CHAPTER 29: THE RAGPICKERS' QUARTER
Of all the places on Earth Rosie would have liked to be, this one was probably last on her list. That is, if you exclude adding Potter Manor and Hogwarts to that ranking. But the Convent of the Ladies of the Assumption had nothing to envy them, especially at this particular hour. Seven o'clock in the morning was definitely not a time to get up, let alone to pray! At least, that's what she thought, sitting on a long wooden bench in the cold and gloomy chapel of the convent. Usually, Rosie tended to linger in bed, waking up well after the first rays of the sun had pierced the fabric of her curtains. She would cheerfully contemplate the landscape beyond the windows of her room to plan her day or stroll happily in the castle kitchens to find some sweets that the cooks would be delighted to serve her to start her day of studies.
But that was during the first half of the year. The other half unfolded here, in this sordid, cold place, under the gaze of the monstrous gargoyles meant to ward off evil from the convent. Rosie had only vague religious knowledge at the moment, but she was sure that even the worst demons would be frightened by these horrible sculptures, and their image in her mind was enough to make her tremble with fear. Astoria beside her was also trembling, but not for the same reasons:
"What a cold...," she muttered, trying painfully to hold the book she had been trying to read and understand for ten minutes.
"No wonder residents get sick!" her friend whispered, glancing at the Mother Superior tirelessly reading yet another psalm out of the corner of her eye.
November was indeed not the best time of the year to perform such an act, especially when the room where all the sisters and residents of the convent were located was itself very cold in the summer. But it was better for her, as for any other little resident, to keep quiet and do what they were asked to do in silence. As for interrupting the service to complain about the harsh living conditions, that was equivalent to committing the worst sacrilege, and the Mother Superior's sermons could have shaken the walls of the entire establishment as she vehemently promised hell to the unfortunate one who made a misstep. Rosie sometimes thought that their governess's authority came from there and that Sister Catherine had probably taken that cantankerous and moralizing old lady as a model, seeing each of her charges as sinners to be saved from the eternal torment that awaited them. Marie-Louise's daughter might have thought that thanks to her name and her family's reputation, she could afford special treatment, as the servants did in Lamballe. Unfortunately, all the young girls who had the displeasure of setting foot in this place for several months quickly realized that here, social status did not cross the convent doors, and all were treated equally. Intimidating the nuns with her family name alone would not be enough to ensure a better stay.
"Promise me in the future never to test the authority of one of my moms, whichever one...," she whispered in a low voice, cursing the day she had made the mistake that brought her here.
"And promise me to shorten my visits to your place in the future. It will prevent my mother from unjustly thinking that I also need to know the limits not to cross," her best friend replied, shivering slightly.
"Because you never make mistakes?" Rosie asked with a mischievous smile, briefly staring at her. "I would say you are as guilty as I am in this story, maybe even more!"
"What are you talking about?!" Astoria exclaimed, raising her voice very slightly. "Not for the last one, anyway! What an idea you had to walk in the middle of the night in the forest surrounding your mother's estate! Even Gabriel wasn't proud of you!"
Evoking that moment still brought a smile to Rosie's face, and far from the guilt she should have felt about that little escapade, she instead cherished an excellent memory that was unlikely to fade from her mind. The only regret was causing unbearable fear for both Lily and Marie-Louise, but it was secondary to the joy she had experienced at that moment. However, it was not the same for the Princess of Lamballe, who, exasperated by her adopted daughter's behavior and her multiple incidents since arriving at her castle, had finally opted for this radical but painful solution last year. The aim was to control Rosie's hyperactivity, her stubborn character, and her bravery bordering on danger. Such a decision couldn't be made alone, but Lily, much to Rosie's dismay, was perfectly in agreement with it. After some quick research, the Convent of the Ladies of the Assumption was chosen to perfect their daughter's education, including a very austere and strict teaching that would show enough firmness to channel her overflowing energy.
Rosie remembered the multiple pleas and promises she had made upon learning this news. But despite swearing her good faith and her determination to finally become the perfect little girl her mothers desired, none of them fell for it. Less than a week later, Sister Catherine burst into her life and had not left since then.
"A bit of silence, young ladies," she warned, walking slowly behind their bench, her slow and steady pace giving them chills every time it resonated in the chapel.
"This woman could hear our breathing from the other end of the room," Astoria grumbled once Sister Catherine was sufficiently away. "It's as if she cast a Sonorus on us!"
"Maybe she did," Rosie mumbled absentmindedly, casually flipping through her own copy of the Gospels that she had already read many times without fully grasping all the nuances. "Or maybe this woman is so concerned about our education that she only focuses her attention on us."
"Do you think if we breathe a little too loudly, she could hear that too?" Astoria asked, suppressing the urge to laugh.
"I wouldn't dare to do it, to be honest," she replied, shaking her head lightly. "I've already had the immense honor of facing the wrath of our dear Sister. I can't even imagine what would happen if the Mother Superior took care of my case."
Astoria understood perfectly, nodding her head, but she couldn't help exhaling loudly as she plunged back into her reading, looking dejected. This sight brought a new smile to Rosie as well as she returned to her primary occupation: boredom. She thought thankfully that her best friend was by her side; otherwise, she would never have been able to endure six months of the year in this convent with no company other than stern old ladies and little girls she wanted nothing to do with. And to think she was there because of her own foolishness... She would have liked to bang her head against a wall just thinking about it, but the prospect of being taken for a madwoman was not very appealing to her. Nevertheless, she cursed her strong-willed nature and her strong determination to do as she pleased. What could she do? This personality trait seemed to be deeply ingrained in her, just like her impetuosity, which was recognized beyond the borders of Brittany. Her last escapade in the forest had long fueled discussions in the bourgeois salons of this part of France. Not to mention that the unfortunate governess at the time had thought it fit to spread this story wherever she went. Needless to say, this greatly influenced the decision of her two mothers in this establishment, and she herself had to admit that it was perfectly logical for her to be here.
Fortunately, her two mothers, perhaps wanting to stay close to her without having the opportunity to live in the same convent, had chosen to live in Paris during her stay at the Assumption, taking up residence at the Hôtel de Beauvais not far away. 200,000 francs had been required for this purchase, but as they were not short of money, this amount seemed trivial to them in comparison to the pain both felt at the thought of not seeing their two children as often as they wished. Nevertheless, Lily and Marie-Louise praised the results achieved in their daughter's behavior in just one year, and it would now take a miracle for them to decide that it might be time to unregister her from this institution.
Rosie's thoughts then drifted to the life she now led and the one she had lived before when her mother was under the influence of James Potter. What a change! She still couldn't believe it, even more than two years after her own adoption. However, things had not been as straightforward at the beginning, especially in the public eye. The sudden appearance of a little girl in the family initially composed of Harry and Marie-Louise had surprised more than one.
The beginnings were very difficult for her as well as for her two mothers, especially for Marie-Louise. The repercussions of the adoption were only felt after a few months when Rosie's new mother decided that it was time for both of them to make themselves known and announce their family connection to everyone. Several possibilities had presented themselves to explain Rosie's sudden appearance in her life, even the most far-fetched ones, such as her being the daughter of one of her sisters whom she took care of, an orphan she had taken in, or even a poor child she had kidnapped out of the need to have a daughter. But Marie-Louise chose to play the cards of honesty and frankness by announcing through local newspapers the existence of this little girl to the Muggle population.
Wizards, and notably the inhabitants of the village of Lamballe, were informed by herself, at least through word of mouth, and the true story was narrated without trying to hide any small gray areas as long as it did not involve Lily and the life she had lived with James Potter. After all, it was better to avoid suggesting to indiscreet ears that the former wife of the English lord was currently in a highly secure residence in the west of France. Rosie was thus the adopted daughter of the Princess of Lamballe, a poor girl whose unhappy childhood had prompted her to adopt her legally and also by blood, which explained why mother and daughter had many physical similarities.
The news was well received, just as it had been a few years earlier for Harry, at least among people who associated with or knew them. But while the wizards welcomed this news with joy, the mystery surrounding the sudden appearance of this little girl intrigued the Muggle population greatly. Rumors spread like wildfire, and gossip went rampant once again to denigrate this family. However, a majority of people actually cared little about the personal stories of this princess, who had become a somewhat withdrawn personality from the political scene of the country in recent years.
The story told to Muggles in the end was that during her exile, Marie-Louise fell under the spell of a perfect stranger to whom she offered herself one evening. Against all expectations and despite his very advanced age, he gave her a child. The identity of this mysterious man was, of course, hidden, and potential candidates' proposals were not lacking: a wealthy English lord in search of love, a politician seeking recognition, a very generous innkeeper who had offered her hospitality, a lover hidden for years... Some even went so far as to think that she could actually be the daughter conceived following a rape, and out of pity rather than abandoning her, Marie-Louise resolved to keep her while trying painfully to forget this terrible event. Others pushed their imagination even further and suggested that she could very well be the daughter of the famous friend and, it was also said, lover of the Queen of France, Count Fersen, who might have found in the Princess of Lamballe a way to forget his lost love. But as this rumor never reached the ears of the first concerned, this hypothesis was quickly forgotten.
The most surprising thing, however, was to note that the appearance of a daughter from the younger branch of the House of Savoy, illegitimate at that, aroused great interest among the European courts and nobility. In less time than it took to say, the first arranged marriage proposals became known, disguised under courteous invitations that might have seemed completely disinterested if Rosie's presence, cleverly hidden by excellent phrasing, were not explicitly requested. Princes, marquises, dukes, or even counts of all ages—some were even already widowed—suddenly became potential fiancés for little Rosie. Although for now, neither Lily nor Marie-Louise contemplated marrying their daughter off as quickly as Harry, the Princess of Lamballe still maintained more or less close contact with some of these families. The idea of marrying her daughter to a wealthy and powerful man was still a possibility not to be missed.
The moment was nevertheless not yet conducive to consolidating alliances through any union, and despite the fact that engagements at such a young age were not uncommon, a love marriage was also possible. Rosie did not have to worry about all this for the moment, and this topic was still well-hidden from her: Her two mothers knew their daughter's strong character perfectly, and even after two years of intensive teaching and work on her, talking to her about engagements could still upset her. It was better, therefore, to omit topics that could upset her for the time being.
However, aside from her occasional but memorable mood swings, people who interacted with Rosie quickly became attached to this cheerful and lively little girl, a stark contrast to her brother's much calmer and measured demeanor. If Harry had been considered a ray of sunshine illuminating the entire estate of his mother and the surrounding towns since his arrival, Rosie was more often compared to the sun itself, a sun that illuminated everything she encountered with her joy and good-natured character. Sister Catherine was the only one to reproach her for it, but Rosie took great care to moderate her behavior when in her presence.
Yet, another problem persisted within their household: Lily, although delighted with the new life she led, much less appreciated being only the governess of her daughter in the eyes of the world, while Marie-Louise could openly display the parent-child relationship she had with Rosie. But how could they tell the world that this girl had no biological father? No one would believe them, and conversely, people would consider the girl a freak, a curiosity, or even a nature's mistake, especially among the more radical members of the clergy. For the safety and survival of her daughter, Lily preferred to obscure her true status as soon as she left the Lamballe estate. However, a certain resentment was still felt every time she was introduced to a stranger as Lise Évane, the governess of Sister Catherine, and simply responsible for the education of her own daughter. Being relegated to this status was very devaluing in her eyes, not to mention the fact that she was, in a way, exclusively delegating her motherly role to Marie-Louise. This situation did not seem to be changeable in the near or distant future unless children from a union between two women miraculously appeared on Earth. In short, Lily had to simply endure this status that she did not like very much, and Rosie tried to mitigate its effects by being very close to her and particularly affectionate.
"Is it almost over?" asked Astoria, pulling her out of her reverie.
"Hm? Oh well... another thirty minutes," Rosie replied, looking at her watch.
"Pff... You know, if I had never met you, I would currently be playing quietly in the garden of my parents' manor, preparing pastries with my mom, writing hundreds of letters to Daphné to have her tell me about her school days, or simply lounging in my bed waiting for the day to end, instead of being stuck here."
"Yes, but if you had never been my friend, Daphné would not be engaged to my brother, you would not be able to enjoy the magnificent stallions of my second mom, you would not have a bunch of servants bending to your every whim in my family castle, and you would never have thought of going to study at Beauxbâtons where you and your sister would be safe from Dumbledore's treacheries," retorted her friend with a knowing look. "See the good sides of our friendship and not just the bad ones! And then, when I'm married to a rich man who will shower me with gifts and let me choose the little court I'll be entitled to form, the position of the first lady-in-waiting will be automatically assigned to you!"
"Interesting," muttered Astoria, absentmindedly stroking her chin. "Will I have a nice allowance to support you continuously?"
"Already concerned about money!" exclaimed Rosie, feigning indignation. "You disappoint me, my dear! Such vileness coming from your mouth! Greed is supposed to be the prerogative of fools!"
Both of them burst into laughter, attracting a few glances, but what happened next quickly made them regret it. The approaching footsteps only alarmed them too late, and it was only when both of them received a sharp blow on the top of the head with a similar copy of the book Rosie was holding that they realized Sister Catherine was behind them, in a murderous mood.
"How dare you laugh during a service!?" she exclaimed, keeping her arm extended, ready to repeat her action. "Ill-mannered little ones! I will make you lose the desire to laugh when you have to copy the rules of this establishment as many times as I decide!"
Her words echoed through the room to the point that even the mother superior interrupted her reading to inquire about the origin of the screams. But if Rosie hoped for some leniency from her, or perhaps that she herself would criticize Sister Catherine's loud voice, she quickly disillusioned herself with the icy look that Mother Anastasie sent her way. Support from her was out of the question, especially with the other girls of her age who greatly enjoyed this little moment. Solidarity had no place among them, and when one was scolded, each adopted the policy of every man for himself.
"Don't let me catch you chatting at the same time as the mother superior, young lady, otherwise I might repeat what I just did with your thick little head," threatened Sister Catherine authoritatively, looking directly at Rosie. "And this also applies to you, Miss Greengrass!" she added, turning her gaze towards Astoria, who, out of fear of the piercing gaze she received, immediately looked away. "Continue to play the tough one, and you will truly understand why your mother insists that I take part in your education!" their governess concluded after some time, before apologizing for the interruption while keeping her head down in front of Mother Anastasie.
The latter nodded after a few seconds, and as if nothing had happened, she resumed her reading with the same monotonous voice that had the knack of making her little residents more drowsy than eager to listen. Rosie, for her part, cared little for the liturgical reading at the moment. The sudden headache she had just acquired was only getting worse as she rubbed her sore head.
"It hurts..." she muttered, massaging her head vigorously, tears in her eyes.
"Old mule," grumbled Astoria once their governess was away. "She'll pay for this!"
However, beyond her threats, Astoria behaved perfectly well for the rest of the time and didn't even dare to look at her best friend. Instead, she tried to show more interest in the texts read by the different Sisters, although a strong urge to sleep immediately took hold of her.
Ten minutes later, another incident occurred but, for once, did not involve them at all. Two girls, the same age as Rosie and Astoria, had thought it appropriate to escape the sermon and talk quietly by taking refuge in the confessional originally intended for the priest who occasionally listened to the pleas of the parishioners. The poor girls were discovered by Sister Catherine, and while most of her colleagues could be lenient with this minor indiscretion, nothing could be expected from her: After another reprimand during which she once again displayed the full power of her voice, the two culprits were simply expelled from the room by another nun whose threats could be heard beyond the chapel.
"Poor things," commented Astoria, although she felt only a slight pity for them.
"I had never thought of using the confessional," Rosie declared, looking with evident curiosity at the object of the offense. "With a little Disillusionment Charm and a well-placed Silencio, we could spend a quiet hour inside!"
"Can you cast those spells?" her friend asked in amazement.
"No, but I can certainly look them up in my mother's books. There must be an easy spell for a nine-year-old like me," she said, smiling mischievously. "And that's not all: I also have this to help me!"
While talking, Rosie discreetly pulled out from her sleeve a pretty magic wand that she waved casually. Made of Hawthorn wood and with a Veela hair core, the symbolism of these two elements made this wand very feminine, something its owner greatly appreciated. Even Sister Catherine was delighted to know that her wand had been made from this specific wood because, in Christian religion, Hawthorn was associated with the image of the Virgin Mary and Christ, in addition to its flowers symbolizing purity, delicacy, and beauty. As for the second ingredient, while Veelas were sometimes reputed to be seductresses and to bring out the basest instincts of men with just a glance, they still embodied the very magnificence of femininity and the female ideal in the eyes of the world. A wand perfect for the cute little girl that she was, and with her beautiful blue eyes and her wonderful auburn hair, graceful posture, and lovely silhouette, there was no doubt that the owner of this wand would soon do it justice. Astoria had not been as lucky as her, and for the moment, the only wand she had been able to use at her disposal was her mother's when she lent it to her for her lessons; Needless to say, the occasions were rare, especially here.
"Put that away!" she ordered harshly, looking around to see if anyone else had also noticed the appearance of her magic wand.
"You worry too much about such things, my dear Tory," Rosie replied calmly, obeying nonetheless. "There is a Disillusionment Charm on it that prevents Muggles from seeing it, so apart from us and our dear governess, there should be no one else here who could also notice the wonder I had in my hands."
"But still," mumbled her friend, shaking her head slightly. "It's not fair that you have one and I don't! Mom didn't even consider your mother's remarks about the importance of having a wand to channel our accidental magic faster! It would have been better for me to know how to cast spells with this rather than explode every object in my path when I'm angry!"
"Which seems to be getting to your head judging by the redness on your cheeks," chuckled Rosie as Astoria tried to regain composure. "You know, all I have to do is sing praises about this wonderful instrument and its usefulness in my magical education for her to maybe change her mind... It's up to you to be very kind to me so that I intervene in your favor with your dear mom..."
The implied threat drew a furious growl from Astoria, but deep down, she knew that Rosie would come to her aid in one way or another. After all, even she couldn't stop complaining about the disadvantages of not having a second wand, especially since she was the only witch in the convent besides Sister Catherine. Any unusual occurrences were usually blamed on her by their governess, whether she was actually responsible or not. Rosie saw as much interest in resolving this issue as Astoria did, and even this attempt at blackmail couldn't hide it. Astoria was preparing to point it out, but a cough behind them made them dive back into their reading, silent this time like mute fish.
The precarious calm that had finally returned was once again interrupted, but this time, none of the residents was the cause. The creaking heavy doors of the chapel were to blame, irritating Mother Anastasie enough to make her pause in her reading. The newcomer was one of her employees, a very young nun who probably didn't yet know that it was better not to interrupt a sermon in the middle of it. Nevertheless, Mother Anastasie did not take offense, and with determined steps, she informed her superior of news whispered into her ear. Mother Anastasie went from anger to disbelief in a matter of seconds, and Rosie almost gulped audibly when the old lady's eyes settled on her while nodding. The Mother Superior then signaled for Sister Catherine to approach, and just like before, she spoke quietly with her about a matter that eluded everyone. Once again, Sister Catherine turned her head towards Rosie, and for a brief moment, Rosie thought she was once again at the center of a problem she knew nothing about. Cold sweats appeared on her forehead as her governess approached, her face devoid of any emotion, almost empty. But if Lily and Marie-Louise's daughter expected to face her governess's wrath, surprise quickly replaced it when Sister Catherine addressed her in a perfectly calm voice:
"Miss de Savoie, your mothers, and your sub-governess are waiting for you in your quarters," she said, stepping aside to let Rosie leave her bench and walk down the main aisle of the chapel. "It seems that your presence is most necessary for their plans, and although leaving this liturgical reading hour is generally impossible, we cannot refuse anything to the one whose funds partly allow this convent to continue to exist. If you would be so kind as to follow me..."
"Can Astoria come too?" Rosie asked, knowing perfectly well what the answer would be.
"Certainly not," confirmed Sister Catherine as her protégé exchanged a sorry look with her best friend. "You won't be absent for very long, and you can see her again at dinner time."
"That's good then," said Rosie, discreetly waving to Astoria. "Good luck..." she whispered as she passed, smiling mischievously.
Astoria responded by sticking her tongue out, but coughs around her and Mother Anastasie's stern looks made her immediately straighten up on her bench, avoiding eye contact with the other residents. An oppressive silence greeted Rosie's departure, and she dared not even lift her eyes to look at the other girls and endure their envious and disgusted stares. It wasn't until the heavy doors closed behind her that she breathed a sigh of relief, and a discreet laugh escaped her lips when she heard the reading of the Gospel resume from the other side. Their walk continued, but not as she hoped: Sister Catherine seemed reluctant to speak, and while Rosie wanted to engage in conversation to ease the atmosphere, she didn't dare confront the icy wall that was her governess.
"Are... Are my mothers waiting for us at the entrance of the convent?" she timidly asked after several minutes as they crossed the cloister.
"Of course not. They are in your room, Miss Rosie," replied her governess in a tone that suggested she found the question particularly foolish. "We weren't going to make them wait outside when this November is particularly cold, and the least we can do is offer our hospitality to those who request it, even if only for a few minutes. We must hasten, if you please. I don't want to keep them waiting too long. I have no idea why they are here, but they probably didn't come just to say hello."
"That makes sense," conceded her student, her curiosity once again piqued.
Their progress was consequently very quick, and the rooms changed so rapidly that Rosie couldn't determine if some were already occupied or not. The dormitories at the other end of the convent were soon in sight, and after both entered the corridor separating the rooms, Rosie and Sister Catherine entered the first, supposedly the most pleasant room in the entire establishment for the wealthiest students residing here. Rosie scoffed at this claim, and with firsthand knowledge, she knew it was entirely false: A quick glance inside was enough to realize that the rent for this room was far too high for the service provided.
It had nothing special except that it didn't resemble the one she had in her family castle at all. Austerely cold like the rest of the convent, there was not a single decoration or personal item that would indicate this room was hers. A simple bed, a wardrobe with all her outfits, a nightstand, and a desk almost exclusively composed her furniture, the rest belonging to Astoria, who had exactly the same on her side. A lone window overlooking the street somewhat brightened the place, but in comparison, Rosie much preferred being in Lamballe than here, in this tiny room where, in her opinion, there wasn't enough space to feel comfortable. Lily and Marie-Louise were already there, the former sitting on the desk chair watching her with joy while the latter, busy rummaging through her clothes for some reason, took several seconds to notice her presence.
"Marie-Rose," she said, approaching her while Lily wasted no time doing so. "How are you?"
"Well, Mother," she said emotionally, hugging her as well. "I missed both of you! But... What are you doing here?"
Marie-Louise let go of her, and after a glance toward Lily, both turned to Sister Catherine, who had not uttered a word since she arrived. The nun noticed their little charade, and after nodding her head toward her employer, the nun spoke:
"It would be better to have her back here before noon; otherwise, Mother Anastasie might think she deliberately delayed your little outing and deprive her of meals. She will, of course, have to make up for lost classes and stay longer at tonight's service, but the company and assistance of Miss Greengrass should be beneficial. However, I must remind you that this outing is exceptional and will probably not happen again for a long time. It is only because your daughter is one of our most eminent residents that you were able to obtain such an agreement, and mainly out of respect for you. Announce your return at the front desk when that happens: I will come myself to fetch Rosie."
Then, without further ado but with a polite bow, Sister Catherine left the room without looking back, her head again occupied by her duties as a nun. Rosie watched her go without reacting, and curiosity that had been gnawing at her for too long prompted her to ask the question burning on her lips:
"So, what brings you the honor of your visit?" she asked once the footsteps were distant.
"We need to deal with a very important matter with Gringott's director, Monsignor Griffdur, and rightly thought we could take this opportunity to register you with the bank and allow you access to our vaults. However, this doesn't mean you can withdraw as much money as you want, like Gabriel can. You will need to give a bit of your blood for the vaults to recognize it in the future and allow you access to the contents inside. Do you understand?"
"Yes, but why can't I withdraw money like Gabriel?" she asked with a slightly disappointed tone.
"You are still too young to think about money reasonably, my dear," Lily replied, kneeling as well. "We believe that financial matters are still too significant for you to consider. You will only have your own purse when we deem you mature enough to spend your money wisely."
Although bitter, Rosie nodded her head. Money could wait, and she lacked nothing anyway. The conversation concluded, Marie-Louise pulled out her magic wand, and after pointing it at the wardrobe, where the numerous dresses and accessories seemed to quiver, she quickly began dressing her daughter using magic. In a few seconds, Rosie was stripped of her little black dress for a much more elegant one adorned with lace. Bloomers, stockings, corsets, jewelry, and silk gloves quickly completed her attire, followed quickly by other winter clothes that Rosie put on very quickly. A hat adorned with a few flowers finished the dressing, and even if it was somewhat out of season, the combination of colors and fabrics was, in her mothers' opinion, perfect for an official meeting with the director of Gringott's.
"Indeed, this is much faster than with servants!" declared Rosie cheerfully, turning around. "Can you teach me to do it?"
"Only if you are well-behaved, and especially if I receive no reprimands about your behavior from your governess," promised Marie-Louise, quickly covering herself with a thick coat.
"I'm not sure I can fulfill the second part of our deal," her daughter whispered, embarrassed by this admission, avoiding eye contact.
"I'm not even surprised," Lily chuckled, murmuring before opening the door to leave.
The trio continued their journey through the magical quarter, passing by various shops, stalls, and enchanted displays. Rosie couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the bustling atmosphere, so different from the restrained environment of the convent. The air was filled with the scent of exotic spices, the chatter of magical folk negotiating deals, and the occasional squawk or hoot of magical creatures on display.
As they walked, Lily and Marie-Louise pointed out different establishments to Rosie, explaining the nature of each shop. There were potion stores, wandmakers, magical bookshops, and even an apothecary with a peculiar display of animated plants. Rosie's eyes widened at the sight of a Quidditch supply shop, and she couldn't resist peeking inside at the latest broom models.
The trio eventually reached a quaint little tea shop nestled between two taller buildings. The sign above the entrance read "La Tasse Enchantée," and a warm aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air. Lily and Marie-Louise exchanged glances before leading Rosie inside.
The interior of the tea shop was charmingly decorated with delicate china, floating candles, and intricate tapestries depicting scenes of magical creatures. The atmosphere was cozy, and the soft murmur of patrons enjoying their tea created a soothing background noise.
They settled at a table near the window, and a kindly elderly witch approached to take their orders. The menu was extensive, offering a variety of magical teas and treats. Lily and Marie-Louise made their choices, and Rosie, feeling adventurous, decided to try a tea infused with a blend of magical herbs.
As they waited for their orders, Rosie couldn't contain her excitement. "This place is amazing! I never imagined there would be so much magic in one neighborhood. And that tea shop sign—it's enchanted, isn't it?"
Marie-Louise chuckled. "Indeed, it is. The sign changes its design every hour, and the aroma from the shop can be detected from quite a distance. It's one of the many enchantments you'll find in this quarter."
Their teas arrived, accompanied by a selection of delightful pastries. Rosie took a cautious sip of her magical herbal tea and was pleasantly surprised by the burst of flavors that danced on her palate.
As they enjoyed their tea, Lily and Marie-Louise discussed various topics, from the latest magical news to plans for the future. Rosie listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with questions or sharing her own thoughts. The warmth and camaraderie of the tea shop contrasted sharply with the stern atmosphere of the convent, making Rosie appreciate this unexpected outing even more.
After finishing their tea, the trio continued exploring the magical quarter, visiting more shops and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Rosie couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation, surrounded by the wonders of the magical world.
As the day progressed, they decided to make their way back to the convent before it got too late. The enchanted entrance to the magical quarter closed behind them, concealing the bustling world of magic from the eyes of the non-magical population.
The fiacre, driven by Antoine, awaited them at the exit. With a sense of contentment and newfound appreciation for the magical world outside the convent walls, Rosie, Lily, and Marie-Louise embarked on the journey back, leaving the enchanting quarter behind but carrying the memories of their day's adventure.
Marie-Louise led Rosie and Lily through the imposing interior of Gringott's, the goblin-run bank. The marble floors echoed with the occasional clink of coins and the muted conversations of the few clients present. The goblin tellers behind the counters worked efficiently, handling the various financial transactions with a speed that seemed almost magical.
As they approached the appropriate counter for their purpose, a goblin with a sharp, hooked nose looked up from his ledger. His eyes flickered over Marie-Louise, Lily, and Rosie, and his thin lips curved into a slight smile.
"Madame de Lamballe, what a pleasure it is to have you with us today. How may I assist you?" the goblin inquired, his tone polite but tinged with the business-like efficiency characteristic of Gringott's.
"I need to access my vault and make a withdrawal," replied Marie-Louise, maintaining a composed demeanor.
The goblin nodded, his gaze briefly shifting to Lily and Rosie. "Very well. Your identification, please."
Marie-Louise handed over a small, intricately designed golden key. The goblin examined it, comparing the unique patterns etched on its surface with those in his ledger. Satisfied, he motioned for another goblin to escort them to the vaults.
The goblin guide led them through a labyrinthine series of passageways, each guarded by formidable-looking doors and secured by enchantments. The air grew cooler as they descended deeper into the heart of Gringott's.
Finally, they arrived at the entrance of the vault. The goblin guide bowed to Marie-Louise, indicating that she should proceed. With a confident turn of her key, she unlocked the door, revealing the vast interior of her vault.
The room glittered with the reflections of countless treasures—piles of galleons, stacks of silver sickles, and heaps of bronze knuts. Precious gems sparkled in the dim light, and valuable artifacts were neatly arranged on shelves.
As Marie-Louise conducted her business, Rosie and Lily marveled at the wealth within the vault. The goblin guide, seemingly uninterested in the riches surrounding him, kept a watchful eye on the proceedings.
Once the transaction was complete, the goblin led them back through the winding passageways to the main banking hall. Marie-Louise secured the vault with a turn of her key, and the heavy door closed behind them.
As they emerged into the well-lit main hall, Marie-Louise seemed to relax, her business successfully concluded. The trio approached the exit, where the two imposing goblin guards still stood sentinel.
"Thank you for your assistance," Marie-Louise said courteously, and the goblins nodded in acknowledgment.
Once outside the bank, the trio found themselves on the busy street again. The day had progressed, and the magical quarter was now abuzz with activity. Lily suggested they explore more of the shops, perhaps even indulge in a visit to the magical Menagerie.
As they strolled through the enchanting quarter, Rosie couldn't shake off the excitement of the day. The magical world revealed itself in vibrant colors, bustling markets, and intriguing discoveries. Gringott's might be a place of business, but the magic that permeated every corner of the wizarding world was truly captivating.
Their day continued, filled with enchantment, exploration, and the joy of experiencing the magical realm outside the convent walls. The trio embraced the wonders of the wizarding world, creating memories that would linger in their hearts for a long time to come.
Rosie, Lily, and Marie-Louise exchanged uneasy glances at the goblin's words. The prospect of a blood test seemed daunting, and Rosie couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety. However, she trusted her mothers to handle the situation.
Marie-Louise, although visibly displeased with the goblin's condescending tone, maintained her composure. "Very well. We'll comply with the blood test. Lead the way."
The goblin, seemingly satisfied with their acquiescence, rose from his seat and gestured for them to follow him. Rosie couldn't shake off the eerie feeling that surrounded the entire bank, and the prospect of a blood test conducted by a goblin added an unsettling layer to the experience.
They traversed a series of dimly lit corridors, the cold stone walls adorned with the occasional flickering torch. The atmosphere in Gringott's was oppressive, and Rosie found herself clutching her mothers' hands even tighter.
Finally, they arrived at a small, sterile-looking room. A simple wooden table and a few chairs were the only furnishings. The goblin pointed to the table. "Please, have a seat."
Marie-Louise complied, taking a chair, while Lily and Rosie sat on the other side. The goblin withdrew a small, sharp blade from his pocket and conjured a vial.
"Princess, if you could extend your arm, we'll make this quick," he said with a twisted smile.
Rosie watched as her mother rolled up her sleeve and offered her arm. The goblin, surprisingly deft with the blade, made a swift, precise cut, collecting a few drops of blood into the vial.
Once the task was done, he capped the vial and studied its contents. Satisfied with whatever he found, he motioned for the next participant.
Lily, reluctant but cooperative, offered her arm for the blood test. Rosie couldn't help but squirm in her seat, her apprehension growing with each passing moment.
Finally, it was Rosie's turn. She hesitated for a moment, looking at the goblin's sharp blade and the vial that now contained her mothers' blood. With a deep breath, she extended her arm, wincing slightly as the goblin made the cut.
The goblin carefully examined the vial, his calculating eyes moving between the three samples. Rosie felt a shiver down her spine as he seemed to take longer than necessary to reach a conclusion.
"Everything appears to be in order. You are indeed the Princess de Lamballe," the goblin declared, a faint glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
Relieved, Rosie flexed her fingers, the discomfort of the cut already fading. The goblin handed the vial to another goblin attendant, who vanished from the room, presumably to verify the results.
"Your audience with Monseigneur Griffdur is now granted. Follow me," the goblin announced, leading them through more passageways until they reached an imposing set of doors.
With a creak, the doors opened to reveal a grand chamber. At the far end, seated atop a raised platform, was Monseigneur Griffdur, an ancient goblin with a long white beard and a crown perched atop his head.
The goblin who had escorted them bowed, gesturing for Marie-Louise, Lily, and Rosie to approach the goblin monarch. Their journey through Gringott's, filled with challenges and tests, had led them to the heart of the goblin kingdom within the wizarding world.
Rosie then recoiled at these threats, and instinctively, Marie-Louise and Lily positioned themselves in the path separating her from the goblin. However, at the moment, the goblin did not seem inclined to attack them, even though the tiny dagger he pulled out a few seconds later didn't bode well for them.
"Will you do it yourself, or shall I have the distinct honor of pricking your finger?" asked the goblin in a falsely polite tone, pointing the dagger towards Marie-Louise.
"I protest!" she replied sternly, furrowing her brows. "I have never had to do such a thing to visit Lord Griffdur! Our family is one of the few that can boast a very good relationship with him, and His Eminence has always held us in high esteem until now!"
"This is the new regulatory procedure for a visit to Director Griffdur, Madam," reminded the goblin, smiling maliciously, seemingly delighted at the prospect of seeing the woman before him yield to the bank's demands. "We are simply enforcing the bank's policy for such encounters."
"Very well," sighed Marie-Louise, slowly removing her glove before extending her index finger for the creature in front of her to lightly cut.
The goblin did not hesitate, and once the blood was collected, he rubbed the blade on a parchment laid on his desk that none of the three could see. It suddenly began to glow, illuminating the deformed face of the bank employee and revealing even more the unseemly features that marked his skin. This lasted only a few seconds, and as soon as everything stopped, the goblin turned his attention back to Marie-Louise, with a slightly softer and friendlier demeanor than before.
"Marie-Louise Thérèse de Savoie, born on September 8, 1749, in Turin, and widow of Prince Louis-Alexandre de Bourbon, Prince of Lamballe, is that correct?" he asked politely.
"It seems so, unless someone has hidden an affiliation from me all these years, only to be revealed today thanks to you," she replied sarcastically.
"Please forgive me, Madam, if I may have in any way upset you," the goblin hurriedly responded. "Gringott's must maintain an impeccable image, no matter the reason a client comes to these premises. We so often deal with dishonest people that it is unfortunately impossible for us to do otherwise than subject our most distinguished clients to these tests to ensure the truth of their statements and their identity. Do these individuals come with you as well?"
"Yes," she replied, gently placing a hand behind Rosie. "My daughter Marie-Rose Charlotte de Savoie is the main reason we are here. As for this woman, she is named Lise Evane and serves as the governess for my daughter. I could not part with her services for just one day, and Marie-Rose appreciates her presence so much!"
The explanations seemed slightly absurd, but the goblin easily fell into the trap; perhaps he simply didn't care, which would explain why he didn't prolong his little interrogation. With a simple wave of his hand, he invited them to follow him to one of the doors behind him, while he descended the few steps from his desk with a slight puff. Rosie was surprised to see that without his perch, the goblin was rather short, and she towered over him by several centimeters. His portly figure rounded out his silhouette, giving the impression that the buttons on his vest might pop off at any moment. Nevertheless, the creature then guided them through a long tunnel of dark stones, illuminated only by a multitude of torches on each side. The journey remained similar, and despite the labyrinth of corridors and doors they traversed, the scenery remained unchanged, making it difficult to distinguish one room from another. The ominous clack of their heels echoed loudly wherever they went, creating an increasingly anxious sense of apprehension as time passed. The goblin, perhaps thinking he had been impolite to them, refrained from any conversation and simply guided them, occasionally looking back to ensure they were still following.
Finally, around another corner, a door at the far end of the corridor was firmly guarded by a goblin wearing heavy armor. Like his counterparts at the bank's entrance, he also held a long halberd, which he pointed at them as soon as they entered his field of vision, despite one of his colleagues being part of the small group advancing toward him.
"You shall not pass," he growled, showing his sharp and oddly aligned teeth. "No one enters here without a summons!"
"That is the case, my dear Scarpa," replied the other, handing him the famous pass.
The guard almost snatched it from his hands, but a quick glance at the parchment assured him of the document's validity.
"Have they passed the recommended tests for such a visit?" he asked, returning the summons.
"Madame de Savoie complied with kindness and eagerness," he immediately replied, glancing at Marie-Louise. "As for these individuals, she vouches for them, and we cannot doubt the word of such a good client. Lord Griffdur would never forgive us for any sign of disrespect towards him, and I do not think he would appreciate us keeping this lady waiting any longer outside his door..."
Understanding the implication, Scarpa quickly proceeded to open the door to let them through, bowing as they passed. All four could then slip into Griffdur's office, a sanctuary that few people had the privilege to lay eyes on. Upon entering, it was evident that the room offered a striking contrast to the rest of the bank. While the entrance and the few corridors traversed did not shine with wealth and opulence, this room was abundantly filled with gold, gemstones, and expensive, extravagant furniture. From floor to ceiling, on all walls, and in every detail of the furniture, gold predominated, even in unexpected places, like on the handles of utensils placed next to the immense fireplace in the office, used solely for its maintenance. Everywhere, artifacts crafted by the goblins themselves were present, especially weapons and armor adorned with all sorts of ornaments, reminiscent of the not-so-distant past of this warrior people. Gothic-style windows had even been inserted into the walls, although this room, like much of the bank, was normally underground. Despite this, through an old process allowing the reflection of the external landscape in an area lacking this possibility, the windows offered a pleasant view of the ragpicker district square, now much more lively than before.
The whole room was completed with a desk surrounded by four chairs, in addition to multiple display cases full of strange objects, giving this otherwise spacious and high-ceilinged room a very cluttered yet not unpleasant appearance. However, one detail was amiss in the midst of all this opulence: the absence of the master of the house.
"Mr. Griffdur is not here yet," noted Marie-Louise, looking over the director's chair as if to check that he wasn't hidden behind it.
"You are early, madam," reminded the goblin before bowing to signal his departure. "Lord Griffdur will be here in five minutes: Punctuality has always been one of his greatest virtues, and he would take it as a personal shame to have kept you waiting too long. If you'll excuse me, dear madam..."
"You may leave," she replied, nodding slightly.
The goblin did not take long to exit the room, closing the heavy door behind him, which his colleague had been watching all along. The moment it closed, all three felt as if they were in a room where no sound could penetrate the walls, enclosed like animals in an unwelcoming environment. Marie-Louise, however, seemed unfazed, now flipping through the newspaper she had held in her hand all this time, while Rosie marveled at the frescoes and other masterpieces on the walls, finding the portrait behind the director's chair particularly ugly, unsure if the goblin depicted was as hideous as the original or if the artist had somehow made him uglier without shocking his subject. Only Lily looked around the room anxiously, with unpleasant images in her mind as she remembered the exactly identical office in London where she had, fourteen years earlier, formalized her union with James in front of the director of the English bank, Ragnok.
"I never thought it would come to this point," Marie-Louise suddenly muttered, looking with barely perceptible anger at the article about Hogwarts.
"What did you find so troubling to disturb you, mother?" Rosie immediately asked, leaning slightly on her chair to also look at the article.
"Hold on, Marie-Rose," she reminded her as her daughter resumed a more dignified position, her eyes still glancing at the magazine.
Marie-Louise finished the magazine in her hands, without a single explanation from her mother. A simple "thank you" came out of her mouth before she eagerly flipped through the newspaper, under the watchful eyes of Lily, who also hoped to quickly read the article on Hogwarts. After all, Matthew was completing his first year at this school, and if she had no intention of getting news through the official press of the United Kingdom, fearing the rumors she might read about herself, an article on this subject in a French newspaper might prove to be much more neutral in her investigations than their English counterparts.
"This reading should be very instructive for you, my dear," Marie-Louise said to her daughter, tilting her head slightly toward her. "After this, you will understand that your enrollment at Beauxbatons seems quite logical."
Rosie could only agree with her as soon as her eyes landed on the article's title, and indeed, there was cause for concern about the safety of Hogwarts students from the very first sentence.
"HORROR NIGHT AT HOGWARTS: STUDENT SAVAGELY ATTACKED BY A MOUNTAIN TROLL!"
The matter does not seem to be making much noise across the Channel, but the confirmed facts are quite serious. On the night of October 31st, the Samhain evening, which was supposed to be a moment of reflection and celebration for the entire magical community of England, abruptly turned into an unnamed tragedy when an adult troll infiltrated the very grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to wreak havoc. But how on earth can a troll enter a school so easily? That is the question you, dear readers, are entitled to ask, as the reason for this unwelcome intrusion remains unknown for the moment. No teacher seemed willing to answer this question, and our journalist was promptly expelled from the school without having time to investigate further into this matter. However, anonymous sources inform us that the troll was reportedly spotted around 8:30 pm by Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor himself, in the dungeons of Hogwarts. He fainted shortly after warning all the students and teachers gathered in the Great Hall of the school..."
"Fainted?" Rosie repeated, suppressing the urge to laugh. "And he's a professor responsible for teaching defense against the dark arts?"
"I remember him," mumbled Lily, looking distractedly at the fireplace. "He was a bit older than me and belonged to Hufflepuff house. However, he was far from being cowardly but excelled mainly in the study of magical creatures. It surprises me that he ended up becoming a professor in that subject; he was never very brilliant in the few duels he faced."
"A preference for magical creatures, you say?" Marie-Louise intervened, looking at her. "Curious for a man who would prefer to warn a school about the presence of a troll when he probably knows how to calm such a creature... I also wonder about his presence in the dungeons of Hogwarts: Dinner was supposed to start at 8 pm, and he was evidently more than half an hour late. His behavior seems suspicious..."
"Let's wait to read the rest before forming an opinion," Rosie wisely reminded them before perusing the article again.
"However, the accounts differ regarding the subsequent events since the students were sent back to their respective houses by Dumbledore. Note, however, the stupidity of the headmaster, who also ordered the Slytherin house students to return to their common room; a room that, ironically, was located in the dungeons. Only the foresight of the head of that house prevented a much more terrible tragedy, suggesting that his students should wait in a secure place, which turned out to be the Hogwarts library. Guard duties were later organized by the administration to ensure the students' safety and try to locate the troll. Unfortunately, all these precautions were nevertheless useless because barely 20 minutes after the end of the festivities, screams and sounds of broken wood were heard in the first-floor corridor, a floor that had escaped the vigilant surveillance of the school's professors. The troll was discovered in the middle of the corridor, facing the broken door of the first-floor bathroom, and debris of wood scattered everywhere around it. The creature was quickly incapacitated by the care of the headmaster, but searches in the destroyed bathroom showed that an unfortunate young girl was also there for a reason currently unknown. Fortunately, this student survived her attack, but her condition was deemed serious enough to be sent directly to St. Mungo's Hospital, where she would still be currently. Testimonies from students suggested that she was evacuated in the middle of the night, moreover, by the teaching staff itself and without the necessary assistance of qualified doctors. A way to cover up the incident, perhaps? Probably, especially when we know that the next day, Professor Dumbledore chose to be very reassuring during breakfast, advising the students, however, not to tell their parents about it to avoid worrying them. His attempt to downplay the matter was such that he even explained the absence of his young student as being caused by a family emergency keeping her with her dying parents..."
"Who would believe that?" mocked Rosie, shaking her head.
"However, one detail did not escape our journalist in recent days: Not a single newspaper mentioned this curious affair, even in the miscellaneous section. Only The Quibbler, a satirical magazine considered unreliable given the whimsical ramblings that could be read there, extensively covered the subject, but the article quickly lost its interest as it advanced a conspiracy theory concocted by the Minister of Magic to push the Hogwarts headmaster to authorize the reinforcement of the school's security through political channels, a solution that Dumbledore had always rejected, seeing it as an attempt by Minister Cornelius Fudge to interfere in Hogwarts' affairs. We cannot tell you more at the moment, dear readers, except for one curious thing observed during our investigation: The third-floor corridor of the right wing of this school is currently off-limits to students, and Dumbledore's only explanations for the reason were: 'Do not venture there unless you want to die in excruciating pain.' Should Hogwarts still be depicted as one of the safest schools in the world after this? How can you let your children attend a school where trolls roam freely, where a professor responsible for teaching defense against the dark arts faints at the slightest problem, where a deadly danger lurks around every corner, and where the assault on a student is deliberately concealed by the headmaster of the institution? You are entitled to form your own opinion on this matter, but if we can offer you only one piece of advice, it would be to choose safety for your children and not send them to study there. Jules Busigny, Journalist."
"Strange affair, but it ends in a very sad way," Lily concluded at the end of her reading. "I wonder what could be hidden on that third floor..."
"You might as well ask us, and it would be faster," declared a voice that made all three of them jump.
The origin was quickly found in the form of an old goblin with withered skin and eyebrows so bushy they resembled two shrubs. At the sight, Marie-Louise immediately stood up and respectfully bowed to him. The goblin, whom Rosie understood to be Griffdur, returned the gesture by giving her a particularly loud hand-kiss, which he repeated to her two companions afterward. Rosie suppressed the urge to grimace as she felt the creature's dry lips and hooked nose touch her hand, but out of politeness, she responded to his greeting by mimicking her mother's gesture. Griffdur lingered on her, his small, lively and mischievous eyes looking at her with such intensity that she almost blushed.
"So, here is the famous Marie-Rose de Savoie," he said as he finished his greetings. "The subject of our meeting... At least one of the subjects, if I believe your last letter, my dear princess. Some tea, Madame de Lamballe?"
"I wouldn't say no," she admitted, sitting back down. "It will lift our spirits for the matters we will soon discuss."
The goblin nodded at her words and, with a snap of his fingers, produced a tray containing four cups emitting a delightful aroma and some biscuits. He circled around his desk to take his place and put on his best outfit: that of a director and banker.
"Where would you like to start?" he said casually, lifting one of the cups to his lips. "Time is money, you see, but I cannot refuse anything to my best client..."
"We would first like to entrust you with a rather compromising document. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could pose a danger to my family, and I am not willing to take such a risk..."
Griffdur raised an eyebrow, but soon the other urged him on when he saw Lily pull out a carefully tied parchment scroll from her small bag and handed it to him. The goblin, with an unusual dexterity for his kind, carefully untied the ribbon that held it together and cautiously unfurled it to read the contents. His face quickly disappeared behind the sheet as Rosie looked curiously at her two mothers, hoping one of them would explain what was going on.
"So, this is the paper that caused a stir across the channel," Griffdur muttered as he placed the sheet in front of him. "You can't even imagine the scandal it caused there, even with the sudden influx of money that mysteriously increased Gringott's gold reserves."
"We... We would like all of this to remain between us," Lily responded, looking embarrassed.
"Rest assured, madam, nothing that happens within our bank is known to the Ministry of Magic, especially when the service rendered is so well remunerated by this dear Princess de Lamballe," the goblin replied, grimacing in what was meant to be a smile to the named princess. "However, goblins do not usually initiate proceedings against their clients unless they no longer have enough money to pay for one of our vaults. Mr. Potter has been quite extravagant these past ten years, but he still has enough funds to remain a client of our London branch for quite some time. Therefore, what reason has my friend Ragnok put forward for launching an inspection at his residence?"
"Suspicious transfers abroad, it seems," Marie-Louise informed thoughtfully. "A nonsensical story in which your English counterparts would be surprised by money moving from Mr. Potter's vault to that of a notorious criminal in the eyes of the authorities. Mr. Ragnok was quite difficult to persuade for such an affair, but it was absolutely necessary to retrieve this paper from our target's home, even if a negligible amount of money changes hands."
"What is this paper then?" wondered Rosie, looking at them confusedly.
"The marriage contract between your brother and Daphne," Marie-Louise replied as her daughter now cast a curious glance at the parchment.
"But why now?" she asked curiously.
"When both of you left your former father's home, you omitted to take with you most of the documents linking you, in one way or another, to that family. It wouldn't have mattered if this marriage contract didn't bear the magical signatures of your brother and his fiancée. Your mother confessed this oversight to me a few weeks ago, and I thought it best to ensure that this contract did not fall into the wrong hands. Luckily, it seems that James has totally forgotten about its existence, but it was better not to wait any longer. I especially feared that the parchment would inform him of your brother's new identity. This precaution was necessary because when Gabriel changed identities, the parchment also changed the name of the future groom to Gabriel Louis-Victor Alexandre de Savoie, thereby providing a perfect clue to this man and Dumbledore about the location of the missing son and consequently the rest of his family."
"You did the right thing," replied her daughter, imagining what would have happened if that parchment had fallen into Dumbledore's hands.
"I know, and luckily, Gringott's promptly responded favorably to my request, although I now doubt they will be able to do me any favors for a long time. Pushing them to steal a document, even for money, remains, in their eyes, a shameful favor they are unlikely to forget."
"A necessary favor, given what you've told me," Griffdur remarked, crossing his fingers above the aforementioned contract.
The atmosphere immediately became heavy after these words, and everyone internally judged that the circumstances were indeed worth negotiating the services of the goblins.
"What if we move on to the second reason for our presence, specifically our daughter's?" Lily proposed, changing the subject.
"Good idea," Marie-Louise agreed, turning to Rosie. "You remember what I told you earlier, don't you, my dear?"
"How could I forget?" she exclaimed cheerfully. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long!"
"You should also know that this procedure will officially recognize you in Mr. Griffdur's eyes as my daughter, thus granting you access to everything concerning me in this bank, just like your brother. This recognition is granted only once, so make sure not to anger our partner, or he might ban you from our accounts for an indefinite time."
"I understand," she said patiently, casting a sidelong glance at the bank director.
"Remember, you'll need my permission to withdraw money for as long as I deem this procedure necessary, perhaps even until you reach your majority. I want to be sure you won't abuse this privilege once I grant it before leaving you entirely responsible for your actions. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes, Mother," replied Rosie. "Does that mean I won't have a purse like Gabriel?"
"Not right away," confirmed Marie-Louise. "Your brother is more trustworthy than you, and it only took me two years to realize that. Work on yourself and your behavior, and I'll reconsider my judgment of you."
Rosie simply nodded, determined to make changes. Meanwhile, Griffdur was rummaging through one of the drawers of his desk, searching for an object whose utility escaped Lily and her daughter.
"This cursed drawer..." he grumbled, literally pulling on the object in question. "I should have thought of enlarging it for such an occasion... Ah, finally!"
A moment later, a significantly-sized goblet proudly adorned his desk, and Rosie could then gaze at it comfortably. The chalice was quite unique, with a base shaped like a royal eagle, lifting a cup studded with gemstones and bordered with motifs carved in silver using its wings. A large white cross of Savoy on a red background was depicted on its surface amid ancient scenes recalling the glory days of this family. Inside the cup, at the bottom, was a sparkling ruby securely embedded within the chalice.
"You will now participate in an acceptance ritual, dear Marie-Rose," Griffdur announced, looking at her. "As the name implies, you must be recognized by the ruby at the bottom of this cup, which is directly connected to the one in the main vault of your family. Your blood will serve as an identification if you prefer, and the moment it comes into contact with this ruby, you will forever be allowed to enter all the vaults of the royal house of Savoy."
"So, you won't be able to enter then?" Rosie asked Lily sadly, turning to her.
"Unfortunately no," she confirmed with a smile.
"It's okay because I'll be able to give you as much gold as you want once I have access!" assured her daughter.
"With moderation," Marie-Louise reminded her, joining in the laughter her daughter's remark had triggered.
Griffdur then asked Rosie to stand up and place the palm of her hand just above the container. Once her two mothers reassured her about the pain she might feel, the goblin made a very superficial cut on her skin to collect the blood that flowed from the small cut. The few droplets gathered fell directly into the cup, and as the ruby came into contact with the blood, it suddenly began to shine with a blinding light that forced them to close their eyes for a few seconds. Then, as soon as the light disappeared, Griffdur urged her to drink her own blood to finalize the acceptance ritual, which Rosie did reluctantly.
"The twin stone to this ruby must now recognize you as its new mistress, my dear," announced the director, taking the cup and storing it back in the drawer of his desk. "You should have no trouble opening any of your vaults when you wish to enter. Follow me now," he said, getting up. "We'll put this contract where it shouldn't pose any danger to you anymore. We'll also see if your daughter is now granted access."
"What a brilliant idea," approved Marie-Louise, following him to the last door whose purpose was still unknown to them.
The small group set off again, but unlike before, Griffdur was a much more welcoming and friendly host than his employee. He animated the conversation throughout the journey to the extent that Rosie and her two mothers didn't even pay attention to the direction they were heading.
"Why did you say earlier that one simply needed to ask you what was happening in the third-floor corridor at Hogwarts to know?" Harry's sister asked curiously.
"In truth, I can only make some very dear assumptions," he replied. "The director's recommendation on this matter was made on the day of Hogwarts' return, or so we thought. On the same day, the Gringott's bank in London was burglarized, and the vault in question belonged precisely to Dumbledore. Nothing was taken from it because it had been emptied that very morning, so we can only assume that it is now at Hogwarts."
"And you don't know what was hidden inside, I presume?" Marie-Louise questioned.
"The secret affairs of our English colleagues are unknown to us, unfortunately, but we do the same with them. Each must keep a share of mystery," he added with an almost predatory smile.
"Could it be something dangerous?" Lily pondered. "But why hide it in a school full of children?"
"Perhaps because he cares little for the lives of his students?" Marie-Louise suggested bitterly. "So far, Hogwarts has been recognized as the safest place in the United Kingdom apart from Gringott's, maybe he hopes that its name alone will dissuade most from attempting to take this famous object..."
"Knowing the troubles dear Dumbledore gets into, I'd wager we'll know more soon," concluded Griffdur before gesturing for them to stop. "Here we are..."
Before them, at the end of the walkway situated within a large tunnel carved into the rock and illuminated by torches hanging on the walls, was a strange little wooden cart with four seats. Positioned on a sort of wooden track, the cart's wheels were grooved and molded to perfectly fit the rail on which they were placed. The track itself seemed to extend for miles, and while her two mothers wondered about this peculiar means of transportation, Rosie took the opportunity to admire in detail the astonishing appearance of what would likely be their tool to reach the strongrooms of her family.
"What is this?" Marie-Louise curiously asked the goblin, examining the cart in front of them.
"An invention directly from Russia, madam," replied Griffdur, opening the small door for access. "Muggles invented an activity called 'Roller Coasters,' which involves sliding a sled or a sleigh on a track specially designed for it, using the relief of the landscapes in which it is practiced. Gringott's bank in the Russian empire drew inspiration from it to create this new method of fast and comfortable travel, and as you can see, the concept is now spreading throughout the rest of the world. For now, unfortunately, we only have two major tracks constructed, including this one, but we plan to set up three new lanes in the years to come to connect these walkways to the strongrooms of our newest and less affluent clients."
"Why not start with them?" Rosie wondered, turning to him once she had taken her seat at the back alongside Lily. "If I'm not mistaken, the least wealthy wizards have vaults closest to the bank: You could have quickly enabled them to benefit from this means of transportation..."
"Although your concern is quite commendable, Miss de Savoie, Gringott's has always favored quality over quantity, especially concerning our most eminent clients," the goblin replied. "We make it a point to best satisfy those who, though in the minority, possess the greatest fortunes or whose family has trusted this bank for centuries, giving them priority in all the projects we implement. Thus, we wanted people like your mother to be the first beneficiaries of this rail cart, at the expense of poorer clients who are nonetheless closer to our position."
"It's not very nice to deprive the most needy of the benefits of your projects," she remarked grumpily.
"Marie-Rose!" Marie-Louise exclaimed, turning abruptly towards her. "Do not speak to our account manager in that manner!"
But the goblin, far from feeling offended by the young client's words, chuckled slightly as he took his place in the row of seats in front of Rosie and Lily, beside the Princess of Lamballe.
"Oh, please, could we go a little slower on the way back?" she implored, her face particularly pale.
"We cannot control the speed of these contraptions, madam, I am sorry," Griffdur replied, a tone that implied he was not sorry at all.
She sighed but managed to disengage herself from the cart, as did the other three, to face the heavy door. Rosie, after glancing at her mother and listening to her account manager's recommendations, placed her hand on the ruby in the center of the door. A small prick on her palm made her jump, but a few seconds later, the sound of mechanisms engaging was heard, and as she stepped back, the door began sliding into the wall, revealing a veritable mountain of gold and silver. Everywhere the eyes wandered, coins, ingots, gemstones, and an array of costly items stretched as far as the eye could see. Heavy trunks, carrying various objects, ancient books, clothing, and even weapons, occasionally added their brown hue to the wealth pile, and Rosie was surprised to see silhouettes wearing thick armors and heavily armed with axes, halberds, and even muskets marching amidst the piles of gold in a guarded manner.
"These armors are enchanted to give the illusion that a person is underneath," her mother explained as they entered, the armors bowing as soon as they saw their mistress and her daughter. "They will guard this vault even after my death, and you can be sure they'll take that role very seriously."
"I can vouch for that," added Griffdur behind them. "It's impossible for a goblin to enter here without risking being impaled by your guards."
"I think it's up to you to place this contract here," Lily then told him, handing him her brother's marriage contract with both hands.
An altar made of stone placed in a corner was deemed perfect for it, and with an almost imperious step, she walked over to delicately place the parchment binding her brother and his future sister-in-law forever. Satisfied, she turned back to Lily, Marie-Louise, and Griffdur, with a smile on her lips.
"Now they can be at peace," she said cheerfully. "But so can we!"
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