Without any delay, Harry made his way to Gringotts bearing Mockridge's letter and was promptly admitted into the bank and led to Lord Gold's office by one of the goblin guards. He was not quizzed as to his motives for the visit, which showed to Harry that his alliance with the goblins was indeed intact and functioning smoothly.
Lord Gold promptly received him, setting aside any work he had been doing. "It is good to see you, Lord Polairix. What brings you to Gringotts today? Something we can help you with perhaps?"
Harry chose his words carefully. "I was hoping that you would help me with a bit of a scheme. If it goes well, a more trustworthy and competent Minister of Magic will come to power. In order for such a person to accomplish that, they must have something that will give them a bit of a claim to fame."
"Yes," Gold said, catching on almost immediately, "a wizard or witch who got the credit for negotiating a reopening of the bank would be looked upon most favorably by the Ministry and magical populace."
"Said wizard or witch would also be in your debt and feel obligated to show great favor toward the goblin population." Harry pointed out. "Not only that, you could drive a somewhat hard bargain to even reopen in the first place. They would have no choice but to accept."
Gold nodded and Harry could already tell that he was pleased with the prospects of the situation that Harry had arranged. "I assume that you already have a candidate for the office of Minister of Magic, especially now that the Ministry is in a tumult."
"Cuthbert Mockridge." Harry stated.
"A wise choice. Mockridge has always been polite to us and he is in no way responsible for the current situation." Gold commented. "Wizards and witches all over Britain would start crying 'foul' if it was just some random Ministry official. They'd suspect Voldemort rather than you, though." The goblin's voice then took on a sarcastic tinge. "After all, Goblins aren't human, therefore they must be evil."
Without wasting any time, Harry produced the letter that he had instructed Mockridge to write back in the Leaky Cauldron. "I have a letter form him asking for an audience so that he can discuss options to reopen the bank."
Lord Gold took the letter from Harry and quickly skimmed it. "Very well, then. I assume that you want this meeting to take place immediately."
"That would be very convenient." Harry said.
"That means that I need to respond as we speak then." Gold said as he gathered some writing utensils and began drafting a response. "I also assume that you want to ensure that the whole Ministry knows that Mockridge will be having this meeting with me."
"Yes," Harry nodded, "this agreement will come too quickly and randomly as it is."
Gold grinned. "I can make sure that everyone knows…"
Cuthbert Mockridge made his way back to the Ministry and entered via the Atrium. Without wasting a moment, he made his way to where the hub of the action concerning Fudge was- the level that housed the Law Enforcement department. He needed to know what the latest news was.
He arrived on the appropriate floor in record time and saw numerous witches and wizards milling about, having heated discussions or trying to do their work amongst the confusion. The largest group was congregated near Madame Bones's office and was being held at bay by her secretary.
Mockridge opted to avoid the vulture reputation and when he spotted Kingsley Shacklebolt, he quickly strode over and struck up a conversation. "What's the latest?"
"Amelia is expected to file a formal indictment accusing Minister Fudge of several crimes associated with the Granger girl." Shacklebolt replied, giving most of his attention to Mockridge. "The Aurors have already formally filed a motion of 'no confidence' with regard to Fudge's ability to fight Voldemort and Potter."
"Fudge's term is about to come to an abrupt end, then." Mockridge said, stating the obvious. "The question now concerns who his successor will be. How is Fudge taking it?"
Shacklebolt chuckled. "Not very well at all. His assistant, Percy Weasley, was down here a half-hour ago protesting everything in general and trying to restore order. He finally gave up."
"Sounds humiliating."
"He needed it," commented another voice. The speaker came closer and Mockridge identified her as an Auror named Tonks. She then addressed the two men. "So, who do you suppose will be the next Minister of Magic?"
Both men shrugged casually and Mockridge realized that Shacklebolt had his own agenda as to who should succeed Fudge just as he did. This meant he was either for Dumbledore or Voldemort or had plans for himself. He would have to tread carefully. "Someone competent, I hope."
"Bones would be an obvious choice." Shacklebolt said carefully to Mockridge and Tonks. "There's others with good reputations though. If Arthur Weasley were to leave the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office, I could easily see him as Minister."
At that moment, Mockridge was sure beyond a doubt that Shacklebolt was with Dumbledore somehow. "They sound all right." he said in a noncommittal voice.
"Perhaps." Tonks said, the expression on her face seemingly agreeing with Shacklebolt's choices. Mockridge wasn't sure, but he thought he could sense a slight undercurrent in Tonks manner. Did she secretly support another faction?
His thoughts were interrupted when one of their potential nominees walked up to the group and joined them. "Already deciding on who the new Minister should be, I take it." Arthur Weasley commented cheerfully. He was carrying several files and looked to be on an errand.
"We were thinking that you could do it." Shacklebolt replied.
This made Weasley look uncomfortable. "I suppose I would do it if called on. Things are just too difficult and I don't think I have enough experience to be competent. Not only will the new Minister be besieged by Voldemort and Potter, but the public will demand action taken to reconcile the goblins at Gringotts." Weasley looked at Mockridge. "Has Fudge asked you to do anything about Gringotts and is there any progress that you know of?"
Arthur Weasley had just given Mockridge the perfect opening. "I have not been asked to do anything concerning the matter, but earlier on today, I sent a missive to Lord Gold requesting a possible meeting to discuss solutions to our problem."
"That's good." Tonks said brightly. "I sure hope the goblins like you better than they like Fudge."
"It's hard to tell with goblins." Mockridge said, drawing upon his experience with dealing with the magical race that ran Gringotts.
The timing could not have been more perfect. The lift made a noise to indicate that it was making a stop at their level and then opened to reveal a very flustered employee from the Goblin Liaison Office who was being trailed by a goblin messenger.
This immediately caught everyone's attention and even the people stationed at the entrance of Madame Bones's office turned to look at the action. After all, how often did a goblin walk into the Ministry of Magic, especially considering the current situation?
"Mr. Mockridge," said the exasperated official, "this goblin has just arrived from Gringotts with a letter from the head of the bank. He insists on personally delivering it to you since you're the Head of the Goblin Liaison office."
The goblin formally strode forward and with a bow, handed a sealed letter to Mockridge. "Lord Gold expects a prompt response." he said, his goblin accent very thick and loud.
"I shall respond immediately of course." Mockridge said, feeling slightly flustered himself. Potter had obviously managed to pull his part of the job off, now the ball was in his court.
The goblin stood there looking at Mockridge. Apparently he had been instructed to wait for the response. Further pressure was put on Mockridge by Tonks. "Open it! This could be the solution to our Gringotts problem!"
With a quick snap, the seal on the letter was broken and Mockridge wasted no time unfolding the letter to examine it. He quickly skimmed the short message which invited Mockridge to come to Gringotts with the returning messenger for a meeting to discuss options on reopening the bank.
"What does it say?" Shacklebolt inquired. Everyone in the room listened for Mockridge's response while pretending not to.
Realizing that he was now on stage and that every action he took could have an effect on the outcome of the plan, Mockridge planned his words and actions very carefully. Not everyone knew that he had sent a letter to the goblins first. They would need to know that. "It's a response to the letter I sent to the goblins earlier. Lord Gold has agreed to meet with me to discuss the possibility of reopening the bank."
"Why are they being so agreeable?" Mr. Weasley asked suspiciously.
Already, opposition had reared its head. Fortunately, this comment could be turned to be favorable with an appropriate response. "I think they are being agreeable because they know about Fudge's imminent downfall. It was he who caused them to close the bank in the first place and they can't enjoy being closed anymore than we do."
Mr. Weasley was about to say another thing but Tonks cut him off, seemingly in ignorance. "There's no use in keeping Lord Gold or his messenger waiting, Mockridge."
"Right you are." Cuthbert said with a smile. "I'll run up to my office and gather some necessary papers and then get moving."
He then left the floor with the goblin escort in tow and quickly headed to his office, meeting very few people on the way. Gathering all of his papers took only a few moments and within minutes, he found himself entering Gringotts bank and being escorted to the offices.
Hermione felt an immense amount of relief once the Count of Trazkaban left the room. Not only did she find his brand of magic to be creepy, but she was well aware of the fact that he viewed her as the enemy. She had seen firsthand what happened to his enemies. Cutting her head off may or may not be appropriate punishment considering the trouble that her actions had caused, but she would prefer to speak to Harry first.
Further thoughts were laid aside when Captain Nailoff moved. Hermione could sense that his attitude toward her had changed for the worst somewhat since Trazkaban had identified her as a member of the Order of the Phoenix and a key ruiner of Harry's reputation. Trespassing was one thing, being a member of the Order was another.
A heavy pair of metal shackles appeared from nowhere onto the massive desk and Nailoff picked them up promptly as if he had been expecting their appearance. He roughly locked them onto Hermione's wrists.
"Follow me." Nailoff commanded curtly, motioning toward the door and nodding to the other guards that they should fall into line with their wands drawn.
They made their way out of the room, across the hall, through some more doors, and then down a dark and steep staircase. Hermione, realizing that the heavy shackles would prevent her from steadying herself should she stumble, was very careful in choosing her footing as they descended.
Several staircases later, they arrived at the dungeon level where Nailoff had opted to take her. Hermione followed him into a room and when it was lighted, surveyed its contents and shuddered. It was a torture chamber right out of the Middle Ages. It reminded her of the ones in castles that she had toured with her family. The only difference was that the tools were very shiny, sharp, and ready for use.
"We will process you here." Nailoff said with a hint of an evil grin. He gestured to a very sinister looking chair that was equipped with straps to hold the head, arms, and legs in place. "Sit there."
As Hermione sat down and shuddered, Nailoff caused a simple desk and a chair to appear next to the chair. He sat down as the other guards took various places in the room. A moment or so passed as Hermione looked around the room and let her imagination ruin her day.
It ended when a guard who had apparently been sent off by Nailoff arrived with a book and presented it to Nailoff. The captain whispered some commands to the guard who then left again and then opened the book to reveal blank pages. A quill and ink appeared on the table and he began to write slowly in the book. "Name?"
"Hermione Jane Granger."
"Age?"
"Sixteen."
This went on for several minutes and eventually Captain Nailoff stopped asking her questions and started writing down what Hermione assumed were details concerning her arrest, interview, and anything else the guards would find relevant at a later point in time.
Hermione had just been able to relax somewhat in the torture chair when the guard that Nailoff had sent off returned carrying a piece of parchment that Hermione assumed was magical in some way. Nailoff finished writing in the book, closed it, and exchanged it for the piece of parchment. He quickly wrote Hermione's name on it and then stood up. "This is everyone's favorite part." Nailoff said.
He strode over to a wall and after some careful deliberation, plucked a wicked looking knife from the wall. Seeing this, Hermione gasped as cold shivers caused her body to spasm. They were going to torture her.
Sensing that she might bolt, two of the guards stepped forward and held her in the chair by her shoulders, apparently deciding that the straps were unnecessary. Nailoff walked up to her holding the parchment and knife. "Don't get too excited." he whispered. He then pushed what was left of one of Hermione's tattered sleeves away and poked her with the knife.
Some blood promptly seeped from the would and Nailoff pressed the parchment with her name on it to the wound, watching as the blood seeped into the parchment. The blood caused the parchment to turn cold and blue. When Nailoff removed it, Hermione saw that the wound had healed. This caused her to let out a sigh of relief.
"I told you not to get too excited." Nailoff said, motioning for the guards to remove their hands and return to their positions. "Now, for the tour of your new home away from home."
At his gesture, Hermione stood up from the frightening chair and followed the captain out of the chamber and a ways down the hall with the other guards on their trail. They made their way around a corner and Hermione could see that the walls of this corridor were lined with iron barred doors to small cells.
"This one will do." Nailoff stated, reaching out and opening on of the barred doors. It opened, sensing his authority to open it.
Hermione meekly walked into the cell and Nailoff followed her in. Being very unsure of things, always eager for knowledge, and her general fear caused Hermione to start asking questions. "How long will I be here?"
"I don't know."
"What about restroom facilities?"
Nailoff looked around the cell curiously. Apparently he wasn't very experienced with their use. That meant that Harry didn't often take prisoners. Hermione didn't know whether that was good or bad. "I reckon that they'll appear when you need them." Nailoff responded.
"How?"
"None of your business." Nailoff retorted, hoping that this would stem the flow of questions.
However, his hopes were not to come true. Hermione continued to ask questions, though her manner became more meek by the second. "Will you feed me?"
"You'll be fed."
"How soon until Harry finds out I'm here?"
"I don't know."
Hermione seemed to be done with the questions, but one last one occurred to her as she looked at herself. "What about clothes? Do you issue uniforms?" She motioned to her own clothes which were now only tattered rags. "Mine are done for and will be uncomfortable."
One of the other guards spoke up. "The point of a dungeon isn't exactly comfort, lady."
Nailoff rolled his eyes and then deciding that the girl had a point about her current clothes, reached out and with a few yanks and rips, removed all but Hermione's undergarments which seemed to be in fairly good condition. This caused her to shriek and hug herself in an attempt to protect her modesty. "We'll let Lady Bellatrix decide about clothes." Nailoff announced. "Meanwhile, we'll make sure that it doesn't get overly cold in here and that your 'possessions' are taken care of."
"Is that it?" Hermione asked, very meekly.
"I suppose."
With that, the guards all left, shutting the cell door behind them. Shivering from the cold, Hermione sunk in a corner and hugged her knees. The guards weren't being very friendly, but what could she expect? It was these thoughts and others about obtaining Harry's forgiveness that kept Hermione occupied for the next while.
Several hours later, Bellatrix examined a book on the ancient healing arts for the third time in a row. There was nothing there that said that her crazy idea on how to heal the Longbottoms would not work. Then again, there was nothing there that said it would work. Making the magic element of the cure work would be the key. Fortunately, Harry would be able to help her in that area greatly.
Bellatrix was just putting her texts away in their proper places when Captain Nailoff entered the library and gave a deep nod of respect to her.
"Can I help you, captain?" Bellatrix asked, not sure whether she should be worried about the captain of Harry's bodyguard coming to speak with her.
"We captured a trespasser earlier this evening, milady. Count Trazkaban ordered her to be locked up in the dungeons to await your pleasure as Lord Polairix is currently unavailable." Nailoff said neutrally.
Bellatrix raised her eyebrows. Someone had worked hard to find the island and then to trespass on it. "Who is this trespasser?"
"Hermione Granger." Nailoff answered. "The count identified her as a member of the Order and a potential spy. She claims that she has come to talk to Lord Polairix."
The first emotional response to the announcement of Hermione's presence was anger. That little girl had created trouble and emotional pain for Harry. Then there was of course the little incident back at the small town that Voldemort had framed Harry for attacking. Bellatrix blushed when she realized that the 'little girl' was her husband's age. Finally she gained control of her emotions. "Have you locked her up in the dungeon?"
"Yes, milady." Nailoff answered respectfully before going into an account about processing the prisoner. Bellatrix was very amused by the part that took place in the torture chamber.
The next debate that took place in Bellatrix's mind was what to do with the Granger girl. Should she just leave her for Harry to deal with, should she go and beat the snot out of her and then let Harry deal with her, or should she do something else?
Bellatrix decided on something else. Though it was tempting, the impulse to abuse the teenager was no good. However, there were some things she wanted to talk to the girl about and then what Harry did with her was irrelevant as far as she was concerned.
"Take me to where you've locked her up." she commanded Nailoff.
"As you wish, milady." Nailoff said.
Together, Nailoff and Bellatrix made their way down to the dungeons. Bellatrix noted with some amusement that Hermione had been placed in one of the deepest levels that the dungeon had to offer. This pleased her as it demonstrated that the guards felt a sense of loyalty to Harry.
Eventually, Nailoff led her to a cell where she spotted the half-naked girl huddled in a corner of the cell. Hermione had spotted them and was looking at her specifically with some hope in her eyes as well as a great amount of trepidation.
Bellatrix was about to enter the cell when Nailoff held his hand in front of her. "Pardon me, milady. If you mean to interview her in the cell, I must make sure she is restrained. This could be a ploy to assassinate you or Lord Polairix."
Shoving aside self-declarations that she could handle a prisoner, Bellatrix nodded which signaled Nailoff to see to having Miss Granger restrained. If something were to happen, Harry would never forgive himself and not only that, there was no reason to worry Harry about what could have happened. There was also the baby.
Nailoff entered and Hermione rose stiffly from her crouching position. She was still wearing the heavy shackles from earlier so Nailoff made use of them and used them to raise her arms above her head and attached them to a hook that appeared from nowhere as things often did in Nair'icaix. Nailoff then exited the cell with a bow for Bellatrix and then stationed himself a short distance down the hall.
Bellatrix then entered the cell and made eye contact with Hermione. One of the interrogation tips learned long ago came to mind. 'They'll talk on their own and reveal what is important.' Bellatrix took this to heart and while waiting for Hermione to start talking conjured a comfortable arm-chair and sat down.
What Granger said first would be key in figuring out what was the most important to her. She would save the Legillimency for Harry in this case. Bellatrix sat back and then cooly looked Hermione in the eyes. Hermione was clearly nervous, but made a valiant effort to return the gaze.
Finally, she began to talk on her own as Bellatrix had predicted. "I've realized that Harry is innocent and I've come to apologize and do whatever it takes to win back his friendship."
Taking Hermione's declaration of Harry's innocence at face value, Bellatrix zeroed in on the last two parts of the statement. "How do you apologize for a betrayal that caused someone immense pain and indirectly helped Voldemort in his quest to kill and torture?"
This caused tears to run down Hermione's face. "I know that being sorry isn't enough, but what more can I do?"
"Nothing." Bellatrix answered bluntly. "That's why it's hard to apologize. It's bad enough that you gave Voldemort the advantage, but do you realize that Harry will still think himself responsible for those he couldn't save?" This caused Hermione to hang her head in shame as she realized how true Bellatrix's words were.
"How fortunate for you that Harry is a non-confrontational person." Bellatrix continued on. "Knowing him, as soon as he returns from his business, he will promptly tell you that it's okay and send you on your sorry way just to get you out of his way. After that, he'll avoid you and pretend that nothing ever happened. You'll be expected to avoid him as well of course."
This statement caused Hermione to let out a pathetic sob. "He'll still feel hurt and angry even if he hides it. I want to win back his friendship so that we can go back to the way we were. It's the only way that I'll be able to feel that he's completely forgiven me. Otherwise, I'll always wonder what his true feelings are toward me and my betrayal."
"You are striving for the impossible, I think." Bellatrix stated, taking a small bit of pleasure from the distress that this obviously caused the girl. She couldn't help but to do so; it was natural. This made Bellatrix slightly unhappy.
She didn't want to give into natural instincts. They led to the Dark side of magic. Those who strived for a higher standard were the witches and wizards of the Light. They were the ones with the strength to prevail and not let the instinctive reactions of anger and lust for revenge drag them down into the pit of evil. It was Voldemort's anger with Muggles and his father that had driven him to become a Dark wizard.
Several moments passed and Bellatrix reviewed these thoughts silently in her mind as she watched Harry's treacherous friend began to sob uncontrollably, unable to wipe the tears from her eyes or face due to the fact that her arms were suspended above her by chains.
It was then that Light dawned upon Bellatrix's mind. What this young witch had done did not matter any more. Bellatrix herself had committed worse crimes than this young woman was responsible for. Harry was the antithesis of her former actions.
If he could completely forgive the girl and welcome her back into a full friendship, then that would prove that he was indeed a strong wizard. Furthermore, his ability to forgive Granger would forevermore lay to rest any doubts that Bellatrix may ever have of his pure love for her and forgiveness for her past actions.
Suddenly, Bellatrix wanted to see Harry completely forgive and welcome back Hermione Granger with every fiber of her being for Harry's own sake. If he couldn't forgive and forget, then it was possible that he would ruin his life.
He would need help to do so though and Bellatrix was more than willing to provide it. He would have to do it by himself though, and not feel pressured. Hermione would have to remain in the cell free from any interference on Bellatrix's part.
Bellatrix then stood up and strode to Hermione so unexpectedly that Hermione started and then quailed in fear. The two had fought viciously in a cat-fight previously and now Bellatrix had a complete advantage.
However, instead of harming Hermione, Bellatrix awkwardly hugged her like she would hug her sister, Narcissa. "I'll do everything I can to help you win back your friendship." she whispered to the young woman who was now shedding silent tears. "Don't give up no matter what may happen."
Then, without another word, Bellatrix turned around and strode from the cell causing the armchair to disappear. Within seconds she met Captain Nailoff in the hall. "I'm finished interviewing the prisoner, captain." She then conjured a rough blanket of sorts and handed it to him. "Return her to how she was before I came and give her this. You are not to inform Lord Polairix of the prisoner's presence until I let you- it's for the best. Is that clear?"
"Yes, milady." Nailoff responded in a confused voice.
Captain Nailoff watched as Lady Bellatrix strode away as he held the blanket that she had handed him. Shrugging, he turned and went to the cell where he found the prisoner who had apparently been crying. She now had a look of confused wonder in her eyes.
She was so confused that she hardly responded when Nailoff caused the hook holding her shackled arms above her head to disappear, leaving her to sink to the floor stiffly. No sure what else to do, Nailoff haphazardly draped the blanket over her shivering body before exiting and securing the cell. He missed the look of complete and utter determination that appeared in Hermione's eyes, lighted by the hope that Lady Bellatrix had given her.