Chapter 4:
Lily had finally gotten a letter from Gringotts and as the goblin had predicted, there was indeed something amiss concerning her account. Ragnok's letter mentioned it:
Lady Potter,
I regret to inform you that my suspicions were indeed correct. Someone - out of spite or on someone's order - has probed into your account and actually has stolen a large amount of galleons. I at least know it is not your legal guardian, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, unfortunately. He was my first suspect. I know that he couldn't have ordered anyone to do this on his behalf; he is the type to do things himself rather than depend on other people.
Lily mentally filed away this information for later. Who knew when it might come in handy.
I will personally look into the matter, Lady Potter. For the time being, I will freeze your account, so no one not even you, will be able to withdraw anything from your account unless you come to see me personally and I have verified your identity. Please understand these are just safety precautions. Rest assured, I will come to the bottom of this. Also, soon I would very much like to have the pleasure of seeing you at Gringotts. I request that you come at your earliest convenience so that we may discuss this in further detail and so you you can withdraw anything you would like from your vault. I know when you came last time, I myself withdrew the galleons and didn't even let you see any of your other vaults. I am truly sorry for any inconvenience that has caused. I was suspicious of other goblins at the time-I still am, but now there are better, stronger wards around your vaults, so I need not worry. As far as your parent's will is concerned, I think it is best to talk to you when you arrive. I am most displeased at what I found, and I think you will be even more so. Until next time Lady Potter. May your gold always flow.
Sincerely,
Ragnok
Director and Manager of Gringotts Bank
Lily immediately penned out a letter to the respected goblin.
Mr. Ragnok,
Thank you for looking into this information for me and writing me as soon as your were notified of these grievous atrocities. I will certainly come to meet you as soon as I can. I am anxious to hear your news regarding the will. Also, I have a request to make. I am most curious about my family tree and I remember that I am related to both Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor through two individuals. Can I recieve more about my family line-if it's not too much to ask. Thank you. May you always profit.
Sincerely,
Lillian Rose Potter
Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter
Currently, only Draco and Lily were seated at the table clad with green and silver.
"Draco," Lily asked suddenly. "How much trouble can someone get in if they were caught stealing from a most ancient and noble?"
The result was instantaneous. His goblet crashed onto the table as he stared at her, frozen in surprise, his hand still in a claw as if he were still gripping the cup. "That's not possible. Gringotts is the most well protected place in the whole wizarding community," he hissed.
"Well, I am not so sure about that anymore. Now, I am not doubting the goblin's capabilities, but have you seen the article this morning?"
She tossed him the Daily Prophet.
GRINGOTTS SECURITY BREACHED
By Rita Skeeter
Believed to be the work of Dark Wizards or witches unknown, Gringotts goblins, while acknowledging the breach, insist nothing was taken. The vault in question had, in fact, been emptied the very same day. "But we're not telling you what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you", said a Gringotts spokesgoblin this afternoon. Gringotts now need to readress their security system. Goblin security specialists are combing the land for a better breed of security dragon to replace the now deemed useless existing ones. They are even going as far as examining muggle security systems. Gringotts need to get another security system in place before any more breaches occur. Wizards, Witches all over the country are scratching their heads wondering how safe their money is in the so-called safest wizard bank. Head Goblin are urging the wizarding community for calm.
He rubbed his face with his hands. "I don't believe it," he muttered. "That technically shouldn't be possible. Well to answer your question, you first need to know a little history. The Most Ancient and Noble Houses are the most influential. They have been around for a long time and are respected. This includes the Potters, Blacks, Malfoys, Greengrasses, Pucey, etc. Then there are the Most Ancient Houses. These are houses that have been around for a long time but have lost respect in the eyes of many. An example of some families with this status are the Gaunts and Bulstrodes.. After, there are the Noble Houses. This means they are respected and have been around for a couple centuries, but not long enough. Blaise is from a family like this. So is Pansy Parkinson, Evan Rosier, and many others. Then there are the lesser families like Crabbe, Goyle, Montague, etc. I think you know why they are called lesser families. Now, if someone is truly stealing from your family, which is one of the most respected, then that person could be sent to Azkaban or the Dementor's Kiss at the worst. If it is someone who is really influential or widely known, they might be able to get away with a lesser sentence, but only if they literally spend all their money bribing other people. Their punishment probably won't be much better either, to be honest." He looked at her, his face absolutely serious. "What are you going to do about it if it turns out to be true?"
She smiled rather wolfishly. "They will learn that they messed with the wrong girl. I'll make their lives miserable." She said it with so much venom in her voice that even Draco shivered.
"Now, let's talk about about something else that isn't morbid, shall we? I had a dream last night about a mango tap dancing." Draco looked bemused, but nevertheless went along with her change in topic. The two snakes quickly forgot about their worries and enjoyed themselves for the rest of the hour-until Lily rushed off claiming she needed to meet up with Daphne to discuss Arithmancy.
Draco watched his friend go, her now scarlet hair flying behind her. Gods, he felt so guilty. He honestly shouldn't have since he did nothing wrong, but nevertheless, felt awful. He had received a letter from his father yesterday and it was brutal and short to the point:
Draco,
I have received intelligence that you have befriended the Potter girl. Why was I not notified the instant it happened? I should have received a notification from you the very first week of school. I am extremely disappointed in you. Do not make this a habit. Make sure you stay in the girl's good graces and get to know her well. This alliance may prove to be extremely beneficial for us in the future-if you don't make a mess of this assignment. I am curious. What are your thoughts on the girl? I have heard she acts all innocent, but remember, everyone is sorted in Slytherin for a reason. Find out her agenda and report to me immediately.
Sincerely,
Father
Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy
He had immediately send a scathing reply to his father in a fit of rage. It was probably a very stupid thing to do, but Draco couldn't help but feel a little smug. He couldn't even imagine what a face his father would make when he finally did read the letter. He didn't think red would go very well with their trademark pale features. Draco grinned. Hopefully Mother would take pictures.
A.N. That's Chapter 4! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!
