The summer sun was high, but I had no time for leisure. My first stop was Gringotts. The goblins knew me, of course — heir of Slytherin, heir of Merlin, descendant of the Gaunt family. Even before I spoke, I could feel their respect mixed with a healthy caution.
I entered the tall, polished vault hallways and approached my account manager. Coins and magical trinkets clinked around me as I examined my vaults.
"I'll need a house-elf," I said simply.
The goblins looked at each other. A moment later, a small, pale figure stepped forward — Mimsy, a house-elf assigned to my service. Their eyes glimmered with intelligence and an eagerness to serve, though clearly they weren't used to one as ambitious as me.
"Excellent," I said. "You'll assist me in my household, my experiments, and any other tasks I require. Your loyalty will not go unrewarded."
After securing Mimsy, I turned my attention to my finances. I began investing with the goblins, examining markets and magical trades that were invisible to ordinary muggle eyes. My system whispered probabilities of success and suggested areas to expand my magical wealth. By the end of the day, my money would not just grow — it would multiply.
Then, the more delicate business: recruiting. I asked my account manager, a sharp-minded goblin named Ragnok, about joining my future Death Eaters.
Ragnok's expression darkened slightly. "Your power is still young. After graduation, if you are strong enough… then we may decide. Until then, we will observe."
I smiled, letting my silver tongue do its work. "Very well. Then at least state this: no matter what happens, you will remain neutral. You will not interfere with my endeavors or oppose me, regardless of who rises against me."
There was a long silence, filled only by the distant echo of coins in other vaults. Finally, Ragnok nodded slowly. "We will remain neutral. That much, we can promise."
A small victory. Not loyalty, not yet — but neutrality is a start. Every empire begins with small, careful steps.
I left Gringotts with Mimsy at my side, my pockets heavier, my plans advancing, and my network of influence quietly expanding. By the time I graduated, every piece would be in place — goblins, Death Eaters, and the ancient magics I now commanded.
And nothing — no school, no ministry, no rival wizard — would stop me.