The Girl who Vanished

Chapter 26

Astronomy Tower

I hope he is willing to help, Lodgok said to bring someone who speaks Gobbledegook.

Flashback

Lara is sitting at the Ravenclaw table having breakfast before classes when the owls swoop in and deliver the mail. A light brown barn owl drops a letter in her lap. Who is it this time?

My plan with the helmet failed. But I have another idea. I think we may be able to find what we need at a goblin mine south of Hogwarts. Meet me there. And bring someone who speaks Gobbledegook.

-Lodgok

"Why would they need someone who speaks Gobbledegook when Lodgok can speak it?"

I remember Amit mention something about knowing Gobbledegook.

Present

I hope Amit will help, the only other person I know who knows Gobbledegook is Mr Oakes and I doubt he wants to be anywhere near Ranrok and his Loyalists. (sigh) Perhaps I should consider learning Gobbledegook in the future.

Flitwick perks up.

She finally finds Amit, unsurprisingly he is busy looking through his telescope.

Lara: "Hello, Amit. Do I recall you saying that you speak Gobbledegook?"

Amit: "I did! I mean, I do. Speak it. Is this to do with the goblin I saw you with in Hogsmeade?"

Lara: "It is. His name is Lodgok. We could use your help with something. He's waiting for me near a goblin mine. Would you be willing to help?"

Amit: "Of course! How exciting! I mean, well, might this be dangerous?"

Lara: "I think he simply wants to show me something that involves Gobbledegook. If it helps, he's a friend of Sirona's."

Amit: "Good to hear. Good to hear. If Sirona trusts him, then I feel much better."

Lara: "You said you know Gobbledegook, but how well?"

Amit: "I've been reading it for as long as I've been reading English. My parents have an extensive library. Once I grew bored with the classics, I devoured goblin writings. I'd tell you some titles, but you wouldn't understand them."

Lara: "Have you ever spoken directly to a goblin?"

Amit: "Unbelievably, no! I'm so looking forward to it. Actually conversing in Gobbledegook with a native speaker. Cannot wait to confirm subtle bits of pronunciation and tone that may have eluded me - being self-taught, and all."

Flitwick groans, Lodgok is going to think this boy is crazy when he tries to speak Gobbledegook he guarantees it.

Lara: "Lodgok is waiting. Shall we go?"

Amit: "Of course. I just want to check the pronunciation of a couple of key terms first, so I will meet you there."

"Poor Amit, he has no idea what he is getting himself into." Remus chuckles.

Goblin Mine

After an uneventful broom flight Lara finds Lodgok waiting for her by a nearby goblin camp.

Lara: "A friend who speaks Gobbledegook is meeting us. Before he arrives, perhaps you could tell me why we're here."

Lodgok: "Of course. Unfortunately, presenting Ranrok with the Helmet of Urtkot did not have the effect I'd hoped. Because he knew the details surrounding its plunder, he presumed I'd had help from a witch or wizard in retrieving it."