Chapter 35: Hermione Group meets Lucius
The Malfoy Manor,11th December 2010, 1400 GMT
Athena and the entire order thanked Hermione for an exotic Thai Feast, specially prepared by Patrick, Pernie and Kreachera. All of them had taken the day off and came in to have lunch before discussing all plans for the final time before meeting Lucius at Azkaban.
Lucas was there with Adena as they carried out final discussions and on the other side of the room, Hermione and Draco seemed nervous as they looked at Arthur, Neville, Pansy, Fred, George, Harry, Ron, Percy, Penelope and Bill. Waiting for an audience was Katie, Zabini, Luna and Veena.
Hermione smiled as she recollected her earlier discussions that morning with Bill, Draco and Pansy. The momentous progress as a result of those conversations gave her an immense inner happiness.
That morning she woke up early at 6 am, the statements of the Taller Dark World leader resonating in her mind.
She asked Patrick to call Bill and join her at Breakfast in half hour.
Bill came in to join her, smartly dressed in Heavy Overalls and formal suit.
Hermione began once Bill settled in, "I have given a lot of thought to the arguments of the 2nd in Command. Dark World members are not created in a vacuum. Economic circumstances play a major role. Bill, kindly find out in today's costing, how much does it cost for average expenses in galleons for 9 basic areas of food, clothing, shelter, power, health, education, transport, connectivity and security."
Bill smiled, "Actually, Hermione, we already did this research as a CSR initiative 2 months back and the figure per citizen is 1600 Galleons per person per month. We have 40,000 wizards registered in UK. It comes to 64 Million Galleons a month."
Hermione considered this, "This amount is less than 10% of our Monthly Budget. If all citizens have basic needs met, many new people will no longer join the Dark World. Moreover, we will not provide this for free. Free handouts diminish the value of a human being. They will take part in Government sponsored projects or volunteer their time, if they are already earning. I will also ask Nathan to give me the Dark World members in UK, enabling us to pay for these Safety Nets and reducing a major portion of Dark World costs. That will reduce their economic need based Missions. At the same time, all of them become regularized and come under the purview of the Good World, at-least in UK."
Bill nodded, "You are absolutely right. This will reduce plenty of crimes that are motivated by economic desperation. I will appraise Percy so that we can schedule the logistics and implementation timelines."
Hermione smiled, "You do that, Bill. We need to execute this very quickly."
After Bill left, Hermione asked Pernie to ask Draco to join her at Breakfast in 20 minutes. She spent that time playing with Erwina, who seemed to share an invisible string with her mother, picking up on all her emotions. She also called in Natalie and enjoyed a thoroughly engaging 20 minutes with both of them. She asked Natalie to stay back when Draco joined her at the table. She was a slow eater and in the past 45 minutes, she had just finished juice and moved to the main course.
"Good morning, Draco", Natalie smiled.
Draco gave her a smart nod with a smile before he joined Hermione and Natalie by requesting an Orange Juice.
Hermione updated both of them about her lingering thoughts and her discussion with Bill. Then she asked Draco, "Are you aware of any extreme economic hardships for your family from your family stories?"
Draco snickered, "We had no history of economic hardships ever, dating back to 5th Century BC. Our family is one of the first 3 original Wizard families in this country. If we have turned to the Dark World, it is purely as a protection mechanism. We feared being run over by the Muggles."
Hermione smiled excitedly and gave Draco a warm embrace, "Draco, you have just opened up a completely new chain of thought. Fear is one of the strongest reasons for people to form chains together. Mafia also emerged for the same reason. In fact, it has given me a great idea. I am going to meet Pansy now. Natalie and you, join me."
Hermione sent Orwell in advance to Pansy and Neville, giving them 15 minutes notice. Natalie wore her bands and went along with a side along Apparition with Hermione, followed closely by Draco.
All of them took in the fresh Winter Air of Hogwarts and the scent of delicious breakfast being prepared at the Hogwarts Kitchen. Staff Accommodation was in a quaint old adjacent castle, that connected with the Ravenclaw tower.
Pansy greeted them, looking graceful in Dark Blue overalls, and Neville embraced Hermione, looking like a stately Professor with Yellow Long Coat and gold plated Spectacles.
In 10 minutes, Hermione summarized the events of the day and her chain of thoughts.
Now she turned to Pansy, "If there is any one person that I can trust on matters of History, it is you. I need you to conduct a thorough, unbiased and objective research on fear based Dark World formation from the earliest dawn of civilization. All the resources of the country and the world are open to you. You don't need to even bother about compensation. The compounded cash flow and the lump-sum reward is enough to take care of the next 10 generations of a Monarch, with a family of 60. If your findings disturbs or hurts anyone, including You and Me, you don't need to filter out a single detail. If I am ordering this research, I am ready to accept the full import of it's findings, both in Muggle and Magical society. If others get hurt and try to stop you doing your work, I am assigning 6 exclusive promoted Z** guards to you. Their whole life was spent awaiting just this moment. Needless to say, your work load will increase. You must do this beyond your Normal duty involving both Hogwarts and The Dumbledore Army/ Order of the Phoenix. You will Report exclusively to Me and I will share the findings, based on Situational Merit."
Pansy gave a grateful smile,"I am honored, Hermione. These are the finest moments of a chosen career. I am not scared but I need certain resources and skillsets to carry out my work. Each time Muggles made major advances in Science, particularly Chemistry and Biology-because they have maximum day to day impact-the Wizard World felt a loss of control. This happened during 5th Century BC in South & East Asian Civilizations, followed by Egypt, Assyria and Mesopotamia. It again happened in a big way after Europe embraced Modern Western Science post 16th Century AD. To explain you my findings, I would need to understand them myself. Who amongst us is very good in Muggle Sciences, specially, Chemistry and Biology?"
Hermione smiled, "I could have suggested my own name, but I am humbled in comparison to Natalie and Celia. They can tutor you in Muggle Science concepts, thrice a week and more than that, should you need it." Natalie nodded with a smile and Celia sent her a telepathic agreement, having been connected to this conversation via Advanced Remote Magic.
Pansy looked extremely happy, "Thrice a week is more than enough for my purpose. Thank You once again, Hermione. Do I start from tonight?"
Hermione shook her head, "Today evening, we have a critical meeting after coming back from Azkaban. Start afresh tomorrow. Your assigned special team will be in addition to your existing personal Z team. We will assign them to you by mid morning. You and Neville, kindly meet us sharp at Noon, before we proceed to Azkaban. Draco and Natalie, I am updating my plan right away. Patrick, (There was a loud crack and he bowed to Hermione) Please gather my Core Team, Lucas, Adena and Athena in the next 10 minutes to the Malfoy Manor."
That said, Hermione and her small group left Pansy and Neville and in 10 minutes, they faced Hermione's Core team.
Hermione spoke, "Prior to this week, we had intentions but no solid lead nor any understanding. Now that we have both, I don't want to waste any more time. We talk to Lucius today itself. Our agendas are crystal clear. Adena, has Lucas finalized his own points with you?"
Adena nodded.
Hermione smiled, "Good, it is decided then. We assemble here at 12 pm, have lunch and proceed to Azkaban at 1400. Ron, Harry, Lucas, Adena, Athena, Draco and Myself would meet Lucius. If any one else has any input for us, I suggest you take the day off and meet us before lunch."
Hermione briefed the Board about the upcoming Mission and asked Percy to take over minor queries for the day, since the entire core team was taking the day off today.
All of them met for lunch at the manor and by 1330, all of them were engaged with final discussions.
Present Time (1400 GMT)
Katie, Zabini, Luna and Veena were awaiting Hermione's Audience, as were Fred, George and Pansy. Pansy came up first as per Hermione's indication.
"Hermione, when you talk to Uncle Lucius (He is still like an Uncle to me), remind him of the consequences of non-cooperation, not just restricted to him. Abe was the greatest Dark World leader in Japan in late 1690s and all his activities were known to his partner, Shin. When pressed by the authorities, Shin displayed complete loyalty and divulged nothing. As a result, Abe wreaked complete havoc on the Magical World for 17 years. Just prior to his permanent arrest (he was another immortal), he returned the favor to Shin's family, showering them with an arrangement to have enough cash flow for next 60 generations. To their credit, the family used the funds in the best possible manner and now own the largest Business House and Holding Company in Japan, with employment for nearly all Wizard Families in East Asia. They also liberally compensated all victims families of Abe. However, Abe remains the most feared legend and even now, his very name tingles the goosebumps for Japanese Magic Community. Moreover, Abe permanently destroyed valuable cultural buildings and there can be no financial compensation, big enough for that.
Remind Lucius Uncle, that Ander has far more ability to wreak havoc on a mass scale. His actions can impact his own loved ones and generations to come."
Without saying anything, Hermione just warmly embraced Pansy.
"Such a thorough research piece, from and by you. I am truly impressed. I am sure that you will do the Mission proud."
Pansy smiled.
Fred and George smiled as they spoke to Hermione, "We may not hold the most important portfolio in terms of security but we also have plenty of leverage. Each fortnight, we arrange entertainment shows for the inmates, keeping them mentally fresh. Moreover, entertainment events are the biggest flash points for global terrorism of the sort that Ander specializes in. Your upcoming visit there has added a lot of excitement. Our mole has said that Dark World is extremely eager to gather all relevant intelligence. So, in all aspects, all of you need to be very careful about what you discuss. Even if Lucius talks sweet, we can't reveal our most sensitive information at one go."
Hermione smiled her thanks to both twins.
Next was Veena, "As per reports from Indian Intelligence, they plan to use force fields for 2 purposes. One is advanced Bugging, that can't be detected by Any security protocol. Hence, I agree with Fred and George. Next, they plan to use them to manipulate the weather and make it nearly impossible for any of you to stay long in that area. Whatever needs to be discussed, it must be done quickly."
Luna chimed in, "Lucius is great friends with Frank Gerd. Gerd is a person who is a genius at befriending Magical and Muggle Wildlife and turning them into voluntary weapons for the Dark World. This is in tune with Veena and Athena's prediction earlier on Bio-weapons. Should you be able to negotiate, kindly put him in your list to bring over to our side."
Hermione nodded with a smile.
Finally it was Katie and Zabini, "Thank You Hermione for nominating us as temporary heads of Internal and External security while the core team is away. This is an incredible honor. Rest assured, we will fully dedicate ourselves to this and unless Hell freezes over, we won't disturb you from your Mission today."
Hermione smiled with Gratitude.
She indicated Athena, Adena, Lucas, Harry, Ron and Draco to join her as they gathered in the garden outside.
They concentrated fully and in the next second, they were in front of a gigantic Iron Gate of Azkaban. Harry smiled with relief as there were no Dementors there. After Harry's 5th year at Hogwarts, Dementors were replaced by Giant and Strong Vampires. They had clear instructions that they were to feast blood of any person who attempted to escape.
They had no time to waste. All of them proceeded directly to the cell having Lucas. It was unlocked and guarded by 3 mean looking Vampires. All of them bowed to Hermione and said that all discussions within the cell could have maximum of 2 outside people, except 3 in case of Athena, representing both the Middle and Good world. The final discussion would have to be in a larger room with the guests sitting in a semi-circle around the inmate and the room guarded by 12 elite Vampires.
Harry and Ron went in first.
As they adjusted their eyesight to the bright light within the cell, they saw Lucius sitting relaxed in a couch. He smiled at their stiff faces, "Fate brings us together again. Last time our meeting was as opposing sides of the same coin. Do you think we an ever arrive at a common ground?"
Harry and Ron indeed felt most uncomfortable but they were not only the key allies of their best friend, Hermione, they also were professionally representing Magical England in terms of External and Internal Security. They had to rise above their personal inhibitions and display professionalism.
"We are not pretending that we are here to be friends and make up for all the pain of the past. That being said, we would attempt to reach a common ground to arrive at a win-win-win scenario for the welfare of Dark, Middle and the Good Magical World. With Ander on the loose and he is surely awaiting the right moment to start recruitment, we want your help to identify potential recruits and negotiate a win-win arrangement with them. We are not so naive as to prevent recruitment but even if we manage a softer stance from the new recruits from Azkaban, that is a victory for us and Hermione."
Lucius nodded but stayed silent even as Harry repeated the points of Pansy.
Next to arrive in the cell after Harry and Ron left were Adena, Lucas and Athena. Lucas and Adena tried to intimidate Lucius with dagger looks in their eyes and when that had zero impact, they softened their stance and tried to sweeten the pot. They offered the Dark World, 20% of Monthly Cash Flow. This was double the cash flow achieved by the Good and Dark World combined. Lucius smiled for the first time that afternoon. He was not going to give them the satisfaction of hearing him speak, but he was aware of the magnitude for this offer. Athena was the Middle Ground between Good and Middle World and she offered Dark World members luxury travel, hospitality, eco-tourism, golf, health, spirituality, Science and Technology. Again Lucius could not stop himself from smiling.
Hermione and Draco were the last to arrive. They quickly wrapped up the professional points in 2 minutes. As there was a silence enveloping all of them, Hermione reached into her purse and pulled out a magical photo that had all 68 protectorates of the Z Group. This included their family as well as Natalie.
Unable to stop the tears in her eyes, she looked at Draco briefly before giving Lucius the photograph. "All of us including our small family and our new borns Erwina and Aurelian sends you love. Yes, you are a flawed grandfather but no one can deny that you are their grand-daddy. For all the professionalism that we have to display, we can't deny you this one personal right. For your cooperation, we will provide you 3-4 times a week of best buffet and garden time but irrespective of your stance, in a remote sense, you will be part of our family. However we can give you full rights of physically visiting us, if and only if you promise not to join the Dark Side. Athena's story was too painful. We can't put Narcissa through that pain and same goes for Draco, myself, Erwina and Aurelian."
For the first time that day, Lucius lost his tightly held emotional balance. This emotional gesture from Hermione was beyond his wildest expectation. He took out an immaculate yellow silk handkerchief and dabbed his eyes.
Draco held back his emotions under severe control but even he had to walk to the corner as he was floored by Hermione's kindness and felt privileged to call her his wife.
For the first time in the entire afternoon, Lucius spoke.
"Thank You, Hermione. As a person who has seen plenty of experiences, I felt shaken up by your unexpected kindness and fairness. It proves that legendary grapevine about you is 100% accurate. I will provide you all potential recruits and their psychological profile. However, I will not influence them either way. That is purely your successful and unsuccessful negotiation skills. All the things that all of you have offered are indeed sweet for the Dark World. On top of that, I seek 1% of Middle World Cash Flow in my personal coffers. From my side, this is the best I can offer. What YOU are offering to the Dark World is of another dimension. You plan to offer all of the registered wizards and witches all 9 necessities, irrespective of their affiliations. Most importantly, you are also offering a philosopher's stone to a Dark World member to carry out win-win-win negotiation as a person who has goodwill both for the Dark World and the Good World. No one before you had such a plan. You have tremendous respect from Ander and the entire Dark and Middle World and you are the greatest Hero for the Good World. It is not a small thing, winning personal safety insurance from the Dark World. That is unprecedented in History. You can definitely be proud of yourself. You may be Muggle Born but your Actions have far greater impact than any other Wizard or Witch, irrespective of bloodline. I have given you full cooperation. We need not repeat this in front of all, you can simply convey this to the others. Thank you for your personal gesture. It means a lot to me. I don't have a proud history an example to set for my grandchildren but I feel proud that my son married you. Your long terms vision has already impressed the Dark World and now, I personally count myself in that list of your dedicated fans. Please send Luna and Penelope for all communications with me that covers Non Humans and Human World. I can assure you that Frank Gerd will always keeps biota as his top priority, whatever party he chooses to join. Biodiversity defines the core of his life."
Hermione barely managed a smile as she and Draco listened to Lucius with a white face. She indicated the others to follow her to the garden outside, where she quoted Lucius verbatim. She watched Harry and Ron turn white with fear, and even as other congratulated Hermione on her victory, she and her core team were almost overwhelmed with fear. Athena noticed this and asked them to proceed Home first.
In a Zombie like stance, Hermione and the Core team agreed and they all Apparated back to the Malfoy Manor.