Chapter 172

The Bank Job

Lily stood in the garden of the safe house, looking at the gathered group. Everyone else was preparing to head to the Hog's Head, led by Ginny, with Lily having the small team ready for the attack on Diagon Alley.

Griphook had returned, with three of his brothers, who were there to help prepare and plan the final battle. They would be going to the Hog's Head as well, ready to take their friends and companions into the final battle. As it turned out, they had been making armour for a while, suspecting they would need to be prepared to fight Voldemort.

What impressed Lily was how easily Goblin's could manipulate their metal, to ensure that it could be adjusted for anyone, despite their size. She had been given, by Griphook, a special chain mail vest, that would deflect most, if not all, attacks. It hadn't been tested against the killing curse properly, but Lily wasn't going to let herself get hit by one anyway.

Sirius was also going to the muggle Prime Minister, to get the muggle teams ready for battle. Lily could feel the tension in the air, ready to fight.

"Griphook, are you sure you're ready for this? I know you've been checked over, but if you're not sure, I don't want you hurting yourself more," Lily said. Griphook looked up at her, smiling briefly at her.

"Thank you, Lily Potter, for your concern. I am ready, and we must do this now," Griphook replied.

"Alright. We'll be going under my cloak when we leave Ollivander's flat," Lily said, before explaining the rest of the plan. Griphook nodded.

"A good plan, Lily Potter," Griphook said, as he walked over to Lily. "Whilst it is distasteful, I should… ride on your shoulder. That way, I can guide you once we are in Gringotts."

"If you're sure," Lily agreed, nodding. "Thank you, for helping us. I spoke to the Minister, he's confirmed that he'll ensure the enchantments are removed, so it remains in your care when the war is over."

Griphook looked at Scrimgeour, who nodded. "After everything you've suffered, and how you're fighting to help us, how could we not give you this?" Scrimgeour asked. "We have a chance of a new beginning between our races. It's time to make sure we do this properly."

"We will see, but if you are speaking true, then this will be welcome," Griphook said. "I will see you when this is over."

"Agreed," Scrimgeour said, as he, Ollivander, Hermione, and Ron prepared themselves to go. Lily took a breath and looked at the group.

"Alright, let's get going. Mr. Ollivander, once you've gotten us in, can we get out without you being there?" Lily asked, as Kingsley, Nagini, and Bill arrived.

"You can," Ollivander confirmed.

"Then as soon as we're there, get back here. You don't need to fight, you've already been through too much," Lily insisted.

"We'll make sure you've got backup if you need it," Kingsley assured them.

"Hopefully, we won't need it. But wait for our signal. Don't go in prematurely. Hopefully, we'll be in and out quickly," Lily said, as Ollivander pulled out a small pouch, which Lily recognised held Floo Powder. "I hate Floo Powder," she said, as Ollivander lit the fire, before saying an incantation.

"You must be precise with your words," Ollivander said. "I will keep the fireplace open until you are there."

Lily watched as he called out the name of his flat, along with another word, a code word, before he threw some powder into the fireplace, and disappearing into the fire. Lily took some powder from the bag that was now on the table, and copied Ollivander, disappearing into the fireplace.

Looking out of the window of the now clean flat, after she had waved her wand to remove the dust and cobwebs that had built up, she saw the people walking up and down the street, also noticing Death Eaters in different places, though they weren't wearing their robes.

"Looks like Riddle's got his people everywhere," Lily said. "Still, shouldn't be too difficult. We need to be careful. We can't let them suspect anything."

"I've got my Polyjuice potion of an… unusual muggle we met when we were out," Ron said.

"And I've got mine ready as well, of a member of Viktor's family who is still abroad, but the story will be that I've been visiting, but I decided to stay here," Hermione added.

"Good plan," Scrimgeour said, nodding, as Hermione and Ron went into different rooms, taking their potion as they did. Lily used her wand to create a seat, of sorts, that she was able to put on her shoulders.

"Will this work, Griphook? I didn't want you to need to hold on," Lily said. Griphook clicked his fingers, hovering up and getting in the chair.

"Surprisingly comfortable," Griphook said. "Thank you."

"No problem," Lily said, as she pulled on the cloak, testing it. Scrimgeour looked at her as she vanished.

"Perfect, I can't see you or Griphook," Scrimgeour said, as Lily removed the hood.

"Good. Let's get ready to go," Lily said. A minute later, Ron and Hermione emerged, wearing their new clothes, with Ron having the look of a bearded man, who looked somewhat scruffy yet tall. He didn't look recognisable. He even managed to look gruff, without a hint of a smile.

Hermione looked older, and beautiful, with a cold glare and stern visage. She looked like she could be related to Bellatrix Lestrange.

"You both ready?" Lily asked.

"I am," Hermione said, her voice somewhat deeper.

"Let's make this happen," Ron said. Lily looked at them.

"Hermione, take the lead. Ron, beside Hermione, I'll be behind you, ready to cast the Imperius curse," Lily said, putting the cloak back on.

It didn't take long for them to be out in the street, walking casually down Diagon Alley, trying to not look around the place. As they passed by a Death Eater, Lily was trying not to launch herself at them. She recognised several of them, but still, she knew they had to focus.

"Lily Potter, we can kill them later. I know, and understand, that look," Griphook whispered.

"Thank you. Please, keep me focused," Lily whispered back. "I've got a lot of rage building up, after everything."

"I suspect I know why," Griphook told her, as they neared Gringotts. "You've been holding back the anger you feel for so long. Let that build up; when you cast your spell in the bank, it'll be more powerful."

"Good thinking," Lily agreed, as they approached the bank. As they did, there were several Auror's, and a Death Eater, as security.

"Identification," the lead Auror said. Lily waved her wand, whispering.

"Confundo," Lily whispered. She felt the anger building up, and sure the look on all the faces of security.

"If that's all, we can go in now?" Hermione asked. The lead Auror nodded, stepping out of the way.

Lily was able to slip in behind Hermione and Ron, thankful that the charm worked. She felt uneasy, being back in Gringotts after everything, but she was glad to see that no one was looking at them.

"Good spell work," Griphook complimented. "Direct your friends to the main desk, then make the clerk take them to Vault 685. It belongs to Anabella Travers, a cousin of the one who serves the Dark Lord."

"Hermione, ask them to take you to Vault 685, Anabella Travers. Trust me, and Griphook," Lily whispered to Hermione, who nodded softly. As they reached the desk, the Goblin frowned, clearly not recognizing them.

"I'm here to get into my vault, number 685," Hermione insisted. The Goblin went to speak, but Lily waved her wand.

"Imperio," Lily whispered. The Goblin looked at them, with his eyes glossing over briefly.

"Very good, ma'am," the Goblin said, summoning someone to escort them.

"Alright, you'll need to use the curse on him as well," Griphook whispered. Lily nodded as the escort came over, so Lily cast the Imperius curse again, making sure the Goblin was compliant. She hated that curse, but thankfully, they were going exactly where they needed to go.

As the group sat in the cart that would take them to the vault, Griphook looked at Lily. "Be ready," Griphook whispered. "The spell will soon be broken. There's a waterfall coming up, the Thieves Demise. I don't know what'll happen next, but we need to be ready to act."

"Can we not divert the water?" Lily asked softly.

"Unfortunately not," Griphook replied. "But we might be okay if we're careful. Try a shield spell, make it as powerful as you can."

Lily nodded, removing the cloak. The Goblin didn't react as Griphook leapt out of the seat, which Lily then made disappear.

"Heads up, I'm about to create a shield. I'll need all of you to help," Lily said. "Protego Maxima!" she called out, with Hermione and Ron casting the same spell. The shield covered the cart as the waterfall approached.

"Hold on, and let's hope," Griphook said. Everyone grabbed hold of the cart as it passed under the waterfall. Lily held her breath, and as they did, the water struck the shield, splitting into two and heading down the sides. However, as they did, the cart stopped, and a light emerged from the cart, flashing and sending out a siren.

"Bloody hell, what's going on?" Ron asked.

"The shield diverted the water, but the enchantment was detected," Griphook said. "Hold on!" he exclaimed.

Lily was about to ask what was going on, but the bottom of the cart opened up suddenly, dropping the group falling downwards, screaming at the suddenness of what had happened. Thankfully, Hermione was quick to recover, and waved her wand, making the group slow down before they struck the ground, ensuring that they weren't hurt.

"Thank Merlin you were here, Hermione," Lily panted.

"I'm sorry, I hoped your spell would prevent the Thieves Downfall from working," Griphook said.

"Not your fault," Lily replied, looking up. "Is everyone okay?"

"Yeah, but we need to get moving," Ron replied. "What would the waterfall have done if it had hit us?"

"The Polyjuice potion would have reversed itself," Griphook replied. Ron went to where the waterfall was pouring downwards and ducked his head into it, reversing the Polyjuice potion. Hermione did the same thing, understanding what he was doing.

"No point in staying hidden now," Hermione agreed, nodding at Ron. "Good thinking."

"Thank you," Ron said, as Griphook looked at the Goblin, Bogrod.

"I know this is a lot to take in," Griphook said to Bogrod.

"What… what's going on?" Bogrod demanded.

"Right now, we need to get something to stop the Dark Lord, from Vault 687," Griphook said. "I want you to help us, please."

"This… this is… we swore an oath!" Bogrod insisted.

"Bogrod, the Dark Lord is using us to hide the darkest of items, and we are just his patsies. That is why I left," Griphook insisted. "Come, help us, please. Things are changing, and we need to find the right course for our people. Lily Potter saved my life and is changing everything. Even the Ministry, the true Ministry, wants to change things for the better."

"Bogrod, please, we need you," Lily said, kneeling in front of him. "I wouldn't ask, but we need to do this, for the sake of everyone. The Dark Lord can't be allowed to succeed. He doesn't care about any of you, but I do, and I want you to be free. I'm sorry I made you come down here, but please, help us."

Bogrod looked at both of them, before nodding.

"This way, hurry," he said, leading them away from where they had landed.

As they reached a large area, full of tunnels, Bogrod made them stop as they reached the end of one tunnel, grabbing a bell.

"This is one of the most secure areas of Gringotts," Griphook explained. "We have got protection down here, and the bell keeps us safe," he added, as Bogrod began to make the bell chime. There was a loud roar as the group emerged from the tunnel, revealing a Dragon on a chain near to them. It seemed to be cowering and moving away from the sound of the bell.

"It looks like it's scared of the bell," Hermione noted.

"It is. When the bank was created, it was decided Dragons would be the best security for this section. The Dragons, over the years, have been trained to know that if they go near the bell, they'll be in pain," Griphook said. Lily could see he looked uncomfortable in saying that.

"You don't like it, do you?" Lily asked softly.

"Once, I did, but after everything I've been through… it gives a different perspective, Lily Potter," Griphook replied, as Bogrod led them towards a large vault door.

"Vault Six Hundred and Eighty Seven," Bogrod said, as he ran his finger down the door, which caused several gears and cogs to start whirring.

"If anyone other than a Gringotts Goblin tries that, they get pulled in, and left there until the Vault is open again. People have died in that way," Griphook said, as the door slowly began to open. "What is the Horcrux we're looking for?"

"A silver goblet, which belonged to Helga Hufflepuff," Hermione replied.

"Be careful not to touch anything else," Bogrod said. "This vault is protected by Germino and Flagrante Curses."

"Anything we touch will burn us, and multiply, which could crush us to death by the weight of it," Hermione said instantly.

"I see what you mean about her way of answering questions immediately, even if it isn't asked," Griphook looked at Lily, chuckling.

"Yeah, it's helped us out," Lily smiled as Hermione blushed.

"There are guards coming. Be quick, I will keep them distracted," Bogrod said, as he went outside of the vault.

"Eyes open, it'll be somewhere hard to reach, knowing Bellatrix," Lily said. "And don't touch anything."

"No need to tell us twice," Ron said, as he began to look around.

"After this one, how many more Horcruxes are there?" Griphook asked.

"One, and it's at Hogwarts, it's Ravenclaw's lost Diadem," Lily replied, as she began to carefully look at everything without touching anything.

"So, this war is almost over. That's good to hear," Griphook said.

"Lily, I think we have something," Hermione said. Lily turned around and saw a goblet on the top of a pile of galleons.

"Okay, great, so we found what we need, but can we get it?" Lily asked.

"I can," Griphook said. He clicked his fingers and began to hover upwards.

"I never knew Goblins could hover," Ron said, his eyes wide.

"There's a lot you don't know about us, Ron Weasley," Griphook said, as he carefully picked up the goblet, before lowering himself.

"We can't destroy it here, it'll cause a shockwave, sending us flying into the treasure. We'll be crushed," Hermione said.

"Alright, let's get out of here," Lily said, as she led the way to the door. As she reached it, Bogrod came rushing in.

"Death Eaters!" Bogrod said, his eyes wide.

"We're trapped," Griphook said. Lily let out a soft growl of anger. They had gotten so close, but in that moment, it seemed like they were about to lose everything.