Lanlock led the Socket Goblin through a concealed passage, infiltrating Gringotts' England branch unnoticed. The goblin guards, however, were far from unsuspecting at the sight of them. Tom Riddle's public humiliation of the Socket Goblin in 1991 had made its appearance infamous. And Lanlock? His name was etched in goblin history; their lifespans far exceeded those of humans, and many remembered him well.
Under the combined weight of Lanlock's identity and the Socket Goblin's desperate plea, a vault keeper escorted them to the Gringotts' England branch manager. After a brief exchange, the manager, visibly bewildered, interrupted Lanlock. "Are you suggesting," he questioned, "that we align with you? To rebel against Tom Riddle?"
"Not against Tom Riddle," the Voldemort (remnant soul) interjected, his voice laced with displeasure. "It was the great Tom Riddle who was supposed to lead you to conquer this world."
"..."
The Tom Riddle we know is no longer you. Who do you think you are? You were battered into submission by Tom, and you speak of conquering the world? The Goblin Bank Manager refrained from voicing these thoughts, fearing the Voldemort (remnant soul)'s power.
Lanlock slammed his hand on the table, his anger palpable. "He is not invincible! I have returned, and with Tom Riddle's assistance, the goblins will no longer be trampled upon by those wretched wizards!"
"..."
The Voldemort (remnant soul) fell silent; though a wizard himself, he knew conflict now could expose his location, enticing Tom's swift retribution. No need to act without cause. Inwardly, he cursed the foolish goblins. Once I master that power… the possibilities...
The Goblin Bank Manager was incredulous. "Are you serious?"
Setting aside the formidable presence of both Tom Riddle and Dumbledore, the goblins' intelligence suggested that the resurrected Gellert Grindelwald had joined Tom Riddle's faction.
If Tom can defeat three legendary wizards, then what use are some goblins?
Fight the Death Eaters? Add to that the Ministries of Magic and the Aurors? The goblins would gloat in private, but they cherished their lives too much to risk it. After all, controlling the wizarding world's finances and wielding immense wealth was satisfying enough.
Lanlock, anticipating this resistance, sought to sway the manager with "the power he once possessed," stressing that they would take the power back from Tom. The manager became even more resistant.
Damn it, that guy was already terrifying. What's the point?!
Rebellion is out of the question; we goblins are law-abiding citizens!
Even Lanlock's assurance that he "had a way to reclaim the power without defeating Tom" fell on deaf ears.
Even if you could take it back, what then? Be pummeled once again?
"So…" The Goblin Bank Manager's tone was grave. "I refuse."
He dared refuse, confident they wouldn't risk a scene. Any disturbance would draw Tom Riddle's attention.
But he overlooked one crucial detail: these dissidents were fanatics. Even fear wouldn't deter them.
"..."
Lanlock inhaled deeply. "I will ensure you aid us willingly." He stepped back, gesturing to the Voldemort (remnant soul). "Thank you for your assistance."
"What do you want?!"
The Goblin Bank Manager tried to cry out, but before he could utter a sound, he heard Lanlock cast the Imperius Curse.
"..."
The Voldemort (remnant soul), now controlling the Goblin Bank Manager, turned to Lanlock. "This is temporary. Prolonged control risks detection. It is best to avoid the Imperius Curse."
"We need not control him indefinitely." Lanlock shook his head. "Just ensure he delivers the message at the critical moment. Until then… he is to avoid public appearances."
Confining the Goblin Bank Manager to the vault would suffice. Greedy goblins always gravitated towards gold; no one would suspect a thing.
...
One week later.
Rebuilding a castle presented no great challenge for wizards; it could be accomplished in a night. However, reconstructing Hogwarts was an arduous task, less due to its size and more to replicating the intricate magic woven into its very stones.
Many of the simpler spells were replicated with ease, Dumbledore and the professors handling the complex ones. But certain enchantments remained uniquely elusive, such as the Room of Requirement.
Hogwarts was constructed by the four founders, whose skill surpasses contemporary legendary wizards. Even Dumbledore and Grindelwald were now somewhat inferior to them.
Fortunately, Tom Riddle was not.
Tom Riddle had surpassed the four founders. With Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor guiding him through the memories of the castle, he could recreate those unique spaces.
In short, within a week, Hogwarts stood restored.
The ghosts that fled began to return.
In the rebuilt Great Hall, Dumbledore declared the Triwizard Tournament victor: "The winner is… Harry Potter!"
Yes, Harry once again. This was Tom Riddle's method of asserting loyalty; his second-in-command could not defy the Death Eaters.
However, given the tournament's unique circumstances, the Ministry of Magic awarded Cassandra Volle, discoverer of the Triwizard Cup, the same honors as the victor for her exceptional performance during the challenges after careful deliberation.
"And, Cassandra Volle!"
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