Dumbledores

Edited 14/04

Enjoy the chapter :)

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"Welcome to Diagon Alley," Robert said casually as he ushered Jace ahead. He glanced at Jace, anticipating a look of awe and wonder on his face as he took in the breathtaking sight before him. However, to Robert's disappointment, Jace's reaction fell short of his expectations. Having been to the place before, Jace was still excited, but his current response couldn't quite match the sheer amazement he had experienced on his first visit.

"Move it, lad. We haven't got all day," Robert grumbled, his disappointment evident in his gruff tone as he turned to walk away. "We're heading to Gringotts bank. The place where most British witches and wizards stash their cash and treasures. We'll open an orphan account for you, so you can get your school supplies," Robert explained, his voice slightly softer now as he tried to convey the importance of the task at hand.

Jace didn't bombard Robert with questions, instead, he remained wide-eyed and curious, taking in the sights as they walked. After a few minutes, they arrived at their destination - a grandiose multistoried marble building that stood tall, dwarfing the neighboring shops in its pristine snow-white facade.

"Here we are, Gringotts. Let's go in," Robert said, leading Jace inside with a firm pull. As they entered the bank, Jace caught sight of some words engraved on the gleaming silver doors.

The words on the silver doors read:'

Enter, stranger, but take heed

Of what awaits the sin of greed

For those who take, but do not earn,

Must pay most dearly in their turn.

So if you seek beneath our floors

A treasure that was never yours,

Thief, you have been warned, beware

Of finding more than treasure there.'

Jace couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his spine as he read the warning. He glanced up at the towering marble pillars and the ornate chandeliers that adorned the grand entrance hall. The air inside the bank felt cool and damp, and the echoes of footsteps and hushed voices filled the cavernous space.

Robert ushered Jace towards a line of people waiting in front of a counter. As they approached, the last few individuals in the queue turned to glance at them. Among them was a tall, middle-aged man with cream-colored skin, blue eyes, angular eyebrows, and a flat nose. His straight, white hair seemed to demand attention. Standing beside him was a young boy who bore a striking resemblance to him, like a miniature version.

"Hello, Mr. McGonagall," greeted the man.

"Hello, Mr. Dumbledore. Are you also here to withdraw money for school supplies?" Robert asked.

"That, and to open a bank account for Albus. He's been going on and on about needing one ever since he turned eleven," Dumbledore replied, gesturing toward his son.

"What about you? Is the kid a muggle-born student?" Dumbledore inquired.

"Yes, this is Jace. I just picked him up," Robert replied casually.

As the two men continued their conversation, the two youths engaged in a silent stare-down. Albus looked at Jace with curiosity and something more, while Jace appeared puzzled by the mixed emotion but maintained his gaze until Albus' father finished setting up the new bank account.

"I'm Albus Dumbledore," said Albus, extending his hand for a handshake, which Jace accepted with a smile on his face.

"Jace Adler," Jace replied, shaking Albus' hand firmly.

The elder Dumbledore observed the two boys with curiosity but then seemed to remember something and stopped himself from saying something.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Jace. We will discuss this further later, Robert. Come on, Albus, let's go," Dumbledore said, pushing his son forward and leaving.

After they left, Jace turned to Robert, his curiosity piqued. "Who were those people?" he asked.

"Those two were Percival and Albus Dumbledore," Robert explained. "Percival is a big shot in the Ministry, and Albus is said to be one of the greatest geniuses of our age and also the heir to the most ancient and noble House of Dumbledore."

Their turn came and Robert led Jace to the teller's counter, where a goblin with sharp, piercing eyes greeted them. The goblin examined Robert's identification and inquired their purpose for visiting. The goblin nodded curtly before turning to Jace.

"Name?" the goblin asked in a raspy voice, quill poised over parchment.

"Jace," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

The goblin scribbled something down and then handed Jace a small brass key.

"Vault 983," the goblin said, pointing toward a set of massive doors at the back of the hall. "That's where your orphan account will be held. Don't lose the key."

Jace nodded, clutching the key tightly in his hand. He followed Robert towards the vaults, marveling at the rows upon rows of gleaming brass, silver, and gold doors, each bearing the name of the account holder. The air grew colder and the atmosphere more foreboding as they descended deeper into the heart of the bank.

Finally, they reached Vault 983. Robert inserted the key into the lock, and the door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit chamber with small stacks of golden, silver, and bronze coins.

Jace couldn't help but gasp in awe, his eyes widening with wonder. This was the first time he had ever seen so much wealth in one place. Robert explained the basics of wizarding currency and Jace listened attentively.

As they exited the bank, Robert turned to look at Jace. "What do you want to buy first?" he asked.

"Books," Jace replied without hesitation.

"Books? Kids usually want to buy a magical focus first. Whatever, let's go buy your books," Robert said, navigating through the bustling crowd.

As they made their way to the bookstore, Jace couldn't contain his enthusiasm. He peppered Robert with questions about the different types of magical books, their uses, and how they could enhance his wizarding skills. Robert patiently answered each query, impressed by Jace's eagerness to learn.

Upon reaching the bookstore, Jace's eyes widened as he took in the vast array of books lining the shelves. There were spellbooks, potion textbooks, histories of famous wizards and witches, and many more. Jace couldn't wait to dive into the magical knowledge contained within those pages.

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