Blunt Conversations Ⅲ

The goblins are especially zealous in the matter of casting curses and other enchantments to ensure only those of royal blood may wear and use royal forged goblin artifacts. As tempted as Reginald may be, he would not be foolish enough to touch the armband. However, Rowan had not been prudent enough to not touch the royal goblin forged armband.

With worry and concern, Reginald harshly inquired, "Where did you acquire this, Rowan?"

Rowan doesn't immediately reply rather she reaches for the enormous, ancient tome covered in dark leather that sits near her on a corner of the desk. In parselmouth, Rowan says, "Show me the parentage of Helga Hufflepuff."

The tome dramatically expands as the parchment pages turn on their own. The tome abruptly comes to a halt revealing the names of Helga Hufflepuff's parents, Hera and Ranuk. The maternal line of Helga Hufflepuff can be traced further back, but the paternal line starts and ends with her father, Ranuk.

"Ranuk," Reginald pensively muttered trying to recall why that name sounded so familiar. It sounded goblin, a startling revelation indeed.

Furthermore, goblins had a tendency to reuse the names of past goblins. It would not be out of the question for the name to be reused multiple times. Though there are exceptions. The names of goblin royalty and past kings can only be reused by goblins possessing royal blood. The goblin masses are forbidden from naming their children using these names.

A smug expression flashes across Rowan's face at witnessing the stumped expression of her grandfather. Glancing at the ancient tome, she drily remarked, "Our ancestor, Salazar Slytherin although a narcissistic chauvinist was an unmatched genius." And it is an entirely accurate description considering they had unexpectedly met in another place and time.

Reginald merely arched his brow at his granddaughter's tone of voice. Yet his dark eyes continue to linger on the name Ranuk, the father of Helga Hufflepuff. Abruptly, his face stiffens in disbelief and amazement. "Ragnuk, the First Goblin King had two sons, Ranuk and Ragunk. The eldest, Ranuk perished in the battle against the muggle armies leaving the second born, Ragunk to inherit the throne upon their father's death."

"Yes," Rowan admiringly answered, since her grandfather had accurately deduced the truth with such limited clues.

"How is this remotely possible?" Reginald faltered with incredulity. There were no rumors or any historical record that suggested Helga Hufflepuff, the founder of Hogwarts is goblin born.

"Helga Hufflepuff entrusted the armband," Rowan deliberately left off that it had been entrusted to Marcellus, the first Headmaster of Hogwarts. It was easier for her grandfather to believe that it had been given to Salazar Slytherin to hide and protect.

"The armband lay hidden for a time until I recovered it," Rowan carefully continued to weave her tale. "Not much was left behind, but bits and pieces of the tale. In an unlikely encounter, Hera and Ranuk met in the forest and continued to meet until they became lovers. They wed in secret and soon Hera became with child. Ranuk vowed to return and hid Hera away. Alas, before Ranuk could return to his wife and unborn child, he perished in battle against the muggle armies. And so, ended their tragic love forever doomed to remain a secret."

There is an air of shock and genuine amazement surrounding Reginald. Meeting his astonished gaze, Rowan somberly says, "The world has changed since a thousand years ago, grandfather, and will only further continue to change. The ongoing war has served to prove that goblins, magical beings, and wizardkind can unite together as trusted allies."

Rowan paused to permit the implications to sink through. "If Severus and I can be acknowledged by the goblin nation, we will gain one more ally. In that same breath reassure the Ministry of Magic and other magical governing bodies that the pacts of old can be changed for the betterment of the entire magical community."

Reginald's mind raced at the implications. If Rowan and Severus are admitted by the goblin nation, then the truth of Helga Hufflepuff's birth will be revealed. Helga Hufflepuff, one of the four founders of Hogwarts is half-goblin, it will be a scandal of epic proportions. In doing so, permit the goblins the right to be granted entrance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And possibly even the opportunity to yield a wand!

Ensuring his tone is even without a trace of his inner turmoil, Reginald carefully lied. "You underestimate the stubbornness of goblins, Rowan. They will not willingly bow their heads." Of course, the goblins owed the Prince family enough to be forced to do so.

"There are countless centuries of war, revenge, and betrayal between wizardkind and goblins," Reginald frankly said. "This will not be enough to sway the tides."

"But this will be," Rowan deliberately retorted by pulling out a silver blade with an inset of egg-sized rubies. Just below the hilt, Godric Gryffindor's name is delicately engraved beneath the hilt.

Unable to move his eyes from the fabled sword, Reginald is openly stunned. "How is this conceivable?!" He squawked still in shock.

"Only a descendant of Godric Gryffindor or a true Gryffindor may draw the blade," Rowan smugly replied without giving further details.

Seeing that he would not be getting anything further from his granddaughter, Reginald sets his mind to work. "Yes, this may very well be feasible," he mused out loud. "We will need the aid of the Malfoy, Blacks, Shafiq, Avery, Muliciber, Greengrass, and other families to pull on the power of their branches over the International Confederation of Wizards."

Naturally, Sanderson would also be put to use. Their information houses were finally going to be put to good use. Although, he was not looking forward to reaching out to Sirsa's cousin, Phillipe Verninac. However, they would need Phillipe Verninac's ample connections in order to achieve their goal.

With a plan in mind, Reginald turns his attention back to his granddaughter. "Guard the sword and the armband with your life, Rowan. Do not let them out of your sight!" He solemnly instructed his granddaughter. "I will write this very afternoon to Grok Gringotts to grant us an audience before the goblin council no later than in a week's time."

"Yes, grandfather," Rowan obediently replied carefully returning the two precious items to her mokeskin pouch.

Satisfied by his granddaughter's response, Reginald says, "Georgine and I have been in correspondence with your godparents. Seeing as Fleamont Potter will be the new assistant Potions Professor at Hogwarts, we have determined that it would be to your advantage to be taught by your godparents during the summer."

"Your godfather, Fleamont Potter has offered to expand your and Severus's knowledge on potions," causing Rowan's face to drastically pale. "He will also be introducing you to his contacts in the potion's guild, apothecary, and herbology collector."

"On the other hand, your godmother, Dorea Potter along with the Black family Elder's will properly tutor the two of you in society," Reginald sternly said at noticing Rowan's unhappy expression. "There experience is invaluable; They knows the ins and outs of society down to the most unsavory secret. For the remainder of the summer, the two of you will spend alternating weekends with one or the other."

A dismayed groan escapes from Rowan's mouth, before she quickly stifles it at witnessing her grandfather's stern expression. "Yes, grandfather," she meekly replied. It wasn't like she was going to be able to change his mind anyway.