Gringotts was surprisingly empty considering how close to the Christmas holidays it quiet lobby remained just as imposing despite the quiet, and Julie found her mouth open at the splendor she saw: gold embellished all it possibly could, making its way from the ceiling to the teller booths.
"I request control of Dawn Hawthros' vault by virtue of birthright," Minerva told the goblin at the front desk in Gringotts. The goblin seemed surprised - that vault had not been touched in many decades, but all were aware of its importance. Quickly he recovered his prickly demeanor.
"And who are you to claim birthright to this vault?" the goblin sneered. Minerva stood tall.
"I am Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts - Minerva McGonagall, descendent of Dawn Hawthros. I claim what is rightfully mine. Do not test my patience." She detested using her pureblood "act" but knew it would get the fastest response.
"If you are indeed the descendent you will of course receive the vault's key and all that lies therein. If you are lying…" the threat hung loudly in the air. Minerva tilted her head forward in understanding. "Follow me. You may bring two others with you." He turned quickly and walked towards the cart boarding area.
"Hermione, Aurora, would ye come with me?" her brogue had showed itself more often lately. The two women nodded, and followed her towards the cart. Julie stayed back with Harry and Sirius, who had some of his own business to tend to while at Gringotts.
The three witches met the goblin at the cart entrance and boarded quietly. The ride down was longer than any Minerva or Aurora could remember, and as Hermione did not have her own vault she had nothing to compare the experience. She could tell, however, that their cart was heading deep underground, perhaps more than a mile. Cold wind and the scent of mildew hit their faces, often mixed with sulphur and a sudden blast of heat. Minerva reached for Hermione's hand in the dark, giving a reassuring squeeze that both needed.
Coming to a rolling stop, they gazed at the vault where the truth would be announced, for good or otherwise. A door, standing about seven feet tall made of dark and aged wood with a lion's head of onyx in the center stood between two torches that withstood the damp air. It did not seem intimidating, or even notable. Until Minerva approached the door. The lion rolled its neck and stretched, growing in size until it leaped out of the door and stood in front of Minerva. It growled as it appraised her, but she did not back away, or even avert her gaze. She stood tall, able to look it in its eyes as she walked forward.
"I am Minerva McGonagall, Breaker, heir to Dawn Hawthros' vault. Allow me entry," she said calmly but firmly to the lion. It cocked its head.
"You know the penalty for a false declaration?" its voice rumbled throughout the cavern. The goblin had stayed back at the cart, watching the proceedings with trepidation. Aurora and Hermione stood tall behind Minerva, quietly supporting her and ready to jump into action if needed.
"Aye," Minerva answered. The muscles underneath the onyx lion rippled as he walked back to the door to stand guard.
"Very well, Minerva McGonagall. A drop of blood against the wooden door is needed. Come, determine your fate. I have stood here many years in wait of the next Breaker to claim the treasures within." As she approached the door slowly a dagger of onyx appeared next to the lion. She took it into her hand, raised her palm, and slid the knife along it quickly. The lion raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Only one drop of blood is needed, Minerva McGonagall."
Minerva gave a dark grin. "So there is no question as to my right to the vault." The lion nodded once.
Breathing deeply she raised her hand and placed it on the door, prepared for any reaction from the cold wood. When none came, she looked to the lion confused.
"Well met Minerva McGonagall, descendent of Breaker Hawthros. You are the rightful owner of the vault. You may enter." Minerva sighed in relief, having been momentarily worried something had gone wrong.
"That was it? Pretty anti-climactic if you ask me," Aurora whispered to Hermione.
"That is why nobody asked you, sister. What is your name, lion?" The dark beast blinked.
"None have asked in many a year. I am Manx, and have guarded the vault of the Breaker Hawthros since Arthur Pendragon was a vision whispered by harpies and oracles. It is an honor to meet you, Minerva McGonagall, Breaker. Please enter and claim what is yours by birthright." Manx stood to the side and bowed his head as the door opened. Minerva looked back to Aurora and Hermione, indicating they should accompany her. Together the three women entered the vault, breaths held.
Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Director Bones's Office
Another bottle of firewhiskey was opened and passed around as those assembled strategized. After seeing McGonagall's battle against the dementors through the use of a pensieve, Amelia had to admit she was finally feeling a bit of optimism for the first time in far too long.
After officially filing the paperwork to declare Narcissa divorced and her maiden name returned, as well as the Black fortune Lucius had laid claim to, the next order of business was to plan the best way to present Bellatrix Black to the Wizengamot.
"It will be a challenge, certainly. For one, there are several sitting members who are pure-blood supremacists, if not outright Death Eaters. Once they see and hear of Bellatrix's defection, You-Know-Who will also know. Then there is the matter of Minister Fudge," Kingsley stated as he reached for a sandwich. They had been engrossed in conversation for so long a tea service appeared at the table where they all sat.
"Fudge is many things, but he is a shrewd politician. It would be easy enough to distract the Wizengamot, and thus him from Bellatrix with the proper event," Narcissa said. While she was no longer a Malfoy, years at Lucius's side afforded her the proper training in politicking.
"What sort of distraction do you recommend that would draw attention away from Bellatrix Black?" Amelia asked with a slight frown. Narcissa looked to Helios, who nodded in understanding.
"Introduce the Minister for Magic to our newly found Breaker and her siblings. Myth turning back to reality will be the talk of the Ministry for a good long while. And as Amelia is the head of the DMLE, any papers of exoneration for Bellatrix fall under her jurisdiction to file. In fact, I doubt we'll need to call a Wizengamot session at all," mused Helios. Before Amelia or Kingsley could object, he continued.
"Breakers have historically had certain privileges granted them. During times of war, such as now, they were often the law, judge, and executioner all at once. By invoking her title, Minerva could see to Bellatrix's case herself. All she would need is a witness from the Ministry - one of its directors." Amelia saw where he was going with his line of thought, and breathed a sigh of relief - less interaction with Fudge was always ideal.
"When can we do this? The sooner the better," Amelia asked. Dumbledore looked around before speaking.
"I believe this evening at Hogwarts, before dinner would be ideal. I am sure Susan would love to see her aunt." Amelia nodded her agreement, arranging to floo over to the Headmaster's office by 5:00.
Their business completed, Dumbledore, Helios, and Narcissa left, and Kingsley returned to his office and the undoubtedly tall stack of paperwork he had neglected over the past few days.
Amelia sat behind her desk and poured a small measure of firewhiskey. Her headache had finally abated.
A/N: I have no excuse for the late update (well that's not entirely true, but I won't bore you with my life story). One of my new year's resolutions is to spend more time writing, so we're off to a good start :D
Nit-picky notes:
- I'm keeping the Minister for Magic Fudge.
- The name "Dawn" and "Grey" for Breaker Hawthros are used interchangeably.
- Andromeda and Helios are most likely gonna get together, unless anyone has a better suggestion.
- My other story, "Anniversary," will have an update fairly soon. It was intended as a one off, but many people seemed to enjoy it, and I had a fun time writing it.
Happy New Year!