More than 300,000 gold galleons.
The number was staggering, a mountain of wealth that symbolized power, influence, and endless possibilities. Yet, for Goblin Supervisor Stout, that enormous sum represented something far more dangerous—a crisis that could shake the very foundations of Gringotts.
Behind the pristine walls of the wizarding bank, Stout wrestled with his growing dread. He knew the truth: nearly half of the galleons in Kamar Taj's vault were counterfeit. The forgery was masterful, nearly indistinguishable from the genuine coins. But the implications of handing these coins over to Kamar Taj were chilling.
If they handed over the counterfeit galleons without disclosure, the wizards of Kamar Taj might not notice immediately. However, the moment they used these coins to purchase items and materials, the truth would come to light.
And when it did, Gringotts would be at the center of the storm.
Kamar Taj was no ordinary wizarding organization. With Lockhart at its helm—a man who had dueled the Dark Lord and held powerful alliances with both Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic—their reach extended far and wide. If Kamar Taj discovered the deception, they wouldn't simply demand restitution; they could destroy Gringotts' reputation in the process.
Even worse, once these counterfeit coins circulated back into Gringotts, the bank would face an impossible choice. Recognize them as legitimate currency, and the counterfeiters would gain free rein to undermine their operations. Refuse them, and Gringotts would expose the magnitude of the problem, risking the ire of both the wizarding community and the Ministry of Magic.
For centuries, Gringotts had operated independently, free from direct Ministry control. But if this scandal erupted, the Ministry would seize the opportunity to tighten its grip.
The thought sent a shiver down Stout's spine. His legs felt weak as he realized the full scope of the crisis bearing down on them.
This is no ordinary problem, he thought, his mind racing. This is a catastrophe waiting to happen.
"Director Stout, please inform the goblin in charge of the vault that we are ready to retrieve the remaining gold galleons," Ian's calm voice cut through Stout's spiraling thoughts. Though his tone was gentle, there was an unyielding firmness beneath it.
Stout forced a smile, nodding quickly. "Of course, of course," he stammered. "But, uh, the sheer amount of galleons is enormous. The counting process is still ongoing."
He gestured toward the reception area, his voice taking on a placating tone. "Why don't you and your students rest in the reception room for a while? Have some water. I'll personally oversee the process to ensure everything is expedited."
Ian's sharp eyes lingered on Stout for a moment before he responded with a polite smile. "We'll wait here," he said firmly. "But please, do hurry. If there are any issues, we can assist with our own identification magic."
The words were simple, but their implications were not lost on Stout. Ian was offering help, but it was also a subtle warning. Kamar Taj's wizards were capable of uncovering the truth if there was any hint of deception.
The goblin supervisor felt sweat bead on his forehead as he nodded and turned away, retreating toward the deeper sections of Gringotts. His mind churned with desperation as he tried to devise a solution.
As Stout disappeared from view, Ian exchanged a glance with Wanda. The pair of senior wizards stood unwavering, their composed presence a stark contrast to the nervous goblins bustling around them.
Behind them, the students of Kamar Taj whispered among themselves. This was their first exposure to such a high-stakes environment, and the weight of their mentor's reputation loomed over them. Daniel Fox, standing near the front, felt a mix of awe and curiosity.
"Why do you think the goblins are acting so strange?" one student murmured.
Fox shrugged but couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The goblins were nervous—more than they should be for what seemed like a routine transfer.
Deep in Gringotts, Stout paced back and forth in his office, his nerves fraying with each passing moment. The counterfeit coins were a problem unlike anything he'd ever encountered.
How could this have happened? he thought furiously.
Gringotts was supposed to be impenetrable. Every material used to mint galleons was tightly monitored, every process rigorously overseen. Yet here he was, facing the undeniable reality that someone—likely a traitor—had infiltrated their ranks.
The forgeries were too perfect, the volume too large. It wasn't the work of an outsider; it had to be an inside job.
Stout clenched his fists. The idea of treachery within Gringotts filled him with anger, but he forced himself to focus. The immediate priority was damage control.
Before Stout could finalize a plan, a sharp voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Director Stout, I presume?"
Stout turned to see a witch in garish pink robes standing before him. Her saccharine smile and the badge pinned to her chest marked her unmistakably as Dolores Umbridge.
"I am Dolores Umbridge, Deputy Minister of Magic," she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. Behind her stood over a dozen stern-faced Aurors. She held up a parchment, its official Ministry seal gleaming in the light.
"By order of Minister Fudge, I am here to retrieve certain assets previously stored by the Ministry in Gringotts."
Stout's stomach dropped as he scanned the document. The amount listed was staggering—another blow to an already precarious situation.
Meanwhile, in the depths of Gringotts, the Goblin Elder Harmon convened an emergency meeting. The conference room was tense, the air thick with unspoken accusations.
"Who can explain this counterfeit money fiasco?" Harmon's voice thundered, his fist slamming onto the table. The goblins seated before him flinched but said nothing, their heads bowed in silence.
"What do you all think Gringotts' foundation is built upon?" Harmon continued, his voice rising. "Do you understand what's at stake if this gets out? Our entire reputation—our very existence—depends on the integrity of our currency!"
The room remained deathly quiet, the assembled goblins too afraid to speak.
Harmon sighed, his anger giving way to weary frustration. "I know some of you have engaged in… minor indiscretions. Borrowing from vaults, cutting corners. I've turned a blind eye to these small matters, so long as they were corrected. But this—this is no small matter. This is treason against Gringotts itself."
He paused, his gaze sweeping the room. "We are in extraordinary times. The goblins in America are already on the brink of exposure. If we falter now, the consequences will be catastrophic."
His tone shifted, adopting a harder edge. "And don't think the wizards will sit idly by. Dumbledore has gone to America, but if this crisis escalates, they won't hesitate to turn their magic on us. Do you want to be the reason Gringotts falls?"
The room erupted into murmurs as Harmon's words struck fear into the hearts of the gathered goblins.
==============================================
Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
Check out new Fanfic:
A Book of Ice and Fire / Game of Thrones : Magic Network
Marvel : Mutant God
=============================================