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Chapter 744: Time Is Running Out for Us!!
"This is Travers," Griphook whispered in Harry's ear.
Hermione raised an eyebrow and looked straight at him.
"What do you want?"
Her tone was sharp, and the look in her eyes made it clear she didn't think much of him.
Travers's face stiffened.
"If you don't feel like talking, forget it."
He sounded offended.
Harry immediately leaned closer under the cloak and whispered, "Death Eater."
Hermione's expression shifted at once.
She gave a faint smile. "Sorry, Travers. Things have been… tense lately. Not aimed at you."
Travers relaxed a little.
"Mrs. Lestrange, I heard something happened at Malfoy Manor…"
Harry and Hermione both went still for a second.
But Darren spoke first.
"Malfoy Manor? That is where your Dark Lord resides?"
He spoke in French.
Only then did Travers properly notice him.
There was a flicker of unease—and something like jealousy.
"This is…?"
Hermione quickly stepped in.
"This is Mr. Ross. A representative sent by the Federation. The Dark Lord asked me to accompany him… we're heading to Gringotts as well."
Travers's attitude changed instantly.
He straightened a little, then gave Darren a respectful nod.
"Mr. Ross."
Darren barely looked at him.
"I heard you mention Malfoy Manor. What happened?"
Travers didn't hesitate.
"I heard the Dark Lord lost his temper there. Killed quite a few people. I thought you'd been restricted, Mrs. Lestrange."
Hermione understood immediately.
That had to be because of Harry's escape.
She lifted her chin slightly.
"The Dark Lord doesn't keep me locked away for long. Important matters still come to me."
There was pride in her tone.
Travers didn't look pleased, but he didn't argue.
He turned back to Darren, trying to stay useful.
But Darren had already lost interest.
His gaze wandered over the shops instead, like he couldn't care less.
When Travers tried to step closer and explain something, Darren frowned.
"Can you stand further away?"
He spoke calmly, but there was clear disdain.
"My bodyguard has no space. And this place… it's hardly impressive."
Ron stepped forward just enough to block Travers out.
Travers looked stunned.
For a moment, it seemed like he might reach for his wand.
But he caught Darren's expression—and swallowed it.
Instead, he forced a smile.
"Mrs. Lestrange, shall we go to Gringotts together? I need to collect something as well."
Then, lowering his voice slightly, he added with disgust,
"These goblins… I've suggested many times they should be driven out. Sent elsewhere. The Dark Lord hasn't acted yet, but he might."
Harry felt Griphook's fingers tighten painfully in his hair.
He nearly winced.
Does this man ever stop talking?
Darren spoke before things got worse.
"If you're going, then go. Don't waste time here. Or were you told to delay me?"
The rebuke was sharp.
Hermione immediately played along.
"Sorry, Travers. We need to move."
Travers had no choice but to follow.
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They reached the entrance to Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
Two goblins stood guard, holding secrecy sensors.
Harry didn't hesitate.
Under the cloak, he raised his wand and cast a subtle Confundus Charm.
The goblins barely reacted.
Darren walked straight past them.
No resistance.
Inside, the grand hall stretched out before them.
A goblin approached.
"Mrs. Lestrange. How may we assist you?"
"I'm here to retrieve something."
Hermione's voice was cold and arrogant—perfect.
But the moment she said it—
several goblins across the hall looked up.
Griphook's voice came low and tight.
"They know something's wrong."
The goblin stepped closer.
"May I see your wand?"
Hermione hesitated for just a fraction—
and Darren gave Harry a quick signal.
Harry understood instantly.
He raised his wand.
"Imperio."
The goblin's eyes went blank.
He handed the wand back without question.
"I didn't know you had a new wand, Mrs. Lestrange."
"Let me see," Travers said, stepping closer, suspicion creeping in.
Harry didn't give him time.
"Imperio."
Travers's expression softened at once.
"Beautiful wand. Congratulations."
"Very well," the goblin said, now completely under control. "I'll take you to your vault."
Another goblin hurried over, trying to speak to him quietly.
But the controlled goblin waved him off impatiently.
"I know the instructions. It's fine."
He led them toward the inner doors.
Once they passed through—
the heavy doors shut behind them.
Harry pulled off the invisibility cloak.
No one reacted.
"They're under control," Harry said quietly. "But once it wears off, they'll know something's wrong."
Ron looked uneasy.
"So… do we keep going?"
All of them turned to Darren.
Darren didn't hesitate.
"We go on."
His voice was steady.
"If we leave now, security will tighten. We won't get another chance."
He glanced at Harry.
"With me, we'll get out. Don't worry about that."
Then his expression grew serious.
"But once we take it… he'll know."
Silence.
Darren continued, quieter now.
"There's not much time left."
He looked directly at Harry.
"Watch his mind. The moment he realizes what we've done, he'll think about the others."
"That's our only chance."
He turned and started walking.
"Let's move."