"Stout, you've read the order from the Ministry of Magic," Umbridge said, her voice dripping with arrogance. She addressed the goblin supervisor as though speaking to a servant, her words laced with condescension. "Start counting immediately. The Ministry has urgent needs."
Though she was puzzled by the Minister's sudden decision to retrieve the Ministry's assets from Gringotts, she didn't question it. The transfer order had been signed and sealed, and her task was merely to enforce it.
In truth, Minister Fudge's actions were driven by fear. Upon hearing rumors of trouble brewing among the goblins, his first thought was to secure his own wealth. If war broke out, any assets left in Gringotts could fall into enemy hands, turning his fortune into little more than a memory.
However, his advisor Scrimgeour had urged caution. Acting too openly could draw unwanted attention, especially since the Ministry's sudden withdrawal coincided with Karma Taj's request to retrieve their own assets. Fudge reluctantly agreed to temper his actions but saw an opportunity to use Karma Taj's withdrawal as cover for his own.
Still, Fudge couldn't help but grumble privately about Lockhart's audacity. The man had outmaneuvered him yet again, taking advantage of the situation to secure all of Kamar Taj's assets under the guise of preparing for future endeavors.
Director Stout stared at the parchment in his hands, the staggering amounts listed on it making his head spin.
The Ministry of Magic was now demanding the withdrawal of the majority of its assets—just as Karma Taj was doing. The timing was too coincidental to ignore.
Stout stepped forward, his tone tinged with both concern and pleading. "Ms. Umbridge, might I ask what has prompted this sudden move? Why was no prior notice given? Is the Ministry of Magic intending to terminate its cooperation with Gringotts?"
He hesitated before continuing, "If that's the case, how does the Ministry plan to manage salaries, procurement, and other financial operations without our services?"
Gringotts was far more than a vault for gold and magical items. Its cooperation with the Ministry of Magic extended to payroll, cross-border transfers, and countless other financial operations. Losing the Ministry as a client would be disastrous—not just for Gringotts but for the stability of the entire wizarding economy.
And then there was the matter of the counterfeit coins. If the Ministry's vaults contained forged galleons, this withdrawal could escalate the crisis to unmanageable levels.
Umbridge, unimpressed by Stout's concerns, gave him a sickly sweet smile, the kind that barely concealed her disdain. "You're overthinking things, Stout," she said with mock reassurance. "The Ministry has no intention of ending its partnership with Gringotts. This is simply a matter of urgency. The Minister has ordered a temporary reallocation of resources to address immediate needs."
Stout's expression softened slightly, though the anxiety in his eyes remained. "But withdrawing such a large amount will disrupt operations. How will the Ministry pay its employees and maintain essential services?"
"Do not fret," Umbridge replied, her tone patronizing. "Eighty percent of the Ministry's gold galleons will be withdrawn, but we're leaving enough to cover salaries and basic expenses. Should the need arise, we'll deposit additional funds in due course."
Stout took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. His mind raced as he processed Umbridge's words. Was this truly about addressing urgent needs, or was there something more sinister at play?
Meanwhile, in the main hall of Gringotts, Ian, Wanda, and the students of Kamar Taj continued to stand their ground. Their disciplined formation and confident demeanor drew curious glances from every wizard who entered the bank.
Many whispered among themselves, marveling at the impressive display. Even the youngest Kamar Taj students exuded an aura of professionalism that rivaled that of seasoned Aurors.
Wanda, however, was growing impatient. Her legs ached from standing, and the anticipation of the next phase of their plan only fueled her restlessness.
She leaned toward Ian, her voice low. "When do we start the next phase?" she asked, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.
Ian glanced at the time, his expression calm. "Soon," he replied. He understood the stakes of their mission and the importance of precise timing.
After a moment, he turned to the students and made a subtle gesture.
Deep within Gringotts, Stout led Umbridge to a quiet corner, producing a white space-extension bag and discreetly handing it to her. The bag jingled faintly with the sound of coins, its contents a private offering meant to curry favor.
"Ms. Umbridge," he said softly, "this timing feels… peculiar. Kamar Taj is also retrieving all their assets today. Is there something we should know?"
Umbridge opened the bag slightly, her expression brightening as she glimpsed the gold galleons within. Satisfied, she leaned closer and lowered her voice.
"I shouldn't be telling you this," she said, her tone conspiratorial. "But as a gesture of goodwill between the Ministry and Gringotts, I'll share what I can. We've received intelligence that the Dark Lord is planning a major move. The Ministry, Hogwarts, Kamar Taj—even Gringotts itself—could be targets."
She paused for dramatic effect. "Everything we're doing now is to prepare for war. Once the situation stabilizes, things will return to normal."
Stout nodded, though unease churned in his gut. While Umbridge's explanation was plausible, something about it felt off.
In the hall, Ian stood motionless, observing the room. The tension was palpable, though most of the gathered wizards seemed unaware of the undercurrents at play.
Finally, Ian spoke. "It's time," he said quietly.
At his signal, the Kamar Taj wizards sprang into action. Ian raised his hands, his fingers weaving intricate patterns as he channeled his magic. The air seemed to hum with energy as spiritual power surged outward, forming invisible links between the wizards.
The goblins and other wizards in the hall froze, their chests tightening as a sudden, overwhelming pressure filled the space.
Beside Ian, Wanda's hands glowed red as she clasped them together, her voice rising in a resonant chant.
"In the name of Headmaster Lockhart of Kamar Taj!" she proclaimed, her words echoing like a chorus of voices. "The vault is opened, and the property is recalled!"
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