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Starting Again

Chapter 60: Celebrating in the Jaded Caverns

Summary:

Goblin new year, little look into goblin culture

Chapter Text

Harry looked at the notice taped to the front door of Gringotts, chuckling as two guards opened the door form him. The notice had read ‘Bank closed for six hours, no patrons allowed in the bank at this time.’ Looking around the marble interior it was strange to see it so empty as not even the bank tellers were at their desks today. Harry had dressed in his light Basilisk skin duelling robes as he heard this was formal wear , as to always be ready for a fight if needed, and had the dagger that King Ragnock had given him for Yule hanging at his side. One of the guard goblins handed him the box with the Emyrs crown in and Harry nodded in thanks as he took it out and slid the box back, still not quite used to the fact this was a necessity. Harry had been unable to extend the invite to all his friends so he was officially waiting on Blaise, Theo, Luna and Remus who was the only adult going since Severus still needed to teach and Sirius had declined saying he didn’t like enclosed spaces. Blaise and Theo entered next and whistled as each boy pecked him on the cheek, admiring the dashing leather and warrior look of their partner. Blaise wore a crimson shirt with the top buttons undone and white trousers which fitted him to perfection. Theo had gone for a similar theme of a light blue shirt and a fur thrown over the top as well as grey trousers and his blade on his hip. “Looking fabulous Tesoro...do we get crowns like that?” Harry laughed as he nudged Blaise. “There are consort crowns for the Prince's partner...we may need to duplicate it to match you both.” Came the voice of Onyxfire who was stood in the doorway to the hall and looked Harrison and company over before nodding. Just then Remus and Luna rushed in and smiled “Sorry, got a bit caught up by Dumbledore.” Luna smiled as she bowed her head to Onyxfire and then to Harry who flushed and smiled. Luna wore a pretty silver dress that seemed to be made of tiny ripped up pieces of foil and her earrings were little crescent moons. “Perfect timing, let’s get you all down to the caverns ready to celebrate...we ask that wands be left up here.”  Harry chuckled and looked at the rest who simply shook their heads “We don’t have our wands on us Onyxfire, we are here to celebrate after all.” Onyxfire nodded, grateful for the trust these young wizards were giving the goblins and showed them the way to the elevator. Harry watched in amusement as Theo and Blaise looked around excitedly, taking in each detail as they went lower and lower.

“I cannot believe we get to take part in an actual goblin holiday...this is surreal.” Theo whispered as he shook Harry who laughed and nodded “Well believe it lover boy, your partner here is Anarkzar.” Theo merely smiled “They made a good choice, very few wizards are ever blessed with the title.” Harry simply nodded and glanced at Luna who was conversing quietly with Remus about the history of the caverns. “So Anarkzar, how is your big master plan going?” Harry chuckled and shook his head “It's coming along, we are beginning to get under Dumbledore’s skin and to be honest I have a few more ideas up my sleeve I just have to see what changes are made in regards to next year.” Onyxfire nodded and smiled “I look forward to the pensive memories.” Harry nodded “You will receive the Yule batch courtesy of one Argus Filch who caught him having a tantrum.” Onyxfire chuckled and nodded. “Irontooth has been asking over you, expect a very quick check up when we finally find her...she has become a mother hen over your health.” Harry smiled “I would expect nothing less from the fair lady.” Remus laughed, having been under her care himself. The lift finally stopped and Onyxfire stepped off the elevator first and as he guided the rest out he watched as Harry nearly ran into the one he calls Theo who had stopped dead and looking around in shock and amazement. “Circe above...this place is...breath-taking.” Blaise whispered and Onyxfire stood a bit taller, proud of his home “Thank you Heir Zabini, years in the making I assure you. Let us get moving?” Harry nudged the boys whilst Luna skipped beside Onyxfire and Remus brought up the rear of the group, calm on the outside but inside screaming and fan-girling over the chance he has been granted. 

“There is my Little Lord! Harrison Lupin-Prince-Black how dare you don’t visit.” Irontooth said as she rested her hand on her hips and a stern face. “Ooohh full name...you are in trouble tesoro.” Harry bowed to Irontooth and replied “My fair lady healer Irontooth, I beg your forgiveness.” Irontooth huffed before waving her hands over him as parchment appeared from no where “I suppose you escape my full treatment today since it says here you’ve been keeping up with the potions and haven’t slipped...” Harry smiled and nodded to her as she greeted the others and checked over Remus before turning to Blaise “You young man have been injured recently, I will have something for you by the time you leave.” Blaise looked dumbfounded as Harry whispered “Best not to fight it, she’ll just put you in the hospital ward here.” Blaise bowed his head “I am happy to accept your help ma’am.” Irontooth and smiled and patted his head as Onyxfire linked her arm and they begun to guide their visitors into the main cavern where everything was set up and the King awaited their arrival.

~~

The King himself greeted Harry with a huge slap on the back and a handshake to rival that of the centaurs as he guided the young wizard onto the dais that had been set up for royalty. Onyxfire took his seat with Irontooth and a sturdy wooden bench had been set off to one side for Harry and company as he arranged the party to sit either side of him. Looking around Harry marvelled at all the activity going on, children running around with what appeared to be fake axes and shields and carts and stalls being put up which held trinkets, metal works and food as well as other types of crafts such as clothes, staffs and paper crafts. “You’ve arrived a little early but better that than late. How are you doing Anarkzar?” Ragnock asked as he greeted Harry who sat and smiled “I am well, rid myself of a peacock recently so all is going well.” Ragnock laughed heartedly and smiled “Wonderful, I loved reading the papers about that fraud...you did well" Harry smiled and bowed his head “How can we help set up? I am sure the others would appreciate a bit of help?” Ragnock looked at Onyxfire who smiled and shrugged “An excellent question Harrison...let’s go find out of any want help.” And with that the royal family of goblins stood and along with the wizards began asking if any needed help. Luna ended up entertaining the goblin children as she made paper crafts float whilst Theo and Blaise helped set up stalls and Remus was using wandless magic to help put the paper lights up. Harry and Onyxfire were carrying boxes of goods to different sellers and the King had taken it upon himself to organise the guards to help too. 

It seemed many of the goblin folk admired the wizards for their help and when approached they were jovial and kind. Harry enjoyed helping, it made him feel less like a piece of stuff in a museum to be stared at. “Anarkzar Harrison, thank you for your help with these boxes...these old bones aren’t what they used to be.” Said an elderly blacksmith goblin who had a stall on the far side selling weapons and pieces of armour so the boxes he had were rather heavy. Harry bowed his head “It’s no trouble at all, I am happy to help Coaljaw.” The elderly goblin smiled and patted the young wizard on his shoulder as he left, watching him join his friends. “Harrison...these children are adorable! They have so many wonderful stories.” Luna beamed as she walked over to him, arms full with a goblin child who seemed to enjoy being picked up. “I am glad you enjoy their company Little Moon; I am sure they would love to hear your stories of your adventures with your father.” Luna’s smile widened “A wonderful idea Harrison, let me gather the rest. Come along Snapleg, I will tell you of the time my daddy and I went to look for the Crumple-Horned Snorkacks in Finland.” The goblin child cheered as they wandered off and Harry shook his head, still not sure what one even looked like. 

~~

Festivities started soon after and with a blast from a horn that echoed around the caverns the music and dancing begun as well as many different demonstrations. Harry watched in awe as a small group of guards performed the Cazankar which Onyxfire explained was a wonderful display meant only for these such occasions and demonstrated the strength of the guards. Harry was entranced watching axes fly and thud into shields as beautiful weapons were on display. Harry and group were given a quick instruction by Irontooth on some of the traditional ways of dancing and were soon shoved into the middle of it all as they celebrated. Harry was loving every second of their time and when he took a second to sit Theo walked over with some delicious smelling food “It's called a Nomak and I think it is like a beef stew, not sure what the meat actually is but it is divine.” Harry took the bowl offered and took a bite, his taste buds instantly in heaven as he inhaled the bowl of beautiful stew. Harry's group gathered as the king called for quiet “My friends, today we gather to welcome in a new year. This one has been eventful and with our new Anarkzar we have gained not only a powerful ally but a true friend to the goblin nation.” Many cheers and a thumping of chest plates echoed off the cavernous walls as many goblins showed him the respect. “So it is with honour I ask Anarkzar Harrison to help me welcome in the new year by pouring the first galleon of our year and wish us luck upon our wealth.” Harry stood and nodded as both headed to the small forge in the corner where a little pot of gold had been bubbling away. Harry slipped on the glove and was guided to the mould as he turned to the crowd and said in fluent gobbledegook “May your gold multiply and your vaults never empty.” And with that he poured the gold into the mold and watched it cool rapidly as it was stamped by the king. Cheers went up as it was thrown into water and cooled more, showing the beautiful design stamped on it. The king passed him the galleon and he held it aloft as many clapped and he passed it back to the king who simply passed it to one of the children and they all gathered around to look at it. 

Harry stood beside the others as the song the goblins sung in wonderful harmony bounced off the walls and filled him with warmth. Luna has joined in and Remus had closed his eyes as his little group got to witness something so very rarely documented it was like liquid gold itself. Onyxfire had explained the song told the story of their original settlement into the Jaded Caverns and the defeat if the beasts known as the Dark Ones. Harry had asked why it wasn’t documented very well and Onyxfire sighed “Our history is told through stories, to write it down would ruin the traditions and to be fair how many would stock that part of our history?” Harry nodded in understanding and knocked his goblet against Onyxfire’s as they drunk a mead type drink (Theo had been extremely happy to discover it). “Thank you for coming today Harrison, it may not seem it sometimes but we don’t actually mind wizards...its them who hate us.” Harry sighed “I am sorry we as a race have never fostered better relations with your nation...wixen don’t understand what they are missing out on.” Onyxfire smiled and nudged him “I think its better if we keep it to small numbers, the children are loving Miss Lovegood's stories.” Harry watched as Luna sat in the centre of a group of children letting them braid her hair as she told them stories of heliopaths. “Yeah...” Harry watched as the guards were showing Theo how to handle a battle axe, Blaise was getting fashion tips from some of the clothes vendors and Remus had been pulled aside by the Record Keeper and was talking history with him. His friends looked happy; this was what everyone needed apparently. 

Next time he would bring others to make sure everyone got to experience this.