Buzz!
A wave of oppressive magical energy blanketed Gringotts, rippling outward in a vast pulse that caught the attention of everyone nearby. Wizards walking through Diagon Alley stopped in their tracks, heads tilting skyward as a surreal image began to materialize against the clouds.
The projection displayed a breathtaking landscape: sprawling grasslands, towering peaks, and shimmering structures surrounded by strange and fantastical creatures. The sight was both mesmerizing and unnerving.
"The dream world…" someone whispered, awe tinged with fear.
Not far away, Cornelius Fudge stood frozen, his jaw slack as he took in the scene. Shock quickly morphed into a cocktail of emotions—fear, awe, and finally, a burning desire.
This is the power of the dream world, he thought, his mind racing.
Though the prototype dream world in his possession was still rudimentary, Fudge's ambitions soared. If harnessed correctly, it could rival the strength and influence of Kamar Taj. The image above him represented more than a mystical domain; it was a weapon, one that could reshape the wizarding world.
His thoughts flickered briefly to Hogwarts. He recalled visiting shortly before Dumbledore's departure for America, only to find the school's dream seed already in use. The spiritual imprints and oceans of the young wizards had been fully integrated—a clear sign that Dumbledore and McGonagall were leveraging the dream world for training.
What a strategic advantage, Fudge mused bitterly. And now Kamar Taj is doing the same.
In Fudge's eyes, the dream world was no different from a Muggle nuclear weapon: a tool of unparalleled influence and destruction. Mastery over it could ensure his re-election as Minister of Magic—or even greater power.
But these thoughts were abruptly interrupted.
A sudden tremor of spiritual energy spread through the air, resonating with an unrelenting intensity. Fudge felt it ripple through his body as a crisp female voice echoed, clear and commanding:
"In the name of Principal Karma Taj Lockhart! The vault is opened, and the property is recalled!"
Deep beneath Gringotts
In the bank's cavernous underground vaults, a colossal Ukrainian Iron Belly dragon stirred. Its enormous body was chained to the central platform, its once-pristine gray scales dulled and its eyes clouded with a pale pink hue from years of captivity.
Despite its weakened state, the dragon's ferocity remained evident. Its nostrils flared, releasing jets of white steam, and its massive, spiked wings trembled as it sensed a disturbance.
Roar! Roar!
The dragon's deafening bellows echoed through the chamber as it thrashed against its bindings. Chains rattled violently, the metallic clangs reverberating through the underground depths.
Goblins stationed near the dragon exchanged alarmed glances, their panic mounting as they noticed a nearby vault beginning to tremble.
"Captain! That's Kamar Taj's treasury!" one goblin shouted, his voice quivering. "What's happening?"
The goblin captain's expression betrayed his unease. He didn't have answers, only the sinking realization that things were spiraling out of control.
The dragon's roars intensified, its eyes fixed on the trembling vault.
Boom!
A thunderous crash silenced the chaos momentarily as the massive door of Kamar Taj's vault began to twist and buckle. A crack split through its center, jagged and wide enough for a person to pass through.
Suddenly, golden light poured out in dazzling waves. Hundreds of thousands of gold galleons spilled forth, a radiant cascade of wealth. The coins flowed like a river, streaming upward toward the surface as if summoned by an unseen force.
The goblins could only watch, their jaws slack with disbelief.
"It's like the gold itself is alive," one whispered, unable to tear his eyes away.
The air was thick with the scent of metal and magic, the golden torrent winding its way through the labyrinthine depths of Gringotts.
Above ground, the magical pressure in the marble hall was suffocating. Wizards and goblins alike recoiled, their hearts pounding under the overwhelming spiritual force radiating from Wanda and the Kamar Taj wizards.
Wanda stood at the center of the room, her hands glowing crimson as she chanted her spell. The aura surrounding her was both terrifying and awe-inspiring, her words resonating like a choir of voices:
"In the name of Principal Karma Taj Lockhart! The vault is opened, and the property is recalled!"
The hall trembled as the golden river burst into view, flowing from the depths of Gringotts to the ground before Wanda and her companions. The sheer volume of gold was staggering.
A moment later, the coins coalesced, forming a massive golden fairy that stood tall and imposing, glimmering with an almost divine radiance. Wizards and goblins stared, their mouths agape, as the golden construct shimmered in the dim light.
The sight ignited greed in the hearts of many, but no one dared act. The oppressive magic emanating from Kamar Taj's wizards kept everyone firmly in place.
The golden river continued to flow, depositing a staggering pile of gold galleons at Wanda's feet. The mountain of coins grew until it occupied nearly half the hall, its dazzling brilliance casting a golden glow across the room.
Ian stepped forward, his wand moving in deliberate arcs. Dark blue magical lines spread across the golden mountain, forming a protective barrier as the spell sealed the pile.
The hurried clatter of footsteps broke the heavy silence. Goblin Supervisor Stout arrived, his face pale and drenched with sweat. He had seen the spectacle unfold and understood immediately that the situation was beyond salvageable.
"Mr. Ian, Ms. Wanda," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "what is the meaning of this? Surely there's been some misunderstanding. Could we not resolve this amicably?"
His words were carefully chosen, but the panic in his tone betrayed him.
Ian turned to face him, his expression cold and unyielding. The magical pressure in the room intensified, and Ian's voice rang out, sharp and commanding:
"Director Stout, Karma Taj demands an explanation."
Stout froze as Ian's piercing gaze bore into him.
"Why," Ian continued, his tone like ice, "do you claim there are 300,000 gold galleons in Kamar Taj's vault, yet before me, I see only 140,000?"
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