Taking Care of Muggle Trash
Thinking rapidly, Gary thought about the next step. He needed to visit the Snapes (and retrieve the list from Albus – he had forgotten) but perhaps there was one thing he could do which might assist him.
Knowing that Hogwarts employed many elves and always accepted more, he knew that there needed to be enough magic to do so. He planned on calling unbonded elves when he had the Project Manager in place so that any extra work not done by humans could be done.
And so, he was going to ensure that Hogwarts had the most direct connection to the ley lines as was safe and possible.
Arriving at the lowest levels of Hogwarts, where almost no one ever went, he concentrated. In this case, this had nothing to do with charging wards. This was entirely about magic. And so he did not need the Ward Room for this.
Extending his awareness down, he searched for the connections that Hogwarts had to the Earth and its ley lines. They weren't hard to find. He did discover, however, that over the last thousand years one or two of the lines had drifted slightly and thus the connection was not as strong as it was in times past. Also, one of the connections was tenuous at best.
With a smile and every ounce of his concentration, Gary moved his awareness along this tenuous connection first until he found the problem: There was a deep level break in the bedrock layer which made the connection less than optimum. It had filled itself with other types of sedimentary rock, but this didn't carry the magic quite so well. And so slowly, ever so slowly, Gary willed a reshaping of the rock and soil. He was not trying to change any rock – just reposition where the connections were.
And finally, he felt when the spears of bedrock from below that he was extending from the lower level met the spears from above through the sediment. With that direct connection established, Gary could feel the fundamental increase in available magic coming through.
After taking a few long breaths to center himself again, Gary then moved to the connections which were now pulled off of the drifting ley lines. Once again moving slowly and carefully, Gary lengthened the connections so as to ensure the optimum placement for each line. And to help prevent a repeat due to future drift, Gary put enough excess on the connection (very much like a coiling of rope) so that future drift would automatically extend the connections.
Withdrawing his consciousness from the ground, Gary took stock of the rising levels of magic that now reached Hogwarts. While the average wizard would never notice, magical creatures would be able to sense the change. House elves would be more willing to bond when they lacked a tie to someone or somewhere else.
Gary spread his consciousness down one more time to see if there were any other lines that could be reached. There was one which might be reached with much effort, but it was still too far for it to be worthwhile. It was, however, drifting closer. In a thousand years, it would be close enough to connect to.
His mind did brush over one particular detail. And that detail caused him to pause in his current purpose and consider what he should do. It was something that would stay in his mind while he went about his current purpose. It could be of vital importance … at some time in the future.
Gary made his way into Gringotts. He needed assistance and Ragnok was the best choice. Ragnok was in a good mood. He had already received inquiries as to the magical lighting that was in place in Hogwarts library. It was a path to much profit. And his current guest was responsible for the new opportunity.
"How may Gringotts help you today?" Ragnok asked.
"I need to set up a meeting between two families and a particular businessman. I have need of a value assessment of a Muggle property done as quickly as possible, then funds sufficient to buy that property, and a solicitor who can oversee the contracts. And a few items to take care of a certain Muggle presence."
Ragnok blinked. "Perhaps you should give me details."
Gary sighed and nodded. Ragnok listened patiently as the God before him laid out his plan and why. Gringotts would have done it differently, but Marek had a point that they were also dealing with Muggle law and so different options were not, perhaps, the wisest of choices.
"I will expend the effort to do this as quickly as possible. As requested, we will be slightly generous – but not overly so. Just ensure that the contracts this man signs include the stipulation that Gringotts will be the institution that will monitor compliance." Ragnok gave a vicious grin. "If he attempts to renege, we will deal with this … Muggle."
Gary nodded. Ragnok seemed to have the appropriate idea of what he was going for. Gary hated those who treated family poorly and he could stomach only so much of coddling the Legal system and not striking the bastard down.
"How long?"
"Give me an hour. I would appreciate that you kept the expedited nature of this a secret – I am doing it this way in consideration for your needs even if we lose a bit of profit. We would normally charge much more but we owe you much. Better to work off this debt than to leave it. The meeting can be arranged for 3:00 this afternoon, of course depending on availability."
Gary nodded. It was always fun dealing with the mindset of a Goblin.
Gary took the time he was waiting to cast his awareness out to find the next piece of the puzzle. It took a while, but he found exactly what he was looking for. With a smile, he sent a mental message off – he knew that the receiver would accept his proposal.
The small creature who had been cast out was working in the old house that she had found. Since she had been given clothes, no other family would take her. To survive, she had found a magical house that was currently unattended and expended her efforts to keep it from decaying away. The small amount of magic that she could get from these efforts was never enough but it kept her alive.
Suddenly, she heard a mental call in her head but not to go to where it came from. Concentrating, she listened. The words struck her and suddenly she had hope. The message ended with a transfer of magic so that she could easily come when she was called.
The small creature began waiting with longing for the call that was to come.
Gary smiled and shut the connection down. Soon, the Solicitor and his new assistant arrived. Gary was well pleased to meet this particular witch.
Luckily, the solicitor was familiar with working in the Muggle world and had a car.
The three spoke with each other as they made their way to Spinner's End.
Tobias Snape, recently unemployed once again for drunkenness on the job, sat on his couch and drank his ale. He watched as that sniveling bitch tried to continue working on cleaning up the house they lived in.
He knew that the bitch was the reason he couldn't keep a job. As he drank, he contemplated what he would do to teach her her place.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Making no effort to get up, Tobias snarled, "WOMAN! Get the damn door!" He went back to drinking his beer.
Eileen Snape moved to answer the door. She opened it to find a man dressed very professionally, along with a younger woman who looked somewhat familiar. With them was another man who was dressed in a suit and tie. "Can I help you?"
"Mrs. Snape?"
"Yes?"
"I am Dominic Stanswick, Solicitor. I have come with my assistant Ms. Tonks and another interested party, Mr. Septimus, to speak to you and your husband about certain financial matters. I assure you that this is not a sales or collection call and I believe you will both find the meeting … profitable."
Eileen was hesitant, but finally said, "Please wait here. I will inform my husband and then retrieve you."
"That's fine."
Soon the group was inside the Snape home. It was rather small. Tobias made an attempt to be polite – but it was minimal at best.
"What is this about? She said you came to talk about money and that it wasn't bad news." His poor temper was not well hidden.
Before Dominic could say anything, Gary raised his hand. "Tobias Snape. Currently unemployed. You have a history of drunkenness on the job and altercations with co-workers. Your bank accounts are at an appallingly low level and your only asset is this house, which is worth not very much money. You are married to Eileen Snape nee Prince with whom you have a rocky relationship since you found out that she was a Witch and you despise your son because he also is Magical. Is any of what I said inaccurate?"
Tobias Snape was about to stand up and charge this upstart when suddenly the man took on a much more menacing stance. "If I were you, I would sit calmly and listen to the proposal you are about to receive. It is truly in your best interest. I would highly recommend you accept. And while there is little I can do to you physically without getting into trouble with Magical Law Enforcement, I am very capable of physical violence and I can do it in such a way that there is no evidence and no reason for the police to be involved.
"In addition, although Mr. Stanswick here is without his own magic even though he is from a Magical family, his assistant, Ms. Tonks, is a powerful witch from a family which despises people like you. And while she has turned her back on such prejudice, she is more than aware of exactly how much she can legally get away with if she only claims she was protecting herself, her boss, and their new client, Eileen Prince. And she can be particularly vicious if she is dealing with someone she dislikes. Ms. Tonks? What are your feelings as regards Mr. Snape here?"
Andromeda was quick on the uptake. "I quite despise him. It is almost painful standing here and being polite. I desperately hope he does something which would justify my stepping in."
Gary turned his head and winked. Turning back he said, "So, Mr. Snape, would you like to make a ruckus or will you sit there quietly while this far-too-generous offer is made?"
Biting back his hatred, Tobias Snape said, "I'll listen."
"Good. While you meet with them, I need to speak to your son, Severus. Ms. Tonks? Please keep an eye on him – purely for self-defense of course."
"Certainly, Mr. Septimus. I will be most diligent."
"Mrs. Snape? Where can I find your son?"
She called out, "Severus!"
The boy quickly appeared. It was obvious that he had been listening in. "Ah, good. Hello. My name is Garrick Septimus and I work for Hogwarts. I need to speak to you for a moment."
Severus nodded and said with a voice already quite silky for his age, "This way." Gary followed him out of the room.
Dominic Stanswick put the briefcase he carried down. "Now, Mr. and Mrs. Snape. I am here to make you offers that will, I believe, give you both an opportunity for success, prosperity, and happiness. As Mr. Septimus stated, I am actually representing Mrs. Snape more than yourself. Do you understand, Mr. Snape?"
He nodded.
"Good. Current British law, unfortunately, gives you certain … freedoms which, although acceptable to some, are quite disagreeable. One such freedom is to chastise your wife as you see fit."
Tobias smirked as he said, "Yeah. And there's nothing you can do about it."
"I am aware. I should point out that Mr. Septimus has stated to me that if you do not accept the agreements that I am prepared to offer that he will do everything in his power to destroy your life and reputation through legal channels. Just so that you are aware."
Tobias nodded sourly.
"Now, here is what we are offering: This house, which you own outright, is valued at 20,000 pounds. This is in part due to the depressed nature of the area and the average state of repair. And this 20,000 pounds is actually quite generous. If you tried to sell it, you would likely receive much less."
Tobias nodded and Eileen sighed.
"Now, to expedite the contracts that we wish you to sign, we are prepared to give you, cash in hand in part and a certified check for the remainder, 30,000 pounds. This is with the understanding that you will take 20,000 and your wife will take 10,000. We will give you this generous sum if you agree as follows:
"1. You will sign a contract which recognized that you and your wife are legally separating. You will agree to stay 1000 yards away from your wife and son. You will sign all custodial rights to your son over to your wife.
"2. When two years are passed, you will allow your wife to submit for a divorce decree with your full agreement which, of course, will be allowed because you will have been legally separated for the minimum required time under English Law.
"3. Within one week, you will take the passport that I will provide and the plane ticket which I will provide and the visa that I will provide and you will move to the United States of America, seeking a new start. You will not return to Britain for any reason in the next ten years at a minimum unless forced to by Governmental authority. And if you are returned you shall not return to anywhere within 100 miles of this area.
"4. Once in the United States, you will contact the lawyer that I will give you information for and allow him to assist you in the necessary steps to becoming a permanent resident of the United States and eventually one of its citizens.
"5. You shall never contact your wife, son, or any descendant from same without their attempting to contact you first."
Dominic looked up from his papers and asked, "Do you agree to the contracts and stipulations as laid forth by me?"
Tobias considered the offer. "I will need to speak to my wife."
"Certainly. We will stand away. But we will not accept any physical force – remember we are representing her and not you."
Tobias nodded. The couple withdrew but remained in sight and spoke in low tones.
Soon, they returned. Both agreed to the contracts.
It took quite a bit of time, but eventually all the paperwork was done. When the last signature was placed and the money handed over, the papers flashed.
Tobias asked, "What was that?"
"That, Mr. Snape, signifies that the contracts are legal and now on file. It gives leave to Gringotts to ensure compliance on your part if you violate them. And I should tell you that the Muggle Mafia has nothing on how vicious Gringotts can be if they run across someone who violates a contract. You have an hour to vacate these premises."
"I have to pack!"
Dominic smirked. "No matter. We have that in hand." He turned. "Andromeda?"
Tonks withdrew three miniaturized trunks and placed them on the floor. After unshrinking them she said, "These are not magical – I just brought them this way for convenience."
With a flourish of her wand, she quickly gathered Tobias' signature and then said, "Pack!"
Tobias watched in amazement as his clothes, personal effects, and tools all flew in and mostly filled the three trunks. When they were done, each one closed.
"Now, do you have an auto?" Tobias shook his head. "A telephone to call for a taxi?" Tobias shook his head again. "Very well. Give me a moment."
Septimus was quickly retrieved to keep an eye on Tobias while Andromeda popped off to call for a taxi.
Dominic took the opportunity to explain to Severus exactly what had happened and to give them time to say goodbye. Neither Snape really had much to say either way – the two truly despised each other and both felt they were well shot of the other.
Very soon, Andromeda popped back in and said, "The taxi will be here within twenty minutes. They expect 20 pounds up front as this is a dodgy neighborhood. They will take you to an inexpensive hotel near the airport so that you can make your final preparations to leave from there."
Tobias nodded. Severus was more than happy to help move the trunks to the kerb. The taxi arrived and Tobias was off with very little fanfare.
Everyone met back inside. Gary said, "Now that the disagreeable Muggle is gone, we can move on. First of all, Mrs. Snape, I am here on behalf of Professor Dumbledore to offer you a job."
"A job?" she asked with surprise.
"Yes. Hogwarts as a vast store of old and damaged things which can be repaired and, once cleared of magic, sold for considerable profit in the Muggle world. These funds will be used for improvements at Hogwarts. Albus therefore needs someone with a Muggle address who knows both the Magical and Muggle worlds."
"But we just sold the house!"
Dominic laughed. "Of course. I forgot. For a price of 10,000 pounds, are you willing to buy this property which is a drag on the current owner's portfolio?"
Eileen blinked. "So all of this was to get rid of Tobias? Why?" Her voice was almost plaintive.
Septimus answered, "Because I grew up with abusive Muggles." Severus' eyes widened but no one noticed. "Your soon-to-be-ex-husband is not redeemable and short of killing him and burying the body, this was the best way to ensure he was gone. Your services are needed and your son has a bright future – as long as he isn't hindered by prejudice at home."
Eileen nodded. "What does this job pay?"
"I was told that it was 80 Galleons – 400 Pounds – a week plus five percent of whatever profits from the sales of the antique items. In addition, you will be responsible for returning items to people whom you can identify as proper owners from Hogwarts Lost and Found. There is a thousand years of things and you will be clearing it out. It will likely be a job for quite some time."
Severus was curious. "I wasn't aware there was a lost and found."
Septimus smirked. "I know. Most people aren't which is why it has grown so much. This will be a job which will serve many people. I am certain that personal items and diaries from ancestors will be much appreciated."
Eileen considered it and finally smiled. "I guess being newly free I will need to do something – and the wage is decent, much more than Tobias earned."
"Yes. Oh – you will also have rooms, both of you, at Hogwarts. As a matter of fact, you should prepare to go there after we visit Gringotts to finalize some business."
Eileen nodded. "Of course."
The two were about to go prepare when Gary motioned them to wait. "Perhaps you could use some help?"
The two Snapes looked at each other. Eileen asked, "What do you have in mind?"
Gary called out, "FLUXIE!"
A house elf popped into the room. "Fluxie, you are currently without a bond. I have a family here which finally is free from the Muggle that used to live here. Are you willing to bond with Mrs. Snape?"
Eileen was staring at the house elf. Finally she gasped, "Fluxie?"
The house elf whirled at the voice and looked. With a cry of "MISTRESS!" she flung herself forward and threw her arms around Eileen's legs.
Severus was surprised and looked at Gary for an explanation. "Fluxie used to serve the Prince family. When she was no longer needed, they gave her clothes. She hasn't had a place to go. I thought your Mum might like to see an old friend."
Very soon, Fluxie was re-bonded and with joy she began packing Severus' and Eileen's things for Hogwarts, knowing that she would be allowed to serve them there as well. When that was done and she had assured Eileen she would bring the trunks when called from Hogwarts, Fluxie joyfully started cleaning and repairing the house her family now lived in.
Eileen watched for a long moment before standing up and walking to Gary. She gave him a large hug, unlike the proper Pureblood embrace. Quietly she said, "Thank you."
Gary nodded. "All to improve the world a bit. Now, we have people to pick up and places to go. Severus? You have the books?"
He nodded and tapped the bag he was carrying.
Gary nodded. "We're going to a meeting at Gringotts. Do you mind if I perform a bit of transfiguration on your clothes?"
Severus indicated it was alright. With quite a bit of finesse, Severus now looked to be the proper Pureblood wizard. His mother's robe also suddenly appeared to be a much higher quality. "This will last a few days – my skills are sound in this area. By then you both should have enough funds to replace your worn clothes."
Both were grateful for the assistance.
Very soon, the car was filled with all five. Gary sat in the back with Andromeda in the middle and Severus on the other side behind his mother.
They made it back to Diagon Alley by 2:45. As the group entered the Leaky Cauldron, they were interrupted by a voice. "Sev!"
Severus Snape turned and smiled (for him) as he saw his long-time friend, Lily Evans, sitting a table with her Muggle family.
Gary grinned internally when he saw Petunia was also present. This would be fun.