Chapter 82: Useless threats will only lead to Gringotts' utter ruin
"Minister," Audrey said with a faint, almost playful smile, "are you speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Magic?"
For a moment, Cornelius Fudge froze—then quickly understood the trap hidden in her words.
"I'm only speaking in a personal capacity," he replied stiffly. "Merely expressing my concerns about your actions and the potential harm to the Wizarding World."
The pleasant mask slipped from his face as his tone hardened.
"But," he added, voice sharpening into a threat, "I do believe the Ministry ought to conduct a thorough investigation into certain… unexplained assets."
Audrey's smile didn't fade. If anything, it grew brighter—like spring flowers blooming across a mountainside.
"I agree," she said lightly. "The Ministry should absolutely investigate assets. Some accounts are rather… unbelievable."
She tilted her head, eyes glinting.
"Three thousand Galleons. Or perhaps five thousand."
The words struck like a hammer.
Fudge's expression collapsed instantly, horror flashing across his face. It felt as though his heart had been seized by an invisible hand.
"Minister!"
A sharp voice cut in.
The goblin elder, Morristo, stepped forward from where he had been listening in secret, glaring at Audrey.
"I believe Astray's actions threaten the stability of the Wizarding World," he declared. "Her so-called lending practices are nothing short of fraud!"
"Yes—yes!" Fudge echoed hastily, clinging to the lifeline. "Fraud! A disruption of order!"
Audrey didn't even glance at him.
"Order?" she said calmly. "If Gringotts Wizarding Bank collapses, does currency cease to exist? Or is it simply that you can't imagine a world without your monopoly?"
She took a slow step forward.
"And if I am a fraud, provide evidence. Otherwise, I will sue you for defamation."
Her gaze shifted back to Fudge.
"Even if you are the Minister."
Then, almost casually, she added:
"Perhaps Amelia Bones would be interested in your position—given enough funding."
That landed like a clean, devastating blow.
Fudge went completely silent.
Morristo's patience snapped.
"Astray!" he barked. "You've already profited greatly. Know when to stop! We have not wronged you—why insist on escalating this conflict?"
Audrey looked at him as though he'd said something mildly amusing.
"Not wronged me?" she repeated. "You paid him"—she pointed at Fudge—"to coerce me into breaking a curse for you."
Morristo hesitated. To him, it had been nothing more than business.
A transaction.
A deal.
He simply chose not to engage with her logic.
Instead, he leaned into threats.
"If you persist," he said coldly, "Gringotts will impose sanctions across Europe and America. No one will trade with you. No one will buy from you."
"Yes," Fudge added eagerly, regaining confidence, "the Ministry will also monitor your business activities closely."
Audrey actually laughed.
A soft, genuine laugh.
"I still don't understand," she said. "How is following a contract a crime?"
"Because the contract itself is flawed!" Morristo snapped. "You deceived us!"
"Deceived?" Audrey stepped closer, towering over him. "Using Kupon was a mutual decision. You accepted the risk of depreciation just as I accepted the risk of appreciation."
She paused.
"If the Kupon had surged, and I demanded early repayment—would you agree?"
Silence.
Of course they wouldn't.
But Morristo didn't admit it.
"Of course we would," he said smoothly. "Gringotts operates on fairness, integrity, and goodwill."
Audrey didn't respond.
She didn't need to.
She had already heard his true thoughts.
And they were exactly what she expected.
So that was that.
There was no point continuing this conversation.
Originally, she had planned to wait—use early repayment as leverage to cancel her obligation to explore the ruins.
Now?
She had lost all interest.
Gringotts had just shortened its own lifespan.
"Astray," Morristo pressed, impatience bleeding through, "will you repay the loan early or not?"
He leaned forward.
"No one becomes an enemy of Gringotts."
Audrey smiled.
"Since you insist," she said lightly, resting her chin on her hand, "I suppose I should give you face."
She pretended to think for a moment.
"I don't have enough liquid funds right now. I'll need to sell some assets… about a month, perhaps."
She looked at him.
"Can you wait?"
Morristo immediately assumed victory.
"Not only the principal," he said smugly, "but three years of interest as well!"
In his mind, the losses could still be salvaged.
Audrey didn't even hesitate.
"Of course," she said. "Let's set the repayment date… May 15th."
Morristo left satisfied.
Fudge followed, relieved.
Both believed they had won.
Audrey watched them go, expression calm.
A month.
More than enough time.
Enough time for Gringotts Wizarding Bank to disappear entirely.
And once it did—
There would be no ruins to explore.
No debts to repay.
She let out a quiet sigh.
"Goblins," she murmured to herself, almost amused. "Why are you always so eager to rush toward ruin?"
A pause.
Then, softer—
"I really didn't want to become a banker."