Chapter 265 "Gilderoy Lockhart's Inspiration"

Hearing Auston's report, Wentworth nodded in acknowledgment and commented casually, "Well done. After this ordeal, both Gringotts and the Ministry of Magic will launch investigations. If the spell-breakers reveal the events of that night, it might cast doubt on Bill's innocence. Since we've assured the Weasley family of Bill's safety, it's better to nip the potential threat in the bud."

As they conversed, Rosier and Carrow approached, the latter holding a captured goblin. Carrow, expressing dissatisfaction, said to Wentworth, "Young Master, today's battle lacked challenge! Let's proceed and directly assault the underground of Gringotts!"

Without acknowledging Carrow's remark, Wentworth focused on the goblin at his feet and sternly stated, "I'll grant you ten minutes within Gringotts to release our imprisoned comrades. After ten minutes, if I don't witness the release of our people, I will execute a goblin every five minutes until Gringotts surrenders completely."

The goblin, visibly shaken, seemed to want to speak, but Carrow didn't afford him the opportunity.

As soon as Wentworth's ultimatum was declared, Carrow forcefully tossed the goblin out.

Subsequently, the goblin rolled and crawled out of the Gringotts hall, making its escape through a passage leading to the underground.

While the Alliance took over Gringotts, a commotion ensued in Diagon Alley.

Panic spread among the wizards, especially when the Deathly Hallows symbol illuminated the sky above Gringotts. The wizards scrambled to flee the area.

In the Flourish and Blotts Bookstore, everyone turned their attention to the Deathly Hallows sign, their expressions filled with a mix of confusion and concern.

Lucius shot a surprised glance at his son, Draco, who mirrored the same astonishment.

Perplexed, Lucius frowned, struggling to understand why his son, a member of the Alliance, had kept him in the dark about their recent actions.

But considering Draco's young age, Lucius felt relieved.

He convinced himself that Wentworth must have deemed Draco too young and vulnerable to be involved, ensuring his safety. Lucius found solace in this thought.

In a moment of inspiration, Lucius looked at Arthur, who was nearby, and provocatively remarked, "Arthur, you're aware of the current situation, aren't you? The Alliance is attacking Gringotts. Shouldn't you, as a member of the British Ministry of Magic, intervene? Protecting the British wizarding world is your duty, isn't it?"

In response to Lucius's words, Bill chimed in immediately, "Lucius, what about you? Are you just going to stand here and watch?"

Lucius, unfazed, raised his hands in a gesture of helplessness and said, "I'm sorry, but I'm just a bystander, not an official of the British Ministry of Magic. My only mission is to protect myself."

While Bill couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment, he acknowledged that Lucius had a point.

After all, as an official of the British Ministry of Magic, Arthur couldn't simply ignore the ongoing situation.

At that moment, Arthur rose from his seat and declared, "Lucius, despite your questionable motives, you are correct. As a member of the British Ministry of Magic, I indeed should take action."

He began to stride towards the exit of Flourish and Blotts Bookstore, casting a nod in Bill's direction.

It was a silent assurance, indicating that Bill shouldn't be overly concerned.

Given Bill's association with Wentworth, his father acknowledged the delicate situation.

However, Bill couldn't bear the thought of his father facing potential dangers alone. The possibility of mishaps weighed heavily on him, and he refused to let his father go unaccompanied. Bill stood up and said, "Father, I'll go with you."

Just as Arthur was on the verge of declining, Mrs. Weasley arrived with Ginny and spoke decisively, "Arthur, we are a family. No matter where we are headed, we should go together!"

Upon seeing this, Arthur fell silent for a moment, ultimately nodding and agreeing to their united front.

Observing the Weasley family preparing to depart from the Flourish and Blotts Bookstore, Harry quickly stood up and asserted, "Wait a minute, I'm going with you too! Perhaps I can be of some assistance!"

Harry had devised a plan by now.

If the Alliance intended harm to those visiting the Weasley household, he would divulge Wentworth's name in association with himself. Leveraging their relationship, he believed he could save the Weasley family.

After witnessing Harry's resolve, Ron promptly hugged him, saying, "Thank you, Harry, you truly are my good friend! At this point, I already consider you as my own brother!"

Draco, noticing the scene, also stood up and declared, "Harry, I'll go with you!"

Lucius had initially contemplated intervening but reconsidered, realizing that this might present a favorable opportunity to establish a connection with Wentworth and demonstrate his loyalty.

So, in an unusual move, Lucius patted Draco's head and remarked, "Very good, Draco. Now that you are a grown child, you have to learn to make your own choices. Father will always support you!"

Hearing Lucius' unexpected words, Arthur, as an old rival, couldn't help but cast a surprised glance at him.

He couldn't help but think further that Lucius has a hidden agenda behind the current action of telling his own son to go inside Gringotts himself.

As the group continued to expand, several wizards in the Flourish and Blotts Bookstore stood up, expressing their willingness to join Arthur and the others on their mission.

At that moment, someone suddenly shouted, "By the way, we still have Gilderoy Lockhart! With Professor Lockhart here, we can at least ensure our safety!"

This remark injected a renewed sense of optimism into the atmosphere of the bookstore. All eyes turned to Lockhart, who was discreetly positioned behind a stack of books in the center of the store.

Originally concealed behind a book, Lockhart, who was initially silent, froze as he noticed everyone's gaze on him.

However, he quickly recovered and stood up, waving his hand as he addressed the group.

"Of course, everyone, of course! I will undoubtedly ensure everyone's safety! Dealing with some ordinary wizards is child's play for me, you know; I am a member of the Snowman Tribe and can come and go freely!"

"Now, please allow me a moment to change into a suitable outfit, and then I'll accompany you to Gringotts!"

With that, Lockhart gestured towards the back of the bookstore.

However, before he could take a few steps, Mrs. Weasley seized him. With a smile, she said, "Don't worry, Professor Lockhart, you look handsome just the way you are! We are all relieved to have you join us!"

"Perhaps after today, you'll have enough material for a new book titled 'Lockhart at Gringotts'! What do you think?" Mrs. Weasley remarked with a sly smile on her face.

Hearing her suggestion, Lockhart was left with no choice. He stared at her for a while before letting out an awkward laugh, "Hehe, yeah… definitely a great material..."