Chapter 41: Gringotts Again
After a restful night, Nero awoke to the aroma of a meticulously prepared breakfast, courtesy of Witty. The house-elf had outdone himself, setting the table with an assortment of warm pastries, fresh fruits, and steaming tea.
As Nero settled into his chair, the two shared a comfortable silence, the soft clinking of cutlery the only sound in the room.
After a few moments, Nero straightened up and announced, "I'm planning to visit Gringotts today."
Witty's ears perked up instantly. "Gringotts? Again? Did Master Nero spend all the money?"
Nero coughed, nearly choking on his tea. "No, Witty, don't worry. I still have plenty of money."
Nero continued. "I have grown. My magic has grown. I want to see if I can gain the vault acceptance this time around."
Witty folded his arms, tapping a long finger against his chin. "Hmph. Gold is easy. Convincing stubborn magic? That's the real challenge."
His large eyes narrowed. "Master Nero has been working very hard this year. Maybe this time, the vault will stop being so rude."
Nero chuckled. "I'd appreciate the company."
Witty puffed out his chest. "Of course! Witty will come. Someone must make sure Master Nero doesn't get lost in all those tricky goblin pathways."
"Haha, thank you. I count on you Witty"
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The grand marble hall of Gringotts loomed above them, as imposing as ever, yet something felt different this time.
The usual brisk and businesslike goblins, who seldom spared customers more than a sharp glance, were now watching him with unmistakable interest.
Whispers flitted between them, sharp teeth glinting in knowing smirks.
Witty, walking beside him, sniffed the air and muttered, "Strange. Gringotts smells more smug than usual today."
Before Nero could respond, the rhythmic clack of metal-tipped shoes echoed through the hall. A goblin in an exquisitely tailored navy-blue coat, adorned with silver filigree, approached with an air of satisfaction.
His skin was pale, almost polished, and his eyes gleamed like freshly minted galleons.
"Master Nero Ravenclaw," the goblin greeted smoothly, giving a deep, almost theatrical bow. "Welcome back to Gringotts. I hope you remember me, I am Ragnarth Ironquill, Chief Vaultkeeper of your esteemed family's holdings."
Nero arched an eyebrow. The last time he was here, he had been treated with the usual cold efficiency. Even Ironquill had only shown a moderate level of respect.
Now, the vaultkeeper himself was rolling out the red carpet. Quite literally.
Behind Ragnarth, two goblin attendants unrolled a deep sapphire-blue runner, embroidered with bronze threading. The House of Ravenclaw's sigil shimmered at its edges.
The effect was instantaneous. Every wizard and witch in the bank turned to gawk.
Nero smirked. "Quite the welcome. I don't recall this level of hospitality last year."
Ragnarth's lips curled in a sharp-toothed grin. "Gringotts respects power, young master. And power respects those who pay attention."
He gestured vaguely to the goblins who had been whispering earlier. "You may be interested to know that information, too, is our bread and butter."
Witty muttered under his breath, "Nosy, more like."
Ragnarth continued, ignoring the house-elf. "Word travels fast when a young wizard begins making waves. It is said that you have mastered barrier magic beyond your years, summoned ice at the age of twelve, and dueled older students without breaking a sweat. Oh, and let's not forget about your unprecedented four EX-rank talents. Naturally, such accomplishments do not escape our notice."
Nero crossed his arms, amusement flickering in his eyes. "So, let me guess… You're rolling out the blue carpet because you're impressed?"
Ragnarth chuckled, a dry, raspy sound. "Impressed? No. Invested."
He steepled his fingers.
"We goblins recognize value when we see it. And when that value walks into our halls, we ensure it does so in style."
Nero couldn't help but laugh. "Fair enough. I assume this means my vault is ready for me?"
"Indeed," Ragnarth confirmed, gesturing toward the deeper tunnels of Gringotts. "This way, young master."
As Nero followed the vaultkeeper, Witty trailed behind, still muttering about goblins and their obsession with information. They boarded one of the sleek, enchanted carts that shot through the underground tunnels at breakneck speed.
The howling wind ruffled Nero's robes as glowing runes flashed past, marking the deeper, more ancient sections of the bank.
Soon, they arrived at a towering set of doors, their surfaces covered in shimmering runes that pulsed faintly in the dim cavern. The Ravenclaw family vault.
Ragnarth came to a halt, his sharp eyes flickering toward Nero. "This is where I leave you," he stated, pausing briefly before adding with a sly smirk, "Of course, should you require any other service, my door is always open. Feel free to contact me at any time... for any type of matter."
With that, the goblin stepped back, leaving Nero and Witty alone before the entrance of the vault numbered minus six.
Taking a deep breath, Nero pressed his hand against the vault door.
Magic flared in response, and the heavy doors groaned open, revealing a chamber beyond. The familiar sight of glimmering treasure and ancient tomes filled the space, but Nero's focus was elsewhere.
At the back of the vault, beyond the piles of gold and artifacts, an unremarkable wall stood. Unremarkable to most, but not to him.
Without hesitation, he and Witty proceeded through it, stepping into the hidden chamber beyond.
Here, four ancient rune-carved doors awaited them, each infused with the hues of the Hogwarts houses: scarlet and gold for Gryffindor, green and silver for Slytherin, blue and bronze for Ravenclaw, and yellow and black for Hufflepuff.
The carvings shimmered faintly, reacting to their presence.
Nero took a step forward, his gaze fixed on the blue and bronze door.
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2nd chapter of the day! (2/2)
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