Disclaimer- I own nothing but my plot. If I did, then I wouldn't have to work another day in my life. Thank you J K Rowling for creating this wonderful and magical world for us to play in.
a/n- We are coming down the home stretch for my editing! Woo Hoo! Once I'm all set- that is up to Chapter 20- I will start typing up the latest chapter. If you have an idea you would like to see, please feel free to pitch it. If it works with the story, I will add it and give you the appropriate credit.
One final thing, some of the info seen in this chapter comes from Harry Potter wiki. That web page has been a god sent since I don't have any of my books with me.
Chapter 17
"Normal Speech"
Thoughts
'Mental Conversations'
Inside Ragnok's office-
Bill walked up to the director's door and took a deep breath before knocking. "Enter" was screamed from behind the door. Bill squared his shoulders, held his head high and opened the doors to find Director Ragnok and Filius Flitwick seated at a table next to the fire place. As Bill got closer to the group he gave a deep bow to show his respect. The Directed gave him a bow of the head and motioned him to take a seat. As Bill start to move towards the chair, something that was gold caught his eye. As he got closer, he realized that it was Helga Hufflepuff's cup. The Director cleared his throat and said, "Curse breaker Weasley, take a seat. We have much to discuss. What news do you bring us?"
This brought Bill out of his daze and replied, "My brothers and father are currently in my office. Our mother has made several threats against Lady Potter, and our youngest brother made threats against Lord Potter. The twins have brought some samples of what my mother was feeding our sister and preparing to send to Lord Potter. My father tried using our family magic to prevent her from doing anything, but we all fear that this will not stop her. He has already gone to Madame Bones with this information. I do have a request, is there any way to prepare evidence against her? Also, I believe she has a private vault that no one knows about. Is there a way to drain those funds? The reason I ask this is because he has already told her that if she does not stop, he will divorce her and leave her nothing. Casting her out of the family."
The Director leaned back in his chair and tented his fingers in front of his face while he thought about what the curse breaker has told him. "I will speak to Lord Potter about this. You have done well curse breaker and for such loyalty to the nation and its friends, you shall be rewarded." The Director quickly put his hand up to prevent Bill from speaking and continued to say, "I have another task for you. I have been speaking with Filius about this and he is in agreement. I want you two to train Lord and Lady Potter, and also act as a guard for the two. I fear for their safety once they return to Hogwarts. What you need to know is that both Lord and Lady Potter are Friends of the Nation."
Friends of the nation?he thought. Bill took a moment to think about everything the Director had told him before he replied, "Director, I would like to thank you for the confidence you are showing me. I would be honored to take on this quest. I do have one question. Am I doing this as a curse breaker, or as someone else?"
The Director gave him a large smile, which made Bill a little nervous, and replied, "That is a very valid question. I see you have been paying attention to how us goblins do business. I would like to elevate you to the position of Protector. In this role you will do exactly that, and act as a liaison for the Nation, protect them, and keep us up to date."
All his life Bill knew that if he worked hard, it would eventually pay off. He knew that to get anywhere in life, you had to start on the bottom in order to reach to top. "What happens if the Potter's don't agree with it? What if Dumbledore tries to road block all our efforts and bans us from the castle?" asked Bill.
Ragnok looked over to Filius for the explanation. "You would be at Hogwarts as a private tutor. Minerva and I have been going through the charters and have found something in the bi laws that helps us with this matter. We will make it look as if the Potter's are paying you for your services."
Just as Bill was about to ask what Filius was going to ask exactly what subjects they would be tutoring them in when there was a knock on the door. "Enter!" barked the director. They all stood as Lord Potter was helping a pale looking Lady Potter in, followed by Narcissa Black, Draco Malfoy, Amelia Bones, Remus Lupin, and Nymphadora Tonks. "What happened to Lady Potter? Should I go and get one of our healers?" asked the Director as he was making his way around the table. Not only was Lady Potter pale, she was twitching a little bit. "Why does it look like…" the Director started to ask but was quickly cut off by Amelia who asked the exact same question.
"Why does it look like Lady Potter suffering from exposure to the Cruciatus curse?"
"That is because she is. Her healers originally gave her 4 hours to get everything done before being restricted to bed rest. The potion I gave her before we came here should help lessen the pain." Replied Narcissa as Harry was helping Hermione into a chair.
Everyone could see that Amelia wanted more details on the matter. "Lord Potter, would you care to explain just what the hell is going on?" To say that the Head of the DMLE was ticked off would be an understatement.
"The short version is that Severus Snape was brought to Tonks home earlier today. It would seem someone placed several mind altering curses on him. When I walked into the room to check on him, he snapped and started trying to kill me. Hermione decided to step in front of the Cruciatus curse. Unfortunately, she was hit with it a few times, and here we are. Perhaps we could give you that statement about what happened just a few minutes ago? We have other issues to deal with and I would like to get Lady Potter home." Harry looked around the room and saw both Bill Weasley and Filius Flitwick. "Professor Flitwick? Not that I'm unhappy to see you, but why are you here?"
"Lord Potter, If I could get that statement now, I will be on my way. I know you have important business to attend to and I need to get my report started." Said Amelia. She knew that if she did not take charge and get their statements now, it most likely wouldn't happen at all. "Let's just take a step over here. This should only take a few moments. I would also like a copy of the memory from the event in question. Once I have your statement, I would also like to ask for a copy of Lady Potter's memory as well."
Harry crouched in front of Hermione, and without a look back replied, "I can take care of the statements. I would like to ask if we can hold off with Lady Potter's statement. I would like to finish everything here as soon as possible so that we can get her home. I'm sure her mother is also worried about her, and we wouldn't want to piss off our healers." Harry gave Hermione a quick kiss and stood to go over to Amelia.
"Harry, why don't I just share with you through the mind link what happened. This way we can get it all over with darling." Asked Hermione as she grabbed Harry's hand.
Harry crouched back down and said, "Are you sure love? You had to use quite a bit of magic today and I know that made this whole situation worse."
"Oh sweetheart, let's just get this all over with now." She replied as she placed a hand on the side of his face and gently rubbed his cheek with her thumb.
"Alright love." Harry went to stand, but leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Don't think I have forgotten about earlier. We will be discussing that later tonight." He kissed her on the for head and said a little louder, "I'll take care of everything love." Hermione gave him a nod and watched him and Madame Bones go off to the corner.
"Narcissa, is my mother alright?" she asked as Draco handed her a cup of tea. "Thanks." Hermione tried to take a sip but her hands were shaking too badly. Draco quickly helped her by taking the cup and putting the cup on the table for her.
The Director saw all of this and came over. "Lady Potter, are you sure I can't send for one of my healers. We have some excellent remedies for this sort of thing."
Despite the potion Narcissa gave her just before they got here, the pain was starting to become unbearable. 'Harry?'
Harry stopped talking and looked over and replied, 'Everything ok darling?' He noticed that Hermione was looking a little green and her brow was covered with beads of sweat. "Excuse me for a moment Madame Bone." He quickly crossed the room and was at her side in 3 steps. "What's wrong?" he asked, almost frantic.
"I'll be alright in a moment. The pain is getting to be a little much, that's all. I don't think it was the normal cruciatus." Hermione replied through clinched teeth.
"Lady Potter, I am going to call for one of our healers to come and take a look at you." said Ragnok as he was walking towards the door.
"Harry, do you want me to take Hermione back to my Aunt's?" asked Draco. Harry was a little shocked at this offer.
He was brought back to reality when he heard Hermione say, "Don't even think about it you two. I'll be fine for at least another hour. Let just finish when what we have to do."
Harry wanted to argue, but saw the look of determination on Hermione's face and knew that there was no way she was leaving unless he physically took her against her will and he would not go against her wishes. Yet. "Alright love. But if you get any worse, I will have you taken home and put to bed." He quickly put his hand up to stop her from arguing with him about this, and instead got a nod of her head. She knew that if she argued, that would take what little strength she had left.
The Director came back into the office with one of his healers soon after. The healer took one look at Hermione and growled, "You expect me to work on a witch? Have you lost your damn mind?" The Director pulled himself to his full height and said, "First off, I expect you to do your job. Second, if you ever speak to me or anyone for that matter who is a Friend of the Nation like that, I will feed you to the dragons after I have skinned you alive myself. Do I make myself clear!?"
The healer was looking as green as Hermione was by the time the director was done with him. "My apologizes sir" Replied the healer as he gave the director a deep bow before walking over to Hermione. "Lady Potter, if you don't mind, I am going to run a few scans. Would you please tell me what happened?"
"She was hit with a Cruciatus Curse a few times several hours ago. Our healers said she would be fine in a few hours, but she was still experiencing pain. She was given a pain potion before we left the house. The healers originally only gave her 4 hours to get everything done. But we had some complications." Replied Harry as he was held Hermione's hand. "Before we came to Gringotts we had run in with Albus Dumbledore. Someone started firing spells at us and then he tried to kidnap Lady Potter. She used quite a bit of magic during the fight defending not only us, but herself as well."
The healer gave a frown. At least, it looked like a frown to Harry. The Director saw this as well and asked, well more like commanded, "What did you find?" There was so much steel in his voice the healer cringed a little at hearing it.
The Director was about to give a growl when the healer finally said, "It was a modified Cruciatus Curse. The effects are made worse when the victim uses magic. I have only seen this one other time." The Healer stood and turned to the Director and went on to say, "I will get a potion and an ointment that will help. Unfortunately, not even a Phoenix's song will heal this. Time is the only way this will heal. And no magic for the rest of the day. The more you use, the worse it will be." The healer gave the director a quick bow before rushing out to get what was needed. He knew that the director was going to tan his hide for his little outburst.
"Lord Potter, I'm sorry to interrupt, but are you able to finish giving your statement?" asked Amelia. She knew she was pushing her luck by asking this, but wanted to get all of this over with.
Harry asked, 'Maya, are you ok with that love?'
'Go ahead darling. I'm not going anywhere.' Harry gave her a smile and walked back over to finish up with Amelia. "Narcissa, how is my mum? Is everything ok?" she asked, trying to draw the attention away from herself.
"She is fine Hermione. Just worried about you, that's all. I brought her back to Andy's. As for the healer's orders, don't worry about them. I told Andy what happened, and she won't hold it against you."
Hermione tried to reach for her drink but hissed through her teeth as the pain ripped through her body. "Dammit Granger." Replied Draco as he slapped her hand away and grabbed the cup for her.
"Language Malfoy."
Draco gave her a smirk at this and replied, "Pardon milady" as he gave her a mock bow.
Hermione chuckled at this. "Draco, why were we never friends? It seems like we are essentially two peas in a pod."
Draco pulled a chair up to sit with her and said, "Truthfully? It was because of my father. I'm sure we would have hit it off if it wasn't for him. It would have been nice to have an intelligent conversation every now and then. But that's the problem with the other Slytherin's. They read too much into a conversation, and will try to use it for their own personal gain. You know, I really am sorry for all the torment I put you through."
"Well, we will just have to change that now won't we." Hermione gave him a small smile as the healer came back into the room.
He briskly walked over to her and handed her a goblet. "Drink this Lady Potter." He wanted for her to finish the potion before adding, "Yes, it does taste horrible. Now, this is an ointment will help with the nerve pain. Apply it twice a day for the next 3 days." The healer turned to the Director and as he was giving a bow he said, "If there is nothing else Director, I will be on my way." The Director gave him a curt nod.
Harry and Amelia came back over and heard the tail end of this. "I believe I have everything I need. Lady Potter, please get some rest. I will be in touch. If you need anything from me, just let me know."
"Madame Bones, could you please contact our solicitor Edward Tonks and let him know what is happening. He will be representing us." Replied Harry as he went back to Hermione's side. Draco went to stand so that Harry could sit next to her, but was quickly waved off.
Amelia gave a small bow of her head and said as she was leaving, "I will do that. I believe he is in his office. Are we still on for dinner?"
"Yes, Hermione and I have some other things to discuss with you and Susan later tonight. Don't worry, it's nothing bad. It's just something that pertains to Hogwarts." Amelia gave her final good byes and left quickly for the office. They all knew Dumbledore was going to try to spin this as he was trying to save Lord and Lady Potter and would likely get away with it.
"Now, let's get to our other business." Said the Director as he clapped his hands and moved back to the table to sit beside Filius. Everyone quickly followed behind them and found their seats.
Harry helped Hermione slowly over to the table and made sure she was comfortable to before saying, "Right. Back to my original question, Professor Flitwick, why are you here? I can understand Bill, but I am at a little bit of a loss as for your presence." The director motioned for Filius to explain everything and thought, this should be amusing.
Filius cleared his throat at this unexpected request. "I have been speaking with the Director about what is to come this year as well as your future Lord and Lady Potter."
"Professor, we are outside the walls of Hogwarts, please call us Harry and Hermione." Asked Harry, which earned him a smile.
"For the purposes of this conversation, I will keep it to Lord and Lady Potter." This made them sit a little straighter. They knew that when the goblins kept using titles, it was very serious business. "As I was saying. With all that is to come, we all believe that you will somehow be entered in the Tri-Wizard Tournament and will be forced to compete. I cannot help you train explicitly for it as your professor, but I can give you private lesson in dueling as an instructor employed by the Nation. There is nothing in the Hogwarts Charter that prevents you from hiring private tutors. The Director has assured me that they will make it look like you are the one paying for those services, but won't be spending a penny. As a professor already employed by the school, we can classify everything as extra lessons."
Harry sat at the table tapping his fingers on it thinking. He looked around the room to try and gauge everyone's reaction, but saw nothing but blank canvases. Except on the Director's face. His showed that he found this whole situation amusing. "I can see how this would be an excellent idea. However, I have a few other people I want to train with us, is that going to be a problem? And what does this have to do with Curse breaker Weasley."
Filius looked over to see if the Director would like to take over with this line of questioning, but found no help there. "I do not have a problem with training others. Is it safe for me to assume that Mr. Malfoy will be one such person?" He waited for Harry to give a nod before continuing, "As for Protector Weasley, he will not only be helping with your training, but will also act a liaison for Gringotts as well as a security guard."
Tonks and Remus both sifted in their seats. Filius, Ragnok, and Bill all saw this. Tonks decided to speak up and with what was becoming a Black family smirk said, "I think you should speak to the head of the Potter's security team about adding additional guards."
The smug look that has been on Ragnok's face during this entire meeting suddenly dropped. "Just exactly what do you mean?" he asked with some of the steel returning to his voice.
"I am heading the Potter security team and will acting as the liaison between them and Madam Bones. Remus Lupin will be acting as my associate. Just so we are clear, I do not have a problem with adding Protector Weasley to our team. Their safety is our top concern." Tonks replied as calmly as possible. She did not want to offend nor disrespect the Director of Gringotts.
"This is all fine, but how exactly do all of you plan to get this past Dumbledore?" asked Hermione. Everyone looked at her like she had three heads. "What? It's a legitimate question. We all know that the manipulative old coot won't let this slide. Especially since this would put a stake in whatever he had planned. And just how exactly are we going to get, no offense Remus, a werewolf to accompany us during the school year. Didn't you run into problems at the end of last year with the parents?"
Remus knew Hermione didn't mean to bring him down, but did have a valid point. Reluctantly he admitted, "She's right. There is no way we can get this all past Dumbledore."
"Were there is a will, there is a way." Replied Filius. "I believe I should contact Minerva. We could always go to the school governors."
'Don't forget who you are Lord Gryffindor/Slytherin' said a voice in the back of Harry's head, as a voice in the back of Hermione's said, 'Remember who you are Lady Ravenclaw.'
Harry and Hermione's jaw dropped and they both heard chuckling in the back of their minds. That little voice was all that was needed for Hermione's brain to go into overdrive. "What if the founder's heir's came back to Hogwarts? I believe each heir has 25% ownership of the school as well as all the land in Hogsmead and the businesses as well." Hermione looked directly at Filius and asked, "Would that work?"
Filius had to pick his own jaw up off the floor. He looked around the room and saw that the only people who weren't shocked were Remus Lupin and Director Ragnok. Finally, being able to form the words needed to reply Filius asked, "What did the rest of us miss?"
'Maya, do you think this would actually work?' asked Harry.
Hermione gave him a smile and said, 'I think it could. There is no way for anyone to override it. Could you imagine Dumbledork's reaction?'
'I never thought I would see the day that Hermione Granger Potter disrespect's an authority figure.' Chuckled Harry.
'Oh hush you. We have one small road block dear. In order to have complete control, we need to have the Hufflepuff Heir on board as well.' Hermione replied.
'One step at a time dear. All we need to do is convince the heir to come in and complete an inheritance test.' Replied Harry as he gave her hand a squeeze.
They were drawn from their private conversation when Ragnok cleared his throat. Harry and Hermione blushed at this. "Would either of you care to explain this? I'm sure the conversation you were just having had something to do with this matter."
"I'll do it Harry. It was my idea." Replied Hermione as she was looking deep into Harry's emerald eyes. "The reason we brought up the founder's heirs is because between Harry and I, we own 75% of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and 75% of Hogsmead. We have final say over all decisions regarding the school. Including who we keep on staff." And there it was, the proverbial mic drop.
Harry picked up where she left off by adding, "We did not want that last bit to get out just yet. It was supposed to be a last resort kind of thing."
'Don't forget Lord Pendragon and Lady Le Fey.' Harry added. He felt Hermione become amused at his thought through the bond, but noticed that she acted as if nothing happened.
"I think we will need something stronger than tea after hearing this." Replied Ragnok as he looked at all the stunned faces around the room. "We should return to the original topics here. Mr. Lupin, I have to agree with the difficult situation you are in. How about for now we set you up in Hogsmead. I know Tonks is in charge, but I believe you would be excellent for this position. We would not need to worry about your owls being intercepted. You would handle not only the mail, but also be the outside man. Then, we use Assistant Tonks and Protector Weasley as your private tutors and guards. The only issue that I could see us having some trouble with would be that we may have to bring forward all of your titles. Also, unless the Hufflepuff Heir claims their rights, Dumbledore will still be allowed input in regards to anything to do with Hogwarts. Finding that heir is imperative to all of these plans. Without them, this all will collapse."
Filius got up from the table and started to pace around the room, and Draco started to run his hands through his hair so that his hair was standing straight up. "I need to get back to Hogwarts and do some more research on these matters." Filius said as he was walking towards the door. "Would any of you mind if I tell Minerva?" He asked as he looked to Harry and Hermione and waited for their approval. He knew Minerva was well aware of what was going on already.
"Professor, before you leave I have a question for these two that I think you should hear. I believe their answer would be of interest to you and your research." Draco said as he finished making his hair stand on edge. Filius gave him a puzzled look but nodded his head. Draco turned and looked at Harry with a serious face. "What other titles besides being Lord Potter, Lord Gryffindor, and Lord Slytherin do you have?"
Harry and Hermione looked at each other. 'Should we tell him Maya?'
'He will find out eventually dear.'
"Would you two cut the bloody mind speak and tell us what the devil is really going on?" snapped Draco. Narcissa was two seconds away from jumping up and smacking her son upside the head. Harry held his hand up to stop Narcissa from following through on this idea. If she was to be honest with herself, she was actually interested in what other titles these two had hidden up their sleeves.
Harry gave Hermione's hand a squeeze to let her know that he would go first and said "Well, I am also Lord Pendragon and a direct descendent of Merlin." Draco's jaw hit the floor.
Before he could formulate any type of response, Hermione added, "I have some other titles as well Draco. Besides being Lady Potter and Lady Ravenclaw, I'm Lady Dagworth, and Lady Le Fey."
Draco sat there with his mouth hanging open and looked like a fish out of water. "Do you know who the Hufflepuff heir is?" he quietly asked. Harry nodded his head but said nothing. "Let me guess, you two aren't going to say anything till they complete their inheritance test and claim their birth right are you?"
Filius gave a little cough to draw everyone's attention and said, "I will keep this information under wraps Lord and Lady Potter. For now, I need to head back to Hogwarts. I will begin to look through the charter to see if there is anything that could help us and prevent you from having to, what was the muggle saying ah yes, the cat out of the bag. I know you are both close with Minerva and will enlist her help in this matter. It will help immensely that she is the Deputy Headmistress and can overrule the headmaster in certain things." Everyone watch Filius leave and Hermione finally realized there was a small cup on the table in front of them.
"What is that?" She knew what it was. Merlin had told them about it during his visit. In the back of her mind she heard someone chuckle. 'Oh hush Merlin. We are getting to it.' She thought.
"We are getting to that milady. I believe it was Lord Potter who wanted us to investigate the Lestrange Family vault. This is what we found." The Director said as he picked up the cup. "This is the cup of Helga Hufflepuff. It turns out that He-Who-Must-Not-Be Named created more horcruxes. We are unsure of the exact number he made."
Everyone, minus Draco, Hermione, and Harry, in the room paled at hearing this. "What is a horcrux?" Draco asked as he looked at everyone.
"A horcrux is something a dark wizard creates by splitting their soul and casting it into an object. By completing this, it acts as an anchor for one's soul for the one task of having immortality." Replied Bill as he spoke up for the first time. "This type of magic was only attempted by the Ancient Egyptians. I found evidence of it within the Pyramids."
"And during this time did you find a way to destroy them?" asked Harry.
Bill's shoulders slumped a little when replied, "No. There was no mention of any method for their destruction. As far as I know, there is only one group to ever find a way. The Nation, through the rite you have already experienced, or by casting a fiendfry."
"There is another method, actually two." Harry said as he watched everyone slide to the edge of their seats. "Basilisk Venom or the Sword of Gryffindor."
"How do you know this Potter? And where on earth are we going to find a Basilisk?" asked Draco.
"Well, I already have the sword. As for the basilisk, that can be found in the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts. And before any of you argue that fact with me, I have been in there and have personally slain it using the sword in question."
"Lord Potter…" Ragnok started to say, but was interrupted by Remus who said, "Harry, do you mean to tell us that you killed a basilisk?"
"Yes. Lucius Malfoy slipped a diary to Ginny Weasley during our second year who opened the chamber. When Hermione was attacked, we found out that Ginny was taken down to the chamber. It turns out the diary was a horcrux. After I killed the basilisk with the sword, I used one of its fangs and destroyed it. Because I used the sword to kill the monster, it became impregnated with the venom."
As everyone sat there listening to Harry's tale, they all failed to noticed that Hermione's color started to fade and she started trembling again. Harry felt a twinge coming through the bond and looked over to see what was happening.
Ragnok asked, "Do you mean to tell me that you have killed such a beast? I would like to discuss render of such creature. Through the rites of conquest, any profit turned from the rendering would be yours, minus the fees for the task."
Harry took Hermione's hand and told the director, "I would like to discuss this further, but we have to be going. It would seem that the potion your healers gave my wife are already wearing off and the pain seems to be returning tenfold. I will either send an owl to you with the details or a representative to discuss these matters further." He went to stand but before he could try get to help Hermione up she said, "Before we conclude with our business, I have one question. "Narcissa, before we left the street you said there was word about the Dursley's. What have you heard?"
Narcissa took a long sip of tea before saying, "The insurance company is saying the explosion was caused by a gas leak. With the insurance money they have purchased a new home."
Harry sat silent for a moment thinking before saying, "Two questions. One, have they even asked about me? And two, where have they purchased their new home?"
Narcissa sighed. She herself could not understand how one family could be so terrible. Well, she could understand how some people could be terrible, but this was even lower than anything Lucius has ever done. "They did not ask about your welfare. I believe they actually hope your died in the explosion. As for where they purchased their new home." Based on everything Narcissa has learned, she wasn't sure if she should actually tell anyone where they live. But based on the look Harry and Hermione were giving her, she knew she better start talking. "They bought a house in Surrey."
Edited 7/5/17