Cain stepped behind McGonagall, and the alley revealed itself.
Diagon Alley was something out of a fantasy book. The shops lined the cobblestone path at lopsided angles, with low roofs and intricate designs on the windows.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley, Mr. Blair."
Both walked as they passed by each shop, looking everywhere. Cain tried to view everything around him, mainly in fascination.
People hurried by, each in different-colored robes—
Cain's eyes drifted from person to person. Everybody seemed like they belonged here in one way or another. The rustling between the people and the shops kept the alley alive, as people set down different potions and stacked cauldrons.
McGonagall kept walking. "We'll be heading to Gringotts first."
"Is that the bank?" Cain asked, and McGonagall nodded.
Soon they got further down the alley, to the bank—it was impossible to miss. It stood taller than any other building, and the marble on it was mesmerizing—it looked like it could survive anything. At the steps, two goblins stood outside like statues.
Cain followed behind McGonagall up the steps, going through the tall double doors, and the inside was even more amazing. Everything smelled like parchment, wax, and coins. Dozens of goblins were working at long counters—some inspecting gems, scribbling ledgers, or weighing gold.
They approached the counters, and one of the goblins looked up.
"What is your business here today, ma'am?"
Without missing a beat: "We need access to the trust fund for Mr. Cain Blair. I believe the arrangements were made a while ago, along with his family key."
The goblin got off the chair he was on. He moved quickly into the back of the bank, then came back, placing down a small deposit box instead of a keyhole. It was a small hexagonal plate with blackened steel. Around it were metal rings that looked like combs or gears.
Professor McGonagall gave a quiet nod. "It's a comb-lock, blood-triggered. Very rare. The box reads your blood and unlocks the sequence—no spells can open it. It will either open to your blood or not open at all."
Beneath the central plate, a thin needle emerged as he moved his hands toward it.
Cain took a moment to think… sighing softly, the goblin and McGonagall watched him put his fingertips to the needle.
The second the blood touched the needle, the combs came to life. A small grinding sound, like stone being moved, happened.
The rings then glowed red. Soon the final comb turned, and it unlocked softly.
Inside the box were only two things:
A small leather pouch and a plain golden ring.
Cain reached in and picked up the pouch. It was heavy—inside the pouch were galleons. Not an enormous amount, but enough to last him this year and next—without having to open up the vault to go get more galleons.
"Splendid, this will last you quite a while, Cain… maybe this year and next—and possibly into the third year if spent wisely," McGonagall said, pleased.
Nodding at her, his eyes then drifted to the ring.
It didn't have any significant design to it. It looked like a simple golden ring.
Picking it up, it was heavier than expected.
McGonagall's face scrunched for a second. "That is the… hm, may I see it for a moment, Cain?"
Taking the gold ring from his hands, she turned the ring around with extreme care.
Cain looked at her as she inspected it. She had a very thoughtful expression.
"Nothing on the outside," she murmured, "but sometimes rings like this hold detail somewhere else…"
She tilted the ring under the light, then stopped. "There it is…" she said softly.
She offered it to Cain, showing him the inside of the ring.
Etched in delicate script were tiny engravings all around it. They were words—but more ancient than anything modern.
Cain leaned in. "What is that?"
"Magic engravings," McGonagall said. "Old family magic was tied with words and intent. This one… It's similar to a vow, and protection… well, I'm not a great alchemist, so I can't tell you what it does… but it may be able to store magic… but it's most likely an heirloom ring of sorts." She softly put it back into his hand and smiled at him.
Holding the ring, he put it on. Nothing happened—but it did reshape to fit him.
"Well, that'd be all today we have to do here with Gringotts… Let's see next, let us go get your books and robes. Then after all of that—lastly we get your wand."
Cain nodded at her.
The goblin resealed the box and gave a short nod to the two of them. "Well, that concludes our business here."
Outside, the hum of Diagon Alley returned. Cain followed her down the marble steps, the pouch of coins in her hands and the ring resting softly on his right-hand ring finger.