At that moment, Rita Skeeter stared at Lockhart, who was speaking with confident eloquence before her, and couldn't help but feel a surge of shock rise within her. The Alliance's plans had struck her like a tidal wave.
It seemed the Alliance had not only extended its reach into the Ministry of Magic—but now, it was preparing to sink its claws into the entire financial system of the wizarding world!
And when she turned her thoughts back to the current state of the Ministry, Rita Skeeter sighed inwardly. She knew all too well what kind of people made up the Ministry these days.
Ambitious to a fault, driven by profit, greedy beyond belief, and ultimately, completely ineffectual.
From any angle, it seemed clear to Rita that once the Alliance completed its political and financial foothold, the Ministry would be powerless—left to be dragged face-first across the ground by this new rising power.
With that realization, Rita stopped hesitating. She immediately stepped forward and said:
"Mr. Lockhart, please allow me, in my personal capacity, to express my gratitude for your contributions to the wizarding world! And I hereby promise: once your bank opens, I will deposit my entire fortune into it!"
Lockhart, hearing her words—and recalling the symbol of the Deathly Hallows that Rita had just traced across her chest—assumed this, too, was a calculated move orchestrated by the Alliance.
At once, he grasped Rita Skeeter's hand tightly and said with emotion,
"Thank you—thank you for your support and trust. I promise I won't let everyone down!"
The surrounding witches and wizards, upon witnessing the exchange, eagerly echoed their support. Many declared that they too would follow Rita's lead and entrust their assets to Lockhart's bank. The atmosphere grew fervent once more.
Just then, Rita Skeeter suddenly asked,
"By the way, Mr. Lockhart, have you decided what you'll name your bank?"
Lockhart was briefly caught off guard. He recalled the rather tongue-twisting name Wentworth had given him before departing, and slowly responded:
"Let's call it... the Central Bank of the Wizarding World."
Though somewhat puzzled by the name, Rita didn't press further. She understood clearly—this name reflected the will of the Alliance.
Having made her choice to side with the Alliance, Rita felt that the only way to earn their trust—as a professional journalist—was to be an utterly loyal mouthpiece.
With that in mind, and intent on promoting Lockhart's new bank, she pressed on:
"Mr. Lockhart, when do you plan to open your bank?"
Lockhart let out a hearty laugh and spread his hands.
"This is no small matter. While I'm leading the effort, I'll certainly need help from all of you. In the coming days, I plan to visit some old friends and ask for their support in bringing this vision to life."
"After that, we'll begin preparations in earnest. Our goal is to have the Central Bank of the Wizarding World up and running within the year—ready to serve everyone!"
...
As Lockhart introduced the Central Bank of the Wizarding World to the crowd for the first time, at a quiet corner of Diagon Alley, Wentworth stood observing the scene with Cassandra, Kirk, and Cedric by his side.
Seeing how smoothly everything was progressing, Cedric could hardly believe it.
"They bought it... They actually bought it?! Don't they have even the slightest suspicion?"
Wentworth, eyes still fixed on Lockhart amid the cheering crowd, replied without turning his head:
"You're only asking that because you're standing beside me, watching the whole thing from behind the curtain. If you were in that crowd? You'd probably be cheering even louder."
Cedric: "…"
On the other side, Cassandra spoke up, puzzled.
"Wentworth, I think I understand how the bank is going to operate, broadly speaking. But there's one thing I still can't work out. How do you plan to ensure those who borrow money actually pay it back? What if they just run off with it?"
At that, it was Wentworth's turn to look confused. He stared at Cassandra with wide eyes, almost disbelieving.
"These days, who dares to owe the Alliance money? What, do you think our reputation across the magical world was built on kindness?"
Hearing this, Cassandra lowered her head, slightly embarrassed, while Wentworth continued:
"Anyone with property has to put it up as collateral. A wizard might run—but a house can't."
"As for those without property, they didn't spring out of thin air, did they? Surely they have family, friends. Make them sign as guarantors. If the wizard doesn't repay the loan, the guarantors will."
"And if someone really has nothing—no assets, no family—not even a friend? Well, at the very least, they'll have a wand, won't they? We'll sell it off. Can't sell the wand? We'll strip out the core and sell that."
"As for the remaining debt—those borrowers can go work in any of the Pureblood Alliance's global enterprises. We're reasonable people—we'll pay them wages. But we don't cover food or lodging! Those costs get deducted from their pay. Once the debt's paid, they're free to go!"
Seeing the looks Cassandra and the others were giving him, Wentworth sighed, sounding almost guilty.
"Ai, I'm too soft-hearted. Can't stand the sight of blood. Our Alliance is compassionate, really! If this were the Muggle world, those debtors would have their doors splashed with paint—if not worse. Tendons slashed, perhaps. And here I am, offering them jobs. I'm too nice, honestly!"
"Of course, if anyone really can disappear to some place the Alliance can't find them—well, credit to them. Though frankly, I doubt any wizard that capable would need a loan to begin with."
Watching Cassandra and the others fall into thoughtful silence, Wentworth sighed again inwardly.
What a pity. The magical world still isn't open enough. If it were, I'd have loved to set up a wizarding stock exchange. Now that would be a real moneymaker.
A bank? Too slow.
Just then, Rosier suddenly appeared behind Wentworth and spoke.
"Fudge has left the Ministry. He's gone to St. Mungo's to visit Thomas Vole."
Wentworth nodded and said,
"So he finally dared to step outside. I thought he'd at least hide until Scrimgeour got back from Scotland."
"Let's go. Time to meet the Chairman of the British Ministry of Magic. As for the others—keep watch on them. We'll each go pay them a visit soon."
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