The Master's Library
Gary Seven – Garrick Septimus – looked at the product of his handiwork.
Upon inspection, Gary found that there was a large section at the back of the Restricted Section which was not currently in use in the Hogwarts Library.
The few tomes it did contain could more easily be put in with the rest of the books and cannibalizing an unused classroom to one side of the Library had yielded an area forty feet by forty feet.
After a quick drawing of the space, Gary traveled …
Molly and Arthur Weasley (Lone Traveler: Building a Better Burrow) were quite happy to see their very occasionally visiting guest.
The last of their children had just been sent off to Hogwarts. And while Gary was there to retrieve the Warding Schemes from the Weasley Box, he had to admit that this Burrow was one of the most welcoming places in any world.
He also learned that his tryst with Bellatrix Black in this world had produced a boy which was doted upon by most relatives. The boy was named Hardin, which was the name of a star but also he was named after Harry himself. Bellatrix had finally married another wizard who treated her and Hardin well – the Traveler was glad to hear it and did not want to intrude on their happy life.
Knowing he had another happy child was always a blessing though. The Weasleys had decided that Harry's efforts to increase their wealth deserved a portion of the company that the Potters, Prewitts, and Weasleys had with regards Wards. And so Hardin's future was assured.
All in all, each family was doing quite well for themselves. Harry was glad to hear that.
Harry was also startled to learn that the Muggles (with some backing for development from Gringotts on the sly) had already started manufacturing and selling white LED lighting for widespread use. While it was still currently very expensive, the magical side had started to embrace it as an improvement over candles and wall sconces with live flame. Powered by magic rather than electricity, and enchanted properly through their company, it was guaranteed to last for 300 years.
With that in mind, after visiting and getting caught up, Gary once again moved to Gringotts. His raised status was obvious to them. Hooking them up to 1st Interdimensional was fairly straightforward and the fact that they had a commodity currently unknown outside of their home universe gave them an advantageous position.
Gary made an order for delivery to A2 via A1 of enough LED lighting for the entire Hogwarts library and a Goblin artificer from what was now Universe A3 (A was the designation for worlds with Gringotts and a Wizarding World and the dimensions were numbered according to the order they were hooked up to A1) to help with installation.
Harry then searched through his recollections for someone to help do the woodwork that would be required for the new section of the Library.
The biggest pain would be ensuring that each board or panel of wood contained the runework to tie into the wards which he would erect.
And because he wanted it to last a very long time, he would use mahogany. And not just any mahogany. He would go to a point in the past and retrieve mahogany from areas that had yet to see humans arrive – co called old growth. He would plant trees where he took them and ensure that no one would be the wiser when humans eventually arrived to the area he planned to take them from.
He would also pick up some Brazilian cherry wood for flooring and rosewood for accents.
Gary would admit if forced that he absolutely loved to design and build things. He had helped build the Burrow in one universe, Pogara's cottage in another, and had put his hand in at various times.
The most confusing project he ever worked on was helping an old retired US Marine on his boat in the man's basement – he still hadn't figured out how the man would get the boat out of the house. He could do it with magic – but the man was as Muggle as the world he lived in. It had been something of a moral dilemma when he had choosen to let the man keep his secrets and not use legilimency on him.
In the end, after retrieving the extremely heavy and dense woods, Gary had to turn to Muggle wood shops to convert the materials to usable pieces. He had stamps made for the runes to be added and explained them away as brand marks.
In the end, he actually didn't have to spend much cash at all – he paid for the work with excess amounts of the woods as the craftsmen he contracted to do the work recognized the extreme high quality and most were happy to receive several extra logs of each wood (Gary had to ensure that no insects or diseases were transferred from the Earth's past – that would have been a nightmare). They planned on selling the wood to make veneers or to custom wood workers for a premium price.
He even had to convince a few that the logs were not illegally obtained. The type of men that Harry liked to do business with also tended to have the highest moral standards in addition to being perfectionists when it came to detail. It was extra work – but worth it.
When he had accepted delivery through Gringotts on 7 August, he had to then get help from Gringotts to find craftsmen to install everything.
Ragnok offered Goblin craftspeople. Even he had recognized the quality of material and work which went into the various parts to be installed. Gary then went to the Headmaster.
"Ah, Gary. Still working on that project in the Library?" the Headmaster asked.
"Yes. You saw the area I cleared out?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Madam Pince was startled when she returned and found an area that had been made devoid of everything down to the stone. It is good you mentioned that you were using the space for that matter we were discussing."
Gary grinned. "Yes. I imagine it would have been quite a shock."
The Headmaster asked curiously. "If I may ask …" Gary nodded him on. "Why are you investing so much time and effort? You are not a Hogwarts Alumnus. You have no stake in these matters. Yet, from every indication you seem to treat these matters as a personal concern. And while I applaud such effort on Hogwarts' behalf, it leaves me asking: Why?"
"The truth?" Dumbledore nodded. "Someone I respect suggested that I apply for this position and expend my efforts into making my time here a success. I am … well, I pay attention to details. I like solving problems. I enjoy making plans. I love to see my solutions and plans put into action. I also have a history of confronting the Dark – and from everything I know, if you truly want to combat the Dark you muststart with education. No one is born evil. Hardships and lack of vision force people to do things that they originally would never have imagined doing. At first they try to minimize harm – but then they find theylike the feeling of being in charge even if others get hurt. And then they begin liking that."
Gary shook his head. "No. The path to Evil does not start with a desire to harm. It starts with a desire to protect oneself and to survive. No child grows up with dreams of being a thief – but many criminals enjoy stealing. Where did it start? It started with a problem they had for which they could conceive no other solution. So why do I work so hard on these things?"
Gary smiled. "Because you can only head off those troubles by ensuring that people have options. That was the reason for my suggesting you pay underprivileged students to help restore furniture and what not. The money for the budget will be nice – but putting someone on a road where they can see future success is much more the goal than having nice things for this school. And if it keeps them from becoming Dark wizards and witches? It's all for the better. People don't want things handed to them – which his why I don't recommend just giving poor families money – but they do want the opportunity to earn their way out of their problems."
Gary paused. "And the library? I wish I had access to such things when I first studying to oppose a particular Dark wizard who confounded my family. I eventually ensured he received justice but it would have been far easier if my family had access to a place where answers could be found. I envision a Library which can be accessed at need by Aurors, Healers, and Masters and apprentices to ensure that those things which afflict those they deal with are properly handled. Thus my work on a Masters' Library for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The hardest part of this whole thing is setting up a system where Dark elements in government or the community can't force good people from benefitting from it while also preventing Dark elements from accessing it at the same time. When I have the warding planned, I'll show you and we can enact it."
Gary gave a vicious smile. "And then I'd like to see a Dark wizard or someone who doesn't have the best interests of Hogwarts in mind try to get in – just so that I can point and laugh."
Albus contemplated his newest professor. He appeared to be young – his listed age was 36 but he looked even younger than that – but it was immediately apparent that he hadn't lived a cloistered life. He had faced hardships and those who would do harm. It was quite apparent that instead of becoming Dark himself, he had decided to champion the fight against it.
He found he quite liked the boy's idealism.
"That satisfies my curiosity. Now what brings you to my office today?"
"I have taken delivery on the materials needed for the Masters' Library. When I tried to use Gringotts to contact skilled artisans to install everything, I was given a counterproposal. Gringotts would have Goblin artisans put everything together. I need your permission before allowing it."
Albus' eyes widened. "Why would the Goblins want to do the work?"
"Because they are just as passionate about detail as I am and while they are warriors, they also have craftspeople who love to work. They were taken by my vision and – well, they want a piece of it."
"And how much will this cost Hogwarts or the Discretionary fund?" Albus asked.
Gary grinned a sly grin. "Nothing. I will pay them with materials and wood that they normally wouldn't have access to – much like the wood which will make up the furnishings and floors of the Library. The Goblins love Gold and Silver and Bronze – but they don't disdain other useful things."
Albus considered is. "I wonder if I should ask the Board of Governors."
"I might suggest that in this case an old adage is appropriate: Sometimes it is better to ask forgiveness than permission. I suggest presenting it as fait accompli – no room for Darker elements to shut down something so obviously useful to society. And Hogwarts can charge Masters to bring their Apprentices here to study as needed – a Galleon a day or some such or even more. My wards will prevent any books from being removed or damaged or the information from being used nefariously in the future. I think you'll quite like them."
"Well, this Saturday, the 9th of August, no one will be about yet other than those who reside here. After that, things will be too busy to allow it. Will one day suffice?"
"We'll set it for two. How about that?"
Albus nodded. "So – it will be ready in four days."
"That's the plan. Now we'll see if Ragnok will go for it."
Albus was startled. "Ragnok? You refer to the current Bank Manager Ragnok?"
Gary nodded. "That's who I've been dealing with." With that, Gary left.
Albus watched his Professor curiously as he walked out the door. There was more to him than was apparent – that much was obvious. It was niggling in his mind but he didn't yet have enough data.
Very early on Saturday, 9 August, 1975, several Goblins appeared at the gates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With them they brought several trunks which had materiel shrunken into them. And, as requested, Mr. Septimus was waiting for the group.
In the dim early light, the Goblins were led to the fabled castle and allowed to enter the front door. The Goblins, taciturn as they were wont to be, still appreciated good work, especially good stone work, and Hogwarts was definitely this.
They were led up the stairs and finally to the Library. Gary quickly showed them where they would work and where they would eat (the house elves would be providing food as the day went through) and where to take care of personal needs.
Gary left them to it.
After a few hours, the Headmaster arrived to see progress. He was asked for two things: The artisans wanted to be left to complete their work without interruption and the ward master wanted access to the ward stone so that they could tie in the libraries protections.
He was given a detailed list of exactly what would be added and what each ward accomplished. He also, alone of those outside of the team of Goblins, was told exactly where the tied in stone would go within the added room.
Gary's rune schemes allowing smaller ward stones to be tied into the main one was put into excellent use.
While the Library's stone wasn't in place, the tying scheme would allow it to be charged as soon as it was ready.
As a courtesy, the Ward Master removed the anti-Rape sequence, remarking that the wards as a whole still needed to be reworked to removed redundancies, close a few holes, and to allow the sitting Headmaster a bit more control.
The Headmaster told him that he had his Professor of Ancient Runes who would be assisting according to the report he had already received regarding the wards from Gringotts.
The ward master grunted and went back to the Library to continue his work. He was monitoring the installation of items to ensure the tying rune on each piece was not damaged.
By 11:00 that night, the entire room was fully installed. Included were contracts for each person who accessed the Library to sign. There was one contract for healers, another for Magical Law Enforcement, another for Masters, one for Apprentices, one for Examiners, and one for the Headmaster.
The Headmaster's included the caveat that he would ensure that the strictures on who could access the room would remain in place, as well as the protections against books being removed.
The Healer contract required the Healer use the library for the sole purpose of advancing their craft or to find counter-curses or cures for unknown or little known maladies. Any Healer who used the information to harm others or who attempted to pass on information to any outside of his fellow oath-bonded healers would lose all knowledge of that which they had retrieved from the room. There was a warning system in place so they knew they had to stop whatever they were doing which could violate the contract.
The Auror contract required that the Auror or other Law Enforcement employee had the authorization of the Head of the DMLE and/or the Headmaster to access the library, and that their purpose was to find counters to curses they would encounter or to recognize magical effects which would allow them to identify Dark magic. Their contract also had a clause which would cause misuse to result in the information being lost to them.
The Master and Apprentice contracts had to do with the proper education of their field and to ensure that counter-curses and ways to oppose Dark magic was not lost. Misuse would see the information disappear from their minds and notes.
Cursebreakers were allowed to research wards, curses, and counters. In exchange for free access, Gringotts would enter copies of 200 books into the Library so that they had a place to send their Cursebreakers to study outside of their own caves.
The Librarian was allowed to enter only to ensure the room was being kept up. Elves could only clean and repair, and not remove any books.
Several pairs of silk gloves of various sizes were made available so that human hands did not touch the more dangerous books.
The room was magically set to expand as needed as more and more titles appeared. As long as there was magic, the room would maintain itself.
Any Hogwarts student who was of age had to have permission from the Headmaster and one of several people to access the room: Head of the Wizarding Examination Authority, Head of the DMLE, Head of St. Mungo's, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot or a certified master of the field they were studying. Anyone who wasn't of age needed approval from the Headmaster and one other plus their guardian. No one person could provide both approvals even if the Headmaster also took on that position.
The Headmaster could allow people to enter, if present, to see the room but even these could not get near the books. The Board of Governors for example. No curses could reach through the wards and the books that were properly put into the library could not be damaged without the person being ejected immediately.
The lighting came from what appeared to be flat panels. The fact that it was LED lighting was obscured. Muggleborns would comment on how much it looked like Muggle lighting even if it was powered by magic.
The entire library was now brightly lit with light sconces throughout.
Unfortunately, it exposed much more dirt and wear than had previously been apparent. A team of house elves exhausted themselves on Sunday as they cleaned and repaired the now exposed problem.
Even exhausted, however, they were quite proud of themselves and their work. The Library hadn't looked so good – ever.
It was the Wednesday following the installation of the Master's Library at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Having put it off as long as he could, Albus Dumbledore had invited several people to Hogwarts. This included the Head of St. Mungo's, the Head of the DMLE, the Head of the Wizarding Examination Authority, the Board of Governors, as well as the Professors who held Masteries in their field. Also present was the school librarian.
The group was to be served lunch at 12:15 and at 1:00 there would be the meeting which was still a mystery to most of the people (except the Hogwarts staff).
After a good meal, they were led up to the doors to the library. The Headmaster turned. "First of all, due to a generous contribution from a source who wishes to remain anonymous, the Library has been subject to … an update."
With that the Headmaster opened the doors. It wasn't that impressive – a few lights turned on throughout the room, but it was very mild. Before anyone could say anything, the Headmaster said, "If you would, Madam Pince?"
The Librarian nodded and quickly moved to her desk, which was 15 feet from the door. Getting behind it, she did something and suddenly the room was brighter than anyone there had remembered it being.
The Headmaster led them to the Librarian's desk and they saw a panel there. Along with several crystals activated by wand, there was a map on the desk which showed everyone present.
One of the Board of Governors asked, "How do those fixtures give off so much light?"
"To be honest, I don't know," the Headmaster answered smiling. "All I do know is that the process was patented at the Ministry last Friday and the anonymous donor contacted us through Gringotts who arranged the installation. The map is copyrighted under Marauders' Maps Ltd. Once again, it was arranged through Gringotts."
Barty Crouch Senior was impressed but confused. "This is all well and good, but why were I and these others invited here? This is a Hogwarts matter."
"Well, we have another part to show off." The Headmaster led the group toward the back of the library. He cast a sonorous and called out, "Now, Madam Pince, if you will!"
Suddenly the back wall folded away and they were confronted by an entirely new area. A Ministry employee was there. "Ah, Mr. Dimple. Mr. Dimple is here to connect this floo, he pointed off to the side of the area now exposed, "with the floo in my office, the office of the Director of the DMLE, the office of the Director of St. Mungo's, and a connection to Gringott's for the Cursebreaking division. No other direct access shall be granted."
Another Governor asked with some distaste, "And why Gringotts?"
"It was part of the agreement which saw this marvelous room installed."
"And what is this room?"
"This, Ladies and Gentlewizards, is the Master's Library. As you are aware, many books due to their nature and the information they contain are prohibited from public access or are best kept restricted from general study. While some of these are sufficiently protected by their placement in Restricted section, many books are best accessible to Master's only. Also, there are times when Aurors or Healers may need to review very objectionable material to find counters to curses and other Dark magics.
"In the past, I put all such books in the Headmaster's personal library. However, such would prevent access by healers and Aurors as needed. This was the main donation to Hogwarts."
Crouch looked at the large wood wall with frosted glass and said, "And how will access be obtained?"
"First, everyone accessing it must sign a contract that the use of the information shall be limited to countering Dark and obscure magics and that the information will not be used against innocent Wizards, magical creatures, or Muggles. If anyone attempts to misuse the information, it will disappear from their mind – such is part of the contract."
There were a few objections from the Board of Governors. "Magic should be accessible to any who can responsibly use it!"
"I agree," the Headmaster said with a twinkle in his eyes. "The contract just ensures that such remains the case. There are tomes within this room which I could easily justify destroying out of hand just for the horrible things they contain. I was tempted to do so on many occasions. BUT. There are times when such information must be used to counter the magics they describe. If I destroyed these books, those who already have access to such information would be unchecked. And thus my decision to permit access by healers and Aurors and other recognized Masters."
The Headmaster clapped his hands. "First! I must have the Director of the DMLE, the head of the Examinations Authority, and the Head of St. Mungo's sign a contract. These are some of the only people that will ever be able to give access – and thus they will be signing the contract for their position, not themselves. Anyone who succeeds them legally – according to established law or precedence – will be able to give the same access."
The contracts were quickly reviewed and signed and put in a slot which would tie them to the wards on the room. "I would mention that even with approved access 24 hours a day, there are intent based wards. Any who desire harm to Hogwarts, its students, Muggles in general, or the Wizarding World shall not be able to access the floo. The opening to Hogwarts shall only be accessible during the times that the Library is open."
Albus smiled. "Now, one more demonstration before we enter the Master's Library. Professor Semptimus."
Gary walked forward. "This is the newest Professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts. I believe Madam Marchbanks has met him."
Madam Marchbanks replied, "Yes. A most impressive wizard. We heartily approved his placement."
"Quite. He will assist with the demonstration. If everyone will return to the outside area." Everyone did so. "He shall demonstrate what happens when someone attempts to force entry." He motioned Gary to go ahead. Gary pulled his wand and cast a fairly strong (but not divinely so) curse which should have been able to break the windows.
Immediately, an alarm flared and the doors closed.
"As you can see, there are defenses. It will take my hand or the Director of the DMLE's to release this. Barty. Put your hand on that crystal."
Barty stepped forward and the doors folded back. Gary was locked into a Petrificus Totalus spell, lying on the floor. "Now Barty, to release him you must place your hand on the crystal next to the door."
Barty stepped forward and put his hand as indicated. Gary was released and groaned. "That wasn't pleasant."
Albus was amused. "You offered to demonstrate."
"Yes," he replied as he slowly stood. "Next time, get someone else."
Albus chuckled. "If you had only just tried to unlock it, only the alarm would sound." He turned to those watching who were spellbound. "The reaction is in direct proportion to how much effort it put into breaking in. I hope this satisfies that the wards are sufficient?"
There were murmurs of agreement.
"Now, those with access, please put your hand on the crystal and enter one at a time. You must clear the inner door and it must close before the next can enter."
It took a few minutes as the four foot short hall required one door to be closed before the other could open. But eventually they were all inside. "Now, as Headmaster, I am going to stand here and allow the rest to enter. You will not need to put your hand on the crystal as you are not keyed in."
The Board of Governors soon was also inside. The Headmaster then went through himself.
"I will warn you that no one not keyed in can actually reach the books. And any spells will result in the same as what you already saw. Since Professor Septimus has declined to help with the next demonstration, perhaps Professor McGonagall can do so."
She nodded and moved to pick up a pair of silk gloves from the table in the middle of the room. "These are to protect the books and those reading them." She went and picked up a book. She then tried to take it out of the door.
As soon as the inner door locked, the alarm went off and she couldn't go further. She could return, however, and put the book back. She then could leave the room. She did so and returned.
"And thus you see how the books cannot be taken away. Any notes will be subject to the contracts meaning only those keyed in can read even their own notes. Now, feel free to look as much as you like – but only those who have access can pass the ward line."
It was quite a beautiful room. Done mostly with wood, even the floor was covered completely. There were a few rugs. It was a surprisingly warm environment.
The light was bright enough that there was no strain in seeing the titles. Horace tried to take one tome, but could not reach it. "Gloves, Horace," was McGonagall's comment.
He retrieved a set of silk gloves and was then allowed to pick up the book. He remembered his conversation those years ago with Tom Riddle – with the current protections, he would never have been able to access the book. He carefully returned it to the shelves and then returned the gloves.
Soon, everyone was led out. The Board was quietly speaking to each other. Finally, one of them said "What stops the Board of Governors from ordering you to allow access to the Board and anyone the Board deems acceptable?"
The Headmaster smiled. "The contract I signed which was required to receive the donation. The stipulations, ladies and gentlewizards, are locked in to place. Even I cannot now contravene them. And why would I want to? This will ensure that good people can access the information as necessary and those with ill intent cannot. I cannot imagine a better result."
The Board, or at least a couple of them, had to hide their dislike of this. Some knew that there was a Dark wizard they were beholden to which would become enraged when he found there was now information forever beyond his own access. And the contracts prevented the Library from being closed fully as even if Hogwarts was cut off: The DMLE, St. Mungo's and Gringotts would still be able to access it. And no one could raid it and change the rules because the wards would prevent it. Thus, they couldn't justify preventing access by Hogwarts under the strictures as already put in to place.
Their Master would not be happy.