💎 WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎🔥 30→2ch | 60→5ch | 100→8ch | 200→15ch | 400→25ch⏰ Resets Monday!
"Griphook! Escort these clients to vault 511," the goblin behind the counter called out sharply. A younger goblin approached with brisk efficiency. "I am Griphook. Please follow me—I shall guide you to your vault."
When they finally climbed out of the mining cart, Tony's face had turned an alarming shade of green. "Please tell me I don't have to ride that infernal contraption every time I need money!"
"Certainly not," Gemini replied with amused sympathy. "This is merely your inaugural visit. Future transactions can be handled remotely through their services. Let's assess your actual inheritance—perhaps you qualify for a Gringotts card, which would eliminate these visits entirely."
Griphook's elongated finger traced intricate patterns across vault 511's imposing door. A series of mechanical clicks echoed through the corridor as a door handle materialized from the smooth metal surface. The goblin grasped it, pulled the massive door open, and stepped aside with a respectful bow. "Please proceed."
Gemini nudged Tony forward, then followed him into the vault's depths.
The chamber, roughly ten square meters, contained enough wealth to make even Tony Stark speechless. Gold and silver coins formed glittering mountains across the floor, while the surrounding walls housed countless cabinets filled with ancient artifacts, jewelry, and mysterious magical objects. Tony stood transfixed in the center, his mouth hanging open in genuine amazement. Despite being the world's wealthiest man, seeing tangible treasure proved far more overwhelming than digital bank statements.
Gemini surveyed the impressive hoard with visible relief. Thank Merlin she wouldn't be funding today's shopping expedition!
At the vault's far end sat a modest leather suitcase topped with a yellowed envelope. Gemini approached it curiously—Tony's name was inscribed in elegant script across the front. "Tony, you should see this. It appears to be correspondence from your mother."
Tony hurried over, nearly stumbling on scattered coins in his haste. He lifted the letter with trembling fingers, confirming his name on the envelope before carefully opening it. The contents were brief—simply instructions to bring the suitcase home safely.
Tony stood in contemplative silence, tucking the letter away before lifting the mysterious case. "How much currency should we take for today's purchases?"
Gemini gazed at the fortune surrounding them, then addressed Griphook at the entrance. "Is this client eligible for a Gringotts account card?"
"Most certainly," Griphook confirmed with professional certainty. "This customer's assets far exceed our minimum requirements."
Gemini gathered a substantial handful of Galleons and pressed them into Tony's pocket. "Sufficient spending money for our needs. Shall we proceed?"
By the time Tony emerged from Gringotts with his new account card, he appeared thoroughly shell-shocked. "I solemnly swear never to set foot in that place again."
Gemini's lips curved in understanding amusement. "Come along. Let's recover at a nearby café before continuing our errands."
At a charming coffee shop near Gringotts, Gemini ordered Tony a Floating Cloud Iced Americano to restore his equilibrium. "Our next destination is the magical menagerie—you require a messenger owl. We'll also need renovation supplies. Choose your primary residence, and we'll arrange for Pearson's crew to install proper magical amenities. At minimum, you'll need a Floo-connected fireplace."
"Understood completely," Tony agreed, then couldn't resist adding, "Though I must say, the wizarding world seems remarkably backward technologically. No mobile communication devices whatsoever?"
"Perhaps someday," Gemini replied diplomatically. "Currently, no one's pursuing such innovations." She fell silent, clearly uninterested in debating magical versus Muggle technology.
"Incidentally," Tony said suddenly, observing the house-elf delivering their beverages, "could I possibly employ someone like Coby?"
Gemini consulted another document from her bag before responding. "In America, it's remarkably straightforward. Immigration policies have created flexible employment opportunities for house-elves—they can accept paid positions rather than traditional bondage."
"Excellent!" Tony's excitement was immediate and obvious. "Where does one hire such assistance? A competent, trustworthy household manager would be invaluable."
Their first stop was the magical menagerie, where Tony deliberated extensively before selecting a magnificent golden eagle with intelligent amber eyes. He provided his vault information, signed the purchase agreement, then proceeded to the construction supply establishment.
Unlike Muggle hardware stores, this shop displayed three-dimensional blueprint projections showcasing various magical home modifications. Customers simply selected appropriate plans based on their property specifications, and the shop would provide all necessary materials with delivery included. Magical construction techniques minimized waste while maximizing efficiency.
Following the shop owner's directions, they located the House-Elf Employment Association at the street's terminus.
The association's representative matched Tony with a young, eager elf according to his specifications. They executed a lifetime employment contract—the elf would only regain freedom upon Tony's death. Compensation: one Galleon monthly. Vacation allowance: one day per two-month period. Despite Tony's vigorous protests about increasing wages and time off, the terms remained non-negotiable. Since house-elves required magical residence binding for survival, they agreed the elf could be summoned once renovations were complete.
After finalizing all arrangements, Tony dragged his newly purchased Undetectable Extension Charm suitcase and followed Gemini back to The Copper Oak, where Pearson's construction crew waited with barely contained impatience.
Tony provided his Malibu address, transferred all building materials and blueprints to Pearson, and even secured Apparition transportation back to his mansion. After reviewing renovation plans and scheduling tomorrow's commencement, Tony finally retreated to his private laboratory, placing the mysterious vault suitcase on his primary workbench.
He traced the worn leather surface with reverent fingers, steadying his nerves before approaching the brass clasp. Before he could apply pressure, the mechanism clicked open autonomously.
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's impressively advanced."
Inside lay a single ten-inch framed painting—a cozy interior scene featuring a crackling fireplace. The coffee table beside the hearth held elegant tea service and an array of delicate pastries. Tony lifted the artwork carefully, extended its rear support stand, and positioned it prominently on his desk. The suitcase now appeared completely empty.
Tony inverted the case and shook it vigorously, confirming nothing remained except microscopic dust particles.
"Please stop that violent treatment," a warm, familiar voice chided gently. "There truly is nothing else inside."
Tony leaped backward, arc reactor flaring as he drew his wand with practiced speed. "FRIDAY! Security breach! Identify the intruder immediately!"
"No unauthorized personnel detected, Boss," his AI responded with characteristic calm.
"I'm right here, darling—on your desk, where you just placed me." The voice emanated from the painting itself.
Tony approached cautiously, his breath catching as the static artwork transformed before his eyes. A beautiful blonde woman materialized within the painted room, settling gracefully into the fireside chair with a radiant smile directed entirely at him.
"Mom," Tony whispered, lifting the frame with trembling hands. She could speak, smile, move naturally—even lift her painted teacup with elegant precision.
Was this magic, or was he finally losing his mind completely?
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