5. There Is A Limit On The Exchange Of Pounds, But What About Gold?

Compared to the other shops in Diagon Alley, Gringotts is easily recognizable.

The white building with its shiny bronze door is guarded by two goblins in scarlet and gold uniforms. It is the only designated bank in the wizarding world.

However, the operations of the wizards are rather confusing. They have handed over their financial lifeline to foreigners for management. Wayne remembers that goblins in history were dishonest, greedy, and despicable. They had launched rebellions and even coveted Gryffindor's sword. However, Wayne is not concerned about these things. He believes that if the goblins cause trouble again, he will crush them with ease.

As McGonagall and Wayne enter Gringotts, they pass through two doors. The second door has a warning engraved on it for those with ulterior motives. Wayne pays no attention to it and proceeds into the marble hall. Inside, about a hundred goblins are sitting on high stools. They are weighing coins with copper scales and registering gems in ledgers. The hall has numerous doors leading to different areas.

McGonagall guides Wayne to a counter on the far right. The Goblin behind the counter informs them that as a new student, Wayne can exchange 70 Galleons per year at an exchange rate of 1 to 5.75. Wayne expresses dissatisfaction, believing it is not enough. However, McGonagall reassures him that it's sufficient, explaining that after purchasing necessities, he will still have ten galleons of pocket money each year.

To help Wayne understand the currency and purchasing power of the wizarding world, McGonagall explains that one Galleon is equal to 17 Sickles, and one Sickle is equal to 29 Knuts. Wayne takes this in stride, as he's not surprised by such outrageous exchange rates. He knows that complicated exchange rates have a long tradition in Britain, such as before 1971 when one pound was equal to 12 shillings and one shilling was equal to 20 pence.

"Forget it, let's just go with seventy." Wayne stopped worrying and took out eight fifty-pound bills from his wallet and placed them on the tray, receiving a five-pound bill in change.

Once the goblin took the money away, they barely glanced at it before roughly stuffing it into a cabinet and handing out a small cloth bag from the window.

Observing Wayne putting the money away, McGonagall said, "Alright, let's go buy wands and other supplies now."

"Um, Professor McGonagall, I know you're in a hurry, but please wait a moment," Wayne requested.

Seeing that Wayne had no intention of leaving the counter, the goblin frowned. "You've already exchanged your share for this year, what else do you need?"

"To open a vault, you must have enough assets. You can only apply for a vault if it exceeds five hundred galleons."

Wayne took off his schoolbag and partially unzipped it, revealing a hint of golden light. "Are you sure you want to talk about this here?"

The goblin's eyes widened. Based on his eighty years of experience in Gringotts, this enchanting luster must be gold!

Suddenly, the goblin's indifferent demeanor transformed into excitement. He jumped out from behind the counter, nodding and bowing, and led Wayne and McGonagall into a private room.

Bang, bang, bang!

Wayne poured several gold bars onto the table. The goblin's breathing became heavy, and even Professor McGonagall's eyes widened.

No wonder she found Wayne's schoolbag unusually heavy, filled to the brim with gold!

Unlike Muggle currency, gold is the hard currency in the wizarding world. Whether it is used to craft galleons or as a material for various alchemy or magic potions, it holds immense value.

Isn't Nicolas Flamel famous because of the Philosopher's Stone he created, capable of producing immortality and transforming stone into gold?

Wayne made two preparations. If he could exchange pounds for galleons without limit, he brought £20,000, which would equate to 4,000 galleons. If that plan didn't work, he would simply use gold to make his purchases.

After some negotiation, the goblin bought Wayne's gold bars for five thousand galleons.

Taking all the galleons with him was impossible, so Wayne opened a vault in Gringotts and stored all 4,800 galleons. Only two hundred and seventy galleons remained as pocket money.

Finishing the transaction, the goblin appeared slightly displeased."Mr. Lawrence, you have a natural talent for finance. You may be able to work at Gringotts after graduation."

His initial plan was to take advantage of Wayne's lack of market knowledge to make a fortune. However, the clever little wizard, with the help of McGonagall, ended up making very little profit from this deal.

"If I get the opportunity, I'll consider it." Wayne replied with a smile.

While working at Gringotts is fine, his true ambition is to become the president.

It wasn't until he left the gates of Gringotts that Professor McGonagall let out a sigh. "To bring gold to Gringotts... Mr. Lawrence, you're the first young wizard I've met who has done such a thing."

"It's just a small amount of money, not worth mentioning," Wayne modestly replied, not even mentioning the money gained from using the system.

Being an authentic aristocrat from old London, the Lawrence family's wealth is immense. Currently, 60% of London's real estate is owned by the royal family and nobles, who receive substantial annual rents.

Although there are rumors in the newspapers about the decline of the nobility, in this era of democracy, opportunities abound. However, it's not easy for a heritage built over hundreds of years to be surpassed by just ten years of hard work.

Next on the agenda is buying arms... no, wands.