Cyrus Greengrass had been investigating ways to get the Gringotts goblins to cooperate over a delicate issue. Harry had confidently asserted that a Horcrux had been hidden in a Gringotts vault. Harry told Cyrus this information came from a person connected to the Death Eaters locked up in Azkaban with him. Cyrus had no reason to doubt Harry.
Harry was sure of his facts. Tom told him that Lord Voldemort had given Helga Hufflepuff’s cup to Bellatrix Lestrange. Bella was instructed to put it in her Gringotts vault. Bella was always obedient.
Some facts about goblins gave the conspirators hope. Goblins were the most highly skilled goldsmiths and jewellers in the wizarding world. Goblins made precious metal and jewel treasures and leased them to wizards for the term of the wizard’s natural life. Ownership then reverted to the goblin clan, who made the treasure. This was known by everyone who ordered precious treasures from goblin craftsmen. Still, wizards continually disputed ownership and tried to hide the treasures in places such as family vaults.
Helga Hufflepuff’s cup, Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem, and Slytherin’s locket were all goblin-made treasures. The original leases for each of these treasures expired, along with those wizards and witches. The leases were never renegotiated, so each treasure was declared to be stolen from the goblins. The goblins never forgot this. These transgressions and many others like them fuelled the bitterness of the Goblin-Wizard Wars.
Cyrus finished his regular weekly meeting with his Gringotts account manager.
“Bloodaxe, I have one item of information which may interest you.”
The goblin glared at Lord Greengrass.
“An item of information which may interest me, I’ve heard that phrase from you on other occasions. The most memorable ones ended with Gringotts goblins dealing with a national crisis. What is it?”
Cyrus nodded, “This may be more of an opportunity than a threat. I have heard from a reliable but secret source that there may be stolen goblin-made treasures hidden in a Gringotts vault.”
Bloodaxe growled, “Gringotts does not open vaults without the owner’s knowledge and permission. There must be absolute certainty that a stolen goblin-made treasure is in that vault before we will open it.”
Cyrus smiled, “I’m willing to offer a substantial surety to cover any risk involved.”
Bloodaxe took a form from a desk drawer and filled several boxes on the parchment. He passed the form to Cyrus to sign.
Cyrus studied the form, “You want me to promise a surety of ten thousand galleons, and in return, I will only get a two per cent finder’s fee! I want ten per cent of the value of the treasures recovered.”
The goblin huffed and muttered. “Very well! I’ll offer eight per cent. You haven’t given me any information yet. I’m also reserving the right to cancel the recovery deal.”
Cyrus acted insulted, “Eight per cent! I’m telling you that this is a certainty. Have I ever given you suspect information?”
“Very well! Ten per cent! I’m risking the displeasure of my clan over this.”
The goblin filled in another form and presented it to Cyrus. Cyrus signed it.
“Let’s hear it then! What is this precious information?” Bloodaxe growled.
“Helga Hufflepuff’s cup is hidden in Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault. You know what an artefact like that is worth.”
“Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault! Gringotts will not hesitate to direct her to your door if she ever gets out of Azkaban and finds her vault pillaged.”
“Bloodaxe, this is an opportunity you cannot pass on. Helga Hufflepuff’s cup is worth millions.”
The goblin glared and muttered. Finally, Bloodaxe turned to the wall behind him and barked a string of commands. Cyrus knew much of the goblin tongue, but most of what Bloodaxe said was unknown to him. Gringotts has its own private dialect for sensitive matters.
“Very well, Lord Greengrass, we will wait until a survey is made. Any goblin-made treasures will be detected once the vault is opened.”
Time passed slowly. Eventually, a young goblin burst into the office and reported to Bloodaxe in an excited voice.
Bloodaxe turned to Cyrus. “It seems that, once again, your sources of information are correct. Helga Hufflepuff’s cup and several other stolen treasures have been reclaimed from Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault. The value of these treasures exceeds the value of the rest of the vault’s contents. Gringotts regulations have been applied, and the vault has been confiscated. Your finder’s fee is two hundred thousand galleons.”
Cyrus nodded, “What has been done with the cup?”
“That is another matter. The cup is a Horcrux. Foul objects such as this are found in many ancient tombs that must be opened to recover stolen treasures. Gringotts will remove the soul shard from it without delay. After that, any interested party may negotiate with the maker’s clan for another lease. The fee for cleaning the cup will be added to the lease payment.”
Cyrus paused as he worked out his next offer.
“I would like to lease the cup. I hope the fact that the cup was a Horcrux is confidential?”
“Of course!” Bloodaxe replied. “Our enchantments will reveal the identity of the wizard guilty of making this abomination. I am guessing that you know that wizard‘s identity. Is that so?”
“Lord Voldemort,” Cyrus replied. Bloodaxe hissed, showing his displeasure.
Cyrus continued, “The fact that the cup is one of his Horcruces and the Horcrux has been removed should remain secret. Other items will need to be cleaned. I will arrange for them to be delivered here as they are collected from their hiding places. The usual fees for the cleaning rituals will be paid from my finder’s fees. I will arrange for the usual lease fees to be paid to keep possession of them for now.”
Bloodaxe nodded. “It will be done as you wish, Lord Greengrass.”
-ooOOoo-
Sirius had been given a long-term rehabilitation plan by his healers. This plan was slow-paced and consisted mainly of nutrition potions and gradual increases in his daily exercise time.
Then, a package arrived from St. Mungo’s Rehabilitation. The potions in this package were unlike anything Sirius had seen before. He didn’t resist the new potion but swallowed it down when given to him.
“YUK! That stuff is powdered chalk in water. What is it? “
The healer shrugged. “It’s a new potion that the St Mungo’s Rehab team says will help your healing. The dementors have smashed your memories and feelings. This potion is supposed to help you to cope with the damage caused by the dementors. You may never fully heal. I’m not going to make any promises that I can’t keep. However, we hope you can live better. We don’t have potions to completely heal the damage caused by long-term dementor exposure. If this potion works, it will be the first one we have found to work around that damage and help you enjoy living.”
“How much of that do I take?”
“One dose a day for a month, and then your reaction to it will be assessed. A healer and a potioneer from St Mungo’s will assess you on Monday. They will visit each month to see how you react to the treatment.”
Sirius frowned. “Don’t they know what will happen?”
“They know that it won’t kill you immediately. They will check on you to see how much impact it has. The effect of the treatment may vary for each patient.”
Sirus growled. “That sounds a bit experimental to me. I wish I could go to Hogwarts. Madam Pomphrey would know what to do.”
The healer packed his potions away. “That is all for now. You may go for a run.”
Sirius left the healer’s rooms and hurried to the rear of the house. When the wind and fine rain touched his face, Sirus let out a howl and transformed into his dog form. He raced away as an assistant gamekeeper mounted his horse and followed.
Monday morning arrived with typical Yorkshire moor weather, grey skies and fine rain. The two St. Mungo’s Rehabilitation visitors arrived and were shown into the manager’s office.
“I’m Maurice Marsden, manager of Blackmoor Park. I understand that you are here to see Sirius Black.”
The healer responded. “That’s right. I’m Healer Forbes, and this is our potioneer, Alicia Belby.”
They shook hands and sat around the desk. Maurice Marsden smiled at Alicia. “I have met Alicia before. She has visited Blackmoor Park with her uncle.”
Then, the manager looked uncomfortable. “I’m not certain that Sirius is going to be cooperative. He has expressed a lot of reluctance to take the potion, although we have managed to get him to take it daily.”
Healer Forbes glanced at Alicia, who nodded. “Yes, it isn’t flavoured with strawberry syrup or, in the Earl of Blackmoor’s case, something alcoholic. Does he drink a lot, alcohol, I mean?”
Maurice shifted uncomfortably. “He does. The fire whiskey seems to block the thirteen-year-old personality. He still regresses when he doesn’t drink.”
Alicia responded. “That isn’t a bad thing. Alcohol won’t have any effect on the potion. We have put an alcohol-neutralizing agent in it. If the alcohol isn’t cleaned out daily, the potion won’t work. Don’t mention that. We want to see if he notices that himself.”
Maurice didn’t look happy. “Well! Let’s go and see Sirius, shall we?”
The visitors were taken to the formal reception room. Sirius was standing in front of the fireplace. He was dressed in his usual outfit. A white long-sleeved shirt, tailored dark grey slacks, dragonhide boots and a tan suede jacket.
The introductions were made. Sirius did not smile.
“You’re responsible for that muck I must take each day. Why does it have to be so vile?”
Alicia responded, “Lord Black, lovely to meet you too. As for the potion, any attempt to make it more palatable resulted in a sharp decline in its effect.”
Sirius stared at Alicia, who stared back. If Sirius had big black dog personality traits, Alicia had sharp-clawed aerial predator personality traits. Her stare was piercing and unblinking.
Sirius turned away, “Sorry about that. Please be seated. I must remember that I’m not in Azkaban and don’t have to fight verbal battles daily with Bellatrix Lestrange and Augustus Rookwood.”
Healer Forbes glanced at Alicia and then turned to Sirius, “Lord Black, can you tell us how you are feeling today? Is there anything worrying you?”
Sirius gave a barking laugh. “Lord Black, is it?”
“Yes, My Lord, our meetings may be reviewed by our superiors, and they require formal titles at all times.” Healer Forbes replied.
“Well, I ignore my title. Everyone here calls me Sirius. I’ve got the house elves to call me ‘Your Doggy-ship.’ “
Alicia stifled a laugh. Sirius gave her a curious glance.
“Are you unhappy about anything now?” Healer Forbes asked.
“I’m unhappy about being imprisoned here. I suppose I can’t argue with that, though. I know how unstable I have been. It might not have been the cleverest thing I have done to burn Grimmauld Place down. However, I did enjoy it. I wanted that place gone from my life. Azkaban was bad, but 12 Grimmauld Place was nearly as bad.”
Sirius glanced at Alicia as she took notes.
“The experimenter and her test subject, am I really that fascinating?”
Alicia looked at Sirius, “Yes, Lord Black, you are fascinating. I have high hopes for you. You have done the right thing, removing those parts of your life that hurt you. I’m looking forward to finding out more about you.”
Sirius raised both of his eyebrows in response.
-ooOOoo-
The morning walks around the lake did not calm the disquiet in Hermione. Last year, the time spent in the chilly Scottish air helped her process all the conflicting thoughts and feelings. The deeply embarrassing talks with Daphne and Susan left a wound in Hermione, which she struggled with. She never thought of herself as a person who had romantic feelings. It was shocking to discover that all the books she read did nothing to help her when she was a victim of her own silliness.
At least she wasn’t alone. Susan and Daphne were equally embarrassed.
Hermione recalled a part of the last letter she had sent to her mother.
“So far, we are dealing with our fangirl crush on Harry by hiding behind our schoolwork and other friendships. At least I have friends now. Susan and I are enjoying being in Professor Lockhart’s classes. If only he didn’t make so many mistakes in his books. His lesson plans all focus on us getting to know him and copying what he does. That is nothing like any other class I have ever taken. I must talk to him about his books. I wonder if Susan will go with me?”
She made her decision. “Susan, will you go with me to talk to Professor Lockhart? I must get an explanation from him about the date problems in his books. I’m sure that there must be an explanation. He is a professor and wouldn’t be given such a position if he didn’t deserve our respect and trust.”
Susan looked around. She seemed to be checking if anyone had overheard Hermione’s invitation. “Sure, Hermione. I’ll go with you. Professor Lockhart is so dreamy.”
An un-Hermione-like giggle was the response.
Daphne heard Hermione giggle. She didn’t look around but turned to Tracey, “There they go again. I hope they aren’t being silly.”
Tracey glanced back at Susan and Hermione. They were still whispering and giggling.
“Are Hermione and Susan coping with this?”
Daphne sighed. “I think they are doing an unhealthy thing. They seem to be developing a ‘thing’ for Professor Lockhart to cover up their embarrassment at being found out. My mother told me that Lockhart was a terrible fraud. No one could have done everything he claims to have done in his books. My mother and father deal with people who have adventures like that. They usually end up looking a bit wild. They don’t dress like a gaudy wizard fashion model. They do not have perfect teeth and a prize-winning smile. Lockhart is all show. I have tried to tell them, but they are not listening.”
A long letter was composed and sent to Tracey’s mother. The conversations with Daphne gave Tracey a reason to put some questions to her mother. These questions had been nagging at Tracey since the first day they arrived at Hogwarts the year before.
From: Tracey Davis,
Slytherin House,
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Sunday, September 6, 1992
To: Mary Davis, Unspeakable,
Davis Hall
Dear Mummy,
I need help.
I cannot work out what Harry Potter is. You asked me to watch out for signs that he is suffering from being held in Azkaban for most of his life. You gave me a long list of warning signs.
Some warning signs show in Harry’s behaviour, but others are the exact opposite.
This is what I have seen so far.
Is he fearful and anxious? No, he is not. He is confident and calm.
Does he have phobias? No, he does not.
Does he have nightmares and other sleeping problems? No, he does not. Blaise Zabini is certain of that.
Is he socially withdrawn? No, he is not. He doesn’t start social contact but always joins in with any social activity.
Is he hyperactive? No, he is not.
Does he have poor concentration? No, he does not. He can focus on people and problems to an unnerving degree.
Is he keeping up with schoolwork? Yes, he is top of some classes and is second or third in others. Hermione and Daphne can beat him in some tests, or does he let them beat him?
Does he have speech disorders? No, he is very quiet, but he can speak well.
Does he show regressive behaviour? He behaves like an adult, not a teenager.
Is he depressed or unusually passive? He is reticent but is not depressed. He reacts in a controlled way to most threats.
Is he angry all the time? No, he is seldom angry and remains calm.
This doesn’t seem right to me.
His whole life was spent in Azkaban with Death Eaters and dementors. He should be a mess.
Harry’s explanation is that the dementors forced him to be disciplined. He has no happy memories, so the dementors mostly ignored him if he was quiet and calm. He has no memories of his parents or his life before Azkaban. He says the outburst of uncontrolled magic at his relations' house may have wiped his memories. Is that possible?
Harry also says that the Death Eaters didn’t abuse him. They verbally abused Sirius, and Sirius yelled back at them. Then, the dementors came and reduced them to mental wrecks.
We asked Harry about the attack on Hermione and her family. We wanted to know what he was going to do about it. Hermione is under his protection. Harry’s response is that Dumbledore has too much power and influence for Harry to move against him. Harry says that he has a plan, and we must be patient.
I don’t like that. Harry is twelve years old. He is talking like a scheming pureblood lord who plots for years to get revenge on his enemies. Are the Azkaban Death Eaters influencing Harry? His patient plotting is more like the Dark Lord than what should be happening. Why isn’t Harry reacting with temper tantrums and screaming like other kids his age?
Your puzzled daughter,
Tracey
Mary Davis wrote back to Tracy at once.
From: Mary Davis, Unspeakable,
Davis Hall
To: Tracey Davis,
Slytherin House,
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Sunday, September 6, 1992
Dear Tracy,
Don’t worry about Harry.
Obviously, he is not normal. Nothing about his life is normal.
That doesn’t mean that anything is wrong. Harry has not been allowed to have a childhood. If anyone tries to tell you that you have to stay away from him because he doesn’t behave like other kids, you must ignore them.
The list of signs that I gave you is for young people who are underprivileged and possibly abused. Harry’s life so far has been a lot worse than that.
Please listen to what Harry says and watch what he does. He has secrets. He has gone to Hogwarts intending to do something. I don’t know what that is. People like Lord Greengrass and your father know more about Harry and are similarly secretive.
All I can tell you is to stick with Harry and defend him in any way you can.
Love,
Mum.
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