mr Potter in this Tournament the Ministry is resurrecting."
Albus stroked his beard. "I fail to see how Harry's participation in a Ministry event concerns the Goblins and Gringotts? I believe that Goblins are, in fact, banned from Ministry matters?"
Ironfist grinned. "True. And it would remain a Ministry matter if it was not brought to our attention that the last heir to House Potter and the heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black by will of Lord Sirius Black is to compete. Gringotts involvement is necessary now. Also Mr. Potter is only fourteen and if the Ministry is stating that only wizards who have reached the age of majority may compete in the Tournament, then it stands to reason Mr. Potter should be taking up his inheritances sooner rather than later."
Dumbledore's cheeks sucked into such a degree Minerva feared he might never recover.
"I have no authority to declare Harry a legal adult…"
"But you already have. Simply by stating Mr. Potter must complete in this Tournament you are declaring him certain rights and responsibilities only an of age wizard are privy to. The Ministry cannot have it both ways."
Remus began his pitch. "Albus, Harry is three years younger than the other Champions. He is lacking in three years of preparation. By declaring no one may assist him, you are already giving the other three Champions an unfair advantage." He continued over the objections he could see Dumbledore winding up for. "In addition to extra training, you can be sure that the other Heads of the schools are meeting with their Champions. I confirmed with Pamona that she plans at least twice weekly meetings with Cedric Diggory to touch base with him. Being that Harry does not represent Hogwarts, I insist I be able to train with both Harry and Miss Granger."
"Why Miss Granger? I may be able to convince Mr Bagman and Mr Crouch to accept training for Harry but Miss Granger is a Hogwarts student and not a participant in the Tournament. I might be able to let certain special privileges slide for young Harry, but I don't see how Miss Granger…"
"Is as much a part of this as Mr. Potter, Albus." Minerva snapped. "If you won't do anything to assist those two and minimise the abuse they are taking from the other students, then I most certainly will. Both of their classwork is and remains impeccable this year and I for one would hate to lose either of them due to a mistimed hex."
"Surely it's not as bad as that, Minerva."
Ignoring the Headmaster, Ironfist moved paperwork across Dumbleore's desk. "My first suggestion is placing Mr. Potter and Miss Granger in a separate wing in 'Champions Quarters'. Since both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang have their own housing for their Champions as well as the additional students who accompanied them and Mr. Diggory is the Hogwarts Champion, rooming with the support of his house and school, this housing could be in the castle itself or we goblins would be happy to provide alternate housing on the castle grounds - such as a visiting champion would have.
"In addition to Mr Lupin, Mr Potter is requesting an advisor - that role is to be filled by Miss Granger. She has already proven to know more about the history of this Tournament and the illusive Goblet than those in charge seem to. Her knowledge and research skills will prove invaluable to Mr Potter." Ironfist handed Dumbledore another packet of papers.
"These are signed by Miss Granger's parents giving Mr Lupin as well as Mr Black - should he be found innocent at his recently scheduled trial - guardianship and decision making abilities over Miss Granger while she is in the magical community."
"Wait! When did Sirius Black get a trial date? Why wasn't I informed of this?!" Dumbledore stood, scattering the papers.
The goblin smiled (and it was not a nice sight). "We are informing you now. The trial will take place on Tuesday November 22 at 9am. If Mr Black is found innocent - which he should be - then this next item will be moot. But should something unfortunate happen in the interim, I'm afraid we will have to press this last point."
Albus gathered the papers and desperately tried to keep his hands from shaking. It wasn't that he wanted the boy dead but he was rapidly losing control here. If he lost control of Harry - then Miss Granger might be key to getting that control back. That was if he couldn't get the Weasleys back into Harry's good graces.
"And what is that point?"
"That the TriWizard Tournament is only open to of age wizards. Since the rules are already being bent to admit a fourth champion to compete, then it stands that Mr Potter should be considered of age in the wizarding world."
"Absolutely not! He is a child!"
The goblin managed to raise what passed as an eyebrow. "And where was this indignation when his name was drawn from the Goblet?"
"Yes, well that is totally and completely…"
"The same thing." Remus finished. "You can't have things both ways, Albus. We're willing to compromise on it. If Padfoot and I are allowed to be here for Harry and Hermione, to make sure Harry has the best chance he can to make it out of this fiasco alive, then we won't push for Harry to be declared an adult at fourteen."
Albus sighed and glanced again at the pile of papers in his hands. "Can I have a day to look over everything?"
"Of course. The papers are enchanted - they are unalterable so if you have anything you would like to change or add, please note it on a separate parchment and we will consider it." Ironfist stood.
"Now, I would like to meet with my clients - and to be clear that is Mr Potter and Miss Granger - to ensure they have no other issues requiring my assistance."
To Dumbledore's surprise, Minerva rose.
"There's still two hours of dinner left. Mr Potter and Miss Granger have only been appearing for the last 45 minutes to eat when the hall is at its least crowded. I believe I can show you where they have currently hidden themselves away."
The Goblins bowed and separated themselves from the magicals at the Entrance Hall, Ironfist promising to return as soon as Remus sent word he was able to join Harry and Hermione at the school. No matter what Dumbledore decided, Harry was going to know about his parents will and Sirius naming him as heir at the very least. Minerva led the pair to the second floor Charms corridor and past Flitwick's office. She made a sharp turn down a hall that obviously hadn't seen much use in the last decade if the amount of cobwebs in the corners were any indication.
When the trio got to a heavy wooden door at the end of the hall they could just make out the sounds of spell fire and laughter.
Minerva smirked. "Mr Potter and Miss Granger have taken over a few unused classrooms in the last few days due to the…unwillingness of some of their housemates to believe Mr Potter did not willingly enter himself in the Tournament. Filius and I have kept as close an eye on them as we can - Albus has prevented us from directly interfering but we can at least keep them safe in one or two locations if not in the hallways. They have a classroom near the Transfiguration corridor where they study and this is one of the older duelling rooms, most of the enchantments on it are wearing thin, but they still work."
"Is it bad, Minerva?"
The old Scotswoman sighed. "I would be more concerned if the students weren't Mr Potter and Miss Granger and that breaks my heart to say. They have a small core group who have slowly begun to take positions as their 'guard' but it's still early days. The sixth and seventh year Hufflepuffs have been particularly vindictive. Split seams on book bags, tripping jinxes in hallways along with leg locking jinxes, not to mention the muggle methods of harassment. It appears any more - creative, shall we say - hexs have limited effect on either Mr Potter or Miss Granger."
Remus smiled as Padfoot circled and wagged his tail. "Good. At least they don't have to worry about getting stunned in the back at the top of the Grand Staircase. The first stunner will be deflected more or less giving them warning to avoid the next."
"Alright, what do you two troublemakers know that I don't? And it's not just that Miss Granger hasn't been spending nights in her own dorm is it?"
Sirius was so startled by McGonagall's matter of fact manner on his godson's sleeping arrangements he shifted back into wizard form. "You know?"
Her eyebrow rose. "I suspected. Now, I know. There are house elves loyal to me who clean the Tower. One mentioned Miss Granger wandering through the common very early in mornings and I have been a professor here for a very long time. Now, talk."
"The kids will be able to better explain everything but the short of it is Hermione found a protection spell in the Black family library and cast it on Harry and herself at Harry's insistence. That's what's protecting them from the stronger hexes. The erm…sleeping arrangements are more for the protection of the other boys in Harry's dorm than anything well…"
"Anything I would get up to." Sirius finished, waggling his brows and grinning madly.
"Explain and Mr Black you are not helping the matter."
"Harry and Hermione both had an increase in magical power with the protection spell. Not unheard of but Harry apparently has night terrors - dreams that are much more intense than nightmares - and his magic manifests in these dreams. He could have leveled the entire row of cottages where I live and been unaware of it. He is, however, aware of Hermione's presence even in sleep. Her magic seems to soothe his and prevent the worst of his outbursts. We didn't know how to bring it up so the two have been sneaking up to Harry's dorm since the beginning of the school year." Remus explained, palms up.
Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose. This violated every school rule in existence. While they hadn't been caught, Remus and Sirius more or less confirmed her two lions were sharing a bed. The magical world might be behind the muggle world but she doubted it was acceptable behavior there either. Ah…first things first. Goblins.
"Let's start by informing Mr Potter and Miss Granger of the Goblins' visit, shall we? Then we will talk about…other arrangements."
Pushing open the heavy doors, the three adults were greeted by the sight of a sweaty Harry and Hermione on the dueling platform with Neville and the Weasley twins in the audience pit along with Dean Thomas, cheering madly. Harry flicked a silent blue flash at Hermione who dodged it with a laugh as she sent a stream of water at Harry. The moment he raised his arms to block it, she froze the water and disarmed him with a triumphant cry.
"Hah!"
"That wasn't fair!"
Flicking her damp curls out of her eyes, Hermione laughed. "Just because I used your own trick against you doesn't mean it isn't fair, Potter. Adapt!"
"You owe me a gallon, Fred!" George cackled.
"Ahem!"
The room quieted as everyone turned to look at Professor McGonagall standing in the doorway with Mr Lupin and a Grim.