Chapter 318 "The End and The Beginning"

Wentworth shot Lockhart an angry glare as he stood before him, his expression stern and unwavering, "I hope you give me a reason enough to sacrifice sleep. Otherwise..."

Lockhart, sensing the tension, hastily retrieved a letter from his robes and extended it towards Wentworth with an eager smile, "Why would I stop you from resting if it's not an important matter? Here is a letter from Auston. He says that everything is ready, and our bank is prepared to open!"

Taken aback by the unexpected efficiency, Wentworth accepted the letter from Lockhart, his surprise evident as he replied, "So fast? They are very efficient!"

Lockhart nodded, a smug grin playing across his features, "Under Lucius's guidance and with the support of the British Ministry of Magic, we've been given the green light. We are, after all, the esteemed Alliance. No one dares to stand before us. Hence, the expedited process."

Wentworth meticulously examined Auston's letter, noting the selection of Diagon Alley as the bank's location, its grandeur surpassing that of Gringotts.

Furthermore, Fudge had consented to the transfer of funds from Gringotts to the newly established Central Bank of the Wizarding World, as detailed in the missive.

As Lockhart leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, Wentworth's irritation flared, "Young Master..."

Wentworth's brow furrowed deeply, his tone cutting, "Who gave you permission to address me like that?"

Lockhart's expression faltered momentarily at Wentworth's rebuke, but he quickly recovered with a forced grin, "Auston and the others refer to you as such. I assumed..."

Before Lockhart could elaborate, Wentworth cut him off, his tone laced with irritation, "I don't need your assumptions. I expect action, not idle speculation. If you wish to join the Alliance, prove your merit first! This is only the first stage of our plan. Hopefully, you'll bring us good results!"

With a dismissive gesture, Wentworth returned the letter to Lockhart and began to walk away. Lockhart hastened to keep pace, his eagerness palpable as he continued to ask Wentworth, "Auston also inquired if, during the opening ceremony, you..."

Wentworth waved a hand, preempting Lockhart's question, "No, I'm dedicated to my studies at Hogwarts. Such matters are beneath my concern. Handle them yourself; it is one of your jobs, isn't it?"

Lockhart nodded vigorously, inwardly relieved. After all, basking in the spotlight was his domain, not Wentworth's.

As they continued walking, Wentworth noticed Lockhart trailing behind him and halted abruptly, frustration evident in his voice, "Is there something else, Professor?"

Lockhart's smile faltered, but he pressed on with a hint of desperation, "Well, you see, if I am to assume the role of president at the Central Bank of the Wizarding World, it would be advantageous for me to establish a presence here at Hogwarts... but you see, if you want me to depart, then---"

Wentworth's lip curled in disdain as he interrupted., "Fear not. Your departure will be commemorated with great fanfare."

Upon hearing Wentworth's remarks, Lockhart's response was immediate, "Hehe... What a pity! Haha... and here I was getting to like Hogwarts each second of it."

True to Wentworth's prediction, Lockhart's impending departure from Hogwarts to assume his role at the Central Bank of the Wizarding World set the entire school abuzz with jubilation.

It was evident that the burden of enduring Lockhart's flamboyance had grown wearisome for many.

Following Lockhart's announcement, Dumbledore offered no protest and promptly declared plans for a farewell banquet in Lockhart's honor.

In the wake of Lockhart's departure, the Daily Prophet wasted no time in broadcasting news of the Central Bank of the Wizarding World's inauguration, with Lockhart's charismatic grin gracing the headlines.

Exploiting his adept skills in branding and marketing, Lockhart swiftly propelled the Central Bank of the Wizarding World into the limelight, captivating the wizarding community's attention.

As the bank commenced operations, processing seven-day short-term deposits and disbursing the first interest payments, the traditionally conservative wizarding populace was thrown into a frenzy.

Wizards marveled at the unprecedented concept of earning money simply by entrusting their Galleons to the Central Bank of the Wizarding World.

The paradigm shift toward the Central Bank of the Wizarding World led many wizards to withdraw their Galleons from Gringotts and deposit them elsewhere, posing a potential threat of a run on Gringotts.

Despite its traditionally steadfast reputation, Gringotts found its revenue significantly diminished as a result of the departure of savers.

Meanwhile, within the confines of Gringotts' secret prison, the elder Gringotts Goblin stoically relayed the recent developments to the incarcerated Raphael. Upon hearing the news, Raphael gazed skyward with a heavy heart.

"They... intend to dismantle Gringotts," he murmured with a tinge of regret.

Though fleeting, a hint of sorrow flickered across the elder Goblin'sGoblin's countenance before she composed herself and inquired, "Do you have a plan?"

Raphael nodded solemnly, his mind resolved. "Yes, there is only one course of action."

Surprised by Raphael's assurance, the goblin elder pressed for details, eager to learn more, "Tell me more about your plan, Raphael."

Raphael locked eyes with the goblin elder, his tone resolute as he spoke each word with conviction, "The best course is to adapt if we cannot overcome. We must learn from the Central Bank of the Wizarding World... We must stay under the Alliance!"

However, before Raphael could finish his sentence, the goblin elder swiftly rejected his proposal with unwavering certainty, "Impossible! Gringotts' legacy spans thousands of years. How could it be so easily undermined? Throughout history, there have been challengers, but they've all faded into obscurity. Gringotts is eternal! We can't kneel against the mere human likes! You are speaking nonsense!"

Hearing the elder's steadfast refusal, Raphael sighed and attempted to reason, "The world has changed, Great Elder. We must..."

Yet, before Raphael could make his case, the goblin elder abruptly cut him off, dismissing further discussion, "Enough talk! We are in Hogsmeade now, and we have made some discoveries. Once we find what we seek, these concerns will be irrelevant."

With those words, the elder GoblinGoblin marched away purposefully, leaving Raphael behind with a sense of dismay. Watching the elder's departure, Raphael couldn't contain his frustration and cried out, "Elder! You cannot do this, Great Elder! You are leading our Goblins astray, Great Elder!"

However, regardless of how fervently Raphael shouted, his voice merely echoed in the darkness, unheard.

***

Meanwhile, Wentworth, having completed his third term, was cheerfully organizing his belongings in anticipation of returning to London aboard the Hogwarts Express.

Just then, Dumbledore entered Wentworth's quarters and inquired, "Are you all packed, Wentworth?"

Spotting Dumbledore, Wentworth responded respectfully, "Almost, Professor. I'll be ready to depart on time."

Satisfied with Wentworth's response, Dumbledore nodded approvingly and added, "Be sure to bring some warm clothing. It's chilly out there!"

Wentworth paused mid-sentence, a puzzled expression crossing his face as he addressed Dumbledore, "Wait... Professor, I'm heading back to London... correct?"

Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise as he regarded Wentworth, replying, "Didn't I inform you that we were bound for Austria?"

Wentworth was shocked with the sudden revelation, "Austria… are we visiting my grandpa?"

Dumbledore stayed silent for a moment before he said to him once again, "Just pack your things and follow me."