Chapter 508

"Is this real or a trick?"

"Are they seriously compensating everything?"

"Can we get it today? Or will it be a year from now, after the pure-blood families have taken their cut?"

"This feels... strange. There's got to be a catch, right? Conditions? Hidden clauses?"

The crowd outside Gringotts buzzed with skepticism, their voices rising into a chaotic hum. The moment Elder Harmon had declared that Gringotts would shoulder the entire loss, the wizards erupted into a frenzy of disbelief.

It wasn't that they didn't want to believe it.

But it sounded too good to be true.

The promise of full compensation felt like a cruel joke—too dreamlike, too convenient. These were wizards who had seen their trust shattered, their wealth stolen. Now, they were being told that everything would be restored?

It had to be a trick.

Lockhart, standing calmly at the steps of Gringotts, raised his hand slightly. His voice, as smooth and comforting as ever, floated over the restless crowd.

"Rest assured, everyone," he said, his tone gentle yet authoritative. "This time, Hogwarts, Kamar-Taj, and the Ministry of Magic will jointly supervise the compensation process, while Gringotts executes it."

The murmurs softened slightly as his words settled over the crowd.

"We guarantee," Lockhart continued, "that every wizard will have their Galleons back in their hands. Not a single coin will be missing."

There was something about Lockhart's voice that disarmed suspicion. His reputation in the British wizarding community was sterling—he wasn't just a celebrated author and hero; he was a man whose wealth rivaled that of entire magical institutions. The fact that he personally owned a castle—no, a secret space—comparable to Hogwarts was proof enough of his standing.

At Hogwarts, he was known not only for his power but for his generosity. To many, he wasn't just a wizard; he was a symbol of hope.

The wizards exchanged glances. The tension in the air thinned slightly, though skepticism lingered in their eyes.

Then, Elder Harmon stepped forward, his expression solemn. His voice, though gruff, carried a newfound sincerity.

"Everyone, please form an orderly line," Harmon announced. "We will begin by registering each wizard and confirming the amount of wealth stored in their vaults."

He gestured toward the gates of Gringotts, where rows of blue-robed goblins emerged, each holding a pristine white notebook. They moved with practiced efficiency, their sharp eyes scanning the crowd.

"Once your registration is complete," Harmon continued, "you'll be able to verify the total in your vault. If any discrepancies arise, our registered goblins will handle them immediately. Afterward, you may withdraw as many Galleons as you wish—even your entire balance, if you prefer."

His voice rang with conviction. For the first time, there was a flicker of belief in the crowd.

As Harmon finished, Lockhart waved his wand. With a soft flick, several tables and chairs appeared in neat rows before the goblins. Above them, large light-blue letters shimmered in the sky:

REGISTRATION OFFICE

Each goblin stood at their station, ready to assist the anxious wizards. Aurors flanked both sides of the area, their presence a subtle reminder that order would be maintained.

The combined forces of Kamar-Taj, the Ministry of Magic, and Gringotts had transformed what could have been chaos into an organized process. However, some wizards still muttered under their breath.

Where's Hogwarts in all this? they wondered. Why aren't they more involved?

But those thoughts quickly faded as the reality of the situation took precedence.

The golden Galleons were within reach.

Without further hesitation, the crowd surged forward, forming lines at the registration desks. The promise of reclaiming their wealth had overpowered their doubts. For many, it wasn't about trust—it was about seeing the money with their own eyes.

Inside Gringotts – The Vault Registration Process

"Hello, Mr. Roman," a blue-robed goblin greeted as the first wizard stepped forward. "Here is your registration slip. Please present it at the bank entrance to proceed with your withdrawal."

The goblin's tone was unexpectedly polite, almost pleasant. His sharp features betrayed no malice, and his voice carried a calm, measured cadence. It was a far cry from the typical gruffness wizards associated with goblins.

They've been trained, Roman thought. Or enchanted.

Either way, he didn't care. All that mattered was getting his Galleons back.

Snatching the slip from the goblin's clawed hand, Roman bolted toward the bank entrance, his heart pounding in his chest. The quicker he got his money, the better.

Upon entering Gringotts, he was greeted by a red-robed goblin who bowed slightly.

"Welcome, Mr. Roman," the goblin said smoothly. "According to our records, you have a total deposit of 1,200 Galleons in your vault."

Roman felt a flicker of hope.

"However," the goblin continued, "you have used 957 Galleons, leaving a remaining balance of 243 Galleons."

Roman's face tightened. Not as much as I thought... but still enough.

"I want it all," Roman barked without hesitation.

The goblin nodded, unfazed by the demand. With a small wave of his hand, a silver bell hanging from his wrist chimed softly.

Buzz!

A ripple of magical energy swept through the air. Before Roman's eyes, a hidden compartment in the marble counter shimmered open, and 243 gleaming Galleons materialized on the surface.

"If you would kindly verify, sir," the goblin said, gesturing toward the pile of gold.

Roman leaned in eagerly, his eyes scanning the coins.

But something caught his attention.

"What's this?" he muttered, frowning. He picked up one of the Galleons, his eyes narrowing at the dark green, eye-like symbol etched onto its surface.

The design was unfamiliar—alien.

"What's with the weird pattern?" he asked, suspicion creeping into his voice.

The goblin didn't flinch. His response was smooth, rehearsed.

"In light of recent security breaches," he explained, "the Ministry of Magic, in collaboration with Kamar-Taj and Gringotts, has introduced a new security mark."

He pointed to the symbol on the coin.

"This," the goblin continued, "is the Eye of Agamotto, a symbol of Kamar-Taj's magical authority. Additionally, the edge of each Galleon has been engraved with the Ministry of Magic's seal, alongside advanced protective enchantments."

Roman turned the coin over, inspecting its edges. True enough, the Ministry's name and intricate patterns shimmered in the light, glimmering with protective spells.

His suspicion began to wane.

If the Ministry and Kamar-Taj are involved... it must be legitimate, he reasoned.

With a nod of approval, Roman began collecting the coins, feeling a strange sense of relief. The fear of losing his savings had been gnawing at him for days, but now, the weight lifted from his shoulders.

But as he turned to leave, the goblin spoke again.

"Mr. Roman," the goblin called gently, "before you go, might I interest you in a new service Gringotts is offering in partnership with Kamar-Taj?"

Roman paused, curiosity piqued.

"What kind of service?" he asked, clutching his pouch of Galleons tightly.

The goblin's sharp teeth flashed in what almost resembled a smile.

"Starting today," he explained, "wizards who register and withdraw Galleons will be exempt from all transaction fees. Furthermore, Gringotts will now offer an interest mechanism."

Roman raised an eyebrow. "Interest?"

The goblin nodded. "Indeed. For every deposit left in Gringotts, wizards will receive an annual interest."

Roman's eyes widened in surprise. Interest was a concept foreign to most wizards. Gringotts had never offered such benefits before.

"And," the goblin added, "you may withdraw your Galleons at any time without penalty."

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