After hearing Wentworth's proposal, everyone present began quietly calculating the potential outcomes. To their astonishment, they found that Wentworth's suggestion might actually be viable. Even Lockhart, who had previously dismissed the idea as impossible, now had a glint of greed sparkling in his eyes.
Seeing that everyone had grasped his meaning, Wentworth turned to Lockhart and said:
"Of course, founding a wizarding bank isn't a simple task. I'll be giving you a complete proposal shortly. But for now, tell me—do you think you're up for it?"
Lockhart began weighing things in his mind.
He'd spent years tirelessly writing, always on the hunt for material, constantly juggling between crafting tales and charming the gullible. That kind of life was exhausting.
But at the end of the day, wasn't it all about the money?
And this plan of Wentworth's—no matter how he looked at it—it was clearly a faster way to make gold than selling books. Not to mention, it was passive income. The kind that just flows in.
Having thought this far, Lockhart didn't hesitate any longer. He nodded firmly, clenching his teeth as he declared:
"Wentworth, leave this to me! I promise I'll handle it beautifully!"
Wentworth grinned at his reply. Seeing the smile, Lockhart chuckled nervously, joining in. But mid-laugh, Wentworth suddenly asked, his tone sharp:
"But tell me, why should I trust that you won't betray the Alliance and run off with the money?"
Lockhart's laughter died in his throat. He choked on his own breath and began coughing violently.
After a moment, he stood up stiffly and declared indignantly:
"Wentworth, do you not trust me?!"
Wentworth leaned back in his chair, calm and silent, his eyes never leaving Lockhart.
Under that unblinking gaze, Lockhart began to fidget. Finally, Wentworth let out a soft chuckle and said:
"Lockhart, those adventures you wrote about—how exactly did you 'experience' them? You might be able to fool the public, but did you really think you could fool us? The Alliance?"
"The Memory Charm is indeed a clever spell. But it's not foolproof. Next time, I suggest you try the Avada Kedavra instead."
At the mention of the Memory Charm, Lockhart instantly realized—his greatest secret had been uncovered. His face turned ashen.
But when Wentworth casually dropped the name of the Killing Curse, Lockhart collapsed back into his seat, drenched in cold sweat.
Just then, Auston hurried in through the door.
Seeing him, Wentworth waved him over and pointed at Lockhart, who sat frozen in place.
"Sign an Unbreakable Vow with him. From now on, you'll be responsible for overseeing the operations of the Alliance's bank."
Auston still looked a little confused—he wasn't quite sure what this so-called bank was about—but the admiring gazes from the surrounding Alliance members told him everything he needed to know: this was a tremendous opportunity.
Immediately, Auston dropped to one knee to express his thanks, but Wentworth held up a hand to stop him.
"No need for gratitude," Wentworth said. "This is your due. It's the reward for everything the Greengrass family has sacrificed for the Alliance—and for their loyalty."
Auston was deeply moved. But then, as if suddenly remembering something, he said urgently:
"Master, Mr. Thomas Vole has arrived at the entrance of Gringotts—alone. He says he wishes to speak with you. He wants to negotiate."
Wentworth glanced at Cassandra. She sat silently, sipping her tea as if she hadn't heard a word. Satisfied, he waved his hand and said:
"Bring him in."
Moments later, guided by Auston, Thomas Vole strode in, clad in a long trench coat.
Wentworth stepped forward at once, all smiles.
"It's been a while, Mr. Vole! You look far better than the last time we met. Back in office already? Congratulations!"
But Vole scanned the room. When his gaze landed on his daughter Cassandra, quietly sipping tea in the corner, Wentworth could see the tension drain from the man's body.
Then Vole spoke:
"Wentworth Grindelwald, you needn't remind me. I remember it well—it was you and your Alliance who saved my daughter and me. I haven't forgotten. That's why I'm here—to repay the favor."
"I haven't returned to my old post as Head of the Auror Office yet. But since Scrimgeour is away from London, Fudge personally sought me out to act in his place."
"Now, Fudge might be out there loudly declaring his righteousness, saying he won't tolerate evil—but I know the man. As long as you don't wreak havoc or raid Gringotts' underground vaults, he'll look the other way. A few dead witches or goblins? He'll call it a misunderstanding."
Wentworth chuckled.
"Exactly what I expected."
He looked at Vole and asked:
"Is there anything else you'd like to say?"
Thomas Vole glanced at Wentworth, then at Cassandra, who still sat in silence. He sighed and said quietly:
"Wentworth, you're still a student at Hogwarts. I understand the Alliance probably won't agree to slipping away quietly, but I still advise you—leave Gringotts using a Portkey or the Floo Network."
"The place is swarming with reporters. If your identity is revealed here, it'll bring no end of trouble for Headmaster Dumbledore and for Hogwarts."
When he finished, Wentworth slowly shook his head. Vole sighed, ready to give up—when Wentworth suddenly said:
"We will leave through a Portkey. And more than that, the Alliance would be honored to be defeated by you, Mr. Vole."
"Auror Office Director? Pfft. Tell me, Mr. Thomas Vole—have you ever considered going for something bigger? Like... Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?"
Thomas Vole stared at him, stunned.
Wentworth smiled, then turned toward Lockhart.
"Professor Lockhart, I think it's time you started outlining your next book. I even have a title for you."
'How I Helped the Ministry Save Gringotts.'"
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