Unlikely Companions

Chapter 12 Banking Troubles

The bank was bigger than he'd thought. After they had gone through the gates, and greeted the goblins, Credence had stood mesmerized in the middle of the atrium, watching everything with renewed curiosity. So much, he realized, that he hadn't even noticed the angry words exchanged between the goblin before them and Mathilda.

"I refuse to leave without an explanation," she said.

"Miss, you have been disinherited. You cannot enter that chamber."

"I'm not requesting entrance to the Black family chamber. I am requesting to see my personal chamber, which I opened when became of age almost eight years ago."

"All your assets are being withheld from you, under your family's request. That includes your personal chamber."

She stomped her foot, hard enough for the heel to leave a mark on the polished stone. She seemed to notice him there, standing awkwardly around her, as if he had suddenly appeared. Her head perked up, and she turned to the goblin again.

"What if I were to add another person into the account so they can also access the chamber?"

"How so...?"

"Well, you see, I am to be married soon and I wish for my future husband to be able to manage our finances – including that money."

"What is the name of your future husband?"

"Credence Barebone," she said. "He's American – you won't find him in your records."

"Is that him?" the goblin asked, tilting his small head in his direction.

"Yes, it is," she said, taking his arm. "He gets nervous and he's a little shy, so forgive him if he doesn't say much."

"When will the wedding be?" the goblin asked, slightly suspicious.

"In a week's time."

"Where?"

"Hogsmeade. All my friends from Hogwarts will be in attendance."

The goblin was obviously mistrustful. It seemed too easy – just when her family disinherits her, she shows up with a very convenient husband that needs access to her money. Mathilda noticed as well, and he could have sworn he saw her taking out her wand, pointing it upwards, and muttering something.

"Very well, I'll add his name," the goblin said, shuddering almost imperceptibly.

He turned, retiring to find some paperwork, and leaving the pair behind.

"Why did you do that?" Credence hissed, visibly flustered.

"What? I need access to that money for our sake – or do you think things get paid by themselves in the magical world?"

"No, of course not! But, to lie like that...?"

"It's for our benefit."

"My name will be on your bank account forever!"

"So? That's not a problem, we can always change it back."

"I'm not marrying you!" he whisper-shouted. "That's why it's a problem! How will you explain that?"

She shrugged, non-committedly.

"I'll think of something later."

He was going to say something else, but the goblin returned and he was unable to finish his tirade. Credence huffed, looking away.