The Velvet Covered Fist
Ragnok watched as the Ministry people as well as the Hogwarts ones left the meeting. The Head of the DMLE had to plan defending two sites and trying to capture as many as possible.
Finally, he turned toward the Muggle Queen and bowed. "Good Business, Your Majesty. We will be in touch."
The Queen nodded. "We look forward to it. Ensure means are left with the Royal Guard." She paused and then continued, "You do know that some might say you own me a boon, correct?"
Ragnok was confused. "A Boon, how?"
"No 350 year old loss of land – for anyone other than your people – could reasonably be expected to be recompensed. It was only legally possible because the Earldom is, in law, a private tract of land and national interests supercedes private concerns. Had there been an Earl of Hogsmeade or Baron of Hogsmeade in place, either could have protested and prevented us. We included this as we desired to … how would one say it? … we desired to flex our proverbial muscles to the Wizengamot. Their hubris was astounding and it offended us. Your people happened to be the recipient of our largesse in making it painful for them."
Ragnok considered that. He asked in a neutral tone, "And what boon would you have from us for your, as you say, largesse?"
With a small smile, "I would have you look upon a few records I have prepared and then I would have you do one more, small thing."
"What records?" he asked.
The Queen made a motion and a guard brought in a tray with a large television and a video player. It contained images from various conflicts that British soldiers had been involved in as well as images from weapons testing that had been done on the equipment the Royal Armed Forces had on hand. Ragnok, despite himself, was quite impressed.
When it was done the Queen turned to Ragnok and said, "The Magicals might be cautiously frightened of your ability to make war and therefore willing to alter agreements made after a conflict due to disagreements on both sides. We have shown this so that you will know one thing: We treat you with respect and as your own masters because of our beliefs, and not because of fear. Should you decide to abrogate an agreement due to a dislike of terms by attacking us or our people, we shall call every able-bodied soldier to service to combat any such threat. And, although our Royal Forces number only 100,000 at any given time with another 50,000 in reserve and, perhaps, another 100,000 who would immediately volunteer if called, we also have the loyalty – if needed – of the Armed Forces of several Commonwealth nations. If We call, they will come. And so I ask you this: Tell your people that the Muggle Crown treats you with respect but not fear. An attack against us would – eventually – prove suicidal. We would not dither and hesitate as the Magicals would but we would bring all efforts and resources to bear against any who would attack us. Can you do this?"
Ragnok noticed the tone of absolute certainty that the Queen spoke with. And truthfully, the numbers were a bit frightening: If he mustered every Goblin he could not equal the number they had on hand, regardless of reserves and volunteers. In this, he was certain: The Muggles were not the Magicals and they would need different protocols in dealing with them as needed. He bowed briefly and said, "I will ensure my people recognize the generous nature of Your Majesty and your forbearance."
With a smile Elizabeth replied, "Then we have an accord. May your enemies' blood brighten your blade."
"And may your enemies' coffers enrich your own." With that Ragnok withdrew.
Elizabeth watched the Gringotts contingent go. She was thankful for the lesson that Dumbledore and Septimus had provided as to the mindset of the Goblins and how different they were from humans. More than any human, Goblins understood the concept of the velvet-covered fist.
The attacks that the Dark Lord attempted on New Years Eve were unusual in that neither one truly succeeded. In addition to not being able to kill anyone truly important, the Death Eaters lost several important members. Abraxas Malfoy was amongst those killed at one site and the Lestrange brothers were taken into Ministerial custody at the other.
Albus Dumbledore himself arrived to oppose Tom Riddle directly and even with his formidable skill he could not overcome the Defeater of Grindlewald.
The Death Eaters had to retreat and lick their wounds, preparing for their next big step. It was obvious things were changing when normal attempts at bribes were ineffective in getting the two Purebloods released on technicalities or for some other reason.
Gary Seven smirked as he replaced the Diary that Abraxas Malfoy had in his Manor with a reasonable facsimile. Using his Divine nature, Gary made a facsimile that should fool even the Dark dufus.
Gary's next stop was to infiltrate the Ministry or Azbaban to see if the Lesranges already had the cup.
It was January 2, and the Hogwarts Express was on its way to Hogwarts to return the students after their Yule break.
The Marauders were happy to be returning. It had been a good break for each of them.
Sirius had spent a good portion of the time consulting with his Grandfather on the direction the family was to go. As opposed to earlier times, he was now proudly sporting the Heir ring for the Black family – his father Orion had been specifically removed from the line of succession due to the poor direction that he was leading the family toward.
Arcturus Black had made it clear to the Blacks: Tojours Pur would be taken as Always Pure in Magic rather than Always Pure in blood. Andromeda Tonks had been taken back into the House to acknowledge her choice of spouse was now considered acceptable given that she had a daughter with a rare ability from that marriage.
As the Defense Professor, Gary stood watching as the students returned. Instead of being taken to the doors of Hogwarts, however, they were taken only to the Gate.
One of the younger students asked his freinds, "Why here? Don't we usually go right to the doors?"
Gary, who was half hidden, replied, "A precaution. A bit chilly but I have set warming charms between here and the door. The Headmaster will explain." The student nodded and went in with their friends.
With about two-thirds of the students entered, it finally happened. One of the older Slytherin students found they could not enter the gate. He looked at the Defense Professor (whom he had particular instructions regards due to the man's report which cause the Dark Lords defeat on New Year's Eve), "Why am I stopped here? I'm a Hogwarts student!"
"It seems, Mr. Pyrites, that the Wards have decided that you have some less than pure intentions toward the school, its staff or its students. Before you are allowed to enter, an extra step must be taken." Gary sent off a Patronus.
Soon Dumbledore arrived. "Ah, Mr. Pyrites. We have an issue, it appears."
The Seventh-year was pugnatious. "Well, I demand, as is my right, to enter Hogwarts. I have sixth months until my graduation and you have no right to stop me."
Dumbeldore's twinkle dimmed considerably. "Perhaps you did not read the Prophet. It was widely reported that the Wards were upgraded and anyone attempting to enter with designs against the school or its inhabitants would be stopped. No matter. Entrance only requires one small step."
"And what is this step?" the teen asked.
Gary pulled out the simple contract and Dumbledore took it and handed it to Pyrites. "You must sign this contract."
"What is this?" he asked with some indignation.
"Simply put, to enter unto the Wards, you must agree that while you are within Hogwarts' bounds, you shall act with neutrality as a minimum toward the staff and yoru fellow students. We have no desire to tell anyone what they must believe. But a binding contract to not harm those within is required."
"And if I refuse?" Pyrites asked.
"Then you remaining tuition will be refunded, you will be expelled, and you must seek other means to complete your education. It is your choice – you are of age to choose yourself."
Pyrites knew he was stuck. He had been given the order to help spy on Septimus and, if possible, take him by surprise by portkey to his Lord. But this contract would prevent him from acting. He decided that the intelligence was more important and so, carefully reviewing the contract to ensure that he could still report what he learned as long as it was not within Hogwarts bounds, he was only barred from direct action against the other students and the staff. Under protest, he sighed. He saw the contract flash and a copy appeared. The original disappeared. The copy was given to him for his records.
His next attempt to enter the grounds was successful. He would need to figure out his limitations. But he did know the Dark Lord would not be happy.
After the feast, the Headmaster clarified the upgrades to the wards. "With the escalation of activities by a particular Dark wizard and his followers, the wards of Hogwarts have been strengthened … or perhaps I should say: Brought up to a more secure level. During the Yule break, certain matters were clarified as to the management of Hogwarts and exactly under what agreements it operates. Contrary to popular belief, Hogwarts is not run or managed by the Ministry for Magic or the Board of Governors that it appoints. The Ministry's authority within Hogwarts extends to ensuring that educational standards are maintained and that standardized testing takes place.
"Otherwise, Hogwarts is run under the authority of the Founding families, specifically Ravenclaw for Hogwarts specifically and, along with the Forbidden forest which was deeded to Hufflepuff and Hogsmeade which is the purview of the Slytherin family, the entirety of these make up the Earldom of Hogsmeade, run by the Gryffindor family."
There were sounds of protest, but none sufficient to interrupt. "With the absence of recognized heirs, it falls to me, as Headmaster, to ensure the safety and security of these lands. The only instance where my authority can be removed is if I allow any insurrection against the rightful Royal Family of Great Britain, and therefore of Scotland, to be created or to be assisted within these walls."
The Headmaster took a sip from his goblet. "Anyone whom the wards refuse entry to must sign a magically-binding contract which states that they shall act neutrally as regards Hogwarts and its denizens whilst they attend this institution. Otherwise, their attendance will be refused. In addition, a previous modification of the wards was corrected this past summer. This incorrect modification made the wards against Rape or sexual coercion disabled. That is no longer the case. Anyone who causes these wards to activate will be held in statis and will subsequently be turned over to the Ministry for prosecution. And by Royal Writ, if the Ministry refuses to prosecute, the perpetrator shall instead be turned over the to Goblin nation as a neutral third party to be tried by a panel of judges including one magical, on Goblin, and one judge appointed by the Crown."
He took on a serious look. "I will warn you now: This ward includes any coercion that might be accomplished by spell, potion, or physical force. It does not differentiate between male or female coercion – if a witch attempts to potion a wizard, the wards will treat this the same as if a wizard tried to physically force a witch. BOTH are considered rape under the laws of the Ministry and under the guidelines by which Hogwarts operates. We have already sent one wizard to be prosecuted who violated this ward. Does anyone have any question as to these matters?"
There was some shock but no questions.
With a smile the Headmaster said, "Good! With these improvements, all students should see a much safer environment for them to complete their studies – which is the important factor anyway. Should anyone have any questions in the future as to their limits, they may consul their Head of House or myself. Now, I am certain that you all, having stuffed yourselves sufficiently, are quite ready to find your way to relaxing and preparing for the new term. You are all now dismissed."
As happens, the Hogwarts year went on and it became difficult for those within to pay too much attention to what was happening outside of its walls.
The Traveler, therefore, was somewhat surprised when he happened to converse with Petunia Evans upon one visit.
"How are your studies going, Ms. Evans?" he asked the young woman.
Petunia's smile held none of the bitterness that would have been there on the face of Petunia Dursley. "It has been going very well, Professor. I'm just begun third-year charms, while transfiguration is solidly near the end of second year. Potions is a bit behind but that is because it takes more practice to ensure I know different basic techniques. But Severus has been quite helpful."
"I'm glad to hear that. And how about your A-Level studies? I hope that the extra work hasn't been too stressful."
"Not at all! I find that the extra time studying has increased how quickly I pick things up. My parents have been quite happy with my grades and the reports they've received." She paused and giggled – very un-Dursleylike behaviour. "They even approved my working on Saturday."
Gary was curious. "What work?"
"At Mr. Fortescue's shoppe. I've started to spend a few hours every week learning what it takes to run it. It's been a lot of fun. I'm even planning on how to open a new area of business that Mr. Fortescue had not considered."
"Really? How is that?"
"Well, it started when I went to deposit my first payment and to see the small vault Lily helped get for me as a Christmas gift. When I was waiting with the cart-runner for the next cart to be available, my curiosity overcame me. I happened to ask the cart-runner about the difference between human tastes and that of his people. At first he was impatient, but he decided to humor me. I found that they consider human food too bland by far and prefer more concentrated flavours and even some that humans consider less than palatable. They despise cow's mile, preferring goat milk, yak's milk, or even camel milk. They also don't like refined sugars like humans do – they prefer honey and a sweetener from South America called stevia – it's far sweeter than sugar and has a slightly metallic aftertaste – which they like. I took the idea to Mr. Fortescue about making ice cream using a different milk and a different sweetener with different and more savory tastes for different flavours from around the world. It would taste horrible to humans but with a little testing we could make something for goblins."
Gary was surprised. "And how is it going?"
"We're waiting for different spices to come in from an agent in Istanbul, which has the greatest variety of spices sold. He's also arranging for a few different milk types to test. I think he likes the challenge."
Gary was impressed. "Well, good luck with that. It sounds like a possibly extremely profitable venture if done well."
Petunia nodded. "If it works, I'll be making a commission on whatever gets sold. I'm really looking forward to doing something no one has tried before."
Gary let Petunia go back to her sister and friends. Ice cream for Goblins – who would have guessed?
It was mid February and Gary was amused by the over-the-top celebration of Valentines Day by the Marauders and their friends, mostly egged on by Sirius Black.
While they had toned down their pranks, their nature hadn't changed much. James was still showy, especially toward Lily. Wormtail was still distracted by his tutoring of Petunia, Remus was still the very studious one, and Sirius Black loved to make a spectacle.
The Marauders had set up a prank which randomly caught students of opposite genders together. Gary was impressed as it acted like a mini-ward. It required the boy to kiss to girl for it to allow them to leave the area. Luckily, the kiss could be on the cheek or even on the back of the hand.
When the exact nature of the barrier was revealed, students watched the areas that were found with enthusiasm and cheered by the level of the kiss: Minor clapping for kissing the back of a girl's hand, more enthusiasm for a kiss on the cheek and wild applause when the two snogged.
It was quite amusing when a student who was known to be a pureblood was forced to kiss the back of a muggleborn's hand like a gentleman.
It was also a Hogsmeade Weekend. At Dinner, it was obvious who the couples were. A few had actually sprung up because the Marauders' prank – which apparently was the whole point anyway.
At dinner, however, something quite interesting occurred: The Headmaster and Sirius Black received owls. This was unusual as normally all mail on Saturday was at lunch. When the Headmaster read the message, his eyes widened.
He looked out at the students and saw Sirius had read his own message. The Headmaster quietly had his deputy give Sirius a message for him to come to his office after dinner.
Gary, curious, asked just loudly enough for the staff only to hear, "If I may be so bold, anything you can tell us?"
Dumbledore hesitated. "You can come to the office as well – it has to do with that warding you negotiated during the Yule break."
Gary's eyes widened. The only wards that he had arranged were those that were placed on the residences of the Royal family.
Just as soon as the meal was over, Gary made his way to the Headmaster's office with the man. After a short time, Sirius also arrived.
"Mr. Black. I assume your letter was as regards your cousin Bellatrix?" Albus asked.
Sirius nodded. "As Heir to the Black family, my Grandfather has directed his Accounts Manager to send me copies of any information that has to do with the family. So the message about Bella being caught by the wards at Sandringham."
Gary's eyes widened. "So what was the message, if I may ask?"
The Headmaster replied, "There will be a hearing at Gringotts as per the agreement between the Royal family and the Goblin Nation. She will be subjected to Veritaserum and, if found guilty, will either be turned over to the Ministry or sentenced by the tribunal. We have been asked to observe. As the Goblin Nation does not hold the same work week as the Ministry, it will take place tomorrow."
Gary asked, "As I helped arrange the warding, I would request to go as well."
Dumbledore nodded. "I will take you with me." He turned to Sirius. "And will you be bringing anyone?"
Sirius nodded. "My Grandfather and I want Regulus to see things as needed as he is heir after me until I have kids. My father has been removed from the line of succession due to his lack of restraint regarding Dark magic."
Albus' eyes widened. "I thought that the Black family was fairly accepting of such magicks."
"We are. But recently it was clarified within the family that Blacks are not supposed to use Dark magic outside of necessity to protect the family or in self-defense. And the study of Dark magic may only be done if the family member has sufficient self-control not to become addicted to it. I claimed my avoiding it was that I hadn't yet achieved the maturity necessary and my Grandfather has accepted that."
Albus's eyes twinkled. "An enlightened position. What changed?"
"I successfully argued that the Black family motto of Torjous Pur should be Always Pure in Magic and not blood," was Sirius' reply. "According to the new strictures, we will no longer learn Dark magic until our cores have matured to adulthood. Unfortunately, there is some holdover and Bella is a result." He sighed. "I don't know what to think but I will go and witness."
Gary was quite curious about what would happen the next day.