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Chapter 7-12: Gringotts

"Hermione? Are you sure you're ready to do this?" asked Harry, looking endearingly at Hermione.

By now, it had been another week since Desiree had that special talk with Harry. In that time, Bill moved Luna and Dean from Shell Cottage to one of the other safe houses. Without the distraction of Luna and Dean's presence at Shell Cottage, the four were able to hunker down and plan their break-in at Gringotts. And so, now, they stood, waiting for Hermione to use the Polyjuice Potion to transform into Bellatrix Lestrange. Desiree was quite reluctant for Hermione to be the one to transform out of sheer worry of what it would do to Hermione emotionally, but, after a long talk with Hermione one night, they agreed she should be the one to do it. After all, Hermione knew first hand the ruthlessness Bellatrix could express, and it could be more disastrous if Desiree were to be caught impersonating Bellatrix.

"Positive," Hermione sighed, walking into view. Her disguise was quite convincing. The only thing Hermione needed to remember to change was her voice and the way she talked to everyone.

"Alright, Griphook, remember our deal. You help us get into the Lestrange's vault, we give you the sword," Harry looked down at the small goblin. Desiree would be lying if she said she didn't feel uneasy about making a deal with the goblin. Goblins were known to go back on their deals, or play dirty, to get what they wanted. And, Griphook's lack of resistance to the deal didn't help Desiree feel any better. He should have at least fought against it more unless he knew there was some sort of catch along the way.

"I gave you my word, Mr. Potter," the goblin slightly bowed his head. Harry looked around, meeting Ron, Hermione, and Delaney's eyes.

"Right, Desiree, you should get at my side since we'll have to stay under the cloak together," said Harry. Desiree quickly walked to Harry's side. Griphook stood on the opposite side of Harry. "Let's go."

Within seconds, thanks to apparating, the four, along with Griphook, stood in the dark alley Harry knew to be Knockturn Alley. Harry quickly through the cloak over himself, as an undesirable, and Desiree, knowing how highly her name was held for imprisonment now of days. Ron had no need to be under the cloak, for he was disguised as a Death Eater as well.

"Remember, we have to stick close, or else the cloak will fall, and we'll be in deep trouble," Harry whispered to Desiree.

"Oh, really? Because I was just going to take a stroll through the alley while you three went to Gringotts," Delaney said facetiously. Harry merely cut his eyes at her.

"Madam Lestrange," one of the wizards bowed his head after taking notice of Hermione's disguise.

"Goodmorning," she said back. The wizard looked at her full of confusion before walking off.

"Goodmorning? Goodmorning? You're Bellatrix Lestrange, not some dewy-eyed school girl," Griphook spat.

"Hey, easy," Ron looked down at Griphook as though he could see through the invisibility cloak.

"If she gives us away, we might as well use that sword to slit our own throats. Understand?" Griphook spat back.

"He's right," Hermione nodded. "I was being stupid."

"Okay, let's go then," said Ron.

With one last look to ensure the cloak was secure around Desiree and Harry, they began walking into Gringotts. The walk to the bank was nerve-racking. One wrong misstep and it would be over for Desiree and Harry. Thankfully, no one spoke to Hermione or Ron again. Once inside Gringotts, Desiree kept her gaze pealed on the goblins, occasionally looking at the guards to ensure they had no suspicions. Hermione tripping over her heels didn't help much. Luckily, they made it to the desk without anyone stopping them.