Chapter 170

Goblins, Banks, and Wand Makers

Almost a week had gone by from the rescue of Malfoy Manor, with Lily helping the now rescued prisoners as much as possible. The muggles had been treated, and their memories were wiped, in order to protect them and to ensure they didn't suffer with the nightmares of their captivity.

Lily had thought it a bad idea, in case the memories weren't fully gone, but she had agreed it was best to ensure they could go home. The other prisoners were struggling, of course, with Lana counselling them as best she could. What impressed Lily most was how Luna didn't seem to be bothered at all. Lily had to wonder whether it was because of what happened when she was a child, or if she was just that strong. Either way, Luna seemed to be back to normal.

"I'm just glad you're okay, Luna," Lily said, smiling at her as they sat together, eating breakfast. "When we heard you didn't return to Hogwarts, we were afraid."

"Oh, it wasn't too bad," Luna replied, almost dreamily. "I was glad to have company. Mr. Ollivander struggled, but we got to know each other well. And Griphook opened up eventually, but he was mostly left alone."

"Still, you shouldn't have had to go through any of that," Lily said. "I'm sorry we didn't rescue you sooner."

"You've been busy saving the world, Lily. You can't rescue everyone," Luna said, smiling. "I knew you'd come and find us when you could."

"Always," Lily promised. "You're our friend, and part of our family."

"That means a lot. Thank you," Luna told her, smiling sweetly at Lily. "Have you spoken to my father?

"Not yet, but I know Lana's been helping him. Whilst he has suffered, I know he's got a strong heart, especially since he raised someone as sweet as you," Lily told her.

"Thank you for saying so," Luna blushed at the compliment.

"We've almost won this war, so it won't be long before we help you rebuild your home," Lily told her.

"I knew you could do it," Luna complimented. "Have you got much left to do?"

"We figure two more fights," Lily told her, taking a sip of her juice. "We've got to break into Gringotts, and then we'll be going back to Hogwarts for the final battle."

"I want to help," Luna said firmly. For a brief moment, Lily could see a fire in Luna's eyes. She needed to help with the fight, Lily could see that.

"As long as you stay with someone during the fight," Lily said. "We'll handle the bank, but you'll be there for the final battle."

"If you need to get into Hogwarts, you might want to speak to the landlord of the Hog's Head," Luna said. Lily remembered something Dumbledore had told him.

"That's run by Dumbledore's brother, isn't it?" Lily asked. Luna nodded happily.

"It is. When we were using the Room of Requirement and needed food, a passage appeared, leading to there, and he provided us with all the food and drink we needed," Luna said.

"That's brilliant, thanks Luna," Lily said, kissing her cheek. "I think you just helped us find our way into Hogwarts without making a scene! You really are a genius."

"Oh, I just know some things. Hermione's the real genius," Luna replied. "But I'm glad I was able to help."

"You've helped a lot. I'm glad you're here," Lily said, grinning. "Soon, this whole thing will be over."

"Are you going to speak to Griphook? I should go with you; he likes me," Luna suggested. Lily nodded.

"Okay, after breakfast, we'll go and speak to him," Lily said. She hadn't expected Luna to know too much about what had been happening, because of how she had been kept prisoner, but once again, Lily knew she'd underestimated her friend. Now they could get into Hogwarts easily, making their final battle a lot easier. Maybe they could even find the Horcrux before Voldemort knew they were at the castle.

"How are you feeling, Griphook?" Lily asked, as she, Luna, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron entered his room, after being invited to do so.

"I am feeling a little better, thank you," Griphook replied, looking out of the window. He looked deep in thought, and Lily understood why. Whilst his external injuries were healed, it would take a long time to heal the internal wounds, the ones that could never be seen.

"I'm sorry we couldn't get to you sooner, Griphook," Lily said, as she sat down. "I never forgot how you were the first Goblin I spoke to, at Gringotts."

"You remember me then?" Griphook asked. "You are a most unusual witch, Lily Potter. There are not many who would care about Goblins, or even remember us."

"That's because they don't understand what it's like to be ostracised just for being yourself," Lily said kindly.

"Yes, I suppose that is something you would know personally, isn't it?" Griphook agreed. "I must confess, I did not expect any of your kind to care enough to help, but since being here, I have been treated like an equal, which I appreciate."

"You are an equal, Griphook. You also helped keep Luna company, and whilst I wish you were never there, you were there for her, and I'll never forget that," Lily told him. "I want to let you rest, but I need your help, if you're willing."

"My help?" Griphook asked. "I'm not sure what help I can give."

"More than you know. I need to ask, have you ever heard of Horcruxes?" Lily asked. She took a breath, wondering if he did know.

"I have," Griphook confirmed. "I know they are exceptionally dark and dangerous artefacts, and those who use them could be seen as immortal."

"Essentially, yes," Lily confirmed. "Riddle, that's You-Know-Who's real name, since his name has a taboo, well, we know he created a number of them."

"That would explain how he has been able to return from the dead," Griphook said, finally turning and meeting Lily's gaze. "Again, you prove yourself unusual. There are not many, if any, who would openly reveal this to me."

"Well, this is why we need your help. We believe that there's a Horcrux in Gringotts, in the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange, and if we're going to win, we need to destroy it. We have a way to destroy it, but we need your help getting in," Lily said, pulling out the Sword of Gryffindor from its sheath. Griphook looked at it, his eyes widening slightly.

"The Sword of Gryffindor, a fine Goblin made weapon, presented to Gryffindor centuries ago. Do you know how Goblin's view ownership of items that are Goblin made?" Griphook asked.

"They see it more as a loan until the person dies, but wizarding kind doesn't agree with this. They see something that when it is paid for, it is owned by the one who paid for it," Hermione spoke up. Lily chuckled softly.

"Whenever Hermione hears a question being asked, it's her nature to answer it immediately," Lily explained. Griphook chuckled softly at that.

"That is an extraordinary gift you have, Hermione Granger," Griphook said.

"You remember me as well from when I first went to Gringotts?" Hermione asked. "I know the memory of Goblins is impressive, and you told me about it when I was exchanging muggle money the first time I was there."

"Another of your kind who impresses me. This is a strange day indeed," Griphook said. "I assume you will need me to get you into Gringotts. You understand that I am not able to just walk in anymore?"

"We know, we're working on a plan to get in, but we don't know our way around. You do; I'd be surprised if you didn't know every part of the bank," Lily said.

"I do, and I can assist. But I have a question," Griphook said. "If I were to help you, but I demanded payment of that sword, which should have been in the hands of Goblins, what would you say?"

Lily thought for a few moments. "When I was given the sword, I promised to return it to Hogwarts at the end of the war. I would need to speak to Minister Scrimgeour, but I would agree to give it to you, but only after we have won the war. It is currently enchanted to me, so that enchantment would need to be broken, but currently, it is our only simple way of destroying a Horcrux," Lily replied.

"And how is that so? Goblin metal is not that powerful," Griphook said.

"In my second year at Hogwarts, I fought a Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. I stabbed it through the head with this sword, and it absorbed the venom of the Basilisk. Goblin metal is impervious to anything except that which makes it stronger, and now it's enhanced with the blood of a Basilisk," Lily explained. Griphook nodded.

"You could have lied to me, and said yes, but not intended to give it back, yet I believe you when you say these words," Griphook said. He thought carefully, keeping his eyes on Lily, who met his gaze. "You have a strong soul, Lily Potter. Here is my proposal. I will assist you and help you to defeat the Dark Lord. I will encourage my people to help in this battle. My family are master forgers, in terms of weapons and armour. I will request they help provide armour for the upcoming battle, and weapons. In return, when the war is done, I will want the Sword of Gryffindor returned to me, to be placed in one of our sacred museums. It was forged by my ancestor, who was a great maker of weapons," Griphook said, holding out his hand.

Lily didn't hesitate. She knew she'd need to convince Scrimgeour, but he did say that anything she needed to win, he'd provide, so she was certain he would agree.

"I agree, and I will ensure that it is given to you, Griphook," Lily agreed, shaking his hand. Griphook smiled at her.

"It is nice to meet a witch who is honest and respectful. This war will be won, by you, and I will ensure it is done. I would like an escort to come with me today to see my family; we will need to move quickly," Griphook said.

"I think weapons would be better than armour, unless you can make armour that can repel even the killing curse," Ron suggested.

"There is a way, I believe, but I will speak to my family. Wizarding kind have never asked us about that, but we do know our metal better than anyone else," Griphook allowed himself a wide grin.

"I'll call my brother, Bill," Ginny said. "He's worked with Goblins for years, and he has friends amongst your kind."

"Yes, Ginny Weasley, I know of your brother. He will be an excellent escort," Griphook said.

"Griphook, may I hug you? I'm glad you're here, and I'm glad we're friends," Luna said. Griphook nodded, and Luna knelt down, embracing him in a warm hug.

"Your friendship kept me going down there," Griphook said softly. "I am thankful for you, Luna Lovegood. You, and Lily Potter, I name Goblin friend, for you have shown your love and respect for our kind. I hope the future brings more like you," Griphook added, as he stood up, ready to go and find Bill, and to leave for his journey.

"Whilst it would be a loss for Hogwarts, I did promise you my full support, and if this is needed, then so be it," Scrimgeour said, looking at Lily. "I will not make a liar out of you, and it clearly means much to Griphook."

"He's a good man, and he wants to help. I don't understand why people are so prejudiced against his kind, but we need to change that," Lily said. Scrimgeour nodded.

"Indeed we do. Much needs to happen for a better world, and you, I think, are the one who will bring that world. Not only are you bringing together Muggles and Wizarding Kind, but also Goblins, House Elves, and all manner of magical beings. It is not something that I would have ever expected to see, but it is welcome," Scrimgeour said, smiling at her.

Lily felt a tear welling up in her eye; she wasn't very good at taking praise, but it always warmed her heart.

"So, Ollivander next?" Ginny asked. Lily nodded.

"Yeah, we need to ask him about the Elder wand," Lily agreed. "I hope he can help us, but I know he's going to be struggling with everything."

"I don't blame him, after everything he's been through. He's been a prisoner for a long time, and that will have an impact on anyone's mental health," Scrimgeour said softly.

"You're not kidding. Is Lana still busy?" Lily asked.

"She's right now speaking with Xenophilius Lovegood. The poor man has essentially had a mental break a long time ago, and being a prisoner almost destroyed him. I think the fact that Luna was there with him kept him going. Being a parent is an amazing gift," Scrimgeour said.

"Have you got children?" Lily asked.

"No, sadly not. I've always been so busy with work. I was married once, but my work became my wife, and my wife became my mistress, and before too long, she wanted to move on. I can't say I blame her; I was obsessed with making the world safer for so many," Scrimgeour said sadly.

"Never say never. I mean, I don't know how well things are going with you and Mrs. Weasley, but I have no doubt that you'd make some amazing kids," Lily told him. Scrimgeour chuckled.

"Molly has been a rock in these dark days and having her with me is a gift that I will never take for granted," Scrimgeour assured her. "And Percy has been a fantastic aide to me, running the underground here. When I retake the Ministry, I'll be having him as my senior aide. Eventually, he'll rise to the position of Deputy Minister, or maybe the Minister for Magic, unless Hermione beats him to the punch," he added, with a small laugh.

"Well, whoever ends up as Minister will do a fantastic job. Do you want to join us? We'll go and speak to Mr. Ollivander now," Lily said.

"After you," Scrimgeour said. Lily took Ginny's hand and walked with her and the others. When they reached Ollivander's room, Lily knocked on the door, waiting for the gentle voice inviting them in. Lily led the way, seeing Lana sitting in a chair, with Ollivander in another chair.

"Mr. Ollivander, are you feeling okay to talk? We need your help with something," Lily said kindly. "Lana can stay if it'll help you."

"Of course, my dear, of course," Ollivander replied. "I cannot thank you enough for getting me out of that dreadful place."

"I'm only sorry we couldn't help sooner," Lily told him. "We… well, we think we know why he wanted you as his prisoner. He was having problems with his wand whenever he fought me, wasn't he?"

"He… he…" Ollivander stammered, but Lana took his hand.

"Garrick, it's okay. Remember, you've done nothing wrong, and you're safe, and among friends here," Lana told him softly. Ollivander nodded, taking a few deep breaths.

"Thank you, Lana. You've been an amazing help. I think you would have made a fantastic Medi witch," Ollivander complimented, before looking at Lily. "Yes, he was very angry and didn't understand why. I tried to keep the information from him… but he kept torturing me, so… eventually, I told him what I knew."

"I'm glad you did, because he might have killed you otherwise, and that's not something we want to have happen," Lily told him, taking his other hand and sitting on a chair next to him. "You did what you needed to, in order to survive."

"Thank… thank you, for saying so," Ollivander told her. "I… I've been feeling a little better, especially now I was able to make a wand for young Luna. I want to make more, for those who need them."

"We'll get you everything you need," Scrimgeour promised.

"Thank you, Minister," Ollivander said. "Do you know why his wand wouldn't work?"

"We do. To begin with, it was because his wand has the same as mine, a tail feather from Fawkes, Dumbledore's Phoenix," Lily said. "When two twins are forced to fight, one will be stronger than the other, based on purity of heart."

"Exactly!" Ollivander exclaimed, looking a little pleased that Lily knew that. "I didn't understand, however, why another wand wouldn't work."

"I do," Lily said. "The connection that was forged between the wands wasn't just in the wands themselves. There is a bond between them, but because Riddle's wand began the connection, it was strengthened by another connection that he and I have," Lily explained.

"Another connection?" Ollivander asked, frowning.

"Years ago, when he killed my parents, he had cast a spell to create a Horcrux. He has multiple of them, and he intended to use my death to be a new one. However, when his body died after the spell reflected off him, I became a Horcrux, which forged a bond," Lily explained. She knew she was taking a risk, but she needed Ollivander's help, and didn't want to lie to him.

Ollivander nodded, looking thoughtful. "Yes, that would do it. There would be a strong bond between the two of you, and so even with another wand, You-Know-Who would not be able to harm you, because your heart is purer," he said.

"Exactly. So, he wanted to know about the Elder Wand," Lily said. "The Death Stick, as some called it."

"Yes, indeed. Legend has always said it was the most powerful wand to exist," Ollivander confirmed. "He wanted me to duplicate it, but there was no way I could. The power in that wand is unlike any I have ever seen before."

"I bet he didn't like that," Ron commented.

"No, he did not," Ollivander agreed, as Lana gently squeezed his hand in support. "I did try to duplicate it, but it would never be powerful enough. It has a Thestral tail hair at its core, and yet despite having many hairs from Thestrals, none of them would give the power. I made exact duplicates, but none of them worked as well as Riddle would like, or even as well as the Elder Wand."

"Have you ever heard of the Deathly Hallows?" Hermione asked. Ollivander frowned.

"The what?" Ollivander asked.

"Deathly Hallows. It's related to a kid's story called The Tale of the Three Brothers," Hermione explained.

"I know of that story; I told my children the stories when they were younger," Ollivander replied. "Are you saying that the story is true?"

"Not entirely. I mean, Death didn't give them the three items; they were the Peverell brothers, and were just exceptionally powerful wizards," Lily replied. "There is the Resurrection Stone, the Cloak of Invisibility, and the Elder Wand. Legend says that whoever possesses all three is immortal and immune from death."

"I did not think such a thing possible," Ollivander admitted. "Does he have the other two?"

"He doesn't know of them. He only sees the Elder Wand as a powerful weapon. However, I have the other two," Lily admitted. "We wanted to find the wand before Riddle, but we were too late."

"Yes, there were stories years ago that the wandmaker, Gregorovitch, had the wand, but that it was stolen from him," Ollivander replied.

"It was, by Grindelwald. Dumbledore then had it, and now Riddle has it," Lily explained, sighing.

"Perhaps not," Ollivander said. Lily frowned, feeling her heart miss a beat. Was there hope?

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.

"Do you remember what I told each of you when you first came for your wands?" Ollivander asked.

"You said that the Wand chooses the wizard," Ron spoke up.

"Or the witch, yes. Wand lore is an extremely complex branch of magic. People can't just put the wood and the core together and expect to make a wand. No, there is a great deal more, and wands bond with their owner," Ollivander said. "I'm sure that if you've had to use another wand, you've found it doesn't work quite as well, much like when Riddle used a spare wand before."

"I remember when my first wand broke, I felt completely broken. Even though it had been my brother Charlie's wand, I felt a bond, and when it broke, I felt like I was missing a part of me," Ron told them all.

"It seems that the wand accepted you as the new owner, given that it was given to you through an act of love. But you can't take a wand from a dead person and expect it to fully obey you. Any witch or wizard can make use of a strong wand, but unless it is earnt or given properly, it will not work at its best," Ollivander replied.

"Wait, so who would own the wand now then?" Lily asked, confused.

"Whoever it was that killed or took the wand from Albus Dumbledore would be the new owner. Riddle does not know this; it was one of the few things I was able to keep from him, because he never cared to ask the right questions," Ollivander explained. Lily's eyes widened as she turned to the others.

"My god. That… the Elder Wand doesn't belong to Riddle!" Lily exclaimed.

"No," Ginny agreed, having made the same connection. "It belongs to Professor Snape!"