Upon hearing Auston's words, Wentworth gave a noncommittal nod and replied casually:
"Well done. Once this is over, Gringotts and the Ministry of Magic will no doubt launch an investigation. If they hear what happened that night from those curse-breakers, Bill might fall under suspicion."
"Since we've promised the Weasley family to ensure Bill's safety, we might as well eliminate the threat at the source."
As they spoke, Rosier and Carrow approached. Carrow was dragging along a goblin in his hand. The moment they reached Wentworth's side, Carrow voiced his displeasure:
"Master, this fight today was terribly unsatisfying! Not the slightest bit of challenge! How about this—let me lead our men straight into the lower vaults of Gringotts?"
Wentworth didn't even glance at Carrow. Instead, he looked down at the goblin Carrow had thrown at his feet, his expression cold as stone.
"You have ten minutes. Free our imprisoned comrades from your vaults. If I don't see them in ten minutes—then for every five minutes that pass, I will kill a goblin. One by one. Until Gringotts exists no more in London."
The goblin trembled with fear, seemingly wanting to say something. But Carrow didn't give him the chance. No sooner had Wentworth spoken than Carrow seized the goblin and hurled him away.
The goblin stumbled and crawled frantically out of Gringotts' main hall, disappearing down a passage that led underground.
At the same time that the Alliance stormed into Gringotts, Diagon Alley was thrown into chaos.
Especially when the symbol of the Deathly Hallows flared into the sky above Gringotts, panic broke out among the wizards in the alley as they scrambled to flee.
Inside Flourish and Blotts, a hushed unease settled over the crowd as they stared at the ominous mark in the sky.
Lucius Malfoy turned to his son, Draco, with a look of shock—only to see Draco wearing the same stunned expression. Lucius frowned. Why was his son, a member of the Alliance, completely unaware of this operation?
But then he remembered Draco's age. Lucius felt reassured. Wentworth must have kept him in the dark to protect him, he thought.
Just then, an idea struck Lucius. He turned toward Arthur Weasley, standing a short distance away, and said with a trace of provocation:
"Arthur, you do know what's happening, don't you? The Alliance is laying siege to Gringotts. As a Ministry official, shouldn't you be doing something to stop them? Protecting the British wizarding world is your job, isn't it?"
Bill cut in immediately.
"And what about you, Lucius? Just going to stand here and watch?"
Lucius shrugged, completely unfazed.
"I'm afraid I'm just a humble citizen, not a Ministry man. My only duty is to protect myself."
As much as Bill seethed with frustration, he had to admit—Lucius wasn't wrong. Arthur, as a representative of the Ministry, couldn't stand idle.
Arthur stepped forward.
"Lucius, while I know you didn't say that out of goodwill, you're right. As someone in the Ministry, I do have a duty to act."
With that, Arthur moved toward the door of the bookshop. Before leaving, he gave his eldest son, Bill, a meaningful glance—a silent reassurance not to worry.
Bill understood. His father was telling him that everything would be fine. After all, he had just passed on crucial intelligence to Wentworth, effectively placing himself in Wentworth's good graces.
Still, Bill couldn't just stand by and let his father go to Gringotts alone. If anything happened to him, Bill would never forgive himself.
"I'm coming with you, Dad."
Arthur opened his mouth to protest, but before he could speak, Molly Weasley stepped in, leading Ginny by the hand. She said firmly:
"Arthur, we're a family. Wherever we go, we go together."
Arthur hesitated, then gave a quiet nod.
Seeing the Weasleys preparing to march out of the bookshop together, Harry suddenly stood up.
"Wait—I'm coming too. Maybe I can be of some help."
Harry had already made up his mind. If the Alliance tried to harm the Weasleys, he'd use Wentworth's name to protect them. Given his relationship with Wentworth, it might just work.
Ron immediately pulled Harry into a hug.
"Thanks, mate. You really are my best friend."
Draco, who had been watching, also stepped forward.
"I'm coming with you too, Harry."
Lucius looked like he was about to object, but after a brief pause, he reconsidered. Perhaps this was the perfect opportunity to get closer to Wentworth—and prove their loyalty. In an uncharacteristically warm gesture, Lucius placed a hand on Draco's head and said:
"Well done, Draco. You're growing up now. Time to make your own choices. Your father will always support you."
Even Arthur, long-time rival of Lucius, was visibly surprised by his words.
As more wizards inside the bookshop stepped forward to join the cause, the group steadily grew. And just then, someone shouted:
"Wait! We've got Gilderoy Lockhart with us! With Professor Lockhart, at least we'll be safe!"
The atmosphere in Flourish and Blotts shifted at once. All eyes turned toward the center of the shop, where Gilderoy Lockhart was hiding behind a stack of books.
Lockhart, who had been keeping a low profile, suddenly felt all eyes upon him and froze. But he recovered quickly, stood up, waved his hand dramatically, and said:
"But of course, everyone! Naturally I will see to your safety! These are merely common wizards we're dealing with. Need I remind you—I've come and gone freely among the Yeti clans!"
"Now, if you'll allow me to slip into something a bit more appropriate, I'll accompany you to Gringotts at once!"
He turned to head toward the back of the store—but hadn't gone more than a few steps before Molly Weasley caught him by the arm. Beaming, she said:
"No need to change, Professor Lockhart. You look absolutely dashing as you are! We're all relieved to have you with us."
"Perhaps, by the end of the day, you'll even have the material for a new book. 'Lockhart and the Battle of Gringotts'—what do you think?"
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