That afternoon, Audrey received her first loan of 12 billion Couban currency.
Gringotts' strength was undeniable—they not only gathered the funds in record time but also converted it swiftly into Couban.
Hogwarts
Headmaster's Office
"Audrey," Dumbledore said, a bit flustered at the sudden appearance of Miss Astley. He was in his pajamas, half-reclining on the sofa while reading the newspaper.
"Next time, could you enter through the front door?"
"Of course not," Audrey replied matter-of-factly. "The ugly statue outside won't let me in without the password."
Dumbledore rubbed his forehead. "You didn't come to see me without reason. What's going on?"
"I'm looking for Grindelwald."
"Ha!" Laughter echoed from the headmaster's bedroom.
"Why are you looking for me?"
The door opened. Grindelwald, in matching pajamas, strolled out lazily and plopped down on the desk with a 'kind' smile.
Audrey paused for a moment, then said, "I need your help."
Grindelwald pointed his right hand at her, palm up, urging her to continue.
"I want to acquire land, resources, and industries in Ukraine, but I don't have anyone to manage it."
A glint of delight flashed in Grindelwald's blue eyes. Could it be that this little girl had finally started to understand?
"No problem," Grindelwald said with a smile. "Investing in Ukraine is a goldmine!"
Audrey looked at Dumbledore. "Professor, are you just going to let me do this?"
Dumbledore adjusted his glasses and set the newspaper aside. "You've been lazy. It's good to see you moving."
Grindelwald nodded in agreement. "Don't worry. He's been keeping an eye on you. If you go too far, he'll stop you."
Just like sixty years ago.
…
…
One hour later, Three Broomsticks
Audrey sat by the window, taking a slow sip of butterbeer. Its rich flavor left a pleasant aftertaste.
On the slightly worn table were a bowl of fries and a fried fish fillet, steam rising from both dishes.
The bell above the pub door jingled crisply as a tall young man entered.
He shook himself like a dog, and the snow clinging to his black coat transformed into sparkling stardust before hitting the floor.
Madam Rosmerta raised an eyebrow. "Do young people always feel the need to show off their magic these days? Though… that was impressive."
"He's easy on the eyes too," she muttered.
The young man scanned the room, then walked straight toward Audrey.
"Hello, Miss Audrey Astley. First meeting," he said, plopping into the seat across from her. "I'm Edmond Grindelwald. But in public, try not to use my surname—it's too sensitive."
Audrey thought: a little long-winded, a little self-absorbed.
Edmond continued, "On my uncle's orders, I'll handle all matters in Ukraine with you from now on."
Audrey studied him. His right eye was gray, the left sea-blue—a rare heterochromia.
"Your eyes are like my cat's," Audrey remarked. "Though his gray eye seems blind… but yours… is that hereditary from the Grindelwald family?"
Edmond tugged at the corner of his mouth and smiled awkwardly. "My uncle may be famous, but my eyes aren't naturally like this. His once-silver eye was merely a projection of his inner world, not a 'seeing-the-future' eye as people speculate."
"Alright," Audrey stopped the small talk and got to the point. "I need your help in Ukraine—"
…
Ten minutes later
Edmond asked, "Are you really certain the Couban currency will devalue?"
Audrey nodded. "I'm confident. But before I drain Gringotts, we have to stabilize the Couban temporarily so they fall into our trap."
Edmond laughed. "What did Gringotts do to you to deserve such treatment?"
"They forced me to be their curse-breaker!"
Edmond understood—who knew Audrey's personality better than he did?
"So, how do you plan to keep the Couban stable in the short term?"
"Flood Ukraine with cheap supplies!" Audrey said confidently. "We'll get their advanced military technology and trade with China using resources."
"You won't lose money?"
Audrey shook her head. "How is this a loss? Technology is easy to copy; all you need is a printer."
She stared at Edmond. "But you—so young—can you really handle my plan?"
Edmond rolled his eyes. "I'm a Grindelwald! There's nothing I can't do!"
"Big talk," Audrey laughed. "Can you even save someone hit by an Avada Kedavra?"
Edmond touched his chest. "If I said I could, would you believe me?"
…
…
January 17, 1992
Christmas break had ended a week ago. The Slytherin Quidditch team was training hard for their upcoming match against Ravenclaw.
Marcus Flint was frustrated, looking like a raging giant. Why? Audrey Astley wasn't participating in training again!
Meanwhile, our little water snake laughed to herself in the dormitory.
Antonov Aircraft Design Bureau and the Black Sea Shipyard—two of the most famous former Soviet military factories—weren't things she could easily take over. But somehow, Edmond had poached over half of their core tech teams!
If the people moved, the tech followed.
Ukraine was in chaos. No one cared about tech loss; the powerful were grabbing anything they could from the fallen Soviet giant.
Ukraine had 3,584 military enterprises. Edmond acquired 16—covering rockets, armored vehicles, ships, transport planes, and more. He also obtained over 300 square kilometers of land and 20% of the Ukrainian National Gas Company.
Even more shockingly, Edmond sent a briefcase. Inside were four T-80 main battle tanks and a Tu-160 strategic bomber!
The bomber came with a bonus—a nuclear warhead, RDS-37, gifted by a grateful general who received 500,000 Couban extra for cooperation. Audrey realized: this was a hydrogen bomb… 1.6 million tons TNT equivalent!
While Newt Scamander's suitcase held a zoo, Audrey's suitcase was an arsenal capable of leveling half of Britain!
Today was a good day, she thought. With these assets as collateral, she could borrow even more from Gringotts… bliss!
Yet, even on this happy day, there was worry: her cat had run away again.
Audrey knew cats sometimes seek a final resting place when they sense death approaching. Jinhu, her ordinary tabby, was old, blind in one eye, and increasingly lethargic.
Could it be that he sensed his end was near and went to find a grave? The thought saddened her deeply. She squeezed out a tear—may Jinhu rest in peace.
…
…
Gringotts
Morristo waited anxiously in his office.
A goblin banker dashed down the hall, burst into the office, and yelled, "Elder Morristo! It rose! Couban currency rose!"
Morristo pushed off the desk. "By how much?"
"Nine points! Couban rose a full 9%!"
Morristo's eyes glowed red as he envisioned mountains of wealth.
"Quick! Activate Audrey Astley's 300 billion Couban loan! Not enough! Notify other branches and raise as much capital as possible! As long as she can provide equivalent collateral, we can lend up to 2 trillion Couban! Ask her how much she wants!"
The banker scrambled out. Morristo collapsed in his chair, exhausted.
His analysis was correct! Ukraine would soar with the Soviet legacy and secret U.S. support. And Gringotts would ride Audrey Astley's momentum!
2 trillion! She'd repay 5 trillion in three years!
And that's without considering Couban appreciation!
Audrey Astley! Will Work for us at Gringotts for life!
Ahahaha!