The Girl who Vanished

Chapter 4

The trio finally come to the end of their ride and disembark, Fig looks slightly green but shows no signs of vomiting, Lara is a little dizzy but she doesn't look queasy.

Professor Fig: "When was the last time this vault was accessed?"

Goblin Banker: "A goblin has been stationed at my desk for hundreds of years. In that time, no one has visited vault twelve- until today."

Now everyone was curious, why build a vault and a special entrance to the bank and never use it.

The banker puts the key in the lock and gives it a turn, a moment later dozens of locking pins and hooks unlock and the vault door opens. The banker motions them inside and Fig thanks him for his help.

People lean forward excited to see what was inside the vault, but they quickly frown when they notice the vault appears to be empty.

"Well that's anti-climatic." Sirius pouts.

Lara: "What do you suppose we should be looking for?"

Professor Fig: "I'm not sure. Sir, I wonder if you might-"

Goblin Banker: "The instructions for vault twelve indicate that I am to grant access to the holder of the key - and then close the door." he says as he waves his hand using magic to close and lock the vault door before Fig or Lara can stop him.

Harry is worried, his twin hadn't even made it to Hogwarts yet and she has nearly been killed multiple times. Now she is locked in a bank vault in a bank that is no push over when it comes to security.

Goblin Banker: "Best of luck."

Lara: "Professor?"

Professor Fig: "That was certainly unexpected. Let me think. There must be something here. Hmm. Revelio, perhaps."

Lara: "Revelio?"

Professor Fig: "Yes. A revealing charm. No time like the present. Let's see what we're missing, shall we? Ready your wand and focus." he says and proceeds to show her the incantation.

Lara casts the charm on her first attempt and sees a flash of yellow on the far side of the vault by the wall.

Lara: "There! I saw something."

Fig suggests she move closer and try again.

Lara: "Revelio!"

Suddenly a doorway appears with the symbol for Ancient Magic on it.

Professor Fig: "Well, that's a start. There's that symbol again. I don't suppose you see a way to -"

Lara: "I do, Professor! That symbol has the same glow as the one I saw on the Portkey container."

Professor Fig: "If what you can see reveals the way forward, then I daresay we are about to discover the secret of this vault!"

This time when she touches the symbol everything goes dark.

Professor Fig: "Lumos!"

The room lights up and they see they are now in a dark room full of pillars.

Professor Fig: "This is no ordinary vault. I suspect we will need to earn our way out of here."

Lara: "What do you mean, 'earn' our way out? Do you think this is some sort of test?"

Fig says he does but he isn't sure what kind.

Many of the adults are concerned by his words, to them "earn our way out" sounds like Dark magic.