"Audrey," Dumbledore began, already accustomed to her sudden appearances, "Gringotts received a loan request addressed to Miss Hydrus Lestrange. Since they couldn't find her personally, they came to me instead."
Audrey: ...
Wait. I borrow money from Gringotts, and now Gringotts wants to borrow money from me to lend me money?
Nice tongue twister.
Borrowing is out of the question, but collecting the Lestrange fortune in advance? That, she could do.
Dumbledore's voice drifted softly. "Audrey, I've heard a little about what you've been doing recently—"
A little? Sure, I believe that, you old scoundrel.
"Are you not afraid of the risks?" he asked.
"Risks?" Audrey paused. "Didn't Professor Grindelwald foresee Ukraine's future?"
"He probably did, but he didn't tell me. He just wanted to watch a good show."
"Well, enjoy it. It is quite a show!"
Dumbledore: most annoying riddle master ever.
Later, Hydrus Lestrange appeared, her black dress flowing as her apparition materialized inside the Leaky Cauldron.
Patrons and diners alike fell silent, unable to tear their eyes from the cold, formidable girl. The entire tavern seemed to hold its breath.
Her little leather boots clicked against the stone floor—clack, clack—striking terror into everyone, like funeral bells from the world of the dead.
How could they not be afraid?
This girl, at age eleven, could hunt down adult wizards, transform into a dragon that terrorized Knockturn Alley, and even the Ministry's Aurors couldn't bring her in.
Everyone still remembered the fierce expression on her wanted poster.
Though the warrant had been canceled, and the Ministry now recognized Hydrus as a "law-abiding citizen," her formidable record remained etched in memory.
Daughter of a Death Eater, killer of wizards, now sixteen—surely she was even stronger than five years ago.
Sigh. At sixteen, look at Audrey Astley—what an extreme contrast.
Hydrus strode arrogantly toward the courtyard. Once she disappeared behind the door, everyone exhaled. For that brief minute, they had nearly forgotten how to breathe.
She didn't intend to intimidate anyone; she just wanted to walk the streets as her true self. Yet, somehow, people were still scared?
"Hello, how may I assist you?"
A goblin banker peered over the high counter at Hydrus.
"I am Hydrus Lestrange. I heard you were looking for me?"
The goblin froze, then quickly forced a smile. "Miss Lestrange! Please wait; our manager will come out immediately!"
A minute later, Pucci rushed out in a flurry.
Wow. Pucci got promoted!
Of course—Audrey was a big, fat client. Raising Pucci's rank made sense.
"Miss Lestrange! Hello! I am Pucci, it's an honor to meet you!"
Hydrus smiled politely. "Hello, Mr. Pucci. I heard from Headmaster Dumbledore that you were seeking me for a loan?"
"Yes, miss!" Pucci said, bowing obsequiously. "We have an enormous project that requires a huge amount of funding." He gestured in a wide circle, as if drawing a giant pie chart. "Loan for three years. After three years, in addition to the principal, there's sixty percent interest! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
Hydrus nodded. "Sounds good, but there's a small problem on my end."
"Go on."
"My family vault is under my mother's control. I cannot authorize it myself."
Pucci clapped his hands and smiled. "Rest assured! We will contact the Ministry immediately to arrange for you and your mother to meet at Azkaban. Once the vault authority is transferred, you may freely use the Lestrange family treasury!"
Hydrus was led to the VIP reception room, where tea and snacks were already prepared.
"Miss Lestrange, is there anything else you need?"
"I heard a new Peking duck restaurant opened in Westminster. It's Muggle food, but supposedly delicious."
"Of course, miss! We'll have it prepared right away!"
Audrey had already eaten, so hunger wasn't the issue—
…but everything in the VIP room at Gringotts was free.
And if she didn't finish it? Are you doubting a fire-breathing dragon's appetite?
After finishing an entire roast duck, clearing all the edible items in the room, Pucci arrived with a Ministry official.
"Miss Lestrange, we are ready to depart for Azkaban. This is Mr. Flau Dixon, warden of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"Miss Lestrange," Dixon's face darkened. The Ministry had tasked him with escorting Hydrus, and he was clearly annoyed. "It's time to go!"
Dixon retrieved a food basin from his bag, roughly lifting it toward Hydrus. "This is the door key. Need me to show you how it works?"
Hydrus shook her head, placing her hand on the key—Pucci did the same.
Poor Pucci trembled uncontrollably, thinking of his impending Azkaban trip.
"Was that goblin really that competent?"
With Dixon's sarcastic remark echoing, the three disappeared into the reception corridor.
This was Hydrus's first time using the door key. Unlike others, she didn't feel the usual "hook yanking your belly button, pulling you through" sensation. Instead, the portal felt unusually gentle and welcoming, like a soft breeze on her face.
The rushing light slowed to a halt.
Darkness surrounded them, thick clouds overhead, bitter sea winds howling as they approached the looming fortress.
The movement drew the attention of a dozen Dementors, who swarmed, causing Pucci to scream in terror.
Dixon shot him a disdainful glance. "Hmph, goblin."
He raised the food basin high—according to Ministry agreements, any wizard carrying an Azkaban door key is protected from Dementors.
But this time, the pact seemed broken. The Dementors surged forward.
"Go back! All of you, return!" Dixon panicked. He had visited Azkaban countless times, but never like this.
The Dementors, as if forgetting their agreement, completely surrounded them.
Pucci collapsed, shivering. He felt an icy emptiness, losing all joy—no amount of Galleons could make him happy.
Dixon fared slightly better, but his hands trembled so much he failed to cast twice.
Hydrus smiled, extending her hand. The Dementors slowly descended around her, enclosing her in their midst. One reached out, touching her fingertips.
See? A Disney princess! No matter what, no one can resist her charm.
Dementor physiology acquired!
Almost invincible, except for Patronus magic.
Able to absorb emotions and souls, Audrey suspected Dementors were born from ancient magic—magic that could extract emotions.
Switching to "Dementor physiology," Hydrus immediately formed a psychic link with all Azkaban Dementors.
"Return to your lairs," she commanded mentally. "I will call you when needed."
"Yes, our queen…"
Dementors had no queen—none were strong enough to command all others.
Hydrus was different. Individually, she was far stronger, both body and soul.
Seeing her dismiss the Dementors at will, Dixon's previous disdain turned to awe.
"Mr. Dixon," Hydrus turned, her eyes glowing teal, sending a chill down his spine. "Take me to see my mother quickly."
"Yes, Miss Lestrange."
Dragging the collapsed Pucci to his feet, Dixon led Hydrus deeper into the prison.