Chapter 16: One Haul Down, Another Wave Rises
Selene Gray emerged from Gringotts, cradling a chest brimming with Galleons.
Over the years, her family had grown by siphoning off the Lestrange family's wealth, but they were far from truly rich. Many relatives needed support, and her uncle, the head of the family, spent lavishly on costly research. Even after years of accumulation, the Gray family vault barely held over ten thousand Galleons.
This time, no profits from various regions had been added, and now three thousand Galleons had been withdrawn. Their vault's contents had fallen below five figures.
Clutching the chest, Selene hurried toward the Leaky Cauldron. Once inside the fireplace, she could deliver the money directly to her father. Though her uncle had tasked her with liaising with the Ministry, Selene felt uneasy—something might go wrong. Better to pass this hot potato along quickly.
Historically, her father handled all communications between the family and the Ministry, so having him step in again wouldn't seem strange.
A woman's intuition could be frightening—and perhaps Selene even had a seer's gift.
As she ran, she grumbled:
Why is it such a long walk from Gringotts to the Leaky Cauldron?
Why hasn't the Ministry installed a Floo Network hub in Diagon Alley?
It was 1986, and Diagon Alley still lacked a Floo Network connection. Wizards had to pass through the Leaky Cauldron to reach the Alley. It wouldn't be until 1989 that a "volunteer" shop would allow its fireplace for general use—though in truth, the Ministry paid 100 Galleons per year for the privilege.
Knockturn Alley, by contrast, had been connected since 1971—through Borgin & Burkes. In old Borgin's eyes, every visitor could be a potential source of profit. Smart business.
Back to the present: Diagon Alley offered no shortcut for Selene.
Apparition? Please—she was neither a house-elf, a phoenix, nor Dumbledore himself. She couldn't simply vanish where she wanted.
With so many shops—and Knockturn Alley next door—the area was a hotspot for strange alchemical items.
Enchantments or protective spells could prevent Apparition, and magical objects might disrupt travel. Only those supremely confident or familiar with Diagon Alley dared risk it.
In 1984, a witch had tried Apparition here—and left a pair of body parts behind. That served as a stark warning.
So Selene relied solely on her two long legs. Run fast. Faster. Even faster.
And fast running meant accidents.
She collided with something—a small figure.
Or rather, it felt like hitting a wall.
She lost balance, fell, and the chest flew from her grasp. She froze, unable to even draw her wand in time.
The chest landed in the small figure's hands.
The figure wore a hooded robe, sleeves wide and thick, completely concealing the chest.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, miss! Did I hurt you?" the figure asked, voice clear and youthful—a girl.
Selene scrambled to her feet. The girl lowered her hood, revealing a pretty, unfamiliar face.
"How do you walk like that?!" Selene snapped, her panic making her even more irritable. "Give me the chest, or I'll report you for robbery!"
The girl protested, "Miss, I didn't! I just happened to catch your chest. Look—it's perfectly fine!"
Selene inspected it. In the top left corner was the Gray family's secret mark. She gently shook it, hearing the satisfying clink of Galleons.
She exhaled, her tone softening slightly despite remaining firm. "This time, I'll let it slide—but next time, you won't get away!"
Naturally, the girl was Hydrus Lestrange.
She smiled, watching Selene Gray leave, muttering to herself in delight:
"Next time? I can hardly wait!"
Carrying Hermione's head in her thoughts, Hydrus entered Gringotts.
The bank was the only one in the wizarding world, architecturally unique, with distinct tastes—no need to elaborate further.
The goblins were busy with their own work and didn't bother a young witch. Hydrus, unbothered, knew they cared only for money, not people. Even as the young Miss Lestrange, she had been ushered to the VIP parlor every time.
She walked straight to a counter. "I want to buy a vault."
The goblin banker, weighing gold, glanced at her. "What tier?"
First time buying a vault, Hydrus asked, "What tiers are available?"
The banker explained:
Standard Vault (500 Galleons, 100-year lease): Top layer of the underground vaults, minimal fees for continuation.
Premium Vault (2,000 Galleons): Larger, safer, with various security services. Many noble families preferred this. Recently, a family had withdrawn their deposits from this tier.
Hydrus's eyes lit up. "Was that the Gray family?"
"Miss, client confidentiality—"
Hydrus smiled. "I already know—it must be the Gray family. My family and theirs are close; Selene Gray and my mother are the best of friends."
"Ah, well," the goblin said, "I didn't realize. Yes, it is the Gray family."
Decision made, Hydrus declared, "I'll take the premium tier!"
"Not the top-tier vault? Only 10,000 Galleons, with dragon guard… used by families like the Blacks and Lestranges—"
"No, second tier is enough." Hydrus persisted. "If possible, I want it near the Gray family vault. That way, when I visit with Aunt Selene, we don't need to split up."
The goblin scratched his sparse hair. "Tricky. The Gray vault is #833; 832 and 834 are taken."
"Ah! Vault #870 is below #833—close enough. A few seconds' ride on the vault cart."
"Fine!" Hydrus nodded. She retrieved the chest she had "swapped" from Selene and handed it over. "Count out 2,000 Galleons from this."
The goblin's eyes widened. A young girl, discreet yet evidently wealthy! He counted 2,000 Galleons, returning the remaining 1,000 and the box.
"I'm Puzzi," he began, offering investment options.
"Puzzi, enough talk—just handle the paperwork. I want to deposit money."
"Yes, Miss…" He switched from formal to obsequious instantly. "Your name?"
"Audrey Astrey."
"Will the withdrawal use a key or personal ID? Key is easier, no full registration needed?"
"Key."
Puzzi knew it was a false name; no Astrey family existed in the wizarding world. But what did it matter? The vault was sold, he'd get his commission. Even if she were wanted—Gringotts wasn't under Ministry jurisdiction.
"Here's your key. Don't lose it."
Hydrus took it carefully, smiling. Though she had just spent 2,000 Galleons, she was already scheming to pick the Gray family clean again—this time, in style.