Harry Potter The Kiss

Dan Granger was not happy, in fact he was beyond unhappy and heading rapidly towards extremely upset, this usually preceded actions he would regret later after regaining his composure.

Dan was on a stage in the ministry ballroom, sitting at the top table with so many mixed emotions running through his body, all fighting for dominance.

First there was Pride, when he looked at his wife, mother and pregnant daughter he thought his heart would burst, in his unbiased opinion they were easily the three most beautiful women here tonight.

Next there was a strong feeling of Unease, this whole event smelled worse each passing minute, he felt like the token muggle being held up as an example so the magical world could say 'look, we're changing'

Dan was sure that the winner was going to be Anger, Harry had explained to them that Hermione would never be anything other than a mudblood in some peoples eyes, he hadn't believed it, until tonight. The Ball reminded Dan of a mixed marriage wedding day where neither side approved of the other but were attending just to show face, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife.

Finally and ashamedly there was a touch of Hatred, yes let's call it what it is, he hated bigotry with a passion. Dan had worked hard all his life, through school and university and now with their own practice the Grangers earned anything they had but some people still thought they were better than you because of their relations, address or bank balance.

He had seen more snobbery and prejudice here tonight than at any other time in his life, wizards and witches looking at his daughter with distaste and barely concealed disgust because of who her parents were had Dan wishing he could send an elf for his shotgun.

The purebloods were sending a message though from Dan's reading of the situation it didn't make sense. As far as he could see 'you may have all the power, money and influence but we're still better than you because of our heritage' wasn't going to cost the Potter's any sleep.

He looked down towards Harry and could see Ginny and Hermione sitting either side while trying to keep him calm, Dan knew if one of these arrogant bastards even nudged a pregnant Hermione rather than move out the way of a mudblood her husband would be unstoppable.

This was all running through his head while his body was on autopilot applauding the Potter elves receiving their awards, the goblin guard's award was presented to his young son and then Winky went forward to receive hers.

Daniel Granger was called by Amelia, as he walked towards her Dan knew of only one decision he could make that would allow him to look in the mirror tomorrow without feeling sick.

"Madam Minister it is with regret that I must refuse this prestigious award because I feel like a fraud, I sat here tonight wishing with all my heart that my daughter wasn't a witch."

Dan paused as this statement was met with stunned silence, "my beautiful, brilliant daughter could have an Order of Merlin holder and perhaps even a Wizengamot member as a father but she would still be seen as an uppity mudblood by the majority of the people here tonight. That she should live in a society where your station in life is decided at birth, regardless of ability, turns my stomach and I refuse to be a part of it. You will have to find some other muggle to be a ministry poster boy."

As he went to collect Emma a hand held his arm

"Wait for us please Dan" said Dobby quietly as Winky approached the Minister

"I'm sorry Madam Minister but I must also return my award, maybe in time the wizarding world will lose the prejudices that prevail but that time is not today."

You could of heard a pin drop as no one had heard an elf speak like this and with such authority in her voice. "Wizards remind me of King Canute sitting on his throne at the seashore commanding the tide to halt, they spend all their time and magic stopping the tide on a small patch of beach without realizing the water goes around leaving them isolated on a tiny island. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy your dinner tomorrow."

Winky left with a smile on her face while two things happened simultaneously, all the Potter elf awards appeared on the table and the young goblin stepped forward, his mother by his side.

"Minister Bones I also must return my fathers award, he lived his life honourably and died saving our beloved leader. There is no honour here tonight minister, how many wizards present would give their lives protecting you?"

The young goblin received a hug from his mother as the six exited the stage to applause. Harry and Ragnok had shot to their feet while clapping their hands as the youngster finished speaking, being quickly followed by the entire Potter, Black and goblin tables. A few sporadic witches and wizards throughout the chamber joined with the applause but most looked like they were suffering a three-week bout of constipation.

The six joined their companions and Dan tried to apologise to Harry who shook Dan's hand while laughing, "you should be sorry, I lost my bet to your daughter. In fact everyone will probably be sorry later."

This had the effect of doubling Hermione over with tears of laughter running down her cheeks as everyone thought the pair had finally lost it.

Harry said to Dobby, "plan B it is then" as Potter elves began disappearing with guests from the Potter and Black table until only the two Potters were left.

Harry conjured a large spear while addressing the goblin table, "Ragnok it is my privilege to invite you and your guests to the inaugural Stag Industries Christmas Eve ball, this portkey will take you there."

"You have a plan B Harry?" asked a surprised goblin leader

Harry tried to look shocked, "Ragnok, I believe you've met my wife? Hermione has a plan B, C, D, E and F! Under torture I would have to admit that plan F consisted of nothing more than Oh F…" Hermione's hand hitting the back of his head stopped his little speech dead as the goblins roared with laughter.

Harry knelt down to speak with the young goblin, "your father was a very brave goblin and so are you, that took great courage to do what you did tonight. If there is ever anything I or my house can do for you please don't hesitate to ask"

He stood straighter and replied, "thank you for helping to avenge my father, wizards ordered it while muggles did it, yet thanks to you and the Lady Gryffindor we are learning to trust each other. I would like to learn more and attend Hogwarts when I come of age next year."

"Goblins are not allowed wands!" shouted a wizard from the table behind; the same wizard was soon dangling from the ceiling by his ankles with robes hanging down over his head. His modesty was thankfully saved by the suspiciously feminine looking underwear he had on.

"Some of us do not require wands to perform magic," said Harry who was looking towards Ragnok for help in dealing with the young goblin.

His slight nod was all Harry needed, "the next first year intake on September first will be open to any goblin who wishes to attend"

"What supplies will he need my lord" asked his mother

Harry answered the young widow, "it's just Harry madam and all he needs is his uniform, the new Hogwarts supplies everything else so all students start the same regardless of their financial position"

"What!" exclaimed Ragnok "that will cost you a fortune".

....

Want to read ahead by more than 60 chapters. Then join my pa*treon now.

Link: pa*treon.com/Amelie796 (Remove the *)

Free members will get 2 chapters for free.