Harry Potter who worked in a bank. In the footsteps of Harry Potter in London
And Ariana Dumbledore. The House of Potters, located on the outskirts of the village, has been preserved by magicians as a kind of memorial to the “Boy Who Lived.”
Little Hangleton
Little Hangleton- a village nestled between two hills, on one of which stands the “Riddle House”. The Riddles themselves have not lived there for a very long time. In the summer of 1943, they were all found dead. The police never found the killer; to be honest, they didn’t even find the cause of death: all three, Mr. and Mrs. Riddle and their son Tom, were absolutely healthy at the time of death. The house has since had several owners, but none of them lived there for long. The last owner of the House of Riddle did not appear there at all.
The remains of the Riddle family rest in the local cemetery. It was here, at his father's grave, that Voldemort was reborn. Here, in front of his faithful Death Eaters, he had a duel with young Harry Potter and shamefully lost...
There is another attraction in Little Hangleton, but few residents know about it, and those who know do not consider it a landmark: for example, an old dilapidated hut. But this is where the Gloom family lived, the last direct descendants of Hogwarts founder Salazar Slytherin. The fate of these people is sad. Merope Gloom ran away in 1926 with the son of the Riddle owners, Tom, who later abandoned her while pregnant. After giving birth to a child, she died in a Muggle orphanage. Marvolo Gloom outlived his daughter by only a few years, and Morfin Gloom ended his days in Azkaban for a murder he did not commit.
Little Winding
Little Winding- a small town, a suburb of London, where the family of Harry Potter’s aunt Petunia Dursley lives and where Harry Potter himself lived. Until he was eleven years old, he did not leave Little Winding, and after entering Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he came here for the summer holidays until the years of 1997 inclusive. The town is located not far from London: Uncle Vernon goes there every day to work.
12 Grimmauld Place
This house is located in the Muggle part of London, in an uncomfortable and dirty quarter. The house is hidden from Muggles by an undetectability charm.
For a long time the owners of this house were the Black family, and after the death of the last of them, Sirius Black, the house was inherited by his godson Harry Potter according to his will. Along with the house, Harry inherited the house elf Kreacher.
Cottage "Shell"
Cottage "Shell"- a small cute house on the seashore, where newlyweds Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour settled.
I came here younger brother Bill Ron when he quarreled with Harry and Hermione. Here he sat out until he found a way to find his friends again. Dobby brought the prisoners rescued from the cellars of the Malfoy estate here. And in the garden of Shell Cottage, Harry dug a grave for him, because this rescue cost Dobby his life.
Privet Drive
Diagon Alley
Daily Prophet Office
Sovarium Ilopsa
Flourish and Blotts
"Flourish and Blotts"- A bookstore that sells huge amount magic books. This store is where schoolchildren (including Harry Potter and friends) buy their Hogwarts textbooks. In the store window there are usually gold-embossed books with spells. In the third book, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” instead of them there was a cage with a hundred copies of “The Monstrous Book of Monsters.”
In the book "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" in this store, Harry first meets Goldenlocks, who almost forcibly drags Harry into the frame of the camera of the Daily Prophet reporters. There was also a fight between Lucius Malfoy and Arthur Weasley. There, Lucius Malfoy slipped Tom Riddle's diary into Ginny Weasley's cauldron of textbooks.
Gringotts
The founder of the bank is the goblin Gringott
The 1 galleon coin is made of 375 (9 carat) gold. Coin diameter 19 mm, thickness 0.5 mm. Weight - 1.98 grams.
"All kinds of magical pests"- the Weasley twins' store, which they opened in early 1996 at 93 Diagon Alley. The main specialty of the store is magical jokes and gags. However, it is not limited to this. At All Kinds of Pests you can buy love potions, Patented Charms, and even dwarf fluffies ( magical creatures, which is pink and purple fluffy balls. Very cute little squeaking creatures that girls really like.). There is also a very serious department here that sells things endowed with protective magic: hats-robes-and gloves-shields, Powder of instant darkness, Distracting deceptions... The only thing that unites all these various products is invariably high quality and an amazing level of magic. In addition, many things are exclusive designs of Fred and George; you will not buy anything like this anywhere. And one more distinguishing feature products “from Weasley”: they approach even the most seemingly terrible things with humor. Consider, for example, some of the names: “Edible Black Marks - Anyone Will Puke!” or "Reusable Hangman". And to parody the Ministry of Magic poster that hung in all the windows of Diagon Alley in the summer of 1996 was not only a bold, mischievous act, but also an excellent PR move. It is not surprising that “All kinds of magic pests” is a profitable establishment.
Products "from Weasley"
- Barf Bars
- Magnificent explosive
- "Reusable hangman"
- Strike breakfasts
- Taffy "Hypertongues"
- Canary sweets
- Bloody Candies
- Fever Lollipops
- "Beginner Scoundrel Kit"
- Fainting nuts
- Distracting deceptions
- Instant Darkness Powder
- Edible Black Marks
- Fake magic wands
- Fireworks "Hocus Pocus"
Lyutny Lane
Lyutny Lane adjacent to Diagon Alley and occupies a smaller area. This is a crooked, darkened street with shops selling dark artifacts and ingredients for dark magic. The most famous of them is the Gorbin and Burke shop. Wizards who use the services of these establishments usually prefer not to advertise this.
"Gorbin and Burke"
"Gorbin and Burke"- the Gorbin and Burke store was located in Knockturn Lane, a place inhabited by thieves, scammers and dealers in Dark artifacts. The Gorbin and Burke store dealt with the latter. There were a lot of truly powerful Dark things in this shop - instruments of torture, masks, loops, cursed objects.
Merope Gloom took the Slytherin Medallion to Gorbin and Burke when, already very pregnant, she desperately needed money. The store owner paid her only 10 galleons for this unique item.
Tom Riddle went to work at Gorbin and Burke, hoping (and not in vain) with the help of the store to find artifacts associated with the names of the founders of Hogwarts.
Harry Potter, who accidentally missed the fireplace in the second book, ends up in Gorbin and Burke and receives some useful information there.
Hogsmeade is located on the other side of the lake near Hogwarts. School students, starting from the third year, can visit the village on weekends if they have permission from their parents or guardians.
There are many shops in Hogsmeade, such as "Zonko" - a magical joke shop, "Sweet Kingdom" - a store of all kinds of sweets, there are cafes and restaurants, for example, "Hog's Head" and "The Three Broomsticks", there is also an owl post office.
On the outskirts of the village is railway station Hogsmeade, where the Hogwarts Express arrives every year on September 1, carrying students to Hogwarts, and departs from there at the end of the term in the summer.
Hogsmeade landmarks include the Shrieking Shack, an abandoned building with boarded-up windows on the outskirts of the village. It has a reputation as the most haunted place in all of England - mainly due to the terrible noise, howling and roaring that came from there twenty years ago.
It is believed that Hogsmeade was founded around the same time as Hogwarts by a wizard named Hengist of Woodcroft.
"Zonko"
"Zonko"- a shop of outlandish magical things in Hogsmeade, whose goods were very popular among Hogwarts students. By at least until the Weasley brothers' shop "All kinds of magical pests" opened in Diagon Alley. During the second rise to power of Voldemort's supporters, Zonko's shop was closed because students were not allowed to go to Hogsmeade for the weekend and demand for goods fell sharply.
Hogsmeade Station
Hogsmeade Station- station of the same name, to get to Hogsmeade station, you need to take the Hogwarts Express train, which departs from King's Cross station in London, from platform 9¾. Platform 9¾ can be reached by walking through the brick wall separating platforms 9 and 10. (Platforms 9 and 10 at King's Cross station in London actually exist.) On the map that J. K. Rowling drew for the filming of her books , the station is southeast of the school, and the village of Hogsmeade is to the northwest.
"Boar's Head"
"Boar's Head" is an inn in Hogsmeade kept by Aberforth Dumbledore. Unlike the Three Broomsticks pub, it is quite dirty and dark: through years of unwashed windows, light from the street barely breaks through, and the earthen floor, upon closer inspection, turns out to be not earthen at all, there is just such a layer of dirt on it... It is not particularly clean and the dishes served here. It’s not for nothing that Professor Flitwick advises Hermione, since she’s so eager to go to the Hog’s Head, to take glasses with her.
But the prices here are much lower than in other Hogsmeade pubs, and the owner never asks any questions: who? where? what business brought you to us? maybe I can help with something? In the “Head” they will calmly treat a veil that reaches the floor, and a hood pulled down over the very eyes, and even contraband sold under the counter... It is not surprising that the “Boar’s Head” has a long-standing and persistent reputation as a creepy establishment. Little has changed at the inn since the goblins set up headquarters for their rebellion here. However, it’s a shame for “Hog’s Head” to complain that its golden days are over. And in our time, fateful events are happening here. It was here, in furnished rooms on the second floor, that Sibyl Trelawney uttered her Prophecy, which Severus Snape heard but did not listen to. The first meeting of Dumbledore's Troop took place here, which the petty bully Willie Widdershins saw out of the corner of his eye (from under the bandages). There was a kind of “station” here when it was necessary to urgently evacuate minor Hogwarts students and at the same time receive wizards arriving to take part in the Battle of Hogwarts.
So, although the Boar's Head looks almost like a den of thieves, it boasts much more interesting story than any other bar in Hogsmeade.
"Darvish and Bangs"
"Darvish and Bangs"- a shop for magical supplies in Hogsmeade. Mentioned in the third book. It is not entirely clear what exactly he sells.
"Invisibility Cap"
"Invisibility Cap"- a clothing store in Hogsmeade. Harry Potter and his friends visited there to buy Dobby the house elf several pairs of socks as a gift.
"Sweet Kingdom"
"Sweet Kingdom"- famous confectionery in Hogsmeade, where they sell all kinds of magical sweets from Bertie Botts dragees for every taste to sugar feathers and caramel bombs.
An underground passage leads from the underground of the Sweet Kingdom to Hogwarts, which was used by Harry Potter when, in his third year, he did not have permission from his immediate family to visit Hogsmeade.
Shrieking Shack
Shrieking Shack - old house from the Harry Potter series of novels, JK Rowling. Located on the edge of the village of Hogsmeade. First mentioned in the novel Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
From Hogwarts, you can get to the hut through an underground passage that originates under the Whomping Willow. It protects the entrance with its long and flexible branches, destroying everything it can reach. To “calm” a tree, you need to press on a twig on its trunk.
The Shrieking Shack was first mentioned in the novel Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as a haunted house located on the outskirts of Hogsmeade village. The hut stands in a wild garden, and its windows are boarded up. In the novel, Harry learns that a secret underground corridor leads to the house, the entrance to which is located under the Whomping Willow.
It was in this house that Sirius Black hid after escaping from Azkaban. And many years before that, when Harry's parents were studying at Hogwarts, the Shrieking Shack was Remus Lupin's refuge during the full moon, when he turned into a wolf.
Harry ends up in the hut after following Sirius Black, who, in the guise of a black dog, grabbed Ron and dragged him into a secret tunnel. At the Shrieking Shack, Potter, Hermione and Ron discover the truth about Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew.
In films, Azkaban is depicted as a tall tower with a triangular shape.
Location According to the novel Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Azkaban is located in the North Sea, on one of the islands.
Reputation In the wizarding world, Azkaban Prison is rightfully considered a terrible place. The prison was guarded by many dementors, which, as is known, magically draw out all the bright emotions from a person and force them to relive all the worst memories in life. Sirius Black said that many prisoners simply stopped eating and died of hunger.
Famous prisoners of Azkaban
- Rubeus Hagrid (not guilty)
- Bartemius Crouch Jr. (Death Eater)
- Bellatrix Lestrange (Death Eater)
- Lucius Malfoy (death eater)
- Rabastan Lestrange (death eater)
- Rodolphus Lestrange (Death Eater)
- Walden McNair (death eater)
- Augustus Rookwood (death eater)
- Antonin Dolokhov (death eater)
- Stan Shunpike (not guilty)
- Percival Dumbledore (killed several Muggles in a fit of rage)
Ministry of Magic
St Mungo's Hospital
St Mungo's Hospital- a hospital for wizards and witches from the Harry Potter series of novels.
Hospital founder - Mungo Bonham ( -) - famous healer. The first time is mentioned in the fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, when Neville Longbottom tells Harry about his parents.
St. Mungo's Hospital employs healers, not doctors. Their uniform is lemon robes, on which the coat of arms of wizard healers is embroidered: a crossed wand and bone.
From the outside, the building looks like a Muggle department store with a sign on the door: "Closed for renovations." There are mannequins at the window that can move if the wizard addresses them. To get inside, you just need to go through the glass, which again only a wizard can do.
St Mungo's healers included:
- Derwent Dylys - headmaster of Hogwarts, healer;
- Sepsis August - trainee healer;
- Smethwick Hippocrates - healer on duty;
- Strout Miriam is a healer.
St Mungo's Hospital departments are spread over 6 floors:
1st floor. Injuries from man-made objects. A cauldron explodes, a magic wand fires back, a broom breaks, etc. 2nd floor. Injuries from living creatures. Bites, stings, burns, stuck thorns, etc. 3rd floor. Magic viruses. Infectious diseases: dragon pox, disappearing disease, fungal scrofula, etc. 4th floor. Poisoning with plants and potions. Rashes, vomiting, uncontrollable laughter, etc. 5th floor. Ailments from spells. A hex incompatible with life, damage, incorrectly cast spells, etc. 6th floor. Buffet for visitors and hospital bench.
Mungo's patients mentioned in the books:
- Alice Longbottom - Neville's mother, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, graduated from Gryffindor - ended up in Mungo after being tortured with the Cruciatus spell along with her husband;
- Frank Longbottom - Neville's father, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, graduated from Gryffindor - ended up in Mungo after being tortured with the Cruciatus spell along with his wife;
- Goldsmith Lockhart - a famous writer, famous for his stories about “his” heroic adventures, a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher (1992-1993) at Hogwarts School - ended up in Mungo’s with complete amnesia after using the Oblivion spell;
- Arthur Weasley - the father of the large Weasley family, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, graduated from Gryffindor, head of the Department of Misuse of Muggle Items by Magicians (Ministry of Magic) - ended up in Mungo after several bites by Nagini while on duty near the Department of Mysteries for the Order of the Phoenix (fifth book);
- Bill Weasley - the eldest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley, husband of Fleur Delacour, member of the Order of the Phoenix, graduated from Gryffindor, was a prefect, worked at Gringotts Bank as a spell liquidator - ended up in Mungo after a fight with the werewolf Fenrir Greyback;
- Minerva McGonagall, a teacher at Hogwarts, was hospitalized after being hit by 4 Stunning Curses.
- Broderick Bode - an employee of the Department of Mysteries of the Ministry of Magic, was allegedly bewitched by Lucius Malfoy. Subsequently, already at the stage of recovery, he was strangled by a branch of the devil's snare sent to him.
Platform 9¾
Entrance to platform 9¾
Platform 9¾- an enchanted platform at London's King's Cross station. Only wizards can see it and get there. Therefore, when the animagus Sirius Black in the fifth book makes his way onto the platform in the form of a huge black dog, this gives him away, and Lucius Malfoy, who happened to be nearby, understands that Black is in London.
In order to get to platform 9¾, you must go through the barrier separating platforms 9 and 10. In the films based on the Harry Potter books, the characters do not pass through the barrier, but through a column that supports the roof over the platforms. This is both more spectacular and clearer.
Hello friends! The story behind the creation of the Harry Potter film is amazing. A book about him quite by accident fell into the hands of a film company producer, and the story about the boy “who lived” captivated him so much that the decision was made to create a film about Harry Potter. And, as we know, the result was not just one film, but eight.
Many children, and adults too, are familiar with good boy and the fair wizard Harry Potter. I myself avidly not only re-read all the books English writer JK Kathleen Rowling, but with no less pleasure I watched all the films several times.
Many vivid scenes from films that took place amidst unusual circumstances are etched in my memory. beautiful nature, among dense forests and lakes, in ancient castles with mesmerizingly beautiful medieval interiors, in modern buildings, on city streets and in small towns.
I often had a question: do these places filmed in the film exist in reality or are they all skillfully made highly artistic decorations for the film. I tried to find the answer to this question. And now I invite you to go with me on a virtual journey to the places where the Harry Potter films were filmed.
In the footsteps of Harry Potter in London
We will start our excursion from London. And there are several reasons for this. In the Harry Potter books, London is the “center” of all political, economic and public life wizards, sorcerers and muggles (translated as “non-magical population”, that is, these are the majority of ordinary people who are unaware of the existence of the wizarding world).
In London there are government offices of wizards - the Ministry of Magic, their commercial and public institutions, magical shopping streets: Diagon Alley with many shops and Knockturn Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, which is used as a portal to move from one world to another and to enter Diagon Alley, building Gringotts bank, St. Mungo's Hospital, which treats magical injuries and illnesses, 12 Grimmauld Place (where the Order of the Phoenix was headquartered), Miss Cole's Orphanage, Quidditch Museum, King's Cross Station, Madame Malkin's Shop.
As we remember, some Muggles (usually these are parents who have children in the family endowed with magical abilities) know that the magical world exists. But most The ordinary population is not even aware of the combination of the real and magical worlds.
And this happens because, according to the Charter (International Statute of Secrecy), adopted by the magical government in 1692, wizards must very carefully hide their existence with the help of all kinds of magical spells and enchantments. All magical establishments, streets, monuments, magical places are inaccessible to ordinary Muggles. But still, the story of the boy “who lived” allowed us to learn about this world and even visit some of these magical places.
King's Cross Station with Magic Platform 9 ¾
And the first place where we will go on a journey through the magical world of Harry Potter from Heathrow Airport is a very real and existing object in our life - King's Cross Station (North Yorkshire, Goathland Station) at London Station .
The station building itself is nothing special, but inside you can find a lot that reminds you of the events that took place in the film. The interiors of the station are familiar from the film, as well as the beautiful architecture of the nearby St. Pancras station, which was also included in the filming of the film.
In the King's Cross station building there is a place in the hall where you can take a photo with the attributes of a great wizard: in one of the scarves of all four faculties of the School, or in Harry's round glasses with a trolley with suitcases and an owl cage.
Here in the souvenir shop you can buy many “magical” items.
But the most important thing we came here for is the secret passage to Magic Platform 9 ¾.
This is the enchanted platform from which Harry Potter and his friends set off on their journeys.
To get to platforms No. 9 and 10 of interest to us, you need to go through the turnstiles, having previously purchased a ticket.
As we know, not all passengers of this station can see it, much less get to it. This can only be done by wizards by passing through the brick wall that supports the roof over platforms 9 and 10 (by the way, platforms 9 and 10 actually exist at the station).
From books and films, we know that every year on September 1, the magical Hogwarts Express train departs from this platform along the route: London - Hogsmeade, which takes students to the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is the same train that students use to return home for the Christmas holidays or after the end of the school year.
Only students travel on this train, and among the adults there are drivers who control the scarlet locomotive that carries the entire train into the world of magic, and a witch who sells sweets to the train passengers.
The famous Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron
The next object of our excursion is the old (existing since medieval times) indoor London market and shopping center - Leadenhall Market. This is where the famous Diagon Alley and the equally famous “Leaky Cauldron” are located.
This “magical” part of London is the only place where you can buy all sorts of magical things and attributes of witchcraft; the Gringotts magical bank for wizards is also located here. On this same street, Harry Potter and his friends more than once found themselves in a very difficult situation.
As we remember, you can “get” to Diagon Alley through the Leaky Cauldron bar, the façade of which faces London’s Charing Cross Road.
Knockturn Lane is also “located” nearby, in the shops of which black magic sorcerers purchased the items they needed for witchcraft.
Naturally, ordinary Muggles (that is, you and me) will not be able to see the name of the bar “The Leaky Cauldron” and the entrance to it. Moreover, we are not supposed to notice it, much less visit it.
But still, if you find yourself in this place in London, take a closer look, maybe you will be able to make out this mysterious entrance to the magical world.
The events taking place in Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter film were filmed at Leadenhall Market, whose corner shop served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
In the third film, the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron was already located on the territory of another market - Borough Market.
And some scenes from Diagon Alley were filmed in the city of York in Yorkshire on the ancient Shambles Street with its traditional black and white houses.
In reality, you are unlikely to find any traces of magic in these places, and, of course, today many shops here do not sell magic wands, “flying” brooms or owls, but admire the ancient architecture, medieval streets and enjoy the special atmosphere of these places costs.
Ministry of Magic
Traveling through the streets of London, we find ourselves in the St. James area and find ourselves on Great Scotland Yard, Scotland Place.
IN magical world Harry Potter, this is where the entrance to the main administrative institution of magicians was located - the Ministry of Magic, in which the vigorous activity of wizards did not stop to prevent the leakage of information about the existence of the wizarding world, so that ordinary people would in no way find out about magicians and sorcerers.
Gringotts Bank
The second most important official institution of magicians. In the world of wizards, this is the only bank in which they keep their savings. Here you can exchange Muggle money for wizard money. And, before going to buy textbooks and magic wands, students must withdraw money from their account in this bank.
According to the plot of the film, the Gringotts Bank building is located at the intersection of Diagon and Knockturn Alleys, but in reality, filming took place at Strand Street (Strand, Australia House), where the Australian diplomatic mission in London, the so-called Australia House, is located. The interior of this building was used in the filming of some of the scenes that took place at Gringotts Bank.
In interior spaces We can’t get in, but we can admire the architecture of the building from the outside.
London Zoo
It is the oldest scientific in London and one of the most large zoos in the world.
A visit to the zoo is an interesting experience in itself because it houses more than 5,000 species of different animals, including a very large collection of reptiles.
The building called “Reptile House” attracts the attention of those walking around the zoo with its beauty and the exotic creatures that inhabit this house.
It is noteworthy that the scene from the film "Harry Potter and Philosopher's Stone", where Harry learns about his ability to understand the language of snakes, was filmed here, in the terrarium of the London Zoo.
Bridges of London
Many scenes from films, one way or another, are connected with bridges.
One of them is the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian bridge over the Thames. According to the plot of the film, it is destroyed by Death Eaters.
The second is Lambeth Bridge, which was used to film a scene from the film when the Harry Potter bus is squeezed on both sides by two double-decker buses.
Having visited the main filming locations for the Harry Potter films in London, we follow our favorite characters to, and. But we'll find out about this next time.
All plans were made, preparations were completed. In the tiny bedroom there was a glass bottle on the mantelpiece, and in it curled up a single coarse black hair that Hermione had taken from the sweater she had worn in the Malfoy house.
And you will also have her magic wand. - Harry nodded towards the walnut stick. - It should be convincing.
Hermione took the wand in her hands, looking as if she was afraid that it would bite her.
“I hate this thing,” she said quietly. - Oh, how I hate it! It doesn't fit in your hand and doesn't obey at all. It's like a part of herself...
Harry immediately remembered how Hermione had waved him off when he complained that the thorn wand did not want to serve him, and advised him to practice more. Still, he resisted and did not remind her of this - the next day they had to rob a bank, there was no point in annoying Hermione in vain.
But it will help you get into character! - Ron consoled. - Think about what this wand did in its time!
That's the point! - Hermione exclaimed. - This magic wand tormented Neville's mom and dad and who knows how many other people. She killed Sirius!
Harry didn't think about that. He was visited by a fierce desire to break this wand, to cut it with the sword of Gryffindor - he was standing nearby, leaning against the wall.
“I miss my wand so much,” Hermione complained. - I wish Mr. Ollivander would make me a new one too!
That morning, Mr. Ollivander sent Luna a new wand. Now she was testing the gift in the backyard, in the rays of the setting sun. Dean watched her gloomily - his wand had been taken away by the huntsmen.
Harry looked at the hawthorn wand that once belonged to Draco Malfoy. To his pleasant surprise, this wand obeyed him no worse than Hermione's. He remembered Mr. Ollivander's explanations and guessed why Hermione was having such difficulties - she did not win the nut wand in the battle with Bellatrix.
The door opened and Griphook walked in. Harry instinctively grabbed the hilt and pulled the sword closer to himself, but immediately regretted it: the goblin had clearly noticed everything. Harry said, trying to hush up the awkward moment:
We decided to double-check everything again, Griphook. We told Bill and Fleur that we were leaving tomorrow morning and that they should not get up to see us off.
They asked for this especially persistently, since Hermione had to transform into Bellatrix before leaving, and Bill and Fleur had absolutely no need to know such details. In addition, friends warned that they did not intend to return. They lost Perkins's old tent the night they were caught by the rangers, and Bill lent them his. Now it was stuffed into Hermione's beaded handbag, which she, to Harry's great admiration, had saved from the huntsmen very in a simple way: stuffed it in a sock.
Harry knew he would miss Bill, Fleur, Luna and Dean, not to mention the comfort of home they had enjoyed for weeks, but he still couldn't wait to say goodbye to Shell Cottage. Tired of constantly checking whether anyone could hear them, tired of hanging around in a cramped, dimly lit bedroom, and most of all, he was saddened by Griphook’s company. How to get rid of the goblin without giving him the sword remained an insoluble problem. Harry, Ron and Hermione couldn't really agree on anything because Griphook almost never left them alone for more than five minutes. Before you have time to look back, they are already pushing it through the door crack. long fingers.
“My mother should learn from him,” Ron grumbled. Hermione condemned Harry's plan so vehemently that he despaired of getting her help. Ron, in those rare moments when Griphook left them alone, could think of nothing better than:
We grab the sword and leave quickly.
Harry didn't sleep well that night. Lying awake in the early morning hours, he recalled how he felt on the eve of the raid on the Ministry of Magic. Then he was full of determination, even some kind of rapture, but now he was gnawing at doubts and anxiety. It seemed to him that something would go wrong. He told himself that the plan had been worked out to the last detail, that Griphook knew what they would have to face, that everything possible complications provided for - and still his soul was not in the right place. Once or twice, Harry heard Ron tossing and turning in bed - apparently he was also awake, but the three of them spent the night with Dean in the living room, so there was no opportunity to talk.
Finally it struck six o'clock. Ron and Harry crawled out of their sleeping bags, dressed in the dark, and quietly made their way out into the garden, where they had agreed to meet Hermione and Griphook. It was cold in the morning, although windless, May time. Pale stars were still twinkling overhead, the sea was roaring as it rolled onto the cliffs - Harry knew that he would miss this sound.
Tiny green shoots were sprouting from the ground at Dobby's grave. In a year, the mound will be completely covered with flowers. The white stone with the name of the house-elf already seemed weathered, as if it had been there a long time ago. Harry understood that they could hardly have found a more beautiful place for Dobby, but it was still terribly sad to leave him here. Standing at the grave, Harry once again racked his brain: how did the house elf know that they needed to be saved? He absentmindedly touched the pouch on his neck and felt for a piece of mirror. Harry was sure he saw Dumbledore's eye in him! Then the door to the house opened and he turned around.
Bellatrix Lestrange strode towards them across the lawn, accompanied by Griphook. As she walked, she stuffed her tiny purse into the inside pocket of the old robe they had grabbed from Grimmauld Place. Harry knew perfectly well that it was Hermione, and yet he could not help but tremble with disgust. She was taller than him. Long black hair flowed down her back, heavy-lidded eyes stared contemptuously into Harry's face, but as soon as she spoke, Harry immediately heard Hermione in Bellatrix Lestrange's low voice.
It tastes so nasty, worse than lyre root! Okay, Ron, come here, I'll treat you...
Okay, just don't forget, I don't want a beard that's too long...
Lord God, I found time to think about beauty!
What does beauty have to do with it? She's in the way! And make the nose shorter - I liked it the way it was last time.
Hermione sighed and got to work, grumbling to herself. It was necessary to completely change Ron's appearance in the hope that Bellatrix's ominous aura would protect him. Harry and Griphook were supposed to hide under the Invisibility Cloak.
“Well,” said Hermione. - How does it look, Harry?
Under the disguise, Ron's usual features could barely be discerned, and only because Harry knew him well. Ron's hair became long and wavy, a thick brown mustache and beard appeared, his freckles disappeared, his nose became short and wide, his eyebrows became thick and furrowed.
Not to my taste, but it’ll do,” Harry gave his verdict. - Well, let's go?
The three friends looked back at Shell Cottage, dark and quiet under the fading stars, then turned and walked towards the gate behind which the Trust spell ended and they could transgress.
As soon as they left the fence, Griphook spoke:
It's time for me to climb in, right, Harry Potter? Harry bent down and the goblin climbed onto his shoulders, wrapping his arms around his neck. It wasn't heavy, but Harry found it unpleasant to feel it on his back, especially since the goblin's grip was unexpectedly tenacious. Hermione pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of her purse and threw it over them.
Perfect! She said, bending down to check that Harry's legs were securely covered. - You can't see anything. Went!
Harry turned in place, with Griphook on his shoulders. He concentrated his thoughts with all his might on the Leaky Cauldron, the tavern that led to Diagon Alley. The goblin squeezed his throat even tighter, a suffocating darkness closed around him, and the next second Harry felt the pavement under his feet. He opened his eyes. They stood on Charing Crossroad, sad Muggles wandered past in the morning, unaware of the existence of a tiny tavern.
The common room of the Leaky Cauldron was almost completely empty. Tom, the stooped, toothless tavern owner, was wiping glasses behind the bar; a couple of wizards were whispering about something in the corner and moved into the shadows when Hermione appeared.
Madam Lestrange,” Tom muttered and bowed obsequiously to Hermione.
“Good morning,” Hermione greeted. Tom looked at her in amazement.
Harry, huddled under his robes with the goblin on his back, caught up with Hermione in the courtyard and whispered in her ear:
Too polite! You should talk down to yourself, as if there is only scum around.
Okay, I got it!
Hermione pulled Bellatrix's wand from under her robes and touched an unremarkable-looking brick in the wall enclosing the back yard of the tavern. Immediately all the bricks began to move, an opening opened in the wall, it became wider and wider, and in the end an arch was formed, opening onto a narrow cobblestone street - Diagon Alley.
It was quiet here, the shops had barely begun to open and no customers had yet arrived. The winding street had changed greatly, it was difficult to recognize it as the busy, noisy alley where Harry had once shopped before entering Hogwarts. Compared to last year, even more shops stood with their windows boarded up, but several new establishments specializing in the Dark Arts opened. From the posters above the shop windows, Harry stared back at his own image with the inscription: “Undesirable Person No. 1.”
Some ragamuffins were sitting at the doors of the shops. They called out to rare passersby in plaintive, whining voices, begging for gold and assuring that they were actually wizards. One was blindfolded with a bloody rag.
As soon as the beggars noticed Hermione, they were blown away by the wind. They scattered in different sides, pulling the hoods lower. Hermione looked at them with curiosity, but then a man with a bloody bandage blocked her path, staggering.
My children! - he shouted, pointing his finger at her. - Where are my children? What did he do with them? You know, you certainly know!
I? I... listen... - Hermione stuttered.
The man rushed at her, trying to grab her throat. There was a crash, a red flash, and the unknown person fell to the ground unconscious. Ron held his wand in his outstretched hand, and even through his beard you could see how dumbfounded he was. Curious faces looked out from all the windows, and several respectable-looking passers-by, picking up their robes, rushed to a trot in the direction opposite to the scene of the incident.
It would hardly have been possible to stage their appearance in Diagon Alley more effectively. Harry wondered if it would be better to run away now and come up with some other plan. Only they didn’t even have time to consult - someone from behind exclaimed:
It's you, Madame Lestrange!
Harry spun around, Griphook clutching his neck with all his might. A tall, thin wizard with a lush mane was approaching them. gray hair and a long, sharp nose.
This is Travers,” the goblin hissed in Harry’s ear.
Harry couldn't immediately remember who Travers was. Hermione, meanwhile, straightened up full height and said as contemptuously as she could:
What do you need?
Travers stopped in his tracks, visibly offended.
He is also a Death Eater! - Griphook gasped.
Harry ran up to Hermione and whispered this information to her.
“I just wanted to say hello,” Travers said coldly, “but if my company is unpleasant for you.” Now Harry recognized his voice: Travers was one of two Death Eaters who came to Xenophilius's house for him.
No, no, no, Travers! - Hermione quickly corrected herself. - How are you doing?
I confess, Bellatrix, I am surprised that you are already appearing in public.
Really? Why? - asked Hermione. Travers coughed.
I heard that the inhabitants of Malfoy Manor have not been allowed to leave the house since the... hmm... escape.
Harry mentally begged Hermione not to lose her head. If this is true...
The Dark Lord forgives those who served him faithfully and faithfully in the past,” Hermione said, perfectly copying Bellatrix’s arrogant manner. - Perhaps he didn’t have such a good opinion of you, Travers...
The Death Eater was clearly hurt, but his suspicions had diminished. He looked at the unconscious man who had been stunned by Ron.
How did this brat insult you?
“It doesn’t matter, it won’t happen again,” Hermione answered indifferently.
These Wandless Ones can be extremely annoying sometimes,” said Travers. - While they are just begging for alms, that would be fine, but one, imagine, dared to pester me with requests to put in a good word for her at the Ministry! “I’m a sorceress, sir, I’m a sorceress, let me prove it,” he squeaked, imitating the petitioner. - As if I would give her my magic wand! By the way, whose wand are you using now, Bellatrix? - Travers asked curiously. - I heard that your...
“I have my wand with me,” Hermione answered calmly, showing Bellatrix’s wand. “I don’t know where you picked up these rumors, Travers, but they are far from reality.
Travers, confused, turned to Ron:
Who is your friend? I don't recognize him.
This is Dragomir Despard,” Hermione answered. They had decided in advance that it would be safest to pass Ron off as a foreign wizard. - He speaks almost no English, but he fully sympathizes with the Dark Lord's goals. He specially came from Transylvania to get acquainted with our new regime.
What are you saying? Good afternoon, Dragomir!
"Damn," muttered Ron, holding out his hand. Travers gave him two fingers, as if he was afraid of getting dirty while shaking Ron's hand.
What brings you and... hmm... your sympathetic friend here at such an early hour?
“I need to go to Gringotts,” Hermione answered.
Alas, me too! - exclaimed Travers. - Gold, despicable gold! I can’t live without him, although I admit that it saddens me to have to do business with our long-fingered friends.
Harry felt Griphook's hands clamp down on his throat for a moment.
Well, shall we go? - said Travers, letting Hermione go ahead.
There was nothing left to do but go with him to where the snow-white building of the Gringotts Bank rose above the small shops. Ron trudged along next to Hermione and Travers, Harry and Griphook struggled to keep up with them.
What they could easily do without is a vigilant Death Eater! Moreover, while Travers stayed close to the imaginary Bellatrix, Harry had no opportunity to exchange a word with Hermione and Ron. Soon they were standing on the marble steps in front of the tall bronze doors. As Griphook had warned, instead of goblins in uniform, there were now two wizards standing on either side of the door, each holding a long, thin golden rod at the ready.
Ah, Lie Detectors! - Travers sighed theatrically. - How primitive it is... But it’s effective!
He walked up the steps first, nodding first to one wizard, then to the other. They began to move sensors over his body.
Harry knew that Detectors would recognize any disguise spells or hidden magical items. He only had a few seconds left. Harry pointed Draco Malfoy's wand at each of the guards in turn and whispered twice:
Confundo!
Travers peered into the inner hall and did not notice how the guards flinched slightly, overtaken by the spell.
Hermione walked up the steps, her long black hair tossing.
Just a minute, ma'am,” the guard said, picking up the Detector.
You just tested me! - Hermione said in Bellatrix's commanding, arrogant voice.
Travers looked around, raising his eyebrows questioningly. The guard was completely confused. He stared at the thin gold Detector, then at his partner. He said a little indistinctly:
Yes, Marius, you just checked them all. Hermione floated through the door, Ron not far behind her, and Harry and Griphook, invisible, trotting behind her. On the threshold, Harry looked around - the wizards were scratching their heads together.
In front of the next silver door stood two goblins, and at the top were inscribed poems - a warning to possible thieves. Harry was suddenly struck by a memory: he was standing in this very spot on the day he turned eleven, his most wonderful birthday, and Hagrid said: “I told you, you’d have to be crazy to try to rob this bank.” Then Gringotts seemed to him like some kind of cave of wonders, an enchanted repository of a golden treasure, the owner of which Harry unexpectedly turned out to be. It never occurred to him that someday he would return here as a robber... But they had already entered the spacious marble hall.
Behind the long counter, goblins sat on high stools, serving early customers. Hermione, Ron and Travers walked towards the old goblin, who was busy looking at a fat gold coin by inserting a magnifying glass into the eye. Hermione pretended to explain various details to Ron and let Travers go ahead.
The goblin threw away the coin and said into space: “Leprechaun!” - after which he greeted Travers. He handed him a tiny golden key. The goblin examined the key and returned it to its owner.
Hermione stepped towards the counter.
Madame Lestrange! - the goblin was amazed. - Wow! How can I serve you?
"I want to visit my safe," said Hermione.
The old goblin recoiled. Harry looked around. Not only was Travers lingering at the counter, listening to their conversation, but the other goblins had been distracted from their work and were staring at Hermione.
How can you confirm your identity? - asked the goblin.
Confirm? I have never been asked to confirm my identity before! - Hermione was indignant.
They know! - Griphook whispered in Harry's ear. - They must have been warned that deception was possible!
It will be enough to present a magic wand, madam,” said the goblin and extended a slightly trembling hand.
Harry had an epiphany: the goblins at Gringotts know that Bellatrix's wand has been stolen!
Hurry, hurry! - Griphook hissed in his ear. - The Imperius Curse!
Harry waved his hawthorn wand under his robes, aimed it at the old goblin and whispered for the first time in his life:
Imperio!
Like a hot wave, originating in the brain, passed through his arm, through the tendons and blood vessels straight into the magic wand.
The goblin took Bellatrix's wand, examined it carefully and said:
Yep, you have a new wand, Madame Lestrange!
What? - Hermione was surprised. - No, no, this is mine...
New wand? - Travers came closer. The other goblins continued to watch. - How is this? Which artist did you order it from?
Harry acted without thinking: he pointed his wand at Travers and whispered again:
Imperio!
“Oh yes, I see,” said Travers, looking straight at Bellatrix’s wand. “Very beautiful.” And does it work well? I have always noticed that a new magic wand needs to be used first, what do you think?
Hermione was completely confused by all these oddities, but, fortunately, remained silent.
The old goblin behind the counter clapped his hands, and another, younger goblin appeared.
“I’ll need the Tinklers,” said the elder goblin.
The young man rushed off and a minute later came running back with a leather bag in which something metal was clanking. He handed the bag to the elder.
Okay, okay! Follow me, Madame Lestrange!
The old goblin jumped off the stool and was no longer visible behind the counter.
I'll take you to your safe.
He appeared from the side of the counter and trotted briskly towards them, rattling his bag. Travers stood motionless, mouth open. Ron looked at him puzzled, thereby attracting everyone's attention.
Wait... Bogrod!
Another goblin jumped out from behind the counter.
“We have instructions,” he said, bowing to Hermione. - Excuse me, Madam Lestrange, but we have been given special instructions regarding the Lestrange safe.
He whispered something anxiously in Bogrod’s ear, but the old goblin, bound by the Imperius curse, only waved it off.
I am aware of the special instructions. Madame Lestrange wishes to visit her safe. An old family... Long-time clients... This way, please...
Continuing to rattle the sack, he trotted towards one of the many doors leading into the hall. Harry looked at Travers. He stood still with a meaningless expression. Harry made up his mind - with a wave of his wand, he forced Travers to go with them. The Death Eater obediently followed the whole company into the corridor that opened behind the door, roughly carved into the rock and illuminated by flaming torches.
As soon as the door slammed behind them, Harry threw off the invisibility cloak.
It's bad, they suspect us!
Griphook jumped off his back. Travers and Bogrod were not at all surprised by the sudden appearance of Harry Potter.
“They’re under the Imperius Curse,” Harry explained to Ron and Hermione, who couldn’t understand why they were standing like a pillar, staring blankly straight ahead. “I just don’t know if I enchanted them firmly enough...
Another memory flashed: the first time he tried to cast the unforgivable spell and the real Bellatrix Lestrange screamed at him: “You must really want them to work, Potter!”
Ron asked:
What are we going to do? Let's get away while we still can?
If it's still possible.
Hermione looked back; no one knew what was happening behind the door in the main hall.
Fine! - said Griphook. - So, we need Bogrod to drive the cart - I no longer have the authority to do this. But there won't be enough room for a wizard.
Harry pointed his wand at Travers.
Imperio!
The wizard turned and moved rather briskly away along the dark corridor.
Where did you send it?
“Hide,” Harry answered and waved his wand in Bogrod’s direction.
The old goblin whistled, and immediately a cart rolled up out of the darkness, rumbling along the rails. Everyone climbed into it - Bogrod in front with Griphook, Harry, Ron and Hermione squeezed in behind. Harry thought he heard screams coming from the main hall.
The cart jerked and rolled forward, picking up speed. They passed Travers, who was trying to hide in a crack in the wall. Then began a labyrinth of intricate passages that led all the time downwards. Nothing could be heard over the roar of the cart. The wind ruffled Harry's hair, stalactites flew past, the cart rushed somewhere deep into the earth. Harry kept looking around. They left a terrible legacy. The more Harry thought about it, the more stupid the idea of disguising Hermione as Bellatrix seemed to him, and even taking Bellatrix's wand with him, when the Death Eaters knew very well who stole it...
Harry had never gone this deep into Gringotts before. The cart, without slowing down, turned the corner, and a waterfall appeared in front of them, falling straight onto the rails.
Griphook screamed, "No!" - but they didn’t have time to slow down. The cart rushed under the waterfall at full speed. Water poured into Harry's mouth and eyes, making it impossible to breathe. The cart overturned and everyone fell onto the tracks. Harry heard the cart smash into pieces against the tunnel wall, Hermione screamed, Harry glided weightlessly through the air and landed smoothly on the stone floor.
Cushioning charm,” Hermione explained, spitting.
Ron helped her up, and Harry saw with horror that she was no longer Bellatrix. Hermione, soaking wet, stood before them in her own form; the robe immediately became too big for her. Ron was also red-haired and beardless again. They looked at each other, understood everything and rushed to feel their faces.
- “Death of Thieves”! - Griphook groaned, rising to his feet and looking back at the waterfall. Harry had already guessed that this was not ordinary water. - It washes away any spells and magical disguises. Gringotts expected us to try to get in here, and took measures in advance!
Harry saw Hermione check that the beaded bag was in place, and he hastily put his hand under his jacket - the invisibility cloak was still there. Bogrod shook his head in bewilderment: the water must have washed away the Imperius curse from him.
We need him,” Griphook repeated. - Without the Gringott goblin, you cannot enter the guarded safe. And Tinkers are also necessary!
Imperio! - Harry repeated again.
His voice echoed among the stone walls. He again felt a wave of his will sweep from his brain through his hand into his wand. Bogrod submitted to the spell. The puzzled expression on the old goblin's face gave way to polite indifference. Ron picked up a bag of mysterious tools.
Ron, I think someone is coming! - said Hermione. She extended Bellatrix's wand towards the waterfall and shouted:
Protego!
A magical shield swept down the corridor, splashing a stream of enchanted water.
Great idea! - Harry admired. - Griphook, let's move on!
Everyone ran after the goblin. Bogrod could barely keep up with them, panting like an old dog.
How to get out? - asked Ron.
We'll worry about that later. - Harry listened. It seemed to him that something was clanking nearby. - How far is it yet, Griphook?
Not far, Harry Potter, not far...
They turned the corner and saw what they had been prepared to see, but the sight still took them by surprise.
The road to four or five safes was blocked by a huge dragon chained up. From being underground for a long time, the monster’s scales became pale and flaky, and its eyes were milky pink. Chains were attached to heavy iron bracelets on the dragon's hind legs, attached to stakes driven into the rock. Huge spiky wings were pressed closely to the body; if expanded, they would have filled the entire underground hall. The dragon turned its ugly head towards the newcomers, roared so loudly that the stone walls shook, and, opening its mouth, released a stream of fire. The friends ran around the corner.
“He’s almost blind,” Griphook panted, “but that only made him even angrier.” However, we have a way to deal with it. He knows what happens when the Jinglers appear. Let's get them here.
Ron handed the goblin the bag, and Griphook pulled out a whole bunch of small metal tools that, when shaken, made loud noises, like tiny hammers hitting anvils. Griphook gave everyone one of these things. Bogrod obediently took his.
“You know what to do,” said Griphook. “He’s used to noise being followed by pain.” He will step aside, and let Bogrod put his palm to the door of the safe.
They cautiously peeked around the corner and moved forward, rattling their Jingles. The noise reverberated off the rocky walls, intensifying to the point where Harry's head was buzzing. The dragon roared hoarsely again and backed away. Harry saw that he was trembling all over. Coming closer, Harry saw terrible scars on his face and realized that the dragon was taught to fear the Rings with the help of red-hot swords.
Make him put his hand to the door! - Griphook shouted.
Harry pointed his wand at Bogrod. The old goblin obeyed, put his hand to the wooden panel, and the safe door melted into thin air. What appeared before them was something like a cave, packed from floor to ceiling. There were piles of gold coins and cups, silver armor, skins of unknown animals - some with thorns, others with drooping wings - precious vessels with potions, a skull in a crown.
Search, quickly! - said Harry, and everyone rushed into the cave.
Harry described Penelope Hufflepuff's Cup to Ron and Hermione in detail, but if the safe contained some other Horcrux unknown to him, no one had any idea what it might look like. However, Harry barely had time to look around - there was a dull clang behind him, the door returned to its place and sealed them in the safe, in complete darkness. Ron screamed in surprise.
It's okay, Bogrod will let us out later! - Griphook reassured everyone. - Light up your magic wands or something. And hurry up, there is very little time!
Harry waved his glowing wand around. Precious stones sparkled in the beam - Harry recognized the fake Gryffindor sword lying on a shelf in a pile of some chains. Ron and Hermione also lit their wands and looked at the piles of treasures.
Harry, maybe this? Aaaaaah!
Hermione screamed in pain. Harry shined the light in that direction and saw the bejeweled goblet fall from her hands. Hitting the floor, it crumbled into a shower of cups. In an instant, dozens of identical cups rolled throughout the cave; it was no longer possible to distinguish the real one.
I got burned! - Hermione moaned, blowing on her fingers.
Spells of Multiplication and Burning Hand! - Griphook exclaimed. “Everything you touch will burn you and multiply, but copies are worth nothing, and if there are too many of them, we will simply be crushed by the weight of gold!”
So, let's not touch anything! - Harry shouted desperately, but at that very moment Ron jumped on the spot - the sole of his boot burned through, touching the hot metal.
Stop, don't move! - Hermione grabbed Ron's hand.
Just look! - said Harry. - Remember: the bowl is golden, quite small, with two handles, and a badger is engraved on it. If you don’t find it, look for something with the Ravenclaw sign - an eagle...
They carefully turned around their axis, illuminating all the corners and crannies, but it was impossible not to hit anything at all. At Harry's touch, fake galleons began to fall, adding to the pile of goblets on the floor. Now there was literally nowhere to step in the cave; heat wafted from the red-hot gold, like from a forge. The light of the magic wand slid across the shields and helmets of goblin work, piled on shelves up to the ceiling. Harry raised his wand higher and higher, and suddenly the beam snatched an object from the darkness, at the sight of which Harry’s heart sank and his hand trembled.
There she is, up there!
Ron and Hermione shined the light in the same direction. In the triple beam, a small golden cup sparkled, which once belonged to Penelope Hufflepuff and was inherited by Hepzibah Smith, from whom Tom Riddle stole it.
How will we get it if we can’t touch anything? - Ron asked.
Accio bowl! - Hermione shouted - out of grief, apparently having forgotten what Griphook had warned them about.
It's useless, it won't work! - the goblin grumbled.
What to do then? - Harry asked angrily. - If you want to get the sword, Griphook, help us... Stop! Can you touch a sword? Hermione, give it to me!
Hermione rummaged through the folds of her robes, pulled out a beaded handbag and, rummaging through it, pulled out a shining sword. Harry grabbed the ruby-studded hilt and touched the blade to the nearest silver jug. The pitcher did not reproduce.
If I hook my sword by the handle... But how will I get there?
Even Ron, the tallest of them, couldn't reach the shelf. Waves of heat radiated from the enchanted treasures, and sweat rolled down Harry's face and back. He was agonizingly trying to figure out how to get to the bowl, and then the dragon roared outside the door and the Clinkers rumbled.
Now they were really caught: the only way out of the safe was through the door, and there, apparently, a whole horde of goblins had gathered there. Harry saw the horror on Ron and Hermione's faces. The clanging sounded louder.
Harry said:
Hermione, I definitely need to get to the top shelf...
She waved her magic wand and whispered:
Levicorpus!
Harry was lifted into the air by his ankle. As he took off, he hit some armor, their white-hot copies immediately fell to the floor. The cave was already crowded; Ron, Hermione and the two goblins jumped back, screaming in pain and running into other objects, which also began to multiply. The unfortunate burglars screamed and floundered in the growing avalanche of red-hot treasures. Harry grabbed the handle of the bowl with his blade.
Imperius! - Hermione squealed in a desperate attempt to protect herself, Ron and the goblins from the burning metal.
A new scream, even more terrible than the previous ones, distracted Harry's attention. He looked around - Ron and Hermione were still standing up to their waists in treasures, holding Bogrod's hands, and Griphook was already asleep with his head, only the tips of his long fingers sticking out.
Harry grabbed those fingers and pulled. The burned goblin emerged from the rubble with a howl.
Liberacorps! - Harry yelled.
He and Griphook crashed onto the growing mountain of treasure, and the sword flew out of Harry's hand.
Hold it! - Harry screamed, barely able to withstand the pain from the burns and the weight of Griphook, who again climbed onto his shoulders, escaping from the hot metal. -Where is the sword? There's a cup on it!
The clanging outside the door had already become deafening. It's too late, too late...
Griphook was the first to notice the sword and jumped. At that moment, Harry realized that the goblin had not believed that they would keep their word from the very beginning. Grabbing Harry's hair with one hand to keep himself from falling into the stormy sea of burning gold, Griphook caught the hilt and raised the sword high above Harry's head.
The golden cup fell off the blade and flew into the air. Harry, with the goblin on his shoulders, dived after her and managed to grab her. She burned his hands to the flesh, but Harry did not let go of her, although countless sparkling bowls rained down on him from above. The safe door swung open and an avalanche of fiery gold and silver carried Harry, Ron and Hermione into the outer cave.
Almost feeling no pain from the burns, Harry put the cup in his pocket and reached for his sword, but Griphook was already gone. At the first opportunity, the goblin jumped off Harry’s back and ran away, waving his blade and yelling: “Guard! They're robbing! Guard!" He instantly disappeared into the crowd of his fellow tribesmen, who were all armed with daggers and believed him without hesitation.
Slipping on the hot metal, Harry rose to his feet and realized that he needed to break through.
Be dumbfounded! - he shouted.
Ron and Hermione chimed in. Jets of red fire flew into the crowd. Several goblins fell to the floor, but others surged forward. Several wizards ran out from around the corner.
The chained dragon roared, and a fiery whirlwind passed over the heads of the goblins. The wizards, ducking, rushed away from where they came. Harry was overcome with inspiration, or perhaps madness. He pointed his wand at the iron leg shackles of the huge beast:
Relashio!
The shackles fell with a thud.
Follow me! - Harry rushed towards the blind dragon, sending Stunning Spells into the crowd of goblins as he ran.
Harry, Harry, what are you doing? - Hermione screamed.
Come on, climb in quickly!
The dragon has not yet realized that he is finally free. Harry stepped on the bend hind paw and, pulling himself up, threw himself onto the back of the beast. The scales were harder than steel, the dragon didn’t even seem to feel it. Hermione climbed up after Harry. Ron climbed in behind her. Another second - and it dawned on the dragon that he was no longer tied.
He reared up with a roar. Harry pushed his knees with all his strength, clinging to the uneven scales. The wings unfolded, knocking down the screaming goblins like bowling pins. The dragon flew into the air. Harry, Ron and Hermione spread out on his back so as not to hit the ceiling. The dragon rushed towards the tunnel exit. The goblins screamed and threw daggers at him, but the weapons bounced off their armored sides.
We can't get through, it's too big! - Hermione screamed, and then the dragon opened its mouth and breathed fire again, destroying the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.
The dragon squeezed into the hole with all its might. Harry closed his eyes from the heat and dust. He almost went deaf from the roar of the stones and the roar of the dragon and only clung on with his last strength, expecting every second that he would fall to the floor. Suddenly he heard Hermione's voice:
Defodio!
Hermione helped the beast widen the tunnel opening.
The dragon rushed upward, towards fresh air, away from the screaming and clanging goblins. Harry and Ron began to help Hermione, breaking the ceiling into pieces with Chisel spells.
They passed underground lake, and the huge growling beast seemed to sense freedom ahead. He thrashed his spiked tail, giant stalactites crumbled behind him, the screams of goblins and the clanging of metal died away in the distance. The dragon cleared its way with fire...
Finally, with the combined efforts of spells and dragon power, they broke through from the tunnel into the marble hall. People and goblins shied away in different directions. Here the dragon was able to properly spread its wings. He turned his horned head towards the entrance, towards the smell fresh air, and took off. Carrying Harry, Ron and Hermione on his back, he tore the metal doors, fell into Diagon Alley and rose into the sky.
Harry couldn't sleep the next night, looking at the list of school supplies and the map that had been included in the last letter, the boy firmly decided to visit this bank in the morning. To do this, it was necessary to get to the Leaky Cauldron, which, as the letter says, is a bar in the center of London. Uncle Vernon will never take his nephew to London, which means he has to get there himself.
The next morning, while his aunt, uncle, and cousin were still asleep, Harry put on jeans and a T-shirt and quietly went outside. Having spent all the money on the subway that he once found on the playground, and then kept for a long time under a shelf in the closet, Harry reached the center of London. Harry had been here several times with his aunt before, but the boy didn’t like this city, it was too noisy and crowded. For the future, Harry decided that when he grew up, he would live outside the city.
The boy walked past bookstores, grocery stores, diners, and movie theaters, but none of these places looked like places to buy magical things. It was an ordinary street, crowded ordinary people. Harry didn't notice the Leaky Cauldron right away; it was a tiny, nondescript bar. People passing by did not look at him. Their eyes flickered from the large bookstore to the CD store, but they didn't seem to notice the bar between the two stores. Harry even had a strange feeling that only he could see him. The boy went inside.
The bar was dark and shabby. The time was still very early, and the only person in the room was an old bald bartender who looked like he was frowning. walnut. He ignored Harry completely and continued wiping the mugs.
I need to get to Diagon Alley, can you tell me how to do this? - Harry asked him politely.
Bless my soul, whispered the old bartender. - Harry Potter... what an honor!
He hurriedly came out from behind the counter, ran up to Harry and grabbed his hand. There were tears in the bartender's eyes.
Welcome home, Mister Potter. Welcome home. Come along, I will accompany you.
He led Harry out another exit from the bar and they stood next to the trash cans. Harry wanted to ask why he was so famous that the bartender knew his name, but then decided to remain silent. Meanwhile, he was counting the bricks in the wall above the trash can.
Three up... two away,” he muttered. - So; Now step away, Mr. Potter.
He touched the wall three times with his wand.
The brick he touched shook, then twitched, and a small hole appeared in the middle, which quickly began to grow. A second later there was an arch in front of them. Behind it began a winding cobblestone street.
“Welcome to Diagon Alley,” said the bartender, “it was nice to meet you, please contact me.”
Harry walked through the arch and looked back to see how it immediately turned into a blank wall again.
The sun was shining brightly, reflecting in the cauldrons displayed in front of the store closest to them. “Boilers. All sizes. Copper, bronze, tin, silver. Self-stirring and dismountable,” read the sign hanging above them.
Harry wished he had ten eyes. As he walked up the street, he turned his head, trying to see everything at once: the shops, the goods displayed in front of them, the people shopping. The boy immediately went to the snow-white building, towering above the small shops. And at the polished bronze doors in a scarlet and gold uniform stood a goblin. He was a head shorter than Harry. He had a dark, intelligent face, a pointed beard, and, as Harry noticed, very long fingers and feet. He bowed as Harry walked inside. Now he stood in front of the second doors, this time silver.
Two goblins bowed and opened the silver doors, and Harry found himself in a huge marble hall. A hundred more goblins sat on high chairs behind a long counter, taking notes, weighing coins on copper scales, and examining precious stones with magnifying glasses. There were more doors leading out of the hall than Harry could count, other goblins letting people in and out through them. Harry approached one of the goblins.
“Good morning, yesterday I received a letter,” said Harry and handed the goblin a black envelope, “I don’t quite understand what I should do with this?”
I am glad to welcome you, Mr. Potter, to receive the title of Lord you must first pass a blood test and receive a new key to your safe, I ask you to follow me to the ritual hall, - the goblin bowed and led Harry into a dark room, in the middle of which stood a large red stone , outlined with incomprehensible symbols.
The goblin handed Harry a small silver dagger, told him to make a cut in his hand and drip his blood onto the stone. The boy followed the goblin’s instructions exactly, and as soon as the blood touched the stone, two coats of arms glowed on the wall of the room. The first depicted a phoenix burning in flames, and below was a quote in Latin: “FORTES FORTUNA ADJUVAT” (author’s note translation - Fortune favors the brave). The second coat of arms has an ornate letter "M" in green tones with two black dragons on the sides and the quote: "SANTIMONIA VINCET SEMPER" (author's note translation - Always prevail over holiness). And the squiggles on the stone became a black inscription: Lord Harold James Alan Potter-Malfoy.
“Very good, the stone has already given you the title of Lord, but I don’t quite understand why you were recognized by two families, the Potters and the Malfoys,” the goblin was surprised, “as you know, half-blood sorcerers belong to only one family.”
“I don’t know,” Harry said honestly.
Perhaps you would like to discuss this issue with the head of the Malfoy family? “We can arrange a meeting for you,” the goblin suggested.
Yes, that would be very kind of you,” Harry nodded.
Your safe, like Lord Malfoy's, is one of the largest and oldest in our bank, and we are pleased to serve you. You can wait while we contact Lord Malfoy in my office,” the goblin said and took Harry to a small office that contained a desk, a chair and two leather armchairs.
Harry waited for about an hour, during which time the goblins gave him a wallet that was directly connected to the Potters' safe. During this time, the goblin managed to tell the boy a lot about the magical world. Harry finally found out what he was famous for and he was extremely surprised, he did not understand why his parents fought this Voldemort? His ideas are quite reasonable. Muggles are so terrible! The Goblin also told Harry that the Malfoys supported Voldemort. Lord Malfoy turned out to be a man with long hair Platinum-colored, he was dressed in a black robe and held a cane in his hands. He seemed very excited.
“Leave us,” he said to the goblin, and he bowed out.
“Good morning, Lord Malfoy,” Harry greeted him.
Hello Harry, just call me Lucius. “I have a lot to tell you, I don’t even know where to start,” he said and sat down in the chair opposite Harry, “many years ago I had a sister, Liliana Malfoy, she went missing. Not a single ritual helped to find her; I looked for her for a very long time, but did not find her. In her search, she did not take into account the fact that an oblivion spell was cast on her and she forgot her past, and she was also given a special potion that hides her true appearance. I was incredibly shocked when I found out that famous Harry Potter is her son...
Am I your nephew? - Harry asked in surprise.
Yes, since your parents died, I intend to take custody of you into my own hands. Do you mind?
Of course not! Anywhere better than with the Dursleys!
Amazing! Muggles will not raise someone who has Malfoy blood in them! - it became clear from Lucius’s face that he simply hated Muggles, and Harry fully supported him in this.
Lucius spent a long time signing some papers and sending letters with owls. Ultimately, he said he was given custody.
I think before we introduce you to the family, we’ll buy you some decent clothes,” he said, looking at Harry’s jeans, “by the way, I have a son your age, also at Hogwarts in this year goes by, I hope you make friends. And one more thing, when you were born, your mother was under the influence of a potion to change your appearance, which means you also had a part of it,” he handed Harry a bottle of golden liquid, “drink and we’ll see what you really look like.”
Harry took the bottle, opened it and drank, the liquid tasted somewhat like the cough medicine that the nurse had given Harry several times at school. At first, absolutely nothing happened, the boy felt as usual, but after a couple of minutes it started...
First, Harry felt as if his insides and bones were itching, then he felt his hair begin to grow. It was all over within a few minutes. Lucius stood nearby and grinned, he turned Harry towards the mirror.
The boy couldn’t believe his eyes; a completely different person was looking at him from the mirror. The hair became much lighter and was light brown in color; it did not stick out in all directions as before, but lay quite neatly. Harry was pleased to note that he had grown, his jeans had become shorter, his features had sharpened slightly, and his eyes had acquired a light gray tint. New appearance Harry definitely liked it, but he would have looked better if not for the jeans, which were now too short for him.
They left Gringotts and headed towards Madam Malkin's store. There were more and more people on the streets. Madame Malkin turned out to be quite a pleasant woman.
Good afternoon Lord Malfoy, nice to see you, what do you want? - she asked.
Pick up several robes, including a formal one, for this young man, - said Lord Malfoy and pointed at Harry with his eyes.
Of course, of course,” she fussed and began to take Harry’s measurements.
They spent about an hour with Madame Malkin, she picked out four robes for every day, two for school and one for formal dress. Lucius was leaving somewhere at this time and returned by the end of the fitting. Harry decided to stay in his black robes with silver cufflinks and a green tie.
Lucius, I wanted to ask, what to do with the Dursleys? I, of course, don’t think that they will worry about my disappearance, but still... - Harry asked, looking at his reflection in the mirror with satisfaction.
Don’t worry, they will be notified that you have returned to where you were supposed to live since birth,” Lucius grinned, “I think it’s time to go home, lunch is in an hour, and I still need to introduce you to everyone.”