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Harco Empire	By : Toddy Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 34430 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or films. I do not make any money from the writing of this story, just enjoyment.

Chapter List
- 207
- 208
- 209
[Note: “x-x” = speech & ‘x-x’ = thoughts & *x-x* = telepathy & #x-x# Parseltongue]
~~~ PORTERS ~~~
The seers and the new porters had had a look at the site of the Square’s Portal, so they ported to WWW. Here the elves were introduced to the flat’s inhabitants before going downstairs. The elves were surprised at the joke shop, and Percy gave them a free joke each. Then it was out into Diagon Alley. None of their families had allowed them to visit before. Harry expected them to be surprised. However, far from being overwhelmed, Pluto conjured a parchment and self-inking quill, before starting to create a sketch map. Seeing this the seers gave them an extended guided tour; explaining what each shop sold.
Back at Number Twelve Pluto went library-wards to make a fair copy of his scribblings.
Harry was intrigued: “Why are you doing that Pluto?”
“I think we’ll be asked by the hotel residents where to find things. It would be discourteous not to know. As it’s all so new to us we’ll each have a guide to help us, because I’ll copy them out for my mates.”
“Um … Very thoughtful … Um … It might be an idea to have some spare copies. You could sell them to the magicals who asked.”
“Sell them?” Pluto sounded scandalised.
“Yes. I’ll introduce you to Bertie, our administrator. He’ll give you an idea what to charge.”
“But what do we do with the money.”
“Talk to Elder Kreacher, he looks after our elves banking accounts. I think Gallus has them in his portfolio.”
Harry looked at three dumfounded elves: “Oh! We don’t mind if you earn something on the side, you know. You’ll each have your own rooms. Use the money for little luxuries, or pretty pictures, a comfy chair. I don’t know. Some of what you earn could probably go to help the distressed elves whom we still keep finding.”
“This is very new to us. Our parents never owned anything. Could we buy clothes without being disinherited?”
“I’m sure you could. Just check with Elder Kreacher or Chatelaine Dorothy. They’d love to help, I’m quite sure.”
Pop: “Kreacher’s busy, can I help?”
“Sorry Dorothy. I didn’t mean to call you. Only our three recruits here are a little overawed by the family they’ve joined. I think it’s the freedom and the possibility of earning money that worries them most.”
“I take it these are the new porters Kreacher mentioned.”
“Yes! Meet Pluto, Pollux and Porphyria.”
“Hello friends, I’m Dorothy, the Harco Chatelaine. Come along I’ll show your rooms and explain a few things to you. I imagine meeting all the four seers for the first time was a bit overwhelming.” Smilingly she took the new trio and showed them their allotted rooms.
###
Very early on Friday morning, after communing with their ancestors; including a special commendation from Blaise’s deceased father and grandfather, the four mages arranged to make the new portal. With the three attendant elves watching, Ginevra and Harry went to each end of the present system with Draco and Astoria positioning themselves at the new positions.
“TENESMUS PORTAM IN LOCO!” pronounced Harry and Ginevra, making grabbing motions with their hands.
“FACEMUS PORTAM!” pronounced Draco and Astoria, making the usual flourishes with their hands.
There was a groan and a creaking noise followed by a whoosh and the new portal doors appeared in the new location.
“I think we’ve done it!” exclaimed Draco.
Astoria’s head popped out of the new door: “Yes we have!”
Half a minute later Harry came down from the flat and Astoria handed Ginny through the new portal. They confirmed that the old portal still worked.
The three elves had followed Astoria out of the door, looking around at the almost deserted Alley. Once Ginevra had come through the elfin trio stood with their rings touching the portal door.
“MODO APERTA PER PRECEPTOR NOSTRUM ET SIMILIS OSTIUM DOMUS!”
“That’s a new one,” remarked Draco.
“We found it in one of the books Tor loaned us,” said Porphyria: “As we have to be on duty we may as well have the extra protection. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all,” enjoined Harry, “We think it’s a splendid idea. I like the way you have made it look like a normal house door.”
“We thought it would be a good disguise. Any magical ringing the bell or knocking could expect a house-elf to answer to door. So, when one of us does so it will appear quite normal to the passers-by; thus, raising no curiosity.”
Draco beamed: “Well thought out. Were any of you in Slytherin?”
“I was,” said Porphyria: “I don’t want to seem cheeky, but we have another elf-friend who was in Hufflepuff.”
“Do you want us to add her to the select band?”
“Sort of. Phyllis doesn’t want to be a porter, she’s happier in a traditional role. However, it would be nice if we could be together.”
“Fine … I understand. We’ll have a think about it; however, it is a bit late … Um … Perhaps you would let us through, then we can all go to bed.”
Pollux giggled: “Welcome to Grimond Place mages all. Aperio!” The door opened and when the other did, they walked through into the Square.
“Why Grimond Place, Pollux?”
“I know it’s the muggle name but as fifty percent of the residents agree on that name and the other fifty percent have different names, ‘Grimond’ won out.”
Porphyria added: “There are people’s homes called ‘Something-or-other Place’ so we felt that the name over the door in Diagon Alley would suggest a private house. Although those in the know would interpret it differently.”
“Very clever! Does it work the other way round?”
“As it works on our say-so only, then yes, Ginny.”
“Okay let’s try it out. Oh! One of you’d better come with us.”
“No need there’s a bell push, but I’ll come just to make sure it works.”
Ginny just walked through. They tried the bell push, and nothing appeared to happen. They returned.
“Well did you hear it?” asked Pollux.
The other two elves nodded whilst the seers shook their heads.
“Tuned for our ears only, Seers.” Pollux turned and placed his ring on the door. A sign appeared: ‘Open next at six and a half hours of the forenoon’ “Is that okay?”
“Does it say that on the Alley door?”
“No, Harry. That would be a giveaway, wouldn’t it? We’d still open at any time if there was an emergency.”
“Fine. Well thought out. Good night, sleep well.” He smirked: “We don’t plan on any disasters tonight, but you never know.”
“GOOD NIGHT!” the elves replied, chuckling.
The seers walked to Number Twelve’s door, whilst the elves popped off into their new rooms that had been created in the passageway between the shops.
###
Harry and Draco were, as usual, talking through their day in bed, after their customary sexual exertions.
“I wonder if the flat-mates would like a house-elf.”
“It’s got possibilities, now the elves are educated, Phyllis might enjoy seeing George creating things and Vernon tinkering with his miniature prosthetics. I’m horrified that we’re still finding mutilated elves. Not in as greater quantity, I grant you. I’m shocked that some of Glandulous’s party are still mistreating their elves.”
“Mmm … Yes … our Reeve has something to do with the aurors finding out, I surmise. The elf-net is more far-reaching than we think.”
“Best not to tax him with it. What we don’t know, means that we can show honest surprise if someone gets shirty about it.”
“Give him our political support if he gets censured in the Wizengamot.”
“I don’t think that’s likely; it’d be unwise to admit that you mistreated elves in the present political climate.”
“Mmm … That’s so … Good night lover.” They kissed lightly and snuggled down under the duvet, hugging.
~~~ INSPECTION ~~~
The following Morning Harry trundled over to see Percy about the Harco shares in WWW. At least that was the ostensible reason. He really wanted to see how the new system was working and to snoop round the two shops to see how dirty they were. Porphyria was on door duty and wished Harry a pleasant morning. He was pleased that Percy was busy at his accounts and desired not to be disturbed for quarter of an hour. That gave Harry the chance to loiter with intent. It seemed to him that the only time a shelf got cleaned was when some new stock was put on it. He deduced that the dustier stock were the slow selling items. It seemed self-defeating because the customers might think those items were faulty, never mind, unpopular.
Harry popped next door to see how Gregory was getting on and was greeted in the usual cheerfully off-hand way. Dust in the corners was definitely obvious in the wand shop. Gregory was full of enthusiasm and told the Gryff about the places he had visited in pursuit of suitable wand wood and cores. It seemed that the Villa Pirelli had special groves of unfamiliar trees as well as unusual fauna whose moulted fur or cast-off feathers made excellent cores.
Percy came in: “Oh there you are. I thought for a minute you’d gone off in a huff. Especially as I’d taken longer to balance those accounts.”
“No worry. Greg’s been entertaining me with stories of wood and cores. I think I know just a little more about wands now. C’mon show me the results. See you, Greg, thanks for the chat.”
Next door they went and down into Percy’s office. There Harry was briefed in the current sales figures as well as the bestselling lines. He acted suitably impressed and asked some leading questions. By the time that was over it was coffee break. Being quiet the doors had ‘back in half an hour’ notices hung on them and they all trooped up into the kitchen. There were some dirty dishes in the sink and more on the draining board.
George grinned: “Sorry about the mess. It was my turn to wash up, but I had this idea …”
“… He usually gets those ideas just when it’s his turn,” supplied Gregory, jokingly: “Then I get landed with the job.” He screwed up his nose comically: “Not that I mind house-elf’s work that much. Here I live in a happy atmosphere, not having to watch my P’s and Q’s as I had to in Pater’s house.”
Harry chuckled inwardly, realising he had been given a way in: “What happens if we found you a house-elf?”
Ollivander grinned: “He’d have to be a tough one. Greg and I get carried away making the wands. We keep meaning to tidy up our workshop, but we don’t. Just shove the detritus to one side and get on with the next project.”
George looked at his feet: “Fred was the tidy one, you know.”
Vernon chuckled: “My workbench is tidy and clean and so are my shelves. He groaned dramatically: “Somehow my muscles don’t like using a brush on the floor.”
“Do I take it that you would like a house-elf then?”
He got a number of nods. Vernon looked puzzled: “Where would he sleep?”
“The one I have in mind is friends with the ones who are our porters. Seamus says there’s room enough for another elf-bedroom in your old passageway.”
Percy grimaced at Harry: “I thought you were here for another purpose. Looking at the books was just an excuse, wasn’t it?” then he smiled: “It’s just Bertie who comes usually.”
“Fine … You caught me out … Want to meet her?”
George made a mocking bow: “Better not anger, Seneschal Potter-Black, He-who-lived-twice, Knight of the Order of Merlin, Lord Blake, and Goblin-grandee. He might overwhelm us by his titles.”
They all tittered whilst Harry called out: “Phyllis!”
“Who calls me? Oh! It’s you, my friends’ Master. What do you want?”
“Feisty, isn’t she!” remarked Gregory.
Harry had imagined a willowy female to match the pretty name. Phyllis was none of that. The nearest description was of an elfin version of Jocasta or Timothea. He hid his smirk in a welcoming smile: “I understand that you would like a placement close to your trio of friends.”
“Yes Master.” Her tone was slightly less acerbic: “Would that be here? They obviously need looking after. They should be ashamed, leaving all those dirty utensils around. Look at the dust and dirt in the corners too. I’m surprised they don’t poison themselves.”
George chuckled: “You’ve found us a miniature version of my Mum, Harry.”
Greg was smiling too: “I know you, you’re the daughter of one of the Goyle house-elves.”
“Oh! It’s you Master Gregory. I’ll not be treated as my parents were by yours.”
“I’m happy with that. I’ve learned a lot from Harry, how to treat elves. Mutual respect and kindness is my motto. She gets my vote, brothers.”
Vernon shook his head: “Our mess is too great for one elf, surely.”
“I’m sure our chatelaine could bring a squad in to help with the initial clearing up. That is if you don’t mind Phyllis?”
“That’d be good, I’m sure I can manage thereafter. Who do I belong to? You don’t seem to be a family. Well Master Percy and George do, then there’s Master Gregory from my old family. Master Garrick I’ve heard tell off, and it would be an honour to serve such a gallant old gentleman.”
“Why thank you, Phyllis,” Ollivander replied: “My vote goes for you too.”
“Does a muggle have a vote?” asked Vernon: “Because if I do, mine goes for Phyllis.”
Lee chuckled: “I don’t live here, like Vernon I commute. Phyllis, I think you’ll keep us and our premises in good order. We tend to call ourselves the Dealers. Why not do as Harry’s lot do; and make us a pseudo-family. Dealer to match Harco?”
Fiorello popped his head in: “Is this an official meeting of the Dealers? Sorry I’m late, we were a bit busy, but my two elves are managing alright now. George, it was your turn, wasn’t it. What have I said about dirt and germs and illness?”
“Exactly!” said Phyllis, forcefully.
“Who’s this? Good morning.”
“I’m Phyllis your elf-to-be, I think.”
While this went on Harry had been whispering to some of the others.
“Let’s get on with it then,” demanded Percy: “Hold hands.” He took hold of one of Phyllis’s hands and Gregory the other. The rest followed suit, including Vernon but excluding Harry: “WE ACCEPT PHYLLIS INTO THE GREATER FAMILY OF DEALER.”
“Thank you, Masters. Err … Master Harry … That help you promised, please?”
“Of course: ‘Dorothy!’”
Pop: “Here, and I have a squad waiting.”
Harry smiled: “You were listening in,” he accused mildly.
Dorothy smiled back: “Did you expect less? We knew you’d swing it.”
“Oh! Harry!” George accused mockingly.
Harry smirked at him and turned to Dorothy: “Thanks.”
“Now Phyllis, you’re in charge of them whilst they’re here,” said Dorothy: “How about you and I go and plan the work?”
“Could one of them sort this unhygienic mess out whilst we do that?”
“Good idea.” Dorothy clicked her fingers twice and two elves appeared. They gave a little bow to Harry and he greeted them.
“This room is yours to sort,” said Dorothy: “Report to Phyllis here and show her where you’ve put everything once you’ve done.”
The two elves nodded to both Phyllis and Dorothy, bowed to Harry and set too with a clatter of dishes and pans.
“I think my workshop calls,” exclaimed Vernon.
“OURS TOO!” said the others and exited with him.
Dorothy looked at Harry questioningly.
“Got the idea, Dorothy. I’ll make myself scarce too.”
Going downstairs he met George: “Um … What was that about Goblin-grandee?”
George’s expression tightened momentarily, then he chuckled: “Nothing really,” he swallowed: “You’re a friend of the goblins and you know how they alliterate their names, so I just invented it.”
“Um … Yes, I see. You sure that’s what it was?”
“Of course, just my jokey way.”
Harry got the feeling that George wasn’t being entirely forthcoming, but let it drop. He left through the shop door and went up the Alley to see Tom at the Leakey Cauldron.
###
“Hello Harry, an aperitif before lunch. On the house, we’re doing such good business together, though the apparating is a bit tiresome.”
“A pumpkin juice please?”
“Pumpkin Juice?”
“I prefer not to drink alcohol during the day. It tends to make me drowsy.”
“Right! Pumpkin juice coming up.”
“Thanks!” Harry took a quick gulp: “I’m here to relieve that tiresomeness you mentioned.”
“Oh? Tell me more?”
“Have you got a few moments to walk down the Alley with me?”
“Not too busy and Amber is quite capable of looking after the present clientele.”
Harry finished his drink quickly and said hello to Tom’s elf-bar-tender as returned the glass. He and Tom left the tavern and walked to the new portal.
Harry rang the bell. The door opened and there stood Pluto grinning: “Good morning Harry.”
“This is Tom, the proprietor of the Leakey Cauldron. He’s our agent here for prospective hotel residents.”
“Good morning Sir.”
“Call me Tom, Amber my elf does.”
“Okay Tom, are you coming in?”
“This is the back entry to the shops, isn’t it?”
“I think you’re in for a surprise, Tom.” Pluto held the door open and they entered, then he closed it and opened the other door.
“Where are we? I thought we were entering a hallway.”
“You’ve just been through our latest portal, Tom. You have to have the elves’ permission to use it though. Have you time for a quick tour of our hotel?”
“Just a quick peek. The lunchtime rush of Ministry workers will be upon us in quarter of an hour.”
In the end Tom saw the public rooms and one of the unoccupied bedrooms before returning to his bar.
###
Pluto saw him through and then returned to Harry: “Thanks for getting Phyllis a family like ours. Seamus says he’ll fix her room up this afternoon. Those guides are selling well. We’re having difficulty keeping up with the demand.”
“Would being able to print them help?”
“That’d cost, wouldn’t it?”
“Probably, but not as much as you think. Luna’s in charge of the Quibbler now and has an elf helping her. As it’s your design you should get royalties.”
“What are those?”
“A percentage of each copy sold. Not quite sure how it works. Ask Bertie, he knows more about things like that.”
“Who’s Bertie?”
“The Harco administrator, he’s a goblin.”
“I think I met him this morning he was going to Gringotts. He was with another goblin. They were chatting like old friends.”
“That’d be Gallus. He helped us defeat Voldie and got castigated for it. However, the Gringotts board changed their minds and made him a Governor instead.”
“Yes, I know him, he came to Ham’s class and talked about the services Gringotts offered. Not that we were interested just then. We thought it applied only to mages. We’ve had another quick look at our desultory notes from that class, now we’re earning. By elimination I now know who Bertie is.”
“If you ask him, I’m sure Gallus would elucidate any queries.”
“Thanks. I think I’ll wait a bit until I know them better. Elder Kreacher’s opening an account for us. We thought the academy was an eye-opener. Now we’re on another learning curve.”
Harry chuckled: “Tell me! I’m still learning. Every time I think I’ve got it sorted another challenge turns up, or new way thinking about what appeared to be written in stone.”
“Yes! Look at us elves. When I was an elfin I was expected to go into service somewhere. Household drudgery was to be my lot. Marginally okay if the family was kind, hell if you were claimed by a death eater. You were lucky if you learned to read and write. Then you might get a job in the library or even helping the master with his accounts or correspondence. Now I have a chance to do some research into thaumic travel. I’m even allowed to think for myself, nay encouraged.”
“Good! That’s what we want. Find your potential and work out your limitations.”
Pop: Pollux appeared: “It’s your lunch break Pluto.”
“Right!” Pluto popped away.
“It’ll be mine too, or Winky will tell me off.” Harry walked to Number Twelve and ported to the cottage.
~~~ PRESENTATION ~~~
For the seers there was the usual round of yuletide celebrations at which it was politic to be present. It started with the goblins at Gringotts on Saint Nicolas’s day. Harry had been invited and so the three other seers came along. None of them knew what to expect. It turned out to be some cosmopolitan goblin gathering. Gallus took Harry in tow introducing him to various strangers. Gertie did the same for Ginevra. Bertie and his wife did the same for Draco and Astoria.
Harry was used to this ‘mingling’ by now and managed his vocabulary of pleasantries so as not to repeat the same one too often. Thus, each goblin met went away with a memory of Harry as a gracious gentleman. Gone were the days of the Italian reception when Draco had to almost hold his hand. One thing he did notice though, was that many of the goblins were in some form of formal dress robes and were wearing broad sashes over their left shoulders and fastened at their right hips. Some had three golden balls emblazoned on them and some silver. He meant to ask Gallus what they meant but never got round to it. Each time he decided to ask, he was introduced to yet another goblin dignitary.
Having shaken hands with well over a hundred people his hands were beginning to feel sore. Then he noticed a group of people he knew. Arthur and Kingsley were among them and so was George. He suggested to Gallus that he would like to go over there.
“In a minute or two, Harry. Come and chat to Barnstable please.”
Harry sorted out a few suitable remarks from his vocabulary as he walked over. Then he was surprised because his mates were also converging on the Hierophant. [They had switched off their mental communication because it interfered with their pleasant chat] As he arrived at the Hierophant’s side a bell clanged.
S’s: *OH NOT AGAIN!* All four seers switched on at the same time.
A: *It’s too late to back out now, without causing offence, better grin and bear it!”
While that had been happening, the floor beneath them had risen to form a circular podium and the congregation had turned to face it.
“Fellow Goblins and Mages, Honourable Members of the League of Saint Nicholas. It is my pleasure to carry out the first ever induction of mages into the Honourable League. It is a recognition of the work one wizard and his trio of associates have done in rescuing people of our race, healing them, as well as providing accommodation and work for other goblins too. Being Senior Hierophant of the European League I have much pleasure in presenting Mage Harry Potter with the sash of League-Major.”
Barnstable called Harry forward and placed a sash over his left shoulder, clipping near his right hip. The sash had an emblazonment of three golden balls surmounted by a crown. “As an honorary goblin you shall be called Harry Golden Balls Potter. Your colleagues shall not be left out either, their ranks will be League-Captains.” Here the hierophant invested the others with sashes with silver balls on them.
There was a silence and Harry realised he had to make a speech. H: *What do I say?*
D: *I’ll prompt you.*
H: *Thanks!* “Hierophant Bogrod and fellow members of all magical races present. I must thank the Goblin Gynulliad for this totally surprising honour. I suspect that certain wizardly people knew about this in advance, but no-one told us about it.” He briefly glared at the mages group. “In a way this is a symbol of our working together. Each fulfilling his or her role in our society gratefully, but for the good of the whole community, not just for our own narrow interests. I hope that our mutual support can grow beyond what it presently is, and our respect for each other’s cultures has to be part of it. Goblins cannot make goblins out of mages and mages cannot make goblins into mages. We each have our allotted roles. However, with the joint academy for our young ones, we are exploring those roles afresh. If any magical seems to have an affinity for a place which is not traditionally theirs, they have the possibility to explore it. Thus, slowly over the years, we will become truly integrated and no longer divide into racial or sanguine divisions. Nevertheless, we must ensure that our valued cultural heritage is not thrown away as being worthless. So, a careful path has to be trodden between innovation and tradition. I look forward to our continued journey, hand in hand with each other. With overwhelming gratitude I and my fellow seers accept these honours.”
Harry had hit the right note he guessed, because the applause lasted nearly ten minutes. Of course, his hand became tenderer because of the congratulatory shakes. Not only his but his fellow seers too. A couple of times they stopped and cast an Episkey on each other so as to endure the felicitations cheerfully.
During the buffet reception afterwards, Harry was approached by one of the goblins he had shaken hands with earlier.
“Herr Photter, Grunter Gossans am I, to meet you again I am pleased. A proposition to put to you I have. Some property in Wien I own, close to the palast your grossmutter it is. The Gringotts agent in Wien am I. No proper magical quarter there is since the Nazi pogrom several years ago; from which your ancestors many lives saved. Next door to that, the hotel the lease of which your company owns, on the New Year’s Day is coming to an end. The owners will not renew, they retirement take. Between the buildings a square is, a new magical quarter there we could jointly make, perhaps? I, with the Senior Hierophant’s son have this discussed. He a talk with you suggested.”
“That sounds very interesting. Perhaps we might involve Bertie.”
The Harco administrator was close by, probably waiting for an invitation to join them.
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Harco Empire