Meetings
There were only a handful of possible hiding places that would have prevented the House Elf from locating one of the Lost Ones. So Kreacher decided to start with the most obvious first. He went about it properly. Gringotts would have taken a dim view of him snooping around their territory. It was also in their best interest to help his Master gain skill and knowledge. Both good reasons to make an appointment.
It may not be an immediate move, as he had other things to do so a few days wouldn’t matter. Kreacher had his Master and the stars to look after. The lost ones were easier than Harry. The young one was honestly terrible at paying attention to his own needs. What was good was that he was at least focusing on learning as much as he could. So the house elf could tolerate it.
Soon he was in the office of Nokrak once more. The dverger regarded him with a raised eyebrow. “And just how can Gringotts help you today, or shall I say how can we assist your Master. That is the only reason you would want to meet with me.” The house elf reminded himself not to scowl and be polite. Rudeness, while satisfying, wouldn’t help in this particular situation. He’d save that for when it was needed. “Kreacher thinks Account Manager Nokrak already knows why Kreacher might be here.”
His answer seemed to amuse the dverger. “And how would I know that when you have yet to tell me.” Kreacher imitated Nokrak by raising an eyebrow. “Because Account Manager is not stupid. Account Manager knows Master Black has much to learn. Account Manger wants Master Black to learn fast. Account Manager also has seen Master Black’s lineage test.” That had the Gringotts employee inclining his head in acknowledgement.
“Most wizards would not entrust such a task to house elves and goblins. They underestimate us.” Kreacher nodded in agreement. “Master Black and the Great Star do not. They are not like them. Master Black and the Great Star respect us. Kreacher thinks they have earned his help.” That caused a surprised expression to form on Nokrak’s face. “Not just the boy, but the elder as well seeks this? Surprising.”
Shaking his head in disagreement, “Not surprising. Great Star wants help his little star. Others agree. The little star needs more family. Little star needs this family. Account Manger is knowing why the little star needs this one.”
Nokrak gave him an even look before reaching over to press a spot on his desk. “I am aware.” When one of the dverger opened the door he addressed them. “Bring in GoldCleaver.” When the door shut the Account Manager addressed Kreacher once more. “Which is why I agree with you. However I am not the one you need to convince.”
The door opened again and a tall dark haired elf entered the room. Dressed simply, the House Elf could spot various callus on his hands, and faint burn marks. A simple braid on each side of his head kept the rest of the hair held back and out of his face. The elf stopped a few steps into the room and looked at the occupants. “Interesting, now why would one of the spirits of the house need to meet with me?”
Kreacher turned to Nokrak. “Account Manager did not tell him?”Nokrak grinned.“It was not my place. You are the supplicant here, not I.” The house elf scowled. “Account Manager has copy of the test. Kreacher asks he brings it out to help. Kreacher also already said this would help both Master Black and Gringotts.”
Responding by opening up a drawer and pulling out a scroll, Nokrak laid it out on the desk. GoldCleaver had yet to come further into the room. His sharp gaze went to what he could see from there of the elvish script at the top of the scroll. “I have myself kept apart from any in Arda for a reason. Now that I, and they, are here, however that happened, they do not need my presence inflicted upon them.”
The house elf tapped the bottom of the page. Fingertip on the name that had black gold and silver. Names written in English, the wizarding ancient runes, and in Sindarian. “They not being who needs GoldCleaver. GoldCleaver’s greats-grandson is being the one.”
“What?” Swiftly the tall elf made his way over to the desk, his eyes widening as he recognized it as a lineage test. Behind him the door to the office closed once more. With a shaken expression he sank into the seat by the desk. “I didn’t know. About any child let more descend from them. She never told me. Just gone one day.” Family could be everything to an elf. It didn’t matter if this was his fault or not, it still shook him to the core. Perhaps especially after losing all of his brothers and his parents. One adoptive child forever out of reach, and the other in another world from this one.
Well, that certainly put an interesting perspective on this. Family being an important thing to the dverger as well, Nokrak considered the options. “Gringotts can investigate the matter. You have more than enough balance in our trade for us to do this for you.” While only the youngest of the line remained alive, there still would be something to uncover about the facts of the case. Leaving a mystery like this went against the grain. While it could be something simple, there was always a risk of someone targeting any with non-human blood. While that likelihood was low, better to make sure you had an answer. The only question is if GoldCleaver wanted answers as well.
The elf inclined his head. “Please. I need to know what happened.” Leaning forward to study the test he took in the details, his mouth in a thin line. “You said he needs me. Why is this?”
“Kreacher thinks there are many reasons little Master needs GoldCleaver. The lost ones and Great Star not have hands to help him being one.” Kreacher replied. The elf gave him a sharp look. “What do you mean by that?”
The little being stared at him a moment. “GoldCleaver not be knowing what happened? Great Star came into world, realized many many lost ones stuck here. Fea not able go to Great Halls where they belong. Great Star build sanctuary, find lost ones. When Great Star’s hroa fails, he stuck too. Not know how to go home.” Tilting his head Kreacher continued. “Twin stars have too much pain. Faded they say. Now their fea stuck too.”
GoldClever turned to look at Kreacher. “What do you mean his hroa failed? That should not be possible.” The small being scowled. “Great Evil on other side had Great Star. Hurt him before Great Star escaped. No healer here could help all wounds. Lived, but not long enough.” The elf took a moment to process and then demanded, “Many lost ones, what do you mean by that?” The house elf glared at him, looking at him disdainfully. “First Great Evil one ripped fea from hroa, threw away, threw into this world. Kreacher help find them all, bring to Room of the Stars.”
Paling the tall elf bowed his head. “They should not be trapped here. They deserve better.”
Kreacher harrumphed, “first thing GoldCleaver said being good sense.”
Nokrak cackled. “He has a good brain, you just threw a bunch of shocks at him. That one is a survivor. Just let him think around it.”
Picking his head back up, an intense expression was on GoldCleaver’s face. “What else, you said there were many reasons why the young one would need me, as opposed to the ones he already has? I need to know what you do.”
Giving the tall elf a narrowed eyed look, he nodded once before replying. “Little Master needs feel accepted. The filth that had him before, people that were around him, puts bad thoughts little Master’s head.” Seeing the dark look on GoldCleaver’s face at that bit of information brought some satisfaction to Kreacher. He seemed to understand all the small being was both saying and not saying.
“Little master also be starting to hear magic music. Great Star, twin stars, lost ones, them not music-master. Have power yes, but limited as just fea. Great Star said GoldCleaver is music-master, can help with music-magic.
The Account Manager decided to add his own thoughts on the matter. “The boy has indicated he heard the Song of the Stones, you should know what that means.” When the elf didn’t respond, Nokrak pressed on the issue further. “You think the others should not be trapped here? We at Gringotts have been looking into this matter and another for a long time. If what we think is right, the child is the key. The knowledge and what he has, and is, inheriting. I anticipate he’ll figure that out for himself, and soon. He is more than a wizard. You need only to look at him to see.”
That earned him a sharp look from GoldCleaver. “That kind of pressure should not be placed on one so young.” This time the reply came from the house elf, along with a scoff. “Kreacher still think GoldCleaver stupid. Little Master will put pressure on self. Kreacher trying to get help for little Master.” Seeing the still pensive look on the tall elf, he added. “Little Master already know GoldCleaver's past, Great Star told him. Great Star and Twin Stars say to find you. Everyone already knows. Still want you to come. Kreacher is starting to wonder why.”
“Enough.” GoldCleaver opened up his hand to look at the scars on it before balling it into a fist. “I will go.” He looked back at Nokrak. “Did you know?”
The Account manager tilted this head. “About him being of your line? No. About the Black Family history, yes. After we got to know you we would have discussed it with you. However you made it very clear when we entered our agreement that the only thing you were interested in outside Gringotts was music. That you did not wish to be found.” He shrugged, “So we respected your wishes.”
At that GoldCleaver winced. “That I did, and that you did. Perhaps if I had paid more attention . . .” He let his words trailed off, not bothering to finish the sentence. “Alright let me get a few things. Can you bring me to the young one then?” At the house elf’s insulted look he added, “I do not doubt your ability. I am questioning if the timing is appropriate for the young one.”
It was difficult to tell time when you did not venture outside much. Full elves and the house elves didn’t need as much rest as other races. Gringotts could and did run shifts around the clock as not all kept to the day. So that did mollify Kreacher slightly. “Kreacher can.”
“My thanks.” GoldCleaver got up and left the office, closing the door behind him.
Kreacher looked at Nokrak. “Kreacher has some doubts.” The account manager was rolling up the scroll with a satisfied look. “I do not. As I said, he had many shocks thrown at him. While GoldCleaver is a capable fighter, he does not have the soul of a warrior. Which I do not mean as an insult.” The dverger looked over to the house elf. “You do not need a warrior. What you do need, is what that elf is. I would not have arranged the meeting if I did not think he could be of help to the boy. As you said, it is in our best interest to assist.”
He thought about that, giving Nokrak a calculating look. “Kreacher knows what Black Family oath is. Kreacher does not know what Gringotts wants of the young Master.” The dverger gave a toothy grin. “Nor will you, until he does. This is something we have waited a long time for. We would not do anything to jeopardize it. Especially not with the title he earned. It is not wise to meddle with certain affairs. Those that do tend to have very short lives.”
The house elf looked entirely unimpressed by the last part. “Kreacher cares not. Kreacher will keep his young Master safe and happy as much as Kreacher can.”
“We are not in conflict old one. I do believe that GoldCleaver will be good for the young one. You will see.” The house elf grumbled a bit, but refrained from any further protest.
“Can Gringotts be of any other service today to the House of Black?” Nokrak more or less politely inquired. The question and tone were polite enough, the giant grin less so. “Kreacher thinks Account Manager is enjoying this too much.” Came the quick reply. “No, Kreacher does not need anything else from Gringotts for the House of Black.”
It wasn’t long before the tall elf re-entered the office, now with a satchel slung over his shoulder. He inclined his head to Nokrak. “Account Manager, thank you for assisting with this meeting. I am sure you will let me know when that report is ready.” Then he turned towards Kreacher. “I am ready now, spirit of the house, if you could please take me to the young one.”
Nokrak waved them off. “It will be sent. I know you know the way out.” Kreacher gave the account manager a grumbling bow before heading out the door and down the winding corridors with GoldCleaver.
“Kreacher can get you into house, but if you upset the stars Kreacher can also get you out.” The tall elf inclined his head. “Of that I have no doubt. I have no wish to distress anyone.”
Once they reached the appropriate room, Kreacher held out his hand and GoldCleaver took it. With a soft pop, they left Gringotts and reappeared in the front entrance to Grimmald place. Waving at the tall elf to follow he took him to the room. There was a pause as he took in the crest. Steeling himself, he reached for the door handle, only to open the door to chaos.
There was the frantic flapping of black wings and an almost musical croaking sound as a tiny creature frantically flapped around the room. It rose in the air in small bursts only to fall down again, bumping into furniture as it progressed. Books were scattered and small lights were darting all over the place. A double handful seemed to be centered on the small creature. As he took this all in the spirit of the house next to him burst out in a proud voice. “Little Master is a true Black!”
The small being darted into the room and deftly caught the small creature, which was revealed to be a barely fledged raven with oddly enough bright green eyes. There was a tuft of white feathers above the birds right eye. The spirit of the house lightly stroked the bird’s head working on calming it. “Little Master is strong yes, has the spirit of the House of Black. Kreacher is very proud! But little Master should not be practicing such magics by himself.”
“Quork, quark, quark!” was the protesting response.
“The stars do not count, they cannot help if you get stuck.” Admonished Kreacher. “Good thing Kreacher has found you help, yes.
Slowly the bird appeared to be calming in the hands of the small being. The lights twisted into a slow spiral, some coming to drift towards the tall elf. Slowly he moved further into the room, catching the attention of the fledgling raven. The bird turned his head to study him. Setting his satchel down GoldCleaver carefully settled into a cross-legged seated position to put him more on level with the pair. Hanging near the head of the small raven was a strong glowing light swirling with blue and silver-white. A pair of silver-white lights were just behind the raven’s head. He could feel the presence of many fea in the room.
“Hello young one. I am Maglor. I am sorry I did not know about you before now.” The fledgling fluffed up its feathers uttering a soft quorking sound. The tall elf offered a smile. “You do appear to be a bit stuck. I am no wizard, but I have studied their capabilities in this world. Was this your first animagus transformation?”
The young bird nodded its head and Maglor reached out to offer cupped hands. “While I cannot do the magic myself, I do know what goes into it. I may be able to help. Will you allow me to aid you?” Regarding his hands the fledgling cocked its head and then made as if to jump into his hands only to have Kreacher scowl and gently place him there. “Little Master needs more practice.” He offered with a grumble.
Maglor flashed a smile at Kreacher, “my thanks.” Then he turned his focus back to the Raven. Slowly the lights drifted closer to the pair. The bright blue and silver-white one and the pair of silver lights sticking close to the little bird. “Alright young one, based on what I know, and the surprise of others to your current situation, I would think you have been using a meditation based technique.” The black bird bobbed his head in agreement. “Then the solution is both simple and difficult. Simple because you already know how to meditate and you have already found your sense of self. What makes it difficult is for the first transformations you are establishing the path between your forms.” A soft quork sounded from the young raven, his feathers fluffing up again before smoothing out.
“The raven is but another aspect of you. Just a different way to view yourself.” Maglor continued in a soothing tone. “You need to release the raven form as you connect to your inner self. Find your center again and use your magic to stretch yourself back out, up, into your wizard self.” The fledgling closed his eyes stilling in the tall elf’s hands. Patiently he waited prepared to sit there as long as it took. Eventually the bird’s form blurred and enlarged. It seemed to hiccup about the four foot mark, before shooting up until well over the five foot mark.
Blinking he took off his glasses to look at them with a scowl. “I think all the magic must have messed them up.” Kreacher pulled out a pair of glasses from somewhere and offered them to the young wizard, tapping his hand slightly with them. “Master needed better glasses. Kreacher got little master better glasses to wear.” These glasses had a thin gold frame, setting them on his face, Harry smiled. “Thanks Kreacher, you are the best.” The house elf puffed up with pride.
Harry then looked at the tall elf still seated before him. He folded his legs into a cross legged position to match. “Um, hi.” Maglor gave him a warm smile. “Well done hina. It would seem I have joined your supporters at the right time. That was an impressive bit of magic. From my understanding using the meditation technique is only possible if you have a sufficient strength for it.”
With a faint blush on his face, Harry rubbed the back of his neck. “Thanks. I didn’t actually mean to try the transformation now. It just sort of happened.”
With an amused smile Maglor tilted his head to one side. “Is that so? Perhaps your house spirit is correct that you should be careful trying out magics without supervision. I am happy to assist where I can. As I said, I am no wizard, but I have studied and have some small power of my people.” Harry flushed further at the reminder and then brightened. “Really? I’d like to learn it if I can. I mean I don’t know if I can but Grandfather,” He points at the silver-white and blue light near him, “Seems to think something is going on with me.”
When the light swirled in front of Harry he gave it a dry look. “Yes I am well aware that you, Elured, Elurin, and Kreacher have been worried and fussing. You haven’t hid anything from me. Which I appreciate by the way, thanks.” Kreacher, who had been using his magic to straighten up the room, muttered, “Kreacher is not fussing. Little Master not always use good sense!”
Harry grinned at that and then refocused on the tall elf in front of him. “You can call me Harry.” The sliver-white and blue light swirled by the young wizards head and he amended his words. “Or Gilriant if you want.” He looked down and played with the cuff of his trousers. “Grandfather gave me that name.”
As they were talking many of the little lights had settled on Harry. A few on his clothes but many also on his hair. Maglor looked at that and then back to the young one’s face. “So I see, a very appropriate name.” Harry peered up at him. “Yeah?”
Nodding with a smile the tall elf continued. “You know what it means?”
“Yeah, I’ve been learning the language. Star-wreathed-gift.”
“Or star-crowned-gift. You are wearing Gil-Galad’s symbol, it has stars in it. My house has one, and so does Elurin’s and Elured’s. In addition, with how you look at the moment, you very much look star-crowned.” He gave the young wizard a warm smile. “I think we would all agree you are a gift. Elves treasure their young ones, so you are indeed a gift to us.” Harry shrugged, “If you say so.”
Maglor reached to lightly touch Harry's chin to lift his gaze until it met the tall elf’s gaze. “I very much do, and I do think I will use it, with your permission of course.” He dropped his hand when the young wizard gave a small nod. “If you want.”
“So um, were you in hiding or something?” An obvious change in subject but Maglor went along with it. “Yes. Or perhaps better to say I did not seek to see if any others from Ea were here. After some time I had sought work with the dverger in Gringotts. Both learning from and teaching them. It would have been difficult for anyone to locate me there. I also felt it best not to inflict my presence to anyone else.” Now it was Maglor’s turn to bow his head.
“Hey! It wasn’t entirely your fault.” Harry protested. “Okay yeah, not the brightest idea to make that oath. But your dad’s treasure was stolen. And instead of giving them back when people had them they tried to keep them. Which was also wrong.”
“Perhaps,” Maglor conceded. “But that did not justify what we did. I damaged my own fea badly by the fell deeds I committed.” When the tall elf didn’t look up. Harry scooted around to wrap his arms around him in a hug. When Maglor stiffened in surprise the young wizard started to pull away only to be stop when he found himself embraced in turn.
“So apparently my fea is pretty damaged too. Maybe we can help fix each other? I mean, just sitting around in hiding isn’t going to help you. If you really feel bad about something, well you can’t change the past, only what you do in the future right?” At his words, Maglor moved to rest his forehead against Harry’s. “I would say you definitely deserve your name Gilriant.”
Flushing, the young wizard didn't pull away. “But I’m right?”
Maglor gave a soft amused huff. “Yes hinya, you are correct.”
“I don’t know what that word means yet.” Harry admitted. At that Maglor gave a louder chuckle. “Consider it an incentive to work on your language lessons.” He straightened up. Perhaps we should work on those? I would say I know a good bit about the language.”
“After lunch!” Kreacher scowled at the pair of them. “Little Master should not forget to eat. GoldCleaver should make sure he eats.” With a snap of his fingers the table in the room was set with dishes and food.
Harry perked up. “Oh, is that what your name means? I was trying to translate it, but, um got distracted by other things.”
Getting up, and offering Harry a hand up Maglor nodded. “Yes, Maglor is the sindarin version of my mother-name Macalure which can be translated as gold cleaver in quenya.”
“Elvish is really confusing,” Harry grumbled.
“Yes, well so is English.” Maglor replied, making sure the young one was settled and putting food on his plate before he continued the discussion. After all, there was much to teach, and the young learned best if they were properly fed.